Savannah Magazine July/August 2022

L I F E O N T H E WA T E R

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

Slice of

PARADISE

THE ANNUAL SAVANNAH HEALTH GUIDE

12 Waterside eateries

Coastal

escapes

Vol.33 No.6 $6.99

savannahmagazine.com

Live play & along the river

Elaine Lee - Savannah, GA

THE ART OF EXCEPTIONAL CARE CARE.

A sudden onset of weakness in her limbs and hands began interfering with two of Elaine’s biggest joys: painting and bike riding. Additional symptoms, including slurred speech and severe trouble swallowing, led to electromyography (EMG) and muscle biopsy testing, which revealed necrotizing autoimmune myopathy – a rare autoimmune condition attacking the muscles.

Under the care of Dr. Poston, a neurologist, Elaine was treated with intravenous immunoglobulin and other lifesaving drugs. Immunosuppression and regular follow-ups with Dr. Poston and multiple St. Joseph’s/Candler specialists helped Elaine regain her strength and return to the pursuits she loves.

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“The team of specialists at St. Joseph’s/Candler found answers and solutions to help me regain my strength so I could get back to doing the things I love to do.” – Elaine Lee

“THAT’S WHY I CHOOSE ST. JOSEPH’S/CANDLER” – Ryon Poston, M.D. – Neurologist

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A LISSA LEE N ICHOLSON // @FORESTCITYOFTHESOU TH

COU R TESY J EKYLL ISLA N D A U THORITY

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THE WORLD IS YOUR CLASSROOM

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ALL HANDS ON DECK

The “Mount Everest of Sailing” started as a bet — and became a phenomenon.

Written by Jessica Lynn Curtis Photography by Malcolm Tully

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ELITE RETREAT

Jekyll Island celebrates 75 years as “a playground for every Georgian.”

Written by Tiara Hodges

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THE ROAD LESS TRAVELED Follow the coastal trail of seminal naturalist John Muir in the new book Running Southward.

Written by Dan Chapman Photography by Alissa Lee Nicholson @forestcityofthesouth

How Savannah schools are taking it outside.

Written by Jessica Lynn Curtis

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MA LCOLM TU LLY

COU R TESY HA N COCK D AY SC HOOL

T A S T E CONTENTS

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SAVANNAH HEALTH GUIDE Stay up to date on the latest ways to keep you and your loved ones happy and healthy.

ON THE COVER

Dan Chapman’s essay takes us to Isle of Hope, among other coastal destinations.

Photo by Alissa Lee Nicholson @forestcityofthesouth

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CONTENTS

IN EVERY ISSUE

10

Editor’s letter

16

Get Social

BUZZ

21

New in 912

26

July/August Events

29

Giving Back: Net Gain

33

Old Savannah: Novel Idea

36

A Royal Trip

37

Pool Party

38

Beyond the Sea

STYLE

B. Trapper Griffith

SVP Commercial Lending Trapper.Griffith@TCFederal.com

Commercial lending tailored to

Trust your business to TC Federal Bank for a premium lending experience. We keep lending fast, easy and local to help your business thrive.

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Wave Rider

46

My Savannah: Maria Zouves

50

At Home: Raising the Family Home

61

Ripple Effect

64

Coastal Creativity

TASTE

68

Dinner with a View

73

Chef Q&A: Richard Byrd of a.Lure

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

S40

Meet the Doctors

S56

Meet the Medical Professionals

S65

Meet the Dentists

SEEN

177

Alzheimer’s Association Dancing with the Stars of Coastal Georgia

178

Ronald McDonald House Charities Wine, Women and Shoes

179

Savannah Magazine’s May/June Launch Party

180

Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Man and Woman of the Year Finale Gala

181

Savannah Tree Foundation’s Green Gala

182

Georgia Historical Society’s Trustees Gala

SALT OF THE CITY

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SAVANNAHMAGAZINE.COM

Weaving Life’s Reflections

Congratulations!

The Savannah Country Day School Congratulates the Class of 2022!

The Class of 2022 earned admission to 98 colleges and universities located in 33 states, the District of Columbia and Europe. Additionally, these 95 graduates were offered scholarships totaling more than $7 million collectively from all admitting colleges—in addition to the HOPE awards. Finally, these students enjoyed great results from our two state flagship universities, UGA and Georgia Tech. 74% of our applicants earned admission at Georgia while 50% were admitted at Tech. The impressive, and abbreviated, list of admitting schools (to the right) is a testament to our talented students who embrace a rigorous curriculum while receiving personalized college guidance from our team of experienced counselors.

Discover the Country Day difference!

Call 912.925.8800 to learn more about The Savannah Country Day School.

savcds.org

American University American University of Paris Boston University Brandeis University Case Western Reserve University Davidson College Emory University Fordham University Georgia Institute of Technology The George Washington University Lafayette College Lehigh University Mount Holyoke College New York University Northeastern University Purdue University Southern Methodist University

Syracuse University Texas Christian University Tulane University University of California, Davis University of California, Los Angeles University of California, Santa Barbara University of Florida University of Georgia University of Miami University of Michigan University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill University of Rochester University of Virginia Villanova University Wake Forest University

Service | Knowledge | Character

EDITOR’S LETTER

ESTABLISHED MAY 1, 1990

Savannah magazine’s mission is to celebrate the new and enduring voices of our city’s culture, commerce and creative community. Elegant and relevant. Authentic and fun.

That’s your Savannah, and this is your magazine.

To subscribe and save 80 percent off the newsstand price, go to savannahmagazine.com or call 800.453.1049.

For address changes and other concerns, contact savannahmag @emailcustomerservice.com.

Send pitches, ideas and feedback to colleen.mcnally@savannah magazine.com.

To advertise, download our media kit at savannahmagazine.com, email jane.townsend@savannah magazine.com or call 912.652.0294.

I SPENT A FEW YEARS in New Orleans, and I was always struck by the fact that though I was surrounded by water, there wasn’t an easy, everyday way to enjoy it.

The snaking and mighty Mississippi River was nearly visible from my apartment, but access points were few and far between. Lake Pontchartrain was meant for crossing — on the longest continuous bridge in the world — rather than swimming, and the swamps and bayous, with their various toothy inhabitants, simply weren’t for me. Not so in Savannah.

Living here has enriched my life in surprising ways, perhaps none more so than being able to commune with the tides. I’m giddy with delight on days when a gentle sea breeze carries the ocean’s briny scent westward to Ardsley Park (other days I can smell the paper mill; there’s a metaphor in there, somewhere).

This issue celebrates stories of Life on the Water, including guest writer Dan Chapman’s re-creation of famed naturalist John Muir’s 1867 Savannah excursion (“The Road Less Traveled,” page 98), a new program tasking shrimpers with marine debris cleanup

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(“Net Gain,” page 29) and a rollicking catamaran race drawing participants from all over the world (“All Hands on Deck,” page 89). Marshes, rivers, creeks and ocean are all explored in the pages that follow, ending with our lovely Salt of the City (page 183) profiling Suzy Hokanson, a fiber artist inspired by water — and one who invariably goes with the flow.

As Jessica Leigh Lebos wisely writes in that story, “water must always be moving, or it will stagnate.” The Life on the Water issue marks my last as editor, but I’m so grateful for our magazine’s thoughtful, loyal readers. Thank you. I’m also happy to report I’m staying right here in Savannah, where my heartbeat quickens every time I drive over the bridge to Tybee Island, and where the Lowcountry marsh views feel like home.

Sara Watson Editor

1375 Chatham Parkway, Savannah, Georgia 31405; savannahmagazine.com

CORRECTIONS

Lisa Rosenmeier is with Lisa Rosenmeier Art Studio, which was featured in the Women in Business special advertising section in the May/June issue.

Rosenmeier was photographed

by P. Kyriakos.

Angela Hopper-Lee with Angela Hopper Photography also photographed Cohen’s Retreat, which was part of the Chefs Dish special advertising section in the May/June issue.

Photo by PETER COLIN MURRAY

Somewhere along 110 miles of picture-perfect coast is your next home.

Let Savannah’s own Corcoran Austin Hill Realty help you find your place on the Georgia Coast.

251 BULL S TREE T | SAVANNAH GA | 912.354. 210 0 | CORCOR ANAHR.COM ©2022 Corcoran Group LLC. All right s reser ved. Corcoran® and the Corcoran Logo are registered ser vice marks owned by Corcoran Group LLC. Corcoran Group LLC fully suppor t s the principles of the Fair Housing Ac t and the Equal Oppor tunit y Ac t. Each franchise is independently owned and operated.

CONTRIBUTORS

Malcolm Tully

Sevyn Waters

Tiara Hodges

P H OTOG RAP HE R

WRITER

WRITER

“All Hands on Deck,” page 89

“Open Heart,”

“Elite Retreat,”

page S70

page 93

Jessica Lynn Curtis WRITER | GUEST COPY EDITOR

“The World is Your Classroom” page 79 “All Hands on Deck” page 89

Erica TimmonsAGENT YOURHerndon “GOOD NEIGHBOR”

Erica Herndon Timmons 3228 Skidaway Road • Savannah, GA 31404 Phone: 912.354.6464 Fax: 912.352.7266 myneighborerica.com

2 02 1 W I N N E R

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PUBLISHER

Anita Hagin EDITORIAL & DESIGN

Sara Watson Rebecca Hrizuk S O C I A L M E D I A Jay Lankau G R A P H I C D E S I G N E R Melanie Schmermund C O P Y E D I T O R S Jessica Lynn Curtis & Andrea Goto EDITOR

ART DIRECTOR

GUEST

ADVERTISING DIRECTOR OF ADVERTISING

Jane Townsend ADVERTISING ACCOUNT MANAGERS

Jill Strauss

&

Lane Pelliccione

ADVERTISING ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

Morgan Crolley

&

Catherine Wooditch

A D V E R T I S I N G C O O R D I N AT O R

Holly Todd EXECUTIVE

Tina Battock Scott Ferguson D I R E C T O R O F M A N U FA C T U R I N G & P R O D U C T I O N Sherry Brown A C C O U N T I N G M A N A G E R Veronica Brooks C I R C U L AT I O N B U S I N E S S M A N A G E R Michelle Rowe PRESIDENT

V I C E P R E S I D E N T, F I N A N C E & O P E R AT I O N S

M O R R I S C O M M U N I CAT I O N S CHAIRMAN

William S. Morris III CEO

Craig S. Mitchell

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

Authentic and fun. That’s your Savannah, and this is your magazine.

Subscribe: 800.453.1049 Address changes: savannahmag@emailcustomerservice.com Advertise: 912.652.0294

A publication of Southeastern Newspapers Company LLC. The cover and contents are fully protected and may not be reproduced, in whole or in part, without the written consent of Savannah magazine. We are not responsible for loss of unsolicited inquiries, manuscripts, photographs, transparencies or other materials. They will not be returned unless accompanied by return postage.

Address letters and editorial contributions to Savannah magazine, 1375 Chatham Parkway, Savannah, GA 31405. Copyright 1990-2022 by Southeastern Newspapers Company LLC. All rights reserved. Savannah magazine (ISSN 10616748) is published bi-monthly with bonus issues in April, June and October for $19.95 per year by Southeastern Newspapers Company, LLC, trading as Savannah magazine, 1375 Chatham Parkway, 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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Luck

/ luhk / noun Where preparation meets opportunity.

S AVA N N A H ’ S L E A D I N G L O C A L R E N TA L M A N A G E M E N T T E A M HELPING OWNERS ACHIEVE THEIR GOALS SINCE 2010 E X P E R T S I N F U R N I S H E D V A C AT I O N A N D E X E C U T I V E R E N TA L S REACH OUT TO LEARN MORE L U C K Y S AVA N N A H . C O M

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O W N E R S @ L U C K Y S AVA N N A H . C O M

GET SOCIAL

FROM OUR READERS

Tranquility comes from serene views like these.

NEXT UP: The Best of Savannah issue. Share what you believe makes our city the best for a chance to be featured in our September/October issue (just be sure to tag @savannahmagazine and use #savannahmagazine).

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@plantriversidedistrict

@itsmemikepe

@24andunder

@alysonrebekah.smith

@luckysavannah

@willboswell_

@captaindereks

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FREE JEPSON CENTER & TELFAIR ACADEMY ADMISSION FOR LOCALS* SAT & SUN THROUGH 8.28! *Includes residents of Chatham, Bryan, Effingham, Liberty, Beaufort, & Jasper Counties

VISIT TELFAIR.ORG

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

New in 912 Photo courtesy of BUFF CITY SOAP

Stay fresh, clean and smelling sweet this summer with the help of Buff City Soap (253 Pooler Parkway) and its handmade soaps, body scrubs, bath bombs and shower oils. Self-care day, anyone?

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

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thirsty, visit the on-site soda pop shop with house-made soda syrups, floats and milkshakes …

Two Tides Brewing (2421 De Soto Ave.) has opened an extension of its taproom downstairs into Smol, the littlest taproom you ever did see. This fun-sized bar has a different selection of beers and bites than the upstairs space, so give it a go for a unique Two Tides experience … Nosh on the bright and bold flavors of Japanese street food at UKIYO (2224 Bull St.), the newest restaurant in everexpanding Starland ...

Coming soon, Shuk Savannah (1313 Habersham St.) is a cafe by day and bar by night, dishing out fresh Mediterranean fare in the heart of the Victorian District.

Two Tides Brewing / Smol

Rivers & Glen Trading Co.

CO U R T ESY TWO TIDES B REWIN G

The minds behind Coco & Moss, Flying Monk and The Vault are back at it. Ele and the Chef’s ARCO (42 E. Bay St.) is a sleek, modern lounge with grand arches throughout its interior design. Sip elegant cocktails and snack on coastal fare for a refined night out … Rivers & Glen Trading Co. is on the move.

Check out its new Broughton Street store (103 E. Broughton St.), or head north to its Mount Pleasant outpost … A historic building plus the discerning eye of owners Robin and Andy Napoli make Jones & Bull (1 W. Jones St. 1B) your new go-to for a curated collection of home decor — including antiques …

Locally Made Savannah (223 W. Broughton St.) hosts unique works from hundreds of local vendors.

And if all that browsing makes you

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HISTORIC WATERFRONT URBAN/SUBURBAN ISLANDS GATED COMMUNITIES

P R E S E N T E D

B Y

S C A D

Designs from Keren Hua hit the SCAD runway.

‘‘

Through my SCAD senior collection, I was able to share my personal story — it was incredible to see how my art can contribute to the world.”

— Keren Hua, SCAD Savannah graduate, (BFA, fashion, 2022)

A model wears a design by Hailey Kavanagh in this scene from the high-concept film Fashion Run, directed by SCAD alum Squire Fox.

Models sport Anya Caples’ designs backstage at SCAD Fashion 2022’s runway show.

ABOVE: Hair and makeup are part of the flurry that goes on backstage before models walk the SCAD runway.

RIGHT: Renowned fashion designer and SCAD alumni Christopher John Rogers and team sit front row at SCAD Fashion 2022.

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Photography courtesy of SAVANNAH COLLEGE OF ART AND DESIGN

P R E S E N T E D

B Y

S C A D

SCAD FASHION 2022

ABOVE: Looks by SCAD designers Beckham Lin and Ja'Baris Baskerville from Fashion Run. TOP RIGHT: Models run through Savannah in Fashion Run.

Sartorial showcase debuts student collections

RIGHT: Models showcase Stephany Richards' designs on the runway.

Look by SCAD designer Ayanna Martin

AT THE PEAK of spring, Savannah College of Art and Design presented SCAD Fashion 2022, a showcase of original designs by SCAD School of Fashion senior and graduate students. The signature event, held May 20, began in the Alex Townsend Memorial Courtyard at the award-winning SCAD Museum of Art. SCAD welcomed international fashion and design luminaries and special guests including Diane von Furstenberg and Christopher John Rogers for a first look at exquisite, innovative creations by the industry’s newest prodigies.

The show began with the high-concept film Fashion Run, directed by SCAD alum Squire Fox, featuring an eclectic range of more than 100 student-created garments. The film went behind the scenes as models raced to SCAD MOA and dashed backstage to meet hair and make-up artists and wardrobe assistants.

Models donning more than 170 garments curated from

the student collections then graced the red carpet, commanding the runway amid a fantastical mise-en-scène.

SCAD alumni from an array of top-ranked degree programs collaborated on the film, which stars more than 100 SCAD student models and actors.

“Through my SCAD senior collection, I was able to share my personal story — it was incredible to see how my art can contribute to the world,” said SCAD Savannah graduate Keren Hua (BFA, fashion, 2022). “My fashion professors encouraged me to follow my creative intuition, and I’m so honored so many people had the chance to experience my vision as an artist. I’ll never forget seeing my designs on the runway! Thanks to SCAD, I know my fashion journey is just beginning.”

View Fashion Run and the SCAD Runway Show at scad.edu/fashion2022.

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JUL

BUZZ

JUL. 1 Attention, folk and blues fans: Savannah Bluegrass Festival at City Market celebrates this truly American genre.

JUL. 17

JUL. 4 Happy Independence Day!

On World Emoji Day, send a smile to someone you care about. :)

T H R O U G H AU G . 2 8 JUL. 7 Locals can enjoy art for free. Residents of Chatham, Bryan, Effingham and Liberty counties in Georgia and Beaufort and Jasper counties in South Carolina receive free admission to the Telfair Academy and Jepson Center on Saturdays and Sundays through August 28.

Learn more at telfair.org.

Enjoy something sweet this World Chocolate Day (at Chocolat by Adam Turoni, perhaps?).

JUL. 27 Don your yellow for a baseball showdown! The Savannah Bananas face off against the Macon Bacon.

JUL. 1 – 31 For the entire month of July, Savannah locals can experience the fun of Old Town Trolley Tours events and attractions for free when accompanied by a paid guest. Check their website for specifics.

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JUL. 9

JUL. 31

Southeast Crab Feast at Lake Mayer Park features all-you-can-eat blue crabs for a cause: the event supports organizations like St. Jude Children’s Hospital and the American Cancer Society.

With more than 100 vendors plus food, music and more, Savannah’s Summer Market is the perfect way to wrap up July. And don’t worry about the heat — it’s held indoors at the Savannah Convention Center.

BUZZ

AUG. 4 Now’s your chance to visit Fort Pulaski. Admission is free today!

AUG. 1 3

AUG. 27

As a part of the Lift Every Voice African American History event, Pin Point Heritage Museum is fee-free today, so you can acquaint yourself with GullahGeechee culture firsthand and celebrate Savannah’s Black-owned businesses.

Light up the water at the Savannah Water Lantern Festival at Lake Mayer. Enjoy music and food trucks as you design your own lantern at this family-friendly event.

The 10th annual Savannah VOICE Festival celebrates opera and musical theater with more than 25 performances.

AUG. 2 0 – 2 1 AUG. 1 1 How enchanting! Wormsloe Historic Site is offering a guided evening hike with a lunar twist, taking place under a full moon.

Turtle-hatching day trips on Ossabaw Island take you on an ecology field trip to Ossabaw from Skidaway alongside conservationists.

AUG

AUG. 7 – 2 1

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Discover Bluffton, SC Shop · Dine · Explore · Stay

COME EXPLORE. SAVOR OUR RICH HISTORY, CULTURE AND NATURAL BEAUTY. FEAST ON OUR LOCAL SEAFOOD. SHOP OUR UNIQUE AND SOMETIMES QUIRKY SHOPS AND GALLERIES. ENJOY OUR TRUE SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY. EXPERIENCE THE BLUFFTON STATE OF MIND!

Save the Date!

HISTORIC BLUFFTON ARTS & SEAFOOD FESTIVAL

OCTOBER 15-23, 2022 shopoldtownbluffton.com | blufftonartsandseafoodfestival.org

P H OT O BY S H A N N A H MON TG OMERY

BUZZ

GIVING BACK

Net Gain When shrimping meets a massive clean-up effort, everybody wins Written by JESSICA LYNN CURTIS with EMILY KENWORTHY

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WE KNOW BY NOW the pandemic has impacted so many areas of business. Shrimping is no exception. Recently, the University of Georgia Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant have devised a way to provide financial support to local shrimpers who have suffered a loss of income — and to clean up our local beaches and barrier islands.

The program, funded by the National Sea Grant College Program, is called Trawl to Trash, and it pays commercial shrimpers to sew bags out of recycled shrimp nets. The shrimpers earn $20 per bag, and then the bags are used to collect marine debris.

“It’s exciting to find a new purpose for these trawl nets, and who better to make the bags than the shrimpers who have spent countless hours mending their nets ahead of shrimping season?” says Dodie Sanders, a marine educator at Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant who has taken the lead on the Trash to Trawl project.

Jonathan Bennett is a fifth-generation commercial shrimper from Brunswick. He has been shrimping since he was 4 years old and now captains his own boat, the Flying Cloud. He learned how to repair the nets from his grandfather, Johnny Ray Bennett.

“For years, I was the only man on the boat who knew how to sew, so I got pretty good at it,” says the younger Bennett.

He and Johnny Ray, who is still a shrimper, joined the project during the offseason while their boat was being repaired.

Bennett then used the money he earned to pay his employees.

“It was extra money,” he says, “and it helped us out.”

In an effort to create more outreach, Sanders teamed up with the South Carolina Sea Grant Consortium to recruit additional shrimpers. As of January 2022, 15 shrimpers in Georgia and South Carolina had earned a total of $30,700 for 1,535 bags.

Sanders and other educators at the UGA Marine Education Center and Aquarium on Skidaway Island have been working to distribute these bags to the public through education programs and community science efforts.

As a part of this effort, the team launched their Marine Debris Community Science Program, which engages volunteers in removing marine debris from barrier islands and salt marshes along the Georgia coast. Volunteers then track what they collect using the marine debris tracker app (the app, called Debris Tracker, is available to download for free in the app store).

Since April 2021, community scientists involved in the program have conducted more than 25 marine debris cleanups along the Georgia coast and have collected thousands of items.

They are also working with certified ecotour guides who will provide bags to their customers and encourage them to collect debris while exploring Georgia’s beaches and barrier islands.

And this summer, educators will deliver hands-on after-school programs to Boys and Girls Clubs in Chatham and Glynn

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PHOTO B Y SHA N N A H MON TG OMERY

BUZZ

Two fishermen work to create a bag from recycled shrimp nets for Trawl to Trash.

“We’re educating and engaging ecotour guides, students, recreational boaters, beachgoers and others who can make a difference by alleviating the impacts of marine debris.”

– Dodie Sanders, marine educator at Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant counties, educating the next generation about marine debris and encouraging them to make a difference by using the trawl to trash bags in their own communities.

“We’re educating and engaging ecotour guides, students, recreational boaters, beachgoers and others who can make a difference by alleviating the impacts of marine debris,” Sanders says. “It reinforces the importance of building community capacity and encouraging behavior change as a way of supporting the long-term prevention of marine debris.”

Editor’s note: This story was written with quotes and content provided in part by the University of Georgia.

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BUZZ

Steamship Pulaski sank in 1838 off the coast of North Carolina after departing from Savannah.

O L D S AVA N N A H

Novel Idea A bestselling book spurs a new exhibition on Steamship Pulaski Written by KENDALL MCKINNON

IN A CITY known for its ghost tours and haunted stays, it can be easy to forget about the stories of the ports just a mile north.

One has to wonder: If so many mysteries hide in these squares, then what, exactly, happened in the waters?

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Steamship Pulaski explosion from the 1848 book by Charles Ellms

COU R TESY SHIPS OF THE SEA MA RITIME MU SEU M

COU R TESY SHIPS OF THE SEA MA RITIME MU SEU M

Bluffton-based author Patti Callahan gives us a place to start in her novel Surviving Savannah, a full manifest of one of the greatest maritime tragedies Patti Callahan in the South. The book — a The Wall Street Journal, Publishers Weekly and USA Today bestseller — chronicles the true and long-forgotten story of the Steamship Pulaski, a steamer wrecked by a boiler explosion upon its departure from Savannah in 1838. The tragedy is often called “the Titanic of its time” and, though it devastated surrounding communities, not enough of the story was recorded at the time to provide a full narrative.

With the help of Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum and the Georgia Historical Society, Callahan began combing through the available archives. Then, just a few weeks into writing, news came ashore that the once-mythical Pulaski had been found.

Micah Eldred, CEO of the Endurance Exploration Group, located the first half of the ship 30 miles off the coast of Wilmington, North Carolina, in 2018. A wreck in shallow water, the stern, which contained the passengers that drifted for three miles, was finally located in July 2021, just a few months after Callahan’s book hit the shelves.

Callahan says of the novel, “I knew I wanted to tell a story that would mirror the past and the present together.” Eldred’s discovery would make him a key collaborator in bringing her vision of Surviving Savannah to life.

From there, as if the story wanted to be told, details naturally fell into place for the past and present narratives. Among the items recovered were a tag reading “SB Pulaski,” confirming the ship’s identity; a luggage tag with the name R. Lamar, one of Callahan’s key characters and the only item with a passenger’s full name; and a pocket watch with hands frozen at 11:05 (the ship exploded at approximately 11 p.m.).

“When lost stories come to the surface, I think it spurs other stories,” Callahan says. These and other artifacts offer a rich picture, not only of the passengers onboard, but also of life in Savannah in the early 1800s. Now a year since the book’s release and in the midst of new discoveries, all these elements will come together in a new exhibition at Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum, Rising to the Surface: A Summoning of Savannah’s Titanic.

C OU R T E SY N C DE PA R T M E N T OF C U LT U R A L R E S OU R C E S

BUZZ

Surviving Savannah, available at local booksellers and amazon.com

Pocket watch recovered from the wreckage after the Steamship Pulaski explosion

“I knew I wanted to tell a story that would mirror the past and the present together.”

Wendy Melton, curator and interim director of the museum, shared that the display highlights the ideas and innovations of Savannah’s first years. “We start the exhibit in 1818, when steamboats were basically ubiquitous. It was an exciting time.

You might even say it was the first Gilded Age in Savannah.”

The exhibition is where Eldred’s discoveries and Callahan’s storytelling converge.

Just like details in a book should drive the narrative forward, Melton said that, “The artifacts chosen should have a purpose,” so

viewers will take in the maritime mystery from beginning to end.

But this exhibition isn’t a retrospective; its story is alive and unfolding, even now.

As visitors browse the artifacts raised from the waters, they should remember the many belongings still being found off the coast of North Carolina. In many ways, Melton is inviting us to be a part of the ongoing story — it’s one that visitors can now enjoy at the museum until the end of the year.

To learn more about viewing the exhibit, go to shipsofthesea.org.

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COU R TESY A MERICA N QU EEN VOYA G ES

BUZZ

A Royal Trip American Queen Voyages adds Savannah to its roster Written by JAY LANKAU

THE CRUISE INDUSTRY has been reeling over the past couple of years, but a ship’s return to fleet marks hope for the future with a new voyage taking passengers from Savannah to Nova Scotia, Canada.

Ocean Navigator, a 202-guest boutique coastal ship from American Queen Voyages, welcomed passengers back for the first time in two years this past April, setting sail right here in Savannah.

Both the Ocean Navigator and her twin ship, Ocean Victory, offer an adventurous, once-yearly itinerary from the Hostess City to Canada that includes stops in Charleston, Boston, Nantucket and more.

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This year’s trip has already been a success, but the same itinerary is scheduled for April 2023 and again in May 2024.

John Waggoner, founder and chairman of American Queen Voyages, spoke to the ease of domestic travel and the excitement of adding Ocean Navigator back to the fleet: “Travelers are ready to make up for lost time and deeply discover North America,” he says.

“The return of Ocean Navigator signals yet another opportunity to explore with us beyond the Mississippi River, without the uncertainty and the complexity of international travel.”

BUZZ

Pool Party AT ABOUT 3 FEET DEEP all the way across with in-water lounge chairs, the Thompson Savannah’s second-floor splash pool was purposely built for relaxing, offering views of downtown and the river at once. Now, you don’t even need to stay overnight: Day passes are available for purchase for non-hotel guests via ResortPass. Book a day bed or private cabana for Miami-style vibes right here in the Hostess City, with refreshing drinks like the “Dive In” (gin, blood orange, coconut and lime) to match. Each pass lasts from 10 a.m. until 10 p.m. — don’t miss the chance for an evening lap at this elegant summer oasis. @thompsonsavannahga // resortpass.com

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C OU R T E SY R I V E R WOR KS

River Runs Through It Savannah’s riverfront is booming Written by STEVEN ALFORD

THE OLD SAVANNAH RIVER is seeing new life with a host of investment in just the past few years. While Savannah’s revered historic district has long been the draw for out-oftown sightseers, the riverfront has evolved into more than just a destination for locals to grab a daiquiri or a bite to eat. New hotels, residences, bars and restaurants have sprung up on both ends of the river, offering fun, food and drinks for those in search of a waterside view of the Hostess City.

Plant Riverside District Once the site of the city’s old power plant, the towering smokestacks of the JW Marriott building now serve as the western anchor to a bustling dining and entertainment area. “Today, Plant Riverside District serves as a vibrant world-class destination and a true symbol of hospitality in Savannah, attracting visitors from across the country and around the world,” says Mark Castriota, managing director at the JW Marriott Savannah Plant Riverside District plantriverside.com The Baxly Situated just steps away from Plant Riverside District and Savannah’s historic downtown, The Baxly offers comfort and elegance right in the heart of the city, within blocks of the best dining and nightlife options downtown has to offer. The motto for these new apartment residences says it all: “Your best life starts here.” thebaxlysavannah.com Olmsted Savannah Offering spacious mid-century modern apartments and studios with contemporary flair, each unit at Olmsted Savannah includes elevated finishing touches like gas stoves, steel appliances and quartz countertops. Olmsted residents are within walking distance of some of the city’s best downtown attractions, but they’ll be tempted by the property’s large pool deck, finished in a beautiful checkerboard tile pattern that melds the old with the new. olmstedsavannah.com

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The Thompson Savannah hotel, left, and Riverworks residence complex, right

Eastern Wharf Anchoring the east end of the Savannah riverfront, Eastern Wharf is a 54-acre development with unrivaled skyline views and a large swath of open green space for play and relaxation. “Eastern Wharf has been designed to bring people together, which we believe is the very essence of Savannah and how the city defines Southern hospitality,” says Trent Germano, principal with Mariner Group. It’s also “the water gateway to the city,” he says.

Eastern Wharf has launched a new monthly concert series in the park, with food trucks and treats for residents and visitors. With plans for more events and utilization of the open space, look for more fun and entertainment to fill this previously underutilized section of the riverfront, which now includes the Hyatt-owned Thompson Savannah. easternwharfsavannah.com Riverworks If the Savannah River is the life blood of the city, the new Riverworks residence complex at Eastern Wharf pays tribute to that sentiment throughout its decor, from rolling waves in its gathering rooms to a welcoming central pool and deck area with the riverfront on full display. This pet-friendly complex includes street-level retail space, too. riverworksapts.com Upper East River Upper East River wows with expansive views of the Savannah River. The developers say that living at Upper East River means having access to the best that Savannah has to offer, and with a mix of brownstonestyle townhomes, converted warehouses and luxury condominiums, residents also have access to a wealth of tasteful design vernaculars. uppereastriver.com

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7 a.m.: First things first: I take our miniature sheepadoodle, Mathilde, for a run. She’s high-energy, so she loves to go to The Hipster Hound. They really take care of her!

9 a.m.: After a coffee or herbal tea from Savannah Coffee Roasters, I get my day started by checking in with the festival team. I always ask myself the same question, “What does our mission need from me today?” That usually includes meetings, calls and lots of communication with my partner in crime (and in life!), Sherill Milnes.

12 p.m.: We always order takeout from Fire Street Food for our cast members if we’re rehearsing, and The 5 Spot is an oft-used “production office” for the Savannah VOICE Festival team. I’ve got a simple lunchtime rule: Fill your plate with vegetables, and the rest sorts itself out. That’s why I never miss a scoop of the Flavor of the Month at Leopold’s Ice Cream (February’s rose ice cream is my forever favorite).

2 p.m.: I’m a fan of the European clock. I like a midday rest, then I tend to work later into the evening. For me, midday also includes food prep for the evening, because I love to cook. The Salt Table is my go-to for smoked salts, and I buy supplies at Yia Yia’s Kitchen & Marketplace.

M Y S AVA N N A H

Maria Zouves Co-founder and president of the Savannah VOICE Festival reflects on a typical day — and the festival’s 10th anniversary, running Aug. 7–21 46

SAVANNAHMAGAZINE.COM

7 p.m.: Our life is music, and music is our life, so we can’t

really separate our work from fun — but that’s a good thing. I love to work late and then go straight to dinner with friends, who are often colleagues or artists, too. Plant Riverside District offers a range of restaurant choices, but if I’m in the mood for steak frites, then Circa 1875 is my go-to.

9 p.m.: I’m on a big kick to move more, sleep more and spend more time in meditative thought. Work seems less stressful when I keep these things at the forefront. Music is my life’s work, but I listen to everything all day long, from 1940s swing to 1980s rock (my guilty pleasure!).

10:30 p.m.: My idea of winding down is playing with Mathilde and getting her ready for bed. She’s a soft, cuddly thing that centers us. My husband and son adore her, too, so it’s a family affair to laugh at her antics and love on her.

Photo by MICHAEL SCHALK

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AT HOME

Raising the Family Home Sometimes the only way out is up Written by MARGARET DANIEL

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Photography by KRISTEN ALBO VIA SHAUNA KUCERA // ARRAY DESIGN

STYLE

AFTER AN AFTERNOON OF BOATING around Isle of Hope or a trip to the marina for ice cream, for Elizabeth Witherington, there’s only one sight sweeter than the Lowcountry’s enticing marshes and big sky scenery: her family’s home, tucked between masses of palmetto trees, live oaks and the gently flowing river out back.

Purchased in 2019, the pristine 5-bedroom, 4-and-a-halfbathroom home, with its welcoming stairs and bays of windows, is a far cry from the one Elizabeth toured with her husband, Chris.

“It was so dark,” says Witherington of the home’s cramped, depressing interior. “I thought it was too far gone, which was sad, because of the perfect view.”

But, eager to secure a spot on the water just minutes from Elizabeth’s parents, the Witheringtons called in architect Shauna Kucera of Array Design for a second opinion. “She said, ‘I can see it. It’s very bright,’” Witherington recalls of her first consultation with Kucera. “I loved that she had a vision for the house.”

As with the best renovations, Kucera’s vision did away with all things unlovely, while highlighting the structure’s Lowcountry vernacular and view, ensuring the family’s requests for a lightflooded home, primary suite addition and new garage were accommodated with style.

But, before the transformation could begin, the Witheringtons were faced with a tall order from the city: Lift the house more than eight feet from the ground to meet flood zone requirements or raze the home and start anew.

The couple decided the only way out of this debacle was up.

Under the supervision of contractor, renovation expert and fellow Isle of Hope resident Kevin Norris (American Craftsman Renovations), Hercules House Movers set the house atop a stack of giant, Jenga-like blocks called cribbing, in preparation for a new foundation.

“We feel like we’re together.”

The kitchen features a double-width

refrigerator — ideal for fueling

the busy family of six.

— Elizabeth Witherington, homeower

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STYLE

Natural, woven materials and coastal accents tie the inside of this home seamlessly to the water just outside — feast your eyes on that view.

“They lifted it in zones with a hydraulic system,” Norris explains. “Then we tied steel back into the original footings, built the foundation based on that footprint, set the house back down and finally tied everything back in.”

With the house now up to code — boasting improved views of the water, no less — Norris began the meticulous, yearlong renovation just as COVID-19 became a talking point amongst Savannahians.

Despite unexpected supply shortages and price increases, Norris kept the project on track and finished within his estimated timeline, thanks to a team of in-house carpenters and craftsmen.

“He was so easy to work with and was very realistic. When other contractors estimated six months, Kevin said the project would realistically take one year,” Witherington says, “and it did, almost to the day.”

Just inside the front door, the staircase edged with custom

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display shelving and contemporary cable railing, in lieu of traditional balusters, and a plethora of windows encourage guests into the airy, vaulted living room.

A tabby fireplace and generous chef’s kitchen anchor the open-concept living area with bits of blue dancing across upholstery and landing on a feature wall and kitchen island.

Most impressive is the 10-foot dining table designed and constructed by Witherington’s father, who lives just a few streets away. Relegated to the porch at their previous home, the table was a must-have component of the design. “I told Chris, ‘I am not moving until we find a house this table fits inside,’” Witherington says, laughing.

For the couple’s children, Grady, 15, Davis, 13, and Gwyn, 9, weekends are spent roaming between the river, pool and firepit outside, plus interior spaces of their own — the Witheringtons turned the former dining room into a gaming room, hidden

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STYLE

The kitchen is the heart of the home, and no more so than here with panoramic views of the water just outside the flung-wide open doors.

behind a pair of barn doors. “It’s their favorite spot in the house,” Witherington says.

Away from the noise of lively gaming matches, Chris and Elizabeth relax beneath the primary bedroom’s wood-clad vaulted ceiling. For optimal rejuvenation, the bathroom is outfitted with a soaking tub and walk-in shower covered in chic, polished green tiles from Garden State Tile.

Although each day ends in the couple’s primary suite, on golden summer nights, the Witheringtons are sure to be found catching up on their dock, accompanied by Smoke, the family’s black lab who lolls quietly beside their Adirondack chairs.

“We feel like we’re together,” Witherington says of the family-centered spaces Kucera and Norris created both inside and out. Family and friends (and a couple long-term guests) feel right at home in the serene setting, the happy benefactors of the family’s legendary hospitality, something Norris himself experienced throughout the project.

“Chris and Elizabeth are two of the nicest clients I’ve ever had,” says Norris, adding that, “I think this project will always have a special place in my heart. That’s a little slice of heaven out there.

You couldn’t have a more perfect setup.”

Or a more perfect place to raise a family.

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STYLE

DETAILS Owners: Chris and Elizabeth Witherington Year built: 1979 Year purchased: 2019 Square footage: 4,052 square feet Number of bedrooms and bathrooms: 5 beds, 4 1/2 baths Time to complete renovation/remodel: One year Architects/planners: Shauna Kucera, Array Design Interior designer: Carla Reed Contractor/builder: American Craftsman Renovations, Kevin Norris ABOVE: The primary bedroom comes together with dreamy, water-like art and soft textiles in serene hues that echo the outside views.

House lifting: American Craftsman Renovations, Hercules House Movers

BELOW: Bathed in cool blue-greens, the primary bathroom is a master class in herringbone tile.

Tile/flooring: Garden State Tile, Acme Brick Tile & Stone Paint/wallpaper: Sherwin Williams, Bay Isle Home, Jaydon, Greenery Windows/doors: Coastal Sash & Door Closets and pantry: Closet & Cabinet Experts Special order lighting: Lowcountry Originals Plumbing fixtures: Sandpiper Supply Countertops: Counter Fitters Landscape design: Bill Dempsey Hardscape design: Nature's Way Electrician: Riverside Electric Carpenter: American Craftsman Renovations Plumber: Plumb Pro Landscaper: Hester and Zipperer HVAC: Southern Comfort Furniture: Whelan's, handcrafted dining room table Appliances: Livingood's Appliances & Bedding Art: Bellamy Murphy, Nancy Solana, Ann Lutz

All details supplied by homeowners

J U LY/A U G U S T 2 0 2 2 55

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STYLE

Ripple Effect LAKE Pajamas’ newest collection benefits the Caretta Research Project on Wassaw Island LAKE PAJAMAS IS now offering its ultra soft, cult-favorite sleepwear for a good cause. The Savannah-based company has launched the Ocean Kingdom collection — featuring whimsical, marine animal illustrations by artist Inslee Farriss in styles for babies, kids and women — with 100 percent of proceeds going to the Caretta Research Project. The project, a research, conservation and education program, has studied and protected threatened loggerhead sea turtles on Wassaw National Wildlife Refuge (a coastal barrier island sandwiched between Tybee and Ossabaw islands) for nearly 50 years. Although many of Georgia’s barrier islands include developments like homes and resorts, Wassaw is one of the few in the Golden Isles that has been left largely untouched, with rolling dunes, woodlands and vast salt marshes unfolding across more than 10,000 acres, making it a prime nesting spot for loggerheads during the summer months.

“We continuously look for ways LAKE can give back and support our community,” says co-founder Cassandra Cannon.

“I’ve always had an interest in environmental causes, and we’re thrilled to be partnering with Caretta this summer.”

Cannon, who grew up in coastal Georgia, would often crab when she was young. “I’ve always been fascinated by sea creatures [and] my oldest son is now obsessed with them, too.”

Founded in 2014 by Cannon and fellow Georgia native Anne Read Lattimore, LAKE launched online before opening standalone stores in Atlanta and Charleston. The brand’s comfortable loungewear is beloved by locals and celebrities alike (Jennifer Garner was spotted in a striped LAKE set on her Instagram earlier this year).

The fundraiser is ongoing, and LAKE expects to make its final donation to the Caretta Research Project by the end of the year.

Although it’s the first time the company has waded into fundraising, it won’t be the last. “We have long loved the idea of designing special prints for our pajamas and donating the sales proceeds to related organizations,” Cannon says. “This project has already had such positive feedback and is something we’d like to continue each year to benefit different organizations.”

COU R TESY LA KE PA JA MA S

Written by FEIFEI SUN

Ocean Kingdom baby and kids set, LAKE Pajamas lakepajamas.com

Peep a closer look at this detailed and delightful print, available for women, kids and baby.

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Dottie T. Leatherwood T I T L E : Summerwind S I Z E : 36”x48” M E D I U M : Oil

Marc R. Hanson T I T L E : Swirl S I Z E : 20”x20” M E D I U M : Acrylic

Paintings of the southern coastal landscape. www.dottieleatherwood.com | www.marchansonart.com

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Coastal Creativity The Arts Initiative at Palmetto Bluff celebrates the elements of expression Written by ALLISON STICE

AS ONE OF the largest waterfront properties on the East Coast, Palmetto Bluff is known for its miles of riverfront views, wildlife conservancy and luxury amenities. Now, the 20,000-acre live oak-lined property is adding the arts to its attributes with The Arts

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Initiative at Palmetto Bluff, a year-round slate of programming that will feature monthly artists in residence, a new gallery and workshop space and a permanent collection and rotating exhibitions set against the breathtaking coastal landscape.

Photography courtesy of PALMETTO BLUFF

STYLE

“The elements — water, earth, fire and air — are present everywhere at Palmetto Bluff and, at any given moment, can be found in their natural state, sustaining the surrounding environment and those who inhabit it,” says Amy Anderson, vice president of marketing for South Street Partners, owners of Palmetto Bluff. “The Arts Initiative will draw upon the elements and the community to guide the artistic experience and foster lasting connections with this place and its people.”

With the beauty of the bluff as inspiration, a series of Southern artists, craftsmen, chefs and makers will create their works while residing in the The Artist Loft, a space surrounded by panoramic views of the May River, and invite the community into their process over the course of their stay.

Among the upcoming artists-in-residence is Annapolis, Maryland-born painter and avid boater Blakely Little in September, who counts local waterways as an endless source of inspiration for her charming style featured in collaborations with Anthropologie and Farrow & Ball. Little’s offerings include a children’s workshop on depicting a local marsh landscape in acrylic paints on birch panels, and, for adults, a sketching session during a May River boat tour followed by instruction in watercolors. Other creatives on deck in the fall include Charleston Poet Laureate and musician Marcus Amaker and CHI Design Indigo, a line of naturally dyed eco-conscious textiles.

The newly opened FLOW Gallery + Workshop at Wilson Village showcases the artists-in-residence program, as well as a curated collection of crafts and wares, including Kate Furman’s heirloom jewelry and Melissa Bridgman’s vintage- and nature-inspired pottery. Designed to foster appreciation for the artists whose work represent the elements that comprise Palmetto Bluff, the featured artists at FLOW all espouse a reverence for the artistic process and their chosen crafts alongside a deep connection to local landscape.

Throughout the year, events like May’s inaugural FLOW Fest, a five-day celebration with music, food and an artisan market featuring the Artists of Palmetto Bluff and the Society of Bluffton Artists, invite the public to appreciate artistic innovation and expression along with Palmetto Bluff ’s maritime forests and marshfront views.

As the programming progresses, Palmetto Bluff itself will become the canvas as a burgeoning permanent art collection and rotating installations explore and embody life along the Lowcountry’s estuaries.

Palmetto Bluff’s newly opened FLOW Gallery + Workshop at Wilson Village hosts artists-in-residence in addition to a curated collection of crafts and wares.

“The elements — water, earth, fire and air — are present everywhere at Palmetto Bluff and, at any given moment, can be found in their natural state, sustaining the surrounding environment and those who inhabit it.”

— Amy Anderson, vice president of marketing

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3 1 7 W. B R O U G H T O N S T R E E T T H E P O S H L O F T. S H O P | C O N T A C T @ T H E P O S H L O F T. S H O P

Tag us and #shopposhloft

DOCK AND DINE AT THOMPSON SAVANNAH. Where the Historic District meets the Eastern Wharf. Dock your boat, dine at Fleeting, our signature restaurant celebrating the season’s best ingredients, and enjoy rooftop hand-crafted cocktails with postcard worthy panoramic views at Bar Julian.

912.790.1234 201 Port Street barjulian.com fleetingrestaurant.com

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

Dinner with a View Waterfront restaurants add local flavor Photography b y MICHAEL HRIZUK

YOU EAT WITH YOUR EYES first, as the old adage goes. And though elegant plating may whet one’s appetite, an enviable view makes the meal taste brighter, bolder and just plain better.

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So go ahead and eat with your eyes in the pages that follow — and keep them peeled for a list of other favorite waterfront dining spots as well.

TASTE

The Deck Beach Bar & Kitchen

Tybee Island’s only true beachfront restaurant, The Deck makes it easy to dip your toes in the water between drinks and dessert. Keep it local with the Lowcountry boil or a dozen raw oysters — and don’t forget the crab cakes. They also make a mean burger if you’re looking for more turf than surf.

404 Butler Ave. | Tybee Island

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TASTE

Hudson’s Seafood on the Docks

Fresh-caught seafood (dock-to-table same day) is what it’s all about at Hudson’s, located on Hilton Head Island. The island’s oldest restaurant has a (fish) tale even longer than its more than 50 years of casual dining. It was originally built as an oyster factory in 1912, and the discarded shells created the peninsula on which the restaurant currently stands.

1 Hudson Road | Hilton Head Island

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TASTE

Other pretty places to dine on the water A-J’s Dockside 1315 Chatham Ave. Tybee Island CoCo’s Sunset Grille 1 Old US Hwy. 80 Tybee Island Fish Tales 3203 Fort McAllister Road Richmond Hill North Beach Bar and Grill 33 Meddin Ave. Tybee Island The Original Crab Shack 40 Estill Hammock Road Tybee Island The Wyld 2740 Livingston Ave. Savannah

Pearl’s Saltwater Grille

Seated along the salt marsh, Pearl’s boasts more than a 180-degree panoramic water view. A Savannah favorite, this mainstay has all the classic seafood fare along with trendy dishes like ahi tuna in an Asian style. There’s truly something for everyone, and you just can’t beat the view.

7000 La Roche Ave. | Savannah

The Porch Southern Kitchen & Bar 1 S. Forest Beach Drive Hilton Head Island Skull Creek Boathouse 397 Squire Pope Road Hilton Head Island Vic’s on the River 26 E. Bay St. Savannah

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C A T C H YOUR OWN

Adventure...

Step 1: Y O U

Step 2: W E

HOOK ‘EM

COOK ‘EM

Head out to sea

for a deep sea fishing experience with Captain Judy Charters. The captains will do everything they can to meet your fishing goals, and will definitely help you catch enough fish for your dinner.

Reel in red drum, black drum, red fish, mackerel, sea bass, flounder speckled sea trout, and may other varieties.

Have your catch cleaned and prepared by your captain, fill your cooler and head to The Flying Fish Bar and Grill. You will be amazed at how different fish tastes when it was swimming just two hours prior.

Arrive at

FLYING FISH BAR AND GRILL. Select your table on the deck and order one of our delicious signature cocktails.

The chef will cook your catch to order (including a combination of blackened, grilled and fried if desired) and pair it with their signature sides of slaw, cheese grits and hushpuppies.

Enjoy!

HAPPY HOUR: WEDNESDAY, THURSDAY & FRIDAY FROM 3-7PM OPEN WED-SUN: 11:30AM — UNTIL THE PARTY STOPS 7906 EAST HWY. 80 • 912.897.2009 • FLYINGFISHSAVANNAH.COM

a.Lure owner Dan Berman, left, and chef Richard Byrd

CHEF Q&A

Cook, Line and Sinker RICHARD BYRD C hef a nd Directo r o f O peratio ns, a.L ure Interview by JAY LANKAU // Photography by MICHAEL SCHALK

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TASTE

SETTLED AMONG City Market’s buzzy bars and pubs, a.Lure’s rustic-meets-modern dining showcases a contemporary take on Lowcountry cuisine.

Crab cakes, fried green tomatoes, shrimp and grits and Lowcountry boil aren’t just being elevated to an award-winning level here — they’re also comprised of locally sourced ingredients (Perc Coffee, Sweetgrass Dairy, Anson Mills and Low Country Seafood are just some of the regional and local purveyors who make up a.Lure’s source roster).

Here, Chef and Director of Operations Richard Byrd gives us the lowdown on Lowcountry dining.

ON LOCAL FLAVOR

The Lowcountry style of cooking involves things like black-eyed peas, local South Carolina rice, okra, tomatoes and a ton of other local, fresh ingredients — there are a lot of nods to Gullah and soul cooking. Then you add the coastal style, and that’s fresh local fish and shellfish. When you combine these, you have a great meal.

ON SOURCING SEAFOOD

A.Lure uses two different sources for our seafood, both of which are local and have been in Savannah for many years. Using local vendors assures our guests the freshest quality of seafood available. It also means we get to help our community by keeping our local fishermen in business. What this looks like for me is that every day I get a fresh fish sheet, and I can pick what we would like for the day. Nothing is frozen, and all seafood is brought in daily.

The demand for fresh fish and seafood has increased as farm-to-table has become more popular. The old adage “the early bird gets the worm” is so true now. If you want a specific fish or an amount of, say, shrimp, you need to order as early as possible. But it also means nothing is sitting for long, and you are going to get the best fish out there.

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ON PERSONAL FAVORITES

I love the versatile nature of seafood, in that with a simple change of spice or sauce, you can take the fish or seafood to another level. I love to pair seafood with tarragon, which brings a new level of flavor to fish, shrimp and scallops. When pairing wine with seafood, you must know the seafood and its character. Is it a steak-like fish like swordfish, or is it flakey and buttery like sea bass? These things play into the wine you choose. I like a chardonnay with flakey, buttery whole fish and pinot grigio with a steak or dense fish.

ON CREATING A COASTAL MENU

Developing a menu at a.Lure is a long process: We work on recipes, flavors and combinations. One standout is our pea and carrot scallop dish. It’s mushroom risotto, green peas, baby clip top carrots and panseared scallops, served with a carrot and ginger puree and green pea coulis. Another good pick is our seafood pasta, which combines pasta with local shrimp, local fish of the day, crawfish tails and a dijon cream sauce.

“I love the versatile nature of seafood, in that with a simple change of spice or sauce, you can take the fish or seafood to another level.”

B lamy M phy

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2 0 4 We s t B r o u g h t o n S t r e e t Savannah, GA 31401 912.712.5094 lemacaronsavannah@gmail.com

The World is Your Classroom How Savannah schools are taking it outside Written by JESSICA LYNN CURTIS

Photo courtesy of HANCOCK DAY SCHOOL

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COU R TESY TYB EE ISLA N D MA RITIME A CA D E M Y

GROWING UP IN Massachusetts, the moment spring arrived, each class would begin with a steady chorus of, “Can we go outside? Can we go outside?” The rare days when the answer was “yes” still stand out as warm memories from my youth.

In Savannah, the weather not only permits many more of these days, but the environment also lends itself to lessons in nature. And since the start of the pandemic, several area schools have increased their commitment to and resources for getting kids outside.

Katie Holliday, a science teacher at Tybee Island Maritime Academy, has always incorporated experiential learning as much as possible. “If there’s a chance to be outside that fits the curriculum, I’m going to take it,” she says.

“And being on Tybee gives us a great opportunity to use our environment as an outdoor classroom.”

This past year, Holliday’s students monitored the water quality in a nearby creek for different parameters like dissolved oxygen, temperature, pH and salinity; they built drifters and placed them into a river to measure the speed of the current; and they created documentaries about different aspects of the salt marsh. Even back when school was remote, Holliday encouraged her students to get outside each day to do nature journaling.

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C OU R T E S Y TY BE E I S LA N D M AR I T I M E A C AD EM Y

Science teacher Katie Holliday exercises outside learning with her Tybee Island Maritime Academy students every chance she gets.

Outdoor learning is hands-on at Tybee Island Maritime Academy.

COU R TESY B ETHESDA A CA DEMY

Students Clarus Garden, Juwon Johnson and Chris Cook harvest fresh produce as part of the Bethesda Academy Farm & Garden Work-Study Class.

Holliday’s hands-on teaching style has gained notice among students, parents and her peers: She was voted Teacher of the Year at TIMA, nominated for Georgia Charter School Teacher of the Year and is one of just 10 middle school science teachers across the country to be named a National STEM Scholar. This honor means Holliday will spend a week at Western Kentucky University working with the other nine selected teachers to create a challenge project for their students — one that she’ll bring back to TIMA students next year.

She is also quick to acknowledge her co-workers.

“Teaching is a collaboration,” Holliday says, and she is grateful for her collaborators and an environment that fosters such opportunities.

At Bethesda Academy, a private boys’ school located on 650 acres of stunning Savannah nature, being outdoors is a fundamental part of students’ education.

“We routinely integrate outdoor learning opportunities into the daily schedule,” says school president Mike Hughes.

“Although the pandemic did lead us to move some classes outside, it did not have a major impact on our teaching strategies since we routinely spend time outdoors anyway. Boys learn best in hands-on mode, and we use the outdoors to our utmost advantage.”

“If there’s a chance to be outside that fits the curriculum, I’m going to take it.”

— KATIE HOLLIDAY

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C OU R T E SY C A LVA RY DAY S C HOOL COU R TESY HA NC OC K DAY SC HOOL

The Pre-K class at Hancock Day School welcomed some special visitors this past spring.

The students gain inspiration from their majestic campus — for instance, a creative writing assignment written under the Spanish moss-covered oaks.

“For geometry classes, our boys are able to walk outside and find unique angles, match Google Earth to the terrain or measure distances on the ground,” explains Hughes.

The school’s wildlife preserve area is a 77-acre home for a variety of wildlife, “including fish, plants and the occasional gator,” says Hughes. As such, it’s also a great resource for science classes.

Bethesda Academy even has its own cattle herd, offering students the unique experience of working with newborn calves, assisting the cattle staff in providing immunizations, pregnancy checks and a variety of veterinary tasks. Science and math teachers also work with the farm and cattle staff to create lessons on everything from measurements to biology.

Although a full-blown wildlife preserve can help students experience the outdoors, it’s far from the only way.

At Hancock Day School, staff is busy readying an outdoor eco-classroom for middle school students to use next year that includes garden beds, work tables, flex seating and a native pollinator garden. “We want to create a beautiful and functional space that our students can use for a variety of projects and experiences,” says Paige Rowlett, Hancock’s director of development.

At Esther F. Garrison School for the Arts, “there are several things that we have added into our pedagogy portfolios from teaching through the pandemic,” says teacher Katie Wells, “and certainly utilizing the outdoors is one of them.”

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Bringing the Outdoors In The STEM and Nature Center, located inside Calvary Day School, is home to 13 species of reptiles, including eight species that are native to Georgia and five that are exotic.

Pre-K through grade 12 students use the indoor center in incredibly vast and creative ways. Third graders learn thermodynamics by using an infrared temperature gun to measure reptiles’ basking spot temperatures, while ecology students design and construct enrichment items for Nature Center residents.

“One group built a shell scratching station for our sulcata tortoise, Sheldon, while another group constructed a snake peg board, a place for our snakes, Lucy, Juniper and Panther, to climb, crawl and explore,” shares Natalie Helbling, the center’s director and animal curator. “Middle school Spanish classes even practice verb conjugations by creating sentences using the daily habits of the snakes, turtles and lizards — while getting to touch and hold them!”

It also gives students a space to unwind during their free periods and build relationships with the animals. While third-grader Chloe Kendrick likes seeing the animals, learning about their habitats and even watching the snakes shed, eighth-grader Aidan Walsh appreciates how it has taught him to protect the earth and its habitats.

“Going to the STEM and Nature Center is the highlight of my day,” says ninth-grader Scarlett Jackson. “Getting to see and hold the animals lets me take my mind off the everyday school stress.”

COU R TESY LIVE OA K PU B LIC LIB RA RIES

C OU R T E SY E ST HE R F. G A R R I SON SC HOOL F OR T HE A R T S

And though the idea of outdoor classrooms isn’t new, Wells describes it as a “missed opportunity” in many traditional school settings.

This year, Wells and fellow teacher Laura Ike launched a project for their students to explore and restore plantings in the Children’s Botanical Garden of Tiles. This is a formal garden on the Garrison campus, designed in 1997 to commemorate Savannah’s hosting of the 1996 Olympic sailing events. Created by three local artists, Haywood Nichols, Polly Cooper and the late Emeline Cooper, the garden has walls made of tiles created by Savannah children.

Kindergarten through eighth-grade students took on various projects within both of Garrison’s garden areas, including participating in the Great Georgia Pollinator Count; researching and planting native perennial plants to support native pollinators; and planting, tending to and harvesting edible plants.

“I loved working on the tile garden with everyone,” says sixth-grader Zachary Roach. “When I go outside, I have super happy moments. I can’t wait to see how the garden turns out!”

The outdoor project also dovetailed with digital media, Ike explains: Four eighth-grade students “produced a documentary about the origins of the garden, including live interviews with Haywood and Polly and a visit to the Georgia Historical Society to research the garden’s archives,” Ike says. A behindthe-scenes documentary was also developed in conjunction with the research documentary to produce a complementary insight into the project.

“I am grateful for the experiences this project has given me and my peers,” says Garrison student Hemalni Balasundaram. “I think my group and I are very lucky to have met the founders and to have learned the rich history of the garden.”

Although Ike admits it’s a little harder to keep students focused outdoors, she says it’s worth it.

“Having an opportunity to be in nature and have a positive experience is essential,” she says. “We come from nature, we can be restored by nature, and we can help to restore nature.”

Go Wild At Live Oak Public Libraries, kids can explore the great outdoors by using their library card (and not just by reading about it!). With a Live Oak Public Libraries card or Student PLAY account, students can check out free passes to all the Georgia State Parks, Telfair Museums and more.

According to Sarah Collier, LOPL’s director of communications and marketing, “libraries create a variety of opportunities to get outdoors, through active hands-on experiences that encourage learning and literacy.”

Many library locations have outdoor movie nights and outdoor storytime programs.

Live Oak Public Libraries even has Seed Libraries that provide seeds for people to grow their own food — just look out for those pesky bookworms. liveoakpl.org/home

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TYBEE ISLAND MARITIME ACADEMY (TIMA) is a public K through 8th grade charter school located on Savannah’s beach town Tybee Island and the only K-8 STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Math) certified school in Southeast Georgia. Its innovative approach to learning guides students through a rigorous, hands-on, STEAM curriculum linking maritime careers and community connections through projects. TIMA provides a supportive and immersive learning environment, promoting the highest academic achievement and character enrichment focused on the economical, natural, and historical context of Tybee Island and the surrounding Savannah area. TIMA is the only school in the state of Georgia with an educational program focused on career choices emphasizing maritime education integrated with the Georgia Performance Standards (GPS) and Georgia Standards of Excellence (GSE).

FOR

MOR E

IN FOR MATION :

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

ONE TEAM. ONE GOAL. STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT.

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The Way Forward

One Team, One Goal: Student Achievement

READY TO EXPERIENCE THE PUBLIC SCHOOL ADVANTAGE? WELCOME TO SAVANNAH-CHATHAM COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS.

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Our mission at Calvary Day School is to provide a Christ-centered educational experience through the development of the total student — spiritually, academically, socially, and physically.

CALVARYDAYSCHOOL.COM 4625 WATERS AVE, SAVANNAH, GA 31404

6600 howard foss drive • savannah, ga 31406

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ADMISSIONS FOR THE 2023-2024 SCHOOL YEAR: Admissions Previews: October 19, 2022, November 16, 2022, and January 11, 2023 at 9:30 AM. Online Applications for prospective students will be available in October.

Helping prepare your children for a bright future, and having fun along the way!

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Offering professional educational services, using current best practices, in specialized disciplines:

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founded in 1956

Early Learning Center 1, 2 & 3 yr. old program

PRE K - 8 ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY: Mac Lab, Science Lab, iPad Carts, Laptop Carts and Interactive Smartboards in every classroom ATHLETIC PROGRAM: Soccer, Track, Flag Football, Golf, Football, Basketball, Cross Country, Baseball, Softball, Cheerleading EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES: National Junior Honor Society, Student Council, Rosary Group, Choir, Spanish Club, Math Club, Declamation Club, Quiz Bowl, Scouts and many more!

8412 Whitefield Ave., Savannah 912.355.3132 | sjcs-savannahga.org

ALL HANDS ON DECK The “Mount Everest of sailing” started as a bet — and became a phenomenon Written by JESSICA LYNN CURTIS

Photography by MALCOLM TULLY

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IT BEGAN AS A BAR BET between brothers. In 1974, lifeguards-turned-proprietors Michael and Chris Worrell were in their popular Virginia Beach night spot and eatery, Worrell Brothers Restaurant and Raw Bar, when the discussion of sailing a 16-foot catamaran from Virginia to Florida arose. Chris declared it impossible. Not only is a 16-foot catamaran a small craft with not much separating sailor from sea, but this was also a particularly treacherous stretch of coastline (the Coastal Carolinas, after all, are known as the graveyard of the Atlantic). Still, Michael bet his brother he could do it.

Michael, along with his crewman, Steve McGarrett, set sail for Florida on his 16-foot Hobie Cat. They sailed for 20 days and through two hurricanes.

“Eventually,” says Tybee Islander Chuck Bargeron, a race official and director of research and development for the Worrell 1000, “they got all the way down to Fort Lauderdale, where the boat just literally fell apart. They’d been holding it together with everything they could.”

When Michael returned home, Chris told him the phone had

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been ringing off the hook with reporters. The entrepreneurial brothers realized they were onto something.

Almost 50 years later, the Worrell 1000, named for the roughly 1,000 miles of coastline, is considered the Mount Everest of sailing. It’s America’s most grueling sailing race, and one that draws teams from across the globe. Today, because the prevailing winds blow south to north, the race begins in Hollywood, Florida, and ends at Virginia Beach, Virginia — for those who make it that far.

“When you see these teams, they’re not dressed for a sail,” Bargeron says. “They’re dressed for survival.” Over the years, there have been broken limbs, broken ribs and many broken boats, “but no lives lost, thankfully,” he says reverently.

On May 15, anyone who was lucky enough to be on Tybee Beach near 14th Street got to witness the fleet of catamarans as they embarked upon the sixth leg of the race: Tybee Island to Folly Beach, South Carolina. There were 13 Formula 18 class sport catamarans (called F18s) in all, ranging from Team Outer Banks to Team Netherlands to the eventual winner, Team Australia. (There has been a Team Tybee Island in the past, but not this year.)

Chuck Bargeron, Tybee Islander and Worrell 1000 director of research and development.

The race has gone through many iterations over the decades. Early on, there were three team members (two on the boat at a time), and they sailed continuously. “After 24 hours, one sailor would come off and another would come on, but they would sail day and night and end up doing the race in about four days,” Bargeron says.

As the race grew and began getting sponsors, the format became racing to one destination each day and then staying there overnight. Now, it is a 13-day race (12 legs plus a lay day on Tybee), with each race day beginning at 10 a.m. and sailors racing until they get to the day’s check point.

“It’s a Le Mans start off the beach,” explains Bargeron. “When the red flag comes down and the horn sounds, they all take off at the same time.

Ground crews and the race officials then go to the next check point and set up what’s called the gate — two flags at the edge of the water creating an imaginary line. As the sailors come through that, we record their times.” Everyone is racing the clock, because the winner is determined by who has accumulated the least time by the end of the race.

The goal is to go fast, but carefully. And though no one wants a broken boat or bone, the mantra extends beyond self-preservation: Since the race’s beginnings, the Worrell 1000 has remained committed to environmental stewardship. Participants organize beach cleanups as they pass through each beach, and they help to mark and preserve sea turtle nests, following all the proper guidelines so as not to disrupt nesting and hatching (the race takes place during nesting season).

If you missed it this year, take heart and mark your calendars for the Worrell 1000’s 50th anniversary, coming to Tybee in May 2024. It’ll be worth the wait — you can bet on it.

Sailboats fall in line on the beach near 14th Street on Tybee Island for a short rest before setting sail again.

“When you see these teams, they’re not dressed for a sail.

They’re dressed for survival.”

— Chuck Bargeron, Worrell 1000 director of research and development

The stop on Tybee Island provides an opportunity for maintenance and adjustments to the boats.

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Elite Retreat Jekyll Island celebrates 75 years as “a playground for every Georgian” Written by TIARA HODGES

Photography courtesy of JEKYLL ISLAND AUTHORITY

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At the turn of the 20th century, Jekyll Island became a coveted winter retreat for New York’s wealthy elite. The Vanderbilts, Rockefellers, Pulitzers, Astors and more built immodest cottages along the riverside of the island as members of the private Jekyll Island Club.

In the late 1800s and early 1900s, from January to the end of March, wealthy northern families descended onto Jekyll each year. In those 90 days out of the year, perhaps the world’s largest concentration of affluence and wealth were located upon 240 acres of this discreet Georgia island.

IN 1947, THE STATE purchased Jekyll Island and the historic Clubhouse from the Jekyll Island Club under the authority of then-Governor Melvin Ernest Thompson, and for 75 years the island has been open to the public.

“Jekyll Island is every bit today a ‘playground for every Georgian’ as it was envisioned to be in 1947 by former Governor M.E. Thompson,” says Alexa Hawkins, Jekyll Island Authority director of marketing and communications. “There are few destinations along the southeastern coast, and arguably within the state, that offer extensive natural recreation coupled with a variety of modern accommodations and amenities for all ages.” Plus, the island balances conservation, history and culture with recreation, all just 90 minutes from Savannah — making it ideal for a laidback, family-friendly summer getaway.

For the best views of the ocean, The Westin provides rooms and suites right on the beach. Fine dining is just downstairs at The Reserve, an oceanfront steakhouse that serves up the best cuts and quality seafood options, along with floor-to-ceiling windows that look over the walkway to the Atlantic. Next door to The Westin is Eighty Ocean at Jekyll Ocean Club, another dining option where patrons can enjoy a drink or small plates at the expansive bar.

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Daily trolley tours of Jekyll’s historic district from The Mosaic, Jekyll Island’s museum, illuminate the island’s long history. Knowledgeable guides and the museum’s gallery take guests through the land’s timeline — from the lives of the Timucuan and Guale, the original inhabitants of the land, to European arrivals and the slave trade that brought Africans to Jekyll, through the Civil War, the Gilded Age and World War II, right up to present day.

On the historic tours, visitors learn dinner-party facts about the idyllic retreat that are sure to impress: the island was the site of Georgia’s first brewery; the first transcontinental phone call took place at the Jekyll Island Clubhouse to San Francisco; and the island, named for Sir Joseph Jekyll, was misspelled as Jekyl with one “L” by the Clubhouse and the state of Georgia for decades. Perhaps one of the more memorable facts is that once Jekyll Island Clubhouse members all but abandoned their homes on the island for other vacation spots, and before the state took over, locals “borrowed” items from the wealthy’s deserted cottages. Some light fixtures, furniture, fine china and other items went missing in the 1940s with a few of these pieces recently making their way back by way of the borrowers’ descendants. (Jekyll Island gladly accepts the returns — no questions asked.)

Pit Stop St. Simons Island, the Golden Isles’ largest barrier island, is a short, 30-minute drive from Jekyll Island with plenty to see and do.

P L AY

The historic gates still greet visitors today as they arrive on Jekyll Island. Here’s a glimpse at what they looked like in 1950.

The historic downtown’s quaint shops have local merchandise and goodies, and the grab-and-go restaurants are a few steps away from other sites such as Faith Chapel, constructed in 1904 as a nondenominational place of worship for club members. The church continues to hold services and, on occasion, weddings. And, given the Lowcountry location, opportunities to connect with nature abound. At the Georgia Sea Turtle Center, a rehabilitation, research and education center, guests can watch turtle feedings by the staff and educators on-site.

About four miles north of the historic downtown, Driftwood Beach feels like another world, offering a one-of-a-kind photo op where large, weathered trees stud the beach along a rocky shoreline. Visitors can easily park and enter the beach from multiple access points through short, tree-covered paths.

“While Jekyll Island is most notable for its Gilded Age historical milestones like the ideation of the Federal Reserve, the state era set in motion extensive goals for conservation, preservation and public access for all,” Hawkins shares. A jaunt to Jekyll offers an inviting mix, she says, of “serenity and discovery.”

St. Simons Lighthouse Museum, Cannon’s Point Preserve, Christ Church, World War II Home Front Museum, East Beach, Gascoigne Bluff, Fort Frederica National Monument

S TAY

The Park, The Cloister at Sea Island, King and Prince Beach & Golf Resort, The Grey Owl Inn

SHOP

Cloth + Label, Tibi, Redfern Village, Butler’s Stash, Shops at Sea Island, Anderson Fine Art Gallery, Bailey Boys

E AT

Porch, Sal’s Neighborhood Pizzeria, Cafe Frederica, Southern Soul Barbeque, Dulce Dough Donuts & Bakery, Palmer’s Village Cafe J U LY/A U G U S T 2 0 2 2

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CONGRATULATIONS TO THE 2022 MAN, WOMAN AND STUDENTS OF THE YEAR The Class of 2022 raised $632,954!

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society congratulates this year’s Man, Woman and Students of the Year, and the entire class of candidates who competed for the titles.

Their efforts and commitment have made an impact in the search for cures and effective blood cancer therapies.

For more information or to nominate a candidate for 2023, please visit www.mwoy.org/ga or call 912.436.3273.

MAN OF THE YEAR Charlie Webber

WOMAN OF THE YEAR Kaylin Hammer

STUDENTS OF THE YEAR Team Swarming Cancer

$142,252

$70,848

Hayden Anderson, William Whitfield, John Avino Savannah Country Day School 10th Grade (Also received Mission Integration Award)

$164,565 RUNNERS UP Team In It to End It Banks Bradley & Gracie Daters Savannah Country Day School 11th Grade (Also Received Community Involvement Award)

RUNNER UP Shane Harpham, DDS

RUNNER UP Christy Marsengill

TOTALS AS OF MAY 17, 2022

$123,062

THE ROAD

Less Traveled 98

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Writer and reporter Dan Chapman follows the coastal trail of seminal naturalist John Muir in his new book, Running Southward, excerpted and abridged for you, our readers.

Naturalist John Muir spent a half-dozen days in Bonaventure Cemetery, stranded, broke and full of despair. He had completed most of his 1,000-mile trek from Indiana with only Florida to go to reach the Gulf of Mexico. The then-29-yearold — arguably the nation’s most famous and influential naturalist, who went on to co-found the Sierra Club and is often called the Father of the National Parks — walked into town each day to the express office with hopes of receiving money from his brother to continue his journey.

I spent a night in Bonaventure (illegally), channeling my inner Muir and communing with the ghosts of Savannah’s past.

— Dan Chapman

Photography by ALISSA LEE NICHOLSON // @FORESTCITYOFTHESOUTH

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Bonaventure Cemetery

BY THE TIME he reached Savannah in 1867, in the throes of Reconstruction, John Muir had walked more than 700 miles in 38 days, guided by little more than divine inspiration, boundless curiosity and a love of plants. Tired, hungry and broke, he wandered the cobblestoned streets and the swampy outskirts of town in search of a place to sleep.

He ended up at Bonaventure Cemetery. The stay changed his life, and America’s relationship with nature. Bonaventure invigorated Muir’s mind and made him reconsider long-held notions of life, death, nature and man’s twisted relationship with all three.

Why, he wondered, are humans considered more important than birds, bees or bluets? Weren’t animals a “sacred fabric of life and well-being,” worthy of preservation and not to be killed for fashion, sport or whim? The death of plants, animals and men are all part of life’s natural cycle and God’s plan. Yet Muir intuited that nature would ultimately get crushed by man if not preserved. Flora and fauna of all sizes need space — untrammeled forests, mountain ranges, ocean preserves, wildlife refuges — so their lives can proceed apace without undue human interference. Nature requires “the smallest transmicroscopic creature that dwells beyond our conceitful eyes and knowledge,” Muir wrote. Humans, too, need room to roam.

Muir’s environmental, ethical and philosophical beliefs that undergird the American conservation movement took hold at Bonaventure. Ironically, the “father” of the national parks, conscience of the environmental movement, cofounder of the Sierra Club and passionate defender of all things wild owes much of his life’s work and reputation to the dead.

I figure that a popular sports bar about a mile from the

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Muir’s environmental, ethical and philosophical beliefs that undergird the American conservation movement took hold at Bonaventure. cemetery is a safe, unobtrusive spot to leave my car overnight. I shoulder my knapsack, pull my Braves cap tight, and, head lowered, walk briskly to Bonaventure. I’d spent the previous week in Florida chasing Hurricane Michael to write a series of stories on recovery efforts for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, showering little and shaving less. I look the part of the hobo searching for a place to sleep; hard stares from Victory Heights residents confirm my shady appearance.

An oak-lined blacktop runs alongside Bonaventure. It is dark beyond the city’s vapor-light glow and threatening rain. The wind-tousled moss dangling from tree limbs adds to the spookiness. I follow the road to the marsh, hop the fence and enter Muir’s “Eden of the dead,” as biographer James B. Hunt put it.

It’s quiet except for the chorus of frogs, the susurrus of distant traffic and the whine of mosquitoes.

I don’t see a soul, living or dead. The prospect of a long night outdoors amidst the deceased bestirs some dread. I’d boned up the day before — foolishly, in hindsight — on Bonaventure ghost stories. The phantom “hell hounds” that roam the cemetery. The angelic statues that glare at passersby. The sounds of distant laughter and shattering glass. Little Gracie with her bloody tears.

Tybee Island Muir rode a schooner from Savannah to Fernandina, Florida, bypassing Georgia’s barrier islands. He, seemingly, was in a hurry to finish his hike to the Gulf.

I love the islands and visit as often as possible. I’d also covered more hurricanes than I can remember and, before leaving The Atlanta Journal-Constitution in 2016, wanted one final, stormy hurrah. Paul Wolff — a Tybee legend and the Apostle of Climate Weirding, as I call him — offered me a place to ride out Hurricane Matthew. Later, we took the Tybee Climate Tour. — DC I’d driven down from Atlanta two days before Matthew hit, talked my way past a cop enforcing (sort of) the mandatory evacuation of the island and quickly accepted Paul’s offer of his girlfriend’s sturdy house on the island’s north end. For company I had Mary’s mama cat and four babies, who mewled all night as the storm worsened, the water rose, and the winds topped 100 miles per hour. Roof tiles peeled from neighboring homes.

The garage flooded, and seawater climbed halfway up the firstfloor steps. The beach, on a good day, was 200 yards away. When the power went out, and I could no longer file updates for the newspaper, I hung out with the cats. We enjoyed each other’s company. I spent the brunt of the storm in a well-fortified bathroom.

It was the worst hurricane to hit Georgia in more than a century, though the winds weren’t terribly destructive. Eighteen inches of rain fell. The tidal gauge at nearby Fort Pulaski, hit

12 and a half feet — a record. Flooding typically starts at 10 feet. The ocean’s surge deposited a 10-foot sand dune on 19th Street. My rental car was flooded with ocean deck covering the engine and floorboards.

Friends asked me to check on their houses.

Melissa Turner lives on Lewis Avenue, which runs between two branches of Horse Pen Creek. The Palm Terrace subdivision was built in the fifties and retains its Florida bungalow charm. As the storm approached, Melissa, a former Atlanta Journal-Constitution reporter and editor, husband Thomas and two cats evacuated to Savannah. A state of emergency kept them from returning to Tybee. So I clambered over downed trees, around electric wires and through lake-sized puddles to reach her home. I peered inside windows and doors and found nothing amiss, the furniture seemingly in place in the darkened home. I texted Melissa the good news and left.

“We finally got to come back on the island three or four days later, and I walked up to the front door, opened it — and it was just devastating,” Melissa tells me. “Everything had been sitting and moldering in mud for four days. There was salt water on the tabletops. But Dan Chapman had said everything was fine.”

Oops.

Paul didn’t want his Tybee Climate Tour 2020 to be a complete bummer, so on a bike trip together a few days later, he made a point of showcasing the good work of local officials, university researchers, nonprofit experts and dedicated volunteers in the fight against an aggrieved Mother Nature. Each Dyno-propelled stop highlighted a climatemitigation project that promises to quell the rambunctiousness of high tides and killer storms. With two-thirds of Tybee possibly underwater by century’s end, the odds against success are long. But the commitment to try and save Tybee is undeniably strong.

As far back as 2011, city officials began discussions with Clark Alexander and others on the damages wrought by sea-level rise.

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This was the Deep South and deeply red Georgia, remember, where most folks either dismissed climate change as a hoax or disputed its man-made origins. Governors routinely dodged my questions on climate. Then-U.S. Sen. David Perdue, who lives on another highly threatened barrier island 60 miles below Tybee, told me, “The scientific community is not in total agreement about whether mankind has been a contributing factor.”

In 2015, though, a remarkable report by Georgia’s natural resource agency declared climate change “a threat (that) presents unprecedented challenges.” A year later, the Tybee Island City Council, with Paul leading the charge, unanimously approved a Sea Level Rise Adaptation Plan with all sorts of short- and long-term fixes. Tybee was the first Georgia community to officially acknowledge climate change.

“We hope we’ll have time to adapt,” Paul told me at the time. “If we don’t want to be treading water or having our grandchildren growing gills, we definitely need to spend this money now instead of putting it off. The longer we procrastinate, the more expensive it will be.”

Ossabaw Island Muir chose not to hike from Savannah to Florida for reasons unknown. Instead, he boarded the Sylvan Shore and had a jolly jaunt through the barrier islands to Fernandina, Florida. Remarkably, the islands along the way look much the same today, a credit perhaps to far-sighted conservation work on behalf of Georgia. Yet problems remain, particularly the scourge of invasive species. — DC Hunting doesn’t bother me. There’s enough game in the South’s woods and wetlands without jeopardizing any species’ survival, unlike a century ago when hunters blasted Bambi into near-extinction. And $1 billion a year in excise taxes on the sale of ammo, guns and gear goes for land and animal conservation.

What Codey Elrod hunts, too, shouldn’t unduly bother the most ardent PETA supporter. He kills feral hogs, the alien, invasive and insatiable wild boars introduced to the Americas in the 1500s by Spanish explorers. Not only do the pigs Hoover up nuts, roots, flowers, snails, snakes, fruit and vegetable crops — costing billions of dollars in lost revenue annually — but they also eat eggs.

On Ossabaw, that means the eggs of federally endangered loggerhead sea turtles that come ashore between May and September and dig nests on the state-protected island’s 13 miles of pristine beach. Codey, in fact, is the South’s only full-time, state-paid hog hunter. He is, officially, a “hog control technician” for the Georgia Department of Natural Resources.

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Tybee Island seagulls drink in the morning light, keeping watch for the first signs of beachgoers for the day.

“My job,” Codey says, “is to kill hogs.”

Something he does with deadly consistency. He has killed ten thousand hogs on Ossabaw, and yet they never disappear.

Sows can have two litters a year, with maybe a dozen piglets at a time. Codey plays a real-life version of whack-a-mole every day.

He’s Bill Murray in Groundhog Day, but with a gun.

“Taking a life is no small matter to me,” he says. “But they’re not native to this habitat. And they’re outcompeting other wildlife.”

In the pantheon of nasty Southern invasives, feral hogs rank near the top. But the dais is crowded. Every forest, waterway and farmer’s field has its alien nemesis. In 2016, President Obama signed an executive order defining an invasive species as “a nonnative organism whose introduction causes or is likely to cause economic or environmental harm or harm to human, animal or plant health.” They come from other countries or other regions of this country. Some estimates peg the number of invasive species at 50,000. Others say they’re the second biggest threat to endangered species after habitat loss. Climate change pushes the foreign plants, animals and pathogens farther north as once-unwelcoming climes become more hospitable.

Daniel Simberloff, a conservation biologist at the University of Tennessee, says, “This is a huge problem that’s getting worse.”

Nowhere more so than in the South, a veritable hothouse of alien awfulness. Virtually every step along Muir’s route today is home to some unwelcome import. But Codey is making a difference: In the five years before Georgia hired a marksman, 31 percent of loggerhead turtle nests were attacked by hogs or other predators. In the last five years, only 10 percent were.

What a difference a bellyful of gingerbread makes. John Muir, after five or six days hungry, alone and afraid in Bonaventure Cemetery, stumbled — “staggery and giddy” — into Savannah for yet another visit to the express office in hopes that his brother had wired the money. He had. Within minutes Muir had purchased “a jubilee of bread” and, a bit later, a full-fledged breakfast.

His spirits soared; his mind, though, still seemed addled by his Bonaventure experience.

“Of the people of the states that I have now passed, I best like the Georgians,” Muir wrote.

The naturalist took stock of all the wonderful plants, flowers, and trees he had encountered along the way, including magnolias, tupelos, live oaks, Kentucky oaks, Spanish moss, long-leafed pines, palmettos, mimosas, bamboo and lilies. “Yet I still press eagerly on to Florida as the special home of the tropical plants I am looking for, and I feel sure I shall not be disappointed,” he wrote.

It’s a mystery why he sailed, instead of hiked, to Florida.

The 100-mile stretch from Savannah to St. Marys, where a ferry would’ve readily carried him across the same-name river to Florida, is rich in flora with wide, plodding rivers feeding estuarine marshes. Perhaps he was scared of the jungle-like stretches of swamp and seclusion. Maybe he was tired of walking and wanted to get on with his life. Possibly he was feverish and shell-shocked from his Bonaventure stay. Muir never explains why he didn’t walk to Florida, and neither do his biographers. But what he missed — the maritime forests, the saltwater marshes, the barrier islands — has mesmerized nature lovers for centuries.

COU R T E S Y IS L A N D P RESS

On to Florida

P HOT O B Y BITA HA N A R VA R

Fiddler crabs make the climb over a leaning palmetto tree on Ossabaw Island, making a high vantage point to look for their next meal.

Dan Chapman is a writer, reporter and lover of the outdoors. He grew up in Washington, DC, and Tokyo, Japan, the son of a newspaperman and an English teacher.

He worked for Congressional Quarterly, The Winston-Salem Journal, The Charlotte Observer and The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

He currently writes stories

Dan Chapman

about conservation in the South for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and is the author of A Road Running Southward: Following John Muir's Journey through an Endangered Land.

Books can be purchased at booksellers throughout the U.S. or at islandpress.org/ books/road-running-southward.

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Savannah Health E D I T OR' S

Savannah Health

L ETTER

I’LL BE THE FIRST to admit that I’m suffering from COVID fatigue. Every time someone begins, “Well, because of COVID …,” or “Since COVID …” something in me fires, and I involuntarily wince. But that’s hardly fair because though I’d like to believe we’re on the other side of COVID and life is returning to “normal,” I have to accept that so much has changed. I have to wrap my head around the fact that while my family has survived, more than 1 million people have died in the U.S. alone. Children lost their parents and parents lost their children. Countless loved ones didn’t get to say goodbye, and those people are still searching for a form of closure that will not come.

I also have to accept that there are possibly still unknown, long-term effects of the virus and immediate ones that are making themselves painfully obvious — like our children struggling to return to the classroom and the palpable ways their mental health has been affected (page S20). So no, COVID is not gone. The disease and its effects are very much still with us.

This was particularly evident to me when I contracted COVID for the first time while editing Savannah magazine’s Health supplement. How ironic. It’s mid-2022, and I did the mask wearing, social distancing and all the vaxxing, all to keep the ‘VID at bay ... and yet as soon as things loosen, whoop there it is. Granted, the vaxxing and boosting has made my bout mercifully short, but I think of those who didn’t have that protection. Who don’t. Today, my best friend’s elderly father-in-law was admitted to the ER with COVID, and his outcome is uncertain. We may be done with COVID, but COVID is not done with us.

This isn’t meant to be a doomsday message, but rather a reminder of the importance of our health and the health of our community — and how we should tend to both. I take a lot of pride in serving as the editor of this Health special section, because I get to share the issues our city faces and the tools available to create change, like the Sound Start program for children who are deaf or hard of hearing (page S30). I get to celebrate the stories of groundbreakers and earthshakers like Dr. Thomas Jui-Ting Yeh, who performed the first open-heart surgery in Savannah (page S70). I get to help direct people toward the rich resources available, created by professionals who have made helping others their life’s work, like perinatal mental health provider Bridget Cross (page S22).

This issue may feel a little different than those prior, and that’s probably just a sign of the times. To me, this issue seems more holistic. We’re sharing ways to not only heal the body, but the mind and spirit also. In the end, they’re all connected; we’re all connected. So please be better to yourself and each other.

Andrea Goto Editor

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TA B LE O F CO N T E N T S In this Issue S4

Editor's letter

Trending S6

New in 912

S9

Awards & Accolades

S10 Tech Boon S10 Free Fitness (for Real) S12

Hooah! for Hoist

S12

Mindfulness Over Matter

Be Well S14

Tension Clenchin’

S16

Dropping Acid ... for Good

S18

Clairvoyant Dermatology

S20 Schoolhouse Stress S22 Beyond Baby Blues S25 One Tiny Beet at a Time S26 Coastal Calm S30 Listen to Learn, Learn to Listen S34 What If ...?

S36 Stronger, Faster, Sooner

Special Advertising Sections S40 Meet the Doctors S56 Meet the Medical Professionals S65 Meet the Dentists

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TRENDING

If you’re suffering from an ailment that modern NEW IN THE medicine can’t seem to diagnose or treat, a different approach might provide some answers. Dr. Sarah Solinger is the only double board-certified naturopathic doctor in the area and has seen firsthand how this form of health care can help those suffering with undiagnosed, chronic conditions.

At Root Health LLC (45 Rosemont St., Richmond Hill), which celebrates its one-year anniversary in July, Solinger takes a holistic approach to healing, considering the whole person — mind, body and spirit — in her treatment, and she incorporates homeopathic medicine, one of the oldest forms of medicine, to help patients return to health.

When it comes to regeneration, think of the starfish — the underwater creature that can regrow lost limbs. As applied to humans who lack this superpower, regenerative medicine is the process of creating

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living, functional tissues to repair or replace those lost to age, disease, damage or defects.

This medical magic can be achieved through a number of procedures, the newest of which Dr. Allen Meglin of Advanced Regenerative Therapy (617 Stephenson Ave.), introduced to his practice this past fall: the Prism Light Pod. The whole-body red light therapy system delivers noninvasive wavelengths into the skin, muscles, deep tissues, joint and body cells to ignite regenerative healing. Addressing everything from joint pain, aging skin and chronic inflammation, this pain-free pod gets a green light.

With prices soaring in all facets of life, we’ll take a break wherever we can get one. And lucky for us, Scripta Insights, a healthcare IT company co-founded in 2019 by a Savannah doctor, has made it their mission to reduce the cost of prescription drugs for self-insured employers and their members.

In layperson terms, Scripta provides analytics and insights to help existing pharmacy benefit managers (the third-party connectors between

employers, members, drug wholesalers, pharmacies and drug companies) facilitate the best possible health outcomes at the best possible cost. And Scripta’s slogan best boils it down: The right meds at the best price.

Medical practices are poppin’ like champagne corks, bringing new health care options to our area. Here’s one to smile about: Dr. Stephanie Sweeney’s spa-like dental practice cut the ribbon for its new location in Richmond Hill, where Savannah Dental (12560 GA Hwy. 144) will continue a tradition of offering oral health care and cosmetic dentistry in a state-of-the-art facility.

Memorial Health University Physicians Women’s Care has expanded services to the islands (1004 Memorial Lane, Ste. 500), captained by specialist Dr. Amelia Bostwick, a Savannah native. Bostwick provides full service OB-GYN care and performs roboticassisted gynecologic surgeries. Also focusing on women’s health, Coastal Imaging has opened the Center for Women’s Health in Pooler (105 Grand Central Blvd., Ste. 106),

WE’RE ALWAYS HEAR FOR YOU Meet the Experts at Georgia Ear Nose & Throat.

The fellowship-trained, board-certified and highly-respected physicians at Georgia Ear, Nose & Throat Specialists always strive to make the most complex of treatments easily understood – even to the youngest of patients.

Stephanie Ambrose, MD Dr. Stephanie Ambrose is highly-trained expert in Pediatric Otolaryngology, and provides the region’s only expertise in cleft lip and cleft palate corrective surgery.

Dr. Stephanie Ambrose

Dr. Tyler DeBlieux

Tyler DeBlieux, MD Dr. Tyler DeBlieux specializes in disorders of the ear, nose and throat. He has special interests in sleep surgery, thyroid and parotid surgery and voice disorder surgery.

Robert Logan, MD The first Otolaryngology resident in the Emory University / Grady Memorial Hospital program, Dr. Logan also brought the first Otolaryngology laser to Savannah for surgical use.

Michael Poole, MD Dr. Poole is a Pediatric Otolaryngologist and the only ENT physician in the U.S with a doctorate in microbiology. He is considered his specialty’s top expert in antibiotic treatment of ENT infections and has authored or coauthored several national and international guidelines concerning treatment of sinus and ear infections.

Dr. Robert Logan

SAVA N N A H P E D IAT R IC E NT

5356 Reynolds St, Suite 505 | D,Savannah, GA 31405 M ICH AEL PO OLE, M Ph D 912-356-1515

Dr. Michael Poole

YOUR FACE TO OUR TEAM OF EXPERTS AND THE REGION’S ONLY FELLOWSHIP-TRAINED BOARD-CERTIFIED FACIAL PLASTIC SURGEON.

SAVANNAH FACIAL PLASTIC SURGERY DR. TIMOTHY MINTON, MD EYELID SURGERY • FACELIFT / NECK LIFT • FACETITE • SKIN CANCER SURGERY • RHINOPLASTY BOTOX/ FILLERS • LASER SKIN REJUVENATON • FULL MEDSPA SERVICES MICRONEEDLING • CHEMICAL PEELS • SKINCARE • HAIR RESTORATION

a division of Georgia Ear Nose and Throat Specialists

Heart & Lung Building | Suite 510 | 5356 Reynolds Street | Savannah 101 St. Joseph’s/Candler Drive | Suite 210 | Pooler www.savannahfacialplasticsurgery.com

where women have access to 2D and 3D mammography, incision-free biopsies, ultrasound exams and more using some of the newest technology available. And here’s one for the kiddies: Coastal Care Partners is opening a concierge care pediatric practice in July in The Village on Skidaway Island (4B Skidaway Village Walk). Dr. Kelsey Alexander, formerly of Coastal Pediatrics, seeks to offer a quality patient experience by limiting the number of patients to give families the time and attention they deserve. Alexander offers her patients extended, direct access — a bonus for concerned parents. Most insurances are accepted, though there is an enrollment fee of $100. A small price to pay for what might become the new model for pediatric health services.

The Center for Digestive and Liver Health, the largest GI practice in the state outside of Atlanta, ushers in a new era with the addition of Dr. Dan Mullady, the former chief interventional endoscopist at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri. Mullady will contribute to the Center’s ongoing evolution by performing endoscopic procedures (using a flexible tube with a camera and light at the tip) that previously required patients to travel to the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville or the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston.

The CDC has reported that cigarette smoking is responsible for more than 480,000 deaths per year in the U.S., which includes the 41,000 deaths that result from secondhand smoke exposure. As such, things are getting even tougher for tobacco.

In December 2019, the President signed the “Tobacco 21” or “T21” law into effect, making it a violation of federal law for any retailer to sell tobacco products — including cigarettes, cigars, and e-cigarettes — to anyone under 21. More recently, Tybee Island enacted a beach ban on smoking and vaping in June. It’s been a continuous effort to help protect people from the harms of smoking. Some may remember that just 11 years ago the City of Savannah issued the Smokefree Air Ordinance, prohibiting smoking in all public places and workplaces.

You’ve come a long way, baby.

When teens leave home for college, their mom’s medicine cabinet doesn’t go with them. This is why Savannah mom Beth Windom Stewart, who is also a college clinic nurse practitioner with more than 25 years of health care experience working with young adults, developed The College Student First Aid Kit that’s earning rave reviews on Amazon. The kit comes in two sizes: the Ultimate Kit ($124.99) is stocked with more than 40 different medications, ointments, creams, drops, tool and wound care items the average college student will need at some point; whereas the Travel Kit ($79.95) is a streamlined, portable option.

Both contain all those necessary items parents have collected over the years for those just-in-case ailments. School Kits are customized according to school preference.

For instance, the SCAD Savannah Edition ($139.95) includes all items in the Ultimate Kit — plus things like bug spray and sting relief pack because, you know, Savannah.

Some clinical trials have changed the course of medicine, offering breakthroughs when it comes to the successful treatment of illnesses and diseases. With the opening of iResearch Savannah (609 E. 69th St.), a multi-specialty clinical research center, the next medical breakthrough could come from right here in Savannah. Offering expertise across a wide range of therapeutic studies in phases II-IV — FDA speak for the size and scope of a clinical trial — iResearch often focuses on pharmaceutical and medical device research, in particular. Their mission statement sums it up nicely: The center is dedicated to making a difference in our local and global community, to better our health today and in the future.

This year, Healthy Savannah celebrates 15 years of working to promote equitable opportunities for residents to participate in physical activity and eat healthfully. In honor of this achievement, the organization has partnered with local Ashford Tea Company to offer Health Equi-Tea, a special blend of chamomile, turmeric, peppermint and sweet blackberry leaves. You can feel as good drinking it as you do buying it: a portion of the proceeds directly support the excellent work of Healthy Savannah.

Awards & Accolades Memorial University Medical Center earned the designation as a Certified Comprehensive Stroke Center (CSC) in 2020 and is one of only six in Georgia. CSC’s offer the highest quality of care for the most complex stroke cases, furthering Memorial Health’s reputation for excellence. The hospital was also recognized by the American Heart Association with the Get with the Guidelines Stroke Gold Plus Quality Achievement Award.

Chatham Orthopaedic Surgery Center has been ranked the No. 4 orthopaedic ambulatory surgery center in the U.S. by Newsweek and global research firm Statista. “We are extremely proud of our team for their efforts in achieving this national ranking,” says Dr. Dow Hoffman, medical director for the Chatham Orthopaedic Surgery Center. “Using regional anesthesia for joint replacement surgery is a key component in our ability to offer a decreased length of stay, minimal blood loss and maximum pain relief following surgery.”

Coastal Georgia Indicators Coalition, a network of local advocates whose aim is to improve community wellbeing through community initiatives, has been awarded a four-year $600,000 grant from the Atlantabased Pittulloch Foundation to address childhood trauma and mental health issues. The funds will go a long way in improving trauma response for children and expanding current programs working to address the sharp rise of mental health issues in the Savannah area, driven in part by the COVID-19 pandemic.

S AVA N N A H H E A LT H 2 0 2 2- 2 3

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Savannah Health

Tech Boon

Personal training without the person Written by HAYDEN WILDE

IF YOU’RE ONE OF THOSE people who wander around the gym, fiddle with the equipment, try to figure out how to use it and give up, there’s a solution. Say goodbye to awkward, uninspiring and ineffective gym workouts with the new high-tech EGYM equipment at the Habersham and Effingham YMCA locations.

EGYM members receive an individualized wristband that saves their height, weight and flexibility, so the machines automatically adjust to your body. No matter your level of fitness or what you want to work on — weight loss, muscle growth or injury prevention — the EGYM equipment guides you toward your goals.

Made by athletes, for athletes, the EGYM comes with several perks for active people. It measures muscle

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imbalances, which helps with injury prevention and even has a workout program designed to strengthen connective tissues. “It’s an amazing workout for athletes and those who are doing explosive activities over and over again,” says Krystal McGee, chief operating officer of the YMCA of Coastal Georgia.

For those who are trying to come back from an injury or illness, the EGYM offers rehabilitation aid, thanks to pre-planned workouts.

Finally, the EGYM app is designed to motivate. It lets users earn activity points, which creates healthy competition among members and helps them stay consistent — with so many features, there are no excuses to skip the gym.

Free Fitness (for Real) Few things in life are free, but Planet Fitness’ High School Summer Pass is legit free. The franchise offers teens ages 14–19 a summer membership that runs through August 31. Your teen can can sign up in-gym or online. The hook? There is no hook; it’s just a great opportunity for teens to try out #gymlife. planetfitness.com

O U R B OA R D - C E RT I F I E D G A S T RO E N T E RO LO G I S T S

Brent W. Acker, MD

Mark E. Murphy, MD

George C. Aragon, MD

Steven Carpenter, MD

Charles W. Duckworth, MD

Daniel K. Mullady, MD

Mark R. Nyce, MD

Madeline R. Russell, MD

Edward Rydzak, MD

Ryan C. Wanamaker, MD

O U R A DVA N C E D P R AC T I C E P ROV I D E R S Elizabeth Buck, FNP-BC, Chelsea Hendrix, FNP-C, Alex Holtzclaw, PA-C,

912.303.4200

Allison C. Long, NP-C, Samantha Summerlin, PA-C, Sarah Zhong, PA-C

LO C AT I O N S SAVANNAH: 1139 Lexington Ave, Savannah, GA 31404 POOLER: 1000 Towne Center Blvd, Ste 701, Pooler, GA 31322 HARDEEVILLE: 1010 Medical Center Dr, Ste 100, Hardeeville, SC 29927 WWW.SAVANNAHGI.COM

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M A GA ZIN E

2019 WINNER

2 02 1 R U N N E R - U P

Savannah Health T R E NDING

HOOAH! FOR HOIST

Military-grade hydration drink is the newest civilian craze in the Southeast Written by ANDREA GOTO

WHEN HOIST, an electrolyte hydration beverage, claims to be “warfighter-tested and battlefield approved,” it’s not hyperbole. The Cincinnati-born bev is the official hydration supplier of the U.S. Department of Defense, used at more than 50 military bases worldwide, including Fort Stewart and Hunter Army Airfield. As an Operational Rationsapproved product, HOIST can also be used in U.S. Military humanitarian missions to replenish and rehydrate victims of natural disasters and international conflict.

But what separates HOIST from your grandmother’s Gatorade or your older brother’s Biolyte? Kind of a lot. Absent of added colors, high fructose corn syrup, dyes, artificial sweeteners or preservatives, HOIST provides a way to hydrate faster while consuming fewer calories and less volume. The drink’s specially formulated blend of carbohydrates, fluids and electrolytes (three times more than that of traditional sports drinks) closely matches the human body’s natural osmolality, which is science-speak for saying HOIST absorbs rapidly without the need for digestion.

HOIST was founded in 2009, hit limited convenience stores in 2017 and just last year expanded to grocers in the Southeast, including Parker’s, Food Lion and Fresh Market.

Since then, consumers have been throwing back the five flavors that come in bottled or powder form, to combat and recover from grueling workouts and heat exhaustion to jet-lag and overindulgence.

The company’s mission isn’t limited to making sure you complete yours; they also give back, partnering with notable foundations and programs that support current and retired service members, like Disabled American Veterans and the Special Forces Foundation. drinkhoist.com

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Mindfulness Over Matter A NEW SPACE EXPLORES THE CONNECTION BETWEEN CREATIVITY AND HEALTH Written by HAYDEN WILDE

AT THE RIPE AGE OF 123, the newly renovated building on the corner of East York and Houston streets in Savannah’s Historic District has housed its fair share of educators and students. What began as the Kate Baldwin Free Kindergarten transitioned to the Savannah Nursery School and then to a Montessori preschool. Soon, the historic building will shift shapes again, though teachers and students will continue to inhabit the space — albeit of a different kind.

With its red brick facade, arched entrance door and large windows looking over Greene Square, the building serves as the perfect location for creativity, collaboration and spiritual cultivation at Clearing House Savannah Center for Art and Spirit, opening in July, which will offer classes in meditation, breathwork, voice work, creative writing and visual arts.

Founders James Lough and his wife, Jennefer Morris, both SCAD professors, have been dreaming of a place that helps artists foster creativity and free expression. After teaching writing at SCAD for 17 years, Lough is preparing for retirement, but with this new endeavor he won’t have to leave teaching entirely.

“Each of us will teach in our own specialties, but we’ve got a whole lineup of yoga, Qigong and other writing teachers besides myself,” Lough says.

At the center of it all lies the idea that creativity flows best from a place where one feels at home with oneself, and to access this place, one must be mentally and spiritually well.

The Clearing House Savannah Center for Art and Spirit aims to teach people how to practice mindfulness to tap into this authentic source of creativity.

Given the number of artists in Savannah and those seeking spiritual growth and healing in a post-COVID world, the Clearing House will serve as a much-needed haven.

“It’s going to be beautiful,” Morris says, referring as much to the building as to the good work that will be produced. facebook.com/clearinghousesavannah

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501 EISENHOWER DRIVE, SAVANNAH

912.354.1515 613 TOWNE PARK DRIVE W., STE. 301, RINCON

912.295.5199 1000 TOWNE CENTER BLVD., STE. 103, POOLER

912.748.4365 CHATHAMORALSURGERY.COM

C

hatham Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery offers a full scope of oral and maxillofacial surgery with expertise ranging from corrective jaw surgery to wisdom tooth removal. Thanks to its skilled and experienced team, Chatham Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery can also diagnose and treat facial pain, facial injuries and perform a full range of dental implant and bone grafting procedures.

The practice is excited to announce its newest team members, Charles T. Quasney DMD and Bryan M. Benton DMD.

MICHAEL C. WILSON DMD, CHARLES T. QUASNEY DMD, BRYAN M. BENTON DMD AND PAUL M. HINCHEY DMD MD

Introducing

C H A R L E S T. Q U A S N E Y D M D Dr. Quasney, an oral surgeon in the Pooler office, attended Florida State University, where he received a degree in chemical sciences with a minor in biology. In 2011, he was awarded the Health Professions Scholarship by the US Navy and completed his Doctor of Dental Medicine at the Medical University of South Carolina. At MUSC he received the William “Ben” Irby Senior Dental Student award by recommendation from the South Carolina Society of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery as well as the DeChamplain Scholarship for Excellence in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.

In 2015, after graduation, Dr. Quasney was commissioned in the US Navy and reported to Ohio State University to complete a four-year residency program in oral and maxillofacial surgery. He’s now a diplomate in the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and a fellow in the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.

Dr. Quasney’s surgical interests include dental implants, wisdom tooth management and dental extractions, bone grafting, facial trauma and oral pathology. He is board certified by the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and is a member of the American Dental Association and the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.

In his free time, Dr. Quasney enjoys time on the boat with his wife and two children. He also enjoys fishing, hunting and playing a variety of sports.

D R . B RYA N M . B E N T O N

B RYA N M . B E N T O N D M D Dr. Benton grew up in Macon with dentistry in his family. He graduated from the University of Georgia with a bachelor’s degree in biology and then attended the Dental College of Georgia. While in Augusta, he discovered his interest in oral and maxillofacial surgery. He received awards in maxillofacial radiology and maxillofacial surgery, participated in research and presented at national meetings. After receiving his DMD, he remained in Augusta and entered the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Program at the Dental College of Georgia.

During residency, Dr. Benton trained in the broad scope of oral and maxillofacial surgery with emphasis on office procedural sedation. He began ongoing research in reducing post-operative narcotic use and served as chief resident before graduating from the program in 2020.

D R . C H A R L E S T. Q U A S N E Y

Dr. Benton’s surgical interests include dental implants, wisdom tooth management and dental extractions, bone grafting, facial trauma and oral pathology. He is board certified by the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and is a member of AAOMS, ADA, GDA, GSOMS and the Hinman Dental Society. He is certified in ACLS, PALS, ATLS and BLS. Outside of work, Dr. Benton enjoys spending time with his wife, Lauren, who is a general dentist. He enjoys exercise, being outdoors, travelling, cooking and spending time with friends.

To find out more about oral and maxillofacial surgery or how Dr. Quasney and Dr. Benton can help you, reach out to our offices in Savannah, Rincon or Pooler or go to chathamoralsurgery.com.

Savannah Health

BE WELL

Tension Clenchin' STRESSORS FROM COVID ARE JACKING UP OUR JAWS Written by ANDREA GOTO

IF YOU HAVE FOUND YOURSELF dealing with more dental issues, such as teeth grinding, jaw clenching and jaw pain during the COVID-19 pandemic, it probably isn’t just a coincidence. A new study published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine found that the stress and anxiety associated with the constant threat of illness, economic concerns and social isolation could lead to adverse health effects like temporomandibular disorders (TMD) and bruxism (teeth grinding).

Local dentists can confirm this trend. “‘COVID clenching’ is what it’s been termed,” says Dr. Scott Cohen of the clenching and grinding caused by

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stress and anxiety associated with the pandemic. Before the lockdown, Cohen would generally see one or two patients a month complaining of joint issues or pain, but shortly after the COVID lockdown was lifted, those numbers increased 400 percent. “I thought it was just my patients, and then a lot of dentists started communicating, and we realized it was happening everywhere,” he says.

Dr. Eric Gladden has seen a similar increase at his practice. “When we opened back up after COVID, we put a lot of people in [mouth] guards pretty quickly,” he says.

“Everybody’s level of stress is higher, and part of that is manifested in clenching and

grinding their teeth.”

The guards Gladden mentioned come in a variety of forms. Most people are probably familiar with the night guards worn while sleeping that fit over the top or bottom teeth to protect the teeth from grinding, though they don’t prevent clenching. Cohen recommends the Bite Saw, a type of mouth guard that fits over the top front six teeth.

When you bite down, only your front teeth touch, which prevents not only grinding but also clenching.

“The neuroreceptors in your teeth — even when you’re asleep — won’t let you bite any harder because the front teeth aren’t meant to be grinding teeth, they’re meant to be cutting teeth,” Cohen explains. When only the front teeth touch, the clenching muscle can’t activate.

Gladden notes that guards can be expensive and most people don’t like wearing them during the day, so he prefers to first give patients exercises to try like pressing the tongue to the roof of the mouth, which relaxes those clenching muscles. He also recommends not chewing gum and says that applying a heating pad with a damp cloth underneath it to the jaw joint can help wash out the lactic acid that builds up in those muscles and causes them to shorten or fire involuntarily. Gladden says Botox is an option, and some people swear by acupuncture as a treatment. “I’m a believer in whatever works,” he adds.

Even patients who don’t consider themselves anxious or have never been teeth grinders before may not realize they’re doing it. If you experience headaches, teeth sensitivity, jaw pain, feeling like you suddenly can’t close your bite, or even less obvious signs like pressure in your head and neck area or having the sensation that your ears are full of water, you may be subconsciously grinding or clenching and should confer with your dentist before the discomfort worsens or you crack or break a tooth.

REHABILITATION TEAM –SPEECH LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY AND PEDIATRIC OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY Back row: Dvora Gottlieb, MMSc, CCC-SLP; Wendy Bath, OTR/L ; Pamela Thompson, M.Ed., CCC-SLP; Heather Batchelor, MSP, CCC-SLP Front row: Dr. Diamond Rashad, OTR/L; Cathy Nelson, M.S., CCC-SLP; and Michelle L. Lynes, M.Ed., CCC-SLP Not pictured: Glena R. Harlan, MA, CCC-SLP

AUDIOLOGY TEAM Maddie Schmidt, Au.D.; Caroline Zuck, Au.D.; Lauren Alvarado, Audiology Assistant Not pictured: Leigh Ann E. Burke, BC-HIS, Hearing Aid Dispenser

SPEECH THERAPY

AUDIOLOGY

We provide speech, language, voice, and stuttering therapies, as well as reading support, to clients of all ages. We evaluate and work with the Center’s OTs to address children’s feeding concerns. We welcome family observation and encourage participation in our sessions because this creates more confident partners when it is time to practice at home!

PEDIATRIC OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY Come see our beautiful new gyms at the Center! We treat infants, children, and adolescents with physical, sensory, feeding, or cognitive challenges, helping them accomplish and progress toward achieving fulfillment and independence.

Our audiologists provide the best adult and pediatric hearing services possible, including hearing testing, hearing aid fittings and cochlear implant mapping. We provide careful advice when you come in, and we are right here and available when you have questions or needs after your hearing health appointment.

S P E E C H A N D H E A R I N G S AV.O R G | 9 1 2 . 3 5 5 . 4 6 0 1 5414 Skidaway Road (Savannah) | 711 Zitterour Road (Rincon) | 1145 U.S. Highway 80, Suite H (Pooler)

Savannah Health B E

Dropping Acid … for Good

WELL

MAGNETIC IMPLANTS GIVE HOPE TO THOSE WHO SUFFER FROM SEVERE ACID REFLUX Written by AMELIA PARKES

IF YOU OFTEN EXPERIENCE severe heartburn and acid reflux, there’s a seemingly magical magnetic solution at SouthCoast Health.

Sandy Morrison suffered from heartburn and reflux for 30 years. Even when she slept sitting up to decrease acid buildup, she would often wake in the middle of the night choking on stomach acid, and that caused her to vomit. The reflux caused her to constantly clear her throat and cough when she ate, and while over-the-counter and prescription acid relief medications treated the symptoms, they didn’t cure her problem.

Some people can control their acid reflux with diet, but that was not the case with Morrison. “It was never a food that really activated it,” she says. “There were times when I would simply drink water and it flared up.”

— SANDY Morrison, who was living in California at the time, finally spoke with her doctor there, who put a monitor in her esophagus to record the severity of her reflux. The results were conclusive. “The doctor came in and said, ‘Congratulations, you’re in the top 1 percent of the worst cases,’” she recalls.

Morrison’s doctor in California found a revolutionary surgical solution. The LINX Reflux Management System is a small, flexible band of interlinked titanium beads with magnetic cores implanted at the bottom of a patient’s esophagus. Food can move through the device into the stomach, but the implant is designed to prevent stomach acid from backing up into the patient’s esophagus.

Dr. Jeffrey Mandel, head of surgery at SouthCoast Health, has placed over 500 LINX implants since 2013 and was recommended to Morrison when she relocated to Savannah. Mandel says this

a great solution for people with frequent, severe acid reflux and those who do not want to rely on acid-reducing medication for the rest of their lives. Unfortunately, many people suffering from symptoms continue to do so in silence, thinking either it’s no big deal or don’t realize that this procedure may be an option.

The device is implanted laparoscopically — Mandel only makes five small incisions — so for most people, it can be done as an outpatient procedure. Mandel says patients need to eat a special, softer diet and take small bites for a few weeks and then come in for follow-up testing.

Morrison received the implant in 2017 and says relief after surgery was immediate. “It was simple — I was in, then I was out. There was truly no recovery time,” she says.

One of the benefits of the procedure MORRISON is that patients are still able to vomit if, for example, they contract a stomach virus. The strength of the magnets allows food to move through in either direction, but restricts stomach acid in particular.

Mandel says this procedure is not for everyone: The implant isn’t indicated for people who only get occasional heartburn or for younger patients who aren’t finished growing. But Morrison believes if she had not had this procedure, she could have developed more serious issues. In fact, her doctor told her she was in the beginning stages of Barrett’s esophagus, a condition that alters tissue in the lower esophagus and increases a person’s chance of developing esophageal cancer.

Morrison thinks anyone suffering from heartburn and reflux can benefit from this magnetic implant. “If you have severe heartburn like I did,” she asks, “why wouldn’t you?”

“It was simple — I was in, then I was out. There was truly no recovery time.”

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At Schulze Eye & Surgery Center, we are dedicated to excellence in surgical eye care. Combining leading-edge technology with personalized attention to our patients, we can open your eyes to a whole new world of decreased dependence on glasses or contacts. Whether your needs include traditional or refractive cataract surgery, custom LASIK or PRK, implantable contact lenses or corneal transplants, our on-site ambulatory surgery center allows for surgery in a specialized setting, affording greater efficiencies & lower costs to our patients. You can count on our skilled staff to give you personal attention before, during and after surgery to help you achieve your visual best.

Call us today to schedule your appointment.

Dr. Richard Schulze, Jr.

728 E. 67th St. | Savannah, GA 31405 (912) 352-3120 | Schulze-Eye.com

Savannah Health B E

WELL

CLAIRVOYANT DERMATOLOGY

INNOVATIVE TESTING HELPS DOCTORS DECODE SKIN CANCERS Written by ANDREA GOTO

CANCER BREAKTHROUGHS keep on coming. Castle Biosciences, a leading diagnostic company, has developed tests that are not only a roadmap for how to treat skin cancers, they can also indicate the likelihood that cancer has spread or will reoccur. This groundbreaking achievement has already been recognized

by The MedTech Breakthrough Awards, citing the innovation as the “2022 Best New Technology Solution in Dermatology” and the “2021 Best New Technology in Oncology,” and they’re available right here in the Lowcountry.

Castle’s tests — DecisionDxMelanoma and DecisionDx-SCC (squamous cell carcinoma) — work by harnessing the genetic profile of the cancer so a more specific and precise treatment plan can be developed.

Sometimes this means reducing unnecessary procedures.

“Because we can determine the cancerous potential by looking at the gene expression, it keeps us from having to biopsy lesions in cosmetic areas,” says Dr. Corinne Howington of Low Country Dermatology, which offers Castle testing.

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lung lesions, allowing doctors to begin treating what would have otherwise gone undetected.

And more innovation is on the horizon.

Castle is currently working to develop a genomic test aimed at predicting response to therapy in patients with moderate-tosevere psoriasis, atopic dermatitis and other inflammatory skin conditions.

“It also helps the surgeon determine how aggressive to be with removal of the lesion and lymph node biopsies.”

Or, the tumor biology may suggest that additional testing be done. “I have had several patients where further testing would not have been done and metastasis would have been missed,” says Dr. Claudia Gaughf of Gaughf Dermatology.

She recalls a patient with a squamous cell carcinoma on the scalp and two places on the face. The Castle test indicated that the patient was at high risk for having cancers elsewhere. Additional testing revealed that the patient also had

“Because we can determine the cancerous potential by looking at the gene expression, it keeps us from having to biopsy lesions in cosmetic areas.”

—DR. CORINNE HOWINGTON OF LOW COUNTRY DERMATOLOGY

MEET THE DOCTORS

James Bazemore, M.D. SAVANNAH

Erik D. Bernstein, M.D

Alexis Hess, P.A.

Mikhail Novikov, M.D.

Rafael David Rodriguez, M.D.

Camden Helder, P.A.

BRUNSWICK/JESUP

SAVANNAH

1115 Lexington Ave Savannah, GA 31404 912-354-4813

BLUFFTON

16 Okatie Center Blvd Suite 100 Okatie, SC 29909 843-706-9955

SOUTH CAROLINA

BRUNSWICK/JESUP

BEAUFORT

16 Kemmerlin Lane Suite A Beaufort, SC 29907 843-524-2002

SAVANNAH

Edie Willis, P.A.

SAVANNAH

Jessica Coleman, M.D.

Rebecca Sentman, M.D.

SAVANNAH

Luis Polo, N.P.

SAVANNAH

SOUTH CAROLINA

Dana Kumjian, M.D.

SAVANNAH

SAVANNAH

William Grubb, M.D. BRUNSWICK/JESUP

Kendra Lott, P.A.

BRUNSWICK/JESUP

JESUP

111 Colonial Way Ste 2 Jesup, GA 31545 912-588-1919

THEKIDNEYDOCS.COM

Bryan Krull, D.O.

BRUNSWICK/JESUP

Beth Respess, P.A.

BRUNSWICK/JESUP

RINCON

604 Towne Park West Rincon, GA 31326 912-354-4813

BRUNSWICK

3025 Shrine Road Suite 450 Brunswick, GA 31520 912-264-6133

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SCHOOLHOUSE STRESS REAL TALK ON THE CHILDREN’S MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS Written by LILY AVERY

SINCE COVID-19 BEGAN raging around the globe two years ago, we’ve learned how to maneuver our way through change. We wore masks when needed. We stood arms-length apart from one another.

We fought to protect the elderly and the vulnerable. We turned company offices into screens and leaned into a new, often-virtual life.

As we navigated back to “a new normal,” we knew our kids were struggling, but many of us were optimistic that when the world reopened, our kids would bounce back. Kids seem particularly resilient, but the drastic decline of mental health in children, youth and young adults since the pandemic struck suggests otherwise.

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that depression and anxiety has increased an alarming 25 percent worldwide since the pandemic began. In Savannah, local mental health experts suspect that estimate echoes much the same.

While life might now be “back to normal” for many people, the ripple effects of the pandemic on the youngest generation is far from normal. For one local middle school teacher, who prefers to remain anonymous due to privacy purposes, walking back into the in-person classroom wasn’t met with the excitement he expected.

At the very least, he anticipated a classroom full of kids eager to spend time with friends and pursue extracurriculars, but what he found was an almost unrecognizable group of students.

“You expect middle schoolers to be rambunctious and enthusiastic and full of energy, but I wasn’t seeing that,” he says.

“I walked into a classroom of kids who either couldn’t pick up on social cues, like knowing when a peer wanted to talk to them, or who simply didn’t talk at all.” He explains that this continued, though at a less extreme, over the course of the school year.

“I’ve been teaching for quite a few years and have yet to see anything like this,” he adds. “I think a lot of this is due to the lack of interaction with each other and not having a strong, structured system every day. Losing that structure really made a lot of kids function differently.”

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When schools were forced to shut their doors and trade in white boards for computer monitors, students no longer experienced a daily routine, class schedule, diverse social interactions or the stability that comes with a traditional school week. Dr. Kristi Hofstadter-Duke, a pediatric psychologist at Savannah Behavioral Pediatrics, explains how these abrupt changes came at a critical time in adolescent social development across the board, from elementary students learning the basics of socializing to high schoolers navigating the nuances of more complex social scenarios.

The result is staggering, often resulting in reduced social learning, which is an essential building block for managing day-to-day activities and interactions.

“The immediate result was that children did not develop skills in the way their counterparts would have years before, but the long-term implications are particularly challenging,” HofstadterDuke says. “They may have become accustomed to avoiding life’s challenging situations rather than managing these challenges in a healthy manner.”

Although readjusting to routines and the normalcy of a postlockdown life has been a key contributor to mental health decline, it’s not the only emotional impact brought from the pandemic.

Many children are grieving the loss of loved ones to COVID-19 (according to a CDC study, an estimated 175,000 children lost a parent or caregiver). The trauma from that alone, combined with the stressors of living through a pandemic, is significant.

The exact number of youth and adolescents experiencing a decline in mental health is difficult to collect data on, but anecdotally the uptick can be seen in the increased number of adolescent cases and longer wait times at practices. Patients can expect to wait up to several weeks to receive an initial evaluation at most mental health practices, compared to what used to be a couple of days, according to office managers at area practices such as Savannah Behavioral Pediatrics and Shrink Savannah. For those

AFFORDABLE HELP

Mental health support and training should not be costprohibitive. As such, a number of area organizations offer these services at low or no cost.

Chatham County Safety Net Planning Council The council’s Safety and Resiliency programs that partner with nonprofits like Front Porch Improv and Park Place Outreach offer training for children, teens and adults in suicide prevention, emotional wellbeing, trauma-informed practices and health and wellness. chathamsafetynet.org

struggling just to manage daily life, time is more precious than ever. At Savannah Behavioral Pediatrics, staff are constantly working to keep the wait list as short as possible and have even begun expanding group therapy options to lower costs and increase accessibility.

With the mental health-care system saturated and economic gaps making care unaffordable to some, many have turned to schools for help. On a national level, the CARES Act and the American Rescue Plan Act have helped many schools increase access to counselors and social workers to meet the demand.

In the Savannah area and across the state, schools are bringing mental health awareness into the classroom. Through ongoing training provided by individual school systems and area school counselors, teachers are taught to look for warning signs, provide weekly check-ins and connect those in need with help.

Still, many children and adolescents go unreached as school systems and mental health-care practices rally to meet the increased need.

Hofstadter-Duke notes that inherent in every challenge is an opportunity, and the child mental health crisis is no different.

“This is an opportunity for us to teach our children how to face and manage life’s challenges, because we can say with certainty that there is no life untouched by pain or struggle,” she says.

“If we can build strength in our children and arm them with the skills that they need to face any difficulties that life will bring, they will truly be a stronger generation than those before them.”

Gateway Community Service Board Gateway provides services such as individual, group and family counseling and psychiatric evaluations and care to children, adolescents and adults. A sliding scale fee based on family income and ability to pay means that everyone has access to their services. gatewaycsb.org

EMERGENCY MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES

While we’re still learning the impact of COVID-19 on a child’s mental health, if you see a child struggling, there are resources available for immediate help.

Georgia Crisis and Access Line 800.715.4225 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 800.273.8255 Peer Support “Warm Line” 888.945.1414 The Georgia Mental Health consumer-directed “warm line” is for anyone struggling with mental health issues, available 24 hours a day.

National Alliance on Mental Illness Savannah 912.353.7143 National Hopeline Network 800.273.8255

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Beyond the Baby Blues HOW COMMUNITY RESOURCES CAN POSITIVELY IMPACT MATERNAL MENTAL HEALTH Written by HAYLEE GEMEINER

PERINATAL MOOD AND ANXIETY DISORDERS (PMADs) are the most common childbearing complication in the U.S., according to Postpartum Support International, and though the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention research shows that 1 in 8 women report symptoms of postpartum depression after giving birth, many choose not to seek help out of fear of judgment or mistreatment.

Perinatal mental health provider Bridget Cross is committed to breaking the maternal mental health stigma by connecting Savannah moms through the Nurture Community Support Group.

This eight-week, donation-based support group is offered two to three times a year to parents with babies up to a year old. It’s free to join, and members connect through the Nurture Community Support Group Facebook page as well as weekly meetups in Daffin Park. With this support group, Cross hopes to foster a judgment-free environment that affirms all parenting experiences, while also providing a wealth of maternal health information. Although the group is not intended to be a replacement for mental health treatment, it does provide support, community and resources to mothers struggling with the transition from pregnancy to new parenthood.

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“It’s completely changed my life,” says Lizzie Daiss, a member of the group who joined at the suggestion of her maternal mental health therapist. After trying for years to get pregnant, Daiss had her baby in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic and had a difficult time coping with how isolated she felt as a new mother — a common postpartum experience only exacerbated by the pandemic. After her positive experience in the Nurture Community Support Group, Daiss encourages all Savannah moms to consider joining. “I learned how different motherhood is for everyone and how to discuss challenges I would be facing with a new baby, such as [breast]feeding, my relationship with my family, my body and so much more.”

Before moving to Savannah in 2015, Cross worked as an individual and family psychotherapist in New York City and, similar to Daiss, she and her partner struggled with infertility issues. After she conceived her first child through IVF, she experienced severe postpartum depression that left her feeling helpless and alone. “I get why it’s important for moms who are struggling to have other parents around letting them know that if they feel this way, they’re not alone,” Cross says.

Savannah Health B E

“New parenthood can be very isolating.”

WE L L

More Resources for New Moms

— BRIDGET CROSS, PERINATAL MENTAL HEALTH PROVIDER

Shortly after moving to Savannah, Cross discovered that there weren’t any clinicians in the area that had specific perinatal training and decided she would fill the gap. “It was a professional decision, but I came to it through my own experiences,” Cross says. “It was also an important part of my own healing process.”

In addition to Cross’s private practice as a licensed clinical social worker, she also serves on the board of Postpartum Support International (PSI) Georgia Chapter, volunteers as a PSI State Coordinator for the Savannah area and helped form the Maternal Mental Health Collective of Savannah in 2019, which aims to increase awareness and reduce stigma around mental health issues related to childbearing.

“New parenthood can be very isolating,” Cross says, which is why she and other perinatal mental health advocates create spaces like the Nurture Community Support Group. Being around other like-minded, empathetic parents can be affirming for new mothers, especially those with PMADs. The hope is that the more parents and mothers who participate in support groups and community initiatives around maternal mental health, the more they will use the resources now available to them. bridgetcrosslcsw.com

Midwife Group & Women’s Health and Birth Center For pregnant women considering an alternative to the traditional delivery room, The Midwife Group & Women’s Health and Birth Center takes a holistic approach to childbirth as the oldest midwifery practice in Georgia. themidwifegroup.com

Latch Breastfeeding Support Breastfeeding may be natural, but it still comes with its own obstacles. Specialists like those at Latch Breastfeeding Support guide and inform moms at every stage of their breastfeeding journey. latchsav.com

The MOMS Club Moms Offering Moms Support (MOMS) is a support group for Savannah’s community of stay-at-home moms.

Along with a calendar of social events and fun activities for moms and kids, MOMS Club gives back through various community outreach programs. momsclub.org

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One Tiny Beet at a Time LONGTIME SAVANNAH PEDIATRICIAN OFFERS A NEW, HOLISTIC APPROACH TO PEDIATRICS Written by CAMERON FAZIO

MANY OF US HAVE GROWN accustomed to arriving at the doctor’s office 15 minutes early only to be seen by the doctor 30 minutes after our appointment time. This is even more frustrating when the appointment is for a restless child. Fortunately, Dr. Yolanda Caudill, also known as “Dr. Beet,” has created a solution to this problem through The Tiny Beet, Savannah’s first and only lifestyle medicine pediatric practice.

In 2018, after 29 years of practicing pediatrics, Caudill discovered lifestyle medicine, a branch of medicine focused on not just treating illness but addressing its root causes and preventing future illness. “When I discovered lifestyle medicine, it made me love medicine all over again,” Caudill says. “It was like, this is what I was meant to do when I thought about practicing medicine. It was something in which I became part of the family, but I also realized I needed more time to go into that deeper route.”

At a conventional pediatric practice, Caudill could spend around 15 minutes with a patient. This wasn’t enough time to have the open conversations with patients and their families needed for a holistic approach to their health. “I want to improve the quality of life of not just the kids, but also the family itself. It’s impossible to change the life of a child if you don't impact the family,” she says.

The discovery of direct patient care, a model of medicine that creates a direct relationship between patient and doctor, enabled Caudill to provide the attention to patients that lifestyle medicine needed. “And that’s why we’re here,” she says, “because I discovered a way in which I can spend the time with patients and do the lifestyle medicine that I loved.”

In 2021, Caudill opened her own practice, using a monthly membership model to deliver lifestyle medicine directly to patients with little to no wait times. “When the patient is here, they’re here with me,” she says. “They’re not 30 minutes in the waiting room

and 15 minutes with the nurse. One-hundred percent of that time is spent with me.”

Although Caudill knew what service she was going to offer, she wasn’t sure what to call her practice. “The Tiny Beet — that’s my kids’ doing,” she recalls. They chose the name because Caudill starts seeing kids from birth and because lifestyle medicine focuses on making small changes at a time. “So, Tiny Beet, tiny bit,” says Caudill. “And beet is a healthy root vegetable.”

With the name decided, Caudill’s family came together to shape the practice into something fun and unique. Her son made her website while one of her daughters did the graphic design for the business, and the other managed the social media. “I had all my creative team under my roof, and I had no idea,” says Caudill. “And my husband made the countertops, so he wasn’t left out.”

Ultimately, The Tiny Beet allows Caudill to prioritize flexibility and connection with her patients. She offers telemedicine services and stays in touch through text and phone calls to care for her patients and their families beyond the office. “If at night I have a sick kid that I’m worried about, we’ll talk on the phone so I know they’re OK. Then, the first thing I do when I wake up is check on them to see how they’re doing and find out what’s going on.”

For newborns, Caudill offers at-home visits during which she checks on the newborn and helps parents create a safe environment and navigate breastfeeding.

“I want to also help other kids, not just ones in my practice,” Caudill says. As such, she is planning on opening a community space in her office and starting educational programs in local schools. “Going into medicine, I felt I wanted to be a healer.

With The Tiny Beet, finally I’m able to do that.”

The Tiny Beet, 912.777.6830, tinybeet.com

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Coastal Calm

EXPERIENCE A TASTE OF LUXURY LIVING WITH AN EMPHASIS ON HEALTH AND WELLBEING Written by DAVID DUFOUR

PALMETTO BLUFF, the richly scenic residential community quietly nestled along the May River in Bluffton, South Carolina, is nothing short of paradise. With an emphasis on conservation thanks to a partnership with Palmetto Bluff Conservancy, the developers have thoughtfully curated a Lowcountry life well-lived — one that is rooted in nature, culture, outdoor pursuits, community and connection — for the wellbeing of the families who call it home.

With the opening of Montage, a luxury resort offering rooms, suites and cottages, a piece of Palmetto Bluff paradise became open to guests looking for a place to recharge the body, mind and spirit.

And the latest addition of vacation homes doubles-down with a wellness-focused approach to living.

The newly unveiled Well Living at Moreland Homes provides stunning accommodations outfitted with an eye toward healthy living. The residences offer expansive views, deluxe health and fitness amenities and customized outdoor experiences. They are also equipped with yoga mats, wellness books, aromatherapy diffusers, sound machines and weights, though that just scratches the spa-like surface. A Wellness Experience Planner assigned to each home can coordinate other activities such as nutritional programming, energy and bodywork, private fitness classes and spa services. They can also create a personalized wellness menu and coordinate grocery delivery.

And though the signature experiences certainly add up to a luxurious getaway, it’s the property’s emphasis on connecting with the land that guests may find the most meaningful.

Far from city life, Montage is where one goes to relax and find their own answer to wellness, through offerings and tailored experiences like guided nature tours on foot, bike or horseback along the miles of meandering trails or kayaking the winding inland waterways. Guests can take to the links at the property’s stunning

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May River Golf Course — a Jack Nicklaus Signature Course — engage in shooting sports at the Palmetto Bluff Shooting Club, ride at the equestrian center and pick up a game of tennis or pickleball at the Wilson Lawn and Racquet Club.

But Spa Montage is where the real relaxation takes place. An extensive offering of spa therapies incorporate the elements of the environment, like minerals of the May River for a detoxifying mud masque, healing seaweed cocoons and warm alage oils.

Christine Wrobel, director of marketing at Montage Palmetto Bluff, explains how the connection to the land even extends to the kitchen. “Our guests enjoy good food that comes from the region, served in our restaurants, seasonably driven.” The coastal kitchens (there are eight restaurants and eateries on the property) offer traditional Lowcountry cuisine that incorporates local seafood sourced from the May River, meat and poultry from family-owned Joyce Farms and fresh garden vegetables from area farms.

Wrobel acknowledges that guests come to Montage for the luxury, but they also relish in the authentic experience of being in nature.

“Everything starts with the land,” she adds. montagehotels.com/palmettobluff

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Jessica Wilder, MD and Jack Considine, Jr. MD

Spa-like Atmosphere Puts Women at Ease at Coastal Imaging’s New Center for Women’s Health CARING FOR THEIR neighbors has always been a priority for Dr. Jack Considine Jr. and Coastal Imaging, an outpatient diagnostic imaging center in Savannah. In May, Dr. Considine and Coastal Imaging launched a venture to better serve the women of Savannah and beyond. Located in Pooler, Coastal Imaging’s new Center for Women’s Health provides “an environment that is all about women,” says Dr. Considine. “The spa-like surroundings are intended to put each woman at ease and make them comfortable during a very vulnerable and

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personal time,” as mammograms can be stressful and emotional for many females.

Coastal Imaging is known for its high level of patient care with the most advanced technology and an awardwinning radiologist. “Sixteen years ago, we changed the way outpatient imaging is delivered in Savannah,” Considine says. “To this day we continue to push the envelope for high-end outpatient imaging. I love serving the patients of Savannah. They are friends, family and neighbors. Having grown up in Savannah, it just means more to care for

other Savannahians. It’s an honor and a responsibility that I don’t take lightly.”

Now that same mentality and level of care has been expanded to Pooler. “It’s convenient to Savannah, Hilton Head Island and Richmond Hill and is part of a strong medical community.”

The Center for Women’s Health features a gorgeous, carefully curated space with a spa-like, comforting atmosphere. “Our patients will be impressed and pleasantly surprised that an imaging center can be so beautiful,” Considine says. “Coastal Imaging and The

Photography courtesy of COASTAL IMAGING AND THE CENTER FOR WOMEN’S HEALTH

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Locals caring for locals – it just means more.”

– DR. JACK CONSIDINE JR.

Center for Women’s Health are set apart for the obvious reasons. It’s in the name.

It’s a center for women, by women, who deliver comprehensive women’s imaging in a one-of-a-kind, spa-like environment.

There is simply no comparison.”

In addition to the boutique atmosphere, The Center for Women’s Health is equipped with the most advanced technology. “We have spared no expense in providing the latest in technological advancement in breast imaging, from 3D mammography to state-of-the-art ultrasound, stereotactic biopsy and bone densitometry,” Dr. Considine says. “We believe that the women of Savannah, Pooler and the entire Lowcountry deserve a beautifully appointed and convenient location.”

The multimillion-dollar investment in technology and the well-designed space play just a small part in this story.

The Coastal Imaging family prides itself on patient care and experience, which sets them apart from other imaging centers; the same stands true for The Center for Women’s Health. “We wanted to work with the best, most experienced health

care professionals available, and we have succeeded,” Dr. Considine says. “From the moment a woman walks in the door until the second she leaves, she will be cared for by seasoned veterans who have spent their entire careers in women’s imaging.”

Joining the practice is Effingham native Dr. Jessica Wilder, who has spent her career caring for the women of her community. Wilder is a fellowshiptrained radiologist who specializes in breast imaging. “We want to be a haven for women,” Wilder says, “to deliver the highest quality of care in a relaxing environment where women want to go, not just because they need to.” This is a true testament to the mission and future of The Center for Women’s Health, she says.

“My ultimate goal for The Center for Women’s Health is to be a comprehensive destination for all things advanced imaging – for women only – from mammography to ultrasound to MRI,” Dr. Considine says. “We want unparalleled technology that is focused on the needs and disease processes of the woman. From the second she walks in the doors until the moment she leaves, it’s all about her. Why not?”

THE CENTER FOR WOMEN’S HEALTH: 105 GRAND CENTRAL BLVD., SUITE 106 | POOLER 912.355.6255 | COASTALIMAGING.NET/WOMENSHEALTHCENTER

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L I S T E N ((( to ((( L E A RN, LISTEN L E ARN A SPECIAL PROGRAM OFFERS DEAF AND HARD-OFHEARING KIDS THE ABILITY TO BETTER ENGAGE WITH THE HEARING WORLD AROUND THEM Written by LILY AVERY

IMAGINE A WORLD without sound.

Noises are muffled or muted. Your mother says, “I love you” and the words are quiet, hushed or nonexistent. There is no music to dance to in the kitchen. No birds chirping in the early morning. No waves crashing on the beach at sunset. For many children, this is the world they must learn to navigate — a world they cannot hear.

Most children who are deaf and hard of hearing don’t have access to resources to help them function and communicate in a hearing world until grade school. When they finally do, those resources are often limited to American Sign Language (ASL) or lip reading. Thereafter, these kids are basically on their own, left to maneuver mainstream educational settings, social interactions and a life designed for those with average hearing.

Savannah Speech and Hearing Center, a facility that offers comprehensive audiology services to children and adults, decided it was time for that to change, and in 2007, the center introduced its Sound

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Start Program to the community and just one year later received full accreditation from the state as an educational agency with special purposes.

“Our team of professionals understands hearing loss in young children and focuses on the whole child to build skills in listening and spoken language and literacy, while also cultivating the individual social, emotional and cognitive tools each child needs to thrive,” says Mallory King, a teacher at Savannah Speech and Hearing Center. Since it opened, the program has helped more than 50 kids in the Savannah area thrive.

The only program of its kind in coastal Georgia, Sound Start is an auditory oral program that centers on teaching kids 6 years old and younger how to listen, speak and understand verbal language.

Sound Start doesn’t teach ASL; instead, the program takes advantage of the latest auditory-enhancing technology available, such as digital hearing aids and cochlear implants, to provide children with the

tools needed to develop listening and spoken language skills. “Our mission is to help these children mainstream into regular educational settings to learn alongside their typical-hearing peers,” King says.

Children are being diagnosed as deaf and hard of hearing younger than ever before. According to the Centers for Disease Control, three out of every 1,000 children are diagnosed with hearing loss before the age of 6. An early diagnosis allows for critical early intervention, especially during a time of crucial communication development. Ninetyfive percent of deaf and hard-of-hearing children are born to hearing parents.

For parents of children who experience severe or moderate hearing loss, not being able to communicate with their child is heartbreaking. And watching their child struggle with communicating is even more agonizing.

The Sound Start Program provides families of children with hearing loss

that affects their speech and language development an avenue to learn how to communicate together. “Sound Start’s early childhood students are learning to observe actively and interact with new concepts and people, and their parents and other family members are learning too,” King explains. Classroom activities are designed to enhance children’s communication skills, speech to preliteracy, while also supporting their social, emotional, physical and creative development. Each day students engage in various activities that range from intellectual problem solving to reasoning activities, all geared toward teaching independent communication. The classrooms are even constructed with unique acoustical needs, to set children up for success at the start.

All children up to 6 years old with

hearing loss that is impacting their speech and verbal development are eligible to apply for the program (Sound Start offers a Toddler and Me program for families with little ones under the age of 3). And rather than charge tuition — thus limiting the program to those who can afford it — the staff helps families secure scholarships.

After the application process, each child goes through an initial evaluation to assess their auditory, cognitive, speech and language skills. Once in the program, students 3 to 6 years old begin an intensive schedule of both group and individual classes five days a week.

Classes operate with an open-door policy, encouraging families to come learn with their child. According to King, most kids spend at least a year in the program, so the families and teachers often become close as they experience the incredible

growth and change in the children.

And that’s the real beauty of the Sound Start Program: the transformation. For King and all of the staff at Sound Start, being involved in the daily struggles and successes, seeing a child gain confidence and independence and being there to witness what are sometimes the first words exchanged between a child and their parent is what makes it truly worthwhile.

“I get to watch them learn and grow into intelligent and capable learners,” King says. “And when I send them off to preschool or kindergarten, they’re just like every other child — chattering away and ready to take on the world.”

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What If ...

Urgent Care

?

TRYING TO DETERMINE whom you should see for an injury or illness can sometimes feel like a game of choose-your-own adventure. Sometimes you can wait it out and schedule an appointment with your provider, but at other times you need medical attention posthaste. Let this be your comprehensive guide for where to go for medical care — and when.

Emergency Room

Urgent care centers accept walk-ins for medical problems that need to be treated right away but are not considered true emergencies.

In a true emergency, any time of the day or week, it’s best to go directly to the hospital for evaluation and treatment.

Go to Urgent Care if you have:

Go to the Emergency Room if you have: Chest pain or difficulty breathing

Fever without a rash

Weakness/numbness on one side

Vomiting or persistent diarrhea Providers Urgent Care 24/7 ExperCARE Memorial Health AppleCare Urgent Care St. Joseph’s/Candler Urgent Care Urgent Care of Berwick, Sandfly + Wilmington Island

Slurred speech or fainting

Abdominal pain Providers Memorial Health St. Joseph’s/ Candler

Wheezing or shortness of breath Dehydration

Serious burns or cuts that may require stitches Head or eye injury, concussion/confusion Broken bones and dislocated joints Fever with a rash

Moderate flu-like symptoms

Seizures

Sprains and strains

Facial lacerations

Southern Urgent Care Small cuts that may require stitches

Severe cold or flu symptoms Vaginal bleeding with pregnancy

They’re often open at times when other medical offices are closed, such as evenings and weekends. A few clinics are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Ortho Urgent Care

9-1-1

A number of orthopedic practices also provide same-day and extended-hours urgent care.

Some people may be hesitant to call 9-1-1, but it’s the best way to get to the emergency room quickly and safely if you don’t have someone to help transport you.

Additionally, in a true emergency, paramedics can begin delivering life-saving treatment in transit.

Call 9-1-1 if you have: Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing Symptoms of heart attack, including chest pain, pain in the left arm or the jaw, sudden weakness or dizziness

Go to Ortho Urgent Care if you have: Providers ExpressOrtho at Chatham Orthopaedic

Fractures

Moss Creek Orthopedic Urgent Care (HHI and Bluffton)

Sprains

Optim Orthopedics (Savannah, Richmond Hill, Pooler, Rincon, HHI, Bluffton and more)

Broken bones

Signs of a stroke, such as slurred speech, severe headache, weakness or numbness on one side of the face or body or loss of consciousness Life- or limb-threatening injury

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9-8-8 LAUNCHING JULY 16

The mental health version of 9-1-1 Dial or text 9-8-8 to be connected directly to the National Suicide Prevention Hotline.

912.354.8225 | 6711 LA ROCHE AVE. | RIVERVIEWHEALTH.NET

The Riverview

Difference

Riverview Health & Rehabilitation Center

provides compassionate health care and short-term rehabilitation services to support living the best quality of life. Riverview was designed with residents in mind, no matter their current functional limitations. We strive for a relaxed, positive experience for residents while they are here and elevate their confidence level when transitioning back home.

As the largest facility in Chatham County, our 190-bed facility provides 24-hour rehabilitation and skilled nursing care with quality health care services. Whether the need is for short-term skilled care, long-term care or intermediate care, we are dedicated to the comfort and well-being of each of our residents. Riverview offers comprehensive services including physical, occupational, speech and respiratory therapy and more. At Riverview, we are loyal to serving our community, committed to delivering quality care to our residents and dedicated to the growth and well-being of our team members.

JORDAN RUSSELL, LNHA and JO LUCKE, LNHA

Savannah Health B E

WELL

S T RONGER, FAS T ER, SOONER YOUNG ATHLETES ARE TURNING TOWARD CROSS-TRAINING TO GET A LEG UP ON THE COMPETITION Written by JOEL THATCHER

YOU MAY HAVE NOTICED someone new in the gym lately. No, it’s not the bodybuilder posing in the mirror, the group of dads chatting around the dumbbells or even the seniors still working to look good for bingo night (and trust me, they do). Along with all these regulars, you might just spot a kid, can’t be older than 13, loading up a squat rack in the corner of the room. You watch to make sure they can handle the weight, before seeing them perform an expert squat with perfect form.

This is today’s young athlete.

These days, more and more young athletes find themselves at the gym before or after school (sometimes both) and on weekends. They come from various sports teams looking to supplement their training, or in other words, cross-training. Justin Huitt, former elite gymnast and founder and trainer at Transform Savannah, has watched this growing trend firsthand after launching a youth program aimed at these young athletes.

After opening his gym at its first location in the back of a Dollar Store in 2014, with time, Huitt gained a small group of about six young athletes coming to train. Now, after changing locations to accommodate the growing number of clients and hiring eight additional trainers, the program is looking stronger than ever with up to 35 middle school and high school kids enrolled on any given day. “And it’s still growing,” Huitt says.

Much of this growth comes as coaches realize the importance of cross-training for their athletes and encourage them to seek additional training year-round. One such coach is Joe Witt, head coach of the Savannah Swim Team for 14 years. He’s stressed the importance of crosstraining with his athletes for years.

“With the availability of scholarships and opportunities in athletics, the kids who are doing the cross-training are going a lot further, a lot faster and a lot sooner,” Witt says. “If you’re a late bloomer, it’s very difficult to get noticed by a college, so if you’re not doing something a little bit extra, you might fall through the cracks.”

Cross-training also prevents injury. “Most sports only work a certain group of muscles,” Witt says. “If you only work the same muscles, you’re going to create imbalances, and the more imbalances you have, the more likely that you leave with some kind of injury.”

This is why programs at gyms around Savannah are starting kids young. At Transform Savannah, for example, kids as young as 9 or 10 will focus on learning proper form and technique before weights are ever added. In fact, all of the trainers we spoke with work with these young athletes not only to help them perform better but also to build lifelong habits of fitness and injury prevention.

“We want them to fall in love with fitness,” says Huitt.

Extra training also boosts the athletes’ confidence. Trainers will test,

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record and track progress so each athlete can see how far they’ve come.

“If your trainer or strength coach is not recording or quantifying your athlete’s results in a way they can understand,” Huitt says, “you’re probably getting a lot of smoke blown your way.”

At the Anderson Cohen Weightlifting Center, Savannah local and former Olympic weightlifter and Olympic Head Coach Michael Cohen offers a customized approach for athletes of any age. Along with leading youth camps for larger groups, he also writes personalized training programs tailored to each athlete’s needs that is delivered weekly to build upon each workout.

“You’ve got to individualize,” Cohen says. “That is the key.” He explains how a sprinter needs a different workout from a distance runner or how a swimmer has different needs than a volleyball player or a wrestler. And above all else, he says, each program must work toward each athlete’s specific goals. “That’s how you get results.”

Results, though, come at a price. At Transform Savannah, a personal training program costs $800 for 16 sessions and $260 for small group sessions. At the Anderson Cohen Weightlifting Center, Cohen charges $69 a month, $360 for six months, or $700 for a year of personalized workouts.

Trainers like Cohen see it as an investment in the success of their athletes. “Parents say they’ll do whatever it takes for their child to be successful, even beyond financial support,” he says. This is why he wants to keep them involved. “They have to know the goals; they have to know the milestones. They have to be there every step along the way.”

And if the parents are involved, it will also ease another concern that many parents have: pushing their athletes too hard. No athlete, especially a child, should ever be pushed beyond their limits. This is why finding the right coach is essential.

“The most important thing to look for in a coach is their certification,” Witt says. “They have to know what they’re doing. And does your kid like them? You could have the greatest coach in the world, but if your child doesn’t like them they’re not going to get better.”

Cohen suggests that above all else, parents looking to help their athletes take their training to the next level should follow this piece of advice: listen to them.

“Before a parent signs a check,” Cohen says, “I always say one day your child is going to tell you one of two things. Either, ‘I’ve had enough,’ or, ‘I want to go further.’ You have to be prepared for either way they go.

You can’t force it.”

“It has to come from within,” he adds.

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MEDICAL EXPERTS Photography by KELLI BOYD, DREAM WEAVER PHOTOS, CHRISTINE HALL, ANGELA HOPPER, KATHERINE IVES, SARAH KOHUT, KATIE McGEE, SHOTS BY SOMI STUDIOS, KATIE SMYTH, KATHRYN ANN WALLER and JAIME WEAVER

D O C T O R S .....................................................

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M E D I C A L P R O F E S S I O N A L S .....................S56-S64 D E N T I S T S ....................................................

Ismary De Castro, MD RESIDENCY:

Memorial Health University Medical Center

FELLOWSHIP:

University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry

SAVANNAH ENDOCRINOLOGY LLC 107 Southern Blvd., Ste. 103 912.232.5900 • savannahendocrinology.com I’M AN EXPERT IN: endocrinology, diabetes and metabolism. I was attracted to this field of medicine when learning about human physiology. Endocrinology is a vast and thriving specialty with emerging therapies and progress year after year. Our endocrine system controls our hormones, which regulate our metabolism, reproduction, growth, movement and sexual development.

I’M MOST EXCITED ABOUT: novel treatment options that improve quality of life and patient outcomes, and incorporating diabetes technology to support patients’ day-to-day work-life balance.

MY FAVORITE WAY TO STAY FIT IS: with routine exercise, planning my meals and a good night’s sleep.

MY PATIENTS ALWAYS ASK ME: “Is there something I can do on my own to improve my condition?" Absolutely. I generally begin by evaluating each patient’s lifestyle and include individualized dietary and physical activity recommendations for them.

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Allen Meglin, MD MEDICAL DEGREE:

University of Pittsburgh (AOA)

INTERNSHIPS: Walter Reed Army Medical Center (Categorical Surgical; Diagnostic Radiology); The Johns Hopkins Hospital (Interventional Radiology) BOARD CERTIFICATIONS:

Regenerative

Medicine and Radiology American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine, American Academy of Regenerative Medicine, International Hyperbaric Association, Undersea and Hyperbaric Medicine Society, International Board of Hyperbaric Medicine ORGANIZATIONS:

ADVANCED REGENERATIVE THERAPY 617 Stephenson Ave., Ste. 103 • 912.403.4203 advancedregenerativetherapies.com

REGENERATIVE MEDICINE IS: the process of creating living, functional tissues to repair or replace tissue or organ function lost due to age, disease, damage or congenital defects.

This field holds the promise of regenerating damaged tissues and organs in the body by stimulating previously irreparable organs to heal themselves and restore normal function.

created another measurement called biologic or epigenetic age, which uses biomarkers to provide more relevant health information. It can tell us how healthy someone is and even predict lifespan. We can use your DNA to predict your biological age and then work with you to live a healthy lifestyle that will help you stay free of sickness and disease longer.

PATIENTS OFTEN COME TO US WHEN: conventional treatments have failed. We don’t want to offer false hope, but we have seen some very encouraging outcomes to otherwise unsolved problems.

OUR SERVICES ALSO INCLUDE: hyperbaric oxygen therapy, bioidentical hormone optimization, red light therapy, joint pain management, IV vitamin therapy, CoolSculpting, facial rejuvenation (microneedling, vampire facials), electroceutical therapy and wellness options for men and women. Many treatments are not FDA approved, and we do not accept insurance.

WE CAN HELP REVERSE: your biologic age. Age is the single greatest risk factor for death, stroke, heart attack, joint disease and sexual dysfunction. Everyone knows chronological age. Developments in science have

ARTIE, OUR THERAPY DOG: snuggles with patients during times of procedural stress.

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Savannah Behavioral Pediatrics, LLC 310 Eisenhower Drive, Building 5 912.436.6789 savannahbehavioralpediatrics.com From left: Amanda Wadley, child and adolescent therapist; Dr. Cecelia Ribuffo, pediatric psychologist; Dr. Kristi HofstadterDuke, director and pediatric psychologist; Heather Myers, family therapist; and Dr. Kristen Hembree, pediatric psychologist and director of integrated care

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OUR MISSION IS: to expand access to the highest quality psychological assessment and treatment services for children and families struggling with developmental, behavioral or learning challenges.

OUR MOTTO IS: “Changing behavior.

Changing lives.” When committed families collaborate with us and work hard, we see life-changing transformations for both the child and the family.

WE’RE EXPERTS IN: child behavior, learning and development. We help parents and guardians to better understand the challenges facing their children, and we partner with families to change behavior, improve learning and overcome developmental obstacles.

Whether your child or adolescent is exhibiting challenging behavior, anxiety, social delays or learning difficulties, we

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are the best specialists trained to identify, treat and monitor your child throughout the developmental period.

WE ARE MOST EXCITED ABOUT: offering unmatched care for children and adolescents in the Lowcountry. We offer the best and most comprehensive evaluations and effective, evidence-based behavior therapy. There’s no rule book for raising a child, but we are the next best thing! Through knowledge, practice and partnership, we help you and your child be your very best.

ONE QUICK TIP FOR IMPROVING CHILD BEHAVIOR IS: catch your child being good (i.e. quiet, calm, polite, etc.)!

Adult attention, particularly parental attention, is behavioral fuel, so catch and label good, appropriate behaviors to see them more often.

Audiology & Hearing Aid Services SAVANNAH:

803 E. 68th St. 912.351.3038 POOLER:

1000 Towne Center Blvd., #200 912.351.3038 THE VILLAGE ON SKIDAWAY ISLAND:

6 Skidway Village Walk 912.598.0616 ahassavannah.com

From left: Casey Allen, AuD; Cori Palmer, AuD; Susan Timna, AuD; Katy Laws, AuD; Sara King, AuD

OUR PATIENTS DESCRIBE OUR PRACTICE AS: a family that goes above and beyond for them. We see hearing as the connection between our patients and their family and friends. Our goal is to keep patients active and involved in their lives.

Studies show hearing loss can lead to isolation and other health issues. Our goal is to keep patients active and leading their best lives.

WE ARE MOST EXCITED ABOUT: changing lives! With more than 60 years of combined experience, we build lasting relationships with our patients. We value those relationships! We are thrilled with the new advances in technology including remote-care capability, tinnitus management, artificial intelligence, rechargeability and much more, allowing us to better serve every patient’s needs and budget.

WE WISH MORE PEOPLE WOULD UNDERSTAND: that all hearing loss is not the same. Hearing devices require personalized customization to achieve maximum benefit. We work with patients to address their individual communication concerns. Hearing healthcare requires a lifelong partnership with their Doctor of Audiology. We are able to guide patients throughout their hearing journey and address their evolving listening needs.

WE HEAR YOU: when you say that your hearing loss is not always noticeable to you, but your family and friends are complaining.

Hearing loss typically first presents itself by not understanding the conversation, especially when there is competing noise or people talking in the background. What is not so commonly known is that studies show that untreated hearing loss leads to earlier memory problems and cognitive decline. We hear with our brain; the ear is just the conduit.

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Gastroenterology Consultants of Savannah, PC HOSPITAL AFFILIATIONS: St. Joseph’s/Candler (Savannah, Pooler) and Effingham County Hospital BOARD CERTIFICATION :

Internal medicine, gastroenterology and hepatology by the American Board of Internal Medicine

ACCREDITATION: Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care Inc.; Medicare Deemed status by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services MAIN OFFICE:

519 Stephenson Ave.

ENDOSCOPY CENTER:

519 Stephenson Ave.

Savannah, Richmond Hill, Pooler, Springfield and Bluffton 912.354.9447 • gastrosav.com

OTHER LOCATIONS IN:

From left: William L. Mansour, MD; Ansley S. Tharpe, MD; Gregory D. Borak, MD; Branden S. Hunter, MD; Travis F. Wiggins, MD WE ARE LEADING SPECIALISTS IN: digestive disorders of the esophagus, stomach, small and large intestine (colon), liver, pancreas and gallbladder. Our areas of expertise include: TIF procedure for reflux (GERD) treatment, therapeutic and diagnostic endoscopy, colon cancer screening, reflux disease, pancreatic and biliary diseases, radiofrequency ablation for Barrett’s esophagus, Crohn’s, colitis, irritable bowel syndrome, gastrointestinal cancer and endoscopic ultrasound.

WE ARE COMMITTED TO: providing patients with the highest quality and most compassionate care for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of gastrointestinal and liver disease — and we have been doing so since 1978.

WE STRIVE FOR: convenience and accessibility.

We have several offices throughout the region that offer convenient and prompt appointments.

Our Endoscopy Center is equipped with the latest technology, including in-house pathology and a fully staffed team of anesthesia specialists. By using the most up-to-date endoscopic techniques, we offer more convenient treatment and a faster recovery for our patients.

WE RECOMMEND: men and women who are at an average risk for colon cancer should begin colon cancer screening at age age 45. A colonoscopy is the most effective method for screening for colon cancer and is not just for detection but prevention as well. Regular colonoscopy screening and removal of polyps reduces your risk of developing colorectal cancer by up to 90 percent.

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Ears, Nose & Throat Associates of Savannah, PC 5201 Frederick St. 912.351.3030 entsavannah.com From left, top row: Dr. Michael Zoller, Dr. Fred Daniel, Dr. Stephen Rashleigh, Dr. William Moretz; bottom row: Dr. Brad Rawlings, Dr. Jennifer Miles, Michelle Yamada, PA-C and Kristen Thomas, PA-C

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WE SPECIALIZE IN: comprehensive medical and surgical treatment for problems of the ear, nose, throat and related structures of the head and neck, including treatment of allergies and sinusitis, sleep apnea, thyroid and parathyroid disease and voice and swallowing disorders. We also treat pediatric ENT patients for a variety of problems, including chronic ear infections and tonsillitis.Our skilled audiologists provide the latest in hearing-aid technology at Audiology and Hearing Aid Services. We utilize the latest ENT technologies, such as balloon sinuplasty for treatment of sinusitis, radiofrequency ablation of the tongue base for treatment of sleep apnea and endoscopic techniques for thyroidectomy and parathyroidectomy.

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FOR THE CONVENIENCE OF OUR PATIENTS: we have a state-certified Ambulatory Surgery Center, are fully privileged at most Savannah-area hospitals and offer early morning and Saturday appointments. We have satellite offices in Pooler, Statesboro and The Landings.

WE TREAT: each patient and set of symptoms individually because we know what works best for one patient may not work best for another. We take the time to create an individualized approach to your ENT health, working to improve your conditions and quality of life. We want you to feel comfortable and confident understanding your treatment plan. Our health coach will walk you through each step of your treatment plan, surgery or other procedures to ensure you are healing and improving.

Dr. Justin B. Damron & Dr. Alfred E. Pesto Jr. Indiana University, Indianapolis (Damron); Medical College of Georgia, Augusta (Pesto)

MEDICAL DEGREES:

RESIDENCIES: The Ohio State University, Columbus (Damron); University of Louisville (Pesto)

WE ARE EXPERTS IN: Oral and maxillofacial surgery (surgery of the face, mouth and jaws), dentoalveolar surgery, including surgical management of impacted teeth, dental implants and bone grafting; facial trauma; head and neck odontogenic infections; pathology and the anesthesia management of patients ranging from local to general anesthesia.

Fellow of the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons; Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (Pesto); Georgia Society of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, ADA, GDA

OUR APPROACH TO SURGERY IS: To present our patients with enough information to facilitate them making an informed decision. We coordinate with patients to create a treatment plan for the best possible outcome.

SOUTHEASTERN ORAL AND MAXILLOFACIAL SUGERY ASSOCIATES (SOMSA) SAVANNAH: 4815 Paulsen St. • 912.352.2324 POOLER: 143 Canal St., Ste. 300 • 912.330.8801 seoralsurgery.com

WE ARE MOST PROUD OF: Southeastern Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Associates serving the community – and our outstanding track record of quality patient care – for more than 50 years!

AFFILIATIONS:

OUR MOST REWARDING MOMENTS AS SURGEONS ARE: Healing our patients in hospitals and our SOMSA offices.

WE GIVE BACK TO THE COMMUNITY BY: Sponsoring and participating in health and wellness events, donating pediatric and adult dental services and providing dental-related continuing education courses, training and seminars to the community.

A DAY DOESN’T GO BY THAT WE DON’T: Feel grateful to help and serve our patients!

THE LAST BOOK I READ WAS: The Storyteller: Tales of Life and Music by musician and Foo Fighters founder David Grohl, a great read that showcases that true success is not about money or fame. – Damron YOU’D NEVER GUESS THAT: I played baseball for four years in college. – Pesto

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Erika Morrow, OD, MS MEDICAL DEGREE: Doctor of Optometry, Master of Vision Science

American Optometric Association and Georgia Optometric Association AFFILIATIONS:

FORSIGHT UNIQUE EYE CARE & EYE WEAR 350 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.

912.483.6600 forsighteye.net

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I’M A LEADING EXPERT IN: specialty contact lenses including medically necessary and myopia control.

I WAS ATTRACTED TO THIS FIELD OF MEDICINE: because I get to help people see their very best every single day.

I’M MOST EXCITED ABOUT: the technology that I’ve invested in that allows me to fit advanced specialty contact lenses. Patients who have corneal conditions such as keratoconus, astigmatism or scarring can have 20/20 vision again with specialty contact lenses. I am the only provider in this region who has an Eaglet Surface Profilometer. This technology scans the surface of the eye, taking more than 350,000 measurements in one image, allowing me to customize a specialty lens to fit your eye exactly.

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MY MOST REWARDING MOMENT AS A DOCTOR WAS: fitting an electrician who suffered from severe keratoconus with a custom scleral lens. He saw 20/20 for the first time in his life. Prior to being referred to me, he was wearing a soft contact lens that provided his good eye with 20/50 vision and his bad eye was only correctable to count fingers!

IF I WASN’T A DOCTOR, I WOULD BE: a professional organizer.

I WISH MORE OF MY PATIENTS WOULD: value their eyes more.

Saving money is important, but clear, comfortable vision should be a priority when choosing contact lenses or glasses.

Plus, glasses and contacts are the only accessory that you wear every single day (for one to two years) that are fashionable and functional. Choose wisely!

David S. Oliver, MD, FACS, FAAOA MEDICAL DEGREE: Medical University of South Carolina, College of Medicine RESIDENCY:

Medical College of Virginia

AFFILIATIONS:

St. Joseph’s/Candler

COASTAL EAR, NOSE & THROAT SAVANNAH: 322 Commercial Drive 912.355.2335 200 Blue Moon Crossing 912.450.2336

POOLER:

coastal-ent.com facebook.com/drdavidoliver

I’M A LEADING EXPERT IN: balloon sinuplasty, a minimally invasive procedure for relieving sinusitis. I have performed more than 200 of these in-office procedures since its inception in 2011. When compared to traditional sinus surgery, balloon sinuplasty is less invasive, has less bleeding and offers a faster recovery period. Most people can return to work in a few days rather than a week or so. If you are suffering from chronic sinusitis and are not responding to medical treatment, we can help you.

I AM PASSIONATE ABOUT: building a foundation of trust and fostering strong doctor-patient relationships. A commitment to educate and empower my patients in their healthcare is one of the cornerstones of our practice. In order to give my patients the best care, I must first listen to their needs.

I’M MOST EXCITED ABOUT: the addition of our CT scanner, the 3D Accuitomo 170 ENT, which delivers a high level of clarity and visualizes paranasal sinus and temporal bones at a much lower radiation dosage than conventional CT scans. The new service has increased patient satisfaction and retention with the ability to scan, diagnose and plan treatment in one visit.

WE OFFER: a myriad of services including treating common adult and pediatric ENT conditions like allergic rhinitis, chronic sinusitis, deviated septums, thyroid disorders, snoring and sleep apnea and balance issues.

We also provide hearing loss evaluations and can help patients with hearing aids and more. ENT disorders can interfere with an individual’s quality of life and, if left untreated, can lead to more permanent damage.

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Keith A. Kirby, MD QUALIFICATIONS: Diplomate of the American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation BOARD CERTIFICATIONS: Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Pain Medicine

SAVANNAH PAIN MANAGEMENT, INC. 8 Wheeler St. 912.352.4340 SavannahPainManagement.com

I AM A LEADING EXPERT IN: nonsurgical treatment of pain. Our staff understands the suffering caused by pain. We are committed to relieving your suffering so that you may return to a more active lifestyle.

WHATEVER YOU DO, DON’T: suffer from pain needlessly. If you suffer from pain that does not resolve itself in four to six weeks, ask your doctor to refer you to a physician who is board certified in pain medicine.

OUR SERVICES INCLUDE: pain treatment from degenerative disc disease, disc herniation, arthritis of the spine, SI (sacroiliac) joint problems, sciatica, peripheral neuropathy, shingles, reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD) and other causes of persistent pain.

ASK YOUR DOCTOR ABOUT: nonsurgical treatment options for degenerative disc disease and disc herniation of your neck and back. Ninety percent of those with a herniated disc will improve within six months after nonsurgical treatment.

MY TRAINING ENABLES ME TO: construct a rehabilitation plan designed to return you to those activities that your pain prevents you from doing.

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Carl B. Pearl MD RESIDENCY: Medical College of Georgia (General Surgery)

University of Tennessee Memphis (Plastic Surgery)

FELLOWSHIP:

AFFILIATIONS:

Medical College of Georgia

CHATHAM PLASTIC SURGERY 8 Stephenson Ave. 912.446.1985 chathamplasticsurgery.com @chathamplasticsurgery

I’M A LEADING EXPERT IN: facelift and breast augmentation.

MY PATIENTS WOULD DESCRIBE MY BEDSIDE MANNER AS: caring and fun.

I’M MOST EXCITED ABOUT: facelift techniques that minimize downtime and still provide lasting results.

MY FAVORITE WAY TO STAY FIT IS: swimming and pilates.

I KNEW I WANTED TO BE A DOCTOR WHEN: my mother survived breast cancer.

I always felt that her surgeon gave her time with me.

MY MOST REWARDING MOMENT AS A DOCTOR WAS: taking care of a dear colleague’s wife.

I’M MOST PROUD OF: knowing that my patients know I care about them.

ONE PERSON I WOULD LIKE TO HAVE DINNER WITH IS: Stevie Nicks. It seems the ideal opportunity to ask her to marry me.

MY GUILTY PLEASURE IS: cheese.

A DAY DOESN’T GO BY THAT I DON’T: exercise at least a little.

YOU’D NEVER GUESS THAT: I am pretty good at bowling.

I ENJOY VOLUNTEERING FOR: Savannah Children’s Theater.

ONE THING I WOULD TELL AN ASPIRING FUTURE DOCTOR: is to aspire to be great. You might not get there, but it is pretty hard to be mediocre when you’re trying to be great.

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Yulianty Kusuma, MD, FACP American Board of Internal Medicine

CERTIFICATION:

INTERNAL MEDICINE OF SAVANNAH 6413 Waters Ave., Ste. 102 912.349.6624 internalmedicineofsavannah.com

WE FOCUS ON: adult medicine. We diagnose and treat diseases in adults and manage chronic diseases. Preventative care is also an important part of our practice — updating vaccines, doing annual wellness exams, recommending cancer screenings, encouraging healthy lifestyle habits and working with patients to help control risk factors such as elevated blood pressure, obesity, elevated blood sugars and high cholesterol. We establish a partnership with our patients for lifelong health, working closely with them throughout the ups and downs of life to keep them in the best health.

We strive to help patients improve their quality of life and achieve their wellness goals.

OUR HEALTH MISSION: is to put your healing needs first. We are proud to provide a high quality level of customer service, medical experience and commitment to health and wellness to all our patients. Our

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goal is to make you feel better as quickly as possible.

MY MOST REWARDING MOMENT AS A DOCTOR WAS: during the COVID shutdown. I saw grandparents talking to grandchildren across the fence because the facility prohibited visitors. After that, I worked with the health department to become one of the first solo practitioners who provided COVID vaccines in Savannah. The rewarding moment was when one of the elderly patients who had received a second dose of vaccine proudly waved the vaccine card and said, “Now I can hug my grandchildren.”

MY FAVORITE WAY TO STAY FIT IS: also my favorite way to relax – swimming.

MY MESSAGE OF WELLBEING IS: eat healthy, exercise routinely, get a good night’s sleep, stay positive and be kind to others.

Mark Manocha, MD MEDICAL DEGREE:

Louisiana State University

POST GRADUATE TRAINING:

Baylor College

of Medicine

FELLOWSHIP:

Medical College of Georgia

GEORGIA EYE INSTITUTE 4720 Waters Ave. 912.354.4800 gaeyeinstitute.com

I’M A LEADING EXPERT IN: cataract and refractive surgery.

MY FAVORITE WAY TO RELAX IS: spending time with my children.

I WAS ATTRACTED TO THIS FIELD OF MEDICINE: because I enjoy helping people see our beautiful world more clearly and appreciate God’s handiwork.

IF I WASN’T A DOCTOR, I WOULD BE: a farmer.

I KNEW I WANTED TO BE A DOCTOR WHEN: I was about 12 years old. I went on a mission trip with my uncle who was doing cataract surgery in the Himalayas.

MY FAVORITE WAY TO STAY FIT IS: running and doing triathlons.

MY FAVORITE MEAL IN SAVANNAH: is the blackened salmon paired with an old fashioned at Lili’s Restaurant and Bar on Wilmington Island.

I ENJOY VOLUNTEERING THROUGH: mission work, doing eye surgeries in Africa and South America.

THE LAST BOOK I READ WAS: Spycatcher, because I love history, espionage and the British Secret Intelligence Service.

THREE FOODS THAT CAN IMPROVE YOUR HEALTH ARE: green leafy vegetables, nuts and fish.

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Daniel K. Mullady, MD MEDICAL DEGREE: University of Connecticut School of Medicine

Boston University Medical Center (Internal Medicine)

RESIDENCY:

University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (Gastroenterology), Massachusetts General Hospital/Brigham and Women’s Hospital (Advanced Endoscopy)

FELLOWSHIP:

AFFILIATIONS: American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, American Gastroenterological Association, American College of Gastroenterology

THE CENTER FOR DIGESTIVE & LIVER HEALTH 1139 Lexington Ave. 912.303.4200 savannahgi.com

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I’M A LEADING EXPERT IN: interventional endoscopy.

AS AN INTERVENTIONAL ENDOSCOPIST: I perform endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) procedures, radiofrequency ablation for dysplastic Barrett’s esophagus, endoscopic mucosal resection, endoscopic submucosal dissection, enteral stenting, drainage of peripancreatic fluid collections and endoscopic management of necrotizing pancreatitis and insertion of feeding tubes.

I WAS ATTRACTED TO THIS FIELD OF MEDICINE: because it entails multiple organ systems, is procedure-focused, and there are lots of innovations happening, including the ability to help patients with less invasive procedures than surgery.

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MY PATIENTS WOULD DESCRIBE MY BEDSIDE MANNER AS: caring and informative. I always try to get patients to smile.

I’M MOST EXCITED ABOUT: continuous advances in technique and technology that are allowing for more procedures to be done endoscopically without the need for surgery.

MY FAVORITE WAY TO STAY FIT IS: running and cycling.

I WISH MORE OF MY PATIENTS WOULD STOP: smoking.

ONE THING I WOULD TELL AN ASPIRING FUTURE DOCTOR: is to shadow a doctor and really understand what the dayto-day aspects of medicine involve before making the commitment.

Paige Marnell, MD & Chad J. Brock, MD University of Oklahoma College of Medicine (Brock); New York Medical College (Marnell)

MEDICAL DEGREES:

RESIDENCIES: Medical University of South Carolina, Institute of Psychiatry (Brock); University of Chicago (Marnell)

University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center (Marnell)

FELLOWSHIP:

BOARD CERTIFICATIONS:

General Psychiatry

(Brock); FAPA (Marnell) SPECIALTY:

Addiction Psychiatry (Marnell)

SHRINK SAVANNAH SAVANNAH: 1601 Abercorn St. POOLER:

114 Canal St., Ste. 301

912.712.2550 • shrinksavannah.com

MY AREAS OF EXPERTISE INCLUDE: mood and anxiety disorders and Ketamine therapy for treatment-resistant depression.

– Brock I MAY BE NEW TO SAVANNAH, BUT: I have been practicing for more than 10 years in the Denver, Colorado, area. – Marnell

for treatment-resistant depression. With the addition of more therapists and physician assistants to our team, we are able to offer Ketamine-assisted therapy as well as Ketamine-infusion treatments. Many patients state their experience teaches them to reframe the way they perceive their stress or anxiety. – Brock

MY PHILOSOPHY WHEN IT COMES TO MEDICINE: is that you must start by establishing a good relationship with the patient. – Brock

WHEN I’M NOT IN THE OFFICE: I enjoy hiking, boating, drinking copious amounts of coffee and doing yoga and meditation.

– Marnell

I’M PASSIONATE ABOUT: educating physicians-in-training and serving as a community advocate for the expansion of addiction treatment in the Savannah area.

– Marnell

I’M MOST PROUD OF: my team at Shrink Savannah. I’ve been fortunate to have the best and the brightest work for my practice.

From our administrative team to our psychotherapists and mid-level providers, we work hard to ensure our patients experience superior customer service and have a safe and comfortable visit to our office. – Brock

OUR PRACTICE CONTINUES TO BE A LEADER IN THIS AREA FOR: alternatives

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Shrink Savannah Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies from South University (Hilliard, Triplett, Stearns and Yates); Masters of Science in Nursing from Georgia Southern University (Mell)

MEDICAL DEGREES:

SAVANNAH: POOLER:

1601 Abercorn St.

114 Canal St., Ste. 301

912.712.2550 shrinksavannah.com Front, from left: Anna Hilliard, PA-C; Andrea Yates, PA-C; top: Heather Mell, NP-C; Lydia Stearns, PA-C; Kristy Triplett, PA-C; not pictured: Calysta Tilley, PA-C

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I AM MOST EXCITED ABOUT: the use of Botox for the treatment of depression.

Psychiatry is experiencing a major paradigm shift. No longer is depression a disease of norepinephrine and serotonin deficiency.

Today, we are exploring inflammation, methylation, epigenetics and neuroplasticity as major players, and we are using innovative treatment interventions such as ketamine, magnets, psilocin, anti-inflammatories and even botulinum toxin. – Triplett THE MOST REWARDING PART OF PATIENT CARE IS: helping people. It’s nice to reassure patients that they are not alone in their mental and emotional health crisis and to give them a hand toward a better life and see many come through to the other side feeling hopeful and more positive. – Stearns … Yes, it’s great to be able to give patients hope again by having the ability to offer innovative treatment options. – Mell

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WHEN I’M NOT AT WORK: I am likely spending time with my husband and two young children. We love spending time outside, either near the water or in the country. Working part time at Shrink Savannah has provided me the opportunity to be more present with both my family at home and my patients in the practice. – Yates WHAT I LOVE MOST ABOUT MY JOB: is being a part of a team who is actively working to nullify the stigma attached to mental illness. – Mell I AM THRILLED: to have joined the Shrink Savannah team recently. – Hilliard WHAT I LOVE MOST ABOUT THIS FIELD: are the new treatments that we at Shrink Savannah are interested in pursuing, like using psychedelics as a way to help patients get the relief and recovery they need. – Stearns

Gina & Kevin Gierc GHC HOSPICE, OWNERS 7130 Hodgson Memorial Drive, Ste. 201 912.355.0000 888.507.7696 ghchospice.com

TOGETHER, WE FOUNDED: GHC Hospice with the goal of improving the accessibility and quality of care available to those who live in rural areas across Georgia and South Carolina. As Chief Executive Officer, Gina has held executive level positions at a few of the largest care providers in the nation and brings this expertise to GHC. As Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer, Kevin has more than 25 years of business experience with an MBA focused on operational excellence.

WHAT WE DO IS INVALUABLE BECAUSE: being diagnosed with a lifelimiting illness is a difficult time for any family. At GHC, we will advise you of options that may provide you or your loved one with the ability to experience hospice as a means of living and not dying. Whether you live in a skilled nursing facility, a friend’s or family member’s home or the house you’ve

been living in for many years, our services help you or your loved ones make the most out of each day. We focus on not only the physical needs related to illness, but also the emotional and spiritual needs that arise when faced with a terminal illness.

YOU SHOULD TRUST IN GHC HOSPICE BECAUSE: we find the best staff in the communities we serve who are passionate about being the best hospice company around. We do this through a patient-centered focus that means never compromising on patient care. At GHC Hospice, we carefully select our staff based on their education and experience, but each must demonstrate compassion and empathy! Our caregivers provide the care and compassion needed to ensure our patients live their final days with the respect and dignity they deserve.

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Chatterbox Pediatric Therapy POOLER:

110 Pipemakers Circle, Ste. 115 • 912.988.1526

RICHMOND HILL:

2453G, U.S. 17 S. • 912.445.5612

chatterboxpeds.com Front row, seated: Beth Fleming and Therapy Dog in Training (TDiT) Ellie; middle, from left: Sandra Mullis, Lindsey Cavender, Danielle Martin, Brittany Tyler, Karen Bessinger, Kayla Miller, Courtney Dralle, Jasmine Davis, Jenna Rose and TDiT Maggie; back row, from left: Kristen Warren, Tim Fleming, Amber Oland, Crystal Dunkle, Taylor Faust, Haley Townsend, Larie Vaus, Laura Milhouse, Kate Stenz, Candace Christianson and LeAnn Chavis

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WE’RE EXPERTS IN: pediatric occupational, speech and physical therapy. Our mission is to help children reach their fullest potential, and that is what we strive to do every day at Chatterbox.

OUR APPROACH TO THERAPY IS: to meet each child where they are at and focus on their strengths to help them improve in the areas where they are weaker.

OUR MOST REWARDING MOMENTS AS THERAPISTS AND STAFF IN AN OUTPATIENT PEDIATRIC THERAPY CLINIC ARE: when we see a child meet a milestone. The pride they exhibit when

they finally do something they have worked so hard at is priceless, and the joy on their families’ faces is so rewarding.

A DAY DOESN’T GO BY THAT WE DON’T: play with bubbles! Even in the midst of COVID, we adapted to use bubble machines so that we could still incorporate them into our therapy sessions.

PARENTS OFTEN ASK US: how long their child will need therapy. Although we wish we had a crystal ball, this is a very difficult thing to predict. Consistent attendance of therapy sessions and working on the skills targeted at home

can greatly impact time in therapy. We know that families are so busy, and it can be a great challenge to find time to fit in homework. Our clinicians always try their best to make home exercise programs simple and functional enough to incorporate into their daily routines.

WE WISH MORE PARENTS KNEW: to trust their gut. If you feel that your child’s development is not on track, speak with your pediatrician about options. The earlier children can begin therapy to address delays will greatly impact their progress toward reaching those fundamental skills.

WE LOVE SUPPORTING LOCAL NONPROFITS: by participating in all kinds of community events. Some of our favorites are the SD Gunner Fund FORE Paws Golf Tournament, AMBUCS Celebrity Bowlapalooza, Sailing Regatta for Children with Autism and the Lowcountry Down Syndrome Society’s Buddy Walk.

OUR FAVORITE WAYS TO RELAX ARE: being outdoors and active. We have quite a few runners on staff who are always training for a race. We also love getting out and enjoying this lovely city we live in — whether at the beach, on a boat or walking around beautiful downtown Savannah.

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Dacy Weiss RN, BSN CREDENTIALS: State Board of Nursing (Georgia), Advanced and Basic Cardiac Life Support ORGANIZATIONS: American Society of Plastic Surgical Nurses, American Nursing Association

SAVANNAH FACIAL PLASTIC SURGERY 5356 Reynold St., Ste. 510 912.844.4880 nursedacy.com linktr.ee/nursedacy

I BEGAN MY CAREER IN AESTHETIC NURSING: in 2008 in Beverly Hills – the land of beauty and glam. I knew I had found my passion! After spending several years training with some of the best and gaining invaluable knowledge, I moved back to my hometown, Savannah, to be an nurse injector.

Keeping up with him allows me to not only make priceless memories but it also keeps me moving.

I’M A LEADING EXPERT IN: all things lips!

Filler, makeup, décor – just look at my office.

I WISH MORE PEOPLE KNEW: my philosophy on cosmetic injectables. Start slow; get to know your injector; let your injector get to know you and your beauty goals and reach them together.

I WAS ATTRACTED TO THIS AREA OF MEDICINE: because of the feeling I got helping a patient achieve a desired look or experience a new-found confidence.

I’M PROUD OF: being named as one of the Top 100 Best Aesthetic Injectors in America.

MY FAVORITE WAY TO STAY FIT IS: being on the constant go as a mom to a wonderfully energetic, inquisitive little boy.

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I GIVE BACK TO OUR COMMUNITY BY: supporting local pet rescue and adoption groups. I love animals, especially cats.

DON’T BELIEVE THE HYPE, DO: your research when it comes to social media trends. If you’re considering cosmetic treatments or procedures, leave it to (and ask) properly trained medical professionals.

I ENJOY: soaking up all the beauty and fun that coastal Georgia has to offer my family.

Savannah Facial Plastic Surgery 5356 Reynold St., Ste. 510 912.644.0744 savannahfacialplasticsurgery.com @briannainsavannah From left: Dacy Gaston-Weiss, RN; Brianna Sapp, MSN, APRN, FNP-C; Jason Cook, LPN, Clinical Nurse; Kim Richardson, Licensed Aesthetician, Certified Assistant Laser Practitioner

I WAS ATTRACTED TO THIS AREA OF MEDICINE: because making someone feel more confident in their own skin is indescribable. Knowing I play a small role in someone’s confidence is worth all the hard work it took me to get here! – Sapp

The airbrushed look that you see on social media is a filter. Real skin has imperfections. – Richardson Wear sunscreen and encourage others to wear sunscreen. We see numerous cases of facial cancers daily. – Cook

I’M MOST EXCITED ABOUT: the constant developments with nonsurgical treatments. I like the idea of being part of an ever-evolving industry with room to grow. – Richardson

MY MOST REWARDING MOMENTS AS A MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL ARE: participating in clearing cancer and reconstructing facial defects. Patients come in for consults often in tears, but seeing them at their last post-operative visit with tears of joy and giving hugs is incredibly rewarding. – Sapp

MY FAVORITE WAYS TO RELAX ARE: being on the water and boating with friends. – Cook I WISH MORE OF MY PATIENTS WOULD: Not Google anything before coming to appointments. Often, there are many variables involved and may not be pertinent to what you read on the internet. – Sapp Realize that real skin has texture.

IF I WASN’T IN MEDICINE, I WOULD BE: a flight attendant. I love to travel and meet new people. – Cook THREE FOODS THAT CAN IMPROVE YOUR HEALTH ARE: avocados, blueberries and beets. – Richardson

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Hospice Savannah 1352 Eisenhower Drive 912.355.2289 hospicesavannah.org From left: Hayda Perdue, MD, Hospice Savannah Medical Director; Kathleen Benton, DrPH, President and CEO; and Amy Rak, MD, Palliative Care Medical Director

OUR GOAL IS: to provide the right care in the right place at the right time.

I AM A LEADING EXPERT IN: the ethics of clinical care and what it means to be a true patient advocate. – Dr. Benton I CHOSE: hospice and palliative care medicine because I knew that I could make a difference in people’s lives. By communicating in a way that they can relate to as well as managing symptoms patients have a better quality of life, and, as a result, improved time with the people they love the most. – Dr. Rak I WAS DRAWN TO HOSPICE BECAUSE: it considers the needs of the family as well as the patient and fills a need that is growing more acute as the population ages. – Dr. Perdue

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I ABSOLUTELY LOVE: medicine. In this field, I am honored to care for the most complex patients when they are most vulnerable and in their greatest time of need. – Dr. Rak NOT A DAY GOES BY THAT: I don’t hear from a family member that they had not expected the treatment received here. Most seem to have anticipated a colder, clinical environment rather than the depth of care that we are able to provide. – Dr. Perdue I WISH OUR PATIENTS AND FAMILIES KNEW: that Hospice Savannah can be a resource and a support for people in this community at the very beginning of an illness. This is an organization founded by our community to help people live for many years and through challenges, whether caregiving or living with an illness. – Dr. Benton

Pearl Medesthetics at Chatham Plastic Surgery THE TEAM:

Kayman Griffin, LE, MUA: 1 year of spa and skin care experience Michelle Turley, LE, LACLP: 33 years of spa and medical skin care experience Megan Waltemyer, LE, LACLP: 4 years of spa and medical skin care experience 8 Stephenson Ave. 912.446.1985 chathamplasticsurgery.com @chathamplasticsurgery

WE’RE EXPERTS IN: medical skin care protocols, facials, cosmetic laser procedures and medical skin-treatment devices.

OUR PATIENTS WOULD DESCRIBE OUR PRACTICE AS: a blend of physician and esthetician treatments addressing aging, redness and pigment for correction and prevention as well as long-term skin and body maintenance for our cosmetic surgery patients. We also hear that we have a lot of fun. We admit, you are most likely to hear laughter in our hallways daily. Our staff loves what we do, enjoys working together and is passionate about helping our patients get the healthy, glowing skin they desire.

YOU’D NEVER GUESS THAT WE: all have green eyes. We did not plan that!

OUR PATIENTS OFTEN ASK US: why we don’t have a treatment menu. We build treatment protocols specifically for the individual patient taking into account the current condition of their skin, their personal goals and medical history. Each appointment works on the current skin condition and long-term goals. So, rather than have specific menu treatments, we pull from our comprehensive selection of products, devices and experience to create a unique and impactful experience at every appointment.

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Precision Wellness by TACKL Health From left: Founders Curtis Faircloth, CEO; Kellie Huff, COO; and Lauren Hetzel, Chief Development Officer

4511 Habersham St., Ste. 201 • Habersham Village 912.777.6002 • precisionbytackl.com OUR PHILOSOPHY ON HEALTH IS: one size doesn’t fit all. We start with an easy, in-depth analysis based on biometric or DNA assessments to learn exactly what your body needs. These unique results will guide us to the services and programs that will work best for your body.

WE ARE MOST EXCITED ABOUT: the accessibility of cuttingedge technologies that previously were only available in a medical setting or to professional athletes to help reverse aging, promote peak performance and prevent illness.

WE LOVE TO: stay fit. Kellie’s an avid Hydrower – you can even take Hydrow sessions at Precision. Curtis loves yoga, and Lauren loves Pilates. However, as a mom to 4-year-old Jack, she spends more time wrangling him than on the Reformer these days.

YOU’D NEVER GUESS THAT WE: became the second-largest in-airport COVID testing company in the U.S. Now, we’re opening wellness optimization stores in airports across the country through our brand TACKL Health. Within these locations, you’ll find many of Precision’s cutting-edge services to quickly recharge your body.

Rita Slatus, Executive Director BUCKINGHAM SOUTH 5450 Abercorn St. 912.355.5550 buckinghamsouth.com ASSISTED LIVING FACILITIES: address both the health care needs as well as the social and emotional well-being of each resident. An assisted-living community will provide medication monitoring, daily housekeeping, transportation and stimulating recreational, social and cultural activities.

WHAT SETS BUCKINGHAM SOUTH APART: is the unparalleled, personalized approach, tailored to provide the highest quality of health care and medical attention.

Buckingham South is able to provide continuity of care as one’s medical needs increase. Twenty-four-hour, around-the-clock nursing care including a full-time registered nurse, licensed medical technicians, certified nursing assistants, a medical director and security are all on call to ensure the finest care.

Because Buckingham South is locally owned and operated, management is on location 24/7 to address family questions and concerns and to ensure the highest level of individualized attention. Buckingham South is truly Savannah’s finest assisted living community!

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Walker T. Pendarvis, DMD, MHS EDUCATION: Medical University of South Carolina; College of Dental Medicine, Charleston, South Carolina; Postgraduate Residency in Periodontics MEDICAL DEGREE: Doctor of Dental Medicine (Summa Cum Laude) and Master of Health Sciences (Summa Cum Laude) BOARD CERTIFICATION: Diplomate of the American Academy of Periodontology ORGANIZATIONS: American Dental Association, American Academy of Periodontics, Georgia Society of Periodontists, Georgia Dental Association, American Dental Society of Anesthesiology, Academy of Osseointegration

COASTAL DENTAL SURGERY, LLC 6600 Abercorn St., Ste. 204 912.349.3259 • CoastalDentalSurgery.com

I’M A LEADING EXPERT IN: implant dentistry, surgical extractions, ridge/sinus augmentation, soft tissue (gum) grafting, dental surgery, periodontal disease treatment and IV sedation. My team and I provide the highest level of innovation and surgical experience while utilizing technological advances such as in-office 3D imaging to ensure absolute diagnostic accuracy and patient safety.

MY APPROACH IS DIFFERENT BECAUSE: I spend quality time listening to each patient to fully understand their concerns and needs.

After performing a comprehensive clinical and radiographic examination, we then discuss best treatment options to achieve a successful outcome. I am passionate about providing minimally invasive procedures to reduce post-surgical issues so patients can enjoy their lives.

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

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Mark N. Dye, DMD MEDICAL DEGREE: Tufts University School of Dental Medicine RESIDENCY: Tufts University School of Dental Medicine

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

MARK N. DYE, DMD LLC 310 Eisenhower Drive, Building 14 912.355.2424 thesavannahdentist.com

MY APPROACH TO DENTISTRY IS: a conservative approach. My patients know that they will not have to deal with high-pressure sales and excessive treatment plans.

MY PATIENTS WOULD DESCRIBE MY CHAIRSIDE MANNER AS: professional, knowledgeable and caring with a sense of humor.

I LOVE SINKING MY TEETH INTO: tableside guacamole, shrimp tacos and a spicy margarita at Tequila’s Town.

ADD YEARS TO YOUR LIFE BY: brushing and flossing twice a day!

AFTER A STRESSFUL DAY, I UNWIND BY: hopping on my bicycle for a leisurely ride around the many bike trails at The Landings on Skidaway Island.

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WE ARE PROUD TO BE: truly state-ofthe-art! We are constantly redefining exceptional dentistry with the latest dental technology. We are one of four regional dentists to use an iTero Scanner for digital impressions. This means no more mouthfuls of goo.

MY DENTISTRY PHILOSOPHY: is if it isn’t broken, then don’t fix it! We take pride in offering quality cosmetic and general dentistry to our patients, but one of the things our patients seem to appreciate most is that we do not push unwanted procedures on them.

Savannah Dental AFFILIATIONS: Academy of General Dentistry, American Academy of Clear Aligners, American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, American Dental Association, Georgia Dental Association SAVANNAH:

815 E. 68th St.

RICHMOND HILL:

12650 Ga. 144

912.355.8821 savannah.dental From left: Robert Redenz, DDS; Briana Amos, DMD; Kevin Dickinson, DDS; Stephanie Joy Sweeney, DMD; Spencer Smith, DMD; and Mackenzy Tomlin, LME

OUR MISSION: is to give people the confidence to smile. A smile puts others at ease, and smiling releases neuropeptides to help fight off stress and make you feel good. Plus, your smile is contagious, causing others to unconsciously smile and get those neuropeptide effects, too!

IF A PERSON ISN’T HAPPY WITH THEIR SMILE: then they won’t share it with the world.

YOU’D NEVER GUESS THAT: we also have a full-service esthetician on our team. With Mackenzy, we can truly offer complete smile rejuvenation including dental esthetics, lip filler, laser skin services, microneedling and more. A confident smile doesn’t end with the teeth themselves. We work together as a team to create confidence in our patients.

THE LAST BOOK WE READ AS A TEAM WAS: The Checklist Manifesto. It was

interesting to learn how hospitals have decreased their surgical post-op issues by implementing checklists. We have followed suit by implementing many checklists to ensure that we provide the best long-term successes to our patients.

WE TRULY CARE ABOUT: our community.

Our annual charity golf tournament benefits Oatland Island Wildlife Center and has raised more than $25,000 to help support this unique organization. We love supporting our environment and the children of Savannah, Richmond Hill and the surrounding areas.

We also recycle our gloves and masks.

Yes, this costs us more, but we believe in being a responsible company so that future generations can enjoy this beautiful world.

WE WANT OUR TEAM: to enjoy their time in the office and go home smiling, excited about the good they did for others and each other.

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Roy D. Maynard Jr., DDS MEDICAL DEGREE: Doctor of Dental Surgery at Howard University College of Dentistry RESIDENCY: General Practice Residency at Brooklyn Hospital Center

American Dental Association, Georgia Dental Association, Savannah Dental Society and National Dental Association

AFFILIATIONS:

GEORGETOWN FAMILY DENTAL 821 King George Blvd.

912.927.8484 georgetownfamilydental.com

OUR PHILOSOPHY IS: always putting the patient’s needs first. We value patient comfort in the office and find that a relaxing environment helps relieve patient anxiety.

WE ARE MOST EXCITED ABOUT: our new CBCT (cone beam computed tomography) machine, which allows us to take 2D and 3D facial scans for our patients. This technology gives us very clear images and data to develop realistic and quality patient treatment plans.

MY MOST REWARDING MOMENTS AS A DENTIST ARE: when I get to see my patients regain their confidence after adjusting their smile appearance. It is amazing to see patients thrive when they are proud of their teeth and smile.

I’M MOST PROUD OF: my team at Georgetown Family Dental. God has truly

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blessed me to be surrounded by team members who genuinely care about people and are just as passionate as I am about providing an understanding, judgement-free dental care in a relaxing environment.

OUR PATIENTS OFTEN ASK US: if they are a candidate for dental implants. Successful implantation starts with a thorough evaluation of the jaw, mouth and overall health. Most of our dental implants are placed right in our office and can be done in the same day.

ONE THING I WOULD TELL AN ASPIRING FUTURE DENTIST: is that continuing education is paramount.

WHEN I AM NOT IN THE OFFICE: I am spending time with my family, building something with my dad, studying charts for my next flight in a Cessna 172 or dancing with my wife.

Scott Cohen, DDS MEDICAL DEGREE:

University of Tennessee,

Memphis

Southeast District Dental Society, Georgia Dental Association, American Dental Association, Georgia Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry ORGANIZATIONS:

AREAS OF CONCENTRATION: Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental Sleep Medicine, Invisalign and Implant Restoration

COHEN DENTAL 310 Eisenhower Drive, Building 2 912.353.9533 savannahdentalcentre.com

MY APPROACH TO PATIENT CARE: My family has been in the retail business in Alma for nearly 100 years. Growing up and working in the store — starting at age 6 — I learned the value of stellar customer service from my grandfather and father. They said, being fair, selling quality products and treating customers as if they were family will keep them coming back. Being a dentist isn’t much different. I’m selling myself and my skills to gain my patients’ trust and confidence.

That’s how I have built my practice for more than 30 years, and the fact that I am now treating four generations of some families proves what I learned was true. I’m proud to display the original 1940s Cohen’s sign in my office hallway, a continual reminder to me of the lessons I learned — treat people right, and they’ll keep coming back!

MY TEAM AND I FREQUENTLY: attend continuing education courses to keep our

office up to date on the newest changes in dental technology and techniques in dental medicine.

I KNEW I WANTED TO BE A DENTIST WHEN: my godmother gave me a junior dentist kit at age 8. I loved the tools and the aluminum foil shavings for filling the cavities!

I SUPPORT MY COMMUNITY BY: donating and raising funds for local, national and international charities. We have challenged our Facebook following to raise money for Greenbriar Children’s Center Christmas fund, and we also raise money for Ronald McDonald House Charities at its Wine, Women and Shoes annual event.

I WISH MORE OF MY PATIENTS WOULD: understand how important oral health is to their overall well-being.

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Savannah Health

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OPEN HEART DR. THOMAS JUI-TING YEH SAVED LIVE S AND INSPIRED HIS CHILDREN Written by SEVYN MICHAELA-ROSE WATERS

“HE NEVER IDENTIFIED HIMSELF as a surgeon,” says Dr. Jennifer Yeh, an interventional cardiologist at Memorial Health University, about her father. “He never identified himself as a doctor. He’d say, ‘My name is Tom Yeh.’” He wouldn't go out of his way to tell you, but Dr. Thomas Jui-Ting Yeh is a renowned Savannah surgeon who, for more than 50 years, laid graceful hands upon thousands of hearts. By performing the first open-heart surgery in Savannah in 1967 at Memorial Health and pioneering in the field of heart care, it’s no surprise the Georgia Medical Society recognized Yeh in 2019 with a Lifetime Achievement Award for his contributions to the welfare of the community. He was ahead of his time.

Yeh’s history as a Taiwanese citizen coming out of the disorder of World War II shaped his character. As a child, he would climb mango trees, read books, and coming from a family of traditional herbalist physicians, he became interested in how the human body works along the way.

“He loved physiology,” Jennifer recalls. “I think one of the best ways to see it in action is through surgery. You can touch and fix the organs and make the physiology function

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the way it’s supposed to. I think that’s what attracted him to it. It’s the science; and he is a perfectionist. Meticulous.

Incredibly gifted with his hands.”

Yeh’s childhood and education was temporarily interrupted when Japan tightened its grip on Taiwan during the war, and he was conscripted to work at a Japanese prison camp. Food was lacking and the work was grueling, but Yeh was determined, with a strong will to survive.

He more than survived. After graduating first in his class from the National Taiwan University, Yeh traveled to the U.S. to practice medicine in 1952 as the first Taiwanese physician. He secured an internship at St. Benedict’s Hospital in Utah followed by a residency at Louisville General Hospital in Kentucky where he met his wife Doris, an operating room nurse. Together, they moved to Augusta, Georgia, where Yeh studied at the Medical College of Georgia under Dr. Robert Gordon Ellison Sr., a giant of cardiothoracic surgery who performed the first openheart surgery in the Southeast.

There, Yeh and his wife had two children. Their third was born after they relocated to Savannah in 1967. All three children also became physicians; Dr. Thomas Yeh Jr. is a pediatric heart surgeon at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, Virginia, and Dr. Karen Yeh is a surgical oncologist at Piedmont Hospital in Augusta.

At Memorial Health, Yeh established the first open heart surgical program, recruiting Dr. Walker Beeson, an interventional cardiologist, who started the first cardiovascular consultants program in Savannah. During that time, heart cases required a massive preplanning effort. Because the operational procedures were new and the technology

primitive, Yeh frequently spent nights at the ICU to monitor recovering patients.

Since then, heart care has advanced tremendously with the improvement of the heart and lung machine, available medical therapies and invasive monitors.

Jennifer reflects on the patients who would stop by the dinner table when she was a child. In the middle of Savannah’s now-closed Johnny Harris Restaurant, they’d open their shirts, proudly present their scars and express their gratitude to her father.

“I don’t think he has any idea of the impact he’s had,” she says. “This is one of the things I love most about my dad.

He has a tremendous skillset, a brain bigger than anything I know of and yet, has more humility and more grace than I've ever known anyone to have. He truly touched their hearts.”

Despite working long hours in the hospital, Yeh’s relationship with his children remained strong. When Yeh wasn’t at the hospital, he made a point to spend quality time with his family.

“Dad would come in at 10 o’clock at night,” Jennifer recalls. “I’d be sitting there waiting with math and biology books open. He hadn’t even eaten, and he would sit down and help me.

Sometimes he would fall asleep while helping, but I would jostle him back up.”

Yeh saved countless lives during his 41-year tenure at Memorial Health while remaining an everpresent force in his family’s life. In his retirement, he spends time with his three grandchildren and, unable to let his steady hands go to waste, paints watercolors of Lowcountry landscapes and architectural buildings.

“He has grace in his hands,” Jennifer says. “He has grace in his affects, he has grace in his smile. Even behind a mask, it can light up a room.”

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Judges’ Choice Award Winners Phillip Scroggin and his instructor Rachael Moore, owner of Sálon de Baile Dance & Fitness Studio in Pooler.

Alzheimer’s Association Dancing with the Stars of Coastal Georgia Photo by ALEXANDER NEUMANN

MAY 21 Ten local celebrities paired with professional dancers left it all on the dance floor for an admirable cause: combating Alzheimer’s disease.

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Dancing with the Stars of Coastal Georgia

Gina and Damien Shields

Whitney Gilliard, Jermaine Kicklighter and Conni Reynolds

David and Michelle Pence and Greg Lard

Brandon and Kaleigh Turner

Becca Rivera and Jennifer Hagan

Greg and Julie Weber and Linda and Bill Clark

Catherine Otero and Chris Noel

Angel and Bill Sorochak and Janet Kolbush

Lila Duke, Maureen Cole and Lisa Puhala

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Wine, Women and Shoes MAY 12 Lily Higdon, Gabriy’ela Goodman, Kaylie Hunter and Megan Hollis

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Good things come in threes: wine, women, shoes.

The fourth? Funds raised for Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Coastal Empire at this fun event held at Kehoe Iron Works at Trustees’ Garden.

Liz Giddens and Carla Vignoul

Photography by ALEXANDER NEUMANN

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May/June Launch Party MAY 17 Our staff, supporters and contributors joined together for a festive fête to celebrate The Food Issue and Women in Business with bites and cocktails at The DeSoto Savannah’s 1540 Room and Edgar’s Proof & Provision.

Drs. Bill Griffin and M. Louise Walters

Holli Cranford and Hannah Mills

Heather Booth, Rob Poulsen, Rachel Umbreit and Kelli Weis Jeanine Thompson, Jennifer Fanning, Emily Doherty and Katharine Miller

Marjorie Young, Tanvi Chauhan and Mayra Smith

Jill Strauss, Matt Thompson, Catherine Cooper and Courtney Victor

Lisa Rosenmeier and Calli Smyre

Victoria Baylor and Maria Rogers

Photography by ALEXANDER NEUMANN

Liza DiMarco and Jayne Di Vincenzo

Renee Peterson, Jennifer Mullin and Rebecca Fallin

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Lindsay and Brandon Edwards, Sara Loveys, Rick Young, Lori Hocking, Meg and Will James

Darryl and Yvette Bowers and Sheree Darien

Lauren Wolverton and Cameron Scott

LEUKEMIA & LYMPHOMA SOCIETY

Man and Woman of the Year Finale Gala MAY 3 Dicky and Tania Mopper, Jennifer Smith and Jim Dixon

The Grand Finale Gala celebrated the hard work of 17 local business leaders and their teams (not to mention the $635,454 they raised for the LLS).

Melissa Kobi, Jessica Small, Heather Murphy and Mildred Paterewski Photography by ALEXANDER NEUMANN

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Katherine Poss, Amy B. Martin and Lillian Breitbart

Jacob Teston and Brooke Haws

Akino and Dionne Brown

SAVANNAH TREE FOUNDATION

Green Gala APR. 23

Joe Bush, Stephen Stanley and Jason Baggett Michael Foster, Melissa Foster, Darrell Kitchen

Under Tiedeman Park’s verdant canopy, gala-goers celebrated Savannah Tree Foundation’s 40th anniversary — and 40 years of growth.

Laurie and Jerame Humphries Photography by DOUG WINTERS

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2022 Georgia Trustees Dan Cathy and Shirley Franklin along with Gov. Brian Kemp and Georgia Historical Society President Dr. Todd Groce

Dr. Todd Groce, Ellen Bolch and Vincent Dooley

Rep. Calvin Smyre and Ed Bastian

GEORGIA HISTORICAL SOCIETY’S

Trustees Gala APR. 30

2021 Georgia Trustees Juanita Powell Baranco and David P. Abney along with Paul Bowers and Ed Bastian

The flower-filled affair at DeSoto Savannah recognized accomplished Georgia residents, including 2022 trustees Dan Cathy, chairman of Chick-fil-A, and Shirley Franklin, former mayor of Atlanta.

Photography courtesy of GEORGIA HISTORICAL SOCIETY

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SALTof the CITY

Weaving Life’s Reflections Written by JESSICA LEIGH LEBOS // Photography by KATIE McGEE

FIBER ARTIST SUZY HOKANSON goes with the flow.

As she entwines kaleidoscopic skeins of silk and wool onto her loom, she confesses she hasn’t used a pattern in decades, preferring to be pleasantly surprised by the freestyle design emerging from the threads.

“Water has always been an inspiration,” says the 75-year-old as she slides the wooden shuttle back and forth. “The way it moves and changes, how it carves patterns into the land, the reflections on it as the sun sets.”

From ripples in quiet lakes to the ocean’s gentle rhythm, her aquatic observations are as varied as her palette of yarn.

After raising four children and teaching art near the babbling brooks of upstate New York, Hokanson and her husband, Bob — whom she calls “Doc” — retired to Savannah in 2008 to bask in the mossdraped majesty of Wilmington Island and stroll the beaches of Tybee Island.

Doc took a part-time job as a lifeguard while Hokanson delved into her dream of creating art. She had written about the weavers of the Bauhaus movement for her Masters thesis in art history and became enraptured by the fiber traditions of Japan, where she spent several weeks exploring the culture and landscapes on a Fulbright Memorial Fund Scholarship.

With a Japanese Saori loom and a smaller hand loom, Hokanson began developing her own style by following the ebb and drift of her materials and tools.

She immersed herself in the local textile community, joining the Fiber Guild of the Savannahs (which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year) and dyeing her own yarns with indigo plants on Ossabaw and Daufuskie islands.

“Now that I finally have time to explore my passion for working with fibers, I’m seeing the potential of what they can be,” she explains, her bare feet tapping the loom’s treadles in symphony with her busy hands.

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Her projects range from small squares to larger banners that she incorporates into grand community projects, like her 2020 show at Sulfur Studios, where she asked friends to contribute found objects.

The sand dollars and oyster shells people brought were easy to weave into her work; the baseballs and Doc’s lifeguard floaties, not so much.

“I think they were trying to challenge me, but I did it,” she says, laughing. “I’m playing with pattern and texture and color all the time.”

Each piece is unique and often breathtaking; visitors to the Jepson Center gift shop can gape at the massive tree she fashioned out of wire, wool, cotton and Spanish moss. Her creations are also on display at Sulfur Studios and Gallery 209 as well as her Instagram page @suzyhok.

Of course, water must always be moving or it will stagnate. Every summer the artist trades in the tides of Tybee to return north to Lake Champlain, where she and Doc keep a 36-foot sailboat that this year they’ll share with Kaz, their 9-month-old Sheepadoodle.

Hokanson will continue to create on board, following the flow of her inspiration.

“I guess life is like weaving,” she muses as the beaters of her loom pull and clack, the rhythm reminiscent of waves on the shore. “You build it one row at a time.”

“Water has always been an inspiration. ... I’m playing with pattern and texture and color all the time.”

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Suzy works at the loom, adding sparkling accents of metallic thread to a sea of black and white.

Suzy’s dog, Kaz, is always at her side.

Both of Suzy’s looms showcase a work in progress — black, white and shades of grey create a soft palette for a wall hanging.

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