Editor’s Note A
lthough we’re down to our “winter weight” with regard to fewer pages, we’ve still managed to pack quite a bit into this issue and I wanted to comment on a few things. First I want to welcome Coastal Electric Cooperative as a new advertiser – and thank you Mark Bolton for making it happen! This is a great example of the connectivity in our coastal community. Although this isn’t a boating or marine-related business, their ad is relevant to our readers and our community as a whole. This is exactly the way I want businesses to look at advertising in Southern Tides. Even though we’re “all about the water” we still interact with, utilize and rely on plenty of other businesses outside of the marine industry. Finding and drawing on these connections brings us together and broadens our sense of community. What role does your business play in the coastal region? Can Southern Tides work with you? We’ve had a “first” this month. Aside from a couple photos with hands holding various sea life, this is the first time a human has ever been on the cover of Southern Tides. Mark Dodd, senior wildlife biologist with the GADNR, participated in rescuing a dolphin entangled in crab trap lines. He and the rest of the four-person team are proof that not all heroes wear capes. I find it fitting that the first person featured on the cover is someone who does so much for wildlife on our coast. Thank you, Mark! The story of that rescue and photos are on pages 12 and 13. It’s a good reminder that the DNR is more than just a law enforcement agency – they do amazing work, including protecting the animals we consider symbols of our coast. This reminds me of something Doug Haymans, director of the DNR Coastal Resources Division, said to me several years ago. “It’s our job to find a balance between nature and people.” It’s not an easy job and it’s often a thankless one, but the DNR staff continue to do it. Organizing events in today’s world is a risky endeavor, so putting together a fishing tournament wasn’t possible this year, but Fishin’ for Jamie organizer, Chris Caldwell, was determined to continue to raise money and awareness for skin cancer research. Check out the promotional spot on page 15 for the Fishin’ for Jamie Christmas Party, featuring a cornhole tournament, raffle, food and music, at Hogans’ Marina. We’ll see you there! You might have noticed this past couple months that we have a new regular column. The Riverkeeper Report brings you news from the five Riverkeepers on our coast, compiled by Meaghan Gerard, communications and administrative director for the Ogeechee Riverkeeper. Check this out each month for news, activities, and to stay up with the health of our local watersheds. Also this month, read about SCAD student, Abigail Askew, November 2021
Southern Tides Magazine
who recently won a $15,000.00 prize for her contest submission on recycling fishing line and soft baits. She’s also an angler and part of the bass fishing team at her school. You go Girl! Readers, we hear you! After the September issue came out, we had countless comments about how glad you were that we finally brought Taste of the Tides back. Unfortunately, I didn’t have anything planned for the October issue, but made sure we did this month with seafood dressing. In my house, dressing (and/or stuffing) doesn’t last long on Thanksgiving, so I usually make a couple pans of it, and a couple varieties, including this one. Going forward we’ll make sure we have a tasty seafood recipe for you each month, and you can help if you have a favorite seafood dish you’d like to share! I hope you all enjoy these stories and the rest. I also hope you find time each day, not just on Thanksgiving, to feel thankful for the good in your lives. I know I do. See you out there!
Amy Thurman
Editor in Chief amy@southerntidesmagazine.com
Happy Thanksgiving!
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