2 0 1 4 - 2 0 1 5 G u i d e t o B r y a n C o u n t y // R i c h m o n d H i l l // P e m b r o k e // E l l a b e l l
to Your guide
ES, CHURCHLS, SCHOO ENT M GOVERN e & mor
Activities Abound Enjoy recreation leagues, special events, sightseeing and the great outdoors
Growing Schools All you need to know
Meet Your Neighbors Who’s who in Bryan County
New to Coastal Living? Tips for hurricane season
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Located just south of Savannah in Richmond Hill, this community has many natural wonders, from canopies of grand oaks and navigable lagoons to wildlife habitats and marsh beds filled with fiddler crabs. You’ll also find captivating history, bike trails, a community garden, the WaterClub West Swim Pavilion for relaxing with friends, even a signature fishing experience created by T.V. personality Bill Dance. Come see for yourself why WaterWays Township was named 2013 Community of the Year by the Home Builders Association of Greater Savannah.
Custom homes from the low $300s, Cottage homes from the low $200s and Custom homesites starting in the low $60s. For more information visit WaterWaysTownship.com or call 912.445.0299. 2014 Savannah Land Holdings, LLC. The features and amenities described and depicted herein are based upon current development plans, which are subject to change without notice. Actual development may not be as currently proposed. No guarantee is made that the features, homes, amenities and facilities described will be built or, if built, will be of the same type, size or nature as described. To protect the privacy of our residents appointments are required to tour WaterWays Township.
Newcomers & Neighbors 2014-2015
HISTORY
COMMUNITY
16
42
Bryan County Event Highlights
43
Faces to Know
44
2014-2015 Calendar of Events
The History of Bryan County
GROWTH 18
Cities Work on Improvements to Expand and Grow
GOVERNMENT
ENVIRONMENT
45
22
EDUCATION
The Dolphin Project Celebrates 25 Years
SAFETY 26
Motor Vehicle Information
46
Bryan County School System Builds Enrollment and New Schools
50
New Student Enrollment Process
Preparing for the Worst
RECREATION 30
Activities Galore: County Offers Wide Variety of Recreation
36
Living on the Coast: County Offers Variety of Activities for the Outdoorsman
HEALTH 52
Staying Healthy in Bryan County
DIRECTORIES 54
Utilities
55
Public Safety
39
Places to Go
56
Recreation
40
Seafood Festival Brings Thousands to City
56
Clubs & Community Groups
58
County Government
59
Voter Registration Government Meetings
60
Education
61
Health
62
Family and Human Services
64
Churches
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ON THE COVER: The Strickland family aboard a boat in Fort McAllister Marina. Photo by Miranda Osborn/ CameraKoala Photography. NEWCOMERS & NEIGHBORS
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2014 -2015 GUIDE TO BRYA N COU NT Y
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OF FICE STA F F Business Manager: Kathryn Fox Distribution Manager: Johnny Brown Published by Bryan County News 10221 Ford Ave., Ste. 3 Richmond Hill, Ga. 31324 Phone: (912) 756-2668 Fax: (912) 756-5907
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NEWCOMERS & NEIGHBORS
Š Copyright 2014 by Bryan County News All rights reserved. This publication may not be reproduced in any form without written consent of the publisher.
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LETTER FROM PUBLISHER
B R Y A N C O U N T Y and its communities — Richmond Hill, Pembroke and Ellabell — are known for their genuine Southern hospitality. This 2014-15 Newcomers and Neighbors Guide continues that tradition by extending a warm welcome to new arrivals. Bryan County is a place rich in history. When Henry Ford came to the small community of Ways Station nearly a century ago, he laid the foundation for what would become Richmond Hill — strong schools, good jobs and a passion for progress. Pembroke, a rapidly growing community and Bryan County’s county seat, boasts a rich heritage of close-knit families helping each other create a strong sense of community. Though the population of Bryan County continues to grow and change with the times, it maintains the smalltown atmosphere it has enjoyed for decades — one where newcomers and longtime residents work together as friends and neighbors. So, we welcome you to Bryan County, and we hope you’ll get involved in our schools, neighborhoods, churches and civic organizations. When you do, you’ll find that you will make more than new friends. You’ll make a difference. The Bryan County News and all the advertisers in this guide are at your service. As friends in your new community, they stand ready to help you. We thank them for helping to make this guide a true resource for Bryan County. S. Marshall Griffin | p u b l i s h e r
Welcome to Richmond Hill
O N B E H A L F of the Richmond Hill City Council, welcome home. It is always a thrill to be able to greet new residents of Richmond Hill. As Mayor, and as someone who has made Richmond Hill my home for the past 25 years, I enjoy being able to share with new citizens all of the things that make our community of 12,000 residents so very special. This great city has a long and storied history. We were settled in 1734, a year after Oglethorpe founded the Georgia colony of Savannah and then awarded grants of land on the Ogeechee River. Today, visitors to our fair town are impressed by its Southern charm, the peaceful atmosphere, fantastic local seafood and an abundance of both business and recreational opportunities. For example, there’s J.F. Gregory Park, a 335-acre community park with more than three miles of groomed walking and biking trails, a state-of-the-art children’s playground, a covered pavilion and wetlands education center. We also lay claim to Fort McAllister, a 1,725-acre state park
nestled among giant live oaks draped in Spanish moss with amenities for camping, fishing, boating and picnicking. In addition, we have an excellent school system — consistently ranked among the best in the state — as well as an active faith community, with churches to represent most religious denominations. If you’re looking for festivals and cultural opportunities, we have those too. Be sure to check out the Great Ogeechee Seafood Festival, a celebration of the best coastal seafood and top-notch entertainment that will be recognizing its 30th anniversary in 2015. While you’re acclimating to your new surroundings, stop by City Hall to say hello and introduce yourself. You’re not just a new resident, you’re a new member of a unique family. I encourage you to get to know your entire City Council since they all serve the city at large. While many locals may refer to this city as “The Hill,” I simply call it home. Richmond Hill is truly coastal Georgia living at its finest.
E. Harold Fowler | m a y o r , c i t y o f r i c h m o n d h i l l NEWCOMERS & NEIGHBORS
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Welcome to Pembroke
A S M A Y O R and on behalf of our City Council, I extend to you a genuine welcome to the city of Pembroke. Located in North Bryan County at the intersections of US Hwy. 280, Ga. Hwy. 67 and Ga. Hwy. 119, Pembroke is a small city with a hometown atmosphere. Pembroke is easily accessible to regional areas of interest, including historic Savannah, Tybee Island, Statesboro and Georgia Southern University, and is a quick commute to Fort Stewart and Hunter Army Airfield. We are a “Crossroads to Opportunity.” Incorporated in 1905, Pembroke was founded along the Savannah and Western Railway with turpentine as its leading business. In 1935, the county seat was moved from Clyde to Pembroke, where it remains today. Completed in 1937 as the center of the county’s government, the Bryan County Courthouse was listed in 1995 on the National Register of Historic Places. In 2003, the city restored the Old City Jail, first built in 1912, and later relocated near the courthouse. Plans to restore the 1938 Tos Theatre as a cultural arts center remain a priority of our city and the Downtown Development Authority.
Savannah Global Solutions relocated their business to Pembroke in 2012, partnering with CZM, a Brazilian company. They manufacture large agriculture and forestry equipment that is shipped throughout the world and have been named the 2014 “Exporter of the Year” by Georgia’s Small Business Administration. Bryan County schools are recognized as top academic performers in coastal Georgia. Pembroke is home to Bryan County Elementary School, Bryan County Middle School and Bryan County High School. A new replacement school for Bryan Elementary is under construction and will be located near the middle-high school complex. The public library serves North Bryan and is adjacent to these education facilities. Citizens enjoy the charm of a small-neighborhood atmosphere with easy access for walking and biking. The city swimming pool is the focal point of our recreation program, “Summer in the City,” with swimming lessons and water aerobics offered throughout the summer months. Also available are teeball, soccer and other organized sports for youth. Our skate park remains a popular venue for youth of all ages.
Special events are held throughout the year in and around downtown Pembroke. The North Bryan Chamber of Commerce sponsors an annual Chili Cook-Off in February. Both children and adults enjoy the annual Easter Egg Hunt co-sponsored by the city and the Pembroke United Methodist Church. “Celebrate the 4th with the 3rd on the 1st” annual patriotic picnic and concert is co-sponsored with the First Baptist Church on July 1. The concert features members of the Army’s 3rd Infantry Division Band from Ft. Stewart. Pembroke’s National Night Out is held in early August where children, youth and adults learn safety measures for themselves and our community. The event is sponsored by the city’s Public Safety Department, including both the Police and Fire Departments. A 9/11 Remembrance Service, held in September at the Pembroke Christian Church, gives special recognition to public safety employees, veterans, active military and governmental leaders who ensure we have a safe community in which to live, work and play. “Spooktacular Saturday” is a fun-filled family day held the last Saturday in October. It begins with a 5K run/walk and a 10K run, followed with a haunted house, market, hayrides, carved jack-o-lantern contest and art exhibit. During the first weekend in December, the annual tree lighting ceremony is held in our downtown in Memorial Park. “A Festival of Trees,” a popular event for all ages, opens and remains on exhibit in the Arts Center throughout the holidays. Our annual Winter Wonderland, “A Festival of Lights,” is on display at DuBois Square for children and adults to enjoy throughout the month of December. Pembroke’s annual Christmas Parade is co-sponsored by Bryan County 4-H clubs and the city, and is held on the second Saturday in December bringing crowds from throughout North Bryan and surrounding communities. We hope you will visit our city, participate in our local events and make Pembroke your next home. On behalf of our citizens and City Council, I extend to you a warm welcome to Pembroke, your “Crossroads to Opportunity.” Mary V. Warnell | m a y o r , c i t y o f p e m b r o k e
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NEWCOMERS & NEIGHBORS
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Children don’t keep regular hours, so we extended ours. Our board certified pediatricians, together with their highly-trained medical staff, understand kids, listen to parents and create a pleasant and nurturing environment of care. Kids get sick at all hours of the day and night, even on the weekends. Our doctors are able to access your child’s medical history anytime and anywhere with our electronic medical records, giving you peace of mind that the best decisions are being made for your child’s care.
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Welcome to Bryan County
W E L C O M E T O Bryan County, the best kept secret in the state of Georgia. From the country to the coast, Bryan County Schools is your premier educational destination for both students and staff. As superintendent, I have never been more proud to lead an organization that is so focused on what is best for students and employees. I see it each and every day as I reflect on the vision for Bryan County Schools that highlights our commitment to excellence and success in all we do. Bryan County Schools has a long standing reputation of excellence in education, and our future looks even brighter. Whether you are entering school for the very first time as a kindergarten student or your final year as a high school senior, I am sure that each new year will be your very best! With over 8,250 students and over 900 employees, Bryan County Schools currently has nine schools, a pre-K site and a commu-
nity education center. With a growing population of nearly 3 percent per year, all of our schools work tirelessly to meet the needs of our students. Addressing growth is critical to our future: Bryan County will open a new elementary school in 2015 named McAllister Elementary to handle our increasing elementary population. We will also open a replacement school for Bryan County Elementary School in 2015 as we transition from an aging building and add space for additional growth. With a strong partnership between the schools, home and community, we continue to achieve great things together. The vision for Bryan County Schools that drives what we do every day is: “Committed to Excellence and Success in ALL We Do.” We look forward to your support as we remain focused on our vision and work towards providing a rewarding educational experience for ALL students.
Paul Brooksher, Ph.D. | s u p e r i n t e n d e n t 14
NEWCOMERS & NEIGHBORS
O N B E H A L F of the Board of Commissioners, I want to extend you a very warm welcome to Bryan County. It is a community with a rich historic past, a solid present and a bright future. Bryan County offers something for every lifestyle. We are blessed with both salt and freshwater streams, as well as an abundance of marshland — some of the most beautiful on the Georgia coast — and acres of pristine natural forests. The beauty of our county has attracted notables such as Henry Ford, who built his winter home in the area. Our communities consist of suburban subdivisions with excellent amenities, urban residential areas and great local shopping. Bryan County has been recognized as one of the fastest growing counties in the nation. Our county has an excellent school system that continually is ranked one of the best in Georgia. Our churches provide spiritual and caring atmospheres that are important to any community. There are state-of-the-art recreation facilities that offer soccer, baseball and softball fields, as well as other recreational opportunities. For our senior citizens, we have a $50,000 homestead exemption on the Board of Education, city and county property taxes. We also have one of the
lowest tax rates on the coast of Georgia. Bryan County has excellent healthcare professionals and easy access to hospitals in the adjoining county, which is just 20 minutes away. The county has two industrial parks that provide opportunities for jobs within the county. The Interstate Commerce Center, located along Interstate-16 in North Bryan, has several industries employing 800 people or more and growing. The newest park is Belfast Commerce Center, near Interstate-95 in South Bryan, and a new industry called Caesarstone is preparing to open in early 2015. They will employ an estimated 180 people. Bryan County’s population growth ranks us as one of the fastest growing counties in the U.S., and is in the top 10 counties of Georgia. Bryan County is a place for family, fun and enjoyment of life’s pleasures. We are the gateway to Southern living and should be your first choice as a place to live and raise a family. Jimmy Burnsed | c h a i r m a n , bryan county board of commissioners
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HISTORY by TIFFANY STROUD
The History of Bryan County 1793 Bryan County was created from Chatham and Effingham Counties. It was named in honor of Colonial planter and Revolutionary patriot Jonathan Bryan, who died in 1788.
1856 A railroad was built to link Savannah with southwest Georgia, laying tracks across the Ogeechee River and into Bryan Neck. The railroad crossed through the rice fields of Richard J. Arnold and William J. Way. A settlement was developed at the station depot and came to be known as Ways Station, which eventually became Richmond Hill.
1861 Fort McAllister was built by the Confederates during the Civil War. The fort was attacked 16
NEWCOMERS & NEIGHBORS
seven different times from the sea by Union ironclads. Fort McAllister State Historic Park displays the fully restored earthen Civil War fort. The grounds feature cannons, barracks and bombproof shelters, which are arranged as they would have been in the 1860s. The park also has facilities available for camping, hiking, picnics and boating.
1862 CSS Nashville, a Confederate paddle-wheel cruiser that was refitted as a private raider and renamed the Rattlesnake, ran aground in the Ogeechee River while trying to return to the Atlantic. It was destroyed by the Union ironclad Montauk’s cannon fire. The wreckage has remained in sight of Fort McAllister, and artifacts from the cruiser are displayed in the museum.
The American Legion Auxiliary Post 164 displays over 130 crosses and flags in downtown Pembroke over the Fourth of July. Each cross commemorates an armed services member from Pembroke or North Bryan. Photo by Miranda Osborn.
1864 Sherman’s land army arrived at Fort McAllister to attack the Confederates. During a brief, yet bloody, battle, the fort fell to Union control. At Fort McAllister State Historic Park, staff members perform musket firings as part of historical demonstrations.
1894 Pembroke was founded as a depot site. The town was named for prominent early resident Judge Pembroke Whitfield Williams.
1905 Pembroke became incorporated as a city with a charter and elected officials.
A plaque marks the location of the original Ways Station settlement. The name of the community was changed to Richmond Hill in 1941. Photo by Miranda Osborn.
1912
1930
1939
The Old City Jail was built as a cube-shaped brick building with only one room inside. The building is now a preserved historic building in the city of Pembroke. It was restored in 2003. The room includes an armored door and bars on the windows.
Henry Ford began building a mansion on the former Richmond Plantation. After completing his mansion, he began rebuilding the community. He gave people jobs and educational opportunities, while also providing housing and medical facilities, and building clinics, chapels and a community house.
After all Henry Ford had done for the area of Ways Station, locals wanted to rename the town after him. However, he refused. Instead, the locals renamed the town Richmond Hill after the Richmond Plantation, where Ford built his mansion. The Henry Ford era of Richmond Hill is featured in the Richmond Hill Historical Museum.
1937
1962
Pembroke became the county seat, replacing Clyde, Ga., a town that stood on what is now part of Fort Stewart.
The township of Richmond Hill became incorporated through an act of the Georgia Legislature. The first city elections were held, and L.C. Gill was elected as the first mayor. At the time, the population of the town was approximately 500 residents.
1925 Wealthy automotive pioneer Henry Ford came to the Georgia coast looking for a summer home. He began buying property in various locations. Eventually, he owned more than 80,000 acres east of Highway 17 to the coast. He was interested in the growth of the area around Ways Station, which was one of the most impoverished places in coastal Georgia.
1938 Pembroke purchased the town of Clyde’s twocell iron jail assemblage and incorporated the iron cells into the jail. The city of Clyde was demolished to make way for what is now Fort Stewart.
NEWCOMERS & NEIGHBORS
17
GROW TH by TIFFANY STROUD
Downtown Pembroke is home to a variety of shops and businesses. Photo by Miranda Osborn.
Cities Work on Improvements to Expand and Grow
Things are changing. Although many people do not like change, the changes taking place for Pembroke and Richmond Hill — the two main cities that make up Bryan County — are for the better. The two cities, although different, are both expanding and developing to welcome more and more residents and businesses to their communities. PROGRESS FOR PEMBROKE: MAYOR PLANS FOR MORE HOMES M O R E T H A N 2,000 people call the city of Pembroke home, according to population records from the 2010 census. But city officials are looking for that number to increase. Although Pembroke has not grown in population much over the last year, city officials including Mayor Mary Warnell are preparing 18
NEWCOMERS & NEIGHBORS
the city for newcomers. Warnell believes Pembroke is an ideal location with the exceptional school system, historic character, small town charm and proximity to Savannah and Fort Stewart. The only problem is the lack of available housing. “We already know we have a shortage of
work force houses and we have a waitlist for the senior living facility,” Warnell said. “We know there is a shortage of housing for seniors, and we need to work in that area.” In 2013, Pembroke was one of five Georgia communities approved for the Georgia Initiative for Community Housing, a three-year
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program. “This is our second year in the program,” Warnell said. “With them, we have been assessing our housing needs and seeing what we actually have in Pembroke.” Pembroke asked for assistance from the Georgia Southern University School of Business, which helped by conducting a required inventory of every housing unit in the city. Warnell said the city also conducted a survey last summer. The data from the inventory and survey was used to see what areas need work and where new housing might fit in existing residential and mixed-use neighborhoods. “We rated the homes along the streets as ‘needs repairs,’ ‘satisfactory’ or ‘beyond repair,’” said Warnell. “We are getting all this information together, and we know it
is a long drawn-out process. But right now, we are working on work force housing, what we can do for senior housing and repairing porches on existing homes.” A local men’s ministry has volunteered to repair porches free of cost on Warnell’s list of homes that need repair. Warnell said the citizens would like to see more variety in restaurants, and she would like to secure some for the area. She also said she is looking forward to the construction and completion of the new Bryan County Elementary School. “The new school will be right here in Pembroke, which will make all the schools in the same quadrant of town,” Warnell said. “We know that enrollment is up and our schools are slowly growing. We have more families in our area. But until we get some additional
housing for young families and seniors, we don’t expect much growth. We are at a standstill until we can get more housing on all economic levels. But we do see progress.” Other projects the city has been working on recently include: • Replacing old water pipes within two quadrants of the city. One quadrant is finished and the second should be completed in mid-September. • Added a sewer in an area of town that was annexed in the late 90s through a $1.2 million grant. • Repaired sidewalks that were uneven or dangerous to walk on. • Replaced storm water drainage pipes with the assistance of the Georgia Department of Transportation.
RICHMOND HILL TO SEE COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT R I C H M O N D H I L L Mayor Harold Fowler and city officials are prepping the city for industries and new businesses to join the area. The city annexed an estimated 2,000 acres into the city to be used as an industrial commercial site. The first business to take advantage of the property is Caesarstone, an Israel-based manufacturer of quartz surfaces. The company is in the building process now, and the project is expected to be complete in January 2015. According to Fowler, the company will employ an estimated 70 people within the first 18 months of opening. “One of the biggest things we’ve done in the last year is bringing in Caesarstone,” Fowler said. “It’s the first industry we’ve brought into Richmond Hill in over 30 years.” Fowler hopes to see many more industries move into the area. With that goal in mind, a new Interstate-95 interchange is planned to replace the underpass where I-95 meets Belfast Siding Road. Fowler also expects more hotels, restaurants and retail outlets to join Richmond Hill after the new interchange project is completed. “We’ve been given the go-ahead with the new interchange, and it should start in 2017,” Fowler said. The interchange project depends on federal and state highway funds, and its timing is subject to budgeting decisions in Congress and Legislature. Meanwhile, city officials have begun work on a new wastewater treatment plant, which 20
NEWCOMERS & NEIGHBORS
should be completed within the next two years. Currently, the plant has a capacity of 1.5 million gallons a day and the city runs an estimated 1.4 million gallons each day.
BRYAN COUNTY CENSUS INFORMATION As of 2012
“ ONE OF THE BIGGEST THINGS we’ve done in the last year is bringing in Caesarstone. It’s the first industry we’ve brought into Richmond Hill in over 30 years.” — Harold Fowler, Richmond Hill Mayor
“We are right at the maximum,” Fowler said. “Once this plant is finished though, we will have a 3 million gallon capacity.” Other projects the city has recently completed include: • Installing a new street light on Timber Trail Road and Highway 144. • Renovating the old fire station to give the city two full-time fire houses, including hiring new firefighters • Building new homes and apartment complexes “The big thing for myself and the council is that as we continue to grow, we want to keep the small town atmosphere that we have,” Fowler said. “We are trying to hit that median.”
Population of Bryan County: 33,157 (2013 estimate)
Population of Richmond Hill: 10,452 Population of Pembroke: 2,276 Land Area in Square Miles: 435.97 (as of 2010) Percentage of Females in Bryan County: 50.5% Percentage of Males in Bryan County: 49.5% Under 18: 29% Over 65: 9% Median Household Income: $63,818 Homeownership Rate: 72.3% Projected county population by 2015: 38,746
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ENVIRONMENT by TIFFANY STROUD
The Dolphin Project Celebrates 25 Years THE DOLPHIN PROJE C T (TDP), an environmental group out of Richmond Hill, celebrated its 25th anniversary this past summer. To mark the occasion, the group hosted an event at J.F. Gregory Park which included food, drinks and live entertainment, as well as a silent auction to raise funds for research and education — the two main components of the organization. Each month between January and November, trained volunteers board boats to count and catalog bottlenose dolphins in the 22
NEWCOMERS & NEIGHBORS
estuaries. They photograph the dolphins’ dorsal fins, which identify the dolphins similarly to humans being identified by their fingerprints. The volunteers also record the longitude and latitude of each sighting, as well as observations such as the behavior and size of the dolphin and conditions of the sea and weather. The Dolphin Project partners with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the Departments of Natural Resources (DNR) in Georgia and South Carolina. The organization moni-
The Dolphin Project President Peach Hubbard looks over the Intracoastal waterway as a bottlenose dolphin swims by. Photo by Caitlin Kenney.
tors the dolphins’ abundance, behavior and health, according to TDP President Peach Hubbard. “All our data and usable dorsal fin photos taken on our surveys are entered into two databases at Duke University: the Mid-Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphin Catalog (MABDC) and Ocean Biogeographic Information System-Spatial Ecological Analysis of Megavertebrate Populations (OBIS-SEAMAP), which covers all the marine mammals around the world,” Hubbard said. “Our data provides research material for marine scientists across the globe.”
Richmond Hill area volunteers with The Dolphin Project celebrate the group’s 25th anniversary with festivities at J.F. Gregory Park. Volunteers from all over the country help monitor dolphins living in the Georgia and South Carolina estuaries. Photo by Caitlin Kenney.
Hubbard estimated that there are approximately 2,000 dolphins living in the estuaries of Georgia. These dolphins have a home range of an estimated 100 miles. “When you consider that the coast of Georgia has more than 3,400 miles of shoreline, that’s a lot of area for Georgia dolphins,” Hubbard said. “Additionally, offshore bottlenose dolphins come into the sounds to feed and mate, so when counting, the number will go up because it is often difficult to differentiate between the estuarine and offshore dolphin.” A typical survey boat for The Dolphin Project can spot anywhere between 10 to more than 50 dolphins in one trip. But according to Hubbard, the number of dolphins recorded all depends on a number of factors, including the behaviors of the dolphins, the tides and the weather. She also said it depends on the number of boats involved in each monthly survey. “We are always in need of skippers with boats to participate in the research surveys,” Hubbard said. “We can’t do a survey without a boat.”
TDP has more than 225 members and always welcomes more. They focus on the dolphins that live in estuaries of Georgia
“ WE PROVIDE DOLPHIN PROGRAMS FOR ALL AGES — from pre-school to senior citizen groups, from boating clubs to garden clubs. Any organization or school that would like to learn about the local dolphins or needs a speaker should give us a call.” — Peach Hubbard, TDP president
and lower South Carolina, so the bulk of the group’s members are in Georgia and South Carolina. However, there are members from across the country as well, living in Oregon,
Michigan, Indiana, Florida and more. There are many members from Richmond Hill, including three board members. “TDP members come from all walks of life and are aged 16 to over 80 years old,” Hubbard said. To participate in the research surveys, a volunteer must attend a two-hour training course. The first hour teaches about the dolphins, and the second hour covers how survey teams work together aboard the boats. But not all members participate in the surveys. The second main component of The Dolphin Project is education. “Our Education Outreach Program has really grown in recent years,” Hubbard said. “We provide dolphin programs for all ages — from pre-school to senior citizen groups, from boating clubs to garden clubs. Any organization or school that would like to learn about the local dolphins or needs a speaker should give us a call.” Educating the public about dolphins helps the dolphins live safer and healthier lives. For instance, The Dolphin Project’s NEWCOMERS & NEIGHBORS
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volunteers teach the public not to feed dolphins and to keep a distance of at least 50 yards. Feeding dolphins can make them sick or worse. Hubbard explained that dolphins need fresh, live prey to survive because they get their fresh water in the live prey that they eat. If humans feed dead ďŹ sh to dolphins, the dolphins aren’t receiving the fresh water they need, and dead ďŹ sh can contain bacteria. “The dolphins are threatened by humans through abuse and pollution,â€? Hubbard explained. “The more people understand about these amazing animals, the more they will want to help protect them. Education is the key. We inform the public about the dangers the dolphins face and how they can help.â€? If there are injured, sick or dead dolphins sighted during TDP’s surveys, the volunteers inform the authorities and assist where needed. Hubbard believes if humans protect the environment, including the dolphins, they are also protecting themselves. “The wild estuarine bottlenose is the sentinel species of its environment,â€? Hubbard said. “If there is something wrong with the dolphins here, we will suffer too. We eat the same foods and share the same water.â€? Protecting the marsh and estuary is critical, according to Hubbard, because Georgia has a third of all the salt march on the Eastern seaboard. That marsh is the birthing ground or nursery for more than 70 percent of the ďŹ shery in the North Atlantic Ocean. “I would like my grandchildren and their grandchildren to enjoy the treasure and wonders of our coast,â€? Hubbard said. “The Dolphin Project monitors the numbers and health of the residential dolphins in the hopes that we all can stay healthy — the dolphins, the environment and us.â€? Volunteers ďŹ rst launched TDP in 1989 after a die-off of bottlenose dolphins along the Eastern seaboard. Hubbard has been a member of the project for 11 years and has acted as president for six years. “The bottlenose dolphin is one of the most intelligent, fascinating and beautiful creatures on the planet, and as the sentinel species of their environment, they need to be protected,â€? Hubbard said. “I encourage everyone to learn the regional scientiďŹ c facts about these creatures.â€? The Dolphin Project continually updates its dolphin programs through its collaboration with researchers in the marine mammal scientiďŹ c community and by attending marine mammal conferences. For more information, visit www.thedolphinproject.org.
Mayorr Harold Fowler City Council Members - Russ Carpenter, John Fesperman, Jan Bass, Johnny Murphy
SAFE T Y by TIFFANY STROUD
Preparing for the Worst M O V I N G T O a new area means learning and adapting to new weather conditions. For those moving to the coast for the first time, hurricanes can be a cause for fear. However, between 1851 and 2008, only 29 hurricanes have affected the Georgia coast, according to the Coastal Health District. According to Freddy Howell, director of Bryan County Emergency Services, Bryan County hasn’t experienced a hurricane in the last 10 years. “We’ve had some hurricanes off the coast, but they haven’t directly hit here,” Howell said. “We’ve gotten bands, which are winds going around and around. We get some wind bands, but nothing that has hit. We haven’t 26
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had a hurricane hit our coast since the 1890s, thank God.” Although Bryan County hasn’t seen any hurricanes in the past several years, Georgia is extremely vulnerable to hurricane-related hazards. The state’s geographic location makes it susceptible to impacts from tropical storms and hurricanes from both the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean, according to the Georgia Emergency Management Agency. Tropical storms and hurricanes can impact the state from both sides. The largest hurricane to impact Georgia was in 1893. The Sea Island Hurricane was the fifth deadliest hurricane in U.S. history, and an estimated 1,000 to 2,000 people died by drowning, according to the Coastal
Freddy Howell, fire chief, Bryan County Fire Department and director, Bryan County Emergency Services, sits on a fire truck at the Bryan County Fire Station in Ellabell, Ga. Photo by Miranda Osborn.
Health District. During the hurricane, downtown Brunswick was under 6 feet of water for more than 12 hours. Although that hurricane was more than 100 years ago, those living near the coast should be aware of the dangers. Hurricane season lasts from June through November. According to USA Today, most hurricanes happen in September, when ocean waters are warmest. On average, 91 percent of hurricanes happen in August, September or October. To prepare for a possible hurricane, you should stock your home with emergency supplies. Preparing an emergency kit is a great way to be prepared for a disaster. “If a hurricane is coming, there’s going
Bryan County’s state-of-the-art Mobile Emergency Operations Center. Photo by Miranda Osborn.
to be a mandatory evacuation,” Howell said. “If you don’t evacuate, it’s basically suicide because you can get blown away or drown. Because you’ll need to leave in a hurry, you’ll need to have things ready so you can grab it and go.” Kits should include the following: • Clean containers for water, large enough for a three to five day supply of water or one gallon per person per day • A supply of non-perishable food for three to five days, including items such as cereals, canned or dried fruit and vegetables, soups, nuts, etc. • First-aid kit • Battery-powered radio, flashlights and extra batteries • Sleeping bags and extra blankets • Water purifying supplies such as chlorine or iodine tablets • Prescription medicines and special medical needs • Baby food and/or prepared formula, diapers or other baby supplies, if needed
• •
Disposable cleaning cloths Personal hygiene supplies such as soap, toothpaste and toilet paper • Kennels for animals along with pet food and water, if needed According to the Coastal Health District, when a hurricane watch is issued, you should do the following: • Fill your vehicle’s gas tank or make arrangements with friends or family for transportation. • Fill your clean water containers. • Review your emergency plan and supplies, retrieving any missing items. • Tune in to the radio or television for weather updates. • Listen for disaster sirens and warning signals. • Prepare an emergency kit for your vehicle that includes food, flares, jumper cables, maps, tools, a first-aid kit, sleeping bags, etc. • Secure any outdoor items that could be damaged in a storm such as bicycles, grills, patio furniture, etc.
•
Cover windows and doors with plywood or place large strips of masking tape on the windows to reduce the risk of breakage and flying glass. • Put family pets in a safe area. Due to food and sanitation requirements, emergency shelters cannot accept animals. • Place vehicles under cover if possible. • Fill sinks and bathtubs with water as an extra supply for washing, if needed. • Adjust the thermostat on refrigerators and freezers to the coolest possible temperature. Authorities will direct you to leave if you are in a low-lying area or within the greatest potential of the storm. Because of how powerful hurricanes can be, you should never ignore an evacuation order. “When an evacuation is ordered, it means you have about 72 hours to leave,” Howell explained. “You are in immediate danger of the hurricane hitting. We are on the coast and at sea level, but we are a low-lying area. The winds and a surge of water will come in. NEWCOMERS & NEIGHBORS
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The ooding is what I’m most worried about. Homes will be under water.� If you are ordered to evacuate, you should do the following: • Take only essential items with you, along with your emergency kit. • If you have time, turn off the gas, electricity and water. • Disconnect appliances to reduce the likelihood of electrical shock when the power is restored. • Follow the designated evacuation routes and expect heavy traffic. If you were not ordered to evacuate, your biggest danger is caused by ying glass or other debris. You should always stay inside during the storm, monitoring the radio or television about weather conditions. Stay away from all windows and exterior doors.
“ Some of the winds can cause ooding, leaving roads ooded. If you are driving, water isn’t safe to drive through because YOU DON’T KNOW HOW DEEP IT ACTUALLY IS.â€?
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“With high winds, you’ve got dangers of trees falling over and power lines getting taken down, which brings the possibility of electrocution,â€? Howell said. “Some of the winds can cause ooding, leaving roads ooded. If you are driving, water isn’t safe to drive through because you don’t know how deep it actually is.â€? Seek shelter in a bathroom or basement if possible. Bathtubs can provide some of the best shelter during a storm. If your home becomes damaged, you can evacuate to a shelter or neighbor’s home. “There’s also the possibility of ying debris such as street signs, traffic lights, glass or plastic from sheds and other things,â€? Howell said. Although Bryan County hasn’t seen a hurricane in many years, citizens are encouraged to prepare now for the possibility of hurricanes or other disastrous weather.
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Families enjoy a day of swimming, boating and sunbathing at Morgan’s Bridge Public Boat Ramp on the Ogeechee River. Located in North Bryan, Morgan’s Bridge is a popular summer hangout for boaters, kayakers and general water activities. Photo by Miranda Osborn.
Activities Galore: County Offers Wide Variety of Recreation Living in Bryan County means never being bored. With two county recreation departments, two city facilities and one large state park, as well as the many events that happen year-round, Bryan County residents are sure to keep busy. NORTH BRYAN COUNTY RECREATION H E N D R I X P A R K , located at 3960 Wilma Edwards Road in Ellabell, is full of sports activities and facilities for the community to use. The facilities include a 14,000-square-foot gym, eight baseball fields, a soccer field, a football field and two tennis courts — all lighted — as well as a paved walking and bicycle trail. A picnic 30
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shelter with grills can also be reserved at the park. Youth sports offered at Hendrix Park include baseball, softball, tee-ball, football, cheerleading, basketball and soccer. For adults, the park offers basketball and softball. They also occasionally have skating and dancing in the gym.
The Recreation Department of North Bryan County plans to make even more additions to Hendrix Park. Additions include four tee-ball fields, more soccer fields, a concession area and a children’s splash park with ankle-deep water and spray features. For more information, call 912-858-4640.
A statue of General Robert E. Lee sitting on his horse Traveller is located near the lake in J.F Gregory Park. Photo by Miranda Osborn.
SOUTH BRYAN COUNTY RECREATION T H E S O U T H E R N P A R T of the county can enjoy youth sports such as football, cheerleading, soccer, baseball, softball, wrestling, basketball, Special Olympics and girls’ volleyball. The department also hosts several sport camps and a summer day camp. For adults, the department offers line dancing, league softball and a new summer dodge ball league. They also host open gym times for basketball and volleyball. There are three main facilities the recreation department uses, including Richmond Hill Park on Timber Trail Road. This park includes two football fields, nine baseball fields, four batting cages, four adult and two junior tennis courts, a skate park and a gym, which houses two basketball courts. This facility recently received new lighting for the football and baseball fields, as well as air-conditioning for the gym. At DeVaul Henderson Park, behind the county administrative complex on High-
way 144, sits two artificial-turf football/ soccer fields, 12 youth-sized soccer fields, two adult softball fields and three youth softball fields. The park recently added a new concession stand and additional restrooms. New tennis courts will be added soon. The park also houses walking trails including a 2.2-mile, ADA-accessible, paved trail system. In addition, a dog park complete with a water fountain and obstacle course is under construction at DeVaul Henderson Park. An organization known as the Bryan County Bark Park is raising money to complete the park’s construction. Finally, at Ball Park Drive and Mimosa Street, a park called The Bottom offers three tee-ball fields, a batting cage and a meeting room. For more information on any of these facilities, call 912-756-4075 or visit www.SBCRec.org.
PEMBROKE CITY FACILITIES P E M B R O K E I S R E A D Y for good weather with the city pool, skate park and ballpark. This year, the pool will be open for the month of August from 3:30-7:30 p.m., and will reopen on Memorial Day in 2015. The pool has lifeguards on duty, hosts pool parties and has changing facilities inside the J. Dixie Harn Community Center — a 5,000-squarefoot facility on Lanier Street. Pembroke provides swimming lessons, water aerobics, teeball, softball, kickball and soccer at the facility. The city also maintains parks and outdoor basketball courts at other locations. For more information, visit www.pembrokega.net/recreation or call 912-653-4413.
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RICHMOND HILL CITY FACILITIES R I C H M O N D H I L L has many events at J.F. Gregory Park including the Great Ogeechee Seafood Festival in October, the Independence Day Celebration in July, the Farmers Market and more. The park includes a large, open pavilion great for vendors and a large playground for children, as well as a 30,000-square-foot Civic Center and the smaller John W. Stevens Wetlands Education Center. The park includes 15 acres of developed area, as well as 300 acres of adjacent wetlands. A three-mile walking trail loops around a 10-acre lake and other nature views. Canoeing, birding, fishing and hiking are all activities that can happen at J.F. Gregory Park. For more information on J.F. Gregory Park, call 912-756-3345.
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FORT MCALLISTER STATE HISTORIC PARK T H I S H I S T O R I C P A R K includes a Civil War museum with exhibits, artifacts, a video and a cultural gift shop. The fort contains the best preserved earthworks of the Confederacy including tunnels, underground bunkers and the remains of a sunken ship. The historic fort and museum are what bring most people to this historic park, but the park also offers camping, boating, biking, hiking and fishing to its guests. The park houses 64 campsites, seven cottages, two picnic shelters, one group shelter, a pioneer camp, two boat ramps and fishing piers. The park hosts many events throughout the year, especially on holidays such as Memorial Day, Labor Day and Independence Day. Guests can also download an app called The Walking Tour of Fort McAllister to view a map of the state historic park with audio descriptions and photos for various points of interest. For more information, call 912-727-2339 or visit www.gastateparks.org. To make reservations, call 800-864-7275.
Park visitors sitting under a tree at J.F. Gregory Park (left). A plaque near the Mary Bean Bridge and Memory Landings (right) reads: “Dedicated to the memory of all who with soft words and generous effort have left their communities better. In honor of Mary W. Bean, 1957-2002.” Photos by Miranda Osborn.
CARS AND COFFEE AT THE RICHMOND H I L L History Museum, located at 11460 Ford Avenue, the first Saturday of every month is celebrated with antique and collector cars. Car collectors or enthusiasts are invited to swap stories, tips and ideas with each other during the free event. Fresh, gourmet coffee can be purchased for the old-time price of 25 cents, with a $1 donation to the museum. For more information, call 912-756-3697.
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COASTAL BRYAN HERITAGE TRAIL B R Y A N C O U N T Y is a charming community with a historic background, but that doesn’t mean the county isn’t up on the times. A mobile app has been created to give visitors and residents a chance to experience a heritage trail tour in their own vehicles. After downloading the free app, users can follow the historical markers, beginning at 9930 Ford Avenue, to learn how this sleepy coastal town changed forever after the arrival of automobile industrialist Henry Ford and his wife Clara. While stopped at the 40-plus historic markers in the Richmond Hill area, drivers can view related historic photos at each
site. Through the driving tour, users can learn about the Guale Indians, rice cultivation on the Ogeechee River, antebellum plantations, the Henry Ford era and more. The full tour takes more than two hours, but doesn’t have to take place all at once — markers can be sampled a few at a time. Download the free app by searching for Coastal Bryan Heritage Trail in the app store or by visiting www.visitrichmondhill. com. Paper maps can also be used. Pick one up at the Visitors Bureau or Richmond Hill History Museum. For more information, visit www. visitrichmondhill.com or call 912-756-2696.
RICHMOND HILL CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU T H E C V B , L O C A T E D in the Speir-Brogdon building on Highway 17, is the one-stop shop for visitor information. Director Christy Sherman lets visitors and even new residents know about events, attractions and places to eat, shop and play in Richmond Hill. But for those who can’t make it in to the welcome center, the CVB website is ready to provide any needed information. The website includes information on special events, yearround activities, unique shopping and local history. Visit the Richmond Hill CVB website at www.visitrichmondhill.com.
The entrance to J.F. Gregory Park. The park offers opportunities for hiking, canoeing, birding, fishing and more, all within the city limits of Richmond Hill. Photo by Miranda Osborn.
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RICHMOND HILL COMMUNITY THEATRE F O R T H O S E W H O are looking for a little drama in their life, the Richmond Hill Community Theatre is a non-profit organization with the mission to enrich, entertain and educate the community through quality theatrical productions. The group has performed musical dinner theaters, children’s shows and comedies for the Bryan County community. The theatre group provides an opportunity to meet new people and learn new skills. The group is always looking for volunteers to help in marketing, costuming, performing or directing, as well as ideas for shows and venues for performances. There are several upcoming productions. On September 13 and 27, at Molly MacPherson’s in Richmond Hill, the group will perform “Murder, Medium Rare,” an 34
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audience-participation comedy/murder mystery. The dinner and show performance will begin at 7:30 p.m. In November, “Fairy Tale Courtroom,” a children’s show, will be performed. The Big Bad Wolf and the Wicked Witch have been causing trouble from fairy tale to fairy tale, preventing everyone from living happily ever after. The fairy tale characters take the stand to testify against the wolf and witch. Details are still being worked out regarding date and time. Also, in the spring, the group plans to perform “Steel Magnolias,” the Robert Harding dramedy of six Southern women. For more details on performances or about the group in general, visit www.rhct.webs. com. Contact the group by emailing richmondhilltheatre@hotmail.com.
T H E D D A O F P E M B R O K E , like Richmond Hill’s CVB, is a city-sponsored agency. The DDA promotes development while working with various organizations to host and publicize events throughout the year such as the Spooktacular Saturday in the fall, the Christmas parade and an Easter egg celebration. Visit the DDA’s Facebook page for more information on Pembroke events or call 912-653-4413.
MOVIE NIGHT UNDER THE STARS A G R E A T F A M I L Y event in Richmond Hill takes place every Friday and Saturday night, weather permitting. The Ice Cream Stop in Richmond Hill invites the community to a free family fun night of movie watching. The movie always begins at dusk, and guests are asked to bring a lawn chair or blanket to watch the movie on the big outdoor screen. Friday night movies are PG-rated, and Saturday night movies are G-rated. Visit The Ice Cream Stop’s Facebook page for more information.
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A boater and his dog prepare to depart at Fort McAllister Marina. Both Fort McAllister Marina and Kilkenny Marina offer saltwater access. Photo by Miranda Osborn.
Living on the Coast: County Offers Variety of Activities for the Outdoorsman AS A REFUGE MANA G E R for the U.S. Fishing and Wildlife Service, Russ Webb sees his fair share of Mother Nature. But even when he’s not on the clock, Webb spends many hours outdoors. 36
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Webb and his wife decided to move to Richmond Hill 25 years ago because it was the middle ground for both of their jobs and they were attracted to the successful school system. They couldn’t have made a better decision, as living on the coast is the perfect location for all of Webb’s hobbies.
“I love being on the coast,” Webb said. “I like the proximity to the saltwater amenities, the Ogeechee River, the salt marshes and the islands.” Webb’s favorite activities are fishing, hunting and recreational boating.
FOR THE FISHERMEN W E B B P A R T I C U L A R L Y enjoys fishing for sea trout and red fish. Most of the time he goes to the local rivers such as Sunbury River and Jericho River, both in Bryan County. The Ogeechee River is also good for fresh water fish such as largemouth bass. “Sometimes, I go to the near shore reef and fish for reef fish too,” Webb said. “In the past, I’ve shrimped with a cast net — that’s a great activity here. A person living here can buy a cast net and fish for their own shrimp for consumption and do very well.” Webb added that there are a variety of shellfish available along the coast for those who are looking for a different type of seafood other than fish. He said the oysters and crabs are just another benefit to living on the coast. “Many people take it for granted, but the shrimp, crabs and oysters are very good here — very tasty,” Webb said.
Webb uses artificial or live shrimp as bait. He explained that both Fort McAllister Marina and Kilkenny Marina sell a good selection of live bait to fishermen. Webb claims that another great place for fishing is Fort Stewart, which offers anglers 260 miles of river and stream access. Fort Stewart’s Fish and Wildlife Branch also stocks and manages 18 ponds totaling more than 400 fishable acres. To fish on Fort Stewart, a $30 year-long fishing permit must be purchased from the Pass and Permit Office off of Highway 144. Several fishing tournaments take place at Fort McAllister Marina throughout the year. In September, the Marina is hosting the largest tournament of the year — the Coastal Empire Kingfish Classic, a Southern Kingfish Association points tournament. Also in September, the Fort McAllister Sport Fishing Club sponsors the Wounded Warrior Fishing Tournament, which benefits injured military personnel. For youth, the Offshore Outlaws hosts the annual Kids Crabbing Tournament, which will take place in October this year at Fort McAllister Marina. The Richmond Hill Fish Hatch-
ery also has events for children throughout the year. Kids’ Fishing Day, co-sponsored by the Richmond Hill Exchange Club, is the first Saturday of June each year. On the fourth Saturday in September, an Outdoor Adventure Day includes kayaking, archery and fishing for youth. The hatchery, which is operated by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Fisheries Section, has 31 production ponds. It maintains three small ponds stocked with catfish, bream, largemouth bass and hybrid striper. The ponds are open in the summer months Monday-Friday from 9 a.m.-4 p.m., for camp groups and parent-child fishing. Most days are catch-and-release only unless otherwise stated. The hatchery’s main goal is to raise striped bass and hybrid striped bass for sport-fish restoration in state waters throughout Georgia. In 2013, a $1.3 million overhaul was given to the hatchery, reshaping ponds and installing new drain structures. The hatchery is located on Hatchery Drive, off Highway 144. For more information, call 912-756-3691.
“ As far as towing tubers or skiers, we do it all the way into October and the water temperatures are warm enough to swim. THAT’S A GREAT PART ABOUT MOVING SOUTH.” — Russ Webb, refuge manager for the U.S. Fishing and Wildlife Service Russ Webb – photo provided.
FOR THE HUNTERS I F Y O U ’ D R A T H E R eat venison than fish, you can still count on Bryan County to supply your needs. With its many forests, the county is great for deer or duck hunting, according to Webb, who said there are also many hunting clubs in the area. Duck hunting can be found on the local waters and the Ogeechee River. Deer, hogs and squirrels are popular game in the Richmond Hill Wildlife Management Area (WMA), which is operated by the Georgia DNR. The area includes 7,400 acres in 14 separate tracts. “The wildlife management area covers a lot of free public hunting with a WMA stamp,” Webb said. “It’s essentially public land for a minimal cost.” Many hunters and outdoorsman also enjoy visiting a shooting range to keep their
skills up to par. The WMA includes a 100-yard shooting range, about one mile down Kilkenny Road off of Highway 144, east of Richmond Hill. The range is transitioning from self-service to a staffed facility. Currently, the range is open from 9 a.m.-8 p.m. In October, the hours will change. To use the shooting range, you must have a Georgia Outdoor Recreational License (GORP) or other qualifying license. For more information on hunting or visiting the shooting range in the Richmond Hill Wildlife Management Area, visit www.georgiawildlife.com or call 912-262-3173. Webb also mentioned Fort Stewart as a great place for hunting. Areas available for hunting include woodland, wetlands, old fields and more than 800 acres of wildlife
clearings. Deer, turkeys and feral hogs are available for hunting, as well as duck and squirrel. Each year, the Fish and Wildlife Branch plants food plots for deer and maintains dove fields for scheduled hunts. Anyone wishing to fish, hunt or engage in other recreational activities must first go to the Pass and Permit Office to purchase a permit. The permit office is on Highway 144, northeast of the main cantonment area. A civilian hunting permit costs $60. However, if you plan to both hunt and fish on the post, you can purchase a combo permit for $85. With a permit, you’ll receive a list of instructions on how to check in and out of area for recreation access. For more information, call the Pass and Permit Office at 912-435-8061. NEWCOMERS & NEIGHBORS
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F O R F I S H I N G or recreational boating, Bryan County has two great marinas — Fort McAllister and Kilkenny — both of which offer saltwater access. Fort McAllister Marina is the larger of the two and includes 4,000 feet of dock. Located at 3203 Fort McAllister Road, the marina’s hoist can lift up to 45-foot boats. Yachts up to 100-feet can dock at Fort McAllister Marina. “The great thing about the marinas is they lift your boat in and out of the water,” Webb said. “They have boat hoists that help keep your trailers out of the saltwater, which helps your trailer last longer.” At Kilkenny, the hoist can lift up to 24foot boats. Larger transiting crafts of up to 85 feet can tie up at the marina. Kilkenny Marina is located closer to the ocean, on Kilkenny Creek a mile and a half from the Intercoastal Waterway. From land, it’s at the end of Kilkenny Road. Webb, who owns a boat for recreational purposes, uses both marinas. He said he likes how convenient the marinas are, selling gas-
oline, supplies and bait. Webb explained many people take advantage of the islands by launching at Kilkenny to visit the south end of Ossabaw Island or the north end of St. Catherine’s Island. “A lot of folks will ride their boats out to the beaches of the islands, enjoy the beaches for the day and then ride back,” Webb said. “I use the public dock DNR boat ramp a lot. It was totally renovated about three years ago. It has a floating dock, a brand new ramp and a very nice facility.” Fort McAllister Marina offers a few events for special occasions. Fireworks are scheduled for the Kingfish Classic and Labor Day weekend in September and for the annual Christmas Parade of Boats in December. The best part about living on the coast is you can boat and fish year-round. “We don’t have a very cold winter,” Webb said. “As far as towing tubers or skiers, we do it all the way into October and the water temperatures are warm enough to swim. That’s a great part about moving south.”
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Places to Go If you’re the type of person who gets bored sitting in the house all day — the type of person who would much rather get out to see and do — then Bryan County is the perfect home for you. There are dozens of places to visit in or near Bryan County. Put these places on your “must visit” list and start planning your weekends. FORT MCALLISTER STATE HISTORIC PARK
information, visit www.hiltonheadisland.org.
FORT MORRIS HISTORIC SITE The Revolutionary War-era fort, which fended off the British in both the colonial days and in the War of 1812, is located in neighboring Liberty County. This historic park is known for its bird watching and educational programs available to visitors. For more information, call 912-884-5999.
This visitor-friendly park includes a museum, historic fort, camping, fishing, hiking trails, boat ramps and rental cottages all within 1, 725 acres. The fort is considered to be one of the best preserved sites of Confederate earthworks in the U.S. It was built in 1861 as a fort for the Confederate Army during the Civil War. In 1864, the fort fell to General William T. Sherman, remaining unused until it was restored by Henry Ford. For more information, call 912-727-2339.
HISTORICAL SOCIETY MUSEUM A building built in 1941 by Henry Ford as a schoolhouse for kindergarteners now houses the Richmond Hill history museum, operated by the Richmond Hill Historical Society. The small, independent museum highlights the history of both Richmond Hill and Bryan Neck. The museum displays artifacts dating from the pre-Civil War era to present times. For more information, call 912-756-3697.
HILTON HEAD ISLAND Just over one hour away, this South Carolina island is famous for its historic plantations, golf courses and beautiful beaches, as well as the nature preserves. Visitors can enjoy adventures such as zip lining and horseback riding or explore the fine shops and restaurants the island has to offer. For more
picking in the early summer. The farm hosts a family fall festival as well. For more information, call 912-921-5460.
HISTORIC DOWNTOWN SAVANNAH
BRUNSWICK — THE GOLDEN ISLES
Savannah is full of rich history and plenty of activities for the whole family. Charming River Street has some of the best shopping and dining in the city. Many tours are offered in Savannah including historic tours, ghost tours and movie tours. For more information, visit www.savannah.com. Visit Brunswick, St. Simon’s Island or Jekyll Island for some of Georgia’s most pristine beaches and many popular attractions including the Georgia Sea Turtle Center, Fort Frederica National Monument, the St. Simons lighthouse, charter fishing and dolphin-watching tours. For more information, visit www.brunswick.ga.org, www.jekyllisland.com or www.explorestsimonsisland.com.
TYBEE ISLAND
THE OLD JAILHOUSE Guests can visit the one-room brick jailhouse that was built in 1912 in Pembroke. It was restored in 2003 but still includes an armored door and bars on the windows. For more information, call 912-653-4413.
BAMBOO FARM AND COASTAL GARDENS This educational farm, provided by the University of Georgia extension service, offers pumpkin picking in the fall and berry
With three miles of beach, this is the place to go for a day of relaxation in the surf and sand. Visitors can also climb to the top of the Tybee Lighthouse, learn about marine life at the Marine Science Center, go ocean kayaking or even take a canoe ride over to Little Tybee Island. For more information, visit www.tybeeisland.com. Photos by Miranda Osborn. NEWCOMERS & NEIGHBORS
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Seafood Festival Brings Thousands to City I T A L L S T A R T E D 16 years ago. The Bryan County Chamber of Commerce wanted to have an event that offered local seafood and showcased local non-profit organizations — and the Great Ogeechee Seafood Festival was born. “Originally, the festival was a way to have an event that would draw all the people of the community together for a common interest,” said Bonnie Proctor, secretary of the festival executive board, who has been a part of the festival since its beginning. “It was a way for the local non-profits to bring in some income for their clubs and for the Chamber to make some money, too.” Proctor said there are very few records 40
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from the first few years of the festival, but she estimated there were 5,000 to 10,000 attendees within the first few years. Admission was $1 per person at that time. The festival began to grow in numbers when adult beverages were sold and the carnival was added. “We’ve always brought in what we thought was very good entertainment,” Proctor said. “We have some very good local talent. In the first few years, we did not have as well-known local talent. When we started bringing in the popular name band entertainment, our attendance increased.” Past entertainers include Little River Band, Charlie Daniels, Eddie Money, The Blues Brothers, Swingin’ Medallions and more. “The purpose of the festival has not
Visitors to the Great Ogeechee Seafood Festival try out one of the many carnival rides. File photo.
changed,” Proctor said. “The fact that we bring in people from all over the state, and now even from all over the country, is just a perk.” Now in its 16th year, the Seafood Festival has an estimated 25,000 to 35,000 attendees, not including volunteers or workers. There are also 50 people who make up the core organizing group and between 1,000 to 1,500 volunteers. The festival, which takes place at J.F. Gregory Park each October, includes an estimated 30 arts and crafts booths, 15 non-profit organizations, 20 local businesses and 40 food vendors. One of those non-profit organizations is Boy Scout Troop 400. Volunteers from the organization sell Dutch oven peach
cobbler — one of the most popular items to purchase at the event. “Last year, we cooked about 225 Dutch ovens of cobbler,” said Scott Schell, scoutmaster of the troop. “Out of each Dutch oven, you can get at least seven servings. That’s quite a bit. We sold about 1,600 cobblers.”
“ IT’S A COMMUNITY EVENT WHERE EVERYBODY COMES TOGETHER TO HAVE A GOOD TIME. The main purpose is to have a local event that brings our non-profits, our businesses, our local restaurants and caterers all together.” — Bonnie Proctor, secretary of the GOSF festival executive board
otherwise be able to do.” The Great Ogeechee Seafood Festival also shows that Richmond Hill is a great place to live. “The event brings a lot of income to the city, but it also shows off Richmond Hill,” Schell said. “It shows off the quality of the people who live in this city.” This year’s Seafood Festival will take place October 17-19, at J.F. Gregory Park, which Proctor said is “the ideal location for a small town festival.” “We think J.F. Gregory Park is a unique area,” Proctor said. “Most small towns do not have anything like it. It’s right in the heart of our city, convenient to all the major roads and, of course, its beauty is unsurpassed.” For more information, times and prices, visit www.goseafoodfestival.com or download the app to stay up-to-date on all the current information. According to Proctor, the GOSF app was one of the top apps in the state of Georgia during last year’s Seafood Festival weekend.
2014 SEAFOOD FESTIVAL DATES AND TIMES Friday, Oct. 17: 5-11 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 18: 10 a.m.-11 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 19: 11 a.m.-5 p.m. 2014 Admission Prices Adults (16 and older) Friday and all-day Sunday – $5.00 (No re-admission) Saturday all day – $10.00 (Re-admission allowed) Kids (ages 6-15) Friday, and all-day Sunday – $5.00 (No Re-admission) Saturday all day – $5.00 (Re-admission allowed) Children (ages 5 and under) – Free all weekend. Cash only (no checks or credit/debit cards are accepted). ATMs will be on-site. Be sure to bring valid/government issued photo I.D. with you if you plan to purchase alcoholic beverages.
2014 Carnival Prices Wristbands for unlimited rides Friday: 5-11 p.m. – $20 Saturday: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. – $17 4-11 p.m. – $20 Sunday: all day – $20
As a vendor, the Seafood Festival is important for Schell because it funds the Boy Scout troop, which only does one fundraiser a year. Schell said 100 percent of the profits go directly to the troop. While Schell has been selling cobblers for the last seven years, he’s been attending the festival for 10 years. “It’s fun to watch the festival grow over the years,” Schell said. “If you live here, it’s the big event of the year. For us, we see so many different people we know. You get to see friends, neighbors, people who were on the ball team with your kids, people who have been in band with your kids or people you know from high school. We may only see them once or twice a year, but we always see them at the Seafood Festival.” Bringing people together is exactly what the Seafood Festival — a fun, family-oriented event — is all about. “It’s a community event where everybody comes together to have a good time,” Proctor said. “The main purpose is to have a local event that brings our non-profits, our businesses, our local restaurants and caterers all together,” Proctor said. “We have lots of non-profits who make their funding for the year through this event. For the Chamber, it keeps our dues low for our local businesses and it gives us money for enhanced activities and events that the Chamber wouldn’t NEWCOMERS & NEIGHBORS
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COMMUNIT Y by TIFFANY STROUD
Bryan County Event Highlights RICHMOND HILL FARMERS MARKET Every Tuesday between February and October, the community stops by the farmers market at the pavilion at J.F. Gregory Park. The market offers a variety of produce, local crafts, food and other goods available for purchase. The market takes place between 3-7 p.m., rain or shine, and pets are welcome. Visit the Richmond Hill Farmers Market Facebook page for more information.
Open Monday-Friday 7am-5pm
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PEMBROKE CHRISTMAS PARADE, TREE LIGHTING AND FESTIVAL OF TREES The annual Hometown Christmas Parade kicks off the Christmas season in December. Beauty queens, horses, marching bands, vintage cars, decorated floats and Santa Claus make their way down the crowdlined streets. Rides, games, food and entertainment for the whole family make up this event. December also brings the downtown tree-lighting ceremony, where local officials light Pembroke’s “mega-tree.” During the Festival of Trees, local businesses and organizations will purchase and decorate trees with original themes for the community to enjoy at the community art center in downtown Pembroke.
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PEMBROKE’S PATRIOTIC PICNIC AND CONCERT Pembroke’s Independence Day celebration on July 1 honors local men and women who serve our nation. The event includes a picnic, farmers market and concert by an Army band from the 3rd Infantry Division at Fort Stewart. All activities are free. Wear your red, white and blue as Pembroke “celebrates the 4th with the 3rd on the 1st.”
EVENTS AT FORT MCALLISTER: For more information on the events at Fort McAllister, call 912-727-2339.
MEMORIAL DAY Spend a day at the historic park while being taught about the everyday life of a Confederate soldier. Learn what an average soldier during the Civil War ate, as well as how he dressed. Throughout the day, you can experience musket and cannon firing demonstrations.
FOURTH OF JULY RICHMOND HILL CHRISTMAS STROLL AND HOLIDAY MARKET
Bill & Jennifer Cox, Owners
a prize basket and play hometown carnival games. The event, which includes food, is free to the community, and, of course, the Easter Bunny himself always attends.
Grab a cup of hot chocolate and stroll along the holiday market to shop for Christmas gifts. The Richmond Hill-Bryan County Chamber of Commerce hosts the events to give the community an opportunity to purchase gifts from local merchants and vendors.
RICHMOND HILL’S EASTER EGG EXTRAVAGANZA Hosted by New Beginning’s Community Church, a giant Easter egg hunt is spread throughout J.F. Gregory Park — using more than 30,000 eggs. Children can hunt for treat-filled eggs, have a chance at winning
Confederate Civil War re-enactors fire salutes to honor the nation’s fallen soldiers. There are also demonstrations of period pastimes and refreshments available to guests.
LABOR DAY Learn about the daily duties of Civil War soldiers while being shown blacksmithing and woodworking trades. Experience 19th century cooking and medicinal techniques as well during your visit.
CANDLE LANTERN TOUR Visit the fort at night with a candlelit tour around the historic grounds. You’ll be able to see how Civil War soldiers performed evening chores.
COMMUNIT Y by TIFFANY STROUD
Faces to Know
“Spring is my favorite season in Bryan County because it’s warmer than the winter, but not as hot as the summer and everything’s in bloom. I love to see the azaleas.” — Kate Barker, manager, Richmond Hill Public Library
“I love whenever Pembroke has memorial services where they put up the American and Armed Forces flags. I think it’s wonderful that they put up the flags and dedicate an American flag to the men and women who serve in the Armed Forces.” — Nancy Nubern, manager, Pembroke Public Library
“What I like the most about living in Richmond Hill is it’s a hometown with a heart. Everyone supports everybody else whether it comes to the school system or the business community. If someone has a sick child and needs assistance, the community rallies around, even if they are perfect strangers.”
“My favorite activity in Bryan County would probably have to be enjoying the access we have to the water. Our family has a boat, and we love to spend time out on the water. My son and husband fish, but for me, I just like being out there spending the day on the water.” — Wendy Bolton, president, Bryan County Bark Park
— Brianne Yontz, executive director, Richmond Hill-Bryan County Chamber of Commerce
“I have to say that my favorite event in Bryan County is the annual Valentine’s Day weekend fundraiser for our Rotary Club — and I am not just saying that because I think I should. It is not only a fantastic night out at the City Center with great food and auctions, but we always fly in a professional band. The annual event is a chance for the Rotary Club to open our doors to everyone, and more importantly, it raises funds to help good causes in Richmond Hill throughout the year.”
“From a reporter’s standpoint, I like that Bryan County is so diverse. Thanks to Fort Stewart and the port of Savannah, there are people from all over the world who call this community home, but you’ve also got homegrown folks who are as nice and as welcoming as anyone you’ll ever meet. The people and the county’s beauty combine to make this place so special. I’ve been covering news here for eight years, and it’s been a great experience.”
— Lesley Francis, president, Richmond Hill Rotary Club
— Jeff Whitten, staff writer, Bryan County News
“I particularly enjoy the holiday events in Bryan County such as the Christmas parade, the lighted boat parade at Fort McAllister Marina, the holiday tour of homes and the chili cook off. Richmond Hill’s annual events have such a hometown feel.” — Christy Sherman, president, Historical Society, and president, Richmond Hill Convention and Visitors Bureau
“The best thing to do in the world, to me, is to paint on the river, because the river is home to me. I enjoy the many different looks on the river; it’s always different every time you go out there. I think anything you can do out by the river or on the river is my favorite, because I have always loved the water and I love how beautiful our coastline is.” — Leslie Murphy, president, Arts on the Coast
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COMMUNIT Y by TIFFANY STROUD
2014-2015 Calendar of Events SEPTEMBER
JANUARY
• 911 Remembrance Service in Pembroke • Labor Day at Fort McAllister • Fort McAllister’s Coastal Empire Kingfish
• “Bring One for the Chipper” Christmas
Classic Tournament • Fort McAllister Sport Fishing Club’s
Wounded Warrior Fishing Rodeo • Pembroke’s semi-annual Fall Community Yard Sale • Outdoor Adventure Day at the Richmond Hill Fish Hatchery
OCTOBER
Tree Recycling
FEBRUARY • Rotary Club of Richmond Hill annual
fundraiser • Chili Cook-Off in Pembroke • Super Museum Sunday at participating
area museums • Georgia Arbor Day • Coastal Bryan Tree Foundation’s annual
tree planting
• Richmond Hill Garden Club’s annual
Pumpkin Patch • Great Ogeechee Seafood Festival • Offshore Outlaws Kids’ Crabbing
Tournament at Fort McAllister Marina • Candle Lantern Tour of Fort McAllister • Spooktacular Saturday in Pembroke
NOVEMBER • Taste of Richmond Hill • Capt. Matthew Freeman 5K Run for Peace
in J.F. Gregory Park • Veterans Day observance in Richmond
Hill • Veterans Day program in Pembroke • Small Business Saturday in Richmond Hill
MARCH • American Cancer Society’s Bark for Life
in Richmond Hill
APRIL • Georgia Cities Week • Pembroke’s annual Easter Egg Hunt • Richmond Hill Easter Extravaganza and
Egg Hunt
MAY • National Day of Prayer • Pembroke’s semi-annual Spring
Community Yard Sale • Memorial Day program at Fort McAllister • Memorial Day programs in Pembroke and
Richmond Hill
DECEMBER • Richmond Hill’s annual Chili Cook-Off • Holly Days on the Hill • Annual Christmas Stroll and Small • • • • • • •
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Business Days in Richmond Hill Pembroke’s Christmas Festival and Parade Richmond Hill’s Annual Christmas Parade Holiday Market at J.F. Gregory Park Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony in Pembroke Festival of Trees in Pembroke Fort McAllister’s 150th Anniversary Christmas on the Ogeechee Lighted Boat Parade and fireworks display
• RHBC Chamber of Commerce Annual
Golf Tournament
JUNE • Richmond Hill Exchange Club Fishing
Derby
JULY/AUGUST • Richmond Hill’s Independence Day
Celebration in J.F. Gregory Park • Fourth of July Celebration at Fort
McAllister • Pembroke’s Patriotic Picnic and Concert • National Night Out in Pembroke and
Richmond Hill
GOVERNMENT by TIFFANY STROUD
Motor Vehicle Information DRIVER’S LICENSE AND IDENTIFICATION CARD ISSUANCE AND RENEWAL A C C O R D I N G T O the Georgia Department of Driver Services, as of July 1, 2012, the Department of Driver Services began issuing Secure ID driver’s licenses and ID cards, resulting from federal requirements for the Real ID Act. Customers who are renewing or applying for the first time must visit a DDS customer service center in person and present documents proving identity, social security number and residential address. A secure driver’s license helps protect Georgians from identity theft. Documents presented must be original or certified copies. Photocopies will not be accepted. To obtain, renew or replace a driver’s license or state-issued ID card, visit the DDS office in either Hinesville or Savannah, which
are typically open Tuesday through Saturday. A state-issued ID card costs $20 for five years or $32 for eight years. The Class A, B, C and M driver licenses cost $20 for five years. Permits under the same class cost $10 and can last from six months to two years. The cost to replace a lost or stolen license, ID card or permit is $5. Drivers are required to bring original proof of identification such as a birth certificate, marriage certificate, social security card or military ID card. For more information, visit www.dds.ga.gov. Georgia Department of Driver Services 800-754-3687 www.dds.ga.gov
BRYAN COUNTY VEHICLE REGISTRATION INFORMATION M O T O R V E H I C L E registration and tags are issued at the tax commissioner’s office in either Pembroke or Richmond Hill. New residents to Bryan County must register vehicles within 30 days of establishing legal resident status. Individual vehicle registration expires on the owner’s birthday. However, business registrations expire on the last day of the registration month. You may renew your registration 30 days prior to your expiration date. No out-of-state or third-party checks are accepted. All penalties are by law and cannot be waived. To avoid penalties, renew as soon as possible after the beginning of the 30-day renewal period. If moving to Bryan County from another state, you will need the following to register your vehicle: Titles with a lien holder: • Copy of out-of-state title if available or original title if previous state was a non-title holding state
• Out-of-state registration in applicant’s
name • Georgia driver’s license reflecting correct address • Georgia insurance downloaded to state database or Georgia Binder if policy is less than 30 days old • Name and address of lien holder Titles without a lien holder: • Out-of-state title (original) • Georgia driver’s license reflecting correct address • Georgia insurance downloaded to state’s database or Georgia Binder if policy is less than 30 days old If you are moving to Bryan County from another Georgia county, you must have the following: • Previous Georgia registration with current tag information • Proof of residency for this county in the form of at least one of the following:
- Driver’s license changed to reflect
your Bryan County address - Power bill in your name - Copy of homestead exemption card - Copy of your residency lease or
purchase agreement You can renew your vehicle tag in person or over the phone at either of the two offices in Bryan County. North Bryan: County Courthouse Complex 11 North Courthouse St. Pembroke, Ga. 31321 912-653-3880 South Bryan: Bryan County Tax Commissioner’s Office 66 Capt. Matthew Freeman Dr. Ste. 102 Richmond Hill, Ga. 31324 912-756-2434 NEWCOMERS & NEIGHBORS
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E D U C AT I O N b y T I F F A N Y S T R O U D
George Washington Carver Elementary currently serves approximately 980 students in 4th and 5th grade in South Bryan. Photo by Caitlin Kenney.
Bryan County School System Builds Enrollment and New Schools WITH AN INCREASE rate of 3 percent for enrollment, the Bryan County school system is projected to have 8,500 students for the 20142015 school year. Last year, there were 8,290 students in the 10 schools throughout the county. “It is a combination of an excellent school system and a wonderful community,” Superintendent Dr. Paul Brooksher said of why the schools seem to be growing at such a fast rate. 46
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“I moved from a metro community to Bryan County in July of 2012, and I ask myself why I didn’t relocate my family to a place like this a long time ago. It is a wonderful place to live, work and raise a family.” Brooksher said he projects the district enrollment to be a little more than 9,000 students by the 2018-2019 school year. With so much growth, there was a need for another elementary school building. A new 1,000-student campus named McAllister Elementary School, which will serve students
in kindergarten through 5th grade, will be constructed in Richmond Hill. Ground has already been broken and the school is slated to open in August of 2015. According to Brooksher, another new school is also being constructed due to the aging building of the existing Bryan County Elementary School in Pembroke. The new BCES will have essentially the same floor plan as that of the new McAllister Elementary School, but it will start smaller. At first, BCES will accommodate up to 600 students
Bryan County Elementary School – which serves 3rd, 4th and 5th graders in North Bryan – will move to a newly constructed building in August 2015. Photo by Caitlin Kenney.
— 100 more than the existing building. However, the school is designed to have an addition of a future wing, which can hold 400 more students. Construction has begun, and the school should be ready for students in August of 2015. “Please know that a new building does not improve a school system,” Brooksher said. “The one thing that has a significant impact on improvement is the quality of the people that work in that building. You can have no books, no technology and an old building, but if you have quality teachers, students will still learn at the highest level. “Bryan County Schools has the very best educators in the business, and our students will receive the best education possible no matter what school they attend,” Brooksher continued. “Education is a people business. Eighty-five cents of every dollar spent in Bryan County Schools goes to people that serve the student body.” Brooksher encouraged the community to think of how many people are involved in one student’s day — bus drivers, teachers, ad-
ministrators, paraprofessionals, food nutrition workers and more.
“ I’m most excited about all of the new technological advances my students will have access to in order to tackle rigorous tasks. I also want my staff to experience the feeling of teaching in a FRESH, UP-TO-DATE BUILDING.” — Julie Gannam, Bryan County Elementary School Principal
“We are a people business, and as a school system it is essential that we recruit, hire and retain the very best people we can find,” Brooksher said. One of those people is Principal Julie
Gannam, who works at Bryan County Elementary School. She has served as the principal of the school for one year and says she has “loved every minute of it.” “I love working for this school because of the superb, dedicated staff and the best students a principal could ask for,” Gannam said. She and Brooksher both credited the valuable faculty and staff for making the Bryan County school system such a success. “It’s our commitment to make sure all of our students have the opportunity to be successful at the highest level,” Brooksher said. “Our faculty and staff are focused on excellence and success in all they do for the students they serve in all areas including academics, athletics, fine arts and more.” For Bryan County Schools, the mission is rooted in “continuous improvement,” according to Brooksher. He explained that the faculty and staff are always looking in the mirror to ask themselves how they can improve each day. This assessment prevents the schools from becoming stagnant in their NEWCOMERS & NEIGHBORS
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progress. “The teachers in my school are dedicated to doing whatever it takes to ensure our students’ success,” Gannam said. “They are outstanding at making education magical for every child. I want them teaching at BCES because they turn our students on to high levels of learning no matter what it takes. I am in awe of them and the job they do for our children on a daily basis.” Another reason for the success of Bryan County Schools is the use of state-of-the-art technology inside the classrooms. Each school is equipped for wireless communication and the new schools will have digital projectors and interactive smart boards. “Technology is a way of life for all students no matter what age,” Brooksher said. “With the pace that technology is changing, it is important that we attempt to stay current in this area. Bryan County Schools is not only committed to technology in our new buildings, we are also continually retrofitting our other schools with current technology.” That new technology is exactly what Gannam is most excited about for her new school building. “I have never in my 29 years in education worked in a brand new building, and I couldn’t be more thankful for the opportunity to lead BCES into a new era,” Gannam said. “I’m most excited about all of the new technological advances my students will have access to in order to tackle rigorous tasks. I also want my staff to experience the feeling of teaching in a fresh, up-to-date building.” Meanwhile, with the new McAllister Elementary School, redistricting will have to take place. Brooksher said the school board plans on hosting community forums between October and December of this year. They will be seeking a recommendation regarding elementary school attendance lines in Richmond Hill to offer to the Board of Education in December or January. With all of the growth, building and progress of Bryan County Schools, one thing remains the same: The students are the biggest, most important part of the system’s achievement. “The students in Bryan County are a cut above the rest,” Gannam said. “These students are respectful and responsible. They value education and want to please their teachers and parents. They are truly committed to excellence and success in all they do. This entire district is the epitome of excellence.”
Welcome to the Neighborhood!
Come on by.
Come visit any of our locations in Bryan County, Pembroke, Glennville and Claxton.
Your friendly neighborhood McDonald’s® welcomes you. As a token of our hospitality, please accept these coupons to enjoy at your local McDonald’s. We look forward to serving you for years to come.
BUY ONE NE Breakfast Sandwich,, Get the Second One Free (of equal or lesser value, excluding Dollar Menu)
Expires 12/31/15.Valid only at participating McDonald’s Restaurants in Bryan County, Pembroke, Glennville and Claxton, GA. Current prices and participation based on independent operator decision. Prices may vary. Not valid in conjunction with any other offer, discount, coupon or combo meal. Cash value 1/20 of 1¢. Limit one coupon per person per visit. Plus tax if applicable. Price of required purchase posted on menu board. Coupon may not be transferred, copied or duplicated in any way, or transmitted via electronic media.Valid when product served. May not be valid for custom orders. ©2015 McDonald’s.
BUY ONE h, Premium Sandwich, Get the Second One Freee (of equal or lesser value, excluding Dollar Menu) Expires 12/31/15.Valid only at participating McDonald’s Restaurants in Bryan County, Pembroke, Glennville and Claxton, GA. Current prices and participation based on independent operator decision. Prices may vary. Not valid in conjunction with any other offer, discount, coupon or combo meal. Cash value 1/20 of 1¢. Limit one coupon per person per visit. Plus tax if applicable. Price of required purchase posted on menu board. Coupon may not be transferred, copied or duplicated in any way, or transmitted via electronic media.Valid when product served. May not be valid for custom orders. ©2015 McDonald’s.
BUY ANY SIZE McCAFÉ
®
Frappé or blended ice beverage,
Get a small McCafé Frappé or blended ice beverage FREE ®
(of equal or lesser value, excluding Dollar Menu) Expires 12/31/15.Valid only at participating McDonald’s Restaurants in Bryan County, Pembroke, Glennville and Claxton, GA. Current prices and participation based on independent operator decision. Prices may vary. Not valid in conjunction with any other offer, discount, coupon or combo meal. Cash value 1/20 of 1¢. Limit one coupon per person per visit. Plus tax if applicable. Price of required purchase posted on menu board. Coupon may not be transferred, copied or duplicated in any way, or transmitted via electronic media.Valid when product served. May not be valid for custom orders. ©2015 McDonald’s.
NEWCOMERS & NEIGHBORS
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E D U C AT I O N b y T I F F A N Y S T R O U D
New Student Enrollment Process
2014-2015 SCHOOL CALENDAR AUGUST 4 – First Day of School
A C C O R D I N G T O the Bryan County Board of Education website, in order to enroll a student in a Bryan County school, the following documents are required:
receipts. The documentation must have a street address listed. Post office box addresses are not acceptable. • Proof of Custody: If the student does
• Immunization record: An adequate
and up-to-date immunization record (Form 3231) must be on file. Out-ofstate immunization records must be transferred to the Georgia Form 3231. These forms can be obtained from the Bryan County Health Department, another Georgia Health Department or a private physician. For military families, contact the medical personnel at Fort Stewart for the Georgia health forms. • Eye-Ear-Dental Exam: The student
must have received eye, ear and dental screening exams. Georgia Form 3300 must be on file proving the exams have taken place. The exams and forms can be obtained at the Bryan County Health Department, another Georgia Health Department or from a private physician. For military families, contact the medical personnel at Fort Stewart for the Georgia health forms. • Proof of Residency: Written proof
that the parent or legal guardian and the student both reside full-time in Bryan County must be shown. Acceptable documents for proof include: house purchase contract, mortgage statement, signed lease, signed rental/lease agreement, signed closing statement or signed rental 50
NEWCOMERS & NEIGHBORS
not live with both biological parents, a copy of the divorce paperwork or custody paperwork must be provided. • Social Security Card: The student’s
social security card must be provided. • Birth Certificate: A copy of the
student’s birth certificate must be on file. • Proof of Grade Level: If a student
is transferring from another school system, a withdrawal form, report card or other verification of grade placement must be shown. High school students must have a transcript. If these documents cannot be shown, parents can give the name and phone number of the previous school in order to verify the grade level and withdrawal status of the student. • Proof of Physical Address: When
a cell phone is listed as the home phone number, a bill indicating the appropriate physical address must be provided. For a new student registration packet, visit www.bryan.k12.ga.us and click on New Student Registration under Students and Parents. A link to the form is at the bottom of the page, as well as school supply lists for each school.
SEPTEMBER 1 – Labor Day Holiday
OCTOBER 8 – Parent/Teacher Conferences 10-13 – Fall Break
NOVEMBER 10 – Staff Planning 11 – Veteran’s Day Holiday 24-28 – Thanksgiving Holiday
DECEMBER 18-19 – Early Release (for high school only due to exams) 20 – Last Day of Semester 22-31 – Winter Holiday
JANUARY 1 – New Year’s Day Holiday 2 – Staff Planning 5 – Students Return 19 – Martin Luther King Jr. Day Holiday
FEBRUARY 13 – Winter Holiday 16 – President’s Day Holiday
MARCH 11 – Parent/Teacher Conferences (K-12) 16 – Staff Planning 17 – St. Patrick’s Day Holiday
APRIL 6-10 – Spring Break
MAY 21-22 – Early Release (for high school only due to exams) 22 – Last Day of School
Coastal Georgia Veterinary Care is Richmond Hill’s newest and most advanced veterinary clinic dedicated to delivering the highest quality medicine and surgery in a spa-like, nurturing environment. Led by former military veterinarian, Dr. Karen O’Connor, she and her staff invite you and your pet to discover the one-of-a-kind experience of Coastal Georgia Veterinary Care. Tuesday - Friday 7 a.m. - 6 p.m. Saturday 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Phone (912) 445-5163 Fax (912) 445-5370
100 Timber Trail, Suite 104 Richmond Hill, GA 31324
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H E A LT H b y T I F F A N Y S T R O U D
Staying Healthy in Bryan County
Richmond Hill Medical Home. Photo by Miranda Osborn.
BRYAN COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT T H E B R Y A N C O U N T Y Health Department (BCHD) is committed to serving all of Bryan County with preventative healthcare. The BCHD offers a wide variety of services including immunizations for adults and children, health checkups, water testing and family planning. Family planning services include birth control and pregnancy testing. The department provides testing and treatment for certain sexually transmitted diseases. They also provide pap smears for women. The Breast Test and More program helps woman without insurance to receive proper mammogram tests. Woman ages 40-64 who meet certain income requirements can apply for the program
through the Georgia Health Department. Tests will then be performed by other providers. The BCHD allows people to apply for the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program, which supplies vouchers to help low-income women who are pregnant or have children under the age of five obtain nutritious foods. The department has two offices — one in Pembroke and one in Richmond Hill — and both follow the policies established by the state and local Board of Health, as the BCHD is a unit of Georgia’s Coastal Health District. Joanne Burnsed, RN, is the nurse manager of the BCHD. She and three other nurses run both offices to promote health and offer preventative services.
“All of our programs are good for every age group,” Burnsed said. The clinics perform vision, hearing and dental screenings for children entering school in Georgia. Immunizations given range from the seasonal flu and pneumonia shots to childhood vaccinations available throughout the year. The Pembroke office is located at 430 Ledford Street and is open Monday-Friday from 8 a.m-5 p.m. For more information, call 912-653-4331. The Richmond Hill office is located at 66 Captain Matthew Freeman Drive and is open Monday-Friday from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. For more information, call 912-756-2611.
cluding Environmental Manager John Youmans at the Richmond Hill office and Environmental Health Tech Betty Lee at the Pembroke office. Those installing a septic tank or individual water well will need to receive a permit from the Environmental Health Depart-
ment. Community members with individual well systems can call the department to pull drinking water samples for analysis. The Environmental Heath Office is open Monday-Friday from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Contact the office by calling 912-756-2636.
ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH T H E E N V I R O N M E N T A L Health Department handles beach water testing, restaurant and hotel inspections, food service permit applications, public pool water testing and more. The department has two full-time staff, in52
NEWCOMERS & NEIGHBORS
ANIMAL CONTROL E N V I R O N M E N T A L H E A LT H also investigates reported bites and possible rabies exposure. The Bryan County Animal Control has shelters in both Pembroke and Richmond Hill. Bryan County requires registration for dogs, cats and ferrets. There are three full-time employees with
animal control: Thomas Sanders, who handles the Pembroke office, Tommy Foster, who handles the Richmond Hill office, and Beth Murray, who works between both offices. Animals available for adoption can be found by visiting www.petfinder.com and
searching by zip code. Animal Control also has a Facebook page called Bryan County Animal Control where lost, found and adoptable pets are posted. To contact Animal Control, call 912-6533816 for the Pembroke office or 912-7273884 for the Richmond Hill office.
DEPARTMENT OF FAMILY AND CHILDREN SERVICES W I T H O F F I C E S I N Pembroke and Richmond Hill, the Bryan County Department of Family and Children Services handles applications for programs such as
Medicaid, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and Child Care Assistance.
Applications for SNAP and Child Care can also be completed through the Georgia Department of Human Services website, www.compass.ga.gov.
RICHMOND HILL MEDICAL HOME THE DEDICATED MEDICAL professionals at Richmond Hill Medical Home are committed to providing services for military spouses and dependents of active-duty personnel and some Army retirees within the community. The clinic is affiliat-
ed with Winn Army Community Hospital at Fort Stewart. Open from 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Friday, the clinic offers primary medical care, immunizations, pharmacy, laboratory and radiology services. The clinic is currently serving
an estimated 8,100 patients with a staff that includes primary care physicians, physician assistants and a nurse practitioner. The clinic is located at 2451A Highway 17, in the Ways Station shopping center. To make an appointment, call 912-435-7464.
THE TERESA COWART TEAM
KKassie Peterson REALTOR R
R Davis Ruth CLIENT SERVICES COORDINATOR
Brian Barrett B REALTOR
· Military Relocation · Buying · Selling · Property Management Teresa Cowart, REALTOR/OWNER RE/MAX Accent
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ACCENT
UTILITIES WATER Pembroke City Hall 912-653-4413
Pembroke Advanced Communications 912-653-4389
HEATING AND AIR Arnold Heating and Air HVAC 912-920-8989
Richmond Hill 912-756-3345
REFUSE CENTERS
ELECTRICITY Richmond Hill City Hall 912-756-3345
Canoochee EMC 800-342-0134
Canady’s Precision Air Conditioning and Heating 912-756-6688
Coastal Electric Cooperative 912-884-3311
Galbreath and Sons, Inc. 912-759-3102
Georgia Power 888-660-5890
Gerrald’s Heating and Air 912-756-3422
Pembroke Telephone Co. 185 E. Bacon St. Pembroke, Ga. 31321 912-653-4389
GAS/PROPANE
Gibson/Lovell HVAC 912-756-4822
CABLE/SATELLITE TV
Atlanta Gas Light Co. 800-427-5463
TELEPHONE CenturyLink 9899 Ford Ave. Richmond Hill, Ga. 31324 912-459-1396
Comcast 866-922-0069 Dish Network 800-333-3474 DirectTV 866-951-7998
AmeriGas Inc. 800-427-5463
Meguiar Heating and Air 912-756-7622 Richmond Hill Air Conditioning 912-756-2288
Claxton Oil Co. 912-739-1304
TRASH PICK-UP
Strickland Propane 912-748-4422
Bryan County 912-653-3819
Suburban Propane 912-756-2927
Pembroke 912-653-4413
Hwy. 144 LandďŹ ll 912-727-3882 Mill Creek Recycling 912-858-3855
POST OFFICES Ellabell & Black Creek 8745 Hwy. 280 E. 912-858-4556 Monday-Friday: 8-11:30 a.m. and 1-4:30 p.m.; Saturday: 9-11:30 a.m. Pembroke 298 Ledford St. 912-653-3377 Monday-Friday: 8:30-11:30 a.m. and 12:30-4:30 p.m.; Saturday: 8:30 a.m.-noon Richmond Hill 9664 Ford Ave. 912-756-6084 Monday-Friday: 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.; Saturday: 9 a.m.-noon
Magnolia Manor on the Coast A United Methodist Ministry for Older Adults
Independent Living and Assisted Living Apartments in serene Richmond Hill. )ULHQGO\ QHLJKERUKRRG VHWWLQJ x :HOOQHVV &HQWHU LQGRRU KHDWHG H[HUFLVH SRRO x )XOO VHUYLFH GLQLQJ SOXV NLWFKHQV LQ HYHU\ DSDUWPHQW x 7UDQVSRUWDWLRQ WR DUHD PDOOV JURFHU\ VWRUHV GRFWRUV HWF x 6WLPXODWLQJ VRFLDO DQG FXOWXUDO DFWLYLWLHV x
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5HWLUH a 5HOD[ a 5HQHZ 141 Timber Trail ~ Richmond Hill, GA ~ (912) 756-4300 NEWCOMERS & NEIGHBORS
PUBLIC SAFETY BRYAN COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE Sheriff Clyde Smith 95 Sgt. Robert W. Crapse Drive Pembroke, Ga. 31321 912-653-3800 (North Bryan) 912-756-2181 (South Bryan) RICHMOND HILL POLICE DEPARTMENT Chief Billy Reynolds 120 Richard Davis Dr. Richmond Hill, Ga. 31324 912-756-5645 PEMBROKE POLICE DEPARTMENT Chief Stacy Strickland 154 West Railroad St. Pembroke, Ga. 31321 912-653-4414 PEMBROKE PUBLIC SAFETY Director William Collins 160 N. Main St. Pembroke, Ga. 31321 912-653-4413 Publicsafety@pembrokega.net PEMBROKE FIRE DEPARTMENT Chief Peter Waters 175 N. College St. Pembroke, Ga. 31321 912-658-5219 Fire@pembrokega.net BRYAN COUNTY EMERGENCY SERVICES Director Freddy Howell 5995 Hwy 204 Ellabell, Ga. 31308 912-858-2799 fhowell@bryan-county.org Deputy Administration Chief Susan Clark 912-459-6505 susanclark@bryan-county.org Deputy Operation Chief James Travers 404-210-6102 jtravers@bryan-county.org BRYAN COUNTY FIRE DEPARTMENT Fire Chief Freddy Howell 5995 Hwy 204 Ellabell, Ga. 31308 912-858-2799 Station No. 1 15735 Hwy. 144 E. Richmond Hill, Ga. 31324 912-727-3033 Station No. 2 95 Daniel Siding Loop Road Richmond Hill, Ga. 31324 912-756-3292
Station No. 3 20580 Hwy 144 Richmond Hill, Ga. 31324 912-727-2101 Station No. 4 4747 Hwy 80 Ellabell, Ga. 31308 912-858-2316 Station No. 5 7392 Hwy 80 East Ellabell, Ga. 31308 912-858-2702 Station No. 6 4281 Bacontown Rd. Pembroke, Ga. 31321 912-653-4782 Station No. 7 5995 Hwy 204 Ellabell, Ga. 31308 912-858-2790 Station No. 8 1400 Orafal Pkwy Ellabell, Ga. 31308 912-851-2010 Station No. 9 4494 Belfast River Rd Richmond Hill, Ga. 31324 912-445-5287
Station No. 10 100 Resource Way Richmond Hill, Ga. 31324 912-445-0411
BRYAN COUNTY ANIMAL CONTROL
EMERGENCY NUMBERS
Richmond Hill 912-727-3884
For an emergency, dial 911
LAW ENFORCEMENT Georgia State Patrol 912-754-1180
Pembroke 912-653-3816
OTHER IMPORTANT NUMBERS
Police:
Coast Guard Search and Rescue 912-786-5106
Pembroke 912-653-4414
Department of Family and Children Services
Richmond Hill 912-756-5645
Pembroke 912-653-2805
Sheriff’s Department:
Richmond Hill 912-756-4441
Pembroke 912-653-3800 Richmond Hill 912-756-2181 BRYAN COUNTY FIRE DEPARTMENT 912-858-2799 Forest Fire 912-653-4411
Department of Natural Resources 912-264-7237 Drug Abuse Hotline 800-662-4357 Poison Control Center 800-282-5846
SAVANNAH CHRISTIAN CHURCH
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RECREATION Black Creek Golf Club 277 Canterwood Dr. Black Creek, Ga. 31308 912-858-GOLF www.blackcreekgolfclub.com Capt. David Newlin Fishing Charters Fort McAllister Marina 912-756-4573 Fort McAllister Marina 912-727-2632 www.fortmcallistermarina.net Fort McAllister State Historic Park 3894 Fort McAllister Road Richmond Hill, Ga. 31324 912-727-2339 Reservations: 800-864-7275 Inshore Georgia Charters 912-312-0600 Fort McAllister and Kilkenny Marinas J.F. Gregory City Park 521 Cedar St. Richmond Hill, Ga. 31324 912-756-2317
Kilkenny Marina 912-727-2215 www.kilkennymarina.com
Did you know that we provide: • • • • •
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We are “The Best â€? in Senior Living Services for Bryan, Chatham and >Ĺ?Ä?ÄžĆŒĆšÇ‡ ŽƾŜĆ&#x;ÄžĆ?͘ 912-445-2425 | 3205 TSX Grand Central Richmond Hill, Ga THESUITESATSTATIONEXCHANGE.COM 56
NEWCOMERS & NEIGHBORS
KOA Savannah South 4915 Hwy. 17 Richmond Hill, Ga. 31324 912-756-3396 Richmond Hill Fish Hatchery 110 Hatchery Dr.
Richmond Hill, Ga. 31324 912-756-3691 Richmond Hill Swim Club 9998 Ford Ave., Ste. 7 Richmond Hill, Ga. 31324 912-459-0160 Roberts Shooting Preserve at Fort McAllister Marina 912-657-4989 www.robertsshooting preserve.com Savannah Coastal Inshore Charters 912-727-5335 Fort McAllister and Kilkenny Marinas
South Bryan County Recreation 508 Timber Trail Rd. Richmond Hill, Ga. 31324 912-756-4075 Sterling Links Golf Club 53 Sterling Links Way Richmond Hill, Ga. 31324 912-727-4653 www.sterlinglinksgolf.com YMCA of Coastal Georgia 154 Thunderbird Dr. Richmond Hill, Ga. 31324 912-756-5856 www.ymcaofcoastalga.org Monday-Thursday: 5 a.m.9 p.m. Friday: 5 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday: 7 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday: 1-5 p.m.
CLUBS & COMMUNITY GROUPS American Legion Post 164 1040 Hwy 280 W. Pembroke, Ga. 31324 912-653-4958 Meets at 7 p.m. the second Tuesday of each month at the Legion Hall. American Legion Post 27 P.O. Box 2767 Richmond Hill, Ga. 31324 912-756-2649 Meets at 6 p.m. the third Tuesday of each month at the Richmond Hill-Bryan County Chamber of Commerce office.
Arts on the Coast 912-713-1347 www.artsonthecoast.org This non-proďŹ t arts association promotes drama, music, visual arts, culinary arts and dance in coastal Georgia communities. AOC has sponsored dinner theater, culinary arts workshops, education programs in the arts, festivals and art exhibits. Bryan Animal Caregivers P.O. Box 104 Richmond Hill, Ga. 31324 912-727-2694 www.bryanac.org
CLUBS & COMMUNITY GROUPS Offers low-cost spay/neuter vouchers, adoption and placement of unwanted pets, and education to promote responsible treatment of animals. Bryan County 4-H Club 131 N. College St. Pembroke, Ga. 31321 912-653-2231 Bryan County Extension Office 131 N. College St. Pembroke, Ga. 31324 912-653-2231 Leadership training opportunities through 4-H for children in 5th grade using research-based education in agriculture, the environment, communities, youth and families. Boy Scouts of America – Coastal Georgia Council 912-927-7272 Bsa099@bsamail.org www.bsasavannah.org Exchange Club of Richmond Hill P.O. Box 967 Richmond Hill, Ga. 31324 912-727-2001 www.rhxc.org Meetings are at noon on the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month at the Richmond Hill City Center in J.F. Gregory Park. Exchange Club is a service organization dedicated to improving life in Richmond Hill. Friends of the Library, Pembroke 912-653-2822 The group encourages residents to become interested in the public library and holds an annual book sale to raise funds for needed items. Books are also on sale yearround in the lobby of the library. Friends of the Library, Richmond Hill 912-756-3580 Meetings are at 10 a.m. on the second Monday of each month from September to May at the Richmond Hill Public Library. The group provides funding for items that do not fall within the library’s budget, such as extra books, DVDs and movies. It hosts an annual book sale to raise money for the library. They also sell books, DVDs and CDs in the library.
Garden Club of Richmond Hill The Richmond Hill Garden Club meets at 10 a.m. on the second Wednesday of each month from September through May at the John W. Stevens Wetlands Education Center in J.F. Gregory Park. Girl Scouts of Historic Georgia 912-236-1571 www.gshg.org Lions Club of Pembroke 912-653-3313 Meets at 7 p.m. on the third Tuesday of each month at the Pembroke Public Library. Lions Club of Richmond Hill P.O. Box 798 55 Vass St. Richmond Hill, Ga. 31324 912-313-3914 Meets on the fourth Thursday of each month at 7 p.m., excluding the months of October, November and December. Meets at the Wetlands Center until building is completed. North Bryan Cancer Support Group 912-858-2945 912-858-2079 Meets at 6:30 p.m. on the second Monday of each month at the Pembroke Public Library. Pembroke Garden Club 912-858-3656 Meets on the third Thursday of each month at the Dixie Harn Community Center in Pembroke.
the chamber or to find out about specific meeting dates and times, call the office. The Chamber hosts one Business After Hours event each month with different businesses in Richmond Hill, as well as Lunch N’ Learn, workshops, webinars and a quarterly forum for members. Richmond Hill Convention and Visitors Bureau P.O. Box 1067 2951 Hwy 17, Ste. 100 Richmond Hill, Ga. 31324 912-756-2676 www.visitrichmondhill.com Richmond Hill Historical Society and Museum P.O. Box 381 11460 Ford Ave. Richmond Hill, Ga. 31324 912-756-3697 www. richmondhillhistoricalsociety.com Membership is open to the public. Richmond Hill Rotary Club P.O. Box 8888 520 Cedar St. Richmond Hill, Ga. 31324
New Home Communities throughout the Savannah area
www.rotaryclubofrichmondhillga. com Meetings are at 12:30 p.m. every Thursday at the Richmond Hill City Center. Richmond Hill Teen Center 185 Ball Park Rd. Richmond Hill, Ga. 31324 912-756-3828 Free after-school program for middle and high school students in Bryan County. Toastmasters Club of Richmond Hill 912-727-4607 1168191@toastmastersclubs.org Meets from 8-9 a.m. on the first and third Friday of each month at Magnolia Manor. YMCA of Coastal Georgia 154 Thunderbird Dr. Richmond Hill, Ga. 31324 912-756-5856 Programs for individuals and families including after-school care, summer camps, sports and leadership program
www.drhorton.com/savannah
Richmond Hill Area Tennis Association P.O. Box 2431 Richmond Hill, Ga. 31324 www.richmondhilltennis.com A non-profit organization that offers after-school sports programs, leadership development programs and advanced skill development programs for youth and adults in Bryan County. Richmond Hill -Bryan County Chamber of Commerce 2591 Hwy 17, Ste. 100 Richmond Hill, Ga. 31324 912-756-3444 www.rhbcchamber.org For more information on joining
*As reported by Builder Magazine
##11 Builder Bui in America Ame 12 years in a row!* NEWCOMERS & NEIGHBORS
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COUNTY GOVERNMENT 911 Center Kathy Hicks 912-756-3101
Family Connection Wendy Sims 912-653-3842
Senior Citizens Terri Watkins 912-653-4480
Animal Control Skip Youmans 912-756-2636
Finance John Grotheer 912-653-3899
Sheriff Clyde Smith 912-653-3800
Court Clerk Becky Crowe 912-653-3871
Magistrate Judge Derrell Snider 912-653-3860
Tax Appraiser, Chief Liz Lynne 912-756-3209
County Clerk Donna Waters 912-653-3837
Probate Judge Sam Davis Jr. Pembroke: 912-653-3856 Richmond Hill: 912-756-8559
Tax Commissioner Carol Ann Coleman 912-653-3880
County Extension Coordinator Shanna Davis 912-653-2231
Planning and Zoning Kirk Croasmun 912-756-7953
Development Authority Anna ChaďŹ n 912-653-4967
Public Works Walter Shuman 912-653-4511
Emergency Management Freddy Howell 912-858-2799
Recreation Pratt Lockwood 912-858-4640 Kay Green 912-756-4075
Engineering and Inspections Ron Alexander 912-756-2532
Transit Terri Watkins 912-653-5793 Voter Registrar Warren Miller 912-653-3859
LOCAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS P.O. Box 430 51 N. Courthouse St. Pembroke, Ga. 31321 Phone: 912-653-3839 Fax: 912-653-4691 www.bryancountyga.org Commissioners Jimmy Burnsed, chairman Noah Covington Jimmy Henderson Carter InďŹ nger Steve Myers Wade Price
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NEWCOMERS & NEIGHBORS
County Administrator Phone: 912-653-3819 Fax: 912-653-3883 County Clerk Donna Waters Phone: 912-653-3837 Fax: 912-653-4691 dwaters@bryan-county.org RICHMOND HILL CITY HALL 40 Richmond Davis Dr. Richmond Hill, Ga. 31324 912-756-3345 www.richmondhill-ga.gov Mayor E. Harold Fowler
City Council Jan Bass Russ Carpenter John Fesperman Johnny Murphy City Manager Chris Lovell 912-756-3345 clovell@richmondhill-ga.gov City Clerk Ursula Lee 912-756-2749 ulee@richmondhill-ga.gov PEMBROKE CITY HALL P.O. Box 130 160 N. Main St. Pembroke, Ga. 31321 912-653-4413 www.pembrokega.net Mayor Mary Warnell City Council Ernest Hamilton Kimberly McGhee Johnnie Miller Diane Moore Tiffany Walraven City Clerk Betty Hill 912-653-4413 clerk@pembrokega.net DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY OF BRYAN COUNTY P.O. Box 267 Pembroke, Ga. 31321 Phone: 912-653-4967 Fax: 912-653-4978 www.bryancountyga.com Officers: Steve Croy, chairman Derrick Smith, vice chairman Sean Register, secretary W.C. Conley Jr., treasurer Anna ChaďŹ n, chief executive officer Directors: Linda Bragg Bea Betsworth Mark Bolton Noah Covington Dell Keith
VOTER REGISTRATION / GOVERNMENT MEETINGS VOTER REGISTRATION Warren Miller, chief registrar P.O. Box 1526 151 S. College St. Pembroke, Ga. 31321 Phone: 912-653-3859 Fax: 912-653-3895 vrbryan@bryan-county.org County Administrative Complex 66 Capt. Matthew Freeman Dr. Richmond Hill, Ga. 31324 To register to vote, visit one of the locations above, a library or city hall, or go to www.sos.state. ga.us. You can download voting applications and absentee ballots at www.bryancountyga.org. POLLING PLACES Precinct ID: 1 Pembroke Poll site: Harn Community Center 91 Lanier St. Pembroke, Ga. 31321
Precinct ID: 3 Black Creek Poll site: Black Creek Admin 8810 Hwy 280 E. Ellabell, Ga. 31308
Precinct ID: 8 Hwy 144 E. Poll site: Bryan County Administration Complex 66 Capt. Matthew Freeman Dr. Richmond Hill, Ga. 31324
Precinct ID: 4 Ways Station Poll site: First Baptist Church 9184 Ford Ave. Richmond Hill, Ga. 31324
Precinct ID: 9 Public Safety Complex Poll site: Public Safety Complex 1955 Sgt. Michael W. Larsen Dr. Richmond Hill, Ga. 31324
Precinct ID: 5 Richmond Hill Recreation Center Poll site: Richmond Hill Recreation Center 508 Timber Trail Rd. Richmond Hill, Ga. 31324
Precinct ID: 10 Daniel Siding Poll site: Daniel Siding Baptist Church 580 Daniel Siding Loop Rd. Richmond Hill, Ga. 31324
Precinct ID: 6 J.F. Gregory Park Poll site: John Stevens Wetlands Education Center 600 Cedar St. Richmond Hill, Ga. 31324 Precinct ID: 7 Keller Poll site: Corinth Baptist Church 19536 Hwy 144 E. Richmond Hill, Ga. 31324
Precinct ID: 2 Ellabell Poll site: Hendrix Park Gym 4060 Wilma Edwards Rd. Pembroke, Ga. 31308
Alternating locations: County Administrative Complex in Richmond Hill and Bryan County Courthouse in Pembroke Development Authority of Bryan County Third Wednesday of each month, 7:30 a.m. Alternating locations: Sheriff’s Office Complex in Richmond Hill and Hwy 204 Fire Station in Pembroke Pembroke City Council Second Monday of each month, 7 p.m. Pembroke City Hall
GOVERNMENT MEETINGS Bryan County Board of Education Fourth Thursday of every month, 6 p.m. Various locations
Richmond Hill City Council First and third Tuesday of each month, 7:30 p.m. Richmond Hill City Hall
Bryan County Board of Commissioners Second Tuesday of each month, 5:30 p.m.
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EDUCATION COUNTY SCHOOLS Lanier Primary School (Pre-K-2) Principal: Jeff Hodges 6024 Hwy 280 E. Pembroke, Ga. 31321 Phone: 912-626-5020 Fax: 912-858-4350 Lps.bryan.k12.ga.us Bryan County Elementary School (3-5) Principal: Julie Gannam 104 Ash Branch Rd Pembroke, Ga. 31321 Phone: 912-626-5033 Fax: 912-653-4350 Bces.bryan.k12.ga.us Bryan County Middle School (6-8) Principal: Dr. Michael Tinney 600 Payne Dr. Pembroke, Ga. 31321 Phone: 912-626-5050 Fax: 912-653-2705 Bcms.bryan.k12.ga.us Bryan County High School (9-12) 1234 Camelia Dr. Pembroke, Ga. 31321 Phone: 912-626-5060 Fax: 912-653-2858 Bchs.bryan.k12.ga.us
Richmond Hill Pre-K Center 120 Constitution Way Richmond Hill, Ga. 31324 912-756-3335 Richmond Hill Primary School (K-1) Principal: Mary Ann Tiedemann 471 Frances Meeks Way Richmond Hill, Ga. 31324 Phone: 912-459-5080 Fax: 912-756-5153 Rhps.bryan.k12.ga.us Richmond Hill Elementary School (2-3) Principal: Walt Barnes 473 Frances Meeks Way Richmond Hill, Ga. 31324 Phone: 912-459-5100 Fax: 912-756-3916 Rhes.bryan.k12.ga.us Dr. George Washington Carver Elementary School (4-5) Principal: Crystal Morales 476 Frances Meeks Way Richmond Hill, Ga. 31324 Phone: 912-459-5111 Fax: 912-756-5872 Gwces.bryan.k12.ga.us
Richmond Hill Middle School (6-8) Principal: Dr. William McGrath 503 Warren Hill Rd Richmond Hill, Ga. 31324 Phone: 912-459-5130 Fax: 912-756-5369 Rhms.bryan.k12.ga.us Richmond Hill High School (9-12) Principal: Debi McNeal 1 Wildcat Dr. Richmond Hill, Ga. 31324 Phone: 912-459-5151 Fax: 912-756-4958 Rhhs.bryan.k12.ga.us
EDUCATION SERVICES Adult Literacy Education Rick Smith 912-626-5048 Bryan County Board of Education Central Office 8810 Hwy 280 Black Creek, Ga. 31308 Phone: 912-851-4000 Fax: 912-851-4093 www.bryan.k12.ga.us Superintendent Dr. Paul Brooksher
Assistant Superintendent for Operations Dr. Trey Robertson Assistant Superintendent for Teaching and Learning Dr. Brad Anderson Bryan County Board of Education Members: Eddie Warren, chairman Joe Pecenka, vice chairman Paine Bacon, district 1 Dennis Seger, district 2 Amy Murphy, district 3 Marianne Smith, district 4 David Schwartz, district 5 Bryan County Head Start 166 Bacontown R. Pembroke, Ga. 31321 912-653-4990
LIBRARIES Pembroke Public Library 1018 Camellia Dr. Pembroke, Ga. 31321 912-653-2822 Richmond Hill Public Library 9607 Ford Ave. Richmond Hill, Ga. 31324 912-756-3580
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NEWCOMERS & NEIGHBORS
HEALTH PUBLIC HEALTH Bryan County Health Department South Bryan 66 Capt. Matthew Freeman Dr. Richmond Hill, Ga. 31324 Phone: 912-756-2611 Fax: 912-756-4828 Monday-Friday: 8 a.m.-5 p.m. North Bryan 430 Ledford St. Pembroke, Ga. 31321 Phone: 912-653-4331 Fax: 912-653-4328 Monday-Friday: 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Environmental Health Office 912-756-2636 Monday-Friday: 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Liberty Regional Medical Center 462 E.G. Miles Pkwy. Hinesville, Ga. 31313 912-369-9400 Memorial University Medical Center 4700 Waters Ave. Savannah, Ga. 31404 912-350-8000
Walgreens 912-459-0880
PHYSICIANS ALLERGISTS SouthCoast Allergy and Asthma 89 Interchange Dr. Richmond Hill, Ga. 31324 912-303-9355 CHIROPRACTORS Kelly Chiropractic Health Center 9390 Ford Ave., Ste. 2 Richmond Hill, Ga. 31324 912-756-8080 Leading Touch Chiropractic Health Center 10384 Ford Ave. Richmond Hill, Ga. 31324 912-756-3004 Palmer Chiropractic 11400 Ford Ave. Richmond Hill, Ga. 31324 912-756-3433
Dr. Benjamin G. Massey 26 Edsel Dr. Richmond Hill, Ga. 31324 912-756-4646
Skin Essentials 10384 Ford Ave. Richmond Hill, Ga. 31324 912-844-7449
Dr. Paul’s Family Dentistry 12650 Hwy 144 E. Richmond Hill, Ga. 31324 912-727-3249
EAR, NOSE, THROAT
Highsmith, Courtney Camp DMD 11344 Ford Ave. Richmond Hill, Ga. 31324 912-756-4060
Ear, Nose and Throat Associates of Savannah 10164 Ford Ave., Ste. B Richmond Hill, Ga. 31324 912-351-3030 FAMILY PRACTICE
Howard Family Dental 1962 Hwy 17 Richmond Hill, GA 31324 912-756-3000
Dr. Christopher Kuettner 9976 Ford Ave. Richmond Hill, Ga. 31324 912-756-3872
Kidsdentistree 110 Gandy Dancer Richmond Hill, GA 31324 912-756-5437
Neighborhood Healthcare Dr. Michael Register 244 Ledford St. Pembroke, Ga. 31321 912-653-4357
Richmond Hill Family and Cosmetic Dentistry 10015 Ford Ave., Ste. 2A Richmond Hill, Ga. 31324 912-756-3880
Richmond Hill Medical Home 2451A Hwy 17 Richmond Hill, Ga. 31324 912-435-7464
South Georgia Orthodontics 9701 Ford Ave., Ste. 112 Richmond Hill, Ga. 31324 912-756-2276
SouthCoast Health Pediatrics 10055 Ford Ave., Ste. 4A Richmond Hill, Ga. 31324 912-527-5352
Vaught Orthodontics 2701 Hwy 17 Ste. 2B Richmond Hill, Ga. 31324 912-756-2309
SouthCoast Health Primary Care 89 Interchange Richmond Hill, Ga. 31324 912-527-5301
Village Dental 3766 Hwy 17, Ste. 206 Richmond Hill, Ga. 31324 912-459-2345
St. Joseph’s-Candler Medical Group 159 W. Railroad St. Pembroke, Ga. 31321 912-653-2897
COUNSELING Richmond Hill Medical Home 2451A Hwy 17 Richmond Hill, Ga. 31324 912-435-7464 Monday-Friday: 8 a.m.-5 p.m. St. Joseph’s-Candler Hospital St. Joseph’s Campus 11705 Mercy Blvd. Savannah, Ga. 31419 912-819-4100 Candler Campus 5353 Reynolds St. Savannah, Ga. 31405 912-819-6000 Pembroke Campus 159 W. Railroad St. Pembroke, Ga. 31321 912-653-2897
PHARMACIES CVS Pharmacy 912-756-2531 Kroger Pharmacy 912-459-3011 Publix Pharmacy 912-459-1177 Richmond Hill Pharmacy 912-756-3331
Eastern Wellness Center 2479 Coastal B Hwy 17 S. Richmond Hill, Ga. 31324 912-756-4117 Psychological Services of Coastal Georgia 128 Frances Meeks Ways, Ste. 3 Richmond Hill, Ga. 31324 912-756-5696 DENTISTS Coastal Empire Periodontics 10055 Ford Ave., Ste. 3C Richmond Hill, Ga. 31324 912-445-5311 Coastal Endodontics 10220 Ford Ave. Richmond Hill, Ga. 31324 912-756-4060 Copenhaver Dental 10230 Ford Ave. Richmond Hill, Ga. 31324 912-756-2936 Dental Wellness Center 10104 Ford Ave., Ste. G2 Ford Plaza Richmond Hill, Ga. 31324 912-445-5337
DERMATOLOGY Chatham Skin Cancer Center 9976 Ford Ave. Richmond Hill, Ga. 31324 912-354-7124 Georgia Dermatology and Skin Cancer Center 2701 Hwy 17, Ste. 1B Richmond Hill, Ga. 31324 912-727-7546 Georgia Skin and Cancer Clinic 9665 Ford Ave. Richmond Hill, Ga. 31324 912-756-4722
Urgent Care Center of Richmond Hill 60 Exchange St., Ste. B7 Richmond Hill, Ga. 31324 912-756-2273 OB/GYN Provident OB/GYN Associates 3780 Hwy 17 Richmond Hill, Ga. 31324 912-756-2292 SouthCoast Medical Group 89 Interchange Dr. Richmond Hill, Ga. 31324 912-721-0604 NEWCOMERS & NEIGHBORS
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HEALTH / FAMILY AND HUMAN SERVICES Southside OB/GYN 10025 Ford Ave., Ste. 3A Richmond Hill, Ga. 31324 912-756-3404 OPTOMETRY Georgia Eye Institute 2429 Hwy 17 Richmond Hill, Ga. 31324 912-756-6091 Low Country Eye Care 10082 Ford Ave. Richmond Hill, Ga. 31324 912-756-3628 PODIATRY Georgia Foot and Ankle Center 10164 Ford Ave. Richmond Hill, Ga. 31324 912-355-6503 PULMONOLOGY Southeast Lung Associates 340 Hodgson Ct., Ste. 2 Savannah, Ga. 31406 912-354-6614 REHABILITATION Bryan County Health and Rehabilitation 127 Carter St. Richmond Hill, Ga. 31324 912-756-6131 Coastal Therapy 60 Exchange St. Richmond Hill, Ga. 31324 912-459-1270 Scholar Rehab 128 Frances Meeks Way Richmond Hill, Ga. 31324 912-727-2321 Spine and Sport Richmond Hill 2451 Hwy 17, Ste. B Richmond Hill, Ga. 31324 912-459-2230 West Rehab Services 205 E. Bacon St. Pembroke, Ga. 31321 912-653-0040 2709 Hwy 17, Building 2A Richmond Hill, Ga. 31324 912-756-5699
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UROLOGISTS Urological Associates of Savannah 9976 Ford Ave., Ste. A2 Richmond Hill, Ga. 31324 912-790-4000 URGENT CARE CVS Minute Clinic 2324 Hwy 17 Richmond Hill, Ga. 31324 912-756-2531 Redicare/Southern Light Wellness 4146 Hwy 17 S. Richmond Hill, Ga. 31324 912-756-7014 Urgent Care Center 60 Exchange St., Ste. B7 Richmond Hill, Ga. 31324 912-756-2273
FAMILY AND HUMAN SERVICES American Red Cross Savannah Chapter 41 Park of Commerce Way Savannah, Ga. 31405 912-651-5300 www.savannahredcross.org Provides 24-hour disaster service, CPR and first-aid training, babysitters training and volunteer opportunities. Bryan County Family Connection Wendy Sims, coordinator 912-653-3824 www.gafcp.org/fcnetwork/bryan Bryan County Senior Centers 9930 Ford Ave. Richmond Hill, Ga. 31324 912-756-2783 Monday-Friday: 8 a.m.-4 p.m. 24 W. Bacon St. Pembroke, Ga. 31321 912-653-4480 Homebound meals are provided on an eligibility basis as determined by the Coastal Area Agency on Aging. Transportation services are also available through Bryan County Transit and can be arranged when client intake information is completed. Volunteer opportunities are also available.
Bryan County Transit Monday-Friday 912-653-5793 Provides limited public transportation services in Bryan County for aging clients, mental health and developmentally delayed clients and those referred through the Department of Family and Children Services. Transit requests should be submitted at least 24 hours in advance and are subject to availability of staff and equipment. Bryan County United Way 9611 Ford Ave. Richmond Hill, Ga. 31324 912-459-4111 Referral assistance, senior programs, limited utility assistance, emergency food pantry and clothing program. Coastal Care Center “Harmony House” 2235 Hwy 17 Richmond Hill, Ga. 31324 912-756-6026 Provides adult health services. Coastal Regional Coaches 866-543-6744 Monday-Friday: 7 a.m.-5 p.m. A regional rural public transportation program that provides general public transit in the coastal counties of Bryan, Bulloch, Camden, Chatham, Effingham, Glynn, Liberty, Long, McIntosh and Screven. This service is available to anyone for any purpose to any destination in the coastal region. There are no eligibility requirements. Department of Family and Children Services 66 Capt. Matthew Freeman Dr., Ste. 111 Richmond Hill, Ga. 31324 912-756-4441 133 West Dubois St. P.O. Box 398 Pembroke, Ga. 31321 912-653-2805 Accepts applications for TANF, food stamps, Medicaid, economic and social services.
First Steps 5353 Reynolds St. Savannah, Ga. 31405 912-819-6910 1-800-children www.sjchs.org A 24-hour crisis line available at the 800 number. Program volunteers greet parents of newborns and follow up with parenting education and emotional support. Rape Crisis Center of the Coastal Empire 912-233-7273 1-888-241-7273 A 24-hour emotional support and information resource for victims of sexual assault. Magnolia Manor on the Coast 141 Timber Trail Rd. Richmond Hill, Ga. 31324 912-756-4300 www.magnoliamanor.com Richmond Hill Teen Center 185 Ball Park Rd. Richmond Hill, Ga. 31324 912-756-3828 Free after-school program for middle and high school students in Bryan County. The Way Station Food and Clothing Bank 9050 Ford Ave. Richmond Hill, Ga. 31324 912-756-2190 Thursdays: 9 a.m.-noon Food and clothing for low-income residents of South Bryan County. Women, Infants and Children 66 Capt. Matthew Freeman Dr. Richmond Hill, Ga. 31324 912-756-2611 430 Ledford St. Pembroke, Ga. 31321 912-653-4331 Provides food vouchers for pregnant women, infants and children under 5 years of age who meet financial requirements.
CHURCHES NORTH BRYAN Beulah Baptist 700 Beulah Church Rd. Pembroke, Ga. 31321 912-653-2640 Black Creek Holy Church of God 394 Black Creek Church Rd. Ellabell, Ga. 31308 912-858-2883 Boyd’s Temple New Order Greater Faith Ministries 236 Mill Creek Church Rd. Ellabell, Ga. 31308 912-858-3832
Ellabell, Ga. 31308 912-858-2534 www.ellabellunitedmethodistchurch.com Faith Harvest Sanctuary 1237 Bill Futch Rd. Ellabell, Ga. 31308 912-858-5446 First Baptist Church of Blitchton 5204 Hwy 80 E. Ellabell, Ga. 31308 912-858-3274 www.firstbaptistchurchofblitchton.com
Northside Baptist Church 458 W.E. Smith Rd. Pembroke, Ga. 31321 912-653-3088 www.nsbcpembroke.com Olive Branch Baptist 95 Heape Dr. Ellabell, Ga. 31308 912-858-3216
912-653-2081 www.thebridgepembroke.org SOUTH BRYAN Bethel Baptist Church 40 White Oak Lane Richmond Hill, Ga. 31324 912-756-3324 www.bbcrhill.org Calvary Missionary Baptist 200 Daniel Siding Loop Rd. Richmond Hill, Ga. 31324 912-756-2702 www.calvarymbcexperience.org Canaan Missionary Baptist Church 10872 Ford Ave. Richmond Hill, Ga. 31324 912-756-3533
Christ Baptist 3580 Wilma Edwards Rd. Ellabell, Ga. 31308 912-858-2724
First Baptist Church of Pembroke 169 Church St. Pembroke, Ga. 31321 912-653-4952 www.fbcpembroke.com
Pembroke Christian 116 W. Bacon St. Pembroke, Ga. 31321 912-653-2457 www.pembrokechristian.org
Church of Christ at Ellabell 3460 Hwy 204 Ellabell, Ga. 31308 912-667-0519 www.ellabellchurchhome.org
Mt. Moriah Baptist 185 South Poplar St. Pembroke, Ga. 31321 912-653-2514 www.mountmoriahchurch.com
Pembroke United Methodist 102 N. College St. Pembroke, Ga. 31321 912-653-2220
Coastal Community Christian Church 10770 Ford Ave. Richmond Hill, Ga. 31324 912-756-3455
The Bridge Church 745 Mason Rd. Pembroke, Ga. 31321
Consumed Church 388 Longwood Dr. Richmond Hill, Ga. 31324
Ellabell United Methodist 3113 Hwy 204
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New Beginning Deliverance Center 2539 Black Creek Church Rd. Ellabell, Ga. 31308 912-858-2255
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CHURCHES 912-459-1009 www.consumedchurch.com Corinth Baptist Church 19536 Hwy 144 E. Richmond Hill, Ga. 31324 912-727-2617 www.corinthbaptistonline.com Daniel Baptist Church 580 Daniel Siding Loop Rd. Richmond Hill, Ga. 31324 912-756-3637
Kingdom Hall Jehovah’s Witnesses 881 Belfast Keller Rd. Richmond Hill, Ga. 31324 912-727-5262
Richmond Hill Church of Christ 11651 Ford Ave. Richmond Hill, Ga. 31324 912-756-4970 www.richmondhillcoc.com
St. Anne Catholic Church 10550 Ford Ave. Richmond Hill, Ga. 31324 912-756-3343 www.stannerh.org
New Beginnings Community Church 75 Crosswinds Dr. Richmond Hill, Ga. 31324 912-445-0196 www.nbcchurch.com
Richmond Hill Full Gospel Church 7056 Hwy 17 Richmond Hill, Ga. 31324 912-321-8738
St. Elizabeth’s Episcopal Church 16491 Hwy 144 E. Richmond Hill, Ga. 31324 912-727-2650 www.stelizabethsrichmondhill. com
Emmanuel Christian Church 10200 Ford Ave. Richmond Hill, Ga. 31324 912-445-5088 www.eccrichmondhill.net
New Covenant Presbyterian Church 520 Cedar St. Richmond Hill, Ga. 31324 912-312-5051 www.newcovpres.com
First Baptist Church 9184 Ford Ave. Richmond Hill, Ga. 31324 912-756-2196 www.myrichmondhill.org
New Life Church 16252 Hwy 144 Richmond Hill, Ga. 31324 912-727-3369 www.newliferichmondhill.com
Faith Harbor Baptist Church 10425 Ford Ave. Richmond Hill, Ga. 31324 912-385-9063
Restoration Worship Center 3756 Hwy 17 S. Richmond Hill, Ga. 31324 912-271-3124
Richmond Hill Presbyterian Church 12965 Hwy 144 Richmond Hill, Ga. 31324 912-756-2339 Richmond Hill United Methodist 9050 Ford Ave. Richmond Hill, Ga. 31324 912-756-2190 www.rhumc.com Spirit of Peace Lutheran Church 15985 Hwy 144 Richmond Hill, Ga. 31324 912-727-5608 www.spiritofpeacelutheran.org
The Waterfront Church 134 Thunderbird Dr. Richmond Hill, Ga. 31324 912-659-8290 www.thewaterfrontchurch.com Victory Temple Deliverance Center 152 Thunderbird Dr., Ste. 205 Richmond Hill, Ga. 31324 912-459-0510 www.victorytempledc.org Vineyard Church 185 Ball Field Rd. Richmond Hill, Ga. 31324 912-667-4841
ii
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Legal Expertise. Integrity. Results. 1FSTPOBM *OKVSZ t "VUPNPCJMF "DDJEFOUT $SJNJOBM %FGFOTF t 8SPOHGVM %FBUI $JWJM -JUJHBUJPO t %JWPSDF 'BNJMZ -BX t .JMJUBSZ -BX Our professional staff is dedicated to the highest standards of our profession. With over 40 years of experience in Bryan and surrounding counties we pride ourselves in our accessability to our clients. Our common belief is focused on meeting our clients’ needs.
Call Today for a Free Initial Consultation. 912.756.4775 10164 Ford Avenue, Suite A, Richmond Hill, GA 31324
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