Richmond Hill Reflections Magazine

A Celebration - Remembering the First 15 Years

Suzanne — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 00:35:11 +0000

At the turn of the 20th century, Chicago attorney Paul Harris noted how admired a friend and fellow attorney was in the community. It occurred to him that if this notoriety could happen at an individual level, the strength could be multiplied into a force if recreated in a group. I couldn’t help but feel it would be pleasant if men of this caliber could get together often. Say one man from each business or professional, meeting socially.The idea grew in 1905 when Harris brought it into discussion with coal merchant Silvester Schiele, mines engineer Gustave E. Loehr, and tailor Hiram E. Shorey. Five years later, the result of these discussions was the 1910 formation of the National Association of Rotary Clubs.

It was 90 years later, when the idea was introduced into our own community. In 1995, local business owner and Rotarian Ray Gaster had been involved with the organization for 15 years and began the process of forming a club in Richmond Hill. He was a member of Rotary Club Savannah South at the time and that club became the sponsor of the budding Richmond Hill group.

Local professionals were proposed for membership. Ray sent out a letter explaining:
Because you represent your profession well, we extend an invitation to participate in our efforts. Rotary is an opportunity to build lifelong friendships and experience the personal fulfilment of providing volunteer service to others. It’s an organization of business and professional leaders that encourages high ethical standards in all vocations. Rotary is the world’s first service club and is in most communities and virtually every country in the world. – Ray Gaster

The first meeting was held Monday, May 15, 1995. At that meeting, the decision was made to schedule regular meetings for lunchtime on Thursdays at the Holiday Inn. That tradition continued until the recent move to the new Richmond Hill City Center. New clubs are required to obtain 30 members prior to hosting an official charter. That goal was met in less than a month, demonstrating the enthusiasm of the community. The slate of proposed officers included Michele Henderson- President, Jimmy Burnsed- Vice President, Jay Gardner- Secretary, Scott Sherman- Treasurer, Eric Hartley and Allen Woods- Directors, and Hugh Scott- Sergeant at Arms.

They invited me to be the first President of the Club. When Ray Gaster asked me, I immediately said, No, ask Jimmy Burnsed. He replied that he had, but he refused because he was already President of the Chamber of Commerce! I had no idea what to do, but Ray Gaster was my mentor and as he was experienced in the running of the Savannah South group he gave me a lot of firm guidance and invaluable support. -Michele Henderson

When we founded Rotary in Richmond Hill 15 years ago, we took to heart the advice of a successful businessman who had retired to the South. He said to me that for a club to be successful you need to keep religion and politics out of it. - Fulton Love

I had never been a Rotarian before 1995, but I was aware that older clubs were more attuned to male leadership. That is why I turned the Presidency down and wanted Michele Henderson to be our first President of Rotary in Richmond Hill. I wanted to send a clear message that we were different and recognized the importance of female business people as well as the men in Richmond Hill’s business community. And the rest is history. – Jimmy Burnsed

Michele Henderson was the first President of our club – and as women had only been allowed into Rotary in the early 1990s – she was a bold but excellent choice. I am really proud of the Rotary Club of Richmond Hill – we have achieved many great things over the years.
– Ray Gaster

The beginnings of the club were like any other. Most had never been involved in Rotary before.

We just had to get the Club going, start some projects, and make sure that we held our meetings and stayed cohesive and often we were flying by the seat of our pants! I remember that another founding member, Fulton Love was the first to propose a member and it took us two months to process the request because we wanted to do everything properly – Michele Henderson

Nobody knew what to do. We only had the flags – no gavel or other equipment but we all bonded quickly and had a lot of fun in our early “getting acquainted” years. – Eric Hartley

However, where they lacked experience in the process of Rotary, they more than made up for it in the understanding of the mission. The heart of Rotary’s goal to bring together community professionals in a way that would allow for positive impact on the community both locally and globally was alive and well in Rotary Richmond Hill.

I think that Rotary is a wonderful way to meet new people from many different walks of life and the charitable work we do is very important. My oldest son has been very involved with the international charity `Medical Equipment Transport Services’ (METS), which I became aware of through Rotary’s support and when someone from METS presented at one of our meetings. - Cathy Butler Gregory

Rotary International is a great learning opportunity for a business professional today. The local clubs meet and educate a diverse group of individuals with guest speakers once a week. Members’ network and support businesses in their community while getting involved in charitable giving and volunteer projects. “Service above Self” is the mantra followed by all Rotarians. Richmond Hill Rotary Club has been working in the schools with Jr. Achievement programs, awarding college scholarships, funding principal requests for students in need, and sponsoring an international student to attend college in Georgia (GRSP). We have supported funding for Alzheimer research (CART) and senior citizen Christmas programs. – Tina Eberlein

Throughout the years, Rotary has continued to be a positive force both abroad and at home. Each year, successful projects are continued and new ideas are created, all with the intent of leaving it better than we found it.

During my presidency (1999 – 2000), I really emphasized the Professional Excellence Awards Program, which I had begun as a committee chairman two years previously. The principle recipient of the award for my tenure was Quechee Long, a waitress at the old “Hill Billiards” restaurant who was known and loved by most and feared by others. You could always expect a friendly and enthusiastic greeting from Quechee, who knew your menu preference.

She was simply a great small-town waitress with a perfect personality for the job. While she was friendly, courteous, and very efficient, she also had a low tolerance for pretentiousness and rudeness and could deal with folks who showed those qualities with a quick wit and sharp tongue. This often provided entertainment to the other diners present. When selection committee chairman, Sam Davis, came to me with Quechee’s name, I thought that it was great. The selection criterion for the award was: Someone who approached a job in a way that made Richmond Hill a better place to live—and that was certainly Quechee. She sat next to me at the annual banquet and I could tell that she was truly touched by the award and by the affection and high regard she received from the Club. Unfortunately, she was diagnosed with terminal cancer shortly thereafter. And within four months, she died. Of all the events that took place during my presidency, I ‘m most proud of having presented that award. – Dick Kent

We started the Helping Hands Project initially it was launched to assist the elderly and home bound with assistance in small projects around the house. The project brought in representatives of the local Home Builders Association and churches. It then grew into a non-profit organization, Helping Hands Foundation of South Bryan, Inc. On a quarterly basis, the organization sends young people and adults out to tackle more involved household repair projects to elderly low-income families screened by United Way. - James R. Gardner

As Rotary Richmond Hill looks forward to its 15th anniversary, all members enjoy a look back and are excited about a continued future.

Life has changed for everybody and every segment of society has had to adapt to survive over the last fifteen years – Rotary is no different. I have been a Rotarian for 29 years and see myself as a parent of the Rotary Club of Richmond Hill, as I was instrumental in setting up our club in 1995. – Ray Gaster

Times have changed a lot since those early days as Richmond Hill was much smaller and a close knit little club. The Rotary Club of Richmond Hill has had our ups and downs over the last 15 years. But we always had a lot of fun and Rotary always was and remains an important part of our lives. The original members continue to have a strong commitment to Rotary and its ideals. – Michele Henderson

The Rotary International evolution from a small group to an internationally recognized symbol of business professionals working together for world understanding and peace is stronger today because of clubs like Richmond Hill. – Tina Eberlein

An Actress in the Making

Suzanne — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 00:32:36 +0000

“I want to be an actress when I grow up,” Ava Rose Willis told me without hesitation. The tone of her voice was serious. She’s not your typical third grader, sharing silly dreams of the day she will become famous, she can already envision what it’s going to be like the day it happens. “It’s gonna be awesome,” she tells me when I ask her why she wants to fulfill such a difficult dream. “It’s exciting because I watch Sonny with a Chance; it’s this Disney show. After the show, they interview the actors and actresses and I want to be where they are.”

Ava moved to Richmond Hill in 2008 with her mother and father, David and Margaret Willis from Fairfield, New Jersey. “The people here are so polite,” she tells me. “When we are riding in our car, they wave to you and you don’t even know who they are!” While living in Jersey, from the time she was three months old, Ava had a talent agent in New York City, where she recalls “the lights are so beautiful.” You may have seen her once or twice on Comcast’s Blues Clues, Law & Order, and a Bank of America Commercial. Or in movies like Cold Souls, New York, I Love You, Nanny Diaries, and Old Dogs, where she met actor, Robin Williams. Her resume continues to grow as she currently works with her new agency, Halo Models and Talent in Savannah.

She’s making her dream a reality. I immediately realized what a driven, colorful young girl she was indeed within two minutes of beginning our interview. Similar to most kids her age, Ava loves to ride her scooter, skateboard, ride bikes, sing, dance, and perform in school shows. Her favorite pastime is ballet because she loves her tutu! She takes lessons at Kelley Creek Studio in Richmond Hill. She loves to read; so much so that her mother says, “She asks if she can stop watching T.V. with her family, so that she can go read!” Now, that may sound different than most kids, but Ava prefers the word “unique.” She is currently working on her own book called, The Magic Cape, but has put that on hold for a new computer game she enjoys called Build-A-Bearville.

Ava Willis is making waves in the modeling and acting world. This summer she will travel to Orlando to compete in front of agents from all over the country in hopes of landing new roles in movies, television shows, commercials, and print advertising. Ava has her own steps planned to accomplish her dream. She’s a mature, all-American sweetheart ready to take on the world. Go Ava!

CCA: The Richmond Hill Chapter

Suzanne — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 00:29:57 +0000

South Bryan County is blessed to enjoy a rare quality of life, much of which is drawn directly from our marine resources. From our recreational activities to our favorite table fare, we are dependent upon our marshes, rivers, and Mother Ocean. The use and enjoyment of these resources comes with the responsibility to preserve them, to leave them a little better than we found them, and to show the next generation responsible stewardship.No organization takes this responsibility to heart more than CCA—Coastal Conservation Association. As part of a 100,000 member national organization spanning over 17 coastal states from south Texas to the upper reaches of Maine—to the Pacific Northwest, the Richmond Hill chapter of CCA is all about preserving our precious coastal resources and fisheries for generations to come. Often described as the saltwater fisherman’s version of Duck’s Unlimited, membership was historically centered on recreational anglers. However, CCA is not a fishing club. Its activities and influence cover a much broader spectrum of coastal conservation issues and its membership is now much more diverse than ever. Currently, 12 local chapters comprise the Georgia state chapter, which is headquartered in Savannah.

On Friday, April 30, of this year, approximately100 members and supporters of the local chapter gathered at the John W. Stephens Wetlands Center in J. F. Gregory Park for the annual fundraising banquet. While attendance was down from past years, generous sponsors, donors, volunteers, and supporters combined efforts to collect over $10,000 in support of marine resource conservation and restoration. $25 from each membership fee is sent to the national office in Houston, which supports national lobbying efforts, staff biologists who work on regional and national conservation issues, member relations, and the publication and distribution of the award winning TIDE magazine. All other funds raised are used to support conservation efforts on the Georgia coast. This includes lobbying activities at the state and local level.

Because much of what CCA accomplishes is through political influence, membership numbers are critical. The more votes represented the more influential the organization can be. In 30 years of conservation experience, the practice of basing every position on facts, supported by sound scientific evidence, has gone a long way toward building credibility with governmental agencies and the pubic. “As an organization, CCA can’t act on the emotional responses many of us feel as individuals. In order to remain effective, we must remain credible,” says Fraser Bowen, CCA Richmond Hill’s representative on the state government relations committee.

Along with DNR

Much of CCA influence in fisheries and habitat conservation stems from its effective partnership with the Georgia DNR Coastal Resources Division; this is the principal regulatory authority over marine resources. Although the objectives and positions of the two organizations differ at times, this partnership insures that CCA is at the table when issues of importance to marine sportsmen are on the agenda. Conservation concerns are not defined by political boundaries, so cooperation with neighboring chapters and states is critical to long term effectiveness.

The organization’s leadership has been important on numerous issues in recent years. In 2005, CCA Georgia partnered with Georgia DNR in the Peach State Reds Initiative. This was a five-year study of the effectiveness of using hatchery raised redfish to supplement the natural population in coastal waters. The study was recently completed and final analysis is being compiled and results are expected to be released soon. CCA raised $25,000 to support the initiative, lobbied for state and federal funding, and provided volunteer labor at critical points during the study!

Become a Member

Exceptionally low water temperatures this past winter may have resulted in the death of high numbers of speckled trout. Although studies have not yet confirmed this concern, CCA has launched Operation ROE (Release Over Eighteen), a campaign to encourage anglers to voluntarily release trout over 18 inches long caught between April and September this year. Most trout of this length are females and these larger fish produce much higher numbers of eggs which will help rebuild the population of this prized recreational species.

CCA provided a significant voice in preventing the complete closure of the Grays Reef Marine Sanctuary to recreational fishing as proposed by federal authorities. More recently, they registered concerns over the proposed closure of waters off the Georgia coast to red snapper fishing.

CCA Georgia continues to lobby the state legislature to obtain game fish designation for red drum (a/k/a redfish, spot tailed bass), which would prohibit the commercial sale of this important recreational species in Georgia.

Led by the Golden Isles chapter with participation state wide, CCA is partnering with DNR in a tag and release study to gain better understanding of tripletail, a migratory species about which little is known.

CCA weighed in heavily last year in lobbying DNR Environmental Protection and state legislators to require further environmental impact studies on the potential effect that a proposed wastewater treatment plant in Liberty County might have on the Laurel View river system.

Information about all activities, along with a membership application, is available on its web site at CCAGA.org and in TIDE magazine.

Sustainable Cooking - From the Kitchen of Chef Kermit Griffin

Suzanne — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 00:20:58 +0000

When it comes to food, people tend to follow one of two trains of thought. Either they view food as a matter of function—something that we require to fuel our bodies that should be effective and efficient so that we can get on with the day or—as a form of art. Perhaps, something to be appreciated and savored, instead of simply consumed. With a spoonful of decadence and a dash of practicality, Chef Kermit Griffin, Executive Chef of the Richmond Hill City Center, has honed his culinary talent to create unique dishes that perfectly balance the science of giving our bodies what they need with the art of creating meals that are experienced rather than just eaten.Chef Griffin was first introduced into the world of cooking for large groups while serving as an Aviation Administrator in the United States Navy.

His primary responsibility was to coordinate maintenance and repairs for a fly squad aboard the USS America. “While on board, everyone would do temporary duty in other departments,” he said. “I would always volunteer for duty in the galley. We fed over 6,000 guys, four meals a day, working eighteen hour days. Everyone thought I was crazy, but I loved it.”

It was not until years later, while working his way through law school at the University of South Carolina that he would begin to think of cooking as a possible career. Chef Griffin worked in a number of restaurants throughout college to pay the bills, but one fateful summer break, he decided to take a job in a tax law firm in Philadelphia so that he could see friends in the area. Rather than taking any time for himself to relax, he quickly landed a night job working as a Chef at the exclusive German Town Cricket Club.

One night, Griffin was charged with making the evening soup. That night, Georges Pierre, owner of the nationally renowned restaurant, Le Bec Fin, came into the club to eat. “Le Bec Fin was voted top restaurant in the nation for something like seven years in a row. I had made a turtle soup that evening, and when he was finished eating he came to the back and asked to talk to whoever made the soup. He said it was probably one of the best soups he’d ever tasted. He pointed to my boss.You can take his job! not only have a talent, but you have passion. I can tell this.” Then, he asked me how long I had been there. When I said just few weeks and that I was headed back to South Carolina to finish law school, he said, “No, no, no you are a chef. This is what you were born to do. You are no lawyer.” That solidified it for me!

Since that life changing night, Chef Griffin’s culinary accomplishments have included four years as Sous Chef at the Beaufort Inn, an Executive Chef position with a AAA Four-Diamond Inn, during which time the Inn was rated by Conde Nast as one of the Top-Ten Inns in America, served as Chef de Partie at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Hilton Head, South Carolina, an Executive Chef position with Bateaux, a James Beard award-winning restaurant, and Executive Sous Chef and Executive Chef positions at Bobby Joe’s on Dataw Island, South Carolina.

When he heard about the opening for an Executive Chef at Richmond Hill City Center, he leapt at the opportunity to work in an environment that embraced the sustainable cooking ideology. Not only was the Center built to the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED Silver guidelines, they also started one of the first recycling programs in the city, even recycling their cooking oils through US Foods, where they can be used again as bio fuels and other products. Chef Griffin added, “I was really excited about the idea of being part of something that was truly environmentally conscious.”

It was during his three years at Bateaux that Chef Griffin was mentored by his former boss, now good friend, Richard Wilson on sustainable cooking and farm-to-table concepts. “Sustainable cooking is an ideology,” Chef Griffin explains. “There is no one set of factors or requirements that make a restaurant sustainable. It’s about being harmonious with the land and the things that nature provides, with minimal outside manipulation. I try to use foods that are locally grown. I try to use fish that are caught in these waters. It’s good for the local economy and the environment. Seventeen percent of all the money that goes into is in the how you get that tomato to your table is in the fuel costs.”

Richmond Hill City Center opened their doors in April of this year and is already reserved to host a variety of local events, from weddings to corporate retreats. According to Tina Eberlein, President of the Richmond Hill Rotary Club, Chef Griffin and the center are quickly becoming the talk of the town.

“The Rotary Club of Richmond Hill held our annual fundraiser at the City Center this year. We had a full-dinner buffet set up with prime rib, a pasta station, and appetizers. I got rave reviews from our group about the presentation, the service, and the food itself—and we have a picky group. The Rotary Club has high standards for businesses and they were very happy with the City Center,” Tina says.

When Chef Kermit Griffin prepares a meal, he does not just throw together ingredients. He creates masterpieces with the expertise of a scientist, the sensibilities of a community advocate, and the passion of an artist.

Bon Appetite!

Not an “Almost” Year - this year! Recap of the 2009-2010 Wildcat Varsity Sports

Suzanne — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 00:16:59 +0000

Richmond Hill High School has always been known for its excellence in academics, but our athletic programs are not far behind. In the 2009-2010 school year—Richmond Hill athletic teams had 11 teams advance to the state playoffs. In addition, individual athletes advance to the state playoffs in two other sports including one state champion. Out of the 11 teams that advanced to the state playoffs, four teams won regional championships!

Richmond Hill competed in the 3AAA classification this past season against Baldwin, Burke County, Liberty County, Thomson, Washington County, and West Laurens. Based on school population numbers, Richmond Hill will move into a new region next school year, region 2A-AAAA. This is a sub-region consisting of Brunswick, Glynn Academy, Liberty County, Richmond Hill, Ware County, and Wayne County. The other side of the region 2B-AAAA is Effingham County, Evans, Greenbrier, Lakeside-Evans, South Effingham, and Statesboro.

The competition will only get tougher for most of the sports programs with the new region alignment. Big changes are in store as Assistant Head Football Coach Michael Pollard will be in his first full season as the Athletic Director (A.D.) for Richmond Hill High School. Jimmy Hires retired from the A.D. position last summer; he has also made the move to the sideline as an assistant football coach.

Fall Sports

Cross Country
Head Coach: Jimmy Hires (19 years)
Girls: Region Champions
Boys: 2nd Place in the Region

After 19 years of coaching cross country and eight regional boys’ titles, (3rd in the state in 1992,) and seven regional girls’ titles later, Jimmy Hires finished his last season as cross country coach this year. Hires has been a very successful coach in many sports, ended this season no differently. The Richmond Hill High School Cross Country teams continued their success in 2009. The girl’s team won the region championship. Tyler Carlson (Greater Savannah Girl Cross Country Runner-of-the-Year) won the individual region title by having the fastest time across the finish line, 17 minutes-20 seconds. The Lady ‘Cats won the region championship for the second year in a row, as did Carlson, winning the individual title. Other top individual finishes include Shanee McKee in 4th place and Janelle McKinney in 5th place. Carlson finished 16th in the 3AAA state track meet. The boy’s team was led by Russell Lawless who took 4th place with a time of 17 minutes-11 seconds at the region meet.

Football
Head Coach: Brian Brocato (4 years) and Lyman Guy
Season Record: 3-7
Region Record: 0-6 (7th in the region)

The 2009 Richmond Hill Wildcats matched their 2nd highest total victories in the last 13 years with three wins: 1999, 2001, and 2003. The Wildcats have not had a winning season since they took the region title (AA) in 1996 with a 9-4 record. They scored 52 points against Savannah High, which is the 2nd most points Richmond Hill has ever scored in a game—53 against Bacon County in 1996. Coach Lyman Guy took over the team as the head coach for the second half of the 2009 season. Two players will be playing college football next year at NCAA Division III Schools. Lineman Matt Wyatt, (2nd Team All-Region) will play football for Averett University in Danville, Virginia, where he received multiple academic scholarships. Running Back Zach Denney, (1st Team All-Region) who in his junior season rushed for over 1,000 yards, signed with State University of New York Maritime College. Senior Zach Broome was also selected to the 2nd Team All-Region at the quarterback position. Even with the loss of these three players and other seniors the future looks bright with excitement as the community will follow Coach Guy in his first full season at the helm.

Softball
Head Coach: Sean Strickland (1st year)
Season Record: 15-13
Region Record: 4-2 (3rd in the region)

The Lady Wildcats Softball team “exceeded expectations this year with only three seniors” according to head coach and former Richmond Hill Wildcat baseball player/alum, Sean Strickland. The girls finished 3rd in the region and went on to the state playoffs where they were defeated in the 1st round by eventual state runner-up Northside-Columbus, with scores of 0-8 and 0-2. Lauren Simerly, Alex Hefner, and Margaret Goolsby were selected to the 1st Team All-Region. Katie Nance was selected to the 2nd Team All-Region. Alex Hefner signed to play college softball with Agnes Scott College in Decatur, Georgia.

Volleyball
Head Coach: Ashleigh Davis-Lee (1st Year)
Season Record: 16-10
Region Record: 9-1 (Region Champions)

In the inaugural year of volleyball at Richmond Hill High School, the girls accomplished and overcame many challenges. There were over 100 girls who tried out for the team in the spring of 2009. The team won the region championship in their first season, which led to them hosting a first-round playoff series, where they were defeated by Flowery Branch. Senior Gaby Parker was named Bryan County Athlete of the Month in August 2009.

Cheerleading
Football Cheerleading is in Fall; Basketball Cheerleading is in Winter.
Competition/Football Cheerleading placed 2nd in the region the last two years.

Winter Sports

Boy’s Basketball
Head Coach: William Altman (3 years)
Season Record: 13-13
Region Record: 5-8 (Finished the regular season in 4th place)

The Wildcats have improved their record every year since William Altman became the boy’s basketball coach. The 2009-2010 season was the first time since the Jimmy Hires era that the ‘Cats finished with a winning record. They were a basket away from making the state playoffs for the 1st time since Hires last season in 2003-2004. The Region 3AAA tournament was held at West Laurens High School, where the Wildcats played the 5th seeded host team. The game was tied at regulation 64-64. In overtime, West Laurens pulled out the 70-68 victory. Junior Lorenza Ross was selected to the AAA All-State Team (honorable mention) and the 3AAA All-Region 1st Team. Also making the 3AAA All-Region Teams were Robbie Bynum (2nd Team) and Vernon Jackson (3rd Team).

Girl’s Basketball
Head Coach: Elizabeth Bennett (3 Years)
Season Record: 18-10
Region Record: 7-5 (3rd in the region)

The Richmond Hill Lady Wildcats basketball team made the playoffs for the 2nd straight year. A year after knocking off the number one seed, Woodward Academy, and advancing to the Sweet 16, the Lady ‘Cats were defeated in the first round of the state playoffs by only four points against home team, Northside Columbus. Senior Tyler Carlson became the girl’s basketball all-time leading scorer with 1,521 points in her career at Richmond Hill! Tyler was also named on the All-State Class AAA Team as an honorable mention, 1st Team All-Region for 3AAA, and 1st Team All-Greater Savannah. She received a scholarship to play basketball at Mars Hill College in Mars Hill, North Carolina. Kourtney Myers was named on the 2nd Team All-Region. Aliyah Johnson and Dajah Davis were also named on the All-Greater Savannah Team as honorable mentions.

Wrestling
Head Coach: Adam Moret (2nd year)
Season Record: 10-4
Region Record: Finished 3rd in the region

Coach Rick Bond helped start the Richmond Hill High School wrestling program, four years ago. Led now by Coach Adam Moret, the wrestling team finished 3rd in the Region 3-AAA tournament. Also, they qualified for the state wrestling meet. Three Wildcats won individual region titles for their respective weight classes. Senior Zach Sheffield, who was 21-0, won the 125-pound weight class for the second straight year. In the state meet, Zach made it to the semifinals before finally being defeated. Also crowned region champions were Michael Early (145 pound, 14-3 record) and Josh Bryant (285 pounds/heavyweight, 15-1 record). Juniors Early and Bryant represented themselves and the school well in the state meet and made it to the quarterfinals and second round respectively.

Spring Sports

Baseball
Head Coach: Mitchell Curry (8 years)
Season Record: 18-10
Region Record: 9-3 (2nd in the region)

The Wildcats baseball team accomplished something no other team in school history has done. This year, they hosted a state playoff game! The Wildcats have been to the state playoffs three out of the last four years. This season, the Wildcats hosted Troup County and lost two close games 2-5 and 4-5 (8 innings). They also gave region champions and state semifinal-bound Thomson both of their only region losses. Junior, left-handed pitcher Kevin Matthews (Team Best Pitcher), was named the Region 3AAA Pitcher-of-the-Year. Kevin has verbally committed to play baseball at the Division I level for the University of Virginia (2011-2012). Teammates Adam Moe (Team Rookie of the Year), Cody Crow (Team Best Offensive Player), Cody Rushing (Team MVP), and Billy Kilmer were all selected to 1st Team All-Region. Connor Mitchell was selected to the 2nd Team.

Golf
Head Coach: Jimmy Hires (Boy’s)
Michael Pollard (Girl’s)

The Richmond Hill High School Golf Team finished their season at .500. The Wildcats used Sterling Links Golf Course for their home matches and practices. The girls’ finished in 3rd place and the boy’s finished in 5th place in the region. Miranda Bickes was the girl’s low medalist and Andrew Schaff was the boy’s low medalist.

Boy’s Soccer
Head Coach: Robbie Flanders (2 years)
Season Record: 12-6
Region Record: 9-1 (Region Champs)

The dominance of boy’s soccer continued in 2010 for the Wildcat Soccer Team. They won their 3rd straight region title in 2010. The boy’s had a significant loss this season to Baldwin 2-1 on penalty kicks. It was their first region loss since 2007. They have a combined region record of 29-1 over the last three seasons. In the first round of the state playoffs, the boys beat Northside Columbus 5-1. In the 2nd round, the ‘Cats were defeated in a tough matchup with Perry High School 3-1.

Girl’s Soccer
Head Coach: Steve Kollman (9 years)
Season Record: 16-4
Region Record: 10-0 (Region Champions)

Arguably the most successful sports program over the last decade at Richmond Hill High School is the girl’s soccer team. Under Coach Steve Kollman, the girls are 122-38-5 with nine playoff appearances. Ranked in the top 10 for seven straight seasons, the Lady ‘Cats ended the 2010 season the same way they did in region play in 2009, as region champions. Since 2004, the Girl’s Soccer program has had seven players accept scholarships to play at the college level. In 2009, Lindsey Vasher, who scored a RHHS record of 45 goals was named the Greater Savannah Girls Soccer Player-of-the-Year. This season, the Lady Wildcats made it to the quarterfinals before losing to the eventual state runner-up Creekview Grizzlies (4-2). In rounds one and two of the state playoffs, the Lady Wildcats outscored opponents Troup County and Eagles Landing 18-0. The 3AAA 1st Team All-Region was loaded with Wildcats: Anna Bausum, Elizabeth Campbell, Sarah Goolsby, Kayla Taylor, Caitlin Uhlig, and Lindsey Vasher. The 2nd team all region was well represented with Sarah Mazur, Gaby Parker, and Whitney Regan being selected.

Tennis
Head Coach: Jeff Graham (2 years)

After making it to the elite eight in 2009, the boy’s tennis team returned to the state playoffs again, finishing 2nd in the regular season and in the region tournament. The boys were defeated in the 1st round of the state playoffs 3-2 by Columbus High School. The girls who went into the region tournament as the number one seed, finished in 2nd place. In the state playoffs, the girls beat Northside Columbus 4-1 in the first round. In the 2nd round, the girls lost to the eventual state champions and power house Woodward Academy.

Track
Head Coach: Levi Sybert (1st year)

Track at Richmond Hill in 2010 was very successful. After finishing in 2nd place last year at the state track meet, junior runner Shaquille Walker became a state champion in 2010. Walker ran a 1:51.7 in the 800-meter run. Not only did Walker have the quickest time in AAA, he was the fastest in the state in all classifications. According to http://www.milesplit.us/rankings/2010/outdoor/hs/m/800m, he had the 22nd fastest time in the nation this year. Teammates Albert Reddick and Russell Lawless each qualified for state by coming in 2nd place in their respective events at the region track meet. Reddick ran in the 300-meter intermediate hurdles and finished 7th in the state with a time of 39.97 seconds. Lawless also finished in 7th place at the state meet in two events, the 1600-meter (4.29.9) and 3200 (10:01.3) meter run. The three athletes ran in a total of four events and placed in all of them to earn Richmond Hill a tie for 10th place in the state AAA.

In girls track, it was a bit of déjà vu from last season. Last year, the Wildcats had four girls who qualified for the state meet by finishing 2nd in their events. This season, the same four ladies qualified for state, but by winning individual region championships! Janell McKinney took 1st place in the 800-meter run, Nikki Shields won the 400-meter run, Chelsey Callahan won the 3200-meter run, and Amber Kasinger took the title in the high jump. Senior Amber Kasinger was the only Wildcat girl who placed in state (8th), in high jump with a jump of 4 feet 10 inches.

Cheerleading
Football Cheerleading is in Fall; Basketball Cheerleading is in Winter.
Competition/Football Cheerleading placed 2nd in the region the last two years.

The Matthew Freeman Project: Pens and Paper for Peace

Suzanne — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 00:15:15 +0000

Each generation has several events etched into memory where they can recall not only where they were when they heard the news, but what they were doing, as well. For my parents’ generation, it was the assassination of JFK. The generation before that remembers clearly the day that our country entered WWII, December 11, 1941 and the war’s end on September 2, 1945, V-J Day. My generation will always speak of where they were and what they were doing on 9-11 when the World Trade Centers were bombed.

In addition to 9-11, the news of Matt Freeman’s untimely death will be one of my own personal recollections for the rest of my life. The news stunned me. Immediately, I offered prayers. One was thanks for the men and women who so selflessly give of themselves to fight for freedom. The other was more like a conversation with God about the sorrow I was feeling for the family of Captain Matthew Freeman. I immediately began thinking about his mother and brand new wife, Theresa. My stomach knotted up as I tried to imagine how they were feeling.

We were getting close to our deadline for an upcoming issue. There were several people who suggested we write an article on Matt, but I was unable to bring myself to call his family at the time. It seemed insensitive to ask for the details and photographs that we would have wanted to include. Everywhere I looked and listened, more and more was being said. The press was all over it—and of course, they meant well, but Reflections is not a place for “news” and we are not “the press.”

I comforted myself that the appropriate time for us to honor Matt would come. It took nine months for me to give Mrs. Freeman, my 8th Grade Homeroom teacher, a call about her son. This is a tribute to Matthew Freeman. It is also a call to Richmond Hill to come together once again and continue Captain Freeman’s legacy. Please join in this activity. All serve some and some serve all. The later is native son, Matt Freeman. Give in his honor and memory.

Sitting in my office, I look at my own son playing in his activity gym and I cannot imagine him going off to save the world. Will I ever be able to let go? I had just gotten off of the phone with Mrs. Freeman’s voice mail. She had announced the launch of The Matthew Freeman Project at a Rotary meeting and I wanted to offer our help in spreading the word through the voice of Reflections. Little did I know I would eventually end up in one of the best conversations of my life—one that helped me learn who I was and possibly what my purpose on this Earth just might be—with Matt’s mother.

She spoke to me of Matt’s love of this community and how it is actually one piece of her goal in the project bearing her son’s name. She told me that he loved Richmond Hill; He and Theresa had plans to move back to raise their own children here, one day. This is where they were both raised; it was home. He believed that other people should know what we have in this community. “This project will help put Richmond Hill on the map.”

April Groves’ Blog had a piece that voiced: I am a reflection of my community. The wheels immediately began to spin. What a perfect motto for The Matthew Freeman Project! Matthew was just that and so much more. He made this community reflect class, integrity, and good will. He left a legacy for all of us to appreciate; it was a request that we can all take part in to make it –a reality.

He grew up exploring the Ogeechee River behind his family’s home. He was the epitome of the all-American gentleman, even when no one was watching. With bright blue eyes and a beaming smile, Matt brought happiness and pride to so many. There are stories on the Facebook page written in his honor, where many share how greatly he impacted their lives. The entries go from fellow students at Richmond Hill High School to those Soldiers he served alongside. Now, it is our community’s turn to return the favor and fulfill his last wish.

Matthew was a third generation graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy. He few airplanes for the United States Marine Corp, but decided to volunteer on a ground mission in Afghanistan, where he immediately realized the extreme need to educate the children of war-torn countries. “The kids are so cute and the people are so nice. These kids would rather have pens and paper than food and water,” he told his mother in a phone call just days after his arrival in the Shpee valley of Afghanistan. “What can you get going for a fundraiser as quickly as possible?” Matthew could see the bigger picture. Educating these children might bring peace for their futures; for all of our futures.

In most cases, the children of Afghanistan are living under horrific conditions. The Taliban has made going to school next to impossible by destroying materials needed to learn. The classrooms that do exist are not what anyone would expect or allow for our children. They are subject to freezing cold, cement floors, and broken windows; none are a good environment for any child to learn. For many years, students were literally taught violence. The curriculum also consisted of teaching children to fight the enemy. With our help, this crossroads of cultures can be educated about the world that surrounds them and the way life can be. Let’s band together and help the reflection of the Afghan community be one of peace—not violence.

Through The Matthew Freeman Project: Pens and Paper for Peace, we can supply learning tools (pens and paper), books, and aid in building libraries to educate children and possibly prevent the world from more war in the future.

How can you help?

Make a contribution to:

Bryan Bank & Trust
9701 Ford Avenue
Richmond Hill, Georgia 31324
912.756.4444

The Captain Matthew Freeman Memorial Fund: Pens and Paper for Peace:
It’s easy to stop in and give at Bryan Bank and Trust on Ford Avenue or visit www.freemanproject .org. Matthew’s legacy was not that of a life lost, but a life given and a prayer answered.

Mr. and Mrs. Freeman, Theresa, Mary Beth, and Ginny, the people of this town are amazing. Your son, husband, brother—was undeniably special. He was an outstanding product of this community and the reflection he shone on the world was exceptional. Thank you for the large part you played in the creation of such an outstanding gentleman.

The Freeman Project Mission
To honor the memory of Marine Captain Matthew C. Freeman by realizing his vision of helping children in Afghanistan and other war-torn countries worldwide, principally where American armed forces are, or have been present, by delivering school supplies, especially pens and paper, to help continue their education and improve literacy; to honor God by promoting communities of promise, prosperity, and peace.

A Love for Theatre

Suzanne — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 23:49:02 +0000

Hilary Diebold has always had an interest in theater, no doubt something she picked up from her mother and theater teacher, Kim Diebold. Upon graduating from high school in 2007 she went to Georgia Southern University where she is part of the GSU Theatre and Performance Program. She has acted in plays such as A Streetcar Named Desire, On Dragon Fly Wings, Trojan Women, and many more!

This past year she had the opportunity of a lifetime when she was honored with a nomination from her role in Revenger’s Tragedy. She was, one of two nominees from that school to attend The Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival for Region 4 in Murphysboro, Tennessee. The festival, held in February, gave her a chance to both compete and learn. In preparation she prepared scenes and monologues to compete and though she did not win, the experience was amazing! She was able to watch other schools’ performances as well as attend various workshops at the festival, a thespians heaven. She says it was an experience she will never forget and she hopes to go again next year.

Hilary has not limited herself to just acting on the stage, but has expressed an interest in both directing and acting and, like her mom, teaching. She is currently studying Education and Theater at Georgia Southern and has plans to teach theater at middle school level. She says of teaching kids theater, “There is nothing like the opportunity to give someone a chance to express themselves.” Her love for theater was clear and when I asked what her ultimate goal is, she said, “I would love to open a community theater here in Richmond Hill!”

We wish Hilary the best with the theater as she begins her senior year at Georgia Southern!

A Blowout on the Ogeechee

Suzanne — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 23:25:50 +0000

The Ogeechee River is a very powerful and constantly changing river. Ask any seasoned boat operator who hits a sandbar, “What happened?” and the first thing you will hear is, “That sand bar was not there the last time I passed this way.” Now, this may or may not be true, but we all know the river changes from year to year. In my 35 years on the Ogeechee, I have never seen the magnitude of changes the Ogeechee has experienced in the last few months thanks to the heavy rains and flooding we experienced this past winter and spring. The evidence of these changes speaks for itself.

The road to Mill Run, commonly referred to as Mill Island, flooded several times in the past year. This rarely happens. It did not even flood during Hurricane David back in 1979. After one particular storm this year, the Sheriff’s Department had to stop traffic because it was unsafe to cross the causeway. During heavy rains and high tides, water drains into the marshland behind Strathy Hall and Oxford Subdivisions. If the tide happens to be too high, the flood waters cannot dissipate fast enough and cause flooding on the causeway.

The flooding on the Ogeechee this particular spring caused a great deal of erosion along its banks. If you notice the shoreline just west of Orange Canal, you will see thousands of Savannah Gray Bricks that have been uncovered by the erosion. The bricks are remains from a 1800s rice mill that once stood there. This mill was called McCleod’s Mill and its dock was at the entrance to Orange Canal, which connects the Ogeechee River to Rock Fish Creek and is located between Strathy Hall and Mill Hill. The remnants of the dock have been uncovered by the heavy rains and erosion for the first time since I started exploring these waters. In the past, the deck planks on the dock were covered by four feet of river mud.

Nowhere along the Ogeechee are the changes from this spring more noticeable than the outside edge of the Seven Mile Bend. There is a 160 plus foot blowout in the marsh, which now connects the Ogeechee River and Rock Fish Creek! Prior to this, a small creek linked the two streams, just big enough to get a jet ski or small boat through on high tide. Now, you can get a very large boat through on an extremely low tide. We caught a depth of at least 16 feet at high tide when investigating. The water level on the Rock Fish Creek side was about a foot higher than on the Ogeechee side, which causes the water to rush into the Ogeechee, a definite cause of erosion. The long-term effects of this blowout on the river are still unknown, but it should slow down the erosion on the down river side of The Pointe at Cape Hardwick and help the bass and trout fishing upriver!

Note from the Writer
There are several people I want to thank for their help in gathering facts and photos for this article, Glen Willard for taking Shirley Rowe and I up in the air to capture the great aerial pictures of the blowout; Steve Myers, for taking the picture of the flooded causeway to Mill Run and taking me out on his boat to take river pictures; Gary and Lisa Freeman, for taking their 21-foot boat out and positioning it in the blowout to show the size relevance of the blowout; Jamie MacMillan, for alerting me of the vastness of the blowout.

Laying It On The Tape

Suzanne — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 23:21:12 +0000

How many times have you tried to get into shape or just loose a few pounds and felt unsuccessful? It happens more times than not. Being fit does not have to mean looking like America’s Next Top Model, but rather being healthy and happy in your own skin. Setting personal goals does not always have to result in setting yourself up for failure, if you have the right tools to help you before you start working out. Consulting a fitness instructor or getting a personal trainer is definitely a good start. We consulted with Jennifer West, a local fitness instructor, to lay a few things on the line, or should we say measuring tape!
Jennifer has a lengthy history of fitness. At the age of five, she was diagnosed with Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis (JRA). Her doctors suggested that her mother get her involved in some sort of physical activity right away. Her enthusiasm for fitness, lead her to a degree in Kinesiology, which she received from Georgia Southern University.

Q: There are many gimmicks that profess instant weight loss…what actually works?
A: The purpose of food is to be fuel for the body, therefore calorie counting works! To safely meet your goals, consult a professional before deciding how many calories to cut. The body needs simple carbohydrates like sweet potatoes, especially when working out. Look out for complex carbs. For example, baked potatoes and other starchy foods do not break down as easily. The important thing to remember about calorie counting is that EVERYTHING counts!
Q: How long does a person have to work out before seeing any results?
A: It is different person to person; the bigger a person is, the faster they see results. People generally loose inches before they loose pounds—don’t let the scale disappoint you. You should anticipate having a little extra room in your clothes before seeing the numbers on the scale come down. Don’t compete with others; men tend to lose weight easier than women.
Q: What is the best time of day to work out?
A: If your intent is to lose fat, the most desired time of day to work out is in the morning before breakfast. Breakfast literally means just that, to break a “fast.” The body fasts all night long. Eat some fruit and work out before having a breakfast meal. The body will then burn calories before you begin adding them in and will continue to burn them after your workout is complete. The body does need fuel to replenish, so it is important to get something nutritious to eat within an hour of working out.
Q: What are the most common reasons people stop working out?
A: One is discouragement. People either don’t set realistic goals or don’t accomplish them in the time frame they have given themselves and therefore give up.
Be sure to tell your fitness consultant what your lifestyle is like and what you want to accomplish. Together, format a plan that is attainable. Setting realistic goals for yourself to begin with, allows you to not get discouraged as you move forward.
In the last 20 years, Jennifer has become a firm believer that it is never too early or too late to start exercising. One of the best gifts a parent can give their child is physical activity at an early age. She also teaches a senior fitness class, where her 80- year-old clients do push-ups! No more excuses!

High Five: Nan Hoitt

Suzanne — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 23:19:28 +0000

Nan Hiott, (pronounced Hyatt), is someone I always wanted to meet…I just wasn’t aware of it until the day we actually met. The beautiful, inside and out, octogenarian works at Wendy’s on Route 17 in Richmond Hill. She is close to her 84th birthday, but has the glow and spirit of a woman twenty years younger! Recently widowed, after a wonderful marriage to Albert Hiott for 18 years, she and a girl friend, who was also a widow, went to Wendy’s drive-thru window for a Frosty. That was in 1989.The two women most likely were so delightful and engaging that they were asked if they would like to work at Wendy’s. They looked at each other and agreed…right on the spot! Although her friend moved away from the area a year or so later Ms. Nan is still there after 21 years at the restaurant. Her shift now is from 11a.m. until 2 p.m., but she arrives most days a good hour or so before clocking in to make sure everything is perfect in “her dining room.” Indeed, it was. Many people who annually travel north and south on Interstate I-95 make it a point of exiting there, just so they can say “Hello” and wish her their best. She makes any day…better.

In so many ways, Ms. Nan defies all the odds. One of seven girls, in which she is third from the youngest, she and her youngest sister are the lone survivors among her siblings. Life for her hasn’t been easy. However, one gets the feeling that she handles all her challenges with exceptional grace. As a young girl, she lost her father. Left alone with the girls to raise on her own her mother moved the family to the northern part of South Carolina. It was here that Nan worked in the fields; the family was very poor. She later returned to Savannah where she worked at Leopold’s Ice Cream.

During our conversation, she spoke with pride about her work during WW II in the Savannah shipyards where she worked as a welder. It is common knowledge that without the women who stepped up and did the jobs previously executed by men alone, during the years America was at war, we might not have had the same outcome. In Back on the Swing Shift, by Tony Cope—there is a wonderful black and white photo of Nan and her sister working there.

Ms. Nan’s has been married twice and widowed the same. Hopefully, she can share her life with another wonderful man. Certainly, she would bring into any partnership her wonderful attitude and spirit. She says that people can’t let death overwhelm them. She believes, “One must go on even if someone they love has died!” It is evident that being a “people person” has helped her many times with her grief. “I love people. If I could give anyone advice, it would be—just be kind to everyone. Not everyone will like you, but do it anyway.”

This lady is someone who dwells in the positive; it was very evident in everything she said. Her second marriage to Albert produced two daughters: Annette, “my baby” has worked for years at Ace Hardware, (that would make her a permanent fixture…sorry…pun too much to resist), and Debra, who resides in Savannah. Nan’s other daughter, Celeste, lives in Alpharetta. She was brought into the marriage by Albert and is as much a daughter to Nan as her other two. Her three daughters have given her three grandchildren. Nan beams with pride as she speaks of her family.

Nan Hiott is also very musically inclined. For the past 27 years, she plays guitar and sings at a nursing home in Midway each and every Tuesday. Because of her excellent example, others have joined her in her musical entertainment endeavors. She plays by ear and can also play the organ. It’s important to mention that Tuesday is her day off! With a strong belief in God, she belongs to a non-denominational church and confessed that she believed, “Jesus will return, one day.” Ms. Nan followed that up with telling me that “Eddie Warren is an angel,” and I couldn’t help but smile as we slid easily into the next topic.

Eddie Warren, of the Richmond Hill REMAX office, was her boss at Wendy’s a time ago. “He is the nicest man and never raised his voice or got angry, when he was here as the Manager.” She said. “It is part of the reason I worked here at the beginning and then it became important to me all on its own.” Nan has taken orders in the past, but now concentrates on her dining room by keeping it clean and the condiments filled—even drying the trays so the paper doesn’t stick. “I hate a wet tray.”

Many slogans that are easily recognizable by the general population are readily associated with fast food chains. Who doesn’t associate: “You deserve a break, today,” “Have it your way,” and “Think outside the bun,” with Mc Donald’s, Burger King, and Taco Bell respectively? However, Wendy’s mantra is less recognizable—“It’s better here,” seems to go unnoticed. In honor of Nan Hiott, a change of slogan is in order for this chain. To quote a recognizable line from a Tina Tuner song: “… simply the best, better than all the rest!” What do you think, Wendy’s?

That’s for you Ms. Nan—you are LOVE and loved—by all who meet you.