CONTRIBUTORS
1. Alycia Calderin is a Florida native who moved to Georgia in 2013, where she planted roots with her husband of 16 years. When she’s not balancing the whirlwind of activities for her four kids, she escapes into the world of books.
2. Aaron Hoffman is a retired police officer and U.S. Army veteran with a lifelong passion for photography. His work spans commercial, portrait, and sports photography. Originally from Southern Pennsylvania, Aaron now calls the greater Savannah area home.
3. Leidy Lester is a freelance photographer, originally from Bogota, Colombia. One of her proudest achievements was working with models and highly experienced photographers in Las Vegas.
4. Gail Mihalik lives in Rincon with Scott, her high school sweetheart, and their two rescue dogs. Chef by trade with over 50 years of experience, she spends most of her time living, loving, and sharing the history and culture of the area.
5. Scott Douglas Miller is a broadcaster celebrating 50 years in radio as an air personality, news director, event DJ and content provider several publications. He Originally from Mississippi, Scott shares a home in Rincon with his high school sweetheart, Gail.
6. Gail Parsons has more than 30 years experience writing for magazines and newspapers. She most enjoys feature writing because it allows her to share the stories of interesting and inspiring people. She is also an artist and enjoys traveling and spending time at the beach.
7. Claire Sandow is a marketing professional who lives in Savannah with her husband, daughter and cat. In her spare time, she enjoys pursuing her many hobbies, including knitting, crocheting, quilting and running.
8. Katrice Williams is a married mother of two. She graduated from Georgia Southern University with a Business Administration degree and later pursued her writing interests. Katrice appreciates the Lord Jesus Christ and the many blessings He has bestowed upon her. She loves spending time with her family.
9. Laura Zielinski is a freelance graphic designer specializing in print design. When she’s not working, she loves spending time with her husband Keith and their three beautiful children.
10. Mabel, morale officer, enjoys roaming the backyard at home, sitting for hours on the back porch and coming to the office to greet visitors and encourage the staff. Mabel loves getting treats and taking long naps in her mommy’s office in the afternoons.
Southern, DPA CEO/Publisher
Chris Antonio
Kelsey Harrison Account Executive
Veterans & First Responders PUBLISHER’S THOUGHTS
This issue of Bryan County Magazine is dedicated to the men and women who serve others, often without seeking recognition or applause.
When most people think of service, they picture military uniforms, police vehicles, fire trucks, or ambulances. Those roles are certainly represented in these pages. But as we prepared these stories for this issue, I was reminded that service takes many forms.
You’ll meet Brian Maroney, a Navy veteran whose work in cybersecurity helped protect our nation from threats most of us never see. You’ll learn about the dedicated firefighters, EMTs, paramedics, and law enforcement officers who stand ready every day to answer the call when our community needs them most. And you’ll meet individuals like Steven Kurczak, whose commitment to serving others continues long after military retirement.
What these stories have in common is a willingness to put something greater than themselves first.
Living in Bryan County, we’re fortunate to be surrounded by people who quietly make our communities stronger, safer, and more connected. They are our neighbors, friends, coaches, volunteers, and community leaders. They serve not because they have to, but because they choose to.
To our veterans, thank you for your service and sacrifice.
To our first responders, thank you for showing up on the hardest days and in the most difficult moments.
And to the families who support them every step of the way, thank you for the sacrifices you make as well.
On behalf of all of us at Bryan County Magazine, thank you for your dedication to our community and our country. We are grateful for all that you do.
CEO/Publisher
Bryan County Magazine
PUBLISHER Jan Southern Jan@JDelSURMarketing.com 912-318-8645
CLIENT SERVICES
Kelsey Harrison, Account Executive Kelsey@JDelSURMarketing.com Nancy Edwards, Account Executive Nancy@JDelSURMarketing.com
Bryan County Magazine is proudly produced by:
135 Goshen Rd Ext., Suite 251, Rincon, GA 31326 (912) 295-5406
PoolerMagazine.com
J. DelSUR Marketing Group is the publisher of Effingham Magazine, Pooler Magazine and Bryan County Magazine in South Georgia. We are a full service marketing agency with products that include print, digital and social media marketing.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Write and tell us what you think. Bryan Count Magazine welcomes all letters to the editor. Please send letters to Jan Southern at Jan@JDelSURMarketing.com. Letters to the editor must have a phone number and name of contact. Phone numbers will not be published.
ARTICLE SUBMISSIONS
Bryan County Magazine welcomes story ideas from our readers. If you have a story idea or photos to share, please submit ideas and material to Jan Southern at Jan@ JDelSURMarketing.com. Stories or ideas for stories must be submitted by email. Only feature stories and photo essays about people, places or things in the Bryan County area will be considered.
CIRCULATION: Bryan County Magazine is published bimonthly and distributed to hundreds of locations throughout the area, as well as mailed to thousands of homes. The full magazine is available online at BryanCountyMagazine.com.
Views expressed in editorial or advertising do not imply endorsement by J. DelSUR Marketing Group.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any manner without the written permission of the publisher is strictly prohibited.
Jan Southern
Safeguarding HOMEFRONT
Story by Katrice Williams
Icouldn’t be more proud that I did join, and I’m proud to call myself a veteran,” U.S. Navy veteran Brian Maroney states.
He thinks of himself as a true military brat after living all over the world throughout his childhood. Brian comes from a long line of military servicemen. His dad is a retired Navy veteran of twenty years who served within the intelligence community. Brian is actually an eighth-generation military serviceman within his family, adding to an extensive familial resume of patriotic service.
Road to Intelligence
Brian became fascinated with technology as early as middle school. Whether figuring out the intricacies of how electronics worked or making repairs to certain devices, he was intrigued by it all.
Immediately after graduating, and following in his dad’s footsteps, Brian enlisted in the Navy. He felt privileged to have his dad as a mentor. Brian knew that his dad embodied a wealth of knowledge and insight in the field of intelligence. Upon enlisting, Brian was certain about the career path he wanted to pursue, and his dad was a valuable resource throughout the process.
Following boot camp, Brian was stationed in Pensacola, Florida, for six months, where he received training in his field of choice: cybersecurity.
NSA
In 2008, Brian was sent to a duty station in Hawaii to be a part of the National Security Agency (NSA), the U.S. intelligence agency responsible for protecting the nation’s communication networks and information systems from foreign cyber threats.
Brian was responsible for protecting against nearly anything that could threaten national security.
Post-Military Intelligence
Upon completion of his first military term in 2013, Brian did not re-enlist. He felt that he could use his skills to make an even greater difference in the civilian arena.
“I loved the military. I loved the camaraderie. It taught me not only to be a good team player, but to be a leader in the industry. It set me up with a good foundation and refined my skills to enhance the cybersecurity industry. I felt I could have a bigger impact when I was out,” he says.
In 2015, Brian began working abroad as a contractor in Abu Dhabi to aid the U.S. and various allies with cybersecurity.
“Using our cybersecurity operations, we were able to prevent many of these cyberattacks while also supporting other countries like France, South Korea, and Japan,” he says.
Brian maintained connections from his military career and was recommended to pursue a mission in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Brian was chosen to lead the mission, which involved black hat hacking and helping to protect countries from terrorist activities.
Brian is actually an eighth-generation military serviceman within his family, adding to an extensive familial resume of patriotic service.
Brian was able to put his skills to good use. As part of NSA Hawaii, he supported security operations and engaged in countless tasks to ensure national and international public safety for all troops. Brian’s assignment in Hawaii was completed in 2011. He was then relocated to serve with NSA Georgia, where he participated in cyber operations and intelligence analysis while continuing to support national security missions.
“I was very focused on the missions and the operations,” he says.
While serving, Brian participated in both Operation New Dawn and Operation Enduring Freedom. He helped maintain the freedoms that we enjoy by protecting our home front from cyber threats. He assisted in cyberwarfare and cyber intelligence to aggressively combat cyberattacks from hackers and the broader digital security threats of cyberterrorism. These threats exist on the Internet with the intent to steal sensitive information. They are especially dangerous when they involve the highly sensitive matter of government intelligence.
He didn’t stop there. He later took his expertise to Nike and assisted with protecting the organization from cyberattacks. Brian is currently working to protect small and mediumsized business owners by offering solutions that help prevent cyberattacks. He is confident that the service is a vital one.
“An attack can shut down a business, affecting revenue and daily operations,” he says.
Brian is aware of the impacts of artificial intelligence (AI). He feels that it will continue to become more prominent; however, he plans to be prepared.
“We want to ensure that we’re safeguarded against the threats of AI, but we also want to enhance our everyday use of it to provide the best experience for our customers,” he says.
Digital Automotive Media Outlet
Thanks to his technology background, Brian is proficient in website design. He used his skills to build an automotive website, as he understood the size and passion of the automotive community. He formed a group that included individuals, many of them veterans, from all around the world with similar automotive interests.
“No matter where you go, there’s a community for people who like cars. It’s a very strong community,” he says.
Brian began writing news articles about the industry, including stories about individuals and their personal vehicles. The website eventually reached more than 700,000 followers.
“Around 2015, it was one of the top 20,000 websites. It was a fun project,” he says.
There were various cyberattacks against the website; however, Brian was able to use his cybersecurity skills to protect it.
CNN Travel
Brian has been privileged to travel to 52 countries on various career-related assignments. He was able to partner with Cable News Network (CNN) for a couple of travel reports, giving the media conglomerate insight into many of the captivating sights and points of interest throughout Europe, Asia, and Africa.
He often took three or four days every two weeks to travel to various countries.
Interests in Retro
Brian is also a retro antique dealer, particularly when it involves retro gaming. Thanks to his background, he is able to repair gaming systems, including old Nintendo and Sega Genesis consoles.
He also has an affection for vintage signage, an interest he picked up from his dad. During his childhood, his dad collected old signs, purchasing them and hanging them throughout the basement.
“When I was growing up, everything that surrounded me in my basement was old advertisements. I would sit in the basement playing video games and just stare at the signs,” Brian recalls. He remembers, in particular, an old classic CocaCola sign.
Community
Brian and his wife, Shay, are glad to have made the local area home for themselves and their children. The couple could not be more proud of their Richmond Hill community.
“It’s a strong community. The biggest thing is the bond that we have,” he says.
Brian feels that his community is tight-knit, one where neighbors care about each other and are always willing to offer a helping hand. He remembers a couple of trying times over the years, particularly the devastating flooding caused by Tropical Storm Debby in 2024. Richmond Hill was one of the hardest-hit areas.
“We all banded together and helped those impacted. I couldn’t be more proud,” he says.
He also recalls a period of inclement winter weather several years ago. The conditions brought a heavierthan-normal snowfall to the area. He and his wife were out of town when it occurred. In the couple’s absence, neighbors came together to help his mother-in-law.
“They gave her a generator, helped with food, and just looked out for her during the storm,” he says.
Brian has served his country both in and out of uniform. He has helped keep this nation, along with many others, secure from countless threats, allowing for the priceless freedoms enjoyed by so many. ■
Brian feels that his community is tight-knit, one where neighbours care about each other and are always willing to offer a helping hand.
One Day Dancing, the Next on Dialysis
Story by Gail Parsons | Photographs by Leidy Lester
Nancy Edwards spends three days a week hooked to a dialysis machine while she waits for a kidney transplant. Between medical appointments, Edwards performs in local theater productions, spoils her grandchildren, volunteers in the arts community and helps local businesses with marketing at J. DelSUR Marketing Group — all while battling multiple myeloma and kidney failure.
She doesn’t let these challenges bring her down.
“I just refuse to stop living my life over this,” Edwards said. “I don’t want to be viewed as a sick person.”
It was a few days after she stepped off the stage following a run of The Full Monty that she first realized something was wrong.
She thought it was the flu, or a virus.
“I was nauseous, I was throwing up for about two weeks, and finally checked into the hospital,” she recalled “They discovered I had 6% kidney function and was in a very grave situation.”
Further testing revealed she also had multiple myeloma, a blood cancer that develops in plasma cells within bone marrow. It’s not curable, but it is treatable.
“I got all that wonderful news on Christmas Eve,” she said. “I had no idea I was sick. One day you’re dancing, the next day you’re on dialysis, it’s just crazy.”
Edwards is now in remission, but the journey is far from over. She has spent the last four years going to dialysis three times a week while waiting for a kidney transplant. The dialysis treatments have contributed to heart complications, and she estimates medical expenses not covered by insurance have climbed into the hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Despite the challenges, Edwards remains optimistic.
“I feel like everything’s going to work out,” she said.
Not her first run-in with cancer
Decades earlier, Edwards battled breast cancer. She was only 36 when she discovered a lump and got a mammogram.
“They didn’t see it, but I knew it was there, so I demanded a sonogram,” she said. “It was 2.5 centimeters.”
She had a lumpectomy, but more cancer was discovered. The second time around she opted for a double mastectomy to just wipe out any possibility it would come back.
“I had chemo, radiation, I had reconstructive surgery,” she said.
Over the two year ordeal she continued to work and raise her two children. “I worked in television at the time and that kept me going,” she said. “Between my kids and my job, I just charged forward. What’s the alternative? You have to just stay positive and keep moving forward, and hope for the best.”
She doesn’t deny the new diagnosis was devastating.
“By the grace of God, things worked out, and now here we are again,” she said.
“I thought I was done with all this cancer nonsense,” she said. “This time was harder than the first time because I was young and naïve at the time.
She turned that experience into an opportunity to help others through her work with the American Cancer Society and Relay for Life. This time, however, the challenge of a kidney transplant is different.
Her O-negative blood type makes finding a compatible kidney even more difficult.
“O negative is the universal donor, but not so much the recipient,” she said. “It’s hard to find a kidney match.”
Even if a willing donor is not a direct match, Edwards could still receive a transplant through a kidney exchange program, which matches incompatible donor-recipient pairs with other pairs so each recipient ultimately receives a compatible kidney.
“I don’t know how in some mysterious way, it’s going to come to me, but I know it will, and I feel like this is going to be my year,” she said. “I didn’t want to stop working and just have my life be series of doctor appointments and dialysis – that would crush me. I must focus on things that make me happy.”
One piece of good news came recently when Edwards completed all the requirements needed to be placed on the kidney transplant list at Emory Hospital in Atlanta. She is also listed at several other transplant centers, including hospitals in Augusta and Jacksonville. Because each transplant center maintains its own waiting list, patients must complete a separate evaluation and registration process for each one.
“It could be any time, or it could be another two years,” she said.
Because she doesn’t know, she doesn’t waste time thinking about what she shouldn’t or can’t do — she finds ways to do what she wants.
She recently stepped back on stage for the musical Come From Away, which told the true, and inspiring story of 7,000 stranded airline passengers diverted to a small town in Newfoundland following the events of September 11, 2001.
“It was wonderful to just be part of that production,” she said. “That’s what keeps me going. I don’t let it get me down, if anything, it amps me up to live larger.”
Although she said she is a naturally positive person, she doesn’t discredit the remarkable support she gets from her family and friends. She even has one friend from the theater who is undergoing testing to see if she can be a donor.
Until she gets the call that a kidney is available, Edwards plans to keep living life the same way she always has — spending time with family, volunteering in theater productions and enjoying every chance she gets to spoil her grandchildren.
As she sees it, dwelling on the uncertainty won’t change the outcome.
"I've got too much to live for,” she said. “I want to see my grandkids grow up and dance at their wedding.” ■
How to Become a Kidney Donor
Kidney donation can happen in two ways: after death through organ donation registration or while living as a kidney donor.
Patients who receive a cadaver donor live 8 to 10 years longer. Those who receive a living donor live an average of 20 to 40 years longer.
According to the National Kidney Foundation, vary by transplant center, but donors generally must be in good health and free of certain serious medical conditions.
Potential donors can choose to donate to a specific person or make a non-directed donation. A donor does not have to be a direct match for a recipient. Through kidney exchange, or “paired donation” programs, incompatible donor-recipient pairs can be matched with other pairs, so each recipient receives a compatible kidney.
Most living donors spend one to two nights in the hospital following surgery and return to normal activities within four to six weeks, according to the National Kidney Foundation.
People interested in becoming a donor can contact a transplant center directly for information about the evaluation process or register as an organ donor through their state’s driver’s license program. Additional information is available through the National Kidney Foundation and local transplant centers.
People interested in learning more about living kidney donation or being tested as a potential donor can contact the Emory Transplant Center, 5353 Reynolds St., Suite 212, Savannah at (855) 366-7989.
SECOND TUESDAY
Wilmington Island – 1:00 – 2:00PM
SECOND WEDNESDAY ONLINE – 11:00AM – 12:30PM
THIRD TUESDAY Hope Haven – 10:45AM – 12:00PM
FOURTH TUESDAY Richmond Hill – 5:30 – 7:00PM
SECOND TUESDAY ONLINE – 11:00AM – 12:00PM
THIRD THURSDAY ONLINE – 7:00 – 8:00PM
Surrounded by Heros
Story by Cindy Reid
We are surrounded by quiet heroes: everyday people who drive their children around, mow their lawns, clean their kitchens, barbecue on the Fourth of July, and save lives and property every day. Meet the neighbors who answer the call and deserve a standing ovation every day.
Bryan County Fire & Rescue provides emergency protection to a population of more than 50,000 citizens. Fire Chief Anthony Van Es says “Our hardworking personnel are always on call and ready to help the community 24/7, 365 days a year.” They are there whether it is a fire, a car accident, or a medical issue. Because Bryan County Emergency Services firefighters are also cross trained as medical first responder/EMT/Paramedics, they can begin administering treatment before an ambulance even arrives on scene, making them true lifesavers.
A Fast-Growing Team
As Bryan County’s population increases, the department has kept pace. “We have been increasing staffing to meet the needs resulting from growth in the area,” says Chief Van Es, “Along with growth, the job has essentially changed over time. The EMS end used to be smaller, but now it is primarily what we do.”
In 2013, the department had just 34 employees. Today a team of 102 frontline professionals make up the backbone of daily operations and includes full-time Firefighters, EMTs, and Paramedics ready for any emergency. Trained local volunteers work side-by-side with the career crew, assisting with many vital services. The Director of Fire and EMS directs the entire department while two Division Chiefs oversee broad departmental operations and the six Battalion Chiefs manage daily shift operations and on-scene command.
The crew keeps ten stations running smoothly and operates seven active ambulances ready to roll at a moment’s notice. The fire stations are strategically placed across the north and south sides of the county to ensure help reaches residents as fast as possible.
Go Where Needed
Medical emergencies and rescue operations make up the vast majority of calls. True to national trends, active fires comprise less than 5% of the total call volume, while EMS and accident responses heavily dominate daily dispatches. Chief Van Es reports that there isn’t a 911 abuse problem in the county. On the contrary, he says “The calls we get are real emergencies.” The major areas of responsibilities and response can be broken down into four categories.
Medical Emergencies (EMS)
Includes acute medical care. High-priority calls include patients suffering from chest pains, cardiac distress, strokes, or sudden respiratory issues. Firefighters also serve as first responders to stabilize patients before transport to Savannah-area medical facilities.
Motor Vehicle Crashes & Rescues
Firefighters are dispatched to the frequent multi-vehicle collisions that occur along Interstate 95 in South Bryan and U. S. Highway 280 / Interstate 16 in North Bryan. The department also responds to vehicle extractions using specialized equipment, water rescue incidents near the coast, and localized trail rescues.
Service Calls
Public Service calls include yard debris burning, downed power lines, assessing minor residential hazards, unintentional smoke detector alarms, commercial building fire-alarm trips, and carbon monoxide detector alerts where no active emergency is found.
Fire Suppression
Most calls are for brush and wood fires, especially during droughts. The lowest volume of calls are structure & vehicle fires, such as residential kitchen fires, electrical fires, and vehicular fires on the highways.
Be Prepared
Chief Van Es says “This is generally a well-prepared community and the best thing they can do is stay alert and vigilant. Pay attention to burn bans and any emergency weather situations such as bad storms and hurricanes.”
Community Partnerships
Thanks to a partnership between Bryan County Family Connection and Bryan County Fire & Rescue, local children across the community received wonderful gifts this past holiday season via the annual Toy Drive. Residents, local shops, and emergency services all pulled together, making a meaningful difference for local families.
Bryan County Fire & Rescue was honored to receive a $39,760.00 grant from Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation this past February. The funds went directly toward the purchase of 10 sets of Bunker Gear which include Morning Pride Tail Coats, Pro Fit Pants & Boots, helping fulfill a critical need within the department.
Bryan County Sheriff’s Office
The Bryan County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) covers a lot of ground—442 square miles to be exact! As a full-service law enforcement team in Georgia, their main job is to keep everyone safe, manage the county jail, and handle court mandates. They stay busy 24/7 making sure our communities stay secure and running smoothly.
Candace Graden, the BCSO Public Information Officer, says, “We want the community to know that the Bryan County Sheriff’s Office is always here to serve and protect you. If you ever need help or have a question, please give us a call. Sheriff Mark Crowe’s door is truly always open to the public.”
She says, “ Every single person on our team works incredibly hard to represent the Sheriff and our community well. Because our team represents an elected official, we stay mindful of how we interact with the public. Every person we serve has a voice and a say in how their community is protected.”
When it comes to keeping watch, the patrol team is always out on the roads. They
handle everything from answering 911 calls to keeping traffic flowing safely on local roads, I-95, and I-16. Meanwhile, the criminal investigations team works hard behind the scenes solving crimes. They are the main police presence for unincorporated spots like Ellabell and Black Creek, and they always have the backs of the local police departments in Richmond Hill and Pembroke.
Another huge part of their job is running the Bryan County Detention Center in Pembroke. The staff there takes care of everything for inmates and pre-trial detainees, including booking, meals, and medical care. Deputies also handle the responsibility of transporting inmates safely wherever they need to go, whether that is to a local courtroom, a medical facility, or a state prison.
The sheriff’s office is also the backbone of our local legal system. If you ever visit the Bryan County Courthouse, you will see deputies keeping the environment safe for judges, staff, and visitors. They also deliver criminal warrants, civil subpoenas, protection orders, and eviction notices across the county.
BCSO has increased their community involvement with local organizations. To address language and cultural hurdles, the BCSO has an ongoing collaboration with the World Asian Law Enforcement Council (WALEC). This partnership aims to make all residents feel comfortable approaching law enforcement. The message is clear: your background is respected, your voice will be heard, and your safety is a priority.
As the summer heat rolls in, the BCSO is taking its outreach directly to neighborhoods with the “Pops for Cops” program. An officer-driven trailer stocked with popsicles will be traveling throughout local neighborhoods, parks, and youth centers all summer long. With no agenda other than making a friendly connection, officers will be handing out cool treats, chatting with kids. Look for them!
All of our first responders appreciate positive feedback so if you are out and about and happen to see one of these hardworking folks stop and say a simple thank you. It goes a long way.
The BCSO operates with a staff of roughly 75, including 53 sworn deputies dedicated to road patrol, investigations, and court security. The agency’s E911 Communications Division manages thousands of monthly dispatches with a team of 15 full-time and two part-time employees. Support staff, including civilian detention officers and administration, complete the workforce.
Community Involvement
Through partnerships and interactive programs, the BCSO works to ensure every resident views officers not just as protectors, but as trusted family friends. A recent event was the “Touch-A-Truck” in June. This family-friendly gathering doubles as a major fundraiser for the Georgia Sheriffs’ Youth Homes, an organization dedicated to providing safe, loving environments for children. Families and children got to get an up-close look at emergency vehicles, meet specialized units, and interact directly with the officers.
Major industrial developments like the Hyundai Metaplant are drawing new residents to the area and in response the
Career Opportunities
The Sheriff’s Office is actively recruiting. No prior law enforcement experience is required and one of the biggest advantages is the sheer variety of career paths available. The workforce handles operations ranging from the cafeteria and support services to courthouse security and 911 dispatch. Recent high school graduates who are 18 or 19 years old are highly encouraged to apply for vital support roles, dispatch, or detention positions to jumpstart their careers. Sworn deputy patrol officer candidates must be at least 21 years old in accordance with state law.
Anyone interested in applying to the Sheriff’s Office can submit an application directly through the Board of Commissioners website (https://www.bryancountyga.gov)
At Bryan County Fire & Rescue a new class of recruits will start training in July so the next hiring won’t be until the beginning of next year, however anyone interested in volunteering can pick up an application at any of the emergency service stations or call 912-858-2790.
Thank You!
All of our first responders appreciate positive feedback so if you are out and about and happen to see one of these hardworking folks stop and say a simple “thank you”. It goes a long way. ■
The Corner Table Chatham County
by Gail Mihalik
The Local on 17
At Local on 17, the first thing to greet you isn’t a hostess — it’s Gertie, a 1917 Model T Ford parked proudly out front like an old friend waiting on the porch. She sets the tone for what’s inside: classic hospitality mixed with old-school craftsmanship. While many restaurants simply cook steaks, Local on 17 studies them, ages them, weighs them, and treats every cut like a work of edible art. Their dry-aged beef program — still a rarity in Georgia — is a blend of patience, precision, science, and fire. Steaks are aged under carefully controlled conditions to deepen flavor and improve tenderness before being blasted with scorching 1800-degree heat that caramelizes the outside while sealing in the juices. It’s bold cooking with a little swagger behind it — and after the first bite, you’ll understand why locals speak about this place with a grin and an empty plate.
Enough about the steaks for the moment — let me tell you about some of the dishes that started the evening off right.
We started with two appetizers that felt unapologetically Southern — just because.
I ordered the fried green tomatoes, and let’s just say they came fully dressed for the occasion. They were topped with fire-roasted corn salsa, feta cheese, house-made chipotle aioli, and, because I have very little self-control when shrimp is involved, I added grilled shrimp to top it off.
Fun fact: fried green tomatoes may have originated in the North, where early frosts forced farmers to harvest tomatoes before they ripened and find creative ways to use them. Down South, however, they were adopted, perfected, and elevated to delicacy status.
Scott went with the hand-battered onion rings — Vidalia onion rings, that is. And if you know Vidalias, you know one thing for certain: sweeeeet.
For dinner, I selected the double-cut porterhouse pork chop.
What? A pork chop at a steakhouse? Yes indeed.
NEW TO BRYAN COUNTY?
Here Are Some Important Contacts:
RICHMOND HILL CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU
(912) 756-2676
HEALTHCARE
Bryan County Health Department | (912) 756-2611
Please refer to the online directory, “Health Care,” for a complete listing of healthcare partners.
LAW ENFORCEMENT
In case of EMERGENCY, dial 911
Georgia State Patrol | (912) 754-1180
Bryan County Sheriff | (912) 756-2282
Bryan County Fire & Emergency Services | (912) 756-1982
City of Pembroke Police | (912) 653-4414
City of Pembroke Fire Department | (912) 653-4400
City of Richmond Hill Police | (912) 756-5645
City of Richmond Hill Fire Department | (912) 445-5928
LIBRARY SERVICES
Pembroke Public Library | (912) 653-2822
Richmond Hill Public Library | (912) 756-3580
NEWSPAPERS
Bryan County News | (912) 756-2668
Savannah Morning News | (912) 236-9511
POST OFFICES
Ellabell Post office 8745 US Hwy 280 E Ellabell, GA 31308
Pembroke 298 Ledford St Pembroke, Ga 31321
Richmond Hill 9664 Ford Ave Richmond Hill, GA 31324
SCHOOL REGISTRATION
Public Schools Bryan County Schools | (912) 851-4000
ELECTRICITY
Canoochee EMC | (800) 342-0134
Coastal Electric Cooperative | (912) 844-3311
Georgia Power | (888) 660-5890
WATER / TRASH PICK-UP
Pembroke City Hall | (912) 653-4413
Richmond Hill City Hall | (912) 756-3345
Water Utility Management | (912) 352-9339
mom-ing UN FILTERED
Finding Magic in the Madness of Motherhood
The Middle Child With the Mouth (And the Backbone)
by Alycia Calderin
Every family has that child.
The one with the timing.
The delivery.
The zingers that land before you even realize what just happened.
In our house, that’s Sofia.
She’s the middle child, the sassy one, the sharp one, the one who keeps me on my toes and occasionally has me questioning my parenting in real time. She is, without question, the hardest child I’ve ever raised.
And also the one I worry about the least.
Sofia came out observant. She reads a room instantly. She doesn’t miss a beat. And she has a way of responding that makes you pause and think, Wow. That was… accurate.
She’s not loud just to be loud. She’s quick. There’s a difference.
Over the years, we’ve had teachers gently suggest that maybe she needed to be “toned down.” Softened. Redirected. As if her personality was something that required sanding.
But I never wanted to dull her.
Instead, we worked on channeling it, teaching her the difference between confidence and disrespect, between standing her ground and crossing a line. She’s learned that words matter. Tone matters. And yes, kindness matters.
But so does backbone.
Case in point: one afternoon, I got a call from the school about an “incident.” Those calls never come with good vibes.
Apparently, Sofia had made a boy cry. Naturally, I asked what happened.
The teacher explained that the boy had been making fun of Sofia’s weight. This was fourth grade, prime baby fat era,
awkward all around. Sofia listened for only so long before responding with, “Be quiet with your round head. I know you be thinkin globally.”
I mean… what does that even mean?
I had questions. The teacher had questions. The boy, presumably, had feelings.
Now, don’t get me wrong, we addressed it. We talked about words, tone, and not stooping to someone else’s level. We reinforced that we don’t insult people’s bodies, even when they start it.
But I’ll also say this: that boy did not bother her again.
Sofia isn’t a bully. She doesn’t go looking for trouble. But she is also not the child someone targets unless they’re prepared to walk away emotionally wounded.
I’ve even had to warn her older sibling during verbal sparring matches: You might want to reconsider.
Because Sofia will make you cry.
And she will do it with confidence and confusing metaphors.
Raising a child like her is exhausting. You can’t coast. You can’t bluff. You have to be present, consistent, and honest, because she will call you out if you aren’t.
But kids like her? They grow into women who speak up. Women who don’t shrink. Women who don’t need permission to take up space.
She’ll be the one who asks the hard questions. The one who doesn’t tolerate nonsense. The one who knows who she is, even when the world tries to tell her she’s “too much.”
And maybe she is.
Too smart.
Too sharp.
Too strong.
But if history tells us anything, those are usually the kids who end up just fine.
So no, I didn’t dull her down. I helped her aim.
BRYAN COUNTY
Future Firefighters in Training
Richmond Hill Fire Department completed joint training on aerial operations and relay pumping
TRADING RANK FOR ROOTS
Story by Gail Parsons
For as long as he can remember, Steven Kurczak knew exactly what he was meant to do. “I knew I wanted to serve my country… as far back as five years old,” he says.
That sense of purpose, something he describes as a “divine calling” carried him from a small riverside town in Virginia into a 26-year career as an Army officer. It shaped his decisions, sustained him through deployments and relocations, and anchored a growing family that would eventually include seven children. And when that career finally came to an end, it left him facing a question he had never seriously considered before: What comes next when the only life you’ve ever planned for is over?
A family tradition
Kurczak grew up in Tappahannock, Virginia, along the Rappahannock River, in a family steeped in Navy tradition. His grandfather and multiple uncles had all served at sea. For years, he assumed he would follow the same path.
“I thought it was going to be the Naval Academy,” he says.
But life, and what he sees as God’s sense of humor, redirected him. A football injury changed his trajectory, and an Army ROTC scholarship opened a different door. What began as a detour became a defining path.
“There’s an interservice rivalry between Army and Navy,” he said. “My family always thought Army was a four-letter word they couldn’t say out loud.”
Still, the deeper motivation remained unchanged. Service, leadership, and a commitment to something larger than himself drew him in. Commissioned as an Army officer after college, Kurczak quickly found his place.
He chose the Field Artillery career path, “a fish out of water” at first in a branch he hadn’t grown up around, largely because of the Army leaders who mentored him.
“They left an impact on me,” he says. “Their leadership, how they taught, how they communicated.”
A pivotal moment came during ROTC summer training, where cadets are tested on everything they’ve learned. Watching live artillery fire sealed it.
“I was sold,” he says.
Built on people, not just purpose
While Kurczak entered the Army with a strong sense of calling, it was the people who kept him there.
“I went in knowing it was my calling, but the people kept me there,” he says. “The friends I still have from the military.”
Over time, the Army became not just a profession, but a way of life, one that demanded constant movement. Every few years brought new orders, new locations, and new challenges. Over 26 years, his family would move nine times.
With each transition, Kurczak made a deliberate choice: involve his family.
“My family, and especially my wife, would have some vote and where we would go,” he said. “I could get the job requirements done at any of multiple location choices.”
That approach became increasingly important as his family grew. He and his wife eventually became parents to seven children, four biological daughters and three adopted siblings.
As responsibilities multiplied, so did moments of reflection.
“You start doing a little bit of that … am I supposed to still be doing this?” he says. “You start praying.”
But each time he evaluated his path, the answer remained the same.
“I had a leader early in my career that said, ‘when you stop having fun is probably when you start thinking about getting out of the military,’” he said. “Throughout the 26 years, I didn’t stop having fun. Not all days are rainbows and unicorns, but the good days outweigh the bad.”
A family grows through loss and faith
The Kurczak family story took a profound turn during a difficult season.
After the loss of a newborn son, Steven and his wife felt called in a new direction: foster care.
“We thought we would be a foster family after I got out of the military,” he says. “But with our own traumatic experience of losing a newborn son, we thought God was telling us to do it while we were still serving.”
What began as an intention to foster became something more permanent.
“We thought we would be a foster family after I got out of the military, but with our own traumatic experience of losing a newborn son, we thought God was telling us to do it while we were still serving.”
Two siblings, Jayvion and Julaya, had been in the foster system for years in Kansas where Steven was stationed. When he and his wife were asked if they would consider adoption, it wasn’t what they had expected.
“That’s not how the foster system is supposed to work,” he recalls thinking. “You try to reintegrate the kids back to their families.”
But in this case, reunification wasn’t possible. The couple said yes.
Later, a third sibling, Ja’ziyah, nicknamed Jazzy, entered the system. By then, the Kurczaks had already adopted her brother and sister.
“We knew we would say yes to any siblings,” he says. “We wanted to keep them together.”
The process wasn’t simple. Military life complicated everything, especially as the family moved from Kansas to Illinois and later prepared to relocate again. Adoption timelines stretched, paperwork multiplied, and state systems didn’t always align.
“It added about two years to the process,” he says.
Determined to avoid further complications, Kurczak worked to finalize Jazzy’s adoption before the family’s next move to Georgia—successfully completing it during the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Through it all, he returns to the same theme: faith.
“Through our prayer, we were able to do both,” he says — serve and grow their family.
Instead of leading soldiers, he now supports employees, helping them navigate challenges, connect with resources, and improve their work experience.
The Decision to Stay
By the time Kurczak arrived at Fort Stewart for his final assignment, he was a Lieutenant Colonel with decades of leadership behind him. He could have pursued further assignments, but it would have required yet another move.
This time, the decision was different.
“After nine moves in 26 years, I didn’t want to move again,” he says.
His children were settled in schools. His wife had found what he describes as her “dream job” teaching. For the first time, stability mattered more than advancement.
“I wanted to be a keeper of my own transition,” he says.
So, after 26 years, he retired and entered the civilian world. However, joining the military had been a lifelong plan, leaving it was the opposite.
“I didn’t know what my next purpose was,” Kurczak admits. “I didn’t know anything else.”
The transition to civilian life was, in many ways, more uncertain than anything he had faced in uniform. He applied for hundreds of jobs across the Savannah area.
“I cast a wide net,” he said.
Eventually, he found his place with Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America (HMGMA), where he now works in Employee Relations. A position that aligned with his strengths and what he learned in the Army.
“What I do here is a continuation of what I did in the military,” he says.
Instead of leading soldiers, he now supports employees, helping them navigate challenges, connect with resources, and improve their work experience.
“If their needs are met, they help meet the business needs,” he says. “They help us make a quality car.”
While Kurczak has found fulfillment in his new role, the transition hasn’t been without difficulty.
One of the biggest challenges, he says, is redefining identity. In the military, rank and role are immediately understood. In civilian life, those markers disappear.
“My neighbors didn’t know me as Lieutenant Colonel,” he says. “I wasn’t coming out of the house every day in uniform.”
Building community has also been harder than expected. After years of moving, the Kurczaks are used to starting over, but civilian communities don’t always function the same way military ones do.
“In the military, you put yourself out there,” he says. “You wear your emotions on your sleeve, you volunteer. I
think that’s the things that we’ll have to continue to work on to establish ourselves in the communities that we live in, that we work in, and that we go to school in.”
In a more rooted community, where many relationships have developed over years or decades, connection can take longer.
“We haven’t found our people yet,” he says. “But I think that’ll come over time.”
For all the focus on his own journey, Kurczak is quick to shift attention to his family.
“The entire family serves,” he says.
His children, now spread across college, high school, and middle school, have grown up navigating constant change. They’ve gained adaptability, perspective, and resilience. But those strengths have come with sacrifices.
“They’re connected to friends all over the nation,” he says. “But they didn’t grow up with the same friends their whole childhood.”
It’s a tradeoff many military families understand deeply—and one he believes deserves broader recognition. Today, the Kurczaks are putting down roots in Richmond Hill. Their children are thriving in schools and
activities, especially dance, a passion that has become a central thread in family life.
“I’m a dance dad,” he says, laughing. “All my money goes to dance.”
After decades of movement, the idea of staying put feels both unfamiliar and right.
“We decided to plant our flag here,” he says.
For a man who once defined his life by service in uniform, the mission has changed but the purpose remains: Helping people. Building community. Leading with intention. Just in a different kind of uniform. ■
Find additional details and a full calendar for the entire Greater Savannah area at BryanCountyMagazine.com. Sign up for the newsletter at www.bryancountymagazine.com/pages/ magazine-subscription-bryancounty
7/4: Open Car, Truck, & Bike Show Fort McAllister State Historic Park
7/4: Independence Day at Fort McAllister State Historic Fort McAllister State Park
7/6: Mobile Mammography SJ/C Richmond Hill Campus at Heartwood
7/13: The Mayor’s Table Wetlands Education Center, Gregory Park
7/16: The Richmond Hill Friends of the Library hold used-book sales Richmond Hill Library
7/18: Richmond Hill Farmers Market | Family Market 21 Cedar Street, Richmond Hill
7/22: RHFD Firehouse Summer Series Fire Station #1, 9964 Ford Avenue
8/1: Cars & Coffee Richmond Hill History Museum
8/15: Richmond Hill Farmers Market | Family Market 21 Cedar Street, Richmond Hill
8/20: The Richmond Hill Friends of the Library hold used-book sales Richmond Hill Library
