Thankful that Dr. Roy Maynard is putting the spotlight on Georgetown, I head out to the Smiles in Georgetown Community Event Aug. 5 to find a massive white tent housing a dozen local businesses dedicated to an evening of “pampering”!
Greeting me is event coordinator Liz Saxton and her equally gorgeous sister, Shine Salons’ Anna K. Amerson. Loving how Liz worked with Roy to highlight neighboring businesses, I ask Liz who all do we expect to see today. “We have everyone from Agenda Latina, HIS Radio 91.9, Vernon Donovan with State Farm Insurance to Buy Local Savannah and Southern Palate catering for today,” shares the Southern Marketing Team owner. “There are more vendors. I’m checking with them now to finish up.”
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Next up is a lady I see at every big league event, the incomparable Joan Frampton! There are some people who you have an instant connection with, and I have it with this single, curly-haired ex-softball coach. After posing her with the Southern Palate peeps, I cruise over to wait for Lisette Riccelli with Agenda Latina to finish her Facebook live video.
Watching Lisette blossom and thrive in the community during the past five years has been magical and I feel the same way about Buy Local President Courtney Rawlins. Pumped to be out with all her local peeps, Courtney reminds me, “Girl! DO you know how long we have known each other?” (20 years!) Seeing my two close friends hug each while introducing them to State Farm Insurance’s Vernon Donovan makes my heart happy.
I have known Vernon since his first day opening his Savannah agency 10 years ago and before I can commend him on all his successes, I see yet another face from back in the day arrive. Lydia Syed, now a New York Life financial advisor was in TV, radio, and higher education before being the marketing manager for the African American Traveling Circus Show.
Wait, what?! “When we met 14 years ago, I had no idea I would ever be the marketing manager for a family entertainment show that featured world class acrobatics, dare devil motorcyclist and trapeze artist to singers,” shares the advisor and pastor.
OK, tonight has just gotten stranger because I see Sam Crossley arriving next. I met this politician-looking dude back in the Small Business Chamber days around 2002, and I have rarely seen him since. Catching up with the financial advisor will have to wait because I have pictures to take of Glo Coffee Corner and Le Cafe Gourmet’s pastry queen Angela Yeo and another beloved friend of almost two decades, Brian Judson.
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I’m so proud, happy and thankful for a guy who has finally gotten what he deserves! Brian knows how I feel about him and I know how much he loves fab food, so I introduce him to Angela before heading over to grab a Savannah Square Pops milk & honey ice pop from new-to-Savannah Michael Washington.
Next are pics of the quirky, talented Brooke Phillips. The Visit Savannah business manager does a 30-second to a minute video complete with a cooking commentary on her dish of the day. Sweet baby Jesus. Y’all have to go see her Facebook post Cooking with Brooke!
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After pausing Somi Benson-Jaja to get in front of the camera with his Buy Local board members, I see Dr. Ann Linton arrive, Joe Steffan make a lap around the tent, and the always dapper-dressed Francisco Botamcourt speaking with the Metropolitan Savannah Hispanic Chamber of Commerce’s Alfonso and Susana Ribot.
There he is! Roy is in the house/tent! A longtime fan of the dentist known for his community involvement, I see his Greater Savannah Black Chamber of Commerce board member’s Kewaan K. Drayton waving him over for a group pic with the Mayor Van Johnson.
Even through he has photo requests from everyone, Roy takes a minute to thank me for attending the Ramah Junior Academy media room and innovation lab dedication. “I’m a product of a Christian education and it’s an honor for me to be a point in my life where my services can be reflected in the community,” shares the Academy school board chairman.
With an opportunity to bring together Georgetown businesses and give awareness of the thriving Georgetown community, Dr. Roy Maynard is setting the standard for paying it forward by hosting an event to highlight a part of town often overlooked. Your are a rock star my friend, and thanks for setting the stage for me to see all my old friends. The only one missing is Carol Kirchner!
Invite Bunny to your gathering, gala or other social event. Contact Bunny at 912-844-1122 or email her at [email protected]. See more columns by Bunny Ware at SavannahNow.com/Lifestyle/.