4 minute read
A Class of Its Own
As the trolley slowly came to a stop, the passengers peered out of the open-air vehicle, wide-eyed and smiling. “I’ve never been this close to a giraffe,” one said. “What do they eat on a daily basis?” another asked. “Mostly leaves and twigs,” the Wildlife Guide responded.
“A Taste of Africa,” the August Signature Experience, brought the Members of Marsh’s Edge Luxury Retirement Community on St. Simons Island to White Oak Conservation in Yulee, Florida. The morning at White Oak Conservation, a 13,000 acre privately owned animal sanctuary, was spent learning about animal conservation and White Oak educational research programs. Mem-
bers toured the hallways of the famed Mikhail Baryshnikov dance studio and settled in for a private lunch surrounded by fossils and tapestries in the dining room of Gilman Hall. In the afternoon, the group boarded a private trolley tour led by a Wildlife Guide who introduced the 35 species that call White Oak home. The animals included rhino, giraffe, tiger, okapi and cheetah. Later in the day, a festive group enjoyed “Pound,” a wellness class inspired by drumming, followed by a dinner of African-influenced cuisine and a live African Drum Troupe.
Marsh’s Edge Members enjoy monthly immersive Signature Experiences, like “A Taste of Africa,” which involve the whole
community and island. Each Signature Experience is uniquely themed and is comprised of at least one social, one wellness, and one dining component. “Our Members look forward to these events each month. We plan them a year in advance, so they can begin planning their outfits and costumes! It’s fun to see everyone take on a character for these events.” said Social Director, Stephen Grimes. Each Signature Experience is unique with activities following the theme throughout the day. Previous event themes have included Arabian Nights, The Roaring 20s, Barbecue and Bluegrass, Farm to Fork, and the Titanic. “We know everyone had a great time when they continue to talk about the event for months after,” he added.
As an active Life Plan community, Marsh’s Edge Members enjoy connecting with their neighbors who are at a similar place in life. “We know how to throw a great party” exclaimed Mr. Grimes. Stephen is known to Members throughout the community as their “Personal Party Planner.” In conjunction with Wellness and Culinary Directors, he plans daily, weekly, and monthly social events, clubs, and trips which help to shape the vibrant network of neighbors and friends within the community.
An abundance of events means there is something for everyone and an opportunity to bond with neighbors over similar interests! Throughout the month, the social calendar is full of events that include trips to the Symphony of Coastal Georgia, pre-dinner Happy Hour, Model Train Club meetings, Ladies Literary (continues)
Club, Poker Night, live entertainment, Historical Speaker Series, Trivia, Game Night and so much more! “The events are always changing” one Member told us, “He’s always keeping us on our toes with new events. The only drawback is that there are too many things to do.”
“Every Menu Has a Story” dinners are held every other month as a collaboration between a chosen Member and the Culinary Staff at Marsh’s Edge. “Every Menu Has a Story’ encourages Members to share theme specific stories from their lives which subsequently inspire menus in their honor. Members share their stories and experiences as they pertain to a given theme. After reviewing the story with the Member, the Executive Chef interprets the story into a menu. By creating tasting notes and demonstrating how the story inspired a particular dish, the process culminates in a dining event celebrating the story through the inspired menu.
The culinary team at Marsh’s Edge is comprised of upscale dining chefs who constantly work to enhance the Member experience and push culinary boundaries. A restaurant approach to full-service dining emphasizes variety and quality. Daily specials and seemingly endless menu options are freshly crafted by the Executive Chef. Carefully selected wine, beer and spirits from their fully stocked clubPlanning an event can be stressful and time consuming. The staff at Marsh’s Edge is there to create an exclusive social and dining experience for you and your guests during your private event. Events such as birthdays, family gatherings, and dinner parties are made easy with in-house catering services to customize and prepare your event. With no cooking and no cleanup, you can instead spend your time picking out a perfect outfit and welcoming your guests. Enjoy toasting, laughing, and socializing with guests during your event while Marsh’s Edge takes care of the rest.
St. Simons Island offers the timeless charm of coastal living paired with an unspoiled natural paradise. Marsh’s Edge offers Members a luxurious lifestyle, steeped in Southern hospitality, upscale amenities, the safety of community and a vibrant social life. To learn more about Marsh’s Edge or to reserve a private tour, visit Marshs-Edge.com.
GET BACK IN THE GAME
We may not take you from a 20 handicap to a 2, but our Certified Physical Therapists will get you back on the greens as quickly as possible. Advanced Rehabilitation is a physical therapy practice specializing in orthopaedic, back pain/injuries and athletic injuries.
