Elegant Island Living December 2016

Holiday A L I C E

I N

W O N D E R L A N D

St. Nick’s Picks

Photography by Jeannie Frey Rhodes Photography

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Engage your style

PUBLISHER’S LETTER

That One Year …

E

very family has some type of Christmas tradition. Some involve opening one present Christmas Eve or preparing a special Christmas meal. Up until the age of eight I had spent every Christmas at my maternal grandmother, Mimi’s, house. She always had the BIGGEST Christmas tree set up next to her large fireplace. With my sister, four cousins, and myself, there would be a virtual cornucopia of presents awaiting under that giant tree. Once we moved to St. Simons Island, my parents decided to start a new tradition by giving my sister and me a special Christmas tree ornament commemorating something big that had happened to us that year.

Speaking of Christmas traditions, I am probably the only 54 year-old man you know who has spent literally EVERY Christmas with his parents – except one. A long time ago, I spent Christmas with my then-fiancée, Beth, or as my mom would later refer her, “She Who Must Not Be Named” (SWMNBN, for short). Since SWMNBN’s parents were divorced, we spent Christmas at the houses of both of her parents. We had celebrated Christmas Eve at SWMNBN’s mom’s with a typical family Christmas dinner.

On Christmas morning, off to SWMNBN’s father’s house we went. As we sat around the tree, SWMNBN’s brother handed out presents. Now, half the fun of getting a Christmas present is tearing off the wrapping paper with unbridled enthusiasm, am I right?!

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So, I ripped the wrapping paper off the oh-soobvious tie box, and tossed it on the floor. As I looked up, SWMNBN, her dad, dad’s new girlfriend, and brother were all staring at me in horror.

I looked over to SWMNBN for help, but got nothing. Turns out her dad’s Christmas tradition was NO CHRISTMAS WRAPPING PAPER ON THE FLOOR! He leaned over to me and said, “we put the paper in the trash BEFORE we open the gift.” Later that day, SWMNBN’s dad took us to see Titanic at the movies.

As I sat there in the darkness, watching the movie, I could relate to Leonardo DiCaprio being on a sinking ship.

I treasure EVERY Christmas with my parents. If you have a holiday tradition, be sure to celebrate it. Me? I’ll be tearing the paper off my presents this year and dropping the paper right on the floor!

We at Elegant Island Living wish you and your family the Very Merriest of Christmases and a Happy New Year!

Shop Here for All Your Holiday Gift Giving Fresh Arrangements, Poinsettias, Blooming & Green Plants, Unique Assortments of Gifts, Gourmet Food Baskets, Wreaths, Fresh and Silk Arrangements.

912.634.9622 1700 Frederica Road, # 103 acourtyardflorist.com

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HA R D TO F I N D, IMPOSSIBLE TO FORGET!

ENGLISH MAHOGANY & COUNTRY FRENCH FURNITURE • DIRECT IMPORTERS • ACCESSORIES • GIFTS

PUBLISHER

David Butler

Elegant Island Living is published monthy.

Reproduction of any photographs, artwork, or copy prepared by Elegant Island Living is strictly prohibited without prior written permission of the

ART DIRECTOR

Beth Rowen

publisher. All advertised properties are subject to prior sale or withdrawal without notice. Elegant Island Living is not a registered real estate broker, and this magazine is not an effort to assist in the

E D I T O R I A L A N D S O C I A L MEDIA DIRECTOR

One of a Kind “Treasures.”

Located Between Redfern Village and St. Simons Drugs.

buying or selling of real estate. The advertisers and publisher are not responsible or liable for

Kathi Williams

misinformation, misprints, or typographical errors.

912.399.8797

Real estate advertised in this magazine is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act of 1968 and its amendments. All electronic files submitted to

PRODUCTION MANAGER

Terry McCarthy 912.399.3699

Elegant Island Living become property of the magazine. ©2016 Elegant Island Living.

P.O. Box 21763 St. Simons Island, GA 31522.

All Rights Reserved.

(912) 638-1216 ADVERTISING SALES

Yolanda O’Hern Senior Account Manager 912.634.3856 (p) / 770.490.3348 (m)

FOR ADVERTISING INFORMATION: 912.399.3699 or 912.399.9969 FOR SOCIAL SCENE PHOTOS: If you would like ElL to cover your NFP or community event for Social Scene, please contact Terry McCarthy at least 2 weeks

Molly Duckworth Regional Media Sales 912.506.1115

prior to the event at 912.399.3699 or terryinssi@comcast.net.

FOR WEBSITE CALENDAR & SOCIAL MEDIA NOTIFICATIONS:

Julie Andrew

Merry Christmas from the girls at the Stash!

Marketing Consultant 912.269.0476

Todd Baker Real Estate Manager 912.506.3625

26 Market St., Suite 112 • St. Simons Island • Mon.-Sat. 10-5 LOCATED BEHIND ZAXBY’S

Owned & Operated by Felicia Braden and Nicole Dowling 12

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the EIL website calendar and shared through our social media network, please email your request to Kathi Williams at kathissi@elegantislandliving.net.

FOR DISTRIBUTION:

912.506.3625 www.elegantislandliving.net

CONTRIBUTING WRITER:

Tom Purdy

CONTRIBUTING P H OTO G R A P H E R S :

Liz Stewart Photography S O P H I S T I C AT E D & T R E N D Y S T Y L E S

To request that your special event be placed on

John Toth, The Darkroom Photography

On the Cover: Adorned with a festive holiday headpiece designed by Patty Rogers of A Courtyard Florist and a gorgeous ali & bird necklace from Cunningham Jewelers, cover model Laura-Ann Whitmire beckons you to join us in a journey through Alice’s Holiday Wonderland this Christmas season.

Makeup by Beth Kicklighter Hall of Elizabeth Lee Makeup. Cover photo by John Toth, The Darkroom Photography.

312 Mallery Street • St. Simons Island • In the Village • 912.634.2764 14

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24 Alice: Would you tell me, please, which way I ought to go from here?

The Cheshire Cat: That depends a good deal on where you want to get to.

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contents

18 H O L I DAY

R E A L

18 St. Nick’s Picks 2016

58 Island Real Estate – A State

of the Market

24 Alice in Holiday Wonderland

ESTAT E

60 Business Buzz

EVENTS

46 A Shuckin’ Good Time

66 What’s Happening

50 Visions of Sugar Plums 52 Pulling for Kids ISLAND

I M P R ESSI O N S

56 Celebrating Christmastime

70 Social Scene 88 Real Estate 122 SSI Archives

DECEMBER 2016

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’Tis the season

for gift giving and once again the EIL elves have gotten together with local retailers to put together a holiday shopping list to assist Santa and his many helpers. You’ll find quite an array of presents to go under the tree and stocking stuffers too. For kids from one to 92, there’s something for everyone. And remember, when you shop local this holiday, that’s also a gift that keeps on giving within our community. (continues)

SASSY & CLASSY This beautiful swing coat with mandarin collar and pockets is warm, but lightweight enough to wear over a pair of pants. Wild & Personal Boutique, 214 Redfern Village, 912.634.5463. wildandpersonal.com.

GOURMET GIFTING Santa’s helpers have been

busy creating a wide range of unique Christmas baskets for you. Golden Isles Olive Oil can meet any budget. Ideal for personal or corporate gift giving. 306 Redfern Village, 912.602.9736. goldenislesoliveoil.com

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O HOLY NIGHT A Burton &

Burton nine-piece nativity scene is a great gift to give as a future family heirloom.

St. Simons Drug Co, not just a drug store, but also a gift store. 209 Longview Plaza, 912. 638.5473.

A PIECE OF ST. SIMONS You’ll love the comfort and quality of this

gorgeous ring made here in the Golden Isles from solid sterling silver or 14k gold. Your choice, your size, and found exclusively at The Golden Isles Bracelet Co., 106 Pier Village Market, 912.638.3636. gibcobracelets.com.

DESIGNER CASUAL CHRISTMAS Slip into this Merino wool rib sweater in sizes XXS-Large and pair with your favorite pair of jeans, leggings or pants plus these plum Sophie slide shoes. Tibi Outlet, 28 Market St., 912.638.1221. tibi.com.

UNIQUELY YOURS Made in Georgia, Canoe animal

hide handbags of many sizes and styles will mix and match with Dolce Vita booties or your favorite pair of boots this Christmas. Shackelford, 28 Market Street, 912.634.0924.

DECEMBER 2016

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CALICO

PERFECT STOCKING STUFFER The Saint Simons 360 documentary teaches you 400 years of island history in about two viewing hours. DVD available at G.J. Ford Bookshop, Coastal Georgia Historical Society Gift Shop, The Market on St. Simons Island, Epworth-By-The Sea Gift Shop, Moore Methodist Museum, Golden Isles Welcome Center, or stream on Amazon.

CRITTERS Cones in ho and lots of lo uses, tree ho ts of cute cr uses itters for bo Visit Just Fo ys and girls r Funn Toys . at their new at 262 Redf location ern Village, 912-638-38 66.

STOP …

HAMMOCK TIME!

ENO Hammocks are a “can’t go wrong gift” this holiday season. Popular for all ages, they come in many festive colors with the latest accessories. Visit SouthEast Adventure Outfitters, Coastal Georgia’s Outdoor Headquarters in the Pier Village, 912.638.6732. southeastadventure.com.

INSPIRED BY LIGHT Artwork of movement, and surprising color combinations by Teil Duncan, Charleston artist, transforms figurative and non-objective works into pieces worthy of any room in your house. Cloister Collection is also proud to carry her calendars and note cards. 600 Sea Island Rd., 912.634.8084. cloistercollection.com.

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PAMPER YOUR LADY Wellness on Main is an all-in-one wellness stop where you can choose experienced Pilates instruction or facials and massage therapy from experts. Or why not have all three?! Give her a gift certificate that’s all for her. Wellness on Main, 115 Main St., 912.230.8314

SOUL GOOD Find a variety of stocking stuffers from

spices, sauces and T-shirts as well as their newest product: house cured and wood-smoked bologna sausage. Southern Soul Barbeque, 202 Demere Rd., 912.638.SOUL, southernsoulbbq.com

DANCE THE NIGHT AWAY Kick up your heels in style this

holiday season wearing this hand-beaded tulle cocktail dress. Camisole slip available in flesh or black. Ariel’s, 257 Redfern Village, 912.434.6438, @shoparielssi.

TRADITIONAL CHRISTMAS Purchase Natale Holiday dinnerware by Arte Italica and earn a chance to win a gorgeous limited edition, handmade Italian urn worth $900. Visit Indigo & Cotton for details. Indigo & Cotton, Shops at Sea Island, 600 Sea Island Rd., 912.634.8884, indigossi.com.

HEALTHY HOLIDAYS An all-natural, anti-inflammatory, anti-aging and energizing chewable supplement created by local physician Michele McMahon, M.D., ICANDY replaces your costly drawer of vitamins and supplements in a single daily dose. ICANDY contains key adaptogens including Rhodiola rosea, maca root, turmeric, and milk thistle, along with high dose B vitamins, vitamin C and D, and magnesium. coastalholistichealth.com

DECEMBER 2016

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CELEBRATE WINTER This whimsical Frosty the Snowman

set with ruffle red polka dot tunic and coordinated striped tights, in sizes 4-8, will bring smiles wherever she travels. Carousel Children’s Clothing, 136 Retreat Plaza, 912.638.3060.

KEEP IT COLD

Here’s the perfect way to keep your Greek yogurt in your purse, backpack, lunchbox, briefcase or gym bag. An ice pack keeps it cool for up to three hours and a spoon is enclosed for convenience. Available at yotogo.com

LIGHTWEIGHT AND LUSCIOUS Give her a fur for Christmas with reversible fox and silk in a variety of colors. Comes with its own packable bag for convenience. XS-2X. Evelyne Talman, 3301 Frederica Rd., 912.638.3470. evelynetalman.com.

BEAUTIFY YOUR BODY Each decadent

mist, Gardenia + Tea Antioxidant Body Serum intensely nourishes, hydrates and promotes firmer, smoother and more supple skin. Available at One Love Organics, right here on St. Simons Island at 701 Skylane Road. oneloveorganics.com.

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To Shop TI S’ T H E SE A SON

Boutique

Shoes by Louis Vuitton Handbag by Louis Vuitton Hat by Yves Saint Laurent MONDAY - SATURDAY 10 A.M. - 6 P.M. SUNDAY 12 - 6 P.M.

912-434-9600 3415 Frederica Rd. St. Simons Island Located next to Delaney’s and Sal’s

D E B PA R I S A GETTING SAUCY & SASSY FOR CHRISTMAS

Owner of Parisa’s Manufacturing Kitchen

Consignment

" When I was your age ... sometimes I've believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast." – The Queen

T

his Christmas season, Sea Island will be transformed into Alice’s Wonderland in holiday décor at The Cloister and the Beach Club. The community is once again invited to enjoy December Dining and Spa options, December 1-22, with special menus and prices at the resort. Larger-than-life original art from world-renowned pop-up book artist and (continues)

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DECEMBER 2016

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Photo and recipe: Pineapple & Coconut, pineappleandcoconut.com 26

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master paper engineer Robert Sabuda will welcome diners at the Beach Club, which will be decked out with Alice in Wonderland décor, and where little ones and not-so-little ones are invited to join Alice, the Mad Hatter, the Cheshire Cat, and the White Rabbit at a pretend high tea. Guests may sit at the table with their favorite characters as they discover or reminisce about the magical world of Alice. Bryce Brock, her staff at The Vine, and the Sea Island graphic design team have created a true visual wonderland at both locations.

The culinary staff has created a complimentary amuse-bouche for diners in several of the restaurants and special Alice in Wonderland cocktails for the grown-ups. Thanks to the talent of The Cloister Bake Shop, the tradition of an elaborate gingerbread display continues at The Cloister, showcasing Alice bursting through the windows of the white rabbit’s cottage in the woods, along with other parts of Lewis Carroll’s book.

Drink Me

L

ike Alice, we’ll start the journey with an enchanted elixir. While she sipped a potion that magically made her smaller, we’re offering up a delicious cocktail that can transport you from our sunny South Georgia island right to a fireside evening at an Alpine ski lodge. With this pretty presentation, you can bring the magic of a white Christmas right to the beach!

WHITE CHRISTMAS COCKTAIL INGREDIENTS:

4 oz. vanilla vodka 4 oz. white crème de cacao 2 oz. Frangelico 4 oz. half & half FOR THE RIM:

2 oz. white chocolate white sprinkles DIRECTIONS:

Dining options include two courses for $22 or three courses for $33 at Tavola, Southern Tide, River Bar and the Oak Room, three for $44 at Colt & Alison and the Georgian Room, Georgia’s only Forbes Five-Star restaurant. Reservations for dining and spa are necessary, at 912.638.3611.

In addition, “Mad” Tea Parties are available upon request at The Lodge from 2:00-4:00 p.m.

December 19-26. Reservations especially for those parties must be made in advance at 912.634.3967.

Melt white chocolate in microwave, then spread into a circle on a plate. Pour white sprinkles onto another place in circle the width of the glass. Dip edges of chilled glasses into chocolate, making sure to coat evenly all the way around. Then dip rim into the sprinkles, scooping up sprinkles so they fully cover chocolate. Place glasses in refrigerator immediately to firm up chocolate. In a cocktail shaker, add ice and cocktail ingredients, shake well. Divide between 2 chilled glasses and serve. (continues)

Inspired by that fantastical world of Alice created by Lewis Carroll, we’re inviting you to follow us down the rabbit hole to our own holiday wonderland of Christmas tea parties and tradition.

Don’t be late!

DECEMBER 2016

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"You’re mad. Bonkers. Off your head … But I'll tell you a secret …

All of the best people are.” -Alice (to the Mad Hatter)

W

hile Alice found cakes to make her grow along with the potion that make her shrink, it was the tea party she discovered along her journey that was most intriguing. Once Alice made it through the door, she met mysterious and entertaining characters like the Cheshire Cat and Tweedledee and Tweedledum, as she followed the White Rabbit to his “very important date” and wound up a guest at a bizarre tea party hosted by the Mad Hatter. While you probably don’t want a sleepy Dormouse in your sugar bowl, the idea of serving up cakes and cookies and other delicacies at a holiday-themed tea is a

great idea for a Christmas party! If you don’t want to host your own, don’t fret, you can attend one right here in the Golden Isles and simply be a guest!

fruit compote and exquisite holiday sweets. We can’t guarantee that the others attending the tea will be quite as colorful characters as the Mad Hatter’s assorted guests!

In addition to the Mad Tea Parties that will be hosted by Sea Island at The Lodge, the Jekyll Island Club Hotel hosts a Holiday High Tea in the Grand Dining Room on December 6 and 13, from 3:30-5:30 p.m. This has become an annual holiday tradition at the hotel and is eagerly anticipated by guests and visitors. You can enjoy the sounds of the season while sipping on an expansive selection of teas and dine on tea sandwiches, soup, warm scones with

For children, there’s a special Kids’ Holiday Tea Party and Etiquette Class on December 17 from 2:00-4:00 p.m. At this memorable holiday experience with vibrant “Tea Party Etiquette” hostess, Christina Godwin, kids can spend an afternoon at the hotel sipping on tea, enjoying tea sandwiches and delicious sweet treats while learning the ins and outs of table etiquette. Santa’s special elves will even make an appearance at the tea party with (continues)

DECEMBER 2016

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Christmas Eve. Here’s what some of our friends had to share with us about their traditions:

with gifts in hand! Not at all like Alice’s experience, good table manners will be on display and learned here. That’s a Christmas gift that every parent will treasure!

If you’d rather skip the whole tea party experience – I mean, after all, look at how that turned out for Alice – you don’t have to miss out on the cookies! There’s a Christmas Cookie Workshop at the Morgan Center on December 20 from 2:00-4:00 p.m. You can join the hotel’s Pastry Chefs for a sweet afternoon decorating Christmas cookies. Each guest receives one dozen cookies to decorate and take home. Colored icings, sprinkles and more fun decorations will be available along with punch and mulled cider!

Visit jekyllclub.com/events to make reservations for any of these holiday events at the Jekyll Island Club Hotel, and to purchase tickets online.

Cookies are an important part of Christmas and, for many, are deeply entwined in holiday traditions, from family baking and cookie parties to leaving a plate of treats out for Santa to enjoy on

Beth Jennings says, “Every year on Christmas Eve we go to church, out to dinner, then both children have one present to open.

These gifts are their Christmas pajamas. After they open them and put them on, we make cookies for Santa as well as our Elf on the Shelf, Sweetie Pie, and watch Polar Express. Cookies and milk are left out to share for Santa as we head to bed for the night. The Christmas tree lights are left on all night so Santa can see.”

EIL staff members Julie Andrew and Molly Duckworth say that cookies and milk for Santa played a part in their families’ Christmas Eve traditions too. Julie shares, “We always left out cookies and milk for Santa and carrots for the reindeer. We wore Christmas pajamas on Christmas Eve, and sat by the fire reading ’Twas the Night Before Christmas and How the Grinch Stole Christmas. My youngest is in college now, but we actually still do Christmas pajamas with the same stories, from the same books my parents read when I was little.”

In Molly’s family, her dad went the extra step for authenticity: “We’d open presents at my grandma’s on Christmas Eve and had to sing 5-6 traditional Christmas songs first.

(They FORCED me to learn to play the organ so I had to play when everyone came over on Christmas!) When we got home that night, we were allowed (continues)

DECEMBER 2016

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Anderson Fine Art Gallery St. Simons Island, Georgia

to open one present. Then we would write Santa letters, leave out cookies and popcorn, and my dad would climb a ladder to leave carrots on the roof for the reindeer.”

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Showing her true Georgia colors, Merrill Edens shares a particular Southern twist on the tradition: “My family always left out cookies and a 6oz bottle of Coca-Cola, and we still do!” Certainly the Coca-Cola Christmas commercials and those holiday collectible bottles herald the season for many. It’s not Christmas until you see the polar bears! The Mexican heritage of EIL staff member Yolanda O’Hern meant different cultural traditions: “We decorated our tree on Christmas Eve, made Christmas tamales and had Mexican hot chocolate, melting chocolate and cinnamon in the milk, after going to mass. No presents until morning!”

Leigh Langford says, “We have always done the milk and cookies of course, and left the carrots for Rudolph. My kids also always threw out the Magic Reindeer food – oatmeal with red and silver or gold glitter – because you

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have to catch the reindeers’ eyes, you know! I always told them that Santa came to the houses of the children who went to sleep first so it was in their best interest to get to bed early. Little white Christmas lies don’t count do they?!? Aren’t they kinda like Christmas calories?! None of that stuff counts!”

She says another important part of their Christmas ritual involves a handmade holiday heirloom: “We also have an Advent Calendar that my mom made when I was young that we used every Christmas and my kids now use.

I’ll be sending it to college with my daughter this year. Each evening a handmade ornament is hung on the tree until Christmas Day the tree is topped with a star.

When we were growing up, Mom made some of the ornaments to reflect what we were doing. I had a softball and my brother had a skateboard, I think. I know there was a Winnie the Pooh when my brother was little. It’s very special in my family.” (continues)

Make it a Christmas You’ll Remember for a Lifetime!

Helping her say

“Yes”

for 100 Years!

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ELEGANT ISLAND LIVING

In retaliation for the inferior fare, all the ladies began bringing cookies from Price Chopper.

That was the end of the cookie party.”

Treasured family keepsakes are also part of Leslie Miller’s traditions, “I’ve always taken my kids to Color Me Happy to make handprint Christmas plates. On Christmas Eve, they leave cookies and ‘reindeer food’ on those plates with a note to Santa.”

EIL Art Director Beth Rowen reports that her family traditions are more Griswold than Parker or Bailey. “My mother would have these annual cookie parties and coerce my dad into putting together a lavish gourmet spread for 20 of her closest friends. The guests each brought 12 dozen home made holiday confections to swap – some of them, works of art. The ladies circled the cookie table over and over until they they had all collected a variety of treats to bring home. After years of protesting, yet ultimately giving in each time, my dad finally went Clark Griswold – and in an epic rant, announced he was boycotting Christmas. He would no longer come up north from Florida for the holidays in order to be my mother’s personal chef (servant).

The following year, epicurean comestibles of the highest caliber were replaced with store-bought cheese platters and hunks of summer sausage.

Christmas’ biggest fan in the Golden Isles (just ask when her first tree went up this year for proof ), Beth Walters-Parker, says that cookies have always been a big part of the holiday in her family. “When I was a little girl, one of my favorite things about Christmas was baking cookies for Santa. I spent a lot of time with my great-grandmother, Deedee. I remember it was always near the week leading up to Christmas Eve that holiday baking went into full swing. Rum balls, chocolate chip cookies, fudge, fruit cake (Yack! Does anyone even eat those?!), all that stuff.

We would bake things to give as gifts to neighbors. I was allowed to sample everything my Deedee made, and as her ‘assistant,’ I got to lick all of the bowls too. It was a pretty sweet set up (no pun intended). On Christmas Eve, she would come over to my house and she, my mom and I would bake a special batch of my favorite cookies for Santa.

That was how I justified tasting everything, you know, to make sure Santa would approve. My favorite was always these corn flake and peanut butter cookies. They were messy as all get out,

but delicious. My Deedee would let me pick out a special plate from her china cabinet to use for Santa’s cookies. Sometimes we would leave milk, but it was usually hot chocolate. I would leave a little note explaining that I was also leaving a carrot for Rudolph and that was

that. On Christmas morning both the plate and the mug would be empty.”

Beth tries to carry on the same tradition with her own kids now, “We do this ‘24 Cookies of Christmas’ thing with 24 different Christmas cookies in December. The idea was (continues)

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We’re honored that Beth even shared the recipe with us, adding “While they’re great served with milk or hot chocolate, they probably need to come with a side of Lipitor or something!”

TIS THE SEASON

BETH'S EPIC PEANUT BUTTER SANTA COOKIES INGREDIENTS:

to do a cookie every night through Christmas Eve (my delusions of free time actually made me think that was going to happen). Now it’s kind of meshed into a cookie night once or twice a week and playing cookie catch up on the weekends. We always do the same thing my Mom and Deedee did for me … picking out a favorite, and baking it on Christmas Eve. I swore to myself I would always try to make Christmas magic linger for my kids.

Even though they are teenagers now, we still do the cookie thing, we still make a Christmas list for Santa, and we still make those messy peanut butter cookies.”

½ c. white sugar ½ c. light corn syrup 2 Tbsp. butter ½ c. peanut butter 3 c. cornflakes cereal DIRECTIONS:

Line a baking sheet with waxed paper. Bring sugar and corn syrup to a boil in a saucepan over medium heat; stir in butter and peanut butter until thoroughly mixed, and remove from heat. Place cornflakes into a large bowl, and pour peanut butter mixture over cereal. Mix until cornflakes are coated with the mixture. Drop by tablespoon onto waxed paper; flatten slightly if desired. Allow to cool before serving. Enjoy – and remember to save some for Santa or for that holiday tea party!

CHRISTMAS & NEW YEAR’S COUNTDOWN

Let Ronne Be Your Personal Stylist & Shopper Private appointments available Clothing • Gifts • Jewelry Lamps • Oils & Prints Home Accents

Shops on Market Street Off Sea Island Road Next to Tibi 28 Market Street, Suite 124 St. Simons Island, GA 912.638.5100 36

ELEGANT ISLAND LIVING

“If everybody minded their own business,” the Duchess said in a hoarse growl, “the world would go ’round a great deal faster than it does.”

A Briny Treat

“ The time has come,” the walrus said, to talk of many things: Of shoes and ships and sealing wax - of cabbages and kings.”

“The Walrus and the Carpenter” from Through the Looking-Glass and What Alice Found There, 1872

A

nother Christmas Eve tradition was brought to mind

by Alice’s encounter with Tweedledee and Tweedledum. They told her the tale of the Walrus and the Carpenter and their “friends,” the ill-fated oysters. As much as they were a delicacy to their dinner hosts, oysters are a favorite holiday dish in American homes as part of a traditional oyster stew.

a simple stew from a fish called “ling” for the Christmas Eve meal. Dried ling, milk, butter and pepper were the main ingredients. As ling was heavily salted for preservation and chewy in consistency after being dried, milk was used to tenderize it, and mixed well with the butter and saltiness to create a rich, delicious broth. In America, Irish cooks found that oysters made a fine substitute for the dried ling and adapted the stew to use the popular mollusk.

Oyster stew originated with the Irish. As Catholics, they observed religious dietary customs around the holidays, including abstaining from eating meat on Christmas Eve. Since fish was the preferred alternative, in Ireland, they made

The South’s butter queen, Paula Deen, has an easy recipe for oyster stew that only takes 15 minutes to prepare. Keep it warm in a crock pot to serve after candlelight services on Christmas Eve or for visiting children and grandchildren.

OYSTER STEW INGREDIENTS:

2 green onions, chopped, plus additional sliced green onions for garnish 2 Tbs. butter 12 oz. fresh raw oysters, undrained 1 qt. half-and-half or whole milk ¼ tsp. salt ¼ tsp. white pepper 1/8 tsp. cayenne pepper Crackers, for serving DIRECTIONS:

Saute onion in butter until tender. Add remaining ingredients. Cook over low heat until edges of oysters begin to curl and mixture is hot but not boiling. Serve stew with crackers and garnish with sliced green onions. (continues)

DECEMBER 2016

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f you saved the oyster shells from the oysters from the stew or a recent oyster roast, you can turn these into a cute Santa ornament for your Christmas. They are fun for the whole family to do together and they make inexpensive gifts that can be personalized with a person’s name or special note on the back.

WHAT YOU NEED:

INSTRUCTIONS TO MAKE AN OYSTER SHELL SANTA ORNAMENT

• One oyster shell for each ornament

1. Scrub all the oyster shells you are using with hot water and dish soap.

Make sure you get rid of any dirt.

• A drill with a small diamond bit to make a small hole in the oyster shell (or you can use strong glue to attach ribbon) • Oil or acrylic paint in red, white, black and flesh tone • Paint brushes • Thin ribbon to hang the ornament

Tip: You can outline Santa’s hat

and adding glitter to the edges of the shell makes for extra sparkle.

2. Use the small drill to place small holes into the top of each shell so you can add a ribbon for hanging. Make sure the top of the oyster leaving the widest part for Santa’s beard. Instead of drilling, you can always glue the ribbon to the back side too.

3. Paint the top of the shell with red to make Santa’s hat. When dry, paint a white ball for a festive jingle or add a cotton craft ball to make a fuzzy topper.

4. Paint the remainder of the shell white and let it dry.

5. Paint a flesh colored oval for the face to match the shape of the shell.

6. Using a tiny paint brush or fine tipped Sharpie, draw or paint details of a face onto the shell.

7. Paint a white moustache onto the shell to finish Santa’s face.

8. Add a hanger and your oyster shell Santa ornament is ready to enjoy!

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And while we’re talking about oysters, remember to get your tickets to the St. Simons Land Trust Oyster Roast.

(See details on pages 46-48.) They make a great Christmas present too – as does a gift membership.

Preserving our island’s greenspace and creating more parks and wildlife areas where we can visit and enjoy the natural splendor of this unique coastal environment is priceless. (continues)

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“I am NOT in the habit of talking to myself.

Even though it’s the only way I can get a decent conversation around here.”

– Queen of Hearts

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“Sentence first; verdict afterwards”

W

hile you’ve got the family gathered around, take some time for fun and games too. And since we’re in Alice’s Wonderland, that means cards must come into play. So what card game to choose?

Why of course, the game in which the Queen of Hearts rules: Hearts!

Hearts has been called one of the greatest card games ever devised for four players, with each playing individually. Using a standard 52-card pack, the object of the game is to have the lowest score at the end of the game. When one player hits the agreed-upon score (or higher), the game ends; and the player with the lowest score wins.

Deal the cards one at a time, face down, clockwise. In a four-player game, each is dealt 13 cards; in a three-player game, the 2 of diamonds should be removed, and each player gets 17 cards; in a five-player game, the 2 of diamonds and 2 of clubs should be removed so that each player will get 10 cards.

The player holding the 2 of clubs after the pass makes the opening lead. If the 2 has been removed for the three handed game, then the 3 of clubs is led. Each player must follow suit if possible. If a player

– Q u een o f Hea rt s

is void of the suit led, a card of any other suit may be discarded.

However, if a player has no clubs when the first trick is led, a heart or the queen of spades cannot be

discarded. The highest card of the suit led wins a trick and the winner of that trick leads next. There is no trump suit. The winner of the trick collects it and places it face down. Hearts may not be led until a heart or the queen of spades has been discarded. The queen does not have to be discarded at the first opportunity.

The queen can be led at any time.

At the end of each hand, players count the number of hearts they have taken as well as the queen of spades, if applicable. Hearts count as one point each and the queen counts 13 points. The aggregate total of all scores for each hand must be a multiple of 26. The game is usually played to 100 points (some play to 50).

When a player takes all 13 hearts and the queen of spades in one hand, instead of losing 26 points, that player scores zero and each of his opponents score an additional 26 points. (continues)

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Pass the Hat

f you managed to evade the Queen and captured some winnings through your card skills, keeping the classic chapeau of the Mad Hatter in mind, it’s the perfect time to pass a hat for local charities.

Here are some local organizations that would benefit from assistance during this time of year.

America’s Second Harvest of Coastal Georgia Established in 1981 in Savannah, America’s Second Harvest of Coastal Georgia is a locally inspired, volunteer driven nonprofit food bank and community partnering organization. Second Harvest serves as the food safety net for tens of thousands of children, senior citizens, low-income families, and people with disabilities who are at risk for hunger throughout Southern Georgia.

They work diligently to feed the hungry by distributing nutritious food to non-profit agencies and at-risk elderly and youth.

They partner with nearly 300 faith based and non-profit agencies to provide emergency food assistance across Coastal Georgia.

Volunteers are also welcome at the distribution center in Brunswick.

Website: helpendhunger.org Faithworks Ministries FaithWorks serves the needs of more than 20,000 people annually in the Golden Isles through volunteer and financial contributions from members of our community.

As part of their ministry, Faithworks operates The Well, hospitality center on Gloucester St. for homeless individuals, providing resources such as a shower, a laundry room, phone and internet access, a safe place for social activities and support groups, and an address for correspondence. Sparrow’s Nest food pantry and financial assistance is available for families with extraordinary financial needs due to illness, death, fire, and other circumstances. Cancer Network of Hope helps provide support and resources to those whose lives have been touched by cancer. Additional services offered

by FaithWorks include homeless and post-incarceration transition resources, support for the elderly and those with chronic illness, local missions, and pastoral care.

Website: faithworksministry.org Safe Harbor Safe Harbor’s mission is to provide shelter and therapeutic services to children who have been abused, abandoned or neglected; who are homeless or have run away from home; or who are otherwise at risk or feel threatened. They have both residential and non-residential services available. Volunteers and donations are always welcome.

Visit safeharborcenterinc.org Communities of Coastal Georgia Foundation If you would like to make a donation to support the community, but you aren’t sure (continues)

DECEMBER 2016

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Now on to the impossible… where your gift would be best utilized, Communities of Coastal Georgia Foundation can help.

Each year, through endowments made by way of Donor Advised Funds, Designated Funds, Unrestricted Funds, and Field of Interest Funds, and a competitive grants process, the Foundation invests approximately a million dollars in worthwhile causes that strengthen our community.

The Foundation accepts various types of assets, including cash and appreciated property, publicly traded stock, closely held stock and/or real estate. The Foundation also accepts deferred or planned charitable gifts including bequests, life insurance, trusts, annuities, retirement accounts, life estates and other options, and can work on your behalf with your attorney, tax professional and/or financial advisor to carry out your wishes. Visit them online at coastalgeorgiafoundation.org.

The Queen told Alice, “Why sometimes I’ve believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast!” That’s rather ambitious, but surely you too can believe and accomplish six extraordinary tasks by the end of the year. What impossible things can YOU do this holiday season? Here are some suggestions:

1.

Get all of the Christmas lights on the tree and house to work on the first try. (We know that’s not really in your control, so maybe we’ll modify this to “get all of the lights working using less profanity than Clark Griswold.”)

2. Make – yes, actually create with your own hands – an ornament for your Christmas tree. This means YOU, but you can have the kids make their own too! (If you followed the oyster shell Santa instructions, you can already cross this one off the list.

How ‘bout that?!)

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that neighbor who uses the leaf blower too often or revs the motorcycle in the driveway in the wee hours.

4. Remember where you hid that one last gift.

5. Finish with all the shopping and wrapping BEFORE Christmas Eve.

6. Make a list of New Year’s resolutions you can truly accomplish in 2017.

We here at Elegant Island Living

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A Shuckin’ Good Time Photos by Liz Stewart Photography

T

here is nothing better than a good oyster roast with friends and neighbors in a gorgeous marshside setting under a canopy of branches dripping with Spanish moss. Unless it’s being an oyster roast that benefits a great cause, like protecting and preserving more settings like that around the island. That’s exactly what the St. Simons Land Trust Oyster Roast is all about. This

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highly anticipated annual event is scheduled to take place on Saturday, Jan. 14, 2017, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Gascoigne Bluff.

community for present and future generations. Today, the Land Trust has more than 800 acres protected in perpetuity.

Now in its 17th year, the oyster roast continues the tradition of highlighting the talents of local chefs, who prepare and donate Southern favorites such as Low Country boil, barbecue, and bushels and bushels of oysters, plus sides and desserts. The long tables set up for shucking stay busy and the oysters are plentiful. Making it all happen will be more than 130 donors and volunteers, under the direction of event chair Judie Mattie.

The latest Land Trust project is the acquisition of 250 acres of Musgrove, the former home of Nancy Reynolds Bagley and of her son, Smith Bagley, on St. Simons Island. The first step took place in May with the purchase of 58 acres. In a three-phase agreement with the sellers, that acquisition was the first of three parcels that will total 260 acres of the 450-acre property. With this purchase, the first 58 acres will be protected in perpetuity. The family compound, which is frequently featured during the annual Christ Church Tour of Homes, is not included in the purchase agreement.

Again this year, setting the musical ambiance for the evening will be folk singer and acoustic guitarist Owen Plant performing onstage under the majestic live oaks. From mellow classics from artists like James Taylor and Cat Stevens to his own original songs influenced by the reggae beats of his Jamaican heritage, Owen is always a crowd-pleaser.

“The oyster roast is a celebration of the Land Trust’s conservation work,” says David Pope, the newly appointed executive director of the Land Trust. “After Hurricane Matthew, we all have an even greater appreciation for the need to preserve and protect the natural and scenic character of St. Simons.”

The St. Simons Land Trust was founded in 2000 and was accredited by the Land Trust Alliance in 2015. Its stated mission is to preserve the island’s natural and scenic character, and to enhance the quality of life for our island

The May purchase included 1,000 feet of deep-water frontage on Musgrove Creek and was the first of three closings scheduled for the coming two or more years. In support of the first two phases, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s National Coastal Wetlands Grant program is providing two $1 million grants. Commitments from Land Trust board members and all other donors now amount to over half of the required $10.65 million to complete all three planned purchases. The seller will return sufficient funds from the sales price to the Land Trust to create a stewardship endowment to go toward managing the 260-acre property.

The seller is the Brenn Foundation, which was established by the late Smith Bagley (grandson

of R.J. Reynolds) to focus on public policy issues such as the environment, human rights, and civic engagement. To preserve Musgrove and to raise additional funds to support the foundation’s mission, the Brenn Foundation sought a transaction with the Land Trust.

“We commend the Brenn Foundation for their commitment to the perpetual conservation of this historic and ecologically significant land,” said Frances McCrary, chairman of the Land Trust board of directors.

The Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) agreed in December to hold a conservation easement on the property. A conservation easement offers a permanent legal guarantee that the property will never be developed.

“The Musgrove property is a significant addition of habitat to the permanently protected lands in the Altama ha estuary and the entire coast,” said Jason Lee, program manager in DNR’s Wildlife Resources Division. Lee noted that the total property to be purchased by the Land Trust includes nearly 200 acres of maritime forest, 60 acres of rare pond pine flatwoods and rare plants. “The state-held conservation easement guarantees proper management of these habitats,” he added. “Georgia DNR is excited to partner with the Land Trust in this conservation effort.”

With the addition of nature trails, the property will eventually become a public park. (continues)

DECEMBER 2016

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However, public access will not be available until all three parcels have been acquired, most likely in two years or more. “Once we have acquired all 260 acres, the Land Trust will have protected 1,036 acres on the island,” noted McCrary. Quite an impressive feat, and one that deserves celebration.

The fundraising goal of the campaign to preserve Musgrove is $11 million. The total cost of the Musgrove property is $10.65 million. Once the purchase of all three parcels is complete, the sellers will return a sufficient amount ($1.5 million) to the St. Simons Land Trust to create a stewardship endowment for maintaining the property in perpetuity. By raising $11 million for the project, the St. Simons Land Trust will have funds for initial improvements at the site to prepare for public opening. Donors wishing to help are invited to support the Land Trust via sslt.org. Memberships and gifts may also be mailed to P.O. Box 24615, St. Simons Island, GA 31522.

Of course, coming out to the oyster roast is another way to show your support.

Tickets for the oyster roast are $75 each and are available for purchase on the website at sslt. org. The price for members through January 6 is just $50, so get your tickets early. Nonmembers who wish to join can do so online to receive the same discount. For additional information about tickets, volunteer opportunities, Land Trust projects and membership, call 912.638.9109. Also follow St. Simons Land Trust on Facebook and Twitter for any updates.

HOW TO SHUCK AN OYSTER 1. First, wrap the hand that you’ll use to hold the oyster in a dishtowel or use a shucking glove. Set the oyster on a flat surface and hold it down with your towel-wrapped hand. (This is for first-timers; once you get a feel for it, you can just hold it in your hand.)

2. The oyster starts at a point and then flares outward into its shell shape. The hinge is located at that original starting point. Insert your oyster knife next to the hinge, wiggling it around until you feel it slip inside the shell. Give the knife a twist to pop the hinge.

3. With the tip of your knife still inside the oyster, angle the knife toward the top or bottom of the shell so you don’t cut into the oyster, and run it between the shells toward the top. This might can be tricky, so be patient. Once you get to the top, twist the knife to separate top and bottom shells.

4. Then slide your knife under the oyster and cut through the muscles holding it to the shell. Be careful of the liquid inside.

5. Now scoop out the meat with a fork, top with the condiment of your choice, and enjoy! Hot sauce, lemons, and crackers are considered oyster roast essentials.

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Visions of Sugar Plums

C

lara and her dream prince will return to the stage once again this holiday season when the Golden Isles Ballet Company presents Tchaikovsky’s Christmas classic The Nutcracker on December 9-11. Produced by Bess Chambliss and Val Salnikov, performances will take place at the Brunswick High School Auditorium Friday at 7:00 p.m., Saturday at 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. and Sunday at 2:00 p.m.

This annual production by Golden Isles Ballet Company incorporates a cast of almost 70 members with both local dance students and seasoned professionals. Rehearsals began in September and the cast is hard at work perfecting the show. Producer Bess Chambliss will reprise her roles as the Snow Queen and the Arabian Princess. Artistic Director Val Salnikov will take the stage as Clara’s

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father. Instructor Stacy Paulk fills the role of Clara’s mother. Clara will be performed by Emma Stutzer and Anna Grace Malone.

Due to the demands of the role, the young dancers split duties and will each appear as Clara in two shows. With sets created by students from Golden Isles Career Academy and fantastic costumes, this ballet vividly brings a little girl’s Christmas dreams to life.

Golden Isles Ballet Company was founded in August 2015 by Bess Chambliss in order to bring more ballet art and performance opportunities to the Golden Isles. Bess has been a student and teacher of Pilates and yoga since 2000 and began her first ballet class in 2013. The company’s Artistic Director and producer Val Salnikov was a dancer with the worldfamous Kirov Ballet in Russia.

It was none other than Mikhail Baryshnikov who later helped

him launch his career in the United States. He has worked with internationally acclaimed dancers, choreographers, and musicians such as Wynton Marsalis for almost thirty years. Val has served as a Ballet Master Instructor with the Jacksonville Center for the Arts since 2011. Golden Isles Ballet Company recently opened the doors to its school at Frederica Academy Arts Center, 200 Murray Way, on St. Simons Island, and is the only ballet-centered dance school in the region.

Advance tickets for The Nutcracker can be purchased for $20 adults, and $15 students at goldenislesballet.org. Tickets will also be available at the door of each performance for $25. Support ballet and the arts in the Golden Isles by bringing the family out to see this holiday classic and make it one of your traditions this season.

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Pulling for

Kids

T

hey kick the dirt and plant their heels, rub their hands and grab the rope. Spectators lean in as the whistle is blown to see whose strength will prevail. Eight years and going strong, the Pull For a Kid fundraiser is definitely a different kind of charity event than your usual dinner dance and live auction.

This tug-of-war contest between 5 member teams made up of both men and women takes place at Howard Coffin Park on what is usually a brisk winter morning. Teams from Cross Fit Grit, Vello Brew, BHS Girls Soccer Team, Hammerhead Rugby, Donna Langford CPAs, Southern Soul Barbeque, Omcore Yoga, Tipsy McSway’s, Roller Derby Dolls and a few others have been coming out regularly to fight for bragging rights. Pull for a Kid Inc. founder and event organizer Brent Nichols says, “It has grown from 5 teams to me capping the number at 18 total.” Nichols is often among the competitors as well, the seasoned veteran rugby player’s large muscular build and smiling face is hard to miss.

Pull For A Kid, Inc. is a non-profit organization that was founded to assist local children in need to attend after-school and summer break day camp options. “It began,” explains Nichols, who is a licensed professional counselor in Brunwick, “in response to a 3rd grade boy, living on Albany Street who was pulled off his porch and savagely beaten by a homeless addict. He suffered cuts, broken bones and a fractured skull.” Brent says with help from fellow rugby team members, “We steam cleaned the bloody front porch, assisted with transportation for the mom to go to Shands hospital to be with her son, and provided food for the family.

That attack happened after school during the daytime.” No child should have to go through that when there are after-school (continues)

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DECEMBER 2016

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fore the Tug of War. Of course, Nichols says, donations are welcome at any time and may be sent to Pull for a Kid, Inc. c/o Brent Nichols, P.O. Box 1881, Brunswick, GA 31521.

programs that can provide a safe haven during hours when family members may be working.

Now, Nichols says, “This same little boy has grown into a Senior at Glynn Academy and has good attendance and excellent grades.” By helping that child and seeing the need that existed, Brent decided to do what he could to keep others from facing the same dangers, and thus Pull for a Kid Inc. was born. “I hand pick each child that comes from a working poor family, makes passing marks in school and is not a behavior problem.”

Brent explains, “These quiet kids often fall through the Social Services cracks. Last summer, we sent 35 deserving local children to day camp for a safe, supervised and fun experience!”

In addition to assisting with after-school programs, day and summer camps, Pull for a Kid also has a Ham and Turkey Drive over Thanksgiving and Christmas to help the kids since they’re missing school meals. They also have a Book Bag Drive at the beginning of the school year to ease the burden on the family of

The 8th Annual Pull will be at Howard Coffin Park on Janu-

providing school supplies. During Christmas, they provide limited clothing and gifts. Support for these activities comes from the $100 per team entry donations for the Pull of a Kid Tug of War event, moneys raised from the live auction and T-shirts sales at the event. There is also a Boston Butt sale ($25 each) the week be-

ary 14th from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Kate Buchanan from Indigo Coastal Shanty will be there serving up complimentary chili and hot chocolate – a warm and delicious treat on a chilly morning. Kids are welcome too! Other than the Championships, the Children’s Pull is a crowd favorite with boys competing against girls. (Girls always win.) After the heated competition at the park, there will be a Post Tournament Social at Indigo Coastal Shanty with super sax man Michael Hulett performing and a silent auction. Admission to the tug of war event and to the social are both free of charge, so come on out with your family and friends to cheer on your favorite teams at the pull and stick around for food, fellowship, and great music. It’s all for the kids!

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Celebrating Christmastime C

hristmas is coming. Or is it here already?

Every store has been decorated for more than a month. Christmas isn’t just a day; it’s a season, although there is a bit of confusion about when the season falls. Retailers would have us believe it starts the moment the Halloween displays go down. Sorry, Thanksgiving,

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we’re just not that into you. Don’t get us wrong, we love your turkey and pumpkin pie, but Christmas is shinier and has presents. The 18th Century carol proclaims twelve days of Christmas. One cable channel has an annual 25 days of Christmas, which starts on December 1. So what’s the deal? When the heck is Christmas?

Is it really and truly a free for all?

Is Christmas going to become like modern election seasons that never seem to end?

So here’s the reality: Christmas is a season, and it’s twelve days long.

It begins on Christmas Day, December 25, and ends on January 6. It comes from the Christian roots of our modern Christmas holiday, a season of joy that starts with the birth of Jesus on Christmas Eve night and continues the festivities until the Epiphany on January 6th, the day Christians celebrate the arrival of the Magi to honor and worship Jesus. Never mind what countless Christmas pageants and greeting cards have suggested, the wise men weren’t even there in time to see Jesus’ first steps let alone twelve days after his birth, but that’s another story. And no, you don’t have to find geese-a-laying in order to celebrate Christmas properly.

The point is that the Christmas season is twelve days beginning with Christmas Day. Sadly we’ve forgotten that. Most trees are down and gone before New Year’s Eve. We do grow tired of them, after all. And here’s where I

come to my hope about reclaiming Christmas, or rather reorienting Christmas. Because we “have Christmas” for so long, some people get tired of it and are just ready for it to go. We might even fall into a place of hoping Christmas would just come already so we could be done with it all. You can only attend so many holiday parties and drink so much eggnog. There’s a reason we only serve eggnog once a year.

But like most things in our culture, which cannot control its desires and appetites, we are overdoing it.

We get as worn out by our overweight holiday as we do our overweight bodies. Those extra cookies seem like a good idea for the first few. When our wives wants to know how she miscounted by more than a dozen and we’re blaming a totally natural storing of winter fat for the change on the scale, we realize we might have overdone it. It’s terrible when Christmas becomes a burden, or so normalized that it loses its power, its joy, and yes, even its magic.

In the Church, there is a name for the days before Christmas, four weeks worth of days, in fact: Advent. I’m a big proponent of Advent. I’m not a Grinch. I love Christmas – it’s my favorite time of the year, by far. But I think Christmas is losing its soul and I think it’s becoming less a season of joy than a season of endless commitments and obligations.

Whether you are a person of faith or not, I think a period of expectant waiting is incredibly powerful.

We tend not to wait for anything we want anymore. Yet when we hold off in anticipation we can recapture that feeling we had as kids that always made Christmas morning so special. What?! Deny ourselves in the season of indulgence? Yes. Sort of.

I do think that the preparations for Christmas should be joyful.

How could they not be? People are just nicer around Christmas, perhaps the best side effect of the season. We are more generous when we reflect on the Christmas spirit – a spirit that really has more to do with giving gifts than receiving them. It’s our response to the greatest gift we’ve received, the light of the world, that little baby in the manger surrounded by shepherds and livestock. I hope that we embrace that part of the season with great gusto.

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Y O J H&

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My main recommendation is to simply go easy. Pace yourself.

Go carefully. Go with intention.

Spread love. Embody gratitude.

Share freely. Put up the decorations and the lights. Remember the reason we have a Christmas season at all. Keep the Christmas celebration, that Christmas morning feeling going as long as you can. Christmas isn’t over once it arrives; it’s just getting started. Let your celebrations at least match your preparations.

Maybe consider leaving the tree up until January 6, just for me.

Whatever you do, don’t take Christmas for granted. It only comes once a year.

DECEMBER 2016

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DECEMBER 2016

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A Sincere Thank You To All of Our Customers s a m t s i r h C y Merr !

N U SOO O Y E SE E WILL W D AN

Now with

FOUR Convenient Locations

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Ogle thorpe dO Hwy. in Hinesville an

unswick h St., Br c i w r No 311 2 , Waycross & ht Ave. e. g v i A n K ma 2103 Alta N 5 O 7 49 ATI LOC T S WE UR NE The Altama location will be closed for the holidays Dec. 24 & 25 and Jan. 1 & 2.

See other stores for details.

4975 Altama Ave Brunswick, GA • 912-264-8661 Visit us at BillDuckworthTire.com

SERVING BEER, WINE & LIQUOR 11:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Mon-Thurs 11:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.

Fri-Sat 307 Longview Plaza St. Simons Island, GA

(912) 266.8272 or (912) 266-TARA www.tarathaisushi.com 62

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109 Walton Street Historic Downtown Darien 912.689.9638 Mon.-Fri. 10-6, Sat. 9-4

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Fruits & Veggies Jams & Jellies Pickles & Salsas Chow Chows Syrups • Honeys • Nut Butters Cookies & Candies Lotions • Soaps

GOLDEN ISLES ANIMAL HOSPITAL Where Their Paws Are In Good Hands Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Saturday 9 a.m. to 12 noon 9 Glynn Avenue Brunswick 912.267.6002 goldenislesanimalhospital.com Dr. James Hornbuckle

Dr. Sarah Taylor

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IT WASN’T A GREAT DAY FOR THE BULLDAWG NATION, WITH OUR BELOVED UGA FOOTBALL TEAM LOSING TO THE FLORIDA GATORS DOWN IN JACKSONVILLE; HOWEVER, THAT DIDN’T STOP FANS FROM HAVING FUN AROUND ST. SIMONS ISLAND ON GAME DAY.

EIL stopped into Loco’s, Catch 228, Brogen’s, Mellow Mushroom, and Gnat’s Landing to catch some of the day’s revelry, and you can see that it was a sea of red and black!

Here’s to a better game next year, Dawg fans!

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SEA ISLAND RECENTLY HOSTED A MATTHEW’S ANGELS OYSTER ROAST AND PLANTATION SUPPER at Rainbow Island to celebrate the community and those who went over and above to help others during Hurricane Matthew. Several local restaurants also participated. All ticket sales from the event, plus a matching amount from Tito’s Handmade Vodka, are being donated to the United Way of Coastal Georgia, specifically directed to the local chapters of the Salvation Army and American Red Cross. Additional funds were raised from some amazing live auction packages, and RSM presented a $10,000 donation which was matched by Davis and Robin Love and the Davis Love Foundation. A total amount of $100,550 was raised to be distributed to those in need. What an incredible community we live in! 1. Catina Tindall, Janelle Harvey, Donna Leggett. 2. Bethany and Jared Vann, Tom and Liz Parrott. 3. Dana and Donna Mason, Chris, Helena, and Kathi Hardy. 4. Yates and Nicole Anderson. 5. Frankie and Gordon Strother, Terry Friddle. 6. Sandra and Bill Brunson, Brenda Kilgore. 7. Patrick Kent, Ella Stimpson. 8. Buzzy Ramsey, Carla Lee. 9. Kelley Spaeder, Davis Love III, Virginia Brown. 10. Tom Reagan, Cheryl Griggs, Kacey Popa. 11. Patrick Dunn, Scott Reid, Mark Love. 12. Beth Ann Tyrer, Pat Patel, Amy and Mike Haugen. 13. Vicki and Jim Bell, Lou and Pete Bailey. (Matthew’s Angels continues on page 74) 72

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(Matthew’s Angels continued from page 72) 14. Catherine Lecrone, Trish and Patrick Layton. 15. Ali Murphy, Jennifer and Mike Banker. 16. Kristin Stenzel, Traci Helfrich, Tris Strickland, Russ Alexander. 17. Casey Lavin, Jay Wiggins. 18. Majors John and Geri Dancer. 19. Bill Welch, Rick Harper. 20 Suzanne Jackson, Victoria Ten Broeck. 21. Ellen Dunn, Paulo and Dawn Albuquerque. 22. Adam and Caroline Asbell, Candy and Rob Asbell. 23. Weezie Cambpell, Peggy Mitchell, Faye Foster.

24. Nancy Roberts, Alice Walker, Helen Aberle.

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No other outdoor cooker can match the quality and versatility of a Big Green Egg® – It truly is The Ultimate Cooking Experience!® Island Ace Hardware 329 Longview Plaza Longview Shopping Plaza 912-638-3800

WILD GEORGIA SHRIMP CRAB LEGS SALADS FRESH CATCH OF THE DAY

THE STAFF OF CATCH 228 WISHES YOU A MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR!

TOP IT OFF FOR THE HOLIDAYS!

IT’S FOOTBALL SEASON Watch the game of your choice on one of our multiple TVs with College/NFL Broadcast Packages.

HAPPY HOUR Oysters, Beer, Wine Specials 4-6 p.m.

EVERY DAY!

Full Bar Featuring our Bloody Mary Bar with all the Fixins (Friday, Saturday & Sunday) Open Monday-Thursday 4-10 p.m.

Serving Lunch Friday, Saturday & Sunday, 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.

228 Redfern Village 912.634.6228

SPORTSWEAR 2-16 PLUS SIZE SPORTSWEAR 1X-3X ACCESSORIES • GIFTS • SHOES 1616 Frederica Rd • 912- 638-3995 Mon.-Sat. 10-5:30 maggiesssi.com

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THE ANNUAL AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY BREAST CANCER FASHION SHOW & LUNCHEON was recently held at Sea Palms Resort. Breast cancer survivors modeled the latest fashions from Butler’s Stash, Two Friends, The King and Prince Golf Course Pro Shop, and Maggie’s Boutique. This year’s theme was “The Faces of Hope” and guest speaker was Shari Henning from the American Cancer Society. 1. Sharon Spradley, Pat Hodnett Cooper, Leigh Langford, Ann Hodnett. 2. Joy Cook, Jackie Mull, Ebonie Cohens. 3. Anne Brown, Anne Caswell, Ann Beeson. 4. Veronica Reed, Candice Anderson. 5. Charleen Sheriff, Paula Saare. 6. Connie Hiott, Ray Grynkewich. 7. Jami Williamson, Chris Reddick. 8. Patti Moyers, Debra Rines. 9. Elizabeth Garrett, Doris Forrest, Barbara Carlile, Valene McGrath. 10. Frankie Hope, Shelli Hope-Darnall. 11. Mary Mailhos, Beth Cain, Josephine Braddy. 12. Rhonda Fryer, Jan Whalen.

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Purchase or Refinance

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912-342-2400 NOW SERVING GEORGIA, FLORIDA AND ALABAMA

1700 Frederica Rd. Suite #106 • Saint Simons Island, GA • NMLS 922145 208 Scranton Cnctr. Suite #123 • Brunswick, GA • NMLS 340123 FHA, VA, USDA, Home Path, Jumbo and Conventional mortgages for purchase or refinance.

Silverton Mortgage Specialists, Inc. NMLS #109600 | Georgia Residential Mortgage Licensee #14123 | North Carolina #L-111493 | Tennessee #109243 | Alabama #20528 | Florida #MLD353 | South Carolina #MLS-109600 | Equal Opportunity Housing Lender.

DECEMBER 2016

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THERE WAS ANOTHER GREAT TURN-OUT FOR COASTFEST THIS YEAR! THE ANNUAL CELEBRATION OF COASTAL ECOLOGY AND THIS SPECIAL AND UNIQUE PLACE IN WHICH WE LIVE IS HELD BY THE GEORGIA DNR with many other participating organizations and agencies. The day-long

event includes culture, history, and wildlife demonstrations, activities for children, and educational booths and exhibits. It’s always a fun time for the whole family.

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Feliz Navidad!

Y Prospero Año. From Our Family to Yours!

Serving Delicious AUTHENTIC Mexican Food

by People Who Care!

Family Restaurant Sunday-Thursday 11:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Friday-Saturday 11:00 a.m. - Close 4441 Altama Avenue, Brunswick / 912.275.7754

Open Monday – Saturday 10 A.M. – 6 P.M. 221 Redfern Village St. Simons Island, GA 31522 912.434.6744

FOR THE LOVE OF PRETTY THINGS

A Total Solution Senior Relocation/Resettling Estate Liquidation Organize/Declutter Clean Out Online Auctions Nationwide Network Offices Nationwide Bonded & Insured Each Office is independently owned and operated.

Caroline Moore 912-434-1170 www.caringtransitionscoastalga.com

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HOLIDAY INN JEKYLL ISLAND’S NEW BEACH HOUSE RESTAURANT WAS THE LOCATION FOR THE BRUNSWICK-GOLDEN ISLES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS AFTER HOURS IN OCTOBER. Guests enjoyed good food, a great view, and live music by the Kyle Turner Duo during the monthly networking event.

1. Michelle and Tom Jones. 2. Jeremy Baxter James, Natasha Williams. 3. Ginny Kittles, Melinda Bruley White. 4. Foster Lindberg, Jason Haray. 5. Velencia Davis, Heidi Tabb, Audrey Gibbons, Adele Tyson. 6. Cheryl Wheeler, Logan Jones, Marion Thomas. 7. Scott and Debbie Estes, Diane Brewer. 8. Holly White, Greg Troy, Kylie Greene. 9. The h2o creative group team. 10. Linda Titus, Kate Reeves. 11. Kent Capper, Danny Maddox. 12. Sandi Ahlbrand, Candice Burns. 13. Henry and Teri Fuller, Gregg and Linda Armstrong. 14. Brenda Martin, Bob Potokar.

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THE STAR FOUNDATION GALA “STAR LIGHT, STAR BRIGHT” AT OCEAN FOREST WAS A RESOUNDING SUCCESS. Despite having to reschedule due to Hurricane Matthew, there was an excellent turnout at the new Sea Island venue for the event. The setting sun over the ocean made for a beautiful backdrop for an evening of fundraising and fellowship. 1. Margaret Goodman, Christy Jordan. 2. Susan and Father Doug Renegar. 3. Katie Orrel, Ellen Murphy. 4. Robbie and Betsy Turner. 5. Jim and Monica Rich. 6. Margaret and John Robinson, Lynda and Randy Tye. 7. Mary Louise Hoven, Betty Snellings, Mary Burdell. 8. Diane Kinsey-Dempsey, John Teltsch, Ellen Kimsey-Dempsey. 9. Chris Jordan, Sheila and Patrick Ebri. 10. Cindy Lewis, Kent Capper. 11. Tina and Bill Kirby. 12. Donna and Abigail Davis. 13. Mary Anderson, Fred and Alice Barlow. 14. Michelle and John McMahon.

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LOCAL, PERSONAL, QUALITY, CUSTOM WORK WHERE FRAMING IS AN ART

HUGE SELECTION OF IN-STOCK MOLDING TO CHOOSE FROM! NO WAITING, NO HASSLE.

Main Street Frame Shop

SHOES STUART WEITZMAN • DONALD PLINER • ICON • KATE SPADE • AMALFI GENTLE SOULS • MICHAEL KORS • MEPHISTO • NAÖT • COLE HAAN • SAM EDELMAN JACK ROGERS • MARC JOSEPH • FRENCH SOLE • TONI PONS • WONDERS • AUDLEY • LOUISE ET CIE SESTO MEUCCI • VANELI • ERIC JAVITS • GEOX • THE FLEXX • CLOUD • ICON • ANDRE ASSOUS APPAREL FRANK LYMAN • HANRO • LYSSE • GERRY WEBER ACCESSORIES M.Z. WALLACE • LODIS • SUZI ROHR • ERIC JAVITS • MICHAEL KORS

3419 Frederica Road, St Simons Island 912.638.1413

Beautiful, Quality Custom Framing Done Right!

1403 Newcastle Street • Downtown • 262-0050

in o J e m Co

Monday-Saturday 10:00 a.m.-5:30 p.m.

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te r priva ublic o land and p r u o ll Is e of On on rs from Jeky land u Is o t s t n a o o b St. Sim

IF YOU ARE PLANNING A SPECIAL GROUP EVENT or private party we’ve got you covered. Nothing is more fun and memorable then your own private party aboard one of our boats. We offer Private Boat Tours for Birthdays, Work Parties, Engagement parties, Graduation parties, Corporate Team Building, Wedding Venues such as Weddings, Bachelor and Bachelorette Parties! We also can assist you in the Spreading of Ashes at Sea for your love one.

BOOK ONLINE! or call 912.635.3152 for information. www.captainphillip.com

FEAST OF THE SEVEN FISHES

December 24, 2016 3:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

NOW ACCEPTING RESERVATIONS FOR CHRISTMAS EVE AND NEW YEAR’S EVE

Voted Best New Restaurant: EIL’s Readers Choice Award ENJOY OUR WINE

366 Riverview Drive, Jekyll Island, GA / 912.635.3152 office / 912.399.7453 cell jidolphintours@gmail.com

Join us as we celebrate Italian Christmas Eve – La Viglia

BAR!

HAPPY HOUR

M O N D AY- F R I D AY 4 : 3 0 - 6 : 3 0 P . M .

118 RETREAT VILLAGE / ST. SIMONS ISLAND, GA OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK • ( 9 1 2 ) 7 7 1 - 8 1 6 6

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THE HUMANE SOCIETY OF SOUTH COASTAL GEORGIA HOSTED ITS FIRST EVER “BLUE JEAN BALL” at The Stables at Frederica and it ended up being a sold-out event. It could not have been a more gorgeous evening! There was live music and dancing under the stars, delicious barbeque, and lively auction bidding on some amazing items. It was a fabulously executed event at a perfect venue and we’d love to see it happen again! 1. Kim Johnson, Abigail Hoover, Amy Certain, Missy Weaver. 2. Allie Zorn, Elizabeth Powell. 3. Connie Bennett, Sarah Brzezinski, Ashley Seabolt, Kristin Stenzel. 4. Simon and Pamela Curtis with a furry friend. 5. Humane Society volunteers. 6. Tallie and Tye Pipkin. 7. Tracy and Nick Toth. 8. Allen and Kathie Williamson. 9. Virginia Schlegel, Bethany Vann, Bryce Brock. 10. Kathy and Steve Sheffield. 11. Bob and Rita Thompson. 12. Mandy McCaskill, Cheri McGoldrick, Lindsay Stewart. 13. Heather Simpson, Beth Jennings, Beth Gwaltney. 14. Caroline Dorminy, Dianne Smoot, Cindy Lanyon, Rhonda Hand.

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If You’re Tired of Having your Home on the Market

Get Your Home Holiday Ready

Call Me About Having An Online Auction.

TRUSTED EXPERTS ON CLEANING ALL RUGS, UPHOLSTERY, TILE, CARPETS …

Other Services include Water Restoration • Air Duct Cleaning

Carew F. Rowell, IV Owner/Broker

Pick up and Delivery to Residential & Commercial Locations

I WO R K W I T H LO C A L R E A LTO R S TO O !

143 Sky Spaces Court a1emergency.com 638.1498

912.434.1962

SHOPS AT SEA ISLAND 634-1521 GLYNN PLACE MALL 264-1023

Where you’ll find fantastic gifts for all the men in your life.

(And have them giftwrapped for free!)

300 Main Street, Suite 201 • St. Simons Island, Georgia (912) 264-4211 / www.atwoodchoate.com

Southern Tide Vineyard Vines Barbour® North Face Patagonia Columbia Yeti Ralph Lauren True Grit Johnnie-O Fish Hippie Over Under Sperry Cole Haan Martin Dingman Birkenstock Ray-Ban Costa del Mar Smathers & Branson

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THE ANNUAL JUBILEE KIDS DINNER AND SILENT AUCTION FUNDRAISER WAS RECENTLY HELD AT THE ST. SIMONS ISLAND CASINO. Guests enjoyed live music, bidding on auction items contributed by local businesses, and a Haitian-inspired meal catered by Tasteful Temptations. Keynote speaker Katie Benner, who taught at the Jubilee School for 4 years, inspired attendees to continue making a difference in the lives of the children of Jubilee Blanc, Haiti. The focus of the evening was raising funds for the ongoing operations of the Jubilee School and Nutrition Program, and to complete the new wing of the school (Frederica Academy’s sister school). 1. Guest speaker Katie Benner, Becca Brooks, Scott Trefts. 2. Mary Catherine Lyons. 3. Riley, Kim and Brandon Leston. Carol Hodge. 4. Brian and Sara Green, Sarah Moore, Rachel Fitzpatrick (front), John Birge, Theresa Fitzpatrick. 5. Josh Rustin and Cheryl Nelson. 6. Kervens Louis, Katie Benner, Becca Brooks. 7. Musicians Steve Hemenway, Rob Styn, Chuck Ferrell. 8. Adam and Jessica Pelletier.

9. David, Mary and Katie Drury. 10. Scott and Lori Trefts. 11. Ben Rodriguez, Boyce Young, Keaton Patterson, Kevin Patterson, Dianne Young, Kim Patterson, Kyle Patterson. 12. Tammy Ross with grandson Oliver Prescott.

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HAPPY HOLIDAYS! SHOP LOCAL. 100 Sylvan Drive Suite 150 St. Simons Island

(912) 638-8344 Monday-Saturday 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

Home Accessories and Lamp Repair

lampandshadecollection.com

BACK PAIN? Physical Therapy is a Gift that Keeps on Giving

Choose ADVANCE for your Physical Therapy needs.

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Dr. Charles T. Hopkins III, D.M.D., Dr. Jack H. Melton, D.M.D. and the staff of Plantation Dental Associates.

Your smile is our business.

At Plantation Dental Associates, we know the value of a healthy, happy smile. That’s why we keep abreast of the latest restorative, cosmetic, and oral surgical techniques — to provide you with the level of care you have come to know for the dental health you deserve.

P L A N TAT ION DE N TA L AS S O C IAT E S General, Cosmetic, and Restorative Dentistry

212 Retreat Village (next to Winn Dixie) / St. Simons Island / 912.638.1444 4204 Coral Park Dr. / Brunswick / 912.280.9205

300 Main Street, Suite 101 | St. Simons Island, Georgia 31522 | 912-638-9001 www. plantationdentalssi .com

DECEMBER 2016

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SSI ARCHIVES

Family Memories from a Light Keeper’s Christmases

L

ight keeper C.O. Svendsen, his wife Annie, and their three children spent many Christmases at the St. Simons Lighthouse between 1907 and 1935. The Svendsens’ son, Carl, Jr., especially enjoyed going out into the woods with his father to cut down the Christmas tree. They always selected a pine tree, since cedar trees were “sticky and messy.” Ornaments included storebought glass balls, strings of glass beads, and tinsel garlands. Before electricity, small candles lit the tree. Carl remembered that three buckets of sand from the beach were kept nearby in case of fire.

The Christmas tree was also adorned with special edible treats, such as cornucopias filled with hard candies, red and white candy canes, and Brazil nuts. Mrs. Svendsen made a stocking for each child, which Santa filled with oranges, apples, candy, nuts, and other treats. Larger presents were wrapped and placed under the tree.

Christmas was a time for baking special foods at the Lighthouse Keeper’s Dwelling. The aroma from Annie Svendsen’s oven filled the air as she prepared gingerbread cookies, fruitcakes, and various pies and breads. At Christmas dinner, pork

and beef were served, instead of turkey.

The family also ate grapefruit as a special treat during the holidays.

Other island families enjoyed turkey and oyster dressing at Christmas. One family member recalled that a pig was butchered just before Christmas, providing ham for the holiday season. Sweet potato pies topped with whipped cream were a favorite, as well as pecan pies and sugar cookies with nuts.

On Christmas Eve, the Svendsen family took a horse and buggy to the service at Christ Church, seven miles away. With the arrival of automobiles on the island, the rector of Christ Church organized caroling parties by hooking up a wagon to his car. Frances Postell Burns, a contemporary of the Svendsen children and long-time member of Christ Church, remembered being on the wagon when “one year he lost us and had to come back and get us.”

This month’s image shows the Svendsen children, Carl, Jr., Lucille, and Helen, with their Christmas toys in front of the Keeper’s Dwelling around 1912.

Since its founding in 1965, the Coastal Georgia Historical Society’s archival collection has grown to over 15,000 historically important artifacts, documents and photographs.

Our monthly images on this page are from the vast archives of the Coastal Georgia Historical Society. The Society’s mission includes the “administration, restoration and maintenance of historic facilities and resources … preserved as a living part of the historical and cultural foundations of our coastal community.” Society facilities include the St. Simons Lighthouse and Museum, the A.W. Jones Heritage Center, and the Maritime Center (formerly the U.S. Coast Guard Station). To learn more about the Society, its diverse programs, and the benefits of Society membership, please call (912) 638.4666, or visit www.saintsimonslighthouse.org.

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