Elegant Island Living March 2018 by Elegant Island Living Media Group

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912.434.9600 3415 Frederica Rd. St. Simons Island Located next to Delaney’s and Sal’s

PUBLISHER’S LETTER

Life Lessons from Yogi “You’ve got to be very careful if you don’t know where you’re going, because you might not get there.” – YO G I B E R R A

hat was truly the case for anyone who wanted to go dine at a restaurant in London that beat out thousands of upscale restaurants in the city to earn the top ranking on the review site TripAdvisor. You see, there was just one small problem with the place: It didn’t exist! The restaurant was just a listing created by a freelance writer who used his home, a shed in the Dulwich area in South London, as the inspiration for a high-concept new restaurant that he posted on TripAdvisor: “The Shed at Dulwich.” He listed its location as the street he lived on with no address, calling it an “appointment-only restaurant” to make himself less vulnerable to fact-checkers and would-be customers. When his “restaurant” was approved by TripAdvisor to be listed it started out ranked as the 18,149th restaurant in London: dead last. The writer then started having family and friends flood the site with fake but seemingly

authentic reviews. Within in a few months The Shed at Dulwich climbed all the way to number 1 in the rankings! Yogi said, “Never answer an anonymous letter.” Never make reservations at an address-less restaurant! Fortunately for us, we have plenty of REAL restaurants here on St. Simons that are great, so we don’t need a “Shed at Dulwich.” And instead of adopting this Yogi-ism: “No one goes there nowadays, it’s too crowded,” March is the perfect month for locals to get out and enjoy our wonderful cuisine. The weather is great and the tourist crowds haven’t quite yet started to arrive. So, as Yogi said, “When you come to a fork in the road, take it,” or pick one up at a breakfast spot in the Village, lunch in Redfern or dinner on the North end. If you go for Italian with a light appetite, you can always take a page from Yogi’s book and tell them, “You better cut the pizza in four slices because I’m not

hungry enough to eat six.” But if you decide to post something on TripAdvisor about your experience, don’t sign your name Yogi!

– IN MEMORY OF –

Dr. Robert Burnett Butler (May 28, 1938-January 30, 2018)

He will be missed as much as he loved and was loved – greatly. 12

ELEGANT ISLAND LIVING

Where We Care for Your Eyes

PUBLISHER

David Butler

Elegant Island Living is published monthly. Reproduction of any photographs, artwork, or copy prepared by Elegant Island Living is strictly

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Beth Rowen

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Terry McCarthy 912.399.3699 St. Simons Island 1626 Frederica Road St. Simons Island, GA 912.634.5711

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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 prior to the event at 912.399.3699 or terryinssi@comcast.net. FOR WEBSITE CALENDAR & SOCIAL MEDIA NOTIFICATIONS: To request that your special event be placed on the EIL website calendar and shared through our social media network, please email your request to Kathi Williams at kathionssi@gmail.com. FOR DISTRIBUTION: 912.506.3625

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Tom Purdy CO N T R I B U T I N G P H OTO G R A P H E R S

Benjamin Galland, h2o creative group Chris Moncus Photography Brooke Roberts Photography On the Cover: Learn about conservation initiatives of the St. Simons Land Trust and other organizations in “Be One with Nature.” Cover photo by Benjamin Galland, h2o creative group. 14

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www.elegantislandliving.net

BROOKE ROBERTS PHOTOGRAPHY

contents

18 OU TDO O R S

P R O F I L E

18 Be One with Nature

56 The Star Behind Starfire

EVENTS

I S L A N D

38 Touring History and Homes

62 On Shots and Spiritual Well-Being

I MP R ESS I O N S

58 Par for a Cure 60 Springtime on Stage

PHI LAN TH R O PY

42 Islanders Helping Islanders

64 Business Buzz 66 What’s Happening 72 Social Scene 88 Real Estate

C E L E B RAT I O N S

48 A Golden Sun Is Rising

Celebrating �1 Years in Business

122 SSI Archives

28 Market Street, Suite 124 St. Simons Island, GA 912.638.5100

MARCH 2018

ELEGANT ISLAND LIVING

hen people think of St. Simons Island, the Golden Isles, and coastal Georgia, they call to mind our breathtaking surroundings. But the natural beauty that makes up our coastal home has a variety of different and diverse features. There’s the beach and its shifting landscape, of course. There are the picturesque marshes with golden and green spartina. There’s the maritime forest with its saw palmettos and jungle of twisted vines. There are the stately live oaks adorned with resurrection ferns and draped in Spanish moss. While the impeccably manicured greens of our world-class golf courses might draw visitors, it is the quiet natural beauty in which those golf courses are nestled that always impresses. We live in a gorgeous place; there’s no question about it. Being a denizen of this fair island brings with it the responsibility to be a good steward of our surroundings as well. There are many ways in which we can protect and preserve our coastal home for generations to come, both at the community level and individually. (continues)

MARCH 2018

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N A T U R A L

Solution

ne of the strongest proponents of good island stewardship is the the St. Simons Land Trust. Since 2000, the St. Simons Land Trust has been a community institution entrusted with an extraordinary responsibility: to protect our scenic and historic treasures and to preserve the beauty and charm of our island and the quality of life here for generations to come. Currently, the Land Trust owns 26 properties and holds five conservation easements. They manage approximately 1,000 acres on St. Simons Island that are preserved for perpetuity. “Our goal is to protect 2,000 acres islandwide,” said David Pope, Executive Director of the Land Trust. “That’s roughly twenty percent of St. Simons Island.” They are very pleased to announce a major investment by the Anschutz Foundation which continues Sea Island Company’s role as another preeminent steward of our island community and allows the Land Trust to take a huge step toward this strategic goal. The Anschutz Foundation was established by Philip F. Anschutz for the purpose of supporting a broad range of charitable initiatives. “The Anschutz family, which owns the Sea Island Company, is committed to the long-term future of St. Simons Island and Sea Island,” said Scott Steilen, President and CEO of Sea Island Company. “This gift is a direct result of the Foundation’s intention to preserve the character and quality of life of these very special islands. (continues)

MARCH 2018

We are encouraged by the Land Trust’s comprehensive land preservation strategy and look forward to the community joining us in this critical preservation effort.” The Foundation’s contribution will come in two phases. An initial grant of approximately $2 million, which has already been received, will fund the purchase of properties currently

The challenge grant by The Anschutz Foundation carries forward a long-standing tradition. Over the years, Sea Island Company has donated various parcels of land to St. Simons’ churches, schools, charitable institutions, and parks. “The gift by The Anschutz Foundation to the Land Trust continues this legacy of support to the well-being of St. Simons,” said Frances McCrary, Chair of the Land Trust Board of Directors. “To reflect and strengthen that relationship, we have invited Scott Steilen to join the Land Trust Board.” The Land Trust will be announcing additional acquisitions, from the south end to the north end of the island. According to Pope, “some parcels are quite large, and some are small,” but all are hugely important to the island’s future. “Every acre we conserve means more trees, few-

“If this island is going to remain the place we have grown to love, if it is going to retain its charm and its historical, cultural, and environmental character, we have to protect it. There’s no one else to do it. Once this land is gone, it’s gone forever. Therefore, we hope that everyone who loves St. Simons – landowners and tourists alike – will gladly participate in this program.” under contract by the Land Trust. “We will be publicly identifying these acquisitions soon,” said David Pope. “They include historically significant and highly visible pieces of land.” The second phase of the gift – also approximately $2 million – comes with a challenge that requires the Land Trust to raise an additional $4 million from other sources. “This sets a high bar,” said Pope, “but I am absolutely positive we can meet the challenge. The property owners on both St. Simons Island and Sea Island have a keen interest in preserving the tree canopy, biodiversity, natural habitats, and ambiance of these barrier islands. Historically, the islands’ property owners have also been extraordinarily generous. I am confident that as a community, we will rise to the occasion.” 22

ELEGANT ISLAND LIVING

er cars, and less stress on island infrastructure,” said Pope. “We are at an inflection point on St. Simons. We want to look back with pride at what we did and not regret what we did not do. This extraordinary support from The Anschutz Foundation is exactly what was needed to ensure success, and we are genuinely grateful to the Anschutz family for this generous, gamechanging gift and challenge.” As an individual, you too can contribute to the Land Trust’s goal by simply continuing your daily routine and making purchases at local restaurants and businesses that participate in the 1% for St. Simons program. When you grab a coffee and asiago bagel for breakfast at Sandy Bottom Bagels, short rib and goat cheese

ravioli for lunch at Tramici, and shrimp and grits for dinner at Georgia Sea Grill, you have the option to donate 1% to help preserve St. Simons Island. Since last October, local businesses have come together in partnership with 1% for St. Simons and the St. Simons Land Trust to help preserve the island we all love. That program is turning pennies into protected acres. For example, if your bill comes to $20, a voluntary 1% ($0.20) donation is added. The donations are then used for land acquisition, public access and scenic protection – forever. Protected land invites residents and visitors alike to experience the island on foot, by bike, or boat and provides convenient access to the marshes, waterfront, natural areas, parks and wildlife of St. Simons. The purpose of 1% for St. Simons is to preserve the stunning live oak tree canopies, scenic corridors and views, rare ecosystems, waterways, and green space for present and future generations. The program idea started in 2001 when The Cloister at Sea Island offered a voluntary per diem donation for its visitors. The Village Inn and Pub and The King and Prince Beach & Golf Resort, have also partnered in similar ways with the Land Trust. Additionally, ten years ago, Barbara Jean’s, located in the Village, created its own program that enabled diners to give to the Land Trust, donating 25 cents on every bill. Asked why he started the donation program that benefits the Land Trust, Jim Barta, owner of Barbara Jean’s Restaurants, responded, “We did this because we thought it was right for the community. Nothing more special than that.” “We are a community organization,” emphasizes David Pope. “And it is because of the kind of community support you saw at the Oyster Roast back in January, because of our generous donors and loyal partners, that to date we have been able to preserve and protect nearly 1,000 acres across St. Simons.” (continues)

ELEGANT ISLAND LIVING

patrons,” shares Sara Baker, 1% for St. Simons program manager. “It’s a clear sign that land preservation is important to both island residents and visitors.”

With such a history of community support, the Land Trust’s leadership also felt that a 1% voluntary giving program would be embraced by local businesses and their patrons. Founding partners of 1% for St. Simons included: Barbara Jean’s, The Brunswick News, Bubba Garcia’s Mexican Cantina, Café Frederica, Delaney’s Bistro & Bar, Ember, Georgia Sea Grill, Halyards, La Plancha, MAS Taqueria y Tequila, Sandy Bottom Bagels, and Tramici. Not only was it a logical move for most of these partners, it has also turned out to be popular with and appreciated by the businesses’ clients. “The response has been overwhelmingly positive,” says Zack Gowen, owner of Georgia Sea Grill. “It takes our guest engagement to another level by providing a way for them to give back to the community while dining out.” Dave Snyder, chef and owner of Halyards, Tramici and La Plancha restaurants, adds, “Much like our local community, visitors have an additional way to contribute to preserving the island we all enjoy.” Of course, the Land Trust is thrilled with the positive response. “It’s been wonderful to see how well the program has been received by businesses and their

In addition to support from the organization’s annual membership and significant capital gifts such as the recent $4 million challenge grant from the Anschutz Foundation, the Land Trust’s board and staff are hopeful that the 1% to St. Simons program will help provide the addition funding

needed to achieve their goal of protecting and connecting 2,000 acres from the southern tip to the northern corridor of the island. “If this island is going to remain the place we have grown to love, if it is going to retain its charm and its historical, cultural, and environmental character, we have to protect it,” says Pope. “There’s no one else to do it. Once this land is gone, it’s gone forever. Therefore, we hope that everyone who loves St. Simons – landowners and tourists alike – will gladly participate in this program.” Currently, the participating businesses in the 1% for St. Simons program include not only restaurants, but represent those in the hotel and wedding industry, media outlets, entertainment, outdoor activity, and others. Recently added partners include Certified Burgers & Bev-

erage, Elegant Island Living, Fuse Frozen Yogurt, Golden Isles Wedding Association, iHeart Media, Kingfisher Paddleventures, and Village Inn and Pub. “As a business, it is very important to support the community that supports you,” says David Carrier, chef and owner of Certified Burgers & Beverage. “That community not only consists of the wonderful people around here but also the beautiful island that we make our home. The protection of green space here helps maintain its authenticity and preserves our island for years to come.” With the Village Inn and Pub being an early supporter to a Land Trust donation program back in 2007, they were eager to join 1% for St. Simons. “We built The Inn around the original property owners: the old live oaks,” says Stella Johnson, daughter of George Stewart, the owner of the Village Inn and Pub. Stella points out how “some of our favorite compliments are about these oaks and the 80 year old building that houses the Pub. Our guests are eager to help us protect the charm and history of this island and appreciate our participation in this program.” “There is no limit to the type of businesses that can participate in 1% for St. Simons,” says Sara Baker. “The St. Simons Land Trust is a community institution, and we hope that businesses across the spectrum – from activity outfitters to hotels and highend restaurants, from boutiques to gift shops and other (continues)

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MARCH 2018

BENJAMIN GALLAND

retailers – will link arms with us in this community-wide effort to protect our island.” When Elegant Island Living was asked to participate, Publisher David Butler thought it was a perfect fit. He explains, “As the go-to monthly magazine that reflects the St. Simons Island, Sea Island and the Golden Isles lifestyle, we showcase local organizations, charities, and community supporters. Without a doubt, we’d want to be part of a program that preserves the unique nature of the island and the quality of life that we embrace and share with our readers.” Local organizations are also enthusiastic about the program. “At our core, the Golden Isles Wedding Association (GIWA) is all about our community. Strengthening, improving and above all protecting” says Justin Henshaw, President of GIWA. He added “This is why we are proud to be members of the St. Simons Land Trust and participant in the 1% for St. Simons program. The Land Trust is an organization committed to protecting our most valuable resource, our land. GIWA is overjoyed to support them.”

“It’s only because of the generosity of those who live, work, play, and vacation here that we are able to manage and maintain the properties we own, perform due diligence on future projects, and protect additional properties that would otherwise be developed,” said David Pope. He added that the newly established 1% for St. Simons program is a way for more people to support the Land Trust’s efforts. “One percent added to the cost of lunch isn’t much of a burden for most of us. But all those one percent donations add up, and every dollar helps forever preserve and protect St. Simons.” Justin Callaway, owner of Sandy Bottom Bagels, reiterated the sentiment. “As local resi-

dents with kids growing up in this amazing part of the country, we are well aware of the need to protect our natural areas, parks and wildlife and to preserve our quality of life. It is our hope, in some small way, that we can make a difference in this community. We are excited to partner with 1% for St. Simons to help the Land Trust in their mission to preserve the beauty and charm of our island.” To become a member of the St. Simons Land Trust or to learn more about their mission and accomplishments, visit sslt.org. If you own or represent a local business or organization who would like to participate in the 1% for St. Simons campaign, please contact Sara Baker at 912.638.9109 or email onepercent@sslt.org. (continues)

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Barbara Jean’s Restaurants St. Simons Island 214 Mallory St. 912.634.6500

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Porte Vedra Beach 15 S Roscoe Blvd. 904.280.7522

Amelia Island 960030 Gateway Blvd. 904.277.3700

Open Daily at 11:00 am

DID YOU KNOW that the Southern Magnolia begins its life as a bright red seed housed in an exoticlooking cone? These cones are produced in the fall, and tumble to the ground where squirrels and migrating birds snap up its brightly colored seeds as a delicacy. While toxic if consumed by humans, the seeds are something we value nonetheless, because they can be used to grow new magnolias. If you’d like to plant some seeds and try your luck, be aware that it’s a practice of patience, because seedlings take at least a few months to sprout and up to 15 years to bloom. Tips on growing magnolia trees from seed can be found at gardeningknowhow.com.

MARCH 2018

ELEGANT ISLAND LIVING

N A T U R A L L Y

Native

nother way you can help preserve our beautiful island home is to go native. Adopt native plants and plant native trees in your landscape instead of opting for the traditional manicured lawn. Not only does this mean less maintenance for you once the plants are established, it’s so much better for the environment.

It’s estimated that the continental U.S. has more than 40 million acres of residential and commercial grass lawns. That kind of acreage puts the amount of turfgrass covering the ground on par with wheat, the country’s fourth largest crop. Lawns do, in fact, have some benefits, over urban development. They absorb carbon dioxide, prevent soil erosion, dissipate heat, provide soft outdoor play areas for children and sports, and their simple existence as “green space” is something that reduces stress, helps improve mood, and makes us all feel better. However, the consequences of Americans’ obsession with pristine grass lawns may ultimately undercut those benefits. Lawn care puts heavy demand on our water supply, soaks the soil with potentially harmful chemicals that can seep into our drinking water and homes, and adds more than 10x the air pollution of a new car for every hour of a lawn

mower’s operation. Not only are these things harmful to our physical health and the long term health of the environment, they have the immediate result of depriving native pollinators and honeybees of their wild habitat and food, thus threatening our agricultural system as well. Choosing to landscape using native plants instead of traditional grass lawns is a better alternative. Native plants benefit both people and wildlife, while helping to keep the water supply clean and the soil healthy. There are a myriad of reasons to choose native plants for your landscape instead of a lawn, but here are some of the top considerations: While lawns require vast amounts of fertilizer, the use of native plants require less. Excess phosphorus and nitrogen (the main components of fertilizers) run off into lakes and rivers causing excess algae growth. This depletes oxygen in our waters, harms aquatic life and interferes with recreational uses. Pesticide use is greatly reduced when using native plants. It’s estimated that more than 70 million pounds of pesticides are applied to lawns nationally each year. Run-off of these

chemicals from lawn treatment can contaminate rivers and lakes. Additionally, the people and pets coming in contact with treated lawns are exposed to the potentially harmful chemicals used in the pesticides. Less water is required when landscaping with native plants. The modern lawn requires significant amounts of water to thrive. In urban areas, lawn irrigation uses as much as 30% of the water consumption on the East Coast and up to 60% on the West Coast. Native plants can cut down on water usage, significantly reduce water runoff and, consequently, issues with drainage and flooding. Native plants help improve air quality. Natural landscapes do not require mowing or very much maintenance. Lawns, however, must be mowed regularly. About forty million lawnmowers consume 200 million gallons of gasoline per year, while overall, gas-powered garden tools emit 5% of the nation’s air pollution. Excessive carbon from the burning of fossil fuels contributes to global warming, while native plants remove carbon from the air. Wildlife and pollinators love native plants. By providing diverse habitats and (continues)

MARCH 2018

Join Us for a Starfire/Connie Roberson Trunk Show at

March 15, 16 and 17 10:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Evelyne Talman / 3301 Frederica Rd. 912.638.3470

food sources, native plants attract a variety of birds, butterflies, and other wildlife, and provide them with shelter and food. Closely mowed lawns, on the other hand, are like barren wastelands to most wildlife. Providing an ecosystem for pollinators is important in this time where bee populations are dwindling. Keeping their habitats and food sources available is a way to preserve the health of our agricultural system. The use of native plants also promotes biodiversity and stewardship of our natural heritage. In the U.S., approximately 20 million acres of residential lawn are cultivated. Unfortunately, there are very few benefits to native wildlife from a manicured lawn or gardens that feature mostly non-native species. Native flora supports species that co-evolved with them and provide food and shelter that is tailored to native wildlife health and reproductive requirements. Natural landscaping gives you the opportunity to reestablish diverse native plants and thereby invites our coastal birds and butterflies back home. Natural landscaping is also a money saver. A study of large properties by Applied Ecological Services in Wisconsin estimated that over a 20 year period the cumulative cost of maintaining a prairie or a wetland totals $3,000 per acre, compared to a whopping $20,000 per acre for non-native turf grasses. Native plants can also be economically beneficial because you can avoid damage that is caused by certain non-native plants and can be costly to repair. (continues)

The thistle is a prince. Let any man that has an eye for beauty take a view of the whole plant, and where will he see a more expressive grace and symmetry; and where is there a more kingly flower? - Henry Ward Beecher

MARCH 2018

in coastal areas and indicates that they should be avoided and removed if possible (kudzu, golden bamboo, English ivy, mimosa, and alligatorweed, among others).

What IS Native? According to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, our eco-region can be described as follows: “The Sea Island/Coastal Marsh region contains the lowest elevations in Georgia and is a highly dynamic environment affected by ocean wave, wind, and river action. Mostly sandy soils occur on the barrier islands, while organic and clayey soils occur in the freshwater, brackish, and salt marshes. Maritime forest of live oak, red cedar, slash (and longleaf pine), and cabbage palmetto grow on parts of the sea islands and various species of cordgrass, saltgrass, and rushes are dominant in the marshes. The coastal marshes, tidal creeks, and estuaries are important nursery areas for fish, crabs, shrimp, and other marine species.” Beyond the live oaks and palmettos, there’s a vast array of native plants that are well-suited to life in Coastal Georgia and there are plenty of resources to help you find what you want to create a native landscape. A very helpful comprehensive guide listing specific plants, flowers, vines, trees, ferns, and grasses and the types of soils to which they are suited is “Landscape & Gardening with Native Plants in Coastal Georgia,” which can be found at coastalwildscapes.org and was compiled with the Georgia Native Plant Society (gnps.org). It also identifies some invasive plant species considered to be of high concern 32

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As explained in this guide, native plants are species that grew naturally in this region prior to the colonial era and are uniquely adapted to local conditions and have co-evolved over time with other organisms of the region. These plants are suited to both the physical and biological conditions of an area. Interestingly, the guide also clarifies that wildlife (mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and insects) along with fungi and soil biota make up the community within which native plants are an integral part. It also explains that the alteration of native species by horticultural means (cultivars) have lost their genetic diversity, which renders

them incapable of being a productive part of native habitats or of supporting wildlife. It may take some extra work and dedication to establish your native plant garden instead of going the easy route and growing what’s popular and widely available, but the benefits are worth it. How to get started: learn about native plants and their natural communities by visiting natural areas near your home and observing which

plants grow together. Since landscaping with native plants is truly where art imitates nature, you’ll want to creat similar plant communities to what you observe within your own garden. Buy only nursery-propagated plant material and don’t be afraid to talk to the folks at ACE Garden Center (or wherever you might be shopping for plants) about your desire for native plants. Always be sure to match plants with the right soil, moisture and light conditions to foster their growth. Also, protect natural habitat areas, and do not remove plants from the wild, unless you’re participating in an authorized “plant rescue” program. If you have any exotic and invasive species in your garden, remove them. If you’d like to dive in to the world of native plant gardening, you might consider attending the South Georgia Native Plant & Wildflower Symposium, sponsored by the University of Georgia College of Agricultural & Environmental Services and the Garden Club of Georgia, Inc., Camellia District, IV this month. Featured speakers are Karen Giovengo, the Program Manager of the University of Georgia EcoSccapes Sustainable Land Use Program and a certified national Landscape for Life™ trainer; professional landscape designer and environmental consultant Jeff Jackson; and Ernest Koone, president of Pine Mountain’s Lazy K nursery, the largest producer of native azalea species and cultivated varieties in the country. There is also a native plant sale during the event. The symposium takes place March 28 at the Georgia Museum of Agriculture in Tifton. For more information and registration, visit sgnpws.org. There is also a plethora of useful information about native plants, conservation and sustainable landscaping practice resources available through the Georgia Native Plant Society at their website: gnps.org. (continues)

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MARCH 2018

ELEGANT ISLAND LIVING

G E T

n excellent local organization that can help you with native gardening and provide you with a variety of valuable resources and information is Coastal WildScapes. This 501 (c)(3) organization was formed in 2008 to address the increasing need to educate and engage the public in practices that will preserve the biodiversity of the Georgia coast. Their mission is to actively preserve and restore the highly significant biodiversity of Southeastern coastal ecosystems by protecting existing native habitats, rebuilding the connectivity of impaired habitats and minimizing the future fragmentation of the coastal landscape. To accomplish that mission, they incorporate educational outreach, conservation initiatives, and grassroots activities. Coastal WildScapes provides and facilitates presentations to professional organizations, civic groups, garden clubs, schools, non-profits, and commercial entities. In partnership with other organizations, their volunteers protect and rebuild habitats. Through workshops and events, they present opportunities to expand involvement and awareness of critical coastal issues. Coastal WildScapes will help facilitate your efforts to protect natural communities, restore habitat structure, and sustainably maintain your garden and landscape. They provide educational experiences and information tailored to coastal species and natural communities.

Wild They invite everyone to join them in supporting biodiversity and the natural beauty of the coast and encourage home gardeners to transform their landscapes into a diverse, healthy and beautiful coastal habitat through the Coastal WildScapes Coastal Habitat Certification program.

Certification is a process designed to guide your understanding of the natural communities of the coast and your ability to maintain and enhance them in your own landscape.Coastal WildScapes stresses that whether you are working with a large scale landscape or container gardening, your choice to use native plants has a positive impact in supporting the significant biodiversity of the coast. By implementing the concepts of Coastal WildScaping in your garden/landscape and meeting the requirements for a Coastal Habitat Certification, you WILL make a difference. Coastal Habitat Certification workshops are designed to help you understand the function and importance of gardening for biodiversity. They will help you identify your vision for your garden habitat, recognize the native species and habitats on your property, and imagine the original native species and habitats that might have been on your property.They’ll show you how to identify and safely remove invasive plant species, provide host and nectar plants for native pollinators, and support wildlife nesting, shelter, food and water resources.

The Coastal WildScapes workshop schedule, including field trips, Lunch and Learn opportunities, evening lecture and cocktail sessions, and coastal paddle trips, is posted at coastalwildscapes.org. Coastal Habitat Certification workshops and some of the other events and field trips are open to the general public, but certification is only available to Coastal WildScapes members. Coastal WildScapes hosts two annual native plant sales at Ashantilly Center in Darien, one in the Spring, and one in the Fall, to bring in vendors and make native plants more readily available for local gardeners. They generally host an educational talk by a guest speaker during the plant sales, as well. These events are free and open to the public. The Spring Native Plant Sale is scheduled for April 7 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. On March 3rd, you can come out to support Coastal WildScapes by attending their Starlight & Spartina Annual Fundraiser at Musgrove Plantation. This evening under the oaks at one of the most beautiful private settings on St. Simons Island will feature a history tour with John Hartland this year. There will be heavy hors d’oeuvres and cocktails, live music by popular local jazz ensemble Tonic Blue, and live and silent auctions. Tickets are $100 and are available for purchase online at coastalwildscapes.org. (continues)

MARCH 2018

M A R S H

Madness

n March, Keep Golden Isles Beautiful (KGIB) reminds us that the marsh is also an important native ecosystem here and that we have a duty to keep it clean, by hosting Marsh Madness clean-up sessions throughout the month. Since Georgia has roughly 1/3 of the remaining salt marsh left on the Eastern Seaboard, the stewardship of keeping it clean is essential.

Toys Puzzles Wedding Gifts Baby Gifts Wreaths Candles Frames Jewelry Totes Stationery 36

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Did you know it’s nobody’s “job” to remove trash from the marsh? Removing trash from the marsh does not fall under the duties of Glynn County, the City of Brunswick, the Georgia DNR (unless a derelict boat), or the US Coast Guard. Since it’s nobody’s job, volunteers are the only solution to marsh trash removal. KGIB Executive Director Lea King says, “It is a HUGE thing that folks volunteer their time with us to pick up marsh trash. Think about it: the only means to remove marsh trash is via VOLUNTEERS! So, these volunteers are invaluable!” There are currently four scheduled Marsh Madness clean-ups. At 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 1, join GA Department of Natural Resources, SeaTow Brunswick, SouthEast Adventure Outfitters, KGIB, and other groups at Overlook Park in Brunswick. Cleanup area will be the marsh and edge along Highway 17 from the Sidney Lanier Bridge north to the FJ Torras Causeway. On Sunday, March 4 at 4:00 p.m., the League of Protectors, KGIB, and volunteers will be at the pavilion in Gascoigne Park on St. Simons Island to clean the marsh and edge of the park. Then on Satur-

day, March 24, there will be a “Cache In. Trash Out” marsh cleaning with Geocachers CITO, KGIB, and volunteers at 10:00 a.m. at the Hwy 303 access road boat ramp, north side of the Turtle River Bridge in Brunswick. On Thursday March 29, join Georgia Mallett, KGIB, and volunteers in the parking area at Howard Coffin Park soccer field in Brunswick at 3:30 p.m. to clean the tidal ditch and roadway. For all clean-ups, safety vests, bags, gloves, and water are available with registration. It’s recommended that you wear boots, sunscreen, and bug spray. Please arrive a few minutes early to sign in and receive instructions and supplies. To register for a Marsh Madness Cleanup or for more information, email info.kbgib@ gmail.com or call 912.279.1490. KGIB also hopes to schedule at least two more Marsh Madness clean-ups during the month, so keep your eye out for announcements on the KGIB and Elegant Island Living Facebook pages and website calendars. The Golden Isles is our home and we should all do what we can to be its faithful and devoted caretakers. Providing a safe and healthy environment for our families and our wildlife by protecting our marshes and maritime forests, our coastline and our canopy, our vines and vegetation is a good way to start.

Not Just a Drug Store… Also, an

Extraordinary Gift Store

Touring History and Homes O n March 17th, the Episcopal Churchwomen of Christ Church Frederica will once again welcome visitors to St. Simons and Sea Islands for their 65th Annual Tour of Homes. Eight private homes, four on Sea Island and four on St. Simons Island, and six historical stops comprise this year’s tour. As always, tour proceeds are devoted to area charities, primarily those geared to women and children in need.

TOUR STOP #6: The recently

restored historic Harrington School House

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Tour headquarters will be located in the Parish House adjacent to Christ Church, designated at Tour Stop #8, where visitors can enjoy music, and light refreshments made from recipes in Christ Church’s popular cookbook. The church itself and the Wesley Memorial Gardens are Tour Stop #9. “Christ Church is one of the most historic parishes in the state of Georgia,” said Rev. Tom Purdy, Rector of Christ Church Frederica. “Our roots trace to the Wesley brothers, who offered Anglican prayers here in the new

KELLI BOYD PHOTOGRAPHY

TOUR STOP #7: Musgrove Retreat

and Conference Center

colony when General Oglethorpe established an English fort next to where the church stands today.” Tour hours will be from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., except for Musgrove Retreat and Conference Center, which will only be accessible until 1:00p.m. Transportation to the Sea Island homes will be by bus from Gascoigne Bluff (according to designated ticket times) only. The last bus will leave Gascoigne at 3:00 p.m. Golden Isles TV prepared a special promotion for this year’s tour, entitled “Touring Through the Ages: Early Days & Modern Ways,” which can be found on YouTube. In that video, Longtime ECW members Angie Burns and ZoAnn Covington discussed their experience working the tour since its initial years, when it came to life as a home and gar-

den tour. ZoAnn participated as a youth group member in high school at the very first tour in 1953. She recalls acting as a guide and sitting in the backseat of the car and directing people to the homes. ZoAnn left for college, but when she returned in 1960, she returned as a volunteer on the tour, working at various homes and tour stops such as Musgrove, which has been on the tour since its inception. Angie moved to St. Simons Island in 1954 and began working on the tour approximately a year after marrying ZoAnn’s brother in 1955. Angie says although the tour was much smaller in those days, being made up of mostly locals, it was still a very exciting time because during those years there wasn’t all the entertainment around that there is now. Because they knew most people that came on the tour, it was a major social event.

Angie recalls how everyone from the church participated as volunteers, with most husbands taking on parking duties, in order to make the tour happen. While Christ Church was much smaller in those days, Avery Brooks shares that more than 400 volunteers are involved with the tour today. It truly takes a village! Angie says, “We were helping, and all the money, even back then, went to charities, and so it was a really good thing for our church to do. It made you really proud to be a part of it.” The tour has certainly evolved from those early days when they sold boxed lunches for $4 on the Parish House lawn but the mission to give back to the community remains the same. This year, some history has been added to the tour as well, with the inclusion of Cassina Garden Club’s (continues)

MARCH 2018

tabby slave cabins located at Gascoigne Bluff (Tour Stop #10) and the recently restored historic Harrington School House (Tour Stop #6). Of the long row of cabins built near Hamilton Plantation’s main house during the early 1830s, only two of the tabby buildings that likely housed slave families remain today. Cassina Garden Club was deeded the property by the county in 1950 and has just completed a historically correct restoration of the cabins, one as it was in the early 1830s when it was constructed and the other as it was during the “Mill Days” of the 1870s to the 1920s. Not surprisingly, this beautiful property was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1988 by the U.S. Department of the Interior. The Historic Harrington School House, formerly known as the Harrington Graded School, was built in the 1920s and served as the main educational structure for three African American communities on St. Simons Island and was also an important community gathering place. It hosted grades 1-7 until desegregation in the 1960s when students left to attend St. Simons Elementary. In 1968, it was converted to a day care center and used for this purpose until 1970. It was largely abandoned after that and sat unused for decades. To preserve the one-room historic Harrington School House, Mrs. Isadore

Hunter donated her portion of heirs’ property land to the St. Simons Land Trust and Glynn County in 2004. Since 2004 the St. Simons African American Heritage Coalition, in partnership with The St. Simons Land Trust, has been active in the fundraising, restoration planning, management and operations of the School. The actual restoration of the School began in 2010 with an overall restoration cost of $325,000. The School officially re-opened with a ribbon cutting in August of 2017.

featuring nautical themes and some splash artwork, and a recently finished contemporary home with Asian touches throughout the décor – on East Beach, and the new guest house of a Sea Palms West home overlooking Dunbar Creek that has previously been featured on the tour twice. There are also three breathtaking homes on Sea Island and one in Ocean Forest. Impeccable design, unique details, and fabulous views are hallmarks of all and every one is a must-see!

Historic stops also include St. Ignatius Church (Tour Stop #1), a Church built by Anson Dodge in 1886, as a Mission of Christ Church, Frederica, for the African Americans living on St. Simons Island; Musgrove Retreat and Conference Center (Tour Stop #7), a picturesque hidden sanctuary, under the stewardship of The Brenn Foundation, located on the banks of Village Creek, and is rich with history from its construction in 1938 by Nancy Reynolds Bagley, daughter and heiress to the R.J. Reynolds Tobacco fortune to President Carter’s first pre-inaugural cabinet meeting; as well as Christ Church, its Parish House, and Wesley Memorial Gardens.

Tickets will be available at the Christ Church Parish House and Gascoigne Bluff on Tour Day for $50 and can be purchased in advance for $40 at the following additional local outlets beginning March 1: Antiques, Etc., Cloister Collection, H&H Lifestyles, Jekyll Realty, Maggie’s Boutique, Ned Cash & Associates Jewelers, Roberta’s, St. Simons Drug Co., The Tabby House, and Viola’s Market, or on the website at christchurchtourofhomes.org. Tour of Homes sponsors are Deloach Sotheby’s International Realty, Golden Isles TV, and The Coastal Bank of Georgia – Synovus.

Private home tour stops on St. Simons Island this year include a gorgeous oceanfront home that is making its second appearance on the tour, two homes – the “Enchanted Cottage”

Join the tour that has been enchanting locals and visitors alike since 1953 and see why this wonderful community event continues to thrive through the ages. For more information, about the tour and detailed tour stop descriptions, visit christchurchtourofhomes.org.

“I am thrilled to be joining the DeLoach Sotheby’s team. Their international network will enable me to provide comprehensive service to my clients. The collaboration with Sotheby’s International Realty is what sold me on this opportunity.” • Over 20 years of successfully helping people find their dream homes • Active volunteer in the community. Past President of The Symphony Society, active in Christ Church, St. Simons Rotary, Golden Isles Live and the Coastal Georgia Historical Society. Is Foundation Trustee for the College of Coastal Georgia

Susan Imhoff 912.222.5686 susan.imhoff@sothebysrealty.com DeLoach Sotheby’s International Realty. DeLoachSIR.com | mobile app text SIR to 87778 | 912-638-0406 | 2901 Frederica Road | St. Simons Island, GA MCMVII Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC. A Realogy Company. All Rights Reserved. Sotheby’s International Realty® is a registered trademark licensed to Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC. An Equal Opportunity Company. Equal Housing Opportunity. Each Office is Independently Owned and Operated.

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505 Beachview Drive • St. Simons Island • In the Village 9 1 2 . 6 3 4 . 2 7 6 4 • w w w. d u t c h m a n s d e s i g n s . c o m

TO RI C

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n January, Former Senator Mack Mattingly and his wife Leslie flew to Puerto Rico to provide assistance and see firsthand the recovery efforts taking place there. Leslie shared much of her experience on social media. Touched by her account and moved by the stories of other individuals with local ties working to get Puerto Rico back to a state of normalcy, Elegant Island Living reached out to Leslie to see if she’d allow us to share her experience. She graciously agreed and what follows is information she provided about how she and Mack became involved, their travels 42

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and encounters there, as well as her thoughts and reflections on her time there. First, let’s share the facts about how the storms struck Puerto Rico. Initially, it was Irma that came “skirting” the north side of the Island, from Fajardo in the NE, across San Juan (where the largest concentration of the island’s 3.4 million people reside), then off to the West. As those of us in the Southeast US were preparing and evacuating from the path of the same storm, Puerto Rico was in recovery mode, similar to what they went through in Houston,

TOP: A ship that Leslie and Mack toured in the Port of San

Juan. It arrived from Jacksonville loaded with more than 1000 semi-sized containers. It was off-loaded and turned around in approximately 24 hours. ABOVE (from left): Mack Mattingly, Aaron Strickland, Leslie Mattingly, Carlos from PLN, Zachry Veal, Joe Fendig.

New Orleans, etc. No small disaster recovery. And just as Irma was hammering us, a new storm, Maria, appeared headed directly for, and through the heart of, Puerto Rico. Leslie says that their friends told them at that time, the island was actually still operating in ‘hurricane mode’: they had just been through it. They all knew what to do, and they ‘pivoted’ by preparing quickly, improving on their preparations for the ‘last storm’ where they could, and took cover. Maria lasted “forever.” They told her that the “worst of it” went on without a pause for hours and hours, mostly through the night. One friend, she says, in the small area of Old San Juan, where because of the geography the winds and storm were horrendous, spoke of doors and walls vibrating and banging when the storm was still at its worst “above” them, (rather than encompassing them). He described opening a door at one point to look out and the sheer power of the storm, its colors and sounds, seemed ugly, evil, and almost demonic. He said, “I stood there looking up and thought, ‘People are dying in this.’” Leslie tells us that it was over the next few days that people truly grasped the situation. “That’s the simple way to put it. It was a massive disaster, but at that early point, though multiple times worse, it was still largely faced like those of us in the US regarded New Orleans, Houston, Florida, the Northeast in Super Storm Sandy – even SE Georgia.” She says, “According to them, about a week after, the next ‘disaster’ came: gasoline ran out. Cars stopped. Generators stopped. Hospitals had no power. Babies in a neonatal critical care area of a hospital outside San Juan, died. For people in their homes, whatever fuel you had left at that point, you protected for an unknown life-threatening emergency to come. All of the radio stations failed, because they were digital. For a time the ONLY island wide communication came via an old antiquated analog AM station.” She continues, “They told us you protect what fuel

you have almost desperately. You walk, you ride a bike, you climb up or down multiple stories to get to and from your apartment. You try to find ways to get by.” Over the next weeks and months, generators and fuel for them eventually became sporadically established. Leslie reports that currently the lights are on in San Juan. While they were there, the newspaper reported over one million customers have power and 495,000 do not. Those without power, if they are fortunate, rely on generator power. To avoid burning it out, you can run it no more than about 10 hrs per day. That requires 10, 20, even 30 gallons of gasoline. Per day. Think about what 20 gallons of gas costs in the US. And gas has always been more expensive in Puerto Rico. Most people told Mack and Leslie that gasoline for generators can run about $1000 per month. It’s already been more than 4 months. For some it will be 11 or more. As Leslie described, the disaster in Puerto Rico played out in waves: first the storms, but then, beginning a week or so later, as the gasoline ran out and thus everything dependent on gasoline, propane, etc. from electric plants and water sewer systems that had survived the initial storms, to cars, to radio communication – it all came to a halt. She says, “EVERYONE, whether educated or not, whether conservation minded or not, whether they ever gave a bit of attention to ‘environmental issues’ or not, now understands that dependence on fossil fuel is life-threateningly dangerous. We hear that daily from everyone. People have learned, and everyone, from professionals to retired ‘pensioners’ now know that solar power is the only reliable source. There is a very clear new knowledge across the island and across economic and education demographics that solar power is the life-source. Anyone who can is installing Solar at their home or business and this will continue into the future. It is expensive. But of course, from the moment you turn it on, your monthly electric bill is no more. So they will strive to afford and install solar. At every level.” What a game-changer! (continues)

FROM TOP: The destruction in Puerto Rico came in waves

and it will take many months, and probably, years, to recover, but the spirit and determination here are strong and positive nonetheless; Each of these dormitory units contain 16 comfortable beds and can be attached to a truck cab for easy mobility; Mack got to play a little Jenga with the school children when they visited for a Community Workshop; Hernan Stutzer and Alberto Llano of Del Sur, Rotary District Governor Hamsa Thota, Dave Snyder of Halyards Restaurant Group with Leslie Mattingly at the fundraiser for Puerto Rico they so generously hosted.

MARCH 2018

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Surprisingly, since Hurricane Maria struck last September, there are several people with St. Simons Island connections who have given or are currently giving days or weeks of their lives, with some still working pretty much (or definitely) full time, in or for Puerto Rico. In addition to Mack and Leslie, Ronnie Brannen, Zachry and David Veal, Joe Fendig, Brian Mooney and David English, and Peter Erb all have stories to tell. In the days immediately following Maria, Brian Mooney and David English were among those who arrived first as pilots with the Georgia Civil Air Patrol and Air Force Auxiliary. They both described being stunned by the breadth of the devastation. It spread across virtually the entire island in a near perfect rectangle 90 miles wide and 30 miles across, with mountainous terrain throughout the center, and a large percentage of the population in or surrounding the city of San Juan. Below them, as they flew, stretched destroyed homes, flooded streets and communities, trees downed and those still standing denuded of leaves. Brian remembered that first morning, looking down as he took off, and being so shocked at what was below him for a moment that he “forgot to fly the plane.” He describes the incredible darkness of the nights, with no light anywhere. Of driving through pitch black streets and neighborhoods to get from the airport to his hotel room. Of overwhelming silence everywhere. Within days, several more from Glynn County arrived. Pilot Joe

Fendig arrived with Zachry Veal of Beachview Event Rental and Design and its sister company Military & Disaster Solutions, Inc. to begin the work of scouting for, setting up, and operating large mobile camps for the power company workers arriving from across the southeast to work with PowerSecure. This disaster response component of Southern Company is headed by Ronnie Brannen, another St. Simons Island resident. Contracted through the Army Corps of Engineers to help restore power, PowerSecure was designated to focus on several of the 7 power zones into which the island had been divided for purposes of assigning power teams to the task. Immediately, Joe began flying flights all across the island with Ronnie and Zachry to spot locations where they might set up a staging camp. Military & Disaster Solutions, Inc. has been providing logistics management, base camps, disaster relief support services, and rental equipment to numerous government and private clients since 1999. They have worked with the American Red Cross, US Military, FEMA, US Forestry Service, power companies and others in their nearly two decades of experience. Once staging areas were selected, all went to work. While power crews in the hundreds have been moved on and off the island in two month rotations, these three men are still in Puerto Rico and expect to stay at least into midMarch. Also with them is Aaron Strickland, one of many Georgians, helping to lead the teams for PowerSecure.

In the meantime, Mack and Leslie Mattingly, went to work at home in Georgia. They have decades long relationships and work in Puerto Rico through Para la Naturaleza (PLN). With 180 employees and 55 properties on more than 34,000 acres across Puerto Rico, and helping to manage another 425,000 acres, PLN is one of the largest Conservation and Historic Property Organizations of its kind in the world. Within a few days of Maria, PLN pivoted their mission to utilize their access and presence in communities across the island, their considerable organizational abilities and their 501c3 status to become what is now recognized as one of the top relief organizations in Puerto Rico. Leslie and Mack, along with others in the PLN “family” up and down the East Coast, rolled up their sleeves and got down to business. Utilizing all of their skills, contacts, networks, and determination, they worked on everything from simple things like locating battery operated flood lights, hundreds of batteries and a couple of propane grills, and managing to get them to the office in Puerto Rico, to reaching out to shipping companies (Leslie calls TOTE Maritime out of Jacksonville Florida one of the great heroes of this crisis and notes that they became a special partner to PLN and the Mattinglys, as well), to addressing DC-based issues and needs. They reached out to their friends everywhere to tap their areas of influence and expertise for help. In Jacksonville, at AquaGulf, a shipping company that packs goods into containers (continues)

MARCH 2018

and delivers them to TOTE and Crowley for delivery to Puerto Rico (and receives goods from Puerto Rico as well), Peter Erb, a Florida resident with St. Simons Island connections, has been there since September. Along with the rest of his team at AquaGulf, Peter is faced

women all pulling together to make a difference for their fellow Americans. People who didn’t even speak the same language, but treated each other with dignity and respect. Puerto Rico changed me. It made me more grateful than ever for our country, our values, and for

“I SAW PEOPLE OF ALL RACES AND BACKGROUNDS, MEN AND WOMEN ALL PULLING TOGETHER TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE FOR THEIR FELLOW AMERICANS.” with the extraordinary task of finding space, any space, in any container, to get everything from oxygen and medical supplies, to food, to relief supplies and massive amounts of donated goods coming from up and down the East Coast onto a ship bound for Puerto Rico. In late January, all these efforts began to combine, in part through a fundraising dinner conceived and hosted by Halyards Restaurant Group and Del Sur Artisan Eats and provided in partnership with the St. Simons Island Rotary Club. A sell-out crowd came together to enjoy one of the most spectacular and unique events on the island in support of Puerto Rico and Para la Naturaleza, and about a week later, several of our locals met up in Puerto Rico at the site of one of the PowerSecure camps in the SW corner of Puerto Rico. David English said of the experience, “I saw people of all races and backgrounds, men and

my fellow Americans who try to make a difference…Before you tell me what is wrong with America, you better tell me what you are doing to make it better.” All involved agree that it will take many years for Puerto Rico to recover. The challenges are complicated and extensive, but they also all agree the People of Puerto Rico are like noone anywhere else. Their spirit, their kindness and determined optimism, the desire to help themselves, their neighbors, and those helping them knows no measure. As one man said, “if this situation existed anywhere else in the US, there would be riots.” Here, you have an enormous community of people who smile and say, “It is what it is. We’ll get through this.” They have grateful hearts in the face of great uncertainty and go to work to help, however and wherever they can, in this “new Puerto Rico” as they strive to regain a sense of “normal”in their lives.

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Would you like to help? Help their economy by taking a vacation to Puerto Rico and enjoy the climate, the beaches, the hotels, the great food and people. Leslie says, “This is the best time to visit Puerto Rico. It’s also one of the best things anyone could do to help! In San Juan, on the surface things are as they have always been. You can enjoy the hotels, the beach, the restaurants, and especially the WONDERFUL people. Tourism is way way down, so you can enjoy the Old City with half empty streets, vastly less traffic, no (or very little) wait at restaurants. At our favorite hotel, most of the guests are here working, are traveling alone, and are quiet and pleasant. When we’ve been to the terrace pool area, we have been the ONLY people there. The staff is wonderful. The food is wonderful. The weather is FANTASTIC! In short, its a GREAT time to visit Puerto Rico. Seriously!” She adds, “It has been a joy for us to see friends, colleagues, and familiar faces everywhere—all appearing the same as when we last saw them, and they are joyous to see people like us returning. They relish in any return of ‘normal’. They are grateful for the visitor/tourist help to the economy. We know with every cab ride, every uber, every tip every purchase in any business, we really ARE helping someone.” You can also go to PLN.Org and make a contribution to the work of Para La Naturaleza in support of their efforts. Click “Eng” in the upper left corner for information in English. And the next time you see Zachry, Joe, Ronnie, Bryan, David, Peter, Leslie or Mack, feel free to buy them a drink. They deserve it.

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MARCH 2018

A GOLDEN SUN

t’s a new dawn for the wedding industry in the Golden Isles. The area’s brightest and best, tried and true wedding professionals are coming together as members of the Golden Isles Wedding Association (GIWA) to support each other and grow the industry in the Golden Isles. Founder and President of GIWA, Justin Henshaw, a longtime member of the wedding community as the owner of Island Sound, has focused his passion and business acumen on joining forces

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with others to promote the Golden Isles as a top wedding destination. According to Justin, the Golden Isles does more wedding business per capita than any other wedding destination on the East Coast. But brides and grooms from outside the region who are checking national databases or online industry advertisers like WeddingWire or The Knot can be led to outside competition simply because they don’t know any better. Businesses on those sites may look like they’re in coastal Georgia, but

BROOKE ROBERTS PHOTOGRAPHY

is Rising

they’re really Jacksonville-based or from even more distant states. One of GIWA’s missions is to solve that problem by launching the area’s first and only wedding resource directory. Having an all-encompassing unbiased resource for hotels to share with guests and industry members to share with clients is an invaluable tool. The directory will be printed twice a year, with Spring/Summer and Fall/Winter editions. The first edition, arriving this Spring, will see 20,000 copies distributed (continues)

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BROOKE ROBERTS PHOTOGRAPHY

Chris and Amanda Moncus, four-time Elegant Island Living “Best of Golden Isles Wedding Photographer” award winners understand the need for GIWA and such a resource: “The Golden Isles have been one of Georgia’s best kept secrets for too long. Brides across the US are discovering the beauty of this region and have found it somewhat difficult to plan weddings from afar. This association of wedding professionals is giving destination brides the

guidance they need to find the best vendors in the area who will make their wedding a day to remember! Our economy will also benefit from this as more wedding revenue is kept local – creating jobs, encouraging tourism, and strengthening our industry.” “While GIWA is a collective of wedding businesses, it’s not invite-only or even lim-

CHRIS MONCUS PHOTOGRAPHY

throughout the Golden Isles, to event venues, local restaurants, visitor centers, welcome centers, and, of course, to member businesses. The directory will also be available digitally on the GIWA website. Simply by sharing the link to the directory (goldenislesweddings.org/directory) in an email, thousands more leads are generated for GIWA venues and members. The GIWA directory will be THE Golden Isles Vendor Referral List, and because GIWA carefully vets its members, it also gives the client confidence that if they select a vendor from this directory, they are choosing a local, licensed business professional. If you’re a Golden Isles wedding vendor, you will not only want the benefit of a listing as a GIWA member, you’ll find the directory to be an essential resource that allows you to find other local vendors whose products and services you require and also a necessity for your clients as well.

ited to just those in the wedding industry. More importantly, Justin advises that GIWA shouldn’t be considered as just another clique or friend group for those in the business. He stresses the fact that the association was created to be welcoming, drama-free, and inclusive of everyone connected with weddings and the tourism that they create here. Justin describes the Golden Isles wedding community as a family, and with that comes an inherent potential to have some conflict from time to time, as part of human nature. However, he says, “that does nothing to support our local wedding industry as a whole, and ultimately does a disservice to our clients because they are not able to see all options available. GIWA is bigger than that kind of mess. I think of GIWA as a large golden umbrella of sorts; we rise above the fray. That includes ALL participants, and that shelters from those storms of conflict.” Stacy Bass of Straton Hall Events agrees about the nature of the business and with the family atmosphere that GIWA strives to maintain. “After 19 years in this industry,” he says, “it’s wildly apparent that the Golden Isles wedding community is unlike any other because you just don’t see any cutthroat action here. We build each other up instead, making fellow vendors, ourselves included, love what we do even more. The passion trickles down to the

couple and their families making the whole wedding experience even more magical and memorable.” That’s exactly the kind of experience that GIWA members want to provide to their clients. GIWA also aims to provide protection against outside competition and more security for the members. The association is created to be a safe place where members can share ideas, network, and socialize. Not only can members treat each other like family, they have the benefit of working together as a team against outside competition. It’s not just one vendor fending off a nonlocal competitor, but an entire local network saying, “this is our turf, and we protect each other.” That makes the group a powerhouse against outsiders who want to come in and compete. Justin says, “That’s one of GIWA’s goals, to be so prominent and such a trusted network of support that it will be impossible for outside businesses to break in here. GIWA will be so well-known for ‘If you want it good, if you want it local, go to a member of GIWA.’” And he suggests to local vendors, “If you want to be safer from outside competition, join GIWA.” Straton Hall didn’t hesitate to become a founding member of the association. Stacy explains, “After 19 years of making wedding dreams (continues)

MARCH 2018

35th Annual Business Expo Presented by Nalley Auto

Thursday, March 8 5:15-7:45 p.m. Jekyll Island Convention Center PUBLIC IS INVITED

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ELEGANT ISLAND LIVING

come true, it just made sense to team up with other top notch vendors to produce even more successful events for our clients. Somewhat of a collaboration of excellence.” To strengthen the group dynamics, GIWA will offer plenty of networking opportunities. Social events and member gathers are a top priority, and they plan to have two large events each year as well as smaller events that rotate venues and have different themes. There will be Lunch Bites and Banter fun for the midday crew. For early risers, Coffee and Connections is where you can enjoy some breakfast treats and meet and greet new members. Beer and Brainstorming is an after-hours session to get creative with new ideas over a brew or two. If you’re more of the martini mindset, Cocktails and Conversation is another after-hours gathering, simply to relax, have fun and do some light networking over drinks with other members. Many of these little mixers are in the planning stages now, including some that might be on the water, so be sure to follow the GIWA social media accounts and look out for emails with details so you won’t miss out. If these sessions aren’t your thing, Justin says that’s okay too. “I want all of our members to know that you can be as involved as you want to be. There’s no pressure and I know you’re busy.” Amy Jenkins, owner of Bienvenue, has been making brides beautiful in the Golden Isles for more than 20 years. She says,

“GIWA is such a great way to gather and share information between local vendors in the industry. It’s invaluable for getting word of mouth out about various resources available at different venues or which vendors can provide specific services. Some of us work on the periphery and don’t get to see everyone connected to the weddings we work, or who are also providing services, so even just the gettogethers for members are a wonderful way to be able to put a face with a name for people we work with on a regular basis. This is a really exciting way for us to share insight and information between Golden Isles businesses.” But just in case you think because GIWA members like to have fun and Justin is making sure there are ample opportunities for them to do that, don’t brush them off as not being serious about business. Justin has reached out to his alma mater, the College of Coastal Georgia, and they have agreed to conduct an economic impact study about the wedding industry in the Golden Isles for GIWA. The Reg Murphy Center for Economic and Policy Studies will be using IMPLAN to estimate direct and indirect effects on spending and employment. Conservative estimates on just guest spending alone is above $100 million. To help the Murphy Center calculate real figures that include spending on the weddings themselves, and revenue and jobs generated by these events, GIWA members are invited to participate in the study. Its results will certainly be useful. As Justin says, “Knowledge

is power – power for GIWA and for the Golden Isles community.” GIWA is just getting off the ground, but it already has several members and more are joining every day. Stacy Bass isn’t shy about sharing his excitement about the future of the association, “GIWA is off to a great start! We’ve already been asked about GIWA a lot and they have already proven productive for us. We will enjoy watching GIWA’s success in promoting the gorgeous Golden Isles as the perfect destination wedding location and we’re proud to be a founding member.” It’s just this kind of word of mouth and spreading buzz that makes GIWA so important. Growing GIWA is essential to growing the Golden Isles wedding industry and promoting the Golden Isles as a wedding destination. To use Justin’s metaphor, “A rising tide lifts all boats.” GIWA’s purpose is to develop the local wedding business by advertising the Golden Isles as a premier wedding destination throughout the country. No longer does being “Georgia’s Best Kept Secret” benefit us. Hearing “I didn’t even know there were islands in Georgia” is not a positive thing when we are trying to promote those islands as an ideal spot for weddings. Now is the time to focus on advertising to get the word out to engaged couples about what a beautiful location we are and what a strong community of wedding vendors exist here to make their special day absolutely perfect. GIWA will start with regional advertising but can increase the (continues)

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MARCH 2018

At the time of print, these businesses and venues are members of the Golden Isles Wedding Association: Ally Moline Events

Dove Cote

Amelia Events

DuBignon Cottage

Beach Village & Beaches

ECHO St. Simons

Beachview Club Hotel

Emily Burton Designs

Beachview Event Rentals & Design

Faith Chapel

Ben Porter Salon Bicentennial & Plantation Oaks Bienvenue Bobbi Brinkman Photography Brooke Roberts Photography Brunswick Manor

Elegant Island Living

Fancy Finds

JJ’s Boom Boom Room Martin’s Wedding Transportation McCormick’s Grill Mistletoe Moss Cottage

Fantasy Hair and Makeup

Ocean Club at Tortuga Jack’s

Full Moon Lighting Rentals

Rainey Gregg Photography

Fuse Frozen Yogurt

Signarama

Golden Isles Bride Magazine

Skeet House

Golden Isles Magazine Great Dunes Park Pavilion

South Dunes Picnic Pavilion

Halyards Catering

Brunswick-Golden Isles Chamber of Commerce

Holiday Inn Resort Jekyll

Straton Hall Events

Hollybourne

Studio Pixel Pop

Horse Stamp Inn

Tasteful Temptations

Chicota Ruins

Horton House

The Greenhouse

Chris Moncus Photography

Indian Mound/ San Souci Lawn

The King and Prince Beach & Golf Resort

Christina’s Dance World

Island Sound

The Vine

Cloister Belle

James Laurens, MTR Realtor

The Westin Jekyll Island

Coastal Islands Corvette Rentals

Jekyll Island Club Cafe

The Wharf Restaurant

Jekyll Island Club Hotel

Villa Marianna & Marianna Gardens

Coastal Selfies Corsair Kitchen & Bar Crane Cottage Cunningham Jewelers

Jekyll Island Convention Center Jekyll Island Dolphin Tours

marketing budget and expand to national advertising with more members.

Spa Primp and Polish St. Simons Elopements

Brunswick News Publishing Co.

Island Sound

Villa Ospo Village Creek Landing Village Inn and Pub

The association is not just for big wedding vendors, although every one of those SHOULD be a member. When brides and grooms, their families and guests arrive in the Golden Isles, they don’t just go to the rehearsal dinner and wedding and their hotels. They go out to eat. They go get mani-pedis. They go shopping. They go golfing or fishing together or maybe want a kayak tour. All local businesses are invited to join GIWA and get the benefits of being listed in the directory and

being a part of this strong network of vendors. What can you do beyond becoming a member? Spread the word! Let the world know that the sun is rising on this new era in the Golden Isles and its shine will be brilliant! TO LEARN MORE

or to become a member, visit goldenislesweddings.org. PHOTO CREDITS FOR PAGE 49:

top row (from left): Chris Moncus Photography, middle row: Chris Moncus Photography, Brooke Roberts Photography; bottom row (left): Chris Moncus Photography, (middle and right): Brooke Roberts Photography.

Getting new spring shoes is more fun than going barefoot

T H E S H O P S AT S E A I S L A N D MONDAY - SATURDAY 10-6 638-1776 54

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THE STAR BEHIND STARFIRE

t’s a spring tradition! Charlie Wharton of Starfire Designs returns to Evelyne Talman in March with his artistic creations. Charlie’s visits are always a treat, and this year, to help promote the trunk show, we thought we’d get to know this fashion consultant turned nationally acclaimed jewelry designer a little better. EIL: What lessons from fashion have carried over into jewelry design? CW: All women don’t like pink, regardless of

what we learn when we were little. Color in the jewelry business is as important as in the fashion business. One is married to the other. My business trends come from Europe to New York to Texas. The main thing I have learned in my travel is you listen to the customers, what they want, and try to react to it. If it can’t be provided, then give them something that is beyond their expectation the next season.

ty and instill a piece of STARFIRE. Whether it be a very small or large piece, that is a symbol of Starfire. We are focused on oneof-a-kind and exceptional uniquely designed pieces because my beautiful wife, Jean, insisted that when we started this company together over 25 years ago, that we would create pieces that are attractive to both a petite or a plus size person. EIL: Do you have a favorite piece you’ve created? CW: It would have to be the Pyrite Sun because

EIL: What sets Starfire apart from other jewelry lines?

it is so rare a find in this day and time. It is also a fossilized water lily that is found deep in the depths of a coal mine in Sparta, Illinois. When this round Pyrite Sun is worn it creates such incredible interest and glistens in the light because of its natural colors.

CW: Starfire uses the finest gold and silver to

EIL: Where do you find your biggest inspiration?

EIL: What is the most rewarding piece you’ve created?

CW: My inspiration comes from antique pieces

CW: One of my favorite pieces of all time was a

to the very newest discovery of gem stones. Starfire is given precious pieces including old family coins and cameos, European heirlooms and rare stones from around the world to create a unique piece just for a special person. My job and passion are to recreate that beau-

magnificent black opal from Australia that was the highlight of our trunk show several years ago. It created excitement all over the country and I so enjoyed showing it. I also get excited every time I handle blister pearls whether they be from the South Pacific or from the Tennessee

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River. The oyster creates its own piece of beauty that I then get to take and reshape into a newly beautiful creation that will be worn by or be given to a special lady. Blister pearls never go out of style and are attractive to both young and old.

make pieces and for our wire sculpting, sometimes even reversible to show both the gold and silver. If you notice carefully, most of our pieces include a particular design at the top, or bale, which is our beautiful crown. That is the Starfire signature and we are fortunate that it has created incredible loyalty over the years. On March 15-17, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily, Evelyne Talman is hosting a double trunk show with Starfire Designs and Connie Roberson silk and linen separates. Stop in to say hello to Charlie and see his latest creations. For more information, call 912.638.3470.

512 Ocean Boulevard St. Simons Island, GA 31522 912.634.9977 www.mulletbayrestaurant.com Live Music on the Deck

PAR FOR A CURE

t’s time to hit the greens in support of the pink! The 2018 Coastal GA “On Par” to Cure Breast Cancer Golf and Social, formerly known as the Sea Palms Ladies Golf “Rally for the Cure,” will be held at Brunswick Country Club on March 26-27 and the organizers are looking for sponsors and golfers. Why choose to support “On Par?” Because your donations stay in our region! With your support, they hope to meet their goal of $22,000 with all event proceeds to go to Susan G. Komen Coastal Georgia. This tournament has been able to increase its donations to fight breast cancer every year and is typically in the top 4

ELEGANT ISLAND LIVING

or 5 largest fundraisers for Susan G. Komen Coastal Georgia. In 2017, the regional Komen affiliate provided grants to these two local programs – Southeast Georgia Health System’s “Mammograms in Motion” and the Coastal Community Health Services. This is a well-established event and those who coordinate it are well-organized, and they maximize donations that go to fight breast cancer. Their administrative costs, for event promotion and fundraising materials and supplies, are limited to less than 0.7% of the annual event total income. All the Silent Auction and Raffle items are donated by individuals and local

businesses. Dedicated volunteers serve on the organizing committee, and many men and women volunteer in other ways to ensure the success of the event. You can sponsor a hole for as little as $100. The silent auction, raffles and social will be held from 4:00-7:00 p.m. on Monday, March 26. The golf scramble and luncheon will take place on March 27. Please contact co-chairs Carol Sabo at 912.634.6867 or Nancy Fixx at 703.431.7561 with any questions, to take advantage of sponsorship opportunities, or to register. Come on out to Brunswick Country Club and scramble in support of a cure for breast cancer.

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MARCH 2018

Springtime on Stage

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ave you been to the Casino Theatre to see a production by The Island Players yet this year? Their 2018-19 season is underway, and after a successful run of I Hate Hamlet, they continue their spring shows with Norm Foster’s romantic comedy The Affections of May in March, which will be followed by Neil Simon’s Plaza Suite in May. That’s right, May in March, and a little New York slice of life in May. Got it? In The Affections of May, May Henning discovers that she’s an attractive target for a town’s two lonely bachelors after being dumped by her husband and left with a failing bed & breakfast. This rowdy comedy of love lost and love found is sprinkled with snappy dialogue, unexpected twists and turns, and lots of laughs. Show dates are March 2-4, 9-10, 16-17 at 7:30 p.m. and March 11 and 18 at 3:30 p.m. Auditions for Plaza Suite will be held in March too. Come out to the theatre at 7:00 p.m. on March 4, 5, or 6 to try out for a part. Actors are always welcome, even if you’re new to the stage! Plaza Suite is a thee act play which focuses on three different stories involving different characters, but all taking place in the same suite at New York City’s Plaza Hotel. Director Bob Boles will be looking to fill main character roles for a male and female who are 45-55, a male and female who are

35-55, a male and female who are 45-60, with supporting roles for a female 25-30, a female 21-30, a male 25-30, and 3 males 25 or older. Performances will take place May 4-5, 11-12, 18-19 at 7:30 p.m. and May 6, 13 and 20 at 3:00 p.m. But you don’t have to get up on the stage to become involved with The Island Players. The group is always in need of extra hands to help build sets, work lighting and equipment, help with marketing and promotion behind the scenes. Boles credits longtime member of The Island Players, Ed Cheshire with bringing him to the group. When they were closing on their new St. Simons Island home, Boles and his wife ran into island residents Ed and Judy Cheshire. They talked about getting involved in the community, and Boles told Ed he was looking for a creative outlet on the island. When Boles shared that he had worked as a writer and director of commercials, educational programs, and documentaries, and had been participated in professional and community theatre when he was younger, Ed suggested that he get involved with The Island Players. Boles says, “One thing led to another and I found myself working with David Butler on Is He Dead last spring.

There, I discovered a great group of creative people who worked hard at putting on a wonderful production and was very open to new volunteers. It was a terrific experience and I made lots of new friends. As a result of working on that production, I was asked to direct Plaza Suite this May, which I am looking forward to.” He adds, “Whether you’re new to the island or have been here a long time and are looking for a fun, creative way to get involved in the community, The Island Players might be just the ticket. There are so many opportunities both on stage and off. You don’t have to have a theatre background, you just need to show up!” You can purchase your tickets for The Affections of May online at theislandplayers.com, and give an audition for Plaza Suite a shot, if you want to try your hand at acting. For backstage opportunities, email Bob at rsbusa@aol.com and he can put you to work or steer you in the right direction. And if you’re not ready to take a role on the stage or behind the scenes with The Island Players just yet, at least come out and see the shows. They’re saving you a seat!

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MARCH 2018

essential and highly recommended. Because the truth of the matter is that we live in community with other human beings and we share our germs more freely than anything else we have. Because of this, it is better to be inoculated, in the hopes that we can avoid a potentially fatal infection, or at least diminish its effects a bit. ISLAND IMPRESSIONS BY FR. TOM PURDY, RECTOR OF CHRIST CHURCH

On Shots and Spiritual Well-being

didn’t get a flu shot this year. As of this writing, I haven’t needed it yet. I usually get one, just to be on the safe side, because I shake a lot of hands. Like A LOT. Despite some churches that have put a temporary hold on communion for a bit this season during the worst of the flu outbreak, we have soldiered on in our stoic Episcopalian way, although we have had some additional instruction on how to receive communion in the least plague-facilitating way. And we added hand sanitizer to the pews because we just have to pass the peace. Being a common cup tradition, some might think we’re reckless, however, shaking hands and touching the doors on the way into church is much more likely to pass on our germs with our peace. So what’s the alternative? Cancel the whole shebang and invite people to stay home? In truth, staying home is not an option for most. It’s tempting, as we hear stories about the onset of a particularly nasty strain of flu, but we still have to report to work, go grocery shopping, and a host of other things. That is why flu shots are so

ELEGANT ISLAND LIVING

Immunizations have changed the world. Granted, the flu shot is a moving target and never completely effective, but it helps to varying degrees depending on the formula used after epidemiologists estimate which strains are likely to strike. Other immunizations, however, have been laser accurate in ending certain diseases that used to kill many people. Smallpox is long gone, and diseases like polio, mumps, and diphtheria are close to eradication. While there are small minorities on the fringes who question the safety of vaccines, we generally recognize that inoculating children and adults against certain diseases is very effective. The trick is making sure everyone gets inoculated. Wherever there are unprotected people, disease can still spread. Because that’s what diseases do. They are hardwired on the cellular level to replicate and reproduce wherever they find themselves a host. They are incredibly effective at it. They simply do what they are programmed to do, until they meet a host who is not so welcoming; a host who has been pre-programmed, as it were, to resist them; a host who does not have the proper environment in which the disease can latch on and spread. Now I’m no doctor, and there may be medical professionals out there who think my explanation is over simplistic and naïve. My expertise is theology and spirituality, which doesn’t dovetail quite as well with epidemiology.

In fact, spiritual life is quite different. Our human failures and shortcomings, the sinfulness that is seemingly hardwired into us, aren’t really diseases, at least not in the way that the diseases we’ve been discussing are. The ideas behind a vaccine is that you introduce a version of the disease you want to ultimately prevent; that’s what initiates the immune response to reject the real thing. Most of our spiritual shortcomings don’t work that way – we want more of the good (bad) stuff, not less. It seems there is no vaccine for that. But there is a way to boost a healthy spiritual immune system, nonetheless. Generally speaking, it is good for the soul to engage in regular reflection, prayer, and community. Spiritual vitamin C is found in loving others, especially those hard to love. Such things strengthen us in such a way that we can fight off things that might otherwise make us soul sick. We might find ourselves more resistant to selfindulgent and self-centered ways of living. We might find we have less fear of those who are different. We might find that we are less likely to be drawn into tribalism and isolationism. We might find that we are less reactive to differing ideas and opinions. There a host of things that we can ward off when we have been giving our spirit a workout. In this season, it’s tempting to want to work constantly to wash the otherness off of us, in the hopes that it keeps us safe. We might be tempted to self-preservation and self-isolation. But in this season, especially, we need love, kind words, and community more than ever. I wasn’t talking about the flu just then; by all means, wash your hands, and be prudent about door handles. Get the flu shot! But above all else, love one another.

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MARCH 2018

BUSINESS BUZZ

LOCAL DISHES GET NEW TWIST OF FLAVOR Kate Buchanan always had a passion for cooking that she learned from her mom. Before opening Indigo Coastal Shanty in 2009, she had worked at her mom’s Atlanta restaurants and at The Beach Club on Sea Island. Kate ran the Shanty as its owner for 8 years until she recently sold it to take a sabbatical to plan her next move. It didn’t take long before she missed cooking and being part of the kitchen. Ramsey Merrill

of The Crab Trap approached her to help create interesting daily specials. The Crab Trap has had a strong reputation on St. Simons Island since Kate’s youth when she would eat at the restaurant while vacationing on the island with her family. Now the collaboration between Ramsey and Kate brings a new twist of interesting flavors to local dishes. The Crab Trap, 1209 Ocean Blvd., 912.638.3552. Find them on Facebook and Instagram. crabtrapssi.com. SEASIDE OPHTHALMOLOGY COMES TO ST. SIMONS ISLAND Seaside Ophthalmology first joined the eye care scene in the Golden Isles in 2005, and has enjoyed great growth and development for one primary reason: community. Our St. Simons Island patients, who most certainly exhibit a sense of community pride, have helped us become

NEW LOCATION FOR BONI RAY CHANEY & BELLAMICHELLE Following graduation from North Hollywood Academy of Cosmetic Sciences, Boni Ray Chaney moved into her first full time position doing hair and make-up. Pursuing her career further, she received her teaching degree and worked closely with her students preparing then for a successful career in cosmetology. Boni continued her studies by landing a four year apprenticeship with a successful plastic

a part of the community landscape through the years. Relationships forged, style redefined, and celebrations shared, we look forward to continue providing the most thorough, personal eye care to our friends on St. Simons Island. In March, will be opening a petite but practical additional office in The Shops on Market Street on the island. It would be our great pleasure to have you visit our newest clinic and optical boutique and become part of our Seaside family! For more information, visit seasideeyes.com or call 912.466.9500.

surgery group, and furthered her career for many years in plastic surgery and clinical aesthetics. After meeting her husband in 1999, she moved to St. Simons Island and opened her first business in clinical Aesthetics. Now having come full circle, Boni has landed where she began. While she is now considering

retirement, Boni continues to work two days at B.Lush Salon + Spa, 284 Redfern Village. She is looking forward to being a mentor to the young professionals with whom she now shares an office. Boni and BellaMichelle Skincare can now be reached at 912.223.4741. lovebellamichelle.com

BENNIE’S RED BARN Restaurant, Music Club & Special Events Venue An Island Tradition Since 1954 OPEN NIGHTLY FOR DINNER

Reservations Suggested (but not always necessary)

LIVE MUSIC IN THE TREEBAR

Wednesday-Saturday Nights (Free Fish Fry on Thursday)

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ELEGANT ISLAND LIVING

5514 FREDERICA RD 912-638-2844

MARCH 2018

W H AT ’ S H A P P E N I N G

TAKE A TURN ON THE CAT (OR DOG) WALK Jekyll Island plays host to the inaugural Fur Babies & Fashion event. The day will include great fashion from Beach Village merchants. and a raffle and door prizes with proceeds benefitting local animal shelters in the Golden Isles. Adoptable cats and dogs will be on hand – some strutting on the runway! – in search of their furever homes. Fur Babies & Fashion takes place Saturday, April 14, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on the Village Green in Jekyll Island’s Beach Village. For more information, please call 912.319.2083 or 912.319.2024 or email furbabiesandfashion@gmail.com.

CASSINA TO CELEBRATE RESTORATION OF CABINS The Cassina Garden Club, St. Simons Island, celebrating its 90th year, is proud to announce the completion

Dale McNabb Financial Advisor 29 Coral Park Way, Ste. 102 Brunswick, GA (912) 267-9374 66

Will McKenzie Financial Advisor 559 Ocean Blvd. St. Simons Island, GA (912) 634-6557

ELEGANT ISLAND LIVING

of the restoration of the historic 1830 tabby slave cabins at Hamilton Plantation on Gascoigne Bluff. The club would like to express its heartfelt gratitude to all those who supported this endeavor, and those who continue with their financial assistance. It has taken approximately four years to restore the cabins at a cost of $400,000. To celebrate this occasion, Cassina would like to invite the public to an inaugural event, Music at the Cabins, with the singing and saxophone stylings of Michael Hulett on Sunday, April 22, 2018, 5:007:00 p.m., on the bluff. This event is free and open to the public. Bring a chair and feel free to pack a picnic with your favorite beverages. There will be educational tours of the completed cabins beginning at 4:00 p.m. All are welcome.

James Sexton Financial Advisor 3409 Frederica Road St. Simons Island, GA (912) 634-9796

Logan Jones Financial Advisor 1430 Newcastle Street Brunswick, GA (912) 264-8865

A TAILWAGGIN’ GOOD TIME Mary Ross Waterfront Park will be the place for pups to be on Saturday, March 24th! The annual Bark for Life fundraising event for the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life will take place from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. There will be a dog walk and costume contest, live entertainment, silent auction, delicious food, and so much more. The event is free and open to the public, but all dogs must be registered. Advance registration is $20 per dog or $30 for two. Event day registration is $25. Student registration is only $5 with ID. Each registered dog receives a doggie swag bag, bandana, and a T-shirt for their human. Raise funds with your pet by creating or joining a Bark for Life team. Sign up today at relayforlife.

org/barkglynncountyga. For more information, call Summer Rogers at 912.262.2504.

Ginny Johnson Financial Advisor 219 Edwards Plaza St. Simons Island, GA (912) 634-0200

Jeff Jones Financial Advisor 1430 Newcastle Street Brunswick, GA (912) 264-8865

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FASHION FORWARD The annual CASA Fashion Show and Luncheon takes place in March this year! Lots of lovely models will strut their stuff and spring and summer styles from local retailers and boutiques at The Cloister on Sea Island. As always, a scrumptious luncheon prepared by the Sea Island chefs will precede the runway action. There will be several fantastic raffle items for you to try your luck at winning. Set aside Thursday, March 29 to attend, and keep an eye on the mailbox for your invitation. For more information, visit casaglynn.org or call the CASA Glynn office at 912.264.4448.

HIGH FIVE It’s the fifth year of Shamrockin’ to benefit Communities in School of Glynn. This year the fun fundraiser will be at Morningstar Marina on Saturday, March 17 at 4:00-7:00 p.m. Celebrate your St. Patrick’s Day and support students in the community with an evening of live music by longtime local favorites, The Stringrays, delicious light appetizers to satisfy your palate and free flowing beer and wine. Tickets are $60 per person or $110 for two, and can be purchased online at Eventbrite or at the door of the event. Sponsorship opportunities are also available. For questions, please call 912.223.4641.

SOAK IN THE SOULSHINE On March 9th, The King and Prince Beach & Golf Resort is excited to present “A Tribute to the Allman Brothers” as part of the Surf Side Party Series. There will be an oyster roast, barbeque, and the amazing music of the The Allman Brothers Band featuring TRIBUTE. The party takes place in the scenic setting of the island resort between 6:0010:00 p.m. and proceeds benefit the Boys & Girls Club of Southeast Georgia. Tickets are $60 per person, include access to the event, 2 drink tickets, oysters and a barbeque buffet. They can be purchased by calling 912.268.5966 or visiting bgcsega.com. You don’t want to miss this!

Complete Dental Care for Infants, Children and Teens. – NO REFERRAL NECESSARY – We take the time to attend to each child’s individual needs. Certified, American Board of Pediatric Dentistry 2487 Demere Rd., Suite 300 St. Simons Island, GA 912-638-9302

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MARCH 2018

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DESTINATION DARIEN On April 13-15, head up to Darien to experience their annual Blessing of the Fleet Festival. This three-day fun filled event consists of an art show, a YMCA 5K, children’s activities, arts & crafts and food & drink vendors, a classic car show, live entertainment, including concerts Friday and Saturday nights, and a marine parade. On Sunday, they bless the shrimp boat captains with a safe and prosperous season. The celebration usually draws a crowd of 30,000+ throughout the weekend, and you’re invited to join the fun and fellowship. Daily cost of entry is $5 per person, with children under 14 admitted free of charge. Sunday admission is free for everyone. For more details, visit blessingofthefleet.com.

INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL RETURNS IN APRIL Here’s a chance to experience a world of other cultures without leaving Glynn County. The 7th Annual

SIGNS OF SPRING One of the wonderful signs of spring is the annual Spring Invitational Arts & Crafts Market at Postell Park in Pier Village on St. Simons Island. Stroll under the oaks and explore unique arts and crafts such as painting, pottery, garden art, artisan foods, jewelry, from a wide variety of local and regional vendors.

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International Festival will be held on Friday, April 6, from 2:00 to 7:00 p.m. Once again, the Robert S. Abbott Race Unity Institute partners with College of Coastal Georgia to host this celebration highlighting the various cultures that are represented in the Golden Isles. It will take place on the Brunswick Campus of CCGA. There will be fun and educational events to appeal to all ages, including a Global Food Bazaar; a Marketplace with an array of artisan wares; a multicultural lineup of musical groups; a Culture EXPO; a KidFest; informational displays by community organizations, and more. Admission is free and open to the public. It’s a rain-or-shine event. Please come out and join the festivities!

The Market takes place from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on both March 17th and 18th. This makes a great additional stop if you’re out on the Christ Church Tour of Homes or have visitors for the weekend. For additional information and a list of participating vendors, visit soglogallery.com.

Huge Outdoor Play Area Coming Soon!

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MARCH 2018

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THE ANNUAL ST. SIMONS LAND TRUST OYSTER ROAST WAS, AS ALWAYS, A FUN-FILLED EVENING UNDER THE OAKS AT GASCOIGNE BLUFF. It was a brisk night, but the fellowship was warm and the food was delicious. Music by Suzy and the Bird Dogs kept people’s toes a-tapping too. 1. Bonnie, Kala and Ken Brooks. 2. Beth and Matt Lemke. 3. Jeremy Baxter James, Natasha Williams. 4. Chandra and Steve Kendall. 5. Johnnie and Sandi Lyles. 6. Bill and Marti Jeffers. 7. Peggy Meyer Von Bremen, Jan Moates, Kathy Pennington, Forrest Willis. 8. Walt,Nina, Jeremiah and Jacob Dunaway. 9. Nancy and Jeff Molitor. 10. Michelle and Larsen Anderson. 11. Mike Malone, Amanda and Ashley Johnson. 12. Dennis Hirstin, Karen Claspille,Tweeter and JJ Johnson. 72

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13. Cissy Thompson, Holly Wolfe. 14. Mike and Libby Matthews, Kelsey Carter, Cody Blades. 15. Nathan and Martha Williams, Eric Moye, Lynda Sternisha. 16. Creta Nichols, Faith Willis. 17. Renn and Sibby Gruber. 18. Lawton and Mitzi Tollison. 19. Bill and Wanda Dawson. 20. Jenni Morris, Sube Lawrence. 21. Trey and Alice Bedingfield, Beth Fennell, Karin Mills. 22. Sallie Sasser, Peggy Sheffield. 23. Kendall Copeland, Alexander Tharpe. 24. Kristen, Karen and Bruce Cameron.

MARCH 2018

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THE GOLDEN ISLES CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU RECENTLY HELD ITS INAUGURAL HOSPITALITY CELEBRATION AT THE CLOISTER ON SEA ISLAND, and it was a resounding success! Awards were presented to individuals and businesses who go above and beyond in their contributions in the hospitality industry by Golden Isles Convention and Visitors Bureau president Scott McQuade, Glynn County Commission Chairman Bill Brunson, and Brunswick Mayor Cornell Harvey. (Not pictured, winners of the Creative Expression Award: Jekyll Island Authority, and Lifetime Achievement Award winner Albert Fendig.) 1. Shared Vision Award winners Amy Roberts, the St. Simons Island African American Heritage Coalition, Ben Slade, former executive director of the St. Simons Land Trust, Patty Deveau, director of Friends of Harrington School, and Glynn County Government for the preservation of Harrington School. 2. Partner of the Year winner Davis Love Foundation and The RSM Classic. 3. Swati Berman, Chantel Durden, Patty Henning, Amy Wisenbaker. 4. Marcie Hunter, Scott McQuade. 5. Malachi Morris, Felicia Harris, Allen Booker. 6. Stacia Hendricks, Sherri Jones. 7. Scott Steilen, Tomee Sellers, Dave Snyder. 8. Behind the Scenes Award winner – Connie Towns of The King and Prince Beach & Golf Resort. 9. Best Impression Award winner Bruce Dunham of The Cloister. 10. Community Spirit Award winners Halyards Restaurant Group and Southern Soul Barbeque. 11. Rising Star Award winner Nate Ramey of Little St. Simons Island. 74

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MARCH 2018

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THIS YEAR, A WINE OPENING EVENT WAS HELD AT THE LOVELY HOME OF BETH THRIFT TO OPEN THE “SEASON” FOR THE 2018 CHRIST CHURCH ECW TOUR OF HOMES. Attendees learned more about features of this year’s Tour and the homes and historical sites that will be included. The Tour celebrates its 65th year and will take place on March 17. You can learn more about the Tour and purchase tickets online at christchurchtourofhomes.org. 1. Tom and Avery Brooks. 2. Deborah Jaehning, Lee Catts, Christine Plank. 3. Andy and Amy Jenkins, Donna and Fr. Tom Purdy. 4. Sandy Storino, Susan Garrett, Alice Barlow. 5. Carol Davis, Pam Hamilton, Billie Huggins. 6. Becky Rowell, Jan Spragge, Susan Shipman. 7. Karen and Richard Fleming, Rip Graham. 8. Tom and Tami Black, Bob Brown. 9. Fred Barlow, Janice and Roy Davis. 10. Susan Imhoff, hostess Beth Thrift. 11. Tour Co-Chair Charlotte Graham and Chair Beth Smith. 12. Beryl and David Blatchford. 76

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MARCH 2018

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TEAMS PICKED UP THE MIC AND SANG IN SUPPORT OF LOCAL COMMUNITY MEMBERS WHO HAVE BEEN TOUCHED BY CANCER at the CURE-oke fundraiser presented by the American Cancer Society Victory Board. Bennie’s Red Barn hosted a fish fry and provided the stage while DJ Sista Fun, Bonita Tanner, spun the tunes. The second year of this fundraiser was even better than the first! 1. Team Holliboobs looking simply irresistible even without their lead singer Brent Barbee. 2. Lillian Clarke, Karleen and John Thompson. 3. Clement Cullens, Thomas Bryan, Tom Reagan. 4. Carol Adams, Beverly Godley. 5. Jessica and Tripp Stephens. 6. Tom and Patsy Bryan. 7. Judy and Geoff Jones. 8. Kevin and Brittany Crotty, Sube Lawrence, Nikki and Kris Maichle. 9. Bess Thompson, Rhonda Harper, Debbie Arnold, and Gina Holman showing off team signs. 10. Heather Joris, Tiffany Herndon, Ashley Williams, Maggie Aldridge. 11. Sara and Justin Callaway, Jessica and Tim Morris. 12. Kate Danowski, Jeannie Beth Baxter. 13. CASA Glynn’s Team lil’ ian. 78

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

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MARCH 2018

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GUESTS ENJOYED FANTASTIC WINES AND COASTAL CUISINE AT THE WINES OF THE WORLD AND COASTAL CUISINE FUNDRAISER for St. Francis Xavier Catholic School. The delectable fare was prepared at St. William Catholic Church by some of the area’s finest culinary talent. A silent auction was also part of the evening’s festivities. 1. Valerie and Ed Kehoe. 2. Tommye Cashin, Bonnie McGimpsey. 3. Bill and Lynn Stewart, Patrick and Beverly Fetter. 4. Maureen and Bill Horn, Sister Anna Kearns. 5. Tom and Mimi White. 6. Jennifer Podlin, Jill Andrews. 7. Jennifer Kline, Doree Avera. 8. Elena and Doug Lund, Renee Kirk. 9. Sandra and John Kraus, Erin and Jeff Bors. 10. Debbie and Con Holland, John & June Galland. 11. Becky and Chick Candler, Joanne Martelli. 12. Ducille and Tim Sullivan, Maureen Thompson. 13. Marlisa and Blase Grady. 14. Ed O’Grady, Joanna Devincenzo. 80

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TEAMS CAME OUT IN FULL FORCE TO SHOW THEIR STRENGTH AND SUPPORT COMMUNITY CHILDREN IN NEED AT THE PULL FOR A KID TUG OF WAR at Howard Coffin Park. It was a cold day, but Michael Hulett played some hot tunes to keep everybody warmed up during the social at Marshside Grill that followed the tug of war competition. 1. Michael Hulett. 2. Pull for a Kid organizer Brent Nichols, Glynn Bennett. 3. Haley Kaylor, Elizabeth Yanda. 4. PULL! 5. Martin Smith, Broker Smith, Mary Whitney. 6. Lexie Doke, Lauren Doucet, Laura Ginn, Jessica St. Clair. 7. Rhonda & Jim Murphy. 8. Stephanie Mercer, Tonya Wildes, Heidi Willis. 9. David and Mercedes Proctor. 10. John and Denver Frederick. 11. Xaida Baxter with her brood and her father Brent Nichols. 12. Liz and Matt Murphy. 13. Patricia Wheeler, Amy Simpson, Suzette Simpson. 14. Brunswick Revolution football team. 82

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MARCH 2018

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THE BRUNSWICK ROCKIN’ STEWBILEE WAS THE PLACE TO BE! Competition was fierce, and we think everyone who participated was a winner! With a pooch parade, classic cars, Brunswick Stew tasting, and live music, it was a fun way to spend a Saturday at Mary Ross Waterfront Park. 1. Shawn Lepko, Gail Wiedemeyer. 2. Peter Bufkin, Mark Hannah, Wade Parr. 3. Team Superior. 4. Bob and Vinnie Bartlett, Sammi. 5. Robin & Tony Williams. 6. Andre Walls, James Flack, Louc Connan, Stephen Giles. 7. Linda Dickerson, Jason Dickerson. 8. Craig Bandy, Zach Broyles. 9. Justin Middleton, Dan Patrick, Hadley Middleton, Dedra Patrick, Kathy Patrick, Sunshine Umterwagner. 10. Roy and Mandy Chamblis, Wesley Bashlor. 11. Shawn Adkins, Ross Ward, Jennifer Adkins. 12. Leah Yanagiya, Heather Brissey. 13. Addington Place team. 14. Kathy Shattuck, Tinker Benton. 84

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THE COASTAL GEORGIA CHAPTER OF DUCKS UNLIMITED RECENTLY HELD ITS ANNUAL BANQUET AT THE GRUBER AVIATION HANGAR. GUESTS ENJOYED LIVE MUSIC WHILE THEY MIXED AND MINGLED OVER COCKTAILS BEFORE A DELICIOUS DINNER, BID ON LIVE AND SILENT AUCTION ITEMS, AND EVEN GOT THE CHANCE TO PET A PUP OR TWO. An Alumacraft boat with a Yamaha outboard was raffled off during the evening festivities as well. For more information about Ducks Unlimited, its conservation mission, and how to become a member, visit ducks.org. 86

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MARCH 2018

SSI ARCHIVES

How an Island Neighborhood Got Its Name

he land on the southwest side of St. Simons Island, bordering the Frederica River, has been identified by many names through the years: Hamilton Plantation, Gascoigne Bluff, Epworth By The Sea. But the moniker that draws the most questions is Jewtown. With no temple on St. Simons and only a small Jewish population in Glynn County, how did Jewtown get its name?

area, and the business of processing Georgia longleaf (yellow pine) revitalized the economy.

The story begins with the construction of the lumber mills at Gascoigne Bluff. With the collapse of the plantation economy after the Civil War and the abolishment of slavery, land and labor were available for new enterprises in Coastal Georgia. Worldwide demand for lumber attracted investors to this

Among the families who benefited from the mills were the Levisons. Sig and Robert Levison built a general merchandise store about a mile east of Gascoigne Bluff to serve the mill workers. As more people began working in the area, houses were built around the store. The Levisons called the new

The Georgia Land and Lumber Company of New York bought the Hamilton cotton plantation at Gascoigne Bluff in 1875 and built lumber mills there. Empty plantation buildings became offices, boarding houses and stores. The mills provided jobs for both African American and white families, with opportunities to work at or around the mills.

neighborhood “Levisonton.” The name was not adopted by locals, however, who substituted the name of the Levisons’ faith. The neighborhood was thus called “Jewtown.” Although the mills and the Levisons’ store are long gone, that part of the Island is still referred to as Jewtown. It is one of the three historic African American neighborhoods on the Island, along with Harrington and South End. As for the Levisons, they became prominent Brunswick citizens who served in the city’s government and were among the original congregation of historic Temple Beth Tefilloh, established in 1886. This month’s image of an unidentified home in Jewtown is from a hand-colored glass lantern slide in the Society’s Margaret Davis Cate Collection.

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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Elegant Island Living March 2018

Articles inside

What’s Happening

SSI Archives

Business Buzz

The Star Behind Starfire

On Shots and Spiritual Well-Being

Springtime on Stage

A Golden Sun Is Rising

Par for a Cure

Islanders Helping Islanders

Touring History and Homes

Be One with Nature