The Mighty Oak
A Tribute to Russell “Rex” Allen Jackson by Noble House owner Zoe HerringtonMy analogy of Rex to the USS Constitution is the inner and exterior strength he had. As a community, we should be so proud that the USS Constitution framework and hull were constructed from live oak from Gascoigne Bluff on St Simons Island. It was the dense composition of our local oaks that made this ship formidable. When I met Rex, I remember thinking “this is one remarkable man,” and his strength, integrity and spine made me reflect on my viewing of this magnificent ship.
Rex was a computer genius and was such an asset to my jewelry store when I had problems. Rex had integrity, treated me with respect and NEVER overcharged me. Rex was unflappable and was a dynamo at figuring out computer complexities few people could. I relied on him because he was a trusted part of my success. His character was shown in so many ways. He loved his family dearly and his close circle of friends whom he chose carefully.
I have always been told that you can easily look at a man’s children to see his true character. In today’s time, it is difficult at best to foster our children’s journey without giving them space to grow into their own person. As a father, Rex excelled in mentoring his three children and I saw this at his funeral. I was crestfallen to walk into the church, as Rex was a legend to me, much like the formidable USS Constitution His wife, Elizabeth, was my first customer on St. Simons Island. The pair met in Atlanta, married, and then raised their three children here.
At Rex’s funeral services, the couple’s adult children confirmed everything I had felt about him. Without prepared notes, they spoke purely from their hearts with dignity and poise, just like Rex would have done.
Rex was a cornerstone of our success at Noble House. We miss him as a friend, a mentor, and our computer expert. Godspeed to our Rex. 912.434.9161 | 1700 Frederica Rd, Ste 105 | St. Simons Island (Across the street from the Post Office) 913.491.4861 | 11620 Metcalf Avenue, Overland Park, Kansas
a.m. – 7 p.m.
with the team at
House Jewelry. You’re sure to find the perfect gift to create a treasured memory.
Time Waits For No One
Remember when you were a kid and years seemed long? I think each middle school year felt more like 18 months than 9 months. And what about being 15 and waiting a full year until you were 16 and able to get your driver’s license?!
For me, time started to speed up once I was in college. The four years I spent in Athens, GA seemed to go by in a flash.
I remember the summer after my sophomore year thinking I would be a working “adult” in just two years. Those two years went by in two months!
I blinked my eyes and was 30. Turned around and I was 50. Now, entering my 60s, I want to slow down time but not slow down. But how do we do that? What can motivate us to get out of the ruts we all seem to fall into? Try treating your time like money.
Each morning, the “bank of life” credits each of us with 86,400 seconds and every night it writes off the unused and uninvested amount that remains. There’s no balance carried over. No overdrafts are allowed. Each day there’s a new account opened for you with the same balance, and every night the records of that day are burned. If you fail to use the deposits, the loss is yours. There is no going back. The account forces you to live in the present,
on only today’s deposits. To get the most of your health and happiness you must invest it. Treasure every single moment you have and spend your time bettering your life and the lives around you. It is never the case of us not having enough time to do things, but the case of whether we want to do them and choose to invest our time in them.
So, if you want your life to slow down instead of speed up, do new things, visit new places, meet new people. Remember, time waits for no one.
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ON THE COVER: This month we’re indulging our love for all things literary and as part of our book-inspired fashion, Taylor Crawford brought a modern-day vision of Jane Austen’s world to life. For more about her attire and accessories, see page 32. Hair and makeup by Coastal Glam.
Photograph by Annaliese Kondo, Studio Pixel Pop.
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Fall for Books
From timeless fables and fairytales to the nonsensical world of Dr. Seuss or the insatiable appetite of The Very Hungry Caterpillar, stories soothed us, awakened our imaginations, and set us on a path of learning as children. The books read before bedtime, story hour at the library, Sunday school lessons, and circle time with teachers all had a role in shaping our brains and view of the world.
The power of words, whether spoken or written, is truly amazing. In these pages, we’re indulging our love of all things literary and encouraging you to fall for books all over again this fall.
Ali Carlyle is known for her fun costumes and infectious enthusiasm during “Story Time with Ms. Ali” at the Marshes of Glynn libraries. Ali is wearing a dress and jewelry from Butler’s Stash. Learn more about story times at the libraries on page 23.
There’s
nothing like a good story!
Far beyond mere entertainment, stories and storytelling play an important part of a child’s development. Research shows that babies’ brains prepare to speak months before they say their first words. In order for that preparation to occur, children need to hear spoken language. Talking, singing, and sharing stories every day helps your child recognize sounds, words, and language, and form early literacy skills. It helps develop your child’s brain, ability to focus, concentration, social and communication skills. Reading to children has been proven to raise IQ and improve critical thinking. And children aren’t the only ones who benefit; the special time you spend together promotes bonding and strengthens relationships.
Reading and storytelling spark your child’s imagination, stimulate curiosity, and help your child learn the difference between real and make-believe. Children learn to identify with their emotions, to empathize, and to better understand new or frightening events. Stories and songs teach about the world around them and other cultures.
By looking at books together
Tell Me
and talking about them, you demonstrate language skills and communication. By watching you hold a book the right way and seeing how you turn pages gently, your child learns to value books and stories. Words, pictures, and gestures help your child to pick up on the cognitive perks: they’ll start to take in what you’re saying and will learn things about numbers, colors, shapes, animals, or anything else you’re reading about. They’ll start to understand cause and effect and strengthen their logical thinking ability. Their attention span will increase, and they’ll become better listeners and communicators. Books also expand our vocabulary by exposing us to new and different words or words that we wouldn’t typically use on an everyday basis, such as names of plants or animals.
Story time with others offers children social opportunities and allows them to see how other children empathize with characters, express emotion, and engage their own critical thinking skills. Here in the Golden Isles, we have wonderful libraries that offer story time with engaging storytellers, like Ali Carlyle and Vicki Greene. Story time at the Brunswick-Glynn County Library is Tuesdays & Thursdays at
10:30 a.m. Story time at the St. Simons Island Public Library is Wednesdays & Fridays at 10:30 a.m. Additionally, Righton Books in Redfern Village on St. Simons
Island hosts Second Saturday Storytime & Craft at 10:30 a.m. on the Second Saturday of the month. Drop in with your youngsters and join the fun!
ABOVE: Storyteller Vicki Greene brings joy to every story she tells at the Brunswick Library. Vicki is wearing apparel from Butler’s Stash.
OPPOSITE PAGE: Ansel Owens is the wee traveler standing atop his own planet with a single rose, inspired by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s classic tale, The Little Prince His princely attire is from the J. Bailey collection at Bailey Boys.
You don’t have to be a child to enjoy the storytelling experience. For almost a decade now, some of this country’s finest storytellers have gathered on St. Simons Island for a few days of education and entertainment at Epworth by the Sea. On February 17-19, 2023, the St. Simons Storytelling Festival will be back for its eighth year. Returning are “Dean of Storytelling” Donald Davis, along with fellow Festival veterans Andy Offutt Irwin who turns over emcee duties to Bil Lepp. Joining them are master storyteller, narrator, librettist, instrumentalist and singer Charlotte Blake Alston and Native American storyteller Dovie Thomason.
Traditional and contemporary stories from African and African American oral and cultural traditions are Charlotte’s forte. In 1999, she began studying the kora and the West African historytelling traditions of Senegal, Mali, Guinea, and Guinea Bissau. Her solo performances
OPPOSITE PAGE: Cassie Jones’s Ultra Suede Jacket by Damee from Evelyne Talman would fit right in the world created by Maurice Sendak in his iconic Caldecott Medal-winning picture book Where the Wild Things Are No wild rumpus to mess up the hair and makeup by Coastal Glam though, please!
are often enhanced with traditional instruments such as djembe, mbira, shekere, or the 21-stringed kora. Dovie brings to life the wise, boisterous teaching tales of her Lakota and Plains Apache relatives, sharing her culture with wit, passion, understanding, sly humor, and astonishing vocal transformation. This former teacher’s stories from her own life and her people’s experience provide a contemporary vision of the rich cultures of the First Nations of North America. Dovie is an NEA and Arts International recipient and received the National Storytelling Network’s 20 07 Circle of Excellence Award.
Born in a Southern Appalachian mountain world rich in stories, Donald Davis has a long career as a storyteller and steadfastly promotes the cultural importance of storytelling through seminars and master
classes. The retired United Methodist minister is the author of 18 books and more than 40 original recordings, and received both the Circle of Excellence and the Lifetime Achievement Awards from the National Storytelling Network.
One of the most highly sought performing storytellings in the country, Andy Offutt Irwin is a one-person showman with a silly putty voice, hilarious heart-filled stories, and amazing mouth noises (arguably, the greatest whistler in the world). He’s been aptly described as “equal parts mischievous schoolboy and the Marx Brothers, peppered with a touch of the Southern balladeer.”
Award-winning storyteller, author, and recording artist Bil Lepp bravely takes over as emcee this year. You may recognize him as the host of the History Channel’s Man vs. History series or NPR’s internationally syndicated Mountain Stage His humorous, family friendly tall-tales and stories have earned the appreciation of listeners of all ages and from all walks of life. Though a 5x champion of the WV Liars’s Contest, Lepp’s stories often contain morsels of truth which present universal themes in witty ways.
Registration for the festival is open now. For more information, event schedule, and registration, visit stsimonsislandstorytellingfestival.com.
Where Books Live
Formany of us, just the word “library” invokes a feeling of security and warmth, conjuring images of shelves lined with books and cozy reading nooks, and that distinct “book smell” of old tomes. This is where storytelling and books converge. Public libraries are community hubs and meeting places, centers for learning and access to virtually unlimited educational and entertainment resources, and homes to our heritage and history. They offer educational programs, art and culture, personal and professional development, access to technology, and so much more. From our earliest days attending story time to finding leisure time books and activities to keep us busy in our later years, many of us have had libraries as a constant in our life, throughout the various stages of development and wherever we may live at the time.
Here in Glynn County, we have the Marshes of Glynn Library System with its 2 branches: the Brunswick-Glynn County Library and the St. Simons Island Public Library. The system is part of the Georgia Public Library Service and a member of the PINES library consortium, which gives local library patrons access to the collections of 300 library branches and affiliated service outlets throughout the State of Georgia. That’s a shared collection of 11 million books and other materials that can be delivered to our home library free of charge! There are also digital resources available, such as Libby by Overdrive, GALILEO, eRead Kids, Mango Languages, and much more.
The Brunswick-Glynn County Library is located at 208 Gloucester Street in Brunswick.
The library is open Monday, Wednesday, Friday & Saturday: 9:30 am to 5:00 pm; Tuesday & Thursday 9:30 am to 8:00 pm. Phone: 912.279.3740.
The St. Simons Island Public Library is located in the St. Simons Casino Building at 530A Beachview Drive. It is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday: 9:30 am to 5:00 pm; Wednesday: 9:30 am to 7:00 pm; Saturday: 9:30 am to 1:00pm. Phone: 912.279.3750.
From children’s story times to yoga, and English as a Second Language classes to
Scrabble sessions, the Marshes of Glynn Library system offers so many programs, clubs, and activities free of charge to the community. They also have meeting rooms available, computers to use, and art on display. To see the wide variety of offerings, online catalogs of resources, or sign up for your PINES card, visit moglibraries.org.
ABOVE: New worlds and adventures await you in the shelves of books at the Brunswick-Glynn County Library.
OPPOSITE PAGE: Nobody was late to this afternoon tea party styled in the fashion of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll. While Amy Certain and Allen Medeiros are picture perfect in attire from Planters Exchange, a certain cat insisted on taking center stage. Making the party extra festive was the fabulous cake by Sweet T’s Cakes, and flowers from A Courtyard Florist.
SteadfastSupporters
Eachof the Marshes of Glynn Libraries have non-profit auxiliaries that support them by raising awareness, sponsoring programs, encouraging donations, providing financial assistance, organizing used book sales, operating used bookstores, and more. Becoming a member is a great way to support your local library and to learn about literary events in the area.
The Friends of the Library Brunswick GA operates a bookstore at the Brunswick-Glynn County Library that sells “gently used” books, audiobooks, CDs, videos and DVDs. It is open MondayFriday 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. and Saturdays 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Their next Used Book Sale will take held in January 2023, so keep
an eye out for the date. Learn more about the Friends of the Library Brunswick GA, their objectives, events, and the other services they provide at friendsbwk.org.
The Literary Guild of St. Simons supports the Marshes of Glynn – St. Simons Island Library branch through its bookstore and Fall & Spring book sales. They currently have more than 600 members. Membership dues enable them to provide books and other materials to the St. Simons Library and support our community’s literacy activities.
The Guild hosts free movie screenings and popular Meet the Author events at the St. Simons Casino Theatre. They also award monetary grants to local literacy programs. For a full calendar of events, bookstore hours, and information about the services provided by the Guild, visit litguildssi.org. To receive notifications of new events, follow them on Eventbrite.
Meet the Author events are free for Guild members and $10 for non-members. These are the author events currently scheduled through November:
Thursday, October 6
Award-winning author Kathy Bradley visits to discuss her third book, Sifting Artifacts, which asks important questions about humanity, community, and stewardship.
Wednesday, October 19
Laura Kelly Robb visits to talk about her latest suspense novel set in St. Augustine, The Laguna Beach Research Club.
Tuesday, October 25
Ten-time Emmy Award-winning news anchor/ reporter John Pruitt visits to discuss Tell It True, which draws upon his real-world experiences covering Georgia in the 1960s.
Tuesday, November 1
New York Times best-selling author and founder of The Moth, George Dawes Green visit s to talk about his latest whodunnit, Kingdoms of Savannah
Tuesday, November 15
Janisse Ray, author of bestseller Ecology of a Cracker Childhood and Wild Spectacle, visits to discuss her most recent works.
Monday, November 21
Just in time for the holidays, culinary master Johnathon Barrett visits to present Cook and Celebrate, a beautiful, delectable, and nostalgic read that will invoke warm, festive memories and inspire you to celebrate life in the kitchen.
Books are available for purchase and signing at all of these events and are supplied by G.J. Ford Bookshop.
Real Books
Golden Isles oldest independent bookstore, G.J. Ford Bookshop has been in business since 1995. Located at 600 Sea Island Road, in the Shops at Sea Island on St. Simons Island, they offer New York Times bestsellers, as well as books of local interest, children’s books, classics, audio books, exquisite boxed cards, greeting cards, Lamy pens, and puzzles. Led by owner Mary Jane Reed, their friendly and knowledgeable staff is on hand to help find your latest read and encourages you to take your time while making your selection. With over 50 years of combined experience in the book business, G.J. Ford’s dedicated staff specializes in helping readers of all ages and interests feel comfortable in the bookshop, providing whatever level of service they desire, from giving book recommendations to special ordering or conducting a search for an out-of-print book. And
… Real People
Thethey offer a rewards program too, so read, read, read!
Mary Jane is a firm believer in the importance of a community having a physical bookstore and being able to hold and feel real books, recommended by real people. She sees them as a place to bring people together to talk about books, share thoughts on current events, enjoy author events, and to benefit from their knowledge of books both old and new. G.J. Ford is proud to partner with the Literary Guild of St. Simons Island to provide the Meet the Author events. They also support local book clubs with a 15% discount off their chosen books. The bookshop is open Monday-Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., please stop by. Sign up for their monthly newsletter and learn about author events and recommended reads at gjfordbookshop.com.
Your G.J. Ford Bookshop owner Mary Jane Reed with her current favorite read.Discovery Destination For
Opened
in 2019, Righton Books at 222 Redfern Village is the realization of a lifelong dream and culmination of a 50-year career in retail for Darryl Peck. He always envisioned creating an independent bookstore like the ones he loved in his native Upper West Side of Manhattan. Now, working alongside his wife Anne, in the bookstore that bears her father’s name, Darryl is living that bookshop-keeper dream. He’s currently working on expanding Righton’s too.
Righton Books offers all the latest fiction and non-fiction titles, as well as a world-class selection of illustrated books in categories such as art, architecture, design, photography, interior design, automobiles, and more. If you’re a music lover, their music section should not be missed. The children’s section is
unparalleled and includes a large selection of young adult titles. Righton also offers the largest selection of cookbooks in the Southeast, a dizzying array of gift items, stationery, and more. A bonus? The Jittery Joe’s Coffee shop attached to the store. Who doesn’t love the combination of books and coffee or tea?
Darryl calls Righton Books a place for discovery, because every day, young and old find new and compelling titles there. “They discover books they didn’t know existed. Subjects they didn’t know they were curious about. Words they didn’t imagine could make them laugh, or cry. Dreams they didn’t know they had. This is what we live for.” Righton also offers a reward program and discounts for book clubs. The bookstore is open from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday-Saturday and from noon to 5:00 p.m. Sunday. You can also purchase books online and learn about Righton’s book clubs and other store events at rightonbooks.com.
Ella Cart
Dottie Clark
Trish Rugaber
Joan Hilliard
Lydia Thompson
Cheryl Keefer
Ute KleemannSportschuetz
Ella Cart
Deborah Jinkins
Michael Jinkins
The Gallery with the Orange Door Open Tuesday - Saturday 10-4 and LEFT: Righton Books owner Darryl Peck insisting that the Darryl in George Dawes Green’s The Kingdoms of Savannah was in no way inspired by him.Bibliophiles Unite!
Book
clubs are a wonderful opportunity for social interaction, a guided literary experience, discovery of new cultures, deep dives into history or topics of special interest, and more. There are a vast number and wide variety of book clubs here in the Golden Isles.
The Marshes of Glynn Library System hosts a handful of book clubs. Hattie’s Book Club is a community of readers who welcome all ideas and insights that meets at 6:15 p.m. in the Brunswick-Glynn County Library the third Tuesday of each month. The Golden Isles Non-Fiction Book Club meets at the Brunswick Library the last Tuesday of each month at 6:00 p.m. Originally designed to cater to our seasonal visitors but open to all, the Snowbirds Book Club meets the fourth Wednesday of the month at 10:00 a.m. in the Brunswick Library. The Men’s Book Discussion Group (or Snowbirds Book Club Husbands *wink wink*) meets at the Brunswick Library the last Monday of the month at 10:00 a.m. At the St. Simons Island Library, the Cookbook Club meets at noon the first Monday of each month. Please contact Programming Coordinator Diana Graham at 912.279.3738 with any questions about the MOG book clubs.
If you are a member of the Literary Guild of St. Simons Island and are interested in joining or forming a book club, contact Erika O’Brien at erika.patoni @gmail.com. She can connect you with other Guild members of similar reading tastes and availability. Their book clubs usually consist of 6-8 members and meet monthly. After the initial introduction, the clubs run on their own.
Righton Books established its own book clubs due to customer requests for clubs with more focus on the books and some professional help
in book selection. While this may change, they currently host the following groups inside Jittery Joe’s: The Booker Book Club meets the fourth Tuesday of each month at 6:00 p.m. They read books that have appeared on the Booker Prize long list, some of which are a little offbeat, but usually inspire lively conversation.
A spinoff of the Booker Club, the Erudite Book Club reads books that are considered more challenging, because of their unusual structure or language. Their meetings are on Monday at 6:00 p.m. every other month. The Paperback Book Club meets the first Tuesday of each month at 6:00 p.m., reading books that were hardcover bestsellers and are newly available as paperbacks.
The Baking Book Club meets solely for events (watch the Righton calendar) like the Holiday Cookie Swap and the Bake Sale for Children’s Literacy.
Most members are excited to try baking from the great recommended cookbooks, classic and new, but bakers are welcome to use their own recipes.
For questions about the clubs or their
current reading selections, or to request Righton to host your book club or help with reading selections, call 912.771.0808.
The list here is a good starting point, but it is in no way comprehensive. Ask the librarians and bookstores about others they may know about, explore options like the playreader’s group at Golden Isles Arts & Humanities, or offerings at the College of Coastal Georgia. If you’re a member of the Island Newcomer’s Club, they have multiple book clubs as well.
“Why did you do all this for me?” he asked. “I don’t deserve it. I’ve never done anything for you.”
“You have been my friend,” replied Charlotte. “That in itself is a tremendous thing.”
E.B. White, Charlotte’s Web
For15 years, Golden Humanities has presented The Big Read in partnership with Marshes of Glynn Libraries and the College of Coastal Georgia, sponsored by the National Endowment for the Arts. This wonderful two-month-long literary and arts celebration is centered on the community reading one selected book and coming together for a variety of programming for both adults and children (with a “Little Big Read” featuring a similar themed children’s book) that includes talks, films, plays, lectures, and art exhibits that reflect the themes of the book. Past books have included diverse selections such as Toni Morrison’s Beloved, Nathaniel Philbrick’s In the Heart of the Sea, and The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain.
When The Big Read returns in February 2023, it will be a little different. Coastal Georgia is stepping out of the umbrella of the NEA program and will be offering a modified program of events through the Brunswick-
Library, and College of Coastal Georgia. The 2023 book selection is Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen. This “comedy of manners” had immediate success when it was first published in 1813 and has remained one of the most popular novels in the English language. With engaging characters like vivacious heroine Elizabeth Bennet and proud, brooding beau Mr. Darcy, Austen’s sparkling wit brings to life this romantic clash and the larger world of Regency England.
With multiple film and television adaptations of the novel, including Colin Firth’s iconic portrayal of Darcy, and several other works by Austen to enhance, contrast, or compare, there is certainly ample material for The Big Read. We can’t
OPPOSITE PAGE: Whether we call her Emma, Elizabeth Bennet, or Miss Dashwood, Taylor Crawford looks like she stepped out of a modern adaptation of any Jane Austen novel. Her sheer kimono with embroidered back, white cami top and jeans are from Ronne’s on Market Street. She wears jewelry from Joseph Jewelers including morganite dangle earrings with a diamond embellished rose gold setting, an elegant cameo ring, and a cabochon cut rose quartz brooch necklace and ring set from their estate collection. Coastal Glam styled Taylor’s hair and makeup.
wait to see what programming they have up their sleeves!
Check the websites for Golden Isles Arts & Humanities (goldenislesarts.org) and the Marshes of Glynn Libraries (moglibraries.org) as well as the EIL website and online calendar for more information about The Big Read and the events associated with it and let’s read together!
LoveSpreading Literary
If you are an avid reader who loves the feel and smell of books and adheres to the philosophy “You can never read too many books,” you do run into the very real problem of having too many books and not enough room for them. When that happens, the beauty of the book is that it has a new life in another reader’s hands. It’s the best kind of recycling!
Book donations will happily be accepted at the St. Simons Island Library and the Literary Guild Bookstore during open hours and can also be picked up from your home. There is great demand for recent bestselling fiction. They do not accept books that are in poor condition (e.g. torn, written in, dirty or water damaged) or encyclopedias, textbooks, magazines, comic books, LPs, VHS or 8-track tapes. If you have many books to donate, please box them and text/call Tony Cipolla at 609.290.8379 to arrange a pickup. Book donations are also accepted at the Friends of the Library Bookstore at the BrunswickGlynn County Library.
Used books can be purchased in the bookstores at each of the libraries and at the seasonal book sales. Come out to the St. Simons Casino Atrium for the Literary Guild of St. Simons’ Fall Book Sale
Thursday, October 20 (Member Preview) through Saturday, October 22 and stock your bookshelves with some new-to-you reading for winter.
Another way to recycle your books is to keep a box or bag of the paperbacks you’ve read or children’s books that your kids have outgrown in your car and drop a few in the “Little Free Libraries” around the island and in Brunswick when you see them. Some easily accessible little
free library locations on the island are in front of the St. Simons Land Trust office on Frederica Road, in front of St. Simons Elementary School and Oglethorpe Point Elementary School, and near the lighthouse off 12th Street. If you need help finding others, there’s a public Facebook group called Little Free Libraries of Saint Simons Island that can help. Help fill them up to keep books circulating in our community.
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Story Spinners
The Golden Isles is a fertile breeding ground for creatives. Many artists, musicians, writers, and performers live here or visit regularly and find their inspiration sparked by its unique character, rich history, and natural beauty. Here, we take a closer look at some of these local and regional authors.
George Dawes Green
It may seem that starting this section with George Dawes Green is an odd choice, as this internationally celebrated author is closely tied to New York, where he founded the renowned not-for-profit storytelling organization The Moth in 1997. However, he’s a perfect place to begin: a champion of both the art & craft of true personal storytelling and independent bookstores.
George grew up on St. Simons Island and has a deep affinity for Brunswick and the Golden Isles. Local and regional events and characters color the pages of his most recent novel, The Kingdoms of Savannah and it was George’s fond memories of nights spent on island porches that inspired The Moth to begin with.
Aptly dubbed “A Storyteller’s Storyteller” in an interview by local author James Calemine,
George is indeed a first-rate raconteur. His tales capture you from the start, both the spoken word and what he has penned.
George’s first novel, The Caveman’s Valentine, published in 1994, won the Edgar Award and became a motion picture starring Samuel L. Jackson. The Juror, released just a year later, was an international bestseller in more than 20 languages and was the basis for the Demi Moore-Alec Baldwin movie. Fourteen years later, his novel Ravens, set here in Brunswick, was chosen as one of the best books of 2009 by the Los Angeles Times, the Wall Street Journal, the Daily Mail of London, and numerous other publications.
Now, more than a decade later, George has returned to his South Coastal Georgia home with The Kingdoms of Savannah. The provocative page-turner is receiving much critical praise and has already been called an instant classic. Neil Gaiman described it as “the apotheosis of Southern Gothic Noir.”
George brilliantly weaves a suspenseful and chilling tale that fits right in with Truman Capote’s In Cold Blood and John Berendt’s Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil
As for the spoken word, The Moth has taken on a life of its own, with the Peabody Award winning Moth Radio Hour and podcast. This year, inspired by its origin – stories shared on warm nights in Georgia as moths flocked towards the porch light and the stories – The Moth celebrates its 25th anniversary with its first-ever Pop-Up Porch Tour. A mobile porch towed by a Chevy Silverado is on the hunt for stories and storytellers making stops throughout the South. They’ll be in Atlanta October 26-29. Learn more at themoth.org.
George was recently at Righton Books for the release of his book (thank you, Cheri!) and caught up with some old friends from the island, where he brought his Unchained tour back in 2012. He’ll be back on St. Simons as a guest of the Literary Guild on November 1. Reserve your seat on EventBrite and get ready to hear some stellar storytelling.
OPPOSITE PAGE: Katie Wendler brings to life Holly Golightly from Truman Capote’s novella Breakfast at Tiffany’s in chic black sunglasses and attire courtesy of Allie Harper boutique. Her string of pearls, 14K white gold and diamond tapered hoop earrings and bracelet are from Joseph Jewelers. Hair and makeup styled by Coastal Glam.
“As an optometrist, part of my responsibility is diagnosing cataracts and making sure my patients receive the best cataract care available. Having recently relocated to the area, I make it a point to ask patients who performed their cataract surgery. I’m then able to evaluate the result of their surgery when I’m performing an eye health assessment. I always see excellent surgery results from Dr. Imhoff and patients are happy with the care they receive at Southeast Eye. S o, it is without hesitation that I recommend Dr. Imhoff. As a matter of fact, I recently had him perform my cataract surgery. My own cataract case was complicated and Dr. Imhoff was able to deliver excellent results. I couldn’t be happier with my vision.”
–Mark Seacat, O.D., Optometrist • Brunswick
“I feel humbled by the opportunity to help Dr. Seacat. He is a new member in the long line of doctors and family of which I have been honored to perform cataract surgery. I continue to feel blessed to do the good Lord’s work of protecting and preserving the precious gift of sight.” Dr. John Imhoff
James Calemine
As James Calemine has already been introduced here, it’s only natural that we turn to this local author’s newest book next. Ghostland America, James’ fifth book, featuring stories and 100 photos taken over several decades in several Southern states, was released in July. Actor Brit Whittle’s review is spot on: “James Calemine is a born storyteller. Ghostland America is a lovely chronicle of a bygone era withered in time but somehow alive in every photograph.”
In 2017, South Magazine ranked Calemine among “Eleven of the Greatest Photographers in the South.” A prolific writer, his work has been featured in many regional and national publications. Ghostland America combines James’ skills beautifully and joins his prior compilation of fiction and photography, The
Local Stranger His two Insured Beyond the Grave books share essays, interviews, and dispatches from the 30+ years he’s spent chronicling some of America’s greatest artists, including Townes Van Zandt, The Georgia Sea Island Singers, Stanley Booth, Hunter S. Thompson, Steve Cropper, and many others. James’ work is always a revelation, sometimes factual, sometimes spiritual. Always worth the read. For more about James and to order his books and photos, visit jamescalemine.com.
Paul Meacham
In a similar vein, and from another talented photographer with a love of the music scene and eye for unique and offthe-beaten-track scenes, is Abandoned Coastal Georgia This collection of artistic documentary photographs accompanied by meticulously
researched history that reveal the hidden history of Georgia’s coast is the first published work by St. Simons Island resident Paul Meacham. You may recognize Paul’s artistic eye from the social media pages for Abandoned Coastal Georgia and Coastal GA Travel, or his PaulyRockPhoto concert photography. He might be best known locally as “Pauly on the Radio” for his job with Golden Isles Broadcasting. Paul recently did a book signing at Righton Books and a First Friday photo presentation at SoGlo Gallery, where he plans to return for another presentation now that the book has hit the shelves. The book is priceless in preserving the visual legacy of many beautiful and historic Coastal Georgia sites, some which have already disappeared. Available at Righton Books and other local retailers, or online.
Kathy Bradley
The Literary Guild of St. Simons will welcome award-winning author Kathy Bradley on October 6. Kathy is the author of Breathing and Walking Around and Wondering Toward Center Her books have earned her the Georgia Author of the Year title twice, and now, she brings us a third, Sifting Artifacts
She too appreciates the importance of stories, saying, “… And it was stories that led me to fall in love with words. Words in books, words on road signs, words spoken in the smooth southern accent of my people.” Her own words describe her work best: “For nearly 25 years I have written about the ordinary and the commonplace, framed through the lens of nature as I’ve observed it from, among other inspiring places, Sandhill – a small house with a big heart located on the land my family has farmed for nearly 50 years. I have created that world in newspaper columns, magazine articles, speeches, and two books of what some
OPPOSITE PAGE: With a floral crown from A Courtyard Florist and fashion from Lillie B. Tween, Kenley Kirby looks like she would be right at home behind the garden gate within Frances Hodgson Burnett’s The Secret Garden Coastal Glam styled her hair and makeup.
have called parables and what I simply call glimpses of grace.” She adds, “Just glimpses because
life moves fast and expectations are high and anything more than a glimpse would require a lot more stillness than I thought I could afford.”
It’s always a treat when Kathy visits. Find the Guild’s event on Eventbrite and reserve your spot to come enjoy some stories. For more about Kathy and her writing, visit kathyabradley.com.
Janisse Ray
Another South Georgia “farm girl” receiving accolades for her writing is Georgia Writers Hall of Fame member Janisse Ray. This talented writer, naturalist, and activist made an indelible impression with her bestselling first book, Ecology of a Cracker Childhood, a New York Times Notable. Her recent collection of nonfiction essays about wilderness and life, Wild Spectacle, ranges from Costa Rica to Alaska, and from South Georgia to the Southwest. It also earned her the Donald L. Jordan Prize for Literary Excellence. Her nature writing often is compared to that of luminaries like Walt Whitman and Rachel
Carson, and has won a staggering number of awards, including the American Book Award and Pushcart Prize.
Janisse lives a simple, sustainable life on Red Earth Farm, near Savannah. She’s an organic gardener, tender of farm animals, slow-food cook, and family-time lover who is active in her local community. She’s no stranger to the Golden Isles and surrounding region, and recently gave a talk at Ashantilly Center. She’ll be on St. Simons Island for a Meet the Author Event on November 15 and hopefully we’ll hear about her new literary adventure: her first work of fiction! The Woods of Fannin County is based on a true story of eight children that vanished from a rented bungalow in Morganton, Georgia in 1945 and how they survived the years that followed. It’s a tale of resilience and hope that promises to be another brilliant work by Janisse. Be sure to reserve your seat on Eventbrite. For more about Janisse and her writing, visit janisseray.com.
Taylor Brown
2021 Georgia Author of the Year Taylor Brown was born in Brunswick and grew up on the Georgia Coast. He graduated from UGA, and has settled in Savannah following stints in Buenos Aires, San Francisco, and North Carolina. With his most recent historical fiction novel, Wingwalkers , he steps into the world of American literature’s “three kings:” Hemingway, Fitzgerald, and Faulkner. This fascinating novel is one-part epic adventure, one-part love story, and one large part American history. The story follows the adventures of a husband-and-wife duo of Great
Depression barnstormers who are funding their journey west by performing death-defying aerial stunts from town to town and intertwines them with the real-life exploits of author (and thwarted fighter pilot) William Faulkner. When their paths cross during a dramatic air show, there are unexpected consequences for all. “Brown has taken a tantalizing tidbit from Faulkner’s real life—an evening’s chance encounter with two daredevils in New Orleans—and set it aloft in this fabulous novel. With scintillating prose and an action-packed plot, he has captured the true essence of a bygone era and shed a new light
on the heart and motivations of one of America’s greatest authors.” Garden & Gun placed Wingwalkers at the top of their 2022 Summer Reading List.
Taylor is also the author of a short story collection, In the Season of Blood and Gold, as well as four previous novels: Fallen Land, The River of Kings, Gods of Howl Mountain, and Pride of Eden. He is the editor-in-chief of BikeBound.com, and his writing has appeared in a wide range of publications, including The New York Times, The Rumpus, Garden & Gun, Chautauqua, The North Carolina Literary Review, and many others. He
and local photographer Ben Galland recently collaborated on “Ode to Blackwater Rivers,” a piece published in The Bitter Southerner. Taylor is the recipient of a Montana Prize in Fiction, and is a three-time finalist for the Southern Book Prize. He’s also been a finalist for the Press 53 Open Awards, Machigonne Fiction Contest, Wabash Prize in Fiction, Rick DeMarinis Short Story Contest, Dahany Fiction Prize, and Doris Betts Fiction Prize. If you haven’t read anything by Taylor, do yourself a favor and please do! For more about Taylor, his upcoming schedule, and his books, visit taylorbrownfiction.com.
Just mentioning The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald conjures up a very specific time and vibe. Kelli Bufkin in a vintage look dress from Mixed Nuts Boutique & Consignment and chandelier drop earrings, 14K white gold Australian opal and diamond ring, and 18K white gold and diamond bracelet from Joseph Jewelers. Kelli’s hair and makeup were styled by Coastal Glam.
William Rawlings
Born and raised just three hours away in Sandersville, Georgia, Southern story author William Rawlings still lives on the family farm and practices medicine there. While writing is an interest that developed rather late, William has published several novels in multiple genres. He says, “Unlike a number of other authors, I didn’t grow up with a burning desire to be a writer. But sometimes you have a story that just needs to be told, and so I hammered out my first book. To my great surprise, it was quite successful, and now writing occupies much of my free time.”
William’s first five novels were commercially successful works of Southern suspense that earned positive reviews and interest from Hollywood. His September 2019 mystery set in Savannah, The Girl with Kaleidoscope Eyes, marked a return to that genre. 2023 will bring a new novel of Southern suspense, featuring John Wesley O’Toole, the disbarred-attorney-turned-art-dealer protagonist of The Girl with Kaleidoscope Eyes. This will be the first of three new books in which O’Toole is the major character.
The more recent books have been non-fiction stories of Southern history. A Killing on Ring
Jaw Bluff, is in part the story of an infamous 1925 murder, and in part a history of the crash of Georgia’s cotton economy in the 1920s. It was named Finalist in History for the Georgia Author of the Year Awards in 2014. His book The Second Coming of the Invisible Empire is a fascinating study of the Ku Klux Klan in the 1920s. Rawlings went even further back into Southern history with The Strange Journey of the Confederate Constitution, an anthology of shorter pieces. He has taken on true crime in 2020’s Six Inches Deeper, about the 1972 Valdosta case regarding Hellen Hanks’ mysterious disappearance and subsequent trials, and again in his most recent book, The Columbus Stocking Strangler. Rawlings calls this half-century spanning account of the serial killer who terrorized the city of Columbus, Georgia in the late 1970s one of his most complex and complicated writing projects, adding “It’s also one of the most fascinating, with unexpected twists and turns that rival those of a crime novel.”
Of particular interest to local readers, especially in light of the St. Simons Island Lighthouse’s 150th birthday, is William’s recent book, Lighthouses of the Georgia Coast This illustrated history of the state’s five existing lighthouses, important structures in Georgia’s maritime and economic history, was awarded the Finalist in History honor for the 2022 Georgia Author of the Year Awards.
William was recently here for a signing at Righton Books, and it’s likely that we’ll see him on the island again soon. For updates and more about William’s books, visit williamrawlings.com.
Laura Morelli
History is vibrantly brought to life through the unique lens of an art historian and world traveler when you pick up a book by local author Laura Morelli. This bestselling historical novelist earned her Ph.D. in art history from Yale University and turned from scholarly writing to spinning tales of fiction based in historical fact and authentic detail, earning numerous awards along the way. Laura also has a series of Authentic Arts guides to shopping for art, artisan works and more in France, Italy, Florence, Naples & the Amalfi Coast, and Venice that have enriched the experiences of many travelers over two decades. She is far from a stuffy historian and her novels paint such a vivid and engaging world, you’ll feel like you just stepped onto a gondola and are soaking in the beautiful surroundings.
Her novels include The Painter’s Apprentice and The Gondola Maker; The Giant: A Novel of
OPPOSITE PAGE: A scene set by Eugenia Price in Beloved Invader, the third book in her St. Simons Trilogy, is the backdrop for Amanda Bauer. Her floral print dress is from Allie Harper and accessorized with a 14K Victorian style yellow gold and diamond locket from Joseph Jewelers. Hair and makeup by Coastal Glam.
Michelangelo’s David; The Night Portrait: A Novel of World War II and Da Vinci’s Italy; and The Stolen Lady: A Novel of World War II and the Mona Lisa. She recently completed The Last Masterpiece, which is scheduled to be released in May 2023. And somehow, between building a forever home on Sea Island, supervising renovations on other island family homes, making Zoom book-club appearances, managing other literary events and art history lectures in her Art History Academy, and making some time to travel, Laura is already working on her next historical fiction novel.
While Laura has no author events scheduled locally, hopefully we’ll get to see her in person when The Last Masterpiece comes out. In the meantime, she would be happy to talk to your book club via Zoom and also offers prerecorded presentations. For more details about those options or to learn more about Laura and her books, visit lauramorelli.com.
Kaia Alderson
Another historical fiction author that lives here in the Golden Isles is Kaia Alderson. A Spelman College and University of West Georgia aluma, Kaia’s passion is discovering “hidden figures” in African American women’s history. Sisters in Arms, her debut in the genre, reveals the untold, true story of the Six Triple Eight, the only all-Black battalion of the Women’s Army Corps, and the immense challenges they faced both within the bureaucracy
and during their deployment overseas during World War II. These courageous women formed the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion and made the dangerous voyage to Europe to ensure American servicemen received communications from their loved ones during WWII. Sisters in Arms was a July 2021 Book of the Month Club pick, a September 2021 Wall Street Journal Book Club pick, and November 2021 Literati/Stephan Curry’s Underrated Book Club pick.
Kaia has also published romantic comedy and historical romance works, as well as a few comics and short stories. She doesn’t have any local author events scheduled at this time, but we’ll be keeping an eye out!
Learn more about Kaia and her books at kaiawrites.com.
Honoring Our History
Another author raised on St. Simons Island and whose creative works focus on Georgia and the Georgia Coast is Stephen Doster . A writer and oral historian, Stephen has produced works of both fiction, including The Jesus Tree and Lord Baltimore , and non-fiction works like the oral histories Voices from St. Simons and Georgia Witness . He is also the brave soul who made the first attempt to encapsulate the history of St. Simons Island in one video: Saint Simons 360 . The well-crafted video takes you on a journey around the island and through time, visiting each of six distinct eras as well as historical events that continue to shape the island’s identity.
Doster’s collaboration with local photographer Benjamin Galland , Cumberland Island: Footsteps in Time , published by the University of Georgia Press, garnered them a 2021 Georgia Author of the Year award. Stephen adeptly takes the reader on a chronological journey, outlining the key events and influential inhabitants that have left their mark on this stretch of Georgia’s coast, illustrated with stunning color and black-and-white photography and historical images in a beautiful and informative coffee table book. To read more about Stephen and see a full list of his creative works and purchase options, visit s.doster.com.
Galland and retired journalist Jingle Davis have collaborated on three similar books of illustrated history for the University of Ge orgia Press. 2013’s Island Time: An Illustrated History of St. Simons Island, received the Award for Excellence in Documenting Georgia’s History from the Georgia Historical Records Advisory. Island Passages: An Illustrated History
of Jekyll Island in 2016 included commentary from June Hall McCash Earlier this year, Jingle and Ben released Following the Tabby Trail, Where Coastal History Is Captured in Unique Oyster Shell Structures. University of Georgia Press published Buddy Sullivan’s 2017 collaboration with Galland: Sapelo: People and Place on a Georgia Sea Island Known as the area’s foremost historian, Buddy has authored a multitude of other books about Coastal Georgia history. His most recent work is A Georgia Tidewater Companion, which contains observations about his 30 years as a historian.
While Jingle and Ben often make appearances at book signings for the Literary Guild and beyond, Buddy can be found doing lectures for the Coastal Georgia Historical Society as their Senior Historian. His winter Overview of Coastal Georgia History 6-part lecture
series is very popular and this October, he’ll return to the Brunswick-Glynn County Library to present An Overview of Historic Brunswick: Our City by the Sea. Information at coastalgeorgiahistory.org and Eventbrite.
When we start delving into local history, there are far too many authors and books to catalog here. A couple recent books that have not been mentioned are worth noting, however, and should be added to your shelf if you collect local history. The first is Gullah Geechee Heritage in the Golden Isles by St. Simons African American Heritage Coalition executive director Amy Lotson Roberts and Patrick Holladay Another is Nick Dom ’s From Millionaires to Commoners, The History of Jekyll Island State Park . Both of these titles can be found at our local bookstores and online.
The Sky’s the Limit
Three-time Georgia Author of the Year Pamela Bauer
Mueller is a fixture in the local literary scene. This Jekyll Island resident is well-known for her historical works, mostly geared toward young adults, and the Kiska cat trilogy for children. Her books, Splendid Isolation, about the Jekyll Island Club; Neptune’s Honor, about King family slave Neptune Small; An Angry Drum Echoed, about “Queen of the Creeks” Mary Musgrove; and Water to My Soul, about “indigo girl” Eliza Lucas are some of the most popular works published by her company Piñata Publishing (kiskalore.com). She is often a vendor at arts & crafts festivals and speaks at literary events.
Pamela’s most recent work, The Sky Is My Home , tells the story of Hazel Jane Raines, Georgia’s first female aviator. Raines dramatically broke through the constraints of traditional Southern womanhood to enter the exclusively male world of wartime aviation. As a daredevil “barnstormer” and stunt pilot, she left audiences gasping. Then she answered the nation’s desperate need for pilots during World War II, as one of the 25 Americana pilots recruited to serve as a
ferry pilot with the RAF, helping turn the tide of battle in the skies, and changing women’s aviation status forever. Raines story is one of patriotism, the power of positive attitudes and the joys of flight. Pam will be at Righton Books for a book signing on Saturday October 15, 2-4:00 p.m.
Elena Harrison often catches attention in her role as teacher and founder of Golden Isles Belly Dance, but you may not know she is writer Lena Mikado This fun-loving beauty has a fantastic story about her journey from growing up in Russia to a whirlwind romance that led to her marriage to husband, Chris, and home in the Golden Isles. She recounts the tale in her All the Colors of the Rainbow trilogy: A Journey to the Ocean , A Year in the Sky , and It’s All About Love They’re humorous, quirky, and full of love, just like their author. Follow Lena on Facebook at Lena Mikado – Funny Books for Women and visit her website at lenamikado.com.
Another brave new voice has come out of the Golden Isles recently to share lessons learned on a personal journey: Kathy Brooks, founder of 2nd Story Goods. In Painfully Honest, this social entrepreneur and
world traveler details her painfully honest journey to learning how our desire to help in a developing country or zone often ends up hurting because we are generally ignorant of the complexities there and because we have believed the popular narrative about the people who live there. Kathy courageously accounts how she came to terms with her own ignorance and savior mentality, writing openly about her mistakes, which are both hilarious and heart-wrenching. These are authentic stories of a brave yet terrified woman who arrived in Gonaives, Haiti and built 2nd Story Goods, despite many blunders. Kathy’s inspiring tale is honest about personal faith and failures and shares a narrative of great and gentle hope. Her incandescent p ersonality shines through in important lessons about learning respect, discarding pity, and embracing grace. The book is available at Wake Up Coffee and online at 2ndstorygoods.com.
OPPOSITE PAGE: Lillian Grace Steed is ready to take to the skies for a trip to some exotic tropical location, inspired by A Year in the Sky by Lena Mikado. She wears beach attire and scarf from The Cricket Shop, Celia sandals from Shackleford. Her hair and makeup were styled by Coastal Glam. Vintage suitcases provided by B&B Design and Consign.
Now we come full circle, introducing a woman who may need no introduction, because she is a cultural icon. Awardwinning novelist, owner and founder of DownSouth Press, teacher, filmmaker, journalist, and podcast host Tina McElroy Ansa is first and foremost a storyteller. She has regularly appeared with The Moth, along with George Dawes Green and was part of its Unchained tour. She established the Annual Sea Island Writers Retreats on Sapelo
Island in 2004 and has taken it on the road to Atlanta and beyond.
Tina calls herself part of a writing tradition: “one of those little Southern girls who always knew she wanted to tell stories.” Growing up in Middle Georgia in the 1950s hearing her grandfather’s stories on the porch and strangers’ stories downtown in her father’s juke joint inspired her own stories and writing and the fictional Mulberry, Georgia of her books.
Tina’s novels Baby of the Family, Ugly Ways, and Taking After Mudear were all included in the Georgia Center for the Book’s annual lists of the “25 Books Every Georgian Should Read.” Among her numerous honors, Tina received an honorary Doctorate of Arts from Spelman College, the Stanley W. Lindberg Award for her body of work and contributions to the literary arts community of Georgia, as well as the National Book Club Conference’s Bebe Moore
Campbell Memorial Award. She is a member of the International Literary Hall of Fame for Writers of African Descent at the Gwendolyn Brooks Center of Chicago State University.
With The Moth and its Unchained Tour, Tina has told her stories before audiences of more than 1,500 at shows at Town Hall in Times Square and at Cooper Union Hall in New York City and has been featured on “The Moth Radio Hour.” She has been a regular contributor to the awardwinning series CBS Sunday Morning with her essays, Postcards from Georgia, filmed on location here on her home of St. Simons Island. To be honest, she’s always doing something somewhere and it’s hard to keep track of it all!
What is Tina doing today? She currently hosts the “2 Old Chicks Who Know a Lot of Sh*t” podcast with Wanda Smalls Lloyd. This dynamic duo recently won an NABJ Outstanding Book Award as editors of the essay collection, Meeting at the Table: African American Women Write on Race, Culture and Community Keep up with Tina and find out what else she’s doing at DownSouth Press on Facebook and on downsouthpress.com.
Ready to Read
Hopefully learning about all these fantastic books and works by local authors makes you want to pick up a book, whether to read on your own or with children. Beyond expanding your knowledge, reading daily has so many proven benefits for your physical and mental health. These include reducing stress; lowering heart rate and blood pressure; fighting depression; improving brain connectivity, concentration, and memory; aiding in sleep readiness; preventing cognitive decline; and contributing to a longer life. This healthy habit is one we should cultivate in ourselves and our children.
Local mom Jen Tacbas couldn’t agree more. She founded literacy charity Great Books for Kids in order to equip children with the tools they need to ignite a passion for reading and support their journeys to becoming confident, capable readers. What are those tools? Amazing and engaging books! She shared some valuable advice with EIL about encouraging young readers.
First and foremost, Jen says to prioritize some uninterrupted time each day to read aloud with your child of any age. She also
OPPOSITE PAGE: Leo Medders reaches to catch an apple in this recreation of a scene from Shel Silverstein’s The Giving Tree, perhaps one of the most endearing stories about unconditional love of all time. Leo’s attire is from the J. Bailey collection at Bailey Boys.
reminds us that it’s important to make books accessible at home. “Have small bins of books around the house in places where your children frequent - the living room, in the car, and even the bathroom - to increase the opportunities for them to reach for a book.”
She adds, “Frequently add new books to your home. Encourage your child’s continual interest in reading and support his/her reading skills growth by purchasing a few new, age-appropriate books for your home at least several times a year.” Giving books as gifts for birthdays and holidays is an excellent way to do this.
National statistics continually show a strong correlation between the number of books in a child’s home and the child’s overall interest and success in reading and academics. Statistics also show 61% of children who live in low-income neighborhoods do not have a single age-appropriate book in their homes. When Jen witnessed that reality in her daughter’s class a couple years ago, she stepped in to purchase books for the students monthly. As demand grew for other students too, Jen founded Great
Books for Kids, Inc. to further that reach. Last year, Great Books for Kids served 500+ kids in Southeast Georgia and gifted $16,700+ worth of books. Teachers and families have given glowing feedback and expressed their appreciation. Jen says, “It is my goal to continually expand our reach in serving more children, as well as increase the number of books each child receives. We need monetary support to do that and would love our community’s help!”
There are three ways that you can support Great Books for Kids: 1) by making a taxdeductible monetary donation; 2) by becoming an official sponsor with your business; 3) by purchasing high-quality books for your young readers through links on the Great Books for Kids website with book providers that donate up to 25%
of their purchase to the charity. For more information, visit greatbooksforkids.org.
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeast Georgia operates The Early Literacy Academy at 2102 Albany St. in Brunswick. Its mission is to provide the foundation for all children to have successful academic careers and become lifelong readers through empowering families and communities with individualized instruction and measurable results. Additionally, the Burroughs-Molette Club location has an on-site children’s library that is open to the public and operated by MOG Libraries. Learn more at bgcsega.com/early-literacy.
Through their Books in the Home program, Junior League of the Golden Isles is committed to doing their part to put more books in the
hands of Glynn County’s neediest children and to ensure that they are read to regularly. In partnership with the Boys and Girls Clubs of Southeast Georgia and the MOG Library System, they host frequent story times for Pre-K through 2nd Grade at the local clubs. At each story time, the children are gifted a book and other goodies to take home. For more information and how you can support, see jlgoldenisles.org.
The Take 5 project recently launched by The Marshes of Glynn Libraries is aimed at early literacy. Its goal is to provide parents and caregivers with information about practices they can use with their children to prepare them for learning to read. For five consecutive weeks, students receive a bag to take home that contains books, toys, and activities grouped according
to one of five themes: talking, singing, reading, writing, and playing (early literacy practices identified by research for the American Library Association’s Every Child Ready to Read® program). These are easy activities that parents and caregivers can do with their child to prepare them for learning to read. The project, currently in its third phase, has been expanded from all Glynn County Schools pre-kindergarten classrooms to Head Start and private daycares or childcare centers. Read more about Take 5 and how your donations to organizations such as The Literary Guild of St. Simons Island, the Communities of Coastal Georgia Foundation, and other community charities and foundations can help at moglibraries.org/take-5.
Let’s get everybody reading!
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Bulldawg Books
Becausewe can’t let football season slip by without some red and black reading recommendations that are perfect to get you in the spirit. They make great holiday gifts for your favorite UGA football fans too!
Top Dawgs: Celebrating a Championship Season for the Georgia Bulldogs The only championship publication officially licensed by UGA. This book by KCI Sports Publishing is mostly reprints of regular AP game recaps supported by excellent photos.
Top Dawgs: The Georgia Bulldogs’ Remarkable Road to the National Championship This similarly named publication from Triumph Books opens with a foreword by Loran Smith and shares season coverage by the AtlantaJournal Constitution.
Return to Glory – A History of the Georgia Bulldogs. Why settle for a foreword from Loran Smith when you can get a whole book written by him and a foreword by championship winning head coach Kirby Smart?! Smith takes readers on a journey from the very beginning of the team through the 2021 National Championship in the way only he can. (All of Loran’s books are gems!)
Dominant Dawgs: Georgia’s Journey to the 2021 National Championship If you’re looking for an attractive coffee table book, this offering from Pediment Publishing fits the bill.
Delivered: How the 2021 Georgia Bulldogs Made History and Became National Champions This one comes straight from the Dawg’s mouth, so to speak, as it was produced by UGA student newspaper source, The Red & Black Publishing Co.
Attack the Day: Kirby Smart and Georgia’s Return to Glory Released in 2020, Seth Emerson’s book shines a light on the program with Smart at the helm.
University of Georgia Football Vault. This historic look at the program by Whitman Publishing is a classic.
The Road to Georgia: Incredible Twists and Improbable Turns Along the Bulldogs Recruiting Trail Get an inside look at the recruiting process from Jake Reuse and Patrick Garbin.
Historic Photos of University of Georgia Football. Patrick Garbin also produced this 2010 collection of vintage photographs.
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Echoes of Georgia Football: The Greatest Stories
Ever Told This 2006
Triumph Press shares fantastic stories and a foreword by Vince Dooley.
Always a Bulldog: Players, Coaches, and Fans Share Their Passion for Georgia Football. This touching compilation of personal reflections from more than 100 former players, coaches, and fans by respected journalist Tony Barnhart is a must for any Dawg fan.
Damn Good Dogs! The Real Story of Uga, the University of Georgia’s Bulldog Mascot Uga is the star of this 2011 book about the origin and line of succession of the beloved school mascot written by Sonny Seiler and Kent Hannon.
Vince Dooley’s Garden: The Horticultural Journey of a Football Coach. This book takes the reader between a different set of hedges, the home garden tended by Vince Dooley. This spotlight on the former coach’s passion for gardening is illustrated with brilliant colorful paintings by renowned artist and UGA alumnus Steve Penley.
100 Things Bulldog Fans Should Know & Do Before They Die by Jon Nelson. The title is selfexplanatory.
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Linda & Dave Templeman, OwnersStories For the Spooky Season
Beyondthe monster classics like Bram Stoker’s Dracula and Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, creepy tales by Edgar Allen Poe, or horror from the King of the genre, here are some seasonal selections for all ages.
Books for Adults/Young Adults:
The Haunting of Hill House First published by Shirley Jackson in 1959, this is considered by many to be the greatest haunted house story ever written.
The Exorcist William Peter Blatty’s 1979 book is even scarier than the movie.
The House of Salt and Sorrows Erin Craig’s New York Times bestseller has been called equal parts gothic romance and familiar fairytale, with a bit of whodunit too.
The Hour of the Witch Set in Boston, 1662, Chris Bohjalian’s 2021 New York Times bestseller is historical fiction at its finest.
Blood and Salt In her Young Adult debut, Kim Leggett has penned a sweeping, scary, and entertaining paranormal read.
The House Next Door Anne Rivers Siddons offers a new Southern gothic haunted house tale in the vein of Flannery O’Conner and William Faulkner.
The Year of the Witching Alexis Henderson has been called a master at creating enthralling fear. This 2020 debut and her September release House of Hunger are both sure to thrill and terrify.
The Bone Houses If for nothing other than the zombie goat, Emily Lloyd-Jones’ Young Adult fantasy is worth a read this season.
Books for Kids: Halloween is Coming This fun, rhyme-along picture book by Cal Everett is great for young readers and may become a holiday tradition.
Big Pumpkin Erica Silverman’s cute tale features not-so-spooky characters trying to figure out how to move a huge pumpkin.
The Graveyard Book. First published in 2010, Neil Gaiman’s story of Bod, the boy being raised by ghosts after his parents were murdered won both the Newberry and Carnegie medals.
Ten Timid Ghosts This fun counting book by Jennifer O’Connell is perfect for the season.
Pete the Cat: Trick or Pete Our littlest readers love Kimberly & James Dean’s lift the flap Halloween adventure of spooky surprises for this beloved cat.
Skulls! Blair Thornburgh and awardwinning illustrator Scott Campbell have created a smart, skull-positive story that cheerfully dispels any fears kids might have about this essential part of our bodies.
How to Make Friends with a Ghost Rebecca Green’s debut picture book imbues the timeless theme of friendship with offbeat humor, quirky and sweet illustrations.
Fall for Books Epilogue
Asalways, photographer Annaliese Kondo of Studio Pixel Pop deserves a great big thank you for bringing the bookinspired fashion and literary theme to life beautifully on the page. She went over and above to capture this wide variety of faces and spaces, complemented by fashion from our local boutiques. Special thanks to EIL staffer Molly Duckworth who spent three days being bossed around, but never lost her smile, while lending a hand on some of these 14 separate photo shoots..
Extra gratitude to everyone who helped us stage our crazy ideas, especially Judie and Ken Mattie for allowing us to shoot some of these photos at your gorgeous home. To Hesper Montfort at the St. Simons Public Library for keeping the doors open so we could shoot amidst the stacks. To Delaine Haulbrook and the Planters Exchange staff who created the tea party setting for Alice’s Adventures in
Wonderland To Paige King and her staff at Allie Harper Boutique for jumping in first with this idea to allow us to capture both Breakfast at Tiffany’s and Beloved Invader
Additional thanks to Tabitha at Sweet T’s Cakes for that incredible Alice in Wonderlandthemed cake. (You can find Sweet T’s on Facebook & Instagram or call 912.230.0828 to order your own sweet treats!) To Amy Lovin for being Sexy Monkey’s chauffer while he performed his very important role as Cheshire cat. We always appreciate Patty Rogers and
her son Kyle at A Courtyard Florist for coming through with whatever floral creations we can think up. To Andy Jones for the use of the plane and Jerry Latvala for staging the plane perfectly and waiting patiently while the sun was setting. To Mallory Sailors from Coastal Glam, for making everyone feel safe, comfortable, and beautiful. And finally, to all the models who rearranged their schedules and got into their “book” roles – we couldn’t have done it without you.
Meet Our Featured luxury
Each year Georgia welcomes many visitors seeking warmer weather, scenic beach views, a sense of community, and holiday vibes every day. Offering that soughtafter lifestyle, properties in the Golden Isles are a hot commodity. High demand and limited inventory make it more important than ever to find the right partner in your Real Estate journey. You deserve someone knowledgeable, connected, and trusted in the
AGENTS
community, who will go the extra mile and is backed by the #1 firm in Coastal Georgia.
Our team of 21 luxury specialists can help you whether you are relocating, purchasing a home for an investment, or trying to find a unique property – from private homes, waterfront estates and equestrian properties to residences with historical significance or unique architectural details. Consistently raising the bar
in terms of luxury real estate marketing and delivering results to their clients year after year, our team of REALTORS® has been pleased to represent over 1163 transaction sides from September 2021 through August 2022 –totaling over $430 million in sales volume.
Join us to learn more about some of our luxury team members, their influences, and favorite pastimes.
Patsy FelderBryan Garner Wanda MelindaGreeson Laager Evelyn MurphyYears
Melinda Laager
“Luxury is in the details.”
Melinda loves helping people match their needs and desires with the perfect home. She credits her best friend and former neighbor Pat Hodnett Cooper with inspiring her to become a Realtor. She finds change, whether it’s in real estate, the economy, inventory, area, or personal circumstances, to be a motivating factor.
Melinda strives to make certain her clients are well informed, and she goes the extra mile for each and every one of them. Melinda, a native of the Golden Isles, is a local volunteer and mentor. She has experience in major home renovations and home building.
Felder Garner
“Time is life’s greatest luxury.”
source of information for those relocating to the Golden Isles.
Wanda Greeson
“Life’s greatest luxury is loving what you do and where you live.”
Wanda Greeson enjoys natural light and a gorgeous view in a home, whether it is from windows overlooking the water or a beautifully landscaped courtyard. Her rescue dog Button is a wellknown companion, always up for an adventure and stealing the spotlight wherever she goes.
home is its architecture. Evelyn enjoys following authors and local restaurants on Instagram. Her absolute favorite dish is shrimp tacos at Halyards.
Evelyn has been an icon in the island real estate world since the early 80s and is an active volunteer with the American Cancer Society and former board member of various organizations including the YWCA, Sea Palms, and St. Simons Cotillion.
Patsy Bryan
Million
Total
Sept. 2021 - Aug. 2022
Transaction Sides
Sept. 2021 - Aug. 2022
Felder Garner grew up as a frequent visitor of the Golden Isles, home to her Grandparents. Over the years St. Simons Island became her favorite vacation destination, a place she dreamed of one day calling home. That dream became a reality, as a resident, she gets to introduce her clients to the beauty and charm that she fell in love with. Felder never seems to run out of energy to help her clients find their dream homes. Throughout her career, she has sold all property types including luxury, new construction, starter homes, and investment properties.
When not selling Real Estate, Felder enjoys cooking and spending time with family and friends. Felder is a certified Military Relocation Professional and is an excellent
Wanda loves helping people and finds it exciting to be able to share her passion for the Golden Isles whilst watching others fall in love with the area as well. Her knowledge, enthusiasm and attention to detail help her give each client the attention they need and deserve in order to have a truly wonderful buying or selling experience!
Evelyn Murphy
“Family and being able to give back are among life’s greatest luxuries.”
When not enjoying time with family and friends, Evelyn indulges her need for relaxation by enjoying scenic walks on the beach. Due to her interest in and a keen eye for interior design, one of the first things she notices about a
“Life’s greatest luxuries are family and friends.”
Patsy Bryan loves playing pickleball with friends and walking on the beach. She credits her father with teaching her about life, business, and balance – how to work hard and play hard. Later in life, she was influenced by her husband Tommy and their 2 children, Thomas, and Maggie, who all have a wonderful work ethic, are kind, and care about their patients and customers. A trip to Alaska remains on her bucket list as it’s the only state she hasn’t visited.
An Athens, GA native, Patsy has been a full-time Real Estate professional in the Golden Isles for over 30 years. She works diligently to provide her Buyers and Sellers the most recent knowledge about our ever-changing market.
FOR MORE INFORMATION about luxury real estate in the Golden Isles or to connect with this team of agents, please call 912.638.5450, visit coastalgeorgialuxury.com, or follow us on Instagram @bhhshodnettcooperluxury.
A member of the franchise system of BHH Affiliates, LLC
215 Mallery Street St. Simons Island, Georgia 912.638.3636 www.gibcobracelets.com @gibco
A GEM
I N T H E
C O A S T A L C O N S E R V A T I O N C R O W N
by Emily Ellison, Executive Director, St. Simons Land TrustSt. Simons Island is approximately the size of Manhattan.
One island has been able to retain a rare, green lushness that remains on a closeto-the-earth human scale. It could not be more different from the sky-scraping density of that other island that sits between the Hudson and the East River.
I think about that often, what might have been. It’s not a pretty picture, imagining St. Simons filled with high-rise condominiums and arcades, imagining the composition of the island if there had not been visionaries who took a stand to preserve a barrier island that has some of the most biodiverse ecosystems on the planet, if this community had not par tnered with the St. Simons Land Trust for more than two decades to preserve, protect, and manage nearly 1,200 acres of land.
Almost 1,000 of those protected acres – an area larger than Central Park – are on the north-end of the island. And more than 600 of those acres lie within what is considered one of the brightest, most precious gems in the state’s land conservation crown: Cannon’s Point Preserve.
This month the Land Trust is celebrating the 10th anniversary of having acquired and carefully managed the 608-acre Preserve. In 2012, at the completion of an 18-monthlong, $25 million capital campaign, the peninsula known as Cannon’s Point was
purchased, eventually making it possible for the public to visit and enjoy one of the only intact maritime forests on Georgia’s coast accessible by car. That successful fundraising initiative was one of the largest in the island’s history, with gifts coming from nearly 300 individuals, foundations, corporations, and other partners. It was a massive undertaking led by a tenacious group of people who were determined to see the property protected from development. As enormous as that effort was, however, some of the heaviest lifting came after the money was raised and the land was acquired.
All Land Trust properties are stewarded by management plans that are carefully crafted by professionals in environmental science, land conservation, education, scientific research, forestry, wildlife management, land restoration, climate change, storm protection, archaeology, recreation, and other pertinent fields of expertise. But a plan that would be required for a wilderness preserve with more than six miles of saltmarsh and river shoreline,
fragile ecosystems, and rare habitat that would eventually be opened to the public, had never been designed for a St. Simons Land Trust property. This was unchartered territory. And those who were involved in ensuring the Preserve’s future had to have vision, passion, and a deep and abiding respect for all that had occurred on that land for the past 5,000 years and all that could come afterwards.
There was proof, for example, of indigenous peoples having lived on the land since 2500 BCE. The Native Americans’ shell middens were not just piles of discarded oyster shells but were both archaeological features and important natural factors impacting the island’s soil. The middens, which release calcium carbonate, had for centuries created ideal conditions for some of the rare plants that reside in maritime forests. These “prehistoric dumping grounds” had to be treated as carefully as other artifacts, like the ruins of a home from the 1700s and other plantation-era structures, including those built by enslaved people who had lived and labored on the property.
The area surrounding a long-abandoned cattle dip had to be remediated. Hundreds of dead and dying pine trees, infested with pine beetles, had to be felled and removed. The limited wetlands on the property needed to be protected and allowed to continue acting as critical aquifer recharge areas for the island. Plans needed to be created on how to identify,
monitor, and control invasive species and to determine how and when visitors could enter the Preserve and what types of low-impact activities would be allowed. A forward-looking Perpetual Conservation Easement had to be drafted along with an arrangement with The Nature Conservancy to hold and monitor that easement. Reviewing documents of all that took place during those first months and years of owning the Preserve, and all that continues to take place daily, boggles the mind. The must-do list of projects, protocols, and activities would stretch from here to Darien.
Stephanie Knox, the first full-time Preserve Manager at Cannon’s Point Preserve, and now our Stewardship Director, worked seven days a week for the better part of two years, partnering with experts across a wide range of skills and knowledge, to whittle down that list. “The most challenging part of the position early on was working to create something that had never been done before by the Land Trust,” says Stephanie. “It’s thanks to the remarkable partners, staff, and volunteers who came together to share their expertise, passion, and guidance that allowed the Preserve’s vision to become a reality. The Preserve has truly been created by the community for the community and it’s incredible to see it now, as it was always envisioned to be, a model for conservation and a platform for education.”
When Stephanie was hired in 2014, the Land Trust owned and managed historic and iconic
properties across the island, but nothing on the scale of a 600-plus-acre wilderness area with rare natural communities of plants and animals and that was being envisioned as a living laboratory for study and research that would include public access. It took a tireless, dedicated, knowledgeable, and young Preserve Manager like Steph to help make that happen.
As Susan Shipman, who twice served as Chair of the Land Trust’s Board of Directors, said recently, “In retrospect, I am astounded at the scope and extent of the plan’s management goals we’ve been able to implement in part or fully achieved. At the end of the day, the thing that awes me is that magnificent maritime forest and its component habitats that remain undisturbed. To think what could have happened had that peninsula been built out as envisioned in the PUD that the county had approved years ago.”
That PUD (Planned Unit Development) included hundreds of homes, a golf course, and associated amenities. Not Manhattan, for sure. But the “what could have been” is, thankfully, a far cry from the now protected green expanse seen when you take a boat from the Hampton River Marina toward Little St. Simons and Sea Island: miles and miles of pristine maritime forest, with not a roof top in sight.
It took people like Shipman, Knox, Scott Coleman (Ecological Manager for the Center for Coastal Conservation on Little St.
Simons), Land Trust co-founders Ben Slade and Frances McCrary, Lee Richards (SSLT Board Chair at the time), and so many other past and current board members, advisory council members, staff from the Nature Conservancy and the Department of Natural Resources, along with countless volunteers to make that happen.
But few people worked harder and more tenaciously or had a more comprehensive vision for the property than Wendy Paulson. It was Wendy and her husband Hank, owners of Little St. Simons Island and internationally recognized conservationists, who not only made the lead gift to the Cannon’s Point Preserve fundraising campaign, donating more than $12 million to the effort, but who also tapped into the support of conservation leaders and donors across the country. Their commitments to coastal conservation didn’t stop when the checks were written, however. Rather, Wendy encouraged the development of different task forces that would provide critically important expertise to the staff and board of the Land Trust as they worked to create a national model for land conservation and nature-centered recreation and education.
On a borrowed bicycle, she peddled across the island, recruiting people like Mimi Rogers, Curator at the Coastal Georgia Historical Society, who agreed to head up the History Task Force. As a result of engaging people like Mimi, and other history and archaeology experts, Cannon’s Point Preserve
is a “no-take” area, meaning that there is no collecting or disturbing of natural and historic features. Today, because of such leadership and foresight, the Preserve has become known as a world-class complex of archeological sites that is of tremendous regional importance and that draws scientists from across the nation.
Led by its Education Task Force, the Preserve has also become a platform for education and research. Input from and partnerships with local colleges and universities have resulted in the Preserve being utilized as a free educational resource for school groups across the state.
The Conservation Task Force, along with numerous other stakeholders and Task Force members, worked with staff and board to create the Preserve’s Ecological Management Plan. This living document provides guidance and processes for long-term management, research, public access, educational outreach, and the encouragement of and integration of citizen science throughout the Preserve.
In addition, Cannon’s Point Preserve contains habitat important to native and migratory species of birds that pass along the Atlantic Flyway twice annually. The rare climbing buckthorn and Florida privet, as well as
the painted bunting (listed as a neotropical species of concern), are found at the Preserve; and its surrounding salt marsh, tidal creeks and rivers reduce the impact of storm surge on adjacent uplands, minimize erosion and subsidence, and provide essential habitat for fisheries as well as threatened, endangered and protected species.
“Cannon’s Point is rich in natural and cultural resources,” says Land Trust board and Stewardship Committee member Scott Coleman. “But perhaps even more important than protecting these resources is the access that SSLT has provided to this site and these resources over the past decade. In addition to opening this slice of coastal wilderness to the public three days a week, the Preserve has proved to be an incredible educational asset for students ranging from 1st grade to graduate school.”
One of the most remarkable things about Cannon’s Point Preserve is how many of the people who were initially involved in the fundraising, purchasing, and planning for a model wilderness preserve are still dedicated to and engaged in the work today. That includes Paulson, Shipman, Coleman, and most of the original Task Force members. As Scott has said, it’s extraordinary to find a conservation project where so many stakeholders have
come together to preserve a property with so many uses and provides such a wide range of experiences to the public.
Many of those stakeholders will gather October 22-23 when the Land Trust marks the 10th Anniversary of the Cannon’s Point purchase. It will be a weekend filled with activities for visitors of all ages, from plant and pollinator walks to bird walks to snake presentations to discussions with professors and students who have been involved in ongoing research over the years. There will also be tours to the north-end ruins led by experts from the Georgia Forestry Commission, The Nature Conservancy, and SSLT staff.
Bring a picnic and blanket and join us for lunch on the 22nd or 23rd under the 300-400-year-old trees that Wendy Paulson named the “Live Oak Rotunda.” In her words, “Cannon’s Point is an enduring gift from this community to future generations: the rare opportunity to experience Georgia primeval.” That’s better than anything you’ll find on that island in New York, and it won’t cost you a dime.
For additional information about the St. Simons Land Trust, please call 912.638.9109, drop by our offices at 1810 Frederica Rd., or visit sslt.org.
LOCALLY OWNED BY GENTLEMAN’S & LADY OUTFITTERS
A trusted brand by trusted local ownership
Glynn County Leaders Embrace Workforce Talent Development
In this issue of Elegant Island Living, the Davis Love Foundation (DLF) continues its partner and charity spotlight with a focus on The Talent Development Program of the Golden Isles Development Authority and Brunswick-Golden Isles Chamber of Commerce.
Investment in a community takes many forms. At the Davis Love Foundation, the focus is most often on the great works of charitable organizations that positively impact children and their families. This month, however, Foundation Focus turns its attention to a different type of community investment: workforce or talent development.
Investing in talent development is critical for every vibrant community. It helps current employers hire and retain qualified employees to meet their ongoing business needs. It helps attract businesses looking to locate or expand their operations in a community. It helps individuals identify career opportunities, undertake necessary training and education, and ultimately secure employment.
While the impacts are clear, talent development does not happen by chance, but instead requires partnership, vision, and
ongoing investment. Our strong business community, effective economic development elements, and committed community leaders have created a climate where businesses, including manufacturing, health care, logistics, hospitality, and federal government can thrive.
In 2020, the Golden Isles Development Authority and Brunswick–Golden Isles Chamber of Commerce launched an effort to develop a community-wide talent development strategy for the region. They brought in the Carl Vinson Institute of Government at the University of Georgia to work with a 23-member local steering committee to identify current workforce resources, challenges, and opportunities.
They developed a vision of recognizing the Golden Isles as a top location for talent development by implementing a
In its first twelve years, The RSM Classic, hosted by Davis Love III, has raised nearly $29 million to support local and national charities. The 2022 PGA TOUR event is November 14-20 at Sea Island Golf Club. For partnership information, regardless of the size of your business, contact John McKenzie, Director of Sales, at jmckenzie@dlovefoundation.com or visit rsmclassic.com.
community-wide workforce development strategy that is aligned to current and future workforce needs, is inclusive of partners, and has clear accountability. This initiative seeks to establish programs, strategies, and investments to support the community’s diverse industry base. The strategy also seeks to enhance prosperity for local citizens, create more job opportunities, and contribute to a stronger community. The Davis Love Foundation, in partnership with the Golden Isles Development Authority and Brunswick-Golden Isles Chamber of Commerce, was pleased to support this important program.
To learn more about the Glynn Country Talent Development Strategy, visit keepglynnrunning. com/growglynnsworkforce. To learn more about the RSMClassic, visit RSMClassic.com or follow @TheRSMClassic on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. #RSMClassicCares.
SWING FOR SUCCESS
Social Opportunities & Active Recreation, Inc. (SOAR) and BridgeHaven Academy are excited to partner together to host the inaugural Tournament Fore Success golf tournament at Sapelo Hammock Golf Club in Shellman Bluff on Wednesday, November 2. The day will begin with registration and breakfast at 8:00 a.m., followed by a 9:00 a.m. shotgun start. Registration is $125 per individual or $500 per 4-person team. Sponsorship opportunities are also available. Please consider coming out and playing in this charity tournament to support these two non-profit organizations that share a common goal of enriching the lives of youth and adults with developmental disabilities. Register at on Eventbrite or visit soargoldenisles.org.
CRUISE ON OVER TO MARSH’S EDGE
On Saturday, October 8, the third annual Cars for a Cause show featuring unique and classic cars will take place in the beautiful setting of Marsh’s Edge. This fundraiser to benefit the Alzheimer’s Association is open to the public with paid admission from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., along with music spun by DJ Yolanda Neely, a food truck for refreshments, 50/50 raffle and other prizes. Admission is $10 and tickets can be purchased at the gate. If you’d like to register your vehicle for the show or purchase a ticket in advance, contact Social Director Annsley Felton at 912.291.2001 or afelton@marshs-edge.com. All proceeds benefit the Alzheimer’s Association, a national not-for-profit and the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s care, support and research.
OCTOBER EVENTS AT HOFWYL
There’s lots to do at Hofwyl Broadfield Plantation Historic Site this month.
Join them for the inaugural Harvest Scavenger Hunt on any Tuesday through Sunday, October 1-30, between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Guests will be given a Harvest Scavenger Hunt Map to find clues to answer the secret saying and receive a prize bag filled with treats. It’s fun for the whole family! On Saturday, October 15, classic cars from all over the Southeast will be vying for the championship in Ophelia’s Classic Car Challenge, presented by Friends of Hofwyl-Broadfield Plantation and Classic Coastal Cruisers. Come out and vote for your favorite between 9:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. If you’re looking for something on the spooky side, the Ghosts and Legends of Hofwyl Broadfield Plantation tours take place every Friday night from 6:30-8:00 p.m. and are $20 per guest. Call 912.264.7333 for more information or visit gastateparks.org/hofwylbroadfieldplantation.
BRANDING & DESIGN FIRM EXPANDS TO SSI Elizabeth Schorr & Co. is excited to announce their expansion to St. Simons Island with the addition of Emily Been to the team. ES&Co. specializes in branding and graphic design for companies and organizations throughout the Southeast. Services include logo design, graphic design, website design, package design, social media graphics, business collateral, and more. Elizabeth Schorr & Co. believes that legit businesses and organizations deserve to look legit no matter the size of the small town or island where they were founded. SSI native Emily Been joined ES&Co. after graduating from Savannah College of Art and Design. Emily brings excitement for the area and creativity to every project. Whether you’ve been in business for 100 years or 10 minutes, they’d love to work with you! To see their most recent work, visit elizabethschorr.com, or call Elizabeth at 478.832.1535
PICTURED: Elena Garza, Elizabeth Schorr, Emily Been
ZOE’S SUPERSTARS OF THE GOLDEN ISLES
“I believe charity starts at home,” says Zoe Herrington owner of Noble House Jewelry LTD. What a grand opportunity she has to promote individuals in the Golden Isles that are not household names, but rather people that have home spun, sometimes gritty stories on Zoe’s Superstars of the Golden Isles. “What a delight and privilege it is to host this show on iHeart Radio’s WGIG AM & FM,” she exclaims. “Our program is recorded professionally in Brunswick at iHeart Media, 3833 US Hwy 82 with guests who voluntarily come on the show and are not paid for their interview. These are unsung heroes I take my hat off to featuring very special people in our community, i.e. one of the first female Fed Ex Pilots, Angela Sherzer.” If you know someone who is deserving of appearance on the radio show, please contact Zoe at 912.222.8328 or 912.434.9161.
Highly Recommended.
LAND DESIGN ASSOCIATES EXPANDS STUDIO
Jeff Homans, Landscape Architect, and associates Blake Hightower, Bo Parker, and Jay Gehler will continue to offer exceptional landscape design services and planning to their clientele from Land Design Associates’ newly expanded offices and design studio upstairs at 228 Redfern Village. “I’m excited to expand our space to better serve our team and our clients”, says Jeff Homans. “We are fortunate to be ideally situated in Redfern Village, as well.” Land Design Associates has been helping clients achieve their landscape goals for nearly 20 years. Jeff explains, “We engage our clients at every step of the process to ensure elegant and functional outdoor spaces are delivered on time and within budget. We view every project as a unique and stimulating challenge to our design and management capabilities.” When planning your next project, call Land Design Associates at 912.571.1137 or visit landscapearchitectga.com.
The Land Design Associates team: Blake Hightower, Jeff Homans, and Bo Parker (Jay Gehler, not pictured)Hans F. Trupp, CCIM founder and former Chairman of Trupp Hodnett Enterprises and The Management Company prior to taking the companies public (NYSE, RZT) in an IPO in 1998 has reentered the real estate business locally through an affiliation with eXp realty. eXp is a cloud based publicly traded (NASDAQ, EXPI) company with more than 90,000 real estate agents in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, South Africa, India, Mexico, Portugal, France, Puerto Rico, Brazil, Italy, Hong Kong, Colombia, Spain and continues to scale internationally.
This internet based high technology company will totally revolutionize the real estate
industry both with relationships of buyers and sellers and the relationship that sales people have with the company. Trend Magazine has described eXp as the Amazon of real estate. eXp realty offers a very unique agent attraction program and Hans has partnered with veteran Atlanta broker John Adams to inform and educate agents throughout the United States about eXp, one of the fastest growing real estate companies in the nation. Adams is well known throughout Georgia for his educational activities on behalf of the Georgia Real Estate Commission, and his regular appearances on Fox 5 Atlanta and CNN. He continues to be a freelance journalist with the Atlanta Journal-Constitution with more than 1,000 articles in print.
Thanks to the internet, eXp’s state of the art revolutionary cloud based technology and a unique revenue sharing plan Hans and his team are able to offer a performance-based, no risk maximum 4% listing commission on any real estate both residential and commercial. No risk - you can cancel the listing at any time for any reason. Hans would also be pleased to share his broad business knowledge and experience with anyone interested in a free no obligation consultation session with regard to any real estate problem. Call, email or text him if you would like to explore his listing program or if you have any questions with regard to eXp, one of the fastest growing real estate companies in the nation with now over 90,000 agents and growing.
DEATH OF A GANGSTER
You’re invited to a 1920s Mafia wedding at the Ballroom by Beach House on Jekyll Island October 15…and did we mention there will be a murder? This interactive murder mystery dinner theatre event begins at 5:15 p.m. with a Champagne welcome reception followed by an Italian inspired four-course dinner including a glass of wine or beer. (Cash bar available.)
Period costumes are optional but encouraged, so bust out your zoot suit, flapper dress and
feather boas, then join in to solve the mystery of why someone is sleeping with the fishes and whodunit! If you would like to be seated with other friends attending, please ensure that all tickets are purchased together, otherwise attendees will be randomly seated at round tables of eight. This event is hosted in conjunction
with The Murder Mystery Company and strictly limited to adults 21+ only. Get your tickets today at jibeachhouse.com/events.html.
ORDER BEAUTIFUL POINSETTIAS
The Live Oaks Garden Club is kicking off their 23rd Annual Poinsettia Sale on Friday, October 7th. The club is offering red, white, pink and “Jingle Bells” poinsettias in 8-inch foil pots for $20. These gorgeous,
lush, and longlasting plants are perfect for sprucing up your holiday decor and make wonderful gifts too. The sale lasts through Friday November 18th. Order your poinsettias through the Club’s website at liveoaksgardenclubinc.com and mark your calendars for Friday, December 2. Poinsettia pickup will take place on that date between noon and 6:00 p.m. from Community Church’s St. Simons Island campus located at 2700 Frederica Rd.
MOVE OVER MONTE CARLO
The Junior League of the Golden Isles (JLGI) is planning a festive evening of your favorite casino games, delicious libations, and fun fellowship. The Under the Oaks Casino Night will be held at Sea Palms Resort, Thursday, November 17 from 6:0010:00 p.m. All funds raised from the event will go directly towards supporting annual scholarships organized by JLGI, including the LemmonAid Scholarship which honors the late Shannon Lemmon, a beloved high school history teacher and member of JLGI. These scholarships are awarded to Golden Isles high school seniors
selected by JLGI in recognition of their outstanding volunteer service to their community.
JLGI is committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women, and improving communities through
the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Purchase t ickets for this evening of excitement at jlgoldenisles.org.
island home real estate, rentals
100 DEMERE RETREAT LANE
Saint Simons Island
4 br | 3 ba | MARSH VIEWS| $959,000
Fabulous contemporary within walking distance to East Beach and short bike ride to Village. High ceilings, lots of light, large deck and 2 fireplaces.
UNDER CONTRACT
1419 NEWCASTLE STREET Downtown Brunswick
COMMERCIAL BUILDING | $395,000
Commercial building in Historic Downtown Brunswick next to Jekyll Square. Convenient to shopping and restaurants.
608 EVERETT STREET
Saint Simons Island
3 br | 2 ba | UPDATED | $690,000
South End beach bungalow walking distance to the beach and the village. Flood insurance not required. Fresh updates.
Isles
SEA OATS LANE
Saint Simons Island
OCEAN VIEW LOT | $1,700,000
.14 acre lot. Can be developed with two luxury villas or a single family villa.
21 TRICE LANE
Saint Simons Island
MARSHFRONT LOT | $195,000
Marshfront lot in gated subdivision. Lot 5 is 1.2 acre. Survey is available.
SOLD OR UNDER CONTRACT
COMING SOON!! BARNES PLANTATION
Saint Simons Island
2 br | 2 ba | $389,900
New HVAC, hot water heater, flooring, newly painted, countertops, bathrooms and appliances. Centrally located with many amenities.
LITTLE RACCOON KEY Private Island, Coastal Georgia
40 Acre Island | $895,000
10-min boat ride from neighboring Jekyll Island. An unspoiled and peaceful paradise. Currently thriving as an award-winning Glamping destination featuring a fully furnished glamping camp. Business can be conveyed with sale.
308 HAWKINS ISLAND DRIVE
228 WEST 28TH STREET
Island
Marshfront.
home
outstanding architectural
Fabulous sunrise views! Sea Island application
Cheshire designed residence designed to bring the outside in. Magnificent gardens and large windows. Separate 3br, 3ba guest cottage. Sea Island application rights
23 CARRIAGE DRIVE
Saint Simons Island
7 br | 6 ba, 2 hba | $3,275,000
On 9.5+ acres in the prestigious community of Butlers Plantation, this once-in-a-lifetime estate brings serenity and tranquility to elegant island living. Twenty-foot ceilings, walls of windows, multiple fireplaces, and the finest materials accent dramatic, entertaining spaces with wonderful amenities.
108 WALL STREET
Saint Simons Island
4 br | 3 ba | 3715SF | $750,000
In the family-friendly community, West Point, this traditional home offers charm, comfort, and a lot of space.
297 MOSS OAK CIRCLE
Saint Simons Island
2 br | 2 ba | $549,000
Renovated, fully furnished, two-bedroom condo (sleeps 7) overlooking the golf course and lagoon views in Sea Palms.
3 SOUTH-END BUILDABLE LOTS
Saint Simons Island
DEMERE ROAD | $350,000 - $400,000
A perfect opportunity to custom-build in a prime location nearby the beach off Demere Road. Three separate lots are available.
2002 DIXON LANE Saint Simons Island
OCEANFRONT LOT. EAST BEACH | $3,250,000
BUILD the beach house you have always dreamed of having on one of the last oceanfront lots available on St. Simons Island. This unique oceanfront offering comes with house plans by Mike Krouse with Harrison Designs. The plans feature a four-bedroom contemporary residence that is open, light-filled, and takes advantage of the oceanfront views.
126 ROSEMONT STREET
Saint Simons Island
3 br | 2 ba, 1 hba | 2091SF | $650,000
In the family-friendly community, Harrison Point, this traditional home offers charm, comfort, and a lot of space.
244 SAINT JAMES AVE
Saint Simons Island
4 br | 3 ba, 1 hba | 3,400SF | $1,250,000
On a large corner lot with open views in prized Hamilton Landing a short distance to Frederica Academy, this traditional home features a spacious floorplan with formal and informal rooms, a two-story great room, eat-in kitchen, saltwater pool, and more!
for $889,000.
207 Marina Drive • St Simons Island, Georgia
Wonderful Opportunity!! Commercial Condo at Morning Star Marina. This second floor unit is owner occupied - no leases to deal with. Use it or lease it. Essentially 2 offices, conference area & welcome area all in one. Work hard, play hard in one location. Conveniently located to St Simons or Brunswick. Easy to show. $239,000
318 Maple Street • St. Simons Island
PRICED TO SELL! 3BR, 2BA Island home. The first level a double garage, storage, flex space, kitchenette and bath. The second level is the main living level with living, dining, kitchen, screened porch, laundry room, primary bedroom & bath. The third level has 2 bedrooms with spacious bath. Patio, outside shower. Deeded easement. Sold "as is" and needs a new roof as pricing reflects. LOTS of potential. $399,000
912.434.6477
221 Medinah
St. Simons
3BR, 3.5BA. Beautiful Home on 11th Fairway $1,399,900. Marcia & Rick Irwin. 678-361-8835
107 Mews Circle | St. Simons
5BR, 3 full/2
BA, 1 Blk from Village $1,100,000. Margaret Anne Proctor. 912-222-6629
180 Shadow Wood Bn | St Simons
3/4BR, 2.5BA. Custom Home with charm of Italian Villa. $820,000. Joan Lewis. 912-2585841
153 Southern Oaks Ln
St. Simons
4BR, 3BA. Corner Lot on cul-de-sac. $674,000. Cynthia Brown. 662-694-9235
200 Salt Air Dr #116 | St. Simons
3BR, 2.5BA. Prime Location, near Village. $574,900. Janice Morgan. 912-580-1833
104 Jones Creek | St. Simons
in Beautiful Gated Community $540,000. Betsy 269-1690, Ken 223-1918
317 Commons Road
3BR,
929 Wimbledon Dr
1BR, 2BA.
St.
912-270-8556
809-B Mallery Street | St. Simons
3BR, 2.5BA. Spacious Condo near Village. $400,000. Christina Clarke. 912-399-2267
109 Hudson Trail
Brunswick
Irwin. 678-361-8835
St. Simons
Unit Mid-Island
$279,900. Kay Love. 912-230-3253
708 East Island Sq.
2BR, 2BA.
St. Simons
Deal
Margaret Maestas. 912-250-6677
401 Fairway Villas
3BR,
St. Simons
$344,900. Cynthia Brown. 662-694-9235.
106 Davison Lane (Lot 8)
Hawkins Island
Hawkins Island is "hidden" gem. This gated Sea Island neighborhood on St. Simons Island is a true island in and of itself. Reachable by a bridge, there is a real sense of arrival to this special place. This marsh front lot of .87 acres overlooks pocket marsh and also has a long corridor view to the northwest. Studded with mature live oaks, the site is under brushed and very accessible by foot or car. Terrific neighborhood and neighbors. Terrific homesite on a quiet side street with cul-de-sac.
$525,000
Cottage 438, W. Sixteenth St. Sea Island
Six bedrooms in all (4 in the main house plus 2 in the Guest House by the pool), Cottage 438 on 16th Street is a terrific casual beach cottage for family and friends. Light, airy and cheerful, the open Kitchen/Dining and high-ceilinged Living Room offer pools views with expansive decking. The 522 square foot Bonus Room is another space waiting for fun to happen. The ground floor Master Bedroom has a fireplace and its own den and sun deck. The separate Guest House also has a fully equipped Kitchen, Dining area and Living Room. Good looking stucco home with slate roof. Good beach access and convenient location for the Beach Club, Spa and Cloister. $4,250,000
Cottage 115, W. Twenty Fourth St. Sea Island
The handsome features of this stucco home catch and hold the eye from first glance. Directly on the marsh on 24th Street and perfectly placed between mature Live oaks providing the broadest viewshed imaginable. This is a home built for love of family when family and guests return home but also lives comfortably for two. Ground floor Master Bedroom with adjoining gym and separate sitting room. Great room (20' ceiling) with fireplace, Kitchen and Breakfast Nook and the Living Room/Den all offer marsh views. Separate Dining Room for the special occasions. Upstairs are four bedrooms and four baths, a marsh side office of 789 sf (converted from a playroom). 36'x 18' pool with its own bath is perfectly placed between palm and oak trees with generous tabby decking surrounded by lush lawn. Dock rights are available. 3-car garage and ample storage.
Cottage 485, E. Thirty First Street
Sea Island
Ocean front: Sea Island. The beach and golf brought this family here, but Sea Island became so much more. The personal palettes that went into the creation of Cottage 485 include family, love, books, art, conversation, communication, the environment, fun, education and history. In a word, this cottage is welcoming. You'll notice this when you step into the foyer. Atlantic Ocean vistas catch the eye through the beamed, high ceiling Living room. The Great room has coffered beamed ceilings and leads out to an oceanside screened porch. The ground level Master bedroom has two full baths plus a den/office. The second floor has five bedrooms, all en-suite, ocean front porch plus family room and balcony. An additional laundry room is on this level. Architect John Shackleford's touches are on display throughout the home with brilliant uses of heart pine, stone, high ceilings and wall designs. Now it's your opportunity! $14,950,000
Remembering The Deck
A Bygone Dining Destination
AfterWorld War II, tourism in the Golden Isles began to flourish as rationing of gasoline and tires became a thing of the past. Traffic increased on Highway 17, the major route along the coast, making the Brunswick corridor a popular location for new businesses. In 1946, The Deck Restaurant and Lounge, specializing in local seafood, opened just east of Highway 17 at the entrance to the Brunswick-St. Simons Causeway. The design of the new restaurant was modern and maritime, with clean lines and a gleaming white exterior. The interior continued this theme, resembling the deck of a ship.
The Deck became a popular dining venue for both visitors and locals. With the motto “Seafood at its Source,” the restaurant was known for menu items such as Shrimp Mull. This recipe called for a tomato-based sauce seasoned with bacon, onion, garlic, celery, curry, sherry, and a generous helping of butter. The sauce was combined with shrimp, thickened with cracker crumbs, and served over rice. The restaurant was also known for its hush puppies. During a time when smoking was popular, this recipe was printed on the inside cover of logo matchbooks, which diners could pick up at the restaurant. Other menu choices included scallops, crab, a variety of fish, oysters in season, as well as frog legs and turtle soup.
An early brochure noted that the restaurant had the “distinct honor” of being listed in Duncan Hines’ Adventures in Good Eating Hines was a traveling salesman who, as early as the 1920s, began seeking out quality places to dine as he drove across the country on business trips. At that time, there was no rating system for dining in America, and Hines’ friends encouraged him to compile a list of preferred restaurants. His first guide, published in 1936, was an immediate success. Updated annually for the next two decades, the guide became a trusted source for the American traveler. It was not until the 1950s that Hines entered into an agreement to have his name placed on the well-known cake mixes.
The Deck remained in business for several decades before changing times led to its closing and the eventual demolition of the building in 1999.
This month’s image from the Coastal Georgia Historical Society archives is a postcard of The Deck, circa 1970. Also shown is the brochure mentioned above, probably from the 1950s.
Coastal Georgia Historical Society presents this article and images from our archives as part of our mission “to connect people to Coastal Georgia’s dynamic history.” The Society operates the iconic St. Simons Lighthouse Museum and the World War II Home Front Museum, housed in the Historic Coast Guard Station at East Beach. To learn more about the Society, its museums, diverse programs, and membership, please visit coastalgeorgiahistory.org.