GIM January/February 2024 by Golden Isles Magazine

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Table of Contents

52 A STAR IS BORN:

Brantley Kate Jones has been lighting up stages for years and refuses to let the condition she was born with, Down Syndrome, clip her creative wings.

59 HAND IN HAND: A new nonprofit has worked hard to realize its dream of building a tiny home community for the homeless, known as the Grove at Correll Commons.

64 SERVICE + SISTERHOOD: The local chapter of the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority recently celebrated 70 years of service and fellowship in Brunswick.

71 DOWN ON THE FARM: The Farm at Oakland North offers needy animals a new lease on life at their St. Simons Island sanctuary.

76 FOR THE LONG HAUL: Anke and Bruce Hildreth are true inspirations when it comes to embracing an active lifestyle, enjoying tennis, running, and hiking. The 80 and 74 year olds even undertake an annual 500-mile cycling event across Iowa.

G O L D E N I S LES

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Contributing Writers

Debbie Britt Lauren Cooper Derrick Davis Mark DiGiovanni Sam Ghioto Michael Hall Ronda Rich

Contributing Photographers

Priscilla Boudreau Derrick Davis Riley Dukes Ben Galland Sam Ghioto Michael Hall Leslie Hand Fred Lockey Querencia Creative Carol Ann Wages

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Golden Isles Magazine is published six times per year by Brunswick News Publishing Company

28 Market Street Suite 124 Saint Simons Island, GA

(912) 638-5100

G O L D E N I S LES

To subscribe online to Golden Isles Magazine, go to goldenislesmagazine.com/subscribe About the Cover: For our Sparkle and Shine cover, we featured local superstar Brantley Kate Jones in front of a whimsical mural by Catherine Durrett in downtown Brunswick. It was photographed by Priscilla Boudreau.

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BR EA K

FA ST

ND DINNE

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IC A

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Come and get your grub at Chubs! 203 Edwards Plaza | Saint Simons Island | 7:30 AM - 10 PM | 912.434.9393 JANUARY/F EB RUA RY 2024

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Submissions Golden Isles Magazine is in need of talented contributors. Unsolicited queries and submissions of art and stories are welcome. Please include an email address and telephone number. Submit by email to the editor, Lindsey Adkison: ladkison@goldenislesmagazine.com or by mail to 3011 Altama Ave, Brunswick. Only work accompanied by a self-addressed stamped envelope will be returned.

Advertising Information regarding advertising and rates is available by contacting Jenn Agnew at 912-265-8320, ext. 356 or by email at jagnew@thebrunswicknews.com; Kasey Rowell at 912-2658320 ext. 334 or by email at krowell@ thebrunswicknews.com; or David Colvin at 912-265-8320 ext. 304 or by email at dcolvin@thebrunswicknews.com

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All content is copyright of Golden Isles Magazine, a publication of Brunswick News Publishing Company. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without express written permission from the publisher. We have sought to ensure accuracy and completeness of the content herein, but neither Golden Isles Magazine nor the publisher assumes responsibility for any errors, inaccuracies, omissions, or other inconsistencies, including those related to quotations. We reserve the right to refuse advertising. All advertisements appearing herein are accepted and published on the representation that the advertiser is properly authorized to publish the entire contents and subject matter thereof. All ads are paid advertisements and/or gifts given as part of a contractual agreement regarding Brunswick News Publishing Company. Neither Golden Isles Magazine nor the publisher is responsible for any statements, claims, or representations made by contributing writers, columnists, or photographers. Golden Isles Magazine and the publisher are also not responsible for anyone’s reliance on the content included in the publication. All projects described in this publication are for private, noncommercial use only. No right for commercial use or exploitation is given or implied.

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Editor’s Note

Embracing Your Shine I hit a milestone in the summer of 2023 — I turned 40. In the months prior, I remember not knowing how I would feel about it once it arrived, but I did remember how different things were when my mother turned 40 in the late 90s. Back then, there was a very different view of what this age meant.

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G O L D E N I S LES

It meant that you — especially if you were a woman — had to change certain things about yourself. Long hair was no longer acceptable, it was the time for tailored bobs or spiky pixie cuts. It was also time for a wardrobe change … tossing shorts and sleeveless dresses in favor of more modest attire. Now, my mother has always been a hippie at heart. While she’s incredibly open and kind-hearted, she’s not one to bend to societal pressure. She’s always believed in doing whatever feels right, and I think she’s passed that on to me. It’s been more than two decades since then, and I do think there’s been a major shift. Acceptance and style have come a long way. I never felt the need for a lifestyle overhaul due to the status quo. I’m going to keep doing what feels right for me. And in this new year, I hope that for you, too. For a bit of inspiration, we’ve centered our Sparkle and Shine issue on the stories of those embracing their uniqueness, and overcoming major challenges.

Like Brantley Kate, Anke and Bruce Hildreth aren’t letting anything hold them back. In their 70s and 80s respectively, they’re embracing an active life — including an annual 500-mile bike ride across Iowa. They also hit the tennis courts, hike, run, and play golf, proving the truth in the Tom Petty lyric, “Never slow down, never grow old.”

For example, in our Coastal Queue section, we interviewed Dr. Sage Campione who spent eight days in a coma while battling Covid. She wrote a book to share her moving experience. Lauren McDonald also shares the beautiful story of 100 Women Who Care who have collectively raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for local charities.

But that’s not all. We also took time to speak to those in the community who are stepping up to give back. Writer Lauren Cooper visited the Farm at Oakland on St. Simons Island, where animals in need have found a loving home. Lauren is new to GIM, but she’s not new to the Farm. She actually volunteered there a few years back and we’re thrilled to share her perspective. In Brunswick, we stopped in to take a look at the Grove at Correll Commons. There, Anne Stembler and a dedicated team of do-gooders are opening 60 tiny homes for the homeless.

In our Game Changers column, Derrick Davis shares the incredible story of legendary coach Theresa Adams, who recently had a basketball court named after her.

And last but not least, we caught up with the lovely ladies of our local Alpha Kappa Alpha chapter. The African American sorority is celebrating 70 years of sisterhood and service in Brunswick.

Then, we have our fabulous features. I spent some time with one of my very favorite people, Brantley Kate Jones, who shares her story of rising to local stardom. Her strength, courage, and refusal to be defined by Down Syndrome is truly powerful.

It’s a shiny, happy batch of goodness to help us start the new year on the right foot. We hope you enjoy it! With love — Lindsey

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Wizard: The Big Read to Tackle Oz WORDS BY LINDSEY ADKISON

G O L D E N I S LES

here’s always a bit of difference between a popular book and its film incarnation. But occasionally, a screen adaptation will completely consume a story in terms of popular culture.

In 1939, that’s precisely what The Wizard of Oz did to The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, by L. Frank Baum. Penned in 1900, the literary predecessor of the much-beloved movie is very different. It’s part of the reason it was chosen as 2024’s Big Read book. Heather Heath, executive director of Golden Isles Arts and Humanities, feels like it will certainly be a new story even to those who’ve watched the movie for decades. “Everyone knows the movie, and all the many variations of the story on stage and on film, but I would guess few know the book on which it is based,” she says. In fact, Heath is planning to share some of those in her talk for February’s Cinema Gourmet. “… the folks making the movie really wanted to show off the glory of technicolor, which was relatively new, so Dorothy has the now iconic ruby slippers; in the novel, they are a beautiful shiny silver,” she says. “And the Emerald City wasn’t really green in the book — the wizard just made everyone there wear glasses that colored it green, you can’t even take them off until you leave — they were locked on.” The Wicked Witch of the West was a little different too. For starters, she only had one eye.

JANUARY/F EB RUA RY 2024

“Also, though the Wicked Witch of the West is pretty scary, the book has some other pretty scary creatures and situations to deal with — like the Hammerheads and the Wicked Witch sending bees, wolves, and crows to attack Dorothy and her companions,” Heath says. These are just a few of the elements that will be discussed over the weeks of Big Read activities. “Other film screenings are in the works, including The Wiz. We’ll have some great talks again by some of the professors from the college who will be sharing insights on the book in relation to their areas of expertise,” she says. “For example, one talk already scheduled is ‘The Politics of Oz’ and what the wizard can tell us about today.”

G O L D E N I S LES

“Everyone knows the movie, and all the many variations of the story on stage and on film, but I would guess few know the book on which it is based.” — Heather Heath

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Glasgow, the curator of the Oz Museum in Kansas. “She will be joining us with her presentation ‘The Wizard Behind Oz,’ which explores the unique appeal of this first truly American fairy tale, and its legacy on our culture from speech, to music, to media,” Heath says. “And we are working with the DDA for another fun First Friday kick-off event — hopefully transforming downtown into Oz.” The Big Read is hosted jointly by Golden Isles Arts and

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son for this as our Big Read selection is that most people have probably not read the book,” she says.

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The story is also one that both young and mature readers

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can enjoy. Heath says it explores themes of friendship, journey, and home. “… and of succeeding against seemingly insurmountable odds as love and good triumphs over hate and evil,” she says. “These themes still resonate with readers of all ages and are still important in a world that seems to be more and more divisive every day.” She also feels it’s important in a world that’s more digitally-driven every day. And promoting literacy has been what the mission has been about since the beginning. “The Big Read is about encouraging reading … something that is always relevant. Sometimes, I think, with all the technology that surrounds us, folks don’t think reading, especially reading for pleasure, is necessary. But books are pathways to … everything,” Heath says.

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“The Big Read is also about community, about people coming together and sharing and celebrating what they discover by reading.”

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100

Women

Local ladies making a difference

WORDS BY LAUREN MCDONALD | PHOTOS BY MICHAEL HALL JANUARY/F EB RUA RY 2024

On a quiet evening at the Retreat

At the end, the members vote to

Clubhouse on St. Simons, a palpa-

choose which charity will leave

ble excited energy could be felt

that day with the group’s donation.

inside one large meeting room. “We don’t touch the money,” MunBefore the evening’s end, a local

dy says. “All the checks are written

nonprofit would leave that room

directly to the charity.”

with a check for nearly $40,000, donated by the members of Coastal

Members commit to donating

Georgia’s chapter of 100 Women

$100 per meeting, which amounts

Who Care.

to a $400 commitment per year. Attendance at the meetings is not

The group of women meets four

required.

times a year with the unified goal of pooling $100 donations to make

“We are always welcoming new

a significant impact, one charity at

members,” Wood says.

a time. Those interested in becoming memThe group’s name doesn’t capture

bers can join online at 100women-

the full scale of its current giving

whocaressi.com.

power. Since its founding, 100 Women Who Care has grown to

The first donation in January 2020

nearly 400 members as of Novem-

was for $18,200 and went to Mem-

ber 2023.

ory Matters, a nonprofit that offers

100 support to those with Alzheimer’s or

Sandy Metzger spearheaded

dementia.

the creation of the local chapter in January 2020, soon after she

By the next meeting, the donation

moved to the area. She knew

had grown to $21,000. And it’s

this kind of group, which exists in

increased significantly since.

other communities, offers a simple and fast way to raise and donate

The presentations are brief, usually

money. Other founding members

around five minutes long, and

include Susan Mundy, Catherine

many charities come with a spe-

Wood, Melissa Stroud, and Cathy

cific need in mind. Members have

Foley.

in the past gone beyond their $100 donation to help nonprofits meet

“People feel like $100 doesn’t

their goals.

make an impact when you’re

donating to a charity,” Mundy says.

When Safe Harbor Children’s Cen-

“But you put all these women to-

ter shared its need for a new van

gether, and it’s amazing. Everyone

to transport its children, a member

feels it. They feel the energy and

of 100 Women Who Care offered to

the generosity. It’s wonderful.”

pay the difference so Safe Harbor could buy a new vehicle instead of

There’s a thrill in the room at each

a used one.

of the group’s quarterly meetings,

G O L D E N I S LES

during which three presentations

“It’s amazing, when people learn

share the work of local charities.

about the need, how giving Glynn

County is,” Wood says. “They had a used van in mind that they were going to get for $35,000, but they got a better van because a member offered to pay.” At a more recent meeting, a member decided to give $5,000 donations to the two organizations that did not receive the votes for the full donation that quarter. Other donation recipients since the group’s founding include Beloved Ministries, Firebox Initiative, Hand in Hand of Glynn, Communities in Schools, the Boys and Girls Club of Southeast Georgia, America’s Second Harvest, the Gathering Place, CASA, Operation Bedspread, and Hospice of the Golden Isles. All totaled, the group has donated $408,905. There’s plenty of need in Glynn County and lots of charities seeking donations to support the important work being done, Wood says. The simplicity of the approach taken by 100 Women Who Care allows a large group of people to efficiently and effectively make a difference.

“People feel like $100 doesn’t make an impact when you’re donating to a charity,” Mundy says. “But you put all these women together, and it’s amazing. Everyone feels it. They feel the energy and the generosity. It’s wonderful.”

H A P P Y

LEARN MORE ABOUT HOW YOU CAN GET INVOLVED AT

WWW.BGCSEGA.COM

JANUARY/F EB RUA RY 2024

“This is so simple, and you’re making a

2024 Dates To Remember

huge impact,” she says. Spin-off groups have also formed, includ-

February 17-18, 2024

June 15-16, 2024

October 12-13, 2024

ing 100 Men Who Give and a student

March 16-17, 2024

July 4-5-6-7, 2024

November 29- Dec 1, 2024

group at Glynn Academy called 100

April 13-14, 2024

August 3-4, 2024

December 14-15, 2024

Terrors Who Care.

May 11-12, 2024

September 21-22, 2024 “This idea and the amount of money

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keeps growing,” Metzger says. The organization’s membership includes women of all ages, newcomers, and longtime residents of the Golden Isles, retired women and workers in a variety of professions, church groups, friend groups, and others. Many leave the meetings and use their gained awareness about local organization’s needs to make an even greater

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impact, by volunteering or making additional donations, Metzger says. “We don’t know the full impact,” she says. “It’s not just that one check they get.” Reflecting on the group’s past three years, the founding members said they’re proud

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of the continued and growing impact. “It is unbelievable how generous the women in this community are,” Mundy says. • To learn more about 100 Women Who Care, visit 100womenwhocaressi.com

G O L D E N I S LES

Sim

oa s

ts et f or Jan ry 20 ua

as t

ition d a : Tr

er t on s s Land Trust Oy

WORDS BY MICHAEL HALL PHOTOS BY CHRIS MONCUS, LAURA DEMERCHANT, AND LAURA ANGELA PHOTOGRAPHY

JANUARY/F EB RUA RY 2024

The cooler temperatures of winter offer some relief from the summer heat in the Golden Isles. It also means its oyster roast season, and no other oyster roast means quite as much as the annual St. Simons Land Trust Oyster Roast. What began as a modest gathering of 70 people at Village Creek Landing in 2000, the same year the St. Simons Land Trust was founded, has grown to become a premiere event in the Isles that attracts more than 1,000 people annually. The 2024 edition, set for 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. January 20 at Gascoigne Bluff Park on St. Simons Island, will be no different. “The St. Simons Land Trust Oyster Roast has become one of the Golden Isles’ most sought-after and beloved community events,” says Emily Ellison, executive director of the St. Simons Land Trust. “The stunning location under the oaks at Gascoigne Bluff Park, the

G O L D E N I S LES

mouth-watering coastal cuisine — including thousands of pounds of oysters — the entertaining live music, and the friendly atmosphere all make this annual fundraiser special and unforgettable.” The fundraising aspect of the event is what makes it so special, she says. The St. Simons Land Trust’s mission is to preserve the natural and scenic character of St. Simons Island. Doing so requires a significant community investment. “Attendees of the Oyster Roast can feel good knowing their money goes directly back to the St. Simons Land Trust,” Ellison says. “Revenue from the event is used to protect land, manage the more than 1,200 acres in our trust, and pay for the organization’s operational costs.” The event has been tantalizing taste buds since it started and has blossomed into a not-so-mini food

festival that includes the star of the show, the oysters, as well as more than 20 local restaurants that come to provide their delicious coastal cuisine. “Attendees will check-in at 4:30 p.m.,” she says. “Once inside the event, (they) can visit the oyster tables, make rounds at the different food booths, grab a drink at the bar, listen to live music, and stop by the Land Trust’s booth for the opportunity to purchase merchandise, become a member, or take part in a raffle.” Ellison says that the event also showcases the strong partnership between many Golden Isles businesses and the Land Trust. “We are always humbled by the generosity of our restaurant and service partners and could not put on this event without them,” she says.

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As the oyster roast has grown, so has the need for people who want to help the cause. For that, Ellison says a dedicated team of more than 150 volunteers pitch in every year to do everything — from working as a bartender attendant to collecting oyster shells to donate to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ living shoreline project.

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“The Land Trust’s Oyster Roast could not happen without the support of over 150 dedicated volunteers,” Ellison says. “These volunteers are part of many different committees, including parking, setup and breakdown, check-in and decorations, low country boil, oyster tables, green team, bartender assistants, and table service.”

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People interested in volunteering can find out more at the Land Trust’s website, sslt.org/take-action/volunteer. That same website is where people can learn more about the Land Trust’s mission to preserve and protect green spaces and the natural scenic character of the island, which will be on full display at Gascoigne Bluff during the event.

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“To get involved, or learn about all Land Trust happenings, we also highly recommend becoming an annual member,” she says. “Members and volunteers are always the first to know about exciting Land Trust updates, events, and more.” • For more information on all things St. Simons Land Trust, visit sslt.org.

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Celebrates Golden Isles Magazine

award-winning year

olden Isles Magazine (GIM) had a lot to be grateful for in 2023. The publication received two FOLIO honors in the design category. It also was awarded four first-place honors at the Georgia Press Association’s (GPA) annual banquet. First up, FOLIO. This organization operates in New York City, Norwalk, Conn., and Rockville, Md., and focuses on honoring the top-tier products in the publishing world. This year, contenders for FOLIO awards include publications like Southern Living and Travel + Leisure.

photographer, Priscilla Boudreau, pointed out that it wouldn’t really be feasible and suggested having her laying in a pile of shoes instead. And, I’m so grateful for her foresight,” Adkison said with a laugh.

doodled on it herself,” Adkison says.

“We had Riley’s mom and dad, Brandon and Kim Letson, haul all of these shoes out to the Brunswick High School track field where we spread them out and had Riley lay in them. Priscilla climbed up on a ladder and shot down on her.”

In addition to the first-place win, Golden Isles Magazine also received an honorable mention for another of its covers, the 2022 Arts Issue, which featured an original drawing by Kevin Bongang.

“Terry is truly a critical part of the magazine team. He deserves tons of credit for all of his hard work. We’re lucky to have him.”

GIM, a product of The Brunswick News Publishing Company, won first place for cover design for its 2023 January/February issue, Hope + Heroes. It features Brunswick High School student and charity founder Riley Letson in a sea of shoes. The feature story, “Sole Shine,” detailed how Riley began her 501c3 Riley’s Soles for Souls. “I’ve known Riley and her family for years. They’re just some of the most genuine and kind people I’ve ever met. And the first time I met Riley when she was just 9, I knew this girl was special ... and she is,” says Lindsey Adkison, editor of Golden Isles Magazine. “Since she created her charity, she’s delivered thousands of pairs of shoes to those in need. We were thrilled to feature her on the cover.” Of course, the idea of photographing Riley with dozens of pairs of shoes proved challenging. “I originally envisioned her sitting surrounded by shoes but our incredible

G O L D E N I S LES

But that was only part of the magic. Once the image was in hand, graphic artist Terry Wilson added a masthead and fonts that made the design really pop.

Over the past six years, the magazine has received seven awards for editorial (Eddie) and design (Ozzie) content in FOLIO’s Eddie & Ozzie contest. It has also taken home 12 honorable mentions.

“If you look closely, you can see that he did a lot of doodle graphics ... the little hearts and the outlines of shoes. He wanted it to be like a teenage girl, like Riley,

Next up, the GPA awards. These are honors bestowed by the Georgia Press Association, which celebrates outstanding journalistic achievement.

At the banquet held in the summer of 2023, GIM received first-place accolades for Best Magazine Human Interest Story, “Form and Flow” by Editor Lindsey Adkison; Best Magazine Photography by the staff; Best Magazine Cover Design by Kevin Bongang; and Best Magazine Story, “Bessie Jones: Mother Courage of Black American Traditions,” by Brittany (Tate) Dozier. Larry Hobbs won second-place in the Human Interest category. The magazine also received a third-place award for Best Magazine Story and cover design. Adkison says these prizes are incredibly rewarding as they’re given by industry peers.

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“Winning at the Georgia Press Association is huge,” she says. “We are so thankful that the hard work of our writers, designers, and photographers has been singled out for recognition. We’ve set the bar pretty high for 2024, but we welcome the challenge and are always eager to take our work to the next level.”

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r. Sage Campione has always been a helper. As a chiropractor and integrative nutritionist, the St. Simons Island resident has spent decades helping patients put their bodies and their health in order.

And when the coronavirus pandemic engulfed the world, she was one who stepped up to combat it. “My world completely sped up with COVID. My business took off exponentially, it went international, all the way from Thailand to Portugal to the UK. I was on Zoom in the early morning to compensate for the time difference. People were desperate. They wanted answers and they wanted to know how to rise above it,” she says. “I also have patients nationally and locally, of course. I just wanted to help and I dove in.”

But in the spring of 2021, it was Campione who found herself in need of help. And it was unfamiliar territory.

Days Under:

A Story of Surviving COVID, a conversation with Dr. Sage Campione

It began with light symptoms, which she chalked up to early allergies. The cough, though, became harder to dismiss. Then, one day, the doctor — who had never missed a day of work in 30 years — felt her iron facade crumbling. “It was a Wednesday morning and I kick off at 7 a.m. I was functioning fine, I thought, but I was sitting at my desk and I just felt like this blackness coming over me,” she says. “I kept telling myself to pull it together and I couldn’t. It was like tar coming through my veins. I wasn’t coming out of my office and my assistant comes in to check on me and I told her, ‘I’ve got to go home … cancel everything.’” She doesn’t remember that drive home. From that moment, Campione was in a very real fight for her life. “Dr. Michael Erwin came by and gave me a COVID test and then Thursday he called to tell me it was positive. It was the scariest feeling to not have control,” she says. “I’ve always tried to stay very balanced.” Her husband, Darrell, came home from his job out of state. After testing positive for COVID, the virus began ravaging her body. Her fever drifted between 101 and 105.

WORDS BY LINDSEY ADKISON PHOTOS BY MICHAEL HALL 32

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“Dr. Erwin had been checking in with me, but one day, he was driving back to his house after dropping his kids off and he heard a voice inside — crystal clear — say,

‘turn the car around and go check on Sage,’” she recalls. “And he comes by, walks right in, over to the couch to look at me. Then, he tells Darrell, ‘Take her to the ER now.’” She spent eight days in a medically-induced coma while her body battled the virus in the ICU. It’s an intense, powerful story. One that she has since shared in her book, Eight Days Under: A Story of Surviving COVID. It’s a tale of inner strength, personal faith, and love. “I leaned into my marriage … to my husband as my caretaker. You really learn who you married,” she says with a nod and soft smile. “You hope when you got that marriage license that it was in sickness and health, but do you really know what sickness means?” It’s taken her months upon months to

recover her health. And that’s not only been physically, but also emotionally. While it’s been the most traumatic experience, there have been a lot of illuminating moments. She’s learned about the value of true friendships and the importance of self-care. But true to her nature, she also wants to help others by sharing her story. “I want it to be a hug to those who have lost their loved ones and didn’t know what was going on in the hospital because I give a depiction of that,” she says. “It’s also a hug to others who have been sick and scared. And there are people still suffering.” • Dr. Sage Campione’s book is available on Kindle and Amazon. She has a practice called Concierge Wellness Care located at 255 Redfern Village, St. Simons Island. She offers integrative techniques that helped her recover from COVID.

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Photo by Carol Ann Wages

Around Q the Town

Throughout January The Jekyll Island Arts Association will host an exhibition titled, “Coastal Transcendence,” featuring photographer Carol Ann Wages; painter Susan Yoder; and sculptor Kelly Richard. The show will open with a reception from 1 to 3 p.m. January 7 at Goodyear Cottage in the Jekyll Island Historic District. It will be on display through Jan. 31. Gallery hours are from noon to 4 p.m. Monday to Friday; from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Admission is free. Jekyll Island will host its Island Treasures event, an open hunt for handcrafted glass floats. They will be hidden all over the island for visitors to find. For details, visit jekyllisland.com.

January January 11 Golden Isles Arts and Humanities will host Cinema Gourmet at 6:30 p.m. at the Ritz Theatre in downtown Brunswick. The film will be “Rashomon” from 1950. A meal will be served and a talk will be offered. For tickets, visit goldenislesarts.org. January 12 The Humane Society of South Coastal Georgia will host its Blue Jean Ball from 6 to 10 p.m. at Village Creek Landing, 526 S. Harrington Road, St. Simons Island. There will be silent and live auctions, along with local food and an open bar. Tickets are $175 per person. For details, visit HSSCG.org/blue-jean-ball. January 13 Golden Isles Arts and Humanities will host Yesterday: The Beatles Tribute at 7:30 p.m. at the Ritz Theatre in downtown Brunswick. For tickets, visit goldenislesarts.org. 34

G O L D E N I S LES

January 14 Glynn Community Crisis Center will host its 23rd Taste of Glynn slated for 5 to 8 p.m. at the King and Prince Beach & Golf Resort, 201 Arnold Way, St. Simons Island. Advance tickets are $60 per person and are available at atasteofglynn.com. January 20 The St. Simons Island Land Trust will host its annual Oyster Roast from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Gascoigne Bluff on St. Simons Island. Various restaurants will offer samplings of food and beverages. Tickets are $75 for members and $95 for non-members. For details, visit sslt.org. January 27 The Brunswick Stewbilee will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Mary Ross Waterfront Park in downtown Brunswick. Teams will serve their recipe and attendees can vote on their favorite. There will also be entertainment and vendors. For details, visit brunswickstewbilee.com. January 28 Golden Isles Arts and Humanities will host the Peach State Opera who will stage Die Fledermaus by Johann Strauss at 3 p.m. at the Ritz Theatre in downtown Brunswick. For tickets, visit goldenislesarts.org.

February Through February Golden Isles Arts and Humanities will host its annual Big Read literary event with a number of events planned throughout the month. This year’s book is The Wizard of Oz by Frank Baum. For a listing of events, visit goldenislesarts.org. February 5 The Coastal Symphony of Georgia will perform a concert titled Hidden Treasures at 7:30 p.m. at Wesley United Methodist Church on St. Simons Island. The program will include selections from Beethoven, Sachse, and Farrenc. The soloist will be Christopher Bassett. Tickets are $50 per person. For details, visit coastalsymphonyofgeorgia.org. February 8 Golden Isles Arts and Humanities will host Cinema Gourmet at 6:30 p.m. at the Ritz Theatre in downtown Brunswick. The film will be “The Wizard of Oz” from 1939. A meal will be served and a talk will be offered. For tickets, visit goldenislesarts.org. February 10 Cancer Fashion Show and Luncheon will be held from noon to 2 p.m. at Sea Palms on St. Simons Island. Doors open at 11:15 a.m. Live and silent auctions will be held. The pink boxes will also return. Tickets are $50. They can be purchased from Jan. 13 to Feb. 3. They are available

at Daisy Mae’s Hallmark Store in Brunswick and Maggie’s Boutique and St. Simons Drugs on St. Simons Island. They are also available at BCFS. givesmart.com. February 16 to 18 The St. Simons Storytelling Festival will be held February 16 to 18 at Epworth By the Sea. A number of professional storytellers from throughout the country will be on hand. For details, visit stsimonsislandstorytellingfestival.com. February 16 and 17 The Southeast Georgia Health System Foundation will host its annual Bridge Run with several events. There will be a Pasta Party and Expo from 5 to 8 p.m. February 16 at the base of the Sidney Lanier Bridge in Brunswick. Gates open at 6 a.m. Feb. 17. The first race, the 10K Double Pump, begins at 7 a.m.; at 8:30 a.m. there will be the First Responders Challenge; at 9:30 a.m. the 5K runners will begin; at 10:30 a.m. the walkers will start. To register, visit the-bridge-run.org.

Parisian cabarets. Tickets are $190 per person. For details, visit coastalsymphonyofgeorgia.com. February 24 The AJ Donohue Foundation will host its annual golf tournament at 9 a.m. at the Jekyll Island Golf Club. Spots for teams and sponsorships are still available. The Foundation was formed in memory of a local teen, AJ Donohue, who passed away from a rare bone cancer in 2006. Funds raised benefit cancer care programs. For more information on the AJ Donohue Foundation or to register, visit ajdonohuefoundation.org.

February 23 Golden Isles Live! will host The Suits at 7:30 p.m. at Wesley Church Frederica, 6520 Frederica Road, St. Simons Island. Adult tickets are $35. Tickets are $10 for students. For details or to purchase tickets, visit goldenisleslive.org. The Coastal Georgia Symphony Society will host Cabaret at 6 p.m. at Frederica Golf Club on St. Simons Island. The theme will be Cabaret de Paris, celebrating the magic of

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Facts

J U ST T H E

Glynn Community

r s lin sE a t s r i E

is n

Crisis Center Amity House and

F 459

2000

2000 year Taste of Glynn began

Amity House provided 68 women with shelter

23 36

Taste of Glynn has been Glynn Community Crisis Center’s signature fundraiser for 23 years G O L D E N I S LES

trips were offered to work

first and second place awards are given in 5 categories

or 40 years, Glynn Community Crisis Center has offered a sanctuary for victims of domestic violence and their children. The assistance comes in many forms, including housing and transportation, as well as access to its emergency shelter, Amity House. In 2022, the agency celebrated an important milestone — becoming a pet-friendly shelter. But in order to keep their programs going, support is essential. Like the center itself, its annual fundraising event Taste of Glynn has been a part of the community for 23 years. This year, it will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. January 14 at the King and Prince Beach & Golf Resort, 201 Arnold Way, St. Simons Island. Advance tickets are $60 per person and are available at atasteofglynn.com. Read on to learn more about the event and the mission it aids:

* These figures represent services provided in 2022, the most recent data available.

$75,000

2,889

bed nights were recorded for the shelter

$75,000 St. Marys Foundation has awarded Glynn Community Crisis Center/Amity House a challenge grant promising a dollar for dollar match up to $75,000 on proceeds from the event.

pets safely housed in the shelter

families were moved into safe and stable housing

women, children, and men accessed services and resources through the Outreach Advocacy Program

$55,000 is the average amount raised from Taste of Glynn each year

Glynn Community Crisis Center has been assisting those in need for 40 years

clients received rides to work

musicians performing this year at the event

1,274

calls were made to the crisis hotline

children were safely housed

650 to 850 is the average number of attendees at A Taste of Glynn

JANUA RY / F E BRUA RY 2024

DUE SOUTH

The Characters Who Make The South

r s

r n a ri

t s

Southerners can have an eccentric way of looking at the world. But, within that eccentricity, there is often a very deep, unspoiled kindness. In the last several months, Tink and I have had the pleasure of meeting one of the most joyful, happiest people I have ever encountered. He has brought endless delight to me as well as many smiles. Meet my new friend, Stacy Rowe. One night, while flipping through Facebook, his post came up on my feed. He had written about his Mama and how his life had changed since she had gone

G O L D E N I S LES

allan

i E

to be with the Lord seven years ago.

t s faithfully in the Brunswick News so he had started reading my books.

“I miss you every day,” he wrote. I understood his sorrow for I’ve suffered that kindred loss, too. I often tell people that losing Mama is the hardest loss anyone ever faces, other than — from what I’ve been told — the death of a child. I’m not one who understands a lot about social media but I knew if I “liked” his post, I would see more. In Stacy’s next post, he wrote about his job on Sapelo Island. That certainly caught my attention because I am following up the success of my last book, St. Simons Island: A Stella Bankwell Mystery by sending Stella to Sapelo Island to solve a murder. Stacy loves to write. He is a natural, Southern storyteller as well as a beloved Southern character. So, often, he comes home from his job at Sapelo’s Welcome Center, then pens a tale about whatever crosses his mind. He calls it Stories From A Small Town. One night, I was stunned to read a tribute to me and my writing. He reads me

Although I was honored, I am just a small piece of Stacy’s astute, sentimental observations of life. In a world where technology rules and social skills lessen daily, Stacy keenly absorbs life around him, especially if it is comforting or has beauty like an enormous maple tree orange with autumn colors. I was standing on stage at the Casino Theater on St. Simons a few months ago, talking about my newest book (usually, from a stage like that, you can’t see the audience due to the lighting) and right there, in the center of the audience was, I thought, Stacy Rowe. Indeed, it was. He came through my signing line that night. Then, he blogged about “dreams do come true” because he had met me. The truth is that it was all my honor. Stacy Rowe is a great American, the kind that is beginning to gather dust or disappear altogether. For 25 years, he has shown up faithfully to work at the Sapelo Visitors Center, Tuesday

through Friday. On the Saturdays, when he doesn’t work at Sapelo, Sunday after church and on Monday, he works at a convenience store, the same store that was his first job 30 years ago. “The only thing is that I have to get up real early for the store. I start my shift at 5am but I really don’t mind it because I like the job and the owners are so good to me,” he explained with his typical grin that reveals a small, interesting gap between his front teeth. “I like people and enjoy helping folks, so both jobs are a good fit for me.” While I was researching my next book set on Sapelo, Tink and I stayed at the Oaks on the River, a rather new boutique-like hotel. “Please come over and have dinner with us one night,” I said. His grin grew bigger and he readily accepted.

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After we settled in at the table, he said, “I was thinking on the drive over here that, next to Jesus, there’s no one that I’d rather have dinner with than y’all.” And, he meant it. That night, we learned more about Stacy and why his writing is important to him. “I like to share my heart and thoughts.” he says. His stories are often emotionally bare — the father he admired, the mother he adored, how both had lived and died and the lonely spots they left in his life. He lives alone now but stays close to his sisters and brothers. America needs more folks like Stacy who are willing to work faithfully and cheerfully like Stacy. Please, visit his stories on Facebook under Stacy Rowe of Townsend, Georgia. He’s an amazing American and a strong Southern storyteller.

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N AT U R E C O N N E CT I O N

Sea Kayaking Saved Me

A r s an

t s

A question I always ask myself is, would you rather suffer voluntarily or involuntarily? Standing on the soon to be washed over sand at the mouth of the Doboy sound on the southern edge of Sapelo Island, a chestnut-coated juvenile bald eagle sharply gazed into three sea kayakers taking a quick break in ankle-deep water. A twenty-knot west wind greeted us in the early January morning. You guys ready? Mark asked as he pushed himself into the miniature tidal waves suppressed by the wind. The current funneled into

G O L D E N I S LES

i t the heart of the sound, and the west wind lifted the spray off the incoming tide creating a light, salty haze. Let’s do this. I was familiar with the mission ahead of us: the second leg of our journey directly into a relentless head wind in a raw and isolated part of the coast. There were no boats around. No immediate signs of civilization nor domestication but the white and red spiraled Sapelo lighthouse in the distance. To the south, Wolf Island sat in its own primordial paradise. One after another, brown pelicans bombarded fish off in this distance. Sanderlings, in their white-gray winter plumage, flickered by us heading north. The moon, pushing billions of gallons of water into the salt marsh, timely arrived, and we had a one-way ticket back to our parked cars on the mainland. The caveat was that we had to make it to Meridian before the tide flipped around noon. Crossing the chop of the Doboy, my yellow light-as-a-feather fiberglass kayak glided niftily with the aid of the

incoming tide. The importance of a neoprene skirt should be left to the fact that it prevented numbing water from entering the cockpit. Salt air from the water splashing off the bow infiltrated my nose as I perspired. I didn’t have gloves on, but my quick paddle cadence attuned my heartbeat, which warmed me from the torso to the extremities. My eyes narrowly focused on the textured waves ahead. Our kayaks zipped southwestward up and over and down and up and over again and again until the water sort of leveled out beyond the immediate shoals into the middle of the vast sound. The wind never quit though. Nor did we. This kind of commitment to kayaking in such exposed tidal waters is borderline masochism at times. Long distance endurance journeys are an open invite to deep physical pain in the body, and the mental game therefrom begins. In this moment, my existential crisis of the past year seems a world away. Dad died in his sleep a year and some change ago, but the only thing on my

GEM Electric Vehicles mind is the growing intensity of a burning in my shoulders which spread slowly to my back then creeping to my neck. A much-needed break was on the horizon. Yet, our reprieve ahead is the marsh grass in the distance where the wind is blocked. It’s 700, maybe 800 yards away. Distances, research studies have shown, are perceived farther than they truly are when participants wear a backpack. Try sea kayaking with a boatload of gear several miles into a headwind with hope that the tide doesn’t flip into the other direction. Sam, are you OK? Chris asked. Yeah, I’m doing just fine, I said with a smile as I continued my own inspired lyrical melody, Crossing the Doboy onto Savannah calling!

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BY DESIGN

Julep Gallery: a Colorful Hub for Area Artists

B r s

lin sE a

is n r

Bold blues. Glowing greens. Poppin’ pinks. Stepping into Julep Gallery in Redfern Village, one is awash in bright, beautiful hues. And Dawn Newbern

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wouldn’t have it any other way. The St. Simons-based artist has always gravitated toward color, and when she opened the doors of her fresh new space last summer, she wanted to make sure to offer plenty of it. “I’ve been an artist for 24 years, so I just love art. When I opened this gallery, I wanted to include other artists and have lots of collaboration and camaraderie with like-minded creatives. I didn’t want to be here by myself. It gets lonely being by yourself,” she says. “It’s been so much fun having the others on board and to be able to represent them.” Julep Gallery showcases around 20 local and regional artists. Naturally, each one has his or her own style and technique,

but they do share a common thread. “I would say it’s mostly coastal … and colorful. Colorfully-curated,” she says with a grin. “It just makes me feel happy.” Her own journey to becoming an artist began when she was young. Always a creative person, Newbern enjoyed tackling crafts with her grandmother and taking in design shows on television. “I remember watching Bob Ross too when he was on television,” she says. “But we were always making things. I started painting, though, when my oldest son was a baby.” Her work has evolved over the years. Its abstract meets impressionistic mixed media.

“But always colorful and happy. That’s my thing,” she adds with a nod. In addition to sharing her trademark upbeat vibe, Newbern is focused on getting original art into more homes. “We want art to be accessible and I think that what we offer here is accessible to a wide range of art lovers,” she says. Adding original art to a space goes a long way in creating a unique aesthetic. And with the start of a new year, many find themselves looking for a refresh. “It really just adds so much. It brings value and it’s something that no one else in the world has … it’s entirely yours,” Newbern says. “With a new year, that’s when people are looking to set the tone. You may want a new look or a new feel. That’s when everything starts fresh and new.” Creating an environment that is personalized and cozy is key. Art, she adds, can offer a bit of both, while also providing a focal point for design. “A lot of times people will design a room around a piece of art. You can use it to select paint colors and fabrics. It just evokes a feeling ... and that’s the first thing I notice when I walk in a room,” she says.

Some of her clients know what they want, while others need some guidance. Either path works well for her. Newbern is well-versed in helping them find something perfect. “Some people come and they know what they’re looking for … and if we don’t have it, most of our artists offer commissions,” she says. “But others don’t. And when they come in, we’ll walk around the gallery and I’ll just ask them, ‘What do you think about this or this?’ Then, we can get an idea of what they like and point them in the right direction. But we have something for everyone … from more contemporary to more coastal.” Once a piece is selected, Newbern can also provide direction for other style elements. She and her husband also own Overall Upholstery Studio on St. Simons Island, which allows them to team up to tackle home decor. “We offer fabrics, upholstery, drapery, pillows,” she lists. “My husband paints furniture and cabinetry. He’s an excellent woodworker. The two complement each other very well. I will send some of our clients over there or they send them here.” • Julep Gallery is located at 269 Redfern Village, St. Simons Island. Their instagram account is @julepgallery. Their email is julepgallery@gmail.com. The website is julepgallery.com.

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LIVING WELL

Planning for Peaceful Aging

r s

iE l

Planning for peaceful aging is a wonderful gift we can give to ourselves and our loved ones. As an Elder Law and Estate Planning attorney, I truly believe the value I am adding to this world comes from offering meaningful ways for people to plan for their best lives. First and foremost, we all want independence. We want the freedom to enjoy our world the way we choose. Financial matters are a

G O L D E N I S LES

ritt Es part of this, for sure, but health mat-

plan, the better the outcomes for

ters are even more important. With-

each of us and those we love.

out physical and mental well-being, money doesn’t really matter. Another

The first planning tip for all individu-

core belief of mine is that personal

als is to name people to step in for

wellness takes a village. We humans

us when we need help. Appropriate

do not live on this earth alone. We

legal documentation can authorize

need each other. Having the right

others to make important decisions

healthcare providers, counselors

for our health, safety, and finances if

and coaches, financial advisors,

we are unable to make those deci-

tax advisors, spiritual advisors, social

sions ourselves. Accidents, illnesses,

workers, attorneys, etc. is essential.

and other unforeseen circumstances

But also, we need those close to us

can be handled by those we trust

to help us get through life. Family

if we have planned to put them in

members, friends, and colleagues

charge when needed. I recommend

often become trusted personal advi-

advance directives for healthcare,

sors, caregivers, and partners we can

financial (and digital) powers of

lean on when we need a little extra

attorney, and HIPAA releases for ev-

assistance. Pulling it all together in

eryone over 18. All these documents

a peaceful way as we navigate our

can (and should be) customized as

lives requires thoughtful planning.

we age to include special consider-

The better and more consistently we

ations, e.g., long-term care planning.

Revocable living trusts are also very useful tools in setting up trustees to handle financial matters when we are unable, preventing expense and delay often associated with court involvement. These and other types of trusts and wills can provide added peace of mind in knowing to whom and how our assets will be distributed when we pass. Another planning tip is to give some thought regarding quality-of-life preferences. Thinking now about how we would like our lives to be moving forward can make all the difference in reaching our lifestyle goals. Not only is it important to save and invest money for our financial futures, but it is also even more valuable to plan out living preferences (rent or own? apartment or house? city or country? alone or in a community?). For example, if we need caregivers (skilled or otherwise) would we want to live

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in an assisted living community, a nursing home, in our own home, or in a loved one’s home? These are all questions that should be explored and discussed with those we name in advance to help us. None of us can predict our futures, but we can all plan for them as best we can.

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Long-term care planning is perhaps the most important planning tip of all. As we age, we become concerned that we might need long-term care, perhaps even skilled nursing care at home or in a skilled nursing facility. This care can be very expensive and

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can deplete lifelong savings quickly. While long-term care insurance may be an option (earlier the better), there are other government benefits planning strategies to be considered that can protect family assets and ensure better quality of life and preserve inheritance for loved ones. Medicaid eligibility planning is important to do early given 5-year “lookback” rules that apply. Thinking ahead and getting experienced professionals on board as early as possible will be key to planning for peaceful years to come. • Deborah “Debbie” L. Britt, Esq. is an Elder Law and Estate Planning Attorney on St. Simons Island, Georgia. Her practice, Debbie Britt Law, helps individuals and their families with elder law, estate planning, probate law, and special needs planning matters. For more information, visit her website at debbiebrittlaw.com or call 912-268-2655.

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M O N E Y TA L K S

Financial Basics to Remember during Unstable Times

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Many years ago in a previous career, my boss gave me some advice on dealing

someone who has been around for a

to employ all the time, but even more

while, I can tell you it’s been way worse.

so when that voice inside your head

Inflation is currently around 6%; in the

screams “Do something!”

early 80s it was nearly triple that. (Turkey’s current inflation rate is about 55%, if

Setting and writing down specific goals

that helps any.) The Savings & Loan crisis

greatly increases the chances of reach-

of the late 80s saw thousands of S&Ls

ing them. Specific goals are quantifiable

close and billions lost. And on the bright

— they have an amount and a date.

side, unemployment is at a record low of

But a goal without a plan is just a wish. A

about 3.5%. In 1932, one in four workers

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had no work. We survived all of that.

make that plan.

How to Respond — Not React

Plan for worst-case scenarios first. In-

with adverse conditions — “Respond,

surance helps here. Plan for most-likely

don’t react.” The word reaction is often

There is a natural inclination to want

scenarios next. Long-term planning is

accompanied by a couple of other

to take some action when something

important here. Plan for best-case sce-

words — knee-jerk, indicating the lack

happens in the world — the “Don’t just

narios last. Liquidity and flexibility enable

of thought that characterizes most

stand there, do something!” syndrome.

you to seize those opportunities.

reactions. During adversity, we become

Usually, the better response is “Don’t just

reflexive when we should be reflective.

do something, stand there.” The only

time to make significant changes in your

plan the first day you’re eligible. Put as

Many people believe we are in a period

financial strategy is when your situation

much into the retirement plan as you

of instability. We do have inflation and

changes, not the daily ups-and-downs

can. At least get every cent of the com-

problems with some banks. But, as

of world events. So, here are some tips

pany match — it’s free money!

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The asset side of your balance sheet is soft because asset values can change daily. The liabilities side of your balance sheet is hard because debt contracts lock you

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JANUARY/F EB RUA RY 2024

GAME CHANGERS

Theresa Adams: A Pioneer of Girls’ Athletics

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There may never be a figure that inspires more hope and promise throughout Glynn County than Theresa Adams. A pioneer of girls’ athletics in southeast Georgia, Adams began her illustrious career as a health and physical education teacher at Glynn Academy in 1977, during which time the girls’ basketball program had lain dormant for nearly 15 years.

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a is

A year later, Adams would reignite the program and lead them to a stretch that saw the Lady Terrors win 637 games, eight region championships, 19 sub-region titles, and two runs to the Final Four over 35 years as the first female black head coach in Glynn Academy history. Adams produced multiple local and regional Players of the Year, all-state and all-region selections on the court, and her athletic achievements weren’t limited to basketball. Adams won 11 region titles as the girls’ track and field coach, sending competitors to state every season but one in her 35-year career with 24 athletes qualifying for medal presentations. Adams captured 24 more region championships as the girls’ cross country coach and one during a five-year stint leading the boys’ cross country team. In 23 years as the Glynn Acade-

my cheer coach, Adams’ teams were awarded the Spirit Stick — the highest summer camp honor in the sport — 23 times. Over her illustrious career, Adams claimed 45 total region champions in 35 years as a coach, once coaching her teams to region titles in girls’ cross country, girls’ basketball, and girls’ track and field all in the same athletic year, garnering her a spot in the 2012 Glynn County Sports Hall of Fame class. But what’s made Adams a game-changing inspiration is that those accomplishments came secondary to her real mission: to positively impact any and everyone she could. “My whole philosophy was that I never ever wanted to hurt a child. I always wanted to be one who could help them in some fashion,” Adams says. “And not just in sports, but in the classroom, in any aspect that I came across.”

Adams has been altruistic in her humanitarianism. Not only did she look out for the students who played for her, but also for their families, siblings, and anyone who crossed her path.

Adams learned what young people need from her own experience as a prep athlete at Risley High School, where Adams is proud to say she still owns the program’s sprinting record.

“I remember one time I had a basketball girl, and I said, ‘Come on and eat with me,’” Adams says. “And so we went out to eat, and I recognized that she wasn’t eating the food. I said, ‘Honey, why aren’t you eating?’ She said, ‘Well I’m going to save this for my sister and brother because they don’t have anything.’ So I just said, ‘OK, well let us just order one more plate, and you can give that to them, but you go ahead and eat that.’ And that means a lot to the kids.”

“Someone was always giving to me; from getting my hair fixed, buying me some shoes, or just taking me to their house for dinner or something,” Adams says. “Because I was raised by my grandmother, who was an awesome woman, and she gave me a lot of her values.”

Adams can also recall a former GA band member who she inspired to follow his dreams en route to becoming a musician. “He wanted to be in the band, and he was just so afraid to ask the band director, so I said, ‘Oh, no, this is not going to work. I’m going to take you over here, and we’re going to get you in this band,’” Adams says. “Because every day he’s standing out there watching because he wanted to do it. Well, he called me some years after, and he said, ‘Mrs. Adams, I’m a professional guitarist, and I have my own business and everything, and I just want you to know I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for you.’ I said to him, ‘God has blessed me and you, so keep the good work up.’”

“If you treat people right, and ‘right’ don’t mean everybody has to be treated the same, but ‘right’ means you’ve got to treat them right, and things will work out for you.” Adams has spent her adult life working to pass along the same message to everyone she encounters — investing her own time and money into the youth with the hopes they will turn around and do the same. Last year, Glynn County signaled that it has received Adams’ teachings loud and clear when members of the community came together to honor the inspirational educator with a ceremony that unveiled the newly dedicated Coach Theresa Adams Court at Glynn Academy in a showing of love that cost more than $13,000.

Adams’ work wasn’t limited to those at Glynn Academy, nor was it limited to those within the borders of Glynn County.

While the court dedication was a small financial investment compared to what Adams has poured into the area, it gave the county an opportunity to pay back the legacy of positivity she’s left on thousands.

Adams was never opposed to offering a helping hand to anyone in need as she actively worked to remove barriers preventing adolescents from reaching their highest potential in life.

“It is so important to me, and it always has been important, that I could help somebody feel better about themselves, and they can enjoy themselves when they’re around me,” Adams says.

“They would come all the way from Atlanta, individual kids who wanted to go with me to camp down in Florida,” Adams says.

“I always used to say, children need a lot of direction, guidance, and the more direction and guidance you give them, the better off they will be. I don’t care what level they’re on, you can help them move up to a higher level. And the more you help them, the better citizens they will be. If you don’t give them help, you’re asking for trouble.”

“We’d go to Atlanta, we’d go to North Carolina, different places, and I would take kids from McIntosh or Jesup. I’d take kids from Camden, Savannah. A lot of love was shown during that time toward me, and I was overwhelmed because you never know.”

JANUARY/F EB RUA RY 2024

THE DISH

Fresh flavors and bright colors reign at A Moveable Feast

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The sizzle of oil and sweet scent of sautéing veggies mingled in the air. At the center stood Tanya Sergey, her eyes fixed on the pan before her. “A lot of people are afraid of cooking fish. I always tell them that there’s a fool-poof way,” she says with a grin, effortlessly flipping a pink piece of salmon. “Take some honey, salt, and pepper … put it on the salmon. Add a little oil to a pan then sear it on one side for a minute. Deglaze it with a little bourbon. Then, put it in a 400-degree oven for four minutes. It’s the perfect medium salmon.” Right on cue, she opens the oven to pull out that very thing. “You just have to remember to use a pot holder to get it out,” she says with a laugh.

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is n Of course, Sergey’s a pro and she’s been whipping up fresh, colorful dishes at her Brunswick-based restaurant for more than eight years now. Her menu reflects her extensive experience as a chef coupled with her love of travel. And it offers a different flavor than what’s typically found in the Coastal Southeast. “We also have menus that are themed by region or country. For example, one day we’ll do Asian, one day we’ll do Mexican. Sometimes we feature more Southern typhoon, but we like to provide a variety of items and dishes,” she says. “We like fresh flavors and bright colors. We also like to layer our flavors so that every bite packs a punch.” While international flair is a part of her lineup, so too is a variety of health-conscious fare. Sergey, a vegetarian herself, is mindful of the fact that more people are trying to eat a more nutritious diet, especially at the start of a new year. “A leaner, healthier diet doesn’t have to be boring. The days of iceberg lettuce and bare chicken are gone. There are so many products that are available that weren’t before. So we can eat a lot differently than our parents.” To that end A Moveable Feast offers

their popular “big salads,” with options for protein like fish, chicken, or quinoa. They also offer fresh soup every day and a plethora of hearty sandwiches, all delivered hot and quick to accommodate the lunchtime rush. Each dish is also packed with a lot of love. “We’re a mom and pop restaurant ... there’s just no pop. So it’s mom and my daughters who grew up working here,” she says. “We have a tiny staff of five, including the dishwasher. But we try our best every day to put out the best product we can.” But she also goes the extra mile to give back. Sergey regularly hosts themed dinners for the World Central Kitchen, a nonprofit founded by world renowned chef José Andrés that delivers hot meals to those in need. A Moveable Feast has hosted three wine dinner fundraisers benefiting Ukraine, Maui, and the Middle East. “In addition to supporting a great cause in the World Central Kitchen, these dinners allow me to showcase some foods that I wouldn’t normally get to. For the Ukrainian fundraiser dinner, we did Ukrainian food,” Sergey says. “For the Hawaiian dinner we focused on more traditional Hawaiian of dishes and ingredients, and again for the Middle East dinner we used cuisines from all around the region.”

A Moveable Feast’s Powermix! Salad Chef’s notes: The Powermix Salad is actually a hot sauté and is one of our most popular dishes — it is featured on the daily menu at A Moveable Feast. Most customers order it with our honey bourbon salmon. Many home cooks are intimidated by cooking seafood and this recipe allows people to see how simple it really is to cook the perfect piece of salmon. INGREDIENTS: Cabbage (red and green) Kale Radicchio Carrot Brussels sprouts Red onion Artichoke hearts Tri-colored grape tomatoes Quinoa Crumbled turkey bacon (cooked in house) Feta cheese House-made citrus vinaigrette 6 oz portion boneless, skinless salmon Honey, bourbon, salt, pepper Lemon and parsley garnish

DIRECTIONS In a large bowl, chop and combine cabbage, kale, radicchio, Brussels sprouts, and shredded carrot. Heat wok to medium high, add splash of oil, onion, artichoke hearts and tomatoes. Toss in a few handfuls of the chopped vegetables and stir with rubber spatula until slightly wilted. Add quinoa and cook for another 30 seconds. Place into bowl. Top with turkey bacon and feta. To make the perfect piece of salmon: Place salmon, bloodline down on a plate. Drizzle with honey and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Heat sauté pan on high and add splash of oil. Place salmon honey-side down and sear for a minute or so until brown and caramelized. Carefully flip over salmon and lightly deglaze with bourbon. Put into 400-degree for four minutes (3 for mid rare, 6 for well) for the perfect piece of medium salmon. Make sure to use an oven mitt and remove salmon from oven. Place salmon on top of Powermix! sauté and garnish with a slice of lemon and parsley, and a side of house-made citrus vinaigrette. • A Moveable Feast is located at 1178 Chapel Crossing Road, Brunswick. It serves a variety of fresh salads, sandwiches, and soups. It also hosts a number of special events and fundraisers. It is open from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday to Friday. The owner is Chef Tanya Sergey. For details, visit amfrestaurant.com.

JANUARY/F EB RUA RY 2024

Star Born:

WORDS BY LINDSEY ADKISON

PHOTOS BY PRISCILLA BOUDREAU AND PRO IDED

G O L D E N I S LES

rantley Kate Jones effortlessly navigates the darkened stairs. She takes her place at a familiar spot, the center of the Ritz Theatre’s stage.

Nearby, Heather Heath is sweeping up colored confetti, remnants of a good time during a recent rental of the space. As the camera’s flash fires, photographer Priscilla Boudreau smiles. “Can you pop your hip?” she asks her subject. “And point toward the back of your shirt.”

Brantley Kate Jones Shares Love of Stage and Life

“Oh, Brantley Kate can pop it,” Heath chimes in with a giggle. That she can. The now 21-year-old began taking dance classes when she was just 5 years old. It was a path that has been beneficial in many of her life’s endeavors. Not only has she won awards for competitions, but she was also a Glynn Academy cheerleader. It’s come in handy, too, when learning choreography for stage productions. Brantley Kate has excelled at it all, refusing to let the condition she was born with, Down Syndrome, hold her back. In fact, as a child, she never knew there was anything “different” about her. She was a happy child, supported by her friends, family, and teachers. “Growing up with a disability, which is Down Syndrome, just means that it may take me a little bit longer than I would like to do things,” she says. “But in my life, I always had supporters, helpers, and long-term friendships … definitely people in my life who have been great influencers.” Her family — her parents, Ansley and Brant Jones, along with her sister, Hayley — are certainly at the top of the list. Their support and guidance helped her understand her condition, but they also stressed that there was no limit to what she could accomplish. “We’ve always tried to treat Brantley Kate the same as we did her older sister, Hayley. We had the same expectations and goals for both of them, with the ultimate goal being that they become independent, kind young women,” her mother says.

JANUARY/F EB RUA RY 2024

“We’ve always told her that she’s capable of doing anything she puts her mind to and thus far, she has not proved us wrong.”

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“But from birth to elementary school, everything was so inclusive both socially and educationally, that she never really asked about her disability ... so we never mentioned it to her. However, in middle school, that all changed. She became aware and she asked why she was different from other students.” Down Syndrome does present some challenges, but Ansley says it’s never been something that could hold Brantley Kate back. To date, she’s realized a number of goals she’s set for herself including going to prom, getting her driver’s license, and graduating from high school. She is currently attending college. “We’ve always told her that she’s capable of doing anything she puts her mind to and thus far, she has not proved us wrong,” Ansley says. Brantley Kate has worked tirelessly in pursuit of her dreams — one of the biggest being theatrical performances. She was featured in the ensemble in “Big River” with the Glynn Academy Players, and of course, there’s Golden Isles Penguin Project, where Brantley Kate lit up the stage. The curtain rose on the national level in 2004, when an Illinois professor, Dr. Andrew Morgan, unveiled an idea to give special needs children a way of engaging in the performing arts. Since then, chapters have sprung up across the country.

JANUARY/F EB RUA RY 2024

Organized locally by Golden Isles Arts and Humanities, the annual show features a special needs cast accompanied by mentors who help them with their roles. Performances throughout its seven-year history include “Annie Jr.” in 2017; “Peter Pan Jr.” in 2018; and “Shrek the Musical Jr.” in 2019. Due to the pandemic, there was no show in 2020; instead, the group staged a mini-revue. “Bye Bye Birdie, Young Performers’ Edition,” brought the music back in 2021, followed by “Disney’s High School Musical Jr.” in 2022. For the 2023 edition, the group staged “Lion King Jr.” They are set to tackle “The Music Man Jr.” in June. Heath has directed each of the shows and it’s become a part of her heart. “The Penguin Project is just about the best theatre I have ever been involved with; there is so much passion and joy on stage from our artists and mentors that it is palpable,” Heath says. And she points to the leadership of longtime “Penguins” like Brantley Kate as a huge part of its success. “(She) has been involved since we started and she is a big part of that passion — she loves performing and sharing her talent and she has grown tremendously as an actor, singer, and dancer with each production. She is a joy,” Heath says. And not only did it give Brantley Kate a place to showcase her talents, it also offered a space to connect with other local thespians with disabilities. “I saw on a flyer that for the first time in Glynn County, there was going to be a Penguin Project,” she says. “I went to the meeting and got some more information. And decided to join.” She’s racked up quite the resume. Some of Brantley Kate’s roles include Lily in “Annie Jr.;’ Wendy in “Peter Pan;” Fiona in “Shrek Jr.;” Mrs. Peterson in “Bye, Bye Birdie;’ and Gabriella Montez in “High School Musical.” “‘Annie Jr.,’ ‘Peter Pan,’ and ‘Bye, Bye Birdie,’ are my top three favorites because I was paired with a good friend of mine. It means so much to be involved

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in it. It means making memories that last a lifetime,” Brantley Kate says. “I also got to explore who I am and who I am as an actress being different characters. It’s stepping out of my own shoes and being in somebody else’s. I think it’s really helped my confidence, though I’m still working on my confidence.” Seeing her so comfortable onstage, that’s a bit hard to believe. But she hasn’t just polished her performing skills, she’s also learned a bit about management and organizing. Brantley Kate also spearheads a fundraising effort to support the cause. Her namesake event — BK’s Brightness Brigade — hosts a springtime event called Bands & BBQ that raises money to help finance the show. “All of this started two years ago with my uncle and one of his good friends who is a musician. They really put it on. It means so much to me and my family,” she says. “I want to expose it more to the community and to get them to come see us as an audience. That’s how the show is created, from them coming to see us and our talents.”

JANUARY/F EB RUA RY 2024

While packed houses — and they are always packed — buoy the Penguins, the benefits last long after the final curtain call. “I just can’t say enough about the Penguin Project. This program gives these kids a place where they can shine. They can show off their talents. They can make connections with other kids … kids with and without disabilities. They can explore talents they or their parents never knew they had. It is absolutely a magical experience,” Ansley says. “I would absolutely encourage other parents to look into this … parents of kids with and without disabilities. It is just a great experience for everyone. It’s a huge commitment for everyone involved — the Penguins, the mentors, the helpers, the parents — but it is so, so worth it.” For her part, Brantley Kate plans to keep on setting goals and breaking barriers. She hopes to have a career that includes public speaking and sharing her story. “I’d like to take what I’ve learned from my acting career and go into public speaking one day … to use my voice,” she says. And her message will be crystal clear — don’t let anything dash your dreams. That is certainly the way she lives. “This disability does not define me at all. It’s not who I am or who I want to be. I am here for one purpose … because God put me here. And I cannot be more thankful for my health, my health workers, and everyone in my life,” she says. “I love who I am because my life is so grand … every day.”

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HAND IN HAND: NONPROFIT TO SHELTER THE HOMELESS WORDS BY LINDSEY ADKISON | PHOTOS BY

nspiration often strikes when we least expect it. That was certainly the case for Anne Stembler.

It came roughly 12 years ago when she was attending a talk by Ron Hall, the author of Same Kind of Different As Me. “It was at Epworth By the Sea and he was speaking about how he befriended a homeless man named Denver Moore while

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working in a soup kitchen and they eventually became best friends. They even lived together after Ron’s wife died,” she says. “As I was leaving … I thought, ‘Am I supposed do something about homeless people?’ But you know, I didn’t know anything about homeless people, I’m just a grandmother.” The call wasn’t so easily dismissed

however. It kept popping up in Stembler’s head over and over. “It wouldn’t leave me alone, so finally five or six years later, I was at a church meeting. And I made a big mistake because I said, ‘I’m going to do something about the homeless population here,’” she recalls with a chuckle. “And if you say it in front of people, that means you’re going to at least have to make an attempt.”

JANUARY/F EB RUA RY 2024

After speaking out, she figured it was important to try to find someone who could help her. At a party one evening, she decided to share her idea to see if anyone was interested. “And I was so fortunate because one person who heard me was Linda Heagy. She asked me if I was serious and I said I was,” she says. “Linda had extensive experience in banking and the business side. So that’s really how it started. Now, she’s a great friend and she’s the treasurer of Hand in Hand of Glynn.” That’s the nonprofit born of Stembler’s vision and Heagy’s know how. The mission became to establish a charity that would build tiny houses for members of the local homeless population.

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But as Stembler dove into the facts and figures surrounding Brunswick’s issues, she realized that the problem was enormous. That’s true not only for the number of men and women currently without roofs over their heads, it’s also true of the reasons at the heart of the issue. “I think there are a lot of singled-minded people who just think they’re all addicts. But there are a lot of different reasons for homelessness. There’s the lack of affordable housing with the cost of rent going up everywhere,” Stembler says. “There’s still fallout from the pandemic. There are kids coming out of foster care and the elderly who live longer than their pensions. And many families are only one tragedy away from being sent over the edge and not able to pay their rent.” Mental illness also plays a major role. “There may be people who were veterans with PTSD or drug issues or developmentally delayed,” she says. “There are just so many reasons so looking at that was a good place to start.” But getting to the bottom of those statistics isn’t as simple as it may seem. The Brunswick figures are combined with that of other areas of the county — Sea, St. Simons, and Jekyll islands, all of which have drastically lower statistics … if any at all. “Brunswick is at 39%, which is three times the national average which is 12.8%. The median household income in Brunswick is $24,417. The median household income in the state is $52,000,” Stembler says. “Brunswick is the only town in Georgia where over half of the households makes less than

$25,000 a year. There is widespread financial insecurity. More than a third of residents use Snap Food Benefits (food stamps) to buy their groceries. That’s double the state average of 14.5%.” The most recent homeless count in the city was 500 persons. But Stembler says that cannot be a completely accurate tally. “They go around and do the count but that doesn’t include people who are couch surfing or living in their car,” she says. Despite the colossal odds, Hand in Hand of Glynn started to put a plan together. To start, they examined a study out of Charlotte, N.C., which outlined how much taxpayer money was going to fund public services for the homeless. It turned out, it was much more than it would cost to construct housing and provide supplies for them. “There’s a cost-of-living difference between Charlotte and Brunswick, of course, but we figured out that it would still save about $21,000 per person housed per year. So if you house 60 people, that saves Glynn County taxpayers over $1.26 million per year,” Stembler says. Armed with this information, Hand in Hand of Glynn began fundraising. Their first and major donor was Pete Correll and the community was named in his honor — the Grove at Correll Commons. They went on to raise more than $7 million, and developed a model for a community of tiny homes. They purchased a 4.25 acre parcel of land on Altama Avenue, formerly the site of Altama Presbyterian Church. In 2020, they began constructing 60 one-bedroom “tiny homes,” measuring 240-square feet, outfitted with everything one would need including basic appliances and furniture. Five of the homes are two-feet wider and two-feet longer to comply with the Americans With Disabilities Act. The rooms are all large enough to allow wheelchair access. Each home also includes a 12-by-8-foot covered front porch. Landscaping, raised vegetable beds, and sod — donated by Sea Island — were also put in place. But Stembler says the community will also offer critical support and services. “The Community Center on campus offers healthcare and mental health services through an auxiliary clinic staffed by Coastal Community Health, life skills classes, A.A. meetings and GED JANUARY/F EB RUA RY 2024

classes, and more. There is a laundromat and food pantry, stocked by Second Harvest,” she says. “Community service credits can be used by residents for laundry and supplies.” To make sure it runs smoothly, they have put an experienced team in place. “John Williams is our president and he came on first of August. He worked with The Gathering Place for over 29 years,” she says. “He has a big heart for this population.” The residents will be required to pay rent, though the amount will be a percentage based on their individual income whether that is from a disability or social security check. “The practice is to take 40% of their check, which is, of course, different for each person. Some will have nothing,” Stembler says. “But they will all sign a contract and will be asked to abide by the rules, like any gated community might have, and do two hours a week of community service if they are able.” It’s still the beginning for Hand in Hand of Glynn. As of this writing, no residents have moved onsite, but the future residents have been selected through a coordinated effort between local social workers and the nonprofit. They’ve also built an army of dedicated volunteers who are committed to helping the project grow.

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“We have a website for volunteers to sign up. It can be individual volunteers, who come on Thursdays, or big groups, which usually come on Saturdays,” she says. Of course, donations are still rolling in but there’s always a need for more. “We always need supplies and money donated goes to our ongoing expenses. We have an endowment fund but we would like to use that sparingly, so that we can always have a reserve for true emergencies, “ Stembler says. As the community takes shape, it may prove to be a solid blueprint for bringing the program to other locations. “It’s a pie in the sky dream, but one day it could go to a places like Woodbine or Jesup,” she says. For now, they are focused on building the Grove and giving their residents the support they desperately need. “All of this starts with giving them a roof over their heads so we can help put 60 lives back together,” Stembler says. “And, of course, you can judge a community by how it treats its most vulnerable citizens: the elderly, the sick, and the homeless.” • To learn more about the Hand in Hand for Glynn community, visit handinhandofglynn.org.

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70 years of the ZIO Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha WORDS BY LINDSEY ADKISON | PHOTOS BY LESLIE HAND, 64

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RED LOCKEY, AND PRO IDED

ince the birth of the nation, American women have been searching for a way to find a foothold in a decidedly male-dominated society. As the march toward equality gained steam, groups of women found their ways to college campuses and decided to form their own version of the popular fraternities — secret societies of men — that dotted the country.

Thus, sororities were born. The word “sorority” comes from the Latin “soror,” meaning “sister,” “cousin,” or “female friend.” The first official sorority was the Adelphean Society (today known as Alpha Delta Pi) which was chartered on May 15, 1851, at Wesleyan Female College in Macon. Of course, this was an all-White organization in the Antebellum South. For Women of Color, founding their own sisterhood was a greater challenge. But it was one they met. Breaking through the confinements of segregation and the male-dominated milieu that characterized the early 1900s, Howard University co-ed Ethel Hedgeman and eight of her classmates worked to create a place for Black women to uplift one another and give back to their communities. Alpha Kappa Alpha (AKA) was founded 1908 at Howard in Washington, D.C.

Five years later in 1913, lead incorporator Nellie Quander ensured Alpha Kappa Alpha’s perpetuity through incorporation in the District of Columbia. Today, AKA includes more than 325,000 members in more than 1,045 graduate and undergraduate chapters in the United States, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Liberia, Bahamas, Bermuda, the Caribbean, Canada, Japan, Germany, South Korea, Africa, South Africa, and in the Middle East. As the Zeta Iota Omega (ZIO) Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha begins its 70th year in the Golden Isles, local members have found time to pause and celebrate this illustrious group’s past, present, and future.

The History The Zeta Iota Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha was chartered in Brunswick in 1954 by Rosa G. Waye, a recent graduate of Albany State College; Creola Belton, a veteran of the United States Army and graduate of Bluefield State University; and Paula McNeely of Talladega College. They worked with Minnie Pierce Butts, Countess Cox, Mary Alberta Jaudon, Charlie Mae Kelly Knight, Delores Livingston, Edna May Rayford, and Josephine Wilkes to bring the vision to life. It took shape under the guidance of A. Catherine Johnson, the

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South Atlantic Regional Director of Alpha Kappa Alpha. After the chartering, the members began to seek like-minded, college-educated women to join them in their dedication to advance the principles of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc.

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During the 1950s, ZIO had its first membership intake that included Dora Armstrong, Alberta Campbell, Selena DeVillars, Leo Harris, and Lillie Harris. After this, Altermese Washington joined the chapter as the first transfer member and Creola Belton was elected as the chapter’s first president. Membership in the Zeta Iota Omega Chapter has grown from 10 active members in 1953 to 73 women today, all of whom carry out the sorority’s goal of offering “Supreme Service to all Mankind.” For current Chapter President Felicity Littles, the legacy remains powerful. She joined in 1992, after earning a degree in business administration from Savannah State University. Littles was drawn to the group because she knew a number of inspirational women who were a part of it. “I joined because of the women I was exposed to in my community of Darien, Georgia. Their leadership and service inspired me,” she says. “They were women who I considered to be community leaders. I wanted to be just like them.”

Activities and Goals African-American fraternities and sororities have Greek organizations on college campuses, as well as post-graduate chapters. The ZIO chapter is the latter, which allows members to continue their service beyond their collegiate years. “It’s a great way to still be of service to the community,” Littles says. The ZIO chapter certainly walks this walk. Through their outreach programs, they buoy their bonds of sisterhood while making substantive change. Alpha Kappa Alpha’s ongoing initiatives include: Empower Our Families, Build Our Economic Wealth, Enhance Our Environment; Advocate for Social Justice; and Uplift our Community.

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“Under those initiatives members are focused to help lead on the front lines of change, education, and advocacy in our service area of Glynn, Camden, and McIntosh Counties” she says.

Golden Soros Brenda Johnson, left, and Denise Martin. They have served for 50 years or more in Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc.

JANUARY/F EB RUA RY 2024

The ladies are fully engaged and play active roles in so many areas, it’s nearly impossible to list them all. They host informative luncheons and organize fundraisers. AKA also spearheads four scholarships, benefitting two students in Glynn County (one from Brunswick High School and one from Glynn Academy); one from McIntosh County; and one from Camden. “We’ve given thousands of dollars to deserving young women who are preparing to go to college,” she says. Like Littles, Carol Rountree has been an active chapter member for decades, as well as a former president.

Charter members and prospective members in the home of Mrs. Leo Harris in 1954.

Silver Stars, members who have served for 25 years or more in Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., are pictured.

The Brunswick native first joined an AKA chapter in Dayton, Ohio, in 1984. After returning to the Golden Isles, she became a member of the Zeta Iota Omega Chapter. And when she was elected president she left her mark on the organization through what’s become one of its signature programs — Sister2Sister. Held every other year, it’s a luncheon that hosts speakers who share their expertise on various topics. “For instance, one of our initiatives is Empowering Our Families. An area of focus is Childhood Hunger. AKA CHIPP provides weekend and holiday meals for children within local communities and we partner with Glyndale Elementary School,” Rountree says. The Cotillion is another signature program of ZIO Chapter. Young ladies who are high school juniors and seniors are engaged in a five to six month program before they attend the Cotillion Ball as their formal entrance to society. It will be held in June 2024. “We also volunteer for Relay For Life, the SGHS Bridge Run, ARTrageous Bras Fundraiser, and have participated with the American Heart Association Pink Goes Red. We stay busy,” Rountree says.

Moving Forward 68

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“I think AKA gives us the ability collectively come together to impact our community … individually we are doing amazing things, but together — our voices and our impact is greater.” — Brandi Whitfield

The current ZIO members are pictured. Photo by Fred Lockey

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Brandi Whitfield, who initially joined during her undergraduate program at Hampton University in 2002, says the organization is committed to using its voice to promote the community. “I think AKA gives us the ability collectively come together to impact our community … individually we are doing amazing things, but together — our voices and our impact is greater,” she says. Whitfield is currently serving as co-chair of the Black Expo committee. The annual event seeks to amplify minority-owned businesses while also helping aspiring college students prepare for their next step. “This year, it will be from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. February 3, 2024, at Burroughs-Molette. It will be our third Black Expo and we’re super excited about it,” she says. “We want to do what we can to help promote those businesses and we’ve seen growth in the numbers. We also have breakout sessions that are like town halls.” Whether it’s supporting minority businesses — especially those owned by women — helping guide students toward their futures, or supporting community causes, Alpha Kappa Alpha is poised for another 70 years of transformative change. Whitfield says that’s just who they are — as women, as sisters, and as good citizens.

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“We really want to give back to the community, which has given so much to us. We try to make as much an impact as we can,” she says. “As a collective, we can do more. And it’s vitally important, especially when it comes to the social issues that we’re seeing every day. It’s essential that minorities and People of Color have a voice.”

WORDS BY LAUREN COOPER | PHOTOS BY SAM GHIOTO

Down on the

Farm: Sanctuary Offers Animals A Second Chance

JANUA RY / F E BRUA RY 2024

s the road transitions from pavement to gravel, I slip from modernity into a silent sanctuary. Hand-painted signs tucked into the shady canopy of trees greet visitors as they arrive at Oatland Farm North. I continue my drive, rolling the windows down and turning off the radio. The wind whispers notes of peace, welcoming visitors from all walks of life. It takes me back to all the farms I have traveled to, where I healed through a connection with animals. I reminisce about my mornings spent at Oatland Farm guiding Tex the blind horse from pasture to barn stall. The gentle giant was a trail horse in South Carolina before he lost his sight, forcing his retirement. The Farm at Oatland North is a 501c3 located at 70 Cannon’s Point Road, St. Simons Island. The family-owned land was originally home to the Cannon’s Point Riding Stable. Eventually, it was turned into an animal rescue center by Barbara Murrah and her husband, Bascom. She wanted it to be a permanent and self-sustaining place for unwanted animals, where they would be loved and cared for.

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When Barbara passed away from cancer in 2013, her good friend Diana Scarborough continued the mission of providing sanctuary for abused and neglected animals with the help of volunteers. A voice echoes from the barn and Diana appears, waving with a smile. Like the animals, she remembers me from the times I volunteered and helped with face painting for the annual fall festival. “(She was) kind, in a nutshell. She was kind to people, as she was a great nurse, and kind to all animals,” Diana says of Barbara. As we move through the farm, Percy the goat pops his head out from his fence, staring with a mischievous gleam

in his eye. Nearby, Luna and Mesha pose for the camera, standing on top of their goat playpen structure as I snap a picture. While I am not looking, Mister Wonkey Donkey moseys up behind me, nudging my leg with a bowed head. “He lived in Reidsville before joining the Farm. His family had financial problems and surrendered him,” Diana tells me. “He is 52-years-old and loves behindthe-ear scratches.”

found in a dumpster by a man named Phil, so we named him in his honor. We carry on, continuing to greet the horses, pigs, donkeys, cats, and goats who seek refuge within this beautiful place.” Each animal has a story, a past that they have healed from. They have transitioned from loneliness and despair to love and light. The volunteers support the animals, and in return, the animals support them.

“How did he get his name?” I ask.

“Volunteers are drawn to the farm because of the animals, and the setting, it is all so beautiful. The animals are loving and unique. It is so easy to fall in love with them,” Diana says.

“When Lil’ Phil was a tiny kitten, he was

Judy Crawford halts the whirring of the

As we walk, Little Phil the long-haired black cat weaves between our steps.

JANUARY/F EB RUA RY 2024

Each animal has a story, a past that they have healed from. They have transitioned from loneliness and despair to love and light. The volunteers support the animals, and in return, the animals support them.

tractor to say hello, and her husband Kirby Crawford schleps a few more bundles of hay into the tractor loader. “I am actually a farm girl at heart, I grew up on a dairy farm in North Dakota,” Judy says with pure joy. Volunteering at the Farm makes her feel right back at home. Judy and Kirby were spending an extra special day at the Farm. “How many guys could say that on their 47th wedding anniversary, they spent some special time in the morning out here with their wife,” Kirby says as he scoops. Other volunteers also feel the magic of the Farm. Ashley Minish lights up while reminiscing about her first time in this special place. “In 2015, I visited the Farm at Oatland North for the first time. It was a rainy Sunday afternoon, and I was looking for something to do,” she says. “Being out here is therapeutic, being around nature and the horses. This is my first time ever being around horses. There is always something to love on out here.” As a new year dawns, many people find themselves looking for new ways to connect and find purpose. For the Farm’s volunteers, they’ve found just that. They greet each other with hugs and excitement. Their love does not stop with the animals, it radiates throughout their relationships with each other. There is always something to do, and working with animals gives one a better understanding of life. “It is the neatest thing in the whole world. It is a sanctuary for people as it is for animals,” Sherri Demarco says, beaming. Mid-stride from the goat pen to the barn, Kat Hadesty looks up and nods.

To keep up to date with the Farm, visit their Facebook page, The Farm at Oatland North, @thefarmssi on Instagram, or the website. thefarmssi.org. 74

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“I wish I could be here every day,” she says, shuffling through the mud with her rain boots. The Farm is open to public visitors from 2 to 4 p.m. every Sunday. It is free of charge and everyone is welcome to come out to meet the animals. I recommend bringing some carrots with the green tops on and sliced apples for your visit. The goats love the carrot greens. There is no experience required to volunteer. Anyone ages 14 and up is invited. If you are between the ages of 14 and 16, the farm kindly asks that you be accompanied by a guardian. If you are not able to volunteer, there are other ways to support the Farm. Diana says that animal food and supplements are very costly, so all donations are appreciated. Gift cards to Tractor Supply are always welcomed as well. “The Farm is a family. We get back so much more than we put in. While providing a loving home for these animals, it creates opportunities for our community. A place for families, church groups, and school kids to learn about the animals and their care,” Diana says.

JANUARY/F EB RUA RY 2024

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WORDS BY LINDSEY ADKISON

PHOTOS BY PRISCILLA BOUDREAU AND MICHAEL HALL

few short decades ago, once someone hit 40, an active lifestyle was effectively over. It was kind of expected that one would hang up the ole running shoes, tuck the bike away, and prepare to shuffle off into the proverbial sunset. Thankfully, times have changed. And if you need proof, look no further than Bruce and Anke Hildreth. This dynamic Jekyll Island duo is nothing short of incredible. From running marathons to hiking, kayaking, and jointly biking across Iowa for the annual RAGBRAI event, their passion for fitness is awe-inspiring. “… and guess how old he is,” Anke says with a wink. “83. And I’m turning 74 on Friday.” But challenging themselves physically is not new to the Hildreths. They’ve been pursuing it throughout their lives, as their distant paths wound toward one another.

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“I was born in Germany then we emigrated to Canada, via 10 years in England, I came to Miami in 1981,” Anke says. “After (Hurricane) Andrew, I moved to Naples. We met in 2006, then moved to North Fort Myers in 2008.” Bruce originates from the Hawkeye State, but spent most of his adult life in Lake Tahoe, California. “That was a beautiful spot. I did a lot of skiing there, of course,” he says. “Then, I retired, and went to Fort Lauderdale and moved on a boat. I spent most of my time in the Eastern Caribbean. I ended up in Western Florida, where I met her.” “… at an athletic event,” Anke adds with a grin. That was an adventure triathlon. But before that chance encounter between Bruce, who happened to be an ER doctor, and Anke, who was a nurse (seriously), the two were very sporty on their own. She was a school champion badminton player, who also enjoyed horseback riding, skating, skiing, and later tennis. When she moved to Florida, Anke started running, completing her first marathon in 1987. “I did 13,” she says. “I ran New York and hadn’t done one in 19 years, but had gotten in … that was when I was 70.”

“I’ve been biking pretty much ever since I could walk. In the summer, I did a lot of mountain biking. Then, I met her,” he says with a smile, pointing to his wife. “I talked him into triathlons,” she says. The two competed in races together, including joining Jekyll Island’s Turtle Crawl when it was a multi-sport event. But one of their annual joy rides is truly something spectacular.

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She didn’t get to run the prestigious race as an injury sidelined her. True to form however, she did not sit still for long. Biking came to the forefront as it was also one of Bruce’s longtime loves and something they enjoyed doing together.

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For the last several years, the Hildreths have participated in the RAGBRAI. That is an acronym for (the Iowa newspaper) the Register’s Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa. Billed as, “an epic eight-day rolling festival of bicycles, music, food, camaraderie, and community” — it’s also a 500-mile sojourn, where they log in 80 to 90 miles per day. “It depends,” Bruce says. “But, it’s not a race. You can ride your own pace, though some people just blast ahead. There are all kinds of people and all ages. There are all sorts of goofy bikes … even unicycles.” “Penny-farthing bikes too,” Anke says, tracing the large wheel of the antique model in the air with her finger. While there’s definitely a ton of pedaling involved, the Hildreths say it’s a truly great time. Dozens of tiny Iowa towns roll out the red carpet as 15-to-20,000 cyclists descend on them at the end of July. “This year, it was 30,000 because it was the 50th anniversary,” Bruce clarifies. “It’s really a lot of fun … they have bands, food … and beer along the way,” Anke says with a chuckle. “The drill is, when you start, you start on the west coast, you dip your rear wheel into the Missouri River. When you reach the end, that’s the Mississippi, so you dip your front wheels into the Mississippi.”

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“There’s a certain amount of tradition,” Bruce says. Of course, even with the RAGBRAI being a cherished Iowa custom, it takes some serious work to get in what Bruce calls, “bike shape.” They ride long distances — from Jekyll to St. Simons Island — and have even travelled to North Carolina to incorporate some hill training into their regime. “Despite what you may think, Iowa isn’t all flat,” he says with a laugh. But whatever challenge the two are gearing up for, Jekyll Island has proved to be the perfect home base. The Hildreths discovered “Georgia’s Jewel” on an RV trip and later married on the beach there in 2011. “We moved here full-time in 2018,” Bruce says. Now officially islanders, the two love taking in the landscape that surrounds them. And the outdoors inspire them to keep moving. “I run or walk on the beach most mornings. I always do my running on the beach. There’s a guy on Jekyll who is 92 and he’s out there walking every day,” Anke says. “I didn’t run my first marathon until I was 38. But you don’t have to do anything crazy. You just have to move.” And, for them, being able to share it is icing on the cake. “It’s so nice to be able to find someone who loves the same things you do,” Anke says with a smile.

JANUARY/F EB RUA RY 2024

NOISEMAKERS

ELLI PERRY WORDS BY LINDSEY ADKISON PHOTO BY RILEY DUKES

Elli Perry has been a professional musician for more than half her life. She’s traveled the United States, performing in creative hubs like New York, New Orleans, and Nashville, along with long-term stints out West. Perry’s also swept across Europe, playing in some of the Old World’s major cities. And she’s only 35. “I got started early,” she says with a laugh. “I am a signer-song writer and I’ve been releasing and producing since I was 12.” She grew up in Atlanta where her parents nurtured her budding interest in music. Both were creative types in their own right. “My mom is Emily Ellison, who is the director of the St. Simons Land Trust now, but before she got into nonprofit work, she was a novelist and my dad a publisher,” Perry says.

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“But they encouraged me. I dabbled in so many different instruments … strings and the piano.” One of those stood out, however — the guitar. It was actually a 50th birthday gift for her father, but it was Perry who really took to it. “He wasn’t musical but he was a great music lover and always wanted to play. My mom and I gave him an acoustic guitar for his birthday … and I promptly stole it,” she says, laughing. It proved to be the catalyst for her songwriting. She used the guitar to craft lyrics and melodies. Which led to her performing. “I started in small clubs and bars in Atlanta. They would let me come in and open up for these nationally touring acts,” she says. But after decades on the move, Perry found herself drawn back to her home state and the Golden Isles. She had a longtime connection to the area even before her family relocated. The pandemic also gave her time to rest and reflect — and to plan her next record. “It’s actually my two-year anniversary of living here,” she says. “I had a lot of reasons to sit and be very still … to give my body and creative brain time to recalibrate. So I was able to really slow down and work deliberately on this album. It was very invigorating to be back in my home state and the low country.”

She was able to work with a friend she knew from her touring and travels, Andrew Sovine, who helped her record the album in Savannah. “We were both in New York and Nashville at the same time. He married a gal from Woodbine so they’re living in Savannah now,” she says. “He has an amazing studio, Back Room Records, where we’ve been working with a band.” Perry and Sovine will also be teaming up to perform at the St. Simons Land Trust’s Oyster Road on January 20. “Andrew and I will be co-headlining it. We will be with the same band but doing two different sets,” she says. But it’s certainly not her first time connecting to the local music scene. Perry helped organize the Tiny Market Concert at Schroder’s Market in downtown Brunswick. And she’s hoping to be able to do more in the future. “Community building and organizing is really important to me and I did a lot of that out West. We have a small but really vibrant scene here with people who have been a part of it for a really long time. They’ve tended to it with a lot of care,” she says. “People like Susan Bates at Tipsy’s downtown and Anthony Stubelek at Open Mic Night are just essential in giving players an opportunity to share their talent.” That, Perry adds, is critical, especially for young musicians. She hopes in the future that she will be able to work with others to make sure they have platforms.” She would also love to see an expansion of venues offering stages for local and traveling talent. “That would be great … and more festivals to pull in regional, national, and international talent. It’s really important for young folks to be exposed to that and to be inspired by it,” she says. “It can be hard to get that growing up in a small town. I would love to help with that and give kids more outlets for self-expression. We want to cultivate them so they don’t turn elsewhere.”

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