GIM May/June 2024

Table of

52 BEACHY KEEN:

Designer Heather Jowers of Rae Lane

Interiors shares tips on how to create a Coastal vibe without the look becoming cliché.

62 CREATING A DREAM CLOSET:

Closets are quickly becoming a top selling point in homes and Mark Hutto’s business, Closets By Design, has the skills to bring any vision to life.

70 A HISTORICAL GEM:

One Brunswick home, situated in the shade of the famed Lover’s Oak, boasts beauty inside and out with a fabulous story to boot.

78 SEA ISLAND REWINDS:

Two beach cottages, one from the ‘60s and another from the ‘70s, recently received complete facelifts, incorporating traditional elements with modern flare.

ideal dining to witness the island’s best sunsets.

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Contributing Writers

Contributing Photographers

Taylor Cooper

Lauren Cooper

Sebastian Emanuel

Sam Ghioto

Michael Hall

Larry Hobbs

Ronda Rich

Cynthia Robinson

Lauren Sobala

Derrick Davis

Sebastian Emanuel

Sam Ghioto

Michael Hall

Michelle Holton

John Krivec

SPM Photography

Terry Wilson Contributing Designers

Stacey Nichols

Donte Nunnally

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Monday-Friday: 9AM - 6PM

Saturday: 9AM - 5PM

Sunday: Closed to be with family

The push, the pull, and the professionals Editor’s Note

I’ll admit, it’s a little unfair to have the ability to write whatever I please in these editors’ notes. I say that mostly because this is Home and Garden and my beloved husband tends to make an appearance. He has no such outlet in which to defend himself, but I will do my best to be fair.

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As I’ve already established in previous pieces, my husband, Josh, is the light of my life. We’ve been married for 16 years and not a day goes by that I’m not entirely grateful for that … and for him. Not only is he exceptionally handsome, he’s brilliant too. He’s an engineer with a Savannahbased company that focuses on heavy civil (mostly marine) work.

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So in theory, he possesses the knowledge to build a lot of things. In reality, however, he’s smart enough to know his limits. Those are primarily plumbing and electrical. I think it’s admirable for anyone to understand where they need to phone a friend (all the better if said friend is a profession in the field). That problem is … some men (and specifically my man) seem hesitant to do that.

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Case in point, the overhead light in our garage was out for — wait for it — three years. We bought a light to replace it, and Josh assured me he would do that. A month went by. Then two, then six. I pushed. I pulled. I pleaded. It was to no avail.

This past January I finally made good on my threat to call in a professional. Dalton Bell of Bell Construction (who I found on Next Door) showed up that very week and did the job. He did it well and for an incredibly reasonable price. So after three years, we now have a light in the garage. I promise, I’m not saying all of this to shame J, I’m saying it because, most of the time, it’s just going to be your best bet. Save your time, your trouble, and likely your tears — just call someone.

Thank you for coming to my Ted Talk.

chat with Gina Lever of the Home Fabric Studio on St. Simons Island about how she breathed new life into a retro Sea Island beach cottage. We also drew similar inspiration from another renovation on the resort enclave headed up by the fab team at Pierce and Parkers. Over on Jekyll, we chatted with designer Heather Jowers of Rae Lane Interiors about how to embrace seaside elements without becoming cliché. We met with Mark Hutto, who has built a booming business bringing dreams to life through his local company Closets By Design.

Michael Hall talked with developer Page Aiken about how his expansive development experience is helping he and his wife designs their own home. And lastly but not least, Larry Hobbs talks with an Old Town home owner about her historic property in the shade of Brunswick’s famed Lover’s Oak.

There’s lots of good stuff, so don’t miss it. And make sure to make notes if you need some help in your home.

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This issue is designed to help you find the professionals who can make your homecentric visions a reality. In our features, we

All the love — Lindsey

BUSINESS BANKING | BUSINESS LENDING | TREASURY

We know how your small business can make our community’s future bright. That takes being more than a banker. We stop in, stop by and, when you need us to, stop everything. Because with all the digital business banking tools and treasury management choices we offer you, none is as powerful as a great banking relationship. If you’re ready to start a business or take that next big step, make the connection with the bank that’s big on your success.

Cover

Christian Glass: Gerald Dampier is the best!

Carmen Maria: Beautiful covers!

@omcorevibes: @raynadaley

Such a beauty! Inside and out!

@Paigewright: STUNNING, BEAUTIFUL AND FABULOUS … and all of the above!!! LOVE!!

Word On The Street

Your reactions sent to us by emails, posts, & tweets

TIME TO GET SOCIAL

facebook.com/goldenislesmag

instagram.com/goldenislesmag

twitter.com/goldenislesmag

If you prefer to send us your comments by email, contact Editor Lindsey Adkison at ladkison@goldenislesmagazine.com. Anything posted to our social media accounts or emailed directly to the editor will be considered for publication. Comments may be edited for clarity or grammar.

Wine Women and Shoes

Lasse Gammage: Look at those cute princesses … ready for booze and shoes! A great fundraiser.

Caitlin Taylor Griesbach: One of my favorite events!

Sharon Hawes: Can’t wait for the event!

Lorena Acevedo Harris: Looking fabulous Gigi Capes can’t wait until this year.

Sensational Skin

@rosemary.madonna: Nice job, Missy!

Noisemakers: Braxton Sykes

Jeri Faircloth: Fabulous article!

Betty Rosenblatt: Fantastic article, Braxton!

Joe Ann Cline Bohler: Loved the article!

Susan Quinn Sand: Great article!

Lindsey Adkison is such a good writer and Braxton is a good subject!

FRESH NEW SPRING FLAVORS

We serve only the freshest seasonal fare, straight from our local suppliers to your table. Spring is the perfect time to try some fresh new flavors to add to your list of favorites.

Mo er paths to peace, mediation Labyrinths

WORDS BY LAUREN COOPER | PHOTOS BY SAM GHIOTO

argaret Bosbyshell vividly remembers the day her life shifted. It was 1996 at a retreat center in Kanuga, North Carolina. The intricate pattern of a book cover caught her eye. It was Walking a Sacred Path: Rediscovering the Labyrinth as a Spiritual Practice.

That’s how Bosbyshell fell in love with labyrinths.

“They have been a big part of my life ever since,” she says.

Labyrinths are a universal symbol

open to anyone from any background. They are walkways that represent how to come back to one’s center. Having been around for thousands of years, they are designed in different patterns and sizes. Labyrinths are present in many cultures and found on every continent except Antarctica. Throughout history, their patterns have been etched into cave walls, Cretan coins, and constructed on the grounds of Gothic cathedrals. Unlike a maze, there is a continuous, clear path into the center and out of it.

Years after finding the book on labyrinths, Bosbyshell found herself walking a sacred path at Chartres Cathedral in Chartres, France. Currently a certified labyrinth facilitator through Veriditas, a 501c3 nonprofit training program, Bosbyshell does not have to travel far to connect to wellness and healing through a walking meditation. Now a St. Simons resident, she frequents the Labyrinth at Christ Church, modeled from the one at Chartres Cathedral.

“It is all about love. It is about love and promotes peace,” she says, beaming.

Walking the labyrinth helps her get out of her head and connect with her heart. It is a tool to bring balance to her life by taking a restorative pause. It helps her flow through blockages, promote creativity, and leaves her full of love and energy.

“It is a metaphor for life, the twists and turns, the joys and sorrows,” she says.

In December of 2022, the Labyrinth at Christ Church was installed and dedicated as an open invitation to anyone seeking the experience of a meditative walk.

For Randy Siegel, in a short period of time, the Labyrinth at Christ Church has proven to be a beloved community resource open to all seeking to connect with that calm, abiding place within.

“There is something grounding about walking an ancient, sacred pattern in the cathedral of nature,” says Siegel, the chairperson of the Labyrinth Guild at Christ Church.

The Labyrinth at Christ Church can be experienced alone or in a group. The Labyrinth Guild schedules walks with a trained facilitator for community groups at no cost.

To immerse yourself in the sacred space without walking the Labyrinth at Christ Church, there are benches available to sit and journal, or simply commune with nature. Through the wisps of branches and leaves is a view of the Wesley Garden, with a Celtic cross peeking through the trees. One afternoon, Randy noticed two boys laying on a bench looking up at the sky. The boys shared that they come to the labyrinth almost every day. They love riding their bikes here and just hanging out.

At 1 p.m. May 4, on World Labyrinth Day, at Christ Church on St. Simons Island, there will be a facilitated group walk. It will be part of the 16th annual celebration, an international program with the goal of sending a peaceful wave of energy across the globe.

But St. Simons isn’t the only place for labyrinths locally. Another is less than a five-minute walk from the backdoor of the Brunswick hospital of the Southeast Georgia Health System. It is located in Goodyear Park.

Bonnie Springer, Brunswick Labyrinth Team Member, shared that the location chosen is a result of a grassroots effort to install a labyrinth that was accessible to everyone, providing a peaceful place for healing. A space to ground and center, somewhere to tune out the noise and frenzy of daily life.

“It really is a special place,” she says.

For more information on the Brunswick labyrinth, visit  brunswicklabyrinth.com.

To find labyrinths around the world, visit labyrinthlocator.com.

To learn more about scheduled walks at Christ Church, visit the website ccfssi.org/labyrinth or email labyrinith@ccfssi.org.

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Celebrating Cinco de

Mayo

Although Cinco de Mayo (5th of May) isn’t really celebrated in Mexico, it’s become wildly popular in the United States. And according to Abel Garcia, owner of the aptly named 5 de Mayo restaurant, it’s also the eatery’s busiest day of the year.

“I’ve had to tell many people that it (Cinco de Mayo) is not Mexico’s Independence Day,” says Garcia, who opened the restaurant in 2015 on Glynn Avenue in Brunswick. “That’s a common misunderstanding. Cinco celebrates Mexico’s victory over the French at Pueblo.”

As Garcia points out, Cinco de Mayo commemorates a single battle during the Franco-Mexican War. At the time, Mexico was in dire financial straits due to years of inter -

The American flag has flown over the Pinova property for many years. It will continue to be a familiar sight along Hwy 17.

AN ENDURING OPPORTUNITY FOR BRUNSWICK

RESPECTING THE PAST

DECOMMISSIONING THE FORMER FACILITY

PROMOTING FUTURE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Pinova is working every day to transform the former Pinova Brunswick facility from its long history as an industrial site to a modern landmark that will be a part of Brunswick’s future. We are grateful to people in the community who have stood with us, helping to shape a new age for a place that is well-known and full of promise.

nal strife. When Benito Juarez was elected president of Mexico in 1861, he was forced to default on debt payments to France, Britain, and Spain. While Britain and Spain negotiated with Mexico and withdrew their troops, France’s ruler, Napoleon III, saw this as an opportunity to expand his empire into Mexico.

A large French naval fleet stormed Veracruz, driving the Mexican government to retreat, setting up the battle at the small city of Pueblo which began at daybreak on May 5, 1861, when 6,000 well-armed French troops took on a much smaller and undersupplied Mexican force of 2,000 troops, many of them indigenous Mexicans.

By early evening, the French troops finally retreated after losing nearly 500 soldiers, while the Mexican forces lost fewer than 100 troops. Although the victory was not a major win in the overall war, it became a symbolic victory for Mexico and a rallying cry against the French troops. Ultimately, France withdrew from the country in 1867.

In Mexico, Cinco de Mayo is mostly celebrated in Pueblo where the victory occurred. However, the holiday is now

seen as a celebration of Mexican culture and heritage in the United States, starting in the 1960s after activists raised awareness of the holiday.

Now, the day is celebrated throughout the United States with parades, music, food, and festivities. Garcia says his family-owned and operated restaurant has big plans to celebrate as well.

“We’ve had mariachi bands before and they were really popular, but we can’t do that anymore. The restaurant is just too small and too busy to have a band,” he says with a chuckle.

However, Garcia says that won’t stop the party. “We are going to have all kinds of specials. Many specials — all kinds of margaritas, and all kind of food specials. We will have something for everyone,” says the Veracruz native.

The 5 de Mayo staff prides itself on making and serving authentic Mexican cuisine made from scratch using time-tested

family recipes. The dishes on the extensive menu range from Pollo Loco, to tamales, huevos rancheros, shrimp ceviche, burritos, carnitas, fajitas, sopes, various arroz (rice) dishes, a variety of tacos, and more.

One type of taco on 5 de Mayo’s menu is what Garcia call his “famous pastor tacos.” Pastor, or al pastor tacos, originated in central Mexico and are usually made from marinated pork that is then grilled and served in soft corn or flour tortillas and usually topped with onion and cilantro.

Garcia’s marinade uses garlic, pineapple, guajillo peppers, black pepper, cloves, cumin, cinnamon, onion, and salt. He blends the ingredients then marinades a Boston butt (pork shoulder) in the savory and sweet mixture.

“… for 24 hours. Then you grill it and it’s ready,” he says. “It is a very good, popular dish.”

• 5 de Mayo is located at 2809 Glynn Avenue and serves lunch and dinner seven days a week.

Chuck Carter spent most of his writing life on serious matters — contracts for the U.S. Atomic Energy Commission, manuals for medical systems, and various other similar projects.

But now, he’s breaking free. Carter recently released his first work of fiction titled, The Half-Life of Carson Hood . And saying it’s been well-received is putting it mildly.

It won “best novel” and “grand prize” in all fiction categories in the seven-state Southeastern Writers Association annual competition before it was even published. It’s been off to the races ever since.

We were able to catch up with the St. Simons Island resident to chat about his latest venture, and give you a bit of a peek into a new local novel which would make a fabulous Father’s Day gift for the bookworm on your list. Read on:

GIM: How long have you been a Golden Islander?

Carter : We’ve been living here 20 years, but my family has been vacationing and/or living here since before the causeway was built.

GIM: Tell us a bit about your background and how you got into writing.

Carter: I graduated from Georgia Tech, which is not exactly known for producing the best writers. But I was lucky. I had an amazing English teacher in high school, and it was kinda like Marine Boot Camp. He broke us all the way down to get rid of all the bad writing, then built us back up with the good. Then, coincidentally, almost everywhere I worked, nobody wanted to do the writing jobs, so I did them. And I guess the more I did, the easier it became, and the better I became.

WORDS BY LINDSEY ADKISON | PHOTOS BY MICHAEL HAL

GIM: How did this book come about?

Carter: My Auburn-graduate wife, Deborah, has been a huge help making this possible — editing, proofreading, helping with the cover art, preparing for and coordinating book launch activities, and a lot more. I couldn’t have done it without her.

GIM: Introduce us to this new book. What’s the general overview and who is the protagonist?

Carter: Under magnificent oaks in his old family cemetery on St. Simons Island, former U.S. Marine Carson Hood finds someone already buried in his grave, putting him and his mysterious new girlfriend on a collision course with a powerful expat planning to silently assassinate the first female president of the United States. Almost all of the story takes place on St. Simons.

Resources include a U.S. Secret Service agent who had just completed four years on the Presidential Protective Detail, and a Los Alamos-trained Ph.D. who provided technical support to fictionalize a piece of modern medical equipment into an assassination weapon capable of killing without a sound or a trace. The weapon may be a little too close to reality — during my research, no one in healthcare or the military’s R&D agency DARPA would discuss it with me. Not one word.

Carson Hood is a paradox — a loner who pretends to enjoy a crowded room, a perfect gentleman with a wicked wit and smart mouth, and a boater who’s afraid of bridges. He’s also a peaceful man who has killed with his bare hands, and he avoids competition, but refuses to lose when it’s forced upon him.

GIM: Why do you think readers will love it?

Carter: Mary Jane at G. J. Ford Bookshop, who has been a big help, says her customers (residents and visitors) love books that are set in the Golden Isles, especially when they are written by local authors. I hope the fact that almost all of my story takes place in and around St. Simons will generate interest.

The late local naturalist, Taylor Schoettle, was a big help, and even local readers might learn some things about our islands they didn’t know. Plus, I hope readers will enjoy what they learn about the Secret Service and what’s involved when the president travels. I hope the unique premise, interesting characters, fast-paced action, and good storytelling will make it enjoyable, hopefully even memorable.

GIM: Do you have any advice for aspiring writers/ novelists?

Carter: Writing is like any other skill or art. It takes learning and working at it. And it’s easier for some people than others. I was lucky with my great teacher, and to have done so much business writing where I had to use fewer words and absolute clarity to make readers think, feel, and do exactly what the client wanted.

GIM: Where can you get your books?

Carter: GJ Ford Bookshop, Amazon.com (Kindle, too), and me, chuckcarter74@gmail.com.

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Hello

Hydrangeas: Q

Beautifully blooms burst with color

WORDS AND PHOTOS

BY MICHAEL HALL

Nothing says summer in the Golden Isles like the bold and beautiful blooms of hydrangeas bursting onto the landscape.

The deciduous flowering shrub is a mainstay of gardens throughout the South, creating stunning displays of blues, pinks, and white that add a pop of color and shape.

But successfully getting the most out of hydrangeas means making the right decisions about where to plant them …. when and how to water them … and fertilize them … and how to prune them.

Jennifer Ramsey George, a horticulturalist with Coastal Bloomers Specialty Gardening on St. Simons Island, has been working with hydrangeas for years and offered a few simple tips to ensure gardens in the Golden Isles are graced with the best hydrangeas around.

The most common variety we see in the Isles are bigleaf hydrangeas, or hydrangea macrophylla, George says, but limelight hydrangeas, hydrangea paniculata, and oak leaf hydrangeas, hydrangea quercifolia, also

make appearances.

Consider the location and the amount of shade and sun when planting any hydrangea, George notes.

Bigleaf varieties, for example, prefer a mix of morning sun and afternoon shade in moist, well-drained soil.

“Bigleaf hydrangeas prefer a little more shade — part sun, part shade,” George says. “The limelight hydrangea can take a little more sun. Usually, the problems people have with hydrangeas are because they’ve planted them in the wrong place.”

She suggests doing research online at sites, such as the University of Georgia’s Cooperative Extension Service, to understand where best to plant the variety you’ve purchased.

With location comes important choices about soil and watering, George adds. Hydrangeas need plenty of water, especially in the hot, Coastal Georgia summer months, so adding compost to the sandy local soil will help add

nutrition to the roots and for aiding in water retention.

“Here, we have sandy soil that is not always high in nutrients,” George says.

That means fertilizing hydrangeas is suggested, but after the plant is established for a few weeks. Adding more compost after planting or a granular, slow-release fertilizer to the ground helps them thrive. Or, as George likes to do, a foliar feeding in which fertilizer is applied directly to the leaves tends to work more quickly.

“The plant takes up fertilizer right away, instead of in a slow-release way,” George says.

The UGA Cooperative Extension Service suggests fertilizing several times lightly during the growing season with a general-purpose fertilizer in March, May, and July. It’s not necessary to remove mulching around the plants, the service says, but you should water after the application to help dissolve the fertilizer into the soil.

It is important to keep the soil moist to avoid the droopy, sad leaves hydrangeas can develop in the hot summer months. If you see the wilted leaves, it’s time to water.

Pruning should begin when the flowers begin to fade, but taking care not to prune too much will keep hydrangeas full and blooming every year. George stresses to be careful not to prune back buds forming on the stems. Bigleaf hydrangeas bloom on old wood, which means they need the already established stems.

Also, remember that they are deciduous — they lose their leaves annually. That does not mean the shrub has died.

“We have a lot of evergreen plants around here. I’ve seen people dig them out of the ground because they think their hydrangeas are dead,” George says.

If you want to take your hydrangea skills to the next level, you can adjust the pH level of the soil to gradually change the color of its blooms. More information on that is available through the extension service online at Extension.UGA.edu where you can search for bigleaf hydrangea for more tips and tricks.

Paying attention and caring properly for hydrangeas can make your garden burst with color every summer.

“There are very few shrubs that bloom like they do, and they bloom for a while, which is nice,” George says.

Around the Town

Qmay

May 2 to 4

The Literary Guild of St. Simons will host its spring book sale from May 2 to 4 in the St. Simons Casino atrium. A member preview will be held from 3 to 6 p.m. May 2. New members are welcome to join. The sale will be open to the public from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 3 and from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 4. A $10 bag sale will begin at 1:30 p.m. May 4. For more information, visit LitGuildSSI.org.

May 3 to 19

The Island Players will stage “Little Shop of Horrors” for multiple performances. Shows will be at 7:30 p.m. Thursdays to Saturdays. There will be a 3 p.m. matinee show on Sundays. Tickets range from $10 to $25. For details, visit islandplayers.com.

May 4

Frederica Academy will host its annual Derby Day at 5 p.m. at the Frederica Golf Clubhouse on St. Simons Island. There will be a silent auction, as well as food, drinks, and entertainment. For details, visit https://faderby.givesmart.com.

May 7

Glynn Visual Arts, 106 Island Drive, St. Simon Island, will host an opening reception for Michael Jenkins, abstract painter, and Jeff Mead, woodturner, at 5:30 p.m. at the art center. The artists will be on hand and refreshments will be served. For details, visit glynnvisualarts.org.

May 11

Brunswick’s Blessing of the Fleet will be held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Mary Ross Waterfront Park in downtown Brunswick. There will be food, games for children, arts, crafts, and music. For details, visit discoverbrunswick. com.

May 16

STAR of Coastal Georgia (formerly the STAR Foundation) will host its STARgazing Low Country Boil at 5:30 p.m. at Village Creek Landing on St. Simons Island. Ticket prices are $85 per individual or $150 per couple. For more information, visit starofcoastalga.org.

May 19

The Coastal Georgia Historical Society will host its ongoing concert series, A Little Light Music, from 7 to 9 p.m. on the lawn of the St. Simons Island Lighthouse. The Tams will perform. Tickets are $15 for adults. Children 12 and under will be admitted for free. For details, visit coastalgeorgiahistory.org.

May 20

The Literary Guild of St. Simons will host a writing seminar with Linda Lovely. The topic will be, “A Conversation about Artificial Intelligence.” There will be a meet and greet from 4:30 to 5 p.m. at Coastal Kitchen’s bar. The seminar will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. in the River Room, next to Coastal Kitchen, at the Morningstar Marina on St. Simons Island. It is $20 per person. To reserve a space, visit EventBrite.com. For details, visit litguildssi.org.

june

June 15

Glynn Visual Arts, 106 Island Drive, St. Simons Island, will host an opening reception for Linda Bobinger at 5:30 p.m. at the art center. The artist will be on hand and refreshments will be served. For details, visit glynnvisualarts.org.

June 15 to 18

The Golden Isles Penguin Project will present “The Music Man Jr.” at 7 p.m. Thursday to Saturday. There will be a 3 p.m. Sunday show. All performances will be at the Ritz Theatre, 1530 Newcastle St., Brunswick. The Penguin Project features artists with special needs. For details, visit goldenislesarts.org.

June 23

The Coastal Georgia Historical Society will host its ongoing concert series, A Little Light Music, from 7 to 9 p.m. on the lawn of the St. Simons Island Lighthouse. Squirt Gun will perform. Tickets are $15 for adults. Children 12 and under will be admitted for free. For details, visit coastalgeorgiahistory.org.

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Father’s

Day

In 1910, a woman named Sonora SmartDodd succeeded in founding the first Father’s Day. A daughter of a Civil War widower, who single-handedly raised six children, she wanted dads to get their due after Mother’s Day was established in 1908.

Smart-Dodd saw the first Father’s Day celebrated on June 19, 1910, at the YMCA in Spokane, Washington.

But it wasn’t until 1972 that it became a true part of the nation’s calendar. President Richard Nixon formally set aside the third Sunday in June as Father’s Day. This year, it will be celebrated on June 16. There’s a lot more to learn about this special day, so read on:

30.7

That’s the average age American men become fathers

$22.9 billion

Consumers spent a record-high $22.9 billion celebrating Father’s Day in 2023

66.3 million

There are about 66.3 million fathers in the United States today

92

1.5 billion

There are 1.5 billion dads worldwide

That’s the age of the oldest father on record, Les Colley, who allegedly fathered his ninth child at age 92 with a Fijian woman he met through a dating agency

$196.24

The estimated amount folks spend on their fathers

$780 million

That card business generates about $780 million

100 million

There are about 100 million Father’s Day cards sent each year

It kept nudging me to know more. “This house,” it whispered, “has a wonderful story.”

To me, mid-century modern houses are the last, great innovation of the housing industry. They were to architecture what Christian Dior was to fashion: a fresh, clean beginning, following a joyous goodbye to World War II and all its drabness.

WORDS BY RONDA RICH

The House That Whispered Loudly T

The house on a luscious corner near Bennie’s Red Barn on St. Simons had gone unnoticed by me for years.

It was a roomy lot, almost two acres, and the previous owners had kept the garden well maintained, especially with many camellias. Over a year ago, I found the house in a real estate listing. For weeks, I studied it because it was a strong, appealing example of a mid-century modern which had not been touched since it was built in the early 1960s.

In the Elvis Presley movies of the 1960s, more often than not, he was always

hanging out in houses with low, straight roofs, an abundance of glass, often a wall of glass sliding doors that opened to the outside pool area.

Inside most midcenturies, the paint has significant pops of bright color, this particular trend having swum across from London during the era of The Beatles, their mod girlfriends, model Twiggy, and designer Mary Quant — who was the architect of the mini dress, patent leather go-go boots, high-billed caps that covered massive amounts of teased hair, and who introduced primary colors to wardrobes.

Every night, for weeks, as soon as Tink fell asleep, I spent an hour looking at the house online. I knew it wasn’t a style that would draw Tink since he has different taste, but I loved the colorful door, the built-in cabinets for china and crystal, the fireplace, the long, clean lines of a dining table, and Chippendale chairs.

For a short time, the house and I had a friendship, anchored by my admiration.

Many would have seen it as a major fixer-upper or even a teardown. The unusually roomy yard had towering trees and shrubs that had been well-tended in days gone by. Later, I was to learn that the owner loved gardening, especially camellias.

I imagined a story for the house. My fictional biography had it being built by a doctor and his lovely wife who oversaw the decorating — including an orange front door. On weekends, they entertained with cocktail parties, buffet suppers, or just drinks and hors d’oeuvres. In the living room, next to the dining room and now dated kitchen, I could hear someone say, “Let’s push back the furniture and dance.” Then, there on parquet floor, they swiveled to Chubby Checker and Chuck Berry or swayed to the Righteous Brothers and Dean Martin.

One day, Tink and I were on St. Simons Island, driving down Frederica Road, when we passed the house. She had become a movie star to me and I was about to miss seeing her.

“Stop!” I yelled urgently. “Let’s go back to that house.”

There is a uniqueness to genuine mid-century modern that cannot be duplicated. Vacuum hoses pop into wall outlets in each room. Refrigerators were often aqua, yellow, pink, and sometimes red. But never boring white. The light fixtures are similar to the ones in George and Jane Jetson’s getaway-in-the-skies.

The home of midcentury is cradled in Palm Springs, California. Once, while there for a reunion of the CBS television show, Knots Landing (Tink’s first job in television), Tink stayed in the hotel for a teleconference while I took the rental car and drove for hours, staring admiringly at the modern home gems.

Palm Springs is not ashamed of the homes that are 60 or 70 years old. They’re proud of them and the people who came before. Cowboy star, Gene Autry, was one of the first to discover the desert oasis and to buy an abundance of land there. He was quickly followed by singer Bing Crosby and actor Bob Hope. Their investments in Palm Springs real estate would make them all multi-millionaires in the days when a million dollars was just a dream. For their vision, Palm Springs salutes them by having streets named after them (there is a statue of Autry on one of the corners of his avenue) as well as other stars and former President Gerald Ford.

Later, we were back in Palm Springs for the funeral of actor and friend, Gavin McLeod, the former captain of the Love Boat and co-star of The Mary Tyler Moore Show . It was early May and the temperature exploded to 110 degrees. When we left the church, the dry heat swept over us like a blazing fury. I looked at the dusty, thirsty canyons and wondered, “Why would anyone live here?”

Aw, but to take one of those houses and plunk it down amidst the greenery of St. Simons and its ocean is something I totally agree with: location, house, house.

The house has been completely remodeled but the sturdy bones were kept. Still, it looks nothing like the house I once loved. I’m sad she’s gone.

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NATURE CONNECTION

Finding Yaupon

WORDS AND PHOTOS BY SAM GHIOTO

IIf you walked into a forest, paddled down a river, or walked on the beach, how many native plants could you identify? If it’s only a handful, you’re plant blind like me.

Back in February, I heard a presentation on Yaupon Holly, the only caffeinated native plant in North America inextricably linked to an ancient Native American emetic tradition by its scientific name, Ilex vomitoria.

At the 14th annual Coastal Wildscapes Symposium in Richmond Hill, Lou Thomann, founder of Yaupon Wellness Company, introduced yaupon as the

“forgotten medicinal plant.” Two hundred and thirty years since its scientific inscription in 1795, Thomann is bringing yaupon back to the coffee and tea dominated markets. His company, Yaupon Wellness Company, is dedicated to growing, selling, and researching yaupon holly and the bioactive compounds associated with a long list of positive health benefits. We’re talking antiviral, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and anti-allergic benefits of consuming this native plant.

Ubiquitous to the Southeast United States, it’s found from mid-Texas and up the Mississippi River to mid-Florida and all the way up the Atlantic to just over the border of Virginia. When I say this plant is everywhere, after reading this column, you might find it in your backyard. It grows as a small shrub and a tall tree up to 25 feet. You can identify it by its serrated, waxy leaves.

When the Spanish, French, and English came to the New World, they directly witnessed the culture of the natives. Everywhere yaupon is found, it’s believed they consumed the black drink. I spoke with Thomann on the phone about the

usage of black drink among the Native Americans, and he said, “it was the daily drink. It was the friendship drink. It was just like tea today.” He believes that it’s “inconceivable” that Yamacraw leader Tomochichi didn’t offer black drink to James Oglethorpe when they met. He states, “the natives would have offered it, and you couldn’t say no.” It was a sign of respect.

Since Thomann’s presentation, I had a burning desire to make the tea. I set out on what I thought would be a multi-hour journey into the tick laden thickets of Bloody Marsh and Canon’s Point, two places where shell middens, remnants of the Guale Indian civilization, are found on the border of the marsh. My trip wasn’t as long as expected, I found yaupon before setting foot in either conservation area. Two-for-two, I framed and snapped pictures, foraged two dozen leaves, and came home to dehydrate them. Within a few hours, the thick green turned to a dark brown. I envisioned how the Native Americans would boil the water, so I turned on the electric kettle, and after a few minutes, the water began jumping.

I added the scorching water to the leaves and let it steep for a few minutes. I had made the black drink. It seemed my beverage resembled green tea or even the look of maté, yaupon’s South American holly relative. I sipped and felt the caffeine begin to kick in.

Most if not all Southeast Native Americans engaged in the emetic black drink ceremony where the highest-ranking men of each group consumed copious amounts in descending order from the chief downward in the hierarchy, and they purged themselves in pursuit of symbolic purity, according to William Merrill in  Black Drink: A Native American Tea.

Despite the extensive documentation of the Native Americans of the Southeast, we only have a few accounts of the Guale Indians of the Golden Isles. Merrill refers to a 1595 account of a Spaniard by the name of Fray Andrés de San Miguel who witnessed the consumption of yaupon among the Guale near St. Simons. They gathered the parched “cassina” leaves, placed them in an “earthenware pot,” added water, brought it to a boil, and the black drink was made.

The highest-ranking were drinking presumably for a considerable amount of time until they vomited onto the ground. Other individuals who were not participating in the drinking, “spread the liquid in all directions with their hands.” The story speculates that salt water may have been added to induce vomiting.

Forever enshrined as an emetic ritual, the scientific name, in my perspective, unjustly characterizes the caffeinated beverage as an intolerable, esoteric substance. There are so many other ways to consume yaupon, and Thomann’s company, Yaupon Teahouse in Savannah is one way to do your own research.

I highly recommend checking out yauponteahouse.com to learn more.

BY DESIGN

The Realtor’s Renovation

WORDS BY MICHAEL HALL | PHOTOS PROVIDED

TThe house on Dunbar Creek Page Aiken’s father bought in 1987 wasn’t the most lavish place on St. Simons Island, but there was plenty about it to love.

Built in 1969, the home was already showing its age at that point, and in 1993 it was renovated to suit his father’s needs.

“I give him credit,” Aiken says of his father’s decision to buy the long, brick ranch of around 3,000 square feet. “It faces Southwest so we get the prevailing breezes off the marsh and it has great deepwater access.”

Those assets, along with nearly a 1-acre property and a location nestled away and protected from the harsh Nor’easters that sometimes whip across the island, attracted Aiken to the property as well. So, when the opportunity arose for Aiken to purchase the house, he jumped on it.

“He could have bought any house, within reason, but he chose this one,” Aiken says.

And so did Aiken. But with the last updates completed more than 30 years ago, it was time for more, he and his wife, Mary Ellen, decided. Aiken has built his career in real estate and development. He’s seen house after custom house come together for people who are building their dream homes.

So, what does a Realtor do when it is time to rethink his own home?

“I don’t know if I have an original idea, but I know what I like,” Aiken quips.

“And what I love is a home that says, ‘family.’ So, everything that we do is an investment in family.”

His family, which includes Mary Ellen and four children, two of whom still live with them, moved out in December to allow general contractor John Hodor to work freely. Living in a house where walls are being torn out to make way for a new master suite design, new kitchen, and living area and more didn’t sound like much fun to Aiken.

The end result will be a house that is more open, lets in more light to every room, and maximizes the marsh views and large lot.

“It’s our joy of living on St. Simons Island and extending hospitality to friends and family,” Aiken says. “And to keep the house where we can do that, that’s another reason we are renovating.”

Phase 1, which was well underway on a sunny February morning, includes removing the wall of the original galley kitchen so that it is becomes a massive open space, encompassing the dining room and living room.

The wood-burning fireplace in the living room is being converted to gas logs and

the cased openings on either side of it will remain as entry ways into “the Marsh Room,” a sunroom that exits out onto the pool deck and is where the family spends most of its time. Removing the kitchen wall will allow sightlines into the Marsh Room and out over the marsh from a large island that will stand where the wall once did.

The Marsh Room is getting some help keeping cool in the summer by a new HVAC system and will be lightened with the same limewashed brick the exterior of the house is getting.

“We’re doing things to bring light in and open it up,” Aiken says. “You do this for hospitality. You do this to entertain. With a renovation, you want to take things from the old and make them new again. It’s not a huge home, so the plan is to make everything more efficient.”

In the master suite, walls came down to create two large walkin closets and a large bathroom with two vanities and updated amenities. In February, the framing was done, but it was easy to see where things would go.

“It’s a fun process,” Aiken says. “My wife and I have been able to do this together. She’s a lot smarter than I am.”

She helped pick out finishings, appliances, and other things that make a house a home.

Outside, the pool is getting a hot tub and the dock will be completely rebuilt with a gazebo and plenty of space to entertain or clean fish after one of Aiken and his son’s offshore fishing excursions in their boat, The Waymaker.

Phase 2 will add about 1,000 square feet and two more bedrooms so that the Aiken family can accommodate three visiting grandchildren, and maybe more one day.

“Our plan is to move back into the house in May,” Aiken says in February. “I don’t know if it will be the first, or the 30th, but in May.” Hodor was working hard to accomplish that goal, but as with any older home, there were a few surprises.

“We see things and realize, ‘that’s not going to work. We’ve got to fix that,’” he says.

He pointed to large cuts into the concrete slab of the house where fresh PVC pipe had replaced old cast iron pipes that were still connected to the sewer line as an example.

As part of the renovations, Hodor and his crews updated all electrical, plumbing and HVAC systems to make the house built in 1969 feel like new when the Aikens move back in.

Having good vendors like Hodor make the process go as smoothly as possible, but that doesn’t mean the process is without anxiety, Aiken says.

“It’s a blend of anticipation and excitement, and a little bit of terror,” Aiken says. “Especially when it’s something that’s important to you.”

• Page Aiken is the owner of Aiken Partners, a boutique luxury real estate firm with a dedicated focus on St. Simons, Sea Island, and luxury development sites in Coastal Georgia.

A Good Night’s Sleep Matters

WORDS BY LAUREN SOBALA | PHOTO BY MICHAEL HALL

DDid you know that good sleep can improve your memory, aid in weight loss, and even boost your immune system?

We all know that getting enough sleep will benefit our overall health, but could your mattress be hindering your chances of a peaceful slumber and better health?

Here are some reasons that sleep is important:

• Sleep allows your body to repair and be ready for the next day.

• Sleep affects growth, stress hormones, the immune system, appetite, breathing, blood pressure, and cardiovascular health.

• Research shows that a lack of sleep increases the risk of obesity, heart disease, infections, and allergies.

The mattress you sleep on can greatly impact your ability to get a good night’s sleep, yet its importance is often overlooked. A good mattress can help you wake up feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. It can also help you:

• Improve sleep quality: Your sleep is crucial to your quality of life. In today’s fast-paced society, there is simply too much to do and not enough time, yet your body still requires sufficient sleep to rejuvenate and provide energy for the next day. A good mattress will help

improve the quality of your sleep, which can affect your energy levels, mood, and overall health.

• Improve posture: A comfortable mattress can help keep your spine in proper alignment and improve your posture. Your mattress should support each part of your body equally. Without your weight being evenly distributed, your lower back won’t be sufficiently supported, meaning your spine won’t be in a neutral position. Many problems, including chronic pain, are a result of improper spinal alignment.

• Reduce pain: A comfortable mattress can help relieve body aches and pains related to poor sleeping postures, such as back or hip discomfort. If you’re experiencing back or joint pain, then there’s a good chance your mattress is the culprit. Correct alignment is essential for pain-free sleep — your mattress should hold your spine in a straight line throughout the night. It should also

relieve pressure points and support your posture, which will help prevent pain.

• Decrease tossing and turning: A comfortable mattress can help decrease tossing and turning. We all want an uninterrupted night’s sleep. Regular tossing and turning affects your quality of sleep, particularly if sleeping next to a partner. This is because the action of rolling over creates “motion waves,” which are transferred through your mattress. A firm, good-quality mattress will absorb these waves, so even if your partner turns over or gets out of bed, you’re less likely to be disturbed.

• Reduce stress levels: An increase in sleep quality can result in reduced stress levels. When you are sleep deficient, your body produces more stress hormones, which in turn increases your blood pressure — not ideal for feeling calm. Regular, deep sleep (encouraged by a good mattress) helps to keep your blood pressure low and your mood relaxed.

Lauren Sobala, owner of Golden Isles Mattress, in Brunswick, can help you increase your sleep quality by showing you mattress options that will help encourage a full night of sleep. She has a wide range of carefully-curated brands available, delivering quality, longevity, and value — from traditional to high-end. She also has the latest in “smart” beds and adjustable bases, as well as bedding accessories. You can view the extensive collection of her mattresses in her 2,300-square-foot showroom.

Sobala operates her business as the sole salesperson, so she sets appointments to meet with her customers one-on-one. You will have a focused and uninterrupted consult to discuss with her your needs and you may test the mattresses and adjustable bases in private.

A good quality mattress is about much more than comfort (although that’s an undeniable bonus). With the right mattress, you’re likely to see a wealth of benefits to your overall health.

Sobala believes everyone deserves a good night’s sleep — especially children. Over the holidays, she partnered with Operation Bed Spread (OBS) to donate a portion of proceeds from mattress sales to their cause. The local 501c3, founded by Rees Carroll, distributes beds to those in need, the majority of whom are children.

“I had read an article in The Brunswick News where it was made aware that they were in desperate need of funding, so I chose to do this,” she says.

“I also had discussions with Rees about how I could offer discounted pricing on mattress and frames he might want to purchase from me in the future.”

• If you suspect your mattress is giving you less than stellar sleep health, it’s time to visit Golden Isles Mattress. It’s located at 100 Harrison Lane in Brunswick. The number is 912-602-5009. Their website is goldenislesmattress.com.

MONEY TALKS

Proven Strategies to Maximize Your Home Sale

effective way to showcase its best features and create an emotional connection with potential buyers. By arranging furniture, decor, and accessories in a way that highlights the functionality and potential of each room, you can help buyers envision themselves living in the space. Start by decluttering and organizing each room. Remove any personal items, excessive furniture, or bulky items that can make the space appear smaller. Rearrange furniture to create an open and inviting layout, and consider adding decorative elements such as fresh flowers or artwork to enhance the overall aesthetic.

WORDS BY PHOEBE HOASTER

HHomeowners looking to sell their homes all have the same goal — selling their homes quickly and maximizing their profits. While selling a home can be a challenge, there are strategies that can be used, which can help you achieve this goal.

As a seasoned real estate agent in the Golden Isles for the last 30 years, I have learned some effective tips and techniques that will help you maximize your home sale and achieve the highest

possible return on your investment.

Make an Impression: First impressions matter, and when it comes to selling your home, curb appeal plays a significant role in attracting potential buyers. Barbara Corcoran, real estate investor and host of Shark Tank says, “Buyers decide in the first eight seconds of seeing a home if they’re interested in buying it. Get out of your car, walk in their shoes, and see what they see in the first eight seconds.”

Enhance Your Landscaping: Trim overgrown bushes, mow the lawn, and add fresh mulch or flowers to create a welcoming and well-maintained appearance. Consider power washing the exterior of your home and repairing any cracked or chipped paint. Adding a fresh coat of paint to your front door can also make a big impact.

Set the Stage: Staging your home is an

Freshen Up: If your walls and baseboards are scuffed and faded, or if colors are dated, consider repainting with an updated neutral paint color. A fresh coat of paint goes a long way in making your home more attractive, as well as adding more value.

Tap a Professional: Above all these ideas, the most crucial thing that you can do to maximize your home’s selling potential is to employ the services of a seasoned REALTOR®. Sometimes homeowners feel that by selling their home without a real estate agent will save them money, when more often than not, the opposite is true. While selling on your own may save you from paying commission, it can also be a challenging and time-consuming process. Working with a professional real estate agent has many advantages. They have extensive knowledge of the local market and can provide valuable insights and guidance throughout the selling process.

Real estate agents have access to a wide network of potential buyers and can market your home effectively. They also handle negotiations, paperwork, and other administrative tasks, saving you time and ensuring a smooth transaction. However, the one benefit they provide among others is helping you

price your property in light of the current market.

The Price is Right: Setting the right price for your home is critical when it comes to attracting potential buyers. Pricing it too high can discourage interest, while pricing it too low may leave you with less profit than you deserve. It is always to your advantage to work with a professional real estate agent who can provide you with a comprehensive market analysis. It’s important to remember that pricing your home correctly from the start can lead to a faster sale and a higher final sale price.

Throughout my extensive career as a REALTOR®, which has spanned over four decades, I have helped numerous clients achieve their dreams and have gained invaluable expertise in all of these areas. I have personally witnessed the advantages that come to them when they adhere to these minor, yet significant, tips and techniques that allow them to get the most value for their home.

• Phoebe Hoaster is a REALTOR® with DeLoach Sotheby’s International Realty. She may be reached at 912-270-5730 or via email at PhoebeHoaster@gmail. com.

Jonas Coyle

EEverybody has dreams and goals that they want to achieve. For those who play sports, it’s to reach the highest level.

Soccer, or “football” across the world, is challenging in itself. But it’s also difficult to be noticed by scouts amidst the many talented players across the country.

That was the case for Glynn Academy senior Jonas Coyle.

He dominates on the pitch week in and week out for one of the state’s best teams — here, in the Golden Isles. But Coyle would have to do something drastic in order to take his game to the collegiate level.

Being a part of the Southern Soccer Academy here in the Golden Isles, Coyle tried out for teams in Jacksonville and Savannah. Not being picked up for a spot, Coyle used a connection he had in Atlanta, and for his fall semester of senior year, Coyle played for the U19 Southern Soccer Academy as part of the MLS Next.

“I moved in with my uncle for a semes -

ter,” Coyle says of being in Atlanta.

“It was different, I had never played center back in my life and my coach said I was one, so I played center back the whole time there. I moved back down here for the high school season and now I’m playing up top,” he says.

“It’s a little bit of a transition but still seeing the level that I can play up there and try and translate to help the team win down here.”

Naturally an attacking midfielder or on the wing, Coyle took the opportunity to play a new position and show the skills he has with a knack for the ball, but also an ability to win it against opposing players.

Deciding to go up to Atlanta to test

WORDS AND PHOTO BY SEBASTIAN EMANUEL

himself against the best in the area, Coyle knew the chance could help him achieve recognition by college coaches.

“I always had a dream of playing D1 soccer but I’ll be playing D3 now,” Coyle says. “Colleges don’t really look at high school soccer that much, D2 and D3 do but not as much as D1. So I wanted to go up there and see if I could make it D1. I knew I couldn’t get it done with my club team (on Jekyll Island) because we are too low of a level, we don’t have enough people to get a really good team like all the Atlanta teams. The Atlanta teams are really good and I wanted to see how I could do.”

Being away from his friends at Glynn Academy for a few months, Coyle says the day-to-day life was different as he was focused on the grind.

“I did all online school and it was pretty easy but it got lonely a bit,” Coyle says.

“Just calling my friends to help keep me company. My uncle has two children, so I got to hang out with them whenever they would get back from school. I’d get to sleep in sometimes too. There was nothing else to do, it was just schoolwork and soccer.”

Balancing the student-athlete responsibilities over the years and in the fall semester in a new area, Coyle believed the opportunity to be in Atlanta allowed him to focus on what he would put his effort into.

“I really only had two things to focus on so it will help me direct my focus and put all my effort into that,” he says.

Having been a transplant for a few months and making an impact on the pitch with a group he had to build chemistry with, Coyle learned to do it with his Terror teammates as new faces hit the field with him in his final season.

“It helped me adjust more,” Coyle says.

The competition levels may be different, but as he took on the challenge of chasing his dreams, Coyle committed to it and earned a scholarship to play at LeTourneau University in Longview, Texas.

Not only will Coyle be playing soccer at the collegiate level, but he will do so with the aspirations of attending aviation school.

“I want to be a pilot when I grow up,” Coyle says.

Echo serves up colorful plates

THE DISH

That’s something of a no-brainer given how abundant it is in the coastal area and how it’s on the top of many visitor lists when they come to a place like the Golden Isles. He’s not one to disparage other places’ cuisine choices, but he’s a big fan of the local fair in his current home.

WORDS BY TAYLOR COOPER | PHOTOS BY DERRICK DAVIS

TTom Cook’s passion is cooking, which makes it almost tragic he decided to do it professionally. Now serving as the head chef at the King and Prince Beach & Golf Resort’s in-house bar and restaurant, he’s only got one complaint.

“If anything, it’s that I don’t get to cook as much,” he says.

Now, it’s nothing but ordering, procuring, putting stock away, and writing and rewriting the menu. Not that he’s unhappy at the King and Prince, where he’s worked since July 2021. Many don’t get to live out their passions like he has, cooking at big-name restaurants across the U.S.

Chef Cook — has there ever been a more apt name? — has been a chef for 20 years, starting his first sous chef job at 22.

His career started out in Chicago, a well-known food Mecca unto itself. Well before he went to school and became a chef, Cook worked for a bakery. From there, he moved to Florida and attended culinary school. Freshly educated, he took a job at a resort in Boca Raton.

He spent five years there and moved on to Nashville for most of his career, but did some stints in California and Charleston, South Carolina.

The only constant from state to state was the variety in cuisine. None of it was the same, wherever he went. Sure, every place has burgers and barbecue joints, fried chicken and Mexican food, but each state and region has its own little quirks and twists. Up north, you tend to find heavier meals but also more in the way of soups. In Chicago especially, the sheer variety of food is hard to overstate.

On the coast, it’s all about seafood.

ECHO offers the typical Coastal Georgia staples, like shrimp and grits, chicken and waffles — one of the few fried items on the menu — and salads with local produce. That’s one thing the restaurant prides itself on and, by extension, Cook, due to his role in writing the menu. It’s a mix of items he likes and thinks customers will like and making an effort to have something for everyone. The King and Prince draws visitors — especially foodies — from all over the world looking for time on the beach and to indulge in the seafood cuisine for which the Golden Isles is famous.

“At the end of the day, good food is good food,” he says.

America also boasts myriad kitchen cultures. In California, for example, it’s as competitive in the staffing and job performance departments as it is in food quality. There, customers typically tend to be a little harder to please, and they don’t want anything fried.

That’s something that’s spread beyond the bounds of California from his perspective in the kitchen. While Chef Cook works in a more high-end establishment than most frequent, he’s seen it all over. People are much more health-conscious than they were even a few years ago.

That’s usually only true of the kind of people who eat out at nicer, sit-down restaurants, though. On average, over 42% of Americans are obese now, as opposed to 30% in 2000. The country was on a course toward better diets before the COVID-19 pandemic, but lockdowns imposed by governments and inflation after the pandemic waned have caused many to back off their efforts to eat better, according to Statista.

Credello, a personal finance company, found over 60% of Americans now consider healthy food to be a luxury and nearly 70% consider healthy food to be the most expensive food choice. On the other hand, only half of those have tried to take any measures to save on their purchases, like hunting for sales or coupon cutting, and only 7% have tried tightening their budgets in other places. Another 44% simply decided to try eating less, either by having fewer meals or eating smaller portions when they do eat.

Cook himself wants to eat healthier, but the high pressure in the kitchen sometimes means he partakes in the fried foods that are falling out of style among those who patronize St. Simons Island’s higher-end establishments.

For this entry of “The Dish,” Cook offered up a lobster avocado toast, bringing together poached lobster, nine-grain bread, macerated bacon, and a tasty balsamic reduction. It’s a better warm-weather dish, perfect for right about now. As he put it, a “refreshing, light, not-typical Benedict breakfast.”

He did have some tips for those who try to make the recipe at home. Blanch the lobster quickly first and don’t try to finish cooking it all at once. You just want to loosen the flesh enough to remove the shell. After blanching, try poaching the lobster in butter for some extra flavor. Poaching is key. Keep the temperature low or it will, once again, get chewy.

Getting the eggs just right can also be a challenge, unless you’ve

been in the game as long as Chef Cook. Another alternate method for preparing the eggs is dropping them in the eggs in boiling water before taking the pot immediately off heat and letting them cook on the side.

“That’s the trick to keep them from overcooking,” Cook says.

Grilled Lobster Avocado Toast

YIELD: 4 ORDERS

INGREDIENTS:

2 each live chicken lobsters

Sea salt

3 ripe avocados, mashed

1 lemon

2 oz. extra virgin olive oil

1 oz fresh basil

1 pt. heirloom cherry tomatoes

1 oz. aged balsamic vinegar

4 large eggs

1 Tbsp. white vinegar.

Salt and black pepper

8 slices thick-cut bacon

4 slices multigrain bread

3 oz. pickled red onion

½ oz. microgreens

DIRECTIONS: Poach live lobsters in simmering water for 3-5 minutes or until just cooked through. Remove meat from the shells, set aside, and keep warm. Cook bacon in a 350-degree oven until crispy and set aside, keep warm. Cut cherry tomatoes in half and marinate with ½ oz. balsamic and chiffonade basil, salt and pepper to taste. Peel and mash avocado with lemon, 1 oz. olive oil and salt and pepper to taste and set aside. Cook soft-boiled eggs in simmering water with distilled vinegar for 10 minutes then shock in an ice bath, peel and cut in half. Grill multigrain toast until lightly toasted on both sides then cut in half. Place a scoop of mashed avocado on each half of the toast and place on a plate. Arrange the plate with lobster, bacon, marinated tomatoes, pickled red onion, and soft poached eggs. Drizzle with olive oil and vinegar and garnish with microgreens and a pinch of sea salt.

WORDS BY LINDSEY ADKISON

PHOTOS BY JOHN KRIVEC

Beachy K n:

Tips for Mastering the Art of Seaside Decor

TThere’s only a few letters separating the word “chic” from “cliché.” In the design world, it can be a perilous line to walk. A step too far can bring the entire concept crashing down.

It’s something designer Heather Jowers knows well. The owner of Rae Lane Interiors makes it her business to expertly blend patterns, materials, and knick-knacks to form a seamless seaside theme.

“Coastal decor is one of my favorites designs to do. You are blending the outdoors with the indoors. Since we live on the coast, it’s much easier to find decor pieces that fit into the theme,” she says.

“It can be cliché, so balance is key. Make the design aesthetic a product of the environment, and you can skip the overload of  seashells.”

Jowers has plenty of examples of how to create this balance. One of those she did fairly recently for a Jekyll Island renovation. The homeowners completely revamped the property,

removing all trances of the former ranch and building an industrial coastal design in its footprint.

“It’s incredible what they’ve done. If you were to see the before picture, you wouldn’t believe they could get this in the same space,” Jowers says, gesturing to the two-story foyer.

“A Realtor referred me to the project. Mike and Seth Carol at Carol Construction did the construction and rebuild.”

The homeowners, a couple in Atlanta,

remotely connected with Jowers and the contractor to outline their vision.

“They wanted it to have pretty lines with bright colors. I did everything through email, pictures, and Powerpoint,” she says.

While it was a bit challenging, Jowers made it work. And, in the end, the family loved the results.

“When they came down from the reveal, (the homeowner) called me crying because she loved it so much … which of course, made me cry,”

Jowers says with a laugh.

“They’re such sweet people and it was everything they imagined. They plan to come down here, full-time, in five years.”

Jowers’ decor approach focused on weaving in elements of the seaside without being too overt. That often included placing a natural-fiber rug or driftwood accent pieces.

“It’s a little modern with a coastal flare. The arms on the sofa and the chairs, the lamps and pillows all draw that in,” she says. “We used clean lines

removing all trances of the former ranch and building an industrial coastal design in its footprint.

“It’s incredible what they’ve done. If you were to see the before picture, you wouldn’t believe they could get this in the same space,” Jowers says, gesturing to the two-story foyer.

“A Realtor referred me to the project. Mike and Seth Carol at Carol Construction did the construction and rebuild.”

The homeowners, a couple in Atlanta,

remotely connected with Jowers and the contractor to outline their vision.

“They wanted it to have pretty lines with bright colors. I did everything through email, pictures, and Powerpoint,” she says.

While it was a bit challenging, Jowers made it work. And, in the end, the family loved the results.

“When they came down from the reveal, (the homeowner) called me crying because she loved it so much … which of course, made me cry,”

Jowers says with a laugh.

“They’re such sweet people and it was everything they imagined. They plan to come down here, full-time, in five years.”

Jowers’ decor approach focused on weaving in elements of the seaside without being too overt. That often included placing a natural-fiber rug or driftwood accent pieces.

“It’s a little modern with a coastal flare. The arms on the sofa and the chairs, the lamps and pillows all draw that in,” she says. “We used clean lines

and sleek finishes. I’m a big texture person. I love to mix in jute, sisal, and rattan. The dining side chairs are crafted with a rattan frame, chippendale back and wrapped in rope.”

Jowers also used a beachy color palette. Furniture in living and bed rooms offers avenues to bring in those shades.

“I absolutely love the coffee table, it has a stump base, with a whitewash finish that gives you a modern, organic feel. They are definitely eye-catching. When the upstairs master bed was unboxed, I was wowed. It is a canopy bed with earthy hues, organic materials, and the headboard is a woven abaca, which gives the room the texture I was looking for,” she says.

The colors chosen help to meld the materials. Sandy neutrals and coastal white is accentuated by baby blues and pops of vivid greens.

“I like to choose patterns in the same color family, incorporate different sizes, blend simple and complex patterns together. Only choose a few and make sure to stay within

“Coastal decor is one of my favorite designs to do. You are blending the  outdoors with the indoors.”

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your established color palette,” she says. “Doing too much can overwhelm your space.”

When it comes to finding perfect pieces to complement a home, Jowers casts a wide net. She scours high-end boutiques, as well as more economical stores like Home Goods.

“I don’t even know how many times we went there … here and in Jacksonville and Savannah. We’re on a first-name basis for sure,” she says with a chuckle.

“It’s a lot of shopping. I go everywhere. I made so many trips back and forth for the accessories … it was a lot. You don’t realize how much it takes just to do bookcases.”

Artwork is another item Jowers seeks out. For this

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home, she incorporated birds and beach scapes, along with some whimsical fun.

“In the guest room, I found these adorable paintings — the lobster, the swimsuit, and the turtle — by Michelle Stagg Ottley (MsOttleyArt on Instagram),” she says.

Sweet touches and fun flare adds to the character of the house.

It’s already starting to rack up some important memories, Jowers adds.

“(The couple) got engaged the night they came down. He purposed on the porch,” she says, pointing to the oceanfront balcony off the master suite. “They will always love this house because of that.”

CREATING A Dream Closet

WORDS BY LINDSEY ADKISON | PHOTOS BY MICHELLE HOLTON AND PROVIDED

When Carmen Cross moved into her St. Simons Island home, she was a little surprised by what she found in the closet.

“It was a DIY Home Depot closet system. It was falling apart. It was warped,” she says with a grimace. “There were so many shelves, but I needed a lot of hang space. I didn’t have much room at all.”

The couple decided that revamping the closet was a top priority, so they reached out to the experts — Closets By Design. The family-owned business, based in Jacksonville, employs designers who live and work in the Golden Isles.

Gerard Monte, whose children go to Frederica Academy with Carmen’s kids, was the one tapped to tackle her space.

The Cross family didn’t want a lot of bells and whistles, they wanted functionality. And that’s precisely what they got.

“When we first saw her closet, there just wasn’t a lot of

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usable space for organization and all of her clothes,” says Monte, an interior designer who also works with Closets By Design.

To share the space with her husband, Carmen had stored a portion of her garments in the garage. But Gerard had a solution. He drew up a simple, yet effective system featuring custom clothing racks with built-in cutouts and drawers. Gerard incorporated L-shaped corner shelving that proved ideal for displaying handbags, shoes, and hats.

“First of all, it doubled the space, but it also brought it to life. It’s all about function and organization. There is a place for everything,” he says.

“We even included pull out his-and-her hampers that you can remove and take right to the laundry room.”

Other extra touches include extendable tie and belt racks for Carmen’s husband. It may be a small thing but it’s another polished element that binds the space together.

“I love going in there because it’s so organized,” Carmen says. “You’re ready to start the day.”

That was Gerard’s goal, to make a closet more than just a dark den of chaotic clothing.

Rather, it’s become a place the couple enjoys entering and sets a pleasant tone for their busy days.

“It looks good. I have an interior design background and I was taken with Closets By Design, their professionalism, and how quickly they can install,” Gerard says. “I love to see the process through and help create the closet — or space — of client’s dreams. I also love building relationships like I did with Carmen. We knew one another, but now, we’ve built a friendship.”

Custom closets have taken the world by storm. Whether it’s inspiration courtesy of the Kardashian clan or HGTV, they’ve become a focal point of home interiors.

It’s something Mark Hutto, owner of Closets By Design, knows well.

“Closets have become the third most popular home improvement item behind kitchens and baths. People aren’t caring as much about gutters as they are putting their stuff away,” he says with a laugh.

Of course, Closets By Design offers a lot more than just a clothing rack and a few shelves. Each project is personally tailored to clients. It can incorporate seamless functionality or feature the crème de la crème. The latter often resembles a luxury boutique — cutting-edge lighting packages, crystal chandeliers, hand-crafted islands, lockable drawers, and structured jewelry displays.

“I always say it’s like a pizza. We can do cheese, or we can do filet and shrimp. We do whatever they want and meets their needs.” Mark says.

“But whatever it is, it’s a very efficient process. We do the design and give them everything they need in the consultation. We can install it within two weeks. No one can touch that kind of lead time. We do all the cutting locally in our facility. Competitors will push you into something that suits them. They often order out of state.”

Their business model has been incredibly successful, raking in more than 150 5-star reviews. With that momentum, the operation has grown. Now, there are nearly 100 people on board with 18 installation vans. Hutto’s wife,

Frances, manages the fleet, directing the ever-growing team of professional closet creators.

“She has over 30 designers out in the field. We go as far north as Darien. Our friends from Charleston handle Savannah. We go as far west as Tallahassee and far south as Flagler/Flagler Beach,” he says. “Everyone around the country is owner-operated. The corporate office is in California.”

While closets are at the center of their business, that’s not the only space they design. In recent years, the Huttos have expanded to offer renovations to most other rooms.

“At first it was just closets, now it’s everything but kitchens and baths. We do entertainment centers, garages, laundry rooms, offices, mudrooms, wall beds, pantries,” he lists.

“Many of our clients will start with their closet and then move on to other rooms. They’ll go to a bedroom that no one is using and convert it into an office. They will put a wall bed on the wall, so they can have a functional bedroom. They will take a mudroom that’s a mess and organize it.”

Closets By Design publishes catalogs for inspiration. Skilled designers like Gerard can guide customers along the way.

“They have a lot of ideas and we have catalogs too. We can do it all at any price point. And everything we do is made to last .. with a lifetime warranty,” he says. “But with all these spaces, it’s about more than just re-doing a garage or a closet. It’s about how you feel. When you step in that space, we want you to feel good about it.”

“At first it was just closets, now it’s everything but kitchens and baths. We do entertainment centers, garages, laundry rooms, offices, mudrooms, wall beds, pantries.” — Mark Hutto

WORDS BY LARRY HOBBS

PHOTOS BY MICHAEL HALL AND MICHELLE HOLTON

Historical

T Gem:

A Downtown Home Story

Talk about your fixer-uppers.

The roof was a well-worn patch of asbestos. The plumbing was shot through. The condition of the electrical wiring was, ah, shocking. And certain aspects of the exterior held all the architectural charm of a Department of Motor Vehicles building.

But this house on the 800 block of Albany Street in Brunswick had a solid foundation. Sandra Colhard knew that much. Also, this place had a great story to tell, one that Sandra knew quite well. The home’s fabled tale crosses paths with Colhard’s own story, going back to her childhood.

Today, the story of the historic residence and that of Sandra are one and the same. Together they have forged a legacy that has long been a must-see on the Magnolia Garden Club’s vaunted holiday tour of homes in Brunswick’s Historic Old Town section.

Lounging in the sunlit ground floor dining room one January morning, Sandra explained her 20-plus year labor of love with a nod to an icon of the fashion world.

“I like Ralph Lauren. He gets his kicks, and such joy in

life, by surrounding himself with beautiful things,” says Sandra, 70. “I feel exactly the same way. If someone else doesn’t care for it, it doesn’t bother me. I like it. It makes me happy.”

Clearly, Sandra’s tastes resonate deeply with scores of Golden Islanders who possess an eye for all things home and garden. And while it has been a personal journey, Sandra takes delight in seeing her efforts earn so much appreciation from the community she calls home.

“I get a lot of satisfaction out of it,” she says. “It’s everything. It really is. It feeds that artistic side of me.”

Truth be told, Sandra might have easily ended up anywhere from South Carolina to that big city up north, Atlanta. But she always held an inside track on this stately abode flanked by Brunswick’s legendary Lover’s Oak.

The home was built in 1927 to the detailed specifics of Arthur Kloss, the longtime plant manager at the sprawling Hercules turpentine plant in Brunswick. (Pinova was operating the plant in 2023 when a massive fire closed it for good, but that is another story.) It is said Mr. Kloss personally selected each piece of wood, discarding any boards blemished by knotholes.

Born in Atlanta, Sandra was a child when her family moved to Brunswick and settled next door to the Kloss’ old homestead. Her parents became fast friends with the Berry family, who at the time occupied Sandra’s future dream home. Sandra’s parents, Joy and Ernie Craft, were ardent supporters of Brunswick’s historic preservation movement.

“My parents and the Berrys had a longstanding relationship,” Sandra says. “And they agreed: If either of them sold their house, they would give the other first right of refusal.”

But that standing agreement would gather dust and cobwebs as the years added up. Sandra spent her grade school years in Brunswick before the family moved to Macon, where she spent her middle and high school years.

A college-age Sandra considered pursuing a horticulture degree while at UGA in Athens, but she eventually obtained a physical therapy license from Augusta’s Medical College of Georgia.

Sandra later found herself adulting in Atlanta and raising twin boys, James and John. But the kind

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of home the divorced mom wanted was not within reasonable reach in the big city. Her search finally focused back on Brunswick.

Above all else, she wanted a home with character — one built in an era when carpenters were artisans who took pride in their craft, and who never scrimped on the finer points.

“I like old houses,” she says. “The new ones are so cheaply put together, and I have a hard time spending that much money for Styrofoam on the outside that they make to look like stucco.”

Just when she thought the perfect Brunswick home had eluded her, the Berrys’ adult son entered the picture. Sandra’s parents had returned in retirement

to their old Brunswick home by that time.

“He knew about their (families’) agreement, and he called and asked if I was interested,” Sandra explains. “And, of course, my parents were right next door. So I said, ‘Sure.’”

She bought the home in 2000.

But the inexorable march of time had exacted a toll on the sturdy old house. In its later years, the structure had served as an antique shop and, finally, as unoccupied storage space.

“It was uninhabitable,” Sandra says. “The roof was asbestos shingles. The plumbing didn’t work, and the electricity was from the 1960s. I didn’t dare use

it. There was huge hole in the (downstairs) bathroom floor.”

But Sandra knew the potential within. Living with her parents, she worked part-time in physical therapy and devoted as much time as possible to restoring the old home.

“The layout was good,” Sandra says of the restoration process. “I could see my things in there and I could see in my mind how it was going to look. Ok, I thought: This is a project — a really good project.”

Her restoration work-in-progress quickly assumed it former glory. And it remains today a historic jewel in a city known for historical landmarks.

Complete with colorful blooms, wellgroomed shrubs and a manicured lawn, an English garden landscape frames the home’s exterior. A wood-frame and glasspane sunroom now brightens the once-drab north exterior wall. A quaint auto carriage house sits on the south side, cloaked in landscaping.

Inside, Sandra is happy to guide visitors through showroom after showroom of antique furniture, tasteful paintings, and exceptional accoutrements that range from heirloom copper pieces and antique Chinaware to rustic breechloading bird guns and sewn-leather equestrian tack. Some items are family treasures, but Sandra depends on her own keen tastes and a knack for antiquing to give the interior its exquisite look.

An august wooden chest known as a linen press lends an old English flair to the living room, but Sandra likes function with her form when possible.

“So I said, ‘Well, OK — let’s turn this into a bar.’” she explains.

The fascinating particulars of the story could fill a book. Alas, this is but a magazine article. However, there is a strong likelihood Sandra’s noble old house on Albany Street will open again at a future date for another historic tour of homes.

“I love restoring things,” Sandra says. “I appreciate the craftsmanship and the beauty, and I love surrounding myself with it.”

WORDS BY LINDSEY ADKISON | PHOTOS

BY JOHN KRIVEC

Sea Island

Rewinds

Retro Spaces Reimagined on the Private Island

gGina Lever doesn’t have shelves of potions and spell books. But her shop, the Home Fabric Studio, is filled with magic all the same.

Bright patterns and print samples line the walls bordered by neatly-filed books containing even more inspiration. Tables are strategically placed so that materials can be arranged, where one can easily conjure up the designs for one’s own home.

Of course, Lever is a wizard of sorts. She has the rare ability to breathe life into spaces by weaving together colors and textures to create something entirely new. It’s a skill most mere mortals are unable to manifest.

And to do it, she lives by one rule.

“There are no rules, that’s the only one,” she says with a grin.

One recent re-vamp Lever designed puts that on full display. It’s a 1960s cottage on Sea Island, where the family wanted to bring a sense of fresh, bold color to their seaside hideaway.

Stepping into the seemingly standard colonial, it becomes abundantly clear that they have succeeded. The front door opens to a statement wall with a floral pattern that expands floor to (and on) the literal ceiling.

“Before, it was really dark in here and the staircase was all dark wood. Everything was dark. It seemed very

closed in. (The owner) said, I want to walk in and feel like you’re in a garden,” Lever says, gesturing to the eye-catching entry.

“She loved this wall paper. So I said, ‘let’s do it. Let’s go all the way up stairs with it.’ It doesn’t feel blocked in. It feels very open and inviting. They wanted something fun and happy.”

While there are a lot of whimsy, there’s also plenty of practicalities. Lever had to have a rug custom-made to fit the space. She also arranged for a patterned indoor-outdoor runner for the staircase.

“They have dogs and kids. It’s easy to clean and helps keep it quiet too,” she says.

While the rest of the home doesn’t make as dramatic a statement as the entry, there are colorful and clever touches throughout.

Lever says the project, which began in the summer of 2022, aimed at opening up the space. Walls were knocked down and rooms rearranged. Along the way, they connected to some of the history of the home.

“The homeowner has a photo album with photos from every owner. As we’ve been renovating and pull old wallpaper off, we will find the previous under it and we look back in the album and you can see it in there,” she says. “It’s been really fun.”

Nostalgia is important for the family and Lever has kept that in mind as she’s moved forward. They have incorporated a number of personal touches, paintings done by family members and heirloom pieces of furniture.

“That desk was (the owner’s) mother’s and I found this old game table that kind of had an old feel to it,” she says, pointing to the piece in the den.

This space has been lightened in brightened, fitted with modern furniture and bright color palette. The

adjacent sunroom and dining room carry that same vibe, incorporating exciting patterns and antique touches.

“The outdoor is next,” Lever says, pointing to a wall of windows and the pool deck beyond.

The dining room leads into the airy kitchen and living area, she pauses.

“We completely gutted the kitchen. It’s been totally redone. We took this space down to the studs,” she says.

That allowed for the creation of a TV room with custom book shelves lined with bold blue and white wallpaper. The fabrics worked in tandem with the palette. Artwork, some depicting local scenes like Hazel’s Cafe on St. Simons, or regional golf courses, added to the low key, Coastal vibe.

“And everything in here was made locally,” Lever adds.

Upstairs, there are three bedrooms, including the master suite. Most feature Lever’s telltale bold patterns and colors.

“The master bathroom isn’t super spacious but we loved this green and white wallpaper,” she says. “It looks great. And that’s the great thing about this house. It’s just a comfortable, fun beach house.”

WORDS BY LINDSEY ADKISON | PHOTOS BY SMP PHOTOGRAPHY

SEA ISLAND REWIND

Gets a Facelift '70s Cottage

LLori Harden has a long history with interior designing. She first started in the business more than 30 years ago at Pierce & Parker on St. Simons Island.

“I began my career at (there) in the mid-eighties before moving back to Macon, opening my own interior design firm, and raising our family,” she says.

“We moved back to Saint Simons Island in 2012 and I returned to Pierce & Parker … a full-circle career moment.”

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Now working there as a senior interior designer, it was a connection with a former client that brought her into her Sea Island rewind project.

“The former homeowner sent (owner) Katherine in my direction. I helped them several years ago with some design work and they put us together,” she says.

“Additionally, Katherine was familiar with some of our brands and was looking to source them locally. It was a perfect match.”

The two’s vision for breathing new life into this 1970s-era beach cottage meshed well.

At the start, the 24th Street home was beginning to show its age. But rather than opting to tear it down and start over, Harden and the homeowner embraced the old-school architecture.

Photo by DeVoss Photography

THE HOME’S BLACK AND WHITE COLOR SCHEME UNDERSCORES ITS NEW SENSE OF MODERNITY.

“Katherine is a true visionary who came into the project looking mostly for guidance and expertise from me to bring her excellent taste and ideas to fruition. We approached this project as a team, working within the confines of the home’s architecture, giving it a completely new look, and leaning into its contemporary lines,” Harden says.

“We incorporated design elements and furnishings that complimented the modern aspects of the project. Knowing it was going to be used for rental, we chose to fill the home with comfortable, beautiful furnishings of the highest quality that would stand up against wear and tear, but also expressed Katherine’s personal style.”

The home’s black and white color scheme underscores its new sense of modernity. One of Harden’s favorite spots, the living room, showcased the power of paint. She says the deep palette provides a juxtaposition to the airiness of the family room.

“Painting the beams in the main living room brought so much character and dimension,” she says.

“I also love the moodiness of the textured walls and painted ceiling in the family TV room. We drew inspiration for the wallpaper, textures and paint from the bird art hanging on the far walls.”

35

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BEVERLY DRAWDY

While Harden is a professional (and another wizard with design), she says there are a few helpful hints that everyone can incorporate into their own home rewinds.

“First and foremost, paint and wallpaper can make all the difference in a refresh. Secondly, updating bedding and adding new flooring and rugs can quickly take a space from one decade to the next,” she says.

“Lastly, new bath and kitchen fixtures are important as well. Bringing new life to your home can start small. A complete home renovation is not the only way to freshen things up. You can start small with new pillows in your family room and build out from there. We love to help piece by piece.”

SOUTH OF ATHENS

WORDS BY LINDSEY ADKISON

PHOTO BY DERRICK DAVIS

LLike winding country roads, the bonds between members of South of Athens run deep. The group began when Jackson Gorbutt and Christian Santiago met at church. As with many musicians, it didn’t take long before the conversation turned to starting a band.

“I thought we were just joking around,” Santiago says. “So I just said, ‘Yeah, sure.’ I didn’t think anything of it.”

But it turns out, word in small Southern towns travels fast. That’s particularly true when grandmas get involved.

“His grandma called me and said, ‘I hear you and Jackson are starting a band,’” Santiago recalls. “So I said, ‘Well, I guess we are.’”

And they did.

The duo got in a few practices. Santiago was a seasoned singer and rhythm guitarist. Gorbutt played

drums. Before long, they were in front of their first crowd as a duo.

“My grandma actually wanted us to play at a little party she was having. It was me and you,” Gorbutt said, with a laugh, nudging him with a laugh.

“That’s right. We sat up on a trailer and Ms. Deborah (Jackson’s grandma) invited a bunch of her friends,” Santiago added.

That first performance laid the foundation for things to come. Or at least so it seemed. Band members Will Aspinwall and Bubba Hopkins remember it differently.

“No, this is the real story,” Hopkins interjects with a mischievous grin. “Will and I were in a band together in high school … we had a group called Savage and another called South Wind. So we were the ones sitting around oh like 38 years ago saying, ‘We should start a band with some kids who haven’t been born yet.’”

“That’s it,” Aspinwall, a popular local guitarist, adds with a giggle.

The link that brought it all together seems to be Chris Bethune, who knew both Gorbutt and Hopkins.

“I met Bubba at church when I was 9,” Bethune says.

He was equally musically inclined, playing the guitar, pedal steel, and banjo. When Bethune made appearances at the Woodbine Opry, Hopkins would play bass for him.

And when Gorbutt asked if Bethune would join him and Santiago in South of Athens, he jumped at the chance.

“Jackson called me and asked me if I wanted to be in a band. I asked him who the lead singer was and he said Christian. I said ‘alright, this might work out then,’” Bethune remembers.

Then, he invited Hopkins.

“He called me up and said, ‘Would you like to be in a country band?’ I said, ‘Sure, I’m only 63, I’ve got some years left,” Hopkins teases.

Aspinwall was extended the same invitation and the group was officially up

and running. In no time, South of Athens was wowing crowds with their renditions of 90s and early 2000s country music.

Among the typical lineup of classic rock or 80s bands, they seemed a bit of an anomaly. But it was well-received.

“It seemed like there was a little bit of a hole,” Bethune says. “There was another band that was playing more recent country and they’re our friends, so we didn’t want to step on their toes. Plus, we’re doing the country we like to play.”

Turns out, audiences dig it too. South of Athens started booking gigs at local hot spots like the Tabby House Oyster Bar and Moondoggy’s, both in Brunswick. They quickly developed a devout following, with fans flocking to their shows to hear some of their old school favorites.

“‘Neon Moon,’ ‘Achy Breaky Heart,’ ‘Mountain Music,’ ‘The Chair,’” Santiago lists.

“‘Strawberry Wine,’” Bethune chimes in.

“That was supposed to be a joke,” Santiago answers with a laugh.

But the crowd couldn’t tell and it proved another song in the arsenal that brings folks back time and time again.

“They have a really good time,” Hopkins says of their audiences. “They’re up and dancing … singing along.”

They’re not the only ones who enjoy it. The bandmates themselves are having a blast — both playing off one another musically and through their personal bonds.

“There aren’t many bands around here who have members from ages 17 to 63,” Hopkins says. “We get a lot of old guy jokes and they get a lot of young guy jokes.”

Despite their ages though, they all share the love of the music.

“For most of us, this isn’t our job, we do it because we love it. We wouldn’t do it if it wasn’t fun,” Bethune says.

DOWNTOWN BRUNSWICK’S ST. PATRICK’S CELEBRATION

Downtown Brunswick held several St. Patrick’s Day events to cel ebrate the holiday. Silver Bluff Brewery hosted a 5K race, as well as a beer run with prizes awarded for various age groups. There were also craft tables, music, and more. For more information about upco ming events in downtown Brunswick, visit discoverbrunswick.com.

Amanda, from left, Dennis, and Reid Morgan with dog Bubba Morga n

Hugh and Jen Adams

Diane Alderton, from left, Tami Kain, Dohra Waye, and Kathy Milton

Courtney Cox, left, and Jacob Westbrooks

Robert Lara, left, and Andy Solis Heather Nesom, left, and Elaina Nesom

Debbie Armstrong, from left, Robin Ferguson, and Peggy O’Brien

Corey Register, from left, Billy Register, Tina Register, and Thad Register

Inga Avilas, from left, Regan Mason, Christina Bruce, Maggie Hogan, and Kaitlyn Ellis

Phillip Johnson, from left, Ellen Ward, and Amanda Roland

Natalie Miles, left, and KK Oswald

Kyle Brown, left, and Paris Wyland Michael Farris, left, and Dakota Allyn

Brian, from left, Gary and Karen Jenkins

WINE WOMEN & SHOES BENEFITTING HOSPICE OF THE GOLDEN ISLES

Wine Women & Shoes was recently held at Queen and Grant in down town Brunswick. There was a marketplace featuring vendors, a lu nch, and a fashion show. Attendees also received prizes for their footwear. For details, visit winewomenandshoes.com/event/goldenisles.

Jessica Helton, Tori McGinty, and Rachel Moore

Brittany Benjamin, left, and Brooke Baskin

Susan Ibanez, left, and Lia Graham

Adele Tyson, left, and Audrey Gibbons

Jennifer Fussell, from left, Elizabeth Powell, and Alex Humby Luanne Fendig, from left, Carol Gaither, and Katie Tindall

Madeline Ivy, left, and Doreen Wiley

Linda Allen, left, and Janet Higginbotham

Keisha Walker, left, and Frances Slack

Katie Wendler, left, and Dr. Laura Whitley

THE AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY HOSTS BREAST CANCER FASHION SHOW

Laura Morrison, from left, Shelia Scanlon, Elizabeth Hayes, Bar bara Foster, Ashley Shanke, Ken Gaubert, Jarette Moran, Lynn Pease, Gail Owens, Lor i Strande, and Michele Schwartz

The American Cancer Society hosted its annual Breast Cancer Fas hion Show at Sea Palms Resort on St. Simons Island. Survivors w alked the runway in fashions from local retailers. There was also a silen t auction with items from area businesses. For details, visit a csevents.org.

Nancy Krull, from left, Eleanor Brooks Rawls, Tracy Meazell, and Jennifer Blackerby

Elizabeth Hayes, from left, Sheila Scanlon, and Jarette Moran

Glenn Williams, from left, Chase Williams, and Gail Owens

Willetta Hulett McGowen, left, and Bryan Thompson

Photos by Lindy Cofer

Standing are Dr. Diane Bowen, from left, Neisha Lewis, and Charlotte Brookshire. Seated are Darlene Moye, from left, Wendy Googe, and Erica Stamp

Seated are Mary Ann Barke, from left, Libby Sweat, and Linda Alexander. Standing are Nancy Pickren, from left, Carolyn Whitted, Diane Dubberly, Betty Daher, Lisa Jones, Kay Currie, and Debbie Sheppard

Erma Summers, from left, Betty McKenside, Cynthis Lampkin, and Sonja Motley

ROTARY OF THE GOLDEN ISLES’ RED HOT CHILI COOKOFF

The Rotary of the Golden Isles recently hosted its annual Red H ot Chili Cookoff in Postell Park on St. Simons Island. Participant s set up booths where they served their chili recipes. Judges and attend ees selected their favorite dishes.

Dayanera Sapp, from left, Megan Mims, and Meghan Johnson

Mary Wethern, left, and Jill McCarthy

Karen Keen, from left, and Alice and David Vaughn

Carol Blackson, from left, Sara Sheffiled, Michelle Woodward, Barbara Lyon

Heather Traylor, from left, Lori Parker, and Ashley Colvin

Frank Lopez, from left, and Jan and Rick Cutforth

Photos by Riley Dukes

THE COASTAL SYMPHONY OF GEORGIA’S CABARET

The Coastal Symphony of Georgia’s annual fundraiser, Cabaret — Paris, was recently held at Frederica Golf Club on St. Simons Island. The event included silent and live auctions along with food and dri nks. The Stardust Pixies from Savannah also performed a French cabaret-style show. Proceeds from the event go toward continuing to support the professional symphony, which offers concerts multiple times a year. For more information, visit coastalsymphonyofgeorgia.org.

Kay and Jim Harrell

Bill Parker, left, and Janice Lamattina

Loretta Moran, left, and Janette Moran

Phillip and Leslie Graiter, from left, Terri Taylor, and Teddy Lynch

Emma Humphries, left, and Cari Morris Jim and Linda Henderson

David Lowe, from left, Dr. Michael Crowe, Michael Burel, and Chris Triplett

Dawn Schlich, left, and Sage Campione Deborah and David Wright

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and sleek finishes. I’m a big texture person. I love to mix in jute, sisal, and rattan. The dining side chairs are crafted with a rattan frame, chippendale back and wrapped in rope.”

Jowers also used a beachy color palette. Furniture in living and bed rooms offers avenues to bring in those shades.

“I absolutely love the coffee table, it has a stump base, with a whitewash finish that gives you a modern, organic feel. They are definitely eye-catching. When the upstairs master bed was unboxed, I was wowed. It is a canopy bed with earthy hues, organic materials, and the headboard is a woven abaca, which gives the room the texture I was looking for,” she says.

The colors chosen help to meld the materials. Sandy neutrals and coastal white is accentuated by baby blues and pops of vivid greens.

“I like to choose patterns in the same color family, incorporate different sizes, blend simple and complex patterns together. Only choose a few and make sure to stay within

“Coastal decor is one of my favorite designs to do. You are blending the  outdoors with the indoors.”

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your established color palette,” she says. “Doing too much can overwhelm your space.”

When it comes to finding perfect pieces to complement a home, Jowers casts a wide net. She scours high-end boutiques, as well as more economical stores like Home Goods.

“I don’t even know how many times we went there … here and in Jacksonville and Savannah. We’re on a first-name basis for sure,” she says with a chuckle.

“It’s a lot of shopping. I go everywhere. I made so many trips back and forth for the accessories … it was a lot. You don’t realize how much it takes just to do bookcases.”

Artwork is another item Jowers seeks out. For this

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home, she incorporated birds and beach scapes, along with some whimsical fun.

“In the guest room, I found these adorable paintings — the lobster, the swimsuit, and the turtle — by Michelle Stagg Ottley (MsOttleyArt on Instagram),” she says.

Sweet touches and fun flare adds to the character of the house.

It’s already starting to rack up some important memories, Jowers adds.

“(The couple) got engaged the night they came down. He purposed on the porch,” she says, pointing to the oceanfront balcony off the master suite. “They will always love this house because of that.”

CREATING A Dream Closet

WORDS BY LINDSEY ADKISON | PHOTOS BY MICHELLE HOLTON AND PROVIDED

When Carmen Cross moved into her St. Simons Island home, she was a little surprised by what she found in the closet.

“It was a DIY Home Depot closet system. It was falling apart. It was warped,” she says with a grimace. “There were so many shelves, but I needed a lot of hang space. I didn’t have much room at all.”

The couple decided that revamping the closet was a top priority, so they reached out to the experts — Closets By Design. The family-owned business, based in Jacksonville, employs designers who live and work in the Golden Isles.

Gerard Monte, whose children go to Frederica Academy with Carmen’s kids, was the one tapped to tackle her space.

The Cross family didn’t want a lot of bells and whistles, they wanted functionality. And that’s precisely what they got.

“When we first saw her closet, there just wasn’t a lot of

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usable space for organization and all of her clothes,” says Monte, an interior designer who also works with Closets By Design.

To share the space with her husband, Carmen had stored a portion of her garments in the garage. But Gerard had a solution. He drew up a simple, yet effective system featuring custom clothing racks with built-in cutouts and drawers. Gerard incorporated L-shaped corner shelving that proved ideal for displaying handbags, shoes, and hats.

“First of all, it doubled the space, but it also brought it to life. It’s all about function and organization. There is a place for everything,” he says.

“We even included pull out his-and-her hampers that you can remove and take right to the laundry room.”

Other extra touches include extendable tie and belt racks for Carmen’s husband. It may be a small thing but it’s another polished element that binds the space together.

“I love going in there because it’s so organized,” Carmen says. “You’re ready to start the day.”

That was Gerard’s goal, to make a closet more than just a dark den of chaotic clothing.

Rather, it’s become a place the couple enjoys entering and sets a pleasant tone for their busy days.

“It looks good. I have an interior design background and I was taken with Closets By Design, their professionalism, and how quickly they can install,” Gerard says. “I love to see the process through and help create the closet — or space — of client’s dreams. I also love building relationships like I did with Carmen. We knew one another, but now, we’ve built a friendship.”

Custom closets have taken the world by storm. Whether it’s inspiration courtesy of the Kardashian clan or HGTV, they’ve become a focal point of home interiors.

It’s something Mark Hutto, owner of Closets By Design, knows well.

“Closets have become the third most popular home improvement item behind kitchens and baths. People aren’t caring as much about gutters as they are putting their stuff away,” he says with a laugh.

Of course, Closets By Design offers a lot more than just a clothing rack and a few shelves. Each project is personally tailored to clients. It can incorporate seamless functionality or feature the crème de la crème. The latter often resembles a luxury boutique — cutting-edge lighting packages, crystal chandeliers, hand-crafted islands, lockable drawers, and structured jewelry displays.

“I always say it’s like a pizza. We can do cheese, or we can do filet and shrimp. We do whatever they want and meets their needs.” Mark says.

“But whatever it is, it’s a very efficient process. We do the design and give them everything they need in the consultation. We can install it within two weeks. No one can touch that kind of lead time. We do all the cutting locally in our facility. Competitors will push you into something that suits them. They often order out of state.”

Their business model has been incredibly successful, raking in more than 150 5-star reviews. With that momentum, the operation has grown. Now, there are nearly 100 people on board with 18 installation vans. Hutto’s wife,

Frances, manages the fleet, directing the ever-growing team of professional closet creators.

“She has over 30 designers out in the field. We go as far north as Darien. Our friends from Charleston handle Savannah. We go as far west as Tallahassee and far south as Flagler/Flagler Beach,” he says. “Everyone around the country is owner-operated. The corporate office is in California.”

While closets are at the center of their business, that’s not the only space they design. In recent years, the Huttos have expanded to offer renovations to most other rooms.

“At first it was just closets, now it’s everything but kitchens and baths. We do entertainment centers, garages, laundry rooms, offices, mudrooms, wall beds, pantries,” he lists.

“Many of our clients will start with their closet and then move on to other rooms. They’ll go to a bedroom that no one is using and convert it into an office. They will put a wall bed on the wall, so they can have a functional bedroom. They will take a mudroom that’s a mess and organize it.”

Closets By Design publishes catalogs for inspiration. Skilled designers like Gerard can guide customers along the way.

“They have a lot of ideas and we have catalogs too. We can do it all at any price point. And everything we do is made to last .. with a lifetime warranty,” he says. “But with all these spaces, it’s about more than just re-doing a garage or a closet. It’s about how you feel. When you step in that space, we want you to feel good about it.”

“At first it was just closets, now it’s everything but kitchens and baths. We do entertainment centers, garages, laundry rooms, o ces, mudrooms, wall beds, pantries.” — Mark Hutto

WORDS BY LARRY HOBBS

PHOTOS BY MICHAEL HALL AND MICHELLE HOLTON

Historical

T Gem:

A Downtown Home Story

Talk about your fixer-uppers.

The roof was a well-worn patch of asbestos. The plumbing was shot through. The condition of the electrical wiring was, ah, shocking. And certain aspects of the exterior held all the architectural charm of a Department of Motor Vehicles building.

But this house on the 800 block of Albany Street in Brunswick had a solid foundation. Sandra Colhard knew that much. Also, this place had a great story to tell, one that Sandra knew quite well. The home’s fabled tale crosses paths with Colhard’s own story, going back to her childhood.

Today, the story of the historic residence and that of Sandra are one and the same. Together they have forged a legacy that has long been a must-see on the Magnolia Garden Club’s vaunted holiday tour of homes in Brunswick’s Historic Old Town section.

Lounging in the sunlit ground floor dining room one January morning, Sandra explained her 20-plus year labor of love with a nod to an icon of the fashion world.

“I like Ralph Lauren. He gets his kicks, and such joy in

life, by surrounding himself with beautiful things,” says Sandra, 70. “I feel exactly the same way. If someone else doesn’t care for it, it doesn’t bother me. I like it. It makes me happy.”

Clearly, Sandra’s tastes resonate deeply with scores of Golden Islanders who possess an eye for all things home and garden. And while it has been a personal journey, Sandra takes delight in seeing her efforts earn so much appreciation from the community she calls home.

“I get a lot of satisfaction out of it,” she says. “It’s everything. It really is. It feeds that artistic side of me.”

Truth be told, Sandra might have easily ended up anywhere from South Carolina to that big city up north, Atlanta. But she always held an inside track on this stately abode flanked by Brunswick’s legendary Lover’s Oak.

The home was built in 1927 to the detailed specifics of Arthur Kloss, the longtime plant manager at the sprawling Hercules turpentine plant in Brunswick. (Pinova was operating the plant in 2023 when a massive fire closed it for good, but that is another story.) It is said Mr. Kloss personally selected each piece of wood, discarding any boards blemished by knotholes.

Born in Atlanta, Sandra was a child when her family moved to Brunswick and settled next door to the Kloss’ old homestead. Her parents became fast friends with the Berry family, who at the time occupied Sandra’s future dream home. Sandra’s parents, Joy and Ernie Craft, were ardent supporters of Brunswick’s historic preservation movement.

“My parents and the Berrys had a longstanding relationship,” Sandra says. “And they agreed: If either of them sold their house, they would give the other first right of refusal.”

But that standing agreement would gather dust and cobwebs as the years added up. Sandra spent her grade school years in Brunswick before the family moved to Macon, where she spent her middle and high school years.

A college-age Sandra considered pursuing a horticulture degree while at UGA in Athens, but she eventually obtained a physical therapy license from Augusta’s Medical College of Georgia.

Sandra later found herself adulting in Atlanta and raising twin boys, James and John. But the kind

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of home the divorced mom wanted was not within reasonable reach in the big city. Her search finally focused back on Brunswick.

Above all else, she wanted a home with character — one built in an era when carpenters were artisans who took pride in their craft, and who never scrimped on the finer points.

“I like old houses,” she says. “The new ones are so cheaply put together, and I have a hard time spending that much money for Styrofoam on the outside that they make to look like stucco.”

Just when she thought the perfect Brunswick home had eluded her, the Berrys’ adult son entered the picture. Sandra’s parents had returned in retirement

to their old Brunswick home by that time.

“He knew about their (families’) agreement, and he called and asked if I was interested,” Sandra explains. “And, of course, my parents were right next door. So I said, ‘Sure.’”

She bought the home in 2000.

But the inexorable march of time had exacted a toll on the sturdy old house. In its later years, the structure had served as an antique shop and, finally, as unoccupied storage space.

“It was uninhabitable,” Sandra says. “The roof was asbestos shingles. The plumbing didn’t work, and the electricity was from the 1960s. I didn’t dare use

it. There was huge hole in the (downstairs) bathroom floor.”

But Sandra knew the potential within. Living with her parents, she worked part-time in physical therapy and devoted as much time as possible to restoring the old home.

“The layout was good,” Sandra says of the restoration process. “I could see my things in there and I could see in my mind how it was going to look. Ok, I thought: This is a project — a really good project.”

Her restoration work-in-progress quickly assumed it former glory. And it remains today a historic jewel in a city known for historical landmarks.

Complete with colorful blooms, wellgroomed shrubs and a manicured lawn, an English garden landscape frames the home’s exterior. A wood-frame and glasspane sunroom now brightens the once-drab north exterior wall. A quaint auto carriage house sits on the south side, cloaked in landscaping.

Inside, Sandra is happy to guide visitors through showroom after showroom of antique furniture, tasteful paintings, and exceptional accoutrements that range from heirloom copper pieces and antique Chinaware to rustic breechloading bird guns and sewn-leather equestrian tack. Some items are family treasures, but Sandra depends on her own keen tastes and a knack for antiquing to give the interior its exquisite look.

An august wooden chest known as a linen press lends an old English flair to the living room, but Sandra likes function with her form when possible.

“So I said, ‘Well, OK — let’s turn this into a bar.’” she explains.

The fascinating particulars of the story could fill a book. Alas, this is but a magazine article. However, there is a strong likelihood Sandra’s noble old house on Albany Street will open again at a future date for another historic tour of homes.

“I love restoring things,” Sandra says. “I appreciate the craftsmanship and the beauty, and I love surrounding myself with it.”

WORDS BY LINDSEY ADKISON | PHOTOS

BY JOHN KRIVEC

Sea Island

Rewinds

Retro Spaces Reimagined on the Private Island

gGina Lever doesn’t have shelves of potions and spell books. But her shop, the Home Fabric Studio, is filled with magic all the same.

Bright patterns and print samples line the walls bordered by neatly-filed books containing even more inspiration. Tables are strategically placed so that materials can be arranged, where one can easily conjure up the designs for one’s own home.

Of course, Lever is a wizard of sorts. She has the rare ability to breathe life into spaces by weaving together colors and textures to create something entirely new. It’s a skill most mere mortals are unable to manifest.

And to do it, she lives by one rule.

“There are no rules, that’s the only one,” she says with a grin.

One recent re-vamp Lever designed puts that on full display. It’s a 1960s cottage on Sea Island, where the family wanted to bring a sense of fresh, bold color to their seaside hideaway.

Stepping into the seemingly standard colonial, it becomes abundantly clear that they have succeeded. The front door opens to a statement wall with a floral pattern that expands floor to (and on) the literal ceiling.

“Before, it was really dark in here and the staircase was all dark wood. Everything was dark. It seemed very

closed in. (The owner) said, I want to walk in and feel like you’re in a garden,” Lever says, gesturing to the eye-catching entry.

“She loved this wall paper. So I said, ‘let’s do it. Let’s go all the way up stairs with it.’ It doesn’t feel blocked in. It feels very open and inviting. They wanted something fun and happy.”

While there are a lot of whimsy, there’s also plenty of practicalities. Lever had to have a rug custom-made to fit the space. She also arranged for a patterned indoor-outdoor runner for the staircase.

“They have dogs and kids. It’s easy to clean and helps keep it quiet too,” she says.

While the rest of the home doesn’t make as dramatic a statement as the entry, there are colorful and clever touches throughout.

Lever says the project, which began in the summer of 2022, aimed at opening up the space. Walls were knocked down and rooms rearranged. Along the way, they connected to some of the history of the home.

“The homeowner has a photo album with photos from every owner. As we’ve been renovating and pull old wallpaper off, we will find the previous under it and we look back in the album and you can see it in there,” she says. “It’s been really fun.”

Nostalgia is important for the family and Lever has kept that in mind as she’s moved forward. They have incorporated a number of personal touches, paintings done by family members and heirloom pieces of furniture.

“That desk was (the owner’s) mother’s and I found this old game table that kind of had an old feel to it,” she says, pointing to the piece in the den.

This space has been lightened in brightened, fitted with modern furniture and bright color palette. The

adjacent sunroom and dining room carry that same vibe, incorporating exciting patterns and antique touches.

“The outdoor is next,” Lever says, pointing to a wall of windows and the pool deck beyond.

The dining room leads into the airy kitchen and living area, she pauses.

“We completely gutted the kitchen. It’s been totally redone. We took this space down to the studs,” she says.

That allowed for the creation of a TV room with custom book shelves lined with bold blue and white wallpaper. The fabrics worked in tandem with the palette. Artwork, some depicting local scenes like Hazel’s Cafe on St. Simons, or regional golf courses, added to the low key, Coastal vibe.

“And everything in here was made locally,” Lever adds.

Upstairs, there are three bedrooms, including the master suite. Most feature Lever’s telltale bold patterns and colors.

“The master bathroom isn’t super spacious but we loved this green and white wallpaper,” she says. “It looks great. And that’s the great thing about this house. It’s just a comfortable, fun beach house.”

WORDS BY LINDSEY ADKISON | PHOTOS BY SMP PHOTOGRAPHY

SEA ISLAND REWIND

Gets a Facelift s C age

LLori Harden has a long history with interior designing. She first started in the business more than 30 years ago at Pierce & Parker on St. Simons Island.

“I began my career at (there) in the mid-eighties before moving back to Macon, opening my own interior design firm, and raising our family,” she says.

“We moved back to Saint Simons Island in 2012 and I returned to Pierce & Parker … a full-circle career moment.”

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Now working there as a senior interior designer, it was a connection with a former client that brought her into her Sea Island rewind project.

“The former homeowner sent (owner) Katherine in my direction. I helped them several years ago with some design work and they put us together,” she says.

“Additionally, Katherine was familiar with some of our brands and was looking to source them locally. It was a perfect match.”

The two’s vision for breathing new life into this 1970s-era beach cottage meshed well.

At the start, the 24th Street home was beginning to show its age. But rather than opting to tear it down and start over, Harden and the homeowner embraced the old-school architecture.

Photo by DeVoss Photography

THE HOME’S BLACK AND WHITE COLOR SCHEME UNDERSCORES ITS NEW SENSE OF MODERNITY.

“Katherine is a true visionary who came into the project looking mostly for guidance and expertise from me to bring her excellent taste and ideas to fruition. We approached this project as a team, working within the confines of the home’s architecture, giving it a completely new look, and leaning into its contemporary lines,” Harden says.

“We incorporated design elements and furnishings that complimented the modern aspects of the project. Knowing it was going to be used for rental, we chose to fill the home with comfortable, beautiful furnishings of the highest quality that would stand up against wear and tear, but also expressed Katherine’s personal style.”

The home’s black and white color scheme underscores its new sense of modernity. One of Harden’s favorite spots, the living room, showcased the power of paint. She says the deep palette provides a juxtaposition to the airiness of the family room.

“Painting the beams in the main living room brought so much character and dimension,” she says.

“I also love the moodiness of the textured walls and painted ceiling in the family TV room. We drew inspiration for the wallpaper, textures and paint from the bird art hanging on the far walls.”

35

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While Harden is a professional (and another wizard with design), she says there are a few helpful hints that everyone can incorporate into their own home rewinds.

“First and foremost, paint and wallpaper can make all the difference in a refresh. Secondly, updating bedding and adding new flooring and rugs can quickly take a space from one decade to the next,” she says.

“Lastly, new bath and kitchen fixtures are important as well. Bringing new life to your home can start small. A complete home renovation is not the only way to freshen things up. You can start small with new pillows in your family room and build out from there. We love to help piece by piece.”

SOUTH OF ATHENS

WORDS BY LINDSEY ADKISON

PHOTO BY DERRICK DAVIS

LLike winding country roads, the bonds between members of South of Athens run deep. The group began when Jackson Gorbutt and Christian Santiago met at church. As with many musicians, it didn’t take long before the conversation turned to starting a band.

“I thought we were just joking around,” Santiago says. “So I just said, ‘Yeah, sure.’ I didn’t think anything of it.”

But it turns out, word in small Southern towns travels fast. That’s particularly true when grandmas get involved.

“His grandma called me and said, ‘I hear you and Jackson are starting a band,’” Santiago recalls. “So I said, ‘Well, I guess we are.’”

And they did.

The duo got in a few practices. Santiago was a seasoned singer and rhythm guitarist. Gorbutt played

drums. Before long, they were in front of their first crowd as a duo.

“My grandma actually wanted us to play at a little party she was having. It was me and you,” Gorbutt said, with a laugh, nudging him with a laugh.

“That’s right. We sat up on a trailer and Ms. Deborah (Jackson’s grandma) invited a bunch of her friends,” Santiago added.

That first performance laid the foundation for things to come. Or at least so it seemed. Band members Will Aspinwall and Bubba Hopkins remember it differently.

“No, this is the real story,” Hopkins interjects with a mischievous grin. “Will and I were in a band together in high school … we had a group called Savage and another called South Wind. So we were the ones sitting around oh like 38 years ago saying, ‘We should start a band with some kids who haven’t been born yet.’”

“That’s it,” Aspinwall, a popular local guitarist, adds with a giggle.

The link that brought it all together seems to be Chris Bethune, who knew both Gorbutt and Hopkins.

“I met Bubba at church when I was 9,” Bethune says.

He was equally musically inclined, playing the guitar, pedal steel, and banjo. When Bethune made appearances at the Woodbine Opry, Hopkins would play bass for him.

And when Gorbutt asked if Bethune would join him and Santiago in South of Athens, he jumped at the chance.

“Jackson called me and asked me if I wanted to be in a band. I asked him who the lead singer was and he said Christian. I said ‘alright, this might work out then,’” Bethune remembers.

Then, he invited Hopkins.

“He called me up and said, ‘Would you like to be in a country band?’ I said, ‘Sure, I’m only 63, I’ve got some years left,” Hopkins teases.

Aspinwall was extended the same invitation and the group was officially up

and running. In no time, South of Athens was wowing crowds with their renditions of 90s and early 2000s country music.

Among the typical lineup of classic rock or 80s bands, they seemed a bit of an anomaly. But it was well-received.

“It seemed like there was a little bit of a hole,” Bethune says. “There was another band that was playing more recent country and they’re our friends, so we didn’t want to step on their toes. Plus, we’re doing the country we like to play.”

Turns out, audiences dig it too. South of Athens started booking gigs at local hot spots like the Tabby House Oyster Bar and Moondoggy’s, both in Brunswick. They quickly developed a devout following, with fans flocking to their shows to hear some of their old school favorites.

“‘Neon Moon,’ ‘Achy Breaky Heart,’ ‘Mountain Music,’ ‘The Chair,’” Santiago lists.

“‘Strawberry Wine,’” Bethune chimes in.

“That was supposed to be a joke,” Santiago answers with a laugh.

But the crowd couldn’t tell and it proved another song in the arsenal that brings folks back time and time again.

“They have a really good time,” Hopkins says of their audiences. “They’re up and dancing … singing along.”

They’re not the only ones who enjoy it. The bandmates themselves are having a blast — both playing off one another musically and through their personal bonds.

“There aren’t many bands around here who have members from ages 17 to 63,” Hopkins says. “We get a lot of old guy jokes and they get a lot of young guy jokes.”

Despite their ages though, they all share the love of the music.

“For most of us, this isn’t our job, we do it because we love it. We wouldn’t do it if it wasn’t fun,” Bethune says.

DOWNTOWN BRUNSWICKʼS ST. PATRICKʼS CELEBRATION

Downtown Brunswick held several St. Patrickʼs Day events to cel ebrate the holiday. Silver Bluff Brewery hosted a 5K race, as well as a beer run with prizes awarded for various age groups. There were also craft tables, music, and more. For more information about upco ming events in downtown Brunswick, visit discoverbrunswick.com.

Amanda, from left, Dennis, and Reid Morgan with dog Bubba Morga n

Hugh and Jen Adams

Diane Alderton, from left, Tami Kain, Dohra Waye, and Kathy Milton

Courtney Cox, left, and Jacob Westbrooks

Robert Lara, left, and Andy Solis Heather Nesom, left, and Elaina Nesom

Debbie Armstrong, from left, Robin Ferguson, and Peggy OʼBrien

Corey Register, from left, Billy Register, Tina Register, and Thad Register

Inga Avilas, from left, Regan Mason, Christina Bruce, Maggie Hogan, and Kaitlyn Ellis

Phillip Johnson, from left, Ellen Ward, and Amanda Roland

Natalie Miles, left, and KK Oswald

Kyle Brown, left, and Paris Wyland Michael Farris, left, and Dakota Allyn

Brian, from left, Gary and Karen Jenkins

WINE WOMEN & SHOES BENEFITTING HOSPICE OF THE GOLDEN ISLES

Wine Women & Shoes was recently held at Queen and Grant in down town Brunswick. There was a marketplace featuring vendors, a lu nch, and a fashion show. Attendees also received prizes for their footwear. For details, visit winewomenandshoes.com/event/goldenisles.

Jessica Helton, Tori McGinty, and Rachel Moore

Brittany Benjamin, left, and Brooke Baskin

Susan Ibanez, left, and Lia Graham

Adele Tyson, left, and Audrey Gibbons

Jennifer Fussell, from left, Elizabeth Powell, and Alex Humby Luanne Fendig, from left, Carol Gaither, and Katie Tindall

Madeline Ivy, left, and Doreen Wiley

Linda Allen, left, and Janet Higginbotham

Keisha Walker, left, and Frances Slack

Katie Wendler, left, and Dr. Laura Whitley

THE AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY HOSTS BREAST CANCER FASHION SHOW

Laura Morrison, from left, Shelia Scanlon, Elizabeth Hayes, Bar bara Foster, Ashley Shanke, Ken Gaubert, Jarette Moran, Lynn Pease, Gail Owens, Lor i Strande, and Michele Schwartz

The American Cancer Society hosted its annual Breast Cancer Fas hion Show at Sea Palms Resort on St. Simons Island. Survivors w alked the runway in fashions from local retailers. There was also a silen t auction with items from area businesses. For details, visit a csevents.org.

Nancy Krull, from left, Eleanor Brooks Rawls, Tracy Meazell, and Jennifer Blackerby

Elizabeth Hayes, from left, Sheila Scanlon, and Jarette Moran

Glenn Williams, from left, Chase Williams, and Gail Owens

Willetta Hulett McGowen, left, and Bryan Thompson

Photos by Lindy Cofer

Standing are Dr. Diane Bowen, from left, Neisha Lewis, and Charlotte Brookshire. Seated are Darlene Moye, from left, Wendy Googe, and Erica Stamp

Seated are Mary Ann Barke, from left, Libby Sweat, and Linda Alexander. Standing are Nancy Pickren, from left, Carolyn Whitted, Diane Dubberly, Betty Daher, Lisa Jones, Kay Currie, and Debbie Sheppard

Erma Summers, from left, Betty McKenside, Cynthis Lampkin, and Sonja Motley

ROTARY OF THE GOLDEN ISLESʼ RED HOT CHILI COOKOFF

The Rotary of the Golden Isles recently hosted its annual Red H ot Chili Cookoff in Postell Park on St. Simons Island. Participant s set up booths where they served their chili recipes. Judges and attend ees selected their favorite dishes.

Dayanera Sapp, from left, Megan Mims, and Meghan Johnson

Mary Wethern, left, and Jill McCarthy

Karen Keen, from left, and Alice and David Vaughn

Carol Blackson, from left, Sara Sheffiled, Michelle Woodward, Barbara Lyon

Heather Traylor, from left, Lori Parker, and Ashley Colvin

Frank Lopez, from left, and Jan and Rick Cutforth

Photos by Riley Dukes

THE COASTAL SYMPHONY OF GEORGIAʼS CABARET

The Coastal Symphony of Georgiaʼs annual fundraiser, Cabaret ̶ Paris, was recently held at Frederica Golf Club on St. Simons Island. The event included silent and live auctions along with food and dri nks. The Stardust Pixies from Savannah also performed a French cabaret-style show. Proceeds from the event go toward continuing to support the professional symphony, which offers concerts multiple times a year. For more information, visit coastalsymphonyofgeorgia.org.

Kay and Jim Harrell

Bill Parker, left, and Janice Lamattina

Loretta Moran, left, and Janette Moran

Phillip and Leslie Graiter, from left, Terri Taylor, and Teddy Lynch

Emma Humphries, left, and Cari Morris Jim and Linda Henderson

David Lowe, from left, Dr. Michael Crowe, Michael Burel, and Chris Triplett

Dawn Schlich, left, and Sage Campione Deborah and David Wright

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