March/April 2017 by Golden Isles Magazine

Champions Companions & THE PETS ISSUE

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2/20/17 2:36 PM

We are proud of you. Thank you for taking care of us. Being “active” has many benefits. Having painful, tired legs is not one of them. Your duty should include time to take care of yourself, too. At Coastal Georgia Vein Center, our revolutionary varicose and spider vein laser technology is the modern choice for healthy, active adults. Like you. Your life will stay active... there’s no hospitalization! Don’t wait...call now to learn how pain-free and attractive your legs can be once again. You’ve earned it...you deserve it. Call today.

Coastal Georgia Vein Center (912) 267-9550 www.CoastalVeins.com GIM_0228 C1-18.indd 2

Greg Martin, MD, FACS In-Office Procedures Latest Laser Technology Insurance Accepted for Most Procedures

Brunswick, Georgia 2/20/17 2:33 PM

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CA RG O

A Curated Series of Handmade Italian Enamel Accents on Fine European Nappa Leather Priced from $48 to $395.

2/20/17 2:32 PM

Furniture Lamps Accessories Rugs Bedding Unique Items Design Services Home Staging

Island Casual

w i t h s o p h i s t i cat i o n

Deals of the Week o n fac e b o o k

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AYLOR HOUSE INTERIORS

3079 Frederica Rd. St. Simons Island, GA 912.638.5560 www.TaylorHouseLLC.com

2/17/17 4:00 PM

The Powerhouse Team

600 Sea Island Road, Suite 28 • St. Simons Island, GA 31522 • 912.634.9995 www.SignaturePropertiesGroup.com

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2/17/17 4:00 PM

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2/17/17 4:01 PM

Retirement perfected.

136 Marsh’s Edge Lane • St. Simons Island, GA 31522 (912) 324-3028 • Marshs-Edge.com Georgia’s Premier Life Plan Community

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2/17/17 4:01 PM

JEFF HOMANS LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT

www .LandscapeArchitectGA. com 91 2.571.11 37

228 Redfern Village, S aint Simons Island

Good. Clean. Fun.

• Weekly Maintenance • Renovation • New Construction We Offer Professional Service With Exceptional Care 6

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(912) 223-0139 | atppools.com

GOLDEN I S LES

2/17/17 4:01 PM

MARCH APRIL 2017 ON THE HUNT

Georgia native Brad Arington relies on instinct to train champion hunting dogs at Mossy Pond Retrievers.

BEST IN SHOW

Beauty comes in all shapes, sizes, and breeds in our 2017 pet contest. Find out who readers voted to be the leaders of the pack.

SETTING UP SHOP

The furry and the feathered make great companions for Golden Isles business owners and their customers.

UNCOMMONLY CUTE

Off the farm and into the yard, these animals prove that the best pets arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t always furry.

HIVES & HONEY

Beekeeping is turning into a sweet pastime for these South Georgians.

WILD OPPORTUNITIES

This spring, enjoy these 10 activities that are perfect for all animal lovers.

LEARN ABOUT LEXI, WHO GREETS CUSTOMERS AT MCROBINS, ON PAGE 72

contents

table of

MA RCH / A P RI L 2017

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There’s no denying the appeal of St. Simons Island, Coastal Georgia, and the stunning natural beauty and uncompromising excellence of Frederica. A community of remarkable residential properties and amenities including a Tom Fazio golf course and unmatched golf learning center impressive enough to have attracted over a dozen current PGA Tour Professionals as members, a 400 acre trophy bass lake, tennis, pool, and fitness center as well as an exceptional equestrian facility.

Frederica Realty

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150 Frederica Stables Drive

St. Simons Island, Georgia 31522 912 • 634 • 1500 FredericaLiving.com

2/20/17 2:34 PM

FREDERICA

Exceptional homes and home sites

10 CROMLEY COURT

3,431 square foot plan offering 12 foot ceilings in the great room and dining room, a two story entry foyer with open stair case, and a gourmet kitchen open to the great room and dining. This 4 bedroom, 4½ bath home boasts an expansive screened porch overlooking the lake. A grand master suite with a french door opening to the porch, his and hers closets, and luxurious bath. Two private guest suites upstairs with en-suite baths, abundant walk-in attic storage, and large laundry. Offered at $1,150,000.

1251 PIKE’S BLUFF ROAD

This wonderful Lowcountry style home offers a tranquil lakefront setting with a generous open floor plan and cottage feel elegantly detailed with custom finishes throughout. 4 bedrooms, 4 ½ baths, built in 2011 on 1.30 acres with beautiful oaks and panoramic views. Great room and large screened porch with beamed ceilings and fireplaces, 3,260 heated square feet, first floor master and guest suite and a two car garage. A must see! $1,295,000

1329 PIKE’S BLUFF ROAD

1293 PIKE’S BLUFF ROAD

Lowcountry style home with generous living spaces. Open floor plan with a first floor master and guest bedroom/study. Great room offers beamed ceilings and fireplace. Large kitchen, screened terrace with vaulted ceilings overlooking the lake. Bonus room for optional 5th bedroom and bath. Two guest suites on the second floor with sitting area and more. Offered at $1,395,000.

4,623 square foot home featuring a large great room, first floor master and three or four guest rooms. Panoramic lake views from this home in the southern neighborhood of Frederica. Large mudroom, open kitchen. Three generous guest suites with an upstairs sitting room. Three car garage, large screened terrace. Offered at $1,397,500.

1321 PIKE’S BLUFF ROAD

152 HARRIS LANE

Cape Style home with panoramic lake views offers 4,059 square feet of wonderful entertaining space. Vaulted ceilings in the great room, master and screen terrace. Great room and terrace feature fireplaces. First floor master and guest retreat. Upstairs offers a family room, two guest suites and a bonus room for optional 5th bedroom or game room. Many custom features throughout. Offered at $1,425,000.

Luxury one story living in this 4,600 square foot home offering the finest of finishes. Lowcountry living, 3 bedrooms and 3½ baths. Space and plans available for a 4th bedroom and bath. Hickory floors, 15 ft wood beamed ceilings, & transom windows. Gourmet kitchen & custom cabinetry, top of the line appliances. Master with study & fireplace, pool & expansive lake views. 3.4 acre home site. Offered at $1,995,000.

Along with these featured homes, Frederica offers a variety of wooded, golf, lake, marsh and riverfront home sites ranging in size from 1.5 to more than 4 acres and priced from $285,000 to $2,195,000. Homes priced from $1,295,000 to $5,950,000 and up. For more information or to schedule a personal tour, please call or visit us online.

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Frederica Realty 150 Frederica Stables Drive St. Simons Island, GA 31522 912 • 634 • 1500 FredericaLiving.com

2/20/17 2:34 PM

| BY HAND COLUMN

155 Skylane Road, St. Simons • 912-638-7700 • Monday - Saturday 9:30 - 5:30

ready for

Spring?

We Have Everything You Need

New pots

arriving weekly! 2807 Demere Road St. Simons Island

634-0523

8am - 5:30pm Mon-Fri 8am -5pm Sat | 12-4pm Sun

COLUMNS & DEPARTMENTS 16

EDITOR’S NOTE

COASTAL QUEUE

JUST THE FACTS

DIGRESSIONS OF A DILETTANTE

THE DISH

44 GAME CHANGERS 46

NATURE CONNECTION

BY DESIGN

LIVING WELL

52 MONEY TALKS 54

DUE SOUTH

BY HAND 110 BONNIE MILLER NOISEMAKERS 112 MICHAELE HANNEMANN 114 COASTAL SEEN 10

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GOLDEN I S LES

2/17/17 4:01 PM

Let Us Design Pierce&Parker Your Space.

Interiors

Pierce & Parker INTERIORS

Pierce&Parker

Interiors

THE ISLAND’S LARGEST SHOWROOM! 3413 FREDERICA RD • ST SIMONS ISLAND • 638-3641 www.pierceandparkerinteriors.com

Pierce & Parker INTERIORS

I am more than a bank account. Figuring out ways to make my business bigger and better has been a passion of mine since I started it in 2008. Cle and the staff at The Heritage Bank have always cared about my business and understood my needs for growth. I am a proud business owner and committed to its success—that’s why I choose The Heritage Bank. Buckshot Smith Hickory Bluff Marine

For more about The Heritage Bank call Cle Baker, Regional Vice President. NMLS 449924 912.279.2122 | The-Heritage-Bank.com

MA RCH / A P RI L 2017

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Coastal • Lowcountry • Cajun

HAPPY HOUR 4 - 6 PM Photo by B. Swinehart-BNP.

$3 House Wines • $3 Well Cocktails • $2 Domestic Beers

261 Redfern Village St. Simons Island, GA 31522 912.634.8466 Publisher Editor Marketing Director

Buff Leavy Bethany Leggett Becky Derrick

Contributing Designers

Tiffany Clayton Stacey Nichols Donte Nunnally Fran Sherman Terry Wilson

Dinner Served Starting at 5:30pm Daily Early Dining Specials Available from 5:30-6:30pm Reservations recommended, but not required

BLACKWATER

GRILL

Contributing Writers 260 Redfern Village St Simons Island, GA

(912) 634-6333

blackwatergrill.com

g s! tin n a o r r ! t eb s Cel 0 Year u, Pa 1 k Yo an Th

Lindsey Adkison Jim Barger Dana Brown Cohen Carpenter Alysia English Liz Gentzle Bud Hearn Buddy Hughes

Lauren McDonald Nancy Muldowney Debra Pamplin Paige Peck Ronda Rich Dave Snyder Lydia Thompson Alex Westberry

Contributing Photographers Cohen Carpenter Ben Galland Tamara Gibson Bobby Haven

John Krivec Chris Moncus Brooke Roberts

Golden Isles Magazine is published six times per year by Brunswick News Publishing Company For information on subscribing to Golden Isles Magazine, email subscribe@goldenislesmagazine.com Provisions For The Classic Home

100 S. LEE STREET | KINGSLAND, GA | I-95 Exit 3 TUES - SAT 10 - 4 | CLOSED 2ND SATURDAY OF THE MONTH 912.882.1100 | www.BALLASTPOINTETRADING.COM

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About the Cover: Hank Stewart’s labrador Rain retrieves a duck during a hunting exercise with trainer Brad Arington. The acclaimed owner of Mossy Pond Retrievers, Arington (p. 56) brought several dogs with him during an early evening photo shoot with photographer Ben Galland at Wildlife Preserve on St. Simons Island.

GOLDEN I S LES

2/20/17 8:13 AM

Unmistakable Style in Eyewear and Sunglasses VISIT THE GOLDEN ISLES MOST COMPLETE SELECTION OF DESIGNER OPTHALMIC FRAMES AND SUNGLASSES

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DR. CARLTON HICKS OPTOMETRIST More than 40 years of experience

When our family comes, we make the most of every minute. Save precious family time by avoiding I-95 traﬃc and long lines at big-city airports. Ask your loved ones to book their next flight on Delta directly into Brunswick Golden Isles Airport. And let the hugs happen!

Brunswick Golden Isles Airport-BQK

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MA RCH / A P RI L 2017

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2/17/17 4:01 PM

261 Redfern Village St. Simons Island, GA 31522 912.634.8466

Carousel Children’s Clothing & Accessories

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Duke’s astal Co Flooring

223 Rose Dr., Bwick, GA 31520 • 912.466.9773 • dukesfloors.com

Submissions Golden Isles Magazine is in need of talented contributors. Unsolicited queries and submissions of art and stories are welcome. Please include an email address and telephone number. Submit by email to the editor, Bethany Leggett: bleggett@goldenislesmagazine.com or by mail to the St. Simons Island address above. Only work accompanied by a self-addressed stamped envelope will be returned.

Advertising Information regarding advertising and rates is available by contacting Becky Derrick by phone at 912.634.8408 or by email at bderrick@goldenislesmagazine.com

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

GOLDEN I S LES

2/20/17 8:14 AM

fabulous!

and the greater Golden Isles Community for their generous and giving spirits in support of the and andthe thegreater greaterGolden GoldenIsles Isles

and the greater Golden Isles

Community Communityfor fortheir theirgenerous generousand and

Community for their generous and

givingspirits spiritsininsupport supportofofthe the giving

MAZZA MAZZA

giving spirits in support of the THE THEMAZZA MAZZACOMPANY COMPANY TRUNK SHOW

FRIDAY MARCH 17 TH + SATURDAY MARCH 18 TH

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Tuesday, April 18 th through Friday, April 22 th

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Linda Stewart, Owner

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fabulous fabulous!!! fabulous

YOU WERE GIVING. YOU WERE YOU WERE GIVING. YOU WERE

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Flower Basket Y O Uthe W EFinishing R E T H E R ETouch . Adds with YOU WER E G I V I NFloral G. YO U WERE Elegant Designs

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MA RCH / A P RI L 2017

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2/20/17 8:14 AM

10% Off Any One Item With Coupon Expires 4/30/17 Not valid on gift certificate purchase. Not valid with any other offers.

Island POND & LANDSCAPE Center COME VISIT OUR TEAM FOR ALL YOUR LANDSCAPE NEEDS!

Pee Wee

FULL SERVICE RETAIL NURSERY Open to the Public 7 days a week 8:00 - 5:30 - Mon - Sat 12:00 - 5:00 - Sunday 147 Gary L. Moore Court

634-9162 16

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editor’s {note}

Must love dogs Dogs are the best antidote to bad days. It is simply impossible for me to pass a dog and not want to pet it — no matter whether I have the time to or not. I may be rushing by, barely registering the human holding the leash, but I cannot physically stroll past a dog without pausing to give it a “Hey, buddy” or — if it looks particularly friendly — a pat on the head and scratch behind the ears. Now, before you write to me about how cats can be equally comforting, you need to know that I hate cats. Well, I don’t hate cats as much as I am deathly allergic and try to stay as far from them as possible. It’s not the felines’ fault. I know. I was just made to be a dog person. Growing up, we always had miniature schnauzers. Buster, the first dog I remember from my childhood, was a good boy and had a favorite spot at the end of the couch. He grew up with my sister and I — and all three of us experienced our first snow during the 1993 blizzard that hit Atlanta. After Buster passed away, we spent a few years without a pet in the house. That’s until my parents went out for pizza one night and came back with Heidi, another miniature schnauzer puppy that stole my heart. Fiercely protective, Heidi wasn’t always the greatest hit at parties or family gatherings, but she belonged to me and I belonged to her. She had this adorable habit of waiting at the end of our kitchen until she heard someone coming through the door. Then she would take off running, slipping, and sliding over the tiles into the arms of either my dad, mom, sister, or me. After she passed away two years ago, I needed some time to grieve. While I still miss her, I am starting to feel like adopting another canine — thanks to my “nephew” Ollie. He’s a Bichonpoo — a Bichon Frise and poodle mix — but I think a bit of bunny got mixed in because this puppy hops more than he runs. He’s not the only reason I drive down to Florida to visit my twin sister, but he’s definitely an extra incentive!

Editor Bethany Leggett with her ‘nephew’ Ollie With this pets edition, I have learned that many others treat their pets like family members, too. They are our best friends, our hunting partners, our hobbies, and, sometimes, even our coworkers. I hope you enjoy reading about pets of all shapes, sizes, and species that bring joy to many in our homes and businesses. And if you happen to bring your dog by our office in Redfern Village, I promise to at least acknowledge you before I turn all of my attention to those puppy dog eyes of your four-legged friend. From tails to tales,

GOLDEN I S LES

2/20/17 8:15 AM

Where others have their branches, we have our roots.

At Atlantic National, our roots run deep in Glynn County. We’re locally-owned and managed. At Atlantic National, our roots run deep in Glynn County. We’re locally-owned and managed. Most of our staff has been involved in banking around here for years – even decades. Most of our staff has been involved in banking around here for years – even decades. Which means you can do business with a real community bank and local bankers who truly Which means you can do business with a real community bank and local bankers who truly understand the needs of people in Brunswick and the Golden Isles. understand the needs of people in Brunswick and the Golden Isles. We bring you the best in local banking every day! We bring you the best in local banking every day! G LY N N C O U N T Y ’ S O N LY L O C A L LY- O W N E D B A N K ! G LY N N C O U N T Y ’ S O N LY L O C A L LY- O W N E D B A N K !

| |

912.265.1710 912.265.1710

| |

AT L A N T I C N AT I O N A L B A N K . C O M AT L A N T I C N AT I O N A L B A N K . C O M

Three Locations: Downtown Brunswick • Altama Connector • St. Simons Island Three Locations: Downtown Brunswick • Altama Connector • St. Simons Island GIM_0228 C1-18.indd 17

Member Member

FDIC FDIC

2/20/17 2:35 PM

Even Better Now.

Hodnett Cooper Real Estate Good to know.®

Hodnett Cooper Real Estate is proud to announce that soon we will have a new name: Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Hodnett Cooper Real Estate. Same great family. Same great agents. New name. Aligning our family owned company with the most admired name in business is just the beginning.

©2017 BHH Affiliates, LLC. Real Estate Brokerage Services are offered through the network member franchisees of BHH Affiliates, LLC. Most franchisees are independently owned and operated. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices and the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices symbol are registered service marks of HomeServices of America, Inc.® Information not verified or guaranteed. If your property is currently listed with a broker, this is not intended as a solicitation. Equal Housing Opportunity.

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2/17/17 4:01 PM

19 Q AN INFORMATIVE LINEUP OF THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT THE GOLDEN ISLES

Spring Arrives With

Tour of Homes PREPARED BY PAIGE PECK

verything is coming up roses — and azaleas — for the 64th annual Christ Church Tour of Homes on March 18. Hosted by the Episcopal Church Women, docents will open the doors of seven gorgeous homes on St. Simons and Sea islands, as more than 1,000 people gaze at the architecture and designs that set each location apart. As in years past, additional stops at Christ Church Cemetery, Musgrove Plantation, and St. Ignatius will round out the tour. The annual event, which kicks off at 10 a.m. and continues until 5 p.m., is a grand affair and takes more than 400 church and community members to help organize. But it’s all for a good cause. Along with sales from the acclaimed cookbook, tour proceeds help provide charitable gifts to many local organizations that are making a difference in the lives of women and children in the community.

“It’s a year-long process and takes many hands and a lot of coordination. We are so blessed to be able to give so much, and we do it joyfully,” says Jane Watson, president of the Episcopal Church Women. For the past two years, the ECW has donated $70,000 to more than 30 local charities and totaling more than $1 million in the last two decades. Patrons come from near and far, and many look forward to this weekend. “It’s a family affair really, one that many generations have been a part of as both volunteers and visitors,” says Paige Peck, tour publicity chair. Tickets can be purchased at christchurchtourofhomes.org. For more information, call 912-638-8683.

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Behind OF THE TOUR HOMES

THE

Scenes

the inlet and the expansive pool below. The master suit is just off the other end of the loggia and has easy access to the outdoor fireplace and a commanding view of the ever-changing ocean.

TOUR STOP NO. 1 Overlooking a tranquil lake, this converted ’70s ranch-style home has transformed into an open and airy living space comfortable for small and large gatherings alike. Treasures from a Charleston garden claim prime space over the fireplace while religious art and relics aid in complementing the original Spanish design. Raised knotty white pine ceilings, porcelain tiles on the island, and oak countertops all work together to visually enlarge the kitchen.

TOUR STOP NO. 5 Perched atop a small knoll, this stately home invites relaxed coastal living and entertaining. A soft color palette of gray and sand combine for a subtle beach feel. Savannah gray brick teams with walls densely covered in tabby to add authenticity of this original ’40s home. Unique chandeliers, whether on the porch, in the bedrooms, or in the master bath, bring a complementary touch to that individual space. Before leaving, step up to the two-bedroom guesthouse.

TOUR STOP NO. 3 Nestled on a cozy corner off the beaten path, this mid-20 century re-do hides behind lush landscape and is a haven of peace and tranquility. The expansive use of glass brings the outdoors inside this two-bedroom home. The owners have incorporated many original features of this early ’60s design for today’s style of living, giving this oasis a new energy.

TOUR STOP NO. 4 Perched above Gould’s Inlet, this seaside beauty epitomizes easy beach living. From its front door to the back loggia, the relaxed seashore theme is abundant. Outside living and dining are easy and comfortable in this space overlooking

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TOUR STOP NO. 6 This stately home on the north end of Sea Island sits high above the Hampton River looking toward Little St. Simons Island across the waterway. Soft gray, white, and glass combine with soft-hued oak floors throughout to visually enlarge the space. Just past the spacious kitchen featuring marble countertops, find a wine cellar and a man cave accented with a pecky cypress ceiling and beautiful wide-plank pine floors. Children’s bedrooms, a bunk room for young guests, game/TV room, and guest suite are additional features of this seven-bedroom beauty.

GOLDEN I S LES

2/17/17 4:15 PM

N E W PAT I E N T S P E C I A L

$25 Off

Your First Visit Discount applies only to fees not covered by insurance. No refunds will be given for credit balances resulting from use of this coupon. May not be combined with other discounts/promotions. Must be presented at first visit.

TOUR STOP NO. 7 This classic ’50s cottage for a family of five has recently been updated. Original brick floors and white paneled walls remain while a limestone fireplace, ceiling beams, and light fixtures make new additions to the home. The large covered porch off the master suite encourages lazy day reading or rainy day napping. And don’t miss the custom ping pong table with ‘acrylic’ net. This beach retreat is an oasis from the hustle and bustle of the city and gives new life to this home with a past.

NOW OPEN FRIDAYS!

Family. Friendly. Dental. Kevin Ritola, DMD · Kris Kasik, DDS 159 Altama Connector · Brunswick, GA 31525

(912) 264-8408 · HowardFamilyDental.com

TOUR STOP NO. 8 Color abounds in this recently remodeled River Club beauty. Bright blues, multiple shades of green, and vibrant reds all mix to accomplish a design described as “preppy with an edge.” Palm Beach style mixes with modern accents in this happy place. The two-story foyer, painted a rich bright blue, features leopard-print carpeting and a white Chippendale railing on the staircase. Abstract paintings and modern art accompany the blue-and-white theme. Punches of orange offer an additional accent over the fireplace.

Jellycats are available at Indigo & Cotton

600 Sea Island Rd. | Shops at Sea Island www.indigossi.com

St. Simons Island, GA | 912.634.8884 MA RCH / A P RI L 2017

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Coastal Dining + Drinks More Inspiring than the Views

S T. S I M O N S I S L A N D ’ S O N LY O C E A N F R O N T R E S TA U R A N T A N D B A R D A I LY F R E S H C AT C H S P E C I A L S • E X C E P T I O N A L W I N E L I S T F R I D AY N I G H T P R I M E R I B • S U N D AY B R U N C H H A P P Y H O U R A N D W E E K E N D E N T E R TA I N M E N T

www.ECHOStSimons.com | 912-268-5967 ST. SIMONS ISL AND, GEORGIA AT THE KING AND PRINCE BEACH & GOLF RESORT

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2/17/17 4:15 PM

GOURMET

‘Taste’

SERVES UP A GOOD CAUSE WORDS BY ALYSIA ENGLISH | PHOTOS BY J.D. DICKERSON

reat cuisine is quickly putting the Golden Isles on the map as a foodie destination, and the Spring fundraiser A Taste of Glynn will showcase the best local talents in the kitchens. On Sunday, April 2, the 17th annual gourmet event rolls out the red carpet at the King and Prince Beach & Golf Resort on St. Simons Island. From 5 to 8 p.m, guests will enjoy delicious food samples from well-known local restaurants while the culinary teams compete with savory and sweet delights. Restaurants compete in six different categories, including: coastal flair, international, comfort food, healthy choice, desserts and

tablescapes. All participants are also eligible for the popular People’s Choice. In addition to tasty local food, guests enjoy live music throughout the venue, and a silent auction highlights several items from local shops, businesses, and artists. “We are looking forward to this year’s A Taste of Glynn, the first major community event each spring. People are ready to bid winter goodbye! They come to see friends, enjoy the spring weather, and help a worthy community cause,” said Kay Hampton, event co-chair. “Our committee, volunteers, and contestants work very hard to create a fun atmosphere for guests, all with a very serious purpose — helping victims of domestic violence.” MA RCH / A P RI L 2017

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Dottie Bromley, executive director of the Glynn Community Crisis Center, appreciates the awareness the April fundraiser brings to the important issue of domestic violence. “A Taste of Glynn is a lively, fun event with a serious purpose. Lives literally depend on the funds raised through this event. People in the community make a difference in a meaningful way through the purchase of event tickets and participation in the silent auction,” she says. “Sadly, anyone can experience domestic violence; our organization is the confidential safety net for those who do.” As the main fundraiser for the center, A Taste of Glynn offers a chance to give others a hand in those hard moments. The crisis center provides shelter, support, and a new beginning for survivors of domestic violence. Programs such as Amity House, Outreach Advocacy, Community Outreach, and Housing Assistance provide opportunities for survivors of domestic violence to take back control of their lives. Tickets to A Taste of Glynn are $45 per person in advance or $60 at the door. Purchase online at www.atasteofglynn.com. Visitors may take a complimentary shuttle from Massengale Park.

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GOLDEN I S LES

2/17/17 4:15 PM

SPOTLIGHT: Glynn Community Crisis Center debuts SafeDates Program

AFTER

BEFORE

Call us to have your pavers sealed! $2 per square foot

restores pigment in worn pavers + lasts 3-5 years. prevents oil stains + grease stains + tire marks.

Elizabeth J. Dunn, community outreach coordinator, Glynn Community Crisis Center

During the past year, the organization premiered its SafeDates program to more than 600 middle school and high school students. Elizabeth Dunn, community outreach coordinator at Glynn Community Crisis Center, uses an interactive curriculum to help students learn about boundaries, safety, and recognition of abuse in dating and interpersonal relationships. Age-appropriate topics include defining caring relationships; defining dating abuse; how to help friends; overcoming gender stereotypes; and more. “SafeDates can be taught to any size group of students – church groups, after-school clubs, athletic teams, etc.,” she says. “Students take a pre- and post-test to determine their level of knowledge before and after the class.” In 2016, the post-test scores showed 97 percent of participating students significantly increased their knowledge and awareness. This spring, Dunn is teaching the curriculum at Brunswick High School and McIntosh County Middle School. For information or schedule this curriculum for your students, contact Dunn at 912264-1348.

Blake Callahan | (912) 409-7684

to n i op

! g n i r p S H

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912.638.7323

| EdwardOnStSimons.com MA RCH / A P RI L 2017

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2/17/17 4:15 PM

Wagging Tales

SELECTED BY BETHANY LEGGETT

Get your paws on these books that show love, loss, and laughter from your family pet’s perspective.

“The Life & Love of Dogs” by Lewis Blackwell

Flip through this coffee table book that is packed with delightful pictures of candid and posed canines captured by photographers all over. More than just powerful photos, the book also includes insight into behavior and adds a depth and perspective on man’s best friend. This is Blackwell’s followup to the feline version, “The Life & Love of Cats.”

“The Art of Racing in the Rain” by Garth Stein The tale of boy-meets-girl takes a bit of a twist with this novel by Garth Stein. It’s more dog-meets-boy in this tale where the narrator, Enzo, is a beloved dog with a grand dream. Enzo believes a Mongolian legend where dogs can be reincarnated into humans. He spends his time observing the behavior of the humans around him, particularly his best friend and owner, Denny Swift. The story can be hilarious in one moment and gut-wrenching in the next.

“I Could Pee on This And Other Poems by Cats” by Francesco Marciuliano

Get ready to laugh uncontrollably while reading these poems from the perspective of household cats. The sassy collection of verse, which is a New York Times best seller, is a quirky and unique imagination of what cats think of their less-than-impressive humans.

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GOLDEN I S LES

2/17/17 4:15 PM

“The Secret Language of Dogs” by Victoria Stilwell

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Get to know how your dog thinks through this helpful guide by dog trainer and Animal Planet star Victoria Stilwell. She takes the reader into the psychology of canine behavior, giving helpful tips for better communicating with your four-legged pals. Discover how to read your dog’s body language and understand how complex communicators dogs actually are.

“H is for Hawk” by Helen Macdonald

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British author Helen Macdonald pens a gripping, raw memoir with this tale that pits grief through the lens of falconry. After her father’s sudden passing, Macdonald retreats and turns her naturalist skills to training the fierce goshawk. The book has received critical acclaim, winning the Samuel Johnson Prize and Costa Book Award and was selected as one of the New York Times’ Book Review’s 10 Best Books of the Year.

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telluric.us

Shades of Spring

on Garden Walk

PREPARED BY NANCY MULDOWNEY

assina Tabby and Tillandsia Garden Tour on April 29 is the epitome of this year’s theme, “It’s A Southern Thing.” Chosen gardens showcase the vegetation of the South Georgia coast with emphasis on the magnificent live oaks whose prominence on the island cannot be overlooked following the damage done from the hurricanes this fall. Six homes featured on the 2017 tour all reside on the south end of St. Simons Island, another creative nod to the “Southern” title for this year’s tour. As in years past, artists will be painting in the gardens during the 11th annual tour, and a marketplace of vendors followed by a garden party will take place at the Hamilton Plantation Slave Cabins at Gascoigne Bluff on Saturday. In addition to the walk, the women are expanding activities this year to coordinate with Earth Day that happens the weekend before Cassina’s tour. On Earth Day, April 22, there will be a variety of fun things for kids ages 8 to 11 at the cabins. Third- through fifth-graders attending elementary schools on St. Simons — who must be accompanied by an adult — can participate in iSpy Earth Day, where there will

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be learning stations accompanied by crafts. A butterfly release, nature scavenger hunt, and obstacle course featuring recycled and reused items are just a few of the activities planned for the day with the help of Coastal Wildscapes, Keep Golden Isles Beautiful, Coastal Georgia Historical Society, and more. On Monday, there will be a Nature’s Prints printmaking class from 2 to 4 p.m. at Glynn Visual Arts. Thursday’s capital campaign fundraiser, Cassina Celebration Thyme!, will give the club a chance to update supporters on the tabby cabin restoration process during the event at 5:30 p.m. at the A.W. Jones Heritage Center. Going into the tour weekend, Two Friends will host a sip-and-shop from 2 to 5 p.m. on Friday. Tour attendees are also encouraged to stop by the community gardens near McKinnon St. Simons Airport during the weekend and check out the Wildscapes show at Glynn Visual Arts. Ace Garden Center, a longtime supporter of the walk, will also give 10 percent off any plant sales for tour attendees if they bring their ticket. Tickets to the garden walk are $25, and price varies for other activities. For more information, go online to cassinagardenclub.org.

GOLDEN I S LES

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“It’s A Southern Thing” Sneak Peek Stop 1: This charming old island neighborhood is home to magnificent live oaks, which dominate the landscape with their commanding presence. Tour visitors can escape to a time when the pace of life was slower than today. It is home to one of St. Simons oldest live oaks, registered by the Historical Society, on the property where the original farmhouse stands. Stop 2: A relocated beach cottage, presently undergoing renovation, attests to another era in island living. This neighborhood has the special appeal of a southern barrier island. It has the charm and grace of a time long ago. There will be two gardens to visit here. One wraps around the original farmhouse and the other is a terrace garden with Asian flair.

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island Ace hardware 329 Longview plaza Longview Shopping plaza 912-638-3800 Like island Ace on Facebook

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Stop 3: A newly renovated old island cottage has transformed into a bed and breakfast that will delight tour visitors. As guests walk out of the inn, they will find a large pool surrounded by a boardwalk, which leads to a poolside gazebo. Another treat awaits down a path: a cottage. Gaze at murals painted by a local artist, who will be there during the tour.

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Stop 4: A professional gardener will give visitors entry into her personal sanctuary here. Her knowledge of horticulture is evident in the placement of various indigenous plants with colors and textures that add interest to her pool area. This property comes complete with a pond for wildlife and a tree house for young children. Stop 5: This is a charming property in a gated community with pristine views of the marsh unique to our barrier island. The grounds have been designed by one of the preeminent local landscape designers. Gardens surround the house in the most charming way with terraces and a walled area. Visitors will feel the pull to stop and spend some quiet time here. Stop 6: One final stop highlights the creative, collaborative effort by the present landscaper and the owners of this Island Club home. Here there are various levels of gardens including a circular rose garden, the pride of the owner.

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MA RCH / A P RI L 2017

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2/17/17 4:16 PM

Around Town

THE

Look to the skies this March as the Wings Over the Golden Isles fills the horizon with aerial acrobatics. The March 24 to 26 show, rescheduled due to Hurricane Matthew, will bring thousands to the Brunswick Golden Isles Airport. An impressive lineup includes the U.S. Navy Blue Angels, AeroShell Aerobatic Team, USSOCOM Para-Cammandos, and more. The Friday night Twilight Air Show and Concert Series will bring Jacksonville rock band .38 Special to the stage. For more information and a full lineup of activites, go online to wingsovergoldenisles.com.

For the third year, the Jewish Food and Culture Festival will give Golden Isles residents and visitors a chance to enjoy delicious food, drinks, and music for a celebration benefitting the restoration and building fund of Temple Beth Tefilloh in Brunswick. There will be activities for children, Israeli dancing, and a raffle. The event, which starts at noon and continues to 4 p.m. on March 19, will transform Jekyll Square in downtown Brunswick.

Get ready for a thrill during the run of “Deathtrap” coming to the Brunswick Actors Theatre in April. The Ira Levin plot — thick with twists, turns, and laughs — revolves around successful writer Sidney Bruhl and student Clifford Anderson. The two start collaborating on a show before things turn sour.

Color Run Bring some color into your life at the Wesley Academy of Early Learning Third Annual Color Run and Spring Festival on March 18. In its third year, this family friendly day kicks off at 8:30 a.m. and offers activities for all ages including a silent auction, carnival games, face painting, and bounce houses in addition to the 5K and the 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk that starts at Wesley United Methodist Church and winds through West Point Plantation. Del Sur will be on site with lunch offerings, so you only have to bring your sneakers. Registration fees start at $25, and strollers and pets on leashes are welcome. For more information, please call 912-638-5072.

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Deathtrap

The play, which holds the record for the longest running comedy-thriller on Broadway, will feature the local cast of Brunswick actors on stage April 15, 16, 22, 23, 29, and 30. For more information, go online to soglogallery.com.

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2/17/17 4:16 PM

Around Town THE

Spotlight: The Golden Gala

Provided photo

Enjoy an intimate ballet performance this April during The Golden Gala at The Cloister. Golden Isles Ballet Company returns with a gala performance that combines the talents of international professionals with local students on April 1. Intentionally set in a ballroom that will bring the audience close to the stage, the 5 p.m. performance promises to be a unique experience, even for the most seasoned patrons of the arts. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a really neat experience to see ballet performed by professionals in such an up close and personal setting. The audience will see the power of the movements and strength of each dancer. We hope there will be a variety of ages in the audience that will enjoy the ballet and get a chance to see the dancers as artists,â&#x20AC;? says Golden Isles Ballet Company

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founder and executive director Bess Chambliss. Tickets are $50 and can be purchased online at goldenislesballet.org. The gala is also a chance for kids to imagine themselves on stage, says Chambliss, and will help raise funds for the company to empower future dancers. The Brunswick ballet company includes a mission to bring the arts to anyone interested and has begun sponsoring students who have shown a concentrated interest in dance. The gala also kicks off a month-long celebration of the arts across Glynn County. Organizations such as Golden Isles Arts and Humanities, Island Players, and more will be featuring April as the month of the arts throughout their schedules, exhibits, and performances.

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The 14th annual Sea Palms Ladies Golf Association Rally for the Cure returns on April 3 and 4. The 2017 two-day event will include a Rally luncheon, golf scramble, live and silent auction, and more. Last year, the ladies’ association raised more than $16,000, and they hope to hit $20,000 this year. A registration and cocktail party starting at 4 p.m. on April 3 will get everyone into a festive mood before the four-man scramble the following morning. For more information, contact Carol Sabo at 912-634-6867.

Enjoy the annual springtime tradition of the Blessing of the Fleet in Darien. The annual festival celebrates the coastal community with three days of fun-filled events including an art show, various food and drink vendors, arts and crafts, a 5K, children’s activities, a classic car show, nightly live entertainment, and a marine parade. This year’s festival starts April 7 and ends with the Sunday blessing on April 9. The cost for entry each day is $5 per person and children up to the age of 13 get in for free. Sunday is free to everyone. You may bring coolers in for a fee of $10 a piece. For more information please, call 912-437-6684 or e-mail at info@ blessingofthefleet.com.

We hand-bake our all natural dog treats with love using the ﬁnest locally sourced ingredients available. Find us at Turnip Greens – Darien, Island Dog – St. Simons The Market at Sea Island, and The Commissary on Jekyll Island Or shop online at www.southernpawz.com

Pet Grooming

by Christa Lee

Expand your cultural experience with the St. Simons Art Crawl on April 21. From 4 to 7 p.m., six galleries will feature more than 100 local and regional artists during the self-guided tour. Participating galleries include Wallin Gallery (3600 Frederica Road), Anderson Fine Art Gallery (3309 Frederica Road), ArtTrends Gallery (3305 Frederica Road), Artist’s Annex Gallery (100 Sylvan Drive, Suite 170), Parker Gallery (600 Sea Island Road, Suite 9B), and Glynn Visual Arts (106 Island Drive). In addition to the art on display, the crawl will include wine, light refreshments, and more. For more information, call 912-268-4761.

Christa Lee Stoddard • Owner

912.230.4915

St. Simons Island • groomingbychristalee@gmail.com Facebook.com/PetGroomingChristaLee MA RCH / A P RI L 2017

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Furry Fashions

from around the Isles

1. Jolly Romp-N-Roll for small dogs, $13, Island Dog 2. Moonshine SEC Dog Collars, $20, Island Dog 3. Plush Toys, $12-16, Two Friends

4. Southern Pawz Cheesy Bacon, and Peanut Butter and Carob Dog Biscuits, $6-18, Island Dog, Turnip Greens

5. Custom Pet Paintings by Mary Claire Jones, MC Works, price varies 6. Brown Chewy Vuitton Bed, $160, Two Friends 7. Mudpie Dog Food Scoop, $16, St. Simons Drug Store 8. Dog Dish Towel, $10, St. Simons Drug Store 9. Welcome Mat, $27, St. Simons Drug Store

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GOLDEN I S LES

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2/17/17 4:17 PM

Furballs Furever Homes JUST THE FACTS

and

WORDS BY DANA BROWN

Life with pets often consists of hair everywhere, chewed shoes, and constant fluctuation between “no” and “good boy” or “good girl.” But for all the mess and missing shoes, it turns out that the walks, belly rubs, and unconditional love make it all worthwhile. In honor of National Pet Day on April 11, we would like to recognize two organizations in the Golden Isles who appreciate puppy breath and hairballs more than anyone else: the Humane Society of South Coastal Georgia and Glynn County Animal Control, both of which work tirelessly every day to find our furry little friends their furever homes.

250

Animal Control and the Humane Society have nearly

volunteers between them and are always looking for more!

696

In 2016, Animal Control transported

animals to adoption shelters.

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1,500 More than

animals were rescued by Animal Control in 2016.

$199,399

In 2016, Glynn County Animal Control received a total of

in grants

The Humane Society has

Dog House donation boxes around the Golden Isles at participating businesses.

$342,000 In 2015, the Humane Society received

in donations.

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The Humane Society’s Pet Food Bank has established

COSMETIC & FAMILY DENTISTRY

donation bins in Brunswick and on St. Simons Island to help area pet owners in need.

207

Animal Control reunited

lost pets to their owners in 2016.

1,300 Nearly

bryandentalssi.com

912.638.9946

animals were adopted from the Humane Society and Animal Control in 2016.

The Humane Society currently has

foster families who foster pets with special needs.

For more information on how you can get involved, visit: www.glynncountyanimals.org www.hsscg.org

Owned & Operated by Felicia Braden and Nicole Dowling

MA RCH / A P RI L 2017

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{DIGRESSIONS OF A DILETTANTE}

A Dogged Life WORDS BY BUD HEARN

ife looks different from down here. I’m vertically challenged. Fear of heights and vertigo are the least of my traumas. I should know. My name is Mac, and I’m a dog.

From tip to tip, I’m less than a yardstick long. My legs are shorter than chicken drumsticks. You’d almost need a magnifying glass to see me. Bathroom scales ignore me. With such miniscule measurements, dreaming big is my only way out.

Being short is not only a condition of the mind, but a fact of birth — the luck of the draw you might say. I wasn’t asked. Sired as a West Highland Terrier, I inherited my progenitor’s genes: a rodent-rooting terror, small but mighty.

But first, we runts of nature have to deal with self-affirmation, a stalking affliction. We have to swallow our pride. One big gulp is the best way. Get it over quick. It’s bitter medicine. But my over-sized ego is a hard nut to crack. Some days I roll the dice

GIM_0228 40-55.indd 40

of chance. On others, I just sleep it off. You might wonder about my name. I had no choice in that either. Who does? McDuff is my given name, but like me, the name got shorter for some reason. Someone suggested Hoover, something resonating with my nose-to-the-ground nature. Being short is demeaning enough. But association with a vacuum cleaner is a low blow. Names are big things in life. It helps to be

GOLDEN I S LES

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named right, especially if you’re a pint-sized crumb-chaser like me. Names say a lot about someone, or some things. The best names are those with knuckles that knock. No announcement necessary. Doors open. The world’s full of Billys, Bobs, and Joes. In a world teeming with seven billion people, plus animals, you need a name in neon, one with a prefix like Hulk. And being short, believe me, you’ll need all the heft you can get. A stem-winder name will solve a multitude of problems. Now don’t get me wrong. I cast no aspersions on those who prefer the anonymity that over-used names provide. Just that if one wants to be wallpaper, go that route. Being a pocket-sized pup, it’s imperative to be recognized as something other than just cute. Spare me, please. Cute is for babies. No sir, give me a name that’s strong, hyperbolic, one that rides meteors. Remember Napoleon? He was a warrior and a pipsqueak to boot. So I dreamed up some suitable pseudonyms of my own. It was a toss-up as to the best choice, so I narrowed it down to two. Both soar. Take Mac the Magnificent. It just rolls off the tongue like it belongs. Strutting with that one will get you plenty of respect in the neighborhood. It has a regal ring to it, too. It will guarantee significant gravitas for anyone of squatty structure. Then there’s Mac of LaMancha. What better name to honor my chivalrous, Scottish lineage? Throw in a donkey and a kilt, and an explosion of magnetic magic will occur. But alas, I’ve survived pretty well with Mac. It’s better than being called Shorty. And if you ever condescend to call me that, your calf will be fair game for my rodent-rooter incisors. Some say nature is stacked against short creatures; that having to always look up is a nuisance. Not so. Hollywood has the answer. We’re actors schooled in traits of artifice. It takes that to survive in a world dominated by gigantic egos. We’re keen on improv, and we’ve perfected illusions of reality, like begging. Pitiful, hang-dog looks are heart-breakers. Handouts flow. Short is a guarantee for success. Little is expected if you’re a pee-wee pup. No heavy lifting, no need for the leash. You can sneak around surreptitiously and get into all sorts of mischief. The only downside is being ignored, not always a bad thing if you have a good bone to chew on. Short or tall, relationships are important. I have a live-in, her name is Sophie. In Greek, the name means ‘wisdom.’ At 91 dog-years-old, believe me, wisdom defines our relationship as one purely platonic. No headaches to contend with. Life is always looking up for us who are living down below. Even if we are short dogs in tall grass, our dreams come in all sizes, not just small. I know these things. My name is Mac, and I’m a dog.

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2/20/17 8:59 AM

{THE DISH}

Springtime

iS Outside Time WORDS AND PHOTOS BY C H E F D AV E S N Y D E R

lhen cool winter fades and warm spring arrives, being outside is what the Golden Isles is all about.

You know I’ll be on the water in a boat with Goose, and I’ll also have tasty snacks for both us. My go-to is a steak sandwich with Gorgonzola cheese, grilled red onions, tender spinach, and a slice of tomato. It’s easy to make, travels well, and makes Goose incredibly jealous. You just need to see the drool hanging out of his mouth onto the deck of the boat — it’s hysterical.

Seriously though, you can make so many great foods that travel well quickly and easily, no matter what mode of springtime transportation you may be using. Well, it may be a bit more challenging to eat on a paddleboard, but we can figure out a solution for that, too.

bread. Just stay away from roasted peppers and cucumbers; there’s not much that can be done about those guys.

Think about wraps, sandwiches, and finger foods so you don’t have to worry about plates, silverware, tables, and chairs. You can get those things at a local restaurant anytime. If you are happily hanging out on a boat, you can even have deliciously messy foods that can be quickly cleaned up with a bucket of salty sea water. Believe me, it works really well.

If you’re avoiding carbs that hide in breads and tortillas wraps, think about a simple, hard plastic container of seared chicken or steak to go along with some grilled or roasted vegetables. The secret here is to cut everything into bite-sized pieces before cooking, so it’s easy to eat while enjoying the spring weather. Make sure you put a serious sear on steak if you are going to eat it the next day because the caramelization tends to fade away a bit as it sits. An easy way to finish snacks like these is to add a pesto or chimichurri.

If you’re worried about a soggy sandwich, there are a couple of tricks you can use to avoid that outcome. The most popular is to toast your bread just enough to dry it out a bit. Keep your mayos, mustards, and dressings towards the middle of your lunch — and away from the

So, long before the muggy, hot summer begins, go ahead and hit the beach, ride a wave, walk the links, float over a court, or ride your bike under the Spanish moss. Just make sure to bring your lunch or dinner with you.

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Try your hand at some of these go-to dishes. DEVILED EGGS 3 cups boiled egg yolks 2 serrano peppers, minced with seeds 1 lemon, juiced 1 tsp smoked paprika 6 tbsp mayo 20 shrimp; marinated, grilled, cooled, and minced 2 tbsp tomato concasse salt and pepper DIRECTIONS Mix all ingredients and garnish with piece of shrimp on top

GettingYou YouHome Home Sweet Sweet Home Getting Home When you’re recovering from surgery, illness or an injury, there’s no place like home. At FirstLight

When you’re from or an injury, HomeCare™ we providerecovering thousands of families peacesurgery, of mind as we illness help loved ones not only get back home, but stay there. Whether leaving a hospital, rehab center, chemotherapy treatment, dialysis there’s no place like home. At FirstLight HomeCare™ treatment, or routine eye exam, we’ll make your journey home better than you can imagine.

we provide thousands of families peace of mind as we

help only get back home, but stay there. • Meetingloved with yourones dischargenot planner for instructions Your Personalized Care Plan can include:

CHICKEN BANH MI Sandwich ingredients Bread Chicken thighs Mayo Pickled Cucumber

• Transporting you to and from the hospital or doctor’s office Whether leaving a hospital, rehab center, chemotherapy • Assuring your comfort and safety at home and along the way • Picking up prescriptions treatment, dialysis treatment, or routine eye exam, we’ll • Reminding you when to take medication

• Grocery shopping and errands home better than you can imagine. make your journey • Meal preparation, help with eating, and clean-up

• Communicating with family and keeping track of appointments Your Personalized Care Plan can include • Taking care of your little best friends (cats, dogs, fish...)

• Meeting with your discharge planner for instructions

Pickled Radish

Call today to schedule your complimentary consultation! • Transporting you to and from the hospital or doctor’s office (912) 275-7133 • Assuring your comfort and SoutheastGA.FirstLightHomeCare.com safety at home and along the way

Jalapeno, thinly sliced

• Picking up prescriptions

Pickled Carrot

• Reminding you when to take medication

CHICKEN MARINAIDE

• Grocery shopping and errands

2 cup fish sauce

• Meal preparation, help with eating, and clean-up

1 cup soy sauce ½ cup lime juice ½ cup honey 6 cloves garlic, smashed and chopped

• Communicating with family and keeping track of appointments • Taking care of your little best friends (cats, dogs, fish...) • Bathing, grooming, and oral hygiene

FirstLight HomeCare™ of Southeast Georgia Exceptional home care for the ones you love

2 tbsp black pepper

Joke testers. Recipe tasters. Home beautifiers. Bingo partners. Backgammon buddies. Life organizers. Errand runners.

DIRECTIONS Combine all ingredients for marinade. Marinate thighs overnight. Brown legs and roast at 300 until done, basting with marinade along the way. Reduce remaining marinade to a syrup to garnish. Slice chicken and place between bread. Layer mayonnaise, picked cucumber, pickled carrot, pickled radish, and jalapeños on top of chicken.

Eric W. Friedrich II President

Carrie Lewis

Care Coordinator

Discover Why More Families Turn To FirstLight HomeCare. Call for a complimentary consultation

(912) 275-7133

www.firstlighthomecare.com efriedrich@firstlighthomecare.com

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{GAME CHANGERS}

Horses, riders keep in step through body language

WORDS BY BUDDY HUGHES

o matter the sport, coaches always end up giving some platitude about the importance of communication when they talk about teamwork. It sounds a bit cliché, but a vital part of a team’s success relies on everyone working together. But what if your teammate doesn’t speak the same language or isn’t even the same species?

That’s the biggest challenge equestrian riders face. Allie Zorn, owner of The Stables at Frederica on St. Simons Island, says the first encounter between a rider and a horse can be an eye-opening experience.

food is that way,’ and the rider is sitting there thinking, ‘Oh, they’re just happy to do whatever I tell them to do,’” Zorn says. “You have to learn how to solely communicate through body language to have a really good relationship with the horse you’re riding.”

“You’re having to take into consideration another animal, who is supposed to be on your team; their feelings; what they are thinking about that day; how their body feels,” Zorn says. So how do you communicate with a horse? Body language sounds like a simple answer, but it’s a bit more nuanced than that.

For some, communication with their horses is an innate skill, but Zorn says most riders can learn to communicate if they understand what motivates the animal. Horses operate almost solely on a fight-orflight mentality, and riders have to see every decision through that prism to learn how the horse will react under certain situations, she explains.

Zorn says that riders and horses aren’t on the same page about 75 percent of the time. Sometimes, it’s like two teammates running different plays.

“A lot of dealing with horses is trying to get into their psyche and figure out why they do the things they do,” Zorn says. “That’s tough, because there is very little reason in that situation.

“The horse is thinking, ‘I’m going faster in that direction because my

Anticipating a horse’s reaction takes time — and patience.

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UNT

SEA S

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EORGIA PR AL G OD ON AND EDIBLES

RY MAR

Allie Zorn, owner of The Stables at Frederica on St. Simons Island

“It’s like having a teammate that doesn’t speak your language at all.” - Allie Zorn

(912) 689-9638 • 109 Walton St. • Darien, GA 31305 Monday - Friday 10 am - 6 pm • Saturday 9 am - 4 pm turnipgreensindarienga

“Having to boil every single decision the horse makes into those two categories (fight or flight) — that’s something that does not come naturally to everybody. It’s something they can practice, but it takes a whole lot longer and you have to be very conscious about what you’re trying to learn versus those who have that innate ability,” she adds. For those interested in jumping into equestrian, Zorn suggests starting with lessons to learn how to stay safe before you ever get on a horse. “It’s not a sport that you necessarily toss a complete beginner out to try to do it on their own,” Zorn says. There are a variety of equestrian sports to compete in, ranging from the thrill-seeking found in show jumping to the more laid-back sports like dressage. Zorn finds that younger riders tend to favor the thrills of jumping while the older riders sway closer to the dressage. And if you’re on the fence about whether horse riding is for you, Zorn recommends trying something simple like a trail ride to get your feet wet in a safe environment. “If you find that is one of the most fun things you’ve ever done, then that to me would say, ‘OK, maybe I want to look into this sport a little bit more seriously,” Zorn says. “If you get up there and say, ‘Thank you, but that was a terrifying situation’ — even though that was the most serene situation ever. Then, it’s probably not the sport for you.”

the yellow canary (912) 638-4061

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2/20/17 9:00 AM

{NATURE CONNECTION}

Fancy Feathers

WORDS BY LYDIA THOMPSON | PHOTO BY BOBBY HAVEN

here he was, the Great Egret, with fancy feathers thrown over his back, shaking and shimmying. He was doing his best peacock imitation, lifting his long elegant neck up and then down in a perfect bow. She just ignored him and flew off. He slumped down on this branch, those fancy feathers dropping back over his back. He had given it his all to no avail. He looked deflated and tired. Then, another female flew up. Invigorated, the dance began again. Ah, it is that time when egrets and heron are starting to nest. I am often asked, “What is the difference between an egret and a heron?” My answer is, “I am not sure.” Body size, color of legs, and beak distinctions can be helpful for some to differentiate the two species. For me, the only definition that comes close is that egrets are white, while herons come in various shades of grays, blues, and whites. And this idea that most egrets are white and

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herons are different colors works … almost. But then there’s the Reddish Egret that looks grayish, and everything gets confusing again. Both herons and egrets have fancy feathers called aigrettes, which play a crucial role in mating rituals. Hat designers in the late 1800s and early 1900s also found the aigrettes attractive, but their inclusion in the fashion industry almost led the birds to extinction. At the height of this fashion craze, those feathers were worth more than gold. But it was a bloody business, and whole colonies died. Adults were skinned, and the chicks left to die of starvation. The National Audubon Society began to help stop the slaughter. In 1918, the Migratory Bird Treaty Act passed. The law makes it illegal to take, possess, import, export, transport, sell, purchase, or barter any part of a migratory bird, including feathers. As a result, herons and egrets came back from the brink.

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Today, we have 10 bird species that fall into the category of egret and heron. The two biggest are the Great Blue Herons and the Great Egrets. Middle-sized egrets and herons are Snowy Egrets, Little Blue Herons, Tricolored Herons, and Reddish Egrets. The Reddish Egrets are strictly coastal birds, and the Golden Isles lies just at the northern limits of their range. Keep an eye peeled for them; sightings are rare. Other species thrive in the Golden Isles. The smallest species are Cattle Egret and Green Heron. These birds hunt for food during the day. Night birds include the Black-crowned Night Herons and Yellow-crowned Night Herons. All these birds nest in trees that hang over ponds with alligators. Why?

Alligators protect the egrets from marauding raccoons and possums. These land animals will wipe out a colony of egrets overnight. However, if they have to swim out to the birds, an alligator will eat the animal. An alligator might get a hapless bird if it gets too close but not the entire colony. Isn’t it interesting all the strange connections in nature? If you are out and find one of those ponds where the herons and egrets are nesting, stop and watch for a while. It is a fancy feathered show put on by nature, and it is free. Just keep an eye out for alligators — there may be one nearby!

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{BY DESIGN}

Hard materials best for pet friendly flooring WORDS AND PHOTOS BY BETHANY LEGGETT

runo waits by the front door at Duke’s Coastal Flooring, ready to greet customers throughout the day. The large labrador often sits facing the front door, lifting his head when someone walks in.

“He’s our doorman, and customers love him. He’s quite possibly the first face you will see when you walk in,” says Lori Baker, who works just behind Bruno’s front lookout spot. “We are all a family here, and Bruno is definitely part of our family. We all claim him.” Bruno is an integral part of the staff since he joined Duke’s family as a puppy. The now three-year-old canine comes to work every day with Duke Royer, owner of Duke’s Coastal Flooring. Baker likes to say that Bruno belongs to everyone in the office, but it’s Royer’s truck that the canine jumps into when it’s closing time. Pet owners like Royer and his clients now have several options for flooring when it comes time to renovate or build a home. Manufacturers are incorporating hardier materials that make it easier to clean or less likely to scuff, knowing that pet owners and families with young children need to rely on sturdy floors that can hold up with wear and tear. There are carpet manufacturers like Magic Fresh that incorporate odor-reducing techniques and seals that prevent stains. Carpet pads can prevent liquids from seeping into the bottom of the threads and

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help carpet wear better, Baker adds. Some stains just don’t come out easily — no matter how quickly you try to get them out. That’s when picking the right kind of carpet can come in handy. For instance, fleck carpeting can be a great option for homeowners who want to avoid small stains standing out in the floor design. Royer calls it “carpet camouflage.” Not only does the pattern incorporate specks of different colors — the size and color vary dependent upon the brand — but also can be repaired and replaced in sections unlike berber carpet, which is less popular as more gravitate to fleck patterns, he says. “You can pull a piece up if it gets gouged or stained, and it’s one of the easiest ways to fix a floor,” Royer says. “A lot of people see a stain and it creates moment of stress or dislike that they see every time they pass it. So finding something that will limit that stress is important to us. When you’ve made someone happy with their choice, it’s a good day.” When it comes to carpeting, Royer recommends replacing one’s carpet every six years. Depending upon the number of humans — and pets — in the house, that replacement may need to come sooner. Alternate materials such as wooden flooring or vinyl can be an option

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laughter is brightest where the food is best. irish proverb

DELANEY’S

BISTRO AND BAR

for those hoping for longer-lasting flooring choices. “Durability is a factor and being able to find something that hides fur and scratches and stains rather than shows them easily is another. We find many clients leaning towards a wood-like tile or harder surface for the common family areas,” Baker says. Weighing the different options and finding the product that would fit for the room and needs of the homeowners can be handled through a consultation at Duke’s Coastal Flooring. In the showroom at 223 Rose Drive in Brunwick, samples of wood, tile, carpet, and more line the walls. And Bruno will be by the front door, waiting for a pat on the head as you walk by.

open tues-sat, 11-2 p.m. dinner 6-10 p.m., bar 5 until. 3415 frederica road st. simons island 912.638.1330 reservations definitely recommended

MA RCH / A P RI L 2017 6498 Delaneys MarchApril GIM ad.indd 1 GIM_0228 40-55.indd 49

49 2/1/17 3:53 PM 2/20/17 9:00 AM

50 {LIVING WELL}

Long-term care can be on your own terms A

WORDS BY BETHANY LEGGETT | PHOTO BY BROOKE ROBERTS s one ages, living an independent lifestyle can present extra challenges. Some

simple things may start to slip your mind. Tasks can become difficult to do in a

timely manner, and bills may be forgotten. Sometimes you just need an extra pair of hands or someone to sit across the table during a meal. But then there are those situations such as medical emergencies that may leave a family member in charge of making long-term decisions for your future. Preparing for the life you would like to have can go a long way in ensuring your wishes are followed, says Eric Friedrich. Friedrich, president of FirstLight HomeCare of Southeast Georgia, encourages any new client, regardless of age, to take care of any legal paperwork. It’s important to outline your wishes for receiving medical care and quality of life so all family members are on the same page if an emergency situation occurs, he says. “A plan of action for legal services, power of attorney, and assistance with health care are vital for people to experience aging with intention. You can age comfortably in a place and style of your choosing,” says Friedrich. Carrie Lewis, care coordinator with FirstLight HomeCare, agrees. “Planning can help you decide who, what, when, where, and why for a variety of situations. You get to maintain a sense of independence and liberty at choosing the way you want to live,” she says. “Know what you want to do with your body and have the documentation for your family to use.”

FirstLight HomeCare’s Eric Friedrich with his dog, Hannah, and Carrie Lewis with her dog, Lucy.

In addition to getting all paperwork and legal forms in order and notifying family members of your wishes, home renovations are another way for aging residents

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51 to incorporate changes to ease transitionary periods and allow for preventative care. “Retirees can really accommodate their future needs when they build or renovate a home. You want a home that is easy to modify, where you can install railings or elevators, or change thresholds, which can be a big problem,” Friedrich says. For instance, showers expanded to fit a chair and railings installed throughout the bathroom can help against falling. Wider hallways allow for caregivers like those from FirstLight HomeCare to assist sideby-side rather than walking in front of or behind a client. This means more stability in moving around and, if a wheelchair becomes

“When things get hard, we

necessary, the home is already ready for it.

can come in

Friedrich knows how transition periods can leave some people

and help out.

anxious, but that’s where the caregivers on staff at FirstLight can help, too. The Brunswick home care business covers a variety of services, from running errands and scheduling appointments to bathing and assisting with physical therapy exercises. With two levels of services, the assistance can match the need of any client, explains Lewis. Companion care is like having a friend in the home to help with life tasks such as feeding pets, keeping the home clean, managing the calendar to see if the client has any appointments, reminding them to pay bills, and more. Matching personalities is critical so clients and caregivers can develop a relationship of trust, says Lewis, and the added social interaction can improve the client’s day. Companions

There isn’t an age limit to home care.” -Carrie Lewis

can even help teach a client how to video message their family members who live far away. “Helping them learn to operate their iPhones or changing the font size on their tablets … all those tiny things can keep spirits high because they can reach so many people if they know how to operate their devices,” Lewis says. Personal care, the second level offered by FirstLight HomeCare, adds additional help such as mobility assistance, getting in and out of bed, and help with bathing and other hygiene issues. While caregivers cannot administer medications, they do provide reminders when the next dose is needed. And it isn’t reserved for retirees or the elderly, she adds. Home care can be used for people with disabilities, those recovering from a injury, surgery, or illness, and even busy moms and dads needing some extra help. Some clients only need care on a temporary basis, and others require year-round assistance. Home care can also be used to relieve a loved one who is a caretaker and needs a break from the routine. FirstLight even offers a travel companion program that sends a caretaker with a client to help navigate airports or assist during vacations or work trips. For more information about FirstLight HomeCare, call 912-275-7133 or email efriedrich@firstlighthomecare. com.

MA RCH / A P RI L 2017

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52 {MONEY TALKS}

LOOKING TO BUY A HOME?

THIS IS THE

YEAR.

PREPARED BY UNITED COMMUNITY BANK

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uring the past several years, mortgage interest rates have been at historic lows. Recently, these low rates have started to rise slightly.

{MONEY TALKS}

As the interest rate changes, so does the idea of home ownership for some. However, there is positive news for 2017.

3 5 REASONS

WHY RENT WHEN YOU {CAN M O N E Y TOWN? ALKS}

{MONEY TALKS}

RATES ARE STILL LOW.

For many, owning a home is the ultimate “American

Mortgage interest rates are still at historic lows. Ten years

Dream.” Buying a home rather than renting ultimately de-

ago, the average mortgage rate was hovering around 6

pends on each individual’s financial situation, plans, and

percent. Some may even remember the ’80s, when rates

5 REASONS 5 REASONS

To Talk With Your Banker Before were above 10 percent. With that perspective, today’s preferences. While renting can give you some flexibility if You Buy Your Next House rates are still lower — giving potential homeowners great your situation changes, a fixed-rate home mortgage can To Talk With Your Banker Before To Talk With Your Banker Before You Buy Your Next House YouorBuy Yourlearn Nextwhat House options between renting buying, your monthOwning a home is a big decision. When W at e r s now. incentive Mas too nbuy help stabilize your monthly payments.WAs you weigh your O R D S B Y M A S O N W AT E R S | U N I T E D C O M M U N I T Y B A N K

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Lisa Mericle (NMLS#427465) at 912-634-

that are priced outside of make what large you can afford.pay with your is atanything the topelse of your list, a refinance may be the solution. Your bankpurchases, school tuition, or support 1. KNOW WHAT YOU CAN SPENDSpeak that you and your family may need. banker first — youis may you actually qualify for aand higher loanit is er is available to help you navigate the process and will work with 1. KNOW WHAT YOU CAN SPEND that you and family may need. Nothing worsefind than finding theyour perfect home realizing

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{DUE SOUTH}

Stories that happen when I come S outh from North Georgia

Passing through the Shadows of Grief WORDS BY RONDA RICH

My childhood friend had mounted a valiant battle against pancreatic cancer. It had been 18 months since the prognosis, a time when family and community had poured out love and prayers for him.

Two days later, when I once again headed back to St. Simons, I continued to cry while driving through a rainy, deep fog. It fit my mood. The next several days on the island will never be forgotten.

Three weeks before my annual post-Christmas trip to the Golden Isles, I visited him for the day and sat on the sofa knitting as we talked the time away. He still looked strong and fairly well. Then, the day before my dachshund, Dixie Dew, and I were to leave for our seaside vacation, I went to see him again. I could not believe how he had plummeted. The young, handsome man of three weeks earlier was now old, frail, and brittle. He had lost weight to the point of being skeletal. “Should I go?” I worriedly asked his sister. “Of course,” she replied. “He’ll be here when you get back. Go on and enjoy yourself.” “Are you okay if I go on to St. Simons?” I asked him, seeking additional reassurance. He nodded and weakly raised his hand to wave away my concern. “Just come see me as soon as you get back,” he said.

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The little tabby cottage, a couple of blocks from the King and Prince, was waiting for us in the moonlight when we arrived on St. Simons. I unloaded the car, put up the groceries, walked Dixie Dew, took a bath, and headed to bed. My cell phone rang at 7:55 a.m. the next morning. I answered it to hear my best friend, Karen, on the line. Her voice was soft. “Ronda, he’s gone,” she said.

It took moments for her words to sink in. She explained that he had experienced a crisis over night and succumbed. I called Mama, who back at home, was having her morning coffee. “Are you comin’ back?” she asked. I had just arrived. It meant driving more than seven hours back. I would miss two days of my stay in the cottage. Amidst my tears, heartache, and indecision, I called a florist and ordered a large arrangement for the funeral — an action that would provide the day’s only moment of levity. Later that day, my sister called after a visit to the funeral home. The florist, taking advantage that I was out of town, had sent over a much smaller arrangement than

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did you know?

what I had purchased. “You should see that dingy arrangement. It’s embarrassing,” she said. My sister is an expert on funerals and all involved. She even has her own VIP parking place at the funeral home because she’s there so often to pay her respects.

Richard is a master goldsmith & gemologist, with over 45 years experience.

“I ordered a large one,” I replied. “I know. But don’t worry. I hid it behind the casket. No one will ever see it,” she responded. She wasn’t kidding. After that, I decided to break up my trip and travel back home. My friend, Vandy, who introduced me to that cottage, had left the rental business a few months earlier; so I called her replacement, Desiree, and explained the situation. I asked her if I could tack on the two days I was going to be gone onto the end of my reservation at the tabby cottage. She hesitated a moment, thinking. It was a woman compassionately contemplating an independent decision. She took a deep breath. “Yes,” she said finally and decisively. “That will be fine.” It was almost 5 p.m. when Dixie Dew and I drove off the island. I cried all the way home, though my feelings were slightly lifted when I called Mama. She said sweetly and gratefully, “Oh good. I’m so glad. It will make me feel better to have you here. I need to see you.” His death was equally hard on her. He had been such a part of our family for all our lives. Two days later, when I once again headed back to St. Simons, I continued to cry while driving through a rainy, deep fog. It fit my mood. The next several days on the island will never be forgotten. I walked for hours, the collar of my red coat turned up against the chill and Dixie Dew trailing me. I’d walk for two hours in the morning, return to the cottage for lunch, walk more in the afternoon, and then again after darkness fell. I wandered the grounds of the King and Prince resort and soon came to know every nook, cranny, and side street within a one-mile radius of the cottage. With each step, my heart healed a tiny bit.

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St. Simons Island, a respite for me, had also become a place of healing. An important place that provided an important healing when I needed it most. Ronda Rich

This is the seventh column in a series of articles where bestselling author Ronda Rich recalls how she met and fell in love with the Golden Isles people.

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ON THE

HUNT WORDS BY JIM BARGER | PHOTOS BY BEN GALLAND

Companions in the field, hunting dogs and their trainer get down to business

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>> Due west from the Golden Isles, across vast marshes, over Fancy Bluff Creek, through palmetto-studded live oak hammocks and dark-water cypress swamps, past the crossroad communities of Blount’s Crossing, Thalman, and Hortense, the landscape breaks into open vistas and well-tended fields in the heart of Georgia’s Lowcountry farmland. This is a nearlyforgotten place of country churches, abandoned sharecropper shacks, general stores, and hunting dogs.

your right. The cash crop is shorn down to bramble now with a few surplus white fibers shivering in the breeze. Where the road ends, you find a series of ponds, a hunting lodge, and Brad Arington in a camo baseball cap and work jacket talking softly to a 7-year-old old black lab named Diesel.

Turning onto Mayberry Road, a tidy dead-end dirt road is wide enough for just one car. When you meet someone coming the other way, you pull over to let them pass. When they pull over to let you pass instead, you pause in a standoff to determine which of you is the most polite — or most stubborn. Eventually, you come to a stand of thick-flooded

Arington estimates that Diesel has retrieved tens of thousands of ducks, quail, and pheasants over his lifetime. Diesel’s tail beats a joyful rhythm against his trainer’s leg as he points toward a fallen tree on the edge of the swamp some 250 yards away, sending the dog on a blind retrieve. In full stride, straight as the crow flies, Diesel is off diving down into a ditch, swimming, then back up again, then

scrub oak to your left and a field of harvested cotton to

running full tilt when the whistle sounds. Immediately, he

Brad Arington of Mossy Pond Retrievers commands labs Tex, Raz, and Al to hold before a blind retrieve into the creek at Wildlife Preserve on St. Simons Island.

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stops. He turns attentively and sits on his haunches, awaiting the next command. The dog is 100 yards away now. You barely see his tail steadily thumping the same rhythm as moments ago. Diesel has not missed a beat.

A little too vein? Give it up for Lent.

“I like happy dogs,” says Arington as if talking to no one in particular. Then, he turns to look directly at you. His eyes squint, and he says, “If a dog is happy, I can work with him — but he has to want to work. He has to enjoy work. The first thing I look for in a dog is a wagging tail. The second thing is the eyes. Do the dog’s eyes show a drive to work? There’s a balance that you look for. I need that balance.” You get the feeling he isn’t talking only about dogs anymore. He gestures with his flat palm, signaling for Diesel to turn and follow a track to the right. He obeys, eagerly clamoring over stumps and thick brush.

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Ashlandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Prince of Pinetops Razz, or Razz for short, retrieves a duck during an exercise with Arington.

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THE MOSSY POND

METHOD

Brad and Ellen Arington work and live at Mossy Pond with their seven-year-old son Grayson, five-year-old daughter Hadley, and newborn son, Jones, together with 130 Labrador retrievers, give or take a Brittany spaniel or two. With dog kennels here and in New York, the Aringtons operate Mossy Pond Retrievers, one of only a select few Orvis-endorsed dog training facilities nationwide. Brad and his dogs have won three Super Retriever Championships. More than 750 of his retrievers have passed the American Kennel Club’s coveted Master Test, and more than 300 have passed the Hunter Retriever Championship test. Brad’s gentle manner and quiet determination as a dog trainer have earned him an enthusiastic clientele. Country music stars and professional athletes wait alongside 15-year-old boys, lawyers, farmers, plumbers, businessmen, and everyone else to gain insight into the mind of a hunting dog from Arington. The canines at Coastal Georgia’s celebrated hunting plantations — Broadfield, Cabin Bluff, and Dorchester — have also learned a thing or two under Arington’s instruction. Golden Isles resident Lawton Howard owns several dogs trained at Mossy Pond, including Ashland’s Prince of Pinetops Razz — or Razz for short — an American Kennel Club Master Hunter and United Kennel Club Hunter Retriever Champion. Howard has known Arington for years, and it’s Arington’s commitment and instinct with the dogs that has kept him returning to have his dogs trained at Mossy Pond.

Brad Arington with clients Hank Stewart, Stewart’s dog Rain, Michelle Lane, and Lane’s dog Raz.

“I’ve witnessed first-hand some of the training and have literally seen Brad get in the water — clothes and all — to help a dog understand what she was supposed to do,” says Lawton. “I’ll never forget that day.” Another Golden Isles resident who enjoys the hard work of Arington’s training is Hank Stewart, owner of Rain, a 7-year-old black American lab. Stewart knew he didn’t have time to train Rain when he first got her and reached out to Arington, whom he had known for years. Now a Mossy Pond graduate, Rain gets down to business when she accompanies Stewart on a hunt. “The dogs work just as much as we do, if not more. She is obedient on a hunt and also throughout every day life, too. Brad knows what he is doing,” Stewart says. Stewart and Howard are just a few of the people from all over the country that bring their dogs to Arington. His status as one of the nation’s top trainers seems self-evident, but how he came to this place in his life is a story all in its own.

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Arington was in high school when he trained his first dog, a chocolate lab named Bo. Before school, after school, and sometimes during school, Arington worked with Bo. He trained Bo to heel, follow hand signals, and obey voice and whistle commands. He taught Bo to make basic retrieves, then water retrieves, then complicated blind retrieves for birds the dog had not seen go down. He increased the distances and added obstacles. Their first test was an annual dove hunt Ellen’s father hosted for a group of tobacco farmers. Brad and Ellen were dating, and he desperately wanted to make an impression. After the hunt, one of the farmers put a case of shotgun shells on the tailgate of Arington’s truck. “Son,” he said to Arington, “I’m going to give you this case of shotgun shells, and you’re going to train my dog to work like yours.”Arington was blown away. “You might as well have given me a million dollars. I’d never seen a whole case of shotgun shells before. I saved up just to buy them one box at a time back then,” he says.

The boy and the dog were inseparable. As Brad trained Bo, Bo trained Brad.

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With that first case, Arington realized people might pay him to do what he loved. He quickly built a kennel behind his mother’s house and began training up to seven dogs at a time between classes and his job at Ellen’s father’s farm. Before he knew it, he’d graduated from high school and married Ellen. He worked at the railroad by night, at the farm by day, and at his kennel in the stolen moments in-between. Along the way, he suffered doubts and once even quit dog training altogether — until a client offered to temporarily lease him land to build a larger kennel. In a gamble that terrified his family, Arington quit the railroad and never looked back.

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Now, almost 15 years after Bo captured the attention of those tobacco farmers on Ellen’s family farm, Mossy Pond Retrievers sits across Mayberry Road from that same dove field on land deeded to Arington by his father-in-law. The company now has 18 staff members including four pros who travel across the country for more than half the year when dogs are entered into retriever games and competitions. The training center boasts a state-of-the-art kennel, technical training ponds, a veterinary center, lodge, dining hall, and sporting clays course. The Aringtons recently purchased several hundred additional acres to expand and host field trials.

As the whistle sounds, Diesel bolts back across the distance of more than two football fields, swims back across the ditch, and turns to sit at Brad’s heel and looks up at him gleefully. He shakes the water from his fur on command, turns two circles, and sits again, panting and wagging his tail. The dog’s eyes never leave his trainer. Arington says he’s looking for balance. He may have already found it.

MARCH/APRIL 2017

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BEST IN SHOW PET CONTEST

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ig and little. Walkers and nappers. Short-haired and long-haired. It doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t matter the shape, size, or bark â&#x20AC;&#x201D; we love our pups like family members. So, when we asked our pet-loving humans to snap cute pictures of their four-legged friends and send them in, we knew it would be a race to the finish. Cuteness overloaded our screens as the community voted daily on their favorite canine candids. Take a peek at the LEADERS OF THE PACK and the V(ERY) I(MPORTANT) P(OOCH) FINALISTS from the 2017 Best In Show pet contest.

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â&#x20AC;&#x153;Small but Mightyâ&#x20AC;? Dogs weighing less than 25 pounds

This long-haired chihuahua brings a lot of sunshine and happiness into his human household. Samson, or Sammi for short, keeps cool, calm, and collected on his strolls around town. You may spot him dining with his owners around lunchtime either on St. Simons or Jekyll Island.

LEADER OF THE PACK

Samson

Belongs to: Vinnie Bartlett Age (in human years): Four years old

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VERY IMPORTANT POOCH FINALIST

Penny

Belongs to: Lindsay McMichael Age (in human years): One year old

Adopted from HART, Penny gets her special name for two very different reasons. The spunky little pup looks like a shiny penny, and her humans, Lindsay and Jonathan, wanted to name her for a favorite James Bond character, Money Penny. This Penny is always on the move, whether it’s hanging out in a kayak or on the boat.

VERY IMPORTANT POOCH FINALIST

Ella Blue Island Girl Belongs to: Mary Douthit Age (in human years): Two years old

Ella Blue Island Girl, who goes by “Ella,” got her name right after her humans moved to St. Simons Island. You may catch a glimpse of the miniature Australian Shepherd running on the beach, especially on Little St. Simons.

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“Big shots”

Dogs weighing 25 pounds or more

This adorable pooch was named after The Band’s “The Weight” — with Belle thrown in the middle for a Southern twist. She alway wants to be in control and know where everybody is, and enjoys getting treats from St. Simons Bait and Tackle, Island Dog, and Iguanas when she takes her Village walks.

LEADER OF THE PACK

Anna Belle Lee Belongs to: Guerry Norwood Age (in human years): Three years old

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VERY IMPORTANT POOCH FINALIST

River

Belongs to: Laura Simpson Age (in human years): One year old This sweet, laid-back boxer-ridgeback mix was rescued by her loving owners. Originally called Genevieve, her human parents saw how much she loved the water and renamed her River. You may catch a sight of her on the beach or at Gascoigne Bluff Park.

VERY IMPORTANT POOCH FINALIST

Prince Maddox Belongs to: Jessica Reynolds Age (in human years): Two years old

This energetic dog has overcome a lot in his short life. As a pup, the little guy got very sick and had to be nursed back to health by his mom. Fast forward a year and a half, Prince Maddox is enjoying life, especially during his walks along the St. Simons Pier.

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YOU FOUND THE RIGHT HOME. NOW FIND THE RIGHT MORTGAGE! United Community Bank offers a wealth of loan options to suit your individual needs. Fixed & adjustable rates • Free rate locks and pre-qualification Programs for first-time buyers • Up to 95% financing available CALL TODAY FOR A FREE, NO-OBLIGATION RATE QUOTE! LISA MERICLE

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VP, MORTGAGE LOAN ORIGINATOR, NMLS# 427465

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1626 Frederica Road | St. Simons Island O 912-291-4413 M 912-602-4992 mark_north@ucbi.com

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We are an approved seller/servicer for the Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae) and the Federal Home Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac). Normal credit criteria apply. MEMBER FDIC. ©2017 United Community Bank | United Community Bank NMLS# 421841 | United Community Mortgage Services is the mortgage lending division of United Community Bank.

2/20/17 9:34 AM

Staff Picks

Special Thanks to all of our canine contestants, including

Ace who really loves popcorn 2. Tripp and Rudy who look like double trouble 3. Gracie Silversmith who knows how to accessorize 4. Michael Jackson who is working on his moonwalk 5. Brun who plans to ask Santa for more treats next year

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SETTING

WORDS BY LINDSEY ADKISON

PHOTOS BY BOBBY HAVEN 72

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THE AND FEATHERED JOIN ISLES BUSINESSES rish Wooten proudly took the illustrated book from the stand, flipping carefully through the pages. When she found what she was looking for, she beamed with pride. “You see — this man made this book about his grandchildren coming to visit. He drew all of these places they go here ... the pier, Barbara Jeans restaurant,” she says. “And look right here, there’s Mr. Byrd.” Mr. Byrd is actually a female African grey parrot that has graced Wooten’s St. Simons Bait and Tackle store in the Pier Village for 15 years. And it’s clear that, along the way, she’s become quite the celebrity. “She’s been on HGTV ... on ‘Island Life.’ She’s been in the New York Times Travel Guide,” Wooten, every bit the proud parent, says. “She is very famous.” 74

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Announcing The Grand Opening of

St. Simons Newest Senior Living Community

Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re Invited to attend our Grand Opening Celebration

MARCH 23RD 4:00 - 7:00 Please attend the Grand Opening of Thrive Assisted Living and Memory Care and help us celebrate this innovative and luxurious community. Park at St Simons Community Church and ride the trolley to the celebration. A Grand Opening exclusive special will be offered. The best time for reserving the perfect suite is now. Schedule your private tour today. 3615 Frederica Road St. Simons Island, GA 31522 Hello@ThriveAtFrederica.com ThriveAtFrederica.com

(912) 295-4699 GIM_0228 72-89.indd 75

(912) 295-4699

2/20/17 11:15 AM

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The road to Mr. Byrd’s stardom began simply enough. The feathery friend was gifted to the Wooten family almost 20 years ago. And once the children left home, Mr. Byrd needed some company. Wooten’s answer — bring her to the store. “Parrots need a lot of attention. They are very social animals. So we just started bringing her in,” she says. It was a move that has delighted their customers each day. Ever since Mr. Byrd arrived on the scene, visitors have stopped in on their annual pilgrimages to see their favorite avian. Many, Wooten adds, have been coming so long that they are now bring their children.

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“We have people who come year after year. They came when they were young and now they bring their own children in to see Mr. Byrd ... that’s pretty cool,” she says with a smile. Of course, Mr. Byrd is not the only famous pet to be found in a local business. There are dozens — of all shapes and sizes— that make appearances. Just across the island in Redfern Village, there are two pups who take it as their daily duty to greet customers. Wendy Robinson, owner of clothing and accessory shop McRobins, has been bringing her dogs — Tyler, a three-yearold golden retriever; and Lexi, a fouryear-old Jack Russell terrier — to the store since they were puppies. “Lexi was just six weeks old when she started coming, and I would put her blanket in here,” she says, pointing to a cozy cubby under the cashier’s desk. Now, they enjoy full run of the shop, which offers both men’s and women’s wear. Tyler enjoys scanning the window, looking to welcome any friends — particularly of the small variety — who might come to visit.

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“Tyler loves children. He just melts when kids come in. He rolls over and lets them rub his belly,” Robinson says with a smile. “Lexi likes to do things a little more on her own terms, but if the kids will just go sit down on the floor, she’ll be in their lap in no time.” The dogs are usually on hand to welcome the little ones, but if they aren’t, Robinson will make arrangements to get them to their posts as quickly as possible. “If kids come in and they aren’t here, I’ll call my husband and tell him to bring them

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Mr. Byrd at St. Simons Bait and Tackle

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Tyler and Lexi at McRobins

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in,” she says. “There are a lot of people who visit year after year, and they come in just to see the dogs.”

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Robinson is always delighted to see those familiar faces, and she knows that her furry friends feel the same. “I think they do remember them. They seem to recognize them ... a lot of them they have known since they were puppies,” she says. Robinson feels that the dogs bring a number of benefits to her store. Not only does she receive the daily companionship, her customers get to connect with the canines, something that many are missing. “A lot of our customers are on vacation, so they don’t have their pets here. They love to come in, pet the dogs, and tell us about their dogs at home,” Robinson says. “And of course, if people have their dogs here, I get them to bring them in the store.” While the island is stocked with pets, mainland businesses are equally fond of their furry friends. For proof, look no further than downtown Brunswick. The shops lining Newcastle Street are packed with pets. There’s Gus, who enjoys occupying the windows down at SoGlo Gallery and Brunswick Actors’ Theater. There’s Bobbin, the cat who stalks A Stitch in Time. Moving down the stretch of street, one comes to Cunningham Jewelers, where the brightest jewel isn’t found in the case. Topaz, a mixed breed rescue pup, can often be found sitting in the window of the shop, anxious to welcome visitors to the store. “She’s our official greeter and permanent employee of the month,” says Alexia Miller, whose mother, Durrett Moerman, owns Topaz. “There isn’t a day that goes by that someone doesn’t come in to see her. And if people don’t know we have a dog when they come in, they see her dog bed and ask ‘Oh, do you have a dog?’ People just love her.”

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It’s easy to see why. Topaz is a perfect ambassador for the store and has racked up a solid fan base. “We’ve had so many people who just come in to play with her. The movie people, when they were here, would stop every day to say hi to her. Our postman and FedEx guy bring her treats,” Miller says. “She’s very popular. I can count on one hand the people who have come in and asked us to put her up.” Another bonus for the shop — they find that a dog allows people a chance to relate. That is especially helpful considering all of the high end, shiny items found in the cases there. “When they see we have a dog, they don’t see us as a store with a bunch of expensive things like jewelry and china ... they are just like ‘Oh, they have a dog.’ It helps people relate and feel comfortable,” Miller says. Rounding out the downtown mix are Stella and Spike, a duo that welcome shoppers into The Market on Newcastle. The home and decor store, owned by Melissa Bagby, has long had an animal ambassador. But after those passed on, she had to find the perfect pets to take their prestigious places.

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“Our first cat was Blanche Dubois, and when she passed, we had to wait a while. But then we got Stella from the humane society. She is a beautiful calico,” Bagby says with pride.

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As for Spike, he sought out Bagby, not the other way around. A former stray, he turned up at her home one day, hungry and cold. After Spike befriended his predecessor, Murphy, Bagby decided to make him a full-fledged member of the family. “He is the best dog. He is so funny looking ... he has an underbite and a curled up tail, but he is so smart. He and Stella are best friends. Stella stays at the shop and Spike goes home with me, but every morning, Spike comes to the store and pushes open the door. There’s Stella waiting for him. And they roll around on the floor, playing,” she says with a laugh.

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She says customers find a connection with the animals in her store. “There’s a cat and dog; so both ‘cat’ and ‘dog people’ get their fix. A lot of people are traveling and miss their pets at home,” she says. “You don’t get any pressure from pets. They relax you and it just feels more like a home.”

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Unique animals prove pets can come in all shapes and sizes WORDS BY LAUREN MCDONALD | PHOTOS BY BOBBY HAVEN

er social circle is large, her oceanfront view is surely the envy of many, and her social media presence is on fire. Precious, a mini potbelly pig living on St. Simons Island, has a nice life. “She’s a beach diva,” says Precious’ owner, Donna MacPherson. MacPherson and her partner, Buddie Daniel, are among many in the Golden Isles known for owning a less-than-traditional pet. They make sure Precious has all the luxuries of a hog heaven — down to the sign on her pen door. They built a pen underneath their home on St. Simons, and Precious has access to the back porch and into the house via a ramp outside.

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“She puts herself to bed around 8:30 at night ... And they say

“She’s very cuddly,” MacPherson says. “She loves to sit on the couch and watch TV with us at night.”

‘pigs in a blanket’ — literally she wraps herself in her blankie.” -Donna MacPherson

After the death of their dog, the couple knew they wanted to bring another animal into their home but weren’t ready for another dog yet. After finding out more about pigs, they were hooked, and they bought Precious when she was a month old. At the time, she was small enough to fit into MacPherson’s cupped hands, and they thought Precious would grow to be about 45 pounds. Two years later, the sweet sow tips the scales at 150 pounds. With a beachfront backyard, though, Precious has plenty of room to accommodate her growth spurts. “She loves to graze on the beach,” MacPherson says. “We tether her, and she likes the ocean. She does have a pretty darn good view.” Precious is potty-trained and sleeps through the night inside her crate in the living room. “She puts herself to bed around 8:30 at night; she’s done,” MacPherson says. “And they say ‘pigs in a blanket’ — literally she wraps herself in her blankie.”

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But potbelly pigs aren’t immune to the attention they attract. “They need attention all the time,” Daniel says. And as a local celebrity, Precious gets plenty of that. She has an Instagram and Facebook page, “Precious the Pig Diva,” where followers can keep track of her antics, which include getting dressed up, making friends, and wrapping herself up for a nap on the couch. When they take her out for strolls along the beach, the trio frequently attract large groups of curious admirers. “She’s photographed all the time,” MacPherson adds. “Of course, being on the beach, people come up all the time. They’re like, ’Is that a pig? That’s the ugliest dog I’ve ever seen.’” “Walking her on the beach, it’s so difficult most times of the year ... like during peak season because you can walk about 15 feet and a big crowd comes up. You walk another 15 feet, and another big crowd comes up,” Daniel says. They field the same questions — “Why get a pig?” “How big will she get?” “How long will she live?” MacPherson and Daniel try to keep Precious on a healthy diet because pigs can live up to 25 years if they aren’t overfed. She eats three times a day and usually meals consist of vegetables and fruits. But Precious’ fans love to bring her food. And like most humans, she gets a little curvier around the holidays, too. “A lot of the local restaurants feed Precious. We come home with boxes full of lettuce and stuff from them,” MacPherson says. It just so happens that Precious has a thing for olives, a fortunate coincidence since MacPherson owns Golden Isles Olive Oil in Redfern Village. Every now and then, Precious also enjoys a cold drink, and she’ll seek one out in beer coolers left on the ground or in an unclosed liquor cabinet. “We’ve caught her stealing beer, and if we leave the liquor cabinet open, she’ll knock the bottle out and chew the lid off, then spin it around on the floor trying to get the liquor out,” Daniel says. For those looking to bring a mini potbelly pig into their home, MacPherson urges them to spend some time learning about the animals, accommodations they will need, health patterns, and food preferences. Don’t assume that raising a pig will be the same as having a dog or cat. “It’s taken the whole two years to get educated, and we’re still getting educated,” Daniel says. “And the biggest lie out there is the ‘mini pigs’ label. They’re mini compared to a farm hog, but they’re not mini.”

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love to bring her food...

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Hives & Honey Beekeeping blossoms into sweet hobby for South Georgians WORDS BY ALEX WESTBERRY PHOTOS BY CHRIS MONCUS

There’s a buzz along the coast — just ask local apiarist Eliot VanOtteren. Since opening Blackwater Bees three years ago, VanOtteren has seen beekeeping take off in the Golden Isles. What started as a side hobby quickly expanded for the professional photographer, who lives in Brunswick with his family.

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Busy as a Bee Beehives are actually pretty simple. Hives are composed of two main parts. The deep hive bodies are the two bottom trays, which essentially look like two boxes, one stacked on top of the other. In each body are 10 suspended frames of wax known as foundation. Here, the bees live and let live. The beekeeper doesn’t disturb these two bodies, since this is where bees store their own supply of pollen and honey along with the queen and the baby bees. On top of the two deep hive bodies, the beekeeper usually lays a frame called a queen excluder. The excluder is simply a sheet that prevents the queen from wandering into the top section — because the top section is where the beekeeper gets the honey. The top section mirrors the bottom. The top is composed of two shallow hive bodies that are stacked on top of the two deeper ones. These trays are a shallower version of those on the bottom, and this is where the bees will store their excess honey. Honey is typically harvested in the late summer.

pesticides, diseases, and parasites. Since bees, through pollination, are responsible for about one of every three meals we eat, the U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates that this recent loss equates to $30 billion of produce every year. With so much at stake, agricultural companies, small farms, and even local gardeners and hobbyists have taken up beekeeping. In South Georgia, beekeepers aren’t immune to colony struggles. Kingsland farmer Bob Merck operates Merck Farms, originally an old rice and turpentine plantation located on the St. Marys River. Merck, who has an agricultural engineering degree from the University of Georgia, primarily uses the property to grow fruits and vegetables. But beekeeping intrigued him, and at one time, he was maintaining as many as 30 successful hives. After he sold bees to a blueberry farm in Brantley County, the hives mysteriously began to decline, ultimately leaving only a few hives to survive. Merck attributes part of this loss to competitors like yellow jackets and feral bees. But he isn’t one to give up and plans to use this experience as a lesson. “I might have to buy more bees, but I’m going to try to catch some swarms, too. If I can find some feral bees in the woods on the property, I’ve heard of people having more success once you put them in a regular hive. I’m going to try a blend of both,” Merck says. “You can also plant cover crops like buckwheat, which are good for native pollinators. It just helps to try to maintain a healthy environment.” VanOtteren can also attest to the success of once-feral bees as a resource for adding colonies, in addition to purchasing bees. “If they’re surviving in the wild, then that means they are able to survive on their own,” he says. “I’ve only ever bought one hive — my first hive. Everything else has been swarms or splits (from former-feral colonies).”

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A large part of the success of this method can be attributed to feral bee removal, with which VanOtteren is happy to assist. During the spring, VanOtteren receives weekly calls to help people remove bees from their property. He also gets calls to do the opposite — helping with quick, start-up hives for the novice beekeeper. “It’s geared toward people who want to have some exposure to beekeeping but don’t want to dive headfirst into it. It turns into a mentorship, where I set them up with bees at their house, and they can either purchase the equipment from me or rent it. Then, we arrange when I will stop by and do an inspection, usually a couple times a month. I can also help harvest their honey. There are a lot of different ways that we can make an arrangement, based on their interest,” says VanOtteren.

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Bees are most active during the spring, requiring about an hour a week to maintain two hives.

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The general time commitment of beekeeping varies seasonally. Bees are most active during the spring, requiring about an hour a week to maintain two hives. Numerous local organizations are dedicated to the promotion and awareness of beekeeping. The Glynn County Farm Bureau has formed the Glynn County Beekeepers Association. Local beekeeper and Farm Bureau board member Susan Shipman says that the association receives requests for their programs throughout the year — from schools to scout troops and garden clubs. The beekeepers “explain not only the basics of keeping bees, but how to make soap, candles, and other products from beeswax. Our educational events often entail honey tasting, too, so people can appreciate the different flavors that characterize honey. [The flavor] is due to the different flowers the bees

Did You Know?

are visiting,” says Shipman. Other events include Pollinator Week in June, National Honeybee Day in August, and CoastFest in October. For those who want to help the bees but can’t commit to managing a hive, the easiest way is to promote their environment. Some counties use flags for residents to put in their yards to indicate nospray zones or bee-friendly areas. Glynn County offers a mosquito control exclusion list, allowing residents to request to not have pesticides sprayed within their area. In addition to limiting pesticides, try to avoid mowing your lawn during the winter because bees like to use grass as cover. Residents can also simply sprinkle wildflower seed on their property or plant native flowers in gardens to help sustain native bee populations.

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Paws and Pours: Yappy Hour returns

WORDS BY BETHANY LEGGETT

he Golden Isles is filled with pet friendly establishments. From outdoor patios with water bowls to jars of treats at check-out stands, many restaurants and shops give a bit of love to our four-legged pals. And this April 27, the Humane Society of South Coastal Georgia is once again partnering with Palm Coast to host the annual “Yappy Hour” evening. All shapes, sizes, and breeds are welcome for a fun evening as animal lovers and their pets mingle for a howling good time from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. A $10 donation will get you in at the door of the St. Simons coffee shop and bar, which will be serving up tasty appetizers along with a cash bar for those wanting to cool off with a Happy Hour beverage. The Golden Island Strummers will take the stage to perform during the evening as animal lovers gather on the back patio. And there’s even a special treat for the fourlegged friends in the audience. “The wonderful thing about the Palm Coast venue is that they have an outdoor, pet friendly area. People and their pets can mingle, have delicious appetizers, visit old friends, and meet new ones. The doggies also get to join in on the fun by mingling with friends while enjoying delicious doggy daiquiris. It’s a fun time for everyone!” says Humane Society staff member Staci Drawdy. All donations made at the door that evening will go to the Humane Society of South Coastal Georgia as they provide a temporary shelter for dogs and cats awaiting adoption. In 2016, the humane society had more than 700 adoptions take place.

GOLDEN I S LES

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Sunday Stroll at the The Roof top at at Rooftop Farm at Oatland North The WORDS BY BETHANY LEGGETT

n the north end of St. Simons Island sits a sanctuary where abused, neglected, and abandoned animals find comfort and care. Just off the turn on Cannon’s Point Road lies The Farm at Oatland North, and each Sunday, with weather permitting, the staff host an open house from 2 to 4 p.m. Visitors can meet the animals up close, and if Sundays don’t work well, the farm offers open houses by appointment as well. Through the past dozen years, the farm has become a safe haven for cows, goats, horses, and more. In the 1700s, the land was part of Oatland Plantation. After Doug Taylor bought the property in the 1940s, the farm passed down generations until his granddaughter Barbara Hasell Murrah started the animal sanctuary with her husband, Bascom. Their horse Lightning was the first animal at the farm, joined shortly after by two cows — Amanda and Panda — that the couple’s daughter, Natalie, brought with her. The farm animals have grown in number as the Murrah Family began accepting retired, abandoned, or abused animals to live out their days with dignity and care. Since Barbara Murrah’s death in 2013, the nonprofit animal sanctuary runs with the help of the Murrah Family alongside a dedicated number of volunteers and friends. Those able to lend a hand help with a variety of tasks in the day-to-day operations. From animal care, grooming, and maintenance to stall cleaning, database updating, and fundraising support, there is something for any animal lover to get involved with at the farm.

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If you are interested in attending a Sunday open house or would like to schedule a time during the week, call the farm at 912-3998159 or go online to thefarmssi.org.

PHOTO BY JOHN KRIVEC

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CUNNINGHAM JEWELERS Come see Topaz!

1510 Newcastle Street, Brunswick | 912.265.8652 MARCH / A P RI L 2017

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PHOTO BY BEN GALLAND

Turtle Walks with Georgia Sea Turtle Center on Jekyll WORDS BY COHEN CARPENTER

Take a paddle trip down the Altamaha River

WORDS BY BETHANY LEGGETT

ature lovers, grab your paddles for an up close and personal experience with the wild outdoors along the mighty Altamaha River.

As part of Georgia Conservancy’s Heartland Rivers of Georgia Paddle Series, the Altamaha River Paddle from March 24 to 26 will be a chance for outdoor enthusiasts, bird watchers, and photographers to witness life along the biodiverse waterway. The vast Altamaha, known as the “Little Amazon” of Georgia, starts in Lumber City where the Oconee and Ocmulgee rivers come together. The river drains 100,000 gallons of water per second from the second largest watershed into the Atlantic Ocean, and its vast expanse is home to the largest concentration of endangered species in the state. More than 100 species on the rare or endangered list call the free-flowing waters of the Altamaha home, which makes the paddle trip a unique chance to spot wildlife. The March trip begins Saturday along the main stream of the lower Altamaha for a 16-mile course to Darien, where kayakers will disembark at Skipper’s Landing. The next day, the tour will wind through the lakes across from Altamaha Regional Park campground. The river paddle, recommended for intermediate paddlers, coincides with the Georgia Conservancy’s 50th anniversary with a special tent revival planned for Saturday night. Starting at 6 p.m., the old-fashioned backcountry meeting on the riverbank at Altamaha Regional Park will be a chance for conservationists to share stories over plates of barbecue from Grassroots Farms. Award-winning fiction writer Taylor Brown will sign copies of his latest novel “River of Kings,” which is set along the mighty banks of the Altamaha River. After dinner, photographer Ben Galland and Grassroots Farms owner and pit master Brandon Chonko will join Brown as the trio give a presentation about the impact of the Altamaha River in their respective careers and the importance of conserving Georgia’s natural resources. In addition to the Altamaha trip, two additional paddle trips are planned for Heartland Rivers of Georgia Paddle Series — a Hazlehurst paddle on May 13 and Hawkinsville paddle on September 30. To register for the Altamaha River Paddle, go to www.georgiaconservancy. org/altamaha. Cost for the tent revival is included for trip attendees; $5 for non-paddling guests.

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PHOTO BY JEKYLL ISLAND AUTHORITY

ou don’t have to travel far to see the beauty of life up close. The beaches of Georgia’s barrier islands are used every year by loggerhead sea turtles looking for a safe place to lay their eggs. With help from the Georgia Sea Turtle Center, you could observe these endangered turtles finding their perfect spot during a “Turtle Walk” on Jekyll Island.

On the walk, join naturalists for an hour presentation on sea turtle biology before heading out to the beach in search of female turtles in the act of laying their eggs. Of course, there is no guarantee that you will find a mother in the act, but an average of 110 nests are found on Jekyll Island every year, and more than 150 nests were found in both 2015 and 2016. Turtle Walks will take place on most weeknights at two times, 8:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., in June and July; however you will likely be able to make reservations as early as April. Fees are usually around $20. A maximum of 25 people can take part in each walk, and reservations tend to fill up quickly. Children are required to be 4 years

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or older due to the physical demands and timing of the events. For a more thorough search experience, the turtle center also offers “Rides with Night Patrol,” where up to four people are driven along the beach in a utility task vehicle also in search of nesters. The rides cover more beach than the walks, of course, giving you a higher likelihood of finding an active nester. Night rides cost about $100 per person, and children are required to be at least 6 years old.

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Later in August, as the hatchlings begin to emerge, you can join naturalists for a “Nest Walk” as they track nest progress by counting the number of vacant eggshells. These walks take place in the mornings, and a more extensive search like that of the Ride with Night Patrol will also be offered. Oh yeah, and you might actually see one of the little guys or gals crawling away to its soon-to-be home in the great blue! Call to make reservations, and check out gstc.jekyllisland.com for details like what to bring (bug spray, water) and what not to bring (flashlights).

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• Chance to survive to adulthood range from 1 out of every 100 to 1 out of every 4,000 hatchlings • Females reproduce about every three years • Females typically lay four separate nests per reproductive year, about two weeks apart from one another. Not all are laid in the same area or even on the same island!

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• It is thought that nests with cooler underground temperatures produce more males, whereas those with warmer temperatures produce more females • Oldest known nesting female loggerhead is estimated to be 80 to 90 years old

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MARCH / A P RI L 2017

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Wild Roadtrip: An Elephant Sanctuary coming to South Georgia WORDS BY DEBRA PAMPLIN

bout three hours from the Golden Isles, a repurposed cattle ranch will be the new home of an 846-acre Asian elephant sanctuary. Carol Buckley, founder of Elephant Aid International, wanted to rescue elephants and rehome them to a more suitable, natural environment. She found a spot in Decatur County, Georgia, 30 miles northwest of Tallahassee. “Zoos are not in a situation, nor is a circus in a situation where they can provide for an elephant according to the elephant’s biological and psychological needs. It’s just not possible. It’s not the mission of a zoo or circus to do it that way; sanctuaries are,” Buckley says. Buckley spent 18 months searching for the perfect parcel of land for her vision. The ranch includes a mixture of wooded areas, open pastures, and lakes. “It was right on the Georgia-Florida line; perfect shape; perfect mixture of rolling pastures, of ponds, of small lakes, of hardwoods, creek bottoms; just the perfect combination,” land broker Walter Hatchett says. This new habitat will serve as a refuge for those elephants who lived a life of captivity or other past traumas. Elephants need room to roam 30 to 50 miles a day, and a few adaptations to

the previous cattle ranch included an elephant-proof barrier fence. Buckley says that the environment keeps the elephants interested and in tune with their surroundings. “Even though they’re in captivity, they’re wild. Even if they’re born in captivity, they’re still wild. They’re never domesticated; even in their homeland in Asia, they are not domesticated,” Buckley says. Since 1974, Buckley has been responsive to many aspects of elephants’ lives. She cares for them, lives and transports them, advocates for them, and has even been known to spend nights outside in their habitats with them. She works with federal, state, and foreign government agencies to create and enforce regulations that protect these gentle giants kept in captivity. America’s first elephant sanctuary, The Elephant Sanctuary, was founded by Buckley 20 years ago in Tennessee. Buckley plans to have seven to 10 elephants on the property within six months. Though the sanctuary won’t be open to the public, there will be cameras throughout the property with a live stream available online to educate kids and adults about the beauty and majesty of elephants.

One special elephant, Tarra, will hopefully be one of the animals to call this new ranch home. Tarra is a 42-year-old elephant that Buckley has had since she was a calf. In 1974, Buckley met a tiny baby elephant named Fluffy that was being used to market tires for a local car dealer. Buckley stepped up as a volunteer to feed and care for her. A year later, Buckley bought her, changed her name to Tarra, and founded Tarra Productions. By 1980, Buckley had taught Tarra to roller skate. It was Tarra that first led Buckley to find a different environment for captive elephants.

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6. Visiting hours with four-legged friends WORDS BY DEBRA PAMPLIN

ogs are known as ‘man’s best friend’ for the loyalty, peace, and nonjudgmental love they offer to those they encounter. And local community centers are incorporating dogs as a way for their members to embrace love and happiness throughout their days, too. In Brunswick, a chapter of Therapy Dogs International is making a difference in the lives of nursing home residents, says chapter director Ruth Baker. Since 1998, the program has been active in Glynn County, with a current roster of 43 active handler/ dog teams that visit the hospital, nursing homes, rehab facilities, shelters, and hospice care facilities. Recently, a group visited Morningstar, which serves children and youth with emotional and behavioral disorders and intellectual disabilities. A few furry friends kept five boys company for about an hour, forging a bond of unconditional love. Across town, a pup named Elliott walked the corridors of a hospice facility with his

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owner, visiting patients and bringing comfort with a wag of his tail.

INSPIRED BY NATURE

Canines in Camden are also finding their way through corridors to bring happiness with them. Down in Kingsland, a new dog therapy program has begun at a nursing home center. Lakes Crossing has developed a pet therapy program that runs once a month and is broken down into two sessions based on the size of the dog. Small dogs and their handlers can interact with patients at the nursing home from 2 to 3 p.m. on the first Saturday of every month, while larger dogs can visit from 2 to 3 p.m. on the third Saturday of each month. Brandy Serrato, director of community relations for the Kingsland facility, encourages future volunteers to stop by on scheduled days, even if they can’t stay for the full hour. Prior to each visit, she meets with the dogs — and owners— to explain what it takes to become a therapy dog team. A light screening of the dogs’ attitudes and disposition is done just to ensure the fit between dog and patients will work. The Camden program kicked off during the first week of January with a Paw Parade, where newly signed volunteers and their dogs participated in parade around the lanai and brought smiles to the residents.

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So for those who want to share their dog’s love with others, find out more information about Therapy Dogs International and bring a smile to residents near you.

A barking good time

MARKET ON NEWCASTLE

Melissa Bagby, Proprietaire • Mons. Murphy, Chien de Maison

1624 Newcastle Street, Brunswick • 912.554.7909

www.marketonnewcastle.com

MARKET ON ST. SIMONS

THE

• For Kingsland residents, contact Brandy Serrato, director of community relations at The Suites at Lake Crossing, at 912-882-9700.

THE

• For Brunswick residents, contact Ruth Barker, chapter director for Therapy Dogs International, at 912-634-8156.

In The Pier Village on St. Simons Island

320 Mallery Street, SSI • 912.638.3050

www.marketonnewcastle.com MARCH / A P RI L 2017

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Bark for Life becomes a celebration for many WORDS BY BETHANY LEGGETT

Off the Path: Birdwatching at Jekyll’s Amphitheater WORDS AND PHOTO BY COHEN CARPENTER

ake a half-day trip to this hidden gem on Jekyll Island for a great birding adventure. A wooded trail leading to the amphitheater and pond just beyond it allows for a dense wildlife viewing experience for any bird nerds. The now-vacant Jekyll Island amphitheater was once used for performing arts events, such as the summer-long Jekyll Island Musical Theatre Festival that was coordinated with Valdosta State University and the Jekyll Island Authority in the early ’90s. For present-day visitors, the venue sits unused as the gradual but steady overtaking by Mother Nature continues. Its bare concrete stage, withering rows of bleachers, and remnants of a ticket booth all tell of a seemingly abrupt abandonment, the energy surrounding the not-so-distant performances lingers in the air just above. As you gaze around the arena, it becomes clear that although human players no longer grace the stage, the area surrounding the amphitheater is now home to a different cast of performers. It is not uncommon to see herons, egrets, and roseate spoonbills perched in the vegetation surrounding the pond. Cooper’s hawks, ospreys, and other raptors can be seen swooping around. The variety and abundance found

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here could take hours to find elsewhere. Not to mention the many songbirds and woodpeckers you are likely to see on the short hiking trail leading to the amphitheater and pond. Don’t forget your binoculars, spotting scope, and camera. Also, download a birding app like eBird to see what species have been spotted recently. Local birder Matt White likes to visit the nearby pond around high tide to spot his favorites because “at low tide, many of the wading birds are feeding in the marshes,” he says. Along with birdwatching, you could see whitetail deer on the trail, and don’t be surprised if you see an alligator in or around the pond. Some of the nesting birds benefit from having alligators below to “protect their nests from mammals like raccoons,” explains Park Ranger Bre Ondich. It’s one of life’s dichotomies: While they provide protection from others, alligators simultaneously pose a threat to fallen eggs or nestlings, as “the alligators will be the first to grab them,” Ondich says. Jekyll Island Authority urges caution when exploring around the amphitheater, since it is not currently maintained. Revitalization of the amphitheater is a point of interest for the authority, however no current plans are active.

og owners across Glynn County will be tying their laces and reaching for leashes for the 2017 Bark For Life event that welcomes dogs and their owners for a fun-filled way to fund cancer research.

The American Cancer Society sponsored dog walk is a special combination of activism and positivity. Essentially a miniature Relay for Life with a focus on dogs and their owners, the furry fun kicks off with a walk at 10 a.m. and lasts until 1 p.m. at Mary Ross Waterfront Park on March 25. During the afternoon, keep your eyes peeled for the doggone good Jumpin’ Jax Flyball Club. The Jacksonville flyball club includes teams of four dogs and their handlers. The dogs will run through a series of obstacles with a ball in their jaws in a relay race to see which team will lead the pack as the winner.

The family friendly Bark for Life includes a silent auction, activities for kids, live music, and a dog costume contest that promises to leave tails wagging. This year’s theme — Super Heroes Wanted — promises to show the inner hero inside each canine, whether they are a chihuahua or wolf hound.

Lap dogs will find themselves taking laps for a good cause as the day gives a leg up for anyone participating in the main Relay for Life event in April. All funds for Bark of Life are transferred to the main event fundraising. Dogs can be registered in advance for $20. On-site registration is $25. If you are a student, the fee is $5. Go online to relayforlife.org/barkglynncountyga for more information. PROVIDED PHOTO

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RACE FOR A REASON MAY 12 - 14, 2017 Since 2003, Jekyll Island has hosted the Turtle Crawl, a set of races benefitting the Georgia Sea Turtle Center. This picturesque island is the setting for two triathlons, a 10K, and a 5K. Register today. jekyllisland.com/turtlecrawl

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PROVIDED PHOTO

Sand Dollar Shores Properties, Inc. 165 Follins Lane St. Simons Island, GA 31522 912-638-4603 RENAE KIRK • 912.258.1152 • renaekirk@bellsouth.net ARIEL LAWLESS • 912.230.4176 • arielawless@gmail.com ASSOCIATION/PROPERTY MANAGEMENT • SHORT/LONG TERM FURNISHED & UNFURNISHED RENTALS • REAL ESTATE SALES UNDER

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Boats and Biology for all ages at Tidelands

WORDS BY BETHANY LEGGETT

tart off your Spring Break with some fun in the sun on April 3, when Tidelands Nature Center hosts a Boat and Biology Day at the pond behind the educational center on Jekyll Island. Aqua bikes, paddle boats, kayaks, and canoes will be out on the water for people to enjoy. Families can head to the University of Georgia 4-H center at 100 S. Riverview Drive for a fun day of activities — with a dash of science included. “Boats are our big draw, so we will have a sampling out on our pond. But there will also be a biological, educational component to the day. And it will be a great day to come visit Tidelands,” says Corinne Zelie, program specialist at Tidelands.

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Besides hosting educational activities like the Boat and Biology day, the nature center is open weekdays with an impressive collection of critters on display. Saltwater exhibits include touch tanks with horseshoe crabs and hermit crabs; aquariums with shrimp and red drum; seashell displays; and a loggerhead sea turtle tank. The center also has snakes, birds, and even baby alligators to see. Admission to the exhibit area is $4 per person. The center is open weekdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on weekends. And if you prefer to see the animals in their natural habitat, call the center for a reservation for one of their nature walks on Jekyll that run from March to October. The cost for adults is $5 and $3 for kids ages 6 to 12. For more information, call 912-635-5032.

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Cats hit the beach for Spring Break

“Once the Miracle-Ear® hearing aids were placed in my ears, I knew they would be mine. I heard sounds I never knew existed.” - Kevin

WORDS BY BETHANY LEGGETT

risky felines will be on the prowl during the first weekend of April when the popular cat show, Southern SophisTICAts, returns to Jekyll Island. Whiskers and tails will be waving through the air during the show, which is hosted in conjunction with The International Cat Association. This April’s theme, “Spring Break at the Beach,” will give cats and their owners a chance to have a bit of fun on April 1 and 2. From 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day, the International Championship and Household Pet Cat Show will bring cat enthusiasts together in a friendly environment where felines take centerstage. More than 30 breeds of cats and kittens will be given the chance to show off their sassy personalities during the two-day event with all-breed and specialty categories. Vendors ™ will be on hand, selling cat toys and other accessories for the four-legged friends.

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Bonnie Miller BY HAND

THE CAT WHISPERER

WORDS BY LIZ GENTZLE | PHOTOS BY TAMARA GIBSON

ats and kittens at the Humane Society of South Coastal Georgia may not have a permanent home yet, but their stay at the animal shelter will be a comfortable one thanks to Bonnie Miller.

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When animals arrive at the no-kill facility, they are checked and treated for diseases, and spayed or neutered. And thanks to the dedicated staff and other volunteers like Miller, the animals also receive heartfelt attention as they wait to be adopted.

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“I love to see my little foster babies after their rehabilitation. I love to hear whenever an adopting patron says, ‘I’ll take that one!’” Miller says. Miller’s inventiveness is borne by her desire to bring comfort to the cats so that they will feel safe in their new environments. She sends handmade quilts, crocheted and sockmonkey beds, and toys to the animal shelter. Using all sorts of materials such as flannel shirts, fleece, and used blankets and towels, she creates cozy and soothing bedding environments for the animals. She receives fabric donations from the quilting group at St. James Lutheran Church in Brunswick. Unusual creations like igloos and other little houses are crafted expertly from foam and wire, and her bright red cage covers and mats are used at cat shows, too. Cats are admitted in various states and conditions to the shelter, sometimes with challenging physical circumstances. So Miller also creates devices to assist mobility. She uses PVC pipes and leash straps to fashion together walkers for crippled kittens. For instance, Tinker Toy was a kitten who couldn’t walk with his hind legs. So, Miller created specialized suspenders connected to a diaper. Eventually, he was adopted by a Missouri family. In addition to making toys for the animals, Miller has “I’ve always had a also made a quilt for a for both cats raffle that subsidized travel and sewing. I truly expenses to an out-ofstate adopting family. She cannot choose one over has given toys and beds as the other. raffle items for cat shows and golf tournaments, with gives me an outlet to proceeds going back to cover all of this.” the animal shelter.

passion

Volunteering

-Bonnie Miller

Pajama parties are favorite events that inspire her to create unique and delightful creations. For instance, the Humane Society of South Coastal Georgia “Cat’s Pajamas!” parties invite people to arrive in their PJs to play with a kitten or participate in games. Not every animal is suitable for adoption right away, and the more rambunctious types need Miller’s special touch. She takes them home with her to foster them. “I’m given the tough ones, the cats that might be five years old or so. They need special training,” Miller says. She often finds that naughtier cats act out of fear. She helps them feel safe, sings to them, and brings them tuna so they learn to trust her. In total, she has bottle-fed 142 kittens ranging in age from four hours old to four weeks. She teaches how to bottle-feed kittens at the humane society and offers lessons privately to anyone who wants to learn. “It’s a special gift I have — calming down the sassy cats,” Miller explains. “People come to me for answers about their cats and I love to offer my ideas. Some of the cats adopted from the humane society have been here for quite awhile. I know these cats, and I can give them some good insight about the kitty they’ve adopted.”

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Michaele Hannemann NOISEMAKERS

5 favorite vocalists: • Rufus Wainwright • Freddie Mercury • Gladys K night Chris Cornell Whitney Houston 112

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Words by Lindsey Adkison | Photo by Tamara Gibson

ost musicians had influences that lit the path for their journey. That is certainly true for Michaele Hannemann. And she didn’t have to look very hard to find them — they lived under the same roof.

“I really fell in love with music because my parents were so in love with music. My mom and dad were in a band before I was born. They played with a lot of local bands around Fox Lake, north of Chicago. My mom was a singer. My dad played bass,” she says. “My parents weren’t out playing anymore after I was born, but they still loved music. So they were always listening to their favorite kinds of music when I was young.” Her family also always had plenty of musical equipment around the house, and the piano caught her attention. “I wasn’t forced to play, but that’s what we had around. So I started that pretty young, figuring it out on my own,” she recollects as she sips her coffee. “I was never forced to take lessons. I did take lessons, but it was on my own terms.” Over the years, Hannemann added voice lessons to the mix. She also “made her bones,” so to speak, the old-fashioned way — in marching band. “I took every opportunity I could to be involved in music programs. There weren’t a ton because I went to a small school that was in a rural area outside of Chicago,” she says. “I did choir. I did band. I did the musical theater thing. Whatever opportunity ... I would take it just to perform, even if it wasn’t something I particularly wanted to do.” After finishing school, she embarked on a full-fledged musical career. She started playing keyboard and sang in dozens of hot spots in the Windy City’s vicinity, including the House Of Blues, Double Door, The Metro, and Cubby Bear Wrigleyville and Lincolnshire. In addition to playing, Hannemann also began teaching piano and voice lessons. And it was one of her students that led her to the Golden Isles. “One of the first students I had was a 5-year-old who was really a natural. Later, I started teaching piano lessons to his younger sister, and I got close to the family,” she says. “Their mother is a very nurturing and supportive person, and she told me they were going to move back to St. Simons, where they had a house ... I didn’t even know Georgia had a coast! She wanted me to move here to continue the lessons, which seemed crazy to me at the time.”

“I had a chance to come down here with the family and check out some venues. And I thought to myself, ‘I really do think I could make it work here,’” she says. “Plus, it’s a beautiful place. I love the weather. It’s great to not have to lug a keyboard through the snow.” Since making the move in 2012, Hannemann has become a staple in the local music scene. Today, she can often been found bringing her funky beats and soulful sounds to venues including Palm Coast Coffee and Village Inn & Pub as well as a regular piano gig at Georgia Sea Grill on St. Simons Island. She ventures off the island as well. Hannemann has tickled the ivories on Sea Island as well as Jekyll and the mainland. She invites musicians to join her for a rotating group she has titled Michaele and the Ambiguous. She also joins other artists when they are in need of a keyboard player or another vocalist. Some of the groups Hannemann has joined include Tonic Blue, the Michael Brown Band, Jamie Renee and the Walkers, and Mason Waters and the Groove Allstars. She’s also served as the keyboardist for eclectic band Harrington. There’s also an artistic motive for not connecting permanently to any one group. She relishes her independence and ability to create her own music and vibe. “I’m purposefully not committing to any one band. I’m not marrying a band until it’s the right one,” she says with a laugh. “Maybe I’ll do that one day. I think it would be really cool if I could do that and be successful at it. I can see where that would be really fun to have a set group. But it’s also really interesting to play with different people and give the audience a different sound every time.” Hannemann hopes to pen more songs and write original music in the future, but she isn’t seeking fame. She just wants to continue doing what she loves. “I don’t think I’d like being famous. A lot of times, the studios, producers and management tell you what to play and how to play ... how to look. That’s not for me. I just want to be myself,” she says with a smile.

“Mostly when I play, I’m just hired to play with a band for one night . . like a tra desman. It helps me to make a living at this because I spread my eggs out into different baskets.” —Michaele Hannemann

It only took a short trip to visit the area, and she was hooked.

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COASTAL SEEN

Charlotte Graham, left, and Anne Peck

Jessica Cannon, left, Erica Torras, and Catherine Slade

Carly Oxenreider, left, and Holly Ponsell

WINE WOMEN & SHOES Hundreds of ladies gathered at The Cloister on Sea Island for the annual Wine Women and Shoes fundraiser. The event, which raises money for Hospice of the Golden Isles, included a marketplace of vendors, a luncheon, fashion show, and live and silent auction items. Photos by Theresa Rowan for The Darkroom Photography.

Becky Derrick, left, and Stephanie Jacobs

David Webster, left, Sabina Webster, Molly Nobles, and Brett Nobles

Don Maxey

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Ally Urquhart, left, and Meg Barton

Tina Daniel, left, and Leslie Entwistle

David Benjamin, left, and David Rowell

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Josh Bain, left, and Dr. Zach Powell

The Rev. Tom Purdy, left, Bradley Jones, Matt Lemke, Josh Bain, Justin Callaway, and Richard Heckle

GOLDEN I S LES

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COASTAL SEEN

Bart and Meg Barton

SYMPHONY SOCIETY HOSTS CABARET The Symphony Society for the Coastal Symphony of Georgia dazzled attendees at Cabaret 2017. Guests enjoyed dinner and entertainment during this year’s “Let Freedom Ring — A Star Spangled Spectacular.” Photos provided by Clay Caldwell.

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Photo by Kelli Boyd

Dominique Paye, left, Alison Abernathy, and Sonya Jahn

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COASTAL SEEN

Whitney Long, left, Cheri Leavy, Kelly Harman, and Patricia Ploeger

ISLAND CONNECT MEETS AT NANCY

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Island residents gathered together on January 10 to listen to the advice of The Southern Coterie ladies Whitney Long and Cheri Leavy during the third gathering by the Island Connect Network. Hosted by Marie Artman, Donna Mastrianni, Dr. Sage Campione, and Chef Nicole Monier, the evening held at NANCY included light snacks and a cash bar while the crowd mingled before the founders of The Southern C gave insight into their brand, mission, and summit conference. The Island Connect meet ups, organized by Wellness on Main, encourages collaboration and expanding business connections within the Golden Isles.

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Elizabeth Sorrells, left, Joyce Christianson, Dr. Sage Campione, Robyn McManus, and Kris Duderstadt

GOLDEN I S LES

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17 Years of Great Taste

Sunday • April 2 • 2017 THE KING AND PRINCE BEACH & GOLF RESORT

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Enjoy the best from the Golden Isles top chefs as they compete for honors in six delicious categories.

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Greg Gordon, left, Missy Neu, Donna Davis, and Woody Woodside

GOLDEN I S LES

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COASTAL SEEN

Bob Brown, left, Laurie Bullard, Bill Brown, and Lorene Ledingham Reid

Carlos Jr., Isabel, and Carlos Santiago

Cathie and Richard Wilton

Doris and Tom Burton

GOLDEN ISLES LIVE! BRINGS TENORE TO ISLES Golden Isles Live! presented the vocal talents of Tenore on December 9 at The Cloister on Sea Island. The December concert is the third in a fiveperformance series for Golden Isles Live!, which is celebrating its 76th year in the Isles. Photos provided by Bob Reid.

Hal Hughes and Ali Trosten

Jim Lowery and Susan Johnson

Alice and Roy Bedingfield, left, Bunny Gilles, and J.J. and Tweeter Johnson

Lynn Krauss, left, Susie Benefield, Catherine Benefield, and Richard Krauss

Gail and Greg McCarty

Marjorie Methieu, left, and Janet Douglas

Clint Hutchins, left, Michele Hutchins, Jack Coram, Susan Madden, and Jodi and Bill Hartley

ISLAND NEWCOMERS JANUARY MEETUP The January gathering introduced Island Newcomers to various groups seeking volunteers for a variety of organizations. Twelve organizations sought volunteers from the club, which had more than 200 in attendance at the event at St. Williams Catholic Church. Photos provided by Nancy Renfroe.

June Sherwood and Kent Goering

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Rich and Karen Fleming, left, and Linda Johnson

Tommy and Christine Walden

GOLDEN I S LES

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COASTAL SEEN

Beth and Matt Lemke

Carla Melvin, left, and David and Merrill Edens

Dan and Jan Auffenberg

LAND TRUST HOSTS OYSTER ROAST On January 14, hundreds of attendees gathered beneath the oak trees at Gascoigne Bluff for the 17th annual St. Simons Land Trust Oyster Roast. The evening included tables lined with steaming piles of oysters, pots filled with Low Country Boil, and other tasty delights. Suzy and the Bird Dogs performed for the crowd, who sat under the light-strewn tree canopy. Dr. Farid and Katia Hamidzadeh, left, and the Rev. Bob and Mary Ann Brearley

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Volunteers with the St. Simons Land Trust

GOLDEN I S LES

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You can be an owner! FranNow chisi ng Chuck Deifenderfer, left, Dion Davis, and Bruce Piatek

FRIENDS OF JEKYLL HOST DINNER On January 24, the Friends Of Historic Jekyll Island hosted their annual Dinner at the Club in the grand dining room at the Jekyll Island Club Hotel. More than 100 people were in attendance for the fundraiser that augments FOHJI’s $100,000 commitment for the MOSAIC museum to be completed in 2018. It will be part of the long list of projects FOHJI has funded for more than 31 years, totaling more than $1.6 million. Photos provided by Jody Duffy.

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