GIM_JanFeb26 by Golden Isles Magazine

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TABLE OF

CONTENTS 50 PAW PRINTS: Grateful Cats/ Canine Allies and Supporters is a relatively new nonprofit that seeks to support Glynn County Animal Services and the furry friends housed at the facility.

59 SMALL HANDS + BIG HEART: Celia Young has always wanted to help others, so she started a charity when she was just 8 years old and continues her work today under the umbrella of the Communities of Coastal Georgia Foundation.

67 THE GIFT OF LIFE: Blood donors share one of the most precious gifts. During January, National Blood Donor Month, we celebrate those who’ve committed to giving back in this critical way.

74 BRIGHTER DAYS WITH A BETTER GLYNN: A local nonprofit formed in the aftermath of Ahmaud Arbery’s murder seeks to forge a community with greater equity.

83 MEANINGFUL MEALS: Manna House has been a community kitchen serving the Altama corridor for more than 30 years and offers both hot food and a way for locals to give back.

G O L D E N I S LES

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G O L D E N I S LES

Publisher Editor Proofer

Buff Leavy Lindsey Adkison Heather Murray

Advertising Director

Jenn Good

Account Executive

Kasey Rowell

Contributing Writers

Taylor Cooper Michael Farris Jr. Sam Ghioto Michael Hall Ronda Rich Kalena Turner

Contributing Photographers

Allie Barbone Amy Dey Derrick Davis Sam Ghioto Michael Hall Michelle Holton John Krivec Gavin Sellers Aric Sparmann Volo Project

Contributing Designers

Stacey Nichols Donte Nunnally Terry Wilson

Golden Isles Magazine is published six times per year by Brunswick News Publishing Company To subscribe online to Golden Isles Magazine, go to goldenislesmagazine.com/subscribe

About the Cover: Our cover features 13-year-old philanthropist Celia Young, who founded a local charity titled HPIN, Helping People in Need. She was photographed in a blanket of bubbles in her family’s yard on St. Simons Island. Michelle Holton snapped the photo.

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Submissions Golden Isles Magazine is in need of talented contributors. Unsolicited queries and submissions of art and stories are welcome.

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Please include an email address and telephone number. Submit by email to the editor, Lindsey Adkison: ladkison@goldenislesmagazine.com or by mail to 3011 Altama Ave, Brunswick. Only work accompanied by a self-addressed stamped envelope will be returned.

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Information regarding advertising and rates is available by contacting Jenn Good at 912-265-8320, ext. 356 or by email at jgood@thebrunswicknews.com or Kasey Rowell at 912-265-8320 ext. 334 or by email at krowell@thebrunswicknews.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.

E D I TO R’ S NOT E

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’ve seen many hands change, my grandparents’ and now my parents.’ They’ve evolved from strong and calloused to easily nicked and fragile.

One day we will all have paper skin and paper hands. But, for many of us, today is not that day. For those of us who are solid, now is the time to give of ourselves, to offer our hands in the service of others. I truly believe that everyone should have a purpose and a focus. A single cause that they dedicate themselves to fully. It doesn’t have to follow a particular route or look a certain way. You can do what you can, when you can, and how you can.

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I will say something I’ve noticed throughout my time as a donor is that there are rarely folks under 50 who show up to drives. Most of those seated in the chairs are seniors. And while it’s beautiful, they shouldn’t be the ones rolling up their sleeves. We should … the “younger” generation. There will come a time when there is no one but us and if we don’t establish a sense of responsibility when it comes to donating blood, we will be in serious trouble. We can’t manufacture blood, at least not yet. When supplies are gone, they’re gone. And we shouldn’t be relying on those with paper skin to be our helping hands. It’s time for ours to take up the mantle.

It’s in this spirit of giving that we open the first issue of 2026. As you can see, I’m pretty passionate about blood donations, so that’s one story I made sure to include. I spoke to longtime donors about why they decided to give back in this way. We also spoke with Shemeka Frazier Sorrells, co-founder of A Better Glynn, along with members of the board about how they established the equity-driven nonprofit, which works to educate and motivate the community toward justice and unity. Compassion and unity go hand in hand. And nowhere is that more evident than Manna House in Brunswick. For decades, the local soup kitchen has served those in need. Michael Hall stops by the nonprofit to talk with volunteers about their meaningful mission. Speaking of meaningful, Stephanie Schafer’s work to develop a thriving support system for Glynn County Animal Services has blossomed. The volunteers raise funds and awareness for the shelter with the sole objective of finding animals a loving home. And last but not least, we meet with Celia Young, a 13-year-old student, who founded her own charity at just 8-years-old. It’s called Helping People in Need or HPIN. I hope these stories inspire you to go out and do good in the world. We need it now more than ever.

Wishing you a new year of love, light, and goodness — Lindsey

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Cover Sara Jane E. Spradin: Beautiful work! Emily Burton Deisgns: So pretty!!!

Word On The Street Your reactions sent to us by emails, posts, & tweets

TIME TO GET SOCIAL

Rachel Lee: Well done, Ruby Lu’s! facebook.com/goldenislesmag

@stanrobinson: Leader. Encourager. Selfless. Humble. The epitome of a servant leader.

Marian Morton: He’s one of the very good guys. Gigi Capes: He is a great success story! So glad you fetured him. And we are so blessed and lucky he picked our little island. Kate Dobiecki Buchanan: An amazing chef and human being … well deserved success. Marica Cousins Shurley: He’s amazing!! David Burch: He’s a giver in every way! We need more Dave Snyders in the world.

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

Stories and Study Larry Lane: Thank you, Al. You’re the example we need in this world. Keep going for Christ.

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Roseland Worrell: Awesome! @saltwaterboysco: What a dream in there I will never forget when I worked at hospice years ago, they used to send flower arrangements for patients’ rooms and that was just one of the sweetest things ever. 16

G O L D E N I S LES

Dynamic + Driven @megbarton: The real deal. Every meal and every experience is perfection. Well done, Dave.

Gage Coley: Al is a great man and is a true light! @islanddayspa:

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

Treasured Tradition WORDS BY TAYLOR COOPER PHOTOS BY VOLO PROJECT AND PROVIDED

The St. Simons Land Trust’s Oyster Roast

G O L D E N I S LES

very year, when the cool coastal air drifts in and the live oaks glow under strings of light, St. Simons Island comes alive for one of its most beloved traditions — the annual Oyster Roast for the Georgia Coast. What began as a small gathering more than two decades ago has grown into a full-fledged community celebration, drawing more than 1,500 people to Gascoigne Bluff Park eager for oysters, music, and a shared love of conservation and preservation.

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Charlie Williams, one of the owners of Crabdaddy’s Seafood Grill, has been there since the early days. “It used to take me and one other guy, but then I got older,” he says with a grin. Williams now brings his son-in-law and a few guys from Crabdaddy’s to handle the heavy lifting. They steam 300 pounds of oysters at a time, using an electric hoist to lift and shovel the shellfish into a cooker that’s been in his possession for more than 20 years. “The whole thing started 20-something years ago when I went to the first Oyster Roast, and they were doing it the old-fashioned way, and it wasn’t fast enough,” Williams says.

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The original event, held at Village Creek Landing, was intimate enough to fit comfortably into the mid-island waterfront venue. Now, the scale of the roast requires a much larger space. “When they open the gates, we’re flooded with people,” Williams says. “Suddenly, it doesn’t matter what you have, I don’t think you could keep up.” Each batch takes about 10 to 15 minutes to steam. Williams and his crew serve alongside Steven Schoettle, president of Sea Island Forge, who still cooks oysters the old-fashioned way.

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“He’s got these kettle-type fire pits that burn wood. You get the metal plate hot and then put a wet rag over the top of them,” Williams explains. He and his team distribute the oysters with about 15 volunteers, along with gallons of Crabdaddy’s cocktail sauce. The work is hard, but Williams says he does it for the right reason. “I agree with them,” he says. “I do the oysters for nothing. I buy part of them and they help with the rest.” That “them” includes Denise and Don Gentile, who

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G O L D E N I S LES

first got Crabdaddy’s involved through Bennie’s Red Barn. “You don’t totally agree on everything with everybody, but overall it’s the best way to preserve some empty land on St. Simons,” Williams says. That goal — preserving the natural beauty of the island — is at the heart of the event. Raleigh Kitchen, communications director of the St. Simons Land Trust, calls the roast “truly a community event.” “There are people who come to this party who haven’t seen each other since the last event,” she says. “There are people who come to this event who are there for the music or there for the food, but they’re all celebrating what the land trust has done in the last 25 years.”

Point Preserve,” Kitchen says. “It’s 644 acres of completely intact maritime forest, and the only development is on the south end — the parking lot, ecology lab, and dock.” Funds raised at the Oyster Roast go directly into preserving more land and expanding educational programs. The event has come a long way since its first year, when just 70 people showed up and organizers had to run to the grocery store for extra hot dogs. “We keep better track of the food now,” jokes Marty Moody, the land trust’s volunteer coordinator. Over the years, the roast has been held at several venues, including Fort Frederica, where crews had to work around the park’s hours.

Founded in 2000, the St. Simons Land Trust has protected 1,400 acres across 39 properties.

Attendance has soared from 400 to more than 1,500 guests.

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“I could kind of do it by myself,” Moody

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says of “the old days.” “Now, it’s a team effort.” Her favorite part comes down to pride. “I think it’s pride — not in what I’ve done, but what the whole team has done. It’s hard to believe an event has lasted for 25 years, and everyone has been at some time in their life,” she says. The team’s efforts clearly pay off. Post-event surveys show guests’ favorite parts are the food and music — more than 20 participating restaurants and several musical acts keep the crowd happy. This year’s lineup includes some names well-known to Golden Isles denizens: Owen Plant, Michael Hulett, and Natalie Dixon. Kitchen said there’s one more yet-to-be-announced performer as well that will be sure to please the crowd. “The fact that these two men, Charlie and Steven, and their teams can turn out the amount of oysters they do — it’s a well-oiled machine,” Kitchen says. Moody describes Williams’ cooker with a laugh. “To me, it looks like a giant bingo-ball case. It turns around, then they open the cage and swing the case, and the oysters come pouring out on the table,” she says. Nearby, the event’s new Conservation Corridor attraction gives guests a chance to learn about the land trust’s work alongside partners like the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). “The concept behind it is there’s going to be this little alcove that has three, four, five, maybe six of our preservation and conservation partners, and they’ll talk about all the different parts that go into what we all do,” Kitchen says. The oysters themselves contribute to conservation, too. Every shell from the roast is donated to the DNR’s shell recycling program, which restores oyster reefs along the coast. “It’s a really incredible program, so they’re always grateful for the thousands of oyster shells,” Kitchen says. As the sun sets over the marsh, Seaside Electric’s strings of lights glow through the live oaks, and the crowd buzzes with anticipation. “I think, too, the location is incredible,” Kitchen says. “The fact we can host in a park with these incredible live oaks, right there on the marsh. Seaside Electric strings thousands and thousands of bulbs.” “The atmosphere is so twinkly, sparkly, happy,” Marty adds. “You can see the stars and the water, and it’s just so beautiful.”

G O L D E N I S LES

Each year, guests wait eagerly behind the ropes until organizers give the all-clear. “They literally run,” Kitchen says. “Probably half of the group goes straight to the oyster table, and the rest go between the food booths, the bars, the tables.” “I always try to station myself at the entrance there to get video of the hordes of people coming in,” Marty says. “They politely, but quickly, enter,” Kitchen laughs. “Mostly politely.” For those who’ve attended for years, it’s a beloved ritual — one that keeps growing, but never loses its warmth. “There are people who have been coming to this event since the year 2000,” Kitchen says. “Once you come the first time, you don’t want to miss it.” The St. Simons Land Trust’s 26th Annual Oyster Roast is scheduled for 4:30-7:30 p.m. on February 21 in Gascoigne Bluff Park. Tickets are $110 for members and $140 for non-members. Tickets go on sale Feb. 3, or a day early for those already donating to the land trust over the $100 level. For more information, visit sslt.org/events/oyster-roast.

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JustLove: WORDS BY MICHAEL FARRIS JR. PHOTOS BY AMY DEY

Q 24

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A Reconciler’s Journey

“He who has ears to hear, let him hear.” – Matthew 11:25

t’s Monday night, and a small group of people are gathered in the lobby space of Community Church’s Brunswick campus. Sitting at circular tables are representatives from all backgrounds who have gathered with the vision of one common goal: Learning an actionable understanding of God’s reconciliation motivated by His justice and love — hence the name of the program, JustLove. Over a six-week period, attendees hear from a variety of speakers — from pastors, to historians, to members of the community — addressing the topic of racial reconciliation through the lens of the Gospel. In an area in which injustices are still felt, JustLove CEO and founder Madhur Dey feels a burden to educate members of local congregations of what it truly means to love your neighbor through this program. A program that almost didn’t exist.

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In addition to spearheading JustLove, Dey serves as associate pastor at Union City Church, a church body that exists to intentionally create a multiracial congregation that worships together. As part of this vision, lead pastor Drew Thompson and Dey applied for a grant from the Lilly Endowment, thinking that it was a long shot. Sure enough, the attempt to receive the Thriving Congregation grant for a brand-new church ended up falling short, but, coincidentally, Lilly had a different funding cycle that ended up being the root of JustLove’s foundation. “They really believe in communities like Glynn County, and the work we’re doing here is where they see the biggest impact being made for communities around the nation, especially when it comes to the work of real, gospel-centered racial reconciliation and racial justice,” recalls Dey. “There are miracles happening through JustLove that I don’t think anybody could plan, including myself.” Since receiving the grant in July 2024, JustLove has held six sessions with over 200 members of the community — from all sorts of racial and political backgrounds — coming to sit at the table, which Dey said is one of the miracles he’s witnessed throughout this time. Having served several years in the ministry, Dey has seen the disconnect between communities begging for reconciliation guidance and religious leaders shying away from taking a strong position when it was most needed. “A lot of grief found me in a place where I wasn’t questioning God and His truth — I still have deep faith in it,” he says. “I just want to see it in the body of Christ, because I believe this is not a political issue.” Through the reconciler’s journey, Dey is seeing the winds shift. As part of the reconciler’s journey, attendees hear from Brunswick High School history teacher and football coach Jason Vaughn, who has done extensive research regarding myths and unexplored corners of racial tension in both our nation and locale — especially as it pertains to the church’s involvement in complicating and mending the issue. Through two sessions, Vaughn covers history from Native Americans through the Civil War, followed by post-Civil War history through the present day.

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“There are miracles happening through JustLove that I don’t think anybody could plan, including myself.” — Madhur Dey

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“I’ve been up to give a speech before, and reading the room, I toned it way down,” Vaughn notes. “But with the JustLove reconciler’s journey, those are people I can talk to. Those are people that are tuned in. They understand. They get it.”

TION A V O N D RE

NO QUIRE

S= G S E C C ASY A VIN

E SY LI EA

Community Church Lead Pastor Mark Fritchman recalled learning many surprising truths while going through the reconciler’s journey, especially when it came to local history. “I grew up hearing people say in the Southern church I went to that God is color blind,” Fritchman said. “I’m learning that is not biblical or true at all. I think we have a long way to go to really step into learning about the story, the reality, the woundedness of all the people groups that make up America and the American church. We’re not going to accidentally drift into that. We need to take intentional steps.” While much of the focus of JustLove is on reconciliation through church bodies, Dey still makes room for audiences who choose not to engage in religion. “There’s so many people who have come into our space that don’t go to church or have been really genuinely hurt by the church,” he says. “But they know and see something good in the person of Jesus and His care for the community, so we share, like, ‘Hey, if you’re someone who doesn’t believe in Jesus or His word, we would hope that you don’t just hear what we’re saying, but you also see why we’re doing this work.’”

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Golden Isles Magazine Q NABS TOP STATE AWARD, FOLIO PRIZES

or the second consecutive year, Golden Isles Magazine was awarded the Georgia Press Association’s top prize, Best Magazine Product, in the summer of 2025. The publication received the same honor in 2024, after previously securing the state’s top spot in 2018. According to Editor Lindsey Adkison, the repeat win was a thrilling affirmation of the hard work put into the magazine by all of the staff and freelance team members. “I am so incredibly thankful for all of our writers, photographers, designers, advertisers, sources, and of course, our readers. We could not do it without you guys,” she says. “We consider it such a privilege and honor to share these moving and powerful stories from across the Golden Isles.” For its 2024 content, GIM walked away with four first-place state wins. In addition to claiming Best Magazine Product, it was also awarded the following:

• Best Magazine Story, “A Star is Born: A chat with Brantley Kate Jones” by Lindsey Adkison

R 2 024 +

G O L D E N I S LES

• Best Magazine Commentary, “Noisemakers: Silent and Listen” by Lindsey Adkison • Best Magazine Human Interest Story, “Summertime Shakin,’” by Derrick Davis

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Other awards included second and third place for Best Business Feature. GIM also placed second for Best Cover Design by Sam Ghioto and Terry Wilson In the fall, Golden Isles Magazine also won three national awards at the FOLIO Eddie and Ozzie Awards in New York City. The ceremony honors the best of the best in magazine publishing. GIM took home an Ozzie design award, Best Cover, for the July/ August 2025 Seeking Splendor issue, which featured an image of the tall ship Lynx at sunset. The cover was photographed by contributor Sam Ghioto and designed by Brunswick News Publishing Co.’s art director Terry Wilson. The magazine was awarded two Eddie awards for editorial excellence. Writer Megan Beard won Best Magazine Story in the City and Regional category for her piece, “In Sickness and Health” from the January/February 2025 Hope + Heroes issue. Golden Isles Magazine won Best Magazine Section for the Hope + Heroes features. The collection honored several cancer survivors and included stories written by GIM Editor Lindsey Adkison, Beard, and contributor Cynthia Robinson. For Adkison, this trio of awards was particularly meaningful. It was the most national awards ever bestowed during a single year, an important milestone. “I’m so grateful for this recognition from FOLIO. There are really incredible contenders in these categories every year, and I’m so proud of our team for being among them. It means the world to me,” she says.

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Around Q the Town january

January 31 Golden Isles Arts and Humanities will host the husband and wife duo, Atwater-Donelly, at 7:30 p.m. at the Ritz Theatre in downtown Brunswick. They will perform traditional folk music, old time gospel, dance tunes, and original works. Advance tickets are $15 for member adults and $10 for senior members 65 and over. The cost is $20 for nonmember adults and $20 for senior advance tickets. Day of admission increases the price by $5 for all tiers. Students are always admitted for $5 with ID. For details, visit goldenislesarts.org. The Brunswick Stewbilee will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Mary Ross Waterfront Park in downtown Brunswick. A pooch parade will be held at 10:15 a.m. Teams will serve their recipes and attendees can vote on their favorite. There will also be entertainment and vendors. For details, visit brunswickstewbilee.com.

Throughout January Jekyll Island will host its Island Treasures event, an open hunt for handcrafted glass floats. They will be hidden all over the island for visitors and locals to find. For details, visit jekyllisland.com. January 5 The American Red Cross will host a blood drive from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Queen and Grant, 1315 Queen St., Brunswick. The event marks National Blood Donor Month. To schedule an appointment or for more information, visit redcrossblood.org. January 18 A Taste of Glynn, a fundraiser for Glynn Community Crisis Center and Amity House, will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. at the King and Prince Beach & Golf Resort on St. Simons Island. Restaurants from across the county will be on hand to provide samples. Awards will be given for dishes judged to be best in various categories. For details, visit amityhouse.org. January 25 Golden Isles Arts and Humanities will host the Peach State Opera, who will stage “Hansel and Gretel” at 3 p.m. at the Ritz Theatre in downtown Brunswick. Advance tickets are $15 for member adults and $10 for senior members 65 and over. The cost is $20 for nonmember adults and $20 for senior advance tickets. Day-of admission increases the price by $5 for all tiers. Students are always admitted for $5 with ID. For details, visit goldenislesarts.org. January 26 The Coastal Symphony of Georgia will perform a concert titled Seasons at 7:30 p.m. at Wesley Church at Frederica on St. Simons Island. Antonio Vivaldi’s “Four Seasons” will be presented with soloist Aurica Duca along with Louise Farrenc’s Syphony No. 3. Tickets are $50 per person. For details, visit coastalsymphonyofgeorgia.org. 32

G O L D E N I S LES

February Through February Golden Isles Arts and Humanities will host its annual Big Read literary event with a number of events planned throughout the month. This year’s book is Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll. For a complete listing of events, visit goldenislesarts.org. February 5 Golden Isles Arts and Humanities will host an exhibition, Through the Looking Glass: Art Inspired by the Big Read, in the Millie Wilcox Gallery in the Ritz Theatre through Feb. 27. An opening reception will be held at 5:30 p.m. February 6. For details, visit goldenislesarts.org. The Golden Isles Fiber Arts Guild will host an opening reception from 5 to 7 p.m. at SoGlo Gallery, 1413 Newcastle St., Brunswick. There will be a fashion show at 6:30 p.m. and a raffle, benefitting women’s charities. Tickets are $5 for single entries; $10 for three tickets; and $20 for 10. They’re available at SoGlo Gallery in Brunswick and Sea Stitches Quilt Shop on St. Simons Island. Gallery hours are from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday to Friday. The drawing will be held on February 28. It’s open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. It will be available for viewing through February 28.

February 12 Golden Isles Arts and Humanities will host Cinema Gourmet at 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at the Ritz Theatre in downtown Brunswick. The film will be “Stand By Me” from 1986. A meal will be served and a talk will be offered. For tickets, visit goldenislesarts.org. February 13 and 14 The Southeast Georgia Health System Foundation will host its annual Bridge Run, which will include several events. There will be a Pasta Party and Expo from 5 to 8 p.m. February 13 at the base of the Sidney Lanier Bridge in Brunswick. The race day begins at 6 a.m. February 14 with registration. The first race, the 10K Double Pump, begins at 7 a.m.; at 8:30 a.m. there will be the First Responders Challenge; at 9:30 a.m. the 5K runners will begin; at 10:30 a.m. the walkers will start. To register, visit the-bridge-run.org. February 13 to 15 The St. Simons Storytelling Festival will be held February 14 to 16 at Epworth By the Sea. A number of professional storytellers from throughout the country will be on hand. For details, visit stsimonsislandstorytellingfestival.com. February 21 Golden Isles Arts and Humanities will host Miley Wiley in “Dar He: The Story of Emmett Till” at 7:30 p.m. at the Ritz Theatre in downtown Brunswick. This play, written by and starring Wiley, chronicles the murder, trial, and confessions of the men accused of Emmett Till’s murder. Advance tickets are $15 for member adults and $10 for senior members 65 and over. The cost is $20 for nonmember adults and $20 for senior advance tickets. Day of admission increases the price by $5 for all tiers. Students are always admitted for $5 with ID. For details, visit goldenislesarts.org. The American Cancer Society’s Breast Cancer Fashion Show and Luncheon will be held from noon to 2 p.m. at Sea Palms on St. Simons Island. Doors open at 11:15 a.m. Live and silent auctions will be held. The pink boxes will also return. Tickets are $50. They can be purchased from Jan. 13 to Feb. 3. They are available at Daisy Mae’s Hallmark Store in Brunswick and St. Simons Drugs on St. Simons Island. They are also available at BCFS. givesmart. com. St. Simons Land Trust will hosts its annual Oyster Roast from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Gascoigne Bluff on St. Simons Island. Various restaurants will offer samplings of food and beverages. Tickets are $75 for members and $95 for nonmembers. For details, visit sslt.org. February 22 Golden Isles Arts and Humanities will host Mike Wiley performing, “Jackie Robinson: A Game Apart,” at 3 p.m. at the Ritz Theatre in downtown Brunswick. For tickets, visit goldenislesarts.org. February 27 Golden Isles Live! will host Saxsational at 7:30 p.m. at Glynn Academy’s Auditorium in downtown Brunswick. Adult tickets are $35. Tickets are $10 for students. For details or to purchase tickets, visit goldenisleslive.org.

email: hello@raelaneinteriors@gmail.com 912.580.9134 | raelaneinteriors.com JANUARY/F EB RUA RY 2026

Facts

J U ST T H E

WORDS BY LINDSEY ADKISON

The Humane Society of South Coastal Georgia

T 1967 The Humane Society of South Coastal Georgia began locally.

he Humane Society of South Coastal Georgia (HSSCG) has made a lasting impact on the lives of animals in the community.

The no-kill shelter matches adopters with dogs and cats that are seeking their forever homes. The facility is located at 4627 US 17, Brunswick, and if you’re looking to add a furry family member, go check them out. You can take a peek at potential pets at hsscg.org. In the meantime, read on to learn some fun facts about this beloved nonprofit:

1954 40,000

Nationally, the Humane Society of the United States was founded in 1954.

HSSCG also make it a point to spay/neuter their animals. They’ve done 40,000, which has helped reduce the local homeless pet population.

225 25,000 That’s the total number of adoptions since it opened its doors.

G O L D E N I S LES

As a nonprofit, the society has a small staff, but thankfully they have an army of 225 volunteers.

2011

The current facility was built in 2011.

100

The shelter typically takes in 100 felines (including kittens in foster care).

The HSSCG typically takes in 70 dogs on average.

1,200 The facility sees about 1,200 adoptions per year. Their dedicated team of staff and volunteers make it their mission to get animals homes.

They have 12 staff members.

JANUARY/F EB RUA RY 2026

DUE SOUTH Mary had exquisite taste in decorating. Her home was a sight to behold. In the foyer was a grand, sweeping staircase with steps that had a rise that were half the size of normal steps. Boldly — because Mary was unflinching bold — she covered the steps in cheetah carpet. Later, I imitated her boldness — when Tink was out of town on a movie shoot — and covered our master suite in the same carpet as well as our staircase. Tink loved it. “This is the greatest carpet in the world,” he said. At the top of her grand staircase, was an artist’s rendering of Mary when she was

The gems that sparkle

WORDS BY RONDA RICH | PROVIDED PHOTO

one of the biggest stars in the world. It is three feet by five and is glorious in its cheerfulness and color. Whenever we topped those stairs to go to our bedroom, down the hall from Mary’s large suite, Tink would often stop, look at the portrait and say wistfully, “Oh, how I’d love to have

It’s a 16-hour drive from Georgia to their

that portrait one day.”

then-residence in Greenwich, Connecticut, but, time after time, we made that

Though I’m mostly an optimist, I would

drive.

shake my head and chuckle about the painting she had created for Grant

Daddy, always full of mountain wisdom,

Tinker’s office where it hung during their

said often, “You can only help people

years of marriage. I understood. It was

when they need help. All the other times,

sentimental to Tink, a link to his father.

you’re just pretendin’ for the sake of your own conscience.”

Optimistic me would always retort, “You will never get that portrait.”

When Tink’s beloved stepmother grew

Mary Tyler Moore, the winner of seven

sicker from the juvenile diabetes that

Emmy awards for acting, needed help as

Then, one day, the call came. Robert

had plagued her since she was 28 years

much as anyone I’ve ever seen. Dad-

had sold the house and was auctioning

old, we did not hesitate to help care for

dy, I believe, would be amused that I

off antiques and grand paintings.

her in her latter years. Repeatedly, she

took his wisdom from a small farm in the

stubbornly pushed herself away from the

Deep South to a $16 million mansion in

“Robert,” began his assistant, Terry (also a

brink of death.

the heart of one of the most expensive

dear friend of ours), “would like for John

enclaves in America.

(Tink) to have that large portrait at the top of the stairway.”

She was married to Tink’s father, Grant

Many a time, as I sat by her bedside in

Tinker, for almost 20 years. After their

the Greenwich hospital, an endearing

There I stood on a back porch, badly in

divorce, she married a man who was

four story building, where the nursing staff

need of painting, jumping up and down

completely devoted to her — Dr. Robert

hustled to help us and Tink, she often said,

and gushing with gratitude. I am happy

Levine.

“I was born in this hospital.”

that I was so wrong and grateful to Robert, for his thoughtful generosity.

G O L D E N I S LES

We all convened by phone and decided that it was too precious to entrust to any shipping company, so we drove our SUV, folded down the seat then, wrapped thoroughly in bubble wrap, we gingerly placed it in the back, driving 16 hours home. It now hangs on the tall wall of our stairway, a reminder to Tink of his childhood. But the story is really about this: As Tink was about to take the portrait to the car, Robert, smiling, tapped my shoulder. “Turn around,” he said. “We have something for you.” I turned to see Terry holding a purse with amber and gold colored gems sparkling brightly in the afternoon sun that streamed through a tall window. The evening clutch was covered with a thousand or more Swarovski stones. Terry smiled. “Judith Leiber handmade this for Mary. It was her favorite purse.” I took it in my hands and, staring at it, tears ran down my face. Robert hugged me. “This is a small gift for all you did for Mary. It’s only right that you should have this and John should have the portrait.”

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On the drive home, I held the clutch in my hands and marveled over its beauty. Both Mary and Miss Leiber have passed away but they each left a tremendous legacy. In my hands, I held a small piece of each woman’s past. As I admired it, a thought suddenly occurred to me. Those sparkling stones remind me of Georgia’s gorgeous gems — the Golden Isles. The islands sparkle just as beautifully as they set majestically in the shimmering Atlantic. I am three books into a 14-book series where a character, Stella Bankwell, visits a different island to solve a mystery. It

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has been delightful to see the beauty of islands I have never visited — Sapelo, for instance. Now, when I look at the purse, I think of MTM and the remarkable, beloved islands of Georgia.

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Mary Tyler Moore and the Goldens Isles. It’s an unexpected combination, but beautiful. I am blessed.

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N AT U R E C O N N E CT I O N “This bear must have climbed up this tree to get some honey, and the scat marks look fresh,” Willy said, holding the honeycomb. “Damn, this is awesome,” I pondered the keen senses of this bear and how they find food in what seems like a nutrient-scarce landscape. I looked all around, and I wish I could explore the rest of this soggy upland heading westward. However, we needed to head back to civilization. I paddled, amazed, the rest of the way to Stephen C. Foster. The swamp opened,

Traversing the Trembling Earth: Day 3, Bear scat and a honeycomb

WORDS AND PHOTOS BY SAM GHIOTO

• Editor’s note: This is the third install-

ment in Sam’s Traversing the Trembling Earth series. The previous articles were published in the Sept/Oct and Nov/Dec 2025 issues of Golden Isles Magazine. On the third and final morning, we took our time at the Big Water platform and launched around 10 a.m. Our vessels glided down the sleek headwaters of the Suwanee River, and for a couple of hours we meandered through a beautiful and bare cypress forest. Eventually, we were hungry and decided to find a decent

G O L D E N I S LES

upland area to eat. We found the perfect spot off to the right. Dodging cypress knees, we ran aground, and I stepped out on the damp flooring and trudged around for a bit in my waterproof boots. Trees were down everywhere. Some precariously lay on other standing trees. I crouched and ate some fruit and a Clif Bar. After a moment or two of eating, Willy and I decided to walk around and explore this chaotic landscape. I focused on my footing to not trip over the exposed cypress knees. “Hey, check this out,” Willy called to me. “What is it?” I asked. Willy picked up a honeycomb from the floor. There was fresh bear scat on the ground right next to him, too. Willy looked up a cypress tree and pointed out the claw marks reaching far up the bark.

and bare cypress trees, many of them dead, stood on both sides for a couple of miles. I imagine Hurricanes Helene and Milton in 2024 contributed to some serious damage of the swamp. Not to mention, a week before this trip, a snowstorm blazed through the Southeast, too. We saw shoulder hawk after shoulder hawk among the dead trees. We spooked some sandhill cranes that blasted prehistoric alarms. “I swear if anything resembles the sound of a pterodactyl, it’s the sandhill crane,” I said, trying to replicate their sound (I would be pressed to write out the onomatopoeia here). We pulled out our binoculars in an attempt to name several of the other species of birds. We saw a few warblers of different species, and a downy woodpecker browsed some isolated branches. Logs floated on both sides and were the perfect lodging for some smaller gators. Kingfishers shrilled and swooped across the river. “Guys, I just saw an ivory-billed,” I laughed. “I read somewhere that when the ivory-billed was going extinct, it drove more people to shoot them,” Cindy said.

“What a paradox,” I said. “Yeah. You would think it would be the opposite.” “Did you know that the first people studying birds actually shot them with a gun to study them? For example, the Wilson’s plover was shot by a guy named Wilson… This was in the 17 and 1800s. Then the camera replaced the gun for ornithologists. “That is crazy,” Cindy said. How to camp in the Okefenokee Camping in the Okefenokee requires permits, and to make reservations, you must call on a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday between 7 and 10 a.m. There are a few routes one can take. This journey was from Kingfisher Landing to Stephen C. Foster in early February 2025. Winter and early spring are the best times to camp in the swamp, so go ahead and start

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BY DESIGN of the business which supports plumbers and electricians. We provide them with the material they need to do their jobs. Then, we have two showrooms where we work with designers, general contractors, and homeowners to provide plumbing and lighting.” White Star also boasts a multi-family division where they support developers for new construction or refurbishments. “We’re a wholesaler, primarily. But often a general contractor will send their clients to us to go room by room to pick out their fixtures,” Shanks explains. “They usually have a budget for each.”

White Star Supply offers options for contractors, homeowners

WORDS BY LINDSEY ADKISON | PHOTOS BY H2O CREATIVE GROUP

Crystal chandeliers dance in the afternoon sunlight while modern woven fixtures dangle from the ceiling nearby. From traditional to contemporary, there’s a wealth of variety happening at White Star Supply. And it’s not just confined to lighting — freestanding bath tubs are situated around the Brunswick showroom, along with neatly-appointed faucets. A counter of employees welcome shoppers into the expansive space along with one very special greeter — furry and four-

G O L D E N I S LES

legged — leading the charge. “This is Ace,” says owner Brad Shanks, stepping out of his office. For both staff and customers, Ace makes work feel a bit more like home. And for Brad and his wife, Kimsey, that’s the goal. “Culture is huge for us … creating a good place for people to work is very important. We don’t want anyone dreading to come to work on Monday morning,” he says. “If we take care of our people, they will take care of our customers.”

Helping their customers find options that work within their style and budget is key. Their staff is always eager to provide guidance however they can. “Obviously, we don’t do fabric and tile. We’re the lighting and plumbing experts … that’s our role. We’re very specialized in those two areas,” he says. “We typically work with designers, but certainly, if you’re building a home and don’t have a designer, you’re welcome to come in and we will be happy to work with you.” All homeowners need to do is bring in the specifications of a room, and the pros at White Star will take it from there. “Bring the room height and size. We can help you select a light that’s the right size. And help keep people on trend,” he says. To make sure they have the latest in lighting design, the company sends representatives from the store to four design events each year.

It’s a tradition that has been ongoing for decades. White Star Supply has been a part of the community, both in Brunswick and Waycross, for more than 50 years. The Shanks, who moved to the Golden Isles a little over 10 years ago, purchased the business in 2021.

“We go to two shows in High Point, North Carolina, then there’s two lighting shows in Dallas. That’s the big national lighting show,” Shanks says. “We see what’s on trend and we bring that into our showrooms so our customers can come in see and touch the products.”

“It’s been in operation for 54 years,” he says. “Locally, we have the counter side

Like the Shanks, Chris Thorpe, White Star

Supply’s Vice President of Sales, is always in tune with what is popular when it comes to lighting and plumbing. For the latter, he says, there’s certainly been a shift in metallics. “There’s a been a departure from the oil-rub bronze, at least in our part of the country. They’re still popular in the northeast,” Thorpe said. Shanks nodded. “Golds are back,” he adds. “From the lighting side, you’re moving away from the 6-inch can lights.” Traditional touches have also made their way back into homes. “We are seeing pleated silk shades on chandeliers, brass tones, textured glass and timeless details across lighting and plumbing … and my old soul is loving it,” says Aleah Martin, Showroom Outside Sales Consultant. Another new element is bringing items considered luxury pieces into homes. “Wellness products are great, too … towel warmers and soaking tubs,” says Stacey Kegley, Showroom Sales Consultant.

For the Shanks, helping shoppers understand the latest in lighting and plumbing is only part of the equation. They also make a point to do it as quickly and efficiently as possible. “Our team works really well together. Whether it’s the counter, in the showroom, or the warehouse operations, everyone works together,” Shanks says. “We’re like a big family.” • White Star Supply is located at 5395 Altama Ave., Brunswick. They are open from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday to Thursday. They close at 5 p.m. Friday. To learn more, visit whitestarsupply.com.

JANUARY/F EB RUA RY 2026

LIVING WELL

That includes the Emsella, a breakthrough treatment for incontinence; the ExoMind, a machine that aids depression; the EmFace, which tones and sculpts the face; and the EmSculpt Neo, which uses radio frequency to burn fat and build muscle. “Several years ago, Dr. Hammond purchased the EmSculpt Neo, the Emsella, and a laser. He’s always been the visionary. They were ahead of their time then, but now everyone else is catching up,” Cicchiello says.

Finding fulfillment from the outside in

WORDS BY LINDSEY ADKISON | PHOTOS BY DERRICK DAVIS

Dr. Diana Cicchiello still remembers a phrase that changed her perspective. The dentist, who has retired from practice to forge a new path, recalls that it came from an unexpected place — her personal trainer, Daniel “Ox” Hocutt. “He said, ‘outside first, inside follows’ … because when you feel good about yourself, suddenly you’re just lighter,” she says. “I always think about that.” It’s a concept that she brings to her

G O L D E N I S LES

The machines are truly advanced. They provide patients with options for non-invasive treatment for a variety of issues. Most procedures only last about 30 minutes and require no downtime. Often, six sessions are administered over a two-week span. Spa Manager Mandi Williams says that treatment plans are designed with patients’ busy lifestyles in mind.

latest venture, Spa 29. The medical spa, located at 48 Candler Drive, in Brunswick, offers patients a place to explore an array of options that will improve their bodies and boost their confidence.

“Most services can be completed in under an hour — often on a lunch break — with little to no downtime, making it easy for patients to get back to their day while still seeing transformative results,” Williams says.

It started while she was still practicing dentistry.

Spa 29 also provides micro needling and esthetician services.

“I had been doing Botox and filler predominantly with TMJ issues, which is how I started. I had broken a tooth during COVID and had it done to me. I said, ‘Oh this is a game changer,’” Cicchiello says, seated in one of her treatment rooms.

“Our offerings go beyond traditional aesthetics, combining beauty with functional wellness. We feature the latest technology, including Emsculpt Neo to build muscle and burn fat (also used for pain and recovery); Emface for natural facial toning and TMJ relief; Exion and Clear RF for skin rejuvenation and discoloration; Emsella for incontinence; and Exomind to support concerns like anxiety, depression, and sleep,” Williams says.

She went on to train with the American Academy of Facial Esthetics. Then, she decided to reach out to a friend, Dr. Jeremy Hammond, to see if he wanted to join her in a new business. “He already had a lot of these really innovative machines. Now, we have five BTL devices,” she says.

“Spa 29 also provides laser hair removal, injectables for facial enhancement, and smoothing fine lines (including

smooth threads for collagen stimulation), and GLP-1 treatments to support weight management and overall wellness.” For Cicchiello, Williams, and the rest of the team, the start of a new year is the ideal time to explore offerings.

“We had a client who did the EmSculpt Neo and gave a testimonial. She said that it was a great way to jumpstart or maintain your progress,” she says. It’s something that Williams also hears often. “In a new year, people like to start with a workout regimen and start making healthier choices. You have those New Year’s resolutions,” Williams says. “It’s a great way to start getting your body summer-ready. They could come in and do a 30-minute session on the EmSculpt, and it helps support and kickstart what they’re already doing.” And since the machines are non-invasive, they could even head to the gym right after. Though Williams notes that the EmSculpt packs quite a punch. “One 30-minute session … say for your abdomen, it is like doing 20,000 crunches,” she says. Another bonus of the EmSculpt — it is a painless procedure.

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“At first, the contractions can feel a bit intense. It’s a weird feeling, but you get used to it as the minutes go on. It gets easier every time because your muscles are getting stronger and they’re getting used to contracting in a way they wouldn’t normally contract,” she says. Results typically appear after a few sessions. Williams says that improvements will continue for 10 to 12 weeks after completing the treatment. “You can continue to see results for a couple of months after you finish. In the studies, it’s recommended that you do a minimum of four sessions. Most people do six, and the more you do, the better results you get,” she says.

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Regardless of the treatment chosen, the results go far beyond mere aesthetics. It helps to lay the foundation for a stronger sense of confidence and a better quality of life. “More than just cosmetic enhancements, these treatments empower patients to feel confident, vibrant, and well — because when you feel your best, every aspect of life improves,” Williams says. • Spa 29 is located at 48 Candler Dr #101, Brunswick. For more information, visit spa29brunswick.com. 912-638-5161 • seaislandproperties.com 351 Sea Island Road, St. Simons Island, GA 31522 JANUARY/F EB RUA RY 2026

M O N E Y TA L K S allows you to borrow against its value while building equity,” explains Kelly Ross, Luxury Collection Specialist at Hodnett Cooper Real Estate. “Over the course of decades, homeowners can build generational wealth not only from rising property values, but also from the stability of fixed mortgage payments compared to rising rents.” Despite home ownership’s prolonged status as “the American Dream,” the question remains: Will future generations see it that way?

Exploring the Future of Homeownership in Coastal Georgia

WORDS BY KALENA TURNER | PROVIDED PHOTO

“Absolutely,” says Cooper. “Younger buyers understand the stability of owning a home, though they tend to be pragmatic. They’re not looking for a sprawling suburban house; they want an entry point into the market through a condo, a townhome, or a single-family property they can fix up and make their own.”

“Right now, sustained buyer demand

For Gen Z, studies show a general

is driven by existing residents, life-

perception that home ownership is less

style-seekers, remote workers, a diverse

attainable than it once was, due to fac-

group of relocating employees, federal

tors like student loan debt and higher

agents, and investors,” says Missy Neu,

home prices. However, less attainable

Chief Operating Officer at Hodnett

doesn’t mean impossible.

Cooper Real Estate. “Looking ahead, homeownership will likely include

“These hurdles have inspired more

aspects of multi-generational living,

transparency and efficiency,” says Ross.

blended-use properties, and an empha-

“There are so many digital resourc-

When asked about the future of home-

sis on lifestyle. Affordability is a growing

es available for buyers to compare

ownership, Pat Cooper, broker/owner

concern but the desire for home owner-

financing, assess neighborhoods and

of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices

ship remains powerful.”

review property values in close consultation with their Realtor. This creates a

Hodnett Cooper Real Estate, is quick to explain there’s no such thing as a real

In fact, real estate continues to be

situation where you have a knowledge-

estate crystal ball. Instead, the longtime

the most sought-after generational

able decision-maker at the helm of the

Golden Isles Realtor says experienced

wealth-builder. In Gallup’s 2025 poll,

home-buying process.”

real estate professionals like those at

real estate took the top spot as the

Cooper’s brokerage firm examine

No. 1 best long-term investment for the

Neu says the main obstacles to home

predictive metrics to unlock potential

twelfth year in a row.

ownership today are affordability, higher interest rates, and inventory shortag-

local-market opportunities and help clients plan for anything.

G O L D E N I S LES

“Unlike other investments, a home

es in key price ranges.

“For future buyers, the hurdles may look similar, with the added challenge of increased insurance and taxes, although Glynn County still has one of the lowest millage rates in the state,” Neu explains. A local provision called the Scarlett-Williams exemption (also known as L5 in Glynn County’s homestead exemption classification) allows eligible property owners to freeze the assessed, taxable value of their primary residence for property tax purposes. It’s just one more reason to own in the Golden Isles, though first-time ownership requires careful planning, especially for the down payment, which can be the largest psychological and financial barrier. “Future homeowners can prepare by setting up automatic savings transfers, exploring down payment assistance programs, or working with lenders to explore the multitude of low or no-down payment mortgage programs available to new buyers,” Cooper explains. Neu recommends beginning conversations with lenders early, even years before a purchase, to “build credit, create a plan, and strengthen their financial profile.” To plan far ahead, Neu says parents of Generation Alpha should start teaching financial literacy as soon as possible. “Whether that’s encouraging your child to save a portion of every dollar earned, matching their contributions, or opening a custodial Roth IRA, early preparation is key,” Neu explains. “Small, consistent steps build the foundation for a down payment later in life.” As Cooper sees it, home ownership is in a constant state of evolution … and that’s exactly how it should be. “Each generation faces new challenges, but also, new opportunities that come along with enhanced technol-

Golden the

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ogy, industry advances, and highly-skilled real estate professionals who can make the dream of homeownership possible today, tomorrow, and forever.” • Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Hodnett Cooper Real Estate is a full-service real estate brokerage in Coastal Georgia. The company website is hodnettcooperreales-

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GAME CHANGERS first started in his 20s, but really took off when he relocated to St. Simons Island. That’s when he first linked up with a loose group of cylists known as the Golden Isles Chain Gang.

“I think the Chain Gang has been around for 25 years, I guess. We have a text stream with about 20 people. We have one guy who’s our de facto leader. We have people who come and go, some people move out of town, quit cycling, and then someone new finds out about us,” he says.

The group’s members meet up for various weekly rides. Tuesday and Thursdays are set locations. Saturday excursions can vary.

Greg Gates and Pedal Golden Isles

“On Tuesday, there’s one ride that starts on St. Simons, and it’s called the Sweet

WORDS LINDSEY ADKISON | PHOTO BY DERRICK DAVIS

Mama’s Ride because it starts at Sweet Mama’s. Then, over to Brunswick … it’s about 30 miles, at a fairly slow pace,” he

10K, which is a 6.2-mile run, every July

says.

4th,” he says. “I’ve run 49 of them. This will be my 50th.”

“Then, anywhere from 2 to 4 of us go over to Jekyll, because there is less

Over the years, many things have

traffic. We can push it, and that ride for

changed, but his participation in the

me is normally 40 miles. On Thursday, we

race has remained constant.

do three laps at 8 a.m., which is 43 miles. Some people get there at 9 a.m. and do

“I got married, had two children, got a

2 laps, which is 30 miles. You can kind of

grandchild, started and retired from a

pick your poison.”

Greg Gates has always been an active

business. Both my parents passed away,

fella. An avid runner, he’s participated

and traveled to probably 40 countries,”

Weekend rides can be in Darien or even

in Atlanta’s Peachtree Road Race for

he says. “It’s been an active 50 years,

Waverly. All told, Gates covers roughly

decades. This July, in fact, will mark

but but (the race) has been the most

130 miles a week. It’s certainly a great

a special milestone for the Colorado

constant thing in my life these 50 years.”

way to keep in shape, but he also finds other benefits.

native. But running isn’t the only exercise he’s “I lived in Atlanta for 46 years, and the

consistently done to stay in shape. Gates

“There are different things people are

Atlanta Journal-Constitution sponsors a

also plays pickleball — and he cycles. It

looking for in cycling. Some go for the

G O L D E N I S LES

social aspects. Some are there for con-

raiser to cover those additional costs. Pedal

in our two years, we’ve had no accidents.

ditioning … some are there for both,” he

Golden Isles was their answer. Beginning in

We’ve had a few flat tires, which you’d

says.

2024, the cycling event offers participants

expect.”

three variations of distance: 20, 40, and 60 Many, like Gates, are also an active part of

miles. And it’s a ride, not a race. Gates was

They’re planning on keeping Pedal Golden

Bike Walk Golden Isles (BWGI) for the same

one of the primary organizers, helping to

Isles going. Their website is bikewalkgolden-

reasons. The local nonprofit works to ensure

get it off the ground in 2024.

isles.org/pedalgoldenisles, and Gates says they welcome all ages to join. The same

cyclists in the area have safe and enjoyable rides. The organization receives grants

“We had no clue what to expect in 2024,

through the Governor’s Office of Highway

but we had 148 riders, which surpassed

Safety.

our expectations. We got extremely good

“We’ve got a really good group of guys

reviews, and we had extremely great

and gals. I enjoy the physical and social as-

“That pays for our executive director’s or

weather, which made everybody happy,

pects of cycling. It’s good cross-training for

education coordinator’s office rent. So it’s

so that was a good start,” he says.

other things … and you get to be outside,” he says.

very specific on what it will pay for. And you can’t go outside what they tell you.

BWGI brought the event back in October

But, there are things we wanted to do that

2025 and found even more success.

• To learn more about Bike Walk Golden Isles or Pedal Golden Isles, visit bikewalk-

were outside our grants,” he says. “This year, we had 195 riders, which was That’s when they decided to host a fund-

goes for the Chain Gang.

goldenisles.org.

about a 32% increase over last year. And

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THE DISH kind of texture that crunches under the fork but gives way to tenderness. Williams learned to treat cooking as both craft and conversation. His years at Chelsea helped refine his technique but also shaped a lot of his food sensibility, especially the nightly specials, which tested and stretched his creativity and consistency. “I was really creative. We had to have four to five fish specials a night at Chelsea, every night,” Williams says. “You couldn’t do the same thing all the time. They come here for the specials. If you can think of something, I’ve done it as a special, from foie gras to sweetbreads. I can’t tell you everything I’ve done … Chateaubriand, stuff with steaks.”

Mallery Street Cafe shares classic dish

WORDS BY TAYLOR COOPER| PHOTO BY TERRY DICKSON

Lance Williams Sr. knows a thing or two about island nostalgia. His Mallery Street Cafe, tucked into a quiet corner of the Pier Village on St. Simons Island, has roots that stretch back to one of the best-loved restaurants the island ever knew — Chelsea. Williams cooked there for 15 years, and though the doors of that iconic spot have long since closed, its spirit lives on through dishes like this one: a reimagined chicken parmesan that’s both a tribute and a reinvention. For this edition of The Dish, Williams offered up a creamy, sun-dried tomato basil twist on the Italian-American staple that first came to life in the 1990s. Back then, chicken parmesan was everywhere — breaded, sauced, and smothered with cheese in a thousand variations.

G O L D E N I S LES

But Chelsea’s kitchen was a place for invention, and Williams’ colleague, Chef Patrick Simpson, wanted something different. “When it came to St. Simons Island, sundried tomatoes were in at that time, so we made an executive decision to add a sun-dried tomato basil cream, and that’s how she got here,” says Williams. It’s a dish that still carries the DNA of that decade — bold, rich, and unapologetically comforting — but also feels timeless. Seasoned breadcrumbs, a thin cutlet of chicken, noodles cooked to a tender al dente, and a sauce that’s creamy and just sweet enough to balance the savory crunch of the breading. The result is one of those rare plates that somehow feels both classic and new. But there’s nothing old-fashioned about the way it’s prepared. Williams insists on a slow, patient fry, and for good reason. It ends with a breading more crispy than any this writer has ever achieved. “You put in the olive oil and cook it slowly. You can probably cook it on the stovetop the whole time, you just gotta cook it under low heat,” he says. “When it starts to brown, you don’t want to burn it, so you cut it way down, just hot enough to keep the oil bubbling. You’re frying it in olive oil, basically.” The method keeps the chicken juicy and the breadcrumbs light and crisp — the

Those instincts followed him when he opened Mallery Street Cafe, though the setting and pace couldn’t be more different. Chelsea was fine dining in its heyday. Mallery Street is a relaxed, locals-first refuge that welcomes tourists to join in. “People have developed it into exactly what they want. They like it. They enjoy the atmosphere,” he says. It started as a breakfast and brunch spot, created out of the desire to be with his kids more. He’s been a night cook for most of his career, and with his kids starting to go their own way, Williams opened a new section of the restaurant to service the night dining crowd. He’s trying to fill the same niche Chelsea once did. Williams keeps the cafe side going strong, but dinner service has become his focus again. It’s something of a return to the rhythm that first drew him into the kitchen. “Dinner is the only thing I want to do more of,” Williams says. “I was always the nighttime chef. I was never breakfast-lunch until I opened this place to be a father.” But he laughs at the notion that the cafe is still a “secret local island hangout.” The word is out, he admits. The espresso martinis — made with locally roasted beans from Wake Up Coffee Co. — have seen to that. But the heart of the place remains unchanged. A small dining room where regulars gather, and where the kitchen’s focus is on doing the simple things right. He’s used to being the man behind the curtain. “People can identify my food in a lineup,” he says, “but they wouldn’t recognize me in person.” It’s a modest remark, but it also speaks to how he views the craft. The food, not the chef, should be the memory that lingers. Williams’ version of the chicken parmesan — sometimes known among locals simply

as “that Chelsea chicken” — is one of those memories. It’s been around long enough to become something of an island legend. Even when chefs move on, the dish seems to follow them. “It’s a famous dish on the island, so much so that when Glen left, he started doing stuff similar to it at Crabdaddy’s,” Williams says, referring to Glen McKowski, another Chelsea alum. That kind of culinary lineage isn’t unusual on St. Simons Island. The restaurant scene here is close-knit, shaped by a handful of chefs who’ve traded kitchens, recipes, and ideas for decades. “I think recipes are meant to be shared,” Williams says. That philosophy helps explain why this dish endures. It’s passed along, adapted, and reinterpreted — a living reminder of the island’s food culture.

These days, his dinner menu is a reflection of that balance — creative, but grounded in island roots. Dishes are familiar enough to comfort, yet distinct enough to surprise. The chicken parmesan twist is the perfect example: simple ingredients, reimagined with patience and care. The breadcrumbs, for instance, aren’t store-bought. Williams grates them himself with herbs in a food processor, folding in the cheese later for just the right texture. The attention to detail adds up. Each element, from the sun-dried tomato basil cream to the crisped cutlet, works in harmony — a nod to his fine-dining past, executed in a cafe that feels like home. “People love it still, to this day,” he says. • Mallery Street Cafe is located at 408 Mallery St. on St. Simons Island. The cafe side is open from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. weekdays and 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. weekends. The bar is open from 4 to 11 p.m. Monday to Saturday.

Romano-crusted chicken breast

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Ingredients 7 oz. angel hair pasta 2 4 oz. chicken breasts 1 loaf French bread 1 bunch fresh parsley 1 cup fresh basil 1 bowl flour ½ cup fresh grated Romano cheese ½ cup dry Italian seasoning ½ quart heavy whipping cream ½ cup chopped fresh basil ½ cup of Julienne-cut sun-dried tomatoes ½ cup buttermilk

Directions

Start preheating the oven to 350 degrees and boiling water for pasta. Blend French bread with parsley, the bunch of basil, Italian seasoning, and salt and pepper to taste. Pound chicken out thin, then dredge in flour, which can be seasoned with Kosher salt, black pepper and garlic powder for an extra kick. Dip in buttermilk, then press both sides into the breadcrumbs, adding Romano cheese as you go to make sure it’s on the outside of the breading. Brown on one side in olive oil, then flip onto an oven-safe pan and place in the oven until it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees. While chicken is cooking, prepare the sauce. Add heavy whipping cream and chopped basil to a pan, and salt and pepper to taste. Reduce to the desired consistency, then add sun-dried tomatoes. When chicken is cooked, place on a bed of pasta and pour sauce over the top. Grate fresh parmesan over the top and serve.

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WORDS BY LINDSEY ADKISON PHOTOS BY MICHAEL HALL, MICHELLE HOLTON, AND JOHN KRIVEC

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G O L D E N I S LES

ay in, day out, Stephanie Schaffer passed the same scene on her way to and from work. A teeny puppy chained to a tree. Morning to night. Rain and shine.

Even today, she can’t shake the memory. As a lifelong animal lover, the sight broke her heart. “This puppy was tied to a tree in the middle of thunderstorms … day and night. It didn’t matter if I drove to work at 6:30 a.m. or went home at 11 p.m. He was there,” she says. She called the authorities and even talked to the homeowner. Each time, she hit a dead end, but Stephanie wasn’t giving up. “The day I stopped and had a conversation with the owner, I got to see up close what was happening,” she says. The conditions were deplorable. The water bowl was coated in mildew and dirt. There was no shelter. When she contacted the authorities, they told her that no laws prevented this kind of treatment. Stephanie decided then and there that she was going to change that. First, though, she made an offer to buy the dog.

“I paid $300. It was the only solution for that animal … but I had two dogs already. I posted about it online, and so many people offered to donate things to us. Then, No Kill Glynn County stepped up to help,” she says. The story did have a happy ending. Her co-worker adopted him, and now he is leading a life as a super pampered pup.

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“This dog is now living a better life than any of us are,” she laughs. The experience led her to start a petition to change the tethering ordinance, a goal she’s still working toward. But it also prompted her to dig into animal advocacy, particularly with Glynn County Animal Services. The county government administers a shelter and is entirely separate from the Humane Society of South Coastal Georgia, an independent nonprofit. Instead, animal services is required to take in all dogs and cats deemed to be strays. This puts an enormous strain on their resources, and as a result, many animals are euthanized. It’s a devastating reality that weighs heavily on the hearts of the staff and volunteers there. After visiting the facility, Stephanie knew this would be where she could make the most significant impact. “I started volunteering there to walk the dogs, and it was so hot because there were no trees for shade … the dogs were miserable, and we were, too. It was so hot,” she recalls. Stephanie approached the shelter’s director to see if she could start a campaign to raise funds to plant trees that would offer respite from the brutal South Georgia sun.

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And it’s also how Grateful Cats/Canines Allies and Supporters (GCAS) came to be. “I came up with the name, the acronym, because I wanted it to match the shelter. It wasn’t all that creative,” she says, chuckling.

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“I may have founded it, but there are so many other animal lovers here who stepped up and did so much to help,” she says. “It’s definitely not about me.”

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Those helping hands gathered together, established a board, and started sharing their work on social channels online. They also began to pound the pavement, appearing at every community event they could. “We started going everywhere. I mean, from my perspective, I was willing to spend all day, every day of my free time doing this,” she says. Miranda Loehle felt similarly. She and her husband adopted their dog, Willie, from the shelter, and it has always held a special place in her heart. “My first dog as an adult had also come from the shelter 20-plus years prior, so the shelter itself has always had a soft spot in my heart. A friend and I went to one of the community volunteer days that had been held, and I started volunteering at the shelter. When I saw Stephanie put a call out for help with board members, I figured, ‘Why not?’” she says. But like most of the folks who joined the newly-formed board, she found there was a learning curve. Even so, their shared aim of finding dogs and cats a forever home spurred them on. “I didn’t know any of the people on the board and didn’t know what the heck I was getting into, but knew that we all had a common goal of trying to do something to better the lives of the dogs (and cats) that are living at the shelter until they find their forever home, and who can argue with that?” Miranda says. To get the animals (dogs in particular) adopted, they need to get them in front of the public. While the shelter has always had outreach and promotional initiatives, GCAS board members had fresh ideas. One was bringing dogs to First Friday in downtown Brunswick. Another is Fur Love of the Game, a new program that features a shelter Dog of the Week at a local football game. “One of our volunteers came up with this, and a dog gets to attend a home football game, walk across the field, and have their picture and information up on the big screen,” she says. “It’s just another way

G O L D E N I S LES

to get exposure to many people and show what great dogs these are.” Then there’s Running Buddies. That program allows volunteers to take dogs out for a morning excursion. Running is optional. Christine Schaffer was always fond of running with her dogs on the beach. In fact, after she posted a picture on her social page, Stephanie reached out with a suggestion. “She was like, ‘If you ever want to run with the shelter dogs, come check out our group.’ So that’s how I first learned about them,” Christine says. It wasn’t long before Christine was a full-fledged member of GCAS, eventually becoming a board member. After discovering a similar program elsewhere, she brought the idea of Running Buddies to the group and asked the Golden Isles Track Club if they’d like to join. “I asked Orrie (track club president) if his group would be interested… and he said, ‘Let’s give it a try,’” she recalls. That was in November 2024, and the program has been sprinting along ever since. Christine says it’s beneficial for canines and humans alike.

JANUARY/F EB RUA RY 2026

“It makes a huge difference in the dog’s mental and physical health. They became more adaptable. And it’s become one of our more visible programs,” she says. While programs like Running Buddies take the pups out, others are designed to bring new (human) faces in. GCAS holds Community Volunteer Days, which are opportunities for those afraid to come to the shelter to volunteer to go in a group setting. “We go over safety and walk the dogs in pairs, so it’s not so daunting. All the dogs get walked and it’s really fun — we usually have a theme that goes along with the day and the dogs get treats,” Miranda says. “We hold them rain or shine, and we still get a crowd when it rains.” GCAS also hosts Pet Education Classes, which teach pet parents various skills, including CPR for fur babies. “Then, we have Dine and Donate Nights. Local restaurants donate 10% (or more) of their sales back on a particular night each month,” Miranda says. “We try to bring the mobile van or foster dogs out to meet people, and many people learn more about our group. Some people come specifically to support us,

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but many who go to those restaurants learn about us for the first time, so it’s a great way to spread the word.” The heart of the mission is to gain exposure for the shelter and its animals. That can take the form of working on-site or at events. “You don’t even have to go to the shelter to be involved. I know that’s a stopping point for some people because they think if they go to the shelter, they will want to take all the dogs home … and sometimes you do — that’s how I ended up with my second dog, Izzy, formerly Albany,” Miranda says with a laugh. For those who don’t want to risk it, the group needs help fundraising, with social media, marketing, and grant writing. “… if you have a speciality and want to help the animals, reach out to us and we can probably put it to work,” Miranda says. There are many ways to help at the shelter, too — walking and bathing dogs, helping to organize rooms (collars, towels, blankets), and helping on volunteer days. “If there is a way you think will help, it probably will. It’s rewarding for people in different ways, but just knowing that you’re making a small difference for even one animal is a great feeling,” she says. “That one animal might make a big difference in someone’s life in the future, so it really does pay it forward.” • To learn more about Grateful Cats/Canines Allies and Supporters, visit gcasallies.com or email info@GCASallies.com.

SmallCeliahands + big heart: Young sets out to spread light

WORDS BY LINDSEY ADKISON | PHOTOS BY MICHELLE HOLTON AND PROVIDED JANUARY/F EB RUA RY 2026

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queals, laughter, and the rustle of busy hands flitted out of the Young family’s St. Simons dining room on a rainy September night. Even with the downpour, the home was a flurry of activity.

With two active teenage girls, there are not many quiet moments in this hopping home. But this evening, it wasn’t for a sleepover or a post-practice party. Tonight was all about giving back. There were neatly-stacked trinkets on the table ready for an assembly line of goodness. Several girls took to their posts; among them, Celia Young, who commanded the room with the poise of a practiced general. “We’re making Bored Bags for CURE. We have a bunch of little toys and things to put into bags,” she says. “It’s just so that the kids with cancer have something to do while they’re getting their treatment.”

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Considering the time of year, most items had a Halloween theme. Once the bags were put together, Celia and her mom, Breanna, would pack them up to take to Wolfson’s Children’s Hospital in Jacksonville. But this kind gesture wasn’t new for Celia. In fact, it’s something she had been doing since the third grade.

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“It started back then … when she was about 8. Every summer, she would get her friends to help her do a project of her choice. It’s blown up from there,” Breanna says. “Then, she picks a charity to send the funds she raised to. She asked, ‘What can I do for September/October?’ We asked, and Wolfson suggested Bored Bags.”

From there, Celia took the reins, selecting and ordering the items, recruiting friends to help, and arranging the most efficient way to do the job. In addition to her generosity, her organizational skills and dedication also makes her mother — a local teacher — pretty proud. “She got on Oriental Trading Co. and ordered all the things herself. She set it all up,” Breanna says. “You know, sometimes kids will start something and get over it … she just keeps doing it.” It all began with a childhood staple — a lemonade stand. “My earliest project I remember was going to my friend Nicole’s house and doing a lemonade stand to help people around me,” Celia says. Then, they used the funds to invest in items for donations.

JANUARY/F EB RUA RY 2026

“We collected for Saved By Grace. I remember taking stuff there,” she says. “Also, we collected school supplies and snacks for Communities in Schools.” From those early days of lemonade stands in different neighborhoods, Celia’s mission bloomed into a bona fide charity. Thus, Helping People in Need (HPIN) blossomed. “They could either donate the money they made or give it to HPIN, and (Celia) would pick a project to do. She does a lot with Hope 1312. She gets their sleeping bags every summer for camp,” Breanna says. “She’s done things with Safe Harbor. She picks different projects to work on … just depending. It’s about helping.” The little philanthropist also sought direction from local charitable leaders. She met with Ally Christianson of Hope 1312 Collective, a 501(c)(3) that aids foster children, to brainstorm ideas. Christianson inspired Celia to try an art auction. “I thought of the art show because of Mrs. Ally and how she did Festival of Trees … we thought there might be something kids could do. I like painting, and then we could bid them off. Also, I thought about a gala because we could dress up, too.” And they had good results. This year’s art auction netted around $5,000, which funded 60 sleeping bags and pillows for Hope 1312. This summer, HPIN also joined the big leagues of local charities. Celia’s parents recently met Keeva Kase, executive director of Communities of Coastal Georgia Foundation. After hearing about Celia’s work, he invited her to join their umbrella fundraising organization. “Charlie and I met Keeva randomly at a birthday party this summer. He said, ‘I need to meet with Celia because she’s trying to take my job,’” Breanna laughs. Now that she’s joined the organization, HPIN is a certified foundation. Celia has her funds under CCGF’s auspices. Donors can deposit directly into her account through CCGF’s website. Celia can direct those dollars to any official 501(c)(3) she likes.

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JANUARY/F EB RUA RY 2026

“Just try to think of anything you can do, it may not be or it doesn’t have to be huge, just try and help, like a little lemonade stand and buy something (for others).” Celia Young

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HPIN currently has $23,000 in that account, but the family estimates that she’s raised between $30,000 and $40,000 over the past five years. She takes great pride in this work and is happy to be part of the CCGF. “It was very exciting, because once we did that, I didn’t realize that immediately it would blow up. We were joking that I had 10 years to raise $10,000, and then in two weeks I had that much,” Celia says.

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Looking ahead, that is a trend she will continue. While still in middle school, Celia is already setting her sights on continuing to help others professionally. “I want to work with children with different disabilities because I love working in ACCESS now,” she says. “(As an adult) I would want to be a physical therapist that helps children with disabilities … or be a baker and have a coffee shop and bookstore.”

B E V E R LY D R A W D Y B E V E R LY D R A W D Y

“It is going to help me get awareness of what I’m doing out there, because they have a lot of good foundations that partner with them. My goals Layout notes to GIM: • Note changes to list of artists’ names for HPIN are to expand to different GIM template has corrections to email and website URL places and get more kids,•not just my • Hours: Change to Wed.-Sat. 10-4 friends, to help as many people as possible.”

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While she has plenty of time to decide which dream to pursue, her parents have already determined that they’re incredibly impressed by what she’s done in such a short time. “We are proud of Celia because she is doing her own thing. We love that she is helping in our community, especially with so much negativity out there. Both of our girls (Celia and sister, Charlie) do what they love and are themselves,” Breanna says. For other kids and teens looking to make a difference, the Youngs have a bit of sage advice. “… let them do their thing,” Breanna says. “If they make themselves proud, we couldn’t ask for more. We are also thankful for our community

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for joining in her efforts and her friends who help her ideas become reality.” Celia herself also has some motivation for other young people who want to make their marks by giving back. “Just try to think of anything you can do. It may not be or it doesn’t have to be huge, just try and help, like a little lemonade stand and buy something (for others),” she says. “Or anything you can do for free, like give someone a compliment, someone could be having a bad day, and you could help them.” • To find out more about HPIN, follow their Instagram account or scan the QR code to donate.

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WORDS BY LINDSEY ADKISON PHOTOS BY MICHAEL HALL AND MICHELLE HOLTON

SHARING THE

GIFT OF LIFE

JANUARY IS NATIONAL BLOOD DONOR MONTH

im Reed vividly remembers his first blood donation. It was in 1968, when he was living in Cleveland, Ohio. Back then, he had a very personal reason for rolling up his sleeve. “My grandmother had some kidney problems,

and she needed a transfusion. That was the first time I donated,” he says. It might have been his first donation, but it was far from his last. Throughout the years, he continued to sign up for drives organized at his workplace, the Ohio Bell Telephone Company.

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“They sponsored blood drives twice a year at our locations and encouraged employees to donate. I worked for them for 32 years, and most of my donations were through them and company-sponsored,” Reed says. After retiring in 2015, he and his family relocated full-time to their winter home on Jekyll Island. There, he continues to donate blood whenever he’s eligible. The Jekyll Lions Club regularly hosts American Red Cross-sanctioned drives every eight weeks. Reed has become a fixture, and as a result, he’s racked up 110 pints. He also tries to recruit others to join. “I do a new newsletter here for the citizens’ association. I always make sure that I advertise at least two to three times before the blood drive here to get people to give. Hopefully, it has a positive impact,” he says. “We’ve got a small community, but the Red Cross seems to appreciate the fact that we generate anywhere between 20 and maybe sometimes even over 30 pints from our little island here.”

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It’s something he’s glad to see. As he is quick to point out, blood donations only take a little bit of time. And now, there’s actually even less invasiveness to the process. “They have new procedures, and you don’t even have to do the finger prick now. It’s pretty much painless and doesn’t require a big commitment,” he says. “It’s giving the gift of life … you never know when you’ll need it. You hope there will be others willing to do it for you.” Like Reed, Beverly Hopkins also donates on Jekyll Island. Over the years, she’s given blood at various locations, including at the Red Cross hub in Atlanta. To date, Hopkins has racked up 11 gallons with the Red Cross. “My collection units are a little broken up because I’ve gone through several different organizations,” she says. “Initially, I think the first time I ever donated was at one of my first fulltime jobs when I lived in Atlanta. They brought the bus to you, so it was easy, you just popped outside.”

JANUARY/F EB RUA RY 2026

Since relocating to the Golden Isles, Hopkins has found herself in the donation chair whenever possible. Of course, that means waiting the compulsory eight weeks between giving blood. Donors must also meet certain hemoglobin (iron) levels, vital signs requirements, and answer a questionnaire. Due to low levels, Hopkins sometimes has to sit out a time or two. “Now and then, my iron levels are not quite up to snuff, and they’ll send me away. It always disappoints me when that happens,” she says.

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While Hopkins gets the major benefit of doing a good deed and helping someone else, she is also always excited about the perks donors receive. Regularly donating can serve as a detox while also benefiting the liver and blood pressure. It even burns up to 650 calories. “There are quite a few health benefits. I thought, ‘Well, double check mark.’ I give and help somebody else, and then it makes my body have to create more,

and that’s beneficial to me,” she says. “And it makes you feel good. Now, they show you where your blood goes through the app … what hospital and when it’s used. I think that’s really cool.” Like Reed and Hopkins, Craig Patterson has a long history with blood donation. Growing up south of Buffalo, New York, he started donating and organizing drives while in the student government association at college in Bridgeport, Connecticut. Patterson went on to work with a volunteer fire company, where he consistently donated. “Then, I went to work for a company a few miles away, and they had a very regimented procedure for blood donations, which were almost every 53 days,” he recalls. Patterson, whose blood type is 0- — the universal donor — has accumulated 126 donated units since moving to Jekyll in 2006. Being able to help anyone in need has always appealed to him.

“(0-) is the universal donor, so that is kind of a motivational thing, and working for 20 years at a volunteer fire company gave me a mindset that this is an important thing to do because you’re helping other people,” he says. “It doesn’t cost me anything. I can just lie there and relax. There are no negative side effects. It’s all positive.” Deborah Heddendorf agrees. The Donor Recruitment Manager for the Coastal Region of Georgia of the American Red Cross says that the need is a constant one. “Someone needs blood every two seconds. The need to keep blood on the shelves is always critical to meet patient needs,” she says. Like Reed, Hopkins, Patterson, and countless donors around the country, a small sacrifice of time makes a huge difference. “It only takes about 30 minutes of your time to keep three hearts beating a little longer,” Heddendorf says. • If you are interested in learning more about donating, contact me or go to redcross.org for more information about how you can give the gift of life.

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BRIGHTER DAYS WITH A BETTER GLYNN 74

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been shot and killed in Satilla Shores, a neighborhood in south Glynn County.

Despite the upbeat mood of the going away party he was attending, whispers began circulating. A Black man had

“We started getting this chatter on social media saying that someone was shot while breaking into a house … ,” he says.

t was a cloudless winter day in February of 2020, but Bobby Henderson knew in his bones that something was wrong.

JANUARY/F EB RUA RY 2026

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Original reports indicated that it was a daytime robbery with a “justified shooting” due to the state’s Stand Your Ground laws. Henderson didn’t buy it. “This was in the middle of a Sunday afternoon with stark visibility … the stories didn’t match, you know what I mean,” he says. Turns out, his intuition was correct. The 25-year-old Black man gunned down in the streets of Satilla Shores was Ahmaud Arbery, who was jogging in the neighborhood close to his own. He was pursued and killed by three local White men. One of those had a direct connection to local law enforcement. A firestorm of outrage erupted — both locally and nationally — when a video of the shooting was released. For Henderson, the incident hit incredibly close to home. “I’m the father of five Black boys, so we’re thinking about and talking about these things all the time,” he says. “In fact, one of my sons worked with Ahmaud at McDonalds. I didn’t know him, but I knew of him. It was all a little too surreal.”

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In the following days and weeks, Henderson, who has a long history in pastoral and equity work, started having conversations with other concerned locals. One of those was John Richards. “We were distantly connected … he visited the church that I attended a time or two. We were friends on Facebook, but we had never been in any sustainable conversation,” he says. The two started talking and were soon joined by another voice, that of Shemeka Frazier Sorrells. She was born in the port city, and most of her family has lived locally. At the time, however, she was in Atlanta, working in the nonprofit sector. Still, her ties to Brunswick remained strong. In fact, she was on her way to town when she first saw the video of Ahmaud Arbery’s murder on Facebook. While she was stunned, Sorrells wasn’t entirely surprised. “My initial thoughts reflected to the stories of injustice that I heard, particularly from men in my family and their experiences in Brunswick. I wanted to help and immediately reached out to my cousin, Pastor Craig Campbell, to see how I could be of service,” she says. In her search, she came across social media posts advocating civic engagement. “I reached out to John (Richards) via chat, offering up my service, and he mentioned that he had been conversing with Bobby Henderson. They were looking into bringing others who had expressed the same desire together on a phone call,” she says. That’s how A Better Glynn was formed. Sorrells moved to Brunswick in 2021. As the group began to take shape, Arbery’s killers were convicted of murder and hate crimes on both the state and federal levels in 2021 and 2022, respectively. While the notorious trio were sent to prison, much of the anger surrounding the murder and initial response fueled a push toward creating meaningful change. Sorrells says A Better Glynn started working to spread awareness and education. “We hosted Facebook live videos around various JANUARY/F EB RUA RY 2026

topics related to civic engagement and social justice policy, and used the voices of individuals with lived experience in the community to bring visibility to the issues of inequities,” Sorrells says. “We also began to host giveaways, considering that we were in the midst of the pandemic and individuals were in need of concrete support — these activities brought awareness to our organization, and individuals reached out and wanted to join our efforts.” As their ranks grew, they continued to explore the issues of racial injustice in Brunswick. “… it naturally took a turn to looking at symbols that we believed contributed to the divide,” Sorrells says. One of those was a Confederate monument situated in Hanover Square downtown. A Better Glynn wrote to city officials to suggest reconsidering the marker erected in 1902 and its meaning. “We encouraged the mayor of the city at that

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time to consider what this monument meant for the constituents and to encourage considering options of the monument to include its removal or adding a marker for context,” she says. An advisory committee was created, and Sorrells and Richards were both impaneled. Laura Khurana also applied to join the group. “I served on that committee,” she says. Initially, the committee voted to keep the monument, but A Better Glynn suggested they open the issue up for public comment. “The community overwhelmingly showed up and spoke on both sides of the issue. Historical information was shared by experts, and ultimately, the city commission at the time decided to remove the statue, based on community feedback,” Sorrells says. “It was rewarding to see the community get engaged and for individuals’ perception to shift through the exposure of history and facts.” Sorrells says it wasn’t easy for members, especially African Americans. “Being on the committee itself was extremely stressful and traumatic. There were extreme beliefs being shared about the Confederacy and about the history at the time, which included a time in which Black people had limited rights,” Sorrells says. “I personally voted to keep the monument and to add context because I believe that history tells multiple truths and by doing so allows us to contend with that and the impact of those beliefs.” In the end, the monument was removed. But Khurana was inspired by A Better Glynn’s work and joined the nonprofit. She says that they are continuing to work proactively to improve the community.

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“… to make it someplace that we would be proud to raise our kids, someplace that everybody has equal opportunities. So we really focus on leadership development,” Khurana says. That includes creating the Legacy Leadership Academy for youth and adults in Glynn County and surrounding areas. “Moving forward, we will continue our mission through the launch of the Legacy Leadership Academy,” Sorrells says. “Also in January, we will have our third annual MLK Day of Service, where we mobilize community members to volunteer across various sites/ nonprofit organizations to continue to seed the ‘beloved community’ that Dr. Martin Luther King envisioned.” It will be held from 8 a.m. to noon January 18 this year and will include a number of outreach projects. A Better Glynn has helped spearhead community cleanups, the creation of literacy kits, as well as partnerships with the Brunswick Housing Authority.

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“Shemeka originally brought that idea to the team and said, ‘Hey, every other place I’ve ever lived does this. I think there’s a good opportunity to get people out to serve,’” Henderson says. “We always get a lot of people who want to volunteer with us and the work that we do. So we started brainstorming and figured out how we could make it work. The first year went really, really well.” Today, they’re continuing to build on that success. And the members of A Better Glynn are optimistic about what’s to come.

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“There’s a lot of ambition here. We work as a point of gravitation to pull people together and allow them to facilitate healing the community from within,” Henderson says. • To learn more about A Better Glynn, visit abetterglynn.org.

Meaningful WORDS AND PHOTOS BY MICHAEL HALL

Meals: Manna House serves the community for more than 30 years

JANUARY/F EB RUA RY 2026

It is 9:30 a.m., and already a couple of people have gathered outside of Manna House in Brunswick. They sit on stone benches under the shade of live oaks on a pleasant and sunny Wednesday morning in November. A few more people trickle in as the morning advances. They peek into the glass windows to see what the people inside are doing. One woman asks to come inside, but it is still too early for that. She is not fazed. She decides to wait. It is still about two hours until the ministry’s daily service begins at 11:30 a.m. It is a service delivered not from a pulpit, but from a kitchen, with a message of love and a life-giving purpose. “Jesus tells us in the Bible to provide water for the thirsty and food for the hungry,” Jim Crandall says as a group of around 10 people hustle around the kitchen, packing brown sacks with sandwiches and side items for the day’s lunch. “Our mission was built on that from the very beginning.” In the beginning, there was a need, a “problem,” as then-Mayor Reggie Holzendorf said in 1983. That is when Holzendorf brought together two Black ministers, two White ministers, and six local businessmen to address it. “He called us together and he said, ‘We’ve got a problem. We need a place to feed the hungry,” the 88-year-old Crandall says. At the time, he was minister of education at First Baptist Brunswick. Today, he is a pastor at the church’s chapel on Jekyll Island.

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A group of about 50 people was formed, and the consensus was quickly reached that Brunswick needed a soup-andsandwich kitchen to provide meals to hungry people. It is a need that has only grown over the past 42 years. Crandall has seen it firsthand. “We started out feeding between 50 and 75 people every day,” he says. “Today, we serve between 250 and 300.” By the time 11:30 a.m. rolled around, Crandall’s estimate appeared to be well on its way to being met. The line stretched down the two stairs that lead to the front door of the convenience store-turned-soup-kitchen and out into the parking lot at the corner of G Street and Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. For many of the people in the line, the sandwich, chips, apple, and cup of water or sweet tea they received from Manna House would be their only meal for the day. Sometimes, all their meals in the week come from Manna House. Which is why folks like Amy Crandall, Jim’s daughter and a Manna House board member, come every day to ensure food is ready for those who need it. On this day, sandwiches and apples donated by the Jekyll Island Authority after a convention were served with potato salad or chips. Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches are always an option. “And with the government shutdown right now, a lot of them won’t be receiving SNAP,” Amy says of the benefits ceasing

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during the shutdown last November. “The pressure is going to be here. We are going to get more people.” It is not the first time Manna House has felt added pressure to serve those in need. When the COVID-19 pandemic turned the world on its head, more people than ever relied on Manna House for daily sustenance. But restrictions on indoor dining and social distancing standards took traditional lunch service out of the equation. There were discussions about closing the operation. Those did not last long. “Amy and the board of directors said, ‘No, we can’t do that,’” Jim says. “So, the next day they started serving outside.” Amy coordinated with family, friends, churches, organizations, and regular volunteers to put together what she called the Manna House Dream Team. Together, they served daily, keeping Manna House alive by serving patrons from the front door, a method of service that continues today. “I just called friends and family and got them together, and we all worked it out,” Amy says. Family, friends, and generous donors are what keep Manna House going, Jim Crandall says. “We serve seven days a week, 365 days a year,” he says. “We get no government funding. We don’t have any paid staff, and never have. We don’t even have an executive director.” At least, not by title. Amy spends nearly every day at Manna House, coordinating much of the effort with the help of the board and volunteers. The nonprofit does not hold any fundraisers and relies solely on the generosity of others. Sometimes, that generosity comes from unexpected places. A man came to the door one day, looking a bit disheveled and certainly not ready to provide a chunk of cash to help the ministry. “He didn’t look like the most upstanding citizen,” Jim remembers. But the man said he had been given a directive by God. He was at the door to donate cash, a lot of it. “He wouldn’t give us his name, wouldn’t let us see what he drove. He parked around the corner so we couldn’t see his car,” Amy Crandall says.

All they knew was that he ran a traveling carnival, and as he was driving down Interstate 95, he felt compelled to give to the Manna House. G O L D E N I S LES

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“He said, ‘God told me to bring you this money,’” Jim Crandall says. “‘God told me to bring it to Manna House.’ He didn’t even know where we were. He had to ask for directions to find us.” The man donated nearly $4,000 in wadded-up 20s, 10s, and one-dollar bills, the Crandalls remember. God always provides for Manna House, Jim says, and continues to do so whether it is through cash donations from a carnival owner or volunteer hours provided by people like Sandy Clark, who began helping out at Manna House shortly after moving to St. Simons Island from Fayetteville, Georgia, a few years ago. She learned about the opportunity through church and has been volunteering ever since. “I just came knocking on the door one day. Amy said, ‘Come on in.’ I’ve been coming almost weekly,” Clark says. Her motivation aligns with the Crandalls,’ which is what makes Manna House such an integral piece of the community, Clark says. “We do it because we love Jesus and we love who we serve as Jesus does,” she says.

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WORDS BY M ICHAEL FARRIS JR. PHOTO BY ALLIE BARBONE

ZEKE AND THE BEGOTTEN

It’s a perfect, balmy Friday night in St. Marys, and the outdoor patio section at Seagle’s Restaurant is alive with camaraderie and cheer. And, while forecasts didn’t call for any downpours, the crowd on the patio suddenly found itself enveloped in “rain” thanks to a Texas Flood (yes, that is a play on the title of the classic Stevie Ray Vaughan song) brought in by four talented musicians on stage. Zeke and the Begotten, having traveled down from Hazelhurst, have unleashed a perfectly balanced blend of blues rock and country music, going down smooth like the finest bourbon. “Depending on what time we start — if the show starts at 6 or 7 — we might start with a little blues and some country,” says Zeke Keanum, the band’s frontman. “And then the later it gets, the harder we rock.” If the band is a smooth glass of bourbon, Zeke adds the sweet vanilla notes with his perfect bluesy croon, knowing just when to sing softly and when to let a deep growl carry the song into a guitar solo. And when Zeke takes the lead on guitar, he lets the strings sing with just as much soul.

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Joining Zeke are drummer Stephan Hall; multi-instrumentalist Dan Patterson (primarily bass and keys); and, occasionally, Ashton Herrin joins as a second guitar to Zeke’s. Members knew of each other through the Hazelhurst music scene, but the band was not officially formed until Zeke and Stephan decided to join forces. Dan, who also plays with Will Moseley and the Page Brothers Band, operates as the band’s maestro — tweaking the sound board, making sure everything is in tune, directing the band by calling out keys and time signatures — all while taking bass and keyboard duties. Occasionally, Zeke and Dan will swap bass and guitar, and Dan takes the opportunity to sing a few songs, belting out Allman Brothers or ZZ Top staples. As if that diversity of talent wasn’t enough, Austin will frequently step up to sing or take over on lead guitar. Stephan perfectly describes Austin’s guitar playing: “I don’t know who hurt him,” he says with a smile, “but I’m kind of glad they did, the way that boy plays the blues.” As soon as Austin unleashed his soul through guitar strings, the restaurant patrons walking up to drop cash into the tip jar were like moths to a flame. Holding it down in the back, Stephan is a ball of energy that

can only be tamed by the four-way independence of playing the drums. With a cigarette perched between his lips and a pair of sunglasses to accentuate the attitude, Stephan’s playing is almost the definition of pocket presence. Having only been a band for a little over a year, Zeke and the Begotten have already made a significant footprint in Georgia, playing in locations like the Golden Isles, Albany, and Macon. One of Zeke’s highlights was playing in Grant’s Lounge in Macon, a venue where several famous bands have cut their teeth or even signed their first record deal. Having grown up in church, Zeke takes pride in using his religious background to bring a positive message with an outlaw edge whenever he’s on the stage. “I’m never pushy about it, but at the end of the day, that’s really my motive with this whole thing,” he says. “One day we’re gonna all be rocking up there in heaven.” With this motivation comes the band’s name, deriving “begotten” from the biblical account of Jesus being the only begotten son of God. With the extensive statewide touring — even creeping up into South Carolina — Zeke says the sky is the limit for this band. “We want this to be our lifestyle; our way of living,” he says. “We want to expand further than the bars by getting into theaters and bigger venues.”

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The band also has a few originals under their belt and plans to get into the recording studio sooner than later. And, while Zeke says that booking gigs is their biggest hurdle right now, he also is confident that their positivity and talent has driven the needed word of mouth to ensure that they keep taking Georgia by storm.

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BRUNSWICK PORCHFEST DRAWS THOUSANDS Downtown Brunswick welcomed enormous crowds — estimated to be near 15,000 — to its eighth annual PorchFest. Bands took to porches in the historic district to perform. Food trucks and beverage stations were situated throughout the area. The next event will be held November 8, 2026. For details, visit porchfestbwk.com. 4.

1. Brooke Bellew, left, and Erica Troutt | 2. Jason Umfress, left, and Susan Bates | 3. Katie Quarles, from left, Christine Schaffer, Laurie Lewis, and Kimberly Young | 4. Crawford Perkins, from left, Bruce McCollum, Dan Vashaw, and Will Aspinwall 5. Emma, Eric, and Christal Kuchar | 6. Lance and Kate Sabbe | 7. Jim and Sandy Metzer, from left, Deanna and John Carrillo

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TASTE OF THE WILD FOR BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB

The annual Taste of the Wild was recently held at Emma’s Driftwood Farm in Darien. The event featured wild game dishes, a silent auction, and entertainment. Proceeds from the ticket sales benefited the Boys and Girls Club of McIntosh County. For more information, visit bgcsega.com/ mcintosh-unit. 5.

1. Kelly Brewer, from left, Tracy Sanford, and Rick Brewer | 2. Jennifer and Mike Hatcher | 3. Brooke Parmelee, left, and Kathleen Russell 4. Meg and Bill Wallace, from left, Mary Lou Forsyth, and Tracy Francis | 5. Bill Lewis, from left, and Laura and Alan Powell 6. Shelia Parker, from left, Catherine Larkin, and Angie Sumner | 7. Buddy and Jen Hall, from left, Linda Flynn, and Judith Herrren 8. Beth Ewing, from left, Joan Nichols, Anna Gregory, Angie Sumner, Melissa Morrow, and Catherine Larkin

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GLYNN VISUAL ARTS HOSTS ST. SIMONS WINE FESTIVAL Glynn Visual Arts’ second annual St. Simons Wine Festival was rececntly held at the King and Prince Beach & Golf Resort and Posh Carts Hangar at McKinnon St. Simons Island Airport. There were wine tastings, food, entertainment, and live art demonstrations. Proceeds benefited GVA and various local causes. For details, visit glynnvisualarts.org.

1. Kari Morris, from left, Lynda Hambrick, Sally Hardman, and Bonnie Martin | 2. Michele and Clint Hutchins, from left, Cheryl Hargrove and John Bauser | 3. Bob and Cissy Blanchard | 4. Elizabeth Killgallon, left, and Emma Humphries | 5. Steve and Chandra Kendall 6. Matt and Mallory Muetzel | 7. Lynn Fonseca, left, and Dr. Sage Campione | 8. Stacey and Jared Marinelli 9. Michael and Barbara Northrup

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AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY’S VICTORY BOARD HOSTS MOONLIGHT MASQUERADE The American Cancer Society’s Victory Board recently held its annual gala. The theme was Moonlight Masquerade , offering attendees the opportunity to don masks for the black-tie soirée at Frederica Golf Club on St. Simons Island. The event featured a strolling buffett, entertainment, raffles, and a silent auction. The board also unveiled its new foundation during the event. The newly-formed organization will continue its partnership with the American Cancer Society, while working to directly aid local families facing challenges from the disease. For details, visit acsvictoryboard.org.

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1.Ashley Fassnacht, left, and McClennon Hoyt | 2. Chase and Anna Hopkins | 3. Grady and Fiona Floyd | 4. Heather Burrell, left, and Holly Kinsey 5. Jane Anne Purser, from left, Meg Corry, Bentley Kaufman, Anna Ruberti, Laura Anne Barron, and Claire Auffenberg | 6. James and Meghan Ozamiz | 7. John and Olympia Poulakis, from left, and Dana and Patrick Parker | 8. Nate and Katie Rikansrud, from left, Tricia and Phil Amodeo 9. Lauren Belt, left, and Jenna Daughtrey | 10. Megan Beard, left, and Darby Dowdy JANUARY/F EB RUA RY 2026

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BLUE JEAN BALL CELEBRATES MISSION OF HUMANE SOCIETY OF SOUTH COASTAL GEORGIA Photo assistance by Michelle Holton

The Humane Society of South Coastal Georgia recently hosted its annual Blue Jean Ball at the home of Robin and Davis Love III. The event featured live entertainment, food, as well as live and silent auctions. All proceeds benefit the humane society. For details, visit hsscg.org.

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1. Amy Tomlin, from left, Meg Gilbert, and Jody Wedge | 2. Jack Kilgore, from left, and Lauren and Keeva Kase | 3. John Poulakis, from left, Colleen O’Hara, and Olympia Poulakis | 4. Garrett Swartz, from left, Sara Robinson, Carter Rowland, and Gus Youmans | 5. Parker Woods, from left, Lara Forsyth, Anna Williams | 6. Susan Dunn, from left, Virginia Schlegel, and Audra Rizzi | 7. Patti Billard, from left, Melissa Andon, Vicky Dekok, and Elaine Nangum | 8. Sally and Coll Bowen, from left, and Janet and Ashley Shomaker | 9. Scott and Mary Kate Hendley | 10. Traci and Tim Lowe, from left, and Brenda Kilgore | 11. Zan and Julie Guerry, from left, Joanne Sokolowski, Jay Floyd, and Jimmy Adams

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Introducing the 2025-2026 Junior Board of Directors At United Community, our mission is to provide exceptional banking services while caring deeply for the communities we serve. We are proud to introduce the nineteenth class of our Junior Board of Directors. The board is made up of high school students from Brunswick High School, Frederica Academy, and Glynn Academy. We wish them, and all students, a successful school year.

the

BRIDGE RUN SATURDAY, FEB. 14, 2026 The Southeast Georgia Health System Foundation Bridge Run across the scenic Sidney Lanier Bridge in Brunswick, Georgia, has been certified by U.S.A. Track and Field as “the toughest 5K in Georgia.” The Bridge Run also includes a walk and a family-friendly festival, featuring vendors, food and drinks, entertainment and children’s activities. Proceeds benefit the Health System’s cancer and cardiac care programs.

THE-BRIDGE-RUN.ORG 10K DOUBLE PUMP | 5K RUN | 5K WALK

FIREFIGHTERS’ CHALLENGE

912-466-2786