For as long as I can remember I have dreamed of helping build a “Habitat for Humanity” home.  My chance to help came unexpectedly last Thursday when my good friend, Patricia, invited me to come along with the Davis Love Foundation staff members and work on a home that is under construction on Blaine Street in Brunswick.  I jumped at the chance!  Read more about the Foundation and the good things they do here:  http://www.mcgladreyclassic.com/tournament-information/host-organization/

There are actually two homes being constructed, side by side on Blaine.  Bert Brown, Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity Glynn County, Georgia was there to greet us as we arrived and were given an assignment of either helping install vinyl siding to the outside of the home or painting all of the interior walls with primer.  I chose the latter task.

These homes are well constructed, put together by groups of volunteers from local churches, organizations, local businesses and individuals who partner with Habitat to provide a low income family with a home of their own.  The home we worked on will be a haven for a single Mom and her child when it is completed.

I was amazed at how open and light the structures are.  These simple two bedroom, one bath homes provide a lovely, cozy environment in which to live.  Read more about the history of Habitat for Humanity here: http://www.habitat.org/how/historytext.aspx.   Habitat has built over 500,000 homes since 1976 across the United States and in 99 foreign countries.

By the time we finished work, shortly after noon, almost all of the siding was completed.  Amazing how quickly a busy team can pull things together!  And the interior was completely primed, but not without a bit of paint finding its way all over me, Patricia and a few splatters on our co-painter, Robin….all in a days work!  We are still laughing about our new names, assigned to us by Pat’s husband….”Laverne and Shirley”…..to which my teenage daughter inquired….”Who’s that?”.  I will be directing her to YouTube to find an old episode with which to educate herself shortly!  Our senses of humor are well intact and we had a great day helping.

Click here: http://www.habitatglynncounty.org/ to read more about our local Habitat for Humanity Group, current projects and how you can help.  This is such an important group.  The homes they provide to lower income families who otherwise could not afford a home of their own is invaluable.

Melissa | people | 03 6th, 2013 | 1 Comment »

Meet Gracie!  This is one post you’re going to love!  Gracie is the beloved Golden Retriever of retired veterinarian, Dr. Bill Disque and his lovely wife, Gayle.  But Gracie isn’t just your ordinary dog, no way.  Gracie is the ultimate diva in the dog world.  Bill and Gayle realized a couple of years ago that Gracie likes to wear sunglasses.  Yes, sunglasses.

In fact, Gracie gets quite upset if she is expected to travel in the car without a pair of sunglasses from her collection that have been outfitted with a band to keep them on her head.

This is the sweetest dog.  She greeted me at the front door of the Disque residence with one of her “babies” in her mouth and she refused to let it go as she ushered me into the living area.  She is personality plus, greatly loved, spoiled and appreciated by her proud owners!  Dr. Disque shared with me the fact that he has cared for the pets of over three generations of animal lovers in the Coastal Georgia area.  Lucky Gracie is living a well deserved good life with the two people she loves most.

Let me know about your special pet.  They just may be featured on an upcoming blog!

Melissa | people | 03 5th, 2013 | 2 Comments »

I had the honor of spending time with Amy Roberts, discussing the rich history to be found on St. Simons Island.  As recipient of the Governor’s Award for Humanities in October 2012, she traveled to the event celebrating the award in Atlanta.  Amy is on a mission to preserve the African-American heritage and culture of the island.  I learned so much about St. Simons in its earlier years as we talked.  Little did I know that there were three distinct areas inhabited by African-Americans, South End (a residential area that also was known for its nightclubs and restaurants), Jewtown (originally named for Robert and Sig Levison who owned a store in the area), and Harrington on the north end of the island.  These neighborhoods were founded by former slaves after the Civil War.  Yet, Amy shared with me the fact that most of the “slaves” were basically free to do what they wished even during the war since their owners were away fighting to save the South.

Harrington Schollhouse Painting by Allison Cyle Tucker

Currently, Amy Roberts is working with the St. Simons Island African-American Heritage Coalition Project:  http://www.ssiheritagecoalition.org/.  There is one property in particular that they are raising funds to save.  The original one room school house that sits on a lovely wooded piece of property on South Harrington Road.   Amy actually attended first and second grade at the school and has many memories of her days there.  She intends to see that the building is restored and turned into a museum to protect and promote the history and culture of African-American’s who made their homes here for many, many years before they began to leave the island, moving to work in places like New York City, Chicago and Philadelphia.  But many families remained and to this day continue the traditions and stories that add so much to the island’s history.

On June 1st and 2nd the annual 2013 Original Georgia Sea-Islands Festival will be held at Gascoigne Bluff Park.  Visitors can enjoy a true Gullah Geechee Experience with authentic foods, crafts and entertainment.  The heritage of the Gullah Geechee is one dating back to the time of slavery when Africans were brought to farm rice from their native Sierra Leone.  Their descendants are a tightly woven group of people determined to continue with the traditions of their ancestors.  This is an event not to be missed whether you live in Coastal Georgia or will be visiting the area during that time.

Amy’s memories, her stories and her wonderful presence are a true treasure. She was born on St. Simons, this is where her heart is and here she will stay.  To find out more about work the SSAAHC is doing or to donate please visit their website via the link above.  It is a worthy cause and one of great importance….preserving the past for the future….bringing people of all races together.

Melissa | people | 03 4th, 2013 | 1 Comment »