The time is drawing near!  You can feel the “buzz” in the air as opening day of the 2013 McGladrey Classic gets ready to begin!

I spoke with Nancy Hildebrand, tournament assistant, and Alex Sopchak, ticketing assistant, to hear more about the “behind the scenes” details that make this event go.  Both of these hardworking souls invest countless hours in the planning and implementing of every detail. Nancy oversees so much…be it reservations for accommodations for players and their families, funneling the thousands of phone calls that come in regarding the event, childcare for the PGA families, transportation coordination or seeing to the comfort and relaxation of all involved, you’ll find Nancy in the heart of the action.   Alex is the ticket assistant.   He is the guy who fulfills every ticket order, answers all the many questions that come up about credentials, such as 2 children can attend the concert free with a paid adult ticket, children get in free all week, active military get in free with one guest, player tickets sent to will call, Alex is even the  Lost and Found.  These two are invaluable pieces of the puzzle that put the McGladrey Classic together.

Media day has come and gone.

The stands are ready to be filled with avid fans.

Scoreboards are being erected.

And all are wondering who will win this coveted trophy on Sunday, November 10th.

Eleven Hundred you ask?  There are 1,100 volunteers helping with all of the facets of the tournament this year.  60% of the volunteers have served since the beginning of the McGladrey Classic in 2010.  Nancy and Alex will both tell you that without these helpers things would not run so smoothly!  Team work….a team of dedicated people, focused on producing the best PGA event to be held in the name of McGladrey and the Davis Love Foundation.  Over $500,000 has been generated by this event thus far that is invested in our community.

Monday, November 4th, is Community Day!  Climb on a shuttle at the McKinnon Airport on St. Simons Island and spend the day where all of the action is beginning!

Melissa | people | 10 31st, 2013 | 3 Comments »

Henry Morrison Flagler, a man with vision, contributed so much to the city of St. Augustine, Florida.

The buildings he planned and built can be seen in all parts of the historic city.  The Ponce de Leon hotel, which is now part of Flagler College.

The Alacazar Hotel, complete with an indoor swimming pool so that guests could exercise in any weather, now houses the Lightner Museum you’ll find across the street from the refurbished Casa Monica Hotel.

Of particular interest to me is the Memorial Presbyterian Church that Mr. Flagler built.

Inspired by St. Mark’s Basilica in Venice and designed by the New York team of Carrère and Hastings, this beautiful example of Second Renaissance Revival Style and built by Franklin W. Smith.  Mr. Smith also built the Ponce de Leon Hotel, the Alcazar hotel and the Casa Monica Hotel.  All of these structures utilized a material made up of concrete and crushed coquina, a stone found all over the St. Augustine area.  It definitely has served these historic buildings well over decades of storms, the passing of time and everyday wear and tear.

In the “rotunda” of Memorial Presbyterian lie the bodies of Henry Flagler’s daughter, who died in childbirth, as well as the child.  Henry and his first wife, Mary Harkness Flagler are also interred in the family mausoleum there.

Henry Flagler indeed had a vision for the state of Florida.  He is the founder Palm Beach, Miami and the Florida East Coast Railway.  His vision lives on as thousands of people enjoy spending time on the Florida coast in resort areas made possible by one man’s dream.

Melissa | people | 10 30th, 2013 | 2 Comments »

We arrived in the historic city of St. Augustine, Florida yesterday afternoon.  The weather is fall perfection with flowers in bloom, the water glistening and the air just the right temperature.

This is a magical city.  The downtown, historic area is filled with places of interest.

The food is nothing short of sensational.

The plantings we see everywhere around us are lush and beautiful.

St. Augustine is the perfect weekend getaway for anyone in Coastal Georgia looking for a relaxing break.

I’ll be posting more over the next few days to entice you to make your reservations and experience the magic yourself!

Melissa | food & entertaining, people | 10 29th, 2013 | No Comments »

I’m on a media trip in St. Augustine, Florida.  This is our country’s oldest city and one of our favorite destinations!

The history….

The architecture…..

The shopping…..

Our accommodations at the lovely St. Francis Inn, right in the heart of the historic, downtown district.

What a wonderful time, what great fellow journalists and our hostess, publicist Leigh Cort….simply the best!

Melissa | people, Shop! | 10 28th, 2013 | No Comments »

When fall arrives there is always more than enough going on in Coastal Georgia to keep you and your family busy.  No boredom here!

Beginning Friday, attend that annual St. Simons Island SUP Challenge.  This years event promises to be the biggest and best ever, with the addition of electronic timing, sponsor tents, and prize money.  Demo day is Friday, the 25th with the race happening on Saturday.  For more information go here:  https://www.saintsimonsislandsupchallenge.com/

The Saint Simons Island SUP Challenge Is An Open Water Paddleboard Race Consisting of A 3 Mile Rec. Race, 7 Mile Elite Race, A 4 Person Relay Race, A Youth and Dog on Board Race. The Event Is In It’s 4th Year and Is Held Annually On Saint Simons Island, GA.  Each Year a charity is chosen to receive 100% of the net proceed from the event.  This Years Recipient is The “CURE for Childhood Cancer”.  Get Up, Get Wet And Stand Up For A Cause.

Lovers of Brunswick Stew will not be disappointed this weekend!  The 14th annual “Brunswick Rockin’ Stewbilee” will be held at Mary Ross Park this coming Saturday.  Find more information here:  http://www.stewbilee.com/

Cooking teams from all over our area and beyond will compete to win “The Best” title from the “People’s Choice” and “Judges” awards.  It’s sure to be a fun time, kicked off with a 5k Road Race followed by the Pet Supplies Plus Pooch Parade, Live Entertainment, The Kid’s Junior Stewbee Central Fun Zone, Classic and Antique Car Show, Arts & Crafts displays and of course, sampling of the Best Brunswick Stew in the nation.

If you’re looking for something in the cultural venue you won’t want to miss the exhibit at the Mildred Huie Plantation Museum on St. Simons Island.  “Island Photography & Beyond” with Benjamin Galland will certainly provide an interesting afternoon as you meet with the photographer and learn about his work on the wonderful book he has published with author, Jingle Davis.  Both Benjamin and Ms. Davis will be present to discuss their work and sign a copy of this wonderful book for you.  What a great idea for a Christmas gift.

Mildred Huie Plantation Museum

It’s all happening in our area this weekend.  Pick your event and have fun with friends and family!  There’s always something brewing in the Golden Isles that offers you a weekend to enjoy.

Melissa | food & entertaining, people | 10 24th, 2013 | 5 Comments »

Nothing says the Christmas season is here more than poinsettia plants.  Their rich reds, pinks, creamy whites and variegated varieties add something special to any home when it comes to decorating for the season.

The Live Oaks Garden Club is offering beautiful poinsettia plants for sale in their annual fundraiser.  This forty member group is dedicated to island beautification.  All proceeds from this sale go to further their programs.

Their work can be seen in various places on the island as well as other locations in Glynn County.

The oak trees recently planted along Demere Road, near the airport, is one of their projects.  Members have adopted a tree to care for and nurture as they grow.

Another is the lovely butterfly garden near the skate park, also on Demere, where you will find all sorts of local plants that attract all types of butterflies.

The garden was planted about a year ago and thrives under the care and upkeep of club members.

To read more about the club visit their website here:  http://www.liveoaksgardenclubinc.com/

Unleash your holiday spirit and order some of these gorgeous plants for your holiday decorating!  They are large, healthy and available in several colors, costing $18.00 each.  Call now to place your order:  912-577-4596 or 478-232-7425.  Orders must be received no later than November 22nd and home delivery will be on December 6th.

Live Oaks Garden Club, Inc. is a 501(c)(3), non-profit organization

Melissa | people, Shop! | 10 23rd, 2013 | 5 Comments »

When Deidra and Johnny Kerce made the decision to move to Coastal Georgia a little over a year ago, they left the Macon area behind and began their adventure.  Having spent countless holidays and vacations in our area they felt like they were coming home to a new life.  Deidra came up with the idea to name their relocated photography business, White Rabbit in honor of their journey and the adventurous little character in the Lewis Carroll classic “Alice In Wonderland”.  They haven’t missed a beat, their business is thriving and their adventure continues to grow and provide more and more excitement.

The Kerce’s work as a team with their photography.  They each have a fresh, unique way of looking at any given situation, sure to surprise and delight their clients.

Whether you want a unique photo of the bride.

A different take on the happy couple.

A work in progress.

Or the arrival of that precious little one……Johnny and Deidra will work with you to get just the right shot, a photograph you’ll always treasure and remember.

You can view more of their work and get their contact information here:  www.thewhiterabbitphotography.com.  Memories are made on special occasions, they become treasures and heirlooms through good photography.  The Kerce’s work with their clients to create photos that preserve the circle of life we all want to go back to when remembering the good times we’ve shared together.

Melissa | people | 10 21st, 2013 | No Comments »

Tony Schuster arrived in town a couple of weeks ago.  He’s a quiet kind of guy, a guy who works behind the scenes to pull everything together at the McGladrey Classic.

Tony Schuster and his assistant, Sara Richardson

Tony works with the PGA, an independent contractor, who takes care of every detail involved in setting up for a golf tournament.

He begins with the bones of the structures necessary.

The stands…

The hospitality facilities…

The cordoning off and fencing of fairways and greens…

And transportation…..Tony makes sure groups can be brought to and taken from the tournament and special events without a glitch.

This is the man that makes things run smoothly.

So many people behind the scenes, countless crew members, team members and all of those volunteers who work each year to create an exciting event that benefits Glynn County in so many ways.

Hats off to you Tony!  And welcome to the Golden Isles!

Melissa | people | 10 17th, 2013 | 2 Comments »

Some people are born with an innate ability to create.  Yasharel Manzy is such a person.  The recent opening of his one man show, Color Surge, at Left Bank Art Gallery shows the work of a man who is passionate about his art, organic in his process and deeply committed to sharing his inspiration.

Raised in a Jewish ghetto in Esfahan, Iran, Yasharel immigrated to the United States at the age of twenty-one.

After exploring various businesses, his final one involving the sale of Persian rugs, he found himself yearning to paint.

The desire to create came to him at an early age when he tried to copy  a drawing by Raphael at the age of 6.

He is primarily self-taught, intuitive in his process, inspired by classical music and the world in which he lives.

His paintings evoke an earthy feeling of the sun kissed hills and valleys of Tuscany and the South of France.

Extensive travel has taken him to these places as well as other destinations throughout the world where he immerses himself in his surroundings, interpreting what he sees onto canvas.

Yasharel’s use of color, the ease with which he forms shapes and shadows has a haunting effect, perhaps memories from a dream.  Reminiscent of paintings of the old masters, his work draws the art lover in to experience the movement and passion of each piece.

Yasharel and Millie Wilcox

Color Surge, the show, will be on display at Left Bank Art Gallery until November 20, 2013.

Left Bank ARt Gallery – 3600 Frederica Road – St. Simons island, GA 31522 – www.LeftBankArtGallery.com – 912-638-3017

Melissa | people | 10 16th, 2013 | No Comments »

If you love up to the minute fashion, lively colors and wonderful service, you’ll love Wild & Personal.  It’s a boutique, located in Redfern Village, that has something for every woman in any age group!

Christine Proffitt, the lovely owner, has put together a one of a kind shop that reminds me of neighborhood boutiques in New York City.  You can create a wardrobe that is up to the minute, unique, fun and very affordable.

We’re seeing animal prints everywhere in fall fashion.  Wild & Personal has a wide variety of clothing, accessories and even shoes to help you create your own personal style.

I  love the “Clara Sun Woo” line of comfortable, colorful separates, just right for island casual or more dressy occasions.

Exotic jewelry that makes a statement.

 Potions and lotions for your beauty care and so much more.

Wild & Personal is just the place to find fashion, accessories and gifts for that special someone, even if that someone is you.

Wild & Personal Boutique – 214 Redfern Village – St. Simons Island, GA 31522 – 912-634-4563 – www.wildandpersonal.com

Melissa | people, Shop! | 10 15th, 2013 | No Comments »