Actually, there are TWO new vets  on the island.  One of the goals of this blog is to introduce new people, places and things in the area.  There are many wonderful veterinarians in the Golden Isles that provide the best care for our pets.  For my readers who go to the Island Animal Hospital and wonder about the recent staff changes, I’m pleased to introduce you to Dr. Brad Cooke and Dr. Jaclyn Luckstone.  The group is still headed up by Dr.  Jan Rossiter who has served Glynn County pet owners for more than twenty years.

Dr. Cooke, a native Georgian, returned to his home state in November of 2012 to join the team at IAH.  He received his Veterinary degree at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine in Philadelphia and continued his practice in Pennsylvania until moving to St. Simons.  Dr. Cooke is especially interested in neurology and cardiology.  His gentle manner will instantly have your pet feeling at ease.

Dr. Cooke lives on St. Simons Island with his wife, Dana.  Other family members include Blaze their Boxer, and two playful cats named Moo and Effie.

Dr. Luckstone moved from Connecticut to join Dr. Rossiter’s team.  She loves her new life on St. Simons Island.  One of her passions is working with exotic birds of all sizes and types.  Of course, she offers care for all pets, including reptiles.  Dr. Luckstone graduated from Ross University of Veterinary Medicine in 2009 then practiced in Connecticut for three years before moving to join Island Animal Hospital.  She emphasizes preventive care for all pets.  Yearly check ups and keeping current with vaccinations insures that your pet will be healthy and strong for years to come.

When she is not at her practice, Dr. Luckstone enjoys photography, baking and riding her bike.  She agreed with me that biking is probably the best way to get to know the island.  She also enjoys time with her own pets,  Maddy, a black Lab; Jack, a St. Kitts island mutt, and Linnie, a lineolated parakeet.

If you are a cat owner and dread trying to coax your furry friend into its carrier for trips to the vet, you’ll be happy to know about a product named “Feliway”.  This product can be diffused into the carrier where it emits a pheromone, much like what the mother cat produced in order to calm her kittens.  The company will soon be releasing a “wipe” that can be used to create the same effect when you use it on the interior of your carrier.  The more comfortable your cat is the easier it will be to insure their help with regular visits to your vet of choice.  “Feliway” is available at Island Animal Hospital and other veterinary clinics in the area.

Island Animal Hospital • 2603 Demere Road St. Simons Island, GA 31522 • 912-319-4040

Melissa | people | 03 12th, 2013 | 5 Comments »

Imagine a world totally committed to relaxation.  A world you enter where all of your cares, stresses and worries melt away.  Aromatherapy floats in the air, soothing your mind. There is a tropical feeling surrounding you, peaceful, quiet music streams into your senses as if to say, “You can stop now.”.  Breathe deeply, quiet your mind, find that space of emptiness between the thoughts that busily fill your head.

The 5 Star Spa at Sea Island’s Cloister Hotel is such a place.  Members and guests are treated to the ultimate in pampering as they enjoy the serenity so perfectly designed with complete relaxation in mind.  The whole setting is about tranquility with natural waterways flowing from the entry fountain in the four directions, north, south, east and west.

Donna Mastrianni, director of the spa, spent the better part of a morning recently guiding me through every nook and cranny of this beautiful haven.

Treatment rooms for two, private balcony’s for taking in the tropical surroundings while enjoying a glass of champagne, pilates, yoga….you’ll find it all within the private walls of this fabulous spa.

Meditate while walking the Labyrinth, followed by a soak in the thermal soaking tub that sits serenely in the exquisite gardens.

You’ll be treated to the most luxurious experience when you visit the spa.  Imagine a Balinese massage including a rice scrub that will leave your body smooth, relaxed and completely refreshed.

Sip on a lovely glass of citrus water, lightly sweetened with Savannah honey.  Treat your senses, treat yourself.  This is the perfect getaway for you and that special someone or for the ultimate “Ladies Out” weekend!  You’ll find it all in this charming Southern enclave that offers the best of everything.  For information and reservations: http://www.seaisland.com.  Privacy + Pampering = Perfection.

Here’s an extra bonus compliments of Donna Mastrianni.  It’s sure to soothe and relax you at the end of a busy day!

1 cup lactose free milk or almond milk (I make this with plain almond milk)

1 chamomile tea bag

1 chunk of fresh ginger root – about 1/2″ thick

1 teaspoon local, organic honey

Heat the milk until just steaming.  Add the tea bag and ginger root, cover and steep for 5 minutes.  Stir in the honey and serve in a warm mug.

This is such a delicious mixture of flavors….it really take all the kinks out!

Enjoy!

Melissa | people | 03 7th, 2013 | 3 Comments »

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 »

Uncle Don’s Local Market…..all I can say is WOW!  Not only is Don delightful, his little produce market is awesome.  It poured rain during my visit so Don was busy taking things inside and making sure produce was protected from the elements.   Imagine really organic, local produce available  here on the island.  Admittedly, Don tries his best to make sure everything is local and organic, but there are times when some of the produce may come from Georgia but not our exact area and there may be times when what you find there may not all be organic, but he is committed to offering his customers the BEST, no matter what.

I saw hydroponic lettuce that was nothing short of magic, so big and beautiful!  I’m hooked and will be making many, many visits to buy veggies for my kitchen.  I love the fact that Don uses any vegetables or fruit that are less than perfect for smoothies, juices and compost.  This green approach is something we all need to give more thought and energy too.  Something new for me, and I am a Foodie deluxe, are “Rainbow Carrots”, filled with delicious goodness…they will be appearing on my table for sure.

The offerings from local artisans such as Lisa Morrow with Frali Gourmet from Savannah, Bridget McKeown an amazing local artisan, Sandy Shuttles beautiful sand designs that incorporate sea shells into  decorative items and Bob Swinehart’s handmade crosses….everywhere I turned in this little shop I saw something to put on my wish list.

Fresh baked goods from local bakers and clever displays that celebrate holidays and seasons.  It’s all innovative, creative and something I want to have in my kitchen and home.

All produce is seasonal….I’m waiting for the Cherokee tomatoes Don told me about to appear in the lovely baskets and other pieces his wife, Hollie, uses for display.  I don’t think any of the items I saw in the store are NOT for sale…..just ask.  Except maybe the tables which are artfully covered with organic burlap and offer vignettes of local products and artisan’s wares……BUY ME….it all cries!  Don tells me Hollie is the visionary for the business, and it shows.

Don networks with local farmers throughout our area to bring you only the BEST.  If it’s in the market he has tasted it to make sure it is up to his standards.  On my next visit I’ll definitely be picking up a jar  of Slow Roasted Almond Butter from NaturAlmond a company out of the Atlanta area.  Yum……so many things to feast on, aren’t we lucky?

As our meeting ended Don shared with me his deep gratitude for the support this new business is receiving from the community…”It’s off the charts”, he said.  With the amazing response I’m receiving from this blog I know that to be true.  We have much to be grateful for!

Uncle Don’s Local Market – 1610 Frederica Road – St. Simons Island, GA – 31522

Melissa | food & entertaining, people, Shop! | 02 28th, 2013 | No Comments »

Too Big Buck, you ask?  This is no ordinary dog we’re talking about.  There’s even a book written about him, he’s that special!  My friend, Holly McClure, local literary agent and author is the proud owner of this lovely fellow.  He came to her and her husband, Jack, because he is not the typical Pomeranian.  In fact, he’s about three times bigger than most of the breed.  At three months he already weighed 15 pounds!

His original owner’s dissatisfaction with his size turned out to be a blessing.  Buck was taken in by Holly and Jack, then spoiled rotten.  Who wouldn’t spoil this cutie?  I have to tell you that this is a dog with personality plus.  He greets guests at the door with great enthusiasm and likes to be part of any social gathering.

Buck enjoys walking and running on the beach.  He’d like to be a lap dog, but as you can see, he’s a bit big for that!

Holly admits that Buck adopted HER the minute he layed eyes on her.  Love at first site!  And that hasn’t changed.  Read more about Holly and her wonderful books here: www.hollysullivanmcclure.com.  You can also order a copy of the book Holly recently published entitled, of course, “Too Big Buck”. It will be signed by both Holly and Buck if you order through her site.  It’s also available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble for those of you who enjoy reading on Kindle or Nook.  A percentage of sales goes to help feed and care for animals in the Coastal Georgia area.

I’m pleased to call Buck my friend.  He and Murphy share a play date when it’s possible and the fur flies!  A good time is had by all!

Melissa | Out&About | 02 26th, 2013 | No Comments »

Syn·er·gy  /ˈsinərjē/ – noun – The interaction or cooperation of two or more organizations, substances, or other agents to produce a combined effect great than the sum of the individual elements.

Dr. Vanessa Kinney is a breath of fresh air.  She is on a mission of healing and educating her patients about the importance of spinal health.  As we talked, Dr. Kinney showed me a chart of the human spine, pointing out the way in which each part of our body, every organ, every bit of tissue is influenced by how energy moves through the spine.  I mentioned that it seems as though our spinal system is like the mother board for our body’s.  If the spine is not aligned and in good shape, the rest of us will not be either.

Most impressive to me is Dr. Kinney’s approach to working with the human body.  As a chiropractor she received her education and training formally, yet she has gone beyond the traditional methods of adjustment to treat every element of the person.  Body, mind and spirit all come into play.  She also has her certification as a massage therapist which really does create a synergy of healing when combined with chiropractic adjustments.

The third part of the triangle in Dr. Kinney’s practice is nutritional healing.  She offers consultations that help her patients begin to heal their body’s from the inside out by eating healthfully, making the right choices and supplementing with pure, natural, plant based products from Optimum Health Systems.

We discussed the problems inflammation creates in the body and how stress is the number one cause of disease.  Through monthly realignments this can be avoided.  She encourages her patients to actively participate in their healing and wellness.  Dr. Kinney has a great deal of respect for the relationship between patients and their medical doctors.  Anything she prescribes for you will also be accompanied by a request to ask your primary care physician about the course of treatment and how it will interact with your traditional medical protocols.

Dr. Kinney takes the time to listen to her patients, to carefully detect exactly what treatment is called for before any realignment begins and she emphasis preventive practices in a patient’s everyday habits to ensure good health.  She believes in “painless” adjustments, using an IQ (Impulse Adjusting Instrument) instead of traditional manipulation, although she may use some manual adjustment as needed.  In this way she can gently guide the spine to realign itself, letting all of the thousands of nerve endings that flow through it do so with ease.  The result is overall health and a sense of well being.

Patients are encouraged to increase plant based foods in their diets and to find a balance between complex carbohydrates, protein and fats. Dr. Kinney encourages her patients to use their kitchens as a healing laboratory.  Each treatment program is individualized to meet the needs of a patient.   Her number one oath is “Do Not Harm”.

You can visit Dr. Kinney for an initial consultation by appointment.  She commutes from the Jacksonville area and sees patients in her office on St. Simons Island Tuesday – Thursday with special appointments available on other days as needed.  Visit her website:  http://www.sws4health.com/.

Synergy Wellness Systems – 507 Ocean Blvd.– Suite 301 – Saint Simons Island, GA – 31522 – 912-433-5343

Melissa | people | 02 25th, 2013 | 6 Comments »

Admittedly, Coastal Kitchen is one of my favorite restaurants on St. Simons Island.  I love sitting out on the deck and watching the water, the breeze blowing the ornamental grasses that grow on the surrounding grounds and the pelicans diving into the intracoastal waters to grab a bite to eat.  Having been raised on the Gulf Coast of Texas, I also have to admit my passion for really good fried shrimp.  Texas shrimp is much different from sweet Georgia shrimp.  It has more of an iodine flavor to it, which I do not prefer having feasted on the local variety for the past five years.  Coastal has never let me down, their shrimp is always hand dipped and rolled in their homemade breading mixture, fried to perfection and served with hand cut french fries and crunchy cole slaw.  Feeling hungry now?

Jeff Montaigne is the proud owner of Coastal Kitchen.  He is passionate about serving some of the best fish and seafood to be found in our area as well as other fare for those who prefer turf to surf.  There are no shortcuts taken and everything is made from scratch.  Even the juices used in the bar are fresh squeezed and mixed with your libation of choice.  I have to make a return visit one of these days to sample a Salty Dog and the latest bar addition, jalapeno popcorn. You can peruse the menu here: http://www.coastalkitchenandrawbar.com/

The restaurant business is stressful at best.  It is a business that requires excellence, attention to detail and impeccable service in order to succeed.  For the past five years Jeff has filled the bill for local and visiting diners.  He joked with me that his is the best restaurant on Lanier Island, of course, we all know it’s the only restaurant on the small island just before the last bridge onto St. Simons, but that’s ok.  We’ll give him “the best” status anyway.

What does Jeff do to reduce his stress?  He sky dives!  Now, to me, this would be the most stressful thing I could ever imagine doing.   You will not, I repeat, NOT, find me taking this sport up.  But Jeff is dedicated to flying through the air, hand on the rip cord, savoring the sheer joy, the thrill of it all.  He shares a camaraderie with fellow divers who also enjoy the feeling of falling through the air to land safely on solid ground once again.

Was he frightened at first?  He admits that yes, he began his first step out of the plane with a bit of trepidation and that “Oh My God”, the door is open and I’m supposed to jump feeling that took his breath away, but jump he did.  It took about eight jumps for him to handle the fear of it all.  From then on he was hooked, anticipating each new jump as a chance to save his own life.

Something I did not know….there is an automatic activation device which will deploy automatically should anything happen to cause Jeff not to open his parachute.  Whew!  That makes me feel a bit better about it all.  And actually, the thought of flying through the air, floating gently down to Mother Earth does sound peaceful in a way.

Jeff is a guy who loves action.  The adrenalin rush he experiences with each dive keeps him going back for more.  He likes to have fun!  His staff reflects his attitude as they provide cheerful  service to a faithful clientele.  Happy hour is from 3 – 6 Monday through Friday, with live music served up on the weekends.  When all is said and done it’s hard to beat having a business you love in a setting like this!

Coastal Kitchen – 102 Marina Drive – St. Simons Island, Ga 31522 – 912-638-7790

Melissa | food & entertaining, people | 02 21st, 2013 | 1 Comment »

I love the color red.   It’s lively, fun and fills me with energy.  Red is known to be a stimulating color and can be associated with everything from anger to love. In the 1938 film, “Jezebel”, Bette Davis shocked fellow debutante’s and their dates by appearing at the year’s most important ball in a bright red satin gown.  Shocking since unmarried women were to wear white and nothing else.  The dance floor slowly cleared out as the group ostracized Bette and her beau, played by Henry Fonda.  I would have been like Bette, always marching to the beat of my own drummer.

In this case  we’re talking about the color red because February is Heart Health Month.  The Brunswick Junior Woman’s Club is getting ready to host the Red Dress Ball, their annual fundraiser for the Glynn Heart Association.  Not only do the proceeds from the ball go to help patients who are in rehabilitation having suffered a heart attack,  it also raises funds for a Nursing Scholarship at the College of Coastal Georgia.  Miss Davis would have been proud to be the belle of this ball, all decked out in red and dancing to the beat.

This is a lively night with a “Wow” factor built right in.   Studio Pixel Pop will offer a photo booth with all the props for guests to strike a pose and have some fun.  Myrick Stubbs heads up the planning committee this year and her team of dedicated women have put their heart and soul into every detail.  There will be plenty of hors d’ouevres, a cash bar, dance music provided by “Spike At The Beach”, and a silent auction.  To participate in a 50/50 raffle, tickets can be purchased for $1.00, and your presence is not required in order to win.   Last but not least, A Diamond Raffle is being presented by Chadwick’s Jeweler’s in which one lucky guest will win a 1/2 carat diamond.  Just purchase a glass of champagne for$25.00 to be entered.  Red dress is optional, but preferred, as well as black tie……you’ll want to put it on to support this cause!

The event is being held at the King And Prince Beach and Golf Resort this coming Saturday night, the 23rd of February.  Tickets can be purchased online at www.brunswickjwc.com for the event as well as the 50/50 raffle.  Ticket sales will continue online until noon on the 23rd and can also be purchased at the door.

This important event takes the place of the Oleander Ball which drew a supportive crowd for 60 years in order to raise money for school lunch programs.  As the state began to publicly fund school lunches the ball began to fade away.  The current Brunswick Junior Woman’s Club is one of the largest in the state.  It is a club of service and holds membership in the General Federation of Women’s Clubs, the largest volunteer organization of women in the world.

Buy your tickets!  Get out that red dress, baby, and have a ball!  It’s all for the good and a great evening will be had by all!

www.brunswickjwc.com

Melissa | food & entertaining, people | 02 20th, 2013 | 7 Comments »