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MAY/JUNE 2026

TABLE OF CONTENTS

46 A PINK PARADISE: Wicnic Designs helps bring Palm Beach chic to events in the Golden Isles through a curated blend of fabrics and furniture.

53 PEACH, PINKS + POOLS: Bethany Vann and Adrian Cate of Johnson Vann Interiors brought a fresh new vibe to a Sea Island pool house.

57 PATTERN PLAY: Laurie Watson of Mary Bryan Peyer Designs opted for lots of bright colors when she recently transformed a home in the beloved Devonwood neighborhood.

63 A LASTING LEGACY: Famed architect Addison Mizner of Palm Beach fame left a mark on Sea Island through the design of the Cloister in 1928. Today, his work still inspires, as evidenced by a stunning property that’s currently on the market.

68 RAISING A GARDEN: Angela Barnard has gardened her entire life, and now she finds hersef growing raised beds at the community space at the St. Simons Island Airport.

75 VINTAGE + MODERN: Mixing beloved antiques with modern design can be a challenge, but it’s something Heather Jowers of Rae Lane Interiors understands well. One of her designs on East Beach puts that technique on full display.

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Publisher Buff Leavy

Editor Lindsey Adkison

Proofer

Advertising Director

Heather Murray

Kasey Rowell

Account Executive Jenn Good

Contributing Writers

Contributing Photographers

Taylor Cooper

Derrick Davis

Michael Farris Jr.

Sam Ghioto

Daniel Marco

Ronda Rich

Empire Sky Photography

Sam Ghioto

Michelle Holton

Terry Dickson

Fagan Kennedy

SPM Photography

Aric Sparmann

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: This beautifully revitalized Sea Island pool house was designed by Johnson Vann Interiors. It was photographed by SPM Photography.

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Submissions

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

Please include an email address and telephone number. Submit by email to the editor, 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.

Advertising

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.

EDITOR’S NOTE

THE MOVEMENT you need

If you know me even slightly, you know that I’m a massive Beatles fan. I always have been. And one of my favorite stories about the Fab Four concerns a particular line in the classic “Hey Jude.”

It goes something like this. Paul McCartney famously penned the piece for John Lennon’s first son, Julian, who was dealing with the breakup of his parents.

When Paul played the song for John (and I believe Yoko too, because of course), he told them there was one line he was going to change: “The movement you need is one on your shoulder.” John countered in his thick Liverpudlian, “You won’t, you know. It’s the best line in the bloody song.”

Paul professed that he, “didn’t know what it meant” and that it, “it sounded like a parrot.”

That’s what we’ve taken as inspiration for this issue.

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“I know what it means,” John said stoically. And that was that.

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GOLDEN ISLES

For many years, I agreed with Paul. It felt like a placeholder lyric. After I heard that story, it became one of my favorite lines in any Beatles song.

The lyric, in my humble opinion, refers to one’s conscience. The proverbial angel or devil depicted sitting on one’s shoulder. That’s what directs our “movement” in life — our moral compass.

After I discovered all of this, I had a custom piece of art with the lyric made for my foyer. I’ve grown quite fond of it; in fact, it was the one piece I insisted on keeping when I revamped that room last spring. We added paint, a new sideboard, fabulous wallpaper, and a dramatic chandelier (a huge thank-you to Heather Jowers and Gina Lever for their help with that). But the sign stayed.

(Now, I’m moving on to the living room under the direction of the incredible team at Scout Proper. I can’t wait to share that with you guys.)

But, the nonnegotiable lyric in my foyer got me thinking.

Music — the lines we love and the lines we loathe — is so personal. Another thing that seems to always resonate that way is place.

In our features, we share a number of inspiring designs found right here. We met with the ladies of Johnson Vann Interiors, who shared a very special Sea Island pool house renovation they completed. Also on the posh, private locale, we stopped in to see a true show stopper — an architectural marvel that would be at home in any of the country’s most exclusive zip codes (and it’s currently on the market!) We also chat with Laurie Watson of Mary-Bryan Peyer Designs, who helped to breathe new — and colorful — life into a St. Simons property.

Also on SSI, we beeped over to East Beach to see one of Heather Jowers’ classic creations, one that mixes heirlooms and new items for a flawless finish. And last but not least, we meet Angela Barnard, a local nurse practitioner and med spa owner, who is also a seasoned gardener. She shares tips and tricks for creating one’s own raised vegetable beds.

As you can see, there’s a lot to like about this issue. I’m here for it, and I’m glad you are too.

Movingly yours — Lindsey

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Cover

Magnolia Legacy Photography: Stunning!!!

Drifwood Soap Co.: BEAUTIFUL!!!!!

Fred McKinnon: You can’t have a “Celebrating Joy” on the cover and NOT feature Anna Chandler!

Heather Jowers: Wow Beautiful!

Joanie Mothershead Grant: Excellent choices! Two of my fave gals!

Catherine Blake: Oh, I love all of your covers. This is a fun way to get us ready for spring. Well done!

Christina’s Dance World: Two of my favorite, beautiful people!!

Mackenzie Wommack: Love!!

Sharon Pace Proudfoot: Love some Anna Chandler!

@emilystewartfineart: They chose the joy bomb for the joy issue!

Word On The Street

Your reactions sent to us by emails, posts, & tweets

TIME TO GET SOCIAL

instagram.com/goldenislesmag facebook.com/goldenislesmag twitter.com/goldenislesmag

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.

Phoebe Hare: Love!

Misty Gordon Kitchens: Beautiful Tina!

Lisa Ennis Cenicola: Beautiful article!!

Finding Freedom with Jameshia Wilson

@brownbuttershoppe: four heart eye emojis

@felicityysimmonslittles: Oh, I love this!

@miaa_elizabeth_sims: Jameshia is incredible.

@vickie.nicole: The sweest soul ever. I love you, Jameshia!

@brit_iwags:

@idantew: @kandyyccee._:

Game Changers

Christina Ann: Yay, Tina!! You and Zorro are an incredible team

AN INFORMATIVE LINEUP OF THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT THE GOLDEN ISLES

Enduring tradition:

Taste of Gullah celebrates past, future

WORDS BY LINDSEY ADKISON PHOTOS BY MICHELLE HOLTON AND ARIC SPARMANN

Jennifer Rooks stood tall on the deck of Village Creek Landing. She shielded her eyes as she surveyed the marsh that sprawled as far as she could see.

For Rooks, this is more than a picturesque view. It’s a deep link to her heritage.

“Village Creek used to be Cusie’s Fish Camp, which served as a vital part of the community. I’m actually related to him, so he was family,” she said. “At one point, he did tours and took people out fishing. So just seeing that area now is special for me.”

For decades, Rooks and her family have been at the forefront of preserving the rich history of St. Simons’ Black community. Along with an army of elders and dedicated volunteers, they helped found the St. Simons African American Heritage Coalition.

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“(The coalition) was formed to preserve, protect, and amplify the history, culture, and lived experiences of African Americans on St. Simons Island — stories that shaped the island’s identity but were often excluded from traditional historical narratives,” Rooks explains.

It was founded 26 years ago, in October of 2000. The nonprofit’s inaugural meeting was held at the island’s historic First African Baptist Church.

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Rooks says that the initial meeting marked the beginning of a collective commitment to safeguard local African American history.

“It laid the foundation for an organization driven by community voices, shared purpose, and cultural responsibility,” she says.

For more than two decades, the Coalition has continued its mission of service and advocacy. Members have joined hands to preserve cultural memory through education, historical interpretation, public programming, exhibitions, oral history preservation, and advocacy for historic African American spaces.

“At the heart of this mission is the Historic Harrington School, the last remaining African American oneroom graded schoolhouse on St. Simons Island,” Rooks says.

“Once a place of learning and hope during segregation, the Harrington School now stands as a living classroom — educating visitors about resilience, self-determination, and the enduring pursuit

Cuisine: Southern Soul (Hoppin’ John, Pulled Pork & Chicken, Collards) Okra, Sausage & Tomatoes: Jennifer Rooks

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tion’s heartfelt dedication. It also takes funding. That’s the reason the organization started its annual fundraiser — the Taste of Gullah.

“The Taste of Gullah is the Coalition’s signature and primary fundraising event and a vital source of support for its mission. We will have Freddie Britt and Co. from Atlanta and the Gullah Geechee Ring Shouters. We will also have several food vendors,” she says.

“But it’s more than a food tasting, Taste of Gullah is a cultural experience rooted in Gullah Geechee traditions — celebrating ancestral foodways, music, storytelling, and fellowship.”

Of course, the tasting itself will be filling — both for bellies and for hearts. Tresena Bowe, organizing committee member, says they are focusing on dishes that tell a story.

“Southern Soul favorites like Hoppin’ John, pulled pork, and chicken, alongside a traditional okra, sausage, and tomato dish prepared by Jennifer Rooks,” she says of a recent styled shoot organized in the spirit of the event.

“We included a classic pound cake from Freda’s Treasures to bring in that sense of nostalgia and tradition that often closes a Southern table.”

Every ticket purchased supports the preservation, programming, and daily operations of the Harrington School.

“Taste of Gullah is not simply an event — it is an investment in legacy. Funds raised ensure that the Harrington School remains open to students, educators, and visitors; that educational programming continues year-round; and that African American history on St. Simons Island remains visible, valued, and protected,” Bowe said.

But that support isn’t limited to a single day on the calendar. The Coalition needs support year-round. And Rooks adds that there are plenty of ways to do that.

“You can become a sponsor or partner in preserving African American heritage or make a meaningful donation to support operations,” she says. “You can also advocate for the Historic Harrington School as a vital cultural and educational resource.”

Each of these steps is a way for community members to continue the legacy.

“Your engagement ensures that the stories, struggles, and triumphs of the African American community on St. Simons Island endure for generations to come,” she says.

• To learn more, visit ssiheritagecoalition.org.

WORDS BY LINDSEY ADKISON | PHOTOS BY TERRY DICKSON

Healing Waters: Ocean baptism returns June 20

True Life Ministries of Atlanta will host a conference from June 17 to 21 on St. Simons Island. The theme will be F.U.N. (Family, Unity, and New Beginnings). The open water baptism will begin around 10:30 a.m. June 20, dependent on the tide, near the pier at Neptune Park on St. Simons Island. For details or registration, visit thebaptism.org.

Johnny Hardnett has always been a spiritual man. Throughout his life, he’s aimed to walk in Christ’s footsteps. Naturally, baptism was an early step on that path.

“When I was young, I was baptized in a small pool in the back of a church,” the Atlanta native recalls.

While the ancient ritual set the tone for his life, Hardnett knew he wanted more. His heart yearned to be redeemed in the same fashion as his savior — in transformative open waters.

“It’s a two-way thing for people. Some people want to be baptized for the religious purpose … to wash away their sins,” he says.

“Another group would say that they wanted to be baptized to let people know that they have decided to follow Jesus, and they wanted to publicize it. And I kind of looked at it both ways. But, as I got older, I said I want an open water baptism just like my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.”

Of course, in landlocked Atlanta, that was a big ask. But Hardnett started searching for options. He found it on the coast, in a place that already held special meaning for him.

“My wife and I did our honeymoon on Jekyll Island. Then, we started going back to Jekyll for our vacation. One time, we were going back, and I met a church member from True Life,” he said.

It just so happens that True Life Ministries, a church based in Hardnett’s own city of Atlanta, traveled to the coast each year for an open-water baptism.

It began nearly 30 years ago when the Rev. Gregory Hughes, the church’s pastor, traveled to the Golden Isles for a fishing trip. It was here that he felt called to bring congregants to the sea each summer for baptism.

Hardnett joined the next year, bringing his family to witness the event. And, he says, it’s exactly the kind of life-changing experience he always envisioned.

“It was a truly powerful experience for me because that was something I wanted to do for many years. I wanted to be baptized in the ocean waters,” he says.

Hardnett also joined True Life Ministries and continues to travel to the area during their annual pilgrimage. This year, Hughes will be passing the torch to the Rev. Osei Hawkins, who will lead the event when it returns to St. Simons on June 20.

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“This year, myself and one of the elders of our church, Elder Kevin Bembry, and along with our families, and my wife, Dr. Hawkins, and Sandy Bremry, we’ve been commissioned to oversee the baptism,” Hawkins says.

For 2026, the baptism will be dedicated to the memory of the Rev. Juanita Campbell, a local pastor who recently passed and who always joined in helping the effort.

“She had probably been to the baptism for the last 15 years. She was essential to us with partnering with different churches early on, so we’re dedicating it to her memory,” Rev. Hawkins says.

“Also, this year, we’re beginning a push for June to become National Open Water Baptism Month. The vision behind it is to see churches all over the country find some way to show the world that God is good.”

The event will include a conference from June 17 to 21.

The theme will be F.U.N., “family, unity, and new beginnings.”

“We’re showing our faith (through family), we’re unifying people in churches and in believing for a new beginning through Christ,” Hawkins says.

While the baptism is organized by True Life Ministries, the church welcomes all who would like to join. Hawkins says that oftentimes vacationers and beachgoers are also baptized.

“The whole beach stops when we baptize. Everybody stops. We have people who are on vacation … regardless of denomination, race, ethnic group, they stop,” he says.

“We’ve had people come in their clothes to be baptized just because they found themselves at the right place at the right time.”

The church does ask that those who want to reserve a space register in advance through thebaptism.org. It is free and open to everyone.

For Rev. Hawkins’ wife, Dr. Soyini Hawkins, the event has blossomed into a beautiful tradition that breeds fellowship and unity.

“This event, this sacrament, brings us all together. It’s just a reflection of how powerful God really is when we’re obedient,” she says.

That, the couple feels, is essential in an era of unbridled divisiveness across the country. But connecting to God always allows followers to find a sense of peace regardless of the raging storm.

“When you see the movement of God, it reminds you that no matter where you find yourself or what you’re dealing with, God is still in control. And that is just powerful to me,” Rev. Hawkins says.

Around the Town

May 1 to 3

QThe Island Players will stage “The Leader of the Pack” for multiple performances. Shows will be at 7:30 p.m. from Thursday to Saturday. There also will be a 3 p.m. matinee show on Sundays. Tickets range from $12 to $27. For details, visit islandplayers.com.

May 2

Frederica Academy will host its annual Derby Day at 5 p.m. at Retreat Golf Clubhouse on St. Simons Island. There will be a silent auction, along with food, drinks, and entertainment. For details, visit faderby.givesmart.com.

The UGA Extension 4-H is sponsoring the Spring into Summer Makers Market Craft Show from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 325 Old Jesup Rd, Brunswick. There will be food, crafts and children’s activities.

May 7

The Brunswick Art Loop will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. in galleries along Newcastle Street in downtown Brunswick. For details, visit goldenislesarts.org.

The St. Simons Literary Guild will host an Author Talk, featuring Gillian Grable and Ruby Moore. It will be held from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. in room 108 at the St. Simons Casino. They will discuss Until We Meet Again: The Life of Jennie

Raffield Williams, a work of historical fiction based on the true story of a woman who lived at the Central State Hospital in Milledgeville for over 50 years. It is free for members and $10 for nonmembers. Seating is limited, and registration is encouraged. To reserve a space, visit Eventbrite. com. For details, go to litguildssi.org.

Glynn Visual Arts, 106 Island Dr., St. Simons Island, will host Atlanta artist Kathy Rennell Forbes, who will share her watercolor paintings and handmade paper. An opening reception will be held from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the art center. It will be on display through June 12. The gallery is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday. For details, visit glynnvisualarts.org.

May 10

Brunswick’s Blessing of the Fleet will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. at Mary Ross Waterfront Park in downtown Brunswick. There will be food, children’s games, arts and crafts, and music. For details, visit discoverbrunswick.com.

May 15 to 17

The Island Players will stage “The Leader of the Pack” for multiple performances. Shows will be at 7:30 p.m. from Thursday to Saturday. There will be a 3 p.m. matinee show on Sundays. Tickets range from $12 to $27. For details, visit islandplayers.com.

May 19

Golden Isles Arts and Humanities will host PlayReaders at 6:30 p.m. on Zoom. The story will be “The Play That Goes Wrong.” For details, visit goldenislesarts.org.

May 21

The St. Simons Literary Guild will host an Author Talk, featuring Virginia McGee Richards. It will be held from 3 to 4 p.m. in room 108 of the St. Simons Casino, 530 Beachview Drive. She will discuss The Inner Passage: An Untold Story of Black Resistance Along a Southern Waterway. A photojournalist, attorney, and environmental advocate, Richards documents the remnants of a 300-year-old coastal waterway built and maintained by enslaved people in South Carolina and Georgia. It is free for members and $10 for nonmembers. Seating is limited, and registration is encouraged. Reservations may made at Eventbrite.com. For details, go to litguildssi.org.

May 25

The St. Simons Island Rotary Club will host Taps at Twilight, the annual observance of Memorial Day on St. Simons Island. It will be held at 6:45 p.m. at the bandstand at Neptune Park on St. Simons Island. The program will end somberly at twilight with the playing of “Taps.” Attendees should arrive early and bring their own chairs, blankets, and refreshments. For details, visit ssirotary.org.

june

June 4

The Brunswick Art Loop will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. in galleries along Newcastle Street in downtown Brunswick. For details, visit goldenislesarts.org.

The St. Simons Literary Guild willl host an Author Talk, fea turing Matt Cashion. It will be held from 10:30 to 11 a.m. in room 108 of the St. Simons Casino theater. He will discuss his new collection of short stories, How We Do Things Here as well as several award-winning works of fiction. It is free for members and $10 for nonmembers. Seating is limited, and registration is encouraged. Reservations may made at Eventbrite.com. For details, go to litguildssi.org.

June 9

The St. Simons Literary Guild will host an Author Talk, featur ing Sheryl McCollum. It will be held from 10:30 to 11 a.m. in the St. Simons Casino theater. She will discuss Swim in a Sewer. McCollum is a crime scene investigator with the Metro Atlanta police department and the founder of the Cold Case Investigative Research Institute. It is free for members and $10 for nonmembers. Seating is limited, and registration is encouraged. Reservations may made at Eventbrite.com. For details, go to litguildssi.org.

June 11 to 14

Golden Isles Arts and Humanities will host its annual Golden Isles Penguin Project. The show, which features performers with special needs along with mentors, will be “Frozen, Jr.” It will be staged at 7 p.m. Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. There a 3 p.m. show Sunday. For tickets or more informa tion, visit goldenislesarts.org.

June 18

Glynn Visual Arts, 106 Island Dr., St. Simons Island, will host With a Pop, GVA Artist Member Open Call Exhibition. It will be a juried show featuring pop art. An opening reception will be held from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the art center. It will be on display through July 24. The gallery is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday. For details, visit glynnvisu alarts.org.

June 19

The St. Simons African American Coalition will host A Taste of Gullah from 5 to 7 p.m. at Village Creek Landing, 526 South Harrington Road, St. Simons Island. Gullah dishes, live music, and unique arts and crafts will be available. Tickets are $40. They are available at eventbrite.com.

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The Kentucky Derby

s the child of a Louisville, Kentucky native, the Kentucky Derby has always been a big deal in our house. But ours is certainly not the only one. Throughout the region, the event is always a spring highlight. Held the first Saturday in May, the Run for the Roses at Churchill Downs has captured the imagination of racing enthusiasts since 1875.

Locally, Frederica Academy taps into the excitement with its annual fundraiser. This year, it will return from 5 to 9 p.m. May 2 at the Retreat Golf Course on St. Simons Island.

Read on to learn some fun facts about the most exciting two minutes in sports.

1:59.4

The fastest time ever recorded at the race was 1:59.4 by the legendary Secretariat in 1973.

8

That’s the largest margin of victory, 8 lengths, which was tied by four horses in 1946.

91-1

This was the most unlikely winner, facing the highest odds. It was Donerail, the long shot, in 1913.

120,000

That’s the number of Mint Juleps sold each year during the two-day Kentucky Derby weekend at Churchill Downs. As you’d imagine, this requires vast amounts of bourbon, fresh mint, and crushed ice, making it a huge logistical feat.

Calumet Farm holds the most wins for an owner, 5. 5

Only three fillies (lady horses) have won the event. They are Regret (1915), Genuine Risk (1980), and Winning Colors (1988).

3

150,000

The Kentucky Derby typically draws over 150,000 attendees, with recent attendance figures totaling 150,000 to 156,000 spectators at Churchill Downs for the main race day. The record is more than 170,000 in 2015.

The Kentucky Derby’s field size maxes out at 20 horses. 20

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Bob Baffert holds the title of most wins by a trainer — 8. Though he was officially docked one due to a 2021 disqualification.

This is the percentage that the front-runner going into the race has won. The betting favorite has won 49 of 141 runnings. 35%

DUE SOUTH

CCould it have been that long ago? Twenty-five years? Surely not.

This year, the Cloister celebrates the silver anniversary of the beautiful hotel that was built after tearing down the one that had been bravely constructed during one of America’s darkest eras — the Great Depression.

In a day when buildings come and go every 50 years or so, Sea Island was facing aging problems brought on by sea and air. Management, Mr. Bill Jones, wanted to honor his family’s proud

accomplishments. At great expense and time, the old Cloister was torn down and a new one built.

The night that my friend, Edward Armstrong, and I visited the new Cloister for the first time for a black-tie event, I had never seen such grandeur and architecture: arched doorways, a stunning staircase, antiques, enormously tall ceilings, an outstanding view of the marsh, oldtimey courtesy, and customer service. Fourteen years ago, Tink and I married in its tiny chapel adorned with handmade, stained glass windows amidst the most incredible trees I have ever seen. And, the sweet Lord knows, I love trees.

All those years ago, I would never have dreamed that the newest trend would be condominiums built from barns. Of all things.

I grew up playing cheerfully with my

cousins in the barn and helping my daddy with his cattle. Daddy, a man of common sense and resourcefulness from the Appalachian foothills, built a barn that still stands on the Rondarosa behind Mama’s house. He designed and built it just as he saw fit. It’s about 800 square feet with a tin roof that had a small room for feed, horse tack, tools, and two stalls where many a laboring cow brought forth new life. He surrounded it with a tall chain link fence for chickens and “sale” day.

That happened every Tuesday when farmers loaded cattle and took them to auction at the local fairgrounds. Daddy figured on needing a way to load the cows into an ancient, black 1957 GMC truck on which he had built wood railings tall enough to safely contain the livestock. To load them from the pen, he’d built a ramp and railings that perfectly matched the back of the tailgate.

Normally, he’d load up by himself, but one day, he was having trouble with an ornery bull. I was 11, playing nearby, in shorts and a red striped shirt.

“Hey, little ‘un,” he called. “How ‘bout helpin’ me load this bull?”

Barefooted, I obliged, blocking the wire pen gate. Then, suddenly, the bull bucked crazily, missing Daddy by inches. We finally got him loaded, and Daddy, not in a good mood by this time, locked the tailgate, turned, and said, “The next time you help me get up a bull, wear something besides red.”

That was the day we proved that bulls really can see the color red.

Now, on the backside of the Rondarosa, we have two barns. And they look considerably better than the original

WORDS BY RONDA RICH | PROVIDED PHOTO Barn Sweet Barn

one on the other side of the little river. We bought this property, barns included. We could never have built such lovely pieces. The horse barn is beautiful with rough plank wood, three stalls, hand-made iron hardware using horseshoes, wide open iron bars to allow us to nuzzle the horses, and a large sitting area with a sofa, a sizable cushion rocker, and an antique bookcase from Tink’s side of the family. Not mine. His furniture translates to expensive and not cheap plywood.

I love this barn — even when it’s covered in dust and rescue cats lazily surveying all they own.

The other barn is two stories high and log-sided. I keep a Pilates and exercise room upstairs with a wide-screen TV and DVD player for my Pilates videos.

One day, when Tink and I were sweeping and cleaning out the stalls, he asked,

“Have you heard about the latest housing trend? Barndominiums.”

I stopped sweeping. “What?”

He explained that a barndominium is a converted barn for living. I laughed. I grew up that way. I didn’t want to live like that.

Then…

I started looking at photos of gorgeous barns converted into homes.

“We could do that,” I thought to myself. “We could take my exercise barn and turn the first floor into a guest house.”

That dream came to a sudden stop when I looked at the prices. “That can’t be,” I mumbled. “It’s crazy!”

One million dollars. Two million. I darted out of the barn and scooted down the hill.

“Hey, Tink,” I called, running onto the back porch and letting the screen door bang behind me.

“We’re millionaires! I had no idea.”

I didn’t explain, though, that there’s a lot of fixing up to get to that first million dollars.

Ronda Rich

NATURE CONNECTION

Marsh to the future part II — Racing the tide

T“The notion came to us in those early days that we were in the arteries of a remarkable energy-absorbing natural system whose heart was the pumping action of the tides.” — Heraclitus

* Editors note: This is the second installment of a multi-part series.

The summer of 2019 changed my life forever. No longer was I sandwiched between concrete walls. The expanse of Village Creek became my stomping grounds again as I was guiding tours for

SouthEast Adventure Outfitters nearly every day. I’d show up for the tours and peer across the league of marsh that stretched the horizon before me.

One afternoon, I showed up for a tour with Kurt Meng, the company’s senior guide at the time. First, we assessed the conditions. The wind was breezy from the west at 17 mph. If it’s windy, a west wind is nice because generally the bigger creeks are protected by the island’s dense tree line. The water looked safe for a strong paddle, and so we decided it was go time.

Once our group of 10 ladies arrived, I led the paddle talk. Kurt led down onto the dock, and we launched the group on the water after setting their footpegs and rudders. At the beginning, the outgoing tide wasn’t so noticeable. Heading east, paddling was not necessary as the tide and the wind sucked us out. We zoomed down what we call the “driveway.” Once we reached the main

creek, Kurt called in on the radio.

“Going to check for boats,” he said.

“Sounds good,” I said.

He paddled strongly into the middle of Village Creek. The tide pulled him northward subtly. He looked both ways, and when he reached a solid vantage point, he turned his kayak around.

“Alright, good to go,” Kurt yelled enthusiastically and waved onward. We headed across and followed Kurt into the first left.

The big group of ladies paddled in unison. I remained at the caboose to make sure there weren’t any stragglers. Kurt led us to what we call Ball Field –a mound of four or so oyster beds in a shallow creek that makes up what seems like a baseball field.

This area is incredible to see in its various

WORDS AND PHOTOS BY SAM GHIOTO

forms. At high tide, the big mounds of oysters are not noticeable. At dead low tide, this area is impassable. Mounds of oysters are piled several feet high. In the spring, these beds are teeming with dozens of Oyster Catchers.

During spring and summer, the Ball Field echoes the cacophony of the marsh — marsh wrens chirp relentlessly, and clapper rails passionately chime in. Amid the inevitable blast of humidity and heat, sweat is making my shirt cling to my skin. I’m paddling up the rear of the group, and I notice the tide is getting a little lower than normal. The wind cooled me off, and the tide felt like a big rip.

“Kurt, this tide is backing out awfully quickly, isn’t it?” I radioed.

“You got your Tevas on tight, right?” he asked.

“I do.”

“Good,” he chuckled cooly.

The afternoon sun dipped behind some clouds, and the wind bent the vibrant spartina sideways. As the 12 of us rounded back west, the wind battered us. The easy paddle became a grind, and everyone was in for the challenge of slowly and steadily meandering through shallow St. Simons/Sea Island creeks.

“Over to the left,” Kurt said, signaling that the marsh on the left side would provide cover from the wind. Then, we would go to the right. There was no cover, and we had to paddle straight into the headwind, which, along with the outgoing tide, made the Driveway leading up to the dock way shallower than normal. Kurt and I exited our boats, tucked them to the side, and pulled each of the 10 ladies’ boats through the mud. We trudged carefully through the soft plough mud and dragged each boat carefully through the inch of water, just enough room for them to stay in

their kayaks.

I remembered this was the exact location Dad and I were stuck in the boat for hours and caught a few blue crabs about 15 years ago. Once the tour was over, the ladies told us they had an amazing time. We walked back down to the lower dock and sprayed the mud off our legs and feet.

BY DESIGN

Custom shades bring decor together

TThe steady hum of sewing machines was occasionally interspersed with the tap of hammers. And while there was a flurry of activity in the workshop of

Island Drapes and Upholstery, it was just another day for Auret Cavedo.

The owner of the custom workroom has spent years in her St. Simons-based location.

“The one here is the storefront and upholstery … well, everything other than window treatments happens here,” she says with a smile, seated in the space. “Then, we opened up a large workroom in Brunswick, which handles all the window treatments.”

The expansion is a testament to her dedication to her craft. Cavedo, who originally hails from South Africa, moved to the Golden Isles 14 years ago to join her mother. The women had previously

owned clothing factories in their native country and decided to try something a little different in their new home.

For the first few years, the duo rented a commercial space and later acquired the old vet clinic at 1958 Demere Road on St. Simons Island, which they remodeled to suit their needs. Over the years, the company continued to build and grow.

And that’s only been amplified by new technological developments that have taken drapery to the next level.

“Window treatment motorization has advanced significantly,” she says. “We now have motorization that can be managed through your phone. It can also be integrated with your home smart system as well. It can be managed from wherever you are.”

These capabilities allow her clients to have unprecedented access to their homes, enabling them to open or close their curtains based on climate or security concerns.

There’s another advantage, too. With the computerized component, the team at Island Drapes and Upholstery can monitor the system’s health.

“We will be able to tell if something goes wrong and determine where the problem is,” Cavedo says. “The system is called Somfy Zigby.”

While it’s on the cutting edge of window treatment mobilization, it’s not a complicated system to operate.

“It’s very high tech, but it’s also very user-friendly,” she says.

It’s also incredibly versatile. The system works with any type of shade — Roman shades, roller shades, and drapery. Not only will the team perform the customized install, as a full-service provider Island Drapes and Upholstery will walk homeowners through each step of the process.

As the project begins, the team will provide on-site measuring and experienced guidance on selecting the ideal treatments or drapery for the space.

“From measuring when the project starts to the final installation, we provide the full package,” Cavedo says.

The company has a full fabric library for clients to peruse. Of course, if they already have a pattern or design in mind, that’s also a possibility.

“We can just give them the yardage that they need, and they can supply the fabric,” she says.

But whatever a client chooses, Cavedo and her team of professionals offer a quality that cannot be purchased in any store.

Custom window treatments add a polished, professional feel to a room. That is just not possible with prepackaged drapery or shades.

For starters, each store-bought panel is made in set lengths — 84”, 96”, and 108.” These are not customized for a home’s windows. And it’s unlikely customers will even receive two panels of equal length.

The result is ill-fitted windows. Custom designs, on the other hand, offer a plethora of perks. Styles are wide and varied, Cavedo says, and each can serve a different purpose.

“Custom window treatments will accommodate fluctuating measurements from one window to the next, even in the same room. They are manufactured and sized to both the width and height of your windows with header pleating of your choice. They will hang beautifully and dress your windows to perfection,” she says.

While it is an investment, it pays off. As one’s home is a sanctuary, a customized feel truly completes the picture.

“To me, it’s the final little bit of lipstick on your room. It gives it warmth and character. It can either dress it up or dress it down, whichever way you want to go,” she says.

• Island Drapes and Upholstery is located at 1958 Demere Road, St. Simons Island. To learn more, visit islanddrapesandupholstery.com.

Timeless

LIVING WELL

The value of sleep

WORDS AND PHOTO BY LINDSEY ADKISON

IImagine waking up on a bright, sunny morning — fully rested, no aches or pains, and ready to take on the world. It may seem like a dream, but it’s a professional goal for Lauren Sobala.

The owner of Golden Isles Mattress in Brunswick knows that sleep isn’t a luxury — it’s a health necessity. And to live life to the fullest, getting enough rest is essential.

But that’s not a reality for most people.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 35% of adults in the U.S. report getting less than the recommended 7 hours of sleep per night. That might not sound significant, but that’s roughly 83.6 million people. Sobala, herself, can certainly relate.

“I imagine most of us don’t get enough sleep. I know I don’t,” she says with a laugh. “I think, too, that it’s more common for women. As women, we are the managers of our households. I think more men are just able to cut their brains off and go to sleep.”

While women may spend more time mulling over various topics than sleeping, it’s important to give them (and their partners) the best possible chance. That starts with the foundation to a good night’s sleep — the mattress.

“A great mattress isn’t about indulgence; it’s about giving your body the environment it needs to heal, recover,

and function at its best,” she says, seated in her showroom at 216 Harrison Lane.

There are many reasons to invest in a high-quality mattress. Not only can poor or interrupted sleep produce drowsy days, but it can also lead to long-term health issues. Some of those include a weakened immune system, increased anxiety and depression, weight gain and hormone imbalance, a higher risk of heart disease and diabetes, and a slower recovery from injury or illness.

“During deep sleep, the body repairs muscles and tissues, regulates hormones, consolidates memory, and resets the nervous system,” she says.

“I think my customers understand that more now and understand the value of sleep. But the conversation I often have is that you need food, water, and sleep to survive. We do seem to focus a lot on food and water when trying to take care of our bodies. Sleep seems to be an afterthought.”

Finding a high-quality mattress that supports a person’s sleeping habits is key. And helping customers find their best fit is something she takes seriously.

“If your mattress is fighting your body instead of supporting it, you’re never fully resting — even if you think you are. The first thing I ask is why someone is buying a new mattress. Sometimes people are moving or sometimes it’s just so old it’s ‘time,’” she says.

Most mattresses should be replaced every 7 to 10 years, yet many people sleep on them far longer. A mattress that’s well past its prime doesn’t support the body in the way it should. This can be spinal misalignment or deep sleep disruption. It can also lead to neck, back, and joint pain.

“I always ask my customers about pain points they may have. I also ask them

how they sleep. That’s the key to fitting them with the right mattress,” she says.

“Most people are side sleepers. There are very few stomach sleepers.”

Of course, everyone is different, and even couples sleeping together often have different sleep patterns. Sobala has solutions for this, though, offering variations that fit both individuals.

“I can offer different firmness levels inside a solid mattress. This Bedgear Mattress, the M3, is one. You can also do a split king with two XL twins,” she says. “Adjustable bases play into that. A good mattress is not one-size-fits-all. It offers proper spinal alignment; pressure relief for shoulders and hips; temperature regulation; motion isolation for couples.”

At Golden Isles Mattress, Sobala provides each customer individualized attention to explore all the options. She creates a no-pressure atmosphere focused on finding the best fit, not the highest price tag. Each visit is also by appointment only, so she can devote her full attention to each client.

“I curate mattresses the same way people curate food or skincare now — more mindful, more intentional, and more focused on how it actually makes you feel,” she says. “I’m not here to sell the most expensive bed. I’m here to help people wake up feeling better than they did the day before.”

After all, Sobala says, you spend about one-third of your life in bed. It might as well be the best place it possibly can be.

“A good night’s sleep can literally

change how you show up in life,” she says.

“When people start sleeping better, they don’t just feel better physically — they become better versions of themselves. That’s what ‘living well’ really means.”

• Golden Isles Mattress is located at 216 Harrison Lane in Brunswick. Its phone number is 912-291-8640. For details, visit goldenislesmattress.com.

GAME CHANGERS

Keegan Mathis

WORDS BY DANIEL MARCO | PHOTO BY MIKE BRINSON

IIn passing, you might mistake Keegan Mathis for a power forward. Standing at 6-foot-5 and weighing in at 225 pounds, you could easily see the Glynn Academy junior battling down low on a basketball court or fighting in the trenches on a football field.

Mathis’ true passion, though, is on the baseball diamond, where he has made the mound his sanctuary and turned

himself into one of the best pitchers in the region.

Mathis started honing his craft in his youth at Coastal Prospects with help from his father, Alex. That hard work paid off this year when Keegan signed his letter of intent with Georgia State, fulfilling his dream of playing Division I college baseball.

“I’ve watched a lot of college baseball, and I never felt like I was too far away from it, so it was something I felt was always obtainable,” Keegan says. “I’ve always had a lot of people in my ear like Coach (John) Welborn, my parents and family members telling me it was something I could do, and I’ve obviously played with some Division I players at Glynn so I can see what it’s like.”

Signing with the Panthers gives Mathis the ability to stay in-state while also being closer to his father, who works as an executive director of recruiting for the Georgia Tech football team.

“(Georgia State) has always been somewhere I’ve wanted to go,” Keegan Mathis says. “When I created a list of schools that I wanted to go to, Georgia State was in my top three. It’s in-state and it’s in Atlanta where the facility that I usually go to is, so it just fit in where I wasn’t too far from home.”

In a world where miles-per-hour are everything for a pitcher, Mathis has focused on increasing his velocity as much as possible over his final two seasons at Glynn.

“I definitely want to add some (veloc-

ity),” Mathis says. “I’m never going to be content, and I’ll always be trying to add some speed and control and some other basic things that make me a better pitcher. I want to come in (to Georgia State) and compete against 20-year-olds as a freshman.”

Mathis’ fastball hovers around 88 MPH, and the righty has also developed a slider which sits in the mid-70s and a changeup in the low-70s. Over the offseason, Mathis also experimented with adding a sinker to expand his arsenal to four pitches.

“In my first two years, I was just throwing a straight four-seam fastball,” Mathis says. “This past summer, I’ve developed a sinker that’s definitely become my go-to, and I’ve been throwing it about the same as the four-seamer and even harder at some points. It’s got lots of run on it, so it’s helped me against both lefties and righties.”

Despite an easy-going demeanor off the field, Mathis has had no problems flipping on his competitive switch when it’s time for him to perform.

“He’s a bulldog, he’s a gamer, and he wants the ball in his hands,” Glynn Academy Coach John Welborn says. “It’s great to have somebody that wants to be in those spots regardless of the situation.”

Versatility has also been paramount in Mathis’ ascension as he’s served as both a starter and occasional closer for the Terrors.

Mathis has excelled in both roles, firing 22 innings while striking out 30 batters and allowing an opponent batting average of just .205 in his sophomore season last year.

“Just being 6-5 and where he releases the ball, I think it kind of sneaks up on some guys,” Welborn says. “It’s a bit heavier of a fastball than you might anticipate, and it gets on you quick.”

While Mathis’ work on the field has paid dividends, his effort off the field has helped him progress just as much.

“I would say one of the biggest things is just seeing him grow in the weight room and really buying into the process in there, and we’ve seen that translate to the field,” Welborn said. “The other part is just him realizing that, ‘Hey, I do have a future in this.’ It’s exciting to see someone fall in love with the process from the weight room to the field. He’s always asking to get extra work, so he’s been great.”

A raw talent that has molded himself into a certified game-changer.

Eighty Ocean offers upscale coastal fare

WORDS BY TAYLOR COOPER | PHOTOS BY TERRY DICKSON

IIt was one of those warm March days signaling the return of Southern summer — but not quite indicating it was there to stay. Soon, though, toasty breezes will roll in off the Atlantic, providing the perfect atmosphere for seaside fun.

And whether you’re a guest or local, Jekyll Island’s Eighty Ocean is an ideal spot to while away the day.

The oceanfront, upscale eatery offers a refined coastal dining experience. It’s a bit of a different vibe found at some of the other eateries, which, like Eighty Ocean, are managed by the Jekyll Island Club Resort.

It, along with The Wharf, offer different ambiance and menu for diners.

Ryan Caldwell, the Jekyll Island Club Resort’s executive chef, spends a lot of time working with Food and Beverage

Director Justin Rowland, among others on the leadership teams, brainstorming the kinds of events and specials that will complement each other.

Redfish is a local staple, and you can see the waters it came from right out the windows at Eighty Ocean. It’s one of the restaurant’s signature dishes, which rotate seasonally.

Customers are also very discerning about that sort of thing, Caldwell says. They want local goods, and they’re not shy about asking. Not that they have to.

The Southern Shrimp Alliance recently visited the Golden Isles and tested shrimp at 44 restaurants to determine whether they were serving local shrimp. Only one restaurant failed the test.

Nine of the restaurants that made the list were on Jekyll Island, including The Wharf. That matters to a lot of their customers.

“Because the industry, especially the shrimp industry, is very important to the community,” he said. “Believe me, they will ask about it.

Typically, he goes through local and regional vendors like Eckerd Seafood and Sea Breeze Food Service — which is based in Jacksonville but buys catches from the local waters — to secure the goods.

“That’s what Eighty Ocean is about. We’re coastal, and we highlight local

cuisine when possible. We use local crabs when we can get them. We get shrimp from Sea Island Shrimp Co., and those kinds of things,” he says.

And when you’re eating local seafood right next to the shore from which it was caught, that amps up the experience exponentially.

“The view enhances the restaurant experience, which enhances the view,” Caldwell says. “It all compounds on itself. The shrimp tastes sweeter because you can see the water the shrimp came from.”

For this iteration of The Dish, Caldwell offered a seasonal variant of Eighty Ocean’s signature redfish, which is on the menu now.

“As the weather changes, the food changes. This is our spring/summer version of the redfish,” he says.

It’s grilled redfish with roasted corn polenta and low-country succotash, in hunter sauce — mushrooms and seasonings in reduced chicken stock. Caldwell describes it as being like a jus, very umami-forward.

This writer can attest that it’s a wonderfully balanced dish, with some subtle sweetand-savory bites nestled in the umami embrace of the hunter sauce.

“It has the freshness of summer vegetables, and then you have a really saucy, umami kick from the mushrooms in the hunter sauce, and then the nice char from the grill on the local redfish,” Caldwell says.

“It sums up the coastal vibes of the Eighty Ocean.”

• Eighty Ocean is located at 80 Ocean Way on Jekyll Island, and is open from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Mondays through Fridays and 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekends.

Grilled

Redfish with Corn Polenta, Lowcountry Succotash, and Mushroom Sauce

Ingredients

Redfish (Serves 1)

1 redfish fillet (8 ounces), skin removed

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

1 Tbsp. neutral oil

Corn Polenta

2½ cups corn stock or chicken stock

½ cup coarse polenta

1 ear of corn, kernels removed

2 Tbsp. butter

2 Tbsp. heavy cream

Salt to taste

Lowcountry Succotash

½ cup corn kernels

⅓ cup cooked lima beans

¼ cup diced red bell pepper

2 oz. andouille sausage, diced

1 Tbsp. minced shallot

1 tsp. minced garlic

1 Tbsp. butter or bacon fat

Salt and black pepper

Mushroom Sauce

½ cup chopped mushrooms

1 Tbsp minced shallot

¼ cup dry white wine

8 oz. chicken stock, reduced to a thick, glossy sauce.

1 Tbsp. butter

Pinch fresh thyme

Salt and pepper

Directions

Bring the stock to a simmer in a saucepan. Slowly whisk in the polenta and cook over low heat, stirring frequently, until smooth and creamy, about 20 to 25 minutes.

Blend half of the corn kernels with the cream until smooth. Stir this purée into the polenta along with the butter and remaining corn kernels. Season with salt and keep warm.

Cook the diced andouille sausage in a skillet over medium heat until lightly browned. Add the butter, shallot, and garlic, and cook briefly until fragrant. Stir in the bell pepper, corn, and lima beans and cook until heated through. Season with salt and pepper.

In a small pan, sauté the mushrooms over medium heat until browned. Add the shallot and cook briefly. Pour in the white wine and reduce until nearly dry. Stir in the reduced chicken stock and simmer briefly until the sauce is glossy. Remove from heat and whisk in the butter and thyme. Season with salt and pepper.

Season the redfish with salt and pepper. Heat the oil in a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat and cook the fish until lightly browned and just cooked through, about 3 to 4 minutes per side. Spoon the corn polenta onto a plate. Place the redfish on top, arrange the succotash alongside, and spoon the mushroom sauce around the fish.

100 Sylvan Blvd. Suite160 St. Simons cell (912) 996-0867 ginadlever@gmail.com

Gina D’Amico Interiors

email: hello@raelaneinteriors@gmail.com

912.580.9134 | raelaneinteriors.com

PALM BEACH AND AND PALM BEACH

For this issue, several of our features celebrate the posh Palm Beach aesthetic. From curated events courtesy of Wicnic Designs to dazzling interiors created by Johnson Vann Interiors and Laurie Watson of Mary-Bryan Peyer Designs, the vibrant vibe is alive and well in the Golden Isles. We also highlight an architectural masterpiece on Sea Island, crafted in the style of the original Cloister designer, Addison Mizner.

a PinkParadise:

Palm Beach chic meets Golden Isles glam

WORDS BY LINDSEY ADKISON | PROVIDED PHOTOS

Like many in the early days of the pandemic, Wick Nalley was looking for inspiration. That’s when an image of a blush-colored hotel caught his eye.

“I began noticing photographs of The Colony Hotel and was immediately captivated — I knew I had to experience it in person,” he says.

The iconic property is one of the Palm Beach’s most recognizable locations. After visiting the community, Nalley fell in love with the town’s effortlessly chic sensibility.

“From the architecture to the fashion — and especially the interior design, which is my personal passion — every detail feels intentional and beautifully considered,” he says.

“There is an almost dreamlike quality to the island: impeccably manicured landscapes, stunning homes, and a community that embraces a polished, elevated style. It’s a place where aesthetic excellence feels like a way of life.”

Some of the common features include it’s tell-tale pinks, scalloped-edged umbrellas, and of course, Lilly Pulitzer’s playful patterns.

Architecture, too, is a key component of its vibe. Many of the designs feature Mediterranean-inspired elements — terra-cotta tiles, accompanied by arched windows and doorways.

“Addison Mizner’s influence on Palm Beach is both profound and enduring. His vision established the architectural language that continues to define the island today — from its iconic homes to its charming boutiques and palm-lined avenues,” Nalley says.

“The classic Mizner aesthetic created a timeless foundation that still feels remarkably fresh.”

Of course, the name Mizner is familiar to those versed in their Golden Isles history. The famed architect also designed the Mediterranean-style Cloister on Sea Island in 1928. Its ballroom still bears his name.

But it’s not just a building’s exterior that creates the vibe that defines the Palm Beach scene. Nalley says it’s the interior that really brings the vision to life.

“Palm Beach interiors carry that legacy forward with signature elements like rattan, bamboo, and grasscloth, often layered with playful, personality-filled patterns,” he says.

“There is a distinctive ‘Old Florida’ glamour to these spaces — polished yet relaxed, refined yet spirited.”

As Nalley began developing his business, Wicnic Designs, the Palm Beach style he had come to love organically became a signature of the brand.

“Bringing a touch of Palm Beach chic to St. Simons wasn’t originally part of the master plan,” he says.

“When I launched my business, my goal was to thoughtfully merge the worlds of event design and interior design.”

Today, he’s branched out from curating small, intimate gatherings to designing fullscale weddings and experiences.

“I saw an opportunity to approach celebrations differently — to treat them not just as events, but as fully-realized environments,” he says.

“Having attended many beautiful weddings over the years, I often felt something was missing: the experience didn’t always feel cohesive from start to finish. I wanted to change that by creating occasions that feel

intentional, layered, and completely immersive for my clients.”

Wicnic Designs sources many of its rental pieces, including furnishings, directly from Palm Beach. These offer an air of authenticity and sophistication.

And this has helped him nail down the best recipe for a fabulous event — be it for a sold-out soirée or a night in with friends. Nalley says the concept starts with the base.

“To bring that signature Palm Beach polish into your own home, the magic truly starts from the ground up — and in our world, that means beginning with a fabulous Wicnic linen,” he says.

“Our signature linens are bold, funky, and vibrantly chic, instantly setting the tone for a Palm Beach–inspired celebration. Think of your linen as the outfit for the table — once that statement layer is down, everything else gets to play supporting cast.”

But that doesn’t mean these pieces can’t be exciting and playful. From punchy prints or soft pastels, Nalley says the goal is to let one’s personality shine.

When all these elements come together — the statement linen, the fresh florals, and those polished tabletop details — you’ll have a classic, personality-filled Palm Beach tablescape that feels effortless, elevated, and completely celebration-ready right at home.

“Anchor the table with a standout centerpiece. This is where you can really lean into the Palm Beach classics. We always encourage lush, fresh-cut palms or a gorgeous orchid moment — a beautiful stem from Edwards is always a chic choice,” he says.

“Your centerpiece can be grand and dramatic or low and tailored; the key is keeping it fresh, polished, and full of life.”

The next step is to dial in all of the details.

From bamboo flatware to professionally printed place cards, guests will notice the these thoughtful touches immediately.

“This is where the tablescape starts to feel truly finished and thoughtfully designed,” he says.

“When all these elements come together — the statement linen, the fresh florals, and those polished tabletop details — you’ll have a classic, personality-filled Palm Beach tablescape that feels effortless, elevated, and completely celebration-ready right at home.”

Pinks+ Pools Peach,

Bethany Vann and Adrian Cate lived parallel lives. Bethany grew up in Perry, while Adrian came of age in Marietta, but both shared similar design dreams.

“We’re basically the same person,” Bethany says with a laugh.

“I wanted to be an interior designer, just like Adrian, from the time I was a little girl. We were always rearranging our rooms. And we’d cut up magazines to make collages … we had towers of Southern Accents magazines. I had binders full of designs.”

A bit later, they both went on to formally study design and art in college.

“I went to the school of interior design at Auburn University,” Bethany says.

“And I went to the art school at the University of Georgia,” Adrian adds.

That was how Johnson Vann was formed.

“I think I was 24 … it was in 2009. So that was 16 years ago, which is kind of crazy.

I think we just had more excitement than sense,” Bethany says with a laugh.

They haven’t looked back though. Based on St. Simons Island, the newly-minted Johnson Vann Interiors began gathering clients from the Golden Isles to Atlanta and everywhere in between.

“We’ve done a lot of coastal towns. We’ve done a project in Wilmette, Illinois, outside of Chicago,” Bethany says. “We’ve done the Bahamas, Vero Beach, and Naples.”

“Atlanta, too,” Adrian adds. “We’re incredibly fortunate to have wonderful clients and projects.”

Of course, designs close to home hold

special places in the ladies’ hearts. One recent project on Sea Island was especially exciting.

“These clients are the best kind of clients … they are repeat clients,” Bethany says. “I think we started with them 12 years ago.”

The family had Johnson Vann rework their ranch design. But recently, they reached out to talk about their pool house.

“We had done little updates and things along the way, but they had this vision for a pool house,” Adrian says.

“They have a daughter, and when we first started, she was so young. Now, she’s in college and is bringing friends home. So they wanted some overflow space.” The two got to work, sketching out

plans, which would include a kitchen, bathroom, and lots of light.

“We knew we wanted the nano wall of windows, so you could completely open the windows and just have easy transitional indoor-outdoor living,” Bethany says.

The two worked closely with many local collaborators to bring the project to life.

Architect Charles Day created the plan, and 3181 Construction handled the build-out.

“Simmer and Soak did the counters, cabinets, and tile,” Bethany says. “Bryce Brock of The Vine did the exterior landscaping.”

In addition to sprucing up the pool house, another goal was to add space for guests to sleep.

“Charles Day did a great job creating a

little sleeping loft,” Bethany says.

“We also added pullout sofas so you can get six more people in there,” Adrian says.

Once the logistics were laid down, it was time to get down to the business of aesthetics.

“Our clients really love color. This became very Palm Beach, relaxing, coastal, and of course, colorful,” Bethany says.

They generated a palette with pinks, greens, peach, and blues.

“We created our palette, and we pulled from there,” Bethany says.

“We had this great big white space, and we were looking at how we could

infuse bits of color without being overwhelming,” Adrian adds.

They painted the cabinets a soothing seafoam green. The same color was used for the ladder to the sleeping loft.

“We wanted color and pattern on the sofas. They were kind of the main event in there,” Bethany says.

“We also found this great wallpaper that we framed as a panel.”

Other features the gals love include tropical touches, like the woven palm-tree floor lamp and the scalloped awning over the kitchen.

“I really love that,” Adrian says.

“It’s so happy and fun to go visit. They obviously use it for overnight guests, but our client will also go out there and have coffee,” Bethany says. “It’s a cheerful spot that’s full of light. It just makes you smile.”

Like the space itself, the planning process

was light and breezy. The designers met with the client and her daughter, who helped develop the final vision.

“When I think about the initial meeting, it actually all came together really quickly. We all just started pulling all of our favorite things and then stepped back, and it was what you see now,” Bethany says.

Taking the time to make a comprehensive plan is key when designing any space. It creates a sense of cohesiveness and intentionality.

“Like the Chippendale railing in the loft, it doesn’t feel like an afterthought,” Adrian says.

“It really is helpful to have a vision for the complete project. We always do,” Bethany adds.

“It’s easier to do everything at once to make sure it all works together.”

Pops of color transform island home Play

Pattern

DDesign is in Laurie Watson’s DNA. The St. Simons native grew up in her family’s business, H&H Lifestyles, which originally offered furniture alongside top-tier electronics and appliances. That’s how she first started pairing styles and patterns.

“They’ve since gotten out of the furniture business. But I grew up with a mom who was an interior designer, so I was around fabrics and furniture. I’ve just always had a love for it,” she says.

Like many budding designers, she was often rearranging her own room and experimenting with new setups.

“When I went to college, I picked all my bedspreads out. I found an interest in it. Then when I graduated, I came back to work in the family business,” Watson says.

“I worked on the furniture side, and that’s where I just began to grow my interior design experience and eventually went out on my own.”

More than a decade ago, she joined up with Mary-Bryan Peyer Designs. Throughout that partnership, Watson has crafted countless creations for local families.

One recent home really allowed her to bring all of her skills to bear.

“Every great project comes with great clients, and these clients were really great people who had great taste and a love for color,” she says.

It started with a classic ranch home in Devonwood, a beloved St. Simons neighborhood. The original design had become a bit dated, with dark shades that didn’t reflect the family’s vibrant lifestyle.

“It was just the opposite of these homeowners … they loved color and pattern play,” she says. “There was nothing off the table when we started, which is what you want as a designer.”

The home itself was also solid, so only cosmetic changes were needed. Watson began as she always does — with an evaluation of the space and what items are needed to fill it.

“In my field, we wear a lot of hats. I’ve got to make sure the flow works through a house, so one of the first things I do is spatial planning. We figure out what pieces we’re going to put in the room,” she says.

Then, she finds inspiration in a piece of fabric. That, Watson says, sets the wheel in motion.

“I’ll just start pulling fabrics, and I’ll find patterns … usually one, two, or three that I just love,” she says. “I begin to play off that. You want to mix your patterns with purpose — your small-scale prints with your large-scale prints. You have to balance it with checks, stripes, and solids.”

Watson and the homeowners also drew inspiration from the classic, bold Palm Beach style. It’s reflected in the rattan light fixtures, orange palm-print wallpaper, and even the lightblush exterior shade.

“We definitely wanted that Palm Beach chic look, but we were also still in South Georgia. We didn’t want to complete ly abandon that,” she says. “We wanted to stay true to that.”

That didn’t mean there can’t be plenty of playfulness. Every room offers a treat of its own. In the kitchen, for instance, rattan tulip-shaped pendant lights dangle over the bar. Pinkand-purple striped bar stools also add a lot of character to the room.

“Kitchens are naturally cold spaces … you’re dealing with countertops and cabinets,” Watson says.

“The barstools were my pride and joy. They are vintage-style bar stools that we re-covered in that great striped fabric. It gives you a little retro vibe.”

Whether she’s designing a vintage look or a modern one, the biggest element remains the same — trust. Watson says that clients have to be able to put their faith in their designers, which can be a tall order when dealing with something as personal as a home.

“Even when she was hesitant about something, she trusted me, and that’s a really great thing … when people trust you with your craft,” she says.

Of course, trust goes both ways. Watson also had to trust her clients’ choices.

“It was her idea to paint the exterior that blush color. I’m not too proud to say I was on the fence about that just because of the neighborhood’s flow. We do wanna pay respects to this quintessential old-school neighborhood. It’s one of the originals of St. Simons that we all grew up running around in. But, it really worked well,” she says.

“I trusted her, and I just said, ‘Let’s do this.’ It was all about finding the right color of blush. We didn’t want it to just scream at you when you were driving down the street, but it really is just a little fun, precious pop.”

From the exterior to the interior, Watson’s goal remains the same. She wants her clients’ homes to offer more than just fluid design. She wants it to be a place of refuge and comfort.

“I want my clients to walk in their space, and their blood pressure goes down. They just feel a sense of calm,” she says.

WORDS BY LINDSEY ADKISON

aLasting Legacy: Famed architect inspires home, island

Addison Mizner left an indelible mark on the architectural world. And while he’s most often associated with the tell-tale Palm Beach style he made famous, South Florida isn’t the only locale that reflects his influence. South Georgia can claim it, too.

Mizner designed the original Cloister on Sea Island in 1928. The historic building was revitalized in 2006, but its storied style remains.

As is typical of Mizner’s work, the Spanish Revival resort draws on multiple styles, including Mediterranean and Italian design. It can be seen in notable touches, including the red-tile roof, grand arches and columns, and intricate ironwork in the hotel’s lobby, as well as chandeliers throughout its corridors.

Being the anchor of Sea Island, The Cloister’s architecture offered inspiration for countless homes throughout the Isles.

But one property in particular took it to heart. By all accounts, 318 W 55th Street, nestled on the private island’s north end, is a true showstopper. The home unfolds across 17,751 square feet, located on an exquisite waterfront lot. It boasts nine bedrooms, 11 bathrooms, a gourmet chef’s kitchen, and nine fireplaces.

Its architecture, though, could have been plucked directly from Mizner’s playbook. The stucco exterior is topped by a red-tile roof with eye-catching ironwork on the upstairs balconies.

Stepping into the expansive entryway, guests are met

by an intricate double iron staircase. A dramatic crystal-and-iron chandelier dangles overhead, and marble flooring ushers visitors into the living room. Enormous wrought iron chandeliers hang from the beam-lined ceiling, and a wall of two-story windows offers unprecedented views of the pool, marsh, and Little St. Simons Island in the distance.

For Adair Allen, it’s a familiar sight, but always a spectacular one nonetheless. The Realtor with DeLoach Sotheby’s is now the listing agent for the property. And it’s not her first experience with the luxury home.

“I sold it before. I worked with the people who built it. It was different then. The recent owner did a lot of updates,” she says.

Allen remembers the original floor plan well and can easily list the changes, including opening up the kitchen and dining area.

“It’s much more open now. It’s a great house for entertaining,” she says. “It’s also a really livable house. You can kind of close off spaces. Downstairs could be a whole his-and-her master, so it’s one-level living. And, there’s an elevator.”

In addition to three stories of bedrooms and gathering spaces, there’s also a guest house.

A DIFFERENT KIND OF DOCTOR

A local doctor layers truly compassionate care with proven medical solutions to actually treat chronic pain and seemingly hopeless, complicated conditions.

Care Rooted in Empathy and Experience

Do you ever wonder what it is that makes some doctors so incredibly compassionate while others have a bedside manner better suited for the DMV?

In the case of Kyle Thomas, LAc, of Georgia Acupuncture, it is a case of true empathy.

“I suffered from cluster migraines in my twenties after I was rear-ended on the freeway.” Cluster migraines are named as such for their debilitating pain that is a step above the norm. “I had migraine headaches 3-5 days a week that were so intense I was often bed ridden and would become physically sick.”

Being that migraines are one of those complicated conditions not fully understood, Kyle’s options were prescription medications that often did not work and to make lifestyle changes to limit triggers.

“It was no way to live,” he shares. “I was young and should’ve been living a bright, vibrant life. Instead, I was monitoring my daily life caffeine intake, avoiding long exposure to florescent light and doing my best to prepare for changing weather conditions.” As you can imagine, spring and fall were especially rough. Living in Coastal Georgia, the pressure changing storms could wreck his day. It wasn’t until his primary care doctor sent him to an acupuncturist that he found real relief.

“This is why I often refer to my practice as “The Last Resort With The Best Results.”

“You’ve been everywhere else and been given the same disheartening prognosis, prescribed the same medications and told this is just something you’re going to have to learn to live with.”

Soon after his incredible experience with the healing arts, he made the life changing decision to abandon his career in lighting and pursue his doctorate in acupuncture.

“Acupuncture quite literally saved my life, and I wanted to share that with the world,” he proclaims. Your Golden Years Should Be Golden

While in school, he watched his uncle begin to suffer from peripheral neuropathy. “Your golden years should be golden, not plagued with insufferable pain while doctors and specialists tell you there is nothing they can do.”

Understanding that Eastern Medicine excels where Western Medicine fails, Kyle set forth to develop treatment protocols for all variations of Peripheral Neuropathy (including diabetic and chemotherapy-induced) and now has a 90% success rate in treating this once difficult to manage condition.

“I was tired of seeing the older generation suffer unnecessarily,” shares Kyle Thomas, LAc. “Diagnosing them as ‘just getting older’ and giving them a treatment plan of ‘you’re just going to have to get used to it’ has never sat well with me, so I wanted to offer them a real option for treatment and care.”

The Magic of Compassionate Care

Kyle has designed similar treatment protocols for other complicated, chronic conditions including fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, post-shingles pain, even macular degeneration. While each patient plan is tailored specifically to that patient’s concerns and goals, all of his treatments are based on a framework that’s twenty years in the making.

Furthermore, Kyle isn’t opposed to more modern medical solutions.

“It’s in blending the time-tested science of acupuncture with recent innovations in medicine that get me the best results.” One of those advancements is ATP Resonance BioTherapy. Originally developed by NASA, it boosts the body’s natural ability to heal and repair itself via targeted protocols and microcurrent therapy.

And what do those in his care have to say?

“Kyle looked me in my eyes and wanted to know about me, not just my condition. I feel like a person not just a patient,” shares Donna. “In fact, I don’t think he ever used the word patient.”

Others proclaim “he saved my life,” “his neuropathy treatments gave me my life back,” and “It’s a miracle he treated my fibromyalgia. I don’t know how else to explain it.”

Kyle Thomas has a long personal history in complicated, difficult to understand conditions and understands how tragic it can all be if left untreated.

“I have sat where my patients sit. I’ve experienced their pain and suffering in a very real way. I know the frustration of feeling hopeless on an intimate level. It’s why I practice the brand of medicine I do and why I’ve made it my life’s mission to treat the ‘untreatable’. It brings me such incredible joy when I get to say “I can help you!”

Kyle and his staff specialize in treating chronic pain, complicated neurological conditions, and autoimmune diseases that leave other professionals scratching their heads. For a comprehensive list of services, what they treat, and more incredible success stories, visit GeorgiaAcu.com

To Schedule a consultation and complete evaluation, call (912) 574-7053.

All of the pieces throughout are in the classic Mizner style.

“The style came here and a lot of our architecture, instead of being designed like other places … Nantucket or Hilton Head, we were more of the Palm Beach style,” she says.

Allen says that many people who decided to settle here have had a taste for luxury living. She points to the likes of the Rockefellers and the family of J.P. Morgan, who designated Jekyll Island as their winter retreat. From the late 1800s through World War II, these industrial magnates traveled south to avoid the brutal northeastern winters.

“Many of them spent a lot of time in Europe, so their homes had that influence. That’s what they liked. When they came here, that was the vibe they created,” she says.

It’s a legacy that certainly continued on Sea Island, which became a world-class and private enclave for the rich and famous. From presidents to celebrities to the families who call it home, the appeal of top-tier design and Old World charm endure.

• To learn more about 318 W 55th Street, Sea Island, visit sothebysrealty.com.

Raising a garden a

Angela Barnard stood among rows of garden plots at the St. Simons Community Gardens, located at the airport.

“It’s just so peaceful out here. I just love it. It’s like therapy,” she says.

Barnard has a long history of cultivating her green thumb. She got her start in the garden as a child, alongside her father. Throughout her years with her hands in soil, she’s learned many things. But perhaps the most critical lesson is flexibility.

“Gardening is a process that you have to go through … it’s a trial and error. Some things work, and some things don’t,” she says.

Her experimentation has taken various forms, but certainly much of it happens in her raised vegetable beds.

“Our gardening season can really be 12 months out of the year. We have a mild climate and the wind, which helps with pollination,” she says.

The base for a good garden — both literally and figuratively — begins with the soil.

“Raised gardening is a little bit different. You have to pay attention, especially to the soil,” Barnard says.

“You have to have the right soil, and you have to add nutrients into your soil. I think that’s the main element to raised gardening.”

Barnard has acquired two plots at the airport garden. One of those is raised, and the second spot is a mix of raised beds and row planting.

“That’s just in the ground,” she says with a laugh.

“We have really sandy soil here. Then, you have to do your nutrients, and you’re weeding. We stay as

GOLDEN ISLES

There are several reasons for doing that. Not only does it keep their produce healthier to eat, but it also supports their pollinators.

“We have beehives that we use for pollination. We have to be mindful of the bees,” she says.

Attracting bees and other pollinators is key. To do that, Barnard brings some color into her beds.

“I do think it’s important in raised gardening — or even in-ground gardening — to have some kind of flower — marigolds, dalia, or zinnias,” she says.

“That’s an attraction for the bees. Marigolds are a distraction for pests. It works two ways.”

Planting multiple items in her beds is a technique Barnard often employs. It’s known as sharecropping.

“In my raised bed, I might have three or four different things in that shared space. Some things can be planted with other things and some can’t,” she says. “Lettuce can be planted with other things. Cabbages can be planted with other things. Right now, I have garlic on one end. I have kale. I have greens. Then, I have more kale that’s sharing one area.”

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Barnard also has onions matched with broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage.

“Anywhere there is a spare space, I’m planting something,” she says with a laugh.

Sharing space is an important way to maximize opportunities. But it doesn’t have to be complicated. Barnard says would-be gardeners can utilize just about anything to make a raised bed.

“It’s my first year using grow bags. I really love doing that. You have to make sure you have drainage. Amend your soil. You have the right nutrients. You have the right amount of water. You have the right plant. But it’s really easy to move if you need to,” she says with a laugh.

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“I think a lot of people think you have to have all of this elaborate equipment, but you really don’t. You don’t have to go out and spend all this money.”

Barnard’s bags are a good example. She’s had particular success with potatoes.

“I’ve six different kinds of potatoes that I’m planting this year,” she says. “It’s so much easier to manage the bags.”

In addition to the beds and bags, Barnard also grows crops on arches and even in baskets.

“You can manipulate it any way you want. You can get really artistic with it,” she says. “I’m going to grow pumpkins on the arches. “

Her creativity pays off. Not only does she grow plenty of garden goodies for herself and her family, but she also has lots to share.

“I always overproduce, but I always share with my neighbors. At the garden, we also share our produce with Sparrow’s Nest twice a week,” she says.

“I love knowing where my food is coming from. I know that it’s clean. I take pride in the fact that I grew it.”

She’s always looking for other things to cultivate and new ways to do so. Re-

Barbara Northrup

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Trish Rugaber

cently, Barnard has started growing plants from seeds.

“Right now, my dining room table is covered with my seed starters. This is the first year I’ve done seed starting,” she says.

“I like to support local businesses, so I’ll go to Tate’s or ACE on the island and buy the plants. This year, I’m doing the seeds. I’m always experimenting with something new. I have a science background, and I love having my little laboratory.”

Learning and evolving are as much a part of growing a garden as the water, soil, sun, and nutrients. Barnard says that it’s half the fun.

“If you stop learning about something, you might as well forget it. Experimenting and learning are two important things,” she says. “Am I always successful? No. When I’m not, I try to figure out what went wrong.”

Then, when she gets it right and is able to harvest her seasonal hauls, there’s no better feeling.

“It’s so rewarding, I think, to see what you can grow. And it’s healthier for you,” she says.

Since 1902

(above) photo by Michelle Holton

Vintage + Modern:

Mixing beloved antiques with chic design

Heirlooms are tangible pieces of transferred love. They are links to the past and to family who have passed on. While they are often invaluable to their owners, incorporating them into modern interior design can prove a bit of a mystery.

Not so for Heather Jowers. The owner of Rae Lane Interiors has extensive experience doing just that.

“A lot of people actively want to incorporate family antiques or sentimental objects into modern spaces. There are a few big reasons for that: Antiques and heirlooms carry stories, grandparents, childhood homes, passed down rituals, and that emotional weight makes a space feel lived-in and real,” she says. “Clean, modern spaces

can feel cold or flat on their own. An old trunk, a carved mirror, a slightly worn chair, or a unique little porcelain figurine adds texture and tension. They honestly make the house feel more intimate.”

One recent project allowed Jowers to really put those skills front and center. It’s an East Beach redesign that she helped the owners craft from the ground up.

“It’s new construction,” she says, stepping through the foyer. “There was a house here before, but they tore it down and rebuilt. It was about a 10 to 12-month process from start to finish.”

The homeowners, who split their time between St. Simons

and Atlanta, wanted a place that would offer personal respite and rental opportunities. But incorporating personal touches into the interiors was key.

“They wanted Coastal traditional … but they also love antiques and old trinkets. They wanted to contribute things that were also dear to their hearts,” Jowers says.

The homeowners also enjoy adding an Asian flair to their design. From prints to vases to figurines, the style is evident throughout the two-story property. For Jowers, marrying a Coastal traditional with an Eastern edge is not as tricky as it may seem.

“Color matters, but it’s not about matching. It’s more about letting the old piece lead. Look at its tones, wood, metal, fabric, even wear and pull one or two of those colors into the room in a quieter way,” she says.

“The rest of the space stays simple, so the antique doesn’t have to compete. When it works, it feels intentional, like the room grew around the object instead of the object being dropped into the room.”

The pieces Jowers used in the downstairs study added a sense of nostalgia, including items from the homeowners’ grandmother — an avid collector — as well as pieces she found on her own.

“The downstairs study was really special because it was so personal. It held so many family trinkets from my client’s childhood, along with several pieces of his grandmother’s artwork. That history gave the room an emotional depth you can’t manufacture,” she says.

“The two reading chairs made it feel intimate and lived in, and the game table added this quiet sense of ritual, suggesting the room was meant for spending time, not just passing through. It felt layered, meaningful, and deeply connected to the family.”

From the moment you step into the home, textures as much as color play a role in Jowers’ design. The foyer, for instance, boasts a sand-shaded wallpaper with a vibe of its own.

“This is grasscloth,” she says, running her hand over the wall. “I feel like it gives it more warmth. I love to layer, and it helps with that process.”

Moving from the foyer to the kitchen, that sense of building is reinforced. Plush pillows in various blue and spotted patterns dot the couch. The rug pulls in the same shades, which are reflected in the fireplace bricks and the items in the bookcase.

The same motif flows through the kitchen and into the dining room. It’s a space that Jowers finds herself drawn to each time she visits the home.

“The dining room is such a vibe. The gorgeous animal-print host chairs anchored the space, and the side chairs with caning added texture and a bit of personality. The two oversized chinoiserie lamps gave the room presence and symmetry, and the ginger jars on the table added that perfect finishing layer,” she says. “It all felt collected and confident and elegant, but still full of life. It was also a bonus to incorporate more of my clients’ grandmothers’ antique shadow-boxed chinoiserie pieces.”

Also found on the first floor is one of the home’s guest bedrooms. Jowers says that it proved to be the perfect space to blend pieces from different eras.

“The stripped dresser gave the room a sense of history and texture, while the navy bed brought in this strong, graphic presence. Even though the bed referenced an eighteenth-century design, it felt completely reinterpreted, cleaner, fresher, and very current. What made the room work for me was that tension between old and new,” she says. “Nothing felt overly styled. It felt confident, comfortable, and intentional, like the room had evolved rather than been assembled.”

A sisal stair runner leads guests to the second level, which features multiple bedrooms, including the master suite. There, a curved rattan headboard brings softness and warmth.

“... its shape kept the room from feeling too rigid,” she says. “The colorful rug added energy and movement, while the beach scene abstract art tied everything together naturally and un-

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forced. The whole space felt light, comfortable, and calm, as designed to slow you down.”

In addition to the master, the home’s upstairs offers a lot of personality. There are light, unexpected touches featured throughout. Some were created by the homeowners themselves.

“This was all their idea,” Jowers says with a laugh, stepping into one guest bath with statement wallpaper featuring Koi fish. “It added personality and whimsy, keeping the room from feeling too serious.”

That joyful and upbeat attitude continues throughout the floor. For example, one guest bedroom features two sets of bunk beds for visiting children. The colors are bright and bold.

“The kids’ room with the dueling bunk beds felt like a little world of its own. The stripped blue and white painted shiplap gave the space this soft, storybook texture, and the bunks made it feel snug and fun,” she says. “What I loved most was how the room balanced play and calm. It wasn’t overly themed or loud, but it invited creativity in a quiet, gentle way. It felt like a space where kids could

Across the hallway, there’s another room kiddos gravitate toward. Technically a living area, it also boasts two vintage arcade games, though the decor itself remains coastal chic with a hint of personal pizazz.

“For the bonus game room, I focused on comfort and fun. The big, soft sectional made it feel instantly inviting, and the large TV turned it into a true gathering spot,” Jowers says.

“The adorable custom-painted commissions by local artist Sandy Mentzer gave the room so much personality and charm that they made the space feel truly one-of-a-kind. And then the dry bar and the arcade games were really the icing on the cake. I designed the room for easy nights, laughter, and time well spent.”

Just down the hallway, a guest room boasts other work by another St. Simons artist — MS Ottley.

“I love all her stuff. She does a really good job,” she says. “We used the bamboo frames, which are another Asian tie-in.”

The greens and blues of the room flow into the adjoining guest bath, which features a navy-tiled floor and a glass shower with herringbone and subway tile stripes along the walls.

“The bathrooms were treated almost like individual moments. Each one had a different personality, but together they still felt cohesive,” Jowers says.

“The materials, colors, and details shifted from space to space, yet there was a consistent sensibility running through them. It made each bath feel considered in its own right, while still clearly being part of the same home.”

That’s always her goal. Whether subtle or bold, Jowers approaches each project with a focus on creating a unique imprint that reflects the owner’s tastes and lifestyle. It’s always a special mission for her and one she takes seriously. But this design in particular will always be one she treasures.

“I had a personal place in my heart for this house, and the owners were so amazing. It’s always going to be a special one for me,” she says.

WORDS BY MICHAEL FARRIS JR.

PHOTO BY MICHAEL HALL

OGOLDEN ISLES STRUMMERS

On a sunny Wednesday afternoon, St. Simons Island seems as if it is metaphorically waking up and stretching out its arms after a cozy winter’s sleep. A tour group is slowly finding its way back to the bus, restaurants are busy bussing lunches, and the ever-present hunt for a parking space is ramping up. In the middle of it all, there’s a buzz coming from the Casino over by the library as folks gather to see an assembly of over 40 people — most of them armed with a ukulele — tuning up and adding to the collective din that emits from a large group of musicians awaiting directions.

“I didn’t expect to see this many people,” exclaims Cathy Simprini, one of the leaders of The Golden Isles Strummers. “I think we have more people than we’ve ever had.”

The Strummers have 60 members, but as a volunteer group, Cathy noted that not everyone is able to join every practice or performance. Still, the impressive turnout was music to spectators’ ears — literally and figuratively. As the strummers sat on one side of the Casino, others gathered to take in the practice (which doubles as a free performance) from the fans who brought out lawn chairs to the college student setting up a camera and microphone to shoot for their documentary filmmaking class.

“Hello, everybody out there, thank you for coming,” Cathy says, spinning to greet the crowd.

As she’s pointing to the tip jar sitting on a small table in the middle, a small boy proudly trots up, holding his grandfather’s hand to drop a few dollars in the jar to the sound of “awws” and applause of the audience. Cathy also introduced her son, Orion — a well-known musician in his own right — who is visiting town and decided to practice with the Strummers.

“I wish my band could get as big a crowd as you all get,” he laughs.

And he’s not being hyperbolic. Since The Brunswick News profiled The Strummers and a free concert they held this January, Cathy noted that 415 people showed up to a venue that held only half that size. “The theater had to turn away 200 people,” she said. The Strummers take their talents all over the Golden Isles, from PorchFest to the Jekyll Arts Center, but assisted living centers are their favorite venues.

“They are the sweetest, kindest, loveliest people,” Cathy beamed. “Music is the universal language. And even when we play for the Alzheimer’s patients, they can sing

all the words, especially when it’s Christmas music.”

With a member list of 60 Strummers and a busy schedule, Cathy emphasized that the Strummers never charge for their events. That’s because, when the Strummers started out as a small group of friends watching YouTube videos to learn the ukulele 11 years ago, they felt they could give back to the community they love so much. With her husband Ron — a talented musician himself — Cathy and her friends invited more friends, and soon enough, they found themselves in a sizable group of ukulele enthusiasts living their best life in their retirement years.

Now, the group also boasts a keyboard player, a bassist, a bongo player, a snare player, a switch-hitting harmonicist, and a seasonal cellist who plays with the Flint Michigan Symphony Orchestra.

While The Strummers don’t charge, they do accept tips and donations, and that gets turned right around to either provide equipment for the musicians or go toward their own charitable efforts, which include food drives, filling backpacks for students, welcome bags for new teachers, and, recently, a shoe drive that brought in 85 pairs of shoes.

“It’s more than music,” Cathy said. “It’s about doing whatever we can for the community and having the best time.”

After the boy and his grandfather turned back from dropping off a donation in the tip jar, Cathy refocuses on the group and launches into a rehearsal of songs like “Handle With Care” by The Traveling Wilburys, “Daydream Believer” by The Monkees, and “Piano Man” by Billy Joel. Listeners sway their heads, tap their feet, and sing along, and as The Golden Isles Strummers pluck away at some of their favorite tunes, it’s impossible not to smile and catch rays of joy radiating from the group.

QUALITY FRAMING WITH A PERSONAL TOUCH

QUALITY FRAMING WITH A PERSONAL TOUCH

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Our local Certified and Experienced Professionals use a Modern Diamond Polishing Process eliminating the need for outdated wax methods and applications, allowing your floors to breathe naturally, as they were originally designed.

BEVERLY DRAWDY

ST. SIMONS LAND TRUST’S OYSTER ROAST HELD AT GASCOIGNE

A sold-out crowd of more than 1,500 people recently attended th e rescheduled 26th annual St. Simons Land Trust’s Oyster Roast. The event, held at Gascoigne Bluff, included live music, samples from area restaurants, and the tit ular dish. Proceeds from the event go toward funding the nonprofit’s mission to protect the island’s green spaces for future generations. To learn more, visit sslt.org.

1. Ben Galland and Jess Swan | 2. Charlotte, Hall and Rip Graham | 3. Cissy and Cal Thompson

4. Gail Cook, from left, Holly Dubois, Kathy Hubert, Rhonda McInt osh, Jan McCabe, Ben Hubert, and Ellenda Bell

5. Justin and Samantha Ripper | 6. Kim Erickson, left, and Julia Koehler | 7. Joanna Grant, from left, Gianna Mann, and Autumn Ingram

8. Laura Brown, left, and Jenn Hagfors

Your Perfect Staycation Awaits locals already get it:

Plan your perfect staycation with our limited-time special offers and packages, designed to showcase the best of Jekyll Island. Whether it’s for a relaxing retreat or an adventurous escape, there are countless reasons to visit Jekyll Island Club and Jekyll Ocean Club. With a wide variety of activities to explore, our tailored staycation packages and specials make planning your next getaway a breeze. Discover the magic of Jekyll Island without traveling far from home.

GOLDEN ISLES ROTARY

CLUB HOSTS RED HOT

CHILI COOKOFF

Golden Isles Rotary Club held its annual Red Hot Chili Cookoff in Postell Park on St. Simons Island. Teams served up samples and attendees voted for their favorites. Proceeds raised from the event benefitted local charitable causes. The judges selected Ripper ‘Z as the first place winner; Bubba Garcia’s, second place; and Golden Isles Olive Oil, third place. The People’s Choice winners was Southeast Georgia Health System, first place; A/C Guys, second place; and Echo at the King and Prince, third place. Ripper ‘Z won the “best heat” prize. The A/C Guys won best booth theme.

1. Ezra Estep, left, and Rosie Rivera | 2 . Debbie Townley, from left, Charlotte Townley, Glenn Townley, and Stephanie and Terry Herzquer 3 . Mi Bailey, left, and JD Weidhaas | 4 . Gigi Capes, left, and Jim Compton | 5 . Rachel Eunice, left, and Jessica Baxter | 6. Kristi Copeland, from left, Brittany Crabb, and Blythe Crabb | 7. Jane Youngblood, left, and Toi Vislisel

COASTAL SYMPHONY OF GEORGIA HOSTS SOUNDBITES

The Coastal Symphony of Georgia hosted a night of music at its Marsh Moon Rising concert, part of its series, SoundBites. It featured symphony members playing music of the nineties. There were also food trucks and a bar. For more information about programs offered by the symphony, visit coastalsymphonyofgeorgia.org.

1. Jo Ennis, left, and Melinda Ennis-Roughton | 2 . Jennifer Wilcoxon, left, and Angie Hutchinsl | 3 . Debbie and Con Holland

4 . Chris and Heather Adkins | 5 . Michael and Martie Wand | 6. Shonda Kohlhoff, left, and Mallory Muetzel | 7. Martin and Janet O’Hara

8. Scott and Tamara Torontali

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5. 6.

CHEFS FOR KIDS FOR SAFE HARBOR

Chefs for Kids, a pro-am cooking competition befitting Champion s for Children for Safe Harbor, was recently held at Village Creek Landing on St. Simons Island. The event featured eight teams. Professional chefs from across the United States were paired with local celebrity amateurs for a culinary showdown. The even ing also included a silent auction and opportunities to learn more about Safe Harbo r’s mission. For more information, visit safeharborcenterinc.org.

1. Angela Harrison, left, and Hilliary Heard | 2 . Charles Tapley, left, and Angie Busby | 3 . Jennifer Wilcoxon, left, and Donna MacPherson 4 . Michael and Erica Torras | 5 . Susan O’Sullivan, from left, Carol Jones, and Terri Taylor | 6. Laura Hannon, from left, Tina Owens, and Sara Vrolijk 7. Sandra Crumbliss, left, and Kalista Hoffmann | 8. Priscilla Ward, left, and Karen Messer | 9. Rob and Tasha Williams

JUNIOR LEAGUE OF THE GOLDEN ISLES HOSTS MARDI GRAS CELEBRATION

Members of the Junior League of the Golden Isles hosted a Mardi Gras party at Queen and Grant in downtown Brunswick. Attendees enjoyed food, including King Cake, live music from a jazz brass band, as well as silent auctions. Proceeds from th e event benefit the nonprofit’s scholarship funds. For details, v isit jlgoldenisles.org.

1. Alexia and Tyler Smith | 2. Bobby and Jessica Rhodes | 3. Carolyn and Larry Williams

4. Erin and Doug Faulls | 5. Stephanie and Terry Layson | 6. Landon and Kelly Ray | 7. Jill Bailey, from left, Ashlyn Ezele, Katie Cardona, and James “Filo” Filer | 8. Michelle and Jim Clifton | 9. Sarah and Bo Parker | 10. Maria Anderson, from left, John Anderson, and Jacqueline Anderson

Making Life’s Moments Possible

With so much to see and do in the Golden Isles, it’s important to maintain a healthy, active lifestyle. Southeast Georgia Health System has served residents and visitors of the Golden Isles since 1888. Along with our Southeast Georgia Physician Associates providers, we offer the same leading-edge health care services and technologies found in major cities, right here in our coastal community. And, as an employer, we empower our team members to live full, balanced lives so they can enjoy everything the Golden Isles has to offer.

Innovative Technology + Exceptional Health Care + Fulfilling Careers