St. Marys Magazine Issue 38 by stmarysjerry

Why Live Anywhere Else?

The newly-renovated Hickory Plantation Apartments are the PERFECT choice for those seeking easy living in a storybook setting.

Nestled among ancient oaks, Hickory Plantation’s enviable location is within easy walking distance to the enchanting St. Marys’ Waterfront.

granite counter tops, pool, picnic and BBQ area enhance your carefree lifestyle.

No other downtown property offers this oasis setting and picturesque Low Country architecture.

CALL TODAY for special offers and military discount.

Wmayor letter 23 q 1/7/17 9:42 AM Page 1

hen Publisher Barbara Ryan asked me to pen my first welcome for this magazine over a decade ago, I never realized it would become one of the enjoyable opportunities of being Mayor. As I near the last few months of what has been an 11-year term as Mayor, I realize this will be my final welcome.

St. Marys fared better than most of our coastal neighbors when Hurricane Matthew swept through last fall. Our beautiful city and neighboring Cumberland Island were back in business almost immediately following the storm. If you are thinking of visiting in these cooler winter months, our weather is still warm and inviting so we encourage you, your friends and relatives to come on down!

Letter from the Mayor

In deciding not to seek another term, I knew there would be things I would miss and one of those is officially welcoming visitors from far and wide to our fine City via this magazine. I’ll still be a St. Marys resident though, strolling our streets and waterfront to talk with locals and visitors alike. I will simply join fellow residents in extending a warm welcome to you all.

Or up, as the case may be as we have many visitors arriving from Florida as well. The Georgia Welcome Center at Exit 1 just as you cross from Florida into Georgia has been re-furbished and has re-opened to welcome all to our great state and offering dozens of ideas for spending time in St. Marys.

There have been many changes in our fair City in my 15 years on Council as we have weathered hurricanes, COVID, construction and renovation as well as growth. Most recently, we completed the first phase of our transit Marina boating facilities and encourage you to check it out if you, friends or family ever consider boating into St. Marys for a visit..…facebook.com/stmarysmarina.

While our waterfront, rivers and entryway to Cumberland Island remain our most popular attractions, we enjoy year-round entertainment venues like steam train rides and community theatre presentations at Theatre by the Trax. Kayaking continues to grow in popularity as do bicycle touring and races. Our History Walk is proving to be an enjoyable historical stroll through the long history of our waterfront village. We are known for our family friendly parades and festivals with February featuring our very own version of the Mardi Gras. Our historic hotel, modern motels, and charming bed and breakfasts provide lodging for all tastes and budgets while restaurants in midtown, downtown and the west side offer a variety of casual dining options.

More changes are in the works, all for the better. Fortunately, some things do stay the same. We are still the Gateway to Cumberland Island and hope to remain that entry point for years to come. We still have some of the best fishing, kayaking and camping anywhere on the Coast. We are still a small friendly community with home-grown parades, live music venues and lodging and dining hospitality options for all. Our fall and winter weather are mild enough for dozens of outdoor activities and festivities. We are still easily accessible for getaway weekends for many……visitstmarys.com.

Whether you are here for an outdoor adventure or just want to enjoy time in a peaceful, quiet, laid back and friendly community, St. Marys is the place to spend a week, weekend or longer. Many will fall in love and move here to call St. Marys home.

St. Marys continues to be a popular place to visit, a great place to call home and a refuge from the hustle and bustle of metropolitan life and traffic. I am confident we will remain that kind of special community. I hope to see you in the next few months while I’m Mayor and then later when I’m just a friendly local.

Welcome! And if you have time, please stop by City Hall and say “hi” or “hey” depending on where you are from.

Sincerely,

JohnJohn

John Morrissey, Mayor City ofSt. Marys

John Morrissey, Mayor City ofSt. Marys

Next Time, Stay Here! Rockefeller Did!

Step into yesteryear at the newly renovated Riverview Hotel. This boutique hotel is the closest mainland accommodations to Cumberland Island, just steps from the Cumberland Island Ferry.

With a storied past that includes steel magnates, literary greats, and famed admirals, the Historic Riverview is a destination in itself.

Beautiful riverfront views from Captain Seagle’s, the main dining room, where fresh seafood, succulent steaks and creative cuisine abound…

Fun Entertainment in Seagle’s Saloon “Where Good Friends Meet,” and Sophisticated Evenings in the Speakeasy Martini Bar—it’s an overnight experience like no other.

Come for a day, a week, a month—at the Historic Riverview Hotel, you will discover, in full, what we mean when we say...

“You

PHOTO: St. Marys River

Publisher’s

There’s a reason they call the great outdoors the “Great Outdoors.”

On a recent extended RV trip through the Great Smoky Mountains, I rediscovered exactly what that meant, so I wanted to use this space to encourage, inspire, and propel our readers to get outside every chance you can and enjoy the extraordinary gift that is ours in nature.

In elementary school, we all learned that plants absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen. That fact alone is impetus to spend more time outdoors.

Gurgling brooks, serene meadows, and remote mountaintops are commonly used to evoke a sense of calm. Research shows that beyond just beautiful images, these environments can reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and increase self-esteem. So can a quick visit to Crooked River State Park, or Cumberland Island, or St. Marys’ waterfront, or any of the myriad open spaces right here in our own community.

So, take this copy of St. Marys Magazine and sit beneath a shade tree and leisurely peruse the pages within. More time spent outdoors might just help eliminate the need for some medications, and can certainly cultivate joy. The Great Outdoors is the eco-antidote to tech boom burnout and everyday stresses.

Like your mama used to tell you, “Go out and play!” But make sure you take the magazine alone. If you take a selfie with the magazine in an outdoor setting, send it to me and I will make sure it’s included in our next issue. Send to Barbara@stmarysmagazine.com.

Email me anytime with your thoughts or ideas for the magazine: Barbara@stmarysmagazine.com.

On the cover

St. Marys River as photographed Bill Vandeford

Southeast Georgia Health System is the first cancer center in Georgia to use the next-generation CyberKnife ® M6 with MLC technology, a fast, effective radiation treatment option for cancer.

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For more information, call 800-537-5142 ext. 5149 or visit sghs.org/CyberKnife.

2500 Starling Street Brunswick, GA 31520

It’s easy to get to St. Marys no matter what mode of transportation you use. By land,St. Marys is located just 8 miles east of I-95 off Georgia Exit 1 or 3. By sea,an easy sailing up the Intracoastal, and into the St. Marys River just north of Florida, gets you right into St. Marys’ Downtown Historic District. And by air,theJacksonville International Airport is just thirty minutes away.

“if you’re lucky enough to be born in the South, you’re lucky enough.”

It’s much more than a geographical location. It’s a way of life, a rich culture, and a deep sense of tradition that is passed down from generation to generation.

Being a Southerner means embracing a unique set of values, customs, and attitudes that set us apart from the rest of the United States. First and foremost, being a Southerner means having a strong connection to our roots. Whether we’re talking about our family, our community, or our land, Southerners have a deep respect for our history and heritage. We take pride in our traditions and believe in the importance of preserving our culture for future generations.

Hospitality is another hallmark of Southern identity. We are known for our warm and welcoming nature, and we take great pleasure in showing kindness and generosity to others. Southerners are quick to offer a friendly smile, a helping hand, and a

home-cooked meal to anyone in need. Our open-hearted approach to hospitality is one of the things that make the South such a special place.

In the South, we value politeness and good manners. “Yes, ma’am” and “no, sir” are not just words—they are a sign of respect for our elders and a reflection of our upbringing. We believe in treating others with courtesy and consideration, no matter their background or station in life. This commitment to civility and decorum is deeply ingrained in our Southern upbringing.

One cannot talk about the South without mentioning our love for food. Southern cuisine is celebrated around the world for its bold flavors, comforting dishes, and rich culinary history. From fried chicken and barbecue to biscuits and gravy, our food tells a story of our agricultural roots, diverse influences, and the joy of coming together around the table.

We southerners celebrate storytellers and sermonizers, blues and bluegrass, comforting casseroles and spicy gumbos, pepper jellies and boiled peanuts and yes—we often eat shrimp and grits together. And always sweet tea.

Another defining characteristic of Southern culture is our sense of community. Whether it’s a small town or a big city, Southerners place a high value on strong ties with our neighbors and an unwavering sense of community spirit. We rally together in times of hardship, celebrate each other’s achievements, and take pride in the close-knit relationships that define our communities.

Of course, being a Southerner also means reckoning with the complexities of our past. The South has a history that includes both moments of great triumph and periods of deep sorrow. As Southerners, we understand the importance of acknowledging and learning from our history, and we

are committed to building a better future for all who call the South home.

No place is so vibrantly lush as the American South—steamy gardenia-scented evenings and gator-swarmed swamps. Fireflies and magnolia trees. Ancient live oaks festooned with Spanish moss.

Being a Southerner is a multifaceted and meaningful identity that is shaped by our values, traditions, and experiences. Our strong connection to our roots, commitment to hospitality, emphasis on politeness, love of food, sense of community, and acknowledgement of our history are all integral parts of what it means to be a Southerner.

More than anything, being Southern is about “carrying on.” That, we do. Well. And as they say, “if you’re lucky enough to be born in the South, you’re lucky enough.”

L-R: Lizzy Vail, Miss Cumberland Island’s Teen; Rylie Fitzpatrick, Miss Georgia Coast; Summer Baker, Miss Cumberland Island; Dr. Tracolya Green, Superintendent of Schools for Camden County; Sarah Garrett, Miss Golden Isles’ Teen; Sophia Spencer, Miss Golden Isles; Avery Twelkemeier, Miss Georgia Coast’s Teen.

Summer Baker received the Floreida Harrell Arts Award which is named after a former Miss Georgia field director and former local titleholder that competed at Miss Georgia.

non-finalist talent award for her vocal performance that awarded

The Settlement Group, headquartered in St. Marys, Georgia, offers new options for making the most of your current life insurance policy. For more than 20 years, we have been helping people navigate the life insurance landscape and create the best outcome for their life insurance policies, ensuring our clients walk away with the most cash benefits possible.

Please visit our website to learn more about the life settlement process, then contact us to make sure you are maximizing the value of your life insurance policy.

By Barbara Ryan Harris

The mystique of Cumberland Island is driven by the ruins of a Gilded Era mansion; by stunning vistas of verdant marsh grasslands, indigo-tinted freshwater pools, and the storied Atlantic Ocean preceded by sugar-white beaches and, perhaps above all, the wild creatures that claim the island as their own.

From time immemorial, creatures that crawl, swim, and fly have made their home on this mystical island. And visitors are often surprised at their presence and high visibility.

Starting with the feral horses that often graze around Dungeness Ruins but can be seen on the beach, in meadows, and along the main island road (they do have the right of way), daytime and nighttime bring out the critters.

Tall spartina grasses of the salt marsh attract beautiful

continued ...

roseate spoonbills, snowy egrets, blue herons, painted buntings, marsh hens, and clapper rails. Freshwater habitats are home to pond turtles, many types of ducks and wading birds, and you may even see a river otter swimming by—possibly evading a hungry alligator.

The saltwater beckons pods of dolphin that often dance along the island ferry’s path, amusing passengers in a “pre-show” display of the enchantment to come. In the warmer season, manatees—lumbering giant mammals, come to the island waters to mate and give birth.

Land critters one can expect to see on an island visit (besides the horses) include white-tailed deer, bobcats, wild hogs, armadillo, and wild turkeys.

In winter, just off the coastline, giant northern right whales visit to give birth and spend time away from the colder waters of the north. This endangered species numbers only in the few hundreds and are found only in North America.

Winter is also when you can see larger white pelicans, double the size of the year-round resident brown pelicans.

By late spring, perhaps Cumberland Island’s most fascinating creatures arrive—the ancient mariners, the

inky darkness of the waters surrounding Cumberland Island, you might hear the splash of the majestic loggerhead sea turtle—a creature that has survived what the dinosaurs could not. A female loggerhead may travel thousands of miles to return to her birthplace to give life to her own offspring, after having been away for decades.

Cumberland Island has a dedicated monitoring system that helps track this “threatened” species. Happily, in 2023, Coastal Georgia enjoyed one of its most successful sea turtle nesting seasons with an estimated 159,143 hatchlings emerging from 3,479 nests. Although down from 2022’s record high of roughly 266,452 hatchlings from 4,089 nests, 2023’s count marked a much more successful year than expected.

There truly is something magical about Cumberland Island, and its wildlife perpetuate the mysticism surrounding the island. These creatures know things we will never know and have seen things we will never see. But fortunately for us, we CAN see them. And what a thrill it is to wander into their domain and imagine their stories.

“St. Marys Magazine” makes a great travel companion. We’d like to know where you’re taking us. To become one of our media darlings, simply have your photo taken in a distinguishable location, holding a copy of the magazine, and email the photo with names and location to info@stmarysmagazine.com.

Vander Harris, Skip Harris, Wesley Harris and Bella Harris in New Stanton, Pennsylvania.

Collin Galvin at Alhambra Theatre in Jacksonville, Florida.

Brandon and Colleen Fertie in Bemidji, Minnesota.

Carlos and Jonathan Rosario at Gold & Silver Golf Tournament, Kings Bay, Georgia.

Actor/Writer/Director Daniel Keith in Los Angeles.

Lois Buckner at Pier Marquette Engine 1223, Owosso, Michigan.

Donnie Conner docked at Green Cove Springs, Florida.

Renée Frigo, Producer/Director Oak Street Pictures and Margie Geddes at Producer Guild Awards in Los Angeles.

Contoura Facial Plastic Surgery, under the visionary, double board certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. Roberto Garcia, specializes in facelifts, mini-lifts & eyelid surgery.

By Skip Harris

Packing up and heading West isn’t exactly a new idea. But it’s a whole lot easier and convenient nowadays than it was for the early American pioneers in the 1800s. Loading up everything you owned in a covered wagon, hooking up your team of horses, and striking out across the open plains must have been an incredible adventure. White it’s certainly much different loading up your RV, hooking up your Dodge Ram (with an i6 Cummins/420 horsepower), entering Glacier National Park into your GPS, then pulling onto I-10, it definitely shares much of the same sense of excitement and allure those American pioneers must have felt. Whether it’s a multi-month cross-country trip or a long weekend a few hours from St. Marys, RVing is a fantastic and enjoyable way to get out of town and continued ...

explore this beautiful country we are blessed with. It gives you a chance to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, relax, sit around a campfire, immerse yourself in the great outdoors, see new things, and meet new people. RVing is relatively inexpensive, downright easy compared to the 49ers treks, and a great experience overall.

RVing as we know it today started soon after the advent of the automobile in the early 20th century. Back then it would have been small homemade trailers towed behind under-powered vehicles down rural two-lane roads. But it’s grown steadily since those early days and exploded in the last 20 years, especially during the pandemic. Almost anywhere you go, you’ll see someone pulling or driving an RV down the road. It’s ubiquitous!

Wasatch Mountains, Utah.

Montezuma Castle National Monument, Arizona.

There are all kinds of options for those considering taking the leap into RVing. On the low end, there are plenty of small used 20 to 25-foot travel trailers you can pull behind your SUV for $10,000-$20,000. On the high end, there are $500,000 Greyhound bus-looking RVs with gold-plated faucets towing $80,000 Jeep Rubicons. In between, there are myriad other options that include towable and drivable RVs. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages, and a little research will help you quickly understand what’s best for you should you decide to hit the road.

Having left Minneapolis/St. Paul in a boat a few years ago like Tom Sawyer cruising down the Mississippi to St. Marys, I can tell you RVing isn’t quite as adventurous (challenging), but the

Texas Canyon in Arizona.

options of places to go and see far surpasses those of a river-bound trip.

Within a few hours of home here in St. Marys, you can explore Coastal Georgia and South Carolina and indulge in some local Low Country cooking. You can pop over to Laura S. Walker State Park just south of Waycross and play a round of golf on their adjacent golf course. Or you can mosey over through Micanopy to the west coast of Florida and explore Florida’s beautiful springs and beaches.

For those with more time and a bigger sense of adventure, you could pack your wagon and head west through Louisiana and Texas to Arizona, up through the Rockies to Montana, back through the Black Hills to Branson, Missouri, then home through Tennessee and Georgia—a two-month 10,000-mile

Passionately working together for the best care of your pet family.

Mt. Rushmore.

Florida Caverns.

trek (if you count side excursions). Or something in-between like the beautiful mountains of North Carolina and Virginia for a two-week to one-month trip. The options are almost infinite. For those adventurous souls among us who have the urge to get out and explore and still enjoy some of the comforts of home, I highly recommend looking into RVing. It’s an incredible way to see this great country and take in all it has to offer.

See you on the road!

Where Forrest Gump stopped running at Monument Valley, Utah.

By Molly Silver

We do not know if they were acquainted before they were both stationed at Trader’s Hill. We have no record of their disagreement. But after just a month together, they were ready to kill. Who were these two men, why did they duel, and where does their story end? Let us try to unravel this mystery.

Nineteen-year-old William H. Belton of Baltimore, Maryland, was commissioned Second Lieutenant in September 1818. By February 29, 1819, he joined the Fourth Regiment at Trader’s Hill, a former trading post-turned fort up the St. Marys River.

Also from Maryland and already posted at Trader’s Hill was twenty-two-year-old Lieutenant Leonard O. Brooke. A graduate of West Point, he received his commission in August 1818 and was immediately sent to Southeast Georgia.

On April 10, 1819, just over a month after

continued ... www.StMarysMagazine.com

Belton arrived at Trader’s Hill, shots rang out at first light, startling the soldiers nearby. The musket fire came from across the river in Spanish Florida. Only an inside few knew who fired the shots and why: Belton, Brooke, and their seconds had rowed across the St. Marys River to carry out a duel.

Dueling was a common practice in the South from the 1600s until it largely died out by the 1870s, having been outlawed in almost 20 states (it was still legal in both Georgia and Florida at the time of Brooke’s and Belton’s encounter). Although many duels were fought to settle arguments over tangible items such as land, unpaid debts, money, or women, more were fought over intangible ones. The purpose of a duel was not so much to kill someone as to restore a person’s honor—only 20 percent of duels resulted in death.

Defending one’s honor was not as idealistic as it may seem: losing “honor” often had economic disadvantages. Since Southern credit markets were nebulous until the early twentieth century, having a reputation as honorable was essential to obtaining approval for loans, which carried planters through the harvesting and sale of their crops. Thus, the word honor in Southern agrarian society was nearly synonymous with “creditworthiness.”

So why did Belton and Brooke turn their backs to each other with muskets loaded and take the prearranged eight paces before turning and firing? We have no idea.

All we know is Belton was struck under the left breast – the ball passing through his body – and died within a few minutes. Brooke, his opponent, was uninjured. Other than recording Belton’s death date, it does not appear that the military investigated the duel or that Brooke was punished for killing Belton.

We do not know the location of Belton’s burial place. After the U.S. Army deactivated its forts along the St. Marys River, the remains of all soldiers buried at their duty stations were transferred to the St. Augustine National Cemetery, but there is no record of Belton’s being buried there.

We may assume his family claimed his body and buried him in Maryland, but that location is unknown.

After the duel, Brooke resumed his duties as a junior officer until June 8, 1821, two years after the duel, when he received a letter from his commanding officer informing him that the Fourth Regiment was reducing its ranks and his services were no longer needed. Brooke then returned to his home in Maryland and was dead within the year. We do not know the cause of his death or the location of his grave.

Almost exactly one year after Belton’s death, on April 11, 1820, the U.S. Army outlawed dueling.

What could these two young men have fought over? Since both were from Maryland, they could have already known each other, but what issue could have arisen within their month of being stationed together at Trader’s Hill to make them willing to kill? What caused the premature demise of Brooke after the duel, and where are the burial places of these young men?

We will probably never know the answers to these questions, which makes this case even more intriguing. However, we can appreciate the fact that these young men’s story allows us to keep alive the long-dead custom of dueling as we continue to explore their mysterious motives and final resting places.

Editor’s Note: Information on this duel came from Carolyn DeLoach’s article, “Deadly Duel at Trader’s Hill in 1819,” from Charlton County History.

Molly Silver is owner and tour guide at Molly’s Old South Tours, offering daily tours of St. Marys and Cumberland Island. For information and tour reservations, go to mollysoldsouth.com or call 904-735-8243.

Follow Molly’s Old South Tours on social media: https://www.facebook.com/ MollysOldSouth https://www.instagram.com/ mollysoldsouth/

From a sleepy little paper mill town to a community reaping the benefits of America’s prized film industry, St. Marys and Camden County continue to enlarge its star on the filmmaking map.

In 2023, the State of Georgia enjoyed more than $8.5 billion in economic output that would not exist without the film industry. Nearly 400 films and TV productions contributed to this impressive number in an industry that supported more than 60,000 Georgians.

“Georgia remains a global leader in film, TV, and streaming productions,” said Governor Brian P. Kemp. “Those who benefit most from the significant growth we’ve seen in this industry over the past couple of decades are hardworking Georgians who fill the many behind-the-camera jobs that come with each project. That’s why we’ve worked hard to attract these and other opportunities for those who call the Peach State home.”

According to Camden County Film Commissioner Doug Vaught, Georgia has now surpassed New York as the state with the second-highest amount of soundstage footage in the U.S. and is poised to become continued ...

Doug Vaught, Camden County Film Commissioner.

Filming of TV Series “ID.”

No. 1 if the growth continues as projected.

Vaught along with other county leaders are confident Camden County will make a difference in the near future as there is now on the drawing board for St. Marys a 1.75 million square-foot film studio that would house production space for both animation and live-action facilities.

Pigmental Studios, the Camden County project’s creator, is not a startup. Originating in California, the company worked on the development of “Kong” and it is currently in co-production on “Household Pests” with Sergio Pablos, the co-creative director of “Despicable Me” and the director of “Klaus.”

Pigmental’s plans include a 117-acre media campus near Downtown St. Marys that would house 18 sound stages.

Marina Martins, CEO of Pigmental Studio, said, “St. Marys may, on the surface, seem to be an odd choice to locate a media campus, but it ticks almost all the key boxes for studio viability, the most critical being an existing community which inherently and organically embraces the performing arts.”

With new Camden film projects in the works, the last six months have seen production of a major TV network show and an independent film here in our community. continued ...

The popular television series, “ID,” filmed a segment in St. Marys recently and included a mind-blowing fast car chase. Tandem Films chose St. Marys to create footage for their documentary, “The Law of the Nations.” Local talent was used for the documentary with parts of the production filmed at Orange Hall in downtown St. Marys.

St. Marys has spawned impressive film talents who enjoy success across the nation including native and part-time resident Dustin Vaught who is known for his role in “The Fuzzies, “Sunny Smiles,” and “Eye of the Hurricane.” Other movie credits include “Take No for an Answer” and “The Oldest View.” He is also starring in an upcoming TV series, “Ed Rock,” as Kenny Gibson. Vaught’s IMDb listing gives credit to him being raised in the “swamps of South Georgia.”

Camden County boasts an eclectic array of locations that draw filmmakers year-round. Film Commissioner Vaught also serves as location scout and has been the procurer of numerous sites for films that include “Dumbo,” “Doctor Sleep,” and “Leisure Seekers,” among others.

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“The Law of the Nations” filmed at Orange Hall featuring local actors Vicki Wyttenbach, Travis Land, and Jennifer Elders.

Coming Soon in Camden

The Crossroads: Stories of Choices that Echo Through Generations

In a true-to-life film series called “The Crossroads,” the film’s writers dive deep into the human experience of confronting critical crossroads in people’s personal lives. These moments are often where the weight of their decisions becomes apparent, and the choices they make can have profound implications not only for their own lives but for others and the legacy they leave behind.

The Crossroads series provides an intimate and thought-provoking glimpse into the complexities of the lives of individuals and their decisions, showcasing the emotions, challenges, and triumphs that come with them.

Throughout the episodes, viewers will witness the struggles, doubts, and, at times, the resilience of those who find themselves at life-altering intersections and how faith, or the absence of it, can be a guiding light or a source of doubt during those crucial times.

Founder of Dads 4 Life, Keith Jowers, loves St. Marys and believes the residents who live in continued ...

Film talent Dustin Vaught.

St. Marys are extraordinary. The backdrop of the town and friendliness of the residents, Keith believes, fits perfect as the Town of Crossroads. Several of the series’ episodes of Season One will be filmed in St. Marys.

Dads 4 Life (a 501©3 nonprofit organization), along with Studio 425 Productions, are looking for sponsors and donors at any level to help raise funds needed to film this project. For a $50 or more donation, a donor’s name will be listed as a credit in the episode that will be produced following their donation when the project is filmed in 2024/2025. They are also making available product or company placement sponsorships in addition to episode and series producer levels of sponsorships. For sponsor or product/company placement, contact Keith directly at dads4life@gmail. com. Anyone wishing to donate can do so at givesendgo.com/Crossroads.

For more information about filming in Camden County, visit FilmCoastalGeorgia.com.

It’s been said that Jiu Jitsu is a “gentle art with profound impact.” And “gentle” is possibly the word that comes to mind when you first meet local resident Mary McCleary.

Looks can be deceiving.

She’s a 4’ 11” dynamo packed with physical prowess, mental agility, and accomplished self-defense—all owed to her years of training, practice, and coaching the ancient martial art of Jiu Jitsu.

Tracing its roots back to 17th century Japan, Jiu Jitsu evolved among the samurai class. However, today’s version is known as Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.

Mary and her husband, Sean, own and operate the McCleary Jiu Jitsu studio in St. Marys. They continued ...

FAST. FRIENDLY. LOCAL!

encourage families to participate, knowing the benefits—firsthand—that come with the training.

Improved physical fitness is a given, of course, but beyond that the cerebral nature of Jiu Jitsu means sharpening focus and enhancing problem-solving skills that leads to greater mental clarity.

The McClearys say that consistent training hones discipline and resilience, but most people initially get involved for self-defense reasons.

Unlike striking arts like karate or boxing, Jiu Jitsu doesn’t involve punches or kicks. Instead, it emphasizes techniques to maintain dominance over opponents through joint locks and chokes. Most physical altercations end up on the ground, and Jiu Jitsu primarily takes place on the ground.

“Jiu Jitsu is more about problem-solving than athletics,” said Mary. “The goal is to control opponents, leading them to submit or tap out.” She’s a great believer in “diffusing” a situation before physical contact is made but when physical contact is the only alternative, the petite brunette can hold her on, even with 6’1” Sean who she coaches.

Sean, whose initial passion was boxing but converted to Jiu Jitsu to spend more time with Mary, competes in worldwide competitions. The walls of the McCleary studio are lined with ribbons and awards including continued ...

Mary coaching Sean at international competition.

Sean’s national gold first place award from Submission Underground. That competition was televised as many have been in which Sean participated.

Sean says that Jiu Jitsu is a life-long training pursuit, and one can easily recognize the discipline that must go into achieving personal goals in the art. Both Mary and Sean have earned their Black Belts which represent mastery at its highest level.

It’s a joy watching the married couple perform Jiu Jitsu maneuvers at their studio and even more fun when daughter Kyran joins them on the floor.

Five-year-old Kyran started Jiu Jitsu training when she was only four. She says her favorite moves are “arm locks.”

Sean and Mary opened McCleary Jiu Jitsu Camden in June 2021, and since opening they have grown their business significantly with an eye to expanding their space in the very near future. They’ve expanded their scope of services as well with their own line of apparel.

“Our combined experience in the industry arms us with an extensive knowledge of the elements that make exceptional training gear,” Sean said. “We’ve designed our products to take the rigorous abuse of training by even the toughest professional jiujiteiros and jiujiterias.” (It also helps that the clothing designs are super cool and might entice someone to try Jiu Jitsu just so they continued

can wear the colorful athletic wear offered by the McClearys.)

After Sean’s career as an ER and surgical nurse and Mary’s career as a school teacher, preparing people to defend themselves might sound odd for a couple dedicated to healing and teaching, but it all goes hand in hand. After all, too many times Sean has witnessed in the ER what can happen to people who become victims. And Mary—well, being a teacher can prepare you for just about anything.

The McClearys encourage families to take up Jiu Jitsu and they even offer family discounts as an incentive. Military members are very important to the McClearys as 80% of their student base is military. The couple is also very community-focused, giving back as often as their time allows—free training to all active-duty police officers, for example. They also have done free self-defense classes for moms clubs, churches, and other groups. They will be offering a free four-hour “Bully Defense” seminar as well.

Both are involved in St. Marys Little Theatre—Mary as an actor and costume manager and Sean as a photographer and videographer. Recently they choreographed a fight between two siblings in the theatre’s May production of “Southern Fried Nuptials.”

At the McCleary Jiu Jitsu studio, it truly is a “family affair,” and their defensive arts family is growing every day as they benefit their students by infusing strength, boosting confidence, and changing lives.

Editor’s Note: McCleary Jiu Jitsu Camden is located at 4515 GA Hwy 40 East. For more information, call 912-577-8552.

FRIDAY & SATURDAY

Joe Lucent, President The Settlement Group.

It might surprise some that an international business on the leading edge of their industry might make their headquarters in little ole St. Marys, Georgia. But when Joe Lucent, by accident, discovered the charms of our beautiful city more than 15 years ago, he realized he could easily run his company while enjoying a quality of life unmatched in most metropolitan areas. He bought a home, and then a building, and then another building, and today runs The Settlement Group just a couple of blocks from St. Marys’ waterfront.

Lucent says his business model reflects a simple concept in a complicated industry—life insurance.

“Most people think that to reap the benefits of a life insurance policy they’ve probably invested in for decades, they would have to leave this Earth,” Lucent said. “The Settlement Group was established to give people access to cash for life insurance policies that they no longer want or need through a life settlement.”

Lucent went on to list the considerations

someone might make if they have such a policy and what a life settlement could mean to them.

“Life settlements provide an opportunity for policyholders to receive a lump sum payment now which is especially helpful for individuals facing financial difficulties or just wanting to spend money on enjoying life like more travel,” he said. “A life settlement is often significantly higher than the surrender value offered by the insurance company.”

Often a family attorney or someone’s financial planner will recommend a life settlement when they recognize that a life insurance policy is no longer needed for their client.

“Family situations change as people age,” said Lucent. “After the kids get out of college, or perhaps the couple has accumulated more assets that make a policy superfluous as they plan for their kids’ inheritance—they reach a point where a life settlement is a good financial decision.”

Rather than allowing a policy to lapse or surrendering it for a minimal amount, Lucent

and his team at The Settlement Group stand ready to make sure policyholders receive fair compensation for their policy and the burden of ongoing payments ceases to exist.

The Settlement Group takes pride in their 20 years of stellar business practices with a solid track record of successes for their clients.

Yes, when Joe Lucent took a left off Exit 1 so many years ago and made his way to downtown St. Marys, he fell in love with the nostalgia and mystique of St. Marys, and he said to himself, “I’m going to retire here.” And though he may be years away from total retirement, he’s truly enjoying the pleasures of small-town living with his wife, Sandra, four dogs, dozens of tropical fish, and a pocket full of hopes and dreams that come naturally when you’re living the good life. His desire is to help those in our community live the good life as well.

Editor’s Note: For more information about The Settlement Group, visit lifesettlementgrp.com, or call 912-882-0840.

Did You Know?

Architectural Digest named St. Marys “The Prettiest Town in Georgia.”

the Owls the Owls

Of Osborne Of Osborne Of Osborne

who will find the who will find the owls of osborne? owls of osborne?

follow the clues! follow the clues!

While enjoying our beautiful downtown keep your eye out for these bronze owls design by local artist Walter Palmer. Inspired by the history of Downtown St.Marys, the Owls are a result of a public art program between St.Marys Mainstreet and Rustapalooza.

St.Marys is a place where history walks around each corner and city block. I watch from above near the dearly departed right where you finish just as you started.

Shrimp boats and pirates, a Navy’s greet fleet- I’ve seen them pass at the end of the street.

A pillar of society, A belle of the ball, I perch above main street watching all of you all.

Seven seats and many doors. The peoples place and so much more. It’s the heart and it’s a hall. Tomorrow is shaped by all us all.

Starry Nights and sun-filled days, I wait by the river where the music plays.

Families and friends share meals neath my wings in this beautiful place where the fountain sings.

By Barbara Ryan Harris

f I could bottle the passion, energy, and enthusiasm possessed by Deb Johnson, I would be a billionaire in no time.

Deb, along with her daughters Arianna and Karissa, are the proprietors and operators of The Espresso Base just west of I-95 in Kingsland.

Known for their amazing coffee and specialty drinks, the girls are also getting rave reviews for their delicious breakfasts and lunches.

A wide selection of lattes including their Salty Turtle—mocha, hazelnut, salted caramel and drizzled chocolate, brings in their regular customers (which are quite a few) and first

timers who have heard the buzz about The Espresso Base. Energy Drinks include the Wave Ride—blackberry, coconut, and lime. And thirst quenchers like their Watermelon Slush and Frozen Lemonade are the perfect antidotes to Georgia’s hot summer days.

The Espresso Base offers an ever-changing selection of creative salads and sandwiches of which Deb’s famous Chicken Salad is among their customers’ favorites.

The vibe of The Espresso Base’s eclectic setting is inviting and relaxing, set on a one-acre parcel graced by beautiful flowering plants, a mini swamp, and their own entertainment stage.

But the jewel in The Espresso Base’s crown is the girls “They are super nice people.” If you ever have a bad day and just want to be made to feel better, there is nothing like the warm and genuine hospitality that comes with every menu item. Every customer is special. Every customer is loved. And every customer feels it. Some customers feel it three times a day with multiple visits for breakfast, lunch, and afternoon lattes.

Deb and her girls are reaching out to the Camden community in a big way joining forces in promotion and helping other businesses succeed. They really are like a mini visitors center, acting as ambassadors for Kingsland and St. Marys.

“We want to do whatever we can to build a stronger community,” said Deb.

One example of The Espresso Base’s commitment to community is their recent involvement in St. Marys Little Theatre’s production of “Southern Fried Nuptials.” The girls created specialty drinks that tied in with the show’s promotion and helped spread the word on social media.

There are so many reasons to come to The Espresso Base, and Deb and her team keep creating new ones.

They recently hosted a gathering for “Submerged,”— an organization that provides safe spaces for young continued ...

Better banking

The Johnson Girls: Karissa, Deb and Arianna.

An outdoor oasis for food and entertainment.

adults to connect. The much appreciative young folks enjoyed coffees, desserts, games, and music to their liking.

Always thinking out of the box, Deb and her girls created a Silent Book Club which meets regularly at The Espresso Base and gives opportunities to introverts and extroverts to explore and share their literary tastes.

“We are always looking for new ways to bring like-minded people together in an environment that fosters comradeship,” Deb said.

Providing great entertainment on their wood-side stage is another way Deb plans to share the Espresso vibe with the community.

“I would love to have dueling pianos, comedians, improv—just lots of fun stuff like that,” she said.

You can tell that Deb Johnson is all about the “fun.” And her constant and luminous smile tells her story of joy.

Deb’s mother, a member of the Chippewa Tribe, was raised in a wigwam. Deb’s great grandmother was married to two different tribal chiefs (at different times, of course). Deb’s blessed heritage of Native American, Swedish, and German fuel her natural tendency to open her arms to all.

She was at Woodstock when she was 15 and is a self-proclaimed “Carnie” at heart, having traveled the country with various state fairs and then her own trailer café which was the genesis of The Espresso Base.

Deb Johnson is like an onion—just when you think you’ve reached the last layer, here comes another one—much more than I have space for in this article. Oh, did I tell you she once owned 200 racing pigeons? See what I mean?

Wrapping up, I just want to say that The Espresso Base is definitely a destination you want to put on your list to visit. And perhaps take advantage of their commendable catering skills that they get to practice for all kinds of events including weddings, showers, family celebrations, corporate outings, and more.

Deb says, “We just want people to leave happy.” Well put by the human-sized Energizer Bunny known in these parts as Deb Johnson.

Editor’s Note: Visit The Espresso Base at 909 East King Avenue in Kingsland, call them at 651-226-7574, or find them on Facebook.

The trailer café where it all began.

By Herbert Rowland

Editor’s Note:

As the City of St. Marys recently revamped the median area across from the Riverview Hotel on St. Marys’ Waterfront, we thought it appropriate to revisit this article written by Herbert Rowland for St. Marys Magazine several years ago. New plantings and rebuilt ballast stone planters showcase the Gunboat Cannon that has always been a favorite photo spot for visitors.

For almost 100 years they have stood as mute testimony to the destruction rained on St. Marys in 19th century wars. These are two naval cannons salvaged from the river and mounted after years of neglect, one at the waterfront and one at St. Marys Elementary School.

Both were salvaged in the early 1800s and lay in mud on the riverbank until the later years of that century, even during the bombardment of St. Marys during the Civil War. Eyewitness accounts indicate that each is from a different source—the one on the waterfront from a British gunboat and the other from a Spanish vessel, “The Amelia,” wrecked in a storm while moored across from St. Marys. Each received its current mounting in 1918—the gunboat cannon in the waterfront Lemuel Johnson Park, and “The Amelia” cannon at St. Marys Consolidated School.

But that’s not the whole story of the gunboat cannon. It was actually fired one last time on New Year’s Eve, 1893, causing a commotion unequaled in Camden County between the Civil War and the Thiokol explosion in 1971.

It seems a number of older teens and continued ...

Gunboat Cannon now sits adjacent to Riverview Hotel.

“The Amelia” Cannon now sits in front of St. Marys Elementary School.

Gunboat Cannon on the ground in front of Riverview not long after hotel was built. Herbert Rowland’s grandparents, Herbert and Catherine Rudulph, are seated on it. Last fired by pranksters in 1893.

their younger brothers had plotted and planned for several weeks to clean and fire the old cannon resting on the riverbank at the south end of Ready Street on New Year’s Eve. It was firmly imbedded in the mud; its barrel with a slight upward tilt toward the river. So, what harm could it do to give the town a grand salute to 1894. Being law-abiding lads, they decided to petition the City Council for permission to fire the cannon, but retained a backup plan if permission was denied. On December 28, 1893, they proceeded, petition in hand, to request permission to fire “Old 61.”

After giving the matter careful consideration, because of the age of the cannon and its rusty condition, Council refused permission unless a bond of $1,000 ($25,000 today) was given to protect the city in case of suits that might result. This decision was not unexpected, so bright and early the next morning off sailed two determined boys, destination Fernandina: goal, five pounds of black powder. That night they cleared the cannon of mud the best they could and packed it with powder using Spanish moss for wadding. How they rigged a fuse is anyone’s guess since the touch hole had been spiked many years earlier.

New Year’s Eve was cold and clear, so cold that families were all snug in bed; all that is except the pranksters who had sneaked out and were proceeding

to the waterfront and their pre-loaded cannon. At about 10 p.m. the town and its residents were awakened by an explosion that not only shook the earth, but is said to have shaken the waters to the extent that the ships in the harbor of Fernandina were rocked.

Citizens of St. Marys, convinced a meteor had hit the town, started out immediately to see where it had landed and the damage that had been done. But when they arrived at the source of the explosion all that was found was the odor of black gunpowder, drifting shreds of Spanish moss, and the old cannon still hot from being fired. The perpetrators watched from the shadows of a cedar grove a few hundred yards back from the water, then muffled their laughter and joined the crowd one by one.

The next morning, silence lay over the town. Those who knew the conspirators weren’t telling and those who didn’t only had suspicions. There were a few threats of damage suits against the town, but through it all no arrests were made and within a few weeks Town Marshal John Rabadan declared the investigation closed for lack of evidence or any leads. There were no copies of the petition, since it had been read to the council, so there were no names of suspects. After all, no damage was done and the most serious charge that could have been brought would have been disturbing the peace.

Gunboat Cannon taken in 1915. Ship is The George W. Truitt, a logging vessel.

Young ladies from Chicora College, Columbia, SC, here on “Spring Break” 1930.

Even now, 130 years later, the mystery of who shot the cannon remains unsolved; or does it? The closing verses of a poem, apparently written by one of the boys present at a council meeting after the firing, and discovered many years later, presents a sarcastic view of the ineptitude of the governing body:

“The council had not much to say, But one said, “Friends, you see If the one who shot her is not dead He surely ought to be.”

One said, “I’m poor, my friends, But I’ll give a hundred cool, If someone will put me on track Of the dad blasted fool.”

I wonder if they once suspect He’s right within their reach.

Say, Council! Give me half of that, And I’ll on the villains ‘peach.

(Signed) ONE OF THEM from: The Cannon of ’61 Author Unknown

Editor’s Note: Primary source materials were made available by the Bryan-Lang Historical Archives.

Today’s upgraded setting for the cannon that onced armed a British gunboat.

od has more than 100 billion stars in our universe alone. But he must have needed another one, one that would shine brighter than all others. Because he took our Gaila. And we were not ready to let her go.

Our legacy is really the lives we touch and the inspiration we give. Gaila Brandon touched so many lives and inspired so many to be better, to do better.

In St. Marys, she touched the lives of those who were part of her theatre family. She founded St. Marys Little Theatre’s Black History Month plays and wrote most of them, creating a bonded community of people whose color-blindness led to a greater understanding of and love for each other.

Her desire and willingness to help others was extraordinary. Sometimes it takes only one act of kindness and caring to change someone’s life. Gaila changed many lives.

Big hearts carry the heaviest stories. And Gaila’s colossal heart never gave up on others. Never.

Her love for her family was unwavering and steadfast. And she showed that love in small and large ways—meals cooked with so much love, finding humor in situations that were discouraging and turning frowns into smiles, giving and giving and giving. Always selfless giving.

I hear her laughter and see the sparkle in her eyes. I, like so many others, have been warmed by the softness of her voice. And comforted by her presence.

Gaila Brandon lives on in all of us who have known her goodness, and I hope that all who knew her will look up into the sky at night and see the stars. The billions of stars. And notice the one star that shines brightest. For in this star she will be living. And in this star she will be laughing. And so it will be as if all the stars are laughing. And sending joy to those she left behind.

Here. For Your Health.

Contributions By David Wyttenbach and Kevin McCanney

Imagine having the ability to step outside of yourself and become another person on a temporary basis. That’s what happens when you participate in community theatre, and those who know are calling it the best therapy ever.

St. Marys Little Theatre (SMLT) is opening up new worlds for hundreds of people who are willing to take their imagination to a new level. SMLT actors seem to enjoy playing roles of characters that are very unlike themselves the most.

Being a villain in real life is certainly not desirable but sure can be fun when you’re onstage and playing to a sold-out crowd and nailing it! An extrovert might take pleasure in playing the role of someone meek and mild for a change.

Whatever the role, you can be sure that each appearance gives an actor a chance to grow.

Did you know that community theatres involve more participants, present more performances of more productions, and play to more people than any other performing art in the country? Imagine the impact!

Community is essential to the cultural health of our community—any community, enriching the

continued ...

lives of those who take an active part in it, as well as those who benefit as an audience. On either side of the footlights, those involved represent a diversity of age, culture, life experience, and a strong appreciation of the importance of the arts.

“SMLT is all about inclusivity,” said Barbara Ryan-Harris, who founded St. Marys Little Theatre 15 years ago. “We know there is a positive impact on our youth, seniors, area businesses, and our community’s identity. Being a part of it all is a humbling yet energizing experience.”

By promoting unity, creating an accepting environment, community theatre can be the centerpiece for the fabric of our society.

Perhaps the most magical aspect of community theatre is the collaboration it necessitates. When a cast and crew come together, pooling their talents, supporting each other, and creating something greater than the sum of its parts, it’s a beautiful sight. This level of collaboration requires not only mutual respect and trust but also a shared commitment to the end goal. Fostering this sense of unity and shared purpose can lead to remarkable achievements.

Why are people from all walks of life attracted to community theatre? Here are a couple of examples.

From Kevin McCanney

“Around a decade ago, I was a quiet socially awkward kid, who just wanted to be able to socialize better. I do have a few mental and physical disabilities, but you’d never know by looking.

I was in the Camden County Miracle League. a rubberized and safe field to give anyone with a disability a chance to play baseball, for free.

We had an audience, and I saw my fellow players as friends. But I was still shy off the field, I still wanted to feel normal.

So, I took my stage fright and fear of speaking, and faced them fully. I auditioned for St. Marys Little Theatre. I almost quit entirely a few times, But Barbara Ryan saw my talent. She encouraged me. By the first showtime, I was sweating bullets. As things went on, I came to realize something. Audiences weren’t there for me, but for the character, and the safeguard that gave me was such a blessing.

With Barbara in my corner. I knew I could be myself, through these personas. That first show was ‘Little Shop of Horrors,’ and I gave a speech, in full hobo makeup. Thanking the Miracle League, and Barbara, and everybody. For once I enjoyed speaking in public.

Acting is my life, and thanks to the Miracle League and St. Marys Little Theatre, I can live it head-on.”

From David Wyttenbach

“When my wife, Vicki, and I made the move to St. Marys, she looked for opportunities to volunteer, do something fun, and meet people. She discovered St. Marys Little Theatre and dove headfirst into a world of performing arts alongside an amazing cast of characters. Through my wife, who is now currently a member of the SMLT’s board of directors, I have since gotten into the action and joined along as well, having been in a number of productions along with my wife. Moving to St. Marys, not knowing a single person in the area, we were both quickly accepted and made many immediate new friendships.

St Marys Little Theatre is a great place to watch fun shows and see some amazing talents or discover new friendships while letting out the drama kid that resides in all of us.”

St. Marys Litte Theatre’s 14th season featured “Jekyll & Hyde: The Musical,” “Forever Christmas,” “Evening with the Stars,” and “Southern Fried Nuptials.” SMLT’S 15th season opens in October with “Gilligan’s Island: The Musical,” followed by “Where Are You Chritmas,” plus two more productions.

SMLT Chair Gloria Hurley said, “The journey into community theatre can be a continuing gift of knowledge, creativity, growth, affirmation, friendship, and love. And who couldn’t use a little more of all of those?”

If you would like to become part of the St. Marys Little Theatre as a volunteer, actor or behind the scenes person, visit StMarysLittleTheatre.com, click on “CONTACT,” and tell us your interest. Hope to see you at an upcoming SMLT performance at Theater by the Trax!

Dr. Richard L. Spencer takes great pride in giving your family morereasons to smile.

EVENING WITH THE STARS

ANGEL BUREAU

LEO & NOOK BUSH

JEFFREY CHEW

JEFF CUNNINGHAM

LISA FLOYD

LORI GOEWEY

MARDJA GRAY

SKIP HARRIS

HOSPICE OF THE GOLDEN ISLES

GLORIA HURLEY

CAROL MOORE

GENE & NATALIE MORRIS

DEBRA PARSONS

CRYSTAL PITTMAN

LARRY RATLIFF

DAVE REILLY

LESLIE SANDERS

BENITA SUTTON

STU TAYLOR & ELIZABETH HUSSER

JOHN & ROZ TOSHACH

CLEMENT & DEBRA VALOT

DOUG VAUGHT

SOUTHERN FRIED NUPTIALS

TIM BURNINGHAM

BILL & CANDIE DELOUGHY

PJ & LISA FIELDS

LISA FLOYD

LORI GOEWEY

MARDJA GRAY

ALLEN LANGENBAHN

MARGARET MAIR

CAROL MOORE

LARRY RATLIFF

DAVE REILLY

STEVE ROYER

LESLIE SANDERS

JEFF SEALS

JOHN & ROZ TOSHACH

DAVID WYTTENBACH

SERVING BREAKFAST 7 DAYS A WEEK!

8 am to 10:30 am

Southern River Walk

101 E. Stable Alley

By Barbara Ryan Harris

Rebekah Faulk Lingenfelser is in love. With Savannah. With cooking. With Food. And it shows in her latest book Unique Eats and Eateries of Savannah.

During a recent Womens Food Alliance meeting, I discovered that Rebekah had written an insider’s food guide to Savannah, one of my favorite destinations. Thanks to Amazon Prime, I got my copy overnight and immediately immersed myself in a celebration of food and fun in anticipation of visiting every included restaurant (84 of them) over the coming years.

From bakeries to artisan meat markets and ethnic cafes, to the restaurants of Savannah that have made that city a mecca for foodies, Rebekah delivers, in colorful detail, the uniqueness of each establishment, continued ...

Rebekah Faulk Lingenfelser Author and Celebrity Chef.

Rebekah’s signature Fried Green Tomatoes.

highlighting the people and the stories behind the food.

Rebekah tells the stories of not just outstanding food but the history and inspiration behind the food. Together, the eats and eateries reveal the distinctive food culture and tradition of captivating Savannah, often referred to as the “Hostess City of the South.”

Rebekah is well known in Coastal Georgia as a five-star private chef, a speaker, a culinary TV personality, and author of the bestselling memoir “Some Kinda Good: Good Food and Good Company, That’s What It’s All About.” So it was natural that nationally-recognized Reedy Press—a publisher of guidebooks on cities throughout the U.S., contacted her to write the Savannah version of Unique Eats and Eateries. Rebekah was honored when food maven Paula Deen joined her during her book tour in June 2024. Featured in “Forbes,” on Food Network, and ABC, Rebekah is a Georgia Southern University alumna and an honors graduate of the Savannah Culinary Institute. Influenced by a long line of good southern cooks including her mama, grandma and aunts—women who have shown their love and care through food, Rebekah often graces her own table with her signature dishes that include 12-hour Slow Cooked BBQ Pork topped with Vinegar Slaw; Mac & Cheese with bacon breadcrumbs; Sweet Tea Brined Fried Chicken; Fried Green Tomatoes served with red pepper jelly, goat cheese and fresh basil, and Shrimp and Grits with a white wine sauce, bacon and fresh parsley. She is also a fan of venison dishes and always has some in her freezer for creative cuisine with a twist.

Rebekah currently spends her time as a private chef in Savannah with Food Fire + Knives, a national network of culinary professionals, where she takes online bookings to prepare gourmet dining in people’s homes while working on her next cookbook. And, of course, spreading love for great food all over Savannah and Coastal Georgia as her culinary love story continues.

You can connect with Rebekah by liking Some Kinda Good on Facebook, following @SKGFoodBlog on Instagram, or by visiting RebekahLingenfelser.com.

Unique Eats and Eateries of Savannah is available wherever books are sold.

Learn more about Womens Food Alliance at WomensFoodAlliance.com.

Buckner

Novice and expert birdwatchers enjoy bird viewing on the Colonial Coast Birding Trail (CCBT). Perhaps this is because there have been more than 330 species identified along its 122-mile length.

The CCBT isn’t actually a trail at all but rather a collection of 17 different sites along the Eastern coastal region of Georgia.

(Visit GeorgiaBirdingTrails.com for the full collection.)

continued ...

Ducks prefer relatively calm freshwater and (aside from domestic breeds) are only winter residents along the CCBT.

Roseate Spoonbills prefer shallow water where they can search for small fish, crustaceans, and aquatic insects. These bright pink birds now spend the entire year in Georgia.

Mockingbirds eat a diet of fruit, seeds, and insects so they are likely to be seen anywhere these are abundant. Their ever-changing calls are noticed more during the spring breeding season but they are year-round residents.

Story and Photos by Lorin

The Ruby Throated Hummingbird is the only hummingbird that breeds east of the Mississippi River, settling in Coastal Georgia in the spring after taking a perilous route of flying over 500 miles non-stop from Mexico. They prefer hardwood, pine and mixed forests but locals often see them feeding in their own yards on flowering plants like the Bottle Brush tree.

St. Marys is the southern end of the CCBT and has easy access to two sites. The first is the Crooked River State Park which offers 500 acres of prime birding habitat including pine flatlands, riverfront, saltmarsh, and maritime forest trails. Make a point of spending time in their bird blinds (watching towers) with feeders and at a small freshwater pond. Crooked River State Park is a 10-mile drive from St. Marys’ waterfront. The second site around St. Marys is Cumberland Island National Seashore, accessible from downtown St. Marys via the National Park Service ferry. Go to VisitStMarys.com for details on how to get there.

The remaining sites are:

• Jekyll Island/South End Beach

• North End Beach, and the Causeway

• St. Simons Island/Gould’s Inlet and East Beach

• Hofwyl-Broadfield Plantation State Historic Site

• Altamaha Waterfowl Management Area

• Harris Neck National Wildlife Refuge

• Fort Morris State Historic Site

• Fort McAllister State Park

• J. F. Gregory Park; Skidaway Island State Park

• Savannah/Ogeechee Canal Museum and Nature Center

• Tybee Island/North Beach

• Fort Pulaski National Monument

By Molly Silver

You would never suspect that our peaceful and idyllic Waterfront Park was the scene of such terror and bloodshed centuries ago.

The Treaty of Penn with the Indians by Benjamin West, depicting Penn negotiating with Tamanend. Wikipedia.org

Today, many of us enjoy strolls, picnics, or live music in St. Marys’ scenic Howard Gilman Waterfront Park. However, two centuries ago this space would not have been so pleasant: it was dominated by Fort Tammany, which symbolized the town’s tenuous peace and exposed, weak position. Why was the fort built at this location, and after whom was it named? Discover the details below.

Fort Tammany – also known as Fort St. Tammany – was constructed in 1792 (or possibly earlier) to protect the locals and curtail smuggling. Because St. Marys continued ...

was an international border town abutting Spanish Florida, the fort guarded against attacks from these feared enemies. Native Americans to the south and west were an even more terrifying threat. Furthermore, smuggling between St. Marys and Spanish Florida was a major problem so the fort helped enforce customs regulations.

The fort’s unusual name derives from someone the locals most feared: a Native American. Tamanend (also known as Tammany or St. Tammany) was a Lenape chief of the Delaware Valley who, according to tradition, signed a Peace Treaty with William Penn in 1682. This act catapulted the chief to fame as a lover of peace and friendship. He assumed mythic status nationwide and was even called a “Patron Saint of America.”

In 1772, Philadelphians established the Tammany Society to honor Tamanend and celebrate Native American rituals, language, and apparel. After the Revolution, these societies sprung up from Georgia to Rhode

Island and as far west as the Ohio River. The most famous of these groups was New York City’s Society of St. Tammany, whose members developed an influential political machine known as “Tammany Hall.”

Ironically, St. Marys’ Fort Tammany, a structure of war, was named in honor of this Native American icon of peace. The fort did not witness much peace, either, as it primarily imprisoned criminals and Native Americans committing atrocities against American settlers. For example, in 1793 James Seagrove, an “Indian agent” and one of St. Marys’ founders, confined eight Creeks in the fort, and in 1796, it contained “West India Negro” pirates who had murdered the captain of their ship which wrecked on Cumberland Island.

The fort saw its worst violence in the War of 1812 when, during the Battle of Fort Point Peter in January 1815, the British easily took over that fort five miles east of St. Marys and then occupied Fort Tammany

and the town for eleven days. They burned Fort Point Peter but spared Fort Tammany. After the war, with the British threat gone and Florida an American territory, Fort Tammany no longer proved necessary, and a shipbuilding center sprung up in its place.

Today, you would never suspect that our peaceful and idyllic Waterfront Park was the scene of such terror and bloodshed centuries ago. Our discovering this park’s history makes us realize how fortunate we are that we no longer fear foreign attacks.

Editor’s note: Information on Fort Tammany’s specific uses come from Kay Westberry’s book “In the Eye of the Storm.” Molly Silver is owner and tour guide at Molly’s Old South Tours, offering daily tours of Cumberland Island and St. Marys. For information and tour reservations, go to mollysoldsouth.com or call 904-735-8243.

Follow Molly’s Old South Tours on social media: facebook.com/MollysOldSouth instagram.com/mollysoldsouth

By Barbara Ryan Harris

(whose bucket list includes playing the famous Turnberry Golf Course in Scotland).

Iasked my readers this question, and the response was overwhelming. I wasn’t able to print them all, but here’s a peek at what your neighbors and friends aspire to do before—well, you know. Perhaps some of these will inspire you as well.

Jessica Broderick, St. Marys

Camp in all the national parks.

Jessica Pounds

See the Northern Lights.

Tim BurningHam, Fernandina Beach

Take my family to visit the home in Yorkshire UK where my mother was brought up.

Melissa Repanshek, Kingsland

Visit the John Denver Memorial in Aspen. And live on a houseboat for a week.

Kim Lewis, Hilliard

Publish a collection of original poems. Learn to put music that’s in my head on paper.

Ken Johnson, St. Marys

Play the role of Barnum in the musical “Barnum.” Travel to Machu Picchu, Peru, and Mackinac Island.

Travis Land

Take an Amtrak vacation across the U.S. and see a musical in New York.

Steve Royer, St. Marys

Fly in a glider over the mountains somewhere (as a passenger).

Dutch Flynn, St. Marys

Spending time in my own back yard.

Dean Phillippi, Jacksonville, FL

Vacation in Phillippi, Greece (that’s where my family is from).

continued ...

Linda Bloom, Kingsland

Go skydiving for a second time.

Keeva Kase, Brunswick, GA

Take my family to New Zealand, and own property in my mother’s ancestral hometown of La Roch Sur Furon, France.

Dona Davis-Speakes, St. Marys

Go to Finland, sleep in a glass hut, and watch the Aurora Borealis all night. Go on a Wild Women Expedition trip of The Camino de Santiago Hiking Adventure.

Cathy Sakas, Tybee Island

Dive in Iceland to touch the NA and Eurasian tectonic plates simultaneously.

Charlie Howard, Savannah

See a Broadway show and visit Europe.

Tim Cauthen, Kingsland

Visit Yellowstone National Park and take an Alaskan Cruise to Glacier Bay National Park.

Allen Langenbahn, Jacksonville, FL

Visit all the D-Day landing sites at Normandy and pay tribute and give thanks to all the brave soldiers who paid the ultimate price for all the freedoms that we as Americans enjoy today.

Fatima Gaskin, Kingsland

Go on an elephant ride in Bali. Scuba dive in the Red Sea.

JoAnn & Rick Gero, Fayetteville, NC & St. Joe, MO

Visit Glacier National Park and the Redwood Forest.

Jacquelyn Antonelli, St. Marys

Explore the Grand Canyon by hiking. Explore Italy by train, checking out my family’s origination.

Dr. Roy & Monique Bernius, St. Marys Cruise and vacation all over the world.

Dave Reilly, St. Marys

Visit Alaska. See and feel the positive effects my efforts have made on the groups I’ve chosen to support.

Keith & Glenda Jowers, Jacksonville, FL

Take an African Safari, a train ride on the Rocky Mountaineer, and visit Yellowstone National Park.

Carol Newton, Fernandina Beach

Travel to Africa and Japan and China.

Harry Newton, Fernandina Beach

See the Pyramids in Egypt and the two domed football stadiums in the U.S.—Indianapolis and Dallas.

Ryan Leavy, St. Marys

Sing a Karaoke song at OPS Pizza in Kingsland.

Pam Moore, Virginia

Move to St. Marys!

Fred Maynard, St. Marys

Sissy & Bob Blanchard, St. Simons Island

Create a brand new outdoor space designed and delivered by Porch & Patio of Kingsland.

Lisa Yackel

Having already realized some of my goals like Australia and diving the Great Barrier Reef, I simply aspire to continue to share experiences with the people I love and seek ways to bring joy to people’s lives and to feel loved.

VirnaLisa Colon, St. Marys

Go see an opera.

Jami-Lynn & Michael Vigil, Kingsland

To visit all seven continents (only Antarctica remains).

Judie Macke, Fernandina Beach

Travel by train in a sleeping car.

Diane Chausse, St. Marys

Visit the Azores Islands where my ancestors are from (booked the flight).

Julie Galloway, Kingsland

Visit Hawaii and Alaska.

Colleen Weinkle, Harriets Bluff

Visit Delaware Bay during the horseshoe crab spawning.