I think we can all agree that we are due for a long, relaxing vacation somewhere. What about the Mediterranean? The entire region, from Portugal all the way to Morocco, is a feast for the senses, with its sparkling waters, radiant light, alluring aromas and vibrant colors.
That’s where the Culmination of Champions for Children takes us this year – to Greece. The soirée celebrates the teams that, for eight weeks prior to this event, have been raising money for Safe Harbor Children’s Center, which assists children and young people with everything from emergency foster care to assisting young mothers during pregnancy. In the Coastal Illustrated feature, we take a look at the food and culture of Greece with Olympia Poulakis, fashion with Ally Haney and the event itself with Elizabeth Piazza, who is one of the three chairwomen, along with Kate Dart and Bentley Kaufman.
This super-trio has worked hard to put together the type of exquisite, bespoke event for which they’ve become known. This year, the culmination event will be held at Frederica Golf Club. Attendees have an elegant night to look forward to – think fabulous Greek food prepared by Frederica Golf Club Executive Chef Georges Reichen. The clubhouse will be filled with Greek entertainment and music by the ever-popular Owen Plant.
Another person who needs no introduction around town is former Brunswick Mayor Bryan Thompson, who is the interim director of the Southeast Georgia Health System Foundation when he’s not hanging out at home with his wife, Heather Heath, and their menagerie and working as an auctioneer. Even though he’s no stranger, we discovered a few things that made him a great candidate for a Local Q&A.
In the Coastal Home feature, we explore small-space gardening and the great yields it can return. We spoke with Hilliary Heard of Fête of Flavor, Dawn Hart of ACE Garden Center and Julie and Peter Abitz, who grow all sorts of fruits and veggies in their backyard, for their advice.
Our Realtor is Evelyn Murphy of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Hodnett Cooper Real Estate. Evelyn tells us about her interests, her family and what she enjoys doing in her spare time. It’s a fun read.
Also in CH, Gordon Jackson talks with Realtors about the pros and cons of homeowners’ associations. Love ‘em or hate ‘em, there doesn’t seem to be any neutral ground where consumers are concerned.
There’s no book column this issue, but literary columnist Cary Knapp will return soon with her witty and insightful reviews. She’s recently welcomed her first grandchild and is taking some time to get acquainted with him. We’ll see her back soon.
Mixology columnist Jim Henderson found us some great Greek-influenced cocktails despite his ever-so-slightly ouzo-resistant palate. The Santorini Sunrise cocktail would be great served with some cured meats and melons whilst relaxing on a porch or pool deck at home.
In the Captured pages, we highlight two of our favorite events – the annual CASA Fashion Show and Luncheon and Art in the Park. At the annual CASA luncheon, attendees were treated to a delicious meal and a fabulously curated show of spring apparel from local shops and boutiques. Art in the Park brings in artists from throughout the region and it’s a great time to see what these creative people have for us every time they visit. It’s not too early to begin Christmas shopping, is it?
In Shore Things, Cheri Leavy is taking us fishing. The page is chock full of everything you could want or need for your next fishing expedition. Have fun.
Since we’ve been apart, we’ve lost some special people. We extend our condolences to the family of Tom Packard, who, with his mother, Flo Packard Anderson, helped build the legendary Fourth of May Café. Despite having been in an auto accident when he was a young man, Tommy married and raised a family, had a successful career and tons of friends. His amazing sister-in-law, Laura Packard, was a columnist for Coastal Illustrated for several years. Tommy was one of the first people I met when I moved to St. Simons. We remained on the periphery of each other’s close friend circles, so we had lots of encounters over the years. Seeing him made me happy. I can only hope I had the same effect on him. Godspeed, friend. ‘Til we meet again.
See y’all soon. Hug your people. Enjoy the issue!
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