June 1 - August 15
Jekyll Island Club Hotel Junior Golf Camps
Instructors Marty Mills and Jay Ewing will coach beginnger and intermediate golfers ages 6-18 in the 2008 golf camps. Reservations. For more information call 1-800-533-4597.

July 2 - July 30
Hands on History
Embark on a guided learning adventure for family fun! Wednesdays only, 9:30 am and 11:00am. Reservations. For more information call 912-635-4036.

July 4
Herpetology 101: Reptiles & Amphibians
Children get the chance to learn about and touch indigenous reptiles and amphibians species of the southeast. Tidelands Natural Center. Admission 10:45 a.m. - 11:45 a.m. For more information, call 912-635-5032.

July 4
Old Fashioned Hayride
Children are welcome to jump on board a shiny, red, horse-drawn wagon for an old fashioned hay ride 10:30 a.m. Jekyll Island Club Hotel. For more information, call 912-635-2600.

July 4
July 4 Fireworks Extravaganza
Fun food, and fireworks at Jekyll Island’s Beachdeck featuring the Big Dog and Paul Show. Fun begins at 5:00 p.m. For more information, call 1-877-4JEKYLL or visit www.jekyllisland.com.

July 5
Fireworks at Summer Waves
Visit Jekyll Island’s water park for a wonderful night of fireworks and the Big Dog and Paul Show. For more information call 912-635-2074.

July 11
Build a Bird Workshop
Birding experts Georgia Graves and Lydia Thompson present an educational birding experience for kids. 10:30 a.m. Jekyll Island Club Hotel. For more information, call 912-635-2600.

July 11
Life Under the Water
Learn all about fish. Discover the three different classifications of fish. Tidelands Natural Center. Admission 10:45 a.m. - 11:45 a.m. For more information, call 912-635-5032.

July 12
Horton House Living History
Visit Horton House where colonial re-enactors present the story of the Spanish raid following the Battle of Bloody Marsh. For more information call 912-635-4036.

July 18
Fish ‘n Ships Shadow Puppet Show
Curious Moon Puppet Theater presents a puppet and sing-a-long show featuring Amateur Detective Fry and a haunted pirate ship! 10:30 a.m. Jekyll Island Club Hotel. For more information, call 912-635-2600.

July 18
Dock Adventures
Students will use dip nets to collect and study organisms from the fouling community at the dock.Tidelands Natural Center. Admission 10:45 a.m. - 11:45 a.m. For more information, call 912-635-5032.

July 20
Apostles of Bluegrass
The Apostles of Bluegrass have invited fiddle player Leah Calvert to join them in an exciting summer concert. Admission. 7:30 p.m. Jekyll Island Club Hotel. For more information, call 912-635-2600.

July 25
Cooking for Kids
Chef Lewie Mashburn gives a just-for-kids cooking demonstration. Reservations. 10:30 a.m. Jekyll Island Club Hotel. For more information, call 912-635-2600.

August 3
Franklin Pond String Quartet Concert
The Faculty Quartet of Franklin Pond Chamber Music will present a concert in Faith Chapel. Tickets are $10.
7:00 p.m. For more information call 912-635-3920.

August 14
Beach Music Festival Early Bird Concert
Jekyll Oceanfront Clarion Resort. Join shag club members and start your beach music weekend early. 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. For more information call 1-877-4JEKYLL.

August 15 - 16
Beach Music Festival
Visit the beautiful beach of Jekyll Island and listen to musical greats The Swinging Medallions, the Rickey Godfrey Band, and Second Chance. For more information call 1-877-4JEKYLL or visit www.jekyllisland.com/beachmusicfestival

August 16
Beach Music Festival Free Concert
Enjoy a FREE beachside concert featuring The Swinging Medallions the Rickey Godfrey Band, and Second Chance! For more information call 1-877-4JEKYLL or visit www.jekyllisland.com/beachmusicfestival

August 30 - September 1
Jekyll Island Gold Cup Adult Soccer Tournament
Regional and National adult soccer teams for the gold as they compete in this three day tournament For more information visit www.gacups.com.

September 19 - 21
Shrimp & Grits: The Wild Georgia Shrimp Festival
A weekend celebration of two of Georgia’s most beloved foods. The festival features a cook-off, live entertainment, and a kid-friendly fun zone. For more information call 1-877-4JEKYLL.

Tags: festivals, Jekyll Island Events, tours
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Get ready for the excitement! Jekyll Island Beach Music Fest ‘08 takes place August 15-16. Celebrating 25 years of fun in the sun, Jekyll Island is bringing back an old tradition with a FREE concert on the beach Saturday afternoon. The concert kicks off with the Rickey Godfrey Band at 12PM, followed by Second Chance at 2:30PM, and completed with headliners the Swinging Medallions at 4:30PM. Everyone is invited to this free party on the beach while listening to live performances complete with Corona beer and delicious food from various vendors.

To complete this rockin’ weekend, guests can enjoy Friday and Saturday evening concerts featuring the Swinging Medallions at the Jekyll Island Convention Center’s Atlantic Hall. In addition, golfers can start their weekend early with the annual Beach Music Festival Golf Tournament Friday morning. Tickets for the evening concerts and registration forms for the Golf Tournament can be found online at www.jekyllisland.com/beachmusicfestival.

Schedule of Events

August 14: Thursday Night: Early Bird Party for Shag Club Members

Are you a member of a shag club? Meet other shag club members at this Early Bird Party. Limited tickets available. Call the Jekyll Island Visitor Information Center to make reservations.1-877-4-JEKYLL or (912) 635-3636. Jekyll Oceanfront Clarion Resort. 7:00-9:00 PM / $10 per couple. Includes Hamburgers/Hotdogs and music by DJ Spaulding. Sponsored by Red Bug Motors.

August 15: Friday

Beach Music Festival Golf Tournament

$80 per player. Includes Two Tickets to the Friday Night Concert. Tee Times can be made by calling the golf course at 635-2368. Tee Times from 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM

Friday Night Kick-off Party

8:00 PM – 12:00 AM, Jekyll Island Convention Center, Atlantic Hall

8:00 PM -9:00 PM. Shag Contest. $20 to enter. Sign up at the concert.

9:00 PM -12:00 AM Swinging Medallions in concert. Tickets: $12 in advance, $14.88 at the door. Doors open at 7:30 PM. Tickets can be purchased online at http://www.jekyllisland.com/beachmusicfestival.

August 16:Saturday

Free Beach Blast Concert!

12:00 - 6:00 PM. On the Beach, behind the Jekyll Island Beachdeck. Hosted by DJ Pat Patterson

12:00 - 2:00 Rickey Godfrey Band

2:30 – 4:00 Second Chance

4:30 – 6:00 Swinging Medallions

Be a VIP and sit in the shade! Free Beer 12:00 - 6:00 p.m. Tickets can be reserved by calling the Jekyll Island Information Center at 1-877-4JEKYLL.

Saturday Night Reunion Party

8:00 PM – 12:00 AM. Jekyll Island Convention Center, Atlantic Hall. Swinging Medallions in concert. Hosted by DJ Pat Patterson. Tickets: $12 in advance, $14.88 at the door. Doors open at 7:30 PM. Tickets can be purchased online. (Prices do not include sales tax.)

Posted in July 2008 | 2 Comments »

The recipes may be passed down or home grown. The chefs will range from back yard burner to culinary craftsman. What all of the cooks will have in common during Jekyll Island’s 3rd Annual Shrimp & Grits: The Wild Georgia Shrimp Festival September 19-21st will be two key ingredients: shrimp and grits. Amateur and professional chefs will spin their culinary creations for top honors and cash prizes in this 3rd annual cooking competition.

“The quality and creativity of the entries is always and interesting and delicious surprise,” said Beth Burnsed, Event Marketing Manager for Jekyll Island. “The variety of shrimp & grits recipes makes the competition harder and harder every year. These contestants mean business!”
On the amateur side, individuals or groups are able to participate. This year there will be amateur competitions, both on Saturday and there is an entry fee of $30 per group which provides entrants with shrimp, grits, and a festival T-shirt. Each chef will need to furnish all other ingredients, a propane cook-top and cooking utensils necessary to create their shrimp and grits specialties. The first place recipient will receive a $500 cash prize. The second place recipient will receive $300, and the third place contestant will garner $100.


The entry fee for professional chefs, those who have worked within the restaurant business for 2 years or more, is $100 and includes shrimp, grits, and a festival T-shirt. The first prize winner will take home bragging rights, $1,000 cash. Second place will receive $800, and the third place contestant receives $500.


The Amateur Cook-offs will be held on Saturday, Sept 20th beginning at 10 a.m and 3:30 PM. Professional chefs will compete on Sunday, Sept 21st beginning at 12:00 p.m. The competition will utilize staggered start and stop times to ensure each entry is freshly served to the panel of judges. Contestants will be judged on recipe/ingredients, taste, originality and presentation. Recipes can be centered on any meal day part and include an array of ingredients, but all must contain both shrimp and grits. Participation in both cook-off events is on a first-come, first-served basis with space restricted to ten entries per competition. Registration forms can be obtained online
www.jekyllisland.com/shrimpandgrits.


Providing the key ingredient, Wild Georgia Shrimp, will be the Georgia Shrimp Association, the events title sponsor.
Other activities taking place during the festival weekend include shrimp-eating contests, an arts and crafts show, kids play area, live music and lots of food. We will even have a the Lady Jane, a real shrimp boat, available for tours and a sunset cruise! For more information on the Wild Georgia Shrimp Festival visit www.jekyllisland.com/shrimpandgrits or call 1-877-4JEKYLL.

Tags: amateur cooking, chefs, cooking contests, Georgia Shrimp Association, jekyll island festivals, professional cooking, shrimp and grits festival, wild georgia shrimp
Posted in July 2008 | No Comments »

Chortles and shouts. Racing feet. Sticky fingers. These sights and sounds might seem unexpected in standard house museum environments. But this summer the Jekyll Island Museum aims to engage the youngest members of the community in the wonders of the past. Whether racing with barrel hoops, becoming stained glass artists, or jumping on pony hops, they are discovering Jekyll Island’s historic district as an active learning environment.

The Jekyll Island Museum offers children’s programs every Wednesday morning at 9:30 and 11:00 am. Designed for children 6-12, the 60-minute programs each shed light on the history of Jekyll Island. Museum interpreters lead children and their adult companions on a guided learning adventure through segments on Jekyll Island’s past.

“The programs are a fun way to excite children at a young age about history,” says Phyllis Gaska, a former elementary school teacher on the Jekyll Island Museum tour staff. “They are very concrete, and hands on, and active.

The Hands on History segments include the following:

Old-Fashioned Butter-Making: Take a whirlwind tour of a late 1800s southern kitchen at Club Cottage. Inspect and handle original kitchen items before heading outdoors for a lesson in old-fashioned butter-making. July 2, 2008, 9:30 am.

Colonial Games: Have fun learning the games the English, French, and African-American children of Jekyll Island might have played during the Colonial Period. July 2 & 30, 2008, 11:00 am.

Young Inventors’ Workshop: Discover a few of the famous inventors who vacationed on Jekyll Island in the Club Era, then replicate the island’s experiment in “green energy.” July 9, 2008, 9:30 am.

Club Era Games: View rare archival images of Jekyll Island Club Members at play, then try the sports that were popular in their day. July 9 and 23, 2008 at 11:00 am.

Architectural Scavenger Hunt: Follow a series of clues, searching the historic district for notable architectural details. July 16, 2008, 9:30 am

Stained Glass Studio: View two important works of American stained glass by Louis Comfort Tiffany, David Maitland Armstrong and Helen Armstrong inside of historic Faith Chapel. Be inspired to make your own masterpiece! July 16, 2008, 11:00 am.

Bridge Building: Visit Hollybourne Cottage, a mansion built for Charles Stewart Maurice, a partner in a bridge building company. Discover how houses can be like bridges, learn about different kinds of bridges, and create your own bridge. July 23, 2008, 9:30 am.

Native American Life: Jekyll Island has been a seasonal retreat for over 4,500 years. Learn about Native American culture on Jekyll Island, through such engaging supervised activities as atlatl target practice, pottery stamping, and bow drill fire-making. July 30, 2008, 9:30 am.

Program offerings are subject to change. Reservations are required. Admission for participants is $5 per person. Young children should be accompanied by an adult. Please call or visit the Jekyll Island Museum on Stable Road for details or for information about its
other tour offerings, 912-635-4036.

Tags: arts and crafts, club era, colonial games, faith chapel, historic disctric, Hollybourne Cottage, Jekyll Island History Museum, kids programs
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For a fun family event, raise a jovial mug of (ginger) ale or (root) beer near the site of Georgia’s first brewery, and watch 18th-century British military re-enactors perform musket drills. The soldiers are rallying their defenses against further attacks on Jekyll Island’s strategic shores.

Saturday, July 12, 2008 at 2:00 p.m., Horton House, one of the oldest standing tabby structures in Georgia, where colonial re-enactors will demonstrate 18th-century activities and present the story of the 1742 Spanish raid on Jekyll Island following the Battle of Bloody Marsh.
Fort Frederica National Monument and the Jekyll Island Museum will team up to present this joint program on Georgia’s early colonial history.
Learn about Major William Horton, his family, his servants, and his property on Jekyll Island, as well as their significant role in producing goods to supply the needs of the fledgling British colony. Investigate early British military life, the events of the Battle of Bloody Marsh and the raid on Jekyll Island, and why Horton was a target for the Spanish.

Musket demonstrations, children’s activities, food and drink, and interactions with the interpreters provide a fun and memorable way to learn about the early colonial life of the island, said John Hunter, the director of the Jekyll Island Museum.

“Children will have a chance to make a colonial toy, play some games, and talk to costumed interpreters,” Hunter said. “Participating in activities and visiting with people who seem to step out of the past really brings history alive for them. With Fort Frederica’s help, the Jekyll Island Museum is proud to offer this outstanding living history opportunity.”

During the living history event, general parking will be available both before and after the split-rail fencing that lines Riverview Drive leading up to Horton House. The site is also a pleasant bike ride away from both the Jekyll Island Club National Historic Landmark District and the Clam
Creek Picnic Area.

Visit www.youtube.com/user/JekyllIslandMuseum to view a video clip of last year’s event! Co-sponsored by Fort Frederica National Monument and the Jekyll Island Museum. For more information, call 912-635-4036.

Tags: 18th century, battle of bloody marsh, fort frederica, horton house, Jekyll Island History Museum, re-enacting, spanish invasion
Posted in July 2008 | 2 Comments »

Delightful driftwood carvings and beautiful watercolors will be the focus of the next exhibit at the Jekyll Island Arts Association’s Goodyear Cottage, located in the Historic District. Creator of driftwood critters, Philip “The Fish Man” Simmons and painter Bob Fisher will display their creations from June 30 to July 31 in Goodyear’s popular gallery.

Philip Simmons combines 35 years of graphic design skills with his love of nature and devotion to recycling to create unique driftwood creatures. His work begins with gathering driftwood from the coast of North Carolina, then deciding what creature he sees in each piece. He “liberates” fish, birds, whales and other creatures by adding hammered copper, tin, leather, other scraps of found materials and finally painted glass eyes. Little carving is done on each piece, which is one-of-a-kind, named, dated and signed. His critters are bound to make you smile! They have appeared in Southern Accents and Country Home magazines as well as in museums, galleries and gift catalogs.

Brunswick resident, Bob Fisher joined the the Glynn Art Association and took a watercolor class in 1997 as a result of years of enjoying his visits to Washington, DC galleries and museums during his lunch-hours. Inspired by watercolors by John Singer Sergeant, he now “understands that art is the timeless communication of feelings, attitudes and emotions.” He finds the flow of paint on wet paper to be both captivating and liberating at the same time. His background in science, engineering and education has contributed nicely to his art, and his use of linear and aerial perspective brings realism but does not overpower his impressionistic shapes. A regular teacher at the Glynn Art Association, he also enjoys plein aire painting.

You’re invited to see this exciting exhibit and meet the artists at a reception on July 6 from 1 - 3pm in Goodyear’s gallery. Visit the gallery and shop anytime during regular hours, Mon - Fri 12 - 4pm and weekends 10 - 4pm. Everyone is welcome and admission is free. 912-635-3920

Tags: bob fisher, goodyear gallery., jekyll island arts association, mixed media, painting, philip simmons, watercolors, wood carving
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Thanks to Governor Perdue and the Georgia General Assembly, Georgia residents who want to show their support for conservation on Jekyll Island and the Georgia Coast can soon purchase a specialty automobile license plate featuring the Georgia Sea Turtle Center logo.The Georgia Sea Turtle Center will receive funds disbursed through the Nongame Wildlife Conservation and Wildlife Habitat Acquisition Fund under Georgia’s Specialty License Plate revenue-sharing program.


In addition to raising needed funds, the new specialty license plates will also raise awareness of the Center and its important work. The barrier islands along the Georgia coast are important nesting areas for primarily loggerhead sea turtles, but the Georgia Sea Turtle Center has quickly become a world-renowned facility that has engaged in many issues affecting the species.

“This is a new and easy way to help conservation efforts on the coast,” said Rep. Jerry Keen (R - St. Simons Island). “Georgians love to show their support in outward ways. Given the success of a similar program in Florida, we are expecting this tag to be very popular.”

The new Georgia Sea Turtle Center specialty license plate is not yet available at County tag offices, but reservations forms can be submitted by visiting www.georgiaseaturtlecenter.org.

Tags: Georgia Sea Turtle Center, license plate, sea turtle conservation, turtle license plate, wildlife conservation
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During their 44th Annual Award Ceremony on June 7, 2008, the Georgia Writers Association announced that local Jekyll Island author, Pamela Bauer Mueller, is the recipient of the 2008 GEORGIA AUTHOR of the YEAR AWARD in the Young Adult category. The GAYA has a long tradition of literary excellence and has honored Ms. Mueller for her historical fiction novel, An Angry Drum Echoed: Mary Musgrove, Queen of the Creeks.

As Pocahontas was to Jamestown and Sacajawea was to the Lewis and Clark expedition, so was Mary Musgrove to General Oglethorpe and the burgeoning Georgia colony. Arguably the most important woman in Georgia’s history, Mary Musgrove guided the Creek nation through the treacherous waters of international intrigue during the conquest of a hemisphere.

Not much had been written about this leading character in the founding of Georgia until 2007, when Pamela Bauer Mueller, author of seven books for young people, wrote this compelling story that inspires and intrigues.

Mary Musgrove triumphed over savage discrimination, unimaginable personal adversity and an unrequited love for the founder of Georgia. As General Oglethorpe’s interpreter and emissary to the Creek Indians, she smoothed the path to cooperation between the Creeks and the colonists, perhaps single-handedly insuring the survival of the colony of Georgia.
In addition to being selected as a 2008 GEORGIA AUTHOR of the YEAR, this title won the Silver Medal in the 2008 Independent Publishers Book Awards/Southeast Regional Fiction. Ms. Bauer Mueller was also a Finalist in the 2008 ForeWord Magazine’s Book of the Year Awards.
Two years ago Pamela received the 2006 Georgia Author of the Year Award for Neptune’s Honor. That book was recently selected as a 2008 Silver Medal Mom’s Choice Award and was a Finalist in the 2006 Independent Publishers Book Awards.

Pamela Bauer Mueller resides on Jekyll Island, Georgia with her husband Michael and their two cats, Jasper and Sukey Spice. She was raised in Oregon and graduated from Lewis and Clark College in Portland, Oregon. She worked as a flight attendant for Pan American Airlines before marrying and moving to Mexico City, where she lived for eighteen years, teaching English and Spanish, modeling and acting in U.S. and Mexican
television and films.

After returning to the United States, Pamela worked for twelve years as a U.S. Customs Inspector, serving in San Diego and in Vancouver, B. C. Canada. Pamela took an early retirement to follow her husband Michael, who received an instructor position at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in Brunswick, Georgia.

Pamela’s children’s books include The Kiska Trilogy and Hello, Goodbye, I Love You. She wrote Neptune’s Honor and An Angry Drum Echoed as young adult historical novels, based on the lives of actual residents of Georgia: Neptune Small, a noble antebellum-era slave who shared a special bond with his master’s son, and Mary Musgrove, a Creek/English-woman who played a significant role in Georgia’s colonial history.
Pam’s newest novel, Aloha Crossing is the sequel to her multi-award winning Hello, Goodbye, I Love You: The Story of Aloha, A Guide Dog for the Blind. A year has passed since puppy raiser Diego handed Aloha’s harness over to her blind partner Kimberly Louise. Now Diego is traveling to Georgia to visit his beloved friend again!

This heartwarming story follows the exciting cross-country adventures and moving scenarios of a diverse group of family and friends. Although Aloha is a central figure in this intriguing story, she shares the stage with human actors who make this more than a tale about a blind woman and her guide dog. Learning from the devoted Aloha’s example, they discover they are capable of weathering any storm and triumphing over every setback.

Tags: aloha crossing, georgia history, jekyll island books, jekyll island resident, mary musgrove, pam bauer mueller
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As many of you already know, the Georgia Sea Turtle Center is always very busy treating patients—each animal requires individual attention everyday. With summer here, we are treating even more injured turtles. Both turtles and humans alike enjoy the warm weather of summer, unfortunately this high level of outdoor activity leads to turtle injuries and mortalities—more personal watercraft on the ocean and more vehicles crossing the causeway to and from Jekyll Island.

On the 12th of June the Georgia Sea Turtle Center received its newest patient. The sub-adult Loggerhead Sea Turtle was caught while the Georgia Bulldog (the University of Georgia Marine Extension’s research vessel) was trawling offshore near St. Marys, Georgia. The turtle has severe injuries that include deep fractures on the top and bottom of the shell and a fractured rear flipper. A propeller is suspected to be the cause of these injuries. The exact age of turtle is unknown, but it can be approximated using the dimensions of the turtle to be around 10 years old. The gender of this turtle is not known at this point. Loggerhead Sea Turtles reach maturity at around 30-35 years of age; at this time the gender of the turtle can be determined by the length of the tail. The veterinary staff at the Georgia Sea Turtle Center will be closely monitoring the new patient.

Although they are not sea turtles, the Georgia Sea Turtle Center is treating an increasing number of Diamondback Terrapins. These turtles are often hit by cars traveling on roads through salt marshes (like the Jekyll Island Causeway). Female turtles, in search for the perfect spot to nest, venture across the road where they meet head on with humanity.

As many as 20 Diamondback Terrapins a day are hit by cars on the causeway—the majority of these turtles die. With regular causeway patrols, the Georgia Sea Turtle Center is aware of the situation and is doing everything possible to curb the rate of mortality. The staff also patrols the causeway to collect casualties’ viable eggs to be incubated. The patrol also includes collecting data on these turtles so that we can fully grasp the impact the causeway has and to shine light on possible solutions to the problem. Please be aware of vehicles, researchers, and Diamondback Terrapins and use caution while driving on the causeway during the summer.

To learn more about sea turtles, their life history, and the impact humans have on them, visit the Georgia Sea Turtle Center on Jekyll Island, Georgia. You can read the staff’s blog and check out patient updates at www.georgiaseaturtlecenter.org.

Tags: diamondback terrapins, Georgia Sea Turtle Center, jekyll island causeway, loggerhead turtle, st. mary's, turtle crossing
Posted in July 2008 | No Comments »