The Jekyll Island Museum Tour Schedule
Wednesday, March 4th, 2009
The Jekyll Island Museum 2009 Tour Schedule
Archive for the ‘ March 2009 ’ Category
The Jekyll Island Arts Association Arts Festival, March Program & Exhibit
Wednesday, March 4th, 2009
Come enjoy the music you grew up with, tunes that bring back the fond memories of yesteryear. Come enjoy the Three of Us, a popular musical group that performs pop and folk-type cover tunes from the 60’s and 70’s. Their tight vocals which come from many years of musical experience specialize in two and three part harmonies. The group features Bill Townsend on harmonica, guitar and vocals who has been performing professionally for over 30 years; Bo Fox on guitar and vocals with experience playing for over 45 years and Marie Toler, who joined the group about a year ago. Marie has been playing professionally for over 15 years and has become a focal point for the group’s performances. With her incredible bongo playing, stellar vocals and an arsenal of percussion instruments she keeps the audience wondering what she’ll do next. Making this band just plain fun to watch as well as hear. This free performance sponsored by the Jekyll Island Arts Association, on Tuesday, April 14 at 7:30 PM in Beachside Hall of the Jekyll Island Convention Center, will give you an opportunity to enjoy the best trio in the Golden Isles. For more information call 635-3920.
The Faircloth & Beasley Exhibit of Painting & Sculpture sponsored by the Jekyll Island Arts Association in Goodyear Cottage of the Jekyll Island Historic District is showing March 20th -April 19th. The artists’ reception will be held Sunday, March 22nd 1-3 PM. Admission is always free at Goodyear’s gallery and shop, where regular hours are M-F Noon - 4 PM and weekends 10 AM- 4 PM. For more information call 635-3920.
Goodyear Cottage will once again blossom this Spring with members’ creations during our annual Arts Festival Friday through Sunday March 13, 14, and 15. The Festival is the time for the Jekyll Island Arts Association to gather and celebrate among themselves and with the larger community. Our professional and intermediate artists mingle with beginner artists who are busy taking classes in January and February from our members who teach and share their skills.
The artists’ work will be available for purchase, along with our Festival Shop filled with more art and handworks. The Cafe will again feature Brunswick stew, sandwiches and drinks. For dessert treat yourself at our Bake Sale with local cookies, pies, cakes and breads. Raku, woodcarving, and other interesting demonstrations provide a great experience for children and adults alike. A variety of musical entertainment will be going on outside and inside Goodyear Malcolm Hanson’s piano performances will entertain as always. Our popular raffle will be held on Sunday afternoon.
Superwomen in Scrubs / The Georgia Sea Turtle Center Update
Wednesday, March 4th, 2009
So you want to be a rehabilitation technician or a hospital coordinator? It sounds so glamorous. Well, it is very rewarding to work directly with and help sea turtles and every day there is something new to learn. In reality, many tasks are repetitive- scrubbing tanks, cleaning feces out of the water, doing water changes, chopping fish and other food items, and lifting heavy objects are all part of a technician’s day. However, it is important for our staff to take advantage of this intense labor to put their observation skills to work. There are many subtle signs that may indicate a turtle is getting better or worse-their level of activity, appetite, defecation, fecal observation, etc. Each turtle has its own personality and when you work with them everyday, you begin to see subtleties that may otherwise go unrecognized.
Multi-tasking is a key skill that must be mastered when working as a member of the animal care team. It is possible that in just one day on the job, one person may clean tanks, perform blood work, fecal exams, x-rays, anesthesia, assist in surgery, train volunteers, talk to the public about what we do, chop fish and prepare various diets, tube feed a turtle, repair a filtration system, back wash and do a major water change on a tank, mix artificial salt water, perform water quality tests, clean instruments, wrap surgery packs, order supplies, write an article, check emails, hold a turtle for treatment, give an injection, clean a wound, admit a new patient and go to a meeting. Lunch may not be on the agenda. This often ends up as a 12 hour work day.
So who are these crazy people? Erika, Michelle, Jeannie, Amy, and Rachel, that’s who! There are also a whole host of amazing volunteers but that story is for another day. Erika Kemler is our hospital coordinator. She ensures that everything functions properly from treatments to keeping the hospital organized to making sure we have all the supplies we need to assisting in anesthesia and surgery to maintaining all the medical equipment. The list goes on and on. Erika assists in all aspects of husbandry as well. Michelle is our tank and filtration specialist. We depend on her tremendously for her knowledge in this area, as well as all aspects of our operation from husbandry, veterinary care, and interacting with the public. Jeannie is our commissary queen. She is in charge of ensuring all patient diets are correct and fish and other food items are of the highest quality and fully stocked. Like the other staff, Jeannie is involved with all aspects of husbandry and veterinary care. Amy is the new kid on the block, but no less important than the others. She is a very fast learner and will eventually be involved in all aspects of husbandry and veterinary care. Rachel is our current husbandry intern. Although, the focus of this internship is husbandry (feeding, cleaning, observations, tank and filtration maintenance, etc), there are opportunities to be involved in the entire operation.
It has been a true pleasure to see our program blossom to what it is today. These women are great at what they do and the reason for our success. The energy that you feel and see when you are working them is infectious. I truly could not ask for a better team. They are amazing. Come to the Center and see for yourself.
A Piece of Presidential Past Preserved
Wednesday, February 25th, 2009
Only one small piece now remains of Solterra Cottage, which was at one time a sizable structure with several detached outbuildings and an enviable location beside the Clubhouse. Once the largest cottage on Jekyll Island, it entertained President William McKinley and his party as guests, 110 years ago this March.
“Jekyl Island has had the greatest crow in its history for the past few days,” newspapers reported that March of 1899, as President McKinley holidayed at the small coastal community known in its heyday as an exclusive retreat frequented by the nation’s top financiers, merchants, socialites, and diplomats.
“Every room in the clubhouse and every cottage has been occupied by millionaire guests. The president and vice-president of the United States, and the speaker of the house, have been guests of the club. The eyes of the world have been on Jekyl,” printed the Brunswick Call on March 22, 1899.
McKinley came to Jekyll Island at the invitation of Cornelius Bliss, his former Secretary of the Interior and a long-standing Club Member.
Frederic and Frances Baker, who owned Solterra Cottage, were abroad that season visiting Europe and North Africa. They graciously made their 12-room Queen Anne shingle-style cottage available to President McKinley and his party, which also included Mrs. McKinley, Vice President Garrett A. Hobart, and Mrs. Hobart.
The simultaneous presence of Thomas Reed, Speaker of the House, on the island created a stir in the papers. Reed had run against McKinley for the 1896 Republican Party nomination. Speculations ran rampant that the serene island setting would help settle a long-standing feud between the two party leaders, and that Jekyll Island would be an ideal place to propose nominees for the next national election. Those who would comment stated “there is no politics whatever in their present visit South” and that the trip was undertaken “solely for rest and recuperation.”
Reporters were disappointed to discover that they were banned from the island. But when Joseph Pulitzer, the owner of the New York World, abused his privileges as a Jekyll Island Club Member by inviting journalists onto the island as guests to capture the story, other reporters were allowed entry.
On occasions when the President and the Speaker did meet on Jekyll Island, the New York Times reported the tipping of hats, smiles exchanged, low bows, handshakes, and other polite exchanges. A local reporter considered it a sign of reconciliation when Reed was seen arm-in arm with Senator Hanna, the President’s campaign manager, commenting, “The future is alright.”
During the trip, McKinley enjoyed an informal afternoon reception at Solterra Cottage, “at which the members of the island colony were presented to the President and to Mrs. McKinley.” Club Members mingling at the reception included James Scrymser, Joseph Stickney, N.K. Fairbank, H.K. Porter, and Charles Stewart Maurice, among others.
During his stay, the President enjoyed several “pretty drives” around the island and attended an “old-fashioned cake walk” at the Clubhouse sponsored by the island’s African American employees. He departed the island on March 22, calling his stay on Jekyll Island “simply delightful.”
McKinley went on to win his re-election easily, with Theodore Roosevelt as his running mate. McKinley was known for his support of high tariffs on imports as a means of prosperity. As president, he presided over the Spanish-American War. He annexed the Philippines, Puerto Rico, Guam, and Hawaii into the United States and set up a protectorate over Cuba. He was succeeded by Theodore Roosevelt after his assassination.
Solterra Cottage was destroyed by fire on March 9, 1914. Today, a single, small architectural remnant remains of the beautiful sprawling structure where the President once stayed and greeted the Jekyll Island Club Members who had the wealth and connections to substantially influence his presidential prospects in the 1900 elections.
Only a dovecote, used to raise pigeons or doves in Solterra’s backyard, survived the blaze. The small outbuilding was relocated several times around the National Historic Landmark District to serve assorted needs and keep it out of harm’s way from various improvement projects.
Recently the Friends of Historic Jekyll Island funded the stabilization and relocation of the dovecote, allowing this small building to be placed closer to its original location. The last piece of a splendid structure, the dovecote has now been preserved near where Solterra once stood. A simple interpretive panel will be installed nearby to share the stirring story of Solterra Cottage’s history with the visiting public.
John Hunter, the Director of the Jekyll Island Museum, termed the preservation project, “a small but satisfying connection to Jekyll’s Island’s presidential past.
See the schedule below for Jekyll Island Museum tour information to find out more about our Club Era residents.
Attention Vendors
Tuesday, February 24th, 2009Plan Your Event Schedule to Include Jekyll Island’s Events!
Following are dates of events that are still available.
April 18 – Mother Nature Festival. Arts/Crafts Vendors. Vendors must sell eco-friendly or earth/nature related arts and gifts.
June 13 – Nest Fest. Arts/Crafts Vendors. Vendors must sell eco-friendly
or earth/nature related arts and gifts.
July 4 – Fireworks Extravaganza. Arts/Crafts and Food Vendors.
August 22 – Beach Music and Barbecue Festival. Arts/Crafts and Food Vendors
September 18-20 – Shrimp and Grits Festival. Arts/Crafts, Antique, and Food Vendors.
November 28 - Jekyll Island Christmas Tree Lighting Festival. Arts/Crafts and Food Vendors.
For more information contact Beth Burnsed at 912-635-4189 or bburnsed@jekyllisland.com.
Jekyll Island to Celebrate Earth Day with First Annual Mother Nature Festival
Tuesday, February 24th, 2009
Celebrate Earth Day on Jekyll Island with the first annual Jekyll Island Mother Nature Festival on April 18, 2009. The festival, a celebration of nature and eco-friendly fun, boasts numerous activities for families to enjoy the outdoors and explore Jekyll Island while being green-conscious.
“This event is all about exploring nature while discovering ways to be more eco-friendly,” said Beth Burnsed, Event Marketing Coordinator for the Jekyll Island Authority. “Jekyll Island offers many opportunities for families to learn about environment while respecting it.”
The hub of the activities is the Georgia Sea Turtle Center. Beginning at 10 a.m., the Center will host an eco-friendly exhibitor area, eco-craft zone, and a special Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Regift Auction. In the exhibitor area, environmental organizations, artists, and shops will exhibit their eco-conscious and nature-related wares. Simultaneously, in the children’s eco-craft zone, kids can practice being environmentally friendly by making recycled-art projects. Finally, in the Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Regift Auction, visitors can take part in a silent auction with a twist. The items in the auction are “re-gifts” — they have never been used, but were never needed by the donor. Now they can be your treasure. Proceeds from the auction go to the continuing operation of the Georgia Sea Turtle Center. All activities, exhibitors, and entertainment continue until 4 p.m. The exhibitor area is free. The craft zone and auction are free with paid admission to the Center.
Other activities taking place the same day include a Family Fishing Day at Rixen Pond, behind Tidelands Nature Center. The Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will be on-site to give fishing tips, loan free children’s fishing rods, provide bait, and help children identify the fish they catch. Rixen Pond is rich in red fish, speckled trout, and Atlantic croaker.
For added adventure, families can choose from a variety guided excursions to get an up-close look at the natural habitats that make Jekyll Island unique. Tours include Dolphin Tours, Eco-Tours, Off-Shore Fishing, Kayaking, Bird Walks, Nature Walks and Horseback Riding. Many of these tours are offered year-round; however, in honor of Earth Day, all are offering special themed tours both April 18 and 19.
For more information on Jekyll Island’s Mother Nature Festival, a complete festival agenda and list of guided excursions visit www.jekyllisland.com/mothernaturefestival.
Ultimate Comes to Jekyll Island
Tuesday, February 24th, 2009
Jekyll Island and the Golden Isles will be glad to see flying objects this March. High Tide Ultimate, the south’s largest college Ultimate tournament will take over the recreation fields of Jekyll Island and Glynn County. Over 160 teams and 2500 students will compete in this positive athletic alternative for college spring breakers.
Ultimate is a limited-contact team sport played with a 175 gram flying disc. The object of the sport is to score points by passing the disc to a player in the opposing end zone, similar to American football or rugby. Players may not run while holding the disc. While originally called Ultimate Frisbee, the sport is now officially called Ultimate because Frisbee is the trademark for the line of discs made by the Wham-O toy company.
Due to the size of High Tide Ultimate, the Jekyll Island Authority has partnered with the Glynn County Recreation Department to host the month-long event. Competition will take place at both the Jekyll Island Soccer Complex and the North Glynn Recreational Fields.
“This is the one of the largest events we have ever seen at our Recreational Fields,” said Wesley Davis, Recreation Director at the Glynn County Recreation Department, “We are glad to partner with the Jekyll Island Authority to help bring High Tide Ultimate and its sizeable economic impact to the Golden Isles.”
Tournament directors were attracted to Jekyll Island because of the island’s pristine soccer complex in close proximity to the beach, numerous amenities, and variety of lodging options. “We are excited about being on Jekyll Island,” said Ed Pulkinen, tournament director. “We have access to some of the most beautiful fields and facilities in the country. In addition, between games, our teams can relax on the beach and cool off with a quick swim.”
Hotels and rental cottages are quickly booking on Jekyll Island. Teams already registered include Ivy league schools, Yale and Cornell University; and players will come as far away as Colorado State and Iowa State University. The event will generate over 3000 hotel room nights and is expected to generate over $1.25 million in economic impact.
“Villas by the Sea is proud to be the host hotel for the tournament,” said Ryan Merritt, Director of Sales for Villas by the Sea. “This business is great for the island and the entire area.”
Likewise, CJ Jeffries of Jekyll Realty commented that his phones are ringing off the hook as participants book rental cottages.
High Tide Ultimate is just one example of the numerous sporting events coming to Jekyll Island. The soccer complex, home to the Golden Isles Soccer Association, hosts many tournaments and camps throughout the year and has become renowned for its quality facilities. Also this spring, Jekyll Island will host the U.S. Kids Golf(R) Jekyll Island Cup and the Oglethorpe University Invitational golf tournament.
“This event is a perfect fit for Jekyll Island. We host everything from lacrosse camps to cross country events to cheerleading competitions,” said Kevin Udell, Director of Sales for the Jekyll Island Authority. “Jekyll Island is safe, affordable and very laid back. It’s hard to get in trouble, and easy to have a great time”
Why Frisbee? In the 1930s and 40s, the Frisbie Pie Co. of Bridgeport, Connecticut, sold pies to several colleges. The students quickly discovered the empty pie tins were great for tossing around campus. In 1948, two Los Angeles businessmen invented a plastic version of the pie tin. They called it the Pluto Platter and sold the design to Wham-O. A few years later, Wham-O dubbed it the Frisbee. Oddly, the discs made by Wham-O competitor Discraft are the standard discs for the Ultimate [Frisbee], because they are more streamlined and have a softer curved edge for easier handling. For this reason, the sport is called “Ultimate” or “Ultimate Disc” by many teams and clubs.
More information is available at www.disc-iple.com or www.jekyllisland.com.
Upcoming Events on Jekyll Island
Tuesday, February 24th, 2009
March 20 - April 19
Faircloth & Beasley Exhibit of Painting & SculptureDon’t miss this month’s exhibit at Goodyear Cottage in the Historic District, Riverview Dr., Jekyll Island. Admission is free. M-F Noon-4, Weekends 10-4. 912-635-3920
March 2-27
Ultimate Tournaments on Jekyll Island 160 teams and 2500 students compete in the High Tide Ultimate Tournament throughout the month at the Jekyll Island Soccer Complex and fields in Glynn County.
March 12 - 15
Sandy Paws Greyt Fun in the Sun, A Greyhound Gathering A fun filled weekend of seminars, shopping, blessing, memorial, dinner, ice cream social, beach walk and lots more. All activities take place at the Jekyll Oceanfront Resort.
March 13-15
Jekyll Island Arts Association Art Sale
Jekyll Island Historic District. Members of the Jekyll Island Arts Association exhibit and sell their works of art. Open to the public. Free Admission.
March 14
Peaches to the Beaches
Peaches to the Beaches. This statewide yard sales takes shoppers from Middle Georgia to Georgia’s Peach. Sell your wares or shop the last stop at the Jekyll Island Visitor Information Center. 912-635-3636.
March 18
Chef’s Demonstration - Local Seafood
Chef Rob Sartorio presents a demonstration utilizing favorite seafood from local waters. Guests enjoy a generous tasting of each dish and printed recipes. 1:30 p.m. Jekyll Island Club Hotel. $30.00 Reservations. 912-635-2600
March 20 - 22
Jekyll Island Collegiate Golf Invitational.
The top men’s and women’s collegiate golf teams in NCAA Divisions II and III compete on Jekyll Island in an early season test of individual and team performance. 912-635-2368.
March 21
Great Dunes Historic Golf Tournament.
Play golf using hickory shaft clubs, gutta percha balls, and historic costumes. Hosted by the Jekyll Island Men’s and Ladies’ Golf Association. 635-2368
March 29
Sunday Dinner Dance
Enjoy a special menu gourmet dinner in the Grand Dining Room and dance away the evening to the music of ballroom dance band, “Four and Easy,” led by Wayne Tate. Jekyll Island Club Hotel. 6 p.m. Cost: $36.95 plus tax and gratutity. Reservations. 912-635-2400
April 11, May 9, May 30
Jekyll Island Play Golf America “Play Day”
11:30 a.m - Golf Clinic Q & A. 12:30 p.m Shot Gun Format, 2 Person Scramble Players - Beginners or Skilled, create your own team. Event is FREE. Jekyll Island Golf Course.
April 18
Mother Nature Festival
Join the Jekyll Island Authority & the Georgia Sea Turtle Center to celebrate the Spring Season. Eco-friendly arts and crafts activities, pictures with Scute the Sea Turtle, puppet shows, interactive education session and outdoor excursions.
May 15-16
Jekyll Island Turtle Crawl
Athletes compete in a triathlon and 5K fun run. Proceeds benefit the Georgia Sea Turtle Center. Registration still available at www.active.com.
June 1 - June 30
2009 Women’s Golf Month
Jekyll Island offers a “Ladies Play Day” on Wednesdays for $25.00 ea. Includes 1 hour group lesson, Green Fee & cart. All participants receive one year subscription to Golf Digest! Jekyll Island Golf Course. 912-635-2368.
June 8-13
Nest Fest Week on Jekyll Island
A week-long celebration of the one year anniversary of the Georgia Sea Turtle Center. Educational seminars and outdoor activities all week with a finale event at the Beachdeck on the 13th.
July 1 - July 31
Jekyll Island Family Golf “Kids Play Free”
Kids 14 and under play free with a paying adult. Contact the Jekyll Island Golf Course / 912-635-2368
July 4th
July 4th Celebration
Celebrate Independence Day on the beach at a family-fun party at the Beachdeck featuring the DJ game show - the Big Dawg and Paul Show - with a fireworks finale that is known to be one of the best in the region.
August 21-22
Beach Music and Barbecue Festival
Beach Music concerts, shag lessons, and lots of dancing all weekend. Concerts feature some of today’s top beach music bands and take place on Jekyll Island’s beach.
September 18-20
Shrimp & Grits: The Wild Georgia Shrimp Festival
A weekend celebration of two of Georgia’s most beloved foods - shrimp & grits. The festival features a cook-off, shrimp boat tours, live entertainment and kid-friendly fun zone.
September 19
Jekyll Island High School Country Invitational
Jekyll Island High School Cross Country Invites High School students to participate in a cross country race on Jekyll Island’s Great Dunes Golf Course. www.jixc.com
October 9-11
Georgia’s Colonial Georgia Coast Birding Festival
The Georgia’s Colonial Coast Birding Festival has activities such as nature walks, educational seminars and children’s programs.
