The Jekyll Island Authority today announced its selection for Planning, Architectural and Engineering Services for the Jekyll Island Convention Center, Beachfront Park and Entry Corridor Revitalization areas. The selection is a conclusion of Request for Qualified Contractor #253 and was approved by the Jekyll Island Authority Board on Monday.

The Jekyll Island Authority is pleased to select HHCP Architecture, Inc. as the winning firm. HHCP will contract and report to the Jekyll Island Authority and together with HHCP’s project team work with the JIA along with revitalization partner Linger Longer Communities to fulfill the vision for the new beach village.

“We had 33 responses to the RFQC, so the review team had a great amount of work to complete in a short amount of time,” stated Jones Hooks, Executive Director of the Jekyll Island Authority. “There were many great firms, but HHCP really impressed us, bringing a higher level of excitement and a deeper understanding of the importance and potential the beach village project has.”

HHCP Architecture, Inc. will be the primary partner and handle architecture, programming, budget & scheduling and LEED qualification. Among HHCP’s project team, site consultants will be Thomas & Hutton Engineering Co. of Brunswick, GA who will handle civil engineering and surveying. Glatting Jackson Kercher Anglin of Atlanta will handle transportation planning, site planning, landscape architecture, environmental and graphics & wayfinding. Building consultants will be structural engineers Stanley D. Lindsey and Associates of Atlanta, mechanical engineers TLC Engineering for Architecture from Orlando and interior designer TJNG Partners also of Orlando. HHCP Architecture, Inc. is licensed and registered in Georgia with its main headquarters in Maitland, Florida.

“The new Jekyll Island Convention Center and Beach Village has the potential to create a strong sense of place and give visitors an enjoyable, rich and unique experience that will make them want to visit again,” stated Alan Helman, senior partner with HHCP Architecture, Inc. “We are obviously pleased with the selection and are confident in our team’s ability to meet the goals and exceed expectations.”

Helman Hurley Charvat Peacock/Architects, Inc. (HHCP) was founded in 1975 and has grown to become one of the southeast’s most experienced and respected architectural firms. With a staff of 67 professionals and support staff, HHCP has project experience all over the world, most in the hospitality industry. Much of the domestic experience is in Florida, Georgia and Puerto Rico and includes the Orange County Convention Center and University of Central Florida’s College of Hospitality in Orlando. HHCP’s work on the Rosen Shingle Creek Resort was recognized as the 2007 Project of the Year by Associated Builders and Contractors.

The Jekyll Island Beach Village project is one of several redevelopment projects which will bring about the revitalization of Jekyll Island. Along with a new convention center and beachfront park, partner Linger Longer Communities will construct two adjacent hotels, a retail shopping village with public plaza and a new vacation ownership lodging project. The entry corridor to Jekyll Island will be re-worked to unify the site and place the beach village adjacent and overlooking the beach and ocean. The total project is expected to cost $165+ million.

Even during revitalization, Jekyll Island offers guests a wonderful beach escape with hotels, rental cottages and campground all operating. All restaurants, tennis facilities, bike paths, Summer Waves Water Park, Historic Landmark District and golf courses are open for business; and miles of uncrowded beach are unaffected by revitalization project work. For more information about Jekyll island revitalization, visit www.jekyllisland.com. For more information on HHCP Architecture, Inc., please visit www.hhcp.com.

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The Jekyll Island Museum 2009 Tour Schedule

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Posted in Beachscape, March 2009 | No Comments »

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.

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Posted in Beachscape, March 2009 | No Comments »

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.

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Posted in Beachscape, March 2009 | No Comments »

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.

Tags: georgia beaches, jekyll island history, jekyll island museum, jekyll island vacation, solterra cottage, william mckinley
Posted in Beachscape, Festivalgoer, March 2009 | No Comments »

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.

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Posted in Beachscape, March 2009 | No Comments »

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.

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Posted in Beachscape, March 2009 | No Comments »

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Posted in Diversions, In the News, Nature Connection | 2 Comments »

Here is an expanded bird list for the Bird Education Network Gathering.  Thank you to Lydia Thompson. She says she put down all the Great Backyard Bird Count data from the last Sunday Team Birding event.

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RV Cooking Show Romances Jekyll Island, Makes Champagne Shrimp from RVCookingShow Evanne on Vimeo.

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Posted in Camping, Diversions | No Comments »