'Hop and Go' Lighthouse trolley provides convenient way to visit St. Simons Island

Visitors to and residents of St. Simons Island have a new way to get around this summer, thanks to the Hop and Go Lighthouse Trolley. The new service provides a convenient way to get around the southern end of St. Simons Island without the hassles of driving. Just park the car, hop on and go! It's that easy.

According to Cap Fendig, trolley co-owner and St. Simons Island native, the trolley continues a tradition that began more than 100 years ago during St. Simons Island's earliest days as a resort destination.

"In the days before the causeway was built to St. Simons Island (1924), you came to the island by boat from Brunswick, you landed here in the village and you caught a rail car or trolley car -- or a jeep train, depending on the decade -- to your cottage or your hotel on East Beach," FendigSimons Island has not had a transit system where you can step on and off as you visit your favorite hotel, attraction or restaurant.

"We've seen the island experience tremendous growth, and we believe that St. Simons Island is now poised and ready for a transit service that will seven days a week, from 11:00 am to midnight."

Trolley service began Memorial Day weekend, though the idea has been kicked around for several years, Fendig says. "We negotiated a contract with the Coastal Georgia Historical Society in 2009, to operate a shuttle between the lighthouse and the maritime museum at East Beach, but did not proceed due to the economy. It's something I've wanted to do for them because of my family's long involvement with the maritime industry."

"It's something that Cap and I have discussed for a number of years," says Pat Morris, executive director of the Coastal Georgia Historical Society. "We opened the maritime center in 2006 and needed a way to connect with the lighthouse. This will be the perfect avenue for people to visit the maritime center, do some time on the beach, visit the lighthouse and enjoy the village. It's going to be a great opportunity and a great system that the island has needed for a long time."

Two trolleys serve the island, with scheduled stops at the plaza near the St. Simons Island fishing pier, the lighthouse, King and Prince Hotel, the maritime museum at East Beach, and Redfern Village. Visitors can park their cars at St. Simons Elementary School on Ocean Blvd., and near the fire station on Demere Road and the trolley will pick them up and drop them off.

The trolleys also will stop at many hotels, condominiums and restaurants along the route; just wave for a pickup! Riders also can call to arrange pickups from Sea Palms Inn, Longview Shopping Center, Holiday Inn Express, Best Western or Epworth by the Sea. Just call 638-3333.

Fendig says the trolleys enjoyed a "fabulous" start during the first weekend. "We showed up with almost no notice on one of the busiest holiday weekends of the year," he said. "It was a bit weak the first day but as soon as people realized the service is available, it exceeded our expectations. We even had guests from China, Peru, Colombia and England."

Trolley riders can purchase single-ride tickets or all-day passes. For a complete schedule, please visit Lighthouse Trolleys online.

Watch the video.

It's Fun to be a kid in Brunswick and The Golden Isles of Georgia

Summer time is kid time, with long lazy days of sun-drenched fun and quiet evenings perfect for chasing lightning bugs, seeking sea turtles or just hanging out. With a treasure of kids summer camps, summer is even more fun in Brunswick and The Golden Isles of Georgia. Camps cover a variety of topics ranging from theatre to soccer, gymnastics to golf, art to invention.

Here's a rundown on what's hot for kids this summer in Brunswick The Golden Isles of Georgia:

Brunswick Country Club Junior Golf Camp. June 16-18, July 14-16, Aug. 11-13. Three-day sessions include morning golf lesson and lunch, for kids age 6 and up. Information: (912) 264-4377 or (912) 262-6068. Fee.

Hampton Club 2010 Junior Golf Clinic. June 21-23, July 19-21, Aug. 2-4. Morning sessions at the King and Prince Golf Course at the Hampton Club on St. Simons Island. Open to all golfers ages 8-15, regardless of experience. Equipment will be provided for those who need it. Information: (912) 634-0255. Fee.

Kids Tennis Camps. Learn fundamental tennis skills from tennis instructor Pride Evans. Racquets available. July 26-29 at Ballard Park in Brunswick; June 7-10 and July 26-29 at Mallery Park on St. Simons Island. Sessions 9:30 to 10:00 am for ages 4-6; 10:00 to 11:00 am for ages 7-10; 11:00 am to noon for ages 11-13. Information: (912) 279-2836 or (912) 554-7780 or visit www.glynncounty.org. Fee.

Golden Isles Gymnastics Summer Camp. May 27-Aug. 17, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. Open to children ages 4 and older, this camp features gymnastics, tumbling, dance, games, rock climbing, arts and crafts, movies, sports and more. No gymnastics experience is necessary. Campers may sign up by the day or the week. Information: (912) 280-0444 or visit www.goldenislesgym.com. Fee.

Big Horse Stable Summer Camp. Dates to be determined. Monday - Friday 8:30 am to 3:00 pm. Activities promote wellness, teamwork and responsibility. Classes include horseback riding, horse care and special activities including canoeing, tennis, karate and more. Information: (912) 778-7433 or visit www.bighorsestable.com. Fee.

Dance Intensive with Glenn Douglas Packard. June 22 and 23 at Studio South on St. Simons Island. Glenn Douglas Packard has worked with a variety of A-list entertainers including Pink, Nelly Furtado, Usher and Missy Elliott, and was nominated for an Emmy for his artistic direction on Michael Jackson's 30th Anniversary Celebration at Madison Square Garden. He will host a two-day dance intensive for intermediate to advance dance students ages 8 and older. Information: (912) 264-6611. Fee.

Build Your Own Boot Camp. Kids of all ages can design their own camp where they choose the classes. Activities and lessons in dance, tumbling, stretch and tone, aqua aerobic, Roomba, modeling, acting, nutrition, cooking and more. Christina's Dance World, St. Simons Island. Information: (912) 399-1417. Fee.

Summer Theatre Camps at the Ritz Theatre Kids of all ages can learn the ins and outs of play production, from basic improvisation to presentation of a play. Discounts available for children attending two or more sessions.

• On the Spot with Improv - June 7-8, 9:00 am to noon. Kids learn to "jump in and let go" using improvisation games. Open to all levels of experience. For ages 13-18.
  
• Acting on the Stage - June 21 to July 2, 9:00 am to noon. Exploring the world of acting, participants will create and perform their own play. For ages 7-12.
• On the Spot with Improv - Same as above, for younger participants ages 7-12.
• The Play's the Thing - Students focus on developing acting skills including creating character, vocal techniques, etc. Open only to students with previous experience performing on stage, this session requires an audition and prior participation in summer theater camps or production experience. For students ages 10-18.

Information: (912) 262-6934 or visit www.goldenislesarts.org. Fee.

Clay and Collage. - June 21-25; July 19-23; July 26-30. 10:00 am to 1:00 pm at Glynn Art Association, St. Simons Island. Children ages 7 and older will learn to create their own works of art using a variety of media. Information: (912) 638-8770 or visit www.glynnart.org. Fee.

Color Me Happy Summer Camps. During each session, kids ages 6 and older will create their own 16" X 20" acrylic painting on canvas, create objects with clay, sand art, pottery painting and glass fusing, and make their own tye-died t-shirt. Fee includes snacks and all materials. Sign up for two sessions and receive a discount on the third. Color Me Happy, downtown Brunswick.

• Peace, Love and Happiness - June 8-11 or July 5-9, 10:00 am to noon.
• Seeing Spots - June 15-18 or July 12-16, 10:00 am to noon.
• All About Me - June 22-25 or July 19-22, 10:00 am to noon.

Information: (912) 554-1900 or visit www.colormehappypottery.com.

Camp Invention. June 14-18, 9:00 am to 3:00 pm at Frederica Academy, St. Simons Island. In this fun and educational science camp for children entering grades 1-6, students build gadgets and learn physics through experiments and special projects. Information: (800) 968-4332 or visit www.campinvention.org.

Boys and Girls Clubs of Southeast Georgia Summer Camp 2010. May 27 - Aug. 18, Monday-Friday 7:30 am to 5:30 pm. Fee includes morning and afternoon snacks and lunch. Separate fees for field trips and most field trip not mandatory. Daily field trips will include Summer Waves water park, Savannah Sand Gnats baseball game, Jacksonville Zoo, Mighty Eighth Air Force Museum, movies, swimming, bowling, picnics and more. Open to children ages 5 and older. Information: (912) 638-6639 or visit www.apositiveplace.net.

Y Kids Kampus 2010. June 1 - Aug. 6, Mon.-Fri. 7:30 am to 6:00 pm, YWCA of Brunswick. Weekly themes include Sports of All Sorts, Junior Crime Scene Investigators, Animals A-Z, Ocean Odyssey and more. Field trips will include Georgia Sea Turtle Center, Jacksonville Zoo, DNR Earth Day Nature Trail. Fee includes breakfast, lunch and snacks; separate fee for field trips. Open to children enrolled in pre-K through grade 5. Information: (912) 265-4100 or visit www.ywcabrunswickga.org.

College of Coastal Georgia Kids in College 2010. Weekly programs June 7 - July 20, Mon. - Fri. 7:45 am to 3:00 pm at Risley Early College Academy, Brunswick. Weekly sessions open to children ages 6-12. Fee includes all supplies, t-shirt, lunch and a snack.

• June 7-11: Pirates
• June 14-18: Digital Photography (student must bring a digital camera)
• June 21-25: Kids in College Idol
• June 28-July 2: Crime Scene Investigators
• July 5-9: Aviation and Weather
• July 12-16: Arts and Crafts
• July 19-23: Kids in College Play Sports
• July 26-30: Mysteries of the Deep

Information: (912) 279-5777 or visit www.summerkidsincollege.com.

Frederica Academy Summer Programs 2010. Weekly sessions Mon. - Fri., June 7 - Aug. 13. Morning sessions 9:00 am to noon; afternoon sessions 1:00 to 4:00 pm. Age-appropriate sessions cover a wide range of topics from American Girls to The Messy Class. Many physical education classes as well as art, drama and more. Fee. Information: (912) 638-9981, ext. 601 until June 4; (912) 638-9982 after June 4 or visit www.fredericaacademy.org.

To the Top Sports and Leadership Camp. July 12-16, 8:30 am to 3:30 pm Mon.-Thurs., 8:30 am to 7:00 pm Friday, at Oglethorpe Elementary School on St. Simons Island. Physical and spiritual challenges for students who have completed kindergarten through grade 5. Activities include basketball, flag football, soccer, volleyball, extreme frisbee, capture the flag, obstacle course and more. Fee includes daily lunch, snacks, t-shirt, water bottle and journal. Information: (912) 571-1651 or visit www.tothetopministries.com.

Christian Montessori School Summer Camps 2010. Weekly sessions from June 1 - July 30. Mon.-Fri. 9:00 am to 1:00 pm (no program July 5-9). Open to primary students ages 3-5, and elementary students in rising first through fifth grades. Age-appropriate programs and activities include reading fun, exercise, body care, cooking, languages, arts and crafts, sports, digital photography, scrapbooking and more. Fee includes snacks; students must bring their own lunch. Information: (912) 638-1692.

Note: Programs and information are subject to change. Please contact the individual providers to confirm dates and times.

Taps at Twilight a Memorial Day tradition on St. Simons Island

The Rotary Club of St. Simons Island presents its annual "Taps at Twilight" Memorial Day observance Monday, May 31, at 7:00 pm in Neptune Park on St. Simons Island.

Sam Nunn, former U.S. Senator from Georgia (1972-1997) will be the keynote speaker. Nunn served as chairman of the U.S. Senate Committee on Armed Services and is now head of the Nuclear Threat Initiative, which works to reduce threats of nuclear, biological and chemical weapons. The program also will honor Medal of Honor winner, Col. Harvey Barnum, USMC (Ret.).

Patriotic music will be presented by the Golden Isles Community Concert Band under the direction of Mickey Wendell, and by soprano Rhonda Hambright, trumpeters Willie HGammett and Rich Wagner, and bagpiper Tim Akins. A color guard from U.S. Marine Corps Security Force Company, Kings Bay, will post the colors.

The program is free, a gift to the community from the Rotary Club of St. Simons Island.

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THE HISTORY OF MEMORIAL DAY

Originally called Decoration Day, Memorial Day is a day of remembrance for those who have died in our nation's service.

There are many stories as to its actual beginnings, with more than two dozen cities and towns laying claim to being the birthplace of Memorial Day. There is also evidence that organized women's groups in the South were decorating graves before the end of the Civil War: a hymn published in 1867, "Kneel Where Our Loves are Sleeping" by Nella L. Sweet carried the dedication "To The Ladies of the South who are Decorating the Graves of the Confederate Dead" (Source: Duke University's Historic American Sheet Music, 1850-1920).

While Waterloo N.Y. was officially declared the birthplace of Memorial Day by President Lyndon Johnson in May 1966, it's difficult to prove conclusively the origins of the day. It is more likely that it had many separate beginnings; each of those towns and every planned or spontaneous gathering of people to honor the war dead in the 1860's tapped into the general human need to honor our dead, each contributed honorably to the growing movement that culminated in Gen Logan giving his official proclamation in 1868.

Memorial Day was officially proclaimed on 5 May 1868 by General John Logan, national commander of the Grand Army of the Republic, in his General Order No. 11, and was first observed on 30 May 1868, when flowers were placed on the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery.

The first state to officially recognize the holiday was New York in 1873. By 1890 it was recognized by all of the northern states. The South refused to acknowledge the day, honoring their dead on separate days until after World War I (when the holiday changed from honoring just those who died fighting in the Civil War to honoring Americans who died fighting in any war). It is now celebrated in almost every State on the last Monday in May (passed by Congress with the National Holiday Act of 1971 (P.L. 90 - 363) to ensure a three day weekend for Federal holidays), though several southern states have an additional separate day for honoring the Confederate war dead: January 19 in Texas, April 26 in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and Mississippi; May 10 in South Carolina; and June 3 (Jefferson Davis' birthday) in Louisiana and Tennessee.

Source: Memorial Day History

Library Film Series offers a maritime flavor

Since the beginning of time, the sea has fascinated us. The Arts are filled with stories, paintings, music and other works inspired by the world's oceans, their majesty, mystery, energy and sheer size. During June, the Three Rivers Regional Library in downtown Brunswick presents a series of films that highlights man's interaction with the sea and its inhabitants, real and imagined.

Three Rivers Regional Library Film Series - June

JUNE 1 - Whale Rider (2002). On the east coast of New Zealand, the Whangara people believe their presence there dates back a thousand years or more to a single ancestor, Paikea, who escaped death when his canoe capsized by riding to shore on the back of a whale. From then on, Whangara chiefs have always been the first-born and male. Many generations later, the contemporary tale revolves around a young mother whose male newborn twin dies in childbirth. Her young husband flees New Zealand in grief, leaving grandparents Koro and Nanny Flowers to raise the sole survivor, a feisty little girl named Pai, who radiates with life and energy. It's no wonder that her grandmother and the entire community love her, but alas, the grandfather she worships is too busy mourning the loss of the baby boy he expected would lead the tribe to better days. Screenings at 2:00 and 6:30 pm.


JUNE 8 - 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea (1954). This Disney version of Jules Verne's 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea represented the studio's costliest and most elaborate American-filmed effort to date. Kirk Douglas plays a trouble-shooting 19th century seaman, trying to discover why so many whaling ships have been disappearing of late. Teaming with scientist Paul Lukas and diver Peter Lorre, Douglas sets sail to investigate--and is promptly captured by the megalomaniac Captain Nemo (James Mason), who skippers a lavish, scientifically advanced submarine. The film's special effects, including a giant squid, were impressive enough in 1954 to win an Academy Award.~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide. Screenings at 2:00 and 6:30 pm.


JUNE 15 - Lifeboat (1944). In this psychological drama by director Alfred Hitchcock, a chic writer, a stoker and others drift with the U-boat captain who has sunk their ship. Starring Tallulah Bankhead, William Bendix, Walter Slezak, Mary Anderson, John Hodiak, Canada Lee, Heather Angel, Henry Hull, Hume Cronyn, John Steinbeck, and William Yetter Jr. Screenings at 2:00 and 6:30 pm.




JUNE 16 - The Little Mermaid (1989). In Disney's animated version of Hans Christian Anderson's classic tale, a mermaid named Ariel falls in love with an earthly prince. Featuring the voices of Jodi Benson, Christopher Daniel Barnes, Samuel E. Wright, Pat Carroll, Buddy Hackett, Jason Marin, Kenneth Mars, Rene Auberjonois, Paddi Edwards, Edie McClurg and Ben Wright. Screening at 2:00 pm.





JUNE 22 - Moby Dick (1956). The sole survivor of a lost whaling ship relates the tale of his captain's self-destructive obsession to hunt the white whale, Moby Dick. Cast includes Bernard Miles, Friedrich von Ledebur, Gregory Peck, Harry Andrews, James Robertson Justice, Leo Genn, Mervyn Johns, Orson Welles and Richard Basehart. Screenings at 2:00 and 6:30 pm.


JUNE 23 - Free Willy (1993). Fishermen separate a young orca whale (Willy) from his parents and he ends up in a fish bowl at a marina. Meanwhile, a street kid runs afoul of the law and gets caught vandalizing the marina, but his social worker gets him off the hook (so to speak) provided he cleans up his mess at the marina. While there, he befriends the whale and teaches him tricks, something the trainer hasn't been able to do. But when Willy is a dud in front of the audience, the marina owner plans some bad things, and the boy and his friends must try to free Willy. Screening at 2:00 pm. Groups of 10 or more must preregister.

JUNE 24 - Mutiny on the Bounty (1935). Charles Laughton delivers an award-winning performance as the evil Captain Bligh, challenged by first mate Fletcher Christian, portrayed by Clark Gable. Mutiny on the Bounty won the 1935 Academy Award for Best Picture and picked up a Leading Actor nomination for each of its male leads. Other cast members include Franchot Tone, Herbert Mundin, Eddie Quillan and Dudley Digges. Screenings at 2:00 and 6:30 pm.




JUNE 29 - Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World (2003). During the Napoleonic Wars, a brash British captain pushes his ship and crew to their limits in pursuit of a formidable French war vessel around South America. Starring Russell Crowe, Paul Bettany, James D'Arcy, Edward Woodall, Chris Larkin and Max Pirkis. Screenings at 2:00 and 6:30 pm.








JUNE 30 - Finding Nemo (2003). In this animated Disney film, Marlin the clown fish teams up with Dory the forgetful blue tang, on an impossible mission to find and save his son, Nemo. Featuring the voices of Erica Beck, Albert Brooks, Willem Dafoe, Ellen DeGeneres and Brad Garrett. Screening at 2:00 pm. Groups of 10 or more must preregister.





Three Rivers Regional Library is located at 208 Gloucester Street in downtown Brunswick. For information, please call 912-267-1212 or visit them online.

Information and images: Flixter.com

St. Simons Island Fun Zone announces summer hours

The Neptune Park Fun Zone pool on St. Simons Island opens its doors for the 2010 season Saturday, May 1. The pool will be open weekends only until Memorial Day weekend, from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm Saturdays, and 1:00 to 7:00 pm Sundays. Beginning Thursday May 27, the pool will be open Monday-Saturday from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm and Sundays from 1:00 to 7:00 pm.

The Neptune Park Fun Zone opened for its inaugural season in May 2009, and served nearly 21,000 pool guests. More than 15,000 rounds of mini-golf have been played since opening day.

The "multi-purpose" pool is designed to encourage use by swimmers of all ages and abilities. The southern end of the L-shaped pool, closest to the bath house, features a walk-in "beach" entry which slopes gently from 12" at the edges to 18" in the center. The northernmost section of the pool is divided into lanes for lap swimming and limited competition. Between these two sections is a smaller, 3-foot deep section for water aerobics and swimming instruction. The pool, like the rest of the Fun Zone, is accessible to those in wheelchairs.

The children's water park area is situated between the two legs of the larger pool. It features a "water playground" complete with slides, a tipping bucket, fountains and a variety of showers, squirt guns and other water play toys. It is surrounded by a fence and landscaping to ensure limited access for young children and their caregivers.

Red Cross certified lifeguards monitor the pool and its guests continuously during pool hours.

The Glynn County Parks and Recreation Department will offer a variety of services and activities including American Red Cross swimming lessons and water safety courses, private swimming lessons by certified instructors, water aerobics and a novice swim team. These activities will take place primarily during mornings prior to public swimming.

The bath house features large restrooms with showers and changing areas, ticket offices for the pool and miniature golf course, and a concession stand called "Cap's Place."

Located on the south side of the bath house between the entrances to the pool and miniature golf course, Cap's Place is open to the public. It offers a variety of menu items including barbecue, pizza, hot dogs and boiled shrimp as well as "walk and talk" items, healthy treats, sno-cones and ice cream, cold drinks and more. Cap's Place will be open year 'round, from 11:00 am to 10:00 pm between Memorial Day and Labor Day, and from 11:00 am to 8:00 pm from Labor Day to Memorial Day. For information call 912-638-3333.

The miniature golf course features 18 holes with a "conservative" design. The mini-golf course has its own entrance, located on the west side of the bath house. Hours are Monday-Thursday from 4:00 to 8:00 pm, Fridays from 1:00 to 8:00 pm, Saturdays from 11:00 am to 8:00 pm and Sundays from 1:00 to 8:00 pm.

All-day admission to the pool is $7.00 per person. Miniature golf is $7.00 per person per game. Season passes are available for the pool, and multi-game passes are available for miniature golf. Special group rates are available, and the complex may be rented for private functions. For information about Neptune Park Fun Zone, call 912-279-2836. Or, visit them online.
Photos: Glynn Country Parks and Recreation Dept.

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Check out the Fun Zone's new webcam!
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Brunswick's Ritz Theatre announces Summer Classic Movies

The Golden Isles Arts and Humanities Association (GIAHA) presents the 2010 season of Summer Classic Movies at the Ritz, featuring classic Hollywood films they way they were meant to be seen. Screenings are Thursdays July 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29 at 7:00 pm, with a special matinee screening Sunday Aug. 1 at 3:00 pm at the Ritz Theatre, 1530 Newcastle St. in downtown Brunswick.

“We scoured the vaults for some of the greatest movies in Hollywood history, with something to please just about every taste,” notes GIAHA’s film programming coordinator Rob Nixon. “Over the past few years, we’ve taken suggestions and requests from our audiences and put their ideas into the programming mix this summer to give film lovers what they most enjoy. We’re especially glad we can honor the many requests we’ve received to bring Gone with the Wind to the big screen at the Ritz.”

The 2010 line-up includes two rousing musicals: Yankee Doodle Dandy (July 1), the perfect patriotic way to kick off the Independence Day weekend, and Meet Me in St. Louis (July 15), a warmly nostalgic period piece for the whole family. The series also includes a romantic comedy, The Philadelphia Story (July 8), starring one of the most popular stars featured in past seasons, Cary Grant; Strangers on a Train (July 22), a Hitchcock thriller that audiences rarely get the opportunity to see; and Bonnie and Clyde (July 29), a modern classic that changed the face of American cinema in the 1960s. And of course, there’s the immortal epic with Rhett and Scarlett, the most famous couple in screen history, as the series grand finale (August 1).

Once again, there will be a selection of fun cartoons and short subjects beginning about a half hour before show time. Plus, audiences can bring their own snacks and enjoy free popcorn (first come, first served), courtesy of Angie Aimar of Coldwell Banker Platinum Partners. There will also be giveaways and special offers from several local merchants and pre-show dining at most downtown restaurants.

The special Aug. 1 matinee offers audiences two ways to see Gone with the Wind. Pay the regular $5 ticket price and watch the movie beginning at 3:00 p.m. (short subjects at 2:30), with an intermission at 5 p.m. Or for only $12, you will get admission to the movie and a delicious "Southern Soul Silver Screen Snack Sack" at intermission catered by Southern Soul Barbeque: a taste of the Old South featuring a pulled pork slider and two sides. Take it back into the theater with you and enjoy it during the second half of the show! These advance tickets must be purchased by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, July 30. Get them at the Ritz box office, 1530 Newcastle St., Downtown Brunswick, or on line at goldenislesarts.org.

Admission to each show in the Summer Classic Movies series at the Ritz is only $5 for all ages. For more information, call GIAHA at 912-262-6934 or visit goldenislesarts.org.

SUMMER CLASSIC MOVIES AT THE RITZ COMPLETE SERIES SCHEDULE
(Click on photos for video clips)

Thursday, July 1, 7 pm – Yankee Doodle Dandy (1942)
The great tough guy of the Silver Screen gets wildly patriotic in this crowd-pleasing musical based on the life of the most famous showman of the early 20th century, George M. Cohan. James Cagney won a much-deserved Academy Award for his acting, singing and dancing in this celebration of unbridled show biz chutzpah and American optimism, featuring such classic songs as “Give My Regards to Broadway,” “You’re a Grand Old Flag,” and the lively title tune. You’ll be tempted to sing along (fine with us, as long as your neighbors don’t mind) and maybe even try your hand at Cagney’s famous tap dance down a grand staircase—just not in the Ritz balcony, please! Come dressed in your most patriotic outfit!

Thursday, July 8, 7 pm – The Philadelphia Story (1940)
After being declared “Box Office Poison” in the late 1930s and returning to her roots on the stage, Katharine Hepburn made a triumphant comeback in motion pictures with this comedy based on her runaway Broadway success. The Great Kate stars as spoiled, willful Tracy Lord, a high society bride-to-be whose world is turned upside down on the eve of her wedding by romantic complications involving two men in her life…who aren’t her groom! And no wonder, when the two men turn out to be the suave and sly Cary Grant and lovable James Stewart, who won an Oscar as the reporter who learns a few surprising things about how the other half lives.

Thursday, July 15, 7 pm – Meet Me in St. Louis (1944)
Fans of classic movies at the Ritz love musicals, and here’s one of the very best, a treat for the entire family. This is classic Hollywood studio filmmaking at its height: lavishly detailed Technicolor art direction and costuming, musical production and performance by the top talents in the industry, and masterful direction by Vincente Minnelli that takes us through the life of a loving family around the time of the grand 1904 World’s Fair. And it features the legendary Judy Garland at her peak, singing such old favorites as “The Trolley Song,” “The Boy Next Door,” and the heartbreaking “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.”

Thursday, July 22, 7 pm – Strangers on a Train (1951)
No one did suspense like Alfred Hitchcock, and here’s a chance to see one of his most acclaimed but rarely screened classics, a strangely twisted story about a young man who unwittingly makes a murderous deal with a stranger he meets on a train journey. Robert Walker is creepy and darkly funny as the wealthy, sinister Bruno. Farley Granger is the famous tennis pro ensnared in Bruno’s deadly trap. But the real star, of course, is Alfred Hitchcock, the director who brought tales of mystery to their most anxiety-producing heights, finding terror in the most ordinary, benign settings—like an amusement park that turns out to be anything but amusing!

Thursday, July 29, 7 pm – Bonnie and Clyde (1967)
Arthur Penn’s take on the legendary outlaw duo of the Depression had a tremendous impact on popular culture when it was released in the late 1960s, setting new trends in cinematic style, depictions of screen violence (fairly tame by today’s standards), even fashion. As Clyde Barrow, Warren Beatty emerged as a major force in the industry, and Faye Dunaway became an overnight star as Bonnie Parker. But what audiences love most about this landmark film is its mixture of breezy humor and intense drama, its poignant take on society’s outcasts and doomed love, and the way it draws us in to the creation of a distinctly American myth.

Sunday, August 1, 3 pm – Gone with the Wind (1939)
What can we say about this enduring classic that hasn’t been said many times before? That Margaret Mitchell’s tale of the Old South is one of the most successful and beloved movies of all time? That Scarlett O’Hara is one of the most headstrong and unforgettable heroines in American movies? That Rhett Butler, frankly, doesn’t give a damn? Let’s just say this: If you’ve never seen it on the big screen (or at all), you owe it to yourself. And GIAHA is making it even more attractive with a special matinee event that will give you the full epic experience and still get you home at a reasonable hour, including a special intermission sack-snack for advance ticket holders.

Admission to each show in the Summer Classic Movies series at the Ritz is only $5 for all ages. For more information, call GIAHA at 912-262-6934 or visit goldenislesarts.org.

Photos: Flixter.com ------------------- Video clips: Turner Classic Movies

New historical marker on St. Simons Island commemorates Cannon's Point Plantation

A new historical marker on St. Simons Island commemorates the achievements of one of America's first experimental farms, Cannon's Point Plantation, and its master, John Couper.

Couper left his native Scotland at 16, to seek his fortune in America. He served an apprenticeship in Savannah and moved to Florida during the American Revolution. After the war he became a successful merchant in the town of Sunbury, where he married Rebecca Maxwell in 1792. Cannon's Point was among several tracts of land purchased in 1793 by John Couper and his business partner, James Hamilton.

The Couper family moved to St. Simons Island in 1796. Their first home was a simple cottage built by Daniel Cannon, a carpenter of old Frederica. In 1804 the Coupers moved into a handsome new mansion with a tabby foundation and wooden upper story and a half. A broad stairway led to a wide piazza that provided views of the Hampton River and surrounding marshes.

Couper had a deep interest in horticulture, which led to trials and improvements in the plantation's staple crop, sea island cotton and established the plantation's reputation as "Georgia's Experimental Station." Couper's interests and expertise were not limited to cotton, however.

The plantation was lush with shrubs, trees and flowers as well as groves of lemons, oranges and Persian date palms. At the urging of President Jefferson, Couper imported 200 olive trees from France, which yielded oil "of a superior quality."

The Couper family were known to be congenial and welcoming hosts, and their plantation hosted visitors and guests for weeks or months at a time. One young couple is said to have spent their honeymoon there and remained until the birth of their second child.

In addition to his horticultural expertise, John Couper distinguished himself through public service. He was a member of the Georgia legislature and a delegate to Georgia's constitutional convention. When the U.S. government expressed its interest in building a lighthouse on the southern end of St. Simons Island, Couper sold the land where it stands for one dollar.

John Couper's generosity and sense of humor were known far and wide. He was beloved by those who knew him, for his exceptional courtesy, intelligence, and easy wit. He was said to have loved life and shared that love with all who knew him.

The new marker is located along Lawrence Road, approximately three miles north of the Frederica Road roundabout. It was erected and dedicated by representatives of the Georgia Historical Society, Coastal Georgia Historical Society, Friends of Coastal Georgia History and The Sea Island Company. Also on hand for the dedication were descendents of John Couper.

The Cannon's Point Plantation marker is one of 82 historical markers located in Glynn County, according to the Historical Marker Database. For a map of Glynn County's markers, click here.

The history of John Couper and his family is very well documented. To learn more, you might want to read "The John Couper Family of Cannon's Point" by T. Reed Ferguson*.

* © 1996, Mercer University Press

It's Turtle Time! in Brunswick and The Golden Isles of Georgia

For thousands of years, sea turtles have been born on and return to nest on Georgia's barrier islands. Of the five species of sea turtles found off the Georgia coast, the loggerhead (Caretta caretta) is the only one that consistently nests on the Golden Isles.

From May through August, nesting sea turtles swim ashore under cover of darkness to make their way across the sand, dig their nests and lay their eggs. The Georgia Sea Turtle Center on Jekyll Island welcomes their return with a week of special events and activities designed to build awareness of and appreciation for these primeval creatures.

Eighth Annual Nest Fest - May 10-15. The Georgia Sea Turtle Center sponsors a week-long celebration of the beginning of sea turtle nesting season. Last year's activities included presentations by the GSTC staff and local naturalists, a beach sweep, movie night and a party on the Jekyll Island beach deck complete with arts and crafts, educational presentations and more.

Turtle Crawl Triathlon - Saturday, May 15. The Jekyll Island Turtle Crawl Triathlon is a wonderful opportunity for participants of all skill levels to enjoy the unspoiled beauty of this barrier island. For the most ambitious of athletes, a full triathlon is offered. The race begins with a 1.5 mile swim, continues to a 40K bike ride and concludes with a 10K run. The Sprint Triathlon offers a 600 yard swim, 20K bike ride and 5K run for those seeking a more leisurely event. There also will be a 5k Fun Run/Walk. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Sea Turtle Center.

The Georgia Sea Turtle Center opened in June 2007 to provide state-of-the-art emergency care to sick and injured sea turtles, with opportunities for scientific research and long-term treatment. Visitors to the Georgia Sea Turtle Center explore exhibits on sea turtle conservation, rehabilitation, and their amazing journey from egg to adulthood. School field trips, public programs, and special events highlight Georgia’s unique coastal ecosystem and the mysterious world of these ancient reptiles.

For more information about the Georgia Sea Turtle Center and its activities, please visit them online.

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Loggerhead Turtle Facts

	Loggerheads are air-breathing reptiles, scientific name Caretta caretta.
	The common name refers to the turtle's large head.
	Loggerheads are the most common sea turtles in Georgia.
	Their food consists of mollusks, crabs and animals that encrust reefs and rocks.
	They have been on Earth for millions of years with little serious threat to the species - until recently.
	Weighing 250 - 400 pounds, adults can grow to more than three feet in length.
	Hatchlings are two inches long.
	Nesting occurs from May through August. Hatching may extend through October.
	The nest cavity is 18 - 22 inches in depth.
	Incubation period of the eggs in their sandy nest is 55 - 65 days.

Here are some basic rules for turtle-friendly behavior:

	Shut off or shield lights that are visible from the beach. Close drapes or blinds after dark. Use 25 watt yellow-bug lights where exterior lighting is necessary. Avoid using flashlights or fishing lanterns on the beach.
	Remove beach litter. Balloons, plastic bags, foam and other non-degradable pollutants cause the deaths of many sea turtles who mistake them for food.
	Quietly observe a nesting turtle from a distance. Do not shine any lights on or around her -- she may abandon her effort to nest. No flash photography. Stay behind the turtle so that she cannot see you.
	Do not harass a turtle by touching her or prodding her to move. Stay out of the way as she crawls back to the water.
	Stack or remove beach furniture.
	Keep pets on a leash, away from sea turtles and their nests.
	Leave sea turtle nest identification markers in place on the beach.
	Leave nest sites undisturbed. If you find a hatchling wandering in daylight, place it on moist sand in a dry container, shade it and call the proper authorities at the Georgia Department of Natural Resources: 912-264-7218 or 800-2SAVEME (800-272-8363).
	To report dead or injured sea turtles, or, if you have accidentally hooked a sea turtle that is small enough to rescue, contact the proper authorities at the Georgia Department of Natural Resources: 912-264-7218 or 800-2SAVEME (800-272-8363).

Sources: Turtle Time, Inc. and Georgia Sea Turtle Center