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Jekyll Island Authority partners with Glynn County, Golden Isles Soccer Association to host south’s largest college Ultimate Tournament.
Jekyll Island and the Golden Isles will be glad to see flying objects this spring break. 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.”
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.
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 platic 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 has also been called “Ultimate” or “Ultimate Disc” by many teams and clubs.
Q. What advice do you have for people who need to sell now?
A. Think of your property as a commodity that must compete for attention against other alternatives. To sell your property, you must first convince a buyer to make you an offer. Your property must be shown, before a buyer will make you an offer. To be shown, your property must be chosen from amongst all the other competing properties. Most buyers look at 6-8 properties before making an offer. The more competitive your property, the more likely it will sell.
Therefore, you must price it right when you list. Real estate goes stale…. Just like three-day-old fish! If you price too high, your property won’t be shown. Remember, every day, fresh inventory is added to an already over-stocked supply (relative to current demand). Your best opportunity for activity is the brief time period when your property is the new inventory!
Once you have established a competitive price based on current market conditions, prepare the property for showing: (1) commission a professional inspection (including pests) and repair all defects and cosmetic items listed on the inspection, and (2) clean, clean, clean! Remove clutter inside and out. Because buyers have plenty of choices, condition is a high priority.
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If you have a real estate question you would like answered, please email Mary Bryan Fields via blog@hodnettcooper.com. Mary Bryan has more than 35-years of experience in the Real Estate Industry and a Masters Degree in Real Estate from the University of Georgia. Additionally, Mary Bryan is a licensed real estate instructor in the state of Georgia.
by Beth Burnsed, Jekyll Island Authority
Jekyll Island, GA – January 27, 2009 – Beginning February 22, over 100 bird educators and enthusiasts from bird clubs, nature centers, school system, refuges and parks will be flocking to Jekyll Island for the 2009 Bird Education Network National Gathering. The Bird Education Network (BEN) Committee, along with the Council for Environmental Education and Flying WILD, chose Jekyll Island because of its exceptional birding and nature-based tourism opportunities.
Open to anyone with an interest in bird education and conservation efforts, the five day event encourages attendees to explore not only Jekyll Island but other nearby wildlife viewing areas as well. Guided field sessions include bird rambles on Jekyll Island, kayak trips in the intercoastal waterways, canoe trips through the Okefenokee Swamp and other outdoor adventures. Indoors, at the Jekyll Island Club Hotel, the gathering’s host hotel, speakers and exhibitors share their knowledge and experience on subjects such as urban-based bird education, climate change, and connecting families to nature.
“We are thrilled to be selected as the host hotel for Bird Education Network’s 2009 National Gathering,” said Patty Henning, Director of Sales at the Jekyll Island Club Hotel. “Jekyll Island has numerous opportunities for our guests to explore nature and it is gratifying to see these recognized in the birding community.” 
As part of the Colonial Coat Birding and Nature Trail, Jekyll Island is home to over 250 bird species including Bald Eagles, Roseate Spoonbill, Painted Bunting, and Woodstorks. These species have attracted the attention of birders for years and are the reason for such annual events as Georgia’s Colonial Coast Birding and Nature Festival. The annual festival is held the second week of October each year. Jekyll Island was designated an Important Birding Area by the Audubon Society in 2001.
“We were drawn to Jekyll Island because of its reputation in the birding community,” said Geoffrey Castro, Manager of Operations and Marketing for the Council for Environmental Education and member of the Gathering’s planning committee. “Jekyll Island offers one of the best opportunities for our conference attendees to come within viewing range of so many magnificent species.”
Registration for the 2009 National Gathering is still open. Daily registrations are also available. For registration and a full conference agenda visit www.birdeducation.org/jekyllisland.
“With no less than 65% of the island protected as a natural sanctuary, Jekyll Island is the perfect setting for this bird education conference,” stated Jones Hooks, Executive Director of the Jekyll Island Authority
by Lisa Sanders
Hodnett Cooper Real Estate is the Presenting Partner for the 2009 American Cancer Society Glynn County Relay For Life. This year Glynn County is celebrating its 15th year. I invite you to click on the www.glynnrelay.org and stay up to date on the many fund-raising activities, which range from bake sales and dinners to musicals and pageants.
The 2009 American Cancer Society Glynn County Relay For Life is scheduled for April 24th & 25th. Join us for an experience you will never forget!
If you are unable to attend the event, we welcome your participation in helping us spread the word about this amazing cause. Or, please feel free to contribute through donations, knowing that no amount is too small. If you wish to donate, you may do so through the website above. I would be honored if you placed your donation on my behalf (Lisa Sanders). I am a team leader committed to raising money for HOPE in finding a cure for cancer. Thank you.
by Joe Wills
6:15 am – Friday, January 23. Sea Island Spa Fitness.
Double shot cappuccino got my heart started then out the door. Greeted by a group of early riser regulars for Trish’s Spinning Class. We began literally in dawn’s early light a none-too-gentle eye opening warm up spin with a nice little Electronica rave. Then hammered our hearts away to U2 – worked out the kinks with The Kinks and came Alive with Safri Duo intervals, toss in some breathless sprints to Talking Heads and more U2 for good measure. Excellent 40 minute ride plus stretches – just over 600 calories burned in the process. Heart rate was 40% aerobic, 60% anaerobic. Perfect pairing of music and coaching produced prodigious pools of sweat on the mats beneath our bikes. Excellent coffee afterward (the best in all of Sea Island) and a colorful sunrise was a great reward for our effort and in preparation for Scott’s Strength & Cardio Class. A small but dedicated group of masochists enjoyed another grueling session of light and heavy dumbbells with body bar presses, skull crushers, crunches and two sets of traveling lunges finished with a session of stretching. 45 minutes of gain via pain. I of course forgot to clip out of my cycling shoes into cross-trainers and so paid the price for my stupidity with sore ankles.Excellent coaching on Scott’s part though. Back at the office before 9:30, ready to face the day. Just over 1,000 calories all in all. Not a bad start for a Friday. 6:15 AM Spinning classes are offered Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
The Spa at Sea Island is an amazing 65,000 square foot facility which is divided between Spa Treatments and Fitness spaces. The fitness facet is directed by a very friendly and talented team of trainers and staff making it truly one of the finest facilities of its kind. Sea Island Spa is open to Resort Guest and Club Members and their guests. Sea Island Club Membership may be had via purchase of qualified property in one of Sea Island’s numerous communities on St Simons Island and Sea Island.
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Joe Wills is a leading real estate professional with Hodnett Cooper specializing in the purchase and sale of homes with club memberships on St. Simons Island and Sea Island. His insight into clubs and their amenities are based on more than 30 years in private club and resort operations management, including Augusta National Golf Club and the Sea Island Company.
by Eric Garvey, Jekyll Island Authority
Vance Hughes, a partner with Jekyll Ocean Oaks, gives Jekyll Island Authority board members a tour of the new Hampton Inn & Suites currently under construction and expected to open late summer 2009.
Following the adjournment of their January 14 monthly board meeting, the Jekyll Island Authority Board took a hard hat tour of the new Hampton Inn & Suites hotel. Set to open late summer 2009, the hotel will included 138 hotel rooms, a restaurant, and meeting space. It will be the first new hotel to open on Jekyll Island since 1974.
The new hotel is being constructed on the basic footprint of the former Holiday Inn, preserving the oak tree canopy that is unique to the site. When open, the hotel will feature boardwalks through maritime forest and over protected sand dunes. The adjacent beach is the widest and most pristine on Jekyll Island, with wonderful views of Cumberland Island and the Atlantic Ocean.
The new Hampton inn & Suites is one component being built on the site of the former Holiday Inn. The developer is Jekyll Ocean Oaks LLC, and includes partners that also own and operate the historic Jekyll Island Club Hotel. The Jekyll Ocean Oaks project is one of five hotel redevelopment projects on Jekyll Island currently underway. Along with the seven hotels currently operating, the new hotel and convention center projects will bring about a revitalization of Jekyll Island making it a premier vacation and convention destination.
For more information about Jekyll Island revitalization visit www.jekyllisland.com/news.
It was one of those beautiful South Georgia days between Christmas and New Year. The temperature was forecast to reach 80° with light winds; perfect for a day cruise.
The First Mate suggested (determined) that we should head up the IntraCoastal Waterway with a side trip on the Frederica River to Fort Frederica, the site of one of the first British settlements in this area. The cruise northbound caused us to meet several southbound power and sail boats heading south from “up north” and Canada. It is an annual migration that is interesting to watch.
Coming around the final bend before Fort Frederica, it was easy to see why the British built it where they did. Incoming enemy ships would be a clear on “bow shot” from the fort with limited ability to return fire. The dolphins were enjoying the day as much as we were. They frolicked everywhere, celebrating this glorious weather.
On the trip back to the marina, we passed one of the oldest metal power yachts we have seen in years, slowly heading down the waterway. Everyone fulfills their dreams of being afloat in their own way.
Working in real estate, I frequently tour beautiful homes that span all price ranges. That said, my reaction to a visit of 1909 Dixon Lane was completely unexpected. This home is quite exceptional– magnificent, actually! Even with professional photography, the images do not capture the details that set this home far and above other luxury estates.
With more than 7,400 square feet, which includes a separate carriage house, this home has plenty of room for grand gatherings. Recently, we invited Chamber Members over for evening cocktails, while a pianist tickled the ivories on the grand piano. With an early evening sunset, happy hour at Dixon Lane was an extravagant treat.
Another appealing feature of 1909 Dixon Lane is its private oceanfront setting on St. Simons Island. Situated behind natural dunes, with a large open space between the house and the beach, no beach-going onlookers can peer over into your private space.
The owners of Dixon poured countless hours into selecting original, one-of-a-kind, fixtures, such as the antique brass ship lanterns flanking the mahogany front door. Or, the Murano glass tiles that adorn the butler’s pantry. A personal favorite are the antique beams covering the carriage house ceiling.
The master suite is a complete indulgence. Occupying the entire third floor, there are separate his and hers baths, closets, and dressing rooms, heated towel drawers, a private balcony, exercise area, and more. Did I mention the panoramic ocean views?
If you are interested in additional information, visit 1909DixonLane.com. Or, contact Pat Hodnett Cooper directly.
Q. How much time is needed to find a buyer in today’s market?
A. Longer market times are the first indication that market conditions are changing from a seller’s market to a buyer’s market. The relationship between the supply of available properties and the number of buyers looking for a property of that type determines the selling price of your property. Because price influences how quickly a property will sell, any property can be sold quickly in a buyer’s market. When you set your offering price, you determine how long you’ll have to wait to find the right buyer. The more competitive your price, the quicker you’ll find the buyer!
Your first step is to decide your desired time frame for selling. Next, make a list of properties like yours currently offered for sale (supply). Then, determine how many similar properties have sold during the last six months (absorption rate). Now, you’re ready to compare your property to three to five similar properties that have recently sold to determine a selling price range. If the absorption rate is slow with abundant inventory already on the market, your price should be at or below the bottom of the selling price range to sell quickly. If you can wait longer to sell, price nearer the middle of the selling price range. If market conditions reflect fast absorption with limited supply, price to the top of the selling price range if you want to sell quickly. In extreme market conditions you may be able to price above the selling price range, as in 2005-2006, or you will need to price below the selling price range, as in today’s market, to achieve your desired time frame for selling.
The important point…. You cannot control market conditions, but you do control your pricing. In any market, if you really want to sell your property, price it right!
The Sapelo Island Visitor Center is located at the mainland ferry dock in Meridian and serves as a key distribution point for information about coastal ecosystems, educational opportunities, and tourism activities. Interpretive exhibits at the center highlight Sapelo Island’s rich cultural history, the Hog Hammock Community, University of Georgia Marine Institute, Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary, the National Estuarine Research Reserve System as well as estuarine, barrier island, and shoreline habitats.
Guests are encouraged to explore the nature trails that weave through the maritime forest and along the marsh and salt pans surrounding the facility. Stop by sometime for a quick hike!
The center has a 50-seat audio-visual room for lectures, special programs, and video and slide presentations. This room is made available for special interest group meetings (Audubon Society, The Nature Conservancy, Friends of Sapelo, etc.). Please call for information on how your organization can reserve the Visitor Center A-V room for your next meeting.
Public tour reservations can be made by calling (912) 437-3224. Group tours for 10-40 people can be arranged by calling the Education Office (912) 485-2300. Tickets for public and group tours of Sapelo Island can be purchased at the Visitor Center. T-shirts, books, and videos are also available for purchase. For a Visual Tour of Sapelo Island Visitor Center go the following link: http://www.visualtour.com/shownp.asp?T=169667.
