Michelle Merrill
Musical Director and Conductor
The Coastal Symphony of Georgia

Conductor Michelle Merrill just completed her first season with The Coastal Symphony. And what a 2018-19 season it was: One of great variety and talent played by superb musicians, who smiled widely through each note created under Director Michelle’s baton. Always “in tune” with life and always on the go, Michelle took some time out with Paisley to share some insight and thoughts…

While Georgia has only 100 miles of coastline, the state has one third of the salt marshes along the entire U.S. Eastern Seaboard. “Marshes protect us from storms,” said Lea King-Badyna. “That’s why it is so important to keep them thriving and healthy.”

Keeping such an important resource vibrant is one of the missions of Keep Golden Isles Beautiful (KGIB), where Lea serves as Executive Director. The non-profit is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year and has five main areas of emphasis—litter prevention, water resource awareness, education, waste reduction, recycling and community greening.

Kim Campbell, site manager for Coastal Georgia Historical Society’s World War II Homefront Museum in the historic Coast Guard Station on St. Simons, has always been fascinated by history. “I like telling stories, especially about real people. I think it’s important to talk and learn about our past.”

After graduating high school, Kim chose Mercer University in Macon. “As a freshman at Mercer, I knew I was going to be a history major. I didn’t want to study anything else. My parents were very supportive.” She said unlike other people, her parents never asked the question of what she would do with a history degree—at least for her first two years of college. “In my junior year, my parents did ask that question,” she laughed. “In good millennial fashion, I Googled, ‘what do you do with a history degree?’”

Brunswick native Rev. Abra Lattany-Reed loves the life she leads. Since 2008, following in the footsteps of her grandfather, Rev. Abraham Wilson, a Baptist preacher, Abra is a Bi-vocation United Methodist Pastor at Harper Chapel UMC in Baxley, GA. She and her husband, Barry Reed, are parents to four adult daughters and six grandchildren. This dedicated servant leader stays energized by helping others discover God’s grace daily.
What was your life like growing up in Brunswick?

I grew up with supportive parents, seven siblings, and lived in a neighborhood that cared for one another. My summers were spent attending the neighborhood vacation bible schools and participating in community talent shows. I love music, and I love to dance. I’m a Glynn Academy Class of 1979 graduate, voted most talented and the Homecoming Queen for my senior class. Playing in the marching band and serving as Drum Major was the highlight of my youth; it helped me to be creative and appreciate the life which has unfolded for me.

For Brunswick resident Jennifer Rothe play isn’t just important for physical health.
“Being active creates endorphins, which produces a natural high and releases stress and anxiety,” she said. “The body, mind connection is so strong. Physical activity can help reduce depression symptoms.”

Although she had been active growing up as a runner and dancer, exercise took on a much greater importance for her in 2007. “Going to the gym was my outlet to relieve stress when my husband Kirt was deployed to Afghanistan,” said Jennifer, who was left behind to care for the couple’s young children. “It was a scary time. Going to the gym was definitely my solstice.”

Emily Ellison is a self-confessed workaholic, who admits she needs to spend more time participating in her favorite pastimes, nearly all of which are outdoors: gardening, hiking, biking, golfing, and kayaking. Happiest on long walks through forests and countrysides, Emily is a perfect fit with her job title: St. Simons Land Trust Development and Communications Director.

Emily, what is your life’s motto?
Make each corner of the world a little better than the way you found it. It’s something my parents did unconsciously. They transformed landscapes, planted gardens, rescued old houses, and improved communities. As a family we camped and hiked along stony creeks, loved the smell of earth and forest. It’s in my blood. If through my role at the Land Trust I can help in some small way to protect this island, I’m fulfilled.

From New York City to St. Simons Island…Hilary Kent is an unstoppable Force of Nature, full of energy and passion for her family, career and our community. Hilary knows what she likes, and fortunately for us, she really likes Paisley Magazine! We asked her about her inspired lifestyle:

How has being involved with Paisley Magazine empowered you?
I’ve always believed in the importance of a community for women, and Paisley Magazine has created the space where women of all ages find support, encouragement and empowerment on every page. Just ask my daughter, Katherine, who was Paisley’s 2017 Summer Intern!

Long before Linda Humphries became the director of the McIntosh Art Association, her pursuit of an art career was sparked by a movie set ‘in a galaxy far, far away.’ “I already knew I wanted to be an artist.”

“My very talented artist sister, Martha, would sit and draw, so I’d sit and draw with her. At that time, I was 12 and becoming a commercial artist was what people talked for a career in art,” said Linda. “Then, Star Wars changed my life. As soon as that type disappeared into space and took on the blue of the Tatooine planet, I was mesmerized.” I wasn’t sure what it was, but I knew it was the art I wanted to do.”

Frances Zwenig’s life changed overnight when she was in the 10th grade. Her path became crystal clear once she saw President John F. Kennedy’s famous speech on TV. “I swallowed his words hook, line and sinker: ‘Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country,’” she smiled. “When he announced about forming the Peace Corps, I said I’m going to do that. I planned my life around it.”

The daughter of Sara and Gene Zwenig and big sister to Janet, Frances grew up on Signal Mountain right outside of Chattanooga, Tenn. She fondly recalls her formative years, which were filled with excellent mentors at Chattanooga’s Girls Preparatory School (GPS) and her parental upbringing. “Three women founders organized the school just for girls. The teachers were all women, so we had great role models. My best and closest friends are from GPS to this day. This school prepared me so well, I kind of coasted through college.”

St. Simons Island resident Zena Martin doesn’t have a bucket list. “I don’t believe in having a so-called ‘bucket list,’ or, as one of my friend’s calls it, a ‘champagne list.’ If you really want to do something, don’t wait! Do it now!” This philosophy has guided her all over the world.

Zena, a native of West Hartford, Conn., initially thought she’d attend law school after earning a bachelor’s degree in political science from Amherst College. “I was accepted at several (law schools) but decided to enter the corporate world instead. I started in advertising for several global ad agencies, then moved into marketing and public relations.”

Brunswick High School student Carri Sturm, has a full-plate, playing varsity soccer, running cross country and playing tennis on the school’s teams, participating in several campus organizations and taking college courses, all while completing her senior year. Even with a bulging schedule, Carri makes the school’s peer tutoring program a priority.

“When I was a sophomore, a senior started the tutoring program. I was involved in it (as a tutor), but it dissolved the next year. I re-started it!” Carri said. Now she and seven other students tutor their peers who need some help. “We tutor in all subjects,” she said, adding she tutors in Spanish and English. “We also added tutoring for ESL (English as a second language) students. I made sure all volunteers tutoring our ESL students are bilingual.”

“It is kind of like my baby. I enjoy having an impact on those who might not have other resources. And, a lot of our tutors have become friends with students they are tutoring. It’s very rewarding,” she smiled.

Kris Allred is the dynamic Chief Meteorologist at WSAV in Savannah, Ga. For 11-plus years she has gained respect with viewers in Georgia and South Carolina for her professional integrity and candor. She is an excellent storyteller and a natural at public speaking. Also known as a good adlibber, Kris easily adjusts her narratives to meet audience levels. Most of all, she is a thankful woman who realizes the importance of the job she does. Yes, Kris and her Storm Team 3 at WSAV save lives.

While growing up in Cullman, Alabama, a town situated between Huntsville and Birmingham, Kris developed excellent childhood communication skills by learning to relate to all kinds of people from across the USA who paused to refresh and refuel at her family’s truck stop.

“I am a survivor of domestic violence. Like so many victims and survivors, I began my relationship with my abuser at a young age. I was 16. I married him shortly before my 17th birthday. He was 21. There were many warning signs throughout the relationship, but I minimized them, always making excuses that things would get better. But things didn’t get better, and I realized this after leaving and going back numerous times. Many asked, “Why did you keep going back?’ The reality was, I knew one day he was going to kill me. After idealizing the thought of killing myself and actually attempting to, I found the courage to leave and not go back.

We hear you, Charmaine, loud and clear. You have followed your heart. We thank you for sharing your story. Please describe for us your situation: Well, even though he is in a wheelchair and paralyzed from the waist down, my ex-husband was not wheelchair bound when we started dating. So, the abuse started before the car accident, which resulted in his paralysis. There was lots of physical and emotional abuse, with more physical prevalence. It started out as a push here and there, then progressed to slaps, close fisted hits, and beatings. There were also threats of hurting my family.

From a very early age, Iris Hopgood knew she wanted to be a professional makeup artist. But first she had to overcome some major obstacles.

“Our society is beauty driven and my mission is to find that beauty and bring it out in everybody,” she said with a smile. “My mother was my main influence. No matter what she was doing or what was going on, she was dressed up. And she made sure we (Iris and siblings) were all well-groomed before we left the house. If we didn’t meet Mother’s standards, we had to turn around and try again!”

Sisters Adgate and Merrill along with their brother, Ewell Gay, grew up in Ohio. Their parents were both from Atlanta, so they contend: “We definitely grew up Southern.” Every summer, and most holidays, they would visit their grandmother, who lived on Sea Island. In 1974, Ewell moved to St. Simons Island to open The Pappagallo Patch, now known as Maggie’s Boutique.

Adgate and her husband, Dargan, moved here permanently in 2009. They have three children and five grandchildren. Merrill and her husband, David, also moved here in 2009. They have three daughters and two grandchildren. With Ewell’s passing last spring, his daughter, Laurie Hill from Savannah and Adgate now own Maggie’s; Merrill is store manager. It’s certainly a family affair and after 45 years, they plan to keep it going.

Dr. Bell, you are a woman of true strength and conviction, what’s your background?
I grew up here in Brunswick, the Class of 1976 from Glynn Academy. I enjoyed a 30-year legal field career in Washington, DC, and Maryland. During that season of my life, I was married 25 years to Carlton Bell and have a 24-year old son. I was ordained as a minister in 2007 and attended Calvary Christian College in Maryland, obtaining my doctorate degree in Ministry in 2016. In the Spring of 2003, I started SLS Ministries, Inc., which is a nonprofit for women and children to assist in emergency shelter for homelessness, hunger and domestic violence.  I was quite busy raising my family, working, running SLS Ministries and pursuing my theological degrees. 

According to Devereaux “Devy” Eyler, her life has been nothing short of a wild rollercoaster ride, but she isn’t complaining. “God gave me a gift. I never give up no matter how bad things get. I always find a way within myself to overcome adversity.”

That gift has served her well. For the first 70 years of her now 81 on earth, Devy knew her parents, a Harvard-educated research chemist father and a Columbia Law School-educated mother, who adopted her as a sickly newborn and provided her and her adopted brother, Dennis, with a privileged life on a sprawling historic Pennsylvania farm. The siblings were instilled with the values of hard work and humility.

Marianna, how did you two meet?
Barry is from Reidsville, Ga., I’m from Baxley, and we met at Georgia Southern. Barry is a retired state employee with an emphasis in social work and public health; I’m a retired schoolteacher;  most of my 35 years were as a first-grade teacher, with 23 years in McIntosh at Todd-Grant Elementary. We’ve lived in Glynn County 32 years and are 30-year members of First United Methodist in Brunswick. Our three grown children are sons, Marc and Caleb and daughter, Jamie. We have three grand-dogs.

Margie Dorsey thinks growing up on a farm in rural Iowa sowed the seeds leading to a life-long dedication in volunteering to help others.

“I grew up caring for animals on a farm in a small community, where people looked after and took care of each other, so volunteering comes naturally to me,” she said. “It was during and after the second World War, but since we had a farm, we didn’t have to worry about food rationing. We had plenty, but everyone worked hard, too.”

The SOAR group plays an important role in the lives of local adults with developmental disabilities. What does SOAR stand for? SOAR is an acronym for Social Opportunities & Active Recreation. Our vision: “Citizens with developmental disabilities will have access to enriching and engaging activities within the community much like their non-disabled peers” describes how we strive to break down barriers for the folks we serve. We provide our (club) members community opportunities otherwise not offered, such as an annual week-long swim camp, and frequent recreational events, such as dances, fishing trips and putting tournaments. SOAR also provides weekly, meaningful, social engagement for members and their caregivers at Altama Presbyterian Church. Without such activities these folks could face isolation and a stagnant existence.

St. Simons Island resident Josie Dittrich credits her Mennonite upbringing with her lifelong dedication to helping others. Her commitment was further developed as a student at Oral Roberts University, in her years spent as a missionary, a USO singer and entertainer, host of an inspirational radio talk show, a chaplaincy hotline counselor, and television producer of several Christianity-based productions. But she was drawn to do more.

 “I think the Lord sees the deepest desires in our hearts, and seeing those TV commercials of starving children in Africa, really pulled at mine. I would think, ‘what can I do to touch the rest of the world?’” After her daughters were grown and her marriage ended, Josie followed her calling to work with CitiHope International, a New York based organization, providing food programs in underserved global populations. Josie put her skills in outreach, communications and videography to good use in such places as Ethiopia, Zimbabwe, Kyrgystan, Haiti and, ultimately, in Malawi, Africa.

Melinda Peterlin never had any doubts about what she wanted to be when she grew up. “I knew at 7-years-old,” said the pediatrician, who joined Southeast Georgia Physician Associates, St. Simons Pediatrics four years ago. “I knew I wanted to help kids. I have no idea what I would do if I didn’t do this. It was not really a choice for me,” she added, laughing.

After completing her training, Melinda practiced medicine in several locations, including two years near Heidelberg, Germany, and a memorable stint in northern Wisconsin. “We were in an area further north than parts of Canada; I couldn’t handle the weather. I worked in an underserved area, so it was a great experience, but the weather was crushing,” she said, laughing again. “I was not cut out for that!” 

Lunch Ladies Rock! Some of the fondest childhood memories people often share are of school days “Cafeteria Ladies.” Do these stories still ring true?
Yes, we hear it all. Everyone has their favorite “Cafeteria Lady” from some part of their childhood. My favorite is Ms. Grant from Glynn Academy High School. Her cakes were awesome. Her peanut butter cake was my favorite. It makes me smile and warms my heart when a student who has moved on from my school comes back to tell me hello and still recognizes me.

How big a task is it to feed 650-700 elementary students lunch everyday?
It’s a huge task! We serve 38 classes of students all with varying tastes each day. We offer three to four daily entrée choices, such as pepperoni pinwheel pizzas, hot dogs, chef salads and PBJs. And then there are two choices of veggies and desserts. Students choose from our menu lists each morning. Then, teachers email me their choices. I tally them up, so we know how much of each item to prepare. Then our work begins. 

When Kylie Dallas was in kindergarten, her teacher realized there was something special about the smiling, outgoing child.

“Her kindergarten teacher recognized she was gifted and had her tested,” said Brandie, her mom. “She’s been in the gifted program ever since.” Kylie recently completed eighth grade at Jane Macon with two high school credits—algebra and physical science—already under her belt. But school is hardly the only place where the straight-A student excels.

How did you all begin this extraordinary community band?
It started about three years ago when Sue bought a ukulele and talked Cathy and Ron into joining her to jam along with ukulele YouTube videos. It was a lot of fun. Cathy, who had never played a musical instrument in her life, was starting to get good at it. Soon, many of our friends were curious about the instrument, and slowly over the course of time, they decided to join the group and learn to play. We finally got up enough courage to go public and started performing for community groups, churches and assisted living facilities. We became relatively successful in our musical circuit but realized it was probably because we played for free, which is part of our mission: To learn to play a simple instrument, have fun and provide free community entertainment. We now have more than 60 members in our group.

Michael & Gail Cronan
Live: St. Simons Island     
From: Byron and Elko, Ga.

It’s clear you two have an unbreakable bond—how did you meet?
Gail: We’ve been married over 51 years. We met a long time ago on a blind date in Macon, Georgia, set up by my brother-in-law, Charlie. The guys worked together at Kroger when Michael didn’t even have a vehicle. When I first looked at him, I felt that he could be the one, and Michael said he felt the same way. We dated on and off for eight months and then we got married. So, we really did know!

Local cosmetologist, actress, golfer, and competitive poker player Joy Pozek feels she could talk for hours about her wonderful life, but this wasn’t always the case.

“I married very young, and all I did was work and take care of the house and the children (daughter Amber and son Matt). It was all my husband would ‘allow’ me to do,” Joy said. “I was in a very suppressive relationship. When I got to my 40s, I said ‘I can’t do this anymore,’ so I changed things.”

I love living in Darien and McIntosh County because... I like its people, the weather is warm and welcoming. I am amazed at the marshes, rivers, and mossy oak trees spreading romantically throughout the county, confirming our environmental treasure. There are historical, scenic, natural, and recreational areas for bird watching, fishing, crabbing, boating, kayaking and biking. Here, I can eat at the best fresh seafood restaurants. If I desire, I can take a ferry to Sapelo Island for a tour or picnic at one of their beautiful natural beaches. The picturesque scene of shrimp boats on Darien’s charming waterfront is also an enjoyable place to listen to the Darien and McIntosh Shouters. On a critter note, McIntosh squirrels are intelligent! I think they go to school because they peep into windows to see if you are looking before they proudly steal your nuts.

Meredith Millen Deal believes the world would be a better place if more people sat down together and got to know each other over cups of coffee. Or tea. Or, well, insert your favorite beverage here. That’s why Paisley’s regional director for all 10 years of the magazine’s existence often meets prospective advertisers at local coffee shops.

“I meet everyone over coffee. My approach to sales is that if you would be kind enough to meet me in person and share coffee, I can learn more about you and what you need from your advertising. Meeting someone face to face makes for good marketing partnerships,” said Meredith, whose favorite meeting spots are Wake Up Coffee (“both locations”), Palm Coast Coffee or other local coffee shops. “I will work with people over the internet and email, but the best way is over a cup of coffee. I can also explain what Paisley is all about.”

Describe this phase of life you two are enjoying now as mother and daughter, and your new upcoming roles:
Becky: I’ve always stressed family values and goals, while teaching Tora accepted norms and values of society. When Tora was younger, I would try and guide her to make the best decisions she could. (She didn’t always listen) Now, when she asks me for advice, I try to give her options. With a baby coming soon, I hope I can give her advice and support, but, that’s not to say she’ll take it.
Tora: When daughters become mothers and mothers become grandmothers, they say the relationship changes drastically. They say mothers don’t see their babies as babies anymore! In my case, I don’t see myself seeing my mother as a grandmother. I’m still going to be her baby, and she is still going to be my rock, my support and of course, my best friend.