May is a magical month in our family, filled with birthdays and celebrations. My mom—a woman known for her style, creativity, and panache—turns a young 88 on May 4th. Mom and her identical twin sister, the late Jody Custer, along with the late island chef, Flo Packard Anderson—all three born on the 4th of May—opened the original Fourth of May restaurant on St. Simons Island. It was the roaring 80s, and these three ladies set the stage for the island’s culinary renaissance which continues today.
Joyful celebrations continue in our house with our sweet daughter Hunter’s birthday on May 17. By the time my birthday finally lands on May 20 no one in my family wants cake!
This gorgeous issue of Elegant Island Living also celebrates the very best of May, both on and off island. Read Susan Dennard Dunlap’s Mother’s Day tribute to her mom Marie Dennard, whom we all adore.
Wendy Paulson takes us back to the 80s with the genesis of her love story for Little St. Simons Island. Learn how Wendy and her husband Hank came to cherish and safeguard this ecological wonder.
The incredible team at LSSI welcomed us for a stunning photo shoot, Island Natural. Be inspired by the important preservation work done by the Conservation Center and plan a visit to our sister island just to the north. End the month with a meaningful Memorial Day tribute Taps at Twilight at Neptune Park, near the Lighthouse.
Before the days turn truly hot and the island buzzes with summer fun, enjoy the magic of island living in one of my favorite months—May!
Anna Cheshire Levitan
