KINDRED SPIRIT

A BLOG MESSAGE BOARD FOR
BRUNSWICK PLANTATION & GOLF RESORT
CALABASH NC

On a dune at Bird Island, a few miles from Brunswick Plantation, right off the western end of Sunset Beach NC, is an isolated mailbox with the inscription "Kindred Spirit" on its side.  Inside the mailbox are notebooks and a pencil for passing beachcombers and joggers to record their thoughts and feelings. A handy bench is nearby to sit and contemplate the beauty of the surroundings and read the notations made by others who take the time to fully appreciate how lucky they are to be in such a wonderful place.  Think of this BLOG as a place to meet "Kindred Spirits", to enjoy reading about activities  and happenings at the Plantation as well as the surrounding area.  This southeastern corner of North Carolina is a special paradise of sun, sea, and sand.  My name is Phyllis Billingsley, a homeowner here, and I welcome you to comment and/or ask questions about Brunswick Plantation.  Think of this as an opportunity for you to REKINDLE YOUR SPIRIT!

Brunswick Plantation Golf Resort held its annual Golf Club Championship tournament July 21 through July 24 2008, with the ladies playing on Monday and Wednesday, and the men playing on Tuesday and Thursday.  George Tuccinardi took first place in the Men's Championship Flight and Alcina Davis won first place in the Ladies' Championship Flight.

Players thoughts after the Tournament:

Organization of the Club Championship was first class all the way--Pro Shawn Hicken and his staff had everything set up to perfection.  We were treated like "special people."  Brunswick Plantation (Caw Caw Land) President Mason Anderson used to say, "Welcome to Heaven."  We have been at Brunswick Plantation 14 years and we think "we have died and gone to Heaven."  Geri C.- moved here from Yorktown, NY

I absolutely thought the Pro Shop and the kitchen did a great job on the Championship Tournament.  It was well run with good participation by the membership.  We enjoyed the Putting Tournament and all the nice prizes, too.  We compliment the chef on the delicious dinner.  Having the special box lunches each day was the icing on the cake.  Phyllis T. - moved here from Frederick MD.

The overall Tournament was well run with a nice dinner evening.  The food was superb.  The company and activities made for a fun evening all around.  Since living at Brunswick Plantation I have made a lot of new friends, while keeping the old.  I love the convenience of golf right outside my door.  Ever since I was a boy and caddied, I dreamed of living in a golf community.  I enjoy my great neighbors and especially, though, the golf.  George T. - moved here from Upper Marlboro MD

With the eyes of the world on Beijing, I thought a few pictures would be nice.  As some of you already know, my granddaughter spent her junior year of college at Beijing University last year and had the opportunity of living with a Chinese family.  One picture shows her in front of the Olympic Time Clock; others are taken at the Summer Palace.  The topiary shots are from the new Olympic Gardens.  However, this week she is not in Beijing but in Paris.  I am an "armchair traveler" this week and it is exciting to see what is going on in the world that is good.  Here at Brunswick Plantation, it is summer, there is no question, so it is time to enjoy the pools and the beach and the gorgeous sun sets.

With the Olympics only a few days away, USA Today discussed how improved training and suppport programs have allowed older Americans to compete right up there with the young Olympians.  This is no surprise to us when you see men and women here on the Plantation actively engaged in outdoor sports, especially golf, swimming, tennis, and walking.  We are a generation of "doers" and know the value of exercise.  Some of the quotes from USA Today:  "Age is just a number" (Dara Torres, 41); "You train smarter, not harder" (Bill Sands, sports scientist);  "When you are older, you pick your shots" (Judo athlete Valerie Gotay).  Our oldest Olympian is Libby Callahan, 56, shooting.

Golf is again being considered for inclusion in the 2016 Olympics.  After being dropped in 1904 as an Olympic sport, it is now going to compete with baseball and softball for consideration.  China has over 150+ golf courses, most along the coast but Russia is just now building their very first.  Imagine!  Here on the Grand Strand we have over 100 golf courses from which to choose and right here at Brunswick Plantation we have 27 beautifiul holes of golf to enjoy.  What a blessing to live in the great state of North Carolina with weather that is ideal.

Here at Brunswick Plantation we have a number of families with siblings and other relatives also property owners here.  One family will purchase here, other extended family members visit and see the great lifestyle available, and they in turn decide to purchase here.

One such family group has three close sisters.  Marsha, along with husband Ed, from Saratoga NY, first purchased a golf villa for vacations.  As time went on and retirement rolled around, they realized they wanted to build a single family home and become full-time residents.  In 2001 that dream came true and they now live happily as North Carolina homeowners.

In 2002, sister Andrea and husband Jimmy, from Whitehall NY, retired and built here after enjoying visits with Marsha and Ed, playing golf and enjoying Sunset Beach.

Not to be left out, when the third sister Char, who now is alone, decided to relocate, the triangle was complete.  Char also came from Whitehall and is now the proud owner of a single family home near Marsha and Andrea.

This family group now enjoys get-togethers, shopping, and playing together.  They also have that added security of loved ones nearby.  How great is this!

Note:  Ed is pictured in his back yard with a new friend, Mr. Squirrel.