13-mile drive - Reynolds Lake Oconee

REYNOLDS
LIVING
ISSUE I
What’s Happening at Reynolds
Issue I
43
21
7
19
13
Reynolds Plantation
Properties is the sole
sponsor of Reynolds Living
and is pleased to present
this special glimpse into
the lifestyle enjoyed
every day at Reynolds
on Lake Oconee. For
more information on
real estate opportunities
and how to experience
everything there is to
offer, contact Reynolds
Plantation Properties at
800-800-5250 or visit
ReynoldsPlantation.com/Mag.
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3 Southern Welcomes
21 Everyday Living
35 Preferred Properties
Homes in Reynolds have a way of curling their
index fingers and pulling us in
We give you seven reasons, covering 21
beautiful miles, to take a walk through Reynolds
7 Culinary Creations
25 Culinary Creations
Our community offers homes that complement
the lifestyle on Lake Oconee; explore two
new model homes crafted to reinforce
that commitment
From the farm to the fork, here are several ways
that produce is finding its way to the tables
of Reynolds
The National Tavern—the newest addition to
the Reynolds’ palate
39 Be a Fan
11 Affinity Clubs
2014 NFL Coach of the Year Bruce Arians
and wife Christine call Reynolds their
“Forever Home”
Bike clubs grow in size, popularity and mileage
13 Culinary Creations
Chef Bill Greenwald puts a unique twist on the
traditional tailgate
19 Children & Families
27 Member Profile
33 On Lake Oconee
A growing trend has members grabbing paddles
to power their way around Lake Oconee
When it comes to adventure, the kids of Reynolds
on Lake Oconee should look no further than what’s
in their own backyard
Real estate and other amenities are owned by Oconee Land Development Company LLC and/or other subsidiaries and affiliates of MetLife, Inc. (collectively, “OLDC” or “Sponsor”) and by unrelated third parties. Reynolds Plantation Properties, LLC (“RPP”) is the exclusive listing agent for OLDC-owned properties in Reynolds Plantation. RPP also represents buyers and sellers of properties in Reynolds Plantation which OLDC
does not own (“Resale Properties”). OLDC is not involved in the marketing or sale of Resale Properties. This is not intended to be an offer to sell nor a solicitation of offers to buy OLDC-owned real estate in Reynolds Plantation by residents of HI, ID, OR, or any other jurisdiction where prohibited by law. As to such states, any offer to sell or solicitation of offers to buy applies only to Resale Properties. Access and rights to
recreational amenities may be subject to fees, membership dues, or other limitations. Information provided is believed accurate as of the date printed but may be subject to change from time to time. The Ritz-Carlton Lodge is a private commercial enterprise and use of the facilities is subject to the applicable fees and policies of the operator.
For OLDC properties, obtain the Property Report required by Federal law and read it before signing anything. No Federal agency has judged the merits or value, if any, of this property. Void where prohibited by law. WARNING: THE CALIFORNIA
No matter what colors you donned in your
college days, Reynolds allows many ways to stay
connected to the teams you love
43 Outside the Gates
Quick and easy drives well worth your time
45 On the Links
Meet “Club Nerd” John Habegger and learn
how his passion can add yards to your
golf swing
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49 Member Profile
The rare collection of Jerry and June Smith is
truly like taking a trip down memory lane
53 In the Neighborhood
Learn how The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, Lake
Oconee transforms into a magical winter
wonderland for the holiday season
57 Member Profile
Former New York Giant Bobby Duhon shares
the Reynolds lifestyle with his teammates
61 Coming Home
A growing vibe at the lake is causing more
and more people to exit here
DEPARTMENT OF REAL ESTATE HAS NOT INSPECTED, EXAMINED, OR DISQUALIFIED THIS OFFERING. An offering statement has been filed with the Iowa Real Estate Commission and a copy of such statement is available from OLDC upon request. OLDC
properties have been registered with the Massachusetts Board of Registration of Real Estate Brokers and Salesmen at 1000 Washington Street, Suite 710, Boston, Massachusetts 02118-6100 and the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection at 1700 G Street
NW, Washington, D.C. 20552. Certain OLDC properties are registered with the Department of Law of the State of New York. THE COMPLETE OFFERING TERMS ARE IN AN OFFERING PLAN AVAILABLE FROM SPONSOR. FILE NO. H14-0001.
You can tell a lot about a home—as distinct
from a house—by how it says “welcome.”
Photography by Becky White
3 Southern Welcomes
All these touchstones tell
us with certainty to walk
through the door, sit down,
and in the truest sense of
the phrase, “make yourself
at home.”
Southern Welcomes 4
H
ow does a house beckon you in? Along a path of stones or
worn grass? Through a bower of hanging trees or a canopy of
flowers? A swinging gate or a flagstone sidewalk? Perhaps it’s
an open screen door or a wrap-around porch. Whether or not
there’s a welcome mat out front, every home has its own special
way of inviting us across the threshold.
The homes in Reynolds find many ways to curl their index
fingers our way and pull us in. Here are just a few that do an
especially fine job of expressing true Southern hospitality by
how they reach out to the street and say “hello.”
5 Southern Welcomes
Southern Welcomes 6
T’S TRENDING
A
H
W
on
The Table
By Ashley Jeffords | Photography by Terry Allen and Becky White
The concept of “farm to table” has grown in popularity
recently across the country, and for many has become a
lifestyle change. People are eager to put on their work gloves,
get dirty, and plant the seeds which will soon grow into fresh
vegetables, fruits, and herbs to enjoy at their own tables. If
a green thumb wasn’t inherited, local farmers are excited to
provide the ingredients for tonight’s dinner from the local
farmers market.
“Farm to table” has also found its way to Reynolds, and it
is changing how many members and guests enjoy their food,
thanks to the main cook in the kitchen.
“I am not a can-opener chef,” says Derin Moore, executive
chef at Reynolds on Lake Oconee and one of fewer than
seventy certified master chefs in the world. “Food should be
prepared this way, no question.”
Having always believed in using only fresh and high quality
ingredients when making dishes, Chef Moore says “this trend
of ‘farm to table’ is not new for me, but I’m thrilled more
people are eager to learn and implement a more healthy
diet for themselves.” Chef Moore has plans to convert all the
dining facilities at Reynolds to “farm to table” by adding
more plant- and herb-based items to the menus.
7 Culinary Creations
Culinary Creations 8
“Consistency and quality are most important. From sugar levels of
melons to the acidity of tomatoes; the sweetness of corn to the crispness of
lettuce–I am always searching for the freshest products that taste the best
for our members and guests.”
And many of the members of Reynolds are already implementing “farm
there’s a lot of ‘sweat equity’ inside the fences.”
Like other amenities in Reynolds, the Community Garden serves a dual
purpose—gardening and fellowship. Located adjacent to the main water
tower on Plantation Lane, many gather to tend their beds while socializing
to table” in their own homes by means of the Community Garden. What
and learning from fellow gardeners. “We like to plan ‘garden dates’ where
started with only eight raised beds just last April 2014 has nearly tripled
we bring our favorite beverages and dishes made from the crops we grew,
in size to 21 raised beds. “We currently have 38 gardeners tending the
and just sit in the garden together.” With beds growing produce, including
garden,” says Carolyn Taylor, full-time resident and lead advocate and
fresh herbs, beans, squash, eggplant, peppers, cucumbers, and tomatoes,
founder of the Community Garden. “We have about 15 members who are
the dishes shared amongst the members are endless.
patiently waiting to join the enthusiasm of the garden, and with room for
potentially seven more raised beds, I hope to welcome them soon.”
Taylor, who is one of four master gardeners who maintain beds and
Community Garden at Reynolds
area to be treated with pride, and by managing it ourselves, one could say
So whether it’s eating the feature dish prepared by Chef Moore with
the freshest ingredients at one of the clubhouses or having lunch made
from this week’s pickings in the Community Garden, the “farm to table”
educate others on gardening and horticulture, says the garden has evolved
movement is what’s trending at Reynolds. And by the looks of it, it’s
into a mixture of vegetable, herb, and flower beds. “Each plot is assigned
here to stay.
and tended self-sufficiently by the residents. We encourage the garden
“Consistency and quality are most important. From sugar levels of melons to the
acidity of tomatoes; the sweetness of corn to the crispness of lettuce – I am always
searching for the freshest products that taste the best for our members and guests.”
Ripe Thing Market, Greensboro
9 Culinary Creations
Culinary Creations 10
ALONG FOR THE RIDE
By Bryce McCuin | Photography by Terry Allen
It’s not the Tour de France, but cyclists are racking up
the miles in and around Reynolds on Lake Oconee.
J
im Carpenter’s original idea was simple: A group of
friends meeting at Lake Oconee Village for a weekly bike
derailleur from a drumstick. Grotke even convinced her
ride. They’d start in the parking lot of a nearby bank;
husband to start riding four years ago; now, he’s hooked.
three, four, maybe five of them pedaling through the
“Barbara is our biggest success story,” says Grotke.
local countryside.
That was seven years ago. Work began to pull
now taking on 20-25 miles each excursion and using the
latest and greatest biking gear.” Grotke has her own email
club fell to Lisa Baynes, who is now the big wheel of the
list of avid wheelmen and women, which usually results
Lake Oconee Cycling Group, which has an email list of
in 6 to 12 riders per outing. There’s no set calendar, but
nearly 100 riders, novice to advanced. From March to
the group rides pretty consistently throughout the year
mid-fall, 20 or so members take off on varied excursions
as the weather permits. Besides covering local roads and
twice a week. On Tuesdays, they start on Walker Church
trails, Grotke’s group makes two or three farther-flung
Road and ride a scenic stretch north toward the quaint
trips a year, enjoying the Brag Ride in Madison and
city of Greensboro. Thursday’s ride is a “Bike n’ Brew”
Columbus, Augusta’s Canal Trail, and the Silver Comet
that covers the countryside and makes a frothy finish at a
Trail in Atlanta.
after-ride rounds.
“There’s really a pretty large biking community here,”
See more Reynolds’ members pedaling around Lake Oconee by visiting ReynoldsLiving.com/Biking.
“She started as a novice with an older, used bike and is
Carpenter away from Lake Oconee so steering the bike
favorite establishment offering a hearty selection of
11 Affinity Clubs
of introducing the sport to people who wouldn’t know a
“It’s amazing to see groups like these come together,”
says Jim Carpenter, who is again riding regularly each week
thanks to spending more time at his home at Reynolds.
explains Reynolds’ resident Barbara Mazza, who began
“That’s really the special thing about this place. If you
riding after meeting Bette Grotke, an avid cyclist with
have a hobby or interest, it’s pretty likely you’ll find several
more than 35 years in the saddle and a great track record
others that are eager to jump in and share in it with you.”
Affinity Clubs 12
MOVABLE
FEAST
A UNIQUE TWIST ON TAILGATING
By Chris Fedelem | Photography by Terry Allen
13 Culinary Creations
For football fans in the South, the first hint of autumn air heralds the much-anticipated
return of our favorite college teams—and of course, the long-awaited arrival of “Tailgate
Season.” Combining graciousness and hospitality with a deeply rooted passion for
collegiate sports, tailgate parties have become a unique form of performance art.
Culinary Creations 14
Bill Greenwald, chef de cuisine at Plantation Grille,
has reimagined traditional tailgate fare, drawing his
inspiration from the products and cuisine of the Lake
Oconee region. Using select home-grown ingredients,
Chef Bill prepared a menu of easy-to-make recipes that
both reflect the casual elegance of the lake lifestyle and
the spirited tailgate setting. Huddle up one or more of
the following dishes at your next pregame gathering
and you’re sure to score big with your guests.
From “The Grove” at Ole Miss, to
the “Cockaboose Railroad” at South
Carolina, to the annual takeover of
Quail and Shrimp Kabobs
Grilled Peaches and Ice Cream
the Jacksonville riverfront by hordes
of Bulldog and Gator fans, these
Southern soirees occur in distinctive
locations and rely on sacred traditions.
Quail and Shrimp Kabobs: Locally-raised Greensboro Quail have been a Reynolds
Catfish Tacos
Gazpacho
But the one element common to
every respectable tailgate party is
a lavish spread of food and drink.
favorite for decades. The rich, succulent flavors of quail leg quarters are paired with fresh
shrimp from the Georgia coast and handpicked vegetables from Chef Bill’s own garden.
Grill four minutes per side and serve with bourbon and molasses dipping sauce for a tasteful
alternative to chicken wings.
Catfish Tacos: Here’s an easy, plate-optional delight from the lake directly to your
tailgate. Prepare toppings in advance, cook the fish on-site, and assemble ingredients to
taste. Fill a tortilla with grilled, blackened, or fried Lake Oconee catfish, garnish with fresh
lettuce, tomato, cilantro, and lime, then top with choice of peppery salsa, savory truffle
oil, or zesty aioli.
Lake Oconee Punch: Microdistilleries
may be the latest trend, but in Georgia,
the hand crafting of small batch liquor
has been perfected over hundreds
of years. Now available legally, a
combination of locally-produced rums
made from Southern molasses lends
heavy notes of vanilla and a hint of
butterscotch to this refreshing tailgate
treat. Blend with orange, cranberry,
and pomegranate juices, garnish with
slices of fresh citrus, and serve in chilled
glasses packed with ice.
Ingredients
without its namesake. Lightly grilling the peach halves releases additional sugars, draws
1 ½ oz. light rum
out the right amount of mouth-watering tartness, and intensifies their enticing aroma.
1 ½ oz. dark rum
from a local dairy, and be prepared when your guests ask for seconds.
Gazpacho: Soup at a tailgate party? Absolutely, when this Spanish favorite is so easy
and delicious. Prepare in advance and serve chilled from the ice chest for a refreshing
appetizer bursting with garden-fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and peppers. Sprinkle
with chopped vegetables and herb relish; try croutons for extra crunch.
Inspire your next tailgate by peeking at the full spread of images and recipes at ReynoldsLiving.com/Tailgate.
by the Numbers:
Grilled Peaches and Ice Cream: No tailgate buffet in the Peach State is complete
Serve warm with a hearty scoop of Chef Bill’s vanilla ice cream, made with organic milk
15 Culinary Creations
Gingerbread
3 oz. orange juice
2 oz. cranberry juice
1 tbs. pomegranate juice
Garnish with lemon
and lime slices.
Culinary Creations 16
Photography by Robin Bish
&Wine Festival
Save the Date:
Food
2016
Lake Oconee
The Lake Oconee Food & Wine Festival will return to
The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee March 18-19, 2016.
With a variety of culinary samplings, fine wines, and special
events, you will not want to miss out on this delicious weekend!
Visit OconeeFoodandWine.com for more information.
Backyard
Playground
By Karen Moraghan
Photography by Bryce McCuin, Heidi Kalpak, and Becky White
C
onvincing kids at Reynolds on Lake Oconee to ditch
their tech gear and go outside to play is not the toughest job
in the world. When there is so much fun to be had—swimming
and diving, canoeing and tubing, hiking and biking, golf
and tennis, soccer and more—the real trick is to get kids to
take a timeout. This past summer, more than 1,400 children
unplugged long enough to experience it all, enjoying a few
thrills and learning new skills. Not to mention taking a few
selfies along the way.
19 Children & Families
Children & Families 20
TAKE A
HIKE!
By Bryce McCuin
A Walker’s Guide to the Trails
of Reynolds on Lake Oconee
It’s hard to say why walking and hiking have
become such popular pastimes in the U.S.
Perhaps it’s because they are as simple as
moving one foot then the other. Or maybe in
this hectic, super-connected world they offer
the chance to get outdoors, breathe the fresh
air, and see the world with nothing but your
own two feet as your guide.
Within the approximately 10,000
acres of Reynolds are seven terrific
reasons, covering 21 beautiful miles, to
take a walk through the community.
There are open water lake views,
boardwalks, bridges, golf courses,
and, according to Joe Sama,
landscape director for the Reynolds
Property Owners Association,
plenty of natural beauty to take
in along the way.
21 Everyday Living
Oconee Trail
H
ere’s a look at the seven magnificent trails, and
what you might expect to find along the way.
trail takes its name: A member of the lily family that
grows low to the ground, it can be identified by its
whorl of three, leaf-like bracts, and blooms in May
1) At the north end of property, the Angel Pond Trail
and June with three-petaled white flowers. This trail is
consists of 5.75 miles of path, mostly edging a scenic
perfect for practicing your birding, tree identification,
cove of Lake Oconee (an incredible fishing spot, by the
and tracking. Also take a special moment to wander
way). The trail begins along a long boardwalk and gives
through the Reflection Garden, built by members to
ample opportunity to catch an osprey nesting or an
memorialize loved ones within the community and
egret coasting along the glasslike coves, searching for
located behind the Commons building.
the next meal. About halfway up the path, you’ll cross
Saddle Ridge Trail
“There’s plenty to see
out there,”
Angel Pond Trail
Everyday
Living
14 23
RP On
Lake
Oconee
says Sama, who knows just
about every inch of Reynolds,
having worked here for close
to 15 years. “Depending on
the season, you can see some
amazing blooms, from the
dogwoods and the cherry trees
in the spring to the amazing
bright red and orange leaves
that cover the trails in the fall.
There’s also an abundance
of wildlife in the lake, on the
ground, or up in the air.”
the angel-wing-shaped pond that gives the trails their
5) The Linger Longer Trail, starting at the Plantation
name. Finish by strolling past the Jim Engh-designed
marina, is 4 miles of hikes that wanders through two
Creek Club golf course.
of Reynolds’ six golf courses (Plantation and National),
passes numerous creeks and ponds, and offers several
2) For braver hikers, the Armor’s Ford Trail is tucked
peeks at Lake Oconee. If you like to angle when you
inside the north section of Reynolds and range up and
amble, bring along a fishing rod and plan to stop at the
down some of the more dramatic elevation changes of
pier dock at Plantation Pavilion, Carolyn’s Pond, or the
the Creek Club golf course. Be ready for a full workout
pond or lake pavilion at either end of Curtwright Place.
during this 3.5-mile walk, which finishes at the Lake
It’s an especially scenic stroll when the dogwoods are
Club marina.
in bloom. There are other hardwoods and wild cherry
trees before the trail ends near historic Horseshoe
3) The centrally located Oconee Trail is a popular hike
Bend. Named some 200 years ago for its bend in what
for guests of The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee.
was then the Oconee River, this property was once
It’s a moderate trail that moves through towering
home to the Curtwright Factory and a surrounding
hardwoods and pines and passes several popular
mill village that operated during the mid-1800s. Some
attractions including The Reynolds Golf Academy,
of the structures still remain, although many were
The Kingdom at Reynolds, and multiple holes of the
covered by the lake when it was filled in 1979.
Oconee and National golf courses.
6 & 7) The North and South Trails, in the Great
4) The Saddle Ridge Trail is a 3-mile walk near the
Waters neighborhood, cover 3 miles through this lovely
first section of the property to be developed at the
community. Walk under the limbs of towering trees
Plantation golf course. White oaks, hickories, poplars,
and alongside the Jack Nicklaus Signature golf course.
dogwoods, and loblolly pines tower overhead. Listen
The South Trail begins at the clubhouse and finishes
for birds calling from the canopy, feel the wind rustling
close to the community entrance, passing numerous
the trees, and enjoy the foliage adding perfume to the
holes on the front nine. The North Trail also begins at
air. Along the way is “Trillium Trail,” a half-mile loop
the clubhouse and finishes in the middle of the back
of mulched path along a native spring, with steep
nine among some of the most scenic holes on Lake
elevation changes and plenty of natural beauty. Be on
Oconee—or anywhere else.
the lookout for the Trillium plant, from which the
Everyday Living 24
Tastes of the
N
othing says, “Stop in, relax and stay awhile …” better than
a big, comfortable front porch. The kind that looks out on
By Ed Vyeda | Photography by Terry Allen
the Georgia countryside, reaching out with all its Southern
charm to make everybody feel welcome.
The Tavern is designed with just that in mind. The
restaurant’s most visible exterior feature is the large
wraparound porch inviting guests to enjoy the scenic golf
course views from several comfortable settings with casual
open-air dining options, overlooking a practice green area
and fire pit.
Located near the finishing hole of the Bluff nine on the
National golf course, the Tavern is the centerpiece of the
new National Village. The craftsman-style farmhouse design
creates a warm and friendly setting to gather for some
relaxation and conversation.
Polished concrete floors, brick columns and walls, along
with steel and glass windows define the interior space. Enjoy
the large island bar—perfect for dining, drinks and socializing
with views of the active chef ’s kitchen. A large stacked stone
fireplace enhances the experience, while a pair of French doors
leads to a screened-in porch.
Executive Chef Derin Moore promises some “unique twists
on the traditional pub menu.” Order your favorite beverage
from the specially trained “Liquid Chefs.” “Shareable Bites”
are a terrific starter or perhaps a hand-crafted artisan pizza.
Be sure to end the evening with a “Small Sweet Bite,” just a
sampling to satisfy your sweet tooth.
25 Culinary Creations
Culinary Creations 26
Bruce and
Christine
Arians
By Ed Vyeda
Photography by Terry Allen and Bryce McCuin
Owner of two Super
Bowl rings as offensive
coordinator for the
Pittsburgh Steelers and
twice NFL Coach
of the Year, Bruce
Arians has made
some pretty good
calls during a
career that includes
working with NFL
superstars Peyton
Manning, Ben
Roethlisberger,
and Andrew Luck.
B
ut no call was more important than the one he made as a
freshman quarterback at Virginia Tech.
Right after Christmas break, Arians was back on campus a couple
Classic, held June 28-29 at the Oconee course at Reynolds.
“The golf tournament is a large part of what we do,” Christine
of weeks when he realized he could no longer maintain a long-distance
said. “But even if we didn’t raise money, just the awareness for
relationship with his girlfriend at home in York, Pennsylvania.
CASA and what we do is invaluable.”
So, Arians called her to explain. “He’s breaking up with me,” she
thought. Instead, he said, “I guess we have to get married.”
That was 44 years ago and Bruce and Christine Arians haven’t been
Owning a home in Great Waters since 2007, the couple is actually
moving again—but just a few blocks, down closer to the lake at
Great Waters. And while they split time between Phoenix and
apart since. Granted, they have lived the somewhat nomadic life of a
Greensboro, its Reynolds that Christine calls “My forever home.”
football coach’s family, one that has taken them to 14 different jobs
We sat down with Bruce and Christine and asked about their love
in nine states, all four U.S. time zones, and countless houses.
and attachment to Reynolds.
Although he holds one of the most high-profile jobs in America,
Arians shines the spotlight elsewhere. “Christine is the hero in our
When did you make your first visit to Reynolds on Lake Oconee?
family,” he says of his wife, a family-law attorney who has handled
Christine: It was in March eight years ago; we were living in
countless broken-home cases. “Football is a game. She helps save
Pittsburgh at the time, and were at Reynolds five days, looking
kids’ lives.”
at everything. We were getting close to retirement and thinking,
As part of Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), Christine
Arians helps ensure that children who are involved in the court
system, as a result of abuse or neglect by their families, receive the
help they need. The Arians Family Foundation supports CASA
27 Member Profile
through fundraising events like the annual Georgia Celebrity Golf
“Where do we want to spend the rest of our lives?”
Bruce: I got this flyer in the mail from Reynolds, so I got online and
when I saw it, I wanted to be there. I bought two plane tickets and
said, “Let’s go.”
Member Profile 28
L-R: Traci Arians, Presley Arians, Jake Arians, Bruce Arians, Christine Arians, Kristy Arians, and Blake Freeman
What were your first impressions of Reynolds?
Christine: I thought, “Wow, this is great.” It had the
great golf and gorgeous lake, and a nice quiet pace of life.
It is a country atmosphere, but sophisticated at the same time.
Bruce: Everyone is extremely friendly. We enjoyed the variety of
Why did you choose Reynolds on Lake Oconee as
your home at this stage of your lives?
Christine: When we drove through the gates at Great
Waters, it felt like we had come home. It had everything we could have
possibly wanted.
clubhouses, and as we were looking around, it was amazing how
Bruce: We had looked around in Mississippi, Alabama, and the Gulf
friendly and vibrant the Great Waters clubhouse was.
Coast of Florida. All the great golf courses, being on the water, a smaller
What do you enjoy most about Reynolds?
Christine: The blue skies, the warm weather, and the water sports.
Both of us just love the water. We take the boat out, find a place to
community; that made Reynolds very appealing to us.
Is your next move going to be a little easier, since you’re
not building, but bought an existing house at Great Waters?
“The amenities
speak for
themselves, but
it’s the people who
make it. And when
I am in Arizona,
I miss the lake.”
How would you analyze your golf game?
Bruce: Never lay up. It’s the same as calling plays. You can’t hit a great shot
unless you try a great shot. Of course I hit a lot of balls in the water. I am
an 8 handicap—but all that means is I am going to lose a lot of money in
February—and all the guys know it.
And how are you as a fisherman?
Bruce: I am the worst. If there are three of us on the boat, all using the same
bait, two will catch fish and I won’t get a bite. I have to learn how to fish.
Are you looking forward to future golf tournaments at Reynolds for
the Arians Family Foundation?
anchor, and just float, have lunch. And the clubhouses are awesome.
Christine: Moving is never easy, but this is our last one.
Bruce: The amenities speak for themselves, but it’s the people who
Bruce: We are real excited about moving out right on the lake, and
support we get because Bruce is so recognizable there. But we just had to do
make it. And when I am in Arizona, I miss the lake.
we are building a swimming pool and pool house. It will be a great
one at Reynolds. The family comes down and it is such a fun time. Normally
gathering place for our whole family.
it takes time to be successful, but we have raised money each year.
Christine: The tournament in Arizona has been wonderful, with all the
Bruce: When we started the foundation, we wanted to have a golf tournament
on the East Coast, because so many of our friends and family are there. Now
they come down here to play in it. Everyone at Reynolds has been so generous in
29 Member Profile
Take a look at all the excitement from this past year’s Georgia Celebrity Golf Classic at Reynolds by visiting ReynoldsLiving.com/Arians.
helping us get it off the ground.
Member Profile 30
THE HOME TEAM
The Reynolds Team. Offering exclusive, complete real estate services since 1987.
New Homes and Homesites. Listings and Resales.
Reynolds Plantation Properties, LLC
Paddle
POWER
By Chris Fedelem | Photography by Ralph Daniel
A
nd then it happens. The first brilliant rays of auburn sunlight
break over the horizon. The world awakens. And you have the best
for an afternoon,” he explains, careful not to take the ecstasy out of
seat in the house.
the exercise. “It’s an every-age, every-season sport that you can do at
“It’s just a peaceful adventure,” says Sandy Evans. “When you’re in
minimal instruction and our marinas have rental kayaks available for
and resident of Reynolds since 1993, Evans began kayaking four years
anybody who wants to try one without making a large investment.”
Kayaking also offers a unique take on socializing. Just ask Jude
friends gives her the opportunity to relax and reconnect with the
Martincic, who moved to Reynolds from Annapolis, Maryland,
tranquil beauty that only Reynolds affords.
in 1997. Two years ago, a neighbor purchased two kayaks, invited
“Nature is really something when you go slow and take the time
27 On Lake Oconee
33
your own pace.” And easy for beginners: “The basic strokes require
a kayak, you see things you could not see any other way.” A member
ago. Navigating the early-morning waters of Lake Oconee with a few
Wisps of cool mist float leisurely off the lake as the predawn is illuminated by a
sapphire glow. In the wind, songbirds limber up their voices. The air is crisp and
clean, with hints of sunscreen and hot coffee. Gliding across Lake Oconee’s mirrored
surface, the silence is broken only by the delicate splashing of paddle into water.
increase flexibility and is an excellent way to break from the gym
Martincic to give one a try, and she’s been hooked ever since. First
to observe it,” Evans says. The sleek contour, shallow draft, and
it was two ladies taking morning jaunts on the lake. The twosome
maneuverability of a kayak allow paddlers access to places that can’t
quickly became four, then six. The neighborhood crew now includes
be seen from shore or reached with bigger boats. “There are nesting
seven women and their mascot, a Jack Russell Terrier named LuLu
bald eagles, great blue herons, and deer along the shoreline, and I’m
Belle. “We go out early, talk, take pictures, and have coffee—all while
amazed by the flowering lily pads in the coves.”
surrounded by this amazing beauty,” says Martincic. “What could
For Andrew Huebner, the community’s recreation director,
kayaking is a terrific opportunity to integrate outdoor recreation into
be better?”
Whether experiencing nature’s wonder, adding the outdoors to
members’ workout routines. “It’s a low-impact aerobic activity that
your wellness regimen, or launching a water-borne kaffeeklatsch,
can improve cardiovascular health, strengthen major muscle groups,
kayaking on Lake Oconee is sure to float your boat.
On Lake Oconee 34
CraftYOUR
SIGNATURE
By Laura Craft | Photography by Terry Allen and Ashley Jeffords
Living at Reynolds on Lake Oconee is all about
choices: six golf courses, countless other activities,
nine restaurants. That same spirit of variety is true
when it comes to the selection of homes, which are
built in many different styles, by a trusted coterie of
contractors, with the elements of interior design as
personal as each owner.
35 Preferred Properties
Mill Creek Model Home Center
T
he community is committed to offering homes that complement
Both homes also take their stylistic cues from the great outdoors.
the lifestyle on Lake Oconee, marrying the latest technologies with
The interior designers use varying shades of blues and greens in
traditional architectural and aesthetic elements. Two new model
contrast with the more neutral hues of natural wood construction
homes reinforce this commitment.
and select pieces of furniture. Large windows provide an abundance
The Mill Creek Model Center overlooks the exclusive Creek Club golf
of natural light and effectively bring the beauty of nature inside.
course with homes as distinctive as the dramatic split-fairway fifth hole
After a day playing golf or tennis, paddle boarding, barbecuing
just outside their back doors. Both homes create sociable environments
with friends, or attending one of the many cultural events that come
with open floor plans, design features that emphasize comfort, and
to Reynolds, these are homes that you want to come home to.
gourmet kitchens sure to become the hub of family activity.
The Mill Creek Model Home Center is open for tours daily. But take a virtual tour or read more any time at ReynoldsPlantation.com/MillCreek.
Whether your hobbies include
boating on Lake Oconee, teeing
off on a world-renowned golf
course, or serving an ace at the
tennis center, the heart of life
at Reynolds is your home.
Ask the Designer:
THREE TIPS
from Interior Designer Alicia Mooney
Alicia Mooney,
interior designer
of one of the
Reynolds model
homes, attributes
the natural setting
surrounding the
homes for her
design motivation.
Whether she is
designing a model home or updating a
current space, she stands firm to these
three design principles:
1. The kitchen is the heart of your home, where
you should spend the bulk of your money.
From cooking to entertaining, the kitchen
should set the tone for your entire home.
2. Light fixtures are “the jewelry” of your home,
so put serious effort into choosing the right
ones. Light fixtures should look like they come
from the same catalogue, but they do not have
to be all the same. Mix tones and metals for a
look that is cohesive, yet fun.
3. When selecting upholstery, go for quality
items that are aesthetically pleasing as well as
comfortable. A house should look elegant,
but livable.
37 Preferred Properties
Preferred Properties 38
TO YOUR SCHOOL
By Chris Fedelem | Photography by by Terry Allen and Bryce McCuin
WITH MEMBERS HAILING FROM ALMOST EVERY STATE AND MORE THAN
A DOZEN FOREIGN COUNTRIES, REYNOLDS ON LAKE OCONEE IS A
MELTING POT OF COLLEGIATE FANDOM.
The pomp and circumstance, pageantry and tradition
the players. Neighbors Richard and Connie Grossman
of college sports creates bonds between fans and
hosted the UT coaches. “They’re my brothers and we
schools that endure a lifetime. And no matter where
wanted to make sure they were taken care of at our
members come from, Reynolds allows them many
home club,” says Cornelia.
ways to exhibit their passion and pride while staying
connected to the teams they love, even bringing some
by the community is nothing less than amazing. “It’s
of them “on campus” to compete in major golf events.
just wonderful. They welcome us into their home like
The Linger Longer Invitational at Reynolds—which
celebrated its 10th anniversary earlier this year—has
family,” says Colin Sheehan, head golf coach at Yale,
whose team was hosted for two consecutive years by
become one of the nation’s
Dave and Ginny Dornheggen.
premier NCAA men’s
“They didn’t have a team in the
collegiate golf events. The
tournament, so they adopted
tournament gives Reynolds’
my kids. Everyone here is so
members a chance to do
accommodating—the staff,
more than just root for
the rules officials, and the
favorite schools; they can
spectators; Reynolds just goes
host players and coaches in
above and beyond.”
their homes, as well.
“As soon as we found
out Texas was coming, we
39 Be A Fan
For the coaches, the level of hospitality extended
Another chance for members
to fly their school colors is the
annual Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl
immediately volunteered to house the team,” says Tom
Challenge, which pairs NCAA head coaches with former
Cornelia, a former Texas golf letterman who still shares
athletes and celebrities from their schools, competing
a special connection to the Longhorns. “It’s a bond like
for $520,000 in scholarships. “The passion our members
a fraternity that you’ll never break.” Like numerous
have for their schools is wonderful and the players just
other Reynolds’ families, Tom and wife Debbie opened
love it,” says Charles Finch, who has been coordinating
their home, providing accommodations and meals for
volunteers for the event since its inception in 2007.
Be A Fan 40
The intimacy of the event allows members the unique opportunity to
see college coaches in a relaxed, informal setting. “There are no ropes,”
says Finch. “It’s a small group of spectators; everyone respects the players’
space, so the coaches tend to be gracious and accommodating.” It’s
not unusual to see Urban Meyer sharing a laugh with spectators while
walking between holes, or three-time tournament champs Paul Johnson
and Jon Barry of Georgia Tech posing for photographs with members.
Catherine Clark remembers the 2007 tournament when her sons,
Hampton and Palmer, met Alabama’s Nick Saban. “Coach Saban was so
friendly to them,” recalls Clark. “And for two boys who would each go on
to play four years of high school football, it was particularly meaningful.”
School spirit has other ways of expressing itself among Reynolds’
members. Look in the bag room at any of the six clubhouses and you’ll
see mascot headcovers and logoed towels, while school-colored hats,
shirts, and even socks can be found in almost every foursome. But in one
case, fans of two schools took their passion that extra step, creating a
tournament of their own pitting partisans of Ohio State and Michigan.
Hampton and Palmer Clark with Alabama Head Coach Nick Saban.
Rick Von Haam moved to Reynolds full-time in 2001, one year after
ESPN ranked the Ohio State/Michigan football game North America’s
greatest sports rivalry. A proud Buckeye, it didn’t take Von Haam long to
realize that the community was filled with transplants from the Midwest—
many with ties to his alma mater and its Maize and Blue nemesis. He and
a few like-minded friends organized a match-play competition between
the two groups coinciding with the annual football rivalry complete with
a dinner, custom trophy, and the playing of both teams’ fight songs prior
to tee off. “It was a very spirited thing that everyone looked forward to,”
says Von Haam. After a decade of competition nearly as spirited as “The
Game” itself, the fans have taken the last few seasons off. But their fond
memories of past meetings still strengthen their ties to their respective Big
10 institutions—and to each other.
Reynolds’ members exhibit a range of passions. But there may be none
more deeply rooted than those for their favorite colleges and teams. They
may have changed homes, jobs, and cities to get here, but they’ll never
change their alma mater.
Reynolds’ Member John Baird with North Carolina Coaches
Roy Williams and Larry Fedora.
41 Be A Fan
“The passion our members have for
their schools is wonderful and the
players just love it.”
The intimacy of the event allows
members the unique opportunity to see
college coaches in a relaxed, informal
setting. “There are no ropes.”
Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl Challenge
Easy
DRIVES
With all that goes on within the gates of Reynolds on Lake Oconee,
it’s easy to forget that there’s a fun, exciting world outside, too.
Here are six close-by excursions that will let you explore local history,
enjoy a great meal, or discover the perfect curio for your home.
By Laura Craft
Greensboro: 10-mile drive
Milledgeville: 29-mile drive
Photo Courtesy of Kara and Liam Davel
of Milledgeville Convention and Visitors Bureau
Eatonton: 13-mile drive
Athens: 45-mile drive
Photo Courtesy of Georgia Department of Economic Development
Photo Courtesy of VisitAthensGA.com
Madison: 23-mile drive
Augusta: 80-mile drive
Photo Courtesy of Madison-Morgan Convention and Visitors Bureau
and Visitors Bureau
Close to home, nearby Greensboro founded in
1786, offers a historic downtown downtown with
artistic flair on display in the many galleries, shops,
and artisan markets of local vendors. While there,
stop by Holcomb’s for the best in Georgia
barbeque or have a slice of buttermilk pie at
The Yesterday Café.
Nestled between Lake Oconee and Lake Sinclair,
Eatonton is a small town with a rich literary past. The
Georgia Writer’s Museum showcases the works and
careers of local literary greats such as Alice Walker,
Flannery O’Connor, Joel Chandler Harris, and many
more. After satisfying your appetite for books, sit down
for a sandwich or quiche at Sweet Kneads, or seafood
with a view of Lake Oconee at Bone Island GrillHouse.
In the heart of this charming picturesque village is a
National Register Historic District, which features an
outstanding collection of antebellum homes. You’ll
also find more than 165 antique dealers, as well as
several museums including the Madison-Morgan
Cultural Center, one of the first grade-school houses in
the South. There’s also plenty of more contemporary
shopping and a host of restaurants for every taste.
43 Outside the Gates
Old Capital Building, Milledgeville
(Note: Mileages are one way and approximate.)
From 1804 to 1868, Milledgeville was the
state capital—a past that’s still in view from
the old capital building to the former
Governor’s Mansion. There’s a convenient
trolley tour of the historical hot spots. Grab
a meal at Aubri Lanes, a restaurant housed in
a converted, 19th-century bank. Photo Courtesy
Much more than just tailgates and football
games, Athens has become a foodie’s paradise
with outstanding restaurants, such as Hugh
Acheson’s 5&10 and The National, the newly
opened Seabear Oyster Bar, The Branded
Butcher, and more. Craft brewing also is
popular: Visit Creature Comforts downtown or
stop by Terrapin Beer Company for a tasting.
While The Masters has given Augusta an
international recognition, it’s this charming
city’s Southern hospitality that enchants
visitors. While you won’t be able to tour
Augusta National, don’t miss the Surrey
Center, which is a mall and more, from
shopping for antiques to modern spa
treatments. Photo Courtesy of Augusta Convention
Outside the Gates 44
TH
M CL U B B U
O
D
G
N
ILD
E KI
ER
John Habegger
T
By Ed Vyeda | Photography by Kara and Liam Davel and Terry Allen
he golf shop at his local club near Winston-Salem, N.C. was John
Habegger’s favorite place to hang out as a teenager. He loved having a golf
club in his hands, and the self-described “club nerd” was able to turn that
passion into his career. For a few years, he traveled the country building clubs
for TaylorMade staff professionals. Today, he builds clubs for the rest of us at
The Kingdom at Reynolds, TaylorMade’s state-of-the-art high-tech
club-fitting facility.
“Club builders are golf ’s version of NASCAR pit crews,” said Habegger,
who “conservatively” estimates that he has built more than 100,000 golf
clubs. “I have always enjoyed the equipment side of golf and now I get to play
with golf clubs every day.”
Habegger has built clubs to the precise specifications of TaylorMade
staff pros like Sergio Garcia and Dustin Johnson, matching their clubs to
the specific needs and conditions of their course of choice while visiting
Reynolds; he’s no less happy fitting not-so-famous high-handicappers with a
new driver that instantly gives them 20 yards more off the tee.
45 On The Links
On The Links 46
TaylorMade Golf Tour Trailer
“I have always
enjoyed the equipment
side of golf and now
I get to play with golf
clubs every day.”
While it isn’t Pebble Beach one week and Bay Hill the next,
management, he became a technician for TaylorMade-Adidas Golf,
Habegger says every day is still different at The Kingdom. “With the
working in the Performance Tour Van that roams the country, week
new technology, things change so rapidly. It’s exciting. Golf always
to week, from one golf course to another and one motel to another.
is searching for that perfect thing. It never ends.”
And while his clients at The Kingdom might not need their clubs
in a hurry, he’s proud to say, “We can build a driver in 5 to 7 minutes.”
While Habegger may have lost count of exactly how many clubs
In one respect, his job hasn’t changed: He still works out of a
trailer, the TaylorMade Golf Tour Trailer that traveled the PGA
Tour from 2001-2008 and now is parked permanently at Reynolds.
“I don’t miss the road at all,” says Habegger, 35, who lives in
he has made, he remembers the first ones: his college roommate’s
Athens, Georgia, with his wife Katie and their daughter Sloane. “But
irons were too long. “I cut them down and re-gripped them,” he
it was an awesome experience; two years traveling to 37 of 50 states.”
recalls. Coming full circle, Habegger’s old roommate recently visited
The Kingdom to be fitted for a new set.
“I never wanted to be a golf professional, or play the tour,” said
Habegger, who started working on golf clubs at age 17. “I didn’t
want to live out of hotels and be on the road all the time.”
But that’s what he did for two years. After graduating from
Since 2010, Habegger sticks close to home. But he still works at
one of the world’s elite equipment facilities with a dedicated team
of expert club fitters to cure the average golfer’s ills.
“Fitters are the doctors and I am the pharmacist who fills
the prescription.”
Sometimes in just 5 to 7 minutes.
East Carolina University with a degree in sports and recreation
47 On The Links
On The Links 48
A Drive Down
Memory Lane
By Ed Vyeda | Photography by Terry Allen
49 Member Profile
Jerry and June Smith of Memory Lane Classic Cars, Eatonton
“With all the cars and
the memorabilia we
have,” June says, “it
really is a trip down
memory lane.”
I
t started with a 1954 Ford that Jerry Smith restored in the early 1960s.
Now, more than 50 years later, that enthusiasm for vintage autos from the
’50s, ’60s, and ’70s—a passion he shares with wife June—is showcased at
Memory Lane Classic Cars, only minutes from The Landing at Reynolds,
where they have had a home since 1998.
With 138 restored gems in the collection—including a 1953 Buick
Skylark worth $600,000—the Smiths are carrying on a special connection
with automobiles that each inherited from their fathers, who were always
tinkering on cars.
Jerry was driving a car by age 12 on dirt roads in Stone Mountain,
Georgia. “My father put 2-by-4s on the pedals so I could reach them and
my mother made me a pillow to sit on so I could see through the steering
wheel,” Jerry recalls. Growing up in Atlanta, June would hand her father
tools. “I was 4 or 5 years old and sometimes my little hand would fit into
places where he couldn’t reach, so I was able to help him, too.”
Now their cars are helping the community, through the Lake Oconee
Elks Lodge 2849, which operates Memory Lane Classic Cars. The entire
$5.00 admission fee (kids under 12 are free) goes to charities in Greene and
Putnam counties.
51 Member Profile
Take a spin to the website to see more of this amazing car collection at ReynoldsLiving.com/MemoryLane.
Member Profile 52
H ere for the
Holidays
With a full season of cheer available on property, there’s
no reason to go anywhere else during this special season.
By Julie Rollend | Photography by The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee and Terry Allen
53 In The Neighborhood
T
he glamour of the holidays officially begins at the annual Lighting
fireplace, hear the crackling of the burning logs, and ooh and aah
of the Lodge on Thanksgiving Eve. As fall turns to cool winter days,
at the shimmering trees and glittering ornaments that decorate
The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee transforms into a winter
the lobby. Look but don’t touch (or taste) the life-size gingerbread
wonderland. From ice skating and hot chocolate to festive train rides,
house. Take a spin on the ice rink, get lost in holiday stories read by
memorable moments will fill the resort—and visitors’ hearts—with
Mrs. Claus, and sit down with the man in red at the weekly Breakfast
music, love, and laughter.
with Santa.
Children and children at heart will be captivated by the holiday
It might not be the North Pole, and there likely won’t be any snow
spirit throughout the resort this holiday season. From the moment
on the ground, but during the holidays Reynolds is covered with its
you pull up the drive, the sparkling lights illuminate the season’s
own layer of cheer. Seasons’ Greetings—and come greet and enjoy
magic. Walk through the front door and smell the wood-burning
the season right here.
In The Neighborhood 54
Gingerbread
CELEBRATE
THE HOLIDAYS
By the Numbers
The pastry team from
The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, Lake
Oconee turns Christmas fantasy
The Bourbon
Milkshake
Nothing against egg nog, but
into reality by crafting a one-ofa-kind, life-sized gingerbread
Story Time with Mrs. Claus & Special Guests
house in the hotel’s main lobby.
The most lovable lady of the season will charm little ones
This holiday treat—comprised of
with classic Christmas tales throughout the holidays.
nearly half a ton of ingredients,
Santa’s helpers will also deliver seasonal surprises with the
including 180 pounds of candy—is
help of the resort’s lovable lab, Dooley.
sure to delight and dazzle all who
come pay a visit. Here are its
Breakfast with Santa
building blocks:
Want to be sure Santa hears your wish list personally?
Young guests will enjoy a breakfast buffet featuring
360
miniature pancakes, muffins, waffles, and other
pounds of flour
breakfast items.
12
Gingerbread Workshop
pounds of gingerbread spice
Join Mrs. Claus and her elves in building a gingerbread
144
house of your own. She will supply the pre-built house,
candy, icing, and a box to take your creation home. Guests
pounds of honey
also will enjoy cookies, hot chocolate, and cider.
120
pounds of sugar
Lakeside Ice Skating
For the fifth year, the beautiful 6,000-square-foot ice rink
480
at the Pavilion will be open every day, offering invigorating
pounds of icing
exercise and fun to be topped off with hot cocoa or hot
apple cider.
15,000
pieces of candy
55 In The Neighborhood
HolidayCheers
Gingerbread House
maybe it’s time to start a new
holiday tradition with this delicious
drink from the Linger Longer
Steakhouse at The Ritz-Carlton
Reynolds, Lake Oconee. It combines
two American classics—an
ice-cream milkshake and authentic
Kentucky bourbon—to create a
sweet treat sure to delight family
and friends. Think of it as a little blast
of winter with a Southern splash.
Ingredients
• 3 scoops of caramel vanilla ice cream
• 2 oz. of Woodford Reserve bourbon
• ½ cup of whole milk
• caramel sauce
• 6 spiced pecans
• whipped cream
Directions
Blend the ice cream, bourbon, three spiced pecans,
and whole milk until thick. Pour mixture in a tall
glass. Top with whipped creme, caramel sauce, and
three spiced pecans.
In The Neighborhood 56
28
THE REYNOLDS
GIANT
By Bryce McCuin | Photography by Terry Allen
When Bobby Duhon arrived in New
York in 1968, he didn’t know what to
expect. The preseason All-American
option-type quarterback out of Tulane
University entered the New York Giants’
locker room a stranger to the Big Apple.
L-R: #55 Ralph Heck, #27 Steve Thurlow, #23 Ernie Koy, #20 Scott Eaton, #71 Bob Lurtsema, #61 Charlie Harper,
#53 Greg Larson, #28 Bobby Duhon, #38 Bob Tucker, and #29 Chuck Mercein
Member Profile 58
Two years ago, Duhon invited some of his old pals from
New York down to Reynolds for a taste of Southern hospitality.
Reynolds Golf Academy. On the last night, dinner at the Creek
Thurlow, Frederickson, Mercein, and Koy came down to suit up
Club Crow’s Nest featured a surprise visit from former teammate,
and play, only this time it was in collared shirts and with golf clubs.
Hall of Fame quarterback Fran Tarkenton, who drove over from
Also joining the “Bulls” were one-time Giants including 1968 Pro
Bowler Greg Larson, former linebacker Ralph Heck, offensive guard
ou can only imagine the feeling of a kid going from a small
a touchdown through the air. But he missed the 1969 season with a
town in Louisiana to the Big City,” says the now 68-year-old
knee injury, and after his third knee surgery, he hung up his cleats
Duhon. “It was both amazing and scary all at once. But the team
was made up of people from all across the U.S.—Texas, Seattle,
way. Nearly five decades later, Duhon values the memories made
Lurtsema, cornerback Scott Eaton, and tight end Bob Tucker.
living out his dreams as a big-time pro-football player in the Big
of all of us.”
career. “Back then, a lot of us worked second jobs when the season
coaches gave him a shot at running back. That’s when he began to
forge real friendships with his teammates.
Duhon arrived two years after the inception of New York’s “Baby
annual event. This past April, the gridiron gang gathered again for
along the way, and the opportunity to bring them together each
barbeque, a few rounds of golf, and personalized golf instruction
year at Reynolds on Lake Oconee.
came to a close,” says Duhon. “Nowadays, a single player makes the
equivalent of what the entire payroll was for the ‘67 Giants.”
Living in New York for 30 years, he was able to stay close with
several teammates, even working alongside several of them on the
trading floor. In 1994, he moved to Atlanta, and opened his own
Bulls” backfield. Second-year running backs Steve Thurlow and
financial management company, Peachtree Advisors. That’s where
Ernie Wheelwright were joined by rookies Tucker Frederickson,
he connected with friends Jere and Bebe Mills, who introduced him
Chuck Mercein, and Ernie Koy in 1965. This fearsome fivesome got
to Reynolds, just 80 miles away.
its nickname for their similarity in size (6-foot-1 to 6-foot-3) and
Apple. But what he values most are the lifelong friends he made
But he didn’t leave New York. During his second year in the league,
he started an offseason job on Wall Street that led to a very successful
safety, but after acquiring a defensive back in a trade, Duhon’s
The once-scared kid from Abbeville, Louisiana, has come a long
for good following the 1972 season.
Minnesota, Connecticut. And the fans were completely supportive
Initially, the Giants tried to convert their third-round pick to
Atlanta for an evening of reminiscing and storytelling.
Charlie Harper, defensive end and former “Purple People Eater” Bob
The reunion was a success and looks likely to become an
“Y
from Duhon’s neighbor Rob Bowser, lead instructor at The
“Moving to Reynolds was an easy transition for me,” says Duhon,
weight (220 to 235 pounds). Considering the “running-back-by-
a resident for more than six years. “The best part about this place
committee” approach, Duhon got the shot to make his own impact
is that no one cares who you are or where you are from. It’s just a
right away. In his rookie season, Duhon ran for 363 yards and three
place where we all relax and we enjoy ourselves.”
touchdowns, while hauling in 37 catches for another 373 yards and
59 Member Profile
View more pictures from this reunion of New York’s gridiron gang by visiting ReynoldsLiving.com/Duhon.
Decompression
HIGHWAY
By Bryce McCuin | Photography by Terry Allen
T
here isn’t an iconic bridge connecting island to mainland. You don’t
it was quiet and the traffic was almost nothing. At that point I had my
need a chartered plane or a ferry to cross the river to get there. But as you
‘aha’ moment of thinking, ‘We have finally come home and this is where
begin that final stretch of interstate before turning off to Lake Oconee,
we should be.’”
you’re sure to feel as though you are leaving the rest of the world behind.
Turning onto Linger Longer Road encourages a different pace than
So what makes this oasis have such a calming effect on the nerves?
There are acres of lake, walking trails, tennis, golf, and even an
the one you struggle to keep up with “out there.” Life is laid back “in
on-property Ritz-Carlton. But there’s also a full-time population that
here.” It’s a natural wonderland that allows for a type of innocent
radiates a sense of peacefulness and positively thrives on the laid-back
playfulness most of us only remember as kids; a charm and peacefulness
lifestyle. Their vibe has a lot to do with it.
that travel from neighborhood to neighborhood. Strangers offer a wave
“When you start getting close to being back home, you just start to
and a smile. There’s a social vibrancy across a wide range of interests and
get a sense that your blood pressure is falling,” says Reynolds’ member
activities and a temperate climate allowing for celebration throughout
Larry Vaughan, who knows all about leaving and returning since he’s
all four seasons of the year.
often on the road in his job as Vice President of Global Sales for a
The community is convenient to Atlanta, Athens, Macon, and
Augusta, so the residents have ample opportunity to go to the city. But
it’s the sense of calm when they return home that reminds them why
they chose to live here in the first place.
“I was driving home from the airport once after a trip,” explains
Reynolds’ resident Barbara Mazza, who retired to the lake from
Marietta, Georgia after a career as a Delta flight attendant. “I was driving
technology company based in California. “Everything is a lot more
relaxed and it’s just a nice feeling.”
Stories like Larry’s and Barbara’s are more and more common these
days. Probably as quickly as you can fly from our state capital to the
nation’s capital, you can drive from Atlanta to the lake with enough time
left to get your boat in the water and pop open a cooler full of beverages.
No, Reynolds isn’t a private island. In fact, getting here is really quite
on I-20 and got beyond Social Circle, and it was like somebody just let
easy. But no matter where you’re coming from, you’ll soon be calling
the air out of the balloon. I had fought through the airport and Atlanta
those last few miles, “Decompression Highway.” Exit here.
traffic. I was exhausted. But when I got to that point on the interstate,
61 Coming Home
Coming Home 62
Reynolds Plantation Properties, LLC
ReynoldsPlantation.com/Mag | 800.800.5250