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Camden County Georgia Then & Now!

Episode 108: Camden County Then & Now with Rachel Baldwin Camden County has changed tremendously over the years, but longtime educator and community advocate Rachel Baldwin believes its future depends on understanding its past and getting involved in what comes next. Rachel joins host Alison Shores to share stories from Camden County’s earlier days, including what St. Marys and Kingsland looked like before major development, her first visit to Cumberland Island and the growth that followed the arrival of Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay. The conversation also explores the impact of Gilman Paper, the transformation of Camden County Schools, the expansion of career and technical education and the decades-long effort to bring a technical college campus to the community. Rachel also challenges residents to look beyond social media complaints, learn the facts, attend local meetings, support community organizations and find a personal way to serve. In This Episode: What Camden County looked like in the 1970s and 1980s The growth and changes brought by Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay The history of Cumberland Island and Highway 17 The influence of Gilman Paper on local families How Camden County Schools improved graduation rates Career pathways, apprenticeships and technical education The long effort to bring Coastal Pines Technical College to Camden Why local newspapers and public meetings still matter Finding your place and getting involved in the community Whether you have lived in Camden County your entire life or recently moved to the area, this episode is a reminder to appreciate where we live, learn its history and help build its future. Please like, share and subscribe—and remember to love where you live.

Downtown Kingsland’s Next Chapter?

Episode 107: The Future of Downtown Kingsland with Jolene Andersen Downtown Kingsland is entering an exciting new chapter! In this episode of the Get ’N Your Business Podcast, host Alison Shores welcomes Jolene Andersen, Chair of the Kingsland Downtown Development Authority, for a conversation about the projects, partnerships and investments transforming the historic downtown district. Jolene explains how the recent expansion of the Downtown Development Authority’s boundaries will allow more local businesses to access resources such as façade grants, state programs and low-interest development loans. She also shares how these programs are already helping business owners repair, renovate and improve their properties. Listeners will also hear the exciting story behind The Camden Exchange, a planned revitalization of Downtown Kingsland’s historic former hospital building. The development will feature a restaurant, an artisan gift shop and the downtown district’s first residential-over-commercial space. Alison and Jolene also discuss: The growth and long-term vision for Downtown Kingsland Façade grants and resources available to local businesses New businesses and storefronts coming downtown The Camden Exchange project planned for 2027 The return of the Camden County High School homecoming bonfire Plans to expand the Catfish Festival Veterans Day and Christmas celebrations Future development at The Lawn How volunteers, business owners and city leaders are working together Whether you are a local business owner, potential investor or community member excited about Kingsland’s future, this episode offers an inside look at the work happening behind the scenes to make Downtown Kingsland a destination where people can shop, dine, live and gather. Connect with Downtown Kingsland For information about business resources, available properties, grants, upcoming events or development opportunities, email info@downtownkingsland.com [info@downtownkingsland.com]. Listen now and discover what’s next for Downtown Kingsland!

Camden’s Transportation Future?

Camden County is planning for the next 20 years of transportation—and your input matters. In this episode, Alison Shores sits down with Shannon Nettles from the Camden County Board of Commissioners and transportation planners Glenn Coyne and Kalanos Johnson from GMC. They discuss Camden County’s Comprehensive Transportation Plan, which will look at: Traffic congestion and road safety Sidewalks and pedestrian access Bicycle lanes and trails Traffic signals and intersections Freight and commuter travel Residential and commercial growth Short-, medium-, and long-term transportation projects The planning process is expected to take approximately 14 months and will include public surveys, open houses, data collection, project recommendations, estimated costs, and possible funding sources. The goal is to create a practical plan that local leaders can use when budgeting, applying for grants, reviewing development, and planning future infrastructure improvements. Take the Survey Help shape Camden County’s transportation future by completing the community survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/CamdenTMP [https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/CamdenTMP] Please like, share, and subscribe to the Get ’N Your Business Podcast.

Hope for Shattered Hearts

In this episode of the Get ’N Your Business Podcast, host Alison Shores sits down with Patricia Whalen, Licensed Professional Counselor and founder of Hope for Shattered Hearts Counseling Center in downtown St. Marys. Patricia shares her personal journey into counseling, her heart for helping others heal, and the important work she does with individuals and couples who are walking through trauma, sexual abuse, relationship struggles, and emotional pain. The conversation explores how trauma can stay stored in the body, why healing often begins with safe and honest conversations, and how childhood experiences can affect people well into adulthood. Patricia also talks about the importance of giving children proper language for their bodies, helping survivors understand that what happened to them does not define them, and creating a safe space for healing without shame or judgment. This episode also touches on marriage, infidelity, and how couples can begin rebuilding trust, communication, and connection when both people are willing to do the work. If you or someone you love is looking for support, hope, or a safe place to begin the healing process, connect with Patricia Whalen at Hope for Shattered Hearts Counseling Center. Website: https://hopeforshatteredhearts.com/ [https://hopeforshatteredhearts.com/] Phone: 470-270-9268 Email: pjwhalen22@icloud.com [pjwhalen22@icloud.com] Hope for Shattered Hearts Counseling Center is located in downtown St. Marys, Georgia. Healing is not as far away as it may feel. Hope is available, and you do not have to walk through it alone.

Camden Adventures

On this episode of the Get ’N Your Business Podcast, host Alison Shores sits down with Jeff Ragsdale and Sanders Ragsdale from Camden Adventures, Kingsland’s new indoor family entertainment park. Camden Adventures is bringing a fresh option for families in Camden County with a safe, air-conditioned space where kids can run, jump, play, and burn off energy. The park features a Nerf arena, ninja obstacle course, battle beam, trampoline basketball, dodgeball, toddler play area, party rooms, and an upcoming 18-hole mini golf course. Jeff and Sanders share the story behind opening Camden Adventures, the challenges of bringing the space to life, and why they intentionally chose not to include an arcade. Their goal is to create a place where kids can be active, interact with each other, and enjoy the kind of hands-on fun many adults remember from childhood. They also talk about birthday party packages, their summer pass, future expansion ideas, and the warm welcome they’ve received from the Kingsland and Camden County community. From possible teen nights to future roller skating and go-kart plans, Camden Adventures is just getting started. Whether you’re a parent looking for a rainy-day activity, a birthday party option, or a place to help your kids get off their phones and burn some energy, this episode gives you a closer look at one of Camden County’s newest family-friendly destinations. Plan your visit, sign your waiver, or learn more about birthday parties and passes at: www.camdenadventures.com [http://www.camdenadventures.com] For more information, call: +1.912.510.2333 [tel:9125102333]