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Chuck Leavell
As early as he can remember, Chuck has been playing the piano. Now as an internationally known musician, Chuck has recorded with, and continues to record with artists and musicians from all backgrounds. Interestingly, it was while on tour with the Fabulous Thunderbirds in the mid 80's when Chuck studied forestry and land use by correspondence, indulging his interest in tree farming and conservation. Not only does Charlane Plantation offer Chuck a much appreciated tranquil setting between his hectic tour travel, but he finds it to be the perfect place to write his music and work on his other passions-forestry, wildlife and the environment!
Rose Lane Leavell
Growing up on Charlane Plantation is not the only reason Rose Lane maintains her roots here. Instinctively artistic herself, Rose Lane has created fantastic gardens and has directed restoration of the main house and the guest homes on Charlane Plantation. With accomplished talents in painting and gardening, it's still her cooking that's the envy of all! Using a combination of family recipes passed down through generations, recipes she's acquired and created from her world travels, and a little something from her own garden, Rose Lane will treat you to a feast you won't forget!
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Amy & Steve & Miles Bransford
Amy, Steve and Miles live in Atlanta, GA. While Amy spends her days fulfilling a rewarding career as an ethstetician and runs her own company, New Moon Skin Care; Steve has completed his Ph.D. in American Studies at Emory University. Steve fills his time doing freelance video production in addition to teaching at Emory and other institutions in Atlanta. He is also currently working with Chuck on video programs for The Mother Nature Network (mnn.com). Amy and Steve were married in Macon in 2004 and chose Charlane for the wedding reception. Steve proposed to Amy on a warm starry night right out at the "pondo" (the nickname for the great swimming pond at Charlane Plantation). They have a beautiful three year old son, Miles Everett Bransford, and they are expecting their second child in May of 2009.
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Ashley Leavell
Ashley lives in Boston where she is studying dentistry at Tufts University's Dental School. She is also working part time for Invisalign, a company that makes special braces (or "aligners") that improve dental health and appearance...making better, more beautiful smiles for all kinds of people. She is on the Curriculum Committee at Tufts as well. Ashley loves coming home to Charlane as much as possible, riding horses, gardening, relaxing and enjoying the country life.
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Evelyn Basley – Cook Extradonaire
One usually finds Evelyn by following the truly magnificent aroma coming out of the kitchen. While most cooks are known for mastering one dish, Evelyn has perfected many to the delights of all Charlane guests. Ask anyone who has ever tried her pecan pie, fried quail, banana pudding, or any one of her numerous homemade soups! Often you can find Evelyn's daughter Tina right by her side in the kitchen and it's then that you know your delicious meal is only going to come sooner!
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Jackie Bryant – Organizer
With the Leavells on the road quite often due to Chuck's touring & speaking engagements, someone is needed to make sure the plantation runs smoothly. Jackie is responsible for keeping up with all the comings & goings and all of the preparations that ensure our guests have a truly magnificent experience at Charlane. Behind the scenes, Jackie often helps with the shopping, cooking, cleaning, and whatever else is needed to make guests feel welcome upon their arrival.
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Herman Robertson - Horse Whisperer
Well, maybe that's an exaggeration, or is it? Herman is one of those unique individuals who can tell you if there's going to be an early autumn merely by observing his surroundings. Herman's responsibilities include taking care of the horses, splitting wood, gardening, and maintaining the grounds. If you need to find Herman it's easy – look for the light blue pickup because he's sure to be close by.
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Clay Huffman - Wildlife Manager
Born and raised in Twiggs County, Georgia Clay has called middle Georgia home for 23 years. After a five year stint in the military, Clay returned home to pursue a bachelors degree and work. You can find Clay training birddogs, raising bobwhite quail, or any number of activities that revolve around hunting on Charlane Plantation.
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Scotty Simpson - Plantation Manager
Scotty Simpson has lifelong ties to our part of Georgia. Scotty grew up here
in Bullard, and has always been close to Rose Lane¹s family. He was employed
by the Huber Corporation here in Twiggs County in their kaolin division for
over 20 years. He served as one of their top mechanics as well as operating
various heavy machinery for them and in general keeping their day-to-day
operations moving smoothly. He retired from Huber and lucky for us, he
decided he wanted to continue his career. We got together with Scotty over a
year ago where he began working part-time at Charlane. He¹s already made
huge improvements for us, and now works full-time as our Plantation Manager.
His wife, Kris, also works here as one of our top cooks and hostesses.
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Our Conservation Awards include:
- 2005 - Oustanding Citizen Stewardship - Chuck & Rose Lane Leavell
- 2001 - Forever Greeen : The History and Hope of the American Forest published
- 2000 - Quail Unlimited Outstanding Habitat Award- Ocmulgee Chapter
- 1999 - NATIONAL OUTSTANDING TREE FARMER OF THE YEAR
- 1999 - Named by: American Forest Foundation, American Tree Farm System
- 1998 - Georgia Outstanding Tree Farmer Of The Year (AFF, ATFS)
- 1996 - Nature Conservancy Conservation Award
- 1996 - Georgia Outdoor Writers Association - Conservationist of the Year
- 1995 - National Arbor Day Foundation's Stewardship Award
- 1994 - Georgia Wildlife Federation - Forest Conservationist of the Year
- 1994 - Southern Tree Farmer of the Year Finalist
- 1990 - Georgia Outstanding Tree Farmer of the Year (AFF, ATFS)
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