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editor’s note > my two cents on the subject
Each July, Pensacola Magazine focuses on some aspect of women in our community. This year, we’ve chosen to profile five extraordinary women who work tirelessly for the causes they believe in. As heads of their respective nonprofit organizations, DeDe Flounlacker, Stacey Kostevicki, Andrea Krieger, Celeste Southard and Dr. Sherry White are truly making a difference in the lives of the people they serve and in our community as a whole. Hats off, ladies!
Kelly Oden Executive Editor
We hope you notice something a little different about this issue of Pensacola Magazine. We think change is good, so we decided to freshen things up a bit. We’ve eliminated the datebook section in exchange for expanded departments in order to bring our readers even more information on what’s happening locally and beyond. We’ve also revamped the design just slightly and we hope you like the new look. Although it’s raining as I write this, we are surely headed into the hot, sultry midsummer days and nights. To help keep you looking and feeling cool, we’ve compiled a summer essentials shopping guide chock full of fabulous items from local businesses—the first of many themed shopping guides to come. We hope you enjoy our picks and are inspired to shop locally this summer. Keep cool and enjoy the summer!
Pick up any of our magazines at one of these fine locations: Barnes and Noble Ever’man Natural Foods Bookseller 315 W. Garden St. 1200 Airport Blvd. Pensacola, FL 32501 Pensacola, FL 32504 850-438-0402 850-969-9554 Varona’s Airport Gift Shop Family Christian Stores Area Books-A-Million 1520 Airport Blvd. Area Walmart Stores Pensacola, FL 32504 850-474-9324
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Subscription Expiration Date is printed on the address label. Renew your subscription now online at www.ballingerpublishing.com: One year $14.95 and two years $22.75.
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CONTENTS FEATURE
26.
26. Be the Change: 5 Women Who Make a Difference
DEPARTMENTS 10. PLAY Events & Adventures
14. SHOP Local Style
19. LIVE Art, Music & Culture
22. GIVE Nonprofit News
24. BOOKS UWF Book Club
16.
19.
40. REPEATS Pensacola Scene
Cover photographed by Kassie McLean
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July/August 2013 PUBLISHER
MALCOLM BALLINGER malcolm@ballingerpublishing.com PM EDITOR
KELLY ODEN kelly@ballingerpublishing.com ART DIRECTOR
RITA LAYMON rita@ballingerpublishing.com GRAPHIC DESIGNER & ADVERTISING COORDINATOR
KASSIE MCLEAN kassie@ballingerpublishing.com EDITOR
EMILY LULLO emily@ballingerpublishing.com BUSINESS EDITOR
JOSH NEWBY josh@ballingerpublishing.com EDITORIAL INTERN
ELLIE GRABSKI ellie@ballingerpublishing.com
A Place Plac l ce for for You You in Pensacola Peensacola Pen Busine Business e
Vacation
Extended d St Stay
SALES & MARKETING
SHARYON MILLER, ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE EXT. 28 sharyon@ballingerpublishing.com RHEANA RICE, ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE, EXT. 31 rheana@ballingerpublishing.com
Pensacola Do Downtown ow wnto own w
et 50 5 0-43 432 02 rresid e
OWNERS
MALCOLM & GLENYS BALLINGER PUBLISHER
MALCOLM BALLINGER malcolm@ballingerpublishing.com EXECUTIVE EDITOR
KELLY ODEN kelly@ballingerpublishing.com
700 East Chase Street 850-439-3330 courttyar ardpensacoladowntown.com d
Airport/Cordova Airport/Cordo ova Mall
ART DIRECTOR
RITA LAYMON rita@ballingerpublishing.com GRAPHIC DESIGNER & ADVERTISING COORDINATOR
KASSIE MCLEAN kassie@ballingerpublishing.com
2187 Airport Boulevard 850-478-1123
EDITOR
hamptoninnpensacolaairport.com
EMILY LULLO emily@ballingerpublishing.com BUSINESS EDITOR
JOSH NEWBY josh@ballingerpublishing.com SALES & MARKETING SHARYON MILLER, ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE EXT. 28 sharyon@ballingerpublishing.com
1144 Airport Boulevard 850-479-8900 hiltongarrd deninnpensacola.com
RHEANA RICE, ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE, EXT. 31 rheana@ballingerpublishing.com SIMONE SANDS, ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE EXT. 21 simone@ballingerpublishing.com WEBSITE:
WWW.BALLINGERPUBLISHING.COM
EDITORIAL OFFICES 41 NORTH JEFFERSON STREET, SUITE 402 PENSACOLA, FLORIDA 32502 850-433-1166 • FAX 850-435-9174
5049 Corporate Woods o Drive 850-474-3777 homewoodsuitespensacola.com
Pensacola Beach
PUBLISHED BY BALLINGER PUBLISHING: 24 Via DeLuna 800-406-7885 • 850-932-6000 sprringhillsuitespensacolabeacch h.com
Member of:
NW Florida’s Business Climate Magazine and Pensacola Magazine is locally owned and operated. All Rights Reserved. Reproduction or use of the contents herein is prohibited without written permission from the publisher. Comments and opinions expressed in this magazine represent the personal views of the individuals to whom they are attributed and/or the person identified as the author of the article, and they are not necessarily those of the publisher. This magazine accepts no responsibility for these opinions. The publisher reserves the right to edit all manuscripts. All advertising information is the responsibility of the individual advertiser. Appearance in this magazine does not necessarily reflect endorsement of any products or services by Ballinger Publishing. © 2013
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PLAY
Summer Reading By Ellie Grabski
Summer is the time for adventure! Skip the costly vacation and transport yourself daily to worlds far, wide and beyond at the turn of a page. This is a busy time for everyone, but reading is for the brain what working out is for the body. Be sure to get the “me-time” you deserve with these titles below.
BEST SELLER
CLASSIC
BEACH READ
SCIENCE FICTION
NEW TO NON FICTION
Joyland by Stephen King currently tops the charts of New York Time’s Paperback Trade Fiction Best Sellers List. Ghosts, crime, and mystery – this one has it all. Set in a southern haunted theme park in 1973 (do you really need to know much more?), college student Devin works as a carny for a summer he’ll never forget. This supernatural thriller is published by Hard Case Crime and has very interestingly only been made available in paperback, perhaps in an attempt to sway e-readers to set that screen down and embrace how Joyland was meant to be experienced. Maybe it’s nostalgia speaking, but there’s just something about those coffee-stained sand-filled broken-bound paper books that make reading, well, reading.
Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë. Ah, the classics. We all have a handful on our never ending to-read list that always seem to get pushed back down to the bottom month after month, subject to our excitement over the ever forthcoming bestsellers. Challenge yourself to take the literary plunge and experience the tormented love triangle (it’s actually more of a love pentagon) that is sure to haunt you. The wild moors of Yorkshire serve as an enchanting backdrop in this read full of passion, jealousy, and vindictiveness so dense, the summer humidity won’t be the only thing you’re swimming through.
Honey, you need a Ladies’ Night. This new read by Mary Kay Andrews and sunscreen are the only ingredients you need for a fabulous day in the sun. When Grace Stanton, a beloved lifestyle blogger, finds her life tipped upside down after walking in on her husband cheating on her, she makes the obvious choice and promptly drives his sports car straight into their family swimming pool. This bestseller is the perfect cocktail for a beach read – humor, love, revenge, and rebuilding.
Ender’s Game by Orson Scott Card should be on every sci-fi fan’s summer read list. The first in a series, this quick read proves a very manageable summer companion for those of you looking to escape the heat and enter a futuristic world where exceptionally intelligent children are chosen to enter a military academy and are trained to save planet Earth. Not to mention, the book is soon to become a feature film starring Harrison Ford this November. So sit back, relax, and prepare for battle.
Speaking of battle, why not pick up a copy of Revolutionary Summer: The Birth of American Independence from the pen of Pulitzer Prize winner and American historian, Joseph J. Ellis? Celebrate our nation’s independence by discovering more about a pivotal point in the nation’s history – the summer of 1776. Ellis’ examinations of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, and others provide new insights into the minds of the founding fathers. Immerse yourself in the turmoil and political strife of this truly tumultuous and Revolutionary Summer.
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Garvin Woodland Gardens
Courtesy of Garvin Woodland Gardens
HOT SPRINGS, ARKANSAS
History and Healing in The Valley of the Vapors By Kelly Oden
Named for its natural 143-degree thermal waters, Hot Springs has been a place of healing for many centuries. Called “The Valley of the Vapors” by the Native Americans, legend has it the area was considered to have been a neutral territory where all tribes could enjoy its healing waters in peace. The thermal waters of Hot Springs have attracted many famous visitors including Franklin D. Roosevelt, Babe Ruth, Ronald Reagan, Harry Truman, Barbra Streisand, Yoko Ono and former President George H. W. Bush. In the 30s it was a hotbed for organized crime. Hot Springs was a popular hangout for Al Capone, Frank Costello, Bugs Moran, Lucky Luciano, and many others. Today, the thermal waters can be enjoyed in a multitude of ways. Many of the historic bathhouses along Bathhouse Row are closed or being used for other purposes, but Quapaw and Fordyce are operating bathhouses. A few hotels and spas also have the thermal waters pumped in for guests. A must see is the gorgeous, historic Arlington Hotel, home away from home to Al Capone and many other famous and infamous guests. The bathhouse and spa harkens back to days gone by and visitors really get a sense of historic nature of the baths. Residents and visitors alike also enjoy the public fountains where one can fill jugs with drinkable mineral water.
Must See Hot Springs
The Arlington Hotel & Spa The most prominent building in the heart of historic downtown Hot Springs National Park, the Arlington Resort Hotel & Spa is an American treasure. Built in 1875, the Arlington has hosted a variety of politicians, dignitaries, actors, gangsters and entertainment and sports legends. The Arlington has all of the ambiance and hospitality of a traditional, grand old Southern hotel, as well as full spa service and the Thermal Bath House, three restaurants, and a national park outside any door. www.arlingtonhotel.com. Courtesy of Arlington Hotel & Spa
Quapaw Bathouse The Quapaw sits on the site of two previous bathhouses, the Horseshoe and Magnesia. Erected in 1922, Quapaw was named after an American Indian tribe that once held land in the area. The Quapaw was built in a Spanish Colonial Revival style with a large tile covered dome that is one of the most recognizable features of historic Bathhouse Row. Quapaw offers both private and communal baths and is famous for its tuffo steam cave, which is naturally heated by the thermal waters. www.quapawbaths.com. Courtesy of Quapaw Bathouse
Garvin Woodland Gardens
Gangster Museum
The Mid-America
Science Museum The Gangster Museum This lush, serene and takes visitors back in time to This Smithsonian affiliate enchantingly beautiful garden the 20s, 30s and 40s when museum offers interactive sits on 210 acres on the Hot Springs was a hotbed of exhibits, activities, shores of Lake Hamilton. workshops, and educational illegal and questionable Originally purchased by programs with a mission to activity. From the healing founder and benefactor, Verna stimulate a lifelong interest waters to gambling, Cook Garvan, the gardens in science, spark curiosity, bootlegging, and other are now expertly run by the reshape attitudes and stir extreme pleasures, the Department of Landscape the imagination. One of the Architecture at the University Gangster Museum of biggest draws to the of Arkansas. The gardens are America is an historic and entertaining account of how museum is the world’s most home to more than 160 some of the most notorious powerful conical Tesla Coil. different varieties of azaleas In this amazing presentation, criminals in America coalong with camellias, experience the power of magnolias, roses, hydrangeas existed with the quaint and much more. A stream population of this little valley “caged lightning” as you watch 1.5 million volts of with numerous waterfalls town in the mountains of electricity spark from the winds its way through the central Arkansas. coil. www.midamerica complex, which also features www.tgmoa.com. museum.org. walkways, stone bridges, overlooks, a pavilion, a stunning glass chapel and a miniature railroad. Courtesy of Mid America Science www.garvangardens.org. Museum: Tesla Coil Picture Courtesy of Garvin Woodland Gardens 11 July/August 2013 pensacolamagazine.com
PLAY
C u isin e Sc e n e Pensacola foodies and imbibers have a lot to celebrate in the coming weeks. A handful of inventive and enticing new restaurants and bars will soon open their doors. From comfort food and fine wine to whiskey, beer and the American bistro, you’ll have no problem finding delicious content for your culinary exploits on Instagram.
Type and Norma’s 501 North 9th Avenue A unique concept is coming to the old DUH farmhouse on 9th Avenue. By day, longtime Pensacola chef Norma Murray will showcase her classic lunch fare. By night, one of Pensacola’s most celebrated and adventurous chefs, Blake Rushing, will offer up a unique menu featuring modern techniques such as sous vide as well as signature dishes that showcase local produce, seafood, and meats at his newest venture, Type.
Pot Roast and Pinot 321 East Cervantes The newest venture from prolific downtown restaurateur Joe Abston is Pot Roast and Pinot. Located on Cervantes in the iconic diner formerly known as Seville Diner, Pot Roast and Pinot plans to offer an upscale take on classic American comfort food as well as an eclectic, modern wine list.
Old Hickory Whiskey Bar 123 South Palafox Named after the seventh U.S. President, Andrew Jackson, Old Hickory Whiskey Bar invites guests to experience whiskey as it is meant to be. The bar offers high quality whiskey, spirits and craft cocktails in a relaxing and engaging atmosphere.
O’Riley’s Irish Pub Downtown 321 South Palafox Opening in July, O’Riley’s Irish Pub Downtown is a traditional Irish pub offering a relaxed smoke free environment and a wide selection of craft beer as well as a variety of liquors. Downtown Pensacola’s newest authentic pub also offers pool tables, dartboards and over 10 HDTV’s. Located between Pensacola Historic Village and Maritime Park on South Palafox, O’Riley’s is an easy stop for happy hour, a night out or any other occasion.
Mackey’s Mudhouse 28 North Palafox Although Mackey’s has been serving morning coffee and pastries for a few weeks now, the full service restaurant and rooftop bar will open very soon. The restaurant’s menu will include American cuisine, burgers, pizzas, pastas, sandwiches, steaks, seafood and vegetarian specialties. Locals can’t wait to enjoy a roof top cocktail!
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July 25
Decorating Right on Wright Street
Pensacola Lighthouse
Lecture Series at Luxe Sleep Luxe Sleep’s bi-weekly lecture series will cover topics related to refreshing your home as well as selecting decorative items, bedding, fabrics, and health and beauty products. Join the free lectures at 4 pm on July 11 and 25. On July 11 spend a relaxing hour while enjoying a glass of wine and learn about the art of monogramming, “painting with threads.” On July 25 guests can learn about how to refresh the look of your bedroom by recycling your old tablecloths. Luxe Sleep/Pandora de Balthazar is located at 418 E. Wright St. Call 434-5117 for more information. Fridays & Saturdays
July 20, 26 & 27
Ghost Hunt at the Pensacola Lighthouse Is the Pensacola Lighthouse haunted? The Travel Channel and SciFi’s Ghost Hunters think so! Several psychics and clairvoyants agree; in fact, it’s been called one of the most haunted lighthouses in America! However, only you can answer the question for yourself! Join the lighthouse for a ghost hunt in the historic 1869 Keeper’s Quarters and see if the ghosts are willing to meet you. Bring your own ghost-hunting equipment or share the lighthouse’s (some items available for purchase in the Gift Shop before tours commence.) Tours are two hours in duration. This tour includes a trip to the top of the Lighthouse for a look across Pensacola Bay, weather permitting. This tour is recommended for children 12 and over only. Make reservations at pensacolalighthouse.org. July 17
Cooking Demonstrations & Wine Pairings with
CHEF IRV MILLER
Enjoy a cooking demonstration and wine pairing with Jackson’s Chef Irv Miller. For the July 17 demonstration Chef Irv will present barbecue flavors from around the globe and will create and introduce varieties of spice-rub combinations and marinades. Many of the ingredients used will reflect their origin from different geographical areas around the world. Chef will prepare pork, chicken and brisket along with a few of his favorite sides. Tickets are $45 and there will be two seatings at 5 pm-6:30 pm and 7:30 pm-9 pm. For reservations call 217-2347.
July 17, 19, 24, 26 & 31
Toast at the Top Sunset Tour of Pensacola Lighthouse Make date night special and treat yourselves to the most romantic view on the Gulf Coast from the Pensacola Lighthouse! Each reservation is for two and includes ambient music, sparkling non-alcoholic wine served in keepsake champagne flutes, and light hors d’oeuvres. Space is extremely limited! Make reservations now at pensacolalighthouse.org.
Living History Exhibits in Historic Pensacola Village Learn early 19th century cooking techniques and trade-skills from costumed Living History interpreters every Friday and Saturday in Historic Pensacola Village. Cooking takes place in an authentically recreated detached kitchen house using actual 18th and 19th century recipes. Trades demonstrated include broom making, sewing, basket weaving, and wood working. Admission, is $6 adults, $5 AAA, Senior Citizen 65+ and Active Military, $3 children between 4-16. 205 East Zaragoza St. or call 595-5993 for more information.
August 10 &11
Local Author Book Signing Helga Hofmeier Edmonds always seemed like an ordinary mom to her daughters. Yet over time they soon discovered that hidden beneath the exquisite dresser’s smiling face was years of exposure to perilous and tumultuous times. Running out of possible holiday presents for their mother over the years, daughters Cindy and Jane had the inventive idea to bestow her with a most unusual gift – a biographer. With the help of Sheridan Hill, and through months of research, Cindy and Jane have unearthed their family’s truly astonishing past. Helga: A Memoir of Privilege, War and Family follows the tale of a little German girl’s uprooted life during the most dangerous period in the human race’s history: World War II. Born in Germany in 1925, Helga was left by her divorced parents to live with relatives in Munich at the age of six. Four years later, she boarded a steamship to Japan with strangers hired to accompany her and joined her mother who was living in Tokyo. She resided there until the age of 23. During her time in Japan she survived the Doolittle bombings and the destruction of her family’s home in the 1945 fire bombings of Tokyo. After the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki and the end of the war, she began her journey to America after meeting her future husband, a Louisiana USF occupation troop. Once again a foreigner in a new land, she bravely embarked to American soil where she was married, became a naturalized citizen and started her family. Though memoirs may begin as pieces of private and personal reflection, it is often a reader a world away that gains the most from this genre of work. It is through entering the interiority of another’s life that we may lay bare the common threads binding the human race together. This unique Christmas gift has transformed into a piece of incredible insight and has been made possible by author Sheridan Hill and the dedication of Helga’s daughters. Attend the book signing on August 10 from 3 to 5 pm at the Pensacola Opera House and August 11 from 11 am to 1 pm at the First Presbyterian Church to meet this marvelously poised and resilient woman. July/August 2013
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SHOP
Vivid
ARTISTIC HAIR DESIGN By Emily Lullo
Shop photos by Melissa Willson | Photo of Rebecca Taylor by Kassie McLean
Hairstylist Rebecca Taylor is well known for her talent in cutting, styling and deftly applying color from natural blended highlights to bright pops of bubblegum pink or soft lavender on tresses across the community. The stylist and Joico educator also dabbles in makeup application and editorial photo shoot design, and she can now count business owner among her many titles with the recent opening of her own salon Vivid Artistic Hair Design. Taylor began working with Joico about one year after graduating from cosmetology school at Pensacola State College, after flying to Tampa to audition for the company and becoming an artistic educator. She now travels regularly to instruct or offer continuing education in Joico products to salons and beauty suppliers throughout the region, as well as working and assisting in stage presentations at Joico conventions and shows. “It’s been about six years that I’ve educated for them. Since then they’ve flown me all over the country to basically give me thousands of dollars of education for color, editorial, you name it,” she says. “It’s the best of the best, it’s in the top three product lines in the country.” Over the last month, between taking clients who are often booked months in advance, Taylor and her fiancé (and newly graduated fellow stylist) Keith Landgraff recently designed and updated the new space before transitioning into the salon in a turquoise cottage at 801 N. 9th Avenue, suite B. The name, Vivid, is a reference to the bright hair colors Taylor has become known for over the course of her career.
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“Once your portfolio starts growing with that type of color, you pretty much just become known for it,” she says. When Taylor started at a Regis salon in Cordova Mall years ago, the salon didn’t carry the bold fashion color lines like the ones she now regularly applies to daring clients, but she found ways to bring her and her clients’ visions to life and share them with others. “Since it was in the mall if the client wanted something bold I would run down to Hot Topic, use my own money to get then I’d just put it out on MySpace at the time,” she says. The practice paid off. Now she still asks for guinea pigs to let her try out the techniques she’s continually learning through her Joico training, and her impressive portfolio boasts everything from pitch-perfect blondes and brunettes to her more Technicolorinspired color creations. “It’s what I’m known for, but I can do a beautiful, natural highlight and in fact, I feel like it’s more tricky to emulate nature than it is to make, say, a blue,” she says. “If you need to make a blonde that’s good with their skin tone and doesn’t look artificial, that’s actually more challenging then the bright colors.” While coloring is her central focus, she brings that same expertise and precision to cuts and styling as well, and she’s now also able to offer makeup services for special events or photo shoots. Another aspect of her hair “extracurricular activities” is working with local photographers and models on photo shoots, whether to add to a portfolio or submit to national fashion magazines like Dark Beauty, which last November published a shoot featuring both hair and makeup by Taylor. For now Taylor is staying busy keeping her loyal clients’ hairstyles looking fresh and fabulous, and planning an upcoming Joico trip to LA in August. You can call Vivid. Artistic Hair Design to book an appointment with Taylor, Landgraff or stylist Jo Cox at 850.207.6817, and stay updated on events and latest hair trends at the salon’s Facebook page. July/August 2013
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L IV E
Photo by Brian Oden All Summer Long
Saenger Theater Summer Classic Movie Series The Saenger’s Summer Classic Movie Series is back this summer with hits from yesteryear lighting up the silver screen in the historic theater. A survey was conducted allowing people to vote for favorite classic films to be shown. Movies will be shown on Saturdays at 7 pm, and admission is $5. A movie 10-pack, which can be used in any combination, is available for $40. Seating is general admission. www.pensacolasaenger.com. July 13: Some Like It Hot August 10: West Side Story July 20: Singin’ in the Rain August 24: Rear Window July 27: A Streetcar Named Desire August 31: The African Queen August 3: North By Northwest July 20
Living Colour
“Vivid” 25th Anniversary Tour at Vinyl Music Hall During the 1980s, rock had become completely segregated and predictable, but bands such as New York’s Living Colour helped break down the doors by the end of the ‘80s, leading to a much more open-minded musical landscape that would eventually pave the way for future bands (Rage Against the Machine, Sevendust, etc.). Starting with Vivid and continuing on future albums, the band showed that rock could still convey a message. 2013 marks the 25th anniversary of Vivid, Living Colour’s debut record, which will also see them embark on a 25th anniversary tour. See them live at Vinyl Music Hall. www.vinylmusichall.com.
July 24 After years of incessant touring, 311 have developed a reputation as one of the most entertaining live bands in the U.S. The alternative rock powerhouse will team up with Cypress Hill, and G. Love & Special Sauce for their annual Unity Tour, coming to the Pensacola Bay Center on Wednesday, July 24. Tickets are $40-$55 and are available at Ticketmaster.com, by calling 800-745-3000 or at the Pensacola Bay Center Box Office.
July/August 2013
311 Cypress Hill
G. Love & Special Sauce
@ Pensacola Bay Center
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August 2-3 & 8-11
The WIZARD of OZ at Pensacola Little Theatre Join the cast and crew of the Pensacola Little Theatre for the greatest family musical of all time! This magical production is about a young girl, Dorothy, who is swept away in a tornado to a magical land and embarks on a quest to see the Wizard who can help her return home. On Sunday, August 4, follow the yellow brick road and experience all the fun that was on stage! Eat scrumptious goodies with the Tin Man and dance with Dorothy and the Scarecrow at the Munchkin Land after party. And on Saturday, August 13, it’s the adults’ turn! Celebrate the end of the season with an over-the-top Drag Show with queens from Emerald City and your very own community at Over the Season, Over the Rainbow. www.pensacolalittletheatre.com. Ongoing
First City Art Center “Make Your Own Glass” Workshops Through August 3
PMA Presents Annual Members’ Juried Art Show This annual exhibition has been a tradition at the Museum for 59 years. The Members’ Show celebrates the artistic endeavors of its many active members in an eclectic showing of a wide range of media. This juried exhibition represents a rich and diverse collection of works, ranging from traditional painting styles and three dimensional pieces to contemporary treatments and media. The Members’ Show provides the community with a chance to experience the diverse range of art produced in our area. For more information visit pensacolamuseumofart.org.
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First City Art Center, Pensacola’s only working arts center and creative “hatchery,” offers a multitude of workshops and classes in glass blowing, pottery, music and visual arts. While workshops vary by the season, ongoing “Make Your Own Glass” classes are offered every Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 10 am to 3pm. The perfect and fun way to become introduced to the art of glass blowing, each student will create a piece of art from molten glass! Peices include glass ornaments, flowers, paperweights, vases, bowls and pendants. Prices vary. For more information or to reserve a spot, call 850-429-1222 or visit http://firstcityart.org.
Through July
BLUE MORNING G ALLERY Finds
BIRDS OF A FEATHER Thursdays through August
Evenings in Olde Seville Square This free event is one of the most popular summer concert series, bringing thousands to Downtown Pensacola over the course of the summer and showcasing a variety of local and regional musicians and groups. Grab a blanket and a picnic basket for the free summer concert series filled with memorable, musical evenings every Thursday from 7-9 pm in Olde Seville Square for an evening of music in Olde Seville Square. For more information visit eveningsinoldesevillesquare.com. July 11: Heritage band
August 1: Dr. Breeze
July 18: Delta Reign
Swingin’ Dick Tracy’s
July 25: Mass Konfusion
Super Funk Fantasy
August 8: August 15:
Through August 26
Quayside Gallery Presents Featured Artist Show
Summer’s Delight
Quayside Art Gallery presents the latest Featured Artist Show Summer’s Delight, which will be on display July 17-August 26. This show brings together three Santa Rosa County artists. Diane Brim offers new creations of mixed media pieces incorporating heavy textures and 3D objects with strong contrast. Marilyn Givens’ current functional stoneware has a coastal theme along with Raku offerings. Kate Owens presents bold oil and pastel portraits of people and animals. Quayside is located at 15-17 E. Zarragosa St. For more information visit quaysidegallery.com.
From June 30 through July 31, the Blue Morning Gallery Spotlight on Art focuses on a new group show, “Birds of a Feather.” Participating artists are Valerie Aune, oil; Susan Mayer, found art/mixed media; and Laura Wolfersperger, mixed media/encaustics. The artists, each in her own medium, portray birds with realism and whimsy. For Gallery Night, July 19, the “Birds of a Feather” show continues, with extended hours. Visitors to the Gallery will find opportunities to meet many member artists, enjoy the music of the ever-popular Celtic band Sweet Prospect and gather gift inspirations throughout the Gallery. The newly redecorated windows, with the theme “Pensacola Icons,” provide additional ideas. Blue Morning Gallery is located at 21 Palafox Place. For more information, call 429.9100 or visit bluemorninggallery.com. Through-August 31
Landscapes By William Lee Golden at the PMA In celebration of the arts and in commemoration of Viva Florida 500, the Pensacola Museum of Art will unveil an exhibit of works by The Oak Ridge Boys’ William Lee Golden. The exhibit will be on display from July 2 to August 31 in the Kugelman Family and Mary Janice Henderson Thornton galleries. The opening reception for this exhibition will coincide with Gallery Night on July 19. Along with landscapes of scenes from around the world, a new piece honoring the historic landscapes of Florida will be unveiled as a commemorative tribute to Viva Florida 500.
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GIVE
July 27
Pensacola’s 10th Annual Cattle Barons’ Ball Announces
“Bourbon & Boots”
The American Cancer Society’s Cattle Barons’ Ball 2013 will be presented by Sacred Heart Cancer Center. This year’s theme, “Bourbon & Boots,” will be held Saturday, July 27, 2013 at 6:30 pm at New World Landing. The Ball will raise over $100,000 for patient services, cancer education, cancer research and other cancer programs. Buddy & Irie Vance are serving as event chairs. “We are honored and humbled to chair this year’s event. Cancer has affected our family very closely and we feel if people keep fighting for the cause – there will be a cure one day,” said Irie Vance. The Ball will feature bodacious boot scootin’ entertainment with Mass Kunfuzion Band, gourmet western food at the Taste of Texas buffet, Texas Hold ‘Em, midway games and plenty of Lone Star loot in the live and silent auctions. Local cancer survivor, Shana Whatley states, “I want people to understand how much it means to those of us who have been affected by cancer in some way, that an organization like American Cancer Society is so important in treatments and helping us and our families.” For information, call Cal Brooks at (850) 266-2282 or email cal.brooks@cancer.org. The American Cancer Society is the nationwide community-based voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by preventing cancer, saving lives and diminishing suffering from cancer, through research, education, advocacy and service.
Junior League of Pensacola presents “Dish It Out,” a fundraiser for the League and Gulf Coast Kid’s House 22
July 27 The Junior League of Pensacola and Zarzaur Law, P.A., in partnership with Pensacola Cooks, will present “Junior League Dishes It Out,” Saturday, July 27 at Seville Quarter in downtown Pensacola. Junior League Dishes It Out is a tasting and shopping showcase for people who love to eat, cook and entertain. “Junior League Dishes It Out is first and foremost an event for foodies,” said Shawna Newman, event chair. “We will dish out samples of our most popular Junior League recipes and the event will also feature the delicious cuisine of many talented local chefs and caterers. Attendees will also be able to shop for culinary-related products including kitchen gadgets, cookbooks, and specialty items.” An event highlight will be cooking demonstrations presented by the talented chefs of Pensacola Cooks. Additionally, a Chicken Salad Cook-Off will involve amateur chefs in a competition for the People’s Choice Award bragging rights. Tickets to Junior League Dishes It Out are just $10 in advance or $15 at the door. Proceeds benefit Junior League volunteer projects and Gulf Coast Kid’s House, the child advocacy center serving child victims of abuse and neglect in Escambia County. To purchase tickets or learn more about the event, visit juniorleagueofpensacola.org/dish-it-out or call 433-4421.
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August 17
Fur Ball to Raise Funds for Spaying & Neutering Calling all pet lovers - tickets are now on sale for this premier event! The fifth Annual Fur Ball will be held Saturday, Aug. 17, from 7 to 10:30 pm at Sanders Beach Center. The event is sponsored by the Jury-Duty Spay & Neuter, a nonprofit organization, the event will raise money to fund spay and neuter services for homeless animals in the Pensacola area. “This year’s Fur Ball is bound to be our best yet with great music and a fun auction,” said Sybil Sahuque, event coordinator, “but more importantly, all the proceeds from this event goes to funding spay and neuter surgeries in the community.” Dance to live music by “Malpractice” and enjoy a live auction, a silent auction, heavy hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar. For more information about the 2013 Fur Ball or this organization, please call Gregory or Cynthia Farrar at 850-438-FIXX (3499) or visit our website at www.pensacolafurball.org.
July 28
Explore Your Hidden Talent and Help the HUMANE SOCIETY! Join other frustrated artists on Sunday, July 28, from 3–6 pm and help the Humane Society of Pensacola. Attendees will copy the well-known tropical piece, (Maui Chris), a colorful depiction of a dog and a martini. The event will take place at Painting With A Twist, located in the Target Shopping Center on Bayou Boulevard. Registration is $45 per person and proceeds will benefit the homeless cats and dogs of the Humane Society of Pensacola. Refreshments will be provided by Varona’s. For more information or to sign up call Kim Cheney at 850-380-0547 or email kim@matheselectric.com. July 29-August 3
Southeastern Teen Shakespeare Company Announces
SHAKESPEARE C AMP
Hamlet breaks Gertrude’s heart. Benedick declares his love for Beatrice. Othello murders Desdemona. Whatever the situation, Shakespeare’s characters love deeply. This year, campers will explore the emotions that underlie scenes that seem, on the surface, to be about very different things, be they mischief, mourning, matrimony, or malevolence. Through vocal technique, movement, and acting exercises, campers will explore character and relationship. They will consider the notion that human beings are moved to actions of all sorts by love. Or, as Hamlet explains, he “must be cruel only to be kind.” Students ages 12-19 are invited to join the members of the Southeastern Teen Shakespeare Company in an exploration of the art of acting that builds confidence, encourages teamwork, unleashes creativity, and teaches young people the power and beauty of language. Campers will perform exercises and work on scenes from some of Shakespeare’s greatest plays, exploring how love can exist and be the motivation for actions both beautiful and barbaric. The Southeastern Teen Shakespeare Company is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing teens in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties with instruction and performance opportunities that lead to their significant growth as artists and community members. The camp will be held at The Pensacola Little Theatre. For more information, call 662278-8383 or send an email to southeasternteenshakespeareco@yahoo.com.
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Cartoon by Ellen Forney
BOOKS
UWF BOOK CLUB 24
About the book
About the author Sherman Alexie, born in 1966, is a prolific poet, writer and filmmaker, much of whose work draws from his experiences as a Native American living on the Spokane Indian Reservation. Alexie has a multi-ethnic lineage and was born with hydrocephalus, a condition that often necessitates brain surgery. Because of his condition and an alcoholic father, Alexie regularly describes his life on the reservation as challenging. Much of the bullying that he received as a result spurred him to move elsewhere for education. He originally had dreams of becoming a doctor or lawyer, but it wasn’t until he enrolled in a creative writing class that he found his purpose. His first collection of poems, The Business of Fancydancing: Stories and Poems, was published in 1992. As a result of his its success he decided to pursue the profession full time. His literary themes range from despair and poverty, to violence and alcoholism among the lives on Native American people. His works frequently have entertaining titles, such as I Would Steal Horses, Seven Mourning Songs For the Cedar Flute I Have Yet to Learn to Play, and of course The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian. He has received numerous awards and has adapted many a screenplay from his novels and short stories. Today, Alexie lives in Seattle, WA.
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The first young-adult fiction work by Sherman Alexie, The Absolutely True Diary of A Part-Time Indian, is a first-person narrative about a 14-year-old budding cartoonist. The main character, Arnold, was born with an excess of cerebrospinal fluid in his skull, a condition not unlike the one Alexie suffered with as a child. This condition has left him with poor eyesight, 42 teeth, and other experiences that often leave him bullied by members of his reservation. Arnold finds refuge in his friend Rowdy, and starts attending high school. Disheartened by the age of many of the textbooks and the lack of funding and education available for his reservation, Arnold transfers to another school, where he is the only Indian. Arnold enjoys Reardan, his new school, and soon develops a crush and makes new friends. He even makes the boys varsity basketball team and goes head to head against Rowdy, who is still at the school on the reservation. Throughout the story, Arnold suffers many tragedies, including the death of his grandmother and his best friend Eugene, who is shot in the face after a fight over alcohol. His newlywed sister and her husband also die when their mobile home is set ablaze. In the end, Arnold and Rowdy reconcile while playing basketball and are determined to keep in touch wherever their lives take them.
Correction: In the May/June issue of Pensacola Magazine, we incorrectly attributed the UWF book review titled “The Wrestling Match of the Century: Fighting for Freedom in Tropic Orange” to Gregory Tomso. The review was actually written by Sean Mounce. We sincerely apologize for the error. —Editor
Adolescence on the Rez: Alexie and the Art of Survival By Angela Calcaterra, Assistant Professor of English Sherman Alexie has a knack for titles. My personal favorite, “Because My Father Always Said He Was the Only Indian Who Saw Jimi Hendrix Play ‘The Star-Spangled Banner’ at Woodstock,” playfully yet earnestly invites the reader of this short story to complete the thought, to begin to explore the identity and assumptions of the young main character. Similarly, the title of Alexie’s award-winning, young-adult novel The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian leads us to wonder why its narrator, Arnold “Junior” Spirit, feels the need both to verify the authenticity of his story (“absolutely true”) and to question his identity (“part-time Indian”). The novel educates us deeply about these issues, while Alexie’s humorous, engaging prose almost makes us forget how much we are learning. When the novel opens, Junior Spirit, a 14-year old boy who stutters, wears glasses, and gets beat up “at least once a month,” lives and attends school on the Spokane Indian Reservation in Washington. Despite the bullying and his family’s poverty, Junior maintains a keen sense of humor and finds solace in drawing cartoons, which he calls “tiny little lifeboats” in a world “of broken dams and floods.” Throughout True Diary, the cartoons, drawn by Ellen Forney, give the reader extra insight into Junior’s worldview. That worldview shifts over time. At first, Junior relies upon Rowdy, his troubled, abused best friend on the reservation, to protect him. He and Rowdy see the world in terms of dichotomies: Indian/white, poor/rich, devastated/hopeful. But Junior soon finds his power to dismantle these categories. His difficult choice to attend a mostly-white high school off the reservation makes him a traitor to many Spokanes. But the impoverished reservation school won’t be enough for Junior if, as he tells us early on, he wants to “talk to the world” and wants the world to “pay attention.” At his new school, Junior begins to redefine the meaning of “white” and “Indian.” Despite being called an “apple” (red on the outside, white on the inside), Junior understands that believing in oneself requires right action, not a static identity. He makes unexpected friends, including the popular Penelope and the school genius, Gordy. He finds new value in his reservation community, particularly in his parents, who support him even when the rest of the tribe turns its back on him at basketball games. He begins to recognize himself not as an out-of-place Indian but as a member of various “tribes:” “cartoonists,” “teenage boys,” “small-town kids,” and “tortilla chips-and-salsa lovers.” He learns that respect and tolerance characterize the best people, from his grandmother and big sister to Gordy and his basketball coach. And, as Junior copes with death and depression, the lifeboats of his humor, insight, and imagination carry the reader through this simultaneously heart-wrenching and inspiring story. The well-constructed, surprising, engaging plot of True Diary is impressive. But its greatest pleasures lie in Alexie’s prose and Forney’s illustrations. I encourage readers of all ages to pick up a copy now, revel in these pleasures, and learn why, in the words of adolescent genius Gordy, “really good books and cartoons give you a boner.”
Attack of the Culture Vulture By Sean Mounce, English Capstone, Spring 2013 “I may not be Indian… but I feel Indian in my bones.” So declares Ted, a white guy with a lot of money, who makes an appearance near the end of Sherman Alexie’s The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian. Ted makes his appearance at the wake of Junior’s grandmother and tries to make himself the center of attention. He does this because he is a billionaire with a strong case of “Indian love.” As he tells the crowd, “I know you’ve heard this before. . . . But I still need to say it. I love Indians. I love your songs, your dances, and your souls. I collect Indian art.” He then relates a story of how he came into possession of a powwow dance outfit and traced it back to Junior’s grandmother. This is Ted’s big moment: returning a lost relic to a tribe of grieving Indians. Yet, he is met with groans. Why? Because, in fact, Ted’s Indian love is a reductive, patronizing view of a complex group of diverse cultures. Respect for other cultures is by no means inherently patronizing. However, Ted’s style of Indian love is not the result of deep knowledge and respect for people. Rather, Ted makes a hobby of collecting items that feed his hunger for a glorified stereotype. Junior conveys what being Indian means to Ted in a full-page drawing. Among other things, Ted wears “‘U.S. Calvary boots’ worn by Kevin Costner in Dances with Wolves,” an “American Heritage Pendleton Jacket,” and a “Sacred Leather Scrotum Sheath” that is, in fact, a fraud. In short, Ted’s view of what “Indian” means is a hodgepodge of film industry representations of the noble savage. Ted reveals a mentality that became pervasive in the 1960s and is, as Francis Flavin writes, the result of the ways the civil rights movement drew attention to the plight of ethnic minorities in America. Flavin suggests that this new sensitivity led many individuals to view Native Americans “as a historically-oppressed minority victimized by imperial conquest and as a dignified, peaceloving people who lived harmoniously with nature.” This stereotype informs the portrayal of Native Americans in Hollywood movies and inspires a brand of Indian love that allows a white man like Ted to disassociate from the Americans who drove Native Americans onto reservations. Indian love lets Ted identify with the victim, not the oppressor. Still, why is such a love of Native American cultures problematic when it is rooted in feelings of sympathy and connection? For one, even though Ted “feels Indian in his bones,” his behavior exhibits symptoms of the white savior complex. The way he enters the wake displays this well. He does not quietly enter and observe the mourning friends and family respectfully. Instead, he draws attention to himself and tells a long story about the great efforts he went to in order to return the powwow dance outfit. Thus he reveals his desire to be viewed as their hero. Secondly, his desire to consume all of the most surface-level and stereotypical aspects of Native American cultures ignores the complex histories those cultures have. He is a culture vulture, picking at the remains of cultures in which he has no sincere investment. Works Cited Alexie, Sherman. The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian. New York: Hachette Book Group, Inc., 2007. Print. Flavin, Francis. “Native Americans and American History.” National Park Service. National Park Service, n.d. Web. 15 Mar. 2013.
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Be The Change:
5
WOMEN WHO MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Be the change that you wish to see in the world.
Written by Kelly Oden | Photographed by Kassie McLean
Local nonprofits are the lifeblood of our community. On a general scale, nonprofit agencies strengthen and enhance the quality of life in our region by building community and strengthening our social fabric. Yet, on an individual scale they do so much more. Peter F. Drucker, in his book Managing the Non-Profit Organization: Principles and Practices says it best:
The “non-profit” institution neither supplies goods or services nor controls. Its “product” is neither a pair of shoes nor an effective regulation. Its product is a changed human being. The non-profit institutions are human-change agents. Their “product” is a cured patient, a child that learns, a young man or woman grown into a self-respecting adult; a changed human life altogether. Changing a human life is no small task, yet many people work hard each and every day to just that. The Pensacola community is especially fortunate to have so many “life-changers” in our midst. Each July, Pensacola Magazine focuses on women in our community. This year, we’ve chosen to honor five outstanding women who each run an area nonprofit. From child abuse and hunger to developmental disabilities and community issues, these five women spend their days ‘being the change’ by changing lives and fostering relationships within our community. July/August 2013
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DeDe Flounlacker Executive Director of Manna Food Pantries
Written by Josh Newby | Photographed by Kassie McLean
DeDe Flounlacker, a native of Alabama, has been leading Manna Food Pantries for two years now and brought with her to the position more than 25 years of experience in non-profit organizations. She previously served as executive director of the Ronald McDonald House and has served various non-profits throughout the state of Florida. DeDe’s family history is one that is full of service to charities and unflinching support for her community. She says that she spent her formative years in a poor household, which has allowed her to have a great deal of sympathy for the less fortunate.
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What is your proudest achievement as executive director of Manna Food Pantries? Well, it’s not really an individual achievement; it’s an achievement on the part of our team. Last year, this area experienced flash flooding in June. Our back fence was laid down by the water. The flooding occurred on a Saturday, so we had to mobilize our employees and volunteers to come down here and salvage what we could from our main building, where our pantries and office space are housed. The water was deep and did not recede. There were even two guys kayaking out front. Seventy percent of our property was affected by it. The following Monday was a distribution day, but we could not use our main location, so we used a church Downtown. The June heat was blistering, but volunteers worked out of food trucks to distribute goods to those who needed it. I’m so proud of our staff and volunteers. I’m blessed to work with such a great team. What drives your passion for your cause? I grew up very poor. My dad was a farmer and my mom graduated high school. I didn’t realize it until years later, but my family was a recipient of USDA commodities. That background has driven me to help those less fortunate. There are so many folks in this area struggling to put food on the table. Whether that’s a product of generational poverty or the economy, they are often unable to procure the basic necessities of life. I can really relate to people like that, so I try to help them. What are your organization’s goals for the near future? These goals will hopefully be accomplished in the next 18 months. The first is tackling the problem of senior hunger. There are a lot of seniors in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties who simply don’t have enough to eat, and there are many complexities inherent in that. They may be unwilling to ask for help, they may not have transportation, or they may simply be unaware of our services. Regardless, we are going to look at our monthly food program for seniors and try to increase the number of people we are helping. We’ll do that by collaborating with other area non-profits, including the Council on Aging. Another goal is to help young people in Santa
Rosa County. We work with the school board over there to help with their backpack program. There are 11th- and 12th-graders over there who are homeless and not connected to families. Many of them are still in school though and want to pursue higher education. We work to help provide food for them. Finally, our last goal, which is made possible by our latest Impact 100 grant, is to work with area farms like FloraBama to provide the freshest, most local fruits and vegetables possible to those who need them. We’re working on really improving the quality of our food. What do you love best about living in Pensacola? There are so many things to do, from festivals and special events, to the beach, which we can enjoy for free. There is a great variety of nature here as well. Most of all though, I am appreciative of the people. The people are generous and giving. If there is a need they are aware of, it isn’t long until someone steps up and responds. It’s really great to live in such a caring community. How do people get involved in your organization? Our volunteer hours right now clock in at about 440 hours per week, which is the equivalent of 10 full-time employees. We always need volunteers; non-profits thrive on them. If people want to contribute their time, they can call 850-432-2053. We’d love to have people work in the garden, packing bags, doing office work or performing service deliveries: whatever they are most comfortable with. Do you have any advice for young women looking for leadership roles in non-profits? Find your passion. You have to believe in what you’re doing. Volunteer. Also, non-profits are businesses, so a business background and business experience is always important. About how many people do you serve a year? In 2012, we served 44,209 individuals. Of that number, 39 percent were children under 18 and 13 percent were seniors.
About Manna Food Pantries Manna is a private, not-for-profit corporation dedicated to alleviating hunger in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties. Manna is community-focused, volunteer-supported, and committed to the philosophy “waste not, want not.” Established in 1982, Manna is designated to be the primary agency within the community to receive and store non-perishable food donated from the community, and to then redistribute the items to those from the community who are in the most need for emergency hunger assistance. July/August 2013
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STACEY KOSTEVICKI GULF COAST KID’S HOUSE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Written by Ellie Grabski | Photographed by Kassie McLean
Stacey Kostevicki is a native to Gulf Breeze and attended Florida State before returning to the area, where she initially began working with the Children’s Services Center. There she became familiar with Gulf Coast Kid’s House (GCKH) and began volunteer work in 2006. She also worked at Studer Group, an area healthcare consulting firm while completing her masters, before becoming the executive director of GCKH.
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What is your proudest achievement as Executive Director of Gulf Coast Kid’s House?
What are your organization’s goals for the near future?
One of them was being recognized as the United Way partner agency of the year. That’s given to agencies that are innovative in their approach and really good stewards in the community so that’s definitely one. And getting our re-accreditation with the National Children’s Alliance. When they did our site visit they actually said that we were a model facility and that they could refer other advocacy centers here to see how a facility’s run.
We are in the middle of a capital campaign to expand the building so that’s one huge goal, and last year we started the child protection team within our building. We began services for adolescents as well, so we’re really trying to continue to refine that new service and develop our prevention programs.
What drives your passion for your cause? Children don’t pick their paths. It’s important that we as adults intervene in childhood and make sure that that childhood lasts as long as it can – the innocence that comes with childhood. Professionally, the part of it that drives me is that I believe that with communication and collaboration we can achieve almost anything. Everyone has their different strengths and to think that one agency or one person can solve the epidemic of child abuse is crazy. So the idea of combining everyone is what brought me to the Kid’s House. Seeing the kids and seeing the difference that the counseling makes for them and how they can just be really broken when they get here and that they leave as a fully functioning child again is what keeps me here. How does Gulf Coast Kid’s House streamline the intervention process and how does that work to minimize the trauma of child victims? Prior to us opening, when a case of abuse was reported, kids would go and be interviewed either in a hospital, or in a police department – a variety of environments that weren’t designed for kids. So one of the biggest ways that we minimize trauma is through just the look of the building – it’s designed with kids in mind. The other way is that we’re called a children’s advocacy center. We have family advocates that greet the family when they walk in and help to orient them to the process and stay with the family throughout the whole process. There used to be really big information silos. GCKH allows everyone to know each other’s processes more, to walk down the hall and sit in someone’s office and say, “What’s going on with the Smith case?” It’s been really effective because it also limits the number of times children are interviewed. The prosecution rate has actually gone from below 20 percent when we opened to over 90 percent so it really aids in that prosecution piece.
How can people get involved in your organization? One of the biggest things we need help with is educating the community. No one knows that it’s such a huge crime in Escambia County. We had 4,300 cases in Escambia County last year and we see the more egregious which is about 2,300 kids. For a small county that is an incredible number, so we need good outreach volunteers and good speaking opportunities. We love to come to churches and to civic groups and talk about child abuse – ways to prevent it, recognize it. Of course being a nonprofit, 70 percent of our funding comes from the local community so donations are huge but really advocating for children and reporting any suspected abuse. For reporting abuse: call 1-800-96ABUSE or local law enforcement. What do you love best about living in Pensacola? I would say the sense of community. You really don’t get that in bigger cities – here you really know that everyone that’s living in Pensacola wants to make a difference for Pensacola. Do you have any advice for young women looking for leadership roles in non-profits? I think it’s important to really spend some time soul searching and seeing what your cause is and also what your strengths are. I would never have made it into nonprofits had I not started volunteering and seeing that I actually liked fundraising. Especially with non-profits because people think that it’s so different than working in corporate America, and it’s really not too different, so I always tell people to volunteer. To me my expression for volunteering is “it’s like a dressing room; you get to try on different jobs and see what fits before you commit to it.” So get out there, volunteer and learn what you’re passionate about.
About Gulf Coast Kid’s House In 2012, Gulf Coast Kid’s House (GCKH), and its partners helped over 2,300 children suffering from child abuse. Their mission is to “facilitate the investigation, prosecution and mental health treatment of child abuse cases.” According to Executive Director Stacey Kostevicki, in layman’s terms, they “combine all of the professionals and resources needed in egregious child abuse cases under one child-friendly facility so that there is a more streamlined process that provides more comprehensive services and is less traumatic for the children and families. July/August 2013
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ANDREA KRIEGER United Way President/CEO
Written by Emily Lullo | Photographed by Kassie McLean
United Way’s CEO Andrea Krieger was born in the old Sacred Heart Hospital while her father was stationed here as a Naval Officer, a job which took her family to bases all over the world including Guam, Japan, California, Texas and Rhode Island. Before landing back in Pensacola in 1992 she spent her collegiate career at Tallahassee Community College and Florida State University, then she taught, coached the drama club and led the yearbook at Sneads High School and later Tate High School. An avid hiker, Krieger has taken to trails all over the country while traveling or living in Alaska, Alabama, Arizona, Mississippi, Colorado, Maine, Michigan, New York, New Mexico, Utah, Tennessee, Virginia, Montana, Canada and the British Islands. She’s headed United Way for two years now and says her service in the non-profit world was a natural progression from the life of service her father nurtured in her.
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What is your proudest achievement as president of United Way of Escambia County? As I have only spent two years at United Way, I feel like I am still learning all of the amazing ways that we serve the community. I am proud of my role in organizing our work and aligning our staff to inspire dedication that is focused and capable of having measured impacts that improve the condition of all Escambia County citizens in the area of health, education and financial stability. Most recently, I am happy with the training we’ve been able to initiate with many partners helping us in a year-long NonProfit Training Series. As far as annual impact goes, I am very happy with all that our staff and volunteers do to collaboratively raise funds: $2.5 million for agency programs and refunds; $2.8 million for low income taxpayers and talent; and $900,000 in volunteer labor for our local non-profit initiatives. It is wonderful to be a part of an organization that can broadly impact every area of our community to make the quality of life better for us all. What are your organization’s goals for the near future? United Way has 10 main goals focused around measurable impacts in education, health and financial stability. Most are long term goals and we have strategies on how we work toward these goals in partnership with a collaborative group of non-profit organizations, business partners and community leaders. Our education work with our partners is focused on strategies that ensure all area children have the opportunities, skills and behaviors to enter, participate and leave school ready to succeed. Our health partnerships and initiatives focus on advocacy, intervention and prevention work that increase the ability of special needs residents and aging citizens to maintain or improve the ability to live independently. Additionally, we work to increase the number of children in Escambia County who are covered by health insurance so that they can access the care that will enable them to utilize preventive care. Finally, our work in financial stability is a roll up of much of what is touched on by many of the health and human service non-profits in the community. We strive to reduce redundancies and to make sure that the work we partner in has long-term sustainable impact that moves families out of the cycle of poverty that turns from one generation to the next. We have many partners in this work like Catholic Charities, FavorHouse, the Salvation Army and the Early Learning Coalition.
Our goal setting is based on measurements that align with our core focus areas. Our annual strategy is to increase resources and results by a measurable 3-5 percent. What do you love best about living in Pensacola? While Pensacola’s beautiful beaches and re-energized downtown core offer more than many larger cities, I would have to say that choice to live here consistently comes back to the people. We may not have the resources or corporate entities that larger cities have but we have the strength of people who care about each other and who are not afraid to be trail blazers. How can people get involved in United Way? We are the avenue for involvement in non-profit work in Pensacola. Through United Way, you can choose to give, advocate or volunteer. We’ll match you with a volunteer opportunity that inspires you or we can help you leverage your giving through the community chest. We’ll ensure that programs receiving the support have been examined for their stewardship of dollars and for their ability to sustain measurable impacts in education, health and financial stability. Do you have any advice for young women looking for leadership roles in non-profits? It sounds crazy, but GIVE. ADVOCATE. VOLUNTEER. There is no way to become a leader in non-profit without doing these three things. You have to be passionate about helping others and this passion can only be nurtured by getting involved. If you are not willing to put your money or your resources into being part of the solution, you are not there yet. So, start as a volunteer. Find something you care about and see if there is a way for you to stoke your fire until it is out of control and you have to do something about it! It may mean a cut in pay, it may mean a lot of late nights and long hours with sore feet at events, but… I can promise it will be worth it because you will make friends and collaborate with partners that will give your life purpose. If you want to live a life that matters, advocate for something you are passionate about and let your heart lead you. When you do, you will be sought after for your passion which people seem to naturally equate with leadership.
About United Way of Escambia County United Way of Escambia County works to pool the resources of various groups to get help to those who need it through the best avenues available. The nonprofit brings together agencies, businesses, organizations, faith-based groups, government and individuals to focus on the community problems that matter most. By working to build partnerships, advocate for better policies, engage people in the community and leverage resources, United Way changes and improves lives all over the county in countless ways. July/August 2013
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Celeste Southard Executive Director of Appetite for Life
Written by Ellie Grabski | Photographed by Kassie McLean
Celeste Southard was serving on the Board of Directors for A4L when she filled in as interim director while they searched for a new permanent director. That was seven years ago. Since then A4L’s catering services were added on as a way to generate earned income for their cause. Southard has served on many nonprofit boards previously and has also worked at the Chamber of Commerce. Her additional business background made for a strong fit and she stresses how A4L truly functions as a business in its day-to-day activities.
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What would you say your proudest achievement as Executive Director thus far is? Winning Impact 100 is in the top three of our achievements. Purchasing the building and starting the children’s program was second. But getting through the fire on August 18, 2011 was number one. We lost over 92 tons of food. We did not miss a single meal for the home delivery meals and we didn’t miss a single children’s meal. People came forward with equipment and we were able to cater every function we had booked and keep expanding. It took us a year and a half to settle with the insurance company and then rebuild but we now have a state of the art kitchen. We have that kitchen not because of the insurance but because of the community support, the subcontractors doing above and beyond, and the Impact 100 grant. When you win the Impact grant it changes the face of your organization forever. What drives your passion specifically for your cause? When you have a family that hasn’t eaten for four or five days it’s impossible not to be passionate. People are so appreciative – they’re in such need and are warm, awesome people that just need a hand. Once you meet them there is no way not to want to be involved and volunteer. We have drivers who have been with us 10-13 years or more. Once you get involved, especially delivering because you’re really on the front line, you become really close and you just can’t quit. How can the people of Pensacola get involved in your organization? There’s so much to do here that there are tons of different types of volunteer work. We have help packaging meals, delivering meals, running the food pantry, volunteering for the mobile pantries and volunteering for the Christmas drive. It doesn’t have to be everyday or once a week or even once a month, it can be projects that are once a year. We have very few paid employees so we really utilize volunteers and really rely on that. Some people don’t have the time but have the money and that’s fine too. What do you love best about living in Pensacola?
somewhere else. Once you’ve lived somewhere else you’re amazed that you get to live here. I think other than the sheer beauty of Pensacola, the people in the community are amazing. Everyday I’m surprised by the generosity and passion they have here. You can see the sense of community is not something new – from the get go this community has really put forward effort to unite the people in it. You can see it in the planning of the property to all of the festivals and free music. That’s probably the best thing about this community – they really are looking after the people. What are Appetite for Life’s goals in the near future? We’re in the process of figuring out the logistics of opening a food pantry for people in need that are going through cancer treatments. These people normally aren’t on assistance but they aren’t able to work either and they’re trying to recover. We would like to be able to assist them as well right now. If they have limited funds at least they’re able to spend it on utility bills and still be able to have nutritious foods, because when you’re on a tight budget you don’t eat nutritious food. Can you tell me a little bit about your Summer Food Service program? We’re in our fifth year doing that. We feed the children that are not able to eat at school during the summer. We’ve been able to add a lot of places this year that were not involved before. It’s a huge need and these kids are thrilled to come in and eat. We find different locations that are willing to keep their doors open for children in that area. We try to find areas so that the children are able to walk there safely and not have to cross busy roads. Do you have any advice for young women looking for leadership roles in nonprofits? Young women might feel that they’re not qualified because they haven’t been trained or they didn’t go to school for that specifically. But all you need is compassion. A lot of these people in need don’t realize that there are people out there that care. Just the fact that young people want to help and that they’re willing to, really makes a difference.
My father was in the Navy and so we lived everywhere. I think it’s hard for people to truly appreciate and realize what a paradise they’re living in if they haven’t lived
About Appetite for Life Appetite for Life (A4L) was initially founded in 1996 to aid those living with HIV/AIDS by providing home delivery meals. The mission has since expanded and now includes any terminally diagnosed individual in need of meal assistance. A4L also runs food pantries, a children’s nutrition program and several smaller operations. July/August 2013
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DR. SHERRY A. WHITE UNITED CEREBRAL PALSY OF NORTHWEST FLORIDA
Written by Ellie Grabski | Photographed by Kassie McLean
Prior to working with United Cerebral Palsy of Northwest Florida (UCP), Dr. Sherry White worked at an ARC Gateway chapter and has now been with UCP for 22 years. During this time she received her masters and then her doctorate from the University of Alabama and Tuscaloosa where she completed her dissertation titled “Non Profit Administrators and State Legislator’s Perceptions of Effective Lobbying Techniques.” In her newly released book How to Run any Nonprofit without doing the Hot Sand Boogie, Dr. White explains the essentials for running a successful nonprofit. The book can be purchased through Amazon.com, Kindle or at the Gathering Book Store on East Street.
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What is your proudest achievement as CEO of UCP Northwest Florida? To pinpoint one achievement would be very difficult but I would say providing residential programs for individuals that are wheelchair users. Prior to UCP providing that, there really was not small group lease restricted environments like group homes for these individuals. You can have an employment program, a day program, but when all is said and done if you don’t have an appropriate, safe place to live then all else really does not come into play as being an important part of your hierarchy of needs. What drives your passion for your cause? What drives my passion is that the individuals that I enjoy serving are in their situation through no fault of their own. I really believe that it’s society’s responsibility to care for those that cannot care for themselves. We are charged with making sure that they are comfortable, they are safe, and they have a quality of life – that’s huge. I love what I do. I’ve never had a Sunday that I thought, “Oh my goodness tomorrow’s Monday.” Sometimes I want the clock to slow down because there are just not enough hours in the day. The hardest thing is to walk out the door in the afternoons and know that if I could stay just a little bit longer then I could help one more person. What are your organization’s goals for the near future? We have struggled in the last five to six years with funding and it’s been a systemic problem in depending on Medicaid as the primary funding source so we have diversified our income streams with programs such as starting charter schools to help get children ready for kindergarten. Diversifying our income streams is something that we will continue to deem incredibly important to us not only surviving but thriving – and continuing to get volunteers involved and wanting to share their time, talents and treasures with the individuals that we serve. How has UCP’s merger with Children’s Services Center strengthened UCP’s ability to serve the community? Merging with Children’s Services Center has given us another identity to be able to avoid stigmatizing children with the name of UCP because we serve children with a host of different disabilities. So that’s given us another
branding, if you will, to be able to provide that service. We also have the Parent Place, a program that provides new or gently used toys for families that would not ordinarily be able to provide those for their children. If a family member volunteers at their child’s school or childcare center then they get certificates and they can cash them in for their toys. Under the Children’s Services Program we also provide early intervention for the 0-3 population, as well as speech and behavioral services and clinic-based therapies. How can people get involved in your organization? What we really need are individuals that will participate in our fundraising activities. We are looking to recruit younger board members so they can take it to the next generation and be able to make a difference in the community. Sometimes people think that you can’t make a livable wage within a non-profit and that’s not the case. Fundraising is a big need and the awareness that we are here. Sometimes people are not aware of the depth and breadth of our service offerings and getting the word out to people who need our services is huge. What do you love best about living in Pensacola? I like the smallness of the community yet we have now seen a tremendous increase in the offerings of culture. Of course the beach and just the small town-ness feeling and belonging. I love the area – it’s home. Do you have any advice for young women looking for leadership roles in non-profits? The number one is you’ve got to understand how to read a financial statement. You have to be a generalist over all and a business degree is a great foundation. You need to understand insurance, worker’s comp, finance, and the inner workings of any type of business. Because it is a business. This is a $5 million business, that’s what I’m running here. To run a $5 million business you’ve got to understand business. My other piece of advice is aligning themselves with some people that can open doors when they’re not able to open doors, some real community leaders that have the drive. I would not be here today with this success if it hadn’t been for my board of directors. I have the best board of directors around. They would be the envy of any non-profit.
About United Cerebral Palsy of Northwest Florida UCP has served as the primary provider of care for individuals with developmental disabilities since 1953. They aim to enhance the quality of life of these individuals by encouraging inclusion in the community and by helping them to gain the most independence possible. July/August 2013
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PENSACOLA SCENE
...at the ARC Gateway benefit Crab Cake Cook-off at Seville Quarter
Larry Northup
Perry Palmer & Kymberly Collins
Sissy & Mark Johnson
Sara Scarborough & Tavi Slevinski
Seville Quarter cooking team
Karen Mansfield, Marianne McMahon & Valerie Russenberger
Polonza cooking team
Becky Morgan, Karen Morgan & Mary Kohlmann
Andrius Galinis & Kevin Johnson
Jack Lurton & Bill Mitchem
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Darlene Larkin & Astrid Slaughter
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Appetite for Life cooking team
Stacie Whinnery & Tina Johnson
Kimmy Sims & Kirsten Bonnin
Vincent Andry & Dave Hoxeng
Glenn Wilson, Katie Wilson & Steve Trawick
July/August 2013
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