e f i L y t Old Ci YLE MAGAZINE ST FE LI & E UR LT CU R IE EM PR S E’ IN ST. AUGUST
April 2015
THE PLAYERS Championship Art, Music and...Haircuts Glamour on the Frontier From Farm to Table
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VOLUME 9 • OLD CITY LIFE • ISSUE 4
Joe Boles Attorney at Law Chairman, Council on Aging
19 RIBERIA STREET • ST. AUGUSTINE
904-824-4278
Volume 9
|
Issue 4
|
2015
Old City Life Castaway Publishing, Inc PO Box 35 St. Augustine, FL 32085 904.461.6773 OCL@castawaypublishing.com Lura Readle Scarpitti
Managing Editor editor@castawaypublishing.com 904-325-5930
Brian Hornung
Contributing Designer brian@rockitinteractive.com
Diana L. Garber
Ad Sales Director oclads@castawaypublishing.com 904-679-1550
LeeAnn Kendall
Advertising Sales • Public Relations ads@castawaypublishing.com 904-501-3917
Distribution
Warren Macbeth Christianne Macbeth Publication Distribution Service Dominion Distribution
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All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without permission in writing from the publisher. All material is compiled from sources believed to be reliable, published without responsibility for errors or omissions. Castaway Publishing, Inc. assumes no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts or photos.
OLDCITYLIFE.COM
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IN THIS ISSUE:
e f i L y t Old Ci April 2015
AGAZINE
S PREMIER
E’ ST. AUGUSTIN
ON THE COVER:
FESTYLE M CULTURE & LI
Players make their way up the 18th Hole in the final round of last year’s PLAYERS CHAMPIONSHIP. Spectators and players alike donned a festive hue in support of “Pink Out the Players”-a co-operative effort with
YERS THE PLoAnship Champi ts
aircu ic and...H Art, Mus the Frontier on Glamour rm to Table From Fa
the 26.2 with Donna to raise breast cancer awareness and funds for research. The charity is just one of over 300 which benefit from the popular annual golf tournament. Photo by Addison Fitzgerald
FEATURES: 13 THE PLAYERS CHAMPIONSHIP A first look at this year’s set-up
24 THEY CALL IT “GLAMPING” Camping with a softer side
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VOLUME 9 • OLD CITY LIFE • ISSUE 4
37 FRESH FROM THE FARM A guide to freshest marekts in the area
46 A DIFFERENT KIND OF BRUSH The barber with an artist’s soul
46
54
FOOD & DRINK RECIPIES 64 TASTE 66
CULTURE SPORT 23 GIVING 43 ART 46 MIND 51
SECTIONS:
AROUND TOWN FROM OUR MAYOR 10 SHOPPING 37
24 BUSINESS CHRISTE’ BLUE 40
LIVING HOME 31
COMMUNITY CALENDAR 58
31
WORSHIP 60 FISHING 63 PEOPLE 72 ON THE TOWN 75 CUP O’JOE 80
OLDCITYLIFE.COM
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FROM THE EDITOR
Dear Readers,
ends up in the junk. He goes to punch out to
golf. One guy, J.P. Hayes, realized that he
the green…and it happens. He barely grazes
played a non-qualifying ball during qualifying
Say what you will about professional
a stray weed on his backswing, or at least he
school (a grueling test over many weeks
thinks he did.
and many courses just to try and get on
golfers-I won’t go into some of the criticisms out there because they are well known and
to the Tour) and disqualified himself-and
I don’t want to waste the space. I want talk
ANYONE have seen this?” “Should I just
he found that out when he was alone in
about what is best about this sport. This
play on like it didn’t happen?” No. His
his hotel room! This “trickles down” to the
story personifies it:
immediately reaction was to call a rules
recreational golfer as well. We’ve all heard of
It’s Championship Sunday. Jim Furyk,
official over to review the play on-screen.
the “foot wedge” but any person who plays
a 16-time winner on the PGA Tour, is in
Only by slowing the shot WAY down was
the sport knows that is flat out cheating.
a playoff with Brian Davis. “Who?” you’re
the violation even noticeable; but still, the
Whether you report yourself or not, at the
probably asking. Exactly. Who? He’s a virtual
rule against moving loose impediments,
end of a round, the person you have to
unknown yet here he is, chasing down his
EVEN a stray piece of grass, was violated.
answer to…is yourself. Is it worth your honor
very first PGA Tour win at the 2010 Verizon
Davis called the 2-stroke penalty on himself,
just to win a skin off your best friend?
Heritage, which comes with a hefty purse
conceded the tournament, and a $1.3
and a 5-year tour exemption-which means
million-dollar paycheck, to Furyk.
he gets to play in any tour event, no matter
Furyk is quoted as saying “To have
what, for the next five years (doesn’t mean
the tournament come down that way is
that he’s guaranteed to win money though-
definitely not the way I wanted to win. It’s
you have to make the cut to do that).
obviously a tough loss for him and I respect
On the first playoff hole, a par-three, Davis’ tee shot bounces off the green and
8
His first thoughts weren’t “Would
VOLUME 9 • OLD CITY LIFE • ISSUE 4
and admire what he did.” This happens ALL the time in competitive
For all the criticisms, integrity is the biggest and most important part of the game-and that’s what makes it great. See you on the First Tee, Lura Readle Scarpitti
AROU N D TOW N | D OWN TOW N
FROM OUR MAYOR
NOT ALL ABOUT THE BIRDIES BY MAYOR NANCY SHAVER
Everyone who has played golf has a list of life’s lessons learned around the course. I grew up with parents who loved golf.
My handicap gradually improved, but I
When I became pregnant my game got better, apparently due to a shift in my
could never drive the ball as far as those
center of gravity. And I learned a child
Dad played every weekend. Mom, not
naturally bigger. But the handicapping
provides a special balance in life that’s
the type to be a “ golf widow”, became an
process made the rounds competitive.
unmatched.
accomplished golfer. They enjoyed time
And I learned it’s right to give a boost to
on the course together and in foursomes
someone disadvantaged.
with friends. And I learned everything good becomes
In college, I dated an excellent golfer
I finally came to terms with golf when I discovered playing six holes in the evening - and not keeping score - was my kind of
who ultimately became a club pro. He
game. l loved the beauty of the course,
once sliced a shot with his favorite club
the songs of birds, and coming home
and proceeded to hold it across his raised
relaxed. And I learned it is sometimes best
experience the exquisite torture of golf.
knee for a “fake break”—only he actually
to live by my own rules.
Like any teenager, I was self-conscious
broke the club. And I learned to stay
about everything. Standing at the tee,
calm and control emotions in times of
staring at a little ball which was sure to
disappointment, so as not to risk losing
land far off the fairway, was agony. And I
something of great value.
better when shared. Eventually, I began to play and
10
learned to be patient and to persevere.
VOLUME 9 • OLD CITY LIFE • ISSUE 4
Golf’s a great teacher.
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IT’S NOT JUST A GOLF TOURNAMENT ANYMORE
MAY 5-10, 2015
PLAYING AT
THE PLAYERS BY LURA READLE SCARPITTI
PHOTOS BY CHAD LIGHT & ADDISON FITZGERALD
OLDCITYLIFE.COM
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What’s your PLAYERS Championship style? When we ask that, we don’t mean what you wear, how you do your hair or even what you put on your feet. We mean “How do you experience the Tournament?” Do you go every day, pick out your favorite players and watch them play every hole you possibly can? Or do you pick a spot, like the famous hill at 17 and camp out there enjoying the thrill of whether or not each player teeing off will find the green… or take a bath? Or do you go just to wander around with chums, socializing and experiencing what has arguably become one of the most highly anticipated and highly attended sporting events on the Northeast Florida calendar? Like many, maybe your style is a combination of all of the above? With over 100,000 people passing through the gates of THE PLAYERS Championship during this week-long happening, it’s safe to assume that not all of the people wandering the lush grounds are there to witness the best golfers in the world take on one of the toughest courses on their schedule…and that’s okay. Over the years, THE PLAYERS has evolved from being just a golf tournament to being an interactive experience with a focus on making the spectator’s time spent at the tournament unique, fun and exciting. Ostensibly, you can go for a day, not see a single golf shot and still have a great time. Of course, that’s not what THE PLAYERS is all about-it is, after all, one of the most difficult tests on the PGA Tour schedule for sure; but no matter what your purpose is for attending, we have a few suggestions to make your time all the more fun. One of the things that makes THE PLAYERS so popular is that, simply put, it is just a really good time. Ask anyone and they’ll tell you that to some, it’s the social event of the year. One of the reasons for this is that scattered throughout the course are gathering places away from the action where friends can meet, hang out, have a few beverages and then wander off to see the PGA Tour’s best and brightest get tested…and then repeat as many times as they want. It just keeps getting bigger and better, with existing spots getting some awesome upgrades and a few new additions to chill in while discussing that crazy birdie putt that Rory made on 18, or Freddy’s hole-in-one on 17 to take the clubhouse lead. Look for changes to The Blue Room VIP Lounge presented by Michelob ULTRA, Tacos on 12, Trucks on 10, Sea Best 17 Deck, The Benefactor Pavilion and The Turn, which has undergone a complete remodel. New this year are the Fan Bleachers presented by MD Anderson Cancer Center provide excellent shaded viewing for fans. Located on 16 tee, with views of 10 tee, the Fan Bleacher presented by MD Anderson Cancer Center offers a covered public bleacher and deck. Fan Bleacher presented by MD Anderson Cancer Center is located on 17 green and has public bleacher seating with a covered rear deck. Concessions are available at each location.
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VOLUME 9 • OLD CITY LIFE • ISSUE 4
Due to the popularity of the PwC’s First Tee
Performance Moments from the PGA TOUR
to win prizes and giveaways.
Challenge, where you can take on a “replica”
season, learn more about the Bridgestone Tire
of the famous 17th hole for a chance to win
lineup and take part in the Feherty Putting
prizes, the Stadium Village just across from
Challenge.
the 18th green has become one of the most
• Verizon Wireless Lounge – Charge your
popular places to gather at the event. Fans get
phone, try out the new mobile app for THE
when accompanied by an adult-and there’s
two free shots at the Island Green, with the
PLAYERS and see ways to improve your golf
no limit on how many youth can accompany
option to purchase an additional chance for a
game. Special offers available on-site only.
one adult. In other words, one parent can
$5 donation to The First Tee of North Florida.
• Nature Valley (the official granola bar of the
bring all his or her children or an entire
They can also make a $20 donation (or more)
PGA TOUR )– Grab a complimentary granola
soccer team can attend with their coach.
for a “First Tee Fast Pass” to bypass the queue,
bar.
Plus there’s the Family Plan package: for just
take five shots and receive a free sleeve of
• MD Anderson – Protect yourself from the
$95, families get two adult grounds tickets
golf balls. All proceeds will benefit The First
sun by picking up sunscreen provided by the
with unlimited youth admission at the gate
Tee of North Florida.
MD Anderson Cancer Center.
and two $10 concession vouchers. Parking
FOR THE GANG First off-youth 18 and under get in for free
• Baptist Health – stop by for health tips and
passes are additional, but any car with four
public fan zone at the Village features a
more.
or more passengers parks for free under THE
centrally located bar, open table seating,
• Stryker Mobility Zone – Enjoy an
PLAYERS “Four for Free” policy. THE PLAYERS
luxury restrooms, and THE PLAYERS Golf
educational experience that provides
also allows for food items to be brought in in
Shop where fans can stock up on PLAYERS
information about arthritis, joint health, and
clear plastic bags and filtered drinking water is
and PGA TOUR fashions and merchandise.
treatment options for hip and knee arthritis
available at select areas around the course.
And there’s more:
including Fred Funk and Hal Sutton’s personal
• Bridgestone Performance Center – you
story of joint replacement and return to golf
allows for kids to enjoy the action without
can participate in free golf ball fittings, watch
and practice your putting skills with a chance
having to be right by play (quiet is expected by
The 16,000-square-foot, air-conditioned
The stadium-style setup of the tournament
OLDCITYLIFE.COM
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MasterCard® Cardholder Perks
PGATOUR.COM/THEPLAYERS THEPLAYERS
• Save 10% at merchandise tents and on-course concessions, only with your MasterCard • Text Best Seats to 50101 for a chance to win upgraded tickets (Privacy policy and terms & conditions: http://sgnl.cm/BSIH)
@THEPLAYERSChamp @THEPLAYERSChamp LEGEND TA CY
AB
TOURAcademy THE PLAYERS Marquee Courtyard Spectator Bleacher Sawgrass Suites Dye’s Pavilion Proud Partner Mobile Talk Locations Autograph Box
ELKINGTON GATE
ATMs Baptist Health First Aid Clubhouse Parking Wheelchair Accessible Merchandise Tent Admission Gates Social Media Zones Restrooms Refreshments
3
C TA
AB
Practice Area 4
D
A
Back Practice Area 5
The Patio
&D C Wine on 9
Public venue. Shaded, open-air seating, videoboard. Food/drinks for purchase. • Michelob ULTRA Bar • Permanent Restrooms • Social media video board
C
The Greenside Lounge
Stadium Village & PwC’s First Tee Challenge
Public venue. Tented, climate-controlled. • Baptist Health • Bridgestone Performance Center • Florida Lottery • Lexus • MD Anderson Cancer Center • Putt for Charity Challenge • Nature Valley Sampling • Putt for Charity Challenge • Stryker Mobility Zone • Verizon Wireless Lounge
B
2
6 7
Wine & Dine on 9
Public venue. Shaded, open-air seating. Upscale food/drinks for purchase. • BERINGER® Wine Bar • Restaurant Medure Small Plates • Permanent Restrooms
SUTTON GATE ®
D
The Greenside Lounge
New! Ticketed venue adjacent to 9 Green. Soft seating, flat screen TVs, upgraded food and premium bar options.
16
E
The Turn featuring GREY GOOSE 19th Hole Lounge
• Ticketed venue • GREY GOOSE® signature drinks • Soft seating and flat screen TVs
VOLUME 9 • OLD CITY LIFE • ISSUE 4
F
Welcome Experience
Public area with activities for the whole family. Food/drinks for purchase. • Daily’s • Interactive Golf Experience • McKenzie Wilson Foundation Kid Zone • Expanded Merchandise Tent
G Food Court
H Taste of JAX
Public venue. Local food/drinks for purchase. • Bono’s Pit Bar-B-Q • Brucci’s Pizza • Firehouse Subs • MShack • Tropical Smoothie Café • Winn-Dixie Fresh Café
Public venue with a GREY GOOSE® open-air bar, seating, permanent restrooms and shaded area. Local food/drinks for purchase. • 4 Rivers Smokehouse • Indochine • Metro Diner • V Pizza
Gen
GATE A GATE B 1 CH 5
LOVE III GATE
Blue Room VIP Lounge K presented by Michelob ULTRA
CH 3
Clubhouse
A
MARRIOTT ENTRANCE
J Tacos on 12
Fan Bleachers presented by N1 MD Anderson Cancer Center
Stadium Village & PwC’s First Tee Challenge
13
10
AB
I Trucks on 10
11 12
B The Patio The Turn featuring GREY GOOSE® E 19th Hole Lounge
18
Patriots’ Outpost
H Taste of JAX
16
N2
presented M 17 Deck by Sea Best
9
14
15
COUPLES GATE
Dine
17
The Oasis
L
The Grove The Benefactor
F Welcome Experience
G Food Court
8
Compass Consulting Group Lot Parties Location
neral Parking
I
Blue Room VIP
Trucks on 10
Public venue. Local food/drinks for purchase. • Baby’s Badass Burgers • Corner Taco • Gourmet Aviator • Mama’s Food • Up In Smoke BBQ
General Parking
CY
J Tacos on 12 Public venue. TacoLu, Jacksonville's most popular Baja Mexicana, will be serving food and beverages. Seating and shaded areas.
K
Lounge presented by Michelob ULTRA
Ticketed venue with allinclusive beverages and signature dishes from top local restaurants, climatecontrolled seating and entertainment.
L
NICKLAUS GATE
Preferred Parking
17 Deck
The Benefactor
Ticketed venue featuring the Oakley Lounge -experience why Oakley is #1 in Eyewear; browse their boutique product collection; enjoy views of No. 17, indoor/outdoor seating, large screen TVs and upgraded beverage bar.
M
Fan Bleachers
N
presented by Sea Best
Public bleacher with covered deck, concessions and views of 16, 17 & 18.
presented by MD Anderson Cancer Center
1 - Covered public bleacher and deck. Views of 16 and 10. 2 - Public bleacher with covered deck. Views of 17.
OLDCITYLIFE.COM
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all areas of play-especially by the greens) and if the kiddos get restless or everyone wants to take a breather from the action on the course, THE PLAYERS boasts the family-friendly McKenzie Noelle Wilson Foundation Kid Zone, which features the “GameTruck,” a mobile, video-game theater providing spectators with HDTVs and a wide selection of games for Xbox360, Wii and PlayStation3, The Kid Zone also offers snow cones from KONA ICE (for purchase), a putt-putt course, arts and crafts, face-painting and an inflatable obstacle course for the kids to blow off some steam. Plus, there’s a Game Coach who manages the activities so parents can relax. The good thing is that there won’t be “quiet please” signs in this area! As for other spots, we could fill a hundred pages talking about all of the fun and exciting places to hang out and take in the sights, so we’ll just give a sampling in this section. For more information, we will be expanding on this and other PLAYERSrelated stories throughout the month of April and the first week of May on our website www.oldcitylife.com. It’s obvious that a trip to THE PLAYERS packs a punch and most want the fun to continue even after the last golfer of the day signs his card and hits the clubhouse. Years past, that meant dispersing to restaurants and bars in and around the Ponte Vedra area. Then, in 2012, THE PLAYERS unveiled a hospitality structure located outside the Nicklaus Gate. Called “The Lot,” its sole purpose was to extend the fun for fans, and, in the process, raise money for great local causes. Entrance to these events requires an additional ticket, separate from spectator tickets to the golf tournament, with all proceeds going to the charitable organization hosting the party. This year’s Compass Consulting Lot Parties are: Live at The Lot benefitting Corporate America Supports YouWednesday, May 6th, 5-10 p.m. The After Partee hosted by YMCA of Florida’s First CoastThursday, May 7th, 5:30-10 p.m. THE CUT hosted by the Boselli FoundationFriday, May 8th – 6-11 p.m. Fancy Pants Party hosted by First Coast Blessings in a Backpack-Saturday, May 9th, 6-11 p.m. All this is just the tip of the iceberg-there’s so much more to see and do and experience during THE PLAYERS week that it’s impossible to cover it all in the pages of this issue. Log on to www.oldcitylife.com for continuing coverage of everything THE PLAYERS has to offer! See everyone there! 18
VOLUME 9 • OLD CITY LIFE • ISSUE 4
It All Adds Up THE PLAYERS CHAMPIONSHIP BY TRACY PISTORIO / FLORIDA’S FIRST COAST OF GOLF
The 75-mile glorious stretch of Northeast Florida’s coastline is undeniably a golfer’s paradise year round. It’s no wonder golf
visit our website at PGATOUR.COM/ THEPLAYERS or FloridasHistoricCoast.com Experiencing all that THE PLAYERS has
enthusiasts from all over the world travel
to offer, it’s obvious that golf is a tale of
to Ponte Vedra to attend THE PLAYERS
passion, obsession and romance with a
Championship hosted at THE PLAYERS
gratifying acquaintanceship with trees, sand
Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass. Last year
and water; all of which elements you can find
alone, there were approximately 179,000
right here on Florida’s First Coast!
PLAYERS fans in attendance, generating an
Florida’s First Coast of Golf, nestled in the
estimated $151 million economic Impact to
heart of Northeast Florida is your gateway
Northeast Florida.
to 27 championship golf courses and 20 member resorts and hotels. With 23 years
Want to know THE PLAYERS by the
of exemplary service in the Old City Life of
numbers?
St. Augustine and through their partnerships
• 1 billion – Households that receive
with Amelia Island, Jacksonville & The
THE PLAYERS telecast each year, in 225
Beaches, Clay County, Palm Coast & The
territories and 32 languages.
Flagler Beaches and St. Augustine & Ponte
• Approximately $67.5 million – Generated
Vedra Beach, Florida’s First Coast of Golf
for Northeast Florida charities since 1977.
is raising the “par” of Golf Tourism and the
• $50 million – THE PLAYERS’ goal over
Coastal Golf experience.
10 years for local youth-related charities
Through unique partnerships with the
(announced in April 2011; to date, over $30
PGA TOUR, World Golf Hall of Fame, THE
million has been generated toward that goal).
PLAYERS and some of the world’s finest
• $7.5 million – Generated for local charities
academies, courses and accommodations,
in 2014, a tournament record.
Florida’s First Coast of Golf offers
• 21,000 – Military tickets distributed for
comprehensive packages, appealing to both
FREE for the 2014 tournament.
domestic and international golf vacationers.
• 14,000 – Approximate number of people
Whether you are traveling solo, as a group,
who came through the Birdies for the Brave
or planning a family vacation, finding
Patriots’ Outpost in 2014
luxurious and affordable hospitality is
• 2,100 – Volunteers who make THE
effortless when using Florida’s First Coast
PLAYERS possible every year.
of Golf.
• 886 – Media staff members representing
To learn more about Florida’s First Coast
188 outlets and 15 countries were on site to
of Golf and to book your next golf vacation,
cover THE PLAYERS in 2014.
visit our web site at www.florida-golf.org
• 400-plus – Corporate businesses
or call (888) 896-9045. You will see why
that invest in a range of hospitality and
Florida’s First Coast of Golf is your “Trusted
sponsorship programs at THE PLAYERS.
Source for Golf Travel Planning.’’
• 32.8 million – Viewers who tuned into Golf Channel and NBC to watch the 2014 tournament. For more PLAYERS information and to purchase your 2015 PLAYERS tickets,
OLDCITYLIFE.COM
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VOLUME 9 • OLD CITY LIFE • ISSUE 4
World-Class Care, Close to Home
Flagler Hospital's Breast Health program offers some of the industry's most advanced early detection technology, including digital mammography, ultrasound and breast MRI. A comprehensive team of radiologists, pathologists and technologists work together to identify breast cancer at the earliest possible stage, including pre-cancerous activity. If a cancer diagnosis is made, an interdisciplinary team of surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists and plastic surgeons develop a comprehensive treatment plan for each patient. Flagler Hospital also provides a breast cancer nurse navigator who works individually with each patient to take the complex journey of breast cancer treatment and surround the experience with compassionate, knowledgeable, respectful support. Flagler Hospital is accredited by the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC), a program administered by the American College of Surgeons. NAPBC accreditation challenges breast cancer centers to enhance the care they provide by addressing patient-centered needs and measuring the quality of the care they deliver against national standards. Flagler Hospital is one of only 547 centers in the United States to obtain this certification.
Flagler Imaging Center has also been designated a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence by the American College of Radiology. By awarding facilities the status of a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence, the ACR recognizes breast imaging centers that have earned accreditation in all of the College’s voluntary, breast-imaging accreditation programs and modules, in addition to the mandatory Mammography Accreditation Program.
20th Annual
Flower & Garden Expo Saturday, April 18, 9am to 5pm Sunday, April 19, 10am to 4pm
St. Johns County Agricultural Center Everything to make your garden grow! $5 admission, good for both days free parking, children under 11 admitted free
New: Children’s Activity Area! All proceeds benefit EPIC Behavioral Healthcare
Call (904) 829-2273 or visit www.epicbh.org or find the Expo on facebook for more information!
Janet Tillman
19th Annual presented by kresge, Platt & Abare
Saturday, April 25, 11am to 5pm St. Augustine Amphitheatre
Why eat at one restaurant when you can taste the signature dishes of St. Augustine’s best restaurants while enjoying the live music of The Red River Band and Big Engine! $5 admission, children under 11 admitted free frEE PArkIng receive discounts to local attractions with your Taste ticket!! All proceeds benefit EPIC Behavioral Healthcare
Call (904) 829-2273 or visit www.epicbh.org or find the Taste on facebook for more information!
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VOLUME 9 • OLD CITY LIFE • ISSUE 4
C U LTU RE | SPORT
CULTURE
FLAGLER COLLEGE
HOSTS WOMEN’S GOLF TOURNAMENT STORY AND PHOTOS BY RICK MCALLISTER
For the 3rd year in a row, Flagler College
close second. Jessica Bradley of Lynn was the
has sponsored the World Golf Invitational
low medalist while Flagler’s Stephanie Tucker
tournament for Division II Collegiate Women’s
made the All-Tournament Team.
golf teams. Seventeen schools, including the
One final note; In this turbulent time when
host Flagler team, competed at the Slammer
most of the news about young people tends
& Squire course at World Golf Village for the
to be sad or violent, these ladies give hope
3-day event February 7th thru the 9th. The
that our future will be strong and be in
prestigious field included the top-4 rated
good hands. Besides their obvious skills and
Division II Golf teams in the United States; the
competitive drive on the field of play, they
Saints coming in at number three, at the time.
are articulate and poised and while the game
Saturday the 7th was registration and a
of golf is laced with honor and integrity, their
practice round. Competition began Sunday
passion and compassion comes from other
and saw Jessica Bradley from Lynn University
sources. Way to go parents and coaches.
ABOVE: FLAGLER’S NICOLE KEYSER SINKS A PUTT ON 18TH HOLE AT SLAMMER & SQUIRE
shoot a tournament record 68. Late Sunday afternoon, the ladies gathered at the Hall of Fame Challenge Hole for a little fun competition, followed by the traditional “rose” ceremony. As he has since the event began, Flagler Head Golf Coach and Tournament Director Santiago Cavanagh gave every senior on all the teams a red rose and thanked them for their academic and athletic efforts during their 4 years in school. Sunday ended with a tour and dinner in the Hall of Fame. The final round on Monday saw some wonderful competition as Flagler College and Lynn University shot some great golf to vie for the championship trophy. When the last putt settled in the cup, Lynn University won the tournament championship with Flagler a
LEFT TO RIGHT - COACH J.L. SMITH, STEPHANIE TUCKER, JOANNA YOO, NICOLE KEYSER, MARIE SANTACROCE, MARY RODGERS, OLIVIA FERRER, LINN WEBER, AND DIRECTOR OF GOLF SANTIAGO CAVANAGH
OLDCITYLIFE.COM
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“ROUGHING” IT IN THE
OLD WEST GLAMOUR ON THE FRONTIER
NOT EXACTLY “ROUGH I N G I T ”
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VOLUME 9 • OLD CITY LIFE • ISSUE 4
After a restful night I climbed out of the silky linens on our plush bed. I took a cleansing breath of the fragrant juniper wafting in the air, slipped on the robe provided, drew back the flap on the doorway and stepped out onto the porch for the most colorful desert sunrise I had ever seen. We were Glamping in Utah! Late last summer, my husband and I took a trip to explore what was once America’s frontier-majestic Rocky Mountains, the vastness of the mesas and desert, the magnificent red rock that were the settings for some of our favorite western novels and movies. We wanted to explore what the early settlers had discovered out there, but with modern day conveniences like planes, trains, automobiles and luxury accommodations. When I learned that Frontier Airlines was based in Denver, I thought “The perfect starting point for our frontier adventure!” Although they no not have direct service from St. Augustine to Denver, a short drive to Orlando and an early morning non-stop flight got us in to downtown Denver before noon. We checked in to The Crawford Hotel at Denver’s Union Station whose “lux” level is as high as Denver’s elevation. The hotel recently underwent a $54 million renovation creating guest rooms like the Pullman that evokes the look and feel of old time train travel glamor. There are some pretty impressive modern amenities too. Like a rain shower and claw foot tub in the bath, and an I-Pad mini with an app to access the hotel’s services. It was also conveniently located at Union Station where we would be boarding Amtrak’s California Zephyr the
BY BARBARA GOLDEN
OLDCITYLIFE.COM
25
next morning for a ride to through Colorado’s Rocky Mountains - and points west. Our day in the Mile High City included a visit to the Denver Botanical Garden which was featuring an impressive exhibition of Chihuley Glass. The evening was spent in LoDo where we walked along the 16th Street Mall, a pedestrian promenade that was designed by architect I.M. Pei, the master of modern architecture. We enjoyed dinner at one of the side-walk cafes and picked up some fresh bread, cheeses and other tasty snacks for our westward journey.
All Aboard Amtrak for a Rocky Mountain Ride “RO O M ” W ITH A VI E W
We stepped out of the hotel that morning directly onto the train platform where we were to board the Zephyr for a scenic adventure from the plains to high up in the front range of the Rockies-the likes of which is almost indescribable. When we left the station we traveled across the last of the plains and began
26
the ascent on a series of switch backs taking
that the Aspen was beginning to turn yellow
us higher and higher up the front range of the
and searching for mountain goats, eagles
Rockies.
and bears. Though spectacular, the rough
We spent most of our seven-hour ride to
landscape brought thoughts of 18th and 19th
Grand Junction in the observation car with it’s
century travelers and what they had to endure
glass domed ceiling looking out at the breath
on their journey to the western frontier.
taking views of cliffs and ledges, noticing
One thing I should say, unlike train rides that
VOLUME 9 • OLD CITY LIFE • ISSUE 4
I’ve previously experienced through the Rockies, this was like gliding on air. “This beats Thunder Mountain at Disney World…with a much smoother ride!” I thought while taking in the breathtaking sights.
Taking a sip in Grand Junction Late in the day, our train descended the Rockies through De Beque Canyon along the Colorado River and on to the western slope arriving at our destination for the day - Grand Junction. The station is located in downtown Grand Junction where there are dozens of quality chain hotels, rental car agencies and best of all - great food. Il Bistro Italiano was a particular favorite. All the pastas, breads, sauces, and desserts are made fresh in-house and the wine list features some pretty good local and Italian wines. The town has more than a dozen wineries that offer tastings and tours. We visited and stayed at Two Rivers Winery, where owners Bob and Billie Witham have created a splendid experience for visitors. Each of the guest rooms at Two Rivers Chateau is named for a French wine region and overlooks the sprawling vineyard with a back drop of either Book Cliff Mountains to the north, Grand Mesa to the east, or our next stop, Colorado National Monument to the west. The wine isn’t bad either. In the morning we picked up a rental car and took a drive along Colorado National Monument’s Rim Rock Drive enjoying the views of the canyons and red rock monoliths. Our journey west continued on I-70 to Utah, with a stop along the way at Rabbit Hill to hike to an archeological site with an active dig and dinosaur tracks. A few miles into Utah, we headed south toward Moab along Highway128, passing the ghost town
St. Augustine’s
#1 STATION Join us weekdays 7am - 9am
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of Cisco (nothing there!), riding through open desert. On the horizon we could see clusters of formations which reduced our conversation to “wow” and “look at that…” as we got closer. The impressive Fisher Towers, a series of towering sandstone and mud monoliths rising from the earth and the deep red rock canyon that followed along the Colorado River brought more of the same.
Glamping…(just what it sounds like) We arrived in Moab for the highlight of our journey on the frontier – three nights of Glamping (glamour camping). We checked into Moab Under Canvas and were assigned a luxurious tent set on a platform overlooking the red rock formations of Arches National Park. The tent options included
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a Safari, Deluxe, Tee Pee or Suite. Our digs for the next three nights was a suite, complete with an extremely comfortable queen size bed, en-suite bathroom, wood burning stove and a leather couch in the tent’s lounging area. This…is camping with a softer side. Every morning, the sunrises from the front porch of our tent presented a pink and blue horizon that took my breath away. Even more spectacular were the stars at night. Before turning in to the comfort of our tent each night, we took our Adirondack-style camp chairs from the covered tent porch and sat in the open air where we watched the milky way produce a glimmering show that included a mesmerizing meteor shower. We hiked among bizarre formations at Arches National Park - more than 2,000 naturally formed stone arches, finns and pinnacles. My favorite sites in the park included Park Avenue, Balanced Rock, The Windows Section and a hike along Devils Garden Trail, where I imagined I was on a wild west movie set. In fact, there are dozens of locations in the area that served as locations for wild west movies. We visited more impressive red rock canyons at Dead Horse State Park and Canyonlands National Park. Our drive in the north part of the park, Island in the Sky,
included stops at Holeman Spring, Buck
creeping up the sheer red rock walls, just as
Canyon and Green River Overlook. A glorious
a group of cyclists came peddling by in one
sunset found us at Grand View Point Overlook,
direction and a small group of hikers passed in
with a dozen photographers lined up along the
the other.
rim waiting to capture that moment when the
This frontier adventure was coming to
setting sun made its final flash of the day as it
an end for us, but first we had to drive back
set beyond the buttes to the west.
through the Rockies to Denver. We made a
Moab has plenty of outfitters that provide
springs and get a massage at the Spa of the
road jeep tours, rock climbing, river rafting,
Rockies. That was refreshing and something
and more. There are several great restaurants
I would recommend after spending a week
in Moab too. We savored a Texas-style steak
roughing it in style in the dessert. We
washed down with the house-made Desert
continued onward to Denver and ended
Select Stout at Moab Brewery one night and
the day’s journey at the the Golden Hotel in
some of the best enchiladas in the world
Golden, Colorado.
accompanied by yummy Margaritas at La
We chose Golden for our last night and
Hacienda Restaurant on another. I would not
day to visit Buffalo Bills Grave and Museum
say that there were options for fine dining here
which my husband had visited as a child and
but it did seem like every restaurant we visited
wanted to share with me. I am glad he did. The
on this trip featured a menu filled with fresh,
museum does a great job of telling the story of
healthy and tasty eats.
the earlier frontiersmen.
Before we left Moab for our return to
Actually the real need to visit Golden
Denver and our return flight home, we took
was because we needed a beer to prepare
a drive along Potash Scenic Byway where we
ourselves for the transition from desert frontier
got a sense of the adventure people come to
“explorers” to the Floridians that we really are.
experience in Moab. We pulled off the road
After the very informative and tasty tour at
next to the Colorado River to view some of the
the Coors Brewery we took the short drive to
impressive petroglyphs and dinosaur tracks
the Denver airport, turned our rental car in and
on the rock walls when we noticed there were
boarded the nice Frontier jet for the ride home
rafters floating down the river. We looked a
to sunny Florida.
little to the south and could see rock climbers 28
stop in Glenwood Springs to swim in the hot
guided outdoor expeditions - bicycling, off-
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VOLUME 9 • OLD CITY LIFE • ISSUE 4
LI VI NG | HOME
LIVING
THE SCHOOL BUS BY LEEANN KENDALL PHOTOS BY JUSTIN ITNYRE
21st century home that honors the structural integrity and grandeur of the original design
SOLD US When Wendy and Burry Gowen from Belmont, Massachusetts
began looking for a place to retire, they had a tall list for their new hometown. “We had been to a number of places on the west coast of Florida, and further south and it all felt so transient. But here, the first time we looked at this house, a school bus went down the street. I said, ‘Yes! Real people.’”
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That was in 2011. There were other potential buyers but they all talked about demolishing the 1920s Mediterranean Revival home. Realtor Cece Reigle brought in John Valdes of John Valdes and Associates, and he and his team stepped in to create a stunning 21st century home that honors the structural integrity and grandeur of the original design. “It’s everything we dreamed of,” says Wendy. “After living in little Dutch colonials, we wanted a house that flows. This one does. And, we love entertaining here.” How did they do it? Very simple. One wall was removed, one room was added and another room repurposed. A veranda created that desired circular flow, an infinity pool brought a tropical atmosphere, and a breakfast nook added balance - along with spectacular waterfront and lighthouse views. And yes, there’s a dock – a nice, long dock. The
result? Wendy and Burry feel like they’re on
“The previous owner was Guy Sturgis, grandfather of Caleb Sturgis, former kicker for the Miami Dolphins and Florida Gators”
permanent vacation in their new hometown. If Wendy had a favorite spot, it would be the Hawaiian inspired, cobalt-blue-and-goldtiled pool with a Baja Shelf in the middle. “I had to fight for that shelf. It’s only 6” deep so on a nice day, I can sit with my nose in my book and my toes in the water and enjoy the pool without being committed.” They have John Clarkson with Pools of Jacksonville and design consultant Joel Hartman to thank for that. Adding a summer kitchen and storage building to mount solar panels was another successful trick performed. “We wanted to make it look like they were part of the original architecture,” Burry explains. “Jon Benoit of BEHST Builders did a great job,
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VOLUME 9 • OLD CITY LIFE • ISSUE 4
ABOVE: EVENING VIEW OF THE BAYFRONT & LIGHTHOUSE
you’d never know they were add-ons. Sunworks of Jacksonville did the solar system and it carries the electrical load for the whole house.” Wendy continues: “When we bought the house, the yard was just grass with tall cabbage palms. We worked with Jeremy Marquis of Marquis/Halback, Inc. on a plan. Jordan Whitmire and Southern Horticulture helped us make that plan a reality and we’re really happy with the mood we’ve created.” Burry gives a nod to the home’s former residents. “The previous owner was Guy Sturgis, grandfather of Caleb Sturgis, a former punter and kicker for the Miami Dolphins and Florida Gators. We like to think that somehow this house helped put Caleb Sturgis on the road to success.” That long
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dock, installed by Palatka’s Tom Rains is probably the cleanest dock in North Florida thanks to Starbuck and Pokie, eight year old golden retrievers who maintain the area as a no-fly zone. This new “old” house downtown is a wonderful piece of architectural history that has been superbly updated for modern living. It was the star of the 2013 Garden Club Tour and now hosts smaller, more frequent gatherings. But even more than that, for the Gowens it means a new home with new neighbors, a yellow school bus...and real people. Welcome to paradise.
RIGHT: BREAKFAST NOOK BELOW: LIVING ROOM
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VOLUME 9 • OLD CITY LIFE • ISSUE 4
St. Augustine Independent Restaurant Association
Not Into Par For The Course Dining? Swing By St. Augustine For Extraordinary Local Flavors. While attending THE PLAYERS Championship, be sure to enjoy genuine local cuisine. SAiRA is a collection of 15 locally-owned and operated St. Augustine restaurants where you can savor regionally-influenced and creative dishes. Visit StAugustineRestaurants.com to discover how local St. Augustine restaurants can make your dining experience exceptional.
Go> Eat Local. Go SAiRA. 36
VOLUME 9 • OLD CITY LIFE • ISSUE 4
AROU ND TOW N | S HOPPING
AROUND TOWN
GETTING FRESH!
Farmer’s Markets with an Old City flair BY RENEE UNSWORTH
Looking for fresh produce without having to
SALT AIR FARMERS MARKET
step inside a grocery store? With 9 farmers
Every Sunday: The Salt Air Farmers Market
markets in the area, you are sure to find the
runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Sunday
right match for your tastes. While all offer
year-round at the Marineland Marina, 101
vegetable and fruits fresh from Florida, some
Tolstoy Lane, from A1A South, across the
also offer prepared foods, produce from
street from Marineland Dolphin Adventure.
St. Johns County farms, plants, local art and
The market features locally grown produce,
pottery, and other handmade items.
seafood, bread, fruit, honey, soaps, tide clocks, art and more. Free admission and parking. Go
FARM TO FAMILY
to www.saltairfarmersmarket.com
Farm to Family, a mobile farmers market carrying produce from St. Johns County
WEDNESDAY MARKET AT ST.
farms, offers multiple stops one day a week
AUGUSTINE BEACH
(usually on Thursday) in specific
Every Wednesday: Fresh produce, arts and
St. Augustine locations. Most of the produce
crafts, and prepared food from local vendors
is grown locally — from farms in St. Johns
is available from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at
County. Farm to Family also collaborates
the St. Johns County Ocean Pier, 350 A1A
with local small food businesses such as
Beach Blvd., St. Augustine Beach. More than
Berry Good Farms, GYO Greens and Little
40 vendors offer a variety of items including
Black Box Baked Goods. Farm to Family
paintings, photography and jewelry.
is an outreach program of Pie in the Sky,
Free parking and admission. The event is
a registered nonprofit organization that
hosted by the St. Augustine Beach Civic
helps people in need in Hastings, Florida.
Association. Go to thecivicassociation.org
To get the list of weekly stops, go to farmtofamilyflorida.org
OLD CITY FARMERS MARKET AT ST. AUGUSTINE AMPHITHEATRE
FIRST COAST TECHNICAL COLLEGE
Every Saturday: Find fresh produce, plants,
FARMERS MARKET
bread, cheese, handmade products, fine
Feb. 7, March 7 and April 11
art and crafts from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
A Farmers Market is held from 10 a.m. to 2
at the St. Augustine Amphitheatre, 1340
p.m. on Feb. 7, March 7 and April 11 at First
A1A South, just south of the St. Augustine
Coast Technical College, 2980 Collins Ave.,
Lighthouse. Also at the market, art classes
St. Augustine. Locally grown vegetables and
and live music — local musicians gather for
fruits, datil peppers and plants, barbecue
a Americana-style jam. Free parking and
sauces, succulents, fresh baked goods,
admission. Go to staugustinefm.com
jewelry and crafts are offered. The public is welcome. Free admission and parking. For information, call 904-547-3386
OLDCITYLIFE.COM
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WORLD GOLF VILLAGE MARKET Second Friday of each month: Local vendors from North Florida offer a variety of fresh produce and other items on the second Friday of each month along the Walk of Champions at World Golf Village. The next market will be from 1 to 5 p.m. Friday, April 10. Local products include farm produce, baked goods, meats and poultry, seafood, honey, preserves, sauces and gourmet specialties. Free admission and parking. Call 904-940-4133 or go to www.facebook.com/ TheFarmersMarketatWorldGolfVillage NOCATEE MARKET Third Saturday of the month: The Nocatee Farmers Market features more than 70 vendors from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. every third Saturday of the month in the Nocatee community. The next market is April 18th. Free admission and parking in the Nocatee community in Ponte Vedra Beach. Go to www.nocatee.com for details. ST. AUGUSTINE FLEA MARKET Every Saturday and Sunday: Fresh produce and a U-pick hydroponics farm is offered every Saturday and Sunday at The St. Augustine Flea Market, 2495 State Road 207. Hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days, with free parking and admission. The market offers more than 200 booths. Call 824-4210 or go to staugustinefleamarket.com. FLAGLER BEACH FARMERS MARKET Every Friday and Saturday: Open from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Friday and Saturday at 111 S. Central Ave., in downtown Flagler Beach near the ocean. Vendors offer fresh produce, plants, prepared food and more. Go to www. flaglerbeachfarmersmarket.com for more details.
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VOLUME 9 • OLD CITY LIFE • ISSUE 4
New 2015 Weekly Lineup Monday – MASH LAB Live Music & DJ
9 pm – Close
Tuesday – Trivia Live 80’s & 90’s Trivia
7:30 – 9:30 pm
Wednesday – SpeakEasy Live Music with Local Acoustic Musicians $5 Crown & Kettle One
Thursday – Karaoke Party With DJ Rob St. John 8-12 pm
Friday & Saturday – Live Bands 9 – 1 am Visit mardibar.com for Weekly Band Schedule
Sunday - Funday Bikini Bike & Car Wash
Kitchen Open Til Midnight
123 San Marco Ave. 904-823-8806 Mardibar.com
OLDCITYLIFE.COM
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BUSIN E SS | SH O P P I N G
BUSINESS
NEW AND VINTAGE COME TOGETHER AT
CHRISTÉ BLUE
Boutique offers high quality, name brand ‘fashions for a fraction’ BY RENEE UNSWORTH
Looking for a gown for a black tie event? How about vintage jewelry? Christé Blue, 1035 Anastasia Blvd., on the island in St. Augustine offers new and vintage apparel, including more than 900 gowns in its formal wear area. Designer names include Ursula of Switzerland, Rina Di Montella, Alberto Makali, Flores & Flores, J. Gerard Design Studio, Rene Ruiz Couture, and dozens of others. “Our premise is to reuse, renew, reinvest,” said Matt Cafiso, who owns Christé Blue with his wife Susan. “We scrutinize every item,” he explained. “You’re not going to find stained or ill-fitting items. We are not buying those imperfect pieces.” While their resale items come from locals, Matt and Susan only select one out of every 10 pieces. They choose vintage, well-known designers, and brand new clothing with labels. “We try and stay away from Chinese goods,” Matt said. “We would rather have Coach purses made in America of nice leather.” In their effort to reinvest, renew, and reuse, they believe that people want to buy classic, well-made items for their wardrobes. “We hope we are actually helping people within the community,” Susan said. “If someone has a nice shirt that just didn’t work, then we are giving them the opportunity to get some money back … and give someone else the opportunity to have something at a decent price.” The owners also have established one-on-one working relationships with a few fashion designers — Ursula of Switzerland and Rina Di Montella. They buy limited pieces at a wholesale price from these two designers so that they can sell to customers for less than what they would purchase from boutiques in other cities. “We may have a gown that is $225 at Christé Blue,” Susan said. “But in another boutique, they (the customer) would be spending $500-$600 for that same dress.” Matt and Susan also travel to major cities to find items — Atlanta, New York, San Francisco and Phoenix, Arizona. “We bring back that unique, one-of-a-kind piece,” Susan said. “That is part of our mission … so that we have a good selection for our customers.” 40
VOLUME 9 • OLD CITY LIFE • ISSUE 4
In Phoenix, they find gently worn cowboy boots because “no one wants to break in a new pair,” Matt said.
“But I don’t want to be,” Susan explained.
“We have a lot to offer … vintage and retro
The 6,000-square-foot boutique also has a
is my baby,” Susan said. “I really appreciate it
fur salon that features 30-40 furs (with more
and I think I have a pretty good selection of
In Buckhead, a high-end area of Atlanta,
in cold storage so that they are rotated), and a
items.”
they purchase new designer brands from
bridal area that offers 60-70 wedding gowns.
Matt and Susan also allow nonprofits to
specialty boutiques.
The shop even carries a Pucci wedding gown
use their apparel and accessories in fashion
(never been worn) that was featured on the
shows that are fundraisers. They also donate
cover of a bridal magazine.
second hand clothing to Catholic Charities,
Christé Blue’s customers come from all over the world. Many are repeat national and international visitors, and others live within 100 miles.
“We have a couture seamstress on site everything Wednesday,” Susan explains. “She
St. Augustine High School, and other places where there is a need.
“We offer fashion for a fraction … resale on
can tell them what alterations may be needed.
“We try and find the right areas where we
a budget, which is a resourceful way to shop,”
This allows them to make a better decision
can help the most,” Susan said. “We donate to
Susan said. “And we keep the earth clean by
about what they will purchase.”
causes that can use it.”
recycling clothes.”
Other items include hardwood furniture,
Founded in 2004, Christé Blue moved
estate jewelry, and soon to be introduced —
about four years ago from a smaller space on
consignment of vintage sports cars. Shoppers
Anastasia Boulevard to the much larger space
can purchase many of these online at www.
at 1035 Anastasia Blvd.
shopchristeblue.com, and more high-end
“Some say we are the best kept secret in St. Augustine,” Matt said.
CHRISTE’ BLUE IS LOCATED ON THE ISLAND AT 1035 ANASTASIA BLVD.
items will be added to the website in the coming months.
OLDCITYLIFE.COM
41
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VOLUME 9 • OLD CITY LIFE • ISSUE 4
COM M U NI TY | GIVING
Call Home
COMMUNITY
A Place to
Alpha Omega Miracle Home’s Mission BY LURA READLE SCARPITTI
The video starts out with a question: “What
organization
that
provides
‘transitional
children. 84% of the families experiencing
if Alpha Omega Miracle Home did not exist?”
housing’ for homeless women and children
homelessness are headed by a single mother.
You can see the woman on the screen trying
in St. Johns County,” says Stephanie Stark,
Alpha Omega Miracle Home seeks to change
to wrap her brain around that concept: one
Director of Development for the charity, as
that.
that would affect her life in ways that would
well as permanent supportive housing for
The homeless single mothers that enter
be untenable. The woman, Rachael and her
Senior women who, through circumstances
the 2-year program at AOMH do so knowing
toddler daughter, were residents of AOMH
in life, have found themselves without shelter.
that this is not a “free-ride.” They are expected
at the time, and without this organization and
When people hear the word “homeless”
to get a job, continue their education, work
its ambitious goals, her life, and the life of her
they almost always default to an image of an
towards improving themselves and their lives
child would be in grave danger.
unbathed man or woman, dressed in dirty and
so that their children won’t have to experience
Let’s start by trying to answer that question:
tattered clothing, begging for loose change or
the uncertainly of a life without stable
in the year 2013 through 2014, without
sleeping in some out-of-the-way corner. While
housing,;the dangers of life on the street.
Alpha Omega Miracle Home, the women and
that certainly is a part of this population, there
In turn, they receive housing, assistance in
children at AOMH would have gone without
is another aspect of homelessness that isn’t as
whatever ways they need, daycare for their
the following:
well known, if at all, and it’s heartbreaking. Of
children, transportation to and from work,
the approximately 1,437 homeless persons
school, doctor’s appointments, grocery stores-
living in St. Johns County. 807 are school-age
you name it. And that’s just the tip of the
• 10,585 Safe Bed Nights • 7,280 Pkg. Diapers & Wipes from the Alpha-Omega Community Diaper Bank • 308 Bags of Groceries • 925 Household Goods & Furniture • 2,727 Articles of Clothing • 1,253 Pairs of Shoes • 4,728 Daycare Drop Offs/Pick Ups • 554 Free Vouchers to the Alpha-Omega Thrift Store for non-resident homeless and low-income individuals/families. • Counseling Sessions with a Licensed Mental Health Counselor • 6,000 Case Management Hours “So, exactly what is Alpha Omega Miracle Home?” you may ask. “Alpha Omega Miracle Home is a 501c3
OLDCITYLIFE.COM
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iceberg of all that this unique organization does to help provide a helping “hand up,” not hand-out, to single mothers, their children and elderly women in our community. According to Allie Bordley, a AOMH Benefactor and current Board Member, all of the women who come to them have suffered some form of abuse and it makes for some tough transitions into a more structured life. Many do not have a stable family base from which they would have learned the basic skills of life management. Many are untrusting and it makes for some trying times in the beginning. One of the ways AOMH eases this “culture shock” is by pairing the mothers with a Senior “roommate”, an elderly woman in need of shelter as well, who often serves as a mentor, mother, life-coach and often, a friend. These pairings often turn into surrogate families, much like the way Rachel and her “house mother” Mary became very close during their time together. Mary, a 74-year old woman from Palatka Florida, came to AOMH not knowing how to read and write. With the program’s help, she is now, for the first time ever, learning to read (and is reading her own mail, she will proudly tell you). Right now, the AOMH housing complex is a group of apartments near SR 312 owned by the organization. The office is in a mini-mall not too far away from that. This fragmented existence makes for logistical challenges that, at times, seem insurmountable. Their goal is to move into a 42,000 square-foot, speciallydesigned-and-built facility in a peaceful plot of land just off of SR 16, making the day-to-day operation of AOMH INFINITLEY easier. Plans include on-site daycare, counseling, educational courses, and more and the new campus would expand their capability from 30 to 60 beds. As they are completely dependent on donations and grants for their operational costs, they can’t do it without help of people like Bordily and Tom Raines, another longime benefactor of AOMH. As Raines, who once donated an entire house-full of furniture to a “graduate” of the program, along with matching funds to help her get her license back, to the tune of $300, “I’m not rich…I’ve got a little bit of money but I work hard for my money…If $300 can make a difference in someone else’s life, I don’t need the $300 that bad.” All this hard work pays off-women like Rachael and Kelly (the recipient of Raines’ generosity), who admittedly used to be a drain on their families, friends, society in general, graduate out of AOMH, get their own homes and go on to be happy, healthy, productive members of our community here in the Oldest City. For more information on Alpha Omega Miracle Home, and to see the video in the story, please visit their website at www.aomh.org This article made possible because HERBIE WILES INSURANCE cares about our community and non-profits and wants Old City Life readers to know about the great events and resources available via local non-profit organizations. www.HerbieWiles.com
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CULTURE
C ULT U R E | A RT
JOE ROCCO, MORE THAN JUST A BARBER
JOE ROCCO…
GRATITUDE OF LATITUDE BY ASHLEY BATES
When you walk into Joe Rocco (Calabria’s) barber shop in St. Augustine not only will you see a typical barber shop but also his artwork displayed, several guitars laying around just in case you may want to play and 45s playing on a record player singing tunes of yesteryear. The St. Augustine Family Barber shop isn’t just a place to update your hairstyle but also a place where 40 years of experience in art, music and barbering are housed in a 700 sf space, just a mile and a half from downtown St. Augustine. “Family brought me to St. Augustine from the Gulf Coast because of the events of BP, Katrina, etc.,” Rocco said. “Things sort of changed for the worse and we sold lock, stock and barrel and moved to St. Augustine because I believe there is a renaissance happening here, it’s a very interesting place and it has a lot of big town 46
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qualities to it. “More than I see in big cities, there is a music scene here, there is an art scene, so
“I was in a supermarket and I saw some pencils and a sketch book and so I started sketching musicians...”
I hope to bring this all home and keep on keepin’ on, painting, sketching and playing music, barbering and hair dressing.” Rocco and wife Catherine Calabria moved to St. Augustine permanently in 2010, from Natchitoches, Louisiana, but had been visiting the area since 2007. Oddly Natchitoches and St. Augustine are on the same latitude, you can literally draw a straight line between the two cities. Rocco also had lived in Washington, D.C. and grew up in New York City., but Washington, D.C. is really where Rocco found his love for art, painting and sketching. “I was in a supermarket and I saw some pencils and a sketch book so I started sketching musicians at open-mics and it was cheaper than therapy,” he said. “I sort of had a desire to do it my whole life but never could find time or there were a lot of excuses but I guess experience pushed my back against the wall to do something exciting because I was living in such a dull place.” Rocco moved from pencil sketching to pen and ink sketchings after he met his wife Cathryn. “It was actually cliche but I took my sketches to her and she didn’t tell me at the time but most of them were awful except for one of Jimi Hendrix and she immediately said ‘This is good, I want it.’” said Rocco. “She encouraged me to move from pencil sketching to pen and ink and I spent 10 years in DC in the metro on the streets doing tons on pen and ink sketchings of everyday people, actors, musicians, dancers, buildings. It’s a great place to be anonymous.” From his years of barbering and hairdressing in New York, Washington, D.C. and Louisiana, Rocco created a funny cartoon book of many of the amusing things people had said to him while sitting in the chair. The book, “Rocco the Hair Guy,” is for sale at the barber shop and all sketches are drawn by Joe Rocco.
48
“Going deeper in the South opened up my life even more and my work improved and people started collecting my art at a hair salon I owned in Natchitoches, Loisisana. Louisiana people are like no other, they appreciated me like no other place I had ever been since I started doing art.” One cartoon in the St. Augustine barber shop is of Rocco cutting hair and someone is saying “A barber shop with art work? You sure are fancy!” One thing Rocco isn’t is ordinary and he has not only been a barber, a motivational speaker and a published author but also a musician. “I play and sing, I’ve been doing that since I was a teenager I think ‘69 or ‘68,” said Rocco, who currently plays open mic night in St. Augustine. “I played guitar because I was a troubled teenager just like most snotty, adolescents. I got smitten you know, I hit the open-mics all over. They tell me I’m unique, I don’t know.” Rocco explained that every day working and creating art in St. Augustine is special to him. “I think the art scene is very vibrant and very special here, I think people come here and become artists if they haven’t already been and there’s quite a lot of talent and a great many galleries that range from all types of art from painting, to sketching and sculpture,” he said. ““I have an attitude of gratitude to be living by the beach.”
VOLUME 9 • OLD CITY LIFE • ISSUE 4
T W I S T E D BY T I M E BY J O E C A M PA NE L L I E
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VOLUME 9 • OLD CITY LIFE • ISSUE 4
LI VI NG | MIND
ONE WORD MANY MEANINGS What is Beauty?
LIVING
BY NORMA SHERRY
What is beauty?
lived a life; they have a story to tell.
lined and softer to the touch. And just for the
Well, I can tell you what it’s not. It’s not the
Don’t misunderstand me I’m not suggesting
record: it’s never too late to begin honoring
shade of your lipstick or the pout on your lips;
that any of us are relics. Indeed not, I’m merely
that beautiful skin of yours and glorifying it
it’s not the blush on your cheeks or a face
suggesting that perfection is unattainable. The
with good care!
devoid of expression or those much-maligned
movie stars’ good looks that we may covet are
lines around your eyes.
less likely to be gifts of nature then by a gifted
on to our more youthful benefactors the
surgeon’s hands.
appreciation and grace of maturing with
Beauty truly is in the eyes of the beholder, but even more so beauty comes from within.
However, with that said, chemists have
We more seasoned women need to pass
ease. We need to teach that we are each an
It’s the spirit in your heart; the smile in your
become near miracle workers for today’s men
individual: beautiful in our own right, and
eyes; the warm, engaging willingness to allow
and women. Wherein a decade ago there
that beauty truly is more than skin deep…and
yourself to be vulnerable.
was no such thing as a miracle in a jar, today’s
that beauty ultimately lies in the eyes of the
advances have greatly increased our chances
beholder…
Beauty is not just skin deep. As an aesthetician and a strong advocate for the
of diminishing the aging process by near
proper care of one’s skin, I can tell you as I
decades. In many cases erasing the ravages of
have many of my clients over the years, “we’ve
time.
earned those tiny little marks of expression and we should wear them with pride.” Allow me a comparison: we wear fine linen
Finally, love of self is in itself quite enchanting and quite beautiful.
I am a strong devotee for carefully caring of our largest organ: our skin. In doing so we can
Norma Sherry
prolong that more youthful glow, a face less
Aesthetician, Skin Specialist and Makeup Artist.
and silk because it’s beautiful and it feels so good against the skin. We buy it and wear it even though we know the minute we sit down it’s going to wrinkle. But we buy it anyway don’t we? Well, we too, are like fine linen and silk: we’re beautiful…and come time, sooner or later, we’re all going to have a wrinkle or two. We need to love ourselves, and our wrinkles, as we would that favorite silk or linen outfit. Our lines don’t define us. They don’t make us less lovable or less smart. In fact, they set us apart. Those smile lines shout out that we’re engaging and friendly. They have character akin to that praised piece of furniture passed down from your great grandmother. They’ve OLDCITYLIFE.COM
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VOLUME 9 • OLD CITY LIFE • ISSUE 4
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AROU N D TOW N | EV EN T
AROUND TOWN
HEADLINING BAND FROM SCOTLAND “ALBANAC”
St. Augustine
&
CELTIC MUSIC HERITAGE FESTIVAL A beautiful March Saturday started with
Albannach; authentic Celtic food; and
the Annual St. Paddy’s Day Parade, proudly
free-flowing Murphy’s Stout, Stella Artois,
sponsored by Old City Life Magazine, which
and Tullymore Dew Irish Whiskey; you
kicked off the 5th Annual Celtic Music and
couldn’t ask for a better time in the Old City.
Heritage Music Festival. With Pipe and Drum
Attendees could also shop for Celtic-themed
bands wandering the grounds; awesome
goods, take in the thrilling Highland Games
live bands like the Dublin City Ramblers,
and find their inner Celt at the popular 2-day
Rathkilter, Whiskey of the Damned and
festival. Slainte!
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VOLUME 9 • OLD CITY LIFE • ISSUE 4
PHOTOS BY TUCKER JONEZ
OLDCITYLIFE.COM
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NORTH of The Plaza 1. LOVE’S ART EMPORIUM: 8 CATHEDRAL PLACE 2. TRIPP HARRISON GALLERY & studio: 22 CATHEDRAL PLACE 3. PETER O’NEILL GALLERY: 130 ST. GEORGE ST. 4. ST.AUGUSTINE PHOTOGRAPHIC ARTS: 35 HYPOLITA #105 5. METALARTZ: 58 HYPOLITA ST. 6. ST. AUGUSTINE ART GLASS: 54 ST. GEORGE ST. 7. THE STARVING ARTIST: 28 CUNA ST. 8. SHAFFER GALLERY: 35 SAN MARCO AVE. STE.1 9. #7 ROHDE AVENUE GALLERY: 7 ROHDE AVE. 10. HIGH TIDE GALLERY: 76B SAN MARCO AVE.
SOUTH of The Plaza 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21.
GALERIA DEL MAR: 9 KING ST. PASTA GALLERY: 214 CHARLOTTE ST. ST. AUGUSTINE ART ASSOCIATION: 22 MARINE ST. AMIRO ART + DESIGN: 9 AVILES ST. AMIRO ART & FOUND: 9C AVILES ST. GEORGIA NICK GALLERY: 11A AVILES ST JOEL BAGNAL GOLDSMITH: 11B AVILES ST. AVILES STREET GALLERY: 11C AVILES ST. PLUM GALLERY: 10 AVILES ST. SEA SPIRITS GALLERY & GIFTS: 210 ST. GEORGE ST. #C LOST ART GALLERY: 210 ST. GEORGE ST. #C-1
Art Galleries of St. Augustine is an association of many diverse and eclectic galleries located in the city. From local artist owned businesses to exhibition halls and museums, these galleries offer collections of local, regional, national and facebook.com/artgalleriesofstagustine international artists.
NORTH OF THE PLAZA 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.
LOVE’S ART EMPORIUM: 8 CATHEDRAL PLACE TRIPP HARRISON GALLERY & studio: 22 CATHEDRAL PLACE ST. AUGUSTINE PHOTOGRAPHIC ARTS: 35 HYPOLITA #105 METALARTZ: 58 HYPOLITA STREET HIGH TIDE GALLERY: 51A & B CORDOVA STREET THE STARVING ARTIST: 28 CUNA STREET ROHDE AVENUE GALLERY: 7 ROHDE AVENUE
SOUTH OF THE PLAZA 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21.
GALLERIA DEL MAR: 9 KING STREET BRILLIANCE IN COLOR: 25 KING STREET PLUM GALLERY: 9A AVILES STREET AMIRO ART & FOUND: 9C AVILES STREET GEORGIA NICK GALLERY: 11A AVILES STREET JOEL BAGNAL GOLDSMITH: 11B AVILES STREET AVILES STREET GALLERY: 11C AVILES STREET PASTA GALLERY: 214 CHARLOTTE STREET ST. AUGUSTINE ART ASSOCIATION: 22 MARINE STREET . LOST ART GALLERY: 210 ST.GEORGE STREET #C-1 GRACE GALLERY: 47 KING STREET GRAND BOHEMIAN GALLERY: 49 KING STREET SPEAR HOUSE GALLERY:149 CORDOVA STREET ABSOLUTE AMERICANA ART GALLERY: 77 BRIDGE STREET
EAST OF DOWNTOWN VOLUME4 WHITE 9 • ST. OLD LIFEBLVD. • ISSUE 4 22.56 SIMPLE GESTURES: E. &CITY ANASTASIA 23. THE ART STUDIO OF ST. AUGUSTINE BEACH:370A A1A BEACH BLVD.
22. BRILLIANCE IN COLOR: 25 KING ST. 23. GALERIA LYONS: 41B KING ST. 24. GRACE GALLERY: 47 KING ST.
WEST of The Plaza 25. LIGHTNER MUSEUM: 75 KING STREET 26. CRISP-ELLERT ART MUSEUM: 48 SEVILLA STREET 27. 130 KING FINE ART: 130 KING STREET 28. BUTTERFIELD GARAGE ART GALLERY: 137A KING STREET
EAST of The Plaza 29. SIMPLE GESTURES: 4 WHITE ST. E. & ANASTASIA BLVD. 30. THE ART STUDIO OF ST. AUGUSTINE BEACH: 370-A A1A BEACH BLVD.
The ART GALLLERIES of St. Augustine is an association of the many diverse and eclectic art galleries located in the nation’s oldest city. From local artist-owned businesses to elegant exhibition halls and museums, these galleries offer outstanding collections of local, regional, national and international artists.
FIRST FRIDAY 5-9 PM On the first Friday of each month the galleries offer new art exhibits and lively receptions to the public. Start your FREE self-guided tour at any of the Art Galleries, most within walking distance of each other. Hop aboard the FREE Art Walk trolley that runs throughout downtown. For more info, visit us www.ArtGalleriesofStAugustine.org
GALLERIES
11C Aviles Street • 904.823.8608
904.826.8530 • flagler.edu/crispellert
904-825-4577 • ButterfieldGarage.com
904.827.9997 • simplegestures@live.com
904.342.2186 • GeorgiaNickGallery.com
904.824.6322 • metalartzgifts.com
904.829.5003 • NeffJewelers.com
57 904.540.3661OLDCITYLIFE.COM • thestarvingartistconsignment.com
What’s Goin’ Down in the Town....
APRIL
SUNSET/MOONRISE AT
9-12 RACE WEEK REGATTA
ST. AUGUSTINE LIGHTHOUSE
Watch as large-boat ocean racing and small
Enjoy the sunset and moonrise from the top of
boat racing competitions celebrate the first
1 WELCOME TO NIGHT VALE
the Lighthouse!
city’s 450th birthday along the St. Augustine waterfront. sarw2015.com
The Ponte Vedra Concert Hall presents a live
StAugustineLighthouse.org
performance of the acclaimed bi-monthly
MUSIC
podcast Welcome to Night Vale along with a
Della Mae, perform this Sing Out Loud series
performance by musical guest, Dessa.
concert at the Colonial Quarter in downtown St.
CELEBRATION
pvconcerthall.com
Augustine. Della Mae commands a powerful
The St. Augustine Pirate and Treasure Museum
collective chemistry with vocal, instrumental
invite all to tribute legendary cinematic
and songwriting talents to spare.
swashbuckler Errol Flynn.
staugamphitheatre.com
thepiratemuseum.com
5 EASTER PARADE
10-12 RHYTHM & RIBS
2-5 KRAFT NABISCO CHAMPIONSHIP The World Golf Hall of Fame weekend-long event celebrating past champions. worldgolfhalloffame.org
3 1ST FRIDAY ARTWALK
The parade begins at 3p.m. and features
FESTIVAL
marching bands and decorated floats along with
Visit Francis Field for the 20th Annual
special appearances by the Easter Bunny.
Rhythm & Ribs festival featuring music and
More information: 904-829-2333
award-winning barbecue all weekend long.
5-9p.m. 20 galleries downtown live music, refreshments, and new exhibits artgalleriesofstaugustine.com
4 CULTURAL HIKE On the first Saturday of the month take a guided cultural hike at the GTM Research Reserve from 8:30a.m. to 10:30p.m. gtmnerr.org
DON’T MISS
11 19TH ANNUAL VILANO 5K
10-11 SWASHBUCKLER
rhythmandribs.net
7 A DAY WITHOUT VIOLENCE ART EXHIBIT
16 KIDS BRIDGE 11TH ANNUAL
See some of the top entries from the past 14
CHARITY GOLF TOURNAMENT
years of the “A Day Without Violence” art and
Kids Bridge hosts a 4-person team scramble
poetry contest sponsored by Betty Griffin
golf tournament at The St. Augustine Shores
House. The annual contest features the work of
Golf Club. Proceeds benefit the 401(C)(3) Kids
St. Johns County students. stjohnsculture.com
Bridge Family Visitation Center. kidsbridgegolf.com
8 MUSIC The Steep Canyon Rangers, a dynamic
17 NO SEX PLEASE WE’RE
Bluegrass band to perform at the Ponte Vedra
BRITISH
Concert Hall. For tickets and more information, pvconcerthall.com.
Don’t miss opening night as the Limelight Theatre presents this British farce play written
Race begins at 8a.m.
by Alistaire Foote and Anthony Marriott. The
ancientcityrr.org for more details
show runs from April 17-May 10, tickets
18 BOB DYLAN & HIS BAND
available limelight-theatre.org.
Doors open at 7p.m. to see legend musician, songwriter and vocalist perform. staugamphitheatre.com
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VOLUME 9 • OLD CITY LIFE • ISSUE 4
WEEKLY ROUTINE WEDNESDAYS
THURSDAYS
St. Augustine Beach Market
Open Mic Night - Tradewinds
350 A1A Beach Blvd
6:00pm-124 Charlotte Street
Astanga Primary Series 8 Limbs Yoga -6 - 7:30pm
SATURDAYS & SUNDAYS St. Augustine Flea Market 9-4 2495 State Road 207
AMERICAN ENGLISH THE BEATLES TRIBUTE AT FLAGLER AUDITORIUM Simply the best Beatles tribute of our time. Voted “number one” for three consecutive years by
MAY 1 1ST FRIDAY ARTWALK 5-9p.m. 20 galleries downtown live music,
thousands of Beatles fans as winners of sound-a-
refreshments, and new exhibits
like contests at Beatlefest®.
artgalleriesofstaugustine.com
5500 East Hwy 100, Palm Coast, FL 32164 flaglerauditorium.org
18-19 ANNUAL GARDEN EXPO
2 SONGWRITERS FESTIVAL The Roscolusa Songwriters Festival draws some of Nashville’s best songwriters to
Embrace spring and visit the St. Johns County
perform outside. Along with music, there will
Agricultural Center for the 20th Annual Flower
also be food trucks and local craft vendors.
& Garden Expo. epiccommunityservices.org for
roscolusa.com
more details.
22-26 13TH ANNUAL FLORIDA’S BIRDING & PHOTO FEST
5-10 THE PLAYERS CHAMPIONSHIP TPC Sawgrass host golf’s greatest players
Calling all outdoor enthusiasts to experience
as they compete in the championship
northeast Florida’s abundant bird life and
tournament for one of the most prestigous
photogenic natural beauty at more than 170
titles in golf.
exciting birding and outdoor photography events
pgatour.com/tournaments/r011/travel
during the 2015 Florida’s Birding & Photo Fest! floridabirdingandphotofest.com
25 TASTE OF ST. AUGUSTINE The signature food festival at The St. Augustine Amphitheatre highlights exquisite culinary “tastes” from over 20 of St. Augustine’s famous restaurants as they compete for the prestigious TOStA awards.
8-17 ROMANZA FESTIVALE OF THE ARTS A collaborative production of over forty cultural organizations and businesses which combines many forms of art including; music, dance, theatre, fine art, cuisine, and heritage. romanzafestivale.com
epicbj.org/tasteofstaugustine.html
oldcitylife.com
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VOLUME 9 • OLD CITY LIFE • ISSUE 4
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Buying OR Selling? In Beautiful St. Augustine Call Jane For Spectacular Service & Results!
The Easter Bunny Shops Here! Looking for the perfect gift? Come here first!
www.OldeTowneToys.com Open Daily and free parking 113 King St. St. Augustine, Fl. 32084
Beauty Appliances
Jane M. Mathis
904-814-8710
Realtor® Associate 904.501.3215 j_mathis@bellsouth.net
Great Gift Ideas
Hot Shot Bakery and Cafe
Open for breakfast and lunch daily freshly-baked goods, coffee, catering and custom wedding/all-occasion cakes
8 Granada Street - Saint Augustine (904) 824-7898 62
VOLUME 9 • OLD CITY LIFE • ISSUE 4
WATE RF RONT | FISHING
A Friend Goes Missing
WATERFRONT
MYSTERY
AT SEA BY VAUGHN COCHRAN
It’s been a few weeks. Nothing has been
fish, clean ourselves
heard, seen or found of him, except his old
up , tie jigs until
worn out 26’ Mako. It did have a pretty new
midnight for the next
engine though, because you can’t be out on
day and finally sleep.
the water everyday worrying about if you’re
This is no big deal;
going to get back in every night.
fishermen still do
I left Key West for a while in the ‘80s but I
this every day-it’s just
would come back every winter, like any sane
how you spend each
person would do if they had the chance. I
and every day that’s
came back to fish with my ex-wife’s brother. I
fish-able. Me-when
was pretty good at it and so was he…we made
the weather was bad,
a pretty good team actually. He knew his way
I worked on a painting
funeral or anything. Just…gone. An empty
around the complicated channels and flats
or worked in my ceramics studio behind my
boat with no signs of foul play, wallet and cell
of the lower keys and I still credit him with
house on Stock Island. Dee-he hit the not-so
phone still on top of the console where he
teaching me all the shortcuts through and
glamorous topless clubs in Key West, worked
always put it in case he fell overboard.
around the lakes passage west of Key West.
on his race car which he once sailed off the
Before he disappeared, he was a witness
We would fish for yellowtail snapper in
third turn in Daytona and immediately retired
in a federal case involving his participation in
the early spring and kingfish every winter,
or spent the afternoon in the Boca Chica Bar
buying illegal lobster from a local family
sometimes catching as much as 600 pounds
right next door to the car shop.
of criminal nare-do-wells when China
of mackerel on 20 pound test in a single day,
I was out of town when he had the heart
pushed the price of lobster up to $25 dollars
using cheap rods and reels that were “throw
attack. Some said it was because they sold
a pound. All of his medications were gone
away” quality. Because of the tremendous
the Boca Chica. He recovered, was assigned
from his house. Lots of other little things
power of that many kingfish per day, the
a shipload of pills to take like the rest of us
don’t seem to add up either. He could have
reels lasted only about a week. It just wasn’t
and continued to fish and take care of his
had another heart attack and fell overboard;
worth buying better stuff, they didn’t last
hundreds of stone crab and lobster traps
nobody knows. Maybe never will.
that much longer anyway.
strewn throughout the keys. That’s the way
This is what the ocean does to you.
Up early, load the boat with ice, drinks,
life was for Dee. I have so many stories about
Whether you live on it everyday, or just
very nutritious snacks from the marina bait
our fishing together and all the insane stupid
on the weekends, it is magnificent, powerful,
shop and try to find the fish before anybody
things that happened to us on a daily basis. It
beautiful, stormy, peaceful and consuming
else did. Fish all day in whatever weather we
was hard work but we had a blast doing it.
all at the same time. If you’re married to the
had to deal with, make the long run in, clean
So he’s gone now, without any fanfare,
ocean, like Dee was, divorce can be bitter. OLDCITYLIFE.COM
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FOOD & DRINK
FOO D & DR IN K | RECI P E
Curry
Spring Pea Shrimp and
with
Coconut Rice
BY ELLIE LEACH PHOTOS BY TAMMY HARROW
Spring has officially arrived and with
pea takes on a whole new flavor. This
chilies will result in a mild flavor with a
its return comes fresh produce from our
month, entice your taste buds with a spicy
subtle kick; 5 to 6 chilies will create a spicy
gardens. Among the harvest, one vegetable
Indian curry featuring two types of peas,
haven with intense heat. Also, this dish can
takes center stage: peas. This modest
served over fluffy coconut rice.
easily be made vegan. Because this curry
legume is sweet, crisp and packed full of
64
Spring pea and shrimp curry is very
already contains no dairy products, simply
vital nutrients, such as vitamin A, C, K and
versatile: it can easily be personalized
omit the shrimp and substitute chickpeas
omega-3. When paired with garlic, ginger,
to your taste. Adjust the number of Thai
or tofu.
Thai chilies, basil, and cilantro, the humble
chilies to your desired intensity. 3 to 4
VOLUME 9 • OLD CITY LIFE • ISSUE 4
SPRING PEA AND SHRIMP CURRY
COCONUT RICE
heat to low and simmer for 20 minutes. Meanwhile, heat the remaining coconut
Ingredients:
Ingredients:
oil in a pan and sauté the shrimp until
3 Tbs coconut oil, divided
2 cups jasmine rice
slightly colored. Add to the curry and
2 red bell peppers, cut into thin strips
3 cups coconut water
cook for approximately 5 - 10 minutes or
2 (14 oz) cans of coconut milk
1 cup coconut milk
until shrimp is cooked thoroughly. Taste
½ cup green peas
½ cup coconut flakes
and season with salt.
8 cloves garlic
Salt to taste
1 ½ inch (approx.) ginger
While the curry is simmering, prepare
2/3 cup cilantro, packed
Directions:
the rice. In a medium pot, bring the
3/4 cup basil, packed
In a large pot, melt half of the coconut
coconut water and coconut milk to a boil.
1 Tbs sugar
oil. Once the oil is hot, add the red
Add the rice and stir while boiling for 1
1 tsp fish sauce
pepper and sauté on medium heat for
minute. Reduce to a simmer and cook for
1 Tbs lemon grass, fresh or paste
5 – 10 minutes. In a blender, combine
approximately 20 minutes or until rice is
Juice of 1 lime
the coconut milk, ½ cup greens peas,
tender. Fluff the rice with a fork, season
4 – 6 green Thai chilies, SEEDS
garlic, ginger, cilantro, basil, fish sauce,
with salt, and add coconut flakes.
REMOVED
lemon grass, sugar, lime juice, and Thai
1 ½ cups sugar snap peas, chopped into
chilies. Puree until smooth and season
thirds
with salt. Add the mixture to the pot
1 ½ cups shrimp, peeled and deveined
with the red bell peppers. Bring to a
Salt to taste
boil. Add the sugar snap peas. Reduce
Ellie Leach recently graduated with honors from FCTC’s Culinary Arts program, and she currently serves on the American Culinary Federation board for the St. Augustine chapter. She is a junior in high school and is dual enrolled at St Johns River State College. Ellie also serves as a 450th Youth Ambassador.
OLDCITYLIFE.COM
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FOO D & DR IN K | TA S T E
FOOD & DRINK
LETTING THE CHEF DRIVE A UNIQUE TAKE ON DINING BY RENEE UNSWORTH
What does a chef serve at his table? Michael Lugo of Michael’s Tasting Room serves fresh, creative dishes he likes to eat. Dining at the Chef’s Table at Michael’s Tasting Room is a new culinary experience in St. Augustine — a oneof-a-kind, exclusive event, yet casual
and comfortable; not at all stuffy or pretentious. Chef/owner Lugo prepares five courses which he hand-picks for each party that reserves the Chef’s Table. As a result, diners who enjoyed the fivecourse meal on Wednesday will have something completely different than guests at the Chef’s Table on Thursday. Lugo asks about dietary restrictions
CONTINUED PG 84 66
VOLUME 9 • OLD CITY LIFE • ISSUE 4
Celebrating 25 Years!
J o in us a t t h e B e a c h! C as ual Oceanfr ont D i ni ng L unch & D i nner Ev eryday Br eakfas t on the W eek ends
45 C u bbedge R oad C res cen t Bea ch, FL 904. 471. 8700 • s outhbeachgrill.net
Come Dine al Fresco!
Fresh Seafood, Wild Game Exotic Specialties
Not the only water view in town...
...simply the most spectacular
Open Holidays!
Dinner: Tues-Thur 5 - 9 Fri-Sat 5 - 10 Sun 5 - 8
Lunch: Tues-Sat: 11-3 Brunch: Sunday 10-3
904.824.3282 • 58 Charlotte Street www.LaPentolaRestaurant.com
904-824-8008 4100 Coastal Highway St. Augustine, FL 32084 thereefstaugustine.com
OLDCITYLIFE.COM
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FOOD & DRINK
FOO D & DR IN K | RECI P E
when reservations are made, then decides on the dishes he will prepare only a few days ahead of time. He sources many locally grown menu items, and then adds contrasting flavors and textures with items from organic farms in Florida and Georgia. “We focus on meticulously sourced ingredients and a continuous search for growth both in quality, knowledge, and hospitality,” Lugo said. The best part? Guests can relax, enjoy the wine that is paired with each course, and never worry over the menu. An added special treat is the printed menu (with the date) which participants receive at the end of the meal. This March, a guest and I enjoyed our own specially prepared five-course meal. While we were sitting in an intimate corner of the restaurant, it felt like we were dining at Lugo’s home. He brought out each course and explained what he created … a combination of flavors he would enjoy if he were cooking for his family and friends.
The menu for our feast: 1st Course Salmon Tartare, avocado, pickled mustard seeds, garden herbs, and baguette crisp 2nd Course Organic tender lettuces, shaved fennel, crisp apples, and Sweet Grass Dairy soft-ripened cheese 3rd Course Sauteed saffron gnocchi, English peas, crispy wild boar salami, and Manchego crema 4th Course Roasted rabbit saddle, heirloom carrots, fava beans, and wild mushrooms 5th Course Brioche French toast, blueberries, chocolate ganache, and crème fraiche caramel continued pg 70
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VOLUME 9 • OLD CITY LIFE • ISSUE 4
Menu in Braille also ASL signing
CONRAD’S SPECIALS Seafood Combination Shrimp, Scallops, Mussel, Clams & Fish
Choice of: Mariscada***Green Sauce Zarzuela***Lobster Sauce Cantabrica***White Sauce Salad & 2 sides $24.95
Filet of Sole
Sauteed with Bananas and banana liquor Salad & 2 sides $18.95
4010 US1 South - St. Augustine, FL 794-9440 • www.conradssteakhouse.com OLDCITYLIFE.COM
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FOOD & DRINK
FOOD & DR IN K | TA S T E
A bit of history on the restaurant hosting our feast: Lugo was a Managing Partner when The Tasting Room opened in 2006 in downtown St. Augustine, offering contemporary tapas-style dining-small meals that were meant to be shared. In May 2014, he became Owner and Executive Chef, and changed the name to Michael’s Tasting Room. The restaurant has Spanish influences, and an extensive wine menu, receiving an Award of Excellence each year since 2007 by Wine Spectator. Also in 2012, well-known TV personality and chef Emeril Lagasse spent two hours with Lugo at the St. Augustine restaurant filming part of at TV show that featured the best local restaurants in Florida. The restaurant also has earned the title of Best Wine List, Tapas, and Best Upscale Restaurant in the St. Augustine Record’s Best Of St. Augustine competition. “We had a Golden Spoon award in the past, plus have been a top 50 restaurant in Jacksonville Magazine each year,” Lugo said. “We love the recognition, but we try to keep it simple and focus on good food and service in a casually elegant setting.” Lugo started out many years ago as a wine steward
The Freshest Food Made to Order!
at Chamberlain’s Steak and Chop House in Dallas. He worked with Chef Richard Chamberlain for seven years where he learned the intricacies and nuances of fine dining.
Pet Friendly
“We look to achieve friendships with our patrons that last a lifetime. We are very community focused, and are involved in many charities. We believe in giving back to build a better city and a better place for our kids to grow up in.”
2600 N. Ponce de Leon Blvd. St. Augustine, Fl. 32084 904-429-7153 Open 7 days a week 7am-9pm jaybirdsrestaurant.com
To reserve your seats at Michael’s table, call 904-810-2400. Michael’s Tasting Room 25 Cuna Street St. Augustine, FL 32084 904-810-2400 www.tastetapas.com
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Breakfast served until 2pm, Full Bar, Happy Hour from 4-7pm, Great New Menu Items!
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CO M M U N IT Y | P EO P L E
COMMUNITY
TRACY
UPCHURCH
Recently,
OCL
sat
down
with
BY BOBBY CRUM PHOTOS BY MELISSA ROBY
Tracy
meeting and my very last meeting of the city
were real criminal justice issues being played
Upchurch, former Mayor, Legislator, and city
commission, and it was strictly a coincidence;
out in Lincolnville on a regular basis. The city
commissioner. Upchurch has also served as
we received a delegation from Lincolnville
did all in its power to address the problem,
Director or the St. Augustine Rotary Club and
imploring the commission to do something
but at the same time it was a very helpless
as a trustee of the Lightner Museum and the
about crime in their neighborhood. This
situation because there were so much that
St. Augustine Historical Society. He currently
was the period 1988-92 and Lincolnville
was beyond our power to fix.
serves as an Assistant Professor, and Director
was not nearly as diverse, either racially
BC: What do you enjoy the most about
of the Pre-Law Program at Flagler College.
or economically, as it is today. Crime was
teaching at Flagler?
a tremendous issue nationwide; but there
TU: Just one thing; how about two? It is
Bobby Crum: Your father and grandfather are well known in our community; tell us a little something about your mother? Tracy Upchurch: She is a Florida native, born and raised in Miami. She soloed an airplane when I was very small; I would nap on the backseat of the plane while Ernie Moser taught her to fly. She was the second woman elected to the governing body of our church, which was a significant accomplishment for a woman in the 1970s. A mother of three; she has a long record of volunteer service. She is keenly interested in history and the larger world; she reads two newspapers a day. She is incredibly independent and self-sufficient. My mom has a wonderful sense of humor, very dry and selfdeprecating. She also has a great attitude and accepts each passing day with grace. BC: What memories have you carried with you from your time in elected office? TU: I have many wonderful memories and I will be forever blessed to have had the opportunity to serve. But one of my strongest is frankly a somber one. During my very first
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a great joy to spend my days with college students. I love our students; I would adopt half of them. Our students are vibrant; they are fun and funny, and hard working. They are simply good people. But I also love to learn, to read, to study. I get paid to immerse myself in the law and American history; really, how great is that? BC: You were born in St. Augustine; talk about that. TU: I have this incredibly strong sense of place.
With the exception of the seven
years I was out of town for college and law school, substantially my entire life has been lived in a two-mile radius of my office at the college. I grew up and live today in Davis Shores; I pass my old elementary school each day on the way to the college. I have always worked downtown. My office today is around the corner from the church where four generations of my family have worshiped; where my father’s ashes are interned and where my grandson was baptized. Everyday I see folks I have grown up with, whom I have very literally shared my life. While someone could read this and find a narrow and provincial life, I see it as a deep rootedness in a very wonderful place. BC: What are the challenges facing the city? TU: I see two challenges, one very concrete and the other less distinct. The first is the livability of the downtown area and in particular, mobility. We have been discovered and while there are many wonderful benefits to our city of being on the map, as we share our city with countless visitors, we need to make sure we can access the downtown area and move around without losing our sanity and the ambiance of the town we love. I also worry about losing a sense of trust in our little town. We just finished a very close city election that to some degree was characterized as an insider versus outsider election. Now is the time we need to shake hands and move forward together.
Branch Manager/Financial Advisor
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Hookey Hamilton
Fine Art and Portrait Photographer 11B & 11C Aviles St St. Augustine, FL 32084
Email: jbagnal@joelbagnalgoldsmith.com Web: joelbagnalgoldsmith.com
Phone: 904.728.4957
Commemorating life’s special occasions and relationships with custom designs in precious metals and gemstones. Complete client design and production involvement by email from any location.
Email: hookey@hookeyhamiltonphotography.com
Web: hookeyhamiltonphotography.com
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Joel Bagnal, Goldsmith
11B Aviles Street, St. Augustine, Fl 32084 Phone: 904.614.4706
VOLUME 9 • OLD CITY LIFE • ISSUE 4
GOLF CLASSIC
T
on the town
he 2nd Annual Flagler Health Care Foundation Golf Classic was held on Monday, February 9th, 2015 at the Marsh Creek Country Club. Sue Foley and Roger Carter served as the co-chairs, and Hyundai of St. Augustine was the title sponsor for the second year. Members of the Marsh Creek Connectors served on the planning committee. Sponsors enjoyed a special preview party dinner on Sunday evening, February 8th. The exclusive tournament raised over $60,000 to benefit the Emergency Care Center at Flagler Hospital. Photos Left to Right: FIRST PLACE TEAM- Seth Corneal, Guy Jopling & Chris Kamienski • Dr. Dennis Ball, Vickie Nobles, Jean Lamblin, John Gebert and Ron Thompson • Linda Marshall, Linda Matuza & Betty Crosby • Dr. Thomas & Lorraine Searle • SECOND PLACE TEAM- Justice Williams, Nick Merizzi & Jim Parziale • Margie Craig, Susan Ponder-Stansel & Chris Conzemius • Dr. Tawhid & Borna Hossain • THIRD PLACE TEAM- Tim Bradham, Stephen Jordan, Josh Smith & Edsel Smith • Jesse Kifer, Karen Tice, Rhonda & Larry Kifer • Tom & Linda Bartimus, Nathan, Edie and Dennis Demshar • Event Co-Chairs Sue Foley and Roger Carter
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Photos by Melissa Roby
TREASURY EVENT
T
on the town
he Vault at The Treasury was the perfect place for James Banta’s 70th birthday celebration . James and more than 200 of his dear friends and family gathered for a stylish celebration and an exclusive sneak-peek of The Vault at The Treasury. James and his guests danced among the starry-night lights to classic tunes from Sinatra & the greats and reminisced over delectable cocktails. The Vault at the Treasury, sitting in the heart of Historic Downtown St. Augustine, lures guests to enjoy it’s elegant atmosphere. It was the perfect setting for the St. Augustine native to mark another year with all the best of birthday wishes!
Watch for the upcoming opening of The Vault at The Treasury to the public on Wednesday evenings for women’s events and Thursday evening for drinks and dancing to the retro classics on the dance floor of the Grande Ballroom. 76
VOLUME 9 • OLD CITY LIFE • ISSUE 4
Photos Left to Right (Left Page): Marilyn Morris & David Childeress • Ned & Paula Skinner, Wendy & Phil McDaniel • Scott & Lori Eden • Sandra Goode & Alecia Bailey • Ray & Linda Matuza • Kris & Woody Boynton, Lyn George • Bill & Susan Foody • Pam & John Versaggi • Terry Albright & David Thompson • Tom & Valerie Day. Photos Left to Right (Right Page): Jack & Shirley Keyser • Christine & Steve Chapman • Eddie & Julie Creamer • Ginney & Earl Douglas • Anne & Doug Wolf • Kim & Kate Coast • John jr, John sr, Mark Bailey • Brenda Bushell, Father Tom Willis • Lily Green, Gerald Haskins • Don & Bev Charmichael • Gloria & Victoria Bouta • Morton & Janis Williams.
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Photos by Laryssa Gobets
NOCHE D E GA LA
T
on the town
he Founder of St. Augustine, Pedro Menendez celebrated his birthday with a Gala Dinner held at the Lightner Museum. The annual event was a part of this year’s 450th
Commemoration and featured re-enactors in period dress, sword fights (staged), Spanish music and more. The night wrapped up with a live band playing more “current” hits as the guests danced into the night.
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G ET TH E NEW EST MONT HLY I SS U E MAI LED TO YOU R DO O R
S UB S CR I B E AT O L D CI T YL IF E.COM OLDCITYLIFE.COM
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…CUP O’
LIVIN G | PEO PL E
LIVING
WHY I LIKE GOLF
JOE
BY JOE BOLES
I have to be honest, I like golf mostly
when they were old enough. I can still
former Ponce golfers joined the Marsh
because of the golf carts. Yes I confess
see Hayley and Molly at 5 and 3 running
Creek Country Club, which was actually
that I am a sucker for little vehicles and
around on the practice green with their
closer to my house. The monthly cost was
golf carts are just little “open-air cars”.
little floral sundresses and tiny white
about double but we get unlimited range
They are better than convertibles because
“summer” sandals. Each one had a little
balls! Now you might think that unlimited
they have a roof. (I had a convertible once
putter and they would drag the ball into
range balls is a small perk, but I assure
and all it did was mess up what little hair I
the cup and squeal with delight. That
you sure sir or madam, it is Not ! It is in
had up there. With only my thinning “do”
would last about 15 minutes before they
fact a significant gift to the membership.
to fend off the sun, even a short trip to
got bored and wanted to ride around
You see I am a golfer that needs constant
the mini-mart gave me such a sunburn
some more. So I would drive to the snack
practice. Maybe that’s why they say
that when my head peeled it looked like
shack (this was at the Ponce de Leon Golf
lawyers “practice” law! (actually that’s not
the world’s worst case of dandruff). Not
Course, north of town) get them each a
funny, forget I said that)
so with the average golf cart. There are
bag of M&M’s and a bottle of water to
always roofs to protect even the psoriasis
share. Two paper cups were required
dollars and it was a pretty large bucket.
sufferer from further agony. This is good
so neither screamed about the other’s
One day while I was starting to hit off of
in Florida when the ultra pale Northerners
backwash into the bottle. Then I would
the range I decided to count the golfballs
finally manage to drag their frozen
tear a hole in the M&M bag just large
in the wire bucket I had just set down. I
keisters across our state line in search
enough for one piece to come out at a
counted 49 golfballs, just 49! That meant
of the elusive under par round of golf
time. I swear it would take them an hour
every time I hit one of those dirty, nasty,
(usually just breaking 100 would make
to eat that bag of candy and meanwhile
cut up little balls with the black stripe
their day when those winter golf swings
I would chip my shag bag of golf balls
around them (so you won’t be tempted
start to whiff through the air at Marsh
onto the green. Each shot was met with
to play them on the course, as if!) I might
Creek or Palencia, two of our premier
a “Yay Daddy” “You are a super golfer!!”
have well been teeing up a dime and
local courses, private of course).
Ahhh, good times!
hitting in the water. Just ten cents you say,
So the convertible was no fun for
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Then the Ponce course was sold
At the Ponce a bucket of balls was five
but it adds up, just like that giant domino
me so I started to play golf. I could drive
and scheduled for closure, a sad, sad day.
commercial on T.V.! So, free range balls
the little “cart” along a nicely paved path
The new owner gave all members a deal
at Marsh Creek is a big deal! And one that
if I so desired, sipping a cold beverage,
we couldn’t refuse, though. If we stayed
I take advantage of regularly. I pull up
adult or otherwise, munching on chips
members until the date of closure we
park, jump out and my golf bag is already
and a hot dog, telling jokes and having
could choose from three or four private
on the cart. I tip the cart attendant, (I feel
witty repartee with my buddies! The golf
golf courses in the area and he would
like Diamond Jim Brady!) jump behind
cart was so much fun I didn’t even balk
pay the initiation fee. So that’s how
the wheel and head off to the practice
at taking the kids to the range to practice
Len Weeks, Chris Tasker and a lot of us
green. Breathing deep I can feel the day’s
VOLUME 9 • OLD CITY LIFE • ISSUE 4
stresses loosening up along with my back
900 feet from the tee to green. In the middle
and eased out of the graveyard and into the
as I stretch, as my doctor has instructed,
of it is an odd looking patch of trees and
sunlight. The others were laughing when
before gently chipping shiny spheroids onto
fencing. You can’t tell what it is from on top
they saw me come out empty-handed.
the green and toward the little hole with the
and if you hit into it, you have to get out of
“You big chicken,” they howled at me.
little flag centered there so enticingly. (Wow
your cart and walk some 60 yards from the
“Go get your own ball” I yelled back…
when you describe it that way it seems a
cart path to the area. We found out what
little bit stupid, doesn’t it?) I tell myself I
it was one day when some guys pulled up
When we played the rest of the hole,
could be out running on the hot pavement
behind us while we were still hitting. They
I looked back to see how our prison friends
in the ninety degree heat, instead of nestled
had on overalls and work shoes, heavily
were faring on this very tough par five….they
in this soft grass with my frosty iced tea in
bearded: not your typical golfer. We said
were gone! No cart, no players…nothing!
the cup holder of my cart. I could be dodging
“Hey,” and they said “Hey,” and we got to
Just vanished, like smoke in mountains.
rush hour traffic on my bicycle as the tiny
talking. They worked over at the prison and
I got a chill again; were they really there
seat jams me in the rump instead of gliding
the golf course let them play for fifteen
at all? Or were they residents of the golf
along next to the pond toward a beautifully
dollars, so, by Gawd, they were out there
course graveyard? It was about that time
landscaped green with my tee shot five feet
“playin!” When one of our foursome hit his
that I saw them exiting the graveyard with
from the hole! I could be on the tread mill or
ball into the little patch of trees, they got
a bucket. Those Rats had scared us away
the elliptical machine with sweat dripping on
silent…real silent. When I hit my ball into the
so they could grab all the lost balls for
my already wet and stinking running shoes
patch they really got nervous.
themselves!
or strolling through the cool shady woods seeking my errant tee shot as my golfing chariot silently waits for me, chips and peanuts awaiting my return! When I want a real adventure I head north to the mountains for some rough
“You boys can’t go in there huntin’ ya golf balls,” they immediately informed us. “Why not,”we very politely inquired
ten years ago and my golf game has not improved. In fact, I think its gotten a little worse! And dadgummit, I’m still losing my
“Well Sir, that’s a graveyard, and they’s haints in there. Anyone who goes in there will be cursed for life!”
hair!
“Nonsense,” I said, and I walked straight
is almost too much to bear. Looking into
to the graveyard, jumped the little metal
a valley and then letting loose with a hard
fence, got my ball and another that I thought
swing of my “big headed driver”, watching as
was my buddy’s (noticing that the ground
the white dot of your own golf ball, complete
was covered with balls) and turned to walk
with your initials and your “lucky symbol,
out. When I did I felt something
goes on and on forever is life at its finest.
brush my neck and I heard
When Jane and I are in the mountains we are
a soft moan. Every hair on
able to play together through some beautiful
my arms stood up. Now
countryside. If it’s in the afternoon when can
it could have been a leaf
even enjoy some “happy hour golf” because
that fell on my neck
there is no DUI on the golf course! I can’t
and a limb could
play good golf and imbibe to excess at the
have rubbed on
same time so no worries here! Jane has a
another limb
good natural swing and sometimes she will
in the breeze,
tee one up, especially if it’s a spectacular
(but there was
view from top to bottom.
no breeze). I
is a par three with a vertical drop of about
curse!” But you know, that was about
work).
change from one hole to the next the
My favorite golf hole in the mountains
“Curse”, I said out loud, there is no
(one of them was still wearing his pistol from
terrain golf. With a thousand foot plus anticipation of “where will the golf ball go”
but nobody did.
dropped both of the golf balls
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Help is Here. cananlaw.com Our Newest Location: 2245 CR 210 West Suite 116 St. Johns, FL 32259 904.342.8340
St. Augustine: 1030 N. Ponce de Leon Blvd. St. Augustine, FL 32084 904.824.9402
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