Coronado Strong Masters of the Mat Sweat Equity’s Returns
MAY 2020
I N F O C U S | U S S M E R C Y L E AV I N G F O R L O S A N G E L E S B Y J O H N S E X T O N
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In Focus
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A Note from the Editor
10 Virtual Events 12 Community Porch Scenes 14 Sweat Equity's Returns 20 Sidewalk Art Support 22 Masters of the Mat 28 Island Girl Recognizes Local Heroes 34 Functional Living Rooms 36 Kentucky Derby Decadence
On the front cover: Photo of the Hotel Del Coronado and local lifeguard under a rainbow symbolizing hope for our community. For the first time in 132 years, the Hotel Del is currently closed. Local beaches are closed as well. Photo: Derek Emge
On the back cover: Sidewalk chalk art by Cadence Palmer, whose art has brought joy to our community during this difficult time. Photo: Nicole Palmer 6
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PUBLISHER | Amy Slack amy@crowncitypublishing.com
ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER | Heather Canton heather@crowncitypublishing.com
EDITOR | Heather Canton heather@crowncitypublishing.com
CREATIVE DIRECTOR | Gina Falletta Design SENIOR DESIGNER | Gina Falletta Design PROOFREADER | Rose Wojnar GRAPHIC DESIGNER | Natasha Archer CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Samantha Bey, Karyn Frazier, Jessica Nicolls, Gina Petrone, Vickie Stone Clyde Van Arsdall IV, Christine Van Tuyl CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Katie Karosich, Neal Matthews ADVERTISING SALES Heather Canton Amy Slack Advertising Director Publisher amy@crowncitypublishing.com
(619) 288-8050 Kelley Moats
heather@crowncitypublishing.com
(619) 565-7789 Derrick Arce
derrick@crowncitypublishing.com
(619) 964-1499
(619) 708-1147 do Sch ls
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CROWN CITY MAGAZINE 830 Orange Ave., Suite B • Coronado, CA 92118 (619) 435-0334 • hello@crowncitypublishing.com
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Proud Supporter Of Coronado’s Public Schools
We make every effort to avoid errors, misspellings and omissions. If you find any, please bring them to our attention and accept our sincerest apologies.Thanks! Crown City Magazine is proudly printed by: SOUTHWEST OFFSET PRINTIING 13650 Gramercy Place • Gardena, CA 90249 (310) 323-0112 • southwestoffset.com Crown City Magazine is published monthly. No part of this publication may be used without written permission of the publisher. ©2020 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. CROWNCITYMAGAZINE.COM
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A N O T E F R O M T H E E D I T O R | M AY 2 0 2 0
Thank you to the staff at Sharp Coronado Hospital for working each day through this pandemic.
Not all Heroes Wear Capes This issue was thoughtfully created amid the ongoing worldwide COVID-19 pandemic and California’s governmental order to shelter in place. Our lives have been turned upside down and together, we’ve all had to live through a strange time and face an uncertain future. Crown City Magazine is dedicated to supporting the tight-knit community of Coronado, especially during this time of uncertainty. It is our privilege to have the opportunity to inspire our readers with uplifting messages of hope and gratitude, delivered to every mailbox in town! In the midst of this pandemic crisis, Coronado has shown incredible strength. We’ve been flooded with wonderful stories about how people from our community have stepped up to support each other. This issue shows some of the truly heartwarming ways our city has come together. Coincidentally, May is also our wellness issue. Coronado is a health-conscious neighborhood. 8
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People here value living an active, healthy lifestyle. After all, we have perfect weather and a beautiful island environment to complement this positive way of life. While being on “lockdown” has put a halt on many of the things we love to do, the citizens of this town are adapting. Read all about two local fitness centers and check out our new Events page for all the new online activities you can now do from home! Crown City Magazine would like to give special recognition and gratitude to the health care workers and others on the front lines who have been working tirelessly to protect us. In this special May issue, we salute you and all of our local heroes. On behalf of everyone here at Crown City Magazine, we hope you stay safe and we urge you to continue to support local businesses. This special May issue is devoted to the wellness of each and every one of you. Enjoy! — Heather Canton, Editor
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O N L I N E A C T I V I T I E S , E N T E R T A I N M E N T & A R T S E D U C A T I O N | M AY 2 0 2 0
While you may not be able to cozy up next to the fire at Stake to hear your favorite local musician, or go to your favorite yoga class, you can still enjoy live music and do your favorite workout from the comfort of your home. In fact, you can hear live music from local musicians every day of the week, thanks to the talented and dedicated local musicians who are all offering weekly virtual live music concerts through platforms such as Facebook Live and Zoom. Fitness centers, writing workshops, cooking classes and social clubs have all followed suit and gone virtual to do their part to support our community during this challenging time - let's come together online to give them our support, too. The Coronado Cultural Arts Commission makes it easy to find local virtual activities with an online calendar. Check out the array of activities offered at www.coronadoarts.com/artsonline. We thank everyone offering virtual events for their commitment to the arts and our community, and we encourage you to stay home, stay safe, tune in and tip out!
VIRTUAL ART LESSONS & CLASSES Anna Woerman of CoSA - Instagram #nadoartchallenge Joan Green - Art Programs Carole Jensen - Cooking Classes Lisa Solis - Music Classes for Kids Coronado Arts Academy - Music Lessons Joyce Chapman - Online Journaling Ms. Mariah's Music - Piano Lessons The Coronado Library - Activities for All Ages Diane Alexander - Voice Lessons Coronado Scribes - Local Writing Club Emily Boyle - Piano Lessons
VIRTUAL LIVE MUSIC CONCERTS Fish and the Seaweeds Mariah Gillespie Jerry Gontang Michael Gonzales (Gonzo) Matt Heinecke Phil Lean Ron Wheeler of Ron's Garage Trish Naval Doug Booth
VIRTUAL FITNESS Coronado Fitness Club Coronado Yoga & Wellness Center Martial Arts America Sweat Equity Island Yoga Yoga on C
• For a complete listing of events, visit www.coronadoarts.com/artsonline.
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VIRTUAL SOCIAL EVENTS Wine A Bit - Virtual Wine Tastings
• To add an event to the calendar, please e-mail Arts Education Commissioner Mariah Gillespie at mariah@msmariahsmusic.com.
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C O M M U N I T Y | Q U A R A N A D O P O R C H S C E N E S B Y K AT I E K A R O S I C H
Porch shots are a perfect way to remember the time we've spent together during quarantine. Book your session with a local photographer!
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▲ The Ferreira Family (L-R) Chris, Caleb, Julianne, Cory and Adelle.
The Logan Family
(L-R) Ty, Pete, Maia, Laramie and Gracie.
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The Foster Family
(L-R) Emily, Matthew, Caroline, William and Natalie. ▲
The Healey Family
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(L-R) Steve, Kathleen, Addison, Braden and Charleigh..
The Stephens Family
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(L-R) Emily, Lauren, Adam and James.
The Lauder Family
(L-R) James, Pete, Jude, Lauren, Elizabeth and Lydia. Disclaimer: Social distancing rules are changing every day, and may affect when the photographer is able to book your session. All social distancing rules and guidelines were adhered to at the time these photos were taken. CROWNCITYMAGAZINE.COM
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PHOTOS COURTESY OF SWEAT EQUITY
Enthusiasm and loyalty are the personal connections the owners of Sweat Equity work hard to cultivate with their clients.
By SAMANTHA BEY
etermined to become a “morning workout person,” one dreary and dark November morning I dragged myself, bleary eyed, to the 5:30 a.m. class at Sweat Equity. Despite the cold and empty streets, the little gym, nestled next to the laundromat across from Rotary Park, gleamed with warm light as early risers flocked through its doors to get their sweat on. After owner Nick Merrill talked us through that morning’s dynamic workout, we got right to it. About ten minutes in, the woman next to me began shouting out positive encouragement, cheering on participants by name. Her energy astounded me, and I thought to myself that she was the most enthusiastic gym class goer I’ve ever experienced - and I’ve been an indoor cycling instructor for three years. I learned shortly thereafter that the woman is Liz Merrill, Sweat Equity’s Co-owner and the instructor, Nick’s, wife. Months later, after becoming completely addicted to the gym’s 5:30 a.m. classes, I also learned that for much of her life, Liz had a major aversion to the gym. “I was not a gym person. I hated the gym,” she told me over a cup of tea. She’d always been an avid tennis player and runner and swimmer, but gyms just weren’t her thing. In 2001, her tennis partner begged her to go to a nearby gym with her in Bellevue, Washington. It was a tough sell for her friend: “I don’t do gyms. No can do,” Liz told her. But the friend wore her down and Liz found herself there, under the guidance of personal trainer Nick Merrill. Quickly realizing the benefit of the place she’d always resisted, Liz started going back to work with Nick again and again. “I needed a better, well-rounded fitness regimen that made me do the exercises I wouldn’t do on my own. I realized how much more people get out of their workouts with someone telling them what to do and how to do it and encourage them to push a little harder than they would by themselves,” she said. 14
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After regular personal training sessions with Nick, the two started to become very good friends. Liz got Nick into her longtime hobby of running, and they started competing in races together. She found that Nick was the only person she could convince to do the wild and adventurous activities she came across - from cliffside mountain bike races to 24-hour charting adventures, he’d go for it. “I’d come up with these crazy things to do and he’d say, ‘all right!’,” she remembered. Around that time, Liz decided last minute to run a marathon with another friend. Despite completing it without any real training, she looked at her finishing time and realized she missed qualifying for the Boston Marathon by a measly 12 seconds. That didn’t sit quite right, so she decided she needed to run another one and qualify. In 2005, she told Nick she’d be flying to San Diego to run in the Rock & Roll Marathon to get a qualifying time, and he said he’d go do it, too. They finished the race and qualified together and decided at that point they were more than just friends. “That’s when it became real,” said Liz. They got married in Hawaii the following year. As they started their new life together, another new adventure was on the horizon. Liz saw a need in their community for group fitness classes, so the couple began running bootcamps in the park with dynamic circuit training. “We did
these boot camps before they were even cool or ‘a thing’,” said Liz. The boot camps were wildly popular, so they began also holding classes in the gym where Nick worked on Sundays when it was otherwise closed. “We had huge sellouts every Sunday and I said to Nick that we had to do this for real,” said Liz. It took some convincing, but, just like their many previous fitness adventures together, he got on board. They leased a tiny little place in Bellevue and named it “B Fit,” but their high intensity circuit training classes were so popular they outgrew the space within a year. They moved to a bigger spot across the street and renamed it Sweat Equity, a name that emphasizes the idea that fitness is a surefire way to invest in oneself. By 2017, the Merrills wanted to expand. But they couldn’t find the right space in Bellevue. They came to Coronado on vacation and, on top of falling in love with the small beachside community, realized there was
nothing like Sweat Equity on the island. Wanting another adventure, they decided to move here and open a second location, signing a lease at the laundromat on Isabella Avenue, planning to take over the whole space for the gym. They soon learned from concerned residents that it was the only laundromat on the island, and, wanting to serve their new community, they decided to keep the laundromat in service and dedicated only a portion of the space to the new gym. The Merrills completely rebuilt both spaces with all new, state-of-the-art equipment, and returned to their bootcamp-in-the-park model during construction. The classes were free, and they quickly built a large and loyal following, many of whom flocked to the new gym when it opened in June 2018. Some of the members of that group just completed their 250th workout with Sweat Equity! Liz attributes the enthusiasm
Classes are designed to integrate strength and cardio work together in relatively short intervals, moving from one station to the next. CROWNCITYMAGAZINE.COM
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and loyalty of their clients to the personal connection they strive to cultivate. “At the highest level, we strive to be the best hour of our clients’ day. And in order to provide that, we have to really get to know our people,” she said. She explained that she knows details about their clients' lives that matter when it comes to their workouts - who are mothers who may not have had much sleep the night before, who are training for their first marathon, who are recovering from an injury. “We take the time to get to know our clients and develop a camaraderie so we can push people when they want to be pushed, or just be a friend when they need it. Our goal is to give you what you need that day - whether it’s to push, or to praise, or to inspire.” Classes are designed to integrate strength and cardio work together in relatively short intervals moving from one station to the next. Workouts incorporate weights, stair
steppers, treadmills, floor work, squat machines and more. They are different class to class and week to week, so participants are constantly challenging their bodies in new and different ways, but they’re always high energy and fueled by upbeat music. “Our workouts are designed so your body doesn’t get used to a certain routine or movement. It forces your body to work hard to adapt, which increases fitness levels and creates better results. Plus, it keeps workouts fresh and fun so you stay consistent and avoid burnout,” explained Liz. The format also individualizes everybody’s strength and cardio, so people at all different fitness levels can work to their ability. “It’s really scaled to any age and any physical condition so that everybody - no matter their ability - leaves feeling accomplished,” she said. The result is a highly effective workout that comes with a valuable sense of personal attention and a supportive
community. They hold particularly fun group workouts on holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, New Year’s Day and Fourth of July, and for special events like Super Bowl Sunday, where participants even did shoulder presses with cans of beer (but didn’t imbibe, of course) and March Madness, where teams competed in daily fitness challenges and could score extra points by committing facilitated acts of kindness around Coronado. The next adventure for the high energy couple? Liz and Nick are franchising the Sweat Equity model throughout San Diego, Seattle, Phoenix, Texas and Florida. “We want more and more people to have access to the Sweat Equity love,” said Liz. “We invest in our people so they can invest in themselves,” said Liz. “And that always promises the best returns!” • Sweat Equity, (619) 800-8637, sweatequitygym.com
Leaving the city's only laundromat in place after hearing from concerned citizens, the Merrills completely rebuilt the remaining space with all new state-of-the-art equipment. 16
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By SAMANTHA BEY
With a total of 90 years of yoga experience between the two of them, Linda and Jean Pierre Marques know a thing or two about longevity. Both were at the forefront of their relative teaching practices and now sparkle with the wisdom that can only come from a rich tapestry of experience working with thousands of students and clients from all over the world. Their secret? The constant pursuit of balance between mind, body and spirit. Jean Pierre was born in North Africa, raised in France, and moved to Los Angeles in 1972, where he opened the Institute of Mind and Body Development in Beverly Hills three years later. The studio, one of only two teaching yoga in the area at the time, was groundbreaking in the Western world as it cultivated a balance of the physical and spiritual for achieving overall wellness. “People would say, ‘are you crazy?! Why??’,” remembered Jean Pierre. “It was so foreign to people back then,” he said. At that point, he explained, spirituality hadn’t quite made it to the mainstream in the United States, especially in the realm of fitness studios. But he stuck to what he was good at, and soon built an exceptionally dedicated and fulfilled following. A few years later, also in Los Angeles, Linda Marques had graduated from USC with a bachelor’s degree in biology and a minor in physiology and was pioneering her own way in a different arena of the health and fitness world. She was a leading instructor at a 1980s fitness studio called Sweat Shop, where leotard and leg-warmer-clad aerobics fanatics flocked. She was also one of the first master instructors for Spinning when the indoor cycling craze took flight. In 1986, Linda was looking for space to rent so she could start her own studio when she met “this adorable French guy” and signed a lease to teach out of his wellness center. The two became great friends and he introduced her to yoga and martial arts. A departure from aerobics and spinning, Linda explained, “It was this practice that wasn’t just physical. It was about the total mind, body and spirit and I loved it.” Jean Pierre specifically practiced Kitaido yoga, which balances posture, breathing and meditation. She was also taken by the inclusivity of the practice. “Everyone who came to the yoga studio had their own unique reason for being there, but no one felt left out. Anyone who came left feeling good.” She’s now a master level Kitaido yoga Instructor with a Yoga Alliance certification, a tai chi instructor, and a second degree black belt in Karate. In 1989 the couple moved to Tucson, Arizona to work at the renowned Canyon Ranch Resort. 22
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his studies. His dedication has paid off; he’s received the honor of being inducted twice into the prestigious USA Martial Arts Hall of Fame as a “Living Legend” and once into the Masters Hall of Fame as “Grand Master.” He’s also a behavioral and spiritual therapist, certified hypnotherapist, and a hypnoanesthesiologist specializing in pain management. After 11 years in Tucson, Linda was itching to get back home to Southern California but didn’t really want to return to Los Angeles. One of Jean Pierre’s clients was from La Jolla and mentioned that Coronado was a picturesque little town on the ocean where there didn’t happen to be any yoga studios. Linda and Jean Pierre drove across the Coronado Bridge, hoping they’d find something promising. Linda laughed when she remembered being perplexed by the small shore on the bay at Tidelands Park - her client had raved about Coronado’s sprawling and pristine
beaches, and thinking that small inlet strewn with dinghies it wasn’t what she’d expected. But when the couple made their way across the island and saw the great Pacific, they were sold for good. “Our mouths just dropped. We signed a lease that day,” she said. They rented space in the Coronado Plaza to house Coronado’s first yoga studio 20 years ago. They stayed there for five years, building a loyal following, then moved to a space on First Street, then in 2010 landed in the bright and serene upstairs space on the corner of Eighth Street and Orange Avenue where they are today. The Coronado Yoga and Wellness Center is now celebrating their 20th year on the island, and many of their clients and instructors have been with them for both decades. They teach classes of yoga, gentle yoga, yoga for a healthy back, chi flow, weight control, pain and stress management, and offer postural assessments, private Celebrating 20 years on Coronado, Linda and Jean Pierre love to teach and work hard to make their students "feel welcomed, cared for, nurtured, and safe."
"It's not just about getting fit or losing weight, it's about whole body health," says Linda.
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PHOTOS COURTESY OF LINDA AND JEAN PIERRE MARQUES
Jean Pierre created and directed the Spiritual Awareness Department there and taught yoga, meditation and tai chi. “It was at a time when spirituality was still very taboo,” Linda explained. “But he made it relevant and now it’s even trendy,” she said. Linda became the fitness director at the resort overseeing 60 instructors for 400 classes a week. During their 11-year tenure in Tucson, the Marques’ also opened a private retreat called Southwest Sanctuary and a wellness studio called Zen of Movement where people from all over the world came to train and study yoga and martial arts. For five years they also operated a retreat on the Big Island of Hawaii. In a continued pursuit to master his practices, Jean Pierre also ventured to China and India to continue
training, and health and nutrition consultations. “We really love what we do,” said Linda. “We’re still excited to come in and not a day goes by that we don’t want to teach.” The couple attributes their continued joy and fulfillment in what they do to their own practice and always seeking balance. In addition to the classes they teach, they each practice movement and meditation twice a day. “There is a lifestyle of the practice,” explained Jean Pierre. “And we practice what we preach. Yoga always continues off the mat.” He explained the importance of the yin and yang, finding the sweet spot so there’s not too much and not too little, in any aspect of life. In that vein, Linda explained that they often get students used to heavy, high intensity exercise like Navy SEALs and CrossFit fanatics. “They are gogo-go, but for whatever reason have learned that they need to slow down and find balance. And they find that with a yoga practice,” she said. And their students have returned year after year (and decade after decade) because, “they feel welcomed, cared for, nurtured, and safe,” said Linda. “There is no judgment, only compassion and acceptance. It’s not just about getting fit or losing weight, it’s about whole body health. It’s my biggest joy daily to see people transition to a happier life,” she beamed. Jean Pierre explained that part of what makes their classes so special is teaching with a Japanese technique called “ogoresha,” something akin to the maestro of a symphony, who reads the needs and energy of the class and adjusts instruction accordingly, creating a special goreisha, or harmony among participants. “In this way, people at all levels and all sizes get what they need and are in tune with each other,” he said. But the real takeaway Jean Pierre instills? “I teach people that I have nothing to teach them. It is your responsibility to take care of your body, and your body is your best teacher. You are your own master teacher.” • For information on classes and offerings at the Coronado Yoga & Wellness Center, visit coronadoyoga.com or call (619) 437-6840.
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A RO UN D TOW N | C H R I ST I N E VAN T U Y L
CORONADO STR
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IN THE FACE OF A GLOBAL PANDEMIC In spite of the fear and uncertainty associated with the COVID-19 outbreak, Coronado residents are forever kind and resourceful. We’ve witnessed many selfless, special, and encouraging acts to help locals in need. From sewing masks and brewing hand sanitizer, to tending to the ill and the elderly among us, to connecting neighbors through social media, islanders are not short on love. Always and forever, we are Coronado Strong! To learn even more about some of the Good Samaritans in our community, check out the “Local Heroes” article published in the Coronado Times, at CoronadoTimes.com. • The Coronado Times is an independent news media publication dedicated to providing up-to-theminute local information regarding the COVID-19 crisis. The publisher, editor and staff writers work hard to positively impact the community of Coronado by creating and distributing high-quality coverage of local news, events, entertainment and people. Over 50,000 monthly readers enjoy their daily edition of the online publication. 28
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Maggie Pettit
CORONADO MOM AND VILLAGE ELEMENTARY P.T.O. PRESIDENT Maggie has been organizing chalk walks, window art and all kinds of colorful ways to bring joy to the lives of neighbors and their children. She even created a nightly “wave” on her block. “The wave is somewhat of a highlight for us, kids and adults,” says neighbor Julie Dabbieri. Maggie is pictured with her children Noah (left) and Jonathan (right).
Rebecca Sauer
CRITICAL CARE NURSE
Rebecca has been applauded for sharing her expertise and helping a high-risk individual obtain a safety mask. “Rebecca is unbelievable and we are so grateful. She is an angel and has helped us so much with this worldwide coronavirus challenge,” says a woman who chose to remain anonymous.
Kelley Kraft Casey
SOCIAL MEDIA ROCKSTAR Kelley started and moderates the “Coronado Coronavirus Help—People Helping People” Facebook page. “Because of this group, a very nice lady was able to reach out to me, with serious medical concerns that put her and her husband at critical risk if infected,” says critical care nurse Rebecca Sauer. “A neighbor, who is a contractor, provided me with an industrial grade filtration mask, that I was able to give her. This may mean the difference between them having to self-isolate apart for weeks, versus being able to stay together. This forum did that.” CROWNCITYMAGAZINE.COM
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The Brave Staff
OF SHARP CORONADO HOSPITAL
Local residents are fortunate to have a hospital that is nationally recognized for patient care and nursing excellence. Sharp was quick to set up several triage tents outside its emergency room to help an expected influx of patients. “Sincere thanks and huge appreciation for our Sharp Coronado Hospital team and all the health care workers across the globe on the front lines,” said Bill Sandke, Coronado City council member.
Coronado Fire Department LOCAL FIRST RESPONDERS
As first responders, the firefighters at the Coronado Fire Department have been busy working the front lines, keeping residents safe. “All fire, medical and lifeguard resources are fully staffed,” the Coronado Fire Department said via social media. “The personnel are performing their duties and responding to emergencies in order to ensure the safety of the public.” The Coronado Police Department has been busy educating the public on the virtues of social distancing and patrolling the neighborhood to encourage compliance. They even made time to visit a little girl on her 7th birthday—bringing cookies, chatting, and even sounding the siren.
The Coronado Retirement Village SENIOR LIVING BY THE BAY
The elderly are known to be high-risk during the COVID-19 outbreak, so the Coronado Retirement Village is doing everything in its power to keep residents safe. The Village offers full-service assisted living and secure care for seniors and promises uncompromised attention, along with a loving environment that “feels like home.” 30
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The Ladies of FiveLoaves TwoFish
CORONADO'S SAVVY SEAMSTRESSES The safety-savvy seamstresses at FiveLoaves TwoFish have been providing masks for those in need. “We’re working hard to get masks out to the front lines,” the business says in a Facebook post. “We salute all of the makers and healers hard at work, and we will join you in the fight and will work hard to get your face covered. It’s a team effort, 100%.” Kit Kuriakose pictured to the right making masks is Head Designer and is co-owner of FiveLoaves TwoFish with her sister, Heather Haas.
Nick and Liz Merrill OF SWEAT EQUITY GYM
Despite the temporary shut-down of their gym, Nick and Liz, along with their trainers at Sweat Equity, are working hard to keep the daily workouts going via Zoom. “The daily workouts keep my mind clear, my emotions more stable and my body from becoming total mush,” says Colby Freer, mom and Mortgage Loan Officer working remotely from home with Griffin Funding. “Each morning I set up my workouts on my porch that faces the sunrise, pop in my ear buds, and get pumped that I get to work out with you and other fellow Sweat Equity members.”
Bill Rogers FOUNDER OF LIBERTY CALL DISTILLING Bill halted production at his distillery to make and distribute hand sanitizer to those in need. “Bill made efforts and convinced distilleries to join him and delay production of their spirits to make and distribute hand sanitizer to agencies like the Los Angeles Police Department, the Orange County Fire Department, the Chino Hills Fire Department, 16 Amazon fulfillment centers in California, and senior healthcare centers,” says John Sexton. Bill 's children Booker and Cameron joined in the effort and are pictured to the right helping their dad fill bottles with sanitizer. CROWNCITYMAGAZINE.COM
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Debra Cordell-Smith
RETIRED AIR FORCE VETERAN
Debra went above and beyond the call of duty to help a friend in need. When neighbor Noelani Mingo failed to find toilet paper after stopping at several stores, Debra offered her an 18-pack of toilet paper, refused payment, and asked if there was anything else that she could do. “Deb is not only an outstanding neighbor, and a caring friend, she is a disabled Air Force veteran and military spouse,” said Noelani. Her service to our country and her kindness and generosity inspires Noelani.
Dr. Wael Kouli
ESTHETICA CENTER FOR COSMETIC SURGERY Dr. Kouli rushed outside behind his offices to treat to a local man suffering from a deep cut to his hand. “I knew I needed stitches but didn’t want to go to the E.R. with everything going on,” says local resident Ian Van Tuyl. “My wife texted Dr. Kouli and he responded in minutes, meeting us in the alley behind his offices to stitch up my hand while I lay in the passenger seat of my car. I can’t thank him enough.”
Teachers and Staff
OF SACRED HEART PARISH SCHOOL
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Sacred Heart Parish School has led the way making an impressively smooth transition to distance learning. They quickly launched their program on March 18 and are still going strong. Teachers and staff are supporting their students both emotionally and academically, keeping them engaged and accountable during this time. Parents and students are grateful for their efforts.
Brad Willis
COROMASK FACEBOOK CAMPAIGN Thanks to Brad's CoroMask Facebook campaign, more than 1450 free masks were distributed to Coronado residents. “In total, 130 residents donated to the campaign,” says Brad. “I was so proud of Coronado when so many residents responded with their generous donations. In all, the CoroMask Campaign organized four distributions, in addition to delivering masks to special needs families, the elderly, several military families, Sharp Blood Lab workers, and the Volunteer Senior Police."Brad's dog's name is Bhumi.
Coronado Chamber of Commerce
CORONADO RESTAURANT BINGO
The Coronado Chamber of Commerce devised a fresh and playful way to encourage locals to order take-out and support local eateries: Coronado Restaurant Bingo! The fun eating challenge awards great prizes for those who are “game” to order out, collect receipts and cross out options on their bingo card. Visit the Coronado Chamber of Commerce Facebook Page for updates!
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S PAC E S | K A R Y N F R A Z I E R + J E S S I C A N I C O L L S
FUNCTIONAL
FAMILY ROOMS
W
hile we all adjust to spending more time at home with our families it got us thinking about family rooms. When we start to design a living room/family room we like to think of all the ways it will function; a place to unwind with a book, watch a family movie, play a board game, sit and have a conversation, take a nap, or build a fort. This versatile room has so many functions and we love how it brings people together. Here are some tips on how we put together a multifunctional family room. We hope everyone is staying safe and enjoying this time at home with their families and that these tips are helpful for making the most of your family space during this time.
• Karyn Frazier and Jessica Nicolls are the owners of the interior design firm Bungalow 56.
▼ Rug Rules Making sure the rug is large enough to fit under the front legs of each furniture piece. This will really help define the space and give a soft area to lay or sit.
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▲ Room Additions If the size of the sectional creates a square space we like to do an oversized square or round coffee table to maximize surface area. This gives plenty of space to do a puzzle or play a board game. If the space is more linear, a rectangular ottoman or coffee table will do the trick.
▲ Social Layouts We like to start with the large pieces of furniture in the room. If the space is used primarily for watching TV we will start with a sectional. If the space is more formal, a sofa and two chairs is great for a more conversational layout. ▲
The Fun Stuff Pillows and throws add the comfort factor and are a great way to add in color and texture to the design. We like to mix solids, stripes and patterns to get a curated look. CROWNCITYMAGAZINE.COM
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By CLYD E VAN ARS D ALL IV
The Kentucky Derby has always been a fun excuse to throw a party. Who knows when we will be able to throw parties or run grand races again? We can always celebrate whether alone or with others. Colonel Meriwether Lewis Clark Jr. had adventure in his blood, His father was a classmate of Robert E Lee at West Point who fought in both the Mexican American and 36
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Civil Wars and his grandfather William Clark was the famous explorer of Lewis and Clark fame. The Clark family had a history of adventure and taking risks so when the Colonel had a vision of a grand horse race in his home state of Kentucky, he set out to make it happen. He modeled his race after a grand race in England named the Derby Stakes, run at Epsom Downs. That was in turn named after its founder the 12th Earl of Derby. Colonel |
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Clark leased some land with the help of his Uncles John and Henry Churchill and built what is known today as Churchill Downs the site of the Kentucky Derby which officially opened in 1875. It is hard to decide which is more notable the race itself or all the decedent traditions that go along with it. The race goers dress to the nines. Ascots and bowties are popular choices for the men and hats of outrageous proportion for the ladies. Not
to be upstaged by the fashion of the event the food and drink are epic as well. Mint Juleps in frosted silver cups, southern biscuits stuffed with country ham, Kentucky hot brown sandwiches and pimento cheese abound. It is a bit like Mardi Gras in scope the day of the race nearly 140,000 people fit themselves into a venue designed to seat 51,000. That leaves a mass of people crammed into what they call the infield of the racetrack and that is where the real party takes place. Like so many people my age the “real party” has passed me by, I have no desire to navigate the crowded streets of the French Quarter during Mardi Gras and the same can be said of the infield at the Derby. I choose instead to have a small get together with friends and family in the comfort of my home and watch the Derby on tv while placing bets online. This is a great excuse for a party as the race itself takes only two minutes to run so the rest of the time you can concentrate on great conversation food and drinks. How often do you get dressed up for a party, the food and drinks are easy to execute, and they are very different from what you would serve at the average party so most guests will be enjoying something new. The first thing most guests
look for when they arrive at a party is a drink so let’s start with the Mint Julep. The Mint Julep became the official drink of the Derby in 1938. The origin of the drink is southern, and it was made famous both at the Greenbrier Resort in West Virginia and The Willard
Hotel in Washington DC. The Mint Julep falls into a category of drink called a smash, named because ingredients are “smashed” or muddled at the bottom of the glass to infuse flavor into the drink. In the case of the mint julep sugar and mint are smashed together crushed ice is then added and then the bourbon is poured over the
top, the drink is then garnished with a healthy bunch of mint that is right at nose level when the drink is being consumed. The cup used is traditionally metal, usually, silver, copper or pewter, like a copper mug used for a mule. This allows the drink to frost the cup and remain very cold. The cup is carefully held by the rim or at the bottom as not to heat the cup and disturb the frost that forms due to the crushed ice within. The metal cup is not necessary, but they are so much fun, and can be used for other drinks when the Derby is over. If you are having a party these drinks can be labor intensive when made to order so making a batch ahead of time is recommended. I always like to make things from scratch, but truth be known Old Forester makes a very good premixed Mint Julep. I would never have known about this if I hadn’t tried it for myself in the Old Forester tasting room on Whiskey row in Louisville. This premix is served at the Derby and there are approximately 120,000 of them served the weekend of the derby so give it a try if your numbers exceed 10 or more. Don’t let the Mint Julep fool you this drink is nothing more than straight bourbons that has been sweetened a bit to take the edge off. If you drink a few Juleps you are going to need CROWNCITYMAGAZINE.COM
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R E C I P E S | C O U R T E SY O F C H E F C LY D E VA N A R S DA L L I V
some food in your stomach. The Kentucky Hot Brown was invented in 1926 at the Brown Hotel in Louisville, Kentucky. It was intended for race goers as a late-night snack that most likely helped settle their stomach after a long day of drinking at the races. The Kentucky Hot Brown is an open-faced sandwich of epic proportion consisting of sliced roasted turkey on a thick slice of rustic bread covered in Mornay sauce (thick white gravy) and broiled until hot and bubbly. The sandwich is then topped with bacon and pimento slices, some variations, include sliced tomato. Lighter bites for the races include buttermilk biscuits stuffed with thinly sliced country ham and pimento cheese dip. The Derby is a great excuse to wear something fun, drink something new and eat something naughty.
Mint Julep
The Southern Foodways Alliance guide to Cocktails 2017 Yield: 1 (2 ½ ounce) cocktail Glass: Silver Julep Cup or rocks glass Service Ice: Crushed Garnish: Mint Sprig Cocktail: 2 ounces bourbon ½ ounce simple syrup 4 mint sprigs, the largest and prettiest reserved for garnish
Crush ice in a Lewis bag if possible. A Lewis bag is a fun bar tool used for crushing ice. It is a canvas bag that comes with a mallet. Ice goes in the bag and you use the mallet to crush the ice. If you don’t have a Lewis bag wrap ice in a dish towel and beat the heck out of it. Place 3 sprigs of mint and simple syrup in a Julep cup or rocks glass. Lightly press mint with a muddler to release aromatic oils. Add bourbon and give a quick stir. Fill cup 1/3 full with crushed ice and stir. Repeat with another 1/3 of the ice. Finally pack the last third with the ice mounded like a sno-cone. Take reserved mint sprig in one hand and give a light smack to release the aroma. Plant the sprig in one side of the cup. Add 2 small stirrer-type straws, or a small metal straw, right next to the garnish, so that you smell the mint each time you take a sip.
• Clyde Van Arsdall IV is executive chef and general manager of the Neiman Marcus Café.
Simple Syrup
Yield: 2 cups 1 cup water 1 cup granulated white sugar Place sugar and water in a sauce pan, set over high heat, and bring to a boil. Boil for 3 minutes. Remove from heat and cool to room temperature. Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 1 month.
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“Pride is the community coming together and showing that love is real.” — TARYN MANNING