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April - May 2013

Ponte Vedra • Jacksonville • The Beaches St. Augustine & Amelia Island

Spring

HOME & GARDEN Breathtaking homes at the Beaches

SUMMERTIME FUN

Unique First Coast camps 1 APRIL - MAY 2013 | FIRST COAST REGISTER

BETSEY JOHNSON

Acclaimed designer visits Jacksonville

2 APRIL - MAY 2013 | FIRST COAST REGISTER

FIRST COAST REGISTER | APRIL - MAY 2013 3

in this issue 10 8 32

contents

VOLUME 7, ISSUE 2

ONE OF US - CHARLEY ZIMMER

5

LIVING ART Ponte Vedra residents showcase their unique homes at Home and Art Tour

8

VIVA FLORIDA, VIVA PONCE! Florida celebrates 500th birthday

10

THEIR HEARTS ARE IN IT Pie in the Sky holds annual farmworker appreciation event

12

SMART, CHIC & LOCAL HGTV’s 2013 Smart Home brings national attention to Jacksonville Beach

16

BETSEY JOHNSON VISITS JACKSONVILLE Pint-sized fashion heavyweight greeted fans at St. Johns Town Center

20

WORLD FAMOUS BUDWEISER CLYDESDALES 22 Stroll into Jacksonville EVERY DOG HAS ITS DAY

24

PEACEFUL EVENT DRAWS THOUSANDS and donates thousands to local charity

26

CELEBRITY CHEFS Serve up community suport

28

COMMUNITY SUPPORT ONCE AGAIN MAKES 30 Annual Jay Fund Gala a charitable success FIRST COAST FUN Ramps up for Summer

32

OUTDOOR RECRETAION SUPPLY STORE REI Opens Store in St. Johns Towncenter

34

SAVING THE SHORELINE Reseracher, volunteers build oyster reefs to restore critical parts of Guana Reserve

36

EXCELLENCE IN MOTION

40

SPRING HAS SPRUNG For First Coast arts

42

JACKSONVILLE FASHION WEEK

44

about this magazine

36

4 APRIL - MAY 2013 | FIRST COAST REGISTER

The First Coast Register is a bi-monthly general interest magazine published by The Ponte Vedra Recorder and OPC News, LLC. The magazine can be found throughout the upscale areas of greater Jacksonville. For advertising inquiries call 904.285.8831.

Susan Griffin, Publisher Kelly Hould, Editor Rob Conwell, Circulation Manager Elizabeth M. Steif, Staff Writer Carrie Resch, Staff Writer/Sales Coordinator Ed Johnson, Senior Account Executive Kristin Flanagan, Account Executive Cary Johnson, Manon Zamora-Barwick, Publication Design April Snyder, Sales Assistant

First Coast Register

100 Executive Way, Suite 105 • Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082 904.285.8831

Cover photo by Neil Rashba

One of us

CHARLEY ZIMMER

by KELLY HOULD

F

ounded in 1966, Episcopal School of Jacksonville was one of the best kept secrets of the First Coast for decades. Tucked off of Atlantic Boulevard down streets lined with graceful oak trees, it was easy to miss the school’s entrance unless you knew what to look for.

The school’s notoriety changed last year when it was briefly in the national spotlight after the tragic shooting of head of school, Dale D. Regan. Regan served ESJ as a teacher, administrator and head of school for 34 years. Amid unexpected violence, Episcopal School families from the past and present pulled together, weathering the heartbreak with compassion and dignity.

Most important of all, daily life and decades-long traditions at the middle and high school continue today, unbroken.

The school bustles with activity year round, from its lively arts programs to its competitive athletic teams, college preparatory academics and rich spiritual exploration. The summertime is no exception, as ESJ presents a number of summer camps to the community. Camps are offered in everything from fishing to leadership.

This month, current Head of School Charley Zimmer sat down with The First Coast Register to talk about life at ESJ, how the school remembers Regan and what’s in store.

How did you begin your career with Episcopal School?

I was the headmaster of Virginia Episcopal School in Lynchburg. A gentleman on the VES board, Jim Winston, is

from Jacksonville and has lived here for many years. Jim is a graduate of VES and he invited me down to Jacksonville to see the campus several years prior to the search. Six years later this opportunity came up and a search firm approached me to ask if I’d be interested in pursuing this opportunity.

I served as Headmaster at Episcopal for nine years (19982006) and then stayed an extra year to do some fundraising for the school. I retired in 2007 to Marco Island and was doing some consulting with another school in Naples, Seacrest Country Day. That’s when I got the phone call about Dale.

Two days later I got a call from the board chairman asking if I’d consider coming back and finishing out the year.

I never realized how much I missed this place until I came back. Seventy percent of the folks that I hired were still here when I came back. This was an easy transition for me and I think, because I was a familiar face, it made for an easy transition for the community.

That’s how I got here and I’m glad I’m here.

Why do you think so many faculty build life-long or decades-long careers at ESJ? First of all I think the faculty are happy to be here. This is a wonderful community in which to work. They’re very supportive of one another. It’s a small enough school that people know each other — it’s like a family. I know that’s a cliché but its true.

I also think one of the biggest reasons is that these folks FIRST COAST REGISTER | APRIL - MAY 2013 5

really understand that they are making a difference in the lives of these young men and women.

The motto on the ESJ logo is “Experience the Difference.”

What, to you, is the difference between Episcopal School and other schools?

This motto was developed by Dale. As I mentioned before, Episcopal is a unique community.

So what makes us different? First and foremost it’s our spiritual component. There is no other school like us that is our size which has this spiritual component, and this is very important to us.

We are also small enough to be family-oriented, large enough to be pretty diversified — both in the faculty and the student body. The faculty is second to none, superb. We have great facilities, especially with some of the projects that have been completed recently. Our college guidance program is very good.

All of these things make up what I would call the “difference”.

But you have to remember that I’m sort of prejudiced about most of these comments anyway!

Tell me about the budding relationship between Episcopal and the Jacksonville Jaguars.

There isn’t necessarily a formal relationship, but we’ve had a number of Jaguar folks involved with the school to some degree. Obviously Mark Brunell’s decision to join our school has energized the community. And most recently Kelly Flanagan, now the vice president of finance and planning for the Jaguars, is an Episcopal graduate.

We’ve opened up the football field area for some of their players to come out and throw and run patterns—so they’ve been out here on a regular basis over the past few months. The relationship is a good one.

When JT Townsend had his injury, the Jaguars were very supportive of JT, his family and the school. In particular Maurice Jones Drew, among others, spent time with JT. JT remains a very 6 APRIL - MAY 2013 | FIRST COAST REGISTER

committed and loyal fan of ours.

As head of school, what does a typical day look like for you?

Is there such thing as a typical day?

It’s full of meetings with parents, alumni, faculty, various committees, and trustees. What I primarily do is manage people and manage the internal and external operations of the school.

Each day is different. I’m usually in the office by a little after 7. Typically, I have a number of scheduled meetings. Sometimes I’ll get out and walk the campus just to see faculty and students.

I stop by practices and I attend a lot of the games. It’s a very full day.

Tell me about the new Dale D. Regan Plaza?

The Dale Regan Plaza is an incredible addition to the campus. It’s really a very fitting tribute to Dale. She loved the Great Oak — we all do — but Dale loved it in particular. She had some family photos taken there.

You cannot go by there any time of the day without seeing students enjoying this new space, socializing, doing homework, or just relaxing. It’s a great spot for gatherings and even for classes.

The one thing the plaza has done is to create a connection from the older part of the campus with the newer part of the campus.You will see that it starts right behind the library and goes all the way over to the new buildings, Parks & Lastinger Halls.

This is one of the best things we have done for this campus in a long, long time. It’s a very special, meaningful tribute to a very good soul.

Is there anything you are particularly looking forward to this summer? Tell me about the summer life of ESJ. The summer programs have grown! This keeps us very busy each summer. In addition, we are remodeling the head of school office, which will be located in a building down across

from the business office. Our annual list of summer projects will be completed. The summer is actually very busy here. We will also be doing some capital campaign planning for some new athletic facilities for the two campuses which tie-in to the master plan.

What should people know about ESJ? II think what people should know is that Episcopal is a school that is full of integrity. We are a diverse community.

There are lots of folks out there who would benefit from this experience. I encourage them to come and take a look. This school is a special place. Otherwise I wouldn’t be here.

I am very proud of the students in this school. They are kind,

respectful, and really care about one another. I always feel like our students represent the school well wherever they go.

I think people need to know that our community is recovering well from the tragedy. There are times when it is still very hard for some students and some faculty — but we all know that we have to move on because that’s what Dale would want us to do.

Episcopal School of Jacksonville is located at 4455 Atlantic Blvd. in Jacksonville.Visit esj.org for more information about admissions, summer camps and more.

FIRST COAST REGISTER | APRIL - MAY 2013 7

living art

Photos by Jessie Preza

Ponte Vedra residents showcase their unique homes at Home and Art Tour

8 APRIL - MAY 2013 | FIRST COAST REGISTER

by TIFFANE REYNOLDS

T

he annual Ponte Vedra Beach Home and Art Tour, presented by the Cultural Center at Ponte Vedra Beach, showcased five area homes with both impressive architecture and impressive decor.

The homes range from traditional to modern to Mediterranean and everything in between.

Each home has an individual style that also reflects one of the many qualities of Ponte Vedra Beach and the surrounding area.

BRINGING THE MEDITERRANEAN HOME Myron Pincomb loves the Mediterranean and Tuscan style, and that is definitely reflected in his house.

After living in Jacksonville for 18 years, Pincomb and his family chose to move into the house because of its unique look and style.

They’ve lived in the house for three years, and say they love how it represents a home away from home.

INSPIRED BY THE HOME’S SETTING Julie and Joe Bowers have already turned renovation into an art form, using the space and location of each home they’ve lived in to its advantage.

They renovated their current home in just 13 weeks, using Julie Bower’s personal style and the couple’s love of the backyard view to create an open and sophisticated interior. Floor-to-ceiling windows, balconies and even the pool overlook the island green behind the home.

Julie Bower has been renovating homes for 20 years, and her husband sold his business two years ago to join her in interior renovation full time.

MAKING MODERN INTO FAMILY FRIENDLY As a single dad, Butch Hofstetter wanted a home that would be both contemporary and welcoming.

Interior designer Julie Schulte’s challenge was exactly that. In charge of the furnishings, art and decorative pieces in he house, Schulte used a mixture of pieces to achieve a look that is “contemporary, somewhat masculine and family friendly.”

She was able to soften the lines of contemporary style by using textured fabrics to give the house a warm, lived-in feel.

MORE THAN LOCATION Josie Flaherty bought her home for the location, but took advantage of the interior space. Inside, warm colors and wood accents create a warm, ranch home feel. But, Flaherty’s real pride and joy is the handmade accents around the house, all individual art pieces on their own. Local artist Mary St. Germain also showcases her work with the house.

AN INDOOR OCEAN FEELING Since he was a little boy, Louie Duprez has loved mermaids and the sea. Walking from the front door, a 22-foot stainless steel mermaid greets guests almost immediately and serves as the introduction to the rest of the sea-themed artwork in the house.

Besides the sea, Duprez’s other love is Ponte Vedra. Growing up in Jacksonville, Duprez says that it’s the close neighborhood ties and culture that draw him back to this home just off of the river.

Built in 1957, the home is also one of the oldest in Palm Valley.

FIRST COAST REGISTER | APRIL - MAY 2013 9

Viva Florida Viva Ponce!

Florida celebrates 500th birthday

by KELLY HOULD

10 APRIL - MAY 2013 | FIRST COAST REGISTER

A

15-foot bronze statue of explorer Juan Ponce de Leon was unveiled April 2 in its permanent home, not far from where the voyager stepped ashore with his navigator 500 years ago on the same date. The statue is located at the North Beach Access parking lot for Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve on A1A in Ponte Vedra Beach.

The unveiling followed a reenactment of Ponce de Leon’s arrival on the beach just across A1A. According to floridashistoriccoast.com, the only surviving navigational reading recorded of Ponce de Leon’s “Journey of Discovery” was at a position of 30 degrees 8 minutes north latitude, just off the coast of Ponte Vedra. Scholarly studies indicate that Ponce de Leon first sighted and named the land La Florida on Easter Sunday, March 27, 1513.

James Ponce, a St. Augustine Native who traces his bloodline back to Ponce de Leon, portrayed the historic explorer along with Quin Mosier who acted as navigator. The navigator stooped on the beach to take a reading with a 16th century astrolabe. The two were surrounded by other natives who portrayed 16th century sailors and townspeople.

The public unveiling and reenactment was attended by Jeff Atwater, Florida’s chief financial officer, Assistant County Administrator Jerry Cameron, St. Augustine Mayor Joe Boles, commissioners Roxanne Horvath and Don Crichlow, Vice Mayor Nancy Sikes-Kline and City Manager John Regan.

The many local onlookers joined reenactors in their cheers of “Viva Florida! Viva Ponce!”

FIRST COAST REGISTER | APRIL - MAY 2013 11

hearts

Their Alonso Gallop

are in it

Pie in the Sky holds its annual farmworker appreciation event

by KELLI MCDANIEL AND ELIZABETH M. STEIF

Christopher Pinkney

12 APRIL - MAY 2013 | FIRST COAST REGISTER

“Special.”

“A blessing.”

“Relaxing.”

“All for us.”

Those were just a few of the ways farmworkers described Pie in the Sky’s From the Heart event, held in February to celebrate the agricultural workers in the area.

“This is a day for us to take care of you and do something for you,” Pie in the Sky founder Malea Guiriba told the workers.“It’s about creating awareness and letting people know who you are and what you do.”

Farmworkers who attended the event spoke about how thankful they were to Pie in the Sky and the community for putting on the event.

Christopher Pinkney came to Hastings from Orlando in 2010 for the cabbage season and other farm work. He is currently cutting cabbages in the fields and said he thought the luau was very uplifting.

“This Hawaiian luau is very relaxing; it gets your mind off farm work,” Pinkney said.

Other workers echoed that feeling.

“It’s nice that someone is doing something nice for us,” said Theo Brown, a Nashville, Tenn., native who came to Hastings to pick cabbage.

Brown, like many of the workers, has been in Hastings for only a few months and will soon leave to work elsewhere.

George Hall will head to Virginia next for potato season but says he’ll come back to Hastings in the fall to plant cabbage.

“We go back and forth. It’s hard, but

I’m used to the work,” he said.“This is nice, though, the way it’s set up, the food, the nice people. It means a lot because we work, and it’s all for us, all for the migrant workers.”

Guiriba helped create the event just for that purpose -- to celebrate farmworkers and their role in the community and to raise awareness of the plight migrant workers face.

Because they’re constantly moving, many workers don’t call a specific place “home,” and their friends or other community members might not know how to contact family members if something happened to a worker.

Michael Chadwick, a farmworker in Hastings, recently passed away in hospice care, but no one knew where he was from or how to reach his family, Guiriba said.

“It made us realize that those of us who knew him and interacted with him didn’t really know him at all,” she told the crowd.“He died alone, and he shouldn’t have.”

In hopes of avoiding a similar situation, Guiriba said she wants to begin some kind of registry for workers to list their names, hometowns, family members and contact information.

“It’s important for everybody to know you were here,” she told the workers.

The event was luau-themed, with farmworkers decked out in Hawaiian shirts and colorful leis. Workers enjoyed snacks and lunch before playing Bingo, and volunteers organized donated socks and clothing the workers would receive.Volunteer Sherrie Venturi took photos of each farmworker, who posed

George Hall

FIRST COAST REGISTER | APRIL - MAY 2013 13

Theo Brown

14 APRIL - MAY 2013 | FIRST COAST REGISTER

with Guirba’s daughter Noelle Marx.

“Mom just tells me what to do,” Marx said, laughing.“I support her fully and try to help when I can.”

Local band Lightly Salted provided entertainment for the event for the second year in a row.

“Last year I called Malea to ask if I could collect toiletries and asked if they wanted a band,” said band member Maria Burk, who also owns The Print Shop in St. Augustine and again served as a drop-off point for donations.

Farm work in the area can be a difficult and thankless job, so From the Heart has been an important event not just for workers but also for the community to show its appreciation.

All Souls Unitarian Universalist Congregation provided snacks for the event, and Flagler Business Office made or purchased the desserts.

All Souls member Mary Thomas said the event gives her an opportunity to thank the farmworkers for their really hard work.

Each quarter the congregation decides on an organization to help, and Pie in the Sky has been the chosen organization for at least the last two quarters, said Gaye Esperson, another member of the congregation.

“It allows me to honor the folks that I see in the fields,” she said.

A regular Pie in the Sky volunteer, Charlotte Woodard has been helping the organization for about a year.

She said she drives through the fields every day and wondered how she could help. At the event, she checked in volunteers and also designed the logo for the event, which was printed on T-shirts and used on Pie in the Sky’s website.

Candace Bolin and Lara Pierce both teach second grade at

Julington Creek Elementary. They gave their students an overview of all the hard work the farm workers do, Bolin said, and the students made thank-you cards that were displayed on the walls and tables for the workers to read at the luau.

Workers read the cards as they relaxed at the tables, eating and listening to the music.

Alonso Gallop also came to Hastings from Virginia for the cabbage season. He said the luau was a great event and that he was thankful to everyone who helped make it happen.

“To me, it is very special,” he said.“It is really a blessing because we work really hard and it’s nice to have a day off for a change.”

FIRST COAST REGISTER | APRIL - MAY 2013 15

smart Chic & H local HGTV’s 2013 “Smart Home” brings national attention to Jacksonville Beach

by KELLY HOULD 16 APRIL - MAY 2013 | FIRST COAST REGISTER

GTV, the cable network famously dedicated to coverage of everything home and garden, will give away a fully-furnished home in Jacksonville Beach this spring. The home, located in Paradise Key, and its amenities are valued at $900,000. The home is the first fully-furnished HGTV Smart Home, and this spring it is move-in ready for one lucky new owner. Designed by architect Michael Stauffer and constructed by Glenn Layton Homes, the home measures approximately 2,400 square feet and features more than 1,000 square feet of covered porches, decks and pool.

Smart home technology connects many of the home’s appliances and devices, and allows occupants to monitor energy use and control home systems such as security, interior climate, lighting and other electronics. The home was built to meet the Consumer Electronics Association’s TechHome Rating specifications for technology infrastructure.

Every room is linked with technology, including the guest bedroom. The upstairs guest suite was designed with a styl-

FIRST COAST REGISTER | APRIL - MAY 2013 17

ized tropical theme designed to offset the cool colors downstairs.

An interactive touchscreen on a smart tablet allows a user to control home automation features, monitor security cameras and check local weather, news and traffic. The colorful living room features three flatscreen HDTVs, which can be hidden behind automatically lowering artwork,The media wall is covered in local cypress with a soft weathered finish.

The home also utilizes green features, such as three kumquat trees in wooden planter boxes which will provide privacy, visual interest and a source of fruit for one lucky family. The home also utilizes attractive rain barrels connected to gutters surrounding the house in order to collect water and reduce the home’s water consumption.

Even though the home features many nationally-recognized brands, it has a distinctly local feel. The kids’ bedroom, situated upstairs, was created by interior designer Linda Woodrum, and features black and white photos of local house planner Jack Thomasson’s relatives. The foyer features a wall of historical black and white photos, culled from the extensive photograph collection at the Beaches Museum of Jacksonville Beach framed in Cyprus wood.The area also features a natural black sea fan in a silver, acid-washed frame designed by Karen Robertson of Jacksonville Beach. Even the bathroom serves as a display for a historic Jacksonville Beach lifeguard uniform.

The contest begins on April 11 at 9 a.m., and ends in May. Take a virtual tour and enter to win at hgtv.com/smarthome.

18 APRIL - MAY 2013 | FIRST COAST REGISTER

FIRST COAST REGISTER | APRIL - MAY 2013 19

Betsey Johnson

visits Jacksonville Pint-sized fashion heavyweight greeted fans at St. Johns Town Center

B Christina Michaels, Amanda Hyche & Jessica Michaels

20 APRIL - MAY 2013 | FIRST COAST REGISTER

by KELLY HOULD

etsey Johnson, fashion icon and longtime designer, visited the First Coast in March at an appearance in Dillards at the St. Johns Town Center. Johnson is an effervescent personality known for her wild designs and high-energy runway presence.

The Betsey Johnson Label was launched in 1978 and, like its namesake, is still rocking hard after more than 30 years. Johnson’s fan base is constantly growing as popularity increases among the literally young and the young at heart.

Her label has steadily gained greater recognition in areas that have traditionally been off the global fashion map — like Jacksonville.

“This Dillards is one of our top volume stores,” Johnson said.“The store looks great — it’s styled so cute!”

The store was transformed into a pink, black and white wonderland in March for Johnson’s visit. Huge throngs gathered to meet the designer.

Part of the increasing momentum of the brand locally has to do with the increased appeal for women of more sizes.

“I used to fit everything on me,” Johnson said.

The slim former dancer has a frame that lends itself best to tight, high arm holes, slip dresses and other dancewear-inspired styles.“But now my styles go up to a true size 14.”

In addition to iconic dresses, shoes and accessories, The Betsey Johnson Label now includes workout gear, handbags, intimates, outwear, swimwear and even a new line of bridal shoes.

Blue by Betsey Johnson is a line of blue-soled bridal shoes that span styles from conservative but sparkling to all-out bling.

“Bridal shoes are such a trip,” Johnson said. “(Blue) reminds me of parties and the old days of my shoes — flashy and sexy and the guys died for them! They were glitzy and didn’t try to be normal.”

Although Blue features sky-high heels and platforms, Johnson admits that she “lives” in her label’s high top sneakers.

The Betsey Johnson Label continues to be strong in Jacksonville and other markets, and is unique in the fashion world in its appeal to women of all ages. Johnson, who has always bucked trends in order to pursue timeless, quirky styles that she thought looked best, said she believes the last real “trends” were what we saw in the 1990s: grunge and vintage.

“After that,” she said,“I don’t know of any real trends.

In the 2000s, freedom counts. Women know how to pull themselves off whether they are at work, church or the PTA. Women dress for women.”

And Johnson designs with those multifaceted 2000s women in mind, creating styles in a variety of prices from everyday to extraordinary.

“It’s a really close thing to lay out a paycheck,” Johnson said.“You’ve really got to love it. But if you don’t spend, you won’t know what’s great.You give it a try and it might be a great discovery” Johnson admits that she doesn’t always wear the more expensive items in her closet, and often finds herself buying things because the clothes are “so great looking—I just appreciate them.”

Johnson’s Jacksonville fans obviously appreciate her designs as well, greeting her enthusiastically at the St. Johns Town Center.

“It’s a very fashionable place,” she said.“I feel like I’m in a desert of flat lowness and then — BOOM! — the mall!”

Before going out to meet her fans on the floor of Dillards, Johnson pondered Jacksonville and its budding relationship to the fashion world. “(Fashion) is kind of where your head is at, and how you’re going to feel,” Johson said.“It’s global now, from Jacksonville to Hong Kong.”

FIRST COAST REGISTER | APRIL - MAY 2013 21

stroll into Jacksonville

World Famous Budweiser Clydesdales

by CARRIE RESCH

A

horse is a horse, of course, of course, unless they are the famous Mr. Ed — or The World Famous Budweiser Clydesdales. Hundreds of Jacksonville residents turned out to catch a glimpse of the sizeable stallions during their visit to the Jacksonville Anheuser-Busch Budweiser Factory on Feb. 16-17.

Visitors could witness the process of getting the horses hitched to the wagon. Once hitched, the iconic Budweiser wagon led by a team of eight stallions made loops around the factory parking lot stopping at a designated spot to let the crowd taste fresh Budweiser beer from the tap in the back of the wagon.

The Clydesdales have a long history with the company dating back to 1933 when the first team of Clydesdales and a red, white and gold Budweiser wagon was presented to August Anheuser Busch Sr. as a gift from his son, August Anheuser Busch Jr., to celebrate the repeal of Prohibition. Nowadays, the famed horses are 22 APRIL - MAY 2013 | FIRST COAST REGISTER

well-known for their traditional appearances in Super Bowl ads.

The iconic Dalmatian that is always seen riding atop the wagon is symbolic of the Dalmatians employed by the company long ago as guard dogs to guard the wagon-loads of beer and the team as the beer was being delivered.

The Dalmatians were selected because they were easily visible in snow with their black spots.

The Anheuser-Busch Budweiser Factory is located at 111 Busch Dr., Jacksonville, FL 32218.

For more information, visit Anheuser-Busch. com or call, (904) 696-8373.

FIRST COAST REGISTER | APRIL - MAY 2013 23

Every dog has its day

by KELLI MCDANIEL

Dogs of all breeds and sizes came out to the 8th Annual Dog Lover’s day at Adventure Landing in Jacksonville Beach on Mar. 9, with their owners in tow of course.

The free event included an adoption fair, doggie relay races and world champion dog Frisbee show. Non-four legged attendees could enjoy a bounce house, face painting, and dog- related vendors.

The Jumpin’ Jax Flyball Club put on doggie relay races for the crowd to enjoy.“If you like to have fun with your fur-kid, this is

Above: Buddy, is up for adoption through K-9 Services German Shepard Resuce Right: Meet Meatball, a dog available for adoption at Dog Lover’s Day. Left: Kennedy Johnson and her dog Sunni Sprinkles enjoyed the doggie-relay races at Dog Lover’s Day 24 APRIL - MAY 2013 | FIRST COAST REGISTER

the sport for you,” said Robin Wooldridge, the team’s captain.

People and their pooches watched from the side lines as a team of five dogs raced over hurdles to retrieve a tennis ball and return to the starting line for the next dog to begin.

There was also a world champion Frisbee exhibition by K-9’s in Flight. Led by handler Todd Duncan, six dogs preformed jumps and flips all while catching Frisbees.

The day was for the dogs and cash donations went to assist the First Coast No More Homeless Pets Organization.

FIRST COAST REGISTER | APRIL - MAY 2013 25

Peaceful Event Draws Thousands

and donates thousands to local charity

by CARRIE RESCH

T

he 2013 Community First Natural Life Music Festival attracted over 6,000 people to Metropolitan Park on March 10. The music and craft festival was free to attend, and proceeds from the event went to the Children’s Home Society Buckner Division. Over $20,000 was raised for the organization.

Ponte Vedra resident Patti Hughes, the founder of Natural Life, a retail merchandise company started the Natural Life Music

26 APRIL - MAY 2013 | FIRST COAST REGISTER

Festival as a way to give back to the community. Children could participate in Crafternoon activities run by Natural Life employees and volunteers via a donation and punch card system.

Crafts included making bubble wands, hippie bands, face painting, and tie dye t-shirts.

For more information on the Community First Natural Life Festival, visit www.communityfirstnaturallifemusicfestival.com.

Previous Page: Lacy, Mike and baby Jocelyn catch some shade under a tree while enjoying the festivities.

Above: Finnley Crosby from the Beaches area gets her face painted

by Natural Life employee, Sara Woodward.

Above: Poppy Wilkinson of Ponte Vedra made a tie-dyed t-shirt with a volunteer.

Middle: Over 6,000 people came out to the Natural Life Music Festival at Metropolitan Park March 10. The event raised over $20,000 for the Children’s Home Society Buckner Division.

FIRST COAST REGISTER | APRIL - MAY 2013 27

First Coast News anchor Phil Amato served Stuffed Red Peppers

Celebrity Chefs

serve up community support

by ELIZABETH M. STEIF

T Noreen Young served Sweet Potatoes with an Asian Twist

Metro Diner owner Mark Davoli served Peach YoHala |

28 APRIL - MAY 2013

FIRST COAST REGISTER

he Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary held its 27th Celebrity Chefs Tasting Luncheon and Silent Auction on March 14 in Jacksonville.

The event serves as a fundraiser for the Women’s Auxiliary, which supports the Salvation Army and provides scholarships for children living in Jacksonville shelters.

Local celebrities — from TV personalities, government officials and members of the Jacksonville Jaguars — served up spoonfuls of their favorite recipes at the event as guests visited each tasting station or browsed the silent auction.

Participating celebrities included First Coast News anchor Phil Amato, author Mort Crim, Metro Diner owners John and Mark Davoli and Jacksonville Jaguar Taylor Price, as well as other local business owners, TV news anchors and community members.

This year’s event will support services at the Child Development Center, Towers Memorial Social Services Center, Adult Rehabilitation Center and the Salvation Army Senior Center.

For more information about the Women’s Auxiliary, contact Darlene Uhler-Batiste at (904) 301-4841 or Darlene_Uhler-Batiste@uss.salvationarmy.org.

FIRST COAST REGISTER | APRIL - MAY 2013 29

Community support once again makes annual Jay Fund Gala a charitable success: Fundraiser benefits childhood cancer patients and their families

by CARRIE RESCH

Taco Lu table with Nakivio Poole, Gabrielle Roberts and Debbie Nicol | 30 APRIL - MAY 2013

FIRST COAST REGISTER

T

he Jacksonville-based nonprofit started by New York Giants head coach Tom Coughlin held its 9th Annual Jay Fund Gala March 15. This year’s event raised more than $220,000 and had close to 900 attendees. The gala had around 40 local restaurants including Ruth’s Chris Steak House, Taco Lu, Azurea at One Ocean Resort and hundreds of wines to sample. The event also included a silent auction and was attended by local and national celebrities.

Coughlin founded the Jay Fund in 1996 in honor of Jay McGillis, a former Boston College safety who battled leukemia. The Tom Coughlin Jay Fund provides financial and emotional support for pediatric cancer patients and their families throughout Northeast Florida and the New York/New Jersey metropolitan area.

Coughlin’s daughter Keli Coughlin is the executive director of the Jay Fund.

“The Jay Fund is designed to make an immediate impact on the lives of families and children facing cancer,” she said.

“We wanted a way to be there for any family in this time of crisis, and making critical payments for a mortgage, rent, groceries or gas so parents can focus on their child’s wellbeing can really make a world of difference.”

Since the organization was founded 17 years ago, the Jay Fund has been able to provide over $4 million in grants to families with children battling cancer, but the foundation isn’t based solely on monetary aid, the group also assists in the emotional welfare of the children it serves.

“Over the years, we’ve come to see that these families are up against so many challenges, financial and otherwise. As a result, the Jay Fund began placing an emphasis on providing not only emergency financial assistance, but also other support such as financial planning tools, fun events for parents and kids and grants for psychological and art therapy, which are designed to relieve some of the burdens that families with children with cancer are facing,” Keli Coughlin said.

Another central fundraiser for the Jay Fund is the upcoming “Tee it Up” Jay Fund Celebrity Golf Classic May 19 and 20. The 18th annual event is a partnership with The Players Championship and will include a dinner, silent and live auction and foursome groups paired with celebrities.

For more information on the Jay Fund, visit www.tcjayfund.org or call (904) 543-2599.

Coach Tom Coughlin and his daughter Jay Fund Executive Director, Keli Coughlin

Jacksonville Jaguar Josh Scobee and wife Melissa Scobee

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First Coast F

un in the sun is on the menu every summer at the First Coast. Whether you and your family are looking for a day-long outing or a summer-long camp for your little ones, there’s no shortage of options for kids in Jacksonville, St. Augustine and all of the surrounding communi-

ties.

Whether your kid wants to swim with the dolphins, dunk baskets with the big boys or hone acting skills, there are many unique options in our community.

HADDENLOCH HORSE CAMP Haddenloch Summer Horse Camp offers a variety of activities for all levels of riders.

Camps teach horse care, riding, basic horsemanship and more.

At the end of the week parents can attend a horse show to see how their children have progressed.

Cost is $550 per week and includes helmet, tack, activities and a horse show at the end of the week. Camp runs from Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–4 p.m. Late pickups may be arranged ahead of time for an additional charge.

The camp is located at 10840 Old Dixie Highway in Ponte Vedra Beach. For more information, call (904) 343-0360.

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FUN RAMPS UP FOR SUMMER

by KELLY HOULD

SURF CAMPS Any kid can learn to surf with help from the Ponte Vedra and Jacksonville Beach Surf Camps.

All sessions begin with introductory instruction on general water and ocean safety and surfing etiquette. Most of the time is spent in the water with instructors.

The camp is open to ages 7 and older. The price is $205 and includes a money-back guarantee.

Sessions run each week from June 3–August 12 from 8:30–11:45 a.m. each day. The Jacksonville Beach camp is located at Seagate Avenue, and the Ponte Vedra camp is located at Micklers Landing. All necessary equipment is provided.

For more information, visit www.surfintosummer.com.

CULTURAL CENTER AT PONTE VEDRA BEACH The Cultural Center at Ponte Vedra Beach offers a variety of camps for many age groups to encourage artistic expression and art appreciation.

Parents must provide lunch for their child; camp provides a snack, art supplies and instruction.

Camps are available for children ages 4–5 from 9 a.m.–12:30 p.m. and for children ages 6–8 from noon–2 p.m., with additional offerings for older children. Other camps are available all summer long for older campers, too.

For more information about camps or to register, visit www. ccpvb.org or call (904) 280-0614.

EPISCOPAL SUMMER CAMP Episcopal School of Jacksonville offers sports, activities and academics programs every summer for grades 1 through 12.

Camps run all season from May 24–August 1. Subjects cover everything from theology and study skills to paintball, fishing, fencing and public speaking. This year’s camps also include two football camps with former Jaguars quarterback Mark Brunell.

This summer, Episcopal will also offer 22 two-hour iPad sessions for Episcopal parents. For more information, visit www.esj. org.

NOCATEE SUMMER CAMP Nocatee will offer three summer day camps for both residents and non-residents.

Sports Camp, Performing Arts Camp and Craft & Nature Camp will include theme-based activities and participation with several local organizations.

Camps are designed for kids aged 5–12 and will be grouped for daily activities based on respective age group.

Camps are $160 per week for Nocatee residents and $210 per week for non-residents. Camps run from 8:30 a.m.–4 p.m. and extended day is available with additional cost. For more information or to register, contact Leslie at leslie@nocatee.com or (904) 924-6852.

OSPREY ECO CAMP Eco Camp provides children the opportunity to spend the summer outdoors while learning about Florida wildlife and partaking in other activities, such as canoeing, kayaking and more.

Camps are offered on a weekly basis from June 10–August 12, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. with optional before- and after care. Camp costs

$185-$200, with special rates and discounts for UNF students, faculty and staff and active duty military.

For more information, visit www.unf.edu/recreation/camps/ EcoCamp.aspx.

MARINELAND DOLPHIN ADVENTURE SUMMER CAMPS Marineland offers summer camp options for kids ages 7-17.

Seaside Eco-Adventures: June 10–August 8, Monday-Thursday, 8:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m., $499 for four-day sessions.

Open to children ages 7–12, the camp includes science experiments, conservation projects and more.

Teaching Environment Education in Nature: June 10–August 8, Monday–Thursday, 8:30 a.m.–3 p.m., $499 for four-day sessions.

Teens ages 13-17 will kayak the Intracoastal Waterway, conduct lab experiments and perform field work, as well as experience an in-water dolphin encounter.

Space for this camp is limited.

TOMMY HULIHAN’S BASKETBALL CAMP The Beaches Basketball Camp is designed to teach players the fundamentals and team concepts of basketball. All campers will go through individual as well as team drills and participate in two to three games daily.

The camp takes place at St. Paul’s Gym, located at 212 Fifth St. N. in Jacksonville Beach.

Session one: Boys, June 10–14, 8–11 a.m., open to boys entering grades 3-5. An activities camp can be added on from 11 a.m.-6 p.m.

Session two: Boys, June 10–14, noon–3 p.m., for boys entering grades 6-9.

Session three: Girls, August 5–9, 4:30–6:30 p.m., for girls entering grades 6–8.

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Outdoor and recreation supply store REI opens in St. Johns Town Center

by CARRIE RESCH Recreational Equipment, Inc., or REI, opened their first Florida store at the St. Johns Town Center on March 1 with a three-day grand opening celebration that literally had customers camping out to make sure that they were part of the first 200 people in the store. REI was running a promotion where the first 200 people in the stores on the grand opening days received REI gift cards.

REI sells high-quality outdoor and sporting gear. Founded in 1938, there are now 129 stores in 32 states, and the organization boasts 5.1 million active members. The store is also hosting ongoing events and classes.

REI is located at 4862 Big Island Dr. in the St. Johns Town Center. For more information about REI, visit www.rei.com or call 1-800-426-4840.

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REI breakfast and coffee tent was on hand to feed the masses waiting in line.

Angela Watson, Jessica Valentich and Chris Tyner waited in line at the REI grand opening before heading out to the Mud Run.

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Saving the shoreline

Researcher, volunteers build oyster reefs to restore critical parts of Guana Reserve

by NAOMI BERMUDEZ AND ELIZABETH M. STEIF

D

o you eat oysters? Don’t throw away the shells.

A researcher at Guana Reserve has spearheaded a project using recycled oysters shells to build reefs along the river and restore the shoreline.

Each month, about 70 volunteers gather at Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve to haul 30-pound bags of discarded oyster shells to the shore of the Tolomato River, creating a “living reef” habitat for the Eastern oyster and other marinelife.

The project began last year under the direction of Lauren Flynn, a New Jersey native who came to Northeast Florida on a grant from the Southeast Aquatic Resources Partnership.

The Guana peninsula suffers from severe erosion, Flynn said, largely due to wave energy from boat traffic. Because of the erosion, oysters have fewer places to attach themselves as they grow.

Declining oyster reef populations are becoming a global issue, but they’re critical on both sides of Florida, where oysters are an important economic factor.

One of the benefits of the project is that it is applicable to the actual commercial industry of oysters, said Pierre Pierce, a retired boat captain and volunteer who has been with the project from the beginning.

There was evidence of naturally occurring oyster reefs at the site of the project, Flynn said, indicating that it would be an ideal location to build the reefs. The site includes 1,075 feet of shoreline and 28 patch sections and is the first oyster reef restoration project in Northeast Florida.

The process begins with the dead shells. Five local restaurants — Aunt Kate’s, Cap’s on the Water, Hurricane Patty’s, Matanzas Inlet Restaurant and South Beach Grill — separate and collect oyster shells, and volunteers go to each restaurant weekly to pick them up.

The shells are taken to the “shell bank” at Guana’s Middle Beach Access, where they undergo a 90-day quarantine before being packed into 30-pound bags.

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Volunteers with the GTMNERR Community Oyster Shell Recycling and Living Reef Restoration Project form a human chain to pass bags of dead oyster shells and create reefs along the Tolomato River. The living reefs create a habitat for the Eastern oyster, as well as other marine life, and help reduce erosion of the shoreline caused by wave energy from boat traffic along the river and the Intracoastal.

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The bags are then brought to the reef building site, where volunteers carry and pass the bags to the shore.

The building has to be done at low tide, giving the workers just about a two-hour window to complete the day’s project.

The dead shells become a “living reef,” Flynn said, creating a habitat for other animals, including economically important species.

The oyster beds are alive, she said. Oysters spawn in warmer temperatures, and larval oysters drift with the tides until they find something to attach to as the grow.

“We’re really just giving the larval oysters something to sit on,” Flynn said, noting that the sections of reef built last year now have “tons” of oysters on them.

Support from the community, volunteers and restaurants is what greatly helps this project, Flynn said, calling it a “team effort.”

Community response to the project has been overwhelming, Flynn said. Besides the regular groups of volunteers that help with collecting, bagging and moving the oyster shells, many people in the community have asked how they can donate shells.

Donation receptacles are located at the Middle Beach Access

Above: Several sections of completed reef are visible along the shoreline at low tide. Volunteers have about a two-hour window to build as much as they can before the tide begins to rise.

Right: “It’s the craziest thing,” Project Coordinator Lauren Flynn said of the volunteers. Most of the people who want to help “aren’t necessarily science people. They’re people who love the outdoors and love the area,” she said.

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and will also undergo the 90-day quarantine.

Flynn said she hopes GTMNERR can receive for more funding to do more restoration throughout the reserve.

This is kind of a pilot project to prove that the “technique of using a structure will prevent erosion and be environmentally friendly,” she said.

Overall, the project has been extremely successful so far, she said.

The oysters are growing now and will spawn in the summer, adding to the oyster population in local waters. The reefs also help halt or slow down shoreline erosion and help increase biodiversity by creating habitats for other animals.

Flynn is also researching the amount of oyster shells that end up in landfills — an amount she calls “astronomical” — so she can show not only how much money restaurants would save in trash pick-up costs by recycling the shells but also how much usable material the program would keep out of the landfills.

The project will be funded for one more year, so Flynn said she plans to make the most of it, and volunteers were enthusiastic about doing their part as well.

“It’s our contribution,” said volunteer Derrick Bloch.“Not everyone can do big things. The small things count too.”

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Excellence in motion photos by Neil Rashba

T

he Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance is a premiere three-day motoring event that has gained prestige each year since its inception in 1996.

Held on the grounds of the Amelia Island Ritz Carlton, the event raises millions of dollars in charitable giving. This year’s event was complete with auctions, automotive fine arts, driving experiences, a vintage fashion show, retail shopping and of course awards for the best vehicles on display.

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Spring

by KELLI MCDANIEL

T Ed and April Peebles

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has sprung for First Coast arts

he 9th Annual Spring for the Arts to benefit the Cathedral Arts Project took place March 15 at Deerwood Country Club.

Guest spent the evening enjoying fine wine, cocktails, gourmet food, entertainment and both live and silent auctions.

Husband and wife teams, Aida Riberio and Fabio Machetti along with Steve and Diane Halverson, were honored with the 2013 Guardian of the Arts Award.

About 700 people were expected to attend the event, said Jeff Smith, Associate Director of the Cathedral Arts project. The goal of the event was to raise $450,000 to benefit the Cathedral Arts Project’s afterschool and summer programs.

The Cathedral Arts project began in 1993 with 10 students. The project now provides nearly 1,800 students with access to instruction in visual and performing arts and is celebrating 20 years of advancing the arts, said Smith.

Students of the Cathedral Arts Projects played at the entrance to Deerwood Country Club as the guests arrived to the benefit. There was also live music by KTG entertainment and a solo pianist.

The décor was inspired by the theme of Viva Florida. A statewide initiative led by the Florida Department of State to highlight 500 years of historic people, places and events in Florida since the arrival of Juan Ponce De Leon in the land he named “La Florida” in 1513.

The live and silent auctions were composed of a variety of gift baskets and travel packages for the guests to bid on before the award program begin. The Guardian of the Arts Award was presented by Honorary Chairs, Marilyn and Pete Carpenter, to recognize the efforts made to protect and further develop the arts along the First Coast.

Maragret Purcell and Joni Berg

Steve and Diane Halverson, Aida Ribeiro and Fabio Mechetti were the recipients of the Guardian of the Arts Award (Photo by Lawrence Greene)

Lynne Smith and Carrie Richter

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Shopping event kicks off Jacksonville

FASHION WEEK

J

photos by Susan Griffin

acksonville Fashion Week in March hosted an exclusive shopping event at Saks Fifth Avenue Off Fifth in St. Augustine.

The pre-celebration event featured appetizers, cocktails, cooking demos, entertainment and more.

Models showed clothing and accessories by the 2013 JFW featured designers.

All proceeds from ticket sales to the event benefited Dignity U Wear, Wolfson Children’s Hospital and Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

Jacksonville Fashion Week is a four-day, multi-event fashion production featuring local, national and international designers.

For more information, visit www.jaxfashionweek.com.

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