30A BEACHES NUMBER OF SALES
DOLLAR VOLUME
AVERAGE SALE PRICE
DAYS ON MARKET
Summer 2019
256
$336,111,368
$1,312,935
107
Summer 2020
554
116%
$852,578,798
154%
$1,538,951
17%
126
18%
Summer 2021
375
32%
$740,027,747
13%
$1,973,407
28%
24
81%
DESTIN + MIRAMAR BEACH NUMBER OF SALES
DOLLAR VOLUME
AVERAGE SALE PRICE
DAYS ON MARKET
Summer 2019
274
$197,853,736
$722,094
103
Summer 2020
344
26%
$310,982,487
57%
$904,019
25%
102
1%
Summer 2021
320
7%
$385,763,214
24%
$1,205,510
33%
35
66%
PANAMA CITY BEACH NUMBER OF SALES
DOLLAR VOLUME
AVERAGE SALE PRICE
DAYS ON MARKET
Summer 2019
317
$125,827,381
$396,932
64
Summer 2020
374
18%
$164,934,115
31%
$441,000
11%
73
14%
Summer 2021
349
7%
$213,767,232
30%
$612,514
39%
33
55%
FORGOTTEN COAST BEACHES NUMBER OF SALES
DOLLAR VOLUME
AVERAGE SALE PRICE
DAYS ON MARKET
Summer 2019
75
$39,473,881
$526,318
76
Summer 2020
154
105%
$96,393,006
144%
$625,929
19%
131
72%
Summer 2021
131
15%
$121,353,861
26%
$926,365
48%
37
72%
*Market data represents single family home sales from June - August in 2019, 2020, and 2021 respectively in each defined region. Information reported is deemed reliable but not gaarunteed. ©2021 MLS and FBS
D I SC OVE R YO U R
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In this issue On the Cover
Happy Holidays! One of our favorite pop artists and VIE cover stars, Ashley Longshore, dazzles with her sparkling rendition of her muse, Audrey Hepburn, all dressed up for the season. This issue’s special C’est la VIE Curated Collection is a carefully sourced Holiday Gift Guide for all the special people in your life, and we’re celebrating with Longshore as she shares some of her art, her new book, and more for your shopping pleasure. Check it out on page 24! Artwork by Ashley Longshore
90
AT HEALING HOOF STEPS IN CRESTVIEW, FLORIDA, SECOND CHANCES FOR HORSES AND HUMANS ALIKE ARE ABUNDANT AS FOUNDER NARISSA JENKINS AND HER TEAM PROVIDE EQUINE THERAPY AND THERAPEUTIC RIDING TO PATIENTS OF ALL AGES AND BACKGROUNDS.
C’EST LA VIE CURATED COLLECTION HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE 2021 24 43 L’intermission: Dare to Dress
PUBLISHED BY
90 Healing Hearts One Hoof at a Time 94 The Heart Behind the Healing
LE MONDE 101
LA MAISON 47
102 Desire Street Ministries Helps Locals
48 Ahoy, Leisure! The Houseboat on Dry Land
Reinvent Left-Behind Communities
52 Changing the World One House at a Time
107 L’intermission: The Cotswolds Are Calling
TOP REALTORS SHARE INSIGHTS AND WISDOM 57
Vie is a French word meaning “life” or “way of living.” VIE magazine sets itself apart as a high-gloss publication that focuses on human-interest stories with heart and soul. From Seattle to NYC with a concentration in the Southeast, VIE is known for its unique editorial approach—a broad spectrum of deep content with rich photography. The award-winning magazine was founded in 2008 by husband-and-wife team Lisa and Gerald Burwell, owners of the specialty publishing and branding house known as The Idea Boutique®. From the finest artistically bound books to paperless digital publication and distribution, The Idea Boutique provides comprehensive publishing services to authors and organizations. Its team of creative professionals delivers a complete publishing experience—all that’s needed is your vision.
Photo by Romona Robbins
108 Vanishing Knowledge: New Feature Film Aims to Save Lives
112 Finding Family Across Two Worlds:
VISUAL PERSPECTIVES 87
A Survivor’s Tale
58 Calculating the Future of Real Estate:
BON APPÉTIT! 119
Hindsight Is 20/20
120 Holiday Feast: Recipes for the Family Table
62 Living the Dream and Helping Others Do the Same
67 Petite pause: Wow the World
128 The Beautiful Life of Bread 133 Petite pause: A New Golden Era
68 Christmas on the Coast
LA SCÈNE 136
70 Thirty Questions with a 30-A Realtor
THE LAST WORD 141
LA VITALITÉ 75 76 Running Toward Peace
AU REVOIR! 145
81 L’intermission: Alfresco Adventures THEIDEABOUTIQUE.COM INFO@THEIDEABOUTIQUE.COM 114 LOGAN LANE, SUITE 4 SANTA ROSA BEACH, FLORIDA 32459
82 She Shines at The Jewel 89 Petite pause: Nestled on the Nile V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 15
CREATIVE TEAM CEO / EDITOR-IN-CHIEF LISA MARIE BURWELL Lisa@VIEmagazine.com
FOUNDER / PUBLISHER GERALD BURWELL Gerald@VIEmagazine.com
EDITORIAL MANAGING EDITOR JORDAN STAGGS Jordan@VIEmagazine.com
CHIEF COPY EDITOR MARGARET STEVENSON
COPY EDITOR WENDY ANDERSON
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS ROB AUGUSTINE, SALLIE W. BOYLES, SMITH BURKE, JULIE K. CUMBY, HIL ARY FARNUM-FASTH, FELICIA FERGUSON, REBEK AH FRANKLIN, SARAH FREEMAN, ANTHEA GERRIE, YUMNA JAWAD, JEFF L ANDRETH, MYLES MELLOR, CARRIE MOREY, CRYSTAL NEWBORN, CAROLYN O’NEIL, BOBBY PARKER, TORI PHELPS, SUZANNE POLL AK, NICHOL AS S. RACHEOTES, COLLEEN SACHS, AMY SASSER, JOE SASTO, XENIA TALIOTIS, L AUREN TOYOTA, JACOB WATKINS
ART AND PHOTOGRAPHY CREATIVE DIRECTOR TRACEY THOMAS Tracey@VIEmagazine.com
GRAPHIC DESIGNER SALLY NEAL
CONTRIBUTING DESIGNERS TIM HUSSEY, HANNAH VERMILLION
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS FREDERIC ARANDA, BRANDAN BABINEAUX, HUNTER BURGTORF, CHRIS BURK ARD, JACK GARDNER, K ASIA GATKOWSK A, JEREMY HARWELL, EJAZ KHAN, BRENNA KNEISS, JEFF L ANDRETH, JULIAN LENNON, AMY MURRELL, NORMAN PARKINSON, CARLO PIERONI, ROMONA ROBBINS, SHANNON STURGIS, CHANDLER WILLIAMS, AMANDA SUANNE PHOTOGRAPHY, GETT Y IMAGES, JACQUELINE WARD IMAGES, JESSICA LEIGH CO., MODUS PHOTOGRAPHY, SHUTTERSTOCK
ADVERTISING, SALES, AND MARKETING DIRECTOR OF MARKETING KELLY CURRY Kelly@VIEmagazine.com
MARKETING AND SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER EMME MARTIN Emme@VIEmagazine.com
BRAND AMBASSADORS LISA MARIE BURWELL Lisa@VIEmagazine.com MARTA RATA Marta@VIEmagazine.com
INTERN EMMA CROWLEY
VIE is a registered trademark. All contents herein are Copyright © 2008–2021 Cornerstone Marketing and Advertising, Incorporated (Publisher). All rights reserved. No part of this periodical may be reproduced without written permission from the Publisher. VIE is a lifestyle magazine and is published twelve times annually on a monthly schedule. The opinions herein are not necessarily those of the Publisher. The Publisher and its advertisers will not be held responsible for any errors found in this publication. The Publisher is not liable for the accuracy of statements made by its advertisers. Ads that appear in this publication are not intended as offers where prohibited by state law. The Publisher is not responsible for photography or artwork submitted by freelance or outside contributors. The Publisher reserves the right to publish any letter addressed to the editor or the Publisher. VIE is a paid publication. Subscription rates: Printed magazine – One-year $29.95; Two-year $49.95. Subscriptions can be purchased online at www.VIEmagazine.com.
16 | W IN T E R 2 021-2 2
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Editor’s Note Below left: Jordan Staggs, Lisa Marie Burwell, Abigail Ryan, Ashley Longshore, Crystal Hamon, and Tracey Thomas at Bergdorf Goodman NYC for Ashley Longshore’s solo art exhibit Photo by Carlo Pieroni Bottom: Lisa Marie Burwell and Ashley Longshore at the grand opening of The Curated NYC by Christian Siriano
The Joy of
CHRISTMASTIME JOY to the WORLD! THE LORD has COME! —PSALM 98
I
f there has ever been a time before now to bask in more gratitude and joy, I can’t recall it. We are full of joy and anticipation as we bring you good cheer for the upcoming holidays in this issue. It’s rich in heartfelt stories of so many people doing good as they champion their respective charities, endeavors, missions, and overall goodwill toward all. That is what the holidays are all about—loving our neighbors as ourselves and contributing to the greater good because we’re all connected. University of Florida Gators quarterback and 1996 Heisman Trophy winner Danny Wuerffel shares what keeps him excited and motivated with his Desire Street Ministries, a nonprofit founded in New Orleans that helps people and their communities get back on solid ground. Read all about it in Tori Phelps’s article, “Desire Street Ministries Helps Locals Reinvent Left-Behind Communities.” Grand Bay Construction founder/owner Chris Burch is one of the busiest contractors on the Emerald Coast and beyond. He’s also the builder of The Heritage – A VIE Legacy Show Home, set to debut in late summer 2022. Still, he somehow finds time to pour into less privileged communities and help students learn through World Changers. Read the story “Changing the World One House at a Time” by Felicia Ferguson to see how they’re making a difference! Hannah Vermillion’s exposé “Healing Hearts One Hoof at a Time” delves into Healing Hoof Steps, an experimental counseling facility that provides clinically sound equine therapy sessions and therapeutic riding programs in Crestview, Florida. Military servicemen and women, veterans, children with autism, and many others find healing through equine-assisted counseling and military support services. Founder Narissa Jenkins is a champion for people and horses alike.
The vintage feel pays homage to Norman Rockwell and Andy Warhol in this painting by iconic pop artist Ashley Longshore, whom I like to refer to as “the pied piper of fun”! VIE has enjoyed and cultivated a long-standing creative and collaborative relationship with Ashley over the past decade, as we are huge fans of both her and her delicious artwork. She gives us all joy, gaiety, fun, and color with a hint of delightful irreverence toward the status quo. She truly lives a bold and unapologetic life as one of the true originals in the world today. Look for some of her art, books, and more in the C’est la VIE gift guide! We hope this issue brings you joy and thoughtful reflection and inspires you to climb new mountains and love fiercely as we journey on our respective paths. We strive to be a light in a world that needs all the illumination we can give it.
Gerald and Lisa Burwell with Sucré at VIE’s Logan Lane Holiday Block Party, 2018 Photo by Brenna Kneiss
To Life and Love! Holiday-inspired recipes from a curated selection of chefs and bloggers will surely get you in the spirit of the season, and many other stories in this issue will warm your heart and mind. We have also included a vast assortment of unique gift ideas in our special C’est la VIE Curated Collection to assist with your shopping list for loved ones this year. Our fanciful cover girl, Audrey Hepburn, wears a hairdo adorned with Christmas ornaments and is surrounded by cherubs, putting us in the spirit of the holidays.
—Lisa Marie Burwell CEO/Editor-in-Chief
V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 19
MODERN & COMFORTABLE, ALWAYS Rich, Neutral, Warm, Stylish, and Inviting color trends dominated at the International Furniture Show for Spring/Summer 2022—Fresh, Exciting, and New with lots of Texture and Pattern. At American Leather, the options are limitless, whether you’re putting it in neutral or going BOLD & COLORFUL. Experience MODERN comfort and style that will elevate your space, your way, at idMI.
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The Creatives We collaborate with talented photographers, writers, and other creatives on a regular basis, and we’re continually inspired by how they pour their hearts and souls into their crafts. Follow these creatives on social media and don’t forget to check out our account, @viemagazine.
WATCHING THE SLEEPY EYES ON NARISSA JENKINS “Healing Hearts One Hoof at a Time” @healing_hoof_steps
IN THIS ISSUE, WE ASKED THE CREATIVES: WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE HOLIDAY TRADITION?
My favorite holiday tradition is creating the magic of Santa’s visit on Christmas Eve. We start by making the cookies that will be left on a table near the tree before everyone goes to bed. Then, once all of the little ones are asleep, we start prepping the yard with reindeer footprints, putting together toys, writing letters from Santa, stuffing the stockings, and, of course, leaving half-eaten cookies and milk on the table. Watching the sleepy eyes on Christmas morning quickly turn into wide-eyed surprise is one of the greatest moments of the entire year! Creating a little bit of magic just seems to make the entire season bright. It’s a tradition that my family and I truly cherish!
CHRISTMAS MORNING QUICKLY TURN INTO WIDE-EYED SURPRISE IS ONE OF THE GREATEST MOMENTS OF THE ENTIRE YEAR! CREATING A LITTLE BIT OF MAGIC JUST SEEMS TO MAKE THE ENTIRE SEASON BRIGHT.
HILLARY GLENN “The Heart Behind the Healing”
CHRIS BURCH
@thepwmc
“Changing the World One House at a Time” @grandbayconstruction
My favorite holiday tradition revolves around Christmas. I can only recall a few times since I was a kid when I did not watch It’s a Wonderful Life on Christmas Eve on NBC. My earlier memories of watching the movie were with my grandparents and extended family, some of which are no longer here. Jimmy Stewart has to be one the best actors of all time, and it’s one of my favorite films. It touches on so many themes that I appreciate, from the importance of family to dreaming big, building, and community. It serves as a great reminder that everyone has an impact on those around them, and the world is a better place because we are here (and we have work to do). This year is no different in that I plan to be watching this classic on Christmas Eve to be once again reminded of these things.
EJAZ KHAN Photographer/Filmmaker, Vanishing Knowledge @ejazkhanearth
My favorite holiday tradition is celebrating the eight nights of Hanukkah with my family. It’s a very special time to come together as we all return home from either being out of state or away at college. We gather around to light the menorah and plan for the coming year. We eat special foods and enjoy each other’s company with laughter and stories. What I really love about the holiday is that we celebrate for eight nights, and each night we get to open one gift. The best part, of course, is opening the gifts that we need but wouldn’t buy ourselves.
As a child, my favorite Christmas tradition was playing bingo on Christmas Eve with our extended family after viewing Christmas lights and singing carols. We weren’t allowed to open a present on Christmas Eve, so my grandfather, Papa, who loved Christmas, would create an extraordinary game of bingo with two rounds. One round would give us the opportunity to win a present and the other to win cash. Papa would buy hilarious gag gifts and funny tokens throughout the year and mix in one or two “real” presents. The grand prize of the money round, a crisp fifty-dollar bill, was typically won by an adult! We kids usually won the one-dollar prizes. Still, if we are all together on Christmas Eve, we will play bingo. None of us are as gifted as he was at picking out gag gifts, but we always include them as an homage to our Papa!
V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 21
E M E R A L D L A D Y J E W E L R Y E M E R A L D L A D Y J E W E L R Y
E M E R A L D L A DYJ E W E L R Y. C O M
E M E R A L D L A DYJ E W E L R Y. C O M
E M E R A L D L A D YJ E W E L R Y. C O M
VO LU M E V I
VO LU M E V I
( 8 5 0) 4 2 4 - 3 8 2 3
La conversation
Holla-Days! We love to communicate and interact with our readers! And we love it even more when they proudly share their stories and pose with VIE for a close-up! That’s what it’s all about: sharing, loving, and building relationships. We thank you all so much and we appreciate you!
@burwell_associates A meeting of the creatives. @heritagedunes30a lead interior designer and owner of @duce_and_co, Duce May, met with our lead architect and owner of @burwell_associates, Gerald Burwell, today to discuss all the fine print. No one does details better than these two, and we can’t wait to see their visions come to life in The Heritage – A @viemagazine Legacy Show Home, coming in Summer 2022.
@theideaboutique New podcast studio—check. Fascinating and diverse guests—check. Candid and curious host—check! Who do you want to see next on VIE Speaks? Nominate your dream guest in the comments below!
@marianneangelirodriguez I remember meeting the brilliant and gracious @janiebryant eleven years ago at her book signing at @hazelnutneworleans. “Follow your dreams,” she inscribed on my copy, and that I did. I’m humbled to be featured alongside these creative heavy hitters in the exquisite November issue of @viemagazine. It’s truly an inspiring edition! Thank you, @kbogletree, for giving life to my story as an immigrant and artist with your compelling and hopeful words.
@kdb17 On Cloud Wine | Had so much fun covering @harvestwineandfoodfestival for @viemagazine yesterday! The weather could not have been more perfect, the wine was flowing, and, bonus—I ran into so many sweet friends! Cheers to @dcwaf for another successful festival!
LET’S TALK! Send VIE your comments and photos on our social media channels or by emailing us at info@viemagazine.com. We’d love to hear your thoughts. They could end up in the next La conversation!
@sallyneal_ One Happy Island | Thank you @viemagazine and @hiltonaruba for the fabulous experience! Look for the story in an upcoming issue of VIE. Be back soon, Aruba!
@goriyoon_architecture Thanks for the publication and beautiful article, @viemagazine, in the November 2021 issue!
VIEmagazine.com
V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 23
HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE 2021
’Tis the season for gifts, grand or small. Would you like something playful that comes with a ball or an Ashley Longshore painting to hang on the wall? This gift guide includes our favorite presents for all! Some selections ooze luxury, while others are sensible. Either way, the joy of giving is indispensable. So whether you’re keeping the holidays simple with a loved one plus you or making big plans with the entire crew, sharing the joy is easy to do. Just remember; it’s not about the number of presents under the tree when the spirit of caring in your heart is free!
1
Dreamboat
Khalilah 2015 Palmer Johnson 160-foot Superyacht by SuperYachtsMonaco Approximately $32,000,000 – SuperYachtsMonaco.com 24 | W IN T E R 2 021-2 2
FOR HER
Chronicles of Chic
2
Chanel: The Impossible Collection $895 – Assouline.com
Lady in Blue
3
JW Anderson Tiered Ribbed Cotton Maxi Dress $865 – NET-A-PORTER.com
Butterfly Effect
4
Aquazzura Papillon 105mm Embellished Metallic Leather Sandals $895 – NET-A-PORTER.com
5
Artfully Audrey
Audrey with California Poppy Headdress, 24 × 24 inches Price on Request – AshleyLongshore.com
Red-Nailed Reindeer
6
Gucci Beauty Nail Polish in Goldie Red 025 $30 – NET-A-PORTER.com
Couture Coverage
7
Fendi Square-Frame Gold-Tone Sunglasses $440 – NET-A-PORTER.com
8
Piercing Blooms
Zinnia Lux Earrings in Coral $350 – MignonneGavigan.com
House of Gucci
9
Gucci Diana Small Tote Bag $3,300 – Gucci.com V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 25
C’est la vie
Floating Stones
10
Deluxe Lie-On Float Rolling Stones $70 – SunnyLife.com
26 | W IN T E R 2 021-2 2
11
A-List Accessory
Valentino V Logo Signature Fedora Hat $890 – NET-A-PORTER.com
Emerald Elegance
12
The Lady Bag in Emerald $425 – PamelaMunson.com
13
Dancing Diamonds
Brera Crawler Earring in 18K Rose Gold with 47 Brown Diamonds $4,550 – Pomellato.com
Fine Art Fashion
14
Dee Ocleppo x Ashley Longshore Italian Silk Scarf $500 – DeeOcleppo.com
15
Technicolor Dream Suit
Dolce & Gabbana Printed Underwired Bikini $590 – NET-A-PORTER.com
Feminine Fragrance
16
Chanel Coco Mademoiselle Eau de Parfum Spray $108–$220 – Chanel.com
17
Stellar Style
Etoile: Judith Leiber Couture x Lanvin Crystal-Covered Handbag $4,395 – JudithLeiber.com
The Time Is Now
18
Vacheron Constantin Overseas 33mm 18K Pink Gold, Alligator, and Diamond Watch $28,800 – NET-A-PORTER.com V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 27
C’est la vie
19
New Perspectives
Gucci Square Metal Sunglasses $505 – Gucci.com
Orange You Glad 20
Bottega Veneta Cassette Chain-Embellished Padded Intrecciato Suede Shoulder Bag $4,000 – NET-A-PORTER.com
21
Alpine Style
Gstaad Glam Coffee-Table Book $95 – Assouline.com
On the Ball 22
Daylee Boot $528 – CultGaia.com
Ear-mergence 23
Lyca Butterfly Stud Earrings in Brown Blue $225 – MignonneGavigan.com
24
For Your Eyes Only
Iona Bralette $65 – Eberjey.com
25
Checking It Twice
Naughty Embellished Stocking $128 – JonathanAdler.com 28 | W IN T E R 2 021-2 2
Feeling Flawless 26
La Mer The Revitalizing Hydrating Serum, 30ml $205 – NET-A-PORTER.com
27
R&R
Lunya Washable Silk High Rise Pant Set $258 – Lunya.com V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 29
C’est la vie
Home for 28 the Holidays
Koket Kelly Sofa Price on Request – ByKoket.com
30 | W IN T E R 2 021-2 2
FOR THE HOME
29
Dynamic Duo
The Duo Brightland Olive Oil $74 – Brightland.co
Blend and Snap 30
Smeg Retro Style Blender $275 – Smeg.com
31
Bespoke Oak
Brussels Buffet $3,100 – JonathanAdler.com
Winter Green 33
32
Boss Bowl
Bloom Armchair Price on Request – ByKoket.com
Ryan Saghian Embossed Bowls, Set of Eight in White on Black $150 – Ryan-Saghian.myshopify.com
34
Name Dropping
Mr. & Mrs. Muse Place Card Holders $102 – JonathanAdler.com
Lavish Lanterns 36 35
But First . . .
The Bevolo Governor® Lantern Price on Request – Bevolo.com
Nespresso Vertuo Plus in Red $209 – Nespresso.com
V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 31
C’est la vie
37
Tray Chic
L’Objet x Kelly Behun Henri Resin and Brass Tray $595 – NET-A-PORTER.com
I Am Woman 38
Roar! A Collection of Mighty Women $45 – AshleyLongshore.com
39
Diet Starts Tomorrow
Nixon Cake Stand $240 – JonathanAdler.com
Cozy Christmas 40 Gabriela Hearst Annie Small Fringed Cashmere Blanket $4,690 – NET-A-PORTER.com
Diffuse the Situation 41
Ginori The Amazon Porcelain Reed Diffuser, 300ml $500 – NET-A-PORTER.com
Coasting 43 through Life
Marseilles Coasters $70 – JonathanAdler.com
32 | W IN T E R 2 021-2 2
42
Mini Must-Have
Rabbit – RBT Cheese Knives and Cutting Board Set $65 – Bloomingdales.com
Friendly Competition 44
L’Objet Deco Wood and Brass Dominoes Set $495 – NET-A-PORTER.com
45
Party Animal
Ashley Longshore Painting Price on Request – AshleyLongshore.com
V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 33
C’est la vie
Elephant in 46 the Room
Circu Animal Stools Price on Request – Circu.com 34 | W IN T E R 2 021-2 2
FOR THE KIDS
Love Letters 48
Iscream String Light Colored Message $15 – SaksFifthAvenue.com 47
Wonder Wagon
Rattan Wonder Wagon in Rose $159 – OlliElla.com
49
Combat Cutie
Dr. Martens Girls Pascal Rainbow Kidray Boots $55 – SaksFifthAvenue.com
50 51
Sightseer
Babiators x MG Heartthrob Sunglasses in Purple $49 – MignonneGavigan.com
52
Donut Cheat!
Donut Lover’s Playing Cards $10 – ChronicleBooks.com
Pot of Gold
Goldfish Bowl CrystalCovered Handbag $3,995 – JudithLeiber.com
53
Over the Rainbow
GG Multicolor Children’s Gucci Tennis 1977 $530 – Gucci.com
Long Winter’s Nap 54
Snoozapalooza Book $18 – SaksFifthAvenue.com
V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 35
C’est la vie
55
Llama Time
Wonder & Wise Llama Baby Activity Playmat Tent $150 – SaksFifthAvenue.com
Put a Ring on It 56
Wonder & Wise Dinoscore Ring Toss $69 – SaksFifthAvenue.com
Beary Cozy
57
Baby Bixbee Koala Stuffie $40 – UGG.com
Feed the Sharks 58
Mini Shark Cornhole $36 – SunnyLife.com
59
Cherry on Top
Baby Gucci Cherry Print Cotton One-Piece $365 – Gucci.com
Monsters Ink 60 Monsters Design & Draw Set $18 – PetitCollage.com
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Sporty Spice
61
Versace Little Girl’s & Girl’s Leather Logo Sneakers $475–$525 – SaksFifthAvenue.com
62
Vicious Volley
SunnyLife Leopard Table Tennis Game $40 – SunnyLife.com
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C’est la vie
Hot Truff, Baby 63
Truff Hot Sauce $18 – NeimanMarcus.com
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FOR HIM
64
Stogie Stories
Assouline The Impossible Collection of Cigars Hardcover Book Box Set $995 – MRPORTER.com
Stir Crazy 65
Lorenzi Milano Bamboo and Stainless Steel Bar Set $3,290 – MRPORTER.com
Top Hat 66
King (Golden Honey) Fedora $500 – KeithandJames.com
67
Smell like a Saint
Yves Saint Laurent Beauté 3.4-ounce Y Le Parfum $150 – NeimanMarcus.com
Portable Party 68
Beosound A1 2nd Gen Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker $250 – Bang-Olufsen.com
New Age Athlete 69
Peloton Bike From $1,495 or $39/month – OnePeloton.com
70
New Fashioned
Baccarat Harmonie Crystal Triple Old Fashioned Tumblers, Set of Two $370 – NeimanMarcus.com V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 39
C’est la vie
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Clean Up Nice
Pankhurst London Shaving Set $420 – MRPORTER.com
Black Belt 72
Tom Ford Men’s Signature T Leather Belt $790 – NeimanMarcus.com
Soap Box 73
D.R. Harris Three-Pack Scented Soaps $45 – MRPORTER.com
74
Sole Mates
Vince Men’s Dawson 2 Mixed Leather Low-Top Sneakers $225 – NeimanMarcus.com
Best Buddies 75
Mykronoz ZeBuds Pro TWS Earbuds with Wireless Charging Case $100 – NeimanMarcus.com
76
Man-icured
Czech & Speake LeatherBound Manicure Set $410 – MRPORTER.com
Holiday Cheers 77
The Essential Cocktail Book, Personalized $90 – NeimanMarcus.com
I’ve Been 78 Framed
CELINE Men’s Studded Round Acetate Sunglasses $380 – NeimanMarcus.com 40 | W IN T E R 2 021-2 2
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Spun Out
Magis Spun Chair $895 – HermanMiller.com V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 41
36132 Emerald Coast Pkwy, Destin, FL 32541 | duce@duceandcompany.com | (850) 654-7490 |
L’intermission
Dare to Dress
There’s something special about wearing a unique outfit you know no one else will have, and Laura Citron knows how to stand out! Visit LauraCitron.com/shop for more, or follow her on Instagram @bylauracitron. Photo by Jessica Leigh Co., courtesy of Laura Citron Creative direction by Bernadine Gunderson
Calling all cool girls! Say hello to your new favorite fashion designer for days when you feel like making a statement. Nashville-based Laura Citron celebrates maximalist glamour through bold prints, saturated colors, and daring fabrics. Her garments transcend decades of fashion as Citron’s extensive experience and understanding of vintage clothing allow her to construct timeless and quirky pieces.
Love, VIE xo V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 43
THE BEST WAY TO EXPERIENCE SEASIDE IS TO STAY IN SEASIDE . ®
Now Open THECOURTSEASIDE.COM
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La maison
Unlike the typical beige, bland hotel room, no detail is left untouched and unique design is everywhere at the El Fenn in Marrakech, Morocco. Head to El-Fenn.com to learn more or book your stay.
La maison WHERE THE HEART IS
Photo by Kasia Gatkowska
The interiors of the El Fenn luxury boutique hotel in Marrakech, Morocco, satisfy our hunger for fabulous design in so many ways. El Fenn immerses guests in an authentic Moroccan experience inspired by the vibrancy of the city itself, hence the abundance of handcrafted details and beautifully saturated colors. Co-owner and curator Vanessa Branson works with sought-after contemporary artists who supply works that appeal to even the most discerning eyes. Guests will leave feeling refreshed and inspired after staying in this Moroccan gem.
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La maison
Ahoy, Leisure! The Houseboat on Dry Land
STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF
B U N G A LO W S B E AC H E STAT E
Hotelier Jerry Johnson will be setting sail for the ultimate relaxing getaway by the beach at his recently remodeled Bay Bourne Houseboat Estate on Islamorada in the beautiful Florida Keys. This unique former houseboat has been transformed into the crown jewel of Johnson’s private Islamorada property, which includes five acres of perfectly manicured beachfront lawns and swaying palm trees, the historic Bay Bourne houseboat, and the lavish and palatial fifteen-thousand-square-foot family vacation residence appropriately named the Bungalows Beach Estate. The Bay Bourne houseboat offers a rich history. It was custom-built by ChrisCraft Boats in the early 1950s for Conrad Hilton, American businessman and founder of one of the world’s largest hotel organizations. Over the years, 48 | W IN T E R 2 021-2 2
the Bay Bourne houseboat entertained numerous dignitaries, including President Harry S. Truman, President George H.W. Bush, and legendary news anchor Edward R. Morrow. The story goes that President Truman penned the famed Truman letters by hand on this very houseboat. Bay Bourne remained docked for years in the Florida Keys until September of 1960, when Hurricane Donna raged through the islands. At that time, the houseboat came loose from its moorings and washed onto land, settling in the middle of Preston Street (U.S. Highway 1) after the floodwaters receded. The boat was later rolled on telephone poles to the place it sits today, permanently anchored to a foundation on three-hundred feet of pristine private beach overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Johnson purchased the houseboat and surrounding property in 2017 for $3.8 million. Similar to Hilton,
Above and opposite: The historic Bay Bourne houseboat is the crown jewel of Jerry Johnson’s private Bungalows Beach Estate on Islamorada in the Florida Keys. The 1950s Chris-Craft vessel originally belonged to Conrad Hilton and has since been anchored to foundations on land and transformed into a luxurious vacation getaway.
OVER THE YEARS, THE BAY BOURNE HOUSEBOAT ENTERTAINED NUMEROUS DIGNITARIES, INCLUDING PRESIDENT HARRY S. TRUMAN, PRESIDENT GEORGE H.W. BUSH, AND LEGENDARY NEWS ANCHOR EDWARD R. MORROW. Johnson is a self-made multimillionaire, hotel owner, and developer. He handled the Bungalows Beach Estate design himself, basing it on some of his favorite destinations around the world. Johnson describes the look and feel as “a perfect marriage between marine and island design.” The original houseboat featured two verandas, a kitchen, one bedroom, a living space, and two bathrooms. The remodeled houseboat is now complemented by new additions thanks to the Bungalows Beach Estate—
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La maison in all, the property touts eight total bedrooms and ten bathrooms, including seven bungalows. Each boasts private verandas and oversize alfresco soaking tubs and shares the main living room, tiki bar, infinity pool, and much more, all intertwined by open-air walkways and lush vegetation. There are a number of unique, tropical design elements fitting the vibe of the renowned Florida Keys. Although the Bungalows Beach Estate and Bay Bourne Houseboat Estate are private, admirers of the design and lifestyle that Johnson has built don’t have to go far to experience it for themselves. He
EACH BUNGALOW BOASTS PRIVATE VERANDAS AND OVERSIZE ALFRESCO SOAKING TUBS AND SHARES THE MAIN LIVING ROOM, TIKI BAR, INFINITY POOL, AND MUCH MORE, ALL INTERTWINED BY OPEN-AIR WALKWAYS AND LUSH VEGETATION. also owns and designed Bungalows Key Largo, the isle’s first adults-only inclusive resort, offering much of the same beautiful coastal-inspired decor, luxury amenities, a zen garden spa, wellness programming, a handful of fantastic dining options, and more in an immaculate beachfront setting on Sunset Cove. It’s smooth sailing ahead for all who book their next island getaway at this sumptuous escape!
VISIT BUNGALOWSKEYLARGO.COM TO LEARN MORE OR BOOK YOUR STAY. 50 | W IN T E R 2 021-2 2
This page and opposite: Johnson’s five-acre estate includes seven new beach bungalows connected by manicured lawns and paths winding through tropical vegetation. The houseboat and bungalows share three hundred feet of private beach on the Atlantic Ocean.
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La maison
Changing the World One House at a Time By FELICIA FERGUSON Photography by BRANDAN BABINEAUX
Whether he’s building luxury homes or resuscitating ones damaged by nature or neglect, Grand Bay Construction’s Chris Burch gives his time, his talents, and his heart. His soft voice and kind eyes speak of a caring soul longing to cultivate both physical and faith communities. But in 2020, a virus not only stalled but threatened the fulfillment of those dreams and desires.
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C
OVID-19’s shutdown of international travel created a time vacuum. As a project coordinator with Third Lens, an Auburn, Alabama–based 501(c)(3) organization, Burch would normally take two to three trips a year outside of the United States to coordinate teams and plan building projects across the world. With those trips canceled, he searched for other ways to serve, but then COVID completely shuttered another mission project close to his heart: Lifeway’s World Changers. Burch had served as the volunteer construction coordinator for the student mission group’s Panama City, Florida, location for the previous five years. Describing those annual projects, he says, “It’s a very intense week, but it’s so fulfilling. I took the indefinite closure pretty hard.”
Above: Volunteers and students from around the US participated in World Changers Student Missions’ first week-long rebuilding project in Panama City, Florida, this summer. Opposite: Grand Bay Construction owner and World Changers Student Missions cofounder Chris Burch
But something told him these cancellations weren’t the end. Instead, they presented a new opportunity. Burch contacted David Flatt, who had worked with the World Changers since the 1990s, to discuss Lifeway’s decision. Both men knew firsthand how the ministry filled a vital need in communities across the United States, not only for those being served but also for the students who served them. Burch says, “This ministry is too important. It can’t die, especially at a time such as this when so much healing is needed. There are too many volunteers who love doing it, and the market is already set up in these cities.” Together, they created a business plan to purchase the project’s intellectual rights and property from Lifeway. They also recruited two volunteer staff members to help until the new organization could generate funding. Doubts, however, filtered into Burch’s commitment to the project. “My first thought was that we’re in the middle of a pandemic,” he admits. “If we even save the organization, how many churches—which are the volunteer pipeline—are even meeting right now, and how will people find out about it? How many parents will want their kids to go to one of the project cities? What if no one signs up, and we’ve wasted these resources?” But he felt God was saying, Just move forward, step out, and trust. Do your part and leave the rest to me. “It was not a sense of ‘You have to do this or else,’ but more like ‘If you trust me, you will witness some great things that I am going to do.’” Burch recalls. “That was enough, and I was in.”
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L
ifeway took bids from three different groups interested in acquiring the ministry. Burch agreed to finance the purchase, trusting that the money would be available when it was needed. The amount came through, and a local attorney set up the new 501(c)(3) pro bono. Insurance coverage for the new organization was difficult to obtain but was secured two hours before the team set foot on the first property they had scheduled to refurbish this summer. World Changers was reborn as World Changers Student Missions. The organization focuses mainly on exterior facelifts of houses in the neediest areas, but if a home’s interior is unsafe, the team will address those issues. Burch says, “First, I look for ways we can improve someone’s quality of life.” Funding for the project materials comes from local governments. In Panama City, houses are chosen based upon the owner’s application to the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA). Labor is provided free by World Changers Student Missions.
“
First, I look for ways we can improve someone’s quality of life.
The summer mission projects actually begin in early spring when Burch meets with homeowners to assess each house’s needs. Past projects have included replacing roofs and adding or replacing handicap ramps. Even cosmetic exterior changes, such as fresh paint or replacing porch railings, can substantially impact the entire neighborhood. Burch says, “If you see the worst house in the neighborhood getting a facelift, suddenly you want to make sure your house looks better too.” The labor supplied by World Changers Student Missions is from middle and high school students who pay a fee to attend. During the day, the students work. Food is brought to the homesites, and the homeowners are asked to join in the meal with the 54 | W IN T E R 2 021-2 2
students, giving all an opportunity to share their stories and their faith. “We’re trying to do what Jesus did—meet a physical need first, followed by trying to meet a spiritual need or just showing love to our neighbors,” Burch shares. At night, interns from Spurgeon College’s ministry training track lead the students in worship, prayer, and teaching. Flatt, now the manager of World Changers, says, “I saw the difference it made in the lives of students.” Burch adds, “I get so rewarded from seeing this group of kids come here—a lot of them don’t even really know much about teamwork or how to use power tools, or they don’t know how to share their faith.” By the end of the week, however, the students have learned and improved these skills. Burch says, “What I see happen in these kids’ lives in just one week makes this so worth it. I can only imagine how the week will impact their lives and others around them for years to come.”
Above: World Changers made a difference by helping rebuild and refurbish homes in fifteen partner cities with the help of 1,500 student volunteers throughout 2021.
While World Changers Student Missions is rebuilding, the organization still served communities in fifteen cities with 1,500 students during 2021; it will expand into twenty cities in 2022. The 2022 Panama City project is already sold out. Flatt plans to curate steady growth by adding three to four cities each year. Burch plans to coordinate Panama City’s projects for another year. After that, he will travel to the other cities and train those teams, helping to polish their processes based on what he has learned. No matter how his role with the group may change, his overarching goal remains the same: to continue building physical and spiritual community and giving to those in need.
Homeowners are encouraged to join the students during workdays to share their stories and faith while breaking bread at mealtimes. “We don’t require it, but some homeowners, such as this gentleman, want to dive in and work alongside our staff and students to rebuild,” Burch says.
Visit World-Changers.net and GrandBayConstruction.com for more information. Felicia Ferguson is an award-winning freelance writer and fiction author. Her contemporary women’s fiction book, The Choices She Made, will be released in October 2022. She lives in Destin, Florida, where she fuels her soul by tending her gardens, playing with her Frenchies, and feeding a family of ducks. More details may be found at FeliciaFergusonAuthor.com.
Top Realtors Share
I N S I G H TS & W I S D OM
THE FUTURE IS
BRIGHT
Alys Beach, Florida Photo by Jeremy Harwell V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 57
Real Estate Insights
calculating the future of
R E A L E S TAT E HINDSIGHT IS 20/20
BY JEFF LANDRETH La F lo r id a Co a st a l Pro p e r t ie s , LLC
How Long Will This Last?
Initially, I intended to provide my insights to this question in the closing of this article. The adage “Save the best for last” has both wisdom and merit, but when confronted with a steady stream of questions from our customers, saving the best for last might not work in this case. I’ve heard the journalistic phrase “Don’t bury the lede,” and this article is a perfect case in point. This is the lede.
The pedestrian bridge over Western Lake to the BoatHouse within the scenic New Urbanism community of WaterColor in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida Photo by Jeff Landreth 58 | W IN T E R 2 021-2 2
U The Plan
Although both education and business sectors transition from remote to in-person activities, the national real estate market reacts to a curious economic climate with inflationary pressure, interest rate volatility, and supply chain interruptions. The aforementioned scenario is a challenge for predicting future real estate trends as a whole. Nevertheless, by way of available data, trends, and opinions from real estate–related professionals, I hope to provide greater insight to formulate an informed opinion of the current condition and potential future of the real estate market—specifically the market of Walton County within Florida’s panhandle, with references to the communities along Scenic Highway 30-A.
The Headlines Nationally, the number of pending contracts decreased 2.3 percent in September from the previous month, with an 8-percent decrease compared to 2020.1 This so-called “cooling off ” was an anticipated shift considering the significant market increases that were seen from 2019 to 2020. Despite these expected signs of a market correction, other factors indicate areas of potential opportunity. For example, with pending sales down 4.6 percent for September over the previous year, Florida’s market seems to follow close suit.2 However, residential properties of over $1 million are actually up 17.5 percent, and closed sales are up 27.2 percent over the same period.2 In addition, it appears that diminished inventory and continued demand is reflected in the national average of 3.7 offers for every closed sale.3
A Short History Following the real estate downturn and 2008 financial crisis, Walton County’s real estate market recovery was stifled by the 2010 DeepWater Horizon oil spill, after
Walton County Arms Length Transactions* alton CounRecorded ty Arms LeBy ngthYear Tran1996-2020 sactions*: NoW Mortgage No Mortgage Recorded By Year 1996 -2020
12000
Hurricane Katrina Hurricane Ivan Aug 2005 Sept 2004
10000
Stock Market Decline Fall/Winter 2018
8000 Number of Transactions
sing historical data to gauge the future can be a risky venture, but when correctly analyzed through experience and wisdom, it can be a perfect guide toward sound predictions for the impending real estate market. The 2020 Public Health Crisis (PHC) ushered in an unprecedented real estate uptick, unlike anything we’ve seen before. Because this is an anomaly, it must be factored in as the catalyst to cause people to uproot and upend, changing the way they want to live.
6000
Hurricane Opal Oct 1995
September 11, 2001
4000
Real Estate Downturn 2006
Public Health Crisis
Deepwater Horizon April 2010
Financial Crisis Fall 2008
2000
0
1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020
*Bulk purchases (transactions where multiple parcels were conveyed via one (1) deed or recorded as one (1) transaction) were counted as one (1) transaction.
Year No Mortgage
Total
Source: Data Compiled from County Public Records through Metro Market Trends REARS and Real Trend Data
which the market experienced significant growth in both the overall number and dollar volume of sales leading up to the current PHC (see Figure 1). As the PHC took hold, uncertainty was high, and contracts fell out. Nationwide, the real estate market dropped: April 2020’s national pending sales declined 21.8 percent from the previous month and 33.8 percent from the previous year.4 The South Walton market experienced a similar trend with new pending residential home sales down more than 48 percent with a forty-five-day look back from mid-April 2020 compared to the same period of the previous year.5 There was a consensus of what impact the PHC would have on the market, but experienced bankers and developers—and even one former economic advisor to one of our US presidents— were uncertain of the overall market effects. Then, the unexpected happened: 2020 real estate transactions in Walton County exceeded 2019 by 24.92 percent, with brisk activity continuing through the first half of 2021.6
Transition in Demand Since around 2016 and leading up to the PHC, rental income potential motivated a surge in rental property sales. Once Florida emerged from the shutdown in May 2020, the influx of vacationers and potential new residents began arriving to enjoy the freedom and beauty of the Emerald Coast. The Haas Center’s
© 2021 La Florida Coastal Properties, L.L.C.
I HOPE TO PROVIDE GREATER INSIGHT TO FORMULATE AN INFORMED OPINION OF THE CURRENT CONDITION AND POTENTIAL FUTURE OF THE REAL ESTATE MARKET. 1. National Association of REALTORS® 2. “SunsStats,” Florida Association of REALTORS®, October 18, 2021.
“Confidence Index Survey,” National Association of REALTORS®, September 2021. 3.
4. Michael Hyman, “April 2020 Pending Home Sales,” National Association of REALTORS® Economic blog, May 29, 2020
https://www.nar.realtor/ blogs/economists-outlook/april-2020-pending-home-sales 5. Emerald Coast Association of REALTORS® data.
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Real Estate Insights
A RESULTING SIDE EFFECT OF AN INCREASE IN PRIMARY RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY USE MAY FURTHER REDUCE REAL ESTATE INVENTORY.
Tourist Indicators noted a rise in visitors via air travel in a historically favored car-travel market and of bed tax collections—both indicating an increase in rental occupancies and rates (see Figure 2). The PHC drew more visitors and potential purchasers from new markets like the Midwest, Northeast, and California. Buyers and sellers alike began to reevaluate their buy– sell criteria—seeking out rental-restricted properties with higher frequency. Local HOAs are answering the call by amending association bylaws with short-term rental-restriction clauses. Anecdotally, demand-led growth for rental-restricted property that began five years ago has been ultimately accelerated by the PHC. According to fifteen-year appraisal veteran Susanne Simmons of Simmons & Small Appraisers, demand for
Walton County All Residential Active Inventory, Pending, and Closed Sales By Month: January 2016 to September 2021
full-time Florida residency have accelerated their plans due to the PHC. Ultimately, homesteads in Walton County have increased on average 3.92 percent per year since 2016, and 2021 is expected to exceed that.7 A resulting side effect of an increase in primary residential property use may further reduce real estate inventory.
Not All Inventory Is Created Equal Before the PHC, the availability of inventory allowed buyers the time to find the perfect property. When the market activity increased post-PHC, inventory could not keep up with demand, and buyers—realizing that they were losing their second, third, and sometimes fourth options to other buyers with more attractive offers—quickly became less discerning. As a result, properties on the market for hundreds of days were suddenly selling overnight, and buyers were competing against multiple offers on properties. Simmons adds that one other influence is that “many buyers want new construction,” contributing to skyrocketing land costs as both the retail buyer and speculative home builders compete for the dwindling availability of residential lots.
Price Point vs. Price Per Square Foot A property’s price per square foot (PPSF) value is commonly used for basic comparisons of similar properties. That can be a good starting point; however, other variables must be considered when making such a comparison. Anecdotally, as more buyers enter the market with a target price point, more emphasis is placed on amenities—explaining some of the significant PPSF disparities between communities.
6.
“REAL Trend Report,” Metro Market Trends, Inc., January 2021.
7.
8.
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Walton County Property Appraiser data, September 2021.
Metro Market Trends, Inc. SearchNet Data
rental restricted properties continues, as exemplified by vigorous sales of WaterColor Phase IV. Shannon Widman, Esq., owner of title company Porath and Associates, and Steve Akers of Hancock Whitney Bank, who both shared that primary residence sales are on the rise, as evidenced by brisk sales in the rentalrestricted community at Camp Creek. Second homes transitioning to primary residences are occurring more frequently, and those planning to transition to
Historically, PPSF value is not linear, meaning that a smaller property will trade at a higher PPSF than a larger property. Simmons confirmed this, saying, “The 2021 sales activity has provided appraisers with ample comparables,” and Akers commented, “I have not seen any recent issues with appraisal values.” Instead, the main issue experienced by all is the lengthy backlog in orders, which directly correlates between a high sales volume and a scarcity of licensed appraisers. According to Brian Robinson of U.S. Bank, these delays have pushed some buyers into a cash closing and then to refinance post-closing but with less favorable terms.
A Few Words About Cost What is the cost of construction? The ubiquitous question is best answered with this “steak dinner” analogy by my partner Gay Landreth: “It depends on where you
decide to dine and what you order.” You get the point. Outdoor living spaces, landscaping, balconies, and pools will also add to costs, as well as a community’s unique architectural and building requirements.
Bed Tax Collections
In addition, we constantly read and hear of scheduling delays created by labor and material shortages. Chris Burch of Grand Bay Construction echoed these complications. Burch shared that they mitigate delays by “having a cohesive team from the beginning of a project” and making early decisions on materials and finishes. It allows enough lead time for sourcing potential alternatives if necessary—“assisting in cost predictions, but with only lessened uncertainty.” 9. “REAL Trend Report,” Metro Market Trends, Inc., November 2021.
Market Stability La Florida predicted some decreased activity as, historically, the fall season is known for lower market activity, but even more so this season as the country transitions to more “normalized” operations. “The September-October lull,” stated Simmons, “is due to people transitioning from summer and going back to school—a transition even more involved this year than traditionally experienced.” We are seeing some price reduction in conjunction with the slight uptick in inventory. This could be due to customers returning to more selective standards, or they may feel the market is too overheated and are willing to wait until prices tick down—all of which support the words of Simmons. According to the 2020 year-end data, just over 43 percent of all Walton County sales did not have a recorded mortgage, with 2021’s trend continuing up to 46.85 percent (see Figure 1).8 The higher number (less leverage) indicates more inherent market stability to weather market cycles. For those properties with leverage, stringent underwriting criteria required by Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act further mitigate risk factors like those experienced during the 2006–2009 real estate correction. Notwithstanding, there are other indicators of an enduring, well-performing market. The high correlation between contracted and closed sales appears to continue with few contract cancellations observed by
10. Emerald Coast Association of REALTORS® data.
Widman. Despite all Walton County real estate transactions being slightly down from September 2020, the dollar volume was up, and the September year-to-date transactions and dollar volume were up 34.92 percent and 74.16 percent, respectively.9 Moreover, the latest data available indicate that Walton County’s 2021 total number of real estate sales may exceed 2020 numbers. The sales price as a percentage of list price has remained at or above 97 percent, on average, since June 2020 for Walton County single-family home sales.10 This indicates two things: the strength of the market (buyers paying close to list price) and properties priced right for the market at the time of sale. The sales price as a percentage of the original list price is an additional number we track, which can indicate a softening market if in decline. Inventory will continue to be problematic in the short term, especially along 30-A, as developable land is exhausted and new construction completion times lengthen from supply chain shortages. Historically, resale inventory will be added in a strong market to capture potential gains; however, the lack of 1031s and other options may dampen this effect. Extensive and comprehensive planned developments encompassing Walton and Bay counties will help alleviate non-resort inland residential inventory decline.
As the market begins adjusting to a more normalized transition into the holidays, we expect some price variations in the near term, with transaction decline in some market segments compared to previous months year-over-year. Demand will continue for new construction that meets the needs of both the second-home buyer and permanent resident—with some inventory pressure relieved as new construction is completed and current owners decide to capture previous years’ market gains in the coming midterm.
Jeff Landreth is a distinguished graduate, with honors, of the United States Air Force Academy, served as an F-15C combat pilot, and holds a Master of Business Administration from Loyola Marymount University. He studied economics and political science at Columbia University, New York, and has extensive training in leadership, combat aircraft, government acquisition, contracting, management, and project scheduling. Jeff, comanaging broker, and his wife, Gay Landreth, broker of La Florida Coastal Properties, LLC (LaFlorida.com), are proud to represent The Heritage—A VIE Legacy Show Home (HeritageDunes.com)—as the listing broker.
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Living the Dream Photography courtesy of Brad Dahler, BPFLA
And Helping Others Do the Same
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Real Estate Insights
Like
many who visit the stunning shores of Northwest Florida’s Emerald Coast, Brad Dahler became enamored with the dazzling Gulf waters and the unique beach communities scattered along Scenic Highway 30-A. The area’s New Urbanism towns, including Seaside, Alys Beach, and Rosemary Beach, and more, have created a destination where vacationers from around the world can experience interesting architecture, culture, dining, and arts along with the world-class white-sand beaches that put it on the map. A native of Springfield, Missouri, Dahler fell in love with the area after years of vacationing here and eventually made his dream a reality by calling it home. “I still remember watching The Truman Show the week before my first visit to Seaside,” he recalls. “I love 30-A because it isn’t commercialized, and it has a flair for locally owned businesses. I love all the shops in Seaside, WaterColor, and Alys Beach. If I am going to dinner, I enjoy all the options in Rosemary Beach. It’s truly a local community, even though many of us did not grow up here. Everyone supports each other.” Just as he was able to move to the beach full-time, Dahler now makes it his mission to help others do the same as a licensed realtor with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Beach Properties of Florida (BPFLA), specializing in the brokerage’s Luxury Collection. “I have been excited about real estate for as long as I can remember,” Dahler says. “I’ve always loved looking up homes and properties online when I am bored, and it has been a passion of mine since I was a kid. BPFLA gave me a shot when I was new to the area, and I felt a good business connection with broker Hunter Harman from the first time we met.” V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 63
Real Estate Insights As a lover of the area, Dahler immediately set out to become an expert in each of its communities to better serve his clients both near and far. His focus on the luxury housing market has allowed him to turn knowledge into wisdom as a trusted advisor for homebuyers and sellers, especially those looking for investment properties. “In this market, you have to provide ‘white-glove service,’ because most of your clients are from afar,” he explains. “I love it when my clients lean on me for anything and everything, even well after the sale.” Dahler continues, “I now have a family of my own— a beautiful wife and two adorable daughters. As a result, I know what families are looking for when it comes to the place they want to call home: comfort, storage, a great location with fabulous schools, and places to go with your kids.”
“I love it when my clients
lean on me for anything and everything, even well after the sale.” This page, opposite top, and previous spread: 107 Blackwater Street, nestled on the lakefront in the scenic community of WaterColor along Northwest Florida’s Highway 30-A, is listed by Brad Dahler. This home boasts impeccable outdoor living spaces, luxurious finishes throughout, and the best of both worlds—lakeside living and the beach just a short bike ride away! Opposite bottom: Realtor Brad Dahler with his wife, Kristin, and their two beautiful daughters.
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For those looking to invest in a vacation property they might later call home full-time, Dahler recommends finding “something that speaks to you and will give you a return on your investment.” He explains that this return can be financial or priceless memories of fun times spent together. “No matter your reason, the Emerald Coast is a great place to find what you need. One of my favorite homes on the market right now, with all of those things, is 107 Blackwater Street in the scenic community of WaterColor. I am listing this property for some dear friends and clients of mine, and I love how open it is! I like entertaining, and this lakefront home is a dream for that—plus you can’t beat the central 30-A location and the amenities in this community.” Dahler’s hard work for his clients has paid off, with more than $100 million in closed sales and pending contracts generated for 2021. The friendships he’s cultivated with clients and others throughout the real estate industry in Northwest Florida are an unexpected cherry on top, he says. And in a market where inven-
tory is low and demand is high, these relationships are key to finding properties for potential buyers, even if those homes aren’t on the market yet. “Real estate is thriving on 30-A and in the surrounding communities like Freeport, Miramar Beach, and Inlet Beach,” he shares, “and all of the local experts don’t see that changing anytime soon. The exposure we are seeing as a result of the pandemic, as more tourists look for drivable vacation spots and out-of-market buyers have more work-from-home opportunities, will give us momentum for years to come. Tourism is a huge benefit to our market, and I don’t see that slowing down anytime soon because, believe it or not, we are still somewhat of a secret maybe not to the Southeast, but 30-A is still gaining nationwide exposure every year.” As we head into 2022, the BPFLA team and Dahler’s personal goals include continuing marketing efforts to strengthen client relationships and reach new ones.
Whether it’s investing in traditional marketing channels or getting creative, such as sending pints of ice cream packaged in dry ice to his past and current clients to help them get through those hot summer days, Dahler is excited to see what avenues pay off and how he can even better serve his customers. Of course, the magic of this beachside region he calls home is always front and center. “I love that I am selling a slice of paradise in one of the best real estate markets in the country,” he says. “I sell real estate where most people come to vacation and get to see the joy it brings people when they realize they can find and own their dream home here. It doesn’t get better than that for me and my team.”
VISIT 30AREALESTATEFL.COM TO LEARN MORE ABOUT BRAD DAHLER, BROWSE LISTINGS, OR GET IN TOUCH!
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Petite pause We love a throwback! The pop-art queen herself strikes a pose for a VIE cover story to celebrate her pop-up installation and window displays at Bergdorf Goodman in Manhattan on January 13, 2018. By now, our readers have probably realized Ashley Longshore is one of our favorite artists, and you can find some of her paintings and accessories in this issue’s special C’est la VIE Curated Collection Holiday Gift Guide. We can’t get enough!
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Follow her on Instagram @ashleylongshoreart or visit AshleyLongshore.com to shop! Photo by Carlo Pieroni
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Opposite top to bottom: The Emerald Coast Theatre Company Carolers Photo by Brenna Kneiss
s they say, life is all about creating memories with the ones you love. And when you visit our area, you will surely make memories you’ll cherish for all time.
The Emerald Coast of Northwest Florida offers locals and guests an affordable, amenity-rich lifestyle that everyone is welcome to enjoy yearround. Many longtime investors and their families have been coming to the Emerald Coast for generations, making it a tradition that often leads to many more trips each year. They look forward to enjoying the sugary white-sand beaches, warmer temperatures, and Southern hospitality found here. Our local coastal communities succeed in keeping the fun going
The annual Holiday Pops Concert in Seaside, Florida The Seaside REP performs Every Christmas Story Ever Told (and Then Some!)
Chrs i tmas Coast
Photo by Jordan Staggs
on the
throughout the year, especially around the holidays, with activities including parades, seasonal festivals, marathons, and much more.
Above: Holiday treats from Black Bear Bread Co. in Grayton Beach Photo by Brenna Kneiss
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by Cor c or an Rev erie c ontributors ROB AUGUSTINE, JULIE K. CUMBY, CRYSTAL NEWBORN, REBEKAH FRANKLIN, HILARY FARNUM-FASTH, AMY SASSER, SMITH BURKE, JACOB WATKINS, AND BOBBY PARKER
For many, the fun-filled family traditions begin even before the Christmas festivities. Thanksgiving week is one of the biggest draws for visitors because it offers unparalleled activities—so much that most secondhome owners will block the week from rentals so that they can enjoy it with their extended family. There’s something for everyone, from the annual Thanksgiving Day 30A 10K road race to Seaside’s lighting of the Christmas tree, breakfast with Santa in Rosemary Beach, and the holiday market in WaterColor. Not to mention just the fun and excitement of having your family and friends nearby for the holidays and watching the games between some of college football’s biggest rivals. As the Christmas season approaches, the holiday activities are endless. One of the most popular traditions along the Emerald Coast happens right in Destin Harbor—the Destin Christmas Boat Parade. Also known as Holiday on the Harbor, this annual tradition is in its thirty-fifth year. It features boats of all sizes—commercial, charter, and private vessels—that are festively decorated and drift along the Harbor for the viewing pleasure of all those onshore. This night concludes with a fireworks display that can
be seen for miles as it lights up the Harbor in true Destin spirit. Whether they’re a spectator or a boat captain in the parade, this is a tradition that people travel from all over to enjoy. The City of Destin also holds an annual Christmas parade that’s always a big hit, and you never know who might see, including Santa Claus himself! Along beautiful Scenic Highway 30-A, families can enjoy spectacular light displays throughout several of the coastal communities. Alys Beach and Rosemary Beach spare no expense with their stunning lights and giant Christmas trees that children and adults of all ages ooh and ahh over each year. They make a perfect spot to snap photos to cherish these holiday memories. The town of Seaside also offers several local holiday traditions, including a fun-filled holiday production from The REP, Seaside’s professional repertory theatre. There’s also the Holiday Pops Concert, where families can bring blankets and lawn chairs and enjoy a one-of-akind concert guaranteed to get everyone into the holiday spirit. This year’s show will take place on December 11 at 5:00 p.m. on the Lyceum Lawn. Rounding out the holiday festivities are many New Year’s Eve celebrations along the coast and the New Year’s Day Polar Bear Plunge at the WaterColor Inn & Resort. Despite the chilly temps, hundreds of people take the annual plunge into the Gulf to ring in the New Year in a fun and crazy way—creating even more memories that will last a lifetime. While there may not be snow in our neck of the woods, there is the Christmas spirit buzzing through our coastal communities that draws hundreds of families each year, generation after generation. From enjoying incredible light displays and world-class holiday entertainment to simply capturing a family photo on our snow-white beaches, traditions and lifelong memories are bountiful along the coast at Christmas. When you are ready to be home for the holidays along Florida’s Emerald Coast, Corcoran Reverie is here to help you.
Corcoran Reverie, an affiliate of The Corcoran Group—a leading residential real estate brokerage firm headquartered in New York City—is a locally owned boutique brokerage specializing in the luxury home market in Northwest Florida from Destin to Panama City Beach and the coastal communities along 30-A. With a 150-plus agent team led by broker and owner Hilary Farnum-Fasth and partner Jacob Watkins and offices in Seagrove Beach and Destin, Corcoran Reverie holds the number one office ranking in Northwest Florida based on a closed sales volume of over $750 million in its first year as a Corcoran affiliate. Throughout its entire network, Corcoran is home to more than 120 offices and 5,000 agents in key urban, suburban, and resort markets nationwide. For more information on Corcoran Reverie, visit CorcoranReverie.com.
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Q U E S TI ONS
w i t h a 3 0 - A R E A LT O R
P h o t o g r a p h y c o u r t e s y o f T H E WA LTO N G R O U P
With the real estate market around the country seeing tremendous growth the past couple of years, especially in resort destination areas such as the scenic Gulf Coast of Northwest Florida, we caught up with area realtor Brad Reese, leader of The Walton Group of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Beach Properties of Florida, to talk about real estate, his career, and the unparalleled beach lifestyle enjoyed along beautiful Scenic Highway 30-A!
AS AN ADULT, DID YOU ALWAYS WANT A CAREER IN REAL ESTATE? Yes! I watched my mother become a top-producing broker and my sisters succeed in real estate in the New Orleans market, and I always wanted to follow their lead.
AS A CHILD, WHAT WAS YOUR DREAM JOB? I always wanted to be an astronaut.
HOW DID YOU END UP LIVING IN THE 30-A AREA, BEING FROM ARKANSAS? I grew up visiting 30-A on vacation and finally had
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WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE 30-A COMMUNITY ? If I have to choose one, I will say Rosemary Beach is my favorite 30-A community for its blend of West Indies, New Orleans, and European architectural styles and the New Urbanism walkability—and, of course, the exceptional restaurants there!
WHICH CURRENT HOME LISTING IN THE AREA WOULD YOU MOST LOVE TO BUY? I would love to buy a home in Kaiya Beach Resort! The Villa Araya residence in the community’s Preserve Collection is a stunning home with seamless indooroutdoor living.
WHERE IS THE BEST PLACE TO WATCH THE SUNSET ON 30-A? Driving my 1990 GMC Jimmy directly onto the sand in Grayton Beach and setting up chairs with my girlfriend Jennifer and the dogs is always the best way to watch the sunset.
WHAT IS THE NUMBER ONE QUESTION YOU GET ASKED AS A REALTOR? Is the market going to correct, and when?
the opportunity to move here in 2014—something
WHAT’S SOMETHING YOU WISH MORE CLIENTS WOULD ASK?
I am grateful for every day!
Hmm . . . maybe, “Have you met my friends? They’re looking to buy!” Haha!
Pinewood is a new condo development coming soon to Highway 393 South in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida, with luxury amenities and a unique lifestyle for both full-time residents and rental investors to enjoy. The common areas, such as the library and lounge, are by Casanoah Design Group.
“I WILL SAY ROSEMARY BEACH IS MY FAVORITE 30-A COMMUNITY FOR ITS BLEND OF WEST INDIES, NEW ORLEANS, AND EUROPEAN ARCHITECTURAL STYLES AND THE NEW URBANISM WALKABILITY—AND, OF COURSE, THE EXCEPTIONAL RESTAURANTS THERE!”
IT’S FRIDAY NIGHT ON 30-A. WHAT ARE YOUR WEEKEND PLANS? I’m a homebody. My ideal Friday night includes a low-key dinner with Jennifer and a good Netflix show.
YOU’RE AN AVID ANGLER. WHAT’S THE BIGGEST FISH YOU’VE CAUGHT? I’ve hooked up to some pretty large sharks, probably around 300 to 400 pounds, although we never get them in the boat—all catch and release.
DO YOU PREFER FISHING FROM THE BOAT OR THE BEACH? Definitely from the boat. There’s something about being out on the water that makes for a perfect day, whether we’re reeling in a lot of fish or catching nothing at all.
HOW CAN SELLERS MAKE SURE THEIR HOME GETS ATTENTION FROM AN MLS LISTING? Working with the right listing agent is key! We know the macro and micro markets of 30-A and have the marketing experience to get as many eyes on a property as possible.
WHAT TRENDS ARE YOU SEEING IN THE LOCAL REAL ESTATE MARKET HEADING INTO 2022? We expect to see a slight softening of average prices as days on the market and inventory increase slowly from this fall/winter 2021 into 2022. We’re watching these factors going into spring 2022 and expect to see another uptick in prices. V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 71
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TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOUR TEAM MEMBERS AT THE WALTON GROUP. Our team is a dynamic group of experienced real estate professionals, each with unique skill sets, yet we all share the same dedication and work ethic. My team members come from different backgrounds, from interior design to small business owners, which brings important perspectives to every aspect of our business.
WHERE’S YOUR FAVORITE PLACE TO GRAB A COFFEE IN THE AREA? Black Bear Bread Co. is a go-to for coffee and a good breakfast sandwich.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE 30-A HOLIDAY TRADITION? The Christmas decorations that light up each beach town in their own style give 30-A such a warm, hometown feeling. Driving through them in the evening is sure to spark the holiday spirit.
WHAT’S THE MOST UP-AND-COMING NEIGHBORHOOD IN THE AREA? Kaiya Beach Resort! Everything, from the thoughtful floor plans and exceptional finish level of the homes to the luxury amenities with concierge services built into the resort and Kaiya Club, is unlike any other community on 30-A, new or old.
WHAT CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT THE NEW PINEWOOD DEVELOPMENT OFF HIGHWAY 393 SOUTH?
WHAT ARE YOUR DOGS’ NAMES, AND HOW DID YOU COME UP WITH THEM?
Above: Brad Reese with his girlfriend, Jennifer, and dogs Paxton, Eve, Zoë, and Josie, enjoying the sunset on 30-A’s beautiful white-sand beaches Opposite: Properties along the communities of Scenic Highway 30-A and surrounding areas offer the best of both worlds when it comes to beachside living and luxury amenities, not to mention a short drive or walk to unparalleled state and national parks.
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Paxton, Eve, Zoë, and Josie. Paxton was an Alaqua rescue pup (shout-out to Laurie Hood and the amazing team at Alaqua Animal Refuge!). Paxton is the name they gave him, and I decided to keep it. Eve and Zoë are both Greek translations that mean “life” or “to live.” Josie is Jennifer’s dog, and you’ll have to ask her!
WHAT’S YOUR PROUDEST CAREER MOMENT SO FAR? Sobriety is by far my most significant personal achievement in life and my career. Everything works better.
WHAT’S SOMETHING YOU’RE ALWAYS WORKING TO IMPROVE UPON? Communication is something I am always working to improve in both work and life.
Pinewood is another up-and-coming community that features luxury condos with some unique amenities, including a general store and coffee shop, a clubhouse with a zero-entry pool and firepits, an on-site restaurant that will be open to the public, and a dedicated rental management company. These condos start in the $400,000s, going up to $1 million-plus, making Pinewood an excellent opportunity to buy into the market for a primary residence or a short-term rental investment.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE SOMEONE WHO JUST GOT THEIR FLORIDA REAL ESTATE LICENSE? Work on self-discipline. Be consistent. Show up and be available.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE STYLE OF HOME OR ARCHITECTURE? I love the classic coastal style with light, bright design, organic textures like pecky cypress and natural, woven light fixtures, and comfortable living spaces with impeccable views.
SINCE YOU LIVE IN A VACATION DESTINATION, WHERE’S YOUR FAVORITE PLACE FOR A GETAWAY? I love a good mountain getaway, whether it’s Breckenridge, Colorado, or the Appalachian Mountains that are within driving distance! Visiting other tropical destinations is nice, but truthfully, no other beach compares to ours.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT WORKING WITH BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY HOMESERVICES BEACH PROPERTIES OF FLORIDA? The support I’ve received from this company is incomparable to my other brokerage experiences. Everything, from marketing support to administrative and tech help, motivation, and camaraderie, is unparalleled. Culture is essential to a successful business!
YOUR TEAM HAS SOME HOME PROJECTS IN THE WORKS— WHAT CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT THOSE? We do have some exciting new builds under construction along 30-A and some tremendous new inventory coming to market in the first quarter of 2022. Stay tuned for details!
WHAT OTHER AREAS DO YOU WORK IN OUTSIDE THE COMMUNITIES ALONG 30-A? I’m particularly fond of bayfront communities in our area. To live just a few minutes from the beach yet right on the beautiful Choctawhatchee Bay is the dream in my book.
WHAT’S ONE OF THE BEST-KEPT SECRETS IN THE AREA? The state parks and forests! About 40 percent of South Walton County is protected land, from miles and miles of state forest to pristine state parks like Topsail and Grayton Beach State Park. The Gulf-front parks help maintain stretches of our beaches as natural treasures, and they’re rarely crowded.
WHAT MAKES THIS A GREAT TIME TO GET IN TOUCH WITH THE WALTON GROUP? There is almost no better time to sell or reposition your investment on 30-A. Sellers still have the advantage in the current market to sell into strength and price their home higher than it would have sold last year or in years past. At the same time, buyers also have the opportunity to invest in a strong real estate market with historically high rental revenue and certain assets that aren’t going anywhere—the white-sand beaches and memories to be made with family.
IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE WITH OUR READERS? We are extremely grateful to be part of the VIE family and look forward to growing our team, client base, and readership!
Thank you, Brad! See listings by The Walton Group at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Beach Properties of Florida by visiting SouthWaltonFL.com or following on Instagram @thewaltongroup30a.
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This page and opposite: Ultramarathoner Stan Cottrell has always felt best with the road beneath his feet and has completed runs in over forty countries worldwide with a mission to spread hope, faith, and friendship.
ON may 7, 2021, his seventy-eighth birthday, ultramarathoner Stan Cottrell embarked on a 3,000mile “friendship run” from Los Angeles to Washington, DC. Averaging thirty miles daily over a hundred consecutive days, he arrived at the Washington Monument on August 14. His age and the 270,000 miles he has logged to date—equivalent to circling the globe about twelve times—make him an unofficial world-record setter among an elite class of distance runners. As he approached the end, Cottrell says, “I was thinking, with only 2,000 steps to go, I had 2,999 miles and seventy-eight years behind me, along with all the voices of my past echoing in my mind—their cheers, their skepticism, their ridicule.” Having dreamed of this run for ten years, Cottrell met various setbacks before finally being ready in 2020. However, even after COVID-19 lockdowns were lifted, mandates would have forced him to quarantine after crossing certain states’ lines. He chose to wait another year. Looking back on planning the run, he says, “I didn’t realize a full decade would go by before it would become real, etched in my mind, and potentially written about in books. There might be someone else who comes along and breaks my records, and I know I didn’t get here alone, but my little victory is in this moment. I wouldn’t change places with anyone. I finished this race!” V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 77
La vitalité Upon crossing this finish line, Cottrell completed his third trans-USA run. In 1980, at age thirty-seven, he set a Guinness World Record by running east to west in forty-eight days (sixty-six miles daily)—despite “headwinds going across Kansas.” The west-to-east route is considered more forgiving, but Cottrell’s course would have tested a long-distance runner half his age. For one, to accommodate a sponsor’s request to stop in Santa Fe, Cottrell was routed through Death Valley, where temperatures topped 118
degrees! From there, he lumbered through Colorado’s high altitudes with freezing rain and snow into Denver. The heartland greeted him with dust storms and hailstorms, while record-breaking heat and humidity blanketed much of the country. “For fifty-three days, the lowest temperature was 102 degrees,” Cottrell attests. Often, to avoid feeling like “a piece of bacon shriveling in a microwave,” he says, “I’d start at four in the morning, stop around 9:45, and finish in the evening.” Other obstacles, including distracted drivers on their phones, snakes, precarious drop-offs along winding mountainsides, and rocky, rutted lanes, required mental and physical agility. Challenges aside, running for Cottrell is akin to breathing; he does not get winded. He inherited his uncanny stamina and determination from his six-foot-four father, who was “built like an ox.” His mother also once pointed out to him, “You know, it was your daddy who put the iron in your soul.” Her genes, in turn, are responsible for Cottrell’s perfectly proportioned runner’s frame. “Momma was as fast as greased lightning,” he says. 78 | W IN T E R 2 021-2 2
Cottrell optimizes his high-functioning body—he requires about a quarter of the calories other top athletes would need for fuel—with ongoing training. Having earned six different certifications by the American Council on Exercise, including ACE Personal Trainer and ACE Medical Exercise Specialist designations, he conditions like a pro. “I’ve prepared my entire life,” he says, adding that he ran twenty miles per day for several weeks preceding his latest ultramarathon. Growing up in rural Kentucky, Cottrell was only seven when the word spread that he’d been missing for hours and reappeared holding a rabbit that he’d been chasing the entire time. Soon, local farmers were asking his father if they could “borrow” the boy to retrieve any mule or cow that breached a fence. Guaranteed to return with the tired-out animal in tow, he loved running after them as onlookers cheered, “Run, Stan, run!” Wishing his father would give him a pat on the back, which didn’t come until later in life, Cottrell was eleven when he won a blue ribbon for a race at a county fair. Considering it “a major marker in my life,” he recalls, “A social worker came up to me after and said, ‘Good Lord, you are little, but your legs sure can fly. You might just grow up to be a champion one day.’ It was like a light switch went off in my soul. Until then, I didn’t know what a champion was; I had never felt
enjoyed the work, Cottrell says, “Running is where I was finding my significance.” After moving to Georgia, Cottrell made regional headlines for achievements like completing a five-day, 405-mile run across the state for the Georgia Lung Association in 1978. The following year, he raised money for the American Heart Association with a 167-mile run in 24 hours around an Atlanta high school’s track. Speculation over what he might do next prompted a reporter for The Atlanta JournalConstitution to publish an article entitled “Cottrell’s Next Feat to Run Great Wall of China.” Amused by the media buzz, Cottrell wrote a letter to Deng Xiaoping, then the leader of the People’s Republic of China, in which he introduced himself as a record-setting long-distance runner. “I humbly ask your permission to run the Great Wall of China,” he wrote. “I think this run can go a long way in promoting the spirit of friendship between our two nations.” A few weeks later, Cottrell was astonished to receive a reply that expressed, “We want to develop these thoughts.” He had nothing to lose, so he kept up the correspondence with daily telexes over the next five years. In the meantime, setting the Guinness World Record in 1980 for the trans-USA run and completing a 3,500-mile Friendship Run across twelve European countries in eighty consecutive days in 1982 led to television appearances and celebrity and political introductions. Cottrell was also forging friendships with VIPs like Martha and Billy Graham. However, a 1983 run across the Dominican Republic caused him
IN 1980, AT AGE THIRTY-SEVEN, HE SET A GUINNESS WORLD RECORD BY RUNNING EAST TO WEST IN FORTY-EIGHT DAYS. significant. Suddenly, people were telling me, ‘Way to go!’ and ‘Atta boy!’ I liked that feeling.” Running also changed Cottrell’s trajectory in life by granting a modest college scholarship. “Momma was always saying, ‘Get yourself a good education; you don’t have to live this way,’” he remembers. After graduating from Western Kentucky University, he spent some years teaching before doing well for himself in pharmaceutical sales and management. Although he
to reassess his purpose. “Suddenly, there was a soberness in my soul,” he recalls. “I hadn’t won an Olympic medal, but I needed to model excellence of behavior, lifestyle, and mind.” In 1984, “five years to the day” from his initial correspondence, Cottrell says, “I was told to be in China in two weeks to start the Friendship Run.” Considering his humble beginnings, the invitation—to run 2,125 miles from the Great Wall of China to Guangzhou,
This page: This summer, Cottrell completed his third trans-USA ultramarathon, a 3,000-mile “friendship run” from Los Angeles to Washington, DC, promoted through his Friendship Sports Association to benefit various nonprofits. Celebrities, including Anthony Anderson, came out to support the kick-off event in Malibu. Opposite: Cottrell’s runs sometimes take him through harsh or perilous terrain; the latest Friendship Run even routed him through Death Valley.
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heads of state. His down-to-earth demeanor has garnered their trust and landed him unofficial ambassador roles on multiple occasions. Fittingly, he has received Nobel Peace Prize nominations from forty different countries and the keys to numerous cities. Along with encouraging friendship, Cottrell continues to run for charitable causes. For example, his trans-USA run is still collecting money for children living in an impoverished Kentucky region, where basics like winter coats and shoes are sorely needed.
where Westerners were forbidden—astonished him. He has since run through forty countries and made eighty-one trips to China. With all his education and travel, Cottrell still espouses Kentucky colloquialisms at every opportunity. Accordingly, he has a disarming way of befriending people of all walks of life, including international
Another mission for Cottrell is to inspire people to get fit so they can live an optimal life. Compared to his routine, he doesn’t ask much of them. “Walk seven-and-a-half minutes in that direction and then seven-and-a-half minutes back,” he says. “Just look at your watch and say, ready, set, go. After about the fourth or fifth time, the voices inside will be saying, We have a pattern going on. After about two weeks, one Saturday morning, you’ll say, ‘I just went
twenty minutes. I’m feeling like I have a little energy in me.’” Above all, he says his Friendship Run events and corresponding Friendship Sports Association are “vehicles to bring messages of encouragement and hope to people where hope has run out. As they look at me and see what I’m doing, I’m letting them know that they, too, are unique. They are divine originals. They each have gifts to give the world.”
EAGER TO GIVE MORE OF HIMSELF, STAN IS PLANNING ANOTHER TRANS-USA RUN FOR THE NEAR FUTURE. HE’S ALSO WORKING ON BOOK AND MOVIE PROJECTS, SPEAKING EVENTS, AND COACHING CLIENTS. THE EASIEST WAY TO FOLLOW OR REACH HIM IS VIA STAN COTTRELL ON FACEBOOK. YOU CAN ALSO LEARN MORE AT FRIENDSHIPSPORTSASSOCIATION.ORG.
Photo by Matt Jozwiak
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Healing Hoof Steps founder and CEO Narissa Jenkins
HEALING HEARTS ONE HOOF AT A TIME ✪
By Hannah Vermillion Photography by Romona Robbins
A true horseman does not look at a horse with his eyes; he looks at his horse with his heart. –Unknown 90 | W IN T E R 2 021-2 2
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s I sat down with Narissa Jenkins, the CEO and founder of Healing Hoof Steps Equine Assisted Therapy and Therapeutic Riding in Crestview, Florida, we began to talk about the extraordinary bond between humans and horses. Both of us have experienced the healing powers of horses and the way they can touch hearts!
Since 2014, Jenkins has worked tirelessly to promote mental health awareness by helping people and horses alike through her nonprofit equine therapy program that focuses on patients building mental and emotional health through spending time on and around these powerful animals. “We’ve grown exponentially over the last three years,” Jenkins says. “We have gone from employing one mental health counselor to four.” She credits this growth to the shift in the conversation around mental health. “When I was growing up in the ’80s, people thought asking for help meant you were weak,” Jenkins explains. Now, people are more willing to find help or encourage those who they see are struggling with mental illness to seek treatment options. Especially during these trying times, mental
health should not be a shameful subject, and seeking help should come with an outpouring of support. Healing Hoof Steps strives to empower individuals, couples, and families to define their success through working with horses. With the help of their PATH-certified instructors, licensed mental health counselors, and horses, the program’s patients walk into a lesson and start by setting their own goals. The animals, of course, might have their own plans for how a session will go. “It is fascinating to see how horses shift to what is going on in the environment,” says Jenkins. She tells us about the time a horse bumped a client in the chest—something that caught everyone off guard and caused the woman to stay silent for the rest of the session. When she got a phone call from the woman a few days later, Jenkins learned why. The patient explained how she had prayed before the session to bring healing to her heart. In the instant that the horse bumped her in the heart, she was able to let go of what troubled her. She stayed silent for the rest of the session to keep from crying. Jenkins explains that the horse was able to pick up on this energy and encourage the patient through it. Equine therapy is powerful because horses and humans share a special relationship. After all, it is the only relationship where known predators, humans, and prey animals, horses, can work together toward a common goal. “Mother Nature tells us that if you are prey, you should not trust a predator. But there’s something in the horses that is willing to give humans a chance,” Jenkins shares. “They don’t care who you were or who you think you are.” Horses cannot live in the future or the past—unlike humans, who often feel anxious thinking about something that hasn’t even happened yet. These powerful and majestic animals teach us to live in the present moment. “They are reading and reacting to the energy we are giving off as humans, which causes us to naturally calm down so we can get close to the animals,” Jenkins expounds. The self-awareness that comes from this experience is something that patients cannot learn in traditional therapy. The beauty of horse therapy is that, while there is
This page and opposite: Healing Hoof Steps Equine Assisted Mental Health Counseling and Therapeutic Riding is a nonprofit organization in Crestview, Florida. Its programs offer horse therapy and therapeutic riding to patients living with trauma, mental illness, or other neurological conditions to promote healing and build confidence. 92 | W IN T E R 2 021-2 2
Horses cannot live in the future or the past—unlike humans, who often feel anxious thinking about something that hasn’t even happened yet. guidance, the individual is doing the work, leading to a greater sense of accomplishment and fulfillment. Equine therapy has shown to be very effective for individuals dealing with PTSD. Healing Hoof Steps shares that in a study of veterans with PTSD, 80 percent of them reported over a 50 percent decrease in symptoms after completing therapy sessions. “Trauma is the central area of focus for this therapy, whether it’s sexual trauma, military trauma, or another catalyst,” says Jenkins. Trauma creates hypervigilance among individuals that causes them to disconnect from their environment. Interestingly, horses also live under hypervigilance, but they can still find peace in their lives. Being around horses helps the clients to understand that there are other ways of dealing with trauma than closing off from the world. “You don’t have to have any horse knowledge or experience to get any of the benefits from this type of therapy. You just have to want to heal,” states Jenkins. As more people realize the benefits of equine therapy and therapeutic riding, Healing Hoof Steps is fundraising $200,000 to expand its operations by building a new barn. This structure will remove the extreme heat and inclement weather barriers that currently affect the nonprofit’s year-round programs. Because the new Healing Hoof Steps arena will be covered, the rooftop will create a giant aerial billboard that offers a great sponsorship opportunity for businesses. The arena is in the direct path of many incoming planes into the Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport, Pensacola International Airport, and Destin Executive Airport, so the exposure will be significant. The support from a sponsor will be very beneficial for the program, and Jenkins encourages any area business owners to reach out about the opportunity.
Individuals can also get involved by donating through the nonprofit’s website or by volunteering at the facility. If you or someone you know could benefit from horse therapy, contact Healing Hoof Steps and experience the healing powers of horses.
LEARN MORE AT HEALINGHOOFSTEPS.ORG.
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La vitalité
THE
HEART HEALING BEHIND THE
By F E L I C I A
P O I N T 94 | W IN T E R 2 021-2 2
F E R G U S O N
Photography courtesy of WA S H I N G TO N M E D I C A L
C L I N I C
Nestled under towering live oaks off Highway 395 North, Point Washington Medical Clinic (PWMC) is a labor of love for cofounders Hillary Glenn, DNP, and Patsy Vargo, MD.
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ts goal is to level the health-care disparity in Walton County, Florida, and the surrounding areas. But its heart is to bring the community together as one, recognizing and valuing the symbiotic relationship between each person and business in the region.
Hillary Glenn’s first encounter with health-care disparity came while traveling through Southeast Asia, and the experience forever altered her heart for people in pain. Two young girls who had befriended her and a companion during their stay in Vietnam invited the pair to visit their village. After hiking for two hours and following directions that included “turn right at the river and left at the tree,” Glenn and her friend met the girls’ families. The brother of one girl had a seven-month-old baby strapped to his chest, and while the father was present, the mother was not. When Glenn asked why, the girl explained that the mother had died in childbirth. Based on the description, Glenn diagnosed a hemorrhage as the likely cause of death. If she had been closer to medical care, it might have saved her life. Glenn decided that when she owned her own clinic, she would offer a community health-care day to serve those in need. Little did she know, but plans were already coming together to make that dream a reality—though not in any way she could have imagined. Patsy Vargo, MD, had been researching a medical mission trip with Point Washington United Methodist Church when she recognized a clear and present need in the church’s backyard. Why travel abroad when the mission field was right in front of them? Jackie Ward, a mutual friend, introduced Glenn and Vargo, and by the end of their meeting, they had a plan for a pop-up community medical clinic. Vargo approached the church’s mission board about providing a location, and they readily agreed. PWMC is open to patients of all socioeconomic levels. In fact, its board specifically decided against accepting federal funding because it would restrict their treatments
Above: Point Washington Medical Clinic founders Patsy Vargo, MD, and Hillary Glenn, DNP Photo by Jacqueline Ward Images Above left: PWMC’s “Clinic in a Can” facility in Panama City, Florida, helping patients after Hurricane Michael
to a certain population in the community. A visit to the clinic reveals the wonder of ingenuity, the impact of volunteers, and the wealth of donations that have sometimes seemed to come from out of nowhere. Glenn says, “We are 100-percent donation based. We do write grants, but the community has rallied behind what we are doing in a way that is humbling. It is spectacular.”
Above: A patient with Hillary Glenn at the clinic Opposite: “Felix” is PWMC’s new mobile medical unit serving patients in Walton County and beyond. Photo by Chandler Williams, Modus Photography V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 95
La vitalité
Above: The Point Washington Medical Clinic celebrated its fourth anniversary in 2021; Don Childs, MD, Steven Snow, MD, Patsy Vargo, MD, Hillary Glenn, DNP, and Connie Drum, PT Photo by Jacqueline Ward Images Right: A sweet note and donation from PWMC’s youngest donor, Grace Catherine Justiss, whose family has supported the clinic from the beginning and whose father, Philip Justiss, is now board chair 96 | W IN T E R 2 021-2 2
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arly in PWMC’s life, Glenn was invited to speak about the clinic at Shannon Kramolis’s dinner party. Kramolis is part of a group of ladies who meet for dinner at one person’s house rather than going out to eat, and the hostess chooses a charity for the evening. The money the ladies would have spent on dinner is donated to that charity. After speaking to the receptive gathering, but still uncertain about the evening, Glenn waited until she arrived home after the dinner to open the donation envelope. She was stunned to find $3,000 inside. But that was only the start. When the J.W. Couch Foundation learned Hillary needed a safe, contained location for COVID testing in June of 2020, it donated $100,000 toward purchasing a mobile medical unit, which the clinic staff fondly named “Felix.” Felix also allows PWMC the flexibility and mobility to assist with disaster relief needs in the area. During the height of COVID, The St. Joe Community Foundation and The Alys Foundation provided funding for testing materials. These contributions allowed the clinic to quickly diagnose patients and refer those who needed further medical treatment. Through these and many other generous donations, over seven thousand lives have been impacted in the past five years. But Glenn and the PWMC team know there are more who need their help, and they realize PWMC has outgrown the church’s fellowship hall. “We are only open
two days a week because those are the only days the space is available, not because we don’t want to be open,” she explains. The church graciously offered them a land lease across the street, and an architect has planned a building that draws the surrounding beauty indoors while only requiring the removal of one oak tree. Inside this 4,750-square-foot facility will be six examination rooms, a teaching kitchen, a meeting room, a dental suite, a dispensary, and an educational lobby. The dental facility will be made possible thanks to a generous financial donation by a local
“
I WANT MY PATIENTS TO COME TO THE CLINIC TO LEARN HOW THEY NEVER HAVE TO HAVE THAT MEDICATION REFILLED AGAIN BECAUSE THEY KNOW HOW TO EAT WELL SO THEY CAN LIVE THEIR OPTIMAL WELLNESS.
resident. The clinic currently sees sixty to seventy patients during its limited hours on Mondays and Wednesdays. But, with expanded days, hours, and examination rooms, Glenn hopes to see two hundred to three hundred a week, if not more. More space, however, is only part of the dream. New services and programming will allow PWMC to offer the full spectrum of services, from education on wellness to primary care and even specialty care in a safe, comfortable environment. Glenn says, “I want my patients to come to the clinic to learn how they never have to have that medication refilled again because they know how to eat well so they can live their optimal wellness.” Area yoga teachers have already contacted her about leading classes, and she is interested in offering other mindfulness activities like Tai Chi, meditation, and prayer groups to support the area’s mental health needs. “It is really heartwarming to see how the community, in general, has rallied around the clinic and supported us,” Glenn shares. “Now we’re doing the capital campaign. Local builder Peter Horn with Artisan is recruiting other local builders to help fund the construction of the clinic, and Buster Woodruff is donating his time as general contractor for the project.” Both men appreciate how PWMC’s mission and vision support their industry. Glenn continues, “It’s the same with the restaurants. We just had our Fifth Annual Harvest Moon Celebration. It was an unbelievably beautiful event. And so many people in the hospitality industry,
especially Fisher’s Flowers and team, came together in some form or fashion to make it happen. Jim Richard spearheaded and reached out to other chefs who donated their talent and time to create this crazy, fabulous dinner. He said the clinic helped their restaurants stay open because the employees could stay healthy.” The stories of the lives impacted by PWMC swing the pendulum from joy to sorrow, but all highlight the desperate need for quality health care for all socioeconomic levels. By joining the calling of their hearts with the heart of the community, Glenn and the team hope to achieve their dream to build a healthier future for everyone. She expresses PWMC’s heart: “The clinic is an organic growth from the community, and we’re here to serve.”
VISIT THEPWMC.ORG TO LEARN MORE ABOUT SERVICES, SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT, OR DONATE. Felicia Ferguson is an award-winning freelance writer and fiction author. Her contemporary women’s fiction book, The Choices She Made, will release in October 2022. She lives in Destin, Florida, where she fuels her soul by tending her gardens, playing with her Frenchies, and feeding a family of ducks. More details may be found at FeliciaFergusonAuthor.com.
Above: PWMC staff and volunteers work two days a week to make a difference in their community. Top: The clinic currently serves about sixty to seventy patients on Mondays and Wednesdays but hopes to help three to four hundred per week with its upcoming facility expansion and mobile unit. V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 97
Photo by Brandan Babineaux
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W AT C H O R L I S T E N T O V I E S P E A K S | C O N V E R S AT I O N S W I T H H E A R T & S O U L L i s t e n o n S p o t i f y | Wa t c h o n Yo u Tu b e | S u b s c r i b e o n i Tu n e s | v i e m a g a z i n e . c o m VIE Speaks Episodes 13 & 16 were produced and filmed at SOWAL House.
Le monde
Le monde GOES ROUND AND ROUND
Learn more about Lennon’s new photo collection with General Public and RH on VIE Speaks: Conversations with Heart & Soul podcast Episode 19. Stay tuned for more in our special edition hundredth issue releasing in February 2022. Focus Photo by Julian Lennon
Julian Lennon is a modern renaissance man. He has produced albums, worked on films, and written books while being a steadfast humanitarian through The White Feather Foundation, which he founded in 2007. Lennon’s relentless ability to create with an undeniably unique perspective led him to add photography to his repertoire about a decade ago. He recently teamed up with Portia de Rossi and her consumer art company, General Public, in partnership with RH to release his photography in an exclusive retail collection. The series of eighteen large-scale photos ranges from aesthetic landscapes and cloudscapes to intimately authentic subjects. Lennon takes the phrase “A picture is worth a thousand words” quite literally in his desire to spread empathy and culture through his work.
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ITS name is inextrica-
DESIRE STREET MINISTRIES HELPS LOCALS REINVENT LEFT-BEHIND COMMUNITIES By TORI PHELPS Photography courtesy of DESIRE STREET MINISTRIES
bly linked with Tennessee Williams’s landmark A Streetcar Named Desire, but New Orleans’ Desire neighborhood has long existed within a shroud of poverty and crime, rather than the veil of romance conferred by the play’s fame. To many, a Bible study may not seem like an adequate anecdote. But when Mo and Ellen Leverett launched Desire Street Ministries in 1990, they did it with youth outreach, whole-family encouragement resources, and, yes, a Bible study. They went on to plant a church and establish a medical clinic, and, for a time, they even ran a private boys’ school. From the beginning, Desire Street Ministries was about community transformation by and for the people of that community. To effect real change, they believed, neighbors with a stake in that change must be the navigators. Then came Hurricane Katrina. Like most of the city, Desire Street Ministries was devastated by the 2005 storm, leaving little choice but to evacuate. Operations temporarily relocated to Florida in the immediate aftermath and then, hoping to increase the organization’s reach, made a permanent move to Atlanta in 2009. Its executive director, Danny Wuerffel, made a move from New Orleans to Atlanta, too. While New Orleans had become his home, Desire Street had become his life’s work. Uprooting himself wasn’t anything new to Wuerffel, who had lived everywhere from Nebraska to Spain as a child, thanks to his dad’s Air Force career.
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Le monde
He started playing football in junior high, and a combination of passion and talent led to a quarterback position on the University of Florida’s 1996 National Championship team, the Heisman Trophy, and a seven-year career in the NFL. He was drafted by the New Orleans Saints and, during his rookie year, began volunteering with Desire Street Ministries. In his naivete, Wuerffel was shocked by what he saw. Admitting that he
had considered poverty something that existed primarily in other countries, it seemed unthinkable to find such destitution so close to the arena where he played professional football. Far from being put off, however, he devoted as much time as he could to the organization; and as the years went on, he felt a pull to do even more. “Every day, I would drive down a road in New Orleans, and I could turn right to train for football or turn left to Desire Street,” he recounts. “Every day, it got harder to turn right.”
Above: Danny Wuerffel, former Florida Gators quarterback, Heisman Trophy winner, and NFL player, now dedicates his time to helping revitalize impoverished communities through Desire Street Ministries. Opposite: Wuerffel and Oscar Brown, who received help from Desire Street Ministries as a youth and now is one of its ministry partners, leading Desire Fellowship in New Orleans
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Le monde It was no surprise when he officially joined the Desire Street staff upon his retirement from the NFL in 2004. As executive director, he’s been able to devote himself full-time to a cause in which he believes wholeheartedly. Among the perks of the position, he says, is the opportunity to tell the broader world about what’s happening in the neighborhoods where Desire Street Ministries has formed partnerships. And what’s happening is good. The organization still believes that the people already invested in under-resourced neighborhoods know far more about how to help than well-intentioned outsiders, which is why Desire Street’s model is to support boots-on-the-ground organizations. “We found that there are so many great nonprofits, but the leaders don’t have the support or resources to be as effective as they could be,” he explains. “So rather than replace those (groups) and try to do something different, we help them become more sustainable and thrive in what they do so their impact is greater.” A recent two-day training for more than a dozen leaders from across the Southeast is a good example of that model. During these retreats and on a daily basis, Desire Street offers coaching, helps nonprofits develop their boards of directors, and provides
Above right: Wuerffel presents Drue Tranquill with the 2018 Wuerffel Trophy, awarded to the Football Bowl Subdivision player who best exhibits exemplary community service, at the All Sports Association’s annual banquet in Fort Walton Beach, Florida. Right: Oscar “O” Brown, Wuerffel, and some of the kids from Desire Street’s partner community in New Orleans Opposite: Each year, UF and UGA football greats support Desire Street Ministries at the Desire Cup golf tournament, auction, and gala.
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THE ULTIMATE GOAL IS A LITTLE MORE AMBITIOUS: CREATING NEIGHBORHOODS WHERE KIDS CAN PLAY SAFELY AND GROW UP TO HAVE THE SAME KINDS OF OPPORTUNITIES WUERFFEL TOOK FOR GRANTED.
spiritual and emotional care for those who are constantly caring for others—serving as what Wuerffel calls “life support” for leaders in the trenches. Desire Street partners with local organizations involved in everything from housing to healthcare to early childhood development for three to five years each. Currently, they have twelve partners, with a near-term goal of developing twenty sustainable organizations by 2025. The ultimate goal is a little more ambitious: creating neighborhoods where kids can play safely and grow up to have the same kinds of opportunities Wuerffel took for granted. “We want every neighborhood to be a desirable place to live,” he says. He sees progress in that direction, but setbacks are part and parcel of such work. When pain visits a neighborhood and there’s nothing to do but lend a shoulder, when leaders are struggling, or when he attends the funeral of a child from one of the neighborhoods, it’s not a good day. What keeps him committed through the valleys are the peaks, like witnessing the physical transformation of a neighborhood as it’s being revitalized and seeing young people who are beating the odds every day. Wuerffel’s decades-long association with Desire Street means he’s been around long enough to have seen many of those stories firsthand. Perhaps his favorite took place at a University of Florida-LSU football game when an important play didn’t go the Gators’ way. There was only one person on the University of Florida sidelines cheering like crazy: Wuerffel. He wasn’t clapping for the play but the player. Other Gators fans saw LSU tight end DeAngelo Peterson as a hindrance to a win; Wuerffel saw a kid from New Orleans’ Ninth Ward—a kid whom statistics predicted would be dead or in jail by age twenty-five. But Peterson’s association with Desire Street as a youth set in motion opportunities that included a scholarship to LSU and a stint in the NFL. Whether it’s a picture of kids picking out library books, sent from a father who learned to love reading through Desire Street and now inspires his children, or the countless leaders on the verge of burnout who rebound with new purpose after receiving support
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Le monde from Desire Street, the organization’s influence is both tangible and far-reaching. And as Wuerffel’s eyes once were opened to the plight of people in his own city, he now does the same for prospective donors and volunteers, most of whom clamor to become part of Desire Street Ministries’ mission. “Seeing people come alongside us, whether they’re donating time or expertise, is such a joy,” he says. “I get to be that bridge to bring people into the work.” Until every child, no matter where they’re raised, is assured of safety and opportunity, Wuerffel will continue spreading the message of Desire Street— encouraging people to see not only what is, but what could be.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT DESIRESTREET.ORG.
Wuerffel on SportsCenter promoting the 2015 SEC Storied documentary short film, Wuerffel’s Way, which highlighted his post-football life as the leader of Desire Street Ministries.
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L’intermission
The Cotswolds Are Calling Visit KingsHead-Hotel.co.uk to book your stay. Photo by Amy Murrell, courtesy of Kings Head Hotel
Historical magnificence is abundant throughout charming Cirencester, England, as evidenced by the Church of St. John Baptist. Known as one of the most beautiful villages in the Cotswolds, Cirencester is endlessly picturesque and holds a distinct royal heritage. A weekend in the Cotswolds will have you feeling like the main character in your favorite holiday movie. With a cozy ambience and breathtaking natural beauty all around, the Kings Head Hotel is the perfect option for your holiday escape!
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Le monde
Amazing by Ejaz Khan shows two lively horses in Norway. Khan is a wildlife and fashion photographer who recently undertook a mission to help North Dakota rancher Frank Kuntz save three hundred rare Nokota horses. Khan hopes to release the feature film Vanishing Knowledge on streaming platforms and at film festivals in the coming months to raise awareness for Kuntz’s herd.
VA N I S H I N G K N OW L E D G E N E W F E AT U R E F I L M A I M S T O S AV E L I V E S By Jordan Staggs Photography by Ejaz Khan 108 | W IN T E R 2 021-2 2
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enowned photographer and filmmaker Ejaz Khan has ventured around the globe to capture rare and magnificent creatures. His photographs of arctic wolves, musk oxen, and arctic foxes in the snow are mesmerizing, while his powerful images of wild horses bring emotions surging forth in each viewer. Seeing Earth’s animals in such a beautiful, captivating way has left an impression on many as Khan encourages his audience to engage in conservation efforts for the planet’s wildlife. Now the New York–based artist is on a mission to help save three hundred lives with his new feature film, Vanishing Knowledge. After meeting ranch owner and wellknown horseman Frank Kuntz while traveling in North Dakota about three years ago, Khan was moved by the man’s plight. Kuntz was diagnosed with an aggressive cancer, and his ranch plus the three hundred rare Nokota horses he has looked after since returning from the Vietnam War are in jeopardy. “Frank has dedicated his life to the survival of these precious Nokota horses,” Khan says. “But at this time, the doctors aren’t giving Frank much time to live. The question is how can Frank ensure the survival of this breed when his time is limited? There is a good chance this Nokota breed will become extinct if they land in the hands of kill buyers. I met Frank and his horses when I traveled to North Dakota two and a half years ago for a photography project. After learning Frank’s story, his struggles with finances, and his health, I was compelled to share it with the world.” Khan knew he was in a position to help, he shares in his director’s statement for Vanishing Knowledge. “I thought if I do my job well—creating awareness about this subject—someone will come forward to help these lives. The process of making a documentary began. I was very unhappy with my own work after filming in North Dakota four times on four different occasions. I just could not bring life to this beautiful story. I decided to write a screenplay and turn it into a scripted feature film.” When the fifth attempt (the first attempt at a scripted film) was
also not up to par, Khan tabled the project. He admits, “I was so disappointed in myself and my efforts in creating a film. Depressed and heartbroken, I put the project aside. I had sleepless nights thinking about the consequences these horses would face if I didn’t tell their story to the world.” He continues, “After two months of struggling with my thoughts, I called my actors Frank, Paul, and Christine and the rest of the cast helping in our film and begged them for another chance. These are not professional actors—actually, they have never seen a movie camera in their lives; they are farmers and ranchers in North Dakota and Pennsylvania. I asked them to do something they had never done before: get in front of the camera and become vulnerable—that way I thought they would play their roles best.” The cast agreed to give the project another shot, and Khan packed his bags for North Dakota once more. “I took my wife out for dinner and asked her to blindly support me one more time,” he recalls. “I told her I wouldn’t come back to New York until I found gold. She smiled.” If creating an emotionally driven feature film with amateur actors and a herd of three hundred horses doesn’t sound easy, well, that’s because it was nearly impossible. Khan not only played director and director of photography on the motion picture but also took on the role of costume designer, art director, and anything else that needed to be done. “I could not afford to take a sound professional from V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 109
“I H AV E S E E N M Y C H A R AC T E R S C R Y A F T E R I H AV E S A I D , ‘ W E H A V E I T .’ ”
Above and right: Vanishing Knowledge was filmed and directed by Ejaz Khan and starred real ranchers and farmers who are passionate about helping save the Nokota herd. Opposite: Khan has captured photos of wild horses worldwide, including the French Camargue horses seen in this photo titled Integrity. He hopes his photography and new film project will spread awareness for people to preserve and protect Earth’s creatures. Photos by Ejaz Khan
New York, so we hired a farmer’s assistant to hold the boom,” he says. “Spoiler alert—he nailed it.” Filming was a long process, and Khan has released the first trailer for the movie with hopes of gaining attention, spreading awareness for the dwindling Nokota breed, and getting help for the film’s distribution. “There have been instances when we have filmed countless takes over the period of days to make sure that we got the right moment,” Khan shares. “I have seen my characters cry after I have said, ‘We have it.’ They got emotional because our hearts were in the right place, and all of us wanted the best for these three hundred lives—and that is what mattered to all of us.” Marketing efforts are in full swing to spread awareness for Vanishing Knowledge to appear in film festivals and be released through streaming platforms worldwide. 110 | W IN T E R 2 021-2 2
“I am proud of all our efforts and I believe we have something very meaningful here,” Khan says. “The immense support and response from our audience have been overwhelming—so far, we’ve had 240,000 emails from people offering to spread awareness of our film. From the immense response and so much support from our 240,000 email subscribers, my wife and I have decided to donate 49 percent of the sale of our film for the care of Frank’s horses.” May Kuntz and Khan’s mission to save the Nokota be made possible through this collaborative creative effort so that these beautiful horses will continue to run free and remind us all that this planet and the lives on it are worth protecting. VIEW THE MOVIE TRAILER ON INSTAGRAM @VANISHINGKNOWLEDGE AND LEARN MORE AT VANISHINGKNOWLEDGE.COM. TO SEE MORE OF EJAZ KHAN’S WORK, VISIT EJAZKHANEARTH.COM OR FOLLOW HIM ON INSTAGRAM @EJAZKHANEARTH AND @EJAZKHANPHOTOGRAPHY.
Le monde
FABULOUS KIDS’ FASHIONS & TOYS 62 main street ROSEMARY BEACH,FL gigisfabkids.com 850.231.0110
Le monde
FINDING
FA M I LY ACROSS TWO WORLDS A Survivor’s Tale By A N T H E A G E R R I E Photography courtesy of J O A N S A LT E R
I
magine the trauma of being born in the wrong place at the wrong time and having to flee for your life before you are even old enough for kindergarten. Envision being smuggled out of Paris in a laundry van at the age of two, being arrested at the Spanish border after a failed escape months later, and being locked in prison with your mother.
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survived World War II, and now want you back to live with them in London.
Now envision a daring rescue mission seeing you transported to a new life in America. Your first memory is of the beautiful doctor’s wife who tucks you up in bed in your new bedroom with its own bathroom.
This was no fairy-tale ending for Joan Salter; it turned out to be a nightmare scenario that saw her crisscrossing the Atlantic for more than ten years, never feeling sure whether the American foster parents who raised her or the birth parents who barely spoke English were her real family. “My closest bond is actually with my foster sister Davida,” she says of the Boston-based septuagenarian and the children and grandchildren who think of her as the auntie who kept on crossing the Atlantic to attend family weddings and bar mitzvahs.
And finally, confront a dramatic third act, which sees you returning home, aged seven, from the Philadelphia school where you have pledged allegiance to the flag every morning, to be told the only home you can remember is not your own, and Joan Farell is not your real name. You were born Fanny Zimetbaum to Jewish refugees who fled the Nazis,
Joan, now 81, and Davida first met in 1949, when the older girl was invited back to Philadelphia for a vacation and stayed for months. “The Farells adopted Davida in 1947 after I left for England,” says Salter. “My foster father, who adored me, was in tears when I left. I remember telling him, ‘Don’t worry, it’s all a mistake; I’ll come back.’”
Young Holocaust survivor Joan Salter (right) with her American foster mother, Betty Farell, in 1949 V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 113
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ithin hours of being waved off at the airport, Salter was reunited with a half sister from whom she had been separated for years and to whom she never became close. She recalls the reunion with her birth parents. “I remember these strangers coming toward us, broken by their years on the run and losing their children. They were traumatized by what they had been through and losing all but one of each of their immediate families.” Life in London turned out to be anything but a happy ending. “We lived above a shop where the biggest room in the flat was the kitchen, which had a single cold-water tap, and my sister and I slept in the living room. “I felt no kinship; they were foreigners, and my mother barely spoke English. My parents worked in a factory and were out from seven in the morning until seven or eight at night. I had to try and light the fire when I came home from school; I was so cold all the time. And I went from having my own bathroom to using the public baths in our neighborhood once a week.” For the next decade, Salter would divide her time between her two families. “My foster father would come over to the UK and give lectures, and I would keep going back with him, which made my birth mother black with fury.” But soon, the good life in Philadelphia started to turn bad as well. “The relationship with my foster mother broke down as I became a teen. If I did something ‘terrible,’ like spill a glass of milk, I was locked in a cupboard. My foster father would come and get me out and say, ‘Mommy didn’t mean it.’” At seventeen, Salter decided life in London was the lesser of two evils. “I knew my foster mother, whom I now realize had a personality disorder, was trying to manipulate me and make me feel I wasn’t good enough. I went to a youth club that had just built a girls’ hostel, and the warden offered me a room there. “Through the youth service, I met my husband, Martin, and we got married in 1959. My foster parents came for the wedding, which probably broke my birth mother’s heart—but they were as much my parents as the ones I was born to, and Davida was one of my bridesmaids.” 114 | W IN T E R 2 021-2 2
Despite her difficult childhood, Salter has enjoyed a long marriage and has two daughters of her own as well as a grandchild. It took becoming a mother for her to start looking into her early life and discover that what she had thought was a childhood dream about being on a ship with other children and feeling frightened when soldiers boarded was a memory of her actual rescue voyage. She was one of one hundred child refugees to whom the US offered sanctuary, which did not extend to their parents. “I can only guess what my mother must have felt when she agreed to let us go while she remained in Europe,” muses Salter, who went on to earn a master’s degree in Holocaust studies. After traveling to the US for her foster father’s funeral, Salter insisted on getting answers to questions that had gone unanswered for so long. “When I came home, I sat down with my birth father and started talking to him about his life during the war, and in archives, I found out about the children taken out of Europe by the Quakers and Red Cross from Lisbon—the story of how I got to America.”
SOME OF WHAT IS GOOD COMES FROM MY AMERICAN FAMILY, SOME FROM MY BIRTH PARENTS, AND SOME OF IT IS, I BELIEVE, GENETIC.
Left: Joan Salter in 2020 with her husband, Martin, and their eldest daughter, Rochelle, taken as part of a project for the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust Photo by Frederic Aranda Opposite, clockwise from left: Joan (right) and her foster sister Davida (left) with their foster father, Dr. David Farell, and a family friend Davida and Joan at the wedding of Davida’s daughter Rebecca Joan’s school photo, 1950
As for her birth mother, Salter explains, “We never got close because she was like a ghost. But I did discover that in Paris, she was warned a roundup of Jews was due to take place, so we left for the south, smuggled out of the city by the Resistance. We were reunited briefly with my father, who escaped Paris separately, but he was captured at the Spanish border in another roundup. He was eventually rescued and transported to the UK, where he was drafted.” Salter resumed her transatlantic travels at Davida’s begging when her foster mother became ill. “She died about six months before my birth mother in 1989. My father was diagnosed with lung cancer soon after and died the following year. By that time, I had made peace with him.” Now in her ninth decade, Salter, whose portrait hangs in a new exhibition of Holocaust victims with their descendants in London’s Imperial War Museum, has finally made peace with herself. “My double life growing up was awful while it lasted, but you can’t blame your past for everything. Some of what is good comes from my American family, some from my birth parents, and some of it is, I believe, genetic.
“I don’t differentiate between birth and foster; both were my parents and both molded me. Using my head, I know there is no point in regretting, but using my heart, I know going back to England was the only way to become master of myself rather than staying in America to be that lovely little girl my foster mother wanted, which I wasn’t anymore. “I turned out to be very strong, like my mother, but it took me a long time to get there.”
Generations: Portraits of Holocaust Survivors can be seen at the Imperial War Museum London until January 9, 2022. Visit IWM.org.uk to learn more. Anthea Gerrie is based in the UK but travels the world in search of stories. Her special interests are architecture and design, culture, food, and drink, as well as the best places to visit in the world’s great playgrounds. She is a regular contributor to the Daily Mail, the Independent, and Blueprint.
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Bon appétit!
Photo by Shannon Sturgis, courtesy of St~Germain
Bon appétit! THE ESSENCE OF LIFE
Afternoon cocktails among the autumn leaves never tasted so good! The Harvest Sour by St~Germain is the perfect seasonal concoction. The combination of elderflower, cognac, and fig warms the body while you soak in all the fall feelings. Create your own using a half ounce of St~Germain Elderflower Liqueur, one ounce of cognac, one tablespoon of fig preserves, three-fourths of an ounce of lemon juice, and half an egg white. Add the fig preserves to a cocktail shaker and stir in the lemon juice and cognac. Next, add the rest of your ingredients and shake with no ice before adding ice and shaking again. Then, get ready to savor the Harvest Sour as you double strain the cocktail into a chilled glass and garnish with fennel, pollen, and a fresh fig!
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Bon appétit!
Holiday
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Calling all foodies!
Nothing brings people together like good food, so we have curated a collection of fun recipes to try for the holidays. We have featured a little something for everyone, from cocktails and appetizers to pasta dishes, snacks, and desserts. Take your time perusing these recipes from some of our favorite chefs and food bloggers. Who knows? One might just end up on your holiday table!
John’s Eggnog Yields 12 to 14 servings “John makes this eggnog every year for our Christmas Eve party,” says Morey. “He ladles it from a massive serving bowl. The next morning, our Christmas tradition is to add a splash of the leftovers to our coffee. It takes the bite off the party from the night before—a little early-morning hair of the reindeer to help us get back into the holiday cheer. It’s not a rare thing to see a neighbor amble over in a bathrobe and slippers with their coffee mug extended for their own little splash of John’s holiday elixir!”
INGREDIENTS . . . . . . . . . .
Carrie Morey
Meet Carrie Morey, founder of Callie’s Hot Little Biscuit and the creative behind the new cookbook Hot Little Suppers. Morey is the mother of three, an entrepreneur, an author, a PBS personality, and a motivational speaker—to say she is accomplished would be an understatement. We can’t wait to dive in and try the latest recipes from Morey and her husband, John! CalliesBiscuits.com; Instagram: @carriebaileymorey
12 large eggs, yolks and whites separated 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon allspice 1/4 teaspoon salt 1 cup sugar, divided 1 cup whole milk 1 cup heavy whipping cream 1 cup bourbon 1 cup rum
DIRECTIONS In a large bowl, combine the egg yolks, vanilla, cinnamon, allspice, salt, and 1/2 cup of the sugar. Whisk together. In a medium bowl, using a stand mixer or hand mixer, beat the egg whites on medium-high speed while gradually adding the remaining 1/2 cup of sugar. Continue to beat until stiff peaks form—this will take a couple of minutes. Gently fold the egg-white mixture into the egg-yolk mixture until combined. Slowly add the milk, heavy cream, bourbon, and rum. Stir until well combined. Chill and stir the eggnog again before serving.
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Bon appétit!
Amaretto Sour Yields 1 cocktail Morey shares, “The first time I had an amaretto sour, I was on my high school senior cruise. Once the ship left the dock, the legal drinking age was eighteen. That’s not to say we knew what we were doing when, after we got dressed up for the first night on the boat, someone suggested we drink amaretto sours. Amaretto sours are for sipping, for having one, maybe two, cocktails. We probably had many more than two that night and they were probably made from some kind of mix. Years later, when John said he was making amaretto sours, I winced. Thankfully, his proper amaretto sour has restored the reputation of this drink for me, and I have been able to appreciate it at an appropriate sipping pace.”
INGREDIENTS
DIRECTIONS
For the Cocktail . Ice . 1 ounce amaretto . 1 ounce whiskey . 1 ounce lemon juice . 1 ounce half-sweet simple syrup . 1 ounce soda water . Fancy cherries for garnish
To make the half-sweet simple syrup: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the sugar and water. Bring the mixture to a low boil. Stir until the sugar dissolves. Turn off the heat and let it cool completely. Store leftover syrup in a glass jar in the refrigerator for up to three weeks.
For the Half-Sweet Simple Syrup . 1/2 cup sugar . 1 cup water
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Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add the amaretto, whiskey, lemon juice, and half-sweet simple syrup. Put the lid on the shaker and shake for 30 seconds, until the ingredients are chilled.
Pour the cocktail into an ice-filled glass, straining it with the shaker. Add the soda water, stir, and garnish with a fancy cherry.
Feel Good Foodie
Founded out of a love of her mother’s homemade Lebanese classics and a desire to learn to cook, Yumna Jawad created Feel Good Foodie. Jawad teaches you not just how to cook, but also how to make wholesome, organic, and clean meals that are the secret to feeding your family well. Her smashed potatoes with rosemary and garlic are the perfect addition to any holiday meal! FeelGoodFoodie.net; Instagram: @feelgoodfoodie
Rosemary-Garlic Smashed Potatoes Yields 4 to 6 servings
“These rosemary-garlic smashed potatoes are soft on the inside and crispy on the outside with a burst of rosemary-garlicky flavor,” Jawad says. “They are so easy to make and packed full of flavor. Perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter but easy enough to make as a side dish during the week.”
DIRECTIONS
INGREDIENTS . . . . . . .
1 pound baby Yukon Gold potatoes (about 12–16) 3 tablespoons olive oil 2 garlic cloves, minced 2 teaspoons fresh chopped rosemary 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Preheat the oven to 425ºF. In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the potatoes until fork-tender, about 15 to 20 minutes. Drain and allow potatoes to cool slightly. Transfer the potatoes to a large rimmed baking sheet. Use a potato masher or the bottom of a measuring cup or glass to press down on the potatoes to smash them. Drizzle the olive oil on top of the potatoes, add the garlic, rosemary, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper, and toss with your hands to combine. Bake for 15 minutes until the bottoms are golden. Use a spatula to flip them and add more salt, pepper, and olive oil, if desired. Return to the oven for 12 to 15 more minutes or until the potatoes become crispy. Ready to serve!
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Bon appétit!
Hot for Food
Meet Lauren Toyota, a self-taught vegan chef who is hot for food. She is the author of two best-selling cookbooks, Vegan Comfort Classics: 101 Recipes to Feed Your Face and hot for food all day: easy recipes to level up your vegan meals. She is passionate about sharing her love of vegan food with the world, and we can’t wait to get in the kitchen and get cooking with her help! HotforFoodBlog.com; Instagram: @hotforfood 124 | W IN T E R 2 021-2 2
Vegan Ragù Bolognese Yields 4 to 6 servings “Everyone should have a good go-to bolognese recipe in their back pocket, and this is mine,” says Toyota. “A classic ragù bolognese is not a super tomatoey-saucy sauce, as it’s made with ground meat and its juices. I used mushrooms because they’re superior to meat and just as juicy! Sure, there’s usually red wine in the base of the bolognese, but I made the executive decision not to do that—you can also tweak this to your liking. It’s also traditional to use a flat pasta like pappardelle or tagliatelle, and you want to kiss and coat the noodles, not drown them in the sauce!” Hot tip:
You can substitute a tablespoon of vegan Worcestershire for the vegan beef-flavored or mushroom bouillon base.
INGREDIENTS
DIRECTIONS
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In a large food processor, add the onion, carrot, and celery. Pulse blend until finely minced and set aside in a bowl (you should have 2 to 2 1/4 cups of this mixture). Add the mushrooms and zucchini to the processor bowl. Pulse blend until finely minced and nearly a puree, then set aside in another bowl (you should have 4 to 4 1/2 cups of this mixture).
. . . . . . . . . .
1 white onion, peeled and coarsely chopped 2 carrots, coarsely chopped 1 celery stalk, coarsely chopped 1 pound cremini/baby bella mushrooms 2 zucchini, peeled and coarsely chopped 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 tablespoon minced garlic (2 or 3 large cloves) 1 teaspoon sea salt 1/3 cup tomato paste 1 tablespoon vegan beef-flavored bouillon base or mushroom bouillon base or 2 cubes 1/2 cup unsweetened soy or cashew milk 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar 1 package (16-ounce) pappardelle 1 tablespoon vegan butter 1 cup shredded vegan Parmesan, divided Ground black pepper, to taste Finely chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
In a large cast-iron pan or Dutch oven over medium heat, add the olive oil and the onion, carrot, and celery mixture. Sauté for about 5 minutes, until shrunk to about half. Add the garlic and sea salt and cook for another minute. Add the mushroom and zucchini mixture and cook for 15 to 18 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it looks more brown than green or gray, most of the water has been cooked out, and you really can’t distinguish the vegetables. Add the tomato paste and bouillon base and cook for 3 to 5 more minutes, until it starts to caramelize. If you wanted to add a splash of red wine, here’s where you would do it and just cook a little longer. Add the soy or cashew milk and balsamic vinegar and deglaze the pan, scraping up any brown bits at the bottom. Turn the heat down to low and simmer for another 10 minutes or so while your pasta cooks. Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta to al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water and add it along with the vegan butter and 1/2 cup of the shredded vegan Parmesan to the sauce mixture. Stir to combine until the cheese is mostly melted, about 2 minutes, and then use tongs to add the cooked pasta right in the pot of sauce. Use the tongs to coat the pasta properly, 1 to 2 minutes, until heated through and all the Parmesan is melted. Serve the bolognese topped with the remaining vegan Parmesan, black pepper, and parsley.
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Baked Peanut Butter & Jam Oat Bars Yields 16 bars “I don’t want to knock oatmeal—it’s filling and healthy—but I’m not the biggest fan of mushy porridge for breakfast,” Toyota says. “I make it because it’s quick, but with a little planning, you can bake that oatmeal with peanut butter into a bar dolloped with your fave jam—now we’re talking. These are just the right amount of soft and chewy goodness, and they make a great grab-and-go breakfast.” Hot tip:
If you don’t require these to be gluten-free, you can use rolled oats that aren’t specifically labeled as such, and you can substitute 1 1/4 cups of allpurpose flour for the gluten-free and tapioca flours.
INGREDIENTS . . . . . . . . . . .
1 tablespoon golden flax meal 3 tablespoons water 2 cups gluten-free rolled oats (not quick cooking) 1 cup coconut sugar 1/4 cup tapioca flour (can substitute arrowroot flour) 1 tablespoon baking powder 1 teaspoon sea salt 1 cup natural crunchy or smooth peanut butter 3/4 cup nondairy milk 1 tablespoon vanilla extract 1/4 cup favorite jam
DIRECTIONS Preheat the oven to 350ºF. Line an 8-by-8-inch baking pan with parchment paper by cutting two 8-inch-wide strips and crossing them in the pan to create clean edges. Trim the excess overhang, if needed. Combine the flax meal and water and set aside to thicken, 5 to 10 minutes.
until fully combined. Spread the mixture evenly in the baking pan all the way to the edges. Take a dough cutter or knife and lightly score or mark every 2 inches across in each direction, creating the indented lines for 16 square bars. Do not cut through the pan of oat bars at this stage.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, allpurpose flour, coconut sugar, tapioca flour, baking powder, and sea salt. In a large liquid measuring cup or another mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter, nondairy milk, and vanilla with the thickened flax meal mixture; stir until smooth. Add this to the mixing bowl of dry ingredients and fold together
Dollop about 1/2 teaspoon of jam on top of each square and gently press it into the top of each bar with the back of the teaspoon. Bake for 25 minutes, until the edges are golden brown and the bars look soft and raised. Cool in the baking pan on a wire rack for 20 minutes before lifting out by the parchment paper edges and placing onto the wire rack. Slice bars where you made the scores. Cool completely before storing leftovers in the fridge. You can warm slightly in the microwave for 30 seconds before eating. Consume within 7 days.
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Squash Ragù Yields 4 to 6 servings
INGREDIENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3 honeynut squash or small pumpkins 6 ounces bacon, ground (optional) 1 shallot, peeled 6 cloves garlic, peeled 1 sprig sage 1 sprig rosemary 1 sprig thyme 8–16 ounces squash stock 1 small carrot, peeled 4 tablespoons olive oil 8 tablespoons unsalted butter 1 cup whole milk Salt White pepper Nutmeg
DIRECTIONS Begin cooking ground bacon over medium heat with 2 tablespoons of water until rendered and almost crispy. Place peeled shallots, garlic, and oil in the food processor and pulse until finely chopped, stopping to scrape down the sides as needed. Place into a wide heavy-bottom pot or pan and cook over medium-low heat until soft and translucent.
Chef Jo e Sasto
Winning the top prize at Aspen’s Food & Wine Classic and competing on Chopped and Top Chef are just a few of this chef ’s accolades. Chef Joe Sasto is a well-seasoned cook who is passionate about pasta. He has been teaching virtual pasta lessons during the pandemic via livestreams, and we can’t wait to test out his squash ragù! JoeSasto.com; Instagram: @chef.joe.sasto
Peel squash and halve. Remove the seeds and innards (use these for stock). Cube the carrot and squash and pulse in a food processor until coarsely chopped. Add squash mixture and butter to the pan. Season with salt and pepper. Cook the squash for 3–5 minutes. Add milk and aromatics tied in a bundle. Once the milk is reduced by half, cover with stock and continue to simmer until squash is tender but not mushy. Lower the heat, and season with freshly grated nutmeg. Remove the aromatic herbs, and taste one last time for seasoning.
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Bon appétit!
The
Beautiful Life of Bread
ave you ever done something unexpected but necessary, causing gradual and imperceptible changes over time? They’re so subtle that, all of a sudden, you see yourself operating differently. It’s a breeze blowing through your brain to reveal another self, one with skills and energy that didn’t exist before. If this sounds familiar, maybe you discovered your superpower.
That’s how mine emerged—slowly, over time— when I became an illegal baker thirty-five years ago. I didn’t know there was such a thing as a superpower, except in relation to Superman himself. That I might have one was inconceivable to me. I baked because I needed money to pay for my four children’s haircuts and clothes, electricity too. Out of desperation came golden discoveries. The 1980s was the era before the dawning of artisanal bakeries. Before I began, the only bread worth eating on Hilton Head was pastry from a tiny French shop. I went there every day at 11:00 a.m. 128 | W IN T E R 2 021-2 2
B Y
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to consume two croissants for extra energy so that I could nurse my ravenous twins—carbs for each of them. During its first year, my bakery only brought in $1,500, which barely covered any expenses, but I discovered the more meaningful result decades later. In those early days, my bakery was tiny and hidden. My oven churned out handmade specialty breads: sourdough, rye, challah, English muffins, peppery almond biscotti. But these were illegal. In South Carolina (“Too small for a republic, but too large for an insane asylum,” according to James Louis Petigru in 1860), some things will never make sense. Using a home kitchen for a commercial enterprise happens to be criminal activity.
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perating under the radar and minding my own business, I used my hands to craft loaves from flour, water, and salt. The bread was rustic, porous, tangy, with a chewy bite and crust. In other words, not Wonder Bread, not Pepperidge Farm bread. This was another texture and taste entirely. A chunk dipped in olive oil and sprinkled with sea salt was a different type of snack in the 1980s. Like little stealth bombers, the loaves flew into homes throughout the community. A hippieish former Montessori teacher hosted a weekly pop-up lunch restaurant in her kitchen, thirty years before pop-up meant what it means today. She served my bread, and word spread through the grapevine. One man told her, “I am in love with the woman who makes this bread. But who is she?” I barely knew myself!
ripeness. In the winter, I replaced avocados for something soul-satisfying, which is a pan full of sautéed mushrooms with a bit of heavy cream and fresh thyme, poured over crisp, thick slices of sourdough. They make a terrific base for oyster stew, too. In the beginning, my poor children suffered. Their school lunches may have been delicious and nutritious, in my opinion, but were useless to trade for what they really wanted—the sugary snacks in their friends’ lunch boxes. No one wanted their sandwiches. My children were stuck, their hunger forcing them to eat what I made. Over time, we all changed. The change in them, even happening today, is that their tastes evolved. I credit my bakery.
These days, I construct bread puddings for people who usually turn their noses up (“Carbs? Yuck!”), just like my children did with school lunches. One forkful of The bread connected me to my community. The bread fed my family. The bread the savory, puffy pudding converts them. They taste it and feel that, at least for gave me an appreciation of those who labor by hand for long hours before the crack the moment, everything is going to be OK. I prefer cutof dawn. I reveled in what bakers do: rising early, my hands ting bread pudding into slices instead of cubes because it gaining strength from kneading, my fingers forcing the resembles lasagna, one of the wonders of the world—at dough to succumb until it gave up. I loved the toughness, least my world. The savory sliced bread pudding and lasathe stickiness, and the transition as dough turned smooth, THE BREAD gna are cousins; they both answer the weighty question supple, and elastic, ready to bloom into what it is meant to CONNECTED ME asked the world over every single day—What’s for dinner be—the grain of life. TO MY COMMUNITY. tonight?—in a most gratifying way. THE BREAD FED Dedicated, disciplined, instinctual bakers make bread that Here’s a note from one of many converts I have taught through stops the eater in their tracks. The three-ingredient loaf has MY FAMILY. THE the Charleston Academy of Domestic Pursuits: “You boldly, a powerful presence. All you have to do is take one look BREAD GA VE ME AN positively, and unapologetically promote the need, values, and one bite, and you will be completely focused for at APPRECIATION OF deliciousness, comfort, and happiness-boosting/pandemicleast a few moments. That accomplishment is what makes a isolation-busting/soul-satisfying properties of hand making baker an artist. To me, contemporary art, even though the THOSE WHO LABOR and consuming carbs. You’re a much-needed champion, a dictionary doesn’t say so, is effervescent, bringing joy and BY HAND FOR LONG renegade even, spreading the gospel of carbs—the flip side of pleasure. It’s art worth celebrating. HOURS BEFORE THE those misguided folks who insist we eschew carbs.” CRACK OF DAWN. Back to the tiny illegal bakery. Besides crumbs of income Those four adult children of mine—that tribe who could and developing new skills, I learned how to use my crumbs, never trade one of their sandwiches—why, they eat better cubes, slices, and loaves to communicate. The grain became a than me now! While I indulge in sugar pecan sticky buns on a weekend morning, tool for connecting on a deeper level with my community. The first loaf went immecream scones for tea, and homemade chips with a cocktail later in the day, they stick diately into my stomach before it cooled down. The rest of the loaves sold, but I always with the healthy artisan breads. It wasn’t all for nothing, that hard work long ago! stashed a few away to feed my family. From these loaves, I learned my tricks. One was crumbling the bread and using those bits, crisped up, to sprinkle on soup, fish fillets, macaroni and cheese, or sautéed vegetables or as part of the filling for meatballs. Who imagined something so tiny could make taste buds rise to attention? I cut large cubes and fried them in hot olive oil that reached one-third of the cube’s height, turning each side until golden brown and crunchy. The insides were still soft. Make a salad with these croutons, and people talk for years. They’re addictive—a reason to eat salads. The bread connected a baker to the consumer’s gut memory. Thicker slices fried on both sides in hot olive oil, transferred to a paper towel so just a tiny bit of oil is drained, then covered with sliced, perfectly ripe avocado halves and sprinkled with flaky salt—well, that was magic—and decades before there was such a thing as avocado toast! The key is using an avocado during the exact hour of its 130 | W IN T E R 2 021-2 2
The bread fed my soul, fed my friends, and, looking back, gave me a little legacy that I am proud of. We each have our own gifts. What surprising journey led you to your superpower?
Suzanne Pollak, a mentor and lecturer in the fields of home, hearth, and hospitality, is the founder and dean of the Charleston Academy of Domestic Pursuits. She is the coauthor of Entertaining for Dummies, The Pat Conroy Cookbook, and The Charleston Academy of Domestic Pursuits: A Handbook of Etiquette with Recipes. Born into a diplomatic family, Pollak was raised in Africa, where her parents hosted multiple parties every week. Her South Carolina homes have been featured in the Wall Street Journal Mansion section and Town & Country magazine. Visit CharlestonAcademy.com or contact her at Suzanne@CharlestonAcademy.com to learn more.
CO OK Cocktails Cuisine Culture
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Formerly the Boca Raton Resort & Club, The Boca Raton recently announced its elaborate plan to become an independent resort once again. The Boca Raton will undergo a $175 million renovation with bespoke enhancements, dynamic culinary concepts, exceptional accommodations, and more. Set to unveil this winter season, the evolution will introduce what it calls “A New Golden Era,” meant to pay homage to the resort’s renowned past and solidify The Boca Raton as one of the world’s superior luxury resorts and private clubs. Visit TheBocaRaton.com to learn more or book your luxurious escape. Photo courtesy of The Boca Raton V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 133
Explore a Little More This Winter S to r y c o u r te s y of Wa l to n C o u n t y To u r i s m
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e all know that South Walton is custom-made for summer leisure, but when winter arrives, these 16 unique beach neighborhoods always roll out a warm welcome. With such a festive array of activities to choose from, even seasoned locals can use a few tips on where to find the fun.
It helps when you’re already several steps removed from all the hustle and bustle of a typical holiday season. The sugar-white sand here serves as a sort of buffer from the “outside world”—creating a relaxed vibe that will carry you through your exploration. So, while you’re easing into the holidays, why not start with some pampering at one of the many local spas? Located in The Pearl Hotel, Spa Pearl provides a full spectrum of services, such as massage therapy, body scrubs, and facials. And Serenity by the Sea Spa at Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa has been named on several lists of top spa experiences, with exclusive areas for both men and women. Just decompress and lose the stress! Now you’re ready to get into the holiday spirit, and few activities capture that magic like ice skating. Baytowne On Ice in Sandestin is a great place to lace up and glide along to the music. The rink opens just before Halloween and offers varied daily hours through early February. Also, keep in mind that The Village of Baytowne Wharf hosts a fun New Year’s Eve countdown with live music and fireworks.
And what would the holidays be without a little shopping? From colorful local boutiques to Silver Sands Premium Outlets in Miramar Beach, there are countless places to find a few last-minute gifts or just treat yourself. Tucked into the entrance of Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, The Market Shops offer a bit of everything—from clothing and jewelry to donuts and, yes, coffee! Over in Seaside, The Shops of Ruskin consist of a beautiful park surrounded by galleries and boutiques owned by artists from around the region. It’s a great opportunity to gift a one-of-a-kind treasure from this area. Be sure to explore beyond the beach as the city of DeFuniak Springs celebrates its annual Mistletoe Market. Each Saturday in December, a wide variety of vendors gathers on Baldwin Avenue between 7th and 8th Streets—offering hand-crafted gifts, unique finds, and tasty treats. Pick up a few special presents or simply enjoy a little people watching and browsing. Nearby in Freeport, the annual Christmas parade takes place on December 4th. Coinciding with their official tree lighting ceremony, all the colorful pageantry will surely warm you into the holiday spirit. To witness some classic Christmas flair, take a stroll through Seaside to check out the iconic Seaside Post Office adorned in cascading natural garlands, festive ornaments, and bows. Dozens of palm trees wrapped in lights surround a grand tree at the Seaside Amphitheater, and the Coleman Beach Pavilion is illuminated by over 4,500 white lights!
“ All around, this season that creates memories always has room for brand new ones.”
I
f you can't get enough large-scale holiday lighting, then you won't have to wander far. Walking along the classic, brick-lined 30Avenue in Inlet Beach, you’ll find lights adorning the large palm trees, as well as oversized wooden characters from The Nutcracker. Over in Rosemary Beach, the festively lit live oaks circling Barrett Square provide a perfect frame for the huge Douglas Fir Christmas tree that is the centerpiece.
True to its name, Christmas Reflections turns Lake DeFuniak at Chipley Park into a shimmering mirror of holiday illumination that complements the charming Victorian homes surrounding it. More than 10 million lights are part of the breathtaking display—truly a must-see. There are also thousands of decorations adding to the scene of this ongoing event. And Santa has a fun workshop to keep kids of all ages entertained. Nearby, the historic downtown of DeFuniak Springs is filled with local shops and restaurants. Stroll along these quaint streets, popping in and out of a few boutiques before treating yourself to an incredible meal. Before, during, and after your exploration, you can always count on some truly sensational cuisine. If a Christmas celebration is what you're looking for, restaurants like Havana Beach Bar & Grill in Rosemary Beach go all out, offering a traditional festive dinner and kids' events like cookie decorating with Santa. When it’s time to ring in 2022, look no further than Fish Out of Water (FOOW) at WaterColor Inn & Resort. They host a multi-course dinner with chef features, champagne, and great live music—not to mention a photo booth for documenting the occasion. Another memorable meal to consider for New Year's Eve is the annual dinner at George’s in Alys Beach. This charming cottage restaurant creates an intimate setting with coastal cuisine from the “Behave” or “Misbehave” sides of their menu (depending on how early you’re starting your resolution). All around, this season that creates memories always has room for brand new ones. If you haven’t already, you’ll soon discover why the warm winter in Walton County is the ideal time to plant the seeds of a new holiday tradition that you and your loved ones can celebrate for years to come.
5 5T H A N N UA L CO U N T RY M U S I C A S S O C I AT I O N AWA R DS The 55th Annual Country Music Association Awards were held in Music City on November 10, 2021, at the Bridgestone Arena. Luke Bryan hosted the ceremony as the genre’s biggest stars gathered to celebrate each other, enjoy some of the first big live performances since pandemic regulations began, and enjoy a beautiful evening in Nashville. Luke Combs took home Entertainer of the Year. Other big winners included Chris Stapleton, Carly Pearce, Old Dominion, Brothers Osbourne, Jimmie Allen, Jenee Fleenor, and Kelsea Ballerini and Kenny Chesney for their “Half of My Hometown” music video and event. Photography courtesy of Country Music Association
Gabby Barrett performs 136 | W IN T E R 2 021-2 2
Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban
Miranda Lambert
Thomas Rhett
Jimmie Allen and Alexis Gale
Carrie Underwood and Jason Aldean
Brian Kelley and Tyler Hubbard – Florida Georgia Line
??
Jennifer Hudson
Brittney Spencer, Mickey Guyton, and Madeline Edwards
Morgane and Chris Stapleton
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La scène
Debbie Taylor, Diane Naylor, and Christi Sheffield 138 | W IN T E R 2 021-2 2
Diane Naylor with her mother, Betty
Even a few four-legged friends came out to enjoy the evening!
Larry and Debbie Taylor with Christi and Cliff Sheffield
T H E B LU E G I R A F F E G A L L E RY N I G H T F E AT U R I N G D I A N E N AY LO R
Artist Diane Naylor
The Blue Giraffe in Inlet Beach, Florida, hosted a lovely Gallery Night featuring artist Diane Naylor on Thursday, November 11, 2021. Community members came to meet the artist and see her new collection while enjoying light bites and bubbly. Naylor exhibits her artwork in galleries and museums throughout the Midwest and abroad. Her paintings are exclusively available at The Blue Giraffe in South Walton, and shoppers got the first glimpse of her new series, God’s View, during the Gallery Night. The series combines oils and resin and is inspired by Naylor’s passion for 30-A’s beaches. Photos by Amanda Suanne Photography
Visit The Blue Giraffe at 13123 East Emerald Coast Parkway, Suite E, in Inlet Beach, Florida.
Locals and visitors joined The Blue Giraffe to celebrate Naylor’s art and enjoy good company, champagne, and shopping.
V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 139
The Last Word
Solution on next page
HOLIDAY CHEER BY MYLES MELLOR
ACROSS
DOWN
1 4 9 10 11 13 14 16 19 20 23 24 27 29 30 32 33 35 36 37
1 2 3 5 6 7 8 12 15 17 18 19 21 22 25 26 27 28 31 33 34
Reindeer transport Christmas songs The saint also known as Santa Claus Stone used for chess sets Neighbor of Fla. “White Christmas” coat Yuletide, for short Final Potato, in slang “____ Night,” traditional Christmas carol Male turkey Orange tuber Popular Christmas dinner entrée (2 words) Winter sport equipment “All Over the World” band (abbr.) Jewish November-December celebration The good kids on Santa’s list Apple computer Gifts Take the skin off an orange
Christmas present bringer Enthrall What Rudolph’s nose does Morning time (abbr.) Tree decorations Number of geese a-laying, in the Christmas song Enjoys the taste of Actress Michele of Glee Canonized person, for short Winter month (abbr.) Flower Place to buy presents for the kids (2 words) Little one Music genre for Joan Baez Letters before an alias ____ pie—traditional English Christmas dessert Tea variety Browned breakfast bread It rings on the sleigh Quick doze Add a sweet topping to the cake
V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 141
The Last Word Puzzle on previous page
“
Maybe Christmas doesn’t come from a store. Maybe Christmas . . . perhaps . . . means a little bit more! —How the Grinch Stole Christmas
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A skilled photographer can create a story that is difficult to put into words. Legendary fashion photographer Norman Parkinson’s photos are perpetually modern and speak an elegant language of their own. Pictured here is Pilar Crespi on the beaches of Trincomalee in Sri Lanka, as seen in Town & Country in March 1980. Stay tuned for more legendary photographers coming soon in VIE VIE’s ’s special edition hundredth issue!
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There’s no place like home for the holidays. Corcoran Reverie has your home in Northwest Florida.
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C O RCO RAN REVERIE. CO M Artwork by Jenna Varney, South Walton’s 2019 Artist of the Year, commisioned by the owner and broker of Corcoran Reverie, featuring a custom-built home by RW Lowe Architecture in South Walton’s premier boutique neighborhood, Grace Point, nestled between The Hub and Watersound Beach on 30A. ©2021 Corcoran Group LLC. All rights reserved. Corcoran® and the Corcoran Logo are registered service marks owned by Corcoran Group LLC. Corcoran Group LLC fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Each franchise is independently owned and operated.