VIE - People + Places / Fall 2009

NORTHWEST FLORIDA – COLA 2 COLA

COMPLIMENTARY FALL 2009

The Art of Life A Life of its Own All-American Rejects perform for the Taylor Haugen Foundation

Perspectives An Original "Coca-Cola Girl" Tells Her Story in Apalachicola

Giving One Love Gives Big The Wailers– Bob Marley's Legendary Band

Plus Eric Shepard's Form + Function WaterColor MountainFilm Festival Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation

MARKETING REVOLUTION E - M A R K E T I N G E X P LO S I O N

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Happiness.

The Resort Collection boasts more than 1,000 full-service gulf-front suites and golf villas, 90,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor meeting space, the world’s most beautiful beaches, an on-site spa, award-winning fine dining at Firefly, 6 Plexicushion tennis courts, an outdoor basketball court, batting cages, 21 luxurious pools, and offer an executive 9-hole golf course and 27 holes of championship golf at the Hombre Golf Club on Northwest Florida’s Gulf Coast.

Toll Free: 866.203.1164 www.resortspcbeach.com

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BUD & ALLEY’S

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Illustration by Izak Zenou represented by trafficnyc.com

SHOPPING • DINING • ENTERTAINMENT • OFFICE

Bass Pro Shops • Belk • Rave Motion Pictures Abercrombie & Fitch • American Eagle Outfitters • Ann Taylor Loft • Banana Republic • bebe • Bluepoint Fish Club Books A Million • Brighton Collectibles • Buckle • Build-A-Bear Workshop • Caché • Carlyle & Co. • Chico’s Francesca’s Collections • Fresh Produce • Godiva Chocolatier • Hard Rock Cafe • Hollister Co. • Lucky Brand Jeans Maui Nix Surf Shop • Michael Stars • RedBrick Pizza • Soma Intimates • Starbucks Coffee • Talbots • Talbots Petites Victoria’s Secret • White House|Black Market • Williams-Sonoma • The Zoo Gallery New Stores

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80 STORES | 8 RESTAURANTS | 14-SCREEN THEATER | POP-JET FOUNTAINS | CHILDREN’S PLAYGROUND CORNER OF MID-BAY BRIDGE & HWY 98, DESTIN | 850.337.8700 | DESTINCOMMONS.COM VIE - Fall 2009

European Elegance

UNIQUE FURNISHINGS AND DECOR FABERGÉ SWAROVSKI LALIQUE BACCARAT MURANO VERSACE ROSENTHAL MEISSEN DRESDEN LIMOGES

Custom Draperies

Custom Bedding

Queen Ann, Louis XV, Art Deco, French Marble, Hand Carved Jade, French Artwork, Bohemian Crystal, Chinese Crystal, Japanese Ivory, Bronze Sculptures, Antique & Semi Antique Persian Rugs, Crystal Chandeliers by Murano, Baccarat, Swarovski, Schonbek

4222 LEGENDARY DRIVE / DESTIN, FLORIDA 32541 / 850.837.3021 VIE - Fall 2009 DESTIN / PALM BEACH / NEW YORK

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age-old adage goes, and using e-marketing effectively takes both time and money. In our feature story, “Marketing Revolution,” V.P. of Creative Services, Bob Brown, expounds on the intricacies of this new practice of conducting business in a thoughtful and purposeful way, in hopes of shedding some light on how to help your business.

FACEBOOK CONTEST This brings us to VIE’s cover girl for this issue, Jessie Shepard. As VIE’s primary photographer, we have known Jessie in a business setting that has taken us to New York, Atlanta, North Carolina, and lots of places in between COLA 2 COLA (Pensacola to Apalachicola). During our travels, we have enjoyed our conversations, we have met her delightful children, and of course, collaborated on assignments. However, it wasn’t until we became friends on Facebook last month that we noticed some self-portraits that she’d taken. We saw a different side of her personality and a different genre of her photography skills. We were intrigued by one photo in particular; the one on this cover. This led us to consider holding a contest—a contest that anyone can enter by becoming a “fan” of our VIE Facebook. Participants can access our Facebook by visiting www.VIEzine.com. New and current fans are eligible. We’re asking you to send in photos (it doesn’t matter if they’re of you or not) and we’ll publish you and your work in our Fall 2010 issue as we announce our VIE Facebook Photography winner.

Photo by Jessie Shepard

Publisher & Editor Review CHANGE HAPPENS Social marketing’s meteoric appearance smack-dab in the middle of the business scene has forever changed the way business is being done.

Blogs, Twitter, Facebook, Linkedin, MySpace, and a host of other emerging online networks that were exclusively for Gen X are now commonplace tools in business today. When Gen X grew up and entered the workplace, they (and then Gen Y and Gen Z) brought their social world with them. As they joined the workforce and began careers in areas such as retail, banking, engineering, restaurants, television, advertising, and Wall Street, to name a few, their social form of communication was parlayed into the business arena. What websites and e-mail once were to businesses ten years ago, e-marketing is to business today. Implementing technology into business isn’t the phenomenon here, but rather, the phenomenon is that now, anyone with a computer can play “novice marketer.”

RULES OF ENGAGEMENT The difference in marketing today is that, although it used to be clear how a business could increase its revenue and enhance its image by creating a website and other marketing tools with tangible results, it is not entirely clear how Facebook or Twitter can also benefit a business. Most businesses need to hire a trained specialist to design a website or magazine ad, but no one needs to hire a consultant to be Linkedin. Establishing a Facebook page or blog for your business is enticing, exciting—and easy.

However, managing the daily content and crafting a meaningful message that will help grow your business can be difficult. “Time is money,” as the 8

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VIE: GETTING BETTER WITH AGE With our one-year anniversary behind us and the popularity of VIE continuing to grow, we are expanding our tools to improve the experience for you, our reader. The new VIE website is expected to be completed by the end of September, so remember to check it out—it will be dressed up with somewhere great to go. Thanks to Bob Brown, the online magazine, blog, VIEtv, and, yes, Facebook and Twitter, will all be wrapped into one great looking and exciting package that will keep you coming back for more. Stay tuned!

–Lisa & Gerald Burwell Life is a gift…celebrate to the finish line.

The French word “vie,” which means “life” or “way of living,” sums up our inspiration for this magazine. We love showcasing the unique way of life in our coastal haven of beauty, and, in that spirit, we have asked each of the people who make VIE happen to share some of their thoughts on life. See their quotes and photos on pages 10 and 11.

Published by:

(850) 231-3087 114 Logan Lane, Suite 4 | Grayton Beach, FL 32459 www.theideaboutique.com Contact us at info@theideaboutique.com

For more information, please visit:

w w w. v i e z i n e . c o m

In this issue:

63

45

80

26

18

42

24

98

VIEcation Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa 12

Great Southern School of Fish 68 The Oyster is Our World 72

Letters to the Editor 13–14

The Art of Life WaterColor MountainFilm Festival 75 Michael McCarty: Rock ’n’ Roll Iconic Artist Gets New Rhythm 80 A Life of Its Own 86

People + Places ArtsQuest 110 Arriaga’s Originals 110 Digital Graffiti 119 Studio b 119 Feature E-Marketing 18 The Written Word The Last Best Hope 24 Giving “One Love” Gives BIG 26 Charity Begins at Home 35 Form + Function Charles and Marie 42 New Beginnings Splendor on the Gulf 45 Get Out Hallowed Ground: Playing from the “Tips” 56 For the Love of Food Chef Antonio Pasulo 63

Through the Eyes of a Child I Can Make a Difference 93 Perspectives Coca-Cola Girl Enjoys the Sweet Life in Apalachicola 98 Artistic Expression Abounds 104 A Sense of Place Preserving the Natural Wonders of South Walton 112 The Blessing of a City 117 Through the Lens Bali 120 Get Healthy The Health Nut: Anti-Aging 126 The Voyager Santorini: The Most Seductive of the Greek Isles 130 Local Spotlight A New Beginning 136 Improving with Age 139 Age Becomes Her 145 VIE - Fall 2009

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VIE Creative Team:

Bob Brown VP of Creative Services

"Live every day of your life."

Lisa Comeau VP of Account Services

"Life is full of unexpected blessings."

Crystal Hamon Writer

"Life is a collection of stories."

Lisa Ferrick Social Correspondent

"Life is a verb. Indulge in it everyday."

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Photos by Jessie Shepard / www.jessieshepard.com

Tim Dutrow Video Producer

"Life is diverse; absorb it."

Eric Shepard Creative Director

"Finishing is probably the most..."

Mary Jane Kirby Account Executive

"Always enjoy the ride on the way to your destination."

Jim Ryan Account Executive

"Life is about making a difference for someone else."

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VIECATION Giveaway

Register by October 23, 2009 to Win One of These Great Prizes!

VIECATION.COM

Grand Prize

A three-day/two-night stay for two in a Beachview Deluxe Junior Suite at the Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa, and a $100 gift card to use at any of the hotel’s outlets.*

Second Prize

Executive Chef Bruce McAdoo’s Wine Tasting and Food Pairing for six at Seagar’s Prime Steaks & Seafood Restaurant.*

Sponsored By

Winners of the Summer Issue VIEcation Giveaway 1st Prize - Sam Wuu of Philadelphia, PA 2nd Prize - Tammi Lau of Lynn Haven, FL 3rd Prize - Schele Hayes of Fort Walton Beach, FL 12

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Third Prize

A Harmony Package from Serenity By The Sea at the Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa, which includes a 30-minute Marine Refresher Facial, a 30-minute Serenity Massage, and a regular manicure.* Entry Information

You must be 25 or older. Only one entry per person. Winner need not be present to win. This prize is guaranteed to be awarded and is subject to availability. No VIE - People + Places and/or Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa employee or employee’s immediate family member is eligible to win. The winner will be drawn on October 26, 2009. No substitutions for prizes. Prizes are nontransferable and nonrefundable. Contest is open only to residents of the United States. Void where prohibited by law. No purchase necessary to enter. Neither VIE - People + Places and/or Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa nor any of its agencies, employees or affiliates are liable for any property damage, personal injury, or death occurring during or in connection with this program.* Prizes are valid until December 30, 2010.

Reservations are based on availability. Not valid over holidays and blackout dates will apply. Restrictions may apply to each individual prize.

Names and addresses from contest entries will be added to the database of VIE - People + Places and Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa and may be used for future marketing announcements/ promotions via U.S. Postal Service or e-mail. We respect personal privacy; any information provided on this form will be held in the strictest confidence and will be used for no other reason than stated on this form. If you do not wish to be added to our list, please indicate in the appropriate place on the entry.

L ET T ER S

THE

With each and every issue we publish, we receive many amazing and supportive comments about VIE from readers across our region and even other parts of the country.

Unfortunately, we only have so much space to showcase a select few. Thanks to all who have taken time to let us know how much you have been enjoying VIE. Here are just a few of some of the great things people are saying.

Wow—thanks for this amazing piece [Virginia Willis article]. Thanks so much!

Virginia Willis I wanted to let you know that I just finished reading the Mother’s Day issue of VIE, and I am in awe of your team’s accomplishment. It is one of the most beautifully written and styled publications I’ve seen.

I absolutely love your magazine!

Stacy Pritchett

The article [Corrie ten Boom] was great! It was a very personal and moving article.

Beyond the article, I was extremely impressed with VIE magazine. It is an amazing publication. The articles and writers are top drawer.

Ann Hawryluk, Zionsville, IN

As a former regional publisher for over 17 years, I was so thrilled to see your magazine launch last year. The quality and style are right on and I would love to be part of what you do in representing Pensacola, its people, places and vibe.

Liz Burchell

The article on Corrie ten Boom is excellent—outstanding. I am going to pass around my copy of VIE magazine.

Janet, Niceville, FL

Once again, the amazing staff at VIE has blown me away with thoughtful writing and beautiful pictures [Virginia Willis article]. Seriously, ya’ll truly captured the spirit of this wonderful weekend! As I read the story, it made me feel PROUD. Thank you so very, very much for sharing it with your readers. We are so fortunate to have such a quality publication as yours in our area!

Kathy Kemp

Thank you so much for the privilege of writing an article on Corrie ten Boom and her local hostess, Fran Ewing, in your spring issue of VIE. I have received many comments both locally and from other cities. Your magazine is an encouragement to our area. Keep up the good work.

Quin Sherrer Your VIE magazine is terrific, fresh and chock full of great stories.

And, of course, the design is splendid!

Lori Ceier I am not often overwhelmed, but the most inclusive descriptor I can summon for your beautiful publication is “Wow!” It is beautifully put together, with tasteful artwork, thoughtful photography, and many instances of really nicely proportioned layout. As a former professional journal editor, I paid close attention to the editing and stylistic influences. I liked the meaty flavor of the copy and resistance to the flowery prose that seeps into high-end publications. Classy stuff like this will be instrumental in boosting the Gulf Coast up out of our doldrums. Nice work.

David R. I have to applaud you and your creative team on VIE magazine! What an impressive publication for our community—great articles! Again, congratulations on VIE! Marcia Hull Thank you so much for the new magazine! I am sooo excited about reading it, and I loved reading the last one! You all have a beautiful and inspiring publication! I bet it is so much fun putting it all together!

Tricia Robinson

The article [FSU Explores the Road Less Traveled] is fantastic! I’m really glad you sent two magazines because everyone has been taking turns reading it. The photos are great and your writing is wonderful. I can’t thank you enough for representing us so well!

Brenda Miller At age 87, having entered the “Sunrise of Old Age,” I take liberties in expressing observations that I have made over many years. In the 33 years I had worked for Bethlehem Steel Corp, I had visited many companies and this is what I have observed. A company takes on the personalities of its employees, from the receptionist, the secretary in the outer office, and to the executive in the inner office. This is what I observed and experienced with my first visit to your office; it was a pleasant awareness that there exists a vibrant enthusiastic freshness in each of you and without a doubt these qualities are revealed in VIE. Forrest Taylor

If you would like to send your comments in, we would love to hear from you. Please direct your entries to info@VIEzine. com, or you can mail them to VIE – People + Places, 114 Logan Lane, Suite 4, Grayton Beach, FL 32459

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VIE is for Voyager!

Cory and Hillary Fosdyk traveled to Italy this past June 27–July 6, and took VIE with them. This photo was taken at a villa in Tuscany outside Pienza. How fun!

You would be proud! I took my VIE magazine to NYC and snapped a picture with it on Perry St., just a few doors down from Carrie's house on Sex and the City.

Thought you would enjoy.

Submitted by Cory J. Fosdyck, Financial Advisor Merrill Lynch - The Krueger Group - Global Wealth Management

On the Cover:

Jami Anderson, Membership & Marketing Director Santa Rosa Golf & Beach Club

VIE Contributors: Freelance Staff:

Contributing Photographers:

Margaret Stevenson

Brandan Babineaux Clint Brown Kim Duke-Layden Michael Granberry Hayley Green Kurt Lischka Jake Meyer Philippe Miceli Rhonda Schaefer Ginger Sinton Amanda Suanne

Copy Editor

Michelle Smith Ad Design Jessie Shepard Photography Romona Robbins Photography

Contributing Writers: “Mystique”– This captivating and dramatic self-portrait of Jessie Shepard graces the cover. Her piercing blue eyes recently caught our attention on Facebook and we’re glad to have found this jewel of a photo.

Photo by Jessie Shepard with assistance from Mandy Wood.

Facebook Contest on page 23 14

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Jamie Anderson Sallie Boyles Jordan Breed Bob Brown Stefanie Carpenter Matthew Christ Nellie DeBruyn Kim Duke-Layden Sidney Freeman

Crystal Hamon Hunter Harmon Christy Kearney Phillip McDonald Andy Meinen Clark Peters Jim Pettegrew Tori Phelps Dave Rauschkolb

Beauty is elegance.

captivate yours.

Dr. Steven Weiner is a Johns Hopkins trained, Board Certified Head, Neck, & Facial Plastic Surgeon with 21 years of laser experience, 15 years of BOTOX injecting experience and was the first on the Emerald Coast to use Fraxel re:pair laser treatments. He is a Physician Trainer for BOTOX, Juvederm, and Evolence injecting.

Dr. Weiner is a member of the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery and the American Board of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery. He has received national recognition for success with the Fraxel re:pair CO2 laser treatment.

Captivate your beauty and confidence with the latest in non-invasive procedures.

Redfish Village | Rosemary Beach theclinique.net | 850-622-1214

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COLA COLA Distribution Areas by County:

O

ur stories and distribution cover COLA 2 COLA—Pensacola to Apalachicola. We explore the people and places of our region in

the pages of VIE - People + Places. The magazine is found in all the Tourist Development Council Centers, Chamber of Commerce locations, Sundog Books in Seaside, Florida, boutiques, restaurants, bed & breakfast locations, special events and much more!

We are excited you have picked up a copy of VIE and hope you enjoy

exploring the people and places of our coveted area. We have a passion for VIE, our area, and the people and businesses found within and hope you will share in the excitement and know that we live in a great place and that, "life is good."

VIE: People + Places is a registered trademark. All contents herein are Copyright Š 2009 Cornerstone Marketing & Advertising, Incorporated (The Publisher). All rights reserved.

No part of this periodical may be reproduced without written permission from The Publisher. VIE: People + Places is a life-style magazine of Northwest Florida (COLA 2 COLA TM) and is published quarterly. 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. The Publisher reserves the right to publish any letter addressed to the editor or The Publisher.

VIE: People + Places is a free publication and shall not be resold. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to CORNERSTONE MARKETING & ADVERTISING, INC., 114 Logan Lane, Suite 4, Grayton Beach, FL 32459; (850) 231-3087.

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VIE - Fall 2009

Here in fall, even the scenery caters to your every whim.

What are you in the mood for?

An enchanting natural sanctuary surrounded by secluded beaches?A picture-book town filled with colorful architecture? Or, perhaps you have a taste for world-class resorts verflowing with luxury? Whatever your idea of heaven may be, you’ll find it at Beaches of South Walton. Tucked along Northwest Florida’s Gulf Coast, this collection of unique seaside communities is as diverse as the people who enjoy them. So are the activities they offer.

The Collection

Leave your worries on shore as you glide across emerald green waters. Spend an afternoon soaking up some local colors in charming boutiques, award- winning restaurants and art galleries. Or simply do nothing at all as sugar- white sand and ocean breezes rejuvenate your very soul.

Either way, planning the perfect day is as simple as making up your mind. Especially in the fall.

As summer’s boisterous fun gives way to milder temperatures, a new air of calm sophistication settles over the area. This is

a season for relaxing. A time for reconnecting with yourself and those who know you best. For enjoying long walks and short drives (not to mention lower, off-season prices) and for appreciating just how accommodating paradise can be. To further explore this kaleidoscope of communities and to find a place that’s made for you, simply visit beachesofsouthwalton.com.

: INLET BEACH • ROSEMARY BEACH • ALYS BEACH • SEACREST • WATERSOUND • SEAGROVE • SEASIDE • WATERCOLOR • GRAYTON • BLUE MOUNTAIN IN • SANTA ROSA • DUNE ALLEN • SANDESTIN SANDESTIN

MIRAMAR • SEASCAPE

b e ac he s of s o u t hwa l t o n.c o m 1- 8 0 0 - 822- 6 877 VIE - Fall 2009

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INTRODUCTION WE HAVE ALL HEARD THAT “INFORMATION IS KNOWLEDGE” AND “KNOWLEDGE IS POWER”; THESE WORDS HAVE NEVER BEEN TRUER THAN IN TODAY’S WORLD OF E-MARKETING. AS VICE PRESIDENT OF CREATIVE SERVICES FOR CORNERSTONE MARKETING & ADVERTISING, INC., ONE OF MY RESPONSIBILITIES IS TO DEVELOP ELECTRONIC MARKETING (E-MARKETING) STRATEGIES FOR OUR CLIENTS. CREATING COMPREHENSIVE PROGRAMS TO MANAGE DATA TO ACHIEVE INCREASED MARKET SHARE IS AT THE FOREFRONT OF MY MIND ON A DAILY BASIS. OUR CLIENTS VARY, FROM THE MOVIE INDUSTRY TO REAL ESTATE SALES, AND EACH REQUIRES A DIFFERENT SOLUTION FOR ATTAINING RESULTS. THOUGH METHODS FOR TAKING ADVANTAGE OF THE INTERNET THROUGH E-MARKETING ARE BECOMING INCREASINGLY SOPHISTICATED AND, IN MANY WAYS, EASIER AND CHEAPER TO USE, THE OLD-SCHOOL MARKETING FUNDAMENTAL OF MESSAGE CRAFTING STILL APPLIES. WITH THIS ARTICLE, I HOPE TO GIVE MORE INSIGHT INTO THE WORLD OF E-MARKETING BY LIFTING THE VEIL OF COMPLEXITY THAT TYPICALLY SURROUNDS THIS RELATIVELY NEW METHOD FOR PROMOTING BUSINESS. I WILL LOOK AT SOME OF THE MOST COMMON FORMS OF E-MARKETING, DISCUSS HOW

These free online services have attracted millions of users and continue to grow.

Businesses have been scrambling to jump on the bandwagon to establish their presence in these online communities or to take advantage of the advertising opportunities that these kinds of services offer.

EACH CAN BENEFIT AN OVERALL MARKETING PLAN, AND OFFER SOME PRACTICAL ADVICE BASED ON MY EXPERIENCE AS A PROFESSIONAL IN THE INDUSTRY.

THE BIG PICTURE E-marketing is the marketing of goods and services over the Internet. Over the past decade, a paradigm shift in company budgets has made e-marketing an integral part of every business marketing plan. This trend is expected to continue as the hands of technology gain a firmer grip on our everyday lives.

For business owners, the plethora of e-marketing solutions can sometimes seem overwhelming. Internet trends come and go so fast that it seems almost impossible to keep up with them. However, by keeping your head about you and practicing good business sense, e-marketing tools can be leveraged to improve the bottom line.

At the core of e-marketing is the practice of collecting and analyzing data. All e-marketing components discussed in this article are capable of producing a wealth of data.

Analyzed correctly, the data have the potential to enlighten a business with knowledge of its customers and their behavior. By better understanding its customers and what they want, a business may develop marketing

strategies that are more targeted, more efficient, and more productive.

Social Networking You’ve probably heard of Facebook and MySpace—possibly even Twitter—the social hubs on the Internet, where people go to stay in touch and interact with one another by sharing stories, photos, games, and, sometimes, intimate details about their lives.

The Front-Door Approach In order to gain access to the large number of users within social networking services, many businesses are now taking advantage of the front-door approach of establishing a presence for a business within the social networks. By utilizing the free tools provided by these services to insert a business profile into the network, businesses can take advantage of the same communication tools that are enjoyed by the very customers they seek. This can be an effective way of communicating with customers directly and to get those same customers interested in the messages being created. For that reason, social networking is becoming a very popular public relations tool.

Did I mention it is free? Creating a profile within most popular social networking services does not cost the user anything.

A business can create a profile within the constructs of the established system; take advantage of the communication tools, storage space, and access to consumers within the network; and potentially generate an online community of interested customers with which it can communicate directly—all for free... or is it?

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E-blasting is one of the most powerful of the e-marketing tools available in that almost every person on the Internet uses e-mail on a daily basis.

While social networking services are bearing the brunt of the overhead by providing all of the tools, those tools are not effective without an investment on the part of the user—an investment of time. While the tools are easy enough to use, it is surprising how much time and energy it takes on a daily basis to generate content, manage feedback, and experiment with methods for growing your audience. While the frequency with which a profile is updated can affect whether users stay or go, if the quality of the message is poor, the frequency won’t matter... users will just remove themselves from that social network.

Be careful not to put all your eggs in one basket, so to speak. Social networking is simply one tool that, if used, should be only a portion of the overall e-marketing strategy.

Before jumping in, a company should develop a strategy of how to incorporate social marketing into its overall marketing plan.

Determining how much time to invest in such a tool really depends on the type of business for which it is used. Some businesses are better suited for taking advantage of social networks than others.

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E-Blasts The e-blast (the practice of sending out scores of e-mails to people’s in-boxes) is not a new enterprise, but it can be quite daunting for the inexperienced. E-blasting is one of the most powerful of the e-marketing tools available in that almost every person on the Internet uses e-mail on a daily basis. Additionally, almost every aspect of the process can be tracked, analyzed, and adapted, making this medium very flexible.

Obviously, to begin an e-blast campaign, one must first have a list of e-mail addresses. Adding an e-mail sign-up form to your website is a great way to start building your e-mail database.

People often join an e-mail list because they enjoy the convenience of having information delivered right to their in-box without having to look for it. If people are willing to provide their e-mail address, it is likely that they will provide more information about themselves. While an e-mail address is all that is required for sending an e-blast, analyzing other demographic details that potential recipients provide can determine what types of e-blasts to create and to whom they should be sent.

Sending e-mails to a small list (under 2,000) from your office can work fine, but the addedvalue tools provided by e-mail services typically makes the extra cost worth it. Services such as Constant Contact, VerticalResponse, Campaign Monitor, and StreamSend provide their clients with online tools and information for making the process of sending bulk e-mail more manageable and more profitable. They have powerful features that allow for the organization of subscribers, automatic removal and tracking of unsubscribers, templates for quickly building e-mails, delivery reports, and much more.

With such sophisticated tools at hand, it becomes more efficient to create targeted messages directed at certain segments of an e-mail database. Targeted messages are likely to be more successful because they allow an e-blast campaign to serve the needs of consumers more effectively by providing them with information that caters (more closely) to their specific interests. As with anything, when it comes to planning an e-blast, there is a right way and a wrong way to do it. The wrong way can create some very negative effects, which

are hard to overcome or reverse.

However, having the know-how and taking care to do it the right way can result in a successful e-mail marketing campaign.

The art of improving upon an e-blast campaign through data analysis is one part experimentation and two parts creativity. Experimenting with the various components of the campaign, such as trying different variations of a subject line, can often yield positive results that will help define a strategy. However, as I mentioned before, crafting a creative and enticing message that engages the recipients is a keystone to any good marketing effort.

Text and Banner Ads Just about everyone reading this has heard of, and probably used, the popular Web search engine called Google. I will use Google as an example for the basis of the next topic—pay-per-click advertising.

When a search is performed on Google, there are two types of results that are provided— organic and text ads. Organic results are the unadulterated search results based on the keyword(s) entered by the user. However, the text ads are part of an advertising program that Google calls AdWords. Google is not the only company with such a program, but it is one of the most well known.

Any business can participate in a pay-perclick program like AdWords, use the tools provided by Google to create and manage ads, and have ads placed alongside the organic search results. Google then keeps track of how many people click on a particular ad, charging a fee for each click. The amount of the fee is based on a bidding system in which advertisers can determine how much they are willing to pay per click in return for being placed in an optimal position on the page and what keyword search results their ads will be

If it sounds complicated, don’t worry, because it is...at first. placed next to. If it sounds complicated, don’t worry, because it is...at first.

Some other advertising programs, like that of Yahoo, have capitalized more effectively on the traditional banner ad. One of the oldest forms of e-marketing, banner ads are a static or animated graphic displayed on a webpage that, when clicked, will take a user to a different webpage. Banner ads are still prevalent throughout the Web, but the ways in which these ads are bought, sold, delivered, and tracked have become a lot more sophisticated.

Advertising on a social network, such as Facebook, is very similar to advertising on Google or Yahoo but with one major difference.

Instead of having ads placed on a page based on keywords or content of the webpage, ads are placed based on specific demographic data that are provided by user profiles within

the social network. The profile data usually contain information such as age, gender, and region to help target ad placement. The more information available in the user profiles, the more targeted the ad placement can be.

As an advertiser, the prospect of precisely targeting advertisements at certain segments of consumers is quite alluring.

The management tools that are provided by these types of online advertising programs are easy to use and very powerful. Potentially, advertisers can refine their advertising messages over time, based on performance, which can be easily gauged using the reporting tools provided. These reports provide a slew of information (data) that will relay detailed statistics about who is viewing and clicking on advertisements. By analyzing this data, the advertiser can track the effectiveness of each ad, which helps in the development of improved messaging when creating future ads.

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Website While some businesses may find that investing heavily in the e-marketing techniques that I just discussed is more suitable for their business model, I will discuss another common strategy involving the website.

In this scenario, the website serves as the hub—sort of a “home base”—where all other e-marketing campaigns are directed.

A website typically serves as the primary location where a consumer can find information and services provided by a company. Other e-marketing components can then be fed into the website by directing their traffic to this centralized source. The benefits of such a strategy are multifaceted.

To begin with, a website has the potential to serve the bulk of your customers’ needs while simultaneously projecting the brand of the business. It should be ever changing and ever improving. It is available twenty-four hours a day and its willingness to serve never tires. In essence, it has the potential to be a 22

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sales team, customer service team, public relations department, research team, and brand evangelist all rolled into one package.

The ability to mold the website over and over again, and to change with the needs of consumers is one aspect that makes the website so valuable. While the other components, such as social networks or e-blasts, are typically constrained by the rules upon which they were designed or are deployed, the website—by comparison— is free to be almost anything and serve almost any purpose. For this reason, it is perfectly suited to serve as the center of the e-marketing sphere.

Ideally, in some form or fashion, all of the components link together and feed into the website; the latest post on Facebook, the e-blast that was deployed that morning, and the banner ads that were served (displayed) will likely all link back to the website. The

website, in-turn, provides a means for consumers to sign-up for e-blasts or join a social network. By utilizing this strategy, consumers will gain the convenience of a one-stop location that they can peruse at their leisure to gain the information they seek about a particular company, product, or service.

As the central component of an e-marketing campaign, and oftentimes an overall marketing campaign, the website plays a critical role in the success of all the other components.

For this reason, it is important to consider just how important an investment in a welldesigned, functional, and flexible website can be. As more and more of our economic activity shifts toward the realm of the Internet, the investment in a quality website may be the most important investment a company can make from a marketing standpoint.

Personally, I have witnessed one of my client’s online sales jump 33 percent practically

overnight (and in the middle of “The Great Recession”) simply by investing in a redesigned website (edgewaterbeachresort. com) that more effectively communicates the products and services offered. This kind of success story may not come true for everyone, but it does demonstrate how powerful this medium can be.

Conclusion Occasionally, the Internet connection at our office will go out, and some of the younger employees will wander the office with confused looks on their faces, as if their ability to accomplish anything has been rendered utterly impossible by the lack of Internet connection. It is times like these that I am reminded just how much the Internet has become an integral part of our lives. The amount of information generated and shared on an hourly basis is utterly phenomenal, compared to the days when the electric typewriter was king, cell phones were the size of a brick, and mail couriers were in high demand.

It is apparent that the Internet’s role in society will continue to become increasingly significant to the way we conduct business; and as it does, new and more sophisticated methods of communication will evolve. The question is, do you learn these new methods of communication and take advantage of the opportunities they bring, or do you ignore them in lieu of more traditional methods? It would be unwise to jump into new e-marketing techniques without understanding how they will benefit your business. It would be just as unwise to ignore their existence without at least taking the time to understand that doing so won’t benefit your business.

If information is knowledge, and knowledge is power, then we are living in the most knowledgeable and powerful time the world has ever seen. Therefore, one question is paramount: how will you take advantage of the information to improve your knowledge and become more powerful?

Helpful Links Social Marketing: www.facebook.com www.twitter.com www.myspace.com Email Marketing: www.streamsend.com www.campaignmonitor.com www.verticalresponse.com www.constantcontact.com Online Advertising: www.google.com/intl/en/ads/ advertising.yahoo.com www.facebook.com/advertising advertise.myspace.com

VIE + Facebook Photography Contest Win Some Face Time in VIE for Showing Us Your Face on Facebook!

WHAT IS IT? A marketing revolution has occurred almost overnight, as evidenced by the 100 million users who have joined Facebook in the past 9 months. As a salute to the ever-growing Facebook business phenomenon, VIE is launching its own Facebook contest. By becoming a fan of VIE's Facebook at www.VIEzine.com, you will automatically be entered into the contest. All current VIE fans are already eligible for the contest.

Photo by Jessie Shepard

WHAT DO I GET? The winning photograph will be showcased in the fall 2010 issue of VIE and on VIEzine.com.

HOW DO I ENTER? Post your photos on our wall at VIE's Facebook; photos of yourself, your friends, your business, places to which you have traveled, and anything and everything in between. VIE's creative team will choose a winner based on artistic merit or on the ability to capture the essence of living in our piece of paradise from COLA 2 COLA - Apalachicola to Pensacola. VIE staff are excluded from winning the contest, but are welcome to share their artistic expressions.

Photo by Romona Robbins

Photo by Romona Robbins

THE RULES. Deadline for all entries is July 1, 2010. The winner will need to provide a hi-res image for print; if hi-res is not available, the next runners-up will be selected.

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THE

WORD Book Signing with Joe Scarborough The Last Best Hope MSNBC’s Morning Joe host, Joe Scarborough, and co-host Mika Brzezinksi appeared at Pensacola’s Barnes & Noble (on Airport Boulevard) on Monday, June 22 at 7 p.m. to do a book signing for Joe’s latest book, The Last Best Hope. They spoke to over 400 people who eagerly listened to Joe talk about his book, his weekly television show, and his political opinions; the session was complete with banter between him and Mika, such as you would find on Morning Joe. For hours following, almost everyone stood in line for their autographed copy of The Last Best Hope. A former Florida Republican Congressman, Joe Scarborough’s charisma shined as he was surrounded by his family, including his daughter, who was presented with a mammoth birthday cake while everyone sang “Happy Birthday.” This up close and personal encounter with Joe Scarborough revealed a down-to-earth and intelligent person who understands both the inner workings of the political machine and family values. To learn more about Joe Scarborough, visit www.joescarborough.com.

Photography by Gerald Burwell

Photo by Jessie Shepard

Mika Brzezinski and Joe Scarborough 24

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Aston “Family Man” Barrett

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The beloved reggae hit “One Love,” written by the revered Bob Marley in 1965 and made famous by his band, the Wailers, is enshrined in the heart of popular culture.

The song conjures up different sentiments in its listeners, as all songs do, but its simple and poignant message of love as the answer to the problems of the world still rings true today.

Big Dreams Lead to Give BIG Who would have thought that an episode of The Oprah Winfrey Show would bring reggae legends to the shores of Destin and unite a community in the fight against world hunger? For local realtor Jessica Stepleton, that fateful airing altered the course of her life. As she listened to Oprah’s guest, Drew Barrymore, discuss her work as an Ambassador Against Hunger for the World Food Program (WFP), a new passion gripped her. That day, she saw the faces of hunger flash across the screen and she heard the shocking truth that 25,000 people in various parts of the world die every day from this unnecessary plague. She also learned that just twenty-five cents could feed one of those starving people for a day. When she clicked off the TV that day, something clicked inside of her.

With equal parts compassion and commitment, she was convinced that she could do something to help. That something became known as Give BIG Destin Florida.

Jessica’s vision for Give BIG encompassed a one-day music festival in Destin that would raise funds to feed hungry people in our local community and the world through the WFP, 28

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Derry Deringer (Friends of WFP), Jessica Stepleton, Caitlin Masters (Friends of WFP)

the world’s largest humanitarian organization, which feeds people in eighty countries on average each year. One year later, Jessica and a team of dedicated volunteers had gathered the support of the community to fight world hunger.

More than fifty local businesses had contributed more than $50,000 of in-kind donations, which ranged from public relations efforts and producing a television commercial to hosting the event, and more. Even schoolchildren from Destin Elementary contributed by collecting $1,000 in quarters and 800 pounds of canned food to help other children in need. Canned food drives that benefited four local charities, including the Harvest House, St. Andrew’s By-the-Sea Episcopal Church, Destin Harvest, and Children’s Volunteer Health Network, took place during the month leading up to the big event on April 4th.

The Village of Baytowne Wharf hosted Give BIG, and the community truly came together in a grassroots effort to make a difference, as organizers said, “from one village to another.”

The Wailers Share “One Love” with Destin When Jessica contacted WFP to tell them about Give BIG Destin, she was astonished when they referred her to the legendary Wailers. The

renowned reggae group recently started their own charitable organization benefiting WFP called I Went Hungry. Jessica was even more amazed when the Wailers agreed to donate their time and talent to headline Give BIG Destin.

On the eve of the festival, a press conference was hosted by Fleming’s at Grand Boulevard. Along with other members of the press, I anxiously waited outside to catch a glimpse of the philanthropic musical legends. A colorful Paradise Taxi, appropriate for the reggae royalty that it held, pulled up to the curb. From their tropical chariot stepped the guests of honor: bassist and fearless leader Aston “Family Man” Barrett, lead singer Elan Atias, and rhythm guitarist Audley Chisholm, who goes by the name of Chizzy.

Tangible excitement about the Wailers’ appearance permeated the small crowd, but, as Destin mayor Craig Barker spoke, he reminded us why we had come. “In these economic times, we are seeing people who used to donate to the food banks now standing in line to receive their nightly dinner. We felt that if everyone could make a small contribution, together as a community, we could make a difference.” He proclaimed that April 4, 2009 was the official Give BIG Day, and presented the Wailers and Jessica Stepleton with keys to the city of Destin.

In an unexpected turn of events, my friends and I were invited to join the Wailers for hors d’oeuvres.

Our short press event quickly evolved into an evening-long social. The performers were happy to sign autographs and take photos with fans. Passionate about their music and their cause, it was easy to tell that they were there to give. Our conversations ranged from the humanitarian crises in places like Sudan and Ethiopia to funny stories about their tour. Mostly, they talked about the history of their world-renowned band and their faithful leader, Family Man or “Fams.”

Fams, widely considered as the architect of reggae, and his late brother, drummer Carlton Barrett, teamed up with Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, and Bunny Livingston in Jamaica in the late sixties to form the Wailers. Together, they went on to sell more than 250 million records worldwide and took reggae music from a regional island style to an internationally loved genre. Today, Fams proudly wears the Wailers mantle and preserves its legacy. Although many people think his nickname is derived from the fact that he has fiftysome-odd children, Elan says that it is because he keeps the family together, uniting the band and maintaining the spirit and sound of the Wailers.

I Went Hungry: An Expression of the Music and the Message On another occasion, I had the opportunity to talk with the Wailers about their newest venture, I Went Hungry. Like most musicians on tour, the Wailers receive riders, the little extras provided by promoters, which usually include food and beverages backstage or in their dressing rooms, whenever they play shows. But, last year, they started realizing just how much food was going to waste. Lead singer Elan told us, “There is only so much you can take on the bus. About eighty percent of it was getting thrown out.” It was after this revelation that the band heard about WFP and the heartbreaking details of hunger, such as the fact that every six seconds somewhere in the world, a child dies from hunger or a hunger-

related issue. Stirred to action, they told their promoters to take the money that was allocated for those riders, and give it to the World Food Program to help feed and save kids. They would rather go hungry that night so that someone less fortunate could eat.

“We started this because, as the fortunate ones, we’ve got to look out for the unfortunate ones,” Elan continued. “I know there are a lot of problems with the world today, but kids are dying every six seconds because they don’t have food… food should be a human right.” He talked about the economic struggle that America is facing right now, but encouraged us to remember that we are still privileged. “Every man thinks that his burden is the heaviest.” Chico Chin, the Wailers’ trumpet player, chimed in about the paradox of hunger in the modern age, saying, “There are

“There are still a lot of people in the world who don’t know what it is like to turn a tap and see wat er, flick a switch and see light. For me, personal or ly, it is a pleasure to be here of fering my services.”

–Wailers trumpet play er Chico Chin

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I asked Family Man, the keeper of the flame, what he thought about the evolution of the music’s message and how I Went Hungry builds on that concept. He replied in his deep, soft voice and rich Jamaican accent, “Saving lives is close to my heart. It is revealed in prophecy, for sure. The message is for all ages and for all times—past, present, and future. It is roots, culture, and reality. The music is for all time. It’s like the moon.

The older the moon, the brighter it shines.”

The BIG Event On April 4th, Jessica awoke to a perfect spring day, ready to see the fulfillment of her dream, the fruits of her hard labor from the previous year.

Local musicians Reed Waddle, Gileah Taylor, Donny Sundal, and Dread Clampitt offered the beautifully skilled tones of their craft to the festivities. The crowd grew throughout the day as people flocked to listen to their favorite local talent and stake their spots on the green. Jessica opened the event by thanking the crowd for “taking time to care with us.” Children twelve and under were admitted for free if they brought canned goods for local charities, and many families gathered to enjoy the music.

Aston “Family Man” Barrett still a lot of people in the world who don’t know what it is like to turn a tap and see water, or flick a switch and see light. For me, personally, it is a pleasure to be here offering my services.” He continued, saying, “Because, when I look on the TV, and see these hungry kids suffering from malnutrition, tears come to my eyes and I want to go help them.”

The fun-spirited music of Bob Marley and the Wailers has always carried a strong political, spiritual, and activist tone. At the same time that the lyrics say “don’t worry about a thing,” they also tell you to “get up, stand up for your rights.” The I Went Hungry movement is a new expression 30

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of the passion to help the oppressed that resonates through the music. Elan said, “The vibe, the message, and the movement never change.

I think the message today is even more important than it was in the ’70s, when the music was created, because the problems now are so much worse.” Marley not only drew inspiration for his songs from the sociopolitical climate of the day, but also from spiritual sources that the Wailers believe continue to play a pivotal role in today’s society. “Bob used to write with a Bible in one hand and a guitar in the other.” That spirit is still felt in the steel drums and bass lines of the Wailers’ impassioned music today.

Eventually, 1,500 people had assembled for the culminating event of the festival. Fans wore the flag of the Wailers as skirts, hats, or as body paint, casting red, green, and yellow hues over the crowd. As the Wailers took the stage, palpable anticipation filled the park. The band began to play and an unseen vocalist began to sing. The voice sounded too perfect. My first thought was that they were simply playing a track of Bob Marley’s voice, and I was somewhat disappointed.

Then, Elan walked into the spotlight from where he had been singing off stage. I was floored! This California native sounded just like his Jamaican predecessor with his own passion interjected into the songs. The band played well-loved hits from their Exodus album (named Best Album of the Century by TIME magazine) and a few of Elan’s own songs. Throughout the amazing performance, Elan encouraged the crowd to “love everybody, never discriminate, and take care of people who are hurting.” While jumping around the stage and pouring his passion out in song, he frequently reminded us that we were helping starving children. As he spoke and the band played, people stuffed donations into a brightly

“I know t he problems re are a lot of w today, bu ith the world t ever y six kids are dying s they don’ econds because t should be have food…food a human right.”

–Wailers singer Ela n Atias

Elan Atias VIE - Fall 2009

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is for all n. c i s u m e h T “ the moo e k i l s ’ t I . e tim oon, the m e h t r e d l The o ines.” h s t i r e t h g i br er

memb nd founding a t is s s a b rrett –Wailers ily Man” Ba m a F “ n to s A

decorated water cooler jug that was passed overhead through the crowd. The music moved us and the message stirred our souls. People danced to the timeless songs with their undying theme and suggestion that everyone should “get together and feel all right.” I don’t think I have ever enjoyed their music more than I did that night. Jessica told me, “So many people came up to me after the event telling me how they felt so much love that day hanging out at Baytowne, enjoying the music and knowing another's life was made easier just by participating.”

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In the end, Give BIG Destin Florida raised $10,000 and 4,000 pounds of food, a donation large enough to feed more than 50,000 people.

Jessica said, “I’m so proud of our community coming together in a difficult time to make a real impact on the lives of others.” Jessica’s plans are already under way to host an even bigger event

next year. She is already recruiting other bigname musicians to join the cause. As the number of the world’s hungry recently hit one billion, people like Jessica, the Wailers, and the Destin community are all the more committed to “hear the children crying” and give of their time, resources, and passion to turn the tide.

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Children's Advocacy Center

CHARITY BEGINS AT HOME

By Lisa Burwell & Crystal Hamon

of life’s toughest lessons with a wisdom and maturity that many adults would envy. MeetIt’s hard to imagine a world where you’re all alone. And it’s even harder to ing this sweet-spirited and bright-eyed girl at imagine being a nine-year-old little girl in dire need of help and without the Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Cena single ally. Sad stories abound, but there are some that strike an undeniter (ECCAC) on a blissful fall-like day in July, able chord, evoking righteous indignation in the soul of every compasit’s hard to imagine the neglect, loneliness, and sionate person who hears them. The life of Katelyn Pendleton is one of mental and physical abuse she endured just a those stories. It begins with early years filled with unspeakable horrors to year ago. ECCAC founding director Julie Hurst which no child should ever be subjected, but it takes a miraculous turn arranged our meeting with Katelyn and her parwhen a new family enters the picture to give her love, hope, and a fresh ents, Jeff and Christie Pendleton, in the center’s start toward a beautiful future. Her story is also about how a group of boardroom. Introductions were made, and as local business owners saw a need and used their resources to make a we took our seats it was evident that Katelyn difference. This is the story of how charity truly does begin at home. was the special guest of honor. This designation made her unusually quiet but also happy. A tight-knit family bond was evident between the three, who finished each other’s sentences as they related their story with A Life Transformed the undeniable love and honesty only a true family can exhibit.

We don’t choose the lives we are born into, but we can choose what we’re going to do with our lives. Katelyn Pendleton was not born to privilege; When Katelyn was nine, her birth mother was imprisoned for prostitution in fact, she was born without even basic provisions like safety and shelter and drug abuse. Left in the care of her mother’s acquaintances, she suffered from harm. But at the ripe old age of twelve, she’s already mastered some neglect, abuse and torture too unspeakable to print, though detailed accounts VIE - Fall 2009

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Staff of ECCAC of these horrors were splashed all over the news at the time. Wanting to create a fresh start for their daughter, Katelyn’s parents suggested that she choose a new name, both distancing herself from the abuse and protecting her from being associated—by name, anyway—with the pervasive news coverage.

her soon-to-be parents standing in the doorway of her hospital room for the first time, she openly invited them into her world, saying, “Hi guys, come on in.” Christie smiles lovingly as she recalls this first meeting that would unite them as mother and daughter less than a year later.

Julie Hurst vividly remembers her first meeting with Katelyn. “It is by far one of the worst cases of child abuse we have ever seen,” she said. Through an anonymous tip to the Florida Department of Children and Families abuse hotline, police rescued Katelyn from her abusers when she was eleven.

Weighing only seventy-three pounds—starvation was just one of the cruelties she suffered at her captors’ hands—she was battered and bruised over 80 percent of her body and had large bald patches on her head where her abusers had picked her up by her hair.

After a prolonged stay in the hospital, Katelyn was placed in the Pendletons’ home and came to the ECCAC for help, as many—far too many—children do. ECCAC is a beacon of hope for young victims of physical and sexual abuse in Okaloosa and Walton counties. Using an interdisciplinary approach to help children, ECCAC houses professionals from the Florida Department of Children and Families, the State Attorney’s Office, the Child Protection Team, local law enforcement agencies and a team of licensed mental health counselors. Prior to the establishment of the Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center (an accredited member of the National Children’s Alliance) ten years ago, an abused child seeking help was bounced between these numerous institutions and agencies, forced to endure the added trauma of retelling and reliving their abuse at each stop. The overwhelming process of trying to get help caused many suffering children to give up before they found salvation. Now, with the assistance of ECCAC, a hurting child has a safe haven where all of these crucial components are in one child-friendly, supportive environment populated by people who truly care about them.

Christie and her firefighter husband, Jeff, had recently completed the foster parent certification process and they couldn’t help but fall in love with the child whose bedside they were asked to sit beside at the Fort Walton Beach Hospital. Looking at this abandoned child who was bandaged from head to toe, Jeff remembers, “I knew from the moment we first laid eyes on her that we had to bring her home with us and take care of her.” When Katelyn saw

Jeff, Katelyn, and Christie Pendleton 36

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Even the appearance of the Children’s Advocacy Center is different from most other agencies. The 13,000-square-foot, plantation-style home conveys an immediate warmth with its wrap-around porch dotted with rocking chairs. Visitors are drawn into the center by the inviting scent of chocolate chip cookies that continuously bake in the oven. Toys and oversized stuffed animals fill the brightly colored waiting room, and ceramic tiles, hand painted by children, grace the walls. This cheerful environment helps children like Katelyn to focus on happier thingsthe first step in overcoming the dark reasons behind the center’s existence.

The unique convergence of agencies at ECCAC also allowed prosecutors to take Katelyn’s deposition and conduct interviews in familiar surroundings with friendly faces. Katelyn breathed a sigh of relief when one of her abusers was sentenced to twenty years and the other to fifteen years in prison.

The newly redesigned DCWAF logo

“The ECCAC has always been there for me, and I bet they always will be. If it wasn’t for them, I probably would not be where I am now,” said Katelyn.

Other people in the community have also come together to help Katelyn.

Dr. George Novak, a plastic surgeon in Destin, provided surgery to repair Katelyn’s burned hands at no charge, and Leonard Olson, director of the Sacred Heart Foundation, has started an educational fund for her. Happy, healthy and full of life, Katelyn now tells Julie that she plans to follow in her footsteps and lead the charge to rescue abused children. Katelyn says, “I want other kids to know that they don’t have to be scared to tell someone if they’re being hurt. If they tell an adult, they can get help like I did.”

Katelyn has chosen to share her story in hopes that other abused children will be saved from a life of suffering, as she was. Her inherently positive spirit has allowed her to rise above her tragic past and adopt a remarkable attitude. “Sometimes good people do bad things,” she says, “and bad people do good things.” Her adoptive mother, Christie, maintains, “Katelyn was glad to see her abusers go to jail because it made her feel safe, but she harbors absolutely no bitterness toward them.”

ECCAC treats an average of 300 to 400 victims like Katelyn in Okaloosa and Walton counties every year. “Our job won’t be finished until people stop hurting children,” says Julie. “Seeing a child recover, regain their childhood and live a fully restored life motivates us to keep going.”

Chan Cox and Todd Vucovich

Wine Aficionados Make a Difference In order to continue its good work, the ECCAC needs financial assistance from organizations like the Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation (DCWAF), an agency that, with tornado-like energy, has compelled a remarkable number of high-profile leaders to join forces and fight for the children of our community. Chan Cox, the visionary and founder of the DCWAF, is also the man responsible for the sensation that is Chan’s Wine World (www.chanswineworld); he is the founder of the landmark Sandestin Wine Festival as well. This wine industry veteran has managed to launch a philanthropic organization and grow his own business to five stores at the height of a downward economic spiral. No wonder he’s been dubbed “The Man with the Midas Touch.”

He acknowledges that he’s worked hard to ensure the success of these enterprises, but he also gave the majority of the credit for DCWAF’s triumphs to its phenomenal board of directors. “I’ve never seen a harder working board before,” he states.

As for his own clout and impressive relationships within the hierarchy of the wine business, he humbly offers, “I just found a niche that worked well.”

Roger Hall, Henry Roberts (Sacred Heart Foundation)

His vast experience in the wine trade, coupled with his deep awareness of the growing needs in our community, prompted Chan to find a way to connect his craft to meaningful causes. In 2005, with the help of friend and fellow wine enthusiast Todd Vucovich and executives Mike Stange and Rob VIE - Fall 2009

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Mike Campbell (Pride Mountain Vineyards), Lynn Dugas, Chef Andrew Selz, Steve Dugas

“The career change was easy,” Todd says. “I’m passionate about wine, and I love helping kids.”

Babcock at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, Chan established the Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation, which is dedicated to raising money for local nonprofits through wine auctions and events. Now in its fourth year, this exquisite pairing of Chan’s passions has become one of the most successful foundations in Northwest Florida, enhancing the lives of many children in need by raising over $3 million.

The Cornerstones of the Foundation Before Chan enlisted his help, Todd Vucovich could be found hosting wine dinners for some of Chan’s best customers and generally enjoying life on the Emerald Coast. It didn’t take much persuading, however, for Todd to sign on as the original board member for DCWAF and bring his group of influential, philanthropic, and wine-loving friends along as the instrumental, founding board. Eventually, Todd left his career in information technology development to become the executive director for DCWAF. “The career change was easy,” Todd says. “I’m passionate about wine, and I love helping kids.”

Mike & Yvonne Freeman

and world-class wines, while celebrity vintners contribute exclusive luxury items to the auction. Wine celebrities like Julianna Martinelli of Martinelli Winery and Bob Cabral, executive winemaker for Williams Selyem, have also lent their support. Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, a staunch supporter of DCWAF since its inception, hosts the Saturday auction and dinner at its Linkside Center. This year, it included a walkabout with a silent auction followed by a live auction, dinner and dance. Festival attendees bid for packages like a stay at the Castello Banfi estate and winery nestled in Italy’s prestigious Montalcino wine region of Tuscany known for the renowned Brunello wine, or an all-inclusive tour of the Russian River Valley with dinners and wine tastings in the homes of the region’s star vintners. “Everyone wants to talk about the glamour of the event, but the important part is helping kids,” says Chan.

One way that attendees of the Wine and Dine in Paradise weekend help Emerald Coast’s young people is by participating in the “raise your paddle” portion of the live auction, a special segment of the auction where bidders,

Held each April, Wine and Dine in Paradise is DCWAF’s largest fundraising event of the year. The weekend occasion begins with intimate patron wine dinners on Friday evening and is capped off with a celebratory walkabout, auction and dinner that starts on Saturday afternoon. Each successive occurrence of the weekend-long event attracts more esteemed wine aficionados and celebrities than the previous year. Deflecting credit from himself yet again, Chan singled out board member Mike Thompson, a wine collector and Sandestin resident, as being instrumental in attracting new vintners to the event. Since the first event, he has arranged for the highly sought-after Dan Kosta of Kosta Browne Winery to attend and, in 2009, serve as honorary chairman for the foundation.

In the style of the world-renowned Naples Winter Wine Festival, hosts open their beautiful coastal homes for patron dinners with gourmet chefs 38

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Laura Dugas and Patricia Barnes

instead of bidding on an item, give charitable contributions. The Clinton Cox Memorial Fund—which was created in memory of Chan’s son, who died from a drug overdose in 2006—was this year’s recipient of the “paddle” contributions. This fund, which is dear to Chan’s heart, benefits a comprehensive youth addiction treatment program called Pathways for Change (PFC), which has a 92 percent success rate for recovery. This year, local philanthropists and patron wine dinner hosts Stephen and Lynn Dugas, raised their paddle to contribute $10,000 to this worthy cause.

One of DCWAF’s newest board members, Sandestin’s senior vice president of operations, John Russell, was very impressed by the auction. Having just assumed his board position in February, he is already a passionate supporter for DCWAF. “My first encounter with DCWAF was this spring,” said John.

“I was amazed that even when the recession was in full bloom, the generous people that DCWAF attracts exceeded the foundation’s goals. I have to commend Chan and others who started this wonderful organization. They are true visionaries.” John believes the strength of DCWAF is that they are truly passionate and committed to the community in a very altruistic way.

“It’s hard not to feel good about an organization like that,” he said. “Plus, it’s a blast! I get to learn more about the culinary arts, something that flourishes in our area.”

Todd admits that he, too, was concerned about the amount of money the event would raise this year, given the national economic slump. But auction attendees rose to the challenge—and raised their paddles—to donate a total of $928,000, a $100,000 increase over 2008. This growth is especially noteworthy considering that wine auction revenues across the country have dropped significantly since last year, including the top two wine fundraisers: The Naples Winter Wine Festival and Auction Napa Valley. “The fact that we are continuing to flourish is truly a testament to the quality of people in Destin,” said Chan. “I had no idea when we started this that it would grow to be so successful.”

Planning to Make a Difference In the beginning, DCWAF knew they had to formulate a strategy for giving if they were going to make a dent in the community’s needs. But with so much need and finite resources, how would they decide who to help and how much to give? DCWAF chose to focus their efforts on Emerald Coast children’s charities. This decision was made in the belief that reaching people when they’re still young gives them a greater chance to experience a transformed life and removes them from destructive cycles. DCWAF sees this avenue as the best way to help an individual and make an impact on systemic problems.

DCWAF selects different children’s charities to benefit from their efforts on an annual basis. You might expect that, in a small, close-knit community such as ours, landing a place on this list of beneficiaries is simply a matter of knowing the right people. But the selection process involves a great deal of thoughtful planning by people whose mission is to give in the most effective

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Dugas Dinner

“We feel a tremendous responsibility to our donors to steward this money well,” said Chan. “Some board members work forty hours per week to make sure we’re getting the most bang for the buck.” way possible. “We feel a tremendous responsibility to our donors to steward this money well,” said Chan. “Some board members work forty hours per week to make sure we’re getting the most bang for the buck.”

The DCWAF Charity Relations Committee, charged with selecting beneficiaries, prioritizes the foundation’s giving based on a number of issues. Most importantly, they consider the acuteness of a charity’s need. DCWAF then factors in their familiarity with the charity, how the organization conducts itself in the community, and how well the charity handles finances. Another vital component in the committee’s determination is the size and scope of the actual project that the foundation is being asked to fund. DCWAF prefers to support specific, tangible efforts with a clear beginning and end rather than just supplying operational funds. They contend that this approach helps donors clearly see that their funds have been put to good use and encourages them to continue giving generously to children in need.

DCWAF’s passion for connecting philanthropic wine enthusiasts to charitable causes has improved countless lives by helping these amazing organizations fulfill their purpose. Rarely, however, does the average person have the privilege of watching one of these lives be transformed. Julie Hurst has that privilege on a daily basis. ECCAC was among the nine charities that received funding from DCWAF this year, accepting $70,500 to hire an additional mental health therapist for a year. To some, those figures are just numbers on a page, but to Julie it means drying another little girl’s eyes, helping another boy to heal, and leading hundreds of children to safety.

“The therapy that DCWAF has provided for this year will have ripple effects into the lives of so many,” said Julie. “We are so grateful for the generous way they are helping these children.”

The heartwarming, selfless work of ECCAC is one example why the people behind DCWAF are always striving to raise additional funds. Chan and 40

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Mark Northcutt, Tricia Carlisle-Northcutt

Todd hope that their organization will receive greater national exposure so they can make an even bigger difference for children like Katelyn. “I think we have a lot to offer generous people throughout this country,” said Chan.

“We combine sophisticated culinary events in one of the most beautiful locations in the world with changing children’s lives. What more could you want?” Through their contributions to organizations like the Children’s Advocacy Center, the Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation is making a dramatic impact on the lives of children and families throughout the Emerald Coast.

If you are suffering from or suspect child abuse, please call the Florida Department of Children and Families abuse hotline at 1.800.96.ABUSE (1-800-962-2873).

Upcoming Fund-raisers for ECCAC October 24, 2009 – Have a Heart Dinner in Kelly Plantation March 6–7, 2010 – ECCAC’s Charity Golf Tournament in Kelly Plantation To Contact ECCAC: Emerald Coast Children's Advocacy Center, Inc. www.eccac.org 850.833.9237 Julie Hurst, Executive Director julie@eccac.org

Upcoming Events for DCWAF September 18, 2009 – Taste of THE Beach Vine to Wine in WaterColor November 5–8, 2009 – Taste of THE Beach January, 2010 – Tasting of Champions at Baytowne Conference Center April 23–24, 2010 – Wine & Dine in Paradise

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In Uptown Station off Eglin Parkway.

Destin (850) 269-2909

Across from Destin Commons off Mid Bay Bridge Road, near Publix.

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Across from Silver Sands Factory Stores next to IHOP, Hwy 98.

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something we can all agree on... Quality wine at below wholesale pricing.

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loves a full-bodied grenache or shiraz any way you serve it.

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Prefers an extra dry chardonnay, but only served at the right temperature in the correct glass.

PanaMa citY BeacH (850) 249-2166 Next to new Publix, behind Dunkin Donuts, Hwy 98

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By Eric Shepard

Photos courtesy of CharlesandMarie.com

Featuring Products from CharlesandMarie.com!

Michael Young PXR-6 Steel $130.00 This is the coolest digital watch I have ever seen. The design is simple and elegant. Do you really need a watch that tells you the phase of the moon? No, you don't. You can also buy new bands in an array of colors!

Bottle Cap Tripod $10.00 Great for the traveller, this tiny attachment allows almost any plastic bottle to serve as a tripod. There is even a small hinge that allows some slight tilt, if needed! Clever.

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Sunjar $44.00 A brilliant concept from designer Tobi Wong.

The Sunjar literally stores sunlight during the day and emits it at night, using a solar panel and some LEDs.

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SPLENDOR ON THE GULF

Renowned French pastry chef-meets-artist, Fabrice, creates this macaroon cake masterpiece for our wedding exposé!

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Photography by Amanda Suanne www.amandasuanne.com

Jennifer & Michael Jennifer Anderson and Michael Sexton were married May 9, 2009 in a traditional ceremony at Christ the King Episcopal Church in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida. An intimate reception followed at the Lake Club at Hammock Bay in Freeport, with a chic backyard atmosphere. As avid do-it-yourselfers and antique scavengers, the bride, her mother Debbie and sister Jami added personal touches of rich navy, apple green and white throughout, including vintage milk glass centerpieces, scripted place cards, Oneida flatware in the couple’s pattern and fresh-made cotton candy as a sweet treat. Jennifer and Michael are both graduates of Florida State University. The couple honeymooned in Puerto Rico before Michael, a corporate employee of Chick-fil-A, was transferred to Merritt Island, Florida.

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TURN SOME HEADS.

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Whenever the occasion.

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Photography by Amanda Suanne www.amandasuanne.com

Cheryl & Jason Jason Rambler and Cheryl Suppes met at the University of Georgia in 2006, were engaged in 2008 while vacationing in Rosemary Beach, and married on May 30, 2009 at Coleman Beach in stunning Seaside, Florida. The bridal party, adorned in royal blue and white, carried bouquets from Bella Flora. After the perfect beach wedding, guests moved to the reception site on the lawn of Seaside’s Lyceum. Jason and Cheryl now reside in the Atlanta area, where Jason works in product marketing for NCR Corporation and Cheryl is pursuing her master’s degree in SpeechLanguage Pathology at Georgia State University.

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4042 e. scenic hwy 30-a seagrove beach, fl 32459 850.231.6085 www.rollandsbluemambo.com

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Photography by Hayley Green www.goodegreen.com

Katie & Brian Brian Malone and Katie Williams became husband and wife on May 30, 2009 in the charming Seaside Interfaith Chapel in Seaside, Florida. Pastor Mike Oliver conducted the ceremony while the bride, carrying a beautiful arrangement from Nouveau Flowers, walked down the aisle to the classical violin music of Patty Easton. Vintage Excalibur escorted the happy couple in one of their classic car models to the reception held at the breathtaking WaterSound Beach Club. Katie and Brian now reside in Atlanta, Georgia.

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Fabrice’s Macaroon Wedding Cake The macaroon (“macaron” in French) is a confection composed of finely ground almonds, egg whites, and sugar. The inventor of this treat was Pierre Desfontaines, a distant cousin of Louis Ernest Ladurée, founder of the eponymous Parisian patisserie. In the early twentieth century, Ladurée introduced the world to what is today considered the classic macaroon flavors—vanilla, chocolate, coffee, and almond.

While the traditional macaroon was sweet, dry and crunchy, the macaroon of today has the added attraction of being delicately crunchy on the outside, while moist, chewy, and flavorful on the inside.

Many cookbooks provide macaroon recipes, but the authentic Parisian macaroons, with their multifarious flavors and colors, continue to be in short supply, due to the difficulty in making them well. Today, there are but a few cities in which top quality macaroons can be found. These include London (Paul Boulangerie and Yauatcha); Melbourne (Laurent Bakery and Sydney Lindt Concept Store and Café), Paris (Dalloyau, Ladurée, L’Atelier Joël Robuchon, and Pierre Hermé), Tokyo (Dalloyau

and L’Atelier Joël Robuchon), Hong Kong (Le Goûter Bernardaud), and, of course, for your greater pleasure, WaterColor, Florida at Fabrice.

Flavors available can often vary with the seasons and include almond, caramel, chocolate, vanilla, coconut, coffee, hazelnut praline, lemon, licorice, pistachio, raspberry, rose, walnut, lime-basil, and violet-cassis.

For the cake in the title photo, we used 428 macaroons; the flavors are pistachio, lemon, orange, raspberry, and cassis (black currant).

Photo by Romona Robbins / www.romonasphotography.com

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precious metals and gemstones. This is a rare exception.” LLoyd Herman, Director

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- FOOD & DINING Amavida Coffee Courtyard Wine & Cheese Cowgirl Kitchen Onano Neighborhood Café Restaurant Paradis Summer Kitchen Café The Sugar Shak Wild Olives Market~ Deli ~ Bakery - FASHIONBombora Sun& Surf Gigi’s Fabulous Kids’ Fashions &Toys Moonpize Rosemary Beach Trading Company Willow World Six Boutique

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HALLOWED GROUND p l ay i n g f r o m t h e “ t i p s ”

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By Dave Rauschkolb Photography by Jessie Shepard I will never forget the first time I set eyes on the course at Camp Creek Golf Club. For me, the Camp Creek opening was one of the most highly anticipated events I’ve experienced since moving to Scenic 30A twenty-three years ago to open Bud & Alley’s Restaurant. The thought of playing on a Tom Fazio-designed course—with no homes ever to be built around it—two miles from my home, was an amazing prospect.

Hole 12

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Hole 3 Photo provided by The St. Joe Company

I

had been observing the construction of the course and clubhouse for months, salivating for any information concerning the date of its opening. When I found out, I hurried to call and reserve the very first tee time for the opening day. The thought of being the first person to tee off on a virgin golf course seemed like an opportunity that should not be missed.

On that first day, I drove through the gates, along the lake, and on to the clubhouse. Even with all the newly planted vegetation, I could tell that Camp Creek would be a special golf course. Since that day, I enjoy playing Camp Creek every chance I get, and I consider it to be my favorite golf course. For me, it is hallowed ground. Do you think that I love this course?

You bet I do.

Recently, I was offered an interesting challenge—to play Camp Creek from the “tips” and then to write about it. For you non-golfers, playing from the tips means playing the course from the championship tees, commonly known as the pro tees—the long tees—the god-awfully long tees! The tees from which Tiger Woods would play! I am slightly more skilled than the average golfer, but, like most golfers, I would normally never consider playing from the tips—on any golf course. Whenever I saw golfers hit from those tees, I thought: How do they do it? Well, I was about to find out.

I accepted the offer with one condition—that I could pick a playing partner instead of going solo. I called local resident Phil Glen and, with one day’s notice, he enthusiastically accepted. Phil is a 1967 graduate of the Air Force Academy, a veteran pilot of the Vietnam War, and an active airline pilot with Delta Air Lines. He is a hell of a nice guy and one of the most precise

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golfers I have ever known. At sixty-seven years of age, Phil is also the Camp Creek Golf Club champion. Because of his perspective and experience, I thought that he would be invaluable in helping me scratch and crawl my way through the course. He understands the nuances of Camp Creek as well as anyone. As you can probably tell, I was not very confident about my prospects of playing a good round of golf from the tips. I would need all the help I could get. YIKES! I did not have any grand expectations. In golf, unless you practice a lot (which I don’t), you should not expect to play very well or with any consistency. My handicap (rating as a golfer) is 16, which is slightly better than an average golfer’s. From the men’s tees, I could expect to shoot a score in the

Dave Rauschkolb (left) with Phil Glen

let’s not beat around the bush; camp creek is a very difficult course to play from any tee. it challenges a golfer at every tee, every fairway, and every green. there is no doubt that i have become a better golfer by playing camp creek over the years. low to mid-90s on average. From the tips, I figured that I would be pleasantly surprised if I shot under a score of 100. Phil’s handicap is 9; he is much more competent than the average golfer.

Let’s not beat around the bush; Camp Creek is a very difficult course to play from any tee. It challenges a golfer at every tee, every fairway, and every green. There is no doubt that I have become a better golfer by playing Camp Creek over the years.

Our tee time for the challenge was at 7:30 a.m., and I arrived early to loosen up with a few practice balls on the driving range. Three weeks prior, I had undergone surgery on my wrist, and I wanted to see whether I could swing a club with any proficiency. Happily, I had no problems—which left me no excuses for playing below my abilities. When Phil arrived, we headed for the first tee.

The first tee is, by most standards, a short par four, at 371 yards from the tips. I usually play the blue tees, which are an average of ten to twenty yards shorter than the pro tees. This first and somewhat disarming hole is rather easy, boosting one’s confidence before the real work begins.

Phil and I both hit beautiful drives. Phil hit the green and two-putted for a par four; I missed the green to the right, sailed a chip over it, and then two-putted for a six.

Let’s cut to the chase (I won’t bore you with a description of every shot); that’s pretty much the way it went all day. On a par five, Phil would hit a five, and I would get a six or seven. We both hit par on a few holes. On the par-three fourteenth hole, I hit a spectacular shot that skipped off the water and into the hill of the green, and then I followed up with a two-putt for par. I am no different from anyone else; I’ll take a lucky shot any time I can get it.

Scores? Phil, the precise machine that he is, shot an impressive 83. For his age, that is truly impressive. I almost accomplished my goal of shooting under 100; I finished with 103.

“Besides the scores,” you might ask, “what was it really like to play from the tips?”

Surprisingly, we noticed that fewer hazards come into play when hitting from the tips. The course plays much more openly than it does from the

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closer tee boxes. Most of the traps are out of range, and the fairways are wide open. If you hit a decent tee shot, then you don’t have to worry as much about your ball rolling into a sand bunker or into the water. From the blue and shorter tees, on the other hand, there is very little room for error.

camp creek’s design also forces a player to reach the green; more often than not, falling short of the green leaves a difficult short chip with little green to work with.

Deciding which club to hit for my second shot was much easier than usual. Almost always, we needed to use a 3-wood to approach the green. Most second shots were in the 200- to 220-yard range.

Playing from the tips really forces you to work on your 3-wood shots, a challenge from which all golfers could benefit. All of the par threes were approximately 200 yards into the green; again, I didn’t have to worry about which club to select.

Camp Creek’s design also forces a player to reach the green; more often than not, falling short of the green leaves a difficult short chip with little green to work with. The greens are fast and undulating; hence, putting is probably the most difficult element of playing Camp Creek. I love this challenge because it forces me to practice those unlevel putts. After playing Camp Creek so many times, I now almost struggle to hit a straight and level putt. The fair60

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ways also undulate, and a perfect tee shot might not land on a level playing surface. These types of factors will keep you on your toes, to say the least.

I realized from this experience that playing from the pro tees adds a different perspective to an already challenging course. It opened up my mind to the prospect of even playing from the ladies’ or seniors’ tees once in a while, just to practice and to get to know the course from all angles. Best of all, I no longer fear the pro tees—and I will play them again.

In addition to the playing experience it offers, Camp Creek is simply a gorgeous course. It is one of the most finely designed courses I have ever played. It is Audubon certified and contains the most amazing wildlife, and it blends into its natural surroundings as if it were meant to exist there. No

Hole 7

homes will ever be built around it (and it was refreshing not to search for my ball in someone’s yard). Golfing at Camp Creek is almost like visiting a nature preserve. I have seen bobcats, foxes, deer, bald eagles, alligators, and a large variety of snakes. One time, while playing with a gentleman and his wife, an alligator on a par three snatched the lady’s tee shot and tried to take it into the water. As we approached, it dropped the ball before escaping, actually improving the placement of her ball in the process.

I can not say enough good things about the members of the Camp Creek staff, which is led by Director of Golf Will Hopkins. Most of them have worked there from day one. Camp Creek’s staff shows a high level of hospitality and professionalism that is rare in any service industry. Their love for the course shines. In fact, Camp Creek might be the best-maintained course in Northwest Florida.

After our “day from the tips,” Phil and I shook hands on the eighteenth tee and drove on back to the clubhouse for some post-round hot dogs and beer.

As we passed by the first tee, I recalled the course’s opening day, as my friend and I stood on the first men’s tee box, at the very first tee time, on that perfect morning. We flipped a coin to see who would hit first; it was the honorable thing to do. Much to my pleasure, I won the toss. I looked out over the beautiful hole and nervously approached the ball. I felt more than

a little pressure to deliver a good drive, but I hit the fairway with an unattractive low, left hook, thus beginning a long, challenging relationship with my beloved Camp Creek.

Just before I teed off, I thought to myself, “Well, if I lose my ball, the only ball I’ll find will be mine.” By now, I’ve lost my share of golf balls there, and I figured out a way to ensure that at least some of them will make it back to me. All of them are imprinted with the following message: “Bud & Alley’s – Return Ball for a Free Drink.” I only have to trust the bartenders to return them to me. Happy hunting!

For more information on Camp Creek Golf Club, please visit:

www.campcreekgolfclub.com Or, for information and tee times, please call:

(850) 231-7600 In addition to being a fanatic golfer, Dave Rauschkolb is the owner of Seaside eateries Bud & Alley's Restaurant, TACO BAR and PIZZA BAR. Other passions include surfing, poker, and working to preserve the scenic in Scenic 30-A. He lives with his wife, Carol, in Rosemary Beach; they are expecting their first child in October.

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When The Moon Hits Your Eye Like A Big Pizza Pie, Thatʼs

ANTONIO

By Sallie Boyles | Photography by Jessie Shepard

I

f Panama City restaurateur Antonio Pasulo had waited for economists to give him the green light to expand, he and business partner Greg Lissor would not be savoring the sweet success of their latest venture, PCB House of Cakes (PCB stands for Panama City Bakery). To the good fortune of many who depend on him to serve up authentic Italian cuisine as well as provide steady employment via Antonio’s Pasta Grill and Seafood Restaurant, Antonio’s Café, Antonio’s Bakery, and now House of Cakes, the Italian-born entrepreneur has an appetite for trying new things. Above all, Antonio believes that Northwest Florida remains a great place to put ingenuity to work and sees no reason to place a good idea on the back burner.

The youngest of six children raised in the province of Brindisi in the Apulia region of Italy, Antonio confesses that he was a troublemaker when he was young. “I was a tough kid, and I did not want anyone telling me what to do,” he says. “I had to mature a little before I was ready to settle down and make my parents proud.”

Inspired by his father, who started out poor yet worked to support his family and become a doctor, Antonio decided to pursue a career in hotel and restaurant management. However, while in school in Luzon, Switzerland, he spent a large amount of time in the kitchen. “I did not have dreams of becoming a chef,” says Antonio. “I was just a large young man with a tremendous appetite!” Nevertheless, his instructor advised him to transfer to the culinary arts program. Although reluctant at first, Antonio relented. “I loved to eat, and internships covered my living expenses,” he explains.

Over a four-year period, Antonio assisted chefs in the kitchens of resorts and restaurants throughout Europe. “The school paid for my plane ticket and passport, and provided a small allowance for incidentals,” he says. In return, Antonio gained exposure to top chefs, and earned a reputation for being naturally talented and personally committed. “I didn’t spend more than a few weeks at a time in a particular location, but when they hired VIE - Fall 2009

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“I was too busy working to go to the movies or watch television,” he says. In his restaurants, every guest received celebrity treatment. “One meal was equal to another.”

From 1987 to 1997, Antonio owned and operated two thriving restaurants. His first success was Gian Marino in New York, followed by Piccolo Sogno (“Little Dream”) in New Jersey.

More than a place of business, Piccolo Sogno was dear to Antonio. “I built it with my own hands,” he says. Specializing in Old World –Antonio Pasulo recipes and his own variations, Antonio established a loyal following. Spending long hours at work, he came to know his patrons as friends, and cooking to please them became his passion. interns from the school, certain chefs requested me over and over again. I returned to the same Princess cruise ship five times.”

Celebrities—from politicians to performers—were among the regulars Antonio came to know over the years. He cooked for Mario Andretti, Paul Upon graduating culinary school, Antonio went to work for La Lampara, Newman, Luciano Pavarotti, and Frank Sinatra. All the same, fame did not a prominent restaurant in Florence. As is common in Italy and throughout impress him. “I was too busy working to go to the movies or watch televiEurope, the owners also ran a vineyard that supplied the house wines, and sion,” he says. In his restaurants, every guest received celebrity treatment. their large farm provided fresh produce. Consequently, Antonio adopted “One meal was equal to another.” the practice of creating daily specials based on what was fresh from the garden or market.

In 1997, Antonio turned over Piccolo Sogno to his wife, whom he divorced, When a romance brought him to the United States, Antonio adhered to his and went back to Italy for three years. Upon remarrying and returning to European training. To this day, he goes into the kitchen every morning to the States, Antonio took over as chef of a landmark restaurant in Conpersonally prepare fresh batches of sauce and pasta dough. Either he or his necticut. He was growing tired of ice and snow when his stepson, a Marine chef later prepares each dish to order. “Cooking from scratch takes a little captain stationed in Alabama, suggested a vacation in sunny Panama City. longer,” says Antonio, “but people appreciate the difference in taste.”

Although he initially assumed that Panama City was a foreign country, Antonio sorted out the geography and fell in love with the area.

Antonio further believes that a good meal, which does not have to be pricey, is best savored in the company of friends and family. “I want my On July 4, 2001, Antonio arrived in the Panhandle. By 1:00 p.m. the same customers to love my food, relax and enjoy the friendly atmosphere, and day, he had purchased a condo in Destin. If the glorious beaches and sunlike the price,” he says. shine weren’t enough, the people who smiled and said “good morning” completely warmed his heart. Above all, the ambiance reminded him of his native Southern Italy. By the time his house was built in November 2001, Antonio had decided to make his move permanent. He even planned to retire there.

Instead of relaxing with a fishing pole, Antonio went looking for a new opportunity. Choosing the location on Front Beach Road in Panama City for his next restaurant was easy. Securing construction workers during the building boom was a challenge. He ended up completing most of the interior work himself, and, in 2003, officially opened Antonio’s Pasta Grill and Seafood. Briefly, Antonio thought he might get the business up and running for his children to take over, but Pasta Grill would be his baby. He put

Antonio Pasulo

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ANTONIO

his heart and soul into Pasta Grill, and the restaurant quickly gained a healthy word-of-mouth clientele. Antonio also made many friends.

Just as Antonio found an unexpected gem in the Emerald Coast, the residents and visitors here have welcomed the surprises he delivers in menu, quality and value. Whether calculated or circumstantial, introducing his personal touch of Italy to Northwest Florida is, perhaps, why Antonio’s enterprises have engendered such a broad and loyal customer base that continues to expand with each new business he launches.

“People become emotional when they taste bread like their mothers or grandmothers baked.”

In addition to his homemade pasta and sauces, Antonio’s authentic Italian desserts and breads became popular favorites. After hiring two pastry chefs from Italy, he opened Antonio’s Bakery in 2007. The traditional breads, pastries, and desserts delighted customers, who occasionally request long-lost recipes. “People become emotional when they taste bread like their mothers or grandmothers baked,” Antonio says. The Bakery also receives mail orders, especially during the holidays.

With the bakery in full swing, Antonio opened the Deli in 2008 to offer sandwiches and pizza. Then, upon starting the new factory in February of

–Antonio Pasulo

this year, he shifted all baking to that site. The move created space for the dine-in Café, which serves breakfast, sandwiches, pizza, soup, salad, and an array of desserts.

And, of course, there’s House of Cakes. Despite what his clientele, along with publications like Southern Living, have been saying all along—that his gorgeous-looking confections were too delicious not to devour—Antonio will be the first to say that he did not begin to anticipate such widespread appeal and rapid growth. By March, the wholesale bakery was turning out pallet quantities of cake orders from wholesale food distributor Sysco of

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House of Cakes produces a mouthwatering selection that includes cheesecakes—amaretto, chocolate, strawberry white chocolate, and traditional— as well as chocolate ganache mousse cake, cannoli cake, German chocolate cake, red velvet cake, raspberry mousse cake, strawberry mousse cake, Key lime pie, and a hamburger cake (a sponge cake that looks like a burger in a bun with whipped cream and marzipan decorations). House of Cakes additionally makes an array of house specialties. “We prepare a wide range of gourmet confections for Antonio’s Bakery, and we also develop one-of-akind signature desserts for restaurants on the Emerald Coast,” says Greg.

“Fine establishments are claiming our cakes as their own creations,” says Antonio, smiling. “I’m perfectly happy with that.”

Though often sleep deprived, Antonio is energized over the exponential growth forecasted for the next few months. He is also relieved to have partners in the business. “Greg’s wife Phi arrives at the factory early in the morning to sweep the floors clean before she goes to her real job at the Bay Point Marriott,” says Antonio. “I enjoy working, but I need to slow down.”

Southern Alabama, which services restaurants, retailers, country clubs, hotels and resorts in northern Florida and Alabama. In April, U.S. Foodservice was added to the customer mix, and sales have continued to flourish.

Despite a slowing economy, Antonio and Vice President Greg Lissor, who has a sales and marketing background plus restaurant experience, were confident that a gourmet, wholesale line of cakes could fill a void in the market—a void that proved as hungry for House of Cakes as their initial forecasts. Still, they can understand why the appeal has been so strong. “No one offers premium flavors or outstanding presentations to match our value,” says Greg. They have also taken care to extend services that are meaningful to the retailer. “With intimate knowledge of how restaurants operate, we are focused on the details to optimize quality and value for the retailer,” Greg adds. For instance, each uncut cake is frozen and packed individually to extend freshness as well as for ordering and serving flexibility. “Our options encourage restaurants and other retailers to test which flavors sell best in their businesses.

Minimizing waste, they can control inventory and portion size,” notes Greg.

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Whether or not he will make more time to ride his motorcycle or go fishing is a question only Antonio Pasulo can answer. The Café opens at 7:30 in the morning and the Pasta Grill stops serving at 10:00 p.m. “We shut down when the last customer is ready to go home,” says Antonio. He also anticipates adding shifts at the factory in the near future.

“Of course, I am married to my business. If I were to take a walk down the aisle again, I guess my wife would have to love the restaurant business about as much as she loves me.”

Greg Lissor, Antonio Pasulo and Vicenzo Di Liberto

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Great Southern School of Fish C H E F J I M S H I R L EY R E D E F I N E S “ F R E S H ”

By Tori Phelps | Photo by Jessie Shepard

S

ome scenes from childhood are indelibly etched in one’s mind, forever vivid and as real as the page in front of you. For chef Jim Shirley, it’s the feel of the sweltering summer sun and sting from bristly plants and unseen insects as he traipses through his grandmother’s farm in Georgia. The mission? Picking pounds of okra and bushels of crab apples—collecting his next meal, really. It’s a memory that’s sweet, despite the physical discomforts he can still clearly bring to mind. “I didn’t love collecting four bushels of crab apples and then cleaning them,” he says, “but the reward was the pie or jelly that could only be made with these sour apples.”

Of course, he didn’t realize it at the time, but these hazy, sometimes backbreaking, hours in the Georgia sun helped him to form the culinary point of view from which Shirley has operated for decades—long before the current trend toward organic, local eating was a talking point on the nightly news.

This self-proclaimed “forager of the Gulf Coast” has spent years painstakingly investigating the best local growers and fishermen to supply the

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restaurants he owns or co-owns with the Great Southern Restaurant Group: the Fish House and Atlas Oyster House in Pensacola and the Great Southern Café in Seaside. The latest addition to the lineup is the Great Southern School of Fish, located at the picturesque residential and resort community of WindMark Beach. The restaurant, an architectural marvel with twentyfoot ceilings and views that overlook sparkling blue water, juxtaposes a casual, family-friendly ambience with the high-energy vibe of an eatery that puts out exceptional food—and knows it.

His food has been tagged “modern Southern,” but Shirley shakes off that label as too narrow. He simply concentrates on infusing distinctive, even exotic flavors into dishes that his customers only thought they were familiar with. His signature Grits à Ya Ya are a prime example: smoked Gouda cheese grits smothered with a sauté of applewood-smoked bacon, spinach, shallots, garlic, Portobello mushrooms, and cream, and finished with spiced shrimp and sweet potato hay. They’re not exactly your mama’s grits, which

may explain why they follow him from restaurant to restaurant. Shirley is honored—and slightly bemused—by the fact that his customers simply refuse to let him leave the grits off the menu at any of his establishments.

In addition to the luscious grits, the Great Southern School of Fish boasts fare such as “soul rolls” made with chicken and collard greens, tequila-spiked chicken wings, Southern takes on sushi (barbecue and BLT rolls, to name a couple), as well as a long list of fresh seafood that befits the restaurant’s name.

Shirley can’t remember a time when he didn’t earn a living through food.

Beginning like many teens—as a burger flipper—he was already running a pizza joint by the time he was seventeen. He landed his first chef position at

His food has been tagged “modern Southern,” but Shirley shakes off that label as too narrow. He simply concentrates on infusing distinctive, even exotic flavors into dishes that his customers only thought they were familiar with.

Southern Living Idea House 2009

Jubilee in Pensacola Beach and soon afterward opened his first restaurant, Madison’s Diner (named after his daughter) in Pensacola.

No degrees from fancy culinary schools hang on his wall; instead, Shirley endured what he diplomatically calls “on-the-job training”—which translates to smacks from shrieking chefs and heavy pots hurled at him with alarming frequency. This quasi-violent but effective mentoring was standard in the early 1980s, and, by the time culinary schools came into vogue, both his reputation and his bank account were well established.

The superior skills he honed while ducking frying pans have earned Shirley national acclaim, a spot on the Travel Channel show Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern and his own show, Chef ’s Apprentice, in which he and his teenage nephew sift through the heritages of Pensacola settlers to uncover what they ate and how that legacy has influenced the Gulf Coast. “Some of the original settlers were Italian, Spanish, and Greek. We’re a product of the settlers of this area—of these cultures and the amazing seafood,” he proclaims.

Shirley is also the author of Good Grits! Southern Boy Cooks, which is based on his long-running Pensacola News Journal columns—inside glimpses of a chef ’s travels and homemade re-creations of the excellent food he has encountered along the way. Of course, the book features the recipe for Shirley’s enormously popular Grits à Ya Ya, a secret he doesn’t mind sharing.

“I’m not worried that my customers will skip my restaurants once they have the recipe in their hands. As a matter of fact, people in Pensacola say to me all the time, ‘Hey, I made the grits at home for my family’ right before they order them in my restaurant.”

With restaurants, a newspaper column, a TV show, and a book to his credit, it may appear from the outside that his life as a chef is a glamorous gig.

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t rac er y i n t er ior s 72 Ma i n Street Ros emar y B eac h 850.231.6755 tracer y i nteriors.com

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Shirley is quick to point out, however, that it’s not the cakewalk people see on the Food Network.

“Sure, it’s nice to dice one onion; we dice five pounds of onions,” he explains. “So, before you think about becoming a chef because you really enjoy doing something in the kitchen, think about whether you want to do it for four hours.”

So far, the dirty details haven’t dampened his own enthusiasm. In fact, Shirley’s agenda is more jam-packed than ever, with a revamped version of his TV show—with higher production values, Chef Jim Shirley which he hopes will reach a broader audience— Photo by Gerald Burwell and, perhaps, another book on the horizon.

But what really animates this perpetually coolon-his-feet restaurant chef is talking about the Great Southern Restaurant Northern Florida the next Northern California? If anyone can make it Group’s newest venture: a farm of their own in Walton County. They’re happen, it’s the forager of the Gulf Coast. leaving the actual farming to the pros, but Shirley and his foodie friends are able to direct the types of heirloom produce grown on the property.

“We want to grow really unique things. Not things you haven’t heard of,” he Tori Phelps is a freelance writer based in central Illinois, where she lives with clarifies, “but more diversity—the best-tasting eggplant you’ve ever had and her husband and two children. The only thing she enjoys more than writing zebra tomatoes, for example. I want the Gulf Coast to be like Napa, where about great food is eating it. every restaurant has its own unique salad because there are 180 different types of tomatoes grown there.”

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The Oyster is our World absolutely love the fall months on the Emerald Coast. Your favorite spot at the bar is available, commutes are trafficfree, and crisp weather, college football, and fire-in-the-sky sunsets are yours to enjoy. This bustling tourist mecca becomes the quaint stretch of beach that drew many of us to live here. As a cook, the life I live on the coast this time of year means an abundance of flounder, Gulf shrimp, and of course, the crown jewel of our waters— the Apalachicola oyster.

The flavor of freshness in the fall and winter months is those delicious bivalves from our neighbors in Apalachee Bay. Locavores rejoice!

Nothing in the Gulf captures the sweet, salty taste of the sea quite like the delicate and enigmatic oyster, and fall is the best time to enjoy these fruits of our local waters. The cold water temperatures slow the oysters’ growth, thus giving them a leaner, crisper texture with a bit of saltiness. Apalachicola is the premier oyster appellation in the U.S., if not the world; 90 percent of the oysters consumed in Florida—and 10 percent of the world’s consumption—come from this spectacular bay. Apalachicola is the last place in the U.S. where wild (not farmed) oysters are still harvested manually by men and women in small boats with oyster tongs. You can get a visual of this trade by crossing the bridge from St. George Island as the sun rises over Apalachee Bay. It is an impressive sight to witness the many fleets of skiffs on this rich estuary plucking their livelihood with giant tongs that look like oversized chopsticks.

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By Phillip McDonald Photography by Romona Robbins

The first oyster of the fall, for me, is an instant revelation of nostalgia to my childhood, when my mom would “fix” me an oyster on a saltine with cocktail sauce and lemon. Good food transports you. There are a multitude of ways to enjoy our local oysters, but my preferences are either raw on the half shell or cooked in a silky stew. These are two ways in which you can’t go wrong with enjoying the essence of this delicacy. I know that some purists think that raw is the only way to go, but oyster stew done right is just as satisfying. Oyster stew is a Southern culinary staple that is prepared in a variety of techniques and flavors, but the constant is a cream-based broth similar to New England clam chowder. This stew is the perfect thing to warm your bones and increase your vigor when the winds here come out of the north and the mercury drops. It is also a great way to introduce oysters to your friends or family who are not adventurous enough to eat them raw.

Oysters also provide good sources of zinc and omega-3 fats, so these bivalves offer up more than just incredible flavor. If you are an oyster virgin and need to be coaxed into eating the delicate mollusk, trying this stew will get you on the path of least resistance. In the words of the famous food writer M.F.K. Fisher, “Often the place and time help make the food what it becomes.”

Phillip McDonald is the chef/owner of Table Five, a personal chef service that specializes in dinner parties and private home events along the Emerald Coast. Visit him online at www.TableFiveChef.com.

Apalachicola Oyster Stew Serves four

2 strips of bacon (diced) 3 shallots (minced) 1/2 head of celery (diced) 2 tablespoons of flour 2 dozen Apalachicola oysters (shucked w/oyster liquid)

1 quart of half-and-half 1 bunch of scallions (fine chop) Freshly ground black pepper Smoked paprika for garnish

Shuck oysters and set aside, reserving the oyster liquid.

In a medium stockpot on medium heat, render bacon until crispy. Drain bacon, reserving the rendered fat. Place bacon fat back into pot on medium heat and add shallot and celery, stirring until translucent. Add flour and stir until combined. Add half-and-half and bring to a simmer, stirring frequently while scraping the bottom of the pot. Simmer for about 10 minutes until stew thickens a bit. Add oysters and their liquid and cook until the oysters curl on the ends (be careful not to overcook the oysters). Season to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper. (Note: oysters are naturally briny so taste first before seasoning with salt.)

Divide soup among four bowls and garnish with the crispy bacon, scallions and smoked paprika.

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When It Comes to Beach Safety, Make Sure You Know Before You Go!

W

ith the help of “Seemore” The Safety Crab, Walton County is committed to beach safety.

We have a flag system that tells surf conditions based on what color safety flag is flying at

the beach. So recognize the flags that Seemore is holding and know before you go. We’re making safety a top priority!

WATER CLOSED TO PUBLIC

HIGH HAZARD

MEDIUM HAZARD (Light surf and/or currents) LOW HAZARD (Calm conditions) MARINE PEST PRESENT 850-267-1216 w w w .SeemoreSafetyCra b.com

Know the Facts About Rip Current • Stay out of the water or swim with caution when the flags indicate unsafe conditions.

• Don’t panic or swim against the current.

• Swim parallel to shore until you are out of the current (which is rarely more than 30 feet wide).

• If you can’t escape, float or tread water.

Lifeguarded beaches are available from mid-March through September, 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.* at designated public beach accesses 74

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including Inlet, Santa Clara, Gulf View Heights, Ed Walline, Dune Allen and Miramar. * Non Daylight Savings days 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. – subject to change

TM

WaterColor MountainFilm Festival

By Jim Pettegrew

“You’re not from around here, are you?” they ask me sometimes.

“Well, no, not originally. I didn’t grow up here,” I reply. “But don’t ask me next about my Midwestern ‘accent’… because there’s no such thing as a Midwestern accent. At least, I’ve never heard one.”

I am here in South Walton because of the annual Telluride MountainFilm on Tour festival at WaterColor. Some people think that I am responsible for bringing the tour here, but I’m not—it brought me here.

MountainFilm is a festival of mostly documentary films, special guests and speakers that is held in the small mountain town of Telluride, Colorado, elevation 8,745 feet. It’s been held annually, at the end of May, since 1979. Started mostly by climbers and other outdoor recreationists, it was inspired by the granddaddy of mountain film festivals held annually in Trento, Italy, which dates back to the early ’50s.

In those early years, our program was devoted almost entirely to climbing, skiing, kayaking, and other mountain sports.

But, over the years, our festival grew and evolved to where we now seek out films that look at our planet’s environment, at challenged cultures from around the world, and at the burdens of overpopulation— subjects from any corner of the globe, pertaining to any wrinkle of the human experience.

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Jim Pettegrew Photo by Michael Granberry

...our biggest single criterion in terms of choosing a film now is simply to find a good story that is well told.

The films aren’t just about literal mountains anymore, but we’re not going to change the festival’s name. Sometimes, we’ll attempt to scale a metaphorical mountain, like the paradox of starvation and obesity existing in our country side by side. Even though we still love to present films about exciting sports, our biggest single criterion in terms of choosing a film now is simply to find a good story that is well told.

MountainFilm is attended each year by athletes and explorers, talkers and loners, filmmakers and film lovers, politicians and other policy makers, environmentalists, professors, children and grandparents, by Telluride townsfolk, and by people who arrive in broken-down cars and in private jets. There is a tribe of people who revel in the culture and wisdom of the mountains, and this is one of their premier gatherings.

The films we show usually range from about two to fifty minutes in length. They’re mostly documentaries, with the occasional fictional or animated short. The festival receives hundreds of submissions from all over the world—some 76

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are from noted filmmakers, many of them are guests of previous MountainFilm gatherings or past award winners; other submissions sometimes arrive in tattered brown packages containing DVDs of rough, unfinished, or awkwardly “not ready for prime time” material. But, each submission is a work of art that someone cared enough to create.

From the mountain of submissions, the staff and a committee select fifty to sixty pieces that will be presented in four different cinemas over the four-day weekend event. That weekend also includes breakfast bagel talks with filmmakers and other special guests, gallery exhibits of works from a dozen still photographers, surprise appearances from the wings by someone whose story has just been told on-screen, a lot of sidewalk coffee-drinking discussions of the films that have just been presented… and maybe even some daytime rock climbing or backcountry skiing to reconnect with terra firma.

That’s the story behind the home festival back in Telluride, where I lived for twenty-two years,

most of that time involved with MountainFilm.

But, about twelve years ago, we realized that most of the films we were presenting were unlikely ever to be seen by a broader audience— they were just not going to make it onto the big screen at the local multiplex, although a few would show up on cable TV somewhere. Of course, not everyone can make it to Telluride for a four-day weekend every May, and MountainFilm thinks it’s truly important for more people to see these films.

So, the idea of taking the show on the road was hatched in order to take a sampling of the festival—both a condensed selection of the films themselves and the spirit of the event—to schools, museums, and community gatherings around the country and around the world. Since then, we’ve put on shows from San Diego to New Hampshire, from WaterColor to Anchorage, and from Chile to Norway to New Zealand.

We feel it’s important to get these ideas out there and into circulation. But, also, in this day of DVDs coming in the mail and of videos available even on your phone, we take pride in exhibiting films on the big screen. We are, after all, in show business. There truly is magic in that darkened outdoor room, and there is definitely power in film—power not just to entertain, but to educate, to inspire, and to challenge.

MountainFilm takes the mission of doing more than just entertaining seriously—but not too seriously we hope. We hope to show you things you’ve never seen, take you to new places, maybe get you to think about something that’s completely novel to you. To a degree, we want to poke you and to stretch you. Did you ever take a yoga class where the stretching was maybe a little challenging, a little uncomfortable while you were doing it, but, later that evening, you felt invigorated and better for it? That’s what we hope to achieve with the MountainFilm Tour.

In the summer of 2001 in Telluride, our friend Joan Childs stopped by the MountainFilm office.

Joan, who then split her time between Telluride and Seaside, and who was also one of the earliest WaterColor homeowners, told us about a new community arising next door to Seaside. WaterColor was just starting out, and its creators, the St. Joe Company, were looking to develop something of a local arts and culture scene. She and her partner, Jerry Zaret, believed that the MountainFilm Tour would be the perfect thing for a couple of evenings in the fall.

Trusting Joan’s judgment—and trusting our own keen sense that some time at the beach right before ski season started couldn’t be a very bad thing—we signed on, and presented the first shows at the Marina Park Amphitheater in early November of 2001. The stage was freshly

Hillary Fosdyck and Briane Workman Monark Events, LLC Photo by Kurt Lischka Moon Creek Studios VIE - Fall 2009

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Photo by Kurt Lischka Moon Creek Studios

As with most arts events, a lot of people work unseen for many hours for nearly no pay to stage the event. screwed together and the sod lawn was still a little loose, but the support from WaterColor and the 30A community was fantastic. We had a pretty good turnout for a brand-new event, and it’s been a hit on 30A ever since.

The 2009 shows, coming up on November 6th and 7th, will represent our ninth year. Regular attendees—and we have lots of them—know that tickets should be bought in advance; that we present a different selection of films each night, so they know to come both nights if they can; that the list of films isn’t known until just before the weekend; that we encourage them to bring blankets, low lawn chairs, and warm clothing; that we don’t allow coolers or food and drinks to be brought into the venue but full food and beverage service is available; and that 78

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there’s a separate kids program available during the evening.

As with most arts events, a lot of people work unseen for many hours for nearly no pay to stage the event. For the MountainFilm Tour at WaterColor, that starts with our producer, John Rosenberg. John moved here from Telluride in ’02, just after the second annual WaterColor shows, and, besides being a MountainFilm trail boss, he’s behind the scenes of nearly every arts event along 30A. We also receive a great deal of irreplaceable volunteer help from the St. Joe staff and from a number of beach locals. Lots of folks find it fun to be involved.

Like many of the paid staff, I had started, in 1982, as a volunteer with MountainFilm. The

whole Telluride community shows a wonderful level of involvement and a tremendous ethic of volunteerism—it really is a fundamental piece of what makes that town a true community. And it’s the same here—we can’t enjoy top-level events in what are some pretty small towns without people willing to donate a little time. But I also needed a real job, a “day job” that would allow me to keep living there long-term. So I started to work in land and residential real estate sales in 1986, when Telluride was pretty much unknown and even smaller than it still is.

After the first tour show here at WaterColor, my wife, Gina, and I visited a couple more times. We were meeting nice people, we loved the feel of South Walton, and we saw plenty of opportunity here for both my real estate practice and her own interior design business. So we moved here to Seagrove Beach, in the fall of 2002.

I was glad to be with the on-site St. Joe WaterColor sales team for nearly five years, during some of the very busiest times there. Working

mostly on homesites at first, and then transitioning more into homes as they were built, I came to know WaterColor as well as anyone working in the community today. It’s still the core of my real estate business, and I’m pleased that’s the case.

WaterColor was my introduction to the Emerald Coast. I’m fortunate to have many friends who live there and it’s still a very special place for me—the MountainFilm Tour is just one of the reasons why.

So, are we here at the beach now for good?

Well, I enjoy film and music, architecture and design, creative cookery, and kayaking—but also skiing, in snow.

The mountains are certainly not out of my blood, and skiing is the sport that I know and love best. Even though Walton County includes the highest point in Florida, our vacations generally take us to even higher elevations. And, since we already live at the beach, we hope our retirement will one day include a cabin in the mountain woods.

But, just like a beachside event curiously called MountainFilm, one doesn’t always need to actually be in the mountains. If you believe that the images in your mind have the power to create the world you desire, then film has the unequalled power to help create that world.

For information on this year’s event, please visit

www.mountainfilmfl.com

For samples of films from this year’s tour, please visit

www.mountainfilm.org/tour/films

Still a South Walton newcomer, Jim is a Wisconsin native who’s lived nearly half of his life in Colorado. With a college degree in wildlife ecology and a passion for outdoor recreation, Jim headed west and called Telluride home for twenty-two years of skiing, music, film, and resort real estate brokerage. It was hosting the first MountainFilm festival tour, held at WaterColor in 2001, that brought him to discover the 30A area.

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Michael McCarty Iconic Rock 'n' Roll Artist Gets New Rhythm

By Matthew Christ

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"Flamingo Royale" Photo by Ginger Stinton

M

ichael McCarty had a twinkle in his eyes when he reminisced about a wild night spent with the Rolling Stones in the 1970s. “Mick Jagger and Keith Richards had two connecting suites at the Fairmont Hotel at the corner of Peachtree and 12th Street in Atlanta. Mick told us to wait an hour after the concert and to ask for ‘Sam Spade’s’ room number. When Sherri and I walked into the room, the band was listening to a recording from that night’s concert. Keith Richards and Ron Wood were playing along to the concert recording with guitars plugged in to little Pignose amps. Shortly after, Mick put an Otis Redding LP on a turntable and started dancing around the room imitating the ‘Big O.’ I don’t think I’ll ever forget that night.”

A night spent partying with the Rolling Stones begs the following question: who exactly is Michael McCarty?

McCarty isn’t a recording artist, but one of the more preeminent album cover artists of the rock Photo by Ginger Stinton ’n’ roll industry. His artwork has been associMichael McCarty ated with countless musicians including James Brown, Little Richard, Willie Nelson, Steppenwolf, Lynyrd Skynrd, Piano Red, Waylon Jennings, K.C. and the Sunshine acclaimed Graphics Group studio and began creating album covers and Band, Sam and Dave, Isaac Hayes, and the Atlanta Rhythm Section. posters for some of the era’s most acclaimed rock ’n’ roll artists. However, not all of his early work involved music. Take, for instance, the creation of A native of Dothan, Alabama, he sat in on a recording session with Roy Orthe iconic Chevron Cars advertisement campaign of the 1970s, where bison, had a seat on the Board of Governors of the Grammys, and produced McCarty’s concept of smiling cars and trucks became an immediate staple artwork that was sought after by Andy Warhol. Yet, when McCarty met me of popular culture. at the Red Bar in Grayton Beach, Florida, he seemed oddly at ease with the easygoing pace of the Gulf Coast.

Within five years, he had created a name for himself in both the music and art worlds as a perceptive album cover artist who could tap into the musi“I’ve been coming to the Red Bar since it was known as the Butler General cal energy of a band. When McCarty decided to leave his job for a freeStore. Grayton was a magical place in my childhood, and my family and I lance commercial art career, he never looked back, designing more album had returned every summer while we lived life in the fast lane.” Life did hapcovers and serving on the Board of Governors of the National Academy pen fast for McCarty. After taking a painting class, studying under Tommy of Recording Arts and Sciences for nearly two decades as chairman of the Mew at Auburn University, he knew that pursuing the family dentistry Grammy’s Album Packaging committee. “Those were interesting years,” business was no longer in the cards. “Art was a calling,” McCarty realized.

McCarty chuckles. “I got to meet many famous musicians, some who often spent time in my studio or lounging on our living room sofa while writing After he graduated from Auburn University with a Fine Arts degree in Visual lyrics to songs.”

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Eventually, rock ’n’ roll was eclipsed by rap music, and CD packaging started focusing more on photography rather than on custom art. Sensing that it was time to make a break from commercial art to fine art, McCarty consulted his wife, Sherri. “She encouraged me to pursue my artistic passion and told me, ‘Look, I have a steady paycheck with Delta Air Lines to float the boat for a while, so go for it.’” Famed album cover artist Michael McCarty went for it, and jumped into the rough and uncertain world of fine art.

So far, the move into fine art has paid off.

After notable interior designer Richard Tubb of Birmingham, Alabama discovered his work, McCarty had a steady stream of commissions from Tubb’s clients, and soon found his paintings in their vacation homes along the Gulf Coast. In the late 1990s, Miramar Beach–based gallery owner Page O’Connor began representing him and ended up placing some of his work in Coastal Living’s 1999 Idea House. McCarty’s Heart Series, a collection of paintings featuring large hearts with the “xoxo” symbol was featured throughout the well-publicized house and became an instant hit. “I

Photo by Ginger Stinton

"el flamenco en MADRID"

"Heart of 30-A" was getting commissions for the heart paintings from all over the country.

This went on for ten months. I couldn’t bring myself to paint another heart painting for a very long time after that.”

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I found out that McCarty’s work is so much more than the Heart Series.

His work is distinctly modern and abstract, and shies away from total realistic interpretations because “if you’re contemplating painting something exactly the way it is, then why not just take a photo?” Thumbing through his portfolio is like strolling through a park illuminated by heat lightning.

Exotic shapes and radiant colors jump out at you and yet the effect isn’t alarming, but calming. Ever since McCarty and wife Sherri permanently moved to Santa Rosa Beach, Florida, a tropical presence has been prevalent in his work.

“There’s so much inspiration in this area.”

–Michael McCarty “There’s so much inspiration in this area,” McCarty told me, which is perhaps why no one should be surprised he was selected as the 2009 Beaches of South Walton Artist of the Year; as such he’ll be tasked with creating a piece of artwork for permanent viewing in a public building in Walton County, Florida.

Obviously, not everyone can be an abstract artist. Besides the artistic skill and vision required, in order to succeed one must master a creative certitude and a range of emotions. McCarty certainly has the skill and creative vision, but he also possesses the rare artistic certainty inspired from the lineage of Gustav Klimt, Willem de Kooning, and Tommy Mew. McCarty’s creative certainty was on full display when I asked him how he knows he’s finished a painting. He simply smiled and said, “When the painting breathes.”

It’s safe to say that, when it comes to Michael McCarty’s work, his paintings not only breathe, but jump to life.

Photo by Ginger Stinton

Michael McCarty in his studio

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A Life of Its Own

Taylor Haugen Foundation Continues the Spirit

By Andy Meinen

Reed Waddle Photo by Rhonda Schaefer

Tyson Ritter Photo by Rhonda Schaefer 86

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Taylor Haugen

Top: Taylor Haugen Foundation—Billy Russel, Madra McDonald, Brian and Kathy Haugen and Philippe Miceli

Taylor Haugen

Bottom: All-American Rejects—Toad Salnier, Nick Wheeler, Mike Kennerty, Chris Gaylor and Tyson Ritter Photo by Rhonda Schaefer

Tyson Ritter with Taylor's best friend Trenton Kilbey Photo by Rhonda Schaefer

A

Tyson Ritter Photo by Clint Brown

year ago, like lightning from a summer evening heat storm, tragedy struck and a life was taken in an instant. For many, death is seen as the end, the final act in the drama of life.

But, sometimes death—in a complicated manner—can give birth to a new kind of life, a life that can live on in spirit and help to guide and nurture people for years or decades to come. Brian and Kathy Haugen know of just such a life—that of their son, Taylor Haugen.

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T aylor, fifteen, died August 30, 2008 from injuries he sustained during a JV football game for Niceville High School. Taylor (known to family and friends as “T”) may have had a passion for football, but he was also involved with the community and held an unbreakable bond with his Christian faith. “T was perhaps the strongest one in our family with a relationship with Christ,” Brian Haugen said. “He is who I look up to.”

Since his death, Taylor’s parents have directed the Taylor Haugen Foundation, and have raised tens of thousands of dollars for college scholarships and area organizations. The foundation has impacted the lives of young people along the Emerald Coast by funding and promoting orchestral concerts, staging a performance by the multi-platinum rock band The All-American Rejects, and by presentations from two Heisman trophy winners including Tim Tebow.

And that unbridled growth led to the highlight of the past year, when The All-American Rejects performed a sold-out benefit concert in March at Northwest Florida State College’s Mattie Kelly Arts Center. The acoustic show was special since most of the 1,600 attendees were friends and family members of Taylor, along with students from area high schools. The concert raised more than $65,000. Rejects front man Tyson Ritter, who has a home on Scenic Highway 30A, said that he heard about Taylor’s death when he was in the area last year. “I thought it sounded like such an unfortunate tragedy,” Ritter said.

“When the foundation asked me to be part of the benefit, I did not hesitate.”

The All-American Rejects helped to propel the charity into high gear, but the foundation took its first steps last November with a silent auction sponsored by Emerald Coast Title Services. The auction, which was part of the title company’s 25th anniversary celebration, raised more than $5,000, with all of the proceeds going directly to the foundation. Emerald Coast Title’s president and founder, Delys Dearmon, said she was pleased to help, adding, “We are grateful to all of the local residents and businesses that came together in support of Taylor and what this remarkable foundation represents.”

The auction was just the beginning of the charity’s efforts. Next came the first tribute concert.

In February, after twenty-seven years performing, the White Sands Orchestra performed their last concert to benefit Taylor’s foundation. Brian Haugen had at one time played lead trumpet for the orchestra, and former band leader John Mizelle said that he had not one, but two reasons to say goodbye with the fund-raiser. “I’d like to do it on a high note, and I’ve known this kid since he was out of a highchair,” he told the Northwest Florida Daily News in February. “He was truly a role model.”

That role model, according to his parents, had a mind-set that was geared toward becoming involved and helping others. Taylor was a member of Niceville’s wrestling team. He was in the National Honor Society, the Key Club, and he took part in the NaGISA Dive Team. He also was a PAL soccer referee. But Taylor’s spirit didn’t stop there. Taylor gave his time to others, just as others helped him, Brian Haugen said. “During the funeral, it was mentioned that T was always mentored by a neighbor across the street who was about six years older than him,” he said.

“T did the same thing with other kids. He was always passing it on, and the foundation is supposed to do the same.”

Inspiration and Efforts The non-profit Taylor Haugen Foundation supports faith-based, civic-minded, overachieving student-athletes, and it assists organizations and community activities. The charity takes its inspiration and dedication from Taylor and the way he lived his life. His parents want the charity to emulate their son and to help those who hold the same values and whose faith is as important to them as Taylor’s was to him.

The foundation has grown by leaps and bounds since its humble beginning, when Taylor’s high school peers decided to start a memorial fund in his honor. According to Brian Haugen, the past year has been a whirlwind in terms of the activity surrounding the foundation. “It’s like holding onto a wild stallion,” he said.

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All-American Rejects backstage at Taylor Haugen Foundation benefit concert Photo by Clint Brown

Taylor Haugen

Tyson Ritter Photo by Rhonda Schaefer

Trophy and Scholarships The foundation started with the idea of helping other students like Taylor, but that goal expanded to showcase one student-athlete along the Emerald Coast each year with the Taylor Haugen Trophy. The award—created by the All Sports Association—is the high school equivalent of the Wuerffel Trophy, which highlights collegiate student-athletes who have provided excellent community service and demonstrated outstanding academic and athletic achievement.

The All Sports Association wanted to provide an award at the local level in Taylor’s memory.

University of Florida quarterback Tim Tebow, together with Brian and Kathy Haugen, presented the Taylor Haugen Trophy last February to Fort Walton Beach senior Caise Vickery. Vickery, who is one of the top students in his class, received the award not only because he played soccer for Fort Walton Beach, but because he is also active in his church and involved in community VIE - Fall 2009

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Kathy Haugen, Tim Tebow, and Brian Haugen Photo by Philippe Miceli

service projects. Mike Coupé, president of the All Sports Association, said that the trophy is meant to embody everything that made Taylor such a special young man. “This year’s winner, Caise Vickery, embodies those qualities and will help carry them forward. He was a great choice in that regard,” Coupé said.

However, the foundation wasn’t done there. The trophy is a great honor, but the charity wanted student-athletes to continue on to the next level.

So, in May, the organization awarded each of three area students with $1,500 for scholarship money to be used at an accredited four-year college. Jesse Dean Quick, of Fort Walton Beach High School, and Krista Nicole Schumacher and David Jacob Hill, both of Niceville High School, were selected this year. The winners were chosen based on a balance of five different criteria: academics, athletics, community service, leadership, and Christian faith. Applicants also have to be graduating seniors with a weighted GPA of 3.5 or higher. “Jesse, Krista, and David are all exceptional young people, and we feel that they exemplify the same qualities that were so special in Taylor,” said Heather Kilbey, scholarship committee chairwoman for the charity.

University of Florida quarterback Tim Tebow, together with Brian and Kathy Haugen, presented the Taylor Haugen Trophy last February to Fort Walton Beach senior Caise Vickery.

All-American Rejects performing at Taylor Haugen Foundation benefit concert Photo by Clint Brown

Foundation’s Future The foundation will continue to raise funds, Brian Haugen said. Starting in August, people can go into participating area McDonald’s restaurants, and give to the charity with one dollar donations. All donators will have their names put on cards, which will then be displayed on a wall of the restaurant.

Another benefit show may soon be in the works.

Haugen said that they’ve been in contact with other big-name musicians who regularly retreat to the Emerald Coast about other benefit concerts. He wouldn’t say who they are, except that he and others in the foundation have approached a few folks and are still in talks.

But Haugen says that the main focus of the foundation in the near future is community involvement. He believes that the best ideas for 90

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events come from the people in the area. So, he encourages everyone to become involved and get in touch with him about setting up future events and fund-raisers.

The Lord’s Will Losing a child is an unspeakable tragedy, but Haugen said that, in the past year, he’s felt the hand of God shepherding Taylor’s foundation.

The past year happened the way it did for a reason—one that was not designed by man. “There hasn’t been a lot of planning,” he said. “It all just

kind of unfolded. T prequalified for heaven.

God has blessed us with enough knowledge for T’s intent. Clearly, we see that God’s work is in this. Our loss is unimaginable, but the positive effect that it’s had is to bring kids and adults closer to Christ.”

Andy Meinen is a freelance writer living in Miramar Beach with his wife, Christina.

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MAKE A DIFFERENCE

On April 21, Lisa Burwell, publisher of VIE, had the privilege to speak to the fifth grade class at Destin Elementary School as part of the Mattie Kelley Arts Foundation’s All Kinds of Art children’s educational outreach program.

As part of her discussion on publishing, Lisa offered the class a chance to participate in an article writing contest. The bright, energetic and compassionate bunch of students submitted articles about ways they can make a

difference in the world. We have chosen to showcase the work of the top two winners, Sidney Freeman and Jordan Breed, who, at a young age, are already trying to make the world a better place.

Photos by Lisa Ferrick

My broth at commuer and I have volun as long as nity events and fu teered to help n I can rem ember. d-raisers for

Sidney Freeman Destin Middle School Fifth Grade I can make a difference in my community by helping local charities and community groups. My parents are both on the board of directors of the United Way, and my mother is a past president. My brother and I have volunteered to help at community events and fund-raisers for as long as I can remember. For most of my life, I have been involved with raising money for groups like the American Cancer Society Relay for Life, the United Way, the American Heart Association Heart Walk, Destin Elementary School and Destin Middle School.

When I was younger I wondered why my mom and dad were always volunteering to help different groups raise money. Now that I am older, I see the need in our community. There are many people who do not have food to eat or a place to sleep. I have seen the homeless people standing on corners in our community asking for money and food. This makes me very sad. I worry about children who do not have clothes and homes. I did some research and have learned that there are over 2,400 homeless people in Okaloosa

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and Walton counties. That is a lot of people who really need some help.

I do not know what I would do if I did not have a family and home to go to every day.

I also know there are many people in our community who have illnesses that only research can cure. My granddad has cancer and I hope there will be a cure one day. This is why I participate in the American Cancer Society Relay for Life. The money we raise goes toward research to help find a cure for cancer. We also have family members with heart problems. My family participates in the Heart Walk every year to support research for heart disease and stroke.

I am so proud of my brother’s efforts to make a difference in our community. He has created a non-profit organization called Youth United to get high school students involved in identifying needs and solving community problems. I plan to help organize efforts at Destin Middle School for the new Youth United program. The Destin Middle

School Student Council picks a fund-raising project to work on each year. I am going to inform our student council of opportunities to volunteer and raise money for local charities. I think kids should be involved in helping people in our community just like our parents. I hope to encourage many other middle school students to become volunteers and help a charity.

When I was five, six and seven years old, I did not understand why we were always going to fund-raisers and walking on the weekends. I complained to my parents about always having to go somewhere with them. I was too young to understand why all those people were coming together.

As an eleven-year-old, I know that I can make a difference. I now understand why my parents and thousands of other local people help collect food, donate clothes and raise money. When we all come together we can make a big difference in the lives of others.

Jordan Breed Destin Middle School Fifth Grade I can make a difference. Saying this to myself seems like a big responsibility, and an effort, but it’s not. You can get some of your old clothes and give them to a local shelter, to your little sibling, or to a friend.

I volunteer at an animal shelter. Dogs and cats that don’t have a home need all of the help they can get.

You can donate pet food, dog beds, and toys to animal shelters.

When I go to the beach, I pick up trash in the sand. If nobody picks the trash up, then when it washes out to sea, marine wildlife become sick from polluted waters and they might even try to eat the trash.

There are three “R's” that you should always remember. Reuse, reduce, and recycle. You can reuse your grocery bags and water bottles. Try to reduce your electric and water bills by turning off lights when you leave a room, and turning off the water while you brush your teeth. Take chargers out of the wall when you’re not using them because they still use energy. You can recycle newspapers, water bottles, and cans. Doing these things can make a big difference in our world.

You can volunteer at homeless shelters. You give out food, clothes, and blankets to people who don’t have these things. Just remember that one little thing can make a big difference.

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e f i L t e e w !

S a l e h o t c i s h y c o j a En in Apal

Model and Artist is a Li ving Legacy through Her Daughters

In comparing life to a play, William Shakespeare famously wrote that “all the world’s a stage.” If the Bard’s metaphor is true, then Alice Jean Gibbs’s three acts have all been Tony Award–worthy.

Even better, her two daughters—Lynn Wilson Spohrer and Carol Harris—have followed in their mother’s dramatically unordinary footsteps, creating equally compelling and wholly original lives that, like their mother’s, have led them to Apalachicola, Florida.

T

he three women’s stories begin, of course, with Alice. Her remarkable journey from her native Chicago to an idyllic life as an in-demand art teacher here on the coast includes years spent dancing and modeling—most famously as one of the first Coca-Cola girls—a life-changing discovery of art, and raising her multitalented daughters. She chronicles these tales while relaxing at the home of her daughter Lynn, a globe-trotting designer whose exquisite home sets the perfect tone for this magical trip through time.

The Coca-Cola Girl Makes Her Debut At 93 years of age, Alice leads a very full life and retains an unmistakable beauty that testifies to her previous life as a model. It all began when she was sixteen and earned a spot in the children’s theater at the World’s Fair in Chicago. Other engagements followed, and she soon left high

school for the glamorous world of dance, ending up at the renowned Fox Theatre in Brooklyn. The twelve girls in her dancing group performed four shows a day and five on the weekends for $35 per week—all while traveling by freight train to the next performance, but she gladly put up with the grueling schedule and dicey mode of transportation. “The reward was worth it because I became a classically trained dancer,” she smiles.

During this period Alice was hired by the John Robert Powers Modeling Agency, founded by the eponymous actor-turned-entrepreneur who persuaded icons like Lauren Bacall, Lucille Ball, and Ava Gardner to come aboard as well. Alice didn’t turn in her dancing shoes, however. She auditioned for and was hired as a member of the Roxyettes, a troupe of precision dancers that headlined at the Roxy Theatre—then one of New York City’s most famous showplaces and a

precursor to Radio City Music Hall’s Rockettes.

After a few years of life on the road, a homesick Alice returned to Chicago, where she modeled full-time. One of those assignments was for Haddon “Sunny” Sundblom, Chicago’s leading commercial artist in the 1930s and 1940s and one of several artists contracted by Coca-Cola to create their ads. The process was simple: a photographer took her photo, which Sundblom used as the basis for an oil painting that CocaCola reproduced for billboards, posters, and magazine ads.

Not only did that assignment forever link Alice with one of the most iconic ad campaigns in U.S. history, but it also introduced her to art. “While I was posing for Sunny, I asked him about painting, and, at his suggestion, I started taking art classes,” Alice said. Alice modeled by day and attended the Art Institute of Chicago and the American Academy of Fine Arts at night, uncovering a love affair that has played a huge role in the second and third acts of her life.

From Pinup to Parent Alice moved with her husband, a professional pianist, to Miami and started a family, but she didn’t set aside her passion. She owned a children’s dance studio for years and has been an accomplished pastel and oil painter since her early VIE - Fall 2009

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Alice Jean Gibbs, Lisa Burwell and Lynn Wilson Spohrer

twenties. Twice widowed and once divorced, Alice moved to Apalachicola in 1995 to be near her daughters. She opened the Alice Jean Gallery downtown and today holds twice-weekly art classes for students who benefit from her inborn talent and years of study with some of the finest artists in the country. She and her daughter Lynn, an accomplished artist as well, also travel to France, Italy, or Sicily for a week or two each year to paint outdoor scenes en plein air. Similarities between mother and daughter don’t end there, however.

“My mother was my mentor,” Lynn says, which may explain why she, too, went on the road as a dancer when she was a teenager. In addition, she sang and acted in off-Broadway productions for

giants like Lou Walters (Barbara Walters’ father), who hired her as a Coconut Grove dancer—a gig that allowed her to dance with Mel Tormé.

Among her other show biz credits was a role in the Frank Sinatra film A Hole in the Head; TV roles on Dr. Kildare and Bonanza; and commercials for products such as Listerine and Zest soap. She also met Fidel Castro during a preblockade stint as queen of Cuba’s Carnival. Never one to rest when she could be working, Lynn kept up her performance schedules while taking advantage of a full scholarship to the University of Miami. She even went back to school for her master’s degree in art history when she was pregnant, when her professional dancing had to be put on hold.

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s a w r e h t o “My m tor” my men –Lynn Wilson Spohrer

Surprisingly, her mother characterizes her as a “shy” child. Lynn attributes the confidence she’s enjoyed as an adult to the theatrical and dance training she received as a child, as well as to a memorable spiritual encounter in her teen years.

“A star perched on my shoulder when I was seventeen, and I allowed God to take over my life,” she remembers.

She took that confidence and, at age twentyseven, founded Lynn Wilson Associates International (www.lynnwilsonassociates.com), one of the top ten interior design firms in the country.

With offices in New York, Los Angeles, Paris, Hong Kong, and Mexico, her company is responsible for refurbishing the Biltmore Hotel, the Stouffer Vinoy in St. Petersburg, the Boca Raton Hotel, and the Taj Mahal Hotel in Mumbai. Though glamorous, her line of work runs into occasional snags—the most notable recent example being the fire at the Taj Mahal Hotel last year, which devastated Lynn. She watched, helpless, as TV news reports showed her restoration being consumed by flames.

Around the World and Back Lynn’s business has taken her to the Middle East, China, Korea, and Pakistan. Her mother, while visibly swelling with pride at her daughter’s achievements, has nonetheless worried about her solo travels, though Lynn herself has no such qualms. She revels in stories like the one about brokering a $3.5 million contract in a boardroom in Japan where she was the only female. With her poise and self-assurance—not to mention

Lynn Wilson Spohrer's home

talent—the company Lynn fronts has attracted clients such as Queen Elizabeth II of England, King Hussein and Queen Noor of Jordan, and His Royal Highness Sheikh Maktoum of Dubai.

On a personal note, her company is the reason she met her husband, Bill, whose Nicaraguan airline company became a client.

Lynn and Bill’s home is dotted with photos of the couple with some of the most famous faces on the planet, but it’s safe to assume that, upon the arrival of Lynn’s sister, Carol, two of the most impressive people they know are sitting in their house, drinking tea and reminiscing. With Carol Harris’s entrance, talk turns to Alice’s other daughter, a phenomenally talented musician who plays violin, guitar, Scottish fiddle, bass, banjo, and mandolin. Though self-taught, Carol also took lessons from jazz great Tom Righi for about seven years. “Her musical accomplishments are truly a miracle,” Alice explains, “because as a child Carol had rheumatic fever, which left her in bed for six months.” Now, she has a perfectly pitched ear, which she uses to teach music in Apalach’. Naturally, Carol is also

So how did these fascinating, talented people, who count heads of state among their friends, end up in Apalachicola? Because, after all the places they’ve been and the people they’ve met, this community is the one that’s captured their hearts.

a talented artist. Though her visit is short, it’s clear that her story would be worthy of its own feature article.

So how did these fascinating, talented people, who count heads of state among their friends, end up in Apalachicola? Because, after all the places they’ve been and the people they’ve met, this community is the one that’s captured their hearts. Here, people ask Alice for her autograph, recognizing that the woman who teaches them to make a canvas come alive with oil paint is the same woman who is part of the very fabric of Americana. And this is where the daughters

who inherited her beauty, grace, and talent feel at home.

Restoring Apalachicola Lynn and Bill Spohrer first came to know Apalachicola some twenty years ago. On one of their first visits, Lynn began the process of trying to convince Bill that she could revive the crumbling building that now houses the Coombs House Inn. “When Lynn saw this decaying house, she knew immediately that she had to save it,” Bill recounts. “It took us ten years just to close the deal on the former home of James Coombs.”

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Restoring the historic Coombs House (www. coombshouseinn.com) to its former glory was not an easy task, as labor was hard to come by and renovations of this magnitude were rare for Apalachicola at the time. The beautiful craftsmanship and attention to detail are near perfection, thanks to the ecclesiastically trained painters and faux painters from Russia she hired to work on the restoration. The Coombs House Inn is filled with the Spohrers’ own collection of antiques, furnishings, oil paintings, Oriental carpets, and fireplaces. Numerous articles have appeared in the New York Times, the Tallahassee Democrat, and the Miami Herald about this special getaway in the sleepy town of Apalach’, and Travel and Leisure named it one of the “30 Outstanding Small Inns in the United States.”

Apalachicola is more than a home to the Spohrers; it’s their chance to harness their

Carol Harris, Alice Jean Gibbs and Lynn Wilson Spohrer creative abilities to help rejuvenate a town that’s come to mean so much to them. “Bill and I have been a small part of a grassroots movement to effect change in Apalachicola,” Lynn explains.

“There’s real community here, and I wanted to show the world what Apalachicola could be. I marvel at what it has become and what it will become.”

To read more about Bill and Lynn Wilson Spohrer, check out the article, “I met the ‘Indiana Jones of South America’ in Apalachicola,” which appeared in the Spring/Summer 2008 issue of VIE (www.VIEzine.com).

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Artistic Expressiona place Abounds of beauty

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By Sallie W. Boyles Photography by Gerald Burwell

f the Seacrest Beach storefront of Bohlert-Massey Interiors gives an impression of exclusivity, owner and interior designer Susan Bohlert-Massey welcomes the public to venture inside for a closer look. She hopes that visitors find the merchandise too appealing not to touch and the personal assistance hard to refuse. More than anything, Susan would like people to get to know her as an approachable interior designer who is prepared to meet the wide-ranging preferences, needs and budgets of her customers.

“My clients want to express themselves,” she says. “They hire me to make their vision the best it can be.”

Clearly, however, Susan brings her own sense of aesthetics to each project. Admitting “an obsession with beautiful things,” she traces her signature style—nostalgic yet timeless with an unanticipated twist—to a continuum of experiences that have, and continue to, inspire her to evolve as an artist and businesswoman.

Art is her underlying passion, one Susan discovered in her first childhood class. Planning to be a painter, she studied fine art and art history at the University of Alabama. After art and architecture classes in Florence, Italy, opened her eyes to murals and frescoes, Susan shifted her focus to decorative painting and interiors. Upon graduating the University of Alabama in 1992, she took a position with a Santa Fe design firm. She built a portfolio, which included contributions to Carol Burnett’s home, and absorbed as much as she could about her surroundings—from visual to cultural. Primarily, the colors and textures of the landscape, the region’s bohemian art colonies, and the trompe l’oeil collaborations with Fenn Galleries’ resident artist, John Burr, made lasting impressions upon her.

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Susan sitting pretty next to her coveted birdcage on the 2nd floor of Studio b in Alys Beach

"My clients want to express themselves. They hire me to make their vision the best it can be."

—Susan Bohlert-Massey Returning to Alabama to be close to her family, Susan married college sweetheart Jeff Massey, a business major who shared similar personality traits and artistic viewpoints. They settled in her hometown of Dothan, where they opened Indigo Interiors, a thriving design boutique. When daughter Bo came along, it might have seemed the threesome were settled, but the diversity of artists and cultures along 30A lured them to Grayton Beach.

“Jeff and I love the bohemian influence here, and we want Bo to benefit from a broad range of ideas and experiences,” says Susan, who feels that Northwest Florida grants an ideal lifestyle. “30A

has all the charm of a small Southern town without the obvious stereotypes that go along with small town cliques or stagnation.”

Likewise, Susan frequently travels for the inspiration “to push past the comfort zone.” In addition to returning often to Santa Fe and making at least three trips each year to New York, she also goes to places like Paris and London, where she shops the markets. At least once a year, in fact, she travels outside the country.

“While I was in Paris,” says Susan, “I was searching for interesting art objects.” She found a rebirth of taxidermy, as evidenced by a display of

butterflies under glass domes in her store. “They come from butterfly farms,” she explained, “and die naturally. By preserving them, we can admire the beauty of these ethereal creatures for years.”

Susan is always on the lookout for rare beauty— exceptional colors, shapes, textures and pieces. “I carry a notepad with me because I never know what might catch my eye,” she says. “It might be a Moroccan map in an antique store or a splash of color used in Café Gitane in Soho. I always make a point of visiting Soho when I’m in New York for up-to-the-minute trends.” By the time a look is commonplace, Susan is ready to move on.

Areas of her home, therefore, are forever fluctuating. “For the summer season, I might place a white slipcover over a chocolate linen sofa,” Susan says. “I prefer interiors that can move,” she added, indicating that she further likes to shift pieces from one place to another and similarly alter focal points. “Currently, I am enjoying a collage I made using photographs of Bo along with numerous postcards that her grandmother sent to her from Europe. In an unstudied way, they grace a hall mirror and will remain there until something else strikes me.”

While Susan cannot resist an opportunity to transform a space, she appreciates sentimental value and absolute quality, and readily accepts the challenge of devising ways to make a client’s personal treasures suit a new décor. “When my mother moved to the beach with her Chippendale dining room table and chairs, I designed slipcovers using tissue linen,” she says. The effect added lightness yet maintained respect for the fine antiques. “Lightening up comes with living on the beach!”

Indicative of being on the Gulf, Bohlert-Massey Interiors showcases a number of accessories that incorporate shells, which come from all over the

Photo by Camille Leonard world, and lime-waxed furniture. A new line of mirrors, handcrafted with shells and sea fans by her husband, Jeff, represents the first of other original items—to include Jeff ’s furniture and Susan’s paintings—planned for future launches.

“We purposely avoid mass merchandise,” Susan says. “For the store, I conscientiously select retail items that reflect my design sensibility as well as support my interior design business.” In stepping away from Bohlert-Massey Home Destin, a former retail operation and separate partnership located in Miramar Beach, Susan says that the decision was primarily based upon her desire to focus on custom design. “Custom design projects are the core of what I do, and with so many new initiatives under way, I realized it was best

to scale back and give my full attention to the original Bohlert-Massey here in Seacrest,” she says. Susan brought her right-hand and seasoned Bohlert-Massey designer, Luanne Kelly, back from managing the store in Miramar Beach to focus sharply with Susan on the fine tuning of the ever-evolving eleven-year-old business.

Among Susan’s newest store furnishings are ecofriendly materials. “Bedding is coming soon,” she says. “Our source is an old Italian company that uses organic cottons and linens grown without pesticides. We’ll be showing white, high-threadcount sheets, coverlets and towels that are washable. Beds will be made simply and elegantly without layers of fluff.” Susan says that the growing demand for organic is also fueling more

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requests for back-to-basic neutrals with flaxen tones, and a lighter color palette in general.

Susan, however, is not shy when it comes to applying rich hues in the right places, especially if the choice is unexpected. Leaving the bones of a house neutral, she might use vivid turquoise to accent a door or black to dramatize a ceiling.

Another example, appearing on her website, is the Chinese red chosen for a kitchen’s cabinets.

“They required nine coats of paint plus sanding in between each coat,” she says. “Contractors like to tell me I’m crazy while projects like that are under way, but they are always proud of the finished product.”

The cabinets earned extra recognition by landing on the front cover of Southern Accents. Susan’s other vibrant rooms have appeared in Florida Travel & Life, Traditional Home, Coastal Living, Décor Magazine, Southern Accents, and Better Homes and Gardens.

"Custom design projects are the core of what I do, and with so many new initiatives under way, I realized it was best to scale back and give my full attention to the original Bohlert-Massey here in Seacrest."

—Susan Bohlert-Massey

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“Color theory was my favorite class in college,” she continued. “Observing which shades have an affinity for one another is fascinating to me.” If pressed, Susan confesses that she has an affinity for greens, while adding, “I have not seen a color that I don’t like.”

In addition to treating the eyes to color, Susan takes pleasure in combining periods and altering styles. “Repeating a particular style would be too confining,” she says. Even so, she loves French and Moroccan pieces. For exteriors, she expresses a preference for classic Italian architecture. Both inside and out, she loves to be taken by surprise.

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W W W. B O H L E R T M A S S E Y. C O M

To ensure that she pleasantly surprises her clients, Susan covers all key discussion points. If she is designing for someone who is wide open to ideas, she typically delivers three different concepts to channel her direction. Susan emphasizes the necessity for open communication regarding likes, dislikes and budget. “If I know what my client has in mind to spend, I can deliver a realistic plan,” she explained. “I might suggest taking the project room by room or phasing in the transformation of a room one layer at a time.”

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She further enlightens that a good designer will add value to a project by sourcing ideal finds and preventing costly mistakes. “People have a misconception that only individuals with unlimited budgets can afford to hire designers,” says Susan.

“Quite the contrary, I work with many clients who hire me because they want the most beautiful results for the best value. No project is too small for some level of design consultation.”

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Though she has left her mark on many grand homes, from 30A to Sun Valley, Susan rates four small commercial projects at the top of her list in terms of gratification—the Deja-vu clothing boutiques in Pier Park and Seaside, La Botana wine bar in Seagrove Beach, and Feathers Shoe Boutique in Pier Park. “The owners are all entrepreneurial women, so I easily empathized with their goals.”

Adding value on a budget is critical to a growing number of clients—both realtors and homeowners—who are hiring Susan to stage homes for sale. When homeowners are financially pressed to sell, she hopes they will not overlook the potential payoff of making visual improvements. “A professional designer knows how to implement relatively minor enhancements for a comparatively large impact on buyers’ perceptions,” she explained. “If I can play a small part in improving the outcome for my client, especially

one who feels badly about having to sell a beloved beach home, I am gratified.”

As Susan talks about the ever-changing opportunities and challenges ahead, she clearly looks forward to the different roles she might take on as the future unfolds. “I once had a romantic

vision of designing Hollywood movie sets,” she says, “but I cannot imagine living anywhere else or doing anything differently to gain as much fulfillment from my personal life or business.”

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PEOPLE

PLACES ArtsQuest

Fine Art of Looking Good Brunch & Fashion Show The Fine Art of Looking Good Brunch & Fashion Show was held at the BaitHouse in WaterColor on Tuesday, May 5, 2009.

Sponsored by Aesthetic Clinique, the event benefited the Cultural Arts Association.

Photography by Lisa Ferrick Michelle Smith, Peggy Sue Mullen, PJ Johnson, Irene Soper, and Julie Rose

Celia Roberts and Cindy Krutz

Jennifer Steele-Saunders, Sheri Scruggs, and Jackie Ward

Barbara Depinto, Richard Arriaga, and Poppy Depinto

Micheal and Teresa Van Eps

Vickie and Shelby Miller

Kandi Knight, Laurel Vermillian, Sheila Goode, and Allison Craft

Richard and Shellie Arriaga

Domi Williams

Arriaga’s Pearls Gone Wild Arriaga’s Originals held a grand opening for its second location Arriaga’s Pearls Gone Wild in HarborWalk Village at the Emerald Grande on Saturday, June 6 from 4 to 8 p.m. The evening featured talented acrylic painters, Domi Williams and Cyndi Eastburn, as well as expert jewelry designer, painter and sculptor Richard Arriaga. The event included a free Tahitian pearl giveaway, cocktails and light hors d’oeuvres.

Photography by Lisa Ferrick

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pr eservi ng t h e natur al wonder s of

By Nellie DeBruyn

It was a Kodak day in mid-October. A collage of fall flowers blazed golden through the pines of Point Washington State Forest. Gathered at the head of Eastern Lake trail on County Road 395, a few dozen hikers and I prepared for the Fall Wildflowers and Forest Ecology Trek, one of the most popular activities offered during South Walton Community Council’s annual Back to Nature Festival. Naturalist Christian Wagley and horticulturist Snookie Parrish were joined by budding lepidopterist Donna Kay to lead us through the forest on an ecological tour of this quadrangle of preserved land.

B

efore the march began, we formed a huddle around Parrish, who explained the varieties of a joint weed that someone had spied near the roadside. She held the plant gently, pointing out the multiple pink joints, and described how to distinguish between the different types. “One looks like a succulent with a spray of white flowers on top, and the other, which blooms early in the fall, is covered by small white flowers,” Parrish explained.

“If you don’t awaken people to taking a closer look, they miss all the beauty,” she added. It was a perfect prelude to the hike.

We were hastened to begin our trail walk. The sight of the road and its intermittent drone of traffic soon faded, replaced by a steady thrum

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that could easily be mistaken for the sound of distant waves breaking; it was the sound of wind sifting through the needles of the longleaf pines.

As we continued on, we were cautioned not to become distracted and wander off the trail marked by arrows or ribbons tied around trees.

Old logging roads crisscrossed our path, and at one such juncture, Wagley gathered us together to offer an explanation of the topography we would traverse—a sea of palmetto, punctuated by charred tree trunks and graced by majestic longleaf pines, known as a “flathill.” Prescribed burns, meant to mimic the natural fire regime, had left sections of the forest meticulously groomed as though a daily army of gardeners had pruned it. The land transitioned on a slight eleva-

tion into a “sandhill,” a denser habitat with several oak species. The path consisted of soft, beach-white sand cushioned by a bed of pine needles.

Just when it seemed that the savanna-like expanse would never end, we were beckoned into an overgrown basin swamp, a place tangled, dark and, we were told, almost impervious to fire. We walked across boardwalks that hovered over puddles of tannic brown water. The group walked reverentially, alternately subdued by the splendor of the landscape and absorbed by its intricate details. Youthful sprouts of longleaf pine swayed in the wind, beckoning to be touched.

Goldenrod and asters tempted sulphur butterflies and Gulf fritillaries with nectar. Parrish stopped to point out a purple blazing star—a stalk bearing dense, thistle-like flowers, and a summer farewell—a delicate, white wildflower.

“To protect, preserve and enhance the quality of life and the natural environment of South Walton County” is the mission statement of the South Walton Community Council (SWCC).

During the 2008 Back to Nature Festival, five hundred participants had a chance to experience and contemplate the varied landscape of South Walton County and understand the importance of protecting its fragile ecosystems. They went on guided kayak tours of coastal dune lakes and Hogtown Bayou, marveled at bird species on

Jolee Island and identified wild animal tracks in Topsail Hill Preserve State Park. They also explored the backwaters of Tucker Bayou in a johnboat and biked around the dune lakes.

While the events of the weekend celebrated the eclectic beauty that spans South Walton County, they also offered people an occasion to reflect on the many ways that the SWCC has made a significant contribution to the high quality of life that South Walton’s residents enjoy. In a county where property rights lead to rallying cries and the Walton County Comprehensive Plan is a moving target, the SWCC has tackled a neverending and always evolving agenda.

In its dozen years of existence, the SWCC has experienced countless victories and only a handful of defeats. Originating as a grassroots community organization formed “to communicate with others and with the county on development issues,” the SWCC was called upon by neighborhoods along Scenic Highway 30A to help negotiate with land developers who seemed to possess prejudiced and unbridled interpretations of the Comprehensive Plan. In the early days, the communities of White Cliffs, Blue Mountain Beach, Dune Allen, and Lakewood all sought help from the SWCC to negotiate with developers on matters concerning setbacks, density, and the illdefined concept of “compatibility.”

The SWCC has evolved through the years and is now a multi-purpose community resource center. Typically, the council is alerted to problems by citizens who notice environmental activities

in their neighborhoods that appear unusual. Illegal clearing is one of the issues that the SWCC tackles regularly. Anita Page, executive director of the SWCC, wryly stated, “Any time a bulldozer is out there on a Sunday afternoon, people tend to take notice.”

Unfortunately, the environmental effects of poorly managed development are often beyond remediation. Illegal filling of wetlands and construction impacts on sensitive waterways not only affect ecosystems but also create jarring eyesores, which linger long after the payment of levied fines.

When the SWCC’s membership feels that the intent of the Comprehensive Plan is being compromised by decisions made by the County Commission, it sometimes resorts to litigation if negotiations fail. Such was the case in the sensitive Peach Creek area when a change of land use was approved to rezone land from residential to industrial for the purpose of an asphalt plant installation. The SWCC joined a broad alliance in opposition to the rezoning, offering support and funding.

Often, the SWCC uses its broad communication network to offer support to other local organizations. Trying to protect headwaters from feeding into coastal dune lakes, Beach to Bay began a protracted litigation and negotiation with a developer in Grayton Beach. It took several years and thousands of dollars for the SWCC and Beach to Bay to reach a negligibly satisfactory compromise with the developer.

The small victories, however, do add up. Often, they are reflected in what is absent from the landscape: a 150-room hotel once proposed for the shores of Draper Lake or a 200-car parking lot on a corner of 30A in Grayton Beach. They are represented incrementally by the quarteracre of vegetation saved from the bulldozer, the expanses of wetland buffers remaining intact and homes prevented from being built in the vulnerable “V” flood zone.

Growth management issues are only part of what the SWCC undertakes. Its primary focus is on keeping South Walton a special place, and it relishes the community response when volunteers contribute to the annual July 5th beach cleanup. It also takes responsibility for cleaning up an adopted section of Highway 98. Representatives of the SWCC attend every planning board and county commission meeting. As the county prepares the seven-year state mandated review of the Comprehensive Plan, the SWCC has attended every workshop and offered valuable input.

Another significant piece of the SWCC’s agenda is environmental education in both the community and the local schools. Monthly forums, held at the South Walton Library, cover diverse topics, from legal issues, such as the anticipated showdown between Georgia, Alabama and Florida over rights to the dwindling water supply, to a workshop about rain garden design.

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Expanding its reach to public schools, the SWCC has teamed up with the Choctawhatchee Basin Alliance (CBA) to actively participate in programs designed to educate and motivate the younger members of the community to take action.

Basin Alliance (CBA) to actively participate in programs designed to educate and motivate the younger members of the community to take action. With five Garmin GPS units donated by the SWCC, students in Pat Murphy’s environmental sciences class at South Walton High School have embarked on the task of identifying exotic and invasive plant species in and around Oyster and Big Redfish Lakes. The GPS data gathered will help in subsequent mapping that the CBA will use to formulate a plan for removing non-native plants, replacing them with indigenous ones.

At Bay Elementary School, the SWCC has provided Jill McCoy’s fifth-grade students with the 114

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funds needed to support a “Grasses in the Classes” project. Alison McDowell of the CBA spearheads the project by illustrating the crucial role that grasses play in the environment by filtering runoff water. Come spring, the class will set up several kid-made growing ponds where smooth cordgrass will be cultivated to compare their relative effects on salinity in the waters. In May, after the grass has matured, it will be planted along the edge of the Choctawhatchee Bay near Eden and at Cessna Landing.

Whether you are attending a Back to Nature event or just enjoying your surroundings independently on any day of the year, the next time

that you find joy in the postcard perfection of South Walton’s landscapes, consider the unseen efforts that have gone into ensuring this idyllic beauty. Everyone is invited and welcome to join the effort by becoming a member of the SWCC. If you are not a resident of South Walton, participation with an environmental organization in your own community is encouraged.

For more information on the SWCC, please visit the council’s website at www.southwaltoncc.org or call (850) 314-3749. The upcoming Back to Nature dates are October 16–18, 2009.

Nellie DeBruyn is a freelance writer who recently became an official Florida resident. In the summer months, she heads north to spend time with her two sons and to volunteer with the Habitat for Humanity’s Women Build program, her favorite charitable project.

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Taste of THE Destin Harbor

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Those who go down to the sea in ships, Who do business on great waters, They see the works of the LORD, And His wonders in the deep.

– Psalm 107: 23-24

Blessing City THE

OF A

Seafaring vessels with flags hoisted high upon their masts and bows especially adorned with decorations lined up along the jewel of the city’s coast, the Destin Harbor, waiting to be blessed.

BY CRYSTAL HAMON PHOTOGRAPHY BY LISA FERRICK

In 1957, when Destin was still just a sleepy fishing village, a tradition known as the Blessing of the Fleet began. Seeking prayers for safe journeys and prosperous catches is a custom not uncommon in fishing villages around the world. For fifty-two years, the fleet, made up of fishing boats and sightseeing vessels, has gathered in Destin, the “World’s Luckiest Fishing Village,” as priests prayed for the industry to thrive. Father Mike Hesse of Immanuel Anglican Church has been at the helm overseeing the ceremony since its inception.

In 2004, Mel Ponder, a Destin city councilman at the time, realized that the fleet always continued to prosper despite the ebbs and flows of the economy. Mel spoke to Father Hesse about extending the traditional Blessing of the Fleet into a longer event that would encompass other vital portions of the community. “I felt like God laid it on my heart to share that same kind of blessing with other parts of the marketplace,” said Mel. Unbeknownst to him, Mike Parker, captain of Silver King Charters, had approached Father Hesse with the same idea only days before. Believing this to be a spiritual confirmation, Father Hesse, Captain Mike Parker, and Mel Ponder established the Destin Week of Blessings.

Now in its sixth year, the Week of Blessings continues to minister to the needs of the city of Destin with the support of sixteen local churches, often referred to as “The Church of Destin.”

The Blessing of the Fleet, which always occurs on Ascension Day (forty days after Easter), remains the anchor for planning the week’s events.

This year, from May 17 to 21, pastors from the

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participating churches ministered to local police departments, hospitals, fire departments, schools, and businesses. The Church of Destin welcomed 320 business owners, government leaders, and education officials to the Blessing of the Marketplace luncheon at the Destin Community Center, where attendees were invited to receive personal blessings and share testimonies.

Father Mike Hesse recently told Coastal Christian Family magazine, “In our area, business owners and employees know that the Christian community cares about them and prays for them individually, both during the Week of Blessings and throughout the year.”

The Blessing of the Fleet—the ceremony that started it all—was the culminating event this year. As we arrived, a heavy rainstorm ended and serene skies formed a beautiful backdrop for the day of blessings. After a small service was held beneath a tent behind Fisherman’s Wharf, the ministers called for all of those who make their living from the sea to come forward and receive

blessings. One hundred twenty-two small boats and larger vessels pulled away from the dock to form a floating processional in the harbor. On a barge facing the fleet, ministers, dressed in robes, stood with their hands extended, offering blessings for those aboard as the boats passed by. After each vessel was blessed, it sailed through the harbor to briefly touch the Gulf and return to dock, ready to begin another blessed year.

Destin may no longer be the sleepy fishing village it once was, but the tradition of seeking blessings remains a sturdy guide today as the community continues to chart new waters of progress. Whatever storms may come (literally and figuratively), the citizens of Destin have solid bedrock upon which to rest their hopes, and a strong community on which to rely.

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PEOPLE

PLACES

Digital Graffiti Digital Graffiti was held on June 6th, 2009 from 8:30 p.m. until midnight. Digital Graffiti is the world’s first outdoor-projection art festival, with artists using the latest technologies to project their original works onto the town’s iconic white walls. India Hicks, an international style icon, author, Ralph Lauren fashion model, and host of Bravo’s Top Design television series, was this year’s host.

Photos by Brandan Babineaux Stacy Hamilton and Linda Campbell

Kelley Vick, Mary Ellen Stancill, Wilson Calvert, and Wade Berry

Emmy Wood, VJ Shantell Martin, Kelli Arnold, and Alys Stephens

Studio b On June 5, 2009, in Alys Beach, local resident and professional photographer Colleen Duffley held a Grand Opening for her newest venture Studio b with special guest India Hicks. Studio b is a creative venue offering seminars, classes and inspirational lectures from world-renowned and up-and-coming professionals in the fields of photography, art, design, literature, food, and wine at venues around South Walton, the country, and abroad.

Photos by Brandan Babineaux

Colleen Duffley and India Hicks

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Bali

AROUND THE WORLD AND BACK

BY STEFANIE CARPENTER PHOTOGRAPHY

BY JAKE MEYER 120 VIE - Fall 2009

M

any people dream of moving to a foreign country but few make those dreams a reality.

Last year, my fiancé, Jake Meyer, and I threw caution to the winds, and headed “Down Under.” Jake had visited Australia several years ago, and I had always dreamed of doing so. Realizing that life is short and that we weren’t getting any younger, we figured, why not? As Jake’s thirtieth birthday was quickly approaching, this move seemed to be the only way to alleviate his premidlife crisis symptoms.

A talented and accomplished graphic designer, Jake started his own design company called I Will Design for Food (IWDFF) a couple of years ago. Banking on my background in sales and marketing at The St. Joe Company and Jake’s extensive experience in creative directing, we decided to combine our shared interests and abilities and expand IWDFF in Australia.

As fate would have it, a week before we left Florida, an architect with a real estate development company in Sydney stopped by The St. Joe offices to research some of the world-renowned planned communities for which our area is so famous. My former boss told him about our upcoming move and our desire to expand our clientele in Australia. Always in need of new talent, the architect passed along his contact information, asking us to give him a call when we arrived. One thing led to the next, and before we knew it, we had acquired our first Australian client, which allowed us to afford our new Aussie lifestyle.

less customs procedure. It was exciting to have an Indonesian stamp added to our passports!

After securing our luggage, we were greeted by a gentleman holding a wooden sign that read “Mayer, Jacob.” (Most of the Balinese speak very little English, so seeing Jake’s last name misspelled did not surprise us.) He kindly welcomed us to his country, led us to our shuttle, and we began the hour-long haul to our resort. Within seconds of being on the narrow roads, we realized that driving in Bali was not an option for the fainthearted. Scooters, some carrying families of five, including children and babies, whizzed around us, turning two-lane highways into four- or even fivelane thoroughfares! No one wore a helmet, and the sound of angry horns filled our ears throughout the trip.

We safely arrived at the Ubud Village Resort & Spa in the modest town of Ubud, which is located in the central foothills of the Gianyar Regency. A source of medicinal herbs, Ubud received its name from the Balinese word ubad (medicine). As tourism increased over the years, many of Bali’s most skilled artists moved to Ubud to teach and train others in Balinese art, making it the cultural center of the country. Bali is one of the most favored tourist destinations in Indonesia, and we chose to stay in Ubud because of its authentic Balinese culture, fine arts, and ancient temples.

Upon our arrival, we were greeted with a refreshing tropical beverage and escorted to our very own private villa. The scenery, even at night, was quite magnificent, and before we even stepped foot into our oasis, we were awestruck. In a secluded area adorned with lush greenery, we enjoyed an outdoor private pool, a maze of goldfish ponds, a lounging area, and a marble shower and bathtub. Once inside, beneath a thirty-foot vaulted thatched roof, we were welcomed with traditional Balinese music, freshly scattered flower petals, burning incense, pastries, chocolates, and tea. Without a doubt, we both agreed this was one of the most luxurious, yet affordable, resorts we had ever visited.

Thursday, January 22 We awoke refreshed and ready to start the day. Walking through the property, we felt as though we were living in a rainforest thousands of miles from civilization. The natural beauty was enhanced by tropical plants, lotus ponds, exotic birds, and terraced rice paddies. The only drawback was the numerous large insects that we encountered. The open-air restaurant offered a spectacular view of the property, and served Balinese coffee, freshly cut fruit, homemade pineapple and papaya jams, an assortment of pastries, and our choice of eggs or traditional Indonesian rice.

After breakfast, we took to the streets and headed towards the Sacred Monkey Forest, which holds

Although we spent less than a year in Australia, we took full advantage of our home in the Southern Hemisphere, exploring untouched terrain, tasting rare cuisine, and discovering foreign culture.

We had many adventures while there, but a trip to the nearby Indonesian island of Bali was one of our most memorable and inspiring escapades.

Wednesday, January 21 Our journey began with a six-hour flight from Sydney, and we arrived at the Ngurah Rai International Airport in Denpasar, Bali, at 9:30 p.m.

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but within five minutes we found ourselves surrounded by a large troop. A smaller member of the group took a liking to Jake and his banana and jumped right onto his arm. I quickly snapped some photos and then decided to try my luck feeding the monkey. When I sat with a lychee in my hand, the monkey leaped onto my leg. He seemed harmless enough, so I gave him more to eat. The rain had now slowed to a light drizzle, and when a warm liquid ran down my leg, I thought nothing of it. Then I realized it was not rain! At that point, we decided we’d had enough monkeying around!

Friday, January 23 In addition to the shuttles offered by the resort, we had the opportunity to hire a personal driver named Agung, and we highly recommend him.

A native of the region with an extensive English vocabulary, Agung proved to be a superb tour guide, providing us with a local perspective and insights about many of the unique hidden treasures of Bali. Without him, our trip would have been far less enlightening.

Accompanied by Agung, our day began dark and early at 3:00 a.m. with an hour’s drive to the active volcano Gunung Batur, which last erupted in 1994. Standing 1,717 meters above sea level, Gunung Batur is considered to be one of Bali’s most sacred mountains. It serves as a source of holy water, which is collected from the volcano’s steaming core by locals and used in ceremonies in the nearby temples.

At the entrance of the forest, we purchased some , bananas and lychees, guaranteed to make any primate s mouth water. three Hindu temples built in the 14th century, hand-carved statues and fountains, and, of course, monkeys. Balinese followers of Hinduism, the prominent Indonesian religion, credit monkeys occupying a holy temple site with the ability to guard against evil spirits and demons, and more than two hundred crab-eating macaque monkeys wander freely in these woods.

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At the entrance of the forest, we purchased some bananas and lychees, guaranteed to make any primate’s mouth water, and we were warned to remove jewelry, glasses, and any other shiny objects before we entered the vast jungle because the monkeys can be rather mischievous. Due to the pouring rain, we were a bit skeptical about whether we would actually see any monkeys,

At the foot of the volcano, the sky was still a deep black, so we had plenty of time to arrive at the summit before sunrise. With our guide, two dim flashlights, and some light snacks, we eagerly began our excursion.

I would like to emphasize that we could not see further ahead of us than our flashlights allowed.

In hindsight, we are almost certain we would not have attempted to hike this monumental volcano had we seen it in the light.

At first, the trek seemed fairly easy, though we occasionally stumbled on lava rock. Feeling confident, we moved quickly, anxious to make it to the top. About a quarter of the way to the summit, the incline drastically increased,

sometimes reaching ninety degrees. We moved slower and slower, taking occasional breaks to catch our breath.

Finally, two hours later, covered in sweat, we made it to the top! The view was absolutely breathtaking and worth every step. Exhausted, we rested on a ledge, congratulating ourselves on our achievement, fueling up on coffee and pastries for the return hike down the mountain.

Saturday, January 24 After our very long day of climbing, we slept like rocks, and when we woke, we decided to spend our Saturday lounging by the pool and enjoying a massage. For a mere US$30, one can easily afford an hour-long Balinese massage complete with a shower, hot tea, and biscuits. Given the fact that the rainy season was in full effect, there were only a few other tenants at the resort, so we took full advantage of the unoccupied spa.

Sunday, January 25 Fully rested, we headed to the nearby Ayung River for some white-water rafting. Equipped with helmets and life vests, we followed our guide down a long flight of stairs leading to the deep river gorge. Never having rafted before, I was a little nervous at first, but once we were in the water, I found that I was mesmerized by the sheer beauty of the region. Feeling as though we had somehow landed in a National Geographic travelogue, we drifted along the river, winding our way past magnificent waterfalls, jagged cliffs, and intricately carved stone walls.

Following our full day of rafting, we returned to our villa to freshen up for our final night in Bali, during which we were to be entertained by ancestral Barong dancers. One of the more wellknown Balinese dances, the Barong narrates a mythological fight between good (Barong) and evil (Rangda). The dancers begin learning the craft from their mothers as children, sometimes as early as age four. We found the multiple positions and gestures, musical ensembles, fire, and colorful costumes to be a perfect ending to our Indonesian expedition.

We traveled to the other side of the world, experiencing the adventure of a lifetime, and we are now back home in Northwest Florida, thankful

We traveled to the other side of the world, experiencing the adventure of a lifetime, and we are now back home in Northwest Florida, thankful that we followed our dreams. that we followed our dreams. Still working with our overseas client and expanding locally, IWDFF has become an international design firm, allowing us the ability to one day pursue another lifechanging journey. Traveling has always been and will always be one of the greatest sources of joy

in our lives, and we plan to continuously fulfill our desire to learn more about this little planet we call home.

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Dr. William E. Varnadore of Rosemary Beach is one of the few doctors in the world to hold an advanced fellowship (similar to board certification) in anti-aging, regenerative and functional medicine or FAARFM. Recognized as one of the leading practitioners of this cutting-edge medical science, Dr. Varnadore is uniquely qualified to respond to questions about anti-aging and longevity. Clark Peters (b. 1941) is one of his patients and serves as our curious inquirer about subjects of interest.

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Ask the Doctor: PETERS:

ANTI-AGING

By Clark Peters

Dr V., it seems like everywhere I look, there are articles and media coverage about bio-identical hormone replacement therapy. I know women have become very interested in this subject. What about us guys?

DR. VARNADORE: Well, you’re right. Bio-identical HRT, as it is called, is now an established medical protocol and has very promising outcomes for both women and men. Women are generally more familiar with hormone change since they start experiencing hormonal changes when they begin menstruating. These 28-day (or so) cycles go on through middle age unless they have had a hysterectomy. At middle age, however, they go through a precursor to menopause, called perimenopause, and then menopause itself. These cause dramatic shifts in their hormonal balance and can have uncomfortable side effects, to say the least. While men don’t go through monthly cycles or menopause, they do, in middle age, start a long, gradual decline of some hormones, most notably testosterone; this is called andropause. While it is more gradual, the effects in the long run are equally troublesome to men.

PETERS: Okay; that sounds great for the ladies. What about the men?

DR. VARNADORE:

Men rarely feel a sudden change as their hormones decline.

Rather, they wake up one day and realize they have lost muscle tone, don’t sleep as well and are tired much of the time, notice they are getting fat....

PETERS: What are these effects? In a book by Suzanne Somers, I’ve read that she refers to the female effects as the “seven dwarfs of menopause: itchy, bitchy, sleepy, sweaty, bloated, forgetful and all dried up.” Do men have similar types of symptoms? Do bio-identicals help?

DR. VARNADORE: For women, perimenopause and menopause bring on all or a combination of these. Some women seem relatively untouched by these symptoms, but most suffer greatly. Until recently, we have been treating the symptoms with products like Premarin. That’s short for pregnant mares’ urine. While these can give some relief, they do not resolve the hormonal imbalances which cause them. Here’s where bio-identicals can play a huge role. Unlike the equine urine product, a very unfortunate and unnatural substance to put in the human body, bio-identicals are recognized and readily accepted by the body as natural; that is, they are the same substances it has produced for decades prior to menopause. Not only are symptoms alleviated or eliminated, but a menopausal (or perimenopausal) woman on bio-identical therapy will feel much younger. This can mean enormous improvement in mood, energy, sleep, libido, mental acuity and so on. The list of what works better when her hormones (her endocrine system) are balanced is extensive, but, suffice it to say, she will look and feel better because, internally, every system is working better.

PETERS: I assume you are referring to the dreaded “man boobs” here.

DR. VARNADORE: Yes; some men put fat on in the chest area. Also, they often get grumpy and pretty much lose interest in sex. (Maybe those last two are related!) These outcomes have snuck up on them gradually, but are no less disheartening when finally recognized than those that women face. Until now, there has been no treatment for these symptoms and they were generally thought to be a natural and inevitable outcome due to aging. But it doesn’t have to be this way! Hormone therapy for men—again, using bio-identicals— usually starts with raising their testosterone levels to within normal range. Then, other hormones, if deficient, are addressed. The difference is amazing—men who start to put on lean body mass and find it easier to shed unwanted fat are in a better mood, have a renewed and healthy interest in sex, are sharper mentally and so on—the same kind of benefits women experience.

PETERS: So, you are saying that we all, regardless of age or sex, can turn back the clock on our hormonal systems to where they were when we were in our twenties and thirties?

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DR. VARNADORE: Yes. There is a lot more to anti-aging than the endocrine system, but it’s a key factor to getting and staying younger, regardless of when you start the protocol. I should mention that we have to be very conservative because we are shooting for optimal balance in a very powerful and intricate system. An overdose of any hormone upsets the body and can actually make things worse. So, I proceed quite cautiously, sometimes frustrating patients who start feeling better immediately and figure that “if a little is good, a lot would be better.” Unfortunately, “a lot” can lead to “a lot of trouble.” So, it takes some time, but the end result is well worth the patient having some patience.

PETERS: How are these bio-identical hormones taken?

DR. VARNADORE: Well, unfortunately, pills don’t work well, at least for estrogen and testosterone. Mouth and stomach acids interfere. Instead, we start patients on a cream (applied topically each day in small doses) or patches. If patients don’t respond appropriately—some get rashes from patches or prove unable to readily absorb the cream through the skin—then we teach them to give themselves injections; some do this daily, others once a week.

Most find this “no big deal.” One other approach (which I avoid) involves implanting a time-released packet in the “gluteus maximus.”

This involves outpatient surgery and is repeated every six months. I avoid this treatment because, once the packet is in, the patient is committed for six months—if the dosage is too high or low, we have to wait six months to adjust the dosage. They occasionally over-release early, which is a bad situation as well—too much at first, and then a crash—yet, we still have to wait until the time is up. It is much easier when you have the ability to fine-tune on a daily or weekly basis. Most people thrive on the creams.

PETERS:

Doc, I know from personal experience this program made a huge difference in how I feel.

Why isn’t it more commonly offered? It seems like everyone would benefit.

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CLARK PETERS DR. VARNADORE: Well, the treatment is fairly new so other doctors are, in some cases, just learning about it. You have to remember that your hormonal system is very complex and very delicate. Learning how to deal with each hormone—what it controls and its impact on other hormones—and then monitoring progress as the treatment continues is time-consuming because we must be so careful with changes. As we’ve discussed, hormones control several important things in our bodies: mood, brain function, metabolism, sleep— all in addition to our sex drive (libido), the subject on which most patients focus. But it is all of these functions (some we haven’t mentioned) which are important to optimize if we are to enjoy a happy and full life. It is sad that, for many people, old age (whenever that starts—it’s a very individual thing) means a gradual withdrawal from the activities and interests they love. It simply doesn’t have to be accepted as inevitable, and bio-identicals are a large factor in slowing or reversing that “normal” decline as we age.

PETERS: Thanks, Doc. It sounds like there truly is hope for a better and more lively tomorrow!

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Santorini

THE MOST SEDUCTIVE OF THE GREEK ISLES Sto r y a n d P h oto g r a p h y b y : K i m D u k e - L ay d e n

When people conjure up images of the Greek Isles, they often picture the Cyclades—the Aegean island group southeast of the Greek mainland. Like a rugged strand of pearls, the Cyclades float amidst the brilliant blue waters of the Aegean Sea. As breathtaking as a Greek goddess, crescent-shaped Santorini is arguably among the most photographed and beloved of all Greek islands. Besides world-class lodging, dining, and shopping, Santorini touts endless enticements—legendary sunsets, dozens of wineries, beaches, and plenty of adventure! When the hordes of visitors, intense temperatures, and peak-season prices subside (mid-September through October), why not make for the Mediterranean and—mamma mia!—be swept off your feet by seductive Santorini!

I

t had been twenty years since I visited Greece, the place where I first fell head over Achilles’ heel in love—with Europe. This time, I returned with my husband, John, to celebrate our seventh wedding anniversary. We landed in Athens and, like many visitors to Greece, split our trip between the capital and the islands.

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Both Athens and I have changed a lot over the past two decades. Although thousands of years old, Athens looked better than ever—compliments of an extreme makeover prior to the 2004 Summer Olympic Games. From the new, stateof-the-art international airport, we sped (very inexpensively) on the new Metro train towards

Plaka, the heart and soul of ancient Athens. We spent two nights at the friendly and moderately priced Hotel Plaka. Both our room and the hotel’s rooftop terrace bar afforded us spectacular panoramas of the Parthenon and Acropolis.

Once again, these iconic sights were as mesmerizing to me as they were when I first saw them.

During our whirlwind stay in Athens we explored amazing archaeological ruins and museums, shopped Plaka’s charming boutiques, listened to Greek folk music played on the bouzouki (a Greek instrument that resembles the mandolin), and discovered fabulous tavernas, including Savvas, home of the “World Famous Thanasis Kebab.” Savvas served its kebabs—or gyros (pronounced “year-ohz”)—open-faced on grilled pita with savory slices of roasted ground lamb slathered with garlicky tzatziki (a cucumber-yogurt sauce), and crowned with a roasted tomato. Unequivocally, it tasted better than any gyro that I have ever eaten! Equally delightful

were Savvas’ friendly staff, low prices, and sidewalk tables on a lively, pedestrian promenade near our hotel.

On our third day, we ate breakfast at the hotel and took advantage of their free luggage storage service. After leaving our large bags behind, we zipped back to the airport via the Metro for our 30-minute flight to Santorini on Aegean Airlines (www.aegeanair.com). Although cruising to the islands by ferry, catamaran, or hydrofoil is less expensive and more scenic, for time efficiency, you can’t beat flying.

As we began our descent to Santorini’s small airport, I pressed my face against the window and peered down into the mammoth blue caldera (volcanic crater). Pictures that I had seen didn’t do it justice. The caldera was formed around 1450 B.C. when a horrific, volcanic eruption occurred and blew out the island’s center, causing it to sink to the bottom of the sea. This cataclysmic event continues to link Santorini—or Thira, as the Greeks call it—to the mythical lost continent of Atlantis. Outside the terminal we were greeted by Vazeos Car Rental (www.vazeos.gr) customer representative Achillion, who looked like a modern-day Greek god. However, rather than handing over a chariot, he gave us keys to a toy-sized Matiz with a sunroof. Quicker than you could say “Opa!” off we drove.

Under the intense Mediterranean sun, my skin felt hot. But in humidity-free Santorini, I didn’t feel sticky. Wending our way along the curvy two-lane road, we passed miles of rugged, windswept hills that sloped into the shimmering sea.

I loved the traditional Greek architecture— marshmallow-white houses with Aegean-blue doors, window frames, and shutters. Charming dwellings added vibrant hues to the variegated green-colored landscape, where olives and supersized capers grew wild.

In under an hour we reached Oia (pronounced “ee-ah”), which is situated on Santorini’s northernmost tip and is the second-largest village on the island. Hovering above the caldera, blindingly white cubic structures clung to jagged crimson cliffs. After parking, we followed Oia’s

HOVERING ABOVE THE CALDERA, BLINDINGLY WHITE CUBIC STRUCTURES CLUNG TO JAGGED CRIMSON CLIFFS. winding pedestrian promenade, which skirts the caldera’s rim, to the center of town. Blue-domed churches and ancient windmills with pointy thatched roofs and huge pinwheels punctuated the jaw-dropping skyline.

Postcard-perfect Oia is renowned for its legendary sunsets and laid-back lifestyle, which is why we stayed there rather than frenetic Fira, Santorini’s capital. At Chelidonia Villas (www.chelidonia.com), we spent four wonderful nights in

a self-catering “cave home” nestled within the cliffs. In mid-1980, Chelidonia’s owners lovingly restored nine ancient dwellings that a devastating earthquake had nearly destroyed decades earlier. Our cozy, one-bedroom apartment (named “Paros”) featured modern amenities (central air and daily housekeeping) and epitomized rustic charm—dark antique furniture against limestone walls, arched doorways, hand-chiseled niches decorated with local art, and stone floors warmed by homey hand-woven rugs. (At press VIE - Fall 2009

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Each evening after dinner, our moonlit dessert crawls for baklava and honey-and-yogurt gelato became as ritualistic as Oia’s sunset celebrations—and twice as addictive!

TUCKED WITHIN WALL NICHES, CREAMCOLORED CANDLES DRIPPED, FORMING LARGE WAX STALACTITES FROM YEARS OF CANDLE-LIT DINNERS. time, prices per night start at $230–$250 in the high season, with a 3-night minimum stay.) Our sprawling terrace overflowed with fragrant flowers and herbs such as wild rosemary and thyme and a tree-sized bougainvillea—the largest I’d ever seen! But the dramatic caldera sea views captivated me even more.

It was difficult leaving our comfy surroundings, but Santorini beckoned to be explored. We were just minutes, and many steep steps, away from irresistible shopping. John and I snaked our way through the labyrinth of inviting boutiques that sell exquisite handmade jewelry, European fashions, art, and books. Plus, we found great souvenirs—CDs of traditional bouzouki music, olive oil, local wine, and “evil eyes” to ward off bad luck.

I bought all of the above—and then some!

Besides great shopping, Santorini has a reputation for gastronomy and wine. For such an exotic destination, we found the prices surprisingly affordable.

On the rooftop terrace of a restaurant called Skala, we joined local families for traditional taverna fare. The roast lamb and horiatiki (a lettuce-free 132

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Greek salad) with Santorini’s signature waterless cherry tomatoes tasted delicious.

We celebrated our anniversary at Finikia, a small family-owned hotel and restaurant near the outskirts of town. On their intimate, candle-lit terrace, we sat enveloped by sea breezes and rolling hills as we dined on artfully presented nouvelle Greek cuisine (baby goat with feta and white aubergine or eggplant). Yamas!

Tucked within a maze of passageways, the restaurant Kandouni Restaurant (www.kandouni. com) won our vote for “Most Atmospheric.”

Under white linen swags, we dined in Kandouni’s romantic courtyard. Tucked within wall niches, cream-colored candles dripped, forming large wax stalactites from years of candle-lit dinners. The fusion bistro food (with a Greek twist) was tasty and the chef/owners were welcoming.

Judging from the owners’ photos, which they shared with us during a nightcap, the cast and crew of The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants enjoyed Kandouni as much as we did.

Thankfully, Santorini offers plenty of enjoyable ways to burn calories. With a small group of tourists, we took a guided sailing excursion from Fira’s harbor to the nearby island of Nea Kameni (meaning “Young Burnt Island”). There, we hiked to the summit of a smoldering volcano.

We climbed past numerous black lava-rock craters—indicators of past volcano eruption. From across the expansive caldera, Fira resembled several red velvet cupcakes with thick cream cheese icing. On our return to Fira, we anchored in a picturesque channel, where some of us plunged into the cool, refreshing water of the crater and swam through strong currents to a shallow tributary, where hot springs gurgled up from the ocean floor.

Once in port, rather than hiking up the twenty or so steep switchbacks to Fira, John and I opted to go local and rode donkeys. I soon discovered that my donkey—like many drivers I’ve known—was passive-aggressive. During our ascent, as soon as another donkey tried to nose past us, mine trotted ahead to resume lead position. Needless to say, I beat John to the top by a white-knuckled long shot!

While in Santorini we swam at a different beach every day. Santorini’s beaches come in all forms—sandy, rocky, crowded, secluded, amenity laden, wild, and natural, and in red, brown, and black, or all three colors. One beach in particular stands out in my mind—Katharos Beach near Oia. Like goats, we descended the chalky, rugged path to the rocky shore, which hurt my feet. But the refreshing water washed away any lingering pain. As I floated on my back with the late afternoon sun warming my cheeks, I didn’t want the moment to end.

On another day, after a hot, strenuous hike to the bird’s-eye perch where ancient Thira lies in ruins, we stopped off at Kamari Beach for a swim. Although Kamari’s black sand beaches are some of Santorini’s most popular, in September the beach

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was not crowded. Feeling rejuvenated from a few hours of sun and surf, we took a stroll down the beachside promenade. As we passed countless cafés, bars, and souvenir shops, a menagerie of international music serenaded us. Too inviting a setting to leave, we stopped at Nostros Café, where we sat facing the Aegean, and drank cold Amstels, munched on mezes (appetizers), and watched the sky change from blue to orange.

Santorini is one of Greece’s premier wine-growing regions, and we couldn’t wait to visit a local winery. White rather than red rules Santorini’s wine world, where Assyrtiko, Aidani, and Athiri are the reigning grape varietals. We enjoyed a casual one-on-one tasting at Sigalas, a boutique winery near Oia. Amidst the vineyards, we sat in their quaint courtyard with sea views and tasted nine wines: five crisp whites, two acidic reds, and two Vinsantos (commonly served for dessert and Communions). We liked Sigalas’ smooth, oak barrel-aged Assyrtiko “kallista” the best, so we bought two glasses and lingered a while longer.

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During our short trip, we barely scratched the surface of this multi-faceted, beguiling island.

Like a siren, Santorini continues to call out to us for a return rendezvous. Will we give in to temptation? It’s not a matter of if, but when.

Kim Duke-Layden is an avid international adventurer whose mantra is “I have not visited Everywhere, but it,s on my list!” She and her husband John live at Sandestin where she,s worked for 15 years. To share your own travel pointers or to ask questions, please send them to: wanderlustkim5@yahoo.com.

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[Pictured left to right] Dana Dietrich, Leasing Administrator for Howard Group; Merlin Allan, Vice President of Real Estate for Howard Group; Kent Lillie, SOA Board of Directors President; and Keith Arsenault, SOA Executive Director.

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Where is Grand Boulevard located? Grand Boulevard is built on 52 acres in South Walton County in Northwest Florida, an area of significant economic and population growth. The Town Center is located at the entrance of Sandestin® Golf and Beach Resort on Emerald Coast Parkway.

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A New Beginning...

By John David Sullivan, Price Rainer and Hunter Harman

When making decisions about purchasing real estate along the Emerald Coast, people often ask us about the state of the current real estate market and how the economy has affected our business. There is so much pessimism surrounding our industry with the correction of the local real estate market, the foreclosure crisis, and the almost simultaneous shrinkage of the national economy. At times, it can be difficult to stay optimistic or to find encouraging but honest answers to all of the questions. However, at Beach Properties of Florida, we have chosen to be positive, because we believe that this is the only way to evolve with the times. Nothing is permanent, and great things are happening all around us that make us hopeful for the future of the South Walton area.

In order to understand the present, we have to look to the past. Real estate markets characteristically experience cycles—normal increases and decreases in demand. A helpful way to evaluate a real estate market is to apply the supply-demand ratio. Prior to 2005, the South Walton market was bursting with new development, with the creation of unique communities such as Rosemary Beach, Alys Beach, WaterColor and WaterSound. The demand for property was so great that there was hardly any available inventory. In addition, there was an influx of speculative buyers planning to flip their investment properties.

In 2005, the South Walton real estate market saw a tremendous increase in supply and at the same time, a softening in demand. Following the 136

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With the new airport scheduled to be landing planes by May 2010, South Walton is soon going to be available to a much broader demand base, therefore creating new interest in our area. active hurricane season during the summer and the start of the economic slowdown, speculative buyers went to flip their investments, but demand had cooled. The result created a reverse curve of high supply and low demand and a correction in values that has lasted four years.

However, as some would see the correction in values as a setback, we see it as a benefit to South Walton over the long term. By 2005, prices had soared so high that many people who wished to summer or live here could not afford to do so.

The people in a community are its heart and the deciding factor of how it evolves. South Walton is a family-oriented place with much to offer.

The beaches here are spectacular and unlike any

other in the country. We are fortunate to have sugar-white sand beaches, emerald green waters and a community filled with caring and friendly people. We have so many natural resources as our playground—the Gulf, the rare coastal dune lakes, the Choctawhatchee Bay, and many acres of protected forests in both the state and the national parks. Camp Creek, Shark’s Tooth and the Raven are among the finest golf courses anywhere. However, all of this is worthless without the people who live and vacation here, and we believe the changes in the real estate market over the last few years have actually enabled our community’s infrastructure to catch up with the development, and ensure that South Walton has remained a wonderful place to live in and to visit.

Many people mention the new Bay County International Airport as a positive factor in renewing the South Walton real estate market. We believe that the airport will stimulate interest in our area. South Walton had previously grown as a result of traffic from its neighboring states. We did not possess the transportation mechanisms needed to reach out to demand beyond our surrounding states. With the new airport scheduled to be landing planes by May 2010, South Walton is soon going to be available to a much broader demand base, therefore creating new interest in our area. South Walton has also had the benefit of observing neighboring Destin and Panama City Beach development and learned from their growing pains. Consequently, South Walton has a master-planned community comprised of world-class developments that are both less dense and focused on preserving land for parks and state forests—truly distinguishing our community from its surrounding areas. This will both draw visitors to our unique area and make existing developable properties a premium.

Growth in South Walton is evident everywhere.

A new middle school is being constructed in Point Washington to serve the growing number of full-time residents. Publix will soon have three stores in South Walton within a fourteenmile radius. We established Beach Properties of Florida in 2007 as a boutique real estate agency.

In the first quarter of 2008, Beach Properties of Florida closed fourteen properties totaling just over $8,000,000 in sales. In the first quarter of 2009, we closed twenty-nine properties totaling just over $16,000,000—a 100% increase in sales volume quarter over quarter. Our company has grown so much over the past six months that we have recently expanded, opening a second office in WaterColor; we now have a total of eighteen sales executives on board. While our company’s data is certainly not representative of South Walton’s entire real estate market, it shows marked improvement in one local company’s statistics, and we see it as a good sign for the overall market. Despite the challenges, the past few years have brought much knowledge and experience, and we like to think of it as a new beginning for us, and for the community of South Walton.

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Improving with Age

Santa Rosa The

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By Jami Anderson

The Santa Rosa Golf and Beach Club is one of those fixtures of the 30A scene that seems to get better with age. Founded in January of 1969 by a group of friends who wanted a nice place to golf and relax, the club now approaches its fortieth year.

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WE PUT THE ABILITY IN STABILITY. Unlike many other financial institutions, we’re still standing strong even in a turbulent economy. Thanks to sound operating principles and the smart money management of our members, we’re still safe, sound and stable. We’re still lending money and still working to give more benefits to our members. We work to make profit for you– not from you. It’s easy to join. If you live, work, worship or attend school in Walton County, you can be a member. Stop by and join today.

WWW.AACFCU.COM SANTA ROSA BEACH • 200 MACK BAYOU RD. • (850) 267-2163 DEFUNIAK SPRINGS • 1421 US HWY 331 SOUTH • (850) 951-2099

LOOKING BACK

Not too many of today’s beach-goers know that the familiar yellow Beach Club Restaurant began as a small concrete block structure. Flipping through photo albums and memory books older than I am, I looked back at the early days with founding members Earl Kees, Col. (Ret.) Art Jones, Arthur Pierce, and Alvin Gorby. They started the club as a place to play nine holes of golf with a few friends and a little place to sit, eat, and enjoy one of the best Gulf views around.

What more could they want?

I learned that the original pro shop was located in a portable building in the parking area across from the Beach Club until the current building was constructed on Golf Club Drive in 1988.

Nine new holes were then added, giving Santa Rosa a full eighteen-hole course with two of the area’s only Gulf-fronting holes. The administrative offices used to be across the street as well until Hurricane Opal stole the roof off the building in 1995. A pool was added at the Beach Club in 2000 and several other updates followed, specifically after Hurricane Ivan left the place sitting on a cliff in 2005. As the landscape along 30A grew over the years, so did the club’s membership. As streets were paved and new developments popped up from Destin to Panama City, people discovered the Santa Rosa Club and made it a must-see place to golf, dine and watch the sunset.

THE FAMILY OF EMPLOYEES— THE BACKBONE OF THE CLUB

While these changes were happening at the club and in the community, a new generation of employees was making its mark. Fresh faces and added energy strengthened the foundation that had been built by longtime employees, and all of them experienced a growing sense of family.

Many of us spend more time working than anything else, and our workplaces often become our second homes. That is surely the case at Santa Rosa where a group of employees has formed a second family. Let me introduce you to its members. We’ll start with “Dad,” who heads up the Bradyesque bunch that I belong to. Nick Watson 140

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Fresh faces and added energy strengthened the foundation that had been built by longtime employees, and all of them experienced a growing sense of family. took the reigns as general manager in the summer of 2007, marking the beginning of the new group serving those who visit the club today.

Nick, our resident Englishman, joined several key employees already in place and added a few others to complete the team that helps Santa Rosa progress forty years after its inception.

Pro Shop manager Lori Drew and Mulligan’s Grille manager Kim Anderson have added invaluable knowledge and outstanding customer service in their departments over the last nine and seven years, respectively. These two interact with the greatest number of members and guests on a daily basis. Their warmth and openness help newcomers feel welcome and maintain friendly relationships with longtime guests, a very important aspect of club life. Christine Walker began as a server eleven years ago at the Beach Club Restaurant and worked her way up to the position of Wedding and Special Events Coordinator three years ago. As the Membership & Marketing Director, I have handled all of the club’s advertising, public relations, and communication since early 2007 and work closely with the rest of the staff to keep everyone up to speed.

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Last, but certainly not least, are the three guys who round out our tight-knit group. Golf Course Superintendent Bob Holmes has one of the longest tenures at the club after joining in the early ’90s. His attention to detail and commitment have kept the course in top condition through hurricanes, droughts, and fair weather conditions for almost two decades. He oversaw the renovation of the greens from Bermuda grass to TifEagle in 2002 and 2003, an upgrade that really modernized the course. Head Golf Professional Wade Hamilton has just over a year under his belt at the club after moving to the area from Mississippi, bringing expertise and fresh ideas that improve play on the golf course. He has also played a large role in establishing the Hank Johnson School of Golf at Santa Rosa, a premier location for quality instruction by top-ranked instructors Tony Ruggiero and Hank Johnson (pictured on page 141). Tony and staff are on-site each day providing quality instruction (by top-ranked instructors, no less at what is quickly becoming a premier golfing destination.

Executive Chef George Thorning not only keeps

hungry employees fed (especially those who, like me, have no culinary skills), but he is also creative in the kitchen and is quite skilled at whipping up delicious dishes for regular dining and special events, thanks in part to his New Orleans roots and training. His Sushi Night on Thursdays and the All-You-Can-Eat-Crab-Legs event on Fridays have quickly become popular with regulars and first-timers alike.

LOOKING FORWARD

Every person in our eclectic group adds personality, talent and drive to the team. We have learned one another’s strengths and weaknesses.

We notice when to offer help and when to ask for it. Though we focus on different areas day to day, there is a common goal driving us forward and pushing us together. We all want to make the Santa Rosa Golf and Beach Club the best it can be, allowing others to enjoy it as much as we do. We challenge each other and work well as a team to add value to what we offer our guests.

It’s not a new idea. It’s been going on here for forty years and will continue. The relationships we’ve built with each other, our members, and the community are the reasons behind the club’s popularity for forty years and will keep it on top for decades to come.

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Age Becomes Her Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa Turns 25

AGE BECOMES HER

Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa Turns Twenty-five

BY CHRISTY KEARNEY

I

n 1984, “Thriller” topped the music charts, Gremlins took over the box office, Ronald Reagan ruled the White House, and the Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa made its debut just east of a sleepy little Florida fishing village called Destin.

Now, twenty-five years later, the entire Northwest Florida Gulf Coast has become a bustling tourism community, and the Hilton Sandestin is still in the spotlight as the largest of the premier luxury full-service Gulf-front hotels in the area.

As the resort hotel marks its silver anniversary, it proves that some things just get better with age. Since the beginning, the Hilton Sandestin Beach has been the backdrop for special moments, from meaningful family vacations and family reunions to weddings and important business meetings.

“Many of our loyal guests grew up coming to the beach and staying at the Hilton,” says Marshall Thompson, vice president of sales and marketing for the resort. “As they have grown and their families have grown, we keep making the Hilton Sandestin experience special and memorable.”

“Throughout the years, we have been committed to reinvesting in facility enhancements to ensure the Hilton Sandestin remains among the finest vacation and meeting destinations in the country,” says Robert Kamm, CEO and president of Sandcastles Inc., who, along with owners Frank Flautt and Fred Alias, had the vision for the Hilton Sandestin twenty-five years ago.

“We opened the Hilton Sandestin on December 15, 1984, and it has been a great journey from that opening to this year.”

THE JOURNEY The Hilton Sandestin Beach started as four hundred condominium hotel units, which according to Kamm was a progressive and ambitious goal in 1984. The new concept was welcomed with open arms, and by 1998, the Hilton Sandestin was completing a $45-million expansion and renovation project, which added a new tower with two hundred additional guest suites, a new pool deck, 60,000 square feet of commercial space expansion, and more. The completed project positioned the Hilton Sandestin as the largest waterfront luxury hotel along Florida’s western Gulf Coast.

“Couples who were married here now bring their families for spring break,” he continues. “Guests who came to the beach with their parents or on business now come for girlfriend and golfing getaways.”

With an average of 70 percent of the resort’s guests returning for a second visit, those who experience the Hilton Sandestin and its six hundred accommodations, 32,000 square feet of meeting space, award-winning restaurants, luxurious spa, and activities and amenities are clearly pleased and keep coming back for more.

Mike Chouri, Robert Kamm, and Marshall Thompson

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environmentally friendly initiatives, earning the Florida Green Lodging Program designation for its implementation of green practices, such as its recycling program, water conservation, and energy reduction.

“Our twenty-fifth year along the Gulf Coast truly has been a special time,” says Mike Chouri, general manager of the Hilton Sandestin Beach. “In addition to our year-long anniversary celebration, our guests helped us earn the guest loyalty award from Hilton Hotels.”

Mel & Mona Ponder at the anniversary celebration Seagar’s Prime Steaks and Seafood also opened in 1998, ushering in a new era of exceptional fine dining in Northwest Florida. Since its opening, Seagar’s talented culinary team, led by Executive Chef Bruce McAdoo, has focused on local fresh and unique ingredients served with a variety of highquality components to create signature dishes reflecting the resort’s coastal surroundings. Unique wines, a private dining room with a reserve wine list featuring more than eight hundred labels, and memorable tableside preparations add to the luxurious experience.

Serenity by the Sea, the spa at the Hilton Sandestin Beach, made its debut in 2001, offering one of the only destination spa experiences in the area. Serenity by the Sea pampers guests with uniquely personalized services, including manicures, pedicures, massages, body treatments, and hair care; and now it also provides the freshest spa offerings, such as the Fuji Ritual treatment and SpaWhite teeth whitening. Private men’s and women’s lounges provide steam room, sauna, and cascade whirlpool, as well as refreshments, private dressing rooms, and vanities.

By 2005, management initiated a new hotel improvement project, including a major accommodations overhaul in the Emerald Tower, the expansion of the outdoor pool area, and the addition of Barefoots Beachside Bar & Grill.

“Over the past three years we have been working on the renovation of the Emerald Tower,” explains Kamm. “We finished the renovation this spring, just in time for our special anniversary year.”

THE BIG YEAR To kick off its anniversary year in style, the Hilton Sandestin Beach completed its $3.4-million, three-year renovation project in March. Upgrades include a complete renovation of suites in the Emerald Tower, which houses four hundred of the hotel’s six hundred guest suites. Design features in the new Deluxe Junior Suites include elegant new furnishings, a soothing blue and green color palette, a state-of-the-art media center addition in the children’s bunk area, flat-screen televisions, a second phone line in each room, premium quality bed linens, and patio upgrades.

Also in time for the anniversary celebration, the Hilton Sandestin Beach has officially gone green. After a dedicated effort throughout the entire property, the resort hotel has incorporated 146

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The Hilton Sandestin Beach competed against forty-six other Hilton properties for the 2008 Diamond Guest Loyalty Award for hotels with five hundred or more rooms, which recognizes the best of the best within the Hilton Hotels & Resorts brand in North America. Through the brand’s annual Connie Awards, this is the highest honor in this category. The award is based on customer feedback regarding overall experience, the likelihood to return to the resort hotel, and the likelihood to recommend the property to others. Guests rated the Hilton Sandestin Beach a nine or ten out of ten in these categories.

“This amazing year has been twenty-five years in the making, and we’re not finished yet,” says Chouri. “We’re moving forward with even more improvements that will continue to enhance the guest experience, and we hope our loyal guests, as well as those who have never experienced the Hilton Sandestin, will join us during this milestone year.”

THE CELEBRATION An anniversary as momentous as twenty-five years deserves a celebration, and a big one at that. To toast the resort’s anniversary with partners in the Destin and Beaches of South Walton area, the Hilton Sandestin Beach hosted a festive cocktail event overlooking the beautiful Gulf of Mexico in June. Bringing together area tourism leaders and resort staff as well as media, the festivities included delicious food, a live jazz trio, and a warm welcome from the Hilton Sandestin’s management team, including Robert Kamm, Mike Chouri, and Marshall Thompson.

The warm Gulf breezes and setting summer sun offered the perfect backdrop for toasting what has proven to be a remarkable year for the resort, and all in attendance were reminded that truly special things happen at the beach—especially at the Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa. The Hilton Sandestin Beach will be offering special rates and meeting incentives throughout the year in honor of its silver anniversary. For more information, become a fan on Facebook, follow the hotel on Twitter, call (850) 267-9500 or (800) 367-1271, or visit www.HiltonSandestinBeach.com.

Christy Kearney is a freelance writer and co-owner of Creative WITS. She lives in Fort Walton Beach with her husband, Travis, and very spoiled Cairn Terrier, Gidget.

Loretta Shaffer and Dawn Moliterno at the anniversary celebration

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