VIE: People + Places - May / June 2012

NORTHWEST FLORIDA – COLA 2 COLA®

FOr The lOve OF FOOd The Soul of BBQ

The Best from COLA 2 COLA

Beer 101

with Grayton Beer Company

vOyAGer A Journey to Beale Street

Remembering Memphis Music Legends

A luxury retreat

Fountainview Mansion

The WriTTen WOrd haley Kilpatrick

Leading a Generation’s Renaissance

Get healthy

Back to the Barre

Get Out

Walking on Water

May/June 2012

The All-AmericAn Summer Bringing PrePPy Back

bud & alley’s W D a t e r f r o n t

i n i n g

BuD & alley’s restaurant • rooftop Bar • taco Bar • pizza Bar T h r e e G r e aT r e s Ta u r a n T s

Celebrating 26

specializinG

in

years of

on The

Beach

in

se a s i de , Flor i da

g ood food, g ood P eoPle , g ood times .

unForGeTTaBle WeddinGs , corporaTe & privaTe parTies conTacT: evenTs @ Budandalleys .com

m a k e • o n l i n e •d i n n er •r e servat ions •at •b Uda nda lleys . Com

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Garden & Home We make sense of it all.

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Experience the ultimate beach vacation where exploration and relaxation are naturally encouraged.

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For more information, please visit:

viezine.com

In this issue:

90 70

48

120

36

16

People + Places The Paris Kitchen 87 30A Wine Festival 102 Sinfonia Strikes Up the Big Band with Pink Martini 108

Business Corner Aqua Pool and Patio: Pooling Their Resources 78

Feature Bringing Preppy Back 120

Get Out YOLO: Walking on Water 112

Giving Dressed to Give: Fusing Fashion with Philanthropy 98

The Written Word Leading a Generation’s Renaissance: Haley Kilpatrick 54

The Art of Life A Panoramic View of the World 16 Night Lights 70

For the Love of Food The Soul of BBQ: The Best from COLA 2 COLA 90 BEER 101 with Grayton Beer Company 84

Perspectives A Model for Success: FSU Panama City 42 Clements Antiques: Dedicated to Tradition 65

Voyager A Journey to Beale Street 36 A Luxury Retreat: Fountainview Mansion 48

Sense of Place The City of Light Inspires a New Seaside Boutique 134 The Galati Yacht Family 31 The Anchor of Bluewater Bay 58

VIE’s Favorite Things 128

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MAY/JUNE 2012 VIEZINE.COM

Get Healthy Back to the Barre 24

where jewelry is art

Richard Arriaga Fine Jewelry •••

850.231.0084 • RichardArriaga@embarqmail.com The Village Of South Walton On Hwy. 30A In Seacrest Beach Suite #111

Scan to view online gallery

COLA COLA

®

Primary Targeted Audiences

W

e are thrilled you have picked up a copy of VIE and hope you enjoy reading about the people and places of our coveted region,

COLA 2 COLA®—Pensacola to Apalachicola. We live in a great place where life is good! We have a passion for our area and the people and businesses found here, and we hope that you will share in our excitement.

VIE can be found locally at Tourist Development Council centers, Chamber of

Sip the FineSt Margarita...

Experience the gourmet side of Mexican cuisine

Commerce locations, Sundog Books in Seaside, Florida, boutiques, restaurants, bed-and-breakfasts, and special events.

We are excited to announce that VIE‘s distribution has recently branched out to the following airports: Baltimore/Washington International, Houston Hobby, Memphis International, Nashville International, Orlando International, and Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International. In addition to these high-profile locations, VIE is also being added to the shelves of some of the country’s top-selling bookstores, newsstands, and supermarkets, giving our advertisers potential access to millions of people.

Taste guacamole made fresh at your table Savor fresh seafood and steaks with authentic sauces

VIE is a registered trademark. All contents herein are Copyright © 2012 Cornerstone Marketing & Advertising, Incorporated (The Publisher). All rights reserved. No part of this periodical may be reproduced without written permission from The Publisher. VIE is a lifestyle magazine of Northwest Florida (COLA 2 COLA®) and is

Grand Boulevard 585 Grand Boulevard Sandestin 850.654.5649 follow on Facebook & Twitter cantinalaredo.com

published bimonthly. The opinions herein are not necessarily those of The Publisher. The Publisher and its advertisers will not be held responsible for any errors found in this publication. The Publisher is not liable for the accuracy of statements made by its advertisers. Ads that appear in this publication are not intended as offers where prohibited by state law. The Publisher is not responsible for photography or artwork submitted by freelance or outside contributors. The Publisher reserves the right to publish any letter addressed to the editor or The Publisher. VIE is a paid publication. Subscription rate: One year $29.95 (U.S. only).

Celebrate CinCo de Mayo, 5.5.12

On the Cover:

VIE Creative Team:

VIE’s All-American Summer issue seeks to celebrate summer the best way we know how: by featuring the beauty and classic style of the unique and vibrant coastline we call home. Set against the brilliant turquoise waters of the Gulf of Mexico and the azure skies of Florida, our cover girl Lauren Cottrell captures the quintessential all-American spirit of summer as a breathtaking vision in tangerine. See the entire feature shoot by photographer Romona Robbins in “Bringing Preppy Back” starting on page 120.

Makeup by Natasha Vaughan. Wardrobe by Perspicasity of Seaside. Photography by Romona Robbins. Set styling by Tracery Interiors of Rosemary Beach. Creative Team: Lisa Burwell, Ainsley Rogers, Tracey Thomas.

Lisa Burwell Publisher lisa@viezine.com

Gerald Burwell Editor-in-Chief gerald@viezine.com

Bob Brown VP of Creative Services bob@viezine.com

Ainsley Rogers Public Relations Director ainsley@viezine.com

Tracey Thomas Graphic Designer tracey@viezine.com

Darby Kellum Public Relations Assistant darby@viezine.com

Troy Ruprecht Graphic Designer troy@viezine.com

Mary Jane Kirby Account Executive maryjane@viezine.com

Phil Cowart Graphic Designer phil@viezine.com

James Ryan Account Executive jim@viezine.com

Bill Weckel Web/Project Manager bill@viezine.com

Margaret Stevenson Copy Editor

Tim Dutrow Video Producer tim@viezine.com

Shannon Quinlan Distribution Coordinator

VIE Contributors: Contributing Writers: Sallie W. Boyles Wendy O. Dixon Tori Phelps Liesel Schmidt Jordan Staggs Shelly Swanger Susan Vallée Dave Vardaman

Published by:

Contributing Photographers:

(850) 231-3087

114 Logan Lane, Suite 4 | Grayton Beach, FL 32459 www.theideaboutique.com

Contact us at info@theideaboutique.com

Brandan Babineaux Jack Bentley Karena Cawthon Cybelle Codish Jack Gardner Chad Jarae Dick Jenkins Gary Klarenbeek Phillip Makselan Nick Malambri Kay Phelan

Romona Robbins Chris Rogers Deanie Sexton Dave Shelikoff Chris Stanfield Shelly Swanger Steve Wells Cook Images Modus Photography Vue Photography

VIEZINE.COM MAY/JUNE 2012

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Book now for the lowest rates of the season W W W. R E S O R T C O L L E C T I O N . C O M • 8 5 5 . 8 9 3 . 9 3 9 4

Publisher’s Note:

All-AmericAn

summer the

I recently spent a picture-perfect April afternoon at the Driftwood Inn in Mexico Beach, Florida—a charming gem of a hideaway I had never been to before. While gazing out over the sugar-white sand and the inviting bluegreen waters of the Gulf of Mexico, a gentle breeze carried the distinctive smell of a freshly lit charcoal grill my way. I was immediately transported back in time to summers spent on Cape Cod when I was a kid. Is there anything better than the nostalgia of happy childhood memories?

Nostalgia for summers past can mean different things to different people, but for me it can be summed up by the scents of summer, like salty sea air and Coppertone tanning oil. Sounds old-fashioned—what summers are all about, right?

I have been waiting for the arrival of summer since the beginning of the new year, which is unlike me. I usually enjoy each season and what it brings.

But this year, I found myself yearning for summer. In retrospect, I guess I was craving that special summer state of mind. It’s carefree. It’s easy. And now—it’s here!

We’re calling this issue “The All-American Summer” not only to pay homage to pleasant remembrances, but also to be mindful of and thankful for the place we love to live in. It’s a gift to live beachside, and we think an issue dedicated almost entirely to celebrating this is just what the doctor ordered. We have a delicious article on the best barbecue joints from COLA 2 COLA by Phil Cowart; a fashion spread, “Bringing Preppy Back,” showcasing the new preppy-inspired must-haves for summer (courtesy of Seaside Classic and Perspicasity); VIE’s Favorite Things; stories that characterize life within a coastal community, and more.

My soul is beginning to sing and breathe with a renewed joy and summertime is the backdrop for that rediscovered freedom.

Lisa & Gerald Bur well

To Life ... and a Happy Summer!

—Lisa VIEZINE.COM MAY/JUNE 2012

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Whatever springtime mode you’re in, whether it’s a daytime swing or a nightime cling, we have the trends, the styles, the outfits and the accessories to help you make up your new wardrobe and your mind.

DillarDs • JC Penney • Marshalls • TargeT • JiMMy BuffeTT’s MargariTaville • DiCk’s lasT resorT The granD TheaTre - iMaX • viCToria’s seCreT • ColDWaTer®Creek • anD so MuCh More! front Beach road at Pier Park Drive. shopping line 850.236.9979

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A

A Panoramic View B y To r i P h e l p s // P h o t o g r a p h y b y D i c k J e n k i n s If a photo is worth a thousand words, Dick Jenkins’s pictures are the equivalent of War and Peace. Using a unique method of photography and the patience a saint would envy, Jenkins captures entire scenes in a single breathtaking shot to make viewers feel as if they’ve stepped inside the photo. Which is exactly the point.

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Taking the Long Way Like most artists of his caliber, Jenkins has always felt a pull toward the creative. As far back as elementary school, his artwork was the one chosen for display. But before he could indulge that passion, he had an entire career to get through—beginning with the military and ending with nuclear power.

Following high school graduation, Connecticut-born Jenkins did a four-year hitch in the U.S. Air Force and

N

O

of the World then went to work at Pratt & Whitney’s research laboratories in East Hartford while attending night classes to become a tool design engineer. The next decades were spent with companies that built nuclear and fossilfueled power-generating plants around the world.

Then came retirement. But rather than slowing down, Jenkins was just gathering speed.

and the Musée d’Orsay, where he would view a painting from afar and then spend an hour examining the details up close. Having tried his hand at oil painting years earlier, he knew the medium wasn’t a good fit for him, but he still longed to produce something artistic. Though he had no formal training in photography, he decided to pick up a camera and begin shooting.

The international travel he did for work allowed him to spend long weekends in places like the Louvre

Jenkins started out photographing wildlife and then branched into military aircraft, landscapes, cityscapes,

and anything else that grabbed his attention. After all, as a hobbyist, he wasn’t in it for the money. And that’s a good thing. “I’ve been told by fellow photographers that it’s nearly impossible to make a living this way,” he says. “I’ve found that to be true.”

Maybe photography hasn’t brought a fortune, but it has brought a long list of clients and even more fans. The attention he’s received is due to his talent, of course, though credit also goes to his distinctive style: panoramic high dynamic range

R

A

Manhattan New York, New York

(HDR) photography. If you’ve never heard of it, that’s because Jenkins has essentially forged a new path in the medium.

A Fresh Angle His journey to this unique style started with a trip to Hong Kong, where the spectacular view from his hotel room cried out to be captured in panorama. “When I drew the drapes open in my hotel room, I stood overwhelmed by the sight of sampans, ferryboats, Victoria Peak, modern skyscrapers, and dazzling lights on a very mountainous terrain,” he remembers. “When I returned home, folks would ask me what Hong Kong was like and whether I had any pictures to share. That was the moment I realized I wanted to learn something more than normal photography; I wanted to learn how to produce panoramas.”

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He incorporated the second element, HDR photography, because it does what traditional methods have long failed to do: generate pictures with colors that are startlingly close to what the human eye sees.

“With HDR and panoramic photography, I can recreate an entire scene, with colors nearly as accurate as the brain perceives them,” he says.

In essence, HDR involves taking a bunch of photos of the same scene and then using software to merge the best aspects of each shot into one final product.

Conventional photography renders the scenery around your focal point over- or underexposed, while HDR allows all elements in a scene to be properly exposed.

It requires a high-tech camera that can be set to take between three and nine photographs of the

same scene at various exposures, seconds apart, in a process known as bracketing. The next step is to introduce the bracketed images into HDR software, which selects the areas of proper exposure and then blends them into one picture. A lot of hands-on time is still needed to make the photo publication ready, Jenkins points out, explaining that he uses the software’s thirty-plus slider adjustments to intensify or diminish colors.

The Extra Mile Before he sits down at the computer, however, he has to get the right shots—a prospect that’s easier said than done. Jenkins believes that being good at what you do involves not only a lot of practice to get the technical skills down, but also taking the time to understand your subject inside and out. “I can tell

M when an osprey will fly, when I’m about to violate his territory, and when he’ll call out his warning that I need to retreat. I know his habits, his schedule, his perches, and his flight patterns,” he contends.

“With the Blue Angels, I’ve watched them practice a hundred times and know where to position myself to take advantage of the light. I even know when they’ll turn and burn.”

Jenkins’s excruciating patience is what makes his work so rare. There are few enough photographers keen to tackle skill-heavy panoramic photography and display a willingness to stand atop a building for an entire day, watching light change by the hour before taking a single shot. But he also adds the HDR aspect of bracketing multiple images at each position—plus all the postprocessing. Astoundingly, a typical single-row panorama requires him to

manipulate more than a hundred individual images to create the end result.

Another piece of the puzzle involves his unflinching desire to go above and beyond for a job—literally. A perfect example is the client who wanted a 180-degree panorama of his sixty-story Manhattan property. So Jenkins climbed a ladder to the top of an air-conditioning cooling tower, his backpack filled with camera equipment and a tripod tied around his waist. Of the experience, he says, “I don’t know how many people have stood sixty-two stories above midtown Manhattan with clouds for a ceiling and taken in the view from the George Washington to the Verrazano Bridge, but I feel immensely privileged to be one of them.”

Leaping (or at least climbing) tall buildings wouldn’t be possible if he didn’t stay fit, and he’s

A grateful that his hobby forces him to do so. But what he loves most is the sense of accomplishment that comes with a job well done. “I feel so satisfied when I can capture a beautiful scene in panorama and watch the reactions of others as their eyes travel about the photograph, taking in all the details,” he admits. “I no longer gaze longingly at a scene and regret that it can’t be captured. With diligence, concentration, and effort, I know it can be achieved to my satisfaction.”

He plans to test that assertion by traveling to exotic locales he’s visited before—this time with camera in hand. Also on tap for the future: introducing more people to his work. It’s likely they, too, will have the same reaction as a client who viewed Jenkins’s Camp Creek Lake panorama. “He said, ‘I felt as if I had come upon that scene while driving along Route

Camp Creek Lake Santa Rosa Beach, Florida

30A, pulled off, stepped out of my car, and admired the sunset. Your picture was that real,’” Jenkins recalls. “That’s what I want people to feel—that I have somehow transported them into the scene and they, like me, enjoyed the moment.”

Jenkins’s photography can be found at www.jenkinsphotography.org and www.panoramio.com/user/6088756 and is available for purchase.

Louis Louis is the sister restaurant of Picolo's restaurant and the Red Bar in Grayton beach.

Reservations are not accepted Arrive early, stay late.

Cash or Check only, No credit cards.

There is an ATM on site.

Open 7 days a week Lunch & Dinner 11 am – 10 pm Bar open from 11 am – 11 pm (12 am on Friday and Saturday)

Live

Music

Arrive early, stay late.

Cash or Check only, No credit cards.

There is an ATM on site.

Open 7 days a week Dinner 5 – 10 pm

850.231.1008

850.267.1500

www.theredbar.com

www.louislouis.net

back to the

BARRE • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

By Ainsley Rogers | Photography By Cybelle Codish

I grew up a dancer. For many, many years, the ballet barre was my home, and I was more accustomed to pointing my toes than actually walking. It was a language of movement I understood and had mastered—or so I thought. So, when Ashley Singleton, the owner of the Pure Barre studio in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida, approached me about trying the Pure Barre workout, I initially thought, “This will be the same old song and dance.” (No pun intended.)

while in class. If you forget yours, Pure Barre socks are available for purchase along with a full line of athletic apparel—choices include Splits59, Zobha, Mondetta Performance Gear (MPG), Alternative Apparel, Emi-Jay, and the Pure Barre brand.

I was curious, though. Curious, mainly, because of a new fitness craze Pure Barre had started not just in Florida’s own Walton county, but across the nation.

Other than hours on the elliptical trainer, I had not stuck with a strict exercise regime since I stopped dancing, and I wanted to know more.

Inside the Pure Barre studio, ballet barres and floorto-ceiling mirrors stretch the length of the room on each side so that clients can focus on perfecting their technique. Classes are kept small to ensure that personal attention is given to each client. On this particular Saturday, the class was almost at max capacity with twenty students. Equipped with weights, an exercise ball, and a resistance band (all provided by Pure Barre), I padded to the ballet barre ready for a new type of workout.

Pure Barre was founded by Carrie Rezabek, a professional ballet performer and choreographer who left the field of dance to practice law. While practicing as an attorney, Carrie took personal enjoyment in teaching exercise classes such as Pilates, spinning, and kickboxing. After only two years in the legal profession, Carrie left her job to open her first studio in a suburb of Detroit, Michigan. Years later, Carrie began licensing the Pure Barre technique, and, in 2009, Pure Barre began franchising. There are currently seventy franchised locations in twenty states.

The Pure Barre method is formatted in intervals.

After a brisk warm-up to heat up the body’s core and engage the muscles, it was to the barre for thigh work, then the center of the floor to immediately stretch out, back to the barre for glute work, and back to the center to stretch out. The cycle repeated itself, continuing through the core, abdominals, and back, each time stretching and lengthening the muscles after the conditioning sets were complete. After my first class, one thing was clear—this was not the ballet barre conditioning to which I had once been

According to Ashley, Pure Barre is one of the fastest and most effective workouts to change a woman’s body. It’s a total body workout that uses the ballet barre to perform small, isometric movements to lift the glutes, tone the thighs, flatten the abs, and burn fat in record-breaking time. Rather than creating bulky muscle, a Pure Barre workout strengthens the muscles while simultaneously lengthening them, creating a long, lean physique (normally attributed to dancers). The company goes as far as to guarantee that noticeable differences can be achieved in only ten sessions. With a little prompting from Ashley, I was lured into Pure Barre at WaterColor.

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I arrived at my first class early on a Saturday well prepared. Pure Barre clients are encouraged to wear pants and keep the midriff covered to help maintain body heat, so I wore yoga pants and a tank. Socks are required to prevent slipping out of a position

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VIEZINE.COM MAY/JUNE 2012

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accustomed. Ashley was more than willing, however, to stay after class to answer questions and show me one-on-one how to execute the positions and repetitions that I found especially challenging.

Pure Barre is, quite literally, a unique fusion of Pilates, yoga, and ballet barre conditioning—and it’s unlike any workout I’ve ever experienced. Each Pure Barre movement is so tiny that, initially, I wondered how this could change my body at all. But I quickly felt the impact as my muscles began to shake badly from fatigue during many of the exercises. I learned that this is the desired Pure Barre effect: When the muscles shake, it indicates they are reshaping. If they don’t shake, then they aren’t being challenged enough. There’s a term for it: muscle exhaustion.

flow of exercise is set to music with no downtime in the hour-long period. The playlist’s styles and beats correspond to each type of conditioning. For the challenging segments, the music is loud and motivating. For the stretching segments, the music and lights are lowered, promoting a calming effect similar to a yoga class. The choreography is constantly being changed to keep things fresh and exciting for clients that come often. For this reason, Pure Barre instructors participate in continuing education to ensure that a certain aptitude for the technique is kept. It is this variety that keeps people coming to class sometimes five or six days per week.

After a month of Pure Barre, I was hooked. The sense of community among clients and the motivating

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Pure Barre is, quite literally, a unique fusion of Pilates, yoga, and Ballet Barre conditioning—and it’s unlike any workout i’ve ever exPerienced.

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This had somewhat of an empowering effect on me—instead of feeling defeated and that I couldn’t perform, I felt motivated to move my muscles to the point of exhaustion.

The Pure Barre workout builds upon a technique that ensures the movements are working the muscles to their limit. Each client can adjust to her own individual capabilities—for example, raising the leg a little higher or pulling the resistance band a little tighter. You get one of the best workouts of your life by barely moving a muscle. Almost instantly, I could see results in my flexibility and, for the first time since my ballet days, I could feel my muscles getting stronger in all the right places.

Throughout my next few classes, I realized the importance that music and choreography play in enhancing the Pure Barre workout. A continuous

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group atmosphere of the studio are unrivaled— perks I didn’t get when trying out a new workout video at home or logging in time on the elliptical machine. The workout itself is almost therapeutic—a mixture of pushing yourself to your limit to strengthen muscle, then rewarding yourself as you stretch them out. Each day, I found that I had new and unexpected energy. No more leaving the office to collapse on the couch with my dog—no, it was off to the studio for my daily dose of conditioning and stretching.

The most appealing aspect of Pure Barre on my beginner’s journey was the focus on technique.

Whether beginners or seasoned pros, clients of all skill levels are consistently striving to perfect their technique and push their endurance. I never left class out of breath or exhausted—just motivated, stretched, and feeling strong.

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Ashley Singleton: Owner of the Pure Barre studio at WaterColor Crossings, Santa Rosa Beach, Florida

As a Pure Barre beginner, I didn’t walk into my first class feeling like a pro. But after one class, I left knowing that I wanted to be one. And after ten classes at Pure Barre, I knew I wouldn’t be stopping anytime soon. But why listen to me?

Take the ten-class challenge and see for yourself.

I will see you at the barre!

For more information, or to find a Pure Barre studio near you, visit purebarre.com. To contact Pure Barre Santa Rosa Beach for more information, e-mail santarosabeach@purebarre.com.

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HomeRun Advantage is an innovative, fresh approach to managing your vacation rental property.

HomeRun Advantage, a Northwest Florida vacation rental manage-

programs well-suited to their individual management and mainte-

ment company, offers property owners attractive and competitive

nance needs. Two types of rental service plans allow owners to choose

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t h e

Galati Yacht fa m i ly

by Sallie W. Boyles

As Joe Galati, president of Galati Yacht Sales, explains, certain people have a “boating gene.” For them, owning a boat, whether it’s a kayak or a luxury yacht, provides more than a playful diversion; it indulges a passion to venture out to sea. That yearning to be on the water is what launched the Galatis’ family business over forty years ago and continues to fuel its success.

The dream began with Joe’s parents, Anna Maria and Michael Galati Sr. Although he worked in his father’s New York bakery, Mike (as everyone called him) most enjoyed helping out at a marina owned by a family friend. With a shared loved of boating and a sense that the lifestyle they desired could be found in Florida, the couple spent two years searching for business opportunities. They were visiting the state when they came across a marina for sale on (coincidentally) Anna Maria Island, a barrier island off the southwest coast of Florida between Tampa Bay and Sarasota.

Although the marina had been destroyed by a tornado the previous year, the Galatis spotted potential in the debris. They bought the property and

moved to Florida. Joe, the eldest of their five children, was just ten, so he and his siblings would grow up in the business of boating.

The marina demanded a full-on commitment of time and energy, but even the physical labor suited the Galatis. Without question, the children accepted their individual responsibilities—from pumping gas to servicing boats—when they were old enough to lend a hand. Learning from their parents, who openly discussed business decisions in the presence of the kids, the children gravitated to jobs that best suited their unique talents and interests. Today, Joe serves as president, a position he has held since VIEZINE.COM MAY/JUNE 2012

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“We are big proponents of actively involving our clients in learning about their boats and taking them on the water.” his father passed away in 1992; Carmine manages sales for Galati Yacht Sales and runs PR; Fran heads human resources; Mike Jr. directs customer support; and Chris oversees activities in the Anna Maria yacht basin and spearheads the fishing side of the business.

Outsiders often marvel at the way the five siblings run a company so smoothly. “We are all extremely different with separate skill sets,” explains Joe, “so we defer to one another based on our expertise. We also share the same work ethic. As we learned about problems other family businesses faced, we realized how incredibly fortunate we were to get along as equal owners. In the early days, we didn’t know any better; we took it for granted that all families operated this way.”

Their ability to get along and flourish individually presented good reasons for each child to come aboard full-time. Joe and Carmine, in fact, were in their twenties and fully committed to the marina when their youngest brother, Chris, broke his neck in a diving accident. With Fran and Mike Jr. also helping part-time, Anna Maria and Mike Sr. knew the business would be in good hands while they focused on Chris and his recovery. In fact, they rented a house and stayed in Orlando while he was hospitalized there under the care of specialists.

Although his injury left Chris a quadriplegic, he moved forward with his family’s can-do spirit.

A sports fisherman who has captured world titles, the husband and father of twins appears on televised fishing shows, making him the celebrity of the group.

The Galatis, however, became known in the boating world for their star treatment of customers. By the mid-1990s, their excellence in servicing boats, including warranty work, caught the attention of Viking Yachts. Eager to establish a service-oriented dealership, Viking invited the family to take over

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sales for their region of Florida. Accepting the offer, Galati Yacht Sales was born.

Today, Galati is not only Viking’s number one dealership, but the company has also prospered in the luxury market as a preferred seller of numerous brands, including Tiara, Cruisers, Grand Banks, Maritimo, Princess, and Horizon. Galati also has a team of forty-four brokers, covering nine regions, who facilitate sales of pre-owned yachts. “We specialize in inboard powered yachts thirty feet and larger,” says Joe. Prices range from fifty thousand to nineteen million dollars, and Galati’s clientele is about evenly split between those who go out to fish and those who love to cruise.

Few dealers generate the kind of sales volume necessary to concentrate in the high-end market, but Galati’s reputation lures buyers from all over. Competing with five thousand North American dealers through Boating Industry magazine’s rigorous application process, Galati has earned a number one national ranking multiple times for best practices and, as a result, a place in the Hall of Fame among an elite class of winners. The distinction, therefore, has attracted an international clientele in addition to customers from across the country.

Dispelling the old saying about a yacht owner’s two happiest moments being when the boat is purchased and when it’s sold, the Galatis take proactive measures to prevent buyer’s remorse. “We are big proponents of actively involving our clients in learning about their boats and taking them on the water,” says Joe. All new owners, for instance, have access to a captain to teach them the ropes. “Some will require a week of training; others will need two hours,” says Joe. “We want to make sure the customer is comfortable, so we adapt to the individual.” Galati further hosts events like “Ladies at the Helm,” led by captains and technicians, to give spouses and significant others firsthand experience.

Photo by Nick Malambri, East Pass Images.

Another Galati initiative combines learning and pleasure through destination trips, or “Rendezvous,” an idea that Joe’s wife, Jennifer, conceived and has managed since the 1980s. “We realized early on that it was important to create interest, so we design trips that give owners a reason to use their boats. It’s something to look forward to on the calendar.” With a lead boat to follow, new owners gain confidence on the open water. Likewise, seasoned and novice boaters enjoy the camaraderie shared with other yacht owners. While some trips are short, such as an April weekend voyage to the Sandestin Wine Festival in Northwest Florida, other Rendezvous entail lengthier cruises to places like the Bahamas and Key West.

“We plan about twenty-six different events, including fishing tournaments, yearround,” says Joe. He also admits that Jennifer originated the Rendezvous concept with the intent to motivate the hardworking Galatis to take time for the lifestyle

that they promote to so many others. “Jennifer knew that if she involved the business, we would take time off to participate,” Joe says.

Being active in the boating community has certainly been good for business, but the resulting friendships are most treasured. “The Galatis are personal friends,” says Al Binford, a loyal Galati customer who currently owns a forty-eight-foot Maritimo yacht. “They are probably the nicest people we have ever met; everyone likes dealing with them.”

Retired from the RV business, which, like luxury boats, involves significant levels of discretionary income, Al notes that the Galatis would not have attained such success if they had made profit their first priority. “My point is that I know about customer service, but I learned even more by seeing how the Galatis treat people. Everything they

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do is customer oriented.” The Galatis have helped him buy and sell a number of boats. “You start out small and keep going,” he adds, explaining that trading up is common among boat owners.

Al, however, met the Galatis when he contracted them to sell a fifty-eight-foot yacht that he and his wife decided was too large. “I then downsized to a thirty-two-foot fisherman, which I purchased from the Galatis, but I missed the bigger yacht.” He returned to the Galatis to sell the smaller boat and guide him to the Maritimo, which they also service.

“The bigger boats are a little more complicated and need care, so it’s important to find people like the Galatis who can do all the maintenance.” Although he confesses, “It’s not a cheap hobby,” Al says he and his wife cannot imagine a better lifestyle. “We live on the water. Weekend trips don’t require much planning, so we just take off.”

Photo by Nick Malambri, East Pass Images.

“We bought our last three boats from the Galatis. You join their family when you buy a boat from them.”

In addition to trading up in size, boat owners also upgrade for the technological advances offered on the latest models. “The electronics are incredible,” says Joe. A pod drive system, for instance, saves fuel while also providing a joystick that maneuvers a boat sideways, allowing a first-time handler to dock like a pro.

Accordingly, GPS systems use radar and autopilots to chart waters. “If you’re reef fishing, your radar will locate the fish,” Joe says, “and your GPS will hold you in the spot, regardless of the current and wind.” Like new car shoppers, those in the market for a new boat are further attracted to the hottest innovations in design.

Chuck Mills, another customer and friend of the Galatis, has upgraded a number of times to accommodate his growing family of grandchildren on overnight voyages.

“My grandkids call me Poppy,” he reveals, which is why his forty-eight-foot Maritimo is named Sea Poppy. Chuck and his wife both grew up in Northwest Florida, and when they retired, they realized their shared dream was to return to the Gulf of Mexico, where they would buy a house by the water and a boat. They first purchased a sixteen-foot bass boat, but cruising became more enticing than fishing.

“We bought our last three boats from the Galatis,” Chuck says. “We shopped around quite a bit but kept going back. You join their family when you buy a boat from them.”

Both the Mills family and the Binfords are on board for a Bahamas Rendezvous, which has grown to a convoy of about fourteen boats. “As a father, I am excited to get the entire family involved in boating,” Joe says. “On the water, out of cell phone range, you can relax or take part in activities that everyone enjoys.”

Photo by Nick Malambri, East Pass Images.

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1

2

1. Maria, Joseph, Jennifer, and Joe Galati.

2. Galati Yacht Sales broker Tim Malambri with his client Chuck Mills.

The “boating gene” has already begun to surface among the youngest Galatis, but whether they enter the family business will be a personal decision for each one to make. “Some of the kids, including mine, work events, like boat shows, and they help take care of boats,” says Joe. “Several have shown an interest. My niece Angela currently works part-time handling our social media.” Considering how the business has grown, he adds, “When my father passed away, my siblings and I took the ball and ran with it. We’re looking forward to seeing what the next generation will do.”

From where the Galatis stand today, the horizon certainly looks bright!

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A Journey to Beale Street:

R E M E M B E R I NG THE KING” AND OTHER MEMPHIS MUSIC LEGENDS

STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY SHELLY SWANGER

O

n August 16, 1977, I was like any other ten-year-old growing up in Memphis, Tennessee. I was busy enjoying the last few sunny days of summer vacation with my Grandmother “Mimi” watching over me, as she often did. This particular day, we had just settled in to our favorite afternoon soap opera when the telephone rang. Baptist Hospital was calling Mimi, a private branch exchange operator there, into work after they had received word that Elvis Presley had been found unresponsive in his home, Graceland. He was en route to Baptist Hospital via ambulance. Officials knew that there would be excessive press and fan inquiries, and the hospital needed all hands on deck. Mimi and I turned off the TV and headed for the hospital together.

Just about everyone knows the tragic end to this story. Elvis was pronounced dead that August afternoon. His short life was over at age 42, but his musical legacy had only just begun.

Like many ten-year-olds, I had no idea of the fame Elvis had experienced in the musical world outside of Memphis. But I discovered quickly the profound effect he had had on people across the country.

I watched in amazement and sadness as tens of thousands of people filled the streets in front of Graceland Mansion for a memorial service that started that day and has continued every year for thirty-four years. That one-day vigil has since grown into an annual ten-day celebration of all things Elvis, attended by people from all over the world.

This August I was offered a unique opportunity to go home to Memphis and photograph Elvis Week, as it has come to be known. I decided this would be a wonderful opportunity to pay tribute not only to Elvis but also to all the other incredible musical talent that has come out of Memphis over the years. I felt that it was important to capture some of the “old” Memphis music heritage in photographs before it is all gone.

It’s been said many times before that Memphis has torn down more history than most cities have ever had. Knowing this to be true, I felt somewhat driven to return home and document some of the things I love the most about my hometown.

I arrived several days before the Elvis festivities and set out with camera in hand. My first day there, I roamed up and down Beale Street at dawn. As I walked, I remembered coming here as a child, hearing the blues drifting out of every doorway

I watched in amazement and sadness as tens of thousands of people filled the streets in front of Graceland Mansion for a memorial service that started that day and has continued every year for thirty-four years.

and loving every minute of it. I wanted to know all about the people who made that amazing music.

I spent many childhood days in the record store or the library listening to and studying artists like B.B. King, Rufus Thomas, Bobby “Blue” Bland, and so many others. As I grew older, I would have the honor of seeing so many of those blues greats playing the clubs on Beale. I came back later that evening and was comforted to see throngs of people roaming up and down the street enjoying the incredible live music that you can still hear there every night.

My next stop was the old Sun Studio on Union Avenue. Originally called Memphis Recording Service, it was opened in 1950 by Sam Phillips. The history of this landmark reads like a Who’s Who of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, B.B. King, and Roy Orbison are just a few of the musicians who put Sun Studio on the map. The original space is now a museum; the recording area is very small but the musical connection that you feel just walking in the door is as strong as if Johnny Cash were still strumming his guitar there.

From Sun Studio, I headed to Overton Park to see the Levitt Shell. For many years it was known as the Overton Park Shell, but on July 30, 1954, it was where Elvis Presley played his first paid concert.

Many people have called that show the first ever rock-and-roll concert. The Shell, as it has always been called, has been around since the 1930s and was once a wonderful outdoor music venue in midtown Memphis. It fell into disrepair for many years but has since been revitalized; the renovations were completed and the Shell reopened in 2008. Sitting alone on the grass in front of the stage that morning, I felt thankful that someone had seen to it that the Shell had been restored and was once again thriving.

No tour of Memphis music would be complete without a visit to Stax Records. The actual studio site is now the Stax Museum of American Soul Music, but the music made there will live on forever.

Most of my favorite Memphis music came from the Stax label; Booker T. and the MG’s, Isaac Hayes, the Staple Singers, Al Green, Otis Redding, Wilson Pickett, and so many more all recorded there and helped build the legacy that is Stax. The sound was unmistakable and the soul was unrivaled. It was such a powerful feeling standing next to the Stax building, imagining all the soul greats who came and went through those doors.

After three days of reminiscing and photographing the old Memphis music scene, it was time for the Elvis Presley candlelight vigil. I have toured Graceland Mansion many times. As a child, I passed the house almost every day and it was not uncommon to see Elvis, Priscilla, and Lisa Marie Presley riding horses on the grounds. Graceland has always felt more like a neighbor’s house than the huge tourist attraction that it is today. But on this particular visit, I was being granted photographic access to every part of Graceland.

I took the Graceland tour again for old time’s sake. I can’t help but be deeply moved every time I step foot on the grounds. When you walk through every part of Elvis Presley’s life and see the costumes, look at all the awards, and hear the wonderful music in the air, it is impossible not to be stirred by all that he accomplished musically in his life. After my tour, I had time to walk up and down Elvis Presley Boulevard and photograph some of the amazing tributes that fans had built that day out of old photos, candles, teddy bears, and tons of other memorabilia. When it came time for the actual candlelight vigil, I was escorted to the Meditation Garden adjacent to the VIEZINE.COM MAY/JUNE 2012

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Opposite page, top: • Stax Museum of American Soul Music, formerly the studio site of Stax Records.

Opposite page, bottom: • Elvis Presley candlelight vigil.

This page, clockwise from bottom left: • The Levitt Shell in Overton Park, site of Elvis’s first paid concert.

• The wall surrounding Graceland Mansion. Here, hundreds of thousands of fans have written messages to Elvis over the years.

• A statue of blues legend W.C. Handy on Beale Street.

• Beale Street on a quiet Sunday morning.

• Elvis is buried at Graceland alongside his parents and grandmother and near a memorial marker for his twin brother, Jesse.

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The bright lights of Beale Street

mansion, where Elvis and his parents, Vernon and Gladys, are buried, and his twin brother, Jesse, is memorialized. I was allowed to watch and photograph the ceremony and vigil from this vantage point. It was amazing to see how Elvis affected so many people’s lives and that these fans still feel compelled to make this pilgrimage after so many years.

During the service, Elvis’s gospel music was played.

My grandmother always loved those songs the best.

Every time I hear them I remember her, and this time was no exception. The moment gave me chills and I wiped away more than a few tears. I was incredibly touched and thankful to have been able to capture some of the moments from the evening.

I have to admit that in the past decade or so I haven’t been back home to Memphis very often. I was always looking for some place better to go, even as a child.

On this trip, however, I felt like I had come home to an old friend. There are so many wonderful musical memories there. For the music lovers and those who admire the musical greats of the past, I encourage you to take this journey. You won’t regret it.

www.sunstudio.com www.elvis.com www.bealestreetonline.com www.staxmuseum.com www.levittshell.org

Graceland and the name, image, and likeness of Elvis Presley appear courtesy of Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc. www.Elvis.com

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A M O DE L FO R S U CC E S S

By Sallie W. Boyles Photos courtesy of FSU Panama City

FSU Panama City Dean, Ken Shaw Photo by Troy Ruprecht

As they reach out to more diverse student populations, some universities are growing wiser. Along with facilitating greater access to classes and degrees through satellite campuses, traditional institutions are also embracing innovative courses of study and teaching methods. Proud to serve as a branch campus for Florida State University (FSU) in Tallahassee, FSU Panama City models ingenuity with exclusive program options and resources that target the compelling social and economic needs of the region and beyond.

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dopting a market-driven approach to education, FSU Panama City nurtures partnerships with Florida’s leading employers—from tourism to defense—to meet workforce requirements. Likewise, as an institution of higher learning that caters to college juniors, seniors, and graduate students, FSU Panama City attracts a body of learners who have distinct career and professional goals in mind. Indeed, nearly 20 percent of FSU Panama City’s undergraduate and graduate students pursue degrees in engineering—civil, computer, and electrical—and computer science.

The Panama City campus operated as a University of West Florida center from 1972 until 1982, when the Florida Legislature designated the school as a branch of FSU. The current enrollment of about 1,300 students reflects an increase of nearly 30 percent since 2008, and by all accounts, much of the growth stems from fostering symbiotic relationships within the community.

generous donors also adds up to assist students.

“We award 200 to 225 scholarships each academic year,” she says. Students further benefit from the fact that Florida is one of the most affordable states in which to earn an advanced degree. Nevertheless, considering legislative budget cuts in recent years, private contributions of money and professional expertise are crucial.

certificate in Underwater Crime Scene Investigation (or UCSI). One of a kind in the United States, the UCSI program (within the College of Applied Studies) opens doors to specialized careers. Putting FSU Panama City minds and technology to the test, the Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City Division (NSWC-PCD), which supplies resources to support the Navy and meets warfighters’ needs, recently staged a crime scene in Tampa Bay and invited the UCSI program to participate in the exercise.

Without a doubt, partners create extraordinary experiences for FSU Panama City students. Some of the most notable involve students earning a

“We are highly involved in our Northwest Florida home,” says Dr. Ken Shaw, dean. “Our faculty and staff serve on many area volunteer boards, and we

welcome community leaders into our classrooms.

This campus is also special in that most of our students are locally based. When they graduate, they live and work here and continue to contribute to their university.”

Accordingly, FSU Panama City has been awarded sizeable grants and endowments that enhance key areas of study and provide scholarships. “We currently have seventy named endowed scholarships,” says Gail Robbins, director of advancement, who points out that scholarship gifts from many other

“Students and faculty went out on the water with our university’s equipment in search of anomalies,” says Shaw. “When something was found, they had to determine if it was a risk without disrupting the heavy flow of traffic in the bay.” One abnormal finding looked to be a mine, so underwater photographs were taken. The images of the planted mine revealed fingerprints, which, in turn, were sent to a remote forensic lab. The final thrill for the students was learning that the prints could be identified: they belonged to a faculty member! “Through opportunities like this, academic research and important VIEZINE.COM MAY/JUNE 2012

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partnerships can be advanced,” says Shaw, “while providing hands-on education and experience to our students.”

Besides simulated drills, students have real opportunities to assist law enforcement. “For the privilege, they undergo rigorous procedural requirements,” says Shaw, adding that the UCSI program enabled FSU Panama City students to participate in one of the most publicized investigations of the decade.

“Using underwater crime scene protocols,” Shaw reveals, “they assisted three different searches for the Natalee Holloway investigation in Aruba.”

Bachelors of Science degrees in Public Safety and Security and Recreation, Tourism and Events are currently offered within the College of Applied Studies, which was established at FSU Panama City in 2010 to pinpoint workforce requirements and, consequently, develop high-impact courses.

As FSU’s sixteenth academic college, the College of Applied Studies also offers the Graduate Certificate in Event Management. “We’re in the process of performing due diligence to offer additional degrees,” says Shaw, who credits the new college with positioning the campus for future growth.

Eager for applied learning opportunities, students appreciate how university professors and campus partners involve them in fascinating field trips and studies. “For example, a number of the Recreation, Tourism and Events community partners, including state parks, chambers, and resorts, engage in our various program needs,” says Mary Beth Lovingood, director of development for FSU Panama City. “A student recruited to survey endangered plants used a GPS device to locate various species. She became so excited about her work that she chose to remain on the project after meeting her academic commitment. We often see that level of enthusiasm.”

UCSI student dives at site of NOAA’s Aquarius Underwater Laboratory

Team Osceola: Electrical Engineering students participate in NASA’s 2012 Student Rocket Launch Competition Photo by Troy Ruprecht

Similarly, FSU Panama City presents unforgettable experiences for psychology majors. The Master’s of Psychology program with emphasis in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is one of only fourteen in the country. The Early Childhood Autism Program (ECAP), an auxiliary nonprofit program, puts these ABA graduate students to work in the field, providing therapy to thirty area families.

“The students have a coordinator and director who oversee their work,” says Shaw. “When I hear parents speak so positively about the program, I realize why we receive student applications from 44

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High-tech Holley Academic Center is the epicenter of activities on campus

Campus shoreline along beautiful North Bay provides perfect environment for UCSI program

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“It’s a pleasure to work at a research one institution with a dedicated faculty in a supportive community that helps us prepare our graduates to succeed in great jobs,” adds Shaw. “We have a passion for our students at FSU Panama City, and they know that we work for them.”

w w w . a B O H E M E d e s i g n . c o m

Since 2008, in partnership with NSWC-PCD and area school districts, FSU Panama City has been a leader in initiatives to strengthen STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) education in pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. In 2010, the FSU Panama City STEM Institute was established at the campus. FSU Panama City received two awards from STEM Florida in 2010 in recognition of the success of these efforts. To date, 150 teachers have received advanced training in engaging students with inquiry-based learning and eight hundred students have participated in summer STEM activities.

Hands-on professors are, perhaps, what FSU Panama City students most appreciate about their campus.

“In addition to enjoying a student-faculty ratio of 23 to 1, our students repeatedly report that they have access to their professors, and their professors know who they are,” says Shaw. As evidence, 100 percent of FSU Panama City’s teachers earn above average or excellent student ratings. “Our students receive the same nationally recognized education that they would at FSU in Tallahassee,” Robbins adds, stressing that the branch campus provides a more intimate learning environment without compromising quality.

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all over the United States and even internationally.

Thanks to our faculty, we have a great reputation and tremendous potential. One in eighty-eight children are diagnosed with some level of autism disorder, so we are expanding the program.”

BOHEME

“When I hear parents speak so positively about the program, I realize why we receive student applications from all over the United States and even internationally.”

— Dr. Ken Shaw

A LUXURY RETREAT

By Susan Vallée

There is something wonderful about being able to utter the sentence, “Honey, I think I’m ready to head back to the mansion.” And now, thanks to innkeepers Gary and Julie Klarenbeek, the owners of Fountainview Mansion, you may find yourself saying that very thing the next time you visit Auburn, Alabama.

Being Auburn grads, my husband and I were surprised to hear of this luxurious accommodation and excited to check it out in person. We were not disappointed.

We arrived at night, and after a little confusion about where to turn, we saw the Fountainview up ahead on a hill. The curved driveway circles an elaborate fountain (hence the name) and makes for a dramatic first impression. Before we could even turn the ignition off, the front door opened and Gary hurried down the steps to meet us. He helped us with our bags and said hello to our son. (Fountainview Mansion allows well-behaved children! This is a rarity in the bed-and-breakfast world.) We were conducted into the grand foyer: high ceilings, gilded mirrors, and a grand staircase made for a fabulous first impression of the stately home. Gary quickly led us through a beautiful drawing room with an antique piano, oil paintings, and a rococo grandfather clock. We followed him through the kitchen to a comfortable

Photo by Gary Klarenbeek

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Our room had a lovely king-size bed with hand-carved walnut head- and footboards.

An oil painting of a fox hunt and finishes of burgundy and gold lent a masculine touch to the room. An extremely large bathroom and walk-in closet were both around the corner from the bed, and a fully stocked mini-refrigerator was tucked underneath built-in bookcases and a work desk. Needless to say, it was much more than we had expected and much nicer than any hotel in the area. As we unpacked our bags, Gary brought up an inflatable bed for our son and freshly baked brownies for dessert.

Photo by Gary Klarenbeek

sitting room, where the masculine materials and rich colors made it seem like the perfect place to curl up with a good book. He invited us to make ourselves at home and explained that he and his wife lived on the property, so if we needed anything, they were only a few minutes away.

The next morning we awoke to the smell of bacon (does it get any better than that?) and coffee. Julie, Gary’s better half as he calls her, was busy preparing

Photo by Jack Bentley

Photo by Jack Bentley

We spent the morning exploring the mansion and grounds and then set out to introduce our son to the college town that is so near and dear to our hearts.

High on our list was a visit to Toomer’s Corner for a fresh lemonade (an Auburn tradition), a stop at J&M for a souvenir, and a walk across campus. After tiring ourselves out with nostalgia, we drove over to the Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art to view its collection of American art—especially the Louise Hauss and David Brent Miller Audubon Collection, the Southeast’s largest collection of Audubon prints. They were exquisite and alone were worth the three-hour drive to Auburn. (But, of course, the mansion was a nice added touch!)

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Photo by Chris Stanfield Photography

breakfast for the guests in the kitchen. We found the dining room fireplace roaring, the candelabras lit, and fresh flowers and a buffet of scrambled eggs, bacon, and French toast waiting for us. As we sat down at the table, she brought us juice, coffee, and yogurt parfaits. At the other end of the table was a family of golfers, in town to play a few of the courses.

Photo by Vue Photography

As the day began to end, we packed up to head back home to the beach. Before we left, Julie was kind enough to walk us around and give us a peek at a few of the other rooms. Each was gorgeous and incredibly different from the last, but the bridal suite was the most impressive of all. In fact, to call it a suite is a bit of a misnomer; it is grand in scale. The mansion has become a popular wedding destination. With its terraced gardens, fountains, and beautiful swimming pool, the “backyard” is positively dreamy at night when combined with candles and a tent.

We were sad to leave (I was especially so) but hope to return again soon. Fountainview Mansion would be perfect for a relaxing girls’ getaway trip. And with the quick three-hour drive from our home here on Florida’s Scenic Highway 30-A, it makes for a weekend escape like no other.

When you arrive at Fountainview Mansion, get ready to experience that famous Southern hospitality you’ve always heard about.

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By Darby Kellum

T

he troubles of young teens have been documented repeatedly over the years.

The dreaded but highly anticipated transition period into middle school is known for its gossip, hormonal changes, and drama—even more drama among girls than boys. Often deemed trivial and paltry by adults, the problems during this time in every girl’s life shouldn’t be described as “typical middle school.” Who says this behavior has to be typical ? Haley Kilpatrick is fighting the stereotype and fixed on the development of kinder, more compassionate teenage girls.

At the age of twenty-five, Haley Kilpatrick is

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celebrating the tenth anniversary of her organization, Girl Talk. That’s right: Kilpatrick founded Girl Talk when she was just fifteen. Now, ten years later, there are Girl Talk chapters in fortythree states and six countries. This amazing organization is effectively reaching over 35,000 middle school girls. Kilpatrick has even written a guide for teachers and parents, The Drama Years, that just hit bookshelves all over the country in April.

Girl Talk’s mission—to help young teenagers build self-esteem, develop leadership skills, and recognize the value of community

service—is accomplished through peer-mentoring groups where high school girls guide middle school girls. The curriculum is provided at no cost and forms the basis for meetings.

Girl Talk’s target is simple; it aims to reach “the everygirl.” Kilpatrick explained that all middle school girls deal with the same issues, no matter what state or country.

So, how was Girl Talk started? At a very young age, Haley Kilpatrick saw a need. Bullied in middle school, Kilpatrick was lucky to have a mentor to guide her through the difficult years. When Kilpatrick’s younger sister entered the middle

school arena and went through the same trying times, Kilpatrick knew she had to step in. She started Girl Talk as a mentoring program, and the organization has stayed very true to its beginnings. Kilpatrick had a distinct goal in mind, but she has surpassed even her own expectations.

“I’m very humbled. I’m the first to say I don’t take credit for where it is today. I know that God had much bigger plans and a bigger mission for Girl Talk,” says Kilpatrick.

Girl Talk’s curriculum focuses on bullying, gossip, friends, parents—everything applicable to young teenagers. Also, the curriculum introduces “T.H.I.N.K.ing before you speak, text or type.” The T.H.I.N.K. campaign stands for making sure your words are true, helpful, important, necessary, and kind before you say them. If you visit the Girl Talk website, you’ll see celebrities—like Samuel L. Jackson, Apolo Anton Ohno, and Justin Bieber’s guitarist—wearing T.H.I.N.K. bracelets.

When you see Haley Kilpatrick—beautiful, charismatic, and talented—you will have a hard time believing she was ever a victim of bullying; her own example goes to show that anyone can be affected by bullying. Kilpatrick has been recognized nationally for her work with Girl Talk: she was named one of Glamour magazine’s “20 Young Women Changing the World Now,” a Huffington Post “Greatest Woman of the Day,” and a People magazine “All-Star Among Us,” among many other honors. You may have even spotted Kilpatrick on NBC’s Today show in early April. This philanthropist’s program is being recognized and praised as one of the first to target the middle school age and find so much success.

Hearing Kilpatrick speak of her middle school days, reflecting on my own, and reading the stories in The Drama Years, I was reminded of an episode of This American Life, the weekly radio show out of Chicago distributed by Public Radio International. In this episode, a young girl e-mailed host Ira Glass to suggest a show topic: middle school.

In one segment of the show, Glass and author Linda Perlstein discuss the actual science of what’s going on during the middle school age. Having researched what is taking place with middle school children developmentally, Perlstein reports in the on-air dialogue that these are some of the most formative years of life: Perlstein: “This is the time of biggest growth for a human being, aside from infancy. But your brain, your gray matter—during the middle school years, what happens in your early stages of puberty is this fast overproduction of brain cells and connections, far more than you actually need.”

Glass: “In other words, during those years, your brain turns you into you— the adult you.”

Teenage years are scientifically proven to be tumultuous, something that Kilpatrick knows all too well. She is quick to point out that middle school holds some of life’s most formative years in growing, developing, and shaping. In order to grow, one must change. And for many young teenagers, this is a terrible thing. “From elementary school to middle school, the worst thing you

Haley Kilpatrick

“From elementary school to middle school, the worst thing you can do amongst your peers is change. If I had one message I could scream from the mountaintops, it would be that that’s all middle school is— change as much as you can.” can do amongst your peers is change. If I had one message I could scream from the mountaintops, it would be that that’s all middle school is—change as much as you can,” Kilpatrick says. “Explore crafts, explore sports, explore academics, explore whatever interests you. Change. Change as much as you possibly can. We’ve got to break the stereotype that changing is a bad thing.”

Along with change, Kilpatrick has found that there are other topics where middle school girls are misinformed. One topic The Drama Years explores is how girls perceive themselves. For her book, Kilpatrick interviews girls about self-esteem and self-respect. “Of all the girls asked, only one girl actually knew the definition of self-esteem,” says Kilpatrick. “Every other girl defined it as how others perceive you. It’s a physiological problem. It’s just where the brain is in development. The quicker adults can understand the conversations VIEZINE.COM MAY/JUNE 2012

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The goal of The Drama Years is to equip parents with a tool to help them communicate with their teenage girls. Understanding important things, like this false definition of self-esteem, is the first step to better communication. This amazing tool is now available to parents wherever books are sold.

The Drama Years book tour is next for Kilpatrick.

She will travel the country speaking about the book and Girl Talk, reaching even more middle school girls and their parents. After the book launched on the Today show in April, the book tour was officially kicked off in New York City.

If you share VIE ’s Northwest Florida as your home, or you vacation in the area, look for Haley Kilpatrick at Seaside’s Sundog Books on May 24. For the complete book tour and more on Kilpatrick and Girl Talk, visit the organization’s website at DesireToInspire.org.

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Kilpatrick is, in a way, leading a generation’s renaissance. Reawakening kinder, more compassionate young girls will undoubtedly result in a generation of remarkable women.

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The Anchor of Bluewater Bay By

Dave Vardaman | Photography by Dave Shelikoff

Nestled within the bay community of Niceville, Florida, lies a quiet marina that has served as the area’s focal point for more than thirty years. It is now ushering in its third generation of “water fowl,” people who have come to rely on the marina harbor, as a place to enjoy the sunset, a shelter from storms, and a setting for connecting with old friends or making new ones. What is this little piece of heaven? Bluewater Bay Marina.

To understand the marina, you first need to understand the community that it serves. Niceville, positioned along the north shore of the Choctawhatchee Bay, is a classic bay-front community made up of families that are connected by their love of the water. It has a simple, laid-back lifestyle where dressing up is defined as wearing your fancy flip-flops and a belt, and where local boys enjoy a Friday night by gigging for flounder after the high school baseball or football game. It is a place where the tunes of Jimmy Buffet are second only to the national anthem. People who are accustomed to being around water are drawn to the area, whether they are longtime residents or transplants by way of retirement or military duty. The joys of fishing, powerboating, sailing, or swimming in the

calm bay waters are a common thread for all ages.

This lifestyle is not only endorsed by the Bluewater Bay Marina, but it is also in the very blood of its owners.

And that is where the story begins, in 1980.

From his neighborhood across the bayou, Ray Hinely, a soon-to-be-retired Air Force fighter pilot, was excited to see a community marina under construction for area residents. A lifelong seafarer who grew up sailing in his hometown of Miami, Ray paid a visit to the developer and asked if the marina might need help with boating sales and expertise. In that timely meeting, he learned that a harbormaster had not yet been chosen, and the developer asked Ray if he might be interested in the position. It was a

pivotal moment and there was no looking back. The decorated Vietnam veteran, with his wife and four children, had found life’s next adventure. Ray’s first office—his own sailboat, with the finest equipment available in 1980—was soon docked at the marina, with a telephone line running from shore and a lawn chair for conducting business on the dock. Little could Ray have imagined that this new opportunity would become the epicenter for his family, and the community, for generations to come.

As you can imagine, the early days were quite slow.

The construction of 5,500 homesites for future families was just getting under way and would continue for years to come. While Ray brought the marina VIEZINE.COM MAY/JUNE 2012

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online, his school-aged children worked weekends and summers helping out, while his wife, “Be,” ran the marina store. As the years passed, the children took on greater responsibilities and became more involved in the daily operations. And when Mother Nature’s bad mood showed up, it was all hands on deck. One boat improperly secured during a hurricane or heavy storm could spell disaster for the rest of the pack. As storms ran their cycles of changing wind directions and tidal surges, the Hinelys stood vigilant watch to make necessary adjustments to boat moorings. And it wasn’t just the Hinelys; neighbors—many of whom didn’t even own a boat—came down to the marina to lend a hand or provide a meal as the “militia” rode out the storm for a few days. In fair weather or poor, the marina galvanized the community.

Bluewater Bay Marina owner, Ray Hinely, with Niceville native and Schooner’s Dockside Oyster Bar manager, Lindsay Hall.

As the Hinely children matured, they never lost their connection with the marina. Other jobs and opportunities presented themselves over the years: one child served in the military, one sold and delivered yachts to boaters east of the Mississippi River, one served as a boat captain, and one moved to Tampa. But without fail, at some point or another, you would find them back on the docks, usually providing guidance on proper boating methods to their own children. Over the years, and by sheer happenstance, children and grandchildren became the primary operators of the marina. Even the old family dog, who roamed the docks for more than a decade, is immortalized—the dockside bar, Schooner’s, carries his name.

Over the years, the marina evolved, as did the local area. More and more people discovered the enjoyable lifestyle of the bay area and chose to make it their home. Some growth came from the local Air Force base and some as a product of the 1993 installation of the Mid-Bay Bridge, which provided a direct path to Destin’s white sandy beaches. The local military influence evolved as foreign servicemen from as far away as Australia came to the area for training classes. Yet, somehow, the marina’s character changed very little. Sure, the docks were expanded and a 60

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Determined contestants in a cardboard boat race held at Bluewater Bay Marina

It was a pivotal moment and there was no looking back. The decorated Vietnam veteran, with his wife and four children, had found life’s next adventure.

high-and-dry boat storage facility was added, but the family essence remained. And that is where we stand today, thirty short years from its inception.

Local shrimp boats still begin their voyages with a visit to the marina to load up on fuel and boat supplies. After work on Wednesdays, local sailors still hold their weekly regatta and then rally at Schooner’s to boast of their sailing acumen. And on Saturday nights, football fans watch the broadcast of their respective alma maters while enjoying the splendid view of the sun saying farewell through the sixtyfoot-high long-leaf pines that dot the passageway into the marina. As a true measure of harmony, even fans of rival schools sit side by side and socialize as their teams compete. If you don’t recognize the significance of such unique civility, you need someone to explain the emotions involved in the rivalries of Florida State vs. Florida and Alabama vs. Auburn!

Regardless of the season, you will find a blended crowd drawn to the marina. On any given weekend, you are likely to see a military promotion celebration, a boy and a girl on their first date, or a class reunion (scheduled or impromptu) reliving old times at the same place they spent their childhoods … the Bluewater Bay Marina.

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To get to Bluewater Bay Marina, here’s how you do it:

If coming by sea, the natural cove marina is located on the north shore of Choctawhatchee Bay, three miles north of the Intracoastal Waterway and seven and one-half miles northeast of Destin.

If coming by land, from Highway 20, Niceville, enter at the Bluewater Bay sign at Bay Drive. Follow Bay Drive until it dead-ends at the Bluewater Bay Marina Complex.

Dave Vardaman has been a Niceville resident or visitor since the early 1980s.

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TRADITION

By Darby Kellum | Photography By Troy Ruprecht

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With generations behind the firm of Clements Antiques, the Clements family has mastered the art of antiquing. And Sandra Clements, in a setting that looks like the living room of a dream home, feels lucky to call Clements Antiques of Florida her own.

The Clements Antiques story is a generational tale that goes back more than seven decades. Clements Antiques was started in Chattanooga, Tennessee, in 1938 by Doris and Charles Wallace Clements. In 1989, their daughter Sandra opened Clements Antiques of Florida on the beautiful coast of Miramar Beach; the store specializes in both antiques and interiors.

Because her parents set up a vast network of suppliers throughout the years, Sandra is now working with second- and third-generation bankers and trust officers from all over America.

But Sandra’s job isn’t just work—it’s tradition.

“My husband, Bryan Hamilton, handles the overseas buying. He also designs reproduction furniture for Clements and has them made in England, where we keep a home,” says Sandra. “He is responsible for supplying our shop with most of our French, Italian, Continental, and, of course, English merchandise, which we are known to specialize in.”

With an incredible inventory located in a 28,000square-foot showroom, Clements is a playground for antique lovers. In addition to furniture, works of art, mirrors, handmade rugs, screens, and original oil paintings are on display. Clements has a wide array of silver and bronze statuary, clocks, lamps, chandeliers, and even unusual accessories. Along with seventeenth- to twentieth-century wares, Clements also offers a large variety of the finest reproductions, including Althorp, Theodore Alexander, MaitlandSmith, Sherrill, and Tomlinson/Erwin-Lambeth.

Visiting the Clements showroom is like stepping into a museum or even stepping back in time. But more importantly, it’s like stepping into a home.

“We remain a close and tight-knit family,” says Sandra.

“My employees have been with me at least eight years; most have been here almost twenty. That is a true blessing for our firm.”

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Tradition and generations. These are words that are not only practically synonymous with the Clements family, but they are also descriptors inseparable from the business that has a phenomenal history of quality merchandise and excellent customer service. Honesty and integrity are of utmost importance to the Clements family.

“We love to play with furniture so the client can see options in their homes or offices, and we have no restocking fees if they decide to return something,” says Sandra. “Another differentiator is our vast selection of stock—there are thousands of items in our showroom.

More often than not, we can find what one is searching for, and if it

“My husband, Bryan Hamilton, handles the overseas buying ... He is responsible for supplying our shop with most of our French, Italian, Continental, and, of course, English merchandise.”

can’t be found, we can probably have it made. At the least, we try our best!”

Clements has even expanded their interior design operation to supply clients’ needs for upholstered furniture, bedding, and linens. They now also have tableware from Versace, Baccarat, and Waterford, as well as antique china, crystal, and sterling flatware.

Along with filling spaces with exquisite items, Clements is capable of doing a client’s home or office from top to bottom. This is a service that few firms provide— another clear indication that the Clements family is dedicated to servicing their clients.

“As my mother always told me, ‘You might never build that big house on the bay, but just walk in the front door of Clements Antiques and pretend it’s your living room. That’s where you will be spending your time.’”

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I’m Not Going to Sit Out This Dance!

In college I loved to dance – I even taught dance classes. Well, fast-forward to age 47.

I was less than five feet tall and weighed 200 lbs. Dancing was out of the question – I could barely make it through a day at work, on the air at the radio station. Standing that long was painful and exhausting. I had tried every kind of diet known kn to man, but nothing worked. I was miserable, and I was losing hope.

The happiest day of my life was in October 2010, when I was approved for Octobe gastric bypass surgery with Dr. Lord. His staff helped me every step of the way – from working with my insurance to preparing me for surgery and what to expect afterwards.

Weight loss surgery is the best thing I have ever done for myself, period. One year after the surgery, I’ve lost 102 lbs., and the aches and pains are gone, too.

I feel hopeful about my life again.

In fact, I feel like dancing!

To learn about bariatric services at Sacred Heart, please call (850) 416-7546 or visit www.sacred-heart.org/bariatrics.

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or two nights this June, when the sun goes down and darkness drapes Alys Beach, a fusion of digital art and stunning architecture will take over and dazzle spectators with a wondrous display unlike any other.

Digital Graffiti, touted as the world’s first projection art festival, features a mesmerizing combination of technology and architecture to project dynamic art forms. Artists combine digital design, animation, and projection technologies to transmit animated images onto the iconic white walls of Alys Beach.

“Digital Graffiti, in a short time, has become irrevocably linked to Alys Beach,” says town architect Marieanne Khoury-Vogt. “Watching our beautiful, stark, whitewashed walls and roofs become completely transformed by the colorful and evocative swirling pieces of digital art is truly an inspiring experience. The projected vivid images that mold and melt against the backdrop of our sculptural architecture are fascinating to observe.”

The festival has gained international attention, having been featured on CNN, in USA Today and Britain’s Eastern Daily Press, and even displayed in Times Square in New York City. Florida Travel + Life lists Digital Graffiti in its January/February 2012 issue as one of the must-not-miss “Amazing Weekends” for 2012.

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Now in its fifth year, Digital Graffiti attracts the world’s greatest digital artists (as well as designers, photographers, and producers) to experience a unique medium for art. Nearly thirty artists from around the globe will illuminate the white buildings of Alys Beach with an array of colorful projections.

This picturesque celebration brings out eager spectators in droves to take in the sights, mingle, and learn about this relatively new art medium. “The annual festival allows digital artists to explore how their fluid forms intersect with technology and wrap the architecture of Alys Beach to create entirely new art forms,” Khoury-Vogt states. “One can meander through the paths and parks of our town and contemplate all the different pieces of digital graffiti, at times set to music, and at times, powerfully silent.”

Show Off Your Own Art One featured artist is reaching out to the public, planning to create a kaleidoscope-inspired marvel.

World-renowned new-media artist, animator, and software designer Andy McKeown has a passion for creating large-scale kaleidoscopic projected light works from everyday objects and images. His exhibit theme this year is “KaleidoscopiaLIVE.” The projection will feature up to four hundred gently moving kaleidoscopic images selected from an open public submission via a free toolkit download. “It’s so easy to become part of the festival,” says McKeown. “The free kaleidoscopia toolkit transforms everyone into an artist.” The toolkit can be downloaded from his website, kaleidoscopialive.com. McKeown will project a different selection of images each evening during the festival.

Expect Surprises Kelli Siler, Alys Beach’s senior event manager, says to expect a dazzling display from an Italian artist group known as fuse*. Though Siler won’t give away many details, she hints of a surprise experience in interactive media. “We were so taken with fuse* at Digital Graffiti 2011 that we’ve invited them to return for this year’s event,” Siler says. “They will be adding to their already interesting and engaging interactive installation, and we can’t wait to see it.”

Previously a one-night event, the Digital Graffiti festival expands this year to include an additional evening featuring a “Gallery Stroll” on Friday night, during which artists will be available to discuss their work with attendees in a salon-style setting. “Guests can enjoy the same Digital Graffiti art experience as Saturday night, but in a more 72

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serene setting,” Siler says. “Guests will stroll and view the art while artists will be on hand to discuss their installations.” Caliza Restaurant will also be open Friday night with limited dinner seating and a cash bar. On Saturday, end the night with a poolside party at the architecturally acclaimed Caliza Pool. Various art workshops, hosted by Alys Beach in conjunction with the Cultural Arts Alliance, will also be conducted during the festival weekend.

Artists will compete for a total of $10,000 in cash prizes for digital submissions in the following categories: Best of Show – $5,000; Most Innovative/ Experimental Submission – $2,000; Best Florida Submission – $1,000; Best Animated Submission – $1,000; and Curator’s Choice – $1,000.

Siler recommends buying tickets online in advance at digitalgraffiti.com, as both Friday and Saturday nights’ events are expected to sell out. Adult tickets are $30 for Friday night and $50 for Saturday. Children’s tickets (12 years and younger) are $10 for each night.

Digital Graffiti will be held Friday and Saturday, June 8 and 9, 2012, from 8:30 p.m. to midnight.

For more information, contact Kelli Siler at events@alysbeach.com, call toll-free at (866) 481-8390, or visit digitalgraffiti.com.

Live like a star, if only for one night, as the local paparazzi take your picture on the red carpet during Alys Beach and VIE’s “me + vie = dg: Meet Me at the Red Carpet” event. The fun begins at Fonville Press until the gates open for the Digital Graffiti festival (from 6 until 8:30 p.m.).

“Our goal was to find a partner to take this event to the next level, and we couldn’t have asked for a more fitting partner than VIE,” says Kelli Siler, senior event manager for Alys Beach. “They are stepping up to the plate with complimentary signature drinks and other surprises while Digital

Graffiti guests wait for night to fall and the gates to open.” Wine, beer, champagne, and tapas will also be available for purchase.

This pre-party, sponsored by VIE, will set the mood for the fun night ahead as guests arrive to a red carpet, where photos will be taken, and then proceed to enjoy cocktails, mix, and mingle to the tunes of a local DJ. Photos will be published in VIE and online at VIEzine.com. The party is free for Digital Graffiti attendees, so pick up your tickets at will call and head over to Fonville Press for the me + vie = dg premiere!

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Destin Commons | Destin, Florida | 850.650.6666

By Liesel Schmidt

With the imminent arrival of summer and the increasing temperatures that it will bring, families across America are planning their vacations with zestful anticipation. For some, vacation means a lengthy, leisurely escape to some far-off destination; for others, it can simply be a break from ordinary life, if only for an afternoon. So what might some do when they already live in an area that millions of people shell out lots of money to visit ever year? Why not make the most of it—whether that means hitting the famous white sands and emerald-green waters of worldfamous beaches or choosing to stay closer to home and lounge poolside.

If you’re like many people, the lure of the beach is sometimes outweighed by the hassle of finding sand in crevices you never knew you had. In that case, a crystal clear pool is probably more your style. As Vince and Shawna Fisher of Aqua Pool and Patio can testify, living in a coastal area does nothing to diminish the appeal or luxury of that old summer standby––the swimming pool.

As with many things in recent years, pools are being given fresh life as newer, more updated products and concepts are introduced. Backyard pools are no longer simple, but instead are works of art––beautiful additions to homes, offering visual interest to even the most mundane of spaces. Merely installing a pool is a thing of

the past; now they are designed, customized, and specialized.

Pools and patios have become oases and places to escape—experiences unto themselves. They offer fun for people of all ages, from the smallest splashers to the most seasoned swimmers. As a company more than sixty years old, Aqua Pool and Patio has gained a reputation for exceptional quality and attention to detail, as well as friendly and dependable service.

When Jerome Schwartz began his business in 1949, it was called Jerry Lee Chemical Company and was simply a chemical and bleach company.

Over the next few decades, sons Jerry and David

Photo by Phillip Makselan

took over and it evolved into a pool and patio company and became known as Aqua Pool and Patio.

When the Fishers bought it in 2006, they knew they could take it even further because of the great reputation the company already had.

“We build high-end pools and most of the people who would normally have been making that kind of investment are still building,” says Shawna.

“Plus, we’ve been able to grow the company by targeting new products, getting really heavy into the outdoor furniture market, which wasn’t offered before.”

Photo by Karena Cawthon

The outdoor furniture product lines are only the beginning. In fact, the Fishers are well on their way to working from the outside in. Five lines of outdoor furniture now share space with full lines of indoor furniture; indoor and outdoor upholstery, accessories, and lighting; barbecue items; draperies and rugs; and even jewelry, and skin and body care. They are well on their way to becoming a company that focuses on the home as a whole—more of a lifestyle brand VIEZINE.COM MAY/JUNE 2012

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than simply the pool service provider that it once was. A major player in implementing that plan is Liz Taylor, their marketing director and resident interior designer, who was brought on staff last spring. Taylor’s primary function has been to develop this newly launched branch of their identity with their existing showroom and a new five-thousand-square-foot showroom on 9th Avenue in Pensacola under the name Aqua Decor and Design, which will be open by the end of October. The showroom space at their Palafox Street location will largely be occupied by outdoor furniture, neatly edging out the chemicals and pool supplies that one might expect to find upon walking through the doors of a pool and spa store. They will also begin offering interior design services for homes and condos.

With more than sixty employees, forty-five trucks and vans, and upwards of seven hundred pools serviced monthly, Aqua has more than its fair share of the market cornered: they have it flooded. Countless condos and homes stretching from Pensacola to Panama City have

Aqua Pool and Patio owners, Vince and Shawna Fisher; Photo by Deanie Sexton

Photo by Cook Images

accounts with the company, each one requiring a different level of care and attention. Having so many pools to their credit means that they’ve been involved in some extraordinary projects. “We service at least 80 percent of the condos from Pensacola to Panama City,” Vince’s estimates.

“They’re all custom; they’re all different. So most of them are unique,” he says. Their biggest challenge so far? “Ours!” Shawna exclaims. “That was probably the most challenging pool! We get to see all the great new products that arrive on the market, so our pool, which started out as this little bitty thing with basic options, wound up evolving into a $140,000 pool.

We’d see things like glass tiles and think, ‘Oh wouldn’t that be neat!’”

Laughter accompanies her words. “You don’t want to build your own pool!” says Shawna. “It took us a while to get ours finished.”

One can only imagine. But the couple applies their eye for detail and standard of service to all the pools under their care, and they demand the same of their employees. “Our customers rely on that. We say that we’ll be there, and we’re there. That level of service is what makes us successful,” says Shawna. Their level of expertise also plays into their success as a company.

In fact, when considering the installation of a pool or even simply trying to establish a maintenance plan, Aqua is ideal. “Think about what kind of pool you want to get, and then work with a company that specializes in that type of pool,” Shawna advises. “Get three estimates and check with the Better Business Bureau,” she continues.

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MAY/JUNE 2012 VIEZINE.COM

“The cheapest price is not always the best,” adds Vince. “Choose someone you’re comfortable working with. Make sure he or she is a licensed contractor.” Even a simple maintenance decision is important, as it contributes

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to the lifespan of the pool. “Keep good water chemistry and check it once a month,” Vince offers sagely. “Keeping water balance will maintain longevity.”

Apt words, whether used in reference to pools or to life. Balance maintains longevity, and as Aqua Pool and Patio faces expansion to target both indoor and outdoor life, they’ll have to learn that balance all over again.

For more information about Aqua Pool and Patio, please visit their website, www.aquapoolandpatio.com, or call them at (850) 862-9414. Look for the opening of Aqua Decor and Design at 1320 North 9th Avenue in October 2012.

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s the sun sets over the white sands of the Emerald Coast, locals and tourists alike enjoy some of the area’s finest fare, from snapper to crab claws and everything in between.

Of course, a great meal is nothing without a good cold drink to enjoy with it. This is where founder Jamey Price and the team of brewers at Grayton Beer Company come in.

The brew hit the shelves in May 2011, and since then Grayton Beer has been taking the COLA 2 COLA® area by storm with its Pale Ale and India Pale Ale (I.P.A.). They have been featured at beer festivals in Pensacola, Destin, and Fort Walton Beach, and have sponsored events for various local charities such as Children’s Volunteer Health Network, Alaqua Animal Refuge, and the Taylor Haugen Foundation.

“I’m kind of a bleeding heart,” Price said. “I never dreamed people would be calling me every day asking for beer. Now that I’m able to give something back to these organizations, I want to do all I can to help them in their mission.”

Price, who was in the software business before he moved to the area about six years ago, said he always had a passion for beer and the social community that surrounds it. One of the main goals of Grayton Beer Company is to expand the beer knowledge of the Southeastern population (and to have a good time while doing it). Though sales of craft beers are growing in the region, right now only 3 percent of all the beer consumed in the Southeast is craft brewed.

“We’re educating palates, letting them know there’s more out there than watered-down beer,” Price said.

“There’s something out there that can stand up to a good meal.”

Educating the locals and facilitating discussion about good beer will be even easier in 2012 when Grayton Beer’s official headquarters hops over to South Walton, where the new brewery will have the capacity to produce five thousand barrels per year to distribute across Northwest Florida and the Southeast.

Local response has been positive since the brewery introduced its first drafts in the spring of 2011.

Grayton Pale Ale and Grayton I.P.A. were featured last October at Marlin Grill’s “Beer From Around Here” event at the Village of Baytowne Wharf.

Shank (the head brewer of Grayton Beer) proudly displays a cold glass of one of his brewskis VIEZINE.COM MAY/JUNE 2012

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“Grayton Beer Company is an incredible asset to our area,” said Jessica Proffitt, who helped with the festival. “With the abundance of events we host on the Emerald Coast that always tie in food and spirits, it’s so nice to have a local representation.

There’s a sense of home in the Grayton I.P.A. that I’ve grown to adore. Watching the Grayton label’s presence grow is exciting.”

Sandy Clark of Pensacola discovered Grayton Beer at the Emerald Coast Beer Festival and said she fell in love with Grayton I.P.A. also.

“When I went back to ask for another sample, I asked the brewmaster if he’d marry me just so I could get this beer for free,” she said. “It was funny, everyone laughed. I’m not one for hoppy, strong beers, but this beer is just wonderful. Whether enjoying it after a hard day at work, out on the boat with friends, or just on a regular Sunday afternoon, it really is an everyday drinking beer for me.”

Price said it’s this kind of community and encouragement that makes the beer industry so fascinating and so much fun to get into. Grayton Beer’s Facebook page is littered with comments and

constructive criticism from fans about the beer and ways to improve future brews.

“Beer is very similar to wine in that way, and we’re kind of where wine was in the ‘90s,” Price said.

“People in the Southeast are starting to branch out and realize there are better beers out there. Once you’ve had them, it’s hard to go back. It’s like eating a steak dinner and then going back to McDonald’s.

Not that you don’t want McDonald’s occasionally, but it’s just not as good once you’ve raised the bar.”

Grayton Pale Ale and Grayton I.P.A. will continue to stock the shelves and bars of Northwest Florida and the expansion into Alabama has already begun.

“Grayton Beer fans should look out for a couple of new ales and lagers from the company expected to arrive in 2012,” said Price. His mission to refine the palates of light beer lovers everywhere is far from over.

“There are a lot of educated beer drinkers in the Southeast now, and they love to talk about it. I want Grayton Beer to continue to expand in those discussions. That’s how I know we’re relevant. We’re Northwest Florida, we’re here, and ultimately this isn’t about me. It’s 100 percent about the beer.”

PEOPLE + PLACES An Evening with Wendy Lyn of The Paris Kitchen A short time ago, VIE attended an exclusive celebration dinner hosted by Dr. Phillip and Brenda Nunnery for close friends and family in honor of the achievements of their dear friend Wendy Lyn. Wendy, founder of The Paris Kitchen, grew up on Saint Andrew Bay in

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Panama City and now lives in Paris, France, where she cooks and writes. The Wall Street Journal recently named her one of the Top Ten Culinary Guides in Europe.

The delightful culinary event took place on February 18 at the Nunnery’s charming home overlooking beautiful St. Andrew Bay in Panama City, Florida. The incredible seafood feast was deliciously prepared by Stinky’s Fish Camp of Santa Rosa Beach, Florida. Joining

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the celebration were local foodies George Barnes (owner of Smiling Fish Café) and Susan Benton (owner of 30AEATS.com) and many other special guests.

For more information about Wendy Lyn and The Paris Kitchen, please visit her website www.

TheParisKitchen.com to read all about her tours of Paris and her upbringing in Northwest Florida.

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Wendy Lyn with local favorite George Barnes of Smiling Fish Café

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The gracious hosts, Dr. Phillip and Brenda Nunnery

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Dr. Larry Wong, Dr. Tricia Percy, Wendy Lyn, and Rebecca Spann

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Susan Benton with her husband, Dr. Phil Benton

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Wendy Lyn with her lovely mother, Lyn Hindsman

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Dr. Greg Presser, Nicole Mockler, Dr. Raymond Mockler, and Dr. Carlos Ramos VIEZINE.COM MAY/JUNE 2012

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By Phil Cowart Photography by Troy Ruprecht

If there was one truism I learned growing up, it’s that “life ain’t fair,” followed shortly by “the fair doesn’t come till Friday.” So I had realistic expectations that things would not always work out the way I wanted them to. Then one day, while minding my own business, I was given the opportunity to travel along our beautiful coastline in the pursuit of the best barbecue in Northwest Florida—COLA 2 COLA ®. My first thought: life might not be fair—but it sure is great! So, with my arm fully twisted, I considered how to review something so complex and steeped in history. et me just start by saying I love the South.

And by extension I love barbecue. In my mind, the two go hand in hand and barbecue is as much about the culture as it is the food.

It is a shared experience for friends and neighbors.

The grill or smoker is a sacred gathering place, a place where patience is first learned and then perfected.

One afternoon with an ice-cold drink and a few burnt fingertips can replace years of therapy in an office.

I was seeking the soul of barbecue. This meant finding more than just an appetizing dish—I needed an authentic experience. To get that experience, I had to search for restaurants off the proverbial beaten path— the type of joints that can only be found through hearsay or driving with no destination in mind.

My menu consisted of what I consider to be the staples: a pork sandwich, barbecued chicken, coleslaw, potato salad, and a glass of sweet tea.

Now, it is here that I feel the need to take a second to stress the importance of sweet tea. If I was forced to condense all the culture, complexities, and simplicities of a barbecue experience into one thing, it would be sweet tea. Sweet tea is to barbecue what alcohol is to karaoke. Sure you can sing in front of your closest friends and complete strangers without it, but is anybody going to have a good time? Sweet tea is the first impression on my taste buds, and it can make or break the entire barbecue experience. So with all the above in mind, Barefoot BBQ was the first stop on my barbecue adventure.

Barefoot BBQ

2235 East County Highway 30A Seaside, FL 32459 850.534.0313 “Murph” is the driving personality behind Barefoot BBQ. Murph lives for barbecue. Once he started talking about his passion, I knew I was going nowhere soon—not that I wasn’t trying. He toured me around his operation, showing me with great pride the smoker that slow cooks his select pork.

He threw me right into the middle of his cramped Airstream—in the middle of the Seaside lunch rush—so I could “feel the excitement.” Barefoot BBQ thrives in the small Airstream space, serving over a thousand people on busy days.

Having moved to the area from the Virgin Islands, Murph brought a unique island flavor with him.

This was nothing like the barbecue that I was used to. The seasoning was spicy, and fresh fruit was used liberally. The Caribbean influences were everywhere, from the surf-inspired sauces—Hang Ten and my personal favorite, Hot Lava—to the fresh pineapple in the coleslaw. The natural sugars in the pineapple transformed simple cabbage into something that could easily substitute for dessert. And no regular pork would be worthy of thirty hours of attention from his smoker. No, this was Kurobuta pork, the most delicious pork known to man. Murph replaces the traditional bun with two pieces of Texas toast, which left me wondering if I had been doing barbecue wrong my whole life. During my taste trials, Eli, the man who operates the smoker, would appear every minute or two with a new serving of chicken for me. Each time he would say, “It’s the best chicken you will ever taste. It will make you forget about that last bite.” And he was right!

Murph and Eli of Barefoot BBQ clowning around

Everything from the picnic table to the plates made it feel like summer

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The general atmosphere at Barefoot BBQ is an interesting blend of sidewalk dining and beach bungalow. It offers the perfect escape from the beach but lets you be a part of the excitement of the Seaside town square. Relaxed at my table with a large biodegradable cup of sweet tea, I felt at home while the entirety of Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band played behind me. Great food, nice people, sunny days. Barefoot BBQ was a great reminder of why people love our area so much.

Lillie’s Q

9848 Highway 98 Miramar Beach, FL 32550 850.654.3911 Nothing evokes Southern hospitality better than a wraparound porch—like the one at Lillie’s Q. Porch dining with a glass of sweet tea and friendly patrons.

Upon taking my seat, my neighbors struck up a conversation. Home. Our chat first began with an impromptu history lesson of the Florida Panhandle but then switched to something more serious—barbecue. They told me that I had to try the pork first.

Who was I to disagree? The sandwich was full of large chunks of tender pork that was so moist, I ate the first half before remembering to add the sauce.

Of the sauces I tried, Hot Smoky was my favorite, with a slightly spicy kick. Following my sandwich was an old classic with a new twist—coleslaw with generous portions of sweet relish.

The barbecued chicken was too tempting to put off any longer. It had a nice thick, charred skin to trap the moisture in, but I learned my lesson with the pork and searched for my sauce before I started. Now to find just the right sauce. But wait—could it really be true?

My newfound friends at the next table had a bottle of white sauce labeled Ivory. When people discuss barbecue sauce, the debate often rages over mustardand ketchup-based sauces. Rarely mentioned is the wonderful mayonnaise-based sauce originating from North Alabama. It may sound unconventional—and as an Alabama native, I may be a bit biased—but barbecued chicken was made for white sauce. The charred skin and the tangy sauce seem to melt together. Being the only restaurant on my list with white sauce, Lillie’s Q holds a special spot for me. Check it out—you just might find your new favorite sauce!

Rib Shack of Navarre 9532 Navarre Parkway Navarre, FL 32566 850.936.4244

I know it’s a good day when I walk into a barbecue restaurant with the taste of sauce from the previous hangout still in my mouth. I got to the Rib Shack at the perfect time—3:45. Too late for the lunch crowd and too early for the dinner masses. The Masters was on TV and with just the waiter and me occupying the entire restaurant, I knew there was no rush. Before I glanced at the menu, we spent a few minutes speculating whether or not Tiger ever had a chance to recover his former glory.

I recalled, when visiting certain parts of Florida as a child, there being a very distinctive taste about the water which permeated into the tea in a disappointing way. My first impression hadn’t been the greatest—even though the tea was freshly brewed and plenty sweet, the salty taste of the water could not be ignored. I had eloquently deemed it “Florida Water” back then; however, I later discovered that it was referred to as soft water.

The porch offers the perfect place to dine in the shade

Lillie’s Q pork sandwich was so moist, I almost forgot to try the sauce 92

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A simple trailer on a gravel parking lot is all Paul Gant’s needs

The pork at the Rib Shack was on the sweet side and was well complemented by their barbecue sauce, which has sweet and tangy Asian influences. The potato salad was fresh and very tasty; large chunks of crisp celery paired well with the creamy potatoes. The coleslaw was underwhelming; it had all the ingredients of slaw but nothing to make it special. Most of the Rib Shack could be described as conservative, as not many risks were taken with the food. The one exception was the barbecued chicken sandwich. A hybrid of barbecue and burger with lettuce, tomato, and pickles on a traditional bun, it was the best item on the menu.

Paul Gant’s BBQ 470 Highway 98 Port St. Joe, FL 32456 850.227.9311

I was off to the far reaches of Port St. Joe for my next stop. Right off Highway 98, Paul Gant’s is a simple, hand-painted trailer in a gravel parking lot—that’s it.

I have high hopes for any food joint where the prime dining option is the hood of a car. I was greeted at the window by a man who refers to everyone and everything as “friend”; he was enjoying himself, singing

Something about eating barbecue on the hood of my car just felt right

songs while he filled orders. He lamented over the fact that they had sold all of their peach cobbler, a specialty of theirs. Thinking they had a knack for sweet things, I ordered my sweet tea with maybe a little too much gusto. My god, this is how tea is supposed to taste. It was perfect. It was frothy and brewed with heaps of pure sugar. I switched to the meatier aspects of my meal, which were firmly planted on my hood.

I poured the delicious sauce, a thin mixture of mostly vinegar and ketchup, equally on my pork and chicken.

This was no frills at its finest: meat, sauce, and a little bread to mop up with. (And I used every bit of that bread!) The pork was as it should be—tender and juicy, and the chicken was ... sweet! It tasted like a sugary glaze was used right before the chicken was taken off the grill. It still had the smoky taste I was looking for, but the sweetness gave it that extra oomph. The ambience and the food were so simple that ordering sides seemed unnecessary fluff. My biggest complaint about Paul Gant’s is that it is located too far away for me to frequent at least once a week. Although it does have a trailer hitch: anyone who operates in a moral grey area, has a truck and a penchant for fine barbecue, call me—I have an idea.

All the food at Sea Breeze is produced in this trailer out back

The beautiful sunset we get to enjoy on this beautiful coastline

Debbie and Sheila kept things lively at MJ’s

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The seafood seasoning on the chicken was a unique twist on a classic

The barbecue was piled high, as if daring me to finish it

Sea Breeze BBQ 1139 North Tyndall Parkway Panama City, FL 32404 850.785.7242

We’ve heard the saying all our lives—“Don’t judge a book by its cover.” Well, that’s not true for barbecue.

If the cover looks pristine and perfect, best be movin’ on. I want the book with the torn cover, smeared with dirt, and with a little bit of an edge to it.

I passed Sea Breeze and had to pull a U-turn after what I saw. An overgrown field next to a gravel parking lot with a trailer in front of what looks to be an automobile graveyard? Sounds perfect! I could hear the gospel music blaring even before I turned off my car. The first person I talked to was out back operating the massive smoker. He gave me a little history about the place— turns out that Sea Breeze is the sister restaurant to Paul Gant’s. What can I say? Seeing as I had eaten less than an hour before, I ordered a slightly smaller meal—a pork sandwich and coleslaw—expecting more of the same. I couldn’t have been more mistaken. The trailer and setting were about the only similarities the two shared. First of all, this place had the most bizarre sweet tea I have ever experienced. The tea was bright yellow and had a strong lemon taste. Honestly, I didn’t mind the mix-up, as I was getting a little burnt out on sweet tea. (If you tell anybody I said that, I will deny it and then I will come find you.) The coleslaw was the perfect side dish, not an overpowering element by itself but with enough heft to balance the pork. I was a little wary of the sandwich at first. Its plain sesame-seed bun looked like it might have been more at home in a fast-food restaurant. The bun, however, held a bounty of chopped pork and sauce. This was the thick, brown sugar type that has the consistency of molasses, and the pork was almost dripping into my lap. It was love at first bite. I spent as much time eating as I did learning the unconventional wisdom of barbecue from my friend in the smokehouse. He had an interesting way of comparing lessons of barbecue to lessons of life. Who knew chicken was such a mighty metaphor? I left Sea Breeze Bar-B-Que with the strange feeling that I had just left an after-church picnic on a summer Sunday.

MJ’s BBQ

1316 Beck Avenue Panama City, FL 32401 850.215.5937 I give up. I concede. Barbecue, you win. My waitress, Debbie, gave me her sincerest condolences

when she learned that MJ’s BBQ was my third stop since lunch. The matriarch of the establishment, Sheila, was tickled that a write-up of her diner was headed for the pages of a magazine. If you ever find a restaurant staffed entirely by multiple generations of one family, you should order everything on the menu. Before having the chance to order, Sheila kept bringing me little samples of her favorite items.

Their version of sweet tea was a fifty-fifty mixture of sweetened tea and unsweetened tea, although at this point, my blood sugar level might have made me the sweetest thing within five miles.

Then, out of nowhere and without any sort of explanation, Sheila plopped a deck of old playing cards down on the table and walked off. So, after a quick game of Indian Poker (in which I won $8.25, thank you very much), she reappeared with peach cobbler.

“Want to know the secret ingredient?” Sheila asked.

“Cocaine!” she responded with a giggle. “It’s how we keep the customers coming back!” This kind of humor (because it clearly was a joke) made me feel right at home. Shortly afterwards, my order came out, and Debbie and I joked about the secret recipe for the family sauce. She kept offering to tell me as she playfully tugged at the handle of a large butcher knife.

I decided it was best to let it slide and just enjoy it.

The sauce I am referring to was one of the spiciest sauces of the day’s taste test. I would guess that there was a hint of cocktail sauce in there, most likely from adding horseradish to a ketchup-based sauce.

(If I vanish without reason, you will know that I am close.) The potato salad was excellent—thick and eggy. At this point, what more can you say about pork? It’s smoky? Check. Tender? Check. So delicious that it causes you to find the limits of how far your stomach can stretch? Check. But I forced myself to save that little bit of extra room for the chicken. The chicken seemed to be baked with edges seared on a grill. Not the most traditional barbecued chicken, but the searing was done with seafood seasoning—a very moist and delicious creation.

At the end of my taste test, I had sampled six barbecue restaurants over the course of three days. And I could think of only one thing after it was over: whether I should have barbecue for lunch the next day or wait a couple of days. Either I’m a glutton for punishment or our area is blessed with some of the best barbecue in the South. Now you know where to look!

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Dressed to

Give Fusing Fashion with Philanthropy

By Ainsley Rogers | Photography By Brandan Babineaux

The catwalk strut. Young girls playfully attempt to copy it and adults marvel at svelte models doing it. Walking the runway is a combination of theatre, fashion, and art in motion. Off the catwalk, the fashion industry makes lasting impressions on society daily, producing sought-after goods and generating billions of dollars annually. To give back to the community that has helped to sustain their success, the ever-stylish Silver Sands Factory Stores celebrated their twentieth anniversary with a runway event, the Dressed to Give Charity Fashion Show.

Celebrating twenty years of “Sales, Styles, and Smiles,” Silver Sands, the nation’s largest designer outlet center, provided an opportunity for patrons to preview the hottest spring and summer styles of 2012 with a free fashion show on Thursday, April 19 at its own Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5TH. Before showtime, attendees were invited to attend an outdoor reception in the courtyard at OFF 5TH for appetizers, photo opportunities, and mingling among friends. The evening’s event was coordinated and executed by Okeye Mitchell and Jeremy Pinne of Ramal Productions.

This year’s successful fashion night out benefited nine local nonprofit and charitable organizations in Walton and Okaloosa counties: Children’s Volunteer Health Network, Children in Crisis, Inc., Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County, Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center, Fisher House of the Emerald Coast, Inc., Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation, Seaside Neighborhood School,

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The idea for the Dressed to Give Charity “Fashion Show originated from the importance Silver Sands places in giving back to its community.”

Shelter House, Inc., and the South Walton Community Council. “The event provided a unique opportunity to give back to many of the charities and nonprofit organizations that have been our community partners throughout the years,” said Ashley Watkins, marketing director at Silver Sands.

Attendees at the Dressed to Give Charity Fashion Show could support their favorite charity by buying tickets (for $5.00 each) to put into drawings for a chance to win many door prizes. Each ticket also came with a ballot to vote for the People’s Choice charity; that title was given to Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation with an additional $500 donation from Silver Sands. Although general admission was free, Silver Sands offered attendees the option to purchase $20 VIP tickets for exclusive runway seating and a complimentary gift bag. Finally, anyone shopping at Silver Sands April 19 through April 22 could submit their receipt to the Shopper Services kiosk with their charity of choice written across the top, and a portion of the proceeds would be donated to that charity.

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“The idea for the Dressed to Give Charity Fashion Show originated from the importance Silver Sands places in giving back to its community,” said Watkins.

“As you can see from the list of participating charities, we selected a diverse group of charitable organizations with a variety of philanthropic goals so that all attendees and shoppers could support the cause closest to their heart in a variety of ways.”

Along with giving back to organizations near and dear to the local community’s heart, Silver Sands sought to provide attendees with inspiration and ideas for creating top-of-the-line style for less at the outlet center.

Eight catwalk models featured notable styles from famous brands such as Emilio Pucci, Gucci, Valentino, Calvin Klein, Diane von Furstenberg, Michael Kors, French Connection, Free People, Alice + Olivia, Marc

by Marc Jacobs, and many more.

Many of the Silver Sands stores actively participated in donating time and services. Carrabba’s Italian Grill and San Gelato Café donated the pre-show hors d’oeuvres. Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5TH provided runway attire and graciously donated two hundred Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5TH totes for the VIP guests and a $100 gift card to give away to one lucky attendee.

Fusion Spa Salon at Grand Boulevard also donated services for the models’ hair and makeup

To further mark their anniversary, Silver Sands is celebrating throughout 2012 with events that reward its shoppers, its associates, and the community for helping to make Silver Sands successful over the past two decades. On April 16, the outlet center kicked off its 20 Weeks of Giveaways. Shoppers may enter to win one of twenty prizes, such as Ray-Ban Wayfarer sunglasses; purses from Michael Kors and Dooney & Bourke; jewelry from Swarovski and Zales the Diamond Store Outlet; and much more.

The first drawing took place on April 20. Finally, on September 1, a twentieth-anniversary celebration will reward one Silver Sands shopper with a grand prize that includes items from stores at Silver Sands, a two-night stay at a local resort, and more.

It’s safe to say that 2012 will be a successful year for Silver Sands as it continues to give back to its shoppers and the community.

Your hair. Fantastic.

a salon at Grayton Beach Phone: 850-231-0605 1394 CR 283 Bldg 10 Grayton Beach, FL 32459 HairbyScottTaylor@gmail.com w w w. S c o tt Ta y l o r S a l o n . n e t

PEOPLE + PLACES

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30A Wine Festival The first annual 30A Wine Festival, benefiting the Children’s Volunteer Health Network, was held March 3 and 4 in beautiful Alys Beach, Florida. The festival was a huge success and proved that, rain or shine, we always have fun along Highway 30A. Besides a seminar and wine symposium, guests enjoyed amazing food from local restaurants (including Café Thirty-A, Borago, Caliza, George’s at Alys Beach, and V Seagrove), music, dancing, and, of course, a variety of exquisite wines.

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Everyone enjoyed mingling with winemakers and fellow patrons. We’re already looking forward to next year’s festival, so mark your calendars for March 9 and 10, 2013!

Photography by Steve Wells

Kevin Neil and Roxanne Southern

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Christy Phillips, Greg and Jane Bahr, and

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Teddy Phillips Paige Daugherty, Steve Wells, and Alexis Miller

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Jane Bahr and Monica Elliott

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Dan and Helen Gerberding, Ashley and Jeff Bahr,

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and Jane Bahr 102

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www.DestinJewelers.com | 850.837.8822 | Located on the corner of Hwy 98 and Holiday Road, Miramar Beach, Florida

License # CGC1515280

A Testimonial Alan built my house in Seaside in 1992. The ultimate compliment is to hire the same builder to build a second home for you. I did and I will hire him to build a third.

I think that says it all. If you’re considering building do yourself a huge favor and talk to Ficarra Builders.

Ken Scoggins

228 Market St. | Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459 | 850.267.2898 | w w w.ficarr a.com

Find Your Chic at The Grove Salon & Boutique Effortless style, classic beauty..... the best in the business and world class products.

Salon Product Range: – L’Oreal Professional Series – Kenra Platinum Series – MoroccanOil – Keratin Complex – Caviar Complex Rescue – Butter London Boutique Product Range: – Artmax Furniture – GenevaLabs – Johnathan Adler Home – Voluspa – 80 Acres Organic – Charlotte Moss Collection – Tokyo Milk – Designer Jewelry Boutique – DL & Co. Signature Services: – Expert Cut & Color – Keratin Straightening & Express Treatment – Infared Scalp Treatments – Hair Loss Treatments – Norvelle Organic Spray Tanning – Microdermabrasion – Botox – Restylane – Anti Aging Products – Wedding Specialist – Airbrush Makeup – Off site and in-home services

50-2 Uptown Grayton Circle Santa Rosa Beach, 850-267-8444 www.theGroveatGrayton.com

PEOPLE + PLACES

Sinfonia Gulf Coast When it comes to an entertaining and inspiring musical performance on the Emerald Coast, Sinfonia Gulf Coast, directed by Demetrius Fuller,

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never disappoints. Sinfonia’s goal is “to enrich and

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expand the traditional orchestral experience through unique artistic disciplines and collaborations”; in the process, attendees are always provided with an entertaining event.

To celebrate the symphony’s annual gala, VIE was lucky enough to attend Pink Martini Wine Dinner at Café Thirty-A on March 8 to benefit Sinfonia.

Sponsors for the three-course wine-and-dine event included lead sponsors Café Thirty-A and Pish Posh Patchouli’s, as well as The Hidden Lantern Bookstore and Gallery, Sinfonia Gulf Coast, and VIE. Then, on April 3, it was off to the Sinfonia Gala featuring iconic big band Pink Martini. Pink Martini’s eclectic stylings, which range from classical to jazz and everything in between, had

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the crowd dancing in the house!

Thank you, Sinfonia, for providing us with such a unique cultural experience here on Northwest Florida’s Gulf Coast!

Dr. Nitin and Shruti Bawa

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Richard and Demetria McNeese

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Susie Cobb, Lynn Dugas, Susan Lovelace,

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and Gayle Schoettle Cory and Hillary Fosdyck

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Laurie Hood, Valerie Thompson, and Lacy Bonjean

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Photo by Kay Phelan

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Photo by Kay Phelan

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Photo by Kay Phelan

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China Forbes and Timothy Nishimoto of Pink Martini

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Photo by Kay Phelan

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Andrew Skinner and Dr. Julia Sprang

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Demetrius Fuller, Kate Kelley, and Michael Dobson

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Lisa Morris and Ron Green

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Ralph Burwell and Corinne LaRocco

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Mary Jane Kirby, Rhonda Chaloupka, Kay Phelan, and Jessica Proffitt VIEZINE.COM MAY/JUNE 2012

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DÉCOR&DESIGN

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Walking on Water

By Tori Phelps

YOLO is more than a company; it’s a lifestyle that encourages people of all ages to cultivate more fun, more balance, and more wellness. photo by www.modusphotography.com

The first sounds on the other end of the phone can only be described as grunts and screeches. “Forgive the background noise,” requests Jeff Archer, coowner of YOLO Board. “I’m in San Diego on business, and my family and I are at the zoo.”

His West Coast trip involves the expansion of Santa Rosa Beach–based YOLO Board into California, a perfect fit for the stand-up paddleboard company whose five-year rise from concept to cultural phenomenon has been nothing short of a Cinderella story.

YOLO, which stands for “You Only Live Once,” is more than a company; it’s a lifestyle that encourages people of all ages to cultivate more fun, more balance, and more wellness.

But does its head honcho practice what he preaches?

When asked if the owner of a business that’s experiencing a meteoric rise could really adhere to the work–life balance the company promotes, Archer doesn’t miss a beat: “I’m talking to you from the San Diego Zoo, aren’t I?” Good point.

YOLO’s legions of fans, including some famous faces, may be picking up on the fact that everything about the company is just so real. There’s no slick, prefab marketing spiel—only an earnest invitation to put “joy” on your to-do list.

“We had to do this” Before becoming business partners, Archer and cofounder Tom Losee owned neighboring businesses—Archer was in furniture manufacturing and Losee in landscaping—and enjoyed a rapport built around a mutual love of fun. One day Losee brought his neighbor an article about paddleboarding in Hawaii, and they agreed the sport would translate well in the Panhandle, where the flat waters would make for even better paddling than in Hawaii.

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“The original YOLO board is one of the most user friendly ever created. People have immediate success with it, and that makes them want to do more of it.�

photo by www.chadjarae.com

S

tand-up paddleboarding (SUP) involves using a long paddle to propel through the water while standing on a board, a sensation that many liken to walking on water.

The sport appealed to them both, but they couldn’t locate a single board. With his background in manufacturing, Archer had one made and then took it out for a trial run. What happened next was life changing. “I paddled out and immediately saw some dolphins jumping,” he recalls. “As I headed toward them, one dolphin got out of the pod and started toward me at full speed.

He went under my board, and then his eyes locked with mine. It was almost spiritual. I went closer and realized they were teaching a baby dolphin how to feed on bluefish. That’s when I knew we had to do this.”

Archer paddled back to shore, and he and Losee started building their company the very next week. Everything except the name fell into place quickly. Then came an “aha” moment over sandwiches, when Losee suggested “You Only Live Once.” It was love at first sound for Archer, who agreed the name perfectly captured the pure, childlike wonder he’d felt on the board.

It’s so mainstream that Archer expects YOLO Boards to eventually become like bicycles, with one in every garage. YOLO is even planning to launch an inflatable model so enthusiasts can stash it in a backpack and go YOLO-ing anywhere in the world.

Part of the reason YOLO Board is growing so quickly is that interest isn’t coming solely from traditional water-sports devotees, like surfers and kayakers. Though SUP has elements of both, it’s uniquely inclusive, so anyone—from kids to seniors—can do it. “I had dinner recently with a sixty-five-year-old woman who paddles every day, and we have a paddling teacher who’s sixty-seven years old,” Archer says. “It’s for everybody, whether you’re ten or eighty. People are always surprised at how easy it is and how much it gives back immediately.”

The YOLO Lifestyle Archer and Losee learned quickly that YOLO-ing seeps into every aspect of life, which is why they talk about it being a lifestyle as much as a sport. Archer explains that one of the first benefits is self-discovery, which is propelled by the realization that you can do something you didn’t know you could: stand-up paddling. That success opens the door to trying other things you never imagined you could conquer.

And then there’s a newfound sense of well-being. “After you start paddling, you find that you think differently about things like the food you eat and how you treat your body,” he says.

The YOLO lifestyle also involves connecting to a community, whether that means joining friends at a local race or meeting up with YOLO-ers on the West Coast, in Costa Rica, or in one of several other countries where YOLO Boards can be found.

With the name in place, they concentrated on the board’s design. The partners had one goal: to make the sport accessible to people of all ages. And that meant designing an easy-to-use board with great stability. “We weren’t trying to build the fastest surf model—just one that wasn’t intimidating,” Archer says. “The original YOLO board is one of the most user friendly ever created. People have immediate success with it, and that makes them want to do more of it.”

More than a dozen different models have been added to the original, each with slight modifications that allow users to race, surf, fish—do practically anything on the water. Archer has even slept in the Everglades on his board. The expansion didn’t come right away, however. Though the founders were hooked, others were a little slower to come around. “For two years people thought we were crazy, including our relatives,” he admits. “It took a while for stand-up paddleboarding to cross over and be accepted, but now it’s creeping into the mainstream.”

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most businesses, YOLO is bombarded by requests for help, but the company wants its outreach to be meaningful. “Florida was the first state to adopt stand-up paddleboarding for the Special Olympics games, and as a Florida company, we wanted to be part of that,” Archer explains. “We want to help Special Olympics athletes discover that stand-up paddleboarding is empowering, no matter who you are.”

Next, YOLO is heading into Cajun country for a fund-raiser with New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees and tight end Jimmy Graham. Brees, who has tweeted about his love of SUP, and Graham are coordinating a paddling event across Lake Pontchartrain to benefit Jeff Archer and Tom Losee serve up a good dose of YOLO on beautiful Grayton a former teammate diagnosed with Beach, Florida. amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. www.chrismrogers.com Summing up YOLO’s stance on For locals, diving into the lifestyle is as easy as heading charitable involvement, Archer says, “We just do to YOLO Board Adventures at WaterColor Inn and what we can when we can. It’s fun to be part of those Resort, where Losee heads up programming that things, and it’s good karma for the company.” includes everything from basic paddling lessons to YOLO yoga. It’s so popular that a second location is Whether it’s good karma, good products, or both, coming to Sandestin. something’s working. With the brand expanding rapidly both nationally and internationally, the People ready to kick it up a notch can participate in founders have their hands full managing that the many racing events YOLO coordinates, includgrowth. Yet fun is always part of the picture. The ing the original YOLO relay series for beginners, sheer pleasure of YOLO-ing is why Archer makes where four team members each paddle a five-minute time in his busy schedule to paddle nearly every leg. Warning: Leave your self-consciousness at day. “Paddleboarding brings you back to a time home, as the relays encourage costumes and other when you did something simply because you loved inhibition-squashing behavior in the name of fun. it—like when you hopped on your bike as a kid and just rode around,” he says. “Seniors tell me all the YOLO-ers interested in becoming serious racers can time that they feel like teenagers again when they’re take part in mileage clinics that help build endurance. paddling. That’s pretty special.”

You might just spot YOLO Board’s own racing team, anchored by EJ Johnson, helping others excel in the There aren’t many things in life that grab hold of your sport. After all, team members are chosen not only for spirit from the first moment and never let go. And, their ability, but also for their commitment to being a Archer points out, getting started is easy. “The greatest positive influence in the SUP community and beyond. thing about stand-up paddleboarding is its simplicity. A board and a paddle, that’s all you ever need.”

That mission extends into YOLO’s partnership with organizations like Special Olympics Florida And maybe a dolphin friend or two. and Florida Wildlife Corridor Expedition. Like

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Bringing

Back PrePPy

by Ainsley rogers | photography by romona robbins

For over a quarter century, the iconic neoclassical Seaside Post Office has stood proudly in the town center, the perfect backdrop for countless souvenir and scrapbook photos of visitors and locals alike. What a fitting location for VIE’s “The All-American Summer” photo shoot. To us, it’s evocative of mom and apple pie, the imagery of norman rockwell, and all things preppy. And, with the addition of our beautiful models Lauren Cottrell and Shelley Parker on a fire-engine red scooter, preppy has never looked “spicier.” We know this summer is going to be long and hot!

Red-hot visions in front of the iconic Seaside Post Office: Left: Mini-stripe tank dress from Petit Bateau, $120, Seaside Classic; Necklace from Magpies Jewelry in Seaside. Right: Tonal stripe white shirt from Hartford, $172, Seaside Classic.

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Beating the heat on the shaded front porch of the Seaside Avenue Bed and Breakfast: Bottom Left: Tonal stripe white shirt from Hartford, $172; Stripey Holly bikini in red from Elizabeth Hurley, $191; Pinstriped short from Hartford, $182. All from Seaside Classic. Top Left: Midnight Moon linen shirt from Island Company, $150, Seaside Classic. Top Right: White linen shirt from Island Company, $138, Seaside Classic; Reversible canvas short in aqua from Tailor Vintage, $88, Seaside Beach. Bottom Right: Mini-stripe tank dress from Petit Bateau, $120, Seaside Classic; Rope sandal from OndadeMar, $104, Seaside Classic; Raffia fedora from Scala, $48, Perspicacity.

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preppy never really went

Out

of

style.

Chances are, if you’ve recently been shopping for a new wardrobe or perused a fashion magazine, you’ve seen the reemergence of preppy-inspired pieces for summer. Gingham dresses, linen pants, seersucker shorts, boating shoes, almost anything with navy and white stripes with a dash of red—even bow ties—are making their way back onto the fashion scene. It’s a clean and classic look—not unlike attire worn on Nantucket, in the Hamptons, and at every yacht club you’ve ever visited.

Along Walton County’s Scenic Highway 30A, we know that dressing a little preppy never really went out of style. When the month of May dawns upon our beach communities, it is with a subconscious ease that we begin to celebrate summer with our quintessential style—the distinctive 30A style is definitely preppy with a coastal flair.

Alys Beach’s Central Park serves up the perfect picnic spot on sunny days.

classic american re-invented

Whether by way of linen shirts and striped sundresses worn casually over bathing suits, or American flags and white clapboard beachfront homes in any given neighborhood, our whole way of life is infused with preppy details. Classic attire is just a part of it, and this time children and

style

adults alike are donning the look with a new twist—colorful fedoras and updated accessories give the classic look a little splash of reinvention.

Afternoon croquet on the Gulf Green of Alys Beach.

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this striking tangerine summer dress pops against Gulf-front views at Alys Beach.

Cicero Tribal Chic dress from Velvet, $174, Perspicasity.

It’s all apple pies and smiles during together time in Rosemary Beach: Left: White linen shirt from Havacoa, $88, Seaside Classic; Striped seersucker short from Hartford, $155, Seaside Classic. Center: Chambray shirt in dark denim from Hartford, $164, Seaside Classic. Right: Microdot shirt from Hartford, $160, Seaside Classic; White linen pant from Island Company, $138, Seaside Classic.

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MAY/JUNE 2012 VIEZINE.COM

Long

lazydays of

summer Creative team: Lisa Burwell, Ainsley Rogers, Tracey Thomas | Makeup by Natasha Vaughan | Alys Beach and Rosemary Beach set styling by Paige Schnell and Bess Marshall of Tracery Interiors | Wardrobe and styling by Erica Gibson-Pierce of Seaside Classic and Perspicasity of Seaside Special thanks to Alys Beach, Rosemary Beach, Seaside, and Seaside Avenue Bed and Breakfast for allowing VIE to shoot at these perfect locations. Be sure to check out VIEzine.com for our behind-the-scenes video of “Bringing Preppy Back.

Lounging during those long, lazy days of summer in Alys Beach’s Central Park.

For “The All-American Summer” issue of VIE, what better way to celebrate this reinvented classic American style than against the backdrop of our classic 30A home? Depicting the long, lazy days of

summer in a unique 30A way, models are dressed in pieces from Seaside Classic and Perspicasity and riding Vespas through Seaside, lounging on the shaded porch of Seaside Avenue Bed and Breakfast, picnicking in Rosemary Beach, and playing croquet in Alys Beach. This is preppy—redefined!

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Hartford Pinstriped Short $182 Seaside Classic theseasidestyle. com/classic

A casual T and preppy shorts are easily removed and stowed away in a classic satchel, revealing the perfect striped suit for a day in the sun.

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Light linen pants and a patterned shirt transition nicely from day to night by simply adding a bow tie or a needlepoint belt.

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Forbes says. “But it works for me. I like stepping out of the box and seeing things differently.”

“We’re in An Apartment in Paris.”

a

s I browse in the cozy art gallery, savoring the scent of fresh cut roses, listening to opera tenor Andrea Bocelli sing a sweet ballad, and eyeing a romantic painting of a ballerina twirling as if on air, shop owner Sylvia Forbes shares a story about a customer’s cell phone conversation. The conversation, apparently, went something like this: “Where are you?” says the voice on the other end of the cell phone.

“We’re in An Apartment in Paris,” the customer says, stroking a small painting of an angel.

“What? I thought you were visiting Seaside,” says the voice.

“We are.”

“I’ve heard that sort of conversation more than once,” Forbes says, delighting in the confusion it must cause.

An art gallery featuring home furnishings and accessories, gifts, jewelry, and clothing in Seaside’s Ruskin Place, An Apartment in Paris is reminiscent of a Parisian apartment with contemporary home decor.

The cheery potted pink impatiens and hydrangeas on the front porch hint of the eclectic shopping experience awaiting beyond the front door. Inside, the unframed artwork on the bold pink walls commands attention.

“Usually you don’t see pink walls in an art gallery,”

The boutique is laid out like a tiny apartment, complete with a Parisian-inspired kitchen from which customers can choose dishes and kitchen decor. “I have a French rolling cart,” she laughs, “which I use when going to Modica Market.”

In the bathroom, you’ll find artwork hung on the walls, also available for purchase. “It gives people a chance to see something displayed, so they can imagine it in their own home,” she explains. An open closet holds a small clothing collection, including a slip that has been converted into a tank, pairing well with a French country skirt. A selection of handmade artisan jewelry displayed on a dresser features one-of-a-kind pieces.

From the dining room table, you may want to pick up a French butter container, a charming Brie baker, or a goat cheese baker; both bakers come with instructions in English and in French. Forbes is admittedly obsessed with white dishes and has them on display throughout the shop. “Many people buy just one café au lait cup for themselves, saying it will be their special cup,” she says, pointing out the stacked café au lait cups, which could easily be mistaken for soup bowls by Americans.

Forbes grew up in Fort Walton Beach and later ran a modeling school and agency there. She then lived in Virginia Beach for ten years, working as a set dresser for several television series, documentary films, and commercials. Though she’s had no formal design training, she says she has always had an eye for the way things should look and wants people to feel inspired when they shop at her gallery. “If they are artists, I want them to get their creative juices flowing, whether the inspiration is from the fashion, the jewelry, or the paintings in the store,” she says. And Forbes loves to show people different ways of using something they purchase.

“You can use platters, vases, jars, and pitchers in different ways and in different rooms of your home,” she adds, pointing out a water pitcher filled with pink roses and a painted platter she converted into a lazy Susan.

Jack Gardner, whose photographs are displayed in the gallery, is one of those inspired artists; he says Forbes has a great appreciation for all things beautiful. “She easily endears herself to people,” he says. “And she connects with people. You can see her passion and appreciation for travel, music, and the arts.”

At age 65, Forbes’s focus is now on her shop, which she opened in the fall of 2011.

An artist herself, she doesn’t feature her own work in the gallery. “I’ve never had instruction—I’m such a novice,” she says. “My store is like my canvas.”

Featuring local artists including Ruth Moses, Aaron Sutton, Jack Gardner, Denis Wintersong and Marti Schmidt, as well as some from across the country, the shop is in the artist colony, which many still haven’t discovered. But visitors and locals

“Usually you don’t see pink walls in an art gallery ... But it works for me. I like stepping out of the box and seeing things differently.”

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“... whether the inspiration is from the fashion, the jewelry, or the paintings in the store.”

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who wander beyond Seaside’s Central Square will find this hidden gem in Ruskin Place. “A lot of people in Seaside still don’t know this place is back here,” Forbes says. “But some really nice shops have opened up.” And though a few other art galleries and home decor shops surround hers, Forbes doesn’t see it as a competitive environment. “I welcome other art galleries and jewelry shops,” she says. “I’m glad we have the variety we have here.”

Some of the Apartment’s best sellers are lazy Susans with vintage cheese labels painted on them. “You can hang them or use them to serve on,” Forbes says. The shop carries a line of French soaps, shea butter, and lotions, which are handcrafted in Provence, France. Small religious statues and Eiffel Tower figurines are artfully scattered throughout. Slow-burning Santa Rosa candles add romance to the gallery— they would be a welcome addition to any room or patio.

Forbes has artifacts from other European countries and even lamps made from wine bottles—her own design. Among her favorite recent finds is a collection of facet-cut soaps in the shapes of jewelry pieces. “They are so beautifully done and come in many colors,” she adds.

After going through a recent health crisis, Forbes changed her priorities—and her answer to an oft-pondered question. “Years ago people would ask, ‘What would you have if you could have one wish granted?’ And I would say, ‘An apartment in Paris.’ If I were asked that now, I would say, ‘Good health, world peace, and then An Apartment in Paris.’”

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