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The Art of Life The Cove The Torchlight Film Series

Behind the Lens The Many Sides of Ophelia Photographed and Created by Romona Robbins

Voyager Happy St. Patrick's Day Discovering Ireland

PLUS: Introducing The Business Corner First Florida Bank with Frank Burge and Ronny Clay at helm Resort Collection announces new staff members Protecting your Business with Conerly, Bowman & Dykes, LLP

VIE'S LEGENDARY WEDDING GIVEAWAY LUCKY WINNERS ANNOUNCED INSIDE!

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In this issue:

118 People + Places New Beginnings 16 Tasting of Champions 87 30A Songwriters 100 C.W. Gemmill Center Ribbon Cutting 100 Lamar Di Gras Fund-raiser 100 Alaqua 125 McCaskill & Company 125 NWFSC 154 New Year's Eve at Firefly 154 Feature Legendary Wedding Giveaway 14 The Art of Life The Cove: The Torchlight Film Series 24 Woody Long: A Retrospective 30 Matisse: Rarely Seen Works 36 The Architecture of Jewelry 44 Behind the Lens Romona Robbins: Ophelia 50 Okeye Mitchell: Alys Beach Fashion 58

110 36

104

Voyager From the Emerald Coast to the Emerald Isle 68 Touring Europe on Two Wheels 88 New Perspective: The Elevator in Italy 94 Perspectives Julian MacQueen: A Man of Many Talents 104 Remember Them. Honor Them. 110 Giving Left to Tell - ImmaculĂŠe Ilibagiza 118 Lessons from the Teacher 126 The Business Corner The Business Corner Announcements 132 Protecting Your Business 134 Off-Season or "Off-Decade" 138 The Sunny Side of Business 140 Going Green Lily Loves Green 144 Get Healthy Health Nut: Exercise 148

Branding DCWAF: Fermenting a Brand 64 VIEZINE.COM SPRING 2010

Lisa and Gerald Burwell

Photo by Jessie Shepard

Publisher & Editor Review

“WINTER IS ON MY HEAD, BUT ETERNAL SPRING IS IN MY HEART.” —Victor Hugo SPRING IS IN THE AIR

It was particularly hard to welcome 2010 this year. Partly because we knew it was going to require more hard work to continue to achieve a modicum of success and that it would demand unmitigated inventiveness and creativity from us all—again. Spring is a powerful season filled with new beginnings, fresh perspectives and hope. The new Panama City Beaches International Airport slated to open in May with Southwest Airlines bringing folks to our beaches from Nashville, Baltimore, Orlando and Dallas is a new beginning. The ease of travel to and from these feeder destinations will make a positive impact on our lives and position the area for continued growth. For a fresh perspective on life and a message of love and forgiveness, please read how inspiring it was to hear Immaculée Ilibagiza, author of the New York Times best-selling book Left to Tell, speak this past fall at the Starfish Gala to benefit Catholic Charities of Northwest Florida at the Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa.

eye-opener and inspires you to continue to think outside the box and explore the wonder of what it means to have a creative soul. We thank Romona for sharing her exciting new work in VIE. LOVE IS IN THE AIR

VIE’s Legendary Wedding Giveaway was an amazing testament to our business community working hand-in-hand to think outside the box. It truly does take a village. We partnered with the Emerald Grande to brainstorm on a way we could give a wedding away to a lucky bride and groom. We enlisted the support of friends, colleagues and business associates: Salon Twist, Destin Jewelers, Celebrations by the Sea – DJ-Zoran, Simply Elegant Bridal, Pure 7 Studios, Confections on the Coast, Spa 98, Interval International, Florals by the Sea, and of course, last but not least—Emerald Grande overlooking the Destin Harbor, where the dream will come true. This past Valentine’s Day, VIE and Emerald Grande announced that Jocelyn Langton and William Cope of Navarre, Florida won a Legendary Wedding Giveaway valued at over $30,000; they were randomly chosen from 1600 entries on VIEZINE.com. Congratulations! VIE is going to follow their wedding plans with the area’s first Web reality TV show called Love is in the Air, which will be aired on VIEZINE.com on VIEtv and also broadcast in the rooms at the Emerald Grande. The couple will also grace the cover of VIE as we feature their wedding, which will take place sometime in the next year. To Life!

Marvel at the fresh creativity of local photographer Romona Robbins in her stunning and provocative photo exposé, The Many Sides of Ophelia. With her muse and model Meredith Snow, this artistic portraiture is an 8

SPRING 2010 VIEZINE.COM

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

VIECATION Give-Away Register by April 10th, 2010 to Win This Great Prize!

W W W. V I E C AT I O N . C O M

Grand Prize A two-night getaway to Courtyard Marriott in Grand Boulevard at Sandestin

- Two-night Stay at the Courtyard* - Includes a Breakfast-for-Two - A Dinner-for-Two at Mitchell’s Fish Market** - A 60-Minute Results Focused Facial from Fusion Spa Salon

Sponsored By

©Steven Brooke Studios

The Courtyard Marriott in Grand Boulevard at Sandestin is located near the beautiful beaches of the Gulf of Mexico in Miramar Beach, Florida.

Entry Information You must be 25 or older. Only one entry per person. Winner need not be present to win. This prize is guaranteed to be awarded and is subject to availability. No VIE - People + Places employee or employee’s immediate family member is eligible to win. The winner will be drawn on April 17, 2010. No substitutions for prizes. Prizes are nontransferable and nonrefundable. Contest is open only to residents of the United States. Void where prohibited by law. No purchase necessary to enter. Neither VIE - People + Places nor any of its agencies, employees or affiliates are liable for any property damage, personal injury or death occurring during or in connection with this program. *This offer is valid for booking dates from April 17, 2010 through June 01 , 2010 or August 01, 2010 through December 31, 2010. **$150 value–tax and tip not included.

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

VIEZINE.COM SPRING 2010

VIE Creative Team:

Bob Brown VP of Creative Services

Eric Shepard Creative Director

Tracey Thomas Graphic Designer

Crystal Hamon Writer

Tim Dutrow Video Producer

Lisa Ferrick Social Correspondent

SPRING 2010 VIEZINE.COM

Photos by Jessie Shepard / www.jessieshepard.com

Lisa Comeau VP of Account Services

Mary Jane Kirby Account Executive

Jim Ryan Account Executive

VIE Contributors: Freelance Staff:

Contributing Writers:

Contributing Photographers:

Margaret Stevenson Copy Editor

Wade Berry Steve Cann Kim Duke-Layden Hayward Dykes, Jr. Cory J. Fosdyck Libbie Hambleton Brian Haugen Raymond James Cylinda Marquart Okeye Mitchell Eleanor Lynn Nesmith Clark Peters Tori Phelps Romona Robbins Taris Savell Forrest H. Taylor Susan Vallée David Waddle

Wade Berry Colleen E. Hinely Kim Duke-Layden John Layden Ryan Manthey Mary McGovern Okeye Mitchell Eleanor Lynn Nesmith Taris Savell José Sierra Forrest H. Taylor

Michelle Smith Ad Design Jessie Shepard Photography Romona Robbins Photography

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

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you will share in the excitement and know that we live in a great place and that, "life is good."

VIE: People + Places is a registered trademark. All contents herein are Copyright © 2010 Cornerstone Marketing & Advertising, Incorporated (The Publisher). All rights reserved. No part of this periodical may be reproduced without written permission from The Publisher. VIE: People + Places is a life-style magazine of Northwest Florida (COLA 2 COLA TM) and is published quarterly. The opinions herein are not necessarily those of The Publisher. The Publisher and its advertisers will not be held responsible for any errors found in this publication. The Publisher is not liable for the accuracy of statements made by its advertisers. Ads that appear in this publication are not intended as offers where prohibited by state law. The Publisher is not responsible for photography or artwork submitted by freelance or outside contributors. The Publisher reserves the right to publish any letter addressed to the editor or The Publisher. VIE: People + Places is a paid publication. Subscription rate: One year $19.95 (U.S. only).

VIE is for Voyager! VIEgypt! Members of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron FIVE (HS-5) pose with VIE magazine while transiting the Suez Canal on board the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower. HS-5, along with the rest of Carrier Air Wing SEVEN, will soon be supporting operations in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. (Left to Right) LT Bobby Zubeck, LT Jason Hutchins, LTJG Jim McNamee, and LTJG Jeffrey Graverholt

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On the Cover:

Brideâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Name: Angela Stuppy (married David Stuppy on August 5, 2009) Location: Eglin Officer's Club, Eglin Air Force Base Pure 7 Studios: Pure 7 Studios is a wedding and portrait studio based in Destin, Florida. Owner and lead photographer, Ryan Manthey, specializes in unique, artistic wedding and portrait photography. He and his wife, Erica, have three children and reside in Destin, Florida.

Story on page 14

VIEZINE.COM SPRING 2010

A Legendary Wedding

G I VEAWAY

VIEtv Launches Region’s First Reality WebTV Series

LoVE Is In thE AIr

MAKES DREAMS COMES TRUE!

Photography by Jessie Shepard

Palpable anticipation filled

package, the winners of the giveaway would

the Air Force. Jocelyn and William make their

the air at Commander’s

also receive a weeklong honeymoon at their

home in Navarre, Florida.

Palace on Valentine’s Day,

choice of any one of the Interval International

February 14, 2010, as

resort properties, which are located in

VIE – People + Places

forty-two countries around the world.

selected the winners of our Legendary Wedding

Lisa Burwell, publisher of VIE magazine said,

Giveaway, provided by Legendary, Inc. and

“What more could a bride and groom ask for

Emerald Grande. VIE made wedding dreams

on Valentine’s Day? We are so excited to

come true when we announced that Jocelyn

give this amazing wedding package to the

Langton and William Cope were the winners

lucky winners!”

of the giveaway valued at more than $30,000.

“The fact that people who serve our country have won this amazing prize makes it that much better,” said Craul. Nearly 1,600 contestants entered the giveaway on VIE’s state-of-the-art website VIEZINE.com. Jocelyn and William will have at least one year to plan their fairy-tale wedding at Emerald Grande. VIEtv, the video production arm of VIE,

“We have forged a wonderful relationship

filmed the announcement of the winners and

“We were both just speechless when our

with VIE magazine,” said Craul. “They have

will be producing the region’s first reality

names were called,” said Jocelyn. “This is

been a great partner in this event.”

Web TV series, Love is in the Air. VIEtv will

so amazing!”

follow the bride and groom as they make Jocelyn and William met in August 2007

plans for their big event. The wedding will

Just before the winners were proclaimed,

after they were each relocated to the COLA

also be filmed and shown on VIEZINE.com

Bruce Craul, COO of Legendary, Inc. and

2 COLA region as active duty military for

and all Legendary, Inc. websites.

acting general manager of Emerald Grande,

the U.S. Air Force. Jocelyn is now a civilian

put the icing on the cake by announcing

contractor working as an instructor at Hurlburt

that, in addition to the exciting wedding

Field, and William is currently on leave from

FLORALS BY THE SEA

A WEDDING & EVENT COMPANY

FLORALS BY THE SEA

A WEDDING & EVENT COMPANY

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Congratulations to

J O C E Ly N L A N G T O N & W I L L I A M C O P E Winners Of The Legendary Wedding Giveaway! VIEZINE.COM SPRING 2010

NEW BEGINNINGS Splendor on the Gulf Coast

Photography by Pure7Studios www.pure7studios.com

Tonya & Eber Eber Nascimento and Tonya Rasor met on the swing dance floor in Pensacola. On June 20, 2009, they became husband and wife at Rocky Bayou Baptist Church. Per Brazilian tradition, the groom’s mother escorted him down the aisle. The bride carried roses by It’s a Perfect Day. The lace on her veil, containing over 1,000 beads, was hand-tatted by her mother. A lively reception with a ballroom dance theme followed at Eglin Air Force Base Officers’ Club. The couple performed a waltz for the first dance, cha cha to get the party started, tango to throw the bouquet, and a swing skit complete with a host, hostess, and judges - who scored the performance with 3 perfect 10s. The bride’s Aunt Terry Byassee made the cake. Tonya is now continuing her studies at Florida State University toward a doctorate in sport psychology. Eber works for his company, True Way Construction, doing tiling, wood floor, roofing, and remodeling along the Emerald Coast. 16

SPRING 2010 VIEZINE.COM

Photography by Pure7Studios www.pure7studios.com

Jennifer & Justin Justin and Jennifer first met each other in their final year at Florida State University. A lucky encounter at a college party led to an instant attraction between the two that soon blossomed into romance. A year and a half later, Justin agreed to take Jennifer in sickness and in healthâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;before their wedding. It was a cold day in November and Jennifer had been battling a cold, when Justin dropped to his knee and proposed to her on a bench overlooking the beautiful water at the Pier, in downtown St Petersburg. Needless to say, Jennifer perked right up and happily accepted. A year later they were married at Christ Our Redeemer Catholic church in Niceville, FL. Immediately following the ceremony, they enjoyed a beautiful reception with close friends and family at the gorgeous Emerald Grande Resort overlooking the beautiful beaches in Destin, FL. Justin and Jennifer are currently searching for their dream home together in St Petersburg and they hope to be moved in before the summer. VIEZINE.COM SPRING 2010

HAMPTON 18

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Photo by Jennifer Cappi Williams

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Photo by Jennifer Cappi Williams

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By Libbie Hambleton Photos Courtesy of The Oceanic Preservation Society

he Japanese government was trying to hush it up, but at the Seaside screening of The Cove in November, Emerald Coast residents joined audiences from the Sundance Film Festival in condemning the secret culture of dolphin slaughter in Taiji, Japan. Although the Japanese government had imposed a media blackout on subjects related to dolphins and whales, The Cove reveals a long-standing tradition of illegally butchering more than

SPRING 2010 VIEZINE.COM

twenty thousand dolphins per year, and investigates how their meat, contaminated with dangerously high levels of mercury, is sold in grocery stores and served to students in schools. As a result, the local community has joined activists around the world in calling for change. Paul Cohen, director of the Torchlight Program at the FSU film school says, “The Cove is changing the way the film-going public is

thinking about movies, as this contemporary documentary does illuminate that cinema can create change.” The school presents the Torchlight Film Series– Cinema 30-A at several of the communities strung along Scenic Highway 30A. The series screens contemporary feature films, and brings filmmakers and cinema experts in to talk about them. Borrowing from the tradition of early film festivals, the Torchlight Film

Series keeps the title of each film a secret until moments before it is screened, allowing audiences to directly experience new entries into the dialogue of contemporary independent cinema without being influenced by a studio advertising blitz and media hype or by journalistic overexposure. The Seaside audience was amazed to learn they would be viewing a film short-listed for a potential Oscar nomination—an awardwinning “eco-thriller.” “Torchlight is about expanding the current culture of independent cinema and a contemporary dialogue surrounding that cinema within the nature of the discourse that ensues,” Cohen says. New filmmakers at FSU are educated on how to get their work funded, marketed, and distributed, and how to then recoup the investment. “The Torchlight Program supports Dean Frank Patterson of the College of Motion Picture Arts by educating students in the business of art,” states Cohen. The director of this film, Louie Psihoyos, was at the Seaside screening. He is new to filmmaking, but is a longtime world-renowned nature photographer. He formed the Oceanic Preservation Society (OPS), “a non-profit organization that provides an exclusive lens for the public and media to observe the beauty as well as the destruction of the oceans, while motivating change.” He says the film happened organically—his kids were watching too much TV, so he cut the cables and decided he wanted to make a movie for them. Psihoyos says, “Film can be $10 and a box of popcorn, or it can be the most powerful weapon in the world—a weapon of mass construction—and a way to reorganize the hearts and minds of a species when we fall off the path of what it means to be human. The Cove has activated hundreds of thousands of people to not just save dolphins, but to get involved solving other ocean issues like overfishing, eating healthier seafood, and getting America onto cleaner energy to create cleaner oceans. Margaret Mead once said,

“Film can be $10 and a box of popcorn, or it can be the most powerful weapon in the world—a weapon of mass construction..."

— LOUIE PSIHOYOS

‘Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.’ We were not making a movie; we were starting a movement, unleashing leagues of activists.” Before the Tokyo International Film Festival, the Japanese media misconstrued Psihoyos’ motives with headlines that read: “East against West: culinary imperialist—you’re telling us what to eat?” Psihoyos said, “This is not a Japan-bashing movie, this is a love letter. I’m giving you the information your government won’t give you. I’m

threatened with arrest—there’s a reason I’m coming here and it’s to prevent other people getting poisoned.” The filmmakers were constantly tailed, threatened, and diverted from their task, so they had to go in like military special operations forces to plant cameras on cliff faces and microphones underwater. Though the subject is dark, it is delivered in a beautiful format. Their efforts have paid off in many ways, including awards from around the world. As of this writing, The Cove is on the short list for an Oscar for Best Documentary (the top fifteen VIEZINE.COM SPRING 2010

The filmmakers were constantly tailed, threatened, and diverted from their task, so they had to go in like military special operations forces to plant cameras on cliff faces and microphones underwater.

important aspects of The Cove. “Ric realized that captivity of free-ranging, sentient beings, kept in tiny tanks, doing stupid human tricks in a state of controlled starvation, doesn’t work. There’s nothing educational about it—it’s really a case of miseducation.” The final scene in the film shows O’Barry standing alone, but making a difference.

in the category, selected from three thousand). Since the Academy Awards show is the number-one most watched program in Japan, a win could bring awareness to the Japanese public, as well as the whole world.

Robert and Daryl Davis, the founders of Seaside, were also at the screening of The Cove. Robert Davis said he was so inspired by the film that he signed petitions on the film’s website (www.thecovemovie.com). Now, when dining out, Davis checks the Monterey Bay Aquarium website, which Psihoyos directed us to, to make sure that what he eats is sustainable and low in mercury. (The website is at www.montereybayaquarium.org. The aquarium also has an iPhone app for checking your seafood’s safety.) Davis also says he is “gratified that Paul Cohen has zeroed in on Seaside for the more controversial films in the Torchlight Series,” as he feels his community is very open to the thoughtful dialogue that can ensue from such films.

Gina Papabeis is a former student of Cohen’s who now works with Psihoyos at OPS. She was also on hand at Seaside to assist with the screening of The Cove. She has seen the impact of the excitement from interning with Cohen and has seen the film school grow exponentially; and now with OPS, she sees the same drive and resourcefulness at work. She says she is happy to be working with “people trying to fix the problems,” not just documenting them. 26

SPRING 2010 VIEZINE.COM

Charles Hambleton (my cousin) was director of Clandestine Operations for this film. He has a colorful background—Psihoyos describes Charles as a true pirate—but it’s that background that gave him the skills and mindset to help secretly capture the movie’s footage and bring it to reality. (He has been the sail master for The Pirates of the Caribbean movies, worked with a treasure hunter, played in a well-known touring band, and assisted Psihoyos on photo shoots for many years.) My family is very proud of all the good that Charles has accomplished in helping to film and promote The Cove. Charles says that the movie’s underlying story of redemption for Ric O’Barry—the original Flipper dolphin trainer—is one of the most

THE AFTEREFFECTS ATTRIBUTED TO THE FILM SINCE ITS RELEASE INCLUDE: The killing of some dolphins has temporarily stopped at the cove. Dolphin meat is no longer sent to school systems all over Japan. All the residents of the town of Taiji were ordered to be tested for mercury. They tested ten times higher than the average Japanese, who, in turn, test ten times higher than the average human. Action groups have sprung up globally. The media blackout on all whale and dolphin stories in Japan has ended.

As I write this piece, Louie Psihoyos is busy accepting such awards as the Critics’ Choice Award from the Broadcast Film Critics Association on VH1, and Paul Cohen is on his way to Sundance 2010 to find the newest films to bring to Cinema 30-A. To stay updated on upcoming film events, check www.torchlightfilmseries.com. Psihoyos shares what is the most important way to change the world: “You know, I went to an anti-nuclear rally when I was fifteen, and Pete Seeger told me, ‘All the activists are saying, “This is the most important cause …”; “No, this is the most important cause …”’ But he said, “We’re all pushing a log up the hill. And, as long as you’re pushing, you’re working.”

“We’re all pushing a log up the hill. And, as long as you’re pushing, you’re working.” — PETE SEEGER

On February 2, The Cove was nominated in the category of Best Documentary Feature Film for the 2010 Oscars. Winners will be announced during the 82nd Oscar Awards Night on March 7, 2010. Libbie Hambleton is a freelance writer living in Destin, Florida. She is a Certified Biofeedback Therapist, and also a Corporate Marketing Representative for WUWF Public Media. She can be reached at Libbie@wuwf.org.

Left to Right: Liz Hambleton, Libbie Hambleton, Louie Psihoyos, George Hambleton, Brian Hambleton and Adam Hambleton VIEZINE.COM SPRING 2010 27 Photo by Gerald Burwell

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Seaside Retrospective Exhibit Celebrates

The Life and Legacy of

Woodie Long Story & Photography By Eleanor Lynn Nesmith

SPRING 2010 VIEZINE.COM

Sometimes there's a tendency to take for granted the things right around us. And that's a mistake. A walk along a deserted stretch of beach never disappoints. The same was true of a visit to the gallery of beloved local folk artist Woodie Long. For anyone who stepped through the bright-red screen doors that beckoned first-time guests and old friends alike, a visit with Woodie and his wife, Dot, was sure to be memorable. They were there to guide serious buyers as well as inquisitive browsers around their gallery. But most of all, Woodie always found time for the children who came to the gallery, inviting kids of all ages to gather around a pint-sized table to sketch and then exchange works of art.

VIEZINE.COM SPRING 2010

“Woodie never said good-bye when anyone left the gallery,” Eileen fondly recalls. “He always said

‘I love you.’ So no one ever had to say good-bye to Woodie.” It was impossible not to immediately feel like an old friend. Woodie was gregarious, gracious, accessible, and ready to laugh or tell a joke. Woodie had a way of making everyone feel relaxed and comfortable with him and his art. So comfortable, in fact, that people tended to forget Woodie’s stature in the international art world. His paintings are held by hundreds of premier art collectors and displayed in scores of museums. During his career, Woodie was featured in Smithsonian magazine, the New York Times, Southern Living, the Washington Post, and countless regional magazines and newspapers. “Nearly ten years ago, we started talking about an exhibition of Woodie’s work,” recalls Eileen West, a Seaside gallery owner and longtime friend of Woodie’s. “His body of work was becoming recognized internationally, so it was only natural to mount a show here in Seaside.” Dot and Woody Photo by Mary McGovern

Sadly, Woodie passed away on October 12, 2009, a week shy of his sixty-seventh birthday and a little more than a month before a retrospective exhibition that opened in Seaside on November 21 and ran through January 31. Hundreds of friends, family, and art lovers attended a reception to honor Woodie’s creative legacy, to remember his love of life, and to rejoice in his favorite things—music, laughter, stories, art, and chocolate cake. Musician friends from all over came together to play the “pickin’-and-grinnin’” style that Woodie loved dearly. Although the long-discussed exhibition did not come to fruition before his passing, Woodie knew it was in the works. Seaside town founders, Robert and Daryl Davis, and Eileen met with Woodie and Dot a few days before he died and talked about an exhibition. “After we left, Robert

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said we needed to do this show ‘no matter what happens,’” Eileen recalls. The town of Seaside was among Woodie’s early supporters, so it was fitting that the exhibition would be hung in an impressive loft-style retail space in the Lyceum Gateway Building, generously provided by Seaside homeowners Lisa and Bob Nesbitt, and Crissy and Bill Haslam. “Woodie and Dot came to Seaside in early 1989, and they convinced me to let Woodie have an art show in Pizitz,” recalls Erica GibsonPierce, manager of the Seaside Associated Stores. Although Erica was skeptical at first, she let them set up on the sidewalk in front of the store. They sold nearly a dozen paintings. “Our friendship just continued to grow from that point on,” adds Erica. “Woodie was so generous and always ‘bribed’ us with art or items from his garden.” Seaside soon commissioned Woodie to create a special Labor Day T-shirt. It was so popular, that it became an annual tradition to release new T-shirt designs for Christmas and for the Fourth of July. This recognition by the stores of Seaside and the friendship of Daryl, Robert, and Erica prompted Woodie to get back to his Florida roots. In 1997, Woodie and Dot bought a former woodworking shop on Bay Drive just north of Highway 98 and converted it into their home, studio, and the Woodie Long Folk Art Gallery. Like many artists, Woodie was self-taught and spent much of his life doing something else before discovering his calling. Woodie was born in Plant City, Florida, in 1942 to a sharecropper family of twelve children who worked the fields together. When he

bittersweet personal history. Some of the exhibited works are painted narratives retelling poignant episodes of Woodie’s growing up in a time and a place that seem a million miles away from today’s coastal communities along 30A. Spanning Woodie’s life, there were more than forty paintings in the exhibition, including some of his earliest works and two large pieces he painted last spring. Culled from Dot’s vast private collection, many of the items had never been publicly exhibited before this show. was a youngster, his family moved repeatedly, and Woodie often missed school. For more than two decades, Woodie earned a modest income painting houses. In the late 1980s, while living in Andalusia, Alabama, jobrelated injuries forced him to take a break from his work. Dot was studying art at the local junior college at the time, and once he picked up one of her brushes, he immediately embraced his artistic mission.

The show also featured an array of painted utilitarian objects—a wooden footlocker, tea kettles, a quilt, a pillow, and a single-bed headboard. In a sunny corner of the gallery, a painted cow appeared to have wandered into the show. Woodie painted the life-size figure at the request of Karen and Jack Holland for the CowParade event in Kansas City, Missouri. The painted cow was purchased by the couple and now grazes behind their Seaside home.

Unrestrained by rules or conventions, Woodie used lyrical figures, fluid compositions, and vibrant colors to give an identity and exuberance to his work. Many of the paintings that were on view evoke a rapidly vanishing rural life and reveal his

Pieces in the exhibit were labeled with heartfelt and personal comments by Dot. “This was a perfectly lovely turquoise cabinet and before I knew it he had painted it and I loved it even more,” read one of Dot’s anecdotes. Another

label said, “Woodie would paint on anything ‘as long as it didn’t move or crawl off’ as he would say—but then again, he did paint tattoos on friends and family.” Whether Woodie was painting on metal, canvas, plywood or paper, memories take form and one senses their vitality in an extraordinary play of color. A childlike innocence springs to life through the bold and confident strokes of his brush: boys pile in the back of a red pickup truck; girls savor slices of watermelon; flowers blossom in rainbow colors; field hands pick cotton; yellow cabs and pedestrians traverse New York with its skyline as a backdrop; musicians blow horns and strum banjos. “Woodie never said good-bye when anyone left the gallery,” Eileen fondly recalls. “He always said, 'I love you.’ So no one ever had to say good-bye to Woodie.” The community support that came together to create the retrospective exhibit and spirit of the reception reflects that same philosophy. One of Woodie’s recurring themes was angels looking down from heaven. There’s no doubt Woodie was in good company when his friends gathered in Seaside to say “we love you.” VIEZINE.COM SPRING 2010

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R A R E LY S E E N W O R K S

— A NO TH ER S IDE OF THE C ELEBR ATED AR TIS T By Tori Phelps | Photography Courtesy of Pensacola Museum of Art

Henri Matisse is among the most important artists of the 20th century—of all time, arguably—and the Pensacola Museum of Art's latest exhibition offers a rare opportunity to view a private collection of Matisse's work. While it would still be a remarkable treat if it were his paintings on display, the fact that the exhibition is composed of his seldom-viewed illustrated books makes this a potential once-in-a-lifetime experience for area art lovers.

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The four exquisite books, part of a canon that includes only twelve books in total, are an invitation into a special world to which few have been granted access. While they've received less public fanfare than his paintings, Matisse's illustrated books were among the master's personal favorites. Thanks to the generosity of Bank of America and its Art in Our Communities program, these extraordinary pieces will be available for public viewing February 26 through June 26.

in Matisse's life after he had established himself; he was seeking to explore new forms and reinvent himself artistically," explains Pensacola Museum of Art Executive Director Sonya Davis.

UNDISCOVERED TREASURES

Hardly ordinary reading material, the books were deluxe limited editions, meant to be collected and admired as works of art, she says. The scarcity of their numbers explains why Matisse is rarely thought of as an illustratorâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;and why this exhibition is so electrifying to area art enthusiasts, who get to view some of his greatest masterpieces right in their own backyard.

Even individuals well versed in art history tend to associate Matisse primarily with the Fauvist style he represented so well: vibrant swaths of color and simple, bold shapes. He achieved international fame for his signature paintings, but, like many artists, Matisse wasn't content to recreate the same thing time and again. "The books were created later

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The twelve books he eventually illustrated were far more than simply a hobby or sideline, however. "Matisse himself declared that constructing his books was just as significant to him as his painting," she added. "After 1930, Matisse devoted most of his time as an artist to book illustration."

“THE BOOKS WERE CREATED LATER IN MATISSE’S LIFE AFTER HE HAD ESTABLISHED HIMSELF; HE WAS SEEKING TO EXPLORE NEW FORMS AND REINVENT HIMSELF ARTISTICALLY,”

MAKING ART ACCESSIBLE TO ALL

DEVELOPING A CONNECTION

That backyard access is precisely the goal of Bank of America's Art in Our Communities program, an endeavor whose objective is to act as a unique community resource by loaning customized portions of its substantial collection to local and regional museums. "Bank of America is a major supporter of arts and heritage in the United States and, increasingly, internationally," says Keith Thompson, Pensacola President, Bank of America. "We believe that improving access to the arts is critical to both the culture and economic vitality of the communities we serve."

The Pensacola Museum of Art (PMA) is hopeful that the Matisse exhibition will do all of that and more. To help visitors develop a stronger connection to the books, the PMA will host educational programming and special events that tie into the printmaking process: private and public receptions, a printmaking workshop that offers hands-on experiences, and a series of lectures on book arts. "We're also looking forward to carrying some gorgeous handmade books by local bookmaker Louise 'Larry Lou' Foster in our Museum Store," Davis says. "It’s something we've been doing more and more—drawing in the finest local craftspeople to sell work in our store."

Bank of America's collection has been amassed over its long history and includes pieces from more than 3,000 legacy banks it has acquired. The art associated with these diverse banks reflects distinctive regional and historical themes; for example, art from a bank acquisition in Chicago may depict the rebuilding of the city after the Great Chicago Fire. The company is discreet about the size of the collection, but it’s large enough that from 2008 to 2010, Thompson says, Bank of America will have loaned more than thirty exhibitions to museums nationwide. "By donating these exhibitions and the support required to host them, this program helps sustain community engagement and generate vital revenue for the nonprofits, creating stability in local communities," he states.

area residents will also discover a meaningful connection to the artistic luminary. "I spent a good bit of time along the coast of the South of France, including Matisse's well-loved Nice and Cimiez. Someone said that once Matisse found Nice he really never left, and I can understand that," she says. "I remember how taken I was when I visited his home and his museum—the energy of both his shapes and his colors. It's a thrill to be able to show his work now in Pensacola, another charming seaside area."

Something else the museum is attempting to do more of is to fulfill a curatorial philosophy that includes exhibiting national and international artists who enjoy household-name status. The arrival of those big names necessitates improvements to the display spaces, including new gallery lighting which Davis expects to be installed ahead of the Matisse exhibition, highlighting the artist's brilliant illustrations to even greater advantage. "It's perfect timing," she raves. "With Matisse's vibrant colors, this exhibition will really benefit from our much-anticipated facilities upgrade." Though she's attempting to keep a professional objectivity, Davis admits to feeling a personal tie to the Matisse exhibition and hopes

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THE EXHIBITION IN DETAIL

The collection on display at the Pensacola Museum of Art includes four of Matisse's most artistically significant books. "His first illustrated book, Poésies de Stéphane Mallarmé (The Poetry of Stéphane Mallarmé), was published in 1932 and includes fourteen images created to accompany the works of French poet Mallarmé, who was a key figure among the Symbolist writers," Davis says. "The illustrations in Poésies are some of Matisse’s most elegant works of art." The second book, Pasiphaé–Chant de Minos (Les Crétois), published in 1944, retells the mythological story of Pasiphae and the Minoan bull, she explains. "For these illustrations, Matisse used linoleum engraving to create white lines on a solid black background, suggesting ancient Greek blackground vase paintings." Jazz (1947) is particularly noteworthy because Matisse produced both the text and

illustrations for the book. "Based on imagery from the circus and music halls, the boldly colored illustrations are derived from Matisse's cutouts (papiers découpés), which he referred to as 'drawing with scissors,'" Davis says. "He perfected the technique in the final years of his long career when, confined to a wheelchair and suffering from arthritis, he found it difficult to paint." The final book in the exhibition, Poèmes de Charles d’Orléans (Poems of Charles d’Orléans) from 1950 was published four years before Matisse's death. "It features his fanciful, curvilinear designs and handwritten transcriptions of the ballads and verses of French Renaissance poet Charles d’Orleans," she states. "Matisse copied poems using colored crayons." For more information about the Pensacola Museum of Art, visit www.pensacolamuseumofart.com.

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pensacola museum of art presents

The Art Books of Henri Matisse

From the Bank of America Collection

February 26 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; June 26, 2010

On display will be text and original illustrations from four of the most significant books by Henri Matisse, one of the preeminent artists of the 20th century. opening reception Friday, February 26, 2010 6 pm The public is invited. Admission is free. pensacola museum of art 407 South Jefferson St. Pensacola, FL 32502 850.432.6247 This exhibition is provided by Henri Matisse, Icarus ÂŠ 2010 Succession H. Matisse/Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York. Bank of America Collection

Coming in March to the Museum: From Private Walls | March 5, 2010 An exhibition of fine art by national and international artists from private collections within our region. Cash in the Attic | March 12 - 14, 2010 Featuring celebrity appraisers Tim Luke and John Sencio from the HGTV hit show. Come and discover the treasure in your attic.

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By Susan Vallée / Photography by Newbill Collection by the Sea

trains of a Tom Waits song pour from the workshop of jewelry artist José Sierra and into the balmy New Orleans air. Inside, José nods his head to the music while he gently turns a wax mold in his hand. He works at it like sculpture, picking and prying with tiny metal tools until it is shaped just so. Often the form changes midway through the process as he discovers new potential for the ring or pendant he is designing. Ever present is the music when he works. “It is really loud,” José admits. “The genre varies depending on the piece that I’m working on, or the stage of the process that I’m in. I can’t work without the music and I think it reflects in the pieces.” Forms on classic wrought iron gates, the impression a wet glass leaves on a cocktail napkin, the curve of a bone, the curls of a tattoo—life in New Orleans is his main source of inspiration. A walk through the park with his dog, Ruby, inspired a series of twig rings. You can see where José patiently carved away at the form—working and reworking the shape until the metal was forever imbued with the roughness of a branch. José’s route to jewelry was a rather circuitous one. The son of Cuban and Spanish immigrants, he was born and raised in New Orleans but began the study of metalworking in San Francisco after his architectural studies ended. After creating a ring for a friend, José realized he had discovered his life’s passion. His jewelry has since been exhibited at San Francisco’s Balazo Gallery and at L.A. Fashion Week and has appeared in two issues of California Apparel News. It is currently being carried by Newbill Collection by the Sea VIEZINE.COM SPRING 2010

"I consider his work to be museum quality. it has strong appeal to the design-literate eye." –Annette Trujillo art gallery in Seaside and is available on the website Etsy.com. At Newbill Collection by the Sea, gallery owner Annette Trujillo said she has been thrilled to work with José. “I think José’s focus on the architectural elements conveyed in the jewelry gives it such strength and prominence,” she said. “Designwise it is very strong. I consider his work to be museum quality. Structurally, it has strong appeal to the design-literate eye.” Fans of José’s work are often amazed at the weight of the rings or the lightness of the necklaces. He seems to have a talent for ensuring that the piece is as comfortable to wear as it is gorgeous. “I pour a lot into what I make, especially the more major pieces,” José explains. “Sometimes it is hard to let a piece go. There is a choker I refer to as the wreckage choker. The basic pattern repeated throughout the piece was inspired by an iconic image of the 9/11 aftermath. I remember the imagery during a seemingly endless newscast and, immediately seeing the beauty in it, knew what I wanted to do. I guess it was my way of trying to contribute a little good from something so bad.” José is currently working on a series of pendants inspired by the Chinese zodiac— but with creative license applied. He hopes to further grow his commissioned works and laughs as he recalls a recent story involving a custom necklace. “A friend’s wife had been invited to attend the Academy Awards and wanted a necklace for the occasion. I chose a dozen or so chalcedony stones and strung them at random lengths, leaving them slightly askew on a silver cable. It had an elegant, yet industrial feel to it. So anyway, at the awards, she is at the bar when she notices a famous actress admiring her necklace. I was glad she felt equally glamorous that night.”

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T H e

Ophelia M A n y

S I d e S

O f

By Cylinda Marquart

“At some point, you realize that maybe it wasn’t really that

other person or thing, but your own doing.”

—ROMONA ROBBINS

Ophelia, William Shakespeare’s heroine of unrequited love and the longtime muse of painters, poets, and the brokenhearted, shows us her modern yet hauntingly timeless face in photographer Romona Robbins’ seminal work, “The Many Sides of Ophelia.” As a travel and editorial photographer, Robbins saw her native Highway 30A, Grayton Beach, Cape San Blas, and the islands of the Okaloosa Sound as the setting for the archetypal female character’s journey of deep sorrow, madness, and loss of self. Robbins’ treatment of the character allows the viewer to peer into Ophelia’s mind and get a sense of her emotions as she experiences the subjective states of longing, betrayal, and surrender, objectified and made viewable in photographs. In the work titled Betrayal, Ophelia gazes at a tightly layered, prickly green artichoke, while in the distance a masculine form hovers, blank but imposing; the empty suit is suggestive of an absent lover, a father figure, or possibly the roles of men in society itself. Robbins makes use of the symbolic qualities of light and darkness in the piece Effete Love. The playful folds of Ophelia’s maidenly hem and gentle hands cup a nest with a single broken egg, provocatively illuminated and empty, but heavy from the shadows enveloping her form. The Ophelia of William Shakespeare’s Hamlet was also depicted with symbols and codes that communicated visual and mental clues to the audience. Carrying wildflowers after her perceived “madness” had set in, she howled songs of death, grief, and the loss of feminine innocence while dancing wildly at court. Robbins’ choice of symbols reflects the environment she grew up in; the unstrung cello of Madness sits on a boardwalk path that winds through an opaque curtain of Grayton State Park’s pine flatwoods, which separate her from the water. In Begin, Ophelia emerges from the waters of Port St. Joe with the sunrise. Shakespeare used Ophelia to allude to the universal human themes of death, loss of control, pregnancy, and suicide. With “The Many Sides of Ophelia,” Robbins suspends value judgments of these philosophical and VIEZINE.COM SPRING 2010

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complex topics and offers instead emotions in a raw, pure state, allowing for a completely subjective interpretation by each individual who views them. It was the idea of an individual journey that led Robbins to decide to use one model instead of many. Ophelia is portrayed by local musician and dancer Meredith Snow. for Robbins, Snow has quiet grace, femininity, and a certain vulnerability and freedom. She chose Snow as the singular Ophelia in this series of photographs so viewers could form an emotional connection with her on this journey. Ultimately, Robbins’ journey with Ophelia is one in which she says: When I was much younger, I was in a relationship with someone—I obviously had much to learn about life and myself. I see it more clearly today, but back then, I lost myself in someone else. It was an unhealthy relationship. It’s easy to get caught up in that negativity. But in the end, it’s your choice to pull through it or stay put. I look back now, and I am grateful for all the experiences—the good and the bad. They shaped me into what I am today.

creative come together. Of course, all of this takes patience, and anyone who knows me will tell you that it’s not something I’m well known for. As a biologist and travel photographer, what aspects of those experiences did you bring to this project? Robbins: To be a biologist, you have to be a good observer, and the same applies to photography. On assignments, I usually handle the still photography while my husband (a documentary filmmaker) shoots video and other media. We’re usually on a tight schedule, and because we are exploring the area as we are working, we have little control of our environment and what we will encounter. With little choice, I’ve had to adopt a “run-and-gun” style of photography. When I decided to shoot the Ophelia project and started to scout locations, I began seeing our area with fresh eyes. There are many beautiful, wild, and natural places here on the Panhandle. I feel blessed to live here. What brought you to the field of photography? Robbins: I actually started out as a painter. during college, I took a photography course and used my father’s old nikon and dabbled in the darkroom a bit. At that time, I used blackand-white film and would tint prints with oil pastels by hand. After that, I put up the camera for a while and turned to painting and language study, as I was living abroad in Asia. I had a few exhibitions while I was in Taiwan, and, partly because the painting process was so painstaking and as I’m not known for my patience, I returned to working with the camera and substituted the darkroom with Photoshop. I’m self-taught and most of my knowledge comes from researching technical studies of lighting and experimenting with various methodologies of taking pictures.

PhotograPher’s Q&a: What were some of the technical aspects of this project? Robbins: All of the images were shot digitally in RAW format on a Canon 5d Mark II with mild color and level shifts in the post-production process. I chose darker, more muted colors to create the mood and played with the natural light conditions of the day. What were some of the particular challenges that came with shooting this set of photographs? Robbins: When I started this project, I had an image in my mind for each photograph; I drew them out on paper, but my final photos rarely matched my drawings. The feeling of “serendipity” I got when I didn’t get the image I had planned for, but ended up with one better than I’d imagined, was my greatest pleasure. I consider the “harmonious marriage” of photography to be that moment of symmetry when the left-brain technical and right-brain

What do you want readers to take away from this project and these photos? Robbins: I want people to connect with these images and walk away with their own interpretations. I created this project to remind myself of that person that I once was and the person that I am today. This was and continues to be a personal project that gives me control, but it is nerve-racking to expose myself. It is like having that bad dream where you are standing naked in front of an audience. Some people will get it and others will not; it is all subjective. I created this project for myself, but I wanted to illustrate stories of everyday life situations that people could relate to, albeit through my own lens. Cylinda Marquart is a Tokyo-based writer and bon vivant. Opening Spread: Surrender - Point Washington Previous Page (Clockwise from top left): Longing - freeport , Effete Love eden State Park, Control - Alys Beach, Madness - WaterColor This Page: Unfetter - Santa Rosa Sound following Spread: Begin - Port Saint Joe » for more photos visit www.VIezine.com/photos VIEZINE.COM SPRING 2010

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P u b l i s h e r â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s N o t e

VIE, we enjoy scouting new talent and giving artists an opportunity and a forum to have their work published. Okeye Mitchell's award-winning photography first caught my eye in February 2009 during the Emerald Coast Advertising Federation (ECAF) annual Addy Awards. Though I had heard of his talent in 2008, fate and circumstances did not allow for a working relationship to develop. A serendipitous meeting at a recent party on 30A is where Okeye and I crossed paths again. The following photo expose was shot in Alys Beach with local models Ashley Stuart and Hannah Griffin wearing clothing from Banana Republic at the Silver Sands Factory Stores in Miramar Beach.

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OKEYE MITCHELL

Artist Statement

Art has always been a passion of mine. That passion has grown to include fashion photography as well. I enjoy revealing the beauty of things that people do not always see, and we all know that people view fashion trends and styles very differently. In this photo editorial, I chose models of various ages, of different looks, and who come from different backgrounds, to show how diverse beauty can really be. I also chose garments that if you saw them on display on store hangers, you would not think of them as high fashion. To me this photo shoot was a way of combining styles that would normally be of different worlds. â&#x20AC;&#x201D;Okeye Mitchell, photographer

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FERMENTING A BRAND A R i p e B o u q u e t f o r D C WA F

B Y C RY S TA L H A M O N

“A brand for a company is like a reputation for a person. You earn reputation by trying to do hard things well.” – Jeffrey Bezos, Founder, President and Chief Executive of Amazon.com

n June of 2009, the Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation (DCWAF) decided to heed the old adage “Image is everything” and spruce up their brand. Cornerstone Marketing & Advertising, Inc. (CMA), which bills itself as The Idea Boutique®, was hired to create an image that would match the exponential success the charity has enjoyed since its establishment in 2005. As part of the Foundation’s rebranding and strategic business plan, CMA unveiled a newly designed DCWAF website on December 18, 2009, that incorporates the charity’s new logo and branding. “Updating a brand is always challenging, but Cornerstone has made it a seamless experience for us,” said Todd Vucovich, executive director of DCWAF. “They have taken our brand to the next level. On behalf of the needy children we help, we would like to thank them for their tireless support!” CMA happily serves a number of local nonprofit organizations and has continued to invest their services into worthy causes even through challenging economic times. “It is our great pleasure to work with DCWAF, as we know the good work that this charity produces for our community,” said Lisa Burwell, president and founder of CMA. “I have been amazed at how this organization continues to raise funds despite the weakened economy. This phenomenon is a testament to their dedication and success.”

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“We are way ahead of the game this year with patron reservations for our annual Wine and Dine in Paradise event, no doubt in part to our new beautifully designed marketing materials!”

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–Lauren Magli The Idea Boutique’s creative team, including the vice president of creative services, Bob Brown, and art director Eric Shepard, created the branding that has been implemented in DCWAF’s latest annual report, collateral materials, and the newly designed website at www.DCWAF.org. The new look was crafted in order to achieve a level of sophistication and prestige that reflects the success and ability of this organization.

April 23 & 24, 2010

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“To cultivate a unique and refined image for DCWAF, we purposed to avoid common elements typically used in branding wine events,” said Shepard. “We gravitated toward the corkscrew—a tool with a singular purpose—as an iconic symbol to represent the charity’s focused vision.” 

In just four years, what began as a good idea has grown into one of the most successful charitable organizations on the Emerald Coast, raising more than $3 million for local children in need. DCWAF’s success is especially noteworthy given the national economic slump and the fact that wine auction revenues across the country have dropped significantly in the last year. Defying the odds, DCWAF raised $100,000 more in 2009 than in 2008. “The rebranding is intended to assist this organization in garnering grant monies and to make inroads with chefs and vintners worldwide,” added Burwell. DCWAF has hosted some of the region’s most prestigious culinary events in one of the world’s most beautiful locations, all while helping children in the local community. The rebranding and new website will serve as useful tools to aid in the philanthropic goals of DCWAF. “We are excited that the new brand will enable us to seek funds from new revenue streams, allowing us to build on the good work we have started,” said Chan Cox, visionary and founder of DCWAF. DCWAF’s Wine & Dine in Paradise weekend, the region’s premier event for wine enthusiasts and philanthropists alike, is coming up April 23–24, 2010. Some of the Emerald Coast’s most exquisite homes will set the stage for patron dinners on April 23, each of which will feature a nationally recognized chef paired with a world-class celebrity vintner. The following day, DCWAF’s famed Walkabout and Auction will be held at the beautiful Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort. Featuring distinctive wines, fine cuisine, and live music, guests will enjoy a silent auction as they dine, culminating in the exciting live auction, where guests will bid on rare wines, specially designed getaways, and other unique items.



“We are way ahead of the game this year with patron reservations for our annual Wine and Dine in Paradise event, no doubt in part to our new beautifully designed marketing materials!” said Lauren Magli, events coordinator for DCWAF. “I want to extend a big ‘thank you’ to the entire Cornerstone team for all of their hard work. We really appreciate the amazing job that they have done for us!” For more information about the Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation, please visit www.DCWAF.org.

DCWAF’S BENEFICIARY CHARITIES FOR 2010 Children in Crisis, Inc. Sacred Heart Hospital on the Emerald Coast The Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation Ronald McDonald House Charities of Northwest Florida, Inc. Youth Village Children’s Volunteer Health Network, Inc. Shelter House, Inc. Junior League of the Emerald Coast’s Child Clothing Project Pathways for Change

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The party is free and open to all VIE advertisers who have graciously supported us. We also welcome the community to attend the party for $100 per person, which will support many worthy organizations that are in need. For more information visit viezine.com/lejardin. To purchase tickets to Le Jardin, call 850.231.3087 ext. 1 VIEZINE.COM SPRING 2010

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IRELAND

FROM THE EMERALD COAST TO THE EMERALD ISLE PHOTO BY ROMONA ROBBINS

VIEZINE.COM SPRING 2010

THE GREEN AND GOLD By Gerald Burwell

any thoughts may come to mind when contemplating Ireland. Most likely, they would involve lush grassy fields, fluffy white sheep, an old Celtic cross, a four-leaf clover, or an intriguing and lonely castle ruin. If you believe in the fanciful, you might envision a leprechaun or even a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow. A focus of numerous historical, political, and religious conquests, Ireland has a turbulent past that dates back to about 8000 BC. Throughout its history, like most European nations, the citizens of Ireland were disproportionately divided into the “haves” and the “have-nots,” with the majority of the country’s wealth in the hands of a very few. This condition only exacerbated the devastating impact of the Great Famine of the 1840s, when Ireland lost about 25 percent of its population to death and to the emigration that followed over the next century. It was during this period that some of Ireland’s most treasured writers emerged: James Joyce, Oscar Wilde, William Butler Yeats, George Bernard Shaw, and Samuel Beckett. The latter three were recipients of Nobel Prizes. As some say, “In times of adversity, comes ingenuity.” The Ireland of today is, by leaps and bounds, in a much better place than it was in those days. It is a country of surprising paradoxes; it is traditional, yet modern, and it is rugged, yet beautiful. And, although Ireland is mostly rural, it is far from the poor country that it once was. Its educational system is ranked among the world’s top ten and, in the past decade, Ireland has become one of Europe’s premier software producing countries. But even with its prosperous and growing high-tech and financial industries, Ireland’s most valuable resources are probably its people and the natural beauty of the country itself. With roughly the same size and population as the state of Maine, tourism has become one of Ireland’s top industries. If you have never had the pleasure of visiting Ireland or you have but haven’t been there within the past fifteen to twenty years, then you are truly missing out on one of the most charming and memorable travel experiences to be had. This past summer, VIE made plans to hop the Atlantic to a different kind of emerald shore. As we prepared for the trip, we discovered that several other friends and colleagues from Northwest Florida were on their way to explore the Emerald Isle. The following pages are the accounts of the three distinctly different escapades. 70

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Romona Robbins and husband, Shane Reynolds, take a "dip" in the ruins of Minard Castle.

THE ENCHANTING EMERALD ISLE Story and Photography by Romona Robbins

“TOP O’ THE MORNIN’ TO YA!” as they say in Ireland, which is where my husband and I ventured off to this past August. I had never been to the Emerald Isle, but was eager to escape Florida’s hot and humid summer days. Our mission: film a short vignette that would integrate Verizon’s new BlackBerry Storm for the Travel Channel. They gave us a list of destination options, but my husband, Shane Reynolds, opted for the Dingle Peninsula on Ireland’s southwest coast. On our landing approach into Shannon Airport, a bird’s-eye view gave way to a quilted blanket of green pastures dotted with cattle and sheep. It was so beautiful and inviting that I could hardly wait! Day One – Limerick Since the Dingle Peninsula is about a three-hour drive from Shannon Airport, we rested up by spending one night in a big city. Our first stop

was Limerick, which is about twenty minutes from the airport. We checked into the Strand Hotel, which provides a contemporary, yet inviting atmosphere. It’s in the heart of the city overlooking the Shannon River, making it a great location for a stroll. We walked along the Shannon while admiring the city’s historical landmarks such as St. Munchin’s Church (1827), King John’s Castle (13th century), and the King’s Island Almshouses (1690), to name a few. Limerick’s architecture and vibe is quaint and colorful. You won’t find many high-rises in this old city, and it makes for a perfect day trip. Day Two – Dingle Town Anxious to get out of the city, we left early the next morning. After three hours of cruising through small towns and rolling pastures on narrow roads, we caught our first glimpse of the Atlantic. With the lackluster forecast, we

worried about the shooting conditions, but the ominous skies looming above complemented all the castle ruins scattered about. The Atlantic greeted us with a cool, salty breeze, and surfers in wet suits peppered the waves. We were officially on the Dingle Peninsula! Arriving in Dingle Town, we checked into the Dingle Skellig Hotel, an alluring and homey four-star hotel with a big plus—Location! The view of the bay and its surroundings was breathtaking. Hoping for a few breaks in the weather, we hit the streets, not wanting to miss any opportunity to shoot. The small, hilly town of Dingle is easy to navigate by foot. Most of the buildings are linked together, and are no taller than four stories high. Each is painted a unique color and has a completely different facade. As quaint as the town is, VIEZINE.COM SPRING 2010

the amenities seem limitless. You can find anything there, from galleries to an aquarium. While exploring, we discovered that cafés and pubs, as one would expect in Ireland, are on every corner. The Irish are generally jovial folks and are as welcoming as a pint of Guinness. Having some good “craic” (pronounced “crack”) at any of the local pubs is an unbelievable experience, especially when accompanied by some Gaelic songs sung a cappella by the tipsy regulars. After a half-day of shooting around the rainsqualls, we were famished. Our budget was as tight as our schedule, so we were conscientious about our expenses. Lunch at most restaurants ran at least 8–10 euro, but we discovered that the local grocery stores have really nice delis with good, hot food and toasted sandwiches for about 3–5 euro. Mother Nature provided our dining spot. (With plenty of sweet spots to picnic, we did this more than once!) We had just long enough to finish our meal and make it back to the hotel before the rain settled in. Since our most intense day of shooting started early the next morning, we packed it in for the night and prayed that the weather forecast was wrong.

Then, it was on to the Three Sisters (our favorite view) and some long sandy beaches at the base of tall, sheer cliffs. Day Three – The Slea Head Drive As luck would have it, the weather forecast was wrong! We needed sun today—and it looked like that’s what we were going to get! We hopped into the car, and began the most famous route around the Dingle Peninsula, called the Slea Head Drive. You can complete the drive in just a few hours, starting from and ending in Dingle Town—but, seriously, take the day! The scenery from the car window transformed from patches of colossal fuchsia hedgerows, to pastures of sheep, to ancient beehive huts (2000

An ancient friary en route to the airport.

B.C.????). Past Slea Head (marked by a crucifix), we continued on to Dunmore Head where we found the Sleeping Giant resting under a blanket of clouds. Here, we hiked out to get a better look at the majestic Blasket Islands. Then, it was on to the Three Sisters (our favorite view) and some long sandy beaches at the base of tall, sheer cliffs. You can pull over at any point along the way to take it all in, which is what we did while we explored different ways to use the BlackBerry en route. With the sun out, Dingle was almost too easy to shoot! Back at our room, Shane immediately edited and finished the rough cut before going to sleep. That was a first! We still had three nights and four days left to do whatever we wanted! Day Four – Another Day in Dingle The following morning it was raining “cats and dogs,” and the low-lying clouds left us with low visibility. We went for a traditional Irish breakfast of eggs, bacon and sausage, roasted tomatoes, baked beans, and fried potatoes—we avoided the black pudding (aka blood pudding). Afterwards, in spite of the rain, we decided to explore. We drove in the opposite direction of the peninsula towards Tralee. About four miles off the main road, we saw a sign leading to Minard Castle. It was an unexpected find. After a short,

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View of the Three Sisters in the Dingle Peninsula on the Slea Head Drive.

meandering drive, we eventually found it sitting high on a hill overlooking the bay with a shore of giant boulders. The dark sky and torrential downpour seemed to be a fitting backdrop for the castle ruin. The interior was dilapidated and overgrown with moss. With the camera on a tripod, we set the shutter to self-timing and began taking silly photos. We had the whole place to ourselves, and it was so much fun despite the rain. After our photo session, we went back to our hotel to freshen up, and headed out for an evening in Dingle. We went to the lively pub O’Flaherty’s, and indulged in a delicious bowl of Irish chowder (the peninsula specialty) and a serving of fish and chips with malt vinegar. Over dinner, we discussed our plans for the next day. We knew that the forecast called for clear skies, so we decided to see what the Ring of Kerry was all about, which is much larger and more touristy than the Dingle Peninsula. Day Five – The Ring of Kerry The Ring of Kerry is approximately 120 miles of road circling the Iveragh Peninsula (just south of Dingle); it delivers a wealth of culture, monuments, towns, and archaeological gems along a pristine and rugged Atlantic coastline. All the locals and travel guides suggested traveling the ring in a counterclockwise direction. Turns out, we didn’t agree; when the sun is shining, going

clockwise would time the end of this day-long trip perfectly with a sunset view. We began in Killorglin and ended in Killarney. Our favorite portion was a three-hour detour called the Skellig Ring, a 20-mile loop beginning at the quaint fishing village of Portmagee and continuing on to Waterville. The Skellig Ring seems more isolated than the Ring of Kerry. Its narrow roads are inaccessible to tour buses, making this a paradise for independent travelers. When we hit the outer edges of the peninsula,

we could see straight out to the Skelligs—jagged rock islands comprised of slate. Had we known they existed, we may have organized a day trip to get a closer look by boat, but the coastline offered plenty of natural entertainment. We hopped out of our car at just about every corner to admire the scenery. One sign led us to “the best panoramic view of the peninsula,” but it didn’t say exactly where. Shane assumed it was at the end of a worn path leading through farmland and high over a ridge. But, it turns out that

Lake of Killarney National Park, County Kerry at dusk. VIEZINE.COM SPRING 2010

The remains of Minard Castle perched on a hill overlooking the Dingle Peninsula.

It rained all but two days of our trip, but that didn’t influence our time in a negative way. Ireland is beautiful and enchanting—rain or shine.

the worn path was not from hikers, but from water runoff. Let’s just say it took us way too long to figure out that this wasn’t the right trail. About two minutes further north on the Skellig Ring was the intended scenic view, complete with paved walkways and handrails. And the view was phenomenal! From here we could spot the hill that we had been on, and it appeared much larger from that vantage point. The size and sheer beauty of these magnificent sea cliffs were no less than astonishing; they are the biggest sea cliffs you can find in Ireland without heading up to the northwest coast. As we got back onto the Ring of Kerry, we passed even more amazing and diverse topography. Leaving the coast, we cut through the 74

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valleys and peaks of Ireland’s highest mountain, Carrauntuohill, and headed towards Killarney. The sun was starting to set as we drove past the Killarney Lakes in Killarney National Park. Incredible! We scrambled to get shots before our precious sunlight left us. Despite its reputation for being touristy, words and pictures cannot express how gorgeous the Ring of Kerry is. It was a beautiful end to a beautiful journey through the peninsulas of Dingle and Iveragh. Day Six – Bunratty Headed toward Shannon, we took our time on the way to Bunratty by taking as many scenic routes as possible. It was our last day and we wanted to savor our last moments in this heavenly country. Driving through the panoramic views of Connor Pass and north along the

coast, we stumbled upon abbeys, castles, forts, and friaries. Although it didn’t compare to our drives along the peninsulas, it was a pleasurable five-hour drive. We checked into the Bunratty Manor Hotel, had a fantastic dinner, packed our things, and called it a day. It rained all but two days of our trip, but that didn’t influence our time in a negative way. Ireland is beautiful and enchanting—rain or shine. The cold and dreary weather creates a mood that actually amplifies Ireland’s scenery. On the other hand, when it’s sunny and all the Irish colors come to life, it’s hard to find any side where the grass is greener!

To see Shane’s BlackBerry video of the Dingle Peninsula, go to the Travel Channel link: http://customsites.yahoo.com/VZWTravel and look for the Dingle, Ireland photo on the world map.

THE GARDEN CLUB “So, why’re ya here?”

It wasn’t the first time we’d heard this question, and it wasn’t the first time we exchanged perplexed looks while trying to decipher the thick Irish accent. Our cab took a swift turn along a small Irish road, causing me to smash into my travel partner, Kendall, which prompted her to answer, “Oh, we had a long weekend in the States, and have always wanted to come to Ireland.” It was our standard answer. The cabby threw a questioning look in the rearview mirror and repeated his query, “No, why are you here?” To the Irish, “here” is apparently the middle of nowhere. Kendall and I had found a fantastic deal on a little cottage in County Wicklow, Ireland. In our Internet research, we found that our new home for the weekend was a town known colloquially as the “Garden of Ireland,” a place which, in the summer, has the richest bounty of gardens and flowers in the country. After seeing the cozy bungalow homes with secret garden courtyards, we yearned to sit surreptitiously at the back of their garden club meetings to learn techniques on proper pruning. Our base camp was Wicklow Town, County Wicklow, which is cupped between the Irish Sea and the Wicklow

Mountains, all about an hour’s train ride from Dublin. The rolling countryside is picturesque Ireland, with green meadows crawling up hillsides topped with herds of grazing sheep—just what stateside folk might think of when they attempt to picture the Emerald Isle. On our first full day, we decided to go to an even smaller nearby town named Aughrim, and I felt another line of questioning bubbling from the cabby again. “Why are you going there?” Obviously, we were going to be a handful for Wicklow Kabs, but we had a definite reason for traveling the twisting mountain roads to Aughrim—there was going to be a fleadh that day.

Story and Photography by Wade Berry

exactly a fleadh is, we examined the variety of instruments and the space around us. This was obviously the grammar room; signs in both English and Gaelic graced the walls. Gaelic is the traditional Irish language and is a form of the Gaelic used across the channel in the British Isles. The Irish are enormously proud of their native tongue and offer education in both English and

In the little town of Aughrim, we found ourselves in a schoolhouse where little red-headed children with tin whistles were running down corridors decorated with crayon drawings delicately hung by strings and clothespins. A paper sign on a door directed us to a room filled with traditional Irish instruments, such as tin whistles, fiddles, accordions, and mandolins. As we waited for the elderly gentleman behind the table to give us some information on what VIEZINE.COM SPRING 2010

Gaelic. However, like most things from bygone years, Gaelic is a vernacular that is slowly dying out. I can see how it would be hard to text “Éirinn go Brách”! (The curious may find the translation humorous.) Fortunately there has recently been a huge movement, rooted in national pride, to keep this beautiful language on the tongues of the young people in Ireland. The man at the desk informed us that the preliminaries were currently under way at the school, but the “big show” was to be in the town square that night. As to what exactly a fleadh is, that was easy to explain: it’s a music and dance competition that is held around the country each year. First, each town holds a competition (which is

what we were to see); the winners of that round go on to compete at the county level. The winners of that level then compete in the national competition. With this information in our pockets, we decided to do some exploring. The town of Aughrim is a fantasyland of Irish lore. An old Catholic church stands on a hilltop, and down from the town square, a river gushes under stone bridges and along the sides of ancient buildings. Cafés and pubs line the streets, and every once in a while, a tractor crawls down the road, causing small traffic jams. Although picturesque, the town is still quite small. We had nothing but time on our hands, so inevitably we found ourselves bellying up at a pub, making conversation with the townsfolk. In a short while, we obtained information on the town’s entire history—who the major political figures were, why those people were “horse’s arses,” what our pub friends would like to do to them if they had the chance, and of course, the basic rules of rugby. While I was being educated on the scrum-half ’s duties, the sound of bagpipes and drums filled the streets. In one movement, I paid our tab, turned and grabbed Kendall, and shot out the door—I was in no way going to miss the “big show.” In reality, it was not big, but it was definitely a show. The entire community, which consisted of about forty farmers, six yuppies, the band, and of course, two kids from Florida, lined the town square. As soon as the folk music started, the dancing began. My favorite of all the dancers were

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a handful of young girls, with old clogs strapped to their feet, who were sitting in a corner. They were all giggling nervously at each other, knowing that at any moment one of them would be called to the dance floor, which had been set up in the square, and judged by the people. Although there were no drums, one could feel the beat of the music simply from the vibrations of clogs striking the floor. Then, right there, in the midst of all of this, I had an epiphany—this was the heartbeat of Ireland. An observer could see the pulse on the faces in the crowd, the nodding of heads in rhythm and approval, the elders sitting on benches, tapping their tired feet, and in the children tugging on their parents’ arms, wanting to join in the fun. This is what has kept generations of Irish people alive throughout the harsh winters, the famines, the rebellions, the wars. This is what it means to be Irish—determination, passion, and a love for each other that has lasted for generations. I was finishing up my sandwich of pastrami and sauerkraut on cucumber bread when we decided on our next adventure. The Black Castle is located in Wicklow Town, along the coast. It had been a Norman stronghold during the time of the O’Byrne and O’Toole conquests, but now it is nothing more than a speck of scattered rocks and half of a tower. The ancient castle still has a powerful hold on everyone because of its panoramic views of the area, and the grassy knoll is perfect for taking photos. I now understand why this is called the Emerald Isle; I have never seen a more flawless shade of green in my life, and this was a picture-perfect day to capture that beauty. We had recently learned from our chatty cab drivers that that weekend was the first time they had seen the sun in ninety days. Kendall and I like to think we brought some Florida sunshine with us, and most of the townsfolk seemed to agree. We spent hours taking photos, lying in the ultralush grass, and enjoying the soft sunlight that beamed down on us. For our last adventure in Ireland on another stunning day, we visited Glendalough (pronounced “Gleann Da Loch”), which means “The Glen

We had recently learned from our chatty cab drivers that that weekend was the first time they had seen the sun in ninety days. Kendall and I like to think we brought some Florida sunshine with us, and most of the townsfolk seemed to agree. of the Two Lakes.” This national monument is situated in the heart of the Wicklow Mountains National Park. During our quick weekend, the many friendly locals with whom we spoke congratulated us on choosing Glendalough as the last image of Ireland that we would see. “On the whole of Ireland, Glendalough is the brightest gem,” they said. The park boasts two narrow glacial lakes, an ancient monastery built by St. Kevin, and two incredibly steep mountains on either side, creating a luscious valley. We had decided to take the long trail—through the monastery, up the mountain, then back down and around both lakes. “Keep breathing, just a thousand more steps,” a godlike voice from the treetops echoed down to us. In my exhausted, delusional state, I didn’t have time to ponder why God suddenly sounded like a forty-five-year-old Dutch woman. So, I put one foot in front of the other, and kept going up… and up… and up. My apparition/hallucination happened not even half way up the mountainside in a thick spruce forest. Between breathing breaks, I kept one eye trained on the

lush forest, on the lookout for fairy-tale creatures or at least for a red squirrel to stop by and say “hello.” About the time that I was concluding a riveting conversation with three gnomes and a red-breasted robin, I noticed we were heading out of the tree line. This, of course, meant two things: we were almost to the top and we had walked high enough in elevation that trees didn’t even bother to grow. You could carry the largest thesaurus in the world and still not come up with words to describe the beauty on top of that mountain. To sum it up—breathtaking! It was either the view or the massive aerobic step exercise we had just experienced that left me gasping for air—I’m sure it was a little bit of both. This was literally, figuratively, physically, and mentally the pinnacle of our journey. The experience I had yearned for had finally come to fruition. On our travel back across “the big pond,” I began thinking that we never really answered any of our cab drivers’ questions correctly. “So, why’re ya here?” could easily have been answered with a simple “Why not?” Travel is a personal experience. The average person will never be able

to fit in, or afford, all of the tourist destinations in the world. So why not do what you can with the money and time available to you? We went for only a weekend, but I felt as if I had spent a lifetime exploring the people, culture, and mystery of the Emerald Isle. That, my fellow travelers, is a perfect explanation for proper travel—an experience that will follow you forever.

My research sites and other helpful information: Wicklow Tourist Office: www.visitwicklow.ie Aughrim: www.visitwicklow.ie/towns/aughrim Wicklow Kabs: (0404)66888 Glendalough: www.wicklow.com/glendalough Irish Rail System: www.irishrail.ie

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the grand. the lovely. the unforgettable. ireland. Story and Photography by Gerald Burwell

ast June my mother-in-law, Marie Ryan, was diagnosed with a terminal illness. The news came only one month after her image graced the cover of VIE’s Summer Issue—A Tribute to Mothers. Not sure of how much time she had left in this world, Marie thought that if she did not get to Ireland soon, the prospect might never present itself again. After two months of treatment, I don’t know which lifted Marie’s spirits more—the fact that the illness had not advanced further, or that she had been given the green light by her doctors to go to Ireland. Whichever it was, it didn’t matter. It was as if she had been given a second lease on life. So, on September 2, we were on our way to western Ireland by way of Shannon Airport, making a quick stop in Boston to pick up John and Marie. Our itinerary included a threeday, all-inclusive retreat followed by five days in Connemara, then one day back at the retreat before heading home. 78

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King of the Castle Our first destination is located in Newmarketon-Fergus, County Clare. It was only a twentyminute drive from Shannon and would be the location for my in-laws’ 50th wedding anniversary celebration with their Irish relatives. We entered the lobby through heavy, ornate oak doors, and there they stood—a pair of medieval suits of shining armor looking like two steadfast warriors vigilantly standing guard at the entrance of one of the most enchanting locations I have ever visited—the ultrafanciful Dromoland Castle. Travel connoisseurs tend to pride themselves on their ability to experience as many interesting things and places as possible during the course of a journey. To accomplish that, most are forced to stay in one place for only a night or two and then move on to the next location for the next experience, and so on, and so on. Dromoland will give even the most experienced travel guru a run for his money. Whether you are male or female, young or old, adventurous or curious, it has something for everyone.

The reflection pool of Dromoland's walled garden.

View of Dromoland Castle from the 18th fairway

Dromoland is a real-life castle, a wonderland for both children and adults. There are so many nooks and crannies to explore... Dromoland was originally built in the 11th century, but what a visitor sees today is the result of a major reconstruction in the 16th century and two additions, one in the 18th century and the second completed only twelve years ago. Once a stronghold of the O’Brien clan, it is now a 98room, five-star hotel that is surrounded by 410 acres. If you are wondering whether there would

be enough to do while visiting Dromoland, you have nothing to worry about—the amenities and activities are so abundant that they stack up to the castle’s corbels. If the rain (or “the damp” as the Irish call it) keeps you indoors, plenty of diversions can be found within the walls of the castle itself. Remember,

Dromoland is a real-life castle, a wonderland for both children and adults. There are so many nooks and crannies to explore—complete with original furniture, tapestries, paintings, and stained glass—that it would take hours to absorb all of it. Or, if you feel the need for some pampering, head down to the Spa at Dromoland for a gamut of full-service treatments. There are many appealing interests to entice the outdoorsman. The property includes pristine, manicured grounds, gardens, forests, walking trails, a lake, and a magnificent eighteen-hole golf course. Besides golf, visitors can participate in archery, rowing, cycling, fishing, and horseback riding, to name only a few of the activities offered. Some of my favorite experiences were

Marie & John's 50th Wedding Anniversary Dinner

The entertaining Sean Kilkenny

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If you are in search of a storybook adventure, then you may want to consider being treated like a king at Dromoland Castle where the service is professional and unpretentious. The magnificent stair of Dromoland's main hall

exploring the enchanting walled garden, walking the trails, and an unforgettable horse-and-buggy guided tour of the Dromoland grounds hosted by the extremely entertaining Sean Kilkenny—if you are in search of the craic, Sean’s your man. A must-see is the Hawk Walk where hotel guests are schooled about birds of prey while walking the wooded grounds. You can easily quench your appetite if you feel famished after your inquisitive explorations. During the day, enjoy light fare in the whimsical Cocktail Bar overlooking the lake or take afternoon tea in one of several cozy rooms and nooks in the castle gallery. In the evenings, dinner is served in either the informal Fig Tree or the formal Earl of Thomond restaurants. Some hotel packages include dinner in the latter, but if yours does not, try not

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Dromoland's picturesque tower and corbels

to pass on the opportunity to enjoy awardwinning cuisine by the very capable Executive Chef David McCann in a relaxed atmosphere accompanied by first-rate service and expertly performed harp music. If you are in search of a storybook adventure, then you may want to consider being treated like a king at Dromoland Castle where the service is professional and unpretentious. For those of you who like to plan your stay, you may want to do your homework on the many amenities and activities that Dromoland has to offer before going. Chances are that you are not going to have enough time to do them all— but there’s no harm in trying.

The renowned Connemara pony on the stunning Connemara coast of west Ireland

In Love with Connemara With our Dromoland experience behind us, the four of us packed up and piled into our trusty “carriage.” We said, “Take care,” but not goodbye, for we would be back for one more night before flying stateside. We were off to Connemara— more specifically, Renvyle, County Galway. During most of the three-hour drive, the rain came down with a force that would impress even a Floridian. Somewhere along N59, after the charming town of Oughterard, the landscape (and road) became more rugged. By the time we realized some invisible threshold had been crossed, we came upon Derryerglinna, home of the “Quiet Man Bridge.” It is a small stone bridge made famous by the 1952 film The Quiet Man, starring John Wayne and Maureen O’Hara. The movie—about a disgraced American boxer who retires to Ireland and finds love in the process— was filmed on location with several shots in the vicinity of our travels. Continuing further into Connemara, the lush green grasses were traded for a more wild, wiry variety, the dense forests gave way to wide open

Continuing further into Connemara, the lush green grasses were traded for a more wild, wiry variety, the dense forests gave way to wide open spaces, and gentle rolling hills were replaced by a series of twelve small mountains...

spaces, and gentle rolling hills were replaced by a series of twelve small mountains, the Twelve Bens, the most notable of Connemara’s natural features. Their heights are not impressive by any means, but their peaks are often lost within low clouds, as if heaven itself is gently caressing the summits. Between the Bens were low-lying areas called “bogs,” which are ancient deposits of dense organic material known as “peat.” Peat, or “turf ” as the Irish call it, has been extensively harvested for centuries by the locals for home heating and cooking. As we pulled into Renvyle, we could see through the rain the welcome sight of smoke puffing from the chimney of our destination—a traditional Irish stone cottage with a charming old stone barn and a hedged garden. We were greeted by Pongo and Minnie, two quintessentially Irish black-and-white Border Collie sheepdogs. Inside the cottage, our home for the next five days, it was cozy and dry. A plate of warm scones and a glowing turf fire burned in the hearth.

Both were expertly made by Catherine Coyne, who obviously knows her craft. She and her husband, Martin Joe, are cattle breeders by trade and kindly help John and Marie to oversee the cottage when they are not there. Though it was modest, this cottage had considerably more significance to us than an O’Brien castle. It once belonged to Marie’s aunt, the late Maggie McLoughlin. There was hardly a moment that Maggie did not graciously open her humble home to friends and family. That is their culture—an open door is equivalent to an “open” sign, inviting visitors to come in and say hello. During a ten-day visit in 2000, we spent several days and evenings with Maggie sharing tales over tea and crackers. Sadly, within a few weeks of our visit, Maggie suddenly became ill, and passed away three months later. Maggie was one of the best people that I have ever met. Just knowing her, even for a short time, was a life-altering experience—one that will be etched into my soul for the rest of my life. VIEZINE.COM SPRING 2010

The sun blazing through the morning mist of Killary Harbour.

It didn’t take long for news to travel that the “Yanks” (referring to us) were in town. The next day, the rain let up enough that shortly following church, a small parade of visitors proceeded to stop by—and not one without a housewarming gift. The Connemarans seem to have a keenly developed sixth sense that allows them to time visits perfectly—which is a good thing because the sitting room of the average home could not possibly accommodate more than two to four visitors at a time. First, there was Mamie and Mikie Kane, a lovely couple that I remembered from our visits with Maggie. In their possession was a loaf of Irish bread and the latest local goings-on. This form of information networking is second only to the Web in terms of speed—and in Connemara, it is probably even faster! Next, came John McLoughlin (cousin to Maggie by marriage), carrying a pyramid of eggs fresh from his henhouse a short way down the road. If you know John, then you know Maggie; he possesses the same enormous grace and unassuming humility that makes you want to be a better person. He is considered one of Ireland’s foremost experts on the world-renowned Connemara pony. Only days before our arrival, John’s pony, “Gentle Kate” (shown by Geoffrey Heanue), won the three-year-old filly category at the 2009 Clifden Connemara Pony Show, one of the most respected shows in all of Ireland. Like

John and Marie Ryan with award-winning John McLoughlin 82 SPRING 2010 VIEZINE.COM

a trademark, John owns the right to use the word “gentle” in the names of his ponies. If “gentle” is in the name, rest assured the pony is his and that it is a showstopper. An entire room of John’s house is proudly dedicated to the display of his hundreds of ribbons, plaques, and trophies. Our biggest surprise came last. We didn’t know it, but some of John’s (my father-in-law) relatives from Galway City, Tony and Pamela Connolly, were spending the weekend in Connemara. They stopped by to invite us for a small Sunday afternoon dinner at their weekend home—a camper located on the Lettergesh beach (the film location for the horse-racing sequence in The Quiet Man). By the time we arrived, the cozy camper, filled with the wonderful aromas of home-cooked food, was a welcome change to the small hurricane that had begun to blow outside. Of course, Pamela had downplayed the extent of the “small” dinner. The table was decked out and all of the stops removed. Afterward, Tony wrapped up the afternoon with soulful guitar music accompanied by beautifully sung Irish ballads. As an All-Ireland Whistling Champion, his whistling was so evocative that it gave me goose bumps. Tuesday, after a second day of rain, the sun finally broke through the clouds. Marie wanted to pay her respects at Renvyle Cemetery, while giving us a short tour of the area by car. On the way,

Marie pointed out two cottages that were significant in her childhood: her late Uncle Patrick’s house where Marie grew up, and next to that, her mother’s childhood home, which in no way appeared large enough for a husband and wife, let alone a family of six. Rounding the bend, a family of Connemara ponies was on the side of the road, basking in the sun that had been eluding them for the past three months. Renvyle Cemetery sits atop a modest hill at Ardnagreevagh overlooking the peninsula and the Atlantic. Marie carefully placed flowers at the burial stones of her beloved family; her sister, Ann, as well as several aunts and uncles, including Maggie, are buried there. Some of the gravestones date back to 1908, but there are many more graves without markers that are much older. Close by are the ruins of Renvyle Castle, and within the cemetery itself are the ruins of the Church of the Seven Daughters. Driving down Cloonluane road, there was nothing in sight but a couple dozen sheep roaming

an otherwise intimidating landscape. We came upon a grouping of buildings that were in the middle of nowhere. Marie explained how one of the buildings used to be her childhood schoolhouse. It had since been converted to a residence with several additions built onto it. “You see the top of that hill?” Marie asked as she pointed to the hill immediately behind the old schoolhouse. “I had to climb that hill to and from school everyday.” I knew how far we were from the cottage that she lived in as a teenager, so it caused an eyebrow to perk up. “You see that one?” she continued as she pointed to the top of a much larger hill on the other side of the valley from where we were parked. The inflection of her voice was meant to pique our interest. “Three or four of my schoolmates came over the top of that everyday—and they didn’t have shoes!” That perked my other brow. She was pointing at Tully Mountain, which climbed over 800 feet from the bottom of the valley. Marie explained how most of the children did not have shoes to wear to school. “The kids around here would do

Rounding the bend, a family of Connemara ponies was on the side of the road, basking in the sun that had been eluding them for the past three months.

An authentic thatched-roof Irish cottage in Renvyle. 83

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Bencorr (one of Twelve Bens) and lake Lough Inagh

It’s hard to say what makes Connemara so special. Words simply cannot describe it. almost anything to get to school for their education! Shoes were mostly a luxury and were saved for Sundays. Even though I had shoes for school, I didn’t want to wear them so that I wouldn’t feel or look different from the others.” Comments like that really put things in perspective, and it somehow did not surprise me. Marie is a class act and comes from a generation that has probably forgotten more manners than most children are even taught today. We rounded out our afternoon tour with an early dinner in the sitting room of the Renvyle House Hotel. It sits on a 200-acre estate directly on the Atlantic Ocean and has been a playground

destination for the well-to-do since 1883. The unassuming and relaxed rustic Tudor interiors of the hotel make for a great place to unwind, whether it is for light fare, a drink, or even a sitdown dinner—it appeals to almost any mood. Every time we go to Connemara, Renvyle House draws us in. And, each time we go, it gives back memories— like the day, in 2000, that a local herding dog adopted Lisa and me as his flock. He herded us for over a mile as we walked to Renvyle House. Once there, he proceeded to pick a fight inside the hotel with a much larger dog, a St. Bernard. (“Is that your dog?” “What dog?”) When we finished our snack, he again herded us back to where he had picked us up.

Before we knew it, Thursday morning was upon us—it was time to head back to Dromoland. Nobody really wanted to leave and the magnificently beautiful day made it that much harder, but we had so many more amazing treasures placed in our memory banks. Our trip was one for the books, and best of all, both John and Marie were able to leave all concerns behind for nine days. It’s hard to say what makes Connemara so special. Words simply cannot describe it. Maybe it’s the blustery but invigorating wind that blows in off the North Atlantic and melts the rain into your cheeks, or the raw natural splendor, or maybe it comes down to the incredible people of this land. No matter a person’s experience, the sensation is base and primal—a feeling down to the roots of your being. It had been my third time to Connemara, and as with the previous visits, I fell in love with it even more. It is no wonder that Marie wanted to come back. And, she will be back again! Sláinte! (Pronounced “slawn-cha,” this traditional Irish toast means “To your health!”) For more information about Dromoland Castle, please visit www.dromoland.ie; and for Renvyle House Hotel, visit (www.renvyle.com).

"DOG" (2000 Ireland Trip) 2010 VIEZINE.COM 84 PhotoSPRING by Lisa Burwell

Comprising three distinct communities – WaterSound, WaterSound Beach and WaterSound West Beach – the Town of WaterSound is a unique, quiet coastal community steeped in classic maritime traditions, possessing its own sense of place that remains true to its original, organic beauty.

Cozily situated between the WaterColor Crossing shopping village and miles of state forest and woodlands, Summersweet Place at the Crossing District reflects a true village atmosphere with convenient access to shopping, restaurants, and award-winning amenities such as the gulf-front WaterColor Beach Club, Camp WaterColor, the Tennis Center and more.

There’s never been a place like this before and there never will be again – a woodland preserve on the waters of Crooked Creek and the spectacular West Bay of Northwest Florida. Fewer than 450 homes are planned for 1,500 acres, two-thirds of which will be committed to conservation. Many homesites are up to one acre or larger.

Northwest of downtown Port St. Joe, there’s a place where more than 3.5 miles of pristine white sand beaches and blue waters of St. Joseph Bay meet. Created on 2,020 acres of forests, wetlands, and ancient dunes, this is a new beachfront resort community – this is WindMark Beach.

www.JOE.com WaterSound, RiverCamps, WaterColor | 866.505.2091 | 180 WaterSound Parkway, WaterSound, FL 32413 WindMark Beach | 866.227.9007 | 101 Good Morning Street, Suite 103, Port St. Joe, FL 32456 ©2009 The St. Joe Company. St. Joe Community Sales, Inc., Licensed Real Estate Broker. “JOE”, “St. Joe”, “WaterColor”, “WaterSound”, “WaterSound Beach”, “WaterSound West Beach”, RiverCamps”, “WindMark Beach” and the “Taking Flight” designs are service marks of The St. Joe Company. Ownership of a residence in the featured communities does not grant any use of or right of access to the WaterSound Beach Club, Camp Creek Golf Club or Origins Golf Course, all of which may require the purchase of a separate membership pursuant to the club's rules. Eligibility to join a club depends on it its rules which are subject to change. This does not constitute an offer to sell property. This is not intended to be an offer to sell nor a solicitation of offers to buy real estate in the listed communities by residents of Connecticut, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, New York, New Jersey, and Oregon, unless registered or exemptions are available, or in any other jurisdiction where prohibited by law. Prices subject to change without notice. VIEZINE.COM SPRING 2010 85

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PEOPLE + PLACES

Tasting of Champions Tasting of Champions was held on January 29, 2010 in the Azalea Ballroom located at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort. With the highest attendance ever, they 2

were able to gross over $12,000 to help support local

children’s charities. The Wine Walkabout included over 500 different wines in over 60 categories, as well as the medal winners from each category. It was a very enjoyable night at the resort, with good wine flowing and appetizing hor d’oeuvres for all the guests. Photography by Lisa Ferrick

Todd and Marcela Vucovich, Nancy Abood

Deidra and Mike Stange

Susan Kiley and Wayne Paul

Lynn Dugas, Scott Russell, and Myra Williams

Michael Dangerfield and Lauren Magli VIEZINE.COM SPRING 2010

Touring Europe on Two Wheels It’s As Easy as Riding a Bicycle story & photography by

Kim Duke-Layden

icycling and European travel are two of my favorite pursuits. In 1998, I discovered the best of both worlds when I joined a guided cycling tour through the vineyard-clad rolling hills of France’s Loire Valley. In 2004, I made a better discovery—selfguided European cycling trips, priced 50–75 percent less! Since then, my husband, John, and I have taken five self-guided bike trips, touring Austria, Belgium, Italy, Germany, France, and the Netherlands. We booked through European-based cycling outfitter Eurocycle (www.radreisen.at). While we

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enjoyed all our trips, last August we experienced the best cycling trip—a mostly downhill ride through Austria’s stunning Hohe Tauern National Park, located in central Austria between Innsbruck and Salzburg. DAYS 1 & 2: KRIMML, AUSTRIA By late afternoon we arrived in Krimml, an alpine village tucked in Austria’s Land Salzburg region bordering Hohe (High) Tauern National Park. We stayed at National Park Hotel Klockerhaus (www.klockerhaus.at), which

The starting point of Tauern Radweg (bike path) in Krimml. Photo by John Layden

Panorama of Krimml, Austria and its namesake waterfall nestled within Tauern National Park

We awoke to perfect hiking weather—cool and sunny. After breakfast, we drove an hour to Zell am See to turn in our rental car, then returned to Krimml via Postbus, a public bus transport operated by the postal service. We quickly grabbed hiking sticks and backpacks from our room and set off on foot. Within minutes we were in Hohe Tauern National Park, gazing up at the magnificent Krimml Falls, the highest waterfall in the Austrian Alps. Although hiking the falls was challenging, the fresh mountain air was invigorating. Midway up, we stopped at Café Restaurant Schönangerl, where we made one of the best discoveries of the trip—Kaiserschmarren, thick egg pancakes with raisins chopped into bite-size pieces and served with homemade applesauce and powdered sugar. With burning calves—and hopefully carbs—we finally reached the top of the falls. From the overlook, we dodged frigid mist and watched the powerful, plummeting water. The pristine backcountry beckoned to be explored, so we continued on. Gravel crunched under our feet as we hiked the meandering riverside road that led us past fenceless, emerald-green meadows where roaming cows with tinkling bells grazed. We stopped at mountain hut Holz Leckner Alm for some Zipfer Bier as we watched a fisherman casting for trout. The air grew chillier as the sun began to slip behind the mountain peaks. We quickly hiked back to Krimml, barely beating nightfall. At the Klockerhaus, we relaxed over a delightful dinner of freshly caught Forelle (trout) sautéed in a beurre blanc and paired with a crisp Riesling. DAY 3: KRIMML TO STUHLFELDEN (20.5 MILES) Morning brought another picture-perfect day. We took our luggage to the lobby for Eurocycle’s prearranged courier delivery to our next hotel. What a great daily service! At the Klockerhaus’ breakfast buffet we fueled up on home-baked breads, cold cuts, cheeses, fruits, cereals, yogurt, and eggs. Afterwards, we packed our panniers, reviewed maps and directions provided by Eurocycle (available only in German), and pedaled our twenty-onespeed bikes across the street, where the Tauern Bike Path: Krimml-Salzburg began. The well-marked gravel path wound downhill, under a bridge, past the falls, and eastward along the silty green Saalach River that flows through Tauern National Park.

is near the park and has views of the Krimml Falls. The Klockerhaus features modern conveniences with traditional chalet architecture, including carved wooden balconies bursting with bright red geraniums. At check-in, we presented our Eurocycle hotel vouchers for our first night’s stay, and paid for a second night so we could climb the falls the next day. The balcony of our comfy room overlooked a gorgeous mountain backdrop. With our windows open, the serene surroundings combined with the brisk air made for a peaceful slumber.

During the next few hours, the gravel path transitioned to pavement and crisscrossed the river several times, alternating from riverside paths to meandering country lanes. Sandwiched between rolling verdant hills dotted with pretty chalets, we cycled past quintessential Austrian scenery: quaint villages with onion-domed churches, several shaggy goats playing “king of the hill” on their three-tiered goat house and an elderly couple walking hand-in-hand—she wearing a dirndl and he sporting lederhosen. Midway VIEZINE.COM SPRING 2010

With overcast skies and brisk temperatures, a flotilla of windsurfers rippled the water as we pedaled along the flat, flower-lined path that skirts Zell am See’s pristine lakefront. to Stuhlfelden, we spontaneously exited the path and followed signs to a nearby home/café that catered to bicyclists. For an hour, we enjoyed turkey schnitzel salads and I had a chance to practice speaking German. By early afternoon, we were in cozy Stuhlfelden, just outside of the bustling market town of Mittersill. Here, we spent a memorable night at the atmospheric Hotel Gasthof Flatscher (www.hotel-gasthof-flatscher.at). Both our suite and dinner were outstanding. DAY 4: STUHLFELDEN TO ZELL AM SEE (22 MILES) Despite forecasted rain, we arose to another sunny day. After our morning feast at the Flatscher, we pedaled uphill past Stuhlfelden’s white Schloss (castle) and coasted off into the picturesque countryside. The fresh air smelled of wildflowers and sweet grasses. In nearby Uttendorf ’s town square, lifelike straw people and Kürbise (pumpkins) were displayed for their upcoming Bauernherbst (harvest festival), which is celebrated throughout the region in late August or early September. Abundant fountains and handy roadside spigots offered fresh drinking water throughout the route. Krimml Waterfall’s gushing glacial waters

In lively Kaprun, known for its hydroelectric dam and ski mountain, we enjoyed a refreshing Steigl Bier on Hotel Orgler’s (www.hotel-orgler.at) inviting flower-laden terrace, served by contagiously cheerful Frau Dona. For the next several miles, except for a few hilly stretches, we traversed an undulating course that intertwined with the winding Saalach. Sooner than expected, we reached our destination, popular lakeside resort Zell am See (See means “lake”). After settling into our cozy room at Hotel Gasthof Schütthof (www.latini.at) on the

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city’s outskirts, we again set out on our bikes to explore the shady lakeshore path along the shimmering blue lake with its beautiful mountain backdrop. Crossing over bumpy railroad tracks, we headed downtown in search of the Seilbahn (cable car) that whisks hikers and skiers to Schmittenhöhe’s summit. To reach the station, we pushed our heavy bicycles up several miles of steep switchbacks. Feeling sweaty, thirsty, and tired, we finally arrived in time to take the last trip up. At the top, unfolded before us were stunning panoramas of the lake and endless Alps—some as far away as Switzerland and Germany. Even more exhilarating was the death-defying bike ride back down and into town. That night we returned to Zell am See for its colorful midweek festival in the Marktplatz (market square), where we hobnobbed with locals and enjoyed traditional German music and dinner at a lively sidewalk café. DAY 5: ZELL AM SEE TO LOFER (28 MILES) With overcast skies and brisk temperatures, a flotilla of windsurfers rippled the water as we pedaled along the flat, flower-lined path that skirts Zell am See’s pristine lakefront. In the distance, behind emerald-green hills, we glimpsed glacier peaks. Changing course, we veered northeast towards distant snowcaps. The clouds were gone and the sun burned brightly by the time we reached Maria Alm’s Kirche (church) with its renowned five-hundred-year-old Madonna. We stopped briefly to take photos and chat with three fellow cyclists from Berlin, who were biking the same itinerary. Nearby, a brutal hill awaited us; but, soaring down the other side, the sensation of the cool air through my hair and on my skin was great payback! In Saalfelden’s remote countryside, we lunched at Gasthof Thurnerhof, a country inn and working farm. On their shady terrace, we drank tall pilsners vom Fass (on tap) and ate. From the curious looks given to us by a nearby table of locals, we assumed that Americans didn’t often pass through. I smiled and thought, “Rick Steves—eat your heart out!”

Cruising down a country lane en route to Zell am See. Photo by John Layden

Throughout the afternoon, the scenery constantly changed. We biked along rushing streams, up and over bridges and ravines, through thick forests, and past playful animals and garden gnomes. This route exceeded all my expectations! By late afternoon we reached the outskirts of lovely Lofer and the delightful Gasthof Bad Hochmoos (www.hochmoos.at), where the innkeeper upgraded us to a fabulous suite with stunning views. We capped off a perfect day at Hotel Dax (www.hoteldax.at) with dinner followed by delectable Kaiserschmarren with stewed apricots. DAY 5: LOFER TO SIEZENHEIM (36 MILES) Following our breakfast, we biked to Lofer, where I shopped for linens while John videotaped several jovial grandmothers drinking mugs of beer midmorning in the town square. After some confusion with the day’s course, John rerouted us back on track and down a gravel road that snaked along the Salzach. We stopped often to photograph passing white water rafters. One unlucky raft flipped. For a short stretch, we crossed the German border into Lower Bavaria, where the path grew so steep that, in some places, we “hiked” rather than “biked.” However, soon we dipped back into Austria, glided down to the river’s edge and resumed an easy stride. Before long, a shady lakeside Biergarten beckoned us to take a break and the “biking Berliners” joined us. Two of them spoke fluent English. When I asked what it was like when the Berlin Wall came down, they told me that at

A grand view of Stuhfelden’s schloss (castle) from our balcony at Gasthof Flatscher.

first they didn’t believe the rumors. Not until they witnessed it on television could they imagine a unified Berlin. The sun felt hot when John and I approached Bad Reichenhall, a spa town once frequented by former Austrian aristocracy like the Habsburgs. We biked downtown and discovered a lively pedestrian-only street that spanned several blocks. Upscale boutiques, sidewalk cafés, and grandame hotels lined both sides of the street. At a bright red Reber-Eis (ice cream) kiosk, we found the creamy, flavored yogurts so delicious that we had seconds. Back on the trail, time passed quickly as we clipped off the remaining miles. Before we knew it, rolling hills and woodland trails led us to Siezenheim, a charming suburb near Salzburg’s Flughafen (airport) and minutes from Gasthof Kamml (www.kamml.com), our final destination. While I hated ending our bike trip, I couldn’t wait to celebrate at our favorite Salzburg institution, the Augustiner Brauerei (brewery) (www.augustinerbier. at). Sitting under chestnut trees with thousands of fellow revelers, we sang along to American hits (so much for oompah-pah) and raised our heavy ceramic liter mugs. “Here’s to gorgeous weather, spectacular scenery, no flats or accidents, downhill cruising, delicious cuisine, and a fabulous finale. Prost!” Life doesn’t get any better than this! (At press time, the cost per person for five nights’ lodging, breakfast, baggage service and bike is $640, or $815 per person for a seven-night trip continuing on to Passau, Germany. U.S.-based consolidator Bike Tours Direct (www.biketoursdirect.com) also offers bike trips from Eurocycle, as well as many other outfitters.)

Kim Duke-Layden is an avid international adventurer whose mantra is “I have not visited Everywhere, but it,s on my list!” She and her husband, John, live at Sandestin where she,s worked for 15 years. To share your own travel pointers or to ask questions, please send them to: wanderlustkim5@yahoo.com. VIEZINE.COM SPRING 2010

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DAVE WADDLE Senior Vice President, Investments

BRIAN HAUGEN Senior Vice President, Investments

STEVE CANN Associate Vice President, Investments

You are more than your portfolio. Our holistic portfolio design aligns with who you are as a person, not just as an investor. We believe that without the knowledge of who you are it would be impossible to design a truly custom portfolio. By getting to know you personally while taking an objective approach to investing, we can consider all the angles to create your one-of-a-kind plan. Our targeted portfolio management is a natural compliment to the meaningful relationships we have with our clients. Because after all, you are more than your portfolio.

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93 www.DestinMagazine.com

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NEW PERSPECTIVE: a wine neophyte and the elevator in italy By Cor y J. Fosdyck

In 2008, after enduring much of the "Great Recession," I was desperate for a fresh perspective, a new outlook, some momentum, or even a whiff of positive energy. The craving came from an unexpected source. A few months earlier, I had met Steve and Joan Carter through BUILD, a volunteer organization in which I served as a mentor. The group was designed by a Leadership Walton class through the Walton Area Chamber of Commerce to match experienced business professionals in the area with those who aspire to lead future generations. I had participated in the nine-month program as a mentee, so I was familiar with how valuable the experience was for a young professional. The Carters had been assigned to a mentee by the BUILD board of directors, and my job was to make the initial contact and introduce both parties to their new partners for the next nine months. The next thing I knew, Steve had convinced me that my new passion in life should be serving local children in need via the Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation (DCWAF). Before I could renege on my newfound passion with such convenient excuses as lack of time, too much work, the global recession, or an ignorance of Tuscany and tannins, I had agreed to serve on the DCWAF's board and was committed to sponsoring the 2009 Wine & Dine in Paradise auction.

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A view of Florence, Italy VIEZINE.COM SPRING 2010

Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore

As wine enthusiasts, the Carters love to travel and experience the history, culture, and produce of the world’s most famous wine regions. For their 2009 trip, they had booked a beautiful six-bedroom villa in the heart of the Italian wine region known as Tuscany. Located about two hours northwest of Rome, Tuscany is home to the well-known cities of Florence (Firenze), Siena, and Pisa, but it also includes the Chianti region and the wine meccas of Montalcino and Montepulciano. One of the villa bedrooms was available and the Carters graciously invited Hillary and me to join them. Immensely grateful for the offer, we had to decline because of time and budget constraints. However, as I began to analyze our SkyMiles and Merrill Lynch Rewards Points, I realized that we could book the travel arrangements for free! We discussed the time issue and how we could afford to miss ten days of work. In the end, we decided that spending some quality time together was important and that our respective business partners would probably be able to handle things during the six business days we would be gone. 96

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We took off from Atlanta and, almost sixteen hours and two connections later, landed in Florence—as usual, my suitcase was lost in transit. We were not scheduled to meet the Carters at the villa for another two days, so we had some time to ourselves to enjoy one of the most romantic cities in the world. For those who have never been there, the main attractions in Florence are the Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore (the Duomo), Michelangelo’s David, and the Ponte Vecchio. Construction began on the Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore in 1296, and its Gothic design included a pink, green, and white marble exterior topped by the world’s largest masonry dome. Michelangelo’s David, located in the Accademia Gallery, is a seventeen-foot nude marble sculpture of the Biblical king. It is truly inspiring to see and has come to symbolize “culture” across the globe. The only bridge in Florence that Hitler spared during World War II was the Ponte Vecchio, which crosses the Arno River. It is famous for the shops that line its sides. The shops were initially

Construction began on the Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore in 1296 and its Gothic design included a pink, green and white marble exterior and the largest dome in the world.Â

VIEZINE.COM SPRING 2010

Lunch in the Piazza Del Campo on the track before the famous horse race Il Palio. Left to Right: Steve Carter, Joan Carter, Terry Bartow, Sandy Bartow, Hillary Fosdyck, Cory Fosdyck

occupied by butchers, but they were converted to jewelry shops in 1593 when the Medici family finally got fed up with the smell. The food, wine, scenery, and time we spent together in Florence were indescribable, but this was only the beginning. My suitcase arrived at the hotel just in time for us to pick up the rental car and drive three hours to the Carters’ villa near Pienza.

One of our day trips included a drive to Siena, where we had a lunch in the historic city square, Piazza del Campo. For more than 700 years, twice each year—on July 2 and August 16— the perimeter of this cobblestone piazza has been covered with a thick layer of dirt to host “Il Palio,” a bareback horse race that pits the city’s Over the next several days, we toured Tuscan cities various districts (contrade) against one another. with the Carters and their other guests. We were The city’s energy was contagious and the narrow Hertz was out of GPS systems and the 2009 introduced to the local handmade pasta, pici, and streets were filled with people and traditional Fiat 500 we rented looked cute, but it would the local cheese, pecorino. Our wine education decorations celebrating the colors and mascot have trembled at the sight of a golf cart. We included tours of vineyards near Montepulciano of each contrada. Hillary and I squeezed into could barely fit one of the suitcases inside the and the medieval town of Montalcino. The primary the piazza’s center and were close enough to the hatchback. Only after we moved the railing to feel the breeze as each The trip was such an undeserved blessing that already cramped front seats forward horse galloped past. With its mulwe felt compelled and committed to make an did the other suitcase fit into the ticentennial history, this race gen“backseat.” After finally loading up, erated more anticipation than the impact in others lives at every opportunity and we made our way toward Highway Super Bowl and the Kentucky honor the mandate of “Sending the Elevator A1 south, en route to Rome, passing Derby combined. The rivalry between Back Down.” through one of Florence’s medieval districts makes a Florida versus city gates with its thirty-foot high wooden grape grown in Tuscany is the Sangiovese, used in Alabama football game seem trivial. doors. The directions to the villa that the property making Chianti, Vino Nobile, and Brunello. manager had given us were in broken English and Brunello di Montalcino is one of Italy’s most After touring Siena, we had dinner in Pienza at included less than exact descriptions of roads and popular and expensive wines, and was awarded the a small home that has been converted into a turns, but getting lost on country roads in Tuscany first DOCG designation, which ensures quality and four-table mom-and-pop restaurant. For the is a wonderful experience for couples and should protects the region. We toured the medieval fortress, first hour, we were the only patrons until a family be included. Thanks to some helpful locals who which includes the fantastic wine shop Enoteca La of four walked in. Before leaving, Joan struck could somewhat understand Hillary’s Spanish, we Fortezza, founded in 1980, which offers a vast up a conversation with the other couple and finally found the villa, which was located at the selection of Brunello di Montalcino. their two young children, inviting them over to 98

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base of the ancient Renaissance town of Pienza. As we pulled up to the centuries-old stone structure, the sun slipped behind the rolling hills and illuminated Pienza like the Emerald City of Oz. We were so blessed to have had that opportunity to enjoy such a beautiful scene.

the villa the next night for a cooking class. This was just one example of Joan and Steve exercising their mantra of “sending the elevator back down.” The next night, the couple and their children arrived at the villa and participated in the cooking class, in which we hand rolled pici, mixed the ingredients for tiramisu, and enjoyed a bottle of Brunello alongside the truffle-infused pecorino. The couple was overwhelmed by the Carters’ hospitality and generosity, and once again, I was amazed by another example of their desire to serve others and to use their unique opportunities to bless complete strangers. The more interaction Hillary and I had with the Carters, the more we realized how many

opportunities are out there to send the elevator back down and make a positive impact on others. The trick, I realized, was to make servitude one of our priorities and always keep our antennae up to recognize opportunities as they present themselves. Our trip to Tuscany last summer was certainly memorable. It afforded Hillary and me the opportunity to spend time together and work on our relationship, which unfortunately at times takes a backseat to our hectic schedules. Staying in Tuscany provided us an education on wine and the history of its production. Most importantly, being in Italy’s wine country with the Carters introduced us to the idea of being continuously aware of opportunities to affect

others and pay it forward on a daily basis. The trip was such an undeserved blessing that we felt compelled and committed to making an impact on others’ lives at every opportunity and to honoring the mandate of “Sending the Elevator Back Down.” Cory and Hillary Fosdyck are originally from Macomb, Illinois and now live in Miramar Beach. Cory is an active member of the DCWAF, Walton Area Chamber, Destin Toastmasters, BUILD Council, Sandestin Lions Club, and Shoreline Church.

Siena Landscape

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C.W. Gemmill Center Ribbon Cutting Right to Left: Cardiologist Dr. Paul Tamburro, Kim

MacQueen, and Beach Community Bank branch manager, Bill Bassett at the ribbon cutting of the

new C.W. Gemmill Learning Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired in November. Photo by Taris Savell

Lamar Di Gras Fund-raiser Left to Right: John Switzer, Cookie Kichler, and Bobby

Switzer at the fund raiser Lamar Di Gras. Kichler was chair of the event to raise funds to benefit the Anna Lamar Switzer Art Center at Pensacola Junior College. The event, decorated for the season, was held at the Lamar Advertising Warehouse. Photo by Taris Savell 100

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JULIAN MACQUEEN Story by Taris Savell Photography by Jessie Shepard

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This is a story about a highly successful hotel and hospitality developer, a husband and father, and a member of the Bahá’í Faith. Three people? No, just one: JULIAN MACQUEEN, a man of many talents and facets who makes his home in Pensacola.

Julian MacQueen and his 1943 Grumman Widgeon flying boat at the Innisfree Jet Center. VIEZINE.COM SPRING 2010

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founded in 1985, will soon begin development of a 150-room hotel on Fort Walton Beach and construction on a 137-room Hyatt Place Hotel connected to the Pensacola Gulf Coast Regional Airport terminal.

he Alabama native describes himself as being part of a “blue blood, Episcopal, suburban Birmingham family” whose wealth disappeared by the time his generation rolled around. He remembers, “I worked as a busboy in Destin and a night auditor at the old Admiral Semmes Hotel in Mobile to put myself through school.” This was the hands-on training ground for his hotel “empire” so many years later. At 59, he has no trouble looking back and recognizing the steps he took to get where he is today. His road has led him to owning a Monopoly board of hotels. He says, “We currently own and operate five hotels, with $88 million in new development under construction just in the last few months.” The developer is referring to the 206-room Holiday Inn on Pensacola Beach and the 160-room Hampton Inn and Suites in Orange Beach. Additionally, MacQueen, chairman and CEO of Innisfree Hotels, which he

His accomplishments are obvious. The brick and mortar are part of the makeup of this softspoken Southerner who never wears socks and loves to go barefoot. However, he admits, “I’m a tough negotiator. I have a temper. I can hold my own, and, if I have to, I can sting you.” There’s another less visible, though no less important, component to the characteristics of Julian MacQueen. He began a search when he was a much younger man. “In college, I was part of the flower power movement, and at the same time I was looking for a spiritual path.” That path led to a deep and abiding belief in and appreciation of the Bahá’í religion. “I was always curious about religion and philosophy, and once I discovered it, I saw a dramatic change in myself. I met my wife, Kim, at one of the Bahá’í meetings, and she’s the strongest person I know. I’m playing at a level I never thought I could, and she brings me back to earth. She’s my moral compass.” MacQueen is known for following through when he believes strongly in something, so it is not surprising that he moved to Israel in 1995 and became the general manager of the Bahá’í

World Center for three years, all while taking care of his hotel business. There is no separation between that business and the religion in MacQueen’s thinking. As a Bahá’í, he is guided by the teachings. He explains, “When I go into negotiations, it’s for justice. I fight hard for my position but honor the basics of justice. I want to build loyalty and trust, and I do that in bits and pieces, and it makes the Inns successful. I measure my daily actions on principles of justice and spiritual experience.” A major part of his business experience was gained during his employment in Pigeon Forge. “That’s where I learned to survive. I was working with Family Inns of America, and my mentor/ teacher was Ken Seaton. You couldn’t survive with him unless you were tough, and I learned how to be,” MacQueen says as he reaches for another helping of his favorite food, barbecue. (Hot dogs are his next choice.) This man is one contradiction after another: a big-time player; a kind person; a man who serves on a variety of boards for banks, non-profits, and the military; a husband of thirty years who prefers to stay at home in the evening or go to movies “because that’s our cocktail after work. There’s nothing better than a popcorn dinner.” He’s also a proud father who will talk about his daughter and son at the drop of a baked bean. MacQueen doesn’t miss a trick but exhibits the patience of someone who has nowhere to go, keeps his cell phone with him, is a real techie, and relishes travel. He reveals, “Sometimes I have to escape the cultural bounds of society, and that’s when I get into my flying boat and just go.” The flying boat he refers to is a vintage 1943 Grumman Widgeon seaplane, and MacQueen clearly loves it. It’s not just a wealthy man’s “toy,” but something that he can touch, feel, talk to, and share with others, as he often does for a charitable cause.

Julian MacQueen proudly standing in front of the Hilton Pensacola Beach Gulf Front 106

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Naturally, the plane is kept at MacQueen’s own facility, the Innisfree Jet Center, behind the Pensacola Airport. This luxurious center is another of his developments that required vision, daring, and business acumen.

Julian MacQueen

“When I go into negotiations, it’s for justice. I fight hard for my position but honor the basics of justice. I want to build loyalty and trust, and I do that in bits and pieces..." —Julian MacQueen

Like his hotels, the Jet Center leaves little to be desired. It includes a spacious hangar, stunning conference room, a lounge with two TVs, a Wii game station, a fireplace, a gourmet chef, and a spectacular bedroom (for exhausted private plane pilots) at the top of a unique staircase. “Here I have combined my love for flying and my appreciation for hospitality. It was a natural marriage,” he says. Visitors to the center are greeted by concierge manager Raina Melville and general manager Carl Braddock. The chef, William Guthrie, works in a perfectly designed kitchen to create delightful and superb meals for important guests and visitors. Here Guthrie also packages

his famed Lemon Lust and Sin in a Tin found in many supermarkets, all with MacQueen’s blessing and guidance. “I’m not looking to be a Ted Turner,” MacQueen says, reaching for one of the many cups of coffee he drinks daily. “I just love doing deals. My goal is to continue building until I stop having fun. I’m not driven, but I love the process of creation.” So, is there anything else in which he’s involved? Of course. “I’m working on building a temple in Chile. Good business is good business, and it’s good to cross cultural lines.”

ample is the new building for Independence for the Blind in Pensacola. The facility and its attractive garden were donated in honor of Kim’s father, C.W. Gemmill, for whom the building is named. Julian MacQueen is a simple man who adores snow skiing and slalom waterskiing. He’s also a complex man who needs eight hours of sleep and admits that he “goes from one thing to another too quickly” and takes his work home with him but can turn it off, too. His philosophy is evident when he opines, “At the end of the day, all you have is what you did. You have to see the future and bring yourself toward it.” For Julian MacQueen, the future reaches out a welcoming hand.

Many not-for-profit charities have been blessed with his and Kim’s generosity. A perfect exVIEZINE.COM SPRING 2010

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REMEMBER THEM. HONOR THEM. A Veteran’s Diary to His Family story a n d af t erword by forrest h. tay l o r | f o rewo rd b y ger ald b u rwell 110

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Photography Courtesy of Forrest H. Taylor

FOREWORD On a daily basis, the news headlines constantly remind us that our freedoms as American citizens are being defended vigorously. We owe much to the members of our armed services for their courage and making the ultimate sacrifice. Our country tries to support our veterans through retirement funds, medical services, and other obligatory governmental compensations; however, these alone are not enough. The backing that most often seems to fall short—and which our brave soldiers probably thirst for the most—is the feeling that we, as a nation, honor them. South Walton resident Forrest Taylor recently approached VIE to share something with our readers that means so much to him. As a World War II Army veteran, Forrest was invited to participate in the non-profit Emerald Coast Honor Flight, a member of the larger organization, Honor Flight Network, founded solely to help our WWII veterans realize their dream of visiting the National World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C., which was erected in their honor. The non-profit Emerald Coast Honor Flight flies our heroes and their guardians from Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, Walton, Washington, and Holmes Counties to Washington, D.C., for a one-day visit to reflect at their memorial—all free of charge to the veterans. Based on statistics from a 2008 study, our nation is losing WWII veterans at the rate of a thousand per day. Honor Flight will continue to take the steps necessary to ensure that terminally ill and senior veterans are given top priority to fulfill their dreams. We are truly honored that Forrest has chosen VIE as his platform to share the story—a diary entry to his family—of his heartfelt experience on that special day. This is a small way for us to say “thank you” to Forrest and to all the past and present members of our nation’s armed services for all they have done, and continue to do, for our country.

Date: October 22, 2009

To My Family:

ampton Inn–Room 439, 0315 [military time]. Not waiting for the 0330 wake-up call I had requested, I was determined not to miss the shuttle to the airport. After showering, I had a light breakfast and a cup of coffee, hoping that would hold me until lunch. To my surprise, I walked through the automatic doors at 0425 to see the 0430 shuttle pulling away, but because I’m a fast runner, I was able to catch it. I was tempted to revert to my role as Army sergeant and vent my displea-

sure. I thought, “What the heck; I’m not going to be able to teach the young driver how to tell time, that the big hand must be pointing straight down before the half hour has arrived.” At the Pensacola Regional Airport, as instructed, I met my sponsor, Ray Danielson (one sponsor was assigned to every three veterans). I received my boarding pass and name tag, then looked around the USO. From that area, the entire group went through security. The MaVIEZINE.COM SPRING 2010

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...as I read each letter, my tears started to flow. There was no way I could have stopped the tears, and I didn't care who saw them.

rine Corps provided servicemen to help vets in wheelchairs. Our old eyes concentrated on their youthful physical stature and spotlessly pressed uniforms. Since I have a pacemaker, I cannot go through the metal detectors, so I stepped aside to be checked with a wand. Finally, I was cleared to go to the boarding area. A few minutes after 0700, US Airways Flight 730 pulled away from the gate. We were told about the first of many surprises we would experience that day. Our pilot informed us that, prior to takeoff, the plane would pause at the firehouse next to the control tower for pictures. I saw two fire trucks with their lights flashing—one ladder truck, its ladder raised above the plane, was draped with a large American flag while firemen stood at parade rest (a sign of respect). Finally, we were on our way to the nation’s capital. About an hour into the flight, Cinnamon Holderman, executive director of Emerald Coast Honor Flight, gave each of us a personalized envelope. This was surprise No. 2. My envelope contained handwritten letters from sixth graders E. Kennedy and T. Duben thanking me for my WWII service. As I read the letters, my tears started to flow. There was no way I could have stopped the tears, and I didn’t care who saw them. 112

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We were making our final approach into Reagan National Airport when voices began to call out: “There’s the Pentagon!” “The Washington Monument!” “Hey, there’s the Capitol!” Each site was called out until the plane was flying too low to see others. As we taxied to our gate, we were greeted with another surprise: police cars flashing their lights and fire trucks spraying our plane with water cannons to celebrate our arrival. (I learned that water cannons spray only the planes of dignitaries coming to Washington.) Ground crew carried American flags in each hand while large American flags adorned the baggage carts.

As I walked down the ramp toward the waiting area, I heard the sound of applause. As I entered the waiting area, a woman’s voice called to me, “Forrest, welcome to Washington.” She saw my name tag. As we shook hands, she thanked me for my service. I noticed that hundreds of people had formed an aisle for the vets to pass through. As we walked, people on both sides reached out to shake our hands, and there was a constant chorus of “thank you for your service.” Whenever I made eye contact with someone, I thanked them for being there for us. I don’t know about the other vets, but by the time I reached the end of this reception tribute, my eyes were tearing. With so much affection for us in the room, there just wasn’t time to grasp what was happening. Looking at the faces in the crowd, I realized that most of them were not yet born when we boys were serving our country in the early 1940s. How does a common man, one without the writing skills of Lincoln or Churchill, explain this American spirit?

Outside the terminal, about twenty of us waited to cross a busy multilane street. Security stopped the heavy traffic so that we could cross to board our buses. To our amazement, instead of irritated drivers impatiently sounding their horns, they waved as we safely crossed. Another tribute, wouldn’t you agree? At 1110, our buses arrived at the National World War II Memorial. The memorial is made up of a large circular pond with two fountains and pavilions at opposite sides. The two halves signify each of the two major theaters of the war: the Pacific and the Atlantic. Surrounding the pond is a large circular walkway at least twenty feet wide. At the outer edge of the walkway are fiftysix identical vertical monuments—rectangular blocks of granite approximately seventeen feet high and at least five feet wide. The pillars are inscribed with the names of the forty-eight states (the number of states at the time of World War II), seven federal territories and the District of Columbia across the top. One section at the outer edge of the walkway has a curved wall about fifty feet long and five feet high. Attached to the wall are four thousand gold stars, each about the size of a man’s closed fist. Each star represents a hundred soldiers who died in WWII—a total of four hundred thousand recorded dead.

tary school in Maryland. Vets posed before their states’ monuments for pictures. At approximately 1215, we walked a short distance to a large white tent with picnic benches underneath and received sack lunches provided by the Emerald Coast Honor Flight group. Near the end of our lunch, former Senator Bob Dole appeared as a special guest and greeted our group. The throng of press and veterans finally left the senator, and I seized the opportunity to speak with Senator Dole alone. A few minutes later, several classes of schoolchildren and their teachers sang songs for us. It was wonderful to see the intensity of both teachers and students who provided us with a first-class performance. At 1330, the buses took us to a parking area where we could easily walk to the Korean War Veterans Memorial, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, or the Lincoln Memorial. There were fewer visitors at the Korean and Vietnam memorial sites, but

the WWII and Lincoln memorials were very well attended. The Korean War Veterans Memorial interested me because I was in a rifle squad. The memorial shows a rifle squad in full gear, spread out in an advance formation. Although I was pleased to see this memorial, it did not have the emotional impact of the WWII Memorial. While walking to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, I noticed that many vets from our flight were not at either the Korean or Vietnam memorials. Looking toward a shaded area with benches, I found them enjoying a rest. The last time I saw the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the base was filled with mementos left by veterans, families, friends, and children. While noting the size of the wall holding fifty-five thousand names, I realized that the WWII Memorial wall, covered with four thousand gold stars, would have to be seven-and-a-half times the length of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial to cite all four hundred thousand names.

As we walked along the circular walkway, we met schoolteachers and their students who clapped loudly with their small hands and said to each of us, “Thank you for your service.” They handed us postcards, each with well-expressed thanks on one side and patriotic scenes they had colored on the other. The three cards I received were from children who had traveled from an elemenVIEZINE.COM SPRING 2010

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I told my sponsor, Ray Danielson, that I would like to visit the Lincoln Memorial. I looked up at the Acropolis-style structure with massive stately columns atop a hill—a most impressive sight. Leading to the interior (where the sitting statue of Lincoln is placed) are three levels of steps. I had been seriously ill during the first two weeks of September, so I was thrilled to be the only vet of the 103 in our group to ascend all the steps. When I finished photographing the memorial, I walked in front of the statue

to see whether Lincoln’s eyes really do follow a person. I think they do. I had time to sit on the topmost step, look across the Mall, and see a bit of the Capitol peeking out to the left of the Washington Monument. This misalignment was the result of unstable ground, which required the monument’s foundation to be moved to the right of a perfect sight line. Before the WWII Memorial was built, many people feared that it would interfere with this sight line.

From where I stood at the top of Lincoln Memorial steps, the WWII Memorial appeared to be below the sight line. It would have been desirable to sit there longer, quietly reading or enjoying the view as many others were doing; however, it was time to board a bus for our next stop. At the Iwo Jima Memorial, the soldier flag raisers appear lifelike and are placed well above head level to give the impression that they are on Mount Suribachi. Author James Bradley, who wrote the book Flags of Our Fathers, is the son of one of the original flag raisers. Our group assembled for a group photograph in front of the monument. Then we boarded our buses to return to Reagan National for our return flight to Pensacola. At Reagan, we did not have to go through security but went directly to the departure gate, showed our name tags and driver’s licenses to the gate attendants, and boarded. I noticed many more conversations among the vets than there had been on the flight to Washington. After our in-flight dinner, the activities of the fulfilling day took a toll on the bodies of the men. We arrived at Pensacola at about 1930 and deplaned. We assembled in the waiting area where there were wheelchairs to carry those vets whose legs could not hold up for the long walk to the exit. The corridor was lined on both sides with an Honor Guard, standing in front of hundreds

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AFTERWORD of people who were shouting, clapping, and waving American flags. Similar to the crowds at Reagan National, the people at Pensacola reached out to shake our hands and thank us for our service. This was a time for jubilation, and there were no tears during this stirring celebration. It had been a day that the 103 of us could never have envisioned back in the early 1940s when we were young men. Back in Room 439 at the Hampton Inn, I realized that I was somewhat tired. Without taking time to examine the gifts, I prepared for bed. Before going to sleep, I took the time to ponder what a wonderful life I have had and to feel blessed to have lived to the age of eighty-seven.

In their writings, Tom Brokaw and Stephen Ambrose refer to the sixteen million armed forces members of WWII—which included approximately 23,000 women—as “The Greatest Generation” and “Men in Boys’ Bodies.” They told their audience who we were but not what made us great. I think three sources formed our characters and made us “citizen soldiers.” First, it was our parents and families. In many Depression homes, that included grandparents who gave us the values of love, honor, and obedience. Not only were there usually three generations under one roof, but generally two languages were spoken since grandparents from Italy, Greece, Germany, and the Balkans were usually first-generation Americans. Second, a silent army of hundreds of thousands of teachers taught us citizenship values that citizen soldiers need. Lastly, it was the churches and synagogues that gave us religious support.

With love, Dad, Papa, Grandpop

For more information about Honor Flight, please visit the Emerald Coast Honor Flight website, www.EmeraldCoastHonorFlight.com, or the Honor Flight Network website, www.honorflight.org.

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A TEST OF LOVE IMMACULÉE INSPIRES US WITH HER STORY By Lisa Burwell | Photography by Gerald Burwell

The 2009 Starfish Charity Gala benefitting Catholic Charities of Northwest Florida was held at the Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa on Saturday, October 24 and featured guest speaker Immaculée Ilibagiza. She addressed over six hundred attendees who enthusiastically waited to hear her speak as they dined with family and friends. It was remarkable to see so many people attending an event that benefitted the needs of our area’s most suffering children and families from all faiths and walks of life. Immaculée is the New York Times bestselling author of Left to Tell, a riveting account of surviving the Rwandan genocide and of her unshakable belief in the power of prayer, love, and forgiveness. She is an international speaker who has appeared on CNN, EWTN, and The Oprah Winfrey Show, as well as featured in the New York Times and USA Today. She has honorary doctoral degrees from the University of Notre Dame and St. John’s University, and in 2007 was awarded The Mahatma Ghandi International Award for Reconciliation and Peace. Immaculée granted private interviews with members of the press the morning of the event at the Hilton Sandestin. Surrounded by security guards, we were ushered into a conference room. Heavy with worry and anxiety that particular morning due to the economy and life’s daily pressures, a change in my heart occurred almost immediately upon meeting her. This statuesque beauty who had experienced unspeakable horrors warmly greeted us with a welcoming smile and a sweetness that melted away my cares. My problems were dwarfed. As we continued the interview that felt more like a conversation between friends, a sense of gratitude for all we have in our country—so many blessings—overwhelmed me. She said her story is a story of love. “God is smart and we are all here to love one another because it is the only way we can survive.”

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“If you trust God and have faith the size of a mustard seed, you can really move mountains,” said Immaculée. She added that we all face challenges, but we must block out fear as there is always something to be grateful for. Immaculée lived an idyllic life as a child in Rwanda—a place that she called paradise. Rwanda enjoys beautiful weather, lush green valleys, and rolling hills, and her house was located on a hilltop overlooking Lake Kivu. Her parents were strong and she and her brothers were surrounded with love and security. They were school teachers, devout Catholics who were extremely active in their community and who believed that the only defense against poverty and hunger was a good education. She recalled that she had a happy life where people cared and respected one another. What happened? Gradually, the young Immaculée became aware of discrimination and growing tribal racism between the Tutsis and Hutus. Her family were Tutsis, but she had no idea what that meant. There were at that time three tribes in Rwanda, a Hutu majority, a Tutsis minority and a small number of Twa. She wrote that Colonialists— first German, then Belgian—turned Rwanda into a discriminatory, race-based class system by introducing a racial identity card. In the ensuing

and neighbors, incredulously slaughtered over one million ethnic Tutsis. With the exception of a brother that was out of the country for school, her entire beloved family was slain. Throughout the three-month period of brutality, Immaculée silently huddled together with seven other Tutsi women for ninety-one days in a cramped three-foot by four-foot bathroom in the house of a sympathetic pastor. There, she prayed every waking moment as she and the other women were being sought out by murderous gangs. It seemed that at any moment, the door to their secret hideaway would be flung open and they would be discovered. Though the worst seemed inevitable, miraculously, it never happened. Immaculée believes that God prepares the way, and through Him all things are possible. While in hiding, Immaculée was divinely inspired to learn English and asked the pastor for an English dictionary. How she had the wherewithal to cast fear aside while using this time to embark on learning a new language shows the strength of her character and her resolve to keep living. “God plants us on the path, and it is up to us to do the walking,” said Immaculée. This blind faith later helped her secure a position with the United Nations (U.N.) in Rwanda shortly after the conflict de-escalated. Photo Courtesy of Immaculée

“IF YOU TRUST GOD AND HAVE FAITH THE SIZE OF A MUSTARD SEED, YOU CAN REALLY MOVE MOUNTAINS,”

years, there was a deepening rift between the tribes which resulted in many revolts and massacres, one in 1959 and the other in 1973. In Immaculée’s world, members of both tribes were friends and neighbors who worshipped together, spoke the same language, and intermarried. In 1990, war broke out: accusing the Tutsis of trying to take over their government, the Hutus began a campaign to kill all Tutsis. A youth movement called INTERAHAMME, which means “those who attack together,” was trained to kill. In 1994, the war heightened to a frenzy when over a three-month period, gangs of Hutus, some of whom were Immaculée’s former schoolmates VIEZINE.COM SPRING 2010

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“THE LOVE OF A SINGLE HEART CAN MAKE A

WORLD

OF DIFFERENCE. I

BELIEVE

WE CAN HEAL RWANDA –AND OUR WORLD– BY HEALING

ONE

HEART AT A TIME.”

Self-help gurus and some religions believe in the power of “visualization.” In Immaculee’s case, the basis for her visualization is a childlike faith that a Supreme Being is watching over her and caring about her. While in hiding, Immaculée learned to lean on God and her faith in Him, and now, in every detail of her life—her freedom, her husband, and her U.N. position—she proceeds with blind faith as a guiding light. “I envisioned it, I dreamed it, I prayed for it, and now I had it,” said Immaculée.

From Left to Right: Lucille Carollo, Kirstie Carollo, Brenda Romair, Wanda Currey, Marissa Fortenberry, Bridgid McIntyre, Erin Tusa and Tina Sims

This is a story of unimaginable terror, evil, bravery, love, forgiveness, and belief in God. She forgave the man who was responsible for the murder of her family because she did not want to perpetuate the hatred. It is the old story of ethnic hatred such as the genocide in Nazi Germany, the hatred between Protestant and Catholic in Northern Ireland, Serbians and Croatians, Shi’ite and Sunni Muslims—and neighbor hating neighbor. “What happened in Rwanda happened to us all—humanity was wounded by the genocide,” said Immaculée. “The love of a single heart can make a world of difference. I believe we can heal Rwanda, and our world, by healing one heart at a time.”

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The Catholic Charities of Northwest Florida should be commended for sponsoring this event and letting us have a glimpse of Immaculée’s

story right here in our own backyard. According to Carolyn Ketchel, LCSW, regional director of Catholic Charities of Northwest Florida, “the event was a successful fundraiser that allowed us to care for over 20,000 people by providing food during the holidays and assisting with Emergency Assistance for 2010.

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PEOPLE + PLACES Alaqua Alaqua Animal Refuge opened its gates to the community for their annual Open House on December 20, 2009. This family event was held to raise awareness about the essential services Alaqua provides for Walton County, and to show off the new campus. Underwritten by a very generous grant, the newly-built campus

includes climate controlled dog kennels and cat houses, a new equine barn, and new veterinary buildings. It also includes a fenced 1.5-acre wildlife preserve. Photography by Lisa Ferrick

Natalie and Ryan Leon

Taylor, Garner, Crockett, and Laurie Hood

Sylvia Maraman and Laurie Hood

McCaskill & Company McCaskill & Company hosted a holiday celebrity event at Marina Cafe showcasing the artistry of Erica Courtney, the jewelry designer of the stars. 1

Her “Drop Dead Gorgeous” collection has wowed not only Hollywood, but the friends and customers of Bill and Elizabeth Campbell who gathered for cocktails and hors d’oeuvres. Aware that Erica is a native of Louisiana, the Campbells “Let the Good Times Roll” for this holiday kickoff party. Photography by Lisa Ferrick

Ken Kraft and Kimberly Elliott

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Elizabeth, Bill, Carolyn Campbell, and Todd Brigman VIEZINE.COM SPRING 2010

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The Freedom Writers Diary Author is Keynote Speaker By Tori Phelps and Crystal Hamon Photography by Lisa Ferrick

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Erin Gruwell

Nelson Mandela once said,“There can be no keener revelation of a society’s soul than the way in which it treats its children.” While some nod resignedly at this truth, others make it their life’s mission to create a little corner of the world where children know that they are a priority… that they are worth it. In Panama City, that corner is called the After School Assistance Program (ASAP), a refuge where children are cared for, encouraged, and celebrated. Last October, hundreds of people demonstrated their commitment to area children by attending the kickoff of ASAP’s Capital Campaign, Building One Positive Place, at the Edgewater Beach Resort.

ppropriately, the keynote speaker for the evening was Erin Gruwell, a teacher whose story about transforming the lives of a class full of “throwaway” teenagers in California was so compelling that it was turned into the major motion picture Freedom Writers, starring Academy Award–winning actress Hilary Swank. Gruwell shared the stage with hosts Barbara Clemons and her son, Panama City Mayor Scott Clemons, representatives of a family who have been at the very heart of ASAP since its inception. But the real stars of the evening were children, past and present, who embody an opportunity for us as a society to change the world by reaching out to its most vulnerable members. Lessons from an Exceptional Teacher

School should be one place in which children are valued and protected, but that wasn’t what Erin Gruwell encountered when she accepted

a teaching position at Long Beach, California’s rough-and-tumble Wilson High School in the early 1990s. Instead, she was greeted by an administration that believed the teens in her class were “unteachable.” Rather than dissuading her, the shameful attitude unleashed a desire in the idealistic young English teacher to prove them wrong. First, however, she had to break through the walls erected by students whose high school was reeling from racial tensions, drug use, and gang activities and who had seen more in their short lives than most ever will. Gruwell recounted for the audience how dismally her initial attempts at instilling a love of literature were received by kids who walked through the doors of their school every day with broken lives, criminal backgrounds, and a sense of hopelessness about their futures. Their daily fight just to stay alive left little time or desire for schoolwork; not surprisingly, they had the lowest scores

in the entire school district and had long before been written off by anybody in a position to help them. Gruwell started with what her students had in common—a hatred of reading, writing, and her—and began looking for ways to bring literature to life for them. She had a hunch that if they could uncover the rich truths embedded in some of the world’s great books, they would begin to see themselves differently. The lightbulb moments weren’t a result of carefully laid plans; rather, they arose naturally from the kids’ deeply rooted prejudices and pain. One such incident occurred after Gruwell discovered a racist cartoon starring a fellow student, and warned her class that such hate-filled propaganda had led to the Holocaust. Silence descended for a long moment before one student raised his hand to ask, “What’s the Holocaust?” Gruwell soon learned that not a single student could answer the question. They had never heard about one of the VIEZINE.COM SPRING 2010

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world’s greatest atrocities, yet the same forces of hatred, violence, and racism were shaping their lives. She made an easy yet momentous decision to make history’s heroic lessons of tolerance and diversity the cornerstones of her curriculum.

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Another tactic designed to promote self-discovery was assigning to her students the task of maintaining journals in which they would write about their thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Sure enough, kids hardened by a lifetime of living in an urban war zone began to relate their experiences to classics like Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl, which made the dangers of racism real and taught them about the freedom that comes from picking up a pen rather than a gun. Unbeknownst to her or her students, the compilation of these journaling assignments would change their lives forever. Believing that she was simply indulging her students by sending the book they had created—dubbed The Freedom Writers Diary in homage to the civil rights activists known as “Freedom Riders”—to several publishing companies, the colorful stories of Room 203, instead, captured the attention of the publishing world. They also resonated with readers, who snatched up more than one million copies and sent the book to number one on the New York Times bestseller list. A successful film chronicling the Freedom Writers’ story soon followed. Gruwell took immense pleasure in relating how successful those “unteachables” had become in the last decade and a half: going on to college, starting families, and launching careers that brought a few back into the classroom—as teachers this time. Gruwell and her former students also created the Freedom Writers Foundation and have traveled the world sharing their inspiring story. A Place to Call Their Own

Around the same time that Gruwell was working to reinvent the lives of her students, a new organization called ASAP, whose mission was to provide learning opportunities and a safe after128

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The good news is that word of the program’s unique assistance has spread to those who may benefit most; the bad news is that so many at-risk youth have sought the services of ASAP that the building can no longer fulfill the need.

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Why trust anyone else to cover your investment? school sanctuary to low-income children in Bay County, took shape in Panama City. The program provides tutoring, constructive activities, and life skills, while the families of its members can take advantage of seminars on parenting, support groups, GED classes, and career counseling. The good news is that word of the program’s unique assistance has spread to those who may benefit most; the bad news is that so many atrisk youth have sought the services of ASAP that the building can no longer fulfill the need. At the fund-raising event, Capital Campaign Chairpersons Kelly Forehand and Lisa Powell Ashley tearfully explained how children line up outside of the current center because there’s no room for them inside. That sad image drives organizers to reach out to donors like the ones gathered in a ballroom at the Edgewater Beach Resort, seeking funds to construct a new 4,000-square-foot facility to serve 130 youth—a 400 percent increase over its current capacity.

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The Clemons family needed no prodding to lend their voices to the campaign, as they’ve been among ASAP’s most dedicated supporters during the last seventeen years. In heartfelt testimonies, friends lauded the evening’s hosts not only for their financial contributions, but also for their hands-on involvement. Early in the organization’s history, for example, it wasn’t unusual for Mrs. Clemons to give ASAP students swimming lessons in the bay behind her house or to hold etiquette sessions, using china and silver at the family dinner table. It’s because of this single-minded determination that a cadre of over forty mentors now give their time to ASAP. VIEZINE.COM SPRING 2010

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Lisa Powell-Ashley with Erin Gruwell

from that encounter with them throughout the night, clearly ready to move ahead with the business of achieving their dreams.

Much in the same way that the Clemons family have taught by example over the years, Gruwell has also silently imparted lessons and ideas to ASAP leaders. Among the initiatives they have borrowed from the resourceful teacher was that of presenting composition notebooks to kids in the program so they can chronicle their own stories. Throughout the evening, the ASAP students carried those prized notebooks with them,

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gathering autographs and recording their impressions of the event within the pages. In a display of the extraordinary confidence they’ve gained through their experiences with ASAP, each child served by the program joined a table of supporters, whom they had never met, to introduce themselves and talk about the center that they love. Prior to the dinner, the students also met with Gruwell, and carried a spark of inspiration

Perhaps even more important than the funds that were raised that night was the sense of hope and purpose that permeated the crowd. No matter their level of commitment before the kickoff, through the life-altering stories they heard and the kids they met, those in the ballroom were left with one objective: building “One Positive Place,” wherein the generous, caring soul of Panama City will be revealed. For more information on The Freedom Writers Foundation, visit www.FreedomWritersFoundation.org. To learn more about ASAP, please visit www.asappanamacity.org.

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THE

BUSINESS CORNER W H AT ' S N E W I N B U S I N E S S F RO M C O L A 2 C O L A

NEW HIRES ANNOUNCED AT LARGEST PANAMA CITY BEACH RESORT The Resort Collection of Panama City Beach Expands Executive Team By Crystal Hamon Photography by Jessie Shepard

Kicking off the new year with some fresh faces, The Resort Collection of Panama City Beach proudly welcomes Heem K. Chee, John F. Ward, and Stacey Aronson to their executive team. The new personnel will serve to enhance the culinary, hospitality, and recreational services at The Resort Collection’s luxury properties. “With the opening of the new airport this year, we are expecting an increase in visitors and we want to be ready to put our best foot forward,” said Tom Sparks, general manager for The Resort Collection.

HEEM K. CHEE

Heem K. Chee has joined the company as their vice president of food and beverage. In his new position, Chee will oversee all operations for banquets, bars, and eateries throughout all of The Resort Collection’s properties. “The Resort Collection has always maintained an outstanding culinary team,” said Chee. “I’m proud to be joining a company with a clear devotion to excellence in culinary talent and quality.” Chee’s culinary expertise has been harnessed throughout his more than three decades of industry experience working for top hospitality brands in the U.S., Canada, and the Bahamas. “Heem’s reputation in the food industry precedes him,” said Sparks. “We are happy to welcome his culinary talent to our growing team.”

JOHN F. WARD

The Resort Collection is stepping up their game by hiring John F. Ward as the new vice president of golf and resort activities. “John has the background and experience to bring our golf and resort amenities to the next level of excellence,” added Sparks. With an extensive background as a PGA professional, Ward comes to the company with a wealth of diverse experience in successfully directing golf operations. “The Resort Collection is an excellent organization and the Hombre Golf Club is widely respected in the world of golf,” said Ward. “I am excited about the opportunity to join forces with this amazing team.”

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STACEY ARONSON

Stacey Aronson has also recently joined the company as their new vice president of lodging. “We are excited to welcome Stacey to our team,” said Sparks. “Her knowledge and experience will be a great addition to our staff.” Aronson comes to The Resort Collection from Olympic Valley, California where she was the general manager for The Village at Squaw Valley, a 290-room hotel-condominium located in a four-season mountain resort. “I’m looking forward to incorporating all of the training and experience I have received into my new position at The Resort Collection,” said Aronson.

“We have assembled a great team of highly qualified professionals to move our company forward in 2010,” said Sparks. “I feel confident that their talents and abilities will prove to be the vital impetus to our increased success in the future.”

FRANK BURGE AND RONNY CLAY TAKE THE HELM OF FIRST FLORIDA BANK In the last quarter of 2009, longtime friends and business colleagues, Frank Burge and Ronny Clay assumed leadership roles at Destin First Bank, located in the heart of Destin on Highway 98. In November 2009, Frank Burge and Ronny Clay were named chairman/chief executive officer and president, respectively, by Destin First Bank. The wellrespected business duo had enjoyed a great reputation in the local banking community for many years as owners and top executives at Destin Bank (Destin Bancshares, Inc.) from 1992 to 2005 prior to selling to Whitney Holding Corporation of New Orleans in a lucrative transaction. Back at the helm of Destin First Bank, one of the first orders of business was to initiate a rebranding campaign complete with name change and plans to relocate the corporate office. “The new name, First Florida Bank, was introduced to the local community during the first week of the new year in 2010, capitalizing on the feeling of a fresh new start that a new year ushers in,” said Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Frank Burge. He added that he thinks it is a strong name—one that he is proud of. In addition to the new name, First Florida Bank will be moving the corporate headquarters to its new location at 125 Main Street in Destin. Ironically, this is where Destin Bank first got its start. “Some have said that we’re returning to our roots. The goodwill and nostalgia of the original building, with the rocking chairs on the porch and where we knew everyone’s name, feels like a good fit,” added President Ronny Clay. When interviewing both Frank and Ronny, it is clear that they have an explicit mandate and philosophy of how to build a business, and that is by “growing one customer at a time.” First Florida Bank offers competitive banking products and services with a personalized banking acumen. “In conjunction with our very competitive rates and free checking accounts, this summer we will be

Frank Burge and Ronny Clay Photo by Romona Robbins

offering our customers the opportunity to apply for a First Florida Bank business and consumer credit cards,” noted Clay. The launch of their new website will transition from the former Destin First Bank website in March 2010, and will offer an expansive list of competitive products including Remote Capture and other on-line banking services. Already under way is the projected May opening for a second branch, which will be located at 9461 Highway 98 East near The Market Shops at Sandestin with Carol Jones as branch manager. Visit www.firstflbank.com or call (850) 269–1201 to learn more about First Florida Bank. VIEZINE.COM SPRING 2010

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PROTECTING

YOUR BUSINESS Survival in a Competitive Market By Hayward Dykes Jr.

Laying off critical employees is never easy. It is even worse when you find that some of these employees are taking trade secrets and clients to a competitor or opening up shop next door. What can you do? While most people have heard of non-compete agreements, they are sometimes confused on what these important agreements can and cannot cover. Often questions arise about whether Florida law enforces such agreements, what needs to be included to make them enforceable, how restrictive they can be, and what your rights are if someone violates one.

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IS A NON-COMPETE AGREEMENT ENFORCEABLE IN FLORIDA? Yes. Non-compete agreements are enforceable in Florida. The Florida legislature has specifically addressed such agreements in Section 542.335 of the Florida Statutes. First, in order to establish an enforceable non-compete agreement in Florida, you will need to make sure the agreement is in writing. Next, you will need to establish and prove the existence of a “legitimate business interest” that needs protection. WHAT IS A LEGITIMATE BUSINESS INTEREST? Thankfully, the legislature has set forth in the statute what constitute “legitimate business interests.” Specifically, Florida Statute 542.335 recognizes the following : 1) trade secrets; 2) valuable confidential business or professional information; 3) substantial

relationships with specific prospective or existing customers, patients, or clients; 4) goodwill for a business; and 5) extraordinary or specialized training. While this list is not exhaustive, it does cover what a business will normally seek protection for through a noncompete agreement. WHAT IF I DON’T HAVE A LEGITIMATE BUSINESS INTEREST TO PROTECT? If for some reason you and your attorney cannot think of a legitimate business interest to protect, then the law is clear: Any restrictive covenant not supported by a legitimate business purpose is unlawful, void, and unenforceable. However, a legitimate business interest will exist for most businesses, especially those in management who deal with sensitive business information and trade secrets.

I HAVE A LEGITIMATE BUSINESS INTEREST TO PROTECT. HOW RESTRICTIVE CAN I MAKE THE NON-COMPETE AGREEMENT? My advice to clients is that non-compete agreements be only restrictive enough to protect their business interests. I normally begin by identifying with the business owner those business interests that need protection. Next, we determine the length of time and geographic area the agreement will cover. The statute again gives us some guidance in this area by establishing guidelines on what time frames are presumed to be reasonable. For example, a non-compete agreement for a former employee is presumed reasonable if it contains a restriction of six months or less. The restriction would be presumed unreasonable if it exceeds two years. Based on the business interest that is being protected, some VIEZINE.COM SPRING 2010

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My advice to clients is that non-compete agreements be only restrictive enough to protect their business interests. I normally begin by identifying with the business owner those business interests that need protection. —Hayward Dykes Jr.

non-compete agreements could have restrictions of up to ten years.

I HAVE A NON-COMPETE AGREEMENT, AND I BELIEVE A FORMER EMPLOYEE IS VIOLATING THE AGREEMENT. WHAT CAN I DO?

In addition, the geographic area of a non-compete agreement is important. It would not be improper for a large company that does business in many states to seek restrictions for each of the When a party violates a non-compete agreement, SuperStudio:ART:MNH:Mitchell’s:MFM_Wood Background_Shadows_C_300.tif states or for a region. Smaller businesses may be that party is subject to a legal action for damages SuperStudio:ART:MNH:Mitchell’s:MFM_Grilled Salmon_C_300.tif limited to aSuperStudio:Logos:Mitchells:MFM smaller geographic area, perhaps a and injunctive relief. Common practice is to file Logos:MFM_logo_tagc_2c.ai specific county or counties, or within so many a lawsuit for breach of the non-compete agreemiles of the business. ment along with a motion for injunctive relief.

Any fresher, you’d have to catch it yourself.

Courts have the right to enter an order that prohibits further violation of a non-compete agreement through a temporary injunction. At the hearing, you will need to be ready to show the court why the injunction is warranted. If you are successful, the statute does allow for the court to award attorney fees to the prevailing party. If an injunction is granted by the court, it will stay in place until the resolution of the case. Always consult an attorney when drafting a non-compete agreement for your business. A properly drafted non-compete agreement is a great tool. It can prevent a trusted employee from walking away with valuable clients, business, or trade secrets you worked so hard to establish.

Hayward Dykes Jr. is an attorney and partner with the law firm of Conerly, Bowman & Dykes, LLP. If you would like more information on this topic, please contact Mr. Dykes at (850) 837-5118, hdykes@destin-law.com., or visit www.cbdlawfirm.com. This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice.

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OFF-SEASON OR "OFF-DECADE"? PREPARED BY DAVID WADDLE, BRIAN HAUGEN, AND STEVE CANN Emerald Coast Wealth Advisors of Raymond James and Associates, Inc.

MANY LOCAL BUSINESSES ARE LOOKING FORWARD TO THE RETURN OF OUR PEAK SEASON WITH BATED BREATH. IT'S BEEN A LONG OFF-SEASON. SOME WOULD ARGUE IT'S BEEN AN "OFF-DECADE"!

Using recovery symbolism involving letters like "V," "W," or "U," analysts passionately wrangle over whether the market is moving up, sideways, or down. The jury is still out on which (if any) of these letters is an accurate description of our current recovery. Most of us along the Emerald Coast would simply like to see some recovery. In the meantime, how should we proceed? Perhaps the best way to avoid the stress of predicting when or whether a recovery will occur is by ensuring that you are always prepared for future downturns in the market. I think we can gain some wisdom from our most successful local tourism- and serviceoriented businesses because their owners have realized that a key secret to success 138

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is the ability to survive during the off-season and all other seasons. Investing in the market is very similar; while we may not know exactly when these "off-seasons" will come, we certainly realize that they are inevitable. Here in Northwest Florida, the traffic jams on U.S. 98 clearly proclaim summer's arrival, and they bring the economic blessings upon which many businesses depend. In our global economy, as on Wall Street, there are no seasonal traffic jams to mark the turning of the tides, so we must constantly be prepared to weather all seasons. We have recently seen measured recovery in the global financial markets, but locally we hear mixed reviews. One good news story was that the 30A Songwriters Festival was a huge hit, drawing a standing-room-only crowd of wall-to-wall people at each venue. Tickets sold out, and you couldn't find a limo for hire anywhere. That shows a strong recovery in entertainment and tourism spending. Other local economic sectors have not yet returned

to their former peak earnings days. In some cases, there is even divergence within sectors. For example, some pundits claim that residential real estate is showing signs of an uptick, while the commercial end appears to be lagging behind for now. Is there a light at the end of the tunnel? Of course! One airline's plans for its famous orange-and-blue jets to begin service to our new international airport and the arrival of the 7th Special Forces Group to the Eglin Air Force Base complex are just a couple of reasons to believe in the future of Florida's Emerald Coast. Remember the old adage: "Out of chaos comes opportunity." Opportunity can be viewed in different ways. Some seize the opportunity to invest during the tough times, and they succeed. We've seen this locally. Newer venues like Rick Scali's Easy Street Vacation Rentals, Adonna's Bakery & CafĂŠ, and our regional VIE magazine are examples of businesses that

IF WE TAKE THE OPPORTUNITY TO DEVELOP A PERSONAL PLAN FOR THE OFF-SEASON, WE CAN PROTECT OURSELVES AGAINST THE DOWNSIDE.

started in tough times but are doing well. Correlation to investing is evident here—buy low, sell high. That sounds easy, but the advice can also be tough to swallow. An often unrecognized form of opportunity is preparation. If we take the opportunity to develop a personal plan for the off-season, we can protect ourselves against the downside. This, too, is hard to swallow as you must sometimes take prized assets off the table in order to better ensure against future declines. Many people have difficulty visualizing bad times when things are going well, but those who have the patience, introspection, and humility to do so will make a plan for all seasons.

The Retreat

Mountain Brook

We all look forward to the future, a rebound in our economy, the return of equity in our homes, and higher revenues from our businesses. Planning for the upside is easy and comes naturally. It's planning for the downside—for the off-season—that is perhaps the more prudent move.

Mountain Brook

t rac er y i n t er ior s Ros emar y B eac h | Bi rmi ng ham 850.231.6755 tracer y i nteriors.com

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Sunny

THE

SIDE OF BUSINESS

By Crystal Hamon | Photo by Lisa Ferrick ike many who have migrated to our shores, John Finch, a native of Memphis, had fond childhood memories of Northwest Florida and had always dreamed of living on the beach. However, living in our beautiful and somewhat isolated area sometimes comes with a price when it comes to accessibility. In 2004, while visiting the Emerald Coast to explore relocating here, John was presented with this problem, and solving it is now his passion. During John’s travels to and from Highway 30A, he attempted to arrange for transportation to the airport. On two occasions he used different shuttle companies that left him stranded. During another attempt, a man purporting to be a shuttle service arrived in an old Ford Bronco with a poodle in the backseat. John remembers it clearly. “By the time I boarded my flight, my navy suit was covered in poodle hair,” he said. “It was then that I recognized the need for a high-quality transportation service in this popular, growing region.” With only two minivans, a lot of passion and no experience in the transportation industry, John started Sunshine Shuttle & Limousine in 2004 under the umbrella of Finch Transportation. In the six short years since, he has developed three thriving companies: Sunshine Shuttle, Sunshine Limousine, and Southern Bus Lines. Today, the full-service transportation company 140

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includes a fleet of eighteen vehicles that service locations from Escambia to Bay counties, and John sees room for more growth. Based in Santa Rosa Beach, this business has continued to expand, even through the peaks and valleys that the local economy has endured in recent years. John attributes his success to two factors. First, he cites the influx of visitors that this region has experienced. As the national economy has retracted, people who might have vacationed in Europe, the Caribbean, or other exotic locales are choosing more economic options closer to home. The other reason is the exceptional level of quality and service that John’s company provides. For John, professionalism, efficiency, and good customer care are important characteristics

of a well-run service-oriented company. To help ensure customer service and safety, the company runs background checks and drug tests on each of its drivers. Every driver wears a uniform and carries a PDA with GPS capability from which he receives instructions for pick-ups and tracks flight information. The company uses state-of-the art technology to provide 24-hour answering service and online booking, features that separate the company from its competition. John has worked hard to make his company what he calls “a one-stop shop” for quality transportation. This important component as well as great customer service and vehicle quality standards have made his company the first choice during many large-scale local events. In April of 2009, the Seabreeze Jazz Festival entrusted Finch Transportation John Finch

"I recognized the need for a high-quality transportation service in this popular, growing region.” — John Finch

with everything from airport pickups of musicians and their equipment to charter bus transportation for the estimated 4,000 festival-goers. When The St. Joe Company and Airport Authority held groundbreaking ceremonies in November of 2007 for the new Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport, they too turned to this company to handle all of their transportation needs. Finch Transportation has also been a popular choice among wedding planners. “When a wedding planner has a lot on his/her plate, they don’t want to deal with separate limousine, charter, and airport pick-up companies,” said John. “With us, they only have to pick up the phone or visit our website, and we take care of the rest.” John is passionate about making a remarkable first impression on guests who stay in luxury accommodations while visiting our beautiful beaches. Rather than having visitors arrive at the airport and find only a gypsy cab or run-down shuttle van, he believes visitors should be greeted by a clean, well-kept, professional service. Even during tough times, this company continues to put its best foot forward, strive for excellence, and keep a positive outlook. Perhaps that is why it has continued to bask on the sunny side of the local business scene.

Offering one of the best collections of art, area rugs, lighting, pottery, greenery, and other accessories for fine outdoor living.

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THE SALON EXPERIENCE It’s chic. It’s professional. Gina Shiflett

It’s progressive. It’s the finest in hair care products. It’s a place of art. It’s a place of generosity. It’s business and charitable networking at its finest. It’s a place of beauty.

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It’s a place to see and be seen. It’s a place of thanks and giving back. It’s a place of caring. It’s a nurturing place. It’s a place with heart. It’s a place to look good. It’s a place to be good.

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4281 East Scenic HWY 30A Seagrove Beach, FL 32459 850.231.7853 www.salontwist.com VIEZINE.COM SPRING 2010

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BY CRYSTAL HAMON Every day is Earth Day at Barefoot Princess, a Lilly Pulitzer Via Shop, and its owners are spreading the “Lilly Loves Green” message this spring. Fashionable and chic as ever, Lilly has declared that its product line is going green—even though most of it is pink. Turning over a new leaf in 2010, Lilly is using sustainable, organic fabrics, utilizing a greener printing process, and working with eco-friendly factories. Since all of Lilly’s textiles are Oeko-Tex certified, customers can rest assured that none of the company’s clothing contains any harmful chemicals or substances. Lilly is using 100 percent recycled polyester for all of its labels and 100 percent recycled cotton card stock for all of the hang tags used in its Originals Collection. Lilly has teamed up with Cotton Incorporated to ensure its fabrics’ sustainability and has employed HONORKING, a recognized leader in eco-conscious textile printing, for the production of its Originals Collection. In addition to all of these fabulous, environmentally friendly changes, Barefoot Princess will be offering a number of opportunities for customers to join Lilly in taking care of the earth at its Baytowne Wharf and WaterColor locations. 144

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Barefoot Princess is hosting some special events in March to benefit Alaqua Animal Refuge. Each event will offer a special gift with a purchase and provide items for a silent auction with proceeds benefiting Alaqua, which will bring some animals available for adoption to the events. During the hours of these events, 10 percent of all proceeds from Lilly Pulitzer sales will be donated to Alaqua. Barefoot Princess—The Village at Baytowne Wharf March 19, 2010; 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Wine and cheese will be served. Barefoot Princess—WaterColor Town Center March 20, 2010; 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Juice, mimosas, and a light breakfast will be served.

Inspired by the colorful flora and fauna that surround us, Lilly is creating new collections to promote a greener world. New prints featuring ocean life will benefit Ocean Conservancy and raise awareness of the need to keep our oceans healthy and clean.

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For its Spring 2010 collection, Lilly has created a limited edition Pandamonium print to benefit World Wildlife Fund (WWF). The panda has been the logo for WWF for the nearly half century that it has been protecting endangered species and conserving nature. The Pandamonium print mingles black and white Lilly pandas with WWF logo pandas, many of which have hot pink flowers behind their ears. Ten percent of the proceeds from sales of this print will go to WWF.

Lilly is teaming up with Cotton Incorporated and Habitat for Humanity on Earth Day to recycle fashion for those less fortunate. On April 22, 2010, at both of its locations, Barefoot Princess will be accepting donated denim, which will be converted to UltraTouch natural cotton fiber insulation to be used in building seven houses for families recovering from Hurricane Katrina in the distressed Ninth Ward area of New Orleans. For more information about Lilly Loves Green, please visit: http://www.lillypulitzer.com/page/lillylovesgreen To submit information on your businessâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s eco-friendly practices for consideration in a future Living Green Spotlight, please send submissions to Green@VIEzine.com.

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EXERCISE “That which does not kill us…” By Clark Peters

Almost everyone knows that exercise is good for your health. Indeed, the research is very clear: those who exercise will live longer than those who don’t—by years! As importantly, they live more active, more energetic, and presumably, therefore, more satisfactory lives.

Despite recognizing the benefits of exercise, most Americans lead very sedentary lives. The combination of TV, the Internet, computer games, and motorized transportation leads to a lifestyle comprised primarily of a sitting position. This is not for lack of good intentions! Most of us have workout gear, treadmills, Bowflex machines, videos featuring incredibly fit instructors, etc. But these exercise tools, more often than not, end up gathering dust in the garage or functioning primarily as a clothes rack. The excuse is usually time related—“I just don’t have time to work out every day.” I will conclude this article with an exercise that almost everyone can do and results in extraordinary fitness—for an investment of only thirty minutes three times per week! But first, I will present some information that will be new to many of you and will hopefully provide some serious motivation. First, all parts of the body react to physical stress by growing stronger. It’s as if your muscles, organs, bones, and connective tissue say to themselves, “Well, that was uncomfortable. I better add some material so I can handle it better the next time.” Of course, the more it happens, the 148

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more material is added and the stronger and healthier the body becomes. The process is called hypertrophy. Its opposite, which happens to those with a sedentary lifestyle, is called atrophy. Atrophy leads to muscles, organs, and bones withering and becoming weaker. If allowed to continue, it is nothing short of disastrous to our health and longevity. This tendency, unfortunately, accelerates as we age. The message is move! The following are some of the beneficial impacts of raising your heart rate through exercise: MUSCLES: A toned muscle works better. It also

requires more support (calories), so exercise assists in weight management.

CARDIOPULMONARY SYSTEM (HEART AND LUNGS):

Increasing your heart rate on a regular basis strengthens your heart muscle and forces your lungs to work more efficiently. CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM

(HEART, VEINS, AND

ARTERIES): Exercise forces your heart to pump more

strenuously to supply oxygenated blood to the muscles you’re using. In turn, this forces your arteries and veins to become more elastic, which is good insurance against heart problems and stroke. BRAIN: Yes! Exercise makes you smarter. Turns

out, all that extra oxygenated blood coursing through your brain improves the connections (called synapses) between neurons. That, in turn, improves memory, logic flow, thinking speed, and, therefore, general mental acuity. Who knew?! MOOD: Exercise releases “happy” neurotrans-

mitters like serotonin and endorphins, thus improving your general attitude. A recent study indicated that exercise is much more efficacious than Zoloft for depression in the long term. So, if you’re having a “blue” day, move! CHOLESTEROL: Cholesterol is a complex sub-

would be non-weight bearing) causes your skeleton to thicken and strengthen. Being sedentary results in thinning and weakening and can lead to osteoporosis.

ject, but generally, the higher your high density lipoproteins (HDLs) and the lower your low density lipoproteins (LDLs), the better your heart health. Exercise raises HDL and lowers LDL. Therefore, regular exercise significantly reduces the risk of heart disease.

CONNECTIVE TISSUE: One of the trials of aging

APPEARANCE: Most people who are overweight

BONES: Any weight-bearing exercise (swimming

is the tightening and shortening of our tendons, ligaments, etc. Movement enhances flexibility.

(two-thirds of America) would like to lose some weight and look better. Exercise, done properly,

can help effect this change. Well, the list goes on, but those are some of the primary benefits. Shifting gears for a moment, your body (major simplification here) is comprised of two components: lean body mass (muscles, bones, connective tissue, organs, and fluids) and fat! We carry fat because our distant ancestors (who often faced famine due to climate) evolved to store any excess calories as fat as insurance against starvation. While there are pockets of our world where starvation is a threat, famine is not an issue for most of us. Thus, in addition to being unattractive, fat is basically dead weight. It serves no other function except insurance and is also where we tend to store toxins. You may rightly infer here that reducing fat makes us less toxic and healthier. In addition, fat is a meaningful precursor to type 2 diabetes, a nasty disease that predisposes us to all the major degenerative diseases. So getting leaner (reducing fat) is critical to health. It is intuitively obvious that the longer and harder we exercise, the more calories we burn. SEE GRAPH A It would also seem logical that the harder and longer we exercise, the more fat we burn. This is true, but only up to a point! The body will, during exercise, use fat for its caloric needs as long as all other resources are satisfactory. One of the resources it monitors is oxygen. So if your workout becomes too intense, you become anaerobic, i.e., start gasping for breath. This is called the anaerobic threshold, and, once reached, fat burning ceases. Ironically, the body, after a short interval, gets its caloric needs filled (as the exercise continues above the threshold) by cannibalizing lean body mass! So at this point, you are depleting the very stuff you are trying to enhance! The chart for fat burning then looks like this: SEE GRAPH B At this point, exercise, while still good for many systems (cardio-pulmonary, cardio-vascular, etc.), becomes counterproductive for lean body mass enhancement and fat loss. I trust it is apparent that the majority of your exercise should be below this anaerobic threshold. Turns out, the most effective exercise is done for thirty to forty-five VIEZINE.COM SPRING 2010

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How do I know I am in the zone? I have a heart monitor, but you can approximate by working hard enough to require deeper breathing, up to the point of gasping for breath. If you can carry on a conversation while exercising, you are below threshold. minutes at between 60 percent to 75 percent of your maximum heart rate (max HR) for three to no more than five days per week. This is good news for the sedentary! One half hour for three days per week. Four or five days is slightly better, but three days will give significant results. The formula for figuring all this out is straightforward. Subtract your age from 220 (a scientific constant) and multiply times .6 (the start of the beneficial range) and .75. For all but the very fit, 75 percent of max HR is their anaerobic threshold. I am nearly 70, so, for me, the math is as follows:

220 – 70 = 150 (max HR in beats per minute)

x .6 = 90 (minimum beats per minute (BPM) to get in zone)

x .75 = 112.5 (maximum BPM at threshold)

So I work out at 90 to 110 BPM for maximum effect. How do I know I am in the zone? I have a heart monitor, but you can approximate by working hard enough to require deeper breathing, up to the point of gasping for breath. If you can carry on a conversation while exercising, you are below threshold. The ideal exercise would then provide all the benefits mentioned earlier; it would be weight bearing, require only a modest time commitment (so as to be done consistently), burn fat, and enhance lean body mass. Is there such an exercise? As implied earlier, any exercise is good for you, so keep up whatever you do now. But we believe an 150

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ideal exercise is walking (I told you almost anyone could do this) with heavy hands. The heavy hands nomenclature comes from carrying light weights (.5 to 2 pounds) in each hand during your thirty- to forty-five-minute walk, swinging the weights above your heart level. Doing this three times per week builds lean body mass and peels fat away. We recommend a series of specific moves to get at various muscle groups, as follows: PUMPING: This is the most basic move and is

always the one to which you should return after other variations. Every time your left foot hits the ground, your right hand comes up to your shoulder. Then do so with the opposite foot and hand. Warm up with this for two to three minutes and always return to pumping after other moves. FLYES: Also called chest flyes, start with your

fists together center chest and with each step, draw your arms back as if you were trying to touch your elbows behind you. On the following step, bring your fists back to center chest. Each two steps is a repetition (rep). LATS: Begin with your arms by your side. With

your first step, bring your arms out to the side and up to shoulder level (like flapping your wings for take-off ). Your hands should come back to your hips on the second step of the rep. OVERHEADS: Begin with your fists at shoulder

level. Extend them straight overhead with your first step and return them to shoulder level on your second. BICEPS: Start with your hands at your sides.

Then do biceps curls to shoulder level and return with each two steps. TRICEPS: Begin with your hands at chest level.

Extend your fists directly behind you on the first

step and return them to chest level on the second. These are called triceps extensions. To remember the sequence, the acronym FLOBITRI may help, i.e., F=flyes, L=lats, O=overheads, BI=biceps curls, and TRI=triceps extensions. So your thirty-minute session would look like this: PUMPING: 2–3 minutes FLYES: set of 25, pump for 25 LATS: set of 25, pump for 25 OVERHEADS: set of 25, pump for 25 BICEPS: set of 25, pump for 25 TRICEPS: set of 25, pump for 25 and repeat until the time is up. Of course, for variety, you may create other movements as you desire—as long as you’re weighted hands go above heart level, the movement will be effective. This exercise can be done almost anywhere— outside on a reasonably level surface, carefully on a treadmill (up to a 3.5-degree incline at 3.5 mph), or even walking in place. Even those who are wheelchair-bound will benefit from the arm movements. To some, this will seem trivial. It is not! Over a thirty-minute brisk walk, you will take about 1600 steps. If you are carrying a one-pound weight in each hand, you will lift two pounds every other step, i.e., 1600 pounds! Indeed, our major concern is damage by over exerting muscles or connective tissue. This exercise is not a “no pain, no gain” endeavor. If some movement is becoming uncomfortable, either drop down in weight or skip that particular move. Again, those of you who exercise regularly— congratulations! And keep it up. For the rest, I urge you to commit 1.5 hours/week to this

exercise. Over a relatively short period, you will experience the following: ENHANCED LEAN BODY MASS (THE GOOD STUFF)

REDUCED FAT MORE MENTAL ACUITY BETTER MOOD BETTER SLEEP (BUT DON’T DO THIS JUST BEFORE RETIRING—IT ENERGIZES YOU FOR HOURS)

MORE ENERGY THROUGHOUT THE DAY AN IMPROVED CHOLESTEROL PANEL IN GENERAL, IMPROVEMENT IN SYSTEMS OPERATION THROUGHOUT YOUR BODY

Anyone up for a brisk walk?

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www.TheBeachGroup.com 850-622-0107 Always on the ball...only at The Beach

THE HEALTH NUT

Clark Peters has spent much of his time since his retirement in 1997 researching health and longevity. His purpose in writing these columns is to share his findings with readers in plain English and assist them in making accurate and informed lifestyle choices. The columns are based on the premise that we all want to live a long, vigorous life and are striving to make healthy choices. While Mr. Peters believes these recommendations will result in better health and longevity for almost everyone, the reader is advised to consult with his or her physician before making any major lifestyle changes. You may e-mail Mr. Peters at: hlthnut@earthlink.net * Advanced fellowship in anti-aging, regenerative and functional medicine

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BankSmart

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PEOPLE + PLACES Northwest Florida State College More than 150 community leaders gathered at Northwest Florida State College (NWFSC) on January 14, 2010 to formally open its newest branch location, the NWFSC South Walton Center, located just off of Highway 331 South, near South Walton High School. The college also dedicated the Allyn C. Donaldson Entrepreneurial Institute, which is housed at the center and named in honor of Donaldson, a

Santa Rosa Beach resident and longtime supporter of the college’s educational and cultural programs. Photography by Lisa Ferrick Brenda and Lane Rees

Ribbon Cutting

Welsey Wilkerson and Van Ness Butler

Welsey Wilkerson, Sandy Sims, Dr. Tom Delaino, and Allyn C. Donaldson

New Year’s Eve at Firefly Firefly restaurant in Panama City Beach was the place to be on New Year’s Eve. Texas Rangers 1

pitcher Darren O’Day, along with Channel 7’s

Elizabeth Prann and her parents, scrap metal mogul Wayne Lewis and his wife, Anita, and The Fly Girls rang in the New Year in style while enjoying an incredible dining experience. Photos Courtesy of Firefly

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Darren O’Day, Elizabeth Prann and her parents Ron and Dawn

Anita and Wayne Lewis

The Fly Girls

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Pier Park is conveniently located between the “Worlds Most Beautiful Beaches” and Back Beach Rd in the heart of Panama City Beach.

Dillard’s, JCPenney, Target, Old Navy, Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville, Ron Jon Surf Shop, Borders, LongHorn Steakhouse, The Grand 16 Theatres, Panera Bread, The Back Porch Seafood & Oyster House, Starbucks Coffee, Miracle Strip, Buffalo Wild Wings, Hofbräu Beer Garden, Victoria’s Secret, Coldwater Creek, American Eagle Outfitters, Five Guys Famous Hamburgers & Fries. Located on Front Beach Road at Pier Park Drive. Shopping Line® 850.236.9979.

SHOP

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E N T E R TA I N

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splendor in the grass "Golf courses should respect the natural beauty of the settin . Camp Creek combines coastal dunescape and pine forests for a unique olf experience." - Tom Fazio

Recipient of coveted awards from Zagat, GolfWeek, Golf Digest and Golf Magazine, Tom Fazio-designed Camp Creek Golf Club is now open to non-member play!

Call 850.23I.7600 and ask for the VIE special! Not valid in combination with any other offer. Restrictions may apply.

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