8th annual edition
Independent News | January 29, 2015 | Volume 16 | Number 5 | inweekly.net
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winners & losers
outtakes
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news
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This is one of the worst places to be a kid in the state of Florida and in the country.
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publisher Rick Outzen
art director Samantha Crooke
editor & creative director Joani Delezen
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Sarah McCartan, Chuck Shepherd contact us info@inweekly.net
Independent News is published by Inweekly Media, Inc., P.O. Box 12082, Pensacola, FL 32591. (850)438-8115. All materials published in Independent News are copyrighted. Š 2015 Inweekly Media, Inc. All rights reserved.
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CONGRATULATIONS UNIVERSITY of WEST FLORIDA
RISING STARS 2015
THERESA CSEREP
Senior Training Specialist Continuing Education
ANNINA DAHLSTROM
Marketing & Technology Coordinator Recreation & Sports Services
JENNA EMERY
Assistant Professor Department of Government
JOSH SCHUTTS
Assistant to the Dean, QEP Director University College
11000 University Parkway, Pensacola, Florida 32514 January 29, 2015
ERYKA WALLACE
Diversity Initiatives Coordinator Office of Equity, Diversity & International Affairs
uwf.edu 3
victims of sexual violence free and confidential services available. The Rape Crisis Center, a program of Lakeview Center, Inc., is dedicated to serving the needs of sexual assault victims in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties. Trauma Recovery counselors help victims of sexual violence recover from emotional trauma. Victims and their families receive immediate, supportive, non-judgmental intervention and incident-specific counseling in a caring climate. The services are free and available whether or not the crime has been reported. • 24- Hour Rape Crisis Hotline: 850.433.RAPE (7273)
• Information and Referral • Crisis Intervention • Advocacy/Accompaniment • Community Awareness • System Coordination • Primary Prevention Education Victims may receive information about referrals for medical services, legal services, the criminal justice system, social service agencies and financial restitution.
winners & losers
Bubba Watson
winners BUBBA WATSON The Pensacola Blue
Wahoos recently announced that two-time Masters Champion Bubba Watson has purchased ownership in the Minor League baseball. Born in Pensacola and raised in nearby Bagdad, Bubba has been a big fan of the Blue Wahoos, the Double-A affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds. In honor of the partnership, the team renamed the restaurant and bar behind home plate “Bubba's Sand Trap.”
ASHTON HAYWARD The city of
Pensacola got a passing grade on its first NAACP Florida State Conference report card issued Thursday for its small and minority business spending. City COO Tamara Fountain told media the “C” was due to the mayor’s commitment to diversity. Meanwhile, Escambia County School District was awarded an F in the areas of minority spending and minority advertising. Superintendent Malcolm Thomas blamed the grading system.
SARA CALHOUN The first grade teacher
at Molino Park Elementary School was named the 2014 Elementary Reading Teacher of the Year for the state of Florida. The Escambia County School Board honored Calhoun for her achievement at its Jan. 22 regular meeting. Her selection was for her significant contributions in teaching elementary reading, her strong commitment to literacy and her ability to create a learning climate of care and respect, according to the school superintendent.
losers FLORIDA POWER & LIGHT The utility
that serves Jacksonville and northeastern Florida botched the January launch of its solar rebate program when it opened its application window 10 minutes before the scheduled 8:30 launch time. According to the Florida Solar Energy Industry Association, those who were online early captured a majority of the funds available, well before the general public had a chance for the benefit intended to ratepayers to promote demand side renewable energy and energy savings in Florida.
RICK SCOTT Bless his heart. The Florida governor can’t avoid controversy. Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam and Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater, both members of the Florida Cabinet, have called for an outside investigation to learn the truth behind Scott's forced ouster of Florida Department of Law Enforcement Commissioner Gerald Bailey and allegations of political interference by the governor’s campaign. EGYPTIAN MUSEUM The blue and gold braided beard on the burial mask of pharaoh Tutankhamun was broken off during cleaning at the Cairo museum. Then it was haphazardly glued back on with epoxy, damaging the relic even further. “King Tut’s” mask is over 3,300 years old and has made the museum one of the city's main tourist sites. We guess Steve Martin will now add another stanza to his song about the boy pharaoh.
This publication was made possible by the 2013 Florida Legislative Session, administered by the State of Florida, Department of Health (DOH). The contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of DOH or the Florida Council Against Sexual Violence.
850.4 69. 3800 e la k e v i e wc e nter.o rg 44
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outtakes
by Rick Outzen
WHAT’S REALLY GOING ON For all the job growth that Escambia County has had over the past four years, our public school enrollment is flat. In the 2011, Escambia County had 40, 495 children in enrolled in pre-kindergarten through high school. According to statistics reported on the Florida Department of Education website, the enrollment for the fall of 2014 was 40,699, an increase of only 194 students. And that enrollment trend has been the same for over three decades. The enrollment in 1983 was 40,526, only 173 fewer children than today. Over the same 31-year period, Santa Rosa County saw its public school enrollment more than double, jumping from 12,099 in 1983 to 26,299 in the fall of 2014. The trend has slowed over the past four years, but the district has seen its enrollment increase by 460 students since 2011. Why does this matter? The Escambia County Public School District is looking to build two new elementary schools and one middle school near the headquarters of Navy Federal Credit Union, which currently has about 3,800 employees and expects to grow that figure to 10,000 workers in the next five years. The projected enrollment growth was given as one of the reasons for Escambia County voters to approve another extension of the half-cent sales tax for the district’s
capital projects, which the voters overwhelming did in November. The tax will generate over $300 million for the district. But if the first 3,800 employees that Navy Federal Credit Union didn’t generate much of a net increase in enrollment from 2004-2014, then why do we believe that the next 6,200 employees will add enough children to justify three new schools? Add to the debate that the enrollment of white students in the district has dropped significantly since Navy Federal moved to the Beulah area, and the decision to build becomes even harder to justify. In 2004, Escambia County has 24,257 white children enrolled in its public schools. This past fall, it only had 21,033 white students. Something is wrong with our public education system. We are creating jobs but the families don’t appear to be enrolling their children in the Escambia County School District. And white families, who have more options, such as private schools, homeschooling and virtual schools, are avoiding public education in greater numbers. Before the school district begins figuring out how it will spend its next $300 million on new schools, it needs to do a hard, objective and independent analysis on what is really going on with its enrollment. {in} rick@inweekly.net
We are creating jobs but the families don’t appear to be enrolling their children in the Escambia County School District.
CONGRATS TO OUR RISING STAR!
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Thinking of selling your home? Call today for a comparable market analysis of your home. With approx. 22 years of experience, we are ready to assist you with your real estate needs! •Lot - Old Chemstrand Rd. - $30,000 zoned VR-2 across from entrance to Solutia Golf Course - wooded. •Lot - Downtown Old East Hill - $65,000 - Preservation District - cleared corner lot. •Lot - Lost Key Plantation - Golf Course lot - near Lost Key Golf Club House. Gated Community. •Commercial Property - 921 North Palafox - subject to lease - $499,000
MEET FRANK GIAMMARIA, UNITED WAY’S CAMPAIGN MANAGER. Why is this Rising Star vital to our community? Frank’s dedication to this community is evident. As the United Way of Escambia County Campaign Manager he makes a difference daily. Over the last year, Frank has given 96 hours of volunteer service, valued at $2,154 to six local organizations! Frank’s leadership of 11 volunteer Loaned Executives is essential to the success of more than 250 workplace campaigns that raise over $2M yearly for 76 local non-profits. The United Way team congratulates Frank and thanks him for choosing to serve our community! If you’d like to join the effort to LIVE UNITED with Frank, call 850.434.3157.
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January 29, 2015
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F R I D AY, 2 / 1 3 · S AT U R D AY 2 / 1 4 · S U N D AY 2 / 1 5
Valentine’s Day A special three-course dinner feature offered Friday, Saturday, and Sunday For Valentine’s Day, Chef Matthew Brown will be preparing a three-course feature of appetizer, entrée and dessert. Service for the dinner feature begins at 3 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and 2 p.m. on Sunday. The cost is $55 per person (exclusive of tax and gratuity). In addition to the feature, we will also be serving from our full dinner menu. For details, visit fishhousepensacola.com.
(850) 470-0003 · 600 S. BARRACKS ST. · CREDIT CARDS OK
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Downtown Invites You to Taste the Finest Coastal Cuisine. Enjoy over 40 outstanding places to dine! Brought to you by the
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COUNTY JAIL: NO PLACE FOR A CHILD
By Shelby Smithey Florida sends more children to adult court than any other state in the country, according to data gathered by the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC). This daunting statistic is prompting local advocates to raise awareness about the treatment of youthful offenders as adults in the state, through the No Place for a Child campaign. Facilitating an Escambia Youth Justice Coalition (EYJC) meeting at First United Methodist Church earlier this month, Northwest Florida ACLU organizer Keyontay Humphries discussed some of the disparities of taking away juveniles’ rights before they are even able to gain them. “Escambia County incarcerates more children per capita than any other county in the state of Florida,” Humphries said. “There are children who remain in the juvenile justice system, but then there are also children who are transferred to the adult justice side.” Advocates from the Southern Poverty Law Center, a nonprofit civil rights organization based in Montgomery, Alabama, updated EYJC committee members on current goals of its campaign. “Florida sends more youth to the adult criminal justice system than any other state,” said Monique Gillum, senior supervising advocate with the SPLC. “The No Place for a Child campaign is strictly addressing children being housed in the adult criminal justice system.” Currently, the Escambia County Jail is holding 19 youthful offenders who are awaiting trial or have been convicted as adults. The youngest is 15 years old. Even with the shortcomings of the state juvenile justice system, Department of Juvenile January 29, 2015
Justice research shows that transferring children to the adult system increases recidivism. Yet, Escambia transfers more of its kids per capita, 4.3 percent, than the state average, 3.5 percent. “This is one of the worst places to be a kid in the state of Florida and in the country,” said Amir Whitaker, attorney with the SPLC. “We need to do something about that.”
PROSECUTORIAL DISCRETION
Gillum said that out of the 12,000 children who have been tried as adults in Florida over the past fi ve years, 98 percent are there because of prosecutorial discretion. “Currently, prosecutors have pretty much all the authority when it comes to deciding where a youth is housed,” Gillum said. “Whether they are going to be tried as a youth in juvenile court or whether they’ll be sent into the adult criminal justice system is usually a prosecutor’s decision.” Marjorie Anders, Juvenile Supervisor with the Office of State Attorney, First Judicial Circuit of Florida, said the decision of where a juvenile is placed is made by two supervisors. “We review the statutory factors including age, severity of offense, prior record and available juvenile options,” Anders said. “Greater weight is given to crimes against persons and firearm offenses.” However, Anders said that cases are always seen by a judge, who has the discretion to release the juvenile on pre-trial release if he or she qualifies and/or to set bond. Juveniles are housed separately from adults pending resolution of the charges. “Everyone deserves a right to be heard,” Gillum said. “A judge should be at the table when a decision is made.”
DOES THE CRIME FIT THE BILL? “Contrary to popular belief, many will argue that crime is at its highest,” Gillum said. “The numbers actually show that crime is declining. Most of the youth that are tried as adults in the state are actually there for non-violent crimes.”
Sending juveniles to adult court also brings up discussion of human development and the school-to-prison pipeline. “If we talk about the science behind it, we get into the fact that our children’s brains haven’t fully developed,” Gillum said. “When they are housed in the adult criminal justice system, they are only being taught how to become better criminals. Data has shown that youth housed in the juvenile justice system are less likely to
arrested because the other person was hurt. He was tried as an adult and spent one year in adult jail before then being given two years of probation. Right now we are not housing kids in juvenile justice facilities.” Gillum said that sometimes this means that children are in isolation in adult jails, as opposed to being with other children at juvenile facilities. Anders said that although she cannot comment on the validity of the statistics gathered by the SPLC, she said it remains the judge’s final decision on which sanctions to impose once a juvenile has pled or been found guilty. “If we have transferred a case, we do believe it is the best option,” Anders said. “The judge has the sole discretion to impose juvenile sanctions or adult sanctions after the juvenile has pled or been found guilty in adult court.”
“The state is failing horribly at the rehabilitation of our youth in the adult criminal justice system.” Monique Gillum reoffend than those housed in the adult justice system.” Humphries said that although the EYJC does support the SPLC and the No Place for a Child campaign, there may be a related issue that hits closer to home: the possibility of all juveniles being held at the local county jail in the future instead of the juvenile detention center. “Once a juvenile is adjudicated, the cost of holding that child transfers from the Department of Juvenile Justice to the county,” Humphries said. “Since the jail is now not owned or operated by the Sheriff, they now have the discretion to revisit the least costly location to hold children, being the county jail. This is something they are exploring.” The SPLC’s goal with the No Place for a Child campaign is to help pass legislation this session to address prosecutorial discretion and to ensure that kids have the opportunity to go before a judge and have their stories heard. “Children as young as 12 have been tried as adults in the state,” Gillum said. “Our hope is to be able to raise that age to 16. When a child is convicted as an adult, we still place them in a juvenile facility as they become of age.” Anders said that juvenile laws vary from state to state. “Some states have the age of criminal jurisdiction, as opposed to juvenile jurisdiction, as 16 or 17,” she said. Gillum painted a grim picture of a child faced with the repercussions of Florida’s justice system discrepancies in the treatment of youthful offenders. “In Sarasota a few weeks ago, the SPLC met with a 16-year-old boy who had never gotten in trouble before but had gotten into a school yard fight,” Gillum said. “He was
JUVENILE FACILITIES VS. ADULT JAIL The Escambia Regional Juvenile Detention Center is a 50-bed, secure facility that serves youth detained by various circuit courts. “Juvenile court is for rehabilitation and adult court is for punishment,” Anders said. “The judge, after reviewing all the evidence, reports and evaluations makes the final decision as to the imposition of adult or juvenile sanctions.” The local juvenile facility, located at 1800 St. Mary Ave. in Pensacola, provides supervision of youth in a safe, secure and humane environment. According to its website, services for youth include: education, mental health, substance abuse and health care. Medical and mental health are contracted services. Educational services are funded by the Department of Education through local school districts. “The state is failing horribly at the rehabilitation of our youth in the adult criminal justice system,” Gillum said. “Youth are losing the right to vote before they even have it. We have to take a real close look at how we are treating our children.” {in} For more information, visit noplaceforachild.com. 7
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photos by Samantha Crooke
V
ibrant communities have diversity, not just in race and cultures, but also in talent. The greater Pensacola area has attracted an incredible amount of talent that is helping revitalize and reshape this community. Inweekly launched Rising Stars in 2008 to put faces to the names of those talented under 35-yearolds seen by their peers, clients and bosses as upcoming leaders in their professions and the community.
January 29, 2015
They are ones who are helping to build a better place for all of us to live, work and play. Over the past seven years, we have honored more than 350 men and women. Those honored represent a wide range of professions—including doctors, lawyers, artists, writers, teachers, law enforcement officers, nonprofit executives and small business owners. Several “stars” have gone to win elected office and have served on
the Pensacola City Council, Board of County Commissioners in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties and in the Florida Legislature. Many serve on the board of directors for local charities. A few have made it onto the IN Power List. So if you’re on this year’s list, please rest assured that you’re in good company. This 2015 Rising Stars class will accomplish equally great things. We look forward to seeing their impact on this community.
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CARLY BORDEN
Reporter & Host, Blab TV/Pensacola Today Age: 23 What makes your job so you? I love meeting new people. My job allows me to connect with someone new each day. I'm able to ask them questions and share their stories. It's a daily reminder that this world is filled with amazingly unique individuals.
What's the best advice you've ever been given? The best advice came from my dad. He told me on a fishing trip long ago, "Don't take the bait." It is very helpful, yet very difficult advice to follow. You can't control other people; you can only control how you react. Tell us about the best/most rewarding project you've ever worked on. The most rewarding project I've worked on is the one I'm currently doing with Pathways for Change. Speaking with the team they have there and the men who go through this rigorous and life-changing program is truly humbling.
What's the best advice you've ever been given? Be present. Everything else will work itself out.
HOPE BRADFORD
Development Coordinator, Sacred Heart Foundation Age: 26 What makes your job so you? I was born prematurely at Sacred Heart Hospital. So to work for the Foundation whose mission is to raise funds for The Children’s Hospital just seems appropriate. It gives me a sense of purpose and drive to raise awareness of such a worthy cause that touches so many lives.
What keeps you in Pensacola? There is no other place like Pensacola. In our youth, we dream of branching out and finding new experiences, yet no matter how far we venture, we always come home to Pensacola. It literally is “something in the water.” I love my hometown, and I am a proud Floridian.
ELISABETH BUSWELL
Neighborhood Services Coordinator, City of Pensacola Age: 28 What makes your job so you? Getting to meet people and help them with their needs is my favorite part of the job. Everyday there is something different that needs to be done. I am constantly challenged to learn new things and find ways to implement ideas.
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What keeps you in Pensacola? I grew up in Pensacola. My entire family is here. I work with talented people who really care about the community. That's why I stay. I can also drive anywhere in 15 minutes without traffic, so that helps.
gested to a small group I was attending that we didn't need to worry about "fixing" the world, but rather we should individually focus on doing the next right thing.
Tell us about the best/most rewarding project you've ever worked on. I was privileged to work on the inaugural 2012 John Maxwell Live event. I'm also working on the upcoming 2015 event. Thus I have had the opportunity to utilize my operational/production skills accumulated throughout the years and harness my energy and knowledge for a project benefiting our community's leaders. What's on your regular reading list (magazines, newspapers, blogs, etc…)? The answer, according to my mother, is the comics and horoscope section of PNJ! In all seriousness, though, I prefer online articles.
What's on your regular reading list (magazines, newspapers, blogs, etc…)? New York Times, Amy Poehler's Smart Girls, Buzzfeed, MindBodyGreen, Vanity Fair, Women's Health.
Tell us about the best/most rewarding project you've ever worked on. The Pensacola Civitans host an annual picnic in Seville Park for some of our most significantly disabled neighbors, and being able to be participate in this wonderful celebration for these often forgotten members of our community is a true joy.
RUSTY BRANCH
Manager of Training & Community Development at Gulf Coast Enterprises Age: 33 What makes your job so you? Getting the chance everyday to tell the stories of how amazing men and women with disabilities overcome their challenges to be productive members of society is something I absolutely love to do.
What's on your regular reading list (magazines, newspapers, blogs, etc…)? The Bible, Ricksblog.biz, Pensacolatoday, WSJ, London Telegraph, Mary Ellen Klas, saintpetersblog, The Economist, The Weekly Standard, Gary Fineout, National Review, YellowHammer News What keeps you in Pensacola? Family, church, work and the amazing passion that so many people in this community have for this community.
What's the best advice you've ever been given? Dr. George Grant once sug-
What's the best advice you've ever been given? Always be honest with yourself, be straightforward with people and remember to do the things that make you happy. Tell us about the best/most rewarding project you've ever worked on. Cabaret - PLT's annual fundraiser is my favorite event to work on every year. I help plan it and volunteer to work the event. It is always a fun experience for everyone. The theater is an important part of our community and to see everyone support it is truly rewarding.
What's on your regular reading list (magazines, newspapers, blogs, etc…)? PNJ, Rick’s Blog, Buzzfeed, Cosmopolitan, Huffington Post What keeps you in Pensacola? Pensacola has everything I want. A great food scene, all kinds of entertainment, amazing people and a beautiful beach. I couldn't imagine living anywhere else.
inweekly.net
Laura Koontz
James Keller to us: “A candle loses nothing by lighting another candle.” Remembering this, I have met so many amazing people from all walks of life by offering a kind word, and it has been integral to any success that I have achieved.
A Rising Star in Pensacola A Part of the Studer Team
Tell us about the best/most rewarding project you've ever worked on. I have been volunteering at a local preschool and elementary school for five years now. As clichéd as it may sound, I believe the children in our community are our most important asset. The time, energy and love that we give them is an investment in our future.
AMBER CAREY-JERNIGAN
Spanish & Criminology Assistant Professor, Pensacola State College Age: 33 What makes your job so you? The best part about my job is that I get to do what I love every day: teach! I love introducing students to other cultures and trying to instill in them not only an appreciation of Spanish, but a lifetime love of learning. What's the best advice you've ever been given? My mother always quoted
A Member of Our Family
What's on your regular reading list (magazines, newspapers, blogs, etc…)? I read the Pensacola News Journal, Newsweek, NPR news, Selecciones, and peruse Pinterest.com, Sciencenews.org, Pensacolawithkids.com and El Comidista blog for inspiration at home and work. What keeps you in Pensacola? Honestly, the sense of pride Pensacolians take in their community has moved me the most. Also, the support from the wonderful people I work with and the students who I have the pleasure of teaching at Pensacola State College makes it difficult to imagine living or working anywhere else.
CHEERS TO ALL THE 2015 IN WEEKLY RISING STARS LB0179 Laura Koontz IN.indd 1
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WUWF PUBLIC MEDIA PRESENTS
What's the best advice you've ever been given? “Two things define you: your patience when you have nothing, and your attitude when you have everything.” This quote lifts me up when I’m in despair and brings me back to earth when I need humility.
RadioLive FEATURING
Tell us about the best/most rewarding project you've ever worked on. It is hard to pick one, but I can say that the most rewarding moments are when I see how my work has had an impact and ripple effect in my community.
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What's on your regular reading list (magazines, newspapers, blogs, etc…)? Designers don’t read... But I do enjoy reading when it's written in my native language, Korean.
SOMI CHOI
Production Artist/Designer, idgroup Age: 25 What makes your job so you? I agree with one of my all time favorite designer’s sayings, Paul Rand said, "Design is everything." I see everything as an opportunity, and that’s what triggers my creativity and gets me excited in every project I encounter. January 29, 2015
2/5/15
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6 p.m. Museum of Commerce in Historic Downtown Pensacola
What keeps you in Pensacola? Everybody knew how much I wanted to go to a bigger city to start my career, but when I found out about idgroup, I realized the potential that Pensacola has and I saw a bigger opportunity for both the community and myself.
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AMANDA CLAYTON
Soloist, Ballet Pensacola; Hostess, IRON Age: 18 What makes your job so you? I don't really think I define ballet, it's more like ballet defines me. Ballet has influenced my life tremendously and has taught me countless valuable lessons. The sacrifices, dedication and discipline professional ballerinas go through is like nothing else. A limitless relationship with ballet is necessary for success.
What's the best advice you've ever been given? Strive for excellence not perfection, because in reality no one is perfect. Tell us about the best/most rewarding project you've ever worked on. It's between performing at elementary schools on Friday mornings and attending the H.O.B.Y leadership seminar in Tallahassee my sophomore year. Ballet Pensacola performs 'lecture demonstrations' for local students to promote ballet and the arts. The three-day leadership conference included a mock trial, guest speakers and two community service projects.
LAUREN CLIFTON
Project Manager Coaching Division, Studer Group Age: 29 What makes your job so you? I appreciate having a sense of ownership in my role, and Studer Group allows that to the fullest. I enjoy the flexibility, decision making and the difference I make each day working with our coaching team and partners. What's the best advice you've ever been given? As Quint Studer stated in The
What's on your regular reading list (magazines, newspapers, blogs, etc…)? PNJ, Pensacola Today, Southern Living, Garden and Gun What keeps you in Pensacola? Fortunately, I live and work in downtown Pensacola, and I love being able to walk to the thriving downtown restaurants, shops and then of course, being able to go to beach. To me, Pensacola offers the best of everything and I love it.
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WILL CONDON
Marketing Project Manager, Sacred Heart Health System Age: 28 What makes your job so you? On a daily basis, I get to communicate with people all over our health system and help them achieve their business goals. Sacred Heart is a special place to work, all of our associates are part of a bigger mission striving to provide healthcare that leaves no one behind. What's the best advice you've ever been given? I have been taught to stay true to who you are as a person. Try to treat people
THERESA CSEREP
What's the best advice you've ever been given? “Keep your head, heels and standards high.” I was once told to always keep a bottle of champagne in the refrigerator. That has served me well.
What makes your job so you? I love meeting new people who are excited to begin helping families in our community. Having a supervisor who encourages me to continue my professional development and also supports my involvement with Leadership Pensacola and the Junior League of Pensacola is a huge bonus as well.
Tell us about the best/most rewarding project you've ever worked on. Seeing the LEAP Trail come together from start to finish was an amazing experience. It was inspiring to see what a big achievement a small group of people can accomplish when there is enough desire.
Senior Training Specialist, University of West Florida Age: 34
What keeps you in Pensacola? Pensacola's arts and culture scene, specifically Ballet Pensacola, has taken off significantly in the past few years. Currently, I'm a senior at Washington High School as well as working toward my A.A.at PSC. I will be attending college in the fall, but look forward to the trips home!
with the same respect you expect in return. At the end of the day, life is about relationships and affecting the people around you in a positive way.
Great Employee Handbook, “People who are more geared toward ‘getting it done’ than toward analysis paralysis and perfectionism are always the most successful people.” I believe having a get it done mindset helps me to be more proactive and productive in my day to day work. Tell us about the best/most rewarding project you've ever worked on. I am rewarded each day by indirectly touching the lives of patients by supporting our coaches and partners to create a culture of accountability. Seeing the results of hardwiring Studer Group tools with partners I have worked with since the start of an agreement are definitely the most rewarding projects.
What's on your regular reading list (magazines, newspapers, blogs, etc…)? The latest "it" book series, Drudge Report, or health and fitness blogs.
Tell us about the best/most rewarding project you've ever worked on. I was very proud to work on the grand opening of Sacred Heart Hospital Pensacola's new Bayou Tower. The most rewarding part was seeing departments throughout the hospital come together with a common goal to make the grand opening a huge success for our patients and associates. What's on your regular reading list (magazines, newspapers, blogs, etc…)? Pensacola News Journal, ESPN.com, Gatorzone.com, USA Today, Inweekly, Marlin Magazine, Field and Stream Magazine, Leadership Freak Blog, Pensacola Today What keeps you in Pensacola? I guess the question should be, why would I leave? Pensacola has so much to offer from its great outdoor activities to downtown Pensacola's huge resurgence. Mr. Vince Whibbs Sr. said it best, "Pensacola, the western gate to the Sunshine State, where thousands live the way millions wish they could."
What's on your regular reading list (magazines, newspapers, blogs, etc…)? Garden and Gun Magazine, Fitness magazine, ITS Tactical, Association of Junior Leagues International Inc. website and letters from my late grandmother. What keeps you in Pensacola? Being able to raise my family in a historic city with a pristine beach minutes away is why I stay in Pensacola. I love the community and the great quality of life.
inweekly.net
Our team creates brands that out-shine the competition... team of co-workers, which makes every day new and exciting. The daily customer interaction and the opportunity to help people with what is most often their second most expensive purchase is very rewarding. What's the best advice you've ever been given? Inspect what you expect. Tell us about the best/most rewarding project you've ever worked on. Our Chevrolet store is being remodeled and it is exciting to see how these changes to our facility are making for a better sales and service experience for both our customers and employees.
LAUREN CUTTER
Chief Operating Officer, Pete Moore Automotive Team Age: 34 What makes your job so you? I have a diversity of responsibilities and a great
What's on your regular reading list (magazines, newspapers, blogs, etc…)? Automotive News, Pensacola News Journal and Autoblog.
What's the best advice you've ever been given? I've been blessed with a number of outstanding mentors, but most recently I have been inspired by Sheryl Sandberg and the "lean in" movement. Speak up. Take challenges. Know your worth. Provide value when you can. Don't take the easy way out. I've found the risk is worth the reward. Tell us about the best/most rewarding project you've ever worked on. I am very proud of the marketing program that has flourished in the university's recreation department. We had a humble beginning, but capitalized on our opportunities. We produce award-winning work and have placed students in fantastic jobs. I am proud of our history and even more excited for our future.
ANNINA DAHLSTROM
Marketing and Technology Coordinator, University of West Florida Age: 29 What makes your job so you? My job is a wonderful blend of analytics, art and student development. I love the constant challenge to stay on-trend. I appreciate an environment where my creative license is embraced. Equally, I love to watch students grow their knowledge and confidence in an agency setting. I'm incredibly inspired daily.
January 29, 2015
Somi Choi 2015 Rising Star
What keeps you in Pensacola? I have the support of a wonderful family and friends in Pensacola. You couldn’t ask for a more beautiful place to live, work and play!
What's on your regular reading list (magazines, newspapers, blogs, etc…)? Inweekly, Mashable, Buzzfeed, Twitter, and many, many academic journal articles and books on effective communication and mobile app business planning.
BECAUSE OUR TEAM SHINES JUST AS BRIGHT. At idgroup, building people is as important as building brands. We are honored that for four consecutive years, an idgroup team member has been recognized as an Independent News Rising Star. Congratulations to our All-Star Team! Somi Choi 2015 Rising Star Kris Poore & Andrya Crossland 2014 Rising Stars Lindsey Braxton Shook 2013 Rising Star Jared Granger 2012 Rising Star
IDGROUP BRANDING.COM
What keeps you in Pensacola? Pensacola is an eclectic juxtaposition of old and new, all complemented with a salty ocean breeze. We live in a beautiful city with a rich history. The community's love of the arts abounds. Most importantly, Pensacola provides countless opportunities for young professionals to shine. What more could I ask for? 13
NICOLE DIXON
Executive Director, Gulf Coast African American Chamber of Commerce Age: 33 What makes your job so you? Because of the passion I have for business and the love I have for my community. It was just a perfect match for me! What's the best advice you've ever been given? Don't worry
about the tables you are not invited to, but celebrate the ones you are invited to. Tell us about the best/most rewarding project you've ever worked on. Being the Executive Director for the Gulf Coast African American Chamber of Commerce has been a very rewarding project for me. I love it! What's on your regular reading list (magazines, newspapers, blogs, etc…)? Inweekly, Bella, PNJ, Black Enterprise, Out Front Magazine, Pensacola Voice
What's the best advice you've ever been given? Mistakes are more valuable than advice. Do not be too scared to take chances in life.
surrounded with folksy wisdom, some of which isn't fit to print, I'm sure. One thing she said that's always stuck with me is, "Tell the truth, you live forever." She's lived a long time even after she's gone.
Tell us about the best/most rewarding project you've ever worked on. I am very grateful to be apart of the LEAP class of 2015. We are refurbishing downtown Pensacola's way-finding system. Our goal is to create an attractive, inviting and energetic environment for both tourists and local residents. What's on your regular reading list (magazines, newspapers, blogs, etc…)? thosecatholicmen.com, Forbes, Entrepreneur, Everything on my Flipboard.
JAKOB DWYER
Supervisor/CPA, Brown Thornton Pacenta & Co, P.A. Age: 26 What makes your job so you? I enjoy working with and consulting entrepreneurs. Business owners keep our local economy moving and employed. I am grateful that I have the opportunity to help them stay on the right path.
What keeps you in Pensacola? The people! Our community has a rich culture that stems from people who genuinely care about its food, arts and civic organizations. The people in our community are dedicated to making Pensacola the upside of Florida. The beaches are nice, too.
JOHN DAVID ELLIS
Sales Associate, Main Street Properties Age: 24 What makes your job so you? Starting out as a 22 year old in an industry where the average age is 57 was not easy. I've since found my way. Real estate allows me to explore my varied interests and connect with people of all sorts because, well, "under all is the land..."
JENNIFER EMERY
the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has,” - Margaret Mead. This advice applies to all things. When we collaborate together as human beings, we can create the life we want to live.
What makes your job so you? I love sharing knowledge about the political world that can help keep this country great—and the work of inspiring and nurturing students comes naturally.
Tell us about the best/most rewarding project you've ever worked on. During the 2012 election, my students went to Escambia County polls and asked voters about their opinions. It was so exciting and gratifying to see the community and students working together to talk about the important issues in Pensacola.
What's the best advice you've ever been given? “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed people can change 414 1
Tell us about the best/most rewarding project you've ever worked on. I rode my bike from Pensacola to Philadelphia for the Hepatitis B Foundation the summer following high school graduation. I spent a year organizing the three-week, 1,200 mile ride. My best friend and I, the sole riders, raised $20,000. This experience impacted me in ways I never imagined.
What's the best advice you've ever been given? My grandmother played a significant role in my rearing. I grew up
Assistant Professor, Department of Government, UWF Age 34
What keeps you in Pensacola? My passion to make Pensacola a better place to live for us all and the beautiful beaches, of course!
What's on your regular reading list (magazines, newspapers, blogs, etc…)? Pensacola Today, Inman News, Bukowski, Rick's Blog, Magical Realism, Maren's Blog, Comic Books, PNJ.com, Barry Hannah, The Atlantic's City Lab, Hatchet What keeps you in Pensacola? The belief that Pensacola is and always has been a special place and can offer a lot to those unafraid to blaze a trail. From the onset, that's what Pensacola has been, and in that regard it hasn't changed much. It will always be home to me.
What's on your regular reading list (magazines, newspapers, blogs, etc…)? The Economist, The Skimm, The Monkey Cage, Twitter, Inweekly What keeps you in Pensacola? It is a vibrant, fun-loving, musical, artistic community with a lot of politically passionate people—my favorite kind! #upsideofpensacola
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hand, but holistically create a compelling case or story that drives organizational strategy.
the efforts of many nonprofits. Also, I witness an incredible amount of generosity every day. It's inspiring to do a job with the amount of support we receive.
What's the best advice you've ever been given? Success is a choice. Some will only dream of it, while others will wake up and work hard for it. You make the choice.
What's the best advice you've ever been given? Smart people don't know all the answers; they know where to find them. Tell us about the best/most rewarding project you've ever worked on. I worked as a counselor in a residential program in St. Louis. During this time, I lived with and cared for eight teenagers. There were many challenges, but the people I met and the time I spent there is invaluable.
Tell us about the best/most rewarding project you've ever worked on. Working with the Partnership for a Healthy Community's efforts to mobilize employers and community groups to improve the health of Escambia and Santa Rosa County residents.
KRYSTLE GALACE
Senior Planning Analyst, Baptist Health Care Age: 31 What makes your job so you? I gather different types of information from a variety of sources that on their own show only a small facet of the subject at
What's on your regular reading list (magazines, newspapers, blogs, etc…)? The Bible, writings and teachings of Pope Francis, Modern Healthcare and local publications. What keeps you in Pensacola? I love Pensacola! I love how it's grown over the years into a thriving metropolis that drives the economy and culture of Northwest Florida. I don't have to leave because everything I want is here.
What's on your regular reading list (magazines, newspapers, blogs, etc…)? Inweekly, Pensacola News Journal, New York Times, Grantland.com
FRANK GIAMMARIA
Campaign Manager, United Way of Escambia County Age: 29 What makes your job so you? Ultimately, my job is "so me" because I believe in nonprofit organizations. Working at United Way, I am privileged to support
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January 29, 2015
What keeps you in Pensacola? Pensacola is moving in an exciting direction. I want to be a part of building Pensacola's future. Also, I was tired of scraping ice off of my windshield.
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KACEY GIBSON
Family Medicine Physician, Baptist Medical Group-Tiger Point Age: 34 What makes your job so you? I can't remember a time in my life when I did not want to be a physician. Being able to interact with patients on a daily basis and help them meet their medical goals brings me inner happiness. I absolutely adore my job and couldn't imagine doing anything else. What's the best advice you've ever been given? Being an active duty phy-
sician for seven years, I encountered so many amazing mentors and leaders, but the one phrase that has always stuck with me is "Only you can make things happen." I am definitely a go-getter and have always sang this mantra in the back of my head.
What's on your regular reading list (magazines, newspapers, blogs, etc…)? American Family Physician, NEJM Journal Watch, NEJM photo quizzes, but I am also a glutton for US weekly, the Daily Mail and Southern Living.
Tell us about the best/most rewarding project you've ever worked on. Truthfully it happens everyday. I am in a position in my life where people have trusted me to be there during their children's birth, as well as hold their hand when death comes knocking. I feel like I am able to witness tiny miracles everyday through my patients—truly rewarding.
What keeps you in Pensacola? I grew up on the Mississippi Gulf Coast and we would vacation in Pensacola during the summer. Pensacola has the right mix of southern charm with a beach town feel. Being a foodie, I love the rising culinary scene. Plus, it is the perfect place to raise my two boys.
been given? The meaning of life is in the struggle rather than in the victory.
teach a man to fish, feed him for a lifetime. It is important to look for teaching opportunities among the people you influence. Furthermore, seek opportunities to gain knowledge and remain coachable.
ALEX GONZALEZ
Customer Care Associate, Gulf Power Age: 29 What makes your job so you? My job provides the opportunity to work on various projects with members of different parts of the Gulf Power organization. I enjoy the team aspect of collaborating with different areas of expertise to see how every part serves a purpose in the ultimate goal of reaching our customers' needs. What's the best advice you've ever been given? Give a man a fish, feed him for a day;
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Tell us about the best/most rewarding project you've ever worked on. Each patient I see is a new project. I was drawn to neurosurgery because of the complexities of the human nervous system. Each patient is different and has a new set of challenges. I am blessed to be able to impact lives daily.
Tell us about the best/most rewarding project you've ever worked on. I am currently mentoring students from West Florida High School's senior class. They are part of a program called Ace Mentorship. The program is designed to help high school seniors identify a potential career path and encourage steps toward their preferred fields. What's on your regular reading list (magazines, newspapers, blogs, etc…)? CNN News App, Time Magazine, Golf Magazine, Sports Illustrated, The Bible (NIV), Pensacola News Journal and Inweekly. What keeps you in Pensacola? Opportunity. Pensacola is still growing economically and socially. In the midst of hurricanes and other threats, we are a city that quickly adjusts in the face of adversity. We are a city that embraces change. We are a city that appreciates family. Pensacola is home.
What's on your regular reading list (magazines, newspapers, blogs, etc…)? James Patterson mystery novels, Rhoton's anatomy textbook and The Journal of Neurosurgery
AMBER GORDON
What keeps you in Pensacola? I get to live and work in paradise!
Neurosurgeon, Baptist Hospital Age: 32 What makes your job so you? Math and science excite me! I use this daily, along with compassionate care to improve the quality of patients’ lives. What's the best advice you've ever
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What's the best advice you've ever been given? My dad used to say,“If you are going to do something, do it right the first time.” I always did things right the second or third time, but I learned a lot doing things the “wrong” way.
Tell us about the best/most rewarding project you've ever worked on. Representing an individual serving the rest of his life in prison and successfully arguing his life back. What's on your regular reading list (magazines, newspapers, blogs, etc…)? Westlaw, Drudge Report, Craigslist and do it yourself blogs on sustainable living.
Tell us about the best/most rewarding project you've ever worked on. All of the jobs I have worked on at DSTUDIO have been rewarding. The best part is when the job is complete and our client is thrilled with the end result. Designing a life for our clients to reside in with a smile is the most satisfying experience.
Design Assistant & Accounts Manager, DSTUDIO Age: 27
What's on your regular reading list (magazines, newspapers, blogs, etc…)? Architectural Digest, Elle Décor, ARTnews, Inweekly, Pensacola Home & Garden Magazine and Pensacola News Journal
What makes your job so you? Working in architectural and interior design allows me to experience my passion for art and design every day. I am honored to work and learn from someone as talented as my boss, Dio Perera. Designing a place our clients call home is the most rewarding experience.
What keeps you in Pensacola? I’m living in Pensacola because I love everything this amazing town has to offer. I love being able to go from a design assistant, local featured visual artist and Bachelor of Fine Arts student all in one week. I’m privileged to live in a place with so many opportunities.
LINDSEY GRAY
Amber S. Gordon, M.D. Baptist Medical Group Neurosurgeon
Kacey Gibson, D.O., FAAFP Baptist Medical Group Family Medicine
What keeps you in Pensacola? The hunt.
BRYAN HAMLIN
Partner, The Hamlin Law Firm Age: 29 What makes your job so you? Access. What's the best advice you've ever been given? Be more than you seem.
Krystle Galace Baptist Health Care Senior Planning Analyst
Rusty Branch GCE, Commercial Sales Professional
Nick Porter Baptist Health Care Director of Compensation
CO N G RAT U L AT I O N S TO O U R 2 01 5 R I S I N G STA R S ! 8 5 0.4 3 4 .4 0 8 0 / eB A PT I ST H E A LT H C A R E . O R G January 29, 2015
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What's the best advice you've ever been given? Life's not fair. My mom told me this all the time as a child, it wasn't until I grew up and realized that she was right, but "you" are the only one that can do anything about it.
given? “Just keep swimming,” from the movie Finding Nemo. This phrase helps me keep the end result in mind. I have to swim thru the current trial if I ever want to reach my goals. Tell us about the best/most rewarding project you've ever worked on. For the past few years I’ve volunteered with many great organizations. The most rewarding project would have to be the United Way’s Day of Caring. Each year I appreciate the project I assist with because I see how my hard work benefits someone else at the end of the day.
SARA HARLOW
Corporate Accountant, Gulf Power Company Age: 26 What makes your job so you? My role allows me to work with individuals across the organization and across Southern Company, cultivating relationships with a wide variety of people in Atlanta, Birmingham and Mississippi, as well as here. What's the best advice you've ever been
What's on your regular reading list (magazines, newspapers, blogs, etc…)? Besides the must reads of graduate school, I enjoy reading motivational books to enliven my spirit and get me refocused on the road to success. What keeps you in Pensacola? I love the sense of community I feel living in Pensacola. The cultural, environmental and educational opportunities that Pensacola offers blend effortlessly with the areas patriotism for military and southern hospitality for visitors. I met my loving husband here and our supportive families live close by.
Tell us about the best/most rewarding project you've ever worked on. My involvement with the Pensacola Young Professionals. When I first joined in 2007, the big project was getting the Maritime Park approved, but our recent early childhood literacy project is very important and should be enduring for our community.
DREW HARDGRAVE
Commercial Insurance Producer, Hiles-McLeod Insurance Age: 31 What makes your job so you? As long as I can remember I have always been a salesman, even when I was a kid. I went to summer camp with a trunk full of snacks and used CDs and came home with a pocketful of cash.
What's on your regular reading list (magazines, newspapers, blogs, etc…)? Honestly, the three things that are on my regular reading list are LinkedIn, Facebook news feed and ESPN Homepage. What keeps you in Pensacola? I moved here after college because of a job offer and expected this to be a stepping stone to my next stage in life, however, I married a local girl and fell in love with everything about this city: the culture, the history, the nightlife and the people.
Under New Management Downtown Pensacola inside of Terrezza Optical Time to take back control of your hearing Schedule your appointment today! Call Tanja Hinote, HIS at 850-983-8999 Pensacola Milton 818 1
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needs within one agency. What's the best advice you've ever been given? Maximize your strengths, minimize your weaknesses. Tell us about the best/most rewarding project you've ever worked on. There is a no better feeling then being the agent that wrote and delivered a life insurance policy that allows an entire family to continue their way of life. That happened to me for the first time this year, and it was a powerful reminder of the good we do.
JOHN LARK HERRON Insurance Professional, Florida Farm Bureau Age: 34
What makes your job so you? I never feel like my job is work. I genuinely love my career and the team members and customers that make it possible. It is so rewarding when a customer trusts you enough to have all of their insurance
What's on your regular reading list (magazines, newspapers, blogs, etc…)? The New York Times, Washington Post, Politico, The Economist, Pensacola News Journal and Inweekly. What keeps you in Pensacola? I moved to Pensacola almost seven years ago with the mindset that it would most likely be temporary. I have witnessed an unbelievable transformation during that time. The energy and culture downtown is electric. My relationships run deep. This is 100 percent home now.
What's the best advice you've ever been given? I've been fortunate to have people invested in me personally and professionally, so I'm never short on sound advice. What I find myself repeating most these days is from my father: "You''ll never know until you try.” It’s true, fear and failure aside you'll never know unless you try. Tell us about the best/most rewarding project you've ever worked on. In the end when I look back, raising my children will be the most rewarding project I've ever relentlessly worked on. I can't think of a professional endeavor that will ever top that or require more painstaking detail to successfully pull off.
AMANDA HINDSMAN
Solutions Implementation Program Manager, Studer Group Age: 34 What makes your job so you? I was born for project management but it took a few career changes and encouragement from friends, coworkers and family to try something new before I ever realized it. Combined with my ever-growing passion to improve healthcare, there could not be a better fit for me. January 29, 2015
What's on your regular reading list (magazines, newspapers, blogs, etc…)? Outside of work-related pieces on process improvement, project management, and HIPAA compliance, the few remaining brain cells focus on parenting, cooking and home improvement blogs. What keeps you in Pensacola? I feel personally called to live and work in the Pensacola area. This is my community and I have a great deal of pride and sense of ownership here. My kids attend public school because we are invested and want to create positive change from the inside out. 19
What's the best advice you've ever been given? Hard work is important, but we all need the help or guidance of other people to get us to where we want to go. The ability to listen and learn from the experience of others took me a while to learn, but was the best advice I have received.
natural or man made disasters. It allows me to deal with myriad situations so that I never get bored or complacent. What's the best advice you've ever been given? It's hell dealing with an honest man. Make sure you are that man. Tell us about the best/most rewarding project you've ever worked on. In January of 2014 when our community was hit by the ice storm. I worked in the emergency operation center as the liaison for the sheriff's office and had the great privilege to work beside local, state and federal agencies to ensure our community's successful resolution.
ANDREW HOBBS
What's on your regular reading list (magazines, newspapers, blogs, etc…)? Rick's Blog, Inweekly, PNJ, North Escambia, Mens Health, New York Times.
What makes your job so you? My job changes day to day. It goes from a normal day in the office to dealing with
What keeps you in Pensacola? I believe Escambia County is on the verge of making changes that will ensure our best and brightest don't have to leave the area to find career opportunities. We have so much to offer here from our rich history to our natural resources.
Sergeant over Domestic Security/Public Information, Escambia County Sheriff 's Office Age: 34
Tell us about the best/most rewarding project you've ever worked on. My work with the Tate High School mock trial team has been an awesome opportunity to be involved with some great students. Seeing those kids go on to win national awards, college scholarships, prestigious internships and other achievements has been a great honor.
TRAVIS JOHNSON
Partner, Spencer Meador Johnson, PLLC Age: 31 What makes your job so you? Being a trial attorney fits my personality well. The work challenges me to make focused and logical arguments, to think quickly and creatively to solve problems, and allows me work with a group of partners and employees that encourage and push one another to become better advocates for our clients.
What's on your regular reading list (magazines, newspapers, blogs, etc…)? Tech sites, The Verge and Gizmodo are daily reads. Politics, legal commentary come from the likes of Volokh Conspiracy and Reason. Lots of historical biographies. What keeps you in Pensacola? This city has come a long way in the last few years. It’s exciting to be part of that growth. I hope that in the coming years I'll be able to contribute to making Pensacola a great place for a long time to come.
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so much about myself and working with others, and I love that I can share that with the youth athletes in the area.
with Studer Group. I like that everyday is different. What's the best advice you've ever been given? “Never underestimate the difference you can make," from Quint Studer. He always reminds us that regardless of our title or role, we each have the ability to impact others.
What's the best advice you've ever been given? Character is who you are when no one is looking. Tell us about the best/most rewarding project you've ever worked on. In 2009, UWF Volleyball took an international trip to Nicaragua. After games we were helping children at a local school house and orphanage. A group of us also helped an eco-friendly self sustainable community plant new crops of plantain trees. I have been dreaming of going back ever since.
Tell us about the best/most rewarding project you've ever worked on. I recently had the opportunity to contribute my writing and editing skills to a book that was published. I also feel fortunate to be apart of IMPACT 100 that supports so many nonprofit organizations in the community.
LAURA KOONTZ
Marketing Communications Director, Studer Group Age: 30 What makes your job so you? I love that my job allows me to be creative. I get to collaborate with my coworkers and the hospital organizations that partner
January 29, 2015
What's on your regular reading list (magazines, newspapers, blogs, etc…)? It's mostly healthcare related articles so I can stay current on the changes, trends and hottest topics in the industry. What keeps you in Pensacola? Family, friends and the beach. As a Pensacola native, I love that our city has kept its small town vibe while continuing to grow and develop everyday.
CHELSEA KROLL
Dispatcher, Skywarrior Flight Trainng; 14U Coach, West Florida Waves; Volleyball Development, Move Period Age: 25 What makes your job so you? All of my jobs allow me to help people reach their goals. My favorite role is when I am coaching. Volleyball has taught me
What's on your regular reading list (magazines, newspapers, blogs, etc…)? I'm constantly reading blog posts and articles by Team USA and other successful coaches. What keeps you in Pensacola? The community of Pensacola all want to be the absolute best they can be. In the years I have been here the city has changed so much. The opportunities that have been created are exciting to see as a resident and I want to be apart of it!
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SHANE MAPOLES
Art Director, Ballpoint Communications Group Age: 30 What makes your job so you? I am driven (and somewhat obsessed) by brands, experiences, colors, shapes, layouts, textures, music and typography. Being the Art Director at Ballpoint, I have the daily pleasure of collaborating with quality clients and helping businesses realize their full potential.
What's the best advice you've ever been given? I have had a handful of mentors in the last decade, and I have learned the following from them all: always listen first, be proactive, be honest, anticipate change and make room for Murphy.
What's on your regular reading list (magazines, newspapers, blogs, etc…)? Advertising Age, Steam, PC Gamer, Modern Drummer, Alternative Press Magazine, Linkedin, Reddit, any kind of design book(s) and graphic novels.
Tell us about the best/most rewarding project you've ever worked on. During my time at SCAD, I landed my first paying contract with Rise Records. I produced the full album layout and design for Burden of a Day's sophomore release, OneOneThousand—one of their top artists. The project was a monumental achievement and officially started my graphic design journey.
What keeps you in Pensacola? Being born and raised on the Gulf Coast, Pensacola will always be home for my wife and I. Pensacola is full of opportunities and flourishing at rapid strides and I want be a part of that growth. Community, reputation and family mean everything to me.
What's the best advice you've ever been given? My father once told me, “Don’t ever follow the crowd—lead it.”
truthful about not knowing an answer or a solution to a problem, it brings forward an opportunity for us to learn and be more successful in the future.
Tell us about the best/most rewarding project you've ever worked on. The six mission projects in which I’ve been able to participate have been rewarding. Whether it was helping in a wound care clinic in Kenya, teaching English at a school in Honduras or collecting emergency supplies for Hurricane victims. Helping others that are less fortunate is always fulfilling.
Tell us about the best/most rewarding project you've ever worked on. The most rewarding project I have ever worked on was welcoming Southwest Airlines to Pensacola. Knowing the Southwest Executive team was welcomed by a room full of state and local elected officials and citizens who love Pensacola was a truly rewarding experience for me.
REBECCA MCLELLAN
Communications Assistant, City of Pensacola Age: 26 What makes your job so you? I am a person who loves challenges, new experiences and meeting new people. I am so fortunate that my position in the mayor's office affords me the opportunity to do what I love. What's the best advice you've ever been given? Never be afraid to admit when you don't know something. When we are
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What's on your regular reading list (magazines, newspapers, blogs, etc…)? I am currently reading "The Pink Suit" by Nicole Mary Kelby, which is a play on the relationship between President Kennedy and his wife, Jackie. What keeps you in Pensacola? As a sixth generation Pensacolian, Pensacola has always been home to me. I remember as a little girl taking piano lessons at Dollarhide's and performing in The Nutcracker at the Saenger. Pensacola has and always will be home to me, and I am excited to see what the future holds.
ZACHERY MICHAEL
Field Director, Rick Scott for Florida; Communications Director, Escambia County GOP; and Vice President, Florida Federation of Young Republicans (EscaRosa) Age: 25 What makes your job so you? The best part of my job is that no two days are alike. One day I may have to organize an event at the last minute. The next day might consist of me participating in local/national media interviews. No matter what, it’s not just another day at the office.
What's on your regular reading list (magazines, newspapers, blogs, etc…)? Inweekly, PNJ, TIME magazine, National Geographic, Entrepreneur, USA Today, political/historical biographies and the book of Proverbs. What keeps you in Pensacola? Pensacola was first settled in 1559 by Don Tristan De Luna and has been full of rich and intriguing history ever since. The Pensacola area offers a wide variety of museums, festivals, cultural activities, local restaurants, nature trails, beaches and a lighthouse. What’s not to love?
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What's the best advice you've ever been given? I've been given more great advice than I can remember. But as simple as it may sound, it is hard to do any better than the Golden Rule: treat others the way you want to be treated. Tell us about the best/most rewarding project you've ever worked on. I was a part of a group that acquired a vacant 80,000 square foot building, renovated it and then leased it to Navy Federal Credit Union. The project helped Navy Federal add over 400 jobs to the Pensacola area that otherwise most likely would have gone to Virginia. What's on your regular reading list (magazines, newspapers, blogs, etc…)? Wall Street Journal, PNJ, Rick's Blog, Pensacola Today, ESPN, Warchant.com
CHRIS PALMER
Advisor, Sperry Van Ness Southland Commercial Real Estate Age: 27 What makes your job so you? What I love most about my job is that no two days are alike. By nature I am a creature of habit and routine, so having a job that keeps my on my toes at all times helps keep me from being a complete robot.
What keeps you in Pensacola? The most important thing that keeps me in Pensacola would be my family. Other than my twin brother, virtually all of my family and a large number of my friends growing up live here. Also, the quality of life and I couldn't live away from the water.
money. Give of yourself, whole heartedly, do well, bless others and the prosperity will always follow. And lastly to respect everyone no matter their status in life. Treat the janitor and CEO with the same kind spirit.
VANESSA PHILLIPS
Health Education Program Manager, Florida Department of Health in Escambia County Age: 30 What makes your job so you? Health Education/Community Health is what I love. I get to help people, which is something so dear to me. Being able to touch the community in a positive way is most rewarding. A catalyst for change. Plus, I get to be creative in both my delivery and marketing tactics. What's the best advice you've ever been given? Work hard. Do your best in everything. Don’t go into anything worried about
Tell us about the best/most rewarding project you've ever worked on. Having worked on the education and technical assistance pieces for the School District of Escambia County’s tobacco-free policies (6+ years) and seeing them come to fruition this past August, was very rewarding. These policies create a healthier environment and healthier outcomes for staff, students, parents and the general community alike. What's on your regular reading list (magazines, newspapers, blogs, etc…)? These days it is mostly literature pertaining to my school studies, tobacco awareness and whatever interesting articles I can find in my “spare” time. What keeps you in Pensacola? The youth! I want youth to have positive examples. I am a product of this community and we need great people to stay here and give back. We have the unique opportunity to move a generation from good to great!
Congratulations Rising Stars!
Lauren Clifton
Amanda Hindsman
Laura Koontz
www.studergroup.com January 29, 2015
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Health Care team. I am lucky to have the opportunity to work with such amazing people and have a job that allows me the daily interaction with the entire organization.
oriented and financially minded. I get to see a broad range of organizations' financials and help each company be in the best tax situation possible.
What's the best advice you've ever been given? My parents have done such a wonderful job of teaching me to never be afraid to take a stand for what is right and always trust God.
What's the best advice you've ever been given? Life has to be lived day to day. It cannot be rushed. Take each obstacle as a learning experience and it will make the good moments even sweeter.
Tell us about the best/most rewarding project you've ever worked on. I had the opportunity to work on a program that Baptist Health Care offers called Healthy Lives. This was such a wonderful opportunity to bring a program that focuses on healthy living to the community.
Tell us about the best/most rewarding project you've ever worked on. Anytime I am able to lessen a tax liability for a client it is rewarding. That can be a heavy financial burden at times and most are very grateful when it is reduced.
What's on your regular reading list (magazines, newspapers, blogs, etc…)? Of course, I read a ton of Inweekly! I also read the PNJ and CNN.
NICK PORTER
Director of Benefits and Compensation, Baptist Hospital Age: 29 What makes your job so you? The people. I love the interaction with the entire Baptist
What keeps you in Pensacola? I love this community. I was raised here, graduated college here, and most of my family is here. I thoroughly enjoy seeing downtown grow and the opportunities for community development continue.
CATIE PURDON
Senior, Tax & Accounting Services, Saltmarsh, Cleaveland & Gund Age: 27 What makes your job so you? Accounting is a perfect fit with me being detail
What's on your regular reading list (magazines, newspapers, blogs, etc…)? You can always find a copy of Garden & Gun on my coffee table. What keeps you in Pensacola? I love this city. Pensacola drew me back in after college. It has a small town feel with a big heart. Beautiful beaches and an ever growing downtown help to keep Pensacola my home.
Congratulations to amber Carey, Pensacola State College’s Rising Star!
h 2015 h
RisinG staR! Go here. Get there. pensacolastate.edu 424 2
Amber Carey Assistant Professor Spanish inweekly.net
is unique and so are the solutions we provide. Everyday is a new day and a new challenge. What's the best advice you've ever been given? Focus on the things that you control and pray about the rest. Instead of constantly worrying about things outside of your control. Tell us about the best/most rewarding project you've ever worked on. I once had a life insurance policy pay a claim for a widow only months after her husband took out the policy when he suddenly died. Her world was turned upside down, but the planning we did helped save her and her children.
JEREMY REEDER
President, Reeder Financial Group Age: 29
What's on your regular reading list (magazines, newspapers, blogs, etc…)? Fortune, Barron's Financial and The Economist. Numerous financial blogs. The Bible. What keeps you in Pensacola? Family, friends, moderate cost of living.
What makes your job so you? I work for my clients, helping them make and achieve financial goals. Every client
incorporate that with what I already know about retail. What's the best advice you've ever been given? “Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do.”
Congratulations to all of the 2015 Rising Stars!
Tell us about the best/most rewarding project you've ever worked on. The most rewarding project that I've worked on has been being a part of the Blue Wahoos. I've lived in Pensacola for most of my life and it's been extremely rewarding to see how much the city has grown/developed since the team has been here.
DENISE RICHARDSON Director of Merchandise, Pensacola Blue Wahoos Age: 28
What makes your job so you? I've been very lucky with the opportunity the Blue Wahoos have given me. I get to work in professional sports and retail (two things I love). This has allowed me to learn the business side of professional sports and
January 29, 2015
What's on your regular reading list (magazines, newspapers, blogs, etc…)? Sports Illustrated, ESPN Magazine What keeps you in Pensacola? My career. Each year I've been granted more and more opportunities through the Blue Wahoos. I've learned more than I ever thought I would about professional sports.
ITS NOT JUST ORGANIZATION, ITS A MOVEMENT! Gulf Coast African American Chamber of Commerce
Office: 850-438-3993
Website: www.gcaacc.info 25
NICOLE ST. AUBIN
Director of Marketing, Realty Masters of Florida Age: 28 What makes your job so you? I am blessed to work in a family owned real estate business with my mom, sister and brother. Many of our associates have been with us over 10 years and are like family. I also enjoy bringing my dog to work, yearly team cruises and taking regular yoga breaks.
a neighborhood bar & restaurant
facebook.com/themagnoliaeph
What's the best advice you've ever been given? By way of Lesiure Club, I discovered Aardvark Manifestos. My favorite lines include "never stop learning" and "let the sunshine in." I also believe we should "grow our community" and "love all the people."
JOSHUA SCHUTTS
QEP Director and Assistant to the Dean of University College, University of West Florida Age: 33 What makes your job so you? The freedom to experiment and build relationships, and the opportunity to be a part of something good, and play a small role in making it truly shine. The ability to cultivate relationships with people in the local and campus communities. What's the best advice you've ever been given? Under-promise and over-deliver, because there of often very little traffic in "the extra mile." Tell us about the best/most rewarding
What makes your job so you? I'm very inquisitive, and I love investigating and finding explanations to things, so being a journalist really satisfies those feelings. I'm also a firm believer in the importance of a free press, something not every country has, so I'm thrilled to be a part of it.
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433-WINE or 433-9463
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BEN SHEFFLER
Collegiate Correspondent, USA Today; Contributing Writer, Pensacola Today; Recreation Assistant, Olive Baptist Church Age: 27
What's the best advice you've ever been given? At an early age and throughout my life, my parents always insisted I could do anything I put my mind to. And they gave me every opportunity to do whatever interested me. Also, my English professor and mentor Todd Neuman said the keys to success are curiosity and courage. Tell us about the best/most rewarding project you've ever worked on. My time as co-editor of The Corsair, Pensacola State College's student newspaper, was
Once in a while you have to "keep it wonky." Tell us about the best/most rewarding project you've ever worked on. I've had the pleasure of volunteering with Guardian Ad Litem, Make-a-Wish and Big Brothers Big Sisters. I am grateful for my experiences working with children as they have a way of touching my heart in ways that adults cannot. What's on your regular reading list (magazines, newspapers, blogs, etc…)? Pensacola Today, Bella Magazine, Realtor Magazine, Success Magazine, Organic Gardening, Hub spot What keeps you in Pensacola? My sweet niece and nephew, my friends and a true love for my hometown! I love nature. Nothing brings me peace more than a good Pensacola beach sunrise.
project you've ever worked on. Every ten years, UWF seeks re-affirmation of its accreditation status by a regional accrediting body. The process of compiling evidence and presenting justification to demonstrate the quality of UWF's educational experience was both challenging and rewarding at the same time. What's on your regular reading list (magazines, newspapers, blogs, etc…)? Golf Digest, ESPN magazine, Harvard Business Review and scholarly articles in my field of interest What keeps you in Pensacola? A healthy dose of fun and fascinating people, engaging cultural experiences, great food, an enjoyable nightlife and a beach coupled with generally wonderful weather.
not only rewarding, but also instrumental in my success. With guidance from my mentors there, Mike Ensley and Todd Neuman, we took a dying paper and made it relevant and award-winning in 2013 and 2014. What's on your regular reading list (magazines, newspapers, blogs, etc…)? The New York Times, USA Today, The Associated Press, New York Daily News, Pensacola Today, Inweekly, Pensacola News Journal and Seth Godin's blog. What keeps you in Pensacola? I've lived here my entire life, and while I do want to move around, I really love this place. I think Pensacola has a lot of unique attributes, great people and great weather. The city also seems to be growing in several ways, so that's exciting.
inweekly.net
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What's the best advice you've ever been given? Actions always speak louder than words, and I have learned a great deal from superiors and co-workers who value honesty and humility and stick by these traits, regardless of the situation. It's not always easy to be these things, but acting with high character is vital.
proud to be part of the administrative team at Sacred Heart. I am often described as calm, optimistic and analytical. I take pride in ensuring the decisions I make are best for our patients. What's the best advice you've ever been given? To embrace every challenge as an opportunity to improve, not as a burden. Failure is not the end, it is verification of one way that will not work and momentum to try again with more knowledge. Tell us about the best/most rewarding project you've ever worked on. It was an honor and privilege to be the nurse leader helping to orchestrate the opening of the new Bayou Tower. It took months of planning and collaboration to complete the project.
AMY SMALLWOOD
Director of Adult Nursing Services, Sacred Heart Hospital Age: 31 What makes your job so you? It's an honor to work for an organization that is faith-based and patient-centered. I am
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What's on your regular reading list (magazines, newspapers, blogs, etc‌)? Daily devotional called Today's Turning Point and a blog called Leadership Freak. What keeps you in Pensacola? I was born and raised in Pensacola. Family means a lot to me and I could not imagine raising my two children anywhere else.
Tell us about the best/most rewarding project you've ever worked on. When I first began at IMS ExpertServices, we were just finishing the final details of launching our new website. Being able to jump right in and assist in that helped me grow and find my niche at IMS. Finding that direction and being able to pursue it has been wonderful.
ANDREA STARK
Marketing Assistant, IMS ExpertServices Age: 23 What makes your job so you? Personal growth is a huge part of the culture here at IMS ExpertServices. There is an understanding that there are many paths that can be taken to reach the same goal, and I get to work with a fantastic team that values new ideas and collaboration.
What's on your regular reading list (magazines, newspapers, blogs, etc‌)? Moz Blog, Inweekly, Downtown Crowd and the Search Engine News Newsletter. What keeps you in Pensacola? I love that there is a large arts community here. Pensacola is also a great place to plant your roots and settle down, while the tourism industry incites continual change and growth. Towns that fall on both sides of that coin are rare.
inweekly.net
JIBRIL SULAIMAN
President, Pay Cell Systems Age: 34 What makes your job so you? I've always been a problem solver. My job allows me to combine technology with solving problems in business, marketing and more.
What's the best advice you've ever been given? I was told to work smart not hard. I carry that advice with me through my daily activities. I always look for the most effective solutions that require the least amount to accomplish the task in front of me.
What's the best advice you've ever been given? My mother always told me if I wanted success or really anything in life, I needed to make it happen and could not rely on someone else or leave it up to chance. In other words, “if it is to be, it is up to me.”
Tell us about the best/most rewarding project you've ever worked on. I would say working with the Gulf Coast African American Chamber of Commerce has been a great "project" for me. It has allowed me to meet new people and build relationship that I would never have had the opportunity to in the past.
Tell us about the best/most rewarding project you've ever worked on. I am very proud to be involved with the PACE Center for Girls, which is a wonderful organization that provides education and counseling for girls ages 11-18 who are at risk. The transformation these girls undergo because of the PACE Center is incredible and many go on to thrive.
What's on your regular reading list (magazines, newspapers, blogs, etc…)? I'm not a big book reader. I absorb information online through various news sites, Facebook and Twitter.
KIMBERLY SPEER SULLIVAN
What keeps you in Pensacola? The fact that Pensacola is small enough for me to make a large impact. I don't mind be a big fish in a small pond as long as I'm teaching the small fish how to grow.
What makes your job so you? I previously lived in Washington, D.C. and worked on Capitol Hill where I specialized in health care legislation. Also, many of my family members are physicians, so health care law, and the way it relates to the actual practice of medicine, is something I understand.
Health Care Attorney, Moore, Hill & Westmoreland Age: 30
What's on your regular reading list (magazines, newspapers, blogs, etc…)? The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, Inweekly, Modern Healthcare, Becker’s Hospital Review, AHLA Health Law emails, ABA Health Law emails. What keeps you in Pensacola? My family, the beach, Fort Pickens, the high quality of life, the outdoor activities, the friendly people, the close community and the ability to see someone you know every time to go out.
Locally Focused. Nationally Recognized. When you face a legal issue, it is critical to partner with a rm with the experience and track record to represent your unique interests. Don’t settle for anything less.
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bosses have repeated this refrain many times over the years. It reminds me to guard my actions (and my tongue), because something said or done without thought can have lasting ramifications.
MICHELLE TAIT
District Aide to Representative Doug Broxson, Florida House of Representatives Age: 33 What makes your job so you? Government, politics and statesmanship have always fascinated me. In my job, I research possible legislation and policy initiatives, and I can see the impact of legislation firsthand. In addition, I interact with people, discover new programs and services in our area, and help constituents in need of assistance. What's the best advice you've ever been given? “You never know who is watching you." My parents, church, teachers and
What's the best advice you've ever been given? I have received a lot of advice, but the one thing I really always carry with me is to embrace the gifts I have in my life, from my wife to my brother, to my family, friends and colleagues. They help make me who I am.
Tell us about the best/most rewarding project you've ever worked on. In 2012, the Florida Legislature passed SB 922, "Military Support," which included the T. Patt Maney Veterans’ Treatment Intervention Act and the Florida Veteran Business Enterprise Opportunity Act. As the legislative analyst for the House bill, I drafted the language that revised Military Base Retention grants (section 288.980, F.S.). What's on your regular reading list (magazines, newspapers, blogs, etc…)? Sayfie Review, Rick's Blog, PNJ, Santa Rosa Press Gazette, NY Times, Huffington Post, Buzzfeed, Tampa Bay Times Buzz Blog, Florida Trend, State Legislatures (by NCSL). What keeps you in Pensacola? Having moved here from Tallahassee, I enjoy living in a city where my friends work in a variety of fields. I love my church, First Baptist Church of Pensacola. Our symphony, Blue Wahoos and sense of community can't be beat.
Tell us about the best/most rewarding project you've ever worked on. One of my favorite projects to work on has to be the 9th Inning Rally Fish. The projects are fun, ideas are very collaborative, and I believe it pushes a positive message that no matter how far down we are, it only takes one rally.
ADAM WALDRON
Creative Service Manager, Pensacola Blue Wahoos Age: 24 What makes your job so you? My job allows me to explore creativity, professionally. I love learning, especially learning new ways to create and applying that to my role in the organization.
What's on your regular reading list (magazines, newspapers, blogs, etc…)? Video Co Pilot What keeps you in Pensacola? My family and friends keep me in Pensacola. I have a strong relationship with my family here and hope to continue to grow here in our community.
Congratulations to Kimberly Sullivan on her selection as a Rising Star
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work and I am able to showcase my creative side.
cial transaction and having clients that are happy at the closing table.
What's the best advice you've ever been given? You only have one life to live, so make it count.
What's the best advice you've ever been given? Leading by example, my grandparents have shown me how to take action in order to get the job done. "If it's to be, it's up to me,” has become a family motto worth following.
Tell us about the best/most rewarding project you've ever worked on. “Argos Post Responsibly,” a campaign created to educate students and supporting communities of UWF about the potential risks of posting irresponsibly on social media. I have had the chance to speak with multiple groups and create programming for this campaign.
ERYKA WALLACE
Diversity Initiatives Coordinator | Office of Equity, Diversity & International Affairs, University of West Florida Age: 23 What makes your job so you? Not many people are blessed to have a career that allows for them to work with such diverse populations. I truly feel like myself at
What's on your regular reading list (magazines, newspapers, blogs, etc…)? I read lots of higher education blogs and local newspapers. What keeps you in Pensacola? I am currently pursuing a master's degree at UWF in Strategic Communication. I love it here—the people, the culture, the history—this is the place for me to be right now.
Tell us about the best/most rewarding project you've ever worked on. As a result of the property destruction from Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, I joined the housing recovery efforts for the victims of the storm and led a team of 200 that assisted tens of thousands of homeowners in Louisiana.
Executive Counsel SETCO Services, LLC Professional Title and Escrow Services Age: 34
What's on your regular reading list (magazines, newspapers, blogs, etc…)? The Florida Bar News, The Florida Bar Journal, Inweekly, CFPB regulations, and Goodnight Moon, Peek-a-Boo Elmo and Thomas the Train.
What makes your job so you? As an attorney practicing real estate, I have learned the importance of critical thinking and quick problem solving. I love bringing all the pieces together of a residential or commer-
What keeps you in Pensacola? I was born in Pensacola and after law school my career allowed me to travel all around the country. I worked hard to return home to my family and live in paradise.
VALERIE WATSON
E r i c D. Ste v e n s on Personal Injur y | Criminal Justice 919 N. 12th Avenue Pensacola, Florida 32501
O: (850) 434-3111 F: (850) 434-1188
mypensacolaattorney.com • email: eric@mypensacolaattorney.com January 29, 2015
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calendar Escambia County. The Health Fair includes complimentary samples, demonstrations, entertainment, educational opportunities, and more. Cordova Park Elementary School, 2250 Semur Road. Register at active.com. PALAFOX MARKET 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Fresh produce, live plants, baked goods, fine art and antiques are just a few of the items offered at the weekly Palafox Market in Downtown Pensacola. Items originate directly from participating vendors, including dozens of local farmers, home gardeners and area artists. Martin Luther King Jr. Plaza, N. Palafox. palafoxmarket.com TAKE A WALK THROUGH PENSACOLA’S HISTORY 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. This month’s
Parquet Courts / Photo by Chris Newmeyer
THURSDAY 1.29
TRAIL WORK ON THE FLORIDA TRAIL 8:30 a.m.-1 pm. The Western Gate Chapter of the Florida Trail Association regularly schedules trail work on the Florida National Scenic Trail and Florida Trail in Escambia and Santa Rosa County, each Thursday. Meet at The Harold Store, 10535 U.S. Hwy 90, in Harold, 10 miles east of Milton. Call 474-5359 for more information or sign up at meetup.com/ftawesterngate. “MAKING SPRING ROLLS” KNIFE SKILLS CLASS 2-3 p.m. SoGourmet presents this
hands-on demonstration class. Slice, dice and chop your heart out while learning knife skills and preparing easy spring rolls. Also included, is making the dipping sauce and liquid mixture that is added to the vegetable mix. Class is limited to ten participants. SoGourmet above Bodacious Olive, 407 S. Palafox. $15. sogourmetpensacola.com WINE TASTING AT AWM 5 p.m. Try something new every week at Aragon Wine Market’s regular wine tasting, only a few blocks from downtown. 27 S. 9th Ave. aragonwinemarket.com
GUYS AND DOLLS 7:30 p.m Set in Damon Runyon’s mythical New York City, this oddball romantic comedy soars with the spirit of Broadway as it introduces us to a cast of vivid characters who have become legends in the canon: Sarah Brown, the upright but uptight “mission doll,” out to reform the evildoers of Times Square; Sky Masterson, the slick, highrolling gambler who woos her on a bet and ends up falling in love; Adelaide, the chronically ill nightclub performer whose condition is brought on by the fact she’s been engaged to the same man for 14 years; and Nathan Detroit, her devoted fiancé, desperate as always to find a spot for his infamous floating craps game. Saenger Theatre, 118 S. Palafox. $48 and up. pensacolasaenger.com
FRIDAY 1.30
WINE WITH HILARY: “THE FOOD” 3-4 p.m.
“The Food” is the fourth class in Hilary’s wine education series. Enjoy wine tastings strategically paired with generous food samples. SoGourmet above Bodacious Olive, 407 S. Palafox. $25. sogourmetpensacola.com WINE TASTING AT CITY GROCERY 5-7 p.m. Out and about in East Hill on Friday night?
Stop by City Grocery for their free weekly wine tasting before settling in or heading out for the night. 2050 N. 12th Ave. LAST NIGHT OF BALLYHOO 7:30 p.m. The Last Night of Ballyhoo takes place in Atlanta, Georgia, in December of 1939. Gone with the Wind is having its world premiere, and Hitler is invading Poland, but Atlanta's elitist German Jews are much more concerned with who is going to Ballyhoo, the social event of the season. Events take several unexpected turns as the characters face where they come from and are forced to deal with who they really are today. Rated PG. Pensacola Little Theatre, 400 S. Jefferson. $14-30. pensacolalittletheatre.com ZACH DEPUTY 8 p.m. Zach Deputy with FAYUCA and Post Pluto. Vinyl Music Hall, 2 S. Palafox. $10-15. vinylmusichall.com
SATURDAY 1.31
WE BELIEVE IN CHILDREN 5K 8 a.m. The 28th Annual We Believe in Children 5K Run, 1 mile fun run, and Health Fair is a family-friendly event open to all walkers and runners who want to support public education and stronger communities in
history walk features Fort Barrancas. The walk will take participants through the fort, then follow the nature hike and walk to the redoubt. Afterwards the group will meetup at the Naval Air Museum for a stroll around aviation history. Lunch will take place in the café within the museum. Meet at Fort Barrancas, Taylor Rd. at NAS, Pensacola. For more details on exact meeting location call Peggy at 982-9490. Sign up at meetup. com/ftawesterngate. UKULELE CLASS 9:30 a.m. The Pensacola Ukulele Players Society (PUPS) meets every Saturday morning at Blues Angel Music, offering free ukulele lessons for both beginners and seasoned musicians. Loaner ukuleles are available for the sessions, which usually last an hour. Blues Angel Music, 657 N. Pace Blvd. bluesangelmusic.com ICE HOCKEY 7:05 p.m. Mardi Gras Night featuring Ice Flyers v. Peoria. Pensacola Bay Center, 201 E. Gregory St., $18-29. pensacolaiceflyers.com LAST NIGHT OF BALLYHOO 7:30 p.m. The Last Night of Ballyhoo takes place in Atlanta, Georgia, in December of 1939. Gone with the Wind is having its world premiere, and Hitler is invading Poland, but Atlanta's elitist German Jews are much more concerned with who is going to Ballyhoo, the social event of the season. Events take several unexpected turns as the characters face where they come from and are forced to deal with who they really are today. Rated PG. Pensacola Little Theatre, 400 S. Jefferson. $14-30. pensacolalittletheatre.com
FOREVER DIETING? TIME TO CHANGE THE WAY YOU THINK ABOUT FOOD. A LUMINOUS LIFE HYPNOTHERAPY
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calendar MONDAY 2.2
JAZZ SOCIETY OF PENSACOLA’S JAZZ JAM
6:30 p.m. This First Monday Jazz Jam features Roger Villines, trumpeter and director of the Pensacola State College Jazz Ensemble, leading the session. Members of the house band include: Burt Kimberl (piano), Steve Gilmore (bass), and Fred Domulot (drums). Arrive early for best seats. Special menu and full bar available. Admission: Performing musicians are invited to sit-in and are admitted free. $10 each for JSOP members and guests; $15 for non-members; $5 for students with ID. LaBrisa Cafe, 51 Gulf Breeze Pkwy. (Inside Quality Inn, just across the 3-mole bridge from Pensacola).jazzpensacola.com
TUESDAY 2.3
BREAKFAST & A MOVIE: “DOLPHINS” 9 a.m.
PENSACOLA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA: “MOZART MADNESS” 7:30 p.m. Mozart's
Requiem Mass Peter Rubardt, Conductor Sheila Dunn, soprano Hanan Tarabay, alto Rodderick George, tenor Howard Reddy, and baritone UWF Singers. First Baptist Church, 500 N. Palafox. $10 general admission. pensacolasymphony.org ICE ZONE: AFTER GAME SKATE 9:30 p.m. Open skate following the Ice Flyers Game.
Pensacola Bay Center, 201 E. Gregory St., $9-12, with the option to rent skates. pensacolabaycenter.com
SUNDAY 2.1
DOWNFALL OF GAIA 10 p.m. Metal Blade
Records Artist Downfall of GAIA (Germany) performs with Blight and Grassputin. The Handlebar, 319 Tarragona St. $8. pensacolahandlebar.com
Watch a classic film on the IMAX® giant screen while enjoying a light breakfast, served with hot coffee. Movies start at 9 a.m. and doors open at 8 a.m. for the first 500 visitors. A different movie will be shown each week during the month of February. National Naval Aviation Museum, 1750 Radford Blvd. $10. navalaviatianmuseum.org SAUCES WITH SUE: “RED WINE SAUCES” 2-3 p.m. In this hands-on demonstration class, learn from SoGourmet chef Sue Shattuck, how to prepare delicious red sauces for a variety of dishes. Then enjoy generous tastings of her creations. SoGourmet
above Bodacious Olive, 407 S. Palafox. $10. sogourmetpensacola.com STRUT YOUR MUTT 6:45 p.m. Join fellow dog owners for a 45-minute leisurely stroll in East Hill. Dogs must be leashed and well behaved. Owners should be prepared to pick up after the pets. Meet at the entrance of Bayview Park, 20th Ave. and E. Mallory St. TUESDAY NIGHT POETRY NIGHT AT SLUGGO’S 7 p.m. Free open mic poetry
event every Tuesday. Sluggo’s Vegetarian Restaurant, 101 S. Jefferson St. facebook. com/TNPNS PARQUET COURTS 7 p.m. Parquet Courts with Merchandise. Vinyl Music Hall, 2 S. Palafox. $13-15. vinylmusichall.com DANCECRAFT SWING CLASS 7:30-9 p.m. This class teaches the skills necessary to become a practitioner of West Coast Swing, a popular partner dance that can be enjoyed with virtually any kind of music. Additional classes and a social dance are held each Wednesday for a chance to put your skills to use. Tuesday class fee is $10 per person or free for people 30 years of age and younger. DanceCraft, 8618 Pensacola Blvd. dancecraftfl.com
WEDNESDAY 2.4
“CLASSIC CREOLE” LUNCH CLASS noon-1
p.m. Learn classic Creole cuisine with this Pescatarian menu of: seafood po boy, spice creole slaw and aioli, bread pudding with Bodacious Maple Balsamic Sauce, and a
IT’S YOUR TIME
Invest In Your Health
Saturday 1/31 Mardi Gras Night
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January 29, 2015
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Ears & Fingers by Jason Leger
Björk “Vulnicura”
Last week, Björk pulled a full on Beyoncé. She stunned us all by announcing a new album, “Vulnicura,” the follow up to 2011’s “Biophilia,” is due out in March, and then dumping it on iTunes two months early (though physical copies are still slated for a March release). Almost as soon as the announcement came, news of a leak quickly followed. It is to be assumed that she made the decision to release it early to combat the leak doing more damage than necessary. It’s a smart move. At least she didn’t have a public freak out about it, à la Madonna. Classy move, Björk. Either way, I’ll be transparent with you. I’ve never been the biggest Björk fan. Not
complementary glass of wine. SoGourmet above Bodacious Olive, 407 S. Palafox. $35. sogourmetpensacola.com
that I’ve thought the music was bad by any means, as I liked most of what I’ve heard (‘Army of Me’ is an eternal jam). I think I just didn’t understand why people seemed to adore and worship her on such a major level. She doesn’t really have huge hits, nor does she seem to enjoy a lot of air time anywhere. I just didn’t get it. “Vulnicura” has helped me to wrap my head around what has eluded me about Björk for so long. She transcends almost everything. In the public eye, she is an artist, fashion icon, occasional actress and musician. She’s incredibly recognizable by face or by her pained voice, and she seems to pop up all over the place. What “Vulnicura” really drove home for me is how Björk transcends musically by never really landing in a genre, tone or attitude. Mostly a collaboration with producers Arca and The Haxan Cloak, as well as a small cameo from fellow transcendent Antony Hegarty, “Vulnicura” is resplendently dramatic and is as unsettling as it is peaceful. The album waxes and wanes with flourishes and orchestral flurries, all allowing Björk’s confident voice to stand alone when it needs to and blend into the background when it needs to. While the music allows a sense of tranquility, there
is also a darkness present on the hour long record that never lets you settle into any semblance of respite. After hearing Björk’s vision for the album, the bleakness makes more sense. She wanted to make a heartbreak album that came across universal, so as not to be too self-indulgent. Like I said, classy. Personally my highlight is the flighty ‘Atom Dance,’ which features the aforementioned Hegarty. However there are no real standout tracks, as the album flows seamlessly together and is meant for digestion in one piece. I highly recommend this new LP for new Björk fans, as I feel it to be an eased starting point, and I know people who have loved Björk for years will not be disappointed whatsoever. “Vulnicura” is available for iTunes download now via One Little Indian Records.
WEST COAST WEDNESDAYS 6:30 p.m. Learn the West Coast Swing at this weekly class, which is followed by a social dance at 8:30
p.m. DanceCraft instructors are among the foremost experts in West Coast Swing in the Pensacola area. Wednesday classes
TRACK OF THE WEEK:
Toro Y Moi ‘Empty Nesters’
Pop impresario Chaz Bundick released the first track from “What For?” his fourth album under the Toro Y Moi moniker. Expectedly, it’s a total jam. However, it does mark a shift toward a much more rock driven sound than the hazy, funky, retro sounds Bundick became notable for. It’s actually drawing comparisons to Pavement and Neutral Milk Hotel, which is something I never thought I would live to see. While I don’t think the album will elevate him to the status of those indie rock stalwarts, it is now one of my most anticipated releases of 2015. “What For?” is out April 7 via Carpark Records and Toro Y Moi is a part of the Hangout Fest lineup that seems to get better every time I look at it. {in}
Toro Y Moi
are $10 per person and the social dance is $5 per. DanceCraft, 8618 Pensacola Blvd. dancecraftfl.com
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calendar bars & nightlife
≥bar games Thursdays
POKER 8 p.m. The
Ticket 1, 7250 Plantation Rd., ticketsportsbar.com
POOL TOURNAMENT
8 p.m. The Ticket 2, 2115 W. 9 Mile Rd., ticketsportsbar.com Fridays
DRAG BINGO 6-8 p.m. Ages 21 and over. Emerald City’s The Other Side, 406 E. Wright St. emeraldcitypensacola. com POOL TOURNAMENT
8 p.m. The Ticket 1, 7250 Plantation Rd., ticketsportsbar.com Mondays
TEXAS HOLD ‘EM FOR FUN AND TRIVIA 7
p.m. The Sandshaker Lounge, 731 Pensacola Beach Blvd. sandshaker.com TRIVIA NIGHT 7-9 p.m. World of Beer, 200 S. Palafox. wobusa.com/locations/ Palafox BAR BINGO 8 p.m. Apple Annie’s at Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. sevillequarter.com MONDAY NIGHT TRIVIA 9:30-10:30
p.m. Mugs and Jugs, 12080 Scenic Highway. facebook.com/ MugsJugs
Tuesdays
TUESDAY TRIVIA 8
p.m. The Bridge Bar and Sunset Lounge, 33 Gulf Breeze Parkway. facebook.com/ thebridgebargb
TICKET TEAM TRIVIA
Lips Beer Garden, 2811 Copter Road. facebook.com/ goatlipsdeli
WEDNESDAY QUIZ TRIVIA 8 p.m. The
Cabaret, 101 S. Jefferson St. cabaretpensacola.com
TICKET BAR BINGO
8 p.m. The Ticket 1, 7250 Plantation Rd., ticketsportsbar.com TEAM TRIVIA 8 p.m. Hopjacks. 10 S. Palafox. hopjacks. com BAR BINGO 10 p.m. Play, 16 S. Palafox, Suite 200. iplaypensacola.com
≥karaoke Thursdays
VFW Post 706, 6 p.m. 5000 Lillian Highway. vfw706.org Lili Marlene’s at Seville Quarter, 8 p.m. 130 E. Government St. sevillequarter. com The Cabaret, 9 p.m. 101 S. Jefferson St. cabaretpensacola. com Hub Stacey’s At the Point, 9 p.m. 5851 Galvez Road. hubstaceys.com Saturdays
Hub Stacey’s Downtown, 9 p.m. 312 E. Government St. hubstaceys.com Sundays
Lili Marlene’s at Seville Quarter, 8 p.m. 130 E. Government St. sevillequarter. com The Sandshaker Lounge, 9 p.m. 731 Pensacola Beach Blvd. sandshaker. com
8 p.m. The Ticket 1, 7250 Plantation Rd., ticketsportsbar.com POKER 8 p.m. The Ticket 2, 2115 W. 9 Mile Rd., ticketsportsbar.com DRAG BINGO 10 p.m.-Midnight. Ages 18 and over. Emerald City’s The Other Side, 406 E. Wright St. emeraldcitypensacola.com
Mondays
PUB TRIVIA NIGHT
THURSDAY 1.29
Wednesdays
7-9:30 p.m. Goat January 29, 2015
The Cabaret, 9 p.m. 101 S. Jefferson St. 607-2020 or cabaretpensacola.com Tuesdays
The Sandshaker Lounge, 8 p.m. 731 Pensacola Beach Blvd. sandshaker. com Play, 9 p.m. 16 S. Palafox, Suite 200. iplaypensacola.com
≥live music
AL MARTIN 6 p.m. The Piano Bar, Quality Inn, 7601 Scenic Highway. facebook. com/QualityInnScenicHwy
KATAGORY 5 9 p.m. Lili Marlene’s at Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. sevillequarter.com
SHAMROCKER KELLY
6 p.m. The Deck at The Fish House, 600 S. Barracks St. fishhouse.goodgrits.com
9 p.m.-1 a.m. McGuire's Irish Pub, 600 E. Gregory St. mcguiresirishpub. com
Phineas Phogg’s at Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. sevillequarter.com
End o’ the Alley at Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. sevillequarter.com
LUCAS CRUTCHFIELD
DJ LAO COLLEGE NIGHT 9 p.m.
SHAMROCKER KELLY
9 p.m.-1 a.m. McGuire's Irish Pub, 600 E. Gregory St. mcguiresirishpub. com
FRIDAY 1.30
LUCAS CRUTCHFIELD
5 p.m. The Deck at The Fish House, 600 S. Barracks St. fishhouse.goodgrits.com AL MARTIN 6 p.m. The Piano Bar, Quality Inn, 7601 Scenic Highway. facebook. com/QualityInnScenicHwy REVEREND RAVEN 6 p.m. Paradise Bar and Grill, 21 Via De Luna Dr. paradisebar-grill. com DUELING PIANO SHOW 8 p.m. Rosie
O’ Grady’s at Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. sevillequarter.com THE BLENDERS 8:30 p.m. Hub Stacey's Downtown, 312 E. Government St. hubstaceys.com MO JILES 9 p.m. The Deck at The Fish House, 600 S. Barracks St. fishhouse. goodgrits.com
DJ ORLANDO RICARDO 9 p.m. Emerald
City, 406 E. Wright St. emeraldcitypensacola.com BAD HABITS 9 p.m. Sandshaker Lounge, 731 Pensacola Beach Blvd. sandshaker. com A FLOCK OF SEA MONKEYS 9 p.m.
Apple Annie’s at Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. sevillequarter.com
NICK & THE OVOROLS 9:30 p.m.
SATURDAY 1.31
AL MARTIN 6 p.m. The Piano Bar, Quality Inn, 7601 Scenic Highway. facebook. com/QualityInnScenicHwy BRYAN LEE 6 p.m. Paradise Bar and Grill, 21 Via De Luna Dr. paradisebar-grill. com DUELING PIANO SHOW 8 p.m. Rosie
O’ Grady’s at Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. sevillequarter.com MO JILES 9 p.m. The Deck at The Fish House, 600 S. Barracks St. fishhouse. goodgrits.com DJ JAY-R 9 p.m. Emerald City, 406 E. Wright St. emeraldcitypensacola.com BAD HABITS 9 p.m. Sandshaker Lounge, 731 Pensacola Beach Blvd. sandshaker. com A FLOCK OF SEA MONKEYS 9 p.m.
Apple Annie’s at Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. sevillequarter.com KATAGORY 5 9 p.m. Lili Marlene’s at Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. sevillequarter.com SHAMROCKER KELLY 9 p.m.-1 a.m.
McGuire's Irish Pub, 600 E. Gregory St. mcguiresirishpub. com NICK & THE OVOROLS 9:30 p.m.
End o’ the Alley at Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. sevillequarter.com
SUNDAY 2.1
E. Government St. sevillequarter.com
a.m.-2 p.m. McGuire's Irish Pub, 600 E. Gregory St. mcguiresirishpub.com DJ JAY-R 9 p.m. Emerald City, 406 E. Wright St. emeraldcitypensacola.com
WEDNESDAY 2.4
MAL PRACTICE 11
MONDAY 2.2
BLUES SOCIETY OF NORTHWEST FLORIDA’S MONDAY NIGHT BLUES 8 p.m.
Lili Marlene’s at Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. sevillequarter.com
PAPER STREET SOAP CO. 8 p.m. End o’ the
Alley at Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. sevillequarter.com OPEN MIC AT BIG EASY TAVERN 9 p.m.
Bands, individual musicians, comedians, poets, and other artists are invited to participate in weekly open mic sessions known as "Monday Night Jams." Admission is free. 710 N. Palafox. bigeasytavern.com BROOKS HUBBARD / SERVICE INDUSTRY NIGHT (S.I.N.) 10
p.m.-2 a.m. McGuire's Irish Pub, 600 E. Gregory St. mcguiresirishpub.com
TUESDAY 2.3
LUCAS CRUTCHFIELD
6 p.m. The Deck at The Fish House, 600 S. Barracks St. fishhouse.goodgrits.com TUESDAY JAZZ JAM: THE GINO ROSARIA QUARTET 6:30 p.m.
Lili Marlene’s at Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. sevillequarter.com RICH MCDUFF 8 p.m.12 a.m. McGuire's Irish Pub, 600 E. Gregory St. mcguiresirishpub.com MIKE QUINN 9 p.m. End o’ the Alley Courtyard at Seville Quarter, 130
LUCAS CRUTCHFIELD
5 p.m. The Deck at The Fish House, 600 S. Barracks St. fishhouse.goodgrits.com JORDAN RICHARDS
6 p.m. Hub Stacey's Downtown, 312 E. Government St. hubstaceys.com
FOLK MUSIC NIGHT 7
p.m. End of the Line Café, 610 E. Wright St. eotlcafe.com DJ JAY-R 9 p.m. Emerald City, 406 E. Wright St. emeraldcitypensacola.com MIKE QUINN 9 p.m. End o’ the Alley Courtyard at Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. sevillequarter.com
arts & culture
≥exhibits
MAINLINE ART HOUSE PRESENTS: “KALEIDOSCOPIC INKS” A collection
of screen printed gig posters and art prints by Richard Humphreys, recent winner of the Mainline Ghostbusters exhibit. Humphreys is the founder of the Workweek, a small design and print studio in Northwest Florida. The Workweek umbrella includes design work of all shapes and sizes, while keeping poster design an essential piece of the pie. Various Workweek projects have been featured on numerous blogs, as well as in the coffee table book, “The Wall: Modern Day Music Posters.” Museum hours and location: Tuesday - Friday, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.; Saturday, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. Mainline Art House, 442 S. Palafox. mainlinearthouse.com
facebook.com/ rfpensacola
for more listings visit inweekly.net 37
DIFFERENCE MAKERS UWF hosts annual Marks Invitational Speech and Debate Competition The University of West Florida Department of Communication Arts hosted the annual Marks Invitational Speech and Debate Tournament the weekend of January 16-17. A total of 14 colleges and universities competed in the tournament, including: University of West Florida, University of the Cumberlands, University of Florida, University of Central Florida, Florida State University, Southeastern University, Florida Southern College, University of South Florida, Northwest Florida State College, Florida State College Jacksonville, Belmont University, Berry College, Carson Newman University and Lenoir Rhyne University. The competition hosted 11 different public speaking events, as well as parliamentary debate. The UWF Speech and Debate Team currently has 10 competitors, eight of whom competed in the tournament. Of those 10 competitors, two are second year competitors and the other eight are in their first year of competition. UWF Director of Speech and Debate, Dr. Chris Fenner, said that this has been a rebuilding year for the team and that the students have been making consistent improvements throughout the competitive season. “I am very proud of our speech and debate showing at the Marks Invitational,” he said. “We have a young team, and they have been making great strides all season. This weekend was their best showing to date, and clearly their hard work is paying off.” UWF freshman Ben Woodberry received sixth place in Program of Oral Interpretation, senior Brandon James was sixth in Dramatic Interpretation and sophomore Mahalia Hall was fifth in Novice Impromptu. Other students noticeably improved, according to Fenner. The UWF Forensics Program allows undergraduates the opportunity to develop their communication skills through participation in regional and national tournaments. Students travel several weekends each semester to intercollegiate speech or debate tournaments where they have the opportunity to compete against peers from across the nation and receive feedback from members of the academic community all while acting as ambassadors for UWF. For additional information about the UWF Speech and Debate Team, visit the UWF Department of Communication Arts website, uwf.edu/commarts.
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news of the weird NAME GAMES Fourteen employees of a Framingham, Massachusetts, pharmacy were indicted in December for defrauding the federal government by filling bogus prescriptions (despite an owner's explicit instructions to staff that the fake customers' names "must resemble real names," with "no obviously false names" that might tip off law enforcement). Among the names later found on the customer list of the New England Compounding Center were: Baby Jesus, Hugh Jass, L.L. Bean, Filet O'Fish, Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae, Harry Potter, Coco Puff, Mary Lamb, all of the Baldwin brother actors, and a grouping of Bud Weiser, Richard Coors, Raymond Rollingrock and, of course, Samuel Adams. The indictments were part of an investigation of a 2012 meningitis outbreak in which 64 people died. CULTURAL DIVERSITY Two recent innovations to the generations-old Middle East sport of camel racing boosted its profile. First, to cleanse the sport of a sour period in which children from Bangladesh were trafficked to use as jockeys, owners have begun using "robot" jockeys—electronic dummies that respond to trainers tracking the races with walkie-talkies (growling encouragement directly into camels' ears) and joysticks (that trigger a whip at an appropriate time). Second, the firm Al Shibla Middle East of United Arab Emirates has introduced lycra-style, wholebody camel coverings that are believed to enhance blood circulation and, perhaps, racing speed (although the fashions are now used only in training and transportation, to lessen camels' "stress"). Ultimately, of course, the coverings may carry advertising. THE NEW NORMAL "It's not fair! There is not justice in this country!" shouted the mother of Franklin Reyes, 17, in a New York City courtroom in January after a judge ordered the son tried for manslaughter as an adult. Reyes, an unlicensed driver fleeing a police traffic stop, had plowed into a 4-year-old girl, killing her, but had initially convinced the judge to treat him as a "youthful offender." Reyes' mom was so enraged at the judge's switch that she had to be escorted from the room. (After the judge's generous youthful offender ruling, Reyes had violated his bail conditions by getting arrested three more times.) • In Phoenix in early 2014, Kevin (last name withheld), age 5, was viciously mauled by Mickey, a pit bull, necessitating multiple surgeries, leaving him with lingering pain and disfiguring facial scars, and he still requires extensive care. While Kevin's trauma makes him live in gloom, Mickey has become a Phoenix celebrity after an outpouring of support from 75,000 people kept him from being euthanized for the assault. He lives now in a "no-kill" shelter, where his many supporters can track him on a 24-hour Internet "Mickey cam." KSAZ-TV reported in December that Kevin's mom had to quit her job to care for him and struggles to pay medical bills.
by Chuck Shepherd
GREAT ART! In October, vandals in Paris destroyed the large, inflatable "Tree" by U.S. artist Paul McCarthy in the city's Place Vendome square, but not before it became widely characterized as a gigantic green "plug" of the type used for anal sexual stimulation. Paris' news website The Local reported in December that the controversy has been a boon to the city's sex shops. "We used to sell around 50 (plugs) a month," said one wholesaler. "Since the controversy, we've moved more than a thousand" (at the equivalent of $23 to $45, in materials ranging from glass to stainless steel to silicone). • Overthinking It: It was billed as the firstever art exhibition expressly for nonhuman appreciation—specifically, for examination by octopuses. England's Brighton Sea Life Center featured the five-tank shared display in November (including a bunch of grapes, a piece of Swiss cheese and a plate of spaghetti—exhibits made of ceramic, plastic, wood and rope) that the center's curator promised would, according to an ITV report, "stimulate an octopus's natural curiosity about color, shape and texture." WAIT, WHAT? The Territorial Seed Co. of Cottage Grove, Oregon, introduced a plant in 2014 that sprouts both tomatoes and potatoes, the aptly named "Ketchup 'n' Fries" plant. Grafting (rather than genetic modification) splices the tomato onto potato plants (to create single plants capable of harvests of 500 red cherry tomatoes and 4.5 pounds of potatoes each). • Jihadist Toddlers: Britain's Home Office directed in January that the U.K.'s nursery school staffs report pupils "at risk of becoming terrorists," but gave little guidance on what teachers and managers should look for. According to a description of the directive in the Daily Telegraph, staffs must "have training that gives them the knowledge and confidence to identify children at risk of being drawn into terrorism and challenge extremist ideas." LATEST RIGHTS "All I'm looking for is what's rightfully owed to me under the (corrections department) contract," said Westchester County (New York) corrections officer Jesus Encarnacion, after having drawn $1.2 million in disability salary for the last 17 years as a result of slipping on a leaf of lettuce on a stairway. When he fell, he jammed his wrist and several surgeries ensued, and when he was finally ready for "light duty" a few years ago, he re-injured the wrist on the first day and never returned. Encarnacion now seeks a full disability retirement from the state, but officials maintain that "disability retirement" is for injuries resulting only from the rigors of the job. {in} From Universal Press Syndicate Chuck Shepherd’s News Of The Weird © 2015 Chuck Shepherd
Send your weird news to Chuck Shepherd, P.O. Box 18737, Tampa, Fla., 33679 or weirdnews@earthlink.net, or go to newsoftheweird.com January 29, 2015
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Independent News | January 29, 2015 | inweekly.net