THE CITY MAGAZINE of SAINT AUGUSTINE FEBRUARY MARCH 2019
MAKING NEIGHBORS OUT OF STRANGERS, ONE STORY AT A TIME
Adventures IN (AND OUTSIDE) THE
Old City Stories of triumph that take us to the top of the world, through the proverbial glass ceiling and to the edge of our wildest dreams.
this Read about 110 trip on page STAUGUSTINESOCIAL.COM
Display until March 31, 2019
PLUS:
GET FIT WITH LOCAL HELP MEET THE MINORCAN ROYALS EAT INTERNATIONALLY IN STA
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HELLO The official Vreeland Family Christmas Photo 2018.
LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR
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Why? Because we reached a deal with our friends at Old City Life magazine and have merged their magazine with ours…so we can come together and serve St.Augustine as one united front. Come together. A novel concept. Right? Don’t you feel like this is what we need more of in life? Togetherness. A team effort. A sense of community. A feeling of unity. It's ironic, because this is where media has the power to serve, but often the division in our communities stems from distorted stories shared in the media. Not in this media, Satan. In St. Augustine Social you will always find words that unite and words that help you LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR. And they're not fluff stories either – these people are really interesting! It's not easy loving a complete stranger. We get it. That's why we make it our mission to make neighbors out of strangers with the personal stories and community “good news” you’ll read about in our magazine...so you can find it a whole lot easier to love. Let’s let that be the theme for 2019 – less division and more love. I hope you love this issue.
-Heather Vreeland heather@occasionsmediagroup.com
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FAVORITE QUOTE IT ALL STARTED BACK IN 1979 WHEN A CAR DRIVEN BY A JEWISH GUY FROM OHIO, CARRYING AN ITALIAN GIRL FROM CONNECTICUT, RAN A STOP SIGN AND HIT A CAR FULL OF NUNS ON MARINE STREET.
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Photos by Brian Miller
n the first issue of St. Augustine Social (back in 2014), I shared the story of how Andrew and I concocted an idea for a city magazine in St. Augustine on our very first date back on March 31, 2005. At that time it was a bit of a “pinch me” moment as we watched our little idea turn into a real business. But I have to say, that moment pales in comparison to this “moment” I’m experiencing today as we send this issue to print. It’s not just because the fonts are slightly different and the page count higher, it’s because St. Augustine Social can now finally say we truly are THE city magazine for St. Augustine.
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HELLO Testing light for Chef Natanja (page 132) while accidentally matching the walls of Collage's dining room.
ADVENTURE IS OUT THERE
At first, though, I’ll readily admit it was a little disheartening for someone that loves travel so much. All their adventures seemed very far away and unattainable, and reading them made me yearn to be there and, at the same time, lament that it might never happen. So it got me thinking.
FAVORITE QUOTE
We should strive for those big adventures – traveling across the world, experiencing history, hearing the heartbeat of humanity – but we should not discount that intrepid spirit right here at home. Having become used to all that goes on directly around us, we often miss the magic within our own ordinary. But right here, here in St. Augustine, we have people like Amy Upchurch, who took her own struggle and turned it into a global company. We have Lieutenant Vince Coursey, who puts his life on the line everyday as a paramedic. We have activists and ghost hunters, chefs at the top of their industry and women breaking the workplace mold. Adventure isn’t always a plane ride and a mountain away. Sometimes that journey that we so long for is just out our door. So whether you’re ascending to the peak of Kilimanjaro or just doing something you love in your hometown, fuel that intrepid spirit. Adventure is out there.
-Molly Wilson molly@occasionsmediagroup.com
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ALL OF THE COMFORTS THAT ARE A PART OF EVERYDAY LIFE AND ALL OF THE EXTERNAL, INTANGIBLE WAYS IN WHICH WE DEFINE OURSELVES NO LONGER MATTERED. THE MOUNTAIN DOESN’T CARE IF YOU ARE EDUCATED OR ADORED OR BEAUTIFUL – IT IS THE GREATEST EQUALIZER. PAGE 110
Photo by Brian Miller
W
hen looking back, 2018 was a year of adventures – personally and here at the magazine. And it was with that thirst for adventurous and progressive spirit that I wanted to begin 2019. So when we began to put together the Adventure Seekers feature story for this issue, nothing could have been more perfect. Here were a group of St. Augustinians who had stepped far outside the city lines and journeyed along trails, ascended mountains. They traveled up Mt. Rainier, down the Inca Trail and up Machu Picchu, up the Half Dome, and scaled Kilimanjaro. Reading their stories was exhilarating and inspiring.
FOCUSED ON FARM FRESH AND SHORE TO TABLE CUISINE, set in a modern open kitchen design, Harvest & Reel in St. Augustine Beach provides an elevated and unique coastal dining experience. C H E F
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experience providing indoor and outdoor oceanview seating, delivering Rhum based cocktails with the freshest of ingredients, and other island favorites.
Visit HarvestandReel.com or call +1.904.461.9004 300 A1A BEACH BLVD. | ST. AUGUSTINE BEACH | FLORIDA | 32080
INSIDE
Page 116
WOMEN IN BUSINESS Meet the women who are breaking the workplace mold and pushing local business – big and small – onto success.
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LIVING
STYLE
LOCALS
EATS
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
TRENDSETTER
We've got plays and concerts, classes and festivals, and even a few special stories thrown in for good measure.
The owner of The King's Chair Barber Club, Moses Floyd, gives us tips on how to exude a classic gentlemanly style.
LONG STORY SHORT
HOBBYIST
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Through their local troops, the American Heritage Girls are instilling a love of community and service in their scouts.
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In this new column, locals show off their hobby lifestyle. The Nettles family gives us an inside look at their love for the water.
EDUCATOR
Alex Phillips brings passion, creativity, and heart to her role as Children's Coordinator for the Southeast Branch of the library.
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adventure seekers
These locals set off around the world to find adventure and maybe something more. Here are their stories.
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TALE OF TWO
Heat up your relationship with chocolate this season. Two chocolatiers show us how to add a little spice to your sweets.
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RESTAURATEUR
Ned Pollack is the man behind some of the city's favorite restaurants. But for him, it's about so much more than food.
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ONLINE
THERE'S MORE TO THIS MAGAZINE THAN WHAT'S IN YOUR HAND
STAUGUSTINESOCIAL.COM 2019 SPRING FESTIVALS
As the weather warms up and the skies stay blue, the whole city is celebrating with festival season. From the Cathedral Festival to the Celtic Festival, we've rounded up all you need to know about these can't-miss events.
RECENT PRESS RELEASES >> EDUCATIONAL ACHIEVEMENTS
The City of St. Augustine is proud to announce the recent educational achievements of two of its employees. City Archaeologist Andrea White received her doctorate in Anthropology, and Grants Administrative Coordinator Corey Sakryd received his BS in Public Administration.
TALKS AND TOURS AT THE LOCAL PARKS Get in touch with nature courtesy of our friends at the local state and county parks – from lectures on wildlife to educational walks along the beaches and trails.
Spring is festival season in St. Aug!
Photo via Lightner Museum
More Online Now >>
Get the little ones out in the sunshine by letting them try out for a local sports league this spring.
ST. AUGUSTINE FASHION WEEK
8 HEALTHY DISHES WE'RE CRAVING
Fruits, veggies, and delicious fresh ingredients are abundant in the local eateries. Try these unique dishes you won't have to feel guilty about.
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In the spirit of exploring nature, taking on new challenges, mastering new skills, and developing a stronger sense of self, the local Girl Scouts chapter announces their summer camp schedule.
ST. JOHNS READS 2019
SPRING LEAGUES FOR THE KIDS
From the designers to the runway shows to the special VIP events, here's everything you need to know about the fifth season of STAFW.
GIRL SCOUTS OF GATEWAY
THE LIGHTNER MUSEUM HOSTS DESIGNER THOMAS JAYNE On February 4, Renowned designer Thomas Jayne will be at the museum for a question and answer session supporting his latest book Classical Principles for Modern Design: Lessons from Edith Wharton and Ogden Codman’s The Decoration of Houses. www.STAUGUSTINESOCIAL.com
The St. Johns County Library System is excited for a special St. Johns Reads in 2019. Bestselling author of Before We Were Yours, Lisa Wingate, will make a personal appearance on February 23 at World Golf Village.
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If you have something to say about St. Augustine and need a soapbox to stand on, this might be the place for you. We’re seeking contributors to write articles on a regular basis for St. Augustine Social. Email molly@occasionsmediagroup.com to get the conversation started.
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Flagler Hospital is a 335-bed, acute care hospital that is consistently ranked among the top 5% of all hospitals in the nation for clinical excellence. The hospital has operated as a not-for-profit healthcare institution in St. Augustine, Florida since its founding in 1889.
World Class Maternity Services, Right here, Close to home. At Flagler Hospital we understand that the birth of every baby is a life-changing experience, and we are honored to share this special time with you and your family. Our comprehensive education classes include preparation for childbirth, infant CPR, grandparent and sibling courses as well as breastfeeding education and support groups. We have also formed a partnership with a local prenatal yoga instructor to support your health during pregnancy. We are proud of our highly experienced care team and the community physicians, midwives, and anesthesiologists who serve the families in our area. Amenities offered to our expectant families include: Childbirth preparation classes Luxurious private postpartum suites with wireless Internet connection and flat screen television Knowledgeable and caring breastfeeding support, complete with classes and a monthly support group High-tech infant security system Individual car seat instruction with Project Buckle Up representative
New to the area and looking for a physician? Check out our full physician directory online by visiting www.flaglerhospital.org and clicking on Find a Provider.
400 Health Park Blvd | St. Augustine, FL 32086 | 904.819.5155 | www.FlaglerHospital.
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Chef Sam Bove of @iamblackfly stays real about the struggles of the industry, but his passion for the food, its culture, and its history keep him coming back everyday. : Brian Miller "My favorite
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"Simply the best" - @nlanzon48 "
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"Favorite on the island!!" - @206sanditoes
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"I cannot begin to tell those who see this post just how much me and my friends and family love everything about this restaurant!!! It is simply Saint Augustine’s best kept secret!!! Blackfly is second to none!" - @messandnoiseboy
WE ASKED...YOU COMMENTED If you're planning an unconventional date night in St. Augustine, where do you go? "EscapeU before dinner!! Gives you lots of fun dinner conversation afterward!" - Patricia Hare
OVERHEARD ON TWITTER
"Colonial Oak Music Park has great ambiance, music, and drinks." -Meaghan Wilson "I love going to the Limelight Theatre and then downtown to play tourist!" - Katey Anderson
"We actually miniature golf hop between Anastasia Golf and Fiesta Falls (both courses are fun!) and occasionally will hit up the older course at Adventure Landing." - Melody Creed
"Had a wonderful night out in beautiful #StAugustine last night! Loving the architecture here!" -@miles2gotweet
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"St. Augustine is one of Florida’s treasures.. beautiful visiting this historic town. #StAugustine" -@MaggieTV "There’s nothing better than a beautiful sky and a cool breeze on the Matanzas." -@StAugToDo
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From our Family to Yours.... ANDREW VREELAND Publisher andrew@occasionsmediagroup.com
HEATHER VREELAND Publisher & Creative Director heather@occasionsmediagroup.com
ZACH JANIK Advertising Account Executive zach@occasionsmediagroup.com
DIANA GARBER Advertising Account Executive diana@occasionsmediagroup.com
MOLLY WILSON Managing Editor molly@occasionsmediagroup.com
COVER PHOTOGRAPHY Scott Smith of Monarch Studio
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rom our family to yours – we hope you find as much treasure in this magazine as we do. As publishers, we have extreme reverence for the power these 144 pages have on our community. Our committment to you is to publish, with good intentions, a message that always unites neighbors and never divides. We're not news. We invest in special interest content that encourages a community to socialize – go to that event, try that restaurant, shop that local boutique and invest in your town too. In these pages you can count on stories that dive a little deeper than the promotional needs of businesses. While we are marketers at heart and advertising is at the core of our business, we want the editorial that attracts you to read this magazine to explore a little further the backstory of our community, revealing the who, what and whys of the people who have chosen to make St. Augustine home. We want it to encourage you to love your neighbor. Our company, Occasions Media Group, celebrates values like faith and ministry, family and fellowship, service to community and volunteerism, and patriotism for our country. We simply want to enrich the lives of our readers with sensible, good, clean content. And because of the partnership with our advertisers, we can do just that. To our advertisers, on behalf of all of St. Augustine, we say thank you! When you advertise in St. Augustine Social, your self promotion actually works like a sponsorship of the whole city. Because of you we can share the story of the local all-star high school athlete, act of kindness of a neighbor, give credit to first responders and excite the rising tide of small business in St. Augustine. Thank you for advertising, subscribing and making this magazine possible.
-The Vreelands
Thank you to all of our incredible sponsors Director $5,000 + All American Air Charitable Foundation (Board of Directors) Bonnie & Scott Bartosch Linda & Ray Matuza Tringali Barn Producer $2,500 + All American Air Conditioning (Christine & Steve Chapman) The Bailey Group CycleHere Media (Janice Dusseau Jones & Donald Jones) Gypsy Cab Co. Restaurant (Patrick Morrisey) Jade Violet Wedding & Floral (Nulita Loder) Limelight Guild Kim & Chris MacEwan Marine Industries Association of Northeast Florida (Carolyn & Bill Coleman) Stage Manager $1,000 + Alice & H. Clark Alger Coldwell Banker Premier Properties (Steve Cupolo & Rob West, Brokers, & Jane M. Mathis, Sales Associate) Compass Realty (Gisella Silva) Cowan & Pacetti (W. Scott Pacetti, CPA) Julie & Paul McGuire Old City Life St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park Smiles by Glenos (Karen & Dr. William J. Glenos) Stephen Tracy
Headliner $500 + Burkhardt Sales & Service (Brookes Burkhardt) Bozard Ford (Stephanie & Bo Bozard) Cap’s on the Water CenterState Bank (Sarah & Chris Kamienski) Kay & Ralfo Coffey Cowan Financial Group (Cary Cowan, CFP) Farris Professional Editing (Gaye Saucier Farris) G.I. Associates of St. Augustine (Elena Laguardia & Dr. Daniel Gassert) Gordon Dental Associates (Emily & Dr. Jeremy Gordon) Lynn Harding Leonard’s Studio (Jean & Len Tucker) The Network Operations Company (Alison & Aaron Johnson) Maureen & Daniel Pasky The Raintree Restaurant (Lorna MacDonald & Chris Cantabene) Fred Sampson Andy’s Taylor Rental (Amy Fowdy) Thompson Realty & Development, Inc. Carey & David Upchurch Waylen Bay Marine Herbie Wiles Insurance Actor $200+ ABC Towing of St. Augustine (Mark Stewart) Barbara & Paul Bennett Chris & Jim Conzemius Dr. & Mrs. Patrick Hale (Sue) Delores & Allen Lastinger Matthews Design Group Linda Meehan Oxford Dental Associates (Dr. Isabell & Dr. Gregory Oxford) SignsNow
Thank you again for a fun and mysterious Gala! We look forward to seeing you this season, in the Limelight!
LIFE ST. AUGUSTINE FASHION WEEK
ASSEMBLY ROOM AT ART N’ MOTION March 2-10 Photography by Dawn Wallace
The beauty and architecture of our fair city is nearly unmatched throughout the country. So with such a historic aesthetic right at our fingertips, it’s no surprise that the St. Augustine fashion world is ablaze. For the fifth season, St. Augustine Fashion Week is back in the Ancient City, showing off the talents of local designers and exploring international trends. The event kicks off on February 2 with Fashion Speaks at Bokeh Bar Gallery, where guests can join the STAFW board and guest speakers in an industry discussion on fashion's economic impact and the influence of Fashion Weeks globally. And on March 2nd, the St. Augustine Premium Outlets will host The Lounge, an evening of cocktails, music, looks from the 2018 STAFW Emerging Design winner, and getting excited for all the week holds in store. VIP ticket holders can start Fashion Week off a little early on March 6th at the VIP Preview Party. Mingle with designers, sip on cocktails, and get a sneak peek at some of the looks before they hit the runway. And it all leads up to the Runway Presentations on March 9th and 10th when designers show off their style and their talent and the trends we’ve all been waiting for. It’s the most stylish event of the season.
www.stafashionweek.com
Inside:
Calendar of Events // Trending // Long Story Short // Q&A // We Tried It
LIFE
SOCIALIZE
FEBRUARY & MARCH SUITE SURRENDER LARIMER ARTS CENTER, PALATKA January 30-February 10 Two of Hollywood’s biggest divas have descended on Palm Beach Royale Hotel (with their assistants, luggage, and legendary feud with one another in tow). But with a case of mistaken identity, overblown egos, and double entendres, the two are accidentally assigned to the same suite. This love note to the classic farce of the 1930s and 40s is presented by the River City Players. The shows take place Thursdays through Saturdays at 7pm. The Sunday shows take place at 2pm. www.rivercityplayerspalatka.org
7TH ANNUAL CHARACTER COUNTS 6K/3K PALENCIA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL February 2, 9am Show that the six pillars of character count in St. Johns County by strapping on your
running shoes and joining the race (or if it’s more your style, you can strap on your walking shoes and join the walk!). Both the 6K and the 3K may receive awards in the Overall Male and Female finishers, Male and Female Masters winners, and top 3 runners in a variety of age groups. Race day registration for the 7th Annual Character Counts Race is $35 for the 6K and $30 for the 3K. www.racesmith.com/races/ charactercounts
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FLAGLER FORUM ON GOVERNMENT AND PUBLIC POLICY LEWIS AUDITORIUM February 5, 7pm Flagler College’s Forum on Government and Public Policy invites nationallyrecognized speakers, journalists, commentators, and industry experts to the Ancient City to discuss current events and issues
SPANISH WINE FESTIVAL DOWNTOWN ST. AUGUSTINENE February 15-17 24
ALL AMERICAN AIR TABLE TENNIS CLASSIC EMBASSY SUITES ST. AUGUSTINE BEACH February 8-9 Organized by the All American Air Charitable Foundation, this table tennis tournament is fascinating fun for participants and spectators alike! This is an amateurs-only tournament, so no members of the USATT are allowed to participate. The 4th Annual Youth Championship will take place on February 8 starting at 6pm. The Championship happens on February 9 starting at 2pm. Prizes and trophies will be awarded to the winners. 100% of the proceeds are donated to local charities. www.aaacharitablefoundation.org/table-tennis-event that matter to our community and the nation at large. February’s forum will feature Maya MacGuineas – President, Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget and head of the Campaign to Fix the Debt. Admission to the event is free. www.flagler.edu
BIG BAND DINNER DANCE THE RIVERVIEW CLUB February 8, 6-10pm Celebrating their 40th anniversary, the EMMA Concert Association invites everyone
to join in the dancing and the party at their celebratory Big Band Dinner Dance. The event will feature the Chris Thomas Band performing 1940s big band music, a multi-course plated dinner provided by By Design Catering, complimentary signature cocktails, wine and beer, and a silent auction. The silent auction will have many unique items up for bid – like an original artwork for the EMMA 40th Anniversary by Rosamond Parrish. www.emmaconcerts.com
Celebrating the 500th birthday of city founder Pedro Menéndez, this year’s Spanish Wine Festival will offer spectacular events all weekend. The Festival features the best of Spanish food and wine, showcasing the influence of Spanish culture on the city of St. Augustine. The Cava Reception and Dinner at the Flagler College Solarium will start the festival off on Friday. A new event this year, Saturday will see Spanish wine paired with food truck cuisine at the St. Augustine Amphitheatre. The Grand Tasting at the River House on Sunday will conclude the event. www.spanishwinefestival.com
www.STAUGUSTINESOCIAL.com
LINCOLNVILLE JAZZ AT THE EXCELSIOR: DESMON DUNCAN-WALKER LINCOLNVILLE MUSEUM & CULTURAL CENTER February 8, 7pm From its African roots to the fusion sounds of the millennia, jazz has had a profound effect on the culture at large. So, in partnership with the St. Augustine Distillery, the Lincolnville Museum & Cultural Center is showcasing jazz through the ages with Lincolnville Jazz at the Excelsior. Lincolnville Jazz at the Excelsior will highlight a number of talented and wellrespected artists. The February 8th performance will feature Desmon Duncan-Walker as he celebrates Black History Month through classical jazz vocals. www.lincolnvillemuseum.org/jazz
CHILDREN'S CHARACTER BREAKFAST SOLOMON CALHOUN COMMUNITY CENTER February 9, 9:30-11:30am Introduce your little ones to some of their favorite characters – like Cinderella, Elsa, Spiderman, Winnie the Pooh, the Cat in the Hat, Jack Sparrow, Batman, and more. Your littles can come dressed up as their own character and enjoy themed breakfast items, photo opportunities, and dancing. Let them explore the Princess Parlor and a Superhero Corner, a Dinosaur Dig and a Dr. Seuss activity table. Tickets are $15 per person. All proceeds benefit the Kiwanis Club of St. Augustine and their charities. www.kiwanisofstaugustine.com
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12TH ANNUAL 26.2 WITH DONNA BEACHES TOWN CENTER, JACKSONVILLE February 10, 7:30am Hosted by The Donna Foundation, this marathon is the only one in the U.S. dedicated to breast cancer research and care. Starting and finishing in the heart of Neptune and Atlantic Beach, this beautiful marathon for a wonderful cause winds through
both Ponte Vedra Beach and Jacksonville Beach. The whole weekend will feature a number of different events like a Family Fun Run and the Donna 5K. Different registration options are listed on the website. www.breastcancermarathon.com
9TH ANNUAL HOT N SPICY FESTIVAL FLORIDA AGRICULTURAL MUSEUM February 10, 11am-4pm Hosted by the Florida Agricultural Museum, this on-fire festival is a celebration of all things hot and spicy in the best of local cuisine. The Hot N Spicy Festival gives local restaurants an opportunity to showcase their best and hottest dishes. If you need a little help with cooling the palate, a variety of local and regional craft beers are available as well. In addition to the delicious food and drink, there will be a kids zone with farm tours and a petting zoo. Admission is $5 per person. www.floridaagmuseum.org
MATT AND KIM WITH GUEST YUNO ST. AUGUSTINE AMPHITHEATRE February 15, 7pm Matt and Kim, the duo known for infectious, beat-driven anthems and explosive live shows, are back. The tour highlights their sixth studio album called “Almost Everyday.” Filled with songs written after injury in recovery, the album has been called their most personal to date but still features the signature indie electronic sound that fans everywhere have come to love. They’ll be joined on the Amphitheatre stage by Jacksonville-based pop artist Yuno. Day-of tickets to the event are $30. www.staugamphitheatre.com
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RUSSIAN NATIONAL ORCHESTRA LEWIS AUDITORIUM February 16, 7:30pm Joined by world-renowned pianist George Li, the Russian National Orchestra will take to the Lewis Auditorium stage for another installment of the EMMA Concert Series. Hailed as one of the world’s top orchestras, the Russian National Orchestra was founded in 1990 by pianist and conductor Mikhail Pletnev, and they have performed in countries throughout Asia, Europe, and the Americas. Tickets to the event are $40 per person or $5 for children and students with ID. www.emmaconcerts.com
AN EVENING WITH DAWES ST. AUGUSTINE AMPHITHEATRE February 19, 8pm Based in Southern California with a roots-rock sound that connects them invariably to the past, Dawes creates music for the modern age – the relationships that fill it, the politics that divide it, and the small victories and big losses that give it shape. Forward-thinking and boundary-pushing, the band has evolved and electrified, the grooves have deepened, the amps have grown louder. This show will be performed on the Amphitheatre’s Backyard Stage. Day-of standing room tickets are $39. www.staugamphitheatre.com
MURDER BY DEATH AND J RODDY WALSTON & THE BUSINESS WITH GUEST JONNY FRITZ ST. AUGUSTINE AMPHITHEATRE February 20, 7pm As trailblazers of the early 2000s indie-Americana style, the Louisville, KY-based quintet Murder By Death finds a way of taking tried & true rock-and-roll and knocking it slightly off its axis, into tottering revolutions of something eerie, emotional, immediate, lush, and uniquely theirs. They’ll be joined on the stage by road warriors J Roddy Walston & The Business and altcountry artist Jonny Fritz (formerly known as Jonny Corndawg). The
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REGULAR EVENTS MARKET AT THE PIER ST. AUGUSTINE BEACH PIER Every Wednesday
Shop and support local vendors every Wednesday at St. Augustine Beach, featuring baked goods, hand-made gifts, jewelry and home décor. The market hosts anywhere from 60 to 80 vendors each week and is open from 8am to 12pm every Wednesday, rain or shine.
www.wednesdaypierfarmersmarket. com
FIRST FRIDAY ARTWALK
DOWNTOWN ST. AUGUSTINE First Friday of the Month
Kick off the weekend on the first Friday of every month, from 5pm to 9pm, for a tour of the latest exhibits, music and entertainment at more than 20 participating galleries in downtown St. Augustine. Jump on board one of Ripley’s Red Sightseeing Trains or Old Town Trolleys for a complimentary shuttle service to a majority of the galleries. Shuttles run every 30 minutes for convenience.
www.artgalleriesofstaugustine.org
OLD CITY FARMERS MARKET ST. AUGUSTINE AMPHITHEATRE Every Saturday
Visit the Old City Farmers Market for fresh produce, baked goods, handcrafted items and plants directly from the producers. The farmers market is always a lot of fun for the whole family with live entertainment and much more. The Old City Farmers Market takes place every Saturday morning at the St. Augustine Amphitheater on A1A South in St. Augustine. 8:30am to 12:30pm on Saturdays, Admission is Free.
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PONTE VEDRA CONCERT HALL
concert will be performed on the Backyard Stage. Day-of tickets to the event are $28. www.staugamphitheatre.com
Catch a show at the concert hall just a short drive up A1A.
UNDER THE STREETLAMP “ROCKIN’ AROUND THE CLOCK” February 2, 8pm
THE MAGPIE SALUTE February 7, 8pm
AL DI MEOLA OPUS & MORE ACOUSTIC February 12, 8pm
KASEY CHAMBERS & THE FIRESIDE DISCIPLES WITH GUEST CARLY BURRUSS February 21, 8pm
MORGAN JAMES “FROM WHITE TO BLUE TOUR” March 3, 8pm
A BOWIE CELEBRATION: THE DAVID BOWIE ALUMNI TOUR March 15, 8pm
AN ACOUSTIC EVENING WITH SHAWN COLVIN March 29, 8pm
CATHEDRAL FESTIVAL MISSION NOMBRE DE DIOS February 22-24 Now in its 34th year, the annual Cathedral Festival has become one of the most beloved events on the St. Augustine calendar – perfect for kids and kids at heart! Get ready for fun for the whole family with rides, games, raffles, food and art vendors, fireworks, and more. The festival lasts for three days with new and exciting events offered each day. Join in the silent auction on Sunday, fireworks on Saturday, even a delicious shrimp dinner to chow down on! Tickets to the event are $5 for adults $3 for children. www.thecathedralfestival.com
RIPCORD LINCOLNVILLE MUSEUM AND CULTURAL CENTER February 22-24, March 1-3 Presented by A Classic Theatre, Ripcord is a new comedy from Pulitzer-prize winning playwright David Lindsay-Abaire. The hilarious play follows two roommates from hell in an assisted living center, and their rivalry will have you in stitches. Friday and Saturday performances will take place at 7:30pm. Sunday performances will take place at 2pm. Tickets to the performances are $20 per person. www.aclassictheatre.org/
ANCIENT CITY CAT CLUB CAT SHOW SOLOMON CALHOUN COMMUNITY CENTER February 23-24
1050 A1A North www.pvconcerthall.com 26
The Ancient City Cat Club is back with their 4th annual Cat Show! Over 125 pedigreed and household pets alike will be judged in each
GIRLS' WEEKEND LIMELIGHT THEATRE February 23 - March 17 Time to get your girls together and see this hilarious show on the stage at Limelight Theatre! The show follows a group of women who tell everyone they’re going to a cabin for book club. However, after the third case of wine comes through the door, it becomes clear there will be more stewing than reviewing. As bottles tip up, secrets spill out and men sneak in. It’s all the fun drama and uproarious comedy you and your girls will love (and may just recognize!). www.limelight-theatre.org
of six rings each day. Spectators are welcome to walk through the benching area, admire the felines, and chat with owners about their cats. Vendors will be selling catrelated items throughout, and there will be a fundraising raffle as well as lunch and breakfast each day. Local rescue Wags & Whiskers will be on site with cats and kittens up for adoption. Tickets are $6 for adults. www.facebook.com/ancientcitycatclub
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FASHION & BEAUTY EXPO THE RENAISSANCE RESORT February 24, 10am-3pm Calling all fashion mavens, lovers of haute couture, and connoisseurs of all things beautiful! The Fashion & Beauty Expo is back at World Golf Village. Presented by Jacksonville Business Connections, the Expo will feature more than
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70 exhibitors showing off their gorgeous wares, and it will offer promotional bags to the first 50 guests. In addition to the fashion, accessories, and cosmetics on display, there will also be a charity raffle. The expo is free and open to the public. www.jaxbizevents.com
THE EXPENDABLES WITH GUESTS BALLYHOO! AND KASH'D OUT ST. AUGUSTINE AMPHITHEATRE February 28, 7pm The Expendables enjoyed a laid-back lifestyle growing up in Santa Cruz, CA; surfing, skating, partying, and playing music were commonplace. Since 1997, The Expendables have staked their claim in the California surf/rock genre by headlining venues from coast to coast. With six albums and countless miles under their belt, this band is practically legendary to the audiences that love them. The concert will take place on the Backyard Stage. Day-of tickets to
2019 SEASON Lords of 52nd Street LIVE IN CONCERT
Friday, February 8, 2019, 7:30 PM
One Night in Memphis
The Hit Men
Sunday, March 17, 2019, 7:30 PM
LIVE IN CONCERT
Modern Gentlemen
Saturday, February 16, 2019, 7:30 PM
LIVE IN CONCERT
Stayin Alive
Thursday, March 21, 2019, 7:30 PM
LIVE IN CONCERT
The Sicilian Tenors
Thursday, February 21, 2019, 7:30 PM
LIVE IN CONCERT
Southside Johnny
Thursday, March 28, 2019, 7:30 PM
LIVE IN CONCERT
Shades of Bublé
Sunday, February 24, 2019, 7:30 PM
LIVE IN CONCERT
The Choir of Man, Inaugural U.S. Tour
Friday, April 5, 2019, 7:30 PM
LIVE IN CONCERT
Steve Solomon “My Mother’s Italian, My Father’s Jewish & I’m In Therapy”
Friday, March 8, 2019, 7:30 PM
Saturday, April 13, 2019, 7:30 PM
Sunday, March 3, 2019, 7:30 PM
Legends
Just Minutes from St. Augustine • FREE PARKING 5500 East Hwy 100 • Palm Coast, FL • Across from FC Airport TICKETS: 386.437.7547 • Toll Free 1.866.FLAGLER www.flaglerauditorium.org • Group Rates Available EVab 8dVhi# DgbdcY 7ZVX]#Edgi DgVc\Z#
5500 East Hwy 100 • Palm Coast, FL • Across from FC Airport TICKETS: 386.437.7547 • Toll Free 1.866.FLAGLER
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LIFE painting, arts and crafts, and more. www.jslofstaugustine.org/about/events/ lighthouse-5k
LIGHTHOUSE NIGHT FEST
CHOCOLATE AND BEYOND
ST. AUGUSTINE LIGHTHOUSE March 2, 4-8pm
Hosted by The Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) of St Johns County and Teacher's Aid for Student Knowledge (TASK), the 26th Annual Chocolate and Beyond family afternoon showcases locally-made chocolate through demonstrations and samples provided by some of the area’s favorite restaurants and shops. It's an exciting celebration of chocolate, desserts, and other culinary sensations. Fun items like hotel and restaurant gift certificates, sports memorabilia, and admission tickets for local attractions will be available for bid at a silent auction. www.rsvpstjohns.com
FIRST COAST TECHNICAL COLLEGE March 2, 2-4pm
In an annual celebration of the long-time bond between the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum and the Junior Service League of St. Augustine, the Museum will host the annual Lighthouse Night Fest in conjunction with the JSL’s Lighthouse 5K. Visitors are invited to explore and climb the 219 steps to the top of the Lighthouse for a spectacular sunset view. Children’s activities will be offered, and guests can tour shipwreck exhibits, the conservation lab, view boat building, and walk the nature trail. Refreshments will be available for purchase. www.staugustinelighthouse.com the event are $20. www.staugamphitheatre.com
stars that went on to sell 73 million albums while changing the face and sound of country music. Now’s your chance to see the magic live on stage. Tickets to the event start at $52. www.staugamphitheatre.com
LIGHTHOUSE 5K ST. AUGUSTINE LIGHTHOUSE AND MARITIME MUSEUM March 2
ALABAMA ST. AUGUSTINE AMPHITHEATRE March 1, 7:30pm It’s been said that Alabama changed everything for country music. Since their first top hit in 1980, Alabama has brought country music to the mainstream and from side stage to the main stage by introducing rock style guitars, lights, pyrotechnics and sounds to the country audience. From humble beginnings picking cotton in the fields to international
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In an effort to continue their support for the St. Augustine Lighthouse, the Junior Service League hosts an annual 5K & Fun Run! The Lighthouse 5k is a chipped race that serves as a qualifier for the famed Gate River Run. And the Fun Run is a true treat for the little runners. Once you’ve cooled off after the race, don’t miss the awards ceremony following the race on the beautiful Lighthouse grounds. Each year the staff at the Lighthouse provides activities for the kids such as face
THE PLAYERS 5K WITH DONNA TPC SAWGRASS March 2, 8am Presented by the DONNA Foundation, the Players Donna 5K is open to runners and walkers of all experience levels. The behindthe-scenes route takes runners through The Players Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass with the start line at the world-famous Island Green at hole 17, and a path along all the back nine holes, passing the TPC Sawgrass Clubhouse. A post-race ceremony will take place at The Grove. Proceeds from the race will benefit the DONNA Foundation in their fight against breast cancer. All runners will receive one free grounds ticket to the Players Championship. www.theplayersdonna5k.com
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BROTHERS OSBORNE WITH GUEST RUSTON KELLY ST. AUGUSTINE AMPHITHEATRE March 2, 7:30pm Two sons from a working-class family, John and TJ Osborne grew up in a small, Maryland water town writing and playing songs for friends and family in their father’s shed. John moved to Nashville first to play in other bands and two years later, TJ joined him. It was then they formed Brothers Osborne as a twang-and-crunch duo that blends equal parts country and rock into one of the freshest, most identifiable sounds to come out of Nashville in recent years. They’ll be joined on the stage by Ruston Kelly. Tickets begin at $34.50. www.staugamphitheatre.com
FLORIDA AZALEA FESTIVAL DOWNTOWN PALATKA March 2-3 One of the longest running festivals in Florida, the Florida Azalea Festival is ideal for funloving families. It will feature five blocks of games, activities, food, entertainment, and vendors. The two-day celebration plays host to a parade, antique car show, beauty pageant, and (of course) azaleas in full bloom. Head over to Palatka to admire the beauty of one of Florida’s most abundant and beautiful blooms. www.floridazaleafest.com
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ST. AUGUSTINE FASHION WEEK THE ASSEMBLY ROOM AT ART N’ MOTION March 2-10 The most fashionable event of the year is back for Season 5! Throughout the week, STAFW will showcase some incredible local designers and bring in some serious design talent from the surrounding area. The week kicks off with The Lounge event hosted on March 2. On the Deck at Push Push Salon, there will be a VIP kickoff on March 6 and a special open-air designer showroom on the last day of the week. The event highlight will be two nights of Runway Presentations that will feature
music, cocktails, designer meet and greets, a designer showroom, and stunning runway shows. www.stafw.com
THE AVETT BROTHERS ST. AUGUSTINE AMPHITHEATRE March 7, 7pm First making mainstream waves with their 2009 album I and Love and You, The Avett Brothers have now achieved both critical acclaim and the love of audiences everywhere. A historical year for the band, their documentary, “May It Last: A Portrait of The Avett Brothers,” brought them and their enchanting American folk-rock sound even more into the spotlight. True Sadness, their most recent and Grammy-nominated album, has been called their most heart-baring album to date. Tickets for the event start at $39. www.staugamphitheatre.com
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BURSTING WITH BLOOMS GALA THE RIVERVIEW CLUB March 8, 6pm The St. Augustine Community Chorus and the St. Augustine Orchestra – together with the Garden Club of St. Augustine – are hosting their annual Bursting with Blooms Gala. Celebrating the decades of incredible music that have made an indelible impact on the Ancient City, this spring gala (featuring music, dancing, and dinner) is held to raise funds for future projects. The Orchestra’s string quartet will serenade the cocktail hour and The Chris Thomas Band will lead the dancing after dinner. Tickets are $90 per person. Guests are encouraged to wear their most interesting floral attire. www.staugustineorchestra.org
TRAVIS TRITT & THE CHARLIE DANIELS BAND WITH GUEST CADILLAC THREE ST. AUGUSTINE AMPHITHEATRE March 8, 6:45pm An epic evening featuring two of country and Southern rock’s biggest names, this concert will be a night to remember (and definitely one you shouldn’t miss out on). More than 28 years after Travis Tritt launched his music career, the Southern
SIDE STORY
PLAYING THE PART WITH A SPECIAL PLACE IN HER HEART FOR GOLF, LAURA NEAL BRINGS PASSION TO HER WORK WITH THE PLAYERS CHAMPIONSHIP. By Kara Pound | Photography by Kate Gardiner
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native Floridian and Flagler College grad, Laura Neal currently serves as Senior Vice President of Communications for the PGA Tour and with THE PLAYERS Championship. “I’ve always worked in communications, but now I’m actually leading our entire department,” Laura explains. “We’re at the tournaments, competitions, and we handle player-related communications. We’re also on-site to run the media center and act as liaison with national, regional, and local media to pitch stories and connect the media to the players.” Born and raised in Dunnellon, Laura was the first person in her family to go to college – studying Sports Management and Communications/Public Relations with a full scholarship from Flagler College. “I knew, gosh, if I could make this [college] work, it would be a miracle and an answer to my mom’s prayers,” Laura says. “I think my parents spent $1,200 over four years on me for school. It was a blessing from above.” Upon graduation in 1998, Laura started her career in the golf industry with a position at The Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) in Daytona where she worked as the Senior Director of Concept Development for nine years. In 2007, Laura made the move to the PGA Tour. www.STAUGUSTINESOCIAL.com
Headquartered in Ponte Vedra Beach, Laura is now in charge of nearly every facet of communications for the PGA Tour – the editorial department, international communications, and internal communications. “Most people don’t realize that we have more than 1,000 employees and not just in Ponte Vedra, but all over the world,” she says. “Tokyo, Korea, China, and Canada to name a few. How we communicate with our team members has been a big focus on our efforts over the past year.” Laura has always considered herself an athlete, but golf has held a special place in her heart since she and her sister played on the high school golf team together. “Golf has always been part of my fabric of life in some form or fashion, especially when it comes to giving back.," she says. "The PGA Tour gave $180 million last year to charity. [Giving] is part of every event that we work in and the players are good role models and upstanding citizens in the community.” This March 12-17, THE PLAYERS Championship comes to the First Coast, and Laura and her team will be busy making sure a positive light is shed upon one of golf ’s most prestigious tournaments here on her home turf. www.theplayers.com
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CELTIC MUSIC & HERITAGE FESTIVAL FRANCIS FIELD March 8-10 Pull on your kilt, raise your whiskey glass, and celebrate your (real or imagined) Celtic heritage! The Celtic Music & Heritage Festival brings together Celtic clans from around the world to showcase their ancestral pride, demonstrate their athletic ability at the Highland games, and rock out to a huge line up of Celtic music favorites. This huge annual event encompasses a whole weekend of local vendors, delicious food, exciting entertainment, and the beloved St. Patrick’s Day Parade. General admission tickets are $10. www.celticstaugustine.com rock-influenced artist continues to display strong sales activity, sell-out shows, and stay true and relevant to country music fans across the globe. And few artists have left a more indelible mark on America’s musical landscape than Charlie Daniels. Tickets to the event start at $44. www.staugamphitheatre.com
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ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARADE FRANCIS FIELD March 9, 10am The first ever recorded St. Patrick’s Day Festival was not in Boston, not in New York, not even in Ireland – it was in St. Augustine! And now, 419 years later, the St. Patrick’s Day Parade is still going strong. This parade follows the bayfront to the Bridge of Lions, takes a right down Cathedral Place, and returns to its origin via Cordova Street. The parade is a spectacle of floats,
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marching bands, pipes and drums, horse-drawn carriages, military units, local community groups, and plenty more. It’s a sight you won’t soon forget! www.celticstaugustine.com
FLORIDA CHAMBER MUSIC PROJECT PRESENTS SCHUMANN PONTE VEDRA CONCERT HALL March 10, 3pm Back for another concert of unforgettable chamber music, the Florida Chamber Music Project and renowned pianist Hyunsoon Whang will perform Robert Schumann's Arabesque, Widmung, Frühlingsnacht, and Piano Quartet in E flat major. The incredible music will lift your spirits and stir your soul. General admission to the event is $25 per person, and student tickets are $12.50. www.flchambermusic.org
TANK AND THE BANGAS WITH GUESTS ALFRED BANKS AND MAGGIE KOERNER ST. AUGUSTINE AMPHITHEATRE March 10, 6:30pm
Coming from New Orleans, genre-bending soul-funk group Tank and the Bangas are surrounded by plenty of grand musical traditions. And the five-piece group has a rare knack for combining various musical styles—fiery soul, deft hip-hop, deep-groove R&B and subtle jazz—into one dazzling, cohesive whole that evokes the scope of New Orleans music while retaining a distinctive feel all its own. They’ll be joined by guests Alfred Banks and Maggie Koerner on the Backyard Stage. Day-of tickets to the event are $25. www.staugamphitheatre.com
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FLAGLER FORUM ON GOVERNMENT AND PUBLIC POLICY LEWIS AUDITORIUM March 12, 7pm Flagler College’s Forum on Government and Public Policy invites nationallyrecognized speakers, journalists, commentators, and industry experts to the Ancient City to discuss current events and issues that matter to our community and the nation at large. March’s forum will feature Roy Gutman – Middle East-based, Pulitzer Prizewinning reporter for Frontline. Admission to the event is free. www.flagler.edu
THE PLAYERS CHAMPIONSHIP TPC SAWGRASS March 12-17 One of the most anticipated events on the PGA Tour, The Players Championship takes place at the world-class venue of the Players Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass. Some of the most talented athletes in the world of golf will compete to take home the top prizes; this championship has the largest purse on the tour – $10 million. A number of channels will air this exciting annual event. Visitors are welcome to attend each day of the championship including the practice rounds. www.theplayers.com
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FLAGLER AUDITORIUM Music, plays, and plenty more at this beautiful Palm Coast venue.
SHAKESPEARE'S MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING February 6, 7pm February 7, 7pm February 9, 2pm and 7pm
THE HIT MEN February 16, 7:30pm
STAYIN' ALIVE February 21, 7:30pm
SOUTHSIDE JOHNNY AND THE ASBURY JUKES February 24, 7:30pm
THE CHOIR OF MAN, INAUGURAL U.S. TOUR March 3, 7:30pm
ONE NIGHT IN MEMPHIS March 17, 7:30pm
THE SICILIAN TENORS March 28, 7:30pm
5500 East Hwy 100, Palm Coast www.flaglerauditorium.org
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LINCOLNVILLE JAZZ AT THE EXCELSIOR: RON MCCURDY LEWIS AUDITORIUM March 15, 7pm From its African roots to the fusion sounds of the millennia, jazz has had a profound effect on the culture at large. So, in partnership with the St. Augustine Distillery, the Lincolnville Museum & Cultural Center is showcasing jazz through the ages with Lincolnville Jazz at the Excelsior. Lincolnville Jazz at the Excelsior will highlight a number of talented and wellrespected artists. The March 15th performance will feature Ron McCurdy performing the Langston Hughes Project. www.lincolnvillemuseum.org/jazz
DAN + SHAY WITH GUEST MORGAN EVANS ST. AUGUSTINE AMPHITHEATRE March 15, 7:30pm An American country duo made up of Dan Smyers and Shay Mooney, this unforgettable group has made some serious waves in the country music world. In addition to national TV appearances, they have shared the stage with some of country music’s biggest superstars, spanning Thomas Rhett, Sam Hunt, and Keith Urban. They’ll be joined on the stage by Australian country music singer/songwriter Morgan Evans. Tickets to the event start at $39.50. www.staugamphitheatre.com
VILANO BRIDGE 5K & 10K NSIA COMMUNITY CENTER March 16, 7:30am One of the prettiest runs on the St. Augustine calendar, the 23rd Annual Vilano Bridge 5K
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& 10K will take participants over the Vilano Bridge to see some of the best views of the city, the Intracoastal, and the ocean. The route of the 10K will take runners through the streets of some Vilano Beach neighborhoods and around the grounds of the Florida School for the Deaf and Blind. Immediately following the 5K and the 10K, there will be a onemile Fun Run. Half of the event proceeds will benefit the Florida School for the Deaf and Blind. www.facebook.com/VilanoBridgeRun
LINCOLNVILLE JAZZ AT THE EXCELSIOR: CATCH THE GROOVE LINCOLNVILLE MUSEUM March 16, 7pm From its African roots to the fusion sounds of the millennia, jazz has had a profound effect on the culture at large. So, in partnership with the St. Augustine Distillery, the Lincolnville Museum & Cultural Center is showcasing jazz through the ages with Lincolnville Jazz at the Excelsior. Lincolnville Jazz at the Excelsior will highlight a number of talented and well-respected artists. The March 16th performance will feature Catch the Groove, a local instrumental group playing jazz with Latin influence. www.lincolnvillemuseum.org/jazz
LIONS SEAFOOD FESTIVAL FRANCIS FIELD March 22-24
The annual celebration of the city’s favorite type of food is back for 2019! As every year, the spread will feature an array of different seafood from local purveyors – crab, shrimp, fish, crab legs, (and for the non-seafood eaters) even gyros, pizza, and Asian cuisine. After you’ve grabbed your favorites, browse around the tents of local vendors and artists or settle in to hear some awesome music. There are rides for the whole family and a kids fun zone with special games and exciting presentations. General admission is $5. www.lionsfestival.com
attained international success, and Noah has hosted numerous television shows including South Africa’s music, television and film awards, and two seasons of his own late-night talk show, “Tonight with Trevor Noah.” Tickets to the event start at $45.50. www.staugamphitheatre.com
THE MESSTHETICS WITH GUEST MARY LATTIMORE ST. AUGUSTINE AMPHITHEATRE March 26, 6:30pm
TREVOR NOAH “LOUD & CLEAR TOUR” ST. AUGUSTINE AMPHITHEATRE March 16, 7:30pm Trevor Noah is the most successful comedian in Africa and is the host of the Emmy and Peabody Awardwinning “The Daily Show” on Comedy Central. Born in South Africa to a black South African mother and a white European father, his stand-up comedy career
Experimental rock trio, The Messthetics, featuring Brendan Canty and Joe Lally of Fugazi and celebrated avant-garde guitarist Anthony Pirog, will perform live on the Front Porch during the St. Augustine Amphitheatre Night Market. The Messthetics widened the reach of a decisive instrumental music that so far, they have only shared with a privileged handful of east coast and southern audiences. This show is free and
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open to the public. www.staugamphitheatre.com
KELLER WILLIAMS’ PETTYGRASS FEATURING THE HILLBENDERS ST. AUGUSTINE AMPHITHEATRE March 28, 7pm PettyGrass is Bluegrass version of Tom Petty hits. Sing-alongs that some people didn't even know they knew. Tom Petty songs are like that, and PettyGrass celebrates this. Keller Williams says that there is nothing like a room full of people singing along to the same song. Luckily, The HillBenders share Williams’ passion for this music and it just so happens that they are fantastic pickers who have amazing attention to detail. This night on the Backyard Stage will truly be a fun and unforgettable experience. Day-of tickets are $30. www.staugamphitheatre.com
AN EVENING WITH DARK STAR ORCHESTRA
ST. AUGUSTINE AMPHITHEATRE March 29, 6:30pm Performing to critical acclaim celebrating their 20th anniversary year in 2017 and over 2600 shows, Dark Star Orchestra continues the Grateful Dead concert experience. Their shows are built off the Dead’s extensive catalog and the talent of these seven fine musicians. On any given night, the band will perform a show based on a set list from the Grateful Dead's 30 years of extensive touring or use their catalog to program a unique set list for the show. Fans both young and old are in for a treat. Tickets start at $29.50. www.staugamphitheatre.com
29 LINCOLNVILLE JAZZ AT THE EXCELSIOR: VICTORIA HORNE LINCOLNVILLE MUSEUM March 29, 7pm From its African roots to the fusion sounds of the millennia, jazz has had a profound effect on the culture at large. So, in partnership with the St. Augustine Distillery, the Lincolnville Museum & Cultural Center is showcasing jazz through the ages with Lincolnville Jazz at the Excelsior. Lincolnville Jazz at the Excelsior will highlight a number of talented and wellrespected artists. The March 29th performance will feature Victoria Horne performing music from the American Songbook. www.lincolnvillemuseum.org/jazz
BUFFALO PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA LEWIS AUDITORIUM March 30, 7:30pm Based out of Buffalo, New York, this Grammy award-winning orchestra has been called the leading cultural ambassador of the city. Guided by music director JoAnn Falletta, this orchestra presents more than 120 classics, pops, and youth concerts every year all over the United States and Canada. The St. Augustine concert will feature pianist Fabio Bidini. Tickets to the event are $40 for adults and $5 for children and students with ID. www.emmaconcerts.com
SIDE STORY
SERTOMA'S HEART THIS CHARITABLE ORGANIZATION PASSES ON A LEGACY OF CARE AND LOVE TO THE ST. AUGUSTINE COMMUNITY. By Robert Waldner | Photography by Kate Gardiner
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charitable fixture in the community for nearly four decades, St. Augustine Sertoma Club has built a legacy of creating fun and interactive ways of raising funds for those who need them most. In fact, SERvice TO MAnkind is built into their name. “Our organization is a cross-section of the community,” says Ron Bochenek, St. Augustine Sertoma Club’s Treasurer. “We have people from all walks of life who want to help those in need.” Most Wednesday mornings you can find Ron sitting at a table in the dining room of Denny’s at State Road 16 and Interstate 95 with his fellow local Sertomans for their weekly breakfast meeting. “When we hold meetings, we exchange ideas,” he says. “We have members both new and old and each one’s input is just as valuable as the other’s.” Among the many topics discussed during the breakfast meetings are fundraising ideas. “We want fundraising to be fun,” says Ron. “We encourage our members to be creative with their ideas.” Past brainstorming sessions have turned up fundraising gems such as a donated vehicle hand-a-thon, where the last person to touch the vehicle was awarded it. “That event lasted nearly 47 hours,” says Ron. Another event that was a big hit was ‘a quarter mile
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of quarters’, where Sertomans stood donated quarters on strips of masking tape with the goal of reaching an entire quarter mile. “All of our donations are community needbased,” says Ron. “Whatever we raise in our community stays in our community.” Ron stresses that Sertoma reaches out to those who do not always qualify for the services that other top charities provide. “We all sometimes hit a speed bump in our road to tranquility,” he says. “We like to find out what is falling through the cracks and support some of the causes that don’t always get covered by popular charity initiatives. When we say ‘service to mankind’ we mean everybody. We do not put one person or group above anybody else.” Currently, the organization operates four major charitable events per year, including the Crescent Beach Crawl and Sandbar Santas Annual Charity Fish Fry. All proceeds from all of St. Augustine Sertoma Club’s events go to citizens right here in St. Johns County. Under the direction of President Susan Beisiada, Chairman of The Board Candy Burney, and Ron Bochenek as Treasurer, St. Augustine Sertoma Club’s presence is felt every day in the community not only with their major events but also with small but significant acts of kindness. www.saintaugustinesertoma.org
This story is shared in partnership with
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LIFE TRENDING
SOCIAL IMPACT
Blessed Opportunity Photography by Caleb Jones
PIER REVIEW
A RESTAURANT JOB, A VENDOR AT A FARMER’S MARKET, AND A COMPANY THAT RUNS A FARMER’S MARKET ALL HAVE ONE THING IN COMMON – A LIFELONG FRIENDSHIP.
By Lynette Snell | Photography by David Steele
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ulie Olsson, a St. Augustine native of Minorcan decent, met Sloane Doucette, a transplant from New York, just after high school. Julie started working at a restaurant. Sloane’s family was in the restaurant business. Together, they learned the ins and outs of the restaurant industry and made careers together. About twelve years ago, Julie began selling handmade cutting boards at a local farmer’s market, and her perspective began to change. Julie says the atmosphere of the market reminded her of days when people did their shopping in a town square, walking from store to store to buy different products, instead of in a supermarket shopping center. She loved the feeling of family that grew out of the market, and the fact that no matter what happened, these people were passionately selling their products. “Vendors at a
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farmer’s market are hardy people,” Julie says. “They stick with it through all seasons.” One day, Julie mentioned to Sloane how “cool it would be” to have another farmer’s market in a different venue to expand the offerings. They spent hours researching how a typical farmer’s market works, what days were already taken by other markets, and the best locations for a new market. They attended markets and approached some of the vendors. They already knew they wanted the staples of seafood, bread, produce, locally-sourced honey. Sloane and Julie were also committed to staying with local artisans selling their craft. At last, everything fell into place, and they began their market down at the marina near Marineland. It has been dubbed the “Sleepy Market” and the “Friendliest Market.” Boaters often stop there on Sundays to restock their wares,
and locals have become regulars. Julie and Sloane were careful to not choose just any vendor, but hand-picked each one to keep the rhythm, flow, and balance they had created. When the market at the St. Augustine Amphitheatre was up for renewal, Julie and Sloane decided to try adding a second market to their management company. They lost the bid but were soon given the opportunity to bid on the management of the Wednesday Market at the Pier. This time, they were successful and took over in October 2018. They have much to prove, they feel, in building a positive image and convincing the vendors and the community that not only do they have the best interests of the market at heart, but they also want to build it into something similar to their market down in Marineland. Having forged a lifelong friendship right after high school, it seems the winning recipe for these two women is simply to keep cooking. Clearly the temperature is right for Julie and Sloane. www.saltairfarmersmarket.com
www.STAUGUSTINESOCIAL.com
You may know her as the daughter of Crescent Beach Baptist’s Worship Pastor or you may know her as one of the friendliest faces at the Chick-Fil-A drive through, but either way, Anna King is a girl that deserves your attention. Her passion, confidence, and leadership skills made her stand out, and just recently her excellence has been recognized. Back in September, Chick-Fil-A awarded Anna a True Inspiration Scholarship for $25,000. Having previously delayed her college plans for a couple of years to save up some money, this scholarship has allowed Anna to take a huge leap forward toward an undoubtedly remarkable future. Anna is now attending Cedarville University in Ohio and majoring in Business Management.
Coldwell Banker Premier Properties Thanks You For Your Continuous Support In Helping Us To Reach #1 Real Estate Office in St. Johns County For Sales Transactions!
Coldwell Banker Premier Properties (St. Augustine Beach)
Endless Summer
Watson Realty (US1)
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Watson Realty (BEACH)
Source: St. Augustine & St. Johns MLS as of 11/7/2018
Thank You For Voting CBPP 2018 Best Real Estate Company! St. Augustine Beach 904.471.5000 Palencia Global Luxury 904.601.5000 DeLand 386.734.8890
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Palencia 904.342.2345
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©2018 Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. A Realogy Company. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Each Office Is Independently Owned And Operated. Coldwell Banker, the Coldwell Banker Logo and “We Never Stop Moving” are registered service marks owned by Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed.
LIFE
ADOPT ME
Homeward Bound THESE LOCAL PETS ARE FULL OF LOVE AND READY TO BE ADOPTED. LEARN MORE ABOUT THEM BY VISITING...
www.aylasacres.org
ASIA & PATCHES
A bonded pair of female cats, they love to play, and they get along with other cats, dogs, and all people.
Tiffany Root and Maegan O'Neill are dedicated to inspiring young women, developing their skills, building their friendships, and guiding them to greatness. LONG STORY SHORT
HER HERITAGE
PENNY
She loves other dogs and people. She is housebroken, rides well in a car, and really likes her walks.
CODY & SCOOBY
Cody loves nothing more than cuddling. Scooby's favorite pastime is chasing lizards. RODGER
He is a strikingly handsome boy who loves to walk and run. He is sweet and gets along with other dogs. MAGGIE
Maggie is a super sweet kitty. She is 7 years old and a beautiful calico.
CHARLIE
Charlie is a handsome 4-year-old hound mix. He’s a bit shy at first, but warms up quickly to become a best friend.
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TIFFANY ROOT AND MAEGAN O'NEILL ARE BUILDING WOMEN OF INTEGRITY THROUGH SERVICE TO GOD, FAMILY, COMMUNITY, AND COUNTRY. By Molly Wilson | Photography by Brian Miller
A
merican Heritage Girls was begun more than 20 years ago when a group of parents decided that they wanted a character development program for their daughters that was modeled on scouting and centered around their faith. The organization that they started spread to every state in the US and to over 15 countries worldwide. Right here in our own little city, however, the AHG troops are represented by two women with a passion for their work spurred on by devotion to their faith and a love for seeing their girls grow into women. Tiffany Root runs the AHG troop that operates out of Turning Point Calvary and has been a member of the American Heritage Girls since 2014. “I got involved in AHG,” says Tiffany, “because it is Christ-centered. I wanted my daughter to be involved in something that helped with the teaching of our beliefs and that she would be around like-minded families.” Maegan O’Neill, who leads the troop at Our Lady of Good Counsel Roman Catholic Church, was motivated to join the organization for similar reasons. “As a mom of two daughters, I was looking for an activity that involved both our Catholic faith and having fun,” she says. “We loved the idea of meeting at our church, earning badges in different frontiers, building friendships www.STAUGUSTINESOCIAL.com
and serving our church and community.” Meetings typically occur twice monthly and – after recitation of a prayer, Pledge of Allegiance, AHG mission statement, oath, and creed – will focus on working on the scouts’ badges. These badges fall into six categories that help the girls pursue a wide variety of interests – Heritage, Personal Well-Being, Family Living, Arts, Science & Technology, and Outdoor Skills. “We loved getting to see girls try new things and find other interests that they were not aware of,” says Maegan. “It was great to see them overcome struggles in unfamiliar activities and share their strengths with the others.” And this dedication to the girls’ growth in confidence, the pursuit of leadership skills, building friendships, and helping each scout mature into a well-rounded individual is at the heart of all that Tiffany, Maegan, and AHG do. “The girls build long-lasting friendships,” says Tiffany. “They learn about God; they learn to be compassionate, helpful, honest, loyal, perseverant, pure, resourceful, respectful, responsible, and reverent. The girls learn to love God, cherish their family, honor their country, and serve in their community.” www.americanheritagegirls.org
St. Augustine Fashion Week presents
1/18 2/2 3/2 3/6 3/8 3/9 3/10
3/8
THE LINEUP
The Road to Season Five Events
3/9
STAFW Feature Film at SAFF
Lewis Auditorium
STAFW Fashion Speaks Bokeh Bar Gallery
“The Lounge” The St. Augustine Premium Outlets
VIP Kickoff Party on the Deck
Push Push Salon
Designer Runway Shows The Assembly Room
Designer Runway Shows The Assembly Room
Designer Showroom The Deck at Push Push Salon
at the Assembly Room
Nh design
stafashionweek.com
LIFE
HUGH DO YOU KNOW? By Hugh Ward
Laura Padovano
Q&A
ROYAL ROOTS AS THE LOCALS WHO REPRESENT THE RULING FAMILY OF SPAIN IN 1672, WE'RE SURE YOU'VE SEEN THIS ROYAL TRIO AT SOME OF THE CITY'S FAVORITE EVENTS. NOW MEET TRISTAN ROOT, HEATHER LEONARDY (NOT PICTURED), AND ALYSSA ROGERO AS THEY TALK ABOUT THE INS, OUTS, AND FAVORITE MOMENTS OF BEING ST. AUGUSTINE'S ROYAL FAMILY IN 2018. Photography by Brian Miller
Social: Tell us a little bit about the application process. How were you chosen to be a part of the Royal Family? Alyssa Rogero (Princess Margarita Maria): The Royal Trio candidates are nominated and are then requested to submit an application. The candidates also are requested to provide proof of their Minorcan family lineage. A committee of past Royal Family Queens meet each December to select the Trio for the upcoming year. Was there any kind of royal training after you were chosen? Heather Leonardy (Queen Mariana): There is no official training after being chosen. The former queen was more than gracious and
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Hustle: Owner of Laura Lives Social Talent: Connecting people and building communities! Life Goal: To connect small businesses with their people – those who will support those businesses and help them thrive Follow: @lauralives5
shared her wisdom and insight on the role. Tristan Root (King Carlos): I had to learn how to ride a horse for the Easter Parade. Also I had to make sure I smiled and stood up straight! What are the duties of a member of the Royal Family? HL: Being a member of the Royal Family means that you represent the ruling family of Spain in 1672, the year construction began on the Castillo de San Marcos. [We're] present at all of the Easter Week festival events, as well as numerous other events in the area. The family also makes appearances out of the area, including parades in Tallahassee and Tybee Island. Why did you want to be in this role? AR: My father, John Christopher Rogero, served as King Carlos in 1985, and my older brother, J. P. Rogero, served as King Carlos in 2013. It's a sort of family tradition! Since I was a little girl, I would hear my dad tell stories about serving as King Carlos in the Royal Family. I am very proud of my native heritage in the
nation's oldest city and wanted the opportunity to represent my family name. HL: Being a part of the Royal Family is an honor for heritage natives. My father and father-inlaw both grew up in the area and have very fond memories of the Royal Trio from their childhoods. When the opportunity came about, I knew how much joy it would bring to my family, so I went for it, and I'm glad I did! TR: I thought it would be fun. Also I got to learn about our heritage during the process! What is your favorite memory from your time in the Royal Family? HL: If I had to pick just one, it would be the first time a young girl came up to me to have her picture taken and mentioned how she wanted to be like me when she grew up. It was so sweet and genuine, and it brought me a lot of joy. TR: My favorite memory is riding the horse in the Easter Parade! Their story continues online at www.staugustinesocial.com
www.STAUGUSTINESOCIAL.com
Even before graduating Flagler College in 2016, Laura Padovano had gained a ton of real world experience in PR, marketing, blog writing, event planning, and everything in between, and was working with several small local business to improve their social media. So it wasn't long before Laura Lives Social was born, and its creator was doing her part to build the community through social media marketing. WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE PART OF THE JOB? I really love having the opportunity to get to know the small business owners in the community. I enjoy hearing their stories of why and how they started their business! WHAT WOULD YOU LOVE TO SEE HAPPEN HERE? I'd like to see members of our community come out and support all the amazing small businesses in our town! We see small businesses in St. Augustine come and go all too often, but if more locals viewed these small businesses as part of our community rather than just tourist spots, these small businesses would have a real future in our little town.
THIS CONVO CONTINUES ONLINE www.staugustinesocial.com
LIFE
I KNOW A GUY
WELLNESS IN A NEW WAY AT THIS POINT IN 2019, THERE'S A GOOD CHANCE THAT THOSE WELL-MEANT NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTIONS HAVE ALREADY FALLEN TO THE WAYSIDE. BUT IF YOUR GOAL WAS TO MAKE A COMMITMENT TO WELLNESS (BE THAT EXERCISE, NUTRITION, OR EVEN JUST SOME SELF CARE), WE MIGHT BE ABLE TO HELP. THESE FIVE LOCALS WILL ENCOURAGE YOU TO SEE WELLNESS IN A WHOLE NEW WAY.
Life Coach
Teacher
Trainer
Dietitian
Acupuncturist
Bunny Leach Life Coaching
Discovery Yoga
Florida Get Fit
Peace of Nutrition
City Wellness
Maybe your resolution was just a little stress reduction, but even that is no easy task. If you’re having trouble reaching that place, turn to Jethro Boyd and Buddhist meditation. With both talks on the practical application of meditation as well as a guided meditation, his classes will let you explore peace, happiness, love, gratitude, and coping. With Jethro’s help, train yourself to become self-aware and promote your emotional health.
Having trouble convincing yourself to go workout? We know the feeling. But there’s an easy way to rid yourself of that feeling, and it’s called Barre Fusion. This class brings together the principles and styles of barre, Pilates, and yoga for a workout experience that will keep you coming back for more. Roberta Patalan will lead you in trimming, tightening, and toning your whole body in a super fun and high energy class that will make you feel graceful, flexible, and strong.
I’m sure that plenty of us have resolved to eat better in 2019, but that’s easier said than done. That’s why an expert consultation can come in handy. Registered Dietitian Amanda Perrin will sit down with you to assess your nutrition. Try one consultation to give you a jumpstart on your new healthy lifestyle, invite Amanda into your home to assess your pantry, even have her join you on a grocery run to introduce you to a new perspective on food.
Sure, there are plenty of people who shy away from the needles. But if you’re ready for renewed healing and wellness in all sorts of areas of your life, you’re in good hands with Nancy Bellard. A licensed Acupuncture Physician and Diplomat of Oriental Wellness, Nancy can help you manage everything from digestive issues to Endometriosis, from sports injuries to arthritis. If your goal is whole body wellness, from the inside out, acupuncture is a good place to start.
BUNNY LEACH
If you’re looking to make some big changes, you don’t have to navigate the road on your own. Life Coach Bunny Leach examines what’s going on in your life at this moment and explores with you the obstacles and challenges you may be facing. Life skills, personal growth, career direction, relationships – you name it, she’ll help. Have someone on your side to lead you to stay motivated and on track with all your goals. Take those new year’s resolutions and make them a reality.
SHELBY SAYS SOW
Positive Pests By Shelby Stec
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JETHRO BOYD
ROBERTA PATALAN
AMANDA PERRIN
NANCY BELLARD
Insect pests are one of the biggest issues plaguing spring gardens; however, killing all the bugs in your garden will only make your pest problems worse. There are several beneficial predatory insects – like centipedes, ladybugs, wasps, spiders, and lacewings. These bugs will actually eat pests like caterpillars and aphids, helping you maintain a balanced ecosystem. Dedicate a section of your garden to insect-attracting plants and provide a shallow dish of water filled with small rocks. Don’t spray organic pesticides every time you see bugs in your garden as most pesticides kill beneficial insects as well as garden pests. www.STAUGUSTINESOCIAL.com
Winning is No Accident.
OUR AREAS OF PRACTICE: MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENTS • PERSONAL INJURY MEDICAL MALPRACTICE • CRIMINAL DEFENSE • CIVIL LITIGATION
1030 N. Ponce de Leon Blvd. St. Augustine, FL 32084 • 904.824.9402
cananlaw.com
LIFE
WE TRIED IT
HAUNTED HAUNT
MANY WOULD CLAIM THAT OUR CITY'S EXTENSIVE HISTORY COMES WITH A PRICE – THE PRICE OF RESIDENTS WHO DON'T WANT TO FULLY DEPART. SO WE JOINED GHOST AUGUSTINE TO DECIDE IF THE ANCIENT CITY IS AS HAUNTED AS SOME PEOPLE SAY. By Molly Wilson | Photography by Brian Miller
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hen I first came to the city, I was shocked by the amount of people I met who claimed to have a ghostly encounter – roommates and classmates, bosses and even professors. I never gave it too much thought, but when GhoSt Augustine gave us a chance to decide for ourselves, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to do some investigation. So one chilly and even gloomy night, the team set out on the Haunted St. Augustine tour. Our tour guide, Colby, warned us as we set out that this is not a manufactured tour. They would not guarantee that anything would happen tonight – the ghosts of St. Augustine would have to speak for themselves. We were handed electromagnetic field (EMF) meters, a tool typically used to diagnose electrical and wiring issues but here used to test the energy manipulated by the paranormal. Colby told us to speak up if we got any spikes into the red but to be aware that false readings were certainly possible (triggered by power lines, fuse boxes, or wiring underground). Armed with our equipment, we set off to the Plaza de la Constitución.
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The first part of the tour consisted mostly of tales of eerie ghost sightings and the history behind them. We listened, eyes on our meters, and waited to feel a chill or see something unexplainable out of the corner of our eye. Colby was an excellent storyteller, and despite the crowds wandering around us, the late night streets of St. Augustine were imbued with a kind of mystery. Be forewarned – the tour is lengthy and not for the faint of heart. One by one, our team bowed out, making the trek home to their warm beds. Soon only myself, Colby, and two others were left. Colby guided us to a spot he called the Minorcan Market (which is now a dirt parking lot off of Spanish Street) and let us loose to do some investigating of our own. Standing in a spot near the fence, I glanced down to see my EMF meter spiking into the red. Colby was delighted, telling me to stay in that spot to see if it happened again. Just as I watched the red light blink to life, I felt a sharp pressure on the back of my neck. I whipped around but was greeted only by the sight of dark windows peeking over a wooden fence. Back at the group, Gareth, one of the others on our tour, lifted my hair to find a bright red spot where I www.STAUGUSTINESOCIAL.com
had felt the pressure. Trust me when I say that I am a skeptic, but at that moment, all I wanted to do was leave. So we made our way to the final stops of the tour – Tolomato, the Huguenot cemetery, the Castillo de San Marcos. As Gareth and Colby both saw balls of hovering light on the far side of Tolomato, Colby commented, “They sure are active tonight.” Living in the Ancient City, you may believe in the paranormal or you may not. Take the Haunted St. Augustine tour (or one of GhoSt Augustine's other tours like it) that won’t force you into a belief with manufactured moments, but rather surrounds you with the history and the tales and lets you decide for yourself if St. Augustine really is haunted. www.ghostaugustine.com
You are cordially invited to
FIRE PIT FRIDAY
the last Friday of the month 5:30–8:30pm Enjoy live music with complementary appetizers and drinks.
Awarded Best Community of the Year
A new neighborhood in Northern St. Johns County with the amenities of a larger community, but a scale and feel that keeps you connected to what matters most. Custom residences from the $300s to the $800s. Arthur Rutenberg Homes • CalAtlantic Homes • CornerStone Homes Dream Finders Homes • Drees Homes • Providence Homes • Riverside Homes Entry gatehouse just 1/2 mile east of I-95 at World Golf Village. Model homes open daily.
2001 International Golf Parkway 904.513.5740 markland.com
LIFE and arts scene prior to arriving. It only made sense that St. Augustine — a city of about 12.5 square miles in physical size, with over 100 music venues, more than 1000 artists, and live music somewhere every day and night — should have its music history recognized." Walt Kulwicki has been a performer for 45 years and was afraid that many of the talented artists based in St. Augustine would look elsewhere if there was a lack of support in their own hometown. "I played my first gig in town in 1993 and performed weekly for over 25 years,” he explains. “I've never seen so many talented people and great venues anywhere, and I realized that we needed to recognize these people and their contributions both locally and around the world." But, while light bulb moments appear to be instantly illuminating, they usually take some time to shine, and SAMHOF was no exception. Dave Kosciolek had tried unsuccessfully to generate interest for a local music hall of fame back in 2017, but it was serendipity that brought him and Walt together for a chance discussion during which they both realized they shared the same dream for the music scene in St. Johns County. They then brought the idea to Jim Stafford with Eclipse Studios, and the St. Augustine Music Hall of Fame was born. The inductees for SAMHOF 2018 were Gamble Rogers, Don Oja Dunaway, Bob Patterson, Elizabeth Roth, The Driftwoods, The Red River Band, Those Guys, John Westbrook, The Folksters, and The First National Rotagilla.
Dave Kosciolek, Jim Stafford, Walt Kulwicki, and Tommy Bledsoe stand in front of the St Augustine Amphitheatre where the first class of Hall of Fame recipients received their awards. BIG PICTURE
MUSIC HALL OF FAME THIS GROUP OF LOCALS IS HIGHLIGHTING THE ST. AUGUSTINE MUSIC SCENE AND GIVING RECOGNITION TO THE MANY VOICES THAT HAVE MADE IT GREAT. By Susan Johnson | Photography by Kate Gardiner
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t. Augustine’s very own Music Hall of Fame! It wasn't the first good idea that Dave Kosciolek and Walt Kulwicki ever had — and we're pretty sure it won't be the last — but it was one that was long overdue and left most of us who have been involved in the St. Augustine music scene shaking our heads and wondering, "Why didn't I think of that?" Dave Kosciolek heads up Indigo Planet Records and is the publisher of Narrow Magazine. He explains that the city’s vibrant and thriving music scene sparked the light bulb moment that led to the SAMHOF. "St. Augustine is the oldest city in the USA and has a rich music scene and history,” says Dave. “Whenever I visit a new city, I always try to learn about the city’s music www.STAUGUSTINESOCIAL.com
One of the most recognizable inductees, James "Gamble" Rogers lV was a Florida musician and storyteller who began performing in the 1960s with artists like Will McLean and Jim Bellew. Rogers died a hero while trying to save a drowning man in Flagler Beach. He was awarded the Kiwanis Award for bravery, the Carnegie Award for heroism, the NSA Lifetime Achievement Award and, in 1998, was inducted into the Florida Artists Hall of Fame. Likewise, Bob Patterson's achievements are numerous. He’s been a Florida Folk Festival artist for over 40 years and an FFF Legacy Performer from 2006-2009; co-founder of the Gamble Rogers Folk Festival; author and co-founder of the Florida Storytelling Guild; 2011 recipient of the Stetson Kennedy Foundation's Mother Earth and Fellow Man Award, and plenty more. Like Gamble Rogers and Bob Patterson, each of the inductees have an incredible repertoire, and their influence on the community at large has been great. The future goals for SAMHOF include working toward a "physical home" for the Hall of Fame and recognizing and inducting every worthy nominee. www.staugustinemusichalloffame.com
Pizzalley’s on
Pizzalley’s
ST. GEORGE
CHIANTI ROOM
Fresh Salads | Brick Oven
Classic Italian Entrees
Pizza by the Slice or Pie
10” and 16” Pizzas
Chicken Wings | Desserts
Homemade Desserts
117 St. George Street
60 Charlotte Street
904.825.2627
904.825.4100
Serving St. Augustine for two generations, Pizzalley’s Chianti Room is a full-service Italian restaurant offering everything from gourmet, brick oven pizza to mussels and marsalas. Always made from scratch with the freshest, best-quality ingredients.
SERVING LUNCH & DINNER DAILY
VOTED ST. AUGUSTINE’S BEST ITALIAN RESTAURANT & BEST HAPPY HOUR Visit us online: PIZZALLEYS.COM
St. Augustine’s first and only GASTROLOUNGE offering a full bar featuring vintage cocktails with a contemporary twist. Sashay in and let your senses be seduced with experiential dining at its best!
LIVE MUSIC • LOCAL OYSTERS • Burgers & Sandwiches Handspun Milkshakes • SOUPS & SALADS • KID’S MENU
SERVING LUNCH & DINNER 7 DAYS A WEEK Now offering late night snacks after 10 pm! 119 ST. GEORGE STREET • PKSTAUG.COM • 904-209-5704
VOTED ST. AUGUSTINE’S BEST BAR PUB
P R O M OT I O N
FITNESS The best athletes and professionals have trainers and coaches... so should you! Meet St. Augustine's eight personal fitness pros who make their living, making your life better. They'll help you get the body and life you want. Start the new year with a new you and a new friend to help along the way.
Photography by Kate Gardiner
P R O M OT I O N
TRACI TIDWELL FUNKYTOWN FITNESS
What is important to you regarding exercise and eating habits? As far as fitness goes the first — and possibly most important — thing is to find an exercise routine that you love and stick to it! There are so many different workouts nowadays there’s bound to be one that you love! Find it! If you hate your workout find a new one! Healthy eating habits are so important! I think the key to developing healthier eating habits is to start small. Start reducing portion sizes and adding more fresh vegetables. People tend to jump feet first into diet fads and cutting things completely from their diet which makes it harder to stick to. What is something special or unique you have accomplished due to your healthy lifestyle? My healthy lifestyle has helped me accomplish many things, including placing in my age group in almost every race I’ve ever competed in. It’s even opened lots of doors and created lots of opportunities for me. But the most unique and special thing that my healthy lifestyle has brought to my life is all the amazing friendships and people that I have met along the way. Who I not only inspire, encourage, and motivate but who do the same for me in return! They are more like my fitness family than clients! Do you specialize in any particular training or coaching styles? I specialize in small group training, which has anywhere from 3 to 10 people. The small group allows more personalized attention in a team setting! Keeping the group small builds camaraderie, and it helps my participants stay motivated and driven! We are all in it together, including me! I love to lead by example! There’s something to be said about killing a challenging work out together! What is your passion? What types of clients do you enjoy working with the most? Fitness is my passion! It’s my way of helping others. I truly love the way fitness makes people feel. Not just physically but mentally and emotionally as well. I enjoy helping people build lean muscle, stamina, and endurance, but most of all, I love helping them build confidence! Although my clients are all different in many ways including age, fitness levels, and physical abilities they all share one common trait— their willingness to step (more like jump) out of their comfort zone! Their drive is unbelievably impressive! I always say, “hard work pays off,” and they prove it!
(904) 770-2391 105 Southpark Blvd www.funkytownfit.com
Should fitness be a long term commitment and why? Fitness should definitely be a long-term goal! Over time, personal fitness goals will change, but staying active is what is important! It adds to the quality of life! It’s the only one true way we have to fight the aging process!
P R O M OT I O N
JAIME HODGES FUNKYTOWN FITNESS
Do you specialize in any particular training or coaching styles? My training style focuses on functional and dynamic total body movements that emphasize proper body mechanics and alignment, teaching the body to work as one by utilizing the core to initiate every movement. Often my clients and classes work through 2-3 planes of movement within one exercise –utilizing balance, flow, and motions that activate right brain/left brain hemispheres. My continued education in resistance and pilates training, TRX, and sport injuries allows me to design programs that can benefit a client by correcting imbalances, improving posture, strengthening joint stability, and ultimately restore more of a total body balance. What sets you apart from other fitness trainers? What are your qualifications? I have been certified through the nationally-acclaimed American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) as a Certified Exercise Physiologist since 2000 – a certification that requires a minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree in a related Exercise Science field. My degree is a B.S. in Health & Human Performance, which required me to complete a 400-hour internship (The Cooper Institute of Aerobics Research-CIAR), where I also obtained CIARMaster Fitness Instructor and CIAR –Biomechanics of Resistance Training. Diverse certifications in The Pilates System, Bosu Training, SWC Sports Nutrition, Schwinn Cycle, etc. help me become a well-rounded personal trainer and instructor. What is your passion? My goal and passion is to empower individuals to explore, achieve, and succeed not only in their health and fitness goals but also carry their healthy way of life patterns into other aspects of their daily lives! I truly enjoy working oneon-one with individuals, as well as small group training, where I can specialize each movement for what serves the client best!
(904) 770-2391 105 Southpark Blvd www.funkytownfit.com
What types of clients do you enjoy working with the most? In these last 18 years, I have worked with an incredible diverse clientele – the guy next door, the Olympic hopeful, the off-season college athlete, the father post triple by-pass surgery, the mother going through chemo, the momma to be, the healthy adult, the grandma post knee replacement, the friend training for her 1st or 5th marathon, the 7-yearold finding coordination, the 82-year-old with MS. I enjoy working with anyone who is ready to make a change to become a stronger, more empowered version of themselves, who values their mind and body, and understands that together, we can create their “Playground of Wellness” to achieve absolutely anything!
P R O M OT I O N
KEVIN VANDYKE ANASTASIA FITNESS
What is important to you regarding exercise and eating habits? Exercise should be habitual. It is a normal part of every day. The movement should be strenuous that demands effort and leaves you happier over time. Acting like exercise is something that requires will power is a recipe for disappointment. Eating habits are easy when you reframe that food is fuel, nourishment, or hydration. Using food for any other purposes should be questioned. I am not saying you cannot enjoy a beer or sweet – that would be boring to never simply enjoy good food. We often use food for purposes that are not in alignment with its true intention. What is something special or unique you have accomplished due to your healthy lifestyle? Some people buy a gym membership; my wife and I chose to buy Anastasia Fitness. Ownership to me requires a “practice what you preach” attitude and lifestyle. It was a harsh adjustment. Since 2014 I have lost over 45 pounds, eliminated a chronic gout challenge, eliminated joint pain, and achieved a respectable level of strength and endurance for a 52-year old guy. It’s all a result of studying the effects of exercise, nutrition, sleep, stress and practicing a lifestyle that will help your body find its way toward reaching its potential. What are your qualifications? I think that I am different because I do this from pure choice. I have pursued a dynamic career as a CPA, Senior Executive of a large business, local insurance agent, and since 2014, owner at Anastasia Fitness and Coach. My background is about helping people reach their potential. Coaching fitness is very similar and allows me to apply my problem solving, motivating, and accountability skills that have served me my whole career. Professionally, I have a Personal Training Certification from the American College of Sports Medicine, Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist from National Strength and Conditioning Association, StrongFirst Kettlebell Certification, and Certified Functional Movement Specialist. More importantly, at Anastasia Fitness, we have built a team of coaches who share our values toward clients and are impressive in their own respect for the credentials and experience. We thrive off of each other and our clients benefit from the diversity of talent on our coaching staff.
(904) 471-4300 1045 Anastasia Blvd www.anastasiafit.com
Why should fitness be a long term commitment? Health span, the time that you can perform independently as a human, should be maximized by all of your choices. It’s not about commitment, it’s about lifestyle choices and habits. Exercise, eating right, sleeping right, and removing unhealthy stress are tasks like brushing your teeth and changing your underwear everyday. These are not commitments but lifestyle choices and habits.
P R O M OT I O N
KRISTY LEE WILSON TRXÂŽ TRAINING ST. AUGUSTINE
What is something special or unique you have accomplished due to your healthy lifestyle? I am a former elite gymnast and former lead performer with Cirque du Soleil for 10 years. The workload of a show like that is very physically and mentally demanding, and being able to stay healthy and in top shape year round was a must. I entered rehab after several career injuries and restrengthened myself safely after a c-section, finishing Top 3 in the Ms. Fitness Universe Pro World Championships in 2016 within a year of giving birth to my daughter. What works/doesn't work for you in regard to exercise, routines, and/or eating habits? You were born to move, and as your trainer, understanding and being able to share with you effectively what it means to "feel" right when doing a lunge, squat, push/pull, hinge, or rotate for instance, works for our clients. We know that jumping on boxes and lifting heavy weights before getting you to do so safely, is not successful (or necessary), especially long term. Time and time again we meet people here in St. Augustine who jumped on the latest fitness craze, who were encouraged to do as many fitness classes as possible every week, and are hurt, and ultimately get discouraged because they are experiencing a setback due to an injury. The phrase "No Pain, No Gain" is gone, now, it’s simply "Pain, NO Gain". Do you specialize in any particular training and/ or coaching styles? We meet our personal training and group training clients where they are, not where we think they should be and work with them to help them get to where they want to be. Whether wanting to exercise with little to no pain, walk/ run the beach or a local 5K, or play with grandkids, better movement is the key, and we have the tools to meet your goals. We can and will challenge you, but we will do so in a safe, effective, and encouraging way.
(904) 290-1432 2085 A1A S Unit 303 www.TRXSTA.com
What sets you apart from other fitness trainers? What are your qualifications? Our team brings the most diverse knowledge of the latest training education, and bring that knowledge to our clients daily, but do so in a way that our clients can understand. We have been coached and mentored by some of the worlds top fitness coaches, physical therapists, and pelvic floor physical therapists throughout our entire careers (which span 30+ years together). We've been involved in sports our entire lives and have experienced first hand the injuries, set backs, quality of training, dedication, and commitment it takes to reach your goals. We develop very strong relationships with our clients and truly care about each and every journey.
P R O M OT I O N
BRANDON SANDS BETTER BODIES AT WORLD GYM BEACH
What is important to you regarding exercise and eating habits? One of the most important aspects to me regarding exercise and eating habits is consistency. I find a lot of individuals get frustrated with their progress due to inconsistency. Through consistency, working out regularly and eating a macro-balanced diet leads to achieving your goals. What is something special or unique you have accomplished due to your healthy lifestyle? I would say the most unique thing I have accomplished is applying my own practices to myself to get in shape. While serving in the US Army, I suffered a broken leg jumping out of airplanes. I was in a cast and walking boot for over a year. During that time, I became really out of shape and gained a significant amount of weight. I essentially had to become my own client and rehab/train myself to get back in shape. It helped me to appreciate a healthier lifestyle and fueled my passion for becoming a fitness professional. What works/doesn't work for you in regard to exercise. routines and/or eating habits? What works is having a plan, and what doesn't work is not having a plan. In the military, I learned the 6 P's which means "Proper prior planning prevents poor performance." This statement applies to various things but most definitely exercise and diets. Everyone is busy in today's world which is why planning is a crucial key. Pick a day and prepare your meals ahead of time to avoid "eating on the fly," which normally leads to making poor choices. Schedule your workouts just like you would schedule an appointment. Allow yourself that time. Do you specialize in any particular training or coaching styles? I believe myself and my team are well versed in all training/ coaching styles. I'm a firm believer in "having many tools in the tool bag" and not being one-dimensional as a fitness professional. However, If I had to narrow down to one specific style of training, I would say rehab fitness. We all have injuries, weaknesses, and other ailments that hinder maximum performance. I believe my background in physical therapy helps me to address those things.
(813) 966-9990 1947 A1A Beach Blvd www.worldgym.com/staugustineexp
Should fitness be a long term commitment and why? Absolutely! I like to say "fitness is a lifestyle change and not a quick fix." To truly reach/sustain goals, obtain a better quality of life and longevity, you have to be committed long term.
P R O M OT I O N
ALICIA MOEN ANYTIME FITNESS ST. AUGUSTINE What is something special or unique you have accomplished due to your healthy lifestyle? I have had the opportunity to pursue a career I love because of my healthy lifestyle. After college, I worked as a professional dancer, choreographer, and dance instructor, which transitioned into a fitness career as a barre and aerial fitness trainer. Once I moved to St. Augustine, I became a personal trainer at Anytime Fitness. I absolutely love what I do and the amazing people I get to work with every day. Do you specialize in any particular training or coaching styles? I specialize in small group training, personal training, and group fitness class instruction. When it comes to fitness, there is no one size fits all, which is why I provide progressions and regressions while training groups and personalize my one-on-one training sessions. I aim to help all my clients reach their goals. What sets you apart from other fitness trainers? What are your qualifications? I believe my diverse experience is what sets me apart from other fitness trainers. I have a B.A. in Dance, and I have worked for over 10 years in the dance and entertainment industry training performers that have gone on to work on Broadway, cruise ships, theme park shows, and in movies and commercials. I am a certified personal trainer and certified to teach aerial fitness, Barre, Silver Sneakers, and TRX. At Anytime Fitness, we believe success in one's fitness journey has four factors: effective fitness programming, proper nutrition to support fitness goals, accountability from a
caring coach, and a supportive community. This combination provides an experience for my clients that not only delivers results, but is also a lot of fun. How do you track a client’s progress? I think tracking a client's progress is incredibly important in keeping them motivated. One of my favorite ways to do this is through technology. MyZone™ is a heart rate monitor many of my clients wear while training. It shows their heart rate on a screen as they train, and the phone app tracks their workouts, calories burned, and effort over time. We begin by using a body composition analyzer. It quickly scans the body and displays results such as muscle mass, body fat percentage, basal metabolic rate, and weight. We always measure a client at the initial training session and at certain intervals in their training to provide them with progress reports along the way.
(904) 297-2300 4010 US-1 South www.anytimefitness.com
P R O M OT I O N
TAMI ALBRITTON THRIVE CHIROPRACTIC, NUTRITION & YOGA
What sets you apart from other Wellness Coaches? My holistic approach to health includes mind, body, and spirit. I have been a Certified Life and Wellness Coach for 11 years and a Registered Yoga/Meditation Teacher for 4 years. I help my clients uncover and heal the root cause of their lifestyle issues and not just treat the symptom of overeating and/or eating to cope with stress and emotions. Learning how to eat properly won’t fix the problem if they are feeding anything other than hunger. I assist them in changing their relationship with food, so they never have to “diet” again. I draw on my personal journey to health, wholeness, and inner peace using the knowledge, tools, and life experiences gained to support others to create the life they have always imagined. Do you specialize in any particular training? I specialize in weight loss. Losing weight can be a challenge, but the process of weight loss is simple. While exercise is important, 80% of your weight loss goal must come through dietary changes. At Thrive, we offer the ldeal Protein Ketogenic Weight Loss Protocol which is a medically developed 4-phase protocol containing 2 key components – weight loss and a healthier lifestyle education so that you are empowered to sustain your weight loss results. The entire protocol is monitored by a physician to ensure that results are achieved in the healthiest way possible. This is a simple, easy, and healthy way to get into and sustain ketosis until your health goal is reached. I have also created a program, “8 Weeks to Change Your Relationship with Food (and Yourself),” to address the emotional component of weight loss and the self-sabotage that prevents us from either losing the weight or losing weight and gaining it back. What types of clients do you enjoy working with? My ideal client is someone who wants to get off the dieting rollercoaster once and for all. They want to be able to live their life eating healthy without struggling to do so or feeling like they are sacrificing anything. They desire a healthy relationship with food and their body.
(904) 615-1319 193 San Marco Ave www.thrivefl.com
What is important to you regarding exercise and eating habits? My motivation to eat right and exercise comes from wanting to feel good! When I was younger, I was dealing with a chemical imbalance and various health issues. I became aware of the connection between what I was eating and how I was feeling and how stress has a very negative impact on your health/body. My success in figuring out how to heal my body using nutrition and my mind using meditation, ultimately led me to become a coach to help others become aware of what works best for their body. Your health is your wealth.
P R O M OT I O N
FAITH BROWN ELLENBERGER ORANGETHEORY FITNESS ST. AUGUSTINE Do you specialize in any particular training styles? At Orangetheory Fitness, we make it simple for our members to get more out of their workout. And while there are countless other concepts in the fitness category, we pride ourselves on our unique trifecta of science, coaching, and technology. I offer workouts that are backed by science, tracked by technology, and designed to produce results from the inside out – giving clients a longer, more vibrant life. What is your passion? My passion is connecting people to a healthier lifestyle and fitness journey. In turn this will give them more life. One of the main takeaways about Orangetheory is that people of all fitness levels can do it and be successful. With a walker, jogger, and runner category, members set the pace and will still achieve results. Look around the studio and you’ll see members of all different abilities, rooting for each other as they run, lift, and sweat their way to simply becoming better versions of themselves. By taking just two to three classes per week, members will experience benefits to their life - more energy, more strength, more health. Why should fitness be a long-term commitment? Fitness is like anything you want to see results from. There are three words to remember about making fitness a long-term commitment: Priority - things that are important have to become a priority. Your health should be a high priority, you only get one! Consistency - you must stay committed to the program. Results aren’t going to happen overnight, but with consistency you can guarantee yourself the results you are looking for. Community - You must surround
yourself with positive uplifting people. People who have likeminded goals and support you in your journey. When you have a community that backs you and looks out for your best, it’s hard to fail! Orangetheory Fitness is the multivitamin of metabolic training and exercise. Fitness should be more than just a workout. Approach it as a healthier lifestyle on a journey to more life. How do you track a client’s progress and keep them motivated? What you do not measure, you cannot improve. Class participants wear fitness trackers that monitor their heart rates and aim to log a minimum of 12 minutes in the “Orange Zone,” boosting metabolism and caloric burn. Members can track their workout in real time in the studio and view their post-workout summary sent to them after every class. Think of this as a progress report. Additionally, we have a challenge tracker, allowing members to frequently record certain benchmark challenges during the month. Our goal is to really gather as much data as possible for our members and then allow them to share that with others – whether it be their health-care provider, partner, or brand that they love.
(904) 647-8088 833 S Ponce De Leon Blvd, #1 www.staugustine.orangetheoryfitness.com
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Michael Sanflippo, Director
Scott Gregg, Artistic Director PRESENT
I Hear America Singing Featuring music from iconic American composers including Gershwin, Berlin, Copland and Bernstein as well as folk and patriotic music
Saturday, March 16, 2019 - 7:30 p.m. Sunday, March 17, 2019 - 3 p.m. Visit our website to learn more and view an extensive portfolio of our homes:
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Flagler College Lewis Auditorium 14 Granada Street • St. Augustine
TICKETS: staugustinecommunitychorus.org $25 In Advance • $29 At the Door $12 Ages 11-17 • $5 Active Military with ID Children 10 and Under Free
style FRINGE BENEFITS By Tiffany Coelho
T
he search for the ideal accessory to match your individual style can be daunting. You can see the perfect piece in your mind, but you just can’t find it anywhere. Some of us would continually scour the internet or even just give up entirely. But instead of giving up on her stylistic vision, Summer Hyers decided to make exactly what she first envisioned – a hand-crafted pair of earrings that inspired the launch of Sea’d Designs. Her endeavor began as just a creative outlet for her ideas then a great way to make homemade gifts for her loved ones. Eventually though, custom requests began pouring in from friends and other locals. So she and her husband decided to start a company. Their handcrafted designs feature a mixture of gorgeous natural materials. Every piece contains a wooden element and a material that gives the natural look a pop of color. The earrings are distinctive and stylish, not too over-the-top flashy but definitely showstopping. Find them online or locally at dhdHOME.
www.facebook.com/seaddesigns
Inside:
Trendsetter // Family Favorites // Hobbyist // Adorn Your Desk // Home Style
STYLE
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6 1 - BEARD BALM "By far my favorite of all of the scents. It lasts throughout the day but is not too overbearing. I use the balm daily to keep my beard healthy and the oil keeps my skin moisturized." King of
Clubs Beard Balm, available at The King's Chair Barber Club
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2 - BELT "This belt is a classic. The walnut top grain leather is soft and buttery. Goes perfectly with most suits (the few times I need to wear a suit)." Slidebelts
Men's Top Grain Leather Ratchet Belt, available from Slidebelts
3 - BOURBON "This is a great choice for a wide range of pallets. Wonderful way to end any journey." Jefferson’s Ocean: Aged
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TRENDSETTER
MOSES FLOYD
At Sea bourbon, available at Publix Liquors 4 - APRON "I literally forget to take this off some days. It is comfortable and convenient.” Journeyman
Waxed Canvas Apron, available from Rustico
WHEN YOU'RE IN THE BUSINESS OF GIVING GENTLEMEN STYLE, HAVING YOUR OWN IS A PREREQUISITE. THAT'S NOT A PROBLEM FOR MOSES FLOYD, CO-OWNER OF THE KING'S CHAIR BARBER CLUB. FROM A LIGHT AND SMOOTH BOURBON TO HIS TOOLS FOR THE EVERYDAY GRIND, THESE ARE THE BARBER'S LIFESTYLE ESSENTIALS.
5 - LIquor dispenser “As a gift, this company made a vintage-styled bourbon dispenser. It fits in fantastically with any decor and wields seamlessly form and function.”
Custom liquor dispenser, available from Outta Kontrol Customs
Photography by Dawn Wallace
6 - PEN “This pen is refined and rugged. It shows so much respect to its own nature while also managing to be quite modern and unique." Bear Claw Woodcraft
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Pen, available at Vintage Gentleman
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www.STAUGUSTINESOCIAL.com
7 - TOOL ROLL "So easy to carry, made from genuine leather, and has a space for just about anything."
Leather Tool Roll, available at The King's Chair Barber Club
STYLE
FAMILY FAVORITES
THE ARNOLDS
YOU COULD FIND THIS FAMILY OF FOUR AT THE BEACH, THE PARK, OR AT A LOCAL RESTAURANT, BUT THEY'LL ALWAYS LIVE LIFE TO THE FULLEST IN EACH OTHER'S COMPANY. Photography by Dawn Wallace
Meet the Arnold family. Now married for nearly eight years, Robin and Misha met while Robin sat in Misha's salon chair, getting a hair cut. Fast forward just a few years and two kids later, and the couple are living the St. Augustine dream with their little family. Robin works busy hours at Endless Summer Realty, and Misha works busy hours as a stay-at-home mom, but the family always makes time to sit back and enjoy each other's company. During their off hours, you might find mom and dad lounging on the beach while Fiona and Ruby let loose in the sand, or you can The Arnold family pictured find them inspecting the wildlife that calls from left: Robin (Dad) 39, their backyard home. Crafts and paint are Misha (Mom) 35, Ruby 2, on the agenda during rainstorms, but the Fiona 4. sunshine calls for days at the pool and park. They may keep busy, but this family will always have time for fun with each other.
Favorite Sunday evening tradition? Sundays are our favorite day of the week. It’s family day. Robin puts down his work phone and computer, I let the house go, and we try to spend quality time together as a family. Eating together at our family table is a big deal to me. We do that every night, especially Sundays.
When there's not a cloud in the sky... You
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can catch us at the pool, park, bike riding, checking out plants at local nurseries, walking our beloved Boston Terriers, and playing at the beach. We have a huge back yard that sits on a lake which we refer to as “Arnold Park.”
Favorite place for dessert? The Kookaburra! Their donuts are amazing paired with our favorite coffee drink, The Honeybadger. Donuts and coffee, enough said.
When we have out-of-town guests, we always bring them to... Sunset Grille. We
Favorite date night destination?
Collage Restaurant on Hypolita Street in downtown. It’s a total treat, so we save it for special occasions. The food, atmosphere, and service could never disappoint.
www.STAUGUSTINESOCIAL.com
enjoyed a lot of good times there before having kids, and it’s also a great familyfriendly restaurant. The vibe is flexible and fun, whether you're out for drinks with friends and want to sit at the bar or at a booth with your kids.
STYLE
HOBBYIST
NETTLES FAMILY AS ST. AUGUSTINE NATIVES, RESIDENTS, AND BUSINESS OWNERS, ROBERT AND NICOLE HAVE A DEEP CONNECTION TO THE LOCAL WATERS.
By Shannon O'Neil Photography by Addison Fitzgerald
I
t’s impossible to define the St. Augustine lifestyle without including a healthy love and respect for the gorgeous blue waters that surround our city. From the Atlantic to the Intracoastal, salt water runs through the veins of all Ancient City locals, including Robert and Nicole Nettles. On good weather days, Robert and Nicole can often be found aboard their 2006 Pathfinder, joined by their daughter, Lilly, and French bulldog, Duke. Almost an extension of their family home, the 24-foot boat dubbed “Phish Food” has been the backdrop for many adventures from St. Augustine to the Florida Keys. Although he’s modified the boat largely for tarpon fishing, Robert still finds his greatest joy on the water is spending time with his family. “Sharing this amazing place we live in with my daughter is my favorite part of boating,” says Robert.
After overcoming both storms, Robert and Nicole have become even more grateful for the good things they can enjoy as a family on the open water... They use every opportunity to share with Lilly the knowledge that they learned growing up by the ocean.
Even when they’re not fishing or coasting along the shores, the Nettles family finds other ways to incorporate their favorite hobby into their daily lives. In 2006, the couple opened Blue Water Jewelers on Anastasia Island, a designer and custom jewelry store that’s become a St. Augustine staple. Jewelry is what originally brought Robert’s family to St. Augustine. His father, Bob, moved to town from Georgia in 1980 to run a franchise jewelry store, before
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eventually opening his own shop. When it came time for Robert to step out and open his own place with Nicole, the couple knew they wanted the name to evoke something special. “When you head offshore and reach the Gulf Stream, it’s referred to as reaching ‘blue water,’” says Robert. But the Nettles, like many other local residents, also know there’s another side to seaside life. When Hurricane Matthew struck in 2016, the Nettles nearly lost their home and business to flooding on Anastasia Island. It was only by the grace of some gorilla tape and insulated spray foam that they managed to keep the worst of the waters at bay – an experience Nicole used to help many others save their homes and www.STAUGUSTINESOCIAL.com
businesses when Hurricane Irma caused similar flooding a year later. After overcoming both storms, Robert and Nicole have become even more grateful for the good things they can enjoy as a family on the open water. Whether the family is watching a manta ray migration, taking part in North Florida’s famous mullet runs, enjoying a full moon spawn, or catching blue crabs, they use every opportunity to share with Lilly the knowledge that they learned growing up by the ocean. “We teach her to always eat what is kept," says Robert, "and to respect what God has given us.”
STYLE
BEAUTY BUYS
PUT ON A MASK
WHETHER YOU'RE TARGETING A PROBLEM AREA OR JUST GIVING NEW LIFE AND ENERGY TO YOUR SKIN OR HAIR, THESE MASKS ARE DESIGNED TO BRING OUT THE BEST IN YOU.
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1 - CLAY MASQUE This cool, aromatic clay masque absorbs excess oils and draws impurities from your skin, leaving it clarified, conditioned, and refined.
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Available at Panache
2 - DEEP CLEANSING Formulated to detoxify, this masque leaves skin looking visibly revitalised, decongested and feeling smooth, toned, and prepared for moisturising.
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Available at The Rosy Cheek
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3 - CITRUS & KALE A cocktail of citrus, rhubarb extract, leafy greens and avocado oil helps reduce the appearance of sun damage and fine lines and wrinkles.
Available at Fountain of Youth
4 - HAIR MASK Don't let your skin have all the fun! This hair mask brings dull, dry and damaged hair back to life. Chemically-treated hair will be deeply conditioned and nourished.
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Available at Debbie's Day Spa
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5 - ACTIVATED CHARCOAL Activated charcoal is a godsend for those struggling with oily skin. It will absord the oils and leave your sometimes problematic skin feeling fresher than ever.
Available from Bath Thyme Luxuries
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6 - EYE MASK Dealing with under-eye exhaustion or wrinkles? Target the problem with an eye mask. Skin’s texture is refined, and resilience is improved, for eyes that look vibrant.
Available at Ulta
7 - HEALING CLAY Bentonite clay from Death Valley, California, this mask can beautify and refresh your skin – and it doesn't have to just be used on your face!
Available at Diane's Natural Market
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www.STAUGUSTINESOCIAL.com
Uptown Casual Dining
êêêêê “The food was delicious and the server was very friendly and accommodating to all of our various questions and menu changes. The atmosphere was intimate and we had a nice romantic dinner. We’ll be back.” A Review by Armand R. Book Now for Valentine’s Weekend
February 14th through 16th
R emarkable P lace for R emarkable D ining Courtyard & Indoor Dining Sunday Brunch n Dinner Full Bar n Free Parking Available
102 San Marco Ave., St. Augustine, Fl 32084 n (904) 824-7211 n RaintreeRestaurant.com
CING FINAN BLE! A AVAIL
904-824-4311 235 State Road 207
Get New Floors for the New Year!
CARPET • VINYL • CERAMIC TILE HARDWOOD • LAMINATE In stock or custom order. Either way we have you covered.
www.yourfriendsinflooring.com info@yourfriendsinflooring.com
STYLE
COLOR CUES
JUST A SIP OF COGNAC AS WE TRANSITION BETWEEN THE SEASONS, WE'RE NOT QUITE READY TO JUMP INTO SPRING PASTELS, BUT WE'RE ALSO NOT FULLY COMMITTED TO DARK WINTER SHADES. ENTER COGNAC, THE PERFECT NEUTRAL.
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1 - TOTE BAG Carry all your essentials and look stylish in the process.
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Available at Aqua East
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2 - POOF Take your home decor to the next level with a suede poof.
Available from Yield Design
3 - CANDLE Inhale...exhale...the sweet scent of teakwood and tobacco.
Available at Juniper Market
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4 - FLASK Classy and cool – a leather flask that screams vintage style.
Available from Vintage Gentleman 5 - WALLET A good quality, simple, elegant leather wallet is a lifestyle staple.
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Available at Spanish Dutch Convoy
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6 - COAT There's a chance you might still need to bundle up. You also might wear it just to serve looks.
Available at H&M Outlet
7 - JOURNAL Jot down all your travel thoughts in this handy journal.
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Available at West to East
8 - SANDALS The classic design will make these your go-to spring accessory.
Available at Surf Station
9 - GUMMY BEARS Treat yourself to the distinct bite of bourbon – in a gummy form.
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Available at Declaration & Co.
10 - CLUTCH Transport your laptop, tablet, or notebooks in a modern leather clutch.
Available at Market Street Boutique
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www.STAUGUSTINESOCIAL.com
TASTE the Life
LET US INSPIRE YOUR SUROUNDINGS
Discover our new arrivals!
Interior Design Home Furnishings Lighting Home Accents & Décor Bedding Fabric Window Treatments Rugs Art
904.217.4150 w w w . p ea c e lo v e h o m e. n et
Please visit our new location@ 2798 US1 South St. Augustine, FL 32086
321 A1A Beach Blvd | St. Augustine Bch, FL 32080 | 904-217-3256
SaltL ifeFoodShack .com
STYLE
LIFESTYLE MUST-HAVES
ADORN YOUR DESK WE LIVE BY THE PHILOSOPHY THAT THE PRETTIER YOUR DESK IS, THE MORE PRODUCTIVE YOU ARE. IF THAT'S TRUE, THESE ADORABLE PRODUCTS ARE BASICALLY OFFICE ESSENTIALS.
1 - LUNCHBOX We're convinced that pretty prints make food taste better.
Available at Aqua East
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2 - PRINT If you can't keep real plants alive, one of local artist Jenna Alexander's botanical prints is the next best thing.
Available from Jenna Alexander
3 - FILE RACK A minimalist, sleek, and oh-sostylish way to keep your files organized.
Available at Yield Workshop
4 - TEA INFUSER Make your morning cup of tea with an infuser that you won't mind keeping on display.
Available at Tre Sebastian
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5 - CLOCK An elegant way to ensure you get to that meeting on time.
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Available at Peace Love Home
6 - MUG You'll feel the inspiration every time you take a sip.
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Available at Red Pineapple
7 - PLANNER Just think how lovely your busy schedule will look when it's in such a pretty planner.
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Available at Rose & Pearl
8 - PENCIL CUP One gorgeous step toward a desk that's free of clutter.
Available at Bed, Bath, & Beyond 9 - LAMP Our lightbulb moment? A lamp that's this alluring.
Available at Target
10 - GAME Get out of that midday slump by taking a break for a funky desktop game.
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Available at Olde Towne Toys
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www.STAUGUSTINESOCIAL.com
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Retail Showroom
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Cabinetry
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Accessories
•
Flooring
•
Remodels
•
Artwork
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Design Consultation
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Window Treatments
•
Fabrics
•
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904-810-2027 www.DonnaManciniInteriorsandFlooring.com 141 Hilden Road, #202, Ponte Vedra, FL 32081
Celebrating 65+ years of keeping families and businesses comfortable. A i r Co n d i t i o n i n g · H e a t i n g · D u c tw o r k H VA C M a i n t e n a n c e · A i r P u r i f i c a t i o n Co m m e rc i a l S e rv i ce s
100% financing available on new systems!
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Featuring
STYLE
STYLE SELECTIONS
IN LIVING COLOR IF YOU'RE OVER THE WINTER BLUES, START YOUR SPRING A LITTLE EARLY BY BRINGING SOME TECHNICOLOR INTO YOUR LIFE. WE'RE LOVING THESE BRIGHT AND BEAUTIFUL HUES FROM LOCAL RETAILERS.
1 - EARRINGS This little pop of crimson is enough to make a statement.
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Available at Coconut Barrel
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2 - BOOKEND We're loving these quirky bookends that bring us back to our childhood.
Available at DHD Home
3 - BAG Just the right size to carry all your essentials and in a shade that might be our new favorite color.
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Available at Guess Outlet
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4 - CANDLE Anyone else getting an 80s vibe from this print? Well we're loving the retro feel and sweet scent.
Available at Pink Pineapple
5 - CASSEROLE DISH This deliciously green dish might inspire you to hold more dinner parties. It has to be shown off.
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Available at Le Creuset Outlet
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HOME STYLE
breathtaking new build FROM REALITY TELEVISION TO REAL ESTATE, JOHN AND TARA PRESSER HAVE BUILT THE HOME AND THE LIFE OF THEIR DREAMS.
By Shannon O'Neil | Photography by Brian Miller
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uilding a house can be a daunting task – no question. What begins as excitement for all the possibilities of creating a custom home can quickly become an overwhelming deluge of neverending choices. From floorplans to fixtures to finishes, making the right decisions requires a clear vision. “Not everyone enjoys the process of building a home,” says local real estate agent Tara Presser. “You have to be decisive enough to make quick choices so you can get exactly what you want.” Tara, a St. Augustine native, speaks from extensive experience – not only professionally, but personally as well. In just eight years of marriage, she and her husband, John, have endured the home building process twice. The couple, who met after both appeared in separate seasons of the Bachelor/Bachelorette franchise, enjoyed the first house they built together on a 4.25 acre lot in an equestrian neighborhood. But once they had children, they discovered it no longer fit their needs. John, a national account director for a pharmaceutical company, often found himself spending his spare time maintaining their vast acreage instead of enjoying some outdoor
playtime with his family. For their second adventure in home building, the couple approached things with some experiential knowledge and industry insight. First, they focused on the location where they wanted to raise their family. Palencia was a top choice for its neighborhood school and family atmosphere perfectly suited for their six year-old son, Warner, and four year-old daughter, Ellery. Even better, the Pressers were able to find a lot in the Palencia subdivision that gave them the best of both worlds – an acre of land with plenty of space for the kids to enjoy but with lower maintenance requirements than their previous home. When it came to choosing a floorplan, Tara’s eye for design and experience in the real estate world gave her a good vision of her family’s ideal layout. “I knew I didn’t want a massive seven-bedroom house with nine bathrooms that no one ever uses,” says Tara. “I wanted everything on one story, with space for entertaining, but not so much space that it felt empty and sprawling.” With the help of local architect Karen Cowart, Tara and John were able to create a 3800 square foot, four-bedroom, four-bath layout www.STAUGUSTINESOCIAL.com
Details FAMILY: John, Tara, Warner, and Ellery Presser Amenities: 4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, home office, butler's pantry, playroom, two garages, luxurious outdoor living space with a pool and outdoor fire pit Size: 3800 square feet NEIGHBORHOOD: Palencia
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STYLE
The open-concept entertaining area – living room, kitchen, and dining – is perfect for large family gatherings and parties with friends. The kitchen features Tara's best kept secret of the house – a well-stocked (and decorated) butler's pantry pictured on opposite page.
that fit their family’s dreams. Ryan Cornelison of Corner Construction, a classmate of Tara’s at St. Augustine High School, helped bring the plan to life. On the east side of the house, Warren and Ellery each have their own room with a shared bath. Down the hall is a laundry room and small mudroom that connects the house with an attached garage. A guest room with en-suite bathroom is tucked into a quiet back corner with beautiful views of the outdoor kitchen and pool. At the center of the house, Tara carefully orchestrated an open-concept entertaining space that incorporates the living room, kitchen, and recessed dining area – which is perfect for hosting big family gatherings. With deep local roots, Tara has a large contingent of lifelong friends she loves to invite over for annual “Friendsgiving” while John, an Indiana native, loves to have the extra space when his family comes down for a Florida vacation.
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Tucked behind the family’s immaculate kitchen is Tara’s best kept secret – a butler’s pantry. “We had one in our last house and it just helps so much to have the extra storage,” says Tara. “I don’t like clutter, so this is the perfect space to keep all of our countertop appliances and other things hidden away.” Off the living room, a sliding barn door opens to a cozy playroom for the kids. And around the corner sits another guest bath and one of John’s two requests for the new house – a home office. Broken into two separate spaces, John’s office features a traditional workspace with a desk and bookcases, as well as an alcove made just for his home gym equipment. Down the hall, John and Tara’s large master suite includes a view of the sprawling backyard along with a spacious walk-in closet and master bath with a dual-head shower and separate tub. John’s other request is a little harder to see. The house is outfitted with smart home technology, www.STAUGUSTINESOCIAL.com
John's home office is multi-purpose. One side of the room is a formal office, and the other side features an alcove with John's gym equipment. The elegant color palette is a moody version of the neutrals found around the home. The laundry room (pictured right) is a homemaker's dream with concrete mosaic tiles, plentiful workspace, and natural light.
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www.STAUGUSTINESOCIAL.com
STYLE
The Pressers' outdoor living space is swoon-worthy and extends the feel of the home into the backyard. It's ideal for entertaining, but it also makes for a relaxing, peaceful space for the family to gather in the afternoons.
which allows him to control everything from the garage doors to the lights and even the air conditioning unit through a simple app on his smartphone. This added feature isn’t just for fun but also to boost security and help the family conserve energy where possible. When it came to selecting the home’s finishes, Tara knew just what she wanted. “Working in real estate, I always get to see the ‘latest and greatest’ in design,” she says. “I knew I wanted European White Oak for the floors, and from there I worked with Smith Kitchens in Palatka to find the perfect gray stain for our custom cabinets.” In both the kitchen and the built-in entertainment center in the living room, the warm gray cabinets provide the perfect contrast for the lighter-hued oak floors. Tara also selected the wood beams that span the vaulted ceilings in the living space, one of her favorite details in the house.
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Beyond a three-pane glass sliding door, the Pressers’ backyard is the perfect extension of their home with a fireplace and seating area, outdoor kitchen, and custom pool. Out front, a second, detached garage provides additional storage for the family golf cart and the children’s bicycles, which they love to ride up and down the long, cobblestone driveway. While the Pressers are still enjoying their new house, Tara is also working on a few other outlets for her home building creativity. In addition to building and selling spec homes in the area, she and John have also invested in a Gatlinburg, Tennessee, vacation rental and are currently building a 2100 square foot beach house in Summer Haven, which they plan to rent as well. See more pictures and resources online at www.staugustinesocial.com
www.STAUGUSTINESOCIAL.com
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OVER THE HOLIDAYS, MOLLY MADE A JUMP ACROSS THE POND AND WENT ON AN ADVENTURE IN THE COUNTRY OF WALES.
ith my love of English literature and unhealthy obsession with the BBC, Great Britain has always been a dream destination for me. This past Christmas, that dream was realized as we flew over sprawling pastures in varying shades of luscious green and landed in Birmingham, England. One harrowing drive on the wrong side of the road later, we arrived at our 18th-century cottage just outside of the sleepy Welsh town of Hay-on-Wye. The 10-day experience in Great Britain could fill volumes – from Tintern Abbey to
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Chepstow Castle to Gloucester Cathedral and back again – but overall it was the kind of holiday that leaves you with a sense of quiet and peace. Surrounded by centuries upon centuries of history, the land is sacred and enclosed in an air of enchantment. As you walk along the miles of public footpaths where the Normans once tred or enter a cathedral where monks have worshipped every day for the past 900 years, the countryside seems to whisper of yesteryear. And once you come back, you’re changed. In your own very small way, it seems you've become a part of that history and carved your own place in that ancient story.
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WHERE SCENIC VIEWS MEET LOCAL CUISINE Taste the delicious flavors of the South at Vernon’s First Coast Kitchen & Bar, where locally sourced produce, high-quality meats and fresh seafood are used to create our inspired menus. Join us for breakfast and dinner daily or enjoy our signature Sunday Brunch. FO R R E SERVATI O N S, C A LL 9 0 4 . 28 0 . 34 0 5
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ANCIENT CITY ASTRONOMY CLUB By Lauren Eastman | Photography by David Steele
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n 1974, the St. Augustine Record called for people in the area interested in starting a local astronomy club to contact the paper, and thus the Ancient City Astronomy Club (ACAC) was formed by Brenda and Lydel Guzman. Nine original members has multiplied to 110 stargazers today – the largest in club history. Paul Jones, who joined at age 19, remains the only original member. “We were beginners, just learning to use telescopes,” Paul reminisces. “George Christian, a high school teacher, was the only member with experience. He taught us in those early days.” With 50 to 75 events annually, meetings occur on the first Monday of the month at the Center for Spiritual Living, and two official star parties are held at the Matanzas Inlet area with telescopes on hand for viewing. Laser pointer "Astronomy 101" lectures identify stars and constellations. Events for eclipses, full and super moons, meteor showers, comets, planetary conjunctions, and occultations as well as field trips to museums and Kennedy Space Center are organized. “We truly enjoy what we do and learn something new every day (and night)!,” says Paul. “It is wonderful to introduce people to the splendor of the universe and make it easy to understand.” www.acacstaugfl.org
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department at FSU. His advice to her just before graduation was this: don't pursue graduate studies in English. He referred Alex to the career center where an adviser recommended library school. She then interned at the Leon County Public Library and realized "it was perfect." In her current roles at St. Augustine's Southeast Library Branch, no two days are the same. Twice a week, Alex holds story time, which consistently draws an audience of about 50. This is no criss-cross-applesauce affair, and it’s by far Alex's favorite part of the day. Singing acapella, stomping and roaring like a dinosaur, and other similar shenanigans are par for the course. Her audience of infants to five-yearolds (sometimes including her very own kiddos) look forward with eagerness to story time every week. Alex is touched when children seek her out for a warm embrace, book in hand, to show their literacy progress while reading to her and sharing what's new in their lives. It stands to reason that, by now, Alex has lived out her childhood dreams of ballet and medicine by virtue of the characters she brings to life.
EDUCATOR
ALEX PHILLIPS
By Marisella Veiga HAPPILY EVER AFTER ISN'T ONLY FOR FICTIONAL CHARACTERS. YOU'LL SEE WHY AS YOU MEET AN EARNEST LIBRARIAN WHOSE LIFE HAS TAKEN ONE POSITIVE TURN AFTER ANOTHER.
By Teddy Regis | Photography by David Steele
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lex Phillips' journey to becoming a Youth Services Librarian and Assistant Branch Manager reads much like the children's books she shares with local kids during story time. As a small child growing up in Daytona, Alex had dreams of being a ballerina or a doctor. She's the first to admit though, that she isn't graceful and really can't handle the sight of blood. So Alex spent her college years at FSU in Tallahassee before relocating to Palm Coast and obtaining an
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Twice a week, Alex holds story time, often for an audience of about 50. This is no criss-crossapplesauce affair, and it’s Photography byby Brian farMiller Alex's favorite part of the day. Singing acapella, stomping and roaring like a dinosaur, and other similar shenanigans are par for the course.
entry-level position within the St. Johns County Library System. Looking back, Alex notes that her proud, affectionate mother played a significant role in her career path. "I grew up being surrounded by books...my mom and I would just read all the time," she recalls. In fact, Alex's mom herself had lifelong aspirations of working in library science. A shift in Alex's trajectory occurred during a candid meeting she had with a professor in the English Literature www.STAUGUSTINESOCIAL.com
When it's time to switch gears, Alex enters a supervisory role with reference desk work, training, and administrative duties. Her outreach takes her off-site to various schools, where she serves on the School Advisory Committee. On some days, she facilitates professional development for other libraries and organizations in Titusville, Ocala, Live Oak, and Jacksonville. Bearing in mind that the southern portion of our community is rapidly growing, Alex is working hard to expand the reach of library programs that many are unaware of. Increasing literacy among children is a priority. She also wants the community to make use of free online tutoring, job assistance, and one-on-one tech courses – all offered within the local library system.
At home, Alex's life is currently a culmination of achieved goals. She and her husband are expecting their third child, who will join their toddler and 20-month-old. They recently became St. Augustine homeowners and love going on old city adventures at the Alligator Farm, thrift stores, and local coffee shops. St. Augustine is lucky to have such a whole-heartedly driven professional determined to help her community thrive. www.sjcpls.org/branches/southeast-branch
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NOW OFFERING Assisted Living Facility Semi-private Rooms starting at $2,200/month
EXPERIENCE BAYVIEW’S CONTINUUM OF CARE PROGRAMS: - Short-term Rehab - Assisted Living - Long Term Care - Respite Care - Home Health Care (provided by Flagler Home Care) Located amidst a tranquil environment that helps seniors relax and unwind, and provides a wonderful visiting experience for family and friends.
Bayview Healthcare is proud to be a Member Agency of The United Way St. Johns County
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RISING STAR
AUTUMN STANISH THOUGHTFUL AND INSPIRING ARE TWO WORDS THAT CAPTURE THE ESSENCE OF THIS STUDENT'S WORK WITH ST. AUGUSTINE’S HOMELESS POPULATION. By Meeka Anne | Photography by David Steele
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utumn Stanish came to Flagler College’s English department from the teeming city of Ft. Lauderdale. “Flagler College’s small-school atmosphere,” she says, “was the primary draw for me, as I knew I would have more opportunities to form my education around my goals with one-on-one attention from my professors.” Around the time Autumn was pondering a capstone project to help the homeless in St. Augustine, she started an internship with the St. Augustine Historical Society. While there, she decided to research the oral history of the local homeless and was surprised to find none existed. “That’s when I figured out what the homeless needed most in our city: a voice.” The two most significant challenges Autumn faced were how to gain the trust of the homeless and where to conduct the interviews. Home Again St. Johns and St. Johns County Volunteers were crucial in making this project a reality by offering the meeting place. As for the trust, that came gradually. “The first two interviewees spread the word that I was trustworthy, and I was thrilled that I did my part in serving them by accurately portraying their stories,” says Autumn. “Initially, many of those I interviewed were hesitant to share. However, now they often text to update me on their lives. It brings me so much joy to hear
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how they are progressing in their goals.”
a guest speaker would come in and discuss a different topic, and at the end of the class, they would work one-on-one with each attendee to talk about how they could apply what they learned to their specific business idea.
A surprising aspect of this project for Autumn was learning the circumstances which led the homeless to their situations. “I discovered many were subjected to domestic abuse, some lacked support systems, or hurricanes had As the project progressed and Autumn pored swept their houses away,” she says. “However, over the quotes from those on the street to the majority were veterans who were physically whom she had become endeared, she saw or emotionally debilitated by their service the makings of a book which would offer and could not hold a job when they returned; insight into the life of St. Augustine’s homeless therefore, they found solace on the streets population. The book will be titled Street People: with others in similar situations. Overall, Monologues from the Homeless of St. Augustine. they taught me that there is “The first two interviewees spread the word that I was no archetypal homeless trustworthy. Initially, many of those I interviewed were hesitant individual or to share," says Autumn. "However, now they often text to update population, as me on their lives. It brings me so much joy to hear how they are each one has a progressing in their goals.” unique story.” During the interview process, Autumn learned that many homeless were interested in starting their own businesses around their talents instead of trying to fit themselves into a career that isn’t right for them. Upon hearing this, Autumn had an idea to contact some friends at a social entrepreneurial club she had been a part of in her first semester. The club, called Enactus, helped develop a class which would focus on the basics of starting a business. Each week, www.STAUGUSTINESOCIAL.com
Autumn’s dream is to start a nonprofit publishing company in which projects are crowd-sourced, and all proceeds go to charities promoted by the published material. “Nonprofit publishing companies are on the rise,” she says, “and I plan to pioneer one based upon social activism.”
COMFORT & CARE.
A Family Tradition. Family-founded and family-owned, Riverside Cottages is the caring choice for your loved one’s assisted living or memory care needs. With our tranquil neighborhood setting, world-class dining, and high staff-to-resident ratio, you can be confident that your family member is receiving attentive care and engaging lifestyle activities in a homelike environment.
471 Shores Blvd • St. Augustine, FL 32086 • (904) 342-2590 • riversidecottagesALF.com •
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MAKER
JENNA ALEXANDER
“AS AN ARTIST, INSPIRATION CAN COME FROM ANYWHERE. IT COULD BE FROM AN IMAGE, A FEELING, A SONG, OR SOMETIMES A DREAM.” By Meeka Anne | Photography by Richard Dole
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rt has been a lifetime passion for Jenna Alexander. “Art has brought me immense joy my entire life,” she says. “It’s important for me to always find time to create; it balances and centers me.” This passion led her to Maryville College in Tennessee to obtain a Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Arts. Soon, she met Za, her future husband (a local St. Augustinian) and married, found out she was pregnant, and opened her business all in rapid succession in 2013. As an artist, Jenna discovered she could combine her linear strength for deadlinebased, focused projects with her creativity by creating series of works with specific goals in mind. Her latest of these projects is called “Stripes & Buns.” The inspiration for this project came when her family took a road trip up to Maine last summer. “Somewhere along the way, in the long car rides, a vision came to me,” she says. “I sat on it for over six months, sketching, journaling, and planning.” For this series, she photographed over 230 women at her uptown studio all wearing stripes (mandatory) and buns (optional). From these photographs, Jenna painted playful illustrations of 16 women and created 29 oil paintings on canvas. Jenna’s other works and projects have had similar moments of inspiration. Last year, her series was based on oysters that Za had collected for their family and neighbors to enjoy over a roast. “The oysters struck me a certain way, and I decided at one of the roasts to base an entire series on them,” says Jenna. “My neighbor even chimed in saying I should
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call it “Salt Run Series” because that’s where Za got the oysters. And then there is “Naptime Botanicals” which came about during her first-born child’s naps. “I was craving to create, but time was limited with a baby,” she says. “During one of Jensen’s naps, I sat down with chalk pastels and created a Florida orange. Since then, I’ve made more than 20 botanicals – all inspired by my quiet time when the baby’s sleeping.” Finally, her first series, “Even Me,” started after a trip to Tanzania where she painted the children she taught in an orphanage. The dozen portraits from this series are now on display at the Lincolnville Museum. Jenna lives by the Annie Dillard quote, “How we spend our days, of course, is how we spend our lives.” For her, this means finding the www.STAUGUSTINESOCIAL.com
perfect balance between her business and her family. “It’s very important to me that my kids Jensen (4) and Navy (2) know they come first,” she says. “When we’re inside, we’re mostly painting. Our kitchen table is covered in paint, but we wouldn’t have it any other way. I frame the kids work on the walls, so they know their work has value and needs to be seen.” Jenna has received overwhelming support from the community of St. Augustine. “Support comes in many ways, and this town has it down.” For Jenna, the greatest reward of her art is making her clients happy. “It’s one of the best feelings in the world,” she says, “to have someone excited, happy, and inspired about something that came from my hand. It makes me feel like I’m on my right path, and that is my dream come true.” www.jenna-alexander.com
Upchurch & Corn A DVISORS
PLANNING • INVESTMENTS • INSURANCE DAVID UPCHURCH | Partner 24 Cathedral Place, Suite 203, St. Augustine, FL 32084 D 904.342.8989 M 904.540.4501 F 904.980.9328 david@upcoadvisors.com | upcoadvisors.com
TYLER CORN, CFA | Partner 100 N Laura Street, Suite 900, Jacksonville, FL 32202 D 904.274.4804 M 828.674.5955 F 904.980.9328 tyler@upcoadvisors.com | upcoadvisors.com
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Looking for the best option for your loved one’s care? See all there is to offer at Silver Creek — St. Augustine’s top assisted living and memory care community. More than a beautiful place to live, Silver Creek provides a brighter, more complete outlook on life. In addition to personalized assistance with daily activities such as medication management and meal preparation, you’ll find innovative options that promote lifelong health and happiness coupled with superior services that assure your loved ones comfort and peace of mind.
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to find a new way to treat her symptoms. Tireless research led her to develop a new pregnancy protocol that included natural vitamins and supplements from around the world. This discovery of natural and organic healing elements for pregnant women is what ultimately birthed the Pink Stork company. “Going through something as challenging and as hard as I had been through with my first three pregnancies,” says Amy, “instilled my passion to be able to help women who are suffering.” Amy made it her mission to help fellow military spouses on the installation and anyone she came into contact with that was struggling with pregnancy-related issues. Now Pink Stork provides relief for women dealing with pre and postnatal issues – from infertility to decreased milk production – on a global scale. Pink Stork is now sold by several big-name retailers including Target, CVS, Walmart, Amazon, and at over 6,000 stores nationwide. In 2019, the product will be available in 30 international countries. As Pink Stork continues to grow, Amy knew she needed to share this success with her hometown “It was really and, this past year, brought her important to company back to St. Augustine.
INNOVATOR
AMY UPCHURCH
INNOVATION IS OFTEN FUELED BY PERSONAL STRUGGLE. THAT WAS CERTAINLY THE CASE FOR AMY UPCHURCH, FOUNDER AND CEO OF PINK STORK. By Carmen Fleischmann | Photography by Brian Miller
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n 2009, Amy Upchurch and her husband Thomas, both St. Augustine natives, were overjoyed to discover they were expecting a baby. Just weeks into her pregnancy, however, Amy began to experience what she refers to as a “morning sickness on steroids,” that prompted several hospital stays for dehydration. She was diagnosed with Hyperemesis Gravidarum, a rare and debilitating type of morning sickness affecting less than one
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me to come back to St. Augustine. It’s such a cool, unique place … I really wanted to grow and headquarter out of St. Augustine," says Amy. "There’s so much talent here. It’s really important to us to continue to grow Pink Stork in this community.”
percent of pregnant women. Despite her diagnosis, doctors offered little to no relief of the horrendous symptoms that left her feeling mentally, physically, and emotionally drained for her next two pregnancies. During this time, Thomas was serving as an Infantry Officer in the Marine Corps and his overseas deployments made her condition even more difficult to endure. Years later, after Amy discovered she was pregnant with baby number four, she resolved
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“It was really important to me to come back to St. Augustine. It’s such a cool, unique place … I really wanted to grow and headquarter out of St. Augustine,” says Amy who often seeks new talent from her alma mater, Flagler College, and has found a great customer feedback tool in the very active mom groups in St. Augustine. “There’s so much talent here. It’s really important to us to continue to grow Pink Stork in this community.” Fortunately, Amy’s success has allowed Thomas to leave the Marine Corps and join in the Pink Stork mission, which means more family time for their family of seven. “[He went] from leading Marines to helping lead the company we started together,” says Amy.
While she calls herself blessed by the success of her company, she isn’t at all surprised by it. “I have no doubt in my mind that we will continue to grow,” says Amy. “I was given this great opportunity by God to help other women and I am just blessed to be surrounded by such a talented team.” www.pinkstork.com
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LOCALS
ADVOCATE
JAIME PERKINS STARTING WITH HER OWN COMMUNITY, SHE TAKES A STEPBY-STEP APPROACH TO INITIATE CHANGE AND MAKE THE WORLD A BETTER PLACE. By Carla Tesconi St. Gelais Photography by Richard Dole
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eed inspiration? Courage? Determination? Then converse a while with community advocate Jaime Perkins, and you’ll soon be on fire. A single mother and almost the first black woman in St. Johns County to become State Representative, she packs a tight schedule in an effort to initiate as much change as any one person can. “There’s no better place to start than my own community,” says Jaime. Born and raised in West Augustine, aka “out west,” she knows and understands its needs, having enjoyed an idyllic childhood here.
Improving the world for her son and other children drives Jaime. “When I see other communities flourishing,” she says, “I wonder why West Augustine doesn’t have the same appeal.” She is truly is a brilliant example of making change one step at a time.
Jaime comes from a large family, and she was the first to graduate college and to obtain a graduate degree, which she holds in Public Administration. MLK, Jr. spoke at her grandmother’s church, and Jaime’s mother remembers her fear of the marching crowds that day. Her father recalls having to step off the sidewalk when a white person passed. Knowing what her parents endured compels Jaime.
After Obama’s election, Jaime was excited, even hopeful. Soon, though, Trayvon Martin was murdered. “That’s the day I became an activist. As a mother of a young black boy, I was scared, angry.” Wanting to do something, she contacted Lincolnville Pastor Ron Rawls; together they orchestrated a rally called “Walking While Black,” because “that’s exactly what Trayvon was doing.” About 250 people participated. Rallying brought awareness but not change.
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She soon joined the West Augustine CRA as Infrastructure Chairperson, working with City officials to implement city water and sewer for residents. The program was in place when Jaime came on board, but she pushed it forward, getting results. When her son Micah played football at age five with the West Augustine Youth Development, Jaime volunteered. Eventually she pioneered afterschool programs and tutoring, arranging for students to report their grades before playing sports. Initially involving only athletics, the program now offers mentoring. Recently she created the Black Elite Entrepreneur Society (BEES), a non-profit that allows kids to see themselves expansively. Her goals involve “providing a platform where www.STAUGUSTINESOCIAL.com
children are given a different perspective on success. In most black communities, kids see themselves only as pro-ball players or rappers. The truth is, most of them will never see a professional sports arena.” She will introduce doctors, lawyers, computer technicians, and entrepreneurs as examples. She also aims to host a summer camp. Improving the world for her son and other children drives her. Sometimes it’s simply a matter of ensuring a child gets home safely. “When I see other communities flourishing,” she says, “I wonder why West Augustine doesn’t have the same appeal.” Jaime Perkins is truly is a brilliant example of making change one step at a time. www.jaimeforflorida.com
LOCALS
MUSICAL CHAIR
JAZZY BLUE ONCE HE FOUND HIS CALLING, THIS BUFFALO, NEW YORK NATIVE HIT THE GROUND RUNNING, AND HE HASN’T STOPPED SINCE. Written and photographed by Steve Parr
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ike most musicians, Jazzy Blue has had other lines of work. Jazzy likes to say that he’s “had nine lives.” He holds an advanced degree in Theology, has been the pastor of two churches; he was a fireman while in the United States Air Force, and he worked as a mobile and overhead crane operator. After that, he spent 10 years working as an academic advisor at the university level and, finally, was the Coordinator of Student Affairs at a major U.S. law school. Suffice it to say, Jazzy’s resume is rather diverse. In what he refers to as a “spiritual conversion,” Jazzy discovered his calling after being saved. He had never sung before, but he knew it was what he was meant to do. “It was just me and the pastor in the church that night” says Jazzy. “I had to go. I had to find what I was looking for. I knew I was supposed to sing.”
“I love how I was embraced and encouraged when I first got here," says Jazzy. "My friends were right. There are so many places to play. So much live music and so many venues. This just might be the happiest place I’ve ever lived.”
Starting on his musical journey, the revelation hit him. “I knew three things. First, I knew that I had found what I was missing. The second thing I knew was that I’d found what I was supposed to do. And the third thing I knew was that I was going to play that organ over in the corner of the church.”
Needless to say, Jazzy learned to play that organ. In fact, he learned to play so well that he soon found himself working with the likes of Andrew Woolfolk of Earth, Wind & Fire, the late Bobby Parker and the late Big Jack Johnson, with whom he toured Europe and Australia.
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The latter tour convinced Jazzy to play music full time and, in 2000, he quit his day job and found his way down to St. Croix, in the U.S. Virgin Islands, where he spent the next 16 years.
When gigs started to slow in St. Croix, some friends, including one who’d lived on the island, convinced him that St. Augustine was where he should go. Once again, Jazzy pulled up his tent stakes and made his move. His very first job in St. Augustine was downtown at Tempo, and he was booked weekly. “It wasn’t a lot of money, but it was a regular gig.” In St. Augustine since 2016, Jazzy has cemented his place in the local music scene. He’s been a www.STAUGUSTINESOCIAL.com
regular at places like Salt Life and Tempo, but he considers Ann O’Malley’s his home away from home. “That was the first place to really treat me like family.” These days, he’s easy to find around town, and he’s always looking to add new venues to an already impressive list. He’s recently booked gigs at The Reef, Zaharia’s, Tides Oyster Co., Guy Harvey, Hurricane Patty’s, and Hurricane Grill & Wings, so the opportunities to catch his show will be plentiful. “I love how I was embraced and encouraged when I first got here; by musicians, fans and establishments,” says Jazzy. “My friends were right. There are so many places to play. So much live music and so many venues. This just might be the happiest place I’ve ever lived.” www.facebook.com/jazzyblueband
LOCALS LOCALS as paramedics. “Vince recently saved the day when he made a tourniquet out of a triangular bandage for a man whose arm was cut badly after falling off a roof,” says Captain Green. “The man would’ve easily bled out.” Vince Coursey was born in Atlanta, Georgia. At age 3, his family moved to Jacksonville’s Mandarin area. His father was in the military then worked in the private sector; his mother was an educator. During his time at Bishop Kenny High School, he joined the American Red Cross Volunteer Life Saving Corp, also known as the Old Jacksonville Beach Lifeguards. And though he graduated from the University of North Florida as a history major, Vince, encouraged by friends and parents, continued his service for eight years. In 2001, Vince attended the Fire Academy of the South at Florida State College Jacksonville. His first job as a professional firefighter was with Jacksonville Beach Fire Rescue. He moved to St. Johns Fire Rescue in 2006. He worked for a few months at Station 11 in the Shores, then transferred to Station 5 in St. Augustine South where he worked for eight years. He’s been at his current post, Station 9, for only a few months and is adapting to a new crew, though he has “known the guys for years.”
LINE OF DUTY
VINCE COURSEY
WORKING WITH FANTASTIC COLLEAGUES HAS CONTRIBUTED TO THE SUCCESS OF ST. JOHNS COUNTY'S PARAMEDIC OF THE YEAR. YET COMMITMENT TO PUBLIC SERVICE FUELS HIS EXCELLENCE. By Marisella Veiga | Photography by Richard Dole
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arly in 2018, Lieutenant Vince Coursey was chosen Paramedic of the Year – an award highlighting his personal and professional excellence. Vince embodies the top-notch public service delivered as part of St. Johns County Fire Rescue. “He’s also humble,” says Captain Jason Green who works with Vince at Station 9 in Vilano. The county’s award goes to “very good employees” meeting the highest criteria. A co-worker or supervisor nominates someone by letter; then, it is reviewed by a committee. “We have tremendous paramedics, and each
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brings something different to the work,” says Vince. “You can learn a lot from your peers.”
Stress is an inherent part of the job. After an event, the crew debriefs. “We watch out for one another, we talk about what happened. Some have mentors. There’s no stigma attached to having a need to talk about traumatic events.”
In Florida, paramedics are like field nurses working under the license and jurisdiction of a medical director. The nature of a paramedic’s work requires treating patients wherever they are found – so settings vary. They provide services typically found in emergency rooms. Furthermore, St. Johns County requires dual certification as firefighters and EMTs or paramedics, which requires a longer training. About 85% of county firefighters are trained www.STAUGUSTINESOCIAL.com
The strong bond among firefighters helps. Stress is an inherent part of the job, says Vince. After an event, the crew returns to the station and debriefs. “We watch out for one another, we talk about what happened. Some have mentors. There’s no stigma attached to having a need to talk about traumatic events.” Vince is married to Michelle Dillon, president of the St. Johns Education Association, and when he’s not on the job, he regularly enjoys surfing, swimming, cycling and running. He also makes a great gumbo, according to Captain Green.
As a Marine Rescue Lieutenant for four seasons, Vince trained seasonal lifeguards and cross training firefighters to conduct marine rescue. The Vilano Firefighters Marine Rescue began at Vince’s Station 9. Today it is a large program sporting a new boat lift and dock at the Vilano Boat Ramp. They also have a new 30-foot boat, the Marine 12. “Vince has been chosen to operate it,” says Captain Green, “few in the department have that privilege.” www.sjcfl.us/FireRescue
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LOCALS
ADVENT UR E
They took a few steps outside our little city and went on the journeys of a lifetime. all over the world, these st. augustinians hiked along trails and climbed up mountains to seek the adventure that's just beyond the horizon.
MT. RAINIER By Kara Pound | Photos contributed by Jamie Watts
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something Jamie was poised to do. “I was a first responder at the Pulse nightclub shooting,” Jamie explained of one of the country’s deadliest mass shootings, which occurred in June of 2016 and killed 49 people while injuring 53. “Because of my funeral business, I interviewed families and helped carry out bodies. I was later diagnosed with PTSD.”
The votes are in! These seven people captured the hearts As a father of two (he also has a 13-year-old of the St. Augustine community with their generosity, daughter named Amylie), Jamie struggled with leadership, Jamie, spirit, and compassion. Together they encompass who recently turned 40 years old, the loss of lives of so many young people as was born and raised in Georgia until the a result of senseless violence. what it means to be an outstanding local. After nearly 18
t 14,410 feet above sea level, Mount Rainier is located in Washington State and boasts a reputation as the highest mountain of the Cascade Range. It’s an active volcano and the most glaciated peak in the contiguous U.S., spawning five major rivers. According to the National Park Service, Mount Rainier is covered with subalpine wildflower meadows, ancient forests, and icy volcanic terrain.
For St. Augustine resident Jamie Watts, this sounded like a great vacation to take with his 16-year-old son, Landrum. “Let’s go climb a
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mountain,” Jamie said to his son a little over a year ago. So this past September, Jamie and Landrum made that haphazard statement a reality and climbed to the summit of Mount Rainier. “We spent a year training for it,” Jamie said. “And honestly, I truly didn’t understand how dangerous it was until we got there. You have to think about every step, and my heart was beating a thousand miles a minute.”
age of seven when his family moved to San months of counseling, he was able to find hope Mateo and later is an again and was armed with a new motivation to Written byWelaka. LynetteToday, Snell Jamie | Photography by Brian Miller auctioneer, has his own real estate brokerage “do all of the things in my life that I’ve always firm, and is a third owner twoTringali wanted Shotgeneration on location at of The Barnto do.” funeral homes. What better way to face death and conquer And while he’s always up for a challenge, your fears than to climb a mountain? So taking on a physically-demanding hurdle Jamie enlisted his adventurous teenage son, such as climbing a mountain was not always Landrum, and called up RMI Expeditions to
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the climb to the summit of Mt. rainier brought Jamie and his son landrum closer together and became a moment of healing for jamie. it was the embodiment of his resolve to "do all of the things in my life that i've always wanted to do."
S E E K E RS sign on for a September climb. The next year was filled with trips to the gym where Jamie did cardio wearing a training mask that can simulate the lack of oxygen found at 14,410 feet above sea level. On September 23, father and son arrived in Ashford, Washington ready to start the adventure of a lifetime. They were part of a group consisting of five guides and fifteen climbers from all walks of life including a marketing director for Louis Vuitton and a cardiologist from Russia. A trip for two (gear, flights, a rental car, and lodging) costs around $12,000. Armed with 60-pound packs, the group took off to Paradise, the starting point for the climb. Tennis shoes turned into hiking boots, which were later equipped with crampons, as asphalt turned into a dirt trail and then rocky terrain before everything was covered with ice and snow.
“We made our way to Camp Muir,” Jamie said of the climber’s camp that is named after Scottish-American John Muir, a naturalist who reached the mountain’s summit in 1888. “That’s where we slept every night in sleeping bags on wooden platforms while learning the skills and safety tactics we needed for the final climb.”
walking over one when it gave way and I fell eight feet into the steam vent. My rope caught me, but I went face first into the side of a wall of ice. I was covered in blood and ended up with black eyes.”
Jamie said that a popular phrase the guides would say is, “We’re here to help you, but, ultimately, you’re responsible for your own safety.” For a few days, the groups learned how to use their avalanche transceivers and conduct crevasse rescues.
Undeterred, Jamie told the guides that he was able to go on. After 19 miles (which equates to 63,000 steps) in 11 hours, Jamie and Landrum Watts were back at Camp Muir after reaching the summit of Mount Rainier – the highest mountain in the State of Washington. It was a feat that bonded the group of climbers for a lifetime.
On the final day – the big day – the group was woken up at 3am for their chance to do what Muir had done some 130 years ago – summit Mount Rainier. It was dark, cold, and beyond dangerous. “The mountain is a volcano and steam vents get covered with ice and snow,” Jamie explained. “Close to the summit, I was
Hanging above his dining room table, Jamie has two items that catch your attention. One is a wooden sign that reads, “The most important things in life aren’t things.” The second is a photo of him and his son on the top of Mount Rainier. When asked if he’d climb a mountain again, Jamie said simply, “Absolutely.”
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LOCALS
KILIMANJARO
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ast summer, a group of 10 individuals joined forces to make the trek to the summit of the world's highest freestanding mountain – Mt. Kilimanjaro. What began as a group of strangers soon became a group of very close friends, cheering each other on to reach our greatest height. St. Augustine locals RJ and Trish Larizza, Scott and Erin Smith, my sister, Emily, and yours truly ( joined also by four amazing others from around the U.S.) all separately stumbled upon the idea to climb, and through a hidden gem of this community, found our way together. Kilibound Adventures is a travel company born and bred in St. Augustine. Owner James McCune made his first trip to Tanzania in 2007, and for him, the rest is history. Having now been there myself, I can absolutely understand the obsession. From day one, the people of Tanzania welcomed us into their hearts. Just ask State Attorney, RJ Larizza! He made a new best friend every time we stepped out of the hotel during our first few days in Africa, and to say he was the star of the show on the mountain would be a massive understatement. Upon arrival to Arusha – the capital of
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By Bridey Masson | Photography by Scott S. Smith
Tanzania – we were greeted by our head guide and Kilibound co-founder, Gideon. He talked us all off of the proverbial ledge and put us right on the real ones. Within days of arriving (and adjusting to the seven-hour time difference!), we were headed to the slopes, and ahead of us, a seven-day trek to the top. The fifty-five-mile trail was broken up strategically from day to day. Day one was short; only a few miles from the trailhead to our camp for the night (in an effort to keep the intimidation at bay, I presume). Each night, while we gathered in the mess tent for dinner and conversation, Gideon and our four additional guides would give us the run-down for the following day – how many hours to expect from the time we set out in the morning until we reached our next campsite, what terrain we would encounter, and a detailed description of what to wear. Little did we know at the time that we would be facing extreme changes in weather, sometimes hourly. The days that followed were filled with adventure, changes in perspective, and huge life lessons. We found ourselves in the classic literary conflict of man versus nature. To be in an environment where you are so physically uncomfortable, yet knowing that the only way
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out is to continue putting one foot in front of the other… we were all stripped of who we are back home. All of the comforts that are a part of everyday life, and all of the external, intangible ways in which we define ourselves no longer mattered. The mountain doesn’t care if you are educated or adored or beautiful – it is the greatest equalizer. By the end of it all, our team catchphrase had become, “Welcome to Kilimanjaro. Sorry about your face,” laughing together as our bodies adapted to the cold. We were bettering ourselves and loving every minute of it. As Erin puts it, “It’s all in those micro-moments. It’s a perspective that you then carry with you for the rest of your life.” For her, the “ah ha” moment was stopping at Lava Tower for lunch and realizing we had broken the cloud line. Looking down off the ledge, we could have been looking at an ocean, only about 12,000 feet higher and perfectly white. But the experience wasn’t all about just us climbers. I think every one of us would agree with Emily, “The Kilibound crew are some of the most amazing people I’ve met and I am still in awe of everything they do, and they do it all while singing and dancing!” From spending time in the kitchen tent with our chef, Emmanuel (voted best chef on the mountain,
struggling for seven days through Hikes over treacherous terrain and a climb up Mt. kilimanjaro brought this group to the top of the world. looking at the breathtaking views and an expanse of sky, You can almost hear "ain't no mountain high enough" playing in the background.
by the way!), to hearing stories of our camp manager Kanini getting lost and accidentally wandering into Kenya, to singing along with Chaji Boy to “Jambo Bwana” to get us all pumped up before hitting the trail each day, we were growing as individuals, and we were growing as a team. The Barranco Wall (or as the cheeky porters like to call it, the Breakfast Wall due to all of the climbers that get a second showing of their first meal of the day) became less daunting knowing we had genuine friends in our guides, porters, and fellow climbers. The 257-meter vertical climb felt less like a life-threatening feat and more like just another adventure that we would absolutely make it through. And the same became true for every challenge we would come to face. We were no longer defining days. There was no legitimate way to keep track of time in large quantities. So it became about the hours, down to the miles, the steps, and eventually
the breaths. Before any of us knew it, we were actively present in every moment of every day. What a way to learn! Appreciating the Dr. Seuss-looking foliage in the valleys, and spotting the ravens flying up and down, learning from the guides about flowers unique to the mountain, and the way its mass creates its own weather patterns, we were THERE. We listened to RJ play his harmonica while we rested on the trail; we ate about as much as we could of Emmanuel’s veggie grilled cheese; we stuffed warm water bottles down our sleeping bags for warmth; we laughed in our tents until we absolutely had to go to sleep. Then came summit day. It was four in the morning, four miles from Uhuru Peak, ten hours of climbing, and negative five degrees, but it was now or never for this crew of newlyexperienced mountain climbers. Adding layers and layers until we felt like Ralphie’s younger brother in A Christmas Story, we set out for the top. Headlamps and additional porters got us over our early morning rock scramble, but
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nothing could prepare us for the ice we would soon be navigating our way across. Gideon had shared back in the comfort of the hotel in Arusha that there was more ice and snow at the peak than they had seen in fifteen years, but the deep trenches we found ourselves in, paired with the climbers we passed being carried down, and the piles of sick every ten or so feet really drove the point home. By the time we reached Stella Point (the last stop before the peak), there were fleeting thoughts of turning back. But the end was in sight, and we hadn’t gone that far just to go that far! So we cranked the tunes (if you’re thinking “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” you are spot on) and in another hour or so, we were flying high at 19,341 feet. Some of us in tears (no shame, I cried the whole way down), some of us gasping for breath, and some of us ready to hop into our sleeping bags and get rolled back to camp, we had all made it. The seven days of struggle were behind us; we were on top of the world, together.
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LOCALS
INCA TRAIL By Jennifer Melville Photos contributed by Andy Norman
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t. Augustine native Andy Norman awaited the sunrise. High in the Andes, he witnessed the sun’s first rays slowly pierce the morning sky. He caught his breath in awe. “We watched the sun actually hit the mountain above the ruins, then slowly reveal the city of Machu Picchu.” The hiker, adventurer, father of three, and President of Norman Insurance Advisors checked an incredible goal off his bucket list in spring 2018 when he hiked along the original stone-stepped Inca Trail to the Sun Gate and on to Machu Picchu. Annually, 75,000 hikers wind along this narrow cobblestone path. Machu Picchu’s popularity attracts 5,000 visitors daily between MayOctober. That’s over 1 million annual visitors, many bussing in from nearby Cusco. The Lost City is certainly lost no more. Norman’s interest in the iconic archaeological site was reignited over dinner one evening while visiting with a friend who had recently been there. He learned that the park was not only restricting daily visitation numbers, but they might also close off parts due to overuse. “He actually got to go into the Sun Temple. When I went two years later, it was closed off,” Norman says. “I spoke with our guide about it, and they’re going to start expanding. The
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iconic picture is that you’re on this hill and you look down at the city. He said eventually that’ll probably be the only picture. I needed to go now instead of years from now.” Traveling from Orlando to Lima to Cusco, Norman then journeyed to Ollantaytambo before commencing the challenging 26-mile trek. He hiked approximately eight miles a day over three and a half days with G Adventures Guides and native Peruvians Elias and Saul, 25 porters, three chefs, and fellow adventurers from across the globe. Festival-packed villages, thriving native culture, and local delicacies like cuy (guinea pig) and alpaca colored his journey. Every day, the guides prepared the hikers for what was to come. “‘So, we’re going to have some ups and some downs,’” Norman recalls one of his guides saying. “He goes, ‘We’ll do one big up, and then it’ll be Inca Flat.’ Inca Flat means slightly up, slightly down. We only really did two huge ups or huge downs. When I say huge, though, 6,000 to 7,000 feet up in a mile is a huge up.” A surprise run-in with wild llamas left Norman pressed against the rocky embankment. “I came around the corner and here come some llamas. On one side, there’s a drop-off. I didn’t know what to do and I was ahead of the group by a www.STAUGUSTINESOCIAL.com
long shot. I’d rather be on the mountain side than the steep side, so I backed up completely and let them do what they wanted to do. They would eat, and I was like, ‘Hey! Keep moving!’ They eventually ended up going down the trail.” On the third day, Norman came upon terraced ruins and paused to take in the moment’s majesty. “I was there by myself — not a soul in sight — with this amazing view of the valley,” he recalls. “Machu Picchu was just around the corner, this river came through, I’m up 10,000 feet; it was just gorgeous. Some farmer 3,000 years ago took his rest here at the end of the day and looked out over the same view.” Exploring the 15th-century ruins of Machu Picchu and hiking the Inca Trail was deeply rewarding. The weight and majesty of Incan history, architecture, and scientific marvels left their mark on the traveler. This trip perfectly fulfilled his love for both history and hiking. “Get off ‘Someday Isle,’” Norman says. His personal goal is to make two trips abroad annually, and he’s already planning his next adventure. “The obstacles people see in their mind for travel aren’t really there anymore. The world is smaller than it’s ever been, and it’s not as expensive as you think. My encouragement would be to just do it.”
LOCALS this second hike up the half dome was a completely different experience from the first – in good ways and not so good ways. But even with the new challenges, journeys like this trek strip away Michael stultz's visual noise, and the beauty gives his eyes peace.
HALF DOME
By Lynette Snell | Photography by Michael Stultz
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ichael Stultz, born without hearing, grew up in Missouri. At 19 years old, while attending Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C., he and a friend decided it would be fun to take a quick hike up the famed Half Dome in Yosemite. It was July in the early 1980s, and Michael and his friend grabbed some bottles of Pepsi along with peanut butter to make sandwiches. Dressed in jeans and a flannel shirt, Michael and his friend left their parked car early in the morning, expecting to be gone for a couple of hours. No one was around and they began their hike along the trail which would lead them to the base of the Half Dome. By 3pm, Michael and his friend were in dire straits. They were completely unprepared: they had brought no water, no food, they were dressed inappropriately, and were rapidly becoming dehydrated. No one seemed to be on the same trail as them until they crossed paths with a hiker who had water. They begged him for a drink, but, as hikers generally ration their food and water precisely, the hiker declined and walked on. Distraught, Michael desperately wanted to turn back, but his friend encouraged him to continue. Finally reaching the top, the two teenagers were exhausted and dehydrated. What had started out as a “couple hour hike,”
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had turned into an all-day trip. When they finally reached their car, they gulped warm Pepsi and dug peanut butter out of the jar with their fingers. Later at a party, they felt like celebrities for surviving what they had learned was an 18 -mile round trip hike, with no food, water or supplies. Looking back, Michael knows they were exceptionally fortunate. They had no way of knowing but three days prior to their hike, three other hikers were struck and killed by lightning on top of Half Dome. They had no smartphones to read the news and couldn’t hear the warnings on the radio. They were just lucky. After graduating from Gallaudet and later securing his Master’s degree, Michael was offered a job at the Florida School for the Deaf and Blind. “The beach was calling to me,” Michael says through an interpreter. He taught at FSDB for seven years as a science teacher before becoming Program Director and Professor of American Sign Language (ASL) at the University of North Florida. Recently, Michael and his friend from the original hike decided to try the same hike again. But this time, they would be prepared. And they brought more friends. After months of planning, Michael and the four men set out on the hike. They were armed with the necessary permits to hike the trails and arrived in line around 2am to get a permit to hike the Half Dome. www.STAUGUSTINESOCIAL.com
During the first hike in the 1980s, they encountered hardly anyone. Since that time, the trails and the Half Dome have become massively popular. “It was disappointing to see so many people on the trails,” Michael says. “There could be three thousand people at any given time.” This time, Michael’s hike went off without a hitch. The best part of this trip, however, was discovering an area that few people know about called the Clouds Rest Trail. Michael said this trail was empty, the conditions are much more treacherous compared with the other trails around the Half Dome, and it is a much higher elevation. The Clouds Rest Trail is a narrow path, with steep drop-offs on either side. Michael freely admits his fear of heights but states that at the top, the views were breathtaking, incredible, and worth every “terrifying” step. During our interview, I mentioned to Michael that I love going to places where it is quiet and there are few distractions. Michael said that even though he lives in a silent world, it is full of visual noise which can be exhausting. “I go out to these environments and my eyes are at peace.”
Wî‹Šmen S P E C I A L A DV E R T I S I N G S E C T I O N
IN
BUSINESS In big and small businesses all around St. Johns County, these women continue to break the workplace mold and surpass the proverbial glass ceiling in support of their families, career aspirations, and community involvement.
Photography by Leonard Blush
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S P E C I A L A DV E R T I S I N G S E C T I O N
Insurance
ANCIENT CITY INSURANCE REBECCA HOUPE STEPHANIE SMITH
(904) 827-1915 2800 N 5th Street www.ancientcityinsurance.com
WOMEN IN BUSINESS
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nsurance is not a cookie-cutter product. Ancient City Insurance always takes the time to customize each customer’s needs with the right product. After being in the Insurance business for about four years, Rebecca Houpe started Ancient City Insurance in 2003. Previously, Rebecca had worked with Stephanie Smith and was impressed with her insurance knowledge and background. Rebecca says, “I was honored to bring Stephanie onboard in 2013 to help grow the commercial side of my business." The two women made a great team, and Rebecca made Stephanie a partner of Ancient City Insurance in 2017. The unique attributes that Rebecca and Stephanie bring to the insurance field are availability and expertise. Rebecca says, “My partner Stephanie and I are both nurturers, so the customer service side of the business is the most important to us. We are not natural salespeople, but when we’re knowledgeable and passionate about the product, then it’s easy to sell it.” The partners make a point of keeping up with outside influencers. They say, “If any occurrences cause insurance premiums to increase significantly, we automatically remarket it to make sure we always offer the best policies.” This duo loves what they do and say, “As best friends, we work well together, and our team is an amazing group of professionals. Rebecca says, “We are up for all challenges, and work tirelessly on last-minute emergencies because we want to help everybody on their timeframe. There is no greater joy than helping customers protect their assets and save money while doing so.”
www.STAUGUSTINESOCIAL.com
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WOMEN IN BUSINESS
TAYLOR REFRIGERATION & AC, INC. TRUDY SANDERS KATIE ROBSHAW
(904) 829-3358 320 State Road 207 www.taylorrefrig.com
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or 68 years, Taylor Refrigeration and Air Conditioning has focused on making each relationship with their customers the center of their business. “It’s in our DNA as a company to set excellence as the goal,” says Katie. “We were raised to do a good job. There was accountability when something wasn’t done correctly and an expectation to make it right quickly. When you grow up that way, with a higher standard, it translates to the way you run your business.” Taylor Refrigeration & AC specializes in residential and commercial heating and air conditioning solutions and has gained a local reputation as experts in the industry who are dedicated to great service and to the community. Even though this reputation is solid, the goal is to never stop improving. "We are always looking for how they can improve processes, systems, and overall customer experience, says Katie. “‘If I was the customer, what would I want my experience to be like from start to finish with our company?’ This comprehensive approach is important because great customer service happens when we pay attention to the details.” This customer dedication comes naturally not only because they are determined to pursue excellence and expertise, but because they live and raise their families here in this community, alongside those customers. “Local business is so important to the character of our city,” says Trudy. “Our company has been here for close to 70 years, and we have many friends and customers that own local businesses, run charities, youth sports programs, and events. It’s a privilege to support them and give back to our community.”
www.STAUGUSTINESOCIAL.com
S P E C I A L A DV E R T I S I N G S E C T I O N
Restaurants
WOMEN IN BUSINESS
THE RAINTREE RESTAURANT LORNA MACDONALD
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lmost 40 years ago, Lorna MacDonald arrived in St. Augustine after sailing from England on a 45foot Ketch rigged sailboat with her family. After a 9-month renovation project, the family opened the Raintree in 1981. And Lorna has been at the helm, cultivating the Raintree dining experience ever since. The restaurant has seen many changes over the years —from bow ties to casual dining — accommodating changes in the local economy and moving with the ebb and flow of the St. Augustine community. And that community is really at the heart of what the Raintree does. The family and staff have always believed in providing an unforgettable experience and work hard everyday to achieve that goal. Their influence, however, doesn’t end at the restaurant’s door. Lorna serves on multiple local boards, and the team gives as much as they can back to the community — whether in products or donations. In 2018, Lorna was even honored as the 20th recipient of the Gus Craig Award — a distinction that recognizes those who selflessly serve St. Augustine. Located in a Victorian home dating back to 1879, the restaurant has served multiple generations of St. Augustine residents and visitors and has become an institution for locals and tourists alike. Alongside a full bar and exceptional wine list, the menu offers a wide variety of dishes — with even a Beef Wellington and Brandy Peppersteak that have graced the menu since the opening. Lovers of seafood can find favorites like the Jumbo Shrimp and Lobster Pasta or the Catch of the Day, and those on the lookout for refined fare can enjoy the Filet Mignon Bearnaise or the New Zealand Rack of Lamb. The menu is intentional and skilled, and the selections on it, as well as the overall dining experience, reflect the passion of those behind the scenes. Says Lorna, “I still love what I do after 38 years.”
(904) 824-7211 102 San Marco Avenue www.raintreerestaurant.com
www.STAUGUSTINESOCIAL.com
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WOMEN IN BUSINESS
Beauty
PANACHE: AN AVEDA SALON & SPA KRISTY WEEKS MANDY BORNA JULIANA KOUTOUZAKIS PAT O’BRIEN
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locally owned and operated hair salon, nail salon, and spa, Panache has always dedicated itself to making each guest feel and look their best. Their staff of more than 30 experts specialize in a number of hair coloring and cutting techniques, facials, massage, manicures, pedicures, waxing, lash extensions, and permanent makeup. They have made the beauty and care of the community their business for more than 30 years. “We take pride in our guests choosing to visit Panache,” says owner Kristy Weeks, “and we take that responsibility very seriously and strive to meet each and every guests’ desires. Many of our guests are like family, and their families have grown with ours.” The passion and expertise that has guided Panache since its opening comes from an exceptional team of mostly women ( joined by men’s cutting specialist Mario and massage therapist Ben). Juliana Koutouzakis shows off her skill and extreme talent as the salon’s Artistic Director, and Mandy Borna and Pat O’Brien work to keep things running flawlessly as the Salon & Spa manager and Reception Manager respectively. Kristy, Juliana, Mandy, and Pat are proud to help all the women in business at Panache create successful careers within the Panache family. “I am proud of the work my team does,” says Kristy, “the care and talent they share with their guests and then that they go home to care for their families. Being a woman in business is a lot to juggle, and I experience their struggles and celebrate their accomplishments with them. I am proud of my “women in business” for their creativity, talent, dedication to giving each guest their very best every day. I am proud of them as strong and successful women and call them all dear friends.”
(904) 461-9552 1089 A1A Beach Boulevard www.getpanache.com
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S P E C I A L A DV E R T I S I N G S E C T I O N
Non-Profit
VRUM PLANNING & VELOFEST HEATHER NEVILLE
(904) 509-6895 P.O. Box 1718 www.vrumplanning.com www.velofest.org
WOMEN IN BUSINESS
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eather Neville’s vision is to effectively plan safe interconnectivity for non-motorized movement in St. Johns County and throughout Florida. After founding VeloFest Community Initiative in 2011 when fellow cyclist Bryan B. Wrigley was killed, Heather committed her life to advocating for the safety of our most vulnerable road users through programs and projects. To accomplish this, Heather also founded VRUM Planning in 2015 which teams with area engineering firms to strategically plan pedestrian and bicycle facility projects such as multi-use trails, crosswalks and their funding. “VeloFest and VRUM Planning are in an intimate and frantic dance,” says Heather, “not dissimilar to watching a paso doble. From the outside, it seems impossible to achieve. But however, you see it happening.” When she looks around the room of professional consultants — engineers, landscape architects and planners - it is male-dominated. “I hope to inspire young women,” says Heather, “and the parents of young girls to think about roads and bridges in addition to being astronauts, attorneys, athletes, and doctors.” This desire to be an inspiration as well as the passion for her work means that Heather, VRUM and VeloFest never shy from a challenge and always operate with genuine ambition to find real solutions providing top-rate service locally and across the state. “I look at my child,” says Heather, “and want him to see his mom making a difference.”
www.STAUGUSTINESOCIAL.com
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WOMEN IN BUSINESS
Automotive
BOZARD FORD LINCOLN LETTI BOZARD
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he name Bozard has become synonymous with excellence in the car dealership world. Every client of Bozard Ford Lincoln knows that they will work with a team that has had extensive knowledge of each product and considerable training in each aspect of their trade; every step of the process will be smooth and rewarding. But though Letti Bozard and her team pride themselves on expansive knowledge of the industry and a consistent commitment to quality, at the heart of Bozard lies a love of the community and a genuine investment in each client and each employee that walks through their doors. The dealership has been family owned and operated since 1949, and the same values that governed them 70 years ago still guide the work that they do today. “We bring family and love into all our experiences,” says Letti. The excellence of service that is brought to each client begins with that idea of family and begins with a passion for being an outstanding employer. Bozard continually works to solidify its position as a premier workplace in the state of Florida. They are not just a place to show up and do a job; Bozard cultivates a team that is empowered to fully live out the vision of the company in a meaningful way. “I want to support the efforts of my employees,” says Letti, “to make a community impact that is important to them. I want to always bring my best for my team.” This love, care, and empowerment promoted in the workplace by Letti and her team create an unsurpassable distinction in their industry. These values are passed on to the client, and an outstanding car buying experience is built for each and every person. “Love works,” says Letti. “It is the center of all we do.”
(904) 824-1641 540 Outlet Mall Boulevard www.bozard.com
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S P E C I A L A DV E R T I S I N G S E C T I O N
Home Security
VILLAGE KEY & ALARM SARAH OAKLEY DOUGLAS
(904) 824-5003 441 State Road 16 www.vkalarm.com
WOMEN IN BUSINESS
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or 42 years, Village Key & Alarm has been providing a sense of peace and security to people and businesses throughout our community. The security team at VKA has a collective experience of over 150 years and offers the following services: locksmith and safe services, camera systems, access control and key-less entry systems, fire alarm, and burglar alarm protection. This local company delivers exceptional service to each customer because they demand this level of professionalism from within. “Our team genuinely enjoys what they do on a daily basis,” says Sarah Oakley Douglas, “and we are constantly going above and beyond to provide customized solutions for our customers.” Each member of the VKA staff is certified as both a Fire and Burglary Alarm System Agent with the Alarm Association of Florida and regularly attends training to stay up-to-date in their ever-changing and ever-advancing industry. Though this experience, skill, and commitment to excellence is vital to their business, Sarah says that the company's drive comes from a love for the St. Augustine community and an obligation to aid in the security of our area. The success of VKA comes from their superior service and their technologically-advanced services and products. “We enjoy and plan to continue to positively impact our community. Whether our customers are parents who want to see when their children get home, a restaurant that wants to ensure cash management solutions, or the schools and government buildings that are providing huge scopes of life safety fire solutions,” says Sarah, "each and every customer and their needs are important to us."
www.STAUGUSTINESOCIAL.com
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WOMEN IN BUSINESS
Marketing
ISSIMA
LAUREN EASTMAN
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or the past decade, Issima has helped clients effectively market nearly everything from $4 dollar cupcakes to $14 million dollar homes. The magic of this communications-based business is anchored in Issima’s unique talent for accurately capturing clients’ voices and properly conveying brands’ messages to the right audience. Issima’s custom marketing and communications programs offer public relations, strategic partnerships and events, along with digital services such as social media and content creation (think e-newsletters, blogs and email campaigns) that support business objectives. Their work has supported the opening of more than 50 restaurants, unified the voices of wine regions such as Russian River Valley, and transitioned military bases such as the Presidio into a national park. Most recently, Issima supported the American Diabetes Foundation in driving awareness and participation to its first St. Augustine based event; Tour de Cure. The company recently concepted a “Brand Me” program to help local chefs, chiropractors, realtors, and small business owners identify their story and convey their brand promise. A biography and LinkedIn audit are addressed with a refreshed voice and recommendations for website and social media presence. Issima brings national expertise and relationships to the local community. “We are natural storytellers,” says owner Lauren Eastman, “who support strategic business goals through communications.” The company’s name is derived from the Italian word meaning “more than.” While “bella” in Italian means “pretty,” “bellissima” means “beautiful.” Issima becomes an extension of each brand it partners with by becoming a part of the team and bringing stories to life.
(415) 867-7664 www.issimapr.com
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Financial Advising
Law
THE LAW STATION
EDWARD JONES
MELISSA SARRIS KAUTTU, PA
DEBORAH LENNON
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or more than 20 years, Melissa S. Kauttu has been practicing law. Her diverse and varied experience in the legal system — from serving the state of Florida as an Assistant State Attorney to representing parties in California and later in Florida — has given her expansive practical knowledge that she brings to every legal encounter. She rebranded her law firm to The Law Station in 2014, which serves the North Florida community in practice areas including Family Law, Estate and Business Planning, Personal Injury, and Criminal Defense. “We strive,” says Melissa, “to be the law firm that, when people think of us, they feel we enhanced their lives in more than just financial ways.” Melissa is pleased to announce the addition of mediation to her firm. “For those wanting to reduce the stress and expense of protracted litigation,” Melissa explains, “mediation is an effective option.” Melissa studied at Pepperdine School of Law in its pioneer institute for dispute resolution, now the #1 ranked Straus Institute, and later studied and trained in Florida. Her goal, as an attorney and as a mediator, is to help people become the architects of happier, more peaceful lives.
There is nothing more important to me,” says Deborah Lennon, “than understanding what’s important to my clients. Only then can we work through established processes to build individual investors’ personalized strategies and take specific actions needed to achieve their goals.” This is the passion that continually guides Deborah Lennon and her team at Edward Jones. They put clients’ needs always first, working with them throughout their lives, revisiting goals and strategies to help keep them on track toward all their goals.
1510 N. Ponce de Leon Boulevard, Suite B www.law-station.com – (904) 810-2410
46 Tuscan Way, Suite 304 – (904) 762-8531 www.edwardjones.com/deborah-lennon
Many people don't understand the intricacies of how the financial industry works and how it can help them and their families. Deborah and her team empower their clients through education. "I'm here to help make it easier for others to navigate. I hope to make a positive impact on the community,” says Deborah. “We want to help individuals, businesses, and families prepare for the unexpected, plan a legacy, and meet personalized financial goals.”
www.STAUGUSTINESOCIAL.com
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EATS DISH
VEAL SORRENTO Photography by Brian Miller
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n an unassuming storefront, down a long stretch of A1A, you’ll find one of the area’s most charming Italian restaurants. The interior speaks to the spot’s delight in tradition – red and white checkered tablecloths, old photos on the walls, and wine bottles on every surface. It’s cozy and welcoming, and its very appearance assures you that the food you try here is authentic and elegant without being pretentious. And it was in search of one of these such dishes that we walked through La Strada's doors. A beautifully classic recipe, the Veal Sorrento hails from (hence the name) Sorrento, a town on the Amalfi Coast of Italy, just south of Naples. Your first glance of the plate is tempting – bright colors and intoxicating scents all courtesy of a flavor combination that’s hard to resist. The dish begins with a cut of veal, sauteed then topped with fresh eggplant, prosciutto, and fresh tomato. This is all topped with mozzarella then finished – as if all this weren’t already sublime – with a marsala demi glace with mushrooms. Each ingredient is superb, and the combination is delightful. If you close your eyes, take a bite, and think really hard, you’ll be transported to the sunny and delicious coast of Italy. www.lastradaitalianrestaurant.com
Inside: Kitchen Convo // Tale of Two // Culinary Character // Sweet Spot
EATS
KITCHEN CONVO
Josef Franz Dold Baker Extraordinaire Bakersville Bread Company
THE DISH The Tempeh Reuben LIVING ON THE VEG
TEMPEH REUBEN
BEST ENJOYED WITH A CRAFT BEER IN HAND, SITTING AT A QUIRKY PAINTED TABLE, THIS SANDWICH IS AS INDIVIDUAL AS THE RESTAURANT THAT IT CALLS HOME. By Molly Wilson | Photography by Brian Miller
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ince he first opened its doors in January of 2013, Ryan Kunsch has turned Sarbez! into an icon of the quirky and creative side of St. Augustine. They may be known to many as a Flagler-frequented bar and music venue, but there’s actually much more going on behind those colorful walls than cool bands and craft beers. Ryan did recently add an arcade to the Sarbez! scene – featuring a plethora of both vintage games and a few more modern additions – but that’s actually not what we’re currently raving over. No, our current obsession is the spot’s utterly delicious grilled cheese menu. Sporting unconventional names like “Hashton Kutcher” and “This Is Why I’m Hot,” this grilled cheese menu is perfect for any palate – whether that palate is chowing down on dinner with the family or ordering their grilled cheese late night. Since this column lets us highlight some of our favorite vegetarian dishes, though, we bypassed the bacon, ham, and sausage-laden sandwiches and instead zeroed in on the Tempeh Reuben. It’s a vegetarianfriendly version of a classic sandwich and, trust us, you won’t miss the original.
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Like the original, the Tempeh Reuben starts off with two slices of whole grain bread (that, when grilled, is crispy but still soft perfection). On these bread slices, they stack Swiss cheese, tempeh, sauerkraut, and just a little Sarbez! Sauce! for good measure. The sauerkraut is bursting with flavor and gives an overall tangy, sour note to the whole sandwich. The flavor, which could have been overwhelming, is countered by savory tempeh, mildly sweet Swiss, and the distinctive signature sauce. And like many classic sandwich dishes, this grilled cheese is paired with a hefty portion of chips and a pickle. Full disclosure – one sandwich might just not be enough to satisfy the cravings that it will trigger. The just ever-so-slightly unusual makeup of the Tempeh Reuben perfectly encapsulates the feeling that Sarbez! gives you. It’s classic but quirky, with a heavy dose of personality, and a whole lot of deliciousness. It’s a sandwich – and a grilled cheese spot – that you’ll keep coming back to again and again.
What's your culinary background? I always felt the desire to bake, even as a child in Germany. I began baking professionally about 20 years ago at Publix and continued my training learning to bake from scratch at the La Parisienne. My wife Clare and I have wanted to open a cafe/bakery concept here in St. Augustine. What does your day-to-day look like at the bakery? Early morning start, usually get to the bakery around 4am and begin making/ finishing the doughs. The breads are hand-picked by my wife and I at the beginning of the week, and we try to feature new things often. Where do you find inspiration for the new breads and pastries that you make? I have accumulated lots of old German and other European baking recipe books over the years. As I read through them I find recipes that are different, that appeal to me, but that are also a challenge. The pastries are usually dependent on what's in season! Favorite bread that you're making right now? Stollen is a traditional German bread. I'd describe it as a fruit-spiced bread consisting of orange zest, lemon zest, walnuts, almonds/almond extract, raisins filled with marzipan and topped with powdered sugar. I enjoy making this bread because there are so many factors to its design.
115 Anastasia Boulevard, www.sarbezstaugustine.com Photography by Justin Snavely www.STAUGUSTINESOCIAL.com
E OF EENEMY PPEOPLE O L
the
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A small Norwegian town has just begun to win fame and wealth through its medicinal spring waters – until the resident physician in charge discovers that the waters are poisoned.
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FEB. 22 MAR. 17 COMEDY
The women tell everyone they’re going to a cabin for book club. However, after the third case of wine comes through the door, it becomes clear there will be more stewing than reviewing. As bottles tip up, secrets spill out and men sneak in.
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limelight-theatre.org • 904.825.1164
EATS
TALE OF TWO
KICKIN' CANDIES PLAIN CHOCOLATE IS A THING OF THE PAST. HEAT UP YOUR TREATS WITH THE HELP OF JUST THE RIGHT AMOUNT OF SPICE. Photography by Brian Miller
Mayan Spicy Datil Pepper Truffle
CLAUDE'S CHOCOLATE
Chocolates may be the standard gift this time of year, but that doesn’t mean that you have to settle for what you find on the shelves at the local grocery store. Oh no. St. Augustine is quite lucky to be home to Claude’s Chocolates, and Claude’s Chocolates offers plenty of selections that are anything but standard. And if you want to go a bit off script with your box of chocolates, we suggest turning to a fiery little confection called the Mayan Spicy. To begin with, this is the kind of chocolate that will catch your eye – its vivid copper pattern shimmers under the light. Inside, the creamy, rich ganache is infused with ancho and chipotle chili powders that give off heat as soon as you take a bite.
Anyone from around here will tell you that St. Augustine has a serious love affair with the datil pepper. This bright and flavorful pepper adds a new level of deliciousness to everything it touches, and – as it turns out – chocolate is no exception. We learned this little fact courtesy of the chocolatiers over at Whetstone Chocolates. The subtle but lovely pattern on top of the Datil Pepper Truffle is a good indication of its approach to flavor. When you first take a bite (or pop the whole thing in your mouth – no judgment), you’ll only taste the sumptuous chocolate. After a moment though, the heat will hit you, and it will be oh so good. Understated at first, the pepper-infused chocolate is smooth.
Intense spice is mellowed by the luscious chocolate, and you’re left with a serious craving to have another one. Or two. Or three.
Whetstone chocolate and the datil pepper are a match made in heaven. If you need to take your confections up a notch, this is for you.
6 Granada Street (904) 808-8395
STOP BY
FRESH MARKET 130
WHETSTONE CHOCOLATES
139 King Street (904) 217-0275
Here's the scenario – you're planning dinner tonight, but you're tired of all the typical things in your recipe repertoire. You want something new but still delicious. Our suggestion? Your first stop should be Fresh Market on the Island. Purveyor of gourmet foods, this South African food market offers grass-fed beef, organic chicken and eggs, fresh seafood, gourmet cheeses, and specialty wines. And if you aren't feeling like cooking yourself, try their fresh soups and chowders or their prepared take-out meals. Ta-da! Suddenly, your dinner is no longer ordinary. www.freshmarketisland.com www.STAUGUSTINESOCIAL.com
Helping entrepreneurs achieve success for over 20 years
Benjamin Platt, CPA & Charlene Hadjis, CPA
visit www.tembocpas.com
OFFERING LUNCH & DINNER DAILY. FULL BAR W/ CRAFT COCKTAILS. OUTDOOR SEATING & CASUAL VIBES. CLOSED TUESDAYS!
72 SPANISH STREET, ST. AUGUSTINE, FL
(904) 829-0655 THEFLORIDIANSTAUG.COM
EATS
CULINARY CHARACTER
NATANJA DE BEER ONE OF ST. AUGUSTINE’S FEW FEMALE CHEFS, NATANJA DE BEER BALANCES THE NUANCES OF KITCHEN CULTURE WITH AN UNDERSTANDING OF FOOD’S INFLUENCE ON HUMANITY. By Lauren Eastman| Photography by Brian Miller
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he opportunity to sit down with a woman who is constantly on her feet occurred on a rare, slow morning during Natanja de Beer’s first holiday season at Collage. Showing me around the kitchen while managing a maintenance project on the stove, she shared that upon arriving home at midnight the previous evening, she noticed that her new puppy had reorganized her bedroom closet on the living room floor. As she told the tale with a quiet smile, it was just another day in the life of Natanja, who seems to effortlessly take things in stride. This is one of the many attributes that has enabled her to rise in very specific back-of-the-house kitchen culture with nearly no culinary expertise, but always with an appreciation for and understanding of food and of people. With a career spanning between Charleston and North Florida, Natanja was surprised to be known as one of the few women chefs in the St Augustine area. “It just doesn’t feel representative to what is happening in our industry. We promote equalities, people of different backgrounds, immigrants, those with a rough past. We join together to create something bigger than all of us.” And that seems to also be the case for a woman, who while in college, burned eggs and set pasta on fire. “Culinary wasn’t on my radar at all,” Natanja laughs. “I was studying psychology and banking. When the recession happened in 2006, I realized that perhaps
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Natanja's line cooks serve as a constant pipeline of inspiration. “I can now foresee things happening. There is a wirey, tense, seriousness when the focus is on. If you are going down, we are all going down. We take care of each other.”
I should try something different. I moved to Charleston to learn to cook.”
Immediately following college, she’d become the first female line cook at Hanks Seafood, and Chef Frank McMann took her under his wing in his scratch kitchen to teach her the fundamentals of cooking. He encouraged her to attend culinary school. Later, she teamed up with Sean Brock to work banquets at McCrady’s. The move led to her becoming part of the opening team for Husk in 2010 – what she calls a “once in a lifetime experience.” “I feel privileged to be surrounded by passionate cooks who taught me properly,” she says. “At the same time, it was tough to integrate with the back of the house at first. It is truly a whole different world – open, honest and raw. But being in the kitchen, in many ways, gave me my voice.” The Lodge at Little St. Simons Island helped her understand farm-to-table cooking. A former classmate serving as Executive Chef www.STAUGUSTINESOCIAL.com
recruited her to the eco-island where she lived for three years, catering to guests and naturalists experiencing the annual migrations of 3,500 varieties of birds. She learned how to utilize the sustainable, organic gardens and work with local ranchers. “In some ways, the full circle approach to food can get lost in the confines of a restaurant, but living the mantra of a sustainable island is something else entirely,” she says. “Watching flora and fauna interact provides such a complete understanding of life cycle, it is difficult to pull it apart without thinking of everything affected by each simple action.” Growing up with meals homecooked by her French mother and Dutch father, she never realized it as privilege. On Sundays, the family brought out the silver and enjoyed a proper meal. Now with both of her parents retired nearby, the family cooks together on her days off. Natanja has truly delved into cooking – understanding products from a seasonal, local and sustainable standpoint and appreciating the history and culture surrounding food. “Food is life, and cooking pays homage to that. Sitting down with loved ones is why we are alive. Food holds religious, cultural, and historic values along with a deep history. There is a reason that bread, beer, and wine have been with us since ancient times.
“Be supportive of each other. It’s very rewarding, unless you obsess over online reviews and look for instant gratification. You’re making personal sacrifices to be here. You have to have a strong backbone as well as passion to survive.”
and the evolution of our culinary scene is exciting to watch. From Llama to Ice Plant and Blue Hen, there are so many great places eat. While we are in a tourist town, we are still a very local spot and Chef Matt Brown has been very instrumental in that growth. We continue to work on getting a dialogue going on here.”
Foods nourish us and sustain us. It is exciting to see our guests really connecting with that.” Often compared to the military, each person shows up as a team player in the kitchen; not subject to what they are, but how they treat each other. Now running her own, she works to create an environment that allows mistakes and celebrates exploring new things outside of the menu. Her line cooks serve as a constant pipeline of inspiration. “I can now foresee things happening. There is a wirey, tense, seriousness when the focus is on. If you are going down, we
are all going down. We take care of each other.” Watching guests comment on her choices feels like a matter of connection. She also highlights the importance of servers and their interaction with guests on food and wine, while educating them about what is in season. “St. Augustine holds a special story with its Minorcan heritage, www.STAUGUSTINESOCIAL.com
For those planning to enter into the industry either cooking or serving, she says, “Be supportive of each other. It’s very rewarding, unless you obsess over online reviews and look for instant gratification. The hours are intense: 14-16 hours a day on your feet in a kitchen that can be 140 degrees. You’re making personal sacrifices to be here. You have to have a strong backbone as well as passion to survive.” 60 Hypolita Street www.collagestaug.com
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TASTE TEST
LA COCINA MEXICAN VISUALLY COMPELLING AND GASTRONOMICALLY CAPTIVATING, THIS VIBRANT MEXICAN RESTAURANT IS BRINGING THE FLAVOR IN A BIG WAY. By Molly Wilson | Photography by Brian Miller
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ith walls splashed with distinctive murals, technicolor hues, and an authentically flavorful menu, a meal at La Cocina Mexican Restaurant is always an occasion. The bright purple of the building catches your eye as you drive down US 1, and the facade seems to speak of what’s awaiting you inside – something vibrant and singular that always leave you wanting more. Walking through the doors just before they opened for lunch, we were greeted by the restaurant’s Executive Chef Norberto Jaramillo. Norberto’s passion and enthusiasm for his culinary art is infectious, and we eagerly awaited the dishes he had in store for us. And he and owner Andres Soto had certainly cooked up something special. First to our table was the Stuffed Avocado. This light and fresh appetizer is the perfect shareable to get your meal started in a unique way. Lump crab with a chipotle aioli is sandwiched in between the avocado and garnished with slices of cucumbers and tomatoes. It’s all drizzled with a cilantro vinaigrette and garnished with sauteed shrimp.
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Our next sampled appetizer was not quite so light, and lactose intolerant readers should beware – the Queso Fundido is almost straight cheese (trust us, no complaining here). The beautifully-melted cheese is baked with chorizo, onions, and peppers that give it a little bite and a lot of savory flavor. The dish is served with warm corn tortillas that make a tasty vehicle for all that cheese. It may be an appetizer, but there’s no judgment if you keep it for yourself. If the last appetizer was just straight-up cheese, the Molcajete is nearly straight-up meat. It’s a feat of Chef Norberto’s culinary talent that he can take such simple and straightforward ingredients without a lot of fanfare and make them taste incredible. The Molcajete is grilled steak chorizo, chicken, and pork carnitas all presented together in a very heavy stone bowl and served with a bed of rice and grilled jalapenos. All the unique flavors of the meat start to intermingle, and you’re left with a dish that will convert you to carnivorism. If you’re able to tear your eyes away from the amazing appetizers, you certainly won’t be disappointed by the entrees. We were treated www.STAUGUSTINESOCIAL.com
to the Veracruz-style Red Snapper – a seared snapper fillet sauteed in a tomato, olive, and bell pepper reduction and served on a bed of rice with a side of seasonal vegetables. It’s flavorful and rich, with a little acidity from the tomatoes and a slight punch courtesy of the olives. We rounded out our La Cocina experience with a Mexican classic – Enchiladas. And if you’re thinking, “Oh, well, I’ve had enchiladas before. Not that exciting.” Think again. They may be authentic and traditional enchiladas, but like everything that Norberto does, the flavor is unbelievable and you’ll savor every bite. With your choice of protein, the Enchiladas start with corn tortillas and are topped with mole sauce, queso fresco, and chopped lettuce. Surrounded by electrifying colors and dining on mouth-watering food, your experience at La Cocina Mexican Restaurant (both visual and gastronomic) will be one for the books. 3290 US 1 South www.lacocinamexican.info
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RESTAURATEUR
NED POLLACK
FOR THE MAN BEHIND SOME OF THE CITY'S FAVORITE RESTAURANTS, IT ISN'T JUST ALL ABOUT THE FOOD – IT'S ABOUT SO MUCH MORE. By Susan Johnson | Photography by Kate Gardiner
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t all started back in 1979 when a car driven by a Jewish guy from Ohio, carrying an Italian girl from Connecticut, ran a stop sign and hit a car full of nuns on Marine Street. That little mishap resulted in an unplanned layover in the nation's oldest city for Ned Pollack and his then bride, Joy D'Elia. "We thought we would be here for a few days, just until the car was fixed,” says Ned. "That was 40 years ago." Just one year after the nun run-in, Ned opened a breakfast place downtown. Things started off slow, but, before long, the Malaga Street
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Depot was packed. What was the attraction? Variety. That old spice of life, and not just from the kitchen. According to Ned, "The Depot was easy to get to and the food was good and different. You have to have food that everyone can eat: some vegan, some vegetarian, some mainstream stuff. But a big part of it too was that everyone came in there. All kinds of people from all walks of life. That's what makes life interesting, you know?" From comfort food to hippie food to urban food, there was a little something for everyone. Ned sold the Depot in '82 and, on December 27, 1983, opened the doors to one of St. www.STAUGUSTINESOCIAL.com
Augustine's most iconic eateries: Gypsy Cab Company. Named after renegade taxicab drivers in NYC, the building boasted purple neon lights, wild colors, local art, and long lines of people waiting to get in. Ned described the food as "urban cuisine,” saying it was a little bit of a lot of influences – just like his clientele. Loyal diners from the Depot followed him over and, once again, everyone came by to eat. “You always hope you can make a living doing what you love, but, for me, mostly I just wanted to cook. My only agenda then – or ever – was that people enjoy the food." This goal required having respect for individual palates. "If someone wants something different or a
"But you wanna know what the biggest thing is for me? I feel so lucky to have enjoyed my career in this community. It's the guests and the people I’ve worked with and the people I did business with. All those people."
dish that's not on the menu, why not? I'll make it. I love to cook. And maybe they know something I don’t." The Gypsy was honored with every award and recognition imaginable, and Ned’s reputation in the kitchen continued to grow, along with urban tales about his antics. Ned laughs when asked about the now-infamous chair incident. "Vivian – nice lady – came to do an inspection and said I had too many seats in the dining room." So he made some quick calculations, tossed a few chairs out the front door and asked for a recount. It worked. And what about the untimely demise of the toaster and those pots and pans? He's not quite sure he should put that one in writing. But Ned is also legendary for other qualities, like his kindness and generosity. He makes no distinctions and treats everyone exactly the same. If you wandered in hoping for a cup of coffee and a bowl of soup, then you'd get a handshake, a place at the counter, and a hot meal – just like the person next to you. If you needed a donation for your fundraiser, then you'd get it – no questions asked, and he would probably feed you while you waited. Homemade soup, compliments of Ned, delivered to your door to help you celebrate a birth, recover from an illness, or mourn a loss. All the ‘everyones'
who ever came in to any of his restaurants have their own stories of generosity to tell. Was that really Ned you saw when Hurricane Floyd hit, standing next to a catering van at the rest stops on I-95 and handing out free plates of food to stranded travelers? It was. Or maybe you were downtown when pans of pasta were being unloaded to help feed those who otherwise wouldn't have had a meal. In 2003, the unthinkable happened. Ned sold the original Gypsy and opened a new Gypsy in Hendersonville, NC. But, after years of backand-forth, the pull of home won out and Ned's Southside Kitchen was born. It was the perfect combination of the Depot and Gypsy: a local hangout with great food; a street-smart, diner attitude; and a drive-through window. Ned credits his team and his loyal St. Augustine ‘family’ for the constant stream of diners, saying he had “the best staff in the business and the best customers on the planet.” www.STAUGUSTINESOCIAL.com
While that fast pace is wonderful for a business, it’s not so wonderful when you’re almost 70 and have family and friends you want to see more of and places you still want to go. “I don’t know if people were all that surprised to hear about the sale,” says Ned of the recent change of ownership of Ned's. “But you wanna know what the biggest thing is for me? I feel so lucky to have enjoyed my career in this community. It's the guests and the people I’ve worked with and the people I did business with. All those people. Every one. Those relationships are what success is all about. Will I miss it? Sure.” There's a pause, and then he simply says, “But, I’m a little tired. It’s time." www.nedssouthside.com
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EATS THE DISH Strawberry Cheesecake Super Shake
ROUNDUP
Delightfully Decadent
With chocolate-covered strawberries, boxes of chocolates, and champagne on our minds, this seems like the season to indulge in one of these luxurious local desserts. Midnight Espresso
Creme de la Cocoa
SWEET SPOT
SUPER SHAKE
IT'S ALL THE ELEMENTS OF AN AMAZING MILKSHAKE – TAKEN TO THE EXTREME WITH SOME SERIOUS FLAVOR AND SOME EYE-CATCHING ACCOUTREMENTS. By Molly Wilson | Photography by Brian Miller
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ake a walk down St. George Street. We know that isn’t always typical for locals, and often you’d rather explore the hidden gems situated off these well-worn paths, but this particular walk is definitely worth winding your way through the throngs of tourists. This particular walk is going to take you to an out-of-this-world dessert shop called The Sweet Spot (a perfect subject for the column of the same name, we thought). Back in 2017, in the sweltering heat of a Florida summer, Don Pinaud opened the doors of the creamery and confectionary to serve ice cream and a whole lot more. Don’s son and daughter-in-law, Matt and Raven, have been running the delicious show ever since. And though there might still be an occasional nip in the spring air, it was a whole lot more than ice cream we were looking for when we tracked down The Strawberry Cheesecake Super Shake. That’s right – no ordinary milkshake and certainly not for the faint of heart. This “super shake” lives up to its name and then some. The super shake starts with a strawberry cheesecake ice cream, and that’s key to the flavor. The shake
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isn’t just mixing together flavors; the ice cream itself is already imbued with the strawberry cheesecake goodness. After the ice cream is blended to the perfect thick-but-not-too-thick (you know what we’re talking about) consistency, the real fun begins. The moniker “super shake” comes not from the great flavor but from all the regalia that’s added in afterward. The shake is poured into a glass of a generous size whose rim has been rolled in sugar. It’s then garnished with a healthy dollop of whipped cream, a marshmallow or two, fresh strawberries (you gotta add something healthy in there, right?), a strawberry wafer cookie, and a mini cupcake for good measure. Don’t blame us if you get a serious sugar rush. If strawberry cheesecake isn’t your thing, you’ll still have plenty of super shakes to choose from. Chocolate lovers, coffee addicts, and cookie monsters are all in good hands. So if you’ve steeled yourself for a super dessert, take a stroll down St. George and prepare yourself for a milkshake that’s an experience like no other. 32 St. George Street www.facebook.com/sweetspot.staug www.STAUGUSTINESOCIAL.com
Even just the name of this one sounds a little romantic – dark chocolate mousse, milk chocolate espresso-infused mousse, a hint of Bailey’s Irish Cream, filled with crisp chocolate pearls all on a crunchy crust.
Brazo Gitano
Michael's Tasting Room
If you're a fan of the simple sweetness of strawberries and cream, we've found your dessert – rolled sponge cake with strawberries and cream filling, buttercream icing, and picture-perfect presentation.
Andean Chocolate Mousse
Llama Restaurant
Unforgettable presentation and inspired by a beautiful Peruvian memory, this dessert will make any night a night to remember – Quillabamba cocoa, spices, Lucuma, and eucalyptus.
Chocolate Symphony
Preserved
There's a reason it's called "Chocolate Symphony." It's because a symphony will be playing in your head with every bite – petite chocolate eclair, chocolate salted caramel macaron, white chocolate ice cream, peanut crunch, and custard.
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FLAVOR
SPICE OF LIFE WITH A PASSION FOR CREATING EXPERIENCES AND BRINGING PEOPLE TOGETHER THROUGH FOOD, THE CREATOR OF FLORIDA GREEK GUY SEASONINGS HAS FOUND THE SPICE OF LIFE.
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By Monika Bernthal | Photography by Tammy Harrow
t. Augustine is rich with diverse culture stemming heavily from the Mediterranean. While much of local history revolves around the Minorcans, the Greeks actually arrived on the shores of the First Coast at the same time. Fast forward to 2001, when Bill Lulias, a second generation American of Greek heritage, found himself relocated to the area for work. He has cultivated his own Greek roots in our ancient city, and has married his family’s legacy with St. Augustine history through Florida Greek Guy Seasonings.
Bill began creating his own seasoning blends while working in his father’s restaurant. His father used a blend that contained MSG and fillers, and Bill thought, “We can do better than that.” So the All Purpose Blend was born. The seasonings were used with great success in the family restaurants, as well as Bill’s own. Originally, he developed his blends with a Greek flair, but Bill quickly realized that his seasonings enhanced traditional dishes. So he began creating blends that have a wide reach to complement all types of protein and vegetables.
Bill Lulias, the Florida Greek Guy, has been committed to creating unique flavors through his seasoning blends for 30 years. Growing up in a Greek family, he says you did one thing. “You worked at your father’s restaurant, your grandfather’s restaurant, or helped out with your uncle’s restaurant,” he explains. “As a child, I spent many days watching my Yiayia cooking in the kitchen, making phyllo dough from scratch, picking wild greens from the garden, and making spanakopita. Every day of my childhood was a Greek cuisine adventure.”
Florida Greek Guy Seasonings is about much more than creating flavorful and unique seasonings – it’s about creating an experience and bringing people together. “My hope,” says Bill, “is that more people will start to eat at home as families again, cook together, and explore different flavors.” Bill is also a firm believer that “medicine is not healthcare. Food is healthcare. Medicine is sick care.” He said it’s time we see it for what it is. www.floridagreekguy.com
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IN-STA-EATS THERE'S NO SHORTAGE OF PLACES TO DINE IN ST. AUGUSTINE, BUT WE'RE ALWAYS ON THE HUNT FOR THE NEXT BEST THING. BREAKFAST, LUNCH, DINNER, DRINKS, OR DESSERT – WE LOVE THEM ALL. SNAP A SHOT OF YOUR NEW FAVORITE DISH AND TAG US FOR A CHANCE TO APPEAR IN THE NEXT ISSUE.
FUNKADELIC FOOD TRUCK - @thevillagegardenftp Funkadelic is serving up some magic this evening!
THE KOOKABURRA @latitude29paddleboard Well done @kookaburra of going green! Oh so delish coffee with talented latte art...
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Maple Street Biscuit Company - @theancientcityusa Catch me rolling through town after chowing down on these classics!
tell us Hashtag #staugsocialdtoloving what you're eating an . in St. Augustine
JUNIPER MARKET - @cerri.1 (not so) secret spot. #analogvibes #coffeeshop
COWFORD CHOPHOUSE @kingofmykitchen Cowford Chophouse has moved to my #1 spot for Prime Steakhouses!
O.C. WHITE'S - @kasperthemalt Just a little bit closer! Where do I start? Lunch at @ocwhites #superdupersnoopsquad
COLLAGE RESTAURANT @molly.elisa It seems like there's always something new (and beautiful) happening in this kitchen!
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MAYDAY ICE CREAM @eeisforemily (homemade sprinkles are the bomb, y'all)
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