THE CITY MAGAZINE of SAINT AUGUSTINE FEBRUARY MARCH 2020
PLUS:
Meet her on page 74
FESTIVAL SEASON WOMEN IN BUSINESS LAKESIDE LIVING
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Display until March 30, 2020
With hearts racing and wind in their hair, five local women share their stories of adventure out on the racetrack, under the hood, and up in the sky.
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HELLO
Love it or hate it, we want to know it. Send your thoughts on this issue or on anything in St. Augustine to our editor at molly@occasionsmediagroup.com.
MAKING AN IMPACT
M
The feature story for our February/March issue, “Race to the Top,” is the perfect example. I met Lynn Kehoe more than a year ago when we were introduced at a local restaurant by a mutual friend and got to talking. Lynn’s story and work with Shift Up Now fascinated me. She was so passionate about what she was doing and had been so successful that I knew we needed to get her story down on paper. So her name sat on my ideas list for issue after issue. We could have fit her story in most anywhere, just found any old spot for it and assigned her to a writer. But I knew that didn’t feel right, that – for her story – we needed something more.
It isn't quite a weekend in Paris, but with coffee and pastry in hand, Le Petit Paris is the next best thing. (page 110).
One year and four months later, we found it. Along with Patty Wagstaff, Dr. Kalpana Sundar, Letti Bozard, and Fallon Taylor, Lynn Kehoe could help us tell a larger story of life in the fast lane for local women. All of these women’s stories could stand on their own, but together they have a greater impact and a distinct and unmistakable significance. Each of the other stories in this issue have been hand-picked to carry just as much weight. Steve Anderson, an artist whose beautiful view of the world has not diminished as he loses his vision; Deborah Warrick, who acts as educator and advocate for the animal kingdom; Cathlene Miner, founder of a nonprofit that offers hope to victims of domestic violence. We do our best to always be precise and deliberate with how and when we tell each person’s story. None are afterthoughts or filler. Every story has meaning and purpose, and each life has something valuable to impart to every reader. It's our job to give those stories and those lives a voice.
-Molly Wilson
molly@occasionsmediagroup.com
FAVORITE QUOTE EACH THREAD WEAVES TOGETHER AROUND RACETRACKS, THROUGH CLOUDLESS SKIES, AND IN MEMORIES OF RESTORED VINTAGE VEHICLES, BINDING EACH OF THESE WOMEN TO HER CHOSEN PATH AND OPENING DOORS FOR OTHERS TO FOLLOW. AND BEYOND THOSE DOORS MIGHT BE YOUR GREATEST ADVENTURE YET. PAGE 80
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Photo by Marla Porter
ost of the stories in this magazine don’t happen overnight. Certainly, many of the seasonal or particularly timely articles will find a place in an issue almost right away, but there are a lot of ideas that need some time to marinate. It isn’t that we aren’t interested. It’s merely that we often have to consider how best to tell a story. We want to do it justice, tell it in a way and at a time that will make it most poignant and impactful.
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WOMEN 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.
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LIVING
STYLE
LOCALS
EATS
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
The spring sunshine is starting to show face, and St. Augustine is celebrating – with festivals, concerts, galas, and more.
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LONG STORY SHORT
Fostering Connections St. Johns is supporting young adults in foster care through the Career Readiness Academy.
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hobbyist
After an injury forced Daryl Drown to search for a new sport, he found an unusual way to hit the water – foilboarding.
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lip service
When you're giving your skin some TLC after the winter weather, don't forget to show your lips some soothing support.
MAKER
As his vision fails and he adjusts to blindness, artist Steve Anderson showcases his vibrant view of the Ancient City.
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EDUCATOR
If you've never taken "lions and tigers and bears, oh my!" literally, then you've never met Deborah Warrick of the Wild Reserve.
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Taste Test
Sporting a menu full of toasted subs and munchies of all kinds, Cheba Hut is the newest kid on the Boulevard block.
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WORTH THE DRIVE
Transport yourself to the City of Light with the simple but sublime culinary creations of the chef behind Le Petit Paris.
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THERE'S MORE TO THIS MAGAZINE THAN WHAT'S IN YOUR HAND
STAUGUSTINESOCIAL.COM YOUR GUIDE TO ST. AUGUSTINE FASHION WEEK
Photo by Tejas Badgujar
Everything you need to know about the most stylish event in St. Augustine: the designers, the parties, and the runway-ready looks.
RECENT PRESS RELEASES >> LIBRARY DONATIONS
Through the St. Johns County Public Library's Food for Fines program, patrons donated almost 9,000 items to the County’s Health and Human Services Food Pantry. Many items were even donated by those without fines.
LANGUAGE LESSONS
ST. AUGUSTINE'S CAN'TMISS SPRING FESTIVALS
Get ready to walk the runway!
There's no doubt about it – spring is festival season in St. Augustine. So head out in the sunshine for the best of music, food, and culture.
February forum
More Online Now >>
Talks & tours in February & march Hosted by our local state and county parks, these talks and tours will get you in touch with nature.
Date night bucket list We're all still setting goals for ourselves in the first months of 2020. Why not make one of your resolutions to have some exciting local date nights?
spring break activities to get you outside Don't let the little ones spend their spring break in front of the television – instead, get out and explore while the weather is still beautiful!
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The River House will be hosting six-week courses in American Sign Language, French, and Spanish starting in February and March. The classes are $40 for River House members and $45 for non-members.
HOW TO CELEBRATE VALENTINE'S DAY IN ST. AUGUSTINE You can't go wrong with a romantic dinner at one of the city's best spots, but if you're also on the lookout for something a little more unique, you can't go wrong with these local activities and events. www.STAUGUSTINESOCIAL.com
Washington Redskins Hall of Famer, Darrell Green, will share his story and reflections of life at three different events during the first week of February for the Make a Difference in the World Forum. The event is free but tickets can be found online at the Totus Tuus Consulting website.
C O M E
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O C E A N S I D E
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LIFE
5k your way
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or St. Augustine at least, the beautiful weather starts pretty early, so it's no surprise that race season has already begun! With the cool spring breeze and the brilliant (but not yet overbearing) sunshine, it's the perfect time to strap on your running shoes and participate in a local 5K. For the seasoned runner, they're refreshing and exhilerating. For those new to the race scene, they're the perfect way to build up your skills and stamina without feeling too overwhelmed at the distance. These spring races will also take you through some of the county's most beautiful landscapes – from the bayfront views of a downtown course to the wooded trails of a local neighborhood. So sign up for a race, get your heart rate up, and set your sights on the finish line!
CONQUER THE TRAILS 5K TRAILMARK COMMUNITY CENTER February 1, 8am Enjoy a morning run throughout the wooded trails of TrailMark at this year’s third annual Conquer the Trails 5K. Day of race registration is $35. www.conquerthetrails.org
K9S UNITED 9K, 5K, 1-MILE RUN ST. JOHNS COUNTY PIER February 8, 8am The 6th Annual K9s United race is back again for another year! This event raises funds for K9s United, a not-forprofit organization that honors Officer Baron, a member of the St. Johns County Sheriff Department. Race fees begin at $43. www.k9sunited.org/events
YMCA MARDI GRAS 5K ANASTASIA STATE PARK February 16, 8:30am This year’s Mardi Gras 5K invites attendees to take a run throughout the beautiful course of Anastasia State
Inside:
Park. Day of race admission is $35. www.racesmith.com/races/MardiGras5K
LIGHTHOUSE 5K & FUN RUN ST. AUGUSTINE LIGHTHOUSE February 29, 4:30pm In support of the St. Augustine Lighthouse’s mission, the Lighthouse 5k is a chipped race that serves as a qualifier for the famed Gate River Run. After the race, you can make a stop at the Lighthouse grounds for the annual Night Fest. www.jslofstaugustine.org
VILANO BRIDGE 5K AND 10K NSIA COMMUNITY CENTER March 21, 7:30am This gorgeous course will take participants through the winding streets that make up the Vilano Beach neighborhoods as well as across the Vilano Bridge. All proceeds from this event will benefit the Florida School for the Deaf and Blind. www.1stplacesports.com/races/ vilanobridgerun
Calendar of Events // Trending // Long Story Short // Business Advisors
LIFE
SOCIALIZE
FEBRUARY & MARCH YOUNG MAN FROM ATLANTA LIMELIGHT THEATRE Through February 9 Danger waits just underneath the surface in Horton Foote’s powerful, Pulitzer Prize-winning drama of an aging couple still reeling from the death of their only child. The Kidders' lives are turned upside down once again when a figure from their son’s past shows up in town. They deny, deflect, and deceive in an effort to avoid the danger but can’t dodge the inevitable reckoning. How far will these grieving parents go to avoid the truths this young man from Atlanta might reveal? Performances are at 7:30pm on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, and at 2pm on Sundays. www.limelight-theatre.org
SHRINK RAP ST. AUGUSTINE BEACH ART STUDIO & GALLERY January 31-February 9 Has the country gone crazy, or is it just me? If you can relate to that question, then “Shrink Rap” might be just what the doctor ordered! St. Augustine playwright Amy Lauer Goldin’s new play is an original social satire that holds up a fun-house mirror to society and manages to skewer politics, the media, corporate America and a few everyday
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HOPEFULL HANDBAGS WOMEN'S EXPO THE PARLOR ROOM March 5, 12pm-3pm
people just trying to navigate the minefield that we now call daily life. “Shrink Rap” runs January 31st through February 2nd, and February 7th through February 9th. All Friday and Saturday shows start at 7:30pm, with Sunday matinees starting at 2:30pm. Tickets are $20. www.beachartstudio.org
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The HH Women’s Expo is the premier event that brings together the most inspiring and powerful women in the community. And by powerful, we mean women that inspire and motivate others to be the best versions of themselves. Women that remind us that we are limitless. Hopefull Handbags loves to inspire and believes in collaboration over competition. That is why the HH Women’s Expo provides an inspiring setting for women to engage with their community, local businesses and nonprofits. Hopefull Handbags Spreads Hope, One Handbag at a Time. So shop, eat, drink coffee, and be inspired. www.hopefullhandbags.org
TIPS FOR KIDS’ SAKE PARTICIPATING RESTAURANTS February 4, 5-8pm Good will and good food are back at this year’s Tips for Kids' Sake event. Visit one of the participating restaurants and have a “celebrity waiter” wait on you and your donated tip will work to raise money for the Big Brothers Big Sisters of St. Johns County (BBBS). Enjoy dinner for a good cause at this communitywide event. Reservations for this event are highly encouraged, cost of admission is meal plus tip donation. www.bbbsstjohns.org
ST. JOHNS COUNTY MENTOR FAIR FULLERWOOD CENTER AUDITORIUM February 5, 8:30-11:30am Interested in passing on your
wisdom and knowledge to the next generation? Now's your chance! The St. Johns County School District (SJCSD), RSVP of St. Johns County and other local mentor groups will be hosting a mentor fair. Representatives will be on hand to provide information about mentoring students in the SJCSD. Mentor training will also be provided to interested individuals and a continental breakfast will be available. www.rsvpstjohns.com
FLIGHT TO FREEDOM FORT MOSE STATE PARK February 6-8, 9am-3pm Presented by Fort Mose Historic State Park, The Fort Mose Historical Society, Florida Living History and The Florida Humanities Council, Flight to Freedom recreates the experience of slaves who traveled the
www.STAUGUSTINESOCIAL.com
Underground Railroad. This event invites participants to come and learn about Spanish, African and Native American culture throughout historical demonstrations and guided walking tours along the Fort’s Freedom Trail. This event is free and open to the public. www.fortmosehistorical.com
JIMMY JAM BBQ SLAM & CAR SHOW ST. JOHNS COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS February 7-8 Honoring James Wray, a beloved local personality who loved cars, BBQ , and helping others, this two day event will feature a Kids Cookoff & SCA Steak Cookoff, a BBQ Competition, Car Show, and Cornhole Competition. You’ll also find plenty of delicious food and fantastic music as well as a raffle, vendors, and a kids zone. The event will
be open on Friday from 5-10pm and Saturday from 10am-5pm. Entrance to the event is free, so come out and support the legacy of a man who loved giving to his community. www.sjcfl.us/Fairgrounds/index
HISTORICAL SAUNTERS COLONIAL QUARTER February 7 and 14, 6pm In conjunction with The Festival de San Agustin, this historic reenactment celebrates the 501st birthday of city founder, Don Pedro Menendez. This historical saunter will take place on St. George Street and will include reenactors dressed in costume as well as a timeline featuring various significant events that took place throughout the Ancient City. Don’t miss out on this familyfriendly celebration. Admission is free and open to the public. www.colonialquarter.com
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JAM N’ PEPPER FESTIVAL FRANCIS FIELD February 8, 10am-4pm Come experience this spicy new addition to the spring season of festivals in St. Augustine hosted by the oldest Hot Sauce Shop in town, Hot Stuff. This festival invites you to come and try delicious flavors alongside local vendors, artisan food, and craft beer. There will be live entertainment to enjoy as well as a kid’s tent, live music, and much more. Admission to this event is $5 for adults and $4 for kids. www.jamnpepperfestival.com
BAHAMIAN FAMILY FUNDRAISER THE WHITE ROOM February 8, 6-9pm Held in an effort to raise money to benefit four Bahamian families who lost their homes to Hurricane Dorian, this event will include a silent auction and live music as well as traditional Bahamian cuisine and delicious drinks. Tickets are $20 and will include one drink and one meal. Attire is casual, island dress. Come on out and help raise money for a great
cause and deserving families. www.bahamianfamilyfund.com
NOCHE DE FESTIVAL THE FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH February 8, 6:30-11pm Come on out and celebrate the birthday of St. Augustine’s founder, Pedro Menendez. Guests are invited to come and experience the traditional taste and flavor of St. Augustine accompanied by live music, dancing and plenty of refreshments. Come by and enjoy flavorful tapas, delicious sangria, and the traditional meal of paella. Get ready for a serious party while you celebrate the birthday of our city’s founder. Admission to this event begins at $60. www.fountainofyouthflorida.com
RUSSIAN STATE SYMPHONY LEWIS AUDITORIUM February 8, 7:30pm EMMA Concerts Association is partnering with the Russian State Symphony for a live concert performance. The Russian State Symphony Orchestra is known to have been ranked as one of the finest Russian symphony orchestras of the 21st century. Known for their inherent discipline and beautiful balance, this is one live music event that will be sure to keep you on your toes. Tickets to this event are $40. www.emmaconcerts.com
10TH ANNUAL HOT N’ SPICY FESTIVAL
School of the 16th Century is an educational and entertaining way to learn about the history of our city. This annual event will include historical reenactors that will recreate life as it was 450 years ago. Guests will be entertained as they browse various historical pieces such as jewelry, textiles, blacksmithing, and even live sword fighting. This event is free and open to the public. www.hfm.club
LINCOLNVILLE PORCH FEST HISTORIC LINCOLNVILLE February 15, 12-10pm The Lincolnville Porch Fest is back for another year. Gather around outside of historic Lincolnville and enjoy live music from over 40 local bands. Bands will be playing at various locations throughout Lincolnville neighborhood, so participants are encouraged to obtain a walking map and schedule of performances taking place in order to guide themselves throughout the festival. Come by and enjoy good music alongside good company as you take in the beauty and culture of Lincolnville. This event is free and open to the public. See you on the porch! www.lincolnvilleporchfest.org
QUEEN OF HEARTS GALA FUNDRAISER EMBASSY SUITES ST. AUGUSTINE BEACH February 15, 7-10pm
This year’s Hot N’ Spicy Festival welcomes participants to come and enjoy live music, activities, and of course a variety of our cities' spiciest cuisine. This event will feature the spiciest dishes from local restaurants throughout town and you’ll be able to cool off with a refreshing craft beer afterwards. There will also be a kid’s zone with plenty of fun for the whole family to enjoy. Admission to this event is $5. www.floridaagmuseum.org
Get ready to revel in dinner, drinks, and music at this wonderful fundraiser for local community school, Island Prep. Dress code is cocktail attire (with bonus points if you wear black, white, or red to this ball!). There will be a cash bar, and all proceeds from the Gala will be used for growing this wonderful community school expansion to serve an ever increasing need for educational options from the families of St. Augustine. Tickets to the gala are $75, and there are a number of sponsorship opportunities. www.islandprep.com
SCHOOL OF THE 16TH CENTURY
WILLIE NELSON AND FAMILY
FLORIDA AGRICULTURAL MUSEUM February 9, 11am-4pm
COLONIAL QUARTER February 15, 10am-4pm In conjunction with St. Augustine’s Festival de San Augustin, the
THE AMP February 15, 7:30pm Award-winning musical artist, Willie Nelson will be performing
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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 Amphitheatre on A1A South in St. Augustine. 8:30am to 12:30pm on Saturdays, Admission is Free.
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LIFE live at The Amp and this is your chance to see the star in action. On tour to promote his most recent album, Ride Me Back Home, enjoy an evening of music as Nelson performs his songs reflecting on life, love and everything in between. This is sure to be an evening like no other, so don’t miss out. Tickets to this event begin at $54. www.staugamphitheatre.com
of the relationship of these two avant-garde women that is so richly recounted in this play. The play captures the feeling, art, music, and literature of Paris when Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse, and Ernest Hemingway were among their friends and spent time in the great writer’s salon. Friday and Saturday performances are at 7:30pm. The Sunday show is at 2pm. www.aclassictheatre.org
ST. AUGUSTINE BEACH PIER ARTS & CRAFTS FESTIVAL
FASHION SPEAKS
ST. JOHNS COUNTY OCEAN PIER February 15-16 Join some of the area’s most talented vendors as they showcase their jewelry, ceramics, stained glass, handmade soaps, and photography. Find the perfect birthday gift or get a huge head start on your holiday shopping. The event is free, so bring your family and friends along for the ride! www.tnteventsinc.com/st_augustine
20 THE ROOMMATE LIMELIGHT THEATRE February 20-March 8 Settle in for a dark-comedy about the power of life and its various transformations. This play tells the story of two women in their fifties who become roommates, and their lives will never be the same. So sit back and watch the hilarious but poignant transformation. Don’t miss out on this showstopping event and enjoy this stellar performance starring Beth Lambert and Hazel Robinson. General admission to this event begins at $27. Thursday-Saturday shows start at 7:30pm. Sunday matinees begin at 2pm. www.limelight-theatre.org
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SALON HONEY + SAGE February 22, 6-8pm As part of Season 6 of St. Augustine Fashion Week, this progressive panel discussion will examine the topic of circular fashion. Circular fashion includes the life span of a garment from its design, materials and manufacturing through its usefulness. This panel discussion will include what we can do after the owner is finished with a piece of clothing, including repair, redesign, reuse, recycling, swapping, and selling at secondhand. There will be a cocktail hour at 6pm, followed by a panel discussion at 7pm. Complimentary beverages and light snacks will be provided. Tickets are $10. www.stafashionweek.com
ANCIENT CITY CAT SHOW SOLOMON CALHOUN COMMUNITY CENTER February 22-23
GERTRUDE STEIN AND A COMPANION
The fifth annual Ancient City Cat Show will be taking place once again and will be sure to be a sight to see! With over 150 pedigreed cats and kittens to meet, you’ll be in feline heaven. This two-day long event will include a 6-ring judging process and there will be cat-themed vendors to shop as well as a raffle. There will also be a local animal rescue onsite during the entirety of the event so you can bring home your own ball of love! Admission to this event is $5. www.facebook.com/ancientcitycatclub
ST. AUGUSTINE ART ASSOCIATION February 22-23
PREMIER BRIDE EXPO
Gertrude Stein moved to Paris in 1903, and made France her home for the remainder of her life. Her companion and partner for four decades was Alice B. Toklas. This is just a taste of the fascinating story
This bridal expo is back for another year, presented by Premier Bride Magazine of Northeast Florida. This wedding expo will
RENAISSANCE RESORT February 23, 1-4pm
CELTIC MUSIC & HERITAGE FESTIVAL FRANCIS FIELD March 13-15
This weekend-long event will have you celebrating every moment! This year’s event is the 10th annual Celtic Festival for our community to come together and celebrate St. Patrick’s Day alongside the tastes and sounds of traditional Celtic heritage. The weekend will kick off on Friday evening with a Whiskey Tasting and will continue on Saturday and Sunday with live entertainment, arts and crafts, vendors, food, traditional Highland Games, and much more. Get festive this holiday at this annual event! www.celticstaugustine.com
feature countless items of all things weddings to explore. If you or someone you know is a bride-to-be then don’t miss out on this fantastic event! Come explore an endless amount of dresses, coordinators, floral designers, and much more. Day of event tickets are $12. www.premierbrideexpo.com
JOHN FOGERTY THE AMP February 23, 7pm American musician, singer and songwriter, John Fogerty is coming to St. Augustine! This popular rock artist has been inducted into both the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as well as the Songwriters Hall of Fame and is known primarily for his critically-acclaimed work, “Proud Mary”, “Bad Moon Rising” and “Fortunate Son." Fogerty is celebrating his 50th music anniversary on this tour, so don’t miss out! Tickets start at $54. www.staugamphitheatre.com
www.STAUGUSTINESOCIAL.com
LUCERO WITH GUEST JADE JACKSON THE AMP February 26, 7pm On tour to promote their ninth studio album, Among the Ghosts, this band began in Memphis and strives to provide listeners with the perfect mix of Indie meets Rock & Roll. This performance is sure to be like no other, with music that is new while also portraying lyrics that tell stories as old as time. Join the band for an evening that will get you on your feet and dancing all night long! Day of show admission is $29. www.staugamphitheatre.com
A NIGHT UNDER THE STARS ST. JOHNS COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS February 27, 6:30-8:30pm Partnered with the Ancient City Astronomy Club, this special event invites participants to come and learn all about the mysteries of the starry sky. Gather underneath the sky and learn about the various
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LIFE www.thecathedralfestival.com
HEALTH AND WELLNESS EXPO RENAISSANCE RESORT February 29, 11am-3pm Start your new-year off on the right foot by attending this year’s Health and Wellness Expo. With over 70 different sponsors and vendors to explore, you’ll learn all there is to know about health, wellness, and everything in between. Get to know everyone in the field of health, fitness and nutrition at this community-event that will have you feeling healthier in no-time. The first thirty guests will receive free swag bags, so be sure to get there early. This event is free and open to the public. www.jaxbizevents.com
LIONS SEAFOOD FESTIVAL FRANCIS FIELD March 20-22
LIGHTHOUSE NIGHT FEST
The annual Lion’s Seafood Festival is back and better than ever for its 39th year! Be sure to attend this weekendlong event for delicious food, live entertainment, music, vendors, and much more. This event is family-friendly, offering an array of local vendors and artists to browse as well as a designated kid’s zone to keep your little one’s entertained. Admission to this event is $5, kids under the age of 12 get in for free. www.lionsfestival.com constellations as you view the stars, planets, and moon from down below. There will be telescopes and binoculars available for use, so come on out and bask in the beauty of the night sky! This event is free and open to the public, but registration is required. www.co.st-johns.fl.us
28 SPANISH WINE FESTIVAL FLAGLER COLLEGE February 28-29 This year’s Spanish and Wine Festival invites locals and tourists alike to come and experience Spanish cuisine and all it has to offer. Enjoy delicious Spanishinspired meals paired with equally delicious Spanish wine, and live music. The first evening of the event will include the Cava Reception and Dinner and the
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following evening is the Grand Tasting. This year’s proceeds will go toward the Hospitality and Tourism Management Program at Flagler College. Tickets to the Grand Tasting are $95 and tickets to the Reception are $300. www.spanishwinefestival.com
34TH ANNUAL CATHEDRAL FESTIVAL MISSION NOMBRE DE DIOS February 28-March 1 Complete with carnival rides, raffles, music, food, and more, there’s no better way to start off the festival season than the longrunning Cathedral Festival. Spend the weekend jamming out with a lineup of local musicians, surveying the city from the top of the ferris wheel, and watching fireworks light up the night sky. Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for children 11-17, and free for children 10 and under. Proceeds benefit the Cathedral Parish School and the Cathedral Parish Early Education Center.
ST. AUGUSTINE LIGHTHOUSE February 29, 4-8pm At the annual Lighthouse Night Fest, the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum will be open for free. There will be plenty of children’s activities offered on the grounds, and refreshments will be available for purchase. Visitors can climb 219 steps to the top of the 165-foot historic tower for breathtaking views of downtown St. Augustine, the beaches, and the Nation’s Oldest Port. All proceeds support the nonprofit Museum. www.staugustinelighthouse.org
TIPSY TEA PARTY FANTASY FARMS, PONTE VEDRA BEACH February 29, 6-10pm This leap day, guests will be invited to come through the gates of the invitation-only venue Fantasy Farms for a whimsical cocktail party. The evening will begin with a cocktail hour and heavy hors d’oeuvres. Local restaurants and mixologists will have their best handcrafted whimsical desserts and cocktails for guests to sample and vote for their favorites. After sampling the best whimsical desserts and cocktails, guests can enjoy live entertainment, bid on silent auction items, and explore Fantasy Farms’ vast property, which includes beautiful rescue animals, classic cars, and kitschy artifacts. Proceeds benefit Fostering
www.STAUGUSTINESOCIAL.com
Connections St. Johns. www.fosteringconnectionsstjohns.org
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U.S. NAVY BAND THE AMP March 1, 3pm
The United States Navy Band is on tour and they’re making a stop in our Ancient City! The concert band will be performing a wide variety of music ranging from traditional tunes, broadway songs, blues, pop, and, of course, some patriotic songs. The Navy Band goes on tour each year to provide guests with the opportunity to enjoy a lively show that they can't see on a regular basis. This familyfriendly event is meant to entertain veterans, families, and those who may be interested in joining the U.S. Navy. This event is free and open to the public. www.staugamphitheatre.com
EMERGING DESIGNERS SHOWCASE ST. AUGUSTINE PREMIUM OUTLETS March 1, 6-9pm St. Augustine Fashion Week returns for Season 6 in March and kicks off with the Student Design Showcase presented by the St. Augustine Premium Outlets. Featuring 20+ Emerging Student Designers! Bartram Trail Fashion Academy Student Design Competition and Student Design Teams present their fabulous collections. Join in for the most fashionable events of the Season. Admission to the event is $25 and includes 2 drink tickets, passed apps, and the runway show. www.stafashionweek.com
STAFW BOUTIQUE DAY PARTICIPATING RETAILERS March 5 Introduce yourself to the world of local fashion with some delightful displays from area retailers. As part of St. Augustine Fashion Week, a number of St. Augustine boutiques will host events in their establishments to show off their beautiful attire and accessories. Each boutique will host their event at various times of the day (the full schedule can be found online). Participating retailers are Linen +
Waves, Declaration & Co., The Closet, Market Street Boutique, Rochelle’s, and Paper Root Clothing. www.stafashionweek.com
6 ST. AUGUSTINE FASHION WEEK BOZARD FORD LINCOLN March 6-7, 8-11pm Featuring Regional, National and International designers, St. Augustine Fashion Week is a week full of fashion industry events and social gatherings that entice the fashion culture enthusiast. The main runway shows will take place on March 6 and 7. The runway events will feature twelve small brand designers of Womenswear, Menswear, Jewelry, Handbags, Swimwear, Ready Wear, Artistic Fashion – as well as some delicious tapas and lavish libations. So pull on your favorite ‘fit and immerse yourself in the stunning world of fashion. www.stafashionweek.com
MINORCAN HERITAGE CELEBRATION LLAMBIAS HOUSE March 7, 11am-3pm This year’s Minorcan Heritage Celebration will mark the 243rd anniversary of the arrival of Minorcan colonists to St. Augustine. This event will celebrate the Minorcan culture through various activities, delicious traditional cuisine, live music, dancing and much more. There will be storytelling, net-making demonstrations, arts and craft, as well as various house speakers for guests to learn about Minorcan heritage. Come out and enjoy this lively event featuring tasty food, baked goods, entertainment, and much more. This event is free and open to the public. www.menorcansociety.net
74TH FLORIDA AZALEA FESTIVAL DOWNTOWN PALATKA March 7-8 The 74th Florida Azalea Festival is held the first full
weekend in March in Historic Downtown Palatka. Look forward to live entertainment, arts and crafts, food, and plenty of azaleas in bloom. After you’ve gotten your fill of wandering through the luscious blossoms, head over to the Florida Azalea Scholarship Pageant, Florida Azalea Car Show, a bowling tournament, Azalea Parade, and much more. www.flazaleafest.com
THE PLAYERS 2020 TPC SAWGRASS March 10-15 One of the most anticipated tournaments of the PGA Tour with one of the strongest fields, the PLAYERS takes place at our own world-class venue. The general public is welcome to attend each day of the championship as well as practice rounds. With the largest purse on the tour (a whopping $10 million), the stakes are high and the talent is outstanding. There are a variety of events associated with the tournament to check out – like the Military Appreciation Day and Concert with The Chainsmokers. www.theplayers.com
A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM BALLET LEWIS AUDITORIUM March 14, 7:30pm EMMA Concert Association is partnering with Dance Alive National Ballet to showcase the classic performance of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream. The performance is based off of Shakespeare’s play while also including selections from Felix Mendelssohn’s Incidental Music. Watch as the stage comes to life at this beautiful show. Tickets to this event are $40. www.emmaconcerts.com
ST. AUGUSTINE RACE WEEK ST. AUGUSTINE BAYFRONT March 14-21 This event will feature live music, food, and a variety of sailing and boat events along the St. Augustine Bayfront and near the Vilano Bridge. This event raises funds to send underprivileged children to sailing camps every summer as part of their JDM Youth Sailing Scholarship Fund, named in honor of a strong supporter of Race Week, John Meehan. All social events will be held at the St. Augustine Yacht Club. www.staugustineraceweek.com
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ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARADE FRANCIS FIELD March 14, 10am As a part of the weekend-long Celtic Festival, this year’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade will be celebrating the holiday’s 420th anniversary. Line up along the sidelines of downtown streets and watch as floats, horsedrawn carriages, marching bands, and much more fill the streets for a spectacular show. This is the only St. Patrick’s Day parade that takes place throughout Northeast Florida so you definitely don’t want to miss it! www.celticstaugustine.com
25TH ANNUAL RHYTHM & RIBS FESTIVAL FRANCIS FIELD March 27-29
Come out for an assortment of finger-licking barbecue, awardwinning culinary champions, 3 days of live music, vendors, rides, and more. Founded by the Sunrise St. Augustine Rotary, Rhythm & Ribs is in its 25th year and is still one of the Oldest City’s best festivals. It began in 1995 as a small barbecue fest, but has since expanded into an enormous and lively weekend of toe-tapping music, amazing food, and talented local vendors. For music lovers and barbecue aficionados alike, Rhythm & Ribs is a can’t miss. Friday 5pm-10pm is entry $10; Saturday 12pm-5pm entry is $5, 5pm-10pm entry $10; Sunday 12pm-5pm entry is $5. Kids 15 and under are free. www.rhythmandribs.net
www.STAUGUSTINESOCIAL.com
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LIFE it. Gates open at 6pm, and the show starts at 7pm. Day of show admission to this event is $35. www.staugamphitheatre.com
AGAINST ME! THE AMP March 25, 7pm.
EPIC FLOWER & GARDEN EXPO ST. JOHNS COUNTY AGRICULTURAL CENTER March 28-29
Looking to enhance or revitalize or update your yard with vibrant, colorful plants and flowers? Then mark your calendars for the annual EPIC Flower & Garden Expo – a rain or shine event! Every year, this show features a variety of vendors bringing a wide array of horticulture including aquatic plants, herbs, ferns, succulents, citrus, anthuriums, bamboo, colorful flowering plants, butterfly plants, native plants, and more plus gardening accessories and art. You can also enjoy a number of gardening lectures! There is a free children’s area and the Annual Flower & Horticulture Show as well as a Quilt Show. There is a $5 admission fee per person, which is valid for both days. www.epicbh.org/flower-garden-expo
JUSTIN MOORE AND TRACEY LAWRENCE THE AMP March 20, 7:30pm Popular Country-Artist, Justin Moore is coming to The Amp to promote his latest album, Late Nights and Longnecks. Moore has been nominated for various music awards and has even taken home a win for the American Country Music award. Moore is known for his moving performances in which he connects with his audience on a level that makes his show that much more personal. Tickets to this event begin at $44. www.staugamphitheatre.com
21 FESTIVAL OF CHARIOTS 2020 PLAZA DE LA CONSTITUCIÓN March 21 Come join this vibrant Festival of Chariots or Rathayatra to celebrate the Hindu and Indian culture and participate in singing,
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dancing, and parades, henna tattoos, art vendors, vegetarian food, and live entertainment. The Festival of the Chariots is also referred to as Rathayatra, which means Chariot Festival. The Rathayatra festival first started in the ancient city of Jagannatha Puri in India to celebrate the Hindu Lord of the Universe. Bring your friends and family to celebrate and learn more about the Hindu and Indian cultures while you sing and dance! Admission to this event is free. www.festivalofchariots.org
BLUE OCTOBER THE AMP March 22, 7pm Be sure to attend this rockin’ party and hear Blue October perform live. On tour to promote their latest album, full of emotion and depicting the highs and lows of the bands latest endeavors. This alternative-rock band is sure to have you up and on your feet all night long so be sure not to miss
Florida-based, folk-punk band, Against Me! is coming to perform at The Backyard Stage. On tour performing their albums, Searching for a Former Clarity, New Wave, White Crosses, and Transgender Dysphoria Blues. As they work on their latest album, this tour is to help the band reconnect with the energy they felt when they first began. Make sure to attend for an evening you won’t regret! Doors open at 6pm and the show begins at 7pm. Day of show admission is $27. www.staugamphitheatre.com
JASON ISBELL THE AMP March 27, 7:30pm Americana singer/songwriter, Jason Isbell and the 400 Units is coming to perform live at The Amp. On tour to promote their newest album, The Nashville Sound. Isbell has won Grammy awards for his popular songs, and this performance is sure to be one for the books. Be sure to get a ticket before they’re all gone! Gates open at 6pm and the show begins at 7:30pm. Tickets to this event begin at $55. www.staugamphitheatre.com
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ST. AMBROSE SPRING FAIR ST. AMBROSE CATHOLIC CHURCH March 29, 12-4pm The annual St. Ambrose Spring Fair brings the joy of the warm, blooming season to the Ancient City! The event will offer a number of fun activities for the kids, live entertainment, delicious traditional Minorcan food, hayrides and tractor tours, auctions, and more. Spread your blanket under the live oak and take in the spring air. Admission is free. www.saintambrose-church.org
www.STAUGUSTINESOCIAL.com
PONTE VEDRA CONCERT HALL Catch a show at the concert hall just a short drive up A1A.
OVER THE RHINE WITH GUEST WILLY TEA TAYLOR February 1, 8pm
YONDER MOUNTAIN STRING BAND AND THE TRAVELIN’ MCCOURYS February 4, 8pm
LOS LOBOS
February 9, 8pm
JIM MESSINA
February 18, 8pm
JIMMY WEBB: THE GLEN CAMPBELL YEARS February 21, 8pm
TOMMY EMMANUEL WITH GUEST IDA MAE February 27, 8pm
THE OUTLAWS
March 8, 8pm
ERIC JOHNSON "CLASSICS: PRESENT AND PAST" March 12, 7:30pm
THE EXPENDABLES “WINTER BLACKOUT TOUR” March 19, 6:30pm
STEPHEN LYNCH March 26, 7:30pm
1050 A1A North www.pvconcerthall.com
r e v e cKe
M l e a ich
by M
y r a u r b Fe 6, Larimer Arts Center 1 – Scarlett-Hill Theatre 5 0 2 20
216 Reid St. • Palatka, Florida
produced by special arrangement with Playscripts, Inc.
LIFE BIG PICTURE UPCOMING
Keep an Eye on the Ball SPRING IS A BUSY SEASON FOR ALL THINGS ATHLETICS AT FLAGLER COLLEGE. ST. JOHNS COUNTY RESIDENTS GET FREE TICKETS TO GAMES, SO CLEAR UP YOUR SCHEDULE TO GO CHEER ON OUR HOMETOWN TEAM! YOU CAN FIND A FULL SCHEDULE OF GAMES ONLINE.
BARE YOUR SOLE OCEAN SOLE AFRICA TAKES POLLUTED BEACH ITEMS AND TURNS THEM INTO ART PIECES THAT ARE TRULY ONE OF A KIND. By Gabrielle Ervin | Photography by Ocean Sole Africa
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f you're a Florida native, then you certainly know that flip-flops are a staple shoe, worn (almost) year-round. While the everpopular footwear is known for getting beach-goers from place to place, once they're good and worn, they tend to find their way washed back onto beaches without an owner in sight. Thankfully, local Floridian, Erin Smith, came up with the perfect solution to the world's flip-flop problem, and she's making earth a more beautiful place with every step. Ocean Sole Africa is a nonprofit organization from Kenya that takes washed-up flip-flops and repurposes them into handcrafted works of art. “For more than 3 billion people on the planet, flip-flops are the only available footwear," explains Erin, "After about a year of use, they get discarded and end up along the beaches and
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Men's basketball vs. georgia college February 1, 3:30pm
Women's basketball vs. augusta February 8, 1:30pm
Baseball vs. Queens
waterways in Kenya. We work with locals to collect the flipflops and transform them into unique, hand-carved animal sculptures." Erin brought the project to Florida to launch it forward into art galleries, boutiques, and surf shops alike. "I have spent a decade living in Northeast Florida, and most of my family currently lives and works here,” says Erin, “so it made sense to bring Ocean Sole Africa back home to Ponte Vedra Beach and integrate it into the vibrant art and ocean culture that defines the beaches now." Ocean Sole Africa works alongside locals to collect the discarded footwear and carve them into specially-crafted animal sculptures. Offered in a variety of sizes from keychains to full-scale art pieces, you can liven up your home decor with these vibrant pieces that are crafted for a good
cause. And with over 20% of the organization's revenue benefiting beach clean-ups, educational programs, and a variety of conservation efforts, these are a flip-flop we can all get behind. With our area’s increasinglysustainable mindset and love for art, it's no wonder that Ocean Sole Africa found its way to Ponte Vedra. These upcycled footwear pieces find new forms of life in brightlycolored animals – like giraffes, rhinos, sharks, dolphins, turtles, elephants – and it’ll be hard to resist having such whimsical artwork in your own home. You can browse these pieces that are cleaning up our planet at Ocean Sole Africa’s showroom or online. Ocean Sole Africa's showroom is open by appointment only and is located in Ponte Vedra Beach.
February 8, 3:30pm
baseball vs. georgia southwestern February 14, 6pm
Softball vs. Florida Southern February 19, 4pm
SOFTBALL VS. QUEENS March 1, 1pm
Men's tennis vs. southern new hampshire March 9, 3pm
Women's Tennis vs. Francis Marion March 21, 9am
Women's Tennis vs. Columbus State March 28, 10am
www.flaglerathletics.com www.oceansoleafrica.com
www.STAUGUSTINESOCIAL.com
Phase II Homes Now Available!
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 • Providence Homes Entry gatehouse just 1/2 mile east of I-95. Model homes open daily. Visit this Award Winning Community today.
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LIFE
UPCOMING
Hitting the Runway TRENDING
ON THE SAME PAGE THE FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY TEAMED UP WITH LOCAL LEADERS FOR A POSTER CAMPAIGN THAT SHOWCASES THE JOYS OF READING. By Molly Wilson | Photography by Sweet Smiles Photography
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he books we read shape who we are as human beings. They change our ideas, help us grow, offer us insight into the people and the world around us. Anyone who knows me knows my belief in the power of the written word is unwavering (and I’ll probably never stop harping on about it). And, unsurprisingly, I’m not alone. In support of the St. Johns County Library’s READ Campaign, local leaders came together to show off their love of reading and pose with some of their favorite books and stories. Judi Cowan and the Friends of the Library Southeast put together this poster campaign after seeing pictures from the American Library Association. “As a Friend of the Library Southeast, I was looking for ways to encourage the community to read or discover our St. Johns County Library System with all it has to enrich our quality of life,” says Judi. “Studies show children who are read to in the home and who use the library perform better in school and are more likely to continue to use the library as a source of lifetime learning.” Some of the local celebrities featured in the campaign include Sheriff David Shoar, Brittney Garmen of the St. Augustine Police Department,
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and Robert Smith of the St. Johns County Fire Department. Dr. Miguel Mas of Ancient City Pediatrics carries How Do Dinosaurs Get Well Soon?, while Cary Cowan of Cowan Financial Group holds John Grisham’s The Litigators. These posters and other swill be used at community outreach programs, and the Friends of the Library SE hope to expand the campaign countywide. Judi and all of the Friends of the Library hope that the campaign helps to usher people through the door of all the local library branches – and not just for the books on the shelves. “Our libraries have much more than books! Virtual Reality glasses, Zen meditation, yoga, craft classes for all ages, teen cooking, belly dancing, pole walking, card sharks, Dungeons and Dragons, current movies – should I go on and on and on?” Judi laughs. “Friends groups throughout the system support all these activities.” Local businesses and individuals who want to sponsor the library and the campaign can donate on different sponsorship levels for a READ poster of their own that will be hung in the Southeast Branch Library and used for outreach. It’s a fun and unique way to get the word out about the work the library does for the community. www.sjcpls.org www.STAUGUSTINESOCIAL.com
This March, St. Augustine Fashion Week is back for Season Six and ready to make the Ancient City more stylish than ever. The event has quickly become a hub for designers and retailers to showcase some of their best looks, and this year is no different. The event kicks off on February 22 at Honey + Sage with Fashion Speaks. The STAFW Board as well as a number of guest speakers will discuss the role of sustainability in fashion. There will also be an Emerging Designers Showcase on March 1 and a VIP Preview Party on March 4. After Boutique Night on March 5, the main runway events will take place on March 6 and 7 at Bozard Ford Lincoln. It's sure to be a week of unforgettable fashion. www.stafashionweek.com
Complimentary Winery Tours & Wine Tasting Daily www.SanSebastianWinery.com
LIFE
SOCIAL IMPACT
Volunteer Needs THE NEEDS ABOUND IN ST. JOHNS COUNTY. YOUNG, OLD, AND EVERYONE IN BETWEEN ARE LOOKING FOR A COMPASSIONATE HAND, SO REACH OUT THROUGH VOLUNTEERING WITH HUGS ACROSS THE COUNTY.
Clothing Care Package Program
Consider spending just 1-2 hours a week or once a month to help sort the Clothing Closet, pack Clothing Care Packages for great local kids, or deliver the packages to school counselors.
Food Pantries
HUGS stocks food pantries at nine St. Johns County Schools to help combat student hunger. Help keep the pantries stocked by delivering food just once a month to school counselors.
Literacy Program
HUGS is excited to kick-off a new literacy program for 1st and 2nd graders at Crookshank Elementary. Starting in February, they need a team of 13 reading buddies who can spend just one hour each week to help struggling readers.
Girls Empowerment
HUGS continues to provide monthly empowerment programs for at-risk girls at Murray Middle, Sebastian Middle, and Webster Elementary. They need help once a month at any of these locations as well as assistance finding guest speakers.
Please send an email to info@stjohnshugs.org or call 904580-4847 if you're interested in any of these volunteer opportunities.
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Fostering Connections is partnering with the team at The Kookaburra to host the Career Academy. During the three-week course, students will get to learn job skills and work alongside the employees to learn customer service. LONG STORY SHORT
CAREER ACADEMY IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE KOOKABURRA, FOSTERING CONNECTIONS ST. JOHNS IS GETTING YOUNG PEOPLE READY TO WORK.
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By Molly Wilson | Photography by Stephanie McFee
ince founding Fostering Connections St. Johns one year ago, Aubrie Simpson-Gotham and a host of community supporters have found so many ways to serve the overwhelmingly-underserved population of kids in foster care. This March, the organization is partnering with The Kookaburra for a three-week program called Career Readiness Academy. This career and life skills course will help teenagers and young adults ages 14-25 who are or were in the foster care system.
come in. Workshops will cover basic skills that all youth need to secure a job – how to write a resume, how to apply for a job, interview skills, work attire and appearance, basic customer service skills, working with team members, and financial literacy. The students will write a resume and learn customer skills from Kookaburra staff members, even working alongside them in the shops. Alicia Somers, Financial Wellness Manager for Regions Bank, will be leading a Basic Banking workshop. Students will graduate with a certificate and a binder full of tools to help them as they apply to jobs.
“There is very little support for these young adults as they age out of foster care,” says Aubrie. “Not having the needed job skills training to obtain and sustain employment, many former foster youth have financial difficulties, become reliant on government benefits, and fall into difficult life circumstances. We want St. Johns County to lead the way for Florida and the United States to have the most supports in place to help all foster youth become happy, healthy, successful adults. Working together as a community, we can help each young adult achieve their goals.”
“We will be working with local restaurants and small businesses to help place the students into jobs,” says Aubrie. “We’ll also be partnering with local businesses to provide work attire, haircuts, and transportation such as bicycles for the students to help them be ready for their job search. We invite local individuals, businesses, and community leaders to partner with us in supporting these programs. There is something for everyone to do to help fill in the gaps for our local youth in foster care.”
That’s where Career Readiness Academy will
www.fosteringconnectionsstjohns.org
www.STAUGUSTINESOCIAL.com
Mardi Gras
creole redfish napoleon
Louisiana Shrimp and Crawfish Pie
Cajun Eggrolls mahi hoppin’ john
bananas foster bread pudding
46 avenida menendez • st. augustine, florida
904.824.7765
Promotion Good from February 1 through March 31
HookedonHarrys.com
pomegranate pimm’s cup
LOCAL GUIDE
PR0MOTION
SAINT AUGUSTINE
BUSINESS ADVISORS BETWEEN OUR BUSINESS AND PERSONAL LIVES, WE'VE GOT PAPERWORK, FINANCIALS AND TECHNOLOGY THAT NEEDS TO BE MANAGED AND MOST OF IT REQUIRES PROFESSIONAL HELP. MEET THESE TOP BUSINESS ADVISORS SERVING GREATER ST. JOHNS COUNTY IN THE AREAS OF FINANCIAL PLANNING, INSURANCE, NETWORK SECURITY, ACCOUNTING, TAX AND EVEN BANKRUPCY. WHEN IT COMES TO MINDING YOUR BUSINESS, THESE COMPANIES ARE EAGER TO HELP.
The Bailey Group Becoming a true partner, advisor and reliable resource isn’t easy. It’s earned. Your financial situation, your goals, your risks and your legacy are what make you unique. At The Bailey Group, we understand that. Whether you’re looking for wealth management, estate planning or personal insurance, we can create a tailored solution that’s right for you. Leveraging the expertise of our cross-functional team of experts and a commitment to address your unique needs, we’ll work hard to help you realize your financial goals. Certain appropriately licensed individuals of The Bailey Group are registered to offer securities through Kestra Investment Services, LLC (Kestra IS), member FINRA/SIPC and/or investment advisory services through Kestra Advisory Services, LLC (Kestra AS), an affiliate of Kestra IS. Neither Kestra IS nor Kestra AS are affiliated with The Bailey Group or NFP. Neither Kestra IS, Kestra AS, The Bailey Group or NFP Corp. provide legal or tax advice. Compliance, regulatory and related content is for general informational purposes and is not guaranteed to be accurate or complete. You should consult an attorney or tax professional regarding the application or potential implications of laws, regulations or policies to your specific circumstance. (904) 461-1800 • info@mbaileygroup.com • www.mbaileygroup.com
P R O M OT I O N
Upchurch and Corn Advisors
GWANDA
Upchurch & Corn Advisors is an advisory practice that designs and executes comprehensive financial plans for their clients. Our commitment is to utilize all of our resources to help you pursue your goals – from managing debt to saving for college to retirement. We understand that for many clients, the most important aspect of their relationship with us is that they are heard and understood. We feel that is the most critical step in the design of a financial plan and that every client, be they institutions or individuals, has unique goals and circumstances that can and should be a part of that process. Our dedication to our clients begins in those first meetings and continues through all the inevitable changes that occur along with way. Our success is measured by our client’s success and we want to be there when all those efforts come to fruition. Upchurch & Corn Advisors has offices in St. Augustine and Jacksonville, with partnership offices in Charleston, SC, Kentucky and New York. After the plan design, and execution of the plan, we manage investment assets and offer access to insurance and retirement products.
Savvy business owners know that successful adoption of new technologies fosters success. Gwanda has been serving the North Florida areas for 16 years and has been awarded Best Of St. Augustine for a Computer Networking Company for 2 years running. We ensure our customers' networks run productively, efficiently and securely at all times. Whether you're interested in a complete technology overhaul or just need assurance that you're protected in the case of a disaster, local businesses know that Gwanda's best-of-breed solutions and managed services plans are an excellent way to stay ahead of the ever-accelerating technology curve. Gwanda provides security services, backup systems, cloud hosting, voice solutions, IT hardware, email support, friendly helpdesk, 24x7 emergency support and everything in-between with a focus on exceptional customer service, responsiveness and understanding of your business needs.
Securities offered through LPL Financial. Member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advice offered through Maryland Financial Group, a registered investment advisor. Maryland Financial Group and Upchurch and Corn Advisors are separate entities from LPL Financial.
24 Cathedral Pl • (904) 342-8989 • www.upcoadvisors.com
Our team of certified, local technicians have experience with a wide array of products and services across a range of industries. We hold multiple industry designations with companies such as Cisco, Dell, HP, VMware and more. C ontact Gwanda today to schedule a free Technology Consultation so that you can rest easy expecting the best, but knowing your business is prepared for any IT challenge. 4900B U.S. Highway 1 N, Ste. 260 • (904) 808-1386 • www.gwanda.com
LOCAL GUIDE
P R O M OT I O N
Cowan Financial Group
LaFleur Law
Cary Cowan cares deeply about the people who entrust him with their money and has dedicated himself for four decades to helping them plan their financial futures here in St. Augustine. His Lifetime Financial Strategies Program is based on a partnership of trust and long-term involvement that’s designed to evolve through both the good times and the bad. In short, it’s designed to last. If you need financial advice, give Cary Cowan a call. Let’s plan 2020.
Nina M LaFleur has been a bankruptcy attorney for 29 years. Through her firm, LaFleur Law Firm, she has advised many individuals and businesses through troubled times and has been successful in helping them obtain a fresh start and a new beginning. Bankruptcy is not a “get out of jail card”, instead it is an opportunity to pause and to bring everyone together who is interested in the case. “I find balancing the competing interests of debtors and creditors to be very meaningful work."
3275 US Hwy. 1 S. • (904) 824-8147 • www.cowanfg.com
(904)797-7995 • nina@lafleurlaw.com • www.lafleurlaw.com
LOCAL GUIDES Balog + Tamburri, CPAs Are you ready for all the changes to this year’s income tax? Do you understand the new medical deduction limits, higher IRA contribution limits, or how to avoid a marginal tax rate impact? If you are a business owner, are you ready to qualify for the 20% QBI deduction? If all of this is Greek to you, call the professionals at Balog + Tamburri CPAs. They have the training, experience, and know-how to guide you through the income tax minefield.
309 Kingsley Lake Dr, St 904 • (833)FLG-ACPA • www.YourBusinessCPA.com
RESERVE YOUR SPACE IN UPCOMING ISSUES... PRIVATE SCHOOL GUIDE (Apr/May 2020) SENIOR CARE (Aug/Sep 2020)
sales@staugustinesocial.com
The New CoasTal lifesTyle
LOCATED IN THE HEART OF ST. JOHNS COUNTY.
Atlantica Isles is an exciting new community in the heart of St. Johns’ County, on the shore of a spectacular 14-acre Crystal Lagoon. Enjoy a worry-free beachy lifestyle with all the urban conveniences and stunning contemporary two- and three-story homes from mid-$500’s to over $1 Million. Atlantica isles homes • Amazing views overlooking the 14-acre Crystal Lagoon • Coastal contemporary architectural design • Open floorplans with gourmet kitchens • Beach living outside your door • Natural Gas Community
BEACHWALK COMMUNITY AMENITIES • Beach resort lifestyle • Private Beach Club • A-Rated schools • Gated entrance • Onsite retail shopping and restaurants • Golf Cart Community
MOVE IN READY HOMES AVAILABLE. Atlantica Isles at Beachwalk is located 1 mile east of I-95 on County Road 210 (Exit 329).
Please visit our website AtlanticaIsles.com or call 904-441-6033 for more details *Prices and offers are subject to change without notice. Beachwalk® is a registered service mark of PRH Investments, LLC. Use of the service mark by Twin Creeks Development Associates, LLC is by written license agreement with the owner.
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IT GIVES ME THE SENSATION OF FLYING By Lynette Snell | Photography by Brian Miller
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fastest-growing aspect of water sports in general, mainly due to its versatility and challenge. “Every time you go out, you learn more by accident,” he says.
Technically speaking, foilboarding uses a special surf board with an attached fin with wings that extends below the water causing the board to lift above the surface so that the rider stands a few feet in the air as it moves through the water. “The learning curve is hard, but fast,” Daryl says of his latest extreme passion. “As long as you make it through the first handful of times and don’t quit, you’ll get it.”
Daryl feels foilboarding is a perfect sport for St. Augustine and North Florida. “Foilboarding has taken light wind and small waves and made them completely exciting,” he shares, “which is perfect for St. Augustine.” And it’s also a great way to pick up a new sport for those who may have become bored with traditional board sports.
fter an injury took away his dream of snow skiing competitively and a move to Florida swapped mountains for the ocean, Daryl Drown transfered his love of snow sports to surfing and kiteboarding. But in 2003, while on a trip to Barbados, Daryl Drown decided to try something new – foilboarding. It wasn't love at first try though. His first attempt was “a disaster,” he states in unequivocal terms. “I didn’t love it.” He didn’t touch a foilboard again until a little over two years ago, but, as it turns out, time (and practice) turned foilboarding into a thrilling new hobby.
Although there are not many yet in our area that participate in this sport (and no place that rents equipment because of the expense and fragility of the foil), Daryl says that foilboarding is the
The original owner of Ocean Extreme Sports, which he sold, Daryl is now in the business of selling rest instead – he owns the hammock store on the northern end of St. George Street. These days, his time is divided between working out at the gym, the hammock store, some scuba diving, and foilboarding, which suits him perfectly. Normally, warmer times of the year are best to foilboard, and he takes advantage of his schedule by foilboarding in the afternoon and evening thermal air.
“It gives me the sensation of flying, and it’s the closest feeling I can get to snowboarding or skiing in powder.” Darryl says. And when you watch what he can do on a foilboard, you see that he does, indeed, fly.
Inside:
Hobbyist // Postcard From... // Green with Envy // Lip Service // Home Style
STYLE
POSTCARD FROM...
THAILAND WANTING A TASTE OF THE COUNTRY'S ISLANDS AND MOUNTAINS, PHOTOGRAPHER TAMMY HARROW SET OUT ON AN ADVENTURE THROUGH CHIANG MAI AND KATA.
Tammy Harrow knows how to travel. Despite being the self-proclaimed "world's biggest sissy," Tammy has been going on solo adventures around the world for more than a decade now. For this particular trip, she decided to explore Kata on the island of Phuket and Chiang Mai, both in Thailand. In Kata, Tammy took a cooking class then met some local tropical fish on a sunset snorkeling cruise. After the chaos of Phuket, she flew to Chiang Mai and stayed at Joy's House – a four-star guesthouse run, in part, by students from an orphanage called the Children's Aid Project. She spent some of her time at the orphanage visiting with the children and teaching them English. She also visited Lanna Elephant Sanctuary and took a private city tour. "Don't be afraid to travel alone," says Tammy. "Immersing yourself in a foreign culture solo is an amazing experience."
Ancient temples in chiang mai " Wat Chedi Luang is one of 3oo temples in Chiang Mai. According to my city tour guide, Thor, construction on this one began in the 14th century."
a day with the herd
"At the Lanna Elephant Sanctuary in hills of Chiang Mai where I spent the day with a young couple from Germany mud bathing, swimming, and feeding rescued elephants. Riding the gentle giants, a once hugely popular attraction, is now heavily frowned upon, so more and more of those places are shutting down."
Let's eat
secluded and serene
"I spent the afternoon cruising the Andaman Sea with people from all over the world. I snorkeled amongst thousands of brightly-colored fish, coral, and urchins in a cove near Buddha Island, where only monks and stray dogs live."
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Joy's house
"Joy’s House, where I spent eight serene days with private yoga lessons each morning and twice daily body treatments. Sounds of women chattering noisily in the outdoor kitchen while preparing meals as well as soft music and wind chimes played continually in the background."
www.STAUGUSTINESOCIAL.com
"Joy’s House provided a multicourse vegetarian dinner each night. Because of the language barrier, other than rice and vegetables, I was rarely sure what was served."
STYLE
LIFESTYLE MUST-HAVES
GREEN WITH ENVY WE'RE JUST STARTING TO SEE THE FIRST FOLIAGE OF SPRING, SO CELEBRATE THE SEASON BY BRINGING A GORGEOUS GREEN HUE INTO YOUR LIFE.
1 - ARTICHOKE CANDLE Who knew veggies could be so adorable? We do now.
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Available at Peace Love Home
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2 - Earrings Make a bold statement with this standout accessory.
Available at Linen + Waves
3 - necklace Simple but mesmerizing in green tourmaline.
Available at Anchor Boutique
4 - PLAY SET Your little one will dress to impress on the playground.
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Available from Precious Bloomers Boutique 5 - GREETING CARD An adorably wild encouragement for a friend.
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Available from MC Pressure
6 - CHAIR Give your home some tropical (and comfortable) style.
Available at West to East
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7 - planter What's more seasonallyappropriate than a trendy planter?
Available from Yield Design
8 - SHIRT The Hawaiian shirt got a chic makeover.
Available at Nautilus on the Beach 9 - SOAP It's always 5 o'clock somewhere with this Margaritaville soap.
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Available at Antoinette's Bathhouse
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10 - Notebooks Organization in a precious print.
Available at Feather + Bloom 11 - SOAP A subtle scent from handharvested moss.
Available at Declaration & Co.
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12 - TEETHER Pass down your avocado obsession to the next generation.
Available at Rose & Pearl
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STYLE
BEAUTY BUYS
LIP SERVICE WHEN IT COMES TO OUR SKIN CARE ROUTINE, WE'RE OFTEN GUILTY OF NEGLECTING OUR LIPS. SO WHETHER IT'S PROTECTION FROM THE SUN OR A SOOTHING SERUM, PAY YOUR LIPS A LITTLE SERVICE.
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1 - BALM Made from raw coconut oil, this lip balm will eliminate dryness while reducing fine lines and wrinkles.
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Available at Linen + Waves
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2 - VITAMIN STICK A natural beeswax base with Vitamin E and soy soothes dry lips and – as a bonus – can also be used under eyes.
Available at Diane's Natural Market
3 - LIP stain Longlasting and equally pretty on your lips and cheeks, this stain comes in stunning hues.
Available at Fountain of Youth Spa 4 - ENHANCEMENT Replenishing and hydrating, this enhancement complex makes your lips look naturally full.
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Available at Small Indulgences Day Spa 5 - SERUM The ultrahydrating serum quenches dehydration to impart supple, smooth lips with instant correction.
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Available at Harmony Medical Spa 6 - SUNSCREEN Protecting your lips and the reef? Sign us up!
Available at Fit Mamas Tribe
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7 - sleeping MASK An oil blend of olive, argan, rosehip, and raspberry seed works overtime on your lips while you get your beauty sleep.
Available at Ulta
8 - LIP TRIO Give your lips a luxury treatment with a three-step care plan – refining fruit enzymes, a hydrating mask, and a lippumping balm.
Available at Spa Life
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www.STAUGUSTINESOCIAL.com
Quality Care for the Whole Family!
oastaug.com 904.825.0540 Independently & Privately Owned
STYLE
STYLE SELECTIONS
LET'S MAKE A DATE A DINNER DATE IS THE PERFECT EXCUSE TO GET ALL DOLLED UP. LET THESE LOCAL RETAILERS HELP YOU STAY STYLISH DURING YOUR NIGHT ON THE TOWN.
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FOR THE GIRLS
1 - Dress Shirt - Available at Brooks Brothers, 2 - Tie Available at Saks Fifth Avenue, 3 - Personalized Wallet Available from Vintage Gentleman, 4 - Cologne - Available at Wildheart Boutique, 5 - Pocket Watch - Available at Aunt
Matilda's Steampunk Trunk
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1 - Clutch - Available at Coconut Barrel, 2 - Heels Available at Market Street Boutique, 3 - Dress - Available at Rochelle's, 4 - Perfume - Available at Diane's Natural Market, 5 - Pendant - Available from Heaven's Boutique, 6 - Earrings - Available at Duddington's
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A PASSION TO SERVE
Solar Stik builds power systems that enable self-sufďŹ ciency for the soldier and beyond. It's more than a mission; it's our passion! Learn more at solarstik.com.
Local expertise you can trust. 2491 US 1 South Saint Augustine lindaventura@allstate.com Subject to terms, conditions and availability. Allstate Fire and Casualty Insurance Co., Allstate Property and Casualty Insurance Co. Š 2018 Allstate Insurance Co.
Uptown Casual Dining
Courtyard & Indoor Dining Sunday Brunch Dinner Full Bar Free Parking Available 102 San Marco Ave., St. Augustine, Fl 32084 (904) 824-7211 RaintreeRestaurant.com n
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Linda Ventura 904-797-2660
STYLE
HOMEBODY
LONGLEAF HOUSE A SENSE OF PLACE ACHIEVED THROUGH SOUTHERN ARCHITECTURE CELEBRATES THE FLORIDA HOMESTEAD VERNACULAR AND THE EXTENSIVE EXPERIENCE OF A LOCAL DESIGNER. By Lauren Eastman | Photography by Brian Miller
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riving up to Longleaf House brings a feeling of calm that is hard to put your finger on, yet a certain sense of place reminiscent of the song “This Land is Your Land” by Woody Guthrie. As it should; Guthrie penned more than 80 songs while in residence on Beluthahatchee Lake. He was a frequent guest at the late author Stetson Kennedy’s house on this lake, which is a National Literary Landmark today. From the driveway of Longleaf House, a breezeway frames the lakefront view and leads to an expansive timber-framed porch featuring exposed rafters and a metal roof. Traditional Southern architecture offers simplicity amid the beautiful natural surroundings with broad, welcoming brick steps creating a path to the front door. When Bob and Monica Esposito first discovered the property, it was so densely wooded that the lake was completely hidden. Careful and responsible clearing
revealed a picturesque panorama, which served as a major influence on the placement of the house. Each night, migratory birds come to roost in the Cypress trees above the water. Monica, an Audubon enthusiast, enjoys watching them from Adirondack chairs on the dock or from the dining table during a meal with her children and grandchildren. Built in a well-established area of St. Johns County, it was important to the Espositos that the design felt “right at home” with the surrounding homes and environment. Bringing the outdoors in was one of the highest priorities for Bob and Monica and was achieved with generously-sized front and rear porches and thoughtful placement of large casement windows. Additional inspiration for the home came from Pulitzer Prize-winning author Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings’ historic cracker-style homestead in Cross Creek, Florida as well as the historical homestead
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Details
FAMILY: Bob and Monica Esposito Amenities: 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, open floorplan, fireplace, undercounter refrigerators, Silestone countertop, and an enchanting outdoor living space Size: 1,800 square feet
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STYLE
Much of the design inside is so much more than aesthetic. It's purposeful and tailored specifically to this home and its size. An open floorplan, high ceilings, and a neutral color palette make the only 1,800 square feet feel enormous.
at Alpine Groves Park in the Switzerland area, which features a similar architectural style. Honored with an American Residential Design Award from the American Institute of Building Design, the result is simply stunning. Prior to starting Esposito Design, Bob was a partner in a local architectural firm. In over 30 years in the business, he has garnered a wealth of experience in residential design. In 2012, he started his own studio, Esposito Design, which specializes in custom design services tailored to individuals and homebuilders. Monica acts as the financial and administrative lead for the business and is grateful for the flexibility that working in a family business allows. Bob’s history in the industry and well-matched reputation continue to keep word of mouth clientele knocking on his door.
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Bob’s father was a Lieutenant Colonel in the Marine Corps, and as such, Bob’s childhood was spent moving between various cities along the East Coast. This exposed him to the rich architectural remnants of Colonial America in cities like Beaufort, Williamsburg, and Annapolis. Monica is a proud Jacksonville native and appreciates all the city has to offer. “The interesting thing about Jacksonville,” says Monica, “is that you can feel like you’re in a completely different city just by traveling across town. But there’s still a quaintness here, and the waterways, beaches, and sunny weather make it a truly special place to live.” The Esposito’s three children also reside in Jacksonville. Their oldest son currently works in the aerospace industry and is married with a young son and a new baby on the way. Their daughter, a professional www.STAUGUSTINESOCIAL.com
pianist, lives just around the corner in Aberdeen with her husband and two children. Their youngest son Joel built a 450 square foot studio in St. Johns County, which served as a model of sorts for many of the design elements of Longleaf House. Joel holds a certification in Autodesk Revit software, which offers Esposito Design’s clients an enhanced 3D design experience. His experience in computer art and design enables clients to view their homes in virtual reality before they’re even built. “Time is the one commodity that you never get back, so you have to use it wisely. You can always work more, but time is fleeting,” Monica says, reflecting on the difference in work environments. “When the grandkids come over, we enjoy spending time with them, and if we need to work late into the evening, we have the flexibility to make that decision.”
Bob and Monica are planning for many years to come in this house. Undercounter refrigerators, open shelving on casters in the pantry, a curbless shower, and even accommodations for a chair-lift on the stairs were designed with future accessiblity in mind.
Bob agrees, “We are very careful about how we structure our workload because it is critical for us to be fully engaged in the design process. Our process is highly collaborative yet efficient, so we can deliver projects that meet or exceed our client’s expectations within the required timeframes. Our goal is to offer our clients beautiful design solutions that enhance their lifestyles.” Bob has designed hundreds of successful projects over his career, ranging from small cottages to sprawling estates, as well as renovations and remodels of all shapes and sizes. “To us it’s all about understanding the owners, their property, their vision, and how they want to live,” says Bob. “People want a home that feels comfortable and looks good, just like tailored clothing. For most people, a home is a very personal
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and significant commitment, and we love helping them realize their goals.” For their own home, everything was purposefully designed. Alongside Brandon Construction and Lauren Leonard Interiors, they sought to ensure the design supported aging-in-place, so everything was created with accessibility in mind. The curbless shower, accommodations for a future chair-lift at the stairs, and undercounter refrigerators all help to facilitate this goal. The Silestone countertops repel coffee and red wine spills with an engineered quartz that mimics marble. An apron front farmhouse sink and custom exhaust hood above the stove lend a traditional appeal. A barn door on the pantry slides back to showcase an upright freezer and open shelving on casters that easily move to accommodate deep cleaning. www.STAUGUSTINESOCIAL.com
The home is a perfect model of mindful minimalism without losing an ounce of Florida charm. From the glass doorknobs and oil-rubbed bronze fixtures down to the claw foot soaking tub, the home exudes the character of a bygone era. Although the house is only 1,800 square feet, it feels massive – assisted by smart design decisions like high ceilings, minimal hallways, a neutral color palette, and aesthetic touches like shiplap walls and exposed stained Cypress beams on the living room ceiling. A perfect picture of “living large in a small space,” Longleaf House was recently featured in Sheri Koones’ book Downsize, which shares more than 30 beautifully-imagined homes all created with various energy efficient solutions – indoor/outdoor connections, low maintenance building materials, and
904-829-3475
STYLE
Situated on the beautiful shores of Beluthahatchee Lake, Longleaf House's traditional Florida design feels perfectly at home. Though a new build, the house feels like it was meant to be here.
landscaping, as well as multipurpose rooms, open floor plans, nooks, creative storage, and rolling barn and pocket doors for a streamlined feeling. The idea of the book is to showcase the many beautiful ways that downsizing can benefit your overall lifestyle. The energy efficient design of Longlead also includes modern air sealing strategies and high quality casement windows, as well as spray foam insulation and a standing seam metal roof. A charming wood burning fireplace and built-in window seats provide coziness while maximizing every square foot of space. Offering an historic look while avoiding the inefficiencies associated with more complex building massing, the house’s simplicity of form is right at home on the shores of Beluthahatchee Lake.
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The largest takeaway from the entire experience, perhaps, was the idea that one has the opportunity to visualize and create the environment to best support their lifestyle. The design of Longleaf was largely influenced by the desire to enjoy family time with a multi- generational set, while looking ahead to the later years. Perhaps the most telling example of this vision was the fact that the backyard is currently housing live oak seedlings – in preparation for planting in the next year or so, bringing more nature into the mix and setting the family’s next generation up with a potential income source – an example of mindfulness and minimalism at its finest. See more of this house online at www.staugustinesocial.com.
www.STAUGUSTINESOCIAL.com
Browse + Pin
The entire gallery of images from this photoshoot online
Celebrating 15 years of quality commercial and residential construction in North East Florida.
See our craftsmanship featured on page 48 and search YouTube for Longleaf House for more design and build details.
BRANDONBUILDING.COM @BRANDONCONSTRUCTION | 1.866.814.9357 ST. AUGUSTINE, FL • CBC1256028
PR0MOTION
Shop local THE SEASON OF GIFT GIVING IS UPON US, BUT BEFORE YOU HEAD TO A BIG BOX RETAILER TO BUY A GIFT - CONSIDER TAKING A DETOUR TO A LOCALLY OWNED SHOP AND WHERE THAT SMALL DECISION WILL HAVE A BIG IMPACT ON OUR LOCAL ECONOMY AND LOCAL FAMILIES.
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Bridge of Lions
S I M P L I C I T Y I S A CO M P L E X MAT T E R
JOEL BAGNAL GOLDSMITH
904.614.4706 | joelbagnalgoldsmith.com 11C Aviles Street St. | St. Augustine, Florida 32084
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321 A1A Beach Blvd | St. Augustine Bch, FL 32080 | 904-217-3256
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LOCALS Deborah Warrick's goals are simple – to educate the public about the animals and to ensure that each and every one is safe, well-cared for, and protected while at St. Augustine Wild Reserve. “We want to educate people about exotic animal survival in the wild," she says, "the dangers of private ownership of exotic pets, and the importance of supporting animal sanctuaries like our reserve."
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Inside:
Rising Star // Maker // Educator // Persons of Interest // Women in Business
LOCALS
RISING STAR
MAKING THE SALE
A MEMBER OF LOCAL TROOP #816, 12-YEAR-OLD GIRL SCOUT JANE HERSHISER IS USING HER SKILLS TO INSPIRE OTHERS AND TO BUILD A FUTURE THAT SHE CAN BE PROUD OF. By Robert Waldner Photography by David Steele
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ike many trailblazers before her, Jane Hershiser began as an introverted girl just waiting on an opportunity to break out of her mold. “In kindergarten, she started to learn about Girl Scouts,” says Jane’s father J. “So she went to a ‘Roundup’ and became part of a troop. Her mom became a troop leader.” That same year, Jane began selling that one commodity that America has been fascinated with for decades, Girl Scout cookies. “In her first year as a Daisy, Jane sold about 300 boxes,” says J. “From then on, she wanted to sell more.” As she developed a passion for the Girl Scout values and way of life, the middle school student worked her way through the ranks from Daisy to Brownie to Junior to her current role as a Cadette. During these transitions, Jane took the initiative to become
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familiar with her product, study her market, and hone her selling skills. To date, Jane has sold more than 18,000 boxes of Girl Scout cookies over the last 5 years. Last season alone, she sold 6,708 boxes. Now in her third consecutive year leading all cookie sales in sixteen counties, Jane’s success is largely due to the skills she has learned through Girl Scouts as well as her family’s support. “I’ve gained a lot of confidence and courage,” says Jane. “She’s even spoken publicly about her success to more than three hundred people,” adds J. Through many camping trips, Jane has learned invaluable skills like sailing, swimming, wilderness hiking, archery, and kayaking. “I’ve even learned how to properly use a pocket knife,” she proudly adds. When it comes to the cookie program, her dad says, “It all comes down to being a good
salesperson, showing up, and smiling.” According to Jane, certain written and unwritten rules of engagement always apply. “We always have to wear our troop number and have a list of cookie flavors and a price list where everyone can see them,” says Jane. “But having a Gold Star cookie booth also means knowing the cookie ingredients, always wearing our vests, and never sitting down.” Between the skills she has learned through Girl Scouts and her own determination, Jane’s future looks prosperous. “I am actively raising money,
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because in my near future I am planning to go to Europe. I will also start my Program Aide training next spring to learn to become a counselor,” says Jane. “But long term, I plan to stay in Girl Scouts until I become an Ambassador. I would really like to build a career in sales when I grow up.” Jane also hopes that her success will inspire other young girls. “I am an average girl from a normal family. Anybody can be successful if they put the work in. If I can do this, you can too.”
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teve Anderson approached ZoraBora Gallery as I stepped outside to introduce myself, his dark glasses betraying his skill and confidence. How does a person find his way, I thought, with only a cane buffering up against the sidewalk? How does someone, who for decades confronted life with full vision, adjust to a diagnosis of blindness? This is exactly what local artist Steve Anderson is facing. He was diagnosed at age fifty and found himself overcome with self-pity. He had already lost 75 percent of his sight. To cope, he traveled to Istanbul, imprinting his favorite city on his mind. He meandered throughout Eastern Europe, struggling emotionally. Finally settling in St. Augustine where his parents lived, they encouraged him to get off the couch and do something, anything!
DESPITE BEING ALMOST FULLY BLIND, ARTIST STEVE ANDERSON HAS CREATED HIS OWN UNIQUE STYLE TO DOCUMENT ST. AUGUSTINE’S MAGNIFICENT ARCHITECTURE.
So he reached into his creative side. “I’ve had a good eye for concepts and color theory, and I could still see well enough to photograph.” So his photographs became the basis for his paintings, each consisting of mixed media – acrylic, air-brushing, ink. He’s taken his original photographs and manipulated the angle, giving them a threedimensional quality. Each are photo-realistic, yet involve a neon impressionist color palette. “I hope to convey the magnificence of some of our Gilded Age architecture,” says Steve. “Not whole buildings, because when you look at a whole building, you can’t see all the detail.”
By Carla Tesconi St. Gelais Photography by Kate Gardiner
With Retinitis Pigmentosa and severe Glaucoma, he
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developed an acute tunnel vision, like looking through a straw. Painting gave him a renewed outlook on life, despite “knowing I would be spending the rest of my life in darkness.” Having been born into a military family, he was accustomed to moving. He admits it was challenging, “but I looked forward to the unknown. It prepared me for what I’m facing now – picking up, moving where I don’t know anyone or the language.” Costa Rica, where healthcare is more affordable, will soon be his new home. Steve earned his BFA in Art History from the University of North Florida, studying first in Orlando. In college, he explored painting, drawing, sculpture, and ceramics, but he didn’t start thinking professionally until after his diagnosis. Instead, he started his career designing advertising for newspapers, opening a business in Chicago, where he owned a couple art galleries. He came to Jacksonville in the 2000s, becoming marketing director for the company that owned the Twisted Martini. “My creativity isn’t going to end,” he says, “even when I’m in total darkness.” With over 250 paintings sold, he’s heading to Costa Rica with few possessions. He intends to take up writing. With today’s technology, he can talk right into his computer. “We choose to let something affect us or not, no matter what happens,” says Steve. “I don’t think about my vision when I’m creating. I’m documenting some of the most extraordinary buildings in America in a unique way. There’s nothing like it in such a small compressed spot.”
Life. Just right.
Life at Shearwater is the blissful combination of amazing amenities, a deep connection to nature, and a true sense of togetherness. Start with a swim with the kids in our resort-style lagoon. Play doubles with friends on our stadium tennis court. Then gather around the fire pit with friends at the Kayak Club. Discover more at ShearwaterLiving.com
Homes from the mid $200s to $700s | 100 Kayak Way, St. Augustine | 904-342-3732 David Weekley | Dream Finders | Lennar | MasterCraft | Drees | Toll Brothers Materials are protected by copyright, trademark, and other intellectual property laws. All rights in these materials are reserved. All products and company names marked as trademarked (™) or registered (®) are trademarks of their respective holders. Copying, reproduction and distribution of materials without prior written consent of Freehold Communities is strictly prohibited. All information, plans, and pricing are subject to change without notice. This information does not represent a specific offer of sale or solicitation to purchase property within Shearwater. Models do not reflect racial preference.
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
TC18303 (09/18)
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
Securities offered through LPL Financial. Member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advice offered through Maryland Financial Group, a registered investment advisor. Maryland Financial Group and Upchurch and Corn Advisors are separate entities from LPL Financial.
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hough she was just a little girl at the time, Cathlene Miner can remember numerous car trips with her mom behind the wheel, driving her grandmother to the emergency room. Cathlene’s grandmother was the victim of domestic abuse and was regularly beaten up and bruised. She says, “I remember thinking to myself, ‘This is not normal. Why would anyone stay in a situation like this?’”
ADVOCATE
HOLD OUT HOPE PHILANTHROPIST, AUTHOR, AND ADVOCATE. CATHLENE MINER IS TRYING TO ERASE THE STIGMA ASSOCIATED WITH DOMESTIC ABUSE WHILE UPLIFTING THOSE WHO ARE LOOKING TO START OVER. By Kara Pound | Photography by Brian Miller
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Today, Cathlene is a mother of four, grandmother, devoted wife, author of multiple books, podcast host, and the founder and president of Hopefull Handbags, a faith-based nonprofit organization dedicated to raising awareness for domestic violence and aiding in the recovery of domestic violence survivors by offering hope, support, and help. “Never underestimate the power of hope,” Cathlene says of establishing Hopefull Handbags in November of 2017. “We collect gentlyused purses and fill them with necessities like hygiene products, toiletries, makeup, pocket calendars, and a message of hope – things any woman would need to get back on their feet.” There are nearly a dozen drop-off locations around town where people can donate the items needed to create Hopefull Handbags – like High Tide Gallery, Ansbacher Law, and The Closet to name a few. The purses are then donated to organizations like the Betty Griffin Center and other domestic abuse shelters and outreach programs. “The purses help women with their
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self-perception,” says Cathlene. “These women don’t feel good about themselves – they’ve been beaten down, literally or figuratively.” Cathlene estimates that at least 50 Hopefull Handbags are donated each month in St. Johns County alone. The nonprofit has also spread to encompass eight states in the U.S. and Caribbean, and they’re currently planting roots in Canada and the UK as well. Cathlene emphasizes that all money or goods donated in an area stay in that area. “There are organizations like Betty Griffin Center all over, but not everyone knows about them,” she admits. “Our mission is to raise awareness that domestic violence happens in many different ways and in every socioeconomic status.” An advocate for self-care and wellness, Cathlene spends most of her time helping advise women on how to live their life with purpose. She spent more than a decade working as a supervisor at Mayo Clinic and is a certified Domestic Violence Advocate. She’s also the author of multiple books including The 30-Day Self Perception Makeover and The 30-Day Self Perception Makeover Teen Edition. It’s been 30 years since Cathlene’s grandmother passed away, but her memory lives on every day in the work that Cathlene is doing with Hopefull Handbags. “What I have realized over all of this time is that there is not one reason why people stay in an abusive relationship,” she explains. “What people really need to know is that there is help and hope out there.” www.hopefullhandbags.org
The Casey Agency
Brightway, The Casey Agency, your local insurance experts serving St. Augustine ASHLEY CASEY, Agency Owner Brightway, The Casey Agency (904) 217-7547 ashley.casey@brightway.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
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ON THE RIGHT TREK
IDEALLY, TRAVEL INVOLVES MORE THAN SELFCARE. MEG JAMES AND HER FAMILY LEARNED TO POSITIVELY IMPACT THE COMMUNITIES THEY VISIT AS THEY TREK ACROSS THE GLOBE. By Teddy Regis Photography by Brian Miller
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ocal writer Meg James is no stranger to travel. As a child raised mainly in New Jersey, she spent summers in Japan, England, and France because of her father’s global operations with Cigna. “That pretty much explains the itch that I have to travel,” shares Meg. Today, she is a wife and industrious mother of two, and that itch is never quite satisfied. After graduating from Jacksonville University, Meg worked in Human Resources for a renowned fashion entity. Still, she was an entrepreneur at heart who loved creating close-knit connections. So after leaving the corporate grind and having kids, she started creating mom-centric communities in Northeast Florida. Among them was The Real House Moms of Nocatee – founded circa 2014. The organization grew quickly from 10 to 2,500 members. Giving back to the community was a major goal of their work as they donated thousands of dollars to various causes. This emphasis on giving back
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would later parlay into Meg’s God-first family travel blog, Trekking Twice. The faith perspective helped her platform fill a unique niche. “The faith articles that I write...have the most views,” shares Meg with a warm, content smile. When she started the blog in 2017, her youngest son was approaching two years old. Meanwhile, full-time travel was trending. But such a drastic measure wasn’t a good fit for her family. “Let’s trek twice,” Meg suggested to her husband Logan. “Let’s go on two trips a year, one with our kids and one without.” The plan evolved with more purpose – whether journeying through Scotland, Costa Rica, or Peru, the Jameses are increasingly on the lookout for hotels that give back substantially. To date, Meg has identified 40 establishments that give the majority of their revenue to charities and ministries. Among them is Peru’s Sol y Luna, who helps schools improve infrastructure and organize athletic and cultural events. “250 children that would not go
to school otherwise, go to school fully funded by the hotel,” Meg relates. Sol y Luna also offers jobs to parents within the Incan community. In the San Carlos canton of Costa Rica is the Nayara Springs Resort. Their generous impact involves funding an orphanage, providing free transportation to and from schools and offering employment to locals. A directory of Meg's findings is housed at www.goanddogood. com, a separate initiative with the same mission as Trekking Twice. Meg wants travelers to “consider hotels that are generous givers to charities,
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ministries, or their local communities over hotels that are simply profiting for their own gain.” When she discovers a place that make the cut, Meg says, “it’s like finding a diamond in the rough.” When enjoying what St. Augustine offers in terms of hospitality, Meg is a big fan of the Collector Inn. Her favorite family outings involve photo shoots at the Castillo, dinner at Columbia, and strolls down St. George Street (ice cream in hand). We’re most grateful that this innovative Jersey girl found her way to our old city. www.trekkingtwice.com
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WALK ON THE WILD SIDE THROUGH HER MENAGERIE OF ANIMALS AT ST. AUGUSTINE WILD RESERVE, DEBORAH WARRICK IS SETTING OUT TO EDUCATE VISITORS ABOUT THIS WILD WORLD. By Susan Johnson Photography by Kate Gardiner
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ach morning, she wakes to a cacophony of screams, howls, and laughter. OK, I know what you're thinking: many of us who are parents (or pet owners) wake up the very same way. Except we don't. Not really. Because for Deborah Warrick, the sounds originate from parrots, macaws, hyenas, lions, tigers.. and yes, bears! Oh my! And she loves every minute of it. Well, almost. Our interview takes place in the middle of a classic, blinding Florida downpour but Deborah and her volunteers have already been out cleaning cages and feeding animals. And we're not talking Fido or Rover. For the purpose of this story, animals are defined as eleven tigers, three lions, three leopards, two hyenas, fourteen wolves, a cougar, and a variety of lynxes and bobcats – plus
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a macaw or two. The animals – and Deborah – live on a 7-acre preserve known as St. Augustine Wild Reserve, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to exotic animal rescue. Deborah’s passion for the exotic was evident at a very early age. “I didn’t have dolls,” she laughs, “I had spiders.” She went from spiders to skydiving, where a broken back sidelined her and caused her instructor to gift her with a wolf cub to keep her occupied. “I got hooked on wolves and started doing wolf rescue, then graduated to the big cats. Now we have bears and hyenas and all kinds of neat stuff here.” She grew up in California but moved to St. Augustine and established the St. Augustine Wild Reserve more than 20 years ago. Unlike zoos and roadside animal attractions, Deborah does not capture wild animals and keep them for profit; rather, she
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receives those who can either no longer survive in the wild or were given up by former owners. And her goals are simple – to educate the public about the animals and to ensure that each and every one is safe, well-cared for, and protected while at the reserve. "Most of our exotic animals come from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Federation" she says. "Nothing that I have comes out of the wild." The one exception is a very rare black coyote whose pelvis was shattered after being hit by a vehicle and who could never have been released back into the wild. "So," Deborah continues, "Fish and Wildlife brought her to me." How can one person make all this happen? Experience, knowledge, education, and commitment – and a staff of dedicated and passionate volunteers. "I could never do any of this on my own without my volunteers. Everyone on staff here is a volunteer. They do everything from diet prep and cleaning cages
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to hauling rock and walking the tigers." Wait. Walking the tigers? Deborah explains, "Tigers are very territorial so you don't want to get in a cage with them. That's when they're dangerous. But they're easy on a leash, and they love their walks. You just open the door, put the leash on, open the lock-out door, and off you go! And all of our wolves are leash-trained." Sounds crazy, right? But this woman knows what she's talking about. She has over 35 years of experience working with exotic animals plus some impressive degrees. She received her AA from St. Johns River Community College; attended UNF where she graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Biology; and then went on to UF for her Masters in Veterinary Forensic Science. "Having a degree gives you more credibility," says Deborah. "I'm not just that woman who keeps tigers in her backyard!" Besides Federal permits
through the USDA, her other licenses include a Florida State permit, Class 1 for bears; Class 1 for lions, tigers, jaguars, and leopards; Class 1 for hyenas; Class 2 for Servals (a rare African Cat); Class 2 for lynxes, bobcats, and wolves; Class 3 for hedgehogs, foxes, zebras, and other, so-called non-dangerous species. And even though she makes it sound like a day at the dog park, the fact is that her volunteers are carefully instructed on how to properly handle the animals on the reserve; they are not even allowed to pet the animals until after completion of a 6-month training program. She emphasizes that, “We’ve never had a serious injury nor had an animal escape.” The major hurdle faced by the reserve is funding. “We are a non-profit and would love a corporate sponsor for major expenses like vet bills and cage repair,” explains Deborah. The cages at St. Augustine Wild Reserve are considerably larger than what is recommended by Florida
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Fish and Wildlife and can cost from $20 - $40K to build. Vet bills can be as high as $20K, and the monthly food bill for the carnivores runs about $4K. What keeps the organization afloat are visitors who take the reserve’s educational tours, offered by appointment every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday at 2 pm, with a special VIP tour at noon on Fridays. “We love for people to see what we do here. Our animals are all happy, wellfed and well-cared for but the exotic animal population in the wild is dwindling due to poaching and habitat destruction,” says Deborah. “We want to educate people about exotic animal survival in the wild, the dangers of private ownership of exotic pets, and the importance of supporting animal sanctuaries like our reserve, as well as anti-poaching groups and organizations that raise awareness of how to coexist with wild animals.” www.staugustinewildreserve.org
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PERSONS OF INTEREST
race to the top WIND RUSHING THROUGH YOUR HAIR. HEART RATE RAPID AND ACCELERATING. THIS IS WHAT MOST PEOPLE THINK OF WHEN THEY HEAR “ADVENTURE.” BUT FOR THESE FIVE LOCAL WOMEN, IT CONJURES FEELINGS OF PEACE, SANCTUARY, MEDITATION, AND VALIDATION.
By Lynette Snell | Photography by Richard Dole
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ive women. Five unique paths leading to five similar stories. Kalpana Sundar, Lynn Kehoe, Letti Bozard, Fallon Taylor, and Patty Wagstaff each share their upbringing, their journeys into adulthood, and the choices they made along the way. None of these women knew their lives would bring them to where they are now. The picture woven by the tapestry of their stories was a mystery to them until they landed in their respective adventures, and, like magic, they knew it was right for them. Patty Wagstaff, a world-renowned aerobatic pilot, grew up in California and Japan thanks to her father, a pilot for Japan Airlines. Even though she was always around larger planes, she never had the opportunity or desire to be around the smaller models. In her early adulthood, she traveled extensively, even building a boat then traveling by river through Australia. Eventually, she moved to Alaska, where her job took her to many remote locales in the Alaskan Bush. The only way to reach those places www.STAUGUSTINESOCIAL.com
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was by small plane or air taxi, but her first experience in something other than a jet turned out to be anything but routine. The plane’s takeoff failed and the small plane crashed, rolling off the runway. Dazed and covered in leaking fuel, Patty managed to crawl out of the plane basically unscathed. She remembers laughing at how her knees were shaking uncontrollably and would not stop. Once the adrenaline faded and she realized she was fine, one thought crossed her mind, “I think it’s time I learned how to fly.” So she began taking lessons and met her then-husband. He encouraged her to get all of her ratings and, thanks to a student loan program offered by the state of Alaska, she was able to do just that. She wasn’t sure where this path would take her, yet she knew one thing for certain: she did not want to just fly other people around. As a child, she loved going fast, performing daring moves in gymnastics, standing on her head — in other words, adventure was in her blood. When she attended her first airshow, watching the aerobatic planes performing struck a chord in her soul. She didn’t know how to be an aerobatic pilot, but she knew she was going to learn. Soon she bought her first aerobatic plane but, at first, had many doubts. Patty remembers asking her husband, “What if I don’t like it?” He responded, “Fly one show, one competition. If you don’t like it, then don’t do it again. If it’s the right path, it will take you where you want to be.” And it was the right path. By the time Patty moved to St. Augustine, she had flown her way to the top of the aerobatic field. At the height of her career, she was flying between 22-25 shows each year worldwide. She fought against preconceived expectations of being a female pilot in a male-dominated industry. She often heard comments like, “Oh isn’t that cute,” when she would perform. Men mostly didn’t take her seriously, but she refused to let them block her success. Rather, she used their “ignorance,” as she calls it, as fuel to propel her through the obstacles set by those who doubted she had much to offer the aerobatic world. The turning point came when she won her first competition. There were many men who did not like it. Suddenly, her challenges
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Patty remembers asking her husband, “What if I don’t like it?” He responded, “Fly one show, one competition. If you don’t like it, then don’t do it again. If it’s the right path, it will take you where you want to be.” went from being mild irritations to overt sexism. When she wanted to fly in airshows, she would be told, “Oh thanks, but we already have a woman pilot.” Her response was, “And...? You can’t have more than one?” But one doesn’t get to be successful without resilience, and Patty Wagstaff has plenty of it. Instead of getting angry with her competitors, she worked to gently educate them by proving her worth, her value, and her skills. Soon, the very men who were intimidated by her became her collaborators and her friends. www.STAUGUSTINESOCIAL.com
In 1997, Patty moved to St. Augustine and joined an already strong aerobatic community here. She spends much of her days teaching the next generation of aerobatic pilots. While she only performs in about 10-12 shows per year now, she keeps busy with her school, producing online training videos and training other pilots around the world. And with women comprising only about 7% of all pilots, she knows she has a great opportunity to open the doors to other women and bring them into the aerobatic world.
In a way, racing is like surgery. In surgery, it’s better to be good than fast, so Kalpana approaches her racing with similar methodology. “Speed is a by-product of executing the steps correctly over time,” she reflects. “And for me, driving is a form of meditation.”
Dr. Kalpana Sundar, an Ear, Nose, and Throat surgeon, can relate to fighting an uphill battle in a male-dominated arena. Kalpana has pushed back against negative perceptions her entire life, not only as a female surgeon, but also as a woman of color, of Indian descent. Kalpana had to fight the “old boys club” more times than she cares to remember. At times, giving up seemed tantalizing. She fought even harder, however. When people are condescending, “it makes me feel like I have to do things better, be better because I am held to a higher standard.” She now fights her tendency to work all the time and forces herself to find ways to enjoy life. So when she was introduced to highperformance racing, she thought it would be fun to try. The first time she climbed into a car with her helmet on, the
HANS (Head and Neck Support device) attached and the doors closed, she had a claustrophobic panic attack. She quickly jumped out of the car and had to regroup. She thought, “I can do this.” And she did. She got back in the car and, with a racing heartbeat, fell in love with the sport. “I felt so liberated after completing the race.” Kalpana has been racing for about two and a half years, mostly in Sebring, Florida. When she began racing, she expected another “old boys club” and geared up for more challenges. Surprisingly, she found the complete opposite. Instead of resistance against women, she encountered men who were collaborators and mentors. “I feel more at home in the racing world than I do in my surgical work. Here, everyone works to help each other improve.”
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Kalpana is currently racing against her own times, improving and learning with every race. Each track has a different configuration, and it is always a challenge to make the necessary adjustments to succeed. In a way, racing is like surgery. In surgery, it’s better to be good than fast, so she approaches her racing with similar methodology. “Speed is a by-product of executing the steps correctly over time,” Kalpana reflects. “And for me, driving is a form of meditation.” While she’s behind the wheel, she cannot think about anything else but driving and what is happening at that moment. By focusing solely on driving, she blocks out everything else in her world. One of her mantras is to stop listening to the noise that surrounds her and listen to what she wants to do. Driving helps her practice that skill.
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“Motor sports are so different than other sports. It has nothing to with strength but has everything to do with talent. You get into a car, put on your helmet, and no one knows your gender. That is the ultimate playing field.”
Lynn Kehoe echoes the sentiment of shutting out the noise. “As women, we tend to sell ourselves short,” she says. “We allow others to make plans for us or tell us we can’t do something and we accept that.” After a successful banking career that included both government and private sector roles, Lynn moved into real estate investment management. After losing the love of her life in 2010, she moved back home to Philadelphia and opened her own real estate consulting practice. While attending a charity event related to her work, she bid on, and won, a day at a race track experience. The experience changed her life in ways she could never have dreamed. After that day, Lynn knew this was something she wanted to do full time. So she got into racing. She saw a lot of parallels between her work life and the race track — namely, both were maledominated fields. And being a product of an all-girls high school where she was taught to have her own voice, an idea which married those two concepts began to take shape.
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Shortly after that fateful one-day experience at the racetrack, Lynn started Shift Up Now. At its core, the idea was to use motorsports to inspire confidence in girls and women. The reality of the business quickly gained a foothold in Lynn’s racing community, and soon it began it encompass more than just racing. Shift Up Now now works with the Girl Scouts and other organizations to encourage girls to try new things, to be bold, and develop their confidence. Recently, Lynn and her organization launched a Junior Ambassador program for girls ages 6-15. The program operates mainly through a private Facebook group where the members get advice, tips, and encouragement on racing and how to determine what they might want to pursue career-wise. The group often discusses the “Four Wheels” that drive us: Clarity, Confidence, Courage, and Charity. Not one to do anything by halves, Lynn admits she has no work-life balance. She is busy building a business and, for her, any endeavor that invokes your passion enables www.STAUGUSTINESOCIAL.com
you to find a sense of belonging and peace. It does consume her, she says, but she’s not ready to back away from it. She wants to build her business so the next generation may experience the same exhilaration she felt the first time she raced around the track. Courage was definitely required for Lynn to step into the racing world, and while the sport is mainly pursued by men, for Lynn there has never been much resistance to her gender. “Motor sports are so different than other sports. It has nothing to with strength but has everything to do with talent. You get into a car, put on your helmet, and no one knows your gender. That is the ultimate playing field.” There is much more to Lynn’s playing field than just the energy and thrill of racing. She wants to encourage women and help them grow. “I’m never going to be a professional racer, and I don’t speak car,” Lynn quips. What she does speak is courage and confidence,w which is clearly evident in every pore of her being.
Letti Bozard came to the racing world on a circuitous path that did involve “speaking car” to some extent. Letti’s grandparents started Bozard Ford in 1949 and, while she grew up around the dealership, she was never groomed to take over or become part of the heritage that went with her last name. After graduating from Flagler College and branching out on her own journey that did not involve the dealership, Letti got a call from her dad that changed everything. His diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Disease led her dad to approach her with the idea of coming home and starting to learn the business. There was never any pressure by her dad to take over, but a more questioning thought process: is this something you could learn to love? Letti knew her education would have to be fast tracked due to her dad’s declining health. Her biggest motivator was that she would have to be able to hold her own when she lost her dad, as her younger brother was still too young to step in and help her. In the last ten years, Letti has managed the dealership the way she manages all things in her life: one project at a time. Whether its buying additional Letti pursues each project with grit and determination. It doesn’t property, developing and expanding matter if she finds herself in an environment where she doesn’t an oil change business, or opening know what is necessary in order to succeed. “I’m not afraid of additional brands associated with those spaces,” she says. “I am comfortable getting into those the dealership, Letti pursues each environments and finding people who can help me learn and project with grit and determination. grow.” It doesn’t matter if she finds herself in an environment where she doesn’t know what is necessary in order to him. Within two months, they owned two racing that one person dominates for a long succeed. “I’m not afraid of those spaces,” cars and three motors. The entire project time, but she would love to know they went she says. “I am comfortable getting into had so many aspects that Letti knew nothing the whole spectrum from hobby racing to those environments and finding people about, that once again, she found herself a truly respected, competitive team. After who can help me learn and grow.” She had searching out the people who would mentor that? There are always more projects to take grown up around the dealership but didn’t and collaborate with her. Like Kalpana and on, like teaching her daughters about the know anything about running one. So she Lynn, she found the male-heavy world of dealership business. surrounded herself with “the smartest, racing inviting and nurturing. “You spend most experienced and high energy people six hours working on a car around everyone One of Letti’s greatest inspirations is the way necessary to move things along.” else doing the same thing. During those her dad never treated her any differently times, the collaborations and teaching and than her brother. “He encouraged us both Over a decade later, Letti’s success left her learning really step up.” There is a healthy to learn what we were passionate about.” looking for new projects. That’s when she respect for competition, Letti continues, but Letti feels grateful that she grew up in such met her partner, Blake, who raced dirt off-track, it’s an amazing community. a supportive family environment, never late model cars as a hobby. Early in their having to fight male prejudices against relationship, she went to one of his races. Always being open and honest with women. She realizes she is an anomaly Standing in the pits watching the racing everyone she met that she knew absolutely and that most women in her industry do environment at work, she felt something nothing about racing helped others realize struggle. In racing, however, more women stirring inside. The entire process intrigued she was truly in it for the passion of the are becoming drivers, but she would enjoy her and, by the end of the night, she had a sport, Letti says. Her end goal? Letti seeing women take on the challenge of team crazy idea – let’s start our own racing team. hopes to take this race team to the most ownership. competitive aspect of the sport — winning Blake was apprehensive at first, but Letti’s a series. She knows that this is not a type of determination and focus quickly convinced www.STAUGUSTINESOCIAL.com
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LOCALS As she gains more recognition for her work, she is learning to embrace that recognition — not only for herself, but for what it might mean to other women in the industry. Her ideal is to have some female mechanics on her staff, mentoring and challenging them as she was challenged.
Fallon learned that in order to get her peers’ acknowledgement of her contributions to the industry, she has to “lean in” and make sure they remember she is responsible for the completed work. Often she finds herself on the outside of a group of male peers, and she has to force her way in. “I’m not a feminist or an advocate. I just want to make people realize that there are other ways to achieve their goals." Fallon Taylor doesn’t race cars or own racing teams or fly aerobatic planes, but she is nonetheless as gritty and determined as all of these women combined. Growing up in a nomadic lifestyle as a young child, she lived with her parents and traveled in an RV from campground to campground. She had no roots and hated the lifestyle forced upon her. She always felt dirty and smelled of campfire. Eventually, after her parents’ divorce, she settled with her mom in New Mexico until she was 21. After high school, Fallon entered college intent on obtaining a mechanical engineering degree, until she began working in one of her new husband’s car repair businesses. As those entities became successful and she had more time on her hands, she and her husband started repairing classic and muscle cars as a hobby, then taking them to auction. The cars were sold to collectors, and the tires never touched the road. At one point, Fallon came across an old VW bus for sale on Craigslist and considered restoring it but was hesitant at first. “It reminded me of my nomadic childhood which I was still unsettled about,” Fallon remembers. But despite her concerns, she restored the bus, selling it on Ebay. This
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event changed everything for Fallon. The buyers came as a family, complete with dog and camping equipment. These were not collectors. These people were excited about using their newly-restored VW bus. She realized they were the only kind of people she wanted to work with, and she never worked on anything other than a VW again. The fact that she has created such a successful business alone as a young woman in this industry is a big part of what keeps her going. Getting business is not a problem — she currently has a three-year waiting list for her services — but getting recognized as a legitimate member of the repair and renovation industry is her biggest challenge. Fallon learned that in order to get her peers’ acknowledgement of her contributions to the industry, she has to “lean in” and make sure they remember she is responsible for the completed work. Often she finds herself on the outside of a group of male peers, and she has to force her way in. “I’m not a feminist or an advocate. I just want to make people realize that there are other ways to achieve their goals,” Fallon says. It’s not just men that are successful at these types of jobs. Her determination has paid off. Fallon is able to flip her projects in about four-weeks. www.STAUGUSTINESOCIAL.com
Succeeding in the face of challenge is a common thread throughout the tapestry of all five women’s stories. Each woman traveled a different path, and, while they might not know one another, they echo each other’s determination of not giving into the pressures of “how things should be done.” “In anything, like aviation, you might be the only woman, but there is a huge support system out there for women today,” Patty Wagstaff says. Finding a strong support system of others in your field is essential when starting a new adventure. Lynn Kehoe simplifies it down to one phrase — “Don’t think you can’t do it. ‘No’ is not an option. ‘No’ is giving up.” Instead of asking “Can I do it?” Lynn encourages, “Ask ‘How can I do it?’” Kalpana Sundar believes that all women probably have the courage to do anything if they dig down deep inside. The key, however, is shutting out dissenting opinions that keep you from trying something your gut is telling you to try. “Build your confidence with knowledge,” Letti Bozard offers. “Don’t be afraid of what you don’t know.” There will always be someone or something that can help you learn, she insists. Finding your way through knowledge, experience, and hands-on work will give you confidence to stand up to someone who might have more experience. For Fallon Taylor, success is as simple as being prepared to start at the bottom. Learning, doing research before jumping in will help build your confidence as you start a new adventure. Take that time to know what you’re talking about, so others will respect what you want to do. Confidence. Courage. Knowledge. Support. Each thread weaves together around racetracks, through cloudless skies, and in memories of restored vintage vehicles, binding each of these women to her chosen path and opening doors for others to follow. And beyond those doors might be your greatest adventure yet.
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Wî‹©men BUSINESS IN
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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WOMEN IN BUSINESS
CABINET FACTORY OUTLET BRANDALYN THOMPSON
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randalyn Thompson and her team at Cabinet Factory Outlet live and work by a simple mantra: serve, serve, serve. Their goal is always to give clients not just a completed vision but a positive experience in doing so – no matter the size of the project or its budget. “A remodel doesn’t have to be stress-filled or over budget,” says Brandalyn. “I have worked in everything from multi-million dollar homes on the ocean to studio apartments and builders grade multi-family projects. We want to be the experts that our community turns to, whether for everyday projects or tragedies like hurricanes. The budget won’t constrict me. I think outside the box always. “No” isn’t in my vocabulary!” With years of industry experience behind her, Brandalyn’s speciality now is that she really doesn’t have a speciality. She has seen it all and can do it all. “My specialty is versatility,” says Brandalyn. “I understand multiple styles, from old world to ultra modern. My goal is always to listen, listen, listen. I just bring our clients’ visions to life.” For 8 years, Cabinet Factory Outlet has been sharing their expertise and creativity with clients of all kinds and providing custom-designed cabinets and flooring at outlet prices.
(904) 823-9304 1760 Tree Boulevard www.cabinetfactoryoutletllc.com
Their full design showroom adjacent to the flooring store allows for a complete home planning experience for everyone who walks through the doors. Through nothing but rough measurements and photos, the team can begin the design process right in front of your eyes, and they’ll be able to answer your toughest questions with workable and pragmatic solutions. “We’re known for creativity while still maintaining functionality, style, and cost effectiveness,” says Brandalyn. “We pride ourselves on our speed and our ability to impress our clients by doing what the competitors can’t. We get it right the first time.”
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WOMEN IN BUSINESS
BOZARD FORD LINCOLN LETTI BOZARD ALIA SPOERLE IDA LACY MARCIA NELSON ANNA ANDERSON TANYA TOMANEK
(904) 824-1641 540 Outlet Mall Boulevard www.Bozard.com
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ozard Ford was founded by Fred and Josephine Bozard in 1949 in downtown St. Augustine. Over the past 70 years, the dealership has grown with the Northeast Florida community and striven to serve it with unparalleled excellence. It hasn’t been easy to become the largest Ford and Lincoln dealership in the Northeast Florida area, but Bozard has a simple mantra that keeps them going – Driven to Inspire. “We may sell and service cars and trucks, but our business is about people,” says Letti Bozard. “We strive to be innovative and compassionate. We are growing to serve more people and to continue to impact our community in the most positive way we can!” This people-centered business model starts with a strong team. Bozard prides themselves in hiring and retaining the top talent in the area across both the sales and service sides of their business. Rather than sticking to the old school way of selling cars, the staff is trained to be flexible and put the customer’s needs and desires first. “Our model puts you in control and our main goal is to meet your needs,” says Letti. “We truly feel that it’s our team members that make the difference in your experience when you visit us.” In addition to a stellar team of automotive experts, technology such as online scheduling and payment for service transactions, pricing and loan approval online for sales, and a pick up and delivery service so you are never inconvenienced are just a few of the ways Bozard tries always to exceed their customers’ expectations. With a goal of selling and serving with distinction, people are the top priority. “We are constantly inspired by this community,” says Letti. “The NE Florida area is such a giving community and we strive to be a corporate citizen that fits right in with that!”
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WOMEN IN BUSINESS
MONSTER TREE SERVICE OF NORTHEAST FLORIDA HEATHER FRITZ
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he owner of Monster Tree Service, Heather is distinctly feminine in a maledominated industry. But don't let that fool you – she's a modern day Rosie the Riveter. She isn't worried about getting her boots dirty on a job and, when needed, confidently drives a utility truck. While her gender makes her unique, it’s her design background that makes her standout. She can see beyond the scope of the tree removal or trimming; she sees landscape design, scale, color. Heather's combination of arboriculture best practices and a detailed attention to aesthetics makes Monster Tree Service a business you’ll return to again and again. Her approach is both practical and beautiful, resting on a foundation of love for this community and a desire to serve it with excellence. The team offers full-service tree care with state of the art, new equipment, with a holistic approach that comes with straightforward and affordable prices. While they offer services such as tree pruning, stump grinding, and overall tree healthcare, Monster Tree Service is set apart when it comes to large, limited-access tree removals and pruning jobs which require crew skill and specialized equipment. And though their expertise and equipment are unmatched, building relationships with clients is the ultimate goal. Heather is approachable, clever, empathetic, and joyful. You know during each encounter with her and her team that you are the priority and that she’ll be fully honest and caring through every step of the process. Heather says, “We’re out to build a family of long-term customers who would say to their friends and family, ‘I wouldn’t trust any tree company on my property who doesn’t meet the same standards and quality of service that Monster Tree Service provides.’” “We owe our reputation of excellence to our constant focus on operating at the highest standards and our personal desire to always do what is right,” says Heather. “We work with all our heart as though we are working for the Lord. We set high goals for ourselves – to respect our employees, vendors, customers and the environment and to serve the needs of others and provide a service that exceeds all expectations.”
(904) 719-8499 www.whymonster.com/northeast-florida
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WOMEN IN BUSINESS
ST. AUGUSTINE SAILING ROSE ANN POINTS
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life and a career dedicated to sailing brought Rose Ann Points to St. Augustine. And since purchasing St. Augustine Sailing in 2018, Rose Ann has committed herself to maintaining the mission and quality of service that has set them apart for so long. “Our goal is to help folks meet their sailing goals,” says Rose Ann. “Not everyone has the same goal, so understanding what they want and providing an avenue to get them to accomplish it in a fun but professional manner. We believe the fun begins where the land ends!” Rose Ann and her team at St. Augustine Sailing provide sailing charters, bareboat charters, ASA sailing instruction, small boat club, SailTime Membership, and yacht brokerage services. But really, their mission goes beyond this. Over the past few years, the team has worked to give those who would not be otherwise being able to experience the joy of sailing an opportunity to get on the water. They recently hosted students from the Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind, and Rose Ann started the Women on the Water program to provide sailing instruction in a supportive group. Whether it’s someone gaining their sea legs or a seasoned vet, St. Augustine Sailing is there each step of the way. “I love seeing the excitement in others that are in different stages of living their dreams,” says Rose Ann, “and knowing I am just a small part of helping them reach it.” At its core, St. Augustine Sailing is there to help others experience the peace and tranquility that sailing can bring to one’s life. “I know that not everyone’s feelings of sailing are the same,” says Rose Ann, “but for me, the feeling of a soft breeze and the warmth of the sun against your skin with the only noise is the waves lightly splashing against the hull of the vessel makes my heart calm and at peace. I want to give everyone the chance to be a part of nature and enjoy the beauty of creation.”
(904) 829-0648 3076 Harbor Drive www.sta-sail.com
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WOMEN IN BUSINESS
DESIGN, M.D. STEPHANIE D. HOLLIS, M.D.
(904) 315-8765 55 South Dixie Highway www.designmd.co
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e spend most of our 24 hours a day in only a few spaces. Dr. Stephanie Hollis believes that we should love those spaces, and that’s what prompted the establishment of Design, M.D. The owners and founders of Solar Stik, Stephanie and her husband moved to St. Augustine in 2004 when Stephanie accepted a job at Flagler Hospital. In her 20 years as a physician, she has honed great communication and organizational skills which have been a huge asset in her design work – easily interpreting clients’ design desires and imparting them to contractors and tradesmen. “I am able to combine my passion for creating amazing interiors and focal points with drilling down on what a client’s unique and perfect space would look like,” says Stephanie. “I understand the effect that the areas you spend most of your time in can have on your productivity, your peace of mind, and general emotional state. Quite simply, I help people ‘revive’ their space.” With an education in drafting and art and 15 years of practical experience and “getting her hands dirty” with renovations, Stephanie is a master of creating bold spaces that people notice and remember. She loves using a simple installation (like a custom backsplash or wood walls) to completely transform an impersonal and generic space, and Stephanie looks for clients who seek a unique and personalized design, not just a copy of what everyone is doing in the magazines or design shows. “Interior design has become hyper-focused on creating spaces that appeal to everyone and ensures great resale,” says Stephanie, “while addressing resale is one aspect of a good design, this focus on pleasing everyone has made for safe, bland and generic design! I want people to feel connected to the spaces they spend a majority of their time in! The space should make you feel happy or energetic or relaxed or productive, but not ‘approved by the masses’.”
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WOMEN IN BUSINESS
CARRERA WINE CELLAR JESSICA S. HARRISON
(904) 217-4751 35 San Marco Avenue www.carrerawinecellar.com
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arrera Wine Cellar is not your average wine shop. Located in an approximately 200-year-old house on San Marco Avenue, the shop boasts a number of seating areas, including an outside backyard patio where you can enjoy a tasting or a bottle. On their shelves, you’ll find a unique selection of wines from vineyards around the world. Their enomatic machines are a must try! These are wine sampling machines which is a fun and interactive way to taste a variety of wines. Join their wine club and receive special benefits. They offer wine education classes to learn more about wine too. You can host any event in their space – from weddings and receptions, bachelorette parties, birthdays, office parties and anniversaries. If you are looking for something a little more luxurious, you can step into Jessica’s Attic, where high end tastings and private events can be held. Owner Jessica Harrison worked as a dental assistant for more than a decade, but the world of wine was really where her passion lay. Trained through an extensive program with certified Sommelier Tony Porcellini (their wine education program director), Jessica and her team have an intimate knowledge of wine. They keep this knowledge up through attending regular classes and seminars, information provided from their wine reps, publications, and taking an annual wine education trip. They love to talk about and pass this knowledge on to their customers. A family-owned business, they’ve worked hard to create a welcoming environment where everyone feels at home and comfortable asking questions. “We want to get to know you and call you by name – like the show Cheers,” Jessica laughs. All of the services provided by Carrera Wine Cellar are based on their foundational motto – wine should be simple, fun, and shared. “Wine can be scary,” says Jessica. “There are so many different varietals to choose from. We want to make wine more approachable to everyone – to demystify wine. We want everyone to enjoy and have a good time with wine regardless of their education or knowledge.”
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WOMEN IN BUSINESS
THE FALLON TEAM PAULA FALLON
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aula has dedicated herself to becoming a solid resource and problem solver for every client before, during, and after their transaction. She’s developed a reputation for tenacity and is committed to excellence, integrity, attention to detail, and a willingness to go the extra mile on every aspect of the real estate experience. Paula has created a team of like-minded, dedicated, and exceptional professionals who work in concert to produce outstanding results for her clients. Her work ethic is firmly rooted in her past experience as a property manager of her own commercial and residential properties, and she has worked tirelessly to be a top producing Realtor in St. Augustine. “Growing up, my dad conveyed to me that in order to be successful, I must be passionate in what I do, be committed to excellence, and always maintain my integrity to build and maintain the trust of my clients and friends. This is how I do real estate.” The Fallon Team experience begins with establishing and developing an open and honest partnership of trust combined with strong communication focusing on achieving their client’s goals. As a Listing Specialist, Paula’s expertise lies in knowing how to present her client’s properties from the curb to staging, photography, marketing, and negotiations. Paula’s credentials include Sellers Representative Specialist (SRS), Luxury Collection Specialist, Certified Negotiator, and she is a member of The National Association of Realtors (NAR). “Who you do business with matters! Our passion and commitment to excellence, integrity, trust, and teamwork are the hallmarks of our team.”
(904) 687-6177 100 Southpark Boulevard, Suite 201 www.StAugustineLifestyle.com
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WOMEN IN BUSINESS
OLDE TOWNE TOYS JENNIFER ELLEN-ELLIS
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hen it comes to your kids’ toys, we’re all guilty of going the easy route and rushing to the big box stores or online for the latest generic entertainment. But our little St. Augustine community is home to some toy experts that make the shopping experience what it should be – fun, exciting, and personal. For seven years, Jennifer Ellen-Ellis and her team at Olde Towne Toys have been all about play and the magic it brings to children of all ages. “We offer knowledge and personal service that you just can’t get at the big stores,” says Jennifer. “You’re able to touch and to feel, to ask questions and learn about what you’re purchasing. My favorite part of the day is when a customer comes in not knowing what they’re looking for, and through the shopping process, we talk and find the perfect gift. You can always walk out with something they’ll love.” Jennifer’s shelves are filled with all kinds of amazing and unique toys – games, art and science kits, choices that you can’t find anywhere else for kids of any age or interest. Each toy in their vast inventory is handselected by Jennifer and her knowledgeable team. She is a member of the American Specialty Toy Retail Association so that she can keep up to date with the world of play. Each year, she also attends the New York Toy Fair in New York City and the ASTRA Marketplace and Academy where she gets a firsthand look at all the latest and greatest coming out the next year. “We want to keep building a fun place for children to shop and to play with toys,” says Jennifer, “and have a wonderful experience they will always remember.” Jennifer and her team at Olde Towne Toys are dedicated to their work and the community it serves. “I hope the children in our community learn through play,” she says, “which is so important for a child’s development.”
(904) 342-8008 300 S. Ponce de Leon Boulevard www.oldetownetoys.com
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WOMEN IN BUSINESS
LITTLE SMILES MARISOL BOLIVAR, DMD, MS
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aving just joined the Little Smiles team in 2019, Dr. Marisol Bolivar is known by many as the “new doctor.” But in truth, she’s a lifelong student of dentistry, specializing in pediatric dentistry with extensive experience treating children with special needs. After completing dental school and a one year residency in General Dentistry at Fort Benning, Dr. Bolivar served in the Army at Fort Meade for four years. During this time, though, she discovered that her heart was in pediatrics, so she returned to school to pursue the more specialized field. A mother of two (soon to be three), Dr. Bolivar believes that her experience as a parent influences her decisionmaking as a provider. “I like to treat all patients on an individual basis,” she says, “and work in conjunction with parents to determine the best treatment options for their child and their specific set of circumstances. I consider myself to be conservative with treatment, and I enjoy the aspect of teaching children and parents about oral health with a focus on prevention.” Dr. Bolivar’s focus on prevention and conservative approach to oral health care fall perfectly in line with the Little Smiles mission. She and the team of doctors offer individualized treatment plans with the latest materials and newest technologies – like porcelain crowns for primary teeth, mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) pulpotomies, BPA/Bis GMA free white fillings, and the Waterlase laser for several treatments. Knowing that experiences with the dentist can often be stressful, the staff is always ready to greet and welcome children into a fun and friendly environment, using an educational approach to get them invested in their own oral health. “Working with children is sometimes challenging, for a variety of reasons,” says Dr. Bolivar. “I feel like I learn something everyday. This constant feeling is what keeps me motivated to make each experience more pleasant for the children and parents, while still providing the best care possible.”
(904) 471-8500 1301 Plantation Island Drive S., Ste 305 (386) 439-5437 105 Cypress Point Pkwy, Ste D, Palm Coast www.littlesmilesfl.com
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WOMEN IN BUSINESS
CATRON COMMUNICATION KATHY CATRON
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athy Catron was born and raised in St. Augustine. Her familiarity with the area and the people – coupled with more than 30 years of experience in communication – makes Kathy uniquely qualified to serve the marketing needs of the companies of North Florida. “St. Augustine is a special place to live and work with a high quality of life,” says Kathy. “I want everyone to love this place as much as I do. An important part of that is the success of local businesses, which create jobs and opportunities in St. Johns County. That’s what my company is all about, growing local businesses.” Whether a business needs full marketing services or just a push in the right direction, Kathy finds the right place and the right way to expand their customer base and earn repeat business. She and her team place an emphasis on using organic communication (social media, publicity, and content marketing) to help them form a real relationship with customers. Kathy has expertise in all forms of marketing – from branding and public relations, to social media, publicity, content marketing and promotions. “With all the different communication options, it can be difficult to know what to do or where to start,” says Kathy. “I collaborate with my clients to choose the marketing services that will work best for them. I’m an expert at finding great stories behind a business that they may not even realize are compelling. Compelling stories are engaging. Engaging customers leads to sales and repeat business.” In the ever-changing world of communications, Kathy knows it’s important to continue to grow and learn. She finds professional development and resources through her membership in the Public Relations Society of America. Along with a healthy communications practice, Kathy makes time for her passion – teaching. She teaches classes at St. Johns River State College and mentors students. “We appreciate our clients and value our relationships. We aim to create and manage a company’s communication plan centered on organic communications and authenticity,” says Kathy. “Both are the basis for storytelling and sharing our clients’ stories is what we do best.”
(386) 451-4213 www.CatronCommunication.com
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WOMEN IN BUSINESS
RE/MAX LEADING EDGE K. JENNIFER COOK
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fter spending many summers and weekends in St. Augustine, Jennifer Cook decided to put down roots in the Ancient City in 2013, and has been growing her real estate business here ever since. Her local knowledge and deep love for St. Augustine, paired with business acumen, has positioned Jennifer for success and has helped her achieve the status of a multi-million dollar producer year after year. Drawing on her background in project management and business consulting, she is able to deliver creative solutions to challenging questions and situations, to make complex processes seem effortless, to gather and analyze data with precision and accuracy, and to provide unparalleled client service and follow-through in order to enable others to achieve their real estate goals. Equipped with a suite of creative tools and cutting-edge technology, Jennifer excels in marketing and presenting homes to the most desirable audiences, as well as seeking out homes that perfectly fit her customers' wish lists. “Through my expertise, I enable my customers to make informed, confident real estate decisions,” says Jennifer, “I have the business experience, life experience, and local experience to tackle any real estate challenge with exceptional professionalism and care. I understand what my clients are going through, and I always go above and beyond to make sure they feel like they are in the very best hands.” But Jennifer’s success doesn’t just come down to experience and expertise. For her, trust and empathy are essential. Jennifer’s success in helping others find or sell a home depends greatly on her ability to create a trusting environment in which customers know that she has their best interests at heart. Truly listening and learning about her customers, and understanding their unique situation and goals, is most important. Jennifer is skilled at diffusing stress and providing her customers with the most detailed, accurate and timely information about the housing market. “Whether buying a new home, selling an existing property, or pursuing investment opportunities, the process should be fun and exciting,” says Jennifer. “Real estate transactions are complex and often complicated, but I am passionate about creating a positive and stress-free environment for my customers.”
(904) 874-4480 3560 A1A South, Suite 2 www.JenniferCookRealty.com
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WOMEN IN BUSINESS
LOST ART GALLERY AND SEA SPIRITS GALLERY & GIFTS VICTORIA GOLDEN
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ictoria Golden, owner of Lost Art Gallery and Sea Spirits Gallery, has a unique lens on the world and loves to find incredible new artists and artifacts. As a Fine Art Appraiser for over 25 years and with a background in archeology, she is able to find special pieces from around the world that people get excited about. Victoria is certified in Fine Art Consultation and Appraising through the International Society of Appraisers, and she was also initiated into the prestigious Explorers Club in 2011 for her archeological and ocean conservation contributions. It takes years of education to be an appraiser and specialist in these fields, but Victoria has an overwhelming passion for her work, and she delights in sharing this expertise with every client. Every piece displayed in both Lost Art Gallery and Sea Spirits Gallery demonstrates this dedication as well as a commitment to the galleries’ core mission – to have the finest museum quality pieces at affordable prices. Lost Art Gallery has had a stellar reputation for over 25 years and continues to build strong relationships while assisting clients in their acquisition at every collector level. Sea Spirits Gallery totally focuses on the ocean – beautiful art and objects that reflect the colors and movement of the sea and its creatures as well as pieces that support conservation. In addition to the stunning art found in the galleries, Victoria also assists in Fine art appraisals. Through her knowledge of the industry and her years of education and expertise, she has developed a deep understanding of the art market and its trends and can easily find new homes for your treasures. No matter your needs or style, Victoria and her team can help you every step of the way. “We value our clients and customers,” says Victoria, “and we strive to truly understand their personal needs, taste, and collectors’ interest. We always work hard to exceed their expectations. My son Alexander and I love this community and want to continue to provide quality service and unique and special art pieces for your home, and gifts for your family and friends.”
(904) 827-9800 www.lostartgallery.com (904) 679-3811 www.seaspiritsgallery.com 210 St. George Street, C-1 and C-2
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WOMEN IN BUSINESS
BRIDGE CITY REAL ESTATE CO. BRITT HASLETT
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n 2010, Britt Haslett moved to St. Augustine from Tennessee so that her son could attend the Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind. Initially she worked in web and graphic design, but not long after started a nonprofit for “braille readers” in the visually impaired community. As she and her family settled into St. Augustine, she developed so much appreciation for the city that she fell in love with the idea of helping others live and grow here as well. This love for St. Augustine inspired Britt to start Bridge City Real Estate Co., but her son inspired her to do business differently. “I discovered at a young age how to be an advocate for my son,” says Britt. “He was born blind, and there were a lot of decisions I had to make with his condition that taught me to be resourceful and creative – which influences my business practices and inspires me to be an advocate for my clients.” Britt and her partners at Bridge City Real Estate Co. wanted to create a real estate business that was motivated not by sales and numbers, but by helping people achieve their real estate goals and acting as an advocate for both people and the community. The team takes the time to get to know each client and their family so they can guide them to a neighborhood and a home that fits their lifestyle and personality. Creating happy people, happy neighborhoods, and happy communities is what they do. “I believe customer service should always be exceptional, no matter what service you are providing,” says Britt. “Customer service can come easily when you are empathetic and understanding of your client's needs and feelings. I want everyone that comes in contact with Bridge City Real Estate Co. to know that they are our priority!”
(904) 460-2789 88 Riberia Street, Suite 340 www.SellingSTA.com
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WOMEN IN BUSINESS
WOMEN IN BUSINESS
FIT MAMAS TRIBE
GONZALES/THOMAS “YOUR HOMETOWN TEAM”
LAUREN GILES
REGINA GONZALES, MICHELLE THOMAS
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ead by women’s fitness expert Lauren Giles and boutique owner Jane Boles, Fit Mamas Tribe + Boutique is for women in all stages of life, specializing in prenatal and postnatal fitness as well as offering unique gift and wellness items. “We understand the balance of mom-life/ work-life/self care and we genuinely care about each client,” says Lauren. “Everyone who comes to Fit Mamas becomes part of our family. Fit Mamas Tribe empowers women and bridges a community to uplift and support each other – both in and out of the gym,” says Lauren. “Driven by the daily opportunity to learn, educate, and connect with others, we are able to resonate with clients on a personal level by applying our own experiences to women’s fitness journeys. No matter where clients are in their fitness range, each session is a fun, scalable, and most importantly a safe method of fitness training.”
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egina Gonzales and Michelle Thomas bring an insider knowledge to your realty experience. Both St. Augustine natives, they know this city – its ins and outs, its people, and its places – and can pass that expertise onto you. “We strongly believe that our customers deserve our very best,” Regina says. “We strive to relay our passion and love for our area with our valued customers (who become friends!). We love real estate, and it shows in how we care for all of our customers.” Perfectly equipped for any realty situation, Michelle and Regina are Military on the Move Specialists as well as Certified Staging Experts. They strive to give each client the benefit of their market and industry knowledge as well as the comfort of having experienced realtors on their side. “We are super passionate about our profession,” says Michelle. “We love our job, and our customers become like family!”
(904) 669-0017
(904) 315-8249
303C Anastasia Boulevard www.fitmamastribe.com
3505 US 1 South www.gonzalesthomasteam.watsonrealtycorp.com
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WOMEN IN BUSINESS
WOMEN IN BUSINESS
ORANGETHEORY FITNESS
PANACHE: AN AVEDA SALON, SPA, STORE
LESLIE BACCASH, DONNA FENCHEL AND FAITH BROWN ELLENBERGER
KRISTY WEEKS AND MICHELLE VIJGEN
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ebruary is Heart Health month, and at Orangetheory Fitness, the team believes your heart is as important as all your other muscle groups – especially since Heart Disease is the leading cause of death in men and women in the US. “As women business owners, we were looking for a total body workout that could work for everyone regardless of their fitness level or age,” says Leslie Baccash. “The Orangetheory total body workout fits the bill. The Orangetheory workout is a science-backed, technology-tracked, coach-inspired 1-hour workout that covers all aspects of your fitness health.” Orangetheory will be offering a Free OTBeat Core Heart Rate Monitor (HRM) to anyone who joins from February 1st through February 17th as an Elite or Premier member, giving them real time data on their in and out of studio workouts. Visit Orangetheory Fitness St. Augustine to start your journey to better heart health and take advantage of the Free HRM offer.
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or 32 years, Panache has provided consistent, quality salon and spa services and is now one of the most respected and celebrated salons in the community. Owner Kristy Weeks and her partner Michelle Vijgen are a powerhouse team who lead more than 30 skilled industry professionals in their mission to contribute a little more beauty to the world. Panache is dedicated to the community and its employees, and the team has a passion for what they do. “The most important thing we do everyday is fill the cups of those around us,” says Michelle. “We want our guests to feel empowered and feel beauty from the inside out. We treat you from scalp to soul, and we are committed to the mission of caring for others and the world around us. It is who we are and what we do. Every guest. Every time.”
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EATS ORDER UP
SEARED SCALLOPS A creation from the culinary mind of Chef Scott Ostrander, these seared scallops are served on a winter squash puree with cauliflower, brussel sprouts, and hazelnut jus. Locallysourced ingredients and Spanish-inspired dishes are the lifeblood of his kitchen at Casa Monica Resort & Spa's Costa Brava. MORE ON PAGE 102
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Inside: Living on the Veg // Culinary Character // Taste Test // Worth the Drive
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TAKE NOTE
TROPICAL TASTES
THE DISH The Tree Hugger LIVING ON THE VEG
ON A ROLL
THIS ANYTHING-BUT-ORDINARY TAKE ON VEGETARIAN SUSHI COMES FROM THE KITCHEN OF A CLASSICALLY-TRAINED SUSHI MASTER.
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Written and Photographed by Tammy Harrow
ushi chefs, like many culinary professionals around the world, are getting on board with the growing plant-based movement, which has transformed from a small faction of people to a 4.6 billion dollar industry. With the help of culinary expertise, sushi no longer has to be all raw fish and roe, and with creativity, it doesn’t have to be as simple as a seaweedwrapped avocado, asparagus, or cucumber roll. Kingfish Grill’s own classically-trained sushi master, Austin Katoh, had rolled sushi in many places before settling in at the Kingfish back in 2012. Here he has found a place where he’s able to flex his innovative skills and create visionary twists – like the vegetarian Tree Hugger, a huge and satisfying roll, offering around eleven filling pieces of unique deliciousness. It’s the first time I have eaten sushi and chosen to skip the soy/wasabi combination so as not to overpower the complex flavors. Instead of traditional seaweed wrap, Chef Austin uses a mild-tasting, melt-in-your-mouth spinach soy paper. Inside, you sink your teeth into creamy
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edamame hummus, cornmeal coated and flash-fried tempura artichokes, crunchy fresh asparagus, and soft sweet potato. Tangy goat cheese, balsamic glaze, and honey linger on the palate after each bite. Toasted almonds finish the roll and send it over the edge. Located at the docks of Camachee Cove Yacht Harbor directly on the Intracoastal, Kingfish Grill has some of the most spectacular views in town. The restaurant, owned by Paul Mackey who is originally from coastal New England, has been a St. Augustine favorite for seafood since 2005. The restaurant has several other sushi rolls and a handful of dishes like the Thai Vegetable Spring Rolls that can also be prepared to accommodate both vegetarians and vegans. And though there are plenty of vegetarian and vegan-friendly selections, Chef Austin and his innovative take on sushi keep people coming back for more. 252 Yacht Club Drive www.king fishgrill.com www.STAUGUSTINESOCIAL.com
If you're like many Floridians, you're just holding your breath until summer. We're just waiting to welcome back the season of sun and sand (even though this winter has been pretty warm, even by our standards), but if summer isn't quite coming fast enough for you, we have a great alternative – St. George Street's newly-opened Boat Drinks. Like the name implies, their specialty is all things tropical libations. On their menu, you'll find frozen daiquiris, frozen coladas, and lots of rum cocktails (plus an assortment of beer and wine). And if you're in the mood for some food, they'll also treat you to some seafood selections – like Salt Cod Fritters, Charbroiled Oysters, and fish sandwiches. We can practically feel the summer sun already.
56 St. George Street www.boatdrinksbar.com
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CULINARY CHARACTER
CHEF D'OEUVRE EXECUTIVE CHEF SCOTT OSTRANDER OF CASA MONICA RESORT & SPA’S COSTA BRAVA IS NO STRANGER TO PURSUING CULINARY EXCELLENCE. By Lauren Eastman Photography by Kate Gardiner
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verseeing the restaurant’s continuous schedule requires someone with passion and focus. Costa Brava serves breakfast, lunch, dinner, and Sunday brunch to delighted guests and locals amid one of St. Augustine’s finest hotels – the Casa Monica Resort & Spa. It can be a grueling enterprise, but Chef Scott Ostrander takes it all in stride, with a smile on his face. After graduating top of his class from the Culinary Institute of America in New York, Chef Scott trained under top chefs across the country from Roy Yamaguchi on the islands of Hawaii to Chef Christopher Brooks in Alexandria, Virginia. It was here that his team won the prestigious Distinguished Restaurants of North American Award from Wine Spectator. Following the award, he was recruited to Savannah, Georgia, where he spent four years building a locally-sourced menu from the ground up. He created relationships with farmers, ranchers, and fishermen
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Growing up on the edge of his grandfather’s farm in the Hudson Valley of New York, his grandparents brought much of the Old World influence when it came to food. In fact, his first culinary memory was making fresh pasta and ravioli in his grandmother’s kitchen when he was just four or five years old.
from Alabama all the way to South Carolina, soon bringing his understanding of Southeastern cuisine to Mama’s Boy Southern Table & Refuge in South Norwalk, Connecticut. He was later featured on the Cooking Channel’s nationally-televised show, Road Trip with G. Garvin. Chef Scott joined The Kessler Collection team in 2014 as Executive Chef of Red www.STAUGUSTINESOCIAL.com
Stag Grill, located inside the Grand Bohemian Hotel in Asheville, North Carolina, bringing his passion for locallygrown products and Southern-style cuisine to the award-winning restaurant. After five years of success, he introduced his unique brand of creativity to Casa Monica Resort & Spa’s Costa Brava, where he continues to craft imaginative dishes for his guests to enjoy while staying closely in touch with his farm-to-table roots. He calls out Morrison Tomato Farm as one of his favorite local producers. “Sheldon grows a mean tomato,
Influentially, he notes the impact of travel on his craft. “I’ve had the opportunity to live and work around the country and experience ingredients and cuisines that I would have otherwise never seen.”
and a few varieties of okra too,” says Chef Scott. “It is also wonderful to have such a small, artisanal rice producer like Congaree and Penn so close. We enjoy having Dog Rose Brewing as our neighbor just down the street and, of course, St. Augustine Distillery. Phillip and his family are great partners, and we do a lot in conjunction with them.” Today in the kitchen at Costa Brava, Chef Scott is focused on trying to establish a sense of place that even a visiting palate can easily recognize. Melding the Spanish history of St. Augustine and the hotel’s Spanish/
Moorish architecture and design with ingredients found along the North Florida coast is key to this synergy. Chef Scott does it with unique aplomb that combines the history of St. Augustine with the specific ingredients available locally.
old. As he grew, culinary culture involved large family gatherings with more food than an army could eat. He learned to cook southern Italian food from this early age, but to this day, has never cooked Italian in a professional setting.
Growing up on the edge of his grandfather’s farm in the Hudson Valley of New York, his grandparents were first generation ItalianAmerican and brought much of the Old World influence when it came to food. In fact, his first culinary memory was making fresh pasta and ravioli in his grandmother’s kitchen when he was just four or five years
He realized that he wanted to be a chef while in engineering school, cooking on the side for extra money. One day, he noticed that he only enjoyed being at work in the kitchen and decided to make the shift. Influentially, he notes the impact of travel on his craft. “I’ve had the opportunity to live and work around the country and experience
www.STAUGUSTINESOCIAL.com
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“Coming out of the same culinary school right as the French Laundry was hitting its peak, a lot of what I continue to base my cooking on was shaped by what he was doing at the time and I can say, in many ways, still does.”
ingredients and cuisines that I would have otherwise never seen.” His largest personal culinary influence in the kitchen is Thomas Keller. “Coming out of the same culinary school right as the French Laundry was hitting its peak, a lot of what I continue to base my cooking on was shaped by what he was doing at the time and I can say, in many ways, still does.” As for his management style, Chef Scott tries to lead by example. He doesn’t ask someone to do something that they would not see him doing himself. His mantra for himself and his staff is to invest in great products and do only what must be done to highlight them. Essentially – letting the items speak for themselves. Bringing innovation to the kitchen, the chef and his team are currently working on a number of house-made charcuterie items that they plan
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to debut in the new year.
gym and surfing when time allows.
He brings attention to his AM steward, Steffon, who literally will do anything he is asked. “During a time when we were short staffed, he learned to cook breakfast so he could jump on the line and help when it got really busy. Now he spends part of most of his mornings working breakfast.” Chef’s own refrigerator at home is well stocked. Currently, his wife is working towards her master’s in dietetics, so she makes it her mission to fill it with an array of healthy choices. “If it was just me, it would probably just have some leftover pizza and hot sauce,” he jokes.
At home, Chef Scott tries to cook once a week – either jambalaya or Thai curry. He is more of a snacker than a sit down for a full meal type of eater, himself. Among his favorite chefs in the area, he counts Matt Brown at Collage, Michael Lugo at Michael’s, Genie at The Floridian, and Nils at Crème de Cocoa, saying, “All of them are trying to push the St. Augustine food scene forward, which is good for all of us. We are definitely more than a tourist food town and it is becoming evident within the industry as well as regionally.”
During the rare times that he is outside of the kitchen, Scott can be found working on his two vintage Corvettes in advance of the next car show. He also enjoys hitting the www.STAUGUSTINESOCIAL.com
95 Cordova Street www.kesslercollection.com/casa-monica
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TASTE TEST
SUB CULTURE CHEBA HUT IS OUT TO SHOW THE LONG-ESTABLISHED RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN GOOD FOOD AND THE COUNTERCULTURE AROUND WHICH IT OPERATES. By Molly Wilson | Photography by Jesse Brantman
Dustin, Monica, and Levi Derickson have already found great success since opening the franchise in October. Pictured here (left): the Power Plant.
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hether you’re looking for fine dining, a place to watch the game, or local music and craft beer, Anastasia Boulevard is home to some great restaurants and delicious food. And now there’s a new kid on the block – Cheba Hut has proudly added its name to the Boulevard roster of excellence. The franchise was started in Tempe, Arizona just over twenty years ago, but Dustin and Monica Derickson along with their son Levi were the first to open a Cheba Hut east of the Mississippi. Already owners of a Dairy Queen in Indiana, Dustin says they were looking for
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a restaurant to open here in St. Augustine. “We ran across Cheba Hut,” he says, “and thought it was a great fit.” Cheba Hut was started, it says, to showcase the harmony between flavorful food and the counterculture around which it themes its decor and menu. With an array of toasted subs, salads, munchies (like cereal bars, brownies, cookies, chips, and pretzel bites), on-tap Kool-Aid, cocktails, and local craft beer and wine, it’s the type of spot that you frequent for some unusual but ingenious combinations and a laid-back atmosphere. Overtly “anti-establishment,” the restaurant prides itself on homegrown www.STAUGUSTINESOCIAL.com
food and a friendly staff. Their atmosphere has seemed to strike a chord with the locals and despite having only opened in October of last year, the Dericksons are already looking to Gainesville and Jacksonville for their next two franchise locations. After a little refreshing Kool-Aid (offered in a number of electric colors with clever names), the first dish to our table was the White Widow. Served toasted, grilled chicken is covered in their signature ranch dressing and topped with mushrooms, bacon, and provolone cheese then garnished with some lettuce. One of the restaurant’s best sellers, it’s a substantial
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EATS
The restaurant showcases the harmony between flavorful food and the counterculture around which it themes its decor and menu. Pictured here (clockwise from above): Loaded Not'chos, Kali Mist, and the Hummus Platter.
sandwich and doesn’t shy away from bold flavor. Much like the Kali Mist, which introduces some heat into the equation. A roasted turkey sub, the sandwich is filled with fresh jalapeños, bacon, pepper jack cheese, and avocado then finished with chipotle mayo. Though not overwhelming to the point of overpowering the flavor, the variety of peppers adds an unrelenting kick to the sub that’s perfectly counteracted by the mild avocado and proteins. There are also plenty of options for those of the vegetarian persuasion, like the Power Plant. A veritable garden of ingredients, the sub starts with guacamole and hummus
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then adds a little feta, some spring mix, onion, tomato, pickle, cucumber, sprouts, mushrooms, black olives, and house dressing. Packed with flavor and fresh veggies, even the carnivores in the audience wouldn’t notice the lack of meat. And if you’re searching for something to share (or just to munch on), you can always turn to the Hummus Platter – both house and jalapeño hummus, cucumber, tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and toasted garlic herb bread. If you’re in the mood to be a little more daring than hummus will allow, the Loaded Not'chos might be calling your name. Melted Cheddar Cheese, jalapeños, red onion, and black olives on a bed of Nacho Cheese Doritos with ranch drizzled www.STAUGUSTINESOCIAL.com
on top, it’s one of those combinations that really is as good as you always dreamed it would be. Unpretentious and loaded with flavor, it’s no wonder that the food at Cheba Hut has been so popular in its new neighborhood. Their welcome from the local diners has been overwhelmingly positive, according to Dustin. “The community loves our food and great customer service.” Well we can say that the community has good taste.
604 Anastasia Boulevard www.chebahut.com/st-augustine
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WORTH THE DRIVE
PARIS IS ALWAYS A GOOD IDEA WITH LE PETIT PARIS, CHEF ALEXANDER CHEZAUD IS BRINGING AUTHENTIC, UNPRETENTIOUS PARISIAN FLAVORS TO THE BOLD CITY. By Molly Wilson Photography by Marla Porter
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think everyone has an aesthetic that they’re inexplicably drawn to – a type of place you’ll always wander into or a type of thing you’ll always pick up. Mine is cozy cafes. The type of cafe that’s tucked away somewhere, unpretentiously serving delicious food in an atmosphere that feels authentic and welcoming. Where you could spend hours sitting comfortably with a cup of tea or coffee and a good book. So it took only a few minutes inside of Le Petit Paris to feel entirely at home. Le Petit Paris can be found just off of the always-busy San Jose Boulevard in Jacksonville, in a storefront surrounded by a phone store and an insurance agent. I’ve learned in my time at the magazine to never judge a restaurant by its cover, because strip malls can hide some serious culinary gems. Le Petit Paris is no exception. The restaurant has only been open since March of 2019, but owner and chef Alexander Chezaud says that the foundation was laid six years ago. Alexander’s sister had just moved to St. Pete and was inspired to open a French cafe, so she called her chef brother and asked if he would move from Paris for just six months to help her get started. Well six months turned into four years. During this time, Alexander met his wife, Yevah, and the couple decided to move to Yevah’s
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hometown of Jacksonville to be closer to her family and have a chance to start a cafe of their own. An omen of good food to come, Alexander’s culinary resume could rival any Jacksonville chef’s. He worked at a number of highend restaurants in Paris – including Le Meurice with Chef Alain Ducasse (awarded three Michelin stars) and Le Fouquet’s under Michelin-starred Chef Jean Yves Lerangueur. “I worked at Le Fouquet’s for a little bit more than four years,” says Alexander. “That is where I learned most of everything I know now when it comes to the importance of presentation, using quality products, and the importance of quality of service.” With white marble tabletops, Parisian bistro chairs, and a stripe of red tile along the wall, this is by no means your kitschy, French-themed cafe. Aided, he says, by restaurant manager Santiago Dvivero, Alexander brought a whirlwind of authenticity with him from Paris. If you carefully avert your eyes from the expanse of pavement and palm trees just outside the window, you’ll feel entirely transported. www.STAUGUSTINESOCIAL.com
You’ll also feel transported when it comes to your palate. Alexander and his second chef Colton Simmons set us up first with the Germain, a baguette sandwich topped with pesto, prosciutto, arugula, and shaved parmesan. This dish is perfectly indicative of the menu’s mission – simple and unostentatious but beautifully fresh and delightfully flavorful. All adjectives that can also describe the Palette Salad (named such, I can only assume, because it’s practically a work of art). A bed of mixed greens is garnished with goat cheese and sundried tomatoes then finished with balsamic glaze and accompanied by a hot goat cheese and fig toast.
Pictured here: (clockwise from left) Palette Salad and the Germain, Le Normandy Cheese Board, and the Breakfast Sandwich.
The Le Normandy Cheese Board was a striking array of brie, prosciutto, strawberry, apple, grapes, and almonds. And – proving that this cafe can hold its own for any meal of the day – a croissant, brie, scrambled eggs, and bacon made up the Breakfast Sandwich (though any number of cheeses and proteins can be substituted). And if your sweet tooth is what calls to you ante meridiem, stands stacked high with freshly-baked pastries of all kinds sit just adjacent to the register. Throughout this delicious display, we quenched our thirst with their much-beloved peach/ mango tea, an expertly-crafted latte, and a glass of Cote de Provence Rosé. Though we
resisted the call of the mimosa bar, many nearby tables had given in to its summons. When it comes to the food, Alexander chose dishes that reminded him of meals he had while still living in Paris. “But they all have a different twist than the ones I would have there,” he says. “It was really fun to combine both American and French culinary culture together to create unique recipes!” And his combinations have clearly clicked with the locals. As we set up dishes to photograph, we had to weave in and out of a slew of customers (despite this being mid-afternoon), and there was rarely a www.STAUGUSTINESOCIAL.com
moment in which the door wasn’t opening rapidly. The food at Le Petit Paris isn’t complicated. It isn’t full of unpronounceable and obscure ingredients; it doesn’t need these things to stand out. Instead, it relies on Chef Alexander’s expertise and care – an intention and authenticity that makes the simple sublime. 9965 San Jose Boulevard, Suite #46, Jacksonville www.lepetitparisjax.com
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