BELLA Pensacola September 2024

IMPACT local

Live in local fashion; give your talents to hometown causes; live with gusto like Marge Baars; navigate menopause with confidence.

ALSO INSIDE

• Healthy cold brew hacks with Mrs. Jones

• Time management with Kali Brigham

from the editor

From my earliest days as a young professional in Pensacola in the 1990s, to my “ballpark mom” years in Gulf Breeze, and all the way to today, I have worked alongside so many amazing people making an impact in our local communities.

I have helped other volunteers raise money, build a Habitat for Humanity house, lead scout troops, work concession stands, coach sports, write nonprofit grants, serve on boards and committees and countless other endeavors meant to make our world a better place for all.

There are so many ways to make an impact; however, you might be wondering, “Where do I fit? What can I do?”

Start with your passions. What do you believe in? Is there a cause that speaks to you? I guarantee that whatever it is, they will be happy to have more hands helping with their mission. Don’t be shy! Reach out and ask to get involved.

Next, think about your talents. Are you a good writer? Yay! Every cause needs a writer for grants, press releases, annual reports, emails or newsletters.

Are you a hands-on person? Hooray! Volunteer to help set up and work events, build something, stuff envelopes or make deliveries.

Or maybe you’re a people person. Fantastic! Be the voice, the recruiter, the cheerleader. The point is, no matter what your skill, availability or interest, there is a cause out there with a place for you.

And don’t be a complainer. If you see a problem, think about how you can help fix it. The doers of the world may not be doing everything perfectly, but they are DOING, and that’s more than many people can say.

The point is, everyone can pitch in and make an impact. Raise your hand. I promise, you’ll get way more out of it than you put in.

I hope you enjoy reading about inspiring people and ways to make a local impact in this issue, along with finding out about locally available fashion and beauty products, healthy coffee, time management and tips for surviving menopause.

— Lisa Player

/ Kelly MacLeod

EDITOR / Lisa Player

ART DIRECTOR / Elizabeth Meyer

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Liz Biggs, Alice Crann Good, Sharla Gorder, Allison McCrory, Chelsea Owens, Leslie Peck, Justine Williams Roper, Leah Seacrest, Magi Thomley Williams

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Toni Sparks, Kate Treick

ADVERTISING

Jennifer Harrison, Magi Thomley Williams

staff

Liz Biggs, writer/columnist

Liz Biggs is a Pensacola native and mother of four. Once upon a time, she had a high-pressure career, but now she has a pension and is a freelance writer for Bella Magazine. Liz enjoys music, dancing, tennis and travel and tries to find humor in everything.

Alice Crann Good, writer

Award-winning writer Alice Crann Good spent 20 years with USA TODAY and Pensacola News Journal; accolades include the Scripps Howard Foundation National Journalism Award. She was also a state college PR specialist and is author of Betsy the Bookworm children’s book series.

Sharla Gorder, writer/columnist

Sharla Dawn Gorder is a Pensacola Beach resident and columnist for the Island Times newspaper. She is the author of “My Vices Collide; a Celebration of Being a Little Messed Up,” and is currently working on her next book, entitled “Crayon Dawn,” due out in October 2024.

Jennifer Harrison, advertising

Jennifer Harrison is a Pensacola native (via the Navy). She is very involved in the Pensacola community through IMPACT 100, Pensacola Navy Days, Food Distributions for Representative Salzman, Leadership Pensacola, ECPS Foundation, Achieve Escambia, ECCPTA and more. Making an impact is what drives her to do more.

Allison McCrory, writer/fashion stylist

Allison McCrory is almost a Pensacola native who has worked in writing and editing since 1984 when she started with The News, an afternoon newspaper that later merged with the morning Journal. The mom of two adult kids, Allison suffers from a tennis addiction, practices yoga and loves to cook.

Magi Thomley Williams, advertising/writer

Magi Thomley Williams, ACB, ALB is a business and nonprofit consultant, writer, trainer and speaker. Dedicated to improving her community by helping nonprofits build their boards, improve their media presence and attract donor funding,Magi enjoys writing about impactful nonprofits, thriving businesses and the women who lead them. Magi@ThomleyConsulting.com

Chelsea Owens, writer

Chelsea Owens grew up in Gulf Breeze and received degrees in communications and art from the University of West Florida. She has a lifelong passion for style and art, and over 10 years of social media and marketing experience. She is also a pilates instructor who enjoys both staying busy and relaxing at the beach.

Justine Roper, writer

Justine Roper is a doctor of physical therapy, personal trainer, and speaker from Pensacola. She has written articles surrounding women’s health for publications like Essence magazine and enjoys all things movement and food. She is the proud owner of InHer Physique Pelvic Floor Therapy & Wellness, where her passion for women’s health truly shines.

Leslie Peck, writer/beauty expert

Leslie Peck is a local aesthetician, makeup artist, lash artist and brow specialist. She has experience in TV, film, print and celebrity makeup in Los Angeles and 11 seasons of NYC Fashion week. Leslie was featured on the front page of the Wall Street Journal in 2007 for her work at Fashion Week.

Leah Seacrest, writer/fitness expert

Leah Seacrest, a seasoned fitness industry veteran with over 30 years, experience in group fitness and personal training, coowns REGYMEN Fitness Pensacola and is the SVP of REGYMEN Fitness overseeing operations and franchise growth. She is a mother of three and loves spending time outdoors.

Sonshine, writer

Sonshine is a Northwest Florida media personality, currenting hosting “Sonshine’s Corner” on BLAB TV. She is a business consultant, author, motivational speaker and fitness consultant. Sonshinemoorer@gmail.com.

Toni Sparks, photographer

Toni Sparks is a proud Pensacola native. As the visionary behind Short Story Studios. Toni is dedicated to creating magazine-quality images with unparalleled elegance and style. Her experiences infuse her photography with a unique perspective that celebrates and elevates every moment.

Kate Treick, photographer

Kate Treick is a professional photographer, writer, speaker and publisher who has called Pensacola home since 2012. She and her husband, Joel, have two teenaged kids and two funny little dogs. Kate loves spending time with friends, leading music at her church, reading and traveling. kate@katetreickphotography.com

Teresa Torres Zwierzchowski, social media

Teresa Zwierzchowski has more than 20 years’ experience in communications, including more than 15 years working for the Pensacola News Journal. She is a lover of all things communication including brand, culture and social media as well as community and public relations.

Elizabeth Meyer, art director

Elizabeth Meyer spent her early career as a designer and design director at newspapers across the country. She is currently an adjunct instructor and director of The McKinley Avenue Agency at Ball State University. Betsy was born in Pensacola while her father was in the U.S. Navy.

inside this issue

FOOD & DRINK Cold brew better Page 46 OUT & ABOUT Crab Cake Cookoff Page 62

10 SPEND OR SAVE

12 FASHION: Living in local fashion and jewelry 22 BEAUTY: Beauty products right from your own home

24 CAUSES: Local Miracle Leagues hit it out of the park

32 LOCAL FARE: What sets Pensacola apart?

36 PROFILE: The irrepressible Marge Baars

40 BODY & SOUL: Navigating menopause

66 HER PERSPECTIVE: I heart Pensacola COVER STORY Local impact makers Page 26

50 PRO TIPS: Mastering time with Kali Brigham

52 WORTH THE TRIP: Gulf State Park

54 WORTH THE TRIP: London, Brussels, Paris, Barcelona

64 HER PERSPECTIVE: ’Tis the season

the cover: Model Elizabeth VanDyne shines in a Miou Muse floral dress from Drift Boutique. Story on Page 10.

Photo by Kate Treick Photography

BY

spendorsave

• Erdem strappy lace-paneled maxi dress, $1,395, saksfifthavenue.com

• Elodie petite mini gold circle knot earrings, $225, aureumcollective.com

• Staud Alba leather-trimmed mesh ballet flats, $350, saksfifthavenue.com

• Free People Sweet Nothings midi dress, $168, shopidb.com

• Layer hoop door knocker earrings, $16, thesoboboutique.com

• A New Day Mel sheer mesh ballet flats, $24.99, target.com

where to shop

Indigeaux Denim Bar & Boutique: 116 Palafox Pl., Pensacola; 850-607-2255; shopidb.com

SOBO Boutique: 512 N. Ninth Ave., Pensacola; 850-434-0258; thesoboboutique.com

Target: Multiple area locations; target.com

CHELSEA OWENS / BELLAMAGAZINE.COM / PHOTOS PROVIDED

fashion

Living in

LOCAL

By Allison McCrory / Photos by Kate Treick Photography

Iconic Gulf Coast locales call for an homage to area boutiques and jewelry designers. So why not dress to shine in local treasures when visiting some of the area’s brightest bastions of creativity?

Barrel jeans are a favorite 2024 look when frequenting local markets, breweries and art shows — or even a fall stroll along our pristine beaches. Team with a crochet top to channel the popular trending Boho style. Or for warm September days, why not make it a crochet dress?

“Wide leg pants are not going anywhere,” said Jill Noble, owner of Drift Boutique on Nine Mile Road. Classic ’70s-inspired pants are a canvas waiting for a personal interpretation. Add a simple sweater shell and statement local jewelry to make a wish for a long-awaited autumn.

Consider a matching set for the winning duo of comfort and style during a day of perusing downtown Pensacola’s many museums and local boutiques. Drift Boutique is known for its selection of uber-cozy matching sets for any season in an assortment of hues and styles. Team with tennies or add a lift with popular platform sandals and statement jewelry.

“Charm necklaces and gold, beaded bracelets are huge right now,” said Noble, adding that teardrop earrings are this year’s trending earwear shape.

Shopping list: Fluid! Feminine! Fresh! Wear this dress by Wishlist, $76, for a night out to dinner or the theater. Add a charm necklace for a touch of trend.

Shopping list: Make your LBD a slip dress and you’ll never be at a loss for what to wear — especially this one by Z Supply, $79, which is heavy enough to hold its shape yet fluid enough to move gracefully.

Shopping list: Classic and understated, this duo is a great background for a locally crafted coin necklace by ALK Designs. Beige sweater top by Pinch, $48; black Spanx pants, $168.

Elizabeth VanDyne

Maybe it’s boating on the water with friends or dining seaside or perusing local markets. Whatever finally sealed the deal, Pensacola has woven its way into Houston transplant Elizabeth VanDyne’s soul and made its home there.

“Pensacola holds a special place in my heart. Its vibrant community, stunning beaches and rich history make it a wonderful place to live and visit,” said VanDyne, who credits her home state of Texas with fueling her love for community and nature. Yet she is now a Pensacola girl.

“I love the friendly atmosphere and the variety of activities available, from cultural festivals to outdoor adventures,” she said. “One of Pensacola’s best qualities is its welcoming spirit; it truly feels like home to everyone who visits. I proudly call this place home and am grateful for the sense of belonging it provides.”

With eyes set on a career in health care, VanDyne is a student in Pensacola State College’s nursing program while working at Terrezza Optical in Downtown Pensacola. Stints at Ascension’s Core Laboratory and Adult Intensive Care have enhanced VanDyne’s passion for health care.

“These experiences further fueled my interests in community outreach and strengthened my aspirations to find innovative ways to advocate for people,” said the Escambia High School graduate.

Shopping list: Matching sets? Yes, please! They’re Drift Boutique’s signature items and come in skirts, pants, tees, sleeveless and long sleeves in an assortment of colors. Berry tee, $44, and berry skirt, $59, are both by Z Supply.

Shopping list: Retro lines and a pretty, oversized floral translate into a dress for all occasions and ages (Miou Muse, $92).

About the Locations

• Pensacola Little Theatre, 400 S. Jefferson St., Pensacola; 850-432-2042; pensacolalittletheatre.com

• Pensacola Museum of Art, 407 S. Jefferson St., Pensacola; 850-432-6247; pensacolamuseum.org

• Quayside Art Gallery, 17 E. Zaragoza St., Pensacola; 850438-2363; quaysidegallery. com

Hair Compliments of Trends Salon

Salon San Carlos, 528 W. Garden St., Pensacola; 850-437-0007; salonsancarlos.com

Hair stylist: Marie Gonzales

Clothes Compliments of Drift Boutique, 960 E. Nine Mile Rd., Pensacola; 850-332-5126; driftboutique. shopsettings.com

Model Compliments of Izon Models & Talent LLC

301 N. Barcelona St., Suite E, Pensacola; 850-433-2099; izonmodels.com

stylingthe shoot

G. Stella bracelet, $22 ALK Designs coin necklace, $65

G. Stella earrings, $28

Photography: Kate Treick / Fashion styling: Allison McCrory Where to shop: Drift Boutique

G. Stella earrings, $19

Gorjana earrings, $58

Naked Feet shoes, $148

ALK Designs necklace, $52

Ccocci shoes, $60

ALK Designs opal candy necklace, $64

ALK Designs bracelet stack, $28-$45 each

Gorjana necklace, $65

Ccocci shoes, $60

G. Stella earrings, $28

ALK Designs charm necklace, $150

BC Handbags off-white tote, $74

BC Handbags clutch, $32

Beauty products RIGHT FROM YOUR OWN HOME

Next time you want to stay local and do a DIY spa day at home, look no further than your own cabinets. There are many natural ingredients that bring great results, and most of us have them on hand. Here are some key items to keep in your all-natural beauty regime.

Story by Leslie Peck / Photo by Getty Images

COCONUT OIL

Always buy 100% raw coconut oil. This is one of the most versatile ingredients to hydrate the skin, hair and nails. Use as a makeup remover, including waterproof makeup. Apply coconut oil daily to dry, cracked skin before you go to bed to hydrate cuticles, feet, elbows and lips. If you struggle with dry scalp and dandruff, massage a generous amount of coconut oil into the scalp, place a shower cap over your hair, leave it on for at least an hour, and then shampoo and condition your hair as usual, making sure to get all the oil off the scalp. You can also work the coconut oil onto all of your hair from root to tip for hydrated, shiny hair. Do this once a week or once a month to hydrate your scalp and hair.

WITCH HAZEL

This ingredient is from the witch hazel shrub grown in North America. It has potent astringent properties and has been used by Native Americans for years. Witch hazel is very versatile and extremely affordable. Always look for 100%, non-diluted witch hazel. This anti-inflammatory and antibacterial solution helps with facial

cleansing, acne, ingrown hairs, removing odor, hemorrhoid relief, rashes, insect bites and disinfecting wounds. You can even give your dog a spa day and clean it’s ears with witch hazel.

ALOE

This miraculous plant is known to reduce inflammation, fight bacteria and hydrate the skin. When I was growing up in the desert in Arizona, aloe was used regularly and grown everywhere. When I had any kind of wound as a kid, my grandma would snip an aloe leaf, filet it with a knife and tape it right to the area of concern. There were no store-bought antibacterial ointments in that house. Aloe works wonders for sunburn, helps calm eczema and psoriasis, takes the itch out of bug bites, helps with acne and hydrates anything and everything. It is best when used fresh. Always cut the leaf close to the bottom of the stem and use a clean knife — versus a garden tool — to filet it open.

CUCUMBER

Cucumbers are full of vitamin K and C, quite inexpensive and known for their hydration and ability to sooth and calm puffy eyes. Did you know they can also help fight acne? Grate up a

cucumber, place it on your face, chest or back and leave for 15-20 minutes to reduce acne. Cucumbers are a great source of hydration for the inside or the outside of your body. Incorporate them regularly into your diet for radiant skin.

CASTOR OIL

Castor oil is one of the first known all natural lash serums. Adding a couple of drops to your lashes before going to sleep can promote healthy follicles and increase the strength and length of your lashes. It will take some time to notice a difference, so be patient.

APPLE CIDER VINEGAR

ACV is one of nature’s gifts that has multiple uses. It can help to balance your skin’s PH, heal and disinfect skin and keep hair healthy. Create a mouthwash with ACV, salt and warm water to prevent cavities and plaque and fight bad breath. Mix with olive oil and treat your hair regularly to have healthy, shiny hair. ACV used with tea tree oil and water can be massaged into the scalp to soothe dandruff. ACV combined with water can help with sunburn and acne. Always mix AVC with other natural ingredients. It is too potent to be used solo.

48thAnnual

Fashion Show

Oct. 24, 2024

Sanders Beach-Corinne Jones Resource Center 913 South I St.

5:30 p.m. Cocktails, Silent Auction and Charcuterie

6:30 p.m. Program and Live Auction

7 p.m. Fashion Show

Fashions provided by Bluetique, Dillard’s, Gulf Coast cabi Stylists and The Market & Mainly Shoes

For sponsorship information, visit baptisthealthcarefoundation.org or call 448.227.8150.

Sponsorships Available

Enter for a chance to win a $2,000 gift certificate to Beré Jewelers.

One winner will be selected at random between 8 and 9 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 24, at Sanders Beach-Corinne Jones Resource Center. The winner will receive a $2,000 gift card to Beré Jewelers. Participants do not need to be present to win. Gift certificate is valid at Beré Jewelers until Oct. 24, 2025. No purchase necessary. Prizes are not transferable.

causes

SMILES ALL AROUND Local Miracle Leagues hit it out of the park

Story by Lisa Player

If you ever want to be surrounded by smiles, you will find nothing but joy at either one of our local Miracle League fields. The Miracle League provides baseball opportunities for players with disabilities where both sides cheer for each other and the parents are happy, the players are happy, and the fans are happy.

Miracle League baseball fields are made of special material that allows wheelchair and assistive device access, and every player is teamed up with a volunteer buddy who accompanies them as they bat, round the bases and play in the outfield.

BRINGING IT HOME

Back in 2000, The Miracle League of Pensacola was born from an idea Larry Thompson shared with his wife, Donna.

“We had recently lost our youngest son in a car accident. He had just turned 16. We were devastated. We needed something to pour ourselves into and decided that giving to others was the right direction for us,” Thompson explained.

Around the same time, they saw a “Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel” segment about a special needs baseball park.

“We traveled to Georgia to find out more about this special needs baseball park, and subsequently decided that building a special needs baseball park in Pensacola would be a wonderful way to remember, and celebrate, the son we lost. His name was Brad, and he loved playing baseball,” Thompson said.

They teamed up with their friend, Packey Mitchell, and spent the next year or so “clearing land, doing paperwork, licensing, contracting, building, and working with the many generous donors who helped get the project off the ground.”

WANT TO HELP?

The Miracle League of Pensacola

How: Volunteer or donate

Info: P.O. Box 567, Cantonment, FL 32533; miracleleaguepensacola.org

The Miracle League of Santa Rosa County

How: Volunteer or donate

Info: P.O. Box 635, Gulf Breeze, FL 32562; miracleleaguesrc.org

Escambia County donated the land next to an existing baseball park on Nine Mile Road.

The Miracle League of Pensacola opened in 2002 and has been going strong ever since.

MAKE IT A DOUBLE

Miracle League of Santa Rosa County Vice President Carol Joyner helped bring a second area field to Tiger Point in Gulf Breeze, which opened in spring of 2019.

“Before we got a field in Santa Rosa County, I had to drive my special needs sister, Donna, to the games in Pensacola,” Joyner said. “Donna is 64 years old. She has cerebral palsy and is in a wheelchair.”

The drive was worth it, though, because Donna, who is very shy, loved it so much.

“I still remember the first time she played in Pensacola. As Donna was pushed around the bases in her wheelchair by her buddy, she looked up at all the people cheering for her. I had never seen her hold her head so high. She was proud,” Joyner explained.

“When we got home, she said, ‘I never thought I could play baseball.’ We drove to Pensacola about five years on Friday nights so Donna could play. She felt loved.”

As popularity grew in Pensacola, it was

clear there were many more area residents who would benefit from another field closer to where they lived in Santa Rosa County, so Joyner and a committee of passionate volunteers gathered to make it happen. Securing an Impact 100 grant was a huge step that jumpstarted the process.

A GRAND SLAM

With nearly 300 players in Pensacola and almost 150 at the Santa Rosa County field, Miracle League is making a huge difference in our area.

“At the Miracle League, I have witnessed many unexpected things,” Thompson said. “When we started 22 years ago, we used a hitting tee 90% of the time. Now it’s only about 5% of the time.”

There were more accomplishments, too, and Thompson has several heartwarming stories to share about players who gained physical strength, confidence and social skills through Miracle League.

“We have another special player who has been with us since the Miracle League opened. She is now an adult player, and her specialty is hugs. If you come to the Miracle League for a game, you are guaranteed a hug from her, but most likely more than just one,” he said.

Both Miracle Leagues have fall and spring seasons each year, and both serve residents of all ages and abilities.

“At the Miracle League, our players are not defined or limited by their disability,” Thompson explained. “We give them the opportunity to play baseball, but it’s so much more than that. It gives them something to look forward to. It gives them confidence. hope and a place to belong. It gives them the opportunity to form relationships with friends. Most importantly, it gives them the opportunity to just be kids. The Miracle League’s

players are like family.”

Joyner said she enjoys seeing the community come together for a common cause:

“Every day, we see so much bad in the world. But when you come to watch a Miracle League game, all you can see is good…. There is no cursing, no bullying, no judgements. Players encourage each other. All you see is love and respect. Wow! What if we could all just live in a world like that every day?”

BATTER UP!

Whether you live in Pensacola or Santa Rosa County, there are many ways to help the Miracle League continue to provide life-changing recreation for neighbors with special needs. Both leagues have a fall season beginning in September, so now is a great time to get involved.

“We would not be able to do everything we do without the help of our donors and our volunteers,” Thompson said. “The Miracle League receives no state or county funding. We depend on donations from people and local businesses. For every player we need a volunteer ‘buddy’ to be there to help them get to a base, hold the bat, push their wheelchair, or whatever need they may have.”

Student buddies who come from high schools can earn service hours, but buddies can also be military members, families, businesses, church groups. Buddies can volunteer for one game or an entire season. The leagues also need coaches, team parents, announcers, umpires and concession workers, along with behindthe-scenes help like ordering jerseys and trophies and planning end-of-season parties.

Financial donations make it possible for players with special needs to play when they otherwise couldn’t afford to, and they also help the leagues pay for utilities and maintenance, upgrades to the facilities and more.

“Our field is a custom-designed rubberized field that accommodates wheelchairs and other assistive devices. The upkeep is very expensive,” Joyner said. “Now after just five years, we need to make some expensive fence repairs too. Donations also go to jerseys, team parties, buddy shirts, trophies, etc.”

Whitney Fike, regional communications manager at International Paper, says she simply follows her heart, choosing community involvement opportunities she feels “passionate about,” efforts that she can help improve and grow.

cover story

Many shapes & sizes of community involvement Local impact

By Alice Crann Good / Photos by Kate Treick Photography

It’s not a prerequisite to serve on a board of directors, graduate from a leadership class, or be a nonprofit executive to get involved in your community.

Many simple, impactful ways exist for you to support your local community, agree three Pensacola women who have been around the local involvement block many times, in many ways.

Community involvement comes in numerous shapes and sizes for all ages, stress Whitney Fike, Jessi Truett and Theresa Cserep.

FOLLOW YOUR HEART

“We talk about the unsung heroes, the important people behind the scenes, all of the time,” said Fike, regional communications manager at International Paper/Pensacola and the 2024 Pensacola Area Commitment to Excellence (PACE) Emerging Leader of the Year Award recipient.

“Not everyone wants to be in the front row.”

And not everyone starts in the front row, Fike added.

“As a child, I was super involved with the Escambia County 4-H since I was 8 years old; my sister was four years older than me and got in first,” she said. “We showed animals. We did the whole livestock thing, chickens, pigs and smaller animals.

“But as you get older, 4-H has lots of opportunities for you,” Fike continued. “I ended up serving on the state 4-H board for all of my high school years, whether that was as reporter, historian or secretary.”

It was then that Fike met a woman with the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and

Agricultural Sciences. Thanks to the seasoned professional, Fike and a “bunch of high schoolers” learned how to run the show, and a lot about public relations and communications.

Fike said she told the woman that she wanted to follow in her footsteps.

“For me, it all began to align,” she said. “Plus, my mother was very supportive and taking us to volunteer activities. It started that way, and the trajectory still exists.”

Today, when she isn’t at work or spending time with her husband, Adam, and their adorable schnoodle, Fike handles various roles: 2024-2025 University of West Florida Alumni Association president; Escambia County 4-H Foundation vice president; 2024-2025 Leadership Pensacola class project co-chair; and Manna Food Pantry board member.

Some other organizations she supports include Pensacola Little Theatre, Pensacola Young Professionals, IMPACT 100 Pensacola Bay Area, and Leadership Florida.

Recalling her early days assisting Fiesta Pensacola, Fike said, “I met so many people there. While volunteering, you don’t realize the network you are creating, the number of contacts you are making.

“When you get involved with your community, you grow personally and professionally,” Fike said. “You and your community intertwine.”

Fike said she simply follows her heart, choosing community involvement opportunities she feels “passionate about,” efforts that she can help improve and grow.

“Pensacola has many nonprofits to get involved with; there is plenty of room at the table,” Fike

Jessi Truett, director of research and development for the Andrews Research & Education Foundation, credits all the athletics coaches in her life for teaching her the significance of community service, something she has passed on to her children.

said. “Also, think about where you are in life, look at your time, look at where you are spending your resources. That can be your company’s resources or your own. And do not let your personal life suffer.”

She stressed the importance of balance.

“Don’t be peer pressured into getting involved,” she added. “Be able to say ‘no.’ Finish the commitments you have before taking on more.”

Laughing, Fike said, “But I am not very good at that! People ask me, ‘How do you have time for all of this?’ I have no idea!”

COACHING LESSONS

Growing up in Florence, Alabama, Jessi Truett started competitive swimming at age 6, and as she got into soccer, basketball and volleyball, she learned along the way how the world of athletes is tied to community service, a strong core principle she still upholds today.

“As a young athlete, serving my community was always a huge part of my life,” said Truett, director of research and development for the Andrews Research & Education Foundation.

“My coaches ensured that all athletes served as role models on the court and in the community. All of the sports

teams practiced hard, but on weekends we did all types of community work — read to children, helped clean the schools and highways — with the coaches right beside us helping to support the community.

“That mentality truly shaped my future.”

Truett and her husband, Chet, moved to Pensacola in 2008 and became employed by the Escambia County School District.

“Chet still serves as a teacher at Escambia County School District and the Escambia County Virtual School,” Truett said. “He was awarded Teacher of the Year this year for his amazing leadership.”

The Truetts have five children; three were adopted years ago as teens and two are their biological children.

Throughout the years, the couple devotedly taught their children the importance of community involvement. Their three adopted children (now exceedingly accomplished adults in their 30s) were athletes, too, thanks to the Truetts’ teaching and coaching.

“Just as my coaches taught me at a young age, we taught them to be active members of the community,” Truett said. “I love that now our younger children, Ollie, 15, and Cy, 13, have our older children to look up to.”

As a busy working mother, being active in the community with her entire family allows the cycle of service to continue,

Theresa Cserep, coordinator of the University of West Florida’s Aylstock, Witkin, Kreis and Overholtz Center for Leadership, stresses that community involvement is a winwin, and provides her a sense of purpose, a reason to continue to develop.

Truett said.

“My daughter, Ollie, wrote an initiative this past school year that was awarded $500 for Feeding the Gulf Coast by Michelle Salzman,” Truett proudly shared. “My son, Cy, is always by my side, even in the rain this past year during food distributions with Feeding the Gulf Coast.”

And the children see up close and personal what their mother does.

In addition to her impressive professional experience, research publications and presentations, awards, skills and certifications, professional memberships, and an educational endeavor to teach the community about sickle cell disease, exists an extensive list of community involvement, representing more than 20 organizations/efforts.

But, even so, the spear-carrier of community service and Leadership Pensacola Class of 2023/ Eric Doekler Award recipient, is more impressed with her children.

“When I look at everything my children have accomplished and all of the people they are helping, it motivates me and my husband even more to continue to open doors for them to make a difference in our communities.

“The Truetts just make it a family thing!”

FOSTERING AN IDEA

As an only adopted child growing up in Pensacola, Theresa Cserep watched her mother, a nurse who became passionate about medical social work and hospice, and her father, a probation officer who assisted Special Olympics, the PTA and their church. As she grew up, she learned more and more about caring about others when her parents became foster parents.

“I saw the impact and joy of community service,” said Cserep, coordinator of the University of West Florida’s Aylstock, Witkin, Kreis and

WHAT YOU CAN DO!

For years, Whitney Fike has devotedly fit community service into her life, making room in her personal life and work as regional communications manager for International Paper/ Pensacola. She offers some ways to get involved:

1. Attend a nonprofit fundraising event. Participating in these events can provide financial support and raise awareness for important causes and help attendees meet like-minded people.

2. Volunteer at a local food bank. Spend time helping at our area food banks, soup kitchens or shelters. These organizations are always in need of extra hands to do some heavy lifting that directly impacts those in need.

3. Become a member of a local board or committee. Many nonprofits have boards or committees. Whether it’s health care, the arts, the environment, affordable housing or education, identify what matters to you most and seek out volunteer opportunities in that field. Your skills and experience could be invaluable to helping an organization achieve its goals.

4. Mentor or tutor students. Share your knowledge, time and experience with students to improve their academic performance or life skills. Plenty of organizations such as ReadyKids!, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Escambia County

5. 4-H and others welcome help. Donate however you can. Maybe you don’t have the time, but community groups are always looking for funding to support their missions.

Overholtz Center for Leadership. “We had what we needed and wanted to help fill in the gaps. This was seamless and fully integrated into my life.”

Learning how to befriend people when values align, always looking for that “natural fit,” is what motivates her to keep getting involved, said Cserep, whose multi-page resume reveals a dynamic and results-oriented higher education professional with extensive experience in leadership and community involvement.

“It gives me a sense of purpose, a reason to continue to develop,” said Cserep, who received a Public

Leadership Credential from Harvard Kennedy School.

“It’s such a win-win. I don’t think there is a right or wrong reason to get involved. We get involved at different stages of our life for different reasons. As a child, you learn a lot from the 4-H, Girl Scouts and various clubs.”

And, from childhood to adulthood, it’s always evolving, she said.

Look under Activities/Interests on Cserep’s resume, and you see a smidgen of what she means: Junior League of Pensacola, Greater Pensacola Chamber/Leadership Pensacola, Baptist Healthcare Foundation Women’s Board, Survivor Led Solutions Board, United Way Ambassador, OneBlood, Beta Gamma Sigma, Delta Sigma Pi, etc.

But don’t be intimidated by someone’s resume, Cserep advised.

“Look at what brings you joy, and ask yourself questions,” she said. “Are you a people person? Are you a behind-thescenes person? Hone in on you and start out small. Look at your available time.”

Cserep, the mother of three daughters — a high school freshman, sophomore and senior — typically asks a question before signing up for more community service these days.

“My girls are so important to me that I ask, ‘Can my kids come?’”

And if her daughters don’t tag along, more than likely they are busy helping out their way — supporting Make A Difference Day at Catholic High School, CHS summer cheerleading camps for younger athletes, National Junior Honors Society Christmas toy drive, CHS Crusader Workshops for incoming freshman, Project Greenshores, Saint Paul Theater Program, the Thanksgiving canned food drive and more.

“It’s so ingrained in them to become active members of the community,” Cserep said. “As a parent, it’s wonderful to see them involved.”

local fare

PENSACOLA WHAT SETS US APART?

What sets the Pensacola area apart from other places? That’s the question we asked Bella readers this month. Why choose to live and raise a family in Northwest Florida when you can do that anywhere?

I was raised in West Palm Beach, Florida, and went to high school in Lakeland, Florida. I have visited all over the state of Florida on mini staycations for decades and ended up settling here in Pensacola. I immediately fell in love with Pensacola for its beautiful, white, sandy, snow-like beaches. Pensacola ended up being a great place to raise a family as it is well known for its outdoor activities, such as swimming, fishing, kayaking, etc. Pensacola is also rich in history, and many are surprised to find out that this was the America’s first settlement. Pensacola has such a unique southern charm that sets it apart from any other place.

— Jacqueline Cox, sales consultant, Quality Roofing

Pensacola has a community that is very generous with their time, talents and treasures. All these areas provide opportunities to people with disabilities to make choices in leading the highest quality of independent living that they so choose in the community.

— Carolyn Grawi, executive director, Center for Independent Living of Northwest Florida

As a Pensacola native, I have enjoyed seeing this community evolve and continue its growth to meet the citizens’ needs. It’s great to see businesses, churches, government, nonprofits and school districts working together to help citizens in the community to be successful. It’s an awesome place to raise a family. There are always festivals, family friendly community events, museums, sports and more for all ages to enjoy. I’m happy to say, I work somewhere where I feel heard, have flexibility and it is a great work environment. Pensacola provides some wonderful eateries such as George Bistro, Ruby Slipper, Angelena’s, 1216 North/East King’s Corner Cafe and Five Sisters, just to name a few. Pensacola Beach minutes away, water parks in surrounding areas and Downtown Pensacola — this area is a great place to live, work and play.

— Chuntell Patterson, community engagement specialist, Children’s Home Society of Florida

“When my hair started getting white, some friends asked me why I didn’t do something about it. I told them I couldn’t change my hair because then it wouldn’t match the wrinkles on my face!”

— Marge Baars, who recently celebrated her 99th birthday

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The Irrepressible MARGE BAARS

By Alice Crann Good / Photos by Kate Treick Photography

On a sultry summer morning, 99-year-old Marge Baars sits at the piano in her parlor playing the heartwarming, nostalgic melody “Try to Remember.”

As her fingers touch the keys, she softly smiles and glances at the framed family photos displayed on top of the Yamaha piano and wall.

“Now, I play for my own pleasure, and when my friends are here, they like all of the ’40s stuff,” said Baars, an image of pure white from head to toe except for the festive print on her white blouse.

“We have a great time!”

Baars, who taught music to youth in the Escambia County School District for three decades, beams with a much larger smile that turns her into a grand, joyful presence.

Regarding her past as a music teacher and longago students, Baars said, “The greatest thing that ever happened to me happened at the grocery store when people walked up to me and said ‘Hello, Mrs. Barrineau, or Hello, Mrs. Baars.’ It was wonderful working with children and seeing after all those years that they remembered me.”

Along with an older brother and sister, Baars was raised in rural Selma, Alabama, by her parents — Mary Steen Moorer and Otto Corley Moorer.

Pointing out a watercolor painting near the piano done by her mother, Baars reveals her sharp-witted side.

“My mother was a pianist and an artist, aaaaand she made my father think he was smart.”

Today, the mother, stepmother, grandmother,

and great grandmother graciously relives parts of her life as a Moorer, Barrineau and Baars. She has three children in their 50s and 60s — Becky Barrineau Taylor, Chuck Barrineau and Dan Barrineau.

“I came to Pensacola from Alabama in 1946 and never left,” Baars said. “I married Murdock Barrineau in 1948, and we were married for 30 years. I married Theo D. Baars Jr. in 1978, and we were married 30 years.”

While both prominent Northwest Florida businessmen are now deceased, their names continue to live on. It’s common to come across roads, neighborhoods, parks and buildings in the greater Pensacola area bearing the family names.

You can trace the Barrineaus’ and Baars’ land development and holdings/real estate interests back to the late 1800s and early 1900s. Maybe even further.

After serving in the Navy during World War II, Theo D. Baars Jr. founded Baars Realty in 1946. Several generations since, the Baars family remains associated with real estate in the Pensacola area.

“I got my real estate license in 1985, and loved it,” Baars said. “We had the Golden Age of real estate. Theo and I both retired in 2005 because of Theo’s health. He passed away in 2008.”

She shared their military connection, too.

“One of our most interesting parts of life together was when Theo was on the board of the Naval Aviation Museum. We were so very of fond

of our friends in the Navy.”

It’s clear that Baars is one of those people who is simply predisposed to be more upbeat than many others. She often repeats how she relishes the multiple phases of her life and her involvement in the community that presented new friendships.

“You get different friends, very good friends, in every phase of your life, and I have had so many wonderful friends, so many people who have influenced me,” she said. “I don’t name names because I don’t want to leave anyone out.”

Baars said her “gratitude is unlimited,” and she lives by simple principles.

“Parents must teach children to know God so they will never feel alone,” shared Baars, who devotedly attends Christ Church in downtown Pensacola, an Episcopal congregation. “You must introduce children to the knowledge that there is something greater than you. And you must let children be children.”

Baars briefly reflects on the loss of her 10-year-old son, Murdock M. Barrineau, who died many decades ago, as she makes a point.

“Look at yourself and see where you can do better, and I don’t mean in the mirror,” she advised.

“Your perception of what’s given to you in life and how

willing you are to observe what God has given you is everything. How you accept what happens to you, the good and the bad, is so important, especially when you experience loss. Learn from history, but you must move forward, not back. I try to live this way.”

Because time is notoriously fleeting, Baars clearly states she doesn’t have time to waste talking and complaining about politics, politicians and the media. She’s too busy nurturing a positive daily life.

Spotting Baars out and about mollifying her carpe diem attitude is as common as spotting tourists on Pensacola Beach. Some reported sightings:

• Tooling down Bayshore Drive in her trusty golf cart to the Pensacola Country Club, where she plays bridge and is known as a super dancer

• Playing pool at Seville Quarter (a friend even shared photos)

• Chatting it up with New York Times bestselling author Peter Schweizer

• Getting her photo taken with celebrity golfer Bubba Watson

• Enjoying baby back ribs at Sonny’s BBQ, and dining at The Grand Marlin and Jo’s, as always

Where Inspired Days Begin

And then there’s flying to Dallas to visit family; entertaining at home, including hosting more weekly bridge games; bopping around her neighborhood on her tricycle; and riding her indoor bike 20 minutes a day while reading mysteries.

Sad but true, Baars recently stopped playing golf.

“Oh, I love golf and encourage everyone to play!” said an excited Baars. “I played golf from the 1950s until just about a month ago. It was time to stop so I don’t break a leg. But that’s OK. I still meet up with my friends for drinks after they play.”

Considering she can probably stay warm these days by lighting 99 birthday candles, Baars says she’s relatively healthy.

“I’ve never been on special diets, and I’ve never had to take a lot of medicine,” Baars said. “I think it’s in my genes.”

And she has never bought into the ever-constant, lookyounger fads, products and procedures.

“When my hair started getting white, some friends asked me why I didn’t do something about it,” Baars said. “I told them I couldn’t change my hair because then it wouldn’t match the wrinkles on my face!”

Delivering one of her infectious smiles, Baars says she’s always been nonplussed about girly stuff.

“At all of the sleepovers when the girls were doing their nails, I was out riding horses. I loved horses!”

your windows again

body & soul

Navigating menopause EMBRACING CHANGE WITH CONFIDENCE

By Justine Williams Roper / Photos by Kate Treick Photography and Getty Images

Whether you’re just starting to notice those pesky hot flashes or are knee-deep in hormone roller coasters, menopause impacts nearly every woman at some point later in life. Some may be terrified to experience menopause, while others look at entering this stage as a rite of passage. Either way, curiosity of what it will truly look and feel like is undeniable — so much so that the topic of menopause is one of the most searched questions by women online.

Dr. Karen E. Kennedy, who has a gynecology and aesthetics practice in Gulf Breeze, is no stranger to answering the pressing questions that come with experiencing menopause. With over 20 years of experience in gynecology, Kennedy has a passion for all things women’s health.

“I love women’s health,” she said. “I love fixing gynecologic problems and taking it one step further. For example, looking into other alternative things that can help women help their problems, like using lasers, using radio frequency and using other methods of treatment.”

WHAT IS MENOPAUSE?

There seem to be so many innovative options for the treatment of symptoms related to menopause, but one question comes first. What exactly is menopause?

“Menopause is just the decline of several different hormones in the body, and they all decline at different rates and different times,” Kennedy explained. “This gives people a lot of different symptoms — varying symptoms. Plus, each individual’s body reacts to those varying declines differently. Some people have hardly any symptoms, and some people have just tremendous, debilitating symptoms.”

Kennedy noted that really, menopause is just a definition.

“It’s one year without your period.

So, if you have a hysterectomy at age 40 or age 41, you are postmenopausal surgically.”

She also explained that the median age for the onset of menopause is 51, and every woman has a different hormone that’s dominant in her body, that makes her feel better.

“Sometimes it’s estrogen; sometimes it’s testosterone.”

Once hormone imbalance begins to occur, this is when one may or may not experience symptoms such as hot flashes, low libido, night sweats, headaches, vaginal dryness, brain fog

and poor sleep.

PERIMENOPAUSE AND POST MENOPAUSE

So, what about perimenopause and post menopause? How are they different from actual menopause?

When a woman is in perimenopause, menstrual cycles will still occur, but she would have any one of the menopausal symptoms. Kennedy stated that perimenopausal time can last five, 10 or 15 years leading up to menopause.

“Now, we have our hormone

changes. Our testosterone is high in our teens, and it starts to decline in our twenties,” she said. “So, you got that 28-year-old young lady, mother of three, who’s working and she’s deadbeat tired because she thinks it’s the kids and working, but it could be related to testosterone.”

Other hormones have an effect as well.

“Progesterone starts to take a deep decline in our mid-30s. So that leads to estrogen imbalances, hormonal imbalances in our forties, where estrogen is normal, but it’s not balanced by the progesterone. Then sometime after 50, mid-50s, all the hormones are almost gone and that gives us a whole new set of problems,” Kennedy said.

Post menopause occurs after menopause, and it is defined as a woman not having a period for over a year. Post menopause, you will no longer have periods, but some women do continue to experience symptoms of menopause within this stage.

WEIGHT AND METABOLISM

There are many other symptoms that women are curious about. Weight and metabolism are two that are surprisingly only partly hormone related. In menopause, what can we expect to change?

“You know what I say to people? Weight is heavily based on what we eat,” Kennedy said. “I think sometimes hormones really do play a part in that.”

She explained that if weight were based on hormones, everybody on hormones would lose weight, but that’s not the case.

“It’s an indirect thing where sometimes the hormones do something in our brain and in our bodies, usually in our brain, to make us eat better — healthier — and eat the right things in order to lose weight. So, hormones have an indirect effect on weight. Not a direct effect,” Kennedy said.

She fully supports overall lifestyle changes, such as balanced eating and exercise during menopause.

So, can diet and exercise lessen menopause symptoms? The

Dr. Karen E. Kennedy, who has a gynecology and aesthetics practice in Gulf Breeze, has over 20 years of experience in gynecology and has a passion for all things women’s health.

Graphic by Getty Images

short answer is yes. Poor diet, smoking, chemotherapy, various medications, certain disorders and being immunosuppressed could make menopausal symptoms more prominent. Things like calcium, vitamin D and weight-bearing exercises should all be a part of a woman in menopause’s routine. Limiting caffeine and alcohol intake has also been shown to be of benefit.

MENTAL HEALTH

One major area that often gets overlooked is the impact of menopause on mental health. What should we know?

Kennedy reports that many women have tremendous, debilitating symptoms such as major depression, anxiety and mood changes. One can only imagine the decline in the quality of life a woman may have with unmanaged symptoms. Many women may feel that these symptoms are unvalidated, yet Kennedy is here to debunk this thought.

Mental health matters, she believes, and often the mental health struggles that come along with menopause can be addressed with treatments like talk therapy and hormone replacement.

DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT

So, where does someone start with this process of identifying menopause and getting it treated?

“The first thing is for people to realize how many symptoms are related to hormonal changes,” Kennedy said. “It is important to note that people in their 20s and 30s can have menopause symptoms. Most people within this age range don’t have major problems, but some of them do.”

Symptoms can be treated by hormones. Kennedy emphasized that first, people need a goal of treatment. Do they want to treat everything very aggressively, or do they want to just treat their symptoms conservatively? These are important questions to ask, even before labs are done. Once labs are completed, all options should be discussed with your medical provider. Lastly, once a form of treatment is

selected, hormone adjustment is done over time if needed to ensure steady levels.

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and bioidentical hormones, which are very similar to what our bodies naturally produce, are commonly used to treat menopause symptoms. While they may come with some risks, as many treatments do, they are effective for many.

There are many methods and modalities to choose from. Some hormones are unsafe if taken orally, so patches, creams or gels are the most appropriate for certain hormones, while injections and oral medications are more appropriate for others. Pellets are also an option where a small incision is made in the fatty layer of the skin, and a dosage of hormones is slowly released into the body over a few months.

by Getty Images

NATURAL TREATMENTS

While hormone treatments like HRT are the first major line of defense, many would like to know how to treat menopause symptoms naturally. Is this even possible?

Hot flashes are likely one of the first symptoms that you think of with menopause. Kennedy recommends that women avoid all animal products and try a majority plant-based diet (i.e., elimination of beef, poultry, fish, etc.) to address this.

For symptoms like vaginal dryness and muscle strength, hormone treatments are likely to be the only treatment to provide any relief. Herbs and supplements are popular and attractive alternative treatments as well. However, always discuss these options with your medical provider before consuming.

Graphic

OTHER EFFECTS OF MENOPAUSE

Menopause can also lead to the decline of hormonal support that directly affects bladder and bowel function. Increased urinary leakage, for example, is huge within the menopause community. Kennedy recommends any combination of various interventions like pelvic floor therapy, laser, O shot and platelet-rich plasma therapy, which can comprehensively treat bladder symptoms. These options can also address intimacy issues like painful intercourse. There is some form of treatment for everyone.

ADDITIONAL HEALTH RISKS

Being in menopause can increase your risk of other health conditions.

“When estrogen declines especially, we have three times the risk for heart disease and heart attacks,” Kennedy explained.

Muscle mass and bone density also take a downward fall due to estrogen and testosterone changes. Mental decline can also occur. There may be a subtle decline in many functions, yet heart, brain, urogenital and musculoskeletal function all seem to be at the forefront.

Menopause is nothing to fear; in fact, women can be empowered by knowledge. Do not be afraid to consult your gynecologist and other providers such as endocrinologists and mental health providers about menopause. One thing menopause should do is push you to use the resources available to you.

You’ve now navigated the complexities of menopause with a wealth of information at your fingertips. Armed with answers to the most pressing questions, you’re better equipped to manage this significant life transition with confidence and clarity.

Remember, menopause is a natural phase that every woman experiences, and with the right knowledge and support, you can navigate it smoothly. Stay informed, seek professional advice when needed and prioritize your well-being. Here’s to embracing this new chapter with grace and resilience.

PELVIC FLOOR PHYSICAL THERAPY

Urine or fecal leakage throughout the day or during exercise

Urinary urgency or frequency

Inability to empty bladder completely

Frequent trips to the restroom at night

Pain during or after intercourse

Persistent low back or hip pain

Postpartum weakness & discomfort

Rectal pain

Abdominal separation or weakness

Recurrent abdominal pelvic symptoms after surgery

Pubic bone pain during pregnancy

TOP: Stephanie Jones, owner of Mrs. Jones Cold Brew features her take home Elixir. ABOVE LEFT: The Mrs. Jones Cold Brew shop is a respite for cold brew sippers. ABOVE RIGHT: Can’t make up your mind? Enjoy a cold brew flight!

food & drink

Healthy hacks from a local cold brew expert Cold brew better!

All the cool kids are doing it! Does a moment in your day consist of fueling up with a cold, refreshing brew of caffeinated goodness? If you answered yes, you are not alone. Cold brews and iced coffee seem to be all the rage these days. Resources show that from 2017 to 2023, the global value of the cold brew market rose by over $1 billion, with most cold brew sippers being between 18-34. Chances are if you aren’t part of this growing crowd, you have friends who are proudly guilty of jumping on the cold brew bandwagon.

Navigating the menu at a coffee shop can be overwhelming, especially with the myriad of options and the specialized jargon. For many, the allure of a delicious cold brew can be dampened by concerns about added sugars, high-calorie ingredients and the intimidation of not knowing how to order a healthier version. It’s crucial to understand that you can enjoy a flavorful, refreshing cold brew without compromising your health goals.

Stephanie Jones, the owner of Mrs. Jones Cold Brew Coffee, shares her expertise and innovative approach offering insights to making informed choices, allowing you to customize your drink to cut out the unnecessary extras while still indulging in your

favorite cold brew creations. Her local shop specializes in unsweetened, dairyfree and preservative-free cold brew.

Her shop’s cold brew coffee is not only unique but also a healthier option for coffee lovers.

“We created a super-concentrated cold brew coffee that can be used in a ton of creative ways, without sugar or dairy, and make it accessible and fun,” she explained.

The shop’s signature flavors of cold brew Elixir are always fresher and more concentrated than anything found at the grocery store, providing both inspiration and encouragement for customers to enjoy cold brew in a healthier way.

For those looking to make a healthier cold brew at home, Jones offers some valuable tips.

“Our bottled cold brew Elixir concentrate is a great base for a healthy cold coffee. It can be found at the shop or other local shops and grocers,” she said.

For a simple cold brew latte, Jones suggests 2 ounces of Elixir, 8 ounces milk, 1-2 tablespoons simple syrup or flavored coffee syrup.

“Delish, convenient and quick!” she exclaimed.

For a high-protein, low-carb option, she suggests the Ripple milk (pea

Want to try Mrs. Jones Cold Brew Recipes? Go to their website at mrsjonescoldbrew. com. Here’s one of our favorites!

MRS. JONES

PROTEIN SHAKE RECIPE

Ingredients:

• 1 cup ice OR 1 frozen banana

• 3/4 cup almond or pea milk

• 1/4 cup MJ Elixir, any flavor

• 1 scoop chocolate protein powder

• 1 Tbsp almond butter

Directions:

1. Blend ingredients in a blender until smooth. 2. Add extras like chocolate chips, flax seeds, avocado or a sprinkle of cinnamon to make your own caffeinated morning fuel.

Or go visit: Mrs. Jones Cold Brew Coffee, 1449 West Nine Mile Road, Suite 17, Pensacola

Story by Leah Seacrest / Photo by Kate Treick Photography

protein base) and monk fruit sweetener as additions.

Choosing the right dairy-free alternatives is also crucial.

“Lately, everyone is loving oat milk, but there are a ton of other milks on the market now. I’ve seen cashew, macadamia, coconut and pistacchio,” Jones said.

For those looking to add a bit of sweetness without compromising health, she suggests monk fruit or a stevia and monk fruit blend.

“Others enjoy local honey, pure maple syrup or agave,” she added.

Enhancing the flavor while keeping it healthy is another area where Jones’ expertise shines.

“At the coffee bar, we now offer Chagaccino as a boost to add in any of our cold brews. It contains chaga mushrooms, which are known to provide endurance, immunity enhancement and better cognitive function. Plus, it tastes amazing and contains no sugar,” she said.

Jones’ shop offers a variety of cold brew recipes that customers can try at home.

“Ordering healthy cold brew is easy at our coffee bar. Simply choose any Elixir coffee flavor, your favorite milk and sweeten it with a monk fruit/stevia blend. Sometimes we have sugar-free whipped cream on hand, so be sure to ask,” she said.

A favorite healthy treat is a Red Velvet or Brew-Whacker latte, both of which sound indulgent but can be made sugarfree and dairy-free.

Her shop also offers unique and seasonal cold brew recipes.

“We offer four new Elixir flavors each month and have eight core flavors available year-round. Fall favorites include Pumpkin Pie, Cookie Butter, Whiskey Praline and Butterbeer,” she shared.

Jones also highlights innovative ways to incorporate cold brew into other drinks or recipes, like smoothies or cocktails.

“Our website offers recipes for a protein smoothie and a cocktail for day or night caffeine infusion. You can substitute our cold brew into any recipe calling for liquids. I’ve added coffee to muffins, ice cream, beer, and even desserts like tiramisu,” she explained.

The local community has warmly embraced Jones’ business.

“Our community has been extremely welcoming. When we opened, we already had our customers from our five-plus years at Palafox Market downtown, and now we have an entirely new group in the north part of town too. We have adorable regular customers that we just love seeing,” she said.

Looking to the future, Jones has plans for expanding her

product line and retail presence.

“We are working to expand our list of restaurants and small coffee shops that use and sell our products. We are always open to selling wholesale to independent grocers and specialty food stores,” she said. “In the next year, we will expand our offerings to include home brewing kits and more cold brew gear.”

Jones’ mission goes beyond just coffee.

“I set out to address my own mental health, but along the way, I created a brand and found a tribe. My mission is to create coffee that fosters individual expression, creativity and compassion. We seek to elevate cold brew coffee and equip customers to be their own barista at home and enjoy the coffee bar experience,” she said.

For those looking to enjoy cold brew in a healthier way, Jones and her unique approach provide the perfect inspiration. By following her tips and trying out her delicious recipes, you can savor the rich, smooth taste of cold brew coffee while staying on track with your health goals.

“I set out to address my own mental health, but along the way, I created a brand and found a tribe. My mission is to create coffee that fosters individual expression, creativity and compassion. We seek to elevate cold brew coffee and equip customers to be their own barista at home and enjoy the coffee bar experienc”

—

Stephanie Jones, the owner of Mrs. Jones Cold Brew Coffee

Mastering Time with Kali Brigham

By Magi Thomley Williams /

by

&

Photos

Kate Treick Photography

Getty Images

Meet Kali Brigham, a Time Mastery Coach and podcaster with a passion for empowering women. With a successful 20-year career with Mary Kay Cosmetics, Brigham has honed her skills in time management, emotional management, money management and more. Her love for working with women and watching them grow is evident.

“I love watching them become more,” she said. Brigham found herself having countless conversations with women who felt overwhelmed, struggled with procrastination and felt they never had enough time. This led her to become a self-described expert in time management.

Over lunch with a friend, Brigham was asked if she had ever thought about starting a podcast. Being an avid podcast listener herself, she knew this was the next step in her career. In November of 2023, she took the plunge and started her podcast, where she supports women becoming successful at time mastery. In her weekly episodes, she shares techniques, ideas and strategies for time management. She also invites other experts to discuss topics she’s not an expert in, such as ADHD, women’s health, hormones and diet. This approach has allowed her to provide her audience with a well-rounded perspective on life and time management.

One of the key concepts Brigham shares is the idea of “brain drain,” a technique she uses to get everything out of her head and onto paper. This helps her map out her week and manage her time more effectively. She believes that when we commit to something, we are saying both yes to this and no to that at the same time. This perspective helps regulate decisions and align them with our priorities.

SIX TIPS FOR TIME MASTERY

1. Chunk things down. Many times, the task is too big and needs to be broken down into smaller steps.

2. Time block or batch. Grouping similar tasks together during designated time slots assures you’re in the zone.

3. Try out a routine (keyword is try). It might be different over the summer, but routine gives some security and consistency.

4. The two minute rule. If it takes less than two minutes, tackle it right then and there. That little victory really propels you to more victories.

5. Get help. That might mean delegation, a mommy’s helper, someone to do laundry or dishes, a virtual assistant, a social media manager or enrolling your family.

6. Embrace being unique. Embrace knowing that your schedule might look different from somebody else’s.

For more tips or to schedule a personal consultation, visit kalibrigham.com.

Brigham emphasizes the importance of being healthy emotionally and having the energy to tackle tasks.

“We’re smart women, right, we can figure it out. We get caught up in the actual calendar of it, or the actual to-do list or the tasks. But what I believe to be true is time management — actually, energy and emotional management,” she said.

Brigham reminds us that we need each other, to give grace, to mentor and to provide perspective.

“When you cradle your life, your time, your schedule, you only have room for so much. And it’s peaceful. It’s on purpose,” she explained.

To learn more about Brigham’s strategies for time management, check out her podcast and her “brain drain” technique at tinyurl.com/sundaybraindrain.

STATE PARK

Gulf State Park

• Where: 20115 State Park Rd., Gulf Shores, AL

• Info: 215-948-7275; alapark.com

Gulf State Lodge

• Where: 21196 E. Beach Blvd., Gulf Shores, AL

• Info: 251-540-4000; hilton.com

Story and

Wby Allison McCrory

hen an escape to the healing arms of Mother Nature is beckoning, consider packing a bag and journeying an hour west to the reprieve called Gulf State Park. Skip the traffic and flight delays of remote destinations with an easy ride along the scenic Perdido Beach Boulevard from Perdido Key to the pristine seashores of the eastern edge of Alabama.

With its tasteful Gulf-front lodge and wealth of activities, the park is a nature lover’s playground boasting 6,150 acres and nearly 30 miles of trails. In fact, USA Today named Gulf State Park’s trails the best in the country this year. They’re multi-use for cyclists and hikers and are ADA compliant.

If lugging bikes isn’t on your vacation wishlist, take advantage of the park’s free Bloom Bike Share app. There are 50 available bikes but only one bike per phone. So, unless children have phones, at least a little bike lugging may be in order after all!

Guided segway tours typically include a stop to say hello to Lefty the three-legged gator. If you’re extremely lucky, a bike ride through Rosemary Dunes might mean a glimpse of an elusive resident bobcat. Stroll under old moss-draped live oaks on Gulf Oak Ridge Trail.

Angler Academy, kayaking, geocaching, a nature center, a dog pond, birding and playgrounds for the kids are among the many Gulf State Park recreational activities.

PICK YOUR LODGING!

The Lodge at Gulf State Park, a

Hilton property, with its Gulf access, stylish renovation, 350 guest rooms and three restaurants is a beautiful escape merging nature and modern comforts. Dip in the Gulf or have a cocktail by the infinity pool. Or play table tennis, giant Jenga or corn hole. Trams provide easy access to park amenities.

While The Lodge is a great place to stay, park guests have options for where to lay their heads.

Two groups of cottages — Lakeside and Eagle — offer guests cooking and lounging spaces as well as a more wooded vibe. Longleaf pines, palmettos and 900-acre Lake Shelby encircle the 20 cabins.

For adventurers seeking to be even closer to the earth, camping options from primitive to tent to glamping to RV hookups are available.

ACTIVITIES ABOUND

Besides an array of active pursuits at the park, there are educational opportunities as well. Step into the Gulf State Park Nature Center to get close to a variety of plants and animals that live in the park. In addition, naturalists from the center lead excursions including shelling walks and classes about creepy crawlers, constellations, animals, raptors, oyster shell art, celestial navigation, camouflaged creatures, turtles and more. Stargaze along the beach at night with park educators.

For a getaway, check out nearby attractions. Visit the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo, the Flora-Bama Lounge, The Wharf for shopping, dining and a ferris wheel, Fat Daddy’s Arcade or The Track for a spin on a high-in-thesky go-cart, as well mini-golf, blaster boats and more.

photos

LONDON, clockwise from top left: Big Ben, which was completed in 1859; the nightly view from our AirBnB of the Tower Bridge, which opened in 1894 and spans the River Thames; Mamma Mia! The Party at the O2 transported us to the island of Skopelos, where we enjoyed a fun production, great Greek food and a dance party; the Mad Hatters Afternoon Tea at Sanderson London had us living our most whimsical Alice In Wonderland life.

London, Brussels, Paris, Barcelona worth the trip

An adventure to remember

Zwierzchowski

In the very early days of 2020, when the world ground to a halt for COVID-19, my family and I did as many others do in times of stress: dream up places we could travel once things lifted. Hours were wasted talking about where we would go once the world opened again. This idle daydream took flight, and we soon had a plan: Let’s tour Europe when our daughter graduated in 2024. Four years of planning, tweaking and booking — followed by four months of airfare deal scouting, Meetup lurking, networking, interview prep, packing gear — we were finally bags-packed on our way to London, Brussels, Paris and Barcelona for two solid weeks.

FIRST STOP:

LONDON, UK (FIVE DAYS)

London, with its rich historical roots and vibrant modern culture, set the perfect tone for our European adventure. From our Airbnb, which boasted a stunning view of the Tower of London, we were constantly reminded of the city’s storied past.

Each day unfolded with a mix of iconic landmarks and lively neighborhoods. We marveled at Buckingham Palace, where Changing the Guard was truly a site to see. We saw Big Ben, took a stroll on London Bridge and took in the energy and all that Piccadilly Circus had to offer. We also strolled over to Carnaby Street, a pedestrian shopping haven in Soho, right in the heart of Central London. Carnaby was packed with fashion and lifestyle shops, including plenty of quirky independent boutiques that had us oohing and ahhing over items we just don’t see in the U.S. London’s mix of old-world charm and modern flair kept us entertained the entire time in this city that never seems to sleep.

Highlights

Mad Hatter’s Tea at Sanderson London: For us, this whimsical tea was a must especially considering our daughter played the role of the Mad Hatter in the Gulf Breeze High School production of “Alice By Heart” during her senior year. Teatime had us feeling as if we had tumbled down the rabbit hole, with teapots adorned with kings and queens and other Alice in Wonderland characters, along with delightful treats that looked as if they had sprung from the pages of Lewis Carroll’s book. The “drink me” potion bottles and quirky menu items had us loving the creativity.

Borough Market: Our visit to Borough Market was an absolute assault on our senses in every amazing way possible. The air was filled with the tantalizing aroma of freshly baked bread, while stalls offered a tempting array of cheeses to sample and purchase. We were drawn in by the pastry vendors, the lively drink stalls, and the sizzling street food, all of which contributed to the vibrant atmosphere. We also could not pass up the chance to try the viral strawberries covered in rich Belgian chocolate — an indulgence that lived up to the social media hype and certainly did not disappoint.

Natural History Museum: My daughter’s love for all things prehistoric led us to this magnificent museum. The vast collection of dinosaur skeletons, interactive exhibits and informative displays kept us engaged for hours, not to mention the architecture, reminiscent of a cathedral, which made the perfect backdrop for several Instagram-worthy photos.

The Clink Prison Museum: This off-the-wall, out-of-the-way little museum was a fascinating dive into London’s darker history, providing a glimpse into medieval prison life. The exhibits were interactive and informative, making it a fun, quirky stop.

Story and photos by Teresa

BRUSSELS, clockwise from top: One of the Baroque guildhalls of the former Guilds of Brussels, located in the The Grand Place — or Grote Markt — in the central square; the Maison du Roi, a neo-Gothic style building housing Brussels City Museum; one of the chocolate shops we visited during the Hungry Mary’s Beer and Chocolate Tour; Manneken Pis is hugely popular and dates back to the mid-15th century.

Don’t Miss Mamma Mia! The Party: This interactive dinner theater experience was the perfect ending to our time in London. We found ourselves transported to the Greek island of Mykonos, singing along to classic hits and enjoying delicious Mediterranean food. The performers were so engaging that by the end of the night, we were all up and dancing, our inhibitions forgotten. Definitely splurge and get seats on the main floor — being in the middle of it all made for a truly amazing experience.

Circolo Popolare: With its fun atmosphere and mouth-watering Italian dishes, this restaurant was a hit. The decor is eclectic, with walls covered in thousands of bottles and twinkling lights, creating an enchanting dining experience. The truffle pasta and giant pizzas were absolute standouts. Be sure to make reservations well in advance! This place gets busy and often has no availability.

SECOND STOP: BRUSSELS, BELGIUM (ONE FULL DAY, ONE HALF DAY)

Arriving in Brussels via train on a crisp Friday afternoon, we found ourselves immediately enchanted by the city’s captivating blend of modernity and history. The weather was cooler than anticipated, which made our first stop in the fashion district a necessity. We meandered through chic boutiques and high-end stores for some impromptu shopping while soaking in the city’s vibrant energy.

As the afternoon sun dipped lower, we made our way to the Grand Place, Brussels’ stunning central square.

The ornate guildhalls and opulent architecture of this UNESCO World Heritage site created a breathtaking backdrop for our explorations.

Brussels is a city of striking contrasts, where sleek European Union buildings stand in harmonious juxtaposition with cobblestone streets and charming oldworld architecture. We loved wandering

through its various neighborhoods, each offering a unique blend of historical charm and contemporary vibrancy. From the picturesque streets lined with medieval buildings to modern, bustling areas, Brussels offered a diverse tapestry of experiences that captured our hearts.

Highlights

Hungry Mary’s Famous Beer and Chocolate Tour: This tour was a delightful mix of indulgence and education. We visited seven different chocolate shops and sampled five beers, all while learning about the city’s rich history and iconic Manneken Pis statue. Our guide was not only entertaining but extremely knowledgeable, turning what could have been a dry history lesson into an engaging adventure that even a teen could enjoy!

Elisabeth Chocolatier: This independent boutique in Brussels had some of the most amazing chocolate we’ve ever tasted. We highly recommend the whiskey pearls, which

PARIS, from top left to right: View of one of Notre Dame’s rose windows; one of the stops on our guided tour of the Louvre — The Venus de Milo, believed to be sculpted in the second century BC; the Eiffel Tower at night with the 2024 Olympic Rings; dessert at Angelina’s, where we enjoyed the viral hot chocolate (definitely lived up to the hype) and the restaurant’s signature Mont Blanc; the Catacombs of Paris; Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa at The Louvre — yes, her eyes do follow you; Winged Victory (or Nike) of Samothrace; artistic murals cover the ceiling of The Louvre.

blended rich chocolate with a shot of whiskey for a truly decadent treat.

Maison Dandoy Waffles: These waffles were crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and topped with a variety of delicious options. They lived up to every bit of the hype, especially when enjoyed fresh and warm.

The Royal Galleries of SaintHubert: Strolling through these elegant, glass-roofed arcades was like stepping back in time. We enjoyed windowshopping at the high-end boutiques and indulging in pastries from the renowned patisseries.

Don’t Miss

Grand Place: In the heart of Brussels, this stunning square is surrounded by opulent guildhalls and the towering Town Hall. It’s a perfect spot for peoplewatching and soaking in the historic atmosphere.

Manneken Pis: While small, this famous statue of a peeing boy is a quintessential Brussels sight. Be sure to stop by the little museum that features all the costumes they use to dress up Manneken Pis.

THIRD STOP:

PARIS, FRANCE (FOUR DAYS)

Paris, the city of love and lights, captivated us with its timeless allure. From the moment we arrived, the city exuded an irresistible charm. We began our visit with a serene cruise down the Seine River, the setting sun casting a golden glow over Paris’s iconic landmarks. The gentle flow of the river provided a unique vantage point, allowing us to appreciate the beauty of the cityscape as we glided past historic bridges and grand buildings.

Despite the ongoing preparations for the Olympics, which saw some areas walled off, Paris remained as enchanting as ever. The newly placed Olympic Rings on the Eiffel Tower added a touch of excitement to the city’s atmosphere. Paris’s café culture provided the perfect backdrop for leisurely afternoons sipping cocktails, people-watching and soaking in the city’s vibrant energy. To say we fell in love with the city of love

would be an understatement, and we already want to go back.

Highlights

Eiffel Tower: We ascended to the top at sunset, a breathtaking experience that culminated in seeing the tower sparkle against the night sky. The views from the top were nothing short of spectacular, offering a panoramic view of the Parisian skyline. Pro tip: Buy your tickets in advance to avoid having to walk the stairs to the top of the tower.

Seine River Cruise: An affordable and relaxing way to see the city’s sights and learn a bit of history. Sunset cruises are particularly magical.

The Louvre: We highly recommend splurging on a semi-private tour of the Louvre. Our tour guide was able to easily navigate the crowds and get us to masterpieces like the Mona Lisa and the French Crown Jewels with ease. Our guide’s insights not only educated us about some of the greatest works of art, but his knowledge of the Louvre’s layout also made what could have been an overwhelming experience extremely enjoyable.

Catacombs: An eerie yet fascinating journey through Paris’s underground ossuaries, offering a unique glimpse into the city’s past. Walking through the labyrinth of bones was a sobering reminder of the city’s history and its enduring spirit.

Don’t Miss

Rue de l’Université and Rue de Buenos Aires: These streets offer some of the best photo spots of the Eiffel Tower. The perspective from Rue de l’Université, in particular, frames the tower beautifully against the backdrop of Parisian buildings.

Angelina Tea Room: Known for its viral hot chocolate and scrumptious desserts, Angelina did not disappoint. The rich, thick, velvety hot chocolate was like drinking melted high-end chocolate bars that you could top with softest, most luxurious whipped cream. It was amazing. Pro tip: Angelina’s has a couple locations in Paris, and we went to the one located at 226 Rue de Rivoli. The interior was gorgeous, and we were

told it was designed by French architect Edouard-Jean Niermans.

FOURTH STOP: BARCELONA, SPAIN (FIVE DAYS)

Our final stop was Barcelona, a city that holds a special place in my heart due to my paternal family’s immigration from Spain to the U.S. The city’s vibrant energy and rich cultural tapestry made it the perfect end to our European adventure.

Barcelona seamlessly blends history and modernity, from the narrow, cobblestone streets of the Gothic Quarter to the stunning modernist architecture of Antoni Gaudí. The Mediterranean climate, with its warm, sunny days and pleasant evenings, set the perfect backdrop for our exploration. A standout feature of our stay was the city’s culinary scene, particularly its tapas and leisurely dining culture.

Meals in Barcelona are meant to be savored rather than rushed. We fully embraced the tapas tradition, enjoying a variety of small, flavorful dishes as a snack during the day before heading to a long, relaxed leisurely dinner. This relaxed approach to dining allowed us to immerse ourselves in the local culture, making each meal a joyful occasion to unwind, chat, and soak up the city’s vibrant atmosphere. In Barcelona, dining is more than just a meal; it’s a key part of the cultural experience.

Highlights

Mediterranean Sailboat Tour: One of the most magical experiences of our trip was the private sailboat tour along the Mediterranean coast. We set sail on a beautiful day, the sun sparkling on the azure waters, and enjoyed breathtaking views of Barcelona’s coastline. We did find the temperature of the Mediterranean a little cooler than the bathwater temps of the Gulf of Mexico — forcing us to cut our time swimming short! As we sailed, we even caught sight of the American Magic sailing team. As those in the know know, the New York Yacht Club American Magic is the U.S. Challenger for the 36th America’s Cup. In recent years, the team has used the Port of Pensacola as its

BARCELONA, clockwise from above: The Basilica de la Sagrana Familia, designed by Catalan architect Antoni Gaudi, is the largest unfinished Catholic church in the world; the walkways and scenes through the Gothic District; we saw this sign in Barcelona while on the Hop-On Hop-Off bus tour through Barcelona, which is a great way to see the major attractions.

winter training base.

Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: This tour was an excellent way to cover the city’s major attractions and learn about their history at our own pace. We hopped off at landmarks like the Sagrada Familia and Park Güell, marveling at Gaudí’s unique architectural style that can be seen throughout the city.

Bodega la Peninsular: For traditional paella, this restaurant is a must-visit — just be sure to call 24 hours ahead of your visit to order the paella and to ensure it is fresh and available. I promise it is worth it. The flavors were rich and authentic, making it one of the best meals of our trip. The casual, friendly atmosphere added to the charm.

Don’t Miss

Sagrada Familia: Although we couldn’t go inside due to high demand and not knowing we needed to get tickets in advance, the exterior alone was mesmerizing. The intricate details

VAT TAX REFUNDS

One of the perks of shopping in Europe is the VAT (Value Added Tax) refund for non-EU residents. We made sure to take advantage of this as we did a little retail therapy in Brussels, Paris and Spain. Here’s how it works:

1. Spend Minimum Amount: In each store, ask for a VAT refund form when you make a purchase. The minimum amount to qualify for a refund varies by country, so be sure to check the requirements.

2. Complete Forms: Fill out the forms with your personal information. Keep all receipts and forms together.

3. Airport Process: At the airport, find the VAT refund desk before you check in your luggage. Present your purchases, receipts, and completed forms. They may ask to see the items, so keep them accessible.

4. Refund Methods: Choose your refund method — cash, credit card or check. We found that credit card refunds were the most convenient.

and grandeur of Gaudí’s masterpiece left us in awe.

Park Güell: A testament to Gaudí’s genius, this park offers stunning views of the city and whimsical architectural features. The vibrant mosaics and organic shapes create a dreamlike atmosphere. Again, be sure to get your tickets in advance if you want to go inside the park.

Our European adventure was everything we had dreamed of and more. Each city offered its own

unique experiences and memories, from dancing in London to savoring chocolate in Brussels, exploring art in Paris and reconnecting with heritage in Barcelona. It was a trip that not only celebrated my daughter’s graduation but also brought our family closer together, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

For anyone looking to embark on a journey through Europe, these cities offer a blend of history, culture, and unforgettable experiences that make every trip truly worth it.

Elegant

COASTAL DESIGNS

out&about

Arc Gateway’s Crab Cake Cook Off

The Arc Gateway’s Crab Cake Cook-Off at Seville Quarter on July 17 was a sold-out success, raising over $120,000. Chefs from all over competed for the title of Best Crab Cake on the Coast. All proceeds benefited The Arc Gateway, which provides services for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Photos by Toni Sparks / Short Story Studios

Kevin Castrinos, Monroe Dixon, Penny Cornaggia, Ashley Anderson, Tessa Castrinos, Sky Thompson. Don Stewart, Seth McKean

Stephanie Helms, Christa Helms, Renea Shouppe

Gwen Vigon, Connie Morse

RJ & Melanie Allen

Ashley Hinkson, April Davidson

Lendsey von Krueger, Stephanie Shepard

David Gill, Ida Gates

Dana Ocampo, Tracy Carreola

Amy Brodersen, Chelsie Clarke

By Sharla Gorder

’Tis the Season her perspective

’Tis the season.

No, not the fa-la-la-ing one; it’s that other season, the one Jim Cantore rose to fame on. It’s hurricane season, y’all.

Yesterday, as if on cue, a Facebook photo memory popped up on my phone that filled me with both apprehension and gratitude. It dated back to October 11, 2018, the morning after Category 5 Hurricane Michael decimated our neighbors near Panama City, destroying everything in its path.

But here, just 160 miles to the west, only monstrous waves disturbed our shores. And with those epic waves came a spectacle I had never witnessed in all my years of beachcombing.

In the clear dawn light the morning after, I stumbled upon a trove of seashells so spectacular it took my breath away. There before me, covering just a few yards of beach, thousands of starfish, Venus sunray clamshells, Scotch bonnets, whelks, tiger’s eyes, olives and sand dollars had washed up on the shore.

this — “If that girl could take the time to post fake pictures after such a tragedy, you’d think she’d be able to take five minutes or five dollars to actually help the situation.”

I read this comment while sitting on my deck. I looked down across the driveway at my husband’s truck. The bed was piled high with bottled water, canned goods, diapers and other staples. We had emptied the shelves at Sam’s, and Ted was on his way to Panama City.

I stood in awe for the longest time, then snapped a few photos.

When I got home, I posted one of the pictures on Facebook — a lovely shot of the shells from a low angle, with a young girl in the background bent over her blue bucket. I captioned it with a plea: “There are treasures after every storm. PLEASE help our neighbors to the east.” And I listed several ways locals could pitch in (Cajun Navy, Red Cross, etc.).

Within 48 hours, my phone blew up with notifications. The photo had gone viral but with an unfortunate twist. A woman had extracted just the photo from my post and shared it uncaptioned and unattributed.

Within days the image had been shared hundreds of thousands of times and had garnered tens of thousands of comments, many of them not kind.

How, you might wonder, can a pretty photo of seashells bring out the trolls? Well, first of all, the authenticity of the shot was challenged — it even got picked up (and validated) by Snopes. Second, it seems that a few folks kinda blamed me for the “death of so many beautiful sea creatures.”

But the worst ignorant accusation went something like

More negative comments poured in, and I banned myself from social media. I had gotten lost down that dark rabbit hole, and my mental health was suffering. It was so disturbing to me how my well-intentioned attempt at encouraging local involvement in this crisis had backfired so horribly. People were very cruel. I was mad at humankind. Until…Rodney.

About a week into my self-imposed social media fast, a Facebook instant message notification from a guy in the Midwest named Rodney made it through. I’m not sure why I responded, but I’m glad I did.

I braced myself for another tirade, but instead, he said this:

“You don’t know me, but my family has been spending Octobers on Pensacola Beach these last few years. A friend of mine in Indiana ran across your viral photo and forwarded it to me asking, ‘Isn’t this the place you vacation every year?’ I looked at the photo and was stunned. ‘Yes, it is, and that’s my daughter Sage in the background.’”

This photo had traveled all over the world on social media and come back to me in the spirit in which I had intended — to draw people together, not rend them apart.

Rodney was so gracious and lovely that my faith in humanity was restored. All those malicious internet trolls were obliged to skulk back under their bridges where they belonged, and I was finally able to enjoy the beautiful photo with gratitude.

There really are treasures after every storm.

The photo described here and 63 others of the beach at sunrise are featured in Sharla’s newest book, “Crayon Dawn,” set to debut in October.

I ♥ Pensacola her perspective

My son recently moved back to Pensacola after being away for ten years. We went out to dinner, and he excused himself to go wash up. He didn’t return to the table for almost 30 minutes. Where was he? Well, if you’re from Pensacola, you know where he was. Friends recognized him and wanted to know what he’s been up to. His Boy Scout leader, the carpool mom from elementary school, his high school friend’s parents — they all wanted to talk. He decided he needs to shorten his life story — condense it to a rehearsed sentence or two – so he can get back to the table before the food gets cold next time.

By Liz Biggs

In his defense, he’s been living in big cities like Houston and Phoenix. When I visited, I noticed people in general were a bit more hardened, impatient, uncaring, less polite. Maybe they needed some saltwater therapy. Dorothy, you’re not in Kansas anymore, and Lizzie, you’re not in Pensacola anymore, I thought to myself. After a while, he forgot what it was like to live in a small town. I told him to always allow extra time at Publix — 30 minutes to shop and 30 minutes to talk to all your neighbors and friends in the aisles. My husband is always shocked when I run in for three items and return an hour later fully informed about everyone’s lives.

That’s the thing about being born and raised in a small town — you take it for granted. You don’t notice how fun it was until you move away and go from being a big fish in a small pond to a tiny fish in a vast ocean. That ocean is so refreshing at first. Anonymity is cool for a change — you can reinvent yourself, lose your southern accent, and try new things. But after a while, that ocean can be overwhelming, and the current gets rough. There are sharks out there and they bite. You long for that small

pond where people are kind and look out for each other. That wonderful place where if your neighbors see your car gone for a while they will feed your cats. Where your mailman takes the extra steps to bring your packages ’round back and stops his new mail truck to chat with your elderly neighbors.

When I was 18, I wanted nothing more than to bust out of this one-horse town and live in a big city. After four years of college in Mobile and 11 years working in Atlanta, coming home to Pensacola was a welcome respite. Yes, everyone knows (or wants to know) your business — but mostly because they CARE.

When I was recovering from cancer, this town rallied to help me feel better. Friends and teammates brought me dinner and sent me flowers. An artist friend dropped off a tiny, beautiful thing. A friend drove way across town to drop off some magical beef broth that soothed my soul.

My oldest son and his wife just bought their first home in Atlanta; we are so happy for them. About seven years ago, an old friend took the time and effort to write him a letter of recommendation to a graduate program at Emory University. He was accepted, and the trajectory of his life changed. I am forever grateful to my old friend, but he was humble when I expressed my thanks. “That’s what we do here in Pensacola. We take the time to help people,” he stated.

I see and feel that more and more every day. Pensacola is a very special place. In addition to beautiful beaches, we have kind, caring people. Sometimes you have to get away for a while to realize how wonderful it is here. My boy learned that lesson firsthand and I think he’s here to stay.

BERÉ Forever

Photos by Tiffany Sanders at Aislinn Kate Photography