Twenty 15 Issue

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C O A S TA L

BENCH MADE Custom handcrafted furnishings, designed and loved by Original Elements

Breakthrough research for those struggling with Myotubular Myopathy

THE MIGRATION

NORTH Escape to the mountains

MERGING TRAVEL & LEISURE FOR THE NEW YEAR

TWENTY15 Serving all Coastal Communities PVL Coastal

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COASTAL PUBLISHERS Melissa Intemann Amy Vizanko MANAGING EDITOR Kayla Sim CREATIVE DIRECTOR Inger Williamson GRAPHIC DESIGNER Amy Olivieri CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Bunny Leach Kayla Sim Inger Williamson Tracy Margol Glenn Krausser Susan D. Brandenburg Randy Taylor Laura Bushey CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHY Deanne Dunlop EDITORIAL/FASHION PHOTOGRAPHY Mario Peralta

Can’t find us? Subscriptions are available for $24/year or $40/two years.

Please call 904.222.8938 for more information. @PVLcoastal

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Copyright 2014 Ponte Vedra Life Coastal, a product of KTTS Media Group LLC, is published bimonthly.

The contents of this publication may not be reproduced in part or in full without written consent from the publisher. Neither the publisher nor the advertisers will be held responsible for any errors found in the magazine. Ponte Vedra Life Coastal makes no representation or warrant of any kind for the accuracy of content. All advertisements are

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. t n u

15 y t n we T e Mak

o C

I pledge to

GIVE for Twenty15.

Do you?

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SEND GIFTS TO THE MILITARY - or have them pick out their own. Many nonprofits put military wish lists on Amazon; you purchase the gift amount, then they do the rest. Other organizations let you donate funds that then get transferred to military members so they can buy and send gifts to their loved ones.

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GIVE AN ANIMAL A HOME. Show thanks to our furry friends by adopting a pet, fostering one until they find a forever home or volunteering to take shelter cats and dogs to medical appointments.

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BUILD CONNECTIONS. Take a moment to check in on neighbors at risk of isolation, give your grandparents a call or bring a friendly visitor kit to the local nursing home.

You can also take a meal to a friend living alone or invite them over to your own feast.

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RUN + RAISE. Participate in local races that keep you fit and also raise money for those in need. (Find one such race on page 72!)

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MAKE CRAFTS WITH YOUR KIDS (OR GRANDKIDS).

Grab some popsicle sticks and glue and get down to work with your little ones. Fashion a centerpiece to drop off at your local nursing home, or create goodie packs for sick kids.

8 ways to show

YOUR LOVE

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FIGHT HUNGER. Volunteering at soup kitchens and organizing food drives are popular ways to fill bellies not just during the holidays. You can volunteer year round, but they are not the only options for being part of a hunger campaign. Take an older neighbor to the grocery store, demonstrate cooking techniques at senior centers or deliver meals to those in need.

HELP KIDS PREP FOR EXAMS. Students gear up all year for their exams but, not every child has the notebooks, pencils and calculators they need to do their best. Give back by participating in a school supply drive—or plan your own.

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SPRUCE UP A LOCAL PARK OR GARDEN. Remember those falling leaves? They’re just waiting to be cleared, so grab some friends on a crisp autumn day and get out there! You can also start a community garden, which is a good way to think springtime thoughts.

Learn more at createthegood.org

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Publishers’ Letter As I sit here gazing at the last four PVL Coastal issues neatly fanned on my desk, I’m amazed at the substantive content and gorgeous images we’ve produced this past year, I humbly confess. From our hefty Golf Issue covering all things social during THE PLAYERS, to our Salty Life issue, Back to Books & Bullying to the gift of Giving, our PVL team has created what we think is some of the finest stories and images in all of the Southeastern Coast. And some of our feedback attests: “Love your magazine and I look forward to every issue… your articles are so interesting… I can’t wait until the next one comes out.” Though it is not without blood, sweat and tears, each issue is a product of love and passion from our dedicated contributors – Inger Williamson, Amy Olivieri, Kayla Sim, Tracy Margol, Tiger Gomez, Randy Taylor, Keith Rydh, Cara Burky, Charlene Shirk, Rich Craven and so many more.

Amy and I are extremely grateful to be recipients of their talents and dedication.

One thing I personally have always been passionate about is giving back, and that’s why Amy and I chose to run that as a common thread in all of our issues – in case you haven’t noticed. We’ve featured K9s for Warriors, a kindhearted lifeguard, the Wolfson (Children’s Hospital) family, the JT Townsend Foundation and a plethora of First Coast humanitarians.

Giving back to our community is what matters and there are some pretty remarkable people around here whose philanthropy and love for giving goes a long way. Our efforts even resulted in a large contribution to some folks receiving some much needed medical equipment. (See our Giving Issue).

Speaking of giving, ‘tis the season. Our

coastal communities are busy getting all decked out for parties, balls, galas and charity events – we’d feature every single one of them if we could. If you know someone whose philanthropy runs deep, don’t hesitate to write to us.

Our advertisers are certainly deserving of a word of appreciation, for without them, we wouldn’t be able to boast about all the good happening around here, nor would we be able to feature so many fabulous fashion shoots. Their support goes a long way in allowing us to share our creative side and passion for anything you can wear!

And thank YOU, our readers, for welcoming us into your homes and businesses and letting us create each original, one-of-a-kind issue. Wait until you see what we’ve got planned for Twenty15. More style, parties, community, health and giving – gorgeously styled as always.

It’s all in the name of PVL Coastal... Ponte Vedra Life… and Ponte Vedra L(G)IVING. Happy, healthy, merry, wondrous holidays to all!

Kisses To They Sky,

Mel & Amy

Melissa Intemann & Amy Vizanko Co-Owners & Publishers PVL Coastal

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Twenty15 HEALTHY DOSE

14 GIVE: New Hope.

The Frase family uncovers new research for those struggling with MTM. 20 TIPS: Well-being starts here.

Baby steps to start your healthy year on the right foot 24 ATHLETE: The invisible illness Part II. Defeating the Molokai Challenge and Mental Illness

INDUSTRY + DESIGN

32 MAKER: BeďŹ ttingly Bespoke.

Handcrafted furnishings from the heart. Original Elements 38 DESIGN: Functionality and Aesthetics Redesigned.

Examining four materials widely used today

TRAVEL + LEISURE

74 SUNBIRDS: The Migration North.

Escape to the mountains 78 TO DO: Kicking the Bucket.

High adrenaline activities for a heartpumping good time 80 TRAVEL: Escape plan.

You have 24 hours in Miami Beach, we show you how to use it wisely

Contents FUTURE LIVING 84 ETHICAL WILL: Legacy Letters.

Local business introduces Ethical Wills

CAMERAWORK 44 WEST COAST WEDDING. An unforgettable day in the Valley 58 BEHIND THE LENS: Costa Del Mar. Mario Peralta portraits a weekend get-away.

IN EVERY ISSUE

56 ASK BUNNY: Simplifying You. Introducing PVLC’s latest column to answer all your questions by Life Coach, Bunny Leach

COASTAL A-LIST 30 FAIR TRADE FUSE ADVENTURE De-stress and breathe...

54 JAFFIS FASHION SHOW Dreams Come True Event. All for the children 88 THE GIVING RELEASE PARTY Benefiting First Coast No More Homeless Pets

GIVE

The Frase family helping uncover new research for those struggling with Myotubular Myopathy

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eautiful people

abound in Ponte Vedra Beach. Yet a few shine brighter than others – the Frase family is one. Living the legacy of Joshua, their late son, Paul and Alison Frase and their daughter, Isabella, have literally given new hope to hundreds of families around the globe.

On February 2, 1995, when Alison Rockett Frase, gave birth to Joshua, the lives of the Frase family changed forever. Born with Myotubular Myopathy (MTM), a rare genetic neuromuscular disorder, Joshua was not expected to live past the age of two. A 6’5” former lineman with the New York Jets, Jacksonville Jaguars and Green Bay Packers, Paul Frase used his National Football League connections in 1996 to raise awareness and funds for research through the Joshua Frase Foundation (joshuafrase.org).

While struggling daily to keep her son alive, Alison Frase also took on management of the foundation and its website, which now has an international registry of hundreds of MTM families. “When Joshua was born, there were only 50 known cases of MTM in the world,” Alison said, adding that she now collaborates with families everywhere, providing practical caregiving advice to hopefully keep their children alive until a cure is found.

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When Joshua was born, there were only

50 known cases of MTM in the world

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By 2008, Joshua had outlived his life expectancy by nearly 12 years and the Joshua Frase Foundation had garnered more than six million toward MTM research, but it was not enough.

Joshua’s health was declining rapidly and, although some remarkable advances had been made in gene therapy in mice, the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) required that preclinical trials of genetic neuromuscular therapies on large animals had to be run before human trials could begin. A miracle had to happen soon if Joshua’s life was to be spared.

That miracle began on the day in 2008 when Dr. Elizabeth Snead, a Canadian Veterinarian, contacted Alison on the website about Nibs, a female Labrador retriever who carried the MTM gene.

Nibs had given birth to two puppies that displayed symptoms of MTM.

Wagman of Saskatchewan Province, Canada, who, responding to the desperation in her voice, generously offered the services of their beloved family pet. Alison swiftly flew to Saskatchewan, picked up Nibs, and delivered the big brown beautiful dog to Dr. Casey Childers and his researchers at Wake Forest University.

On April 15, 2009, Nibs gave birth to twelve puppies, eight females and four males. Five of the females carried the gene and one of the males was affected with the disorder. Each of Nibs’ five daughters produced litters and eight of the male puppies were affected. The progeny of Nibs continues to thrive, contributing to research, wagging their way into the hearts and homes of researchers, and bringing FDA approval for human trials closer than ever before.

“Never in a million years” did Dr. Childers expect the dramatic results that “will likely lead quickly to clinical trials in children with myotubular myopathy ...” These were the promising words in an article by Richard Robinson in the March 2014 issue of Neurology Today.

Later in the same article, Dr. Childers credits Alison Frase for launching the large animal studies, saying, “She flew from Florida to Saskatchewan with an empty dog crate and came home with the founder of what is now a growing colony of dogs being used in Dr. Casey Childers, Alison and Paul Frase, Pavlov and Turing MTM research.”

“I need your dog to save the life of my son,” Alison told Vic and Karen

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While “the miracle of Nibs” will most certainly save countless lives in the very near future, young Joshua Frase was not destined to be one of them.

Joshua passed away on Christmas Eve, December 24, 2010. On that Christmas Eve, as families the world over celebrated the birth of the Christ child, Joshua’s little sister, Isabella (then 9) texted a friend, “This is the best Christmas ever for Joshie, but not for us, because we can’t see Jesus.”

A 15-year old sophomore with a cumulative 4.3 GPA at Ponte Vedra High School, Joshua was wheeled from class to class stretched out on a gurney, his frail body failing him, but his mind sharp and bright.

Popular with his classmates, Joshua never complained and was known for his dry sense of humor, deep faith, and positive attitude. His goal was to attend Wake Forest University and become a research scientist specializing in muscle gene therapy in hopes of finding a cure for his disease. His memorial service at Christ the Redeemer Church on Roscoe Road was attended by nearly all of Ponte Vedra High School’s faculty and student-body. Joshua was a member of the National Honor Society when he passed away, and never to be forgotten, he was honored on graduation day by his Class of 2013 when Principal Craig Speziale presented Isabella with her brother’s diploma.

This past year, Dr. Casey Childers introduced Paul and Alison Frase to two frisky two-year old black lab puppies named Pavlov and Turing.

Descendants of Nibs, the pups were born with MTM, treated with gene

Isabella and Joshua

replacement therapy and now show no signs of the disorder.

Thanks to the indomitable warrior spirit of this family, the support of many and the miracle of Nibs, Joshua’s goal is in sight. “We fought for his life every day, and prayed to God that a cure would be found to save our son. Now we are working and praying for the other Joshua’s out there,” says Paul Frase, quoting Galatians 6:9, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”

You can invest in the lives of these children by visiting joshuafrase.org. • Susan the Scribe, Inc. 11-B Ponte Vedra Court Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082 (904) 543-0730 or 962-5131 susanscribe@comcast.net susanthescribe.vpweb.com PVL Coastal

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TIPS

Well-being starts here.

Empower and regain your health

H By: Laura Bushey, MAT Health Educator and Personal Holistic Chef

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as all that celebrating left you feeling exhausted and depleted? Are you like the millions of others who set aside a New Year’s resolution unable to see it through the first few days of January? If so, read on! Becoming a healthier new you should involve baby steps. By thinking of your goals in positive terms you are more likely to continue to incorporate healthy habits into your daily routine. Your goals won’t feel so overwhelming!

Drink Warm Lemon Water Upon Waking.

By simply adding lemon water to your morning routine you are setting yourself up for a better day. Why lemon water you ask? Besides its many health benefits it aids in your overnight detoxification. Here are few.

1. Assists with weight loss. Lemons contain pectin fiber that suppresses hunger.

2. Balances your PH. Even though lemons are a citric acid, once they are metabolized in the body they act as an alkaline food (read on to learn about these).

3. They have Vitamin C. Vitamin C we all know is beneficial in a number of ways, including repairing tissues for the skin and getting rid of the common cold!

4. Supports digestion. Efficient digestion lessens heartburn and constipation.

5. Aids in detoxification. Lemon water opens the circulatory system and alkalinizes the bodily fluids by increasing the rate of detoxification.

Juice Daily.

The art of juicing is not throwing a bunch of vegetables into a blender and naming the end result a “juice”. That process is what we call “blending” or more commonly known as “smoothies”. Juicing on the other hand requires a kitchen appliance specifically designed for extracting the juice of fruits and vegetables. Consuming a

juice on an empty stomach allows the body to absorb the nutrients almost immediately (approx. 20 min.). Juicing is the ultimate fast food! Don’t have a juicer? No problem. Juice bars are aplenty or try cold pressed juices like Suja or Evolution found at your local grocer.

Keep Your Digestion Optimal.

Without proper, or more accurately described, optimal digestion, we may find ourselves unhealthy despite the healthy choices we try to make when it comes to diet.

Some signs of a weak digestive system are: bloating, brain fog, low immunity,

by a business. Unlike mom, businesses don’t necessarily care if we’ve eaten all of our veggies. Eating out healthfully is merely a matter of common sense.

Here are some beginning steps.

1. Inquire about salad dressings.

Avoid those made with soybean or canola oil.

2. Pass on the sauces. They are loaded with fat and unhealthy ingredients. allergies, ulcers, chemical sensitivities, infections like over growth of bad bacteria, nausea, and sluggishness after meals, inflammatory bowel conditions and nutritional deficiencies. A simple guide to get you strengthening your digestive system includes the use of digestive enzymes and eating alkaline foods (acidic foods include processed foods, meat, cheese, etc.). Unfamiliar with alkaline foods? Think plant based foods that mirror the color of the rainbow. Some options include: beets, apples, cabbage, bananas, cinnamon, curry, and ginger.

Consume Superfoods.

What truly makes a food super? In order to be a true superfood it must contain the following attributes: Vitamins, minerals, proteins and fatty acids, antioxidants and phytochemicals that strengthen the body and immune system, and must be non-addictive.

Some of my favorites include: coconut, aloe vera juice, hemp seeds. Add them to salads or smoothies.

Dine out Healthfully.

Did you know five meals a week, on average, come from outside the home?

That means 25% of our meals are made

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3. Avoid cheese sauces. Your gut, lungs and skin will thank you for your abstinence.

4. Avoid processed meats. They contain harmful preservatives and excess sodium.

5. The obvious – avoid fried foods.

6. What to drink? Spring, Artesian or Mineral water.

7. Portion control – when you’re full stop.

Find hearty favorites and pass on the dessert menu! • Laura Bushey is owner of Kitchen of Life a business that strives to educate and provide hands-on help in the kitchen empowering individuals and families to become healthier through optimal food choices. While it’s easy to write about making a lifestyle change, it is sometimes difficult to employ at home. Need more help in this area? Check out kitchenoflife.com/blog/ or contact Laura at kitchenoflife.com/meet-our-team

ATHLETE

the invisible illness: part two

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CAUSE:

STIR UP IGNORANCE

ABOUT MENTAL ILLNESS.

Photo: Stephen Walcott PVL Coastal

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Photo: Stephen Walcott

If

you’re a regular reader of this publication, and the articles I have written, then you have learned a bit about the sport of surf skiing and about nutrient therapies used to treat mental disorders— kind of a random cross-section of topics. When you put the two together, however, what you get is my pledge to race the 32-mile Molokai Challenge on May 30, 2015 to raise funds and awareness for The Walsh Research Institute, dedicated to the enlightenment of nutrient-based therapies for mental disorders.

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Photo: Lucas Tozzi

Last issue’s article titled, The Invisible Illness, discussed the idea of nutrient therapies for mental disorders such as Depression, Schizophrenia and ADHD. It may have served to open discussion about mental illnesses around the dinner table. In case it hasn’t, here it goes. Mental disorders are nothing more than a head cold. That’s right.

Read on if that statement bothers you.

this channel whistle in your ears, wrestle your paddle and whimsically mold waves to knock your ski off course.

Deep valleys of water, inside of which you can’t see your way out, draw you into the devil’s basement: below the fire you never thought there was salt water in Hell, did you? You’re not all alone with your thoughts, you’re alone with something much worse, your destiny.

Back in 1997, before that year’s Molokai Challenge, Hawaiian linguist Pilahi Paki made reference to “Kanaka I Kai Ka”, meaning “Mankind’s respectful challenge of the mighty, great ocean”.

This moniker quickly became the name of the local paddle club, which sponsors the Molokai Challenge even to this day.

Here’s why.

When the race starts you are surrounded by 100 or so competitors.

And within five minutes of paddling off the deep end of Molokai towards Oahu, the cavernous waves suddenly appear and swallow each of you into an insulated veil of liquid—waves so large there are waves within waves -the crests and troughs so distant they block any sight of your opponents until you reach Oahu.

If football is a game of inches then surf skiing Molokai is a conversation with the devil. It’s a tour through Satan’s house, decorated with steep, mountainous waves just waiting to trip you and your ski head over heels, to cast you down a 30 foot plunge, only to land on a false bottom, below which lives a habitat of sharks and other predators just waiting for you to fail. No solid footing on this field of dreams. No bench at the sideline, and no referee to call a foul, either. If there were a crowd of spectators by your side you’d never hear them.

The 35 mph winds commonly howling through

The term is “downwinding” and the point is to use the wind and the waves to your advantage: to catch a ride with swells so big they would send most surfers home crying, and then to connect each ride into a series of rides, sometimes sending you shooting down a wave face at speeds approaching 30 mph. Yeah, the 21’ long 17” wide surf ski is a rocket in the right conditions.

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Photo: Lucas Tozzi

No dreams of glamour shots. No television interview. And I won’t conquer never before seen conditions. I won’t trash talk an opponent or discuss any multi-million dollar contracts. But I will endure an interview with the devil. A full disclosure face-to-face with Lucifer himself asking, ‘what you got?” to pass through the Channel of Bones and get to the other side, where safety from the wind, from the perils of drowning, and from the depths of my own demons resides.

The China Wall. Now that land is in sight and you are nearly finished, the devil’s back door still separates you from dry land. The China Wall is the rocky coastline marking your entry to Oahu. It rebounds waves, which have been traveling thousands of miles, right back at you. This is it -all of the preparation and lonely paddling in your hometown waters, the stale early morning runs, endless laps in the pool, the cuts and abrasions you have endured on your backside from months of paddling, lead to this moment. Take it all in. Some people waving you on from the rocky approach, a helicopter flying over with a camera hanging out the side. Some boaters going by, do they even know where you just came from?

One more mile to the finish… •

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HOW CAN YOU HELP

Please go to Facebook and “Friend” or “Like” “Randy Taylor Paddles Molokai” where you can follow my training progress for The Molokai Challenge on May 30, 2015 and raise awareness of nutrient therapies for mental disorders such as Depression, Schizophrenia and ADHD. It is not taboo to have ADHD, Schizophrenia or Depression, and you aren’t a minority. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 50% of all adults will experience mental illness at least once in their lifetime. On a yearly basis, the CDC reports that 20% of adults experience the flu. I wrote that mental disorders were nothing more than a “head cold” for two reasons: to align the guiltless chance of contracting a head cold to the innocence of having a mental disorder and to remind you how “fixable” both conditions are. Don’t be shy to talk about mental disorders and I promise to conquer Molokai. randy Taylor Paddles Moloka

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COASTAL A-LIST

Where does yours end an another’s begin?

Our mission is to erase the lines. LocalGlobal is an event to create positive change both close to home and across the globe. 100% of donations raised are going directly to El Puente (the bridge), a non-profit organization in Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica that aims to assist with educational programs for the youth, provides a space with healthy meals twice a week and provides small loans to locals in order to empower them to create financial stability and to live a life they love. The event began with a Yoga Flow to live music, led by Breanna Tivvis and Emily Hartford.

After yoga, participants enjoyed live music by local artists Whetherman and Meredith Rae. Attendees also enjoyed healthy, delicious Costa Rican inspired food made by Chef Rosaria from thischickcancook, mimosas, art by Jennifer Blevins and shopping by FuSe Fair Trade.

Emily Hartford and Breanna Tivvis will take 15 participants on a yoga retreat to Costa Rica February 28 to March 7, 2015. During the trip, attendees will have the opportunity to put the money raised at the LocalGlobal Benefit to work on a day of service with the local community.

For more information, check out the full retreat itinerary fusefairtrade.com/#!costa-rica-retreat/c1g46.

There are still some spaces available!

MAKER

Befittingly

Hidden in an old industrial warehouse on the south side of Jacksonville is a surprisingly sophisticated showroom and workshop housing bespoke 18th- and 19th-century European reproduction furnishings.

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Bespoke: Karen Orr of Original Elements shares her passion for ďŹ ne custom furnishings and design

By Tracy Margol

Mario Peralta Photography PVL Coastal

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P

roducing the type of bench made furniture that gets handed down for generations, Original Elements Co. is a boutique manufacturer specializing in original, custom furnishings for designers as well as individuals.

The front two rooms feature a custom bed upholstered in fine Belgian linen next to a painted Edwardian-style Bookcase, a reproduction Swedish cabinet and French refectory table.

The latter features a blossoming orchid arrangement and two Chinese canton jars. The table is paired (quite unexpectedly), with a rare set of Fritz Hansen ‘Seagull’ chairs, designed by Arne Jacobsen.

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The whole dreamy, exquisite design of it brings a sense of internal calm despite a low buzz emanating from surrounding rooms as two designers work with PVLC’s creative team to discuss the technicalities of the day’s photo shoot.

Meanwhile, phones ring, drawings are shuffled around and assistants scurry as I wait with alacrity to meet the woman behind it all. She appears and there is no question it’s Karen Orr, an even further juxtaposition to the outside surroundings, styled in antique pearls and a fabulously oversized Hermes belt buckle over a ballerina-like taffeta skirt, accented in sawdust.

As I marveled at the elegantly designed furniture behind the front

“We opened a store and realized people saw things they loved but they wanted slight changes, and I wanted to be a resource to our community. You don’t have to settle for anything off the shelf.”

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That initial thirty-minute phone conversation eventually led to a meeting in Atlanta in fall of 2011.

During that weekend Karen outlined her business plan, a line of fine furniture made by hand in America.

Ryan was on board instantly.

“Everywhere you looked, it was the same – a sea of Restoration Hardware,” she remarked. Described as a very motivated self-starter, Karen saw the niche and capitalized on it.

door of this unsuspecting depot, Karen, founder and designer of the company, described the process, “From the initial design to the finishing touches, each piece is painstakingly handcrafted.” And while it is constructed by hand, it is more properly categorized as bench made.

The handmade label typically involves a production line where several people work to provide a particular task. Original Element Co.’s bench made furniture is made by one craftsman from his own bench, from start to finish.

Karen describes her entry into furniture making as one born out of frustration and pure serendipity. “I’ve always been in the design industry and was tired of long lead times, poor quality… and nothing made in America. As they say, ‘be careful what you ask for!” So she made a call to Ryan Bishop, her nephew, who happened to be completing his studies at the O’Donnell Classical Institute in Nashville, Ind. where he studied under Randall O’Donnell, one of the foremost classical furniture makers in the U.S.

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Getting off the ground wasn’t easy. Karen says she had no clue that manufacturing would be this challenging. When they opened in a shared warehouse space in Atlantic Beach in late 2011, her husband asked how she was going to manage it along with their young daughter. She said, “I don’t know, but we’re going to figure it out.” Today she claims she could not have built Original Elements Co. without the support of her husband and their now 10-year-old daughter.

The company has been three years in the making, producing a line of historically accurate European-style furniture and evolving into the custom furniture industry.

details. Karen will design any piece to fit into a particular space. Once the decisions are made in terms of design, she will draw a working illustration, provide a quote and upon approval, turn it into a work order.

“We opened a store and realized people saw things they loved but they wanted slight changes, and I wanted to be a resource to our community. You don’t have to settle for anything off the shelf.”

When Karen designs a piece for a customer, each request and every detail is taken into consideration. “When someone sits down with us they get design, finish samples, wood species and CAD drawings… it’s to their specifications completely; it is truly bespoke in terms of made by ‘us’ for ‘them.’”

From sharing ideas and inspiration to creating a beautiful piece, Karen works diligently to “make it yours.”

A client’s initial visit can start with sitting down at a desk, perusing magazines like Veranda, or getting ideas from Pinterest. They discuss scale, texture and color among other

Everywhere you look in the showroom and workshop, passion for bespoke furniture making is evident. From raw materials to a finished piece of furniture, each piece is hand turned and handcarved, there is no CNC router, and no lasered automation.

“It’s about finding the right resources and building a successful team,” says Karen, “It’s about networking and resources — we are relentless in finding the right thing, we’re not just going to settle.” That determination is what’s driven her to steer Original Elements Co. from start-up to boutique manufacturing business.

Karen describes her move from the old warehouse in Atlantic Beach to the current 6,000 square foot facility as an amazing journey. “To quote Malcolm Gladwell, we put in our 10,000 hours,” she explained, the magic number for true expertise.

“Now, hidden in this warehouse, we want to share what we love.” •

“We love the involvement with the client. We want it to be all about you because it is for you. We’re taking everything you want in a desk, down to drawer depth and feet… it’s about the details… and you can come in and actually see it being created. And if you want to change the color or add gold leaf, you can. You have hands on experience. There’s nothing more gratifying than getting exactly what you want.”

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DESIGN FrenCH pavIlIon at SHanGHaI, designed by Jacques Ferrier Architectures

FUnCtIonalItY

REDE

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When I think of architecture, I think art.

I use my senses to embed myself in the design and think about the lines, the curves and the engineering aspect. Rarely does functionality come into play—but when it does, it’s a home run. For discussion, I selected four functional materials being widely used today, from furniture to massive structures. What I learned was that it can be both, functional and beautiful.

and aeStHetICS

SIGNED BY: INGER WILLIAMSON

“Location

of where a material is made is a major factor when determining its sustainability. the closer the material is manufactured and shipped to the job site, the more likely I will specify it. Where something is made is equally as important as what the product is made from and how it is derived. the location where a product is manufactured is one of the first questions I ask.”

- Mark Macco, AIA NCARB of Mark Macco Architects

Denver International Airport

THE HARD KNOCK The very familiar material of concrete, mostly known for its coldness and sharp modern look can now take a wide range of chromatic complexions.

No longer the boring gray, the means for adding color to concrete through glazing, can bring life to exposed concrete. This can also lend a transparent hue without concealing its configuration. Not just for floors walls, furniture and art structures are

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being built using different techniques.

Patterns can create a scheme of endless forms, thus generating a sheet of unique structure. Space can be allowed to create a three-dimensional look where a natural element can be integrated.

WHIMSICAL SAILS Did you ever think a tee-pee would come into play in this modern world? Take a read. Textile and

“The actual color of an exterior material cladding is a consideration when specifying a product. Lighter colors have more reflectance of heat. Darker colors absorb heat and transfer that into the space which in turn makes your HVAC systems work harder, wasting energy and resources. This is an issue where sustainability is driving the color trends of the exterior of buildings, rather than a simple taste change.”

- Mark Macco, AIA NCARB of Mark Macco Architects

fabrics are light, easy to bring together, they are tough, and provide protection against ultraviolet rays and rain. Not only functional – but its appeal is a unique one.

Architects have rediscovered the “tent” as an architectural form and continue to take this development further, for temporary assemblies and permanent structures.

These non-adhesive properties with very little maintenance can easily last up to twenty years.

The Denver International Airport is a great example of such textile roofing.

The Jeppesen Terminal roof is made of a Teflon-coated fiberglass material that is as thin as a credit card. It’s internationally recognized peaked roof, designed

by Fentress Bradburn Architects, is reflective of snow-capped mountains and suggests the early history of Colorado where Native American teepees were located across the Great Plains.

[Credits to flydenver.com]

MOTHER NATURE’S LANDSCAPE This is the era of all natural and organic. We have reached an age, (again) where natural elements can be used for new products and manufacturing more natural creations. Using high-performance raw materials, designers are able to construct durable structures with a distinctive appeal. Bamboo is a popular rapidly growing PVL Coastal

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natural material. Pun-intended as bamboo can grow up to a meter in height in a single 24 hours. And it doesn’t stop there; architects use semi-precious stones, shells, and fossils to revamp walls of kitchens and baths. Building green is in. Vertical planting allows you to cover a surface with nature’s own.

Constructing this can be complicated as plants rely on a complex ecosystem, requiring for the designer to build an indoor atrium alike. But the outcome outweighs the hard work.

UNFORSEEN MUTATION Brainchild Zurich-based product thinker, Beat Karrer has designed a new innovative material that is both functional and practical. Going green just got more interesting.

FluidSolids, a new component made of industrial by-products, is not just biodegradable but has massive flexibility, it’s lightweight and durable. FluidSolids is the new black. As this product shapes and develops into the form desired, other materials can easily be bonded during the modeling process, thus not having to use screws and other fasteners to conform. The component consists of fibre, a filling material and a binding agent that can be formed into a highly precise structural module. Building and designing furniture just became more fun. • *Research found in architonic.com

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in t he Valley

An Unforgettable Day The Wedding of Blair & James

Who doesn’t think of exchanging vows on a tropical island or perched By: PVLC Team

on top of a snow-covered mountain? All couples toss the destination wedding idea around in the beginning stages of the wedding planning process. Twenty15 welcomes the idea of destination weddings with positives such as skipping the traditions and jumping right into the fun. Blair and James chose to be a part of the twenty percent of two million couples who say I do every year and have a destination wedding. This couple took their wedding clear across country, to the one and only wine country.

Beaulieu Gardens Estate is a stunning outdoor wedding venue nestled in the Rutherford district of Napa Valley with manicured French gardens, worldly statues and old stone fountains.

Thus, creating the perfect canvas for an unforgettable wedding - and unforgettable it was!

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11 South Bistro was the location for a blind date that led the Jacksonville Beach couple to meet in the summer of 2007.

Blair and James, huge Jaguar fans that they are, planned a trip to London for the 2013 inaugural game.

Before meeting up with friends for the game, James proposed to an unsuspecting Blair in Paris. It was quickly decided that a destination wedding in Napa Valley was in order, since the couple had visited annually since they had started dating. “It was the perfect backdrop for an outdoor wedding during Napa’s harvest season,” Blair said.

They hired one of the top wedding planners in the Bay area as well as Rosemary of Rosemary Events who organized a weekend where they visited 16 different locations across Napa and Sonoma.

As they entered the gates of an estate, beneath the breathtaking Sycamore canopy that lined the drive, they knew they had found a special place. Every turn brought another surprise of beauty and elegance.

Rosemary’s reputation and guidance was incredible. Napa can be a challenging place to host a wedding, but with a team like Blair and James’ there seemed to be a collective sigh of relief from the venue and vendors.

Life is short , break the rules.

Kiss slowly. Love t ruly. forgive quickly.

September quickly arrived and there was indeed a relative calm. Close family and friends began arriving and connecting at various restaurants in San Francisco and vineyards throughout Napa. Most guests stayed in Yountville and the event was officially kicked off at a cocktail hour at the Villagio Hotel and Spa. “Yountville was the perfect ground zero for the event, nestled in the center of Napa Valley and surrounded by world class restaurants that were within walking distance including: Thomas Keller’s French Laundry, Bouchon and Michael Reddington’s “Redd”. The opening party consisted of taking over Reddington’s sister restaurant of Reddwodd – a chic but casual Italian restaurant that James described as “Manhattan meets Napa Valley.” Recently listed as one of the top new restaurants in the world

by Conde Naste, Reddington’s has incredible food with an unpretentious and fun ambience, a better place couldn’t have been chosen.

On the big day, the venue came alive in a way Blair and James could only visualize before now. The guests entered the beautiful, tree-lined drive that captured the couple only nine months before. They were then greeted with a specialty drink and followed the gravel pathways through the French style rose garden into another sunken garden with a centered stone pool filled with blooming lilies. The groom’s mother, a minister, officiated the ceremony in the sunken garden and the guests retired to yet another tucked away garden where the Jeff Campbell Band (whom recently appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Live) performed at a cocktail hour. The guests then migrated down another path guided by the couple’s favorite quotes. Outside dining took place beneath an intricate oak-vined trellis. Nancy from the Oak and Owl provided the floral design, creating a dramatic lightscape with a tapestry of soft candles set in glass globes. The globes were suspended above the tables draped with olive vines and blush florals. Paula La Duec, a high acclaimed caterer in the Bay area provided a delicious four course seated dinner, signature cocktails and a chimay beer ice cream float that punctuated an incredible culinary weekend.

Laugh uncont rollably and

never regret anything that makes you smile.

- Mark Twain

Following dinner and an amazing Napa Valley sunset, the couple led their guests to the moonlit poolside dance floor.

James surprised Blair with a serenade of “You and me” by Lifehouse with his nieces on violin. True to the couple’s personality, they brought it all back to earth with an after party at Panchas, a Yountville dive bar. The only regret? Shelby and Jackie, the duo’s two dogs could not make the trip. •

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BeneямБtting

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ASK BUNNY

Simplifying

YOU

NEW YEAR, NEW YOU, NEW COLUMN By: Bunny Leach

W

e all want to live the best life we can imagine. Not one of us wants a life filled with confusion, failure or frustration. Learning how to simplify should be simple, but it isn’t. This is where I come in. I’m a life coach, and I’m here to bring out the very best in you, and enable you to make good decisions. With time you will learn how to set goals, and chart a course for success.

We are all given the same amount of time each day, and much of your success will depend on how you use the time you have. You are the one in control, you own the power, and your attitude towards life is key. You have a choice as to whether you allow diversity, or tough times, (that are inevitable), to invade your happiness, or to steal your joy. Although not one of us can control all of our circumstances, you are in control of how you react to adverse situations.

HAPPINESS IS A CHOICE

You can create the life you want, and choose to be happy. Invest in YOU; you’re the boss, the CEO of your life. Tap into your gifts and talents. This is the year

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to shine; your talents may be hidden inside, but they’re in there. You can live your dream, and do the things that you love to do in life. It just takes a strong desire, and a plan. The bonus is that you will reap the benefits, become happier and more productive. As a life coach I help people create the life they want. One thing to keep in mind, I’m not a psychiatrist, psychologist, counselor, or therapist. So you might wonder, what is a Life Coach, and what do you do?

Life coaches help people who are stuck in life to see a clear vision ahead. We believe that the answers to all of your questions lie within you. It’s my job to bring the answers out so that you will fulfill your dreams. Most of my clients are healthy, successful people who just need some guidance through a challenging situation. I’m a great listener. It might be that you want to change your profession, or you don’t know how to get back on track after a bad break, or maybe you’re just stuck. Let’s say you want to get in shape and you haven’t had much success doing it on your own.

Or you might be successful going to the gym but you’re not seeing the results you want. What do you do? It’s your choice. You can keep doing what you’ve been doing with little results, and you will most likely give up eventually. Or, you can find a personal trainer who can help you reach your fitness goals. This person would partner with you to achieve the success you deserve. It just takes someone in your corner who is trained in the area where you need help. I’m that someone who can help you chart a course for success, and get past being stuck to achieve the results YOU are striving for.

Go confidently in the direction of your dreams!

Live the life you’ve imagined.

As you simplify your life, the laws of the universe will be simpler.” ~ Henry David Thoreau

So let’s get started! I am so excited to announce that through my new column I will have the opportunity to coach you. This is so exciting because in each issue of PVLC magazine YOU the reader will get free coaching, my column will be interactive, fun, serious, scandalous, and real. You will be able to ask me YOUR questions; it’s all about YOU. Think of me as your personal coach. You will remain anonymous and get all your important questions answered that you need to live a fruitful, and rewarding life to be proud of! •

Make sure to be following PVL Coastal on .

Interact with me and post your questions, then look for your reply in our our next issue and you will be on your way to a better you! Don’t want everyone to see your questions? Feel free to email me at bunnyleach@me.com PVL Coastal

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costa del mar Photography by Mario Peralta

LAree: Crop black sweater, Three Dots: $66, Gwen Berlin Harem snake print pants, MLM: $180, Gwen Berlin Black Wedge Shoes, Splendid: $178, Jaffi’s Bracelets, Chan Luu: $136, Gwen Berlin Beaded tassel necklace, Iwona Ludyga: $268, Gwen Berlin Black fringe cross-body bag, Jennifer Haley: $396, Gwen Berlin Weekend tote, JADetribe: $389, Gwen Berlin ISrAeL: Sport coat, Paul Bentley, $345, Wickets Sweater, Peter Millar, $189, Wickets Leather flip flops, Olukai, $110, Wickets Belt, Torino Leather Co.: $85, Wickets

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Crop black sweater, Three Dots: $66, Gwen Berlin Harem snake print pants, MLM: $180, Gwen Berlin Black Wedge Shoes, Splendid: $178, Jaffi’s Bracelets, Chan Luu: $136, Gwen Berlin Beaded tassel necklace, Iwona Ludyga: $268, Gwen Berlin Black fringe cross-body bag, Jennifer Haley: $396, Gwen Berlin Weekend tote, JADetribe: $389, Gwen Berlin

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Sport coat, Paul Bentley: $345, Wickets Sweater, Peter Millar: $189, Wickets Leather flip flops, Olukai: $110, Wickets Belt, Torino Leather Co.: $85, Wickets

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Black w/leather trim top, Heather: $128, Gwen Berlin Leopard bikini, Tigerlily: $239, Gwen Berlin Arrowhead necklace, Heather Hawkins: $106, Gwen Berlin

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Blue button down, Touch By Ballin: $165, Wickets Khaki linen shorts, Toscano: $59, Wickets

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Laree: Mojave & lace ivory dress, Raquel Allegra: $402, Gwen Berlin Gemstone teardrop necklace, Sioxante Nuef: $326, Gwen Berlin Mother of pearl ring: $150, Gwen Berlin Israel Blue button down, Touch By Ballin: $165, Wickets Khaki linen shorts, Toscano: $59, Wickets

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Silk tie-dye jogger pant, Language: $142, Jaffi’s Druzy drop necklace, Heather Hawkins: $106, Gwen Berlin

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Denim button down, Andrew Azzurro: $175, Wickets Khaki linen shorts, Toscano: $59, Wickets

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LAree: Ivory top with leather detail, bless’ed are the meek: $187, Gwen Berlin Gemstone drop earrings, Nashelle: $198, Gwen Berlin ISrAeL:

Blue paisley button down, Peter Millar: $198, Wickets

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Photography: Mario Peralta Photography Creative Director: Inger Williamson Wardrobe Stylist: Melissa Intemann Models: Laree Starke Israel Schmidt Makeup Artist: Brooke Lee Smith Hair Artist: Jessica Wilkins, RIO Salon Wardrobe: Wickets www.wicketspv.com Gwen Berlin www.shopgwenberlin.com Location: The Conch House, Campeche Bay Marina & Freedom Boat Club, St. Augustine Props: Boat from www.freedomboatclub.com

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SUNBIRDS

Migra The

Sunbirds!

We’ve all seen them, coming down from the cold climate in the winter months to enjoy the semi-warmth that northern Florida offers. They plunge into ocean water that no self-respecting Floridian would dip a toe into, and frolic in the surf knowing they’ve left the ice and snow behind. We all shake our heads in wonder at their antics as we envy their ability to migrate south when winter closes in on them. But, we’re getting even.

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tion

NORTH

By Glenn Krausser Publisher and Author of An Intent To Commit Darkness

Floridians are migrating north in droves, escaping the oppressive heat of the summer months, enjoying the spectacular seasonal changes foreign to this land of sunshine. The latest trend of those fortunate enough to afford it, is to escape to the mountains. Although many Floridians are from severe northern climates and would rather not travel thousands of miles to visit where they escaped from, the mountains of north Georgia and North Carolina offer a pleasant alternative with a bounty of activities for traveler.

Some enjoy the respite from the Florida heat so much, they purchase a cabin on the side of a mountain and sit on the porch and enjoy what nature presents.

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TOCCOA FALLS

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north Georgians. With floor plans exceeding six thousand square feet and accommodations for a family of sixteen, the locals would hardly describe it as a cabin. Yet for those lucky Floridians it may seem like roughing it.

Remember, there are no malls, few fine dining restaurants, and certainly no mobile detailing companies within a hundred miles.

For those stalwart sunbirds who spend more than a month in the mountains, there is always a trip to Atlanta. There, civilization exists in abundance, with shows, dancing, dining, and every sports venue imaginable. An hour and a half’s drive puts you smack dab in the middle of all the current happenings so upon your return to north Florida, you can boast how you saw Broadway shows and live concerts that leave your listeners drooling with envy.

Meanwhile, back at the cabin, plans are made for hiking the Appalachian trail, white water rafting on the Ocoee River like the Olympic athletes did, horseback trail riding and best of all, antiquing. North Georgia offers the antique enthusiast a plethora of curio shops and antique stores.

The locals know the value of what they’re peddling but bargains can still be made and that “priceless” piece can travel back to Ponte Vedra and adorn your entryway.

Most of the locals know that tourist money during the summer and fall is what pays the bills during their more dormant winter months and are anxious to please.

The nicest thing about travelling to the mountains is their proximity.

HELEN, GA Less than a day’s drive can put you into the most spectacular scenery imaginable. From the quaint little villages, like Helen, GA, where you feel like you’re in a Bavarian town, to nature’s grandest displays like Toccoa Falls, where waterfalls and gorges take your breath away, there is always something to do, or somewhere to go.

Accommodations are varied from bed and breakfasts, to hotels and motels scattered throughout the area.

Whether you are a casual visitor or decide to stay for months, the mountains offer a most pleasant alternative to the heat and humidity of the summer months. The attitude of the locals makes the visit enjoyable. Sunbirds are a great deal more welcome there, than snowbirds are here and the local folks are quick to remind you how much they appreciate your visit. • PVL Coastal

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TO DO

THE

KICKING

BUCKET By: Kayla Sim

The bucket list that is. Start Twenty15 by checking off

your bucket list to some of the craziest, high adrenaline extreme sports. Only a few hours away from an intense pulse, you can ďŹ nd these activities sprinkled throughout the sunshine state.

GET CARRIED AWAY

A short distance from the 904, a hot air balloon takes off just before the sun does seven days a week, 365 days a year, if the weather permits. Leave the chaos of Disney World on the ground as you ascend past the peaceful treetops up to several thousand feet. Enjoy a different perception of Orlando for an hour viewing intact swamps. Standard hot air balloons allow up to four people, so gather your closest friends who are seeking adventure. Did you cringe at the idea of only bringing four friends on this thrill? Orlando now flies the nation’s largest hot air balloon carrying 24 passengers towering more than 11 stories high. Oh and the best thing- a champagne toast is included with your ride. Just what we need upon landing after getting carried away. Orlandoballonrides.com

TAKE A DIVE

Just go ahead and jump! But, make sure you keep your eyes open to take in the panoramic views of the beautiful blue coast line. And when you do finally plant your feet on the ground safely, it will be on the warm, white sand of the Sarasota/ Tampa Bay area. While there are many places to freefall over Florida, this is a first

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Laughs & Giggles For

choice considering the breathtaking views (literally).

Experience this part of the sunny state like you never have before from two miles above. Join the approximate 2 million other skydivers a year and check this off your bucket list.

Skydivesarasotafl.com

If your adrenaline is rushing just from reading the ventures here, maybe you should stick to comic relief enterprises instead.

Successfully drive through Waldo, the city that lies northeast of Gainesville without getting a speeding ticket.

(Alachua County).

Located in a tiny shed off U.S Route 41 (Google it) resides the smallest post office in the United States.

Send a letter from this location (yes, it is still fully functioning) and receive the famous Ochopee post mark.

(Collier County).

SURF THE SKY

Yearning to be iron man? Now’s your chance with Miami’s fly board. A personal jet board that you control by a throttle shooting you out of the water and 45 feet into the air. Lifting into the air like something imaginative and only seen in the movies – definitely bucket list material. Created by the water pressure under your feet with a 60 foot hose.

The equipment isn’t the only thing mind blowing, then there are the views, too. Biscayne Bay offers turquoise waters that you don’t want to miss out on. If multi-tasking isn’t your thing let the instructor take control while you jet over the Coconut-Grove landscape. Miamiflyboard.com Put these coordinates (29.513347, 83.365848) into your GPS and follow Dixie County’s The Road to Nowhere to well… nowhere. There might not be too much to see but you can take in the strange, natural scenery. (Dixie County)

Ponte Ve-

Visit the world’s smallest police station in Carrabelle…it’s a phone booth. History has it that tourists were making illegal calls on the police phone.

Go Figure. (Franklin County).

H C A E IB M A I M n i urs o H 24

TRAVEL

Escape Looking for that weekend getaway? After being on holiday overload, a break is just what the doctor ordered (at least that始s what we始re going with). Make sure you have an escape plan in order to discover all of Miami Beach. Revive your taste buds, mind and spirit with all The Magic City presents.

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1:00 P.M. You arrive in Miami not knowing what to do first. It’s no secret that art is a large part of Miami’s scene. With time to kill (check in isn’t until 4PM), you decide that in order to discover all of Miami’s culture, you have to visit the Bass Museum of Art (2100 Collins Ave.). In the heart of the Art Deco District, the museum is something that cannot be missed. The Art Deco District is also considered South Beach, here take in the views of the pretty people, beautifully designed buildings and shop in eclectic boutiques.

Plan By: Kayla Sim

2:00 P.M. Encounter Miami’s newest dining experience at the Seagrape at Thompson Miami Beach (4041 Collins Ave.) hotel for a late lunch.

Brand new to the scene in November, Seagrape’s Chef Michelle Bernstein, who won the James Beard Foundation Award, creates dishes sourced from nearby farmers and from the hotel’s local garden. Lunch will now be a treat. Go on, you know you want to.

4:00 P.M. Quaint and eclectic, The Colony (736 Ocean Drive) is a treasure in the Art Deco District. Short of amenities but plentiful in character and charm, this is the perfect place for a one-night stay. The historic hotel might look familiar because it has made many big screen and little screen appearances including the T.V. show “Dexter”. You hesitate, pondering if you should even step foot out on to the infamous street that runs along Miami’s coastline. Not wanting to leave your beautiful oceanfront accommodation, you quickly remember that it’s a New Year and time for new endeavors.

7:00 P.M. You put your best “Miami Chic” ensemble on and make your way up to the rooftop restaurant Juvia (1111 Lincoln rd.) which sits on top of a parking PVL Coastal

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Juvia

garage, yes a parking garage. Whether you choose to sit inside or out you will receive stunning views of the skyline. Purple design accents signal you to make sure your wallet is filled. Oh and the cuisine is good too –a blend of Japanese, Peruvian, and French food.

10:00 P.M. Match your mood at Skybar (1901 Collins Ave.) found in the Shore Club hotel. Composed of three rooms conveying three different vibes, the Redroom; a glowing red room, Redroom Garden; an outdoor living room, and Rumbar named for serving 75 different rums with white sheer curtains. Your last and final stop before crashing.

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AR Pictures / Shutterstock.com

Next Day 10:00 A.M. You have worked up an appetite from the previous night, so head over to The Ice Box (1855 Purdy Ave.) and try one of their “culinary concepts”. Oprah Winfrey suggests the dessert pies but first, breakfast; try Guava-filled French toast or the Lemon Ricotta Pancake. The Ice Box boasts on a natural, well-balanced diet.

Begin your detox from all your New Year’s escapades and your Miami escape.

12:00 P.M. Take in one of Miami’s best resorts via the luxury spa. Relax and rejuvenate before the long car ride home at eden roc Spa (4525 Collins Ave.). Out of 22,000 square-feet and panoramic views you are bound to find zen here. The Eden Roc offers massages and any other amenities you can think of, so you can cleanse from head to toe.

1:00 P.M. Kiss South Beach goodbye. Back to the reality of the New Year, and a good one it’s going to be! Until next time, Miami. •

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LIFE

Legacy

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Letters By: Susan D. Brandenburg

aughter drifts from the conference room at Wahby Financial Services as Nadine Gramling describes an amusing family story to her friend and financial advisor, Robin Wahby. There is a comfortable camaraderie between the two women who have worked together for years on the Board of Angelwood, an organization that assists families in caring for the special needs of their loved ones. Today, however, their meeting centers around assisting Gramling with her Ethical Will, one of the new benefits Wahby Financial Services offers when providing estate planning.

L

A colorful spinning Kaleidoscope is the logo of Wahby Financial Services, symbolizing the unique beauty in each life, and the changing emotions, needs, wants and abilities that guide people on their individual paths. “There is always a new way to see things, and I’m excited about the idea of offering my clients an Ethical Will as part of their overall estate plan,” says Wahby. “Over my 25 years of legacy planning, from time to time a grandparent would write to their grandchildren and I noticed these kids cherished those words. I realized this was a missed opportunity in the estate planning process.

Then I found out it has a name – Ethical Will – and it is as old as the written word itself!”

Actually an ancient Jewish tradition, Wahby explained to Gramling that the Ethical Will, sometimes called a Legacy Letter, is a way to share values, blessings, hopes and dreams for the future. Unlike a Last Will and Testament, which is a legal document, an Ethical Will is a love letter to your family, and, while a legal will bequeaths assets, an ethical will bequeaths values.

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Nadine Gramling caught the excitement in Wahby’s voice and began to share several family stories that she wants to write about in her Ethical Will. A longtime community philanthropist and owner of Bryson’s Upscale Resale on Beach Blvd., Gramling rarely stops long enough in her busy days to think about the past or, for that matter, the future.

But on this day, she happily reminisced and remembered how her grandchildren love to hear stories of what their parents did when they were young, and what her own grandfather used to say and how surprised her one granddaughter was when she learned about Gramling’s humble beginnings. “I’ll need some time to think this over and decide what I’m going to say,” she told Wahby, “but thank you for telling me about this. It has made me remember some interesting things and reflect on what’s important.”

While it is still a new concept that is catching on locally, the Ethical Will is also coming to its own nationally. A recent New York Times article (Oct.

31, 2014) titled “The Ethical Will, an Ancient Concept, Is Revamped for the Tech Age,” outlined several methods for recording such a document, including video story-telling, putting it on a PowerPoint presentation, DVDs, digital scrapbooks, iPhones and even Facebook pages. In addition to the “feel-good” aspect, the article noted that ethical wills can “help avoid nasty family conflicts that can chew up assets.”

“I consider it a valuable connector,” said Wahby. “When people plan their estate and designate what assets go to whom, this Ethical Will can be the ‘Why’ in the equation. I have retained a couple of local writers to help those of my clients who wish to use them, but even a hand-written letter or a ‘selfie-video message’ can be a precious part of a person’s estate.” • Susan the Scribe, Inc. 11-B Ponte Vedra Court Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082 (904) 543-0730 or 962-5131 susanscribe@comcast.net susanthescribe.vpweb.com PVL Coastal

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COASTAL A-LIST

GIVING

Release Party ISSUE

Benefitting First Coast No More Homeless Pets

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