The Holiday Issue by PVL Coastal

Nurturing the Soul During the Holidays BY DRS. BURAK AND BURAK

Finding peace through love and laughter

The Townsends

A New TV Home for

Dan Hicken BY TERA BARZ

The Wolfson Family no child denied

HOLIDAY Serving All Coastal Communities Ponte Vedra Life

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Tell me PUBLISHERS Melissa Intemann Amy Vizanko CREATIVE DIRECTOR Inger Williamson GRAPHIC DESIGNER Amy Olivieri EDITOR Tracy Margol CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Tracy Margol Cindy Polverino Drs. Ronnie and Carl Burak Tera Barz Cara Murphy Sonia Thomasino Teresa Nygen David Newman Melissa Intemann Inger Williamson CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER Dunlop Photography Kelly Valentine Subject One Photography Mario Peralta FASHION EDITORIAL PHOTOGRAPHER Kristia Knowles Ponte Vedra Life (PVL) is a complimentary magazine serving coastal communities throughout Northeast Florida, South Carolina and Georgia. PVL is distributed to most local boutiques, businesses and department stores. Can’t find us? Subscriptions are available for $24/ year or $40/2 years. Please call 904.222.8938 for more information. Like us in print? Then, “LIKE” us on Facebook too! PVL Jax Copyright 2013 Ponte Vedra Life, 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 makes no representation or warrant of any kind for the accuracy of content. All advertisements are assumed by the publisher to be correct.

Publishers’ Letter

It’s hard to believe

that another year is coming to an end. This will be our last issue for 2013, and as we enter into this most festive season, Amy and I would like to take a moment to reflect on everything for which we are grateful. Year-round we have a vivacious community here, filled with loving families, fulfilling philanthropic events and sensational local businesses. During the holidays, as we think about how to nurture our own loved ones with bountiful gifts, food and quality time, we can also help make the season brighter for those who are less fortunate. Many organizations with local roots make it easy to donate time, money, food and clothing which can immediately benefit people in need.

Amy and I scoured the region, along with the some other coastal communities, to find organizations that DO need your help, and we hope you’ll donate a little bit of yourselves into not MAKING that difference, but BEING that difference. Allow yourself to really get into the spirit of this most festive season.

With this being said, please take the time to read our “4 Opportunities 2 Give” editorial, as it focuses on just that… giving to local charities here in our own backyard, as well as to those up and down the coast. Whether you make a small donation to help a mother/father give their children gifts, and in turn, hope, OR you donate canned goods,

Be grateful for all you have this holiday season, and as always, have a happy New Year.

blankets, or your time, please remember, any support you can give to the community is greatly appreciated.

Our Holiday Issue focuses on many beautiful and inspirational stories and of course, holiday cheer. The PVL Family hopes you’re able to enjoy the last few months of the year and embrace the quieter months ahead. Before you know it, Ponte Vedra Life will be back for another season.

Kisses to the sky, Mel Intemann & Amy Vizanko

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CONTENTS The Holiday Issue

HEALTHY DOSE

TEXTILES DOSSIER

16 Rx: Nurturing the soul during the holidays - By Drs. Burak and Burak 22 FIT: Fitness for YOU - Find your fuel.

76 M-PIRE: Holiday Shopping – Mel’s faves 72 STYLE: West Coast fashion meets East Coast trends – LuLaMae 78 FLY: The Wanderlust List - Travel essentials for the travel enthusiast

HOUSE OF HEARTS 32 LIFE: The Townsends - Finding peace through love and laughter 38 GIVE: 4 Opportunities 2 Give GIVE this holiday season 44 HANDS: The Wolfson Family – No child denied

PLAY

84 SWEETS: Making Life Sweet Sugar and spice and everything nice 86 SIP: Tempting Seasonal Libations Breaking down a couple of favorite venues 90 CARA-BOUT-IT: The Gift of Music – Nicholas Williams of Whetherman

COASTAL A-LIST 52 Pink Ribbon Event 42 JLG Brain Cancer Foundation 94 PVL’s Release Party – The Giving Tree 20 Dr. Shreena Patel – Smiles For a Lifetime 71 Obakki – Emly Benham

COVER

96 GAME: Tera Talks: Dan Hicken New beginning, new endeavors 98 MAN CAVE: Brew It - Not just for the skilled lager aficionado

SAVOR, SEE AND SOUND

White Sequin Dress, Haute Hippie:: Rosenblums $345

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Photography: Kristia Knowles Photography Fashion Stylist: Melissa Intemann Creative Director: Inger Williamson Hair Artist: Chuck Puttman Makeup Artist: Jill Magri Model: Sabrina LeMaster Wardrobe and Accessories: Dress, Obakki :: Emly Benham. Tom Ford sunglasses :: S.E. Joseph Ponte Vedra Life

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Ten Ways to Care for Your Soul During the Holidays

Soul

1. Nat�re

Forget the mall. It is a soul-numbing place. Take time to be in nature. Many of us in our hectic lives don’t spend enough time enjoying our beautiful natural surroundings. It is in nature that we find peace and serenity and connect with our soul.

Nur��ring the

Over the Holidays

by Ronnie L. Burak, Ph.D., Licensed Psychologist and Psychiat�ist

I was attending a conference in Santa Fe with Thomas Moore, a well known theologian and Jungian therapist who wrote “ Care of the Soul“ when I got the call to write this article. It was perfect. Who doesn’t need some soul care during the holidays? My husband and I work together. He is a psychiatrist, and I am a psychologist. We see people struggling during this time of year. Instead of enjoying the holidays, we stress ourselves out because of all the expectations of family and our culture. We also see people who are alone or are grieving losses in their lives. This time of the year can be sad for many people, as they see everyone else having what they think is a joyful picture-postcard holiday experience. We all know deep in our hearts that there is no perfect holiday. Perhaps we need to change our expectations. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could embrace our unique experiences without creating unnecessary burdens? My time with Thomas Moore has given me some ideas about how to make the holidays a more soulful experience. Thomas Moore describes the soul as our down deep experience. It includes our emotional lives, our fantasies, our relationships, our dreams. It is our true nature. Often our true nature doesn’t fit with the expectations of our culture, but we must respect our uniqueness, or we can become stressed and depressed. Unrealistic expectations of perfection and happiness can lead to disappointment, anxiety and depression. 16 |

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Bring nature home. Fill the house with plants, flowers, and flowing water or just fill the house with beautiful paintings and photographs of nature to inspire your soul. Art that captures the essence of nature makes our lives feel more rich and meaningful, and in touch with our source. When I am not at work as a psychologist, I am a photographer. When I am out in nature photographing, I am in the moment, and all the chatter in my head goes away. I can focus on the beauty that I see through the lens and try to capture its essence. This is truly a soul making experience. We all need a break from work and family responsibilities, so take a walk, ride a bike, sit by the ocean or in a garden; photograph or just sit and take in nature with all of your senses. When we speak of nature, we are also talking about who we really are deep down inside in our soul, not who we think we should be to family, to the workplace, or to the community at

large. It is who we want to be. Let this time of year be a time that we reflect on our own true nature.

2. Reading

Reading is where we can slip away from all the stresses of the day and is a wonderful way to dream, learn and to feed your soul. Read what moves you. Read for pleasure. Read inspirational stories. Reading is a time to hide away in a corner or snuggle in bed and be able to say “this time is mine.”

3. Friendship

Since more and more of us live far away from families and airfare is becoming increasingly expensive, many of us spend time during the holidays with friends. Our good friends become family. Our soul needs relationships where we nurture each other, where we laugh together, where we truly connect in a deep, meaningful way. Make time and space for your friends. Don’t worry about being a perfect host or hostess. Some of my best times with friends have been over a pizza or spontaneously whipping up snacks for us to share. We put so much pressure on ourselves to please our friends that often we leave little time to enjoy them.

4. Creativit�

Creativity is the expression of the soul. Some people have wonderful talents in painting or sculpture or music, but all of us have some special way of expressing creativity. It can be by preparing a meal with love and care and beauty. It can be Ponte Vedra Life

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working in a garden to make a beautiful place. The holidays are a time to express creativity, whether it’s simple ornaments placed on a tree or decorations created by hand rather than buying them in a store. It gives us a sense of pride and value and makes our home unique because it really expresses who we are.

5. Meditate and contemplate

There are many forms of meditation. Whether it’s Buddhist or yoga meditation or prayer, it’s a time to contemplate, reflect, slow down and to appreciate who we are and what’s important to us. Meditation can also be a mindful walk in the woods or a run on the beach – someplace where we use all of our senses to take in the beauty and make it a part of us.

6. Soulf�l stories

Stories are how we pass on traditions. They’re also how we teach in a very profound way. We are all familiar with the “Chicken Soup for the Soul” series. We can learn so much from other people’s experiences and how they have overcome obstacles. Zen stories are particularly powerful, speaking in riddles and analogies that stick with us in a way that descriptive stories may not. Many stories that come from the Eastern tradition go back thousands of years as a way of teaching lessons in just a few simple words. The holidays are a wonderful time to share our own stories with friends and family.

7. Accomplish much by doing nothing

In Western culture we measure life by our accomplishments. How much did I 18 |

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get done today? How many promotions did I get? How many Christmas cards did I send? How much money did I make? Accomplishments may not be the way to nurture the soul, but rather the way we stress ourselves out.

and his out-of-the-box way of seeing the world. As I have gotten older, I’ve given myself permission to become less conventional. I’ve paid my dues and am more open to listening to what my soul needs.

In the Wester� cult�re it’s hard for us to do nothing. We look at it as wasting time. Easter� cult�res have a diﬀerent view; they see it as a time for being, a time to recharge our batteries… to reﬂect, rest, to ex�erience rather than to do. Sometimes I think we should be called human doings rather than human beings because we don’t take much time for being.

9. Ex�ress yourself more publicly

Use this time of year to express what you really feel about the nature of the world and how to make it a better place. Reach out either by talking to others, helping out in soup kitchens or clinics. Perhaps you were gifted with writing. Write your feelings, whether it’s in a magazine like I am doing right now, or in a letter to the editor. If you feel passionate about something, express it. Feel like you are connecting with the world and know that your voice can make a difference.

10. Do things that give you pleasure and then see if they have a higher value. If we are passionate and having fun then this feeling will be passed on to those around us. We will be spreading joy to the world and making it a better place. See yourself as the ambassador of fun with family or where you work. Be a mystic; spread enchantment.

As the holidays approach, reflect on the true essence and meaning of this time and let go of the conventional cultural restraints that are put upon us. Approach the holidays with intention, spread the love, take each day as it comes, and nurture your soul. Try this, and the holidays may give you a gift of personal richness the year round. •

Try letting go of all the rules and all the guilt. Sometimes we need to relax the rules and follow our intuitive sense of what our soul needs at that moment and if it needs ice cream or a TV show, let the soul be nurtured.

8. Be Eccent�ic

We are so serious in life, especially this time of year, when we’re rushing around to buy perfect gifts and accomplish so much. The key words here are “lighten up,” stop being so driven. Relax the inner critic and work on being an eccentric. I’ve learned to appreciate my husband who embodies the spirit of eccentricity. His environment reflects his humor Ponte Vedra Life

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COASTAL A-LIST

SMILES FOR A LIFETIME Dr. Shreena Patel of Beaches Orthodontics has launched the Jacksonville chapter of Smile for a Lifetime, an international nonprofit organization that provides orthodontic care and free braces to underserved children with financial challenges and special orthodontic needs. Dr. Patel will partner with the Boys & Girls Club of Jacksonville Beach, and is presently accepting referrals from local dentists, asking each of them to help partner with her in sharing the gift of a perfect smile. Smile for a Lifetime Foundation is a nonprofit, charitable organization comprised of local chapters throughout the country that provides quality orthodontic treatment for patients who may not have the opportunity to achieve a beautiful, straight smile without financial assistance. Their mission is to create self-confidence, inspire hope and change the lives of children in their communities in a dramatic way. The gift of a smile can do all this for a deserving, underserved individual who, in turn, can use this gift to better themselves and their community. During treatment, many Smiles for a Lifetime local chapters also encourage scholarship recipients to participate in community service through a “pay it forward” program inspiring young people to participate in lifelong giving. “I became an orthodontist because I sincerely want to help people. I believe deeply that a beautiful smile is the key to happiness – not just making a person pretty or handsome, but giving them self-esteem and confidence” – Dr. Shreena Patel

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FIT

YOGA

Credentials: Mary Lyn Jenkins, owner and director

FITNESS

for YOU

Finding your

Fuel

by Inger Williamson

The world of fitness can be highly competitive and convoluted. No longer just an activity to burn calories, exercise has become a way of living, socializing and staying healthy. And by playing a sport at any age, you can improve your lifestyle, maintain a healthy weight and kick those endorphins up a notch. From zen yoga and Pilates to pumping iron, running, cycling and dancing, choices abound on the First Coast. Trying to find the workout that best suits your needs can be frustrating, so we’ve gathered eight local trainers who offer a wide array of sports components to help you find your fuel… find your fitness. 22 |

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Big Things, Big Fish Power Yoga www.bigfishpoweryoga.com CONCEPT | Big Fish Power Yoga is a way of living – both in and out of the yoga room. You will be empowered, inspired and lit up to take your life on and to be a shining light to everyone around you. At Big Fish our medium is yoga, but our mission is simple: EMPOWER Individuals to empower the planet. The way we execute our mission statement is by following the core values: build COMMUNITY, create a space for POSSIBILITY and operate in INTEGRITY. We cannot do it alone, so Team is the heartbeat of Big Fish. HOW IT WORKS | Each Power Yoga class is suitable for ALL LEVELS. We teach Baptiste Power Vinyasa Yoga which is a powerful, energetic, playful flowing class with a strong emphasis on breath. Beginners, intermediate and advanced students can be challenged in the same class. The room is heated to help cleanse the body and warm the muscles.

We offer non-heated classes for Intro to Power Yoga Series and Basics. RESULTS | The Power Yoga flow will torch your calories, tone, strengthen and rinse your body, clear your mind and leave you with a sense of accomplishment and empowerment. The dynamic mix of sweat and spirit that is cultivated in a Power Yoga class will challenge you to step up to your edge, and unlock your hidden potential for achieving authentic personal power and living an extraordinary life. Be prepared to SHINE! WHO CAN BENEFIT | Everyone benefits from stepping onto a yoga mat. We teach to students who have multiple sclerosis, we teach to inner city high school kids, we teach to five year olds and 75 year olds…. and each student experiences their own realm of what’s possible.

CYCLING

Credentials: Jack Tomassetti, manager

The Cycling Center/Trek Store of Jacksonville www.trekjax.com CONCEPT | Bicycling is a fun way to get out of the house, exercise and enjoy the sea breeze. You don’t need to be a Lance Armstrong to get out and ride. There

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road bikes, to the popular triathlon bikes. Find the style of riding that fits you best and just ride. RESULTS | Cycling is a great cardiovascular exercise that is low weight bearing and really works the legs. Many use it as an alternative to running, especially those who have knee problems. The more you bike,

the more your endurance and stamina will increase, leg muscles will become stronger and you’ll even shed a few pounds. As American Tour de France winner Greg Lemond says, “It never gets easier, you just go faster.” To enjoy this awesome sport, all you need is a two-wheeled steed from your local bicycle shop, a helmet and a sense of adventure.

CROSS TRAINING/ WEIGHT TRAINING

Credentials: Matthew Thornton, Owner

Meridian Fitness and Titan Up Transformation Certified Personal Trainer and strength and conditioning coach

www.meridianﬁtness.com • www.titanupﬁtness.com

CONCEPT | High Intensity Cross Training HOW IT WORKS | It works because it hits on all five aspects of fitness: flexibility, body composition, muscular strength, muscular endurance and cardiovascular training. My type of training is the most complete type of training one can do to transform the body. RESULTS | Clients can expect results fast because it’s been proven time and time again that when strength training and interval

cardio exercises are combined, the body burns maximum amounts of calories, enhances muscle tone, strengthens core muscles, and is the quickest way to get the body fit. If fast results are what you’re looking for then do strength training with interval cardiovascular training (cross training) with Matthew Thornton at Meridian Fitness. WHO CAN BENEFIT | Anyone can because workouts can be customized to fit anyone, despite their age, experience level or past injuries.

PILATES

Credentials: Amber M. Mills, PHI, APM, NASM CPT, Owner and master Pilates instructor,

A Pilates Studio www.pilatesbyamber.com CONCEPT | Pilates was developed and created by Joseph Pilates in the early 1900s, to unite mental and physical health and re-teach the body how to perform with more strength, length, ease and grace. We use several pieces of apparatus to help people “get the method in their bodies” and reconnect their minds to what their bodies are doing. HOW IT WORKS | Pilates is a body conditioning routine that helps to strengthen and lengthen, while creating endurance in the legs,

abdominals, arms, hips and back. It puts emphasis on proper spinal and pelvic alignment, breathing and developing a strong core, all while improving coordination and balance. RESULTS | A longer leaner more flexible body chemistry and a developed core. Less stress on joints and muscles and less injury for longevity – showcasing that “every movement has a purpose.” WHO CAN BENEFIT | Everyone.

ZUMBA

Credentials: Jenni Peavy, AFFA Certified, barre, and dance teacher

www.JenniPeavy.Zumba.com

CONCEPT | An exhilarating, effective, easy to follow, Latininspired calorie burning dance fitness party that’s moving millions of people towards joy and health.

it just depends on how much “flava” you put in to it. You don’t have to be a dancer – if you can march you are doing the Merengue. Zumba is for all ages and sizes.

HOW IT WORKS | It’s a dance party! The more you move, the more calories you burn. Before you know it, you’ve lost yourself in the Latin rhythms and you are dancing. Every muscle of your body is used,

RESULTS | Not just a group fitness activity that can help you tone up, lose weight and get healthy – Zumba is so much more. It’s a place where you can let your hair down, move, shake and drop it like it’s Ponte Vedra Life

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hot without worrying if someone is judging or watching you. It is a place to make friends and put a little swag and confidence in your step. WHO CAN BENEFIT | Anyone who is willing to get their groove on! Zumba Gold provides modified lowimpact moves for active, older adults.

Zumba Toning uses light weights and targets arms, abs and thighs. Zumba Kids and Kids Jr. provides a fun atmosphere where kids can play and rock out with friends to age-appropriate music and gets kids moving. Dance like no one is watching and get your fitness on!

BARRE

Credentials: Ginny Helms, certified Pilates instructor

Balanced Body Mat, Reformer and Barre Ponte Vedra Inn & Club and Sawgrass Country Club Fitness Center

CONCEPT | The Pilates Barre workout is a fun, full-body workout set to upbeat music. It combines the best of ballet technique and Pilates movement principles to provide an energizing, dance-based workout that strengthens, stretches and tones the whole body. HOW IT WORKS | The lower core is the foundation of every exercise in a barre workout. Many exercises in a barre class are done in a standing position with the support of a barre for balance. These standing exercises bring supine and prone Pilates mat/reformer exercises into the upright posture, emphasizing balance, standing alignment and functional movement. Muscles are worked to fatigue to provide optimum results. Strengthening

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work is followed by stretches to lengthen and release tension creating a longer and leaner body. In addition to standing work, exercises are also performed in supine, prone and seated positions to target specific areas. Using small props such as light weights, resistance bands and small balls add variety and more challenge to each exercise. RESULTS | Clients are able to balance movement and muscle development in all three planes of the body: front to back, side to side, and upper to lower. Think more muscle - less joint. A long and lean body! WHO CAN BENEFIT | Everyone! Modifications are used for any injuries.

SPORTS SPECIFIC TRAINING Credentials: Shanan Hoy, CPT NASM, Manager

Focus Fitness www.focusfitnessjax.com

CONCEPT | Sports performance training and fitness (tennis, golf, surfing, running, and school sports) HOW IT WORKS | Sports performance is about explosive movements, reaction, speed and agility. Conventional training normally places more emphasis on body transformation and muscular build. Sport performance training is developed for a particular sport and typically includes wide ranges of agility, power and speed training. Emphasis is placed on the planes of motion such as moving forward, backward, twisting, and sideways motion. It includes more dynamic stretches like high jumps or triple flexion movements such as tossing a medicine ball by twisting to the side. RESULTS | The goal of sports performance training is to enhance performance in competition to make you more successful in a chosen sport. It differs from personal training in which the primary goal is to improve overall fitness. Quality strength and conditioning programs take into account the sport, pre- and postseasons, the position that you play along with individual characteristics such as age, gender, fitness level

and medical history. Programs are based on sound, scientific principles and proven training techniques to create a customized, effective workout plan. Such a program, combined with your own hard work, will increase quickness, speed, strength, agility and stamina. You may also improve vital sportspecific skills (i.e. increased vertical jump for rebounding) reduce your potential for injury, and become more confident and motivated. Lastly, a good sports performance program should be fun so that it can better inspire you to create active and healthy habits and maintain them for a lifetime. Having fun is important, but part of the fun comes from being successful at your sport and realizing your full potential. These days, talent alone is not enough… it must be combined with proper coaching, appropriate training, and DESIRE. Train hard and train smart so you can explode past your competition! WHO CAN BENEFIT | Though it’s called sports performance, it doesn’t mean that the average person cannot include this in his or her daily routine. These fun exercises really get the adrenaline pumping for everyone. Ponte Vedra Life

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RUNNING

Credit: Simon O’Brien, store manager

1st Place Sports – Jax Beach and Town Center CONCEPT | Running - a sporting event and aerobic exercise, is the series of rapid leg movements - coordinated with arm motions - through short/long strides while on foot.

ability level and to meet your training goals, and of course, the correct pair of running shoes suited for your foot type, you can absolutely achieve any goal you set for yourself. However, taking care of your body HOW IT WORKS | Running is one and recovering correctly is extremely of the top forms of physical exercise important in order to avoid injury. in modern society, especially here The number one cause of injury in Jacksonville where the running with runners is too much, too soon! community is one of the largest in the Be sure to start off with shorter country. Running engages all muscle distances, whether it is all running groups from head to toe; it has or adopting the galloway method of particular emphasis on lower body run/walk for various timed intervals. muscle groups as our legs are what Listen to your body, if something propels us forward. Core strength hurts, do not run on it, use the also plays a major part in running as it popular recovery concept of R.I.C.E is what enables us to maintain correct (rest, ice, compression, elevation). If and efficient posture while moving issues persist, seek medical attention. forward. Depending on the type of running workout, it allows the body to operate at both aerobic and anaerobic levels. Anaerobic being the point where muscles are not supported by sufficient oxygen supply. There are many different types of runs and different training plans will set out various workouts depending on the goal, event or time you wish to run a particular distance in. Examples of different runs include recovery runs, tempo runs, fartlek (speed play) runs, hill repeats and long runs. RESULTS | People take up running for a variety of reasons, whether it’s to lose weight, achieve a personal goal, relieve stress, etc. With the correct training plan suited to your 28 |

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RESTRICTIONS | A person’s injury history may affect options of taking up running as a form of exercise. Running does involve high impact on the body, so there are cases where issues with knees, ankles, back, etc. may deter you from running a lot of miles. Options such as the elliptical, exercise bike or rowing machine are alternatives for those who cannot take the physical demands that running places on the body. If you think an old injury may affect your possibility of running, seek medical advice before starting a training plan, and of course come and see us at 1st Place Sports to get expert advice on choosing the right running footwear and accessories to meet your needs. •

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LIFE

The

Townsends

finding peace through

love and laughter By Tracy Margol Photography: Mario Peralta

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he opened the door and greeted me with a glowing smile and friendly embrace, accepting gratefully the bushel of peach colored roses I handed her. She seemed warm and jovial and as she gracefully showed me her gorgeous yet cozy home, she pointed out a large collage of her son’s photos. If you didn’t know her, you would think she was a happy-go-lucky mom, living in a dreamy house she’s made into the quintessential suburban family home. But there was a heaviness surrounding her, a dark cloud, as if a laugh could in a second turn to tears. I didn’t expect this interview with Carmen Townsend to be an easy one – what do you say to a mother whose son was left paralyzed after a spinal cord injury in a football game nine years ago and passed away less than five months ago, without warning, possibly due to heart failure? We both took a deep breath as we got comfortable in the living room where we were surrounded by memorabilia of her 6’3” 180 pound son, Jerry Townsend Jr., whom everyone knew as J.T. When I remarked about his handsome face and smile that seemed to light up the room, she said, “it was genuine.” Against all odds, J.T. returned to finish high school and graduated in April with a sports management degree from the University of North Florida.

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Known for his courage and inspiration, he started the J.T. Townsend Foundation to raise money to provide adaptive equipment and comprehensive financial assistance to those with disabilities on the First Coast. The staff helps families take the next first step by providing expensive medically approved equipment available to make living with a disabled child or family member as easy as possible even when insurance /medicaid denies payment. “J.T. always wanted to pay it forward,” explains Carmen. Fred Funk, a professional golfer who helped J.T. with the foundation, built the Townsend family a wheelchair accessible home on Jacksonville’s Southside. Fred once called J.T. “one of the most inspirational guys you’ll ever meet.” Carmen said she was in awe when she first stepped foot in the house. “Walking in those doors was like a fairytale and it’s like you’re queen of the castle, and you could also see God because nobody can just do this. This was home to J.T… love and laughter and even bickering with his sisters… they told me ‘mama, this is what brothers and sisters do!’” she said as she laughed.

J.T. always wanted to

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After a heartfelt conversation about J.T., the family and the foundation, Carmen confessed that she wanted to say something profound to give people strength but she was still feeling “an indescribable hurt.” She said that while she no longer has “my joy, my laughter, my conversation piece,” she wants people to know that she’s holding on to her faith and trusting and believing in God. And she’s grateful for the eight and a half years she had with J.T. after the incident. “We don’t call it an accident, we refer to it as an incident… and I just think about what we DID have but it’s never enough.” With her two daughters, Precious, 22 and Sunshine, 21, she often visits J.T.’s room to talk to him and

“When life gives you 100 reasons to

cry,

show life you have a 1,000 reasons to

smile.”

smell his clothes. “They try to hold on to their faith,” Carmen says of the girls, “and to be strong for me and each other, but they have their time.” Carmen reflects on J.T.’s protective nature as she told a story of a young lady who was made fun of because of her weight, “J.T. told people to leave her alone; he had a special way with girls and treated

them like queens and princesses even when he was in his chair. As a mother you try to instill in them to give back, help someone along the way, be a mentor… if you see someone being a bully, help them, be nice to them. And he heard me.” As the minutes passed in the interview, I felt more and more grateful for the time I was able to spend with Carmen. We both knew that this contrived meeting to talk about such a painfully recent tragedy would somehow, someday help a PVL reader. When I asked her about her faith, she said she’d been going to the same church for 25 years and her pastor has helped her to have a positive attitude and hold on to her faith and believe that this hurt will someday be joy. She said she’s trying to get back to that place of everyday living and that “if you’re going to believe and trust God, 99 percent won’t do, you have to give 100 percent.” When I asked Carmen if she had advice for others in her position, she said “J.T. said it all: You have to have a strong mind, believe in God, keep the faith and live every day like it’s your last.’” She said it sounds like she’s talking about herself and she believes God will get her through it and there’s a bigger picture ahead… she doesn’t know how or what but it’s a bigger picture. “I tell my sister,” she said, “I feel like a tree planted down by the river,

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like I’m gonna bend and bend and bend, but I’m not gonna break.” I smiled, and said “that’s how I feel sometimes too, Carmen.” She said, “I told J.T. “as long as you got a mind and you got breath in your body, you can change the world.” How true…and that’s just what J.T. did. She walked me to the door and said wait, I want to write down one more thing for you. I waited a moment and she returned to hand me a torn piece of notebook paper on which she wrote one of her favorite pieces of wisdom to share: “When life gives you a 100 reasons to cry, show life you have a 1,000 reasons to smile.” • Ponte Vedra Life

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GIVE

4 Opportunities 2 Give by Melissa Intemann

Are you, your family or a group of friends looking for ways to emphasize “giving” instead of “getting” this holiday season?

PVL has found some great organizations in our area, as well as up and down the coast, that could always use an extra hand in the kitchen or the closet (where those old baby clothes are stashed away) or most of all, they could use your support in helping others who are in need and struggling this year.

Independent Living Residential Center (ILRC) 2709 Art Museum Drive • Jacksonville, Florida 32207 info@cilj.com • (904) 399-8484 • ilj.com

WHO WE ARE

The ILRC is a non-profit, 501(c)(3), that assists people with disabilities in Northeast Florida. The ILRC is a consumer driven, community based, non-residential organization, providing services since 1978. Their Center reaches five counties throughout Northeast Florida, including: Duval, Baker, Clay, Nassau, and St Johns. The Center stands as Jacksonville’s leading cross-disability based organization, providing personalized services to people with disabilities. Their mission is to: Empower all people with a disability

to live independent self-empowered lives.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

Because all of their programs and services are provided free to the resident, monetary contributions, like yours, continue the success of the programs and services. However, if you are interested in joining the community team of ILRC Disability Ambassadors, you can volunteer your time at their agency, events and programs and be rewarded with feeling great about doing something for the disability community.

Let’s not forget, there are MANY opportunities to teach children about giving back, not only during the holidays, but every day. With this being said, below we’ve included five organizations that offer volunteer opportunities year-round. Perhaps one of these organizations touches upon something special within you, that you can personally connect with or perhaps you or a loved one has lived in a residential program at one time. So, please take the time to read through each organization listed… every little bit we donate means A LOT to each of them listed. Do something great today and join a team that makes a difference. Happy Holidays & Get Ready, Get Set….GIVE!

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Alpha Omega Miracle Home (AOMH) 1797 Old Moultrie Rd, Unit 107 • St. Augustine, FL 32084 904-823-8588 • info@aomh.org • aomh.org

WHO WE ARE

AOMH is a faith-based residential program in the heart of St. Augustine, Fla., for homeless pregnant/single mothers, children and seniors. Residents come from all over the state of Florida, and occasionally from out of state. Upon arrival at AOMH, residents are immediately provided with a safe place to live, as well as all the things they need for themselves and their children, such as food, diapers, medical and dental attention, etc. AOMH endeavors to make available to all of the residents the resources that will enable them to successfully take care of themselves and their family upon completion of their two years in the program.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

This organization has many opportunities available for you to participate in and make a difference in the lives of the needy. Whether you have 1 or 40 hours a week to devote to the issues of homelessness and child safety, they have a job for you! They are currently looking for volunteers to: help around the office, mentor their residents, man their thrift store, provide child care or become extended families for the children of the women in their many programs.

4731 Mixson Avenue • North Charleston, SC 29405 (843) 744-2126 • Scfathersandfamilies.com Contact: wjenkins@fathertofather.comcastbiz.net

Dads make a difference. And yet, too many dads today are not involved in their children’s lives, not because they do not want to be involved but things have simply gone wrong. The relationship with the child’s mother has become strained, jobs have failed, and life has gotten complicated and disappointing.

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The staff understands fathers and families and is among some of the most experienced and knowledgeable fatherhood practitioners in their state. At this time, they serve approximately 150 fathers each year and there is room for more.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

We all know that fathers impact children’s lives - for good and sadly sometimes for bad. Father to Father strives to ensure that fathers

Too often, fathers missed the best instructor of all: their own fathers as a positive role model. Father to Father, Inc. is here to help because we care about fathers and their families. Father to Father, Inc. is the ONLY non-profit organization, with more than ten years of experience in the Berkeley, Charleston and Dorchester region

make a long lasting, positive impact in the lives of their children. However, they cannot do it alone. Your financial support enables continuation of services. They are grateful to everyone who helps make their work a reality. They, also have a “wish list” that can be found on their website, but to list a few items: a box of staples, children’s books, office supplies, clothes, toys, old technology, etc. If you know of or have family in the North/South Charleston areas, Father to Father is seeking companies that are willing to: • Provide a job/position for a father • Sponsor or mentor a father • Provide education for a father • Donate gift cards to be used as incentives and accomplishments

Haven Horse Ranch: Making memories that last a lifetime

If you have the heart for this cause and the time to make a difference, please contact them to learn more about how you or your family can become a part of the Alpha-Omega family and begin changing lives today!

Father to Father Project, Inc.

WHO WE ARE

whose sole mission is to: Help fathers overcome the barriers to being a responsible and involved dad. They are located in North Charleston, South Carolina and serve fathers from Charleston, Dorchester and Berkeley counties.

7333 County Road 20 • St Augustine, FL 32092 (904) 813-5710 • Havenhorseranch.org Contact: Ric C. Lehman, Executive Director

WHO WE ARE

Haven Horse Ranch (HHR) is a nonprofit organization, and is the largest equine-assisted therapy center in Northeast Florida that uses horses to teach children who suffer with from many physical and mental disabilities. On their 26 acre property, HHR provides trail rides, camps, clinics, retreats, lessons and programs.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

Unfortunately, HHR has a waiting list of kids wanting to attend camp throughout the year, but do not have the funds. This is where you can step

up and support with a contribution of $27. This means a therapy session for a Special Needs Child. You can also make a general donation, buy a brick for their Walk of Fame or become a sponsor of HHR. If you cannot make a financial donation, and want to donate your time, you can be a part of the Support in Action Program, just contact HHR as there are plenty of opportunities to be hands on with the children, the facility and the property. By doing any of these things, you will notice the difference in these children’s lives and within the St. Augustine community. • Ponte Vedra Life

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COASTAL A-LIST

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HANDS

No Child Denied

How one family changed children’s healthcare in Jax by Tracy Margol By no means is this the complete story of the Wolfson family, whose contribution to Jacksonville is one for which we should all be extremely thankful (I know I am, first hand). I attempted nevertheless, to convey the phenomenal perseverance and forward-thinking mentality of the man whose desires were the catalyst to what’s known today as Wolfson Children’s Hospital, and his industrious grandchildren (Don Wolfson and his wife Karen) who proudly carry on his legacy. For a more detailed story, visit www.wolfsonchildrens.org/ about-us/Documents/Pop.pdf.

To help our readers keep things straight, here’s some background of The Morris David Wolfson Family • Morris married Sarah in 1905 • They had nine children

Irene Samuel Louis Elwood Edith Saul – father of Don Wolfson, married Karen Read Cecil Percy – died at the age of 18 months Sylvia Nathan – only remaining child

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Morris David Wolfson A Jewish child from a small Lithuanian village, Morris David Wolfson endured eviction, abuse and antiSemitic behavior. His two sisters and mother looked after him though, as he was fatherless and worked as a cemetery watchman where he guarded headstones – in those days their inscriptions held the only birth and death records. Morris was just nine years old then. Eight years later, a conscript with the Russian army, he escaped and managed to cross the Atlantic to Baltimore with only the clothing on his back. He later married and had children, peddled watermelons and ice to support them, and often

starved himself for the sake of his poverty-stricken family. He once used all his earnings to purchase a horse to expand his peddling business, only to have it die the next morning before he arose. He experienced modest success in the 1920s but along with many others, lost everything he had built during the great depression. Sadly, he also lost one of his nine children (Percy) before his second birthday. Though he struggled in those years, like most Eastern European immigrants, Morris knew that hard labor and persistence were the keys to life. He was well-versed in Russian, German and Yiddish, but he could neither read nor write English and never had any formal education. In 1912 he moved to Jacksonville and started a business buying and selling discards. His business grew and so did his family. He was known for his serious business acumen, the strength of which lay in his amazing retentive memory – he kept a full set of books in his head. His business soon evolved into metals and scrap iron and his family continued to grow. He was admired for the impassioned

June 1941. Morris’ and Sarah’s eight children along with their grandchildren at the time

The couple: Sarah and Morris Wolfson 1945, CA, (Don’s grandmother, Sarah, and grandfather, Morris, the person for whom the hospital is named.)

respect and gratitude he held for his country, and long before the equal rights movement, Morris had an innate belief that America was a place where ALL deserved to be equal. A woman who worked for Morris most of her life remarked, “Everybody who knew him, liked him, and most people loved him.” When interviewed about his father, his son Cecil recalled, “He wasn’t a person to flaunt anything. He was a very modest individual. He would take care of just about anything that he was capable of doing for someone. It didn’t make any difference who the person was... He would be right there to give to the best of his ability. My father always instilled in us that if we were successful, to share our good fortune with others and to be tolerant of others... He conveyed to us the Golden Rule, to treat others the way we would like to be treated ourselves.” 1

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September 1, 1946 than: , Saul, Cecil and Na My sons, Sam Louis ambition, of w developed into an no s ha at th ion vis inic, in had a m of a Children’s Cl I, your father, have for e th in , ily fam n t to the Wolfso completion, erecting a monumen 0, to be given, upon 0.0 ,00 00 $5 of st co inimum or the Community Jacksonville, at a m the State of Florida, to s, ce an br m cu en such a gift, the free of any and all e most meritorious of th be to d ve lie be ific ation the City, or the spec Chest, or the organiz borne by the State, be to is c ini Cl ich maintenance of wh tion. recipient of this dona de that has been deep, heartfelt gratitu e th is ion bit am is years, for the The derivation of th reminisce in recent to d ha ve ha I at th urs t of the mine, in the many ho and the full enjoymen s, es cc su , ss ine pp for health, ha privilege to come many opportunities rs, since it was my ou of try un co e fin this g those days, untold freedoms offered by 17. There were, durin of e ag e th at ia ss ge country; but over here from Ru man faced, in a stran g un yo a at th s cle obsta the face of the most hardships and great at spurred me on in th n wi to ll wi a th my life would I was endowed wi the greatest day of at th ew kn I at th en s th uld feel that trying situations. It wa Citizen, for then I co n ica er Am an as turalization fellow man be the day of my na ne is interested in his yo er ev e er wh try un st co termined I was part of this va e community and de th of ing be ll we d ppiness an trying to give and in the general ha I would never cease h, gt en str e m e giv ll to y small way help that, if it be God’s wi vironment, and in m en hy alt he d an y pp tions that the my children a ha bstantiate my conten su us th d an y; wa e sam ip in our er and finer leadersh other children in the an cle for e ak m ll wi uth of today healthy, nurtured yo ity in the future. country and commun all sincerity and true k about him and, in loo to an th joy ter and girls, reared Man has no grea d most upright boys an st, hie alt he t, es fin to God, to knowledge, say, “The with an appreciation , als ide h hig in d d schoole whom they have in a great country, an fine Americans with y an m e th to d an , ther -- and their Mother and Fa od and womanhood ho an m o int d an od ugh childho day when I think been associated thro felt each and every ve ha I joy e em pr su ppiness. they are mine.” That afford me constant ha at th ys bo e fiv ls gir of three d make this Clinic of the splendid family to accomplish this an l fai I ld ou sh , at th pe out and For this reason, I ho at my wish is carried th e se ll wi , ns so y e, you, m ation of the staff of areality in my life tim tively on the organiz ita or th au k ea sp ot nn me will make fulfill my desire. I ca boys who live after u yo at th pe ho I t age it, bu no prejudices as such a Clinic to man inic in any way have Cl is th th wi ted ilia aff sure that all persons

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to race, creed, or color , and will consecrate themselves to the tas the young that may k of giving relief to pass through these po rtals. All of this I request, so that one day the Ch ildren’s Clinic that I may be a reality and have dreamed of that the healthy, happ y children who may after having received leave this Clinic, its help and blessing s, may forever feel a the staff for their cour se nse of gratitude to age, patience, and un tiring efforts in chartin courses, and to the Fo g their unders of the Clinic for their wisdom in sh the leaders of the fut owing the way to ure whose power of leadership will be me greatness of purpose, as ured only by their broadness of vision, and most of all -- he body. alth of mind and This I have submitted for your consideratio n and will leave in yo own judgment in wh ur hands for your ich I have the greates t confidence. Very devotedly, your father, M. Wolfson

The above is a letter Morris wrote to his sons in 1946, two years before he died. His family was always the center of his existence; according to his son Saul, “the sun rose on his wife and children.” In his 60’s he looked back at his life and felt indebted to this country and its people. His natural love for all children, his need to help others as he had been helped, his belief in the importance of children’s healthcare and his desire to leave a legacy to his own family, all contributed to his vision to build a children’s clinic. Honesty and fairness were paramount in Morris’ life and his word was his bond. “It was all done because of (Morris’) thoughts and to make sure everybody could be admitted to the hospital no matter whether they were black or white which was unusual in those days,” remarks Don Wolfson who is the son

of Saul, one of Morris’ nine children. I had the privilege of interviewing Don over the phone along with his uncle Nathan Wolfson, 83, the youngest and only living son of Morris. Karen and Don were visiting Nathan at his home in North Carolina. As Don explains it, the seventh of Morris’ nine children, Percy, contracted pneumonia when he was just 18 months of age. The year was 1924 and Morris and his wife Sarah could not find treatment for Percy in Jacksonville because of their religious background, they were Jewish, and according to Uncle Nathan, Percy died in the arms of his older brother Louis. At the time there was not a clinic in the Jacksonville area that would Ponte Vedra Life

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of Percy’s short 18 months on earth. In fact, my own son, Jewish, was treated at Wolfson Children’s Hospital in 2011 and had as good of an experience as a child could have given his situation. Thank you Percy.

Nathan’s bar mitzvah, 13 yrs old. Summer 1941, 1st row: Morris Wolfson and Sarah Wolfson (both sitting); 2nd row: Cecil Wolfson, Lou Wolfson, Nathan Wolfson, Saul Wolfson, and Sam Wolfson. These are the five brothers who helped start Wolfson Children’s Hospital.

“How perceptive my grandfather was regarding all children’s lives and how important it is to have healthcare without any encumbrances,” exclaims Don, “And when I walk in and see these children and their families with all of the state-of-the-art equipment, never could my grandfather have imagined what would be offered… and what’s great is, that it’s making his dream a reality for all children.”

The Hospital’s Beginnings Summer 2008, and the last time the surviving brothers were together. Percy’s life, the letter 1st row: Saul Wolfson and Cecil Wolfson; 2nd row: Don Wolfson, chairman of the Wolfson Family Foundation, Nathan Wolfson, Joe Degen (married to Sylvia Wolfson and a $500,000 donation Degen, Saul, Cecil and Nate’s sister who passed away a few years ago), from the Wolfson Family Michael Wolfson. Foundation were all take care of a child if he was black the impetus to Wolfson or Jewish, and that, Don believes, Children’s Hospital. “was the impetus to start a clinic that would take all children regardless Louis Wolfson, Morris’ third child, of race, religion or socio-economic along with his brother Sam (second background.” child) and close friend Bert Reed, knew about his vision and they Now, we can all imagine how many were aware that Baptist Hospital children HAVE been treated, because wanted to provide something for 48 |

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children… and something for the good of mankind. So under Louis’ leadership, negotiations with Baptist were made and nine years after the letter’s writing, in September of 1955, Wolfson Memorial Children’s Hospital opened as a 50-bed wing in what was then called Baptist Memorial Hospital. The hospital grew incrementally during its early years, but a picture of what it would eventually become emerged in 1971, when Northeast Florida’s pediatric physicians decided that a consolidated center of excellence would be the best way to serve the region’s children and families. The culmination of Mr. Wolfson’s vision and Baptist’s commitment was the 1993 construction of a new building that has become one of Jacksonville’s most distinctive architectural pieces. Nearly all of the services that have become hallmarks of Wolfson’s guiding philosophy were developed during this time, including its Pediatric Intensive Care Unit; Children’s Emergency Center; and its specialized programs, such as pediatric oncology, radiology, pathology and research. Today, Don remains involved through the Wolfson Family Foundation. “It’s our commitment to the board to perpetuate our involvement with the hospital for future generations,” he said. Uncle Nathan stays involved too, and provides a unique perspective from his generation. He says he feels he also has a commitment to carry on his father’s legacy. A bevy of fundraisers for the hospital

have been established since its inception. The Women’s Board of Wolfson Children’s Hospital was established, and the first Christmas Antiques Show and Sale was held in 1977. Today, known as the Art & Antiques Show, the event has become one of Jacksonville’s most eagerly anticipated cultural events.

Karen Read Wolfson Morris’ granddaughter in-law, (married to Don Wolfson) Karen Read Wolfson, expressed her deep admiration for Morris in a phone interview last month, “his letter is so remarkable because ideas about the equality of people had to be something that was in his heart… that was the type of legacy that he wanted to leave. What’s even more amazing to me,” she added, “is that at the time that Morris wrote the letter, people didn’t talk about philanthropy and giving gifts… people wanted to honor pop’s dream.” A volunteer at the 300-member Women’s board, Karen has held various positions and has remained closely connected throughout her career. It started in 1986 when she delivered posters for the Antiques Show and she became more involved with each passing year. She is a past president of The Women’s Board of Wolfson Children’s Hospital and also a past chair of the Wolfson Board of Directors. Among her numerous community awards, last year Karen was awarded the OneJax Humanitarian Award which honors those who have Ponte Vedra Life

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hospital thanks to so many people who are a part of it – past and present. I will continue my quest to bring the best of healthcare to Jacksonville and to raise funds to get the equipment, nurses and the doctors,” she said. “There’s not anything that I wouldn’t help do to bring the very best to our children because they can’t get it themselves and they deserve the best. Many people who are a part of Wolfson have this same quest.” When asked what her hopes are for the hospital’s future, she explains, “You could ask our hospital president, Michael Aubin, too. We’d love to become one of the Karen Wolfson, trustee w/ Wolfson Children’s Hospital and the top 10 in the nation and Children’s Hospital Association, holding 16-year old, Alexis Levea, aspire to be able to meet the patient of Wolfson Children’s Hospital. Alexis is the only known needs of our children in our person to have the Collegen II Gene Disorder, a disorder in which her bones do not ossify. See this link for more about Alexis: area and beyond with top www.wolfson55.org/the-children/alexis-levea quality and care … it’s always our goal to be the best demonstrated the highest level of because each child deserves that.” personal and professional integrity, have given generously and extensively to the community and have been dedicated to the improvement of human relations among diverse groups in the community. Now, the only trustee on the Children’s Hospital Association’s 12-member board, she feels honored to be part of a remarkable experience. “We have a phenomenal children’s

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There’s no doubt, Morris would be proud of how his family took to heart what was in HIS heart, honoring his dream and providing Jacksonville with top-notch care for children – without prejudice for anyone affiliated with this “Clinic” and with healthy, happy children who leave it with a sense of gratitude. We are indeed all grateful, Morris… to you and to the Wolfson family. • Ponte Vedra Life

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COASTAL A-LIST

Photography by: Kelly Valentine

moda P H OTO G R A P H Y BY K R I ST I A K N OW L E S

Blouse with Black/White Trim, Vince:: Emly Benham $275 Jacket, Drew:: Gwen Berlin $264 Waxed Jeans, Habitual::

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Gwen Berlin $211

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Amy Dodaj, 15 Ponte Vedra Life

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Blouse with leather collar, DL:: Gwen Berlin $224 Blazer, Bobi:: LulaMae Boutique $170 Crackle Talc Pump, Miu Miu:: Emly Benham $590 Handbag, Berin:: Emly Benham $655 Black Leather Cuff:: Emly Benham $70

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Black Sheer Dress, Donna Minzani:: LulaMae Boutique $200

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Turtleneck Sweater, Vince:: Emly Benham $295 Python Shoes, Yosi Samra::

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LulaMae Boutique $133

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From Left:: Multi Textile Panoramic Dress, blessâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ed are the meek:: Gwen Berlin $275 Black and White Color Block Dress, Alice & Trixie::

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Gwen Berlin $238

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Black Cut-Out Dress, Lovers+Friends:: Color Block Dress, Torn by Ronny:: Gwen Berlin $321

LulaMae Boutique $197 Black Studded Gloves:: Neiman Marcus, $275

Leather Panel Dress, Alice & Trixie:: Gwen Berlin $429 2 Tone Python Wristlet, Yosi Samra:: Gwen Berlin $119 Python Wedge, Michael Kors:: Emly Benham $295

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Black Cut-Out Dress, Lovers+Friends:: LulaMae Boutique $197 Necklace, Jennifer Lyon:: LulaMae Boutique $1325

Shift Dress with Collar, Obakki:: Emly Benham $120 Sunglasses, Tom Ford “Grace,”:: S.E. Joseph $425 Black Suede Ankle Strap Platform, Prada:: Emly Benham $760

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Sheer Top with Faux Leather Detail:: Blush Boutique $19.99 Houndstooth Skirt, Myne Ashley Ann:: Gwen Berlin $143

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Photography: Kristia Knowles Photography Fashion Stylist: Melissa Intemann Creative Director: Inger Williamson Hair Artist: Chuck Puttman Makeup Artist: Jill Magri Models: Sabrina LeMaster and Corliss Oglesby

Leather Panel Jeans, Blank NYC:: LulaMae Boutique $89 White Blouse, Cut 25:: Gwen Berlin $220

Wardrobe and Accessories: Emly Benham, LuLaMae, Gwen Berlin, Blush Boutique, S. E. Joseph and Rosenblums

Crackle Black Pump, Miu Miu::

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COASTAL A-LIST

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STYLE

WEST COAST FASHIONS meets EAST COAST TRENDS

LulaMae BOUTIQUE

oveted clothing lines and impeccable style are not the only reasons LulaMae Boutique has opened to much success. “It’s all about the shopping experience and expert styling advice we offer,” quips Emily Coleman, owner of LulaMae Boutique and Ponte Vedra resident. Exuding a polished edgy style herself, Coleman has long been on a path to styling others. A former personal stylist and sales executive, Coleman opened LulaMae in April 2013 and is now searching the country for statement apparel and accessories her customers have now come to expect. “My customers come to me for fashion guidance. I make it my priority to do the research and bring in quality new looks, exclusive brands and cost-conscious merchandise for my clients.” said Coleman who visits three markets per season to hand pick merchandise that comes in year round. Her boutique is located in North Jacksonville Beach situated between 72 |

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by Sonia Thomasino

Cupcake Girls, Chao Framing and Metro Diner as part of the newly renovated North Beach Plaza on Third Street. The boutique’s frontage is mostly made of exterior glass walls which flood the space with natural light. It’s outfitted with all white furniture and a pop of color provided mostly in part by a full-size hot pink cowhide rug. The floor plan is streamlined by utilizing floating shelves and wall mounts to display LulaMae’s many attractive looks. The ambiance, relaxed and airy with background music and a flat screen that displays LulaMae labels, celebrity photos and look book images. Customers shop at their leisure or opt to have a knowledgeable team member present the latest deliveries while sipping on champagne. When deciding on an appropriate merchandise mix for her business, Coleman fell back on her big city roots of Chicago which cultivated her appreciation for tailored looks Ponte Vedra Life

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aggressive Social Media campaign that keeps clients waiting for the next post to go live announcing which styles have arrived in store. “Our Facebook posts perform at 90 percent and above consistently, I never expected to make such an impact this quickly,” says Coleman. She recently announced plans to take LulaMae Boutique online by the end of the year by popular demand from clients all over the country. “I’m ready to take my business to the next level. I want to see this go global,” added Coleman.

and sophisticated style. She then drew inspiration from hot cities she frequented like Miami to spice things up and Vail where statements are made through comfort and quality. The result is a curated collection of impressive designers and a signature style that speaks to all. “There is definitely something for everyone at LulaMae,” says Coleman. “You can expect brands like MiH Jeans and Waverly Grey separates to give you a unique fashionable look. Bobi, Monroe and JVL are lines that represent casual basics at its finest. Swimwear from Acacia and jewelry by Jennifer Lyon who specializes in one-of-a-kind pieces is what sets us apart,” added Coleman. A facet to LulaMae Boutique’s success has been Coleman’s 74 |

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LulaMae is the new destination for those who admit to spoiling themselves. The atmosphere was made to be fun and exciting with key seasonal looks drenched in breathtaking accessories serving as eye-candy for shoppers. Coleman’s philosophy for LulaMae Boutique is refreshing, trend setting and most of all, personalized. When visiting, you will see a selection of simple sexy silhouettes paired with the hottest accessories and jewelry designers on the scene, some well-established and others up-and-coming to add an edge. The swimsuit collections have been handpicked for quality, style and exclusivity to LulaMae and will not disappoint. Again, a top priority is the personal service provided by the LulaMae team. Expect a first class, resourceful and unforgettable shopping experience. •

STYLE

M-PIRE

A few of my favorite things… Shop local! -Mel

“Love” Necklace, MeiraT, $900.00 S.E. Joseph, Jr. :: Costa Verde Courtyard 2425 South Third Street, Jacksonville Beach, FL 904-249-7625 • sejoseph.com

Fold-Over Clutch in Navy & Pewter, Yosi Samra, $297 Gwen Berlin 240 A1A N, Ste 1 Ponte Vedra Beach, FL (904) 280-7831 • shopgwenberlin.com

Sterling Silver Chain Necklace w/ Pave Diamonds (Willow Collection), David Yurman, $1500.00 Levy Jewelers, St. Johns Town Center 10281 Midtown Parkway, Suite 191, Jacksonville, FL 904-527-2643 • stjohns@levyjewelers.com

Sterling Silver and Rhodium Lemon Citrine Diamond Wrap Moonlight Ring, David Yurman, $1450.00 Levy Jewelers, St. Johns Town Center 10281 Midtown Parkway, Suite 191, Jacksonville, FL 904-527-2643 • stjohns@levyjewelers.com

Alphabet Books (fun home décor!) $14.99 each Red Pinapple Boutique 122 St George Street St. Augustine, FL (904) 342-0876

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Henry Sunglasses, Tom Ford, $395 S.E. Joseph, Jr. :: Costa Verde Courtyard 2425 South Third Street, Jacksonville Beach, FL 904-249-7625 • sejoseph.com

Sterling Silver Phantom Cushion Gentleman’s Ring with Black Onyx, $495.00/ Limited Edition (only 60 made!) 46mm Classic Black Chronograph Watch, $5200.00. Both by David Yurman Levy Jeweler’s, St. Johns Town Center 10281 Midtown Parkway, Suite 191, Jacksonville, FL 904-527-2643 • stjohns@levyjewelers.com Sterling Silver Cufflinks with Faceted Meteorite Bezel Set Stone, David Yurman, $1200.00 Levy Jeweler’s, St. Johns Town Center 10281 Midtown Parkway, Suite 191 Jacksonville, FL 904-527-2643 stjohns@levyjewelers.com Cabernet Rollerball Pen with Wooly Mammoth Tooth Barrel, Titanium/ Aluminum Frame & Pave Diamond, William Henry, $1950.00 Levy Jeweler’s, St. Johns Town Center 10281 Midtown Parkway, Suite 191 Jacksonville, FL 904-527-2643 • stjohns@levyjewelers.com

Cookbook, $24.95 & Sample Pack of Olive Oil, $26.50 Ancient Olive 47 King St, St Augustine, FL (904) 827-1899 • ancientolive.com

Shave Cream, About Face, $20 Wallet, Ben Sherman, $59 Bottle Stopper, Jonathan Adler, $24 Cashmere Throw Blanket, Jonathan Adler, $295 Button-Down Shirt, Scott Weiland, $88 Crave Boutique: 3635 St. Johns Avenue Jacksonville, FL 32205 904-357-3654 • Cravedenim.com

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FLY

THE

Wanderlust LIST By Teresa Nguyen

ith leaves turning, pumpkins carved and sweaters abound, fall is undoubtedly here. Hopefully, your inbox has at least one pending e-ticket meaning holiday time replete with friends, family and merriment. Traveling and packing, however, can be a daunting task. Checking a bag can cost you $25 and up and you can’t even squeeze in your favorite Hunter boots! Here are a few dos and don’ts to help keep you air-savvy with just two carryons, leaving the conventional oversized Samsonite behind -- less bags to lug around with extra room for purchases and gifts to bring home! DO pack at least one article of clothing that you can wear through the evening for each day. Spice up the same shirt with a statement necklace or jacket. DO bring multi-use items, such as a BB cream from Tarte, a personal favorite of mine. It will work as your moisturizer, primer, concealer, and foundation in one step! DO apply a cheek and lip stain. This will stain the cheeks and lips with a natural flush for hours without need of reapplication. DO get space-saving samples from places, such as Sephora. They offer fullsized samples of beauty products that are perfect for stowing in your carry-on.

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DON’T over pack. Bring versatile items that will get at least one wear. DON’T pack a separate moisturizer, primer, and concealer. Remember the BB cream!

DON’T wash your hair every day. This can strip the hair of its essential oils and cause your hair to look dry. Skipping a day will allow for better styling too.

DON’T load up on different products when one can do the trick. No fuss!

DON’T damage your hair. The style will hold, so no extra time is needed to restyle.

DON’T pack your full-sized shampoo, conditioner, or hair styling products that may explode in your check-in! Cleanup is not fun.

DON’T pack all of your eye shadow palettes and lipsticks. One product could be all you need to change up your look.

DON’T fill your luggage with all of the heavy-duty winter items. Save it for the cashmere.

DON’T try to remember everything after your trip. You may forget the name of that delicious cocktail you had.

DO layer and wear the largest items on the plane – coat, boots, and scarf. They can easily be taken off, if needed. DO use dry shampoo. It can be your very best friend. This powder will soak up the oils in your hair and freshen up any hair look, while adding volume. DO try a clamp-less curling iron. Sultra’s The Bombshell quickly creates shiny, loose to tight curls that last for days. DO pack a bold plum or red lipstick for fall. This will brighten your face and transition your look from day to night in a pinch! DO take notes! You don’t want to forget a must-remember hole in the wall bar the next time you visit. Ponte Vedra Life

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impulse to

travel Lastly, don’t forget to pack a smile – it’s your best accessory, positively affecting your attitude and those around you. These tips will surely help you make

the most out of your trip without the extra baggage or time to get ready. Feel beautiful, pack minimally and be merry this holiday season! •

Personal favorites Statement Necklace:

www.baublebar.com/starfire-crystal-necklace.html

Alice + Olivia Tweed Jacket: www.neimanmarcus.com/search.jsp?N=0&Ntt=Alice+%2B+Olivia+kidman&_requestid=166299

Tarte BB Tinted 12-HR Primer SPF 30: tartecosmetics.com/tarte-item-BB-tinted-primer

Benefit Benetint in Rose: www.sephora.com/benetint-P1272?skuId=108779

Oscar Blandi Dry Shampoo: www.sephora.com/pronto-dry-shampoo-P254307?skuId=914101

Sultra The Bombshell 1”: www.sephora.com/the-bombshell-1-inch-P268003?skuId=1271790

YSL Lipstick in 2 Pourpre Intouchable: www.sephora.com/rouge-volupte-shine-P377710?skuId=1484880

NARS Lipstick in Dragon Girl: www.narscosmetics.com/color/lips/velvet-matte-lip-pencil/dragon-girl For more beauty and style tips, visit Teresa Nguyen’s blog and website at www.TeresaThuy.com

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SWEETS

Sweet Make Life

The Life of a

Cupcake

by Cindy Polverino

ristin Kuhlke Cobb went from selling cell phones in NYC to returning to her hometown of Charleston and creating cupcake bakeries. Putting her degree in business and finance from Clemson to good use, she’s now selling thousands of cupcakes per week – and donating the leftovers every night to the needy. Cobb and Jen George were roommates at Clemson where George taught art and started in cupcakes by working summers at the bakery. George is now the director of operations/ vice president of Cupcake, the scrumptious specialty bakery founded in 2006 by Cobb. George’s favorite cupcakes are the

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Salted Caramel Cupcake and the Black Bottom Cheesecake Cupcake which is dark chocolate cake baked with chocolate chip cheesecake and cream cheese icing. The Salted Caramel Chocolate Cupcake is chocolate chip cake with cocoa cream cheese icing and garnished with sea salt and golden sugar and drizzled with ganache and caramel.

Corporate gifting is has become very popular now that there’s Cupcake Mobile roaming the streets, delighting party-goers and office workers alike with handdelivered pink boxes of fresh cupcakes. Sugar and spice and everything nice goes in a cupcake, right? Then what are pork barbecue and grits doing in there? On a recent airing of Cupcake Wars, mother and daughter team and managers Karen Westerberg and Annie Justiss whipped up the southern-themed cupcake with the surprise ingredients. Although they did not win, the ladies got to meet pop group Hanson for the contest.

and rich chocolate. Cupcake Down South also offers gluten free and chocolate vegetarian options. Visit www.freshcupcakes. com for a daily menu so you can plan your next craving. Want to eat your cupcake like the pros? Here’s how, according to Jen, “You should remove the paper, rip the bottom off the cupcake put it back on top of the icing and smoosh it.” Cupcake Down South Locations: Downtown Charleston at 433 King Street • (843) 853-8181 Belle Hall in Mt Pleasant at 644 Long Point Road • (843) 856-7080 Downtown Columbia at 1213 Lincoln Street • (843) 856-7080

Baked fresh daily, Cupcakes Down South’s cupcakes are concocted from the finest all-natural ingredients, like real vanilla beans, sweet cream butter, fresh fruit,

Everyone loves a really moist red velvet cupcake and Kristen has tried many, many recipes to get the moistest. Finally, the team was inspired to create their own Red Velvet Coffee and Red Velvet dry cupcake mix. Ponte Vedra Life

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SIP

Tempting

Seasonal Libat ions

By Cindy Polverino

transcends patrons to a historical speakeasy contrasted by its smart and minimalist decor. Always, the focus is on the ingredients and the people who grow them.

Husk 76 Queen St. Charleston, SC 843,577,2500 Centrally located in downtown Charleston, Husk is a historic double house restaurant – dating back to the 1800s – with tall, wide porches where one can enjoy some of the finest Southern cuisine in the country. Not to be overlooked is the Husk bar next door in a twostory weathered brick building with rough hewn beams and centuryold exposed brick still intact. Diners can watch the bar come to life and enjoy unique cocktails while waiting for a table. With its antique charm and stately character outside, the restaurant’s interior 86 |

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Patrons of Husk become enveloped in the vision of Chef Partner Sean Brock who could be considered a historian and preservationist of Southern cooking having used his roots in rural Virginia for inspiration. Either they raised it and ate it fresh from the fields or canned it. Husk only serves food that is indigenous to the South. “If it ain’t Southern, it ain’t walkin’ in the door,” Brock says. Brock researched and cultivated heirloom grains and vegetables and incorporated them into the menu which is changed twice daily based on what is locally procured. Typical of everything special at Husk is the 30-ingredient Bloody Mary. The cocktail is garnished with a fresh green bean and serrano ham, coldsmoked for seven days and salt cured for 400 days, fresh pepper and a couple of drops of Husk’s signature pepper sauce. Consider upgrading to a spherical ice ball. The outsourced ice is completely translucent, frozen from the bottom up to be free of gases. Because of the minimal surface area, the sphere chills quicker than ice cubes and does not dilute your cocktail as much. The ice spheres come automatically with the Husk label bourbons. Consider pairing this with an appetizer of Kentuckyaki Glazed Pig’s Ear Lettuce Wraps with salt “fermented” cucumbers, peppers and cilantro for a cornucopia of tastes and textures. Ponte Vedra Life

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The Bar at Belford’s, Savannah 315 W Saint Julian Street Savannah, GA 912,233,2626 The outdoor seating area at Belford’s Savannah Seafood and Steaks is known as one of the best places in Savannah for fine dining and people watching. White linen adorns 16 tables in the Old City Market area which is filled with a dozen art galleries, the city bus stop and horse drawn carriages. The atmosphere is perfect to reflect upon life over a Red Raspberry or White Peach Sangria. Big ceiling fans, old brick, copper elements and natural lighting practically season the drinks with nostalgic southern reverie. Built in 1902, the building was a grocery store. The original arched windows, floors and brick walls and an open air kitchen marry the vintage with stylish contemporary accents. Angela Hupert, floor manager said, “three and a half years ago the beauty of the windows brought me in, but now they won’t let me out,” she laughs. Hupert said that the freshly made-to-order sangrias are clearly the servers’ favorite so a lot of

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them are served. The White Peach Sangria features white wine, housemade peach puree, apple juice, peach schnapps, soda and brandy with a citrus garnish. Red Raspberry Sangria awes with Dekuyper Razzmatazz, red wine, brandy, apple juice, soda and garnished with citrus slices. This zesty refreshment is served up in a footed pilsner. A perfect pairing is the sangria with Belford’s award winning shrimp, Greens and Grits or crab cakes for a complete low country encounter in the old market. Running alongside the dining room, the bar is very open, warm and comfortable and some might be thankful that it’s without a television. It’s an ideal spot for a meet and greet, a quaint dinner with a special someone or a business engagement. Belford’s can also accommodate parties and groups of up to 150 people. Or, patrons can just take a break, sip an icy sangria in the elegant outdoor seating and enjoy the timeless activity of people watching. •

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CARA-BOUT-IT

The Gift of Music

Originally from Columbus, Ohio, Williams has been living in Jacksonville for over four years now, “which is a long time to be in one place for me.” While mostly performing solo, he has been on the road for most of the year touring throughout the Southeast/ Midwest and hitting the West Coast as well. With a second nationwide tour currently underway spanning 35 states in six months, plans for the full band to appear together regularly are in the works. So when you see that Whetherman is playing locally, it’s a MUST see show.

Nicholas Williams of Whetherman

hen I think about the holidays, by Cara Murphy the corners of my mouth just can’t help but turn upward. The slight temperature change makes me run for my winter closet in sheer excitement because I know that soon I’ll be able to wear my favorite fringe boots and leg warmers without sweating to death. The holidays are about family, togetherness and of course, eating my body weight in chicken and dumplings and drinking too much Sierra Nevada Celebration beer while trying to wrap awkwardly shaped presents to no avail. But, the biggest and most important part about the holidays is, of course, the spirit of giving. Sharing our favorite things with our favorite 90 |

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people is what the holidays are all about, and I just happen to be blessed enough to have a forum where I can give the gift of my favorite music to you. Nicholas Williams, aka Whetherman, is without a doubt one of my favorite local musicians. According to his bio, “Nicholas Williams’ music has often acted as a meter for his personal journey through life. His songs, filled with personal truth and awareness, become fearless through effervescent melodies and earnest vocals.” Whether you catch him solo or with the Whetherman Band, you are sure to be transported to what I like to call a “Musical Narnia” of beautiful folk sounds complete with meaningful lyrics, perfect harmonies and true talent reminiscent of that of Paul Simon, Van Morrison, Neil Young and the like.

When asked about his favorite show he has ever played, Williams responded, “The band and I played in Nashville this year at the legendary Bluebird Cafe which is a very serious listening room and it was a big gig for Whetherman. It was the first time I’ve arrived at a show to set up and there was a line out the door and around the corner to get in. The place was absolutely packed, but as soon as we stepped on the stage everyone went dead silent, and when we would finish a song there was a tremendous uproar of applause. I’ve never seen that much respect for musicians before from a large group of people, and it was such a breath of fresh air to be a part of that experience.” In the spirit of the holidays, I of course had to ask Williams about his favorite holiday tradition. “I have a large extended family, and when we get together it’s

impossible for people to be on the same page with everything. So for as long as I can remember, we’ve set up stations in the house so that everyone has something to do. There’s always a puzzle going, a board gaming table, reading area, a movie on TV, group cooking, the babysitting area/kid’s space, and an arts and crafts table... and somehow there’s this synergy going on where people go from one to the other without organization, just based on what you feel like doing. Imagine the home alone house with activities going constantly, it’s my favorite!” According to FloridaMusicBlog. com (re: SpringFest 2011), “Whetherman’s music is refreshing in that the songs are created to capture something; not to sound like something.” IndieMusicReviewer.com (re: IMR’s No. 12 of 25 on Top 25 Indie Acoustic Artists of 2012 Listing) says that Whetherman {possesses a} “Sound that will lift your spirits and feed your soul. At times crooner, other times folk singer, Whetherman’s voice is just as unique as it is reminiscent of other great vocalists that have come before him.” These reviews could not be more spot on. Nicholas Williams is a genuine artist and we are lucky to have the opportunity to call him a local. If you’ve never heard of Whetherman, consider this my holiday gift to you! Check him out. It will be one of the best gifts you receive this season. Happy holidays! Ponte Vedra Life

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COASTAL A-LIST

FALL ISSUE

RELEASE PARTY

The Giving Tree

TERA TALKS Photo: Tiffany Manning

by Tera Barz

A NEW TV HOME FOR

DAN HICKEN

Yes, Junie Bug – it sure is.

sidelines, Hicken is ready for his debut on CBS47/FOX30 Action News in December. He started in the TV biz in 1988 as an intern at the local NBC affiliate. He worked his way up from intern to sports producer to weekend sports anchor and then eventually sports director. The University of Florida grad says, “This career is the best career in the world because it’s not really work. I tell people if you can find something that you love – do it. I love my job.” After more than two and a half decades working for one team, Hicken became a free agent. He spent six months off-air. Hicken says the atmosphere and the spirit at Action News made him want to get back in the game right away. “I prayed about it with my wife; it was too good of an opportunity to pass up.”

After six months of sitting on the

Hicken says he was impressed

ehind the scenes at CBS47/FOX30 Action News… Its newest member, Jacksonville media legend Dan Hicken.

Hicken has been on TV in Jacksonville for close to three decades, but his best years are still ahead. This is Hicken’s golden year – not only did he just turn 50, he’s about to begin the most exciting chapter of his career yet. As he says, it’s “game on.” You might think you know a lot about Dan Hicken already. But here’s something you probably don’t. He’s a Momma’s boy – literally. He was born on Mother’s Day – May 12, 1963. It was a special Sunday for his parents,

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who named him Daniel Patrick Hicken. He was always close with his dad, James, but Dan and his mom, June – or “Junie Bug,” as he affectionately calls her – had an especially close bond. His dad gave him career advice but it was always his mom who was there to listen every day and tell it like it is. Hicken lost his mom three years ago, but hears her voice now saying, “Dan, it’s time to get to work.”

by the hard work of the sports department and how the staff welcomed him right away. Action News General Manager Jim Zerwekh says, “When we had the opportunity to hire Dan, we knew it was the right decision. Dan joining Brent Martineau, Stuart Webber and Dave DeCandis makes us even stronger as we cover all sports. We feel fortunate to have Dan at Action News.” Hicken says he’s the one who feels fortunate, “We’re gonna do some great things at Action News. I’m never leaving Jacksonville. This is it for me. This is my home.” You can watch Hicken on Action News beginning December 1. You can bet Junie Bug will be watching from above as her Danny boy makes his debut. Hicken says, “I think she would be proud of me.” • Ponte Vedra Life

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MAN CAVE

Toast The Season

with Holiday

I remember the first real craft

by David Newman

beer I ever tasted. I was at a friend’s house and was handed a freshly poured pint. Immediately I knew that this beer was going to be good because of the beautiful body and crisp aroma I took in as I prepared for my first sip. Typically I drink whatever is available without putting too much thought into it but this day changed everything. I found that once I was able to taste the true flavor of fresh hops, hints of coffee and chocolate, that my palate would be on a quest to distinguish flavors whenever I tried a new beer. Naturally, I asked my friend where I could find this beer and he informed me that he brewed it on his own. I never even thought of it ... or at least I thought it would be too difficult to make.

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I was immediately on a mission to try brewing my own beer. After finding a local brewing supply store (which I never knew existed), I drove the next day to purchase what I would need to brew my first batch. To my amazement, the selection of kits and ingredients was endless. I found out that not only could I find my favorite flavors, but that it was actually cheaper to brew and bottle my own beer. Beer is brewed a using a few different methods which can create many different styles depending on the ingredients you use. For example: ALES (TOP FERMENTATION YEASTS) By far the oldest of the two types of beer, ale production can be traced back more than 5000 years. The word “Ale” comes from the German word alt, meaning old or aged. Like red wines, they are fermented usually yielding more intense flavor profiles. Different types of ales include barley wine, bitter, brown ale, India Pale Ale (IPA), pale ale, porter, stout , wheat beer and many more. LAGERS (BOTTOM FERMENTATION YEASTS) Lagers have only been around for several hundred years and were not even fully understood until after the invention of the microscope. The yeast strains that make them were originally propagated on accident. Like white wines, they are fermented and served at cooler (cellar) temperatures. This limits the formation of esters and other fermentation by-products, producing a clean flavor. Lagers are the most popular big-brewery beers in America, although the version most often consumed here is nothing like the European counterparts. Different types of lagers include bock, dunkel, Oktoberfest/Maerzen, pilsner and more.

Brews

This holiday season pick up a brewing kit and enjoy the pride that comes with serving a pint of your own craft beer. For more information on brewing beer or brewing supplies contact: Just Brew It - 2670 Rosselle St, Jacksonville, FL 32204 (904) 381-1983 www.JustBrewItJax.com Ponte Vedra Life

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