Tallahassee Magazine - March/April 2012

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High-Profile Couples Navigate His-and-Hers Careers Great Getaway Vacations — Without All the Travel

Grow Fresh, Healthy Food in Your Own Backyard Cynthia O’Connell’s Work is Your Lottery Play

Sun Style

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MAR-APR 2012

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Swimsuits, Separates & Accessories Go From the Beach to the Street

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PRESENTING SPONSOR: DR. RUSSELL B. RAINEY D.M.D.

Winning Salon: Next Level Full Service Salon Thank you to our incredibly knowledgeable judges: Marsha Doll, Jane Marks, Russell Rainey, Randi Buchanan and Marcus Duval

The annual Tallahassee Top Salon Event was a huge success. Thirteen of Tallahassee’s best salons selected one model to represent them in a makeover and runway competition in order to win the title of Tallahassee’s Top Salon.

Congratulations to Next Level Full Service Salon and their charity of choice, the American Diabetes Association, who will receive a portion of the event proceeds.

Thank you to our sponsors who made this event possible: Dr. Russell B. Rainey, D.M.D. and his talented team for providing complimentary teeth whitening for our models; Tallahassee Plastic Surgery for

Ta l l a h a s s e e

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Winning Charity: American Diabetes Association

providing our models with complimentary facials and filler treatments; and Spriggs Laid Back Luxe for the fashionable clothing selection they provided.

Winning model Juanita Barsh has a never-ending giving spirit. Without any means of income, she has always found a way to take care of others in her community. She is a rare treasure on the inside and Next Level feels honored to enhance her priceless beauty on the outside. She just landed a new job, and her makeover will assist her in maintaining her professional image in the workplace.

SPONSORED BY: Plastic Surgery Clinic & Physicians’ Skin Care Clinic

Winning Model: Juanita Barsh

PRESENTING SPONSOR:

Our fabulous Emcee, Daniel Lewis, created an energetic atmosphere.

The Lifetime Achievement award was presented to Dr. Russell B. Rainey, who provided both financial support and professional expertise for the event and the makeover candidates. In addition to his contributions here, he provides free dental care to indigent patients through community health centers in Central and South America.

Please visit topsalontlh.com to see the before and after photos of the models as well as each model’s personal story.

Each will inspire and enlighten you.

Photos by Definitive Photography

KEEP CALM

AND CARRY ON Gail Mobley-Loveless, Realtor, SRES, GREEN • Courtney L. Roberts, Broker-Associate • Ramona Cumbie, Realtor, GRI • Janice C. Hagler, Realtor, SRES, CLG, GREEN • Libby Bigham, Realtor • Debbie Huey, Realtor • Robby Turner, Broker-Associate, CLG • Karen Celander, Broker Associate, CRS, SRES, CLG • Leah Chapin, Realtor, GRI, CLG, SRES, GREEN • Patti E. Ketcham, FL/GA Broker/Owner, CRS, GRI, SRES, ePro, CLG, Instructor

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March/April 2012

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POWER COUPLES

Four couples share their stories as well as their secrets for balancing marriage, family and high-energy careers.

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DOUBLE-DUTY SWIM FASHION Glammed-up swimsuits can look great even when you’re not at the beach. ALSO: A home-grown green designer is making a name for herself in the world of fashion.

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SPRINGTIME TALLAHASSEE

Photo COURTESY BARNSLEY GARDENS

Let the krewes take you “Up, Up and Away” for a celebration of the season that includes food, music, crafts, fun and the region’s best parade of the year.

103 GREAT GETAWAYS

Leave the daily grind behind.

You’re invited along on four trips — to South Walton, Callaway Gardens, Legoland and Barnsley Gardens (pictured) — that maximize the fun and relaxation while minimizing the travel time.

ON THE COVER

Model Marjorie Stone is all smiles as she anticipates the summer swimsuit season.

Accessories from Cole Couture.

Photo by Scott Holstein.

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contents 46

In Every Issue 19 From the Publisher 21 From the Editor 23 Letters to the Editor 170 The Last World

Quick Reads 25 ONE TO WATCH

Laurie Graybar’s maiden novel mixes ADHD and Southern-style mystery.

26 FYI

Find the social media platform that’s right for you.

28 GEN NEXT

Dealing with things that go bump in the night.

30 LIFESTYLE

Shaken, stirred or muddled? Here are the bartender’s essentials.

32 HOW TO

There once was a fellow from Rome, who learned how to write a great poem.

Departments 34 ARTS & CULTURE

Way down upon the Suwannee River, you’ll find great music festivals.

38 GIVING BACK

This “coaching” staff helps clients become financial winners.

42 PERSONALITY

For the head of Florida’s Lottery, fun and games are Cynthia O’Connell’s job.

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150 46 ON THE MOVE

The Olympic spirit comes to the Red Hills Horse trials this year.

50 EDITOR’S CHOICE

A man, and the Florida panther he always remembered.

54 HISTORICITY

This train was bound for St. Marks — very slowly.

Events

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Home & Garden 115 CHECK IT OUT

Providing a “fix-me-up” for homeowners in need.

116 HABITAT

Forget generic white walls, these folks have created rental homes with style.

121 MS. GROW-IT-ALL

59 SPOTLIGHT

To-ma-to? To-mah-to? Say it however you like, here are tips for a delicious addition to the garden.

60 BEST BETS

Mind & Body

Once again, the USTA Tallahassee Challenger serves up professional tennis.

Support local nonprofits while you have a great time at these special fundraising events.

61 CALENDAR

The sun is out — and you should be too.

62 SOCIAL STUDIES

If you were there and we were there, then you could be here.

»

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149 IN FOCUS

Coping with the loss of our animal companions.

150 HEALTH

To create a beautiful look, you need the perfect foundation.

Dining

155 FIRST COURSE

The history and symbolism of Hot Cross Buns.

156 FLAVOR

Food doesn’t get any more local than your own backyard.

163 DINING GUIDE

The place to find whatever your taste buds are desiring.

Photos by Shems Hamilton (RED HILLS) and Jeb Macvittie (Music Festival)

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Injured?

Call or text an attorney anytime at 222-3232.

“Thank you, Tallahassee, for voting us Best Law Practice again in 2011!”

3360 CAPITAL CIRCLE N.E.

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(850) 224-3310

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tallahassee TALLAHASSEEPERSONALINJURY.COM

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NEED WE SAY MORE?

Come to the USTA Tallahassee Tennis Challenger and see the greatest tennis stars right in your own backyard.

March–april 2012

■

March 31–April 7, 2012 at Forestmeadows Tennis Complex in Tallahassee, FL For more information about tickets, sponsorships or volunteer opportunities, visit our Web site at TallahasseeChallenger.com or call the TMH Foundation at 431-5389.

20th

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga Winner of the 2007 Tallahassee Tennis Challenger; 7 career singles titles; 2011 Semifinals Wimbledon and Quarterfinals US Open; plays Davis Cup for France; currently #6 in the world.

Publisher Brian E. Rowland

Editor Rosanne Dunkelberger Lead designer Saige Roberts Staff Writer Jason Dehart Contributing Writers Dorothy Clifford, Julie Hauserman, Laurie Hosford, Virginia Newman, Audrey Post, Lilly Rockwell, Zandra Wolfgram STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Scott Holstein

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Vol. 34, No. 2

Editorial Interns Laura Bradley, Madison Carryl, Karl Etters, Renee Jacques, Alexia McKay

traffic coordinator Lisa Sostre

Sales Executives Lori Magee, Linda Powell, Chuck Simpson Online tallahasseemagazine.com twitter.com/tallahasseemag facebook.com/tallahasseemag

President Brian E. Rowland

Creative Director Lawrence Davidson Director of Linda Kleindienst Editorial Services Production Manager Daniel Vitter

Manager of Finance Angela Cundiff HR/Administration

John Isner Winner of the 2009 Tallahassee Tennis Challenger; 3 career singles titles; 2011 Quarterfinals US Open; Davis Cup for USA; currently ranked #18 in the world.

Mardy Fish Winner of the 2006 Tallahassee Tennis Challenger; 6 career singles titles; 2011 Quarterfinals Wimbledon and 4th Round US Open; Davis Cup for USA; currently ranked #8 in the world. * Photos by Mike Olivella

Director of New Daniel Parisi Business Development Marketing and Media McKenzie Burleigh Development Manager

Administrator of Marjorie Stone Sales and Events

Client Service Caroline Conway Representative Assistant Saige Roberts

Creative Director

Graphic Designers Jennifer Ekrut, Laura Patrick, Shruti Shah

Production SPECIALIST Melinda Lanigan

traffic coordinator Lisa Sostre

Receptionist Amy Lewis Network Administrator

Daniel Vitter

Web Site rowlandpublishing.com

Tallahassee Magazine is published bimonthly by Rowland Publishing, Inc. 1932 Miccosukee Road, Tallahassee, FL 32308. 850/878-0554.

Tallahassee Magazine and Rowland Publishing, Inc. are not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts, photography or artwork. Editorial contributions are welcomed and encouraged but will not be returned.

Tallahassee Magazine reserves the right to publish any letters to the editor. Copyright March 2012 Tallahassee Magazine, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited. Partners of Visit Tallahassee and Member, Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce and Florida Magazine Association.

Please visit our Web site at: www.TallahasseeChallenger.com

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one-year Subscription $30 (SIx issues) (850) 878-0554 Subscribe online at tallahasseemagazine.com or purchase Tallahassee Magazine at Barnes & Noble, Costco, Books-A-Million, Walgreens and at our Miccosukee Road office.

Proud member Florida Magazine Association

2012

TOPSINGLES O F

T A L L A H A S S E E

The Hunt Begins

Nominate your favorite single at tallahasseetopsingles.com Don’t wait! The nomination deadline is April 16th.

For sponsorship opportunities or more information, contact Marjorie Stone at 878.0554 or mstone@rowlandpublishing.com.

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From the Publisher

Photo by Scott Holstein

Our Space Has Been Invaded — Again Our offices are located on a welllighted, four-lane divided highway within the city limits. We have security lighting and a security system and, until recently, have not had a criminal intrusion into our work environment.

We don’t handle cash, nor do we have any valuables in the building, other than some modestly priced computers.

So, for the past 20 years I really have not even considered our offices to be a target for a break-in or any unlawful activity (other than the few armadillos that set up a temporary terrorist training camp in our yard).

That sense of security changed last fall when we were hit by a smashand-grab burglar three times in a twomonth period.

The first time, a fire door was pried open at 3 a.m. and one computer was taken before the Tallahassee police arrived just minutes after the alarm sounded. Insurance was notified and, a few weeks later, the computer was replaced.

Just a week before the replacement hardware arrived, the same door was pried open again and this time an old, outdated computer was snatched. We didn’t even report it to our insurance carrier because it wasn’t worth much.

This time, however, I had multiple dead bolts installed and was assured these doors were now totally secure against any assault with a crowbar.

A month later, however, there was yet another break-in. This time he chose — unsuccessfully — to kick in a window by front door. (He didn’t break it, but left a very clear, readable footprint.)

When the window didn’t give, the burglar moved to Plan B. A metal chair was thrown through the glass front door and off he went again, into the bowels of our offices, looking for more computers. Two new computers were grabbed, offices were trashed and the thief headed out on foot as the city’s police sirens approached. This time, however, the perpetrator stayed a little too long and was spotted dashing away with about 20 pounds of hardware in hand. A footrace began and an officer got close enough to shoot his Taser, but it fell short by inches. The bad guy won the footrace, and the officer later good-naturedly admitted he was more of a military tank than a jet when it came to the pursuit.

Now the plot of this CSI episode begins to thicken — and get potentially dangerous.

Police dogs captured the scent of the perpetrator from a dropped cell phone and tracked his escape route to find our computers in the bushes of a home about two blocks away.

According to the police report, the officer knocked on the door of the home and found it unlocked. Officers entered the two-story residence with guns drawn and a police dog. They announced their presence while clearing the first floor, but the homeowner was upstairs watching television and didn’t hear them. As the police began to work their way up the stairs, the homeowner sensed someone was in his home and came out of the bedroom — to find a dog and two handguns focused totally on him.

The man was handcuffed and put on the floor, but released a few minutes later when it was determined he wasn’t the “bad guy.” Just imagine how things might have played out, however, if he had come out of his room armed, ready to protect himself and his property. The situation could have gone south very quickly.

Luckily, we had the perpetrator’s phone and, within hours, a name and address to go with it. By midday, we found his Facebook page. He had posted “what ya gonna’ do when they come for you,” a line from “Bad Boys,” the tune that opens the popular series “Cops.” And they did come for him the following day. He was arrested, admitted to the last break-in and now faces three felony counts of burglary of an unoccupied dwelling, grand theft and resisting arrest.

Today we are in the midst of another insurance claim and getting our plywood-boarded front door glass replaced with something that will not succumb to a chair or hammer.

My hope is this crime spree will end with this person’s arrest and, most likely, incarceration since he has a hefty record of previous arrests. But it has unnerved my staff, as well as myself.

Our sense of security has been compromised, and only time will help restore it.

I want to take this opportunity to commend SafeTouch Security and the Tallahassee Police Department for their professionalism and very quick response. Without it, I am sure he would have gotten away, only to return to the well to smash and grab again.

Whether for your home or business, I have learned that the investment in a security system will provide you many tangible and intangible returns — and give you some peace of mind.

Brian Rowland, Publisher

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From the Editor

Take Me Away …

But Not Too Far

PHOTO by Kay Meyer

Throughout my childhood, my father was in the airline business, working his way up from a TWA ticket agent to a traveling salesman for Lufthansa to a sales manager for Japan Airlines.

I’m not exactly sure how it worked, but one of the perks of his job was that his family was able to fly just about anywhere on any airline. Dad was in a group you might call a travel honor society, so he and my mother were able to travel the world, for free, in first-class style.

There were four of us kids. Exotic travel? Not really. The only flights we took were up and down the Eastern seaboard to visit relatives in Virginia and Massachusetts.

So, my adventuring had to wait until I was in my 40s, when my husband, my kids and I headed for the Grand Canyon, Rome, London, Alaska and Turkey. The trips were 10 to 14 days long, complicated to plan and expensive. Most of the time, we were running, running, running to cram in as much sightseeing as possible in these faraway places we might never see again. By the time we’d get home, I was exhausted, broke and diving right back into work again.

Don’t get me wrong; I love the big trip. Some of the most memorable times of my life happened when I was a long way from home for a long time. Enjoying a 360-degree view from the roof of a Roman apartment, listening to the clink of cutlery and an accordion player at the restaurant below while fireworks exploded in the distance … that’s something I’ll never forget.

But the concept of vacation — the opportunity for rest, relaxation and rejuvenation — calls to me. And the best way I know of to enjoy that experience is with the weekend getaway: Make a reservation for two or three nights, toss a couple bags in the car and, three to six hours later, I’ve arrived.

I try to keep decision-making and itineraries to a minimum. A walk on the beach, or a float in the pool? A trail trek or a cup of cocoa on the front porch? Shopping or … more shopping! And if I don’t see it all in this trip … no worries! It’s easy enough to get away some other weekend.

In this issue, we’ve chosen four getaways that are easy to get to, fun to stay at and available year round — in Florida, the beach communities of South Walton and a longer trek to LegoLand and, in Georgia, the historical Barnsley Gardens and botanical wonderland that is Callaway Gardens. Take the “grand tour” in our pages and choose your favorite possibility. Better yet, try them all!

You’ll also find resort wear inspiration in our swimsuit summer preview feature and a glimpse into the lives of some of Tallahassee’s most prominent power couples.

Ms. Grow-it-All, the alter ego of master gardener Audrey Post, helps us welcome spring with a primer on growing food in your own backyard. It doesn’t get any more local than that!

Enjoy Tallahassee’s most beautiful season — and the magazine.

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Letters to the Editor

A LITTLE FACEBOOK LIKE LOVE …

Thank you for publishing the article in the recent edition of your magazine on the toll roads take on animals. This is a very important issue that impacts so many animals, as noted in the article. All of us have witnessed the sad results of animals killed by vehicles. My family and I deeply appreciate your bringing this significant problem to the public’s attention.

— Cindy Myers Harle

Congrats 1020 ART for the delightful article about your unique business model and innovative art in Tallahassee Magazine. We thoroughly enjoyed it.

— New Leaf Market

HONOR RETURNING SOLDIERS With regards to your recent article, (Not Quite) Up in the Air (Publisher Letter, November/December 2011 issue), it saddens me to read something like this. If this was just one man’s sampling from one airport, then it even saddens me further to think that this is in every airport. I so hope that this is not the case. The very travelers you mention are able to travel as they do thanks to these brave men and women who themselves and their families sacrifice so much just for this very reason of being able to get on a plane and go wherever. On the other hand, our Constitution guarantees the freedom of speech. I guess that gives you the right not to speak as well. These men and women in uniform know we are a grateful nation for what they do. I wore a uniform for nine years as well. If just one kid looked up and saluted me, that one thing would make nine years worthwhile — and it did happen many times in my travels. These soldiers only bite the enemy. People need to see them and thank them and not think they have heard it before. As it is for all of us, we all count and make a difference.

— Frank A. Copson Jr. tallahassee

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QUICK READS people | items | places

Photo by Scott Holstein

One to watch

» Laurie Graybar

Laurie Graybar’s professional life has been all over the map: She was named Teacher of the Year and worked as a home stager, publishing salesperson and co-owner of an international franchise. Her latest endeavor: novelist.

A scattered career path to be sure, but Graybar comes by it honest. Four years ago, she was diagnosed with ADHD, a discovery that explained a lot of things. “I never knew why I wanted to change things so often and jump into these super-creative tasks, and that once I was

done with this, I was ready to move right on to something else,” she says. “Those things are all characteristic of an adult ADHD person.”

In working on her journals, a therapeutic activity Graybar has long enjoyed, she began to fictionalize as a coping mechanism. The result is “Off the Dock,” a fast-paced mystery novel set in an area based on coastal Taylor County. The book explores not only a boy’s tragic disappearance and death, but also the issue of ADHD and the strengths and difficulties of a hyperactive mind.

“I hope that the storyline is inspirational to anybody that has an ADHD child or anyone who is diagnosed, as so many of our adults are today, because we have an ADHD child,” Graybar explains.

Having completed and self-published her first novel, she is already working on a second book and contemplating a screenplay. She adds, “I look at all sorts of things, and I just think that if you fool around with anything long enough, you can find a place for yourself in it.” — Laura Bradley

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QUICK READS fyi

Tweet.Friend.Blog.Upload.

Pick Your Platform and Join the Social Media Revolution

By Lilly Rockwell

What is social media? It’s a catch-all phrase for websites that allow users to connect and share information with each other. Most social media sites allow users to pick and choose who can see the information being posted, so it allows users to “cherry-pick” their audience.

Isn’t Twitter just people posting boring things about what they had for lunch? Sure, some Twitter users might

What social media sites exist?

Can I sign up for an account but not actually use it? Sure. Experts say the best

Twitter: A micro-blogging service similar to text messaging that allows users to post 140-character status updates that can be viewed by “followers.”

Facebook: Users create their own “pages,” or miniature websites, where they can post information including photos, videos, links to other Web pages and status updates, as well as respond to what other people are writing. One-on-one chatting is also available, as are private messages. Privacy settings give you control over who sees your content.

YouTube: Designed for uploading and sharing videos. Allows users to comment on videos, share them with other users and post easily on other websites. Content can be anything from “American Idol” replays to a video of your cat doing a silly trick.

LinkedIn: This service is for professionals interested in networking with business and personal contacts. Each user has a network of contacts that can be viewed by other users.

It’s popular to use LinkedIn when looking for a job, and it serves as a virtual résumé.

Blogger/WordPress: Both Blogger and WordPress are platforms that allow users to write online journals and, in some cases, develop simple websites or blogs (short for Web Logs). Users control privacy settings. These sites are often used in tandem with Twitter and Facebook.

Should I pick Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn? If you can, do all three, say social media experts. If you’re a consultant or in a business that requires a lot of networking, pick Twitter. If you need to post lots of videos, pictures and host events, choose Facebook. If you’re looking for a job, check out LinkedIn. 26

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write about more mundane things, but the vast majority of people on Twitter use it for professional reasons and having conversations.

way to learn about social media is to sit back and watch.

How do I find friends or people to follow? Twitter has a “find people” search function in which you can type in a name or a business and see if it matches a Twitter account.

There also is Twitter.com/search, which is similar to Google in that it searches all Twitter accounts for a word or phrase. On Facebook, use “search” at the top of your main page and enter a name.

I keep hearing about Twitter and Facebook applications. Should I use them?

Some Twitter applications are very useful.

TweetDeck, for instance, makes it easier to set up keyword alerts and track the subjects that interest you. There also are handy mobile applications, typically for smart phones, that allow users to access their account, update a status, and even submit video and photos.

Should I pay attention to who is “following” or “friending” me? Yes. Social media experts say it can reflect badly on you or your business if spam or pornography accounts are attached to your account. Go through your followers periodically and block the inappropriate ones.

by the numbers …

Facebook

>> Founded in February 2004 >> More than 800 million active users More than half of its users log on daily >> Average user has 130 friends >> Facebook is available in 70 languages and more than 75 percent of its users are outside of the U.S. >> People spend more than 500 billion minutes per month on Facebook

Twitter

>> Founded in August 2006 >> More than 175 million million registered users, although the number of active users is relatively small >> T here are more women on Twitter than men (55 percent vs. 45 percent) >> New York has the most Twitter users of any city >> Valued at $8–10 billion in 2011

LinkedIn

>> F ounded in May 2003 >> M ore than 135 million registered users >> E xecutives from all Fortune 500 companies are LinkedIn members >> Had an IPO in January 2011 and trades under the NYSE symbol LNKD

YouTube

friend me!

>> Founded February 2005 by three ex PayPal employees >> Each minute, 48 hours of video are uploaded — or eight years of content every day >> It has “hundreds of millions” of users >> Google acquired YouTube for $1.65 billion in 2006

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QUICK READS generation next

Zzzs Interrupted Expert Advice For When Your Child Has Bad Dreams

By Madison Carryl

I

n the middle of the night, it’s the sound every parent dreads — a frightened child awakened by a terrifying dream.

When bad dreams plague a child’s sleep, their peace of mind isn’t the only thing that’s shaken. Nightmares threaten a child’s sense of security — and they can wreak havoc on parents’ sleep cycles too.

Dr. Janet Kistner, chair of the Florida State University Psychology Department, gives this advice to parents for handling the issues that come with bad dreams: “There are several preventive measures that can help your child’s mind go to the right places right before sleep,” says Kistner. “Don’t watch scary movies before bed, avoid high-excitement books if they enjoy being read to, and keep foods high in spices or sugars to a minimum.”

Keeping the end of the day low energy and well balanced mentally prepares your child for sleeping calmly. A regular routine before bed can also emphasize security and order, which are likely to calm a child’s mind.

Many children have an object, such as a blanket or stuffed animal, that brings them comfort and security. Making sure your child has this with them before bed will allow them to feel safe and not alone as they drift off to sleep. Be careful with these items, especially when traveling. Leaving behind something so important can throw a child’s subconscious for a loop.

“My daughter was devastated when we accidentally left Jerry the Dog somewhere on vacation,” Kistner recalls. She suggests that if you know your child has an affinity for an item, buy an extra and keep it tucked away, just in case.

Nightmares are a common facet of development, especially between the ages of 3 and 8.

In the middle of the night, when you realize your child is experiencing a bad dream, it’s crucial to address it immediately. “It’s important to go to your child right away, because for them, the experience truly is terrifying,” explains Kistner. “Minimizing that trauma can lessen their focus on the subject matter, making it less real.” It’s all right to let your child speak about their dream, but convince them to do so calmly. Once your child has explained things, you can soothe them by pointing out familiar things around them.

Leaving a nightlight or a flashlight can be helpful once your child is calm. “One of the most frightening things about a nightmare can be the moment you awaken and are unaware of

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A flashlight to investigate

A blanket or teddy for comfort

where you are,” Kistner explains. “Allowing the child the power to see and investigate for themselves that they are no longer in the world of their dream can teach them to cope with such instances independently.”

If your frightened child still seems insecure after talking about it, repeat parts of your nightly routine (like reading a book or saying nightly prayers) to help get her in the mindset of going back to sleep. You can stay with her until she falls asleep, and ideally when she wakes up again, the nightmare will be a distant memory.

But what if a child is particularly distressed?

Taking a child to the parental bed isn’t in itself a wrong thing to do, says Kistner, “but

A drawing to quell a child’s fears

it should be done carefully, as it could give the child a dependence on that luxury.” In the morning, if there still seems to be anxiety, try activities that will give the child a better memory to associate with the experience, such as drawing a picture of the nightmare and finding funny things about it, or creating a happy ending to the dream. This will empower your youngster and hopefully quell the fear of another nightmare.

“Above all,” says Kistner, “remember never to become angry with your child, for whom the experience is real and terrifying.”

Once your child’s mind is eased, his sleep — and yours — should return to normal.

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QUICK READS lifestyle

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Hey, Bartender!

Yes, we’re talking to you. With great bar accoutrements readily available at local home furnishing or kitchen stores, you can easily stock your own bar cart with everything you need to pour on great chemistry at your next party.

Here are eight thirst-quenching reasons your friends and family will love to belly up to your home bar.

— Zandra Wolfgram

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QUICK READS how to

Pick Up A Pen It’s Time to Begin Advice for Sharing Emotions Via Lyrical Expression By Karl Etters

Put pen to paper April is the month to try Writing poetry

A

pril is National Poetry Month and offers a chance to explore the rich heritage of poetry and poets throughout history. Perhaps it will even encourage the poetical neophytes among us to get in touch with their inner bard.

Getting started can appear to be a daunting task. If hesitant, there are some things first-time poets should take into account, says Florida State University English professor David Kirby. A prizewinning poet whose most recent book of poetry is “Talking About Movies With Jesus,” suggests that the first step should be to sit down and do some reading. “It’s easy and cheap these days. You can go to the library, or there is so much poetry online that you don’t even have to stir from your desk.”

Kirby, who is married to another poet and FSU professor, Barbara Hamby, also suggests joining a group like the Tallahassee Writers Association. “If you can get three, four, five people in a group just writing poems and passing them back and forth and getting suggestions, that’s the best way to learn how to do it,” he advises.

Kerry James Evans, a Tallahassee poet and poetry graduate student at FSU, said the best way to get started writing is “to get out and live.

I can’t sit down and write a poem if I don’t have anything to say.”

In all its forms, poetry serves chiefly as an expression of emotions.

Evans agrees poetry has many roles in society, but “it’s to delight.

It’s to surprise.” The biggest key to starting is that a poem “should still maintain an element of surprise. It should live and breathe, and it should be fun just as much as it should be political and serious.”

There are more than 100 recognized styles of poetry, and the possible variations are really endless. Poets use language and structure variations to create the different forms. Each style has its own guidelines for the number of stanzas and syllables and a combination of metaphors, similes and prose. Some that are popular are limerick, Haiku, ballads and rhyme.

The opening of this article was a Haiku, which is written with a syllable structure of 5-7-5. Due to Haiku’s Japanese roots, the focus is usually on nature.

Ballads are stories in poetic form and often have a melodic, repeated chorus.

Limericks are meant to be funny and follow a structure of five

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alternating lines of rhyme. Shakespeare often wrote limericks and included them in his plays. This is an example from Othello:

“And let me the canakin clink, clink; And let me the canakin clink.

A solider’s a man; A life’s but a span; Why, then, let a soldier drink” In addition to novels and other forms of prose, Mark Twain wrote poetry, mainly using a combination of structured styles and free form that allowed him to express a satirical take on everyday occurrences, such as this lament on bill paying that still resonates today.

These annual bills! these annual bills!

How many a song their discord trills Of “truck” consumed, enjoyed, forgot, Since I was skinned by last year’s lot!

Those joyous beans are passed away; Those onions blithe, O where are they?

Once loved, lost, mourned — now vexing ills Your shades troop back in annual bills!

And so ‘twill be when I’m aground These yearly duns will still go round, While other bards, with frantic quills, Shall damn and damn these annual bills!

With so many forms of poetry it can be hard to decide which to write and even harder to get started, but Kirby and Evans both agree on a few key points. Reading poetry, lots of poetry, is the key to developing an appreciation for the art and finding a style that is comfortable. But the best way to start is to just sit down and begin writing.

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33

Arts & Culture

FESTIVAL FAMILY Many concertgoers at the Spirit of the Suwannee park sign up for tickets before the musical acts are announced. Past performers include Taj Mahal and the Allman Brothers Band (below, bottom).

Musical Mecca

O

n March 22, a small army of Tallahassee music lovers will pack up their cars, trucks and campers for an annual pilgrimage: The 90-minute drive eastward to musical paradise, also known as the Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park in Live Oak. This 600-acre camping resort, which features a gorgeous natural wooded amphitheater dripping with Spanish moss, hosts 10 musical festivals every year. The great James Brown played here, and so did Neil Young, B.B. King, the Nevilles, the Allmans and a whole mess of big-name country acts: Tim McGraw, Alan Jackson, Toby Keith, Carrie Underwood, Brad Paisley and Jason Aldean, to name a few.

March’s signature event is Suwannee Springfest, which has a lineup steeped in bluegrass but spiced with so much more — newgrass, jazzgrass, even punkgrass.

Suwannee Springfest is a Mecca for string players, who come from all over the world

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to play here in Live Oak. You’d go crazy trying to count all the banjos, fiddles, cellos, guitars and mandolins on the stages and in the picking circles that dot the shady campgrounds.

Not into bluegrass? Just wait. Spirit of the Suwannee probably has something you’ll like. On April 18–21, the Allman Brothers host the rock, roots and blues extravaganza known as Wanee — which has the park’s biggest attendance — 15,000 to 20,000 per day, says park CEO James Cornett. The South’s largest country music festival, the Suwannee River Jam, happens May 2–5, hosting some 20,000 people over four days. Gospel fans flock to the Suwannee River Jubilee June 14–16.

When the leaves start turning in fall, the park is home to the bluegrass and jam band-tinged Magnolia Fest (Oct. 18–21); and the funky, jazzy Bear Creek Music and Art Festival (Nov. 8–11), which brings a host of musicians from New Orleans and

photos courtesy Jeb MacVittie

The Spirit of the Suwannee Park Attracts Artists and Aficionados to Rural North Florida, Again and Again By Julie Hauserman

elsewhere. Bear Creek has a hometown connection — it’s run by a pair of Tallahassee music promoters, Paul Levine and Lyle Williams.

Whatever the audience size, the park never really feels too crowded. Vendors selling hand-crafted art and food line the perimeters. And when you need a little breathing room, you can just hop on a bike or golf cart and head to the park’s spectacular sugar-sand beach along the limestonelined Suwannee River. You can rent a canoe, or go watch thousands of bats exit the large bat house at sunset. You can play a round of mini-golf, try your hand on the shady disc golf course, chill in the swimming pool or get a bite in the restaurant.

“It is an amazing place to be,” says New Orleans musician Ivan Neville, (son of Aaron Neville) whose band, Dumpstaphunk, regularly plays Wanee and Bear Creek. “The people that show up in the place are usually a cool group of people.

The vibe is very nice over there. And the way it is laid out is just perfect.”

Stages are set on grassy fields, on a cypress-lined lake, inside the on-site bar/ restaurant and in the unique amphitheater, where fans string dozens of hammocks between the trees, put their feet up and literally rock to the music. Kids scamper up and down the amphitheater steps and swing in every empty hammock they can find. There’s an informal rule here — you can get in any empty hammock, but you have to get out when the owner returns.

The camping is excellent. There are primitive sites on a scenic lake lined with cypress trees, RV sites with electric and water close to bathhouses, remote sites near the park’s three-mile river frontage, shady sites, open-sky sites and cabins for rent. The park also has stables for people who want to camp with their horses (an amenity not available during festivals), and 50 miles of horseback riding trails extend to nearby public lands.

“I think the thing that makes it unique from other venues is the camping aspect of it,” says park CEO Cornett, 50. “Through camping, people make friends. People look forward to the festival year after year. People make reservations for the next year’s show, not just because they want the music, but because they want to come back and spend time with their newfound friends. That doesn’t happen in other big venues like the Tallahassee Civic Center or the Jacksonville Coliseum.” tallahassee

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Arts & Culture

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“For the Suwannee River Jam, we sell 80 percent of the tickets before we announce the lineup,” he says. “People truly build a festival family. That’s the reason people come here. We have people who get married here. They wind up having their anniversaries here every year.”

That was true for one Tallahassee couple, Sharon and Walter Liebrich, who held their wedding at Spirit of the Suwannee in 2011. The ceremony happened on a deck overlooking the tea-colored Suwannee, and the couple held their reception at the park’s well-equipped event facility, an indoor hall which has a kitchen and an ample porch surrounded by a butterfly garden. After the wedding dinner, guests headed out to watch thousands of bats flying out of the bat house at sunset — a true natural spectacle.

Some of the guests held a community campout, and some, including the bride and groom, stayed in the park’s cabins.

“We both had been going there to see music for so many years, and it was such a special spot for both of us, that it seemed like the most natural and magical place for us to have our wedding,” said Sharon, 33.

“It’s a nice combination of friends and family coupled with nature,” added Walter, 32. “And I love the diversity of music there.”

The newest Liebrich — baby Fern — went to her first music festival at Spirit of the Suwannee when she was just five months old. The Liebrichs say they plan to hold many family outings at Spirit of the Suwannee in the coming years.

“It is one of the best venues to see music in, because the park makes the audience and the musicians feel incredible,” Sharon says. “It’s a beautiful place with good acoustics and a friendly staff who really want the musicians there.”

To keep musical traditions alive, the park holds a kids’ music camp four times a year. Some of the performers, including the great California percussionist Joe Craven, also visit Suwannee County schools to teach and perform while they are in Live Oak. Many festivals hold canned food drives and charity events to benefit the surrounding rural communities.

“The park has enhanced the community with tourism,” says James Cornett’s mother, Jean, who first visited the park with her husband, Bob, in 1984, fell in love with its beauty and leased it with an option to buy. “They didn’t really have any tourism before.”

Best Venue in Tallahassee Tally Awards

photo by Melissa Schoenstra

LOVE AND MUSIC After attending many music festivals at the park, Sharon and Walter Liebrich decided to be married in the “natural and magical place.”

The park was originally developed in the late 1970s by Suwannee County, with a similar intent: to create economic stimulus and recreational opportunity. The county operated it for only two years and closed it down. It laid fallow until the Cornetts revived it.

Today, some 600,000 people visit annually.

“We anticipate surpassing a million before too long,” says James Cornett, a former commercial developer who has been involved with the park for 17 years.

Aside from music festivals, the park offers family getaway packages with special deals on cabins, golf cart rentals, meals, mini-golf games and canoe rentals. They have a full slate of holiday events as well, including a giant drive-through display of Christmas lights. Even when there aren’t festivals happening, there’s music at Spirit of the Suwannee. The promoters book bands and karaoke four nights a week in the park’s indoor music hall, a spacious bar with two stages, tables and food.

Cabin rental weekend rates range from $99 to $140 per night and $88 to $130 on weekdays. The park also offers camping memberships, which give people discounts on event tickets and other perks.

With two universities, Tallahassee has always been a great music town. And many local musicians go to play at Spirit of the Suwannee during the year. There’s something to be said for immersing yourself for a weekend — parking your car, grabbing a beverage, kicking back and just … listening. It’s a small miracle that musicians come from all over the world to play for us out here in the middle of nowhere, yet so close to home. n tallahassee

37

Giving Back

Mind Over Money Counselors Help Clients Achieve Financial Goals in a Tough Economy

K

eeping track of your finances is difficult, but in the current economic state, monetary responsibilities can be crippling.

Whether affected by the recession, laid off or in debt, there’s hardly a person who doesn’t know the struggle of keeping their finances in check.

In a world where free online credit reports aren’t always free and credit isn’t always as helpful as it seems, it’s hard to know the best way to organize one’s money.

Seeing the need for financial guidance in the community, Karen Gillispie and Mary Williams Jones started an organization designed to help individuals develop and maintain healthy financial habits.

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March–april 2012

Mind over Money is a certified nonprofit organization that helps to coach people to what they call “Financial Capability.” All advisors are certified as credit counselors with years of experience, and their services focus on helping individuals with various goals or financial lulls.

Williams Jones, the associate director, worked for 20 years in consumer credit counseling before teaming with Gillispie.

Her primary function is to coach the clients and help them create a system of saving and spending. “It’s a passion of mine after being a counselor for so long. I like that we are enabling people to be fully functioning in their financial lives,” she says.

Wallisa Cobb, director of program

development, sits on the board with United Way as an income tax assistant. “We try to position ourselves to always be involved with organizations that have our same mission,” she explains. “The best way to keep ourselves informed is to stay involved in all aspects of financial service.”

The organization provides a means of financial stability for those who may not know where to start or how to get out of financial straits. “We saw in the industry that there were individuals wanting to purchase homes, or to keep their homes, who were unable to do so,” says Gillispie, a mortgage lender for 30 years before becoming MoM’s executive director.

“Mary and I wanted to make sure that

photo by Scott Holstein

By Madison Carryl

GAME PLAN Mind over Money provides individual financial coaching as well as group presentations. Here, MoM Executive Director Karen Gillispie catches up with Ronnette Ballard, who became her family’s first homeowner after creating a financial plan with the organization.

individuals embarking on this sort of investment would not only be capable of owning a home, but also maintaining it, purchasing a car and living reasonably.”

Mind over Money is a resource for educating clients on financial matters by helping them create a budget, set goals for paying off debts and design strategies for saving what they can.

One of the biggest issues people seem to face is credit debt. In an age where virtually anyone can receive a credit card, young people often don’t realize the massive amount of interest that can accrue, or consider the possibility they will be unable to pay back what they’ve borrowed.

“Ask yourself, when you’re purchasing something with your credit card, ‘Would I take out a loan for this?’ Because that’s exactly what you’re doing,” Gillispie says.

“Only you know how disciplined you can be. If you don’t think you can handle the responsibility that comes with credit, then you probably shouldn’t use it.”

When discussing the types of education a new client might need, both parties will use an initial two-hour consultation to decide what program will be most helpful to their situation. “Our clients agree to come meet with us consistently,” explains Gillispie. “They are opting to partner with us and are accountable to report back on the successes, or lack thereof, based on the actions they were assigned. Once they successfully reach their goal, some clients have learned enough to move forward on their own, while others still find value in the feedback of our coaches.” If this is the case, client and coach sit down together and create new goals.

“It’s an alliance between us and our customers,” says Cobb. “For the program to be successful, both our counselors and clients must be committed to achieving the goals decided upon by the client in the preliminary stages.” By providing an tallahassee

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Giving Back

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March–april 2012

intimate relationship with well-educated financial advisors, the organization encourages and guides its clients to make the right financial decisions for their situation. “We don’t really counsel,” says Gillispie. “We coach our clients to resolve their own challenges. We are a resource that helps find other resources, as well as a support system.”

The counselors at MoM hold workshops with colleges around the state on how to reduce the amount of student loans taken out and how to use that money wisely. Students are often unaware of the severe conditions their loans entail before they sign off on them and can then become entrapped in debt after graduation. “When in a relationship with our organization, students know they are doing things correctly, because we guide them to move in an organized manner from one step to the next,” says Williams Jones.

“Instead of mass information, it’s a learning process that allows real education to take place.” But student workshops aren’t the only helpful seminars offered.

The organization recently held a workshop for Capitol Area Community Action employees after the company decided on pay cuts across the board, rather than terminations. “Since many of their employees would be dealing with smaller funds to make ends meet, we taught a money management and credit workshop,” says Gillispie. “It was giving people a way to prepare for their decrease in income.”

The class was well received by employees, according to HR Director Nina Singleton. “The workshop was very active, not simply a lecture or handing out of facts. Everyone was really encouraged to look at their budgets and rework things on paper, and it caused a lot of questions and real progress to happen on an individual level.” The workshop explored ways to budget funds differently and make subtle changes to maintain financial security, which Singleton says, “took a negative experience and made it really beneficial and educational. We certainly plan on having more workshops with MoM in the future.”

“People are really finding the benefit of one-on-one coaching,” says Jones.

“Having accountability to someone and knowing that person is vested in your success is invaluable.” This was the case for Ronnette Ballard, Mind over Money’s first client. Mary says that Ballard came to them looking for help in purchasing

a home. “No one in her family had ever owned a home,” Williams Jones says.

“She came to us and became the first one in her family to break that generational curse, which was something she never expected to be capable of.” Through the coaching sessions and proper budgeting, Ballard owns a home instead of renting.

“Only you know how disciplined you can be. If you don’t think you can handle the responsibility that comes with credit, then you probably shouldn’t use it.”

— Karen Gillispie

Mind over Money is certified with Master Money Mentors, a program with the University of Florida IFAS extension office, and also works with Florida’s Department of Vocational Rehabilitation.

“Our first partner was Leon County Health and Human Service Department Housing Division representative, Lamar Kemp,” says Gillispie. “The very first program we hosted was with their foreclosure and financial literacy workshops.”

The Mind over Money office is partnered with Ingram Accounting in their mortgage advocacy program as well. “There are other organizations that may do similar things to us,” says Cobb, “but we are always open to partnering with those organizations for the common good.” As their business continues to grow, these connections allow MoM to expand their own services and impact.

The counseling sessions are $40 an hour with a minimum session requirement of two hours. The sessions cover everything from financial changes and literacy to foreclosure prevention to mortgage advocacy. More information about counseling and other services can be found at mindovermoneyinc.org. n

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Personality

Florida’s Lottery Cheerleader

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ho hasn’t dreamed of that lottery ticket worth millions, and what it would mean to their life?

For Florida Lottery Secretary Cynthia O’Connell, her job is the stuff that dreams are made of.

“It’s demanding work, but it’s a wonderful feeling to know that dreams come true for Floridians every day,” said O’Connell, head of one of the nation’s biggest and most successful lotteries.

“There’s never a dull moment, because something new is going on all the time.”

O’Connell was one of Gov. Rick Scott’s first appointments after he took office in 42

march–april 2012

January 2011. She heads a staff of some 400 employees that administers a multitude of lottery game products — there are seven major games and dozens of scratch-off games — through a network of more than 13,000 licensed retailers across the state.

“The Lottery affects the lives of so many Floridians,” said O’Connell.

“Whether they are winners who have collected million-dollar prizes, students who are able to get a better education with the help of Lottery dollars or residents who enjoy imagining with family and friends about what they would do if they won the big jackpot, Floridians continued to

show their support through record sales this past year.”

On taking office, she immediately launched a 100-day plan to visit the top 25 corporate retailers both in Florida and at their corporate level nationally. She also began crisscrossing the state, seizing every opportunity to talk to and meet with Florida residents, decision-makers, media, employees, winners, players and retailers to help her stay connected to her constituency.

“It’s great to make those connections,” the long-time public relations and marketing expert said. “We are promoting new games every few weeks and constantly

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racing to stay ahead of marketing curves.

Talking to people every day sparks our program.”

She has rolled up an impressive record in her first year of service. Florida’s $4 billion in ticket sales last year will result in approximately $1.1 billion for education, representing approximately a $12 million increase from the previous year. The state’s northwest region, in particular, experienced a more than 9 percent increase in sales last year.

Colossal Powerball jackpots have made it the crown jewel of gaming. Florida’s Powerball game now has the highest sales in the nation, accounting for more than 14 percent of all Powerball sales in the U.S., according to O’Connell. The latest high point for this exciting game was the January grand opening of a specially designed Powerball studio for the national drawing of winners at Florida Lottery headquarters in Tallahassee.

Because of her position, O’Connell is prohibited from actually playing the Florida games, but she says heading up the state agency for lottery games is a pretty exciting substitute. (She is allowed to play lotteries in other states and, when she travels around the country, she buys a ticket or two. “I’ve always liked to try my luck,” she says.)

She points out that the responsibilities of the job dictated that she hit the ground running when she was appointed. Fortunately, her impressive career pedigree prepared her to do that. She brings to the job years of experience in both the public and private sectors that includes major marketing, promotion and public relations programs. “I find my background translates very well into a lot of what we do,” she noted.

She also gives credit to her ability to get off to a fast start at the Lottery to her early experience in the lottery business.

Back in the ’80s, she was on board during the initial start-up of the Florida Lottery, spearheading efforts to implement instant and online games.

“The fiscal complexity and administrative responsibilities of the lottery are heavier and faster-paced than anything

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I was doing previously,” she said. “But we have a great team working together, and the Lottery employees are enthusiastic, experienced and very much expert at what they are doing.”

She’s an optimist, and friends have teased that maybe it all goes back to her cheerleading days at Lake City High School. Capitalizing on her long and successful record in promotion and public relations, she says emphatically, “The Lottery can never stand still … new games, new incentives, new venues! It creates new excitement.”

Those who know her say O’Connell has never been known to stand still either.

Although Lake City is located closer geographically to the University of Florida in Gainesville, she went further afield to attend Florida State University, where she majored in communications.

“I’ve known her since she was the Pi Kappa Alpha ‘Little Sister’ at FSU,” says Charlie Barnes, FSU senior vice president and executive director of Seminole Boosters. “She was a go-getter and can-do kind of person even in college, and we all knew she would always be an achiever.”

After graduating from Florida State, she began her professional career as the advertising manager of First Florida Banks Inc. in Tallahassee, where she became a colleague and friend of J. Everett Drew, now president of SouthGroup Equities Inc., a private real estate and development group.

Drew says, “She loves a challenge.

When the stakes are high and the obstacles are steep to accomplish something, she’s the person to make it happen.”

Former Gov. and Lt. Gov. Wayne Mixson echoes the praise. “She has always been bright and engaging, and she has a salesperson’s drive, which is what you have to have as Lottery director,” he said.

Mixson played golf with both O’Connell and her late husband for years and says, “She plays to win.”

It was while at First Florida she met the man who would become her husband, Stephen O’Connell, at that time the bank’s president and CEO. Stephen O’Connell, whose illustrious career included terms as the sixth president of the University of Florida and Florida Supreme Court justice, was a major influence in her life and career path, but, she says, “I was not the only one whom he influenced. I was just one of many.” He died in 2001.

She smiles when she says, “When I was first appointed and racing to compete in the highly competitive, ever-evolving gaming environment, for months I was practically working 24/7 with no time for an outside life. Now I’m trying to make room for a few other activities Steve and I enjoyed — like golf games and the farm where we spent so many happy years. I can’t say I’m there yet, but I’m trying to ease up.”

Although an FSU graduate, O’Connell became a Gator sports fan because of her late husband. “I don’t just watch football on TV,” she asserts. “I put on my jeans and go to the games.”

“The Lottery can never stand still ... new games, new incentives, new venues! It creates new excitement.”

— Cynthia O’Connell

And her mother often goes with her.

“She calls me her escort,” said O’Connell’s mom, Faye Bowling Warren of Lake City.

“Since Steve passed away and we are both widows, I have accompanied her to many events. We have always been very close and have a lot of fun together.”

Now retired from her longtime post as assistant city manager of Lake City, Warren steps in to help her daughter “in every way I can.” She looks back on a lifetime of achievement by Cynthia and her brother, Martie, a West Point graduate and a rocket scientist, and muses, “Maybe it was because they grew up in a government-oriented atmosphere, maybe they are just smart and work hard, but we turned out to be a family of achievers.”

O’Connell’s savvy in sales and promotion can also be attributed to her service as general manager/senior vice president of Hill & Knowlton, a global communications and marketing firm located in New York.

In 1996, she served as information manager of Olympic Athletes Village and

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director of the Olympic Torch Relay for the Atlanta Committee for Olympic Games.

As general manager of BSMG Worldwide (now Weber Shandwick Worldwide), a leading global public relations agency, she developed two international pavilions promoting trade and tourism for the Olympic games in Nagano, Japan, and Sydney, Australia.

O’Connell recently concluded 10 years of public service as an inaugural member of the University of Florida’s Board of Trustees. While in that role, she was a catalyst in helping to modernize the university’s overall public image. And she is very proud she was instrumental in establishing the Stephen O’Connell reading room in the UF law library.

She also serves as chairwoman of The Florida House on Capitol Hill, the first and only state embassy in Washington, D.C. The nonprofit, nonpartisan organization provides opportunities for Florida’s citizens to enrich their appreciation and knowledge of U.S. government.

For an all-consuming job, the Florida Lottery secretary’s annual salary of $140,000 (with no bonuses) is at a lower end of the scale when compared to other state lottery directors.

For example, Rebecca Paul (now Hargrave), who served as the first director of both Florida’s lottery in 1987 and Georgia’s new games in 1993, is now president and CEO of the Tennessee Education Lottery Corporation, which began sales in January 2004. Her base pay is $350,000, but bonuses increase her total salary to $600,000 or $700,000 a year, according to news reports.

Looking toward the future, O’Connell said, “The Florida Lottery is taking a close look at everything we do, embarking on a total refresh of the lottery brand.

As the Florida Lottery approaches its 25th anniversary, now is a good opportunity to take stock of where we’ve been, look forward to where we are heading and reflect on lessons learned.”

She adds, “Our Florida Lotto product remains one of the most dominant instate games in the country, so we need to be very careful about how we change anything. But a refresh is due and we will take this opportunity to look at everything we are doing, looking for ways to improve in every product category and every area of business.

“There are still records to be broken.” n

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On The Move

Let the Eventing Begin

I

t may be too late to buy tickets for this summer’s 2012 Olympics in Great Britain, but you may see future members of the U.S. Olympic Team at the 14th Red Hills International Horse Trials. Riders from at least 28 states and 10 other countries will be “auditioning” during the three-day event here March 9–11, held at Elinor Klapp-Phipps Park off Miller’s Landing Road.

“Red Hills is the first stop on the road to London,” said equestrian Phillip Dutton, a Red Hills crowd favorite and frequent winner at the local competition. Red Hills is an important run for the horses because it includes the element of spectators. In the U.S., it is second only to the renowned Rolex competition in Lexington, Ky., for Eventing attendance.

A native of Australia, Dutton represented 46

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his country in three Olympics and four World Championships before becoming an American citizen and changing his competition nationality in 2006. Prior to the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, he represented the United States on the Gold Medal team and was Individual Silver Medalist at the 2007 Pan American Games. In 2008 he made his debut on the U.S. Olympic Three-Day Team in Hong Kong where the team placed seventh. He is very active on the U.S. Eventing circuit, winning the U.S. Eventing Association’s Leading Rider of the Year title 12 of the last 14 years.

A signature event for the North Florida area, last year’s event attracted more than 24,000 spectators. Even greater numbers are expected this year since it is the first hurdle for competitors making their way toward the 2012 selection trials. In

addition to Dutton, Olympic hopefuls expected include Buck Davidson, Michael Pollard, Boyd Martin, Sinead Halpin, Becky Holder, Alison Springer, Karen O’Connor and Will Coleman.

The number of top riders has grown over the years, but from the beginning, Red Hills has attracted outstanding equestrians like Karen and David O’Connor from Virginia, and Davidson and his father, Bruce Davidson Sr., who divide their time between Pennsylvania and Ocala.

Buck Davidson and his dad came for an early Red Hills when violent storms forced officials to cancel the competition and were impressed with what they saw. The older Davidson was overheard observing, “Hey, this looks like it has more signs than Rolex.”

Both were back the following spring.

Father Bruce Davidson was known as

Photos By Shems Hamilton

Organizers Roll Out the Red Hills Carpet for Olympic Hopefuls By Dorothy Clifford

THREE-DAY CHALLENGE Riders hoping for a trip to the 2012 Olympics are scheduled to participate in this year’s Red Hills Horse trials. (Clockwise from far left) Young rider Will Coleman participates in the cross country competition; former Olympian Phillip Dutton in dressage; Karen O’Connor during stadium jumping. Only Olympians or riders who have represented their country in international competition have the honor of wearing the red coats during the stadium phase.

the king of three-day Eventing in the 1990s because of his impressive career over previous two decades. He won his first medal in 1972 as a member of the silver-medalwinning U.S. team at the Summer Olympics and went on to win Olympic gold medals in 1976 and 1984 and silver medals in 1996 and 1980.

Son Buck Davidson and Pollard rode on the U.S. Eventing Team that captured the gold medal at the Pan-American Games in Mexico last October. Buck was named the youngest Rider of the Year in 1996.

The O’Connors won the hearts of Tallahasseeans on their first visit with their unique partnership in excellence. What’s more, he’s handsome, she’s beautiful and both exude congeniality. From the start, they participated in professional and social events, giving educational demonstrations to acquaint sponsors and other spectators with the finer points of equestrian disciplines and letting everyone know they loved being here.

In 1997 David O’Connor became only the second American in history to win the coveted Badminton CCI 4-star in England.

He has been named Rider of the Year by the U.S. Equestrian Federation. Karen began competing internationally in 1979 when she was just 21 years old, finishing tenth at Badminton. In 1993, she ranked third in the world and was the No. 1-ranked lady rider. She has earned the U.S. Eventing Association’s Female Equestrian Athlete of the Year a record 10 times since 1989 and was named Equestrian of the Year for 2007.

“Every athlete wants to promote his sport and compete in the public arena,” David, U.S. gold medalist in 2000, said. “Red Hills has been able to get this town excited and give the riders that public arena.”

Between them, Karen and David boast five Olympic medals. She’s expected to ride in the 2012 competition although he has retired from international competition.

David, current president and CEO of the United States Equestrian Federation Inc., and Chef d’Equipe of the U.S. Olympic tallahassee

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On The Move Team beginning in 2013, says he definitely plans to attend this year’s Red Hills. Of those early days at RHHT, he and Karen were prepared for a special Event, he said.

“I had already heard that Red Hills could change the game because of its community involvement and their attention on quality for competitors.”

Buck Davidson and Dutton both echoed O’Connor’s comments about the competition. “It’s a fantastic Event,” said Davidson.

“The horse owners love going to it because the sponsors, volunteers and spectators are all so enthusiastic.”

“They try to get everything right,” Dutton said of Red Hills’ leaders. In addition to his own advanced horses, Dutton plans to bring a dozen young riders that he’s coaching.

Co-founders Sallie Ausley and Sylvia Ochs had learned needs and desires of riders and their parents during years of accompanying their own children to Pony Club competitions. “Sallie and Sylvia put Red Hills on the map,” said Hugh Lochore, cross country course designer. Jane Barron, a member of the organizing committee since its inception, has overseen the huge endeavor since their retirement four years ago.

While the atmosphere and the wellorganized competition with volunteers catering to every whim of the riders have lured competitors to Tallahassee, it’s the challenging cross country course that keeps them coming back.

From the outset it has been first class.

Colin Phipps, Tallahassee ecologist and horse enthusiast invited his friend, British equestrian and Olympic gold-medalist Mark Phillips (and ex-husband of Princess Anne), to design the cross country course. It is set on land owned by Phipps adjacent to the Elinor Klapp-Phipps Park, which was named for his mother and is now owned by the Northwest Florida Water Management District. Capt. Phillips, current Chef d’Equipe and Technical Advisor of the U.S. Eventing Team, has so far led the team to 23 team and individual medals and has announced he will retire in 2012.

Scottish-born Hugh Lochore, Phipps’ cousin from across the pond, built the original Red Hills course and has designed updates and renovations for the past three years. It features a variety of formidable obstacles, including water and banks. “You want to make sure you don’t bring green horses,” Buck Davidson warned fellow competitors. “You want experienced horses. This is a difficult course.”

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A former three-day Event competitor himself, Lochore hails from a family of equestrians and is familiar with design of cross country courses all over the world.

“This is a daring sport that requires skill and courage,” he said. Lochore is one of only four people in America qualified to design advanced cross country courses.

Hugh’s brother, Alec Lochore, is in charge of the Eventing phase of the London 2012 Olympics, and Hugh will travel there to assist him as a safety coordinator on the cross country course.

Hugh joined his brother this summer for a test Event in London’s historic Greenwich Park, the setting for the Olympic Eventing competition. The park had been the private domain of King Henry VIII and, until last summer’s preparation for the big run, no horses had galloped over the land since his death.

Equestrian sports are second only to soccer in popularity worldwide, and Eventing is one of the fastest growing venues, especially in the United States, during the past half century. Riders of all ages and abilities can compete, and Eventing is one of only two Olympic sports in which men and women compete against each other. Polly Lochore, mother of Hugh and Alec and member of the British equestrian team, was one of the first women competitors in the 1960s.

Developed from cavalry competitions during the early 1900s, it is the ultimate challenge for horse and rider. It tests their partnership and athletic prowess over three days in three disciplines: the grace and harmony of dressage; the rigors and thrills of cross country jumping; and the power and pageantry of show jumping.

Dressage, which rhymes with massage, is considered the ballet of equestrian sport.

Horse and rider are called upon to muster the strength and precision of gymnastics and the artistry of dance.

Cross-country jumping provides the heart-stopping element of the three days. It is designed to measure the endurance and degree of control and timing of the horse and rider.

Stadium jumping is the final phase of Red Hills Horse Trials and ends the weekend on a proper note of pageantry. The sole purpose of stadium jumping is to prove that on the day after the endurance test of cross country jumping, the horse is sound and can continue with strength and grace. It is the final test of a rider’s development of the horse’s stamina, excellence and faith. n

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49

Editor’s Choice

Hajo, Revisited

S

eventy-seven-year-old Jimmie McDaniel comes by his love of wildlife honestly. At age 6 he began working at the Welaunee Plantation, where his father had been hired as a “birdrider” in 1917 and later managed the plantation for the Fleishmann family owners.

Perhaps McDaniel’s Native American blood from his mother’s side of the family, Cherokee and Creek, gave him a special affinity for wild animals.

During his time at Florida Fish & Wildlife 50

march–april 2012

from 1960 to 1991 he would sometimes make news by extricating alligators, bears or other wildlife from areas where they weren’t welcome. On one such occasion, an alligator bite left him with permanent damage to his left trigger finger. He’s been shot twice accidentally and part of a bullet is still lodged in his stomach muscle. “The bullet glanced off the back of a gator,” he said, laughing. “I didn’t even know I was hit until I looked down and saw blood.”

While his longish hair pushed the

regulations in his working years, McDaniel has now let it grow past his shoulders — “gone Indian,” is how some of his friends put it. Appearances aside, he was trained for his duties, graduating from Leon High School in 1953, obtaining a degree in biology from Florida State University and a master’s degree in Wildlife Management from Auburn University.

At different times during McDaniel’s 31 years as a state wildlife officer, he tried to “tame” some of the animals that

photo courtesy JIMMIE MCDANIEL

Jimmie McDaniel Takes a Road Trip to See the Florida Panther He Raised 17 Years Ago By Laurie Hosford

Bringing a taste of Texas to Tallahassee.

CAGED Once a McDaniel family pet, Hajo the Florida panther now lives in a small habitat in the Seminole Okalee Village in Hollywood.

PROGRESSIVE WESTERN FASHION were abandoned, including a bobcat (not successfully) and two cub bears (somewhat successfully).

Speaking about the bears, he recalled, “I raised the two cubs, a male and a female.

The female was a little boisterous. I would mix vanilla wafers in the dog food I fed them. The female would root out the dog food and eat just the vanilla wafers.”

When the two bears got bigger and keeping them became a problem, he donated them to the Tallahassee Museum, the first bears to live there.

He continued the story: “A month or so later, I got a call from the museum. The female had escaped. They wanted to know if I would come out and help them capture the bear. I said I would but I had to go by the grocery store first. When I got to the museum habitat, a worker was there and we walked the fence and found where the bear had gotten out. From there we tracked the bear for about a thousand yards and there she was, looking not too happy.

“The worker looked at me and said, ‘How are we gonna take her back?’ I held the box of vanilla wafers up and shook it. Then we started walking back to the habitat. That female bear followed us all the way back and right into the habitat.

That bear loved vanilla wafers.”

After retiring from his state job, Florida Seminole Tribe Chairman James Billie enticed McDaniel to work at Big Cypress Seminole Reservation in Clewiston, where he stayed for 10 years. “I set up habitats, helped him with his ‘Billie Swamp Safari,’ that sort of thing. It was fun,” he said.

It was there he met a Florida Panther he would name Hajo, the Seminole word for warrior.

“One of the female panthers in the habitat had a litter. I took a male kit to see if I could tame it. I bottle-fed it and raised it just like a regular cat. It had its own litter box.”

Hajo bonded with McDaniel and family photos show the spotted baby cat sitting in the laps of his children. “Oh, we all loved him,” said McDaniel’s wife

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of 52 years, Patsy. The panther would come when he was called, “just like a little puppy,” he said.

“Course, he got big after a couple of years. When he was little, one of his favorite games would be to run and jump into my arms. As he grew, he became a load but he kept it up. One day he leaped on me, just playing, and accidentally nipped my left earlobe. It bled pretty good from the slash.

I went to a clinic to have it sewed up. They asked me, ‘What happened?’ I said, ‘A panther bit me.’ Their eyes got real big.”

Hajo lived with the McDaniel family for two years, but the time came when the cat had to leave. “My friends wouldn’t visit me because of Hajo. He’d gotten big — 130 pounds. Sometimes I would have to put him in a large kennel. He didn’t like that.”

Hajo returned to the reservation to live in a special panther habitat. “It was the only thing I could do,” he says now, with a catch in his voice.

“After a couple of years, I got a call from the habitat. Hajo had a hurt paw.

He wouldn’t let anyone near him. They asked me if I would come down and help them doctor it. I said sure. Frankly, I didn’t know if he would remember me. So I walked into the habitat and sat down on a log and waited. Hajo came over and laid his head on my leg. I stroked him for a few moments and checked his paws. He must have sprained a leg and that’s why he had been limping. I could find nothing visibly wrong. After awhile I got up. Gave him a final stroke and walked away.”

In December, McDaniel decided to take a road trip to visit the now 17-year-old panther.

Hajo had since moved, to the Seminole Okalee Village in Hollywood, part of the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and entertainment complex. McDaniel and friends left his Gadsden County farm at 8 a.m., but between getting lost and South Florida traffic, the group didn’t arrive at the Village until right before closing time. Despite dropping Chairman Billie’s name, the group was politely, but firmly, turned away.

Those same workers were wide-eyed the next morning when Billie, who helicoptered into the complex to attend a law enforcement gathering, took time to personally escort McDaniel to visit his old friend. The two reminisced about their days working together, laughing as they recalled a trip to Nicaragua. When they stepped off the plane, officials

photo courtesy JIMMIE MCDANIEL

AT THE BEACH As a young kitten, Hajo accompanied Jimmie Mc Daniel, shown here, and his family on vacation.

mistook McDaniel as the chief because of his long hair.

It was lunchtime when the group finally arrived at Hajo’s habitat, about 20 feet square. Wildlife Supervisor Giselle Hosein set out two stainless steel bowls of raw meat, one for Hajo and the other for a smaller 21-year-old female panther with arthritis.

Hajo appeared, a huge panther in perfect condition, with a shining coat and bright eyes. McDaniel stepped over the railing and got close to the panther’s bowl, calling “Hajo, Hajo.”

Hajo kept eating, finished and turned away. McDaniel called his name twice again. Hajo looked back then walked toward McDaniel, stopping about 2 feet away. For a moment it looked as though he would come to the screen — but he turned away.

“He doesn’t remember me,” McDaniel said sadly, contenting himself with taking pictures of the beautiful animal through the mesh fence.

Driving home, McDaniel said he was disappointed Hajo hadn’t remembered him and was dismayed by his new home.

“The habitat at the Billie Swamp Safari was at least four times larger. It had Palmettos and an oak tree ... very natural. Where he is now is more like a cage than a habitat.”

Hajo was raised by humans and knew their touch. Some 15 years later he seems to have forgotten who took care of him.

But Jimmie McDaniel and his family have not forgotten Hajo. n tallahassee

53

Historicity

‘Call’s Railroad’

T

he mule team brayed as the sweating, cussing muleskinner, in his dirty knee-length overshirt and broad-brimmed straw hat, snapped his whip in the stillness of the Tallahassee piney woods. The mules jerked to attention, settled into their harnesses and took up the slack on the leads attached to wagons stuffed with cotton bales. Slowly, the massive load gained traction on the iron straps covering the wooden rails. Ahead lay more than 20 miles of wilderness and seven hours of slow, steady movement through shifting sugar sands and shadowy forest. At 54

March–april 2012

the end of the day the train would arrive at the bustling warehouse town of Port Leon, across the St. Marks River.

All in a day’s work on the Tallahassee Rail Road, circa 1839.

It was a time before steel rails, when steam locomotives were still a novelty. But that didn’t stop men like Richard Keith Call and other prominent Tallahassee leaders from establishing one of the first working railroads in the Florida territory (the other was the St. Joseph-Lake Wimico Rail Road in Port St. Joe). Tallahassee was a mighty little economic powerhouse by the mid-1830s, and it was all driven

by King Cotton which, in turn, drove the need for a railroad.

“Middle Florida was a commercial epicenter in the 1830s,” Harvard railroad scholar Gregg M. Turner wrote in his 2008 work, “A Journey Into Florida Railroad History.” “While much of the state was tractless, impassable wilderness, the Red Hills region became rich and influential.”

As this influence rose, the fortunes of many depended on being able to ship the fluffy white textile commodity. Tallahassee itself became a central collection point for plantations throughout the Red Hills, and a better way of transporting goods down

Photo courtesy florida archives

Spurred By Wealthy Planters and Investors, the Short-Line Tallahassee Rail Road Became Indispensable in Peace and War By Jason Dehart

End of the line This rendering of the Tallahassee railroad terminal was drawn by the Comte de Castelnau. In describing it, he said: “Florida already has a railroad, which although short renders great service.”

to ships waiting in the Gulf had to be established. Ordinary wagon wheels sunk deep into the soft sand, making it difficult to move goods to the St. Marks River. A railroad would work much better; in 1834 the Tallahassee Rail Road Company was created for just that purpose.

Pretty much any Tallahassee resident of wealth and power owned stock in the new company. Historian T. Frederick Davis, writing in the Florida Historical Quarterly, said Call was elected president when the first formal meeting of the company took place. Among the elected directors were Ben Chaires, Willis Alston, William Maner, William Kerr and Romeo Lewis.

According to Turner, Call was the largest shareholder. In fact, because he owned so much interest in the company it was nicknamed “Call’s Railroad.”

Construction began shortly after the company was founded, and by the time it was open for business around 1837 (some accounts say it was 1838) it had the unenviable reputation as one of the worst lines in the country at that time. It was described by the famous French naturalist and diplomat Francis de La Porte, Comte de Castelnau, who visited the Red Hills region between late November 1837 and March 1838. He wrote down his experiences and impressions in a series of essays that published in 1843. He saw Tallahassee as a bustling town but was not impressed by the railroad.

“Considerable business is carried on through this city (Tallahassee), all the cotton of the neighboring plantations being brought there in bales on carts or wagons drawn by mules or oxen, and taken then to Saint Marks on the Gulf of Mexico by means of a railroad,” he wrote. “The latter, although certainly the very worst that has yet been built in the entire world, is however very useful, for without its help it would be almost impossible to take a heavy load of cotton across the sand that covers the country to the south, into which horses sink at every step. They have tried several times to put a locomotive on this railroad, but its construction is so poor that the plan has been admitted to be impossible. Two mules hitched to carts, or to a kind of uncovered truck, and driven by tallahassee

55

Historicity

SPRING FEVER SPECIAL

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march–april 2012

black slaves, make the trip of about seven leagues in seven hours.”

Around the same time the Comte visited the area, the rail line had been built all the way to Port Leon, a “company town” of warehouses that provided the line’s southern terminal. A railroad bridge spanned the St. Marks River about a mile and half north of Port Leon.

“Since I have been visiting this country they have built a little village on the eastern shore of (the St. Marks River), and about two leagues from St. Marks, in a low submerged locality, and they have given it the name of Port Leon,” he wrote. “The railroad now ends there. There are as yet only a few houses, but several big stores and a tavern. This location seems to me to be well chosen, since boats of ten to twelve feet draft may enter there, while only those of much less draft may reach St. Marks.”

Cotton wasn’t the only freight that moved down the line. It carried passengers as well, but the accommodations were nowhere near as comfortable as Pullman coaches of a later generation. On the early Tallahassee Rail Road, passengers rode in a wooden box that could seat only eight people. A passenger ticket cost a whopping $1.50. By contrast, cotton bales were shipped for 75 cents.

In 1838 about 30,000 bales of cotton traveled the line, and for all its primitive nature, was quite profitable. Freight traffic brought in $34,375 and passenger traffic amounted to $5,993. Warehousing charges totaled $3,427, and after expenses the railroad owners looked at a profit of $19,795.

Of course, the railroad was more than just livestock, wagons and wooden rails.

A large support service was established to keep it up and running. In another book about Florida railroads, Turner wrote that in 1839 the Tallahassee Rail Road Company owned a sawmill a few miles south of Tallahassee that was used to make the wooden rails and cross ties. It also owned 4,000 acres of timberland, 23 slaves and a 1,000-acre plantation for growing corn to feed the horses and mules used to pull the trains.

While the company as a whole prospered, Port Leon was doomed from the start. A yellow fever epidemic struck in 1841, but the death blow came in 1843 when a hurricane devastated the town’s warehouses and that section of the rail line (only one death was caused by the storm).

Shortly after Port Leon’s demise, St. Marks became the new southern terminus of the

railroad. Port Leon’s survivors moved north of St. Marks and established a new town just west of the St. Marks River. They named it, appropriately, Newport.

When Florida became a state in 1845, “Call’s Railroad” was the only railroad firm in operation at the time, Turner wrote.

Call would retain control of the company until the Pensacola & Georgia Railroad acquired his shares around 1856.

The P&G R.R. converted the old wooden rails to iron and the mules were replaced by two locomotives manufactured by the Baldwin Locomotive Works, according to Richard E. Prince in “Seaboard Air Line Railway: Steamboats, Locomotives and History.” Historian Herbert J. Doherty said in the Florida Historical Quarterly that with these improvements, “The road boasted that trains of eight to 10 cars daily made the 21-mile trip to St. Marks in only two hours.”

During the Civil War, the railroad took on a vital strategic role as it allowed Confederate troops and supplies to be shuttled quickly between the capital and outlying defensive areas. Its most important wartime contribution occurred in March 1865, when it enabled hundreds of Confederate troops to rapidly deploy against Union General John Newton at the Battle of Natural Bridge.

Over time, the rail line changed hands several times before finally being acquired by the Seaboard Air Line Railway in 1898.

But as other rail lines and commercial centers began to flourish, the importance of the old cotton port of St. Marks dwindled.

The old rail line lingered into the 1960s despite at least one attempt to have it abandoned. In 1984, the Florida Department of Transportation bought the old right-ofway and a grassroots organization sprung up to transform the rail bed into the state’s first “rails-to-trails” project.

Today, the Tallahassee/St. Marks Historic Railroad Trail follows the old rail bed and runs from the intersection of Capital Circle Southeast and Woodville Highway down to the St. Marks riverfront. After having served cyclists and hikers for some 20 years, the 16-mile-long trail was recently resurfaced and widened from 8 feet to 12 feet to meet new standards. Although the main feature is the paved trail itself, there are unpaved trails adjacent to it that allow for horseback riding and off-road mountain biking along the Munson Hills Off Road Trails in the Apalachicola National Forest. n

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SPOTLIGHT

» Time for Tennis

Watch the likes of tennis greats Joe Wilfred Tsonga, Marty Fish and John Isner battle it out on the court. The 13th annual USTA Tallahassee Tennis Challenger once again treats the community to exciting world-class tennis matches — for a bargain price, too. Tickets to individual events throughout the week are $5 to $20, and a weeklong pass is only $50. Children under the age of 10 can attend for free.

“You can’t even buy a ticket to one of the big tournaments for $50 for a day,” says Tournament Director Karen Vogter. “We’ve really had some of the most amazing tennis players here at our

tournament, and it’s just so inexpensive for people to come and see it.”

Taking place at Forestmeadows’ Tennis Complex from March 31 to April 7, proceeds from the event benefit a variety of charities including the Sharon Ewing Breast Cancer Wing at Tallahassee Memorial Hospital, and the Maria Yeadhall Challenger Tennis Fund, named in honor of the tournament’s retired chairwoman, which works with the Tallahassee Friends of Our Parks Foundation to improve the city’s tennis facilities.

Vogter’s personal investment in the event lies in the Tallahassee Memorial Healthcare’s Vogter

Neuro-Intensive Care Unit — named for Vogter’s neurosurgeon husband after his untimely death.

“The tournament raises money for the neuroICU which takes care of people of every age who come in with all sorts of neurological traumas and problems, like strokes, car accidents and brain tumors,” says Vogter. Throughout its history, the tournament has donated more than $450,000 to the charities.

For more information on the 13th annual USTA Tallahassee Tennis Challenger, please visit tallahasseechallenger.com.

— Renee Jacques

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Best Bets

Tallahassee Magazine is a proud Media Sponsor of the following upcoming community events:

March 9 | Leading the Way Gala Up for a night of dining and dancing? Check out the Alzheimer’s Project, Inc.’s annual fundraising gala.

Enjoy an unforgettable night, made even better by a great cause. The gala will run from 6:30 to 11 p.m. at the University Center Club. An emcee will entertain as you feast and dance the night away. There will also be a silent auction with a large collection of luxurious prizes, including relaxing weekend stays in condominiums in Destin and other locales, artwork, jewelry and more. Tickets are $75, and proceeds will help the Alzheimer’s Project continue to provide free caregiver services to the local community.

March 25 | Jazz for Justice Legal Services of North Florida has rescheduled its signature annual fundraising event so participants will be able to enjoy the jazz under the oaks one last time at Chez Pierre, before the landmark restaurant closes. There’ll be great food and music by “Big Daddy” Webster with Michael “Doc” Palecki and jazz violinist Mark Russel. There’s also a silent auction featuring fantasy trips, fine jewelry, restaurant gift certificates, art, home décor and more. General admission tickets are $15 (children under 12 free). Or buy a $100 patron ticket, which admits two people to the event and a VIP Champagne reception, as well as recognition on the event program and a special gift. The VIP reception is from 3–4 p.m. with entertainment by The Steffit Tassos Trio. The event lasts from 4–7 p.m. and, for those who don’t want the party to end, a special “After Glow” party is planned. The nonprofit represents low-income people in civil actions in 16 North Florida counties. For more information, visit jazzforjustice.org.

April 15 | Third Annual MusicFest: Sounds of Hope Get your groove on with some of the finest musicians in the Big Bend area including The New 76ers, Scott Campbell and The Ned Devines. While listening to this spectacular musical showcase, get a seated massage and grab a bite to eat from the food court, courtesy of many Tallahassee restaurants. Bring the family: Lots of fun is planned for all ages including children’s activities and face painting. All proceeds from this event benefit Refuge House, an organization focused on helping those affected by domestic or sexual violence in eight Big Bend counties. MusicFest 2012 is being held at Unity Eastside Church, 8551 Buck Lake Road. Tickets are $10 and may be purchased online or at the gate. The event runs from noon-5 p.m. For more information, visit musicfesttally.org.

Through April 22 | Black Wings: American Dreams of Flight Now through April 22 will be your last chance to visit the traveling Smithsonian exhibition, “Black Wings: American Dreams of Flight,” which examines the contributions of some of the most important African American aviators in making dreams of careers in flight and space exploration possible. Prominent figures presented include the Tuskegee Airmen, the first military division of African American pilots who fought in World War II, and Mae Jemison, the first African American woman to fly in space. Some highlighted figures have direct ties to Florida. The exhibition is based on the book “Black Wings: Courageous Stories of African Americans in Aviation and Space History,” written by exhibition curator Von Hardesty of the National Air and Space Museum. Exhibition hours are Monday-Friday 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m., Sunday and holidays noon–4:30 p.m. Admission is free. museumoffloridahistory.com.

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calendar MARCH & APRIL Compiled by Renee Jacques

March 3 Pets and Their People Bring your favorite non-human companion for a photo shoot and enjoy food vendors and pet-related displays and demonstrations at this event presented by Tallahassee Magazine. FREE (Pet supply and food donations are welcome.) Proctor Subaru, 1707 Capital Circle N.E. 9 a.m.–3 p.m.

March 4 ‘Kids Go for B’Roque’ Concert Travel back in time as Tallahassee’s best young musicians pay tribute to the Baroque music period and take the stage to perform pieces on violin, viola, cello, bass, piano and mixed ensemble. The Tallahassee Bach Parley will also perform three concerts of Baroque music played on period instruments. FREE. Dohnanyi Recital Hall, Housewright Music Building, FSU Campus. 3–4:30 p.m. (850) 224-8025, tallahasseebachparley.com March 9–11 Red Hills Horse Trials This prestigious event allows viewers to get a look at hopefuls as they compete to try and make it to the 2012 Olympic selection trials.

Riders and horses from at least 28 states and 10 countries will be vying for the top spots. Don’t miss this exciting event, which also includes vendors and a silent auction. $15 suggested donation per day, $25 suggested donation for a three-day pass. Elinor Klapp-Phipps Park: 1700 Miller Landing Road. Fri and Sat 8 a.m.–5 p.m., Sun 8 a.m.

(850) 580-4019, rhht.org March 10 Shamrock Scurry Participate for a good cause, Killearn United Methodist Church Mission Outreach Programs, as you walk or run in the 5K or the onemile races. Enjoy a pancake breakfast following the run. $10 for one mile, $15 for 5K. KUMC, 2800 Shamrock South. 8 a.m. for one mile, 8:30 a.m. for 5K. (850) 893-1116, shamrockscurry.com March 11 Tallahassee Jewish Food and Cultural Festival Come hungry and curious and leave full of culture and delicious food. The festival features homemade New York Carnegie Deli Jewish food, art and entertainment for adults and children. Admission FREE. Temple Israel, 2215 Mahan Drive. 10:30 a.m.–4 p.m. (850) 877-3517, tallahasseejewishfoodfestival.com March 15–18, 22–28 ‘Romeo and Juliet’ Ah, young love. Witness Shakespeare’s timeless tragedy as performed by the actors of Capital City Shakespeare. Young Actors Theatre, 609 Glenview Drive. Performance time and ticket prices to be determined. (850) 386-6476, ccshakespeare.webs.com March 17 ‘Masked Benefit Ball’ Can’t make it to New Orleans for Mardi Gras? Have no fear; the

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AEGIS 15 YEAR Anniversary: 1. David McGarrah, Brad Mitchell, Blake Dowling, Lucy Spann, Pam Butler 2. Marie Long, Jeanne Dowling, Brooke Hallock, Brooke and Hugh Lochore [Photos courtesy Ageis] Chelsea House Christmas Banquet: 3. Glenn and Beth Burns, Rafael Calderon, Walter McNeil, Bryan Rosenthal 4. Beth Burns 5. Kristen Ledlow [Photos by Scott Holstein] That’s Mine! Monograming – Mud Pie Event: 6. Heidi Hall and Natalie Sellars 7. Lezlee Richerson, Kristen Williams and Michel Gregory 8. Paige Shiver, Jennifer McConnaughhay and Holly Swanson [Photos by Natalie Sellars] 62

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Capital Area Community Action Agency is bringing the festivities to you with their Mardi Gras-themed Masked Benefit Ball.

Dance the night away to Crooked Shooz as you enjoy a New Orleans-style buffet, a Charity Casino and silent auction. Don’t forget to put on your best mask. The event is holding a “Parade of Masks” with prizes for the most impressive. $50 for individual tickets, $450 for a table of 10. Tallahassee Automobile Museum, 6800 Mahan Drive. 7 p.m.–midnight. (850) 222-2043, cacaainc.org March 24 The Golden A.C.E. Awards The Tallahassee Network of Young Professionals (NYP) will honor the city’s top 20 young professionals under the age of 40 in this event that recognizes community involvement and professional growth. The deadline for nominations is March 15.

Tickets include two free drinks, heavy hors d’oeuvres and swag. $35 for NYP members, $45 for nonmembers. Hotel Duval, 415 N. Monroe Street. tallahasseenyp.org March 24 ‘Tally Blitz’ Flag Football Tournament Unleash your inner Seminole and participate in the seven versus seven flag football tournament. The winning team receives $500. A portion of the event proceeds will go to Jimbo Fisher’s charity, the Kidz First Fund. Team entry fee is $120. Messer Park South, Jackson Bluff Road. 9 a.m.–8 p.m. (407) 466-8082 March 24 ‘Walk, Run, Roll and Bark’ This walk/run will benefit people with disabilities by giving them opportunities to achieve, maintain and strengthen their level of independence. The events features a 5K run and an “Accessibility Adventure” that asks teams of four to maneuver a teammate in a wheelchair on a 2-mile fixed course. Live music by the Black Sheep and food will follow the event. $20 with T-shirt, $15 without, $25 day of event. Myers Park, 913 Myers Park Drive. 7:30 a.m.–noon (850) 575-5245, ability1st.info March 25 ‘Young Frankenstein’ Brought to you by the Tallahassee Broadway Series, this hilarious re-imagining of Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein” by comic genius Mel Brooks will leave viewers in stitches. $85–$370.

Tallahassee-Leon County Civic Center, 505 W. Pensacola St. 7:30 p.m. (850) 222-0400, tlccc.org March 30–April 1 Tallahassee Sand Festival Watch sand sculptors from across the region create art using this fundamental, yet important, substance. Visitors will be able to see sculptures in progress during the three-day event, which is planned to become an annual local tradition. Presented by Roberts Sand Company and Uncommon Creative Alliance. FREE. Market District. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. (850) 385-7762 March 31 Springtime Tallahassee Festival and Parade Soar “Up, Up, and Away”at the annual Springtime parade featuring an assortment of costumed participants, traditional horse-drawn carriages and marvelous mechanical floats from all over the tallahassee

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Holy Comforter Episcopal School 2012 Gala “Year of the Dragon” 1. Cassie and Pat Conn 2. Jimmie Davis and Shairi Turner-Davis 3. Sara Brown, Hunter Heuchan, Amy Newell, Stacey Kenny 4. Paige and David Dixon, Jim and Lindsay Calabro 5. Peter and Michelle Klekamp, Gail and Bob Knight, Beth and Edward Bishop 6. Back left to right: Matt and Linzy Foster, Jamie and Cameron Yarbrough, Amy and Chris Kise, Front left to right: John and Anne Leace, Angela Peterson, Hayden Dempsey [Photos courtesy Holy Comforter] Junior League of Tallahassee – Jingle Jubilee: 7. Christine Ashburn and Kelli Gebbia 8. Sean Stuyverson and Robbie Kinney 9. Rebekah Dorn, Jill Pope, Lilly Etemadi and Ivette Faulkner [Photos courtesy Junior League of Tallahassee] 64

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events calendar Southeastern United States. Take in food, culture and art in one of the region’s biggest parades and craft shows. FREE. Downtown Tallahassee, along Monroe Street. 10:30 a.m.

(850) 224-5012, springtimetallahassee.com

April 2 ‘Come Fly Away’ Be swept away by this musical brought to you by the Tallahassee Broadway Series as 14 of the world’s best dancers convey the story of four couples dealing with the excitement and heartache that is love. The show brings together the vocals of Sinatra with the creativity of Tony-winning choreographer Twyla Tharp. $40–$80. Tallahassee-Leon County Civic Center, 505 W. Pensacola St. 7:30 p.m. (850) 222-0400, tlccc.org

April 21–22 Sat. & Sun. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Enduring Sentinel, Natalia Andreeva

April 1 Reading by Sarah Vowell As part of Seven Days of Opening Nights, listen to the acclaimed author of five bestselling books with a mix of topics including colonial religious fanatics, the Trail of Tears, presidential libraries and Frank Sinatra. $30.

Ruby Diamond Concert Hall, Westcott Building, FSU Campus. 8 p.m. (850) 644-6500, sevendaysfestival.org

A North Florida Premier Cultural Event A juried fine art festival with over 125 artists from across the country showcasing quality works of art for purchase. FREE admission with music, entertainment, food and artful fun for the whole family.

For more information ChainofParks.com PRESENTING SPONSORS:

April 4–8 Smokey Joe’s Cafe Revel in this nostalgic look back in time with Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller’s classic rock and roll hits such as “Hound Dog,” “Stand By Me” and “Yakety Yak” presented by FAMU’s Essential Theatre. $15 adult, $12 senior citizen, $10 student/ child, FAMU students free. Charles Winter Wood Theatre, Tucker Hall, FAMU Campus.

Wed–Sat 8 p.m., Sat 2 p.m., Sun 3 p.m.

(850) 561-2840, famu.edu/essentialtheatre April 5–7 ‘Adventures of a Wimpy Kid’ Relive the most awkward time of your life — the middle school years — as you laugh your way through this stage adaptation of Jeff Kinney’s books that touch on all of the important topics of the time: girls, parties, acne, tests, parents and best friends. $18 for adults, $16 for seniors, $14 for children (12 and under). Young Actors Theatre, 609 Glenview Drive. Thurs and Fri 7:30 p.m., Sat 11 a.m., 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. (850) 386-6602, youngactorstheatre.com April 6 Blessing of the Bikes If you’re a cyclist, be sure to attend this annual gathering where local cyclists come together and participate in a spiritual tallahassee

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Tallahassee Chapter of FRLA’s new Board of Directors and Officers : 1. Sam McKay, Karen Lambert, Tracy Marple, Emily Johnson Truitt, Michelle Wilson, Marc Bauer, Patsy Pagan, Terry Daniel, John Kelly, Kurt Luchman, John Sweede, Steve Adams, John Galanti [Photos courtesy FRLA] Capital Area Healthy Start’s Art for Healthy Start Fundraiser: 2. Joe Claborn, Mary Maida, Walter Colon, Marietta Graham 3. Beverly Frick and Barbara Slaughter 4. Gayle Grimes, Beth McGrotha, Elizabeth Strauss, Alisa Ghazvini and Susan Strauss [Photos by Kristina Abernathy]

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events calendar ceremony to ensure safe bicycling for another year. FREE. Railroad Square Art Park, 567 Industrial Drive. 5–8 p.m. (850) 224-6666, railroadsquare.com April 6–15 ‘The Playboy of the Western World’ In this classic play, an outsider proves his heroic abilities to the people of a small Irish town who are desperate for someone to save them. Price TBD. Tallahassee Little Theatre, 1861 Thomasville Road. 8 p.m., Sun–2 p.m. (850) 383-0087, irishtallahassee.com April 8 Easter Buffet Enjoy a relaxing Easter as you feast on a delicious holiday buffet and then reserve some time to take in the scenery as you stroll through the grounds of Wakulla Park or take a scenic cruise on Wakulla river. Prices TBD. Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park, 465 Wakulla Park Drive. 11:30 a.m.–2 p.m.

(850) 421-2000, floridastateparks.org April 12 Capitol City Beerfest Kick off the Spring Game weekend by sampling a wide variety of American Craft Beers and International Ales and Lagers, in a collectors’ edition Beerfest glass, while overlooking Bobby Bowden field and enjoying live music. Also sample and select winners in home brew competitions. Proceeds benefit Florida State University’s Deadman School of Hospitality. University Center Club, FSU campus. 6–9 p.m. (5:30 p.m. early admission with buffet purchase). $30, $20 with student ID. Food buffet $20 in advance, $25 at the door. capitolcitybeerfest.com April 13–16 ‘The Tradgical History of Dr. Faustus’ Capital City Shakespeare brings to life Christopher Marlowe’s horrifying story about a man who sells his soul to the devil for knowledge and fame. Prices TBD. The Warehouse, 706 W. Gaines St. Fri, Sat, Sun 7:30 p.m., Sun 6 p.m. (850) 386-6476 April 15 Capital City Caper You and a team of friends are invited to solve puzzling clues while traveling around the city by limousine. Solve the mystery and be named the year’s top sleuth. Afterward, there will be a dinner to celebrate and announce the winners. Proceeds benefit The Ghazvini Center for Health Care Education. $200 individual, $300 for two, $1,200–$1,750 teams. Mary Brogran tallahassee

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8 9 COVENANT HOSPICE – A CHOCOLATE AFFAIR: 1. Lydia Claire Brooks, Laurel and Dana Brooks 2. James and Kimberly Smith 3. Myriam Manias, Elizabeth Schlein 4. Michelle Brooks, Wendi Works, Charly Nottke, Leonor Sanchez-Thurber TALLAHASSEE TOP SALONS: 5. Alfredo and Maria Paredes 6. Tracy Brown 7. Jill Foster and Amanda Russell 8. Shirley Hanko and Andrew Hagel 9. Katie Goram, Ashley Leising, Ali Campbell and Cecily Armengol [Photos by Caroline Conway] 68

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events calendar Museum of Art and Science, 350 South Duval St. 2–7:30 p.m. Contact Lisa Massing at (850) 201-6065. capitalcitycaper.com April 15 ‘Rapunzel’s Tangled Tea’ Bring your little ballerina to this family event, where they will be treated to cupcake decorating, games, hair decorating, magical crafts and even a sneak peek performance of the Tallahassee Ballet’s spring show, “Rapunzel.” There will be food, and photographer Dina Ivory will be available to capture the fun. $20 for adults and children. Dorothy B. Oven Park, 3205 Thomasville Road. 2–4 p.m. (850) 224-6917, tallahasseeballet.org April 19–22, 27–29 & May 4–6 ‘The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas’ In this jovial and upbeat musical, the Chicken Ranch in Texas served as the “pleasure palace” for many men including politicians and football teams. All is well until a Houston radio commentator exposes the ranch and tries to close it for good. $21 for adults, $17 for senior citizens and students. Tallahassee Little Theatre, 1861 Thomasville Road.

Bar opens at 7 p.m. Show starts at 8 p.m. and at 2 p.m. on Sundays. (850) 224-8474, tallahasseelittletheatre.org April 20–21 Wakulla Wildlife Festival Enjoy the great outdoors as you indulge in the Wakulla Springs Watershed’s vibrant history by listening to reflective music, exploring diverse habitats and discovering new ways to appreciate the environment and the outdoors. $6 suggested donation per vehicle. Wakulla Springs State Park, 465 Wakulla Park Drive. Fri 6:30– 9:30 p.m., Sat 10–4 p.m. (850) 561-7286, wakullawildlifefestival.org April 20 Spirit of Youth Gala The theme for this black-tie event is “Paradise Found,” particularly appropriate because children and families have found a place where they can heal via the residences and services offered by Boys Town North Florida. In addition to dinner, the tropical-themed evening’s entertainment will include a story and performance by Boy’s Town youths as well as a silent and live auctions. University Center Club, FSU campus. 6:30 p.m. boystown.org April 21–22 Chain of Parks Art Festival Art lovers rejoice as the 12th annual LeMoyne tallahassee

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events calendar Chain of Parks Art Festival delivers more than 100 artists to downtown Tallahassee.

Artwork is displayed for visitors to view and purchase. Food, entertainment and souvenirs will also be available. FREE. Tallahassee’s Downtown Chain of Parks, along Park Avenue between Monroe Street and Gadsden Street 10 a.m.–5 p.m. (850) 544-6399, chainofparks.com April 28 The Divine Sisterhood of the Costume Contest Get your best girlfriends together for Tallahassee’s most hotly anticipated girl party of the year hosted by the Tallahassee Ballet.

The theme this year is “Steel Magnolias.” Attendees will surely have a great night, and all proceeds go to aiding the ballet’s costume production and design. Goodwood Carriage House, 1600 Miccosukee Road. Time TBD. (850) 224-6917, tallahasseeballet.org

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May 5 ‘Pops in the Park’ Enjoy a magical evening of music under the stars performed by the Tallahassee Symphony at the beautiful setting of SouthWood’s Central Park Lake. $10, children under 12 FREE. The venue opens at 5:30 p.m. and the concert begins at 7 p.m. (850) 224-0461, tallahasseesymphony.org May 5 11th Annual Tails and Trails Racing on smooth pavement and on wooded trails is part of Tails and Trails, which attracted more than 1,000 runners last year.

The event includes a 1-mile fun run as well as 5K and 10K races. Funds raised support animals in the care of the Animal Service Center. Prices TBD. Race begins and ends at the ASC, 1125 Easterwood Drive. Start times: 8 a.m. 1 mile run, 8:30 a.m. 5K and 10K. animalshelterfoundation.org May 5–6 ‘Rapunzel: A Fairy Tale Ballet’ The Tallahassee Ballet dancers will perform the Grimm Brothers fairytale accompanied by a chamber orchestra. The story focuses on a girl with exceptionally long hair trapped in a tower and the handsome prince who rescues her. Ticket price TBD. Ruby Diamond Concert Hall, FSU Campus. Sat 10:30 a.m. Children’s Abbreviated Performance, Sat 8 p.m. Opening Night, Sun 2:30 p.m. (850) 224-6917, tallahasseeballet.org n

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Tallahassee’s Exclusive School offering AMERICAN BALLET THEATRE® National Training Curriculum

@ PERFORMING ARTS CENTER OF TALLAHASSEE Photo: AJ Abellera | Dancer: Jennifer f Lucas ((student d since 2000) 74

Summer Registration in Progress for Children and Teens Company Etudes Youth Ensemble Ballet Auditions

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March / April 2012

Philanthropist Tillie Allen Honors the late E. C. Allen in the Tallahassee Memorial Cancer Center’s Healing Garden Matilda “Tillie” Austin Allen – known and beloved by all for her indomitable spirit -- has chosen the Tallahassee Memorial Cancer Center and its Healing Garden as the site for a memorial tribute to her late husband – the remarkable E. C. Allen. The E.C. Allen Memorial Fountain now graces the Healing Garden and stands as a soothing water feature amidst the garden’s foliage, ambling paths and outdoor seating – a natural retreat for patients, families and staff. “This garden makes people feel safe, less stressed, more comfortable and even invigorated. It is the perfect place to honor E.C.,” said Mrs. Allen.

the lives of others is inestimable,” said Paula Fortunas, President & CEO of the TMH Foundation.

The Healing Garden was planned by the Cancer Center’s designers.

However, the members of the Tallahassee Garden Club and its Circles have lovingly adopted it and have worked tirelessly with the TMH Foundation to raise funds for the garden and to plant and maintain an array of beautiful and healing flowers.

“Mrs. Allen has been a philanthropic leader at Tallahassee Memorial for decades, said G. Mark O’Bryant, President & CEO, Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare. “She was prominent among the founders of TMH’s premier fund-raising event, the Golden Gala, and her dedicated support of it has been continuous for 29 years – both as a distinguished donor and volunteer on the decorations and design team.” Furthermore, Mrs. Allen and the late Mr. Allen generously made gifts to the TMH Foundation for the Tallahassee Memorial Heart & Vascular Center, the Neuroscience Center, the Diabetes Center, Women’s and Children’s Services and Emergency Medical Services.

Mrs. Allen’s generosity is not exclusive to TMH. Numerous organizations have received extensive charitable support from Mrs. Allen and the late Mr. Allen. These include: The First Baptist Church – major gift for building a wing, Southern Scholarship Foundation – major gift for construction of a house located on the FSU Campus which provides free housing for qualified students, Big Bend Hospice – major gift for expansion of the Hospice House, Florida State University – endowment for the College of Medicine and endowment for the College of Business, the Community Foundation of North Florida and a variety of other local charities.

“Mrs. Allen is a philanthropist in every sense of the word – she seeks the ‘greater good’ by giving of herself as an inspirational volunteer and by contributing financially to those causes and charities she holds dear. The personal time she expends to improve

Tillie Allen dedicates Healing Garden fountain to late husband E. C. Allen.

Naming Opportunities Abound in the Healing Garden Naming opportunities abound in the Healing Garden and include trees, benches, birdhouses and a wall where donors can honor or memorialize loved ones with engraved bricks. Please contact the TMH Foundation to learn how you can support “cancer care close to home” at the Tallahassee Memorial Cancer Center – Telephone: 850.431.5389; E-mail: foundation@tmh.org; Letter: 1331 East Sixth Avenue, Tallahassee, Florida 32303 or please visit www.tmhfoundation.org to make a secure on-line donation.

Philanthropic Projects for Pediatric Services Will’s Wonderful Wagon of Support Will Taylor, a generous local fourth grader, visited Tallahassee Memorial Pediatric Services with his parents, Jon and Jen Taylor and sister Emma to deliver donations of toys, puzzles, books and games. In honor of his younger sister, Will collected donations from friends and families during a project to fill up “Will’s Wagon” for the benefit of pediatric patients at TMH. Will is excited about continuing his project to keep his wagon full of gifts.

Will Taylor stands proudly beside his wagon of donations to benefit pediatric patients.

Rhyan’s Caring for Kids’ Celebration Rhyan Pelham and her mother Kimberly Pelham have delivered cash and multiple bags of donations to Tallahassee Memorial Pediatric Services. For her seventh birthday celebration, Rhyan asked friends and families to bring a gift toy or cash donation that she could, in turn, share with hospitalized children who need positive reinforcement and distraction from treatment.

Rhyan explained why she wanted to help, “ I already had a lot of toys, and I wanted to give to kids who were in the hospital.”

The Junior League of Tallahassee’s Pumpkin Palooza a Grand Success The Junior League of Tallahassee’s Pumpkin Palooza was once again a rousing romp of fun during the fall holiday season. Toys, costumes, goody bags and face painting were contributed during the event, and Junior Leaguers spent the afternoon creating laughter and smiles for pediatric patients. An annual event since 2006, the Pumpkin Palooza is only one of the ways the Junior League continues to partner with Tallahassee Memorial Pediatric Services. In 2010, it gave a major donation to fund the renovation of the Pediatric Services Waiting Room and, during the summer of 2011, it provided colorful ocean-themed ceiling tiles for the newly-renovated Pediatric Services Treatment Room.

Rhyan Pelham and TMH Child Life Specialist Kendal Mundy.

Junior Leaguer Holly Miller and Colette Podgorski provide a fun treat for Jospeh Baxley during the Pumpkin Palooza event.

TALLAHASSEE MEMORIAL HEALTHCARE AND ITS FOUNDATION SALUTE THE

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Southern Medical Group and TMH Form Partnership The physicians of Southern Medical Group, P.A. (SMG) and Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare (TMH) entered a formal partnership through a professional services agreement effective October 1, 2011.

“This new structure will serve as an optimal environment for the physicians of SMG to continue focusing on our patients and the quality of care they receive,” said Marilyn Cox, M.D., President, Southern Medical Group, P.A. “We have worked with Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare for years and are very excited about a closer alignment of our companies that will benefit both our patients and our community.”

“Although a relationship between the two long-time Tallahassee medical institutions is not new, this new partnership provides an environment that will strengthen how we will work together in the future ,” said G. Mark O’Bryant, President & CEO, Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare. “The physicians who founded SMG created the premier internal medicine and cardiovascular practice in the southeast. Together we have developed a tradition of quality patient care that will be strengthened by this partnership.”

Under the new alignment, SMG will concentrate its physician services for Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare which will, in turn, hire staff and devote resources to facilitate SMG’s delivery of services to patients.

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2ND ANNUAL

Battle Bands of the

“We believe this new structure will allow us to be as flexible as possible in meeting the changes we know are coming in our healthcare system,” said Mr. O’Bryant.

“We are thankful that the physicians of SMG will continue their service to our region. This new approach builds the way for the future, while honoring those physicians who built an excellent medical practice and those who have continued that tradition.”

About Southern Medical Group >> The physicians of Southern Medical Group practice the specialties of Internal Medicine and Cardiology and are all Board Certified in their respective specialties. They provide adult primary and specialty care, as well as consultations for other physicians. Internal medicine physicians focus on adult medicine and have specialty training on how to prevent, diagnose and treat diseases that affect adults. Cardiology physicians are specialists in heart disease with special training and skill in finding, treating and preventing diseases of the heart and blood vessels. Southern Medical Group provides services in echocardiography, nuclear imaging, cardiac catheterization, interventional cardiology, peripheral vascular disease, electrophysiology services, ablation therapy for all types of arrhythmias (including atrial fibrillation), pacemaker, defibrillator implantation and follow up.

Friday, April 27, 2012 at 7:00 p.m.

Jimmy Everett Track, Lincoln High School Admission is $5 and open to the public Band Competition, Vendor Booths and Games Student bands from all five area high schools are invited to apply for entry in the competition.

Eight to 10 bands will be selected. Please contact Beth Button at buttonb@leonschools.net for details.

All proceeds from the Battle of the Bands will benefit the Tallahassee Memorial Heart & Vascular Center, which specializes in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular disease.

tallahassee memorial healthcare foundation advertorial | 

The Marco Joseph Ginaldi Endowment for Pediatric Medical Music Therapy Created by the Ginaldi Family

The Ginaldi Family has generously and purposefully created the Marco Joseph Ginaldi Endowment for Pediatric Medical Music Therapy at Tallahassee Memorial Hospital. The endowment will exist in perpetuity and serve as a tribute to Marco’s life and a testament to Lucy Ann Choate Ginaldi’s and Sergio Ginaldi’s profound and abiding love for their son and to the devotion of his sister Gia Ginaldi, his brother and sister-in law Joel and Katherine Ginaldi and his nephew Robert “Jack” Ginaldi.

The annual distribution from the Marco Joseph Ginaldi Endowment’s earnings will be dedicated to pediatric medical music therapy which is an integral part of Tallahassee Memorial’s comprehensive medical music therapy program’s goals and objectives to: Ʉ

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In his salute to the Ginaldi family, G. Mark O’Bryant, President & CEO, Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare, said, “TMH is enormously grateful for this generous donation to the TMH Foundation to establish the Marco Joseph Ginaldi Endowment and for the confidence the family has placed in pediatric medical music therapy at TMH.”

“Endowments such as Marco’s are a deeply caring and powerful way for donors to honor or memorialize a loved one. Every name associated with every endowment endures for generations to come,” said Paula Fortunas, President & CEO of the TMH Foundation.

 | tallahassee memorial healthcare foundation advertorial

In December 2011, Tallahassee Memorial Hospital made a change that will positively affect each and every person receiving inpatient care.

Hundreds of brand-new, high-tech Stryker S3 beds replaced all of the adult medical-surgical beds in the main hospital and ten beds in the Behavioral Health Center. The overhaul also involved the delivery of new cribs for pediatric patients and more than 50 technologically-advanced stretchers for transport and procedural areas.

Enhancing Patient Care – Brand-New, High-Tech Beds at Tallahassee Memorial Hospital

“When we talk about beds, we are talking about the environment in which 100 percent of our patients will be cared for, and our patients come in every size and shape and have a wide variety of clinical needs,” said Barbara MacArthur, RN, MN, FAAN, Vice President/Chief Nursing Officer of Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare.

“We needed to explore new technology, materials and surfaces that provide a safe, comfortable place to rest, sleep and move for patients.

Additionally, we needed to consider the ability for our nursing staff to access the patient for care, respond to emergencies, weigh patients, reposition those patients who have limited mobility and avoid injuries to themselves during these interventions,” Mrs. MacArthur further explained.

After careful deliberation, the Stryker S3 bed series was selected as the best option to meet those needs. The new beds use the latest technology to provide a higher quality of care safely, conveniently and consistently.

Special features help safeguard patients from falling or developing pressure ulcers. The Stryker S3 also has a built-in scale that provides accurate weight measurement, while the patient rests comfortably in any position. Each of these features strengthens caregivers’ ability to monitor patients and meet their needs.

Meanwhile, the beds are also specially designed to protect caregivers from experiencing injury or physical strain on the job. Features such as one-hand operation of siderails, center-mounted brakes, the one-touch in-bed scale and superior ergonomics help reduce the frequent bending and twisting that can injure caregivers.

While many vital infrastructure improvements, such as new generators or air handlers, can go largely unnoticed, acquiring new beds for the hospital is an investment that has direct, tangible benefits for our patients and colleagues alike. “I am thrilled that we have actualized one of TMH’s most vital infrastructure changes in a number of years,” Mrs. MacArthur concluded.

“This major acquisition of patient beds was complemented by the purchase of Symmetry II Stryker Sleeper Chairs for the mothers and fathers of hospitalized children. These chairs, funded by charitable contributions to the TMH Foundation, easily convert into beds and provide home-like comfort,” said Paula Fortunas, President & CEO of the TMH Foundation.

tallahassee memorial healthcare foundation advertorial | 

Protocols for Philanthropy - Memorial and Tribute Gifts Memorial and Tribute Gifts . . .

Paula S. Fortunas President/CEO TMH Foundation

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provide the opportunity to associate a family name or the name of a respected friend or colleague with a project or program of enduring worth at Tallahassee Memorial. Remembering and honoring an individual in this way affirms your abiding admiration, your personal values and priorities.

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establish a permanent link with the past and lay a firm foundation for the future as TMH marches toward the reality of its vision “Recognized World Class Healthcare.”

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support specific patient care and treatment units, acquisition of medical, scientific and technical equipment, capital improvements, research initiatives and scholarship programs.

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may be designated for immediate use – in the name of the honoree – or placed in a named endowment where the principal is never invaded and the annual payout is used to fund, in perpetuity, the donor-designated TMH program or project.

The Marco Joseph Ginaldi Endowment is a sterling example of a named endowment – please see article on page 4.

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take the form of cash, securities, real estate, life insurance, retirement plan or other assets of the donor’s choice and can be made either outright or deferred under the donor’s estate plan.

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may be funded within the framework of either a charitable remainder trust or charitable gift annuity. Gifts such as these are identified as ”life income gifts” because they are structured to provide an income (for life or other designated period) to the donor and/or to someone named by the donor.

Memorial and Tribute Gifts are an important tradition for many people and offer exceptional recognition opportunities. The TMH Foundation will be happy to work with you, your family and your professional advisors to determine the best donation approach within your personal circumstances. Please let us hear from you.

Note: The contents of this article and any materials you request and receive from the TMH Foundation are general in nature and are not intended as either legal, financial or tax advice. You should consult your own professional advisor(s) before making a final decision with respect to gift plans and agreements.

TALLAHASSEE MEMORIAL HEALTHCARE AND THE TMH FOUNDATION PRESENT GOLDEN GALA XXIX STARRING

Keith Urban APRIL 25, 2012

TALLAHASSEE – LEON COUNTY CIVIC CENTER

The Golden Gala, now in its 29TH year, is a black tie affair considered by many as Tallahassee’s premier charitable and social event. Proceeds will be used toward the acquisition of an Interactive Communication Education Entertainment System for TMH patients and their families. To make Golden Gala reservations, please contact the TMH Foundation by calling Bonnie Cannon at 850.431.4590 or e-mailing bonnie.cannon@tmh.org. Thank you very much for your support of “Recognized World Class Healthcare” at

1331 East Sixth Avenue, Tallahassee, Florida 32303 Telephone: 850.431.5389 Facsimile: 850.431.4483 E-Mail: paula.fortunas@tmh.org Website: www.tmhfoundation.org

To Make a Secure On Line Donation: Please go to www.tmhfoundation.org.

Click on “Make a Donation,” and then click on “Secure Credit Card Donation.”

SPIRIT OF YOUTH OU UTH GALA GALA & AUCTION AUC CTION Please Join Us Friday, April 20th University Center Club

found

I HAVE FINALLY A PLACE I CAN CALL HOME.

Enjoy tropical elegance and experience the help, healing and hope Boys Town North Florida gives to the most at-risk children and families in our community.

Visit boystownnorthorida.org or call 850-575-6422 to register and for more information.

1202-059

tallahassee

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Bret Timmons and Paul Watts, COO Electronet Broadband Communications

RE AL CUSTOMERS . RE AL ISSUES . RE AL SOLUTIONS .

We have been strategic partners with Electronet for many years. We worked closely with them in the development of their PMAN (Private Medical Area Network). Electronet built fiber into our facilities to provide next generation broadband services. Once we heard that Electronet was offering voice and long distance services, we decided to bundle all of our services together.

We have been very pleased with Electronet and their highly qualified team of professionals.

If you’re looking to enhance your current communications platform while saving money, then Electronet is your perfect choice.

Bret Timmons

3 4 1 1 C a p i t a l M e d i c a l B l v d . Ta l l a h a s s e e , F L | 2 2 2 . 0 2 2 9 | w w w. e l e c t r o n e t . n e t

EXPLORE

CREATE

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Saddle Up, Kids For Horseback Riding Camp!

ELEMENTARY MUSIC DAY-CAMP

For more information

www.HappyTrailsRanch.com

850.893.0771

Monday, June 11 - Friday, June 15 8:00am - Noon ...And 13 other camps for middle school & senior high band, orchestra, chorus, piano, guitar, jazz and marching band!

• Character development & acting instruction • Technical theatre—lights, set, costumes • Build confidence • Learn the importance of teamwork

REGISTRATION IS OPEN!

For More Information Please Contact: The Florida State University Summer Music Camps 850-644-9934 http://music.fsu.edu

Summer at The Center

Reading Success Starts Here

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Tallahassee’s ll h Premier AMERICAN BALLET THEATRE® National Training Curriculum School

• One-to-one Reading Tutorials • Comprehension Classes • Study Strategies

Offering classes and camps for chrildren, teens and adults Featuring our ever popular “Tutus & Tiaras” and more!

2028 North Point Boulevard (850) 562-1430 | pactdance.com

Tallahassee Little Theatre Summer Camp 2012

Sessions available June 4-August 3. Check out the camps and register your child by going to: www.tallahasseelittletheatre.org

Limited Enrollment Registration begins March 1

1861 Thomasville Road (850) 224-8474

PERFORMING ARTS CAMP O F F E R E D

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Stubbs’ Music Center DANCE ~ MU SIC ~ D RAMA ~ ART Beauty and the Beast | Muppets | Dr. Seuss The Lorax The Pirates The Band of Misfits | Madagascar 3 | Brave

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tallahassee

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His & Hers I

Couples With High-Profile Lives Share How They Balance Work, Family and Marriage

t just makes sense that an intelligent, ambitious, accomplished man would be attracted to, and ultimately marry, a woman with similar qualities. And vice versa. But can each half of a couple find professional fulfillment while enjoying a happy married and family life? Four local couples answer with a resounding “Yes!” They’ve invited us into their private lives for a look at how they manage to keep the balls in the air, the plates spinning, the trains running on time, all systems go — choose your metaphor — when trying to balance personal lives with high-powered careers. By Audrey Post | Photos By Scott Holstein Barry and Allison Tant Richard are big on family. They like to say it’s probably a good thing they didn’t meet earlier in life, or they might have a dozen kids. They have dinner every night as a family, spend most weekends as a family at their place at the beach and take family vacations that provide educational opportunities, often in conjunction with one of Barry’s speaking engagements.

“She is a totally devoted mother who is here for the kids 24-7,” Barry said.

Whether it’s cheering on Jonathan at a crew competition or reading Nancy Drew books with Danielle for a homework project, Allison is immersed in her children’s lives. “And that relieves me of feeling guilty, because she’s taking care of the important stuff.”

She was a working mom until the twins, born six weeks early, were 3. Jeremy, who has Williams Syndrome, required seven surgeries, including open-heart surgery at 23 months. Ultimately, Allison has put her skills to use not only on her son’s behalf, but also to help other families who might not have the resources and support their family does, or the experience in dealing with bureaucratic governing boards and committees. “It wasn’t easy,” she acknowledged. “I didn’t want to have to come into this world.”

Their philanthropy is an extension of 84

March–April 2012

Barry & Allison » Barry is a lawyer, a principal in Greenberg Traurig and perhaps best known for successfully representing George W. Bush in the 2000 election challenge. “I was then and am still a Democrat,” he said.

Allison is a fulltime mom, an advocate for child disability/ exceptional student education and Northwest Florida Finance Chair for the Obama re-election campaign. She’s a former lobbyist for Fortune 100 and 500 corporations with Holland & Knight law firm and before that, for Steel, Hector & Davis.

They’ve been married 15 years, together 18. They have three children together, 13-year-old twin boys and an 8-year-old girl, and two older kids, one married, from Barry’s previous marriage: “Three bigs and three littles,” Allison says.

Allison’s desire to create a network of resources for people with special-needs children. They support the Children’s Home Society, where Jeremy got early intervention services which “absolutely enhanced the quality of his life and ours as a family,” Allison said. “I started the KEYS (Keys to Exceptional Youth Success) to ensure post-secondary schooling opportunities for children like my son, and I am on the TCC Foundation board because this institution is so deeply committed to our community. We are building an entire program of learning for kids like my son.”

They believe that the way to keep a family strong is to keep their marriage strong. They make time for each other every day, even if it’s just an hour after the kids are in bed. They have date night once a week. “We both feel it’s important not to let all the romance and intimacy in our relationship disappear,” she said.

They know they’re fortunate to have help, including a housekeeper, a personal chef who cooks a couple of nights a week and college students who help with getting the kids to afterschool activities, homework and Jeremy’s therapeutic needs.

Allison’s elderly mom lives with them, too, she said, so “there are six people under our roof and the laundry, errands, needs for attention never stop.”

Kids can suck all the air out His“ of the room. If you don’t

make a point of finding time for each other, the kids will grow up and leave home and you’ll find you have nothing in common anymore. You haven’t talked to each other in 20 years.”

We show support of Hers“ each other … When we talk about each other, we talk very lovingly and supportively … .

I think if I said I needed to go to the moon for some reason, Barry would help me find a way to do it. And the same goes here.”

tallahassee

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March–April 2012

His“

I could not have achieved the success I have without her support.

When the opportunity came for her to pursue her dream of being a judge, I was happy to support her. She has always given me that kind of support.”

Hers“

When you start your day praying together and you end your day the same way, it strengthens you and your marriage. It gives you a foundation.”

Curtis and Nina Ashenafi Richardson are so in synch about how they arrange their priorities that they answer the question almost in unison: “God, then family, then community.”

“That’s how we’ve managed to keep things in perspective,” Nina said. “We had to step back and align ourselves and our actions with our values.”

It doesn’t hurt that they truly like each other. Sure, they’re in love, but the happiness they feel being with each other is apparent. Having children has enriched their lives, they said.

Before Nina became a county court judge, she and Curtis regularly took turns staying home from work when one of their daughters was sick. Now that she’s on the bench, the court calendar dictates who leaves work for parenting duty. “My schedule is a little more flexible when it comes to doctor’s appointments and dental appointments,” he said. “There are times when she’s able to stay home, but sometimes she just can’t.”

Some people might find Curtis’ willingness to play “Mr. Mom” surprising, but not Nina. Her father, a Florida State University music professor, was a single parent, so very involved fathers are just how it’s supposed to be. They laugh about how a teacher once said she knew when Nina

« Curtis & Nina Curtis has worked in various capacities in education and is currently director of school improvement for Gadsden County Schools. He’s a former member of the Leon County School Board and a former state representative. Nina, an attorney, was elected to a Leon County judgeship in 2008.

They’ve been together 20 years, married for 16. “We had a long courtship,” she said. They have two daughters.

had an early court appearance, because Curtis did a better job fixing the girls’ hair.

“He’s a strong man, and he’s not threatened by my being a lawyer.”

With two children, busy careers and various community organizations seeking their support, the Richardsons are

constantly juggling. “You have to have an outstanding calendar and very good time management skills,” she added. They keep everything on one big calendar, including work schedules, their daughters’ events and appointments, social engagements — anywhere one of the family members needs to be.

“When I was in the Legislature, I was driven to do a good job for the people who elected me to be there, and things got a bit out of balance,” Curtis said. “I’m still very involved in the community, with the Boy Scout Council, for example, but there’s more balance now.”

Both have volunteered with numerous organizations in the community, and each has a special cause to support. For him, it’s advocating for children and adults with disabilities. “I feel like they need a voice,” he said. For her, it’s access to the courts for everyone, particularly battered women and their children. “All people, regardless of race, rich or poor, deserve their day in court,” she said.

How do they resolve disagreements?

They talk. “If Nina is angry, she’ll walk away and come back when she’s calm, and then we continue to talk,” Curtis said.

“You have to be transparent,” Nina said, “and let yourself be vulnerable if need be.” tallahassee

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March–April 2012

His“

(Marriage) is a God-ordained covenant between two people who should be constantly trying to make it work. And it is a lot of work. Every day you have to cultivate it.

It’s too easy to take each other for granted.”

Les has gotten so much better about asking me specifics about my day. And, to any of you manly men reading this — it’s never too late in your relationship to offer to stop Hers“ at the grocery store. Les has only recently started finding his way around Publix, and he even cooks occasionally! That’s always a treat for me. He also gives a great foot massage.”

For Les and Ruth Ruggles Akers, their long marriage has been successful because it has always been a work in progress. Finding the right balance among work, the kids and making time for each other meant looking at things from the other’s perspective, and sharing the thrill of each other’s successes.

She taught piano in her home studio when the kids were young and was a part-time instructor at Florida Atlantic University, so she dealt with childhood illnesses and emergencies. “Ruth provides a wonderful refuge for me in our home,” Les said. “She understands and gives support for the work I do. I’m gone a lot, and I wasn’t always there for her when the kids were young.

“When events come up outside of business hours, I find that if I can think of my wife first and how it might affect her, I’ll have a better chance of making the right decision,” he said. “If I’m unsure, I’ll call

« Les & Ruth Les went right into the car business after graduating from Florida State University, and he still owns a Ford dealership in Palm Beach County in addition to being co-owner and general manager of Tallahassee’s Legacy Toyota. Ruth was teaching at Palm Beach Community College when they started dating and now teaches music history at FSU. Come July they will have been married 37 years and have three grown children, none of whom live in town.

and ask her. I’m better at this now than I used to be.”

“Yes, you are,” Ruth said with a smile.

Their faith guides their philanthropy.

They pray about which groups to support, and they try to balance their giving so they don’t always donate to the same ones every year. They’ve both served on many community boards, but they give first to their church. They also support the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and A Woman’s Pregnancy Center, and both have served on the board of Live the Life, an organization dedicated to promoting healthy marriages and families.

Les is a self-confessed sports fanatic and she teaches in the College of Music, so FSU athletics and musical programs benefit from their generosity. He is on the board of University Musical Associates and she is on the board of Seven Days of Opening Nights and the Tallahassee Symphony Orchestra. tallahassee

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March–April 2012

His“

We’re both pretty independent individuals and we try to recognize each other’s need for space.

We work out schedules so that each of us has our own time to exercise, or even just read or work quietly without disruption. We have a partnership. It is not easy working, raising three kids and managing a household — we do our best to lift each other up so we achieve our personal, professional and family goals.“

We do recognize that we lead really busy and full lives and, especially as our children get older, it seems we have less and less time to just hang out with each other. We try to Hers“ remember and appreciate that; sometimes an open calendar is equally important as a full one.”

John and Pamela Ricco started out at rival universities — she got her bachelor’s degree at Alabama and he at Florida — but it was graduate school in public administration at Florida State that brought them together. Together, they approach life as a management team that plays to their individual strengths.

“A good friend told us when we first had kids that parenting could be a ‘management challenge,’ so that perspective has helped us a lot,” Pamela said.

When one of the kids is sick, they determine who stays home by what each parent has going on at work. “It totally depends on what each of us has going on at work. If one of us is traveling, the other one works it out.”

“Sometimes we switch off half-days where one of us stays home in the morning and the other will take the afternoon,” John added. “We both have been very fortunate to work for family-friendly employers.”

Their children attend Trinity Catholic School, and they have a regular sitter who picks them up after school, oversees homework and gets their uniforms ready for the next day. When she’s sick or out of town, the parents take on her duties.

“We talk about the list of things that needs to get done and each of us takes a task,” Pamela said. “One of us will help with homework while the other helps get their things organized or cleans up — we just try to recognize our strengths and go with it.”

« John & Pamela John recently joined Partners in Association Management as executive director of the Florida Cemetery, Cremation and Funeral Association, after 18 years of association management experience at the Florida Association of Counties.

He is a Certified Association Executive (CAE). Pamela is executive vice president and chief operating officer of the Florida Bankers Association, a position she has held for six of her eight years at FBA. Both hold master’s degrees in public administration; she also has a master’s in social work. “John sometimes jokes that my work allows me to travel to better destinations, and he’s probably right about that,” Pamela said.

They have three children, daughters who are 6 and 11 and a 9-year-old son.

Vacations and philanthropy both have a family focus. Pam’s sister, who lives in Atlanta, has children near in age to their own kids, so they usually spend a week each summer with them at the beach. “We love the tradition of vacationing with cousins at the beach,” John said.

They have a strong commitment to Catholic education, supporting Trinity and Pope John Paul II High School, as well as their church, Blessed Sacrament. Big Bend Hospice is also important to the family, having played what John describes as “an immeasurable role” when Pam’s dad and mom died in 2007 and 2008, respectively.

Pam is also on the board of Florida House in the nation’s capital. “She’s hopeful that one day, every Floridian visiting Washington, D.C., will know about this fantastic resource,” John said.

They acknowledge it’s a challenge to balance careers, kids and time together. “We don’t go out a lot or participate in a lot of social events because we just feel like we need as much time at home as possible,” Pamela said. “One of our favorite things to do is hang out on our front porch with our kids and our friends and neighbors.

Oh, and have a glass of wine, or two … .”

They approach disagreements the same way they deal with everything else, as part of a management team. “We each lay out our position on the topic,” Pam said, “and try to look at it from another perspective and see if there is some middle ground, which we usually find (except when John’s dead wrong).” n tallahassee

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Style ONE

two PLACES

Now, You Can Dress Up for the Beach AND Take Your Swimsuit Uptown

by Rosanne Dunkelberger

I

n the upcoming swimsuit season, forget the terrycloth cover-up and top your bikini with a sequined cardigan sweater when you head to the pool, says local trend-spotter Carrie McNeill.

One of the biggest resort and casual wear trends carrying forward into 2012 is the blurring of the line between what can be worn at the beach and everyday wear, according to the owner of Midtown’s Cole Couture boutique.

After you slather on the sunscreen, be sure to accessorize your swimsuit with some bold — and waterproof — fashion jewelry. If your bikini top is pretty, pull a sheer tunic over it, pair it with palazzo pants and head out for a night on the town.

Turn the page and be inspired by the resort looks that appeared in Tallahassee Magazine’s Sun Fashion Show, held poolside at downtown’s Aloft Hotel.

Photos by: Scott Holstein, Fashions by: Cole Couture, Hair by: Haute Headz, Makeup by: Allison Stout

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MARCH–APRIL 2012

ANIMAL ATTRACTION A retro-glam Jessica Rivera wears a simple black one-piece with a bejeweled snake added for interest. “We’ve been seeing a lot of snakes and lizards in jewelry — it’s almost like they took a piece of jewelry and incorporated it into this swimsuit,” says Carrie of the BCBG MAXAZRIA design. This look gets added flair from handcast filigree earrings and stacked bangle bracelets from Texas-based Susan Shaw Jewelry. Her teased pouf — with hair all in an updo or half up and half down — “is THE hairstyle going forward,” she says.

“Everything old is new again.” t allaha s s e e

93

A Young Designer Creates a Fashion Sensation WITH Reused Materials HANGING TOUGH Perry brings a biker chick sensibility poolside with boy-short bottoms wrapped in a studded wrap belt by Cowboy Leather. Her top, made of recycled parachute material from the MAE Couture line, was designed by Caroline Heidenreich. The finishing touch is a black leather cropped jacket with zipper detailing by BCBG MAXAZRIA. “We’re seeing a lot of variety in coverage — with boy-short bottoms and a big push in one pieces,” Carrie says, as well as a lot of accessorizing with swimsuits. “In the last swimsuit edition of Sports Illustrated, every model is pictured with layered necklaces and bangles.”

ABOVE: One-of-a-kind, handconstructed and made-tomeasure top and skirt

by MAE Couture.

RIGHT: Stephanie

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MARCH–APRIL 2012

Style ONE

MAE Couture

two PLACES

I

owned a downtown women’s clothing store that operated in the f you were doing a little word association with the phrase early 20th century. “I’ve heard many stories that a lot of people got “cutting-edge fashion,” it’s not likely “Tallahassee” would their wedding gowns from Mae’s Shop, all the way down to their be the first name that comes to most people’s minds. lingerie and everyday ready-to-wear,” she says.

But 26-year-old Caroline Heidenrich, a “born and Her mother, Louise McNeill Heidenrich, owns the home furraised” local girl, is making her mark in the fashion world with her nishings accessories store Weezies Cottage Living in Havana. And highly acclaimed line of clothing, MAE Couture. What’s unique her designs can be found at Cole Couture, owned by cousin-in-law about her couture fashions is that Heidenrich creates everything Carrie McNeill, who is also pressed into service accessorizing outfrom casual tops to formal dresses almost exclusively from repurfits during MAE Couture’s Tallahassee-based photo shoots. (Cole posed materials. While her main inspiration comes from military Couture carries some of MAE’s more casual styles while Narcissus surplus supplies such as parachutes, mosquito netting and pup has more of the line’s gowns.) tents, she’s also designed using trash bags and other recyclables.

MAE’s gowns are couture — made and fit specifically to a client A 2003 graduate of Chiles High School, Heidenrich says she — with prices that can range from a $35 discovered the possibilities of surplus swimwear top to a $2,000 bridal gown. materials as a student at the Savannah Her client list includes Laura Turner College of Art and Design, where she Seydel, daughter of Ted Turner. “She’s graduated in 2009. big into environmentalism and sustain“I was uninspired by the materials at ability and being eco friendly,” and apfabric stores and didn’t have the finanpeared in a recent book wearing one of cial support to go to New York and get Heidenrich’s gowns. expensive fabrics,” she explains. “I was Heidenrich says she’s not interested in completely uninspired by the whole promass producing clothing, but “I would cess, so I went to a military surplus … love to get to a manufacturing level to and I made my first mosquito net gown make things ready to wear and to make for my senior collection. It just got such things more available to people.” Her a great response from my professor and goal for 2012 is to collaborate with her mentor.” That student work would earn assistant, Megan Lawrence, and create her the Jefferey Fashion Cares New Talan exclusive collection of wedding wear, ent Award and help launch her Atlantaincluding bridal gowns, bridesmaids based business. dresses, mother-of-the bride dresses and “I do love using military materials, es“things for the groomsmen.” pecially parachutes. It’s a beautiful maCaroline Heidenreich, Mae Couture The young designer says she’s capitalterial. It makes a beautiful gown,” she izing on her reputation as an eco-friendly designer to collaborate says. She will often dye the parachute material and takes advanwith environmental organizations. Her current efforts are focused tage of ripcords to create flowing ruched skirts. “Some are made on a campaign to increase awareness about the abundance of plasout of silk and some are made out of nylon — it depends on what tic trash pollution in the world’s oceans. Swirling ocean currents year they were made.” The “retired” parachutes she uses can be as have created five “gyres” of sea trash. old as the 1950s through the ’90s. U.S. parachutes are her favorites “They’re finding that a lot of fish are eating it and they’re finding “because of the construction,” but she also collects military prodthat there’s just so much of it they’re creating bathtub rings around ucts from France, Japan, China and England as well. “Every single islands of this photo-degraded plastic,” she says. “It will not biodepiece of military equipment that I get is different,” she says. “It’s grade, so it just turns into smaller pieces. They sent me trash from a little bit of a different color, it’s obviously used so it has different the Pacific Gyre and I’m making a collection of beaded gowns with wear and tear marks; their numbers are all different. That’s what all the plastic that they’ve sent me. My goal is to make gowns from I really love about it — nothing will ever be the same, even if they each gyre … five different collections to create awareness about look identical in a photograph.” the plastic pollution. It’s just that simple — to bring awareness to Her silhouettes are classic, so don’t expect to find epaulets or global issues through fashion. That’s basically my goal other than brass buttons on her clothing. “The inspiration for the designs is earning enough to just pay my bills. not military, that just happens to be the material,” Heidenrich says.

“I like to try and give back as much as I can.”

While she’s now based in Atlanta, Heidenrich’s roots in Tal— Rosanne Dunkelberger lahassee — and fashion — run deep. For starters, her company carries the name of her great-grandmother, Mae Johnson, who t allaha s s e e

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SHOWING HER FEATHERS LEFT: Ingrid Bellera is channeling “peacock” with an uber-trendy feather clipped into her hair and a shiny gold W Swim bikini covered up with a Carlie cardigan whose pattern is inspired by the bird’s bright coloration. “This is a perfect example of something that was originally intended to be worn with jeans or a pair of pants or shorts but people are going to turn it into a cover-up instead of going straight to a swim store,” Carrie says. “They want something a little bit different and out of the box, so they’re shopping boutiques for cover-ups to be more fashionable.”

Her necklace is by Verdier Jewelry.

BANDEAU ON THE RUN a French Connection bandeau criss-cross halter with wide-leg pants, and you’re ready for a night on the town.

“Bandeaus are really popular now — this is where swim becomes everyday and everyday becomes swim,” Carrie explains. “Girls are wearing bandeaus under sheer tops. Wearing a bandeau as an undergarment, you want it to peek through — it’s not like it’s a bra.” Model Natalie Clark is also showing another trend with her bangle bracelets. “Stacking bracelets is a huge trend. Stack as many as you can stack on your arm,” she says.

THIS PAGE: Pair

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BOLD JEWELRY The simplicity of Meryl K. Walker’s ruffled peach bikini by My H2O is set off by a chunky multi-strand necklace with a fabric tie and matching bracelet. “This necklace is great with jeans and a T-shirt or is just as pretty with a strapless dress,” says Carrie. “She can go from a day at the pool to a cocktail party wearing the same jewelry.”

Priced at less than $20, “it’s fashion-forward without the price tag shock,” she says. “You won’t mind getting your jewelry wet — it’s safe because the fabric will dry and the ‘jewels’ are primarily metals and colored plastics.”

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AS THE SUN WAS SETTING … over downtown’s Aloft Hotel, the beach-to-street fashion was getting hotter and hotter at Tallahassee Magazine’s Sun Fashion Show. t allaha s s e e

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t takes way more than a village — more like an army — to put on a fashion show. The success of the Sun Fashion Show is thanks to the help of a variety of people. You know who you are. We know who you are. And now we’d like our readers to know who you are, too.

TALLAHASSEE MAGAZINE McKenzie Burleigh Marjorie Stone

Cole Couture Carrie McNeill Courtney Dunham Laurel Wolcott

Haute Headz

Why settle for bland banquet halls when your wedding can be the one that all others are measured against?

Hotel Duval adds the element of boutique chic to your wedding day with a backdrop of the Tallahassee skyline. Offering an inspired setting, Hotel Duval and the Exquisite Beginnings Dream Team provide attentive service and 7,500 square feet of event space for boutique weddings, receptions, bridal parties and luncheons as well as stylish, contemporary guestrooms for out-of-town wedding guests. Located in the heart of downtown, Hotel Duval’s Horizon Ballroom and Level 8 terrace make for your perfect “wedding in the sky.”

As a presenting sponsor of the Exquisite Beginning Wedding Giveaway, Hotel Duval has provided the lucky couple with a wedding reception in the Horizon Ballroom, catering and honeymoon suite on April 22nd after saying, “I do.”

Visit Weddingsbyduval.com to follow the winning couple on their wedding planning journey and for a complete list of all our sponsors.

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B. Kaufmann Brynn Monesterio Dave Panton Lizzy Hendricks Nicole Roberts Sarah Ann McClure

Photographer Scott Holstein

Marsha Doll Models and Promotions Marsha Doll

DJ GT Entertainment

Aloft HoteL Models Alexia McKay Angelina Cain Brittany BouSLIman Claire Varnedoe Colby McEldowney Crystal Carrin DesIree Stennett Erika Akerley Gabrielle Barrett Gregory S. Beaver, Jr. Ingrid Bellera Jenni WIGGLESWORTH Jessica Littlefield Jessica Rivera-BUSBY Lauren Gluesenkamp Lauren Schwartzman Meryl K. Walker Natalie Clark Shannon Colavecchio Stephanie Perry Taylor Jansik Tracey Grant Victor Bellera Wil Varn

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Callaway Gardens // P. 104

Barnsley Garden Resort // P. 106

South Walton Coast // P. 108

Photo By Scott Holstein (South Walton Beach) and Chip Litherland (Legoland) And Courtesy Callaway Gardens And Barnsley Gardens Resorts (Ruins)

Legoland Florida // P. 110

//getaways There’s an old chestnut that goes something like “getting there is half the fun.” These days, unless you’ve got the Gulfstream fueled and ready to go on the tarmac, getting there (and back) is pretty much zero fun, while eating into precious vacation time with a day or two of aggravation, boredom and expense. Why not ditch the airport and enjoy a getaway instead? We’re highlighting four road trips that offer relaxation (or a little excitement, if that’s what you’re after) in a long weekend.

Head to the coast and choose from the 15 beach communities of south Walton County. Pack up the car and take a drive to our neighbors to the north and enjoy the Southern hospitality of Barnsley Gardens Resort or the natural beauty of Callaway Gardens. Or, grab the kids and head south to Central Florida’s newest theme park, Legoland.

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ou’ve probably had your share of weekend getaways to a nearby beach or theme park. But many Tallahasseans have yet to take advantage of the beauty of Callaway Gardens. Looking for something within a day’s drive that would leave time for relaxing and exploring nature, my family and I headed north to Pine Mountain, Ga., to experience the beauty of our neighbor to the north’s great outdoors.

Callaway Gardens, a sprawling piece of the beautiful Georgia countryside in the Appalachian Mountains, is home to the world’s largest azalea display, one of North America’s biggest butterfly conservatories and the vegetable garden where PBS’ “The Victory Garden” is filmed. This Georgia retreat is the perfect place to celebrate spring.

Within the 13,000 acres of world-famous Callaway Gardens, you can bike along 10 miles of treecanopied nature trails in the Discovery Bicycle Trail (bring your own bikes or rent them onsite), examine a thousand delicate, winged beauties in the Cecil B. Day Butterfly Center, plant one of the 700 varieties of crops harvested in Mr. Cason’s Vegetable Garden and relax among 3,400 hybrid azaleas in the 40-acre Callaway Brothers Azalea Bowl (April is prime time for the azalea bloom). Learn about owls, bald eagles, falcons and hawks in the hands-on Birds of Prey show, and explore five acres of exotic and indigenous plants in the John A. Sibley Horticulture Center.

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Also inside Callaway Gardens is the Virginia Hand Callaway Discovery Center. Usually the first stop for guests, the center features an overview of all there is to see and do in Callaway Gardens and houses an education wing, museum and exhibit hall, and gift shop.

A short walk away is the Tree-Top Adventure, a ropes course offering a chance to take your love of nature to new heights with ziplines and other aerial challenges. A little farther is the Ida Cason Callaway Memorial Chapel. Reminiscent of a 16th Century Gothic chapel, it is constructed of fieldstone quartz and features stained glass windows depicting the various seasons of a Southern forest, as well as a custom-built pipe organ. If you get lucky, the organist may be there and play tranquil tunes as you meditate or pray in the rustic chapel.

We stayed at the beautiful Lodge and Spa at Callaway Gardens, part of the Autograph Collection by Marriott. With its soft brown and green hues, The Lodge and Spa is the only four-diamond, upscale accommodation in Callaway Gardens. It offers guests a

Photos of Lodge AND Birds of Prey Show Courtesy Callaway Gardens, www.callawaygardens.com

Fall in Love With Nature at This North Georgia Treasure By Wendy O. Dixon

unique experience, along with Marriott reward perks.

The Lodge and Spa’s 150 LEEDcertified guest rooms and suites feature four-fixture bathrooms with all-natural spa products, a mini fridge, a work station, complimentary wireless Internet and a balcony overlooking gorgeous landscapes. The resort is environmentally friendly, with shampoo, conditioner and body wash in pumps installed in the shower stall — saving 120,000 of those tiny bottles per year.

The Lodge was designed to keep in harmony with nature, blending the exquisite beauty of nature with good ’ole Southern hospitality. The lobby, with a cozy fireplace and Craftsmanstyle exposed beams, fieldstone accents and hardwood floors, offers an elegant interpretation of a traditional mountain lodge in the Appalachian foothills.

And the heated pool maintains a warm temperature all year long. The stellar staff is friendly and accommodating; we never even had to open a door.

The Lodge and Spa’s Piedmont Grille is designed with earth tones and massive windows to create a dine-withnature experience. The menu changes seasonally, offering a seafood buffet one night and farm-to-fork meals another.

I took a couple of hours off from family time by visiting The Lodge’s Spa Prunifolia. I was in heaven after my Swedish massage, the spa’s 80-minute signature treatment combining therapeutic Swedish massage with the benefits of natural herbs. It also offers its guests complimentary access to the oversized fitness center, but with all the hiking we’d been doing, I figured I’d gotten in a good workout already.

If you’re a golfer, check out Twin Oaks Golf Practice Facility, one of the nation’s top-rated courses by Golf Digest, with meticulously maintained holes and more than 26 acres of play space.

Offsite, the Country Kitchen at Callaway Gardens, a restaurant overlooking a spectacular view of mountains miles away, is a great place to enjoy some good country cooking, including fresh-baked cornbread and biscuits, and sweet iced tea served in mason jars. At the country store within the restaurant, we picked up a few jelly jars to bring home as gifts.

Though spring is ideal for a visit to Callaway Gardens, you’ll want to come back at Christmastime to see the Fantasy in Lights. Voted one of the “Top 10

CALLAWAY DELIGHTS The Lodge and Spa at Callaway Gardens (top left) features luxury accommodations and amenities that blend seamlessly with the natural setting. Attractions include a Birds of Prey show (previous page, bottom left), a Gothic chapel (this page, bottom) and a vegetable garden (above) that stars on “The Victory Garden” television show.

Places to see Holiday Lights” by National Geographic, this light display is a cheerful collection of dazzling lights and holiday music to tell the enchanted stories of “The 12 Days of Christmas” and “Swan Lake,” among others.

Be sure to stop by Roosevelt’s Little White House State Historical Site — it’s about a 20-minute drive from Callaway — where the president enjoyed many a summer at his quaint home with modest furnishings. He died of a stroke while having his portrait painted in his den.

One mile away is the Roosevelt Warm Springs self-guided tour and Historic Pools Museum, where Roosevelt and others stricken with polio would rehabilitate in the natural 88-degree waters that originate 3,800 feet below the earth’s surface and were thought to cure a number of illnesses.

There are plenty of quaint shops and boutiques in nearby Warm Springs Village, offering shoppers antiques, crafts, collectibles, homemade jarred foods and more.

getting there Time: Less than 4 hours Distance: 200 miles For more information: callawaymagazine.com Pine Mountain Tourism and Visitors Information Center pinemtntourism@mindspring.com (800) 441-3502 tallahassee

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here are certain things you expect at a luxury mountain resort — fresh air, well-appointed accommodations, beautiful views, a variety of outdoor activities, good food and an attentive staff, to name a few.

But when the resort’s employees include folks with the titles of Fairy Godmother, Wine Snob and Resident Historian, you know you’re in for an idyll that’s ever-so-slightly out of the ordinary.

You’ll find them all and more at Barnsley Gardens Resort, about an hour’s drive north of Atlanta in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Offering an off-the-beaten-path respite, the resort is charming and luxurious, combining a fascinating historical property with all the modern comforts.

The property’s modern history began in the early 1840s, when Godfrey Barnsley, an expatriate Englishman and successful shipping magnate from Savannah, bought up land for an estate he would call Woodlands. He began work on an impressive Italianstyle brick manor house to serve as a wilderness retreat for his wife, Julia, who was in ill health. She would die before the home was complete — and that’s just the beginning of a Southern Gothic family tale that includes ghostly spirits, Union occupation, a tornado and fratricide.

Today, the manor house is a ruin, albeit a very picturesque one. The original boxwoods have been groomed to recreate the original knot-like pathways of the parterre garden and the vine-covered, roofless brick building and its grounds are the site of weddings, parties and romantic dinners pour deux. Next to the 106

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manor is the “kitchen” building, used as the family’s living quarters after a tornado blew the roof off the big house in 1906. It now houses a collection of artifacts that tell the story of the Barnsley family throughout the years. But for the full story, you’ll want to invest in “Barnsley Gardens at Woodlands, The Illustrious Dream,” written by that Resident Historian Clent Coker.

The property, once a showplace with spectacular gardens and luxurious furnishings, was never quite the same after the Civil War. (Although it did gain some renown for its manufacture of bootleg liquor.)

After being ransacked by Union soldiers, family fortunes went into a decline and it was sold off in the 1940s. It went to seed until 1988 when Bavarian Prince Hubertus Fugger bought the land and sought to bring back those glory days, first by opening it as a historic site, then turning it into a luxury resort. The prince sold out a few years ago, and his successor has continued improving the property.

The manor ruin now overlooks a “village” of lodgings that include private rooms, suites and cottages as well as restaurants, a town hall and meeting rooms. Although new, from the outside each building has the antique look of an English village.

Inside, each accommodation is individually decorated, giving guests the sense of being an honored recipient of Southern hospitality. It’s a wonderful mix of the old (porch swings, wood-burning fireplaces, armoires and claw-foot tubs) along with all the modern amenities (WiFi, comfy beds, rain showers). And the resort is pet friendly.

Photos Courtesy Barnsley Gardens Resorts

North Georgia’s Historic Barnsley Gardens Resort Serves Up Fun — and Romance By Rosanne Dunkelberger

One can stroll around on the resort’s paved pathways or venture off and enjoy its fabulous gardens and trails. Godfrey Barnsley collected roses and, in a nod to his interests, the resort is now home to 150 varieties of antique roses, including a pink climbing variety that forms a fragrant and romantic arbor.

But roses aren’t the only flora to be enjoyed. Barnsley planted a conifer garden that features beautiful specimens, and there were banks of iris and a wildflower meadow in bloom during a May visit, which is the peak of the flower season. September/ October is best for autumnal leaf peeping.

You might think that with all the flowers, bowers, water vistas and secluded nooks, Barnsley Gardens is a romantic place. You’d be right. Scores of proposals, weddings and anniversary celebrations happen here every year. And the person who helps make them happen is Denise Webb, Barnsley’s very own Fairy Godmother.

If you’ve got a romantic wish, she’ll help you make it come true. If you’re without inspiration, don’t worry, the Fairy Godmother can create all sorts of magic.

Maybe she’ll pack a picnic lunch and point you to a romantic corner of the property. If you’re planning to pop the question, the Fairy Godmother can prepare your pathway with

flower petals, stash a pillow for when you get down on one knee and have the champagne on ice nearby for after she says, “Yes!” One of Webb’s favorite tasks is creating romantic adventures she calls “love spells.”

While a couple is elsewhere, she and her minions transform — with food, flowers, candles, decorations and more — their room into something that most definitely will put them in the mood for love.

The resort offers three dining choices, the super-casual outdoor Beer Garden, three meals a day in the clubby environs of The Woodlands Grill or a fine dining experience at the historical Rice House restaurant.

Barnsley Gardens also features plenty of other activities to enjoy.

The resort is home to a full-service, European-style spa offering a complete menu of face and body treatments, including some that incorporate the fragrance of the garden’s signature flower, the rose.

One of the resort’s most popular attractions is “The General,” a par-72 golf course designed by Jim Fazio. It picturesquely blends with the mountains and offers elevation changes that make it a challenge for golfers of all skill levels.

The 1,300-acre SpringBank Plantation is the resort’s own historic hunting preserve, with half-day, full-day and overnight trips available. Deer and turkey hunting is available, and the preserve is internationally renowned for its quail and pheasant hunting during the October–March season. Or, improve your shooting skills at the Wings and Clay Shooting School.

Guided horseback rides are available as well as fishing and paddling at the resort’s ponds and lake. The resort’s open spaces can also be used for paintball, disc golf and a variety of lawn games.

SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY The Barnsley Gardens Resort includes a variety of pleasures including (left to right) individually decorated cottages, the picturesque ruins of the manor house, dining in the Rice House restaurant, golf at The General and miles of trails for hiking and horseback riding.

getting there Time: 6 hours Distance: 342 miles Get onto Interstate 75 via Tifton or Cordele and travel north through Atlanta. Take exit 306 and travel left toward Adairsville/Summerville on GA 140. Turn left onto Hall Station Road (there are signs directing you to Barnsley Gardens), and then turn right onto Barnsley Gardens Road and travel until you reach the resort entrance.

597 Barnsley Gardens Road Adairsville, GA 30103 (877) 773-2447 barnsleygardensresort.com tallahassee

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hat’s your idea of a great time at the beach?

Quality time sunning in the lounge chair? Long, secluded walks along the waterline? Exciting nightlife and superb dining? An expansive resort with fun for every member of the family?

The 15 beach communities along the 26-mile South Walton coast offer a wide array of experiences. Take the family to a larger resort, and it’s quite possible to park the car when you arrive and forget about it until it’s time to leave. In addition to sand and surf fun, Sandestin has miles of bike trails, playgrounds, shopping, kayaking and other water sports, restaurants and a full calendar of special events.

Or, base yourself in a more eclectic community such as Grayton Beach or Dune Allen and find amusements as you hopscotch along 30A — a gourmet grilled cheese sandwich served from a classic Airstream trailer at Meltdown on 30A in Seaside, a visit to 2011 Artist of the Year Allison Wickey’s World Six Gallery in Rosemary Beach, a complimentary (tip, please) rickshaw ride courtesy of 30A Coastal Cruisers.

While cruising the highway in your car is enjoyable, seeing the sights on a bicycle can turn the ride into an all-day adventure.

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or two at a time. If you need a little help trying to figure out where to begin, the Scenic 30-A website (discover30a.com) includes a Virtual Bike Tour. You’ll find a history of each community and sights of interest as well as 200 photos of what you can expect to see along the way.

No bike? No problem! There are rental companies along the beachfront with bikes for every member of the family, including beach cruisers, mountain bikes, tri-wheels, pint-sized bikes with training wheels and baby seats and trailers. Sunny Days in Santa Rosa Beach will even deliver your rental to your door.

The ideal place for a romantic getaway is the still-growing Alys Beach community.

Driving past the sculptural entrance, you realize with its blinding-white houses contrasting with the occasional green lawn — this place is different. From a distance, the community looks very simple, but Alys Beach is the result of painstaking planning. Its walkways are oriented to capture the coastal breezes, and a stroll hand-in-hand with your sweetheart offers pleasant surprises. It’s fun to peek through open doorways to see often very colorful island-style courtyards reminiscent of Bermuda or Antigua. Homeowners there participate in a particularly charming tradition: Outside of most homes is a “gift” to the community. It might be a small fountain, a vine-covered pot or even a whimsical stone divan.

The 7,200-square-foot Caliza Pool will carry you away with its Morocco-meetsSouth Beach vibe that includes billowing sunshades, hammocks and secluded cabanas perfect for a romantic tete a tete.

The pool deck is surrounded by the Caliza Restaurant, just the spot for an alfresco dinner. If you’re looking for a more casual bite, stroll on over to 30A and hang out at the beachy George’s at Alys Beach and choose between their healthful “Behave” menu or the heavy-on-the-fried-food “Misbehave” choices.

Alys Beach’s white walls become the canvas for a spectacular art show during Digital Graffiti. Drawing digital artists from around the world, it has grown to be a two-day event, set this year for June 8–9.

Whether it’s Mom, Dad and a couple of youngsters, or a full-blown family reunion, the WaterColor Inn and Resort is a great place to visit. The Inn features 60 luxurious hotel-style rooms, designed to capture beautiful Gulf views — even from the shower! But for a large group or a more home-like experience, there are also villas and homes for rent.

There are the typical beach amenities — sand, surf, pool — as well as access to Western Lake at The BoatDock. It’s the perfect place to learn stand-up paddle boarding, or sign up for an ecotour via kayak, YOLO board, YOLO-yak (a combo of YOLO and kayak) or canoe.

Master Naturalist Murray Balkcom of

Photos By Scott Holstein (E.O. Wilson Biophilia Center ANd Stinky’s Fish Camp) ANd Courtesy V Restaurant in Seagrove (V Restaurant)

These Coastal Communities Have Whatever You’re Looking for at the Beach By Rosanne Dunkelberger

Walco Eco Tours helps you see what may not be obvious at first glance. For example, he points out ghost crab tracks and shows that what at first glance look like scrubby bushes are actually the tip tops of live oak and magnolia trees almost completely covered by sand dunes.

Be sure to set aside an afternoon for a visit to the E.O. Wilson Biophilia Center on Highway 20 East near Freeport. During the week, its purpose is to bump up the environmental knowledge of students prepping for the FCAT, but this fabulous resource is open every Saturday (and on Fridays and Sundays in the summer). Kids will have fun with the hands-on exhibits — including a gopher tortoise hole they can crawl through and a jump-on “piano” where they can play a symphony of animal sounds. Offerings also include lectures and live animal show-and-tells.

Base yourself in a Rosemary Beach loft or at the Vera Bradley Inn by the Sea in Seaside and eat your way up and down the coastline. Many of the chefs in upscale restaurants serve locally sourced food, but new Chef Wayne Alcaide, chef de cuisine at WaterColor’s Fish Out of Water restaurant, takes the practice to its highest level. On a recent evening, patrons were able to enjoy a filet of not-oftenavailable cobia procured from a local sport fisherman.

It’s a given that one of the area’s newest upscale eateries, V Restaurant in Seagrove Beach, boasts a menu full of creative, fresh plates prepared by the talented Chef David Cunningham. What makes this

experience extra-special is the venue, a new space decorated in sea glass shades of aqua and turquoise with indoor and outdoor dining for dinner and Sunday brunch. No reservations, though, so come early or be ready to spend some quality time in the bar.

For ultra-casual dining in Santa Rosa Beach, try the Smiling Fish Café in the Gulf Place center. In addition to good food, there’s great entertainment in the form of people watching when you dine on the patio. Gulf Place is also home to Restaurant Fire, which features seasonal fine, but casual, dining for breakfast and lunch and an amazing brunch.

The name doesn’t sound too appetizing, but Stinky’s Fish Camp, also in Santa Rosa Beach, is the place to go for breakfast and great po’boys. You’ll also find Basmati’s here, which features great drink special during Happy Hour and best sushi on 30A. Feel free to stay awhile at La Crema Tapas and Chocolate. Its casual attitude, small plate menu and sunny dining room bring a little bit of Spain to Rosemary Beach.

For a fine dining experience at Rosemary Beach, nothing beats Restaurant Paradis. The small restaurant’s wine country ambiance is perfect for a romantic dinner for two or a gathering of friends.

For more inspiration, go to visitsouthwalton.com. It features an exhaustive list of places to stay and things to do.

SOUTH WALTON BECKONS (Previous page, left to right) Explore the region’s ecology at the E.O. Wilson Biophilia Center. V Restaurant is the coast’s newest dining hotspot. With all-white buildings, Alys Beach is one of the area’s most distinctive communities. Biking is the best way to slow down and take in the sights along 30A and rentals are available. Great food, both plain and fancy, (above) is abundant along the coast.

getting there Time: 2.5 hours Distance: 150 miles Take Interstate 10 west to exit 85 (U.S. 331S/Freeport). At U.S. 98, you can turn left or right and turn south on one of several roads that access Highway 30A. For more information: Visit South Walton visitsouthwalton.com

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ff the beaten theme-park path in Central Florida, 45 minutes from Orlando, a new attraction offers a chance to explore a fun, interactive playground — all inspired by America’s favorite toy company.

With more than 50 rides and attractions designed for children ages 2 to 12, Legoland Florida includes three roller coasters, live shows featuring Lego characters and, of course, plenty of merchandise stores to purchase a Lego souvenir.

This is the second Legoland park in the U.S. (the other is in Carlsbad, Calif.). This park, which opened in October 2011, is a nice departure from the Walt Disney World and Universal Resort parks. A little shadier due to the tree-canopied paths and more hands-on thanks to the Lego building stations, kids can immerse themselves in all things Lego while parents enjoy the park’s scenic gardens.

The first stop for most guests is the Factory Tour, which offers a firsthand look at how Lego bricks are made from factory to finish. As they dive into boxes of Lego bricks at the Imagination Zone, kids can customize a vehicle on wheels, race other kids’ vehicles and attempt to build an earthquakeproof Lego building, which shakes and quakes to test each youngster’s masterpiece.

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The Island in the Sky, a remnant from Legoland’s predecessor, Cypress Gardens, presents a 360-degree, bird’s-eye view of the entire park from a 150-foot rotating platform.

Feel like you’ve stepped back into medieval times in Lego Kingdoms, where kids can ride a Lego-themed horse through a number of medieval scenes, or take Merlin’s Challenge by climbing aboard a wooden trail ride powered by the wizard’s magic.

Miniland USA, a favorite with everyone in our group, is home to famous and recognizable miniature towns from around the country.

Stop by Las Vegas, where you can see replicas of the world-famous Strip including the Luxor Las Vegas, New York, New York Hotel and Casino, Excalibur, Mirage, Treasure Island and even the Eiffel Tower. The details are amazing, even featuring a miniature wedding chapel and monorails and real-life sounds recorded in Las Vegas. In Washington, D.C., stunningly detailed re-creations of the White House (including the first family and “first dog,” Bo), the U.S. Capitol building, Smithsonian, Washington and Jefferson monuments are impressive enough. Added to that is an animated marching band which parades in front of the Capitol. New York City features, naturally, the Statue of Liberty, The Empire State

Photos By Chip Litherland

Central Florida’s Newest Theme Park is a Lego Lover’s Dream By Wendy O. Dixon

BRICK BY BRICK Enter into another world at Legoland Florida, where iconic places are rendered in little plastic bricks. Just FYI, Lego refers to the name of the company, not the toys, so there are no Legos. They’re called Lego bricks.

Building, the Bronx Zoo and the fountain in Rockefeller Plaza, while battery-operated yellow taxicabs drive and honk in the streets of Times Square. But the Sunshine State draws the biggest crowd, especially for us Floridians.

Encompassing the entire state, from Mallory Square in Key West to the Kennedy Space Center and an interactive Daytona International Speedway racing experience where guests can race Lego brick cars, you can spot the fascinating details and wonder how long it took Lego engineers to build it all. Northwest Florida natives can take pride in a replica of Panama City Beach’s Russell-Fields City Pier, as well as the world-famous white sandy beaches.

An addition to the park, Legoland Water Park is coming in May. Guests can wade in the shallow water playground made of Lego-themed water slides, water-shooters and buckets that spill 300 gallons of water into the pool. At the Duplo Splash Safari, toddlers can enjoy shorter slides and interactive, larger-than-life Duplo creatures. At the Lego Wave Pool, families can catch a gentle wave or simply lounge in the sun. The Build-A-Raft lazy river and tube slides are also fun additions. The Imagination Station at the water park features interactive tables. On one, kids can build bridges, dams and cities out of Duplo bricks and test them against the flow of water. On the other, they control the flow of water by creating patterns out of Lego elements.

A must on your checklist should be to get a sweet treat with Legoland’s signature dessert. Granny’s Apple Fries, made with crisp Granny Smith apples in the shape of French fries — powdered with cinnamon and sugar and served with a deliciously sweet vanilla cream sauce — make for a delightful snack.

And on your way out of the park (if the kids haven’t dragged you there already), stop by The Big Shop, one of the largest retail stores in the world where guests can take advantage of a huge selection of Lego and Legoland merchandise.

We stayed at a gem of a property — Lake Buena Vista Resort Village & Spa, an elegant oasis in the heart of Kissimmee, about a 40-minute drive from Legoland. The resort has no shortage of amenities most vacationers desire while on a week-long stay. The gourmet kitchen is a big help for those who don’t want to go out for every meal, but there is also a plentiful selection of restaurants within walking distance, including the resort’s poolside sandwich and snack bar, Lani’s Luau poolside bar and grille, Frankie Farrell’s Irish Pub & Grille, Pizza Hut and others.

My idea of a vacation is to relax and rejuvenate at the spa, so I can enjoy time with the family afterward. Reflections Spa-Salon, the resort’s world-class signature health spa, offers a diverse menu of rejuvenating spa services including facial therapies and body treatments. The Pirate Plunge Pool, complete with shooting water cannons, a water slide, Jacuzzistyle hot tubs, tumbling waterfalls, poolside loungers and hammocks, is a joy on a hot summer’s day — even in the cold winter months since the pool is heated to a toasty 85 degrees year-round. And after a long day walking the theme park, the whirlpool tub in the master suite was a delightful respite for my tired feet. n

getting there Time: 4.5 hours Distance: 280 miles Take Interstate 10 east to Interstate 75 south. Pick up Florida’s Turnpike and take exit 328 toward Orlando.

Then merge onto U.S. 27 south via exit 289 toward State Road 19/Tavares/Clermont until you get to Cypress Gardens Boulevard. It’s longer, but you can take a more rural route along U.S. 19 South almost the entire way to Winter Haven.

For More Information: Legoland Florida One Legoland Way, Winter Haven, FL 33884 legoland.com General Admission: Adults 13–59 $75 plus tax Children 3–12 and Seniors (60+) $65 plus tax Children under 3 free Lake Buena Vista Resort Villages & Spa 8113 Resort Village Dr., Orlando, FL 32821 Reservations: (866) 401-2699; (407) 597-0214

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Franklin County Upcoming Events and Activities March Events Saltwater Music with Del Suggs Dixie Theatre, Apalachicola March 2, 2012 A Panhandle favorite, Del brings his unique style and his buddies to perform acoustic rock, pop, blues and folk.

Franklin County Tourist Development Council www.anaturalescape.com, www.saltyflorida.com 1-866-914-2068 (toll free), 1-850/653-8678 (Fran Edwards) P.O. Box 819, Apalachicola, FL 32329

SGI Regional Chili Cook-Off and Auction

The Mayhaws Dixie Theatre, Apalachicola March 3 Sweet and thorny, a mix of folk, honky-tonk, soul, bluegrass and old-school country, rockabilly, traditional hill music, delta blues and a wealth of originals.

SGI Regional Chili Cook-Off & Auction St. George Island March 3 Largest regional chili cook-off features great chili, fun auction and events.

FSU Voice Majors in Concert Trinity Church, Apalachicola March 4 Maharajah Flamenco Trio Dixie Theatre, Apalachicola March 9 High-energy, daring and soulful world music.

Sarah Mac Band Dixie Theatre, Apalachicola March 10 Exceptional vocals and strong, smart lyrics bring a joyous blend of blues, rock, jazz and soul.

Jazz from London & ZBT Dixie Theatre, Apalachicola March 16 The Zach Bartholomew Trio returns with London Arrington to perform traditional yet innovative jazz.

Eastpoint Charity Rib Cook-Off Eastpoint March 16–17 Rib Cook-Off with silent auction, activities and live music.

The Ned Devines Dixie Theatre, Apalachicola March 17 All you Irish blokes, get ready to party at the Dixie.

The Dixie Does Nashville 9 Dixie Theatre, Apalachicola March 23–24 Nashville brings their finest, most talented writers to the Dixie. One of our most beloved music series.

Art Walk Apalachicola March 24 Fine art in all forms will be woven in and around downtown Apalachicola where artists will be showing, selling and demonstrating their talents.

Bay Area Choral Society “Faure’s Requiem” Trinity Church, Apalachicola March 25 Swingin’ Harpoon Blues Band Dixie Theatre, Apalachicola March 30 A mix of Detroit blues and jazzy swing.

Grant Peeples & the Peeples Republik Band Dixie Theatre, Apalachicola March 31 Master songwriter brings his own band to the Dixie stage in the Dylan/Prine/ Kerouac style he does so well.

Apalachicola Antique and Classic Boat Show

April Events Nashville Dixieland Jazz Dixie Theatre, Apalachicola April 8 Apalachicola Antique & Classic Boat Show Downtown Apalachicola April 20–21 Boat displays, demonstrations, featuring the 1877 Governor Stone.

Florida Panhandle Lighthouse Challenge Alligator Point, Carrabelle & Dog Island, St. George Island April 21–22 Visit historic lighthouses along the coast from St. Marks to Pensacola.

Carrabelle Riverfront Festival Carrabelle & Dog Island April 28–29 Music, arts and crafts and food.

Visit Saltyflorida.com for a complete calendar of events for the area. tallahassee

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Georgia Turner Claire Petrandis Debbie Gerber-Mahan Dennis Kelley CRS, GRI, SFR, Broker Realtor CRS, SRES, GRI Realtor Associate 544.9114 545.8164 591.4663 Sales & Property Management 510.4286

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Becky Sauers Realtor 508.7449

Wanda Sawyer Realtor 933.3146

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GARDEN

CHECK IT OUT

design | tips

»

Photo Courtesy Tom Fackender

Tallahassee’s Fuller Center Uprooted septic tanks, crumbling stairs, a tree through the middle of a dilapidated home …. For some, repairs are simply unattainable, because of physical limitations or budget restrictions.

Fortunately for our community, the Tallahassee Fuller Center for Housing is doing what they can to help those who often can’t help themselves.

“The Fuller Center has helped many elderly members of our community to remain in their homes,” says Brenda Popp, a Fuller board member and volunteer. “People who would otherwise have been made to give up their independent lives and live in assisted care facilities.”

Started in 2008, Tallahassee’s is one of almost 40 Fuller Centers nationwide.

They branched off from Habitat for Humanity, but while Habitat works to build new homes for those in need, the Fuller

Center focuses on home improvement.

“Most of our projects cost $5,000 or less, and involve anything from fixing roofs to bathrooms,” says longtime volunteer Michael Popp, who is Brenda’s husband. “There is no loan at the Fuller Center; everything is done through donations. The recipients are asked to donate money once they’ve been helped, when they can, so as to pay it forward.”

The Center has completed more than 30 projects locally in the past three years. “We love to see something good being done in the community,” says Michael Popp. “It enables people who have broken homes, almost unlivable, to be able to live their lives again.”

For more information about the Tallahassee Fuller Center, visit tfch.org or email info@tfch.org. — Madison Carryl

tTALLAHASSEE allahassee

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Habitat

Finding Space Renting tiny rooms in small houses, Libby Armstrong maximizes her space creatively by (this page) decorating the walls with hanging clothing and using totes (next page) for storage.

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March–April 2012

home of your own A Temporary

Create a Personal Style — Even In a Rental Property

By Rebecca Beitsch

PhotoS by Scott Holstein

I

n the not-so-distant past, the American Dream pretty much always included home ownership.

But with plunging home prices, instability in the market and credit woes, in today’s economy the American Reality has many would-be buyers opting to rent instead.

But renting doesn’t have to mean living with plain white walls and dingy carpet.

Stefanie Brawner-Caldwell knows both sides of the equation — she is both landlord and tenant.

Like many affected by today’s economy, the 31-year-old chose to rent, rather than sell, her Sarasota home when moving her family back to Tallahassee.

Now, after nearly a decade of homeownership, she’s renting in town for the first time since she was 20.

Brawner-Caldwell bought her first home in Tallahassee when she was in college. She got the house cheap and fixed it up, using the renovations for her portfolio to interior design school. Once she was accepted to the Ringling College of Art and Design in Sarasota, she sold her house in 24 hours with a profit.

“That was my view of homeownership — that it was really great and easy,” Brawner-Caldwell said.

She and her husband would buy a home in Sarasota, but soon realized that, while she still wanted to return to Tallahassee when done with school, she wouldn’t be able to be able to sell the Sarasota home without losing $70,000.

“We became landlords more out of necessity than choice,” she said.

In the Sarasota house, the couple made decorating

decisions they were happy with but that would work as a rental. That included a neutral color palette and faux hardwood floors. She and husband David trellised the backyard and planted jasmine to provide a pleasant aroma and privacy from other downtown neighbors.

“There wasn’t a lot of expense to make (the Sarasota) house nice, we just made wise decisions,” Brawner-Caldwell said.

They got a lot of interest in the rental, and the couple felt proud handing over the keys to another set of newlyweds.

Still, the experience soured her view of homeownership and motivated her to rent when relocating.

“Knowing how the market is, it makes me wonder, have we even reached the bottom?” she said.

Back in Tallahassee, Brawner-Caldwell scoured the city for a rental property that had the same appeal she gave to her own home.

“We wanted to choose a place that we could make our own. We wanted a place that already had a good blueprint for our style,” she said.

It took some effort, but the couple found a townhouse with light teal walls that would help their black-framed artwork pop and faux wood floors that wouldn’t be damaged by pets.

Also key in the selection was “finding landlords that would allow us to do these things to make it our own.”

Brawner-Caldwell said that was really important to her after having a baby, and she is eagerly using her interior design background to personalize her tallahassee

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Looking up Libby Armstrong displays collections to personalize her rental space.

rented townhouse, starting with a nursery.

The landlords approved her pink, brown and yellow palette. Her father has given her palm bulbs that they’ve gotten permission to plant.

“We’ve gotten free landscaping. It’s not anything that cost us because we’re not invested in the property,” she said.

Brawner-Caldwell said she’s mimicked this same open communication style with her own renters, who are now painting their own nursery.

“We want to let them transform this space into the way they want it to be,” she said.

Bill and Jill Maddox have also found a way to make renting accommodate their family.

The family of six relocated to Tallahassee from the metro Washington, D.C., area in 2007 to be closer to relatives.

Initially they saw renting as a way to get their bearings in Tallahassee while selling their D.C. home and figuring out where to buy. Following a friend’s advice to look for a place “in the pie-shaped wedge between Meridian and Thomasville,” they found a rental in Waverly Hills in a good school district and big enough to fit the whole family when their two oldest returned for the holidays.

Bill Maddox said their initial two-year lease helped them get settled and out of the house-buying mode.

“We didn’t feel like we were transient,” Jill Maddox said. “We wanted to get the kids settled.”

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They’ve ended up staying put longer than they expected because of all the changes in the economy and housing market, but that’s something they view as a positive for their kids.

“Because we’ve stayed here as long as we have, it’s good for our boys. For kids, you associate all sorts of memories with certain places. This has been stable. This has been home,” Bill Maddox said.

While the family brought all of their possessions with them, Jill Maddox said what’s made the property feel like home the most is watching their children flourish in their new environment, constantly having friends over after baseball and youth group, or for band practice.

“Our house has become the hangout house,” she said.

Renting has remained a popular option for Tallahassee’s 20-somethings both for financial and mobility reasons.

Partners Lauren Manders and Rebecca Kelley didn’t want the financial pressure of a home while making a major investment in their food truck business, Street Chefs.

Though she aspires to homeownership one day, Manders said the economy has made a house risky for those unsure of what may lie five to 10 years down the road.

While the two plan to grow their business in Tallahassee, Manders acknowledged, “We’re unique in that everything we own is on wheels!”

The two have settled in an older building

by Leon High School, chosen just as much

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for its old charm as its space-to-price ratio. The high ceilings, neutral wall colors, ornamental molding and wood floors give the place character while the latter works for their pets. Plus, if something goes wrong, they don’t have to dig into their pockets to fix it.

Though eager to get settled immediately, Manders said decorating their place has been a process with the two purchasing pieces when they could, inheriting some from family and using self-made art and black-and-white family photos for the walls.

“Everything we decorated with has a story behind it. There’s not much we bought just because it looks cool,” she said of the apartment’s eclectic appeal.

Libby Armstrong was eager to get out of her parents’ house after securing a job at Relics, an architectural salvage business, but needed a place that was right on location and price.

She found just that in a house she shares with roommates in Levy Park. Her room is tiny, but at $150 it puts her away from the college neighborhoods and into a more diverse one that’s within walking distance to Midtown’s nightlife and stores.

The nearly closet-sized space required careful planning.

“I need things to be useful and pretty. I want to make it feel like home instead of a dorm room, and there are ways to do that that aren’t wasteful to the environment or your pocketbook,” Armstrong said.

She’s used narrow furniture, most of which she’s carefully re-done herself. She’s utilized all vertical space and under her bed for storage.

“I’m actually using all of my little boxes.

They’re not just for decoration,” she said.

The comfort and roominess of her family home are just a few minutes drive away, but Armstrong said she still wants “to make my own space and nest in it.”

While the renters are happy where they are now, they haven’t ruled out homeownership in the future.

Brawner-Caldwell said the landlord experience has been so positive, they’ve thought of buying other properties. She also knows she’ll one day want to live in a home she owns.

“I’m definitely not a renter for life. It’s a great way to be, but there’s still so much joy and satisfaction in owning your own home,” she said. n

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Do you dream in

Now is the time to plant the flower garden you have always wanted...

Come see our best selection ever and let us help you plant your dream.

We are all gardeners at

Visit us at 2911 Thomasville Rd | 850.385.2162 | www.tallahasseenurseries.com BEST NURSERY/GARDEN CENTER

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Gardening

In Search of the Perfect Home-Grown

tomato Q: What’s the secret to growing good tomatoes in Tallahassee?

A: There’s no single secret to growing tomatoes successfully in Tallahassee and the Florida Panhandle. Rather, it’s multiple factors that combine to create beautiful, tasty fruit — yes, fruit — in your own yard. Notice I didn’t say “backyard.” No need to hide your crop behind the house. The best place for it might well be beside the front door, especially if your backyard is shady and the sun casts its warm glow out front for most of the day.

Before you decide where to plant your tomatoes, you must decide what tomatoes you’re going to plant. Hybrids such as Better Boy, Homestead and Celebrity have proven their worth in our high heat and humidity. Heirloom varieties such as Brandywine and Arkansas Traveler are proven successes here. Both the heirloom cherry and grape tomato varieties, such as Fox Cherry and Egg Yolk, and the hybrid smaller tomatoes, such as Juliet and Tami G., continue to bear even when high heat holds the larger tomato plants in check. Your local nurseries can direct you to heat- and humidity-tolerant varieties suitable for this climate.

Tomatoes need full sun, which generally means eight hours of sun a day. Our sunlight is so strong that six hours of direct sun is sufficient to grow tomatoes, as is eight to 10 hours of high, filtered shade — the sort of shade you find under tall pines with few low branches. If you don’t have a spot in your yard that gets the required amount of sunlight, watch how the sun moves through your yard during the day. You might be able to plant your

Ms. Grow-It-All

By Audrey Post tomatoes in large pots or buckets and move them around the yard. You scoff?

If so, you obviously have enough sunlight somewhere in your yard to grow tomatoes. I know someone who placed potted tomatoes, and other vegetables in pots, on casters in his driveway and chased the sun from morning to midday to afternoon. That, my friends, is commitment.

Tomatoes also need ample and consistent water. One of the most common problems with tomatoes is blossom-end rot, that soft, dark spot on the bottom of tomatoes that spreads and renders the fruit inedible. It is caused by a calcium deficiency and aggravated by inconsistent watering.

Letting plants dry out between watering guarantees you’ll lose the fruit, so make sure you have a system, whether automatic or manual, that delivers sufficient water regularly. And make sure your soil contains enough calcium. Crushed eggshells mixed into the soil will boost the calcium level.

Tomatoes are voracious feeders and

need regular fertilizing, and they need some sort of support. Mix generous amounts of composted manure with the soil when you plant the tomatoes, and apply a water-soluble all-purpose fertilizer every week or two throughout the growing season. Use a trellis, cage or stake to support your tomato plants, pinching off suckers — side shoots — that veer outside the support structure.

It also helps if tomatoes are planted at the right time, but there is a little wiggle room on that. Ideally for our area, summer tomatoes are planted in late February. Yes, you might have to cover them a night or two if frost threatens, but the early planting gives them a chance to get established before the weather warms and pests and diseases have a chance to attack. However, most of us don’t plant tomatoes until March and sometimes not even until April, either because we waited until we thought the last frost was behind us or because we simply didn’t get around to it. (You know which group you’re in.)

But you can still get a fine tomato crop if you plant now.

Every yard is different. Keep notes about your tomato crop — varieties planted, planting location, fertilizer use and watering patterns. You learn as you go and subsequent crops will be better based on what you’ve learned.

Q: What’s the best way to add summer color to my yard?

A: To answer your question, I first must ask one: What do mean by “best?” Do you mean the quickest way to provide a splash of color? If so, the answer would probably be to incorporate summer-blooming annuals. Salvias, angelonias, zinnias and tallahassee

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Gardening

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BEST VETERINARY CLINIC

March 10 Heirloom Tomato Plant Sale 9 a.m.–noon, Goodwood Museum and Gardens, 1600 Miccosukee Road. This year’s sale will feature the bestproducing varieties from previous years such as Cherokee Purple, Green Zebra, Black Cherry and Egg Yolk plus some new favorites such as Coyote, Hank and Scarlet Topper. Quantities are limited so come early for the best selection.

March 17 Old-Timey Plant Sale 9 a.m.–1 p.m., Birdsong Nature Center, 2106 Meridian Road, seven miles north of the Georgia state line. Heirloom and rare plants, all with a history of growing successfully in our area. Also for sale: native trees, basic landscape plants and lots of wild azaleas.

March 25 Goodwood Winter Garden Symposium noon–3:30 p.m.

Speakers will be Dean Norton, director of horticulture at Mount Vernon (Va.) Estate and Gardens, and Bill Finch, executive director of the Mobile (Ala.) Botanical Garden. Carriage House Conference Center at Goodwood.The $40 fee includes lunch. Registration information available on Goodwood’s website or by calling Mike Herrin, Goodwood’s director of facilities, at (850) 877-4202, extension 226.

April 14–19th Annual Spring Heirloom Plant Sale 9 a.m.–1 p.m., Virginia

Phone: (850) 385-5141 • Emergency: (850) 222-0123 2701 North Monroe St. • Tallahassee, FL 32303 www.nfah.vetsuite.com

McKee Greenhouse at Goodwood. Features hundreds of heirloom perennials, annuals, ornamental vines, shrubs, trees and groundcovers. Sale will continue on succeeding Fridays for several weeks until all plants are sold.

marigolds do well in full sun. For shade to part-shade areas, the blossoms of begonias and impatiens provide a burst of color.

The foliage of caladiums will brighten dark corners of your yard.

If your definition of “best” means the most economical, you probably want to use flowering shrubs and perennials. Bulbine, firespike, bush daisies, agapanthus, day lilies and irises will provide flowers during summer and foliage the rest of the year. Duranta, a flowering shrub commonly known as golden dewdrop, has purple flowers in summer and yellow fruit in fall. And that standby of Southern gardens, the crape myrtle, creates a colorful display ranging from white to lilac to pink to red, depending on the cultivar.

Check with your local garden center for recommendations for your yard.

LILY OF THE NILE It’s not actually a lily, but the perennial agapanthus provides a colorful show in the summertime and foliage year round.

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March–April 2012

© 2012 Postscript Publishing, all rights reserved. Audrey Post is a certified Advanced Master Gardener volunteer with the University of Florida IFAS Extension in Leon County. E-mail her at Questions@MsGrowItAll.com or visit her website at msgrowitall.com.

Ms. Grow-It-All® is a registered trademark of Postscript Publishing.

Springtime Tallahassee 2012 1

2 Springtime Tallahassee 2012

WELCOME

INSIDE YOUR GUIDE Springtime Tallahassee Partners................ 4 Schedule of Events........................................... 6 Main Stage Music Festival........................... 10 Seafood Festival................................................ 11 Grand Marshal/Krews.....................................12

Park Adams, President and Pam Fendrick, General Chairman

Title Sponsor.......................................................15 Belles and Gents...............................................16 Andrew Jackson and Rachel.......................19 About Springtime.............................................21

“UP, UP AND AWAY!” Logo Design

Saige Roberts

Cover Design

Rowland Publishing, Inc. Cover Photo Photo COURTESY Amanda Roberts Photography

Lawrence Davidson Published By

Rowland Publishing, Inc. Portrait Photography

Jenna Reichert Photography Amanda Roberts Photography Title Sponsor

Tobacco Free Florida 2012 Miss and Mr. Springtime

Elaina Doxsee and Morgan Sykes

Springtime Tallahassee would like to thank Tallahassee Magazine for their time and effort while putting together this year’s Festival Guide. Thank you for your hard work!

President and General Chairman’s Welcome Park Adams and Pam Fendrick

W

elcome to the 44th annual Springtime Tallahassee Grand Parade and Jubilee! This year’s theme for the festival is “Up, Up and Away” in honor of many years of hot air balloon traditions with Springtime Tallahassee.

We wish to thank each of you for your participation in the past and invite you to join us this year in our Springtime Tallahassee Festival. We welcome our community members and out-of-town visitors and hope you enjoy our city and our event as much as we enjoy celebrating springtime in Tallahassee.

The festival includes a lot of fun for families and friends. Our Jubilee in the Park winds its way through downtown Tallahassee offering a variety of sights, sounds and activities. There is music, food, arts and crafts, a children’s park, and community entertainment. Arts and Crafts booths will showcase over 200 local, regional and national vendors. The Children’s Park will offer games, activities and educational displays. Two entertainment stages will provide a variety of music and performing arts throughout the afternoon. Be sure to visit our Food Court with over 30 different booths offering delicious-tasting food, highlighting a “Flavor of Tallahassee.” In Kleman Plaza, you will find the Seafood Festival and Main Stage featuring national entertainment. This is the opportunity to unwind after a day of shopping with good friends and enjoy tremendous talent.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank our many sponsors as well as our Springtime members, whose hundreds of volunteer hours help to make the festival weekend a huge success. We thank all of you who have given your time and financial support to make Springtime Tallahassee one of the top events in the Southeast. So, come “Up, Up and Away” with us, as we celebrate Springtime Tallahassee in the “city where spring begins.”

Springtime Tallahassee 2012 3

2012 SPONSORS DOGWOOD SPONSORS

MAGNOLIA SPONSORS

’re We lty!

Sa AZALEA SPONSORS

POINSETTIA SPONSORS

GARDENIA SPONSORS

Iron Images, Inc. BREAKFAST IN THE PARK SPONSOR

4 Springtime Tallahassee 2012

Springtime Tallahassee 2012 5

Schedule of Festival Events 2012 MARCH 14 Breakfast in the Park

6:30–10 a.m. in Downtown Tallahassee, Bloxham Park Join us for a delicious old-fashioned breakfast downtown while mingling with old friends.

MARCH 30 Capital City Bank Downtown GetDown

6–10 p.m. in Downtown Tallahassee, Adams Street Kick off the weekend festivities at the GetDown Street Party located at the Adams Street Commons.

MARCH 31 Grand Parade

10:30 a.m.–Noon on Monroe Street Being one of the largest parades in the Southeast, the Springtime Tallahassee Grand Parade needs no introduction. Come see over 100 colorful units and floats, marching bands, dance groups, Springtime Krewe floats and much more!

MARCH 31 Jubilee in the Park

20 Years of Quality Cleaning

9 a.m.–5 p.m. in Downtown Tallahassee With more than 200 arts, craft and food vendors from around the country, this event is represented by some of the best. You can expect artists displaying original, handmade masterpieces and find cuisine with international flavors to ignite anyone’s taste buds!

MARCH 31 Children’s Park Blue Ribbon cleaners is committed to providingg you the best dry cleaning experience. We offer quality cleaning services at competitive prices.

Blue Ribbon cleaners is a locally owned and operated company. This personal interest in our business keeps that local connection you have grown to trust and respect.

For 20 years, Blue Ribbon has been committed to quality cleaning on up-to-date equipment while exceeding EPA requirements for environmental safety.

BEST DRY CLEANER

9 a.m.–5 p.m. in Downtown Tallahassee This fantastic day of fun-filled activities includes face painting, inflatable attractions, clowns, sirens and a host of other magical experiences that provide culture, education and recreation for the whole family! This magical area will be sure to unleash the imagination of all ages. Springtime Tallahassee and Tobacco Free Florida are working together to reduce your child’s exposure to secondhand smoke. The Children’s Park is designated a TOBACCO-FREE ZONE.

Come in and see us today!

Mon-Fri 7am-6pm Saturday 8am-2pm Three Convenient Tallahassee Locations

1102 E. Lafayette – 1660 North Monroe – 2107 Capital Circle NE 6 Springtime Tallahassee 2012

MARCH

31

MARCH

31

Musical Guests March 31, Noon–5 p.m.

BEST GIFT SHOP

The Pavilions ~ 1410 Market St. I Mon–Sat 10 a.m.–6 p.m.

(850) 681-2824 Toll-Free (800) 983-2266 I www.shopmft.com

Instant Access to News & Info Text SPRINGTIME to ATT411 (288411)

Community Stage Noon–5 p.m.

Dance Electric Dance Academy Excellence Dance Studio In Step Studio The Tallahassee Ballet Trousdell Dance Team Young Actors Theatre

Photography by Lawrence Davidson

Rock/Jazz/Blues Stage Noon–5 p.m.

Local Motion Sarah Mac Band Swingin’ Harpoon The New 76ers Reviewing Stands 9:30 a.m.

Tallahassee Community College’s Capital City Band Jubilee

9 a.m.–5:30 p.m.

Hot Tamale!

Springtime Tallahassee 2012 7

8 Springtime Tallahassee 2012

Springtime Tallahassee 2012 9

MAIN STAGE MUSIC FESTIVAL Presented by

DARYLE SINGLETARY

March 31st, Noon – 5:00 PM AT Kleman Plaza

Daryle Singletary was among the brightest new stars to arrive on the contemporary country scene of the mid-’90s, winning fans with his simple, honest song craft and distinctively gravelly vocals. Daryle was born and raised in Cairo, Ga. After graduation, he worked at a tractor dealership before relocating to Nashville to pursue a career in music. In Music City, Singletary frequently shared open-mic stages and amateur showcases alongside fellow up-and-comers like Tracy Lawrence and Tim McGraw.

Singletary is celebrated for country authenticity with such unforgettable hits as “I Let Her Lie,” “Too Much Fun,” “Amen Kind of Love” and “The Note.” His new album Rockin’ In The Country further polishes his reputation for finding brilliantly written country songs and singing them to perfection.

Join us on Kleman Plaza at the Dodge, Chrysler, Jeep, Ram MAIN STAGE for an exciting musical journey with Daryle Singletary!

10 Springtime Tallahassee 2012

SEAFOOD FEST & beer garden

March 31, 12–5 p.m. at Kleman Plaza Join us for an afternoon of allure to awaken the young at heart on Kleman Plaza! Just Imagine … Strolling the tree canopy covered pavers on Kleman Plaza, flavoring the juicy treats of Fresh from Florida Gulf Seafood while anxiously awaiting an afternoon of entertainment on the Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram main stage featuring DARYLE SINGLETARY. After a morning of viewing some of the best floats in the Southeast, and shopping, unwind in the “Shock Top Beer Garden”, but don’t settle in too much as our live entertainment will rock the plaza!

SEE

RINGTIME TALLAHAS

SP PROUD SPONSOR OF

e r ’ We lty!

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NEWLY RELEASED!

Ignite your taste buds!

COMING SOON!

Come taste the best seafood around from vendors joining us from across the Florida coastline. Menu items include: Crab Fritters Fish Tacos Crab Cakes Grouper Platters Oysters Seafood Po’Boys Shrimp Platters And more!

Enjoy Responsibly

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TRI-EAGLE SALES trieaglesales.com

Springtime Tallahassee 2012 11

TOBACCO FREE FLORIDA THE GRAND PARADE

PresentS

MEET THE

GRAND MARSHAL Mickey Andrews Mickey Andrews was an accomplished athlete before he was a coach. A sports star at Carroll High School in Ozark, Ala., he played at the University of Alabama in baseball and football. He was second-team All-American as a wide receiver and defensive back in football and All S.E.C. as an outfielder in baseball. He won the Hugo Friedman Award as Alabama’s best All Around Athlete in 1964.

Mickey coached for 45 years, including 26 at Florida State University. From 1984– 2009, he had 74 defensive players enter the NFL, including an amazing 19 first-round NFL draft picks. Seven of his defensive units were in the Top 5, including having the No. 1 total defense and scoring defense in 1998. He has been a part of five National Championships as a player and coach: As a player at Alabama in 1961 and 1964; and NAIA as the head coach at Livingston University in 1971; at Florida State University in 1993 and 1999. He was named Assistant Coach of the Year by Athlon magazine and the All-American Football Foundation. He is the first recipient of the Frank Broyles Award as the nation’s top assistant coach. He was inducted into the Livingston (now University of West Alabama) Hall of Fame in 1994, the Wiregrass Hall of Fame in 1996 and the State of Alabama Hall of Fame in 2006.

He and his wife Diane continue to live in Tallahassee and play a major part in the lives of their five grandchildren. They are both active members of Celebration Baptist Church in Tallahassee.

MEET THE

Spanish Krewe 1528–1821 Laura and Krewe Chief Matt Howard

American Territorial Antebellum Statehood Krewe Krewe 1821–1845 1845–1861 Jennifer and Krewe Chief Randy Martin

12 Springtime Tallahassee 2012

Krewe Chief Jenna and Dave Eddy

War and Reconstruction Krewe 1861–1901 Tricia and Krewe Chief Don Wilham

20th Century Krewe 1901–1999 David and Krewe Chief Karyn Shafer

PhotoS COURTESY Jenna Reichert Photography

KREWE CHIEFS

Springtime Tallahassee 2012 13

Photography by: Ben Nomann, Model: Libbie Crowley

“WHEN ONLY THE VERY BEST WILL DO...”

14 Springtime Tallahassee 2012

F

lorida has come a long way in protecting its residents from the harmful effects of tobacco.

With the help of Tobacco Free Florida since 2007, there are now nearly half a million fewer adult smokers in the state. While much progress has been achieved, tobacco remains a critical issue in the state.

Helping tobacco users quit and preventing youth from starting are both essential steps to achieving a healthier Florida.

Exposure to secondhand smoke (SHS) is a serious problem that should not be overlooked. That’s why this year’s Tobacco Free Florida Week theme, “Fresh Air for All,” takes a closer look at how SHS impacts everyone. SHS is a deadly mix of 7,000 chemicals, hundreds of which are toxic and 69 that are proven to cause cancer.

AT HOME Each year, primarily because of exposure to SHS, an estimated 3,000 non-smoking Americans die of lung cancer and more than 46,000 non-smoking Americans die of heart disease. One of the most important ways to protect yourself and the ones you love from the health hazards of SHS is to live in 100 percent smoke-free housing. A home should be a safe place for children. Yet, the main place young children breathe SHS is in their own homes. Exposure to SHS increases their risk of respiratory infections and even common ear infections. Children with asthma who are exposed to cigarette smoke are likely to experience more frequent and more severe attacks. Children of smokers are more likely to become smokers themselves, so you can model positive behavior and protect your children by quitting or not smoking.

Children are not the only ones affected by SHS. If you live in multi-unit housing and cigarette smoke is drifting into your home, your health is at risk. It has been proven that SHS travels from one unit to nearby non-smoking units and hallways. Tobacco smoke can move along air ducts, through cracks in the walls and floors, through elevator shafts, and along plumbing and electrical lines, affecting units that are nearby and even on other floors.

AT WORK Florida residents benefit from a statewide tobacco prevention and cessation program, as well as Florida’s Clean Indoor Air Act (FCIAA), which protects people from the hazards of SHS. In 2003, the FCIAA was amended to prohibit smoking in indoor workplaces.

While the FCIAA protects many, countless Floridians in the nightlife industry, construction and other blue-collar industries are involuntarily exposed to the dangers of SHS while making a living and providing for their families. By supporting smokefree laws in your county, you can help eliminate the dangerous effects of SHS. AT PLAY There is no risk-free level of exposure to SHS. Even breathing SHS for short periods of time, like at a bar or a nightclub, can be dangerous. When you breathe SHS, platelets in your blood get sticky and may form clots, just like in a person who smokes. New research shows that simply spending time in a smoky room could trigger a heart attack.

Comprehensive smoke-free air laws are crucial to protecting all Floridians from the harmful effects of secondhand smoke. Yet, the simplest step you can take is to quit or to help someone quit.

Tobacco Free Florida offers a number of free and convenient resources to help Floridians quit.

Phone: Call the Florida Quitline at 1-877-U-CANNOW to speak with a Quit Coach who will help you assess your addiction and help you create a personalized quit plan.

Online: Enroll in the Web Coach®, which will help you create your own web-based quit plan that’s right for you, visit https://www.quitnow.net/florida.

In-person: Visit the Florida Area Health Education Centers (AHEC) Network’s website, http:// ahectobacco.com, to locate your local AHEC and sign up for Quit Smoking Now group classes.

Visit the new www.tobaccofreeflorida.com for more information on SHS.

Springtime Tallahassee 2012 15

MEET THE 2012

PhotoS COURTESY Amanda Roberts Photography

SPRINGTIME TALLAHASSEE BELLES AND GENTS

Front row seated L to R: Whitney Hobbs, Lauren Cramer, Camille Magee Front left standing: Meaghan Maus, Elizabeth Clark, Sarah Taff, Elaina Doxsee, Morgan Sykes, MacKenzie Hunt, Hunter Farris, Marybeth Shields, Janie Jansen, Jordon Waldron Second row: Kirsten Rosenbaum, Alec Cramer, Paul Palmer, Johnny Blue Craig Jr. Annie Jansen Third Row: Ryan McQuaig, Kelli Rosser, Sarah Allen, John Michael Gatlin, Morgan Bull, Madison Hunt, Brandon Smiley Back row: Matthew McKissack, David Maus, Cole Bond Not pictured: Mark Catney, Cassidy Claire, Alexandra Dumais, Ryan Forgas, Garrett Larkin, Hannah Mills, Madison Minacci, Emily Ostreich, Caroline Shafer, Alexis Snyder, Allison Sullivan, Travis Sullivan, Phillip Widener

16 Springtime Tallahassee 2012

Miss Springtime Elaina Doxsee

Mr. Springtime Morgan Sykes

Miss Congeniality MacKenzie Hunt

Mr. Congeniality Phillip Widener

SPRINGTIME TALLAHASSEE JR. BELLES AND GENTS

From left to right: Ava Jackson, McKenzie Teems, Erika Smith, Brenn Rosenbaum, Callie Donaldson, Maci Kirkland and Jaden Waldron Not pictured: Elizabeth Ellison, Tiffany Stout

Springtime Tallahassee 2012 17

THE NATURAL HABITAT FOR THE SOCIAL ANIMAL Situated in the heart of downtown Tallahassee, Aloft is a fresh, fun hotel alternative and the perfect location to work and play.

Enjoy stylish, loft-inspired rooms and the excitement and buzz of W xyzsm lounge, where the music always ďŹ ts the mood.

2 0 0 N . M O N R O E S T R E E T | TA L L A H A S S E E | ( 8 5 0 ) 5 1 3 - 0 3 1 3 | A L O F T TA L L A H A S S E E . C O M

ANDREW AND RACHEL JACKSON AND THEIR STAFFS

ANDREW & RACHEL

JACKSON

ANDREW JACKSON’S STAFF

JOANIE FOWINKLE, RACHEL & CHARLEY FOWINKLE, ANDREW JACKSON XL

RACHEL JACKSON’S STAFF

Springtime Tallahassee 2012 19

20 Springtime Tallahassee 2012

SPRINGTIME HISTORY

A SPRINGTIME TALLAHASSEE

HISTORY LESSON

I

n 1967 serious efforts were made in the Florida Legislature to move the capital from Tallahassee to a more central location in the state.

Determined to halt this attempt, a group of concerned citizens joined forces to thwart such a move. Inspired by Tallahassee’s physical beauty and its cultural and historical heritage, a pamphlet was published describing the qualities of the city “Where Spring Begins.” This slogan became a rallying cry and the motivating force for forming a citizen’s festival. The first festival, held in March 1968, was called “Springtime Tallahassee: A Capital Affair,” and the Springtime logo depicting dogwood blossoms as a symbol of the beauty that surrounds us was used for the first time.

Now in its 44th year, Springtime Tallahassee has grown from a small but dedicated organization to over 400 participants from all segments of the community. Membership to Springtime is divided among krewes depicting the state’s five historical periods. As shown on page 12, each krewe wears elaborate costumes tying back to each historical period.

To promote the rich history of our community, Springtime Tallahassee annually selects two members to portray Andrew Jackson and his wife, Rachel as shown on page 19. They serve, together with the President and the General Chairman, as representatives of the organization. Andrew Jackson was chosen as a representative of Springtime Tallahassee because of his service to Florida as the first provisional governor in 1821. He later became the seventh President of the United States.

The Andrew Jackson Staff is composed of members of the five Krewes, having been selected by each Krewe for a five-year active term. The Staff is Springtime Tallahassee 2012 21

SPRINGTIME HISTORY

“The first Springtime Parade featured many costumes and only horse drawn units. Today, the parade still includes horse-drawn carriages to provide a bit of nostalgia; however, it also boasts elaborately clad characters and spectacular mechanical floats from all over the southeastern United States�

22 Springtime Tallahassee 2012

SPRINGTIME HISTORY

HISTORY LESSON CONTINUED...

a marching unit and participates not only in the Springtime Parade, but also in a number of festivals throughout Florida and other states. They are also involved with charity events, organizing the well-known “Teddy Bear Run.” Members dressed in full costume visit local hospitals, children’s units and extended care facilities to distribute teddy bears and beads to both adults and children that otherwise would not be able to participate in community festivals. Throughout the year they raise funds to support the Lighthouse Children’s Home.

Springtime Tallahassee also features a youth group, the Belles and Gents, featured on page 16, which is made up of young men and women from grades nine through 12.

Throughout the year, the Belles and Gents develop poise, proper etiquette and self confidence while studying the history and traditions of Florida, Springtime Tallahassee and the city of Tallahassee. Along with learning about our history, the Belles and Gents participate in several projects that give back to our community. The second youth group within Springtime is the Junior Belles and Gents, featured on page 17, which is made up of our youngest membership, grades five through eight.

The first Springtime Parade featured many costumes and only horse-drawn units. Today, the parade still includes horse-drawn carriages to provide a bit of nostalgia; however, it also boasts elaborately clad characters and spectacular mechanical floats from all over the Southeastern United States. Springtime Tallahassee is considered one of the biggest Southeastern parades and craft shows, attracting over 200,000 visitors.

While widely recognized for its entertainment value, the Springtime Parade and Festival is also an important part of our community’s economy. Springtime Tallahassee provides a significant revenue source for local businesses, with the total economic impact of Springtime visitors estimated at over $5 million. Such visitor spending is referred to as “new dollars” to our community and is calculated based on non-Leon county residents’ spending.

Visitor spending not only benefits certain industries in the Tallahassee/Leon County area; it also impacts jobs and wages. During the weekend event, over 75 jobs are positively affected through the generation of $839,000 worth of wages paid to employees servicing our visitors. In addition, onethird of all the hotel rooms in Leon County are filled with Springtime Tallahassee visitors anxiously anticipating the beginning of the festivities. The overall revenue generated during our festival events shows that Springtime Tallahassee is a “powerhouse” in the economic world of our community.

As our festival continues to grow, Springtime holds true to the roots in which it was formed. Themed “Up, Up and Away,” this year’s festival promises to be one full of magic and imagination. Be sure to join us in celebrating our natural, historical and cultural assets as we continue to enrich our local community.

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Springtime Tallahassee 2012 23

SPONSORED REPORT

Spring Starts Today!

t

his spring you can have the flower garden you have always wanted, whether it’s a welcoming patch of color by the mailbox, an impressive show by the front door or a patio surrounded by big pots of color.

There are flowers that bloom all year in our Tallahassee climate, and spring is the best time to get started. The weather is fine, and the plant selection is so great it would be overwhelming if it weren’t so much fun. There are lots of traditional favorites, like Petunias and Marigolds in the whole spectrum of colors, and new plants like Bacopa and Callibrachoa. You’ll probably want to try lots of different kinds.

When it comes to flowers, it really is true — more is better. Big swaths of color have a dramatic impact. But even small patches of color provide a lighthearted charm and a lot of satisfaction for even the beginning gardener.

Start by planning where you want to put the flowers and prepare the site. This is the boring, but important, part that no one really likes but at least it’s good exercise. Dig up the whole bed area to the depth of the shovel and remove any grass, weeds and roots. If the soil is poor, mix in generous amounts of compost or peat moss. Don’t forget to add a good quality slow-release fertilizer — you’ll get much better results.

You can skip the whole bed prep process by planting in pots. A few really big pots (12 inches or more) work better than a collection of little pots — they look neater and the plants grow better with a larger root area. Glazed pots come in wonderful colors and terra cotta pots always look good — just be sure all the pots have drain holes. Fill them with top quality potting soil (don’t even think of using garden soil, which will pack too hard).

Now that you have everything ready, the fun part begins! Watch the areas in your yard through the day and decide whether they are in the sun or shade (or will be in the shade when the trees leaf out all the way).

You will want to select shade plants like Impatiens and Begonias for shady areas; everything else needs sun. This is the only rule in selecting your plants. All the rest is up to you to do any way you want.

Some people approach color selection very scientifically and choose schemes that are complementary or adjacent on the color wheel. Other people think all flower colors go together and cheerfully plant some of everything. You decide. It’s your garden.

If you are uncertain about what to plant, don’t worry. You’ll have plenty of inspiration from the displays at your local garden center. This is the time to make your dream of colorful flowers come true.

From Top: It is so much fun to plan flower color combinations.

This mix of soft yellow and white shows up well from a distance; Make your dreams come true by loading up on flowers for all the places in your yard where you want a bright patch of color: by the mailbox, by the front door, the view out the kitchen window or around your patio.

Paul Brock is a gardening expert and co-owner of Tallahassee Nurseries.

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mind&

BODY

Photo Illustration by Saige Roberts

In Focus

» WHEN A PET DIES

People say that when a sick pet is ready to be euthanized, they’ll let you know, but Kathy McCharen didn’t believe it. Her beloved 13-year-old dachshund, Andi, had been diagnosed with cancer about 10 months earlier and undergoing treatments in Jacksonville. Although thinner, the dog seemed to be doing OK. But after returning home from one of the treatments, Andi stopped eating and, that night, McCharen had to feed her water with an eyedropper.

“In the morning, she looked at me with those eyes and I thought, ‘I gotta do it,’” recalled the legislative analyst. Afterward,

McCharen was grief-stricken, weepy and “things around the house reminded me of her.”

About two months later, McCharen attended the pet loss support group “Paws to Remember” sponsored by North Florida Animal Hospital. Meetings are open to adults and children older than five, free and usually held on the first Saturday of each month.

Meetings, which usually attract seven or eight people, are facilitated by Melanie Pelc, the veterinary practice’s parttime bereavement counselor.

“It’s grief, whether it’s a mom, a dad, a friend or a pet,” she says. “Our pets (are)

your life | well-being

completely reliant on us, they have unconditional love toward us … and they’re always there.” And there can be terrible guilt, because in many cases, “you’re making a decision to end their life.”

Oftentimes, just showing photos and telling the story of what happened to an understanding group can be helpful. Pelc’s best advice? “Feel your emotions ... If you’re feeling sad, feel sad. The pain lessens as time goes on. We’re here if you need us.”

— Rosanne Dunkelberger

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Health

ON THE SURFACE Local experts say facial beauty is enhanced by the right makeup, but it begins with clean, healthy skin.

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Laying the Perfect Foundation Make Your Skin Gorgeous With the Right Regimen and Makeup By Laura Bradley

N

o doubt, makeup can work miracles to transform There are also facials using ultrasonic technology to infuse the appearance of our skin. It’s come a long way products into the skin and smooth wrinkles. To continue from the cakey mess our grandmothers remember, these results at home, Reinhard suggests using peptides or and even further from the lead-based makeup that apple stem cells, both available in lotion form. Peptides stimrumors say killed Queen Elizabeth I. But it’s still no replace- ulate collagen production and inhibit muscle contraction, ment for a good skincare routine. Taking good care of your while apple stem cells extend life of skin cells, keeping skin skin will brighten your face and make your makeup look even looking younger and smoother. more fabulous.

Following these adjustments to your daily routine, exfoliaBefore you step out to buy a cleanser or get a prescription, tion is the next important step. “Many times, if we don’t exfoSherry Reese, a licensed aesthetician and owner of Skin Thera- liate effectively, the skincare products that we use just sit there py, advises you to take a step back and examine your lifestyle. and don’t penetrate,” Reese notes. There are various prod“The first thing that skin problems usually have in common is ucts available for exfoliation, including gentle scrubs, glycolic inflammation,” she explains. While there is no permanent cure cleansers and retinol. Reese advises that one of these be used for many skin problems, they can be kept under control by once or twice a week, in combination with a gentle cleanser for finding ways to reduce inflammation in the body. “Some things the rest of the week. that are general would be to avoid excess sugar, excess alcohol For those with acne, Reese suggests reducing intake of cow or anything that converts to sugar.” dairy products, because of high levels of hormones used in Another way to reduce inflammatory skin conditions is to ex- milk production, and switching to organic milk or goat’s milk. ercise, says Reese.

In addition, a stronger cleanser might Sunscreen is another universal key be in order. Reinhard suggests a salito healthy skin. An SPF of 30 should cylic cleanser, which is stronger than be worn at all times. Smoking, she a glycolic acid cleanser. Washing the notes, is also extremely damaging to face twice a day, once with the salicylic skin since it is, after all, an organ of cleanser and once with a gentle cleansrespiration. Quitting can bring exer, can be helpful in combating acne. traordinary results for your skin.

Blackheads — pores congested with Leslie Reinhard, licensed medical oil, dirt and bacteria — are an enemy of aesthetician and permanent makeup a different kind. Reese notes they are — S­ herry Reese, Skin Therapy artist with Plastic Surgery of North easily extracted when the patient folFlorida, suggests using a product like Retin-A, which stimu- lows a proper skincare regimen. Dehydration and buildup of lates collagen production to help fill in wrinkles. Retinol dead skin can severely impede a professional’s ability to extract should be used carefully, however, because it is light sensitive. blackheads. Reinhard recommends a facial followed by a saliUsing it at night and in combination with powerful sunscreen cylic peel to remove as many blackheads as possible and leave is advisable. She also says alternating a glycolic cleanser with a skin looking healthier. gentle cleanser can eliminate dead skin buildup.

Regardless of your skin type, Reese and Reinhard strongly For a more drastic change, many facial treatments are avail- suggest working with a professional to determine your goals able to rejuvenate skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines and the best methods and products to help you achieve them. and wrinkles. Plastic Surgery of North Florida offers many While over-the-counter products make many claims, they are options, including microcurrent machine facials, which stimu- limited in what they can actually do to your skin. late muscles to provide facelift-like benefits without surgery.

“Over-the-counter products are great for some things … but

“If we don’t exfoliate effectively, the skincare products that we use just sit there and don’t penetrate … ”

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Health if you actually want to change how your skin is, as far as … pigmentation or wrinkles, then you need a cosmoceutical.” An overthe-counter only treats the dead layer of skin, and then a cosmoceutical actually goes to the live layer, Reinhard explains.

Whether a drugstore, department store or high-end cosmetic chain, if it is not sold by a licensed professional it is only working on the dead layer of skin, even if the title “Dr.” is in the brand name. Cosmoceuticals can only be purchased from such venues as dermatologist offices, aesthetic centers and plastic surgery clinics. A cleanser can cost anywhere from $25 to $75.

With your skin looking clean and healthy, the next question becomes how to properly accentuate it with makeup without undoing all of the cleaning. “You can have the right skin care products, but if you put makeup on that clogs your pores it’s just gonna put you back at square one,” Reese says.

Reese and Reinhard recommend using mineral makeup that is as pure as possible. Both suggested Jane Iredale, a brand whose line includes powder and liquid foundations, tinted moisturizers and more.

The first step is avoiding the dreaded mask effect that a poor foundation match can produce.

The first step for everyone is to find the right color, avoiding the dreaded mask effect that a poor match can produce. Reinhard offers a unique technique for finding your perfect shade: “I actually match it to right in front of the ear, going down the side of the neck,” she says, adding, “Some people might actually need two different colors because of pigmentation.”

For severely dry skin, Reinhard suggests starting with a tinted moisturizer followed by a liquid foundation. Lisa Mergel, licensed esthetician and makeup artist and owner of Kanvas, instructs that in applying liquid foundation it’s best to use a synthetic foundation brush to apply and then a makeup sponge to blend. Using a sponge for application wastes a lot of foundation that gets absorbed by the sponge.

Tinted moisturizer is a newer trend. Mergel explains it can be used by those who do not need as much coverage as a liquid foundation to give the skin some even color, or it can be used in preparation for a liquid foundation, providing more coverage than a clear moisturizer. Whether you want a lot of coverage or just a little, it is good to have a tinted moisturizer in your arsenal.

For oily skin, Reinhard recommends a mineral powder “because that would absorb some of their natural oil.” Mergel agrees and advises applying powder foundation using a large brush which will allow for light, even coverage.

For those who want the extra coverage of concealer for undereye circles or blemishes, Mergel has a few tips. “For a person trying to cover circles under their eyes, the rule is to go a shade lighter,” she explains. “For blue or brown circles, use a salmon-colored concealer.” The red salmon hue will counteract the color of the circle.

“When trying to cover blemishes,” she continues, “go a shade darker.” Concealer for under the eye should be a lighter liquid or cream, which can be applied with a brush and patted gently with fingers to blend. Concealer used on blemishes should be a little thicker.

Regardless of your makeup needs, Mergel stresses the importance of healthy skin. “If you’re using a good skincare regimen, your makeup will look better.” n

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dining

GUIDE

restaurants | food | atmospheres

FIRST COURSE

» THE LORE OF HOT CROSS BUNS

A tasty treat associated with Good Friday, hot cross buns are spiced breads that often have dried or candied fruits inside, marked with crosses on top. While historical accounts vary, some say the buns date back to the ancient Greeks, Romans and Egyptians.

The cross on top comes from the crosscultural ancient tradition of marking religious offerings of bread. The Saxons ate buns marked with a cross symbolizing the goddess of light, Eostre (from whence Easter later received its

name). The Egyptians would mark their round cakes with the sign of an ox’s horns before offering them to the goddess of the moon, and the ancient Greeks and Romans had similar traditions.

The buns themselves are traditionally believed to have a variety of supernatural properties. Those baked on Good Friday were believed by some to never grow moldy, and others even kept the buns as luck charms throughout the year. Some believed the English

superstition that the buns could be hardened in the oven and kept to protect the household from fire. Sailors took loaves on their voyages to prevent shipwreck.

Today hot cross buns are typically served at breakfast on the morning of Good Friday. The cross can be piped on with icing, cut into the surface or baked on using a cross made from the dough. In England they are still believed by some to bring protection from bad luck throughout the year. — Laura Bradley

ttaALLAHASSEE llahassee

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Flavor

A Growing Trend More People are Opting For Gardens You Can Eat

W

hen Rob Estevez bought his home near Midtown two years ago, one of the first things he did was dig up a section of lawn and plant a vegetable garden.

“I like the taste of home-grown vegetables. The taste is superior to anything you can find in the store,” said Estevez, a selfemployed Web developer. “There’s also a self-reliance component, as well as my concern with the production techniques of traditional commercial agriculture and their effect on the environment.

“But primarily,” he said, “I garden for the joy of it.”

Whether motivated by environmental, health or economic concerns, more people are opting to grow at least a portion of their own food.

For some, it’s the economy. A pack of spinach seeds costs about the same as one box of frozen spinach, and much less than a bunch of fresh spinach leaves, yet those same seeds will produce enough spinach to keep Popeye and the clan fed throughout the growing season.

Others plant a vegetable garden for the exercise it provides, spending less on seeds and tools than on gym memberships and reaping savings on food, as well.

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For some, it’s an attempt to avoid the chemicals used in commercial food production and shrink their carbon footprints.

It’s the ultimate spin on the “slow food” movement, which urges consumers to buy food in season that is grown close to home.

Estevez serves on the board of the Damayan Garden Project, a nonprofit whose mission is to teach children — and their adults — to eat locally grown, seasonal food and live healthy lives. Sustainable gardening is a key component.

Then there are the “foodies” who do it for the pure delight of their taste buds.

Even if a home gardener didn’t start out as a “foodie,” one taste of a homegrown vegetable is usually all it takes. If the only tomatoes you’ve ever eaten were grocery-store tomatoes that were picked green, packed in tractor-trailers for the long trip to market and then sprayed with a burst of ethylene gas to make them turn red, you have been truly deprived. A trip to one of the area growers’ markets to taste locally grown goodness is definitely in order.

Like Estevez, most vegetable gardeners are motivated by a combination of reasons.

Master Gardener Glenn Mayne, past president of the Leon County Master

By Audrey Post Gardener Association, tends a large vegetable garden in the backyard of his north Leon County home. For him, gardening is a hobby.

“My observation has been that a primary reason people garden is for the exercise and to get outside. The second reason is the selfsatisfaction of bringing a crop from plan to table. And the third, and most important reason, is better taste,” he said. “There’s no way you can replicate the taste of a vegetable you just picked from the garden.”

Mayne is creator/coordinator of the Leon County Extension Office’s “Ask a Master Gardener” email program. His 2011 annual report noted that “the interest in gardening activity that is associated with producing food has increased dramatically over the two years” the program has been in place, with the percentage of queries related to growing vegetables almost doubling from 2010 to 2011 and the percentage of questions about growing fruit more than doubling.

“When we started the program in 2010, the emphasis was on ornamentals. When we got into 2011, what we saw was a significant shift,” he said. “Not only were there questions about how to grow vegetables and fruit, but also dealing with

“There has definitely been an increase in interest in vegetable gardens …You know what you put in, you know what you’re getting out, and you get better flavor.”

Photo Courtesy Katrice Howell

— Zulema Wibmer, Leon County Extension Office

GLORIOUS FOOD The beautiful — and delicious and economical — results from garden plots planted at The Space at Feather Oaks.

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Flavor

soil and pest management in vegetable gardens. People wanted to know how to prepare the soil and how to keep the varmints out.”

Although the cost of produce doesn’t seem to be a factor with most of the gardeners Mayne talks with, the opposite is true for Damon Miller, Sr., coordinator of Florida A&M University’s Community Garden on Orange Avenue.

“I think it’s absolutely and directly tied to the economy and the high cost of food,” Miller said. “We have 69 garden plots all told, and we have about 40 people on a waiting list.”

Standard plots historically have been 40 by 40 feet, but Miller said he’s further dividing some of them into 20- by 20-foot plots to try to accommodate people on the waiting list.

“A lot of times, people don’t plant their entire lot, so they’re happy to have a smaller space, and pay less for it, so that someone else can have a garden,” Miller said.

The larger plots rent for $40 a year and the smaller ones for $20 a year. Water is included in the rent, but gardeners must provide their own hoses. There’s an organic section for gardeners who eschew using processed or chemical products.

Now in its 38th year, the FAMU Community Garden attracts a diverse group of gardeners who return year after year.

While there is some turnover, it’s usually graduate students who finish their educational programs and leave the area, or older participants who have to give up their gardens because they’re no longer physically able to tend them. Because our mild climate allows for year-round gardening, you can find leafy greens such as collards and turnips growing in the winter months and corn, peas and beans in the summer.

International students — from Asia, in particular — take advantage of the garden to grow vegetables that are hard to find in local markets.

“The gardeners share with each other and many donate produce to organizations that help people in need,” Miller said.

Martin Kendal-Reed rented a plot last June because his yard has neither the space nor the sunlight to sustain a garden.

“I garden primarily as a means of relaxation, but also as a means to organic food. As an ‘almost vegetarian;’ I want nutritious vegetables grown without chemicals,” he said.

Making the beds Food Garden Workshop at The Space at Feather Oaks with The Man in Overalls — Nathan Ballentine.

Get Growing!

Area Workshops offer everything from basic planting tips to full-service garden plots and recipes for your harvest March 7 VEGETABLE GARDENING 101

If you haven’t started a vegetable garden yet, this workshop is for you. A staff of experienced vegetable gardeners will start with the basics of soil preparation and when to plant different vegetable varieties. Then the lesson moves out to the demonstration garden for hands-on experience. Free. Must pre-register, class size limited. 10 a.m. Native Nurseries, 1661 Centerville Road. (850) 386-8882 nativenurseries.com March 17 ANNUAL HERBAL EVENT

Join professional herb grower, B. O’Toole of O’Toole’s Herb Farm, and Native Nurseries’ Donna Legare to learn how to grow and enjoy herbs. They will discuss how to use herbs in cooking and how to incorporate them into the landscape. Herbal treats will be available to sample. $5. Must pre-register, class size limited. 10 a.m. Native Nurseries, 1661 Centerville Road. (850) 386-8882, nativenurseries.com

farmers Aaron Suko and Herman Holley. $30 or $15 for current RHSFA members. Email smallfarmalliance@gmail.com or register through the Red Hills Online Market. 1–5 p.m.

Full Earth Farm Solomon Dairy Road, Quincy. localfoodmarketplace.com March 31 CHILDREN’S GARDEN WORKSHOP

Youngsters can grow their own Italian garden.

Children will mix soil and mushroom compost in a 3-gallon nursery container and then plant tomato, basil, parsley and garlic chives under the guidance of nursery employees and a parent. Siblings can work together. $7 per container. Must pre-register, class size limited.

10 a.m. Native Nurseries, 1661 Centerville Road. (850) 386-8882 April 1 Spring Food Garden Workshop

Optimize soil health through compost, cover crops and more. Speakers include Nathan Ballentine (The Man in Overalls) along with

Learn to grow your own vegetable garden with Nathan Ballentine (The Man in Overalls). Plot, soil and vegetables provided. Come out to the Space as often as you like to check in on your garden, or let them care for it and send you updates as it grows. $105 to attend and enjoy your own fresh-grown vegetables all season.

Call for more details. 2–4 p.m. The Space at Feather Oaks, 6500 Miccosukee Road. (850) 459-3473, thespaceatfeatheroaks.com

He has grown carrots, Brussels sprouts, broccoli and two varieties of cabbage in his 40 by 40 plot, and he plans to grow tomatoes, bell peppers and hot peppers when the weather warms. In addition to the

produce, he enjoys the camaraderie of the other gardeners — a racially diverse group that’s a mixture of working people and retirees, young and old, veteran and novice.

“It’s a very collegial group,” he said.

March 18 Growing Here (Part 3 of 3-part series)

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“People share cuttings and gardening suggestions.”

Sharing is a common thread among gardeners throughout Tallahassee, regardless of their motivation for working the soil. Manna on Meridian, a food ministry launched several years ago by Faith Presbyterian Church and neighboring St. Stephen Lutheran Church and now supported by half a dozen congregations along Meridian Road, relies on donated produce to supplement the non-perishable items it collects for distribution. Area food banks benefited from about 40 pounds of produce a week during last year’s warm growing season, after two vegetable gardens, one of them organic, were added to the Leon County Extension Office’s demonstration gardens.

Master gardeners and Leon County also assisted Second Harvest, as well as the Miccosukee and Fort Braden neighborhoods, in creating community gardens over the past couple of years, primarily with water pipes and fencing, said Zach Galloway, a senior planner with the Tallahassee-Leon County Planning Department.

Late last summer, the City of Tallahassee approved a new community-gardens project using city property. Galloway said several city and county agencies, including Parks & Recreation and the Health Department, worked together to compile the guidelines and “give citizens a clear point of contact.” Go to talgov. com/planning/environ/gardening.cfm for more information.

“We’ve had inquiries from the Frenchtown, Betton Hills and Midtown Neighborhood Associations, as well as a group of seniors in the Bond community,” Galloway said. “This will be the first year, and there definitely seems to be interest.”

“There has definitely been an increase in interest in vegetable gardens,” said Zulema Wibmer, the Extension Office’s horticultural and 4-H assistant. “I think it’s partly the economy and partly that you get a better product. You know what you put in, you know what you’re getting out, and you get better flavor.”

For Estevez, it’s all that, and more “I like the convenience of walking 10 feet out the kitchen door instead of going back to the store for an ingredient I forgot.

I like having it all there,” he said. “For me, it’s never been about the money.” n

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dining guide 2011 Best of Tallahassee. . . . . . . . . . . . .

Breakfast/Brunch....................................

Lunch......................................................

Dinner.....................................................

Takeout Available...................................

Outdoor Dining......................................

Live Music..............................................

Bar/Lounge.............................................

Reservations...........................................

Credit Cards Accepted.. . . . . . . . . . . . .

Up to $10............................................... $ $10 – $15................................................$$ $15 and up.......................................... $$$

Gourmet Specialty A LA PROVENCE $$$ French. A rich décor and graceful atmosphere create a memorable dining experience, offering French-Mediterranean cuisine, including Crepes De Mer and Escargot de Bourgogne. A complimentary amuse bouche, a bite-size appetizer, allows chefs to show off their culinary skills to guests. 1415 Timberlane Road. Lunch 11:30 a.m.– 2 p.m. Mon.–Fri., Dinner 5:30–9:30 p.m. Mon.– Sat. (850) 329-6870. $$$ Andrew’s 228 American and Italian. A chic urban restaurant serving signature blends of creative American and Italian cuisine in stylish surroundings.

Named one of the Top 20 Restaurants in Florida three years in a row by Florida Trend. Private rooms are available for banquets and meetings. 228 S. Adams St. 6–10 p.m. Mon.–Thu., 6–11 p.m. Fri.–Sat. (850) 222-3444.

CHEZ PIERRE $$$ French. French and Southern hospitality converge at Chez Pierre. From the signature Crepes Poulet to delicious grilled duck breast and freshground Australian lamb burgers, the restaurant repeated “Best Happy Hour” and “Best Outdoor Dining” honors from the readers of Tallahassee Magazine in 2011. Live music accompanies your meal most nights of the week. Sun.–Thurs.

11 a.m.–10 p.m., Fri.–Sat. 11 a.m.–11 p.m. 1215 Thomasville Rd. (850) 222-0936.

Dinner 5:30 p.m.–close Thurs.–Sat. European Breakfast 9 a.m.–1 p.m. Sat. (229) 226-9944.

$$$ Cypress Restaurant New Southern. Voted “Best Fine Dining” and “Best Celebration/Special Occasion” by Tallahassee Magazine readers in 2011. Sophisticated Southern regional dining in a contemporary, metropolitan setting. Menu features chef-cut fish and aged meats, fresh in-house preparations, a comprehensive wine list and full bar. Valet parking available at night. 320 E. Tennessee St. Dinner only Tues.–Sat. Open at 5 p.m. (850) 513-1100.

Mockingbird Café $$ Fusion. Enjoy hand-cut steaks and Gulf seafood along with American regional, Mediterranean, Asian and Middle Eastern dishes in an upscale refined atmosphere. Food is fresh, locally purchased and seasonal, made from scratch by talented in-house chefs. Diners will also enjoy delicious seasonal desserts, nightly food and drink specials and live music on weekends.

1225 N. Monroe St. Lunch 11 a.m.–2:30 p.m.

Mon.–Sat., dinner 5:30–10 p.m Mon.–Sat. Bar/ lounge 5:30 p.m.–2 a.m. Mon.–Sat. Brunch 11 a.m.–2:30 p.m. Sun. (850) 222-4956.

Food Glorious Food $$$ American. Choose from several savory soups, nearly a dozen salads and a great selection of sandwiches and pastas with hot entrées that represent a variety of world cuisines.

Heavenly dessert concoctions — voted “Best Dessert” in 2011 by Tallahassee Magazine readers — will please even the most discriminating diner. 1950 Thomasville Road. Lunch 11 a.m.–2:30 p.m. Mon.–Sat., Dinner 5:30– 9:30 p.m. Tues.–Thurs. and Sun., 5:30–10:30 p.m.

Fri.–Sat., Closed Mon. for dinner. Sun. Brunch 10 a.m.–2:30 p.m. (850) 224-9974. $$$ Georgio’s American. If George Koikos is in the house, you can count on a visit to your table from him during your meal. His hands-on commitment to quality, food, service and a personal touch have kept his restaurants in business for 44 years.

Now with two locations. 3425 Thomasville Road. Opens 5 p.m. Mon.–Sat. (850) 893-4161 or 2971 Apalachee Parkway. 4–10 p.m. Mon.–Sat. (850) 877-3211.

Anthony’s $$ Wood Fire Grill American and Italian. After 26 years in Betton Place, restaurateur Dick Anthony has returned in a new location with a new menu featuring grilled chicken, steak, fish and hamburgers. Italian favorites that made the original Anthony’s so popular have returned on the “First Loves Second Chances” portion of the dinner menu. 1355 Market St. Lunch 11 a.m.– 2 p.m. Mon.–Fri., Dinner 5–9 p.m. Mon.–Sun., Brunch 11 a.m.–2 p.m. Sun. (850) 224-1447, anthonyswoodfiregrilltallahassee.com

Kitcho Japanese $$ Restaurant Japanese. Its specialty, sushi, was named the best in Tallahassee in 2006. Step inside Kitcho’s Velvet Lounge for a sip or two of sake as you sit comfortably while waiting for your table. 1415 Timberlane Road. 11:30 a.m.–2 p.m. and 5:30–10 p.m.

Tue.–Fri., 5:30–10 p.m. Sat., 5:30–9 p.m. Sun. (850) 893-7686.

$$$ Avenue Eat & Drink A chic restaurant offering a melting pot of flavors fresh from the South, served in scrumptious dining presentations. Sunday brunch is a not-to-be-missed treat. Refine your meal with a glass of wine or a cocktail at the onyx bar.

115 E. Park Avenue. Brunch 9:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m.

Sat.–Sun., Lunch 11 a.m–4 p.m. Mon.–Sat., Dinner 4–10:30 p.m Mon.–Thurs., 4–11 p.m. Fri.–Sat., (850) 224-0115.

$$$ Liam’s Restaurant American. Located in historic Downtown Thomasville, Ga., Liam’s serves delicious sustainably sourced, natural, organic foods. The menu changes based upon what the owners find to be the best available ingredients from small artisanal producers. Look for a catch of the day along with great tasting beef and pork dishes.

A large selection of cheeses is a specialty here.

113 E. Jackson St. Lunch 11 a.m.–2 p.m. Tues.–Fri.

$$$ The Melting Pot Fondue. This restaurant offers a variety of fondues including cheese and chocolate dessert.

The Melting Pot earned two “Best of” awards in 2010, for “Best Romantic” and “Best Celebration/Special Occasion” restaurant. 2727 N. Monroe St. 5–11 p.m. Sun.–Thu., 5 p.m.–midnight Fri.–Sat. (850) 386-7440.

Specialty A.J. Sports Bar & Grill $ American. This hangout spot — named “Best Sports Bar” by Tallahassee Magazine readers in 2011 — is known for its sandwiches, backyard burgers and flavored wings. Watch sports from one of their 50 flat screens, shoot some pool or play darts, or enjoy happy hour. 1800 W. Tennessee St. 5 p.m.–2 a.m. Mon.–Fri. and noon–2 a.m.

Sat.–Sun. (850) 681-0731.

Andrew’s Capital Grill and Bar $$ American. Andrew’s, a Downtown landmark for nearly 40 years, is an energetic, casual, see-andbe-seen spot. House favorites include a popular lunch buffet, hamburgers, chicken quesadillas, Mediterranean Pasta, Cedar Plank Salmon and Chicken Fiorentina. Downtown delivery. 228 S. Adams St. 11:30 a.m.–10 p.m. Mon.–Thu., 11:30 a.m.–11 p.m. Fri.–Sat., Brunch 11 a.m.– 2 p.m. Sun. (850) 222-3444/Fax (850) 222-2433.

The Egg Café And Eatery $$ American. Made-to-order items using the finest ingredients, cooked to your liking. Voted Tallahassee’s best nine times, including the 2011 awards for “Best Breakfast” and “Best Brunch.”

In Evening Rose at 3740 Austin Davis Ave. and 3500 Kinhega Drive. 7 a.m.–2 p.m. Tue.–Sun. (850) 907-3447.

AZu — a Lucy Ho’s restaurant $/$$ Asian. Serving Tallahassee since 1970, Lucy Ho’s offers Japanese style cooking with Cantonese, Sichuan, Hunan, Peking and Taiwanese influences.

Lucy Ho’s has moved back to Apalachee Parkway, just east of Capital Circle Southeast, to better serve its customers. Diners will also find a full bar and the freshest sushi. 3220 Apalachee tallahassee

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BEST HIBACHI

Great Food • Great Friends • Warm & Inviting Atmosphere Upscale Tastes at Affordable Prices

Tuesday - Sunday 7AM - 2PM 3500 Kinhega Dr. (850) 907-EGGS (3447) F: (850) 907-8258 3740 Austin Davis Ave. (850) 765-0703 F: (850) 765-0706

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food bites Eat your way down Thomasville Road with a stop at these restaurants.

DINNER | Kool Beanz Café

Hearty eaters should give Kool Beanz version of steak and potatoes a try. Slices of Peppered Flank Steak are served atop skin-on mashed potatoes with a side of spicy gorgonzola-herb butter. The meal is completed with a tall stack of crispy fried onion rings. $18.

SALAD | Newk’s Express Café

Make a meal — or two — with Newk’s Favorite Salad, served in a behemoth bowl and made with fresh mixed greens, grilled chicken breast, gorgonzola cheese, dried cranberries, grapes, artichoke hearts, pecans and croutons tossed with Newk’s sherry vinaigrette. (Word to the wise: Newk’s salads come tossed in dressing; if you want to pour your own on, ask for it on the side.) $8.75

LUNCH | Tomatoland’s Kitchen

There’s a hot lunch plate special every day, but the ravening horde descends on Friday — better known here as Fish Fry Day. You get a healthy sized helping of fried white fish along with cheese grits, coleslaw and hushpuppies (and you can substitute baked beans or whatever vegetable is cooking in the back, if you’d like). $6.50

Parkway. Weekdays, 11 a.m.–10 p.m.; Sat., noon– 10 p.m.; Sun., noon–9 p.m. (850) 893-4112. $$ Bella Bella Italian. Cozy home-like atmosphere and authentic homemade traditional Italian food made this Midtown dining hotspot the “Best Italian” winner in 2011. Try their famous Bubble Bread and delicious pasta specials. Catering available. 123 E. 5th Ave. Lunch 11 a.m.–3 p.m. Mon.–Fri., Dinner 5–9:30 p.m. Mon.–Thu., 5–10 p.m. Fri.–Sat. (850) 412-1114.

Photo By Scott Holstein

$$ EL JALISCO Mexican. With two–for–one margaritas most nights of the week, where can you go wrong? And the food, named “Best Mexican/Latin American” in 2011, is great too. Endless chips and salsa complement any menu item; the chicken quesadillas and beef tamales will keep you coming back for more. Mon.–Sat. 11 a.m.–12 a.m. Sun. 11 a.m.– 10 p.m. 2022 N. Monroe St. (850) 878-0800; 2915301 Kerry Forest Pkwy. (850) 668-1002 and 6497 Apalachee Pkwy. (850) 402-0733. $$ Jonah’s Fish & Grits American Southern. This Thomasville, Ga. restaurant serves good food made fresh daily in an alcohol-free, family friendly atmosphere. Soups, salads, pastas and specialty sandwiches focused on fish and seafood with a Southern twist are featured at lunch and dinner. Dinner also includes a more extensive selection from their wood-burning grill including their signature Gingersnap

VooDoo Dog’s PB&B Burger

Kool Beanz Café Peppered Flank Steak

DESSERT | Paisley Café

If you love the warm, filling goodness that is bread pudding, you’re going to be blown away by Paisley’s Nutella Bread Pudding. And it just might convert a few nonbelievers who dig into this delicious version made from fresh croissants (no day-old bread here!) mixed with the tasty hazelnut-and-cocoa spread that’s a breakfast staple in Europe. $4.29

Salmon. Made-from-scratch Hush Puppies are a house specialty. Low-fat and Kids menus are available. 109 East Jackson St. Lunch 11 a.m.– 2 p.m. Mon.–Fri. Dinner 5–9 p.m. Mon-Fri. Open Sat. 11 a.m.–9 p.m. (229) 226-0508. $$ Kiku Japanese Fusion. With a wide selection of sushi rolls and traditional Japanese dishes, Kiku caters to a variety of tastes. 3491 Thomasville Road Suite 12. Open Mon.–Thurs.

11–2:30pm, 4:30–10 p.m., Fri. 11–2:30 p.m., 4:30– 10:30 p.m., Sat. 12–10:30 p.m. and Sun. 12–10.

(850) 222-5458. $$/$$$ Kool Beanz Fusion. As winner of Tallahassee Magazine’s 2011 “Best Locally Owned” and “Best Casual Dining” restaurant, this colorful and casual spot has been serving up gourmet dishes since 1996.

Diners can expect delicious modern American cuisine, as well as dishes influenced by the worldwide travels of the kitchen staff. Menus change daily so guests can expect something new with each visit. 921 Thomasville Road. Lunch Mon.–Fri. 11 a.m.–2:30 p.m., Dinner Mon.–Sat. 5:30–10 p.m. (850) 224-2466. $ LUNA’S ITALIAN FOOD Italian-American. Gourmet deli sandwiches and pasta dishes to take home. Large selection of imported wine, cheeses, sauces and Italian grocery items — plus Italian gelato. 1122 Thomasville Road. 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Tues.–Fri., 10 a.m.–3 p.m.

Mon. and Sat., Closed Sunday. (850) 421-5862.

$–$$ Masa Asian Fusion. This sister restaurant to Lucy Ho’s serves up a creative menu with items such as Chilean Sea Bass with mango salsa, Tropical Fruit, Sweet and Sour Chicken and a Fried Cheese Cake Roll. In 2011, Masa repeated wins in the “Best Asian” and “Best Sushi” categories.

Enjoy an extensive selection of wine, beer and sake in a dark, original and casual dining setting.

1001 N. Monroe St. 11 a.m.–9:30 p.m. Mon.–Fri., Noon–10 p.m. Sat.–Sun. (850) 847-0003.

Moonspin Pizza $ Moonspin offers gourmet pizza and calzones, salads and desserts. Its toppings are fresh from local farms in the South Georgia and Tallahassee area. 113 N. Crawford St., Thomasville, Ga. Lunch 11 a.m.–2 p.m. Wed.–Sun, Dinner 5–9 p.m.

Wed.–Sun. (229) 226-4488.

Old Town Café $$ American. Southern hospitality is embedded throughout this family-owned restaurant. Mom’s meatloaf with mashed potatoes and green beans makes you feel like you’re home, not to mention their world famous prime rib, which slowly roasts all day. Timberlane Road. 11 a.m.–9 p.m.

Mon.–Thurs. 11 a.m.–10 p.m. Fri. and Sat. 4–10 p.m.

(850) 893-5741.

Osaka Japanese Steakhouse and Sushi Bar $$$ Japanese. Knives flash and patrons gasp as talented hibachi chefs “play” with your food while tallahassee

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THE BEST LITTLE STEAKHOUSE IN TALLAHASSEE 2011

BEST STEAKHOUSE

HERE, YOU’RE AMONG FRIENDS. 2011

MODERN AMERICAN CUISINE

BEST CASUAL DINING BEST LOCALLY OWNED RESTAURANT

LUNCH: MON–FRI, 11–2:30 DINNER: MON–SAT, 5:30–10 SUNDAY BRUNCH: 10:30-2

921 THOMASVILLE RD. (850) 224-2466 WWW.KOOLBEANZ-CAFE.COM

2011

BEST ASIAN RESTAURANT/ BEST SUSHI

Join us for lunch and dinner at our beautiful new location on Apalachee Parkway.

Our steaks are not only the best in Tallahassee, but USDA choice midwestern corn-fed beef, specially selected, aged to our specifications and cut daily. We also serve fresh jumbo shrimp and fish – grilled, blackened or fried. So please join us for lunch and dinner or just meet up for drinks at our fully-stocked bar.

EAST MEETS WEST

F

MARIE LIVINGSTON’S STEAK HOUSE

2705 Apalachee Parkway | Tallahassee, FL (850) 270-9506

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A Fresh Take on Pan-Asian Cuisine and Sushi Join us for Lunch & Dinner Extensive Selection of Wine, Beer & Sake

1001 N. Monroe St. (850) 847-0003 | masatallahasee.com

Dining Guide creating delicious chicken, steak and seafood dishes in front of you. Voted “Best Hibachi” by readers of Tallahassee Magazine. 1690 Raymond Diehl Road. Open daily 11 a.m.–10 p.m. (850) 531-0222. Private parties. $$$ Sakura Japanese. Sleek interior design mixed with amazing dishes equals a spectacular meal experience. This new and exciting Japanese cuisine rewards not only your taste buds but also your eyes with its beautifully prepared dishes of sushi and other traditional Japanese fare. 1318 N. Monroe St. Lunch 11:30 a.m.–3 p.m. Mon.– Sat., Dinner 5–10 p.m. Mon.–Thurs., 5–11 p.m.

Fri.–Sat., 4:30–10 p.m. Sun. (850) 222-9991. $$ THE WINE LOFT Wine Bar American. Enjoy delicious items off the small plate menu and a vast selection of wines in a chic, sophisticated atmosphere downstairs or on the balcony overlooking Midtown. The Wine Loft boasts a generous array of more than 50 wines by the glass and more than 70 by the bottle that earned it “Best Wine List” honors in 2011. 1240 Thomasville Road. Open 5 p.m. Mon–Thu., 4 p.m.–2 a.m. Fri. and Sat. (850) 222-9914. thewinelofttallahassee.net

Family/Casual Chick-fil-A $ No, there’s not a farm in the back of their restaurant, but one could easily assume it with the fresh, crispy taste of their famous chicken. Voted “Best Fast Food,” Chick-fil-A’s chicken sandwiches, salads, wraps and nuggets are an on-the-go treat for the ready-to-roll eater. Four locations, 8:30 a.m.–9 p.m. Mon.–Sat., closed Sundays. $$ Coosh’s Bayou Rouge Voted “Best Cajun,” Coosh’s Bayou Rouge offers the best of Louisiana with its signature crawfish, po’boys, gumbo, muffalettas and jambalaya.

2910 Kerry Forest Parkway, 11 a.m.–10 p.m. Mon.– Fri., 9 a.m.–10 p.m. Sat., 11 a.m.–3 p.m. Sun. (850) 894-4110. $ The Crepevine French Fusion. Delicious signature crepes are stuffed with fillings that make them savory or sweet. You can order from the menu, or create your own. Breakfast-style crepes are served all day long. The menu at this casual bistro also includes salads and yogurt bowls. 2020 W. Pensacola St., (850) 562-7373; 1304 N. Monroe St., (850) 329-6754. thecrepevine.com $ Earley’s Kitchen American Southern. For 33 years, Earley’s has been dishing up “good ole Southern” country cooking for breakfast and lunch at its restaurant inside Henry’s Meats. A second location now open in SouthWood serves fried chicken, pork chops, made-from-scratch vegetables, desserts and more, as well as a few extra Savannah-style dishes like shrimp and grits.

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BEST SEAFOOD MARKET

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Dining Guide The SouthWood restaurant also serves a Sunday brunch buffet. At the 1812 S. Monroe St. location: Mon.–Fri., 6:30 a.m.–3 p.m.; Sat. (breakfast only) 7 a.m.–noon. (850) 224-7090. The SouthWood location at 3196 Merchant’s Row Blvd.: Mon.–Sat. 7 a.m.–3 p.m.; Sun. 7 a.m.– 1 p.m. (850) 692-3491. five Guys BURGERS & Fries $ Burgers. Five Guys was a quick hit with the readers of Tallahassee Magazine, who named its burgers the best in 2010 and 2011. Serving up made-to-order burgers and hot dogs with your choice of Cajun or home-style fries, it’s no wonder this restaurant has customers coming back for more. 1872 Thomasville Road. Mon.– Sun. 11 a.m.–10 p.m. (850) 597-7514.

Hopkins’ Eatery $ American. Sandwiches, salads, delicious sweets and more. Voted “Best Deli” and once again voted the best place to have lunch by the readers of Tallahassee Magazine in 2011. 1660 N. Monroe St. and 1415 Market St. 11 a.m.–9 p.m.

Mon.–Fri., 11 a.m.–5 p.m. Sat. (850) 386-4258, (850) 668-0311.

MOMO’S $ Pizza. Boasting the largest pizza you’ll find in Tallahassee — and possibly the Southeast — Momo’s offers big flavor that’s gotten a

“Best of” award in 2011. Fill yourself up with a slice for yourself or order a pie to share. Now with two locations: Sun.–Thurs. 11 a.m.–9 p.m. Fri.–Sat. 11 a.m.–10 p.m. 1410 Market St. (850) 412-0222 and 1416 W. Tennessee St. (850) 224-9808.

One Fresh Stir Fry $ Choose your cooking style, pick your starch, pick the meat and vegetables and finish up your bowl with sauce and garnish. Toss it in a pan and you have a tasty stir-fry meal, One Fresh style. They also offer a variety of hoagies, sushi, burritos, tacos and barbecue. Two locations, 11 a.m.–9:30 p.m. Mon.–Sun. Pepper’s Mexican Grill & Cantina $ It’s a fiesta every day at Pepper’s. Enjoy mariachi music as you chow down on fajitas, enchiladas, quesadillas and other Mexican specialties served with their homemade sauces. 1140 Capital Circle S.E. 11 a.m.–10 p.m. Mon–Thurs., 11 a.m.–10:30 p.m. Fri.–Sat. 11 a.m.–9 a.m. Sun. (850) 877-2020.

Red Elephant PIZZA AND GRILL $ American. Enjoy a fresh, fast and filling meal that will satisfy your taste buds and your wallet. The casual atmosphere is perfect for social gatherings with friends and family, say readers of Tallahassee Magazine, who voted Red

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Elephant “Best Casual Dining” and “Best Family Friendly” restaurant. 2910 Kerry Forest Pkwy.

Suite C-3., Sun.–Thu. 11 a.m.–9 p.m., Fri.–Sat. 11 a.m.–10 p.m. 1872 Thomasville Road Suite A., Sun.–Thu. 11 a.m. 9:30 p.m., Fri.–Sat. 11 a.m.– 10 p.m. Kerry Forest (850) 668-7492. Midtown (850) 222-7492.

Sonny’s Real Pit Bar-B-Q $ Barbecue. Enjoy Sonny’s “feel good” barbecue and special sauces. Voted “Best Barbecue” in 2011. 3101 Dick Wilson Blvd., 2707 N. Monroe St. and 1460 Timberlane Road. All locations 11 a.m.–9 p.m. Sun.–Thu., 11 a.m.–10 p.m.

Fri.–Sat. Dick Wilson Blvd. (850) 878-1185, N. Monroe St. (850) 385-2167, Timberlane Road.

(850) 906-9996. Catering available.

TOMATOLAND $ American. This take-out only deli offers comfort food staples for breakfast and lunch such as quiches, a variety of salads and sandwiches, and a daily blue-plate special. Pick up some chicken tetrazinni or eggplant Parmesan for dinner. 1847 Thomasville Road. 7 a.m.–6 p.m.

Mon–Fri, 7 a.m.–5 p.m. Sat. (850) 425-8416.

Wing Stop $ Wings. Named “Best Wings” winner in 2011, Wing Stop offers freshly made wings sauced and tossed in a choice of nine flavors. Savor

2010

Authentic Mexican Restaurant Come Join us on M ay 5th for

2011

BEST MEXICAN RESTAURANT

CINCO DE MAYO NOW THREE LOCATIONS

(850) 878-0800 2022 N. Monroe St.

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(850) 668-1002

2915-301 Kerry Forest Pkwy.

NEW LOCATION!

(850) 850) 4 402-0733 02 073 3 6497 Apalachee Pkwy.

something sweet with the Hawaiian sauce or something zesty with the Hickory Smoked BBQ. 1964 W. Tennessee St., 3111 Mahan Drive, 6668 Thomasville Road. All locations 11 a.m.–midnight Tennessee St. (850) 574-9464, Mahan Dr. (850) 942-9464, Thomasville Road (850) 219-9464.

Exceeding Expectations for more than 20 years

Blue Plate Specials • Burgers & Salads

$$ VILLAGE PIZZA AND PASTA Pizza/Pasta. Made-from-scratch New Yorkstyle pizza is a favorite at this casual Italian spot, but its mouthwatering pastas with secret marinara sauce are close behind. One of its most popular choices, the Village Special, includes enough fresh toppings such as pepperoni, sausage, broccoli and mozzarella, to satisfy any pizza lover. Not to mention homemade garlic rolls. 1400-33 Village Square Boulevard. 11 a.m.–6 p.m. Mon.–Sun. For catering call (850) 893-9001.

Wraps & Pasta • Fresh Seafood Baby Back Ribs • Prime Rib

1415 Timberlane Road (at Market Square) 893-5741

Steak/seafood BONEFISH GRILL $$$ Steak/Seafood. Although a chain, Bonefish works hard to make each restaurant—and each meal—unique with an array of seafood and sauces that can be mixed and matched to diners’ tastes. The restaurant earned 2011 “Best of Tallahassee” honors for its appetizers (Can you say Bang Bang Shrimp?) and the star of its menu, seafood. Mon.–Thurs. 4–10:30 p.m., Fri.–Sat. 4–11:30 p.m., Sun. 4–10 p.m. 3491 Thomasville Rd. (850) 297-0460.

New Mobile Wood-Fire Pizza Oven Available for Catering

G ourmet Panini Sandwiches • Artisan Breads Global Wines • Imported Italian Pasta & Other Market Items Family Size Meals To Go • Lunch & Dinner Items Tailgating Specials & Catering Available 1122 Thomasville Road, Suite 4 | 421.5862 | lunasitalianfood.net Tues-Fri 10am-6pm, Mon & Sat 10am-3pm, closed Sun CASH, MASTERCARD, VISA, AMEX

Harry’s Seafood $$ Bar & Grill Cajun. A New Orleans dining experience you won’t soon forget! Delicious Creole cuisine, fresh seafood and steaks, rich pastas, sensational salads and more. “Great Food, Great Service; Good Value, Good Times.” 301 S. Bronough St. 11 a.m.–10 p.m. Thu.–Sun., 11 a.m.–11 p.m. Fri.–Sat. (850) 222-3976.

Marie Livingston’s $$$ Steakhouse Steak. This restaurant specializes in steak — named Tallahassee’s “Best Steakhouse” once again in 2011 — but also serves seafood such as shrimp and fish. Marie Livingston’s has moved to a new location with a sophisticated decor, but the quality and value remain the same. 2705 Apalachee Parkway. Lunch 11 a.m.–2 p.m. Mon.– Fri. Dinner 5 p.m. daily (850) 562-2525.

2011 BEST LUNCH BEST DELI

$$$ Shula’s 347 Steak. The legendary Miami Dolphins’ head coach brings his philosophy for winning football games — the quest for perfection — to the dining table at his namesake restaurant, located in Hotel Duval. Keep it light and casual with Premium Black Angus Beef burgers or a gourmet salad or opt for one of their signature entrées — “Shula Cut” filet, New York strip or Cowboy steaks. Reservations are suggested. Sun.–Thurs.

5–10 p.m., Fri.–Sat. 5–11 p.m. 415 N. Monroe St. (850) 224-6005. n tallahassee

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Snail Mail in the Internet Age

The Post Isn’t Just For Your Grandmother

By Madison Carryl

S

ince I can remember, childhood birthdays entailed a treat I rarely enjoyed any other time of year. Cards, packages and colored envelopes from distant grandparents, aunts and uncles would start slipping in. Mail showing up three days before my birthday was kept in Mom’s kitchen drawer with a “Do not open until May 25” sticky note attached to inflame my impatience.

Now, at 22, I still get a little thrill as I walk to my mailbox in the afternoons.

After about five years of making connections, I have a stable of correspondents in my address book. Some are as close as Tallahassee or Jacksonville, and others come from across the pond. Each pen pal I’ve made is a companion willing to share in this old-fashioned exchange.

Even before the age of insta-communication, “snail mail” pen pals were hard to come by. It’s understandable; most of us would rather grab the phone. The time it takes to unearth a pen, buy stationary, find stamps and look up the address just doesn’t seem logical when you’re on a schedule. Then you have to choose a topic, fill the card with neat handwriting (without the luxury of backspaces), and, if you’re left-handed like me, be careful 170

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not to smudge the fresh ink as you write.

For me, there’s the added challenge of finding a gift small enough to fit into an envelope, since I never send an empty letter. I’ve sent tea bags, flat pens, recipes, sticks of gum and candy, stickers, articles of interest, Polaroids I’ve received, stamps, comic strips (homemade or from the paper), incense, pressed flowers, magnets, bookmarks, mix CDs and even buttons and beads.

Then comes the waiting. I rarely tell anyone a letter is on its way. It seems unfair to ruin the surprise with anticipation. It’s hard to tell how long your note will sit in queue before being received, but by this point, I can predict the post.

A letter to Jacksonville takes two days, but I’ve had them delivered in one. Letters from Florida to London take about a week and a half, and closer to two weeks for Belgium. To Pittsburgh, New York City and Washington, D.C., it’s a two-to three-day wait. California and Salt Lake City take three, sometimes four.

Friends ask how I find time to keep up such constant epistolary contact, and why I don’t just use the Internet instead.

Well, I do! The Internet is my source for pen pal connections, more often than not. I run a photoblog on the social net-

working site Tumblr, and often people start conversations with me through the messaging system. Sometimes it’s simply a question of who the photographer is for a specific post, other times a compliment to my blog or a query about my listed interests. Somehow or another, these minimal conversations occasionally blossom into lovely pen pal-ships.

Andrea from Salt Lake City sends me letters full of philosophy, what life and sacrifice feel like to her, and questions about art and humanity (she’s an art student at Hollins University in Virginia). Bradley from Tallahassee sends me articles on indie music or books on Hemingway, and talks about what makes something “literature” instead of simply a book. He’s just opened a record store.

Pinoo is my farthest connection. Her letters come all the way from Belgium, full of news on European pop culture and politics. Hurley is a real friend from Jacksonville and my most promptly replying pen pal. We share the latest news on our college adventures, boyfriends and our favorite musicians, Fleet Foxes.

Each person I “talk” to has different passions, unique interests and always something new to share. Our communications take time, and that makes each interaction something to look forward to. These friends I’ve made fascinate me; they constantly expand my own ways of thinking and open me to new interests.

Which is why I stick something in my mailbox a few times a week, to keep that childish excitement going all year round. n

Photo by Scott Holstein

The Last Word

“WE PUT YOUR FAMILY IN OUR FAMILY MEDICINE.”

At Patients First, we believe family medicine and urgent care can be provided within the same atmosphere. Every service we provide strives toward providing the Tallahassee community with quality, long-term patient care for your entire family. Sometimes you just can’t wait for an appointment, and walk-in urgent care services are always available. Visit patientsfirst.com today for a complete list of our seven convenient locations, including our night and weekend hours.

www.patientsfirst.com

2011

BEST FAMILY PRACTICE

Thank you Tallahassee for voting Patients First as Best Family Practice.