TWM April-May 2015 by Tallahassee Woman Magazine

APRIL/MAY 2015

COMPLIMENTARY

Heidi Otway The

Joy of Renewal

Renew Your View

An Office Makeover

Autism Awareness That’s

Beachy Keen!

Faves & Raves Style

2015

Wedding Trends

DIY Herb

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• A p r i l /M ay 2015 1

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Tallahassee Woman Magazine | April/May 2015 | TalWoman.com

Contents 34

34 My Time

Picture-Taking Tips for the Anne Geddes Photographer in All of Us

40 WWMB: Women Who Mean Business Community

6 Our Thoughts Finding Joy in Change

Women to Watch: Business, Arts & Culture, Milestones and New Girl

8 Girl Talk

44 Business and Career

20 Faves & Raves A Beachy-Keen Spring

22 Style and Grace

Renew Your View: An Office Makeover | 2015 Wedding Trends

Making Your Business Profile Shine

46 Money Talks

Save for That Dream Vacation

48 Community Snapshot

64 Home and Garden

30 Sports & Fitness

66 The Dish

32 Real Life

70 Funny Girl

Athletic Shoes: Putting the Fit in Fitness

Finding Yourself Again When Your Child Leaves Home

Bring the View Indoors: A Windowsill Herb Garden

The Food Traveler

Staying on the Funny Side of Weight Loss Secrets

On the Cover

Page 36 Heidi Otway: The Joy of Renewal

By Heather Thomas

About the Cover: Photography by Kira Derryberry | Styling by Calynne Hill, Style Editor | Hair by Jolanda Powell, Next Level Multicultural Salon I Makeup by Keturah Bashaar, Lolade Cosmetics | Clothing and accessories from Narcissus 4 t a l l a h a s s e e

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Giving a Child a Fresh Start: The Tallahassee Area Foster and Adoptive Parent Association | Women We Admire: Whitney Harris | A Man of Character: Louis Garcia | Haute Happenings | Around Town

28 Healthy Living

April Is Autism Awareness Month

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OURTHOUGHTS

Finding Joy in Change “Life is not easy for any of us. But what of that? We must have perseverance and above all confidence in ourselves. We must believe that we are gifted for something and that this thing must be attained.”—Marie Curie

n this issue we are embracing change, and all that comes with a renewal of the mind, body and spirit. This means that fear may come into play, or self-doubt, and other obstacles that get in our way of pursuing what we feel we are gifted to do in order to make a difference. As the stories and information shared in this issue will attest, there are women who have gone through and are currently going through changes and challenges that are testing their perseverance, but that there are unforeseen joys that sustain them. Having a joyful and grateful attitude for what change can bring is a learned response, and one that I am still practicing. From my nine years with Tallahassee Woman I have been honored to share the stories from some amazing women, and one thing remains the same—for women who have an unquenchable desire to produce positive change, they in turn have an unimaginable capacity to persist in using their gifts to help make the world better and thus reap limitless joy. With this year’s annual Women Who Mean Business Awards on May 5, we are celebrating not only the women who are being honored, but also the community of people who helped these women persist and bring about changes in all of us. During my interview with our cover woman, Heidi Otway, we discussed at length the need for more women to step into a mentorship role or just be encouragers of one another in the business community. We need to help direct each other to the next step after we encounter challenges and failure—to not give up on us and to see the potential within us that we may not see in ourselves. For Heidi, this was life-changing, and her joy in all the changes that pursuing her best self brings is what you see with her story.

Living Well and Loving Life! April/May 2015 Volume 10 | Issue 2

Publisher Kim Rosier Editor Heather Thomas STYLE EditorS Calynne Hill • Terra Palmer Editorial Assistant Keasi Smith Advertising sales Director Lynn Solomon Advertising sales Jennifer Stinson GRAPHIC DESIGN Christy Jennings Miqueli INTERNS Sarah Burgess • Julia Marshall Cassie Mayhew • Shannon Postrion Tallahassee Woman Magazine LLC Post Office Box 13401 Tallahassee, FL 32317-3401 Phone (850) 893-9624 Fax (850) 254-7038 info@TalWoman.com

At Tallahassee Woman, we are celebrating the renewal of our team in welcoming back Calynne Hill and Terra Palmer as our style editors. They are former cover women and bring to us the gifts of their creativity, style and perspectives that we find invaluable and we are grateful for their talents and their enduring friendship.

Tallahassee Woman is published six times per year and is distributed on a complimentary basis throughout Tallahassee and the surrounding communities.

As Tallahassee changes and grows, we are seeing a tremendous need to support the businesses that are making its renewal happen—many of them women-owned, or have women at the helm. Even if you can’t join our celebration on May 5, please be sure to reach out to the women in your life who are encouraging you, or be that flame for someone else that needs to hear that they are incredible, and to show them how their ever-changing experiences and challenges are a pattern of strength and joy.

The information in this publication is presented in good faith. The publisher does not guarantee accuracy or assume responsibility for errors or omissions.

Keeping the flame burning,

Heather Thomas, Editor 6 t a l l a h a s s e e

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Advertising

For more information on advertising, call (850) 893-9624 or e-mail ads@TalWoman.com. Copyright ©2015 Tallahassee Woman Magazine LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction, in part or in whole, without expressed written consent of the Publisher is prohibited.

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G i r lta l k WELLNESS | STYLE | KNOWLEDGE | TRENDS | SHOPPING

A Picture Is Worth a Thousand Words 5 Artful Ways to Hang Your Pictures By Julia Marshall

Pictures and artwork are part of what helps to make a house a home. However, artfully hanging them and arranging them is an important part of the aesthetics when it comes to saying what we want to say, without words, and a lot of hassle. 8 t a l l a h a s s e e

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To easily hang a piece of art, stick a long strip of painter’s tape across the back of the frame underneath where the brackets are. Mark on the tape where the nails should go, take it off of the frame, stick it to the wall, and then make sure the tape is level. Hammer nails into the markings on the tape, remove the tape from the wall and hang your leveled picture on the first try!

For lighter-weight artwork, you can simply put a nail in the wall and staple two long strands of pretty ribbon to the back of your art piece. Then, tie the two ends of the ribbon in a bow and hang the bow on the nail to make a decadent-looking piece of art décor.

A trending style for hanging pictures these days is to create a gallery-style photo wall in your home. These consist of pictures of all different sizes being clumped together to create an eccentric design. You can find blueprints of how to lay out your pictures on Pinterest as a starting point. Then, using newspaper, lay your picture on the paper and trace around it, and cut out the shape. Tape the different newspaper “frames”on your wall until you have the design you want.

Since picture frames can sometimes be on the pricey side, there are several ways to make a inexpensive frame look fancy. Buy frames from a thrift store or where they are low-priced and use acrylic paint or spray paint to coat the frame with a color that matches your home. This is an easy way to get a quality-looking décor piece without spending too much money.

Scan this page with your smartphone using the Layar app for a YouTube video: How to Hang a Picture.

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6th

l a u Ann

Saturday, JUNE 27, 2015 10am-3pm Tallahassee Automobile Museum Admissions is FREE

To Renew Your Sponsorship or to be a Sponsor or Vendor Please Call 850-201-3005

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G i r lta l k | K N O W L E D G E

An Eggcellent Question: Why Do We Dye Easter Eggs? By Cassie Mayhew

very year around the Easter season, people around the world are decorating hard-boiled eggs with colorful dyes, but where did this brightly colored tradition start? The answer to that eggcellent question lies deep in history. There is not just one, but many answers as to why we still celebrate Easter with the dyeing of eggs. To Celebrate Spring—Throughout history, eggs have been associated with festivals and the celebration of spring. Eggs were used to symbolize new life and rebirth, which made them the perfect choice to symbolize the end of winter and the beginning of spring. During spring festivals, it was not uncommon to dye eggs and give them as gifts to friends and family. Christians eventually adopted this egg-dyeing tradition to symbolize the resurrection of Jesus during the Easter season.

Religious Tradition—Early Scan now to check out our Pinterest Christians in Mesopotamia board for fun Easter egg ideas. dyed their eggs red to symbolize the blood that was shed during Jesus’ crucifixion. The dyeing of Easter eggs was also meant to show the end of Lent, a period of fasting. Royal Roots—The dyeing of eggs may also have a royal past. In the 13th century, King Edward I of England ordered a whopping 450 eggs to be dyed and adorned with gold leaf. The eggs were then reportedly given to King Edward’s royal household.

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G i r lta l k | FA S H I O N

5Hacks

Wardrobe-Proofing

he word “hacking” is most often equated with computers and software, but with the TruTV show “Hack My Life,” hacks are given a more positive spin, in which repurposed items and cool ideas are used to make your life easier. Try out these hacks to renew your wardrobe.

1 How to Unshrink Your Clothes We’ve all

experienced the heart-wrenching feeling of accidentally putting our favorite or new item of clothing in the dryer and shrinking it two sizes too small. What most people don’t know is there is actually a way to undo their mistake. Start by soaking the item in baby shampoo or conditioner, then take the item out and squeeze it without rinsing. Next, lay the item out on a towel and role it up to absorb extra moisture—once done, place on a new dry towel and carefully stretch the item as it dries. Once dry, it should be back to its original size.

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By Sarah Burgess

DIY Boot Warmers Why go out and spend money on a pair of nice new boot warmers when you can make some on your own? Everyone has at least a few old sweaters lying around in a stack to give away or that they don’t wear anymore. An easy fix is to just snip some of the sleeve right off (no sewing required), and there you go! A brand new pair of cute boot warmers.

3 Lingerie Folding 101 As beautiful as

lingerie is, it can be a challenge to store. A simple folding does the trick! Use the cups to your advantage—roll the article up, stuff it in the cup, and fold the cups together, giving it the appearance of just a normal folded-up bra, which you can now easily store in your drawer.

4 The Secret About Soda Can Tabs

Next time you drink soda out of a can, think twice before you toss the can into the recycling. The little metal tabs at the top used to open the soda can actually be used as a double clothes hanger. If you put the top of your clothes hanger in one of the holes on the tab, once it reaches the neck of the hanger and stops, you conveniently have a tab with a second hole free to place another hanger in. This is a perfect way for planning and hanging outfits together.

Cute Patchwork Instead of getting disappointed when you rip a hole in the front leg of your jeans, be excited! It’s a chance to change up the style. Get a patterned patch and attach it from underneath—even add a little embroidery—and now you have a cute new style of jeans that no one will ever know were ripped in the first place.

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y l r Cu

G i r l t a l k | b e a ut y

Girl

By Shannon Postrion

urling hair has become much easier thanks to the curling wand, which is quickly replacing the use of curling irons. Prior to using a wand, it is always recommended that you prepare your hair by using a heat-protector styling product. When using a wand, remember to use a glove, since the wand does not have a clip like a

curling iron does. Professionals suggest that heat settings below 200 degrees should be used on hair that is fine, thin or color-treated. However, you should never use a heat setting above 400 degrees. First, how you dry your hair impacts the outcome of the curl. If you prefer loose, natural curls, allow your hair to air-dry before curling it. But if you like curls with a lot of volume, then blow-dry it first. Dividing your hair into sections ensures similar curls throughout. Hair can be wrapped around the smaller end of the wand for tight curls and wrapped around the full length of the wand for larger curls. It is suggested that hair not be wrapped around the curling wand for more than ten seconds because of heat damage. If curls are too loose, they may be fixed by creating smaller sections. For hair that won’t hold a curl, start curling at the roots instead of halfway down your head. Doing so will lock in the heatmaking curls last longer. After, curls can be brushed out for a softer look or can be held together with hairspray.

A Few Effortless Tricks Start by pulling all of your hair back into a ponytail on the top of your head. Then, gather sections of your ponytail and curl them. After the ponytail is completely curled, take it down and touch up as needed. This creates a wavy look.

Scan now with your smartphone using the Layar app for a video with more tips on curling hair and curling irons. 14 t a l l a h a s s e e

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Another trick is the way that you hold your curling wand. When held vertically, looser curls are created, but when held horizontally, this creates tight and bouncy curls. To create a more natural look, curl your hair in the direction away from your face.

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here are many different ways to wear a necklace, but you want to make sure that it complements your neckline. Below are four different neckline styles and the type of necklace that fits best with each.

V: When wearing a delving V-neck, you

should wear a longer necklace that is also in a similar “V” shape or a more filling necklace that takes up some of that bare neck space.

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Scoop: If sporting a scoop neck, a short plain pendant or a shorter necklace with volume is the best look. Turtle: Anything long is what you want to go for while wearing a turtleneck— whether it be chains, pendants, or necklaces, length is always the key.

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8LMRKW EVI ,)%8-2+ 94 TM

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&97-2)77 2015 ANNUAL AWARDS

Come celebrate with us on

May 5th from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

at the Florida State University Alumni Center Grand Ballroom (1030 West Tennessee Street, Tallahassee, FL)

as we recognize and honor dynamic businesswomen who are “on fire” with their passion, leadership and dedication to the business community. Part of the proceeds will go towards a scholarship for an eligible woman pursuing her business or similar degree. To purchase tickets or become a sponsor, visit talwoman.com

FOR MORE INFORMATION

call (850) 893-9624 or e-mail wwmb@talwoman.com

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G i r l t a l k | he a l th

The 4-7-8 Method

How to Fall Asleep in Minutes By Julia Marshall

et’s be honest— sleepless nights are a nightmare for everyone. A lack of sleep adds stress to our bodies and can make us so exhausted that sometimes it’s hard to function, let alone how it negatively affects our overall health. There are many tricks out there that are designed to help night owls get to bed on time, but one of the most effective is the 4-7-8 method. When we are stressed or anxious, adrenaline runs through our veins and breathing becomes shallow and fast. The 4-7-8 method is designed to force our heart rate to slow down gradually until we fall fast asleep.

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It’s a simple three-step process— Breathe in through the nose for 4 seconds. Hold your breath for 7 seconds. Then exhale through the mouth for 8 seconds. This repetitive motion of breath mimics how the body naturally falls asleep. If your goal is to wake up the next day feeling rested and renewed, then the 4-7-8 method is definitely worth a try.

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G i r lta l k | T R E N D S

TrendING NOW:

fa s h i o n • e n t e r ta i n m e n t • ON L INE • T e c h n o l o g y

Who is TED? By Keasi Smith

y now you have probably watched a TEDTalk or at the very least seen them on your social media newsfeed. But what are TEDTalks all about and how did they get started? Who is TED? Turns out TED stands for Technology, Entertainment and Design. The nonprofit organization began in 1984 and today covers every topic from science to business to the human experience and is presented in languages from around the world. Believe it or not, the first TED was a demo of the compact disc. The event didn’t really take off until years later after entrepreneur Chris Anderson partnered with TED creator Richard Saul Wurman and Anderson’s nonprofit Sapling Foundation. After broadening their topics of interest, TED began posting their videos online in the mid-2000s and many videos had viral impact. In the fall of 2012, TEDTalks have reached an impressive one billion video views.

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TEDTalks have been given by a range of speakers including scientists, professors, Bill Gates, Jane Goodall, and even Bono. The most viewed TEDTalks include discussions such as how schools kill creativity, how body language shapes who you are, and how great leaders inspire action. The most viral TED themes seem to be happiness, knowledge and ethics. These short, yet powerful talks embody one mission: spread ideas. TED prides itself on being a global community, inviting everyone to better understand the world around them. These videos enlighten, they start conversations and inspire. With so many different views and understandings of the world, TED aims to give access to these ideas to anyone with a computer with the hope that one idea can change the world.

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F a v es & R a v es

n e e K y h c a Be Spring

We are keen on these beachy finds from local stores that will help to bring the soothing colors and relaxed style of the coast to your home and body. Kate Spade swimsuit Top $94; Bottom: $63 Packable straw fedora $88 Towel $90 Narcissus 1408 Timberlane Road (850) 668-4807

Sun Bum products Cool down spray $11.99 Sunscreen face stick $9.99 Sunscreen lotion $15.99 Spriggs Laid Back Luxe 1410 Market Street (850) 894-2630

Ray Ban aviator sunglasses in blue $180 Cole Couture 1240 Thomasville Road (850) 553-3327

Atlantis jute tote by Mudpie $18 Sweet Patina 2030 Thomasville Road (850) 727-4834 Oka-B Shoes Eco-friendly beach sandals Sale price $25 Shine Boutique 2915 Kerry Forest Parkway, Suite 605 (850) 765-1854

Fish dishes by Mudpie $23 Loli & the Bean 1400 Village Square Boulevard (850) 576-5654 20â&#x20AC;&#x201A; t a l l a h a s s e e

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â&#x20AC;˘ A p r i l /M ay 2015

Seaside motif smokeless, odorless oil candle by Lifetime Candles $89.99 As You Wish 1950 Thomasville Road, Unit J (850) 577-7777

Sportswear by Maaji Bicycle capris $98 Sports bra $58 Walter Green 1817 Thomasville Road (850) 999-6105

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A Gift from the Sea by Anne Morrow Lindbergh $16 Chevron Cosmetic Bag $45 Kanvas 823 Thomasville Road (850) 224-7467

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S T YL E & G R A C E

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Renew Your View An Office Makeover By Terra Palmer and Calynne Hill, Style Editors Photography by AJ Studios Photography

A Firm Friendship Kelly Overstreet Johnson was with her former law firm for more than 24 years but was ready to branch out to begin something new. Dena Sokolow was a local employment law defense attorney and knew Kelly professionally as a mediator. The two formed a friendship and found they had a lot in common. One afternoon, the two met for lunch at Paisley Café, and Kelly told Dena that she was thinking about leaving her current firm to open a Tallahassee office for Baker Donelson Bearman Caldwell & Berkowitz, PC, a regional law firm. Kelly was so enthusiastic about Baker Donelson that Dena asked if she could join—the rest was history. Kelly and Dena began looking at potential office space. They knew they wanted to be close to the Capitol, but finding the right space with adequate parking was difficult. When they saw the space in Monroe Park Tower, which had amazing views of the Capitol, the federal courthouse, downtown Tallahassee and even Westcott, they were sold. t a l l a h a s s e e wo m a n

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S T YL E & G R A C E

The Makeover Kelly and Dena wanted an office for everyone to enjoy, but one that would update and maximize the available space, with room to grow. The two women had a vision of how they wanted their office to look and feel—vibrant, warm and comfortable, while working within a budget. They met with Catherine Baker of Shelton Dean Designs to set the tone and feel of the project. Catherine developed the design and layout, keeping in mind the need for functionality, as well as a desire for an inviting, fresh and unique appearance. The existing space was a traditional and conservative law office in an older building, with simple fixtures and a neutral color palette. Kelly and Dena wanted the office to be memorable, comfortable and vibrant, to help exude the welcoming nature of Baker Donelson. They also wanted a more contemporary and modern feel to the office and encouraged Catherine to use color, as well as interesting light fixtures, art and other accent pieces.

Kelly Overstreet Johnson and Dena Sokolow

Scan now with your smartphone using the Layar app for more office makeover ideas on our Pinterest site. 24 t a l l a h a s s e e

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Starting with color, the vibrant colors and coordinating artwork exude energy. A neutral base palette is common throughout, with the exception of the accent wall covering in the lobby and the bright-blue color used in the Renegade Conference Room, aptly called, “Reflecting Pool,” by Sherwin Williams. Additional color was brought into each area through artwork and accessories provided by Signature Gallery, which included pieces by local artists Paul Tamanian, Terra Palmer, Denise Choppin and John Fowler. Live plants dotted throughout also bring a crisp and fresh element to the color palette. For furniture and accessories, streamlined, clean lines and efficiency were the goal. By utilizing modular components, each attorney or staff area can be modified for their respective needs. If those needs change, the components can be altered as well. “The new design makes the space more open and modern, yet shows off the beautiful views of downtown Tallahassee. It was a true team effort. We couldn’t be more thrilled with the end result,” said Kelly. t a l l a h a s s e e wo m a n

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S T YL E & G R A C E

2015 Wedding Trends By Amanda Doumanian Reeves

Terri Smith Photo

very couple has a special story they want reflected on their wedding day. Today’s couples are choosing to celebrate their love with a wedding that reflects their personalities and their lifestyles. The Tallahassee area is a beautiful place for wedding events, and just like every year and every season, there are new wedding details trending.

LOCATION— Get married anywhere you want! Think about places that are near and dear to your heart and have your wedding there. Some of the top Big Bend area trends for unique, affordable and beautiful wedding locations include local parks, such as Cascades Park and Lichgate; nearby beaches; your house; a friend’s backyard; a local restaurant; or even Florida State University’s campus.

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Woodland Fields Photography

CEREMONY—Your ceremony can be just the two of you,

a few friends and family or a huge bash with everyone you’ve ever known. It’s become increasingly popular to include something symbolic in the ceremony. A few examples are a sand ceremony, a wine love-letter box ceremony, including children from previous relationships, using a pet as ring bearer and incorporating readings from favorite movies or books. Writing your own personalized vows has maintained its appeal as well.

SIGNS—Wedding signs are hugely popular and are going to continue to be so in 2015. Chalkboards make for affordable, yet beautiful wedding signs. Don’t just stick to square black chalkboards with white writing—make sure you add some different shapes and fun colors.

Kylene and Ryan Studio

MUSIC and ACTIVITIES—Make your wedding fun and memorable by having a live band or an energetic, interactive DJ that plays music you and your family will groove to. Also fun is providing games such as cornhole boards, a giant Jenga, ladder golf, a photo booth or even wedding Mad Libs. FOOD—Every couple wants the food at their wedding to be

delicious, as well as representative of who they are. Classically styled catered receptions are still the norm, but consider using a local food truck or your favorite BBQ restaurant if you are having a casual, outdoor wedding or reception. Many couples are using food trucks as an after-reception snack venue.

GUESTBOOKS— Gone are the days of the white leather

guestbook with lined pages. Today, “guest books” include everything from personalized signs with fingerprints, a quilt for guests to sign or messages on wishing stones. These are just a few of the wedding trends that are being seen and are anticipated to be popular in 2015. However, when planning your wedding, always remember—it’s your day, so do what makes you both happy. Who knows? You could even start the next wedding trend.

Amanda Doumanian Reeves is a freelance writer and a wedding officiant with A Beautiful Wedding in Florida.

Scan with your smartphone using the Layar app to view more wedding trends on our Pinterest site.

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he a l th y l i v i ng

April Is

Autism Awareness Month

Why You Should Care By Amy J. Hartman

One in 68 children—for some, it’s nothing more than a simple statistic, but for the millions of Americans who have a loved one with autism, it’s an all-too-real reminder that this disorder is on the rise. What Is Autism?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability that can cause significant social, communication and behavioral challenges.” The ASD moniker includes several conditions that used to be diagnosed separately, including autistic disorder, pervasive developmental disorder and Asperger syndrome. As the word “spectrum” suggests, there is a wide range of symptoms and behaviors associated with autism, so the disorder may present itself very differently in different individuals. Whereas one child with ASD may be unable to speak, another may have an advanced vocabulary. Where one may be markedly introverted, another may never seem to stop talking. Many with ASD have significant learning disabilities, but nearly half have IQs at or above average for their age group. That’s not to say, however, that there are no commonalities among people with ASD. Common indicators include not hitting typical childhood milestones for speech and language and/ or fine motor development on time, difficulty making friends or relating to others, and an unwillingness to make 28 t a l l a h a s s e e

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eye contact. It is also not uncommon for children with ASD to be diagnosed with other disorders, such as ADHD, OCD or sensory integration issues, at the same time. Though boys are more than four times more likely to be diagnosed with ASD than girls, the disorder can affect anyone. Most disturbing is that, to date, researchers have yet to pinpoint a single specific cause for ASD. According to Autism Speaks, a leading autism science and advocacy organization, though a number of gene mutations have been identified that could cause ASD, “most cases… appear to be caused by a combination of autism risk genes and environmental factors influencing early brain development.” In other words, the causes of autism could be as unique to an individual as the individuals diagnosed with the disorder are themselves.

Coping With Diagnosis

Though many concede that the rapid rise in autism cases may be due, in part, to an increased awareness of the disorder and the subsequent increase in behavioral evaluations for more children at a younger age, ASD is still a disorder for the modern age. Though the first case of autism was diagnosed in 1943, it was then considered a rare and singular disorder. Today, if you have a young child in school, chances

are good there’s at least one student with ASD in his or her classroom. Despite rising autism rates, Krista Cayer, of Cayer Behavioral Group, says she’s stricken by the sense of isolation parents with ASD seem to feel. “Autism is a very personal disorder. I think parents receive a diagnosis and there is so much fear. They’re upset, but rather than reach out, they keep to themselves,” she says. “Even though friends are supportive and welcome conversation, the parents of the newly diagnosed child do not want to appear as a ‘burden.’ Even with 1 in 68 children being diagnosed, I think they look within their social circle, and maybe they don’t know another child that’s been diagnosed. They feel alone.” Often, diagnosis is a double-edged sword. On one hand, a parent’s concern that “something isn’t quite right” is confirmed. Finally being able to put a name to the atypical behaviors they’ve seen in their child can provide a sense of relief, but a formal diagnosis can also jumpstart the grieving process. Cayer stresses the importance of “finding a new normal” after diagnosis, a process that can be “both gut-wrenching and exhilarating at the same time,” and urges families to “move forward, but with the diagnosis.” As difficult as an ASD diagnosis can be to accept, most specialists agree that early intervention is key.

Where Do We Go From Here?

So with 1 in 68 American children diagnosed with ASD, why are the latest statistics reason to cringe as well as celebrate? For those living with autism, and their families, it’s a reminder that they’re not alone. More people being affected translates into increased awareness and more money for research. However, though many with the disorder have seen dramatic improvement through behavioral interventions, speech and language therapy, occupational therapy and even medication, these services can be expensive, and there is no “cure.” Also, though we tend to think of autism as a childhood disorder, it doesn’t just go away at age 18. Autistic children grow up to be autistic adults who, depending on the severity of their conditions, may have difficulty establishing relationships, living independently or finding jobs. According to the CDC, it costs, on average, $17,000 more per year to care for a child with ASD than without the disorder. It is estimated that “total societal costs of caring for children with ASD were over $9 billion in 2011.” With ASD incidence rates on the rise, autism is no longer just a family concern. It’s an issue that affects us all. Amy J. Hartman is a mother, wife, mentor, ardent volunteer, freelance writer and substitute teacher. She has lived in Tallahassee since 1995.

For more information: National Resources • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: cdc.gov • Autism Speaks: autismspeaks.org Local/State Resources: • FSU Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (CARD): autism.fsu.edu • Autism Florida: autismflorida.com • FSU Multidisciplinary Center: mdc.fsu.edu Local Private Resources: • Cayer Behavioral Group: cayerbehavioral.com • Florida Autism Center: floridaautismcenter.info

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S P O R T S & F i tness

Athletic Shoes

Putting the “Fit” in Fitness By Shannon Postrion

hoosing the right athletic shoes isn’t always easy. There are different brands, types and arrangement of colors for different aesthetic appeals. However, it’s important to get the right fit in athletic shoes in order to prevent injuries, perform at your optimum level and inspire you to keep moving forward.

First, how do you prefer to work out?

If you like running or jogging, then a running shoe is best for you. Running shoes have more cushioning for when your foot hits the ground. They are flexible and are designed for forward motion. If you prefer aerobics or weight training, then cross-trainers are best for you. Cross-training shoes are meant for people who have varied workout routines or 30 t a l l a h a s s e e

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play different sports. Cross-trainers offer support for changes in direction and impact. Walking shoes are heavier and provide more support because your foot moves from heel to toe, more slowly than when running. Specialty shoes exist for workout routines, such as weight lifting, cycling, hiking and more. These types of shoes are a good choice for people who participate in these activities a few days per week.

What type of foot do you have?

Both your arch and the way that your foot moves are important factors when purchasing athletic shoes. A supinator or an under pronator has a high arch with feet that roll outward. They need shoes with more cushioning. A pronator has flat arches and feet that roll inward during running or walking. For this, they need shoes that have motion-control and stability. Neutral foot types have an equal weight distribution throughout the foot. They need shoes that have stability or moderate stability because they offer a balance of cushioning and support. Always try on shoes before making a purchase, and remember to try them on with the socks that you would typically work out in. Athletic shoes are not meant to be broken in and should immediately feel comfortable. When shopping for shoes, try to shop towards the end of the day. Your feet swell over the course of the day as they swell during a workout. Also, you get what you pay for—a good pair of athletic shoes usually costs between $80 and $150.

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After buying shoes, proper care is just as important. Don’t use your running

shoes for walking or vice-versa. Running shoes are more flexible and walking shoes are stiffer, so a different pair is necessary for each activity. When athletic shoes become less supportive, are uncomfortable and cause blisters or your knees or other joints begin hurting after they haven’t in a while, then it is usually time to replace your shoes. Shoes should be replaced every five to six months or every 400 to 600 miles of walking or running.

THIS ISN’T JUST A MOTHER’S DAY GIFT

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R e a l L i fe

Finding Yourself Again When Your Child Leaves Home By Michelle R. Nickens

“Life affords no greater responsibility, no greater privilege, than the raising of the next generation.” ~ C. Everett Koop

t’s graduation day and you watch your son or daughter walk across the stage to receive his or her diploma. You stand, clapping as hard as you can, holding in your tears and remembering the moment the doctor first placed your baby in your arms. Since she was born, you have nurtured, befriended, educated, disciplined, loved and supported her. You have seen her through every stage of her life. She has relied on you, sought your consult and turned to you to celebrate accomplishments and to cry in your arms. And now, in what seems like a blink of an eye, you are expected to open your arms and set your baby free. Helen Hayes said, “Childhood is a short season.” Children seem to grow at a rapid pace, and suddenly they are standing in front of you—young adults embarking on their next journey. But, what awaits you? When a child leaves home, it is a proud moment, but it can also be sad and scary. For my parents and me, it was a difficult transition. Being an only child in a military family, I was very close to my parents—we were “The Trio.” I made friends, but as soon as I did, it was time to move and the hunt for friends would start again. My mother was my best friend. We shared everything. Both of my parents were there for me, no matter what. So when I left home to attend FSU, they were proud but worried, stressed and blue. The Trio had separated. It 32 t a l l a h a s s e e

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marked a massive change in our lives. Looking back on it, there were some things we could have done differently. It is interesting how people react when their child leaves home. I’ve seen parents fall apart and grow isolated, while others book a cruise and turn their child’s room into a wine cellar. Some rent out their room the next day. Others forbid anyone to move an item in their child’s room, down to the yellow #2 pencil sitting on the desk next to her red three-ringed binder, open to her last trig assignment. My mother and I talked daily (sometimes more than once) while my roommate would go weeks without talking to her parents. Weren’t they worried about their little girl? So, is there a way you should react? There is no right or wrong way, but you can prepare and work to ensure that the transition is positive for you and for your child. My mother gave up so much for me, and although I am eternally grateful, I wish she had had the opportunity to do more for herself. Somewhere between those extremes lies a balance. Trust that you have done a great job of parenting, and be proud not only of your child, but of yourself. Parenting is hard work, and seeing your child succeed is a positive reflection on you. Remember that this is difficult for your child too. Even though she may not show it all the time, she is feeling it. Let them know you are there for them, but don’t constantly

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push. They need to develop on their own too. Parenting is an evolution, and the transition can take time, so be patient. Before your child leaves home, get involved in your community. Find a hobby or rediscover your interests. Become or stay engaged in things you care about. Your relationships are important. Don’t push your spouse, friends or other family members aside while raising your child and then expect those relationships to automatically be like before. Constantly plan dinners and getaways with your spouse. Meet girlfriends and family members for lunch. Treat yourself to a spa day. Exercise. In other words, balance taking care of your child and yourself. It is okay to feel sad. Seek out people who will listen, have the same feelings and offer comfort. Positive and regular communication with your child, spouse and family will help maintain a strong foundation and an ongoing understanding that you will continue to be by her side, even if you’re hours away. Remember that even after your child leaves, she needs you. I needed my mother and still do every day of my life. If you have other children, don’t forget they need you just as much as the one leaving.

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Giving Tallahassee a Reason to Smile

Plan regular trips to your child’s school or new location. Learn about and embrace what they are doing in their new environment. Not a Noles fan? Become one. Make the new things in their life new things in your life. And, if you do need someone to talk to, reach out. There are online support groups and health care professionals to help.

Richard J-P Bastien, DMD

Robert Neelly Bellah reminds us that no matter “however painful the process of leaving home, for parents and for children, the really frightening thing for both would be the prospect of the child never leaving home.” Change is not easy and saying goodbye to your son or daughter can be an emotional roller coaster, but you can succeed and, in the process, find yourself again. Michelle Nickens is a frequent contributor to Tallahassee Woman and is author of the novel “Precious Little Secrets.” For more information visit michellenickens.com.

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M y T i me

Picture-Taking Tips for the Anne Geddes Photographer in All of Us By Cassie Mayhew Photos by Kira Derryberry

ith the beauty of a Tallahassee spring all around us, it seems like the best time to grab a group of friends or family for a quick photo session outdoors. We sat down with Kira Derryberry, our cover woman photographer for this issue, to get some tips for your own Anne Geddes photo shoot.

TW: What is the best time of day to take photos? Kira: When using available light outdoors, it’s best to shoot earlier or later in the day, when the sun is less overhead. Having the sun lower in the sky will allow for less squinty faces and unflattering shadows in your portraits. I always look for open shade to help avoid direct sun as well.

TW: Is it better to take a photo from farther away or closer up? Kira: As a rule, you always want to give your photos a little breathing room. When in doubt, take a few steps back and snap your photo. You can always 34 t a l l a h a s s e e

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crop a photo in, but you can’t get back the space you crop out in the camera.

TW: What is the best technique to take a great picture of children? Kira: With kiddos, you never want them to “say cheese!” Let’s face it, those aren’t real smiles. Make silly faces and noises, or tell them a favorite joke. Where there’s real laughter, there’s real smiles, so don’t be afraid to get silly!

TW: Are there any certain colors that a subject should wear to make a picture pop? Kira: I don’t think there’s a hard-and-fast rule when it comes to what colors you want to wear in a photo, but with groups or pairings, it always helps to coordinate color schemes. One of my favorite Pinterest.com searches is “What to Wear Color Guide” for great inspiration for color palettes.

TW: Are there any poses you would recommend for a group photo? Kira: Everybody get together! I love seeing family group photos where everyone is interacting in some way—whether it’s an arm around siblings, holding hands, linked arms, etc., I always try to get them showing some love. If you would like more hands-on instruction, Kira Derryberry is hosting an informational session “Momtography 101” on how to take better photos using DSLR cameras. All are welcome! The course will be offered on Saturday, June 13, from 9 a.m. to noon. For more information, visit kiraphoto.com/momtography-101 or e-mail info@kiraphoto.com.

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ONTHECOVER

Joy

The of Renewal By Heather Thomas Photography by Kira Derryberry

Heidi Otway consciously goes through a process of renewal at pivotal points in her life when she is compelled to make a difference. She has held firm to that belief, and as she has heeded each call on her life to change, learn and grow, she continues to step out in confidence that she will inspire positive transformations.

36â&#x20AC;&#x201A; t a l l a h a s s e e

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s a 24-year-old television news field producer, Heidi Otway stood in front of the bombed out Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in downtown Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, on April 19, 1995, and revaluated her entire life. Newly married, with a toddler, she was there at ground zero for days following the tragedy. “It was after the first memorial service for the victims that I began to reassess my life, thought about renewal, and refocused on what is most important. As I was talking to families who didn’t know whether their loved ones survived—I realized that I needed to find some balance. I’m very career-driven, always have been, but I had a family and my decisions impacted them. I had to ask myself, ‘If I make a change, is this going to better our lives (my family) or just me?’” Since she was a young girl, Heidi has felt compelled to continually seek her best self and knew early on what her career would be. Growing up in Miami, Florida, Heidi didn’t have much materially, but her family made sure she was given one-of-a-kind opportunities that would help her see beyond their modest lifestyle and dream big. “I had people pour into me my whole life-telling me I was smart and I could be whoever I wanted to be. If someone said I couldn’t do something, I wanted to prove them wrong—I rarely backed down from a challenge.” When she was 12 years old, Heidi wrote an article for her school newspaper that proved to be popular among the student body and soon after was able to meet her favorite television news anchor. “I told him I wanted to be a reporter, and he told me to focus on being a strong writer and communicate often. I’ve never forgotten that. He was so positive and effective, and my career path has followed that pursuit. Positive communication can really change someone’s life.” Graduating from Florida A&M University with a broadcast journalism degree, Heidi immediately began work as an assignment editor at a local television news affiliate in her hometown of Miami. After two years there, she went to Tulsa, Oklahoma, for a similar position when the opportunity presented itself. “It’s very rare that I’ll turn down an opportunity, because there must be a reason it was brought to me. If it’s good for me and my family, I’ll go for it.” After her major life reexamination in Oklahoma, she and her family moved back to Tallahassee for a job opportunity for her husband. She worked for WCTV part-time, and her second daughter was born a year after the day of the Oklahoma City bombing. She then helped to

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ONTHECOVER restart the Channel 40/NBC News affiliate for the next two years. In 2000, Heidi took a position with the CBS affiliate in Tampa, Florida, as their very first morning show executive producer and then 9-11 happened. Heidi once again found herself at the forefront of reporting the news of a cataclysmic event. “My husband and I now had three children and I was covering another national tragedy—that’s when my faith kicked into high gear. I really came into myself as a wife, mother and a person. I was sitting in a memorial service for the victims and the

“...I have to constantly remind myself that I can’t get comfortable. I am meant to grow and be the best Heidi I can be.” urge to renew myself happened again, yet this time I realized that my path is set by a higher power. I knew that I wanted to do God’s will for my life.” With another renewal in the works, Heidi and her husband realized that Tallahassee was where they wanted their children to grow up. So she took on positions within the Capitol Press Corps, but shortly thereafter received a call from her longtime friend and mentor, Lisa Hall, who was working at a public relations firm called Herrle Communications Group, which later became Salter Mitchell. “Lisa and April Salter represent why it is so 38 t a l l a h a s s e e

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evolving and people consume information from many different channels now. I have to stay ahead and keep pushing myself to understand how people communicate, what are their issues and who influences them to act. The very nature of it is that we have to keep reinventing and renewing ourselves. I know PR, but the mindset now has to be more than just I know how to communicate with people, but understand where they are coming from.”

important for women to embrace and mentor each other in the professional realm. They have opened doors for me and were confident I would seize the opportunity. I’ve been so fortunate to have the most dynamic women push me to the next level. It’s not uncommon for me to pause and marvel at the things I’ve been able to do because someone saw something in me and gave me a chance.” With no prior experience in public relations, Heidi knew she wanted something different and felt that she was back in Tallahassee for a reason. When she took the offer to become the firm’s first public relations account manager, she was leaving behind reporting the news and shifting into strategic communications to help make people’s lives better. Now the Director of Public Relations and Social Media at Salter Mitchell for more than ten years, Heidi is now in a place where she is using communication to bring change. “Our industry is

As a leader for the Professional Women’s Forum for the Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce, and as a board member, she has begun to pull together the threads of another tide of renewal. “Being involved in the Chamber has exposed me to business leaders and entrepreneurs and I realized that I need to be more than a communicator. I need to think like them so I better understand their needs and challenges so they can do better; it’s never about me, it’s always something bigger. Not only do I think of my family and my colleagues, I think, ‘how can the people that I connect with make changes that help them, the people they serve and our community?’”

“Not only do I think of my family and my colleagues, I think, ‘ how can the people that I connect with make changes that help them, the people they serve and our community?’” That something bigger is the renewal of Tallahassee itself and its need to change to better meet the needs of the business community, the growing number of entrepreneurs, and an ever-changing marketplace that is outgrowing its agricultural, government and educational roots. But change is never easy— just ask Heidi. “I don’t want people to think that I’m not fearful of change—I am. It can be terrifying and the older I get, I have to constantly remind myself that I can’t get comfortable. I am meant to grow and be the best Heidi I can be.” Heidi’s personal challenge to keep the faith, move past her fears, accept a challenge and reinvent herself refutes the notion that confident, bold women are constantly fearless and that they were born that way. Her refusal to ignore the call to change, and stepping out in confidence towards new opportunities is helpful to other women who are encountering the urge to transform. “Every change, every season of renewal will come with some amount of fear, but the more I’ve moved toward embracing that transformation, the more confident I become.” Perhaps because she has walked fearful paths, Heidi is a woman who loves life and loves to laugh. When she does, her entire being radiates full joy. “I know there’s more and that I’m not done yet. I can’t quantify what that means in God’s terms, but I just know that I keep journeying on, and there are days that I try to define what that is. Did I exemplify a strong character for my children? Did I inspire people to be their best? Did I make an impact on a client? I don’t think it’s up to me to define how high I need to go, but I do know that I need to strive onward and keep renewing myself, in order to help lift others to greater heights.”

Credits: Calynne Hill, Style Editor | Hair by Jolanda Powell, Next Level Multicultural Salon I Makeup by Keturah Bashaar, Lolade Cosmetics | Clothing and accessories from Narcissus. t a l l a h a s s e e wo m a n

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W WMB

Women Who Mean Business WOMEN TO WATCH

BUSINESS | ARTS & CULT URE | MILES TONES | NE W GIRL

As part of a community of business-minded women, Tallahassee Woman wants to celebrate, recognize and honor the achievements made by women in the workplace, in the community and in arts and culture. In so doing, we are connecting women together, empowering one another and celebrating our successes that are making a difference for everyone. WOMEN TO WATCH

Business

Sarah Proctor joined Bascom Communications’ as their new Communications Assistant. With a degree in journalism and mass communications with an emphasis on public affairs from the University of Georgia, an internship with Congressman Dan Webster and experience as a communications coordinator at a statewide association under her belt, Bascom is thrilled to have her join their team. Michelle White recently launched her new business, Michelle’s Cleaning Service, specializing in office/residential cleaning, move-outs, new construction, remodel cleaning, window cleaning, spring cleaning and yard work. Amanda Doumanian Reeves of A Beautiful Wedding in Florida recently won the WeddingWire Couples’ Choice Award 2015. WeddingWire named A Beautiful Wedding in Florida as a winner of the prestigious WeddingWire Couples’ 40 t a l l a h a s s e e

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Choice Awards® 2015 for wedding ceremony officiant services in Tallahassee for the third year in a row. Jill Leone has been appointed Chief Financial Officer at Capital Regional Medical Center. Jill comes to Capital Regional after spending the last 12 years with HCA in various positions, with the most recent as the Controller of one of HCA’s flagship hospitals in Denver, Colorado, Presbyterian/ St. Luke’s Medical Center and Rocky Mountain Hospital for Children. Crystal Braxton published the book No Lack: the Truth About the Law of the Tithe. She is the leading force of Guiding Light International, a leadership empowerment company specializing in wellness promotion, purpose discovery and ministry development. Lola Brognano, MSW, FLRCSWI, an adjunct professor at Florida State University in the College of Social Work

and Southwest Georgia Technical College, is celebrating acceptance into the Leadership Academy of North Florida. Lola is also the founder and creative editor for Spark Tallahassee. Mary McVicar, CPA, has nearly ten years of public accounting experience and has joined the accounting firm of Law, Redd, Crona & Munroe, P.A. as a Tax Manager. She has also recently become an active board member for Refuge House. Jocelyne Fliger, CCW, CIRS and Director of Senior Volunteer Programs, is celebrating her six-month anniversary with Elder Care Services, Inc. Jocelyne has brought a decade of nonprofit/ volunteer management experience to her new position. She has helped Elder Care enhance its services to the region by significantly improving the coordination and effectiveness of more than 575 volunteers.

Jodi Wilkof has launched Green Party Events, a fullservice event planning company, including weddings, marriage proposals, comingof-age celebrations, corporate bashes, nonprofit events, fundraisers and more. Jodi is a graduate of the FSU College of Business and the University of Virginia School of Law. Meghan C. Mick was recently welcomed back to Wood+Partners, Inc., as the new Project Manager. Meghan brings 15 years of design and planning experience to the regional land planning and landscape architecture firm. Meghan has a background in playscapes, park planning and design, community master planning, site analysis and environmental graphics.

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Who will win this year? 2014 Women Who Mean Business Award Winners

Adam Cohen Photography

From left to right: Carrie Zimmerman (Innovator Award); Karen Moore (Legacy Award); Dr. Sharon Ames-Dennard (Entrepreneur Award); Melanie Lee (Rock Star Award); and Liza McFadden (Service Award).

Find out May 5, 2015, at the 2015 Women Who Mean Business Awards Women on Fire! Luncheon at the FSU Alumni Center Grand Ballroom (1030 West Tennessee Street, Tallahassee)

To purchase tickets or become a sponsor, visit

talwoman.com

For more info call (850) 893-9624 or e-mail wwmb@talwoman.com 42â&#x20AC;&#x201A; t a l l a h a s s e e

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W W M B C ommun i t y | W O M E N T O W A T C H WOMEN TO WATCH

ARTS & CULTURE Diana LoCastro and Tammy Brown founded their own art photography business in 2012. The photography duo will be featured at Eternal Grounds until the end of April, and Tammy Brown will have a piece in COCA’s Creative Tallahassee exhibit at city hall through May 25. This yearly exhibit has featured both artists over the years.

WOMEN TO WATCH

MILESTONES After 33 years, Shirley Rickner has taken her last bow at Community Christian School (CCS). An excellent teacher, Shirley may be remembered most for her theatrical productions. Shirley worked tirelessly to bring memorable productions to the CCS stage. She reflects, “I have loved every production, but the sets and staging for Hello, Dolly were the most ambitious that we ever pulled off!” Though loved by all who know her, Shirley’s biggest “fan” is still her husband, Dr. Ron Rickner. She says, “Ron saved me from a life of spinsterhood. After 22 years of marriage, he still laughs at my jokes and thinks I’m beautiful. I respect and cherish him more than words can say.” Head coach of the Florida State Women’s Basketball team, Sue Semrau, has been named ACC Coach of the Year for the fourth time in her 18-year coaching career, the most awards given among active ACC coaches. She is also a semifinalist for the Naismith Trophy Women’s College Coach of the Year.

WOMEN TO WATCH

NEW GIRL IN TOWN Kayla Monique Mudge recently moved to Tallahassee to operate as the Director of Business Development and counsel for Capital City Hyundai. She began her legal career at Killgore, Pearlman, Stamp, Ornstein and Squires, P.A., where she continues to practice in the area of automotive dealership law. Kayla is also a strong supporter and active member of the Florida Association for Women Lawyers. This vibrant up-and-comer’s focus is to thrive as a strong force in the Tallahassee community and to act as a positive role model for women both professionally and in all philanthropic endeavors.

Submit your items for the WWMB Community Women to Watch for Business, Arts and Culture, Milestones and New Girl to listings@Talwoman.com. t a l l a h a s s e e wo m a n

• A p r i l /M ay 2015 43

Bus i ness & C a reer

[

Tips to Making Your Business Profile Shine

inkedIn and GlassDoor are social media sites that specifically cater to the business community. These sites focus on the user’s employment history and education, while including them in a professional network newsfeed. Some users use the sites for job searches, which makes it especially important that the profiles be as professional and well-done as possible. It’s not always easy to make yourself stand out on the Internet, but with these tips and tricks, you are sure to have a business profile that shines. Put in the time to make your profile stand out. When your profile is complete, 44 t a l l a h a s s e e

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By Cassie Mayhew

odds are that you are more likely to be contacted by a recruiter. Fill out all of the sections and remember that this is not a résumé—you are allowed to use first person, but keep it professional.

Choose a clear picture. A profile photo

can go a long way in showing what kind of person you are. Choose a photo that is clear, friendly and business appropriate.

Create a custom URL. Using your name in your URL gives it a chance to show up in Google when your name is searched. This gives a potential employer the ability to see your professional profile more easily.

]

Make strategic connections. LinkedIn is all about quality over quantity when making connections. You are more likely to be found in a hiring manager’s results if you are connecting to those that are connected to the job you are seeking. So don’t connect to just anyone—be strategic. Avoid buzzwords. Avoid words like

motivated, passionate, creative, driven, responsible, strategic, track record, organizational, and expert. Instead of telling an employer that you are all of those things, show them. Use numbers and results, and get recommendations to show that you are more than just a buzzword.

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mone y t a l k s

Save

Dream Vacation for that

By Keasi Smith

As a 23-year-old college graduate who hates to cook and needs three closets for all my clothes, I’m not great at saving money. So if I can save nearly $9,000 for my trip to Europe, trust me, you can save for that vacation you’ve had on the brain for some time too. Whether you’re looking to dip your toes in the Mediterranean Sea, hike the Rocky Mountains or visit the Big Apple, these money-saving tips can help get you there. Do the Math You need to calculate three things— the first is how much your trip will cost. Be specific and realistic. Include plane tickets, meal costs, souvenirs, park or museum admission fees, etc. Second, calculate how much money you have coming in each month and then add up all your monthly expenses, including car insurance, cell phone payments, gas, food, etc. After subtracting your monthly expenses from your monthly income, you can see how much wiggle room you have. Pick an amount to save each pay day that doesn’t make you nervous and stick to it!

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Open a Separate Bank Account The best way to keep track of your savings and to make sure you don’t spend your vacation money is to open an account dedicated to your trip savings. Most banks make this easy for you by linking your checking account to your savings. If you bank online, you can easily view, manage and transfer money. To make sure you’re always setting money aside consider setting up automatic transfers from your checking to your savings each payday. You may end up with less spending money for going out to eat, but you’ll meet your savings goal on time.

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Review Expenses To save, I’ve had to become extremely frugal. It’s as easy as waiting for a movie to come out on DVD instead of seeing it in the theater or making my coffee at home instead of going through the drive-thru on my way to work. Review your expenses. Are you using the best cell phone plan? Is there cheaper homeowner’s, renter’s or car insurance out there? Refinance your auto loan, say good-bye to satellite TV, cut down on going out to eat so often and put yourself into the money-saving mind-set! Tricks and Tips If you’re able to pay off the balance each month, using a credit card to earn points and rewards can help with airfare, hotels, rental cars or even cruise packages. You can also earn money by downsizing, having a yard sale or selling those unneeded house items on eBay! To save money on your vacation, time your vacation wisely. Try to avoid peak or holiday season traveling and you can save hundreds of dollars. Also, stash away all that extra money you get for birthdays or income tax season. And lastly, an easy savings account to start is a change jar! You might be surprised how much spending money you can save up with all those nickels and dimes.

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COMMUNITY

SNAPSHOT

A look at the events, organizations, businesses and people that make Tallahassee a great place to live—and love.

Photo by Paula Hecker

Giving a Child a Fresh Start The Tallahassee Area Foster and Adoptive Parent Association By Nikki Clifton

t any given moment, there are thousands of children in Florida in foster care and/or awaiting adoption. Many of these children have been through significant trauma and come into foster care with just the clothes on their back, a trash bag of their sole belongings and no place to permanently call home. With May being Foster Care Awareness Month, Heather Rosenberg, President of 48 t a l l a h a s s e e

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the Tallahassee Area Foster and Adoptive Parent Association (TAFAPA), is working to change this heart-wrenching picture. Originally from Perry, Florida, Heather is the oldest of four siblings and the only one of her mother’s children that did not end up in foster care. Her father’s side of the family stepped in and sent Heather to a boarding school in Georgia. Later, she

moved to Tallahassee to attend Tallahassee Community College and ultimately earned a master’s degree in applied American politics and policy from Florida State University. After marrying her husband Evan, they encountered significant fertility challenges and decided to explore adoption and foster parenting as options to start a family. They took a MAPP (Model Approach to Partnerships in Parenting) class, not seriously thinking that anything would materialize.

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“We thought, ‘Well, let’s try it out, and if it’s meant to be, it’ll happen.’ We became foster parents on August 16, 2009, and on August 22, our first munchkin, Emma, was placed with us,” she said. They have now fostered a total of 13 children over the last 5 1/2 years and adopted 3 of the children they fostered. Though a long-time board member, Heather took the helm as President of the TAFAPA in September of 2014. Initially, the TAFAPA started out as a support-based-only entity, but over the years, it has evolved into a network for anyone who works with a child in care. “I want people to know that if you’ve got a child in your care, we want to help you,” says Heather. Currently, TAFAPA provides support, resources, training, advocacy and services to foster and adoptive parents. They partner with numerous community foster and adoptive agencies, such as Children’s Home Society, Boys Town North Florida, Go Foster! and others to meet children’s and families’ needs. “We serve all families—relatives and nonrelatives, group-home families, caregivers and anyone who is exploring the options of fostering and adopting. We want these families to know they are not alone.” Most of the items that the TAFAPA receives come from individual donations and a supply closet called the “One Week Boutique.” They partner with Big Bend Community Based Care, the Children’s Home Society and various area churches and charities to meet the children’s and families’ needs, and they are always in need of diapers, formula (Enfamil), duffel bags or knapsacks for the children to transport their personal possessions, toiletries and clothing. Students from Girls on the Run of the Big Bend at Gilchrist Elementary are currently collecting duffel bags and knapsacks in order to give foster children something of their own. Heather views being a foster parent as singly the most important thing she’s ever done in her life,. Without caring adults and a community willing to help children in foster care and give them permanent homes, the future would be bleak. “Imagine having no one to fall back on at the age of 18, after being emancipated from foster care. These young adults enter the world with no support and oftentimes end up in bad situations. Smaller children often have no luggage, with their clothing in a trash bag. My single focus is to support families who take these children and young adults into their permanent care so that they can focus on healing from their traumas.” To learn more about the Tallahassee Area Foster and Adoptive Parent Association, visit facebook.com/TAFAPA.

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C o M M U N I T Y | women we a dm i re

WOMEN WE ADMIRE

Whitney Harris – A Young Woman’s Quest to Strengthen

the Tallahassee Limb Loss Community

By Keasi Smith

pon meeting Whitney, I’m excited to interview her, not only because she is my age but because I quickly I learn, we both grew up near Gulf Breeze, Florida, a sleepy beach community outside of Pensacola. Both of us are college graduates and both live and work in Tallahassee. But Whitney is as undefined by her birth defect as I am by the color of my hair or any other arbitrary feature I possess. Twenty-four years old and equipped with good humor and enthusiasm, she nonchalantly changed the battery to her microprocessor leg prosthetic as we stood in line to get lunch, not fazed by any spectators who might be looking. Her birth defect, called amniotic band syndrome, caused her to be born without her right arm and right leg. It was a surprise to her parents, but despite being unprepared they took it all in stride. “They said, ‘Well, we’re just going to treat her like the rest of our kids,’” says Whitney, “They say I was independent enough that they never worried about it.” The second oldest of five, Whitney says she really “set the pace” for the younger ones. Setting the pace included choosing her career path at a young age. She remembers that she was in the fifth grade when her mother advised her to go into orthotics and prosthetics, and after graduating from high school, that’s exactly what she did. She received her B.A.S. degree in orthotics and prosthetics in 2012 in St. Petersburg, Florida, and the next step was to start her residency for certification in Colorado. In Colorado, she found a larger limb loss community than she had back home. Seeking to be around others like herself, she attended support groups there. But since she was born the way she is, Whitney didn’t experience the type of trauma others who lose limbs later in life often do. “I found that the only support groups for people missing limbs were in a discussion-style format where everyone sits around and talks about their feelings. This was not for me, and 50 t a l l a h a s s e e

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I soon found out it wasn’t for others as well.” Whitney and three others began LIM359, a nonprofit organization that uses 359 instead 365 days a year so you can still have 6 couch-potato days.

“I think it has opened me up to new experiences and allowed me to have better insight into the world of disabilities. I’m not quick to judge others.” LIM359 is an activities-based group focused on providing opportunities for those with limb loss and/or limb difference to come together, share their stories and participate in group activities. “People who have experienced limb loss are more open to new things when around others like themselves,” said Whitney. “We did adaptive kayaking, adaptive rock climbing, and adaptive paddle boarding—things I never thought I’d even want to do.” The nonprofit organization started in May of 2013, and caught like wildfire. An attendee at one of these Colorado events loved it so much he started a chapter in Boise, Idaho. When Whitney moved to Tallahassee after completing her residency, she brought her organization with her. As Tallahassee’s chapter president, she is working hard to get the word out with the help of four local prosthetics offices who help her network. On February 21, she hosted Tallahassee’s first LIM359 event, a lunch at Crêpevine for those interested. Their second event, on March 29, was horseback riding at Grace Stables. Although officially certified in prosthetics as of March, she’s become

more interested in disability advocacy. “Right now, I’m just hoping to create a network so people without limbs have people to talk to and resources,” says Whitney. When she isn’t doing her work with the organization, she’s working as a financial administrator at the disability nonprofit the Family Café, which facilitates those with disabilities and their families in collaboration and advocacy. With April being Limb Loss Awareness Month, Whitney’s story and her quest in bringing LIM359 to the Tallahassee community are more poignant than ever. An impressive and determined young woman, Whitney is admirable not only for her accomplishments but for her outlook on life. When asked what it was like growing up without limbs, Whitney responded, “I think it has opened me up to new experiences and allowed me to have better insight into the world of disabilities. I’m not quick to judge others.” She maintains this positive outlook, determination and the independent spirit she has possessed since she was a little girl, setting the pace for others.

Is there a Woman You Admire that you would like to see recognized?

E-mail us at info@talwoman.com to let us know all about her and she may be selected to be featured in an upcoming issue of Tallahassee Woman.

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C o M M U N I T Y | A M a n of ch a r a cter

A Man of Character —

A man that is leading the way in positively impacting the community, encouraging others to believe in their own limitless potential.

Louis Garcia – The Trickle Effect: Helping the Community One Child at a Time

By Keasi Smith

man with a dedication to his community, Louis Garcia has spent over half a decade as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Big Bend (BBBS). In that time, BBBS has doubled the number of children it helps each year, as well as doubled the budget and staff. His BBBS chapter has received national recognition, being one of the 13 BBBSs in the country to perform at the organization’s Gold Standard. They were also awarded NonProfit of the Year at the 2014 Chamber Awards. Growing up in Miami, Florida, it was Louis’s parents and his involvement in activities—such as guitar lessons and soccer—that he says kept him out of trouble. After high school, Louis continued his education at the University of Florida (UF), where he acquired his bachelor’s degree in advertising, journalism and communications and his master’s degree in higher education, as well as in business administration and entrepreneurship. It was at UF that he met his wife, Courtenay, who grew up in Tallahassee and shares his love for bettering the community, working for the United Way as Director of Education Initiatives. “We enjoy being a part of the fabric of the community and helping families and kids succeed in their lives,” says Louis. After completing school, the couple moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico. It was there that his love for entrepreneurship made him answer an ad looking for a program director. This was the beginning of his career with BBBS. After Louis and his wife moved to Tallahassee to start a family, the CEO position at BBBS became vacant. “I chased down board members. I said, ‘I know I can do this.’” Having got the job, Louis describes himself as “the luckiest guy in the world. I’m helping kids do better. I can go home every day knowing I’m doing something great.”

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With two boys, ages 4 and 6, Louis is working diligently to make sure his children have a safe and happy community to grow up in. As a father and a mentor, he knows how important it is that young people have someone who constantly shows up for them and that these relationships

“I’m the luckiest guy in the world. I’m helping kids do better. I can go home every day knowing I’m doing something great.” can change their lives. “It’s important to have an adult to encourage them. There are a lot of things that families may not be able to afford or a single parent may not have the time to do. A mentor can bring a new perspective, introduce new careers and activities and give kids hope.”

stockholders are the community. We have all bound together with great community and business support. Success comes from doing it together as a team.” Louis is still striving to make BBBS of the Big Bend a better organization. “We need to be doing more, and we need to be serving more kids. My vision is that by 2020, we will be serving 800 children. The trickle effect of that in the community would be amazing—a safer community, more schools with fewer disruptions and more kids achieving success. Providing more mentors is our responsibility to the community.”

Is there a Man of Character that you would like to see recognized? E-mail us at info@talwoman.com to let us know all about him and he may be selected to be featured in an upcoming issue of Tallahassee Woman.

For 45 years, BBBS has helped kids from all backgrounds and families find mentors. BBBS has received tremendous support from local businesses and the community. “Our

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COMMUNIT Y

haute

HAPPENINGS Word of South

April 11–12, 2015 | Casacades Park Come out to the Word of South at Cascades Park. Word of South is a two day festival of music and literature and the relationship between the two disciplines. The festival will feature authors who write about music, musicians who are also authors and everything in between. The event also has a great children’s program and will have many free events. For more information, visit wordofsouthfestival.com.

VegFest

April 4, 2015 | Capital City Amphitheater Starting at 11:00 a.m., the Tallahassee Vegetarian community will host VegFest. VegFest is a free event that features vendors and information on how to live a healthy life. Visit capitalcityamphitheater.com for more information.

Slide the City

April 4, 2015 | Monroe Street Come out for a fun-filled day of slipping and sliding on a 1,000-foot vinyl slide through the city of Tallahassee. With registration you are guaranteed a wristband for entry, a water gun and a mouthguard. You are required to bring a your own inflatable tube to the event in order to slide. For the event, Slide the City partners with a local charity to raise money. For more information and registration, visit slidethecity.com.

SportsAbility 2015 25th Anniversary Party

April 9–11, 2015 | Various locations SportsAbility is the premier event of the Florida Disabled Outdoors Association and is about enhancing the lives of people with disabilities by promoting active living. This is both an indoor and outdoor event, with an array of opportunities for those with disabilities and their families to enjoy. There is no charge for participants. For more information and specifics on event locations, visit fdoa.org.

The Avett Brothers

April 10, 2015 | Capital City Amphitheater The Capital City Amphitheater will be hosting the Avett Brothers. The Avett Brothers are a band of brothers that use the sounds of banjos, acoustic guitars and vocal harmonies that center around the theme of friends and family. Tickets are $45 for advanced general admission and $55 for advanced reserved seating. Gates will open at 6:00 p.m. for the show. For more information, visit capitalcityamphitheater.com. 54 t a l l a h a s s e e

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Evita

April 9–26, 2015 | Theatre Tallahassee Evita is a musical created by Andrew Lloyd Webber that features the rags-to-riches story of Eva Peron, the first lady of Argentina. This true story follows Peron through her life and how she became the most powerful woman in Argentina. This show features a fuse of Latin and jazz music and is as complex as Eva herself. For tickets and more information, visit theatretallahassee.org.

Sublime With Rome

April 11, 2015 | Capital City Amphitheater Sublime with Rome is a Ska-Punk band that continues to amaze crowds with both old and new songs alike. Come out and see this iconic band play songs that you may never have the chance to hear live. Tickets are $39 for advanced general admission and $50 for advanced reserved seating. The doors to the show will open at 6 p.m. For more information, visit capitalcityamphitheater.com.

STOMP

April 17, 2015 | Donald Tucker Civic Center STOMP is part of the Tallahassee Broadway Series. This award-winning show includes eight members who use objects such as hubcaps, Zippo lighters, garbage cans and brooms to create magnificent rhythms. For tickets and more information, visit tuckerciviccenter.com.

Southern Shakespeare Festival

April 18, 2015 | Cascades Park Southern Shakespeare is a year-round education program that culminates in an annual Spring Festival located at the Capital City Amphitheater. The festival will start at 10 a.m. with a mixture of Renaissance culture and ‘60s memories.

There will be face-painting, juggling, crown and wandmaking, Elizabethan games, fencing demonstrations from the Society for Creative Anachronism and a special appearance by the Sonnet Man, with his hip-hop renderings of Shakespeare’s sonnets. Visit the website southernshakespearefestival.org for more information.

Lemoyne Chain of Parks Art Festival

April 18–19, 2015 | Downtown Chain of Parks This annual event gives visitors the chance to view and purchase beautiful artworks from 150 artists from all over the country. Visitors will have the chance to stroll through Tallahassee parks under the breathtaking oak trees and enjoy the city during its peak of spring grandeur. The event will also feature live entertainment, local restaurants and activities for children. The event is held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and will be free. For more information, visit chainofparks.com

4th Annual Red Shoe Run 2015 April 18, 2015 | Southwood Come out to the 4th Annual Red Shoe Run to benefit the Tallahassee Ronald McDonald House charities. All of the proceeds from this event will be used for program services to pediatric patients and their families at the Ronald McDonald House in Tallahassee. For more information on this event and how to register, visit rmhctallahassee.org/events.

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4th Annual Mother-Son Dance

April 18, 2015 | The Moon The Tallahassee Southside Club of Rotary will be hosting its 4th Annual Mother Son Dance at 6 p.m. at the Moon. This event serves as a way to nurture and encourage future leaders and is a major fundraising event for the Rotary Club. The proceeds of the dance will benefit local programs such as Rotary Youth Camp, Thanksgiving dinner for university students, international exchange students and the Palmer Monroe Restorative Justice Teen Center, as well as district-wide and international programs of Rotary International. To buy tickets and learn more information, visit rotarymsd.com.

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COMMUNIT Y | HAUTE HAPPENINGS

FSU Autism Superhero 5K & 1-Mile Fun Run

(30 Miles South of Tallahassee)

42nd Annual Stephen C. Smith Memorial Regatta April 24-26, 2015

April 18, 2015 | Northwood Centre Come dressed in your best superhero costume and battle autism at the 8th Annual FSU autism Superhero 5K & 1-Mile Fun Run beginning at Northwood Centre mall. After the race, there will be many fun and family-friendly activities to enjoy. For registration and more information, visit fsu-autism-superhero.eventbrite.com.

April 25, 2015 | Tom Brown Park Come out to Tom Brown Park for the March for Babies. This 1-mile or 5k walk around Tom Brown Park is sure to be a fun-filled morning with live entertainment, kids’ activities and more. For more information visit online at marchofdimes.org or call (850) 422-3152.

The Stephen C. Smith Memorial Regatta Foundation Apalachee Bay Yacht Club Shell Point Sailboard Club

Windsurfers (Saturday & Sunday) Portsmouth & One Design, (including beach catamarans under 22 feet) - Saturday only PHRF (over 22 feet) Spinnaker, Non-Spinnaker, and Cruise Fleets Saturday only

16th Annual USTA Tallahassee Tennis Challenger

Kayak and Stand Up Paddle Events Activities and Food for the entire family. AWARDS CEREMONY Sunday 1:30PM

All Event Proceeds Benefit The American Cancer Society

Jazz for Justice

April 19, 2015 | Adams Street Commons, Downtown Jazz for Justice will include a silent auction and live performers. General admission tickets are $20 per person, and children under 12 are free. To purchase tickets or find out more information, visit jazzforjustice.org.

94th Annual Rose Show & Festival Visit the event website and Facebook Page for updates on event details www.smithregatta.com or Facebook at www.facebook.com/smith.regatta.9

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April 24, 2015 | University Center Club Experience “A Royal Celebration” while helping the children of Boys Town as they celebrate the boys and girls who have overcome so much in their lives. Enjoy the celebration, the silent auction, dinner and entertainment from Florida State University’s premier all-female a cappella group the AcaBelles. For registration and information on sponsoring, visit boystown.org.

March for Babies

PRESENTED BY

PUBLIC AUCTION (Includes Boats) Immediately Following Award Ceremony

12th Annual Spirit of Youth Gala

April 23-25, 2015 | Downtown Thomasville The Thomasville Rose Show has been a Southwest Georgia tradition since the 1920s and over the years has grown into a fabulous festival with something for everyone! In addition to the Rose Show, the festival includes two parades, an arts and crafts fair, a car and truck show, a lively street dance with famous live entertainment and a host of other interesting and fun events.

April 25 – May 2, 2015 Forestmeadows Tennis Complex Enjoy some tennis at the 16th Annual USTA Tallahassee Tennis Challenger to benefit the Vogter Neuro-Intensive Care Unit at Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare. The event will be held at the Forestmeadows Tennis Complex. For more information, visit tallahasseechallenger.com.

Healthy Communities Festival April 25, 2015 | Capital City Amphitheater Starting at 9 a.m. the Healthy Communities Festival is a family-friendly event that will include a walk, a fun run, exhibitor booths, live entertainment, healthy food demonstrations and food vendors. For more information, visit capitalcityamphitheater.com.

30th Annual Chefs' Sampler April 26, 2015 | New Tallahassee Mall The 30th Annual Chefs’ Sampler Event will benefit the Children’s Home Society of Florida. This premier culinary event will feature the cuisine samples of more than 40 local restaurants and caterers. General Admission tickets are $50 and sponsorships are available. For more information, visit chsfl.org.

Tallahassee Juniors Bunco for Boots

MIKE OLIVELLA

April 26, 2015 | Woman’s Club of Tallahassee From 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. the Tallahassee Juniors will be hosting their event Bunco for Boots. Play some Bunco for a good cause and a good time. For more information, visit online at tallahasseejuniors.org.

Wilco

April 26, 2015 | Capital City Amphitheater Wilco is an acclaimed Chicago sextet that is said to be bold, imaginative and vibrant. Tickets are $39 for advanced general admission and $50 for advanced reserved seating. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. For more information, visit online at capitalcityamphitheater.com.

Robby Ginepri Winner of the 2014 French Open Wild Card

Kentucky Derby Gala 2015

May 2, 2015 | Tallahassee Automobile Museum The Leon Advocacy and Resource Center is hosting an event that all are sure to enjoy. There will be music, dancing, raffle prizes, a silent auction and a buffet at the event. There is a minimum donation of $50 per person to benefit the Leon Advocacy and Resource Center. For tickets and more information, visit online at leonarc.com.

MEET YOUR MATCH

The Beach Boys

May 15, 2015 | Capital City Amphitheater Enjoy a night with the Beach Boys at the Capital City Amphitheater. Every year, the Beach Boys perform 150 shows, with the same energy and style that made them popular throughout the years. Tickets for the show are $39 advanced general admission and $50 for advanced reserved seating. The doors for the show will open at 7 p.m. For more information, visit capitalcityamphitheater.com.

APRIL 25–MAY 2, 2015

Forestmeadows Tennis Center, Tallahassee, FL

Attend the final tournament of the Har-Tru USTA Pro Circuit Wild Card Challenge and see the greatest tennis stars face off for a chance to earn a Main Draw Wild Card into the French Open. Bring your family, and watch the action.

TALL AHASSEECHALLENGER.COM

Tour of Gardens

May 16, 2015 | Alfred B. Maclay Gardens The tour off at Alfred B. Maclay Gardens kicks off with breakfast in the park and insights from Garden Masters. There will also be a silent auction, a plant sale and a self-guided tour of the gardens. For more information, visit online at floridastateparks.org/ maclaygardens.

Dr. Eva C. Wanton Recognition Luncheon

May 16, 2015 | Capital City Country Club The Leon County Chapter of the Charmettes will be hosting the Dr. Eva C. Wanton Recognition Luncheon that will honor ten women who have made an impact in the community for their service to others. Tickets are $40. For more information, visit leoncountycharmettes.org.

For more Haute Happenings in Tallahassee, check out COCA’s MoreThanYouThought.com

For more information about tickets, sponsorships or volunteer opportunities, visit our website or call the TMH Foundation at 431-5389.

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AROUNDTOWN Events • Benefits • Activities

Red Hills International Horse Trials

Many came out to enjoy three spectacular days at the highly popular annual event, the Red Hills International Horse Trials. Each day featured an exciting event, including dressage, cross-country and show jumping. Now in its 17th year, the Red Hills International Horse Trials, a United States Eventing Association Area III event, has high-jumped Tallahassee to an elite status of equestrian sport happenings. Olympic hopefuls, championship and Olympic riders, and horse enthusiasts come to the annual March event from all over the world. 2.

1. Sallie Ausley, Bobby Brooks, Terrie Brooks 2. Elaine Woodward, Bob Woodward 3. Bob Bender, Theresa Bender, Georganna Bender 4. Lisa Phipps, Kim Rosier, Wendy Glover 5. Mike Rayboun, Jordan Matheson 6. Julia Marshall, Sarah Burgess 7. Debbie Hammer, Pam Duys, Joe and Gale Duys

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COMMUNIT Y | AROUNDTOWN

WomeN Who Mean Business NETWORKING Luncheon The sold-out Tallahassee Woman Magazine’s Women Who Mean Business (WWMB) Community Networking Luncheon on January 28 gave attendees the opportunity to network with other Tallahassee businesswomen. During the networking hour, vendor exhibit tables were available to browse for products and services that are of interest to women in business. Michelle Newell, President and CEO of Innovative Edge Consulting, Inc. gave a presentation entitled, “Leading for the Future” that gave tips on how to adapt to the ever-changing ways of doing business, including balancing work and personal life and how to use the vast tools at our disposal, such as technology, to make us more successful and adaptive businesswomen.

Michelle Newell of Innovative Edge Consulting was the WWMB event speaker.

Thank you to the sponsors of the WWMB Community Luncheon and Networking Hour!

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1. Barb Stokes, Kate Mahoney, Debbie Hernandez, Mark Ornstein, Kayla Mudge, Kedda McCloud 2. Kaylee Prescott, Kelley Bailey, Rae Kerr 3. Mary Bebout, Sharon Smith, Amy O’Keef 4. Christa Biddle, Wilda Sigler, Rachel Quinn 5. Patricia Ballentine 6. Amanda Darvill, Marsha Asbury Turner 7. Joanne Eason, Audra Lyne Peoples, Heather Gioia 8. Arden Miller Fernandez, Debbie Hernandez, Mark Ornstein, Susan Payne Turner 9. Rose Marie Brabec 10. Becky Liner and Susan McAlister 11. Jyll Gandy and Randi Shiver 12. Kristen Williams and Jess Tharpe 13. Julia Holly and Meg Wu 14. Jenny Wells and Beth Strickland. 15. Judy Micale and Melanie Stuckey 16. Heather Cash and Missy Whiddon 17. Penelope Tiam-Fook and Shannon Moninger 18. Joy Eppes, Stephanie Richards, Tammy Pulsifer

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COMMUNIT Y | AROUNDTOWN

Joanna Francis Living Well

The In Bloom Fashion Show, Living Fashionably Well, took place on February 26 at Goodwood Museum. This event was inspired by Joanna Lee Francis who passed away from breast cancer last year. Joanna’s goal was to “Live Well,” which is the main cause of the organization, JFLW. All proceeds donated to this event went to JFLW, an organization that funds women diagnosed with breast cancer.

1. Shelia Monk, Marie Long 2. Jacqueline Webster, Michelle Dickinson, Brittany Long, Angela Turner 3. Charles Nichols 4. Stephanie Reagans, Tracey Grant, Sarah Stout, Kelly Meyer, Joana Villeneuve, (not named), Stephanie Bridges 5. Karena Miller, Susanne Johnson 6. Anna Jones, Lisa Phipps, Laura Ervin, Jenny Wright, Katherine Peters, Emily Montford, Suzy Phipps 62 t a l l a h a s s e e

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7. Becky Healy, Lindsay Elliot, Mary Doyle, Brittany Bevis, Hettie Spooner, Anne Jolley Thomas, Donna Goodwin, Katie Hansil 8. Dean Faulkenberry, Jane Marks, Ann Howard, Heather Thomas, Lynn Solomon, Dina Foster, Sharon Rainer, Margaret Farris 9. Marcia Thornberry, Allison Carvajal, Flecia Braswell

Making Miracles Group Home

The Making Miracles Group Home (MMGH) held a 1970s dance event as a fundraiser for MMGH as well as an opportunity for the community to learn more about the mission of assisting women in the community. Lots of dancing, wild â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;70s attire and a silent auction ensured a great time was had by all.

1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

The Harris family and MMGH residents enjoying the event. Ricky Harper, Deborah Harris, Matt Hall Kerry Harris, Denise Harris, Devin Harris Felicia Bonner Deborah Harris, Raven Harris, Ciera Sam

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6. Whitley Johnson, Vashay Pool 7. Denise Smith 8. Ken Smith, Deborah Harris, Mary Brown 9. Shelley and Larry Alutman 10. Katie Mulrooney, Laure Mulrooney t a l l a h a s s e e wo m a n

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H O me & G a rden

Bring the View Indoors A Windowsill Herb Garden By Shannon Postrion

rowing herbs indoors isn’t difficult as long as you have some sunlight and a windowsill. Kathy Peters of Tallahassee Nurseries says, “I love the idea of a herb garden. I can’t think of anything more practical to bring into someone’s life.”

herbs need warmth, but some need cooler temperatures to survive. Herbs tend to need a sunny, south-facing window. Herbs must be watered regularly to keep the soil moist, and it is recommended that they be fertilized every two weeks.

Before creating a windowsill herb garden, you must decide what type of herbs it should contain. The herb garden can be started by planting seeds or by purchasing small plants. Annual herbs are simple to start from seed; however, perennial herbs take longer to grow so they are easier to start from plants. Along with seeds or plants, a few more items are needed, such as containers with drainage holes and waterproof saucers, potting soil or soilless seed-starting mix and fertilizer. When starting with seeds, use a seed-starting mix, potting soil or a combination of both. Garden soil shouldn’t be used because it is usually heavy and contains disease organisms.

Basil—This herb is best when started out from

Each type of herb needs specific care, so it is best to use separate pots for each plant. Multiple herbs can be grown in the same container if they have the same cultural requirements. Some 64 t a l l a h a s s e e

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seeds and needs a lot of warmth to survive.

Bay—Bay can be grown in a container all year long but

should not be crowded because it needs air circulation. It is recommended that bay be placed in an east- or west-facing window. Then, move the pot to the brightest window.

Oregano—It is suggested that oregano be started from a plant then placed in a south-facing window.

Parsley—Parsley grows best in a lot of sun, but it can also grow slowly in a window that faces east or west.

Rosemary—Rosemary can be cut and kept in soilless mixture in a south-facing window. Sage—Sage will grow in dry, indoor air, but it

needs strong sun from a window that faces south.

Thyme—Thyme can start from a plant and prefers a lot of sun but can be grown in a window that faces east or west as well. Peters continues to promote windowsill herb gardens because...

“they are an easy way to improve our lives. Having something fresh right there while you’re cooking is the best.” Scan this page with your smartphone using the Layar app to check out our windowsill gardening tips and ideas Pinterest Board

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T he D i sh

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The Food Traveler By Keasi Smith

im Patterson, the creator of Indigo Bistro, developed a love for food from her mother and grandmother. This love evolved on her travels around the world. “When I was 17,

I left America for 17 years. Everywhere I went, I was never a tourist. I always lived next door to someone. When I remember a recipe, I remember the person who taught it to me.” In Jamaica, Greece, Austria, Belize and Germany, Kim cooked with fresh and local ingredients. “When you live out of the country, everything revolves around the market. And that’s how we do things here. We buy local and everything is fresh. We don’t even have a freezer.” Kim also works as a restaurant consultant, opening and selling restaurants economically and giving restaurant buyers a chance at succeeding. Her traveling nature brought her to Tallahassee, where she appreciates the access to local, organic products. “In Oklahoma, we were landlocked. We are so lucky here,” says Kim. Her menu reflects her travels, with dishes with Caribbean, Greek and even Oklahoman influences. This eclectic bistro, which serves wine and beer, provides a soothing, indigo-toned restaurant interior for Tallahassee locals seeking local and organic options, with a global appeal.

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T he D i sh

Caribbean Salad with Curry Sauce

Organic Pot Roast

Ingredients:

Mixed organic greens (3 cups per person) 6 ounces of chicken breast (one per person) ¼ cup olive oil 1 teaspoon fresh garlic 2 whole ripe mangos, sliced 1 cup roasted pecans Curry Sauce

1 tablespoon McCormick curry powder 1 teaspoon garlic powder 1 cup mayonnaise 2 teaspoons organic honey 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard Citrus Vinaigrette

8 tablespoon canola 4 tablespoon red wine vinegar 1½ tablespoons organic lime juice 3 tablespoons organic sugar 1 tablespoon chopped garlic

4 to 5 pounds chuck roast, trimmed 5 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes 2 pounds carrots 2 medium yellow onions 8-ounce jar of pepperoncini 15-ounce Lea & Perrins Worcestershire sauce 1 stick of butter 2 tablespoons of oil 2 tablespoons garlic Preparation:

Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add roast to skillet and cook till golden brown on all sides, turning as needed. Transfer roast to slow cooker and combine with Worcestershire sauce, pepperoncini, butter, garlic and onion. Cook on high for 4 to 6 hours. Two hours before cooked all the way, add potatoes, carrots and salt and pepper to taste.

Preparation:

Sauté chicken and slice into strips. Cook thoroughly. Cover chilled plate with organic greens. Cut mango into slices or cubes. Put chicken in the middle and drizzle with curry sauce. Drizzle vinaigrette over the whole salad and top with roasted pecans. 68 t a l l a h a s s e e

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Scan this page with your smartphone using the Layar app to watch video of food being prepared by Indigo Bistro

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FunnyGirl.

answer and have known it for years. In fact, it really hasn’t been much of a secret since fourth grade biology. Eat less than you have been eating, exercise more, and you will lose weight. Shocking, I know. Knowing what to do isn’t the secret. It’s doing it.

Staying on the Funny Side of Weight Loss Secrets By Kelly Swanson

would like to thank TiredOfYourWeight@WhosTheNextIdiot.com for the e-mail you just sent reminding me that I’m overweight. How did you find me? Were you there when I used emergency money to buy Girl Scout cookies? When I dove between the sofa cushions because I thought I saw a French fry? When I ran past you in my bathing suit at the pool and took out three toddlers? How do you people know that I want to lose weight, need money transferred from Nigerian royalty and have been looking everywhere for a fake Rolodex? Baffling. So, Mister TiredOfYourWeight, I appreciate that you took time in the middle of the night to send me this urgent e-mail to share your weight-loss secret that is sure to revolutionize the world and to give me the opportunity to buy into it before anyone else. I am flattered that you spend so much time and energy caring about strangers. I wish you would spend the same amount of time learning to spell and removing the strands of gibberish in your heartfelt message which, until I speak in tongues, I am unable to translate. I’m sure you mean well, but I don’t need the revolutionary answer to instant weight loss. You see, I already know the

You see, I would rather drink lumpy shakes made out of goat’s urine, strap 30 pounds of spandex to my body and spend thousands on hairdos, clothes and accessories guaranteed to make me look a size smaller. I would rather have my colon flushed and take diet pills that cause hair loss, fainting spells and the unavoidable explosive diarrhea. But don’t make me eat vegetables—that’s just gross. I want those programs where you actually pay more to eat less. I would rather spend hours reading manuals from experts claiming it’s not the quantity but the combinations of foods—just don’t mix the brown Snickers with the tan French fries and you’re fine. I want to sit around perplexed saying, “But I don’t eat that much” and convince myself that I must have some rare thyroid condition and that everybody’s order contains the word “supersize.” I want to buy exercise tapes that I’m too lazy to open and fancy treadmills to hold my plants, rather than park at the back of the parking lot and take the stairs. I am not interested in the kind of exercise where I am involved. I don’t even want to get up to change the TV. I once watched a 24-hour Valerie Bertinelli marathon because I couldn’t find the remote. I would rather sit around with a group of other overweight people and have them tell me size doesn’t matter and look at skinny people in disgust and hope they’re miserable. So I do know the secret to weight loss, Mr. TiredOfYourWeight. Perhaps if you could come up with a revolutionary way to do the things we don’t want to do—now that I would read. So thanks but no thanks. I would, however, be interested in a way to earn a million in a week without ever having to get dressed or leave my house. Do you have a cousin who does that?

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Kelly Swanson is an award-winning storyteller, comedian, motivational speaker, and author of “Who Hijacked My Fairy Tale?” When she’s not out making the world laugh, she’s a frazzled wife and mother trying to convince her family that chocolate is a food group. For more about Kelly go to kellyswanson.net. EzineArticles.com

Kids will be kids. And snorkeling in the bathtub can be slippery. So when that inevitable break, cut or bruise occurs, bring them to the ER at Capital Regional Medical Center. Our dedicated pediatric ER is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. So we will have him back to discovering the deep blue sea in no time. For more information about when to take your child to the ER, talk with our nurses 24/7 by calling 850-325-3627 or visit us at www.CapitalRegionalMedicalCenter.com. Check our current average ER wait time by texting ER to 23000. Message and data rates may apply. For more information, visit TextERHelp.com

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