Pensacola Magazine December/January 2013/2014

Pensacola • Your City • Your Magazine December 2013/January 2014

Inside

w w w .p e n sa c o la ma g a zin e .c o m

editor’s note > my two cents on the subject

Kelly Oden Executive Editor Well, it’s that time of the year—out with the old and in with the new. For many of us, the New Year comes with many pressures—eating healthy, exercising, and losing weight being the most popular. I am just as guilty as the next person for making these my New Year priorities, but this year, I’d like to try something different. While eating healthy, exercising and keeping a healthy weight are all good goals, I often overlook the much-needed interior work. For me, it’s time to get rid of negative thought patterns and bring in some new ways of thinking and living. For 2014, I am inspired to create new habits, to cultivate a more positive attitude and to be more reflective and appreciative in general. I think that if I can at least partially accomplish these goals, the rest will fall into place. This month, Emily Lullo has chosen five books to inspire us all to new heights in 2014. Sometimes all we need is a little inspiration. Happy reading!

Before the great New Year ahead, though, comes the wild and crazy New Year’s Eve celebration. Pensacola is pulling out all the stops for this year’s Pelican Drop. With an expanded children’s area, a DJ and dance party, live music and a VIP experience, New Year’s Eve in Downtown Pensacola is sure to be memorable end to 2013. And, if you’re brave enough, head out to either Perdido Key or Pensacola Beach for the annual Polar Bear Dip and Polar Bear Plunge on January 1st. Read about these events and more on page 34.

This issue also holds some great New Year health and wellness ideas, a profile of the new Public Piano Project, information on the Mardi Gras kick off event, and a look at the newly renovated Arc Dove gift shop. I hope you enjoy this issue and that you have a very happy holiday and a fantastic New Year.

Pick up any of our magazines at one of these fine locations: Barnes and Noble Ever’man Natural Foods Bookseller 315 W. Garden St. 1200 Airport Blvd.

Pensacola, FL 32501 Pensacola, FL 32504 850-438-0402 850-969-9554 Varona’s Airport Gift Shop Family Christian Stores Area Books-A-Million 1520 Airport Blvd.

Area Walmart Stores Pensacola, FL 32504 850-474-9324

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CONTENTS FEATURE

28.

25. Inspiring Reads for the New Year 28. Local Greeting Card Maker Breaks Down Barriers With Laughter 34. Celebrating the New Year, Pensacola Style

DEPARTMENTS 10. PLAY Events & Adventures

14. GIVE Nonprofit News

16. LIVE Art, Music & Culture

21. SHOP 34.

11.

Local Style

38. REPEATS Pensacola Scene

10.

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21.

December 2013/January 2014 PUBLISHER

MALCOLM BALLINGER malcolm@ballingerpublishing.com PM EDITOR

KELLY ODEN kelly@ballingerpublishing.com ART DIRECTOR

RITA LAYMON rita@ballingerpublishing.com GRAPHIC DESIGNER & ADVERTISING COORDINATOR

GUY STEVENS, II guy@ballingerpublishing.com EDITOR

EMILY LULLO emily@ballingerpublishing.com BUSINESS EDITOR

JOSH NEWBY josh@ballingerpublishing.com EDITORIAL INTERN

HANNAH LEYVA CONTRIBUTING WRITER

MANDY B. FERNANDEZ SALES & MARKETING

SHARYON MILLER, ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE EXT. 28 sharyon@ballingerpublishing.com BECKY HILDEBRAND, ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE EXT. 31 becky@ballingerpublishing.com

OWNERS

MALCOLM & GLENYS BALLINGER PUBLISHER

MALCOLM BALLINGER • malcolm@ballingerpublishing.com EXECUTIVE EDITOR

KELLY ODEN •kelly@ballingerpublishing.com ART DIRECTOR

RITA LAYMON • rita@ballingerpublishing.com GRAPHIC DESIGNER & ADVERTISING COORDINATOR

GUY STEVENS II • guy@ballingerpublishing.com EDITOR

EMILY LULLO •emily@ballingerpublishing.com BUSINESS EDITOR

JOSH NEWBY •josh@ballingerpublishing.com SALES & MARKETING SHARYON MILLER, ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE EXT. 28 sharyon@ballingerpublishing.com SIMONE SANDS, ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE EXT. 21 simone@ballingerpublishing.com BECKY HILDEBRAND, ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE EXT. 31 becky@ballingerpublishing.com WEBSITE:

WWW.BALLINGERPUBLISHING.COM

EDITORIAL OFFICES 41 NORTH JEFFERSON STREET, SUITE 402 PENSACOLA, FLORIDA 32502 850-433-1166 • FAX 850-435-9174

PUBLISHED BY BALLINGER PUBLISHING:

Member of:

NW Florida’s Business Climate Magazine and Pensacola Magazine is locally owned and operated. All Rights Reserved. Reproduction or use of the contents herein is prohibited without written permission from the publisher. Comments and opinions expressed in this magazine represent the personal views of the individuals to whom they are attributed and/or the person identified as the author of the article, and they are not necessarily those of the publisher. This magazine accepts no responsibility for these opinions. The publisher reserves the right to edit all manuscripts. All advertising information is the responsibility of the individual advertiser. Appearance in this magazine does not necessarily reflect endorsement of any products or services by Ballinger Publishing. © 2013

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PLAY

Public Piano Project Comes to Pensacola

By Hannah Leyva

A new sound

has hit the streets of Pensacola as part of an initiative to bring greater awareness to music and the arts.

The City of Pensacola and the University of West Florida have partnered up to place donated pianos painted by local artists in various public spaces around the city that will be available for anyone to play. Dr. Hedi Salanki-Rubardt, director of the piano program and chamber music at UWF, brought the public piano project to Pensacola after seeing its success in larger cities across the U.S. and the world.

“Pensacola has the perfect climate and the ideal arts community to support this project – a progressive idea to advance both the culture of the city and the awareness of the university,” said Dr. Salanki-Rubardt in a press release.

She reiterated those sentiments at the unveiling of the first piano, which took place on Dec. 5 outside the Vinyl Music Hall.

Mayor Ashton Hayward was also present and expressed similar thoughts.

“Bringing public art and public music is so important to raising awareness for the arts. This is truly a community effort,” Hayward said. “From the city’s perspective, we encourage art.”

The first piano sits under the eaves at the corner of Garden and Palafox, where it is bolted down to prevent any would-be thieves. It was painted by 22-year-old UWF student Josh Greene

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and depicts the sun rising over the water on the front of the upright piano. Painted on one side is the Spanish explorer Tristan de Luna, who established a settlement in the Pensacola area in the 1500s. On the other side is a picture of a Native American woman.

Another UWF student, junior music major James Matthews, was chosen to be the first to play the piano in public. Dr. SalankiRubardt also took a turn and played for the audience of about 30 people.

A second piano was designed and painted by UWF student Jessica J. Stepherson and will be placed at Community Maritime Park. Another piano, donated by Dollarhide’s Music Center, is currently at the Artel Gallery and will be painted by artists associated with the not-for-profit organization.

All those involved are excited and enthusiastic about the project and encourage members of the public of all skill levels to sit down and tickle the ivories. The aim of the initiative is not just to showcase local talent, after all, but also to get more people interested in and involved with music.

Though Mayor Hayward admitted he lacked the aptitude to play himself, he said he’s looking forward to hearing and seeing what can come out of this project.

“This truly raises the visibility of art in our community,” he said.

Mardi Gras Kick Off 2014

By Hannah Leyva

Though the holiday season

will be ending in January for many people around the country, another celebration will just be starting here on the Gulf Coast. The annual Pensacola Mardi Gras Kick Off Celebration hosted by Wind Creek Hotel and Casino will be held on Saturday, Jan. 4 starting at 5 pm.

The floats will be parked downtown, lined up and ready for the blessing of the fleet. All of the approximately 30 krewes that will be participating in the Mardi Gras Parade will be at the kick off, dressed up in costume and ready to be blessed by the town crier.

Following the blessings, the party will really get going with the horns and drumbeats of an authentic second line procession. Revelers will get to experience a “parade in reverse� along Palafox Place, with people moving around the stationary floats as colorful beads are tossed and caught.

Some of the other family-friendly events that will take place that night include live entertainment and the cutting of the official City of Pensacola King Cake. Krewe members will also be milling around, ready to help people of all ages celebrate the start of the Mardi Gras season. All events are free to the public.

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PLAY

“The Light Before Christmas” on IMAX

Pensacola Museum of Art’s Winter Train Fest

Through Jan. 2 This stop-motion animated film is a great holiday film for families. Inspired by the work of artist James C. Christensen, “The Light Before Christmas” tells the story of two children who get lost in a blizzard on Christmas Eve and are rescued by the Candleman, who provides stories, wisdom, hot chocolate, and a warm cottage. Showings are daily at noon at the National Naval Aviation Museum. Ticket prices and information on other screenings can be found at www.navalaviationmuseum.org.

Dec. 19 – 21 In conjunction with Pensacola’s Winterfest, the PMA is putting on a special exhibition featuring model trains. Children of all ages are invited to view the trains as well as two railroad systems. The Pensacola Model Railway Club and the Emerald Coast Garden Railway Club will be on hand to run NGauge and G-Gauge train layouts. Childhood favorites like Brio and Thomas trains will also be on display. The exhibit will be open from 12 – 5 pm each day. Admission is $5. More information can be found at www.pensacolamuseum.org.

Holidays in the Park Dec. 20 – 21 This free annual event is Big Lagoon State Park’s way of saying thanks for the community’s support through the year. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be there to pass out presents and pose for pictures.

There will also be crafts for children and a vibrant holiday light display. Festivities start at 4 pm and end at 7 pm on both days. Call 850-492-1595 for more information.

Flora-Bama’s “Make it to the Line” Dec. 28 Work off those holiday meals at one of the two courses that make up this annual event. Choose between the 4-mile run/walk or the 1-mile fun run and find a way to make it to the line in one piece.

Participants will receive t-shirts and other goodies in their run packets, and trophies and awards will be given in several categories. The event starts at 10 am at Flora-Bama. Registration is $25 before race day and $30 the day of. Part of the proceeds will benefit the Innerarity Point and Orange Beach Fire Departments.

For more information visit www.florabama.com or register at www.active.com

Pensacola Beach Run Jan. 11 The 2014 version of this run has a new feature with a separate half marathon in addition to the 5K and 10K courses. While the half marathon is a run-only event, the other two are pick-your-distance run/walk courses. The event is scheduled to start at 7:30 am and end at noon. There is no race day registration, so be sure to preregister. Visit www.pensacolarunners.com or email pbr@pensacolarunners.com for more information.

Join Pot Roast & Pinot to Celebrate Christmas Eve Dinner Dec. 24 Pot Roast & Pinot’s exclusive three course holiday menu will be offered on Christmas Eve Tuesday, Dec. 24 from 4 pm until 10 pm. The pre-fixe menu is priced at $35 per adult and $14 per child ages 6 to 10. Options range from entrees like honey and black pepper roasted local organic Tom Turkey or and herb and garlic stuffed roasted leg of lamb down to desserts including pumpkin pie crème brulee and banana pudding. Reservations are strongly recommended and can be made at 607-7336.

Pensacola Archaeological Society Lecture Series Jan. 14 January’s iteration of this monthly series is titled “Molino Mills: The Maritime Cultural Landscape of a ReconstructionEra Sawmill in Molino, Fl.” It will be presented by SEARCH Dive Safety Officer and Maritime Archaeologist Joe Grinnan in Room B on the first floor at the West Florida Public Library at 7 pm on Jan. 14. The event is free and open to the public.

Call 850-595-0050 for more information.

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Fort Pickens Living History Camp and Candlelight Tour Jan. 11-12 Experience Fort Pickens in a unique way! Uniformed reenactors will be performing period colors ceremonies at 9 am on both days followed by company drill demonstrations at 10 am and 3 pm on Saturday and 10 am on Sunday. Ranger-led tours of the fort will start at 2 pm on both days. On Saturday night, Fort Pickens will stay open until 8:30 pm, allowing visitors to take a self-guided candlelight tour while costumed reenactors man the fort, ready to answer questions and give information about Pensacola during the Civil War. Admission to the fort is free, but there is an $8 fee per vehicle. Visitors are encouraged to arrive no later than 8 pm in order to get the most complete experience. For more information call 850-934-2600.

Fire on Ice World Championship ICE Racing Jan. 11 The Pensacola Fire on Ice World Championship round is expected to attract many of the nation’s best riders in both ICE Professional Divisions of competition, Manufacturers World Cup Motorcycles and the ICE Unlimited Outlaw Quads! In just over two hours fans will experience the thunder of 20 exciting races on ice to determine event champions in all classes. All pro machines are equipped with razor sharp steel studded tires for traction. While allowing racers excellent traction to achieve insane speeds these Silver Rockets Racing Studs also add an element of danger not present in other forms of racing. The pros are capable of accelerating from 060MPH in under 3 seconds on ice!

Visualize all this inside the tight confines of an ice hockey rink and you just may be close to imagining how thrilling this Extreme Winter Motorsport really is!

Tickets are available at the Pensacola Bay Center Box Office, PensacolaBayCenter.com, and all Ticketmaster outlets.

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GIVE

Barry Manilow Donates New Yamaha Piano to Kick Off Music Instrument Drive for Escambia County School District

Public Can Trade a New or Gently Used Musical Instrument for Free Tickets to Manilow’s January 30 Concert Legendary singer-songwriter Barry Manilow hopes others will once again follow his philanthropic lead as he brings his Manilow Music Project to the Escambia County School District in Florida.

The pop icon plans to donate a Yamaha piano to launch a local music instrument drive. Anyone who donates a new or gently used musical instrument to the Pensacola Bay Center box office will receive two free tickets (valid for pre-selected seat locations) for Manilow’s January 30 show.

The Manilow Music Project has conducted music instrument drives all over the country to assist local schools with their music programs. “I’m thrilled to be able to help bring the gift of music to these kids,” added Manilow.

The Pensacola Bay Center will be the base for the instrument drive in Pensacola from now through Jan. 30. The instrument drop off location is open 10 am -5 pm Monday through Friday.

“Escambia schools are thrilled to support the Manilow Music Project for our students in need,” said Malcolm Thomas, Superintendent of Escambia County School District. “Many students cannot afford a musical instrument and miss the many benefits that music can provide. Escambia students will have the opportunity to learn to play music through the public’s donation of instruments. We thank Mr. Manilow for making this possible. I encourage and appreciate the public’s support of this initiative.”

The Manilow Music Project (MMP) is part of The Manilow Fund for Health and Hope. It was formed as a grass roots organization to assist local charities and programs. Its primary focus is to provide musical instruments to high schools and middle schools and to provide music scholarships at universities throughout the US, Canada, and the UK. More information on the Manilow Music Project can be found at www.manilowmusicproject.org/.

Tickets are available online at Manilow.com or Ticketmaster.com, in person at the Pensacola Bay Center Box Office, or by calling 1-800-745-3000.

With worldwide record sales exceeding 80 million, Barry Manilow’s unparalleled career encompasses virtually every arena of entertainment, including performing, writing, composing, arranging, and producing. A Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee, Manilow has produced, arranged, and released more than 40 albums during the course of his career. He has also written and produced songs for Barbra Streisand, Bette Midler, Dionne Warwick, and many more. He has been honored with a Grammy, two Emmys, a Tony Award, an Oscar nomination, and a top selling autobiography.

WFHP Inc. Announces New Name: UWF Historic Trust West Florida Historic Preservation, Inc., a direct support organization of the University of West Florida, now operates under the new name of UWF Historic Trust. The new name is less of a mouthful and it symbolizes not only the attachment to the University, but also a relationship between the organization and the historic assets with which it is entrusted. UWF Historic Trust manages the Historic Pensacola campus of UWF, which includes 29 historic properties including Historic Pensacola Village, the T.T. Wentworth Museum and the 37-acre Arcadia Mill Archaeological site, among others.

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Leadership Pensacola to Renovate Children’s Playroom at Sacred Heart Hospital The Greater Pensacola Chamber’s Leadership Pensacola (LeaP) Class of 2014 announces the selection of its class project, LeaPplay, a renovation of the playroom at The Children’s Hospital at Sacred Heart.

“We are proud to work with Sacred Heart to create a fun, engaging and comforting environment for the young patients who receive care at Children’s Hospital,” said Hal Dell, the project coordinator for LeaPplay and vice president at Dell Consulting. “As a regional healthcare center, Children’s brings many patients and their families into our area, and we want to ensure they have a firstclass experience in our community.”

The Children’s Hospital at Sacred Heart, which opened in 1969, is a 106-bed pediatric hospital that was created with the total needs of children in mind.

“We are honored to partner with Leadership Pensacola and the Chamber on this exciting project to provide our patients and their families a respite during their hospital stay,” said Henry Stovall, president of Sacred Heart Hospital. “Playing is how children cope and heal, and toys and games are the ‘tools’ they use to accomplish this. Because a child’s ‘work’ is play, it is very important to encourage children to enjoy the activities they are used to at

home.”

Anticipated renovations to the space include a complete redesign and reinstallation of all of the playroom’s major components, from ceilings, floors and finishes to lighting and play structures. New wiring will be installed to support audio visual equipment and creative lighting solutions. Walls will be reconfigured to create separate spaces for different age groups but also to allow for opening the space up for group functions and play experiences.

Finish colors will be bright and energetic, and natural daylight will continue to be integral to the children’s play experience. There will also be new play furniture for children and seating for their visitors.

Scheduled completion for the project is May of 2014.

Numerous local businesses, including Caldwell Associates, Dell Consulting, Greenhut Construction, Morette Company and Cox Communications, are donating services to the project. Donations to the project are tax deductible and may be made payable to Leadership Pensacola, sent to the attention of Benny Gaines at Saltmarsh, Cleaveland & Gund, 900 N. 12th Ave., Pensacola, FL 32501. More information about LeaPplay is available at LeaPplay.org, and LeaPplay is also on Facebook at facebook.com/leapplay and Twitter at twitter.com/leapplay.

Pensacola Cyclists Bicycle 4,100 Miles Across the United States in 76 Days Two Pensacola natives, Will Bulla and Jeb Hunt, completed a 76day journey across the United States on Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2013.

Their journey, which began in Astoria, Ore. on Aug. 29, and finished in Yorktown, Va., took them over 4,100 miles across nine states including Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky and Virginia.

Will and Jeb followed the TransAmerica bike trail that was established in 1976. The route traveled mostly on country roads and highways, through small towns with populations of only a few hundred. Across America, Will and Jeb witnessed the hospitality of complete strangers, beheld the beauty of our nation’s landscape, and faced the physical and mental trials of biking across three mountain ranges and being on the road for nearly three months. The two adventurers, which camped for the majority of the trip, experienced multiple snowstorms and encountered a variety of wildlife. All of these elements made this

trip a life-changing experience. A Cycle of Change, a forum about their incredible journey, was presented at Wesley Abbey in downtown Pensacola at a First United Methodist Church on Dec. 1. During the forum, Will and Jeb shared stories from the trip and answered any questions from the audience. A photography exhibit of their transcontinental adventure is on display in Wesley Abbey. The trip was documented through blogs, photos and videos. Media from the trip is posted on their website, WillandJebBiketheUS.com, and also using social media.

WillJebBike (Instagram, Facebook and Twitter username) has more than 6,500 followers on Instagram and 1,100 fans on Facebook. Jeb Hunt, 32, is a professional photographer and the Communications and Contemporary Worship Arts director at First United Methodist Church in downtown Pensacola. Will Bulla, 21, is a student at Pensacola State College and works at KMS Communications.

UWF President honored with FSU alumni award University of West Florida President Judy Bense has been recognized by Florida State University as a “Grad Made Good,” the highest award given to alumni by the Circle of Omicron Delta Kappa and the FSU Alumni Association. She was recently presented with the award during the annual FSU Alumni Breakfast. Each year, the FSU Circle of Omicron Delta Kappa and Alumni Association honors three alumni who have made a significant difference through outstanding success in their chosen fields. Since the program’s creation in 1974, 111 FSU graduates have been recognized as Grads Made Good, including Pensacola native Reubin O’D. Askew, former Florida Governor, who was among the first class of recipients.

“I am honored to join this distinguished company of past honorees,” Bense said. “It is humbling to be recognized by FSU, the place that provided my foundation for success.”

Bense was nominated for the award by Gordon Sprague, member of the UWF Foundation Inc. Board of Directors and chairman of the FSU Alumni Association’s National Board of Directors; Pensacola Mayor Ashton Hayward; and Brett Berg, assistant athletic director for development at UWF and FSU alumnus. In his letter of recommendation, Sprague remarked on

Bense’s success as a renowned archaeologist, as well as her impact on the City of Pensacola and Florida through the creation of the Florida Public Archaeology Network in 2006.

“Her engaging personality, tireless energy and hard-choice decisions have earned her the respect of the community,” he said in the letter. “Dr. Bense’s impact in the area has influenced not only higher education, but has also positively affected the economics in Northwest Florida as well.”

Hayward cited Bense’s bold leadership as UWF president and dedication to increasing enrollment and diversity, as well as enhancing student life and building new partnerships.

“Dr. Bense is without a doubt one of the most influential leaders in Pensacola and Northwest Florida, and an incredible resource and asset to our community,” he said.

Bense received bachelor’s and master’s degrees in anthropology/archaeology from FSU in 1967 and 1969, respectively. She founded the UWF anthropology/archaeology program in 1980 and became the anthropology department chair in 2001. She also founded the Archaeology Institute in 1980 and served as its director for 20 years. After serving at UWF for 30 years, Bense became the fifth President on July 1, 2008.

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5th Annual 30A Songwriters Festival set for January 17-19

Taking place at venues along Florida’s scenic Highway 30A and the northwest resort neighborhoods of South Walton, the event will feature performances from such esteemed artists as Kristian Bush (Sugarland), Loudon Wainwright III, Ani DiFranco, Robert Randolph and the Family Band, Richard Thompson, Shawn Mullins, John Oates, Rusty Young (Poco), Jonathan Edwards, Craig Fuller (Pure Prairie League), John Gorka, Mary Gauthier, James McMurtry, Bob Schneider, Glenn Phillips Band, Matthew Sweet, Jeffrey Steele, Jim Lauderdale and Tinsley Ellis. Guests can choose from over 200 performances at more than 25 venues along Highway 30A in beach communities including WaterColor, WaterSound, Alys Beach, Gulf Place, Rosemary Beach, Grayton Beach, Seacrest and Seaside, all set against the brilliant white sand beaches, turquoise waters and stunning architecture of Highway 30A. Each year, the festival

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line-up highlights songwriting from a variety of musical styles ranging from folk and country to rock and blues.

The 30A Songwriters Festival is known throughout the music community as a destination where writers who perform their own music, and performers who write their own songs, come together for a weekend of soulful melodies, powerful vocals and compelling lyrics. A VIP dinner with guest chef Stephen Satterfield from Miller Union (Atlanta) and a wine tasting hosted by wine distributor Adam Caperton (former owner of Larder on 30A) have been added to the 2014 schedule. The 30A Songwriters Festival has also partnered with GigDog.fm to create an exclusive online radio station featuring the upcoming 2014 artists. Hear them at 30aswf.gigdog.fm before you hear them live!

PMA Presents The Design of War: WWI and WWII Posters and Flags Through Jan. 3 The Pensacola Museum of Art (PMA) is extremely proud to present The Design of War: World War I and World War II Posters and Flags (Selected Works from the Rowe Collection) on view from Nov. 1 to Jan. 3, 2014. The exhibition features original posters and flags, created during both World Wars, and military artifacts such as letters from the troops, WWI and WWII helmets, dog tags, and United States war bonds.

This is the collection of Dr. Patrick M. Rowe, Professor of Art History at Pensacola State College, and it is presented at the PMA for its debut exhibition run.

The exhibition is sponsored in part by Navy Federal Credit Union.

Active-duty and retired military members and their families will be admitted into the museum for free during the run of the exhibition. For more information visit pensacolamuseum.org.

Retrospective Exhibition and Sale of Work by Wildlife Artist Dharbinder Bamrah Through Dec. Join the Wright Place for the first U.S. retrospective of worldrenowned wildlife artist Dharbinder Singh Bamrah’s work since the Pensacola artist’s death. The exhibition and sale will be open from Dec. 1- 30, with a reception on Sunday, Dec. 15 from 1 to 4 pm. Known for capturing the spirit of African wildlife in his work, Bamrah was born in Kenya and lived there until he was 4 years old. In 1969 he and his siblings were taken to live with his grandparents in Punjab, India and his parents immigrated to the UK. The family was reunited in London several years later. Bamrah immigrated to the US in 2003 and lived in Pensacola until his death in 2007. At the time of his death, Bamrah was represented by galleries in New York, West Palm Beach and Jackson Hole in the U.S.; London, England and Johannesburg, South Africa. For more information about the artist, visit peerlesseye.com. The Wright Place is located at 80 East Wright St. Call 432.1434 for more information.

PLT Presents It’s a Wonderful Life Dec. 13-15; 19-22 George Bailey dreams of escape and adventure, but he has been quashed by family obligation and civic duty. On Christmas Eve, an angel helps a compassionate but despairingly frustrated businessman by showing what life would have been like if he never existed. Friday and Saturday shows are at 7:30 pm and Sundays at 2:30 pm.

Tickets are $14-$30. Visit pensacolalittletheatre.com for tickets or more information.

At Blue Morning Gallery This Month ‘Tis the season to be jolly... and to shop for gifts for others and for oneself. The traditional Holiday Wall, on display until Dec. 28, provides gift suggestions for $100 or less for art by member artists. Additional ideas are found in the two Gallery windows, with ornaments on the small trees throughout the Gallery.

For more fun for children, Santa and his elves are at the Santa’s Workshops Saturday, Dec. 7 and Saturday, Dec. 14 from 11 am to 3 pm. Arts and crafts, face painting and refreshments for the little ones are all free.

The traditional New Blues Show opens Sunday, Dec. 29 featuring art by the eight members who joined the Blue Morning Gallery in 2013. Participating artists are painters Margaret Biggs, Adrienne Childers, CeCe Hines, Chip Spirson and Sherry Vickery; photographer James Emery, and wood artists Ric Koressel and Tom Snyder. The New Blues welcome the public to their opening reception Friday, Jan.10, from 5 to 8 pm.

The Blue Morning Gallery is located at 21 Palafox Place. For more information, call 429-9100 or visit bluemorninggallery.com.

Pensacola Children’s Chorus Presents Christmas on the Coast Dec. 13-15 Make this a traditional part of your Christmas celebrations!

Celebrate the season with the sounds of some of the most talented young people in the region, singing and dancing to holiday songs in eye-catching costumes. The chorus will perform Christmas on the Coast at the Saenger Theatre. Tickets can be purchased through the Pensacola Saenger Box Office or through TicketMaster. Prices are $23, $33 or $39. For more information visit pensacolasaenger.com.

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Ballet Pensacola Presents Nutcracker at the Saenger Dec. 21-22 Audiences will be enthralled during this annual classic as the music of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky accompanies the story of Clara and her dream of the Nutcracker Prince. Friday and Saturday shows are at 7 pm; Sunday show is at 1:30 pm. Single ticket prices are $20, $25 or $30 and are available at the Saenger Theatre Box Office or pensacolasaenger.com.

PLT Presents Holiday Cabaret Dec. 16-18 From classic Christmas carols and hymns to more modern holiday songs, Holiday Cabaret features nearly two dozen local performers and a litany of beloved Christmas songs. Tickets are $17 for limited café seating and $10 for general admission. For tickets and additional information, visit pensacolalittletheatre.com or ring 434-0257.

WUWF Presents RadioLive Jan. 2 The first RadioLive episode of the new year will feature the Jonathan Byrd Band, Spencer Bohren, the husband and wife musical duo of Stacey Earle and Mark Stuart, and Martha’s Trouble, a musical act comprised of an other married couple named Jen and Rob Slocumb. Host Pat Crawford welcomes different acts to this live music program held at 6 pm on the first Thursday of each month at the Museum of Commerce. Admission is one non-perishable item per person to benefit Manna Food Pantries. Visit wuwf.org for more on the series and featured artists.

Pensacola Symphony Orchestra’s Music for Families at the Saenger Theatre Jan. 11 This special yearly event provides an opportunity for children to learn more about the orchestra. Starting at 12:30 pm, there will be interactive music stations where kids can try out various instruments and music-related art and science projects that they can participate in. Afterward, a short concert specifically designed for families will be put on by the PSO starting at 2 pm.

Event and ticket information can be found at pensacolasymphony.com.

Seville Quarter’s Legendary New Year’s Eve Party Dec. 31 Ring in the New Year at Seville Quarter. Join the Good Time Gang at Seville Quarter for the biggest and best party on the Gulf Coast with a party package to fit everyone’s expectations (and budget). Seville’s legendary New Years Eve party will feature live entertainment including the wildly entertaining Gretsch and the Modern Eldorados, Hotel Oscar, Schofield, and the World Famous Rosie O’Grady’s Duelling Piano Show. In addition Pensacola’s Top DJ’s will be spinning high energy dance music in Phineas Phogg’s and out on the street. All guests will get party favors and enjoy a Cristalino Cava Brut toast at Midnight. Locals rave about the Membership Party Package. For $35 per person (in advance, $40 on December 31) you get a 2014 Membership card, live Entertainment on four stages plus the great dance music in Phineas Phogg’s and Apple Annie’s. For those who just want to dance the night away your option is the Dance Package with a budget reduced price of $20 per person at the door with access to all rooms in the main complex. Everyone will get terrific party favors and there will be a complex-wide countdown and Champagne Toast to ring in 2014. For more information or to purchase your tickets, call 434-6211 or go to www.sevillequarter.com.

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Seville Quarter’s 2014 New Year’s BARE Ball Jan. 5 The Biggest Bar and Restaurant Employee Event of the Year Returns!

Seville Quarter will be putting on a great line up of entertainment featuring: an All Star DJ Show Case in Phineas Phogg’s, Great Dance Music in Apple Annie’s with Schofield, the Modern Eldorados in Lili Marlene’s and Hotel Oscar back at the End O’the Alley Bar. We will also feature a Complimentary Dream Well in all rooms, and a lavish cocktail buffet and Breakfast at Midnight! We’ll get you to Seville Quarter! For just $5 per person each way (10 mile radius), Limos are available: Afleet Limo Services or Ambassador Limo contact Peggy at (850) 712-5466.

Reservations must be made by December 30. Need a ride home? Yellow Cab will be there for just $5 per person (10 mile radius). Dress to Impress! Black Tie Preferred: (No Jeans). For the special BARE discount phone Randall’s Formal Wear at (850) 432-8246 or Gents Formal Wear at (850) 434-3272 or 969-0397.

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SHOP

New Dove

By Hannah Leyva

Garden Shop Looks to Make Impact

Arc Gateway, which serves over 800 adults and children with developmental disabilities, has reopened their freshly renovated Dove Garden Shop on Fairfield Drive just in time for the holiday shopping season.

The garden shop, a sister store to the Dove Gift Shop at West Florida Hospital, took three months to renovate. It just had its grand reopening on Nov. 16, but store manager and buyer Sondra Massraf has already had a hard time keeping some things in stock.

“It’s been great,” she said of the response to the store’s reopening. “The public’s been wonderful, andthe community has been great.”

The products that make them unique are also the store’s bestsellers: ceramic art created at the adjacent training center

by Arc Gateway’s clients, all of whom have intellectual or developmental disabilities.

“Our main focus is our client’s work,” Massraf said. “They’re all handmade and one of a kind.”

Especially popular are the collegiate wind chimes, which Massraf said have been impossible to keep on the shelves at both the gift shop at the hospital and at the new garden shop.

Demand is so high that she’s already had to place three orders for more in the few weeks they’ve been open.

Also popular are the homemade ceramic decorative plates, some of which are in the shape of fish and others specifically made for chips and dips. There are also “sweater plates,” which have been imprinted or stamped with knitted sweaters to give it a unique texture. All work done by clients come with a tag that reads, “Made by artists with disabilities” and the person’s name.

Sales of these products benefit everyone directly involved.

The shop, Arc Gateway’s art department and the individual artist

each get an even third of the profits. Products made by local artisans are also offered alongside items purchased at a merchandising market in Atlanta.

As long as the work is relevant to gardens and the outdoors, “We do want to be a venue for some local artists,” said Massraf, noting that they’re selective about what they buy.

Currently the store features a lot of Christmas and seasonal items, but they also have things that can be used year round such as candles, pillows and flowerpots.

“We want people to keep us in mind for everyday things, not just for the holidays,” Massraf said.

Like most of Arc Gateway’s programs, the Dove Garden Shop was built and is run by volunteers. Two groups of students, one from Pensacola Catholic High School and the other from the University of West Florida, completed all the landscaping outside the building in just two Saturdays.

More people are needed to help run the shop day to day, however. According to Massraf, Mondays and Fridays have been the busiest days so far, with late afternoons seeing the heaviest traffic. Though the Dove Gift Shop practically functions on its own thanks to many experienced volunteers (it’s been open for 30 years), Massraf is often the only one working at the garden shop.

Though she was only hired by the organization in June, and though her current hours are long, Massraf is enthusiastic about her work and she takes pride in what the shop does for Arc Gateway and the community.

“It’s joyful and it’s something to be proud of,” she said. “We just want to make sure the community knows we’re here for the long run with their support to raise money for the Arc.”

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NEW YEAR, NEW YOU JJUMPSTART UMPSTART THE THE NEW NEW YOU YOU

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Inspiring Reads for the New Year

By Emily Lullo

If you’ve ever made a New Year’s resolution, you probably realize these loose goals are likely to fall by the wayside, forgotten and unaccomplished by mid-February. Many people feel invigorated by the hope of a new year and attempt too many unsustainable changes at once, dooming themselves to disappointment when they can’t sustain their lofty ideals. Instead of making a long list of changes you hope to achieve this year, focus on one or two areas of your life you’d like to improve and consider the challenges and obstacles you’ll face in reaching your goals.

To make a real impact on an area of your life—whether it’s nutrition, fitness, or happiness—you may have to break old habits, establish new ones, or just change your thinking on the subject. An inspiring book can not only clarify what we need from ourselves by illuminating the data behind a subject but also motivate with stories that inspire and make us more informed and enthusiastic about our goals. These books do just that while being entertaining reads that can lay the mental groundwork for actual change in your life, making them perfect books to pick up and peruse this January.

T h e Po w er o f Hab it

by Charles Duhigg Most New Year’s resolutions revolve around making a new desired habit or getting rid of an unwanted one. It’s often said that it takes 21 days to form a new habit, and while that might not give a complete picture of how and why habits are formed, The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg offers some true insight into better understanding habit formation and function. Whether it’s scientists tackling the neurological underpinnings of our habits or advertising executives searching for ways to make consumers adopt a habit of using their products, the science and psychology behind habits offers fascinating subject matter that Duhigg has unpacked for the everyday reader.

While there’s no easy one-size-fits-all fix for changing your habits, The Power of Habit does have a practical appendix offering concrete advice for searching out and changing your own habits and adopting new, better ones into your routine, mostly by being mindful of the process behind the action. The Power of Habit comes out in paperback on Jan. 7.

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Th e Hap p in ess Pro jec t

Eat an d Ru n

by Gretchen Rubin

by Scott Jurek

Author Gretchen Rubin undertakes a challenge not to complete some lofty, lifechanging task, but to simply clarify ways to get more joy and satisfaction out of every day life.

The seemingly small tidbits of advice and exercises Rubin implements in her life are gleaned from a variety of resources ranging from the writings of ancient philosophers to the latest positive psychology research. As Rubin discovers in her research, it is often the highly specific experiences of one individual that have the biggest impact on her thinking and behavior, and her book has had the same effect on hundreds of thousands of readers. While some might view the quest for happiness as a superficial endeavor that will breed an obnoxiously cheerful attitude that borders on delusional, this book in no way fulfills that stereotype. The book also has a successor, Happier at Home, that focuses on getting more happiness from the place we likely spend most of our time, which recently made its paperback debut.

Many people have an interest in fitness and nutrition, which often heightens around the start of the year only to get bogged down throughout the weeks by a constant stream of media telling us what to eat or not eat or which workouts will yield six-pack abs in just 20 minutes a day. In Eat and Run ultrarunner Scott Jurek takes health back to its basics, telling the story of how a perfectly average Midwestern kid became a legend among athletes, running 100-mile races and clocking seemingly impossible times. His interest in fueling his body with a plant-based vegan diet is shared via recipes in each chapter along with training tips and stories from the various extreme races Jurek has completed, making Eat and Run part cookbook, part training guide and part manifesto of the power of sheer will. It’s almost impossible to finish a chapter without wanting to immediately slip on your running shoes for a jog and then whip up his “Holy Moly Guacamole.�

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In Defen se o f Fo o d

by Michael Pollan As food politics become increasingly difficult to navigate and nutrition takes center stage in the ongoing debate on the health of our nation, Michael Pollan In Defense of Food takes a closer look at this loaded subject. Rather than offering a trendy diet plan, this book goes into the depths of the modern American food system and where and why the average diet seems to have gone astray with the advent of convenience and fast foods. By advocating a return to simple, whole foods, Pollan’s book lays the groundwork for a rethink of the way we eat, and how we can improve that plan to be more healthful to our bodies. Anyone thinking about a more healthful lifestyle will find many reasons to start on that path and the inspiration to do so in this book.

S u p er Brain

by Deepak Chopra and Rudolph E. Tanzi, Ph.D. Research into neurology and the brain has reached its peak, but at the same time many people feel constantly distracted and pulled in so many directions mentally that focusing seems next to impossible. Super Brain: Unleashing the Explosive Power of Your Brain to Maximize Health, Happiness and Spritual Well-Being, combines the talents of bestselling author and physician Deepak Chopra and Harvard Medical School professor Rudolph E. Tanzi to effectively create a manual for unlocking your brain’s massive potential. The book describes how utilizing increased self-awareness and mindfulness can promote happiness as well as reduce effects of aging on the brain, among many other things. The combination of the latest research in neuroscience along with spiritual insights makes for an astute guidebook for cracking into the immense capabilities of the human brain.

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Mica and Kristi (Maude and Rose) pose with their greeting cards at Apple Market. Not pictured is Vicki (Fannie) who lives in Oklahoma 28

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Local

Greeting Card Maker Breaks Down Barriers With

Laughter

By Mandy B. Fernandez

A

rea residents may know Mica Apple as the owner of Apple Market located on Scenic Highway in eastern Pensacola. They may not realize that Mica is also one of the creative geniuses behind a line of homemade, hilarious greeting cards that are sold in the store - cards that she and her sisters design called Adventures with Fannie, Maude and Rose.

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The idea for the cards began as a joke. Nearly 20 years ago, the Price sisters – Mica, Kristi and Vicki – lived in different states. Kristi sent Vicki a birthday card depicting three older ladies sitting inside a shopping mall holding big black purses and looking silly. Kristi personalized the card by adding in each sister’s name to the picture and creating her own story for inside the card. When Vicki received it, she thought it was so hysterical that the sisters decided to make plans to meet in Fort Worth, Texas to duplicate the image as a gag gift for their parents’ wedding anniversary.

Once the sisters met up in Texas, Mica, Kristi and Vicki visited thrift stores to look for costumes and props. At the first shop they went into, they located three wigs that resembled mature ladies’ hair. Soon after they found leggings, coats, hats, shoes and even three large black purses. This became their signature look – Fannie, Maude and Rose was born.

“When we found the three wigs and senior ladies clothing at the thrift store, it fueled us to take action and jump into these crazy personalities of Fannie, Maude and Rose or simply FMR as we call them. We had such a blast becoming these women,” reveals Mica.

While the intent was to create one picture, the Price sisters gallivanted all over the mall, going up and down the escalators, window shopping, people-watching and talking on pay phones.

The ladies captured so many wild moments, that they created an entire album for mom and dad. The book was passed around to guests at the anniversary party where attendees laughed at

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the humorous photos. One guest commented that the pictures would make wonderful greeting cards. Four years ago, Mica made that suggestion a reality.

Since that first photo shoot, Fannie, Maude and Rose have been a very courageous trio. They have been rock climbing at Weatherford’s, hunted animals at Gulf Breeze Firearms, driven the Funny Cars at Pensacola Beach and parasailed over the Sound. They even painted the Graffiti Bridge, writing the words “Class of ‘57” while being covered in paint. FMR have had escapades while golfing, boating, cooking, gardening, swimming, playing nurses, milking cows, visiting fire departments, playing poker and much more. At each place and on each venture, the sisters are dressed from head to toe in older lady garments, wigs, shoes and accessories. The Price sisters currently meet up at least twice a year to create more comical memories.

The FMR sisters are truly a family affair. The ladies are captured on film by their father, Larry Price. Their mother, Joanna, often makes the costumes used in the photos, spending hours sewing prom dresses, cheerleader uniforms and loungewear.

Mica, Vicki and Kristi say their photo expeditions have sparked mixed reactions among viewers. Kristi reveals, “Some people do not bat an eye or even notice anything out of the ordinary, while others do double takes, not sure if we are for real. A surprising number interact with us and join in on the fun.

Young people often want their photo taken with us.”

“I realized we were bringing joy to many people,” says Mica.

“Often older people become invisible or go unnoticed.

Somehow by acting goofy, we broke down barriers among generations and cultures. In today’s serious world, we need reminders about building relationships and taking time to have a laugh. That’s what the Price sisters are about – making the most out of life and forgetting the bad stuff going on in this world.”

Kristi notes, “We rarely pose for the photos. My dad simply captures us in action as Fannie, Maude and Rose.” Mica reveals, “I love the character I play. Maude allows me to be bold and daring, while in the real world, I’m more reserved.”

The Price sisters are about to expand their greeting card line beyond Apple Market. Mica recently received an order for over 200 cards to be sold in a Panama City specialty shop.

Technology has played a big role in making the Price sisters’ vision a reality. “With today’s equipment and resources, we can make these cards ourselves instead of having to go through a printing company. We couldn’t produce them several years ago,” says Mica.

She explains, “Our process has evolved to the point that I perform the initial work on the cards since I have more available time than my sisters.” Vicki is a registered nurse in Oklahoma, while Kristi works in instructional design in Pensacola. “I often begin with the card idea and then find the picture that best fits our expressions. I then depend on Kristi who has a great eye to do the fine tuning.”

What does the future hold for Fannie, Maude and Rose, these crazy Price Sisters? Mica has big dreams. “I would love for us travel as Fannie, Maude and Rose and to make greeting

cards from all over the world. I hope to brighten people’s days.”

Kristi agrees and adds, “We hope to lighten someone’s burden and bring laughter to those who see us in action or buy our cards.”

The Price sisters’ goals have always been to enjoy life and connect with others. Preview the FMR Price Sisters greeting cards at Apple Market, located at 1021 Scenic Highway in Pensacola, 32503. The back of each greeting card has the words “made in Pensacola, not in China” printed on them.

Mandy B. Fernandez is a freelance writer in Pensacola. Contact her at WrittenByMandy.com.

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Celebrating the New Year, Pensacola Style

By Hannah Leyva

A new year signifies different things for different people.

Some are glad to see the old year end and are eager for a fresh start, while others lament the quick passage of time. By the time the last day of the year comes around, however, many have just one thing on their mind: having a good time.

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Luckily for Gulf Coast residents, the Pensacola area hosts several events that can help people of all ages send out the old year and welcome the new one with style.

For those looking to get all dolled up before partying the night away, the Saenger Theatre will be hosting the Pensacola Symphony Orchestra’s end of the year concert. Celebrate the New Year! will feature conductor Peter Rubardt leading the PSO in renditions of classics by George Gershwin, Glenn Miller, Dizzy Gillespie and more. Attendants can make a night of it by dining at one of the many downtown restaurants before the 7 pm concert. Tickets start at $22 and are available online.

While the concert inside will just be getting started, the party outside the theatre will be well under way. Palafox Place, which will be closed to traffic starting the morning of Dec. 31, will be packed with crowds in anticipation of the Pensacola Pelican Drop. Before the large, glowing bird makes its journey down from its perch, revelers of all ages can enjoy the many components that make up the large street party, which starts in the late afternoon.

Our area’s youngest citizens will be the first to get things started. This year’s expanded Children’s Area, which will stretch from Palafox and Intendencia to Government, and Government to Jefferson, opens at 3 pm. Bounce houses, face painting, sidewalk chalk, junior graffiti and more will be available for kids to enjoy. An interactive show called “Characters on the Go” will begin at 5:30 pm, and children and parents will have many photo opportunities with the characters after it is over. The Bubble Stomp, which starts at 7:45 pm, will lead into the raising of the pelican at 8 pm, after which the Children’s Area will close.

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Outside the Children’s Area, festivities will be kicked off with a blessing at 6:45 pm (organizers anticipate crowds starting at 5 pm, so plan accordingly). Led by Influence Pensacola’s Bob Greene, community religious leaders of all faiths and denominations will ask for blessings upon Pensacola in 2014.

Stages at opposite ends of Palafox will have live music starting at 8 pm. The main stage at Palafox and Government will kickoff with Antoine Knight followed by MoJeaux. Big Jim Brown and Speed Kings, Dew Pendleton and Your Friends, and Timberhawk will keep people dancing at the north stage on Palafox and Garden. There will also be a dance party for teens and young adults outside the T.T. Wentworth Museum called Pelican Glow, where DJ Safeko will be spinning tunes from 8 pm – 1 am while shadow dancers, fire dancers, and break dancers entertain the crowd.

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New to the Pelican Drop celebration this year is the Artel Experience, a VIP event for those who want to take the party up a notch. Levin Rinke Resort Realty recently announced $100 million in sales and has chosen to sponsor The Artel Exclusive Event in full. The public can still purchase from the limited number of remaining tickets to the Tented Private VIP Pavilion. Located just off the Artel Gallery and main stage, the VIP Pavilion has exquisite access and views of the entertainment and fireworks.

Tickets cost $60 per person and include free food and drinks.

The highlight of it all, of course, is the Pelican Drop itself.

Local artist Michael Dicks’ rendition of the iconic Gulf Coast bird is 14 feet tall with a 20-foot wingspan and is covered with 2,000 feathers and 2,000 lightbulbs. When the countdown to midnight ends, the pelican will descend from its 100-foot perch above the intersection of Government

Top and Left: Pelican Artist Michael Dicks works on his creation and preps it for its annual drop.

Right: Crowds flock to the 2012 Pensacola Pelican Drop.

and Palafox as confetti and fireworks fill the skies above downtown Pensacola.

Another New Year’s tradition is available for those who have thick skin, have a higher tolerance for the cold and don’t mind getting a bit wet. As the city is surrounded by water, there will be polar bear dips on both the eastern and western ends of the Pensacola area.

Flora-Bama in Perdido Key will be hosting their annual Polar Bear Dip at noon on Jan. 1. The participants, some of whom come dressed in costumes, will celebrate new beginnings by running into the Gulf of Mexico. They will be treated to a traditional feast of black-eyed peas, ham, cornbread and more after their swim. Dippers over 21 will also receive a ticket for a free draft beer, while those not of age can get a free bottled water or soda. There will also be three stages of live music for all to enjoy. No registration is necessary.

On the opposite side of the bay in Pensacola Beach, Paradise Bar and Grill will be hosting their Polar Bear Plunge. Festivities will include live music and entertainment for the whole family. At 2 pm, brave entrants of all ages will take the plunge into the Santa Rosa Sound. Traditional black-eyed peas and red beans and rice will be served to participants, who will also receive T-shirts for their accomplishment. Registration, which costs $10 for adults and $5 for children, is required for those who take the plunge, with fees benefiting the Pensacola Beach Chamber of Commerce. There is no charge for spectators.

Of course, many people prefer to take the time to sit and reflect or relax with loved ones. Those looking for an exciting way to celebrate New Year’s, however, don’t need to look very far. However you choose to do it, just remember to enjoy yourselves. Cheers to 2014!

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...at the Roger and Raisa Webb’s Christmas Party

Gary Michaels, Bruce McAlpin and Collier Merrill

Phyllis, Roger and Raisa Webb

Kathy and Mike Denkler with Bobby Likis and Diane Summer

Mayor Ashton Hayward and his wife, An

Bill and Margaret Dollarhide

Ellis and Joan Bullock

...at the Five Flags Rotary Christmas Party

Judy and PC Wu

Nancy and Gus Silivos

Holly and Alan Nickelsen

Wendi Summers and Bob Bergie

Gracious Hosts John and Susan O’Connor

Amy Miller, outgoing president of GC Crimestoppers receives an Award of Appreciation from incoming president, Charlie Bockwith December 2013/January 2014

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