Pensacola Magazine October/November 2013

ECLECTIC ELEGANCE IN NORTH

HILL

✤ Hot Drinks For Fall ✤ Haunting Your House Like a Pro

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Rat Pack Reunion 2013 • Pensacola Camellia Club Mahabhuta Yoga Festival • Mazes and Hayrides

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

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editor’s note > my two cents on the subject

One of the perks of my job is that I get to go into other people’s lovely homes and find inspiration for my own. I’m not a decorator and I don’t have the eye that many people have for room design, but I do know what I like when I see it. This month, I was lucky enough to see many things I liked in the home of Dr. Kenneth Mitchell. Dr. Mitchell’s 1920s North Hill Home is both architecturally stunning and beautifully decorated. One thing I love about it is that he has kept nearly all of the architectural details intact—flaws and all. And, let’s face it—flaws are what make older homes so unique. They add character and tell stories.

Still, modern amenities in kitchens and bathrooms are a plus and Dr. Mitchell has upgraded those areas quite nicely. In terms of decorating, Mitchell has placed carefully chosen art and antiques to create an eclectic elegance. I really hope you enjoy peeking into his unique home as much as I did!

Coincidentally, in this issue we’ve profiled another family by the name of Mitchell. This time, it’s a husband and wife team who spare no expense for their favorite holiday—Halloween. Be sure to check out the photos of their amazing Halloween decorations and grab a few tips for adding a little spooky drama to your own home.

All this and so much to do this fall. From the 2nd annual Yoga Festival to a rescheduled Barktoberfest and from First City Art Center’s annual Glass Jam to the Council on Aging’s annual Rat Pack Reunion, there is plenty to keep you busy over the next few weeks. So get out and enjoy the lovely fall weather and all our community has to offer!

Kelly Oden Executive Editor

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.

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

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CONTENTS FEATURES

38.

30. Entertaining With a Fresh, Local Twist Instead of a go-to meal of burgers and potato salad, explore your culinary side and try something fresh and different.

32. Hot Drinks For Fall Keep yourself warm and toasty this autumn with these delicious hot beverages.

34. Haunting Your House Like a Pro Over-the-top decorations adorning a home are a treat for every passerby and enhance the spirit of the season of haunts and horrors.

38. Eclectric Elegance in North Hill When Dr. Kenneth Mitchell first saw the North Hill neighborhood in a real estate brochure while living out of state, he was sold.

DEPARTMENTS 10. PLAY Events & Adventures

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34.

17. GIVE Nonprofit News

20. LIVE Art, Music & Culture

26. SHOP Local Style

46. REPEATS Pensacola Scene

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Cover photo by Kassie McLean

H&G October/November 2013 PUBLISHER

MALCOLM BALLINGER malcolm@ballingerpublishing.com PM EDITOR

KELLY ODEN kelly@ballingerpublishing.com ART DIRECTOR

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

KASSIE MCLEAN kassie@ballingerpublishing.com 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

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

KASSIE MCLEAN • kassie@ballingerpublishing.com GUY STEVENS • 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 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

Mazes and Hayrides

By Kelly Oden

There’s just something about the cooling temperatures and the leaves’ changing colors that makes people want to stay awake a little later and spend some more time with family. One reason could be that there are so many wonderful, charming activities for families to be a part of. Here are some of our favorite fall and Halloween events happening in the Pensacola area.

Sweet Season Farms Magnolia Corn Maze 2260 Horn Road Milton, FL 675-3573 www.sweetseasonfarms.com Be sure to check out Sweet Season Farms this season to have a day-full of agricultural fun and learn a little something about the crops-growing process as well. Those who are young and young at heart are welcome to get lost in their seven-acre corn maze.

Sweet Season has increased the difficulty level this year, so it could take anywhere from 20 – 40 minutes to get through the maze, depending on just how lost participants want to get.

Younger guests can try the kiddie maze first and then move on to the larger one if they wish. Guests can use one of the farm’s trivia passports to help direct them to the exit, purchase a maze map, scan the interactive QR code for a map, use new QR codes for clues or use their own keen navigational skills.

Other Activities Corn Cannon Corn Crib Cow Train Hay Ride Playground Hay Bale Maze Corn Popper When Through Nov. 3 Hours Saturday: 9 am – 5 pm Sunday: 1 pm – 5 pm Fridays in Oct.: 6 pm – 10 pm

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15275 County Road 49 Summerdale, AL (251) 605-7216 www.magnoliacornmaze.com The 2013 season is Magnolia’s fifth year and they continue to expand activities and fun for all ages. The eight-acre corn maze becomes a dark, flashlight only maze on Saturday nights and transforms into a trick or treat maze on Oct. 26 for Halloween.

Other Activities Cow Train Hayrides Rubber Duck Race Corn Cannon Beanbag Toss Playground Petting Zoo Pig Races Pony Rides Pumpkin Slingshot Hay Jump Hop-a-Long Rodeo Races When Through Nov. 3 Hours Monday – Thursday: By Appointment Only Friday: 5 pm – 8 pm Saturday: 11 am – 9 pm Sunday: 12 pm – 5 pm

Seward Farms 10836 Tanner Williams Road Lucedale, MS (228) 641-3936 At the border of Mississippi and Alabama, guests will find the fun and fright at Seward Farms. Eight acres of dense, green corn promises a twisty maze of fun and mystery. The last two Friday and Saturday nights of October offer participants lots of spooky fun when the maze becomes a haunted field of fright!

When Through Nov. 2 Hours Monday – Thursday: Field Trips By Appointment Only Saturday: 10 am – 9 pm Seward Farms Field of Fright Oct. 11th, 12th, 18th, 19th, 25th, & 26th

Dixon Primary’s Haystackular 4560 Pace Patriot Blvd.

Pace, FL www.haystackular.com S.S. Dixon Primary School proudly presents the Fourth Annual Haystackular Hay Maze, featuring the largest hay bale maze ever constructed in northwest Florida! Along with the maze, there will be food, fun, and fall festivities for the entire family to enjoy. This year’s Haystackular begins Oct. 18.

When Oct. 18 – Nov. 17 Hours Friday: 4 pm – 9 pm Saturday: 12 pm – 9 pm Sunday: 12 pm – 6 pm

Halloween Events Boo at the Zoo Oct. 19, 20, 26 and 27 Gulf Breeze Zoo Designed for a younger audience, Boo at the Zoo offers four days of scare-free fun. Halloween entertainment and kid-friendly fun wait around every corner. This year’s event features a trick or treat trail, bounce houses, a foam machine, creepy crawly touch station and face painting. For more information, visit www.gulfbreezezoo.org.

Haunted Lighthouse Oct. 18, 19, 25, 26 and 31 Pensacola Lighthouse Guests are invited to wear costumes and join in the familyfriendly fun with activities for kids of all ages. Enjoy a tour of the Keeper’s Quarters decorated for Halloween – plus light-hearted scares! No open back shoes or clothes that pose a trip hazard.

Daily admission is $6 for adults, $4 for children 12 and under, seniors 65+ and active duty military. For more information or to make reservations for Pensacola Lighthouse events, call (850) 393-1561 or visit www.pensacolalighthouse.org.

Pensacola Lighthouse Ghost Hunt Oct. 11 and 12 Pensacola Lighthouse For those in search of the truly terrifying, the Ghost Hunt includes a history tour with ghost stories through the Keeper’s Quarters, followed by the opportunity to do your own paranormal investigating using real ghost-hunting equipment. Tours include a trip to the top of the lighthouse, weather permitting. Backless and open-toed shoes are not permitted to climb the tower stairs.

This tour is recommended for ages 12 and over only. Oct. 11 and 12, 8 pm – 10 pm. Admission is $20. For more information, visit www.pensacolalighthouse.org.

Halloween Trolley Tours Oct. 18, 19, 25, and 26 Downtown Pensacola Beware, trolley guests! These tours travel through the centuries on the Blood Red Trolley. Participants will find restless spirits and dastardly demons, many tricks and even a few treats. Tickets are $20 for adults and $5 for kids over 4. Tours begin at 6:30 pm. For more information, call 417-7321.

Coors Light Howl at the Moon Contest Oct. 30 Seville Quarter’s Howl at the Moon Contest When the clock strikes midnight in Downtown Pensacola the Wolves will be howling at Seville Quarter. The annual Coors Light Howl at the Moon Contest will be held in Rosie O’Grady’s. Seville will award top prize to the best Howling Wolf, sponsored by Coors Light and Red Bull. Every Thursday is College Night and 21+ will be admitted.

Scaryoke Halloween Party Oct. 30 & 31 ‘’Scaryoke’’ incorporates the bar’s annual Halloweek party with its weekly karaoke night. Pensacola’s best Karaoke with Krazy George in Lili Marlene’s.

Seville Quarter Haunted Street Party Oct. 31 Halloween always brings out the resident ghost and goblins to downtown Pensacola. Seville is taking Halloween to new extremes with the largest Halloween Street Party in Pensacola. The Haunted Street Party will start at 7 pm and go until the witches go home! DJ POW will be putting on the Scary Beat Down of music ever played in the Streets in front of Seville Quarter Haunted Mansion. The Haunted Party will continue inside the Historic Seville Quarter Mansion with 2 DJ’s and four Live Bands.

Seville Halloween Costume Contest Oct. 31 Halloween Party at Seville Quarter Haunted Mansion! There will be a haunting good time had at Seville Quarter. Halloween always brings out the resident ghost and goblins downtown Pensacola.

Seville Quarter will host Pensacola’s largest and Best Halloween Costume Contest starting at 9 pm. $1,000 CASH (first prize) costume contest in Phineas Phogg’s. There will be great prizes for the top 20 costumes. Registration starts at 7 pm and the contest will begin at 9 pm. The contest will be open to age 21 and up.

Party will continue throughout the Seville Quarter Haunted Complex with great music and Spooky tricks and treats. For more information visit www.sevillequarter.com or call 434-6211.

Haunted House Walking & Trolley Tours Oct. 18 - 19, 25 - 26 Join the Pensacola Historical Society and haunt downtown Pensacola on their 23rd Annual Haunted House Walking and Trolley Tours on Fridays and Saturdays, Oct. 18, 19, 25, and 26, 2013. There are three walking tours to choose from: The Adults Only Redlight Tour explores Pensacola’s port history along Palafox; the Murder and Mayhem Tour ventures down Intendencia Street, one of the most haunted streets in Pensacola; and the Spooky Seville Tour travels around Seville Square and visits many of the haunted houses in the area. If walking is not your thing, try your luck on the Trolley of the Doomed and find out all about the ghosts of North Hill. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children, and are available at the Historic Pensacola Village Arbona building at 115 E. Zaragoza St. For more information, call 595-5985.

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PLAY

Mahabhuta Yoga Festival

Nov. 15-17 Last year brought the inaugural Mahabhuta Yoga Festival to the Sanders Beach Community Center, and on Nov. 15-17 the event returns to bring a weekend of yoga, music, art and other activities throughout the gorgeous bayside facility and surrounding grounds.

The festival has two components. The first is the yoga workshops, which will require tickets and feature a diverse array of instructors from local studios and from across the region, and will mostly take place inside the community center. The second is an outdoor festival that is free and open to the public to attend featuring live music, food vendors, artist and vendor booths, and children’s activities.

The workshops indoors will each last an hour to 90 minutes and cover a wide variety of types of yoga. Festival founder and yoga instructor Stacey Vann says the schedule features options for anyone from complete novices to those who are more advanced in their practice.

“We have a full range of all levels,” she says. “People could come and have a very relaxing weekend, or a blend, and others could have a quicker, more energetic pace if they desire.”

The festival’s mission is to celebrate yoga, elevate consciousness, unite communities, create abundance and inspire greatness. The name Mahabhuta means “the great element,” and each year’s festival will follow a theme of that year’s element and Chinese astrological sign. The elements come in two year cycles so the current year is the second year of water, which is especially apt for the location of the fest overlooking the bay.

“Last year we celebrated water dragon; this year everything’s in the theme of water serpent,” she says. “Introspection, wisdom, shedding your skin, transformation—all of our workshops will hold that theme.”

In addition to the indoor yoga workshops, there will also be aerial yoga classes offered outside and attendees can further enhance their weekend by scheduling an on-site spa service like Thai yoga bodywork or massage. For kids, children’s yoga and a marionette show will take place outside for no charge. There will be live music all day outside on the grounds and special concerts on Friday and Saturday night as part of the ticketed festivities. Food vendors will be on site providing vegetarian fare with many vegan, raw and gluten-free options for festival attendees.

Tickets can be purchased for an eight, six or four-workshop pass. For pricing and more information on the weekend of relaxing and enlightening activities visit mahabhutayogafestival.com.

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Pensacola Camellia Club Members Register New Camellia

Amy Doodle

Carol Katie

Pensacola Interstate Fair Oct. 17-27 Fair features big-name entertainment in addition to games, rides, agricultural and education-oriented exhibits and displays.

Ticket prices vary and are available at the front gate of the Pensacola Interstate Fairgrounds. 6655 Mobile Hwy., Pensacola, Fla. Details: 944-4500.

Halloween Trolley Tours Oct. 18, 19, 25 and 26 Scary, freaky, wacky, weird, fun—put them together and you have a tour of Pensacola that will get you in the right spirit for Halloween. Enjoy family fun and spooky stories with The Red Trolley Repertory Theatre, which offers a 90-minute Halloween Tour of Pensacola history that is more fantasy than fact. Tickets are $20 for adults, $5 for children. The six-mile tours leave the Visitors Information Center at Wayside Park at 6:30 pm and last approximately 90 minutes. Reservations are recommended.

Call 417-7343 or visit halloweentrolley.com to buy tickets or get more information

Carol Comber and Gabriel “Ole” Olsen are the most recent members of Pensacola Camellia Club (PCC) to register a new camellia. Carol’s camellia, named Carol Katie, is a 12-year-old chance seedling. It was named after a special family friend. Carol, a longtime Pensacola resident and PCC member, comes by her camellia interest naturally.

Her late parents, John and Jean Comber, were active in the camellia club and Jean was active with the American Camellia Society (ACS). Carol is active with the American Camellia Society and has served as membership representative for the International Camellia Society.

Gabriel “Ole” Olsen, 88, is a native of Mobile. His camellia, a first registry for him, is named Amy Doodle after a granddaughter. His camellia is a 15-year-old chance seedling. He settled in Pensacola after a career in the Air Force. He said that his family was in the nursery business in Mobile and he grafted his first camellia while still in grade school. He estimates that he has about 80 camellias in his yard. He frequently air-layers camellias in order to give plants to friends, fellow club members and for sale by PCC. Carol and Ole are in a long line of PCC members who have registered camellias with the American Camellia Society. There are over 100 varieties that have been registered by PCC members since it was formed in 1937.

Save the date: On Dec. 11-14, the PCC is hosting the national convention of the American Camellia Society. For more information on the Pensacola Camellia Club, visit www.pensacolacamelliaclub.com.

Haunted House Walking & Trolley Tours Oct. 18-19; 25-26 The ghosts of Downtown Pensacola are back! Choose from several Downtown Haunted Tours and learn about history and hauntings of days gone by. Tours run every 30 minutes between 6 and 8:30 pm and last one hour. Ghost Meter rentals are $5 each.

Prepaid reservations required.

Purchase walk up tickets at the Pensacola Historical Museum at 115 East Zaragoza Street. Proceeds from ticket sales benefit the Pensacola Historical Society, a local nonprofit organization whose mission since 1933 has been to preserve and promote Pensacola’s history, a division of West Florida Historic Preservation, Inc. Call 5951559 for tickets or more information.

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PLAY

A Night at the Speakeasy at the Museum of Commerce

Hops & Harvest: A Three-day Handcrafted Beer and Food Event

Oct. 24 Come Join the Gulf Coast Citizen Diplomacy Council as it presents “A Night at the Speakeasy” at the Museum of Commerce Oct. 24. Enjoy games of chance and swanky swill.

Savories will be provided by Blake Rushing. Dance to music by the New Orleans Ramblers. Come dressed as a gangster or flapper or come as you are! RSVPs can be mailed to: Gulf Coast Citizen Diplomacy Council PO Box 1591 Pensacola, Fla. 32591. Call 595.0817 or visit gulfcoastdiplomacy.org for more information.

Oct. 24-26 The Great Southern Restaurant Group; The Fish House, Atlas Oyster House, Jackson’s Steakhouse and the Palafox House, are proud to present “Hops and Harvest,” a three-day handcrafted beer and food event, Thursday, Oct. 24, Friday, Oct. 25 and Saturday, Oct. 26, 2013. The craft beer movement is a return to flavorful, authentic beer - and American brewers are leading the way. With this in mind, The Great Southern Restaurant Group has organized two dinners as well as a festival to celebrate.

Ice Flyers Opening Night!

Oct. 25 The Ice Flyers will open the season with a special championship celebration at the Pensacola Bay Center before a match against the Columbus Cottonmouths in a battle of the SPHL’s past two champions. The historical night will feature the raising of the 2012-13 SPHL championship banner to the rafters of the Pensacola Bay Center, the championship ring presentation, and championship jersey auction, along with pre- and post-game events. Events kick off at 7:05 pm. For more information call 432.0800.

A Walk on the Barkfront at Jaco’s Bayfront Bar & Grille Oct. 26 Take your furry friend on A Walk on the Barkfront Oct. 26 at 8 am around the bayfront by Jaco’s Bayfront Bar & Grille.

This dog friendly one-mile walk will raise money for the Humane Society of Pensacola. It will not be timed but there will be prizes for categories like “looks most like their dog,” best dog costume, largest and smallest dog. Come see pet-related vendors and enjoy a day of fun with your dog at the bayfront!

Deck Bar Beer Festival Oct. 26 The culmination of the Hops and Harvest weekend will be a beer festival held at the Fish House, on the Deck, on Saturday, Oct. 26, from 2 until 6 pm. The festival will feature over 50 different beers, brats, and sliders, live music, and more! Tickets can be purchased in advance at the Tackle Shop for $25, or they can be purchased at the door for $35. Ticket holders have full access to all of the beers and a souvenir beer glass. Designated driver tickets are available for $10 and a special wristband will grant access to unlimited soft drinks, water and the entertainment. To purchase your tickets, stop by the Tackle Shop or call (850) 912-6622.

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Jackson’s Steakhouse: Back Forty Brewery Food and Beer Event Oct. 24 On Thursday at 5:30 pm, Jackson’s Steakhouse will feature four beers from the Back Forty Beer Company, which is located in Gadsden, Ala. Lindsey Engel, Craft Specialty Manager for the Lewis Bear Company (and home brewer herself), along with Brad Wilson of Back Forty, will be on hand to discuss the beers and how they are made. Inspired by these handcrafted beers, Chef Irv Miller has prepared a fivecourse harvest menu in celebration of the event. The Jackson’s beer and food dinner is $55 per person plus tax and gratuity and will include four handcrafted beers and five courses. Seating is limited; reservations required. Be sure to make yours by calling Jackson’s Steakhouse (850) 469-9898.

Palafox House - Goose Island Brewery Food and Beer Event Oct. 25 On Friday at 5:30 pm, the Palafox House will feature three handcrafted vintage beers from Goose Island, which is located in Chicago, Ill. Joe Schuette, from the brewery, will be on hand to discuss the beers and how they are made. Inspired by these beers, Chef Billy Ballou has prepared a four-course harvest menu in celebration of the event. The Palafox House beer and food dinner is $45 per person plus tax and gratuity, and includes three handcrafted beers and four courses. Seating is limited and will be community style. Seating is limited, reservations required. Be sure to make yours by calling the Palafox House events line, (850) 433-9450.

Sacred Heart Cathedral School’s Pumpkin Run Nov. 2 It’s time for Sacred Heart Cathedral School’s annual Pumpkin Run 5K and Fun Run, held on Nov. 2, at 8 am. The race will begin at the school (1603 N. 12th Ave.) and meander through beautiful and historic East Hill. Those interested in registering can do so at the school or online at Active.com: keywords 29th Pumpkin Race. The cost is $20 for adults and $15 for those 14 years and younger. A long-sleeved T-shirt is guaranteed to the first 1,000 registrants.

Miles of Memories 5K Run/Walk Nov. 9 Alzheimer’s Family Services will present the seventh annual Miles of Memories—a 5K Run/Walk and 1-Mile Walk at 8 am on Saturday, Nov. 9 at Seville Square. There will be a post-race celebration including food, drinks, vendors, awards, and live music. Early registration is $20 for the 5K run/walk or $10 for the 1-mile walk, with day-of registration going up to $25 and $15. Participants and teams can sign up for the event online at milesofmemories.kintera.org or pick up a registration form at Running Wild Pensacola.

To sign up for the race or for more information and sponsorship opportunities, visit milesofmemories.kintera.org or call 438.9714.

Inaugural Big Green Egg Festival at Blue Wahoos Stadium Nov. 9 Chain Reaction, Pensacola’s Teen Volunteer Center, is hosting Pensacola’s first Big Green Egg Festival Nov. 9 at Blue Wahoos stadium. Egg Fest is a BBQ competition and tasting, featuring all teams cooking on the world famous Big Green Egg. Don’t have an Egg but want to cook? No problem! Demo Eggs are available to use at no charge. All proceeds to benefit Chain Reaction, Pensacola’s Teen Volunteer Center. Register a team or get tickets at PensacolaEggFest.com.

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GIVE

Oct. 25

By Emily Lullo If you’ve been longing for the class and panache of days gone by, the 2013 Rat Pack Reunion will bring back all the style and twice the fun in one retro-fabulous night on the town right here in Pensacola. Now in its third year, the popular event will provide both a great night of food, music and entertainment and a chance to honor four local leaders who have served the community and business sectors alike. One of the best parties in town also happens to benefit an extremely worthy cause in the Council on Aging of Went Florida, which provides resources and services to senior citizens in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties.

This action-packed event will be held Friday, Oct. 25 at New World Landing from 6-11 pm and will once again pay homage to the styles of Frank, Dean and the rest of the gang. Guests are encouraged to don glamorous Rat Pack attire to fit into the theme.

“It’s a replica of the 1960s Rat Pack era—lots of glamour and style,” says event chair DeeDee Davis. “Ladies can doll up in anything they want and there are a lot of skinny ties and dinner jackets among the men.”

A delicious Italian dinner will be served and Sinatra tribute artist Tom Tiratto is back for with his Rat Pack-inspired musical stylings for entertainment that will have guests on their feet dancing the night away.

The highlight of the night will be the toasting of four individuals who have built successful careers and given back to the local community in a variety of ways. This year’s honorees are Teri Levin, Mike Papantonio, Brian Spencer and Quint Studer.

The original honoree and “Big Cheese” from the inaugural event, Fred Levin, who also acted as master of ceremonies at last year’s Rat Pack Reunion, is pleased to see the growth and continuing success of the event.

“I never dreamed it would take off the way it has. It is probably the best fundraiser of all,” he says. “This year’s group fits right in with last year’s guys as superstars of our community.”

Teri Levin is the first female Rat Pack honoree. A well known local philanthropist and community champion, Levin has also spearheaded

development projects on Pensacola Beach and is involved with helping local youth through work with Gulf Coast Kids House, PACE Center for Girls, and A.A. Dixon. The second honoree is Mike Papantonio, a local lawyer and national radio personality. Papantonio is an established author and president of the National Trial Lawyers Association, and as an environmental steward, he’s established a Riverkeepers program in Northwest Florida, known as the Emerald Coastkeepers.

The third Rat Pack honoree is architect and Pensacola City Councilman Brian Spencer. The founder and architect at SMP Architecture has worked tirelessly in the revitalization of downtown Pensacola and represents the City Council on the Downtown Improvement Board and Keep Pensacola Beautiful, Inc. The fourth honoree is local business leader, accomplished author and owner of the Pensacola Blue Wahoos Quint Studer. Known as a business leader throughout the region and nation for his private healthcare consulting firm Studer Group, he and his wife Rishy have also given back to the community in many ways.

These four community leaders work hard both in business and civic roles and they will be toasted and lightly roasted for the enjoyment of attendees. There are also raffles and other opportunities to donate while dancing the night away. For those that have never attended the Rat Pack Reunion, there’s a reason why this event is becoming one of the most anticipated fundraisers of the year. For those who have attended, Davis says you’ll have some new things to look forward to at this year’s bash.

“There are always surprises at this event,” she says. “Expect the unexpected!”

This night of fun and community is not to be missed. Tickets are $100 and can be purchased through ratpackreunion.com, where updates and information are also regularly posted. With a hefty lineup of entertainment, music, dinner and dancing, the Rat Pack Reunion 2013 promises to give back to the community’s most vulnerable members while offering an amazing night on the town for attendees.

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GIVE

IMPACT 100 Announces 2013 Finalists IMPACT 100 Pensacola Bay Area, a local women’s philanthropy group, is pleased to announce the 15 grant finalists selected for 2013. Eight of these 15 finalists will receive a grant of $104,500 at the IMPACT 100 Pensacola Bay Area Annual Meeting on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2013.

The 15 finalists selected by IMPACT 100’s Focus Area Committees are: ARTS & CULTURE • Ballet Pensacola, Inc. Project: A New Nutcracker • The Santa Rosa County Creek Indian Tribe, Inc. Project: Infrastructure Development of Tribal Grounds to Host Tribal Public Functions • Santa Rosa Historical Society, Inc. Project: Light Up The Imogene EDUCATION • The Arc Santa Rosa, Inc. Project: The Arc Santa Rosa ADT Transportation Proposal2013 • Independence for the Blind of West Florida, Inc. Project: IMPACT 100 Windows to the World for the Blind Technology Center • Lutheran Services Florida, Inc. Project: Teen Time…a place for you to be you!

ENVIRONMENT, RECREATION & PRESERVATION • Friends of St. John’s Foundation, Inc. Project: Conservation and Preservation of Historic Grave Sites at St. John’s Cemetery • Humane Society of Pensacola, Inc. Project: Humane Society of Pensacola Spay and Neuter Clinic • Pensacola Museum of Art, Inc.

Pensacola Opera Jukebox Gala Oct. 26 Jukebox Gala is Pensacola Opera’s signature fall fundraising event, held Oct. 26 at New World Landing. Over a gourmet four-course dinner, world-class opera singers give a preview of the upcoming opera season. Guests will have the opportunity to bid on popular selections from the operatic repertoire and musical theatre to be performed right at your table for you and your guests course-by-course. Tickets are $125. For tickets and information, call 433-6737.

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Project: Jail for Art FAMILY • Community Organizations Active in Disaster, Inc. dba Be Ready Alliance Coordinating for Emergencies (Brace) & Brace, L.L.C. Project: Center of IMPACT • Council on Aging of West Florida, Inc. Project: Moving Safely • Pensacola Habitat for Humanity, Inc. Project: Neighborhood Revitalization Initiative HEALTH & WELLNESS • FavorHouse of Northwest Florida, Inc. Project: Safe haven for People and Paws • Gulf Coast Kid’s House Project: Expanding the Foundation of Care • Holley Navarre Seniors Association, Inc. Project: 2013 Improvements to HNSA Facilities The Annual Meeting is scheduled for Sunday, Oct. 20, 2013 at Hilton Pensacola Beach Gulf Front, 12 Via de Luna Drive, Pensacola Beach. Registration will begin at 12:30 pm and the meeting will begin promptly at 1:30 pm. The three finalists from each Focus Area will make a presentation at the meeting, and IMPACT 100 members will vote on one recipient in each Focus Area. Members will also vote for 3 additional finalists in three different Focus Areas. This is the 10th year IMPACT 100 has awarded grants to local nonprofits. The total amount awarded to date is $4,315,000 since 2004. This year’s awards will bring the total funds awarded in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties to $5,151,000.

Barktoberfest Oct. 26 Make a date with your best furry friend and treat him or her to the most “paw-some” event in town! The Humane Society’s annual Barktoberfest is set for Oct. 26 from 9 - 4 in Seville Square and Fountain Park. Barktoberfest has become the most anticipated celebration of the year for dog lovers, with canine activities, contests, give-aways, gift basket raffles and vendors featuring pet toys, collars, leashes, clothing and an array of pet-themed gift items and accessories. Start planning now because your favorite tailwaggin’ events, including contests for Best Trick, Best Costume, Best Kisser and the ever-popular Owner/Pet Look-Alike competition, will all be back again this year. It’s one of the most fun parts of the day, when pups and their humans take center stage to show off their talents. Prizes will be awarded to the first three finishers in each category.

And don’t forget to catch the dachshund and mixed breed races and enter or root for your favorite canine. Animal rescue organizations will also be on hand with adoptable dogs and plenty of information to help answer your questions about different breeds. For more information, visit www.pensacolahumane.org.

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Great Gulfcoast Arts Festival Nov. 1-3

In a historic city known for its thriving arts community, the annual Great Gulfcoast Arts Festival is the embodiment of all things Pensacola. Taking place in the heart of the historic district in Seville Square, Bartram Park, and Fountain Park, the fest features roughly 220 artists from around the country and world in a juried showcase where artists compete for $25,000 in prizes. From Nov. 1-3 thousands will flock to take part in this gorgeous fall weekend of art, music, performance and other festivities.

Some of the nation’s best painters, potters, sculptors, jewelers, graphic artists, craftsmen and other artists will set up shop in Seville Square for the weekend, and attendees can peruse and shop the wares. Additionally, each year an invited international artist is showcased, and this year’s is Tri Suwarno, an Indonesian shadow puppet performer.

In addition to the fine art on display, attendees can see some historical artistic traditions at the GGAF. “We also have the heritage arts which is a festival within a festival,” says GGAF chair James Longsworth. “We have 50 plus artists there with heritage type arts and demonstrations on Zaragossa in the Historic Village.”

Entertainment options abound at the festival and include a main stage with ongoing live music acts ranging from the Pensacola Symphony Orchestra to jazz and blues. Various performing arts will be on display at the Parrish Stage, and a Children’s Festival Stage will also feature singing, dancing and other performance arts.

The children’s area in Bartram Park will also have activities

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for kids like face painting and small hands-on art projects, as well as a huge tent featuring work from local school children that has been chosen for display by art teachers at area schools.

As a nonprofit event, Longsworth says the successful festival gives back to the community in several ways.

“We’ve given $5,500 in $500 scholarships annually to college aged students in art-related programs and an additional $10,000 in grants to art-related projects,” he says.

Named the Donna Fassett Art Scholarship in honor of the late Donna Fassett, who was heavily involved with GGAF as a chair and committee member, the scholarship helps foster involvement in the arts to the next generation of artists.

Students in arts programs at UWF and PSC are eligible for these scholarships, and recipients will be on hand at the festival working as volunteers and showing off the efforts of the event’s charitable giving.

A full festive atmosphere with food vendors, music and entertainment will accompany the art show, and it’ll all be taking place in historic parks overlooking the bay. The popular event has even been ranked the 33rd best arts festival of the year by Sunshine Arts Magazine, up from number 42 last year, Longsworth says. The success comes from the high caliber of artwork along with the community’s support and the passionate committee and volunteers who make it happen.

“It’s my favorite weekend of the whole year,” Longsworth says. “It’s a social event as well. I get lots of hugs and handshakes and that’s a big part of it. It brings Pensacola together.”

First City Art Center’s 9th Annual Glass Jam This glass piece is by Steve Palmer, one of the GGAF artists who will be demonstrating at Glass Jam

Nov. 2 On Saturday, Nov. 2, 2013 from 6-9 pm, First City Art Center (FCAC), in conjunction with the Great Gulfcoast Arts Festival (GGAF), will host the Ninth Annual Glass Jam event, which will bring some of the country’s best glass blowers together with FCAC’s glass artists to raise funds for FCAC’s studios and programs. Patrons will enjoy an evening of complimentary hors d’oeuvres and drinks, music

by The Davenports , and live pottery and glass blowing demonstrations throughout the evening. View demonstrations by Great Gulfcoast Arts Festival glassblowers Mark Rosenbaum, Steve Palmer and Susan Gott. All pieces will be donated for a live auction. Other pieces donated by Sheron Davis and JJ Brown & Simona Rosasco will also be auctioned at the event.

Sponsored by Integrated Surroundings, the event will also include several raffles and other unexpected surprises. Guests will have a chance to win glass items and opportunities to create their own fused glass art piece! A raffle ticket will be included with each entry donation. This event gets the audience involved! A suggested donation of $15 will get you a unique, not-to-miss experience that only happens once a year. For tickets and for more information visit FirstCityArt.org or call 429-1222.

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Photos by Brian Oden

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John Prine in Concert at the Saenger Theatre Oct. 20 Considered the “songwriter’s songwriter,” John Prine will perform in concert on Sunday, Oct. 20 at 8 pm at the Saenger Theatre. Some four decades since his remarkable debut, John Prine has stayed at the top of his game, both as a performer and a songwriter. Tickets are $59.50 and $49.50 and are available at the Saenger Theatre Box Office, Ticketmaster outlets, or online at ticketmaster.com.

Mamma Mia! at the Saenger Theatre Oct. 23 Over 45 million people have fallen in love with the characters, the story and the music of ABBA in Mamma Mia! and now the ultimate feel-good show comes to the Saenger stage Oct. 23. In a Greek island paradise on the eve of her wedding, a daughter’s quest to discover the identity of her father brings three men from her mother’s past back to the island they last visited 20 years ago.

Tickets are $58 and $78 and are available at the Saenger Theatre Box Office, Ticketmaster outlets, or online at ticketmaster.com.

Pensacola Civic Band Morton Gould Centennial at the Saenger Oct. 26 Join the Pensacola Civic Band at the Saenger Theatre Oct. 26 at 7 pm for the Morton Gould Centennial. Celebrating the 100th birthday of American composer, conductor, pianist, and arranger Morton Gould, the Pensacola Civic Band performs Gould’s Freedom Fanfare, American Salute, Pavanne and more that will capture and enthrall. The concert features guest artist Joshua Bledsoe on the trombone. Tickets are $10 general admission and are available at the PSC Lyceum Office or in the lobby of the Saenger Theatre on the night of the show.

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PMA Presents David Warner: Mountain, Stream, Shore Through Nov.7 Art has been a part of David Warner for most of his life. An early love of drawing spurred his interest in becoming an artist, and his penchant for sketching is underlying in all of his work.

Painting only landscapes, no objects, his expressive brushstrokes represent a visual language that transcends the image immediately present on the canvas or paper. He produced the body of work in this debut museum exhibition, Mountain, Stream, Shore, over two years, painting in his Colorado studio and also en plein air. The works are acrylic on canvas or wood, and chalk pastel on paper. David Warner lives in Carbondale, Col. The exhibition will be on view through Nov. 7. For more information visit pensacolamuseum.com.

WUWF’s RadioLive Returns November 7 WUWF’s RadioLive is back for the first Thursday of each month at the Museum of Commerce at 201 E. Zaragoza St. Concerts start at 6 pm. This concert will feature Sally Barris, Lon and Lis Williamson, Scott Cossu and Mark Russell. Admission is free, but please bring canned food or money to donate to Manna Food Bank. For more information visit wuwf.org.

At Seville Quarter This Month Seville Quarter hosts a variety of entertainment from a wide array of genres. For more information check out SevilleQuarter.com.

Mondays: Monday Night Blues Wednesday-Saturday: Dueling Piano Show October 18-19: Modern Eldorados, Timberhawk October 25: Swerve, The Rez October 26: Swerve, Something Huge October 31: Schofield

Kwame Dawes Presents Art in Motion Oct. 26 West Florida Literary Federation, in conjunction with the Florida Humanities Council and the African-American Heritage Society, is pleased to bring poet, playwright, producer, actor and scholar Kwame Dawes to Pensacola for “Art in Motion: From the Gallery to the Theatre” on Oct. 24. The two-hour production combining music, art, dance and poetry in celebration of Viva Florida 500 will be the largest literary event for Viva Florida 500 in Northwest Florida. The first act features paintings of cultural artists Sonja Griffin Evans coming to life through interpretative dance, readings by local poets, and costumed actors representing African-Americans who contributed to the historic and cultural development of Northwest Florida. The free event is Thursday, Oct. 24 at 7 pm at Washington High School.

At Vinyl Music Hall This Month Vinyl Music Hall hosts a huge variety of musical acts featuring many musical styles. For more information check out VinylMusicHall.com.

October 19: An Evening with Keller Williams October 20: They Might Be Giants, Moon Hooch October 22: Reverend Horton Heat, Wayne The Train Hancock, Nik Flagstar & His Dirty Mangy Dogs October 25: Edwin McCain, Eric Himan October 27: Robert Randolph & the Family Band, The Delta Saints October 28: GWAR, Whitechapel, Iron Reagan, A Band of Orcs October 29: Otep, Stolen Babies, New Years Day, With A Vengeance November 1: Drivin n’ Cryin, Elyse Therose, lowelectric November 3: Big Bad Voodoo Daddy November 4: Fat Tour 2013 w/ Less Than Jake, Anti-Flag, Masked Intruder, Get Dead November 5: Suicide Girls, Blackheart Burlesque November 6: 2013 BrewHaha Tour w/ Passafire, Ballyhoo!

November 7: Donna The Buffalo November 8: Pioneers! O Pioneers—CD Release Show November 9: Unknown Hinson November 13: Sizzla, Vibe Irie, Mad Love November 14: Todd Barry November 16: Sarah Jarosz, Brian Wright

Blue Morning Gallery Presents Art Off the Walls Through October A fall show at Blue Morning Gallery brings some art off the walls. Beginning Sept. 29, the 3-D show Grout and Grain features the art of Mark Schmitt, tile artist, and Ric Koressel and Tom Snyder, wood artists. One of only a handful of artists working in this medium, Mark Schmitt creates unique art consisting of tile and wood.

Of his exquisitely crafted boxes, Ric Koressel states, “I am continually amazed by what is revealed as I fashion my boxes. It is all about the wood, the color and complexities.

Tom Snyder titles his art “Natural Boxes,” describing what they are and how they are made. Work begins with, “the choice of wood with some natural gimmick. For instance, shipworm-eaten cypress from the salt marshes is a unique and beautiful wood when finished.

For October Gallery Night, Friday, Oct. 18, visitors can meet these 3-D artists and learn about their art. The music of Celtic band Sweet Prospect adds to the enjoyment. Grout and Grain continues through Oct. 26.

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Gallery Night Oct. 18 Stroll through the charming brick walkways of Downtown Pensacola to experience an eclectic array of music, art and cuisine. Explore galleries and businesses featuring the works of dozens of local artists.

Soak-up the sounds of local musicians and the aromas of local cuisine as the energy of the evening carries you from venue to venue. 59 pm Admission: free. Details: 4345371.

Frank Brown International Songwriters’ Festival Nov. 7-17 Miles of powder-sand beaches, legendary seafood and this November, 11 days of unforgettable music! More than 200 Grammy awardwinning songwriters and up-and-coming stars head to the key to perform their original songs and talk about the sotires behind the music.

Admission: free at most venues, small cover at others. Various locations in Perdido Key, Pensacola, Orange Beach, Gulf Shores. Details: 492-7664.

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SHOP The Paint Mart is family owned and operated by Greg, Lynn and Brett Schweigert

The Paint Mart

By Kelly Oden

Often cited as one of the easiest and most affordable ways to transform a room, good quality paint is a musthave decorating tool. Whether you are painting a room, furniture, decks or exteriors, the right paint is crucial to saving time and getting the results you want. Enter the Paint Mart. Locally owned and family operated since 1976, the Paint Mart is the Pensacola area’s only independently owned paint store.

The Paint Mart is an authorized Benjamin Moore retailer and also carries other top quality brands such as Coronado and Sikkens. Since 1883, Benjamin Moore paints have been sold through independent retailers. The company’s North American retailer network is more than 4,000 strong, comprising more than 1,200 Signature Stores plus more than 3,000 paint and decorating stores, hardware stores, and lumberyards. Famous for its high quality paint and rich, vibrant colors, Benjamin Moore paint is a favorite among contractors and DIY homeowners alike. Many local artists even use the paint because of the vibrancy and longevity of the colors.

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Owners Lynn and Greg Schweigert say that personal service and attention to detail is really what sets Paint Mart apart from the big box competition. Taking a page from the early days of Benjamin Moore, the expertise, product wisdom, and store environment of independent retailers ensures that custumers receive expert advice and personalized service.

“We don’t try to oversell customers,” says Lynn. “We ask questions about your projects so we can be sure you have just the right amount of just the right product.

We build great relationships with our customers.” Envisioning themselves as modern “mixologists,” the Schweigerts also pride themselves on their custom stain and paint matching techniques. The store keeps detailed records of customers’ paint history to ensure future touch-up projects run smoothly.

The showroom, located at 2525 W. Fairfield Dr., also offers all of the products necessary for a successful paint job. From drop cloths and brushes to stains and specialty tools, the Paint Mart has it all.

Lynn also offers personal color consultations, which are offered for free in the store and for a small fee in your home. A faux painter for years, Lynn has a great eye for color and loves to find just the perfect shade for her clients.

Although they do not offer painting services themselves, they are a great resource for finding a painter. “We do recommend painters with good reputations to clients,” says Lynn. “We give them two or three names so they can have a few options.”

For more information, visit the Paint Mart on Facebook or call 850-438-2399.

Lynn’s Tip If you have to stop painting in the middle of a job, don’t rinse out your brush.

Put it in a Ziploc bag and store in the refrigerator for up to a week.

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Courtesy of BPT

Entertaining With a Fresh, Local Twist

Kale Pesto

Tomatillo Salsa

The pleasant weather this time of year is ideal for outdoor gatherings. Instead of a go-to meal of burgers and potato salad, explore your culinary side and try something fresh and different. Entertaining with local vegetables and flavorful garden herbs can be easy, healthy and delicious. Farmers markets are often the best source for ingredients straight from the garden. Head out to Palafox Market or another local farmer’s market and enjoy the flavors of fall with the following tips and recipes.

Smart shopping

Menu magic Before heading out to purchase your ingredients, decide what’s on the menu for your party or get-together. Keep it simple. Fresh, local produce is full of flavor and doesn’t need to be used in an especially complex meal to satisfy taste buds.

For an informal gathering, a salsa verde is an easy-to-make accompaniment to fish, chicken or pork and a delicious snack paired with baked, homemade tortilla chips. The salsa can be prepared in minutes using a high-powered blender so you can spend less time prepping and more time enjoying your guests.

For a more formal dinner with friends, make a twist on the traditional spaghetti and meatballs. Whole-wheat pasta tossed with a healthy pesto makes for a lighter meal that’s perfect for a balmy evening. Ingredients like kale, spinach, roasted red pepper, garlic and olive oil, along with fresh herbs and spices, blend together beautifully after just seconds.

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Once you’ve completed your menu, it’s time to visit your local farmers market to pick up the ingredients. Arrive early, when the market is less busy, and familiarize yourself with the producers.

Ask them questions about when the produce was picked and how to tell if it’s ripe, developing a relationship with them for future visits. If you’re shopping early in the week, make sure the ingredients you’re using for your dish will stay fresh until your weekend party, and ask the vendors for advice on storage.

Have fun experimenting with new ingredients. Pick up a few golden beets, red dragon carrots or purple potatoes, which house amazing nutritional benefits and pack a tremendous amount of flavor into any meal.

Clean, prepare and pair Clean your produce thoroughly and be aware that vegetables from farmers markets may have more dirt on them than the ones you pick up at the grocery store as they are fresh from the farm. Keep the preparation simple to allow the natural flavors to shine.

To make your meals pop, plate them on inexpensive bamboo or melamine dinner plates in cheerful colors. Serving trays in dark colors or woods will complement the colorful dishes and simplify the transport of food and utensils from the kitchen to your dinner table or patio.

If you have extra fruit, vegetables or herbs, use them for a refreshing drink, such as cucumber lemonade for the kids, a blended green smoothie or a strawberry basil mojito for the adults. These fresh and delicious beverages will entice the senses and complete your farm-to-table meal.

Tomatillo Salsa Yield: 1 cup Total time: 10 minutes

Ingredients 8 tomatillos, peeled, stewed 2 scallions, halved 1/4 jalapeno halved, seeded 1/2 garlic clove, peeled 1 teaspoon lime juice 1/2 cup fresh cilantro 1/2 teaspoon salt

Directions • Place all ingredients into the blender in the order listed and secure lid.

• Start on low.

• Turn machine on and slowly increase speed to high.

• Blend for 15 seconds or just until chopped. If necessary, use tamper to push the ingredients into the blades while processing.

• Do not over-mix. Serve as a dip or as an accompaniment.

Kale Pesto Yield: 1 1/4 cups Total time: 20 minutes

Ingredients 4 cups chopped kale 1/2 cup olive oil 2 teaspoons red wine vinegar 1/4 cup roasted red pepper 2 garlic cloves, roasted, peeled 1/2 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme 1 teaspoon lemon zest 2 Tablespoons toasted pepitas 1/2 cup fresh spinach, loosely packed 1/4 teaspoon Kosher salt 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper

Directions • In a large pot of salted, boiling water, blanch 4 cups of kale for 4 minutes.

Shock in a bowl filled with ice and water; strain. Once water has drained away, press out as much water as possible, leaving 1/2 cup of blanched kale.

• Place all ingredients into the blender in the order listed and secure lid.

• blend on high.

• Use the on/off switch to quickly pulse 15 to 20 times, using the tamper to press the ingredients into the blades.

• Serve over pasta, or with bruschetta and flatbread as a dip.

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Hot Drinks Although Florida’s window of cool weather is relatively short, the fall and winter do bring us a few chilly days. Keep yourself warm and toasty this autumn with these delicious hot beverages.

Mulled Wine

Hot Spiced Cider

Serves 4-6

Serves 12-15

Ingredients One bottle (750 mL) of red wine (Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Merlot) One peeled and sliced orange (keep peel to add zest to taste into cooking pot) 1/4 cup of brandy 8-10 cloves 1/4-cup honey or sugar, to taste 3 cinnamon sticks 1 tsp fresh or 2 tsp ground ginger

Ingredients 30-35 whole allspice berries 20-24 cinnamon sticks 20-24 cardamom pods 12-15 whole cloves Zest of 3 oranges 1 gallon apple cider Rum or brandy (optional)

Combine all ingredients in a large pot. Gently warm the ingredients on low to medium heat (do not boil), for 20-25 minutes. Stir occasionally to make sure that the honey or sugar has completely dissolved. Serve in mugs and garnish with an orange slice.

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Combine ingredients in a pot. Bring to a simmer over medium-low heat. Heat for about 5 minutes or until mixture becomes aromatic.

Strain before serving (or use a cotton spice bag for spices). Garnish with cinnamon sticks. Keep warm over very low heat. Add rum or brandy to individual glasses, as desired.

For Fall

By Kelly Oden

Hot Buttered Rum

Hot Cocoa

Serves 10

Serves 4

Ingredients 1 stick unsalted butter, softened 2 cups light brown sugar 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon grated nutmeg Pinch ground cloves Pinch salt Bottle dark rum Boiling water

Ingredients: 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder 1/4 cup sugar 4 cups milk 1/4 teaspoon vanilla mini marshmallows

In a bowl, mix together the butter, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Refrigerate until almost firm. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the butter mixture into 10 mugs. Pour 3 ounces of rum into each mug top with boiling water, to taste, and stir well. Serve immediately.

Blend cocoa and sugar in a small bowl. In a medium saucepan, heat milk to scalding. Mix about 1/3 cup of the hot milk into the cocoasugar mixture, then pour cocoa mixture into hot milk in the saucepan. Stir until well blended. Stir in vanilla. Serve with mini marshmallows.

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Haunting Your House Like a Pro

By Emily Lullo

Photos by Guy Stevens II

In every neighborhood, there’s at least one house known for going all out for Halloween. Over-the-top decorations adorning a home are a treat for every passerby and enhance the spirit of the season of haunts and horrors. In Pensacola, one couple has taken their love of all things spooky and scary to the next level. Lynne and Shawn Mitchell’s mutual love of Halloween and respective artistic talents have been coming together to produce a haunted version of their own house each year to share with the community.

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The couple both grew up drawing, painting and making costumes and together they started out by creating soft sculpture fantasy creatures, puppets and other creations.

“We met in high school and discovered that we had some of the same interests—classic movie monsters, Disney Haunted Mansion, cartoons and art,” Lynne says. “Though Shawn was more animation, comics, and graphics, and I was more classical arts, we seemed to complement each other’s talents perfectly.”

In college both Lynne and Shawn studied various aspects of art—photography, weaving, metalsmithing, painting, commercial art design—and then worked early jobs that introduced them to computer and printing skills, which they would later put to use to publish three books in their How to Haunt Your House series.

After getting married and buying their first home, the Mitchells couldn’t wait to greet trick-or-treaters at their doorstep. That year yielded a lackluster turnout, so the couple decided to double down on their efforts to bring Halloween enthusiasm to their community. In 2005 the Mitchells decided to throw their first Halloween party, and the first Mitchell Cemetery came to be.

“We built a nice sized cemetery out in the yard, complete with a Mausoleum and several crypts. A cemetery fence ran the length of the graveyard and was nicely silhouetted against the black-light blue glow of all the tombstones and Styrofoam carved structures. A fog machine created a gentle silvery wave of fog that moved around the headstones. There was a soundtrack of frogs and crickets, an occasional lone wolf howl or the distant haunting sound of a train whistle.

Above our little cemetery we hung a huge cardboard painted moon,” she says. “We didn’t want to make anything too scary. We wanted something that seemed magical and mysterious.”

Over the years, the Mitchell Cemetery has expanded and taken on a variety of themes and styles like “the ghost of the bayou” and “Granny’s spooky graveyard” that have attracted the attention of Halloween lovers near and far. Each year they experimented with new props like drinking ghouls, tomb turners, hundreds of yards of cheesecloth spider webs and handcrafted tombstones by the dozens. They’ve created many variations of “Pepper’s ghosts,” an illusion technique that utilizes plate glass, Plexiglas or plastic film and special lighting techniques that make objects seem to appear or disappear, to become transparent, or to make one object morph into another.

Over the years the Mitchells realized their creations were of great interest to others, which prompted them to start documenting the process with photos and notes, which later became their first self-published book, How to Haunt Your House.

“Our first year, we sold over 1,000 copies. In the next two years we wrote two more books,” she says. “We took our print versions and also turned them into e-books and interactive books to include video and touch technology. To date, we have sold over 7,000 books and counting.”

Since then the Mitchell Cemetery has been featured in the FearNet series, America’s Scariest Haunted Houses and the couple has been interviewed locally and from sources in such far-flung places as Germany and Great Britain. The DIY

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Network has featured several of the Mitchells’ how-to articles on their website and their books were reviewed on Sacramento & Company/News10 TV Spooktacular Book Talk. In 2012, they appeared on HGTV’s Halloween Tricked Out!, a TV special about over-the top Halloween decorations.

This year’s spooky spectacular will feature the couples love of campy horror films.

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“We are going for a 1950s B-movie inspired theme in Attack of the Giant Spiders!” she says. “We are making several of the huge spiders with jointed limbs so we can pose them in scary ways.”

On Halloween night the Mitchells invite anyone to come experience their creations at their home, where Shawn will act as the ACME exterminator and Lynne will be clutching

her pearls in terror. The pair says they hope their work inspires others to get into the Halloween spirit as well.

“As artists, it allows our imaginations to really let go, just as we did when we were younger. As creators, it allows us to invent new ways of doing things and solve the problems to make it work. As authors, we share what we do with the world and families everywhere will get together and spend many nights creating projects like ours for their own Halloween night fun,” she says. “It’s Halloween…the time when everyone is young and young at heart!”

Tips to Haunt Your Own Home 1. Use torn cheesecloth spider webbing indoors and out. Use it to decorate an entryway or hang down from a garden arch. The long, worn panels moving in a breeze will cast a haunting spell.

2. Use a wire folding garden fence around decorated outdoor areas to keep little ones at a safe distance from props. They can be found at the hardware store and come in 8 foot lengths. It will create the look of a cemetery plot and is easily stored for next season.

3. Lighting is very important in the home haunt setting. Try placing lights at different heights for a spookier effect. A table lamp placed on the floor instead of table height will cast shadows upwards. Use color bulbs in red, yellow, orange, or blue for even more drama and mood.

4. Have any old bird cages or fish tanks out in the garage?

Add some rats and bats inside for instant Halloween decor! For an even creepier effect, fashion your own cages using twigs and wire.

5. Always use battery operated candles as part of your decorations in place of flame lit candles. Safety is very important! A flickering LED candle light will create the perfect glow without all the risk.

For more tips and tricks visit the Mitchell’s website howtohauntyourhouse.com.

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ECLECTIC ELEGANCE IN NORTH HILL

Photos by Kassie McLean

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When Dr. Kenneth Mitchell first saw the North Hill neighborhood in a real estate brochure while living out of state, he was sold. ‘This is where I want to live,’ he told his real estate agent when planning his move to Pensacola. Although he has lived in two other houses in North Hill since then, he purchased his current 1920s brick home over 15 years ago. Attracted to the unique features and craftsmanship of older homes, Dr. Mitchell was also taken by the home’s architectural style and unique details.

Built in the mid 20s, the home’s original owner was Filo Turner. The Turners were a well-known Pensacola family and Filo was the owner of Pensacola Carriage and Buggy Works. When the automobile came in, they were the first Chevrolet dealership in town. When Filo built the house, he had the two car attached garage built, perhaps in anticipation of the automobile’s popularity. “Most houses at that time had detached carriage houses at best and they later converted to car,” says Mitchell. “This was a double car garage, which was even more rare then.”

It is Mitchell’s love of antiques and art that initially drew him to the house. “Old houses have character,” he says. “I like old things. I have a lot of antiques. I grew up with parents who collected antiques.” He was particularly taken with the home’s Italian Renaissance style. The arches, copper details and the green roofing tile are all indicative of this style. The eye-catching green roof tiles are Ludowici tiles from Chicago. They are original and incredibly durable. Mitchell says he didn’t lose a single tile during Ivan or any other storm.

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The outer spaces of the home are equally unique. A long, wide, covered porch stretches along the side of the home. The porch’s archways open up to a small lawn and a sprawling grapefruit tree.

On the other side of the home sits a sweet little sanctuary of a private garden. Brick walkways, shaded seating and a lovely brick fishpond and fountain (built by Mitchell) add to the serenity of the courtyard. It’s an absolutely perfect place to sip your morning coffee or afternoon wine.

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The foyer opens up to a gorgeous staircase lit by an immense chandelier. Throughout the home, embossed wallpaper on the ceilings adds depth and hides the imperfections natural to older homes.

The French clock (circa late 1800s) boasts a Bier finish, which Mitchell stripped down to uncover.

On the wall hangs a flawless Renoir copy (circa 1933 by H. Goodwin.) The original Metropolitan Museum of Art serial number on the back says the piece was commissioned by the museum, which was often done when touring collections. The oak floors are uniquely spliced with tiger oak and cut at specific angle to show off the flame effect.

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The eclectic living room mixes a variety of styles with great success. From art deco and arts and crafts to European and Asian, the art and antiques create a cozy, sophisticated room. A bronze bust of Argentinean dictator Juan Peron (circa 1943) is the central focal point of the room. The leather sofa and chairs from local store Duh add a masculine touch. Above the sofa hangs a 1920s painting by Belgium artist Maria Aldernaught, whose work also hangs in the Antwerp museum. An abstract study hangs above the mantel of the original metal lined fireplace while art deco statues and sconces dot the room.

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The large round dining table is ideal for entertaining and the Spanish style chandelier lends an elegant glow to the room. Visitors’ eyes are instantly drawn to the lovely painting Mitchell calls “Sad Spanish Lady,� which is oil on canvas. Antique wrought iron French railings have been repurposed into window valances, while ceremonial basins, European paintings and deco details add to the eclectic feel.

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Although the butler’s pantry is original, the kitchen is all remodeled. With granite countertops, stainless steel appliances and a gas range, this is a working kitchen, perfect for preparing elegant meals or a quick snack. European and local art hangs on the walls while unique serving pieces, such as the long wooden breadboards, grace the countertops. Off of the kitchen is a great little office, which leads to a lovely private courtyard.

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GOSPORT Winner of the Thomas Jefferson award “Best Metro Format Newspaper” 2011.

Published by Ballinger Publishing

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PENSACOLA SCENE

...at the Seafood Festival

Debby & Neal Vaughn

Marisa & Anneke van Niekerk

Harry & Gayle Cramer

Rick Brown & Mark Robertson

Tammy Smith & Debbie Rainey

...at Suite SoirĂŠe at the PMA

Amber Solnick & MariCarmen Josephs

Emma Kimsal & Hurst Butts

Karen Fleming, John Asmar & April Davidson 46

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Stacy Kendall & Ellen Vinson

October/November 2013

Glenys Ballinger, Jen Cole & Stacey Williams

Susan Finger & Mary Hembree

never be bored A Place Plac l ce for for You You in Pensacola Peensacola Pen Busine Business e

Vacation

Extended d St Stay

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et 50 5 0-43 432 02 rresid e

700 East Chase Street 850-439-3330 courttyar ardpensacoladowntown.com d

Airport/Cordova Airport/Cordo ova Mall

2187 Airport Boulevard 850-478-1123 hamptoninnpensacolaairport.com

1144 Airport Boulevard 850-479-8900 hiltongarrd deninnpensacola.com

5049 Corporate Woods o Drive 850-474-3777 homewoodsuitespensacola.com

Pensacola Beach

24 Via DeLuna 800-406-7885 • 850-932-6000 sprringhillsuitespensacolabeacch h.com

16 Via DeLuna 800-934-3301 • 850-934-3300 day yssinnpensacolabeacch.com h

850-932-9314 • Hiighpointe.com

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