Pensacola Magazine December 2015

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A Taste of the Holidays

SPECIAL BUSINESS CLIMATE SECTION INSIDE

DECEMBER 2015 • PENSACOLAMAGAZINE.COM December 2015

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December 2015

OUR MISSION DEPENDS ON YOU. As Pensacola’s only locally owned health care organization, it’s in our heart to care for communities throughout the region.

Since 1975, the Baptist Health Care Foundation has served the Gulf Coast community to help improve the quality of life and health of families living in our service area. We depend on gifts from individuals, families, organizations and local businesses to continue our proud tradition of service to others.

This holiday season, consider helping us further that tradition by making a donation. For more information visit us at BaptistHealthCareFoundation.org or call 850.469.7906.

BA PT I ST H E A LT H C A R E FO U N DATION.ORG

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THE FINAL SEASON

Sundays 8PM

Free Preview Screening Tuesday, Dec 15 • 7pm–8:30pm WSRE Amos Performance Studio Pensacola State College

Beginning Jan 3

wsre.org/DowntonAbbey

For DVDs and more Downton Abbey items, visit shopPBS.org.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Nick Briggs/Carnival Film & Television Limited 2015 for MASTERPIECE

“If they don’t finish high school, they have essentially curtailed the opportunity they have for success in life.”

—General Colin L. Powell Graduation rates are on the rise; however, low-income students are graduating at a rate that’s almost 15% lower than the rate for their non-low-income peers.* Public media’s American Graduate initiative aims to raise the national graduation rate to 90% by 2020 and to help better prepare our graduates for higher education and the workforce. WSRE is proud to engage our local communities in this effort to keep more students on the path to a high school diploma, college and successful careers.

Become an American Graduate Champion.

An American Graduate Champion commits their time, skills and resources to make sure that young people succeed. Become an American Graduate Champion and inspire others to better understand the crisis and how they can become part of the solution.

Learn more at wsre.org/AmericanGraduate. *Building a Grad Nation: Progress and Challenge in Ending the High School Dropout Epidemic — 2015 Annual Update. Washington, D.C.: Civic Enterprises, the Everyone Graduates Center at Johns Hopkins University School of Education, America’s Promise Alliance, and the Alliance for Excellent Education.

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11/19/15 1:34 PM

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editor’s note > my two cents on the subject Kelly Oden

One of my daughter’s favorite fall/winter traditions is the annual harvesting of our backyard orange tree. Each year we wait patiently for the fruit to turn from deep green to bright orange. When that day comes, we joyfully pick as many as we can, load them into baskets and bags and make our way around the neighborhood and beyond to deliver freshly picked oranges to friends and family. This annual tradition brings so much joy to both of us. For me, half the fun is watching her little face light up and how proud and excited she is to make her deliveries. Friends and family are typically delighted with the gifts, as well.

This orange tree harvest marks the beginning of many fall and winter traditions. From the Thanksgiving feast and Winterfest fun to the Christmas morning gift extravaganza

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Executive Editor

and the New Year’s Eve Pelican Drop, it’s a busy time of the year and we take full advantage of everything our community has to offer. If you’ve never been to Winterfest, it’s a must see celebration of the holiday season complete with singing, dancing, short vignettes, costumed characters and photos with Santa. Winterfest can ignite the holiday spirit in even the biggest of scrooges. We love the elf parade and the performance tours and wouldn’t miss them for the world.

Read all about it on page 20.

December also brings with it the spirit of giving and we’ve given you some great options in this issue. If you can, a philanthropic gift is truly the best way to give this season and Josh Newby has highlighted a few worthy local causes for your charitable giving. Of course, any nonprofit would be thrilled to receive a donation this season, so be sure to remember your charity of choice.

When it comes to the giving of material gifts to friends and family, you just can’t beat giving local. Our Give Pensacola Holiday Gift Guide

offers plenty of inspiration for gifts that are made locally and/or reflect the unique community we call home.

We hope you find some great ideas and we hope you shop locally this holiday season as much as possible.

Finally, if you’re looking for that aweinspiring dish to serve at your holiday gathering, look no further than our Taste of Pensacola feature in which five local chefs share their favorite recipes for the season. There’s truly something for every palate in this gourmet collection.

As for me, I am wishing you all the very merriest of holidays and the happiest of new years. See you in 2016!

Subscription Expiration Date is printed on the address label. Renew your subscription now online at www.ballingerpublishing.com: One year $14.95 and two years $22.75.

Veranda

of Pensacola

Veranda of Pensacola is a retirement community which fosters long-lasting friendships and a strong sense of belonging.

Visit with friends, enjoy the numerous activities, or relax in your own beautiful apartment.

Come and see for yourself how our residents are enjoying, “Retirement Living at its Finest.”

Hear what actual residents have to say at www.verandapensacola.com

Veranda of Pensacola, Inc. · 850-417-7869 · 6982 Pine Forest Rd., Pensacola

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Contents december 2015

A Taste of Pensacola 38

Give Pensacola Holiday Gift Guide 30

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Page 10 with DeeDee Davis 10 Pensacola Scene 12 The Wondrous World of Winterfest 17 The Gift of Giving 20 Painting Fallen Angels into History 24

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Pelican Drop 26 Sister Cities Photo Contest 28 Play, Live, Give 44

Northwest Florida’s Business Climate Magazine 49

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On the Cover: Spanish Piquillo Peppers Stuffed With Ground Lamb & Cauliflower Bechamel With Lemon Saffron Cream Sauce & Asparagus by Mari Josephs.

PHOTO BY GUY STEVENS

ART • ENTERTAINMENT • LIFESTYLE

December 2015

MAGAZINE

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 • guy@ballingerpublishing.com Editor Josh Newby • Josh@ballingerpublishing.com Editorial Assistant Dawn Gresko • dawn@ballingerpublishing.com Editorial Interns Hamishe Randall Sales & Marketing Jennifer Bullock, Account Executive ext. 21 jennifer@ballingerpublishing.com Paula Rode, Account Executive ext. 28 paula@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 • guy@ballingerpublishing.com Editor Josh Newby • Josh@ballingerpublishing.com Editorial Assistant Dawn Gresko • dawn@ballingerpublishing.com Sales & Marketing Jennifer Bullock, Account Executive ext. 21 jennifer@ballingerpublishing.com Paula Rode, Account Executive ext. 28 paula@ballingerpublishing.com Website: www.ballingerpublishing.com Editorial Offices 41 North Jefferson Street, Suite 402 Pensacola, Florida 32502 850-433-1166 • Fax 850-435-9174 Also 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. © 2015

Shop Historic Pensacola museum stores for unique apparel, gifts and more including the exclusive Historic Pensacola Collection of sterling silver jewelry for women and men.

Stop by the T.T. Wentworth, Jr. Museum, Pensacola Children’s Museum, Voices of Pensacola and Tivoli High House.

Tuesday–Saturday, 10a-4p

Shop our evening shopping hours at the T.T. Wentworth, Jr. Museum, Thursdays, December 3, 10 and 17, from 4 until 7 p.m. and receive a 10% discount on purchases.

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page10 with DeeDee Davis

December is such a beautiful time of the year that it blows my mind that some people can be so intent on causing fear and destruction.

The fact that religious fanatics are driven by the desire to extinguish “infidels” is almost too much for my feeble brain to begin to comprehend.

Religious extremists are found in every culture. I have never been a fan of television preachers with their hands out, preying on the fears of the weak and especially the elderly. But radical Muslims take this to a whole new level. Meanwhile, we all do what we can and try to take care of our own, living as the best we can be, with a whole lot of mistakes along the way. The devastation in Paris awoke the pain and horror I tried to put away after 9/11. It just doesn’t really ever go away. But, we all have our own way of coping through horrific events like this and at the risk of sounding like a simpleton, or worse, a lunatic, I will share the method to my madness. When the world is spinning out of control, I take on tasks that are incredibly mundane. My laundry is never folded better. I spend hours researching the most creative dinner napkin folds for my holiday table. I remulch every flower bed—during the winter. I can see immediate and positive results, my head is totally into the chore rather than the news, and I have beauty and order in my life. I don’t mind one bit when the neighbors raise an eyebrow as they pass me with my lawn blower cleaning the driveway after sunset. I feel better. And you know what they say about mama and happiness.

There have been many wonderful occasions to celebrate locally while we pray that our leaders exercise good judgment in responding to world crises.

Chef Irv Miller and Betty Gail Peters

Corbett Davis Jr., Jim Wiseman and Jimbo Meador

Fred Levin did it again. He opened his magnificent home at Timeless Tanglewood in order to recognize and applaud the community commitment of Quint and Rishy Studer. His front lawn was redesigned with a new garden complete with fountains, lights, and antique cannon. Do not mess with him.

His garden architect, James Martin, spruced up the already perfect flowerbeds with blooming white hydrangeas, in a fashion much like the azaleas at the 10

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Judges Marci and Ross Goodman

Master’s in Augusta. Gloved doormen greeted formally attired guests as 100 or so gathered to show appreciation to the Studers and their many gifts to this community. Master of the House Chris Horak personally created the many flower arrangements throughout the house that added to the experience of wandering through the interesting manor.

The guests included Judges Ross and Marci Goodman; Fred and Brenda Vigodsky; Carol Carlan; Dr. Steve and

December 2015

Randy Jo McKenzie

Evan Jordan; and Dick and Laverne Baker.

Jackson’s Steakhouse Executive Chef Irv Miller has released his first cookbook just in time for holiday shopping. The official signing party was held recently at, surprise, Jackson’s, where guests enjoyed champagne as they waited patiently in line for the guest of honor to sign their book. Beej Davis; Bobby Likis and Diane Somer; Dr. Denny and Betty Gail Peterson; and Sandy Cessaretti Ray were

Laura Bellsinger and Susan Endry among the guests.

The Council on Aging received a nice check that came as a partnership with the Downtown Wine Walk. A presentation reception was held at Pot Roast and Pinot with owner and event coordinator Joe Abston doing the honors. On hand were COA Gomez; Rachael Cox; Caron Sjoberg; and Ed and Esther Turner.

The Association of Fundraising Professionals, an organization that generates support of a

Joe Abston, Owner of Hopjacks, Caron Sjoberg, Council on Aging Board Chair, and John B. Clark, President/CEO of Council on Aging. variety of charitable institutions, held their annual awards luncheon at the Hilton Pensacola Beach as more than 150 people gathered to recognize individuals, families, and businesses that make significant contributions to the community through philanthropic efforts. Andrea Rosenbaum, President of the organization, presided over the event where Martha Lee Blodgett; Cox Communications; Gulf Power Transformers; the D.W. McMillan Foundation; and the Switzer Brothers Charitable Foundation were honored. The Levin Family, in particular Fred and Teri, were awarded Philanthropist of the Year.

Margaritaville has expanded the empire as the newest plum has opened in Hollywood, Fla. The amazing new resort has something for everyone with its lavish pools, spa, restaurants and entertainment. At the invitation of Jim Wiseman, many locals were on hand for the VIP grand opening including Marilyn Hess; Leigh Taylor; Jimbo Meador; and Jenny Noonan.

Yes, the man did show up and not only played for more than two hours, but also visited with guests during the dinner at his namesake restaurant JWB Steakhouse. Fins up Jimmy Buffett.

Also opening for the holidays is a pop up venue on South Palafox Street for On the Avenue gifts and antiques. Randy Jo McKenzie, Elodie Cardon, and Thomas Hensel have temporarily stretched out from their 9th Avenue shop to offer a smaller version to downtown shoppers. They held a champagne open house last week to display some of their amazing pieces with customer friendly prices. Lovely selections for your own home as well as gift ideas for others.

December Birthdays

1 - Corbett Davis, Sr 17 - Kimi Hammons 25 - Jimmy Buffett 27 - Angela Moore

Merry Christmas, Everyone!

WUWF Presents

Join WUWF in Celebration of Our 35th Anniversary With a Visit From

The Capitol Steps in Concert Friday, January 15, 2016, 7:30 p.m.

Pensacola Saenger Theatre Tickets available beginning December 1 through Ticketmaster 800.745.3000.

wuwf.org • 88.1 FM • 850.474.2787

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pensacola scene who • what • when • where

at the Great Gulfcoast Arts Festival

Vivian Spencer and Krist Lien

Linda K and Linda T.

David Skinner

Kaly and Tara

James Floyd

at Stephen Moody’s India in Motion Exhibit at Volume One

2015 Monsoon Joy

Instagrams Bikes Hurst Butts, Stephen Moody, Mayor Ashton Hayward and An Hayward 12

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at the Wreaths of Joy sponsor party at The Lee House

BJ Davis and Joe Passeretti

Glenys Ballinger and Jessica Lee

Mary Hoxeng and Carolyn Appleyard

Joe Gilchrist and Christa McGhee Brad and Diane Peterson

Gail and Todd Torgerson

Missy and Haley Rogers

Peggy and Sandy Sansing

Artie Shimek, Troy Stringfellow, Rachael Shimek and Teresa Shimek

Glenys Ballinger and BJ Davis December 2015

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at the National Philanthropy Day Awards

Teri and Fred Levin

Will Bazemore, DeeDee Davis and Winnie Bazemore

at the Gallery Night, Nov. 20

Aresha Rougely Jared Peevy

Cody Krago

Elizabeth Matthews

Sam and Debbie Elleard

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Lutheran Services Florida’s Guardianship Program is dedicated to protecting incapacitated individuals from abuse, neglect and exploitation while ensuring they live their lives with dignity and respect.

To learn more about our program and how you can help, please call 941-358-5330 or visit lsfnet.org

A place for you in Pensacola

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Wondrous World of Winterfest written by Dawn Gresko

From poles decked in red ribbons and swirling with evergreen to little elves peeping out at you from the streets of Downtown Pensacola, there’s plenty of signs that Pensacola’s Winterfest has returned with its annual array of holiday festivities.

“We plan all year and start preplanning for next year,” said Denise Daughtry, president of Winterfest of Pensacola, Inc. “We have 300 volunteers helping with Winterfest this year. Together we make our own unique and original designs for props and begin setting up and decorating for events right after Halloween.”

Choo choo! Did you hear that? That’s the sound of model trains in action this holiday season with Model Trains on the Move, coming to Pensacola Museum of Art starting on Saturday,

Dec. 7. There will be guaranteed fun for the whole family, especially modeltrain lovers. Enjoy art activities, holiday refreshments, and two scenic railroad systems that will be in operation.

Don’t miss the train, because with museum admission on Dec. 7 you can get a special discount on Performance Tour tickets.

Winterfest’s premier Performance Tours are boasting “bigger and better” in 2015. Frosty, Candycane, Gingerbread and Snowflake are the restored red trolleys that serve as the stage during 60-minute tours that guide you through 16 performances on Dec. 5, 11 and 18-20. You have the option of selecting your trolley when you purchase tickets for $20 per adult and $15 per child.

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This year, Tiny Tim and his mother will come aboard the trolley and there will be a graveyard scene in the final act.

As part of the Island of Misfit Toys, Bumble and Hermey meet the trolley and help solve the problem of the grouchy Grinch.

The Grinch stop will have a new, junkyard sleigh and 15-foot crooked tree that resembles the movie’s version, which will be located at Brown Thornton Pacenta & Company on Tarragona Street.

In addition, the tree in front of the Escambia County Courthouse on Palafox Place has been redesigned by Jim Rigsby from Duh. Following all Performance Tours are Reindeer Games and photos with Santa.

You don’t have to visit the North Pole to see Santa Claus, because he’s bringing the North Pole to Plaza Wonderland at the corner of Government Street and Palafox Place. Every night of the Performance Tour, Santa and his sleigh will be waiting in front of the courthouse on Palafox Place for you to come and visit.

The expert elves are great with 18

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photography and love to take souvenir photos of children with Santa Claus, and they especially love making the photos into cards for the holidays.

Every Santa photo print comes with free digital delivery, just in case you want more than one copy.

As for Reindeer Games, don’t worry about getting left out of any. After the trolleys arrive from the Performance Tour, the free Reindeer Games fun in Plaza Wonderland begins at 5 pm on Fridays and 5:30 pm on Saturdays and Sundays.

Watch a show on the stage, or follow dancing reindeers and get groovy with Dasher, Dancer, Prancer and Blitzen. There’s also an amazing snow machine for creating snowmen and throwing snowballs at the Grinch.

If you’re feeling peckish, head over for a cup of gourmet hot cocoa, scrumptious snacks, or visit the hot dog stand. For a full meal, walk over to any one of the Palafox Place strip restaurants open during Winterfest.

Hop aboard for a jolly ride on Santa’s Holiday Express Tour, a 30-minute trolley tour that takes

you to magical, holiday light displays.

Passengers will be joined by Santa and Rudolph for lots of songs and cheer.

Tours for Santa’s Holiday Express run from Dec. 21 to 23, and tickets are $7 for kids and $15 for adults.

If you’re looking for a reason to stay home for the holidays, look no further than the wondrous world of Winterfest.

For more on the wonderful Winterfest happenings, or to reserve your tickets online, visit pensacolawinterfest.org.

“One of the great things about Winterfest is it’s an event that allows us to have fun all year,” said Daughtry.

“But bringing happiness to the people of Pensacola is it’s own reward.”

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The Gift of Giving

By Josh Newby

With Christmas just around the corner, many people in Pensacola are likely wondering how they can spread the love and generosity to those in need. Escambia County is one of the poorest in the state, with many children who have never had a traditional holiday season replete with gifts to unwrap on Christmas morning.

With just a few spare dollars, those with more in our city can enrich the lives of those with less, and there are a variety of methods to do so.

Health Care Foundation. If you sponsor a family, FamiliesFirst Network will provide a wish list of items to purchase that will ultimately end up in the hands of that family for Christmas morning. To adopt a family, reach out to FamiliesFirst Network by calling (850) 469-3462.

Toys for Tots The national program, headed up by the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation, has been gathering together toys for underprivileged children since 1947. Since then, it has donated more than half a billion toys and other products of use to pre-teens. In Pensacola, interested donors can drop off merchandise at Toys “R” Us in University Town Plaza. Most toys for children are accepted, in addition to sporting equipment, books, backpacks, cosmetics, purses, bath gift sets, electronics, skateboards and bicycles. The only real exceptions are realistic-looking weapons and products with food. If you would prefer to volunteer for Toys for Tots, there’s ways to do that, too. Simply fill out the form under “Toy Drop-Offs” on pensacola-fl.toysfortots.org and help coordinate the local chapter to make a difference in the life of Escambia County children this holiday season.

Angel Tree Project Not to be confused with the following entry’s details about the better-known national program, the Angel Tree Project is an act of love and caring by the members of Saint Paul Catholic Church. They work each year to improve Pensacola by reaching across all boundaries and faiths to bring happiness and love to children by providing them with Christmas gifts.

Volunteers can assist with making paper angels, collecting and sorting gifts, and shopping. To join the project, contact the church at (850) 434-2551.

Operation Christmas Child

Operation Santa Operation Santa is in its 103rd year, a program locally facilitated by FamiliesFirst Network of Pensacola, a subsidiary of Baptist Health Care’s Lakeview Center.

Each year, they work to provide Christmas gifts for the children and families that they serve. You can sponsor a particular family, donate toys for general distribution, or make a cash donation to the Baptist 20

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anything for the holiday. Children who are recipients of Angel Tree gifts are from families who have applied for Christmas assistance through the social services program of the Salvation Army. During the application process, the clothing sizes and special needs of the children are determined and written on the application and is then transferred to paper “angels” along with the child’s first name, age and sex.

The angels are then taken to area shopping malls where they are selected by concerned shoppers who then purchase any or all of the items listed. After purchasing these items, the gifts are returned to the Angel Tree. Pensacolians can pick up angels at the Salvation Army’s local location, 1501 N. Q St.

The Salvation Army’s Angel Tree Started in 1979, this popular Christmastime program allows communities to directly impact members of their own region. The program provides gifts of new clothing and toys to thousands of children who otherwise probably would not have

Olive Baptist Church hosts this program, a local chapter of the Samaritan’s Purse initiative, to deliver shoebox gifts to children in need. Since the program’s inception in 1993, more than 100 million boys and girls have been served in over 130 countries.

To volunteer or give to the program, call (850) 475-3165 or email gmitten@olivebaptist.org.

Christmas Shoebox Project This ongoing community project, coordinated by Waterfront Rescue Mission, is an opportunity for family, co-workers, church attendees, and other groups of people to serve the needy during Christmas. Here’s how it works: participants purchase and gather together basic items found at waterfrontmission.org/christmas-shoebox-project, pack them up in a shoebox, and wrap it all up as a gift for an individual staying at the Mission. Then, simply drop them off at Waterfront Rescue Mission, 348 W. Herman St. in Pensacola. The boxes can be as large or as small as you prefer, and there is no minimum or maximum quantity.

The Retreat is a special place, and experience, that has been described as refreshing, supportive, fun, assuring, caring and heartwarming by those who participate and their families.

Children’s Home Society of Florida The state of Florida’s adoption and fostering program receives gifts year-round to give to children within their network. Many of these children do not even have a family or a place to call home, so holiday gifts are especially impactful and can often help them rise up out of depression and loneliness. You can donate funds on their website, chsfl.org/ holiday, or check out their Amazon Holiday Wish List at goo.gl/6ajx7p.

There is so much wealth in Pensacola, and so much opportunity to improve the lives of others. It’s so easy unfortunately to become preoccupied with Black Friday sales and potlucks with family—fun, important happenings that often dominate our holiday time and resources. So in between those admittedly self-centered happenings, let’s not forget to lean into the spirit of the season and help those with who are less fortunate and less able to take advantage of the sales or even have a family meal.

Positive outcomes for participants include increased socialization, improved mood and behavior, greater sense of purpose and improved sleep habits.

Family caregivers gain peace of mind knowing their loved ones are in a safe place while they go off to work or get much needed respite.

Call 850.266.2503 to arrange a tour.

875 Royce Street, Pensacola (ACHA#9051) Monday-Friday 7:30am-5:30pm Daily fee includes breakfast, lunch and activities.

Come see what you are missing!

To learn more, visit www.coawfla.org.

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ON THE

VENUE

Looking for Unique?

We have it!

From jewelry to furniture.

Pair of Rare Victorian C.1800’s Wedding bracelets gold filled.

The History of Lockets Lockets have a long history. In earlier centuries, they were used to carry powder, poison, keepsakes, good luck charms, hair, ashes, and pictures. Throughout the years they have been made of many metals such as brass, copper, aluminium, iron, gold, and platinum.

The Victorian’s highly favoured lockets.

The lockets of that era were usually round, oval or heart shaped and many of them were monogrammed with the owner’s initials.

Young women during the Victorian era used lockets to hide a picture of the man that they admired. If the man offered up a lock of his hair to the woman, a marriage proposal usually followed. If given as gifts, lockets were considered a statement of an intention to marry. As Victorian period lockets, mid1800’s are a rare to find, we searched a collection for you to pick from, sterling or gold plated.

Those are easy to be worn with casual clothing or dress up. There is a wonderful feeling about wearing a 150 years old necklace around your neck. You are wearing history and no one will have the same one.

And more....Estate Jewelry, Mont-Blanc Pens, Furs and French small gifts.

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Victorian Era Sterling Filigree & Medallion, green glass stone.

Rare Victorian Sterling Locket & Chain Circa 1850’s

Victorian gold filled bangles

Victorian C. 1800’s gold filled locket bookchain

Victorian Bib Necklace, red glass stones.

Circa 1920’s French Opera Long Necklace, Green glass.

412 S. Palafox St, PenSacola fl 32502 850-433-6427

Elodie Cardon

November & December only!!!

Open Monday through Saturday 10:30am till 5:30pm.

PAINTING FALLEN ANGELS INTO HISTORY written by Dawn Gresko

Imagine this: you’re spiraling through the air, leaving Cuban Eight contrail clouds in your wake, and the crowd below goes wild as you recover swiftly from a downward dive.

The excitement of being a world-famous Blue Angel, a job that may sound like a dream come true for some dare devils and aspiring pilots, is tempered only by the risk involved in aerobatic maneuvers that leave no room for error.

Since the squadron was formed in 1946, 27 Blue Angels have lost their lives in the line of duty.

At least 50 more have suffered injuries from practice runs and performances.

Mark Tedrow, a history major who’s also been a fellow Blue Angel for five years, was prompted to learn more about the squadron’s past and those who were lost along the way. He discovered statistics that revealed a 10 percent fatality rate for Blue Angels pilots over the past 61 years.

“I was disappointed to find there were no memorials for those who had died,” said Tedrow, Blue Angel #5 and lead solo/operations officer. “At the minimum, I wanted to do something that would give those pilots the recognition they deserve. So, I began to think, what can I do? What would be appropriate?”

A photograph of the Blue Angels as a group, still hanging on the wall of The Grand Marlin at Pensacola Beach today, inspired Tedrow’s next move.

Tedrow reached out to local portrait artist, Nina Fritz, who has created several Blue Angels paintings and posters over the past 15 years.

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“I was honored when Mark approached me about painting a memorial for the Angels who had died,” said Nina, who is renowned for her portraiture as well as her Blue Angels artworks. “Mark’s time with the Blue Angels is coming to an end, and he told me every time a pilot leaves the team he leaves something behind. This painting is what Mark wanted to leave the team. Of course, I said yes without any hesitation.”

What became dubbed later as “The Blue Angels Memorial Project” took Nina roughly a year to complete after she began creating the painting in fall of 2014.

The first step was getting headshot photos of the deceased pilots for Nina to get a sense of each Angel’s unique facial features.

Tedrow took it upon himself to research and find photos of the 27 fallen Angels using resources such as squadron archives and Ancestry.com—an online site he used to track down and reach out to family members of at least eight pilots who were missing photos in the squadron archives.

Some of the photos were blurry and of poor quality, which made it difficult to render distinguishable characteristics for the portraits. Despite the challenge presented to Nina, the finished product displayed recognizable faces of the fallen.

“During the entire process, Mark was very involved and visited my studio often to check on the progress of the painting,” said Nina. “Near the end, I was very pleased to hear he recognized each pilot I had painted from his research. It made me

more confident that family members and loved ones would recognize them, too.”

Laid out on a 46 x 36 canvas, the Blue Angels memorial painting was created using water-based oil paint. The pilots were painted in order according to the year in which they died, and each of the 27 faces are set on a background of a fading sunset on the water.

As for the painting’s frame, Tedrow knew of a friend, Justin Gonzalez, a former Navy SEAL and Leap Frog parachuter who happened to be a woodworker on the side. Gonzalez agreed to design a custom walnut frame for the painting.

The painting was unveiled as a surprise to the rest of the Blue Angels squadron on Nov. 8, after the team’s annual Homecoming Show.

Tedrow is in the process of getting smaller copies of the painting to surviving family members of the 27 pilots.

“The important thing is that we never forget those who were lost,” explained Tedrow. “It’s also important to note that because of what happened to those 27 men, we have much safer demonstrations today. From 1973 to 2015, there were not nearly as many casualties and the safety margin has become much greater.”

The Blue Angels memorial painting will find its permanent home at the Naval Aviation Museum on NAS Pensacola, where the fallen Blue Angels will find their place in history and, most importantly, where they will not be forgotten.

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2016

PELICAN

DROP

Written by Hamishe Randall Photos courtesy of Pensacola Mardi Gras, Inc.

What bird has a wingspan of 20 feet, stands 14 feet high, weighs 300 pounds and can’t fly? The New Year’s Pelican of Pensacola, of course. The Pelican Drop on New Year’s Eve is the biggest event in Pensacola, drawing over 60,000 people last year.

There’s something exhilarating about being in the midst of a crowd in celebration.

The energy is contagious. You’re shoulder to shoulder with neighbors and for a moment you are reminded you are celebrating not as an individual, but as a member of a community.

The event has grown into a huge community celebration with two stages featuring live entertainment, fireworks, activities, a Ferris wheel, parades and more. This year the main stage and the pelican will be on Garden Street, at the intersection of Garden and Palafox. The new location will accommodate more people, and the pelican will be visible from more areas. There will be two stages: the Levin Rinke Main Stage (North stage) at the intersection of 26

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Garden and Palafox and the South stage at Government and Palafox. The event is hosted by the Downtown Improvement Board and produced by Pensacola Mardi Gras, Inc. Danny Zimmern is the President of Pensacola Mardi Gras, Inc., this is the third year Pensacola Mardi Gras is producing this event.

“We’re excited about the expanded footprint,” said Zimmern. “We have a big show this year.

We have a fantastic entertainment lineup. Pensacola now has so many great dining and entertainment locations, it looks to be the biggest pelican drop ever.”

Some special attractions this year will include the Talbott Law Firm Family Fest, which will be a children and family area presented in partnership with Influence Pensacola. As a prelude to the Pelican Drop, the family-friendly festival will have games and live entertainment, and activities especially for children. Characters on the Go will have an audience interactive show including popular characters like

Sponge Bob, Dora, and Spiderman. The children’s area will center on the intersection of Garden and Palafox. It will open at 3 pm and will close at 8 pm. All activities will be free. At 8 pm the pelican will be lit and raised, at which point there will be a countdown just for kids with fireworks, confetti canons and a bubble stomp.

After 8 pm the main stage will host live entertainment all evening starting with the local band DLP (Doctor’s, Lawyers, and Politicians). The headliners are the Chee Weeze, a show band from New Orleans.

The south stage will feature country and southern rock with up and coming stars.

There will also be a parade led by Tate High Drum Corps and Gulf Breeze High School Drum Line from the Government Stage to the Main stage.

Some activities and sights presented include: the Pensacola Little Theatre will have live community theatre presentations, Downtown YMCA will have an interactive presentation, poetry readers, the full size Ferris Wheel offering free rides,

inflatables (in front of Harvest Church on Palafox), and Pensacon Storm Troopers (characters from Pensacon to mingle with the crowd along with other characters).

Football fans – don’t despair. There’s no need to stay home to catch the semi-final college games. There will be several areas (street football centers) with TVs set up for people to enjoy the games.

With all the entertainment and activities, you’re bound to get hungry. There are many great restaurants along Palafox as well as food vendors that will be located throughout the venue. Food vendors will open at 3 pm and remain open until 1 am.

Times Square has the ball drop, Mobile has the moon pie, and Pensacola has the Pelican. The pelican was made and designed

by Emmett Andrews LLC, and local artist Michael Dicks. It’s made of polished aluminum and decorated with over 2,000 lights. It is cleaned annually, any damaged feathers are replaced, the bulbs are replaced, and the year is changed to reflect the current one.

The Pelican is perched over 110 feet in the air and will drop just above the main stage at the stroke of midnight. The new location this year ensures the pelican will be visible all down Palafox. Garden and Palafox will be a great place to view this year’s upgraded fireworks.

Road closures will begin at 6 am, Dec. 31.

Garden Street will close at Jefferson and Baylen Streets. Palafox Street will close from Chase to Main Streets, except Zaragoza Street which will remain open. Baylen and Romana Street (entering from Baylen) will also remain open until 5 pm.

Pensacola has come a long way in terms of downtown growth, developments, and improvements. The Pelican Drop celebrates the coming New Year and also celebrates what makes Pensacola great.

“In terms of the DIB’s mission to raise awareness downtown, it’s fantastic,” said Zimmern about the Pelican Drop.

So get ready to join your fellow Pensacolians for an evening of celebration, music, fireworks and good cheer. 2015 has been an eventful year, full of unity, progress and rebuilding. Let us welcome the New Year; it all starts with a pelican

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SISTER CITIES Pensacola Sister Cities Student Photography Event Brings Cultures Together

Pensacola Sister Cities recently introduced a photography event, “Our Beautiful Sisters” in concert with Artel Gallery, inviting high school students to present photos depicting their city.

They received entries from Macharaviaya, Spain; Miraflores, Peru; Gero Japan, and two entries from Santa Rosa County. Artel matted the photos, identified the city, school, teacher, and student, and displayed them as part of the ‘”Cinco Banderas” exposition. They were also displayed at the Great Gulfcoast Arts Festival. The events were facilitated and organized by Pensacola Sister Cities; Kelly Strozier, Director of Fine Arts at Gulf Breeze High School; Suzanne Robbert, President of Artel; Dr. Sally Crenshaw, co-chairman of the photography event and Shigeko Honda. This event involves students in an educational, artistic exercise that acts as a tool for attracting attention to Pensacola’s various Sister Cities.

Miraflores, Peru

Paragliding on Miraflores Bay Miraflores, Peru

Huaca Pucllana Ruins, Miraflores, Peru

City Hall, Miraflores, Peru

Pensacola, Florida

Ali Tate

Shoreline Park Sunset Gulf Breeze, GB High School

Chloe Stamper

A Historic Angle Downtown Pensacola, Pace High School

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Walker Carroll

A Walk Through Sunlight, Krul Lake Munson Pace High School

Gero, Japan

Takuto Hannoda,

FukushimaStudents Help Mashita Seifu with Summer Harvest Gero, Japan, Maishitaseifu High School.

Takuto Hannoda

Mashita Seifu Students Enjoying Summer Weather at Hida River Gero, Japan, Maishitaseifu High School

Takuto Hannoda,

Students Selling Vegetables at the Hagiwara Morning Market Gero, Japan, Maishitaseifu High School

Macharaviaya, Spain

David Perez Gallardo Francisco Jose Merino Robles

Casa Juan, Calle Naipes Macharaviaya Colegio Publico Rural Salvador Rueda

Casa Peteto, Calle Salvador Rueda, Benaque Macharaviaya, Colegio Publico Rural Salvador Rueda

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Give

Pensacola A Holiday Gift Guide

Historic Pensacola Map Puzzle for Kids Great for kids! Twenty large piece 8 1/4” x 11 3/4” jigsaw puzzle. Reproduction of “Navy Planes over Pensacola, Fla.” vintage postcard from the collection of the UWF Historic Trust. $14.00

Pensacola is red hot. New restaurants and boutiques are popping up, the streets are bustling with activity and we are getting positive attention at the national level. With so much love for our thriving town, we at Pensacola Magazine thought it would be great to help our readers give the gift of Pensacola this holiday season. Our Give Pensacola gift guide features an array of items either made by local artists and craftsman or made in honor of Pensacola. From jewelry to books and from musical instruments to craft food and drink, you’ll find the perfect gift for everyone on your list and you’ll support local artists and businesses as well. It’s a win-win!

Historic Pensacola Map Puzzle 200 piece 11” x 16” jigsaw puzzle. Reproduction of the aerial map commissioned in 1896 by the Thomas C. Watson & Co., Real Estate Agents of Pensacola from the collection of the UWF Historic Trust. $20.00

Goodnight Pensacola

by Anna Theriault Say goodnight to some of the Emerald Coast’s favorite landmarks! An illustrated bedtime story for both locals and visitors that showcases the beautiful city that is Pensacola, Florida.

Aluminum Prints of Historic Pensacola Blues over the Lexington - Reproduction from the collection of the UWF Historic Trust. 11” x 14” aluminum print. $50.00 Tinted red snapper photograph by Rox Cowley - Reproduction from the collection of the UWF Historic Trust.

16” x 20” aluminum print. $85.00

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Historic Jewelry UWF Historic Trust Gift Shop Downtown Pensacola The University of West Florida Historic Trust and Jewelers Trade Shop have collaborated to create the Historic Pensacola Collection, an exclusive line of sterling silver jewelry for women and men. The collection includes necklaces, bracelets, earrings, cuff links and keychains inspired by the heritage, natural environment and spirit of Pensacola.

Petrified Cat items

Petrified Cat cuff links - $195.00 Petrified Cat keychain - $98.00 Petrified Cat bracelet - $160.00 Petrified Cat necklace - $120.00

Coin items

Coin cuff links - $220.00 Coin necklace - $120.00 Coin bracelet - $180.00

Unearthing Pensacola

by Judith Bense Noted local archaeologist Dr. Judith Bense discusses Pensacola’s many unique archeological sites. Based on her popular WUWF radio show of the same name.

Pensacola History books Dig into the past of our diverse and historic town with a variety of interesting history books from the UWF Historic Trust.

Items on pages 30 &31 available from the UWF Historic Trust at the Tivoli High House (205 East Zaragoza Street) and the T.T. Wentworth, Jr. Museum (330 South Jefferson Street).

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First City Art Center Local Artists Visit First City Art Center for one of a kind pieces from local artists working in a variety of mediums. Works include glass from Joe Hobbs as well as pottery and sculpture from Jonathan Kusnerek, Flavio Souza, Precilla Clark and more. Visit firstcityart.org for more information.

East Hill Honey

Panhandle to Pan: Recipes and Stories of Florida’s New Redneck Riviera Jackson’s Steakhouse Executive Chef Irv Miller’s recently released his first cookbook, “Panhandle to Pan: Recipes and Stories of Florida’s New Redneck Riviera.” Chef Miller has been working along the Florida Panhandle and writing about the foods of the Gulf Coast for three decades. “Panhandle to Pan” has 150 recipes and stories that take readers on a journey through this agriculturally abundant region, shares personal stories, expertise, and unique recipes from throughout the Florida Panhandle. For more information, visit jacksonsrestaurant.com.

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What’s better than handcrafted honey and honey products made in your own neighborhood? East Hill Honey offers raw honey, honey pecans, honey soap and more. All from hives kept in East Hill and other Pensacola neighborhoods. Visit easthillhoney.com for more information.

Pensacola Bay Brewery Handcrafted Beer Why not give your favorite beer lover a taste of Pensacola? Made from the highest quality ingredients and painstakingly brewed without preservatives or chemicals, Pensacola Bay brewery is located in downtown Pensacola on Seville Square. With at least 15 varieties, PBB beer is available in 32 ounce bombers, one-gallon growlers, kegs and half kegs. Visit pbbrew.com.

Graffiti Bridge Paint Chip Pendants Local artist Julie Young creates one-of-a-kind wearable pieces of Pensacola history by capturing layers of memories in unique jewelry made of paint chips from Pensacola’s graffiti bridge.

Available at www.otiscrow.com. $40-$65.

Layers: 365 Days of the Pensacola Graffiti Bridge Pre-order Rachael Pongetti’s homage to Pensacola’s most unique and creative structure. In her upcoming book, Layers, Pongetti chronicles 365 days in the life of the Graffiti Bridge. The book comes out in January, but those who pre-order a gift certificate receive a layer of paint to be framed. 100 books will also be numbered, signed and stamped with the graffiti bridge logo. For more information, visit her page on facebook or email Rachael at rachael@pensacolagraffitibridge project.com.

Jewelry by Luna Blue Designs Pensacola artist Luna Blue Designs offers a unique collection of handcrafted leather and pearl jewelry using fresh water, South Sea, and Tahitian pearls.

Necklaces, bracelets, and earrings are accented with natural stones and diamonds to create the perfect look for any occasion. $35.00-$895.00.

Available at Duh. 501 N 9th Ave, Pensacola, FL 32501 www.duhpensacola.com

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Analog Queue Vinyl-collectors, rejoice. No longer must you store your records on a dusty bookshelf, the sleeve fold’s color your only immediate indication of the album inside. The Analog Queue, designed and built locally

by Geoff Peck, is the minimalist, stylish answer to the current crop of records you want to listen to. With lightweight materials and a design begging to be proudly displayed beside your record player, the Analog Queue is the audiophile’s answer to untidy, undignified vinyl storage.

Available at www.recycledsaints.com.

The Waterphone Local musician and inventor Brooks Hubbard hand forges these unique and mesmerizing instruments. The natural acoustic tones of the Waterphone enhance musical and meditative experiences and are just plain fun to play with. For inquiries, contact waterphoneman@gmail.com.

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Nina Fritz Ornaments

Pensacola Landmark Ornaments

Beloved local artist Nina Fritz’s line of Pensacola inspired Christmas ornaments make the perfect gift for locals and visitors alike.

Choose from a variety of designs including the Blue Angels in formation and the wellloved Pensacola Beach sign. $19.50. Visit www.ninafritz.com for more information.

Jewelers Trade Shop is proud to present a collection of sterling silver Pensacola Landmark Ornaments, including the Pensacola Beach Sign, Graffiti Bridge, and the Pensacola Beach Cross.

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While we’ve highlighted some wonderful local artists in our gift guide, Pensacola is chock full of amazing artists and original artwork is truly the best gift to receive. Be sure to visit the following cooperatives, galleries and markets to find that perfect piece for your loved one.

Blue Morning Gallery Since 1997 Blue Morning Gallery has showcased the work of local artists and encouraged the development of new creative talent within the community. The colorful, cooperative fine arts gallery features 50-plus local artists including many award-winning artists, with specialties in painting, collage, photography, ceramics, sculpture, glass, basketry, jewelry and beadwork, fibers, wood, tile and more. Browse through their unique selection of original artwork, historic photographs, journals and cards. For more information, visit bluemorninggallery.com.

Quayside As the largest co-op gallery in the Southeast, nationally known Quayside Art Gallery was established and is maintained by Pensacola Artists, Inc., a cooperative organization of more than 200 artists and associate members. Founded in 1973, PAI and Quayside Gallery are dedicated to fostering and promoting original fine arts and crafts in the West Florida region. For more information, visit www.quaysidegallery.com.

Marty Campbell Gallery

The Palafox Market You can’t get much more local than the Palafox Market. A treasure trove of local plants, produce, arts, crafts and more, the Palafox Market offers a truly homegrown gift idea for everyone on your list. All vendors at Palafox Market grow, make, or create the fruits, vegetables, herbs, and art for sale. Be sure to visit them every Saturday from 9 am to 2 pm. For more information, visit palafoxmarket.com.

Marty Campbell Gallery has quickly become a favorite stop for locals and tourists alike. The unique space combines a fine arts gallery with a collective space to display the work of quality local artists. The gallery reflects the art of Southern living at its best -- with the taste and refinement preferred by savvy European collectors, but with an eye for the distinctive coastal heritage art of local Southern artists and artisans. For more information, visit www.martycampbellgallery.com.

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Re c

Pen m o r f ipes

sacola’s Favorit

e Che

Looking for a new and unique recipe for your holiday dinner? Pensacola Magazine has you covered with five handpicked recipes from five of Pensacola’s favorite chefs.

You’re sure to be the hit of the season when you bring a taste of Pensacola home for the holidays with one of these delicious creations.

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fs

Brined and Pan Roasted Venison, Braised Baby Onions, Broccolini, Cauliflower Puree, Roasted Butternut Squash Ingredients: 1 blackstrap of venison 1 gallon of brine = 2 cups brown sugar, 2 cups salt, cardamom pod, 1 cinnamon stick, 5 black peppercorns, 3 bay leaves, 8 cups water (bring to the boil and cool) 1 head cauliflower (chopped) 1 cup cream Salt to taste 1 bag pearl onions (peeled) 2 T olive oil 3 T butter 4 T chicken stock 1 head broccolini 1 medium butternut squash 4 T olive oil After making and chilling brine, submerge backstrap in it, and place in fridge for 24 hours.

Remove and pat dry with paper towels. Once ready to cook, cut into 6 inch sections. Place a pan over medium high heat and add olive oil to just cover the bottom of the pan. When just lightly starting to smoke, add venison and let caramelize on all sides.

Add 3 T butter, and baste 3 minutes, then turn over and baste another 3 minutes. Let rest 5 minutes, and this should be a perfect medium rare.

Place cauliflower, cream and a sprinkle of salt into a medium heat pan, cover and let simmer until tender, about 15 minutes. Place in blender and puree.

Check seasoning.

Blake Rushing Type by Chef Blake Rushing Owner and Chef

Take a medium high heat pan and add the olive oil, add onions and caramelize. Once brown add butter and let roast until tender. Add stock and let emulsify to cover the onions. Set aside.

Blanch the broccolini in boiling salted water for 6 minutes. Set aside.

Peel the butternut squash, and slice into ½ inch thick discs. Place on sheet tray and sprinkle with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast in oven at 375 until tender for about 30 minutes.

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Photo by Guy Stevens

Roasted Acorn Squash with Rosemary Tempeh & Toasted Walnut Cornbread Stuffing 2 medium acorn squash, halved seeds scooped out 2 Tbls. Earth Balance or extra virgin olive oil 1 c. Celery, diced 1 c. Onion, diced I medium carrot, shredded 1/2 c. Apple, diced 3 cloves garlic, minced 1 c. Walnuts, toasted 1/2 c. Flat leaf parsley, chopped 2 Tbls. Tamari 2 tsp. Sage 1 tsp. Rosemary 1/2 tsp. Fresh cracked pepper 1/2 tsp. Orange zest 1 Tbls. Apple cider vinegar 4 c. Cornbread, cubed

For the tempeh: 8 oz. tempeh 1/2 c. Extra virgin olive oil 2 Tbls. Lemon juice 1 1/2 tsp. Sea salt 1 tsp. Rosemary

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Preheat the oven to 350. Cube tempeh and steam for 8 minutes. Transfer to a lightly oiled sheet pan. Whisk together olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, salt and rosemary. Pour evenly over tempeh, bake for 20 minutes. Set aside.

Turn up heat to 450. Brush squash with a little oil and lightly sprinkle with a pinch of sea salt. Roast for 20-25 minutes cut side up.

In a medium skillet, sautĂŠ celery, onion, garlic, carrot and apple for 3 minutes until soft. Add orange zest, tamari, sage, rosemary, pepper, apple cider vinegar. Toss until incorporated. Add walnuts, tempeh and cornbread. Gently mix.

Transfer to a casserole dish, drizzle with olive oil and bake for 20 minutes at 350.

When ready to serve, mound stuffing into squash cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.

Jen Knight Shoemaker

End of the Line CafĂŠ Owner and Chef

Spanish Piquillo Peppers Stuffed With Ground Lamb & Cauliflower Bechamel With Lemon Saffron Cream Sauce & Asparagus Lamb: 3 tablespoons olive oil 2 cups diced yellow onion ½ cup minced shallots 3 lbs. freshly ground lamb 2 teaspoons kosher salt ½ teaspoon black pepper ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes 1 teaspoon smoked paprika 2 tablespoons freshly grated ginger 1/3 chopped mint Sautee the onions at shallots in olive oil over medium-low heat until soft. Add the ground lamb, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes and smoked paprika. Sautee until lamb is cooked. Add the fresh ginger and sauté for 2 minutes. Add the fresh mint.

Cauliflower “Béchamel”: 3 heads cauliflower, cut into florets 3 tablespoons heavy cream ½ stick of butter 2 teaspoons salt 1-½ cups grated Manchego cheese 2 teaspoons grated nutmeg Steam or boil cauliflower until tender. Drain well.

Puree with the rest of the ingredients. Combine and mix 6 cups of Cauliflower “Béchamel” with the ground lamb. Chill if possible.

Photo by Guy Stevens

Mari Josephs Carmen’s Lunch Bar Chef and Owner

Saffron-Lemon Cream Sauce: ½ cup fresh lemon juice pinch of saffron 2 cups heavy cream 1-½ sticks of butter, cut into pats ½ teaspoon kosher salt Bring all ingredients to a simmer and let cook for 5 minutes.

Piquillo Peppers: Drain jarred red piquillo peppers well. Stuff peppers with lamb/cauliflower mixture. Cut asparagus into pieces and toss in olive oil with salt. Place peppers in individual ramekins and top with asparagus. Bake for approximately 10 minutes at 400 degrees.

Remove from the oven and spoon hot SaffronLemon Cream Sauce over the top. Garnish with fresh mint chiffonade. Serve hot as an appetizer or tapa.

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Boudin-Stuffed Quail with Madeira Sauce Preparing quail for Thanksgiving is a great alternative to roasting or frying the big bird, and one of my favorite and most delectable ways to prepare quail is to stuff it. To uncomplicate the stuffed-quail preparation is as simple as chasing down a good quality, succulent boudin (pork and rice sausage with Cajun spices).

A couple of hundred miles to the west of here is Cajun country, the heart of Louisiana, where boudin sausagemaking is as much about tradition as it is about taste.

And for this neck of the woods, a good quality boudin can be found at Cajun Specialty Meats in Pensacola.

For the quail: 8 whole bone-in or semi-boneless quail 1 pound medium or hot (spicy) boudin sausage 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning (your favorite brand) 1 cup Madeira wine 3/4 cup chicken broth 2 teaspoons unsalted butter 1 sprig fresh thyme 1 sprig fresh savory 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour 1/4 cup chicken broth Pinch of sugar Pinch of kosher salt 4 cups prepared greens 4 cups prepared grits

For the quail:

Preheat oven to 350°. Remove the sausage and rice mixture from its casing. Divide and stuff each quail with the boudin. Place them breast side up on a wire rack over a baking pan with the broth and herbs. Sprinkle with Cajun seasoning. Bake for 30 to 40 minutes, or until internal temperature on an instant-read thermometer reaches 165° when inserted into the center of the stuffing. Remove rack and the stuffed quail from the pan and set aside.

For the sauce:

Place the roasting pan directly over a medium-high burner. Add wine and scrape pan with a wooden spoon to release any tiny caramelized bits. In a small bowl whisk together the flour and chicken broth until smooth. Pour this flour mixture (white wash) into roasting pan and reduce heat to a low simmer for 5 minutes or until slightly thickened. Whisk in butter until it disappears. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt or sugar. Pour this sauce through a strainer and then spoon over the top and around the quail, grits, and wilted greens.

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Irv Miller Jackson’s Steakhouse Executive Chef

Snickerdoodles This is the recipe my grandmother used to make and my mom bakes and sends out to everyone for Christmas. I eat a ridiculous amount of cookies this time of year. I love making them, baking them, and eating them. I wish I could bottle up the smell of them cooking mixed with the smell of the Christmas tree to have all year long, but I guess that’s one of the reasons they’re so special.

Ingredients: 1 cup butter, soft 1 1/2 C. Sugar 2 eggs, room temp 2 3/4 C flour 2 t. cream of tartar 1 t. baking soda 1/2 t. salt Cinnamon sugar blend to coat.

Use a high quality cinnamon.

Cream the butter and sugar then add eggs.

Sift remaining dry ingredients and add to creamed mixture.

Amber Solnick Gourmand Provisions: Personal Chef, Caterer, and Consultant

Cover and let dough rest in fridge for at least an hour.

Roll into small balls and then toss into cinnamon sugar.

Cookies will spread, so place them on a cookie sheet with plenty of space.

Bake 400 for 8-10 minutes.

And if you are looking for another use for the leftover cinnamon sugar, toss with some popcorn

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PLAY•LIVE•GIVE Dec. 1

Pensacola State College presents Holiday Experience All aboard! Pensacola State College (PSC) is launching a new, one-of-a-kind holiday experience on campus starting at 5:30 pm on Tuesday, Dec. 1. Seasonal sounds and scrumptious goodies are all part of the journey that takes you through a star-sprinkled campus.

The experience begins at the PSC planetarium, where you may enjoy cocktails underneath a wintery night sky before boarding the PSC Holiday Express for a warm ride to a savory supper prepared by students in the culinary and hospitality programs. From there, participants can take a stroll to view works by the Visual Arts faculty. Finally, the experience ends with dessert and an old-fashioned singa-long with the PSC Concert Chorale at the last stop at Ashmore Fine Arts Center.

Dress is casual and tickets are $100 each. Proceeds benefit PSC students by going toward scholarships and programs.

For more info, contact the PSC Foundation at 850-484-1560 or foundation@pensacolastate.edu.

Dec. 5

Dec. 12

33rd Annual Pensacola Christmas Parade Join the holiday fun at the 2015 Pensacola Christmas Parade beginning at 5:15 pm on Saturday, Dec. 12. The event is sponsored by Cox Communications and draws over 50,000 people each year. This year eight bands will be featured from Escambia County, New Orleans and Mississippi. The parade will also feature the nationally renowned Blue Angels flight team and a host of organizations from around the region.

Proceeds from the event go to the local high school band booster organizations. For more info on the parade, check out coxpensacolachristmasparade.org. purchased at the gate are $15 for Thursday, $20 for Friday, $30 on Saturday and $40 on Sunday.

Admission is free to the event on Wednesday, Dec. 2. To find out more visit 5flagsspeedway. com or call 850-944-8400.

Dec. 2– 6

48th Annual Snowball Derby Rev up your engines for the 48th Annual Snowball Derby at Five Flags Speedway running from Dec. 2 until Dec. 6. The Snowball Derby has been the premier short track event since 1968, bringing drivers such as Mark Martin, Rusty Wallace, Darrel Waltrip, Bobby Allison and more.

The best drivers from across the country show up at the famous half-mile track to try and make the final 30 car field, and the driver who comes out on top after 300 laps can proudly call himself that year’s derby champ.

General admission tickets 44

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2015 Pensacola International Airport Runway 5K Run Pensacola International Airport and the City of Pensacola are excited to welcome thousands of runners and walkers to get a never-before-seen view of the airport. All proceeds from this year’s run go to benefit the USO in Northwest Florida. Participants will make their way around 3.1 miles of airport ground with two separate loops on Runway 17/35 and Taxiway A. Takeoff is at 10 am on Saturday, Dec. 5. For more details, or to register now, visit runway5K.com.

Dec. 3

A.B.C. Beverage Tastings Atlas Oyster House is hosting another round of A.B.C. Beverage Tastings by Shipyard Brewing Co. at 6 pm on Dec. 3. Get ready to sip and savor some of the following food and drink combos: Shipyard Export Ale paired with fried jalapenos, Shipyard Monkey Fist paired with smoked Gouda grits fritters, Sea Dog Blue Paw Wildberry Wheat Ale paired with balsamic ketchup-glazed meatballs, and Sea Dog Sunfish paired with peach parfait. Seating is limited and reservations are required. Make your reservation now by calling Lauren Smith at 850-516-2324.

December 2015

Dec. 5

Santa Pub Crawl Santas are taking over Downtown Pensacola for O’Riley’s third annual Santa Pub Crawl starting at 3 pm on Saturday, Dec. 5, because nothing says Christmas like hundreds of Santas on the streets. Dress up as the jolly, Saint Nick and visit some of the best downtown bars. Costumes are mandatory and participants are encouraged to get creative with their wardrobes. O’Riley’s Irish Pub will keep the holiday spirit going with a raffle at the end of the crawl, plus free t-shirts and holiday swag. There is no registration fee, instead participants are encouraged to bring either a money or toy donation for Toys 4 Tots. All crawlers must be over the age of 21. For more information, call 850-912-4001, or email orileysirishpub@gmail.com.

Dec. 5

Pensacola Beach Lighted Boat Parade Get ready for another year of nautical nonsense for the 2015 Pensacola Beach Lighted Boat Parade on Dec. 5 starting at 6:30 pm from the Sabine Marina to Pensacola Beach Boardwalk. The sparkling spectacle of decorated vessels parading against a dark December sky delights those watching from the shore or a waterfront Beach business.

Look for Santa on the lead boat, and the Kids party at Shaggy’s from 4:30 to 6 pm. Fireworks shoot off at 8 pm. Find out more at pensacolabeachchamber. com

Dec. 5

The Choral Society of Pensacola presents Handel’s Messiah The Choral Society of Pensacola is presenting its annual performance of Handel’s Messiah on Saturday, Dec. 5, in celebration of the society’s 80th season. Experience the beauty and majesty of Handel’s beloved oratorio performed by soloists and a 60-voice choir along with an orchestra comprised of some of the area’s finest musicians

Through Dec. 15

under the direction of Xiaolun Chen. Tickets range from $25 to $30. For ticket reservations, visit pensacolasaenger.com.

Dec. 11

First City Art Center presents Hot Glass, Cold Brew First City Art Center (FCAC) is proud to present another year of Hot Glass, Cold Brew from 5 to 9 pm at 1060 N. Guillemard St. on Friday, Dec. 11. The fundraising event directly supports FCAC and its programs, and for those who sign up for a new membership that evening—your entry will be free! While supplies last, each guest will receive a handblown glass or hand-thrown pottery cup to fill with a special brew courtesy of Pensacola Bay Brewery and Escambia Bay Homebrewers—both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.

In addition to an 18 String Army entertaining the crowd with jazzy, seasonal tunes, there will be several live art demonstrations in hot glass, flame working, pottery, silks dying, painting and more. The event will feature John Almaguer, a guest glass artist from Ashville, N.C. Suggested donations for entry are $25 for non-members and $20 for members. For more info, call 850-429-1222, or visit firstcityart.org.

Dec. 11

Newsboys at Pensacola Bay Center Renowned for their high-energy live performances, Newsboys will one again showcase a string of iconic hits, including their number one single to date “We Believe,” during their show at Pensacola Bay Center on Dec. 11, as part of the We Believe God’s Not Dead Tour. The Christian band’s fall tour is slated to visit more than 40 cities, and the Grammy-nominated band will make its way to Pensacola just before the tour ends on Dec. 13.

Doors open at 6 pm and the show starts at 7 pm. Tickets range $26 to $45 along with a special family four-pack deal for $80. For more information, or to purchase tickets, visit pensacolabaycenter.com.

Dec. 18

Ballet Pensacola’s The Nutcracker Journey through a glistening winter wonderland and the whimsical Land of the Sweets during the showing of Ballet Pensacola’s take on the holiday classic, The Nutcracker.

Experience the magic of this performance featuring the tale of young Clara and her nutcracker prince. Share the enchantment with your family and friends at The Saengaer Theatre on Friday, Dec. 18 starting at 7 pm. Tickets range $23 to $35. To reserve your seats, visit pensacolasaengar.com.

Dec. 11 – 13 & 17 – 20

PLT presents Irving Berlin’s White Christmas Don’t be a humbug—get into the holiday spirit with Irving Berlin’s White Christmas to be performed at Pensacola Little Theatre (PLT) Dec. 11-13 and 17-20. The story focuses on two friends and veterans, Bob Wallace and Phil Davis, who have a successful song-and-dance act after World War II. The dazzling music features well-known standards including “Blue Skies,” “I Love a Piano,” “How Deep is the Ocean” and, of course, the magical favorite “White Christmas.” All shows start at 7:30 pm, except on Sundays when shows begin at 2:30 pm. Tickets are $12 to $30 each. For more information, go to pensacolalittletheatre. com.

Dec. 12

Christmas Parade Dash Preceding the popular Pensacola Christmas Parade is the 1.2 mile Christmas Parade Dash, sponsored by the Pensacola Runners Association. With nearly 400 runners each year, the dash uses the parade route prior

to the start of the parade. The race begins at 5 pm and takes you through the downtown area lined with thousands of cheering people. The course ends at Plaza Ferdinand where a large candy cane is handed to each finisher. To learn more about the dash, or to sign up, visit pensacolarunners.com.

Dec. 12

Santa Drop Santa Claus is parachuting down to the Flora-Bama. Drop by for a day filled with fun for all ages, especially with vocal performances by Cath Pace & Santa’s Helpers who sing Christmas carols with the children. Bring nonperishable food items for donations to the Bay Area Food Bank, or an unwrapped toy donation for Toys 4 Tots, and receive a free drink on the house. Festivities begin at noon with childrens’ activities, free eats and hot drinks to keep you warm this chilly season. Admission is free, but don’t forget to bring your donations. Learn more about the Santa Drop at florabama. com.

The African American Heritage Society presents Isaac Burns Murphy: Prince of Jockeys Join the African American Heritage Society (AAHS) for the traveling exhibit dedicated to the life of Isaac Burns Murphy at the AT & T Gallery, Coulson House, 200 East Church St., and Historic Pensacola Village. The exhibit explores the significance of African American men to the development of horse racing as a spectator sport and how Murphy came to be known as the “Prince of Jockeys.”

Admission to the exhibit is free and open to the public Tuesdays through Saturdays from 10 am to 4 pm. For more information call 850-469-1456, or visit aahspensacola.org.

Dec. 21

Saengar Theatre presents A Christmas Carol Join the audience at Saengar Theatre on Monday, Dec. 21 at 7:30 pm to experience the heartwarming tale of A Christmas Carol. The production features a spirited ensemble of 23 performers and a full array of timeless carols such as “Go Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen,” “Away In a Manager,” “Here We Come A-Wassailing,” which are interwoven within the classic story of a tight-fisted, middle-class merchant named Ebenezer Scrooge. The colorful scenery and elaborate costumes faithfully recreate the Victorian period, and lively dancing and dazzling special effects combine to create a spectacular holiday treat for the entire family.

Tickets range $40 to $50, and you may reserve your seats online at pensacolasaengar.com.

Through Dec. 24

Santa Photo Experience at Cordova Mall Holiday magic returns to Cordova Mall as the Santa Photo Experience opens to greet bright-eyed visitors with their wish lists on Nov. 7.

Children can be photographed with Santa beginning Nov. 7 – Dec. 24 in Center Court. Visit cordovamall.com for photo times and photo prices.

December 2015

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Dec. 26

The

Ballet Pensacola Presents

Richard Steinert Artistic Director

Nutcracker The Saenger Theatre December 18 - 20, 2015 Tickets $23 - $35 800.745.3000 Generously Sponsored By Wind Creek Casino and Hotel Emerald Coast Smiles by Design Gulf Coast Community Bank Dr. and Mrs. Charles Roth The Santomauro Family Bernadette and Dr. Charles Wolff Additional Support By

PLT presents Light Up the Night What better way to wrap up the holiday season and gear up for the new year than to dress up in your cocktail attire and dance the night away with your closest friends?

Join the celebration at Pensacola Little Theatre for an evening of dancing, specialty cocktails, and the list goes on and on. The event will benefit Active Minds and Mental Health Counseling at UWF. Tickets are $40 per person, or $70 per couple. You may purchase tickets or find out more about the event at pensacolalittletheatre.com.

Dec. 31

The Pensacola Symphony Orchestra presents Piano Men Calling all Elton John and Billy Joel fans: The Pensacola Symphony Orchestra is bringing the tunes of two famous piano men, Elton John and Billy Joel, to Saenger Theatre for Piano Men on Thursday, Dec. 31. Piano Men is a tribute to the musical genius of Elton John and Billy Joel, who are both known for using the instrument in their amazing songs.

The orchestra will work in combination with a four-piece pop group who will feature arrangements from the ‘70s heyday of Elton and Billy’s hit albums. The show begins at 7 pm and tickets range $19 to $87. To reserve your seats now visit pensacolasaenger.com, or for more info on the orchestra, go to pensacolasymphony.com.

Dec. 31

Flora-Bama’s New Year’s Eve Bash Get down at Flora-Bama this New Year’s Eve and blow it all out before making those New Year’s resolutions. The bash starts at 7 pm and food, party favors, and champagne flow all night to help bring in the New Year the Flora-Bama way. Tickets include all-youcan-eat buffet from 7 pm to 12 am, free champagne, party favors and live music on all three stages. For more info, go to florabama.com.

Through Feb. 27 2016

PMA presents Collection in Context: Women Creating Pensacola Museum of Art will display Collection in Context: Women Creating, an exhibition from the museum’s permanent collection that highlights female modern and postmodern artists through a variety of media including photography, oil on canvas, and etchings. Public programs including a gallery talk, panel discussion and film accompany this exhibition. To learn more, go to pensacolamuseum.org.

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December 2015

Through Jan. 2, 2016

PMA presents Life Forms Pensacola Museum of Art will feature Life Forms, an exhibit by local artist, Don Manderson. Manderson uses the term “simultaneity” to encapsulate his work displayed within this exhibition. The term refers to the simultaneous and insistent nature of daily sensory experience in an increasingly technical society. The artist will discuss his body of work at an artist talk on Thursday, Dec. 3 from 5:30 to 6:30 pm. For more information on the exhibit, please visit pensacolamuseumt.org.

Through Jan. 2 2016

PMA presents Mucha: Master Artist of Art Nouveau The works of Czech-born graphic artist Alphonse Mucha are coming to Pensacola Museum of Art thanks to the museum’s collaboration with the Tampa Museum of Art, Boca Raton Museum of Art and Collection of Jack Rennert, New York. Mucha designed various commercial items, such as posters, magazine covers, and postcards.

With selected art from the Rowe Collection, Mucha: Master Artist of Art Nouveau exemplifies the lush intricacy of Mucha’s style and the organic, ornate linear design of the Art Nouveau movement. Opening reception is Friday, Oct. 23 from 5:30 to 7 pm. For more information visit pensacolamuseum.org.

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Pensacola Ice Flyers Home Games Who’s ready for hockey season? Join the Pensacola Ice Flyers as they hit the ice and make a run for the President’s Cup this season. The team is scheduled to play five home games in December at the Pensacola Bay Center. Get in on the action today and purchase your tickets or season passes by visiting pensacolaiceflyers.com.

Dec. 4: – vs. Macon Mayhem Dec. 5: – vs. Fayetteville FireAntz Dec. 18: – vs. Louisiana IceGators Dec. 26: – vs. Mississippi RiverKings Dec. 29: – vs. Huntsville Havoc

December 2015

pensacolamagazine.com

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Could you be our next cover model?

We’re looking for the perfect wedding model for the cover of Pensacola Magazine: Weddings 2016, and that model could be you!

Submit up to three of your individual wedding photos (high resolution please) to Kelly@ballingerpublishing.com, and you could be featured on the cover of the February 2016 issue. Editorial-style shots by your professional photographer are preferred.

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Please send us the photos by January 25, 2016.

48

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December 2015

SPECIAL SECTION

SPECIAL SECTION 53

TRANSPORTING FLORIDA FORWARD NEW TRANSPORTATION INITIATIVES REPRESENT THE FDOT’S ONGOING WOES AND WINS FOR NORTHWEST FLORIDA.

· OTHER STORIES ·

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PHILANTHROPIC PENSACOLA

THE POWER OF POSITIVITY

AROUND THE REGION

THOSE WHO HELP WEST FLORIDA MOVE PAST ITS CHALLENGES ARE HONORED AND THANKED FOR ALL THEY DO.

A FORMER POW USES THE POWER OF POSITIVE THOUGHT TO OVERCOME CHALLENGES AND USE LIMITED RESOURCES FOR BUSINESS EXCELLENCE AND EFFICIENCY.

FIND OUT WHAT IS HAPPENING IN BUSINESS, GOVERNMENT AND CULTURAL NEWS IN THE GREATER PENSACOLA AREA AND NORTHWEST FLORIDA.

nwflbusinessclimate.com | Business Climate | 49

PHILANTHROPIC PENSACOLA by Josh Newb y

Seeking only a better community and greater opportunity for all, the individuals and organizations who have given selflessly in West Florida have pushed this community through hurdles and challenges and on to better tomorrows. Much of what we take for granted in Pensacola, from educational programs to initiatives for the less fortunate, would not be possible without a select few who give so much. Once a year, they receive just a fraction of the recognition they deserve on National Philanthropy Day, hosted locally by the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP).

Founded in 1960, the AFP is the professional association of individuals responsible for generating philanthropic support for a wide variety of nonprofit, charitable organizations. Their membership reads like a who’s-who of far-reaching, perpetual impact.

Manna Food Bank feeds the hungry; Pensacola 50 | Business Climate | nwflbusinessclimate.com

State College, the University of West Florida and Northwest Florida State College provide quality educational opportunities with accessible, affordable tuition; the Foundation for Excellence in Education provides an extra margin of support for the Escambia K-12 schools; Baptist Health Care heals the sick; the Ronald McDonald House provides temporary housing for families of critically ill children; the Pensacola Opera and Pensacola Museum of Art provide quality cultural events; and the United Way of Escambia County provides support for many non-profit agencies in the Pensacola area.

As Pensacola has grown, so has the need for these organizations and others like them, and as the need has grown, so has the recognition for those willing and able to step up and shoulder the burden. The AFP has gone from giving out just two awards a few years ago to six in 2015. These include awards for

individuals and organization, initiatives and foundations.

The Levin Family was named Philanthropist of the Year, an award that recognizes an individual or family for exceptional generosity and civic responsibility demonstrated by significant financial contributions to charitable organizations in the community.

Fred and sister-in-law Teri Levin have donated literally hundreds of thousands of dollars of their own money to non-profit organizations and advocacy initiatives in Northwest Florida in their lifetime. The YMCA, Gulf Coast Kids House and more would simply not exist without them. Few have changed the fabric of this community so positively as the Levins, and for that they were honored as Philanthropists of the Year.

Cox Communications was named Philanthropic Business of the Year, an award that recognizes a

Business Climate SPECIAL SECTION

corporation or business for its philanthropic impact in the community through direct and indirect support of charitable projects. Leaders in this entity must demonstrate a high level of community spirit and participation, motivating employees and colleagues to support charitable activity. Cox recently gave $300,000 to the YMCA of Northwest Florida and regularly contributes to the University of West Florida and Gallery Night to keep the vibrancy and education of Pensacola intact. A national organization that believes in helping the communities it serves, Cox stays engaged in local issues and often recognizes others for their contributions to the city.

The Gulf Power Transformers was named Philanthropic Service Organization of the Year, an award that recognizes a community-based organization whose grant programs, donations and charitable activities significantly enrich the community.

The recipient provides visible leadership and incentive for others to pursue philanthropic activity that serves many segments of the community. Each year the employee-driven Gulf Power Transformers contributes donations and volunteer hours to aid many charitable and community projects throughout Northwest Florida, including an annual campaign for United Way, local Ronald McDonald House fundraising events, collecting and delivering children’s gifts at Christmas to low income families, supporting military initiatives and more.

D.W. McMillan Foundation and Switzer Brothers Charitable Foundation both received the award for Outstanding Charitable Foundation award. This award recognizes a foundation whose grant programs reflect an understanding of community needs and support local not-for-profits in clear and powerful ways. The Outstanding Charitable Foundation of the Year reflects leadership in giving and problem solving opportunities. The D.W. McMillan Foundation is an offshoot of the memorial hospital in Brewton, Ala. and has donated more than $40 million in the past 20 years and was pivotal in launching the UWF Nursing Center’s Simulation Learning Center Birthing Suite.

“After learning about all the community-based philanthropic projects that the D.W. McMillan Trust and Foundation supports, I realize how far

their work reaches into Pensacola’s growth and development,” said prior winner Quint Studer.

“Their generosity has helped hundreds of agencies continue to carry out their respective missions and make our community a better place to live. They do it for all the right reasons.”

The Switzer Brothers Charitable Foundation is an independent foundation established in 1999.

Giving primarily in Pensacola, their stated fields of interest include museums, art, scholarships, financial support and at risk children for independence.

Since inception, the Switzer Brothers Charitable Foundation has contributed thousands to area non-profits including gifts to scholarships, PACE Center, YMCA, Arc Gateway, Favor House and many others too numerous to list.

“Our area is so very fortunate to have the individuals in these families with the vision and financial commitment to help others,” said Dr. Ed Meadows, president of Pensacola State College.

DeeDee Davis was named Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser, presented to an individual with a proven track record of ongoing, significant commitment to fundraising for one or more organizations. Davis is a well-known city socialite,

facilitating and attending a range of fundraising functions and working with the Council on Aging and other organizations.

Martha Lee Blodgett was recognized as Outstanding Fundraising Professional, an award designed for an outstanding individual fundraising professional who practices his/her profession in an exemplary manner. Blodgett serves as the associate vice president for UWF Advancement and in her role has founded the UWF Student Ambassador program, led the Alumni Organization through its first reorganization and even securing the major gift in 2007 that made UWF an all-Steinway school.

If this is your first time hearing some of these names, you are not alone. They fly under the radar, often make anonymous contributions and seek to improve the region quietly behind the scenes. Their works speak for them, however, and now their awards do, too. Pensacola is better because of them, and though you may not realize it, so are you.

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TRANSPORTING FLORIDA FORWARD

BY JOSH NEWBY

orthwest Florida’s state highway system is comprised of the arteries that connect our economic hubs, our centers for distribution, our regulatory agencies, and the end users—us and our neighbors. Just like utilities, food or any of the other necessary things in American life that we often take for granted, our highway system has behind it a vast network of engineers, planning professionals, money, and agencies that all work in tandem, knowing that their work is most successful when it is not even noticed.

Throughout Escambia, Santa Rosa and Okaloosa counties, there are almost 200 state highway construction projects planned or ongoing, some of which are minor like the addition of a turn lane, and others of which are major, such as the Pensacola Bay Bridge replacement. Through every project from repaving to the construction of new facilities, a huge number of organizations and people work together to maximize funds, minimize negative impact, alleviate traffic, and expedite completion.

Perhaps because of its name, many assume that the state highway system only includes, well, highways. But while many state roads are the traditional long stretches of asphalt with little traffic regulation, many of the streets we use everyday are also part of the system. Ownership of road is based on right of way and who owns the property on the road. While Florida is not a majority-share highway system state, according to FDOT Urban Planning Manager Bryant Paulk, the system does probably handle more than half of the average annual daily traffic count (AADT). That is a big part of how funding is allocated and usage is measured: not by the length of the road, but by its average annual usage.

While the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) handles funding, planning, studies, and contracting out the construction for nearly all state highway projects, no matter how minor or major, the agency relies on information from local bureaus like the Florida-Alabama Transportation Planning Organization (TPO). There are various TPOs throughout the state, all of whom conduct surveys and cost feasibility studies in order to plan for the future transportation needs of the region in a collaborative manner that is beneficial to all residents and visitors.

All five commissioners and Escambia and Santa Rosa counties sit on their local TPO board. Santa Rosa County Commissioner Jayer Williamson, who currently chairs the Florida-Alabama TPO, sees transportation—and local transportation planning—as vital to the state economy and overall welfare of the community.

“Our interstate corridor is vital to commerce, and all the roads that shoot off of that and lead to our businesses are important for sustainability into the future and for one-time usage for visitors from the west,” said Williamson. “We want to make sure we have projects that serve the needs of our constituents, but also the region.

That road does not stop at the county line. It continues on to help other people in other counties.”

The public echoes these sentiments. In the most recent survey conducted by the Florida-Alabama nwflbusinessclimate.com | Business Climate | 53

TPO, 72 percent of respondents said that transportation issues are “very important” to them and their family. Unfortunately, 65 percent said they do not have enough transportation choices. Most report traffic congestion, pedestrian safety, and the construction of new roads to be the three primary issues on which money should be spent.

TPOs across the state conduct surveys like these to gauge the opinion of those who most often use our state highway system for work, leisure, errands and general transportation. Using that data, combined with general maintenance requirements and feasibility, the TPO puts together a long-range plan for submittal to the FDOT. The most recent long-range plan goes through 2040 and foresees about $2.4 billion in transportation needs throughout the region.

“We put together what is essentially a wish list based on our data, knowing that not all of it is cost feasible right now and that most of it will be subject to further studies,” said Mary Robinson, transportation director for the West Florida Regional Planning Council.

In fact, the TPO only forecasts about $431 million in estimated revenue for the projects on its wish list, most of which comes from gas taxes. Therefore, it is up to the FDOT to put together a five-year plan, county by county, to invest in and pay for.

“So it goes from a very general 25-year planning outlook to a fiveyear implementation outlook,” said Robinson. “The FDOT really has to look at what’s going on in the current fiscal year and the short-term future.”

First, the FDOT conducts Project Development and Environment (PD&E) studies to meet the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act, but, also to study construction impacts on businesses and communities near the construction site. The study will help them determine the exact location and conceptual design of feasible build alternatives for roadway improvements. All along, a no-build alternative, which essentially projects what would happen if the facility remains in its current state, remains a viable alternative.

The PD&E study is expensive, often costing a million or more dollars, and is only complete when the FDOT accepts the considerations and proposals.

“The department does its best during this phase to minimize negative impact and balance all aspects of the project to make it the best it can be for the larger highway system and all communities and businesses involved,” said Paulk.

If the FDOT selects the “build” alternative, the project moves on to the design phase, during which the department works with traffic engineers and contractors to prepare detailed, time-effective construction plans.

After the plans are set, the department sets out to acquire the rightof-way for new construction. This phase is critical to regional buy-in and goodwill toward the project. If the new facility is scheduled to rollout over a portion of an existing business’ parking lot, for example, the department will not only pay for that land but will estimate the lost income to that business as a result and pay damages in that amount.

Last but certainly not least, construction begins only after all of the aforementioned has taken place. The department advertises the bid, vets responses, and oftentimes tacks on a timeline incentive for early completion.

LOCAL GOVERNMENT “We try to spread out our projects and OWNS AND OPERATES bids, because there’s only a certain number of 107,674 MILES OF contractors and we have to work with them ROADWAY IN THE STATE. and their schedules to make sure they align

THE FDOT OWNS AND OPERATES 12,099 MILES OF ROADWAY IN THE STATE.

54 | Business Climate | nwflbusinessclimate.com

“

The department does its best to minimize negative impact and balance all aspects of the project to make it the best it can be for the larger highway system and all communities and businesses involved.

”

with our timelines,” said Paulk. winter 2014, the project hit a couple But what happens when a new snags that should have probably been construction project drags on for much caught in the PD&E and planning longer than anyone anticipated or phases, such as questionable soil any business wanted? That condition, confliction with power happened with the stilllines, a high water table and THE FEDERAL ongoing Avalon Boulevard roadway base failure. Parts of the GOVERNMENT construction in Santa Rosa project had to be redesigned on the OWNS AND County. The six-year, $40 fly to deal with the new challenges, OPERATES million undertaking that and Paulk admitted that the 2,315 MILES OF stretches five miles from FDOT may have been a bit eager ROADWAY IN THE to use funding on the project.

I-10 to US 90. The endeavor STATE. included facility widening, “We had a lot in the pipeline at sidewalk additions and the that time,” said Paulk. “We were so construction of a service road, and it excited for Avalon to improve.” has been blamed for the closure of small Robinson agreed that when funding businesses, a golf resort and lots of is awarded, departments can become congestion-related headaches. over-eager.

Originally expected to complete by Construction mishaps like Avalon

Business Climate SPECIAL SECTION

photo: herb neufeld

highlight the need for patience and prudence in the early stages of transportation planning. While long-lasting projects are a frequent complaint of travelers and a stereotype of the industry, it is important to remember all the roadways we travel everyday were built and maintained without even our slightest notice.

“You have to plan your work and work your plan,” said Williamson.

“Transportation constantly teaches us that.”

After the new project is complete, it is subject to ongoing need-based resurfacing, which falls outside of the TPO’s recommendation purview.

The FDOT handles other maintenance needs, as well, based on necessity like bridge repair and replacement.

Some projects that will reach the construction phase in the next few years in Escambia County include replacement of the Pritchett Mill Bridge ($1 million), Penasula Creek Bridge ($1.2 million), Boggy Creek Bridge ($3.2 million), and Pine Barren Creek Bridge ($4.34 million). Also important to Escambia County is the ferry boat landing at Quietwater Beach, expected to start in either late 2016 or early 2017 and cost $862,000.

Most upcoming Santa Rosa and Okaloosa County construction projects are road resurfacing and school area sidewalk construction.

Some exciting projects included on the TPO’s adopted cost feasible plan are: • Widen Nine Mile Road to four lanes from Mobile Highway to Beulah Road (construction cost: $11.3 million) • Widen US 98 to six lanes from Bayshore Drive to Portside Drive (construction cost: $22.4 million) • New bus route and service to Navy Federal via I-110 and US 90 from Pensacola and Milton, respectively (combined construction cost: $10.8 million) • Major intersection improvement at I-10 and US 29 (construction cost: $77.76 million) • Widen I-10 to six lanes from Nine Mile Road interchange to US 29 (construction cost: $38.7 million) The most notable yet unfunded project is an improvement to the 17th Avenue/Bayfront Parkway intersection. The concept’s PD&E is scheduled, and $5.2 million for design and $6 million for right-ofway acquisition has been funded,

yet the endeavor boasts $40.3 million shortage in construction funding.

It is not unusual for projects to only proceed as funding allows.

In fact, 25 projects on the adopted cost feasible plan have scheduled or completed PD&E and design phases with right-of-way and/or construction funding shortages.

Transportation is a vital part of our larger national economy and is routinely one of the most underfunded aspects of our infrastructure as a country. The system is necessary, however, to our way of life, the way we do business, and the way we get away from it all.

It takes a village to keep the state’s cars and trucks moving smoothly. A village, and a whole lot of money.

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Col. Edward Hubbard is a decorated retired Air Force pilot who spent six and a half years in captivity as a POW in North Vietnam. The experience taught him about the power of positive thinking and gave him the ability to use the resources at hand to solve complex problems. Since then, he has become a motivational speaker and management consultant, an artist and a photographer, and a best-selling author. He spoke with Northwest Florida’s Business Climate about his experiences, his opinions on the world, and how he would fix problems ranging from ISIS and the middle east to business redundancy and inefficiency.

Col. Hubbard spoke at the Panhandle Tiger Bay Club on Nov. 20 about his experiences in the famous Hanoi Hilton, sponsored by Col. Bill Tabb and Pat Windham.

BY JOSH NEWBY

THE POWER OF POSITIVITY nwflbusinessclimate.comBusiness | Business Climate|| 57 57 nwflbusinessclimate.com Climate

T

ell me about your military experience and career.

I joined the Air Force when I was 17. I was enlisted for seven years. I kept applying to flying school and finally got accepted after seven years. I went through an aviation cadet program, which was a great program that no longer exists.

I got my wings in 1962, went through advanced training to become a navigator bombardier, then took an assignment to Europe and spent three years there roughly. Then I went from Europe to Southeast Asia to fly in the Vietnam War. I was there for exactly 30 days when I was shot down during my 26th combat mission in North Vietnam. I spent the next six years, seven months and 12 days in captivity. I came home in 1973 and was medically grounded for one year. Then I went back to Phoenix, then to Eglin, then to the War College in Montgomery and came back to Eglin. I retired in 1990.

Did you have the option to leave the service after being rescued from capture?

Oh yeah. I came home in 1973 at 18 years of service. I had two more years until I could’ve retired. I stayed on active duty for 17 more years.

Why did you stay on even after being a POW? All I ever wanted to do was fly airplanes. In those days, you could get out and fly commercially but my training was not as a pilot; it was as a navigator, so the opportunities to get out and go to the airlines did no exist. I wasn’t ever interested in that in the first place.

Flying an airplane flat and straight for between three and 15 hours sounds like the most boring thing I can imagine.

I always wanted to fly fighters. I came back and got to fly fighters for 12 years.

Hard to beat that.

Did you experience PTSD or any type of mental condition in the aftermath of your capture?

No, I don’t believe in PTSD. Why not?

Well, the psychiatrists get very uptight when I say this, but I believe that if you took anybody in this room and sit them down and tell them they’re screwed up, they would become screwed up. I could talk them into that. If you spent the same amount of time telling people there’s nothing wrong with them and they just have to deal with the world as it’s been presented to them, I think the problem of PTSD would go away. What happens every time there’s a

shooting or something in a school? They close the school, bring in the shrinks and tell the kids not to worry about this. I don’t believe in that. I think that’s the wrong approach. We live in a nation where we are all victims and don’t know how to deal with the world.

I know a big subject of your talks is the power of the mind and positive thought. Is that something you discovered in your capture or did you always believe in that?

I always had kind of an undercurrent or feeling that I could do anything I wanted to if I could put in the effort.

I didn’t have great confidence in that concept, though. I believed in that concept but I wasn’t absolutely certain.

What I think happened in captivity, it cemented in my mind because we actually did this. We didn’t have a choice; we were going to die if we didn’t deal with it. We learned to deal with horrible situations every day, without any resources, without any outside help. That gives you a level of confidence that exceeds anything most people understand. Very few things have happened in my life since I went to prison that I feel stressful toward. I don’t deal with stress; I don’t have time for it. You can’t come up with anything that’s worse than having a guy come up and threaten to shoot a hole in your head. When he does that and you challenge him, from that day forward the world looks completely different.

How were your relationships when you got back?

My first wife was an alcoholic when I got back. I stayed married to her for six and a half years. I promised I’d never ever give her an ultimatum but I did. I said, “I give you 90 days to get your life together and get professional help. Get over this or I will leave.” Ninety days later I left.

At what point did you discover that what you learned in captivity had broader business and management applications?

In the Air Force, every time I got back, I would take over as the boss because of my rank. I was amazed at how many thing the Air Force dealt with that no one knew what to do.

I suddenly realized that because we

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had faced a world where there were no options. I always tell people that the first thing you learn in prison is that problemsolving is not optional. You have to solve the problems or you die. Once you’ve been down that road, the problems we face in America are almost mundane. So I utilized what I assumed to be the way we all ought to be living and said, “Every problem has a solution. I expect you to improve everything you’re doing every day. If you can’t do that, go somewhere else.” So I was pretty brutal to work for.

I made no bones about it. I expect great performance and improvement every day.

And that’s what I say in my speeches.

I’ve spoken to over four million people in 16 different countries. What really got me started with that was in 1980 there was a great movement that came through America called Total Quality Management. It was a concept invented by an American at the end of World War II. He tried to sell it here unsuccessfully so he went to Germany where they had some serious problems and he sold it there. By 1980, the American people who had led the world in everything were suddenly way behind in almost everything to the Japanese. Their quality, their products, everything you bought in America was made in Japan. So this book on Total Quality Management had these premises that I didn’t believe in. So I got caught up in going to Air Force quality improvement conferences where everyone was pushing Total Quality Management and I was there as the devil’s advocate to tell you why it wouldn’t work. And it didn’t work.

So the Air Force finally accepted that it made more problems than anything.

Once I took that stand, industries got very interested in me. I became well-known in the quality circles as the guy who could explain common sense approaches.

Because I was in the Air Force, I had a lot of dealings with defense contractors when I first started doing this. It evolved over time and it became apparent that the need is there for common sense. All you have to do is look at what happened in Paris last month. Everybody’s trying to figure out what to do. Nobody’s got any sense of what to do or do what needs to be done. That’s where my expertise comes in. We face probably the most horrible situation in America that we’ve ever faced in the history of the country. It seems to be near no leadership from anybody, especially not in Washington, DC. And

so we the people are going to have to start doing something. I’m not talking about a revolution; I’m talking about making this problem go away. We either have to go out and actively participate in making it go away or at least support the people who are participating. The people who can make this go away work for the government because they’re in the military.

In a normal war, there’s frontline and uniforms so you know who the good guys and bad guys are. That doesn’t exist anymore and will probably never exist in our lifetimes again. So how do you resolve the problem? One solution is to kill all the bad guys, and if you can’t identify them, kill everybody and sort them out later.

But that’s not a viable solution in today’s world because there’s too many people who think you shouldn’t kill just anybody.

The other option is to cut off their supply, and their money comes from oil. You have to slow their flow of oil. Ironically, because of the events in Paris last month, we are blowing up all their tanker trucks.

That’s the way the world works. You have to decide where to cut their link. You’d like to not blow up the oil fields because that’s good resource to have available.

Blowing up their trucks makes their life more difficult, and slowly but surely you change the way their life exists.

Think about this: the reason we don’t just wipe them off the map is because the world screams “collateral damage.”

Those are all the folks who get killed and are innocent, so to speak. If they support ISIS, they are not the good guys. They’re part of the problem. In World War II, no one asked about collateral damage in Berlin when we leveled the city. We pulverized their city. No one worried about fire-bombing Tokyo. Those were the centers of their universe. We had no

“I don’t deal with stress; I don’t have time for it. You can’t come up with anything that’s worse than having a guy come up and threaten to shoot a hole in your head.

When he does that and you challenge him, from that day forward the world looks completely different.”

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qualms with going over there and annihilating men, women, children, whatever. There’s no reason to believe that option is not available to us today. You have to get their attention. The guy who did that was President Truman. We nuclear bombed Japan until they surrendered.

Things aren’t quite that cut and dry, of course.

But they will quit.

Because of the nature of ISIS, they will never quit, but they might draw their claws in a little bit. We have to get them to draw them in. There’s another group of nuts who stormed a hotel and captured 170 hostages. About 80 or so are now free, but they’ve already killed people. They took innocent people staying at the hotel. They call them in, put them in a group, and tell them to quote the Quran or they kill them. Those people are Islamic nuts.

They support ISIS. They’re not associated directly with them, but they’re in the same thought process. You need to kill them all.

They kidnapped over 200 schoolgirls a year ago and we’ve never done anything about that.

The problem is we went to Iraq and stayed and stayed, so people are tired of war. But we have to send them a message and say you cannot do this with total impunity. Unless we take that step, we are going to be fighting this war right here in Pensacola. We are like the fall of the Roman Empire. That’s what I feel. We haven’t started feeding the Christians to the lions yet, but that’s coming. It won’t be the lions; it’ll be the lions of the modern world—ISIS. What caused the Roman Empire to collapse wasn’t a big thing all of a sudden, it was lots of little things that happened while they were busy partying.

We have the obligation to make the world right, not because we are the world’s police force, but because we are the only ones. We need to gather together the European countries and come together and address this and realize this war is against everybody. We’ve all been fighting it in our backyard for a long, long time. We all have a vital role to play. In the last month we have seen us all bombing the same general area, and that’s a big step forward. We’re steadily building a coalition. You got to fight the war, or you have to bail out. If you bail out, you become an isolationist and create a void that created this in the first place.

Do you see parallels between military strategy and business strategy?

I think you have to know what your goal is. You have to have a desired end result. And then you have to create a strategy that allows you to go there with a minimum amount of grey. The greatest void we have in our country today is a lack of leadership. We do not have 60 | Business Climate | nwflbusinessclimate.com

any leaders, people who are willing to stand up and expect people to join them. The first time I ever spoke in front of people, a lady turned to me and said, “What are you trying to do, take over the world?” I said, “I hadn’t thought of it.” If you want to do that, study the great leaders of history: Khan, Napoleon, Hitler. Those people know how to get a very large number of people gathered together and pointed the same way. They did it for all the wrong reasons, but if you do the same thing for the right reasons, you can change the world. That’s why she asked me to speak.

There is a way to do all this and it’s our responsibility.

Somebody has to say, “This is where we’re going and this is how we’re going to do it.”

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Business Climate SPECIAL SECTION

around the region

Endovascular neurosurgeon joins Sacred Heart Medical Group

Hayward endorses Governor Scott’s proposed reforms for Enterprise Florida

Dr. Lincoln Jimenez, an experienced neurosurgeon with advanced training in vascular neurosurgery, has joined Sacred Heart Medical Group and will practice at Sacred Heart Hospital.

Dr. Jimenez will utilize Sacred Heart Hospital Pensacola’s new biplane technology that will be ready to use in late January of 2016. The biplane system produces highly detailed threedimensional views of blood vessels leading to the brain and within the brain, and their relationship to the tissues of the head and neck.

On Nov. 20 Mayor Ashton Hayward announced his support for Governor Scott’s proposed reforms for Enterprise Florida, including the creation of the Florida Enterprise Fund.

Hayward said, “I’m proud to fully support the proposal to create the Florida Enterprise Fund and improve the economic development process at Enterprise Florida. Enterprise Florida has been integral to creating jobs and expanding opportunities in our community.

These reforms will continue to diversify our local economy, empower our small businesses, and create even more great jobs in Northwest Florida.”

The proposed economic reforms, which have been endorsed by the Enterprise Florida Executive Board, include: • Creating a new $250 million competitive fund called the “Florida Enterprise Fund.”

• Making the Florida Enterprise Fund a state trust fund to replace the existing escrow account to allow the state’s investment to accrue more interest.

• Increasing the Legislature’s role in competing for job creation projects by requiring that any deal over $1 million have the approval of the Speaker of the House and the Senate President, as well as the Governor.

• Reforming the return on investment requirements by eliminating the use of waivers and requiring a 10 percent annualized return on top of the original amount invested in a company.

• Streamline the state’s approval process while continuing to ensure that NO tax dollars leave the state trust fund until a company meets specific job creation goals spelled out in their contract.

International Paper wins 2015 AF&PA Sustainability award for water stewardship The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) recognized International Paper as a leader in sustainability with a 2015 AF&PA Sustainability Award.

The award was presented at AF&PA’s annual meeting on Friday, Nov. 13 in San Antonio, Tex. International Paper received the Leadership in Sustainability Award for Water conservation efforts, specifically for their Pensacola Mill/Emerald Coast Utilities Authority (ECUA) Partnership project. Designed to recognize exemplary sustainability programs and initiatives in the paper and wood products manufacturing industry, AF&PA’s annual sustainability awards are given based on the merit of entries received across multiple categories.

Sacred Heart named one of the nation’s 50 top cardiovascular hospitals Sacred Heart Hospital in Pensacola has been named a winner of the Truven Health 50 Top Cardiovascular Hospitals award.

In announcing its annual awards for the 50 hospitals on Nov. 16, Truven said the winning hospitals, which were selected from more than 1,000 U.S. hospitals, “provide outstanding care and set new standards in excellence for this high-profile service line.”

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be moved Three Missions. One Big Impact.

Learn what Pensacola Sports is doing to move our community through world-class athletic event management, sports tourism promotion, and giving back with scholarships and grants through our Foundation.

Be active. Be inspired.

BE MOVED.

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around the region

Ground broken for $3M Charles W. Lamar Studio Gallery at PSC Ground was broken Nov. 16 for the $3 million Charles W. Lamar Studio Gallery at Pensacola State College. A $1 million gift from the Lamar, Reilly and Switzer families in 2014 served as seed money for the construction of the 10,000-square-foot addition to the Anna Lamar Switzer Center for Visual Arts. The remaining $2 million for the project will come from capital project funds.

The project is scheduled to be completed in late 2016.

Mayor Hayward appointed to Florida Commission on Community Service (Volunteer Florida) On Nov. 13, Gov. Rick Scott announced his appointments, including Mayor Ashton Hayward, to the Florida Commission on Community Service, otherwise known as Volunteer Florida.

Volunteer Florida is the lead agency for volunteerism and national service in Florida. The agency administers $31.7 million in federal, state, and local funding for national service and volunteer programs across the state.

Volunteer Florida is guided by a bipartisan board of Commissioners, who are appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Florida Senate.

“I am truly honored about this appointment to the Volunteer Florida Board and to represent volunteerism. I have always been a big advocate for giving back and that’s what community service is about. When you step up and give back you have the opportunity to change the lives of many,” Hayward said.

Hayward fills a vacant seat for a term ending September 14, 2018.

City awarded stormwater grant for General Daniel “Chappie” James, Jr. Museum City of Pensacola officials were recently notified that the Florida Department of Environmental Protection has approved a grant proposal to develop a low impact stormwater retrofit of the parking area and site of the proposed General Daniel Chappie James, Jr. Museum.

The grant proposal “Stormwater Retrofit Chappie James Home (historic site)” is for a total of $100,000 grant funds and $75,000 match funds for funding consideration from the Short term Section 319(h) grant administered by the Nonpoint Source Management Section.

The grant will fund the installation of the following Best Management Practices (BMP’s): porous parking surfaces, dry retention pond, rain gardens with bio-retention plantings and vegetated swales. It will make a contribution to stormwater management by retaining 100 percent of stormwater runoff during a two-year storm event, reducing pollutants flowing to Pensacola Bay and Bayou Texar. It will simultaneously serve as a demonstration site for Best Management Practices (BMP’s) for low impact developments, showing simple installations that can be made by other property owners and small site developers as a means of contributing to pollution control and stormwater reduction.

UWF Center for Research and Economic Opportunity names director of sponsored research The University of West Florida Center for Research and Economic Opportunity announced the addition of Dr. Mark Roltsch as UWF’s Assistant Vice President for Research and Director of the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs. He will also have a faculty appointment as Associate Professor in the Department of Exercise Science and Community Health.

Roltsch began Nov. 23 and manage the operations of all research and sponsored programs at UWF. He will report to Dr. Rick Harper, vice president for research and economic opportunity.

PSC receives Florida Campus Compact Awards In recognition of Pensacola State College’s commitment to integrate service with academic study and improve community life, the college recently received two statewide awards from Florida Campus Compact at their annual gala on the campus of Lynn University in Boca Raton.

PSC sophomore Brittany Hockey received the Student Excellence in Service Award and the college received the Campus Community Partnership Honorable Mention for service completed in the past academic year.

During her freshman year, Hockey amassed 352 service hours while maintaining a 3.85 GPA, making the Dean’s List, serving as president of the Student Veterans Association and working with the Student Government Association’s Volunteer Activity Board.

PSC received recognition for its longstanding, community partnership with Manna Food Pantries that includes yearround food collection and hands-on servicelearning projects at Manna’s warehouse as well as the Pick-a-Bowl and Fill-a-Bowl fundraising events. nwflbusinessclimate.com | Business Climate | 65

PENSACO L A S Y M P H O N Y O R C H E S T R A

BRAHMS SYMPHONY NO. 2

OPENING NIGHT

November 7, 2015 - 7:30pm

October 3, 2015 - 7:30pm

with Cicely Parnas, Cello

with Jorge Luis Prats, Piano

M A S T E R W O R K S

2015 | 2016 CONCERT SEASON

Strauss Don Juan

Grieg

Suite No. 1 from Peer Gynt

Saint-SaĂŤns

Cello Concerto

Brahms

Symphony No. 2

BEETHOVEN & BLUE JEANS

Tchaikovsky Francesca da Rimini

January 9, 2016 - 7:30pm

Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto No. 2

Beethoven Adams Barber Gershwin

with Ilana Davidson, Soprano Symphony No. 2 Short Ride in a Fast Machine Adagio for Strings An American in Paris

and more!

OPTIONAL ADD-ON

SOUNDS OF EUROPE March 5, 2016 - 7:30pm

with Roberto Plano, Piano

SHOSTAKOVICH SYMPHONY NO. 10

RUSSIAN SPECTACULAR

April 30, 2016 - 7:30pm

April 2, 2016 - 7:30pm with Yevgeny Kutik, Violin

Smetana The Moldau De Falla Nights in the Gardens of Spain

Bruch Violin Concerto No. 1

Liadov Kikimora

Shostakovich Symphony No. 10

Prokofiev Violin Concerto No. 2

Sibelius Tapiola

with Jennifer Frautschi, Violin

Tchaikovsky Symphony No. 4

Respighi Roman Festivals

PIANO MEN

SYMPHONIE

ASHLEY BROWN Home For The Holidays

P O P S !

The Music of Elton John & Billy Joel

OPTIONAL ADD-ON

CIRQUE DE LA

December 4, 2015 7:30pm December 31, 2015 7:00pm

February 13, 2016 7:30pm

Call Now for Season Tickets!

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ARTISTS AND REPERTOIRE SUBJECT TO CHANGE. ALL CONCERTS PERFORMED AT THE SAENGER THEATRE.

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December 2015

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