Pensacola Magazine November 2015

art • entertainment • lifestyle

magazine

Foo foo ! k c a b is

s y a d e v l e w t , d o o f , t r a f o and fun!

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IMPACT 10 HOLIDAY EVENTS

MILITARY WORKING DOGS

ART WITH HEART ALEXANDRA COUSTEAU

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special business climate section inside NOVEMBER 2015 • PENSACOLAMAGAZINE.COM

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November 2015 | 5

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

Fall in Pensacola is my absolute favorite time of year. We get a respite from the Florida heat, but we get to keep the sunshine and gorgeous scenery. Now is the time for bonfires and s’mores, for breezy walks on the beach or in the woods, for bike rides and for giving thanks. For me, it’s also time to switch from white to red and to bust out those scarves, sweaters and boots I’ve been dying to wear. Plus, Pensacola is a virtual playground in the fall. While the Halloween events have come and gone, November brings its own brand of fall festivities.

To begin, we have the second annual Foo Foo Festival. We loved playing with illustrator Daiko Hachiya’s and Hummingbird Ideas’ branding and design elements to create our graphic cover in honor of Foo Foo Fest this month. This all-encompassing arts and culture event was wildly successful in its inaugural year and I know its second year will be even better. The brainchild of the nonprofit group Arts,

Executive Editor

Culture and Entertainment (ACE), Foo Foo pairs existing art events with unique cultural experiences for a 12 day celebration of everything artsy.

From beloved events like the Great Gulf Coast Arts Festival and The Blue Angels Homecoming show to new ideas like the opera’s Three Tenors and the Mess Hall’s Science in the Street, the festival offers something for everyone. It’s a true testament to our community that such a festival can be so successful. So, grab a scarf, throw on those boots and spend some time getting cultured this month. An in depth look at some of the events can found on page 38.

My family’s favorite November tradition is the magical post-Thanksgiving Elf Parade and Winterfest kickoff that takes place on Nov. 27 in downtown.

Where else can you dress like an elf, parade with Santa, meet Frosty and Rudolph, sip hot cocoa and nibble on holiday sweets? It’s great family fun and we look forward to it each year.

Pensacola has a lot of fun holiday traditions and we’ve compiled our annual list of holiday festivities on page 28.

just their money, but their time and their hearts as well. Once again, the group chose ten local nonprofits to receive significant grant funds to develop their programs. Read all about it on page 35. And kudos to these fantastic women who give so much!

You enrich our community in so many ways.

All of this, plus stories on a variety of other topics including the upcoming lecture by Alexandra Cousteau at WSRE’s Public Square Speaker’s Series. Cousteau is the granddaughter of legendary explorer Jacques Cousteau. Her talk on conservation and sustainable water management is a must see this month. We also have stories on the Mahabhuta Yoga Festival, an inspiring local artist, philanthropic high school students and an amazing dog named Cleo.

I hope you enjoy this issue and I hope you have a very happy Thanksgiving!

Beyond Pensacola’s great commitment to the arts is its even greater commitment to philanthropy. Perhaps one the most dynamic philanthropic groups this town has ever seen is IMPACT 100. This group of community minded women give annually of not

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.

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IN MEMORIUM: In Memory of our good friend John Franklin “Jay” Windham, Jr.

Pensacola recently lost one of its brightest young stars in Jay Windham. He left us way too soon; he had so much more to give. Anyone who met Jay was instantly taken with his warm smile. He never met a stranger. When you asked how he was he would immediately say, “I’m fine, but more importantly, how are you?” He was committed to giving back to the community and worked hard for many nonprofits. The American Cancer Society, Children’s Home Society and UWF have benefitted from Jay’s boundless energy.

Malcolm and I met Jay and his mom Pat in 2002 when we moved to Pensacola and took on Pensacola Magazine. They took us under their wing and introduced us to many people who have become good friends. Jay was tireless; nothing was too much trouble. He loved to cook and would often bring Ethan over to our house and cook for us all. Fun times indeed. However, it was Jay’s friendship and kindness to our son Andy that we will cherish most. Jay was a great comfort to Andy during his darkest days. When visiting him in hospital, Jay was there with that ear to ear smile, lifting the spirits of everyone, especially Andy.

Our lives are richer for having known Jay; we will keep the fond memories with us forever.

Glenys Ballinger

November 2015 | 7

Contents November 2015

Making an Impact

34

Foo Foo is Back

38

Page 10 with DeeDee Davis 10 Pensacola Scene 12 Alexandra Cousteau: 16 A Legacy of Conservation

Mahabhuta Yoga Fest 18 The Art of Masters: 20

Pensacola’s Up and Coming Street Artist

16

22

A Hero’s Heart 22

Retired Military Working Dog

50K for Turkey Day 24 Holiday Events 28 Play, Live, Give 45

28

Northwest Florida’s Business Climate Magazine Special Section 49 On the Cover: Foo Foo Fest Illustrations by Daiko Hachiya

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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

November 2015 | 9

page10 with DeeDee Davis

What an interesting season we are experiencing! Political campaigns are heating up creating tension and unleashing emotional rhetoric, leaving most of us just scratching our heads and wondering what’s up. As if the primaries weren’t bizarre enough, we also have the Kardashians. I may be one of the few who doesn’t understand the love affair with this family. Nothing about them is appealing to me—not their fashion, not their lifestyle, nothing. Until the most recent story about Khloe. Put yourself in this situation. You are supposedly divorced from an NBA star, only the judge hasn’t actually filed the mutually agreed upon divorce papers. Meanwhile, the estranged or ex or whatever goes to a brothel where he overdoses on cocaine and erectile dysfunction drugs. In a coma, he is rushed to a hospital and guess who has to make all decisions regarding his treatment and care? You can’t make this stuff up! I am not sure what made Khloe ride in on the white horse to save his miserable self—yes; I am passing judgment—but more power to her. I don’t think I have an arsenal of friends who would have done the same, staying by his side and making certain he had only the best of care. Many would suggest the type of care he deserved was something else, like poison.

But Khloe is given credit for nursing him back to health and, at least for now, the final divorce may not happen. Care to make a prediction here? My pre-season football picks have mostly fallen by the wayside, but I may take the Vegas odds on this one.

October is my favorite month on the Gulf Coast. The weather is usually beautiful and the calendar is filled with a variety of things to do.

Kelly Martines and Mindi Spangler. These two had a big crowd join them on the Fish House Deck for a casual Sunday afternoon party.

Natalie Ciano married Stuart Bainter on Oct. 3 and the two invited friends and family to celebrate with them that night at Pensacola Country Club. Natalie was beautiful in all white, accented by a gorgeous green emerald on her hand.

Guests danced all evening and enjoyed various specialty food stations beautifully presented

by PCC Chef Shayne Taylor.

Among those in attendance were John and Linda Williams; Bob Windham; Fred Aaron; Billy and Theresa Harrell; Roger and Pat Benjamin; Christine Williams; Walter Pierce; and Fred and Brenda Vigodsky.

Also celebrating a marriage after many years together were

Jackson’s Steakhouse treated a small group of media food critics to the rollout of Chef Irv Miller’s fall menu. He has created some dishes that combine the absolute best of our coastal seafood along with a few game specialties. I usually stick with the seafood and his classic dishes, but hey, it’s fall. Even for those who don’t love game, his recipes are really good. Malcolm and Glenys Ballinger were there along with Wendi Summers; and Julio Diaz. Chef Miller has his first cookbook, Panhandle to Pan coming out this month and will be officially launched at a book signing at Jackson’s on Nov. 9 from 2 to 4 pm. The event is free and open to the public.

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One of the highlights of October is always the First City Art Center Pumpkin Patch. More than 2000 pumpkins were sold to a frenzied crowd on Oct. 10.

Miss out? You can always contact the Center and see if you can commission a few more. Joe Hobbs, one of the artists who started the tradition, is usually glad to help. The pumpkins are wonderful gifts and collectibles.

Rick Outzen and the Independent News hosted the annual Best of the Coast party at Palafox Place in late October.

The highly coveted awards drew a packed house as guests were recognized for achievement in their categories and enjoyed sumptuous treats prepared by the Fish House. Among the many prize winners were the entire team from Downtown Anytime Fitness; Logan DeVries; Tina Tortomase; Lewis and Belle

Bear; Charlotte Gordon; Bobby Likis and Diane Somer; and Amber Solnick.

And what is October without the annual WSRE TV Wine and Food Classic? The popular event, now in its 27th year and considered by most to be the first of local foodie events, has grown from a single wine tasting into a full weekend of savory stuff. The kickoff was held at Gulfside Hilton Pensacola Beach, with amazing food prepared by 22 regional chefs.

Seriously, for an event such as this, it was the best food ever with a special shout out to the Grand Marlin for their entry. The evening was perfect for the outdoor beachside cocktail party where more than 300 guests gathered to support public television. Station General Manager Sandy Cesaretti Ray and Pensacola State College President Ed Meadows were

there as well as Janie Stewart; Denis and Sara Braslow; Nels and Abbie Offerdahl; Jim and Susan Reeves; Jim and Cynthia Vick; Mark Wassil and Shannon Cook; Tony and Bonita Jacobs; and Pete and Angela Moore. Will and Jane Merrill were honorary chairs.

The party continued on Sunday with a magnificent seated VIP dinner at Jackson’s with special celebrity Chef John Besh presiding in the kitchen. Chef prepared a gourmet dinner for the 100+ guests and even took time out to sign copies of his latest cookbook that features New Orleans recipes. Guests included Quint and Rishy Studer; Jim and Ann Neal; Dr. Kurt and Dee Krueger; Dr. Henry and Carmella Porter; Eric and Peg Nickelson; and Mort and Nancy O’Sullivan.

October is also officially Rat Pack month, benefiting the Council on Aging of Northwest Florida. The event began with a

5K Rat Race directed by Lorenzo Aguilar with Charles Gheen, consultant. Joe Zarzaur and Senior Follies were there at the water stations and the celebratory after party was held at the Fish House. The top overall finishers were Erik Winfree, Ian Linter, and Dom Risola, with Helen Cain placing first in the women’s division. Angela Moore and Jenn Cole unanimously won for best costumes. Watch for the date for this race next year, as it is one of the most fun of all races.

Major sponsors of the Rat Pack Reunion were treated to an over the top party at Teri Levin’s Muscogee Wharf home.

John Ripley entertained on piano and David Penniman’s Classic City Catering prepared one of the most beautiful cocktail buffets you have ever seen. It was a wonderful party to thank those who gave so much to support the Council on Aging and the work that they do. Teri’s guests included Diana Ripley; Amy Martin; Dr. Steve and Evan Jordan;

Robert and Abby Rinke; Sean Straughn; Travis and Tara Twitty; JC and Terry Lowe; Peterson; Fred Levin; Phillip Morris; Jose Aguilara; Jim and Gary Michaels. and Shirley Cronley; and the The main event for the Rat four guests of honor Lumon Pack Reunion was the gala held May, Collier Merrill, Charlie and McGuire at beautiful New World Landing Switzer, on Friday night. Yes, I said Martin. beautiful. Completely done in black accented with hundreds of red roses and candles, the normal November Birthdays banquet hall was transformed into 1 Sandy Cesaretti Ray a nightclub setting worthy of Ole 15 Malcolm Ballinger Blue Eyes himself. Tom Tiratto 21 Judi Johnson and his orchestra performed Rat 25 Beej Davis Pack tunes all evening after a 30 Diane Somer splashy Vegas introduction by the Five Flags Academy Dancers under the direction of Dianne Robbins.

Bob Solarski was the superstar Master of Ceremonies and kept the program moving all evening. Gus Silivos of Skopelos fame debuted as Executive Chef of NWL and prepared an excellent Italian themed dinner. Other notables at the event included State Senator Don Gaetz; Sheriff David Morgan; City Councilmen P.C. Tina Tortomase and Rick Outzen Wu and Brian Spencer; Sue

Corbett Davis Jr. and John Besh

Sandy Ray and Dr. Ed Meadows

Dr. Kurt and Dee Krueger

Dr Steve and Evan Jordan

Joe Hobbs

Kelli Martinez and Mindy Spangler

Logan Devries and Eric Milstead

Natalie Ciano and Stuart Bainter

November 2015 | 11

pensacola scene who • what • when • where

at the Fifty Shades of Pink In the City with the AKAs

Tony Anderson, Joe’L Herbert, Alex Robinson, Ronnie Cole, Allan Henderson, William Brown and Kevin Miller

Lois Webb Sims and Mamie Webb Hixon

Tai Knight, Carlyn James, Kaylen Jones, Tanesha Philpot, Megan Carthen-Jackson

Darwin Floyd, Vida Jerralds, Shirley Henderson and Steve Henderson

at the Sweet Soire at Pensacola Museum of Art

Bill and Donna Clark

Jodi Gup and Betty Roberts

Vaughn and Don Partington

at the Rat Pack Sponsor Party at the Home of Teri Levin

McGuire Martin, Charlie Switzer, Collier Merrill and Lumon May 12 | Pensacola Magazine

Angela Moore, Fran Switzer and Jenn Cole

at the Rat Pack Sponsor Party at the Home of Teri Levin (continued)

John Clark, Betty Roberts, Diane Ripley and Ashton Hayward

Jenn Cole, Glenys Ballinger and Gina Raymon

Teri Levin, John Clark and DeeDee Davis

Terri and JC Lowe

Jim Cronley, Sean Twitty, Teri Levin, Fred Levin and Tony Jacobs

at the Rat Pack Reunion Amy Miller, Jenn Cole, Carlette Howell Glenys Ballinger and Angela Moore

Beverley and Tom Vaughn

Belle and Lewis Bear

November 2015 | 13

pensacola scene who • what • when • where

2015 Gulf Coast Kids House Luncheon

Rocky Parra, Cici Sekhon, Dee Reilly, Shelley LeCroy, Joena Rushing and Tiffiny Weidner

Tommy Thompson, Craig Hindsman, Kevin Christman and David Joiner

Gay Bell, Lauren Hayward and Suellen Hudson

Mary Owens, Furby, SueSue Sherrill and Debbie Ritchie

Stacey Kostivecki and Tip McAlpin

David Peaden and Justin Beck

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Don McMillan and Allison Sinrod

at the UWF Historic Trust Master Plan Unveiling

Jeff Nall, John Peacock, Ashton Hayward and Jack Brown

Bill Haley and Rob Overton

at the Pensacola Opera Jukebox Gala

Bill Tabb, Pat Windham and David Dear

John Pinzino and Nan Harper

Jeff and Sally Bergosh with Susan and David Morgan November 2015 | 15

Alexandra Cousteau: A Legacy of Conservation

Alexandra Cousteau advocates the importance of conservation and sustainable management of water in order to preserve a healthy planet. The WSRE Public Square Speakers Series will present Cousteau for a free lecture on Tuesday, Nov. 17, in the Jean & Paul Amos Performance Studio on the Pensacola State College campus. Doors open at 6:30 pm. Program begins at 7 pm.

Around the globe, her last name is synonymous with discovery and protection of the natural world. When her grandfather, Jacques Cousteau, earned the first of his three Oscars for Le Monde du Silence in 1957, he paved the way for leveraging film and media to teach environmental stewardship. In the television series, The Undersea World of Jacques Cousteau, Alexandra’s father Philippe and grandfather produced the most popular documentary series in broadcast history, setting a record at the time for Emmy awards and eventually showing in more than 100 nations.

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This pioneering family of explorers is widely credited for turning National Geographic into a global brand.

One could say that Alexandra Cousteau more than lives up to her name. Like her world-famous father and grandfather, she’s a filmmaker at home in the sea and has mastered the remarkable storytelling tradition handed down to her. Her global initiatives seek to inspire and empower individuals to protect not only the ocean and its inhabitants, but also the human communities that rely on freshwater resources.

She has become a credible voice for water conservation and sustainability in her own right.

Named a Emerging Explorer in 2008, she is part of an elite group of young visionary trailblazers who push the boundaries of discovery, adventure and global problem solving.

That same year, she founded Blue Legacy International with the mission of empower-

ing people to reclaim and restore the world’s water, one community at a time. She has led Blue Legacy expeditions across six continents and produced over 100 award winning short films about water issues around the world, engaging record numbers of people to take action on water conservation issues at home.

She was named one of the World Economic Forum’s Young Global Leaders in 2010. This community of next-generation leaders acts as a driving force in shaping a sustainable future and includes notable figures such as Marissa Mayer, CEO of Yahoo, USA and Larry Page, co-founder and CEO of Google, USA. She also works with Oceana, the world’s largest international ocean conservation and advocacy organization, as a senior advisor.

An environmental advocate and water policy expert, Cousteau urges people to view global water issues not as a disparate collection of unrelated problems, but rather

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through a systems-based approach that recognizes the fundamental interconnectivity of these issues and places renewed emphasis on protecting our planet’s most vital resource.

She advocates an approach that recognizes how crucial it is to preserve natural water systems while taking into account the numerous demands, threats and developments within a watershed. From managing resources and addressing pollution to planning appropriately for the placement of cities, factories and farms, she focuses on careful economic planning and ecosystembased management to preserve and sustain a healthy Earth for future generations.

WSRE Public Square Speakers Series events are free. Reservations are encouraged and can be made online at wsre. org/speakers.

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The 4th Annual

Mahabhuta Yoga Fest A Chance to Connect, Mind, Body and Spirit with the Community

By Hamishe Randall

Our lives are busy. They can be hectic and demanding. Our days are filled with a series of tasks, which we are expected to complete one after another, often without thought of the benefit, enjoyment, or joy that can be found in doing the task. At the end of the day we question, are we human doings? Or are we human beings?

Yoga is an ancient meditation, philosophy, religion, and physical practice, which originated in India. A common thread-of-thought in the practice and teachings of yoga is being in the present. The idea is, in order to fully appreciate a moment, or a task, you must fully commit to that moment. Be present in it. Be aware in it.

The word yoga in Sanskrit means “to add” or “to join” and “connect.” In the most simple of ways, even the word invites you to connect, join, and be.

For the weekend of Nov. 20-22 Breathe Yoga and Wellness Center is hosting the fourth Annual Mahabhuta Yoga Festival. The festival will be held at Sanders Beach Community Center in Pensacola, Fla. The festival’s mission is to celebrate yoga, music, art and the environment.

The festival is open to the public, over 40 shopping and food vendors, music, art and entertainment appropriate for the entire family is free. There are 24 yoga workshops (various styles of yoga at all levels) offered throughout the weekend with tickets available to attend.

This will be a big event. Over 70 presenters are 18 | Pensacola Magazine

coming from the Gulf Coast area and beyond to presentations around the theme of the Wood participate in the festival.

Sheep. According to Vann, since the year of the Every year the festival has a different theme. Wood Sheep is centered around self-care, there This year the Mahabhuta Yoga Festival is will be a cohesive feeling resonating throughout honoring the Wood Sheep. 2015 is the year the festival, which is expressed and interpreted of the Wood Sheep according to the Chinese in every performer’s unique way. calendar and the year of the sheep is a time Another unique and much anticipated of healing, self-care and kindness. Sheep year aspect of the festival is the Galactic Child Tent. celebrates family and an open acceptance of all Parents are encouraged to bring their children love. Stacey Vann is director of Breathe, teacher to experience the free yoga classes, face panting, and founder of the yoga festival and her desire is music, activities and the beloved marionette to help facilitate and foster a connection in our show featuring the Mountain Marionette’s community.

“Animal Antics” on Saturday and Sunday.

“I always say the hardest thing Vann hopes people will “This is an to do, for someone who is brand discover something new, maybe new to yoga, or say someone who invitation for our something they didn’t realize is coming to this type of festival, community to show they needed. According to Vann, is walking through the door,” people go to a yoga class for the up and be present first time for a variety of reasons. said Vann. “This is an invitation for our community to show up Some try yoga to reduce stress, and experience and be present and experience something maybe or as a gentle physical exercise something maybe they’ve never because they’ve had an injury, they’ve never experienced before.” but what they gain on the other Vann is adamant about side is more than what they experienced giving back to the community. could have ever imagined. before.”

According to Vann there has been The timing of the festival is no a renaissance in the community since Hurricane accident. It is before Thanksgiving, before the Ivan. This festival puts Pensacola on the map in holidays. It is a time when families are coming the world of yoga and is an opportunity every together. Tara Taylor is a director of Breathe, yoga year for the community to gather for a unique instructor, therapist and life coach. According to experience. The festival is locally supported and Taylor the festival is a highlight of the year, and driven. All the presenters create their classes and an opportunity to be with like-hearted people.

Her favorite part of the festival is the celebration of community, like a big family reunion, especially the evening events when all come together.

“It’s a reminder of what there is to be thankful for,” said Taylor. “You’re going into the holidays feeling like your cup is full.”

The festival provides a lively atmosphere with vendors’ art, jewelry, clothing, and music. There is much to enjoy at the festival and many ways to participate. According to Vann showing up is participating. It doesn’t mean you have to sign up and go to a class. Participation can be just showing up, and seeing what the experience is like. According to Vann that brings a lot of positive energy to the space.

“It’s not about escaping your life,” said Vann.

“It’s really about being present with people. It’s more about coming home to yourself. It is about celebration and about having fun and having a good time, but doing it in a mindful way. It’s about retreat, reflection, and finding yourself.”

A big aspect of the festival is connecting the community with a support group. It is an opportunity for people who share mutual ambitions and love all things yoga to enjoy each other’s company and to connect.

“If you’re interested in learning about how to eat healthier, how to reduce stress or tension in your life, how to incorporate movement into your life,” said Vann about this support group, “here’s that well that you can come dip your cup in for the weekend.”

Everyone is invited to attend the festival and is encouraged to take a moment and practice self-care.

Reflect on what you have to be thankful for and decide to be present. Decide to connect. Decide to be. More information, including a complete event schedule, list of special guests, volunteer details and ticket prices can be found at mahabhutayogafestival. com.

November 20-22 Sanders Beach Community Center in Pensacola, Florida Single Events •$30 Single Day Pass • $108 three Day Pass • $270 Tickets can be purchased at breathepcola.com

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November 2015 | 19

The Art of Masters: Pensacola’s Up-and-Coming Street Artist

by Dawn Gresko Photos by Guy Stevens

There’s a new artist in town and chances are you’ve already spotted his work on the streets of Pensacola and Gulf Breeze.

The 56-year-old painter Jon Masters has been making waves in our area since he started selling his work on Pensacola Beach, Navy Boulevard, and the farmers market in Gulf Breeze.

Originally from the French Quarter of New Orleans, Masters started out as a Jackson Square artist.

Here enters Sheba: Jon’s trusted assistant and muse. After Jon suffered from a non-epileptic seizure in Jackson Square, a service animal trainer who witnessed the attack offered Jon a feist pup (Sheba) who was trained to be a seizure 20 | Pensacola Magazine

dog. Since then, Sheba and Jon have been the closest of friends.

Although Masters has become known as “The Homeless Artist,” he is only without a home because his “house,” a 31-foot Far East Mariner Ketch, sunk by the Boardwalk at Pensacola Beach back in August this year. Before the sinking of his ship, Masters had planned to travel on from Pensacola to Key West for the Sunset Celebration festival in Mallory Square.

Masters was in the Warrington area when he made a sign, asking for help to buy art supplies. In five days he raised $40, which he used to purchase black and white acrylic paint and two 16 x 20

canvases. After Masters sold his first two paintings with the help of a $40 kick start, demand for his paintings progressively increased as locals wanted to see more work from The Homeless Artist.

Daniel Dugan, who runs the Gulf Breeze farmers market, has really been a helping hand to Jon and was generous enough to offer the artist a spot at his Gulf Breeze market, so Jon could showcase his work for sale. Daniel has also spearheaded operations to help Jon find a permanent home in Pensacola.

Masters sells his artworks about as quickly as he can produce them, averaging about three to four paintings sold per day. From sun up to sun down, Masters

paints to build up his portfolio—viewable on his either his Facebook page “Jon Masters – The Homeless Artist,” or website at thehomelessartist.com.

When Jon arrived in Pensacola he had roughly 150 followers on Facebook. Today he has over 3,000.

As far as influences on the style of his artwork, Masters cites American painter and television host Bob Ross. By watching Ross, Masters began to formulate his own ideas about how to create landscapes.

Masters decided he was going to focus on creating landscapes, taking a special interest in painting trees and clouds.

Without any formal training, Masters watched as many Youtube videos he could find that showed him the basic techniques for designing trees.

His signature trees vary from vibrant, lush leaves to trees that are dark and bare. According to Masters, his paintings are not just made to be visually pleasing but they are open to interpretation by the viewer.

“My style, or what I like to do, is simplistic, surreal art with a lot of detail,” said Masters. “The bark on the tree, the sky, and even the grass may look very real. But, in reality, a tree wouldn’t be floating, which is the surreal part. I like to

“When I started in Jackson Square everybody was saying, ‘Oh no, you can’t be an artist. These artists have been doing it for years and they went to college for it.’ I told them I was going to be an artist and here I am.” make paintings that have a lot of meaning behind them, as well, although some I create for the sheer beauty, for the aesthetic value.”

Although Masters began painting using a taklon brush, it was by accident that he discovered polyester brushes were much more effective for creating realistic strokes, such as those that define the tree bark and cloud curvatures in his paintings.

“The best part of making a mistake on a painting is learning something new,” explained Masters. “I keep learning from the way I move the brush to the type of brush I use. Because when you make a mistake you’ve got to figure out how to make it work, especially since you don’t want to have to redo the piece. Some of my best inspirations have come from mistakes on

paintings.”

Masters favors vibrant colors and uses special cadmium paints to achieve bright yellows, reds, purples. Sometimes, he utilizes titaniumbased white paints for highlighting.

Perhaps an unconscious influence on Masters’ work is his experience as a teacher of Tai Chi Clouds in the distance, Jon Masters and Chi Gung, because on more than real artwork on Saturdays at Palafox Marone occasion he’s ket and Tuesdays at Market in the Breeze. received comments on his work’s Asian He’ll also be making art in the streets of flair.

Although Masters fell on hard times Downtown Pensacola at upcoming Gallery Nights this fall. while in Pensacola, he’s certainly made From Nov. 6 through Nov. 8, Re-Entry the most out of his time here, and he Alliance of Pensacola (REAP) is hosting an continues to gain recognition and renown within our community. In fact, Masters has Inmate Art Show at the Pensacola Interdecided to stay in our city and find a per- state Fair, where the art of local inmates will be auctioned off and the proceeds will manent home here. go toward keeping the inmate art program The best part is Masters has decided to alive. Masters will be donating his own pay it forward.

He has already donated a 20 x 24 piece work to the auction for REAP’s cause.

“I’m a firm believer in making a decision called “A Midnight Stroll” to the Epilepsy and sticking by it to make it a reality,” Foundation for a fundraising silent auction said Masters. “When I started in Jackson event to be held on Nov. 6.

Square everybody was saying, ‘Oh no, As someone who was considered a you can’t be an artist. These artists have member of the homeless community, Masbeen doing it for years and they went to ters has reached out to other homeless college for it.’

I told them I was going to people, who prefer the term “urban campbe an artist and here I am.” ers,” to offer them an opportunity to get involved in constructive activities, such as making art or crafts.

Masters is planning to set up Saturday barbecues on Navy Boulevard, where he intends to hold classes for those who are willing to learn a new craft. The idea is to build confidence in the homeless community and, hopefully, help many acquire the skills necessary to put their work up for sale at local flea markets and eventually farmers markets.

For the Saturday barbecue program, Masters has collaborated with Jen Koble, who brings sandwiches to the homeless, and Kevin Green, who owns The Butcher Shoppe on Fairfield. Green is a vendor at the Gulf Breeze farmers market who has agreed to provide meat for the weekly Jon Masters’ lovely assistant and muse, barbecues. Masters is also working with Sheba Lucy Jones from First City Art Center to find out the best teaching techniques to use in a beginners class on arts and crafts.

Look for Masters and his simple but surNovember 2015 | 21

A Hero’s Heart:

Retired Military Working Dog Meets His Forever Family Written by Kelly Oden Photo by Guy Stevens

To meet Cleo is to love Cleo. This retired Military Working Dog (MWD) will steal your heart. A playful, highly intelligent and extremely friendly German Shepherd, Cleo was recently adopted by Bridget and Steve Fluegge when a back issue caused Cleo to be medically discharged from the Air Force. Bridget and Steve have always loved German Shepherds and they had been considering adopting a retired police dog for some time when a friend mentioned a German Shepherd who was coming out of the Air Force on a medical discharge.

“He had some back issues and was not able to fulfill what they call mission requirements,” says Steve. The two were very intrigued by the idea and after talking to the kennel master at Hurlburt Field, they set up a meet and greet with Cleo. “We drove down to Hurlburt on a Friday.

Bridget was worried about whether or not the dog would like us, but Cleo immediately jumped into Bridget’s arms. After a couple of minutes of loving on Bridget, he came over and jumped into my arms and that pretty well made the decision up for us in terms of whether or not we wanted to adopt him,” recalls Steve.

Fast forward two months and the couple says that Cleo has been a dream. Cleo went through 22 | Pensacola Magazine

rigorous training, so he is house trained and well behaved. As a working dog, Cleo wasn’t really used to having his own toy. When he arrived at the Fluegge’s, they gave him a red rubber toy and he has barely put it down since. “He slept with that toy in his mouth the first couple of days he had it,” says Steve.

Cleo does need to stay active and “working” or he gets a bit restless, so they continue to work with Cleo using the commands his military trainers used. “He served four years active duty— two years with Air Commandos out of Hurlburt and two years with the Secret Service. Then he came back to Hurlburt where they discovered his medical problems and was given a medical discharge. His service records are classified due to his time with the Secret Service,” says Steve.

“I don’t think that we rescued him so much as we are his caregivers. We feel honored to take care of him.” And so they should. Cleo is a hero and a truly special soul. While Cleo’s records are classified, MWDs usually receive training in patrol, drug and explosive detection, and specialized mission functions. It is likely that Cleo has flown in helicopters and even parachuted out of one!

Interested in adopting a Military Working Dog? Military Working Dogs typically serve 10 to 12 years working for the Department of Defense. Before 2000, when it came time to retire, many of the dogs were euthanized, but in 2000 “Robby’s Law” was passed. This law allowed retired military dogs to be adopted out.

Now hundreds of dogs are adopted out each year. While the Fluegge’s were fortunate to adopt Cleo locally, most MWD adoptions occur out of Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio.

The most recent handler has first dibs when it is time for a dog to be put up for adoption.

Next, law enforcement has the option to adopt a dog and after that the option goes to civilians.

Civilian applicants are carefully screened to make certain the dog is placed in the right kind of home.

There are several categories of dogs available for adoption: (1) dogs that served in the field, (2) dogs used for training new handlers, and (3) younger dogs that have failed to meet training criteria and may have little to no training.

The dogs are usually German Shepherds or Belgian Malinois as well as quite a few Labrador Retrievers or other sporting dog breeds. The dogs range in age from one to 13 years and include

CH0485 BC 1/3 pg ad Christmas.indd 1

both males and females. Older dogs may have medical issues (like hip and back problems) that prevent them from continuing their work for the Department of Defense, but make them ideal companions.

The wait to adopt a military working dog can take up to 18 months, so plan ahead and be patient. Lackland typically has 300 applications on file and only a handful of dogs available at any given time. They do not place the dogs on a first-come, first-served basis. Rather, they do their best to match each dog’s temperament and needs to that of the adoption applicant’s desires and abilities.

Adopting a dog through Lackland is free; however, you will have to cover all transportation costs to and from Joint Base San AntonioLackland as well as all costs the dog incurs after adoption. However, there a number of charitable groups that cover the cost of veterinary care when the dog is medically discharged.

For more information on adopting a MWD through Lackland Air Force Base, visit www.37trw.af.mil/units/37traininggroup/341st trainingsquadron.

10/9/15 9:30 AM

Just Above the Water: Florida Folk Art NOV. 5, 2015 – JAN. 25, 2016

Tuesdays – Saturdays 10:00 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Voices of Pensacola presented by Gulf Power 117 East Government Street Downtown Pensacola Free and open to the public

Featuring the works and lives of 35 Florida folk artists who, through diverse media, show another perspective of life…one inspired by their everyday customs, working and living environments and community traditions.

Almann Ulysse - Two Palms

historicpenscola.org | 850.595.5840

November 2015 | 23

50K for Turkey Day Written by Dawn Gresko

50K For Turkey Day is a fundraising project that was started by four Trinitas Christian School students: Colby Gilley, Ben Noland, Bekah Hubbell, and Chloe Gregg.

The four high-school seniors set out a few months ago to feed 50,000 Pensacolians in need for the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday.

The four seniors started the project because they wanted to do something positive for the Pensacola community. The idea was to accomplish something good that went outside the scope of their school before they graduate in 2016.

Although 50K For Turkey Day might sound like the type of fundraiser for which you’d need to put on your running shoes, the 50K actually refers to the 50,000 meals the group aims to raise before Thanksgiving Day on Nov. 26.

The group of seniors hope their efforts will not only have a positive impact on hunger in Pensacola but will also inspire other students to begin community service projects similar to 50K For Turkey Day. Ben Noland helped the project gain traction in the community by reaching out to Ken Trotter, administrator of Trinitas Christian School. Trotter then contacted 24 | Pensacola Magazine

the crew at Meals of Hope, a non-profit organization that supplies food in bulk to communities and groups aiming to fight hunger. Meals of Hope agreed to partner with Trinitas in the project.

Together, with the support of 25 other Trinitas students, Meals of Hope, Manna Food Bank, and local Chick-fil-A restaurants, their goal is to raise $16,000 to purchase, package and distribute the meals

by Thanksgiving.

The group has already started raising funds with the help of Chik-fil-A, which hosted a special fundraiser “Spirit Night” on Sept. 30 from 4 to 8 pm at Pensacola’s Nine Mile Road, Bayou Boulevard, Navy Boulevard and Cordova Mall locations, as well as Gulf Breeze and Pace locations.

For their part, Chik-fil-A donated 10 percent of all proceeds from purchases on Sept. 30 to the 50K For Turkey Day cause.

50K for Turkey Day’s Spirit Night was a huge success, thanks in part to Chick-filA and locals who supported the cause by eating at the restaurants in the Pensacola area on Sept. 30. So far, $14,000 funds

have been raised toward the $16,000 goal.

“Every cent helps,” said 17-year-old Colby Gilley, public relations and donations representative for the 50K For Turkey Day project. “Thirty cents covers the cost of a meal. So, even a donation as small as a dollar can help us buy at least three meals. That’s three less hungry for Thanksgiving and three more toward our 50,000 goal.”

At the Trinitas campus there will be a community-wide packing day on Nov. 21, where everyone will work together to package the meals then deliver them to Manna Food Bank for distribution.

The project needs only an additional $2,000 to reach its goal. If you’d like to make a monetary donation, feel free to donate online at 50kforturkey.org. Or, check out the official website to find out how you can send mail donations of canned and dry food goods. Every donation helps to feed 50K for Turkey Day!

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November 2015 | 25

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.

26 | Pensacola Magazine

Amazing Victorian Circa 1800’s European Sterling heart locket with book chain

Two Victorian lockets C.1800’s Sterling

1950’s poured glass parure set signed Fiorenza

Victorian gold filled bangles

French black jet long necklace C.1940’s Victorian C. 1800’s gold filled locket bookchain

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

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

November 2015 | 27

Holiday Festivites

by Hamishe Randall ‘Tis the season to gather your nearest and dearest and welcome the holidays. A plentitude of local celebrations and events await and they are sure to get you into the holiday spirit. There are musical performances, ballets, and parades that will treat you to the sounds and sights of the holidays. As well as a gingerbread house contest, and several interactive events that invite you to join the celebrations.

28 | Pensacola Magazine

Elf Parade and Winterfest 2015 Nov. 27- Dec. 23

Winterfest 2014 Participants

3rd Annual Camp Fire Parade of Trees Nov. 18, 19 & 20

Camp Fire Gulf Wind, Inc. hosts the third Annual Camp Fire Parade of Trees at The Pen Air Federal Credit Union on 40 S. Palafox Street in downtown Pensacola this year. A showcase of decorated holiday wreaths and Christmas trees are sure to delight visitors just in time for the holidays. Local designers and businesses decorate the trees and wreaths.

The festive decorations will be on display from 9 am-5 pm the 18-19. On gallery night Friday Nov. 20 from 3 pm-8 pm the decorated wreaths and trees will be available for purchase. Processes benefit Camp Fire youth programs. Contact 476.1760 for more information.

Bodacious Gingerbread House Contest Dec. 7-12

Back again after a wildly successful first year is the annul Bodacious Gingerbread House Contest. Holiday shoppers will have the opportunity to view all the entries (which will be on display throughout downtown from Dec. 7-12) and vote for their favorite gingerbread houses.

An awards ceremony will be held at the Bodacious family of shops following the contest judging. A total of $10,600 will be awarded in prizes between winners of the five different categories: Child Baker, Teen Baker, Amateur Baker, Professional Baker,

and the Fan Favorite. Architecture never looked so delicious! This year the contest will support the Ronald McDonald House.

The contest is open to any interested participants who meet the contest requirements. Entry forms and fees are due Nov. 30. To learn more about the Bodacious Gingerbread House Contest and view the complete schedule of events visit their website at gingerbread.bodaciousolive. com, email info@bodaciousgingerbread. com or find them on Facebook.

Seville Quarter Wild Turkey Trot 5K Nov. 21

Lace up your sneakers and get ready to trot with the turkeys. The Seville Quarter Wild Turkey Trot is a family oriented 5K race/walk. This event is a staple for Pensacola, and for good cause, proceeds help Seville Quarter employees prepare and deliver complete Thanksgiving dinners to over 125 families in need in our community.

Visit runsignup. com/Race/FL/ Pensacola/sevillequarterwildturkeytrot for more information.

Welcome the holiday season with the most spectacular display of lights, music, and holiday cheer with the Elf Parade. The Elf Parade is the official kickoff event for Winterfest, which transforms downtown Pensacola into a winter wonderland for the holiday season. Join the Snow Princess for tea at 3 pm at the Pensacola Cultural Center; tea guests are encouraged to dress in their Christmas finery. Girls who come dressed as fairies will form the court of the Snow Princess. Winterfest characters will provide entertainment for the Snow Princess and her honored guests. Visit pensacolawinterfest.org for ticket prices.

Following tea is the Elf Parade. Parade Grand Marshall Christian Garman of WEAR-TV will lead the merry crew of costumed elves of all ages, marching brass band, Santa and the Snow Princess from the T.T. Wentworth Museum to Plaza Wonderland at Palafox and Government Streets. The opening ceremony starts at 5pm with a musical revue of Winterfest favorites. The grand Christmas tree lighting ceremony with Santa and the Snow Princess mark the start of Winterfest 2015 followed by the Reindeer Dance Party, Performance Tour and the Dickens Carolers. Starting at 6 pm, Santa will be waiting on his sleigh to greet all the good children and hear their Christmas wishes. For a complete list of Performance Tour dates and event times throughout the holiday season please visit pensacolawinterfest. org.

Zoo Lights Nov. 27-29, Dec. 4-6, 11-24, 26-27.

Enjoy the beauty of the Zoo at night as it’s transformed into a sparkling holiday jungle with thousands of lights. Hours for the Zoo Lights are 5 pm-9 pm with

November 2015 | 29

the last admission at 8:30 pm. Tickets are $10 for adults and children, and $5 for members. On Friday, Nov. 27 guests receive free admission to Zoo Lights with a Toys for Tots donation. Donations must be new, unwrapped, toys of at least $10 in value. Acceptable toy donations will also be available for purchase in the Zoo gift shop. For more information visit gulfbreezezoo.org

by students in the Culinary and Hospitality program. Dinner will be served in the student center with holiday music and featured works by the Visual Arts faculty. After your senses are filled with the delightful sights and tastes of the holidays it’s time to go to the last event of the evening at the Ashmore Fine Arts Center for a performance and sing-a-long led by the PSC Concert Chorale. Tickets are $100 each. Dress is casually festive. Proceeds from this event benefit the college’s Fund for Excellence program that provides support for programs, scholarships and matching funds for grants.

For more information, contact the PSC Foundation at 484.1560 or foundation@ pensacolastate.edu.

ent the Christmas classic we all know and love. Get into the holiday spirit with Ebenezer Scrooge in this ghost story of Christmas. For details on times and ticket pricing, please visit uwf.edu/theatre or call 474.2146.

Pensacola Symphony Orchestra Presents Ashley Brown Home for the Holidays Dec. 4 Guest conductor Brad Haak and vocalist Ashley Brown join for a festive performance with the Pensacola Symphony Orchestra. The show starts at 7:30 on Dec. 4. For ticket information, please visit pensacolasymphony.com

48th Annual Snowball Derby Dec. 2-6

PSC Foundation Holiday Experience Dec. 1

Pensacola State College celebrates coming home for the holidays with a new Holiday Experience, at 5:30 pm Tuesday, Dec. 1, on the Pensacola campus. The campus will be alight with holiday decorations to bring the sights of Christmas home. The evening’s experience begins with cocktails and a winter night sky show inside the PSC Planetarium. Next guests board the PSC Holiday Express for a cozy ride to a delicious holiday meal prepared

30 | Pensacola Magazine

Ladies and gentlemen, “Start your engines.” The Snowball Derby at Five Flags Speedway is back. The Snowball Derby is the most prestigious short track race in the nation and brings thousands of people to Pensacola for a weekend of familyfriendly fun. The Green Flag Party kicks off the event on Dec. 2. On-track activities start Dec. 3 and Sunday the green flag drops and the race begins at 2 pm.

For more information and a complete calendar of events, please visit 5flagsspeedway.com.

UWF A Christmas Carol – A Ghost Story of Christmas Dec. 4-6, 11-13

The University of West Florida’s theatre department again this year will pres-

Choral Society of Pensacola Presents Handel’s Messiah Dec. 5

The Choral Society of Pensacola continues its 80th season with a performance of Handel’s Messiah. Experience the beauty and majesty of this performance as soloists Carla Connors, Monika Cosson, Thomas Rowell and Patrick Jacobs join the sixty-voice choir and an orchestra comprising some of the area’s finest musicians, all under the direction of Xiaolun

Pensacola Civic Band Christmas at the College Dec. 14-15 Join the Pensacola Civic Band for a Christmas performance at the Ashmore Auditorium and celebrate the season through music with favorites of the holidays. Showtime is 7:30pm. For tickets and information visit lyceum.pensacolastate.edu.

Ballet Pensacola Presents The Nutcracker Dec. 18-20

Chen. Tickets are $30 and $25 and are available through Ticketmaster or at the Saenger box office. Please call 484.1806 for more information as well as tickets.

Pensacola Children’s Chorus Christmas on the Coast Dec. 11-13

Gather to enjoy a holiday favorite performed by some of the most talented young performers of the Gulf Coast. The chorus of over 100 members comprised of elementary, middle and high school students astound guests every year with

a beautiful and professional performance.

For ticket prices, show times and information, please visit pensacolasaenger.com.

Pensacola Little Theatre Presents Irving Berlin’s White Christmas: A Main Stage Production Dec. 11-20

The musical, based on the 1954 film Irving Berlin’s White Christmas, is a Christmas comedy featuring some of the most iconic holiday music of our time. Irving Berlin noted as the most influential American songwriter in history stirs our hearts and imaginations with the nostalgic classic songs such as White Christmas, Blue Skies, and How Deep is the Ocean. Don’t miss this holiday favorite that never goes out of style. For tickets and information, visit pensacolalittletheatre.com.

Cox Pensacola Christmas Parade Dec. 12

Photo by David House Photography

With eight bands, nearly 90 entries and the renowned Blue Angles flight team joining a host of organizations from around the region, this years Cox Pensacola Christmas Parade is sure to be exciting. Preceding the parade is the 1.2 miles Christmas Parade Dash, so tighten your laces and get ready to have some fun. All profits go to local high school band booster organizations. Visit coxpensacolachristmasparade.org for more information.

Join Clara and the Nutcracker Prince on an adventure to rescue the Sugarplum fairy in this beautiful ballet by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. Ballet Pensacola brings to life this Christmas ballet that has become a mainstay favorite in Pensacola. Visit pensacolasaenger.com/events for ticket information and prices.

Pensacola Little Theatre Presents Light up the Night Dec. 26

Pensacola Little Theatre invites you for an evening of dancing, cocktails, champagne and fireworks in a Light up the Night celebration. Come dressed in your party finery and dance the night away. The event will benefit Active Minds and Mental Health Counseling at the University of West Florida. For more information and tickets, please visit pensacolalittletheatre.com.

Pelican Drop Dec. 31

Join your community for one of the biggest events of the season, the Pelican Drop. The Downtown Improvement Board hosts the event and thousands of people will gather downtown for music, food, and performances starting at 5 pm. There will be plenty of family-fun activities as well as art and vendor booths ensuring you will have lots to see and do while you wait for midnight. When the clock strikes 12 and the pelican drops, the skies fill with fireworks and Palafox Place is filled with confetti and good cheer to welcome in the New Year. For more information, please visit pensacolapelicandrop.com.

November 2015 | 31

32 | Pensacola Magazine

November 2015 | 33

MAKING AN IMPACT:

34 | Pensacola Magazine

WOMEN CHANGING THE COMMUNITY

BY JOSH NEWBY

T

he Pensacola Bay Area IMPACT 100 announced over a million dollars worth of grants at their annual meeting on Oct. 18. Each of the ten recipients received $106,000 toward a particular project or initiative that will positively influence the community in some way. As a result, countless people, artists, kids, minorities and more will benefit from these grants through the services these grant-winners offer.

November 2015 | 35

MAKING AN IMPACT AMI KIDS PENSACOLA RECEIVES THEIR $106,000 GRANT FROM IMPACT 100

Started in 2003 by four local women, the Pensacola Bay Area Impact 100 has become the largest Impact group in the country. The idea behind Impact involves recruiting at least 100 women to donate $1,000 each and pooling those resources into one big grant for a qualifying non-profit. In the 12 years since the Pensacola chapter began, the women of Impact 100 have donated a cumulative $7.23 million to charities and non-profit organizations such as Manna Food Bank, Autism Pensacola, ARC Gateway and Pathways for Change. The local chapter is the also the world’s largest.

Before winning the grants, 15 finalists were separated into categories like Arts and Culture; Education; Environment, Recreation and Preservation; Family; and Health and Wellness. This year, the group was able to reward a record-matching ten grants, two per category, many to first-time recipients. The winners were announced at the Impact 100 annual meeting on Oct. 18.

Ballet Pensacola won an Arts and Culture grant to improve their lighting and production infrastructure. Their current equipment is 24 years old, inefficient and expensive to repair and maintain.

Ballet Pensacola’s grant will be used to purchase a mobile state-of-the-art lighting and control system, 36 | Pensacola Magazine

along with computers, televisions, software and storage. This technology is usable for the next ten years without maintenance and 20 years with maintenance. This will make the crew able to work safer and faster while still providing the quality performances and compelling choreography the company is known for.

The second Arts and Culture grant was awarded to an organization right across the street from Ballet Pensacola: the Pensacola Museum of Art (PMA).

The organization plans to really stretch their grant by completely renovating its existing permanent collection vault and even build a second secure collections storage area on the second floor. The PMA will also seal its roof and construct two major, large downspouts. They will also upgrade the HVAC work in the facility to better manage humidity levels. Finally, they will purchase cataloging software that allows staff to keep track of all art with pictures and descriptions.

AMIkids Pensacola, Inc. won for the Education category. The organization focuses on career training for in-demand industries that ultimately result in certification. The IMPACT grant would allow for the implementation of construction and food services programs. AMIkids will build

a separate facility for the construction classroom to accommodate hands-on training. They will also renovate the existing kitchen area to put into operation an improved food services program.

Learn to Read of Northwest Florida, an allvolunteer literacy organization serving Escambia and Santa Rosa counties, has been in desperate need of funding for a long time. Now, with the second Education grant at their disposal, they plan to conduct a public awareness campaign to increase the number of adult students who can receive free one-on-one literacy instruction. They hope to recruit more volunteers, enroll more students, reach new target markets and encourage additional donations to sustain their operations. The marketing campaign will utilize a multi-platform strategy that includes television, radio, print media, billboards and more. They also plan to upgrade unreliable office equipment to increase efficiency.

Coast Watch Alliance, Inc., better known as the Gulf Coast Lionfish Coalition, received the first Environmental grant to help manage the recent influx of the invasive and venomous fish species. It is believed that lionfish present a clear and imminent threat to reef species and game fish in Gulf Coast waters. “Research to Restaurant” is an initiative to develop and implement a sustainable seafood fishery to capitalize on this influx. Funds will be used to purchase a van for gear and transportation for ecotourists, equipment and gear to outfit a dive boat, travel expenses to attend lionfish conferences,

and marketing and promotion to raise awareness of dive packages for area visitors.

The second Environmental grant went to the Veterans Memorial Park Foundation, a collaborating partner with the City of Pensacola to raise awareness of the veteran presence and related needs in the area.

With stormwater an increasing concern for much of downtown Pensacola, this IMPACT grant would fund a pump and grinder system to help improve stormwater infrastructure. The project would also add a low-profile grass stage at the center of the Memorial Wall to accommodate public events. They also plan to make certain parts of the park more consistent with ADA guidelines.

The first Family IMPACT grant went to Children’s Home Society of Florida, the state’s oldest and largest child welfare organization. They plan to use grant funds to build a playground in what is traditionally a crime-ridden and poverty-stricken area of the city. By constructing a fully functional, durable play structure with picnic tables, benches and trash receptacles, they hope to create a safe environment where members of the community can come together, play and create lasting relationships with one another.

Lutheran Services Florida, Inc. is a statewide human service agency dedicated to helping all people, regardless of religious affiliation. They are also the recipients of the second Family grant and plan to use funds to purchase two new vehicles for their Currie House Shelter for the transportation of clientele from the Currie House to school, medical appointments and court appointments, as well as recreational, volunteer and cultural enrichment activities.

The last grant category is Health and Wellness, and the first winner was Bay Area Food Bank, Inc. With IMPACT funds, the organization, which provides nutritious food to people who have gone hungry as the result of a crisis or disaster, will expand a loading dock to optimize trailer loads and add a covering. This will allow the food bank to help the over 80,000 people struggling with food insecurity in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties by decreasing loading and unloading times and allow

them to work regardless of weather. When the branch was constructed, they were built to accept and distribute four million pounds of food. Today, they handle over eight and were in desperate need of this grant to help manage demand.

The final grant of IMPACT 2015 was also a Family grant, which went to Re-Entry Alliance Pensacola, Inc., or REAP. This non-profit helps individuals returning from incarceration to be self-sufficient and crime-free. Their IMPACT grant will expand re-entry services to include both federal inmates and 30 additional men, women and children returning from years of state incarceration.

Funds will be used to provide basic resources like housing, food, medical and mental health care and transportation. The project will also fund tuition, course fees and books for an ongoing Learn to Read program. Finally, REAP will stretch their grant to provide a living stipend for the first 30 days after release from incarceration.

With this record-breaking year, the women of IMPACT 100 are making a tangible, lasting difference on our community, one that will be felt for generations to come. But they will not rest on their laurels, and hope to have another recordshattering year in 2016.

Started in 2003 by four local women, the Pensacola Bay Area Impact 100 has become the largest Impact group in the country.

November 2015 | 37

Foo foo ! k c a b s i

s y a d e v l e w t , d o o f , t r a f o and fun!

WRITTEN BY KELLY ODEN ILLUSTRATIONS BY DAIKO HACHIYA

What’s a Foo Foo? After the roaring success of last year’s festival of the same name, everyone surely knows by now (it’s a 19th century shipping term to describe an impromptu musical celebration comprised of seamen).

Foo Foo Fest is a platform for all of Pensacola’s best arts, culture, sports, cuisine, heritage and history to be on display for visitors and residents alike. Foo Foo Fest is also a previously unprecedented collaboration between various governmental, tourism and non-profit entities to market the region as a whole.

It all started about 15 years ago, when the now-defunct Arts Council of Northwest Florida, now Arts Culture and Entertainment, Inc. (ACE), decided to lobby on behalf of arts and culture issues in the community for funding from the City, County Commissioners, and chamber of commerce. There was initially hesitance, said ACE board president David Bear, as those entities did not understand the value of an overarching marketing initiative that promoted cultural entities as part of one large tourism package.

“There were a lot of individual organizations fighting for their own funding, instead of working together to accomplish a joint goal,” said Bear. “We wanted to promote collaboration and working together in a way that targeted community outreach, instead of just artistic value.”

This drive toward umbrella funding and marketing grew alongside downtown Pensacola’s business and cultural renaissance, and slowly people in governmental power began to see the value. It was important, Bear argued, to extend Pensacola’s tourism season from the peak summer beach months to the colder, less busy months toward the end of the calendar.

“The end of the year saw hotel vacancies and slow restaurant business,” said Bear. “But we have so much to offer during those times.

We just had to get everyone working together to get it out there.”

A lot of Pensacola’s peer and aspirant cities, like Savannah, St. Augustine, Asheville and more, attract millions of cultural tourists each year. Smart marketing, an existing infrastructure, and partnership on the local level drive this strong industry. When the chamber of commerce separated from its tourism development arm to form Visit Pensacola, Bear saw the chance for funding and a facilitator.

The first year was a huge success, with over two-dozen events sprinkling the calendar from Nov. 6 to 17, 2014.

Organizations like Artel Gallery, Ballet Pensacola, Frank Brown Foundation, Pensacola Little Theatre, Pensacola Museum of Art and Pensacola Sports Association received 100 percent funding for the facilitation of an event. In 2015, the grant structure was changed slightly to fund 85 percent of the event costs, in order to ensure that organizations have some existing funding to pledge and skin in the game.

“We can also meet a greater demand for programs if we can spread the funding just a little thinner,” said Bear. “More and more people are applying for the grants, so we want to ensure event diversity.”

This year, Bear foresees about 25 to 30 events, some of which will receive grants, and some of which will be filed under the Foo Foo banner because they coincide with the dates. The grant process is relatively easy, with a one-page application, cover page and event budget.

To not receive money but still have an event listed alongside the Foo Foo platform, participants must simply go to the foofoofest.com and fill out an application and check a certain category.

“We want to have as many events as possible,” said Bear. “We don’t want any day-long gaps without things to do. If you have even a small gap, people may leave.”

2015’s Foo Foo Fest is Nov. 5 through 16.

Blue Angels Homecoming Air Show

Date: Nov. 6 (gates at 3 pm); Nov. 7 (gates at 8 am) Location: NAS Pensacola Tickets: General Admission (free); Seated tickets avail ($7) Event Website: blueangels.navy.mil/show The 2015 NAS Pensacola Blue Angels Homecoming Air Show will be held aboard the installation, NAS Pensacola, on November 6 and 7. Established in 1914, NAS Pensacola was the first air station commissioned by the U.S. Navy for the training of aviators in the infancy of Naval Aviation. The 2015 Blue Angels Homecoming Air Show will feature a variety of performers showcasing the best in both military and civilian aviation, of course highlighted by the final 2015 performances by our home-based Blue Angels. This year starts with the Night Show on Friday night complete with night time aircraft and performers capped off by the largest fireworks display in the Pensacola area. On Saturday, enjoy the daytime air show filled with high-flying performers.

Date: Nov. 5 - 16 Location: downtown Pensacola Event Website: www.pensacolamesshall.org The Pensacola MESS (Math, Engineering, Science & Stuff) Hall is bringing science to the streets with their interactive exhibit “Science on the Street,” an interactive science experience.

This exciting and educational event will line the streets of downtown Pensacola with shared activities that will be available for the entire duration of the festival, 24 hours a day. Event-goers can take a stroll down the Planet Walk, a 1 km pathway that provides participants with a sense of scale of the solar system and information about the planets.

Become a scientific tool and learn firsthand about the science behind optical illusions, perception, and balance. Guests are invited to share their discoveries through group exhibits that require the help of family and friends working together. These include a musical bench where the bench will emit different music, depending on the degree and type of contact between two individuals.

GREAT GULF COAST ARTS FESTIVAL

Date: Nov. 6 - 8, from 9 am - 5 pm (Fri. & Sat.); 9 am - 4 pm (Sun.) Location: Seville Square Tickets: Free Event Website: www.ggaf.org

The Great Gulfcoast Arts Festival is one of the best-regarded, most popular arts festivals in the United States. The three-day, juried art show draws more than 200 of the nation’s best painters, potters, sculptors, jewelers, graphic artists, craftsmen and other artists. The Festival is ranked #29 in the nation by Sunshine Artist Magazine and the American Bus Association has named the Great Gulfcoast Arts Festival one of the Top 100 Events in North America. The arts festival is centered in downtown Pensacola’s beautiful historic Seville Square, and features live musicians hitting the right notes from the Main Stage with sounds ranging from bluegrass to Cajun and blues to jazz and classical; performance companies, dance schools, community groups, and area folk groups; and craft artists demonstrating traditional arts, crafts and trades, including blacksmithing, engraving, spinning, weaving and other skills in the Heritage Arts Area. Are you a foodie? Be sure to try the traditional treats at the Heritage Festival, local favorites and regional festival fare. Bottom line—there are delicious dining and drink options for every taste at the Great Gulfcoast Arts Festival! Fun for all ages, children can become artists at the Children’s Arts Festival with numerous hands-on art activities. All children’s art activities are free, fun and geared towards all children toddler age and older.

November 2015 | 39

THE HEADLESS HORSEMAN BALLET

Date: Nov. 6 - 7, begins at 7:30 pm Location: Pensacola Cultural Center Tickets: $20 - $32 Event Website: Balletpensacola.com

Ballet Pensacola is bringing back the highly acclaimed, and now extended, tale of The Headless Horseman, created by Richard Steinert, on October 30 and 31, and November 6 and 7, 2015 during this year’s Foo Foo Festival. Watch as the hero Ichabod Crane battles an evil witch and her cursed horseman to rescue his village from their evil doing. The Headless Horseman features a fully articulating horse ridden by performers, glowing cauldrons, and intricate village and forest scenes. Extend your ballet experience by attending open rehearsals and a backstage tour. Open rehearsals will be held November 10-12 where guests can learn more about the creative process and will have an opportunity to discuss with the artists and choreographers. Backstage tours will be offered on November 6. Guests can view the sets up close and talk with Artistic Director Richard Steinert, Production Designer Lance Brannon, and Ballet Mistress and Costume Designer Christine Duhon.

Stamped: Pensacola LGBT Film Festival

Date: Nov. 9, doors open at 6 pm Location: Pensacola Little Theatre Event Website: stampedfilmfest.com On November 9., the Pensacola LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender) Film Festival will celebrate diversity and inclusion in the Pensacola, Fla., area through the creativity and innovation embodied in each film shown (both short and feature-length) with LGBT themes and/or directors and actors. To be held at the Pensacola Little Theatre, the Film Festival began in 2012 as a conduit to provide a vibrant and educational experience to the Gulf Coast region, specifically Pensacola. This festival focuses on lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender issues, with a goal of expanding the region’s diversity and acceptance of diverse identities.

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11th Annual Pensacola Marathon

Date: Nov. 8, begins at 6:30 am Location: Admiral Mason Park (Veteran’s Memorial Park) Event Website: marathonpensacola.com Combine Veteran’s Day weekend, historic downtown Pensacola, and sugary white sand beaches, then add a running route atop the bluffs overlooking Escambia Bay, where runners will welcome the day with a beautiful sunrise and you have the perfect recipe for the 11th Annual Pensacola Marathon, scheduled for Sunday, Nov 8. The race begins and ends at Veteran’s Memorial Park on the bayfront then winds its way along a 13.1 mile circuit of the city for the half marathoners and a full 26.2 loop for the full marathon. The course features jaunts through Pensacola’s historic neighborhoods and the downtown district, live bands and cheering Pensacolians. The finish line is next to the Nation’s only replica of the National Vietnam War Memorial in Washington, D.C. The Pensacola Marathon is also a Boston Qualifier.

FRANK BROWN SONGWRITERS FESTIVAL

Pop-Up Hot Shop: Glass Blowing on the Move Date: Nov. 6 - 16 Location: Multiple Tickets: Free Event Website: firstcityart.org First City Art Center is hosting Pensacola’s first portable glass art blowing experience. The “PopUp Hot Shop” will travel the streets of downtown Pensacola creating beautiful pieces of glass art in front of live audiences, moving to a new location daily. Other locations include the Pensacola Bay Brewery and the Artel Gallery. Guests are invited to participate and learn the art of glass blowing by making or custom ordering a variety of items. The “Pop-Up Hot Shop” is managed by the talented Georgian glass artist Phil Vinson, and a FCAC Glass Arts fellow.

Date: Nov. 5 - 15 Location: Multiple (See FBISF website) Tickets: Varies Per Location Event Website: frankbrownsongwriters.com The 31st Annual Frank Brown International Songwriters’ Festival (FBISF) is bringing more than 200 Grammy award-winning and up-and-coming artists to Pensacola and Perdido Key to celebrate the love of music and songwriting.

As the original, oldest, and largest songwriter event in the nation, FBISF has consistently been named a Top-20 Event in the Southeast. The best part of the FBISF is the up-close and personal experience each audience has with the performers, often learning the stories and meanings behind the songs from the writer. There’s something for every generation with styles ranging from the ‘50s to today’s contemporary hits. Performers represent nearly every music genre: country, folk, Americana, rock and roll, jazz, blues, pop, and hip hop. Performances are in multiple venues every day of the Festival, with ticket prices specific to each venue. Whether you want a backstage listening experience, some tunes while you dine, a family friendly environment, or a mosh pit, FBISF has something for you. The Frank Brown International Songwriters’ Festival is dedicated to the late Frank Brown, the night watchman of Flora-Bama for 28 years. Known as Mr. Frank, his moral values, integrity, and strong character are what have fueled this festival for the past 31 years.

BRAHMS SYMPHONY NO. 2 AND SYMPHONY IN THE SQUARE DATE: Nov. 7 - 8 LOCATION: Pensacola Saenger Theatre (Nov. 7 ONLY); Fountain Square (Nov. 8 ONLY) TICKETS: Nov. 7 $22 - $90, on sale Sept. 14th; Nov. 8 - Free EVENT WEBSITE: pensacolasymphony.com The Pensacola Symphony Orchestra will celebrate Foo Foo Fest 2015 with two performances during the festival – Nov. 7 at the Saenger Theatre (paid admission) and Nov. 8 in Fountain Square (free) as part of the Great Gulfcoast Arts Festival. On Nov. 7, the decades-old Masterworks Series will feature star cellist Cicely Parnas, who The New York Times called a “fast-rising young cellist,” with a “velvety sound, articulate passagework, and keen imagination.” Parnas will be performing French composer Camille Saint-Saëns’ charming first cello concerto. The Pensacola Symphony Orchestra will also perform pieces from Edvard Grieg’s delightful Suite from “Peer Gynt” and Johannes Brahms orchestral masterpiece, “Symphony No. 2.” Audience members are invited to attend an open dress rehearsal before the show on November 7 at 1:30 pm at the Saenger Theatre. The Greater Pensacola Symphony Orchestra will also be featured on the main stage of the Great Gulf Coast Arts Festival in Fountain Square on Nov. 8. The performance is free to the public and will feature music from the movies and light classics for audience members of all ages.

November 2015 | 41

“JUST ABOVE THE WATER” FLORIDA FOLK ART DATE: Nov. 5 - 7 and Nov. 10 - 14, from 10 am - 4 pm LOCATION: Voices of Pensacola Multicultural Center EVENT WEBSITE: historicpensacola.org Presented by the University of West Florida (UWF) Historic Trust, this traveling exhibit from the Museum of Florida History features information panels on the works and lives of 35 Florida folk artists. Their diverse creations, which incorporate media such as textiles, metal, wood and leather embody the richness and variety of folk art. These folk artists, in many cases selftaught, show us another perspective of life—one that is inspired by their everyday customs, their working environments and their community traditions. The UWF Historic Trust is dedicated to preserving, collecting, interpreting and sharing the history of NW Florida. The Voices of Pensacola Multicultural Center highlights Pensacola’s diverse multicultural history and strives to bring awareness to the impact that diversity had on our past.

clean energy fest

PENSACOLA EGG FEST: A BIG GREEN EGG COOK OFF

Date: Nov. 14, 11 am to 5 pm Location: Historic Sacred Heart Hospital Building Tickets: Free Event Website: world.350.org/pensacola Bringing together visionary artists, the Clean Energy Fest is celebrating the future of clean energy through live music, food, art competitions and much more at the historic Sacred Heart Hospital Building on 12th Ave., in the historic East Hill Neighborhood. A juried art competition, The Future of Energy asked artists of all ages to showcase an energy future (wind, solar, people power, etc.) in all genres of art and design. Artwork for this innovative exhibition will be judged by artists and designers from the Gulf Coast professional art community, university faculty and clean energy initiative leaders. Team Green World is the featured performance act — they’re a coalition of artists and musicians who use entertainment and education to encourage environmental stewardship. The popular regional folk duo, Sassafras, and other local music groups will also perform throughout the day. There will be fun activities for children and clean energy displays showcasing the present and future potential for our Clean Energy Future.

42 | Pensacola Magazine

DATE: Nov. 14, 11 am - 2 pm LOCATION: Pensacola Blue Wahoos Park TICKETS: $25 EVENT WEBSITE: pensacolaeggfest.com Celebrate the culinary art of grilling, smoking and baking on the Famous Big Green Egg at Blue Wahoo’s Stadium.

More than 40 teams will be competing to win against the dignified judges and visitors. Teams can prepare any type of food they like, leading to a diverse selection of creative menus with something for every palate. So you may see barbecue staples like ribs or chicken, and just down the row you could find paella, smoked oysters and pulled pork nachos. Attendees can explore their favorite foods in a whole new way with samples from all of the team’s delicious offerings. They can then vote for their favorites. Profits from the event will go to Chain Reaction, Pensacola’s Teen Leadership Institute.

Back on the Block s Festival Date: Nov. 13 - 14 Location: Belmont Devilliers Neighborhood Tickets: TBD Event Website: backontheblocks.com Back on the Blocks is celebrating the rhythm and soul of the art and music of the historic Belmont DeVilliers neighborhood, The Blocks. For two days, the streets of this remarkable neighborhood will play host to performing, literary, and visual arts of the classic music of rhythm and blues, jazz, blues, funk, and neo-soul genres.The festival will feature four different areas of interest.: ArtBlocks: an outdoor installation of murals depicting the culture of the African American experience, and an indoor exhibit showcasing the multidimensional culture of art.

Roots, Rhythm, and Movement: a live theatrical and musical retrospective of African American ballroom dance parties.

BlockParty: a street party with the live music of rhythm and blues, jazz, blues,funk, and neb-soul genres, a second line processional, and a DJ competition.

Date: Nov. 15, beginning at 3 pm Location: Blue Wahoos Stadium at Fetterman Field Tickets: Free (w/ paid VIP options) Event Website: pensacolaopera.com

Popera in the Par

Featuring the "Fo k: o Foo" Three Tenors

The Pensacola Opera will emulate the phenomenon of Popera made popular by the world-famous Three Tenors: Luciano Pavarotti, Placido Domingo, and Jose Carreras. The performance will re-kindle the excitement of the original Three Tenors with a concert featuring big vocal sounds, accompanied by the lush sounds of the Pensacola Symphony Orchestra in a non-classical venue — Blue Wahoos Stadium at Fetterman Field.

This will be a sweepingly emotional program of selections from well-known operas, Broadway musicals and popular songs. The program will feature the music of Verdi, Puccini, Donizetti and Bernstein with selections from West Side Story, Candide, The Merry Widow, Grand Opera, and even Mario Lanza’s Be My Love. Artistic Director Kyle Marrero has assembled a trio of electrifying singers for the event: Arnold Rawls, Adam Diegel, and David Portillo. All three of these beautiful singers regularly appear in the major opera houses, orchestras, and festivals throughout the world.

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PLAY •LIVE •give Nov. 1 – Dec. 15

production features four friends who have sworn to keep the promise they made of the night of their senior prom, a promise to be in each other’s weddings no matter what. Shows begin at 7:30 pm, except on Sundays when they begin at 2:30 pm.

General admission is $10 and café seating is $17. To purchase tickets, or for more information on the show, call the box office at 850-432-2042 or visit pensacolalittletheatre.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.” The exhibit will begin Nov. 1 and run until Dec. 15. Don’t miss the lecture and discussion about Murphy as presented

by Dr. Pellom McDaniels, III, on Saturday, Nov. 7 at 7 pm in the Bowden Building classroom at 120 E. Church St. 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.

Nov. 6

Santa Arrival and Parade at Cordova Mall

Area families are invited to Cordova Mall to kickoff the holiday season in grand fashion with a parade to welcome Santa on Friday, Nov. 6. The festivities will begin with a preparty starting at 6 pm, which will feature entertainment, giveaways and face painting followed by a parade at 7 pm.

After Santa finishes mingling and jingling in the parade, he will take his place in his winter wonderland in Center Court, where he will pose for photos and listen to holiday wishes through Christmas Eve. This event is locally sponsored by West Florida Women’s and Children’s Services and Hill-Kelly Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram. For more information visit www. cordovamall.com.

Nov. 5 – 7, Nov. 10 – 14

UWF Historic Trust presents “Just Above the Water”: Florida Folk Art “Just Above the Water” is a traveling, Florida Folk Art exhibit from the Museum of Florida History that features information panels on the works and lives of 35 Florida folk artists, who were in many cases self-taught. The artists show viewers another perspective of life—one inspired by everyday customs, working environments and community traditions. Their diverse creations incorporation media such as textiles, metal, wood and leather to embody the richness and variety of folk art. The exhibit will be viewable at the Voices of Pensacola Multicultural Centers from 10 am to 4 pm on Nov. 5 – 7 and Nov. 10 – 14. To learn more, call 850-595-5985

Nov. 7 – 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 www. cordovamall.com. for photo times and photo prices.

Nov. 6 – 7

Blue Angels Homecoming Show

The Blue Angels are back for their 2015 air show celebrating “the future of flight,” and the pilots are ready to put on a spectacular Friday Night Air Show at the National Naval Aviation Museum Nov. 6 and 7.

Gates open at 8 am both days.

Air shows are at 9 am and 4

pm Friday, and the air show begins at 9 am on Saturday.

Night time aircraft shows and performances will be capped off by the largest fireworks display in the Pensacola area.

The Home Depot Craft Tent is one of the many attractions at the air show, as the designated Kids’ Zone—it’s the perfect place to enjoy family time with activities for kids of all ages. Kids can enjoy activities such as an inflatable obstacle course, Spider Mountain, bounce houses, and much more. Purchase tickets or learn more about the upcoming show at naspensacolaairshow.com.

Nov. 6 – Nov. 15

Pensacola Little Theatre presents Always a Bridesmaid

Get ready for one hilarious, comedic romp in Always a Bridesmaid, showing at Pensacola Little Theatre starting on Friday, Nov. 6. The

Through Nov. 7

PMA presents Lincoln: Inspiration Through the Ages

This exhibit brings together selections from various private collectors and Museum Permanent Collections to present a selection of Americanhistory inspired artwork as unique as Lincoln himself. This unique celebration of American history within the visual arts will include a wide variety of media and artistic styles from artists such as Salvador Dali, Nathan Sawaya, Norman Rockwell, Bill Mauldin, Wendy Allen and more. Opening reception is on Gallery Night, Sept. 18 from 5:30 to 9 pm. To learn more, visit pensacolamuseum.org.

Nov. 8

11th Annual Pensacola Marathon

Put your running shoes on and join the Pensacola Sports Association for the 11th Annual Pensacola Marathon, which will begin and end at Veteran’s Memorial Park on Nov. 8 starting at 6:30 am. The course will wind its way along a 13.1 mile circuit of the city for the half marathoners and a full 26.2-mile loop for the full marathon. The course features historic neighborhoods, Downtown Pensacola, bands, and cheering Pensacolians. The finish line will be placed next to the only replica of the National Vietnam War Memorial in Washington, D.C. For more information visit marathonpensacola.com.

November 2015 | 45

Nov. 8

Pensacola Little Theatre presents Telling: Pensacola

The men and women of Pensacola will take the stage at Pensacola Little Theatre starting at 2:30 pm on Sunday, Nov. 8, for a free showing of Telling: Pensacola. The showing is part of the Telling Project, a nationwide project founded in 2008 to help bridge the communication gap within American society in part by having military veterans relate their service experiences to a community audience. Six veterans will tell their personal stories of how and why they served, the injuries and challenges they’ve had to overcome, and how they are transitioning back into civilian life. Audience members are invited to ask questions and participate in a moderated discussion after the performance.

For more information call 850-432-2042, or visit pensacolalittletheatre.com.

Nov. 11

Saenger Theatre presents Ragtime: The Musical

Everything is changing at the dawn of a new century and anything is possible with Ragtime: The Musical. The stories of an upper-class wife, a determined Jewish immigrant and a daring, young Harlem musician unfold in turn-of-thecentury New York, all three united by their desire and belief in a brighter tomorrow. Catch the show at 7:30 pm at the Saengar Theatre on Wednesday, Nov. 11. Tickets range $48 to $68 and may be reserved online by visiting ticketmaster.com, or going to saengertheatre. com.

Nov. 14

Pensacola Little Theatre presents Improvable Cause

You haven’t seen improvisational comedy until you’ve seen Improvable Cause—Pensacola’s best (and only) improvisational comedy troupe.

Prepare for a night of laughter and reserve your seats for Saturday, Nov. 14 at 10:30 pm.

You can get your tickets, or more information, from pensacolalittletheatre.com.

Nov. 14

Third Annual Krewe du Yayas Pink Pedal Party

Pump up your bike tires, grease your chains, and bring friends and family to join the YaYas for a day of fun from 11 am to 6:30 pm. Check-in is from 10 to 10:45 am at the Sandshaker on Nov. 14. Bring whatever means of transportation you choose—bike, golf cart, car, motorcycle, or your feet. There will be a barbecue lunch at Bamboo Willie’s and a chance to win a grand prize drawing of a one-night stay on beautiful Pensacola Beach with dinner and cocktails.

Raffle tickets for door prizes at each stop, and specialty drink prices throughout the day. A spectacular Joe Shoe after party at the 46 | Pensacola Magazine

Sandshaker. Admission is $15 per person in advance and $20 day of the event. Must be 21 years or older to participate. To reserve tickets online visit kreweduyayas.com. If you have any questions, send an email to yayaspinkpedal@ gmail.com.

Nov. 14

Third Annual Pensacola Egg Fest

Can’t get enough eggs? Don’t miss out on Pensacola Egg Fest coming back to Blue Wahoos stadium for its third year on Nov. 14 from 11 am to 2 pm. Bring friends and family to sample the eggy offerings of more than 60 local chefs who will be preparing their meals on “green egg” cookers. Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 day of the event. Children under the age of 10 get in free. All proceeds go to benefit Chain Reaction, Pensacola’s only team leadership institute. Learn more at pensacolaeggfest.com.

Nov. 21

48th Annual Snowball Derby Preview

Rev up your engines and get ready for the 48th annual Snowball Derby preview on Nov. 21 from 8 am to 7 pm at Five Flags Speedway.

The public is welcome to sit in and watch the annual practice day for the 48-year-old short track extravaganza. Pit passes are $15 and granstands are free. All gates open at 8 am.

For more info on the coming event, or for the upcoming Snowball Derby in December, go to 5flagsspeedway.com.

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 four home games in November at the Pensacola Bay Center. Get in on the action today and purchase your tickets or season passes� by visiting pensacolaiceflyers.com.

Nov. 6: v. Knoxville Ice Bears Nov. 7: v. Knoxville Ice Bears Nov. 11: v. MS River Kings Nov. 25: v. Louisiana Ice Gators

November 2015 | 47

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SPECIAL SECTION

SPECIAL SECTION 55

CHANGING THE WORLD, ONE CHILD AT A TIME

HOW THE NEMOURS CLINIC IMPROVES COMMUNITY HEALTH AND WELLNESS BY STARTING YOUNG.

路 OTHER STORIES 路

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A SNOWBALL IN FLORIDA

THE GULF COAST AFRICAN-AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE LEARNS FROM THE PAST, CELEBRATES THE PRESENT, AND ENVISIONS THE FUTURE.

A CONVERSATION BETWEEN JEFF WEEKS AND TIM BRYANT ABOUT THE SNOWBALL DERBY, FIVE FLAGS SPEEDWAY, AND THE IMPACT BOTH HAVE ON NORTHWEST FLORIDA.

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LEARNING FROM THE PAST

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

nwflbusinessclimate.com | Business Climate | 49

In early December, race car drivers and fans from around the nation will convene at Pensacola, Fla. for one of racing’s most prestigious events, the Snowball Derby.

Tim and Randy Bryant are now the curators of this legendary race and owners of Five Flags Speedway.

Jeff Weeks recently sat down for a conversation with Tim Bryant.

A Snowball in Florida

by Jeff Weeks 50 | Business Climate | nwflbusinessclimate.com

How did the Snowball Derby begin?

I’m always quick to point out that Tom Dawson was the originator of the Snowball Derby. He moved from Ohio in 1968 and started the event. That was the first one. They always tell the story about the press box being burnt down the night before the event so they had their challenges back then, too. It started out as a single day, a Sunday afternoon, 100-lap race for late model type stock cars. It has gone on for 48 uninterrupted years, which is almost unheard of in the short track world because a lot of tracks and a lot of cities have had marquee events but for whatever reason they’ll be interrupted for a few years, but this

‘‘

Business Climate SPECIAL SECTION

For the first week in December, a lot of businesses reap some reward off of the impact that we feel here and I believe that’s what has allowed it to continue to grow.”

one’s gone uninterrupted and we’re really proud of that.

What do you think the secret has been?

Well I can only say that, for our tenure, this is our 12th year at the track, and we’ve been able to grow the event with the help of the community. I mean this has really turned into Snowball Derby week. For the first week in December, a lot of businesses reap some reward off of the impact that we feel here and I believe that’s what has allowed it to continue to grow. If we get credit for anything, it may be that we control the growth. I mean we could see this thing grow to a bubble that would burst. We want to make sure that the event, even though we want it to grow each and every year, we want to make sure that it’s managed growth that we can get people in and out to the parking lot, in and out of the grand stands, end the races in

a timely fashion, get the racers in and treat them fairly and have them go home looking forward to next year and, so far, we’ve been able to do that.

What kind of economic impact does the Snowball Derby have on Pensacola?

There’s been somewhat informal studies. Visit Pensacola has done a couple of studies, a group from Atlanta came down last year and I think the number was $3.1 million. But this much I know, the motel and hotel operators are always looking forward to what would normally be a slow time of the season, to filling their places up. The restaurants get a lot

of business and I think the local shopping scene even sees some action. We try to make people aware in our marketing for our event that Pensacola has a lot to offer. So we try to get them to visit our beaches, make sure they know about the museum, get them out to the base and that sort of thing. So again it’s more than just a stock car race. They’re coming for what is ultimately a 2 pm 300-lap race on Sunday afternoon, but the days that lead up to that there’s a lot of activities and we’ve started referring to it as the Snowball Derby experience.

The Snowball Derby has a very strong brand. What would you like to do to build on that brand?

I think more than anything we want to continue to see the path that we’ve created over the past few years, and that is steady organized growth.

Two women, Tammy Jo Kirk and Johanna Long, have won the Snowball Derby. Do you expect to see more women drivers in the coming years?

I think so. It’s a very gender-friendly sport. During our regular season we have as many as five girls competing on any given night in the various divisions, so we’ll have two girls in this year’s Snowball Derby, Joanna Long being one of them, and Dominique Van Wieringen, who is nwflbusinessclimate.com nwflbusinessclimate.com| |Business BusinessClimate Climate| |5151

a Canada-based driver, who drives for the Nemechek team. John Hunter Nemechek was last year’s winner, so she’ll be at this year’s Snowball Derby as a teammate to Nemechek and she’ll be a contender, as well. There’s no powderpuff derbies anymore, they get in there and mix it up with the other guys.

Jeff Gordon who will end his driving career this year did a lot to bring a new generation of race fans to Nascar. Did that movement trickle down to the local tracks?

I believe it did. I mean, I always said that Jeff Gordon changed the face of racing.

He was the first young guy that come along

Tim Bryant

and got to the big leagues and had success at an early age, so from that a lot of dads, much like little league dads, started bringing their kids into racing at an early age. That’s evolved. Now we’ll have a strong group of teenagers racing at the Snowball Derby this year and in fact, Eric Jones, who’s a two-time winner and a future Joe Gibbs racing driver, is 19 years old and by the time this comes to print he may be the Camping World Truck Series champion in Nascar for 2015. But Jeff Gordon I do believe is the guy that changed all that.

Over the years marquee drivers have come to race at the Snowball Derby. In the past, Bobby Allison, Darrell Waltrip, Rusty Wallace, and in recent years Kyle Busch and Chase Elliot. What is it about Five Flags Speedway that appeals to those guys?

The tradition and prestige of the Snowball Derby appeals to those guys.

Do you have a favorite moment from the Snowball Derby?

You know, I don’t talk too much about when I raced, but I did race in a few Snowball Derbies. Just being in the race is such an accomplishment for a non-professional racer, a hobbyist if you would, and so every time I sat in my car and they said, “Gentlemen, crank your engines,” I mean, that was my favorite moment. It’s just indescribable.

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What do you foresee for the 2015 Snowball Derby? How big will 2015 be?

Well, it’s shaping up to be what could perhaps be the biggest Snowball ever. We’re going to have a lot of entries. Racing has gotten even more competitive, and what I mean by that is there’s not a few fast cars and a few mid-pack cars, and a few slow cars; they’re all fast cars, so you know there will be some surprises on Snowball Derby weekend.

There will be some guys who will come into the gate looking to win the race, who in all likelihood won’t be in the race, so what I hope we see is five days of Chamber of Commerce weather and just a good experience for our fans and our racers.

About the Author

Jeff Weeks is a financial professional in Pensacola, Florida.

He is also the host of “Conversations with Jeff Weeks” on WSRE-TV PBS.

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Business Climate SPECIAL SECTION

CHANGING THE WORLD ONE CHILD AT A TIME HOW THE NEMOURS CLINIC IMPROVES COMMUNITY HEALTH AND WELLNESS BY STARTING YOUNG.

BY JOSH NEWBY

Since 1936, the Nemours Children’s Health System (NCHS) has been providing holistic subspecialty health and wellness services to all kinds of kids— those with debilitating diseases, those who need a little help with temporary ailments, and even those who never enter the facility’s doors. Thanks to a trust from Alfred duPont, the Nemours Foundation was formed in 1936 with the mission of improving the lives of children and families in Delaware and Florida. Today, that mission continues with locations or partnerships in nearly half the country and $2.6 billion worth of cumulative care over the past eight decades.

The local Northwest Florida branch of NCHS, Nemours Children’s Clinic Pensacola, opened on the Sacred Heart Hospital campus in Pensacola in 1996.

Today, the location features 27 pediatric subspecialists contributing their talents to 11 subspecialties including cardiology, endocrinology, orthopedics and more.

Last year, Nemours Pensacola diagnosed and treated approximately 12,000 unique patients and between 250 and 300 children enter its doors each day. They also gave $1.9 million worth of uncompensated care in 2014, signifying their value of people over profits, and making children their top priority.

nwflbusinessclimate.com nwflbusinessclimate.com||Business BusinessClimate Climate||55 55

All in all, Nemours has two dedicated hospitals, 14 partner hospitals, and more than 40 outpatient primary, urgent and specialty care clinics. They also employ more than 600 physicians; 206 researchers; 27 PhDs; 1,437 residents, fellows and students and more than 6,000 associates. When a child is under Nemours care, they are quite literally subjected to one of the best patient-care experiences in the nation with access to the expertise of over 8,000 highly trained professionals of unequaled dedication.

Nemours in Pensacola sees patients from as far east as Tallahassee and as far west as Biloxi. As the largest center of pediatric subspecialists—even more than Mobile—their role in keeping children healthy cannot be overstated.

The organization features a network of partnering facilities that have access to Nemours’ knowledge base. A patient having diagnostic tests performed at Ft. Walton Beach Medical Center, for example, can have a subspecialist from Nemours Pensacola review the results and lend his or her experience to their particular situation. In this way, Nemours is a Mayo Clinic-like network of experts all working together to ensure the health and safety of children everywhere.

“That’s one of the things that sets us apart,” said Dr. Mary Mehta, chief medical officer for Nemours Pensacola. “We can share best practices from the perspective of licensed subspecialist care. We are able to drive the needed expertise to a community that needs it.”

The care that these doctors provide is always on the cutting-edge of the latest research, too, because they are very often the ones involved in the newest clinical studies. Right now, Nemours is involved in more than 300 stage two and stage three trials, including studies on cystic fibrosis and diabetes.

And they are training the doctors of tomorrow, too, by providing about 65 percent of the education for Florida State University’s pediatric medical and residency program. They also partner with Pensacola Christian College and Pensacola State College to train nurses.

Working toward developing a healthier patient base in the future, Nemours also helps educate children with regards to diet, education, reading, screen time recommendations, sleep routines, emotional wellness and more. In fact, Nemours’ early child care collaboratives, population health and reading readiness work extend beyond their physical reach to 22 states impacting more than 900,000 children, according to their annual report. They even offer parenting seminars and tips to ensure kids receive positive physical and emotional support from everyone in their life.

Years ago, Nemours helped pioneer kidshealth. org, the most visited site in the world devoted to children’s health and parenting with more than one million visits a day. With kidshealth.org, the young patients themselves can log in and read about their 56 | Business Climate | nwflbusinessclimate.com

Business Climate SPECIAL SECTION

treatment plan in an easy-to-understand way and even keep abreast of upcoming procedures. The forum also provides advice from licensed professionals and comfort from those who have been through their hardships before.

“It’s extremely important to us that we care for the whole child,” said Jodi Gup, development manager for Nemours Pensacola. “We have individuals who help coordinate things every step of the way so the patient is comfortable, can receive education about their situation, and ask questions.”

Gup said that the institution is very proud of the time and attention that doctors dedicate to patients.

“Typically after receiving a diagnosis, you might have a half-hour or so with the doctor who will go over treatment plans and such,” said Gup. “It’s not unusual for our doctors and nurses to spend half a day with the same patient, talking to them, making sure they understand, and educating them on next steps.”

It is for that reason that patient satisfaction scores for Nemours physicians are at or near the top 5 percent nationally.

All of this is crucial not only to the health and wellness of the patient, of course, but to the overall vigor of the region in terms of lifestyle, economics, education and more.

“Say someone has a child who needs frequent medical attention for some sort of ailment,” said Mehta. “The family may want to relocate here for work or even lifestyle, but without highly qualified medical staff ready to help take care of their child, they may decide to not come here.”

The same is true for those who are here if Nemours was not available, according to Mehta.

“Before Nemours opened here, you would have had to travel to Atlanta or Birmingham or Orlando for treatment,” said Mehta. “If those treatments were frequent enough, you may just decide to move there for your child. With Nemours, we can treat the patient here and access knowledge from all over the country.”

That holistic quality of care is unrivaled among other pediatric care providers. Nemours fills a void that would exist without specialized, dedicated care just for children.

“Pediatric care is a different discipline than adult care,” said Mehta. “An adult heart doctor may honestly not know how to treat a not-fully-formed heart.”

As if all this was not enough, Nemours also partners with the Department of Defense and Lockheed Martin to identify strategies for successful reintegration of military physicians back into civilian health care.

“Something a lot of people don’t know about us is how closely we work with our local and regional military,” said Gup. “If someone is stationed here and their child needs medical care, we work closely with the bases to provide that.”

“WE CAN SHARE BEST PRACTICES FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF LICENSED SUBSPECIALIST CARE. WE ARE ABLE TO DRIVE THE NEEDED EXPERTISE TO A COMMUNITY THAT NEEDS IT.”

The Pensacola branch is also looking to invest in a new medical van that can more expeditiously bring the care to patients. They currently have an older van but believe a newer, more reliable one would better serve their patients. In some regions of Northwest Florida, residential areas with sick children are up to an hour away from a hospital or medical facility. Often in these cases, the parent is faced with a choice of taking off work from their hourly job to get their child the medical attention they need, or going into work to make money for food and shelter. This van would eliminate that difficult decision by bringing the doctors to the young patients, instead of requiring patients to come to them. nwflbusinessclimate.com | Business Climate | 57

As is the case in many nonprofit healthcare systems, 60 percent of Nemours patients are Medicaid eligible, which means that there is very often a funding shortfall. The trust established by duPont covers about 20 percent of the difference, but private funding is extremely important for the organization. That is where the Nemours Fund for Children’s Health Division, which Gup is in charge of on the regional level, comes in. The division Fund would like to bring in between $5 and $7 million a year to subsidize patient care and supplement what Medicaid does not cover.

The residual impact to the community is well worth the investment, according to Gup. The total community impact for all of Nemours is astounding: $163 million in uncompensated care, $19 million in prevention, and $4.5 million in education and training of health professionals. Of the $150.2 million in trust distribution funds in 2014, communities saw a return of $210.8 million.

While individual contributions are extremely important—and account for the second greatest source of Nemours funding—there are other ways to get involved, too. In 2014, Nemours Pensacola recruited 27 volunteers who dedicated 1,010 hours of service supporting 24 divisions and departments, equivalent to a monetary contribution of $22,275.

58 | Business Climate | nwflbusinessclimate.com

Nemours’ mission is to provide leadership, institutions and services to restore and improve the health of children through care and programs not readily available. With their high standards and peerless dedication to progressing every aspect of a child’s life—from their health and emotional stability to their community and beyond, that mission

is accomplished every day in the worlds of the children who come through their doors, and even those who do not.

nwflbusinessclimate.com | Business Climate | 59

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Florida l Alabama l Georgia

past

Business Climate SPECIAL SECTION

learning from the

the gulf coast african-american chamber of commerce learns from the past, celebrates the present, and envisions the future. by nicole dixon.

“Learning from the Past, Celebrating the Present and Envisioning the Future” was the theme of this year’s second Annual Community Awards Ceremony presented by the Gulf Coast African American Chamber of Commerce (GCAACC). The Chamber honored local minority business leaders and owners.

The ceremony recognized business owners, business professionals and business leaders for their valuable service and involvement in the Escambia County area.

“We wanted to publicly recognize these individuals for their contributions to the community,” said Nicole Dixon, executive director of the GCAACC. The divine Keyontay Humphries, regional organizer for the American Civil Liberties Union of Florida, co-host of the International Talk show and the Macintosh principal, was the MC for the evening.

Pensacola’s very own attorney Aaron Watson, a partner of the Levin Papantonio law firm, was the keynote speaker. The Belmont Youth Band rendered two wonderful musical selections and Eleanor Johnson cultivated us with a beautiful dance performance.

The list of honorees were: A Will & Way, Inc. (Williemae Stanberry, executive director) was the recipient for Non-Profit of the Year for their services provided in the community since 2001. A Will & Way reaches into the jails, prisons, mental health facilities and to the homeless to serve survivors of domestic violence and their children who survive the ordeal.

Pay Cell Systems (CEO Jibril Sulaiman) was the recipient of the Community Award for the small

nwflbusinessclimate.com | Business Climate | 61

business with six or more employees. Pay Sell Systems is a technology company that specializes in solutions for the prepaid wireless industry.

In 2011, the platform “Cell Pay” was marketed to independent wireless stores under the company’s name Pay Cell Systems, Inc., and he soon employed 10 people and grossed over 3 million dollars a year.

Mamie Hixon was the recipient of the Business Professional Award. Mamie Hixon is a forty-nine-year veteran English teacher with 13 years in Escambia County School District, two years at the then Pensacola Junior College and 34 years at UWF. Mamie Hixon is currently an assistant professor of English, Director of the Writing Lab and director and creator of the Grammar Hotline at the University of West Florida.

Cox Communications was awarded Corporate Partner of the Year. Cox, it is one of the largest broadband and entertainment companies in the U.S., providing advanced digital video, Internet, telephone and home security and automation services over our own nationwide IP network. Cox is known for its pioneering efforts in cable, telephone and commercial services, industry-leading customer care and its outstanding workplaces. For several years, Cox has been recognized as the top operator for women by Women in Cable Telecommunications; Cox has ranked among Diversity Inc’s Top 50 Companies for Diversity 10 times, including the last nine years.

In celebration of this year’s theme, “Learning from the Past,” the GCAACC honored African

“we wanted to publicly recognize these individuals for their contributions to the community.”

Pensacola Improv Event Center (CEO, Mr. Douglas Baldwin) was the recipient of the Community Award for small business with five or less employees. The Pensacola Improv Event Center has been in business for over seven years and has donated over 500 hours of free rental space to local non-profits in the Escambia County District. Owner Douglas Baldwin has spent 35 years with the Police Department and retired as a decorated police lieutenant with many achievements and accolades.

62 | Business Climate | nwflbusinessclimate.com

American-owned businesses that have been in business 20 years or more in the Greater Pensacola area.

The recipients included: The Gathering Awareness and Book Center started by Johnny and Georgia Blackmon well over 20 years ago and is now located in the historic Belmont DeVilliers area.

The Pensacola Voice who just celebrated their 50th years of anniversary.

Choice 106.9/WRNE 980 Radio also known

as Media One Communications is owned by Robert Hill. Since 1990, WRNE 980 has operated under the philosophy of educating, empowering and enhancing the quality of life in the community that it services.

Out Front Magazine (New Beginnings Publishing) was started in 1990 as a bimonthly lifestyle publication covering regional and national-issue-oriented news and commentary, business, educations, politics, health, sports and recreation, travel and tourism.

The Dwarf Chicken Stand located in historic Belmont DeVilliers area is a family business that is currently being run by VeNisa “NeeSee” Jones.

Fredrick Gant Law Firm started by Fred Gant (Owner) over 25 years ago and is located in the beautiful downtown Pensacola.

Saver’s Transmission was founded and owned by the late William N. Green over 30 years ago.

His loyalty, honesty and patience allowed him to sponsor many organizations in the community.

His lovely wife Sheila Green accepted the award on his behalf in memory of the great things he did for this community.

Doris Healthy Hair Beauty Salon owned by Doris Taylor has been in business since 1990.

Ray’s Soul City opened in Pensacola in 1968 under the ownership of Raymond House. Ray’s Soul City has hosted the likes of Aretha Franklin, James and Bobby Purify, Ben and Spence and many others who went on to fame and fortune.

Anthurium’s was established in 1986 by Frank Watson. Watson also the owner of Elegant Hair & Nail and Rental Rite. Watson has been an entrepreneur in this community since 1958.

The ceremony concluded with a presentation on “Envisioning our Future.” Although the GCAACC serves a niche community, our mission is to create and facilitate equal opportunities for minorities to do business along the Gulf Coast.

The Gulf Coast African American Chamber of Commerce has experienced an 80 percent increase in membership growth over the past year and a half. Membership is open to everyone in our community. Their goal is not to encourage separation but inclusion and unity. The Gulf Coast African American Chamber of Commerce is about building bridges and connecting the community together so the whole community can experience economic growth.

nwflbusinessclimate.com | Business Climate | 63

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.

For more information, visit www.pensacolamagazine.com or email us at the address above.

Please send us the photos by January 25, 2015.

Pen Air Federal Credit Union raises $4,000 for the Gulf Coast Veterans Advocacy Council Pen Air Federal Credit Union presented the Gulf Coast Veterans Advocacy Council (GCVAC) with a check for $4,000 from funds raised through Pen Air FCU employee Jeans for Generosity Days and other fund raising efforts.

The presentation was made at the Pen Air Federal Credit Union corporate office with staff, some of which were veterans as well, to commemorate the event.

Representatives from GCVAC were on hand to accept the check and take photos with Pen Air FCU staff and management. The donation will help fund the 2015 Stand Down annual event that provides services and information to local homeless veterans and families of veterans.

The event provides items such as health screenings, legal assistance, clothing, cold weather gear, and hot meals.

The GCVAC facilitates programs to end veteran homelessness. They work to see every veteran receives mental and physical care and assist with the adjustment to civilian life.

National Park Service awards contract to build Ferry Boats Superintendent Dan Brown announced today that the National Park Service has awarded the contract for the design, construction and delivery of two 150 passenger catamaran ferry boats to All American Marine, located in Bellingham, Washington. The boats will be used for the Pensacola Bay passenger ferry service, scheduled to start in March 2017.

Funding for the $5 million-plus contract was provided by Natural Resource Damage Assessment (NRDA) funding as a result of the BP Deepwater Horizon oil spill, with the balance from the Federal Lands Transportation Program that funds NPS Alternative Transportation projects.

Nemours changes local name Over the coming months, the Pensacola community will start seeing some changes in how they refer to operations in northwest Florida. They are set to begin evolving their name from Nemours Children’s Clinic, Pensacola to Nemours Children’s Specialty Care, Pensacola.

This change in the name is a direct response to consumer research and it reflects their desire to provide families, providers and partners with a clear understanding of the high quality, specialized care that Nemours offers in the region. The name Nemours Children’s Specialty Care also further aligns our facilities in Florida; Jacksonville successfully adopted this new naming structure earlier this year.

The change won’t happen overnight. They’ll share their plans for rolling out our new name in 2016.

Arc Gateway and Belle Bear awarded by the Arc of Florida The Arc Gateway and local philanthropist, Belle Bear, were awarded at The Arc of Florida ‘Superhero’ Convention in Tampa.

The Arc Gateway was the recipient of the Local Arc Chapter of the Year for outstanding efforts to maintain and build programs of excellence while demonstrating significant improvement in services, as well as contributing to the overall Arc mission and work. Belle Bear was the recipient of the Ray Watson Brotherhood Memorial Award for volunteering her time and expertise in addressing and pursuing advocacy issues on all levels for persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

nwflbusinessclimate.com | Business Climate | 65

Sundays 8PM

The Final Season!

Free Preview Screening & Soirée Tuesday, Dec 15 • 7pm–8:30pm WSRE Jean & Paul Amos Performance Studio Pensacola State College Can’t wait to see what happens in the final season? Be among the first to see the first full hour of Season 6 on the big screen. Come dressed as your favorite Downton Abbey character and enjoy light refreshments and door prize drawings. Don’t miss this last chance to gather with fellow DA faithful at WSRE!

Beginning Jan 3

“Christmas at Downton Abbey” Luncheon Tuesday, Dec 8 • 11:30am–1pm Heritage Hall at Seville Quarter Come celebrate the season Downton Abbey style! Heritage Hall will be transformed into the DA set for local fans. Guests are encouraged to dress the part (hats and gloves).

All proceeds benefit the mission of WSRE. $45 includes lunch Tickets: wsre.org/DowntonAbbey

wsre.org

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50 | Pensacola Magazine

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