Pensacola Magazine

May/June 2013

Private Schools

Enrich the Mind, Body and Spirit

Find Adventure

SUMMER CAMPS LearningRx

A Personal Trainer For Your Brain

Also Inside

www.pensacolamagazine.com

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editor’s note > my two cents on the subject

Man, they grow up fast, don’t they? I was looking at my daughter asleep in her bed just last night and the length of her body floored me. She looks so much longer lying down. It doesn’t seem like five years have passed since I held her in my arms as an infant. One Kelly & Lola Oden thing that hasn’t changed, or maybe it has grown, is Executive Editor the sheer joy I get from her smile. Research has shown that a baby’s smile releases feel good hormones in the mother and in my experience, that doesn’t end with infanthood. Seeing my daughter smile that genuine, gorgeous smile of hers and seeing her eyes light up with laughter is truly the best part of my day. I live for it.

Not all kids are fortunate enough to have the loving family life my daughter has and I think about that fairly often. Child abuse and neglect are terrible epidemics in our country and in our community. Consider this: a report of child abuse is made every ten seconds in America. These are the reported cases. How many go unreported? It’s important that we all realize that child abuse is a community issue. Eighty percent of adults who were abused as children suffer from at least one psychological disorder and 30 percent go on to abuse their own children. We can all help these kids. Whether it is prevention, intervention, prosecution or mental, emotional or financial support, there is something each of us can do. Please read the article on local nonprofits that help children of abuse and neglect and lend your hand to one or more of them in any way you can. Your time really will make a difference in a child’s life.

Summer is just around the corner and for many parents, that means choosing a summer camp for their kids. Pensacola has a wide variety of camps to choose from—whether you are looking for athletics, academics, art or a combination of everything, you are sure to find what you need in our annual summer camp guide.

As parents, we want the best for our kids. We want them to grow and prosper as people and as members of society. While the job of raising our children lies primarily on the parent’s shoulders, education plays such a crucial role as well. After all, we send our kids to school and after care for up to eight hours a day. The experiences they have at school, both academically and socially, shape who they become in more ways than we can imagine.

While public education can be very good and works for a great number of children, many parents want to go the extra mile and offer their children a smaller learning environment with a hands-on, individual approach. For many, that’s where private schools come in. Our local private schools offer vigorous academics, hands-on learning opportunities, plenty of time for play and athletics, and in many cases spiritual guidance as well. And don’t be so sure you can’t afford it. Many private schools offer substantial financial aid in addition to a fantastic learning environment. So check out our article on local private schools and see if any of them might be a good fit for your family.

As always, I hope you enjoy this issue of Pensacola Magazine and I hope it gives lots of great ideas for your family this summer and beyond.

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Contents departments

features Find Adventure at Local Summer Camps .........................22

brain power LearningRx A Personal Trainer For Your Brain . . . . .10 charity Lend a Hand Against Child Neglect and Abuse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

Private Schools .........................28 Enrich the Mind, Body and Spirit

gone to the dogs An Affordable Cure For The Dirty Dog Blues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 UWF book club Tropic of Orange . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16

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communicate Giving Children Peace in a Violent World . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19 repeats datebook .....................37 pensacola seen ............40

On The Cover: Kindergartener Hannah Belsinger holds her grandmother, Caroline Belsinger's hand on Grandparent's Day at Episcopal Day School.

May/June 2013 P UBLISHER M A L C O L M B A L L I N G E R

malcolm@ballingerpublishing.com P M E DITOR K E L LY O D E N

kelly@ballingerpublishing.com A RT D IRECTOR R I TA L AY M O N

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O WNERS M A L C O L M & G L E N Y S B A L L I N G E R P UBLISHER M A L C O L M B A L L I N G E R

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rita@ballingerpublishing.com G RAPHIC K A S S I E M C L E A N D ESIGNER & kassie@ballingerpublishing.com A DVERTISING C OORDINATOR E DITOR E M I LY L U L L O

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brain power

By Kelly Oden

LearningRx A Personal Trainer For Your Brain

If you could improve your child’s (or your own) memory, reasoning, focus, and sensory processing, would you? Well, now you can. A new brain-training center, LearningRx, has opened at 4300 Bayou Boulevard, Suite 34 in Pensacola. After 20 plus years in education, Angela Fox decided to open LearningRx after seeing the results first hand. While serving as a principal about 13 years ago, Dr. Ken Gibson, the founder and creator of LearningRx, did a brain training in-service program for Fox’s faculty. She was so impressed, she began training under Dr. Gibson to learn more about brain training and the science behind it.

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That science, Neuroplasticity, defines the brain’s ability to change and modify neuron activity and connections in reaction to increased learning demand. The brain processes information through a complex network of nerve cells called neurons. As we learn, groupings of neurons physically work together to accomplish learning or thinking tasks. Research shows that additional, nearby neurons are drawn into this process when the task is new or unfamiliar, or when the intensity of the learning demand is increased. Once the task is mastered, the borrowed neurons are released to go back to other duties; however, the gains in efficiency and processing speed required for that task are retained and make learning-related tasks easier. Brain training takes advantage of neuroplasticity by engaging a student in specially designed exercises to promote rapid Brain training in action strengthening and growth of these neural connections.

“It’s important to note that brain training is not tutoring,” says Fox. “We take the seven core cognitive progress than any material rewards. The program keeps skills and we exercise those areas of the brain and treat kids focused on their own improvement as well. Each the brain as a muscle. As we exercise areas of the brain, time they sit for a session, they are asked to describe we see changes. We work the weaker skills and strengthen areas in which they are seeing improvement. Kids often them. We make people learn faster and more efficiently. boast of increased focus, attention, problem solving skills The first step is the assessment. We use the Woodcock and even athletic ability.

Johnson assessment, which is the gold standard of Programs last anywhere from 12-32 weeks and consist cognitive testing. Based on that assessment, we look at of a series of mental exercises performed one on one the seven core cognitive skills and where the client falls in with a personal trainer. The best part, LearningRx each of those skills. That helps us determine how we can guarantees clients will see a 2 percent gain or they will best help them,” Fox explains. provide additional training at no cost.

The program has seen astonishing results in children LearningRx is also available for in service training, across a broad spectrum. One compelling aspect of brain lunch and learns and corporate training. To find out more training is the success it seems to have with children who information, visit www.learningrx.com/pensacola or call struggle with ADHD/ADD, dyslexia, and autism. In fact, (850) 466-4999.

LearningRx research claims “of the students who come to LearningRx on medication for ADD or ADHD, 37 percent report being able to reduce or stop medication before their brain training is even completed.”

While LearningRx is great for kids, Fox sees a variety of adult clients as well. Some just want to gain a competitive edge while others are looking to stave off the early signs of dementia or working to rewire the brain after a traumatic injury.

The results are impressive. Fox says that clients can expect to see an average gain of 15-20 points in IQ and to move up 30 percentile points on average. What’s more, clients report dramatic changes in their everyday lives—they think, learn and remember better, which leads to gains in academics, careers and even sports. Plus, research shows that LearningRx clients retain or add to their cognitive gains 12 months after their training has ended.

All trainers have a bachelor’s degree or higher and spend 40 hours learning the science and methods behind brain training. They look for a specific skill set—someone who is very coach minded. Angela likens it to a personal trainer at the gym. Like personal trainers, brain trainers motivate you to work harder and faster. Each client keeps the same trainer for the length of the program.

Fox says that kids love the program. Kids are able to earn points and brain bucks for passing levels, but Fox LearningRx owner, Angela Fox finds that kids are often more excited about their own May/June 2013

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charity

By Kelly Oden

Lend a Hand Against Child Neglect and Abuse

Children across the country are suffering from an epidemic of child abuse and neglect. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, every year 3.3 million reports of child abuse are made in the United States involving nearly 6 million children (a report can include multiple children).

Research compiled by ChildHelp paints a grim picture of this sad reality for many children: A report of child abuse is made every ten seconds.

More than five children die every day as a result of child abuse.

Approximately 80 percent of children that die from abuse are under the age of 4.

It is estimated that between 50-60 percent of child fatalities due to maltreatment are not recorded as such on death certificates.

More than 90 percent of juvenile sexual abuse victims know their perpetrator in some way.

Child abuse occurs at every socioeconomic level, across ethnic and cultural lines, within all religions and at all levels of education.

About 30 percent of abused and neglected children will later abuse their own children, continuing the horrible cycle of abuse.

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About 80 percent of 21 year olds that were abused as children met criteria for at least one psychological disorder.

The estimated annual cost of child abuse and neglect in the United States for 2008 is $124 billion.

Caring for one of the most vulnerable demographics in our community should be a top priority for everyone. You can choose to give your time and money to help build a future for at risk youth—starting here, in our own community. Here are just a handful of worthy organizations that would welcome your interest.

Bethany Christian Services

Who They Are Bethany Christian Services is a global nonprofit organization caring for orphans and vulnerable children on five continents. Bethany is recognized as a prominent leader in social services worldwide, and is the largest adoption agency in the U.S. Founded in 1944, their mission calls them to demonstrate the love and compassion of Jesus Christ by protecting and enhancing the lives of children and families around the world.

Bethany Christian services include family support and preservation, adoption, foster care, pregnancy

counseling, training, refugee services, sponsorship, and infertility ministry.

How You Can Help Volunteer, provide temporary care for children, monetary and goods donations and sponsorships.

Contact Bethany Christian Services 1716 E Olive Rd Pensacola, FL 32514 (850) 478-6789 www.bethany.org/pensacola

Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Northwest Florida

Who They Are Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Florida matches caring, adult mentors with children ages 6 through 18 who come primarily from single-parent homes. The program has proven success in developing positive relationships that have a direct and lasting impact on the lives of everyone involved – including the child, volunteer, families, and the community. A Big Brother or Big Sister broadens kids’ horizons, pushes them to do better, and brings a little magic into the lives of the children in the community that need it the most. BBBS provides services in five counties including Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, Walton and Bay Counties.

How You Can Help Volunteer as a mentor, become a friend of BBBS, serve on a board, monetary donations and sponsorships.

Contact 1149 Creighton Road, Suite 1 Pensacola, FL 32504 850.433.5437 www.bbbsnwfl.org

Guardian ad Litem

Who They Are The Florida Guardian ad Litem program is a partnership of community advocates and professional staff providing a powerful voice on behalf of Florida’s abused and neglected children.

A Guardian ad Litem is a volunteer appointed by the court to protect the rights and advocate the best interests of a child involved in a court proceeding.

The volunteer Guardian ad Litem makes independent recommendations to the court by focusing on the needs of each child. The Guardian ad Litem advocates for the best interests of the child they represent. Anyone with common sense, compassion and dedication to children can be a Guardian ad Litem. A Guardian ad Litem must successfully complete 30 hours of certification training and six hours annually of re-certification training, and spend an average of 10 hours per month working on the case (as with any average, some cases will involve more time, and some less time).

There are currently approximately 2,204 children in the 1st Judicial Circuit and only about 58 percent of them have a Guardian ad Litem assigned to them due to the number of volunteers.

How You Can Help Volunteer to become a Guardian ad Litem, monetary donations, membership.

Contact Guardian ad Litem 2257 N Palafox St Pensacola, FL 32501 (850) 595-3736 www.guardianadlitem.org/partners

Gulf Coast Kid’s House

Who They Are Gulf Coast Kid’s House is a children’s advocacy center serving Escambia County. GCKH combines all of the professionals and resources needed for the intervention, investigation and prosecution of child abuse cases under

one child-friendly facility. Child victims and their families also receive mental health counseling at the center. The goal of Gulf Coast Kid’s House is to form a more collaborative response to child abuse cases in order to improve case outcomes and minimize trauma to the children and families they serve. Gulf Coast Kid’s House provides a place where child protective services, law enforcement, prosecution, medical and mental health professionals’ work together under one roof to provide comprehensive services.

How You Can Help Volunteer opportunities, committee service, monetary donations, and wishlist donations.

young women. Helping approximately 100 young women per year, the foundation of PACE is the genderresponsive culture, providing a safe environment that celebrates girls, services that take into account how girls learn and develop, and a staff that understands the lives of girls and can respond to their strengths and challenges. With a demonstrated record of success, PACE uses a holistic, strength-based and asset building model specifically responsive to the needs of girls and which is recognized as among the most effective programs in the country for keeping girls from entering the juvenile justice system. PACE offers goal setting, academic education, service learning, career preparation, counselling and transition services to girls and young women.

How You Can Help Volunteer opportunities, monetary donations, and wish-list items Contact 1201 College Boulevard Pensacola, FL 32504 850.478.7060 www.pacecenter.org

Santa Rosa Kid’s House

Big Sister Paula Shell with Little Sister Christina. Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Northwest Florida Contact 3401 N. 12th Avenue Pensacola, FL 32503 (850) 595-5800 www.gulfcoastkidshouse.org

Pace Center for Girls

Who They Are PACE Center for Girls, Inc. is a nationally recognized and research based model that features a balanced emphasis on academics and social services with a focus on the future for middle and high-school aged girls and

Who They Are Serving 200 children annually, the Santa Rosa Kid’s House mission is to deliver a well-coordinated and multidisciplined response to child abuse in an environment that puts the needs of children first. Their vision is to create a community where all children are nurtured to learn and grow in the context of safe and stable families that are equipped with the tools to prevent abuse and neglect. The Santa Rosa Kids’ House provides preventative, intervention and therapeutic services to children who have been sexually abused or neglected. The facility uses the multidisciplinary team approach to reduce trauma to the child.

How You Can Help Volunteer, monetary donations, wishlist and supply items.

Contact 5643 Stewart St Milton, FL 32570 (850) 623-1112 www.srkidshouse.org May/June 2013

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gone to the dogs

An Affordable Cure For The Dirty Dog Blues

S

Spring is here and with it comes a lot more time spent outdoors for both our pets and their people. For many dogs, this means digging, rolling, sweating and just generally getting into one kind of mess or another. And, if you’re like me and don’t really love spending your weekends bathing your dogs, you are in luck! The Humane Society of Pensacola announces its Bathe-In schedule for 2013.

Bathe-Ins at the Humane Society of Pensacola offer low-cost dog bathing, grooming, nail clipping and flea dips during the warm weather season. Events are held every third Saturday of the month April through October from 9 am until 2 pm and the remaining ones are scheduled for May 18, June 15, July 20, August 17, September 21 and October 19. Charges for baths and grooming are based on the dog’s weight. Groomings are done on a first-come, first-served basis.

“Pet owners are trying to find affordable ways to care for and keep their pets,” says Monie Russo, volunteer coordinator of HSOP. “Our Bathe-Ins give people a convenient and inexpensive opportunity to keep their pets clean, healthy and pest free.”

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In addition to providing a service to pet owners, the Bathe-ins are an important fundraising activity for the Humane Society, providing a substantial portion of the shelter’s revenue. The events are run by shelter staff and volunteers. New volunteers and experienced groomers and nail clippers are always needed. Those interested in helping should contact Monie Russo at (850) 432-4250 or email director@humanesocietyof pensacola.org.

The Humane Society is located at 5 North Q Street, Pensacola, FL 32505. For more information visit HSOP’s web site at www.humanesocietyofpensacola.org About the Humane Society of Pensacola: The mission of Humane Society of Pensacola is the protection and welfare of animals through education, sanctuary, adoption and the promotion of responsible pet ownership. They operate a no kill shelter and adoption center for homeless animals. The Humane Society depends on private donations and fundraising activities to maintain its facility and operations.

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UWF book club

About the book About the author Karen Tei Yamashita, a Japanese-American writer, was born in 1951 in Oakland, Calif.

She attended Carleton College, where she received degrees in English and Japanese literature. While enrolled, she spent her junior year living in Japan as an exchange student at Waseda University. She has also lived in Brazil for nine years, and later researched the Brazilian community in Japan.

Yamashita currently teaches creative writing and Asian-American Literature at the University of California at Santa Cruz, where she received the Chancellor’s Award for Diversity in 2009. She is a novelist, short story writer, playwright and member of the Amerasia Journal editorial board. She has been praised by the Los Angeles Times, New York Times, and Newsday for her wit and talent She has won the American Book Award and Janet Heidinger Kafka Award for her novel Through the Arc of the Rain Forest, which is set in Brazil. Her novel Tropic of Orange, set in Los Angeles, was a finalist for the Paterson Fiction Prize.

She has written many other books and short stories, as well as essays on literature, most of which emphasize the necessity of multicultural communities in an increasingly globalized age.

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Seven people are bound together by a single orange, as the city of Los Angeles and the novel’s characters meet unexplainable and often violent transformations.

The novel begins with Rafaela Cortez, the caretaker of a ranch. Together with her son Sol, they discover a mystical orange that has a connection with the Tropic of Cancer. She soon finds herself in Mazatlan trying to figure what is next for her future.

Bobby is a work-obsessed man who is in search of his wife and child, Rafaela and Sol. He constantly reminds readers of his hard efforts by putting his baby brother through college, sending money to his father, and providing for his family.

Emi is a fast-paced city girl who likes to shock people with her outlandish and often insensitive comments. She and another character, Gabriel, have an on-again-offagain relationship. Although she has a big responsibility as a television producer, Emi is constantly leaving work to go to Gabriel’s rescue.

Buzzworm loves Los Angeles and its palm trees. He gives the impression that he is an eccentric advice-giver, always accompanied by his radio. Gabriel finds Buzzworm a valuable informant because of his knowledge of what goes on in the city of Los Angeles.

Manzanar Murakami is a homeless man who conducts imaginary music from traffic overpasses. He sees the traffic as art and also as an important component to his music. Towards the end of the book, readers will discover that this homeless man is no ordinary bum.

Gabriel Balboa is a newspaper reporter who tries to fight social injustice. He owns a house that lies on the Tropic of Cancer and naively brings trees from around the world to this house where they ultimately die. He loves black and white films. He is involved with Emi, but is always dodging her attempts to annoy him.

Archangel makes up the last of this fascinating cast of characters. He is immortal and has seen many great events through his long life. At one point, we see his superhuman strength as he hooks a bus to holes in his back and pulls it across the border to the United States.

He is a man of many talents who carries a Mary Poppins-like suitcase that has never-ending capacity.

Together these characters intertwine creating a novel with surprises, twists and turns.

It All Begins With an Orange: Crossing Cultures with Karen Tei Yamashita

By Robin Blyn, Associate Professor of English, UWF Gabriel Balboa is a journalist in Los Angeles with a penchant for film noir and a romantic attachment to his Mexican ancestry. He builds a house and plants an orchard on property he purchases outside Mazatlan, never mind that he has no time to tend to either. The house remains unfinished, and the trees languish, victims of neglect and poor planning.

Gabriel, we learn, “insisted on planting trees that couldn’t survive in this climate.” So when an orange appears on a tree he imported from Riverside, California, it is a bit of a miracle.

This lone orange drives the entire plot of Karen Tei Yamashita’s Tropic of Orange. As it changes hands, it links together an unforgettable cast of characters, including Archangel, an aged Mexican who can haul a stalled truck off the road with only a set of cables attached to his own withered body; Manzanar, the homeless Japanese American who stands on the Harbor View overpass and transforms the traffic on the L.A. freeway into a symphonic masterpiece; and Buzzworm, the self-proclaimed “angel of mercy” of Central and South Central who patrols the streets with “a pager and Walkman belted to his waist, sound plugged into one ear and two or three watches at least on both his wrists.”

The unlikely orange that brings all of these characters together is also the central metaphor of Yamashita’s novel. It is an emblem for a distinctly postmodern migrant, one who is constantly in motion, crisscrossing borders of all kinds. Tropic of Orange defines its characters not by roots that tie them down to one place or culture or nation, but by the routes they travel. Take Bobby Ngu, “Chinese from Singapore with a Vietnam name speaking like a Mexican living in Koreatown.”

His very existence defies categorization. Emi, however, is my personal favorite. Her family is Japanese American, but you won’t find a shred of stereotypical submissiveness in her. Fasttalking, naughty, technologically sophisticated, it is Emi who declares, “Cultural diversity is bullshit.”

Emi is not simply being politically incorrect here. Rather, she is protesting the racist assumptions at work in the very idea of “cultural diversity.” When a white woman in an L.A. sushi restaurant self-righteously declares that she “adores the Japanese culture” and sings the praises of the city as “a true celebration of an international world,” Emi cannot contain herself. Noticing that the woman’s hair “was held together miraculously by two lacquered chopsticks,” she calmly asks the sushi chef for two forks. “Would you consider using these in your hair?” she asks. “Or would you consider that… unsanitary?” As readers, we savor the white woman’s chagrin, for we understand, with Emi, that this woman’s purported love for all things Japanese enforces the same romanticized and static identity on all people of Japanese descent.

Cultural diversity, in short, erases all diversity within a given culture; it roots that culture artificially to one place. And whenever this kind of artificial freezing occurs in Tropic of Orange, whenever we can’t keep moving and merging, dire consequences await. The major event in the novel, in fact, is a catastrophic traffic accident on the L.A. free way that brings the city to a deadly halt. I will not tell you what happens, but rest assured that it involves a certain northbound orange that fell from a tree in Mazatlan.

The Wrestling Match of the Century: Fighting for Freedom in Tropic of Orange

By Sean Mounce, English Capstone 2013 Three years after its 1994 implementation, the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) makes its way into Tropic of Orange in the form of a street wrestler named SUPERNAFTA. In a climactic battle, SUPERNAFTA is pitted against one of the primary characters of the novel: Archangel, a wanderer whose street-wrestling name is “El Gran Mojado,” “The Great Wetback.”

What, we might ask, are these two fighting about? What does a free trade agreement have to do with the plight of Mexican immigrants? What does the traffic of goods across the MexicanAmerican border have to do with the traffic of human beings?

According to Tropic of Orange, these two kinds of traffic are intimately linked. The flood of cheap goods from the U.S. into Mexico put thousands of Mexicans out of work, forcing them to leave their homeland in order to seek employment on the other side of the border. In this assessment, Yamashita is certainly not alone. NAFTA’s critics continue to argue that the treaty has resulted in the exploitation of workers, lower wages, and the displacement of Mexican workers. Economist David Ensinger illustrates the process by focusing on one product: corn. Once NAFTA enabled cheap American corn to be exported to Mexico, he writes, the price of corn in Mexico plummeted. Consequently, many farmers were put out of work, and “those out-of-work farmers make up the bulk of the illegal immigrants entering the U.S. each year. Unable to compete with their highly subsidized American competitors . . . rural Mexican farmers have increasingly sought employment in the U.S.” The irony, according to the novel, is that while NAFTA allows goods to move legally across the border, it does not allow for the legal movement of people from one country to another. Goods are free, but people are not. Therefore, as Ensinger reveals, since the implementation of NAFTA, illegal immigration to the U.S. has increased 300 percent and 57 percent of those entering the country illegally are from Mexico. Here, of course, they are treated as criminals. It is for this reason that thousands of Mexicans follow El Gran Mojado to Los Angeles in Tropic of Orange to cheer him on as he faces the enemy in the form of a luchador.

Yet El Gran Mojado is not just fighting a policy. He is fighting a process of dehumanization that he believes is routinely misrepresented as progress. “The myth of the first world is that development is wealth and technology progress,” he tells the crowd. “It is all rubbish. It means that you are no longer human beings but only labor.” A win for El Gran Mojado would be a win not only for Mexican workers but for workers everywhere. It is hard not to root for him. Yet, though Yamashita portrays him as a hero, she resists the urge to make Archangel triumph victoriously over his enemy. After all, SUPERNAFTA and the interests he represents are super-powerful. At the end of the battle, SUPERNAFTA implodes, but not before he shoots El Gran Mojado in the heart. In 1997, this is the best that Yamashita can envision. In 2013, we might ask, are the prospects any better?

Works Consulted Ensinger, Dustin. “Illegal Immigration and NAFTA.” Economy in Crisis. Economy in Crisis, INC, 5 Feb. 2011. Web. 17 Mar. 2013.

Marshall, Ray F. “The Implications of the North American Free Trade Agreement for Workers.” Center for Immigration Studies. Center for Immigration Studies, Feb. 1993.

Web. 17 Mar. 2013.

United States. NAFTA Secretariat. NAFTA. PART ONE: Article 102. Web. NAFTA Secretariat Website. 16 Mar. 2013.

Yamashita, Karen Tei. Tropic of Orange. Minneapolis: Coffee House Press, 1997. Print.

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communicate

By Josh Newby

Giving Children Peace in a Violent World

Recent events from the massacre at Sandy Hook to the bombing at the Boston marathon have inspired many parents to hold their children a little closer at night and take extra precautions in their daily lives. And while the government debates controversial legislation and water cooler talk turns to conspiracy theories, many children are left with fragmented information and thoughts of hopelessness from the violent images they see but do not understand.

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Though today’s tragedy and senseless violence may occur in another state, hundreds or even thousands of miles away, many children still feel the pain as they watch events play out on the evening news in their living rooms, see pictures on the web, or hear hushed whispers about the details of the catastrophe. Parents are faced with not only keeping their families safe in these troubling times, but also having to field tough questions and deciding on age-appropriate vocabulary in conversations with their little ones.

Most child psychologists and behavioral professionals agree that attempting to curtail every bit of violent news coverage is useless in today’s hyper-connected world, but parents should do what they can to place the events in their proper context and try to stay abreast of what their children are being exposed to.

“There’s no realistic way that parents can effectively shield a child from information about such tragic events,” said Dr. Ronald Belter, a board-certified and Floridalicensed psychologist who is also director of the School of Psychological and Behavioral Sciences at the University of West Florida. “It’s better for a parent to monitor and manage the exposure in consideration of the age and unique characteristics of the child.”

Many parents may be surprised to discover just how easily children can access news of the good and evil things in this world. It is inevitable that they will be exposed to far more violent images and discouraging

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news than the parents would prefer. Therefore, it is important to develop a relationship of trust and openness, so that the child feels welcome to discuss any and all fear or trepidation. If the child perceives their parent as accepting, understanding and supportive, he or she is much more likely to talk about ideas and events they are exposed to on a regular basis. This of course creates an opportunity for even more openness on the part of the child and support on the part of the parent.

Children with this upbringing have a much better understanding of the often-confusing world around them and can more healthily develop into adults.

It is perfectly normal for anyone, especially children, to react with fear, sadness, anger and confusion to news of tragic events befalling people their age. These emotions are often exacerbated when random images of violence are not placed in context and a parent or trusted adult is not present to offer reassurance and comfort.

“We should anticipate that our children will experience these emotions to some degree and be prepared to help them manage rather than stifle the emotions,” said Belter.

“It would not be helpful to try to suppress or deny the emotions that children reasonably should feel. It’s generally regarded that being open and honest with a child is most helpful and that information be presented in a manner consistent with the child’s capacity to understand.”

Though it differs from child to child, most children begin to understand the concept of death and tragedy at around age seven. Prior to that age, parents should only attempt to explain or comfort their children if the young one brings it up first.

If left to their own imaginations and fears, many children may distort objective facts and respond to a distorted perception of the event, rather than a realistic understanding. This of course only gives way to more fear and even behavioral problems.

“The outward behavior of the child can signal adults to the difficulties a child may be having,” said Belter.

“Parents should be alert to a wide range of possible changes in the child, including sleep patterns and dreams, appetite, play activities, interactions with other children and adults, among other things. Upon noticing such changes, the

parent should take some time to spend with the child to provide an opportunity to talk about the child’s thoughts and feelings in a safe and secure setting.�

To begin the conversation, parents should select a time when their son or daughter is most likely to be open and participate in a serious conversation. Before bedtime is usually a good time for both parent and child. Then, provide a sense of safety, reassurance and openness with whatever the child may be feeling or thinking. By having the child explain what he or she knows of the event, the parent can gauge how they feel. It is important not to jump in with the facts of the situation and attempt to correct the child’s misunderstood notions. It is equally important to not speculate about what might happen and to avoid dwelling on the scope or scale of the tragedy. Instead, console the child, rather than trying to talk him or her out of their feelings. The reality is that terrible things happen, but mom and dad are doing everything they can to ensure they do not happen close to home. It is important to also discuss how the child can do things to be safe as well, so they develop a sense of control.

Children might react to the news by becoming clingy and more attention-dependent than usual.

Parents should let this healing process play out and avoid criticizing the child for such behavior.

Nightmares are also fairly common, and parents should take that opportunity to reassure and comfort them.

The best things parents can do in the aftermath of a tragedy is to remain calm and encouraging.

Children find comfort in routines, so go about the day as normally as possible, perhaps spending a little more one-on-one time together.

Finally, children and parents themselves may find it helpful to do something small and symbolic for the victims of the tragedy. This will help little kids, big kids and adults alike maintain a sense of control and be a positive influence in this oftenfrustrating world.

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Find Adventure at Local Summer Camps

By Emily Lullo

Montessori School of Pensacola Summer Camp

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As the school year comes to a close, kids are eagerly anticipating the hours of free time afforded them during the long vacation. Parents, on the other hand, may be enthusiastically seeking out ways to keep little ones busy during the lazy days of summer. Whether your goal is to prevent the imminent summer “brain drain,� to give your children an opportunity to hone a skill, or to simply keep them active throughout the summer months, Pensacola has a slew of summer programs and camps that will engage, entertain and enrich.

Summer camps give kids time with peers in a less rigid setting than school, allowing them to build social skills and make new friends. They might also learn a new activity or realize a previously unfound talent over the course of a specialized camp. Additionally, summer camps have a slew of other benefits like improving leadership skills and other indirect advantages that come from an engaging and fun environment during the long summer.

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Check out the many summer camp offerings and enroll your kids in one of the varied programs available in Pensacola.

ARTS

Ballet Pensacola Dates: June 10-13; June 17-20; June 24-27 Ages: 3-10 years old Where: Pensacola Cultural Center Cost: Varies Info: balletpensacola.com Ballet Pensacola’s Children’s Session offers educational and engaging sessions including instruction in individual dance, dance as a group, character acting, crafts, and mime work. The themes for Children’s Sessions include Beauty & the Beast, Jasmine & Aladdin, and Peter Pan & Tinkerbell. There’s also the Beginning Session, which is for students who have completed one year in Ballet Pensacola’s Pre-Ballet 2, Tech 1 or Tech 2 levels. Classes include dance history, intro to acting, ballet, jazz and other dance disciplines.

Belmont Arts & Cultural Center Youth Band Dates: Every Saturday in June & July, 10 am-12 pm Ages: 8-18 Where: First City Arts Center Cost: Free Info: belmontartscenter.com This ongoing class works with students of all musical talents and levels. Students are provided the instrument of their choice and each class builds on basic fundamentals that leads to a future of great music. The Belmont Youth Band performs regularly at various events throughout the Gulf Coast and gives young musicians a chance to learn musical instruments and give back to the community through concerts.

Pensacola Little Theatre Dates: June 3-August 16, for two weeks at a time Ages: 5-19, ranges vary by program

Pensacola Little Theatre

Where: Pensacola Little Theatre.

Cost: Varies Info: pensacolalittletheatre.com Pensacola Little Theatre’s Education Department provides training and guidance to help performers, designers, directors and technicians of all ages create magic on the stage. Each two week summer camp gives young artists ample opportunity to develop, practice and hone the skills needed to present a professional and polished theatrical production. All of the summer camps except Shakespeare camp culminate in the performance of a play. Other camps include Creative Drama, Break-aLeg, Summer Stars and Puppet Camp. New this year is a Shakespeare Camp. In addition to rehearsing and performing, campers are involved in every aspect of production: they design and build sets, find and make props, and help with costuming. Summer Stars campers also help design lights and sound. Puppet campers will construct their own unique puppets and learn to manipulate them for the final performance.

Pensacola Opera Camp Dates: June 24-28, 9 am-2 pm. Final performance June 28, 5 pm July 8-12, 9 am-2 pm. Final performance July 12, 5 pm July 22–July 26, 9 am– 4 pm. Final performance July 26 at 5 pm Ages: 6-10 (week 1-2); 11-16 (week 3) Where: Pensacola Opera, 75 S. Tarragona St. Cost: $150 Info: pensacolaopera.com Pensacola Opera has been offering first class opera productions for 30 years and they also have many outreach and educational programs that benefit local children. Each summer, Pensacola Opera holds summer camps for children ages 6 to 16 years old. The camps focus on all aspects of opera production, including vocal coaching, dramatic training, audition techniques, set and costume design, and makeup. Students are taught by opera professionals during the camps which culminate into a final performance by the campers for their parents, friends and peers.

There are two sessions of summer camps this year with the first two weeks working on Cinderella (La Cenerentola), for children ages 6-10. The third week, for children ages 11-16, will work on Bizet’s Carmen.

Pensacola Museum of Art Dates: May 27-August 9 Ages: (Mini Masters) 5-8; (Junior Artists) 9-13 Where: Pensacola Museum of Art Cost: Two-hour Class: $50 for PMA members; $65 for nonMay/June 2013

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members Full Day Camp: $150 for PMA members; $170 for nonmembers Info: pensacolamuseumofart.org Pensacola Museum of Art has expanded its offerings for children and there are plenty of options for your junior Picasso. Summer Art Camp participants will be exposed to works of art and related artistic techniques through interactive gallery and studio experiences. There are two age groups available: Mini Masters (5-8) and Junior Artists (9-13). Prices include registration for one class, per week, per child. There are two hour class or all day options. All supplies are included.

EDUCATION Montessori School of Pensacola Dates: One-week sessions June 10-August 9, 8 am-12 pm.

Ages: Incoming first through fourth graders Where: 4100 Montessori Drive Cost: $520 a month; $150 a week, sibling discount 10 percent Info: montessoripensacola.com Montessori School of Pensacola also offers camps for students ages 3-6 and grades one through six with many different camp themes to focus on a variety of interests.

Themes alternate from week to week and include such creative and enriching topics as cooking, drama, Spanish, technology, and science. There are also two weeks of

tennis camp available at Montessori.

Regular camp hours are 8 am to 12 pm but there are also extended afternoon hours as well for working parents and caretakers. All camps are held at the 12th Avenue location next to the old Sacred Heart Building. Students may attend all summer or pick and choose weeks based on the preferred themes. The themes are all unique and offer hands-on activities that educate and enrich.

“For one week they do the different walking field trips to different places in that area so they’re actually exploring Pensacola and its history,” says PR coordinator and summer drama teacher Lauren Southern-Godwin. “We also have someone who just graduated from UWF in archaeology so she and another archaeology person are going to be doing a week of excavations and archaeology.”

The camps are open to the public so anyone can sign up for the different weeks.

St. Ann’s Catholic Parish Discovery School Dates: June 12-August 16 Ages: Students entering kindergarten Where: St. Ann’s Discovery School, 100 Daniel Dr., Gulf Breeze, FL Cost: $115 per week Info: 932-9330 St. Ann’s Catholic Parish Discovery School offers weekday summer camps for children entering kindergarten from 6:30 am to 6 pm. For the ten week program, students’ activities are based around a different theme each week.

The camp activities encourage academic excellence and traditional values in a fun environment that prepares them for future schooling.

“It’s for students that have finished VPK and are going into kindergarten, and we have enrichment activities getting them ready for kindergarten based around the weekly themes,” says director Jean Jones.

Episcopal Day School Dates: June 3-July 26 Ages: Students entering kindergarten to sixth grade Where: Episcopal Day School Cost: $195 per week, or $175 per week for the entire summer Info: edscc.org Episcopal Day School is hosting eight weeks of summer fun at the Early Learning Center campus from 8:30 am to 4 pm Monday through Friday, with optional extended care hours before and after as well. Each week has its own theme that center on different areas of focus for campers. Each week has an option for younger children and older kids.

“We have a diverse program that offers different subject areas, taught

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by EDS teachers, on a weekly rotation,” says EDS summer camp director Jason Young. “A child that signs up for the entire summer will be able to experience: art, technology, science, math, music, nutrition and physical fitness, Spanish and Christian Education.”

Younger campers might set sail on a pirate adventure that teaches parts of a ship, knot tying, and lets kids search for treasure with a map while telling pirate tales and singing salty songs, or celebrate cultures from around the world through music and dance. Older kids can learn to design and create their own computer games, or become directors and learn to plan, write and film their own movies. There are also camps surrounding cooking and kitchen safety, Spanish language immersion, outdoor science, painting, and other science related topics.

“Our camp is unique in that it combines hands-on learning with academics. The morning portion of camp is centered around a specific subject area,” says Young. “For example, during our STEM camp week, students will conduct experiments and learn about math, science, and physics each morning until noon. After lunch each day, campers will participate in arts and crafts, work on their required summer readings, and then journal what they’ve learned in order to incorporate writing into the camp curriculum.”

PSC Kids’ College Dates: June 10 to August 16; between 8 am and 4:45 pm Ages: 6-12 years old Where: PSC Campus Cost: Varies depending on selection Info: pensacolastate.edu/ continuingeducation Kids’ College runs June 10 to August 16 and is geared for children 6-12 years old. Courses are offered between 8 am and 4:45 pm Monday through Friday in separate age groups. Cost varies, depending on selections.

New classes include Eating Through the Alphabet, Brain Games, Greek Mythology, Reclaimed Art, Golf, Great Book Reports, and Zoology.

Popular courses returning include Space Exploration, Chinese Culture, Movie Making, Fishing and Boating, Art Around the World, Lego World, Pottery, Sports Sampler, Fashion Design, Newspaper Reporting, Swimming, and much more.

Kids’ College also offers specialized camps for a variety of age groups – including Chihuly Art Camp, Follow Me Robot, Environmental Camp, Junior Medical Explorer Camp and a selection of sports camps for girls and boys.

Kids’ College also offers specialized camps for a variety of age groups, including Lego Camp and Science

Camp, each with a focus on Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM). For more information and registration, go to pensacolastate.edu/ continuingeducation or call 484-1797.

UWF Explore Summer Camps Dates: Most camps run June 10-August 9 Ages: Kindergarten to grade 12 Where: UWF Cost: Varies depending on program Info: uwf.edu /explorecamps UWF’s Explore Summer Camps present awesome opportunities for youth to widen horizons and discover new strengths. All of UWF’s programs are carefully designed to be engaging and fun. As an added value, many programs are aligned with state education standards, 21st century skills and STEM-related topics (science, technology, engineering and math).

STEM-related camps focused on space, forensics, marine science, math, technology or many more topics will keep your child learning in a fun atmosphere throughout summer vacation. Reading and writing camps, and history and archaeology camps are also available.

UWF also offers art, music and theatre summer programs for burgeoning artists and performers.

National Flight Academy’s Ambition Summer Program Dates: 5-day experiences between June 9 and August 9 Ages: Grades 7-12

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Where: Vickrey Resource Center, Gull Point Resource Center, Fricker Resource Center, and E.S. Cobb Resource Center Cost: City Residents: $94 per week; Non City Residents: $118 per week; Fricker Resource Center and E.S. Cobb Resource Center rates are City Residents: $37/week; Non City Residents: $43/week Info: playpensacola.com PLAY Pensacola camps offer children the opportunity to swim, play, stay active, be creative, make friends, visit great attractions, and discover Pensacola! There are also specialty camps available at these centers and other locales for a week at a time, and these include camps that offer skills like baking, art, sports, bowling, dance, kayaking, fishing and more!

“We have full day summer camps where kids participate in age specific organized activities as well as go on offsite field trips and basically, our goal is to provide them with a fun, productive summer,” says PLAY Pensacola’s Jeff Pohlman. “It’s a great way for them to spend time with friends that they’ve made in school as well as make new friends, and a lot of times summer camps are where those lasting friendships are made.”

Regular summer camps run for 11 weeks, and kids can sign up for one day, three days, or full weeks, as well as before or after camp care. Camps include daily activities as well as regular field trips, some are free field trips to local pools or other locations, while others take kids to explore in nearby areas like the Big Kahuna

PLAY Pensacola

Where: 1 Fetterman Way, NAS Pensacola Cost: $1,250 per week Info: nationalflightacademy.com At this immersive summer program, Ambition Experimental Pilots (AXPs) are briefed on the days’ action-packed mission and will work together to create a master plan, flight map, and debrief following the completion of every mission. Each mission will test AXPs’ mental agility, preparedness, and communication skills, while demonstrating the importance of teamwork and goal completion. Through consistent simulator experience and immersive role-play, AXPs will have ample opportunity to see firsthand how those in Naval Aviation respond to and avert emergencies in real life.

Ambition Experimental Pilots (AXPs) will become fundamentally aware of the integration of mathematics and science into their daily lives by measuring, collecting, analyzing and interpreting data. In addition, critical thinking, communication, collaboration, creativity and other learning skills are valuable assets gained from the experience.

ACTIVE PLAY Pensacola Summer Day Camp Dates: June 3-August 16, Monday-Friday, 7 am-6 pm Ages: K-13

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MESS Hall

Water Park or the Gulfarium. There are also opportunities for all four camps to interact during bigger activities at local parks.

“We do some all-camp field trips or activities where we’ll bring all of our camps to one location, like we’ll do a Water Day with water balloon tosses, and Slip n Slides, and squirt gun fights,” says Pohlman.

Check out playpensacola.com for the entire list of offerings and the various resource centers where camps take place.

The MESS Hall Dates: June 3-July 19 Ages: Grades 1-9, varies weekly Where: The MESS Hall Cost: $125 per student or $100 for members Info: The Pensacola MESS (Math, Engineering, Science & Stuff) Hall is not a typical science museum.

Visitors get to work with hands on exhibits and MESS kits like real scientists, developing questions and creating experiments, engaging in complex reasoning and learning science just through tinkering. Each MESS Hall camp session lasts one week (Monday-Friday), with either morning (9-noon) or afternoon (1 pm – 4 pm) time slots. Themes include balance, flight, elements, CSI and more!

YMCA Summer Day Camp Dates: Northeast Branch: June 3August 16; Pullum Branch: June 10August 16 Ages: Summer Day Camp: 5-12 Leader in Training: 13-15 Where: Northeast & Pullum branches of YMCA Cost: Pullum Branch: $65 weekly with membership, $100 weekly without membership Northeast Branch: $60 weekly with membership, $120 weekly without membership Leader in Training: $40 weekly with membership, $80 weekly without membership Info: ymcanwfl.org At local YMCA’s day camps, school-age children learn to enjoy the outdoors, develop new skills, make friends, build stronger bodies

and explore their creative side.

Camp activities include arts and crafts, sports, swimming, skits, singing, field trips, archery, guest speakers and themed weeks. The summer day camp is offered for children ages 5-12. The 2013 camp will also feature Kids College, available at the Northeast location.

This web-based academic enrichment program allows kids to work at their own pace to strengthen math, literacy and science skills. The Y will also begin daily pool time with 20 minutes of swim instruction to help every camper build basic skills.

For kids age 13-15, YMCA offers the Leaders in Training program, allowing youths to assist Y staff by overseeing younger campers and helping with summer camp activities.

The LIT Program is designed to teach valuable leadership skills and help older children become better role models while also enjoying a fun summer experience. Kids must complete an application process to be considered as an LIT. UWF Argo Adventure Camp Dates: June 3-August 9; MondayFriday, 7:30 am-5:30 pm Ages: 5-12 Where: UWF Cost: Five days a week, camper brings lunch $90; with lunch provided, $120; three days a week camper brings lunch, $60; with lunch provided, $90.

Info: uwf.edu/recreation/IntramuralSports /Summercamp.cfm Keep your kids active this summer with non-stop fun, learning, and ADVENTURE at Argo Adventure Camp. This camp features a wide variety of activities like access to our 36-foot Climbing Wall and Aquatic Center, as well as traditional and non-traditional sports and daily enrichment activities. Campers will experience state of the art facilities, professional staffing, and a safe, enriching environment. Parents register your kids for individual weeks or for the whole summer.

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Creative Learning Academy Students

Creative Learning Academy Students

Creative Learning Academy Students

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Montessori School of Pensacola Student

Episcopal Day School Students

Montessori School of Pensacola Students

By Josh Newby

Private Schools

Enrich the Mind, Body and Spirit

Episcopal Day School Students

Today, American school-age children have more immediate and extensive access to education than at any other time in the history of the world. Everyday, kids in public and private schools alike learn about theories and practices that in many cases required thousands of hours of research and millions of dollars to discover. In this education process, at a time when their minds are at their most fertile and receptive, it is imperative that they are not only taught this knowledge, but that they learn and retain the information.

Within every child is an innate, albeit sometimes elusive, desire to learn new things and absorb new skills. Tapping into this desire is a process that many private schools in the Pensacola area have mastered. From the famous Montessori method to cutting-edge technological aides, these private schools utilize a variety of different approaches to engage children in creativity, collaboration and communication.

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The Montessori School of Pensacola (MSP) is one such institution, existing since 1977 as an exhaustive, alternative educational destination for children 18 months through eighth grade. This school embraces the educational philosophy and methodology developed by Dr. Maria Montessori, the first female physician in Italy in the early 1900s. The goal of the Montessori educational approach is to cultivate the child’s natural desire to learn.

As a scientifically proven method of education and enrichment, the Montessori method uses classes that contain children across a three-year age span—as opposed to the one-year age span used by most public schools. Within this three-year period, the child is able to be both the learner and the teacher.

“A unique aspect of Montessori education is that it recognizes that children learn and develop in their own way and at their own pace,” said Lauren SouthernGodwin, public relations coordinator for the school.

“MSP offers an individualized approach. This means that throughout the age levels, teachers tailor lessons and work with each child, based on the child’s learning styles and abilities. Daily, students at MSP have ample opportunity to enhance their critical thinking skills. The MSP student is encouraged to go as far as he/she is able, making choices and learning at his/her own pace.”

The structure at MSP certainly allows for the detailed attention and dedication mandated by the Montessori method. Since private schools are run by boards of directors or have owners, they can make their own decisions about testing and do not have to subscribe to the FCAT system, which some children have difficulties with. Students are given a very individualized approach to maximize their educational potential. The studentteacher ratio is also kept under 1-12 so that children have direct access to the teachers and administration.

Nature Trail Montessori Students

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“MSP is a non-religious, independent school, but we use a specific educational methodology,” said SouthernGodwin. “MSP has an open-door policy, so that parents can come into classrooms at any time to volunteer, to work with their child, and to just observe what is happening in the class. MSP really strives for a caring family feeling.”

Private schools offer more than just holistic methods of education; they also offer extra-curricular and sports activities that rival their public counterparts. At MSP, afterschool classes include cooking, ballet, music, chess, songwriting, drama, art, yoga, and many other opportunities to learn outside the classroom.

“We also have a MathCounts team, a Montessori Model United Nations team that travels to New York City yearly, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, and Pensacola city tennis league teams,” said Southern-Godwin.

Another Montessori School in the area, Nature Trail Montessori in Gulf Breeze, subscribes to the same philosophies as MSP and serves children in the early stages of development, beginning at three years of age and ending with kindergarten. Children at Nature Trail Montessori are introduced to math, science, music, art, language, geography and the outdoors.

Montessori institutions are not the only private schools offering an alternative approach to education.

Many private schools elect to offer spiritual and character development, as well, as part of their educational studies. Episcopal Day School (EDS) is known for educational excellence and the integration of spiritual and character formation in a graceful and inclusive manner. EDS does not discriminate, though, and serves all people, regardless of origin, background or religion. This intentional pluralism is something they are especially proud of. The school has been teaching students from six weeks of age through the eighth grade

Montessori School of Pensacola Students

for more than 60 years.

“If you walk through our hallways, you will see an active learning environment where students are engaged in collaboration, creativity, critical thinking and communication,” said Judy Shelton, head of the school.

“We are preparing our students for a global world where these skills will be critical. School worship, community life, spiritual and character formation, and social justice are key principles of practice as an Episcopal School.”

EDS also seeks to set itself apart from other private schools by adopting a more independent model, one that is governed by the board of trustees and seeks to build lives of genuine meaning, purpose and service.

The education and development does not end in the classroom, though, as EDS offers its students athletic, arts, service learning and leadership opportunities.

Television newscasts, robotic competitions, a student art show and student council are just some of the ways students can express their individualism and creativity at the institution.

EDS also understands this increasingly technological world, and strives to ensure that such technology serves as an aide, not a hindrance, to the education process.

“Our focus continues to be on the delivery of instruction based on literacy as the foundation of understanding, core knowledge and skill development, instilling a love of learning through exploration and discovery, and ensuring that students have opportunities to play and interact,” said Shelton. “Technology is the servant to these goals, not the master of what and how we teach. It is used as a tool to deliver instruction, involving students in research, writing, skill development, creativity and problem-solving.”

These character-building and creative opportunities benefit the student after they have left the school.

“Our graduates go on to challenging high school

Episcopal Day School Students

programs, as is indicated by this year’s class matriculation,” said Shelton. “Teachers from these schools report that our students always quickly adjust and rise to leadership positions.”

Another private school in the area that focuses on spirituality and character as part of the curriculum is Lighthouse Private Christian Academy (LPCA), which has three campuses in the area. Lighthouse gives students age three through ninth grade a “transformational education by inspiring them to seek God’s love and the goal of academic excellence.”

LPCA sets itself apart from other private schools in the area by offering career clubs in web design, engineering, journalism and early childhood education; bus transportation to and from the students’ homes; foreign language instruction, including Mandarin Chinese; limited homework to encourage family time; and various liberal arts opportunities.

“The children love our schools because we have caring teachers, enrichment classes, field trips to the zoo, and monthly events like science fairs, spelling bees and talent shows,” said Joanna Johannes, head of the school.

“Parents love our school because of our focus on family time, real-time communication, small classes and qualified instructors.”

LPCA also provides individual education plans for its students, by allowing them to “skip” grades with transitional assistance, pull-out sessions for special needs or gifted students, and a scholars program for advanced students.

Extracurricular activities include music, art, ceramics, drama, zoology, marine biology, web design, robotics and more. Basketball, cheerleading, volleyball, fishing and golf are also available to the more athletically inclined students.

The school also accepts Step Up for Students

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scholarships. Many students who qualify can attend the school for free.

In addition, Redeemer Lutheran School in Pensacola focuses on intellectual, moral, physical and spiritual development, features a low teacher, student ratio and an emphasis on religion as part of the daily curriculum.

Physical education, music, art and various sports are also integrated into the children’s days. Family-friendly activities also dot the calendar throughout the year.

Another private school, the Creative Learning Academy (CLA), sets itself apart by being the only secular, independent school in the area accredited by both the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and the Florida Council of Independent Schools. Their curriculum involves project-based learning, which takes national curriculum standards and adds critical thinking and problem solving for their preschool through middle school students.

Like other private schools, CLA does not accept federal or state funding, and therefore manages the curriculum and educational direction based on their own philosophy.

“Our philosophy is to not only give our students the knowledge to succeed, but the tools to do so,” said Robin Bates, admissions director at CLA. “Through projectbased learning, authentic experiences, problem solving and critical thinking, our students are prepared to take the next step in their education with confidence.”

The philosophy seems to be working, as an impressive 100 percent of students who apply are accepted into the International Baccalaureate program at Pensacola High School.

Creative Learning Academy Students

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CLA also offers its third through eighth grade students the opportunity to participate in competitive sports. After school music programs, cooking classes, robotics classes, violin lessons and a running club are also available to students looking to improve their bodies as well as their minds.

Technology plays a crucial role in education at CLA. The academy has two technology labs and SMART technology in all classrooms. Teachers use the latest software to engage students and students use software to produce quality presentations. Technology supports collaborative efforts and brings the world to the classroom.

“Our relationship with the University of West Florida has allowed our faculty to learn new programs and techniques from the UWF technology department,” said Bates. “Our administration is constantly writing grant proposals to help with technology acquisition and teacher training. This year we successfully implemented a 1-1 tablet program on a pilot basis and will continue to deploy this program throughout the middle school.”

There are nearly a dozen private schools in the area, and each of these institutions use their years of experience and wealth of knowledge to administer the very best education to their students, with unrivaled commitments to excellence and emphasis on personal, character-shaping growth. With these alternative educational options, the children of the greater Pensacola area have a wide array of world-class learning options.

The future of Pensacola’s children is bright as their formative years are handled with care, knowledge and professionalism from some of the best private academic institutions in the region.

Creative Learning Academy Student

Area Private Schools Aletheia Christian Academy 1700 Woodchuck Ave., Pensacola 969-0088 Creative Learning Academy 3151 Hyde Park Rd., Pensacola 432-1768 East Hill Christian School 1301 E Gonzalez St., Pensacola 438-7746 Episcopal Day School of Christ Church Parish 223 N Palafox St., Pensacola 434-6474 Lighthouse Private Christian Schools 5613 Gulf Breeze Pkwy., Gulf Breeze 916-0157 Nature Trail Montessori of Gulf Breeze 1661 Woodlawn Beach Rd., Gulf Breeze 733-9197 Pensacola Christian Academy 10 Brent Ln., Pensacola 478-8483 Pensacola Private School of Liberal Arts 1550 N 13th Ave., Pensacola 434-2294 Redeemer Lutheran School 333 Commerce St., Pensacola 455-0330 Sacred Heart Cathedral School 1603 N 12th Ave., Pensacola 436-6440 The Montessori School of Pensacola 3043 W Scott St., Pensacola 436-6400 Trinitas Christian School 3301 E Johnson Ave., Pensacola 484-3515 May/June 2013

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datebook Art Gallery Night May 17 Stroll through the charming brick walkways of Downtown Pensacola to experience an eclectic array of music, art and cuisine. Explore galleries and businesses featuring the works of dozens of local artists. Soak up the sounds of local musicians and the aromas of local cuisine as the energy of the evening carries attendees from venue to venue. Gallery Night is a free event from 5 to 9 pm and many businesses provide light refreshments.

Fiesta Family Weekend – Sand Sculpture Contest May 19 Grab your beach pail and shovel and come to Pensacola Beach for a day of fun in the sun. The contest is open to professional and amateur sculptors of all ages. Grand prize of $500 with cash prizes in every category. Registration begins at 8 am, judging begins at 2 pm. For more information, call 850.433.6512.

Music Bands on the Beach May 21, 28, June 4 The popular summer concert series continues from 7 to 9 pm. Bring your lawn chair and join us this summer for hot music, smooth grooves and a whole lot of good times. The concert series will run every Tuesday night until October 1.

For more information, call 850.932.2257.

Saenger Theatre Presents Bryan Adams May 20 Bryan Adams has sold over 65 million records, toured six continents and achieved No. 1 status in over 40 countries around the world. With hits like, “Cuts Like A Knife,” “Summer of ‘69,” “Kids Wanna Rock,” “Can’t Stop This Thing We’ve Started,” “(Everything I Do) I Do It For You,” “Open Road” and most recently “Thought I’d Seen Everything.”

Tickets start at $38. The solo, acoustic show begins at 8 pm.

For more information, call 850.595.3880.

Saenger Theatre Presents Avant June 7 Avant is an R & B singer-songwriter best known for hits such

as “Separated,” “My First Love,” and “Read Your Mind.” He will be in concert with a full band starting at 8:30 pm. Tickets start at $44. For more information, call 850.595.3880.

Theatre PLT Presents Cat on a Hot Tin Roof May 16-19 A powerful Southern family gathers at a birthday celebration for patriarch Big Daddy, who does not know that he is dying of cancer. In a scramble to secure their part of his estate, family members hide the truth about his diagnosis from him and Big Mama. Front and center as tensions mount are alcoholic former football hero Brick and his beautiful but sexually frustrated wife Maggie “the Cat.” As their troubled relationship comes to a stormy and steamy climax, a shockwave of secrets are finally revealed. Tickets start at $14.

Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 7:30 pm; Sunday at 2:30 pm. For more information, call 850.434.0257.

PLT Presents The Tragedy of MacBeth June 7-9, 14-16 In this chilling tale of witchcraft, four evil hags inspire MacBeth to plot the murder of the king and thereby gain the throne of Scotland and immortality. Conscience-stricken once the deed is done, he is haunted by ghosts and hounded by enemies. Tickets are $10. For more information, call 850.432.2042.

Saenger Theatre Presents Life’s a Dance June 15 Merrill Lynch and Fred Astaire Dance Studio Pensacola present a star-studded evening of dance featuring local celebrities and cast members of Dancing with the Stars from ABC’s hit television series Dancing with the Stars including Tony Dovolani, Karina Smirnoff, Tristan MacManus and Kym Johnson! The Fifth Annual Life’s a Dance benefiting Covenant Hospice will take center stage at the Pensacola Saenger Theater on Saturday from 7 to 9 pm where WEAR TV-3 news anchor Sue Straughn will emcee the event. Tickets start at $35. For more information, call 850.595.3880.

Special Events American Craft Beer Week May 13-19 Dubbed the Mother of All Beer Weeks, American Craft Beer Week at Seville Quarter is the annual celebration of small and independent craft brewers, their craft beer and the American craft beer culture. For more information, call 850.434.6211.

Cooking with Chef Irv Miller May 15 Chef Irv is a proud Southern transplant of three decades. He has committed his talent to the Northwest Coast of Florida and is recognized from Pensacola to Seaside as one of the Gulf Coast’s best chefs. Chef Irv will walk participants through some of his favorite Southern-inspired dishes. His May/June 2013

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regional dishes include ingredients that he has enjoyed and found remarkable as both traditional and nontraditional Southern foods. He will share information and prepare treasured locally available foods and recipes in a four-course sampling for attendees to enjoy. Admission is $45 per person. 5 to 6:30 pm and 7:30 to 9 pm at Jackson’s Steakhouse. For more information, call 850.217.2347.

Pensacola Bay Center Presents Disney on Ice Treasure Trove May 16-19 Disney On Ice sets the gold standard with the newest skating spectacular. Get tangled up in Disney’s 50th animated feature with Rapunzel and Flynn and enter the worlds of some of your other favorite Disney princesses –Tiana, Cinderella, Jasmine, Ariel, Sleeping Beauty, Belle, Mulan and of course, the one who started it all, Snow White. Tickets range from $17 to $52. Thursday at 7 pm, Friday at 10:15 am and 7 pm, Saturday at 2 and 6 pm, and Sunday at 2 pm. Call 850.432.0800 for more information.

Toast at the Top Tour at the Lighthouse May 17 Take part in the area’s most romantic tour. This is a couples only tour. Each reservation is for two and includes ambient music, sparkling non-alcoholic wine served in keepsake champagne flutes, and light hors d’oeuvres. Tour times begin roughly a half hour before sunset. Please note the exact tour start time on your reservation. We ask that you arrive no more than 15 minutes before the start of your tour. Space is extremely limited! Book your reservations now. For more information, call 850.393.1561.

Emerald Coast Garden Tour May 18, 19 This self-guided tour of private gardens in Pensacola is Saturday from 10 am to 3 pm and Sunday from noon to 3 pm. Tickets are $10 in advance or $15 at the gardens. For more information and garden locations, call 850.432.6095.

Pensacola Beach Triathlon May 18 This event features a 300-yard swim, 10-mile bike path and three-mile run, all in the beautiful Pensacola Beach area. The race starts at 7 am and there will be a post race party scheduled at Flounders. For more information, call 850.499.8457.

Ghost Hunt at the Lighthouse May 24, June 7-8, 14-15 Join Historic Pensacola for a ghost hunt in the historic 1869 Keeper’s Quarters and see if our ghosts are willing to meet you, using real ghost-hunting equipment. Bring your own equipment or share ours (some items available for purchase in the Gift Shop before tours commence.) Tours are two hours in duration. This tour includes a trip to the top of the Lighthouse for a look across Pensacola Bay, weather permitting. Per Coast Guard safety regulations backless/open toed shoes are not permitted to climb the tower stairs. We recommend this tour for children 12 and over only.

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Admission is $20 and the hunt begins at 8 pm. For more information, call 850.393.1561.

Emmanuel Sheppard & Condon Fiesta Days Celebration May 30 The Emmanuel Sheppard and Condon Fiesta Days Celebration kicks off the 64th annual Fiesta Celebration with hundreds of guests in attendance. Historic Seville Quarter comes alive with entertainment, decorations and delicious food in five rooms, each saluting our history under the flags of the five governments that have flown over our city. Be sure to join the Surrender of the City at 7:30 pm. Local dignitaries will surrender the City of Pensacola and its citizens to DeLuna and his Queen for the Fiesta season.

Admission is $30. For more information, call 850.433.6512.

Thunder on the Gulf May 30 - June 2 The 10th Annual Thunder on the Gulf returns to the Alabama Gulf Coast May 31 through June 2! Every year this exciting event brings thousand of race lovers to our enchanting Gulf Coast. The Superboat International races consist of rectangular racecourses averaging six miles in length and are the only off-shore powerboat races in the world. These superboats will power through the Gulf waters at speeds up to 200 mph right off our sugar, white sand beaches of Orange Beach and Gulf Shores in an attempt to claim the number one spot! For more information, call 251.550.5002.

Centennial Imports Fiesta Boat Parade June 1 Decorate your boat and come be a part of one of the largest boat parades on Pensacola Bay. Boat Parade departs from the mouth of Bayou Chico at 1 pm. Admission is free. For more information, call 850.433.6512.

DeLuna Landing Ceremony June 1 Join in the merriment on Portofino Boardwalk of this lighthearted parody of what might have happened when Don Tristan DeLuna landed on Pensacola Beach. The party begins at 3 pm. Admission is free. For more information, call 850.433.6512.

Fiesta All Krewe Ball June 5 This gala affair honors the Mardi Gras and Fiesta monarchs as they, in turn, honor DeLuna LXII. The event begins at 7:30 pm at the Hadji Temple Shrine. Admission is $35. For more information, call 850.433.6512.

Pen Air Federal Credit Union Fiesta Day Parade June 6 Catch some beads when beautiful floats parade down Palafox Street entertaining people of all ages. Special appearances will be made by DeLuna LXII, his Queen and Court. Don’t miss this very special event, starting at 6:30 pm at downtown Spring and Garden Streets. Admission is free.

For more information, call 850.433.6512.

ABC Beer Tastings June 6 The first series of classes, known as A.B.C. (Atlas Beer Classes), will be held on the first Thursday of the month through June and will feature a presenter discussing the highlighted craft brewery and three selections from that brewery. Classes will cover the basics, as well as specific information regarding the history of the brewery and their beers. Admission is $10.

Classes begin promptly at 5:30 pm. For more information, call 850.470.0003.

Stargazing at Fort Pickens June 7 Weather permitting from sunset to 10 pm at the Battery Worth Picnic Area at Fort Pickens Area, volunteers from the Escambia Amateur Astronomers’ Association will set up several telescopes for public viewing of the stars, planets and constellations. The program is free; however, there is an $8 entrance fee to the Fort Pickens Area.

For more information, call 850.934.2600.

43nd Annual Bill Hargreaves Fishing Rodeo June 13-16 The Bill Hargreaves Fishing Rodeo at Grand Lagoon Yacht Club started in 1971 with 18 anglers on Mothers Day. Bill Hargreaves started the rodeo as part of a Kiwanis program whose goal was to fight the war on drugs in this country. This year, open division tickets are $35. The rodeo starts at 12:01 am Friday and continues through Sunday.

For more information, call 850.607.7569.

42nd Annual Pensacola International Billfish Tournament June 27 - 30 Since 1970, The International Bill Fish Tournament has become a tradition in Downtown Pensacola. The International is a qualifying event for the World Billfish Series & IGFA World Qualifier, with the winner receiving an invitation to fish the IGFA World Championship.

Registration is due before June 21.

For more information, call 850.453.4638.

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pensacola seen The Spanish delegation luncheon

Mayor Ashton Hayward, Mayor Antonio Campos, An Hayward

Spanish delegation with Betty Roberts, Pam Schwartz, Harry Swartz ...at the Galvez Days

Galvez day re-enactors

Spanish Delegation ...the Celebrity Dancers at the Eye Ball

Malcolm Ballinger, Margaret Sims, Stacy Keller, Susan Clark, Caleb Manchac

Maria Davis at Fort George

...at the Gulf Coast Kids House Chocolate Festival

Bobby Beargie, Wendi Summers

The Polonza Bistro booth

...at the Crawfish Festival

John Norwine and Perriaan Allen

Shane Johnson

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Kathryn Wanjon and Doug Franks

Stacey and Matt Patrick May/June 2013

Leon Knight and Shirley Frances

William and Jessica Chavers

May/June 2013

Captain Keith Hoskins Pilots NAS Into the Future Area Military Gives Back

Ethics in Business Awardees Represent Best of the Community How to be a Leader Among Leaders www.nwflbusinessclimate.com

from the

publisher’ s pen

May is Military Appreciation Month, and for this issue of Business Climate, we feature the many ways in which the armed services of this area go above and beyond the call of duty. The military is intertwined with the fabric of our Pensacola area, and we as citizens owe much to our brave men and women, including our freedom, the region's robust economy, our culture and our history. Many nonprofit and charity organizations also owe much to our armed services, as many members of the military give of their own free time to fundraisers, educating the area's youth, feeding the homeless and more. Find out more on page 52.

NAS Pensacola has a new Commanding Officer, Capt. Keith Hoskins, who is the first African-American to hold the position in the station's history. Read about Capt. Hoskins' past as a young man interested in aviation who overcame extraordinary odds, his current role as the leader of a station with exciting times ahead, and his future as the face of the Navy in this region. His story and a Q&A are on page 50.

Speaking of leaders, many area businessmen and city entrepreneurs attended the Refresh Leadership seminar held at the Saenger Theatre, where three dynamic speakers spoke on issues such as employee engagement, teamwork and following your dreams.

Find out all they had to say on page 48. The annual Ethics in Business awards, hosted by the Combined Rotary Clubs of Pensacola, recognized two area leaders this month for their honest business practices and adherence to the Rotary Four-Way Test. Learn who they are on page 46.

Don't forget to read this month's IT Tips, which speaks on the importance of your computer systems and archives complying to government regulations, and how to easily do so, on page 58.

Malcolm Ballinger Publisher

Reader’s Services Subscriptions If you have questions about your subscriptions, call Kassie McLean at (850) 433-1166 ext. 30 or email info@ballingerpublishing.com.

Gift Certificates NW FL’s Business Climate Magazine makes a great gift! Contact Malcolm Ballinger at (850)433-1166 ext. 27 or info@ballingerpublishing.com to arrange a gift certificate for your friend, business associate or loved one.

Back Issues Is there an issue of one of our magazines that you just have to have?

Were you featured in a recent isssue?

Give us a call at 850-433-1166 ext. 30.

Back Issues are $5.00/issue.

Letters We welcome your letters and comments.

Send letters to Ballinger Publishing P.O. Box 12665 Pensacola, FL 32591, or contact specific staff members under the “Contact us: Staff info” link on www.ballingerpublishing.com.

Change of Address When calling or emailing us your change of address, please provide us with both the old and new addresses to expedite the change.

Writing Opportunities We are always willing to consider freelance writers and article ideas. Please send queries and/or suggestions to Kelly Oden, executive editor, at kelly@ballingerpublishing.com, or care of Kelly to the above postal address.

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48. management How to be a Leader Among Leaders in every issue 58. it tips 60. aroundtheregion 62. businessscene

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May/June 2013 P UBLISHER M A L C O L M B A L L I N G E R

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>businessethics

Ethics in Business Awardees Represent Best of the Community

By Josh Newby The Combined Rotary Clubs of Pensacola recognized the most ethical among their ranks at an awards luncheon on May 6. The awards, presented in partnership with the University of West Florida College of Business, recognize those who exemplify the concept of “service above self” and work to build a positive sense of self-worth within both the business community and the broader community as a whole.

Members of the community submitted nominations for the award.

Criteria for the award are based on adherence to the high ethical standards of honesty, integrity and consistency in dealing with employees, contractors and customers, while positively enhancing the economic wellbeing of the firm’s stakeholders and providing jobs, opportunities and profits. The selection committee also considered participation in activities that are beneficial to the community beyond the provision of economic benefits: service as a leader or

innovator in the firm’s business sector, and adherence to the principles of the Rotary Four-Way Test.

“The winners of this award represent the very best of our business community,” said Ted Kirchharr, district governor for the 2013-14 rotary year. “They exemplify the ideal of service as a basis of worthy enterprise.”

Ron Gillette, owner of Gillette Wheelchair Engineers, was given the award for the small business sector, whose nominees employ 99 or fewer workers. Edwin “Buz” Eddy, city manager of Gulf Breeze, was named for the large business sector, whose nominees employ 100 or more workers.

The past year’s winners—Escambia County Property Appraiser Chris Jones, and Pensacola entrepreneurs and investors Quint and Rishy Studer—were on hand to speak about the importance of ethics in today’s business climate.

“Ethics is your character, your

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moral compass,” said Jones. “As an elected official, I am an extension of the voters, and it is vital to never betray that public trust.”

“When you are values-oriented, you do things and conduct business in a values-driven way,” said Quint. “If you get in the habit of living your life in an ethical, values-driven manner, you will find it easy to pick values over revenue, and therefore profit more in the long run.”

Gillette was noticeably moved by the nomination and subsequent win, as he thanked those who selected him and joked that he hoped their kind words were true. He also thanked his family, who have been instrumental in the success of his small business.

Eddy, who played a major role in the Combined Rotary’s recent food drive that provided more than 100,000 meals to the area’s hungry, accepted his award with grace, thanking those who nominated him and saying that he hoped he would continue to live up to the honor.

Ted Kirchharr, Edwin Eddy, Ed Ranelli

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>management

By Josh Newby

How to be a Leader Among Leaders At the Refresh Leadership seminar at the Saenger Theatre, hosted by Express Employment Professionals, three worldrenowned professionals from business, sports and psychological backgrounds came together to share important strategic and career tenants to a crowd of almost 500 regional leaders. The event was simulcast to 130 cities in the United States and Canada, as businessman and bestselling writer Guy Kawasaki, four-time Super Bowl winner and football analyst Terry Bradshaw, and motivational speaker Amanda Gore charmed and challenged the audience.

“We are gathered here today to share nuggets of wisdom designed to make you and your business better,” said Charlie Bockwith, Pensacola Express franchisee.

Express was responsible for placing more than 370,000 people into quality jobs in 2012.

Guy Kawasaki, former chief evangelist of Apple and founding partner at Garage Technology Ventures, spoke to the crowd about being an enchanter—someone who is empowered and able to change others’ hearts, minds and actions for the better.

According to Kawasaki, the power of enchantment enables one to maneuver through difficult decisions, break entrenched habits, defy the wisdom of crowds and inspire colleagues to work for long-term, mutually beneficial goals.

“In many different ways, in a variety of business settings, I have had to enchant people,” said Kawasaki, discussing the need for the skill in targeted business strategies.

The first pillar of three necessary steps to being enchanting is to achieve likability, according to Kawasaki. Smile with your eyes, accept others and always default to yes. No one has ever been influenced or persuaded to adopt an idea or buy something from someone they didn’t like, advised Kawasaki.

The second pillar is to achieve trustworthiness. Many people are liked without being trusted, and in order to be trusted, Kawasaki said that the first step is trusting others, followed by being a creator, not a leach on resources. Finally, even if the colleague or potential client seems unwavering, it is necessary to find

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something, anything, to agree upon. This way, a relationship that eventually leads to trust can be started.

The final pillar is to perfect the product, service or idea being presented.

Kawasaki said that he has enchanted people with both quality products and not-so-quality products—and has had a lot more success with the former.

“A product today needs to be deep, intelligent, complete, empowering and elegant,” said Kawasai. “It needs to serve as an ecosystem that not only solves a variety of problems or makes life easier in multiple ways, but does so in a sleek and user-intuitive manner.”

Terry Bradshaw took the stage next and spoke on the importance of having a dream, streamlining your desires and working hard to achieve success through persistent self-improvement. He spoke on new ways to think about sacrifice, pain, competition and adversity.

“One of the greatest things in the world is knowing what you want to do, and loving your job,” said Bradshaw. “You have to know what you want to do in order to work to get there by honing in on your specific skills.”

Bradshaw referenced his daughters, who at an early age knew what they wanted to be. He encouraged their dreams and fostered their desires until they were able to achieve what they wanted.

“Sometimes you have to cut all the excess, time-wasting stuff out, in order to truly excel where you want to,” said Bradshaw, referring to both his daughters’ now-careers and his time as a quarterback.

The audience laughed as Bradshaw admitted that he does not consider himself very smart, but he does consider himself a hard worker.

“Sweat never killed anyone,” said Bradshaw. “In big moments, the big people will shine. Failure can drive you to more failure—or it can drive you to perfection. How you emerge from the situation is completely dependent on your outlook.”

Australian motivational speaker Amanda Gore closed out the seminar with an equal parts scientific and

emotional plea to actively pursue a life of joy and wake up the spirit of leadership.

According to research, humans deal with issues and problems in the world with an 80/20 split between emotions and rational thinking. Leaders and bosses should interact with their employees and constituents with that in mind.

Gore pointed out that to impact an organization, one must lead with a change of heart; a change of spirit.

According to Gore, people are no longer a company’s most important asset; the spirit in which people do things is.

“The leader has three primary jobs,” said Gore. “First, hone people’s behavior, not through data sets and reasoning, but through interpersonal connections and relating issues back to the core human condition. Second, create an environment where people can be their best. This environment should be fear-free and feelings should be free to express themselves. Finally, believe in people.

They will respond with your trust by giving you their best.”

Gore emphasized having a contagious attitude of joy. Happy employees are productive employees, and happiness comes from gratitude and freedom from fear.

All fear can be placed into three categories: humiliation (fear of what others think), separation (fear of loneliness or isolation), and uncertainly (fear of failure or fear of the future). All of these fears can be confronted and have a decreased impact in the workplace through leaders’ positive recognition, acknowledgment and validation of employees, things that all humans innately want.

“Be grateful for your employees and tell them why you are thankful to have them on board,” said Gore. “By doing this, you are diminishing fear and promoting joy, thus inspiring them to be their best and be living sources of joy themselves.”

With these unique perspectives on leadership, each of the speakers challenged the audience to go forth, guiding others and creating relationships with trustworthiness, joy and hard work.

Captain Keith Hoskins Pilots NAS Into the Future Compiled by Josh Newby

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Capt. Keith Hoskins is the first African-American commanding officer in the history of the Naval Air Station in Pensacola. A native of Parkville, Mo., he graduated from Missouri Western State University with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering Technology in 1988, was commissioned after completion of Aviation Officer Candidate School in September of 1989 and was designated a Naval Aviator in February of 1992 in Kingsville, Texas.

In May of 1992, Capt. Hoskins reported to the Naval Military Personnel Command in Washington, DC, for a oneyear tour of duty as an assistant aviation commander detailer. He was then assigned to Fleet Replacement Squadron VFA-106 at Naval Air Station Cecil Field, Fla. Upon completion, he reported for his first operational assignment with the Sidewinders of VFA-86. While attached to the Sidewinders, Capt. Hoskins completed a deployment onboard the USS America, which included extended operations in the Adriatic Sea, Mediterranean Sea and the Persian Gulf. He flew combat missions in support of Operations Decisive Edge and Southern Watch. In June of 1997, he returned to the Gladiators of VFA-106 as an instructor pilot, where he served in the operations and the maintenance departments.

In September of 1998, Capt. Hoskins joined the Naval Flight Demonstration Squadron, the “Blue Angels,” for three seasons from 1999 to 2001. He served as the narrator, opposing solo and lead solo pilot. In his final season as the lead solo pilot, he also served as the teams operations officer. Capt. Hoskins returned to the fleet and was assigned to VFA-25, the Fist of the Fleet, for his Department Head tour where he served as the operations and maintenance officer.

During his tour with the Fist, he completed an extended deployment, flying combat missions in support of Operations Enduring Freedom, Southern Watch and Iraqi Freedom.

In August of 2003, Capt. Hoskins reported to the United States Strategic Command where he served as an action officer and then executive officer in the Plans and Policy Directorate. He was responsible for writing, assessing and disseminating high-level policy during the US Strategic Command’s restructuring in the midst of the Global War on Terrorism. In his last year at US Strategic Command, he served as the Aide de Camp to the commander.

After his joint assignment he began his command tour with VFA-15, The Valions, as the executive officer in April 2006. Upon assuming command of VFA-15 in June 2007, Capt. Hoskins led his squadron through turn around cycle and combat deployment onboard the USS Theodore Roosevelt in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

After his command tour, Capt. Hoskins served as the 3rd battalion officer at the United States Naval Academy. During his tour he was selected honorary graduate of the class of 2010. Upon his departure from USNA he attended the Industrial College of the Armed Forces where he received a Masters of Science in National Resource Strategy and Policy with the class of 2012. He then served at the Naval Service Training Command in Pensacola as the national director of NROTC Programs.

Capt. Hoskins has accumulated more than 3,400 flight hours and 570 arrested landings. His personal decorations

include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (three awards), Air Medal (three awards with combat “V”), Navy Commendation Medal (three awards with combat “V”), Navy Achievement Medal (two awards), and numerous unit commendations and awards.

BC: How has the base changed since you were a Blue Angel?

KH: Due to the efforts of the NAS Pensacola staff in conjunction with Navy initiatives, the base has made significant improvements since my time as a Blue Angel. Unfortunately, the devastation caused by Hurricane Ivan changed the landscape, but NAS Pensacola has maintained the ability to conduct all assigned missions.

BC: There have been a lot of changes to military spending lately. Will operations at NAS change as a result?

KH: The Navy’s budget meets operational needs of today and ensures a viable future force. NAS Pensacola is a major provider of the future force of our armed forces and will continue to meet our mission through established operations at NAS Pensacola.

BC: How does it feel to be the first African-American Commanding Officer at NAS? KH: I am blessed to be in the world’s best Naval force that allows all to succeed based on performance and merit. My feelings are more in line of being incredibly honored to have the opportunity to lead at a Naval Air Station that is coined “The Cradle of Naval Aviation.”

BC: The military does so much for this region economically. What are some of the ways citizens can give back?

KH: All our military members in the Pensacola area are the best and brightest from our great nation and are very proud to serve. The local citizens here in the Pensacola area continue to be most appreciative of our service and provide a very military friendly environment.

BC: What first interested you in aviation?

KH: As a young child my father exposed me to aviation through his personal stories of him desiring to be a pilot after WWII. Instead of flying aircraft he jumped from them as a member of the 82nd Airborne Division. Also, he helped me build airplane models as a child and the passion ensued within me from then on. My first recollection of stating my desire to become a pilot was after my first Blue Angel show when I was 6 years old.

BC: As Commanding Officer, you are considered a leader in the community. How do you see your role in a region that places a high value on the military and NAS? KH: My role in the community is very simple: I am the face of the Navy in this region. My involvement with the community and partnerships are essential to the continued success of NAS Pensacola and the missions we conduct.

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Area Military Gives Back

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The men and women of the military have done so much for the local Gulf Coast area beyond simply being the biggest economic driver in the region, helping supply thousands of civilian jobs, serving as a hub of naval education and protecting the region from enemies foreign and domestic. Many members of the armed forces want to do even more, which is why some volunteer with local charities and nonprofit organizations.

These volunteer hours are performed of their own free will, and are performed outside the scope of their official position within the military.

Blue Angel and Habitat for Humanity volunteers

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Local philanthropic organizations ranging from Big Brothers Big Sisters and Meals on Wheels to the United Way, Ronald McDonald House and area youth sports programs benefit greatly from the voluntary, unofficial service of the area’s military men and women.

This year, the Pensacola Council Navy League presented Sgt. Bandele Howes with 2013’s Margaret Flowers Civic Award for his outstanding community service as a mentor to area inner-city youth and volunteer at local charity events. His award included a $1,000 certificate of deposit to Navy Federal Credit Union, which just goes to show how much this area values the selflessness of its military.

After more than 12 years of service in the US Air Force, Howes has found himself in Pensacola serving as the lead instructor of Aircraft Structural Maintenance for the Community College of the Air Force for enlisted personnel within the 359th Training Squadron, Detachment 1 at NAS Pensacola.

“I provide lectures on theory, operation and maintenance,” said Howes. “I also provide hands-on training for new airmen in the career field.”

Howes credits his drive and inspiration from his family and his eagerness to mentor others.

“I joined the military to provide a better quality of life for my family,” said Howes. “Ever since I can remember, I have enjoyed teaching and helping people.”

He selflessly serves the local community in various ways. Howes juggles between coaching three youth sports, supporting the Ronald McDonald House, cleaning yards, visiting veterans Bandele Howes and marching with other airmen representing the Air Force in local Margaret Flowers Civic Award, all of whom served their parades. Community service is something Howes community in some capacity outside their official believes every service member should do. duties, and many of whom were key in raising “We are all influenced by individuals in our thousands of dollars for charities. community,” said Howes. “You never know how you Once of those candidates is Anthony Avila. Since can impact someone’s life until after its changed, so January 2012, Boatswain’s Mate First Class Anthony choose to be a positive influence.”

Avila has been a leading petty officer at Naval Aviation Technical Sergeant Howes has 18 more months at Schools Command at NAS Pensacola.

NAS Pensacola before transferring. He will continue to “I am in charge of folks who re-write the Navy serve in the Air Force as long as he can with hopes to Search and Rescue and Water Survival lesson plans,” one day make chief master sergeant. said Avila.

Howes was just one of 15 candidates for the

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Anthony Avila With more than 10 years of service in the Navy, Avila works diligently to ensure future sailors are given the correct training in order to better serve in a professional and safe manner.

When Avila is not hard at work leading sailors, he is spending his free time serving as a volunteer with the Special Olympics. After volunteering at a local Special Olympics event, Avila was impacted by the athletes.

“It changed my whole look at life and I promised to always help those that are less fortunate or those who just need a little push in the right direction, no matter

what the situation may be,” says Avila.

Making others happy inspires Avila to serve his community.

“I think everyone should give back to their community, because that’s what makes us stronger as a whole,” said Avila.

Avila will serve at NAS Pensacola for two more years before being stationed on a ship or become a recruit division commander at Naval Station Great Lakes.

Another inspirational volunteer and member of the armed forces is Felicia Perez. For more than two years, Aviation Boatswain’s Mate First Class Felicia Perez has served as the leading petty officer for the Air Training Department within the Naval Air Technical Training Center at NAS Pensacola. There she serves as the building manager, administrative assistant to the leading chief petty officer and supervisor to all instructors assigned within the department. Perez’s passion has always been community service.

During her 14 years in the Navy, Perez has volunteered for the Northwest Florida Big Brothers Big Sisters Program, the Salvation Army and coordinated volunteers to beautify various properties through Habitat for Humanity. Her offduty community involvement drives her every day.

“Helping people to learn and grow inspires me to want to learn more to be able to help others,” said Perez.

Having always been a strong supporter and advocate for today’s youth, Perez devotes much of her spare time to inspire children to want a successful future and hopes others volunteer, as well.

“The truth is, we likely cross paths with a volunteer at least once, if not several times a day,” says Perez. “Volunteers are critical partners in societies around the world.”

Perez will soon report for duty on the USS Gerald Ford (CVN-78) in Norfolk, Va. Petty Officer Richard Curney has demonstrated exemplary dedication to the young people of Perdido Key over the past year. He is a counselor with the Substance Abuse Rehabilitation Program and an active member and volunteer with the Perdido Bay Youth Sports program, where he coaches youth football teams. He has also helped coordinate over $2,600 in May/June 2013

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fundraising for the football program and helped support the Pensacola Navy Youth Baseball Team. In addition, he has volunteered to help prepare the fields and facilities at the Southwest Escambia Sports Complex to ensure all events and competitions are conducted safely and in a well-maintained environment.

“Coaching is really my passion, which is something I want to do when I retire next year,” said Curney. “When I was young, a lot of coaches helped keep me out of trouble and I want to try to train and mentor these kids and same way I was.”

Curney has also volunteered in Key West, where he was previously stationed, and worked with three other coaches to help raise $12,000 for youth sports team down there.

“Volunteerism from both military and civilians help make the community stronger,” said Curney. “This is a military community, so there is a lot we can do to help and support a positive outlook for the area.”

In addition to individual efforts, crewmembers and pilots of the nowgrounded Blue Angels put their free time and off days to good use over the month of April, working with Habitat for Humanity to build a house for a family in need. The volunteers helped with the foundation, framing and construction of a brand-new home near NAS Pensacola.

Although budget cuts have forced the cancellation of 2013 air shows and practice demonstrations, the Blue Angels remain committed to their mission of enhancing Navy recruiting and credibly Felicia Perez representing the Navy and Marine Corps aviation by reaching out to their local community for speaking events and variety of local charities are facilitated through the volunteer opportunities.

Combined Federal Campaign (CFC), which serves as an “These guys are more than willing to pick up the easy, no-hassle program that promotes and supports hammers and nail guns to help those in need,” said philanthropy for all federal employees, giving them the Mike Lindsey of Blue Angels Public Affairs. “They opportunity to improve the quality of life for all. The could’ve had these days off and just relaxed, but campaign runs from September to December, and is instead decided to come out here and do what they the only campaign authorized to solicit and collect could to volunteer with Habitat for Humanity.” contributions from federal employees in the workplace Military and federal workers in the region contribute on behalf of charitable organizations. in other ways, too, by letting their money do the work.

“The CFC is unlike other charity campaigns because Automatic payroll deductions or cash donations to a

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Richard Curney the federal employee makes their own choice about where their money goes,” said Ron Denson, director of the EscaRosa CFC. “They have a choice from national and international charities, to nonprofits run locally.

Local beneficiaries of their generosity include the American Red Cross, the Boy and Girl Scouts, Manna Food Pantries, Covenant Hospice, and the Boys and Girls Club, among others.”

The EscaRosa CFC includes all federal personnel— military and civilian—from Naval Air Station Pensacola,

Whiting Field, Corry Station, Saufley Field, and downtown federal offices of the Escambia and Santa Rosa county areas.

The national CFC is known to be the most inclusive workplace giving campaign in the world, with the number of participating charities estimated at over 20,000. All charities go through an intense screening process to ensure they are legitimate nonprofits that benefit those who need their services most.

“Those who give through the CFC have a sense of comfort knowing that these agencies have been screened, are eligible, and are using their finances wisely,” said Denson.

In 2012, local federal workers and members of the military gave more than $750,000 to the charity of their choice, which equates to about $200 given per participant. While the overall local campaign has experienced a slight decline recently, per participant giving has actually increased. In the hands of these nonprofits, the money they do receive goes further than many would believe possible, and reaches more people than imagined.

DeDe Flounlacker, executive director of Manna Food Pantries in Pensacola, said that the donations received from the CFC are valuable to the organization and its cause.

“The donations received through the CFC enable Manna to provide healthy food to thousands of children and families in Northwest Florida,” said Flounlacker. “As a local grassroots organization, it takes our entire community’s support to ensure the needs of the hungry are met. Our CFC donors make it possible for people in need to have food tonight and many nights to come.”

The Pensacola region has been truly blessed by the presence of outstanding, selfless military men and women in the area, and the benefits of their service continue to show forth in our daily lives in innumerable ways.

Various portions contributed by Ensign Jacqui Wengler

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>it tips

By Mike White

Frequently Asked Questions: Regulatory Compliance

What regulations am I likely to encounter?

State and federal regulations often set rigorous standards for data protection and privacy. Depending on your industry, your IT infrastructure will need to meet these requirements, and Your IT Cloud Backup can help.

Most often, regulations govern industries and the way information is kept and transmitted. Some industryspecific regulations include: • Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) Section 404 for Accountants • PCI DDS Requirements 3, 4, 7, and 9 for Retailers • Gramm-Leach-Bliley Section 501 (b) for Bankers • HIPAA’s Security Rules for Medical and Dental Offices • State Legislation like MA 201 CMR 17 and similar laws How do these regulations impact data security, storage, backup and recovery?

While these laws govern different industries, all address three common, key items: • Protection of data from loss/destruction • Encryption of data over open networks • Limited physical access to stored data Regulations prescribe standards for how information is stored, secured, archived and accessed. In some cases, companies are required to maintain records for a period of years and ensure they’re well-safeguarded. Working with Your IT Cloud Backup, you can create the IT infrastructure you need to support relevant compliances.

Your IT Cloud Backup can be a key part of your overall solution, as it offers a highly secure backup supported by redundant data centers that meet or exceed regulations regarding protection, encryption and physical access.

What’s my risk if we’re not compliant with industry regulations?

If you fail to comply with relevant regulations, you could

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face heavy fines and penalties. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is responsible for HIPAAcompliance enforcement. Credit card providers will fine retailers who don’t follow PCI guidelines. The SEC oversees Sarbanes-Oxley, which can carry criminal penalties for violations.

Penalties can be substantial. Several multi-million dollar fines have been issued against healthcare providers and insurers found in violation of HIPAA guidelines. In 2012, the agency started turning its attention to smaller providers; a five-physician practice based in Phoenix was fined $100,000 in 2012 following an investigation that found the practice failed to safeguard patient information and take other security measures.

PCI violations can often carry five-figure penalties against small, independent retailers who don’t safeguard consumer credit card data. In short, the risk is substantial and real.

Beyond fines and punitive action, you can face the risk of lawsuit liabilities and the damaging impact to reputation and lost business that negative publicity would inevitably bring.

Will I be compliant if I use Your IT Cloud Backup?

Your IT Cloud Backup is a cloud backup, archiving and recovery solution that automates the processes of securely backing up electronic data and file recovery. It was created with these data protection regulations in mind to satisfy the broad need for a safe, reliable, and cost-effective method of backing up data offsite and allowing full file restoration at any time from any authorized location. Your IT Cloud Backup provides a highly secure solution that can be used to meet or exceed regulatory compliance when scheduling, encryption and archiving rules align with regulations.

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business news bits you should know

>aroundtheregion Covenant Hospice named as prestigious 2013 Hospice Honors recipient Covenant Hospice has been named a 2013 Hospice Honors recipient, a prestigious award recognizing hospice agencies providing the best patient care as rated by the patient’s caregiver. The not-for-profit hospice organization earned the recognition for care delivered at the Joyce Goldenberg Inpatient Residence and at the Inpatient and Palliative Care Center at West Florida Hospital. Established by Deyta, this prestigious annual honor recognizes the top 100 agencies that continuously provide the highest level of satisfaction through their care as measured from the caregiver’s point of view. Deyta used the Family Evaluation of Hospice Care (FEHC) survey results from over 1,200 partnering hospice agencies contained in its national, FEHC database with an evaluation period of January through December 2012. Deyta used the five key drivers of caregiver satisfaction as the basis of the Hospice Honors calculations.

Baptist Health Care Foundation accepting nursing scholarship applications Baptist Health Care Foundation (BHCF) is accepting scholarship applications from college-bound students. Through a gift from the Luther and Kathy Taylor family, BHCF will award a $2,500 nursing scholarship.

Applicants are evaluated on academic excellence and extracurricular activities.

Scholarships are granted without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, disability, marital status or any other status protected by law. The awarded scholarship will be deposited directly to a student’s account at his or her college or university.

Applications are available by visiting BaptistHealthCareFoundation.org.

UWF students earn top awards at national IT conference University of West Florida students earned top honors at the Association of Information Technology Professionals (AITP) National Collegiate Conference, held in St. Louis. More than 700 students from 100 schools attended the conference. The student chapter of AITP at UWF is the professional organization for the Computer Science Department. It has been active and funded by SGA for 20 consecutive years under the direction of Dr. John W. Coffey, the chapter advisor. In addition to winning numerous regional and national competitions, the UWF AITP chapter has won the Student Chapter Outstanding

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Performance Award (SCOPA) five times, and the Region Seven (Southeastern U.S.) Outstanding Student Chapter of the Year Award three times.

PSC student named National Gold Scholar Pensacola State College student Rachel Andrews has been named a 2013 CocaCola Community College Academic Team Gold Scholar. The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation sponsors the Academic Team program by recognizing 50 gold, 50 silver and 50 bronze scholars nationally and providing nearly $200,000 in scholarships each year. Each Gold Scholar receives a $1,500 scholarship and a special medallion.

Students make All-Florida Academic Team Pensacola State College students Rachel Andrews and Jennifer Hill have made the 2013 Phi Theta Kappa All-Florida Academic Team. Each year, the PTK All-Florida Academic Team recognizes outstanding students in the Florida College System for their academic achievement, leadership and service to the community. The chancellor of the Florida College System, in partnership with the Phi Theta Kappa Florida region, recently hosted an awards ceremony at Daytona State College where each student was presented a medallion. Phi Theta Kappa is the international honor society for two-year colleges.

817 nonprofit organizations nationwide to receive an NEA Art Works grant. Pensacola Opera is recommended for a $20,000 grant to support the expansion of its Artists in Residence program in fall 2014. The Artists in Residence program will bring six young professional opera singers to Pensacola.

The six artists will be selected from a national audition process which attracts over 600 applicants each year. The artists will spend ten weeks touring an educational opera for children and a variety of concert programs for adults. The tour will be designated for Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, Walton and Bay counties, with a focus on outreach to at-risk youth and military families.

Gulf Coast Enterprises listed among the Top Places to Work in the Tampa area Pensacola-based Gulf Coast Enterprises, an agency created to provide employment for people with disabilities, is among the “Top 100 Places to Work in Tampa Bay,” according to the Tampa Bay Times. The newspaper publishes a “Top Places to Work” list annually. Depending on the number of people on their payrolls, employers are classified as large, midsize or small. GCE was ranked fourth among the top 30 businesses listed in the midsize category.

Greater Pensacola Chamber surpasses 91 percent mark of its Vision 2015 goal Officials at the Greater Pensacola Chamber have announced that it is already more than 91 percent of the way to reaching its goal of 3,000 high-wage jobs in Greater Pensacola – nearly two years sooner than the original target date. The Vision 2015 Benchmarking & Metrics Task Force, which is charged with validating how many jobs are committed to the region due to the Chamber’s economic development efforts, tallied the number of announced jobs that meet Vision 2015 criteria and determined that 2,748 jobs have been committed to Greater Pensacola with the help of the Chamber since the Vision 2015 initiative began.

Five Flag Paddleboard Classic a success, raises $3,450 for the Eagle Fund Many dedicated standup paddleboard racers battled beautiful but cool and windy conditions at Coastal Paddle Company’s Second Annual Five Flags Paddleboard Classic at The Grand Marlin on Pensacola Beach on Saturday, April 20. The successful event featured a one-mile race, a three-mile race and a one-mile kids fun race with courses slightly modified due to the water conditions in the Santa Rosa Sound.

Additionally, $3,450 was raised for The Eagle Fund of the Andrews Institute Foundation via a raffle of a 2013 YOLO Board Original Sea Turtle standup paddleboard. The Eagle Fund offers wounded military servicemen and women access to high quality care that might otherwise be difficult for them to obtain.

Pensacola Opera receives National Endowment for the Arts grant to support Artists in Residence program National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) Acting Chairman Joan Shigekawa has announced that Pensacola Opera is one of

University of West Florida student accepted to Harvard internship The University of West Florida Department of Mathematics and Statistics is continuing its tradition of producing skilled students who utilize their strong educational background to excel in joint programs at

elite universities across the country. Ruth Ashley, a senior mathematics major, was recently accepted to participate in Harvard University’s Research Experience for Undergraduates internship program during the summer 2013 semester.

Locals lead state FPRA Jeff Nall, vice president of communication and development at Council on Aging of West Florida, was installed as state president of the Florida Public Relations Association (FPRA) at its recent annual conference. Also elected by peers throughout Florida to serve on the 20122013 executive committee as vice presidents were Valeria Lento, director of communications for Visit Pensacola, and Gordon Paulus, senior corporate communication specialist with Gulf Power Company. Lento will serve as vicepresident of planning and research. Paulus will serve as vice-president of the annual conference. University of West Florida graduate Katy Robinson will also serve on the 2012-2013 executive committee as student chapter services chair. FPRA, the nation’s oldest public relations organization, will celebrate its 75th anniversary under Nall’s leadership.

Cox recognized inspirational student heroes in Escambia County Cox Communications hosted its annual Inspirational Student Hero Awards May 2.

Cox recognized 48 students from Escambia County with the Cox Inspirational Student Hero Award during the ceremony.

Recipients were students who have overcome extreme challenges in life, such as mental or physical disabilities, severe medical conditions, language barriers or family adversity. The students were chosen by a committee of leaders at their school.

During the event, Cox presented the students with an engraved medallion and certificates of honor from Cox. Congressman Jeff Miller was on hand to recognize the students with a certificate.

UWF, WFHPI and Gulf Power unveil plans for Multicultural Resource Center Gulf Power Company and Southern Company have donated $605,000 to the West Florida Historic Preservation, Inc. (WFHPI) to transform one of its downtown properties, the Beacon Building, into “The Voices of Pensacola,” a multicultural resource center highlighting the city’s diverse history. The new center will feature displays representing the varied cultural groups who have shaped Pensacola’s

history. Potential exhibits will showcase the Native American, Asian, Hispanic, AfricanAmerican, Greek, Jewish and European cultures. It will also include: two stages for oral history, storytelling, and musical performances; two acoustically controlled Aural Exhibit spaces where oral histories can be heard and recorded; a research room; computer research stations and more.

Gulf Winds FCU awards $7,500 in scholarships to area students Gulf Winds Federal Credit Union is proud to announce the recipients of the 2013 Gulf Winds Scholarship Program. The Gulf Winds scholarships honor pioneer members for their dedicated service to the credit union and its members. In memory of these distinguished members, the scholarships are established in their names. The award is a $2,500 scholarship to assist three deserving credit union members who are high school graduates and are beginning their first year of undergraduate education. These scholarships will provide a one-time award for use at any accredited college, university or trade school.

Gulf Shores named one of America’s Best Beach Towns by Parents Magazine Parents magazine has named America’s 10 Best Beach Towns, one of which is Gulf Shores. This summer, Parents designated family vacation hotspots that deliver all the ingredients for a magical stay: pristine ocean, beach safety, and a boatload of inland fun. As a bonus, despite their paradisiacal locations, the 10 Best Beach Towns are affordable—no hotel room starts at a higher price than $289 per night, and several come in below $200.

Baptist Health Care: Outstanding partner in education Baptist Health Care (BHC) received the Outstanding Partner in Education award on May 2 at the 29th annual appreciation luncheon honoring outstanding school volunteers, teachers and partners in education from the Escambia County School District. BHC received this award for its partnership with C.A. Weis Elementary School. The award was presented to BHC by Malcolm Thomas, superintendent of Escambia County School District, Debbie King, superintendent’s representative and Congressman Jeff Miller.

BHC was one of only two organizations to receive this distinguished honor.

peopleonthemove< Combined Insurance Services’ Todd Torgersen earns new designation Todd Torgersen, President, Combined Insurance Services, has recently completed the course work and examinations required to earn the designation of “Certified Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act Professional.” The materials provided in the course work offer insight into the Health Care Reform law’s requirements and potential strategies for employers. Combined Insurance Services, located in Pensacola, focuses on benefit programs for employer groups and individuals.

Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa appoints new manager of hotel operations Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa, the largest full-service beachfront resort on Northwest Florida’s Gulf Coast, has announced the appointment of Jackson Cherry as the resort’s new manager of hotel operations. Cherry’s responsibilities encompass all operational aspects of the hotel, including food and beverage, rooms, recreation, security and the Serenity by the Sea spa.

University of West Florida to welcome new Assistant Vice President for Enrollment Affairs The University of West Florida announces Joffery Gaymon as the new Assistant Vice President for Enrollment Affairs, effective July 15, 2013. In this position, Gaymon will be responsible for directing recruitment and admissions, financial aid, records and registration, and campus wide enrollment management oversight.

In addition, she will work with other senior university officers and the Board of Trustees, to collaborate in the development of recruitment, marketing and retention strategies to achieve university-wide enrollment, retention and graduation goals on the undergraduate and graduate levels.

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>businessscene ...at the Viva Florida 500 Social

Evan Levin and Dana Bledsoe

Bruce McAlpin and John Asmar

Nancy Fetterman and Carter Quina

Jerry Maygarden and Will Merrill

Rita Lee and Rob Overton

Stan Connally and Lewis Bear, Jr.

...at the 2013 Law Week Luncheon

Teri Levin, Mayor Ashton Hayward, Maria Davis

David Bear and Mayor Ashton Hayward

Pensacola Police Chief Chip Simmons

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Janet Holley and Pam Childers

Don Spencer and Rep. Jeff Miller

Lewis Bear III, David Stafford and David Bear