VIE - People + Places / Spring - Summer 2008

SPRING - SUMMER 2008

For the Love of Food Eating Local!

Giving Change the World Fundraiser

Brand & Identity The Architecture of Branding

Plus Greg Barnhill Salvatore Ferragamo Brewing Biodiesel Yolo Boarding

P R OJ E C T DR E AMS V I E C OV E R S N E W YO R K ' S FA S H I O N W E E K !

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Distribution Areas by County:

Gerald and Lisa Burwell

A Note from the Publisher In a market already flooded with a sea of magazines, both locally and nationally, and at a time when the economy is somewhat lackluster, why would a magazine called VIE – People + Places be launched?

To imagine To celebrate To create To inform To inspire To educate To entertain To enjoy To laugh To love To breathe To live.

VIE (prounounced “vee”) is a French word meaning “life."

VIE Magazine is unique in that its primary focus is on human interest stories celebrating the “people and places” of our Northwest Florida region, specifically from Pensacola to Apalachicola; we may occasionally feature stories on fashion, food and travel on a more national scale.

We hope that you enjoy our magazine and are inspired as you visit the people and places of Northwest Florida – and beyond.

O

ur stories and distribution cover Pensacola to Apalachicola, Florida as we explore the people and places of our region in the pages of VIE-People + Places. The magazine is found in all the Tourist Development Council Centers, Chamber of Commerce locations, Sundog Books in Seaside, Florida, boutiques, restaurants, Bed & Breakfast locations, special events and much more! As the Relocation Program sponsor for the Walton County Area Chamber, VIE will also be mailed to over 5000 people who have asked for more information about our area.

We are excited you have picked up a copy of VIE and hope you enjoy exploring the people and places of our coveted area. With 20,000 magazines printed for the inaugural issue we are confident that we will be able to spread the good news with our stories and help our advertisers garner business. We have a passion for VIE, our area, and the people and businesses found within and hope you will share in the excitement and know that we live in a great place and that, "life is good".

To life!

Sincerely,

Lisa Marie Burwell Publisher

Above: Vintage Florida posters artistically reproduced on tin can be purchased in Avenue E in Apalachicola. Call 850-653-1411 to order.

VIE: People + Places is a registered trademark. All contents herein are Copyright © 2008 Cornerstone Marketing & Advertising, Incorporated (The Publisher). All rights reserved. No part of this periodical may be reproduced without written permission from The Publisher. The opinions herein are not necessarily those of The Publisher. The Publisher and its advertisers will not be held responsible for any errors found in this publication. The Publisher is not liable for the accuracy of statements made by its advertisers. Ads that appear in this publication are not intended as offers where prohibited by state law. The Publisher is not responsible for photography or artwork. The Publisher reserves the right to publish any letter addressed to the editor or The Publisher. VIE: People + Places is a free publication and shall not be resold. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to CORNERSTONE MARKETING & ADVERTISING, INC., 114 Logan Lane, Suite 4, Grayton Beach, FL 32459; (850) 231-3087.

Printed with pride in Northwest Florida 6

VIE - Spring/Summer 2008

For more information, please visit:

www.vie-peopleplusplaces.com

In this issue:

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24 People + Places Local Spotlight – Alys Stephens 115 Change the World Fundraiser 16 Salvatore Ferragamo Visits Fleming's 27 Cattle Baron's Ball / Fire & Ice 37 New York Fashion Week 64 Okaloosa/Walton Heart Ball 112 Aesthetic Clinique Opening 128

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The Voyager Exploring the Wonders of Costa Rica 66 Shopping Paris with Ann Hartley 72 Perspectives Everything is Going to be All Right - Tom Morgan Q & A 76 Up Close and Personal with Paul Wohlford 82 Understanding a Pioneering Real Estate Market 84 Making a Scene - SoWalScene.com 86

Giving Change the World Fundraiser 10 A Home For Children in Crisis 18 Destin Charity Wine Auction 22

Living Green Brewing Biodiesel in Point Washington 88

For the Love of Food Salvatore Ferragamo Visits Fleming's 24 Eating Local! 28

The Art of Life Songwriter Greg Barnhill 92 The "Grand Dame" Gets a Facelift - Saenger Theater Renovation 98 Seaside Rep Theatre 104 ArtsQuest 108

A Sense of Place Apalachicola 30 Apalach's Bill Spohrer 34 Hammock Bay 39

Form & Function Reinventing the Mug 116

Branded The Architecture of Branding 42 Branding a Vision 44 The Beach 46 Through the Lens Goode & Green 50 Feature Article Project Dreams - VIE Goes to Fashion Week 56

Through the Eyes of a Child I Can Make A Difference by... 120 Couture New York Fashion Week - Jayson Brunsdon 122 That’s Haute. That’s Not. 130 Get Out ‘Podcasting’ on the Bay 132 Yolo Boarding 136 VIE - Spring/Summer 2008

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Published by:

Phone- 850.231.3087 114 Logan Lane, Suite 4 Grayton Beach, FL 32459 w w w

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t h e i d e a b o u t i q u e

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c o m

Staff: Editorial

Art Direction/Creative

Advertising Sales

Lisa Marie Burwell Publisher

Bob Brown Vice President of Creative Services

Lisa Comeau Vice President - Sales Division

Gerald Burwell Editor-in-Chief

Eric Shepard Art Director / Designer

Kelli Deary Sales/Editorial Associate

Staff Writers:

Photography:

Production:

Jessie Shepard

Justin Starnes Research Assistant

Kelli Deary Bob Brown Eric Shepard Lisa Ferrick Lisa Burwell Kirsten Reed Contributing Writers: Kim Duke-Layden Ann Hartley Katherine Han Tim Dutrow Samantha Berens Ron Romano Margaret Stevenson Jennifer Steele Saunders Craig James Tracy Louthain Ryan Duffey Mike Ragsdale Craige Hoover Jill Gaupin

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Romona Robbins Contributing Photographers: Sheila Goode Haley Green John Hollan Marla Carter

Lisa Ferrick Social Correspondant

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Photo by Sheila Goode 10

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CHANGING THE WORLD 30-A Businesses Unite for Abandoned Children

Written by Kirsten Reed VIE - Spring/Summer 2008

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ach year brings a sense of fresh hope—hope for

On November 1, 2007, Gina Shiflett's Second Annual Salon Twist Change

improvements to be made within ourselves and the

the World Fundraiser was held at Alys Beach, located in Walton County be-

world around us. Hope—it is a four-letter word that

tween Seacrest Beach and Rosemary Beach. Although some time has passed

can change lives and the way in which we live our lives

since the event, the vision of a loving home for abandoned Ukrainian chil-

each day. But how do we implement it? Through words of encouragement?

dren had not faded a bit from the mind of Patricia “Sister” Barnes.

An embrace? Perhaps it’s more than that. It is through change.

Barnes, founder and owner of the famous “Sister Schubert” yeast roll company, We all have visions of a better world. Patricia “Sister” Barnes had a vision

has been working through her foundation to raise money to build a home

too—one that would change the lives of several little children who had

for abandoned Ukrainian children. Her dream is to have a place for these

nothing to hold onto but hope.

abandoned children to live, for an alternative to the state-run institutions

Photo by Sheila Goode 12

VIE - Spring/Summer 2008

Gina Shiflett & Patricia “Sister” Barnes

Photo by John Hollan

Photo by Sheila Goode

where all abandoned children in Ukraine are now mandated to live. Barnes's

help Sasha’s Home. God has just started this ball rolling and I am continually

proposed complex will encompass seven separate apartments, each with five

amazed at the generosity of the people of this community. There are truly

bedrooms. The children will live with guardians to love and nurture them

wonderful people out there everywhere you go.”

until they are adopted into “forever families.”

Barnes, who has visited Ukraine several times, has special ties to the chil“My vision is to have a place where these abandoned children have the

dren of Gorlovka, a city of 283,000 people located approximately 120 miles

opportunity to move out of hospitals and live in an enriching, loving

west of the Russian border. During one of her visits, in 2003, she was listening

environment,” said Barnes. “Right now, the system in Ukraine channels

to her translator speak with a nurse at the hospital. The nurse began to cry

these abandoned children to crowded state-run orphanages, where condi-

and Barnes asked the translator to tell her what they were talking about.

tions are poor by any standards, not just Western standards. We are renovating an old building to be a brighter, warmer facility for the children to live in while they wait for their forever families – and it will be called Sasha’s Home.”

It was about a beautiful boy who the nurse

“BE THE CHANGE YOU WANT TO SEE IN THE WORLD”

The Second Annual Salon Twist Change the World Fundraiser, raised $110,000 for the

feared would never be adopted because he had two clubbed feet. The operation to treat an impairment of this kind would not be performed on an orphaned child, and he would, most likely, spend the rest of his life in a state-run institution. Barnes was touched by the story and insisted on meet-

- MAHATMA GHANDI

ing him in person.

Barnes Family Foundation and for Sasha's Home. The event was a community effort

“As soon as I laid eyes on him I knew he

organized in part by Salon Twist and Cornerstone Marketing & Advertis-

would forever be part of my life, I just wasn’t sure how,” Barnes explained.

ing, Inc. (both located in Grayton Beach) and was held at the Caliza Pool

After researching several avenues, Barnes found that the only way to help

within the grounds of Alys Beach. Barnes was thrilled with the support and

the boy, Alexsey, was to bring him to the United States, under the care of

overwhelmed with the generosity of the community.

a Ukrainian nanny, so that he would be able to undergo several surgeries to fix his feet. “I made arrangements for the nanny and Alex to travel to

“Three weeks after the event was over, I walked into Salon Twist to have my

America for the treatment. Of course, I fell in love with him and ended up

hair done where I met a lady who wasn’t able to attend the fundraiser,” said

adopting him!”

Barnes. “After talking briefly about the event, she wrote a $5,000 check to VIE - Spring/Summer 2008

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The home will be called Sasha’s Home because of Barnes’ adoptive son. The

Sasha’s Home provides a place for Ukrainian couples to take guardianship

name Sasha in Russian is the same as Alexsey—so, in essence, Barnes has

of abandoned babies and to be foster parents for the children until forever

given her own personal touch to the home, naming it after her Ukrainian-

homes can be found. In addition to providing foster parents, a place to live

born son, Alex.

and to take care of these children, the staff will also provide counseling, donated clothes, diapers, and food. In keeping with Ukrainian customs,

Although Alex is only five years old, he has a good idea what his mother’s

each family will have a “babushka”—a Ukrainian grandmother—to help

work in Ukraine is all about. Barnes and Alex watched the video of the

the foster mother with household duties and child rearing. The hope is that

abandoned babies in Ukraine, where he used to live, and she explained to

the families living at Sasha’s Home will support one another in this unique

him her work there. As the video ended, he looked up at his adoptive mother

situation, helping with babysitting and providing a loving and nurturing

with his sweet face, and said, “I want to go there with you mama. I will help

environment for the children until they are matched with suitable families.

you with the babies.”

With a one million dollar price tag for Sasha's Home, Barnes continues to Barnes cites the lack of housing as the biggest problem that she faces in terms

seek the support of generous people and businesses in America, with plans

of aiding abandoned children in Ukraine. “There are a lot of people who

to promote the work of her foundation through fundraisers. Through the

want to help,” explains Barnes, who is very fond of Ukrainian people, “but

efforts of her Barnes Family Foundation web site and past fundraisers,

the one stumbling block is that housing is not adequate enough for these

Barnes has raised close to $800,000. With each dollar raised and each brick

Ukrainian couples to take in two or three children, even though they may

laid, Barnes’s dream for Sasha’s Home is closer to becoming reality.

be ready and willing to become foster parents or adopt more children.”

And, with projected annual costs to run the facility at close to $110,000, Ukrainian law stipulates that an abandoned child cannot be adopted for 14

fundraising for the facility will be an ongoing effort. If you would like

months during the time that he/she is under government care, in hopes

to help build Sasha’s Home, you can mail checks to the Barnes Family

that a family member will come back for him or her. After 14 months, the

Foundation, 102 Country Club Drive, Andalusia, AL, 36421 or donate

child can be immediately adopted. Ukrainian couples may legally take

directly online by visiting www.barnesfamilyfoundation.org. Donations

guardianship before adopting, an opportunity not available to foreign

are tax deductible.

couples wishing to adopt.

Photo by John Hollan 14

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Photo by John Hollan

VIE - Spring/Summer 2008

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PEOPLE

PLACES

Snapshots of guests at the hottest gala on the Emerald Coast held Thursday, November 1st, 2007.

Mike & Angela Ragsdale

Ann Hartley

Gina Shiflett & Patricia “Sister Schubert” Barnes 16

VIE - Spring/Summer 2008

Hannah Brewer & Sarah Gibson

John & Kim Duke Layden

Jimmy & Lisa Comeau, Kirsten Reed & Sarah Svoboda

VIE - Spring/Summer 2008

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A Home for Children in Crisis Written by Kirsten Reed / Photography by Romona Robbins

Models were used to protect the identities of children involved in the program.

“Sweet Dreams.”

alone. Only 304 foster homes currently

Children in Crisis, opened the first phase

exist in District 1 and the shortage of

of a new community in early 2008 to

It’s a phrase many children hear as loving

beds is a growing problem. In addition,

address this growing problem and to

parents kiss their foreheads and tuck

approximately 45 percent of siblings

provide appropriate care and shelter for

them into their cozy beds every night.

must be separated due to the shortage,

children without a home. The Children’s

Fingers tightly grip a trusty blanket or

making the trauma even more difficult

Neighborhood, the first of its kind for

a furry bear, and the pajama-clad child

to endure.

Northwest Florida, will house facilities such as an Emergency Shelter House,

snuggles down into the warmth of safety and familiar surroundings.

Organizations such as Children in Crisis

and the Susan Wesley House – the first of

(CIC) and the Children’s Advocacy

four Group Homes, the Blessings House,

But that is not the case for more than

Center are working to change this problem

an Administration House, and a Recre-

1,400 children in Walton, Okaloosa,

and provide a warm, safe, and loving

ation Center. The goal of the project is to

Santa Rosa, and Escambia counties

environment for these children as they

establish a stable, nurturing environment

(District 1). These innocent victims of

begin their emotional healing. Children

for children that will minimize the disrup-

neglect, abuse, and abandonment make

are protected by CIC and are taken care

tion of multiple foster-home placements

up the silent epidemic spreading into our

of until their own parents can clean up

and the separation of siblings.

communities; there are as many as 700

their act or, in some cases, until a new

children in Walton and Okaloosa counties

family is found to care for them.

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“We are very excited to be able to

"Each child is an adventure into a better life—an opportunity to change the old pattern and make it new.”

– Hubert H. Humphrey

provide stability and hope for neglected,

With a staff of professional and experi-

abused, and abandoned children. We

enced personnel available around the

have had such wonderful support from

clock, children will be greeted with warm

the community, volunteers, the board of

smiles and the child-specific treatment

directors, and wonderful staff. As I look

needed. A team of community doctors and

into the future, it is bright – in five years

nurses will be on call to assist with care

we will have four foster homes, an emer-

as needed.

gency shelter, an administration building, and recreation center,” said Ken Hair,

After a child has received the necessary

President of Children in Crisis, Inc.

care in the Emergency Shelter, they are then placed in the Susan Wesley House.

The Children’s Neighborhood makes its

The child remains here until legal deci-

home on Hurlburt Road in Fort Walton

sions have been made whether to release

Beach, thanks to a charity land lease of

the child back to the parents or if foster

20 acres granted by Okaloosa-Walton

care is required. If foster care is nec-

College. No federal or state tax funds

essary, the child will then be placed in

were used for construction and the entire

the loving environment of the Blessings

$5 million cost for this initial phase of the

House. This home serves as a transi-

neighborhood came from private, busi-

tion place for children who are awaiting

ness, and community donations. Sup-

adoption or long-term home care. The

port is still needed to fund the operations

staff has carefully chosen house parents,

and second phase of the neighborhood.

including one married couple and two single women, to foster the children and

“As we continue to progress to the next

provide a family-type environment.

phase, we are happy to have the support of the community, but also see the

Once children are close to turning 18

challenge of sustaining the operations

years old, they are directed to a transition

of providing for the children. We will

house with a team specifically trained to

continuously look to volunteers and the

help them shift into mature and respon-

community for much needed support,”

sible adults. The staff is responsible for

said Hair.

preparing them in daily life activities, such as holding down a job, going to

The Emergency Shelter will serve as

college, and performing household duties.

the first stop for children when they are

This final step gives them the knowledge

found in and extracted from a danger-

and life applications they need to function

ous environment. This eight-room facil-

independently as successful, contributing

ity provides shelter for 12-16 children.

adults in the community.

Previously, no emergency shelter existed for infants and children who were suddenly

Each room in the Emergency Shelter and

removed from an abusive environment.

the Susan Wesley House was planned in VIE - Spring/Summer 2008

19

"Our goal is to become part of the neighborhood and to provide the children as normal a living environment as possible."

– Walt Maine

detail, from architecture to décor. Chair-

design, décor, and furnishings of the

person of the CIC design committee,

first two homes. These include: Porter-

Kelly Porter-Smith, of Porter-Smith Designs

Smith Designs, Inc., Infinity Flooring,

located in Miramar Beach, incorporated

Destin Lighting, Sugar Beach Interiors,

the talents of many local designers to

Interior Detailers, Inc., Shaw Industries,

complete the furnishings of both homes.

Dal-Tile, United Lighting and Supply Co.,

The house is brightly designed with a

Cabinet Source, G & L Marble, Florida

coastal theme throughout. Professional

Bath & Surfaces, Gulf South Distributors,

designers from Sugar Beach Interiors,

Americasmart, Palm Paper & Supply,

in addition to a team of volunteers led

W Design and Planning Group, Arts TV

by local supporter, Connie Gilbert, gave

and Appliance, Independent Flooring,

their time and talents to help design the

Lafayette Interior Fashions, Corporate

interior décor. Additionally, Sugar Beach

Design Systems, and Leigh Wright Interior

Interiors graciously furnished the homes

Design, Inc.

at cost. “We wanted aspects from the beautiful coastal area we live in to be

The United Methodist Children’s Home in

incorporated throughout the house. With

Fort Walton will manage the day-to-day

the neighborhood being away from the

operations of the Children’s Neighborhood.

ocean, we thought it would be nice to

“We have contracted with the very ex-

bring the ocean to them,” said Robin

perienced staff of the United Methodist

Lowery, interior designer with Sugar

Children’s Home for the daily operations

Beach Interiors and volunteer with CIC.

of the neighborhood. We have worked out agreements on the procedures and

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VIE - Spring/Summer 2008

Special consideration was given to the

guidelines to be followed in the home.

artwork chosen to decorate the children’s

The difference is that we’ll operate as an

bedrooms. Above each child’s bed are

inter-denominational facility,” said Walt

pieces of art created by children from

Maine, head of the faith community com-

Liza Jackson Preparatory School located

mittee of Children In Crisis. CIC is pro-

in Fort Walton Beach. “We hope that

viding the opportunity, and encouraging

knowing another child cared enough to

those from the local faith community, to

create bright and cheerful art with them

become involved in nurturing the spiritual

in mind will ease their pain—if only for a

needs of the children, as well as their

moment,” said Lowery.

physical needs.

“I am truly amazed and very thankful for

The objective of Children In Crisis, is to

the great support from our community.

provide homes and establish hope for

The wonderful commitment from interior

abandoned, abused, and neglected

designers and businesses has played a

children of Walton and Okaloosa Coun-

vital role in our progress,” said Hair. Sev-

ties. “Our goal is to become part of the

eral local businesses have helped with

neighborhood and to provide the chil-

dren as normal a living environment as possible,� said Maine. With the help and support of sponsors, donations, and volunteers, CIC will continue to flourish, providing more home placements and a loving, caring, and nurturing environment for children in need.

Several opportunities still exist for helping the homeless, neglected, and abandoned children of Northwest Florida, including reading to the children, becoming a volunteer caregiver, serving as a committee member/chair, sponsoring a fundraiser, participating in local fundraisers, and offering administrative assistance.

Sit Back and Enjoy, We’ll Do All the Work. professional real estate experts with your goals in mind

Ken Hair Anyone interested in fostering a child, donating money, or volunteering time to make a difference in a child’s life, should contact Children In Crisis, Inc., Executive Director Ken Hair at (850) 651-1537 or visit their website at www.childrenincrisisfl.org.

VIE - Spring/Summer 2008

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DESTIN CHARITY WINE AUCTION FOUNDATION

A

group of local wine enthusiasts paired their passion for tasting fine wines with something more than a succulent plate of seafood. These wine lovers have melded their love of good vintages with providing assistance to children’s charities. Established in Fall 2005, the Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation plans community wine events in an effort to make a difference in the lives of Northwest Florida children.

The Foundation is an example of a recent trend nationwide: wine aficionados and charities teaming up to raise money by hosting popular wine events. They are attempting to fill the monetary gap that many charities are experiencing due to shrinking budgets and dwindling support for non-profit organizations. In fact, charity wine auctions are big business – some estimate that more than 100,000 of them occur in the United States each year.

During its short tenure, the Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation has successfully attracted philanthropic vintners, chefs, and wine enthusiasts from around the world to Northwest Florida each spring to participate in their marquee event, Wine & Dine in Paradise.

Now in its third year, Wine & Dine in Paradise offers residents and visitors an opportunity to share a love of great wines while benefitting this year’s charities: Children in Crisis, The Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation, the Ronald McDonald House and the Lighthouse Retreat. The weekend event will run in conjunction with the annual Sandestin Wine Festival, beginning Thursday, April 10 through Sunday, April 13, and will include packages offering tickets to exclusive patron dinners with worldrenowned vintners and chefs, to the Destin Charity Wine Walkabout and Auction, and to the Sandestin Wine Festival Grand Tasting.

Thanks to the generosity and support of hundreds of donors – wine and 22

VIE - Spring/Summer 2008

Written by Kirsten Reed / Photo by Romona Robbins

"We are slowly becoming a national entity."

- Todd Vucovich

food professionals, sponsors, businesses, volunteers, and participants – the Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation has raised and contributed more than $1 million to local child-related charities during its first two years, making it one of the fastest growing wine charity auctions in the country. The Foundation hopes to raise another $1 million from this year’s Wine & Dine in Paradise event alone; this achievement, if successful, would rank it among the top ten largest wine charity auctions in the United States.

The Foundation’s international reach in past events has included such wine celebrities as France’s Laurent Drouhin of Joseph Drouhin & Domaine Drouhin and Marc Perrin of Chateau de Beaucastel; Bob Cabral of Williams Selyem; Dan Kosta of Kosta-Browne; Oregon’s Grace and Ken Evenstad of Domaine Serene; Australia’s Dan Philips; and David Galzignato of Duckhorn Wine Company. Past participating world-renowned chefs have included Chris Wilson of Emeril’s New Orleans, Tory McPhail of Commander’s Palace, and Norman Van Aken of Tavern N Town.

“We are slowly becoming a national entity. We are becoming a major player nationally and internationally,” said Todd Vucovich, executive director of the Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation. “The one thing we have in our favor is we are young. We don’t have any predispositions that ‘it has been done this way before.’ We are not afraid to push the edge.”

To keep its momentum, the Foundation is adding a fall event to its calendar, Taste of the Beach - Wine. Dine. Donate. This four-day gala, to be held November 6-9, 2008, will incorporate beautiful Northwest Florida resort venues with wine and food events. The Foundation, in partnership with Coastal Vision 3000 and the Walton Area Chamber of Commerce, will host the events for Taste of the Beach.

“We are working to support and promote Taste of the Beach,” said Vucovich. "We have major players in the area that are fully behind this.

It is another event, in addition to Wine & Dine in Paradise, which brings people from other markets to our beaches and resorts. This year, 60 percent of the spring event participants are from out of town.”

The fall, multi-day event will kick off on Thursday, November 6th, with a reception at the Emerald Grande on Destin Harbor for celebrity vintners, chefs, and other notables. The events will continue throughout the weekend with a wine and food walkabout at the Seaside Seeing Red Festival, an evening of wine celebrity dinners, and a finale dinner and auction in the Hilton at the Sandestin Beach Golf Resort and Spa on Sunday, November 9th.

31 Avenue E Apalachicola, FL 32320 850 653 8778

Of course, the Foundation’s love of wine is matched only by its passion and dedication to its mission: connecting wine enthusiasts with each other in order to raise money for children in need. Proceeds from sponsored events provide financial support and give hope to at-risk children, including those afflicted with health problems and those who have been abused. The foundation is committed to supporting charitable programs that improve the physical, emotional and educational lives of underprivileged children in Northwest Florida.

“We don’t just write a general check,” explained Vucovich; “we allocate funds to buy specific things.”

To date, the Destin Wine Charity Auction Foundation has helped Children in Crisis, Inc. to build a new facility, paid for outings for Lighthouse Family Retreat, added to the Ronald McDonald House in Pensacola, and provided several local children with a taste of the arts through cultural enrichment programs funded by the Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation.

The Foundation re-evaluates its charitable beneficiaries annually, looking at causes for which they feel they can make the most impact.

“For us, what we want to be able to do is look back and say we are making a tangible difference in the lives of children on the Emerald Coast,” said Vucovich. “When you go back and look at the Children In Crisis house plaque that says ‘Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation,’ you know you made a difference. It is a legacy. It is the whole reason we support children’s charities.”

For more information about becoming involved and supporting the Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation and its events, contact Todd Vucovich at (850) 650-3732 or visit their website at www.destincharitywineauction.org

31 Avenue E Apalachicola, FL 32320 850 653 8778 www.bluebeachhome.com VIE - Spring/Summer 2008

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IL BORRO FLEMING’S ROLLS OUT THE RED CARPET FOR SALVATORE FERRAGAMO Written by Lisa Burwell - Photos by Jessie Shepard

he grandson and namesake of renowned Italian

IL BORRO has been described as a medieval village and has been owned

shoe designer Salvatore Ferragamo was a guest

by Ferruccio Ferragamo (Salvatore’s father) since the early ’90s. It

vintner at Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar

has undergone extensive restoration to prepare it for its new life as

on Monday, February 25. He discussed his family’s

an upscale agritourism destination. Salvatore, who personally oversees the

Tuscan wine vineyard, IL BORRO, while offering

project, has taken great care that antennas, wires, and utilities of modern

an impeccable pairing of his wine with mouthwatering cuisine created by

conveniences do not disturb the beauty of the architecture and natural land-

Fleming’s chef partner, Innocent Utomi.

scape. Future plans for a luxurious spa specializing in wine-related therapies and treatments, a state-of-the-art culinary academy, a sommelier school, a

The Ferragamo family owns IL BORRO, a 1,700-acre enclave located near

wine museum, and an equestrian facility will complete the vision for a life-

Arezzo, in Italy’s renowned region of Tuscany. A successful pedigree has

style befitting the “rich and famous.”

allowed the Ferragamo family to find acclaim and status in the fashion industry, with designer shoes, sunglasses, perfumes, and suits bearing their name;

Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse operating partner Christopher Renteria

they are now making their mark by introducing their boutique Bordeaux-

arranged the interview between Salvatore Ferragamo and VIE. Meeting him

style wines to the world. The estate currently grows five grape varietals:

prior to the tasting was surreal. We had just returned from attending Fashion

Merlot, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese, and Petit Verdot. From the

Week in New York, and now we had an interview with a fashion designer

blend of the best grapes of the five varieties, IL BORRO has produced four

namesake turned vintner? I could not believe that Salvatore Ferragamo was

optimum wines: IL BORRO, Pian di Nova, Polissena, and Lamelle.

in town on Monday evening for a wine tasting at Grand Boulevard.

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VIE - Spring/Summer 2008

In addition to the Grand Boulevard event, Ferragamo’s ten-day national tour to promote IL BORRO wines includes wine tastings in major metropolitan areas such as Montreal, New York, Houston, and Atlanta. When asked why the somewhat remote destination of Grand Boulevard was included as part of the tour, he retorted that when in America, he makes a point to visit Fleming’s, touting it as one of his favorite restaurants. A strikingly handsome and charismatic person with a great passion for his wines, he also possesses a great (and disarming) humility, commenting that he really likes America and the way we conduct business. “We have a close relationship with Fleming’s— with 54 restaurants in the United States, Fleming’s has been a big supporter of our wines, and wherever I go in America, I always eat at Fleming’s,” he said. “I love the American way, that you can do anything—very positive.” He adds with a heartfelt laugh, “God bless America.”

Ferragamo added that he hopes the tour and the introduction of his vineyard will allow the world to experience the Tuscan way of life by drinking their wines. As an ambassador of Tuscany, so to speak, he elaborates that his mission is to innovate and safeguard agricultural traditions, develop an all-encompassing village restoration project, and create new forms of Tuscan agritourism.

In addition to IL BORRO, Salvatore has joined forces with his uncle Massimo to develop the 4,500-acre Castiglion del Bosco, one of Europe’s largest

Salvatore Ferragamo

and most respected wine estates, which has remained virtually unchanged since the fifteenth century. Also located in Tuscany, Castiglion del Bosco has begun its renaissance as a world-class resort and private members-only club for the uberrich, featuring a private Tom Weiskopf-designed championship golf course set amidst hills overlooking the historic village of Montalcino.

To learn more about IL BORRO, please contact:

“I LOVE THE AMERICAN WAY, THAT YOU CAN DO ANYTHING—VERY POSITIVE.”

- SALVATORE FERRAGAMO

Salvatore with Christopher Renteria

Franco Russo Telephone: +39 (0)55 9772921 Email: vino@ilborro.it or visit www.ILBORRO.com To learn more about Castiglion del Bosco, contact: Alison Sager Telephone: 212.980.5739 Email: asager@brunellodevelopmentgroup.com or visit www.castigliondelbosco.com

VIE - Spring/Summer 2008

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VIE - Spring/Summer 2008

PEOPLE

PLACES

Salvatore Ferragamo Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar Grand Boulevard's Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar hosted Salvatore Ferragamo on Monday, February 25.

Proceeds benefitted the Destin Charity Wine Auction.

Christopher Renteria & Chef Innocent Utomi

Susan & Sparky Lovelace

Richard & Lori Eckert with Salvatore Ferragamo

Mark Polaski & Teena Haven

Richard Weisman, Lisa Burwell & John Ryan

Joseph Rogers, Joe & Mary Ezell, & Deke Lee VIE - Spring/Summer 2008

27

LOCAL

EATING the “eating local” trend and celebrating the impact on their restaurants, patrons, local economy, and environment. “Eating Local” has been a hallmark of the cuisine found along the Beaches of South Walton for years.

Beginning in the 80s, Chef Johnny Earles began using the local land and sea as the sources of his ingredients for his first restaurant, Grayton Beach’s legendary Paradise Café. “Back then, I was sourcing local fishermen and making the drive to Destin or to Bay County,” said Chef Earles. “It was a different time. You didn’t have farmers growing organics. In fact, it was about taking the time to get on the road to cultivate the relationships with the local fishermen and farmers. I’d give local farmers a list of things I needed, from micro greens to specialty produce to heirloom tomatoes, and it became a partnership. It is that relationship between growers and chefs that is so important.”

Chef Johnny Earles Founder of Criolla's and CEO of 30A Resorts

Chef Earles has established a reputation for being creative. With the creation of his Grayton Beach restaurant, Criolla’s and his fusion of New Orleans, Caribbean Creole, and equatorial cuisines, he is always searching for creative combinations with a local twist. “I’ve always enjoyed experimenting,” says Earles. “I would look for local ingredients to try. I’ve gone to the beach and harvested coquina to make broth. I’ve walked through the woods picking wild rosemary. Fresh ingredients are abundant here.”

Today, Chef Earles has brought aboard Shayne Vaughan as his Chef de Cuisine at Criolla’s. And like Earles, Written by Tracy Louthain / Photo by Jessie Shepard Vaughan’s philosophy is to create a menu focusing on sustainability, buying local, and reducing their carbon footprint. “I want to be as green as we can be,” said Chef Vaughan. “There are so many benefits to focusing local. I like to here’s no better place than the Beaches of South Walton to supform relationships with local farmers and purveyors. Buying local support one of the year’s most innovative grassroots campaigns: ports the local economy and cuts down on fuel costs. This protects the “Eating Local,” an approach to dining that challenges consumers environment while keeping costs down for businesses, which can then to eat only locally grown and harvested foods. Here along Northwest be passed on to the customers.”

Florida’s Gulf Coast, the selection of locally grown foods is bountiful.

And area chefs are taking full advantage of the region’s farmers and Area chefs agree that a great meal begins with quality ingredients. fishermen, offering menus that change on a daily basis depending on Menus are creative but not over-sauced to let the true flavor of the what’s fresh—and what can be sourced within a 100-mile radius. food come through. Each chef has his/her favorite supplier, though all agree that there is an abundance of quality farms in the region producing Of course, eating local is not a new concept but more of one that is befresh, organic produce. For seafood, each chef has their own personal ing rediscovered as communities look for new ways to become more relationships, but all tell similar stories of waking up each morning and sustainable. Fortunately for those living along the coast, the choices calling their local seafood purveyor to discuss what is coming in fresh are made easier. With the breadth of fresh seafood and diversity of that day to plan their menus. fresh locally grown ingredients, residents and visitors to the region do not have to sacrifice quality, flavor, or choices in making meal selections.

At Fish Out Of Water at WaterColor, Chef Philip Krajeck also follows the eating local trend but acknowledges that it can be challenging.

Chefs throughout the region are telling stories of how they’ve embraced

T

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VIE - Spring/Summer 2008

"I’ve always enjoyed experimenting...

Fresh ingredients are abundant here.”

- Chef Earles

“Changes in weather, such as heavy rain and extreme temperatures, can really impact the product we’re getting,” says Krajeck. “We also focus on the seasonality of ingredients, showcasing what grows here and at what time of year. Our season is different. It comes earlier than most other regions.”

Krajeck is quick to recognize the importance of making connections with people who have strong ties to the area. His relationship with Whitaker Farm has taught him a great deal about the growing process, and he’s learned a lot about the local season. “I know I’m going to get great strawberries from Whitakers, but it’s only for two weeks,” says Krajeck. “I get my persimmons from a farm in Bonifay, and I know that they will be ripe in early November. When I arrive on the farm, the farmer gives me a box and clippers. He’s taught me how to pick the fruit and choose what’s ripe.”

But “eating local” is not always an easy task. “If it rains 10 inches in two days, crops can be washed away,” continues Krajeck. “You have to adapt and be flexible. I may have planned an arugula salad for the menu, but weather may mandate that we use mixed greens instead. A commitment to using local purveyors really forces you to be creative and think on your feet."

The local community is behind the concept as well. Area residents formed an eat-local group called “Locavores” as a way to connect with others who are concerned for the environment and provide a place for conversation on topic issues. The group gathers monthly, and everyone brings a dish in which the main ingredient is grown locally.

“The point is to raise awareness about the natural food among us in the environment and available at local markets,” said Chandra Hartman, a supporter of eating local and a founding member of South Walton Environmental and Low-impact Living (SWELL). “Also, it is a way to reconnect with others. Eating locally grown food is one of the most beneficial things we can do to restore local economies, build communities, and reduce our environmental impact.”

Pier Park 16

escape to the movies

The benefits of eating local are boundless. The direct and indirect impact to the local economy, the environmental benefits, and the quality of product alone seem enough to make the switch. And for those who live and visit Beaches of South Walton, this mindset is becoming a way life.

VIE - Spring/Summer 2008

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D AY S G O N E B Y A R E W I T H I N R E A C H Written by Katherine Han Photography by Gerald Burwell

Shrimp Boats on the Apalachicola River

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VIE - Spring/Summer 2008

I

n a time when change happens at the blink of an eye, where high-

gest industry in the late 1800’s

rise condominiums and master planned communities sprout

with several large cypress lum-

like dandelion weeds in an open field, a small town nestled in

ber mills making their home

the Florida panhandle holds true to its rich history and heritage even as it is

in the tiny, coastal town.

heralded as one of the most sought after destinations in the country.

By the end of the 19th cenWith roots dating back to the early 1800’s, Apalachicola was established as

tury, a bountiful gem was

a port for cotton trade between New England and Europe. Shipping cot-

discovered in the waters along

ton was the small town’s first major industry and soon the town became

Apalachicola, transforming the

the third busiest port in the Gulf of Mexico. Remnants of life during these

sleepy fishing village into a

bustling riverport days can still be seen today through the town’s 900 build-

major supplier of fresh seafood throughout the state and country. Its rich

ings registered with the National Register Historic District. Today, walk-

maritime heritage found in its natural resources of fresh seafood has made

ing tours offer a glimpse into old cotton warehouses and majestic Victorian

Apalachicola oysters its leading industry. Today, 90% of Florida’s oysters are

homes, as well as museums and parks that capture life as it was along the

harvested in Franklin County alone and 13% of Apalachicola Bay oysters

riverfront. With its large cypress forests, timber was the town’s next big-

are consumed throughout the country. Renowned for its mellow flavor

St. Patrick's Roman Catholic Church

and balanced saltiness, Apalachicola oysters are heralded by chefs all over the world. Low in calories and cholesterol, Apalachicola oysters have graced the menus of some of the best gourmet restaurants in the world, as well as numerous cookbooks and recipes across the globe.

The Apalachicola Bay creates a perfect environment for oysters with its warm shallow water fed by the salt water of the Apalachicola River.

People flock from all over to savor these succulent culinary delights, as well as Apalachicola’s bounty of other fresh seafood including shrimp, fish and blue crabs. Over the years, at least a dozen acclaimed United States Post Office

restaurants with well-renowned VIE - Spring/Summer 2008

31

Downtown Books and Purl

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VIE - Spring/Summer 2008

Gibson Inn and Avenue Sea

chefs from New England and other parts of country have made Apalachicola

“We have kept the flavor of this

their home, offering delectable menus using the area’s fresh and locally

small town by preserving the

harvested seafood.

heritage of this special place and we view change as an addition,

Although tourism has become an integral part of Apalachicola’s economy,

rather than a distraction to what’s

the town’s allure to those far and near still lies within its authenticity and its

already there. With a strict build-

strong sense of place. The fact that Apalachicola has successfully retained

ing restriction of three stories

much of its original flavor has earned the town a recent recognition by the

in height throughout Franklin

National Trust for Historic Preservation. In February of 2008, Apalachicola

County, Apalachicola will never

was named as one of the “2008 Dozen Distinctive Destinations”, joining

see the high-rise condominiums

other select communities across the United States including Portsmouth,

that have sprouted along the

New Hampshire; Portland, Oregon; and Red Wing, Minnesota to name

Panhandle as it embraces low-

a few. Apalachicola was selected due to its success in maintaining its integ-

density development.

David & Ryanne Carrier Chef/Owners Photo by Lane & Company

rity as a small, working town that exhibits exceptional charm and character.

With a vibrant downtown lined with eclectic boutiques, quaint bed and

A pristine natural environment, Apalachicola is buffered by overdevelop-

breakfast inns and world-

ment with over 87% of Franklin County in state or national forests or pre-

renowned restaurants, the

serves. This lends to the area’s unspoiled beauty indicative of “what Florida

streets are still filled with

used to be like." With its national and state forests along with protected

historic buildings and homes

shallow bays and endless beaches, Apalachicola offers a peaceful retreat

along a waterfront with tiny,

for those who appreciate nature. From canoeing, kayaking, fishing, boat-

fishing vessels coming in after

ing, hiking and biking, visitors can learn how Apalachicola’s waterfront has

a long day of work.

played an important role in the region’s history and economy through guided tours or on their own. For wildlife enthusiasts, Apalachicola National

“Both locals and visitors appreci-

Estuarine Research Reserve provides a hands-on exploration into migratory

ate Apalachicola for what it is

birds, sea turtles and other estuarine life.

– a beautiful, small town that

Jerry Photo by Lisa Burwell

has maintained its architec-

“Apalachicola has been here for 200 years, so it’s a town with a lot of

tural and cultural integrity,”

history and interesting people with their own stories,” Grove noted.

said Anita Grove, executive

“And, although change happens, we’re not changing that quickly.”

director of the Apalachicola Bay Chamber of Commerce.

VIE - Spring/Summer 2008

33

I met the "Indiana Jones of South America" in Apalachicola Written by Lisa Burwell

I

could not resist opening with this headline as my 3½ hour visit with Bill Spohrer, the proclaimed “Indiana Jones of South America,” was fascinating. Bill and his wife, renowned interior designer Lynn Wilson, own the Coombs Inn, Apala-

chicola’s Victorian-style bed-and-breakfast, where you can escape to the past in fanciful luxury. My husband and I have been to the Coombs Inn several times over the past decade, but our visit that weekend in early

Bill Spohrer Owner of the Coombs Inn

Photo by Gerald Burwell

March was to introduce VIE to Apalach’ (as the locals say). for its oysters and added that small boutiques and galleries can be found We always stay here when we make the weekend trek to Apalachicola – it

in a charming and sleepy downtown setting. Grayton Beach, Seaside, and

is a great getaway. Innkeeper Marc Latta bestowed us a warm and gracious

Rosemary Beach are also mentioned in the article. Though Seaside may be

greeting upon our arrival. We asked Marc if there was a special event in

accustom to this type of national press, Apalachicola is just now finding

town, since there seemed to be more activity compared to our last visit, just

its way onto the national press radar. In fact, two separate groups of travel

under a year ago. “No. This is pretty average activity for this time of year,” he

writers were in town during our stay, which were hosted by Joseph Taylor,

said. He must have noticed the somewhat surprised looks on our faces as he

Apalachicola Chamber president; Franklin County Tourist Development

went on to explain that Apalachicola has been gaining some national atten-

Council representative; and co-chair of the Florida’s Forgotten Coast Plein

tion over the past few years. Marc pulled out a copy of that day’s edition of

Air Invitational.

The New York Times with an article that was headlined, “On Florida’s Gulf Coast, the South is Still the South.”

After learning that we were with VIE and on an editorial assignment of our own, Marc gave us a smile of acknowledgement and pulled out the Apala-

The Times article touts that Florida’s Panhandle is a great find because

chicola Chamber newsletter that had been delivered that same day, with the

it is somewhat undiscovered, and it mentions Apalachicola as home to

announcement of the upcoming launch of our new regional magazine. We

nineteenth- and twentieth-century homes, elegant churches, B&Bs, and a

gave him a brief introduction to the mission of VIE, explaining that we were

postcard-perfect downtown. It also notes that Apalachicola is best known

on an “unofficial” visit. He found the magazine concept refreshing and said

34

VIE - Spring/Summer 2008

"Jim and I believed that the ancient Nazca had the technology to fly – balloons, that is."

Bill Spohrer

that Apalachicola is filled with good people and great stories.

their existence, Bill and his IES colleague Jim Woodmann had a theory as to how the geoglyphs were viewed by those who made them almost two

With no appointments scheduled during our trip, we spent that afternoon

thousand years ago. “Jim and I believed that the ancient Nazca had the tech-

and the next day reacquainting ourselves with the cozy town, meeting people

nology to fly – balloons, that is.” Extremely fine cotton fabric that resembles

and taking photos. Upon our return from our Saturday outing, Marc had an

that of modern balloon silk had been discovered in ancient Nazca tombs, so

unexpected surprise. “The journalism gods must be smiling upon you to-

they knew that it could be done. “So, using materials and techniques that

day,” he said. “One of the inn owners, Bill Spohrer, unexpectedly arrived in

would have been contemporary to the Nazca, we built a hot air balloon –

town to gather some papers before heading back to Miami early tomorrow

and it worked! We achieved manned flight at about two hundred feet, thus

and has agreed to meet with you.” We were somewhat in disbelief and hon-

proving the hypothesis,” he said.

ored that we were being granted this rare opportunity. “Bill and Lynn really helped save Apalachicola,” he claimed. “They are amazing people.”

Looking around the beautifully restored parlor, Bill recounted the story of purchasing the home-now-B&B, saying, “When Lynn saw this decaying

We unloaded our things into our room, I made a mirror check, and we

house, she knew immediately that she had to save it. It took us ten years just

headed downstairs to meet Bill in the parlor. This handsome, intelligent,

to close the deal on the former home of James Coombs.” Restoring the his-

fascinating, and gracious man warmly shook our hands and dazzled us for

toric Coombs Inn to its former glory was not an easy task, as labor was hard

the next three-plus hours. Bill has been dubbed the “Indiana Jones of South

to come by and renovations of that magnitude were rare for Apalachicola at

America” based on his adventures as a young man throughout Latin and

the time. The beautiful craftsmanship and attention to detail abounds, and

South America. Also, he is one of the original founding members of a group

this in itself is a feat. “I credit Lynn with making it all happen,” he beamed

called the “International Explorers Society (IES)”.

with pride.

His accomplishments in the IES are fascinating; these include participating

I wish we could have met Lynn, as she seems fascinating in her own right.

in the first manned-flight of a hot-air balloon 25,000 feet over the Andes

She studied architecture and interior design at the University of Miami.

Mountains, wearing thermal suits and oxygen masks. “That almost killed

Twenty-five years ago, she formed her own design firm, Lynn Wilson

us,” Bill said, after a reflective pause.

“They made a movie about it called The Great Balloon Race, and it won an Academy Award.” Our eyes widened. “…For the Worst Movie of the Year,” smirked Bill. Another achievement made while in the Society includes finding ancient relics while searching for the lost “White City” in the jungles of Honduras during that same period.

But there was one achievement in particular that Bill spoke of with great excitement, regarding the mysterious ancient geoglyphs in the Nazca Desert of Peru discovered in the 1930s. Though there are several theories as to the purpose of

Nazca Desert geoglyph

VIE - Spring/Summer 2008

35

“Right here, off this coast, we even had ships sunk by Nazi subs during the Great War.” Bill Spohrer

Associates International, with offices in New York, Los Angeles, Paris,

from now. “To keep it the same way it is now,” he replied warmly.

Hong Kong, and Mexico. For the past thirteen years, her company has been rated among the top ten design firms in the world. The refurbished Biltmore

As the previous owner of two airlines, one passenger and the other cargo,

Hotel, the Stouffer Vinoy in St. Petersburg, the Boca Raton Hotel, and the

Bill is also known as “Gentleman Bill” among his colleagues, a moniker that

Taj Mahal all owe their fresh look to Lynn. She is presently working on a

accurately describes him. Meeting this man of 78 years of age and not look-

94,000 square foot home in Orlando.

ing a day older than 65 was inspiring. He has a passion for Apalachicola and of all the places he has lived and traveled he prefers living here.

While sunlight permitted, Bill suggested a personal tour to show us the town that has practically become his own pride and joy. Lynn’s passion for

Apalachicola doesn’t try too hard to be something other than what it is and

breathing new life into tired and neglected buildings must have rubbed

that is why people love it. People are down-to-earth, talented, and artistic,

off on Bill, as this friendly and down-to-earth man is now president of the

and that spirit and creative energy is what will assist in the revival and pres-

Apalachicola Area Historical Society. He and Lynn have bought and re-

ervation of the place that they all love so much. It is just the way it is sup-

stored several other historical homes and commercial buildings, which they

posed to be. The way Florida used to be.

still own, in this town that makes you feel like you stepped back in time.

Bill is passionately spearheading the restoration of the 1838 Ramey House, which will serve as a museum upon its completion. “With a grant left by a

Cool places to shop, dine, and explore while in Apalachicola...

Ramey descendant, along with city and personal funding, a much-needed restoration for this home is on the horizon,” he explained during a sneak peak of the house that features an impressive collection of memorabilia and period pieces from the 1800s, much of which was personally donated by Bill and Lynn. “When completed, it is going to be one of the most significant landmarks in town.”

Bill shared some of his favorite pieces of Apalachicola history as we continued our driving tour of the town. “Three thousand people currently reside in this town – roughly the same as it was in 1900” he says. He talked about Apalachicola’s boom that started with the cotton industry from the 1830s to the 1850s, which was then replaced with the timber industry in 1871, and how the town was originally planned not by local homesteaders or developers, but by the Apalachicola Land Company of New York. He added, “Right here, off this coast, we even had ships sunk by Nazi subs during the Great War.” Last, but definitely not least, we topped off the tour with a personal look at his home – a beautiful specimen of the Victorian era – of course, impeccably restored by his wife, Lynn.

We had been enjoying Bill’s company so much that we lost track of time.

The sun had set and he had an early schedule to keep the next day. We headed back to the Coombs Inn to round out the last of our interview over some wine, where I asked him what his dream was for Apalachicola 10 to 15 years 36

VIE - Spring/Summer 2008

Dining Dining at Avenue Sea in the Gibson Inn is a must!!! Chef/Owners David and Ryanne Carrier are exceptional hosts. You will feel special, enjoy fabulous food and know that you have stumbled upon a place that most wish they could find. It’s memorable.

Shopping Really good finds can be found at Avenue E. An impressive store of original art and handmade furniture that seems to have an endless flow of rooms is a great shopping experience!

Blue is an inviting store located in one of the many historical buildings in Apalach. It’s clean, contemporary and filled with many and most things blue. A well done retail experience with great finds.

Exploration Trinity Episcopal Church The 1838 Ramey House Museum Stroll the Apalachicola River docks and marvel at the authentic fishing boats

PEOPLE

PLACES

Cattle Baron’s Ball Destin’s Emerald Coast American Cancer Society’s Cattle Baron’s Ball “Saddled Up” March 15 at The Palms Resort in Destin.

Ron Adams, Damon Becnel & Jessica Mistretta

Regina Thompson, Doug Porter with James & Martha Moody

Lynetter Campbell & Yvonne Freemon

Hillary Fosdyck & Jennifer Bowling

Names Angela Huggins & Chad Horton

Debbie Woolman & Michelle Tommey

Chris Renteria, Wayne Carlisle, and George Barnes

Fire & Ice Business After Hours Thursday, January 17, 5:30 p.m. The soldout event was sponsored by Aquarian Development, in conjunction with Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar. Greg & Rachel Wikan, Angela Huggins & Nancy Wiscons VIE - Spring/Summer 2008

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VIE - Spring/Summer 2008

HAMMOCK BAY A

T O W N

I N

T H E

M A K I N G

Written by Lisa Burwell / Photos courtesy of Hammock Bay

A

A 3,000-acre master planned

had no intention of moving from our last home.

sand bay front beaches set in a historic small-

community on South Walton’s

When I saw the beautiful homes and the friend-

town setting make Hammock Bay the perfect

north shore of Choctawhatchee

ly neighborhood, I was hooked,” said Michelle

place to live and play. “Hammock Bay is thriving

Bay is defying all odds in a lackluster real estate

Toomey, Vice President Walton Area Chamber

in this time of uncertainty because it provides a

market. A town is in the making at Hammock Bay

of Commerce. “Hammock Bay is a special type

lifestyle normally only dreamed about, draped in

in Freeport, Florida and many homeowners who

of neighborhood.”

a spectacular setting at a price most people can

now live there are thrilled that they are part of

afford,” said Jay Odom, visionary and developer

making history. “It’s like marketing a new town,”

The impressive amenities of swimming pools;

said Martin Owen, Sales and Marketing Director

club houses; movie theatre; sport venues for

of Hammock Bay

for Crystal Beach Development.

baseball, soccer, tennis, and basketball venues;

“Most everyone has dreams of living and rais-

larger-than-life playgrounds; fabulous fitness

ing a family in a community that has something

“I had heard about Hammock Bay through the

center and more, combined with the abundance

for everyone without leaving the neighborhood.

Chamber, so one day, when I was just driving in

of nature trails; wildlife sanctuary; nature pre-

Hammock Bay delivers that dream and more,”

the area, I decided to turn in. At the time, we

serves; miles and miles of bike paths; and white-

added Odom. An impressive list of ten builders

VIE - Spring/Summer 2008

39

"Most everyone has dreams of living and raising a family in a community that has something for everyone without leaving the neighborhood.”

- Odom

that are actively building homes in Hammock

Seasons, Symphony, Whispers, Orchards, Har-

a professional caterer’s kitchen. Workout and

Bay with 100 built to date, is not a typical sight

mony, Sounds and Whispers, a dog park called

fitness facilities are situated next door at the

to witness everyday in a soft real estate market.

Canine Commons, and bird houses surround-

4,000-square foot fitness center. A competition

"We have bucked all the downward trends in the

ing 26 lakes scattered throughout the commu-

lap pool, resort-style pool, tennis courts, putting

market. If we have had a problem, it has been

nity. The 6,000-square foot clubhouse, The Lake

green, movie theatre, massive playground, and

a lack of completed homes. However, this has

Club at Hammock Bay, has meeting rooms and

basketball court are just some of what is offered.

been addressed and within 30 days we will have numerous homes completed and ready for sale, in a wide variety of styles and prices,” noted John Paul Somers, Broker/Realtor.

John also pointed out that as you drive the property, you notice that our partner builders are in construction everywhere; many of those new homes have “SOLD” signs in front of them already. “With the neighborhoods of Horseshoe Bend Village and Schooner Landing now under construction, we will be able to satisfy the incredible demand we currently have.”

So what’s so different about Hammock Bay? Consider neighborhood names like Passages, 40

VIE - Spring/Summer 2008

Several other planned communities in the area offer impressive amenities as well but Hammock Bay has found a niche of homebuyers who find this innovative community as a value and unique from other developments.

“Unlike many of our competitors, we are experiencing high interest levels and high sales levels.

As Jay pointed out, this is due to a number of factors—obviously the amenities and incredible location, but also the fact that Hammock Bay is here and it exists. It's not all promises and fantasy,” said Somers.

Here are just a few of the many highlights: All lakes on property are stocked for fishing. The main lake at the Lake Club is stocked with a certain fish to help control the mosquito population.

Jay Odom donated 60 acres to the City of Freeport for a sports complex with a grand opening planned near the July 4 weekend complete with a fireworks display.

A third of the acreage will remain as a natural preserve.

Naturalist Joe Wyatt is part of making the town; you can see his handiwork when you drive through the expansive community.

Hammock Bay has a mascot called Roscoe Raccoon.

Hammock Bay is not contrived. It is a real place with real neighbors and that is what a town in the making is all about. It is not a real estate transaction. It is a place to live. It is a place that people call home and a place that many more will surely call home in the near future.

Quality Speaks for Itself Custom Residential / Commercial 114 Logan Lane, Suite 3 - Grayton Beach, FL 32459 850.534.0499 www.rayjacksonconstruction.com #CGC1513301 VIE - Spring/Summer 2008

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Written by Lisa Burwell - Photography by Jessie Shepard

THE ARCHITECTURE OF BRANDING It’s a bit unusual

boutique, facing Highway 98 across from Smith’s Antiques, is the perfect ex-

to have an architect partner with

ample of successful retail branding.

a marketing firm to design a jewelry store. But that is exactly

Peters and Cornerstone Marketing & Advertising, Inc. have had a long-stand-

what happened when Lisa Peters, owner of Destin Jewelers, decided to open

ing relationship since 2001, when the agency created her new brand. Building

a new location. Destin Jewelers, renowned for their exquisite selection of

a store brand is like telling a story. To craft that story, many factors must be

jewelry lines and custom craftsmanship, made the move to Walton County’s

taken into consideration. Branding embodies and communicates the essence

Miramar Beach in an effort to expand their clientele. The 2000-square-foot

of the company and its product or services. Fundamentally, a company’s brand

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VIE - Spring/Summer 2008

When creating a boutique jewelry store like Destin Jewelers, you need to invest in the design.

- Jerry Burwell

or mark should say it all (personality, quality, look, and statement) while

colorful harlequin diamond pattern,” Burwell continued. “Even the display

appealing to the customers’ desires and needs. The story that Destin Jewelers’

cases were painstakingly re-crafted, incorporating hot pink suede material

branding tells is one of beautiful jewelry enveloped in a sense of romance,

and custom-cut mirrors by Destin Glass.”

whimsy, charm, and femininity with a bohemian-chic flair.

“Our retail concepts have won several awards in the past and we hope this Gerald Burwell, architect and owner of Burwell Associates, understood the

new location will garner the same attention,” Peters said. “We wanted to

concept of retail branding as he is also co-owner of Cornerstone. “When

create a friendly, non-intimidating atmosphere where people can see beautiful,

creating a boutique jewelry store like Destin Jewelers, you need to invest in

high-end jewelry and will not fear coming back. At the same time, we wanted

the design, as this sets both the stage for the experience and the backdrop for

our store to reflect the same unique sense of style our clientele looks for in jew-

the product,” said Burwell. “Lisa Peters has consistently had an eye for unique

elry − something special and a bit different.” Burwell adds, “Our goal was to

styles and designs—something people often look for when buying jewelry.

create a purposeful design to offer a cohesive retail experience.”

Our firm helped her translate that sense of style to the design of her new store in Miramar Beach.”

Burwell extracted elements of the brand, such as the hues of hot pink, orange, and yellow, as well as the harlequin diamond pattern, to serve as the colorful backdrop for the new store. Details that adorn the architecture include iridescent glass tile inlaid within the deeply bronze-stained concrete floor. Acting as the store focal point is a display area highlighted with a round hot pink suede settee glass beads emerges from billowing silken cloth that drapes the ceiling.

For more information on Destin Jewelers and their new Miramar Beach location, please call (850) 837-8822 or visit www.destinjewelers.com.

“Other hallmark elements of the Destin Jewelers’ branding were applied

For more information on Burwell Associates, please call (850) 231-6377 or visit www.burwellassociates.com.

encircled by one-of-a-kind jewelry. A chandelier bejeweled with crystals and

throughout the new store, including a highly visible accent wall featuring the VIE - Spring/Summer 2008

43

Branding a Vision

Submitted by Fresh Creative | communications + design Photo courtesy of Tapestry Park

M

ark and Susan Tanney set out to find the perfect family

“During the launch of our 15-acre Town Center, we realized the need for

neighborhood in which to raise their daughter Savannah.

strategic marketing support,” said Mark Tanney. “The Town Center is the

They found that many of the traditionally planned neigh-

capstone of community activity and we knew it had to be a cohesive part

borhoods, while nice, didn’t fit the bill. Their only solution was to create

of the brand.”

their own. Armed with a deep passion for their vision and a 72-acre parcel in Panama City Beach, they began work toward what would become

“Just as a tapestry is more than simply fabric, a brand is more than just a logo

Tapestry Park.

or letterhead,” said Samantha Berens, Marketing Director at Fresh Creative.

“Executed correctly, a brand will transcend all emotional and physical layers

From the beginning, the Tanneys began constructing the foundation of

of a product to create a lasting impression with the consumer.”

the Tapestry Park brand. They focused on the attributes that they felt were missing from other new urban communities along the Emerald Coast.

Fresh Creative first set out to identify the unique attributes that would make

The Tanneys’ neighborhood would be full of open green spaces, tree-lined

Tapestry Park stand out from the rest. Diverse architecture, unlike many

streets, and close-set homes to encourage neighborhood friendliness, as well

cookie-cutter style developments and a wide array of home types, helped

as diverse architecture and a broad cross-section of family types. Much like

differentiate the property from competition. After determining key attri-

a fine tapestry, it would weave these different threads into a beautiful piece

butes, the visual elements for Tapestry Park began to come together. Wo-

of art—a wonderful place to live.

ven patterns and hues of burgundy, navy, olive, and gold on a warm white background—inspired by the hallmark textures and colors of traditional

Mark and Susan understood that proper marketing and branding was need-

tapestries—were selected to form the beginning of the brand palette. Clas-

ed to ensure the success of their venture. After attempting to manage these

sic and refined typestyles were inspired by the decorative street signs and

details on their own, they sought the help of Fresh Creative | communi-

gas lamps found throughout the property. Combined, these elements help

cations + design, a local firm that specializes in marketing real estate and

convey the established feel that a traditional neighborhood can provide.

hospitality developments.

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VIE - Spring/Summer 2008

A unique tabbed letterhead system was developed that features perforated tabs to differentiate each of the separate real estate components of Tapestry Park. In addition, a series of color-coded business cards help differentiate the members of the real estate sales team. “The letterhead system is something we’ve never seen before,” said Mark Tanney. “It proves that creative thinking is sometimes more valuable than a high-dollar solution.”

Following the creation of the unique stationery suite, a compelling advertising campaign was developed. Each ad ties back to the tone of the brand palette, featuring the textures and colors of Tapestry Park. The ads were positioned in strategically chosen regional markets and locally to introduce consumers to the property. Finally, a sales kit of materials was created to deepen the brand experience for consumers.

“We needed pieces that told the story of Tapestry Park. Pieces that would convey the essence and vibrancy of life here,” said David Clement, sales broker with Tapestry Park Realty. “The materials we have now help visually complete the circle for consumers. It’s hard to capture something so intangible as a lifestyle or feeling, but that’s what we’re selling; not just a house or land."

“Tapestry Park did two major things right,” said Samantha Berens. “They recognized the importance of branding and the role it should play, and then they understood when it was time to seek the advice of a marketing firm."

Branding is the art of creating perception; and as we all know, good or bad, perception is reality.

For more information on Tapestry Park, please call 850.234.3339 or visit www.tapestrypark.com.

For more information call

800-378-8419 or visit

w w w. p l e i n a i r f l . c o m Photo courtesy of Fresh Creative | communication + design

A 10-day open air painting event featuring national artists capturing the Forgotten Coast on Canvas

VIE - Spring/Summer 2008

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THE BEACH: A WAY OF LIFE THAT WILL CHANGE YOURS Creating a Regional Brand

Written by Craig James Photo courtesy of The St. Joe Company

awn Moliterno’s story is both familiar and extraordinary. A little

THE SOUTHWEST EFFECT

more than three years ago, she came to Northwest Florida for business, and, while she was here, she discovered something so beautiful, so rare, and so breathtaking – the beach.

Ten months ago, when she answered her phone, she heard, “Dawn, I need you to accompany me to a meeting tomorrow morning. This is extremely important.” The call was coming from Davage “Buddy” Runnels, founder and

Like many visitors before her, Moliterno fell in love with Northwest Florida.

chairman of the board of The Sterling Companies and Cornerstone Develop-

“The people here are warm and welcoming, and I fell in love with the southern

ment, based in Destin, Florida.

hospitality. The quality of life is the best I’ve found anywhere – and I’ve lived and traveled all over the country,” she says.

The purpose of the meeting was to prepare a strategy to overcome the challenge of what Southwest and other airlines have identified as a “fractured mar-

A business strategist with twenty years experience in economic development

ket.” Runnels had arranged a meeting at Southwest Airlines’ headquarters in

and marketing, Moliterno relocated her business and family without hesitation.

Dallas to discuss bringing affordable air service to the region. This was not

Three months after the move, she was hired by the Walton Area Chamber of

the first time that Southwest executives had been approached by community

Commerce as the organization’s president and CEO. When she first arrived,

leaders from Destin and surrounding communities for advice on overcoming

the local economy was strong and growing rapidly, making her job to support

the geographical and political boundaries of our region – others had tried in the

the business community during that fast-moving time a challenge. However,

past. Runnels had been gaining commitments from local business leaders to

over the last eighteen months, Moliterno has seen new challenges as a result

pull together to surmount these challenges. “Well, you don’t say ‘no’ to Buddy,”

of changes in the real estate market. She sees these challenges, not as road-

said Moliterno. “He’s the kind of person you do all you can to help, because

blocks, but as opportunities.

Buddy’s focus is on what’s best for the community.”

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Moliterno and Runnels made the trip to Dallas, along with a small group of Northwest Florida’s most persuasive business people. They made their pitch as to how they were going to achieve this monumental feat, and, in return, they received some advice. Southwest explained why, in the company’s view, this region was so fractionalized. Despite the fact that Northwest Florida’s white sand beaches attract upward of seven million people annually, there is no clearly identified regional destination and no established regional brand.

Northwest Florida, in the eyes of Southwest Airlines (and, by extension, its customers), is a string of unrelated beach towns, none of which attracts enough visitors on its own to justify air service. Southwest executives said that, with this new initiative, there was more hope for the local market than ever before. “They said we had a great strategy and they were excited about our progress,” Moliterno said.

“Southwest told us quite clearly that, to get better air service, we needed to develop a regionally branded destination, and then market it as hard as we could,” said Moliterno. “They told us if we did that, airlines, including Southwest, would pay attention.” Runnels was not discouraged by the meeting – on the contrary – he was fired up. In his view, Southwest told them exactly what to do – now it was up them to do it.

Photo courtesy of The St. Joe Company

A REGION PULLS TOGETHER The communities and resorts along more than 200 miles of beach that stretches

THE BEACH: A WAY OF LIFE THAT WILL CHANGE YOURS

between Escambia and Gulf counties have had an uneasy history. Most often, they have viewed each other as competitors and have been reluctant to coop-

Enter Lewis Communications, an Alabama-based advertising and public rela-

erate on even the smallest matters. How could Runnels get them to cooperate

tions agency with offices in Mobile and Birmingham. “We sought out the Lewis

on a regional branding program?

agency to help us work through a clear and effective process to develop a regional brand,” said Moliterno. “We needed a bullet-proof, professional ap-

Runnels and Moliterno hashed out a strategic approach to convince regional

proach that would help us create a brand that would connect with consumers.”

business leaders that a regional branding program was imperative for increas-

There are already a lot of brands in Northwest Florida: “The Emerald Coast,”

ing our tourism and expanding the economy. Moliterno went to work, meeting

“The Beaches of South Walton,” “The Forgotten Coast,” and “Best Beaches in

one-on-one with Northwest Florida business leaders. “I was meeting with the

America,” to name a few. The challenge was in developing a regional brand

most successful people in the region. Real leaders. When I explained the need

that could work with all of them.

to create a regional brand, they saw it as a challenge. And these are the kind of people who love a challenge,” said Moliterno. One by one, Runnels and

In working with the regional stewards of Coastal Vision 3000, Moliterno

Moliterno received support from business leaders who agreed to become “re-

facilitated, along with Lewis Communications, a number of strategic exer-

gional stewards.” Soon, the group of stewards had organizational objectives

cises. One such exercise was a simple word association game: In one word,

and a name – Coastal Vision 3000 – and a growing membership that spanned

why do people come here? The answer was both simple and obvious: They

Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, Walton, Bay, and Gulf counties. Now they

come for “The Beach.”

needed a regional brand on which everyone could agree.

VIE - Spring/Summer 2008

47

and analysis. “For us it was a God thing. I believe many have similar tales when coming here. After all, many believe that God did spend a little more time here,” said Moliterno.

When concepts were presented to the stewards, their reactions and opinions were unanimously in favor, which nobody expected with 50 different opinions representing six counties,” explains Moliterno. Thus, the regional brand, “The Beach: A Way of Life That Will Change Yours,” was born.

The next step for the agency was to develop a graphic look and feel. The challenge was to create an identity that could serve as an umbrella, and complement existing brands. After experimenting with and testing a broad range of graphic looks, Lewis found a winner. The only problem? It made heavy use of the color orange.

READY FOR LAUNCH

Dawn Moliterno is President of the Walton County Chamber of Commerce and a proud resident of the area.

“If you had asked me at the beginning of this process if the new logo for our

Photo by Jessie Shepard

mean, orange is a South Florida color, right?”

regional brand would be orange, I would have laughed,” said Moliterno. “I

Lewis Communications found that the organic orange color provided a nice accent to the blues and emerald greens so prevalent in logos in the region. “If “The more we thought about that phrase, the more we realized it had to

we had stayed in that blue/green palette, the new regional brand would have

serve as the foundation for our regional brand. But ‘The Beach’ alone wasn’t

been lost. The treatment we developed really stands out in other markets, and

enough,” said Moliterno. “There’s an emotional component, too.”

people do associate orange with the sun and Florida,” Moliterno explains.

The agency spent months polling within our local and regional markets to cap-

Coastal Vision 3000 is preparing to launch the new regional brand this sum-

ture the story of the area. Everyone told a story about how a personal experi-

mer. The organization recognized, early on, the importance of including all

ence with the beach changed his or her life. And, again, a common thread of

EDAs, TDCs, and area Chambers of Commerce from each county to continue

these stories was the phrase “The Beach: A Way of Life That Will Change

building support for the regional brand. “Significantly, this is the first time that

Yours.” Moliterno added, “It was true for me.”

all of these organizations have agreed to work together on a project like this.

And, for that, I credit Buddy’s persuasiveness and passion,” says Moliterno.

Moliterno recalls her own personal experience when first visiting the Gulf Coast. She called her husband, and said, “You have to come with me on my

That’s not to say that all has gone smoothly. A number of skeptics, after hear-

next trip; this is the most beautiful place I have ever been to.” Ron and the kids

ing about the brand identity, have made their feelings known. “It can be hard to

started to join her for business trips to the area. After only a few trips, when

get a large group of people to agree on where to go to dinner, let alone agree

it was time to go, they found it difficult to leave. It had become home. During

on something as abstract as a brand,” said Moliterno. “The fact is we’ve taken

one trip, they bought a house, and then looked at each other, and said, “Well,

all the feedback we’ve received very seriously – both positive and negative.

we better get busy back home to make this happen.” For the first time in their

And we’ve made some changes based on some of the constructive criticism

lives, they had made a big decision based on emotion, rather than strategy

we’ve received.” But the reality is that the communities have not truly seen

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"It can be hard to get a large group of people to agree on where to go to dinner, let alone agree on something as abstract as a brand."

- Moliterno

the brand yet. The name and graphical treatment is not the brand. When the coastal communities of Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, Walton, Bay, and Gulf counties see the whole package and concept, Moliterno believes they will see what the Coastal Vision 3000 stewards see in the campaign.

The full brand roll-out will start this summer with months of local advertising and marketing. The stewards felt strongly that the heart and spirit of the brand starts with the locals of the region. “We must engage their insight and support in order to be successful. Then, the brand will roll out regionally and nationally over the next year,” says Moliterno. The stewards have committed more than $500,000 over the next three years to make this all a reality, demonstrating their dedication to the sustainability of the brand.

SOMETHING FOR THE NEXT GENERATION “When we moved here, I thought my oldest daughter, who was in college, would work wherever her career took her. I never expected her to move ‘home’ – especially since our home wasn’t a place in which she had ever really lived,” said Moliterno. “But she came here, fell in love with the area and the quality of life. Just as we did.”

As you talk with people across the region, there is a recurring theme. It is the need to diversify the economy, create new jobs, and provide young people with opportunities that will allow them to stay here and earn a good living.

Many believe that more competitive air service across the region will open up economic development opportunities. Transportation is one of the linchpins of a high-quality, growing economy. “I’ve worked in economic and business development all over this country, and it’s the same wherever you go. Competitive airfares mean more tourism, more jobs, more business, and more opportunity for our children,” said Moliterno.

What started with a challenge from Southwest Airlines is now near reality. A new regional brand is about to launch – to make Northwest Florida’s white sand beaches synonymous with everyone’s perception of the ideal beach and the region’s quality of life.

VIE - Spring/Summer 2008

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Goode Green A new venture into a mother-daughter partnership in photography leads to refreshingly simple, unique, and powerful images. Sheila Goode and Hayley Green capture the emotion style and glamour in every portraiture.

Written by Kelli Deary / Photos by Goode Green Photography

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Our interview centered around the fact that Grayton Beach resident Sheila Goode was embarking on a new venture as one half of a motherdaughter team specializing in wedding photography, with Sheila living here in Northwest Florida, and her daughter, Hayley Green, residing in Los Angeles. To realize how this partnership came to be, however, you would need to understand from whence they came.

Upon her graduation from Nashville Technological Institute, where she studied photography, Sheila began her photography career amid the glitz and glamour of the New York fashion world. Sheila’s passionate goal was to capture the essence of an individual at a single moment in time. From fashion shoots in New York City to later photographing music legends in her studio on Music Row in Nashville, Tennessee, Sheila’s approach to portraiture demonstrated a refreshingly candid vision. She not only beguiled Nashville celebrities, but also attracted clients such as Warner Brothers, Sony, RCA and United Artists. She has photographed world-renowned personalities such as Reese Witherspoon, Princess Anne, Willie Nelson, and Dolly Parton.

Of course, I had to ask Sheila what it was like working with legend You never know where people have been upon first meeting them, and

Dolly Parton, and she replied, “She has to be one of the most genuine

this is part and parcel of the fun of meeting new people; learning about

and respectable people that I have ever worked with.” Sheila and her

new friends – and even old ones, for that matter – can be a wonderful

husband, Jimmy Green, raised their family in Nashville, Tennessee.

adventure. Relationships are funny in that we have so many different

Hayley, their daughter, befriended peers Reese Witherspoon, Shooter

dimensions and experiences that we rarely share ourselves with new

Jennings, and Meghann Ahern, daughter to Emmylou Harris. “Hayley

friends, as time is precious, and we tend to let people in only little by

grew up baking cookies with Meghann and Emmylou. Emmylou

little. In our super-charged, fast-paced environment (yes, even living by

would lead us in songs around the campfire on Girl Scout outings,”

the beach), we rarely have time to cultivate relationships in which we

said Sheila. “If Hayley was asked who Emmylou Harris was, she would

continue to learn about our new friends and acquaintances.

reply, ‘Meghann’s mom,’ rather than a 12-time Grammy Award winner,” she added with a proud smile.

In my former position as editor of a local wedding magazine, a post I attained shortly after graduating from college, I had the pleasure and

From early childhood, Hayley traveled with her mother, and was

fortune of meeting a wide variety of people including business owners,

introduced to a world of celebrities, musicians and legends. She

entrepreneurs, artists, photographers, and writers. One of these people

experienced Europe, Africa, and various parts of the United States. As

was Sheila Goode, a gifted photographer, whom I met three years ago.

Sheila captured on film, the moods, expressions, and physicality of

She was warm, friendly, and welcoming, and she had a certain sparkle

her subject, Hayley was raised with an appreciation for photography

in her eyes. We immediately connected. I felt good just being around

and an artistic eye for detail. “Hayley would come to my Music Row

her. I knew she liked me, too, and that kind of immediate camaraderie

studio in Nashville every day after school and would hang out with me

always signals the start of a great friendship.

in the dark room, or assist in some of my photo shoots,” said Sheila.

Hayley’s creative ideas combined with Sheila’s eye for photography

On my way to interview Sheila for this article over coffee at Starbucks,

usually led to the creation of one-of-a-kind projects.

I was eager to see my friend. She greeted me with her usual warm smile and a hug. We ordered café lattes and began delving into the wonders

With Sheila’s studio just across the street from artists Joe Diffy, Waylon

of her life. As the interview progressed, I was both shocked and

Jennings, and Garth Brooks, Hayley soon became desensitized to

impressed to discover that this woman who had been a wonderful

celebrity hype. To celebrate both his and Hayley’s graduation from

nurturing figure in my life over the past few years had led such a

high school, Shooter Jennings performed at Sheila’s house. Sheila shot

fascinating life of her own.

the photo for the cover of Shooter’s first album.

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VIE - Spring/Summer 2008

Hayley graduated from prestigious Hampshire College with a degree in Art History and Film Production, and was mentored by New York City’s photography greats Joyce Tenneson and Cornell

divas of pop music in her native

" If Hayley was asked who Emmylou Harris was, she would reply,

‘Meghann’s mom’"

Capa. Hayley worked in film production at Vision Box Media

- Sheila Goode

country, Turkey.

Being raised in the same kind of milieu, Sheila didn’t think twice about her daughter running in celebrity circles. “I grew up with the members of the Allman Brothers

Group and HBO Films before exclusively pursuing her passion for

Band. They would usually come over and have concerts in my base-

photography. Upon her transition into photography, Hayley did

ment. There were even times when George Lindsey, ‘Goober’ from The

commercial shoots for HBO, Virgin Records, and MTV. Her first

Andy Griffith Show, would come to my studio to have coffee with me,”

paid portraiture was of Pamela Anderson. “I was so nervous,” said

said Sheila. This was everyday life for Sheila and her family. Most pho-

Hayley. “All I could think of was, how did I get this gig for my first

tographers build their portfolios in the hopes of one day catching the

shoot?” She also shot an album cover for the winner of the 2003

celebrity eye; Sheila and Hayley have used their contacts and experi-

Eurovision Song Contest, Sertab Erener, who is considered one of the

ences as stepping stones to get where they are today.

VIE - Spring/Summer 2008

53

Time, talent, and natural evolution are key components to becoming a successful photographer. As two extremely talented professional photographers, this mother and daughter duo have ventured into a partnership called Goode Green Photography. Combined expertise and many years in the photography industry, not to mention the list of celebrity clients and friends they’ve amassed over the years, are just the ingredients needed for success in a very competitive field. Goode Green Photography will cater to the “wedding photography” niche.

With Hayley living in California and Sheila on the Emerald Coast, it might seem almost absurd for the two to pursue a joint business

Sheila Goode & Hayley Green

venture. However, Sheila seems to think the distance may actually be the key to making this a success. “Between e-mails and text messages, it will be a lot easier to stay connected with Hayley day to day without being the pushy mom,” said Sheila.

When asked what makes their photography team so unique for weddings, Sheila replied, “We have a sensibility and come from a place that relates closely to weddings. We can meet the needs of both mother and daughter, and serve as liaison, confidante, and support system.” She added, “I have years of experience in anticipating the predictable, and Hayley brings a fresh vision along with West Coast flair.”

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w w w. G o o d e G r e e n . c o m

A Way of Life That Will Change Yours.

TM

Unimaginable turquoise waters and sugar white sands await you right here on Northwest Florida’s Gulf Coast.

From our unspoiled natural beauty to our world-class accommodations, eco-tourism and warm, Southern hospitality, THE Beach redeďŹ nes an upscale, yet relaxed and eclectic way of life. A way of life that will change yours. www.thebeachfla.com VIE - Spring/Summer 2008

55

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REACHING ONE’S OWN DREAMS IS HUGE, BUT IT IS EVEN MORE MEANINGFUL WHEN YOU MEET YOURS WHILE HELPING OTHERS TO ACHIEVE THEIRS. Written by Lisa Burwell / Photography by Jessie Shepard VIE - Spring/Summer 2008

57

O

ur dreams – they keep us hop-

turn off the constant demands of clients, and

wine, love – just life in general. The people,

ing and expecting something

to escape from our busy and frenetic profes-

sights, and sounds were a sensory overload.

greater or more desirable will

sional lives for any reasonable length of time

We traveled through ancient hilltop villages

come our way. Placed in our hearts and

so that we can travel. Despite this, it did not

and endless fields of majestic sunflowers. Our

minds as young children, they gradually give

take us long to decide when opportunities

villa was planted in the middle of Tuscany

way to more realistic adult goals and aspira-

presented themselves to travel to Ireland in

where we were able to stroll among ancient

tions. Many times, the embers of childhood

2004 and to Italy in 2005.

olive groves and grape orchards as far as the

dreams remain, only to be rekindled by an

eye could see. These were all catalysts to re-

unexpected opportunity or emotion, spark-

My parents own a small cottage on the west

fuel and reignite my dreams – I had time to

ing a renewed confidence to take a risk and

coast of Ireland, where they spend most sum-

think – I had time to dream.

fulfill a dream.

mers. In late fall of 2004, they extended an invitation to us to visit. I had not been there

Back home, in Northwest Florida, I started

In my case, one of my dreams was to be a pub-

since I was seventeen. We had an amazing

looking around at the amazing natural beauty

lished writer. As a young girl, I entertained

time - three weeks full of rustic accommoda-

I had taken for granted for so long. Again, I

family and friends with countless stories

tions, unpredictable weather that the locals

started to dream, but this time I was more

and tales – all of which came from an active

call “The Damp,” unconditional welcoming

focused and driven. I wondered, “Do other

imagination that seemed to have an endless

into neighborhood pubs to partake in what

people realize what we have here? Are they

supply of unique ideas. Later, I directed my

the locals call “The Drink,” and nightly walks

aware of the amazing stories nestled in this

efforts toward more responsible and produc-

along the coast of the fierce Atlantic Ocean. If

sun-kissed corner of Florida?” I knew that

tive objectives during high school, college,

there is one thing that the Irish do well, it is to

there were remarkable stories all around me

and, ultimately, in reference to my market-

tell tales – and believe me, they do that very

that were just waiting for the right person to

ing and public relations career. Even then, I

well – and with a sparkle in their eyes that

unlock them.

knew how easily the words came to me and

you are not likely to encounter anywhere but

I always seemed to have so many interesting

in Ireland. The trip was incredibly refreshing

It was then (3 a.m.) that I was given divine

things happening in my life that I kept tell-

and inspiring.

inspiration – I knew that the right person was

ing myself, “Ooh, that would be great for my

me, and the vehicle to do it would be a new

book” or “Won’t that be an interesting chap-

Then, in the summer of 2005, we headed to

regional magazine to celebrate the interesting

ter?" The dream of writing was never fueled

Italy’s Tuscany region for a much-needed

people and beautiful places of our area. I was

or nurtured, and it faded to a barely glowing

respite from our hectic lives. I quickly took

even given the name – I heard it clearly: V.

ember. From time to time, the ember would

notice of the fact that Italians have a passion

But, at first, I thought there was some kind

become a flickering flame because of the writ-

for – well, everything – architecture, food,

of mistake. I thought to myself, “V? You can’t

ing that I do to earn my living. But my book never came – my stories would have to wait.

My dream of, someday, having a chance to write experienced a rekindling during some recent trips that my husband, Jerry, and I took to Europe. Because we are both owners of a small business, it is sometimes difficult to

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DO OTHER PEOPLE REALIZE WHAT WE HAVE HERE?

name a magazine V!” Then I saw it – VIE. “Ohhh!” I thought. “VIE. Now I get it. Vie, in French, means life.” Thus, the magazine VIE: People + Places was born.

It all started to click in place – the resources to create a new magazine were already available to me. I have owned Grayton Beachbased Cornerstone Marketing & Advertising for the last 14 years. As a boutique marketing and public relations company, I have an exceptional staff of writers, graphic designers, web designers, and a sales and research team that functions as a creative think-tank. When I shared my vision for the magazine with the Cornerstone team, everyone was instantly excited with this new venue in which they would be able to express their creative talents.

I was amazed by their enthusiasm, inspiration, and dedication. We were finally going to get to do it our way – and, if that didn’t work out, we could always fire ourselves.

BOB BROWN AND ERIC SHEPARD On December 6, 2007, we embarked on a creative outing to the Barnes & Noble in Destin, Florida for an afternoon of coffee and pe-

I would soon find that making my dream a

creative process. These contestants are truly

rusing several hundred magazines. We dis-

reality would be a team effort that not only

talented and they exhibit a tremendous dedi-

cussed our likes and dislikes, bouncing ideas

fulfilled a desire in my heart, but would also

cation in terms of attempting to realize their

off each other. The excitement was building

rekindle the dreams of others who worked

dreams of being great fashion designers. Each

as our dream began taking shape. It was a

on this project with me. Reaching one’s own

of their designs is the realization of a vision,

little intimidating to see so many magazines

dreams is huge, but it is even more meaning-

and I think that is why I have such admiration

on display, but, at the same time, it was also

ful when you meet yours while helping others

for these designers. I soon learned that many

encouraging. Each magazine spoke to dif-

to achieve theirs.

of my friends and colleagues in our area share

ferent people about different things, yet not

my love of the show.

one possessed our single vision – to reveal

For the past few years, my favorite TV show

the people and places of Northwest Florida.

has been Bravo’s Project Runway. I admire this

A few years ago, I met Hannah Brewer, a re-

Surely, we were onto something. And so, the

reality show for its class and dignity, qualities

ceptionist at Salon Twist in Grayton Beach,

dream continued.

not commonly found in the reality TV genre

Florida. We became professional colleagues

– and I have a love for both fashion and the

while working on the 2007 Change the World

VIE - Spring/Summer 2008

59

Fundraiser for Gina Shiflett and Kerry Roy, the salon owners. Subsequently, I learned that Hannah designs clothes as a hobby and that, a few years prior to meeting her, she had dreamed of trying out for Project Runway.

IN MY TYPICAL FASHION, I SAID TO MYSELF, “WHO CARES? I CAN DO IT. I AM GOING TO BRYANT PARK!”

However, like so many others, life got in the way, and she had to shelve her dream. In early January (of this year), I asked her whether she would design a dress for me – sort of like my

Benz Fashion Week in New York City’s Bry-

demanding Cornerstone clients who needed

own little project runway here, on 30A. The

ant Park on February 9 – I just had to be

attention, as well as preparing our entries for

dress is fantastic, and I have worn it on many

there. But how?

the upcoming annual ADDY awards. In my

occasions. Since then, she has been able to get

typical fashion, I said to myself, “Who cares?

her dream back on track; she is now living in

The story of Project Runway and Bryant Park

New York City, working at a fashion house.

was a cornerstone to the first issue of VIE. The

At least for now, one of Hannah’s dreams has

event was only five weeks away, and quickly

To get there, the first order of business was

become a reality.

approaching. We had so many other things

to build our press posse. Besides myself and

to do in preparation for launching the maga-

Jerry, I needed the Cornerstone design team

When it came time to decide what stories to

zine’s inaugural issue by mid to late April. The

(for inspiration on the magazine and web site

showcase in our premier issue of VIE, it was

logo, the media and sales kit, and the maga-

layout) and a good photographer. Cornerstone’s

obvious that one of the stories would have to

zine prototype all had to be designed. We

Art Director, Eric Shepard, mentioned that

incorporate Project Runway. Hannah had just

had to blueprint a well thought-out maga-

his wife, Jessie, was a photographer. After re-

completed my dress and my favorite reality

zine distribution plan and there were a slew

viewing her web site (www.jessicashepard.com),

show was then in the middle of filming their

of legal issues, including trademarks that had

I realized that she had a good eye. She did not

fourth season. The show’s big season finale was

to be handled. Did I mention that we had

have a bulging portfolio or professional cred-

scheduled to take place during Mercedes-

to sell ads, too? On top of that, we had very

its to her name, but she did have a vision, a

I can do it. I am going to Bryant Park!”

dream, and lots of talent: my kind of person.

JERRY AND LISA BURWELL

I asked her whether she would join our entourage to New York to cover Project Runway.

She almost could not believe the invitation, as it had been a dream of hers to photograph high-fashion since she was seven. Of course, she accepted.

The next and final preparation for the trip was to obtain our press passes. We called the company that managed the press invitations for the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week. “What publication do you represent?”, a voice said on the other end of the phone. Most people would have had an apple in their throat at

60

VIE - Spring/Summer 2008

Heidi Klum

Tim Gunn

Nina Garcia

Christian Siriano

by Margaret Stevenson

For those unaware of the national phenomenon that Bravo TV’s

You never know who will be sitting in that fourth chair, which is

Project Runway has become, this reality-based show takes fifteen

part of the fun. One designer is deemed the winner and one is

contestants, all of whom are fashion designers, and puts them

eliminated. The loser gets an “auf Wiedersehen” and a Conti-

through rigorous and ingenious challenges involving time, budget

nental kiss off (on both cheeks) from Heidi. (But don’t count these

and, sometimes, material constraints. Tim Gunn, former chair of

designers as true losers; many former Project Runway contestants

fashion design at Parsons The New School for Design in New York

have parlayed their appearances on the show into big career

City and now Chief Creative Officer at Liz Claiborne Inc., acts as

moves.) And so it goes each week until there are three (or four)

mentor to the designers, offering constructive criticism and moral

contestants left.

support in the workroom with now-famous phrases like “Make it work” and “Carry on.” Viewers watch the creative process unfold,

The three (or four) finalists are then sent home with $8,000 to

complete with frayed nerves and (sometimes) flaring tempers, as

work on their collections, which will be presented some months

the designers work with unconventional materials as well as stan-

later in Bryant Park during New York’s Fashion Week. After a

dard fabrics, depending on the challenge of the week.

final scrutiny by the judge’s panel, one of these contestants will win $100,000 to start his or her own line, an automobile from

Near the end of each episode, the designs are shown on the

Saturn and a number of other prizes.

runway in front of judges with impeccable credentials in the fashion world: supermodel Heidi Klum; famed American designer

Project Runway never fails to deliver what the viewer is after:

Michael Kors; Elle magazine Fashion Director Nina Garcia; and

creativity and ingenuity, interpersonal drama, and cliffhanger-like

a guest judge who could turn out to be someone like Diane von

suspense. So, as Bravo TV recommends, “Watch what happens.”

Furstenberg, Betsey Johnson, Zac Posen, or Sarah Jessica Parker.

You may become a fan, too.

VIE - Spring/Summer 2008

61

DESCRIPTION GOES HERE.

this point, but not me. “VIE: People + Places,” I said with the confidence and authority of an owner and publisher of a well-seasoned magazine (I had already convinced myself that VIE was just that). The other voice said,

THE EXCITEMENT AND ANTICIPATION WAS EVIDENT IN ALL OF US, BUT WE TRIED TO PLAY IT COOL.

“Just send us a sample of your publication and link to your web site, and we will get back to you.” Fortunately, we had just finished the initial layout of our prototype that day, so, off

be covering the big event. Vogue, Elle, Glam-

were thrilled that the team was inspired by

it went with a link to the Cornerstone web

our, and InStyle would suddenly be our con-

the trip, and it was great to see their creative

site. Two weeks later, either through luck, a

temporaries at Bryant Park. I asked myself,

juices flowing.

case of mistaken identity, or just the power of

“How did this happen?” The answer came

dreams, our credentials were approved, and

from a quiet voice deep inside: “The power

Jessie immediately started capturing and

we were granted access to Bryant Park.

of dreams.”

cataloguing the event with grace, elegance, and ease. She had a knack for finding the

So, on Wednesday, February 6, with our vi-

The next morning, we headed out into the

celebrities when they entered the room and

sion intact, we boarded a plane to New York’s

cold and bustling Big Apple. We picked up

she instantly began to shoot amazing pho-

LaGuardia Airport en route to making anoth-

our press passes at Bryant Park, entered the

tos. As I watched her move through the

er dream a reality. It was our first visit to New

showroom, and began to take it all in. The

showroom, I saw a striking, tall, and grace-

York City as a team. As I waited for our plane

excitement and anticipation was evident in

ful woman dressed all in black (looking very

to take off, I wondered how we had gotten to

all of us, but we tried to play it cool. We did

much the part in NYC) taking photos with

this point and whether would we be able to

not want to stick out as tourists or, worse

flawless execution. Jessie had transformed

fit in with the “the big boys” who would also

yet, novice magazine reporters. Jerry and I

right before my eyes as she stepped into this moment in her career, and I was thrilled to see her dreams of becoming a fashion pho-

PHOTOGRAPHER JESSIE SHEPARD

tographer coming to life.

Friday marked the end of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at Bryant Park, and we headed out for our final mission. Jessie’s role morphed from fashion photographer at the Jayson Brunsdon fashion show the previous night to paparazzo this day. Without a definitive plan of attack, we somehow had the precision of an FBI SWAT team. Sheer luck, naiveté, or, again, the power of dreams, found us at the right place at the right time as we exited the main tent. Eric had the Southside watch, Jessie was at the back door, and Jerry was covering the gaps in between.

62

VIE - Spring/Summer 2008

(I was “sans” camera as I only like to look at pictures - not take them.)

We were awaiting the appearance of Heidi Klum, Tim Gunn, Victoria Beckham, and the Project Runway contestants after filming wrapped. Eventually, they appeared – unannounced and from different exits. Eric was able to photograph Heidi and Tim, who graciously spoke to Eric as he shook hands. I thought that was a class act, considering the number of swarming photographers that day.

And Jerry captured some of the contestants, including Sweet P, who returned his “congratulations” with a heart-felt “Thank you.”

Seeing Victoria Beckham exit from a back door with bodyguards at her side and a sea of paparazzi, with Jessie in the middle of the mix, was a highlight for me. I think Jessie got better shots than most of the paparazzi, who were all very friendly to her, talking about cameras and lens action as if this was an everyday ritual for her. I was thrilled to see Nina Garcia, editor of Elle magazine and Project Runway judge, and one of my favorite final-

VICTORIA BECKHAM

ists from Season Two, Daniel Vosovic.

The trip to New York was incredible – we

of optimism and enthusiasm; Kelli Deary’s

This magazine would not be a possibility

experienced new horizons and had fun do-

refreshing poise and virtue; Justin Starnes’s

without you. It was such a joy to see excite-

ing it. We also made the trip because we were

resourceful research ability; and, last but not

ment in the eyes of those with whom I shared

taking this magazine very seriously. I would

least, my husband, Jerry, for sharing in my

the vision.

be remiss in not singing the praises of the

passion and having the faith to do yet one

team that has made this magazine a possibil-

more crazy thing.

I hope that VIE: People + Places will inspire, ignite, and begin to arouse those forgotten

ity: Bob Brown’s amazing web design, talent, dedication and long hours; Eric Shepard who,

I am incredibly thankful to all of the over-

dreams that we all have. Start with the essence

through this project, has designed one of the

whelming support that we have received

of your desires and, by taking a risk, watch

best looking magazines that I have ever seen;

throughout the process of bringing this pub-

them grow! Never underestimate the power

Lisa Comeau’s enormous can-do attitude

lication into existence: the contributing writ-

of dreams!

about everything – literally; Lisa Ferrick’s gift

ers, advertisers, and genuine well-wishers.

VIE - Spring/Summer 2008

63

PEOPLE

PLACES

Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Bryant Park, New York City February 8th, 2008

Heidi Klum

Laura Bennett & Jay McCarroll 64

VIE - Spring/Summer 2008

Nina Garcia

Bianca Golden

Danielle Evans

Daniel Vosovic

Christian Siriano & Sweet P

Tyson Beckford

Lindsey Price

Tim Gunn

Chris March

Finola Hughes

Nigel Barker

Victoria Beckham VIE - Spring/Summer 2008

65

¡PURA VIDA! A Costa Rica Travel Journal by Local Resident Kim Duke-Layden

I

traveled to Costa Rica to discover a fascinating new corner of the world—and to find out first-hand why it has become

"...the warm rushing water felt like liquid heaven..."

such a destination “hot spot.” With my adventurous friend Deb, our Girlfriends’ Getaway spanned nine unforgettable days. Here are some

top ten rapid locations in the world!

smallest village, there will always be a church,

highlights of my favorite days and places.

Day 1 - The rapids on the Pacuare River

ship two things, God and soccer. Even in the

Along the way, veteran guide Abel Vargas gave

and facing it will be a soccer field." Countless

us an overview of the area’s history, and pointed

times I noticed that his comments rang true.

out several of the country’s fifty active volcanoes.

Dawn arrived early. In spite of only three hours

Abel told us that his homeland was often called

At the river, we met our kayak scout Alejandré

sleep, we hit the ground running, anticipating

the “Switzerland of Central America.” Having

Coutreras. Together, we would journey 18

an exciting day of river rafting with our outfitter,

visited the Bernese Oberland, I could see why.

miles downstream over Class III and IV rapids. Under sunny skies and mild temperatures,

Costa Rican Adventures. We splurged for their “White Glove Connoisseurs” trip, which al-

We stopped for a typical breakfast featuring pin-

I basked in the glory of embarking upon the

lowed us to raft with a smaller group and added

tos y gallos (beans and rice), which are usually

journey of a lifetime. Abel expertly guided us

amenities. Aboard the shuttle, we headed to the

eaten with every meal. The coffee put Starbucks

through the white water.

Rio Pacuare, which is reputed to be one of the

to shame. En route again, Abel said, “Ticos wor-

66

VIE - Spring/Summer 2008

A “chicken line” ran along the raft’s peripheral. It was there for those times when the front end of the raft plunged under water, and then popped back up again. Successes were celebrated by touching raised oar tips and cheering, “¡Pura Vida!” which is the Costa Rican catchall phrase meaning everything from “Hello,” to “Super!”

Breathtaking scenery and abundant foliage captivated me along the way—wild sugar cane, long cascading Tarzan-like vines, and tall skinny palms lined the riverbank. Surprisingly, the constant chirping we heard was not due to birds, but cicadas, which are tiny beetles. Stopping for a picnic lunch, our guides donned chef ’s hats and aprons.

Our delicious spread included fresh fruit, hearts of palm, guacamole, ceviche, and deli meats.

After the last rapid, a narrow canyon with high jagged walls appeared. Following Abel’s lead, we dove in and floated in the steadily moving current. The refreshing water lapped our faces and outstretched limbs, giving us a cool respite from the heat of the day. This was one of my favorite parts of the trip. Awaiting us were hot showers and cocktails. With raised glasses we toasted, “¡Pura Vida!” to the best guides and rafting trip any of us had ever taken!

Day 2 - Alajuela to La Fortuna (Arenal Volcano) While anticipating my visit to Arenal, one of the world’s most active volcanoes, I imagined it spewing and oozing a constant stream of red, molten lava. Traveling north, via the two-lane Pan-American Highway, to La Fortuna, we passed countless fincas (farms) that dotted the landscape. Many had set up small booths along

Photo courtesy of Costa Rican Adventures VIE - Spring/Summer 2008

67

Pura Vida (Cont'd)

Photo courtesy of Costa Rican Adventures

each side of the road selling palmita de queso, a mild tasting white cheese resembling a roll of mozzarella rope.

As we arrived at the picturesque mountain village of La Fortuna, the overcast conditions and our late-afternoon arrival didn’t allow us to see all we had hoped. We found entertainment in the natural wildlife of a tree-swinging howler monkey and a pack of coatimundi (small raccoon-like critters), begging for tourists’ food.

After a quick shopping jaunt, we returned to our cabana at Hotel Silencio del Campo. We enjoyed the sunset with a glass of Chianti before the evening’s indulgence – the renowned Tabacón Hot Springs.

The five-star Tabacón is the most extensive and luxurious of the area’s many natural thermal springs—compliments of Arenal Volcano. It offers a series of spring-fed pools spread out among tropical gardens and foliage. Cascading streams, secluded lagoons, and naturally sculpted waterfalls are among Tabacón’s warm-water features. I had never been to a hot spring before and I had no idea what all the hype was about. My first step in the warm rushing water felt like liquid heaven. I felt a bit like Goldilocks as I explored the springs, discovering that the higher springs had hotter temperatures. The pools massaged my sore muscles from yesterday’s paddling. Ahhhh, it felt soooo good.

Although we didn’t experience it, Arenal’s volcanic rumblings and pyrotechnics are often visible from the springs. However, submerged in the therapeutic lagoon, I found the moon and stars equally intoxicating. Winding paths connect each pool and lead back to the heart of the com68

VIE - Spring/Summer 2008

Photo courtesy of Costa Rican Adventures

plex, complete with a terrace restaurant, a large heated pool and two slides, plus a lively swim-

"I'm up for discovering my inner-Jane!"

up bar where friendly bartenders serve cervezaswigging gringos. Nearly a dozen trips down the slides made for an exhilarating finale to this most

be “rough and bumpy,” but that was like saying

picturesque ridge between Santa Elena, a bus-

enjoyable evening. I wish every Monday night

Fat Albert is slightly chubby. The smooth black-

tling small community, and Monteverde, an art-

was like this!

top disintegrated as our SUV bottomed-out

sy resort village. At our hotel’s advice, we booked

with a “thud.” For the next 34 kilometers, Deb

a night tour of a wildlife reserve. Since 70 per-

dodged cavernous potholes and grapefruit-size

cent of the native animals are nocturnal, I was

rocks as we slowly zigzagged up the mountain

curious at what surprises lay ahead. Armed with

My sights were set on today’s intriguing destina-

for two hours. We were enveloped by majestic

mini flashlights, and our trusty leader (and ex-

tion, Monteverde (green mountains), home to

mountains that stole our breath away. As far as

pat), Bill, we hiked into the dusky thick forest.

two of Costa Rica’s most renowned cloud for-

the eye could see, there was no sign of civiliza-

Wild animal sounds and howling winds echoed

ests. This area is filled with rare, elusive, and noc-

tion, just the blue shimmering waters of the

in the treetops. My feet “crunched” along the

turnal animals, plus an abundance of exotic flora

Golfo de Nicoya. And just like that, we hit “pay

winding path.

and fauna. I couldn’t wait to get there!

dirt,” or rather PAVED dirt. The sign ahead read,

Day 3 - La Fortuna to Monteverde

The final ascent to Monteverde was rumored to

Bievenido a Monteverde. We had arrived at last!

During the hike, Bill unearthed an unexpected

Our hotel, Poco a Poco, was sandwiched on a

highlight when coming upon leaf-cutter ants. He VIE - Spring/Summer 2008

69

tour high above the town of Santa Elena. “Zip lining,” as it is commonly called—and was THE reason I chose to visit Costa Rica. Driving up the steep muddy trail, we passed verdant trees blanketed in moss, epiphytes, and ferns.

We chose highly-recommended Selvatura Park, since it had eighteen platforms and is the only tour that skirts the cloud forest. For $60 US, our package included a two-hour zip-line and a treetop hike on suspended bridges. With our gear fitted (helmet, harness, and thick leather gloves) and a brief demonstration on the simulation platform, we excitedly hiked up the walkway and climbed the stairs.

Perching on my tiptoes, I jumped as the guide quickly grabbed my harness and attached it to the cable. At a dizzying speed, I slipped around a tree where a second guide attached another line and readied me for “blast off !” Legs crossed, leaning backward, one arm extended above my head to hold the cable, while the other tightly gripped the harness line; I rapidly “zipped” down the treetops as the cable “zzzzzzzzzzzd” above my head. Platform after platform, we soared down the mountain.

Halfway through the tour, the guides showed us Photo courtesy of Costa Rican Adventures

an added surprise, a “Tarzan Swing,” similar to a bungee jump atop a three-story high embankment. I thought aloud, “Sure, I’m up for discover-

"I felt like I had stumbled into a National Geographic special."

ing my inner-Jane!” And off I went, before I had a chance to second-guess my decision. I dropped thirty feet straight down with such intensity my screams were silent for the first fifteen seconds!

told us that “warriors,” the largest of these ants,

our hotel for a delicious (and reasonably priced)

Gasping for air, the crowd above cheered my bra-

had Herculean strength. To prove his point, he

gourmet dinner, which was one of the best of

vado. After the Tarzan Swing, the remaining zip

gave one an eight-inch stick. The jumbo ant held

the trip. Bedtime beckoned, because tomor-

lines were a walk in the park!

up the stick without it falling. Unbelievable!

row promised another action-packed day in

Other sightings included a poisonous toad; a

Monteverde.

small rodent called an agoutis; and a kinkajou, a cuddly, ring-tailed cousin of the raccoon. How-

vatura’s suspended-bridge hike. Within the first Day 4 - Santa Elena, Monteverde

ever, none made my heart pound like seeing the hairy tarantula!

Having worked up my appetite, we returned to 70

VIE - Spring/Summer 2008

After returning our gear, we embarked on Selfew steps, I felt like I had stumbled into a National Geographic Special. Every square inch of

This was my favorite day of the trip. It was jam-

the forest was consumed with lichen, moss, ferns,

packed with adventures from sunup to sundown!

and epiphytes that were thriving on host trees—

After an early breakfast, we took off for a canopy

enveloping any open space on their trunks and

branches. A necklace of winding walkways and bridges created a photographer’s paradise, affording the explorer a bird’s-eye view of this exotic frontier.

After a leisurely lunch, we departed to nearby Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve for a guided hike. Marvin Ovares, our guide and ecology teacher from Santa Elena Professional Technical School, was among the many volunteers who help raise funds for this reserve that his school administers.

Under dry, sunny skies, we hiked Monteverde’s less-crowded forest, and with Marvin’s keen instincts, we experienced a rare sighting of the country’s most exotic and elusive species of bird, the Resplendent Quetzal. So luxuriant is its iridescent emerald plumage, that Mayans worshipped it as a god, Quetzalcoatl.

After our two-hour trek, we still had not sighted a sloth (the animal I most wanted to see). So, Marvin rode with us several miles down the mountain to the spot where he had glimpsed one earlier. Against the setting sun, high up in a tree, was a brown and furry perezoso de dos dedos (two-toed sloth). I was thrilled! For this, we elevated Marvin to “guide extraordinaire.”

After all of the day’s spectacular sights, adventures, and experiences, I could only think, “Wow, Dorothy, you’re not in Kansas anymore!”

Photo courtesy of Kim Duke-Layden Kim Duke-Layden is an avid international adventurer whose mantra is, “I have not visited Everywhere, but it's on my list!” She and her husband John live at Sandestin where she's worked for 14 years.

VIE - Spring/Summer 2008

71

C’est laVie Ann Hartley tells it like it is. She does not mince words.

She is a breath of fresh air.

The story you are about to read is heartfelt, authentic and will inspire you to be 'real'.

Written by Ann Hartley / Shopping in Paris logo and Illustrations by Laura Granberry 72

VIE - Spring/Summer 2008

I

’ve been working on myself since 1958–the year I was

that I manufactured in Indonesia and sold all over the world. It was

born. Certain times were harder than others. I am a sur-

1992. I was 33 years old.

vivor − of the 60’s, 70’s, 80’s; of small town beginnings; of Dallas in the 80’s; of cancer; of a wonderful marriage that

I began realizing that one cannot have it all—a career, a wonderful mar-

hasn’t been so wonderful at times; of three beautiful children who have

riage, perfect children. There was only so much of me to go around. My

sometimes pushed me to the limit; of my parents’ aging; of my par-

perfect life’s glue began to peel away. I was feeling the pressure, the pull,

ents’ dying; and more, lots more. Yes, YES, YES! I am a survivor!

the guilt, and the shame. I focused on what I needed to, when I needed to; this was how I kept my balance. Only, I wasn’t balanced at all. My life

And I am a doer. I am a type-A personality, a crazy, off-the-wall, talks-

was running me. I got very sick with chronic fatigue syndrome. It was

too-much, goes 90-to-nothing kind of person. Ask anyone who knows

the time in my life when I first realized the importance of taking care of

me. They will tell you. I like me. And as I approach 50, I am learning to

me–all of me. The chronic fatigue syndrome was a precursor to cancer

love me. I am learning about the process of really loving me—ALL of

and should have been a wake-up call. I needed to change my lifestyle,

me. And believe me; I haven’t always been very loveable!

my eating and exercise habits, stress level, work schedule, etc. And I did, for a while. Actually, as I write this I can see the gifts that problems

This is the story of how I am becoming mindful and aware, of how I

can bring to our lives at times.

am reacting and changing the evolution of myself. I am figuring out the work I have to do in order to be the person I want to be. As I approach

I have to say that GOD knew exactly what He was doing when he put

my 50’s, I am taking more time for me so I can have more energy to give

George Hartley in my path, or me in his; although George didn’t call

back and matter more in others’ lives. This is a story of my energy flow

me back for a year after what I thought was a fun blind date. He has

and my journey for the answers and how my new venture, Shopping

been my rock. George has picked up the pieces of me when I’ve been

Paris with Ann Hartley, began.

broken, the person who put the puzzle pieces together when I could not. He loves me − the good, the bad, and the ugly. I have been blessed

The short version is that I grew up in Panama City, Florida. I traveled

with the gift of a true soul mate for 25 years (well, okay, not all 25 have

as a child throughout the U.S., Europe, and Africa in the late 60’s. After

been blissful!).

college, I could not wait to bolt from Panama City and I left for Dallas to attend graduate school. I loved it there, with its bright lights, fancy

Anxiousness filled our lives daily. We longed for a break from the

cars, gorgeous men, and BIG city stuff. I stayed in Dallas for 20 years.

insanity of our Dallas life, from our children coming home and asking why we didn’t have a new Lexus, a break from the merry-go-round on

The fashion business, MBA, Xerox, marrying a wonderful man who

which we were living. Ours was the life we had dreamed of, worked for,

would forever be by my side, opening a clothing store in 1984, Junior

the life that we had created for ourselves. We longed to, one day, move

League, etc. That was my fairytale life. I opened a store called Ann

to Walton County’s 30A. We bought our first property on Little Redfish

Hartley. It would be my identity for years to come, my sense of worth.

Lake in 1991, in hopes of having a second home there when we “grew up”

And we traveled. George (my husband) and I traveled as much as we

and could live that simpler life.

could, overseas as often as possible.

The business grew while we had three children. I opened Ann Hartley for Kids. We were very busy, and life was hectic but fun. Another business evolved—WaHaLa: Art to Wear—a wholesale clothing line

“happily ever after” What is

anyway?

In 1996, George’s father died, and my father died later that year. It was a hard, sad year and we grew up quickly. We needed to settle down, to chill, to relax, and to find the joy again. We moved to Florida and

VIE - Spring/Summer 2008

73

chose to live our dream now rather than when

stand and see the scenery, it will always look

we “grew up.” We only made this decision

the same. If you dare to venture into deeper

after we’d been sitting on Grayton Beach (with

water and go under, a magical world awaits

a few margaritas, of course) with my father’s

you. We had always wanted to live in that mag-

best friend telling us we needed to live our

ical world and we wanted that for our children

dreams now. He said he was 69 years old, had

too. Always driven by the magical world sums

just lost his best friend (my father), and had no

me up, and it has been a great journey. I believe

where to go and no one to go with. He told us

God gave me the gift to show others, to light

to live our dream, to do it NOW, that tomorrow

their way, to spread the fun of adventure, to

is too uncertain. We returned to Dallas, rented

share my good times and my bad times.

our home and were back living here, on 30A, within three weeks. Everyone thought we’d lost our minds. We sort of had... in a good way. And so, another chapter began, a chapter of mov-

Ann Hartley Photo by Lisa Hinds

Cancer came. It came to me. Thyroid cancer. I know it actually happened, but I don’t remember much. It was a surreal time in my life. I

ing three children (ages 5, 7, and 9) away from

put up a cheerful front during that time. I tried

their home, from their security, and from all

to make it okay for me and for others around

they had ever known. All that we had known.

me, but it wasn’t. And it couldn’t be. Cancer is a very humbling experience and I now share

The year was 1997, and 30A was very different

the blessing of the experience with others.

then, very rural, and very refreshing. It was also

God knew that the outcome would allow me

very scary at times − and freeing, healing, lonely, and wonderful. It was

to share my story and I do, as often as possible. It will be okay. I am 44

all of that and more. 30A would quickly become “home.” George bought

years old.

the Seagrove Village Market and became the “mayor” of Seagrove, and I signed up for everything. I hadn’t had much time for volunteer work

Like many of our dear friends, we invested all of our pennies into real

in Dallas and so I gave my time and energy to the schools my children

estate on 30A, with the hopes we might be able to retire in our 50’s and

attended and to other kid stuff. I felt wonderful, as though what I was

live happily ever after. However, retirement and happily ever after haven’t

doing mattered to others. I felt the reward that giving is really receiving.

happened yet, and that is okay. In fact, it’s really okay. Oftentimes, life

It was the gift of compassion.

isn’t what we plan and we need to accept that. We need to go with life’s flow. What is “happily ever after” anyway? I’m learning that it’s living in

We traveled with our children wherever and whenever we could. We

the present, living the journey, and sharing your gifts.

wanted them to realize the importance of seeing and thinking globally.

We actually took them out of school for a semester (6th, 7th, and 10th

I blinked and now my children are grown up. They are wonderful

grades) and traveled all around Europe and Africa − an unbelievable

young adults and I am wondering where the time has gone. I am sad I

trip! We felt the need to show our children as much of the world as pos-

didn’t play with them more, listen to them more, be with them more,

sible. It was our duty as their parents. Traveling brought an incredible

and love them more.

gift of learning for all of us!

I’ve been to Paris many times, but this time would be different. This There is a saying that if you walk out into the water as far as you can and 74

VIE - Spring/Summer 2008

time, my precious baby daughter (age 16) and I would spend one

month in Paris, just being, doing whatever our hearts desired, and absorbing it all. We rented an apartment and lived like Parisians. I will never forget that month, nor will she. We walked the streets everyday, took the subway everywhere, exercised in French aerobic classes, and settled into French living. We loved it! Every minute of it!

I prayed that God would lead me toward what I need to do now. My restlessness increased. I so missed my fashion days and I knew I had needed to take a break from the insanity of that life. And I had for eight years. But now, I needed to feel that passion again. So it just came to me while I was walking the streets of Paris, feeling that incredible passion in the midst of wonderfully talented designers. I felt the energy and creative talent of the designers’ desires and dreams as I browse the Paris boutiques – my idea of “Shopping Paris with Ann Hartley” was born.

And from that point on, everyday my daughter, Lannie, and I walked my new walk, editing Paris’ best boutiques, planning shopping excursions for shoppers like me, checking out hotels, restaurants, and subway routes. I knew this would feed my soul and answer my prayers.

As I am figuring it all out, I am doing the work, trying to better myself and the world around me. I know that I am here to share my story − to share my gifts, my struggles, my energy, and my blessings with others.

I have gone with my gut. I have lived “outside of the box.” And I have loved almost all of my life! I am trying to be the best I can be − to be me. The real, the new, the improved − the evolving me. To live with new eyes is so important.

My clients are girlfriend groups, mothers/daughters, and single women wanting to get outside of their comfort zone. Sometimes I work with birthday groups or anniversary gifts − just girls who want something or need something in their lives. Whether a girlie trip, an empowering trip, an “I can travel by myself ” trip, a healing trip, a trip to discover French designers, we are all here for each other. I love what I do. And I love shopping and sharing Paris!

To learn more, please visit:

www . shoppinginpariswithannhartley . com

VIE - Spring/Summer 2008

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Photo by Jessie Shepard

Photo courtesy of The St. Joe Company.

“Our land resources are vast, and this, of course, is a huge asset with which to create strategic partnerships and joint ventures.�

VIE - Spring/Summer 2008 - Tom 78 Morgan

“I have lived in New Orleans, San Francisco, Dallas, and Memphis, and this is my favorite place. I never want to leave.�

- Tom Morgan

VIE - Spring/Summer 2008

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BEYOND GREEN F R O M

P R I N C I P L E S

T O

P R A C T I C E S

Th e followi ng are bri ef excerpts taken from Th e 2008 Conservation R eport :

THE GOLD STANDARD IN GREEN

The company is committed to preserving the best of Northwest Florida and setting the gold standard for land management and green development.

The key ingredients in this program are Photo courtesy of The St. Joe Company.

JOE has placed more than 170,000 acres into conservation forever. By pioneering new approaches to wetlands preservation, wildlife protection, and land restoration and by working closely with environmental agencies, leading environmental, and conservation organizations and community leaders, JOE is moving BEYOND GREEN and leading by example with the ultimate goal of protecting the best of Florida for future generations.

Land, Water, Wildlife, Planning, and Living.

STEWARDS FOR THE NEXT GENERATION

As Florida’s largest private landowner, JOE has long recognized and accepted its special responsibility to preserve the best of northwest Florida for future generations.

Plans to accomplish the goals include

MOVING BEYOND GREEN In the decade ahead, JOE intends to continue leading by example by preserving and restoring critical habitat, planning to protect entire

creating the West Bay Preservation Area, partnering with communities and advocates to protect Florida, awards and certifications, and creating conservation maps.

watersheds, and protecting Northwest Florida’s heritage and quality of life.

These goals will be accomplished by: Planning on a large scale Protecting Florida’s environmental treasures Preserving habitat and wildlife Developing lightly on the land and educating the next generation Photo courtesy of The St. Joe Company.

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VIE - Spring/Summer 2008 To l e a r n m o r e a b o u t B E Y O N D G R E E N p l e a s e v i s i t W W W. J O E . C O M

spar ks fly

plunge into pure luxury

At Seagar’s, romantic sparks aren’t the only ones that fly.

Celebrating its10th anniversary serving superb cuisine and 800 wine choices, Seagar’s is Northwest Florida’s first AAA 4-Diamond restaurant. Seagar’s. For drinks. For dinner. For those who believe that every day deserves a little sizzle.

The towels and robes? Plush. The Roman bath?

Warm. The massages? Soothing for all your senses. We offer a complete menu of spa and salon services with every indulgence included.

The spoiling? Supreme.

Located at the Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort and Spa 4000 Sandestin Blvd. South Destin, Florida 32550 Spa Appointments 866.622.9595 SerenitybytheseaSpa.com ML#10776

Located at the Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort and Spa 4000 Sandestin Blvd. South Destin, Florida 32550 Reservations Recommended 850.622.1500 SeagarsDestin.com VIE - Spring/Summer 2008

81

Up close and personal with

PAUL WOHLFORD of The Resort Collection

By Lisa Burwell Photo by Jessie Shepard

P

ossessing energy, vitality, and passion are prerequisites for making things happen. When speaking with Paul

"Competitors in the resort industry, aligning with one another for the greater good, is at the core of Coastal Vision 3000."

- Wohlford

Wohlford, Vice President of Sales and

Marketing for The Resort Collection, you glean that he embodies all these characteristics and

market in 2008 warrant this mandate just to keep

the greater good, is at the core of Coastal Vision

that he is serious about evoking positive changes

our 50% + occupancy levels status quo."

3000.” (www.thebeachfla.com)

ma City Beach’s largest conglomeration of rooms,

The Resort Collection has a powerful voice in

The brand marketing initiative is aimed at open-

boasting more than 1,500 full-service suites and

Bay County and is at the forefront of change, and

ing the Midwest and Northeast corridors to our

villas; he is also insightful, as he understands the

Paul has been integral to perpetuating the mis-

undiscovered coast. Paul explained that since the

Panama City Beach market better than most. Ac-

sion of Coastal Vision 3000. “This organization

meetings with Southwest began last year, American

cording to Paul, “We need to attract new visitors

is not an airline initiative, but rather a grassroots

Airlines and US Air have also approached Coastal

both stateside and internationally, from untapped

community initiative,” said Paul. “Competitors in

Vision 3000. He added that, “If the people in Chi-

markets, as the additional 3,200 rooms on the

the resort industry, aligning with one another for

cago begin to recognize our brand as 190 miles of

in the company. Paul is one of the leaders of Pana-

The Resort Collection is the largest rental management company in Panama City Beach.

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VIE - Spring/Summer 2008

beach, our destination will begin to be portrayed as a sense of place and a viable resort destination.”

Paul’s career spans an impressive list of resort hotels, including Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort; Renaissance Esmeralda Resort in Indian Wells, California; Hyatt Regency in Hilton Head; and the Park Hyatt in San Francisco. Paul was a member of the Panama City Airport Authority, founding

Say “I Do” at Edgewater Beach & Golf Resort

president of Golf the Florida Gulf, on the board of directors of the Emerald Coast Boys and Girls Club, and the co-creator of the Emerald Coast Billfish Classic.

By Kelli Deary In my experience as the former editor of a local destination wedding magazine, I’ve learned that brides today

“We have so much to offer our customer. A new

are looking for a beautiful place to

form of vacation is emerging called ‘Togethering,’

have their wedding but, they are

which is all about family legacies and bringing three

also seeking the comfort of knowing

and sometimes four generations together. We offer

everything is going to be taken care of to make their day special and stress-free. Signature loca-

four-bedroom suites and the amenities cannot be

tions along the Emerald Coast have garnered a reputation for hosting these carefree, memorable

outdone at The Resort Collection,” said Paul.

events. Considered a “driving destination,” our divine locations as well as the world's most beautiful

Photo by Paul Johnson Photography

beaches have played a major role in providing elegantly serene settings for saying “I do.”

The Resort Collection is the largest rental management company in Panama City Beach and is managed by The Edgewater Beach Resort Management. The resort boasts more than 1,500 full-service suites and villas, ninety thousand square feet of indoor and outdoor meeting space,

To alleviate the stress of planning destination weddings, I usually advise couples to book at an all-inclusive resort, especially if the bride and groom are not familiar with the area. However, if the couple is familiar with the area, such as Caroline Cox and Randy Brantley, resort locations are great for designated activities, such as a spa for the bridesmaids’ gathering, a poolside rehearsal dinner, or a reception in the resort ballroom.

thirty-six holes of championship golf, including the

Caroline and Randy are one of many couples to celebrate their nuptials at Edgewater Beach & Golf

Hombre Golf Club on Florida’s upper Gulf Coast.

Resort. They chose the ballroom as the perfect location for their reception following their intimate

In addition, the resort offers state-of-the-art fit-

ceremony at her parents' home in Wild Heron. Guests entered the elegant ballroom filled with tow-

ness centers and spas, six fabulous restaurants,

ering sprays of calla lilies and fresh-cut daisies. Strands of gemstones and ribbons cascaded from

fourteen Plexicushion tennis courts, and twenty-

crystal chandeliers. As guests marveled at the exquisite detail, they were directed to a gourmet buffet

one luxurious pools, including Edgewater Beach &

of fresh seafood, pasta bar, international cheeses, and a decadent three-tiered cake, with each tier

Golf Resort’s famous eleven thousand square-foot

accented in yellow and black fondant flowers and beads. The cake was topped with a spray of fac-

Lagoon Pool with cascading waterfalls and sur-

eted gems and a silver monogram of the newlyweds' initials.

rounding hot tubs.

The company also includes the family-friendly Edgewater Beach & Golf Resort, intimate Majestic Beach Resort, new luxuriously sensible Emerald Beach Resort, Long Beach Resort, En Soleil, and Marina Landing.

Guests were seated as acclaimed actress Courtney Cox, Caroline’s maid of honor and aunt, toasted the bride and groom. Careful attention to detail, delicious food, and a night of mingling and dancing with friends and family made this event every bride’s dream.

Edgewater Beach & Golf Resort is one of two locations owned by The Resort Collection of Panama City Beach that cater to weddings and events. Majestic Beach Resort is an additional location and also provides breathtaking Gulf views, a relaxing spa, a movie theatre, a restaurant, catering, and an event-planning department.

To learn more about The Resort Collection please

For information on planning weddings or special events, call Edgewater Beach & Golf Resort

visit www.resortspcbeach.com or call 866-203-1164.

at 800-874-8686, Majestic Beach Resort at 866-494-3364, or visit www.resortspcbeach.com.

VIE - Spring/Summer 2008

83

Understanding a

Pioneering Real Estate Market

Written by Ron Romano

Photo by Jessie Shepard

still laugh as I look back on how we discovered Northwest Florida.

the next century. The feeling in the state house in Tallahassee and among

We lived in Colorado at the time and had always wanted to live on the

locals is that the new airport will do the same thing for this area that the

water. My wife and I were on a dive trip in the Cayman Islands. The

Southwest Florida International Airport did for Ft. Myers/Naples thirty years

dive masters on our trip had lived all over the world. We had to ask them:

ago. It will open up Northwest Florida for business and expose us to the

“Where are the best beaches?” They smiled and said, “The best beaches

Northeast, Europe and beyond.

in the world are on the Florida Panhandle.” That was in 1999; we visited the Florida Panhandle the next year and spent two weeks traveling from

Southwest Airlines mentioned that our area was fractioned and needed a

Panama City Beach to Gulf Shores, Alabama. We fell in love with Scenic

branding logo. Local business leaders came together, hired PR firms and

30-A, bought a house and the rest, as they say, is history.

finally came up with “The Beach” to brand the area from Escambia to Gulf counties. There is something for everyone here, and we feature beaches

This area is truly a “Pioneering Market,” – a market that remains relatively

that are better than those of the French and Mexican Rivieras. From the

undiscovered, it is still figuring out what it is and what it will become. During

historic town of Pensacola to the famous oyster capital of Apalachicola,

real estate cycles, prices in a pioneering market will fluctuate more than

what the area truly represents is the “American Riviera”.

those in established markets. However, there is no place where I would rather invest in real estate over the next ten to twenty years. It is an op-

The entire area is transforming. Pensacola, reminiscent of a smaller New

portunity to invest in the most beautiful part of the country that is now

Orleans, is seeing revitalization, great change and job growth, and the Uni-

being discovered.

versity of West Florida continues to grow. Massive growth in nearby Mobile’s manufacturing and shipping industries will only serve to fuel growth on

The new Bay County International Airport will be a great catalyst for change.

the Gulf Coast. Our area features substantial military infrastructure from

The first airport built in the United States since the attacks of September

Pensacola’s NAS and Whiting Field to Eglin Air Force Base – the largest

11, it will have the FAA’s latest safety features and will be a model for

military installation in the world and soon-to-be home for training the next

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VIE - Spring/Summer 2008

As Warren Buffet says, “Buy when everyone is selling and sell when everyone is buying.”

generation Joint Strike Fighter – to Panama City’s Naval Support Activity

Money managers and other financial advisors are once again beginning to

and Tyndall Air Force Base.

recommend investing in real estate. Prices have corrected and once again represent a “great buy” when compared with other coastal markets. We

Ft. Walton Beach is growing with new condominiums on the intercoastal

predict that in 2008 we will see a return to a more normal market as fore-

waterway and the revitalization of the historic downtown. The former,

closures peak and the best deals will be snapped up by savvy buyers. The

“quaint little fishing village” of Destin is all grown up but the fishing is still

broader market will continue to struggle into 2009 with an anticipated

world-class, and rivals Cabo San Lucas for the title of “Best Sport Fishing

rebound in 2010 coinciding with the completion of the new airport. How-

in the World.” The Choctawhatchee Bay provides wonderful recreational

ever, all real estate markets are local, and smaller “lifestyle” communities and

experiences from fishing to aquatic lounging on Crab Island.

gulf front properties will rebound sooner, as the adage “Location, Location, Location” always holds true.

30-A is a special place that draws comparisons to Nantucket and Malibu; it has become a hiding place for the rich and famous and those that are

Traditionally, real estate markets have a “bull’s-eye” effect. The core areas

simply looking to “get away from it all.” Seaside was the birthplace of new

boom, and outlying secondary markets such as Milton, Crestview, Freeport,

urbanism in the early 80s and remains a model in town planning. Water-

Mexico Beach and Port St. Joe, will increase as a result. When the market

Color, WaterSound, Alys Beach and Rosemary Beach provide luxurious

softens, these areas tend to be the hardest hit and take longer to rebound.

settings for families and couples alike. More than seventy percent of the

In many of our coastal markets we have seen corrections of forty to fifty

land in Walton County south of the Choctawhatchee Bay is designated as

percent (in some cases seventy percent) in prices since 2004 and 2005.

state park or state forest. And Grayton Beach State Park is consistently on

As we like to say, “The beach is on sale!” It will be on sale for a limited

the Best Beaches list.

time only and you don’t want to miss it. Where is the bottom? No one can predict the bottom of a market, but when foreclosures ramp up and money

Panama City Beach is transforming right before our eyes, with expansive

is hard to come by, you are close.

condominiums, shopping, restaurants, marinas and more. The Simon Group recently opened Pier Park, a 900,000 square foot regional shop-

There is a great amount of demand and the number of people looking at

ping and entertainment center right on the beach. Panama City Beach

our local real estate has never been greater. Lower interest rates, drastically

has the infrastructure to grow and will be the closest beach community

lower property insurance and taxes are all catalysts that will accelerate our

to the new airport.

real estate turnaround. Best of all, we have the best beaches in the country, if not the world. People that buy in today’s market will see tremendous ap-

Mexico Beach, Windmark Beach, Indian Pass and Port St. Joe were hit

preciation. As Warren Buffet says, “Buy when everyone is selling and sell

extremely hard by the recent real estate slowdown. These areas are more

when everyone is buying.”

secluded and less developed, providing a slower pace and a more remote getaway. The St. Joe Company owns over eighty percent of Gulf County and is banking on a resurgence of the real estate in this area, placing a

Ron Romano is the Broker/Owner of The Beach Group, a residential and commer-

large investment in Windmark Beach and the old company-town of Port St.

cial real estate and development firm that specializes in the needs of high net worth

Joe. Rumors persist about cruise ships and even casino gambling for the

individuals, corporations, and in-

region but for now, these are just speculation.

vestors on the Scenic 30-A Corridor. The company was founded

Apalachicola is a quiet fishing village with a rich history and is continuing

in 2003 by Romano and Andy

to see revitalization. Stately old homes continue to be rehabilitated, and

Wiggins. They can be reached at

new restaurants and shops are coming together to bring Apalachicola

www.BeachGroupFlorida.com

back to life.

or 850-622-0107.

Photo by Marla Carter VIE - Spring/Summer 2008

85

absolutely cannot be denied. Yet when we were down, I was amazed at how many were taking the opportunity to bash the integrity and reputation of South Walton.

Ours is a real estate- and tourist-driven area, so non-locals and locals alike seemed to be losing faith in South Walton because of the real estate meltdown. What struck me the most in online, printed, and person-to-person conversation was how myopic and reactionary the perspective had suddenly become. Incredibly frustrated, but knowing that it is possible for just one person to initiate positive change, I decided something had to be done to put a positive spin back into the dialogue. So at the end of 2007, I launched a blog called SoWal Scene (www.sowalscene.com).

My core mission with SoWal Scene is to provide the local community with a much-needed blast of optimism − and with a place for people to find reassurance that conditions are not as bad as the

MAKING A SCENE Written by Jill Gaupin / Photo by Marla Carter

local chatter might lead one to believe. I live here, so I know the realities of life in South Walton. And what do I know? Our beaches are as beautiful as ever. New businesses, large and small, continue to

W

open all around South Walton. The community, already populated with dynamic hat can I say? I have little

in 2004 and 2005, life had been moving

and creative individuals, grows as more

tolerance for complaining

along blissfully in our slice of paradise un-

and more people choose to make this

and no tolerance for nega-

til 2006, when the astronomical run-up in

their permanent home. Rental occupancy

tivity. I also happen to adore my adopted

real estate pricing came to a screeching

has consistently grown from year to year,

home of South Walton. Not only are we

halt. Seemingly overnight, the collective

thanks to the marketing efforts of the

surrounded by stunning natural beauty

conversation morphed from an ode to the

new urban and other resort communi-

that takes one’s breath away, but also, the

charming life in South Walton to a tirade of

ties and the Tourist Development Council.

people who make up this fine community

complaint and negativity.

Our schools are starting to rank as some of the best in the state. Our state and

are some of the most passionate and contented folk I have ever met. With the ex-

The inevitable market correction has had a

local taxes are among the lowest in the

ception of a few nasty hurricane seasons

crippling effect on the local economy that

country. The state owns approximately 40

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VIE - Spring/Summer 2008

percent of the land in South Walton, providing a haven for nature lovers and the eco-conscious as well as all kinds of wildlife and endangered species; and will also act as a buffer against over-development.

And the real estate market is offering up some great buying opportunities for those who want to live here. All is well.

My greatest challenge with SoWal Scene is trying to communicate the positive without sounding like I am na誰ve and out-of-touch. I know that many people are struggling financially at the moment.

Some good people made some bad decisions and have been caught up in the real estate frenzy. Many locals are employed in the real estate and development sectors, which have been hit hard by the downturn. But as history has shown, what goes up must come down, and vice versa. Our current economic difficulties are no exception, but we will persevere. Not only will we persevere, but also we will continue to evolve into a world-class destination.

In the meantime, I want my readers to know that I will be online, acting as a steward and an anchor of all things positive, celebrating the people and the land of what I think is the most beautiful place in the world--South Walton County.

Jill Gaupin has lived in Point Washington since 2002. In addition to starting SoWal Scene, Ms. Gaupin is in the process of launching an online stock photo business for the Emerald Coast and an online graphic design web business for the yoga industry.

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BREWING BIODIESEL in Point Washington

Written by Tim Dutrow Illustration by Eric Shepard 88

VIE - Spring/Summer 2008

W

ith rising fuel costs and global warming concerns, some locals may be thinking, “As a resident of Northwest Florida, what can I do to help make a difference?” or “I don’t live in a big city and therefore do not have access to resources in my area to even

old florida attitude fresh new style

consider an alternative fuel for my car.” If people are truly interested in beginning to make a change in order to help sustain Mother Earth, there is at least one viable option to consider—biodiesel.

I was first introduced to biodiesel as an alternative fuel in the spring of 2006. The possibility of fueling my vehicle with a non-petroleum-based, renewable fuel provided me with an exciting avenue to pursue and taking conservation matters into my own hands. Biodiesel is considered a renewable fuel because it is easily replaceable, unlike petroleum-based fuels. Many people believe that expensive or complicated modifications must be made to their cars in order for them to run efficiently on biodiesel.

In my initial research, I quickly discovered that all diesel vehicles can run on 100% biodiesel, with no complicated conversion necessary. I am often asked what I did in order to “convert” my Volkswagen Jetta to be able to run on biodiesel, and I reply with a big smile and say, “Nothing!” The question is common because biodiesel is often confused with straight vegetable oil (SVO), another alternative biofuel, which requires costly conversions of diesel motors and fuel distribution systems.

What exactly is biodiesel? Technically, it is fatty acid methyl esters (FAME).

I could provide a complicated chemical equation, but I do not wish to consume your time with chemistry; this is not an article for a science monthly magazine. In simpler terms, FAME is French fry oil (or some variety of vegetable oil) that has been converted by transesterification. This process takes place through a chemical reaction after adding methanol and potassium hydroxide to heated vegetable oil. This conversion process is necessary in order to remove the glycerin molecules from the fatty acids; in effect, this “thins” the vegetable oil in order to create a fuel that is useable and suitable for combustion engines—specifically, diesel engines.

How can a person obtain biodiesel fuel? There are a couple

Commerce Street and Avenue E Historic Apalachicola 850.653.1411 www.Shopavenuee.com

of different options: one is to use a biodiesel supplier, and another is to “brew” it; I do the latter with a homemade transesterification processor right here in historic Point Washington, Florida. Some people obtain a tremendous sense of satisfaction from distilling their own wine or beer; I feel the same fulfillment from making my own fuel.

VIE - Spring/Summer 2008

89

I

n some ways, I find brewing biodiesel to be similar to making wine and beer, but the equipment and quantities are on a larger scale to match the consumption demand; cars are considerably

“thirstier” than people.

Biodiesel can vary in color (light to dark amber) depending upon the source of the feedstock (source oil). Similarly, beer will vary in color depending on the source of the hops used in it. Additionally, similar to beer (and wine), the quality of the biodiesel has a direct correlation to the care the brewer takes during the process; time and patience are necessary in order to brew a good product. With a little research, an educational seminar (if possible), and a nominal financial investment, a person can build his/her own biodiesel brewer. Despite minor toxin hazards, it is quite safe; biodiesel fuel is not volatile like gasoline. In fact, it will not ignite with a match. Although eliminating petroleum dependency for my transportation needs remained my primary reason for making biodiesel, I found that brewing my own biodiesel has also dramatically cut my fuel costs.

Home brewing biodiesel fuel is not recommended for people who do not desire to “get their hands dirty” (harvesting used vegetable oil at your local restaurant requires this).

Contacting a biodiesel supplier would be a wiser choice for these people. With the increasing demand for alternative fuels, sources for biodiesel are beginning to grow. Some fuel stations or

ratio. Being able to use petroleum diesel as well as biodiesel is one of the

depots actually offer biodiesel alongside the petroleum-based options.

great benefits of this alternative fuel. I am proud to say that in the last two

The more a specific technology is developed and accepted, the less ex-

years, I have fueled my Jetta with petroleum diesel only once. However, if

pensive it usually becomes in the future. In the United States, the cost

petroleum diesel is used on a regular basis, the fuel filter will need to be

of biodiesel is competitive with its conventional counterpart; in some

changed more often than when using only biodiesel. This alternative fuel

countries, it is less expensive than petroleum-based fuel. The American

tends to loosen petro-contaminants from the filter, and these particles are

biodiesel industry is currently growing at an astounding rate of 20-30%

not desired in engines.

per year according to a recent story in USA Today. As a result, more biodiesel suppliers will be established in the near future. Some suppliers

The biodiesel industry is ever changing and increasing in popularity. Tech-

even make “house calls,” delivering the biodiesel to a private storage

nology and manufacturers are beginning to embrace it at a growing rate.

tank that the consumer supplies. T-Gill Fuels of Pensacola is one such

For example, Volkswagen and Scania are telling their European customers

supplier, and a new plant is coming soon to the Mossy Head area.

that they welcome fueling their cars with biodiesel, but it may take longer for that mentality to take hold in the United States. In actuality, biodiesel is

Questions may arise, such as “What if I am on the road and can’t find

better for engines because it has more “lubricity,” reducing some engine

a biodiesel fuel source?” Biodiesel users can simply fill their fuel tanks

wear. This fuel is also better for the environment; it burns cleaner, giving off

with conventional petroleum diesel. Biodiesel can be blended at any

fewer pollutants, and it is biodegradable. Additionally, with the automobile

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...it is quite safe; biodiesel fuel is not volatile like gasoline. industry improving engine efficiency and aerodynamics, diesel-powered cars that are capable of attaining 150 mpg are emerging onto the market (such as the German-designed Loremo, which is due for production next year in Germany and in 2010 in the United States). As more efficient automobiles, similar to the Loremo, become prominent in the relatively near future, air pollutants and dependency on petroleum-based fuels can be substantially reduced.

However, in order for the biodiesel industry to strive and maintain its viability in the marketplace, the feedstock must be both environmentally responsible and sustainable. (Feedstock is the source from which the oil is harvested in order to produce biodiesel.) Currently, most sources for biodiesel are also shared with food crops. This makes it vitally important that the biodiesel industry implement sustainable practices that do not promote the clearing of forests in order to produce feedstock. Other non-food resources for fuel are gaining traction in this industry, such as algae and biomass. Current technology is approaching the ability to harvest 4,000 gallons of oil per acre through the farming of algae, whereas soybeans produce only 50 gallons of oil per acre. This technology not only supports domestic farmers but also discourages deforestation around the globe.

Society appears to demand a simpler solution for all concerns, like taking a single pill. Using algae as a practical stock source is about 5 to 10 years away. This fuel source must be used in a responsible manner because it may have potential adverse effects on the natural environment. Biodiesel is no panacea, just one small, yet important, piece to the overall puzzle.

Conservation through education and lifestyle changes are vital. Everyone holds a piece to this puzzle—that we call the world.

If you are interested in making a difference to conserving our world’s natural resources and joining the alternative fuel revolution, here are some suggested research sources that I highly recommend: Piedmont Biofuels (http://biofuels.coop) and Girl Mark (www.girlmark.com). Piedmont has a biodiesel curriculum available for download (free). Maria “Girl Mark” Alovert tours the country teaching biodiesel brewing methods and specializes in the Appleseed Processor technique. I also highly recommend the book Biodiesel, Basics and Beyond written by William H. Kemp. My thirst for biodiesel has taken hold! Has yours?

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Photos courtesy of Wilderness Music

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We are so insignificant in this universe – sitting on planet earth as it furiously spins. We are not big enough to challenge the forces of nature or even the vast amounts of space around us. Equally, we are not too small – with all of the elements hanging in balance “just so,” allowing us to survive, thrive and live.

Written by Kirsten Reed

This was the epiphany Greg Barnhill had in his tenth grade astronomy class when he grasped the enormity of the universe we live in. It was a significant moment because years later, at o matter how small this life may feel in the broader perspective of our world, Barnhill is determined age 48, this singer/songwriter to make his life big by living out loud through his still reflects on it and challenges soulful, sometimes provocative, prose and music. himself each day to be a bigger Barnhill’s tireless passion for expressing his origipart of the world. nal thoughts is instantly evident when talking with

him. When sitting down with Barnhill, one becomes inspired to do more and give more. His energy is contagious and his sensitivity is dialed in to those around him.

Whether he writes a song, performs for charity, produces and collaborates with other musicians, or films a documentary, this is one creative genius who does not believe in resting on his laurels. A typical day for Barnhill might include writing two or three songs, discussing his latest ideas for inventions to better the earth, spending time with his wife and friends, and finishing off the night performing his music in a famous downtown Nashville venue for a local hospice group. “It’s what I do.

It’s all I’ll ever do,” said Barnhill.

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B

arnhill is known best for his songwriting hit Walkaway Joe,

Barnhill has cut a few of his own albums, The Beachfront Project

recorded by Trisha Yearwood and Don Henley; the single be-

(1997), The Psalm of St. Germaine (1997) and No Chaser (2002), which

came a turning point for his career. It quickly gained popular-

reveal his raw voice, diverse musical compositions, and poignant lyrics.

ity in the music charts, and Barnhill was nominated for a Grammy in

He plans to release a new CD due out this fall. He has written more

1993. “That song will always be special to me because it gave me a

than 1,000 songs with at least 50 recorded by other artists. His musical

foothold,” said Barnhill.

inspiration comes from everything around him.

The songwriter had a huge crossover pop hit with House of Love, writ-

“I don’t know where it comes from – everything – the stuff I love. Some-

ten for Amy Grant and Vince Gill, and his song She’s Taken a Shine,

times it’s whatever we might be talking about. I let it mull around and

written for John Berry, hit number one. Other hits include 99.9% sure,

brew. Great songs brew,” said Barnhill. “The best songs are when in-

I’ve Never Been Here Before with Brian McComas, Never Been Kissed

spiration hits us and when the climate is right. They become songs that

with Sherrie Austin and Same ‘Ol Love, with Ricky Skaggs.

are cathartic for people to listen to.”

Since then, Barnhill's songs have been embraced by many other fa-

Because Barnhill is in high demand as a writer, producer, and per-

mous recording artists including Tim McGraw, Etta James, Lonestar,

former, he often travels around the world to work with other acclaimed

Jessica Simpson, Martina McBride, and Lee Ann Womack. Barnhill's

songwriters and artists. Kim Carnes, Michael McDonald, The Neville

voice has been heard on many movie soundtracks, commercials, and

Brothers, and Jason Scheff (Chicago) are just a few of the artists re-

TV shows including Growing Pains, The View, and Baywatch. Barnhill

questing Barnhill’s talents. He has also written with Howie Dorough

co-wrote and produced The Today Show promo, which earned him an

(Backstreet Boys) and Nick Lachey.

Emmy nomination in 2007.

Barnhill is easily able to cross generational lines and write for all musical genres because he constantly works on his craft and stays tuned in to his environment. “Greg pursues every avenue possible. He is not just country – he is ‘up’ on all the latest songs in all genres of music,” said his wife, Amy Smith Heinz, a music publisher and president of Wilderness Music.

Recently, Barnhill collaborated with singers/songwriters Joanna Cotten and Melissa Manchester to write a song.

During their session, he and the women started talking about what it means to women to be self-confident, and the words started flowing to craft the 94

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“It’s what I do. It’s all I’ll ever do.”

-Barnhill

song, I Know Who I Am. “That song has such a powerful message. Greg is really a writer’s writer,” said Smith Heinz. “When he goes into a room he is really tuned in to others’ emotions. He has a knack for pulling out the feelings of his co-writers.”

The song was cut by Beyonce for her new album to be released in May. According to sources, Beyonce has been calling I Know Who I Am her anthem song.

“The best songs are inspired. They aren’t necessarily your idea, they come through you. I just serve as the vehicle to bring life to the inspiration,” says Barnhill. “You know a great song when you write it. I knew instantly

Barnhill experienced his first taste of fame when he was the voice of

Walkaway Joe was a hit song. There are a bunch of songs I’ve written

the New Orleans Saints and recorded the Bless You Boys anthem; the

that I know are great, but it’s all in the timing. The planets have to line

song played locally on television promotions and airwaves. “Oh, it was

up and I have to think about how it will fit into the marketplace.”

on TV all the time and it was just the goofiest thing in the world,” Barnhill recalls with a chuckle. “Everyone would recognize me and it got old

Growing up in New Orleans, Barnhill was influenced by music at an

real quick. There were no boundaries between public and private.”

early age and credits much of his roots to his grandfather and parents.

Although Barnhill calls Nashville home now, he still has close ties to “Living in New Orleans, I grew up listening to soulful music and I have

the Gulf Coast. Barnhill made his home in Seagrove Beach in the late

always leaned toward rhythm and blues. My grandfather played every

‘90s, enjoying the simple and serene lifestyle along 30-A in Northwest

instrument known to man. He definitely influenced my love for music,”

Florida. The allure of life along the beach has never left him and he

said Barnhill. “My mom and dad listened to everything – Ray Charles,

often returns here with his wife to escape the Nashville scene.

Tschaikovsky, The Beatles and Janis Joplin. So I was exposed to a lot of different sounds and genres.”

“It’s our second home and any time we get away, we come down here,” said Barnhill. “There is just something about the area that is part of me.

At the University of Southern Mississippi, where he honed his musical

I remember taking fishing trips with my grandfather, visiting the area all

skills through course work, Barnhill became more than a great song-

the time, and growing up along the coast.”

writer and guitar player; he became a well rounded musician. “We had great teachers and I learned a lot.”

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“This business is not for the faint of heart ..."

-Smith Heinz

away. Barnhill’s parents saw their home destroyed by the relentless winds unleashed by Katrina, and everything they owned was gone in a matter of moments.

“To see the destruction and my mom go through shock and then grief, well – it went deep. It really affected me,” said Barnhill.

Rummaging through the debris left scattered about his parents’ property, Barnhill found an old music box he had while growing up. He examined the box covered with rust and deemed it garbage, throwing it into a bag. “As soon as it hit the bottom of the bag, it started playing,” said Barnhill, who quickly retrieved it and keeps it today as a reminder of the hope after the storm. to the area by inviting top names in the music industry to come collabo-

With a positive attitude as his compass, Barnhill gives time to help

rate on songs or help with pro bono concert events. He has introduced

build the music business infrastructure in Louisiana communities. He

several artists to the area, all of whom having been lured by the beauty

coordinates efforts to bring more music and art education programs

of Northwest Florida, and several of whom have purchased homes.

to schools. “Any great nation is judged by its art and what it leaves behind,” said Barnhill. “We need to keep these in our schools.”

Barnhill and his wife have repeatedly come to the Gulf Coast with open hearts and generosity, performing gratis in eight to ten different

Although Barnhill has had enormous commercial success with many

charity events over the years. Their favorite events benefit children.

of his original songs, there was a time in his career when things did

Most recently, he provided the entertainment for Salon Twist's Second

not look so bright. A publishing scam robbed him and his wife, as well

Annual Change the World Fundraiser at Alys Beach, which benefited

as 22 other hit songwriters, of money and the rights to songs. The or-

the Barnes Family Foundation. The evening was dedicated to raising

deal put them through a lengthy and expensive legal battle. It was then,

money to build a home for abandoned Ukrainian children.

while ‘getting away from it all’ and celebrating her 39th birthday at the beach, that Barnhill’s wife picked up a camcorder and decided to make

“All the people I have known along the Florida Gulf Coast, and the won-

lemonade from lemons by documenting both the joys and hardships of

derful memories I have from living here, make me feel like such a part

life as a songwriter.

of the community,” said Barnhill. “I feel beholden to give back. There is a lot of need. Just because the community is affluent, doesn’t mean

“It was a hard time in our life,” Smith Heinz recalls. “We wondered if we

there are not any needs to be met.”

would ever own those songs again.” She cites the documentary as being both an outlet of expression and a way to cope with everything they were

Hurricane Katrina brought its destruction to the Gulf Coast in August

going through. She picked up the camcorder and relentlessly recorded

2005, and with it many lives, homes, and businesses were washed

all the ups and downs, hard work, and rejection a songwriter faces.

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“I wanted the film to be a true documentary, to teach about the business of music,” said Smith Heinz. “This business is not for the faint of heart and it’s not for someone who doesn’t have a passion for it.”

The film documents the ordinary and extraordinary details of their lives as songwriter and music publisher in the industry – from the lows, when Smith Heinz pitches Barnhill’s songs and is rejected, to the highs, when they learn the exciting news of a big cut like Beyonce.

“The film is interesting because it is real life. It wasn’t always pretty,” said Smith Heinz. “In fact, there was a ferocious argument between me and Greg in Las Vegas that I recorded. It was raw and all on film.

You can’t do a documentary and not be real.” Barnhill, who originally was opposed to filming the documentary, cringes as he remembers the incident and says it still makes him uncomfortable to watch.

Other highlights of the documentary include Barnhill hawking his CDs on a street corner in New Orleans after the Saints lost a playoff game.

The CD was labeled All I Want for Christmas Is the Saints to Win. “People were angry because the Saints had just lost and I was getting heckled,” recalls Barnhill. “The only thing tougher than hawking your music on a street corner is selling pre-paid legal–and I’ve done that too!” Smith Heinzis currently working on pitching the documentary, entitled For the Record, to film festivals and television networks.

Whatever is recorded about Greg Barnhill’s life, in print or in the studio, he is sure to make his mark in the music industry as somebody who did something with music other than enjoying the fruits of his own success. “I want to be a force in music rather than a fixture,” says Barnhill.

“I believe you should enjoy what you do every day and take it all in before it goes by. Life is too short and no amount of money is worth it.

Thank God I get to do this!”

Kirsten Koza Reed is a freelance writer who grew up along the Northwest Florida coast. She currently lives in the Nashville area with her husband and two children.

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t h e

p e n s a c o l a

s a e n g e r

t h e a t r e

The

GRAND DAME Gets a Facelift

renovations impact culture and business in a northwest florida communit y 98

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writ ten by kirsten reed / photo graphy by michael duncan

hat if getting a facelift promised to restore a bit of

of doing cinemascope.” For the duration of World War II, newsreels played

your treasured history and increase your life expec-

on the Saenger screen 24 hours a day. She served her patrons well, bringing

tancy? Both hold true for one 82-year-old Pensacola

them the latest news from the war. During this time, all available metal was

native who plans to undergo such a restoration in order to keep herself

being used for the war effort. Therefore, when new seats were installed in

center stage in Northwest Florida’s world of arts.

the downstairs area, they were missing the typical metal springs, a condition that remains to this day.

The Pensacola Saenger Theatre has a longstanding relationship with the public. The theatre has proudly donned her theatrical wardrobe over the

Lee explained, “Twenty-five years ago, we converted the Saenger from

years, bringing to its audiences countless shows, ballets, operas, and, most

a defunct movie house back into a place for cultural entertainment.”

of all, memories. Although the wrinkles of time highlight her age, a $14

However, 25 years is a long time, and with time comes age. Unfortunately,

million renovation will keep her at the top of the cultural world where she is

an aging theatre is limited in terms of being able to stage modern perfor-

bound to outlive us all with her rich history and timeless beauty.

mances and subsequently bring in revenues.

Born in 1925 during the popularity of Vaudeville, Pensacola’s Saenger Theatre

Restoring and renovating the building that is listed on the National Register

opened to the envy of her peers. Incorporating progressive technology that

of Historical Places is complex and expensive. In January, the City of

included electric lights, she boasted beautiful paintings surrounded by

Pensacola awarded the construction project to Dooley Mack Constructors

glorious Spanish Baroque architecture in a Rococo style. No other theatre

of Sarasota, Florida, who bid $12.3 million for the job. Ground broke in

could rival her luxurious plush seats in such a beautiful setting as she played

early February, and the renovations are expected to be completed by early

host to silent screen classics and Broadway plays.

2009. Funding for the renovations is being supported by the City of Pensacola and Escambia County through a local option sales tax which will cover

Designed by New Orleans architect Emile Weil, the theatre was one of

$8 million of the cost.

several that were opened in Pensacola by the Saenger Amusement Company. Over time, the Saenger evolved from Vaudeville, to cinema, to

Additional funding will be provided by a private sector group, Friends of

cultural arts center to meet the needs of the community.

the Saenger, which is the fundraising arm of the Pensacola Saenger Theatre.

According to Kathy Summerlin, Development Director for Friends of the

General Manager Doug Lee was present for all of the changes that occurred

Saenger, “Our goal is to fund at least $1 million through Friends of the

in recent years. Lee began at the Saenger in 1981 as a truck loader, learning

Saenger. So far we are at about $900,000. We are working hard to get the

the operations as he worked his way up to general manager in 1994. During

word out to our community so we can meet our goal.”

the past few years, Lee has witnessed Pensacola’s Grand Lady grow, bringing audiences new adventures and experiences.

“When the Saenger was built in 1925, it was cutting edge because it had electric lights,” said Lee. “Believe it or not, they weren’t sure if electricity was going to be a trend that lasted, so they went ahead and put in piping for gas lights so they would have it just in case.”

Beautiful young people are accidents of nature, but beautiful old people are works of art. ~ Eleanor Roosevelt

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The results of survey research revealed that patrons wanted more comfortable seating in the theatre. Therefore, new seats will replace the outdated and uncomfortable existing seats. They will be one to two inches larger and will be more spread out to allow for additional leg room. As a result of the planned improvements, the theatre will lose approximately 200 seats, lowering the total occupancy to slightly more than 1600.

“We have found a historic replica of the original seats and a company who can give the same look but with modern hardware,” said Lee. “It will give our patrons a more comfortable, safer seat.”

Summerlin stated that the Friends of the Saenger is offering members of the community the opportunity to engrave their names in history by purchasing one of the new seats. With a donation of $1,000, patrons will have the option for seats to be engraved with their name or dedicated to honor a loved one.

In addition to new seating, renovation plans include expanding the stage, orchestra pit, and dressing rooms. Other additions include a multi-purpose room and updated technology with a computerized fly system. Although they are creating a new entrance on Intendencia Street, Lee stated that steps are being taken to keep the theatre as historically accurate as possible.

“We have brought in preservation specialists who did a microscopic analysis of all the paint layers and came up with a palette of colors we will use to restore the look from 1925,” explained Lee. “The entire inside, including the decorative paintings and gold leafing, will be restored. All of the elements will really pop!”

Additional bathrooms and improved acoustics and sound equipment will provide patrons with a more enjoyable experience. Further, behind the scenes activities at the Saenger will also be positively impacted by the renovations, enabling the theatre to host bigger and better productions. The renovation will increase the total area of the theatre from 38,000 to 62,000 square feet. In addition, staff offices for the Saenger will now be located in the building, and off-site offices will no longer have to be leased.

One of the most important behind the scenes improvements that will significantly impact the quality and scope of shows is the addition of a covered loading dock and freight elevator. “Because the Saenger is an old Vaudeville-style theatre, it was originally designed to suit much smaller acts that carried their scenery in a trunk,” explained Lee. “Today most shows travel in large trucks, and there is just no place to put scenery between acts.” In order to accommodate larger shows, the staff would schedule longer intermissions, allowing crews more time to move the scenery in from outside. Often times, weather would cause even more problems because the scenery would sit in the rain, and the production 100

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Old age is no place for sissies. ~ Bette Davis

crew would have to take time to dry off the set before beginning the second act.

According to Lee, “We missed a lot of bigger shows like Les Misérables because of our space issues. We did Cats, but it was a smaller tour with fewer props, so we weren’t giving our audience the full effect.”

The renovations assure better programming for the future. “These improvements allow us to have shows we couldn’t accommodate before,” Lee asserted. “If we can attract more shows to Pensacola that include major productions, we can definitely influence the future financial picture of the Saenger.”

The expansion of the orchestra pit is also integral to luring larger productions to the theatre. “Our pit was designed for Vaudeville musicians, seating only six to ten players. Now, we are a full arts center, and need at least 20-30 players,” stated Lee. “As it is now, they are almost sitting on each other. If one of the musicians needs to use the bathroom, the entire row has to file out.”

Another benefit of the renovation is additional lobby and meeting space within the theatre to accommodate groups and cast parties. The new entrance on Intendencia Street will provide the theatre with a second lobby, easing congestion in the main lobby. A 3,000-square-foot multi-purpose room will also be added to the theatre for receptions and meetings among members of the Pensacola business community.

Unquestionably, the expansion and renovation of the Saenger Theatre will positively affect the business climate of Pensacola. Rick Harper, Director of the Haas Center for Business Research at the University of West Florida, expects the improvements to Pensacola’s cultural icon to strengthen the business and cultural community.

Harper stated, “There is clearly an economic impact from the Saenger renovation. The three main areas impacted by the renovation are; construction and the jobs that it brings, supporting downtown and its businesses, and strengthening the cultural fabric of Pensacola by providing a quality of life for residents. The Saenger serves as the anchor for downtown and clearly

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impacts the downtown economy by bringing shows to Pensacola. About 80

Ball. Ball was there to speak about her career and some of her favorite skits

percent of revenue for the downtown restaurants comes from show nights

she performed throughout her life.

and it brings people downtown that would not otherwise come here. But the Saenger is also an important part of the cultural fabric of Pensacola

“It was one of my favorite memories. She really enjoyed herself,” recalls Lee.

and Northwest Florida, providing cultural entertainment to people who

“She was charming and a class act.”

value it.”

Although the Saenger closed its doors temporarily, following a Beatlemania The financial impact of the Saenger restoration will also extend beyond

show in June 2007, there is no doubt that the “Grand Dame” of theatres will

the immediate community to the tourism industry. A number of visitors

return in spectacular grandeur bringing new emotions, laughter, adventures,

returning to Pensacola cite the variety of cultural events the city offers in

and memories to last a lifetime for each of her patrons.

addition to the unspoiled beaches as reasons for their visits.

“We hope this latest renovation will once again make the Saenger Theatre a Ed Schroeder, Director of the Pensacola Bay Area Convention & Visitors

competitive force for arts and entertainment,” said Lee.

Bureau, realizes the importance of the Saenger project. “Pensacola is the only destination along the Gulf Coast that offers what we call the Big Five

At 82 years of age, the Saenger remains young and moves toward a brighter

– theatre, opera, symphony, arts, and a ballet. You can find aspects of those

and bolder future. She will certainly outlive us all.

throughout the coastal area, but not all in one community. Pensacola supports all five and they are thriving here. They don’t have separate venues; they share them and the crown jewel is the Saenger Theatre,” says Schroeder.

For more information about the Saenger Theatre, please contact Kathy Summerlin at (850) 595-3880 or

Schroeder added, “It is one of the classiest theatres in the South, and automatically plays an important role in getting high quality entertainment to our area, plus attracting repeat visitors who value cultural offerings.”

Tourists and locals alike are bound to Pensacola’s Saenger Theatre through the incredible experiences she has provided over the years. Lee recalls one of his most memorable nights at the Saenger 15 years ago when he met Lucille

And in the end, it’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years.

~ Abraham Lincoln

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visit the website at www.friendsofthesaenger.com.

If you prefer, you can mail your tax deductible contribution to: Friends of the Saenger Attn: Renovation P.O. Box 13666 Pensacola, FL 32591

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The story of the

SEASIDE REPERTORY THEATRE

Written by Craige Hoover / Photography by Gwyne Owens

T

he story of the Seaside Repertory Theatre has been equal

a young woman named Jennifer Steele. She had heard about my plans

parts comedy, tragedy, and fantasy. In our 8 years, the Rep’s

through her ties to the area and was interested in auditioning if it ever

trajectory has shifted with the region’s economic tide, en-

came to pass. She probably didn’t expect the phone call a few months

joying years of unbridled growth followed by brutal stagna-

later asking her to join me in my efforts. I will never forget her courage

tion. Along the way, we have found ourselves preparing for a move into

and faith in accepting my meager offer to move from Atlanta with her

a massive performing arts center one year, and sounding the alarm for

young son to start a theatre company from scratch in a town with about

financial rescue another. The Rep has endured, however, with the sup-

25 permanent residents.

port of saviors too numerous to mention, emerging as a different kind of company with a renewed focus, energy, and commitment to solidifying

In the spring of 2001, working out of a converted storage closet behind

the region’s cultural presence. Unless you have faced real adversity,

the old Collaborations in Seagrove Beach, Jennifer and I had raised

you never know how strong you can be. And if necessity truly does

about $15,000, and had selected our first summer season. The plays

spawn creativity, then we have settled on fertile ground.

were chosen partly because of their appeal, but mostly because they were cheap to produce. We were on our way.

In the Beginning…

The C-PAC Years In 1999, I was 22 years old and fearing a life in the thankless rat race that is the career of the vast majority of theatre actors. Living in San

The euphoric optimism that accompanied the economic boom of the

Francisco and attending graduate school, I shuddered at the thought of

next few years was not unique to the real estate market. The young

what was next. Instead of facing an uncertain future, I hatched a plan

Rep Theatre was booming, too. Corporate and private contributions

to start a summer stock theatre company in the little town of Seaside

were growing steadily as the entire region prospered. But perhaps the

where I had spent summers as a child. If I was going to starve doing

biggest coup to come the theatre’s way was the plan to build a world-

theatre, then I wanted to do it at the beach.

class performing arts center in the heart of Seaside. This multi-faceted project would include a large indoor theatre, an outdoor performance

After an encouraging lunch with Seaside founder Robert Davis in San

venue, office and classroom space, and housing units for visiting art-

Francisco in January 2000, I packed up the apartment and moved to

ists, all designed by one of the world’s pre-eminent architects (this is

Seaside, landing my old summer job as a bartender at Bud and Alley’s.

Seaside, after all). Of course, the C-PAC, as we called it, was not to be

It was here that I would bend the ear of anyone who would listen about

the home for the Seaside Repertory Theatre alone, but as the only resi-

my intentions. By the fall of that year, I had made too many promises to

dent performing arts group in Seaside, the Rep, C-PAC, and the suc-

turn back, and I set out looking for someone as foolish as I was to help

cess of each were certain to be inexorably linked.

me get the theatre off the ground.

Now, imagine you own a hot dog stand at a train station in Brooklyn.

Shortly before leaving California, I received a picture and resume from 104

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People love your hot dogs, and sales have been growing—not expo-

“I believe that in a great city, or even in a small city or a village, a great theater is the outward and visible sign of an inward and probable culture.”

- Sir Laurence Olivier

nentially, but steadily. Now imagine that Emeril Lagasse comes up to

estate market, understandably shifted their focus to their own affairs,

you at your hot dog stand and says he is opening a 10,000 square foot

and the Rep was, in many ways, adrift in dangerous seas.

Midtown restaurant, and he’d like for you to be his partner and souse chef. You’d have some work to do. That is how it felt in late 2004 when

By the summer of 2007, crisis mode had set in, and the Rep was staring

the Rep staff and board met to plan how our infantile theatre company,

at a bleak financial picture. Despite a largely successful season, there

which was barely selling out our 65-seat converted theatre space,

was no money in the bank, and we had accumulated far too much debt

could be ready to produce in a 250 seat, state-of-the-art facility in five

for a non-profit organization of our size. We held an emergency board

years or so. We had to grow up fast, and we set out augmenting our

meeting in July to discuss our options. I was expecting the worst. What

organization at every level. This effort was a great success; 2005 was

occurred was a galvanizing meeting in which the board vowed to pull

our most successful year financially and artistically.

the organization out of its hole with an aggressive fundraising campaign that would capitalize on our good standing within the community.

Despite its enormous price tag and questions about the popular demand for the project, the C-PAC enjoyed extraordinary momentum into 2005. A proposed partnership with the University of West Florida and the state of Florida seemed to make the initial and sustained funding of the project feasible. In the end, however, the partnership fell apart and support for the project dissipated. Though it was probably for the best in light of the subsequent economic downturn, the failure of the C-PAC to materialize left the Rep essentially “all dressed up with nowhere to go.”

Redefining the Rep The two years following the collapse of the C-PAC project were concurrent with the screeching halt of the real estate market. Suddenly, the realtors, developers, and their suppliers were unable to contribute as they had in our first few years. We hadn’t forecasted the downturn, and were, in fact, in the midst of the aggressive growth strategy that we had implemented in anticipation of the move into the larger space.

Attendance and membership remained high, but we were unable to sustain the financial trajectory we had forecasted. Rounding out the perfect storm was the fact that our Board of Governors, which consisted mainly of successful entrepreneurs with business tied to the real VIE - Spring/Summer 2008

105

The 2008 season will feature more programs geared toward our full-time residents, to those that have settled here and hopefully will be our patrons for years to come.

Responding to the cry for

arose. When our newest staff member, the indomitable Kevin Boyle,

help, the many stakehold-

took up the cause and volunteered to produce and direct the show

ers in our organization,

on the Rep stage, I didn’t hesitate. Three months and four sold out

namely our loyal patrons,

shows later the response was overwhelming. It was an affirmation

the Seaside homeown-

of our responsibility to those who have sustained us to provide a

ers, and area businesses,

broader range of cultural outlets not only for entertainment, but

came together in an ex-

also for community.

traordinary display of support, contributing more than $50,000 over the next few months. A matching grant of $30,000 from the Merchants of

In addition to the Starlight Film Series, Camp Showtime, and an ad-

Seaside provided the funds to not only stay afloat, but also a buffer with

ditional outdoor children’s show, we are instituting an internship pro-

which we could implement our new initiatives. I have never been so

gram for high school drama students to work with us on professional

proud of the community. Despite suffering through a local recession,

productions during their summer breaks. We have hosted environmen-

members of the community realized the importance of our existence in

tal awareness presentations, Escape to Create exhibitions, and we are

the long term and came to our financial rescue in a huge way.

planning more community events to boot. I look forward to the opportunity to lead the Rep down its newest path. The 2008 season will feature

With most of our immediate financial concerns behind us, I set about

more programs geared toward our full-time residents, to those that

developing a strategy for years to come that would decrease our de-

have settled here and hopefully will be our patrons for years to come.

pendence on the whims of the local economy. What emerged from

Now, this is the beginning.

that process was a renewed sense of purpose and indebtedness to our larger community. The Rep needed to provide that community with

Craige is the founding artistic director of Seaside Repertory Theatre.

a sense of its own cultural identity. Producing good theatre was not

After attending the University of the South in Sewanee, Tennessee and

enough. Therefore, the Rep in 2008 and beyond will be more than a

the American Conservatory Theatre in San Francisco, California, he relo-

professional theatre company. We will be a more active contributor,

cated to Seaside to realize a dream of a high-quality professional theatre

supporting the arts in all its forms, and providing a space and a forum

company by the beach. He has been seen onstage in Greater Tuna, Tuna

for gatherings that strengthen our burgeoning community. The Star-

Christmas, ART, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, and True West, and the one-man

light Film Series, which will present a new critically acclaimed, limited

theatrical adaptation of A Christmas Carol. His directing credits include

release film each week was to be the first step in this direction.

Star-Spangled Girl, Picasso at the Lapin Agile, Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, Oleanna, and The Santaland Diaries. He will be seen later this

However, when the South Walton High School’s production of Blithe

year in the Rep’s production of Long Day’s Journey into Night, by Eugene

Spirit was thwarted due to some ill-informed protesters, an opportunity

O’Neil. He is married and lives in Old Seagrove Beach.

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107

ArtsQuest

By Jennifer Steele Saunders

The Tapestry of a Cultural Movement

Photo by Sheila Goode

set out to write this story about the

how these individuals have helped to shape my

Beach every summer to buy postcards and flip

twenty years of ArtsQuest with the in-

own life, I stopped looking at ArtsQuest as a

through her matted photographs. Even though

tent of somehow tying it into my own

thing or a community event; I began to see it

she was a friend of my family, the Pinkstons, I

little life. Grayton Beach seemed the

as an intricate and beautifully detailed tapestry,

was still intimidated by her seriousness. I was

obvious common thread, seeing as how I grew

woven over the years by “locals” tooled with

also in awe—her gallery was my first experi-

up in the sleepy community where the Grayton

varying backgrounds, resources, and talents,

ence with fine art, and her shop is as much a

Beach Fine Arts Festival, now ArtsQuest, began

and I came to realize that they are truly the

part of my childhood memories in Grayton

back in 1989. Another would have been to write

foundation of South Walton’s modern cultural

Beach as the beach itself.

about my own passion for promoting the arts

movement.

and how I am now so honored to be a part of

Today, Susan jokes that she had no intention of

such an important event. But along the way I

When I ask artist Susan Foster about her inspi-

creating an arts festival that would last twenty

found that what I was looking for was right be-

ration to begin the Grayton Beach Fine Arts Fes-

years. In fact, she says that if it hadn’t been for

fore me and very simple… it was the people.

tival back in 1989, she laughs. It’s the first time

Jan Clarke, the Grayton Beach Fine Arts Festival

The more characters I interviewed, the more

I have ever heard her laugh. When I was a kid, I

wouldn’t exist today. As a friend of her daugh-

stories I heard, and the more I thought about

would cautiously enter her little shop in Grayton

ter, Lee, I have personally known Jan for fifteen

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VIE - Spring/Summer 2008

years, and I believe this must be true as she is

mentioned it to Grayton Beach local Van Ness

Development Council, handled the festival or-

one of the most energetic and inspired people

Butler, and within days, locals were coming into

ganization. The Walton TDC encouraged the

I know.

the Gallery excitedly talking about the arts festi-

organizers to schedule the event during a slow

val they were having.

time of the year. The Festival was held over

Susan and Jan first met on Grayton Beach dur-

Mother’s Day weekend and was one of the first

ing the 1985 Rags to Riches Hobie Cat race that

Susan coordinated the artists and Jan, along

events to promote a “shoulder season.” Count-

used to take place each Fourth of July. After

with Jeff Ellis of the Walton County Tourist

less other people were involved in those early

growing up in England and spending many years in the Far East, Jan had recently been transplanted to the States soon after marrying her husband, Neil Clarke. He was sailing that day, and Susan recalls the wind not being very cooperative, causing the race to last longer than

“When I arrived in the South Walton area, I’d been used to the exotic Far East and then London with its stimulus…”

Jan Clarke

usual, but allowing her and Jan plenty of time to learn more about each other. Both remember this first conversation as a pivotal point in their relationship. “When I arrived in the South Walton area, I’d been used to the exotic Far East and then London with its stimulus of arts, concerts, and museums,” Jan recalls. “While the beaches here were indeed the best in the world, I missed the sense of community that the art world provides.” Jan learned that Susan had a little framing workshop in Grayton Beach (what is now part of the Red Bar restaurant), and Jan, having already established a small gallery outside London, suggested including a gallery that featured local artists. The Gallery at Grayton was born, along with a lifelong friendship between the two.

Susan, who grew up along the Florida panhandle, including DeFuniak Springs and Fort Walton Beach, recalls when visiting Grayton Beach in her youth, she always got a feeling she was “coming home,” and she had always thought it would be the perfect place for an arts festival.

She mentioned the idea one day to Jan, who

Photo courtesy of Cultural Arts Association VIE - Spring/Summer 2008

109

remained at Eden until 2003 when, under the leadership of Jack Abbit, it was moved to the Village of Baytowne Wharf and experienced even more growth.

Throughout my interview with Susan, she related some amusing stories—like the year when Jan and others had to chalk and set up artist booths around cars that had been abandoned in Grayton Beach after a late night at what is now the Red Bar, and about the mother of one of the performing ballerinas who wanted to cut the limb off of an old Live Oak tree at Eden so she

Photo courtesy of Cultural Arts Association

could drive her large truck inside the venue, and how one year they had to feed the artists boiled

“The tapestry is now thick and rich…”

peanuts for dinner because the meals that had been arranged never arrived.

Jennifer Steele Saunders There were also stories of inspiration—for instance, in the first year, a group of young violin years. I could never name them all, but they

$4,000. There are so many more, that I could

students from the New Orleans Suzuki Music

were people like Pat Eisenmann, an ArtsQuest

probably fill this magazine with their names and

Camp traveled to South Walton to perform a

enthusiast to this very day; Hilda McDonald

contributions.

complimentary concert; and another year, the artist awards were sandcastles made from local

and her late husband Jim, who were pioneers of the Festival and wore many hats, including

And so the Grayton Beach Fine Arts Festival

beach sand; and in 1994, Susan printed black

publicity coordination; Johnny Earles, the first

grew and grew. Most think it was moved to

bands around the sleeves of the Festival t-shirts

official food vendor; Kris and Manny Chavez,

Eden State Gardens in 1996 because of Hur-

in honor of Jim McDonald, who had recently

who drove from Apalachicola to Fort Walton

ricane Opal’s destruction of some of Grayton

passed; and, ultimately, as a result of the suc-

Beach, placing event signs along Highway 98;

Beach in 1995, including the Gallery at Grayton.

cess of the Festival, the Cultural Arts Associa-

the late Ellen Barton, “volunteer extraordinaire,”

But Susan says the move was planned before

tion was created.

who acted as the one-woman office for the

the storm’s arrival. They wanted to expand to

Festival; the “boys” at the Grayton Corner Café,

a weekend-long event, something that Grayton

All the stories were of camaraderie and deter-

Paul DiGiacimo, Doug Krumel, Nicki Frye and

Beach could not handle. Some said Eden could

mination. No one was paid; all who participated

Jack Houston and Malcolm Patterson, a Gray-

never be a successful location; but others like

were volunteers − and still are to this day. I have

ton Beach local and executive director of the

Sharon Hazelton, Debbie Eberhart, and Chick

never seen anything in my life to compare to the

Walton TDC at the time, who administered the

Huettel made it happen—and it did work. At-

gracious spirit of the people who volunteer for

first TDC grant to the Festival in the amount of

tendance doubled in 1996, and the Festival

ArtsQuest and the CAA. It’s remarkable, and our

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VIE - Spring/Summer 2008

Boyd Measure ad quarter page:Layout 1

4/7/08

2:28 PM

Page 1

Is it working with experienced professionals to create a quality product? Is it watching their ideas come together before their eyes? Or is it the bottom line, knowing they are getting the most for their hard earned money? We say it’s all these and more. From the simplest business card to a full color magazine we will work with you to achieve your goals, time and time again.

area needs more people like them.

At Boyd Brothers we don’t want orders, we want customers

Looking back, Jan and Susan both liken the creation of the Grayton Beach Fine Arts Festival to giving birth. They are both proud that their little Festival has grown into the ArtsQuest of today—it is now one of the top 200 juried arts shows in the United States, attracting more than

SATISFIED CUSTOMERS

10,000 people and featuring a week’s worth of cultural events. Jan jokes, “I helped lay the egg, but look at the family now.” She gets very emotional when she sees how far the CAA has come in promoting the arts, way beyond anything she ever could have imagined.

425 East 15th Street • Post Office Box 18 • Panama City, FL 32402-0018 1-800-677-BOYD(2693) • 850-763-1741 • FAX: 850-769-6526

Jan credits Susan with introducing her to Old Florida and the depths of understanding and history that go along with it. She calls Susan her “very, very, very, very loyal friend—a real friend.” I am amazed by these women, especially when I think that when I first knew them I had no idea of all they were accomplishing. To think that something so big began with just a small thread—a simple friendship between two women, begun on Grayton Beach, furthered by a passion for the arts, and sustained by an entire community.

The tapestry is now thick and rich with history and stories, but it is by no means complete.

Jennifer Steele Saunders is the co-founder of the Seaside Repertory Theatre and the president of her nonprofit consulting firm, The Saunders Group. She lives in DeFuniak Springs with her husband and two sons.

JenniferSteeleSaunders@gmail.com

VIE - Spring/Summer 2008

111

PEOPLE

PLACES

2008 Okaloosa/Walton Heart Ball The 2008 Okaloosa/Walton Heart Ball, featuring the theme “In the Heart of Paris…,” brought a taste of the City of Lights right into our own backyards on Friday, Feb. 15 – all in the name of charity.

The event, which benefits lifesaving work of the American Heart Association, was held at the Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort. The event raised more than

Debbie Bell & Steve Daher

197,000 with funds going toward heart disease and stroke research.

Vicki & Kendall McEachern

Lisa Ferrick & Allison Hart 112

VIE - Spring/Summer 2008

Chris & Lacy Renteria

Dominiz & Tami Damiamo with Demetria & Richard McNeese

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SPOTLIGHT

Written by Mike Ragsdale / Photo by Tommy Crow

ALYS STEPHENS What opportunity could possibly tempt a cute, upwardly mobile young professional to abandon her exciting career in bustling Manhattan, to instead live and work along the coast of Florida’s historically sleepy panhandle?

How about the opportunity to help build—literally from the ground-up—a truly extraordinary new resort town that bears her grandmother’s name?

Born in Birmingham, Alabama, Alys Stephens enjoyed almost all of her summers on the secluded sugar-white beaches of Florida’s scenic highway 30A. But after receiving her Bachelors Degree from New York School of Interior Design, she was quickly hired by Robert A. M. Stern Architects, following an internship with Bunny Williams. For several years, she enjoyed the fast-paced and diverse lifestyle of the Big Apple.

But a new town concept was being envisioned for her family’s land back in Florida—a town that would be called “Alys Beach,” after her family’s nowdeceased matriarch. Alys Beach would be unlike any town ever built before it, and this was young Alys’ unique chance to help build a lasting legacy in her grandmother’s name.

So she accepted a new job as the growing town’s “Style Director,” left behind her career in New York, and moved into the home which she had purchased there with her siblings two years ago.

“We all got together and purchased the home at Alys Beach after we realized that we had officially outgrown the original 1950’s bungalow of our childhood,” said Alys. “With my sister-in-law (an architect) and my sister (a landscape architect), we’ve all been contributing to make our home as comfortable and as practical as possible.”

And the rest is history in the making…

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FORM

FUNCTION Written by Eric Shepard

R

E

I

N

V

E

N

T

I

N

the

G

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I CAN MAKE A

M

BY...

Written by Ryan Duffey

any beekeepers around the coun-

using chemical fertilizers that a child shouldn’t go

try have been reporting losses of

near because they are too dangerous, I am going

30-90% of their hives. The cause

to use organic fertilizer. You know that banana you

of this loss has been identified as Colony Collapse

just finished? That banana peel is one of many

Disorder (CCD). Scientists are saying that the bees

things we throw away that makes great fertilizer.

are stressed out.

So, this spring, go outside and plant a healthy garWhy should we care about bees? Bees pollinate,

Even though I'm only ten years old, I can make a

den and watch your flowers bloom when the bees

and when they do we get lovely flowers and

difference. We can all make a difference by plant-

come and go from plant to plant.

delicious fruits and vegetables. Do you love to

ing flowers all over our yards. When I plant flowers,

go apple picking and pluck a nice juicy apple from

bees come to pollinate. The more healthy flowers

the tree and take a big bite? When bees are gone,

I plant, the more bees I see. I know that they're

there will be no apples or almost any other fruits

happy doing what nature intended. Pesticides are

or vegetables. Do you enjoy taking a walk through

one of the things killing bees and other important

your garden or a town park and looking at all the

insects. I'm not going to use any pesticide in my

flowers? I'm sure you do. You can thank bees for

garden this year (because my parents wouldn't let

them. Imagine a world without bees - there would

me handle it anyway), and I will tell my friends and

be no flowers to see or fruit to eat.

family not to use any pesticides either. Instead of

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VIE - Spring/Summer 2008

Ryan lives in Duxbury, Massachusetts with his parents, Marianne and Tom Duffey where he attends Alden Elementary School.

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VIE - Spring/Summer 2008

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FIRST

CAT WALK

Written by Lisa Burwell - Photography by Jessie Shepard

I

have seen fashion models strutting down the runway in movies, on television, and in photographs for

years. The way they parade down the catwalk and the clothes they wear have always struck me as a combination of modern art and theatre.

What can I say? I love it.

This past February, I was fortunate to witness a live runway performance during the Mercedes Benz Fashion Week at Bryant Park. It was the eve of the closing day, and Australian designer Jayson Brunsdon was featured.

Though his designs have not yet hit mainstream America, Brunsdon’s label is available in more than twenty states and eighteen countries. In 2007, Brunsdon was awarded Australian Eveningwear Designer by Harpers Bazaar Australia. He is also Australia’s Goodwill Ambassador for UNICEF. After waiting in line for almost an hour, the velvet ropes were drawn back and the audience entered the room that would be center stage for the upcoming performance. As we took our seats and awaited the show, we studied the program cover for Brunsdon’s line. It featured a fashion sketch of a woman; a simple red heart adorned her cheek. The heart was a

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reoccurring motif on most of his pieces that night; Brunsdon even titled the show “LOVE.” According to the program, Brunsdon “appeals to women who take an emotive pleasure in the appreciation of modern cinematic style.”

VIE - Spring/Summer 2008

123

“I want to give women the feeling of empowerment through feminine charm and mischief, to live the fantasy of an endless night of love and romance removed from the reality of the world,” as Brunsdon further stated in the program.

Among the celebrities seated in the front row was British photographer Nigel Barker, who began his career as a model. According to his web site (www.studionb.com), Barker opened his Manhattan photo studio in 1996 and almost immediately became a respected fashion photographer. His work has appeared in GQ, Seventeen, People, and Razor Red, to name a few. His success also includes photography on advertising campaigns with such companies as Beefeater Gin, Sean John, Pierre Cardin, Nicole Miller, OP, and Land’s End. Barker currently works as a judge and photographer on The CW's reality television show America’s Next Top Model.

The lights went down as the show was about to start. The deep bass of the high-energy music pulsated through every seat in the house. With confidence and attitude, the first BEKKA Bow print ivory silk duchesse Pout Dress

and successive models made their way down the catwalk. The music, the fashion, the vibe – it was electrifying to witness it first-hand.

Brunsdon’s designs were perfection in motion; each piece was even more beautiful and romantic than the previous.

During the show, photographer Jessie Shepard perched herself on the photographer’s plat-

NIGEL BARKER

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VIE - Spring/Summer 2008

form at the base of the catwalk, along with a

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VIE - Spring/Summer 2008

125

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VIE - Spring/Summer 2008

mob of other photogs. With Eric, her husband and VIE’s Art Director by her side, she captured each artful design. Every pose, twist and strut projected the drama and flair caught in those few moments. Flashes of creative genius mixed with the flashes of glitz and cameras built the anticipation to an excited frenzy of modern theatre and art.

The only downside to the show was that it seemed to end all too soon. Suddenly the house lights dimmed leaving us hungry for more to feast our eyes upon. As swiftly as the show had showered us with delightful, theatrical drama, it was over in a flash, leaving us with a handful of highlights captured through Jessie’s lens.

Fade. Curtain.

To send any comments, opinions or ideas for future stories please email me at lisa@ vie-peopleplusplaces.com. We welcome your feeback on the magazine, its content and its design. Our intent is to showcase the people and places of our area locally, regionally and beyond. Our area is filled with fasincating people and we want VIE to be a voice that truly functions as a vehicle to spread good news and express interesting ideas and stories about you.

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Please visit www.vie-peopleplusplaces.com to see more photos of New York Fashion's Week taken by photoextradionare, Jessie Shepard.

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VIE - Spring/Summer 2008

127

PEOPLE

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Brantley Calloway, Arty Davenport, Ryan Carroll & Matt Horin 128

VIE - Spring/Summer 2008

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VIE - Spring/Summer 2008

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INDIVIDUALITY

HAUTE TO LIVE AND NOT JUST EXIST

character

STANDING BEHIND YOUR CHOICES Helping those in need

Fashion SEEKING WISDOM Yellow Lace Shift Dress by ECI, Belk $177 Photo courtesy of Belk

DRESSES

stilettos

VIE - Spring/Summer 2008

Ballet Shoes

KINDNESS

That's Haute / That's Not is written by Lisa Ferrick 130

Intelligence

PEACE

Photo by Jessie Shepard

SKINNY JEANS

ACCEPTING RESPONSIBILITY

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THAT'S Rude people QUITTING

BITING YOUR FINGERNAILS

LITTERING

Mass marketing

WEARING ANYTHING THAT YOU CAN’T BEND OVER IN

STEALING SHOES FROM THE BEACH

"Sissy La-La's"

envy

SHORT TEMPERS

OLD SHOES

(Life’s too short!)

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FRIZZY HAIR CHEAP TALK Chipped Nails Photo by Jessie Shepard

VIE - Spring/Summer 2008

131

‘PODCASTING’ ON THE BAY Written by Mike Ragsdale

’m about to cast my line when I see them. There are four or five

a little curve in the bay, where dolphins love to corral panicked schools of

dolphins in the first pod, and they’re swimming straight toward me.

mullet up against the shoreline. The end result is a National Geographic-like

About a hundred yards behind them, an even larger group closes

frenzy of flying fish (and mammals).

the gap. If they maintain their present course, in about two minutes, they’ll all pass within twenty yards of our dock.

When dolphins were first sighted, an alarm was typically sounded, which generally consisted of me screaming, “THE DOLPHINS ARE COMING! THE

In a spine-cracking twist of my neck, I look back toward the house. The

DOLPHINS ARE COMING!” like some sort of deranged Paul Revere. I would

sun’s glare makes it difficult to see inside. My oldest girls are probably

storm wildly through the house, rouse bewildered family members, shove

browsing Facebook or testing the limits of our calling plan, while my son

them out into the yard, and then herd everyone briskly toward the dock…

hunts down his virtual buddies on “Halo 3.” Our eight-year-old is no doubt

all followed by our little white yapping dog. (The cat refused to participate

hugging my wife’s heels as she struggles to stay one step ahead of our

in this sort of thing.)

massive Mess Machine.

Our neighbors would also begin to gather outside—not to watch the dolI can make it, I think to myself.

phins, mind you, but rather, to see our platoon stampede off toward the water, yelling, stumbling, and griping, frequently in various states of un-

When we first moved here, dolphin sightings were a pretty big deal. In fact,

dress. More often than not, we would reach the water mere seconds after

from April until October, they were routine family rituals. We live right near

the final dolphin had passed by.

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VIE - Spring/Summer 2008

Inexplicably, over time, my kids became less fond of this Running of the Idiots ceremony, and it became harder and harder to coerce them to come witness another one of Mother Nature’s remarkable matinees. Even the dog stopped following me. My wife continued to humor me, but I could tell it was just because she thought my feelings might be hurt if no one else dashed outside like a giddy schoolgirl.

She was right.

When we first moved here, it was only a temporary fix. My goal was to learn the art of relaxation before jumping off this continent for good. Back home, I suffered from frequent headaches and stress. I worried about silly things: bills, business dealings, social faux pas, missed opportunities… whatever absurd trivialities my dented brain could latch onto. I was also a workaholic. When my “Crackberry” rattled across the nightstand at 3 a.m., I simply had to respond to the incoming email right then. To wait until dawn was unthinkable.

But something inevitably snapped. Like an over-heated processor chip, my mind simply froze up. I decided that I needed a total restart (and while I was at it, possibly virus and optimization scans, too). Like countless others before me, I wanted more in my life than meetings and presentations and investors and grapevine chitter-chatter and stuffy cocktail parties and dress codes and drawn-out conference calls. Or, more accurately, I wanted less. A lot less. I wanted out.

I decided that our family needed a permanent vacation, and I was going to be the outrageously enthusiastic tour guide.

My plan? We’d swan-dive head-first into a simpler life. We would abandon civilization altogether. I’d make Thoreau look like Paris Hilton.

I went down to central Mexico and proudly returned with fresh digital snapshots of some beautiful homes for sale. I assured my wife that I could Photoshop out any rabid mongrels and street thugs, but she insisted that doing so would only improve the photo and wouldn’t do much to affect the reality of things.

This was going to be tougher than I thought.

VIE - Spring/Summer 2008

133

I turn back and look at the dolphins surging toward me.

They'll be here in less than a minute now, and I smile.

I would have to start slow. I needed to earn their trust. We needed to take

Last night, I bought an iPhone.

a little leap of faith together. We’d move to the beach first. What fun! Who wouldn’t love to live at the beach? In the process, I calculated, everyone

Good God…I’ve put down roots! Did my vision of transforming into that

would become comfortable with the notion of tearing up roots, and from

lazy, lounging, fishing, laughing, good-for-nothing, Mai Tai-slurping der-

there, we’d soon be skipping off to the Caribbean or Buenos Aires. Or the

elict from those Jimmy Buffett songs somehow slip through my keyboard-

Czech Republic. Or Indonesia! It didn’t matter. Gradually, like the demented

pecking fingers?

father in The Mosquito Coast, I would drag us all deeper and deeper into the counter-cultural jungle… kicking and screaming, if necessary.

No. I just love it here. I really, really do. I can’t help myself. I love the water.

I love the fresh seafood. I love the bars, the towns, the white sand. I love

Baby steps.

the parks, the concerts, the sunrises, and the sunsets. I love the fun and creative and quirky people.

To my mild surprise, moving to the beach was not a hard sell. All within a few months, we went cultural cold-turkey. My wife and I quit our jobs. I

And I really love those dolphins.

resigned from various social and business committees. We cancelled our country club membership. I sold our good business, and I closed the bad

I can make it… I still have time to race inside and round everyone up. These

one. I surrendered my Blackberry and mobile phone and laptop. I bought a

moments are simply too precious to let them slip away, I tell myself.

fishing rod. We sold our house and moved to the coast. It was as simple as that. Somehow, I had managed to permanently purge the proverbial inbox.

My eyes have finally adjusted to the glare of the afternoon sun. I can now

Or so I thought.

see Angela and the kids clearly through the windows. I was wrong. They’re all playing “Rock Band” together on the Xbox. They’re sitting around the TV,

That was nearly two years ago. Frankly, I figured we’d be in Bali by now,

playing, singing and laughing. They don’t realize it, of course, but they’re

but something subtle transpired along the way. Not too long after we ar-

creating a very special memory right now.

rived, I joined a writers’ group. A new friend I met there encouraged me to start writing a column for a local newspaper. Later, an ad in that same

Relax, Mike. Let it go. Let them enjoy their moment. It’s okay…

newspaper inspired me to volunteer at our community radio station. To help me organize announcements for my new radio show, I created a web-

I turn back and look at the dolphins surging toward me. They'll be here in

site to help keep me updated on all of 30A’s countless local concerts, wine

less than a minute now, and I smile. Today’s matinee is just for me.

tastings, art shows, charity events, shops, parks, and restaurants. Before

Besides, we’ll still be here tomorrow.

long, I found myself enjoying a brand new career, one in which my enviable role was simply to help spread the word about Alys Beach—a stunning new beach town, the likes of which has never been created before.

At each step along the sandy way, I added a few more good friends to my

Mike Ragsdale is the Town Evangelist for Alys Beach, Florida, and is the

growing local buddy list.

creator of 30A.com.

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I found more than just a business checking account at BankTrust.

I found a financial partner for life.

A bank that cares about my success almost as much as I do.

They understand local businesses because they are one.

That’s the difference with community banking.

That’s the strength of BankTrust.

1034_1833_vie0408.indd 1

4/17/08 8:56:36 AM

The Merchants of Rosemary Beach

Shop. Dine. Relax.

Aesthetic Clinique Bamboo Bicycle Company Bamboo Beach & Surf Courtyard Wine & Cheese Cowgirl Kitchen Digital-I Design Studios Dungan-Nequette Architects Emerald Coast Group Family Wealth Investments Gigi’s Fabulous Kids’ Fashions & Toys Looney Ricks Kiss Montgomery-Martin Contractors Moonpize New Orchard Group Notre Maison Design Onano Neighborhood Café

Pish Posh Patchouli’s Regions Bank Rosemary Beach Trading Company Rosemary Beach Cottage Rental Sea Oats Beach Service Shabby Slips Solace Day Spa Summer Kitchen Café The Pensione Bed & Breakfast The Sugar Shak TMc Architecture Tracery Tropez Wild Olives Market - Deli - Bakery Willow

located on the east end of Scenic 30-A • www.rosemarybeach.com VIE - Spring/Summer 2008

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YOLO

Written by Bob Brown / Photography by Romona Robbins

B

eing a native of Northwest Florida I grew up surrounded

like oversized q-tips fading towards the south into a stretch of sugar-

by a rich beauty that I have come to learn is very unique

white dunes dotted with scrub oaks and sea oats—simply beautiful.

in this world we live in. As I have grown older I have seen

many changes in this area; sometimes I can hardly recognize it. Given

Between the Gulf of Mexico, rare coastal dune lakes, the bays, bayous,

the changes I have seen over the last 33 years of my life, there is one

inter-coastal waterways, swamps, and rivers anyone who has spent

place that still captures—in my mind—the unique beauty and essence

time in Northwest Florida knows that it is the water which defines

of coastal Northwest Florida: Western Lake.

how we live here. So considering I have lived here nearly all my life, you can understand my excitement when I heard about a new way to

Even though I have made the drive many of times, each time I pass this

experience the waterways of our area. They call it YOLO boarding.

rare coastal dune lake on Scenic Highway 30A I am taken aback by the view. The age-old pine forest on the east end juts out of the tall grasses 136

VIE - Spring/Summer 2008

Actually, I have learned that YOLO boarding or stand-up paddle

The paddle board experience is one of quiet intensity.

boarding isn’t all that new. The sport gets it origins from the Hawaiian people, along with other great paddle and board sports such as surfing and canoeing. After decades of refining the board design and incorporating new technologically advanced materials we get the modern iteration of the paddle board, which Jeff Archer and Tom Losee have branded YOLO. Basically it is an oversized surfboard with a few distinct differences. The YOLO board is made from lightweight epoxy and is a bit wider and thicker than your traditional long (surf) board. “This provides stability,” explains Jeff Archer, one of the founders of YOLO board, “which allows you to stand on the board more easily.” The board is also equipped with a single long fin, which helps you maintain a heading as you paddle.

I met Jeff Archer and Tom Losee at the boat launch in the Grayton Beach State Recreation Area on Western Lake to give the YOLO board a try. I have a pretty welldeveloped sense of balance but my first moments on the YOLO board were a bit shaky. You stand on the board facing forward with your legs side by side, which is odd for someone with a surfing background where you stand facing sideways with one foot in front of another. Your legs do a lot of compensating for one another in those first moments, but after a minute or two the shakiness subsides and you feel as if you are walking on water.

Within a few minutes we were on our way around the lake—exploring

paddle. For those of you who are into surfing, this would be a great

the nooks and crannies with ease and grace. The paddle board

alternative for getting on the Gulf when the surf is small. For those

experience is one of quiet intensity. While you glide over the surface

of you who fish, YOLO will be coming out with a fishing model soon,

of the water with relative ease, accompanied by the soft sounds of

equipped with a place to put your cooler and rod holders.

your paddle making tiny whirlpools in the water behind you, you can tell that you are getting a good core workout as you pull yourself with

If you enjoy experiencing natural beauty in its purest forms, I highly

the long paddle. If you were to do this everyday you would have abs of

recommend you give YOLO boarding a try because, as the name

steel before long. The best part is, it doesn’t feel like a workout.

suggests, You Only Live Once.

As our tour of the lake concluded I helped Jeff put the boards on top of his truck. The light weight of the board (about 27 pounds) allows a person to handle loading and unloading the board with relative ease.

The simplicity of the YOLO makes it very appealing—a board and a

For more information on YOLO boards visit:

WWW.YOLOBOARD.COM VIE - Spring/Summer 2008

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