Growing What Matters Most
August has always felt like a season of transition.
For families, it marks the return to routines, classrooms, practices, and packed calendars. For children, it often brings new opportunities to learn, grow, and discover who they are becoming. It is a reminder that the future is not something that arrives one day—it is being shaped right now through the investments we make in the next generation.
That spirit of growth and stewardship is reflected throughout this month's issue.
You'll read about Academic Oasis and its exciting move into a larger facility, creating opportunities to serve even more students in our community. You'll discover family-friendly adventures close to home in our feature on kid-friendly day trips, and you'll find inspiration for making the most of Florida's patio season with the people you love most.
This issue also celebrates the important role pets play in our lives. Whether through companionship, comfort, or the simple joy they bring to a household, pets enrich our families in countless ways. Our feature on Pet Evolution highlights a local business dedicated to helping pets live healthier, happier lives while giving back to the community they serve.
You'll also meet some of the local leaders and businesses continuing to invest in the future of our area, including Simply Real Estate and its move into a new Ormond Beach headquarters designed to support its growing team and clients.
At their core, all of these stories share a common theme: growth requires intention. Whether we're raising children, caring for pets, building businesses, or strengthening communities, the things that matter most flourish when we invest our time, attention, and love.
Thank you for allowing Daytona City Lifestyle to be part of your community each month. I hope this issue encourages you to spend a little extra time with the children, pets, family members, and neighbors who make life richer.
Here's to growing what matters most.
August 2026
PUBLISHER
Thomas John (TJ) Filley tj.filley@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
Oksana Zingman Filley oksana.filley@citylifestyle.com
MANAGING EDITOR
Deb Lovett | deb.lovett@citylifestyle.com
ACCOUNT MANAGER
Nicole Campon | nicole.campon@citylifestyle.com
PHOTO EDITOR
Greg Hunter | greg.hunter@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Deb Lovett, Mark Alexander
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Greg Hunter, Nicole Campon, Deb Lovett, Pet Evolution, Geri Westfall, Art League of Daytona Beach, Art Spotlight, Halifax Humane Society, AdventHealth Daytona Beach Foundation, Christophe Hanckowiak, Discover Crystal River Florida, Amelia Island Convention & Visitors Bureau, New Smyrna Beach Visitors Bureau, Academic Oasis
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Josh Govero
LAYOUT DESIGNER Lillian Gibbs
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Brandy Thomas
PUBLISHER
With City Lifestyle’s co-branded print + digital packages, your business captures attention wherever our community is looking. Build unmatched local credibility on the page, and drive immediate action online. Ready to double your local reach? Contact your local publisher by scanning below.
Madeline Hunter, Kellan Smar, Samira Smar, Emily Hunter, and Crosby Cahalan
Port Orange. The mural created by ArtHaus makes a
Greg
city scene
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
1: Opening reception for Tim Jaeger's "Intermission" exhibition at Arts on Douglas. 2: Teresa Smith of VCWWC with Nicole Campon, Donna Dooley, and Roy Young II of HUM. 3: Frank Kelleher of NASCAR SE & Daytona International Speedway at Daytona Chamber's Business Impact Symposium. 4: Ken Phelps at Daytona Chamber's Business Impact Symposium. 5: Members of the Daytona Regional Chamber network at the Business Impact Symposium. 6: Jett, Nina, and artist Tim Jaeger at his opening reception at Arts on Douglas. 7: Opening reception for the Women's Artists Group exhibition at Art League of Daytona Beach.
NICOLE CAMPON
DEB LOVETT
ART LEAGUE OF DAYTONA BEACH
NICOLE CAMPON
NICOLE CAMPON
DEB LOVETT
NICOLE CAMPON
8: Women's Artists Group members at the exhibition's opening reception at Art League of Daytona Beach. 9: Artist Lillian
with her painting on display at Art League of Daytona Beach. 10: Jon Benjamin was awarded Best of Show at Art Spotlight's Not Your Average Mona exhibition.
Verkin
ART LEAGUE OF DAYTONA BEACH
ART LEAGUE OF DAYTONA BEACH ART SPOTLIGHT
Wrend
business monthly
BPF Design and Coleman Goodemote Construction Selected for AccessVet Project
Halifax Humane Society has selected BPF Design as architect and Coleman Goodemote Construction Company as general contractor for AccessVet , a new community veterinary hospital designed to expand access to affordable, compassionate, expert veterinary care. Halifax Humane Society purchased the property at 2400 LPGA Blvd. in Daytona Beach for $2.9 million and will invest an additional $2.5 million in renovations, construction, and equipment, creating a $5.4 million long-term investment in accessible veterinary care for the region.
Scan to read more
AdventHealth Daytona Beach Announces Inaugural Pickleball Fundraiser
SherryStrong Integrative Wellness Clinic in partnership with AdventHealth Daytona Beach Foundation are launching an inaugural Pickleball Tournament presented by Brasfield & Gorrie on September 18, 2026 at Pictona in Holly Hill. Proceeds from the Pickleball tournament will benefit the SherryStrong Integrative Wellness Clinic at the Cancer Center at AHDB. The clinic opened in 2025 and offers free or heavily discounted yoga sessions, red-light therapy, and massage therapy to cancer patients. More information available at https://bit.ly/4vS94t1
Daytona Regional Chamber of Commerce Celebrates Business Excellence
Foundation Risk Partners & Volusia-Flagler Roofing present the chamber's 2026 Annual Awards celebration on September 30, 2026 at the Renaissance Daytona Beach Oceanfront Hotel with prestigious recognitions awarded including Small Business of the Year, Nonprofit of the Year, the Marvin Samuels Memorial Leadership Award, and Young Professional of the Year. Businesses celebrating milestone anniversaries will also be recognized. Contact Kelly Amy at 386-229-5759 for more information.
Photography by Halifax Humane Society
Photography by AdventHealth Daytona Beach
Photography by Christophe Hanckowiak
Kid-Friendly Day Trips
How to Survive the Dog Days of Summer
ARTICLE BY DEB LOVETT
The Dog Days of Summer are upon us, and for families in Florida that’s the equivalent of cabin fever. It’s an ideal time for quick getaways. To close out the summer, we’ve gathered four spots less than a three hour drive from Daytona. Anything longer risks
Cape Canaveral
Playalinda Beach is one of the best viewing spots along the Canaveral National Seashore to view a rocket launch and has an old school vibe. The beach is very accessible to parking so it’s easy to bring chairs and a cooler. A visit to the Kennedy Space Center for a launch will take you behind NASA’s gates for prime viewing and special commemorative perks. The Courtyard by Marriott Titusville Kennedy Space Center and Hyatt Place Titusville Kennedy Space Center have unobstructed views for a more elevated experience.
New Smyrna Beach
A visit to New Smyrna Beach with kids requires a stop at the Marine Science Center in Ponce Inlet, where sharks and other marine creatures are on view in the 5,000-gallon artificial reef aquarium. We might also recommend a visit to the Jimmy Lane Surfing Academy or even the Bob Ross Art Workshop & Gallery. Adults can later enjoy a spa treatment at The Spa at Venetian Bay while chaperoned kids can enjoy a burger and dip nearby in the pool at Venetian Bay’s Tiki Cove
View of Kennedy Space Center launch from Playalinda Beach. (Photo Credit: Deb Lovett)
Flagler Avenue in New Smyrna Beach has many interesting shops and restaurants to explore. (Photo credit: New Smyrna Beach Visitors Bureau)
restless, cranky passengers. We looked for maximum family fun – whether through jam-packed amusement, memory-building, or a great chill factor when the summer sun proves overwhelming. Bonus points go to spots providing elevated recovery options for parents and grandparents. If thrills are your priority, then Orlando is your place. An early start is essential. Grab breakfast on the road to reach Universal or Disney before gates open to arrive at your “must-do” attractions before queues start backing up.
Amelia Island
Just north of Jacksonville, there’s a slower-paced option for a family day trip along scenic coastal highways and uncrowded beaches. If a subtle session on American history is your aim, the story of Amelia Island’s life under eight different flags of dominions includes fantastic tales of pirates, princesses, and memories of the Gilded Age. Fernandina Beach is renowned for its historical, walkable downtown. The island is also known for its maritime forests, shaded trails, salt marsh kayaking, and horseback rides along the shore.
This year, Disney introduced a new Florida Resident Summer Ticket offer at a lower daily price good through October 2026 while Universal announced a “Buy One, Get One Free” promotion for residents. This excludes Epic Universe whose popularity is still very high.
Both parks offer respite for adults via air-conditioned restaurants and water parks. Spa treatments at Disney and Universal associated hotels are available without an overnight stay, ensuring everyone ends the day feeling fully refreshed, content, and very happy.
Crystal River
Crystal River is worth the 2-1/2 hour drive to the Gulf just for the Manatee sightings. SR 40 is a pleasant and scenic drive and includes going through “ The Big Scrub,” the largest continuous sand pine forest in the state. The Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge , the only place in the country where you can legally swim with manatees. Swim or snorkel with these gentle giants and find amazing experts in biology and conservation. The 72-degree springs are perfect this time of year.
Manatees are found year-round in the springs surrounding Crystal River. (Photo credit: Discover Crystal River Florida)
Outside the oldest Florida hotel in Fernandina Beach. (Photo credit: Dawna Moore for Amelia Island Convention & Visitors Bureau)
Redefining the Modern Learning Experience
Academic Oasis - Where Precision Learning Accelerates Student Growth
Like many teachers, Jackie Veloce is a devoted educator who began her career right out of college, teaching within the public-school systems in New Jersey starting in 2000 and later in Florida. While in New Jersey, she earned two master’s degrees with the intention of eventually pursuing a career in school administration.
When COVID upended the education system, however, she experienced frustration with an institutional framework challenged to meet the diversity of learners. The struggle of public schools to meet these individualized needs became starkly apparent amid the stressors of parents juggling remote work and remote school life. She resigned from teaching in 2021.
Despite her plans to leave education behind, she was prompted by local parents to tutor their children who were continuing to struggle with the new “hybrid” learning environment. What began as a tutoring venture driving to students’ homes ultimately evolved into a dedicated tutoring center.
Today, her business—Academic Oasis— stands as a premier “supplemental learning academy.” While still providing afternoon tutoring from 2:30 to 6:30 p.m., the academy is rapidly growing as a true sanctuary from traditional schooling. Following a significant move in July to a larger facility at 595 N. Nova Rd. in Ormond Beach, the space now accommodates 74 enrolled academy students
ARTICLE BY DEB LOVETT PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG HUNTER, ACADEMIC OASIS
compared to last year’s 28. This expansion also means the academy will now welcome seventh and eighth graders, alongside the introduction of vibrant after-school enrichment clubs such as dance, 3D printing, and robotics.
“We heard from many interested parents that it was difficult for working parents to make our 10am-2:30pm program work,” says Veloce. “Starting this month we’re offering early drop-off and extended day options. We’ve also been organizing optional Friday field trips for families who want to connect with other homeschooled families socially.” These curated excursions include visits to the Marine Science Center, Pioneer Village, Ormond Lanes, pontoon boat tours by the Florida Water Warriors, and even family painting nights led by the academy’s art teacher.
One of her specialties is collaborating with homeschooling families to provide rich educational outlets beyond the kitchen table.
Jaclyn "Jackie" Veloce, owner of Academic Oasis.
“In Florida, parents are recognized as the primary educators of their children,” says Veloce. “Our supplemental model provides the four core subjects plus art in what we call a ‘precision learning’ approach that is individualized and skill-based rather than age-based grade-level instruction. We don’t ‘teach to the test’ because we believe this can damage students’ self-esteem. We do begin with a diagnostic assessment and then simply track this data to ensure growth. Many of our students grow more than two grade levels in a single year despite attending fewer hours than traditional school. We also have teachers who are talented at creating customized labs and lessons for the specific students in front of them. We limit our classrooms to about 10 students per teacher to allow for this precision learning.”
Florida is unique as one of only five states with highly accessible government scholarship organizations (SGOs), allowing funding to seamlessly follow a family to their chosen educational setting. Academic Oasis is an approved location where parents can utilize their SGO awards to pay for elite services through Florida’s renowned “Step Up for Students” scholarship program.
Families are encouraged to arrange a one-on-one tour to explore the new facilities and offerings. As long as space remains available, Academic Oasis will help make an immediate, seamless transition possible—paving the way for students to discover their true academic potential in an environment designed entirely for their continuous personal growth.
Academic Oasis is the only educational facility in Volusia and Flagler counties offering Optima Academy Online (OAO) virtual reality courses.
Academic Oasis offers a safe, supportive, and emotionally intelligent environment with a differentiated curriculum designed to meet diverse needs.
HELPING Pets Live the Good LIFE AT PET Evolution
New Port Orange Location Provides High Quality Ethically Sourced Food, Toys, Grooming & Bath Stations
ARTICLE
BY DEB LOVETT PHOTOGRAPHY BY PET EVOLUTION
For four decades, business partners Dan Morris and Jeff Zerbe have forged a history of successful entrepreneurial ventures, including Honest One Autocare and Tax-Free Wealth Group. Their enduring connection began years ago when they were just starting out at a local Pizza Hut. Over time, both advanced to manage their own locations before ascending the corporate ladder in tandem—a history based on a foundation of trust and their ability to leverage their complementary strengths.
Today, that same synergy is fueling their latest passion project: Pet Evolution in Port Orange. Dan and Jeff are passionate dog and cat people. In fact, Jeff’s family has one of each – a fact represented on the outside wall of their new business, where a lone feline holds court among the dogs in a mural commissioned by the business.
“ArtHaus did a fantastic job incorporating our family pets, past and present,” says Morris. “In addition to the excitement of the art going viral on social media, it brings us a lot of joy when we get tagged in pictures of people and their fur babies with our own fur babies in the background.”
Philanthropy sits at the heart of their corporate ethos. Morris and his wife, Debbie, recently rescued Dicky Doo, a five-year-old Yorkie/Terrier following the passing of their beloved 14-year-old dog, Riley. “Rescues are near and dear to our hearts,” says Morris. Reflecting this devotion, Pet Evolution serves as a major sponsor of Sophie’s Circle, donates returned pet food straight to local shelters, and provides custom Rescue Care Packages complete with a complementary collar, premium food, and a toy to anyone adopting a rescue. They also champion the Daytona Dog Beach initiative as a major sponsor of the Hang 8 Dog Surfing Fundraiser at the Hard Rock Hotel in Daytona Beach.
While the business caters primarily to dogs, the doors are open to cats, bunnies, and exotic companions alike.
Owners Dan Morris and Jeff Zerbe with Debbie, Kim, and their family fur babies.
Since officially opening this past January, the Port Orange flagship has cultivated a dedicated following, averaging 50 new reviews each month. Growth is managed intentionally, with a strict emphasis on delivering excellent customer experience and only hiring groomers who have a “real heart” for the work. “We love finding people who light up when a pet comes in the door,” says Morris.
While the business caters primarily to dogs (95% of clientele), the doors are open to cats, bunnies, and exotic companions alike. The staff was delightfully surprised when an albino wallaby recently arrived for a refreshing wash in one of the luxury, self-serve bath stations. These premium stations provide guests with an array of professional tools, plush towels, and gentle, all-natural products.
Helping pets “live the good life” doesn’t end there, however, as Pet Evolution focuses on comprehensive wellness. To guide discerning pet owners, manager Zach and the expert staff offer specialized advice on at-home coat maintenance and premium grooming tools, alongside educational resources and an insightful digital book detailing the brand’s philosophy on holistic pet care.
Looking ahead, Morris and Zerbe have expansive plans for Pet Evolution, having secured exclusive franchising rights for Volusia, Flagler, and the area extending toward Orlando and Interstate 75. For the immediate future, though, their goal is to establish the Port Orange store as a successful flagship before duplicating its success. Judging by their flawless execution so far, the evolution of local pet care is in very capable hands.
The Rise of the Ancestral Diet
Helping pets “Live the Good Life” includes optimal nutrition, and Pet Evolution specializes in sourcing high-quality, ethically produced options. The raw food movement is soaring across the nation, with nearly 25% of U.S. dogs now thriving on an uncooked, minimally processed regimen designed to carefully mimic their ancestral diet. Many high-end breeders insist on raw food formulations to promote better digestion, effortless weight management, robust immune support, targeted allergy control, and healthier skin, teeth, and coats. While these raw diets can be easily tailored to handle breed-specific sensitivities, experts note the key is always selecting reputable, premium brands to ensure your companion receives the gold standard of culinary care.
The store specializes in holistic pet care including high-quality, ethically produced pet food.
INSIDE GERI WESTFALL'S POWERHOUSE FIRM
NEW FLAGSHIP HEADQUARTERS BUILT FOR ELITE PERFORMANCE AND TOP-TIER COLLABORATION
ARTICLE BY DEB LOVETT PHOTOGRAPHY BY GERI WESTFALL
With a staff of 45 agents in her thriving real estate firm, Geri Westfall insists that her greatest achievement remains her family. She counts four children, six grandchildren, and her husband, Hank Adams, as the center of her world. Real estate is in their blood with daughter Taylor Westfall, Esq., serving as in-house counsel with daughter Amanda Merry operating on the team as a buyer’s agent. Brittany Raia represents clients in Jacksonville while her son is a sailor in the U.S. Navy.
Geri with her three daughters Taylor Westfall Esq., Buyer's Agent Amanda Merry, and Brittany Raia who is an agent in Jacksonville.
Her ability to prioritize efforts translates seamlessly to her clients—a skill developed over 30 years in the Daytona area real estate market. “My role is to be the calm one in the room as well as a trusted advisor—I am truly friends with my clients,” Westfall shares. “I measure my success by those relationships I build. When you have a close friendship, you can be brutally honest. When it comes to showing, selling, and buying homes, these abilities are extremely valuable.”
That dedication takes a warm turn each fall when her husband bakes his legendary pumpkin bread. She hand-delivers hundreds of loaves to clients and local vendors – a seasonal gesture that has become a highly anticipated tradition.
Simply Real Estate nurtures and builds upon a curated network of timetested contractors. Westfall’s essential advice for homeowners is simple: do not wait to consult a professional. Before investing in new flooring, appliances, or paint, an expert eye can help identify the most cost-effective updates to maximize a home’s sale price while steering clear of outdated color palettes and expenditures that won’t bring a return.
Ideally, this strategic consultation takes place at least six months before listing—well before making a trip to the home improvement store. “If you’re thinking about marketing your home to potential snowbirds, August is the time to call us in,” Westfall notes.
Her seasoned perspective is invaluable in a unique region where local homeowners relocate every five years on average, compared to a traditional 18-year lifecycle in the Northeast. Navigating the post-COVID landscape, she views today’s market normalization as a healthy, balanced space where buyers and sellers can connect with realistic long-term expectations.
Beyond traditional sales, the full-service firm features a robust property management division, expertly overseeing a portfolio of more than 200 rental properties across the region.
The firm fosters a vibrant, collaborative culture where agents look forward to working side-byside. To support that energy, Westfall consolidated her multiple locations, transitioning the team into a beautifully renovated, 5,000-squarefoot building at 481 North US Highway 1 in Ormond Beach last month.
“We’re really happy to have this new space where we can comfortably bring everyone together,” says Westfall. “Our brokers love to come into the office— we thrive off of each other’s energy and support. We’re thankful our business is strong and looking forward to the future.”
It is this dedication to fostering community that truly defines her leadership. As Westfall reflects on her career, her ultimate professional philosophy remains as clear and resonant as her devotion to family: “My success isn’t defined by what I achieve for myself—it’s defined by the opportunities, growth, and success I create for my agents.”
The delivery list for pumpkin bread baked by Geri's husband Hank Adams is in the hundreds.
Geri Westfall, owner of Simply Real Estate.
Geri was recently awarded the Women's Council of Realtors' Top Gun as well as Member of the Year awards.
KIDS
EAT FREE GUIDE
Living the Florida dream for many of us means lots of outdoor activities and the resulting excellent vitamin D levels. We’d be remiss if we didn’t remind you to remember your sunscreen, though. The good news is that kids genuinely enjoy using those UV detection stickers that change colors when it’s time to reapply. Which begs the question: where are the color-changing stickers for the rest of us? Grownups need that reapplication nudge just as much as the little ones.
By August, however, shade-seeking behaviors abound. We’ve compiled a list of sun-safe options for eating out with the family where kids eat free or nearly free. After all, navigating the final
stretch of summer requires protecting both your peace of mind and your finances. If your summer entertainment budget wrapped up around the Fourth of July — and you’re counting down the minutes to an early bedtime — you are definitely not alone.
These are the days we want a nice patio spot with good views and functioning fans. For patio alternatives, we’ll take excellent air-conditioning and something to keep the kids busy and happy.
As always, call ahead to confirm deals are still offered as details can change after press deadline.
Here’s to checking off some more items on the family’s summer bucket list.
Beat the Heat with Budget-Friendly Ideas for Closing Out Summer on the Area's Coolest Patios
ARTICLE
BY DEB LOVETT
BACK ALLEY
LANES VR-CADE
Daytona Beach has too many deals to list them all and they change all the time. Check the homeschool bowling club deal.
RIVERGRILLE
Kids eat free Monday with adult entrée. Buy the kids some fish food and head down to the docks to feed the catfish.
SAVOR PATIO SEASON
Wednesday is kids’ day at POPSTROKE. Free ice cream with golf purchase. $2 kids meal with adult entrée. Face painting, balloon art, and more.
CULVER’S offers a free scoop of fresh frozen custard with the purchase of each kid’s meal.
Kids eat free on Sundays with an adult entrée at MOE’S SOUTHWEST
Summer is all about creating effortless family memories without breaking the bank. Our guide to heading out with the kids is designed to help you find easy and fun experiences without stressful logistical challenges. Easily navigate local neighborhood favorites, discover budget-friendly dining options, and enjoy the vibrant Daytona area lifestyle together. Gather the kids, step outside, and savor these simple moments as summer draws to a close.
GRILL. Kids love mixing unique drinks at the CocaCola Freestyle machine.
At ORMOND LANES
kids bowl free all summer at a rate of two free games per day per person. Register ahead on the kidsbowlfree.com website.
Mention “Daytona CVB” at BUBBA GUMP SHRIMP COMPANY for a free kid’s meal or appetizer. Stroll over to the Bandshell for music and fireworks Friday/Saturday.
CARIBBEAN JACK’S is the place for the entire family including your well-behaved pup. Lots of shade. Perfect patio vibe watching the boats in the harbor.
The Artful Connoisseur
FROM EXOTIC SYMBOLS TO FAMILY COMPANIONS: HOW PET PORTRAITS CAPTURE OUR HISTORY AND HEARTS
ARTICLE BY MARK ALEXANDER
Arthur John Elsley's painting, Friend or Foe?
Human beings have had a close relationship with animals since ancient times, and their images are found throughout the history of art. Dogs evolved from wolves and are thought to be the first animals that were domesticated by man. They were trained to hunt or act as guardians for the benefit of their human masters. The ancient Egyptians created beautiful sculptures of cats. The Greeks often portrayed dogs in art while the Romans immortalized them in paintings and mosaics.
Owning pets was both practical and personal as they acted as highly valued hunting and leisure companions, guardians of property against intruders, as well as a source of entertainment. In the 15th, 16th, and 17th centuries, collecting exotic pets like monkeys and caged birds was a symbol of wealth and opulence. They were often found in paintings alongside the elite.
Leonardo Da Vinci’s circa 1490 portrait of the mysterious and beautiful Cecilia Gallerani, known as Lady with an Ermine, comes to mind. Portraits of favorite dogs and horses were often commissioned by European royalty. Ownership of prize-winning breeds was a prestigious aspect of the lives of the landed gentry in 18th-century England, and individual portraits of favorite horses, cattle, and dogs were the subject of many paintings by prominent British artists including Stubbs, Gainsborough, Reynolds, and Landseer. One of the most highly prized creatures was “The Durham Ox,” a massive 189 stone steer that travelled on exhibition throughout Great Britain. Painted by the artist John Boultbee in 1802, over 2,000 engravings of the painting of the famous prize ox were sold that same year.
The heyday of painting family pets interacting with children was in 19th-century Britain. Arthur John Elsley (1860–1952) would be considered the foremost painter of animals and children from this period. Trained at the Royal Academy of Art in London, Elsley started drawing animals at the age of eleven and, like many of his colleagues, he sketched animals at public zoos. Many of his oil paintings, like Friend or Foe? displayed on the previous page, depict happy children playing with very large and lovable dogs as well as often mischievous cats. His artworks were highly popular in the late Victorian and Edwardian periods and were often widely reproduced as color lithographs and prints. They were even used in advertisements by several commercial enterprises such as on Peek Freen cake and biscuit tins, Sunlight Soap advertisements, and A&F Pears’ annual company calendar. Over time, his works became less fashionable and were thought to be overly sweet and sentimental. They were later referred to as “chocolate box” paintings compared to more modern standards.
Collector interest for certain periods and subject matter changes with the passing of time. While human sentiment and relationships with family pets may remain, works of fine art often move in and out of fashion like many other things we value.
It is important to understand that as tastes change, the monetary values of works of art often change as well. A case in point is Arthur John Elsley’s painting Friend or Foe? – a 35” x 40” oil on stretched canvas – which was offered for sale at public auction at Sotheby’s New York on three separate occasions.
• In April 2009, it was estimated at $300,000 to $500,000 and sold as Lot #90 for a hammer price of $200,000.
• In May 2017, it was offered as Lot #83 with an estimate of $70,000 to $100,000. Unfortunately, it did not make its reserve price.
• In February 2018, it was sold at Sotheby’s as Lot #820 for a hammer price of $32,000.
The reality is that collector interest for certain periods and subject matter changes with the passing of time. While human sentiment may remain, works of fine art often move in and out of fashion like many other things we value.
Mark Alexander can be reached through www.artserv2000.com
TREY & KATIE KENNEDY
ON MARRIAGE, KIDS, AND THE COMEDY OF REAL LIFE
Trey Kennedy makes a living finding comedy in regular life. Marriage. Toddlers. Yoga pants. The Thursday-night scramble between school dropoffs, soccer practice, and whatever has to be done by morning. Twelve years in, it shows: millions of followers across every platform, three stand-up specials, a sold-out Relatable Tour, and a style of humor fans send each other captioned, “Are you watching me?” He delivers the kind of comedy that travels because everyone’s living some version of it.
Katie, his wife of six years, is a former biomedical engineer who also built a modeling career. She’s now raising their kids and co-hosting Correct Opinions alongside Trey — the show where the two of them swap takes on marriage, parenting, and whatever came up that week.
Trey has been at this longer than people realize. An Edmond, Oklahoma kid who grew up playing basketball described himself as a “shy kid who never thought he’d be an entertainer.” He started making videos while attending Oklahoma State University. After building millions of followers on Vine before the platform shut down, he gave himself six months on Instagram and Facebook to see whether he could rebuild from zero. He did. Stand-up soon followed. His first special, Are You For Real?, streams on YouTube; the second, Grow Up, on Amazon Prime; the third, built around the Relatable Tour, wrapped earlier this year. “I’ve been trying to be funny every week for like twelve years now,” he says. A slow climb, made one bit at a time.
ARTICLE BY KALI KASPRZYK
JANIE
“I’ve been trying to be funny every week for like twelve years now.”
Most of what Trey writes lately starts in his own kitchen. Thomas is three and a half, and he is, in his father’s words, “a movie.” He narrates his own life from the moment his eyes open and mispronounces words in ways his parents now repeat to each other because no one else would believe them. His younger sister, Eva, is what Katie calls “the calm one.” With a third now in the mix, the Kennedys are officially outnumbered.
After six years of marriage, Trey and Katie have learned that the partnership runs best when it gets its own time on the calendar. So once a week, they leave the kids with a sitter and go out for coffee. “You need a system,” Katie says. “It’s about taking time to look each other in the eye. Not the kids. Not the cameras. Just each other.”
The same instinct shapes the work. Most of Trey’s trial and error happens onstage or on Instagram, but the first read is always Katie’s. “There’s only been one time ever I’ve had to be like, ‘you’re not doing that,’” she says. The rest of the time, she just laughs first.
FEATURING TREY & KATIE KENNEDY
Trey and Katie talk about marriage, parenting, and the moments that don’t make the Instagram feed.
Watch or listen to the full conversation wherever you get your podcasts.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY
JONES HAIR & MAKEUP BY MIKAYLA CRANE
summer is POPSICLE SEASON
KIDS AND POPSICLES ARE THE PERFECT SUMMERTIME PAIR
ARTICLE BY LINDA DITCH PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
As temperatures rise, children race to the freezer for this frosty treat or wait anxiously for the approach of the musical ice cream truck. Making homemade popsicles is a fun, kidfriendly activity. These recipes feature kid-favorite flavors with an added taste twist. The only tricky part is waiting for them to freeze.
SPICED GRAPE POPSICLES
ingredients:
Makes 18 to 24
• 2 quarts Concord grape juice
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 12 whole cloves
• 4 cinnamon sticks
• 3 tablespoons whole allspice
directions:
Put all of the ingredients into a large saucepan. Bring the mixture to barely a simmer and let it cook for 30 minutes. Remove from the heat and pour the juice through a cheesecloth-lined strainer into a bowl or pitcher to remove the spices. Allow the juice to cool to room temperature, and then refrigerate until well chilled. Pour mixture into popsicle molds. Freeze until firm.
CHERRY LIMEADE POPSICLES
ingredients:
Makes 18 to 24
• 2 cups sugar
• 2 cups water
• 1 cup lime juice
• 2 cups tart cherry juice
directions:
In a saucepan, combine the sugar and water over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Remove from the heat. Add the cherry juice and taste. Add additional sugar or water if needed. Let come to room temperature and then refrigerate until well chilled. Pour mixture into popsicle molds. Freeze until firm.
Kelsie
Agent
Bus:
kelsie@yourdaytonaneighbor.com www.yourdaytonaneighbor.com
events
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
AUGUST 1ST - 2ND
American Aviation Weekend
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, Space Commerce Way, Merritt Island, FL 32953 | 9:00 AM
Experience the spirit of American aviation through a breathtaking aircraft flyover, special guests, and unique activities for the family. Small-group Astronaut Chats available at an extra charge. The weekend marks the return of the VIP Gateway rooftop viewing experience. Discounts available for children, military, and seniors. 1.855.433.4210
AUGUST 1ST, 8TH, 15TH, 22ND, 29TH
Saturday Night Star Spangled Summer Concert Series + Fireworks
Daytona Beach Oceanfront Bandshell, 70 Boardwalk, Daytona Beach, FL | 7:15 pm
Free summer concert series every Saturday night at the oceanfront bandshell until September 26.
Saturday, August 1: A Tribute to Journey
Saturday, August 8: A Tribute to Elton John
Saturday, August 15: Tributes to Boston and Styx
Saturday, August 22: A Tribute to Queen
Saturday, August 29: Tributes to REO Speedwagon and Chicago
VIP tickets for sale at tix.axs.com
AUGUST 5TH
Popstroke Kid's Day
1283 Cornerstone Boulevard, Daytona Beach, FL 32114 | 9:00 AM
Every Wednesday is Kids Day with free Face Painting (5-7p.m.), playground, giant Jenga, corn hole, and ping pong. Free scoop of ice cream with the purchase of a kid's golf pass and a $2 Kid's Meal with purchase of an adult entree. Enjoy a full day of fun while you kick back with great food, drinks, and mini golf!
AUGUST 7TH, 14TH, 21ST, 28TH
Friday Night Sounds of Summer Concert Series + Fireworks
Daytona Beach Oceanfront Bandshell, 70 Boardwalk, Daytona Beach, FL | 7:15 pm
The City of Daytona Beach presents the free Sounds of Summer every Friday night at the oceanfront bandshell until August 28.
August 7: Bruce Springsteen Tribute
August 14: Lionel Richie & Stevie Wonder Tributes
August 21: Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers Tribute
August 28: Jimmy Buffett Tribute — Season Finale VIP tickets for sale at tix.axs.com
AUGUST 8TH
National Lighthouse Day
Ponce Inlet Lighthouse, 4931 South Peninsula Drive, Ponce Inlet, FL 32127 | 10:30 am
Celebrate the founding of the U.S. Light-House Establishment at the Ponce Inlet Lighthouse! Discover 250+ years of lighthouse history as you explore one of the country's largest and most authentic light stations. Climb 175' to the top of Florida’s tallest lighthouse. Enjoy family-oriented activities including living history interpretations, hands-on workshops, and crafts - free with regular admission until 2:30 pm.
