Saint Augustine, FL May 2020

MAY 2020

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LIFESTYLE LETTER

MAY 2020 PUBLISHER

Lenny Gillette | Lenny.Gillette@lifestylepubs.com PUBLICATION DIRECTOR

Ann Gillette | Ann.Gillette@lifestylepubs.com EDITORIAL COORDINATOR / SALES MANAGER

Crystal Paige-Hubacheck | Crystal.Hubacheck@lifestylepubs.com

Carrying The Torch; In Honor of Laura Cardella

Chrissy Das | Chrissy@thiseditedlife.com

MAY WE UNITE AGAIN BEAUTIFUL, LAURA CARDELLA WAS ONE OF THE KIND-

Taudra Davis | Taudra.Davis@lifestylepubs.com

EST AND MOST UNIQUE OF ST. AUGUSTINE’S TRANSPLANTED RESIDENTS. Ambition mixed with adventure brought her here March 23, 2011, with me, her eventual husband, Phil. Born in Austin, where we met, she was a Texas State graduate and a stand out on her dance team in high school.

We redefined our success with happiness and life experiences together as our priorities. I am an accomplished Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt competitor, Marine, and Army Combatives instructor. Once our lives intertwined, Laura started training with me, becoming my best friend as we grew into soulmates, Our relationship strengthened through years of growing together, We always shared consideration and respect from our hearts; the bond was undeniable, Being happily in love with her made me nicer, more appreciative, patient, and excited each day. Laura was the best version of herself by my side. In our community she became a beautiful face with southern kindness, a gust of fresh air! Being personable, fun,

MANAGING EDITOR

PUBLICATION MANAGER

SALES SUPPORT

Darrin Killmer | DKillmer99@gmail.com Samantha Roach | S.Roach0202@gmail.com STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Robert Och | RobertAnthonyOch@gmail.com MARKET SUPPORT DIRECTOR

William Beringer | W.Beringer@yahoo.com AD DESIGNER

Evan Deuvall LAYOUT DESIGNER

Jayme Emery

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Cathlene Miner | Cathlene@CathleneMiner.com

non-dramatic, and socially considerate was her nature. Laura touched lives of thousands in

CORPORATE TEAM

her special way of connecting. Her flawless smile displayed a genuine grace. Her compan-

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

ionship could change your day the way a daydream captivates a moment. Being the recipient

CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry

of her affection was dumbfounding and inspiring. I miss it every day. Her spirit was down to

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore

earth, warmly memorable, adorably cool, and spontaneous. As a stunning young woman, she was easy to admire and repeatedly fall in love with. It was so rewarding to share a life in love.

Our relationship was the center of our universe; happiness was our gravity. She was ecstatic about being married to me in Kauai! I was so honored to create those fulfilling moments with my sweet bride! We spent the best years of her life together; she told me that and showed me

ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson AD MANAGER Chad Jensen REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Eric Williams WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

gratitude every day with her love. My best years were the ones with her in my arms.

Laura’s most notable business contribution to our community was the founding of Aerial Athlete, an aerial dance studio. Together we created a welcoming community of women with her leadership. Those that saw her perform or teach knew what a passion and skill she had. We all lost an amazing soul September 9th, 2019, to respiratory failure due to pneumonia. My wife is painfully missed every day, by everyone, even with beautiful memories. Her legacy is in our hearts and with her students; we carry her torch now.

ARIZONA | CALIFORNIA | COLORADO | CONNECTICUT | FLORIDA | GEORGIA IDAHO | ILLINOIS | KANSAS | MARYLAND | MASSACHUSETTS | MICHIGAN MINNESOTA | MISSOURI | MONTANA | NEVADA | NEW JERSEY | NEW YORK NORTH CAROLINA | OHIO | OKLAHOMA | OREGON | PENNSYLVANIA SOUTH CAROLINA | TENNESSEE | TEXAS | VIRGINIA | WASHINGTON

Rest in peace beautiful, I love you, Phil Cardella www.LauraCardella.com

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514 W 26TH ST., KANSAS CITY, MO Proverbs 3:5-6 Saint Augustine Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Saint Augustine areas’ most affluent neighborhoods.

Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No

ON THE COVER Laura Cardella 4

Saint Augustine Lifestyle | May 2020

portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Saint Augustine Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

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INSIDE THE ISSUE MAY 2020

FEATURES 10 Betty Griffin Center Offering protection and quality services for the victims of domestic violence.

14 Women In Saint Augustine Building a strong community in the Ancient City

18 Hopefull Handbags, Inc; Community Spotlight Epic-Cure

18 14

28 Donna Mancini Interiors & Flooring Create a lasting impression

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DEPARTMENTS 4

Lifestyle Letter

8

Good Times

10

Giving Back

18

Hometown Hero

20 DIY 26 Locally Owned 28 Renovate & Refine 32 Financial Buzz 33 Realty Report 34 Local’s Choice

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GOOD TIMES

Haven of Hope Day 2020; in Honor of Misty.

This feel-good day was put together on 03/06/2020 by local women, to provide a safe environment dedicated to women that are sheltered or homeless in our community getting back on their feet again. They had access to women’s health resources and feelgood services such as hair, nail, and makeup, a boutique full of clothing, shoes and Hopefull Handbags. info@hopefullhandbgas.org

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Saint Augustine Lifestyle | May 2020

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GIVING BACK

BETT Y GRIFFIN CENTER THIS MONTH IS FAMOUS FOR MOTHER’S DAY AND THE IMPACT MOTHERS HAVE ON THEIR FAMILIES. The family is truly a microcosm of society and the community grows stronger with strong families. When families are in need of protection and assistance from domestic violence, Betty Griffin steps in.

Founded in 1990, Betty Griffin Center’s mission is to offer protection and quality services for the victims of domestic violence and their minor children and/or victims of sexual assault and their families in St. Johns County.

The first thing you will notice about their leadership team is the longevity of each member’s role: Fawn Collins, Shelter Director, has been with Betty Griffin Center for fifteen years; Isilma Hall, Shelter Coordinator, started part-time on the overnight shift at

OFFERING PROTECTION AND QUALITY SERVICES FOR THE VICTIMS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE.

the shelter and has now been with Betty Griffin for nine years; Barbara Preston, Economic Empowerment Advocate, joined the team back in 2001 after a decade in social work. Angelica Soto, Director of Retail Services, started in the backroom accepting donations from associates will be celebrating her two-year anniversary this October.

ARTICLE CHRISSY DAS

Each of these ladies has a heart for the women they help and are cognizant of the lives they impact each day, many because of personal tragedy in their past.

Fawn remembers, “I was a really, really, really painfully shy child and was afraid of everything. My youth pastor always had so much faith in me and she pushed me to go to college and be the first person in my family to graduate from college. She showed me what it was to be a strong woman and to not be afraid of diversity,

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Saint Augustine Lifestyle | May 2020

“SHE HANDED ME A CARD AND I SAID, ‘MISS DEBBIE, WHAT ARE YOU GIVING ME THIS CARD FOR?’ SHE SAYS YOU CAN GET HELP. RIGHT HERE. I DON’T KNOW IF YOU ARE COMFORTABLE TALKING TO ME, BUT I’M HERE FOR YOU.”

CONTINUED >

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GIVING BACK (CONTINUED)

to not be afraid of stepping out on faith and doing things that maybe other people don’t think you can do.”

Angelica shared how she moved to St. Augustine from Connecticut to start over after surviving domestic violence. Her cheerful spirit is evident as she recounts, “I love making things pretty. So working in the thrift store is just awesome because everything is so different every day with different stuff coming in.”

“Before I started working here, I was working at the health department and my supervisor saw me come in with a black eye,” explains Isilmah. “She handed me a card and I said, ‘Miss Debbie, what are you giving me this card for?’ She says you can get help. Right here. I don’t know if you are comfortable talking to me, but I’m here for you.”

Isilma’s supervisor reaching out in such a gentle way opened the door for Isilma to get the help she needed. She would go to Betty Griffin every day during her lunch break and it helped her build up the courage to better her own situation.

Betty Griffin Center shelters more than 550 victims of domestic and sexual abuse annually, operates a 24-hour help line, provides professional counseling for victims of domestic and sexual abuse, provides age-appropriate violence prevention training and operates two thrift stores, one in Anastasia Square.

“I think everyone does an outstanding job here because of the commitment and the compassion and the dedication. You have to have passion and want to do this work because it’s not easy work,” said Barbara.

“My Mom always told me, ‘Just do what you can to help someone.’”

The artwork featured was submitted by children around the community in support of the Betty Griffin Center's "A Day Without Violence" art competition.

For more on how you can help this great cause visit: BettyGriffinCenter.org.

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Saint Augustine Lifestyle | May 2020

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WO M E N I N BUILDING A STRONG COMMUNITY IN THE ANCIENT CITY

JOANNE ALICE A CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF THE ABILITY TREE Joanne Alicea is a local mom and philanthropist with a drive to improve inclusion in St. Augustine. The Chief Executive Officer of the local branch of Ability Tree, a faith-based non-profit organization, Joanne found her way to St. Augustine through Florida’s tight-knit non-profit community.

“My first job out of college was actually doing public speaking.

Back then, there were state and federal grants for abstinence education and they wanted to see what the success would be if abstinence is taught in comparison to Planned Parenthood and their message,” shares Joanne.

The non-profit community is small, and the abstinence-focused ones are an even tighter niche. Destiny brought Joanne’s now-husband Eliut into her path and they started their family in St. Augustine.

When their son, Josiah, was born with Down Syndrome, Joanne knew that he needed a place in the community to call his own.

After a lot of research, Joanne found the established non-profit Ability Tree. “It actually kind of exploded all in the same year,” explains Joanne. “It was just them, and then within one year, four other locations reached out and said, ‘Can I start one in my area?’”

Joanne is working to fulfill Ability Tree’s mission is to come alongside families impacted by disability and equip organizations through Recreation, Education, Support, and Training (R.E.S.T.).

AbilityTree.org/FirstCoast.

S A IN T N T A UG U S I E

ARTICLE CHRISSY DAS

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Saint Augustine Lifestyle | May 2020

M A R I A R E Y E S -J O N E S ARTIST

Steps away from St. Augustine Distillery, you will find the vibrant space of Maria Reyes Jones Gallery. The pull of St. Augustine was heavy for Maria. She first visited the Ancient City in 1989 to see her brother after finishing her Master of Fine Arts at Florida State. Wandering the old neighborhoods and downtown, she felt a creative draw that couldn’t be denied.

“The light was somehow different here,” recounts Maria. “I saw Flagler College and the Lightner Museum and fell in love with its architecture and history. After many years of being away, I returned to help care for my mom whose health isn’t good. I am happy to be back, creating my art and being a part of this vibrant community.”

“My subject matter is a reflection of all the things I love - nature, animals, spirituality, abstract design, texture, pattern and the most vivid color possible,” explains Maria.

“My job is about making art that uplifts and moves people. How lucky am I to be able to do this?” Maria’s gallery is always open for the First Friday Art Walk and throughout the week. For more information visit MariaReyesJones.com.

CONTINUED >

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WOMEN IN SAINT AUGUSTINE (CONTINUED)

JO-LEE MANNING EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF JUSTICE COALITION Jo-Lee Manning is a native Floridian and, even rarer, a lifelong St. Augustine resident. Tragically, Jo-Lee lost her only daughter, Haley Nicole Smith, to an impaired hit and run driver in 2013. During that time, she became her daughter’s voice keeping the unsolved case in front of the public with the help of various local news organizations.

This action resulted in the arrest and conviction of her daughter’s killer.

Jo-Lee joined the Justice Coalition, now serving as Executive Director, because of her family’s tragedy. The Justice Coalition advocates for innocent victims of violent crime in Northeast Florida.

“We’re here for the community, though we hope they never need us. If they ever do, we’re here for them and the most important thing is we understand what they’re going through. Most of us have experienced a loss and been a victim or a survivor, so we know how to navigate the judicial process,” explains Jo-Lee. “We live in a society where a crime is committed, it’s solved and tried in an hour on TV. People expect it to be handled much more quickly in real life and explaining that can be difficult.”

It can take years for justice to be done and in the meantime the victims and survivors do the best they can.

In her free time, Jo-Lee enjoys visiting with friends and family.

She also enjoys cooking, making candy, traveling and photography.

On many weekends, you can find her at local fundraising events for the Justice Coalition.

For more information about Justice for Haley visit facebook. com/Justice-For-Haley-512950795479135/ and for more information about the Justice Coalition visit JusticeCoalition.org.

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Saint Augustine Lifestyle | May 2020

C AT H L E N E M I N E R AUTHOR, MOTIVATOR, ENTREPRENEUR Cathlene Miner is a native Floridian with a heart for the community. Growing up in South Florida to two parents with a service mindset, it is easy to see how the apple has stayed so close to the tree.

As a two-time author, entrepreneur and the founder and President of Hopefull Handbags, Cathlene leads an enjoyable and fulfilling life.

“Family means everything to me, and community grows out of that,” explains Cathlene. Her four children, the two youngest still at home and homeschooled, have a big hand in helping around the community. Her grandchildren are following as well! “They are always helping and that’s just our lifestyle. They don’t look at it for volunteering hours, the kids just like to help others. That’s their normal.”

St. Augustine appealed to her because her parents settled here and there is such a spirit of collaboration in the non-profit community. The level of intersection between faith and hope within the local population is amazing.

“I organize events like the Women’s Expo to really highlight what resources are available and how we can help one another.”

The Women’s Expo was held in March at the Parlor Room behind Dos Coffee. Women from local non-profit organizations as well as women-owned businesses came together for an afternoon of fun and fellowship to educate the women gathered on the ways they can help in the community.

“We brought together the most inspiring women in the community so that we can be reminded that we are limitless.”

You can sign up to learn about next year’s Expo and learn more about Cathlene and the causes she supports at CathleneMiner.com.

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HOMETOWN HERO ARTICLE CATHLENE MINER

HOPEFULL HANDBAGS, INC ;

COMMUNIT Y SPOTLIGHT EPIC-CURE

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Saint Augustine Lifestyle | May 2020

EPIC CURE SINCE I STARTED HOPEFULL HANDBAGS, INC 501(C)3 IN 2017 I HAVE HAD THE PLEASURE OF GETTING TO KNOW SOME OTHER AMAZING NON PROFITS, THEIR FOUNDERS AND TEAMS. My heart is so full with the generosity that our community has. Sunny Mulford is co-founder of Epic-Cure.

Epic Cure, Inc is a 501(c)(3) organization focused on eliminating food waste and hunger by rescuing good food from grocery stores and making it available to the good people in our community.

An average of 353 families received approximately 50 pounds of food per week in St. Johns County in February alone thanks to Epic-Cure. Families with children remain Epic-Cure’s largest demographic served with senior adults following closely behind.

Epic Cure remains a 100% volunteer organization with many opportunities to become involved. Beyond food rescue and distribution opportunities, they have a cooking class for middle school-aged kids that is taught by senior adults. Additionally, they have created a program that supplies meat to our local veterans.

Just $10/month will feed 1 family for 1 month in our community! How? Through coordinated volunteer efforts and partnering with Feeding Northeast Florida (local chapter of Feeding America) Epic-Cure focuses on rescuing food at the wholesale and retail levels. Grocery stores and distributors do not display packages that are dented or slightly damaged, and they rotate stock from the shelves based on use by and sell by dates. Removing these food items occurs even though they have approximately one-third of their usable life left. Additionally, dented and overstock items do

Hopefull Handbags is a nonprofit501(c)(3) that started right here in

not even make it onto the grocery store shelves.They “res-

St. Johns County. Hopefull Handbags believes that with community

cue” and distribute this food to families and individuals that

collaboration we are stronger and make a bigger more positive impact.

are having a tough time making ends meet and therefore do not have access to nutritious foods.

Never Underestimate The Power of Hope.

If you are interested in becoming involved with Epic-

Hopefull Handbags is “raising hope one handbag at a time” to wom-

Cure, Inc by way of volunteering or by way of financially

en getting back on their feet again due to domestic violence and

supporting their efforts, please go to epic-cure.org.

other detrimental situations. To learn more and get involved go to

You can even become a monthly sponsor knowing what

HopefullHandbags.org.

an incredible impact you are making for an entire family!

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DIY

PACK YOUR SMALL SPACES WITH A BIG PUNCH BY STARTING YOUR OWN CONTAINER GARDEN

IT MAY BE THAT YOU DON’T HAVE MUCH SPACE TO WORK WITH; MAYBE YOU ARE ALWAYS ON-THE-MOVE; OR, MAYBE YOU JUST SIMPLY COLOR TO YOUR SPACE. It doesn’t matter what your reason may be. Container gardening—the practice of growing plants exclusively in containers rather than in the ground—is a great way to pack some punch into a small (or portable!) space.

With container gardening, there are almost endless possibilities. Whether you’re looking to grow decorative plants or edible ones, there’s likely an option for you— and it doesn’t have to be limited to simply growing herbs

ARTICLE NICOLETTE MARTIN

WANT SOME GREENERY TO ADD A LITTLE BIT OF

on your windowsill.

There are several factors to keep in mind when you first start your container garden, the first of which being to decide whether you’re going to keep it indoors or out.

Different plants grow best in different environments, so be sure to choose species that will thrive where you’ve decided to put them—making sure they are receiving the proper amount of sunlight and moisture.

DETAILS HEADER Details line 1 information Details line 2 information Details line 3 information

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Saint Augustine Lifestyle | May 2020

Here are a few other things to be aware of when you get started: CONTAINER SIZES: Large containers may be easier to grow plants in than small since

they have more space for large root systems and larger amounts of soil retain more moisture. + CONTAINER DRAINAGE: Your container must have a drainage system—even if it’s just a few holes you drill in it yourself. For plants that need to be watered more frequently, consider self-watering containers. + CONTAINER MATERIALS: The fun thing about container gardens is that you don’t have to limit yourself. Get creative with the containers you use (while keeping the above information in mind)! We love repurposing vintage items into unique containers.

the more the greener

garden tips

+

Why stick with one kind of garden? Once you’re a container garden pro, there are tons of different theme gardens you can create all around your home.

CLEAN-AIR GARDEN Snake Plant + Spider Plant + Dragon Plant + English Ivy FRAGRANCE GARDEN Lavender + Lemongrass + Mint LEMON GARDEN Lemon Verbena + Lemon Balm + Lemongrass + Lemon Geranium

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Saint Augustine Lifestyle | May 2020

ALTHOUGH THIS YEAR’S ROMANZA FESTIVAL HAD TO BE CANCELLED DUE THE COVID-19 EMERGENCY, ROMANZA BELIEVES IN SUPPORTING THE ARTS AND OUR LOCAL ARTISTS. That philosophy has been passionately steered by Kathleen Vande Berg since the Festival started in 2012.

The musical scene of St. Johns County is much, much richer as a result of Kathleen Vande Berg living in our midst. Kathleen brings an incredible amount of energy and enthusiasm – and a great big smile to everything she does. She is an extremely talented singer and musician; is highly intelligent, has the patience to teach individuals, as well as direct and conduct large choruses and musical groups.

Kathleen has an infectious personality, is a good communicator and is wellloved by every individual who comes in contact with her. She rarely says no when asked to take on new responsibilities and places her personal stamp on everything that she touches.

Kathleen holds and has held many leadership positions in our cultural community: + Interim Organist and Choir Director in several Churches, currently at St. Cyprian’s Episcopal Church; + Director of Flagler College Singers and St. Augustine Singers + Director of Community Chorus, Pops Concert and Christmas “Messiah” Concerts + Musical Director and Accompanist for First Coast Opera + Board Member of Romanza St. Augustine since 2011 + and Chair of St. Augustine’s Romanza Festival of Music & The Arts.

Kathleen received the 2013 ROWITA Award from the St. Johns Cultural Council and she was knighted in 2014 by the Menorcan Easter Committee for her community service.

“Every arts organization does something special in the spring - sort of a wrap-up to the season. Why not help all those organizations flourish by providing an umbrella of advertising, a unified schedule and aid in finding and affording venues? After my years with the Community Chorus, I understood those needs and the frustrations of the many small, but talented groups trying to find an audience in the area.” -Kathleen

A b o u t t h e Fu t u re Kathleen’s vision is for Romanza Festival to achieve the status as a premier event in NE Florida which becomes a draw for locals as well as a destination for tourists. It already has great audience appeal with many, many events so that people have to choose which to attend and that we have enough guests to fill all venues. And it is becoming a premier festival that performers are anxious to have on their resumes. People working hard to be part of the line-up.

“ THE BIGGEST ADVANTAGE I HAVE AS A FE STIVALE CHAIR, IS THAT I AM ACQUAINTED WITH MANY OF THE FOLKS IN THE PRODUC TION OF ARTS EVENTS IN THIS C OMMUNIT Y AND NE ARBY. I WORK IN THE FIELD OF MUSIC AND AS SUCH, I KNOW MANY, MANY PEOPLE INVOLVED HERE IN ST. AUGUSTINE .”

Romanza Festivale was started to showcase homegrown talent and to foster of collaborative relationships among cultural groups here.

+ Booking the major St. Aug. performing organizations + Finding creative talent and diverse acts to participate

“There are many advantages to the community, among them:

+ Managing the budget

- opportunity to attend and participate in a wide variety of events,

+ Arranging venues

many of which are free.” -Kathleen

+ Making sure the programs and websites are accurate + Making sure that all the talent arrives at the correct venues at

KATHY'S ROLE AS FESTIVAL CHAIR INCLUDE: + Coordinating the schedule

the correct time and that the venues are ready for the show. + and much more

+ Creating series and special events

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MIXOLOGY

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ME Z C AL MARG ARI TA Smoky, Earthy, Amazing!

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+ served over ice with a tajin rim and lime or orange wedge

+ T ip: Put glass in freezer while gathering ingredients. A frosty glass is a great touch!

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INTERIORS & FLOORING

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Saint Augustine Lifestyle | May 2020

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TOUCH OF GLAM Update your bathroom using soft hues on the walls and flooring to create a sense of calm.

Add cabinetry and countertops in a refined color or finish for added sophistication. Give your space touch of glam with gold fixtures.Â

CONTINUED >

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RENOVATE & REFINE (CONTINUED)

enclosure allows for a more spacious feeling in the room.

It is light, airy and timeless.

FRAMELESS

A frameless glass shower

WHAT WE’RE LOVING FOR 2020 INTERIORS + KITCHENS. White cabinets remain the number one color, but stained wood is making a resurgence. Slab backsplashes are gaining in popularity. Newcomer porcelain is making headway as a countertop, but quartz still reigns. + BATHROOMS. The zero-entry shower continues to be desirable, as do floating vanities, lighted mirrors, and additional seating for comfort. The master bathroom becomes a sanctuary. + LAUNDRY ROOM. Today’s laundry rooms are a place to have fun! They feature patterned flooring, energizing colors, and whimsical hardware. Farmhouse sinks are being added to pre-soak dirty clothes and sports uniforms. + GATHERING SPACES. There’s a sea change occurring here to incorporate a sense of calmness and contentment.

An open and light space full of sunlight, thoughtfully placed furniture, soft hues and fabrics enlightens the spirit and welcomes.

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Saint Augustine Lifestyle | May 2020

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31

FINANCIAL BUZZ WOMEN AND RETIREMENT; OVER 80 PERCENT OF WOMEN FAIL RETIREMENT INCOME LITERACY QUIZ

F A M I LY T R E E F I N A N C I A L

A NATIONAL STUDY CONDUCTED IN NOVEMBER, 2017,

SILVER LINING: KNOWING WHERE TO TURN

STATED THAT ONLY 18% OF RETIREMENT-AGE WOMEN

Although most women admit they are lacking retirement

WERE ABLE TO PASS A BASIC QUIZ ON HOW TO MAKE

income literacy, most do understand the value of a financial

A NEST EGG LAST IN RETIREMENT. Those numbers are

advisor and believe advisors are a good source of knowledge

alarming and tell a story of the trouble women face in their own

about retirement income. Women were just as likely as men

retirement knowledge. Even more worrisome is that despite

to consult a financial advisor or a financial services firm to get

low retirement literacy, the majority of women (55%) are still

financial information. Women also had different expectations

extremely confident that they and their spouses would have

from their advisor. + About half (55%) of women with a financial advisor stated

enough money to retire comfortably.

There were 1,244 people were interviewed in this study.

that it is extremely important that their financial advisor edu-

Women scored lower literacy rates than men, in 10 out of

cate them about the risks of running out of money in retirement.

12 knowledge categories. However, women performed just as well as men (76%) on the topic of Medicare insurance planning

+ Additionally, 60% of women said it is important to receive education from an advisor about investment management.

and actually exceed on the topic of paying for long-term-care

Everyone needs an expert at various times in their life. When

expenses (38% vs 35%), which is important since women live

the shower isn’t running, we need a plumber. When the air

longer on average.

conditioner isn’t cooling in the heat of summer, we need to

Women are aware that they have poor retirement literacy.

call an A/C Company. When we don’t feel well, we call upon

But this does not impact their confidence in retirement. Only a

the knowledge and training of a Dr. And, it is no different with

third (33%) of women stated they were extremely knowledge-

retirement. This should not be a DiY moment. It is important to

able about retirement income planning. However, most women

call on the professional in that area, such as an agent, adviser,

(55%) reported they were extremely confident they would have

planner, or other qualified financial professional.

enough money to live comfortably throughout retirement.

At our firm, we train our financial representatives to be

+ Only 24% of extremely confident women could pass the quiz.

experts in understanding retirement income streams, liquidity

+ In all 12 knowledge categories – including strategies for

needs and longevity concerns.

sustaining income, life expectancy, and life insurance – women

Family Tree Financial Group is a local financial services firm

reported lower self-perceived retirement income planning

located in Northeast Florida, serving people from every area

knowledge than men.

of the country. You can contact Family Tree Financial Group at

This is a problem, especially when statistically speaking, women can expect to live longer than men. With this in mind, it is

(904) 657-0896 or visit www.FamilyTreeFinancialGroup.com for more information.

time to get help on how to navigate this complex and extremely important stage of life.

ARTICLE JEFF SEDLITZ 32

Saint Augustine Lifestyle | May 2020

REALTY REPORT

SAINT AUGUSTINE

REALTY REPORT

NEIGHBORHOOD

ORIGINAL PRICE

SOLD PRICE

%SOLD/ORIG

DOM

BDRMS

BATHS

73 Greenview Ln

$559,990

$533,890

95%

615

5

5

2041 Crown Ave

$515,000

$490,000

95%

315

3

2

433 Back Creek

$758,087

$758,087

100

21

5

4.5

500 Willow Lake

$466,412

$466,412

100%

0

4

4

238 Aspinwall Pkwy

$949,900

$894,447

94%

20

3

3

1312 Powis Rd

$482,900

$474,000

98%

99

5

3.5

472 Sebastian Sq

$529,900

$529,900

100%

3

4

3

723 Promenade Pointe

$822,900

$768,000

93%

414

4

3.5

138 Calle Norte

$849,900

$800,000

94%

33

5

4.5

258 Sophia Ter

$899,000

$830,000

92%

207

5

4.5

7324 A1A South

$1,050,000

$983,000

94%

5

2

204 N Forest Dune Dr

$848,000

$845,000

99%

107

3

5

22 High Dune Dr

$832,182

$832,182

10%

0

4

3.5

5437 Atlantic Vw

$645,000

$595,000

91%

159

3

2.5

25 Marshview Dr

$529,000

$515,000

98%

107

3

2.5

9017 Old A1A

$750,000

$625,000

83%

66

4

3

This data is a sampling of sold properties from January. Source: MLS system.

TRUST. COMMITMENT. RESULTS.

MERRY COBB | REALTOR® 904-536-5831

STEPHEN COLLINS 904-797-9600

Wondering how your home compares to others in the neighborhood?

Visit sellwithmerry.com for a FREE market report.

CityLifestyle.com/SaintAugustine 33

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34

Saint Augustine Lifestyle | May 2020

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passion for serving community.”

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