Gratitude & Connection
As autumn deepens and the air turns crisp, traditions take on renewed meaning, rituals that invite us to pause, gather, and give thanks. Whether celebrated on the water, around the table, or within neighborhoods, these moments remind us that connection is the true abundance of the season.
At the Satori Foundation, tradition takes shape on the open sea. By introducing children, families, and veterans to the joy of sailing, the foundation shares more than a sport, it offers adventure, confidence, and belonging. These experiences, lived beneath the sails, reflect the timeless ways in which traditions strengthen community and create memories that endure.
A similar spirit is found in the simple ritual of raising a glass of wine. Beyond varietals and vintages, wine symbolizes hospitality, fellowship, and the art of slowing down to share life with others. Around the table, joy is multiplied when experienced together.
The community also draws strength from organizations such as the Equity Project Alliance and Valerie’s House. Their work reflects the power of compassion, whether through advancing equity and opportunity or providing safe spaces for children and families navigating grief. Each, in its own way, demonstrates that community is not accidental but built through intentional acts of care and service.
November brings many opportunities to live out these values. Veterans Day honors the courage and sacrifice of those who have served, reminding us of the freedom secured through their dedication. Children’s Grief Awareness Month calls attention to the resilience of young people facing profound loss, and the importance of walking alongside them with compassion and support. Thanksgiving invites us all to gather in gratitude for the bonds that sustain us. And throughout Native American Heritage Month, the enduring traditions and cultural legacy of the Poarch Creek Indians are celebrated, enriching the shared fabric of this region.
This season is a reminder that beauty lies not only in celebration but in connection; in the traditions upheld, the causes championed, and the communities strengthened together. Gratitude is not confined to a single day or month, but a way of seeing the world, a world that grows richer when shared.
BIANCA BAIN VILLEGAS, PUBLI CATION DIRECTOR @PENSACOLACITYLIFESTYLE
November 2025
PUBLISHER
Suzanne Pope | Suzanne.Pope@CityLifestyle.com
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
Bianca Bain Villegas
Bianca.BainVillegas@CityLifestyle.com
PUBLICATION MANAGER
Sydney Steffen | Sydney.Steffen@CityLifestyle.com
ACCOUNT MANAGER
Katie Harris | Katie.Harris@CityLifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Finn Aldrich, Alex Boykin, Kairym Lisch, Elizabeth McKinley, Suzanne Pope, Stephania Streit, Bianca Bain Villegas
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER
Kevin Houghton
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Jenna Crawford
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kathy Nguyen
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Marina Campbell
inside the issue
Tables foster connection, heirlooms spark conversation, and food comforts the soul. Thanksgiving reminds us of gratitude, while the South’s brilliant colors bring warmth and inspiration to every gathering. Thank you to Ray & Hilda Jones for use of their beautiful property.
ENDLESS WAYS TO PLAY
From
MORE THAN NEIGHBORS
Satori
ARTICLE BY BIANCA BAIN VILLEGAS PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
Enlightenment on the Bay
Foundation
The PYC Satori Foundation is accelerating a clear mission: expand access to sailing and open the water to youth across Northwest Florida and nearby Alabama. Its current focus is acquiring two environmentally responsible C22 sailboats with electric motors, practical training platforms that lower barriers and put more hands on the helm.
Sailing is notoriously difficult to access. It requires proximity to water, swimming ability, specialized instruction, and significant financial investment. Satori closes those gaps with partners such as Brendan Sailing, Spectrum Sailing, and Sailing for All, offering scholarships, mentorship, and small boat experiences. The aim is to create a pipeline of local talent that can carry young sailors from their first tack to the highest levels, even the America’s Cup or the Olympics.
The foundation’s story began with Tom and Carol Patterson, who donated a 52 foot Shannon sailboat to the Pensacola Yacht Club with a powerful vision: give underserved youth the chance to feel the wind, explore navigation, and experience teamwork. The vessel, named Satori, became a literal and symbolic platform for outreach. For several years it carried students across Pensacola Bay, exposing them to science, seamanship, and the joy of discovery. When the boat was sold, its proceeds seeded the foundation, ensuring the Pattersons’ vision would not simply endure but evolve into something larger.
The very name carries meaning. In Japanese, satori translates to “enlightenment,” a moment of clarity or awakening. That is precisely what the Pattersons hoped to spark, an awareness of the bay, the beauty of sailing, and the opportunities unlocked when young people gain access to the water. For many, that first step aboard becomes not just a recreational outing but the beginning of a lifelong passion.
That vision guides the foundation today. Sailing is not just recreation but a teacher of character. It builds confidence, resilience, and independence. Parents of children on the autism spectrum have reported profound changes after time on the water: new confidence, greater independence, even breakthroughs in communication. One nonverbal sailor astonished his instructors after a day on Pensacola Bay when he said simply, “When can
we do this again?” For families, these moments are more than victories on the water; they are milestones of growth and hope.
Partnerships widen the horizon. American Magic, the United States challenger for the America’s Cup, sees Pensacola as both training ground and potential pipeline. GL52 boats dazzled local youth last year, who were equally intrigued by the robotic mark boats that choreograph the course. These encounters connect grassroots sailing to the world stage, showing that Northwest Florida youth can dream and achieve at the highest level.
The impact stretches broadly. Boys and Girls Clubs, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Ascension Autism, Independence for the Blind, Valerie’s House, military families, and local schools have all stepped aboard. For some, sailing builds confidence and teamwork; for others, it is a way to reconnect with memories or discover marine science firsthand. Satori has also welcomed homeschool groups, whose students treat each voyage as a living laboratory of tides, weather, and ecology. Each partner brings unique needs, and every outing shapes a different story of discovery.
Inclusivity is non negotiable. The foundation operates with just one and a half paid staff, powered largely by volunteers. Even so, demand keeps growing. Each season brings new partners, new youth served, and new stories of transformation: a young girl who became a fearless competitor after refusing to abandon her boat in cold water; a legally blind child who discovered joy in marine biology despite limited vision. Such stories, repeated season after season, become the living proof of the mission’s power and the enduring resilience of young sailors.
Looking ahead, the foundation aims to bridge the in between years, when sailors are no longer beginners but not yet independent. Slightly larger training boats would allow instructors to ride alongside and nurture talent at a pivotal stage. This deliberate step
is part of a strategy to grow not only broader but deeper, sustaining young sailors through the years when inspiration must be matched with skill. Just as importantly, it ensures that access to the water remains open to all, regardless of background.
Founded in 2015, Satori built early momentum, then weathered COVID 19 and Hurricane Sally before resuming steady growth. Today’s progress is measured less in numbers and more in moments: exposure without dilution, widening the circle while preserving the quality of each experience on the water.
The legacy is clear. Break the myth that water access is reserved for the wealthy or elite. Replace it with the truth of a public resource and a living maritime heritage. Create transformative moments that alter lives, whether they lead to a medal or simply a lifelong love of Pensacola Bay and its fragile ecosystems.
For Satori, the compass remains steady: grow thoughtfully, teach rigorously, welcome widely, and keep the doors to the water open. The numbers will follow. More importantly, so will the smiles, bright reflections of a community discovering itself on the tide.
Welcome to Scenic Hills Country Club
Where tradition meets southern charm. Our semi-private club boasts superb facilities and a warm, welcoming membership family. Our 18-hole, Championship Caliber golf course caters to all levels of golfing ability, ensuring every round is a memorable experience.
For over 60 years, Scenic Hills has been a cornerstone of community and family recreation. Our elegant ballroom, versatile meeting rooms, luxurious locker rooms, and diverse dining options—from casual to upscale—offer something for everyone.
At Scenic Hills, we blend class with casual southern hospitality. Our dedicated management staff and talented employees are committed to providing professional, top-notch service, creating an environment where families and the community can thrive. Join us and be part of our rich legacy!
Membership at Scenic Hills Country Club truly comes with benefits! Discounted privileges to course and cart, choice tee times, advanced use of the full facilities, and exclusive event access are just a small sampling of what you receive as a member of Florida’s only course that has hosted a USGA Open.
CIRCLES OF CONNECTION
Savor The Lifestyle: Tradition
ARTICLE BY STEPHANIA STREIT | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
Image provided by Kevin L. Houghton, RSVP LLC. Pumpkins provided by First City Art Center
“Long before there was a government welfare program, this spirit of voluntary giving was ingrained in the American character.”
As we move into the holiday season, most of us begin to think warmly in anticipation of the traditions that we bring to life this time of the year. Cookbooks and decorations galore will come flooding out of our attics and storage rooms to once again become a part of our daily lives at home, school, and work. Our senses and memories are roused from their annual slumber and engaged in a delightful dance with the past and present, bridging the divide between new and old in a nostalgic language all its own. Traditions take center stage reminding us of our shared values and beliefs drawing us closer together to celebrate who we are as individuals, as a family, and as a community, no matter the size or geography. The world over, cultures are inextricably defined by their traditions that are lovingly curated through food, art, and music culminating in celebrations that are passed down through generations, a legacy thoughtfully woven together timelessly. Traditions give us a sense of belonging, a feeling of comfort, and an identity. Take a moment and think- what traditions do you embrace and share from your childhood or better yet, what traditions have you created to eclipse the passage of time?
Some traditions become timeless due to their significance and meaning, ultimately spanning the globe, evolving, and creating a sense of connection with humanity, illustrating a shared love for one another. Christmas, for example, is celebrated throughout most of the world today. Multiple theories trace their roots back to Odin (aka Wodan), a god revered by the Germanic peoples in Northern Europe as early as 2 B.C. Odin was celebrated during Yule, a pagan holiday that took place in midwinter. During this time, Odin would lead the Wild Hunt, a ghostly procession throughout the sky. It is unclear to the
extent Odin influenced the evolution of Christmas, but as a bearded, cloaked man travelling through the winter night sky, he bears an uncanny resemblance to Santa Claus.
Our modern-day Saint Nicholas, the jolly, merry old man in a red suit who secretly gives gifts, is said to have originated as a Greek bishop/monk in the 4th century who lived in the city of Myra, now in present-day Turkey, where he was known far and wide for his generosity. As the story goes, his parents died in an epidemic when he was a young child, leaving him their fortune which he, in turn, used to serve God and others. A well-known legend describes his feats of generosity through the story of the Three Dowries, a tale of charitable kindness to a poor man who had three daughters. During this period, daughters without dowries were unlikely to marry and were possibly sold into slavery. Mysteriously, on three different occasions, a bag of gold was tossed through the window of the poor man’s home, landing in stockings or shoes of the daughters left before the fire to dry to save them from a life of slavery. This sense of generosity took hold and flourished throughout Europe during the Middle Ages until it evolved into a dedicated celebration in remembrance of Saint Nicholas as a feast day on December 6, the anniversary of his death. Over time, as this tradition was established, it became customary to leave gifts for Christian children on the evening of December 5, waking to presents in honor of Saint Nicholas on December 6.
Our Santa Claus here in the United States made his way over with the Dutch in the 17th century, where he was known as Sinterklaas. He was known to have a long white beard and wear a long red robe, similar to Saint Nicholas. However, unlike Saint Nicholas, Sinterklaas
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carried a big red book full of children’s names who were naughty or nice. In addition, the new North American British colonies celebrated gift giving on December 24, which originated during the Protestant Reformation when Martin Luther encouraged the celebration to move to Christmas Eve, to associate the giving of gifts with Christ’s birth instead of a patron saint of the Catholic Church.
Today, in the United States, Santa Claus is a carefully hand-stitched pattern of the Germanic Odin, Greek Saint Nicholas, Dutch Sinterklaas, and English Father Time, combining many traditions into a melting pot of its own, indicative of our nation’s shared heritage. To see the wonder, hope, and delight in a child’s eyes in anticipation of Santa transports those of us a bit older back in time, once a year, to our childhood, reminiscent
Image provided by Kevin L. Houghton, RSVP LLC
of our household traditions eagerly welcoming Santa into our home with a plate of cookies and milk. The sights, sounds and smells that are unique to our family’s traditions and legacy recipes to be passed down from generation to generation in hopes that, for at least one day of the year, our dreams will come true.
Here at home in America, even though our country is very young, we have established traditions to bring us together as a country. Thanksgiving was established by Abraham Lincoln during the Civil War to promote a sense of unity in a deeply divided time. On July 1-3, 1863, the Battle of Gettysburg resulted in the loss of 50,000 lives resulting in the hallowed Gettysburg address. With this in mind, on July 15, 1863, President Lincoln, issued a proclamation:
"…Now, therefore, be it known, that I do set apart Thursday, the 6th day of August next, to be observed as a national day of Thanksgiving, praise, and prayer and I invite the people of the United States to assemble on that occasion…"
Then on October 3, 1863, President Lincoln issued another proclamation, one of nine:
"…I do therefore invite my fellow citizens in every part of the United States, …to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next, as a day of Thanksgiving and
Praise... And I recommend to them that while offering up the ascriptions justly due to Him …, they do also, with humble penitence for our national perverseness and disobedience, commend to his tender care all those who have become widows, orphans, mourners or sufferers in the lamentable civil strife in which we are unavoidably engaged, and fervently implore the interposition of the Almighty Hand to heal the wounds of the nation and to restore it as soon as may be consistent with Divine purposes to the full enjoyment of peace, harmony, tranquility and Union…"
Even though Lincoln and most US Presidents since his time issued similar Thanksgiving proclamations, it was not until President Ronald Reagan that we, as a nation, officially designated the 4th Thursday of November, as our Thanksgiving holiday.
"...In this spirit, Thanksgiving has become a day when Americans extend a helping hand to the less fortunate. Long before there was a government welfare program, this spirit of voluntary giving was ingrained in the American character. Americans have always understood that, truly, one must give in order to receive. This should be a day of giving as well as a day of thanks…"
And so, in keeping with the spirit of the season, honor those who have come before you and those thereafter by giving the joy of a tradition all your own.
“Breast cancer awareness is not just about prevention, it ’s about honoring resilience, safeguarding futures, and living with intention.”
“Breast cancer awareness reminds us that caring for ourselves is the most refined expression of living well . ”
“In every season of life, awareness is the most timeless accessory. By embracing breast cancer awareness, we not only invest in our health, we invest in the future, in family, and in the moments that matter most . ”
Valerie’s House
A PLACE WHERE GRIEVING CHILDREN FIND HOPE
ARTICLE BY SUZANNE POPE | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
On a quiet evening in Pensacola, laughter echoes from the Chadbourne Foundation Home. Children run through the halls, settle into art tables, and gather in circles where stories are shared and tears are met with understanding. At first glance, it could be mistaken for an after-school program or a youth club. But this is Valerie’s House, a sanctuary where children and teens who have lost a parent or sibling come together to grieve, to heal, and, most importantly, to know they are not alone.
A CHILD’S PERSPECTIVE
“When I first came, I felt nervous,” Lily admits. “I didn’t know anyone. But then I started to make friends…and I got more comfortable.”
For many children, the first day at Valerie’s House is filled with uncertainty. The weight of loss is heavy, and they’re unsure if anyone could understand. But here, something changes. Emma, another young participant, explained it this way: “At school, I only knew maybe one person who had gone through something similar. But here, everyone knows. I felt an instant connection, like they understood what I was going through.”
That connection is the heart of Valerie’s House. It turns isolation into belonging. A child who once struggled to speak about loss begins to laugh again, to share memories, and to find comfort in the presence of peers who get it
HEALING THROUGH FRIENDSHIP AND EXPRESSION
Friendships form quickly within these walls. Hannah remembers meeting her first peer friend here, Frankie, and feeling the “click” that helped her settle in. “Being around kids close to my age who understand—it made all the difference,” she says.
Chadbourne House
Valerie’s House also gives children safe, creative outlets to process grief. Laney recalls one exercise vividly: “We listed feelings we didn’t like about grief on a board, and then threw wet cotton balls at them. It helped me get all the bad emotions out.”
Whether it’s art, journaling, games, or simply sitting in a circle and talking, every activity is designed to ease children into sharing—especially the middle and high schoolers who often keep their emotions locked inside. Graham reflects, “I was really confined before I came here. But talking—just talking—helped me more than anything.”
WHAT THE CHILDREN DISCOVER
Over time, the shift is profound. What once felt impossible— laughing, dreaming, feeling “normal” again—becomes reality. “I can live a more normal life now,” Graham says quietly. “It doesn’t mean my grief went away, but I don’t feel like the only one anymore.”
Emma adds that Valerie’s House has shaped how she thinks about grief moving forward: “It’s not something that ever really goes away. But now I know I’ll always find people here who are going through it too. I’ll always have ways to deal with it.”
WHY THIS WORK MATTERS
Crista Brandt, Director of Valerie’s House Northwest Florida, knows this truth all too well. She lost her own mother at just 11 years old. “This work is deeply personal to me,” she shares. “Our mission is that no child will grieve alone. That means giving them the tools to process grief in healthy ways—so they don’t grow up carrying trauma in silence.”
She emphasizes that grief left unsupported can affect not just one child, but an entire community—leading to challenges like depression, addiction, school struggles, even incarceration later in life. “By intervening early, by surrounding children with support, we are changing futures—not only theirs but the future of our region,” Crista explains.
GRATITUDE AND GROWTH
The children themselves are quick to express gratitude. “I just want to say thank you,” Graham says simply. Laney adds, “This place makes the world a better place. Every day, Valerie’s House is starting one life at a time.”
Emma speaks with heartfelt clarity: “I couldn’t even begin to explain how much this has helped me, or how grateful I am to the people who make it possible. It’s put me so much farther in life than I ever thought I could be.”
LOOKING AHEAD
By 2026, Valerie’s House Northwest Florida will become its own independent entity, strengthening local governance and tailoring programs to the 13,000 children in our region who will lose a parent or sibling before turning 18.
The vision is bold but simple: to ensure that no child in Northwest Florida grieves alone
And if you ask the children themselves, they’ll tell you the same thing—this place is more than a program. It’s a second home. It’s proof that grief, while it changes life forever, doesn’t have to take away joy, hope, or the courage to dream again.
Together
ARTICLE BY ALEX BOYKIN OF GULFCOAST WINE
PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
I recently went to a wine event that was very well attended. A few days prior to the event I was describing it to a few really nice folks who really like wine and I was asked; “Why are you going to that, there aren’t going to be Wine People there?” I know what they were trying to ask me, and they weren’t trying to be rude, but I felt that they had missed the mark. To them, in their mind, the majority of people who were going to be there would not appreciate wine, and therefore the wine, and my time there, would be wasted. I assured these folks that I would have a good time regardless. The event was, in fact, a great time, and I was happy to report that there were, in fact, Wine People there. Not only were there a few there, but more Wine People left than came in. So, who are Wine People?
Let us start with what many may think is the obvious answer. Wine People are people who like wine. Right? And not only do Wine People like wine, but they can appreciate its amazing nuances. If you enjoy logic challenges you should see an immediate issue here. How do you become a wine person? Well, you try some wine of course! Then what? Did you become a wine person after your first sip? Did you like the first wine that you ever tried? Did it blow you away, giving you a palatable epiphany that instantly changed your life? Or, was it barely drinkable? Did your wine journey end right there? For many, sadly it does. Others have to taste a lot of wines before reaching that mouthwatering eureka moment, the moment when you taste a wine that was so good you didn’t have the words to describe the experience. And it truly is an experience, yet few wine tasters
get there on their own. Often it takes encouragement from some of these Wine People.
I often tell people, especially people just starting their wine journey, of the soul levitating experience that wine can bestow. I also tell them that they don’t have to know anything about wine to achieve it! The wine world can be overly intimidating. They try a few wines and quickly give up after not liking any of them, unless they can glean some encouragement and guidance from someone who has had a great wine experience. This is not telling someone what they should like, it is sharing the experience, mentoring early wine tasters to help them find what they like within their own palate. This is getting to the heart of the Wine People question. True Wine People want to share the wine experience with others!
Let me preach on! Not only can wine give you this amazing palate-tory experience, but when done correctly, wine brings people together. Wine combines the palate with the soul! So, if you consider yourself a wine person and you are not sharing this experience then you are doing it wrong! Only when you share the amazing wine experience with others do you truly get the best out of wine. To me, any occasion that gives people a chance to try wine for the first time is worth it. I take it upon myself as a wine person to go to events and share my fun experience with wine. Lo and behold that every time I have attended one of these events, I have found myself enjoying the evening with new Wine People, raising a glass together. Cheers to that!
“To me, any occasion that gives people a chance to try wine for the first time is worth it. I take it upon myself as a wine person to go to events and share my fun experience with wine.”
Proudly Celebrating Over 40 Years!
Pensacola has a distinguished and proud heritage dating back over 450 years. At Connell & Company Realty, Inc., we are equally as proud of the historical significance of the area and take pride in presenting these communities to our customers.
By setting the standard for excellence, Connell & Company Realty has become among the largest independently owned real estate companies in Northwest Florida. We are a multi-million dollar corporation of more than 50 Realtor Professionals and staff. We don’t compete with each other; we work as a team with over 2,000 years combined real estate experience – committed to offering you the best possible real estate experience!
Bridging the Gap
The Equity Project Alliance’s Mission of Transformation
In conversations about progress, there are moments when words transcend dialogue and become a call to action. For Dr. Lusharon Wiley, then Vice President of Corporate Culture for Innisfree Hotels, that moment came in the wake of Julian MacQueen’s public letter following the murder of George Floyd, a heartfelt appeal urging Pensacola to pause, reflect, and reimagine its response to inequity. From that invitation, a small gathering of 15 individuals took shape.
What began as a circle of concerned citizens soon evolved into the Equity Project Alliance (EPA), a collaborative force committed to unity, transformative thinking, and equity in action. In January 2024, Dr. Wiley, a founding member of the EPA, made a pivotal transition from her role at Innisfree Hotels to become the EPA’s first full-time Executive Director, signaling a new chapter in the organization’s mission to build a more just and equitable community.
Wiley explains that the distinction between equality and equity is central to EPA’s mission and offers a vivid metaphor: two children are handed golf clubs, one raised on country club greens, the other never having set foot on a course. Both are given the same tools, yet only one is equipped to succeed. True equity, she explains, acknowledges disparities of access and works to bridge them, thus ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
EPA is deliberate about balancing immediate needs with long-term change. “If we know that someone is already doing good work, let’s spotlight that,” Wiley notes. While partnerships and
ARTICLE BY BIANCA BAIN VILLEGAS
Dr. Wiley’s perspective is anchored in a personal history that informs her present mission. Raised in Valdosta, Georgia, during an era of segregation, she witnessed the unfolding of the Civil Rights Movement through the eyes of a child, too young to fully understand, yet indelibly marked by its impact. Later, her education at Tuskegee Institute (now Tuskegee University) broadened her worldview, exposing her to both the power of knowledge and the necessity of diverse voices.
volunteer programs fill present gaps, initiatives like the development of an organizational playbook aim to provide long-range guidance. The approach is tandem: celebrating what’s working, addressing urgent needs, and steadily building systemic solutions.
Unlike organizations that aim to lead every initiative, the Equity Project Alliance sees its strength in collaboration. “We do not want to take over,” Dr. Wiley emphasizes. “We want to walk alongside.” Its annual “data walk” identifies pressing issues such as affordable housing, food insecurity, healthcare access, and education gaps and then
PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
Dr. Lusharon Wiley
asks: who is already addressing this, and how can we help?
The Alliance also looks to the next generation, planning youth-centered programs such as teen story slams and volunteer partnerships. “It’s incremental,” Wiley says. “But if we can connect teens with opportunities to lead, listen, and serve, we begin building equity into the very fabric of community life.
EPA’s work is rooted in values of community care, gentleness in dialogue, confidentiality, and innovative thinking. These create a safe space for candid conversations that continue to draw full audiences, evidence of the hunger for
connection across divides. For those outside formal organizations, involvement is simple: reach out through the website, attend an event, or simply start a conversation. “Volunteers show up because the work matters,” Wiley affirms.
As with any nonprofit, constraints exist. The organization must navigate the boundaries of its 501(c)(3) status while remaining true to its mission. For Wiley, leadership means embracing commitment, allyship, humility, and collective wisdom. Her own resilience comes from faith, morning devotionals, puzzles to sharpen the mind, and the wisdom of mentors, especially her daughter.
“People give me energy,” she says. “And gratitude keeps me grounded.”
Looking five to ten years forward, Wiley envisions EPA as a lasting presence: deepening educational impact, expanding youth engagement, and building a national network of equity advocates. Her optimism is grounded in lived history. “I grew up in a segregated community in South Georgia,” she reflects. “Now I look at my friends and colleagues and see just how far we’ve come. We are not finished, but as long as there is hope, determination, and a willingness to transform how we think and live with each other, equity is possible.”
H O P E
Begins with YOU A SEASON TO SEE THE UNSEEN
The holidays have a way of calling us back to what matters most—faith, family, compassion, and the quiet but powerful act of giving. As lights go up and calendars fill, there are still many who sit in silence, carrying burdens too heavy to bear alone. But what if this season, you could be the spark that changes everything for someone else?
The founders of City Lifestyle, through their private foundation, are once again launching its annual Christmas Giving Campaign—a heartfelt effort to seek out and support individuals and families who have quietly fallen through the cracks. The mission is simple: to bring light, dignity, and hope to those who need it most.
Since its beginning just four years ago, this initiative has grown from a humble idea into a life-changing movement. Last Christmas alone, more than 200 families across the country received unexpected support—financial relief, but also something even more powerful.
“We don’t just send checks,” says Steven Schowengerdt, CEO and founder of City Lifestyle. “We send a message: You are seen. You are loved. And you are not forgotten.”
Together with City Lifestyle President Matthew Perry, Steven has helped shape this into a tradition that goes far beyond charity. “This is about community,” Matthew adds. “We believe we’ve been blessed, so now we get to be a blessing.”
Every story begins with a nomination. Often, it’s a neighbor, coworker, friend, or teacher—someone who’s been quietly carrying too much for too long. One past recipient, after receiving unexpected support during a time of deep personal struggle, wrote:
SCAN TO NOMINATE
“We send a message: You are seen. You are loved. And you are not forgotten.”
“Beyond the very practical solution of receiving funds to fix my car, this thing you guys worked together to do is bigger than that. I carry the Christmas card you sent in my purse. When things get really hard, I pull it out and remember what it felt like to be seen. That card represents hope— that change for the better is possible. I’m not sure how many people get to carry hope around in their purse. But I do.”
Another wrote in after her husband was diagnosed with aggressive brain cancer and unable to work:
“This support has blessed our family not only financially, but emotionally and spiritually as we trust God to meet our needs throughout this difficult time. Thank you to our anonymous friend and to your foundation. What a joy and gift to be part of God’s family!”
Each year brings countless stories like these—real lives touched by simple acts of kindness. Some use the funds to pay overdue bills, others to afford groceries, medication, or repairs. But no matter the circumstance, the impact is the same: hope is restored.
This season, you have the opportunity to be part of that. The campaign is now open to nominations—completely confidential and prayerfully considered. Whether it’s someone battling illness, facing unemployment, or just in need of a helping hand, you can bring them a moment of grace that will ripple far beyond Christmas morning.
“Knowing my mom was chosen filled my heart with indescribable joy,” said another past recipient. “Your generosity doesn’t just brighten her life; it inspires hope and faith in all of us. It enables her to stay in her home and get back on her feet.”
Nominations are open from November 1st to December 5th, 2025. To submit someone you know, simply scan the QR code or visit @CityLifestyle on Instagram, where you’ll find the nomination form in the bio.
This holiday season, let’s give more than gifts. Let’s give each other the gift of being seen. Because sometimes, the smallest gesture becomes someone’s greatest miracle.
To nominate someone in need, visit: KingdomBuildingFoundation.org or scan the QR code.
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BACALAO
A Taste of History, A Feast for Today
Bacalao, salted cod, boasts a history as rich as its flavor, stemming from the need to preserve fish, particularly cod from the North Atlantic. Salting enabled its transportation far beyond its origin, becoming vital for exploration and trade from the 15th century. It served as a crucial food source for sailors and a staple in diverse cultures. Portuguese and Spanish kitchens elevated bacalao to culinary heights, and its influence extended to the Caribbean and Latin America through colonization. From humble origins, bacalao has evolved into a beloved ingredient. Bacalao can be found in the freezer section in local grocery stores.
Before cooking, the bacalao requires desalting and rehydration. Soak the salted cod in cold water for 24 hours, changing the water at least twice. Remember to preserve the first water bath for flavorful seasoning in recipes. Shred the cod, removing any bones or excess skin.
Instructions:
1. Sauté onions, peppers, and garlic 4 minutes.
2. Add eggplant and sauté 4 minutes.
3. Stir in spices.
BACALAO STEW
Ingredients:
• 2 diced onions
• 2 diced bell peppers
• 4 minced garlic cloves
• 1 diced eggplant
• 1 chopped bunch of cilantro
• 1 tbsp capers
• ¼ Spanish olives
• 1 small can tomato sauce
• 1 tsp cumin & paprika
• 1 beer
• Salt, Sugar, cracked black pepper to taste
4. Add remaining ingredients and simmer for 20 minutes. Thicken the sauce with reserved bacalao water, if desired.
Serving Suggestions:
• Serve with roasted potatoes or white rice.
• Chill and serve as an appetizer with crackers.
• Use as a savory turnover filling.
Fresh Organic Pear Mojito Lemonade
ARTICLE BY FINN ALDRICH PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
A Refreshing Respite From the Florida Autumnal Season
A crisp fusion of muddled organic pear, garden-fresh mint, and handsqueezed lemon, lightly sweetened with natural honey and topped with sparkling water. Refreshing and vibrant, this seasonal sip balances orchard sweetness with citrus brightness, perfect for a refined twist on classic lemonade.
Ingredients : (1 serving)
• ½ ripe organic pear, peeled and diced
• 6–8 fresh mint leaves
• 1 oz fresh lemon juice
• 1 oz simple syrup (or honey for a natural touch)
• 3 oz sparkling water (or club soda)
• Ice cubes
• Lemon wheel + mint sprig + pear slice, for garnish
Method:
Step 1. In a tall glass, muddle pear pieces and mint leaves until fragrant and slightly pulped.
Step 2. Add fresh lemon juice and simple syrup (or honey). Stir well to combine.
Step 3. Fill the glass with ice, then top with sparkling water.
Step 4. Gently stir, garnish with a lemon wheel, mint sprig, and a thin pear slice.
Optional Twist: Add 1 oz light rum or pear brandy for a cocktail version.
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P E N S A C O L A
Grateful to Call the Gulf Coast Home
This season, we pause to celebrate what truly matters, community, connection, and the place we call home. At Engel & Völkers Pensacola , we are deeply grateful for our clients, neighbors, and partners who trust us to guide their real estate journeys. Your confidence in us inspires everything we do, from helping you find your first home, to selling your waterfront estate, to discovering your next investment opportunity. As we gather with family and friends this Thanksgiving, we remain thankful for the privilege of serving this incredible Gulf Coast community
Here’s to gratitude, new beginnings, and all the moments that make Pensacola home.
