It’s not May without the Kentucky Derby and The Foundation of Community Hospice and Palliative Care’s annual Derby Run. Returning once again to Tringali Barn in St. Augustine, this was the 13th anniversary for this annual charity event, which brought together community for a good cause.
Coming to the Rescue, Making a Difference
Patrons Laura and Travis Smith were on hand for City Rescue Mission’s ‘A Night at the Opera’, May 1. The annual Difference Makers Gala entertained guests who serve, protect and support those at risk in our community.
MORE ON PAGE 34
A Million Reasons to Celebrate
The Women’s Board of Wolfson Children’s Hospital celebrated a million-dollar year at its annual Spring Luncheon as last year’s programs and initiatives raised more than $1 million for Wolfson Children’s Hospital.
Yarden Tour Talent
Artist Tatiana Kitchen was featured as the Artist in the Garden for Riverside Avondale Preservation’s fifth annual Yarden Tour. Her creativity in full bloom, she was one of several unique twists on this tour, which allowed participants to explore outdoor spaces throughout the community.
St. Mark’s Progresses with Campus Renewal Master Plan
By Michele Leivas
Change and growth are certainly in the air in the Ortega neighborhood as conversations about expansions or development continue for the quiet, historic community.
After establishing its Campus Renewal Master Plan several months ago, St. Mark’s Episcopal Church hosted another campus renewal update meeting in Leatherbury Hall on Wednesday, May 7 to share three updated design concepts for a campus renewal that would bring much-needed enhancements and expansion to the historic church.
The church has established a Campus Renewal Steering Committee, chaired by Ted Miller and Emily Magevney, and engaged Atkin Olshin Schade Architects to work toward bringing its vision for the master plan to life.
Principal Architect Sam Olshin described the balancing act of the task at hand as one of creating new space without overlooking the space already existing at
the church, which has roots stretching back almost 100 years in the Ortega community.
“This is our chance to rethink and reconsider what has changed over the last hundred years from a spiritual point of view, from a worship point of view, from a community point of view,” Olshin said.
The master plan would see increased square footage of the existing sanctuary, parish gathering space, administrative and meeting spaces, the spiritual life center and Christian Formation space (classrooms and youth programming areas).
Together with his colleague Henri Brooks, Olshin presented a trio of conceptual renderings of what the campus updates could look like, from a more straightforward Option A that works with the existing footprint to more complex Option B – closing Oxford Avenue and bringing all buildings east of Ionic Avenue, and Option C – closing both Oxford and Ionic avenues to establish a welcome lobby
off Ortega Boulevard with a port cochère through which vehicles would drive to access the parking area behind the campus.
Following the meeting, St. Mark’s Rector Reverend Charlie Holt said the church is still gathering and welcoming feedback from the community as it begins to look at fundraising campaigns, costs and feasibility.
“Our aim is to be a blessing to our members and also to the community of Ortega and Jacksonville,” Holt said.
“We’re trying to build a consensus around what will be that blessing to people. Our needs are to address children’s and youth education spaces and offer some different types of programming and our facilities need to be updated to do that for our people.”
A full recording of the May 7 presentation is available at www.residentnews.net, along with updated and previous design concepts and other documents pertaining to the Campus Renewal Master Plan.
Hi, Five
The space formerly housing Sun-Ray Cinema is once again bringing entertainment to the Five Points neighborhood now that Five Jacksonville has celebrated its grand opening.
Managed by Marathon Live, the live music venue hosted its first two shows last month with BoyWithUke performing on Tuesday, May 13 and Kameron Marlowe two days later on the 15th.
“It has been an incredibly fun challenge to rework this amazing theater to host live performances again,” said Marathon Live Chief Development Officer Josh Billue. “We are excited to be a part of the Five Points community and we can’t wait to welcome people back to a building Jacksonville has known for nearly 100 years.”
Chris Heib and Allegra Jaros with Kendra McCrary Tatiana Kitchen
Barbara Corniellier, Erin Streva and Kelli Carroll of The Foundation of Community Hospice and Palliative Care at the 13th annual Derby Run
Publisher'’’’’s Note
June is a month of celebration and reflection. As the days grow longer and summer begins to heat up, we turn our attention to one of the most meaningful honors in life – being a dad.
In this special Father’s Day edition, we’re proud to highlight 13 remarkable local fathers on page 19. Their stories and wisdom are heartwarming, inspiring, and a beautiful reminder of the everyday strength and love that exists in our community.
As a father myself to two incredible young women – Tarryn and Sophia – this Father’s Day carries special significance. I want to take a moment to recognize Sophia, who is graduating high school this month with a perfect 4.0 GPA. She is a sweet, focused, and immensely talented young woman, excelling as both an artist and a writer. Given that she’s grown up around Resident News and its team of passionate storytellers, it’s no surprise she’s developed such a strong creative voice.
Pamela and I couldn’t be prouder of her – and of this entire generation of 2025 graduates. They are bold, driven, open-minded, and deeply resilient. They navigated the challenges of a global pandemic, embraced technology with ease, and they’re stepping into the world with fresh ideas and compassionate. hearts. There’s so much we can learn from their fresh perspectives.
So, this Father’s Day, let’s raise a toast to all the dads, stepdads, and grandfathers who give so much of themselves. We are united in our pride for our children and the future they’re shaping. Wishing you all a joyful June.
The Original Social Media
D A D
By C.C. Snowden
You are father, and mentor, You are leader and friend. You are hero, defender, Sometimes a horse for pretend. The adventures, the vacations, When you seek and I hide. Your guidance and your wisdom, The bear hugs and tears dried. So many little moments, Add up over time. That make me so grateful, That I’m yours and you’re mine. May you feel that you’re special, Because God made you that way. And may you feel appreciated, Not only on Father’s Day.
Seth Williams Cheers,
IFF Air Operation Permit Renewal Reignites Odor Conversation
By Michele Leivas
Residents had an opportunity to review the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s proposed Odor Control Plan for International Flavors and Fragrances and ask questions about IFF Chemical Holdings, Inc.’s Title V air operation permit renewal application at a public meeting hosted by the FDEP Northeast District.
Held at FSCJ Kent Campus on Thursday, May 15, the meeting drew a significant crowd of informed and concerned citizens interested in seeing how this could address the “objectionable odors” many of them continue experiencing in Murray Hill, Riverside and the surrounding areas.
About the Permit Renewal Application
The FDEP is reviewing IFF’s permit renewal application for its Jacksonville facility. The renewal application was submitted in March 2024. The draft permit would permit IFF to continue the processing of crude sulfate turpentine (CST) into products like fragrances and flavorings and would authorize the operation of its distillation system –separating sulfur compounds from CST –and three steam boilers, two of which burn the vapors resulting from the processing and a third generating the necessary steam for the operations.
According to FDEP, IFF “has held an air operation permit from DEP since 1981 and continues to meet all current
federal emissions standards and permit conditions.”
According to the proposed IFF Odor Control Plan, IFF must continue maintaining measures to prevent emissions of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). The plan has identified IFF’s wastewater pond as an “unregulated air emissions source of [VOCs].” The necessary measures are as follows:
• “Maintain a floating hex-cover system –Hexagonal or Rhomboid floating pieces (Hexes) are placed on the surface of the wastewater pond, which decreases the open surface area between the pond surface and ambient air;
• Operate a pure oxygen diffusion system –IFF has installed a pure oxygen diffusion system for the wastewater pond, which allows for the removal of the surface aerators, decreases turbulence on the surface of the pond, and allows better coverage by the hexes; and
• Operate an oil/water separator – IFF has an upgraded enclosed oil/water separator that removes oil from wastewater before it enters the pond.”
An FDEP representative at Thursday’s meeting said IFF has already implemented these measures, and the proposed odor control plan stipulates these, or similar measures, must be maintained and FDEP must be alerted “if any comparable measures are used or switched.”
Resident Concerns
Judy Klein, a Murray Hill resident of 40 years, is no stranger to the odor, but is looking at this with a hopeful outlook, despite concerns that these measures may not fully resolve the problem.
“I guess we can be hopeful, but it’s been such an ongoing problem, it takes a lot to keep us optimistic,” Klein said.
Mark Stewart feels there has been improvement since the corrective measures have gone into effect.
“It has gotten better,” Stewart said. “My concern is with the things we’re not smelling, the things that are hazardous to our health.”
Stewart’s wife, Helene noted the “rancid, sickeningly sweet” odor had at times affected her asthma.
“I know it’s doing this to other people, too,” she said. “…I’m also wondering, what are the things that we can’t smell that are impacting our health?”
According to the draft permit renewal, the IFF facility “is not a major source of hazardous air pollutants.”
The proposed IFF Odor Control Plan also details steps for odor complaint investigation and response as well as requirements for monitoring, recordkeeping, and reporting. It would require IFF to provide FDEP with a “semiannual report to the FDEP that includes all odor complaints (including information on the time, date, and location of the complaint), a summary of meteorological conditions during the complaint (i.e. wind direction and wind speed), and whether any malfunctioning and/or nonoperational odor control technology were observed during the post-complaint inspection.”
Murray Hill resident Chelsye Ginn is concerned about the self-reporting aspect of that plan.
“I’m deeply concerned by the lack of oversight included in that plan, because if the entity that is self-reporting date is the one who would face consequences if they are out of regulation, that’s kind of like putting the fox in the hen house and I don’t have a lot of faith in that system without more oversight from a third-party organization or government entity.”
IFF representatives were at the public meeting and shared the following statement with Resident News:
“IFF appreciates the chance to participate in the process related to renewing our Title V air permit. The State of Florida has some of the most stringent air permitting regulations in the country, and Title V permits ensure compliance with both state and federal environmental laws.
IFF remains in full compliance with our Title V air permit. Throughout more than 20 years of operation at our Jacksonville facility, we have utilized best-in-class technology and robust monitoring processes to ensure that we are preventing air quality impacts and complying with all applicable laws. We look forward to continuing to work with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection throughout the permit renewal process.”
Looking Ahead
FDEP has yet to set the dates by which a proposed permit will be submitted to the Environmental Protection Agency for review or when final agency action will be taken. It accepted public comments up until May 22 following the public meeting.
District 7 City Councilmember Jimmy Peluso added that the City will continue its own monitoring of any odor complaints, but it will likely collaborate with the state on this matter.
“There’s a reason why FDEP accepted all of the City’s criteria and regulations, and it’s because they know the City’s done a great job over all these years, and now they’re going to be coming to help and make sure that they have their own enforcement protocols,” Peluso said. “So they’re going to work in tandem.”
Peluso encouraged anyone experiencing the odor to contact both the City and the FDEP to submit a complaint with both entities. He said this is a “quality of life issue,” and the meeting’s turnout speaks to the number of citizens impacted by it.
“It’s a sophisticated community that understands this problem,” Peluso said. “They’ve been living with it for years. Many people walk outside, and they have to come back inside almost immediately…So people came here armed with data, armed with personal experience, and I think IFF and FDEP listened.”
Resident News, alongside other media outlets, have previously reported on the odor issue, which stretches back several years, ultimately prompting the City to launch a year-long Urban Odor Study from April 2022 to March 2023. Before and during that study, between September 2020 and July 2023, IFF was identified as one of five entities to receive validated odor complaints.
Residents can submit complaints directly to FDEP regarding the odor by visiting https://floridadep.gov/ northeast and selecting “Citizen Concern Form.”
A representative with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Northeast District speaks with residents at the May 15 public meeting.
Unmatched structural heart care
Baptist Health’s Structural Heart Program celebrates 10 years of bringing innovation and life-saving care to Northeast Florida.
Established in 2015, the Structural Heart Program at Baptist Health offers innovative, minimally invasive treatments for conditions that previously required open heart-surgery. The program includes the expertise of two interventional cardiologists: Ruby Satpathy, MD, FACC, FSCAI, medical director of the Structural Heart Program, and Siddharth Wayangankar, MD, MPH, FACC, FSCAI, RPVI, director of the Cardiac Catheterization Lab at Baptist Jacksonville, who work alongside providers in many other specialties to achieve the comprehensive makeup of the program.
Under their leadership, the program has achieved numerous milestones over the past decade, improving the lives of patients in in our region, community and beyond. Some of those standout achievements include:
• A high-volume Structural Heart Program, having performed over 1500+ Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacements (TAVRs), 375+ minimally invasive mitral valve repairs, and 900+ Left Atrial Appendage (LAA) closures. High-volume centers typically have greater expertise and more efficient, coordinated care for patients.
• Access to 10 enrolling clinical trials, with two more coming soon. Clinical trials help provide the latest technology to the Northeast Florida community. Baptist Health is also proud to have been the No. 1 enroller in the U.S. for the MANTA registry and No. 1 enroller in Florida for the LAA registry. Participating in medical device registries helps enhance patient care and quality.
• 1,500+ combined clinical citations by Drs. Satpathy and Wayangankar, reflecting the global influence of their research in the field
• Baptist Health was recognized by Becker’s Hospital Review as one of 100 Hospital and Health Systems with Great Heart Programs
To learn more about the Structural Heart Program and to book an appointment, visit BaptistJax.com/Structural-Heart or call 904.202.9500
What is structural heart medicine?
Structural heart medicine focuses on repairing and rebuilding your heart’s foundation – its valves, walls and other essential structures – without open-heart surgery to keep your heart strong and blood flowing properly. Some signs and symptoms of a structural heart condition could include fatigue, feeling faint or dizzy, having an irregular heartbeat or having swollen limbs. If you experience one or more of these, you should talk to your doctor right away.
The HUB on the Rise
Vertical construction underway for Brooklyn mixed-use development
By Michele Leivas
The once-vacant lot at the corner of Riverside Avenue and Forest Street in Brooklyn is coming to life as vertical construction continues for The HUB, a mixed-use development now several years in the making.
After a groundbreaking last October, the project is now well underway and residents can see work progress on two buildings with work on a third – a three-story structure dubbed The Tower – expected to begin shortly with outdoor spaces including terraces, decks and courtyards following eventually.
Architect Joe Cronk of Cronk Duch Architecture/ CD+Urban Studio expects phase one of the project – the three structures that will house Southern Grounds and
Company, Blueberry Bakery, the rooftop Sky Bar, the Aegean-inspired wood-fired restaurant concept Alder and Oak and the new CD+Urban Studio office – to be complete by the end of this year with a possible second phase still evolving.
“Phase two would be a possible additional boutique office, another concept – an outdoor dog yard, music areas…just kind of fun outdoor activities – and then additional courtyard spaces, maybe even an outfitter to tie into the Emerald Trail and the river, things like that,” Cronk said.
Cronk added that the development team is still in early discussions with the property owner for a second phase.
“But I think it’s safe to say that all of us are really working towards that phase two,” he added.
Brooklyn has undergone significant evolution in recent years with extensive development bringing new residential, commercial and retail spaces to the nowthriving community. Cronk said his team has been watching the community’s growth and tailoring The HUB as needed to ensure it meets the neighborhood’s needs as they change along with it.
“We want to make sure we understand the master plan and what would be the right concept or the right amenity or the right component to add to this destination,” he said.
The HUB will be located at 400 Riverside Avenue.
Updated renderings show the activation of the corner of Riverside Avenue and Forest Street would look like with The HUB.
$4,500,000
4
Duval DOGE Identifies Another
$1.8M
in Unused Funds
The Special Committee on Duval DOGE announced it has identified another $1.8 million in unused funds from completed capital projects from various departments within the City.
This brings the total of unspent funds uncovered by the Duval DOGE Committee to nearly $20 million.
“These initiatives are about doing right by our taxpayers,” said City Councilman and Committee Chairman Ron Salem. “Whether it’s repurposing unspent dollar, planning ahead with a contingency fund or making sure our community centers are serving people efficiently, we are focused on transparency and accountability.”
In its meetings, the committee continues its efforts to improve the City’s financial stewardship and operational efficiency, most recently identifying and prioritizing three key areas: “…review of additional capital improvement projects, legislation to place funds into a contingency for future appropriation [and] the evaluation of key community facilities.”
Future meetings will see the committee’s ongoing review of a list of capital improvement projects for underutilized or inactive allocations totaling more than $80 million. This is in addition to the funds already uncovered by the committee.
Legislation will be introduced to designate a contingency account into which these identified savings from completed projects will be directed and which will act as a financial buffer against “emergencies, unforeseen priorities or future needs.”
The Special Committee on Duval DOGE was established earlier this year and has a June 23 deadline for submission of a final report.
Residents are able to share information, thoughts or other feedback with the committee at duvaldoge@coj.net
An Abrupt Closure for Iguana on Park
The Riverside Avondale community bid an unexpected farewell to Iguana on Park, which closed abruptly on Monday, May 12.
Iguana on Park had been a popular dining mainstay featuring Latin American cuisine on Park Street since it opened four years ago. Though no announcements or posts were made regarding its pending closure on any of the restaurant’s social media pages leading up to or after the closing date, as of May 15, owner and restauranteur Al Mansur shared a press release with Resident News discussing it.
The release read, in part:
“After four years of business in the Riverside/Avondale neighborhood, it is with a heavy heart that we have made the difficult decision to close our doors. This decision was not made lightly and stems from a combination of evolving economic challenges and rising operational costs.”
“We are working on bringing a new concept restaurant on that site,” Mansur added in a separate message. Iguana on Park’s sister restaurant – The Flying Iguana Taqueria and Tequila Bar – remains open in Neptune Beach.
Iguana on Park closes its doors on May 12 after four years of service.
orlando valle v. proficient auto transport, Inc., et al
$14.5 MILLION
(verdict, 5/4/2022)
Personal Injury: Trucking Crash
kathleen thomas* V. geico insurance company
$14.4 MILLION
(verdict, 8/5/2022)
Personal Injury: car accident
*Names changed to protect client privacy
john and debra Smith* v local glass company, Out-of-state glass company*
The volunteer leadership for Gator Bowl Sports’ 2025-26 season has been announced, with Sara Pomposo as this season’s chairman. Pomposo is vice president of sales for Money Pages. Her previous leadership roles with BHRS and the has allowed her to foster strong relationships both in corporate and community circles of Jacksonville since she first came to the city in 2017 – the same year she joined Gator Bowl Sports, for which she has served in several other volunteer leadership roles.
The 2025-26 chairman-elect is Bill Dixon, executive director at The Lighthouse Wealth Management Group at Morgan Stanley. Dixon has been active and involved with Gator Bowl Sports for more than 17 years. Born and raised in Jacksonville, Dixon is also involved with The Boys and Girls Club of North Florida and Dreams Come True.
A New Home for City Year Jacksonville at the Jessie Ball duPont Center
City Year Jacksonville invited the community to celebrate its new home at the Jessie Ball duPont Center with a Housewarming Party on Thursday, May 1.
Housewarming festivities included a little friendly trivia competition and other games, which raised nearly $12,000 for CYJ’s Whole School, Whole Child program. The program provides attendance initiatives, academic support and soft skills development for third to fifth graders at nine Duval County elementary schools.
Guests could also take photo keepsakes of the evening from the photo booth provided in between enjoying cocktails and light hors d’oeuvres and hitting the dance floor.
The local branch of the national nonprofit was previously headquartered at an office on Bay Street. This relocation comes on the heels of its 10-year anniversary and represents a strategic move for an expanded presence in the regional nonprofit sector.
At the Jessie Ball duPont Center, City Year Jacksonville joins 32 other nonprofits based in Northeast Florida.
Scott P. Keith is the 2025-26 audit and compliance committee chairman. Keith, regional president at Pinnacle Financial Partners, served as chairman in 2006-07 and has been involved with Gator Bowl Sports ever since.
The remaining volunteer leadership for the 2025-26 season includes:
• Secretary (Trustee): John Duce, Executive Director Middle Market Banking, Wells Fargo
• Vice Chair, Membership: Pat McManamon, Senior Partner, Sandler by The Ruby Group
Sara Pomposo
City Year Student Success Coaches (Back Row) Za’vion Houston, Marquette Merritt and Eugina Holsey with Tyasia Saunders, Event Sponsor and Advisory Board Member Michael Ward and Kai’liyah. (Front Row) Arri Fleming and June Sundiang with Kayla Smothers and Bee Devaughn
Game, Set, Give Back
At its inaugural Angels Open, held at the Florida Yacht Club on May 2, nonprofit Angels for Allison raised enough funds to support and aid 20 families experiencing devastating loss.
The day included live ball tennis and round-robin pickleball matches along with a triples pro exhibition. The pickleball matches were the first to be played on the yacht club’s new pickleball courts.
“The tennis and pickleball community in Jacksonville is like a tight-knit family, and it showed at the event and through everyone’s support,” said Angels Open Chair Kayla Braude. “We look forward to growing and learning from this first event and making it even better next year, so be on the lookout to secure your spot.”
Sulzbacher, Jacksonville Speech and Hearing Center Honored at 20th Annual Sapphire Awards
Bold City nonprofits Sulzbacher and Jacksonville Speech and Hearing Center were among the nine honorees at the 20th anniversary of Florida Blue Foundation’s 2025 Sapphire Awards.
The annual Community Health Symposium and Sapphire Awards were held on May 1 in Orlando, with a theme underscoring the power of AI, technology and innovation to boost health outcomes for people across the state.
Jacksonville Speech and Hearing Center’s Fund-A-Child program took home a third place award, including $25,000. The program provides free communication services to underinsured or uninsured children and has provided more than 2,500 speech therapy sessions to nearly 400 children since 2019. Jacksonville Speech and Hearing Center President and CEO Chandra Manning accepted the award for the nonprofit and its program.
Sulzbacher President and CEO Cindy Funkhouser was also celebrated, taking home similar accolades – a third-place award and $25,000 – for her efforts to revolutionize homeless services. Under her leadership, Sulzbacher has expanded its footprint and adjusted its approach to eradicating homelessness by address various aspects, from housing to income to healthcare.
“We are thrilled to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Sapphire Awards and recognize the outstanding contributions of these programs, organizations and individuals,” said Florida Blue Foundation Executive Director, Susan Towler. “Each of the honorees is dedicated to innovation that improves the lives of Floridians, and we are honored to support their inspiring work.”
A Toast to a New Book
With the kids now covered for the summer with “The Kid’s Survival Guide to Not Being Bored,” author C.C. Snowden has published a new book for anyone in search of the perfect toast for their upcoming social event.
“Good Times: Original Toasts for Many Occasions” was inspired by a 50th birthday vacation, during which Snowden was asked to make a celebratory toast, and features a collection of original toasts for different occasions. Accompanying the toasts are illustrations from Victorian trading cards Snowden’s great-great grandmother collected as a child.
“Good Times” is now available for purchase at Snowden’s website: https://books.by/ccsnowden
Florida Blue/GuideWell President and CEO Pat Geraghty presents Sulzbacher President and CEO Cindy Funkhouser with a Sapphire Award.
Catherine Reddick, Alexa Worsham and Sabrie Edmonston with Christina Williams, Mary Glen Denning and Chelsea Colon
Tennis Pros Kylie Kochis, Julia Emmet and Anson Silverfield with Louis Ballantyne, Danielle Wiggins, Cary MacRae, and Kayla Braude
Youth Crisis Center Shines after Volunteer Beautification Day
On April 30, a team of volunteers spent the day completing beautification projects at the Youth Crisis Center’s seven-acre property.
The man power and necessary equipment were provided by the American Rental Association Foundation and The Toro Company Foundation. The ARA Foundation also donated a $20,000 grant for expenses related to the project.
The tasks volunteers completed included landscaping enhancements and shrub removals, as well as installing a drainage trench.
The Toro Company, Ditch Witch, Ditch Witch of Florida, All About Events, Sunshine Event Rentals, LLC, Jamco Equipment Rental, Marketing Concepts, Rentalex (Tampa),
Elite Events Rentals, Do It Yourself Inc., K.W.I. Grand Rental, Parker Sales & Marketing, CVS Marketing/McGovern Associates and Ames, and H&E Rentals teamed up with volunteers and tools to complete these beautification efforts.
YCC Board Member Cathy Hurst expressed her gratitude for the project, sharing her thoughts on the impact it would have for the organization.
“Volunteers have come from all over the country for this wonderful project today,” Hurst said. “There are people everywhere. You can hear the machines behind me as they get started. They are moving rocks and mulch. There are over 600 plants and trees being used to beautify the YCC property. We have young people that come here for therapy.
There are residents that live here. It’s just incredible the work that they do here and I’m honored to be on their board and be a part of this activity today.”
YCC Chief Development Officer Pete Hicks echoed Hurst’s comments, adding, “We are greatly appreciative of this project. Beautification of our shelter helps with the therapeutic care we are able to offer youths and families. We have a lot of kids that come here to get help and when they see a welcoming place it really makes an impact. ARA has done a tremendous job negotiating our seven acres of property to create this beautiful landscape and it really helps our organization so that we can spend more funds directly serving the kids.”
Cutting-Edge Education in Bolles’ New Shad Robotics Lab
A dedication ceremony was held on Friday, April 25 for the new Shad Robotics Lab in the Frank R. Sanchez and Hope and Dana E. Fender Center for Innovation at the Bolles Upper School San Jose Campus.
The state-of-the-art lab opened last fall, made possible by a $1 million gift from the Shad family. The Shad Family attended the dedication ceremony and was recognized by Bolles Associate Head of School Andrew Forrester, who honored the generations from the Shad Family that had attended Bolles and the Bartram School for Girls: Harold “Mike” Shad III, Jennie Shad, Harold “Bill” Shad IV, Piper Moyer-Shad, Jack Shad, Lori Shad and Scott Shad. Three Shad grandchildren continue the family tradition by attending Bolles now.
Bolles President and Head of School Tyler Hodges said collaboration and creativity are the forefront of the lab’s design and provide students and faculty with unparalleled learning opportunities in robotics and engineering.
“The Shad Robotics Lab has already made an undeniable impact on the Bolles Robotics program – with teams breaking world records and competing on an international stage. It’s also enhancing lessons for students taking Robotics and Computer-Aided Design (CAD) Engineering courses at the upper school,” Hodges said. “We are beyond grateful for the Shad family’s support throughout the years and look forward to seeing how the Shad Robotics Lab will continue to shape the trajectories of current and future students.”
Shad Family at the April 25 dedication ceremony for the Shad Robotics Lab at the Bolles Upper School San Jose Campus
A team of volunteers spend the day beautifying the Youth Crisis Center campus.
Andrews Named Here Tomorrow President and CEO
Here Tomorrow, a pioneering suicide-prevention nonprofit in Greater Jacksonville, has appointed Dr. Terrie Andrews as its new President and CEO.
Andrews brings extensive experience in behavioral health, most recently serving as director of Walmart Health’s national behavioral health program. Andrews previously spent a decade at Baptist Health, advancing from outpatient psychologist to vice president of behavioral health.
“It’s an honor to lead Here Tomorrow into its next chapter of impact,” said Andrews. “We’re focused on scaling our reach while staying rooted in our mission – building a community where every person feels they belong and can lead a life worth living.”
At Here Tomorrow, Andrews will lead a team of 17 certified recovery peer specialists. The organization has already helped more than 2,400 individuals – both those dealing with feelings of hopelessness or suicide and those with concern for a loved one – through its no-cost, no-wait program serving adults, teens, military members and first responders.
Andrews also has past experience with Here Tomorrow, when she launched an initiative at Baptist Health to place Here Tomorrow peers inside Baptist’s adult inpatient behavioral unit. Within a year, that initiative reached more 800 patients and led 92 to continue recovery through Here Tomorrow.
“By combining immediate peer support with evidence-based care pathways, we’re breaking down barriers to mental health access and advancing the field of suicide prevention,” said Andrews.
Planting Seeds for the Golden Years
Resident News columnist, author and Grand Plans Founder Susanna Barton joined forces with Seniors on a Mission and G3 Village Executive Director Joanne Hickox in a presentation of “Grand Plans for Purposeful Living” to the Hibiscus Garden Circle last month.
The presentation was held at the San Jose Country Club on Tuesday, April 22 and discussed the importance of mindful aging preparation, for which G3 Village’s innovative housing is an essential component.
Barton is the author of “Grand Plans: How to Mitigate Geri-Drama in 20 Easy Steps” and the accompanying workbook, the “Grand Planner.” She founded the Grand Plans website, which discusses and provides resources about “normalizing real talk about aging and how to plan for it.”
From Gaming to Real Estate
Majd “MJ” Findakly has joined Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty’s team of real estate professionals.
Findakly brings with him a resume of strategic thinking, customerfocused service and creativity from his previous work in video game production and he joins Berkshire Hathaway with an innovative approach and extensive comprehension of consumer behavior.
“I am thrilled to join Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty,” said Findakly, “My transition from the gaming industry to real estate is driven by a desire to leverage my creative background to provide innovative solutions and exceptional service to homebuyers and sellers across Northeast Florida.”
Majd “MJ” Findakly
Resident News columnist, author and Grand Plans Founder Susanna Barton and Seniors on a Mission and G3 Village Executive Director
Joanne Hickox at their April 22 presentation
Dr. Terrie Andrews
Friends of Bill Brinton Murray Hill Library Celebrate National Library Week
The Friends of the Bill Brinton Murray Hill Library marked National Library Week, held April 6–12, with several events celebrating the vital role libraries, librarians, and library staff play in transforming lives and building strong communities.
“National Library Week is a time to celebrate the contributions of our nation’s libraries and library workers and to promote library use and support,” noted Friends’ President Nancy DeLander Beecher.
To show appreciation, the Friends hosted a luncheon for library staff, recognizing their dedication and leadership in providing meaningful engagement, enrichment, and development opportunities for Murray Hill patrons.
The Friends also sponsored a free children’s book giveaway during April’s Murray Hill Farmers Market at Fishweir Brewing Company. Children were invited to choose a free book, encouraging reading and connection to the library.
“We hope people will discover or rediscover the library and see all it has to offer while drawing us together as a community,” added Beecher.
Rodriguez, Joyal Join Efforts at Riverside Avondale Preservation
Riverside Avondale Preservation has added two new members to its staff.
Arianna Rodriguez is RAP’s new market specialist, providing support at the Riverside Arts Market to implement the SNAP program and Florida Access Bucks benefits. Rodriguez can often be found at the RAM information booth every week as the market continues expanding its SNAP/FAB program while providing opportunities for families to access locally grown fresh produce.
Travis Joyal has been appointed RAP’s new communications director, bringing with him more than 20 years of experience in the marketing and communications industry. His previous experience includes roles as partner and owner at agencies in Kansas City, Missouri, supporting clients in the hospitality, retail, events and dining industries. As an owner of a RAP Centennial Heritage home, Joyal lives, works and plays almost entirely within the Riverside Avondale neighborhoods.
Arianna Rodriguez
Bill Britton Murray Hill Library team members Kelsey Growth, Ericka Ricker and Doug Fair stand behind Maeve Coen and Kayleigh Schwend at a luncheon for library staff during National Library Week.
Travis Joyal
Salvation Army of Northeast Florida Celebrates New Headquarters
The Salvation Army of Northeast Florida celebrated the grand opening of its new area command headquarters with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday, May 16.
Following the ceremony, guests were able to take a tour of the new space, which will now serve as the central hub for the organization’s vast array of services in the region, from feeding programs, case management, emergency assistance, shelter –along with its community-based programs like Batterers Intervention program, which works to break the cycle of abuse and supporting healthier relationships.
“We’re excited to open this facility, not just as our new headquarters, but as a space where hope is restored, dignity is honored, and lives are changed,” said The Salvation Army of Northeast Florida Area Commander Major Keath Biggers. “This building gives us the opportunity to expand programs that meet people where they are – whether they’re seeking shelter, a warm meal, or working to rebuild their lives. It’s about offering a pathway to a brighter future for every individual we serve.”
Dianne Lott, Deborah DeFoor, Debbie Veale, Susie O’Quinn, Leyda Garcia, NeeCee Lee, Susan Nolan, Melina Buncome, Jennifer Roberts, Susan Halil and Marilyn Carpenter
Incoming President Debbie Veal, Chip Skinner III, Immediate Past President NeeCee Lee, Major Candice Biggers, Major Keith Biggers and Lt. Coronel Kent Davis
Katy Towers with Marilyn Carpenter
Florida Yacht Club Completes
By Lauren Weedon Hopkins
On the cusp of a milestone anniversary, the Florida Yacht Club, established in 1876, recently completed its FYC150 Project to renovate and modernize its facilities.
“We kept the original feel and tradition of the club while making changes to keep up with the times,” said FYC150 Project Chair and Board of Governors Member Matt Kenyon.
FYC General Manager Carol Edell said the result has been game-changing for members.
“I keep hearing our members say, ‘We had no idea it would be this nice.’ It’s transformational,” Edell said.
FYC’s former living room has been remodeled into a fast-casual dining experience called The River Porch and Bar, featuring indoor and outdoor seating, overlooking the new resort-style pool. The pool closed in September 2023, so members only had one summer with no pool.
“We got creative with water slides and bounce houses on the event lawn,” said Edell.
The new, expansive pool includes three distinct sections: a designated children’s side in the shallow end with bubblers and water features, social steps in a central family area where parents can enjoy waist-deep water, and the adults-only sun shelf near the new River Bar with a deep end and a lap lane. Edell said the pool’s grand opening in April was met with only smiles.
In addition to the family-friendly dining option at The River Porch and Bar, members also have an upscale option for adults in the Pirate’s Den Bar, offering indoor and outdoor seating with 13 tables on the patio. There are spaces for every age demographic to enjoy.
Liza Barnett-Emmet is a seventh-generation member and the eighth person from her extended family to serve as a commodore.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 18
The new bridal suite is a welcome addition to FYC.
The River Porch and Bar offers a fast-casual dining experience for members.
“I grew up spending time at my grandparents’ house, who lived so close by to the club it felt like a playground in their backyard,” she said.
“The club is near and dear to my heart.”
Barnett-Emmet noted that change is always hard, but overall, people are happy with the FYC150 Project’s results.
“I’m very proud of all the Board has accomplished. This project will take things into the future,” she said.
As the largest renovation in the club’s history, much thought and planning went into FYC150, said Commodore Tad McDonough.
“In 2020, the Board began gathering data from the membership,” he said. “We had conceptual ideas and pricing approved in 2021. By 2022, we had selected ELM as our architect and refined our plans.”
The project was funded by member assessments, financing by First Horizon Bank and a revenue plan generated from current membership.
Generational club member, FYC150 Committee Member and Past Commodore Bob Steeg said maintaining the building’s architecture was important to the committee so it doesn’t look like an addition. Steve Lovett with ELM consulted the onion skin 1928 plans for the original 1,200 square foot clubhouse when designing this project.
Crabtree Construction Company was selected from the five commercial contracting companies that responded to the RFP. Mike and Ryan Crabtree are members, and Tom Crabtree is a past commodore.
“We combined the new with the old, preserving our history and with the conveniences of today,” said BarnettEmmet.
Kelley Harris, of Atlanta-based Harris Interiors, was chosen for the interior design.
“Kelley nailed our vision and understood the aesthetic
of the club,” said Steeg.
The completely restored marina was finished last November.
“Several hurricanes had destroyed the docks, big waves and wind had created trauma over the years,” said Kenyon. “Our solution was to build a jetty. We now have floating docks and bigger and wider slips. It’s working great.”
The installation of the protective granite breakwater also created a fish habitat. The cove bulkhead has been restored and upgraded as well.
“We have active sailing programs for adults and youth and host regional and national regattas,” said Board of Governors Member and Fleet and Sailing Chair Kim Collins. “We have a platform to compete, and our kids are excited.”
The new fitness center opened in December 2024 with state-of-the-art equipment and expansive views of the St. Johns River. There is an irrigated turf lawn for yoga classes and a new dedicated massage therapy room.
While the ballroom looks the same, all mechanical systems have been upgraded. A bridal suite with a balcony
overlooking the new pool is a welcome enhancement.
All the restrooms throughout the club have been fully renovated.
The final addition opening this summer is the four pickleball courts and one sports court.
“We plan to have two basketball nets, and it also can be used for more pickleball and tennis,” said Edell. “The court has a variety of uses.”
Although the new facilities are completed, the staff’s services will remain fluid. “We are constantly learning and tweaking our processes on a daily basis,” said Edell of her team. “We are poised to respond to our members’ needs.”
FYC, July 1959- (Seated l to r) Peggy Harnsburger, Debbie Dunlap, Holt Maness and Bruce Smathers with (Standing, l to r) Lane Fulenwider, Peggy Paul,
Bill Stephens and Kathy Fulenwider.
Pat Hilfrick and Caroline Milam dip their toes in the new pool, installed in the late 1940s.
Donald M Barnett with Sidney Simmons and Frank P Huckins Miami Boat Show 1928
Florida Yacht Club CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17
Rear of Club Date Unknown
Photo: Courtesy of John M Simmons
Charles Smith Studio
FATHERHOOD FILES
By Lauren Weedon Hopkins
Lessons Across Generations
In honor of Father’s Day, we’re taking a moment to celebrate the dads and granddads who lead with love, wisdom, and quiet strength. From imparting lasting pearls of wisdom to passing down family traditions, their influence runs deep and wide. In this special Resident News feature, we celebrate their stories – heartwarming, humorous, and deeply inspiring –honoring the roles they play not just in their families, but in shaping the communities we call home.
Dave Auchter of Ortega is a fourth generation Jacksonville native and father to three young adults.
“I have endless reasons to be proud of my children,” he said. “But seeing their compassion for others is humbling and a consistent highlight.”
One of Dave’s life lessons it seems his kids have truly taken to heart is to “be an optimist and always seek to see the best in people.”
Dave’s great-grandfather founded the Auchter Company in 1929, which built many of Jacksonville’s civil and corporate buildings, including City Hall. Dave worked alongside his family for seven years, moving on to roles at a few other Jacksonville companies before assuming his current role as corporate marketing vice president at The Haskell Company.
His deep and active religious faith, nurtured by his mother, is another guiding principle in his life.
“I pray my children find a similar peace and practice in their own lives,” he said.
Now that his kids are grown, Dave finds that family time is especially precious.
“I cherish the rare opportunities we have to be together in the same place,” he said. “Inevitably, someone yells, ‘Group hug!’”
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David Barton
Growing up in Jacksonville as a fourth-generation native, David Barton has a deep appreciation for our natural environment, which his two children also share.
“Conserving land for future generations to enjoy and taking good care of the St. Johns River are important,” he said.
The family enjoys camping together, and their outdoor adventures have taken the family across the map: scuba diving in Cozumel, whale watching in Alaska, snow skiing in Steamboat, and exploring Spanish Wells in The Bahamas.
David believes hard work and education build a foundation for success, and the greatest happiness in life are people and the time we get to spend with them.
David reflected proudly, “It’s a joy to raise your children and watch them evolve into their own person.”
Now that they are older, one of his favorite memories was a time they “ignored the traditional hierarchy of the parent-child relationship” and surprised one of his kids with a funny video found on social media, which caused the whole family to erupt in laughter.
“We are four adults now having a great time together,” he said.
Dave Auchter
San Marco resident Arthur Bides said one tradition he hopes his children carry on to future generations is their family’s Filipino heritage.
“I want them to carry the values of respect for elders, shown through gestures like mano po, and the spirit of bayanihan – coming together as a community to help one another,” Arthur said. “I hope they continue to celebrate our fiestas, enjoy lumpia and lechon at family gatherings, and take pride in our language, our stories and the resilience of our people. Passing on our heritage isn’t just about preserving culture – it’s about giving them a strong foundation of identity, pride, and connection.”
Arthur is the president of the Filipino-American Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce and volunteers with many nonprofit organizations, including the Florida Water Environmental Association and the Garden Club of Jacksonville. He names a family vacation to Callaway Gardens as the most meaningful to him as a dad.
“Surrounded by nature, away from the rush of daily life, we had the chance to truly slow down and just be together,” he said. “It was the kind of trip that reminded me what really matters: making memories, being present, and seeing the world through my children’s eyes.”
Steve Pajcic founded The Law Firm of Pajcic & Pajcic in 1974 with his late brother, Gary. Today, his son Michael practices there as do his three nephews.
Steve was elected to the Florida House of Representatives for six terms and has given millions in support of education. Despite his professional success, he is quick to credit his wife, Anne, for his greatest dad accomplishment:
“Both Michael and Helen fully respect all that their mother contributed to our life by making our home such a welcome and happy home,” he said. “They both put the highest value on what she took care of for us. They are both great cooks, wonderful parents and promoters of family happiness and enrichment, just like their mother.”
The Avondale resident names eating meals together, singing the kids to sleep and playing fun games as a family as the traditions he has passed down to his children.
“There are only three important things in life: doing the right thing, doing the best job you can and having fun,” he said.
And, perhaps, having a sense of humor.
“As a dad, you are always the dumbest one in the family,” he said.
Third generation developer and property manager
Bill Cesery of San Marco-based Cesery Companies looks forward to his family business continuing for many years to come.
“My daughter, Christie, has her real estate broker’s license and is working on getting her general contractor’s license – the same two licenses I have,” he said. “Two of my cousins work in the business.”
His grandfather, Angelo, moved his construction to Jacksonville in 1906 to help rebuild after the Great Fire of 1901. Bill’s father, William Sr., began building houses in Arlington in the 1950s; he established Wm R. Cesery Co. in 1959. In 1976, Bill joined the business as well.
He’s learned many life lessons from his family that he is now passing down to daughter Christie, son Ross and his two grandchildren.
“Always be truthful and treat people fairly and with respect, in business and your personal life,” Bill said. “Keep a calm demeanor even when things are falling apart.”
Another family tradition is “epic family vacations,” which began with a trip his parents took him and his sisters on to Disneyland in California in 1959 and continues today with, most recently, a trip touring around Australia.
San Jose resident Dr. Josh Rogozinski is an orthopedic surgeon working in the family business, Rogozinksi Orthopedic Clinic, alongside his fellow physicians, who also happen to be his brother, his father, his cousin and his uncle, with yet another uncle serving as chief operating officer.
“I believe the sense of duty is one part of fatherhood that never changes across generations,” he said. “I feel personal duty to my kids, Ezekiel, Alexi, Cobie, Quinn, and Ruby, that I have given them the life they each deserve.”
Josh and his wife, Jodi, believe in love and finding love in each other’s differences, which he hopes carries on to their children.
The busy family of seven is comprised of two sets of boy twins and one daughter.
“Despite the cries and screams in this household, I consider myself the luckiest,” Josh said.
The family has found a sweet spot to escape what can be a hectic, everyday life:
“Family beach time at Ponte Vedra Beach, specifically the golden light just before sunset, is a moment together I will always remember,” he said. “Every time we go to the beach at this time, the kids just seem so relaxed, and I personally just want to stop time and spend forever there together!”
Losing his own father at age 29 has led San Marco resident Matt Carlucci to strive to always be present and vocal with his sons, Matthew and Joseph.
“I tell them often how I love them and how proud I am of them – and I mean it with all my heart,” he said.
Fly fishing and faith are cherished traditions they share now that Matt hopes lives on through his children. “We love to fish together in the mountains in Georgia, Montana and Wyoming, but more importantly, I hope my sons continue to live their lives rooted in faith, compassion, integrity, and public service.” he said.
“One is serving on the Jacksonville City Council; the other leads a Burmese outreach ministry through our church. Both are also fourth-generation insurance agents – so service, in many forms, runs marrow deep.”
When it comes to holidays, Thanksgiving is Matt’s favorite. “No stress over gifts – just good food, laughter, and being together,” he said. “Watching my sons joke with each other, seeing them as both grown men and the boys I raised, is a gift I treasure every year.”
The best thing about being a dad for Percy Rosenbloom?
“Becoming a granddad,” he shared proudly of his six grandchildren, courtesy of his children: Christine, Hoyt and Carter.
Percy, who lives in Ortega, founded his company SaniGLAZE International, a tile and hard surface restoration business, in 2000, following in the footsteps of his grandfather, who founded Royal Services in 1914. Royal Services was a janitorial contracting business.
Now, the tradition continues as both his sons are leaders in the family business. Percy strives to set a good example, stay positive and keep moving. A family memory that epitomizes this was a boating trip to the Florida Keys: The family was caught in a thunderstorm and managed to seek limited shelter on a small mangrove island.
“One of my children asked me why God would do such a thing to us,” Rosenbloom recalled. “After some thought, I explained many things happen that we cannot understand, but if we pray, God will listen. He then went into a serious prayer that I found nothing short of amazing and inspirational, given his age at the time. A few minutes after his prayer, the clouds parted, and the sun returned.”
Dr. Josh Rogozinski
Arthur Bides
Percy Rosenbloom III
Matt Carlucci
Bill Cesery
Steve Pajcic
San Jose resident Richard Rosenblum learned the value of civility from his father and grandfather through their family business, Rosenblum’s. Rosenblum’s has now passed down to Richard’s four children, along with two core values he has impressed upon them:
“Having a good work ethic and treating everyone with respect, from the janitor to the CEO, are two core values I know my kids have learned,” Richard said.
Another lesson he’s passed on to his children is the importance of health and fitness.
“I’ve tried to stay fit for 63 years and set the example of importance of good health and nutrition,” he said.
Sports have been a common thread in the family as they have enjoyed days cheering on the Tampa Bay Rays and Jacksonville Jaguars.
Richard remains present for his children, occasionally doling out nuggets of fatherly advice, including, “Nothing good happens after midnight.”
Though two of his children are now away at college, the kids all FaceTime each other together nearly every night.
“I’m confident they will carry on the importance of family values and closeness with each other,” he said.
Manny
Co-owner of Bearded Pig in San Marco, Michael Schmidt is part of a close-knit Jacksonville clan, with his own father living less than one mile away from him and his family.
“I enjoy things I have always done with my father and things I did with my two grandfathers,” he said.
Now, he’s passing down these traditions to his three children, with one-on-one and group activities.
“I hope they remember things we do together and look fondly on all the time we spend together,” he said.
The family’s annual trips to Maine have created special memories.
“We always find new things to do and discover, but also we have our favorite places and things to do,” he said.
Among other lessons, Michael is teaching his children to be thoughtful.
“Measure twice and cut once.” he said. “Seems simple but it speaks to taking your time.”
One thing that never changes about fatherhood is that kids are kids. “They fall, they get up and they learn. As a dad, you just have to let them learn,” he said. “I’m still learning and my dad still lets me ‘fall’ so I can get up.”
“One thing my father passed down to me which I emphasize with my two sons is accountability,” said Manny Torres of Granada. “You are responsible for your actions and their results. If you aren’t happy with your results, it’s your responsibility to take different actions.”
His boys’ actions are making him proud, particularly when they feel proud of their own accomplishments. “When I see my sons’ faces [when they’re] doing what they love – whether it’s Alex winning at a water polo tournament or Drew giving a great theatrical performance – that always pulls at my heart strings,” Manny said.
The family recently traveled to the San Francisco Bay area for spring break and the Water Polo Olympic Development Nationals.
Father, mother and son – Manny, Mary Beth and Alex – all play water polo. Some of the best times they enjoy as a family is had during adventurous trips across the country and abroad.
“One tradition in our family is to travel and explore new places as a family,” said Manny. “I hope when my kids get older that they continue this tradition and if I’m lucky… maybe they’ll invite me along as well.”
For Henry Thorpe of San Jose, fatherhood is a continuous journey of learning.
“One of the goals of life is to be a complete human: someone who is self-aware and confident while also being capable of making room for others to be expressive of themselves,” he said. “I think dads are concerned that they are demonstrating to their children how to be that complete human. The challenge, of course, is that we dads are teaching them even as we ourselves learn.”
One valuable lesson Henry learned from his own father that he is working to pass down to his daughter is the power of kindness and treating others as she’d like to be treated.
“My late dad spoke of times when he was mistreated, and his decision that he would never do the same to someone else,” he said. “I watched him and I can attest to his graciousness and willingness to forgive.”
Henry balances these core values with times to just have fun together.
“One of my favorite memories was going to Fun Spot amusement park in Orlando, just the two of us,” said Henry. “We proceeded to eat all the candy, funnel cake and ice cream we could. We enjoyed the rides, overdid it on the goodies, and had a great day.”
The three Fs – faith, family and football – have shaped San Jose resident John Weedon as a dad.
“We regularly practice our Catholic faith, stay close with our extended family, and – very proudly – bleed the colors of our favorite teams,” he said. “It’s not just about sports, though – it’s about loyalty, showing up, and having pride in the people and things you love.”
John grew up going to football games with his parents and grandparents.
“My family has had Gators season tickets since the 1950s and Jaguars season tickets since the team’s first season in 1995,” he said. “I went to my first game at 10, but all three of my kids have been going since they were newborns. It’s been a special bond for generations, and I’d love for that tradition to keep going down the line.”
John notes that even as the times evolve, the basics of fatherhood stay consistent.
“The tools might change – our dads had newspapers and long talks in the garage, we’ve got driveway basketball games and post-bedtime snack negotiations – but the basics stay the same: consistency, values, and a united front from both parents, even when you’re trading off good cop and bad cop.”
Torres
John Weedon
Richard Rosenblum
Michael Schmidt
Henry Thorpe
A Legacy of Leadership
Colonel Len Loving Retires After
After more than six decades of dedicated service to his country and community, Col. Francis L. “Len” Loving, USMC (Ret), is retiring from his final duty station as Chief Executive Officer of the 5 Star Veterans Center in Jacksonville. Known for his deep commitment to helping fellow veterans find stability and purpose after military life, Loving’s career spans from the battlefields of Vietnam to the frontlines of Veteran rehabilitation and reintegration.
A native of Richmond, Virginia, Loving was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps in 1960. Over a distinguished 30-year career, he served several combat tours in Vietnam and earned numerous decorations for valor, including the Bronze Star. He retired at the rank of Colonel in 1989 but continued to serve in meaningful civilian roles.
Among his notable achievements was the 1986 establishment of the Marine Corps Blount Island Command. Today, the command remains a cornerstone of the regional economy, responsible for more than $2 billion in economic activity and employing more than 500 skilled professionals. After military retirement, Loving served as northeast regional director for Florida’s Department of Banking and Finance and later advised the Florida Senate on military-related issues, working to protect the state’s military infrastructure during rounds of federal base realignment.
In 2011, Col. Loving was appointed CEO of the newly established Allied Veterans Center, which later became the 5 Star Veterans Center. There, he launched transformative initiatives aimed at helping Veterans transition from hardship to hope. His signature creation, the “Veterans Helping Veterans” Project, and its core “Passport to Independence Program,” have become models of effective, compassionate Veteran care.
The Passport to Independence program is a four-phase, nine- to 12-month program designed to guide homeless and struggling Veterans toward a better life. The initiative provides a comprehensive framework addressing mental and physical health, personal accountability, life skills, vocational training, job placement or schooling, and continued support during reintegration into family life and society. Under Loving’s leadership, the Center became a sanctuary of hope for Veterans battling homelessness, addiction, mental illness, and PTSD.
W. Sutphin,
“The colonel’s mission and vision here at 5 Star Veterans Center is to create a welcome place where challenged Veterans could find respect, dignity, recovery and direction,” said 5 Star Veterans Board Chair Mike Hightower. “Col. Loving can best be described as an extraordinary, compassionate CEO and military leader who is empathetic, understanding, supportive and fair. His incredible ability to connect with and care for the 5 Star residents while maintaining discipline and effective management has resulted in hundreds of Veterans feeling inspired, respected, empowered, more selfconfident and, more importantly, positively encouraged as they progress through their individual journeys of recovery.”
Much of the heart and soul behind the Center’s success can also be attributed to the support of Loving’s wife, Suzie. Together, the Lovings brought warmth, compassion, and a deeply personal approach to the organization’s mission, ensuring every Veteran felt seen and valued.
Loving’s accomplishments have been recognized across the state and beyond. He has been a vital figure in various civic and military organizations, often stepping into leadership roles that reflect his strategic mind and commitment to service. His contributions have earned him multiple awards, including induction into the Florida Veterans’ Hall of Fame in 2017 and the JAX Chamber RDML Kevin F. Delaney Hall of Fame Award in 2016. He is also a recent recipient of a Lifetime Achievement Award from First Coast News, Channel 12 as part of its 12 Who Care service awards, which took place in late-2024.
As Loving steps back from daily duties, the legacy he leaves behind is unmistakable: a thriving veterans center that has changed countless lives, a community that has rallied around his cause, and a blueprint for Veteran care that will guide future leaders.
“We have had over 500 walk through this door, I’m proud to say that we’ve had a 90% success rate,” Col. Loving shared. “We’ve taken care of people who have a need, and using the old cliché, ‘We offer people a hand up, not a handout.’”
Col. Len Loving may be retiring, but the impact of his leadership and compassion will endure for generations. Hightower further added, “On behalf of the entire 5 Star Board of Directors, we say ‘Well Done Sir and Thank You, Semper Fidelis’.”
Maj. Gen. USMC, Mike Ryan, awarding Col. Loving the Bronze Star for Valor in Vietnam.
Col. Loving with his trusty German Shepherd sidekick and service dog, Athena.
Glenn
Jr. LTC, USA (Ret.), Executive Director, Department of Veterans Affairs, Col. Francis “Len” Loving, USMC (Ret.), Ray Quinn, SGM, USA (Ret.) Chairman, Florida Veterans Hall of Fame Council, First Lady Anne Scott and Rick Scott, Governor of the State of Florida at Loving’s Florida Veterans’ Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, Nov. 27, 2017.
5 Star Veterans Center Board Chair Mike Hightower with Chief Administrative Officer, Suzie Loving, Col. Francis “Len” Loving, USMC (Ret.), Army Reserve Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Gary Beard, 5 Star Board Secretary and his wife Elaine at the ’12 Who Care’ event, Sept. 23, 2024.
A Gem of a Celebration for L’Arche Jacksonville
L’Arche Jacksonville celebrated its milestone 40th anniversary at its Ruby Jubilee celebration last month.
More than 250 gathered on the L’Arche grounds on Saturday, May 10 to celebrate and help recognize the Warren and Joanne Powers family for their continued support of the organization, which included many projects and volunteer hours. The garden party kicked off with hors d’oeuvres, tours of the grounds, and fellowship before moving into the main programming – “The Journey of 40 Years,” presented by the community and included skits performed by Core Members –L’Arche residents – and assistants.
Totally Rad Florida Theatre
The Florida Theatre traveled back to the 90s for The Florida Themed “90s Style,” the Florida Theatre’s signature fundraiser Jacksonville arts and culture. It was held on Saturday, May 17 at fashion, from grunge to goth to preppy looks. Guests danced to participated in the silent auction.
The Florida Theatre Ball Host Committee Chair was Susan DuBow. with VyStar Credit Union sponsoring the evening’s silent auction.
Sarah (L’Arche Board Member) with son and husband Joey Proctor of Proctor Ace Hardware
Jake and Dana Gordon
Jennifer Terry and Melissa Fagan
NancyRuthBarber andAmyRuth
David and Kathy Keel –L’Arche neighbors supporting the mission
L’Arche Staff – Lorie Strange with Amy Finn-Schultz and her daughter Grace
Viva celebrates many years at L’Arche with Dina, loyal friend at the Rainbow Workshop.
Core member Tommy enjoys the garden party with nephew Adam Smith and his family
Jim Webb and Numa Saisselin with Laura
Celebrating generations of families coming together.
Rad Times at Theatre Ball
Theatre Ball this year. fundraiser ball raised more than $230,000 in support of Downtown at this theater itself and embraced the nostalgia of the 90s 90s beats provided by Quad City DJ, enjoyed cocktails and DuBow. Its presenting sponsor this year was Dex Imaging auction.
A Wildly Elegant Evening
The Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens celebrated its 111th anniversary in exuberant style at ExZooberation: Riverfront Rendezvous on Saturday, May 3.
The 27th annual gala celebrated the zoo’s ongoing commitment to water and shoreline conservation while underscoring its century-long connection to the Trout River.
Approximately 600 guests enjoyed live music, open bars and a diverse cuisine, courtesy of some of Jacksonville’s renowned restaurants, while experiencing exclusive garden strolls and animal encounters and browsing booths from local vendors.
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Lacing Up for Love Jasmyn hosts 14th annual Stride for Pride
Jasmyn’s 14th annual Strides for Pride returned to the Riverside Arts Market (RAM) space at the Northbank Riverwalk Artist Square on Sunday, April 27.
More than 1,100 residents turned out for a 5k run/walk and a one-mile fun run/walk to benefit Jasmyn, which has provided a safe space for LGBTQIA+ youth and young adults in the greater Jacksonville area for more than 30 years. Participants and supporters were able to enjoy bites from The Little Brunch Truck and The Greenhouse Bar.
Vincent the Pig, winner of the fifth annual Pets for Pride Photo Contest, was also announced as the 2025 Jasmyn mascot.
VyStar Credit Union returned as the event’s Rainbow Sponsor this year.
Women’s Giving Alliance Awards $600K+ in Grants to Combat Violence Against Women and Girls
The Women’s Giving Alliance celebrated the power and impact of collective giving as it approved 10 grants to area nonprofits working in WGA’s new focus area – “Addressing Violence Against Women and Girls” – at its annual Member Forum on Tuesday, May 20.
Held this year at the Florida Blue Conference Center, the forum gave membership the opportunity to approve a grant pool of more than $610,000 to be distributed in one- and two-year grants.
The one-year grant recipients are:
• I Am The Prize, Inc. ($10,000)
• Lara Idowu Foundation, Inc. ($10,000) Rakad Dance Camp ($10,000)
• Silent Women Speaking ($10,000)
• UNF Black Alumni Association ($2,500)
The two-year grant recipients are:
• Betty Griffin Center ($125,000)
• Literacy Alliance of Northeast Florida ($70,000)
• The LJD Jewish Family and Community Services ($125,000)
• The Women’s Center of Jacksonville ($125,000)
• Three Rivers Legal Services, Inc. ($125,000)
For WGA President Sabeen Perwaiz, the giving circle underscores the impact women can have when they come together to combine their time, talent and treasure.
“Now women can uplift and help other women in the community and these nonprofits that are doing such great work to help women that are challenged when it comes to safety – we can make a difference, and hopefully also lead the way as an example of what other funders can do,” said Perwaiz.
Rainbow pup in Vendor Village
Parents joined Strides for Pride to support their families.
Newfold Digital team and top team fundraiser
Overall winner Jerry Armand Zonnetta Marie dazzled the crowd with her rendition of Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing aka the Black National Antem.
Women’s Giving Alliance leadership awards more than $600,000 to area nonprofits working in its new focus area, “Addressing Violence Against Women and Girls” at its May 20 member forum.
By Peggy Harrell Jennings
Great works of literature embrace themes that resonate universally: Good versus evil, coming of age, love and loss, man’s inhumanity to man and social justice (or injustice) are evident in everything from Shakespearean plays to comic books.
Erma Bombeck said, “There is a thin line that separates laughter and pain, comedy and tragedy, humor and hurt.” That comment is indicative of the power of comics. Graphic novels and comic books are notable examples of visual and verbal artistic expression. Do you have a reluctant reader who struggles with comprehension and vocabulary? From Classics Illustrated to Superman, one finds engaging characters, exciting plots, and visual storytelling to interpret and inspire creativity in young minds. But comics are not just for kids.
At Comix It Up, a live read-aloud event at Solune Coffee on Saturday, April 26, Cam Lopez, Dan Waily, Thony Aiuppy, Mark Montgomery, and Andrew Kozlowski’s dramatic presentations of original comics ran the gamut from mental health commentary with a bite to “gritty storytelling” with dynamic graphics. James Greene, a librarian at the Jacksonville Public Library, artist and author of the comic series “Wind Lords of lo-Wah,” said, “The art form of comics comes alive in this setting where the pages and panels are projected wall size and the unique voices of the artists combine with their illustrations to make an enlightened version of the book. Powerful stuff. Love live comix.”
The main branch downtown of the Jacksonville Public Library hosts Saturday morning cartooning from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. for teens and adults, along with Zine-ster Meetups to read, trade, or make cartoons during ArtWalk, held on the first Wednesday
Masterpieces and Mischief in May
of every month. The Bill Brinton Murray Hill Library also hosts weekly Zine Nights every Monday at 6:30 p.m. with varying themes.
Swing Bone, superheroes of Dixieland jazz featuring Hugh Rankin, William Goin and Scott Mariash, got toes tapping at both Spruce and Solune recently. Swing Bone’s exciting music had everyone rocking. The band performs favorites for boomers and exciting rhythms for the younger set, inspiring a joyful mood and uplifting spirits as listeners are transported to Bourbon Street to laissez les bon temps rouler New Orleans-style.
Dr. Wayne Wood’s superpowers have been on overdrive recently with his presentation at the Scottish Rite Temple, where he discussed Frank Lloyd Wright’s influence on Florida architecture and Henry
Klutho. Like The Flash, Wood transported himself to the Orange Park Art Guild, meeting to give an up-close and personal account of the life of artist and aviator Courtney Hunt. Leaping tall buildings with a single bound, he was next spotted in San
Marco to present San Marco’s Architectural History for the San Marco Preservation Society Centennial Celebration. Shazam! Jacksonville Artists Guild hosted artist extraordinaire, graphic designer, painter, glass artist, and educator Clint Burbridge for its last meeting of the season. The group was mesmerized and inspired by Burbridge’s artistic superpowers and his fascinating artistic journey. This highly acclaimed artist shared his joie de vivre, talents and creations of his brilliantly inquisitive mind.
The Jacksonville branch of the National League of American Pen Women, Inc., a collection of nationally recognized artists, writers and musicians – wonder women in their own right – elected officers for the coming year at its end-of-the-year luncheon celebration. Past President Stephanie PyrenFortel passed the baton to Alice Atkins
Wayne Wood Cam Lopez, Dan Waily and Thony Aiuppy with Mark Montgomery, Andrew Kozolowksi and James Greene at Comix It Up
William Goin, Scott Mariash and Hugh Rankin of Swing Bone
Clint Burbridge
Mary Atwood and Jim Smith
McCoy, who will guide the group into its centennial anniversary next year.
Super plans are in the works for the Museum of Science and History (MOSH): New MOSH CEO Dr. Alistair Dove has donned his cape and challenged his fantastic team to lead the museum into the future. Look for many opportunities to participate in upcoming events.
Sadly, superhero artist and beloved educator James Smith, an icon in the Jacksonville arts community, passed away in March. Smith was an art educator at The Bolles School for more than 40 years. He designed and painted “Joy of Discovery,” a mural at the Jacksonville Library Main Branch alongside artist Thom Buttner; Smith also created “The Rising” sculpture at Hendricks Avenue Baptist Church.
Indicative of Smith’s positive outlook, the sculpture is a symbol of the church’s “rising with unyielding faith” in the aftermath of a devastating fire. Following an uplifting memorial service with heartfelt words shared by family members, longtime friend Mary Atwood, former students and Pastor B.J. Hutto, attendees gathered around the sculpture to play “Amazing Grace” on kazoos as a farewell to this joy-filled and delightfully quirky artist and friend to many.
May - July
“Painting from the Heart” exhibit by Ted Head exhibit | Hendricks Avenue Baptist Church
June 4
“Birds and Blooms” Solo Exhibit by Peggy Harrell Jennings (second and third floors) and Reception for “Act On It!,” a JAG juried exhibit Jacksonville Library Main Branch during ArtWalk
June 9 - Sept. 8
“The Way I See It” exhibit by Stepahinie Pyren Fortel | Happy Medium Books Café
June 12 - July 9
BRAject: ARTrageous Bras For a Cause Alexander Brest Gallery (Jacksonville University). More information available at www.pinkribbonjax.org/braject/
June 21
Duval Comic and Zine Fest | Jacksonville Library Main Branch | 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
June 6, 13, 20
Summer at the Cummer presented by Citi Jacksonville Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens | 4 to 9 p.m. | Free admission | More information available at www.cummermuseum.org/event/summer-at-the-cummer-6/2025-06-06/
Summer Must-Dos: MOCA Jacksonville: Classes, tours and more. www.mocajacksonville.unf.edu
Jax Locals ATC at Good Sandwich: Meetups for creating artists’ trading cards, hosted by Leilani Leo | Free to attend | Sundays 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Jacksonville Library Main Branch: Take docent-led tours of art and architecture. jaxpubliclibrary.org/tour-main-library
New Officers for the Men’s Garden Club
The Men’s Garden Club of Jacksonville recently hosted a member meeting and barbecue dinner to celebrate its incoming officers for the next year and recognize the achievements of one of its past presidents.
The meeting was held at the Garden Club of Jacksonville on Tuesday, May 6.
Garden Club Executive Director Dr. Troy Mack introduced the club’s new officers – Bill Dorsheimer (president), Dave Savage (vice president), Courtland Hunter (treasurer) and Jim Lewis (secretary) – and new directors, Bill Huebner, Krista Clark, Sharon Basille, Beth Heyob, and Kelsey Stoble.
The event also recognized Past President Donn Elliott was awarded a Life Membership in recognition of his many contributions to the club including founding the Aloe Vera Project which has distributed over 4,000 aloe vera plants to cancer patients undergoing radiation treatments.
Established in 1945, the Men’s Garden Club of Jacksonville is dedicated to education about plants and flowers, and it works to preserve natural plants while promoting awareness of native species. The club has been actively involved and has sponsored the Ortega Camellia Festival for two years and is now preparing for the 3rd annual event in 2026. This all-volunteer organization manages numerous community outreach programs, including the James Watson Horticultural Scholarship at the University of Florida, Boy Scouts of America Horticultural Projects, the Riverside Camellia Garden, the Duval County 4H Endowment at the University of Florida, and numerous educational presentations throughout the local community. Past President Walter Bryant recently spoke at Murray Hill, Wesconnett, and Maxville public libraries about the history and care of camellias to promote participation in the Camellia Festival and to offer advice and wisdom regarding the various varieties of these beautiful plants.
Organization membership is no longer exclusive to men, despite its name, and women have become an integral part of the membership since 2019.
Explore the vibrancy of voices shaping Jacksonville’s creative landscape at Jax Contemporary, now on view at MOCA Jacksonville until November 9, 2025. The triennial juried exhibition is presented by Dolf and Anna James.
Jim Maclan, Walter Bryant, and Club President Billy Dorsheimer with Donn Elliott
Stephanie Pyren-Fortel and Alice McCoy with Susan D. Brandenburg and Pat Setser at the National League of American Pen Women, Jacksonville Branch end-of-year luncheon celebration
Cookie Davis and Jacksonville Artists Guild Founder Bill Schmidt
MOSH CEO Dr. Alistair Dove
Ladies’ Night at the Center for Wellbeing
CfW
The
Hakimian
Fascinators, Fashion and Fun
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and
Guests donned their best spring and derby fashion – including a splendid array of hats, from top hats to fascinators – and gathered at Heritage Farms’ Tringali Barn in St. Augustine for The Community Hospice and Palliative Care’s 13th annual Derby Run on Saturday, May 3. Chris and Dawn Shee once again provided the stunning backdrop of Tringali Barn for this beloved philanthropic event, which raised funds for the Bailey Family Center for Caring and hospice services in St. Augustine and St.
Sonia Ramos and Ana Panama
Lisa Salloum and Carol Elhage Susan Rucker and Yolanda Totten with Patricia Moore and Megan Cochran Mynette Fenner, Cheryl Aguilar and Mitzi Bodin with Rus Pittman, Theresa Heffelfinger and Debora De Farias
Martha Cox and Donna Walker Bell Patty Blunt and Linnie Knox
Johns County.
Guests of
13th annual Derby Run help raise funds for the Bailey Family Center for Caring
hospice services in St. Augustine and St. Johns County.
by The Community Hospice and Palliative Care.
Photos: Courtesy of The Foundation of Community Hospice and Palliative Care
Renee Johnston and Caroline Lingaitis with Jackie Stoll and Paige Hakimian
Where Compassion Meets Cutting-Edge Care
Southern Smiles by Bethany Burton DMD is more than just a dental practice.
Located at 2522 Oak Street, the women owned business is the embodiment of Dr. Bethany Burton’s dream of becoming a dentist and providing comprehensive dental care for adults and children.
In February 2022, Burton joined the Southern Smiles family alongside thenowner Dr. Linda Trotter. Following her first visit to the practice, Burton immediately fell in love with and knew this was her path forward, a few months later, in October, Burton took over as owner of the practice.
Coming from a larger practice in Fernandina Beach, Burton was much happier with Southern Smiles’ smaller team and the opportunity for more personal relationships with patients. She also feels right at home within the Riverside community.
“There is a lot of local support for small businesses,” Burton said. “It’s a little bit more of a tight-knit community. I like that
about it; that’s a lot more my style.”
When deciding a name for the practice
Dr. Burton chose the name Southern Smiles to embody the practice’s commitment to hospitality. “Our goal is to be hospitable and treat all of our patients like friends and family,” she shared.
A multi-faceted dental practice, Southern Smiles offers “a little bit of everything”, so Burton rarely refers patients to a third party for treatment. Services at Southern Smiles include everything from dental fillings to root canals, dental implants and oral surgery; and emergency care to a multitude of cosmetic services like veneers, smile makeovers, and Botox, making it a truly comprehensive care facility.
Burton’s team pairs their professional skills and experience with state-of-the-art technology to ensure top-of-the-line service to each patient walking through its doors. These technologies include Invisalign, an iTero Scanner, digital X-rays and a CBCT
(3D) Scanner, and same day crown milling. CBCT imaging allows for a comprehensive view of oral tissues to help detect issues that would not avail themselves on traditional radiographs. This early detection of issues such as dental infections are revealed early, so every new patient gets a complimentary CBCT evaluation.
Southern Smiles also offers IV sedation, making dental care comfortable and accessible for all. IV sedation can be used for all treatment types. Most general dentists do not provide this service, which can make it difficult for patients who need it for restorative treatment like crowns or fillings.
“IV sedation is most often needed for oral surgery but it also benefits patients in different ways. Maybe you have an adult patient that has special needs and they need a filling – they don’t need an extraction – this situation offers us as an alternative, versus having nowhere to turn for care,” Burton said.
Southern Smiles | 2522 Oak Street | Jacksonville | www.southernsmilesjax.com
Hours: Monday, Tuesday and
Shining a light on stories, rights and roots in Riverside/Avondale PRESENTED BY RIVERSIDE AVONDALE PRESERVATION & COWFORD REALTY & DESIGN
Shaping Our Streets: Celebrating Black Architects of Riverside & Avondale
June 19, 6:30-8pm, Happy Medium Book Cafe
Historic Homes & Red Tape
July 10, 6:30-8pm, The Next Chapter Bookshop
Rent Well, Lease Smart: A Guide for Tenants & Landlords
July 24, 6:30-8pm, The Next Chapter Bookshop LEARN MORE AT RIVERSIDEAVONDALE.ORG/UPCOMING-EVENTS
Additionally, patients that have a greater need for dental work or involved treatment because of a fear of dentistry, they may choose to have more difficult cases done in one visit with IV sedation. Burton sees her practice filling a particular need and serving a population that may need alternative care.
“We offer folks solutions, sometimes patients don’t always fit somewhere, here, we offer them options through care and compassionate understanding.”
Southern Smiles also offers options for an in-office membership plan to make quality dental care accessible for all. Due to the limitations of dental insurance coverage this offers an option for those patients that may have greater needs or do not have access to affordable routine dental care.
As the owner of Southern Smiles, Burton said she is fortunate to lead a team of exceptional women who help make the practice what it is today. “I’m very blessed to have the right team players,” she said, brimming with pride.
Burton received her DMD at the University of Kentucky and completed her general practice residency at Miami Valley Hospital in Dayton, Ohio. She also holds certification in IV sedation. Additionally, she maintains an active membership in the American Dental Association, Jacksonville Dental Society, Northeast District Dental Association, and the American Dental Society of Anesthesiology.
Southern Smiles is open Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Friday, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. The practice is closed Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday.
is celebrating Pride Month ON JUNE 28TH!
• Enjoy a day curated around community at RAM with Jax’s LGBTQ explorers, the OUTdoorsy Adventure Team! More at Meetup.com.
• Cornhole Tournament hosted by JAX Stonewall Sports
• The entire month of June, enjoy the art corner and Pride Tree with Kismet Art Studio!
For full details and to find out what’s happening at RAM every Saturday, visit RiversideArtsMarket.org.
Market is
Dr. Bethany Burton and the Southern Smiles team.
Fifth Annual Yarden Tour in the Books
The neighborhood was buzzing with visitors, and the sun was shining bright on Riverside Avondale Preservation’s Yarden Tour, which took place May 17.
The neighborhood outing drew patrons from far and wide during its fifth-year showcase, which had a plot twist of rain dates and rescheduling. A pivot from the original date on Mother’s Day weekend turned out to be a great decision for RAP and its volunteer core, as downpours would have dampened the best laid plans.
“Riverside Avondale Preservation’s 5th Annual Yarden Tour was a showcase of dedicated homeowners who put in countless hours planting, growing, and cultivating yards and gardens to create an inspired ecosystem that perfectly aligns with our neighborhood,” shared Shannon Blankinship, executive director of RAP. “They, along with the Yarden Tour’s sponsors, Master Gardeners, and vast base of volunteers, were essential in executing such a fun and meaningful event, which aligns seamlessly into RAP’s mission to preserve, enhance, and celebrate Riverside Avondale’s historic fabric, arts and culture, local businesses and public spaces.”
Neighborhood gardens were in full bloom and stops along the tour provided plenty of educational opportunities, style insights and design ideas. With nine separate properties showcased, five local business stops and RAP’s Buckland House on Herschel Street hosting ticket sales, the day was packed full of interesting locations – from succulents and a secret splash pool at
Palm Springs on Pine Street to the further reaches of Riverside at the Bricks and Blooms residence. The wide range of homes and spaces continue to make the tour a unique and eye-opening experience for those seeking a great day of adventure.
One trio of visitors the day together walking the area, thankful that they were able to make the rescheduled event. Daughters Kim Miller and Holly Stenzel were grateful that the rains didn’t hamper their special day together as they celebrated their mother, Linda Phillips.
“This is our belated Mother’s Day celebration,” shared the ladies, as they made their way through the entire tour. “We’re so glad they moved it to this weekend.”
Impact felt by fundraising, parks benefit
Thanks to its popularity, The Yarden Tour has become a significant event that’s been funneling proceeds back into parks in the area. Back in 2024, RAP’s Board of Directors declared 100% of the proceeds from the last tour to be committed entirely to park improvements. One such park, John Murray Forbes Park, was on display this year as it sits at the foot of King Street as part of the Ascension St. Vincent’s Riverside Campus.
The newly improved park has been enhanced by local landscape architect, Rick Pariani, who designed a park space that honored the Boston-born developer of Yellow Bluff, what today is referred to as Riverside, where Forbes platted historic street grids and original maps
of the area. Pariani’s vision was shared and embraced by JaxParks, which then planted trees, created new sidewalks and fabricated seating in the park, greatly improving the space. The reboot was necessary following construction staging on the park, which had left the park in disrepair.
Extras and entertainment for tour enthusiasts
The Yarden Tour also featured live painting by Tatiana Kitchen, who spent time at 1850 Powell Place during the tour. Kitchen’s painting of the AvonDahlia Manor was complete with butterflies and gardens. Also appearing on the tour were Good Pluck Trio, who were on-site at the Fairy Cottage with Live Art at 1748 Talbot Ave. Infamous Honey Dripper’s frozen treats were available at the John Murray Forbes house for a refreshing Eastside throwback. Happy Medium Books Café, Cultivate, Biscotti’s and The Greenhouse Bar were also participating vendors, offering food and beverages alongside activities and specials throughout the day to enhance the tour.
The 2025 Yarden Tour committee members invite anyone interested in curating next year’s event to reach out to info@riversideavondale.org. This year’s roster included Nick Salter, Judy Matheny, Bruce Musser, Candace Barone, Alex Gornik, Diamond Deazle, Kim Rutowski, Kandice Clark and Casey Roth. For more on the Yarden Tour and dates for next year’s event, visit riversideavondale.org/upcoming-events/
Jen Mims and Orion Osborn with Elizabeth Mathis and Rahul Ravindram
Nancy Darragh with Martha Davis, Clyde Collins and Carol Garner
Dave Barbuto with Donna Haden and Mary Pat Wallmeyer
By Lauren Weedon Hopkins
Hunger Doesn’t Take a Summer Break
By Lauren Weedon Hopkins
Summer vacation has begun and children, from kindergarteners to newly graduated high school seniors, are celebrating the schoolfree weeks stretching out before them. Yet for some families, summer break presents a very real, very heartbreaking problem as it eliminates one, possibly two meals a day for their children.
Food insecurity is a major issue in Jacksonville. According to Feeding Northeast Florida, there are more than 270,000 people in our community facing hunger every day, including more than 80,000 children. When school is in session, children have breakfast and lunch provided, so what happens during the summer? Many families must rely on food pantries and other programs to provide for themselves and their families.
Jacksonville is home to 40 food deserts, where access to healthy food is limited. This month, we are spotlighting organizations that address hunger and asking you to consider donating food, making a financial gift and volunteering to support their efforts.
Summer BreakSpot is a federally funded program in Florida serving no-cost meals to children and teens 18 and under during the summer months. Breakfast, lunch and snacks are available. The program operates at schools, nonprofit organizations and government entities such as libraries and parks. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) provides the funding through the Summer Food Service Program and Seamless Summer Option. Although the cost of the food is covered by the USDA, our neighbors can help fund the other associated costs for the participating nonprofits such as staffing by donating and/or volunteering.
donation of $25 can feed more than 20 men, women and children. Volunteers are needed to help sort and distribute food. Visit the LSS food pantry’s website for more information.
The Max Block Food Pantry at The LJD Jewish Family & Community Services is open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. It is located at 6261 Dupont Station Court East. Families can receive food every month and walk-ins are welcome.
On Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., Downtown Ecumenical Services Council (DESC) distributes groceries to families in need. Because the food distributed requires a place to store, refrigerate and cook, recipients are asked to bring verification of housing such as a JEA bill or rental lease agreement. A clothing center is also available during the same days and times. The clothing center requires IDs for everyone in the household and clients can typically expect a 20- to 30-minute wait after check-in. These services are located at 215 N. Ocean Street.
Community Gardens
Melanated Growers is committed to building community gardens across Jacksonville in food deserts so families have access to fresh fruits and vegetables. It is focused in the northwest quadrant of the city, which contains 15 food deserts. In addition to planting gardens, the organization educates others about farming and the importance of incorporating more fruits and vegetables into a healthy diet. It has held two conferences to build awareness and raise funds.
Eight teams competed last month at Feeding Northeast Florida’s inaugural Summer Smackdown, presented by Morgan & Morgan, held at the food bank’s Old Kings Road campus. The event brought together 85 participants who packed 5,352 snack packs to help feed the one in five children facing food insecurity across the 12 counties served by the food bank. The coveted championship belt was awarded to The Yellow Squashers, a team of Morgan & Morgan volunteers.
foot aquaponics system, at 616 A. Philip Randolph Blvd. This innovative farming technique yields healthy produce in a small space next to the highway. It provides fruits and vegetables for Duval County schools as well as community service organizations. Donations and volunteers are welcome. Native Fresh also offers training in sustainable agriculture for students and entrepreneurs with a goal to scale this impactful model in the future.
packing events. Join a community packing event at their third annual Faith in Action Community Outreach Event on June 7 at Christ’s Church in Mandarin.
Feeding Northeast Florida
Food Pantries
The food pantry at Catholic Charities Jacksonville is located at 1430 Bernita Street in Arlington. It is open Wednesday and Friday and serves up to 75 families per day. Catholic Charities has created an Amazon wish list online for its most requested items, including canned pastas and applesauce pouches. It also welcomes volunteers and monetary donations. Lutheran Social Services operates the Jan Jirousek Food Pantry at 4615 Philips Highway, open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Anyone may visit LSS for food once a month and appointments are required. The pantry appreciates food donations and some of the most-needed items are peanut butter, jelly, canned meats, soup and cereal. A
The 6,500-square-foot Grace Garden provides fresh fruit and vegetables for the food pantry at Beaches Emergency Assistance Ministry (BEAM). Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, BEAM volunteers tend the garden and people are able to adopt a garden box, which provides four seasons of organic vegetables. BEAM’s Grace Garden provides roughly 8,000 pounds of fresh produce each year. A donation of $1,000 will provide sponsorship of a garden box for one year and includes other benefits like donor recognition and an invitation to their annual gala.
Urban Farms
Eartha’s Farm and Market is an initiative of the Clara White Mission The purpose of the urban farm, located at 4850 Moncrief Road, is to improve food access in this food desert by increasing the production of healthy fruits and vegetables to sell at affordable prices. The campus includes an apiary, compost facilities, community garden, perennial fruits and herbs, annual vegetable plots, a green house and a quonset hut. Volunteers are welcome on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.. The Market is open on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Fresh Ministries operates the Weaver Center’s Native Fresh aquaponics urban farm, which includes a 2,000-square-
Innovative Partnerships
Hunger Fight produces shelfstable meals and distributes them to hungry children through community partnerships across Florida and Georgia. It’s two primary programs are Feed The Backpacks, which provides food on the weekends to students, and Feed the Need to Read, which delivers books to preschools and daycares. Volunteers are needed for sorting books and hosting
Resources:
The Corner at Debs Store is a collaboration between Goodwill Industries, Lift Jax, the Debs Family, VyStar Credit Union, the Historic Eastside Community Development Corporation and other corporate and community partners. Through an extensive restoration project, it returned a vital resource to the Eastside community: its longtime – and affordable – corner grocery store. Located at the corner of Florida Avenue and 5th Street, The Corner at Debs Store is a market plus a career and financial wellness service center through Goodwill’s GoodCareers program, with a vision of empowering families living in the urban core to become self-sufficient and healthy through access to nutritious food and educational skills.
If you or someone you know require assistance from any one of the community programs or organizations highlighted in this month’s “Charity Chat” or if you feel inspired to get involved or give back through your time, talent or treasure, here is a list of resources to get you started.
The LJD Jewish Family and Community Services Max Block Food Pantry: jfcsjax.org/services/max-blockfood-pantry/ Downtown Ecumenical Services Council: www.descjax.org
Melanated Growers: www.melanatedgrowersinc.com
BEAM Grace Garden: www.jaxbeam.org/grace-garden/ Eartha’s Farm and Market: www.earthasfarmandmarket.org
The Corner at Debs Store: goodwillnorthfl.org/the-cornerat-debs-store/
A Decade of Difference Makers
Dr. Jeffry and Laura Jacqmein with City Rescue Mission Executive Director Paul Stasi
Rand and Lin Holyfield with Laurie and Paul Stasi
Mezzo-soprano and Singer-songwriter Katherine Kincaid
Lighthouse Christian School Founder and President David Eure and City Rescue Mission Executive Director Paul Stasi
Jenny Green with Max Messer
Jennifer Thornley with Margaret Wheeler, Maggie Minor, Latasha Walker and Tanya Willis
THANK YOU NOTES FROM MY MY EMPTY NEST PERCH
By Susanna Bar
foundation for making smart moves.
The advice or mantras I like the most can be found taped to my kitchen cabinet. They are fading DIY poster décor I made long ago and they are everything to me, and hopefully our children. Here is a sampling:
• “I am not this hair I am not this skin, I am the soul that lives within.”
– Rumi
Here are a few more I’ve liked and collected in my noggin over the years:
“Don’t be ugly” – Unknown. This phrase was well documented by some Southern folk art my dad displayed next to an Elvis lamp (!) at his home in Holly Springs, Miss. Now I am the lucky owner of it. I think it’s perfect. Short and sweet: Don’t be ugly and definitely don’t be ugly in my house, capiche? He had a similar piece that bears the warning, “Be Nice or Leave.” We have that up near the front door of our cabin. This is good advice for anyone.
“Write your story or lede like you are at a bus stop and the bus is approaching and you have to tell someone the gist of your story before the bus comes.” – Beth Zacharias Hunt, my professional mentor and longtime American City Business Journals editor who trained me up at the Austin Business Journal long ago. This is professional and personal advice meaning, just do it; whether you’re writing or presenting or having a conversation, just spit it out quickly without hemming and hawing over it because the first things out of your mouth generally are the most important and “newsworthy.” She also told me it’s helpful to think about how you would share a news story in a social setting, like at a cocktail party, because that helps bring the highlights to the forefront and digs up what is most compelling/ entertaining about the information.
“Stand for something or you’ll fall for anything.” – Gen. James “Jimmy” Doolittle, an American military general and aviation pioneer who received the Medal of Honor for his raid on Japan (The Doolittle Raid) during World War II. I don’t think Gen. Doolittle made this ditty up. But he did share it with my brother and me live and in-person in1984 at my great aunt and uncle M.E. and Ski York’s
house. Ski was a fellow raider and Gen. Doolittle would come to San Antonio to party with them from time to time. On that particular occasion, my parents dressed us up, hauled our cookies over to the house and sat us down individually on the couch next to Gen. Doolittle to absorb some advice. To stand for something is, indeed, good advice.
“Comparisons are odious” and “What did you learn from that experience?” –David B. Person, my awesome dad. I think the first one is a line from Shakespeare, so it’s not original to David Bob Person the Great. But I agree, comparisons are stupid, and everyone – on the line and off – is doing it but we would all be happier if we would JUST STOP DOING IT, for the love. The other bit he would ask of me every time I stepped into something hard, or painful or wrong. He would listen and console me in my frustrations, but those exchanges always ended in a question: What did you learn from that experience? This taught me to learn everything I could from life’s challenges. That’s where the good comes. In fact, as I’m typing this, I got a text from my daughter following a string of big life boos in which she emphasized, “Gotta get through all the bad to find the good.” Kinda the same sentiment.
“Don’t dwell on it. The more attention you pay it the worse it will hurt, feel or manifest.” Bobbie Ann Harper Person, my beautiful mother. She was definitely a mind-over-matter kind of gal, and she is spot on here. Just like Donnie Brasco said, “Forget about it.”
Which leads me to some other unattributed life advice that has helped me get through the yucks: “Learn from your mistakes;” “There are no wrong decisions just new opportunities;” “Give it to God;” and my personal favorite, “Jesus take the wheel.”
I asked ChatGPT for 10 pieces of timely advice and they were actually so good and so absolutely true, that it would be a disservice not to share them far and wide, even if it is artificial intelligence. Several of them, I believe, are kitchen cabinet taped home-job sign-worthy. Enjoy, and if you disagree with the sentiment, take it up with the AI interwebs:
1. Prioritize Your Health: “Your health is your wealth.”
2. Invest in Relationships: “Surround yourself with people who lift you up.”
3. Never Stop Learning: “Knowledge is power.”
4. Live Within Your Means: “Don’t spend more than you earn.”
5. Be Present: “The past is gone, the future is uncertain, but the present is a gift.”
6. Set Clear Goals and Work Toward Them: “A goal without a plan is just a wish.”
7. Treat Others with Kindness and Respect: “In a world where you can be anything, be kind.”
8. Embrace Failure as a Lesson: “Fail forward.”
9. Take Responsibility for Your Life: “You are responsible for your happiness.”
10. Find Your Purpose and Live Authentically: “Be true to yourself.”
Bravo, AI. Bravo! These tidbits may not be from a famous decorated combat aviator or an awesome dad or newspaper editor, but they are words to live by for sure! Advice is like an opinion or an a-hole – everybody has one. But it’s a worthy exercise to tune in to the people you respect and love, absorb their direction, example or instruction and look for ways to implement their takeaway tenets into your own life.
Susanna Barton has gotten lots of practical advice over the years and all have been helpful with the exception of “Stop, drop and roll.” A Granada resident, Barton has written professionally for The Jacksonville Business Journal, The Resident and The Bolles School. She currently manages an online community called Grand Plans, which encourages healthy conversations about aging and preparing for it on www.mygrandplans.com
JACKSONVILLE GOSPEL CHORALE CEDRIC WILLIAMS, DIRECTOR HENRY L. PARKER, ACCOMPANIST DR. TAMMY HODO, KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Sponsored by The Father Sidney B. Parker Union of Black Episcopalians Donations appreciated RECEPTION FOLLOWING REFRESHMENTS AND BOOK SIGNING LIVING THE LEGACY: THE STORY OF ALTON AND GWEN YATES
Jacksonville History Center Celebrates Success Stories for National Preservation Month
By Michele Leivas
In honor of National Preservation Month, recognized during May, the Jacksonville History Center celebrated three of Jacksonville’s great success stories for historic structures at its annual Endangered Historic Properties Program.
Held at the former Florida Casket Company building on Wednesday, May 14, the lunch and learn program focused on what can come out of a successful historic renovation, restoration, or adaptive reuse and how it can impact a community by highlighting The Corner at Debs Store, the Jessie Ball duPont Center (formerly the Haydon Burns Library) and the casket company building itself.
“We want to demonstrate to people that there really is a path to a successful adaptation in the 21st century,” said JHC CEO Dr. Alan Bliss. “So we were thinking about not just examples, but examples that we can associate with recognizable places and for which we could find people who actually had hands-on experience with leading and guiding and influencing those restoration projects.”
Indeed, the presentation included speakers David Garfunkel, founding president and CEO of LIFT Jax and current public affairs chief for the Jacksonville Civic Council, Brooke Robbins, principal architect and interior designer of Robbins Design Studio P.A., and Bliss himself.
The Corner at Debs Store
Garfunkel discussed the resurrection of The Corner at Debs Store, the 100-plusyear-old grocery store that, thanks to the collaboration between the Debs family, Historic Eastside CDC, Lift Jax, Goodwill
Industries of North Florida and VyStar Credit Union, continues to serve its neighborhood after it celebrated its grand reopening last September following an extensive restoration.
Debs Store was a family-owned grocery store built in 1913 by its original owner. It was operated until 2011. In the years following, the ground level slowly slipped into disrepair and dilapidation. Today, Debs Store continues to serve its community not only by providing healthy and nutritious groceries, but also by providing jobs for area residents. Restoring Debs Store was not just saving a historic structure; it returned a vital and long-standing component to its community.
Garfunkel said it was not only the role Debs Store played in the community but also its history that drew Lift Jax’s attention.
“…As an organization, literally coming in from the outside and saying we have aspirations to support the neighborhood, to bring back the neighborhood to its better days and to work with the community – this was the place to start for us,” Garfunkel said.
“We could have picked another plot of land, built something new,” Garfunkel added. “We could have knocked it over and built something in its place. We said, as an organization, it’s critically important for us to come in and rebuild what’s there and work within this community.”
The Jessie The Jessie Ball duPont Center, on the other hand, represented a success story for the adaptive reuse of a historic building, and Robbins shared insight on the process of transforming the original library into the
nonprofit hub it is today.
The Haydon Burns Library was built to replace the Jacksonville Free Public Library, built in 1905 after the Great Fire of 1901. By the 1960s, the library had become too small for the city’s population.
Architect Taylor Hardwick, of Hardwick and Lee Architects, designed the new library, which opened in November 1965. It was named for Jacksonville’s longestserving mayor.
The 126,000-square-foot library served its community until 2005. It would be another seven years until Jessie Ball duPont Fund then-President Sherry Magill envisioned the dilapidated building as the fund’s new headquarters. The fund purchased the building in June 2013 and began the two-year transformation.
Today, The Jessie provides state-ofthe-art technology to several nonprofit organizations that call it home.
“I would say that’s another kind of layer of the intent of the building was, from the duPont Fund’s side, to use [the building] as an example that you can retrofit these buildings and you can bring technology to them,” Robbins said.
A New Home for the Jacksonville History Center
The program was the first event JHC hosted at its new center, in what will be the event space of the building’s second floor. The building is currently undergoing its own adaptive reuse transformation.
The event coincided with the release of JHC’s annual list of endangered historic properties, which includes Jacksonville architectural icons like the Laura Street Trio, the Scottish Rite Masonic Temple, the Independent Life Building, and more. Bliss pointed out that each building is carefully vetted and considered before earning a spot on the endangered property list.
“They wouldn’t have gotten on the list if they really didn’t merit an advocate and merit really having attention called to them as a deserving project for conversion, adaptation,” Bliss said. “…I don’t have every historic, every old building on the list – there’s a reason for that. We single these out for a good reason.”
David Garfunkel, Jacksonville Civic Council chief of public affairs and founding president and CEO of Lift Jax tells the story of The Corner at Debs Store.
The Best Way to Fund and the Best Accounts to Fund for Your Savings
We are continuing the series for the children and grandchildren of our clients. The topic today is: What is the best way to fund and the best accounts to fund for your savings. A little bit of background, most people do not have unlimited amounts to save each year; therefore, it pays to prioritize and fund your highest profitability accounts first. Think of a farmer who lives in an arid region, they capture the limited rain in a cistern (savings) and now the farmer will measure the water level and calculate how much water they have to water the fields. If the savings cistern is low this year, they may only irrigate one field, if the savings cistern is full, they may plant and irrigate more fields. Whether the savings cistern is low or full, the farmer knows which fields are most productive and will plant them in the proper order. We want to do the same with our accounts (fields). An ‘account’ is what we call a field that holds investments for you. An apple orchard would be one account, and the corn field another account. We will get the best results if we measure our amount
of savings each year and irrigate our most productive accounts.
The second thing we need to remember is we have a ‘partner’ in our earnings each year, we know him as the ‘tax man’. We have a duty to our family to try and limit the tax man’s claim on our earnings each year. We can do this by utilizing accounts that have tax preferences. You probably know the names of many of these like 401(k), 403(b), IRA, and HSA. If we place our savings in these types of accounts, we can limit the tax man’s cut, to a percent when we put it in the account or a percent when we take it out. But during all the years the savings sit in the account, it grows without anything going to taxes. Yay!
Finally, we need to select a solid investment for our risk tolerance and time horizon to be purchased in the account. You probably have heard the names of some of the more common investments like mutual funds, stocks, bonds, or exchange traded funds.
This then becomes the proper order of funding of accounts for a young person.
You fund each account in the order below to the maximum amount for that account until your savings cistern is empty for the year. Then you just repeat year after year.
• 401(k), 403(b), other company retirement plans, up to the match.
• Health savings account (and remember to invest the money).
• Finish maxing out your company retirement plan, i.e. 401(k).
• The next few are equal in priority, fund based on family needs:
a. IRA, Roth or Traditional,
b. 529 Educational Savings Plan,
c. Regular brokerage account.
PS: It pays to have a plan. The plan should include goals for the future because this gives a purpose to prioritize tomorrow. The plan should also include a budget that you review and adjust as life goes on. Finally include
a real number for charity, because this will give your life joy and value to your money. Americans are so fabulously wealthy that they can afford different luxuries like fancy cars. When you consider spending the money on a car that you may not need but decide to support an entire classroom full of poor children instead, you may begin to see more value in your money beyond frivolous spending.
Lou Walsh, IV, CFA President
The Women’s Board Celebrates Milestones, Sets New Goals at Spring Luncheon
There were more than one million reasons to celebrate at The Women’s Board of Wolfson Children’s Hospital’s annual Spring Luncheon, held on April 30.
The Women’s Board President Kendra McCrary announced that, between the 2024 First Coast Design Show, 2024-25 Florida Forum and other initiatives, $1,068,968 was raised last year.
More than 150 members and hospital leadership gathered at the annual meeting, including 14 new members, all of whom learned about The Women’s Board’s new funding target: a two-year $1.5 million pledge for an outdoor space for the 20-bed pediatric Inpatient Behavioral Health unit.
With Chris Heib as incoming president for the 2026-27 term, this year’s event leadership was announced, including the 2025 First Coast Design Show Chairs Sarah Allen, Mollie Peterson and Kate Sager and the 2025-26 Florida Forum Chairs Heather Creel, Kristina Powell and Kymberly Wolfson. This year’s speaker series will also host “The Eyes of the World, From D-Day to VE Day,” a Broadway-style, full symphonic multimedia production on Sept. 30.
Feet of Fire
Last month, 90 runners participated in the Jacksonville History Center’s fifth annual Great Fire Run 5K run/walk on Saturday, May 3.
Participants commemorated the 124th anniversary of the Great Fire of 1901, starting out at Old St. Andrew’s Church and following the route past Fire Station 3 – one of the three fire stations that existed at the time of the Great Fire. Today, the rebuilt Catherine Street station if on the National Register of Historic Places.
Jacksonville resident Iciar Wood took home first place with a time of 20:23; less than 30 seconds later, fellow Jacksonville resident Mark Goetz secured second place at 20:51. New York resident Sam Mercado took home third place at 21:22.
The event was sponsored by the Jacksonville Firefighters Association, Corner Lot Development, The Bedell Firm and Marks Gray P.A.
Kendra McCrary and Trisha MacRae Alicia Dorsie and Ray Martin with Annie Martin and Pat Setzer
Sam Mercado, Mark Goetz and Iciar Wood are the top three winners of this year’s Great Fire Run.
Jacksonville History Center’s Kate Hallock presents Hank Coxe, representing sponsor The Bedell Firm, with a copy of the book, “The Great Fire of 1901.”
MEET Kim Barry and Clark Creamer LOCAL FOLKS 39
By Peggy Harrell Jennings
Talk about a timey wimey artistic journey through life to romance and a thriving partnership. Artist Kim Barry came from a family of musicians and artists in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Selected into the Carnegie-Mellon’s institute for gifted children, she pursued her artistic journey into adulthood both internationally and nationally, including San Marco’s Stellers Gallery. Her impressive artistic resume even includes exhibiting at the Louvre in Paris with the International Art Fair. Kim attended Penn State, and, at her mother’s encouragement, pursued the business aspect of art as well as the creative side.
Meanwhile, Clark Creamer was born in Riverside Hospital and lived in Murray Hill and Green Cove Springs. He served in the military and attended FSCJ all while he “collected skills through apprenticeships with underground comics and animatronics” before finally settling in Riverside.
Kim had made her way to Jacksonville and the two met in 2006 through the artist network at Jacksonville’s Art Walk. Kim and Clark stayed in touch when she moved to Los Angeles just a few years later in 2010 with 50 other Jacksonville artists and the two reconnected at Art Walk in 2021. As they said, “We were alone, but we haven’t been alone since.”
That serendipitous meeting was the beginning of a romantic, artistic, and business relationship. Kim was establishing a studio, sixthreefourjax, in Fairfax and Clark said, “Whatever you’re doing, I’m in!”
The studio was an event space and art gallery combined, though they closed it in 2023 to focus on their internet gallery because “the gallery concept has shifted to a more universal viewing concept rather than walk ins.”
Clark said he was attracted to Kim for her “strength in knowing her purpose – and she was pretty.”
“He killed 27 nests of wasps for me at the studio and he is so supportive of me,” Kim said. “There’s no competition. He lets me shine. It’s rare to find a man that doesn’t take over. He’s really my friend.”
The two married in a “kitschy 4th of July theme wedding” and have been partners in their business and their lives ever since, settling into old Ortega, where they established a home base and where they enjoy the owls, eagles and nature.
They share a studio and even collaborate on certain art pieces. In a series called “Bold City Scapes,” Kim paints the colors and shapes then Clark comes in with the details. They say they are their own organization. They share a philosophy of having a good time all the time and part of that includes campfires, gardening, reading, and kayaking.
Clark’s gift is to encourage people who are down and out and to make people feel welcome.
“You’ll manifest whatever you focus on, and I want to be positive and make pretty art,” he said.
Among other ventures, Clark creates commissioned paintings of residences, fine art pieces inspired by vintage Florida postcards and his beloved superheroes. During the pandemic he designed the Duval Crest in an effort to bring Jacksonville together and generate local jobs. The brand creates many products including pens, mugs, ball caps and T-shirts which local realtors frequently give to new homeowners.
The pair “chill” to VaporWave ambient music as they work in their side-by-side creative spaces, saying it’s “like
background music but cooler and great for painting.”
Barry lives by what she calls the philosophy of the “buried child,” explaining, “I want to hold on to the joy and innocence of a child as I gain the wisdom of age to balance it out.”
They’ve never followed a linear path, nor do they expect to as they continue to explore new possibilities, promote their Duval Crest products, seek out new challenges and delve into their imaginations.
A fun insight into their personalities is to compare their favorite movies. Cowboy-at-heart Clark loves all old television Westerns and his favorite movie is “Evil Roy Slade” a salute to westerns. Kim, who loves the wonder of life and believes anything is possible, is a fan of “The Never Ending Story. “
Their work can be viewed at kimbarrystudio.com and duvalcrest.com
Kim Barry and Clark Creamer
Episcopal’s Class of 2025: (College-)Bound for Greatness
Episcopal School of Jacksonville’s Class of 2025 is ready for the next chapter as students start preparing for college following graduation.
These 154 high school grads have plenty to look forward to as Episcopal has shared some impressive statistics:
This year’s graduating class has submitted 1,200 applications to more than 220 universities and colleges across 41 states and five countries. Of the 133 seniors who reported, 97% of them enrolled in one of their top three choices; 23 student-athletes signed commitment letters to play in college.
Sixteen students will pursue their artistic passions. State university competitive results also included 21 admits to the University of Florida and 47 to Florida State University.
Triple Triumph for Bolles Students: Valedictorian, Salutatorian and Biology Olympiad Finalist
A trio of students from The Bolles School ended the school year with outstanding academic achievements. Seniors Sarah Park and Christina Dovellos were recognized as valedictorian and salutatorian, respectively, for the class of 2025. Park and Dovellos were among the top scholars from each grade level to be celebrated and recognized at the 2025 Upper School Academic Banquet on Monday, April 28. Junior Michael Zhang has ranked among the top 20 biology students in the country as a finalist in the USA Biology Olympiad, the nation’s most prestigious biology education and testing program at the high school level.
The Episcopal experience means learning extends far beyond the classroom. Our graduates Seek Understanding as lifelong learners; Develop a Sense of Self earned through challenge; Live with Honor and Purpose, choosing to lead, do good, and serve others; and Pursue a Life of Faith, in a way meaningful to them while respecting the dignity of every human being. Across our Four Pillars — Academics, Athletics, Fine Arts, and Spiritual Life — Episcopal students find their passions while shaping who, not what, they will become.
Episcopal School of Jacksonville’s Class of 2025 looks forward to bright futures at college.
Christina Dovellos Sarah Park Michael Zhang
A TimeHonored Tradition Continues
The Jacksonville Debutante Coterie has been announced for 2025. The debutantes will be presented June 6 during the Magnolia Ball at Timuquana Country Club. The Coterie will make its final, formal bow on December 18, 2025, during the Christmas Ball at The Florida Yacht Club.
Slime Time for Stockton Fundraiser Winners
Stockton Elementary School first grader Antonio C. and third grader Everett J. had the unique opportunity to do something few students have ever done: slime their principal and assistant principal.
The sliming took place on April 17, with Antonio sliming Principal Stephanie Brannan and Everett sliming Assistant Principal Angela Doss.
The students were the first and second place winners of the Friends of Stockton’s annual High Five fundraising campaign. During the campaign, students sold $5 paper “high fives”onto which people could write their names. The high fives were then hung in the cafeteria.
By the end of the fundraising campaign, the cafeteria was covered with more than 5,000 high fives. The campaign ran from Jan. 27 to Feb. 7 and ultimately raised nearly $27,000.
student at the University of Mississippi
Over 80 Years in the Making
From coins to dolls to fossils and vintage oddities, MOSH Archives: The Story of Us… And You! is a captivating look at the objects we’ve collected over the decades — and the stories they tell about our community.
Part science, part history, and part time capsule, this immersive experience explores how our artifacts reflect who we are, where we’ve been, and who we’re becoming. Whether you grew up visiting MOSH or it’s your first time, there’s something wonderfully familiar (and totally surprising) waiting inside.
Kathryn Louise Adams Daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Kinnett Adams, Sr. Kate is a student at Dartmouth College
Kathleen Lovell Burhyte Daughter of Mr. and Mrs.
Jason Peter Burhyte
Kate is a student at Southern Methodist University
Atlantic Elizabeth Diebenow
Daughter of Mr.and Mrs. Steven Diebenow
Atlantic is a student at the University of Florida
Anne Elizabeth Hellman Daughter of Mr. and Mrs.
Mikael Goran Hellman
Annie is a student at the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University
Shelby Gatlin McCart Daughter of Ms. Leslie
Susan Thompson and Mr. Harold Franklin McCart III
Shelby is a student at the University of Florida
Mary Elizabeth Cofran Daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Michael Cofran
Mary is a student at the University of Florida
Kennedy Lee Green Daughter of Ms. Angela Egan Green and Mr. Clark Stewart Green Kennedy is a student at Appalachian State University
Christina Grace Huie Daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Jayson Huie Grace is a student at the University of Virginia
Anne Tucker Sharp Daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Michael Cameron Sharp Tucker is a student at Washington and Lee University
Helen Emily Commander Daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Gale Commander
Helen is a student at the University of Alabama
Anne Catherine Grimes Daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Michael Patrick Grimes
Anne Catherine is a student at Sewanee: The University of the South
Olivia Kent Lanahan Granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Michael John Lanahan Olivia is a student at Valdosta State University
Cynthia Anne Wyatt Daughter of Dr. and Mrs.
Timothy Lester Wyatt
Cynthia is a
Principal Brannan watches as third grader Everett J. slimes Assistant Principal Angela Doss.
Stockton first grader Antonio C. dumps a bucket of slime on Principal Stephanie Brannan.
Episcopal Celebrates Language National Honor Society Inductees
More than 100 World Languages students were inducted into a language National Honor Society at a special ceremony at Episcopal School of Jacksonville on Tuesday, April 15.
Each student received a certificate marking their induction into the society for Spanish, French, Chinese, American Sign Language and Latin as well as the Global Seal of Biliteracy awards.
“The ceremony celebrates our students’ achievements in studying a world language,” said Episcopal School of Jacksonville World Languages Department Chair Josephine Sanchez. “It is a special time in the academic year when we recognize the hard work and dedication of our students and our faculty. Each year we are excited to welcome so many students into these honor societies.”
Students must have reached Level 3 in order to be accepted into the Honor Society, along with other requirements specified by each language. Students had to take four language acquisition exams to assess writing, reading, speaking and listening comprehension to achieve the Global Seal of Biliteracy. Functional Fluency and Working Fluency, recognizing learners at the intermediate-mid proficiency level and advancedlow proficiency level, respectively, on the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages scale is attainable for upper school students.
A Milestone Moment for Bold City High
of college-preparatory public charter schools celebrated its first graduating senior class at Bold City High School.
Senior Kriste-ana Smith served as Bold City High’s first valedictorian with Marcus Peterson, Jr. as its first salutatorian. These two joined their graduating class of 60 students in a commencement ceremony on Friday, May 23.
“These students represent the strength, resilience and potential we strive to nurture at KIPP Jacksonville Public Schools. Their achievements are a testament not only to their hard work, but to the collective effort of their families, educators and the broader KIPP community. We are proud of the paths they are forging and excited to see the ways they will continue to lead and inspire in the years ahead,” said KIPP Jacksonville Public Schools Executive Director Dr. Melissa Fullmore of the graduating class.
KIPP Jacksonville Public Schools began in 2010 with just 90 fifth graders. Bold City High School opened its doors in fall 2021 to just under 200 incoming freshmen following the recognized need to continue growing with the students. Today, more than 3,000 students are enrolled with KIPP, attending one of its four campuses in North and West Jacksonville.
Exploring Riverside’s Great Outdoors
Children with Springfield’s Sanctuary on 8th Street spent the day exploring some of Riverside’s finest outdoor activities, thanks to the nonprofit’s continued partnership with Feeding Northeast Florida.
On an April 30 field trip, thanks to the Winston Family Foundation’s Project One Health model, third through fifth graders skateboarded at the Artist Walk Skate Park, fished beneath the Fuller Warren Bridge and waked over it via its Shared-Use Path, enjoying just some of the outdoor activities the Riverside community has to offer.
Students are celebrated for their induction into a language National Honor Society at an April 15 ceremony at Episcopal School of Jacksonville.
Last month marked a milestone celebration for KIPP Jacksonville Public Schools as the nonprofit network
Children with Sanctuary on 8th Street at Riverside’s Artist Walk Skate Park.
Students prep their fishing rods for some fishing beneath the Fuller Warren Bridge.
Landon Students Honor Alumni, Celebrate with Pride
There’s a certain energy that pulses through the halls of Julia Landon College Preparatory and Leadership Development School – a quiet but powerful pride that transcends generations. It’s more than just school colors and game-day chants; it’s a deep-rooted spirit, symbolized by the lion, which binds alumni and students in a shared legacy of strength, respect, and unity. Like a pride in the wild, the Landon community draws its strength from togetherness, tradition, and a fierce dedication to excellence both in and out of the classroom.
At an April 28 dedication and alumni event, students gathered with their predecessors to share thanks and gratitude for their contributions to the school. Most recently, the alumni group was preparing to unveil a digital board for the school’s messages to be displayed outside, which was revealed later in the day. It was a bittersweet outing, as it wasn’t only a day to dedicate a final gift to the student body on behalf of the Alumni Association, but a final farewell from the group comprised of students who attended the school when it was a high school. The final class graduated in 1965.
Alumni Close the Book with a Final Gift
Created in 1989, the Landon Alumni Association was intended to keep graduates informed and together. According to Charlie Rooks, Class of ’54, the purpose of the association was to have reunions, luncheons and Christmas parties to keep the alumni connected; while also supporting the school through supplies, gifts and camaraderie.
“The board members are all approaching 90, and of course, some of the younger members are in their 80s,” shared Rooks. “So as the last act of the alumni association, we wanted to dedicate a memorial to the Landon High School, we offered a lion; they said, ‘We have plenty of lions, we need an electronic message board’, which you’ll see out front on the way in.”
Rooks continued, “We gave $20,100 dollars to the school to buy this electronic message board. And, we have a plaque on it that dedicates it to the memory of Landon High School, to the teachers and students.”
Students of Today, Memories of Yesteryear Students, faculty and local school board representative, Cindy Pearson, welcomed guests with a lineup of intelligent, prepared speeches that showered the Alumni with
praise and gratitude, with the spirit of Landon on full display.
“What we want to show you today, is that the legacy and tradition lives on”, shared Principal Ryan Casey “…and as the principal, it’s been really special to watch.”
Casey continued, “I think that you will see that your generosity and your commitment to your high school is well worth it. I think you’re going to experience a tour today, and children today, and hear from people in this room about the special amazing things that are happening. We think of you as royalty; in this castle, you are royalty to us. We are just grateful to have you roam the halls with us a little bit today. Hopefully you will feel that once a lion, always a lion. Our young people here love the legacy that they are part of; they are proud of it.”
“This event, for us, is a momentous opportunity for our students to show the alumni that they’re continuing the legacy of excellence that they’ve set in place,” echoed Ali Knoll, assistant principal of curriculum at Julia Landon. “It’s a relationship that we continue to foster, because it is so powerful. Our students are proud of what we have accomplished in our 14 years of existence as a gifted and college prep school.”
Student body President Gautama ‘Gotham’ Narula opened student remarks with poise, confidence and a deep appreciation for his school.
“It must feel like entering a time capsule, walking through these doors today,” he said, “…recognizable, yet so different. We’re thrilled to have you return and visit to see how our school has evolved and partaking in the pride in this tradition.”
He then spoke about the difference between yesterday’s tools, comparing them to new technology that exists in the school currently.
“While you walk around today, you’re going to notice how much the school has changed since you were here: Classes all have smart boards instead of chalkboards you’re used to, the library you remember now is a media center with computers,” Narula continued. “We’ve improved our sports fields too, with a new basketball court and bleachers where we shout louder than ever before. But don’t worry, some things never change, the school spirit, the way we cheer each other on – with pep assemblies and that sense of joy – that’s still the soul of this school.”
Following up on Narula’s remarks, several other student leaders shared sentiments, one leader after the other, impressing the auditorium full of captive listeners. A singing of the national anthem also afforded all to embark on another special American story, bonding over the nation’s anthem.
bright orange Landon suit coat as he took the podium to address the assembly at his alma mater.
“You can tell how much we love the school, by the attendance of this many of our graduates,” Ripley said. “Landon was a high school from 1927 to 1965, which unfortunately translates into the truth that we are all getting a bit older.”
“Now Landon exemplifies, for all of us, I think, a time that we treasured in our lives. And, what’s most important, as Gotham had mentioned, is the spirit of the place,” he added.
Ripley shared sentiments about his life, owning two unique estate homes in Jacksonville, those being a Swisher home on the river in San Marco and the other, the Marabong Mansion which is more than 150 years old in St. Nicholas in Empire
Point; both houses are on the National Historic Register. His voice caught as he recalled the spirit within each place – each home exhibited differing characteristics –one cold and conflicted, mired in divorce and infighting over the estate (prior to his owning it), the other, full of married couples and joy in the home and no divorces. “You can still feel it,” he said, choking up. “So that’s the spirit in a home, and that spirit is alive here at Landon.”
Following the morning assembly, members of the alumni association were led on tours with student body , learning about the classrooms and school programming. And later in the day, a ceremony unveiled signage that will help students, parents and faculty know of student activities, early releases and other informative and important schoolrelated messages.
Elders Share Memories, Thank Students
One longtime, local alumnus, Joseph Ripley, Class of ‘54, donned his best,
Sahasra Bodapati and Anushya Baruah, 7th Graders, welcomed guests for the dedication
Student Manaseini Manjesh with Laylon Webb, Nancy Champion Rush, student Ana Escamilla-Aguirre, and John Rose
Landon alum Lora Knopf, Amy Knopf, John Smith, Betty McClure and June Tillman Charlie Rooks with Ivy Kool, Tom King, Sissy Barker, Eleanor and Wilford Lyon and Joseph Ripley
Swinging Big for Dreams Come True
Participants raised more than $370,000 for Dreams Come True at the 24th annual KB Home Dreams Come True Golf Tournament.
Presented by St. Johns Investment Management Company, the charity golf tournament was held at the San Jose Country Club on May 5, with 140 golfers hitting the links. Eight Dreamers – local children from Dreams Come True – served as golf ambassadors, cheering on the golfers at various holes.
Guests also had the option to purchase golf flags decorated by the Dreamers to help raise additional funds throughout the day.
A cocktail reception and silent auction followed the tournament.
Since its launch in 2002, this tournament has raised more than $4 million for Dreams Come True, a Jacksonville-based nonprofit that grants wishes for children in Northeast Florida facing life-threatening medical conditions.
Dreamers Caleb Musselwhite and Landon Cartwright were out on the greens with golfers Ayden Middlebrooks, Nick Greene, Grant Reynolds and Anthony Cecchin.
EPISCOPAL CONGRATULATES THE CLASS OF 2025!
Members of Episcopal School of Jacksonville’s Class of 2025 were admitted into the following colleges and universities:
Alaska Pacific University
American University
Appalachian State University
Arizona State University (Polytechnic)
Arizona State University (Tempe)
Auburn University
Aurora University
Austin Peay State University
Barry University
Baylor University
Belmont University
Berklee College of Music
Berry College
Boston College
Boston University
Broward College
Butler University
Case Western Reserve
University
Central College
Centre College
Chapman University
Clemson University
Coastal Carolina University
Colgate University
College of Central Florida
College of Charleston
College of the Holy Cross
Colorado Mesa University
Columbia University
Davidson College
DePaul University
Drexel University
Duke University
Eckerd College
Elon University
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (Daytona Beach)
Emerson College
Emory University
Fairfield University
Flagler College
Florida Agricultural and
Mechanical University
Florida Atlantic University
Florida Gulf Coast University
Florida Institute of Technology
Florida International University
Florida Southern College
Florida State College at Jacksonville
Florida State University
Fordham University
Franklin & Marshall College
Furman University
Gannon University
George Washington University
Georgia Institute of Technology
Georgia Southern University
Georgia State University
Hampden-Sydney College
High Point University
Hofstra University
Hollins University
Hope College
Howard University
Indiana University (Bloomington)
Jacksonville University
James Madison University
John Cabot University
Kansas State University
Kennesaw State University
Lipscomb University
Louisiana State University
Loyola University Maryland
Loyola University New Orleans
Lynn University
Macalester College
Marion Military Institute
McDaniel College
Mercer University
Michigan State University
Mississippi State University
Montana State University
Montreat College
Muhlenberg College
New College of Florida
New York Institute of Technology
New York University
North Carolina State University
Northeastern University
Northern Arizona University
Northwestern University
Nova Southeastern University
Oglethorpe University
Ohio University (Main Campus)
Oklahoma City University
Oklahoma State University (Main Campus)
Penn State University (University Park)
Point Park University
Presbyterian College
Providence College
Purdue University (Main Campus)
Rhodes College
Rice University
Rollins College
Rutgers University (Camden)
Rutgers University (New Brunswick)
Rutgers University (Newark)
Saint Louis University, Madrid
Samford University
Santa Fe College
Sarah Lawrence College
Savannah College of Art and Design
Seton Hall University
Sewanee: The University of the South
Siena College
Smith College
Southern Methodist
University
Stephens College
Stetson University
Suffolk University
Syracuse University
Tallahassee State College
Temple University
Texas A&M University
Texas Christian University
The Ohio State University
The University of Alabama
The University of Tampa
The University of Tennessee (Knoxville)
The University of West Florida
Trinity College Dublin
Tulane University of Louisiana
United States Military Academy at West Point
United States Naval Academy
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THE WAY
THE WAY
WERE
Family, Friends and Philanthropy
By Michele Leivas
When Susie O’Quinn went on a blind date with Robert, the man she would eventually marry, she wasn’t expecting to also spend the day with his mother, sister, her father-in-law and his three best friends. But that’s exactly what happened.
“I’m thinking, ‘What kind of a date is this?’” Susie recalled, laughing. “It was a big first date, especially when you didn’t know each other at all. We met when I opened the front door.”
Susie and Robert were set up by a mutual friend – one of Susie’s sorority sisters. With Susie newly divorced, her friend was always trying to fix her up with someone. One day, she called to fix her up with Robert.
Though she had a lovely time with Robert and his family on that fateful first date in 1977, she proceeded with caution for the next three years while they maintained a long-distance relationship while Robert completed his law degree. Without the benefits of modern technology – without text messages or FaceTime or cell phones – the pair had to find more traditional ways to keep in contact.
“We wrote letters and we talked on the phone on Sundays – because it was cheaper to do long-distance on Sundays – just for a little while because I was a school teacher and he was a student, neither of us had any money,” Susie said.
During that time, Susie continued teaching second grade at North Shore Elementary School.
“It’s a good age,” Susie said. “They’re still kind of babies, but they can do things for themselves.”
Robert and Susie dated for another year and a half after Robert graduated from law school before they got married. They’ve been married for 44 years now. Susie kept teaching for another couple of years until their daughter was born. Robert legally adopted Susie’s daughter from her first marriage when she was six years old, and with this new addition, they were now a family of four.
Lifelong Friendships
Robert isn’t the longest relationship Susie’s had, though. A lifelong Jacksonville resident, Susie graduated from Samuel Wolfson School for Advanced Studies in 1971 and has a tight-knit group of friends who graduated with her. Some of those friendships stretch back even further to first grade at South San Jose Elementary School.
Planning their 10-year high school reunion marked the beginning of regular get-togethers for her circle of friends.
As everyone got married and had children, busy lives and busy schedules made it difficult to plan frequent meetings, and the group switched to quarterly meetups, then once or twice a year.
As the years passed, conversations at these meetups shifted from babies and toddlers to teenagers and graduations. A few years ago, as their 70th birthdays approached, Susie floated the idea of a big birthday trip for them all, which they spent in a house up in the Idaho mountains.
These friendships mean the world to Susie. “It’s so special,” she said. “It really is.”
Family Life
Today, Susie’s oldest daughter, Christi, recently celebrated her 50th birthday.
“It’s a big birthday,” Susie acknowledged, adding with a laugh, “It’s a big birthday for her mother.”
Christie is an assistant principal at an elementary school in the area. Her younger daughter, Katherine, lives in Virginia with her husband.
Susie and Robert live in the same house she grew up in, the same house her father built for his family. Her mother moved into a condo after her father passed away suddenly at just 62 years old and Robert and Susie ended up buying her childhood home from her mother.
“We have been in that house since 1982,” Susie said. Susie had the rare opportunity to raise her family in the same house she grew up in and she said now and then, she would see flashes of herself as a child in that home.
“[Usually] when I hear myself say something that sounds like my mother,” Susie said, chuckling.
Robert retired last year, and they are enjoying a slower life now. Though she’s not a big traveler, Susie traveled to Paris with Katherine last fall to celebrate Katherine’s 40th birthday. Originally, Susie had intended to gift the trip to Katherine and her husband, but Katherine invited her to join her instead.
“It was once in a lifetime for me,” Susie said.
Robert and Susie enjoy spending time on their boat, cruising on the river, and anchoring it to have lunch or dinner. They’re both heavily involved with the Salvation Army of Northeast Florida: she with the Women’s Auxiliary and he on the advisory board. Susie is also a volunteer with the Florida House in Washington, D.C. In her free time, Susie enjoys exercising – yoga, pilates, and dance. She is also in the middle of planning her 55th high school reunion next year.
“We’re going to start having meetings together,” Susie said. “I’m just always, I’m always working on things like that.”
Share a Story, Celebrate a Life
“THE WAY WE WERE” is a cherished part of our community, highlighting the rich histories and vibrant journeys of our senior residents. We invite you to help us continue this tradition by nominating individuals with inspiring life stories. Whether it’s a parent, grandparent, neighbor, or friend, if you know someone whose experiences deserve to be shared, we’d love to hear from you. Please submit nominations via email to editor@residentnews.net or Debra@residentnews.net You can also reach Debra by phone at (904) 388-8839. Your submissions help us celebrate the incredible lives that have shaped our community.
Susie and Robert O’Quinn on their wedding day.
Susie and their beloved Golden Retriever, Jack
Susie and her daughters, Katherine and Christi
Susie and Robert
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Highly motivated staff members work to inspire our residents to live life to the fullest, offering an active, exciting, and warm environment.
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