Tallahassee Magazine- May/June 2015

MARY JOHNSON was enjoying a life filled with exercise, hobbies and social activities when she began experiencing heart failure due to mitral regurgitation.

However, her age made her too risky for open-heart surgery to fix it. Luckily, cardiologists at Tallahassee Memorial were able to offer her the MitraClip instead – a new minimally invasive option to fix Mary’s heart without opening her chest.

Today, she’s back at the front of her exercise class!

THEN: Heart failure and trouble breathing

Learn more at TMH.org/heart.

NOW:

At the front of her exercise class

THE MOST ADVANCED HEART CENTER IN THE REGION. Interventional cardiologists, Wayne Batchelor, MD and Thomas Noel, MD, perform this MitraClip procedure with the support of cardiovascular surgeon, David Saint, MD.

REVOLUTIONARY BRAIN SURGERY TMH is the only hospital between New Orleans and Jacksonville to offer it.

Most hospitals have limited treatment options for strokes and brain aneurysms. Tallahassee Memorial is one of a few hospitals in the country with neurosurgeons who perform endovascular neurosurgery.

These revolutionary endovascular treatments allow our neurosurgeons to remove blood clots and repair brain aneurysms without opening the skull.

Hear from patients at TMH.org/revolutionary.

T. Adam Oliver, MD Endovascular Neurosurgeon THESE TINY DEVICES HELP OUR NEUROSURGEONS SAVE LIVES

TALLAHASSEEMAGAZINE.COM May–June 2015

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Growing up, my dad was a CPA. From him, I learned the importance of being a BUSINESS AND COMMUNITY PARTNER and not just a number cruncher.

JEFF BARBACCI, CPA

THF Shareholder

Chair, Florida Institute of Certified Public Accountants Industry Specialties: Government and Not-for-Profit

When your business is ready to grow, you can count on us to see beyond the bottom line.

8 May–June 2015

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»contents VOLUME 38, NUMBER 3

features 122 Cold Cases TV dramas make crime-solving look easy. In most cases, police work uncovers the answers. But others remain unsolved mysteries.

130 Forgotten Coast

MATT BURKE

The Apalachicola Maritime Museum preserves Franklin County’s maritime history with a paddlewheel boat restoration. PLUS: A guide to good times on the coast.

Learning how to build boats the old-fashioned way at Apalachicola’s Maritime Museum.

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»contents VOLUME 38, NUMBER 3

departments

95

life

148

style

culture

26

SNAPSHOT Come and play at Lofty Pursuits.

72

TRENDS Finding fashion in plus sizes.

29

CHAT Becoming Ben Franklin.

81

A BETTER YOU Get your tootsies summer ready.

30

PERSONALITY Tallahassee’s new First Couple.

87

MIND AND BODY Your mouth and your health.

92

DÉCOR Tile, it’s not just for bathrooms.

95

HABITAT Real estate revives after recession.

37

CLICK Need a ride?

Here’s your app.

39

HERE TO HELP Girls run for health and happiness.

44

DECONSTRUCTION Bike? Beer? Beard? Yep, you’re a hipster.

47 PARENTHOOD Summer

48

GREAT OUTDOORS A walk on the wild(life) side.

57

LOOKING BACK The tale of Florida’s Pocahontas.

60

LIFE FEATURE Bringing back the lost art of letterpress.

69

AGENDA Awards, appointments and acquisitions.

camps put the fun in learning.

10 May–June 2015

103 MS. GROW-IT-ALL Be aware of poisonous plants.

108 GETAWAYS Good, clean musical fun in Branson, Missouri.

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188 food

143

SPOTLIGHT A “revolutionary” site for classical music.

188 FLAVOR A refreshing addition to your summer menu.

145

ON THE TOWN Date night fun without spending a ton.

194 ON THE MENU Chris Clark’s newest addition to local dining.

148 THE ARTS Finding a space for creativity.

154

CALENDAR Good times in the summertime.

165

SOCIAL STUDIES Top Salon and more.

173

THE BUZZ What’s happening? Read all about it here.

197

ON YOUR TABLE ’Tis the season for sweet bay scallops.

198 DINING GUIDE Make reservations for dinner tonight.

in every issue 18 Publisher’s Letter 20 Editor’s Letter 23 Contributors 24 Feedback 202 The Last Word

On the Cover

At home with Andrew and R. Jai Gillum. He’s the mayor, she works with United Way and both are kept busy with yearold twins. Photo by Matt Burke.

CARLTON WARD JR. (48), SCOTT BROUWER (95), MATT BURKE (148), WATERMELON PROMOTION BOARD (188)

48

Florida Cancer Specialists by the Numbers: 10

TALLAHASSEE 10

95

75

GAINESVILLE DAYTONA BEACH

OCALA

1.5 Million Patient visits last year 165 Physicians specializing in cancer

ORLANDO 4

TAMPA ST. PETERSBURG SARASOTA

SEBRING

95 Cancer centers in Florida

WEST PALM BEACH

FORT MYERS

2

NAPLES

Cancer centers in Tallahassee

1

95

75

Our Locations Radiation Oncology

Choice for every FDA Approved cancer treatment and clinical trials

Viralkumar Bhanderi, MD

Corporate Headquarters

Paresh Patel, MD

Scott Tetreault, MD

1600 Phillips Road, Suite 300 | (850) 877-8166 | FLCancer.com | 2626 Care Drive, Suite 200 | (850) 219-5830 TALLAHASSEEMAGAZINE.COM May–June 2015

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»contents VOLUME 38, NUMBER 3

special sections

76 Top Salon Recap

See the model transformations with before-and-after photos from Tallahassee Magazine’s Top Salon competition, top winners and Lifetime Achievement Award winner Peggy Jones.

84 Gift Guide

From sweets to treats, we have your summer gift giving needs taken care of.

114 Deal Estate

What’s old is new again in beautiful Myers Park. See what’s selling, what’s sold and what’s coming next.

139 Professional Profiles When the

178 Best of Ballot

159 TMH Foundation

TMH has a plethora of exciting announcements — including that much-loved Dr. Donald Zorn will be changing his focus within the hospitals many programs.

job requires experience and expertise, look here for professionals you can count on.

Gift Store

Celebrating 30 years!

Don’t be shy! Tell us who you think Tallahassee’s best of the best really are.

187 Uptown Map

next issue

Where you can always find the perfect gift.

Top Singles

Bridal Registry & Custom Stationery · Bath & Body Home Accessories · Ladies Apparel

Pets and Their People

The Pavilions ~ 1410 Market St. · Mon–Sat 10 am–6 pm (850) 681-2824 · (800) 983-2266 · shopmft.com SPECIAL PROMOTION

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We’ve put Tallahassee’s newest food and entertainment center on the map!

NO-CLOSING-COST BUSINESS MORTGAGE Give your number cruncher something to smile about.

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»all access ONLINE

tallahasseemagazine.com ‘BEST OF’ BALLOT: ONLINE VOTING & NEW CATEGORIES

It’s that time of year again! On page 179 of this issue, the Best of Tallahassee voting ballot is available for our readers to nominate the best-of-the-best in local restaurants, businesses and services. This year, we’re introducing five new categories that can be voted on exclusively via our magazine’s website. The categories are: IN ONL E Best Ice cream/Frozen yogurt Best Local Brewery Best Local Park Best Local TV/Radio Personality VO Best Food Truck TING Let your voice be heard in 2015 by voting for your favorites at: tallahasseemagazine.com/ Best-of-Tallahassee-2015-Ballot

Join the Club!

Text TMAG to 20673. Or visit tallahasseemagazine.com and look for the Top of the Town logo to sign up for special promotions, events and exclusive offers. (Text STOP any time to opt out.)

CARLIN TRAMMEL

EXTRA CONTENT ONLINE ONLY

VIDEO » ANDREW AND R. JAI GILLUM

Ever wonder what a day in the life of the mayor is like? Experience a glimpse into Tallahassee Mayor Andrew Gillum’s day with this behindthe-scenes video footage in his office and home.

» PLUS-SIZE FASHION Sparkle by Madison owner Madison Setliff previews the store’s vibrant new plus-size summer lines. The store is expanding its options, so curvy girls can enjoy the fashionforward trends of the season.

PHOTOS » PETS & THEIR PEOPLE GALLERY

See what Tallahassee’s furriest friends were up to by visiting our Pets & Their People recap gallery.

The tail-wagging event featured brunch, activities, live music, vendors and adorable pet photos.

▪ Aloft ▪ Benson’s Heating & Air Conditioning ▪ Bob’s Auto Repair & Collision Center ▪ Capital City Hyundai ▪ The Front Porch ▪ Hopkins’ Eatery

14 May–June 2015

▪ Hotel Duval ▪ Miller’s Ale House ▪ New Leaf Market Co-op ▪ Orangetheory Fitness ▪ Polished ▪ REMACC

TALLAHASSEEMAGAZINE.COM

▪ ResortQuest by Wyndham ▪ Sparkle by Madison ▪ Tallahassee Downtown ▪ Tallahassee Museum ▪ Walter Green ▪ Weston Trawick

SPECIAL PROMOTION

REBECCA PADGETT

Check our website to see how you can sign up for promotions and offers from these local businesses:

TALLAHASSEEMAGAZINE.COM May–June 2015

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TALLAHASSEEMAGAZINE President/Publisher

BRIAN E. ROWLAND

EDITORIAL Director of Editorial Services LINDA KLEINDIENST

SALES, MARKETING AND EVENTS Director of Sales and Marketing MCKENZIE BURLEIGH

Editor ROSANNE DUNKELBERGER

Director of New Business DANIEL PARISI

Senior Staff Writer JASON DEHART

Advertising Services Coordinator LISA SOSTRE

Staff Writer CHAY D. BAXLEY

Account Executives BESS GRASSWICK TANYA HEATH LORI MAGEE LINDA POWELL PAULA SCONIERS CHUCK SIMPSON ALICE WATTS

Contributing Writers LYNDA BELCHER TONY BRIDGES MARINA BROWN STEPHANIE CASTELLANO ROCHELLE KOFF CHELSEA MOORE REBECCA PADGETT AUDREY POST Editorial Interns SHELBY BOUCK LEANNE CASTRO BRIANNA DIXON K. MAXWELL GREENWOOD ELLEN PRIBIL Production Specialist MELINDA LANIGAN CREATIVE Creative Director LAWRENCE DAVIDSON Production Manager/ Network Administrator DANIEL VITTER Senior Art Director SAIGE ROBERTS

Swimwear sizes XS–2X and A–DD cup!

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TALLAHASSEEMAGAZINE.COM

Events and Special Projects Coordinator LEIGHA INMAN SPECIAL PROJECTS Corporate Client Liason SARA GOLDFARB OPERATIONS Staff Accountant JOSH FAULDS Accounting Assistant TABBY HAMILTON Administrative Assistant CARYN NELSON Receptionist LISA SNELL

Art Director JENNIFER EKRUT

WEB Digital Services Manager CARLIN TRAMMEL

Publication Designers SHRUTI SHAH REBECCA SUMERALL

Digital Services Coordinators JENNIFER IRELAND REBECCA PADGETT

Advertising Designers JILLIAN FRY AMANDA HARTSFIELD

Digital Services Producer CHELSEA MOORE

Staff Photographer MATT BURKE

- a boutique like no other -

Sales and Marketing Assistant CHRISTIE GREEN

Contributing Photographers SCOTT BROUWER MICHAEL COPELAND MICHELLE DAHNKE KYLENE & RYAN STUDIOS TAMMY MASSY KAY MEYER ALICIA OSBORNE CARLTON WARD JR.

SUBSCRIPTIONS One Year (6 issues) is $30 CALL (850) 878-0554 OR GO ONLINE TO TALLAHASSEEMAGAZINE.COM Single copies are $3.95 PURCHASE AT BARNES & NOBLE, COSTCO, BOOKS-A-MILLION, WALGREENS AND AT OUR MICCOSUKEE ROAD OFFICE

Tallahassee Magazine is published bimonthly by Rowland Publishing, Inc. 1932 Miccosukee Road, Tallahassee, FL 32308. 850/878-0554. Tallahassee Magazine and Rowland Publishing, Inc. are not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts, photography or artwork. Editorial contributions are welcomed and encouraged but will not be returned. Tallahassee Magazine reserves the right to publish any letters to the editor. Copyright May 2015 Tallahassee Magazine, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited. Partners of Visit Tallahassee and Member, Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce.

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»from the publisher

A Look ‘Behind the Curtain’

» More than $350,000 was distributed to over 30 nonprofits in the Tallahassee and Emerald Coast area. (For 2014, that includes $75,000 distributed to various nonprofits in Tallahassee. More than $50,000 was distributed in the Emerald Coast region, where most of the dollars went to the Emerald Coast Junior League’s children’s programs. These funds come from our annual Best of the Emerald Coast event, which draws more than 3,500 attendees.) » Our magazines offer more than $1.5 million of print and digital media sponsorships and calendar listings to support nonprofit organizations in the Tallahassee area and Emerald Coast region throughout the year.

I probably would not have shared all the above if that gentleman had not made the comment he did. Why? Because I feel it is part of

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TALLAHASSEEMAGAZINE.COM

our corporate mission — and an obligation for all individuals, regardless of their wealth — to give back, whether it be time, money or whatever resource is available to give. From now on, I’ll strive to provide you with an annual report card on what we do to avoid getting sideswiped by a similar snarky remark.

On another note, in early January Florida State University’s student newspaper celebrated its 100th anniversary.

That is certainly a tremendous milestone, especially considering the difficult time the newspaper industry is experiencing.

The FSView & Florida Flambeau and other college newspapers have been a real training platform for a wide variety of students before they enter the real world.

While the local daily newspaper reported on the milestone, it only told part of the story, partly because the story focused on the successful and public careers of two of its own longtime reporters and others in a follow up story.

That being said, I would like to personally acknowledge the many individuals who work behind the curtain to make a newspaper run — people whose hard work was mostly ignored in that daily newspaper’s story. I’m talking about the graphic artists, the administrative staff who keep everyone on track and accountable, and the advertising sales representatives who are on the front lines every day, rain or shine, carrying the message of why the newspaper deserves the investment of advertising dollars. Not only do the sales reps go out and find the advertisers, they often have to compel advertisers to pay their bills so that the newspaper can continue to operate and the reps themselves can make a living by earning their commissions. It is a tough and obviously thankless job.

So, let us never forget the people behind the curtain. After all, it’s those ad dollars that helped make it possible for FSU’s student publication to reach its 100th birthday. And those ad dollars at every newspaper help provide the platform for the editorial board and journalists to have their say, opening the pages that the writers need to record our history and express their personal opinions.

SCOTT HOLSTEIN

I was recently sitting at a meeting with a group of people, many of whom I didn’t personally know, who represented a cross section of our community. When it was brought to their attention that I worked with Tallahassee Magazine, one of the individuals said in a caustic tone, “Oh, you have that elitist magazine for rich people. You guys do nothing for the community.”

With regard to the comment about Tallahassee Magazine being elitist, I can only assume the individual does not read it — or any city magazine — and spoke without knowing.

I chose to bite my tongue, and I didn’t engage with him because I knew it would not be productive. But I felt a surge of emotion in response to his comments, knowing full well that at Rowland Publishing we are very involved in the community, in Tallahassee and along the Emerald Coast.

It was quite disappointing to hear his uninformed comments about community involvement. But it also made me realize that we do not do a very good job of promoting our stewardship efforts in the communities we serve. That is partly by design, because I never felt the need to capitalize on our “giving back.” And, frankly, we’re way too busy publishing over 20 magazine titles in Northwest Florida during the year.

But, based on these comments, I think it is time to provide you with an overview of what RPI and its staff do to make this region a better place for everyone to live.

Here are a few hard facts that cover just the past three years.

Brian Rowland, Publisher browland@rowlandpublishing.com

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»from the editor editor’s pick

MATT BURKE

I joined the Rowland Publishing staff 11 years ago as an associate editor, but this issue marks my 10th anniversary as editor of Tallahassee Magazine. One of my early columns was about how I felt dropping my firstborn off at college. This year, he’ll be getting a Ph.D. in physics from UCLA. My daughter was in middle school. Now she’s married.

Back then, my Rolodex was a precious commodity; it now gathers dust in my cabinet. If a contact person isn’t already in my iPhone, I can just Google ’em.

Hotel Duval was the Radisson. Silver Slipper existed, and Paisley Cafe didn’t. The city waterworks sat unused … Well, that hasn’t changed, but with Cascades Park just down the block, it might finally get the reincarnation it deserves.

In 2005, TMAG had a website, but just barely. Today, we have a four-person staff dedicated to our “online presence.” When I arrived, the magazine was growing, consistently running 200 to 225 pages and more. In 2015, the page count is similar, but only after recovering from a walloping during the recession years that saw advertising drop 40 percent.

Just for grins, I took a gander at “my” first issue from May/June 2005. The cover story was one I wrote about the popularity of Vera Bradley. That brand still is going strong, and I’m carrying a few purses and totes purchased during that era. A story on our KidSpeak page was all about deciphering the shorthand used by teens when they text — illustrated with a pre-flip, pre-keypad cellphone. Meanwhile, another story about Father’s Day gifts included the “ultimate accessory” for men — a BlackBerry 7520 organizer. (In an issue around the same time, I wrote about “The Facebook,” back when you had to have a dot-edu email address to even join.)

For whatever reason, I wrote several stories in that issue a decade ago and reread them before sitting down to write this column. I’m proud of the work I did for that magazine and the many stories I’ve been involved with since then. Some I wrote myself, others I conceived and then handed off to other talented writers — stories about the “new” Capitol and roadkill come to mind.

I’ve worked with many gifted staff members and freelance writers, and shepherded along more than 100 interns, many of them now successful professionals. I’m able to watch with pride from the sidelines of their careers, thanks to “The Facebook.”

I sometimes wonder when I’ll reach the bottom of the well, and Tallahassee will have no more stories to offer up to me. It’s not likely to be anytime soon. There are so many people to interview, events to attend and stories to tell. Here’s to the next decade!

Rosanne Dunkelberger rdunkelberger@rowlandpublishing.com

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A VERY SPECIAL ANNIVERSARY The Tallahassee Symphony Orchestra will be celebrating its 35th anniversary Oct. 16 in a big way with a very special guest artist, world-renowned soprano Renee Fleming. “She is absolutely the best classical vocalist of our time,” says TSO Music Director and Conductor Darko Butorac. Her program will include both operatic arias and popular music. Tickets, priced between $80 and $150, will go on sale to current subscribers between May 18–29 and to the general public June 1. For more information, visit tallahasseesymphony.org.

DECCA/ANDREW ACCLES

Life Goes On … and On

A HAPPY MEDIUM FOR NAILS God saw fit to bless me with long nail beds and strong fingernails, so I love to make my digits “look-at-me” pretty with a manicure. The polish from my old-school manicures usually managed to chip within a few days, so I enthusiastically embraced the “shellac,” which can look justpolished shiny for two weeks. (I have been known to jolly mine along for as long as a month!)

But the buffing and soaking required for shellac was ruining my nice nails. CND to the rescue! Its new line, called VINYLUX, is fast-drying polish with only two steps (no base coat) and is touted to last a full week. It comes in 76 fashionable shades and is available at salons and drug stores. cnd.com

LET YOUR S TYL E

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Visit one of these authorized retailers for more inspiration: BLUE ABACO

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3501 Thomasville Road Tallahassee, FL 32309 850.893.4171

206 E. 6th Avenue Tallahassee, FL 32303 850.894.8372

14004 US Hwy 19 South • Ste 117 Thomasville, GA 31757 229.226.7042

Some jewelry displayed patented (US Pat. No. 7,007,507) • © Pandora • PANDORA.NET

TALLAHASSEEMAGAZINE.COM May–June 2015

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850-385-7363 | blossomsflowers.com | 541 N. Monroe St., Tallahassee (Walker Building)

TALLAHASSEEDOWNTOWN.COM

22 May–June 2015

TALLAHASSEEMAGAZINE.COM

»contributors

WHAT’S NEXT DOESN’T HAVE TO BE A MYSTERY.

ROCHELLE KOFF Rochelle, who lives in Tallahassee, is a reporter-writer who most recently covered the Florida Legislature for The Miami Herald/Tampa Bay Times. She’s a South Florida transplant who was an editor, reporter, writer and restaurant critic for The Miami Herald for more than 20 years.

Rochelle is a foodie and news junkie who loves public radio, baseball, British mystery series, gardening and reading. She’s enjoying learning more about her new city and exploring the Big Bend.

▪ In this issue, Rochelle reported and wrote the feature story about Tallahassee’s unsolved murders and how so-called “cold cases” get solved.

PHILIP WARD

writer

SHELBY BOUCK AND ELLEN PRIBIL

▪ In this issue, Shelby wrote about summer learning camps, watermelon, Lofty Pursuits, Myers’ Park and the latest trends in tile.

Ellen met a modern-day “Ben Franklin” and wrote about scallops, just in time for the harvesting season on the coast.

CARLIN TRAMMEL

Shelby is a junior at Florida State University, studying creative writing and communications. After graduation, she hopes to work full time in magazine journalism, write a series of fantasy novels and master cooking without burning things. Her work has appeared on hellogiggles.com and on her personal blog, hownottosuckblog.com.

Ellen is a creative writing major and senior at Florida State. After graduation, she hopes to be able to travel both around the United States and the world.

When she’s not writing, Ellen enjoys eating Cheez-Its and exploring the lesserknown areas of North Florida.

CARLIN TRAMMEL

interns

If you really want to know the next big thing in office technology, Madame Whatshername won’t have the answer. But we do. All you have to do is ask. And if you want your fortune told, we’ll do it for free.

DANIEL VITTER

production manager and network administrator

For technology that powers your business, call your local RJ Young representative at 800.347.1955 or visit us online at RJYoung.com.

SCOTT HOLSTEIN

Daniel is responsible for building intricate schedules that help coordinate all the various departments’ contributions for all magazines produced by Rowland Publishing — more than 32 individual issues per year! — and making sure they’re sent to the printer and delivered to mailboxes on deadline. In addition to scrutinizing every page before sending files to the printer, he also keeps Rowland’s computer systems up and running. Daniel spends his “off” time building WordPress websites, making custom furniture, posting endless photos of his two Weimaraners to Instagram and chasing his grandson, DJ, around the house.

Your productivity is our mission.

TALLAHASSEEMAGAZINE.COM May–June 2015

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Summertime and Sunshine!

» from our readers

feedback

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU.

Tallahassee Magazine is the Place to Be for Advertisers

First, let me compliment you on the content of your magazine. Each article is just as enjoyable as it is informative. That’s not why I’m contacting you, though. It occurred to me, as I was moving through the latest issue, that I’m going page by page, spending time at each and every advertisement. It seems that I’m using my issues of Tallahassee Magazine as a necessary regular update for our local business scene. At this point, I’m expecting any new or expanding enterprise will use an ad in Tallahassee Magazine as their announcement that they are here and good to go. Please feel free to pass this observation on to your advertisers, and keep it coming.

Andrew Bundschuh

The Great Sandwich Debate After publishing our story on Tallahassee’s best sandwiches (“Sensational Sandwiches” March/April) we asked our followers on Twitter if there were any they would add to the list. Here are some of their replies: AARP Tallahassee @TallahasseeMag Oooh, you’re making me hungry! Gobble Goodie, Media Noche, Buffalo Blue — oh my!

Chris, Brian and JR Barnard

from the people you trust

Brian Barnard’s

Shelby Bouck @TallahasseeMag The Gator Hater at Wells Brothers’/Monk’s is certainly worth a mention. :) JKrellDavis @TallahasseeMag Respectfully disagree on the choice from @AndrewsDowntown — the Haight is the best.

Cypress Restaurant Thank you @TallahasseeMag for picking our Prosciutto sandwich as a Tally top 9! It’s crispy, sweet, salty, creamy and herbaceous in each bite.

Correction

2731 Capital Circle NE Tallahassee, FL 850.386.8689

1501 E. Jackson St. Thomasville, GA 229.226.7438

barnardsflooring-america.com 24 May–June 2015

TALLAHASSEEMAGAZINE.COM

In the January/February issue’s On Your Table story about honey (“Hyper-Local Honey”), Mary Phipps was identified with an incorrect last name. Also, to clarify, the land owned by the Phipps family for generations is called Orchard Pond Plantation; the organic farming business on the site is Orchard Pond Organics.

Have a thought? Write to us at editor@tallahasseemagazine.com, facebook.com/tallahassee or through twitter @tallahasseemag.

TALLAHASSEEMAGAZINE.COM May–June 2015

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life

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PEOPLE » PLACES » INFO

CHAT / PERSONALITY / CLICK HERE TO HELP / DECONSTRUCTION PARENTHOOD / GREAT OUTDOORS LOOKING BACK / FEATURE / AGENDA

Snapshot Tabletop Bonding

MATT BURKE

Step into Lofty Pursuits and you know you’re in a place where fun is a priority. Between the plush puppets on hangers, the colorful game boxes on the walls, and the cardboard sign on the counter boasting that Nick the soda jerk will solve a Rubik’s cube in less than three minutes if you ask him, the ice cream shop doesn’t so much scream playfulness as cheer it on.

Every Monday night, Lofty Pursuits opens its doors to anyone who wants to spend a few hours playing games. Participants can bring their own games or play one of the demo games in a drawer at thigh-level for adults, eye-level for children.

Game nights at Lofty Pursuits may not draw many actual kids, but they attract lots of kidsat-heart.

“It’s mostly adults,” says Gregory Cohen, owner of the combination soda fountain-toy store in Market Square. “We’ve even got a group of four that comes in to play mahjong every week. They’re in their 60s.”

Many Lofty Pursuits events are organized, including International Tabletop Gaming Day on April 11 and National Egg Cream Day on March 15 (which Cohen had a hand in inventing himself).

Monday game nights, however, are a little more laid-back. Anybody can come, anybody can play — there’s no itinerary. While no purchase is necessary to join in the fun, the 32 ice cream flavors behind the glass might be too tempting to resist.

You don’t even have to show up to the game nights accompanied by a game-ready group.

Just as many folks come alone, very few leave that way.

“People make friends here,” Cohen says. “One of my employees, he and his wife used to come here before they were married. We actually helped him propose. Now they’ve got a 6-yearold,” he shares, grinning, “so it’s a little harder for them to show up.”

For more information about Monday night gaming at Lofty Pursuits, Every Monday night, call (850) 521-0091, visit Lofty Pursuits opens its loftypursuits.com or just doors to anyone who show up and take part in wants to spend a few the fun. // SHELBY BOUCK hours playing games.

TALLAHASSEEMAGAZINE.COM May–June 2015

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»life CHAT

Reliving History HE WAS ONE OF OUR NATION’S Founding Fathers and discovered that electricity existed in storm clouds in the form of lightning. He invented bifocals, the lightning rod and swim fins. He founded America’s first public hospital and suggested the concept of Daylight Saving Time. Through all of this, he remained humble and was greatly loved.

His name was Benjamin Franklin, and all of these discoveries and numerous contributions have shaped him to be known as “the First American.”

Though the 1700s were a long time ago, one Tallahassee man doesn’t want anyone to forget Franklin and the legacy he left behind.

Like his counterpart, Lloyd Wheeler is a founder himself. Ten years ago, when someone was seeking a Thomas Jefferson impersonator, they asked the retired aviator, but he didn’t look or sound the part. He did, however, vocally and physically, almost perfectly resemble Franklin. His impersonation went so well that from there, an alter ego was born. Wheeler took his talents and created History Alive Productions.

More than just an impersonator, Wheeler considers his work an important educational tool.

“When I looked at my nephew’s textbook, there were eight pages on Marilyn Monroe and Hollywood,” Wheeler said. “There was only one page on the formation of our country and Ben Franklin, one of the most important people in American history. It didn’t even mention why or how we became a country. Our children know very little about our country, and how are they supposed to guide us if they don’t know anything about it?”

While Franklin is his most popular act — and his personal favorite — Wheeler inhabits two other characters as well. One is a fictional colonial blacksmith Lloyd developed and named George Ennis. Through Ennis, he tells true, lesser-known stories about the common people of the American Revolution. The other character he performs is Israel Hands, second-in-command under Edward Teach — more popularly known as the pirate

MATT BURKE

Lloyd Wheeler Brings the Past to Life by Imitating a Founding Father, a Pirate and a Blacksmith By Ellen Pribil

Blackbeard. As Hands, Wheeler tells the true tale of the demise of the notorious pirate.

Adorned in a tricorne and authentic costume, Wheeler travels from schools to businesses and political groups to, quite literally, keep history alive. His career is mobile, and so is he. He can go anywhere, and with his talents, he can figuratively travel in time, too.

Dressed as Franklin, he appears to have stepped straight from a picture of the Colonial era, but the similarities and dedication don’t stop there. Wheeler, a true master of Franklin and the skill of interpretation, speaks as though he is from the 18th century, using long-forgotten words and tones, and he talks about Franklin’s family as though it is his own. When Wheeler is in character, it feels as though the real Ben Franklin is standing in front of you.

While history may be fading for some people, Wheeler has made it his mission to keep the past fresh and relevant. He is constantly learning, absorbing, practicing and gathering knowledge about Franklin and other facets of history. And although he says the research will never end, the fun and excitement that he’s lucky enough to call his career never will, either. n

With period garb and a Colonial attitude, Lloyd Wheeler morphs into Ben Franklin to entertain and educate.

LEARN MORE History Alive Productions historyaliveproductions.us (850) 443-6557 lwcf2i@hotmail.com

TALLAHASSEEMAGAZINE.COM May–June 2015

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30 May–June 2015

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»life PERSONALITY

Balancing Love and

Leadership Getting Personal with Tallahassee’s Favorite Power Couple, Andrew and R. Jai Gillum

By Chay Baxley // Photos by Matt Burke IF TALLAHASSEE’S NEW MAYOR, Andrew Gillum, and his wife, R. Jai, ever decide politics and community enrichment aren’t really their forte, a joint career in standup comedy is a viable option. Seriously — this twosome is funny.

Need an example? Just ask the vivacious pair how they met.

“There are two different versions to that story,” laughed R. Jai, 37, executive director of United Way of the Big Bend’s The BEST Project, which helps people achieve long-term financial stability and quality of life through services such as tax preparation help.

“The truth,” chimed in Andrew, who will turn 36 in July, “and then hers.”

Classmates at Florida A&M University, the pair first crossed paths in the late 1990s and early 2000s during their days in the Student Government Association. It might The past year has been one of exciting changes for R. Jai and Andrew Gillum. He was elected Tallahassee’s mayor and the couple welcomed their first children, twins Caroline and Jackson.

not have been love at first sight — but it was pretty close.

“She came in one day with sort of a short skirt on,” said Andrew, baiting his now-wife, “so I gave her a warning and told her she had to leave the chamber because she was not appropriately dressed.”

“I was in a business suit,” insisted R. Jai. “My way of flirting was to penalize her,” he said. “She was the only person I ever had to give a demerit to for wearing a short dress.”

His tactics were, admittedly, ill received.

The pair never dated while at school.

Following her graduation, career opportunities took R. Jai away for a few years. When she returned to pursue graduate school in 2003 — right after Andrew “The Kid” Gillum became the youngest person ever elected to serve as a member of the Tallahassee City Commission — fate brought them together again.

And once again, they botched it.

The chance encounter occurred at Governor’s Square mall, at a time when Andrew was still trying to forge his way as an up-and-comer in Tallahassee’s political arena.

WATCH BEHIND-THE-SCENES VIDEO OF ANDREW AND R. JAI AT TALLAHASSEEMAGAZINE.COM

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»life PERSONALITY

“My dad’s best advice very early on was, ‘Don’t believe the hype — because if you believe what people say good about you, you have to believe what they say bad, and you’ll become a slave to them both.’ ” — Tallahassee Mayor Andrew Gillum

Despite a busy schedule as a public official, his wife says Andrew Gillum always makes time for his family.

He was toting two cell phones and a pager — a “tell” to the intuitive R. Jai. The pair chatted for a bit. Before parting ways, Andrew scratched down his number.

“Maybe I felt rushed,” he recalled. “I don’t know. I felt like I had given (her) every number that I owned, but (later) she said I only gave her my home phone number.”

“I didn’t think he was serious,” R. Jai said.

“He was wearing both of his cell phones, and then he gave me his home phone number. I said, ‘Anyone with two cell phones is never at home.’”

She might not have called — but she did manage to hang on to that piece of paper. If you ask nicely, she might just show it to you.

She’s kept it safely tucked away for almost a decade now.

“Of course she never called,” Andrew said with a laugh.

A few months after their impromptu mall run-in, mutual mentors at FAMU had grown tired of R. Jai and Andrew’s shenanigans.

Utterly fed up, they not-so-serendipitously arranged yet another meet-cute for the two overachievers.

Andrew and R. Jai promptly arrived, not knowing the other would be there. Luckily, the third time was the charm. This goaround, something clicked. They made plans to get together the following weekend.

Today, they refer to that dinner at Bennigan’s as the “first date that never ended.”

“They were just a cute couple,” said Benita Lamb, former office assistant to their adviser, the late Mrs. DuPont, who was Lamb’s fellow matchmaker. “You could tell they had a crush on each other. He has always been very handsome, and she has always been very beautiful — they really look good together, and they always got along.”

“And you know, I always knew he’d have a political career,” Lamb mused. “Everything he does, he does with perfection. He cares about his words and the people that he represents. Even as a student leader, he always did what he thought was right for the students.”

Roughly five years, several promotions and a few elections later, and it was proposal time for the fun-loving, successful couple.

Ever the perfectionist, Andrew mapped out their day flawlessly. He would pop the question during a romantic vacation to California’s Wine Country, where he would woo her with a horseback ride through a local

TALLAHASSEEMAGAZINE.COM May–June 2015

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»life PERSONALITY

vineyard, followed by dinner and wine amongst the grapevines.

So beautiful — and so not how the day went down.

“There was this one place, Larson Family (Winery),” recalled Andrew, “where you could horseback ride through the vineyard. So I convinced her that we were going to go here and take a horseback ride. The guy (was) there in advance and had set up a table and two chairs with some wine out in the vineyard.”

“They took off running,” interjected a laughing R. Jai. “I’m screaming because I’m terrified; I’m already scared of horses.”

“The horses were so familiar with a certain route,” continued Andrew, “that when they got out there and saw the tablecloths, the horses freaked out.”

After a few moments of calm, R. Jai realized what was going on.

“I got down on one knee and asked her if she would be my life partner,” beamed Andrew. “She said yes.

“She was nasty slobbering,” he teased.

“I was totally shocked,” said R. Jai. “I had rehearsed that moment, but I just wasn’t prepared for it.”

“She looked beautiful,” he said. “She just doesn’t know it.”

After the wedding, the couple wanted to enjoy their time together as newlyweds and further build their careers. They decided to wait a year before having children. Sadly, conceiving was a much longer road than they could have imagined. But on May 19, 2014, R. Jai gave birth to twins — a healthy, beautiful baby boy and girl they named Jackson and Caroline.

“I would love to have more kids,” said Andrew. “But truth be told, we had a really, really difficult time getting here.”

“One year was incredibly tough,” shared R. Jai. “We had three miscarriages in one calendar year.”

Since the birth of their children, R. Jai has taken to opening up more about their experience. As Tallahassee’s first lady, letting community members in similar situations know that they’re not alone is a cause near and dear to her heart.

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“One year was incredibly tough. We had three miscarriages in one calendar year. … Whenever I would share it with someone, it would be ‘Oh, I did too,’ or ‘I know someone who did.’ ” — R. Jai Gillum Over the next four years, she plans to address the emotional issue more directly.

Andrew, pleased with her decision, said he’s seen her words help people close to them.

“Whenever I would share it with someone, it would be ‘Oh, I did too,’ or ‘I know someone who did,’” recalled R. Jai. “It was kind of shocking that it was so common, but it helped to be able to talk to other women and men who had been through the same thing.”

Somehow, though, the couple says they managed to emerge from their trying fouryear fertility issues closer than ever. Their secret? Remembering that they were in it together, and never forgetting to smile.

They swore they wouldn’t let their heartbreak tear them apart.

Today, the Gillums say they’re stronger than ever. From going on dates to

Her path to motherhood was difficult, and R. Jai Gillum (shown here with 1-year-old Jackson) plans to share the story of her journey to help and encourage others dealing with fertility issues.

implementing a strict no-cell-phone policy in their household, the couple has found a balance between work and their family.

“R. Jai and I have a lot of fun,” admitted Andrew.

“A lot has changed during the past year with the babies and the election,” said R. Jai. “Our schedules have gotten a little busier.

But Andrew has always been really good about taking time to (be with his) family.

Even before we got married, that was one thing I noticed about him — he took time for his family, outside of his busy schedule.

He’s maintained that.” n

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»life CLICK

UBER Convenient This App Helps Folks Get a Ride from Here To There

By K. Maxwell Greenwood YOU REQUEST A RIDE, tell the driver your destination and pay him to take you there. Typical taxi ride, right? But a new mobile app — Uber — offers a departure from the typical ebb and flow of riding in a cab, and Tallahassee is on board.

The San Francisco-based ridesharing network opened for business in Tallahassee in August 2014 and has since established itself as a stiff competitor of the city’s traditional cab companies. That’s because Uber isn’t a cab company — at least that’s not how it bills itself.

Simply put, Uber is a mobile application that users download onto their smartphones.

Through the app, users can input their current location and where they want to go, and a nearby Uber-registered driver can then choose to accept the request or not. All transactions are handled using the passenger’s credit card information which is into the app when it’s first downloaded.

“It’s been really great for me,” says Nicholas DiGioia, a regular Uber user. “Uber has been faster to pick me up than cabs have, and it’s just a lot more convenient to be able to pay through an app than to have to deal with cab drivers that don’t like you using credit cards or to have to count out cash.”

Unlike traditional cabdrivers, Uber drivers are personal car owners who are cleared and contracted by the company to pick up passengers. The only requirements for drivers are that they have a 2005-model car or later and pass a background check and a review of their driving records. Because of this, Uber drivers aren’t true cabdrivers, and Uber isn’t considered a cab company, allowing it to avoid the same regulations and standards imposed on traditional taxi services.

For this reason, Uber has become a sore topic for cab companies in recent years, with many claiming the company creates unfair competition. That’s because these companies are subject to licensing standards and local ordinances that set rates and trip meters, while Uber, often controversially, has been able to escape such

regulations — an advantage that makes Uber a cheaper option in some areas. Users are given an estimated fare up front, although Uber can bump up its rates — called “surge pricing,” it can double the price of a trip — during busy times such as New Year’s Eve. Matthew Gore, the general manager for Uber Florida, says that, in fact, traditional cab companies create unfair competition by eliminating potential competitors with strict regulations.

Uber has been at the center of regulatory disputes in many cities, though Gore says the company hasn’t run into any such problems in Tallahassee.

While Uber seems like a 21st-century take on cab services, Tallahassee Yellow Cab, one of the city’s largest taxi companies, has had a GPS feature that tracks the location of available cabs since 2003. The company launched its mobile app in 2011.

Uber began in San Francisco in 2009 with UberBLACK, which allowed users to request rides in high-end black sedans. Since then, the company has launched services in 54 countries and

has expanded its vehicle options to include luxury Those little icons on the map are cars that cars, SUVs and the lowcan be called into cost UberX, the only service when you Uber service currently need a ride. available in Tallahassee.

The launch in Tallahassee, along with several other college towns across the country, came last year as college students headed back to school for the fall academic semester, according to Gore. He says that, since then, the company has fared better than expected in Tallahassee.

“We’re growing just as fast, sometimes faster, than we have in much larger cities,” Gore says.

“When you have tens of thousands of students that come to Tallahassee for part of the year, it doesn’t really support a traditional cab company infrastructure. Uber is more flexible; our drivers only work when they want to, so it allows supply to meet demand.”

“Tallahassee is unique in that way,” he says. “I think Uber is there to stay.” n

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»life HERE TO HELP

You Go, Girls

International Program Seeks to Get Local Schoolgirls Moving and Motivated

By Leanne Castro WHEN LOCAL FOURTH-GRADER Sarah first joined an after-school running program called Girls on the Run, she wanted absolutely nothing to do with it. Before being signed up by her parents, she was content to spend her waking hours staring at a screen. She would conveniently “forget” to bring her running shoes or take the bus home on the two days a week when she was supposed to report to Girls on the Run after school. The coaches had trouble getting her to so much as walk two laps around the field, much less run them.

But gradually, something shifted. Not only did she complete all 3.1 of the miles in the final run, but she did it with such a look of exuberance that she has since become something of a Girls on the Run poster child, with a picture of her crossing the finish line now gracing the cover of the program’s informational brochures. She even wrote her parents a note at the season’s end thanking them for signing her up and begging them to let her participate in another season.

“We are so much more than a running program,” said Girls on the Run executive director Ericka McKibbin.

Girls on the Run is an international nonprofit organization with a unique approach to an age-old goal — to empower third- through eight-grade girls to be the healthiest and happiest possible versions of themselves.

Instead of achieving this goal through tired, static lectures, however, the program integrates high-energy running games. These games culminate in a non-competitive, untimed 5K run around Tallahassee at the end of the program’s season (10-week spans from February to May and September to December). Last year’s race zigged and zagged through the rolling hills of Florida State University’s campus, with some hills proving a bit too challenging. The difficulty of the route has sparked discussion of taking a different route for this year’s run, which will take place Saturday, May 9. After all, McKibbin pointed out, the program’s aim isn’t to turn its participants into Olympians.

The grand finale of a Girls on the Run 10-week season is a fun, colorful 5K with family and their volunteer coaches.

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“A lot of people think this is a running program,” she said.

“We’re not competitive. If you want a track program, don’t come to Girls on the Run. Our goal isn’t to make lifelong runners, just active, healthy girls.”

That is not to say that all of the girls involved share Sarah’s initial distaste for the activity. There are girls who sign up seeking an outlet for their boundless energy and fall so in love with the running element they go on to run track for their schools. This diversity in types of girls involved is something that McKibbin explained is very common.

“Our program is for all girls,” she said. “All shapes and sizes come to be a part of it. Girls come for different reasons. Some want to do it because they love running and they want to get out and run. Others join because they want to have friends. Motivation is different.”

What makes Girls on the Run so widely accessible is its inclusive curriculum, which includes universal issues such as bullying, peer pressure, “A lot of people healthy eating and drug use. The program focuses think this is on three areas: the girl a running as an individual and her goals, teamwork and serprogram. We’re vice. Trained and certified coaches — all volunteers not competitive. If from the community — you want a track touch on these issues in a series of biweekly, hourprogram, don’t and-a-half-long meetings. come to Girls The service element of the program is a favorite on the Run. Our with the girls, who are goal isn’t to make responsible for conceiving and executing service lifelong runners, projects. Last year’s serjust active, vice projects ranged from donating blankets and healthy girls.” food to local animal shelters and the homeless — Girls on the Run shelter to writing letters Executive Director to service people overseas.

Although much of the Ericka McKibbin program’s success at an international level belongs naturally to its spirited young girls, the importance of community involvement at a local level cannot be overstated. The program depends on volunteers at every level, from the coaches to the 5K organizers.

The backgrounds of past coaches have run the gamut, from Gamma Phi Beta sorority sisters to fitness industry professionals.

The same can be said of the local businesses that have generously

ERICKA MCKIBBIN

»life HERE TO HELP

Hancock Bank welcomes its 2015 advisory board members.

At Hancock Bank we’re proud to bring our customers world-class financial services as well as a strong commitment to the communities we serve. Our 2015 advisory board members are a testimony to that commitment, bringing with them the values and skills that have allowed Hancock Bank to become one of the strongest and safest banks in America. This year, seven distinguished community leaders join our four returning board members. We’re honored to have them all as a part of our team, working to help our customers achieve their financial goals and dreams.

INCOMING BOARD MEMBERS

Chris Dudley Southern Strategy Group

Dr. Marc J. Inglese Dermatology Associates of Tallahassee

Felicia Leborgne Nowels Akerman, LLP

Michael Kalifeh Thomas Howell Ferguson

Dr. Floyd R. Jaggears Tallahassee Orthopedic Clinic

John B. “Jay” Smith II Ajax Building Corporation

Bruce Wiener Broad and Cassel

CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS

Karen Moore Moore Communications Group

Sean Pittman Pittman Law Group

Dave Ramsay Retired Bank Executive

Ken Stafford Retired Bank Executive

Hancock Bank is the trade name used by Whitney Bank in offering banking products and services in MS, AL and FL. Whitney Bank, Member FDIC, is a wholly owned subsidiary of Hancock Holding Company.

TALLAHASSEEMAGAZINE.COM May–June 2015

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Lic. # CFC043067 CHASE McNEILL, GREEN CERTIFIED PLUMBER, Lic. # CFC1427457

»life HERE TO HELP

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While running and other physical activities are part of the Girls on the Run program, the curriculum is also focused on each individual girl’s goals, teamwork and service.

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TALLAHASSEEMAGAZINE.COM

supported the organization, with organizations from the Paisley Café to the Capital City Bank Foundation backing the ideal of a physically and emotionally strong community.

McKibbin believes it is this balance of both a sense of community and a strong sense of self that makes the program so special.

“This is like nothing else (parents) have ever seen,” she said. “There are tons of programs that focus on sports. There are programs out there that focus on empowerment. But we are the perfect combination of both.

We strengthen girls to be their best selves and to be healthy and active and find a path that is good for them.”

Interested participants can register at gotrbigbend.org for a fee of $150.

Scholarships are available. Those who don’t quite fit the description of an eligible participant but would still like to volunteer or donate can also visit the website. n

GIRLS ON THE RUN

BY THE NUMBERS Here are some stats from the local Girls on the Run program for 2014:

» 131 girls » 31 coaches » 1,220 coaching hours

» 180-plus running

buddies who volunteered more than 480 hours

» 540 volunteer

hours for the endof-season 5K

» 7 sites in Leon

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»life DECONSTRUCTION

What’s a Hipster?

An Easy Guide to Spotting These TrendHating Young Trendsetters

Personal grooming is kept to a minimum so as not to buy into the Beauty Culture.

They prefer their T-shirts to be ironic.

Some early-to-the-party hipsters are now coupling up and starting families. No Williams and Marys for this crowd; nonconformist names favored by the hipster set include Lennon, Roman, Enoch and Auden for boys and Briseida, Liora, Odette and Tessie for girls.

// ROSANNE DUNKELBERGER

44 May–June 2015

Girls have nose-ring septum piercings. Men carry satchels. Both stretch out their ear lobes with gauges.

TALLAHASSEEMAGAZINE.COM

You’ll hear a lot of “vocal fry,” a kind of whiny, high-pitched voice. Again, think Zooey D.

Favorite hangouts include coffee shops, bars, music scenes and anything called “Whiskey Wednesday.”

Polaroid cameras are de rigueur.

Although they will take digital pictures of those Polaroids to post as their Facebook profile.

ILLUSTRATION BY REBECCA SUMERALL

The definition of “hipster” showed up on the slang site Urban Dictionary seven years ago, describing city-dwelling 20and 30-somethings who had a certain aesthetic sensibility that embraced new culture while shunning mainstream societal conventions. Which means they are always on the lookout for obscure bands, which they abandon once they get popular and famous. For those of us unwilling to travel to urban hipster havens such as Brooklyn, Portland (Oregon and Maine) and San Francisco to answer the “What is a hipster?” question, my 20-something daughter, Veronica Dunkelberger, staff illustrator Rebecca Sumerall and designer Saige Roberts have created this handy visual reference.

Many hipster chicks favor straight-across-theforehead bangs. Think Zooey Deschanel in “New Girl.” Others will shave half their head — but never their legs and underarms.

The hipster smokes American Spirit cigarettes — while insisting on organic food.

Many male hipsters sport facial hair — everything from waxed handlebar moustaches to bushy beards.

Pabst Blue Ribbon is the drink of choice. Or whiskey. Straight up.

Hipsters have tattoos. Favored motifs include Shel Silverstein drawings, the cover of “The Catcher in the Rye” and Kurt Vonnegut quotes, which you will often find inked on the calf.

No deodorant.

Body odor is natural.

Bicycles are oldschool, single-gear models. Music is on vinyl records.

The gents often sport 19th-century accessories such as suspenders and bowler hats.

Nothing hurts a hipster more than having a favorite band hit the big time.

Disappointments include Arcade Fire, Vampire Weekend and Wilco.

Hipsters’ eschewing of the conventional and artificial leads many to wear worn and torn clothes from secondhand stores, unless it’s from American Apparel or Anthropologie and just looks that way.

A popular website shows photos of individuals, asking viewers to decide if they are “Hipster or Homeless?”

Accepted accessories include scarves, Warby Parker glasses, canvas sneakers and hats — usually beanies or fedoras.

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the 2015

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»life PARENTHOOD

Avoiding ‘I’m Bored’ Local Programs Make Sure Kids Have Fun and Keep Learning When School’s Out

By Shelby Bouck SUMMER VACATION IS A QUINTESSENTIALLY American experience. While many countries in Europe are moving toward year-round school for children, the United States sticks close to its agrarian roots, and for good reason. While most kids no longer have to be home to help with planting and harvesting from May to August, the three to four months between the end of the spring semester and the beginning of the fall semester are filled with opportunities for family vacations, bonding with friends and creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Sounds idyllic, doesn’t it? But in reality, the summer slowdown doesn’t always measure up to expectations. Working parents must look for childcare options, and even the most stalwart stay-at-home mom or dad can deal with over-energized, under-scheduled kids for only so many days at a time.

Beyond that, going for months without educational opportunities can be detrimental to children. According to research carried out for the past century, children score lower on tests after summer than they did before, and some studies even suggest that kids across the socioeconomic board lose two months’ worth of learned math skills over the summer.

Luckily for families in Tallahassee, the Big Bend has a number of summer enrichment programs that keep kids learning but don’t feel like “school.” No matter what you want your child to come home with this summer — art projects to hang on the wall, new musical and scientific knowledge, or just general fortified academic strength — this area’s got options for you.

FOR THE ANTSY AND ARTSY

The visual and performing arts are well represented in the 2015 crop of summer enrichment programs. Brush & Palette on Timberlane Road is offering full- and half-day camps for rising first-graders through age 12, with classes in painting, drawing, sculpting, mask-making and collage.

For kids interested in the performing arts, Mason’s School of Music, Dance & Arts is offering full-day camps for kindergartners all the way through age 18. Visual-arts, music and drama full-day camps are available, as well as half-day guitar, drums, piano, rock band, string orchestra, ballet and preschool music camps.

Some families need a little bit more flexibility in their summer camp schedule. For parents who work early or late, ARTS Afterschool offers a long day: Parents can drop off and pick up their kids anytime

between 7:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. during all 11 weeks of summer break.

Camps available include dance, martial arts, art, music, sewing, gymnastics, drama and academics.

FOR THE MINI-MAD SCIENTIST

If your child dreams of becoming an astronomer or an astronaut, where better to send him or her this summer than the famous Challenger Learning Center? Kids in kindergarten through eighth grade can enjoy a full day of age-appropriate science activities, with a ratio of one certified teacher for every eight students.

MoLab Inc., Tallahassee’s mobile science-education laboratory, is hosting another science camp at SAIL High School this summer. Kids in fourth through eighth grade can go to SAIL to learn about chemistry, physics and other branches of science with Aimee Hill and Trish Hanson, former educational director and chief operating officer of the Mary Brogan Museum of Art and Science. Hanson and Hill’s mission is to make STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics) fun and accessible for kids of all ages, so this camp should be an exciting ride!

FOR THE BUDDING BRAINIAC

Want to keep your children on top of their academic game over the summer break? Local schools have got you covered. Betton Hills Preparatory School provides academic enrichment camps for 2PK through second grade, and Maclay School welcomes rising thirdgraders through rising high school seniors to take classes in fields as diverse as app design, robotics, drivers’ education and leadership.

Students do not have to attend Betton Hills or Maclay to participate in summer camps.

No matter what your children’s interests and needs might be, there’s a local summer camp out there for them. Keep their brains and bodies active this summer — and get a little quiet time for yourself. n

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»life GREAT OUTDOORS

Preserving

WILD FLORIDA

Now is the Time to Save Millions of Acres of ‘Old’ Florida

By Jason Dehart // Photos by Carlton Ward Jr. WELCOME TO FLORIDA. We have it all: world-class golf, world-class beaches, world-class industry, world-class resorts and world-class entertainment. We also have world-class traffic headaches, world-class development issues and world-class debate over how to preserve and protect the state’s valuable waterways and landscapes.

Fortunately, more than 9 million acres of Florida land is today held in conservation by state, local and federal governments.

But there’s a lot more land out there to protect, according to members of the Florida Wildlife Corridor Expedition.

This Tampa-area team of scientists and artists has literally paddled, hiked and biked its way across the length and breadth of the Sunshine State in two separate expeditions in an effort to show there is still land waiting to be saved from overdevelopment.

The name of this expedition is taken from the parent organization, the Florida Wildlife Corridor, which also describes the ultimate goal: to create a vast chain of connected wilderness areas for everyone — people and wildlife — to enjoy. For animal life in particular, these corridors are important to the long-term survival of many species. These undeveloped greenspaces provide homes for 42 federally listed endangered species and 176 state-listed endangered species. There are an additional 56 species listed by the state as threatened and 29 on the species-of-special-concern list. The endangered species include the whooping crane, Florida panther, West Indian manatee, green turtle, leatherback turtle, hawksbill turtle and gulf sturgeon.

The Florida Wildlife Corridor’s vision is not a new one; rather, its goal is to make

An Eastern box turtle (above) was sighted on Day 24 of the 2015 expedition. On Day 36, Carlton Ward Jr. shoots in the evening (facing page) after 16.6 miles of paddling from Wood Lake to St. James Island in Franklin County.

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more people aware of the necessity of preserving wild areas.

“The Florida Wildlife Corridor is a statewide vision to keep Florida wild,” said award-winning conservation photographer and author Carlton Ward Jr. “As we go along, it becomes more and more clear that the need and value of this … is it’s showcasing a Florida that’s hiding in plain sight to so many people.”

The Florida Wildlife Corridor covers a staggering 15.8 million acres. Although 9.5 million acres are already protected, another 6.3 million acres do not currently enjoy conservation status. Protected areas include 4.7 million acres of federal land and 4.5 million acres of state land. There are 162,776 acres of protected county and city land and 204,232 acres of private land with permanent conservation status.

“I think we are really are seeking a balance for public and private ownership,” said Joe Guthrie, a wildlife biologist from St. Petersburg who works as a consultant for the National Wildlife Refuge Association. “It’s really important that a lot of these places stay in private ownership and stay in production. Timber, for example, because that kind of keeps trees on the land, and keeps it from being more intensely developed.”

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»life GREAT OUTDOORS

As a graduate student at the University of Kentucky, Guthrie studied bear and panther populations in South Central Florida. His work, and the data collected via radio collars, led to the creation of the Everglades Headwaters National Wildlife Refuge and, ultimately, helped inspire the Florida Wildlife Corridor’s 2012 expedition.

“The black bear became a symbol for us,” he said.

The Florida Wildlife Corridor isn’t trying to create a list of priorities. That has already been done by state government. All the Tampa group is trying to do is make the public understand that there is a need to move the protection process along.

“We’re just trying to bring attention to the fact that there are all these existing projects that have already been vetted by the state, and the science supports their acquisition or protection via conservation easement, but they haven’t been done because the funding hasn’t been there to actually move all the way down this list,” said Mallory Dimmitt, a seventh-generation Floridian, conservationist and executive director of the Florida Wildlife Corridor.

The hope is that the recently passed Amendment 1, formally known as the Florida Water and Land Conservation Initiative, will help jumpstart those lagging acquisition efforts.

“That’s why Amendment 1 was put on the ballot,” Ward said. “There had not been significant progress on land acquisition and protection for a few years, and there is still a science-based need for that, but not necessarily the political support to fund those things.”

According to the Florida Wildlife Corridor, 1.46 million acres inside the “corridor opportunity area” are a high priority for conservation via Florida Forever, the state’s premier conservation and lands acquisition program. There are also approximately 600,000 acres on the conservation priority list of the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service’s Greater Everglades Program (including the new, 150,000-acre Everglades Headwaters National Wildlife Refuge and Conservation Area project).

“We’ve made tremendous progress toward protecting this list of incredibly important lands and the waters that benefit also from that land protection, and we’ve got to keep at it until we finish the goal,” Dimmitt said.

Florida is going to continue to grow. The time to act is now before these precious waterways, swamps and forests are all gone, supporters say.

“If we don’t act now before generations change hands, if the public wants to see land stay out of development … but the how, when and why of that is critical to that vision,” Ward said. “Yes, we have seen areas of concern

Trekker Joe Guthrie builds a fire on a sandbar (facing page, top) during a night of camping on the Apalachicola River.

Mallory Dimmitt wades across Monkey Creek (above), one of the deepest water crossings the team encountered on the trail. A North American river otter (facing page, bottom) and his family were spotted while the team was exploring Wood Lake.

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»life GREAT OUTDOORS

Joe Guthrie snorkels with a young Florida manatee (top) at Manatee Springs State Park. The first-magnitude spring’s warmer waters attract manatees during the cold winter months. Guthrie (above) makes a water crossing at Rocky Creek in Gulf Hammock during a bike ride to Cedar Key.

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in our treks, but there are huge successes and opportunities waiting to be realized.”

Meanwhile, as the human population increases, bear populations are on the rise too, leading to frequent encounters between the two.

“We’ve got a (bear) population that’s expanding statewide,” Guthrie said. “The focus lately is on bear management. Those problems plague certain parts of the state.”

Ward said that 100 years ago, bears could be found in every Florida county, and it’s possible that isolated pockets of bears could be reconnected.

“Connecting these bear populations is synergistic to this Florida Wildlife Corridor project,” he said.

WALKING THE WALK

The 2015 Florida Wildlife Corridor Expedition was no weekend jaunt for Dimmitt, Guthrie and Ward. It was a 70-day, 1,000-mile journey that took them from South Central Florida, up the Nature Coast and finally West to

Pensacola. A similarly epic trek in 2012 took them from the very tip of peninsular Florida in Everglades National Park all the way up to Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge in southern Georgia.

The crew allowed themselves 100 days to make the 2012 journey. This year’s trek is a bit more ambitious, traveling just as far in only 70 days.

“We have a lot more biking on this trek than our last trek simply to get us between places and get some of the distance in, because we are going almost the same distance as last time but with 30 less days to do so,” Dimmitt said.

The expedition entered the Tallahassee area when they trekked across the Aucilla and Wacissa river region in February.

From there, the crew ventured into Forgotten Coast territory via the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge, the Apalachicola National Forest, the Ochlockonee River and the Crooked River, and the town of Apalachicola. The final leg of the journey had them hiking and biking across the

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»life GREAT OUTDOORS

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Florida Wildlife Corridor 2015 Expedition Path

Panhandle to the Perdido River and the Gulf Islands National Seashore.

Their 1,000-mile trek ended at Fort Pickens in Pensacola. Dimmitt and Guthrie spent more than a year planning the route, 150 yards at a time. It was a journey of discovery for the expedition members, Ward said.

“There are also millions who don’t know these places exist, so it’s an incredible opportunity to try to experience them for ourselves,” he said. “It’s a sense of discovery for us.”

WAITING IN THE WINGS

Thousands of acres of sensitive wildlife lands in Leon County and surrounding areas are currently sitting on the Florida Forever “wish list.” Among these is the 134-acre Millstone Plantation located near Lake McBride and flanked by Bannerman Road, Ox Bottom Road and Thomasville Road.

The parcel hosts at least one nesting pair of bald eagles, and its sinkholes and lakes need to be protected from runoff. Millstone also has some archaeologically significant sites, including the Millstone Plantation House. The entire parcel has been on the project list since 2001, and since then 78 acres have been acquired for a conservation easement.

Another former plantation, Ayavalla Plantation in northern Leon County, consists of 6,081 acres — none of them acquired by the state. The land is owned by the Phipps family, who, according to a project summary, plan to keep 15 small plots for home sites. The rest of the land would be turned into a conservation easement that would connect the Ochlockonee River Conservation Area to land near Lake Jackson.

Other important lands include the Upper St. Marks River Corridor, acquisition of which would form one unified wildlife corridor connecting the St. Marks River headwaters north of U.S. Highway 27 south to the Aucilla Wildlife Management Area in Jefferson County. Meanwhile, there remains 3,275 acres of land in the Wakulla Springs Protection Zone that need to be purchased and conserved. n

Want to Know More?

To learn about the Florida Wildlife Corridor, visit floridawildlifecorridor.org/about. You'll find links to maps, photo galleries, events, historical background and ways to support the cause.

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»life LOOKING BACK

The Other Pocahontas She Won a Medal of Honor for Rescuing a White Soldier — and He Wasn’t John Smith

By Stephanie Castellano

HISTORY HAS A WAY OF MISREMEMBERING An illustration its heroes. Most Americans know (and love) the recreates the scene story of Pocahontas, despite its historical embellishwhere Milly Francis ments. In fact, a far more authentic “Pocahontas” beseeches her father emerged nearly 200 years later in Northwest to save the life of Florida, but she has been mostly forgotten. an American soldier This American Indian woman was awarded a captured by memmedal from Congress for saving the life of a white bers of her Creek Indian tribe. soldier, moments before he was to be murdered by her tribesmen. She was the first woman and Native American to receive such a tribute from the U.S. government.

Milly Francis was the daughter of a Creek Indian chief known as Francis the Prophet. Their tribe had been driven into Spanish Florida by the Indian Wars of the early 19th century. Francis, one of the region’s most influential chiefs, was a bitter opponent of American expansion.

Milly’s story begins in 1818, when U.S. forces, citing Indian attacks on border settlements in Georgia, invaded Florida. Led by Gen. Andrew Jackson, troops swept into Florida in the spring, marching down the Apalachicola River and establishing a makeshift command center at an abandoned fort, which they deemed Fort Gadsden. From there, they mounted attacks on local villages, succeeded in burning the

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»life LOOKING BACK

As voted on by readers of Tallahassee Magazine

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Indian village of Tallahassee to the ground, and planned for the capture of the Spanish Fort St. Marks.

Jackson’s ranks contained a young private from Milledgeville, Georgia, named Duncan McCrimmon. While his regiment rested at Fort Gadsden one morning in March 1818, McCrimmon decided to go fishing — a jaunt that nearly cost him his life. Indians belonging to Francis’ tribe pounced on McCrimmon in the woods and hauled him back to their village. Francis was summoned and stood by while McCrimmon’s captors decided his fate.

Milly and her sister were playing nearby when they heard the sound of a war whoop. Knowing this signaled that a prisoner was about to be killed, they rushed to the site. Years later in Oklahoma, Milly would describe the scene to Gen. Ethan Allen Hitchcock, who recorded her account in his diary. She told Hitchcock that a group of Indians had gathered around McCrimmon, who was stripped naked and tied to a tree, his captors preparing to shoot him. McCrimmon, scribbled Hitchcock, was “doubling himself to screen himself from the gaze of those that were looking at him and at the same time looking anxiously around as if to ask if there was no one to speak for him and save his life.”

“Milly’s eyes were very animated as she gave this account,” added Hitchcock. “She is a good-looking woman now and must have been a beautiful girl.”

Responding to McCrimmon’s mute plea for help, Milly implored her father to spare the prisoner, saying it was a pity that a young man like him should be put to death. Francis reminded her of their custom: If an Indian captured a white man, it was up to that Indian to decide what to do with the captive; not even the chief could interfere.

However, he told Milly that she could try to persuade McCrimmon’s captors against killing him. Suddenly Milly, just 15 years old, found all eyes on her as she stepped forward to bargain for a man’s life.

One of McCrimmon’s captors had had two sisters killed in the Indian Wars and was determined to take revenge through McCrimmon. Milly argued that killing McCrimmon wouldn’t bring his sisters back. She again pointed out the soldier’s tender age, insisting that he was too young to have gone to war upon his own judgment. Finally, the captors agreed to spare McCrimmon’s life if he would consent to having his head shaved and assuming their dress. Milly translated these terms to McCrimmon, who gratefully accepted. It was an amazing deal for him: He escaped imminent death with everything but his hair intact.

Several days later, the Creeks traded McCrimmon to the Spanish garrison at Fort St. Marks for 7½ gallons of rum. The young soldier’s luck continued when Jackson’s army seized Fort St. Marks in early April. McCrimmon was freed and returned to Georgia just a few weeks after his rescue, but the story of how he had been saved by the comely daughter of Francis the Prophet spread quickly through Jackson’s army.

Meanwhile, the Creeks’ luck had run out. Francis was captured that spring and executed on Jackson’s orders. In August 1818, the Creeks surrendered at Fort Gadsden. The war had left many of them starving and weak, unfit for the journey back to Alabama where they were ordered to return.

Back in Milledgeville, Duncan McCrimmon heard of Milly’s straitened circumstances and immediately set out for Fort Gadsden. His hometown newspaper, eagerly following the story, reported that his intention was to propose to Milly and bring her back to Georgia with him. Energized by McCrimmon’s chivalry, the people of Milledgeville took up a donation for Milly and her family and sent it after him. Then they waited for news.

On Dec. 1, Col. Matthew Arbuckle, the commander of Fort Gadsden, wrote a disappointing conclusion to the Milledgeville Journal: “Duncan McCrimmon is here — Milly, the Prophet Francis’ daughter, says she saved his life, or used such influence as she possessed to that effect, from feelings of humanity alone, and that she would have rendered the same service to any other white man similarly circumstanced — she is, therefore not disposed to accept his offer of matrimony, which has been made as an acknowledgment of gratitude.” Arbuckle added that Milly had received the donation and sent her thanks.

That fall, Milly and her family returned to Alabama. Her fame from the much-publicized incident with McCrimmon faded as she moved West and as time marched on.

Nearly 25 years later, Gen. Hitchcock was traveling through Oklahoma when he heard that Milly Francis lived nearby and decided to pay her a visit. Milly was by that time a widow with three children. Her poverty was evident. After hearing her recount the story of McCrimmon, Hitchcock resolved “Milly, the Prophet to petition Congress Francis’ daughter, for the pecuniary relief he felt was says she saved his Milly’s due. His petilife, or used such tion was successful: In recognition of her influence as she heroic act, Congress possessed to that granted Milly a “medal of honor” effect, from feelings (not to be confused of humanity alone, with today’s Medal of Honor, awarded and that she would to military heroes), have rendered the specially minted with its own devices, and same service to an annual pension of any other white $96. Yet the reward fell to the bottom of man similarly Congress’ to-do list, circumstanced ...” taking a full six years to be granted.

In the spring of — Col. Matthew 1848, Milly conArbuckle tracted tuberculosis.

James Logan, the Creek agent charged with dispensing her salary, heard that Milly was deathly ill on the very same day the package from Washington arrived. Going to her residence, Logan found her in “wretched condition.” He immediately procured medical aid and read to her the letter from Congress announcing her award. Milly, he wrote, was “so highly elated, that I flattered myself she was recovering — but my hopes were fallacious … .” Milly died on May 19, 1848.

There is no record of what ultimately became of either the money or the medal — unfortunate, considering the medal’s historical significance. The location of Milly’s gravesite in Oklahoma is also unknown. While she never attained Pocahontas’ level of fame, Milly is not entirely forgotten. Today, small plaques at the San Marcos de Apalache Historic State Park and the Fort Gadsden Historic Site offer brief tributes to the “Creek Pocahontas.” n

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»life FEATURE

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Making an Impression Railroad Square Trio Works to Revive the Almost-Lost Art of Letterpress Printing

By Rosanne Dunkelberger // Photos by Alicia Osborne Photography

WITH A LAPTOP COMPUTER and a cheap inkjet printer, it’s possible for anybody to design his or her own business cards, flyers, invitations and more and then print them out in the colors of the rainbow … all on the quick and cheap.

So why do Mika Fowler, Alicia Osborne and Sheri Nilles spend inordinate amounts of their time (sometimes literally) cranking out printed pieces, one by one, on outdated old cast iron presses?

Why, indeed.

“This is a local process, and it’s also is so much more,” said Osborne, who, along with Nilles, creates wedding invitations, business cards and other letterpressprinted pieces in their business, Paper Works Press. “It’s tactile … personally, I love to know the process that things went through when I order something or when I get something as important as a wedding invitation.”

Most customers willing to pay a premium price for their work are looking for quality paper, a hand-crafted look — and that bit of embossing that shows up in their printing process.

“It’s interesting because (embossing) is what people want when they get letterpress; they want to see it in the paper,” Osborne said. “But technically this is a mistake.” In the craft, printers looked for a “kiss print,” where the platen barely hits the paper and pulls away.

“That was considered the proper way to print,” she said, and what people seek now “probably (has the old-school printers) turning in their graves.”

Alicia Osborne feeds reply cards, one at a time, into the platen press to be printed at the Railroad Square print shop owned by Mika Fowler.

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»life FEATURE

THE CRAFTSMAN

Once Mika Fowler has set up the chase containing the type (above), he cranks a handle to make the print (top), in this case adding black lettering to the large red “4” he had already printed.

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Fowler makes his living as a photographer, and he set up shop in a small section of a Railroad Square warehouse to create his art pieces. But one of his first jobs was as a newspaper pressman. When the now 59-year-old started at the Rocket-Miner in Rock Springs, Wyoming in 1975, the newspaper was printed using a modern high-speed press. But down in the basement was an old hot-lead linotype machine and a platen press used for doing odd-job printing.

“There was a guy who would come in who was in his 70s at the time, and he would sorta kinda train me” in traditional typesetting and printing, Fowler said.

He couldn’t get out of the pressroom fast enough when he was younger, but later started acquiring printing equipment, put the apron back on, and returned to his ink-stained roots. Today, walking into Fowler’s studio is like taking a sensory journey back to the mid20th century.

It’s chock-full of presses, multitudinous flatdrawer cabinets of type, and other equipment, including a terrifyingly dangerous-looking

commercial paper cutter. Even the materials used to service the machines are antique: a tin dispenser for the turpentine, an old oil can (think Tin Man from “The Wizard of Oz”), cut-up pages from phone books used for cleaning up.

“The only technology Mika has in here is a (cell) phone,” joked Nilles.

“I want a landline but I can’t find a wall phone with one of those real long cords on it,” Fowler explained.

The place smells inky. When running, the presses are surprisingly quiet. The largest, a 1947 Dodson of Atlanta, that in a past life printed parking tickets in Tennessee, has a motor, but it gives off a pleasant whir that doesn’t drown out the jazz music playing softly in the background.

In the corner sits another platen or “clamshell” press, a 1911 Chandler & Price that Fowler bought from a funeral home in New Port Richey. It was used to print obituary information on the back of commemorative holy cards. Fowler’s latest acquisition is a Challenge proof press, used by newspapers to print out page samples for proofreading before a plate was made.

“This one was in a middle school; it had been sitting, neglected, for probably 20 years,” he said. “I went up to Asheville and bought it a couple months ago.”

Not motorized, each paper to be printed is attached to a barrel, then hand-cranked over the type. Like the other presses, if you want to add a second color, you clean off the ink, replace the type, make sure it’s lined up properly (“registered” is the proper term) and run it through the press again. “This,” Fowler explained, “is very slow printing.”

Printmaking is being taught in many colleges now, and there is a demand for offset printing equipment, such as mini portable clamshell presses that can print pages about the size of a wedding invitation or small book.

“The price of them has skyrocketed. This,” Fowler said, showing his own tabletop press, “was a $50 paperweight 16 years ago that will now sometimes (sell for) $2,000 or $3,000.”

Searching Craigslist, eBay and printing websites, Fowler was able to acquire his equipment for considerably less.

“I don’t know what this says about my future, but in every instance, somebody died,” he said. “A big press, somebody wants it out of the garage, they’ll give it to you for a couple hundred dollars.” In many cases, people gave him trays of type, spacers and

(Clockwise from top left) This card’s motif was created by using artistic “dingbats.” The Paper Works Press duo uses modern polymer plates to create their printed designs while Fowler prefers the more old-school method of actually setting type letter by letter.

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»life FEATURE

dingbats they had no use for, but didn’t want to just toss out.

Creating elaborately layered photos that are then individually printed out using photopolymer plates is Fowler’s first love, but he does spend time on developing a traditional printing business, often producing small things including cards with a bit of a bite. (His Christmas card reads “Dear Santa, I’m writing to tell you I’ve been naughty. And it was worth it, you fat, judgmental bas#$%*”) and a set of Tibetan Tonglen slogans, 59 meditations (“Don’t transfer the ox’s load to the cow.” “Be grateful to everyone.” “Don’t ponder others.”) to help Buddhists practice compassion.

Quarterly, Fowler holds daylong “Introduction to Letterpress” workshops, covering topics such as press operation, composing lead type and how to print on a polymer plate. It’s how he came to meet Osborne and Nilles.

THE APPRENTICES

Osborne, 31, was an art student at Florida State University when she told Nilles, 34, about the workshops and invited her friend to come along. Shortly afterward, the pair would both get engaged, so some of their first work was each other’s wedding invitations.

“That was kind of our practice to see if we could do it and … test out our designing chops,” said Nilles, who has been working with her business partner for three years.

“We got really into it.”

In one concession to modernity, the two don’t physically set type like their mentor. Rather, they create designs on a computer and send them out to be made into polymer “plates” (they work like and resemble rubber stamps) to be used in the actual printing. This gives them the flexibility to incorporate artwork into their designs.

For one printing project, “the bride’s father’s did a drawing of the house they were getting married

Alicia Osborne (facing page) and Sheri Nilles (above) learned about letterpress printing in one of Fowler’s workshops, created invitations to their own weddings, then started their business, Paper Works Press. (top) Hand lettering by Whitney Arrington.

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»life FEATURE A LETTERPRESS GLOSSARY Johannes Gutenberg developed modern movable type in the Western Hemisphere in the 15th century (the Chinese actually figured it out first in 1040 A.D.) and, ever since, printing has evolved, creating tools and a vocabulary unique to the craft.

Although typesetting and presses are being replaced by desktop publishing and inkjet printers, some of the old lingo has been repurposed for modern times. // ROSANNE DUNKELBERGER

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1. Bodkin — A tool used for piercing cloth and leather (it looks like an ice pick) that is also useful for extracting a piece of type from a form. It works better than tweezers, which are also used for this task.

2. Chase — A frame that contains type while it is on the printer.

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3. Composing stick — A handheld box used when setting type by hand.

4. Composition — Also called typesetting. A person who does this task is called a compositor or typesetter.

5. Dingbat — A small decorative ornament other than a letter or a numeral, often used in typesetting to create frames around text.

Popular designs include stars, scissors, checkmarks and hearts.

6. Furniture — Wood or metal blocks placed around the lines of type to fill in the empty spaces of the chase. Other spacing materials include reglets, leads and slugs.

7. Galley — A tray that holds type that has been removed from the composing stick, so that a copy can be made to proofread.

8. Platen press — A small printing press in which a platen presses the paper against a form secured to an opposing vertical flat bed. Also called a job press.

9. Quoins — A wedge or expanding mechanical device used for locking a letterpress form into a chase.

10. Typecase — A wooden divided box used to separate type, usually stored in drawer-type cabinets. Once typesetting fell out of fashion, old typecases were often repurposed by hanging them on the wall to display knickknacks in the small sections.

at, and we were able to press that on their invitation, which was very personal and special,” said Nilles.

“We’re never going to do the same design twice,” avows Nilles.

“We might take pieces here and there, elements from different things, but we’ll never take the same design and plop in someone’s name. They’re all very much designed to the person … We really sit down and ask you what you want and look at examples together, and we get something that’s really personalized.”

When asked if they were getting rich off their craft, they answered in unison, “Oh no!”

Both have day jobs. Osborne is a professional photographer, and Nilles is an art and organic gardening teacher at SAIL High School who creates ceramics on the side.

One afternoon, the pair was creating 500 business cards for a friend who owned an event planning business. Osborne was just finishing up the front side, sliding the card-sized papers into a form, watching as the rollers inked up the plate and the press clamped down to transfer the ink to the paper, then quickly snatching out the printed card and putting in another blank.

The process for each individual card is quick — and a little bit dangerous. There is a short time window between presses, which can be slowed down or speeded up depending on the skill of the operator.

“When there’s two of us here we work together; one’s eyeballing and one’s feeding,” explained Nilles. “If anything goes crooked or if Alicia takes a little too long to put something in, I can flip it off real quick and kind of watch the speed. This is how we printed for the first year.”

The two were practically giddy, exclaiming “Oooh, pretty” when the first few cards were imprinted on the flip side with a bronzy ink Nilles had created a few minutes earlier by mixing gold and red.

“Sheri and I will toot our own horn here,” said Osborne. “We are really good at mixing colors. We can match whatever color you have in mind pretty well.”

But the elation faded as Osborne noted that the ink on the cards’ flip side hadn’t completely dried and had ever-so-slightly smeared. They decided to wait a day and finish up. “We get real anal here,” admitted Osborne, while scrutinizing the barely discernable smudge.

Between design, ordering paper, getting plates made and drying ink, it can take 10 days to two weeks for a project to be completed.

“People are like, ‘Can I grab it next week?’ And I’m like, ‘Well, I wish,’” said Nilles. “It’s a little tricky because there are so many steps involved.”

The pair has contemplated the fact that much of their painstaking work is ephemeral, and ends up thrown away.

“It’s hard,” Osborne admitted. But, referring to her own wedding invitation, “I know where it came from, I still have one and my parents do.”

In his online Flickr account, Fowler refers to his protégés as “my trusty printers, devils, sidekicks, associates and all-around lovers of letterpress.” He joshes with them, chiding the young women for referring to printing tools as “doodads,” “smushers” and “doodlelollies.”

“Mika is always on our case because we never have the right terms for things,” Nilles said.

But the sometimes sardonic Fowler wrapped up his commentary with a sentimental observation: “One of the things I love about sharing my craft is that I know these young women will carry my lessons and continue the craft of letterpress for decades to come.” n

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»life AGENDA ADDITIONS & APPOINTMENTS ▪ Katrina Rolle, a Tallahassee-area attorney and community volunteer, is the new president and chief executive officer of United Way of the Big Bend. She has served as a board member for UWBB since 2012, and as a member of the UWBB Strategic Rolle Planning Committee during its most recent session. As the current chair of the UWBB Health Council, she led a group of local health care professionals in addressing the most critical health care issues facing the community. She directed strategic planning and fundraising efforts as a board member for many charitable organizations, including Children’s Home Society of Florida, Community Foundation of North Florida and the local chapter of Jack and Jill of America.

She was also a board member for the alumni association of the University of Florida, her alma mater, where she earned a juris doctor degree.

▪ Rob Lane was recently named Tallahassee city president and Cindy Weier has been named vice president and branch manager for PeoplesSouth Bank’s new office at 2920 Kerry Forest Parkway.

PeoplesSouth is a full-service comLane mercial bank with 24 locations throughout Southeast Alabama, Southwest Georgia and the Florida Panhandle. Lane worked 16 years with Wachovia and BB&T. Weier has 17 years of banking experience at Farmers & Merchants Bank, Premier Bank and, most recently, ProBank.

▪ Ted Nation has joined Waddell & Reed as a financial adviser, where he will help develop customized financial plans, recommend investment strategies and help clients throughout the area. Before joining Waddell & Reed, Nation was an owner of Nation One Financial, where he had worked for four years.

PHOTOS COURTESY PICTURED INDIVIDUALS

▪ Brian Proctor has joined NAI TALCOR as a commercial adviser. Proctor has more than 25 years of real estate experience and specializes in site selection, multi-family developments, and sales and leasing of office buildings, warehouses and large tracts of land in North Florida and South Georgia. He graduated from Florida State University with a bachelor’s degree in business management and is a licensed broker in Florida and Georgia. He serves on the board of the Apalachee Land Conservancy and The Red Hills Wounded Warrior Group.

▪ In other news, NAI TALCOR and timberland management group Land & Timber Management Inc. have joined forces to launch NAI TALCOR Ag & Timber Group. The partnership is designed to offer timberland investors access to a global network of investment capital through international NAI affiliates, local timberland real estate expertise, and professional timberland investment analysis and management services in one central location.

▪ Wood+Partners Inc., a regional land planning and landscape architecture firm, recently welcomed back

Meghan C. Mick, LEED, AP, ALSA, as project manager in its Tallahassee office. She has more than 15 years of experience in design and planning. Mick’s most recent experience included five years as the founder of From the Ground Up, an outdoor environment planning and design firm.

program and most recently served as development director of the Capital Area Chapter of the American Red Cross.

Mick

▪ James Miller, formerly the vice president of communications and marketing for the Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce, the Economic Development Council of Tallahassee/Leon County, Leadership Tallahassee and Access Tallahassee, is now the communications director for the Florida Retail Federation.

He will be based in Tallahassee.

▪ Ben Graybar is the new vice president and commercial banker at Hancock Bank. Graybar has more than 20 years’ experience working in the Tallahassee financial industry; in his new role, he will help businesses with their credit facilities and treasury management tools and provide the kind of service that has earned him a reputation as one of the city’s top bankers. He was previously vice president and commercial banker for Tallahassee State Bank.

▪ Tallahassee City Commissioner Gil Ziffer was recently appointed to the National League of Cities’ 2015 Public Safety and Crime Prevention Steering Committee. Ziffer will play a key role in shaping the NLC’s policy positions and will advocate on behalf of the nation’s cities and towns before Congress, the Obama administration and at home.

▪ Catherine Carver and Mark Hays are the newest additions to the accounting firm Thomas Howell Ferguson P.A. Carver will serve as a staff team member in the assurance services department and Hays will work as a staff team member in the tax services department.

Carver

▪ Dan Phillips has joined Syntech Systems–Fuelmaster as the new vice president of sales and marketing. Phillips spent more than 20 years with Sun Automation Group before coming to Syntech. At Sun, Hays he started out as a project engineer and worked his way up the ranks to become vice president of sales and marketing, which enabled him to place the company on the global sales stage. He also used his engineering background to bring more than 200 innovative products to market.

▪ Chrys Ivey Goodwyne has joined the staff of Opening Nights Performing Arts as development officer. Her job will involve managing annual memberships, sponsorships and major giving. Goodwyne graduated from FSU and began her Goodwyne career there. She previously led the Tallahassee Democrat’s Newspapers In Education

▪ Stearns Weaver Miller, a full-service law firm with offices in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Tampa and Tallahassee, recently expanded its Capital City office with the addition of shareholders Reggie L. Bouthillier, Glenn Burhans Jr. and Bridget Smitha, and Director of Planning Kenneth B. Metcalf.

▪ The six-member Ethics Board for the City of Tallahassee is now complete with the addition of the final two members, Renee McNeill, a vice president/commercial lender with Farmers & Merchants Bank, and Thomas J. Friedman, a retired university visiting professor and former FBI supervisory special agent. McNeill and Friedman join Cecil Davis, state attorney for the Second Judicial Circuit appointee; Richard Herring, Florida State University appointee; Lila A. Jaber, city commission appointee; and Funmi Ojetayo, Florida A&M University appointee.

AWARDS & RECOGNITION ▪ Rick Theobald and Alan Null, financial advisers with Waddell & Reed, have received the firm’s 2015 Crest Award, a high honor for its top financial advisers. Crest Awards were presented this year to fewer than 190 of Waddell & Reed’s financial advisers out of its national network of nearly 1,800. This is the first time Theobald has received this major recognition. He has been in the financial services industry for 15 years. This is the third time that Null has received the award; he has worked in the financial services industry for 19 years.

▪ Lincoln High School teacher Kathleen McCarron was among 24 teachers nationwide recently selected as Behring Teacher Ambassadors by National History Day, a nonprofit education organization based in College Park, Maryland. Behring Teacher Ambassadors have shown outstanding creativity, commitment and inspiration in developing students’ interest in history.

Candidates must be excellent classroom teachers who are past winners of the Behring Teacher Award in their affiliate program.

▪ George Byrd, Willie Haynes and Robert Lay, UPS drivers from the Tallahassee area, are now among 85 elite drivers from Florida inducted into the Circle of Honor, an honorary organization for UPS drivers who have 25 or more years of accident-free driving. Florida boasts 449 active Circle of Honor drivers with a combined 12,594 years of accident-free driving.

▪ State Sen. Denise Grimsley; Speaker Pro Tempore of the Florida House Matt Hudson; and Jane Johnson, chief of staff of the Department of Children and Families, are this year’s recipients of the Second Annual Community Hero Awards sponsored by Apalachee Center of Tallahassee. The awards honor Floridians who are effective public champions for behavioral health care. Apalachee Center has helped people in eight Big Bend counties deal with emotional, psychiatric and substance abuse problems for the past 60 years.

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▪ Cathy Schroeder received the American Advertising Federation’s Silver Medal Award during the 2015 American Advertising Awards (ADDY) gala held recently in Tallahassee. Schroeder currently serves the State Board of Education by facilitating the development of Florida’s state-level education policies.

▪ Moore Communications Group Art Director Justin Smith, Director of Digital Darren Allen and Senior Director Emily Read were just a few MCG team members to receive gold and silver ADDY awards in the local competition for their work on various campaigns, websites and collateral items.

Among the award-winning projects was the cover for the 2014 “Best Of” issue of Tallahassee Magazine.

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▪ Mission San Luis volunteer Allen Gerrell and Alice and Ernest Sims of Capital City Christian Cruisers were among six Floridians honored recently with the Champion of Service Award, Florida’s only statewide volunteer recognition. Gerrell, an Air Force veteran, spent a year hand-building a historically accurate field cannon carriage, complete with cradle. He volunteered a total of 508 hours in 2014, the most of Mission San Luis’ nearly 200 active volunteers. As volunteers with CCCC (a component of The WAY Ministries of Tallahassee Inc.), the Simses have given countless hours to the community by providing youth mentorship, chaplaincy services, behavioral modification workshops, and employment and economic development assistance.

▪ The March/April edition of Cooking with Paula Deen magazine named Chicken Salad Chick as the top spot in the country to try chicken salad.

This section, entitled “Ten to Try,” features a different delicacy in each issue and highlights 10 favorite spots to find that particular food. The Tallahassee Chicken Salad Chick restaurant is located in Market Square.

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ACQUISITIONS ▪ Moore Communications Group has acquired Denver-based Financial Social Media, one of the leading social media firms in the country. Founded in 2010 by Amy McIlwain, a renowned social media expert, speaker and author, FSM specializes in digital and social strategy execution and training in the financial services industry. With this acquisition, MCG expands its reach in the financial sector and establishes a stronger presence in the West. McIlwain will continue to lead as vice president of social and digital strategy.

▪ American Commerce Bancshares has acquired all of the issued and outstanding stock of ProBank, a subsidiary of ProFinancial Holdings and headquartered in Tallahassee. Immediately following the closing of the transaction, ProBank will merge into American Commerce Bank, National Association, a wholly-owned subsidiary of American Commerce Bancshares.

The agreement was unanimously approved by the boards of directors of both companies and is expected to close in the second quarter of 2015.

▪ Children’s Home Society of Florida was recently given 60 laptops by Mainline Information Systems Inc. to help Big Bend-area teens and young adults learn technical skills needed to apply for jobs and study for school through programs offered by Children’s Home Society of Florida. Each year, the organization helps nearly 4,200 children and family members in the Big Bend area and is dedicated to protecting children, strengthening families and transforming communities.

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style

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FASHION » HOME » ESCAPES

A BETTER YOU MIND AND BODY DÉCOR / HABITAT GARDENING / TRAVEL

Trends

Bye-Bye, Black and Baggy Yes, Curvy Girls, It IS Possible to Create a Fashionable, Fun Wardrobe

By Lynda Belcher

f

inding fashion recommendations as a curvy gal can be a bit of a challenge. After all, there are more than a few things to consider — how a certain cut might flatter your shape, or the way some color or fabric combos create a more streamlined appearance. While your mirror can be your best friend — or your worst enemy, depending on your vantage point — when determining what flatters your body type, it helps to have some sage advice on where to even begin. Consider five tips from my book “101 Plus Size Women’s Clothing Tips” to give you a head start.

Why wear black when you can show your true colors? Madison, who owns Sparkle by Madison, poses in front of her Midtown boutique wearing an aqua jacket ($30) and pink top with contrasting lace embellishment ($25), both by Umgee.

TIP 1: STOP TRYING TO LOOK ‘SLIM’ Ladies, ladies, ladies — don’t fall too deep into the “slimming” trap. Who says you want to hide your curves?

If you are full-figured, embrace it. Instead of looking for clothing that makes you look slimmer, choose pieces that really make the most of your curves in the most flattering light. You want your curves to look smooth, and that doesn’t always equal slim.

TIP 2: LIGHTEN UP All too often, plus-size women are stuck in the trap of wearing dark-colored clothing — again, that dreaded darker-is-slimming thing. Forget that! Fashion can be so much fun, so don’t be afraid to liven up your wardrobe with rich color. Mix and match bright hues for a vivacious, funloving look. Try a cool turquoise top with bold red pants.

Usher in summer with a dress in lush orange or tropical lemon. There are no rules when it comes to playing with color, so don’t be afraid to go outside of the lines.

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»style TRENDS

TIP 3: BAGGY IS NOT BETTER

Good fashion sense has nothing to do with seasons, staples or any of the other usual wardrobe functions. It’s about the right fit. Dressing in overly baggy clothing in an attempt to hide your size actually distorts your shape. Clothing should skim along the contours of your body. Do a little closet cleaning and get rid of anything that is overly baggy — or too clingy, for that matter. Opt for a fit that’s juuuust right — and if that means a size up, so be it! The number on the tag doesn’t matter nearly as much as the way the garment looks on you.

TIP 4: FILL YOUR CLOSET WITH A FEW STAPLES There are several staples that are a curvy gal’s best friend. Mixing and matching your staples with trendy pieces is the best way to get serious mileage out of your wardrobe options.

Staples include a knee-length pencil skirt, über-professional black slacks, a wrap dress, a single-breasted suit jacket, a pair of dark denim jeans and a relaxed-fit white buttondown top. Starting from here, you can add pieces to mix and match to create looks for just about any occasion.

TIP 5: PURCHASE CLOTHING

FOR THE SIZE YOU ARE RIGHT NOW Don’t buy clothing for the size you want to be. Doing so in anticipation of changing your appearance means your clothing won’t fit properly and, in turn, won’t flatter you very well. Moreover, you will set yourself up for disappointment because when most of your wardrobe doesn’t fit, it isn’t exactly a confidence booster. Focus on being healthy, and embrace your curves and the clothing that makes them look good.

All clothing and acccessories available at Sparkle

by Madison, in the Manor @ Midtown.

Photos: Kay Meyer; Model: Madison Setliff; Hair and Makeup: Veronica Schultz Who needs baggy? Pairing (facing page) slim leggings ($10) with a look-at-me bold paisley tunic ($30) creates flattering fashion in plus sizes. Madison’s accessories include glittery bangle bracelets ($20 each), a pearl and stone pendant necklace ($10) and pearl drop earrings ($6). For this casual look, Madison has layered an open-weave coral tunic ($30) over a tank top ($8) and Joy Relation skinny jeans ($30), accessorized by an infinity scarf ($10), earrings ($15) and Pierre Dumas sandals ($20).

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PRESENTING SPONSOR: RUSSELL B. RAINEY, D.M.D.

1,2 Atmosphere The ballroom was overflowing with energy and stunning beauty at the University Center Club during Tallahassee Magazine’s 2015 Top Salon event. The area’s top 13 salons, nominated by the community, showcased their talent and passion for style as each model’s masterpiece makeover was revealed during a fierce runway show. From physical transformations, including extreme hair styles, high-end fashion and body modulation, as well as internal evolution, including confidence, poise and fearlessness, the results were nothing short of spectacular.

A big thank you to the sponsors who made the night possible: Dr. Russell B. Rainey, Tallahassee Plastic Surgery & Physician’s Skin Care Clinic, Narcissus, Sweat Therapy Fitness, Marsha Doll Models, Capital City Hyundai, Resort Quest Vacation Rentals, Four Points

by Sheraton, Live in Tallahassee and Morning Break with Ann & Audra.

3 Lifetime Achievement Award

Peggy Jones, longtime owner of The Parlor, was honored for her respected mentorship and numerous career achievements.

4 Fashion Show Marsha Doll Models

stormed the runway in a cocktail dress fashion and lip-syncing show in clothing from Narcissus, providing mid-show entertainment during voting.

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5 Entertainment Top Salon guests enjoyed food, drinks, silent and live auctions, runway extravaganzas and a few booty breaks to get everyone’s blood flowing.

FOR A FULL EVENT RECAP, INCLUDING VIDEO AND PHOTOGRAPHY, VISIT HTTP://BIT.LY/1BGIYWW PHOTOS: MATT BURKE AND ELLEBELLE PHOTOGRAPHY MODELS’ CLOTHING: PROVIDED BY NARCISSUS

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WINNER

JS Hair Salon

Model: Danielle Hay Charity: Hospice House

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2ND RUNNER UP

RUNNER UP

Dream State Salon Model: Laura Howard

Fuel Salon + Store Model: Jane S. Merritt

PRESENTING SPONSOR: RUSSELL B. RAINEY, D.M.D.

MODEL PHOTOS BEFORE AND AFTER

Cabello’s Salon & Spa

DHC Designs

Model: Krista Stephens

Model: Janelle Irwin

Kiersten Smith Hair & Beauty

Lilly’s Spa Salon

Model: Paula T. Kapral SPONSORED BY T a l l a h a s s e e

Plastic Surgery Clinic & Physicians’ Skin Care Clinic 78 May–June 2015

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Chelsea Salon & Spa

Model: Nancy Floyd Richardson

T a l l a h a s s e e

Plastic Surgery

Model: Caroline Capper

EMCEES & JUDGES Tallahassee Magazine’s Leigha Inman and McKenzie Burleigh; judge Jane Marks; judge and Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Peggy Jones; judge and sponsor Marsha Doll; judge Ron Faircloth; judge and presenting sponsor Dr. Russell B. Rainey

Millennium Nail & Day Spa Model: Alyshia Miller

Randazzles Hair Company

Model: Katrina Ausley

Red Hots Salon Model: Kady Thomas

P R E S E N T E D BY

So Pure Salon & Spa Model: Wren Fowler

Tryst

Model: Susan N. Carnes SPONSORED BY

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Top Salon Winner 2015 Danielle Hay

BY REBECCA PADGETT Danielle Hay flaunts a short and sassy hairdo, rocks a newfound confidence and is the reason JS Hair Lounge earned the prestigious title of 2015 Top Salon winner. Today, her life seems ideal, but behind her newly enhanced exterior is a woman who faced many hardships.

In March 2014 Danielle received the devastating news that her 29-year-old brother, Stephen, had terminal brain cancer. During this time Danielle was pregnant and diagnosed with high blood pressure.

Between her own appointments and visits to see her brother, she was spending more time at the hospital and less time at work.

She was replaced at her job — and without her salary, her family had to move out of their home.

In September her beloved brother passed away, and Danielle became depressed. The minimal energy she had left was focused on everyone but herself — especially her brother’s children.

Danielle would frequent JS Hair Salon before her unfortunate circumstances. The salon staff admired her strength and willingness to put others first.

“Even at her weakest she was strong for others. We admired that, and because of it we knew she was the right choice for Top Salon,” said Jana Shields, owner of JS. The Big Bend Hospice House aided her brother while he was sick by providing the equipment he needed and a pain management plan for his comfort. Because of Danielle knew the support and comfort they provided, she wanted to find a way immediately to give back to the nonprofit. her designated She immediately thought of her brother’s children and decided her charity for the designated charity for the event event would be would be the children’s programs at the Big Bend Hospice House. Her the children’s brother’s children were her biggest programs at motivating factor.

“I’m extremely glad my brother’s the Big Bend kids were able to share that Hospice House. experience. This opportunity couldn’t have come at a better time. It was able to bring all of our spirits up and give us something to look forward to,” said Danielle.

The night of the event Danielle wowed the crowd in a stunning, midnight blue floor-length gown adorned in jewels, by Narcissus.

Her auburn locks were fashioned into a bouncy bob, and she strutted down the runway like it was second nature.

“I really believe that my brother was with me that night. That was the only reason I had the confidence I did, because I was a nervous wreck,” she recalled. “It was definitely one of the most amazing, emotional experiences that I have ever had. I truly feel that this experience has been about my brother and not me, and that is what brings me joy.”

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»style A BETTER YOU

Summer Foot Care Pros Offers Suggestions for Keeping Your Tootsies Pretty — and Healthy

By K. Maxwell Greenwood

SUMMER STYLE ISN’T ONLY ABOUT how you dress; it means looking good from head to toe, and between June and August the “toe” part becomes particularly important. Chances are you’ll be spending a lot more time barefoot, which means you’re going to have to get your feet in tip-top shape: hangnails, callouses, heel spurs and foot odor are all out.

Fear not, though. Everyone’s feet are vulnerable to the many foot care challenges of the summer months. The most immediate way to get your feet looking good is a simple pedicure, says Tammy Nguyen, owner of Millennium Nail and Day Spa in Tallahassee.

“It’s a really easy way to take care of common problems like callouses,” Nguyen says. “Not to mention it’s actually really enjoyable and pretty affordable.”

With the hot, humid weather of the summer months comes a turn to open-air footwear, like sandals and flip-flops. However,

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»style A BETTER YOU

Amber Brogdon Photography

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these types of shoes bring with them an unfortunate side effect: dry, cracked heels. Nguyen says the exfoliating and moisturizing process of a pedicure is often the easiest way to remedy this condition. She suggests getting a monthly pedicure to keep your feet looking their best.

If a monthly trip to the spa isn’t for you, Nguyen says the best way to keep up your feet’s appearance at home is by using a pumice stone in the bath or shower to work away hard callouses and dry skin, and then applying a good-quality moisturizing lotion. “It’s a good technique for maintaining healthy-looking feet,” she says.

The warmer weather also warrants a move to brighter colors of toenail polish, such as light pinks and coral. Nguyen recommends high-quality polish brands like OPI, which offers a huge palette of seasonal colors.

But not all foot care challenges can be handled by a trip » BUY SHOES IN to the spa. That’s because the THE AFTERNOON. first step in making sure your Feet tend to swell feet look their best, is making throughout the day.

And buy athletic sure they feel their best. For shoes a half-size more severe foot conditions, an larger than your appointment with a podiatrist regular shoe size. may be in order. Dr. George The added stress of Merritt of Tallahassee Podiatry exercise will cause Associates says his most comincreased swelling. mon complaint year-round is »

IF FOOT PAIN IS heel pain, a complaint that tends PROLONGED, SEE to increase during the summer.

A PODIATRIST. “People use their feet more Most people ignore in the summer; they’re more foot problems, active,” Merritt says. “Combine making them worse that with the added tendency over time. to go barefoot, and heel pain » FEET AREN’T becomes even more likely. Feet MADE FOR HARD, aren’t made for hard manmade MANMADE surfaces, so it’s important that SURFACES, so you protect them.” even wearing a pair He says the best and easiest of slippers around the house can help way to take care of your feet is to prevent afflictions wear good shoes for every occasuch as heel pain. sion. Merritt also recommends using lotions and powders on » USE LOTION ON your feet at home to keep the DRY FEET at home to prevent painful skin looking and feeling healthy. cracking skin and “There are 206 bones in the other problems. Use human body and a quarter of powder for moist, them are in your feet,” Merritt sweaty feet to says. “They’re the foundation prevent them from for your body, and they’re going smelling. to be subjected to a lot of stress and pressure. People usually neglect them, but they’re incredibly important. You have to keep them healthy.” n

Tips from Podiatrist Dr. George Merritt

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1. BIG BEND HOSPICE SPRING FLING 2015: UNDER THE HOLLYWOOD MOON Benefitting Big Bend Hospice’s patient and family support programs — May 14, 2015, at Tallahassee Nurseries. Honor a loved one by purchasing a personalized Hollywood Walk of Fame star! You can celebrate your family, honor your sweetheart or remember a loved one with a Hollywood Walk of Fame star customized just for them! Proceeds from the sales will benefit Big Bend Hospice. Each star is a high quality 6 x 6 exact replica of the Hollywood Walk of Fame located in Hollywood, California.

Contact Connie Palmer or Leila McClure at 850.878.5310.

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Spring Gift Guide

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»style MIND AND BODY

Your Dirty Mouth Periodontal Disease Can Cause Health Problems Far Beyond Your Teeth

By Tony Bridges HERE’S SOMETHING TO CHEW ON: Federal researchers report that nearly half of adults over the age of 30 suffer some form of periodontal disease, often without even realizing it.

That’s problematic because periodontal disease has been linked to serious chronic conditions such as heart disease and diabetes. Oral health problems also have contributed to a significant increase in costly emergency room visits in Florida and across the country. And, in the worst cases, oral infections have even proved to be lethal.

This, at a time when fewer and fewer people are able to afford dental care, leading them to forgo regular checkups and necessary treatment for chronic infections.

“So many people have it and don’t know it,” said Dr. Walter Colon of Periodontal Associates of North Florida. “Periodontal disease is often a silent disease with no symptoms. By the time it starts hurting you, it’s too late, and you’re going to start losing teeth.”

So how does your oral health affect your entire body?

It begins with the gums. Periodontal disease is an infection of the gum and bones around the teeth that occurs when bacteria build up on the teeth and migrate to the gum, settling into pockets between gum and tooth. The bacteria then begin to spread.

These low-grade oral infections are surprisingly common. According to a 2010 report from the Centers for Disease Control, 47.2 percent of adults ages 30 and over have some form of periodontal disease. That number jumps to 70 percent for those over 65.

It’s more common in men than women, in those living below the poverty line and in those who smoke.

Unfortunate ly, many people with oral infections simply overlook them.

Colon says the signs are often subtle, the kind of

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thing only a dentist might pick up on during regular checkups.

Sometimes it isn’t even noticeable until a periodontist takes measurements of the pockets around the base of the teeth.

Even when periodontal disease does begin to show, people don’t realize that red gums, swelling and tenderness are signs of a problem. And bleeding? That’s infection, not just a warning that you might be brushing too hard, according to Colon.

That’s why it’s important to visit your dentist a minimum of twice a year — and as many as three to four times a year if you’re prone to heavy tartar build-up — for cleanings and check-ups, said Tallahassee dentist Dr. Russell Rainey.

He said the body recognizes even the early stages of gum disease as infection and begins fighting. Catching periodontal infections before they become too serious helps relieve the strain on your body’s immune system.

It can also help you avoid the knife.

“Detecting gum diease at an early stage is easy to treat nonsurgically,” Rainey said.

UNHEALTHY MOUTH, UNHEALTHY BODY

The untreated infections lead to chronic inflammation.

When the body detects an infection, inflammation sets in to immediately begin protecting and repairing tissue. Blood flow increases to the affected area, where white blood cells attempt to

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Periodontal disease can have a negative effect on your overall health, but there are ways prevent it.

All it takes are a few basic steps. » BRUSH YOUR TEETH at least

twice a day, or after each meal, using a soft-bristle toothbrush.

Brush your tongue, as well, to remove bacteria. Replace your toothbrush every three to four months.

» FLOSS THE SPACES

BETWEEN YOUR TEETH at least once a day. When you do it isn’t as important as being sure you do it. If you aren’t comfortable using dental floss, try a floss pick or a dental pick. Some discomfort is normal for the first week or so.

» USE MOUTHWASH DAILY to flush out bacteria. Avoid

mouthwashes that contain alcohol unless they are ADA-approved.

» STOP SMOKING. Smoking significantly increases the risk of

periodontal disease by interfering with the cells of gum tissue and bone, and by slowing the wound-healing process, creating opportunities for bacteria to flourish.

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TALLAHASSEEMAGAZINE.COM

includes plenty of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, dairy and lean meats. Avoid foods that contribute to dental problems such as crunchy, starchy items like potato chips, sticky candies and dried fruits, and too much citrus.

» SEE YOUR DENTIST for twice-yearly check-ups and see the periodontist for a full exam once a year

isolate and remove foreign bodies. The result is swelling, redness and pain.

That immune system response is healthy — at first. But chronic inflammation results when the infection is not properly treated, and, in effect, the body remains at constant war with itself as it tries to oust the infection.

Chronic inflammation has been linked to everything from cancer to atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries.

While there’s no solid proof that periodontal diseases can cause chronic health problems such as heart disease or diabetes, study after study has shown there are significant connections between oral health and those more serious health problems.

For example, a study reported by the National Institutes of Health found that “the higher the levels of … periodontal-diseasecausing bacteria, the more likely people were to have thicker carotid arteries.” Another report by the American Heart Association concluded that there is “a direct relationship between periodontal microbiology and subclinical atherosclerosis.”

According to Colon, there has been other research that indicates diabetics who treated their gum disease showed improvements in A1C levels — a measure of blood sugar control — and vice versa, that improved blood sugar control has a positive effect on existing gum disease.

GUM DISEASE COSTS

One intriguing study published in 2014 the American Journal of Preventive Medicine analyzed more than 330,000 medical insurance claims of people who had both periodontal disease and one of five other conditions: type 2 diabetes, coronary artery disease, cerebral vascular disease, rheumatoid arthritis or pregnancy.

Researchers discovered that those who sought treatment for their periodontal conditions ended up spending significantly less on treatment of their other conditions compared to those who did not. For example, type 2 diabetics who treated their gum disease spent 40 percent less on treatment for diabetic complications than diabetics who left oral infections untreated.

Dr. Sam Ashoo is the medical director for emergency services at Tallahassee Memorial Hospital. He notes that patients with serious oral infections often require much more aggressive treatment if they also have a chronic condition such as diabetes.

“Chances are much higher that you will require hospitalization,” he said.

Colon puts it like this: When you have periodontal disease and an uncontrolled chronic condition like heart disease or diabetes, they play off of each other to make the overall effect worse — a case where 2 plus 2 equals 6.

“They are communicating through a common topic, and that is inflammation,” he said. “It’s fuel for a fire.”

And periodontal disease isn’t just linked to the biggies, either.

People who experience frequent sinusitis might not actually have sinus problems so much as they do oral problems. Up to 40 percent of chronic maxillary sinus infections are actually caused by dental infections, according to researchers from the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.

FROM TOOTHACHE TO THE ER

Not only has periodontal disease been linked to other systemic health problems, but left untreated, it’s likely to lead straight to the emergency room. Especially for those who do not have insurance or a means to pay for dental care.

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»style MIND AND BODY

William Smith Vice President, Corporate & Professional Banking

Ashoo said he has seen a rise in dental-related ER visits over the past 10 years. There is a direct correlation between the decrease in dental services available to people without a means to pay and the increase in ER visits, he said.

He said the most common complaint of those visiting the ER for a dental problem is pain from an abscess. Abscesses are caused by periodontal disease, or by chipped, broken or decayed teeth that have not been repaired, often because of an inability to pay.

“That results in pretty significant problems that are dealt with in the emergency department,” Ashoo said.

A CDC survey of hospital emergency rooms nationwide found that the number of dental-related ER visits nearly doubled between 2000 and 2010. That amounted to 2.1 million dental emergencies in 2010, costing the health-care system more than $860 million.

In Florida, there were about 115,000 dental-related ER cases in 2010 for a cost of about $88 million. Taxpayers picked up the bill for about one-third of those visits, according to the report “A Costly Dental Destination,” by the Pew Center for the States.

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On rare occasions, even a last-minute trip to the ER can’t save someone with an untreated oral infection.

At least 66 patients hospitalized because of periapical abscesses died between 2000 and 2008, according to the Journal of Endodontics.

There have been some high-profile examples.

Last year, a 31-year-old man from Cincinnati ended up in the hospital when what he’d thought was a simple case of sinusitis turned out to be a dental infection that seriously damaged his heart. Doctors performed openheart surgery but were unable to Health insurance often save him. doesn’t cover the cost And, in 2007, a 12-year-old of dental care, and Maryland boy’s decayed tooth even dental insurance led to an infection that spread to usually means just a his brain. He spent six weeks in reduction in the cost. the hospital and had two operaFortunately, there are tions before he died from what options in Tallahassee had started as a toothache. for those who cannot Severe infections like those afford dental work. that can occur with dental More than 40 local dentists offer care abscesses sometimes cause septo uninsured and ticemia, in which bacteria enters low-income patients the bloodstream and spreads to through the nonprofit other parts of the body, includWe Care Network. To ing the heart and brain. This can qualify, patients must result in endocarditis in the heart be at or below 150 or an infection in the brain, both percent of the federal potentially fatal conditions. poverty guidelines, Children and those with comcannot be eligible for promised immune systems are other programs that will pay for dental particularly susceptible, Colon, care, and must be the periodontist, said. referred by a primary “Today, with antibiotics and care physician (such as regular care, nobody should go from a neighborhood through that,” he said. n

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ORIGINAL STYLE

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»style DÉCOR

Tile Style

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4. Encaustic Tile One of the newest tile trends stems from an old concept. Instead of being painted on the surface, the patterns of encaustic tiles are created using different colors of clay. Encaustic tiles are the focal point of this shower enclosure in a coastal home designed by architect/designer Tammy Massey.

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ORIGINAL STYLE

ORIGINAL STYLE

Designers are Using It in More Innovative Ways Than Ever Before GONE ARE THE DAYS when ceramic tile was relegated to kitchens and bathrooms. New tile designs and techniques are making tile such an accessible material you can easily use it in every room of your house.

One particularly ingenious idea is tile designed to look like hardwood flooring — it’s less expensive than using real hardwood and it’s water-resistant. Fear of water damage is one reason many Floridians hesitate to put luxurious wood floors in their homes. Now you can get the look without having to worry about spills or humidity.

Tile as wall decoration has long been a staple of kitchens and bathrooms; one example making a comeback is the colorful kitchen backsplash, a quick and easy way to add a pop of color to your cooking area.

However, for those renovators looking for a big change, there’s the option of putting tile on an entire wall. Don’t worry about this design making your bedroom look like a Roman bathhouse. Many designers are using textured tiles on walls. These look like burnished metal, fabric, brick or even natural rock and crystal formations, and give an exciting touch to any room without the expense and hassle of other materials.

If you’re going to pick one tile trend to watch, though, make it encaustic tile. Also called cement tile, this is tile whose colors were mixed in before it was put in the kiln, not afterward using paint. The technique, which hearkens back to the Middle Ages, prevents tile color from chipping or fading over time. // SHELBY BOUCK

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»style HABITAT

REAL ESTATE Revival Housing Market Continues Overall Recovery, With a Few Growing Pains By Audrey Post

TALLAHASSEE REAL ESTATE continues to rebound from the recession and accompanying This beautiful home on collapse of the housing market, with real estate Martin Hurst Road was a Gold Award winner for brokers and professionals in the construction Barton Construction in the trades hopeful the recovery will continue.

2014 Parade of Homes.

“I feel a lot better about it,” said Joan Raley, a Realtor involved in both real estate transactions and property management. “I look at the recession as starting in 2007.

Things started to turn five years later, in 2012, and then a little more in 2013.

Last year was when we saw things starting to take off.”

This year, family homes in the $150,000 to $250,000 price range are “moving nicely,” Raley said, with many sellers juggling multiple offers. The market for homes under $150,000 is also strong for both owner-occupied homes and investor purchases. “There’s a real need for mid-range family home rental property,” she said.

House sales have steadily increased over the past four years. Citing statistics from the Multiple Listing Service, CATRS Inc. and Timberlane Appraisal, Raley said there were 2,234 closed sales in 2011, 2,392 in 2012, 3,005 in 2013 and 3,175 in 2,014.

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SCOTT BROUWER

»style HABITAT

Other statistics showed “a 10 percent increase in sales from Jan. 15, 2014, to Jan. 14, 2015,” Raley said. “We have 6.8 months of supply of homes, or the average time to sell a house is 6.8 months. This time on the market was much higher during the recession.”

Joe Manausa, a local real estate investor and blogger who tracks real estate trends, concurred that the real estate market is rebounding. He said house sales were up 7 percent last year over 2013, with single-family home sales making their best showing since 2006.

“The Rebekah” by Foundation Prices also rose, he said, with single-family detached homes Homes was the Platinum/Best averaging $211,111. in Show winner in the 2014 New construction still lags, however.

Parade of Homes. Located on “One of 10 home sales is new construction, and the norm is the golf course in Southwood, 21 percent,” Manausa said. the four bedroom home feaNew construction will be the focus when the Tallahassee tured a custom media center, Builders Association sponsors its annual Parade of Homes thoughtfully designed kitchen and a media/bonus room. on two weekends in May. Larry Wayne Strickland of Capital

IF YOU GO

TALLAHASSEE BUILDERS ASSOCIATION PARADE OF HOMES MAY 9–10 AND MAY 16–17

There will be 18 newly constructed homes on the 2015 tour in 17 different communities, according to TBA Executive Officer Paul Thompson. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays and noon to 5 p.m. on Sundays. The Parade of Homes magazine, which offers descriptions of all the homes as well as maps, is available for free at all local Publix stores.

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»style HABITAT

SCOTT HOLSTEIN

City Builders, chairman of this year’s Parade, anticipates that about 20 houses will be on display this year, down slightly from last year.

Prices for houses in this year’s Parade range from a Premier Construction home for $275,000 to a $2 million home built by Ertl Custom Homes, Strickland said.

With the first weekend of the Parade including Mothers’ Day, Strickland said many people are looking instead of shopping.

“People take Mom out to look at the houses — I do it, too,” he said. “Those who are really interested in buying will come back the second weekend. A lot of the homes we had last year sold the second weekend.”

Electrical contractor David Perkins of Perkins Electric, sponsorship chairman of this year’s Parade of Homes, said one indicator of the improved situation is the increase in the amount of sponsorships.

“Builders have more money, so sponsorships are up,” he said.

The biggest challenge facing the new-construction industry is the paucity of lots available on which to build, he said. “Construction is good right now. It’s steady. But lots in the northeast are getting scarce. Welaunee subdivision is supposed to be ready (for building) this calendar year, and that’s about 1,500 lots. If Welaunee doesn’t come through, things could slow down.”

Even as new construction continues to rebound, Perkins said builders are still leery of “spec homes,” houses built in the hope that someone will buy them. Builders are sticking to building homes on contract.

Low interest rates have helped fuel the recovery. Thirtyyear mortgages with a one-point buy-down or less have hovered around 4 percent for the past five years, Raley said.

“That’s less than half of the 50-year average, which is 8½ percent,” Manausa said. “Right now, we’re at the high threes or low fours, and we’ll probably stay there for a while. When the interest rates return to normal, when they start to shoot up, we will see a slowdown in the market.”

Although things are getting better, they are not perfect.

Progress on one front can mean problems on another.

The explosion of apartment buildings and townhomes near the campuses of Florida State and Florida A&M universities as well as Tallahassee Community College has changed the appearance of the west side of town. Students who want the convenience of walking to class and university events are drawn to the new units with all the modern amenities. The growth of retail stores and restaurants, often located on the ground floor of residential buildings, increases the attraction.

So where are the tenants in these new units coming from? From townhomes and single-family houses primarily on the west side of town.

“The west side is awash with single-family homes and townhomes,” Manausa said. “There are 1,700 single-family homes on the west side that are no longer occupied by students.”

Manausa estimates that 4,500 units targeting students have been built in the area around Florida State in the past few years, with average occupancy for each unit at two or three tenants.

“These are more than apartments,” he said, “they’re communities.”

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The concentration of student housing near campus is in line with local govThese row houses on All ernment’s long-term plans to make the Saints Road are part of the revitalization going on city in general, and downtown and the around the campuses of campus areas in particular, more pedesFSU, FAMU and TCC. trian-friendly and less vehicle-dependent.

The glut of homes on the west side will mean some great bargains for savvy home buyers, and the cycle of real estate peaks and valleys indicates the area will rebound. But that’s not much comfort to landlords with vacant houses, or homeowners looking to sell and relocate.

“People want a house in the northeast part of town because of the location and the schools, but you can pick up a comparable house in the northwest for 50 cents on the dollar,” Manausa said. “Over time, this likely will create pressure to improve the schools and rejuvenate the west side.” n

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»style GARDENING

Despite its beauty, all parts of the oleander (above) are poisonous. “Leaves of three, let them be,” is the warning for poison ivy (below right), which can show up without being planted.

st, Ms. Grow-I t-A y Po ll dre Au

TOXIC PLANTS Keep Your Yard and Home Safe for Pets and Children by Avoiding Poisonous Flora

®

Ms. Grow-It-All

By Audrey Post Ms. Grow-It-All

®

®

Q: We want to do some major landscape renovations, and we want to make sure the plants we select are safe for our pets and our grandchildren. We’re really not sure which plants are poisonous, so we’d like some direction. Can you help?

A: It is possible to have a beautiful landscape without using poisonous

plants, and you’re wise to make sure your yard is safe. Little ones, both two-legged and four-legged, have a habit of putting things in their mouths.

Certain plants can cause allergic reactions in some people, but others are toxic and can cause serious problems. Never burn poisonous plants to get rid of them, because the smoke is toxic and breathing it can damage your lungs. The following list includes some of the most common landscape plants that are poisonous, but it’s by no means inclusive. If in doubt, check with your local county extension horticultural agent or your master gardener office.

The most poisonous plant I can think of is oleander, a beautiful ornamental shrub that is highly toxic. It’s beautiful, but all parts are deadly.

Poison ivy. Distinguish this plant from the similar Virginia creeper by the number of leaves.

Virginia creeper has five leaves; poison ivy has three.

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We’ve worked on just about every type of commercial project there is, including retail stores, office buildings, garages, entertainment centers, religious facilities, educational facilities, condominiums, institutional facilities, power houses, data centers, medical facilities, apartment complexes, hotels, restaurants and many more. We design them, staff them and deliver them with integrity and a firstclass commitment to quality. Team up with Lawson & Lawson for your next commercial electrical project, and let us prove how valuable our experience can be for you.

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Angel trumpet (Datura), a shrub with trumpet-shaped flowers.

All parts are poisonous.

American holly. The berries are toxic.

Common lantana. Unripe lantana berries are toxic, which is another reason not to plant this invasive exotic. Stick to modern hybrids.

Caladium leaves and stems, which contain oxalate crystals. They cause pain when chewed and vomiting when swallowed.

Foxglove, the source of natural digitalis. All parts are poisonous if swallowed.

Poinsettia and azalea can cause skin irritation and reaction, but neither is poisonous, contrary to myth.

Rhubarb. While the stems, when cooked, are tasty in a number of dishes, the leaves — raw or cooked — are poisonous.

Daphne. Its fragrant flowers belie the poi- Other plants on the watch list are (clockson in its berries. wise from top) calaCastor beans, which create beautiful vines, dium, angel trumpet are highly toxic. Yes, the beans are the source and the invasive of castor oil, but they’re poisonous in their common lantana. natural state.

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»style GARDENING

Belladonna (above) was rumored to be the favored poison of Roman murderesses; ingesting just a few of its berries can be fatal. Never fear, there are perfectly safe plants, including the geranium (below).

Some lilies, the Glory Lily in particular.

Belladonna, also known as deadly nightshade, lives up to its common name as both the leaves and berries are poisonous.

A number of plants commonly used as houseplants are also poisonous, including dieffenbachia (commonly known as dumb cane), philodendron, peace lily and pothos.

Philodendron selloum, the large split-leaf philodendron.

Carolina yellow Jessamine, a flowering, climbing vine.

Yellow Allamanda, another climbing vine that flowers.

Before you conclude that you can grow nothing but grass if you want to keep the kids and pets safe, take heart. There are some plants that are considered safe:

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African daisies Bird of paradise Boston fern Camellias Cast-iron plant Christmas cactus Fatsia Figs Geraniums Nasturtiums Orchids Roses Another way to make sure your plants are safe is to include a small vegetable patch in your landscape. Teaching your grandchildren about the joys of growing your own food is a valuable lesson for them, and a fun activity you can do together. n © 2015 Postscript Publishing, all rights reserved. Audrey Post is a certified Advanced Master Gardener volunteer with the University of Florida IFAS Extension in Leon County. Email her at Questions@MsGrowItAll. com or visit her website at www.msgrowitall.com. Ms. Grow-It-All® is a registered trademark of Postscript Publishing.

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works for me “It’s a great magazine — and just when you think it is perfect, they raise the bar again.”

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Benson’s Heating and Air Conditioning Inc. has been serving the community since 1981. For the past 10 of those years, they have chosen to advertise in Tallahassee Magazine because the people who read it are their customers and they want to be seen in the

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community. “Tallahassee Magazine is the best top-of-the-mind awareness you can buy in this area,” said owner Benson Green.

“People refer to our ads all the time because we are seen in our community alongside the utmost professionals.”

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»style GETAWAYS

Wholesome HOMELAND

DESTINATION: BRANSON MISSOURI ABOUT AN HOUR DRIVE (52 MILES) FROM SPRINGFIELDBRANSON NATIONAL AIRPORT

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RIDE THE DUCKS /MICHAEL BRANSCOM

The road curves, up and down through the limestone.

Gigantic mountains hover beside you, almost as if you’re slicing right through them with every glide of the next turn. Pine trees replace skyscrapers, and every passerby is a golden ticket away from stardom.

From cozy bed-and-breakfasts to impressive mountainside log cabins, your stay in Branson is guaranteed to be comfortable. I lodged at The Village at Indian Point in a five-person cabin nestled amongst the pine trees on a small lake. A full kitchen and living room really made it a home away from home. A large outdoor balcony overlooking the mountain with chairs for relaxing and a fire pit was an incredible addition; however, the Jacuzzi was my personal favorite touch. The cabin was located about 30 minutes away from all the hustle and bustle of the Branson strip, so it was very much a relaxing retreat.

A LITTLE HISTORY

Back in 1869, Henry T. Blow discovered a massive cave in Branson. Nearly 20 years later, another set of explorers entered the cave and thought it was filled with tons and tons of marble. After this initial discovery, people began to migrate to Branson to view this “marble cave,” and from all the activity emerged The Marble Cave Company.

Unfortunately, the company would later discover there was

SILVER DOLLAR CITY ATTRACTIONS

WE’VE ALL HEARD OF THE LAS VEGAS STRIP and its loud, flashy and sometimes racy shows. An exciting experience, but maybe not ideal for everyone, especially families. Now I want you to picture the excitement, talent and entertainment of the Vegas strip, but far from the Nevada desert and without the more tawdry aspects.

With bright lights and pure talent, tucked away in the mountains of Missouri is a booming natural-wonder tourist attraction — the city of Branson. On the fast track to becoming the entertainment capital of the Midwest, Branson is a hotbed for mature musicians, skilled craftsman and talented stage performers, all vying for your attention.

Flying from Tallahassee, you’ll land in Springfield, Missouri. It’s about an hour’s drive from Branson, so make sure you find some good music to listen to for your ride into town. If you consider yourself a scenic-route lover, you will enjoy just about every ride you take on this trip.

HAYGOOD FAMILY ENTERPRISES

SILVER DOLLAR CITY ATTRACTIONS

Prepare to be Amazed by Branson’s Natural Wonders and Out-of-This-World Entertainment By Chelsea Moore

Branson offers so much to do, including (facing page, left to right) the Silver Dollar City amusement park, musical shows and Duck tours. But the original attraction (this page) that still packs a lot of “wow” is the naturally formed Marvel Cave.

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no actual marble. No matter. People started to sojourn to the small town to experience the cave. Silver Dollar City purchased the cave another 50 years later and began offering guided tours for visitors, earning it a new name — Marvel Cave. This was the turning point of development and entertainment in Branson.

With more and more traffic coming through Branson, the city began to expand. The burg’s only attraction was the cave, and locals would stand aside its entrance to entertain the tourists in line.

This was the birth of the entertainment industry in Branson.

ON THE STRIP IN BRANSON

CLEAR ENTERTAINMENT AND MARKETING GROUP, LLC

»style GETAWAYS

HAYGOOD FAMILY ENTERPRISES

Fast-forward to today: Route 76 is a booming entertainment cornucopia.

Venues are packed next to each other, enormous show halls surrounded by all different types of exhibits, with flashing lights and marquee signs guiding you down the strip. There are 50-plus live shows and exhibits within a 5-mile radius. Route 76 is the new lifeline of fresh talent in the Midwest. It’s hard to believe all this is housed in such a small town, but here lies the mecca of Branson’s entertainment industry.

Within a 24-hour period, I was able to enjoy many different types of Branson entertainment. I started with a chilling exhibit of the Titanic with real artifacts, including actual life vests from survivors of the accident, and moved on to electric live-musical performances cast completely of family members. Another highlight was a duck boat tour through the Ozarks, a local area in Branson, and splashdown into the Ozarks River. The opportunities for fun and excitement are endless.

The spectrum of entertainment is immense, with shows from The New Shanghai Circus’ Acrobats of China, a high-flying Cirque du Soleil-style show, to a live game of “The Price is Right.” It’s easy to find something you’ll enjoy.

And this doesn’t even begin to cover the musical performances. Branson has a heart for country music. Missouri locals display their musical talents at some of their biggest shows: The Baldknobbers Jamboree Music Show, The Duttons and SIX. These shows run year-round, and in their busy season (March through December) will sell out. Luckily, I got to see SIX perform live. This six-man a cappella group uses nothing but their voices to create songs and music. They performed popular country songs and hits from the 1970s, ’80s and ’90s. The whole auditorium was singing along, a truly powerful musical experience.

Dubbed “An Orchestra of Human Voices,” SIX (above) combines the musical showmanship and boundless energy of six remarkable brothers.

The Haygoods (left), an award-winning, family musical entertainment group, consists of five spirited brothers and one vivacious sister.

Unlike any live shows or tours I’ve experienced before, Branson really made me feel at home. All the performers and guides make an effort to connect with you, and because of this you really feel connected to the city itself.

One show that resonated with me was The Haygoods. A live musical performance composed of five brothers and a sister, it features 15 different instruments and mind-blowing special effects and pyrotechnics. Their music style varied from traditional country, to rock, all the way to electronic. I was in no way expecting this — and when the show’s finale began, I was truly in disbelief.

When the show ended, their instruments lit up with neon lights and the pyrotechnics took off; lasers, fog, cannons shooting fire, LED fullbody light-up suits, the works! I forgot I was in Branson and felt like

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»style GETAWAYS

WANT TO GO?

SILVER DOLLAR CITY ATTRACTIONS

LODGING The Village at Indian Point thevillageatindianpoint.com

I was in Hollywood! You could feel the connection of the performers; they were so captivating, and you genuinely felt a part of the family.

BRANSON OFF THE STRIP

Silver Dollar City also hosts the Showboat Branson Belle, a 278-foot-long, 2.5-million-pound, 700-passenger riverboat. We got to enjoy our dinner and a show afloat the Ozarks River, aboard the Branson Belle.

During this season, they were showcasing the talents of the ShowMen and Janice Martin.

The ShowMen are a talented group of young men — and, might I say, easy on the eyes — performing Top 40 songs with lighting production that was out of this world. They were followed by Martin, the world’s only aerial violinist. I never thought I’d see the day when I witnessed a violinist perform upside-down from an aerial silk, but, hey, this is Branson!

For the long-awaited Marvel Cave tour, we ventured 300 feet below the surface, traveling a whopping 600 steps (yes, 600!) to enter the main area of the cave, The Cathedral Room. It was an incredible view.

Just to give you an idea of how large this room really is, to celebrate the cave’s birthday in 2010, Silver Dollar City inflated seven hot air balloons inside the cave. They had the capacity to fit 10 but didn’t want to endanger the wildlife.

The 200-foot-wide entrance of the cave is the only source of natural light. During the tour, the guides turned off all the installed lights to show how dark it naturally was on the inside, and it was delightfully terrifying. A solid stream of light shining through the roof of The Cathedral Room filled me with awe.

There’s something about being so far below the surface that inspires you — you realize how big and how small things really are. This was a compelling moment for me, and it’s something everyone should experience in his or her lifetime. It makes perfect sense now how this cave brought all that it did to Branson. n SILVER DOLLAR CITY ATTRACTIONS/MIKE WILLIAMS

Strap in and tighten up, because we’re going off the strip.

Outside the entertainment district is an entirely different side of Branson. I spent an early morning trekking out to the depths of the woods to zip through the treetops of the enormous pines at the Branson Zipline and Canopy Tours. Heights aren’t my favorite, but the tour is crafted to bond group members together to really make it an unforgettable experience.

My afternoon was spent at Branson’s most famous theme park, Silver Dollar City, home to The Marvel Cave. I was upside-down on all different types of rollercoasters and captivated by live showcases of different arts and crafts such as glass-blowing, candle dipping and farm-fresh cooking classes. Silver Dollar City is a must-see.

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Entertainment aboard the Showboat Branson Belle includes aerial violinist Janice Martin (left) and The ShowMen (below).

OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES Branson Zipline and Canopy Tours bransonzipline.com Ride the Ducks! bransonducks.com Marvel Cave & Silver Dollar City silverdollarcity.com Branson Belle Showboat showboatbransonbelle.com LIVE PERFORMANCES/ EXHIBITS The Haygoods thehaygoods.com SIX thesixshow.com Titanic–The World’s Largest Museum Attraction titanicbranson.com Acrobats of China featuring the New Shanghai Circus acrobatsofchina.com The Price is Right LIVE! andywilliamstheatre.com The Baldknobbers Jamboree Music Show baldknobbers.com The Duttons theduttons.com DINING The Keeter Center at The College of The Ozarks cofo.edu Black Oak Grill blackoakgrill.com The Floating Café indianpointmarina.com/cafe.php Level 2 Steakhouse level2steakhouse.com McFarlain’s Family Restaurant bransonimax.com Mel’s Hard Luck Diner melshardluckdiner.com White River Fish House restaurants.basspro.com/ WhiteRiverFishHouse

Experience Gadsden Arts Fine Art Exhibitions - c.1912 Bell & Bates Building Guided Tours (by appointment) - Original Gifts Master Artist Workshops - Fine Art Trips Art Camp and Classes - and more...

On View through June 20 American Society of Marine Artists Arthur Dillard: Days of our Lives Opening July 10 Suzanna Winton: Life in the South donalee pond-Koenig: Florida Flats (850) 875-4866 / www.gadsdenarts.org 13 N. Madison Street, Quincy, FL Far left: John Barber, Lorraine Rose, oil on canvas Left: Suzanna Winton, untitled, watercolor Sponsored by The Allison House Inn - Joel Sampson, Architect - Supporting Your Choices, Inc. Sponsored in part by the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs and the Florida Council on Arts and Culture.

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»feature DEAL ESTATE

GO TO TALLAHASSEEMAGAZINE.COM FOR UPDATED LISTINGS

IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD

The Neighborhoods of Myers Park

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SCOTT HOLSTEIN

IF YOU’RE LOOKING TO BUY A HOME in an area that’s both part of an insular, friendly community and close to downtown entertainment, look no further than the area around the city’s Myers Park. Although locals refer to homes as being “in Myers Park,” they are usually referring to the neighborhoods of Woodland Drives and Indianhead–Lehigh. There is no subdivision specifically named Myers Park.

Real estate broker Jacques Depart, a longtime resident of Woodland Drives who regularly sells property in the area, has seen a major change in the neighborhood in the past few years.

“At one point it was looked at as being just older people over there,” Depart says in reference to the Myers Park locale, “but in the last 10 or 15 years it’s really turned around and gotten new blood.” He cites the neighborhoods’ proximity to Florida State University and Florida A&M University as possible reasons for the injection of young people in recent years.

Because of the neighborhoods’ age, “it’s really diverse,” Depart continues. “You have a very good mix of people … not just one type. Newcomers, first-time home buyers and people downsizing.”

Woodland Drives and Indianhead–Lehigh have a number of good qualities: They’re both near Myers and Cascades parks, both are within walking distance of at least a dozen local restaurants, and a five-minute drive will get you from either of them to the shops at Governor’s Square Mall. However, what keeps many people around after they move into these neighborhoods might surprise you.

Homeowners’ associations are great for property values, but talk about them in some communities and you’ll get eye rolls, sighs and “friendly reminders” that it’s time to mow the lawn. Not so in Indianhead or Woodland Drives. The HOA’s in the Myers Park area have started a number of unique programs that build communities where everybody knows everybody’s name.

One such program in the Woodland Drives neighborhood is Women In The ’Hood, or WITH. The Woodland Drives Homeowners’ Association website describes the event as “something that our modern lives don’t nurture very much — interconnectedness as women in community.”

Once every six weeks to two months, a woman in the community opens her home to all the other women in the neighborhood — sometimes as many as 50 guests. (She doesn’t plan the shindig by herself, of course. The website recommends a group of three to six women assist the hostess in getting the word out, gathering food and drink for everyone, and setup and cleanup.) This is not a mandatory event. Any woman may choose to host or not, any woman may choose to attend or not, but best of all, every woman in the Woodland Drives area is automatically a part of this “hang-loose and welcoming group.”

Indianhead–Lehigh’s main event is an annual gathering called Nene Fest, named after the way the streets in the neighborhood are labeled.

SCOTT HOLSTEIN

Diversity Abounds in Woodland Drives and Indianhead–Lehigh By Shelby Bouck

“Nene” is the Seminole Indian word for street. This year’s Nene Fest goes live Convenience to downtown, Saturday, May 9, and, as in previous years, universities and the city’s will include a 5K Fun Run, live local music, recreational amenities are all contributing to the resurgence arts, crafts and kids’ activities. and diversity of the neighborThe real estate mogul’s mantra is “loca- hoods around Myers Park. tion, location, location.” Place might sell a property, but people make a community, and you won’t find people more dedicated to that purpose than the ones in Woodland Drives and Indianhead–Lehigh. n For more information, visit wooddrives.com (Woodland Drives) and ihlna. org (Indianhead–Lehigh).

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»feature DEAL ESTATE JUST LISTED

The two townhouse units are 1,944 square feet, each with four bedrooms, four bathrooms and a half-bath. They are intended to be singlefamily dwellings. The home is 1,970 square feet with four bedrooms and two bathrooms.

Each unit has a brick fireplace, which will come in handy to knock off the chill of a North Florida winter. The floors alternate between hardwood and tile from room to room. The kitchens boast polished wood cabinets and steel furnishings. Two additional rooms can be used as a dining room and living room. The many windows throughout allow warm sunshine to flow in at any time of the year.

The convenient location is less than three miles from the Capitol. This property is close to anything and everything in Tallahassee, including restaurants, shops, parks and major roadways. // REBECCA PADGETT

COURTESY REMACC

THIS PROPERTY IS UNIQUE because there is not just one place you could potentially call home, but three. The 1.1-acre lot on Fred Smith Road, located near the North Monroe Street interchange of Interstate 10, features a twostory duplex townhouse with two units and a separate house.

“The property consists of a newer duplex with four bedrooms on each side,” said listing agent Sonya Chapman. “With a rental of $1,500 per side, and a large home that leases at $1,250 per month, it’s a great investment property.”

The townhouse and the home are perched atop lush, green grass and surrounded by tall shade trees, providing the ideal North Florida atmosphere. The townhouse features Southernstyle columns and a plethora of windows. The house has a front porch, which would cater nicely to evenings spent in a rocking chair.

COURTESY REMACC

Three Homes, One Ideal Location

QUICK LOOK Address: 2530/2520 Fred Smith Road List Price: $320,000 Square Feet: 5,858 total Contact: Sonya Chapman or Jared Willis, REMACC LLC, (850) 309-7368

To Find the Right Realtor ... Just Look for a Sign. ®

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GO TO TALLAHASSEEMAGAZINE.COM FOR UPDATED LISTINGS

COURTESY THE NAUMANN GROUP REAL ESTATE INC.

JUST SOLD

The Picture-Perfect Home THE SEARCH FOR A HOME can prove to be difficult when you have a certain dream in mind … especially one featuring a Southern-style spacious home with porches, children frolicking on the lawn and dinners held around the dining room table. That dream recently came true for one local family when they were able to lease and then purchase their home at 3261 Carollton Drive.

This home is located in SouthWood, a popular development known for its sense of community and stunning surroundings. The home offers a gorgeous view overlooking a pond and greenspace. The well-maintained yard includes shrubbery and shade trees lining the property. Sitting porches are located at the front and QUICK LOOK back of the home, offering beautiAddress: 3261 Carollton Dr. ful views of nature from all angles.

The overall look of the home, List Price: $558,500 with snow-white paint, plantaSold Price: $525,000 tion-style shutters, sizable porches and multiple windows, makes Square Feet: 3,804 it a quintessential family home.

Bedrooms: 4 Spacious and well designed, it provides four bedrooms, three Bathrooms: 3 bathrooms, a kitchen, dining Contact: Josh Kasper, room, garage and attic space.

The Naumann Group Real Throughout the home are highvolume ceilings, track lighting, Estate Inc., (850) 528-1898 wood floors, beautiful case moldings, custom woodwork and a fireplace. The master suite boasts a substantial walk-in closet, a tranquil bath, a private office and a screened-in balcony. The kitchen is perfect for entertaining or nightly meals with the family because of the double ovens, granite countertops, wood cabinets and stainless steel appliances.

The home sold Dec. 29.

“The reason it was on the market so long was that it was a lease with the option to purchase,” said listing and selling agent Josh Kasper. “This unique deal was structured because the buyer and seller were willing to look and think outside the box to work the deal.”

The combination of an ideal location, a welcoming design and a space to make their own made this sale a perfect match for a family seeking their dream home. // REBECCA PADGETT

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Thinking about buying or selling?

THAT SECOND HOME

Tallahassee home sales are up, and so are prices.

COURTESY RESORTQUEST

Call or email me for my free report “How to sell your home for Top Dollar”

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Designed in a cottage style with all the comfort and privacy expected of a beach home, it allows for optimal relaxation. The home is being sold fully furnished in a classic Florida beach look. The sprawling floor plan is three stories of 10-foot ceilings and QUICK LOOK open space. The first floor includes Address: 5199 County a living room, dining room, kitchen and master suite with private bath.

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Bedrooms: 5 A private dune walkover and outdoor shower are added bonuses to Bathrooms: 3 your private beach experience. All of Realtor: Denise these amenities allow for sunset drink Stegner, ResortQuest, sipping, barbecues and days spent (850) 865-9301 enjoying the surf and sand. An abundance of bedrooms urges your guests to stay after a night of entertaining or a day in the sun.

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Welcome

IT’S JUST BUSINESS

TREY DESANTIS

▪ Which Wich Superior Sandwiches, an award-winning, national casual sandwich concept, opened in northeast Which Wich Tallahassee on March 9. The new shop is located near Village Square Boulevard next to Fresh Market on Thomasville Road.

▪ With an emphasis on utilizing organic ingredients, GrassLands Brewing Co. recently opened its first location in the artistic Gaines Street District.

Coming Soon and Under Construction ▪ Sage Restaurant at 3534 Maclay Blvd. is undergoing an expansion. Adding 3,000-plus square feet to its establishment, Sage will soon have 150 total seats available to patrons and a full bar. Construction is scheduled for completion early this summer.

▪ Tallahassee anxiously awaits the debut of The Edison in Cascades Park. Formerly slated

WHICH WICH

Recently Opened

for fall 2014, the restaurant has been rescheduled to open in July. The Edison is in the process of a multimillion-dollar construction overhaul that will transform the historic electrical building of yesteryear into a lively brewery and restaurant equipped with roughly 25,000 feet of indoor and outdoor space.

Centennial Bank announces the appointment of Trey DeSantis to our Northeast Florida Board of Directors. As an owner of TLG Real Estate Services and member of the bar association in Florida and Georgia, Trey’s extensive knowledge and fantastic business acumen make him a great fit for our bank.

Trey, we welcome you to the Centennial team!

▪ Blackwater Resources is continuing construction on The Centre of Tallahassee, formerly the Tallahassee Mall. A 95-acre, multi-phase redevelopment project located on North Monroe Street, the Centre is remaining open throughout the process. Once complete, it will house an expertly modernized indoor and outdoor mall experience as well as an open-air concert venue and urban park.

MY100BANK.COM

A Home BancShares Company (Nasdaq:HOMB)

Compiled by Chay D. Baxley

COURTESY THE EDISON

The Edison in Cascades Park

TALLAHASSEEMAGAZINE.COM May–June 2015

121

122 May–June 2015

TALLAHASSEEMAGAZINE.COM

Science and Shoe Leather Solve Many Years-Old Crimes, But Others Remain UNSOLVED

BY ROCHELLE KOFF

The whereabouts of Ali Gilmore have remained a mystery to investigators since she disappeared in early 2006.

Nine years ago, Ali Gilmore vanished.

The 30-year-old state Department of Health analyst, four months pregnant and separated from her husband, was last seen on Thursday night, Feb. 2, 2006. She had left her second job working part time at the Publix bakery on Apalachee Parkway and was heading to her home on Lorraine Court in southwest Tallahassee. She reportedly received a phone call at 12:48 a.m.

But Gilmore was never seen again.

“Where is Ali Gilmore?” her friends, family and coworkers ask on the website started after her disappearance, and maintained for years to honor her memory. It’s a question that remains unanswered.

Despite candlelight vigils, offers of large rewards, extensive searches and lots of publicity, investigators have yet to figure out what happened to Gilmore. Her story is one of the more well-known cold cases in Tallahassee, but there are many others plaguing law enforcement.

The Tallahassee Police Department has 58 cold cases in its files, with seven

involving missing persons. The National Missing and Unidentified Persons System database, or NamUS, has records of 914 missing persons statewide. And nationwide, there are as many as 90,000 missing person cases at any given time, according to NamUs. On TV, detectives need only an hour to crack a complicated crime. We, the public, want real investigators to mimic the fast-paced narrative in top cop shows and suspense thrillers. And when all else fails, we expect forensic scientists to rush in and save the day.

“It’s the ‘CSI’ effect,” said Karen Martin, chief of forensic services for the Florida Department of Law Enforcement’s Tallahassee Regional Operations Center. “Juries expect there to be scientific evidence for everything.”

Forensic advances have certainly given a major boost to modern crime fighters, along with expanded databases, greater weapons knowledge, digital evidence — even cell phone records and Internet searches.

TALLAHASSEEMAGAZINE.COM May–June 2015

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COLD CASES

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“IT’S THE ‘CSI’ EFFECT. JURIES EXPECT THERE TO BE SCIENTIFIC EVIDENCE FOR EVERYTHING.” DNA — deoxyribonucleic acid — is but one of many investigative tools, but it is a powerful one, Martin said. DNA is a molecule, a narrow strand containing stunning information — the genetic code that makes each person unique. It can be used to identify — or clear — a potential suspect.

Biological evidence from a crime scene can be compared to offender profiles in DNA databases. And crime scene evidence can also be linked to other crime scenes through DNA databases.

Clues can come from the swab of a mother’s cheek. Skin cells left behind on a piece of clothing. A pinhead-sized drop of blood. Maybe even a dog hair. More sensitive DNA procedures have made it more possible to identify the body of a victim or the profile of a killer.

Over the past 25 years, a significant advance in the field of DNA testing called short tandem repeats “is so discriminating and so sensitive it has greatly improved our ability to get a profile,” Martin said. There’s about a one in a quadrillion chance that another unrelated person has that same profile.

“It’s not even debatable that technology has made a difference,” said Thomas Blomberg, executive director of the Center for Criminology and Public Policy Research at Florida State University. “But all the technology does not replace a creative imagination by a police officer. There’s no substitute for a good, solid police investigation.”

But Blomberg knows the frustration of waiting for an investigation to be resolved. He was a friend and colleague

Just a cheek swab (facing page) can yield enough evidence to solve a crime, although it doesn’t happen nearly as quickly as people are led to believe in television shows, says Karen Martin (above), Florida’s real-life forensic scientist at the FDLE.

MATT BURKE

KAREN MARTIN, CHIEF OF FORENSIC SERVICES FOR THE FDLE TALLAHASSEE REGIONAL OPERATIONS CENTER

of FSU law professor Dan Markel, who was shot in the head at about 11 a.m. on July 18, 2014. He died the next day.

Markel was killed in the garage of his Betton Hills home, according to a police report. His keys were still inside his black Honda Accord.

“It’s a case that’s quickly becoming cold,” said Blomberg, who had dinner with Markel and a friend a month before the lawyer’s death. “What happened to this man? … No one deserves this.”

Markel’s murder is not classified as a cold case. It’s still an active investigation, so TPD is not releasing any more information about the crime.

In the Tallahassee Police Department, a case has to be dormant, without any leads or tips, for a year to be considered

a cold case. TPD assigns these unsolved crimes, including missing person cases, to its Major Case Assessment Team. The “team” is currently one homicide detective, a rotating position, who can also investigate current crimes.

“The officers at TPD wear many hats and assist each other on big cases,” said Tallahassee Police spokesman Dave Northway.

Even with manpower challenges, officers do return to these murder mysteries.

When TPD investigator Phil Hinds was assigned to the department’s cold case team in 2012, he wanted to review the file on Delia McMillan, a 75-year-old homeless woman found murdered and sexually assaulted on July 20, 2004. Her partially clad body had been discovered

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125

COLD CASES in the bushes near a transmission shop on West Tennessee Street.

“I knew she had been killed, but I never knew any of the circumstances,” said Hinds, who had talked with McMillan on the streets a few times when he was a patrol officer in northwest Tallahassee.

Hinds read the original file “cover to cover,” looking for new avenues to explore with a fresh perspective. As often happens in such successes, it was a perfect match of smart police work and science.

Hinds said he had a hunch, based on photos that showed a bucket of water next to McMillan’s body, presumably used to wash off any trace of DNA. “Her shirt was still wet, and it seemed like her upper body was all washed off.

But her denim jean shorts were down around her ankle and were not wet,” Hinds said.

He figured there might be DNA left on areas the assailant touched. And he knew more sensitive Touch DNA testing, not available when McMillan was killed, might be able to help.

Touch DNA enables labs to recover DNA from skin cells, even a small amount, left behind on clothes, a weapon or other objects. The FDLE analyst who originally tested the evidence was able to retest it and found DNA on the shorts’ waistband and inside pockets. The match led Hinds to Willie Watson, a 55-year-old man serving a life sentence for burglary and sexual battery in another case.

Hinds interviewed Watson in federal prison and got a new DNA sample.

Watson denied killing McMillan, but the DNA sample matched. Watson was convicted and given a concurrent life sentence.

In another whodunit, police work, forensics and an elusive fingerprint match helped Tallahassee police solve the murder of Melanie Smith. The 37-yearold clinical director for a telephone counseling and referral service was found strangled in her home in March 1998. Analysts had sent crime-scene fingerprints to databases nationwide without success.

Then, after more than two years, they got a break. An Ohio lab analyst matched the prints to Paul Haskell Spicher, an Ohio drifter already serving a life sentence in a Nevada prison for sexually assaulting a 12-year-old girl in Las Vegas. In 2001, Spicher pleaded guilty to Smith’s murder.

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With more emphasis on science, DNA testing can be time-consuming.

FDLE has six labs to do most of the forensic testing in the state. Only a few counties — Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, Pinellas and Indian River — have their own labs.

The Tallahassee-based FDLE DNA lab is responsible for testing all evidence samples from a region that spans 13 counties, including Leon County. The lab works 900 to 1,000 cases a year, but the amount of evidence can vary greatly, from one sample to hundreds in a complex case.

“Just think of the amount of evidence they have to go through,” said Shawn Yeo, TPD’s head of forensics and a former FDLE senior lab criminal analyst.

Forget the instant DNA matches on the crime procedural TV shows. FDLE’s goal is to complete DNA testing in 111 days, and the average turnaround time is 90 days, Martin said. Testing can be expedited in some circumstances, such as a court deadline or a crime endangering the community.

Yet cold cases are all about waiting for answers. For months, years, decades. For the family of James Norris, the wait was more than 36 years.

Rosemary Norris-Southward was 13 when she last saw her beloved big brother, an animal lover who taught classes in English as a Second Language.

“We had a special bond,” said NorrisSouthward, now 54. “I thought he was the biggest rock star on the planet.”

Her brother was a month shy of his 25th birthday when he left San Francisco for Florida in 1974. Norris sent his family in Fairfield, California, a postcard from the small Florida town of Inglis — and that was his last correspondence.

When Norris didn’t come home, his father hired a private investigator and his mother desperately queried his friends to learn the truth of her son’s trip. The family learned that Norris had collected $12,000 from friends to buy Colombian marijuana in Florida.

Rosemary Norris-Southward at the gravesite of her mother and her murdered brother (right).

“My mother’s ashes were sitting on a shelf for several years after her death in 2007,” she said.

“My sisters and I had talked about scattering them at the beach a few times but we never did it. After Jimmy was identified, it all of a sudden seemed perfect that we waited so that we could finally put Mom and Jimmy to rest together.”

Norris’ mother turned to Florida law enforcement agencies but didn’t get much response after they heard that her son was 24 and buying marijuana.

“Norris didn’t deserve to die,” said Mike Kennedy, special agent supervisor for the FDLE Tallahassee region’s violent crimes unit. “Both his parents died without knowing what happened to their son.”

In California, the Norris family had never given up their mission to find out what happened to James. Sister Norris-Southward launched a website, whokilledjamesnorris.com, with details of the family’s decades-long search.

She wrote on the website that her determination was fueled by “a picture in my mind of my brother’s bones packed into a box on a dusty shelf somewhere with a fading ‘John Doe’ label affixed.

The idea broke my heart.”

But that’s exactly what happened, Kennedy said.

About 18 months after Norris disappeared, a bulldozer operator came across bones as he was working in a rock pit area in Dixie County, the next county over from where his last postcard was mailed.

SAEEDEH POSEY, FDLE

COURTESY ROSEMARY NORRIS-SOUTHWARD

COURTESY ROSEMARY NORRIS-SOUTHWARD

James “Jimmy” Norris in 1972 (top left) when he was 22 years old. The FDLE put together a poster (bottom left) of Norris for a 2011 press conference. The poster’s top left photo was taken Oct. 2, 1974, the day before he left California to travel to Florida.

“It’s literally in the middle of nothing,” Kennedy said.

“At the time all we had were skeletal remains and nothing else to go on,” he said. The bones were sent to experts, even Smithsonian Institution researchers, but ultimately they were tagged and stored on an evidence shelf from 1976 until 2009.

A timeline shows how these cases evolve. A determined NorrisSouthward learned in 2004 that families of missing persons were able to submit swabs from their cheeks to the California Department of Justice’s Missing and Unidentified Persons Unit to develop a genetic profile for use in identifying remains.

Five years later, an FDLE agent reviewing cold cases wanted to see if advanced tests could summon DNA from old bones. In 2009, he sent an extraction from Norris’ bones to the prominent DNA program at the University of North Texas Center for Human Identification, experts in handling this “very expensive, very timeconsuming and specialized process,” Kennedy said.

A year and a half later, investigators finally got a DNA profile for their John Doe. They also knew they were searching for a Caucasian male in his mid-20s, about 5 feet, 10 inches, who disappeared in the mid-1970s.

In 2009, Kennedy searched NamUs, an online database used by law enforcement, medical examiners and the public to help solve cases involving missing and unidentified persons. That same year, Norris-Southward added her brother’s information to the database.

“It allows you to search by state and date,” Kennedy said. “And one name stuck out: James Norris.”

Kennedy, working with Dixie County Sheriff’s Major Scott Harden, searched the Internet and discovered the Norris website, pictures and a statement that a DNA profile was available.

The investigators obtained that profile and sent it to the University of North Texas for a comparison with the bone DNA. It was a match.

TALLAHASSEEMAGAZINE.COM May–June 2015

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The following are condensed versions of a sampling of cold cases profiled by the Tallahassee Police Department on its talgov.com website.

Anyone with information can contact Crime Stoppers at (888) 876-TIPS (8477) or call TPD’s Major Case Assessment Team at (850) 891-4462.

SEYMOUR RICE (no picture) Seymour Rice, 66, was found murdered by city workers inside a utility shed at the Old City Cemetery on May 13, 1991. He had recently been employed as a security

guard at the cemetery.

An investigation revealed Rice had been murdered in the evening hours of May 12, 1991, and may have had a confrontation with a suspect prior to his death while walking to work.

SYLVESTER DAVIS JR. Sylvester Davis Jr., 33, was found murdered in his home at 1521 Arnold St. on Oct. 26, 2005. A neighborhood canvass was conducted with limited success. Based on the condition of the scene and a subsequent investigation, it appeared the victim knew his assailant(s).

Davis’ last known contact was Oct. 25, sometime after 11 p.m., and his body was not discovered until the late afternoon the next day.

TONY PIERRELOUIS Tony Pierrelouis, 24, was shot to death near the Calypso Café located in the 1600 Block of Mill Street.

On April 16, 2005, at approximately 3:45 a.m., Pierrelouis was outside the club when witnesses indicated a vehicle pulled up in front of their vehicle. Pierrelouis exchanged words with a passenger in the vehicle and shots were fired.

Pierrelouis was struck, and he died from his wounds. Several people were outside the club at the time of the incident, but by the time officers arrived, most had left the scene.

128 May–June 2015

TALLAHASSEEMAGAZINE.COM

ALI GILMORE Ali I’isha Gilmore was reported missing on Feb. 6, 2006. Initial information revealed Gilmore was four months pregnant and that she and her husband were separated. She hadn’t been to work on the previous Friday or the following Monday, and no one had contact with her during the weekend.

The investigation showed the last contact Gilmore had was at 12:48 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 3, 2006.

ROGER PLEAUGH Roger Pleaugh, 45, was found at 448 W. Georgia St. on Nov. 13, 2005, and was transported to the hospital with head injuries. Pleaugh had a makeshift camp behind this location and told the responding officer that he had been drinking, was beaten up and had some items taken from him. He managed to crawl to the sidewalk and call for help. Pleaugh died eight days later. There were no known witnesses to the incident.

SONNYREY MUNOZ Sonnyrey Armendariz Munoz, 35, was found murdered in a room at the Lafayette Motel at 1525 W. Tennessee St. on July 12, 2001, by a cleaning person.

Munoz had recently been released from the Leon County Detention Center and was in the process of getting his life back in order. Munoz had contacted friends the evening before his body was discovered.

A canvass of the area revealed limited information.

CLYDE THOMAS Clyde Thomas, 63, was found murdered in his home at 2925 Mock Drive on Dec. 10, 2003.

Initial indications were that Thomas was a small-time drug dealer, but a neighborhood canvass revealed limited information. The murder occurred several hours before Thomas’ body was discovered.

JAMES BRANNER James Edwin Branner was found dead in a motel room at the Prince Murat Motel at 745 N. Monroe St. on July 2, 1996. Branner’s death was ruled a homicide based on evidence found at the scene.

Witnesses reported seeing the victim with a white male with long brown hair on the day before the discovery.

This person has yet to be identified. Branner was released from the jail shortly before his death, and his known acquaintances had been interviewed at the time of the initial report.

EARL ERVIN Earl D. Ervin, 55, was found murdered inside the Solid Waste Division facility at 2727 Municipal Way around 8 p.m. on Aug. 15, 1987.

No employees were working, but Ervin had phone contact with a supervisor in the early afternoon. The initial investigation revealed several persons of interest. A woman called 911 several days after the incident occurred who wished to remain anonymous, and she provided some information. It is believed she may have more information to provide; however, at the time of the investigation, she was never identified or interviewed.

DONALD WILLIAMS Donald Williams, 25, from Madison County, was found murdered in the carport of 702 Campbell St. by neighbors in the early-morning hours of Aug. 1, 1987. An initial investigation revealed Williams collapsed in the carport of the home, but the initial struggle with the assailant(s) occurred away from the house. The victim was reported to be a drug user who frequented areas where drugs were sold. Evidence recovered at the scene suggests a suspect was injured during the confrontation.

DOROTHY THOMAS Dorothy Thomas, 27, was an employee of Nu Way Cleaners at 633 W. Tennessee St. Between 9 and 10 a.m. on Sept.

6, 1957, a deliveryman discovered her body in the bathroom. She was the lone employee at work, and evidence suggests a customer had been in the business just prior to her death.

Thomas was apparently dragged from the front area of the business to the bathroom, where she was stabbed multiple times and died.

Evidence obtained at the scene and a subsequent investigation focused on a particular person who remains the primary suspect and is currently living in another state.

PHOTOS COURTESY CRIME STOPPERS

STILL UNSOLVED

COLD CASES It was her brother’s “beautiful bones,” Norris-Southward said, that enabled investigators to identify him and bring him home. Nearly 40 years after his disappearance, Norris was buried alongside his mother in California in 2011.

“It’s a constant struggle to be sure your loved one isn’t forgotten,” said Norris-Southward, a mother of two who now volunteers with the Fairfield Police Department to help with missing persons cases.

But the Norris case isn’t closed.

Kennedy said he and Harden are still investigating the oldest unsolved murder in Dixie County.

“We have persons of interest,” Kennedy said. “The suspects are still alive.”

Kennedy credits the family’s diligence, their website and the DNA profile as major reasons Norris was identified.

Bringing closure to families is important to officers working cold cases, said TPD’s Northway.

“These cases are very frustrating for us, and more so for the families,” he said.

The late Leon County Sheriff Larry Campbell was long frustrated by the still-unsolved murder of Robert Sims, his wife, Helen, and his daughter, Joy, 12, in the Parkside neighborhood on Oct. 22, 1966.

The murder of the Sims family occurred while many families were watching Florida State University’s football team play Mississippi State University, and it’s been said many times that Tallahassee lost its small-town innocence that night.

“After this, people were locking their doors, buying guns, getting locks changed, being suspicious of their neighbors,” said Henry Cabbage, a retired state fish and wildlife commission spokesman who has worked on a book about the murders.

Campbell, who was heading to his 25thbirthday party when he was sent to the crime scene, never gave up his mission to solve the cold case.

In 1997, Campbell told Tallahassee Magazine’s Kathy Grobe: “I can see Joy’s eyes as clear today as I could on Oct. 22, 1966. … I want to solve this case before I die, there’s no question about that.”

Campbell died Dec. 24 without making an arrest, but he said that he had two suspects, a man and a woman.

Cabbage sued for police records that included videos made in 1987 showing Campbell and another deputy interrogating the woman he called a “suspect.” The woman was living in Jacksonville and her ex-husband was the other suspect, who had lived near the Sims family in his youth. She made several disturbing comments but backed off when Campbell said he couldn’t offer her immunity.

“He didn’t want to arrest someone who was going to get off and risk double jeopardy,” Cabbage said.

leads and you haven’t been able to solve it, we call that a cold case.”

But occasionally, officers get a break.

Lessie Harris, 39, was found stabbed to death in her Poinsettia Avenue home in 1996. It took eight years, diligent police work, technology and a phone call to get a lead. In 2004, the sheriff’s office received a call from an Atlanta federal inmate who informed on a man named John Turner.

Concerned about a prisoner’s credibility, Tyson worked to put Turner at the scene.

“It took a year to solve it,” he said.

“WHEN YOU’VE EXHAUSTED ALL YOUR LEADS AND YOU HAVEN’T BEEN ABLE TO SOLVE IT, WE CALL THAT A COLD CASE.” SGT. JAMES TYSON, HEAD OF THE LEON COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE’S VIOLENT CRIME UNIT

“We’re not giving up on the case,” said Sgt. James Tyson, head of the Leon County Sheriff’s Office’s Violent Crime Unit.

Another crime stumping sheriff’s investigators is the murder of Barney Taylor, the 68-year-old owner of Tallahassee Roofing Co. Deputies believe Taylor was robbed and shot at about 7 a.m. on Sept. 21, 2007, before anyone else showed up for work.

While it’s considered a cold case, Sgt. James Tyson said it’s one of 18 unsolved homicides still actively being investigated.

Solving these cases, he said, involves nailing down the “who, what, where, why, when and how. Sometimes you just don’t know the who.

“You follow all your evidence and see where that takes you. You follow all your witnesses and see where that takes you.

You follow what the scene tells you, whatever the body tells you. You look at the totality of all the circumstances,” Tyson said. “When you’ve exhausted all your

Tyson resubmitted evidence to the FDLE lab and this time, Turner’s DNA was found. He was convicted and sentenced to life in prison.

“The suspect in my case was never named in the original investigation,” Tyson said. “They were focused on someone else. You don’t put opinions in a report, so it helps to have a fresh set of eyes looking at the facts.”

The family and friends of Ali Gilmore have been waiting for a break since her disappearance in 2006.

“Regardless of the situation, Ali’s family and friends need to have closure,” her sister Bettye Knighton wrote in a website message.

It’s a sentiment that resonates with Norris-Southward.

“For a person to be there one moment and then just vanish without knowing what happened,” she said, “that’s a special kind of hell.” n

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Charting a

COURSE

The Apalachicola Maritime Museum Works Hard to Provide a ‘Franklin County-Friendly’ Industry By Jason Dehart // Photos by Matt Burke ONCE UPON A TIME, THE POWERFUL SPLASHING BLADES OF elegant wooden steamboats churned the waters of the Apalachicola and Chattahoochee rivers. The steamboat era, so vital to early commerce, ran for a century from 1827 to 1927. But these weren’t the only boats that would have been familiar to the dockworkers and merchants in Apalachicola. Sleek sailing ships of various shapes and sizes, capable of carrying tons of precious cargo, plied the waters of the northern Gulf of Mexico and opened trade to far-off ports.

Today, thanks to the hard work and dedication of a small army of craftsmen, historians, machinists and other enthusiasts, the maritime heritage of this laid-back tourism destination is coming back strong. The Apalachicola Maritime Museum’s mission celebrates and preserves this rich history with regular sailing cruises in Apalachicola Bay aboard the aptly named Heritage, a 58-foot wooden ketch purchased by the museum in 2007; boatbuilding classes for young and old; ecotourism excursions; and ecosystem stewardship education throughout the ApalachicolaChattahoochee-Flint River System.

The museum’s sailing program will be expanded to include the resumption of trips aboard the Heritage that will be open to the

public and a sail training program based on the American Sailing Academy guidelines, said George Floyd, museum chairman. The Heritage can accommodate up to 20 passengers.

As important as that mission is, there is an ancillary benefit that local officials are counting on being just as successful. The hope is that the museum will continue to provide a much-needed longterm boost to the local economy. To date, more than 11,000 people have ventured along on the museum’s many educational excursions, and that number is expected to grow.

“Most recently, both (Franklin County and Apalachicola) have transitioned into major destinations for visitors,” said Curt Blair of the Franklin County Tourist Development Council. “The Apalachicola Maritime Museum is a cornerstone for the city’s tourism economic engine. For over 100 years, the county’s future has been connected to the maritime industry. The museum’s role in chronicling those transitions and laying a pathway to the future has been a critical element in the vibrancy of our economic evolution.”

GEORGE FLOYD

THE JEAN MARY/SAMUEL FLOYD

The Samuel Floyd (above) begins sea trials as it nears completion in Jacksonville. After more than two years of extensive renovation, the 86-foot paddlewheeler is set to become the centerpiece attraction of the Apalachicola Maritime Museum (facing page).

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Perhaps the most ambitious project to date for the owners and directors of the Apalachicola Maritime Museum is the renovation of the Jean Mary, an 86-foot-long replica paddlewheel boat that will “capture the beauty and romance” of the bygone era of steamboats. The boat was donated by legendary actress Debbie Reynolds, the vessel’s most recent former owner, after it sank in 2008. Reynolds gave the ship to the museum in hopes that it could be restored to its former splendor, according to Floyd.

The extensive restoration work began in a Jacksonville shipyard in September 2012. More than two years later, renovations were nearing completion, Floyd said.

“This magnificent vessel will soon be at her new home port at the Maritime Museum docks, where she will restore paddlewheel transportation to the area for the first time since the 1930s,” he said.

By September 2014, more than 90,000 man-hours of crew and volunteer time had been applied in this enormous endeavor. The vessel was launched on Nov. 4, 2014, and in January had paddled up the St. Johns River to a marina in Green Gove Springs, where it will undergo final renovations and sea trials.

The restoration funds come from a foundation Floyd established in 2007. The repair work exceeded $1.2 million in 2013, Floyd said, and delays from bad weather and illness hampered progress, but the plans remain the same.

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forgotten coast

“While way over and way beyond expected delivery time, we expect the wait will be worth it,” he said.

Once ready to go, plans call for the Jean Mary to make an 800-mile voyage to Apalachicola by a circuitous route around Florida’s peninsula. She will travel down the waterways of Florida’s east coast, cut across the state along the Okeechobee Waterway, paddle north along the west coast, then make an open-water transit from Tarpon Springs.

Once docked at the museum in Apalachicola, it will be rechristened the Samuel Floyd. Samuel was a successful entrepreneur of maritime trade on the Apalachicola River in the 1840s and is George Floyd’s great-great-grandfather.

Once a part of the museum’s fleet, it will carry up to 12 passengers on short cruises around the local bays, rivers and barrier islands, including trips to St. Vincent, Little St. George and Ballast Cove on Dog Island, and other local points of interest.

Longer cruises up to Columbus, Georgia, will also be offered that ought to give guests a taste of oldtime steamboat travel.

“The restored paddlewheel boat is very exciting and will be a unique offering to those who want a true river experience,” said Franklin County Commissioner Pinki Jackel. “I’m looking forward to taking the trip and stepping back in time to when things were a lot more slow-paced.”

LOCATION, LOCATION

The Apalachicola Maritime Museum actually has two locations, one in Apalachicola and another set to open in the near future in the city of Chattahoochee. The Chattahoochee facility is still under development and is located just below the Lake Seminole dam where the Apalachicola River begins. Back in the mid-1800s, this particular property was a riverboat landing and comes with a 20-acre island below the railroad bridge. The site being developed now will feature a 120-acre campus with a museum, a renovated historic commercial building, riverboat remains, springs and a live music venue.

“This will become a port for the paddlewheel vessel and a launch point for downriver paddle excursions,” Floyd said, noting that it will be the perfect place for the protection and preservation of historical, environmental, ecological and archaeological treasures.

ROW YOUR OWN BOAT

If you’ve ever wanted to try your hand at constructing your own wooden boat, the Apalachicola Maritime Museum now gives anyone the chance through its new wooden boat school, which teaches students how to build small vessels like a canoe, kayak, stand-up paddleboard or Passagemaker dinghy. In time, the school might also feature a wider spectrum of larger boat projects, such as commercial fishing boats and paddlewheelers like the ones of the 19th century.

There’s also the possibility that high-end yacht building and renovation work can be done in Apalachicola in the future.

Jackel, the Franklin County commissioner, is an enthusiastic supporter of George Floyd (above) the museum’s mission and the vital role relaxes aboard the Heritage.

Members of a boat-building it’s playing in the local economy.

“The Maritime Museum focuses class (facing page) learn on the historic and current role boat- the time-honored skills and techniques used by their ing, boat design and the commerce of forefathers to build seathe Apalachicola River played in the going vessels. community and economy of Franklin County,” she said. “The setting and the facility is an incredible tribute to life years ago on the water and to the art of boat crafting. Though it is a museum, the art of boat making and classic boat construction is alive and well, but only in a few locations in the world. So, from that standpoint, as a commissioner I would love to see this enterprise continue to grow and thrive, because it is bringing much-needed jobs to Franklin County.”

Overall, the museum’s projects and vision are what Jackel describes as “Franklin County-friendly.”

“It means treasuring our natural environment, understanding the rich tradition of the river and the bay and the very important role it continues to play in our community,” she said. “These are great opportunities for folks to experience history firsthand in a very fun way. Imagine floating along the great river, on a luxurious paddlewheel boat, music playing and a tall glass of sweet iced tea. Well, it just doesn’t get any better than that in the South.” n

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forgotten coast

Forgotten Coast Events May–December 2015 April 1–July 30

Mexico Beach Photography Contest Take a photo — black and white or color, film or digital, not digitally enhanced — within the city limits of Mexico Beach and submit it to the Welcome Center for a chance to win a prize. (888) 723-2546

May 1–11

America’s Great Plein-Air Paint-Out Each year, painters from Alligator Point to Mexico Beach paint on the beach in this 11-day invitational. The 10th anniversary of this event features workshops, exhibits and a student art day. Paintings are available for purchase over the phone.

(800) 378-8419, pleinairfl.com

are invited to a cookout where officials will weigh the fish and give out first-, second-, third- and fourth-place prizes for every major species. (850) 670-8808

June 13

St. George Island Mullet Toss Lob a mullet as far as you can in this annual contest benefiting Apalachicola Bay Charter School, and you might just win a prize. (850) 927-2987, blueparrotsgi.com

and men’s categories, as well as a $5,000 grand prize. (850) 697-8400

live music only add to the fun. Eat, drink, be merry and support the Apalachicola Riverkeeper! (850) 653-2211, apalachoktoberfest.com

Sept. 11–12

Florida Scallop and Music Festival Every year, scallop lovers descend on this Port St. Joe festival to enjoy its arts and crafts tables, education exhibits, live music, kid zone and endless savory scallops.

(850) 227-1223, scallopfest.com

Oct. 24

St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge Monarch Butterfly Festival A sunny, warm day with little wind is the best time to see migrating monarch butterflies fill the refuge. Helpful tip for observers: The butterflies usually congregate around the old lighthouse. (850) 925-6121

Nov. 6–7

Florida Seafood Festival Visit Florida’s oldest maritime event at Battery Park in Apalachicola for seafood, arts and crafts, live music, an oyster shucking contest and a blue crab race.

Admission is free on Friday. Kids under 12 get in free on Saturday; 12 and up $5. floridaseafoodfestival.com

May 2

COURTESY BIG BEND SALTWATER CLASSIC

Panacea Blue Crab Festival Watch the parade down U.S. Highway 98 and then head to Woolley Park for a day of crustacean fun. Live music, dance performances, historic demonstrations, arts and crafts, and food vendors come from all over the Forgotten Coast. Be sure to stop by the Crab Pickin’ Contest and the Mullet Toss! Kids under 12 get in free; 12 and older, $3. (850) 984-2722, bluecrabfest.com

May 2

23rd Annual Historic Apalachicola Home & Garden Tour Admire this town’s beauty on a self-guided walking tour of eight homes and two gardens. Hosts will be at every site to answer questions.

Lunch and a silent auction take place after the tour. Advance tickets are $20, and $25 the day of the event. (850) 653-9550, apalachicolahistorichometour.org

May 15–17

Forgotten Coast Paddle Jam Canoe, kayak and stand-up paddleboard aficionados can’t miss this event. This year, the Paddle Jam will make a second attempt to beat the Guinness World Record for largest floating kayak raft.

Onshore, live music, food vendors, local artists and crafters and aquatic outfitters will entertain festival-goers who prefer to stay dry. paddle2love.com

May 16

Tupelo Honey Festival Buzz over to Wewahitchka for the day to taste local honey, watch the Miss Tupelo Pageant and participate in a 5K benefiting Project Graduation. tupelohoneyfestival.com

June 6

Fisherman’s Choice Kids’ Fishing Tournament Kids ages 16 and under can participate in this salt and freshwater tournament in Eastpoint. All participants

June 19–21

Big Bend Saltwater Classic This fishing tournament, awarding a total of $75,000 in prizes, might just be the perfect Father’s Day activity.

(850) 216-2272, saltwaterclassic.com

July 3

Historic Apalachicola Independence Day Celebration and Fireworks Start your Independence Day celebration early with the Red, White and Blue Parade, culminating in an ice cream social and famous fireworks show at Riverfront Park.

(850) 899-8689

July 4

Sopchoppy Fourth of July Celebration View fireworks at Myron B. Hodge Park after a long day of parade watching, arts and crafts, kids’ activities and live music. (850) 962-4611

July 4

Sept. 12

Beach Blast Triathlon and Duathlon Choose to compete in Sprint or Olympic categories in these races, which both start at Beacon Hill Park in Mexico Beach. beachblasttriathlon.com

Sept. 19

Florida Lighthouse Day at St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge This is the only day of the year that the St. Marks Lighthouse’s tower and keeper house are open for tours. (850) 925-6121

Oct. 24

St. Marks Stone Crab Festival Last year, 12,000 people visited St. Marks for fresh-from-the-Gulf stone crabs, live music, and arts and crafts to take home from this special festival. stmarksstonecrabfest.com

Oct. 10

Best Blast on the Beach Mexico Beach recognizes Independence Day with a 5K run, a kids’ fishing tournament and seaside fireworks. (888) 723-2546

Apalachicola Riverfront Film Festival Local and international independent filmmakers showcase their work under the stars. apalachriverfilm.com

Aug. 1–2

Oct. 11

C-Quarters Marina Kingfish Shootout Motor over to Carrabelle and drop a line for a shot at cash prizes in youth, women’s

Nov. 27–28

Apalachicola Christmas Celebration Each year on the day after Thanksgiving, Santa arrives in Apalachicola on a shrimp boat. To commemorate this special occasion, local merchants stay open late and carolers sing in the streets. On Saturday, Santa stays around long enough to take pictures with local pets before getting back to the North Pole.

(850) 653-9419

Dec. 4

St. George Island Lighting of the Palms and Jingle Jog This annual holiday celebration lights up St. George Island’s beautiful palm trees like the North Pole itself. Jingle Jog 1-mile fun run, hot chocolate and visits with Santa are part of the festivities, too. (850) 927-7745

Dec. 11–13

Annual St. Joe Bay Golf Course Christmas Bazaar and Jingle Bell Golf Tournament Purchase handmade arts and crafts at the bazaar or try your hand on the green. There is a $45 tournament entry fee for members and a $55 fee for non-members; you can deduct $10 from that fee by donating a new toy. All proceeds from this event go to Children’s Christmas Wishes, a program sponsored by the Gulf County Sheriff’s Department. (850) 229-7199

Dec. 31–Jan. 1

Second Annual Apalach Oktoberfest Great beer is, of course, the focus of this event, but the bratwurst and

Celebrate Twice Take advantage of the two time zones on the Forgotten Coast by having an extra-long New Year’s Eve party. The festivities begin in Eastern Time in Port St. Joe and then, using free transportation, move to Central Time in Mexico Beach. celebratetwice.com n

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VISIT THE

Forgotten Coast PLAY • SHOP • DINE • STAY

S

ummer is almost here, and the Forgotten Coast has a lot to offer anyone who just wants to escape city life for a day, a weekend or longer. Along the bays, beaches and byways there are many opportunities to slow down and take it easy. While there, we recommend visiting the following locations:

ATTRACTION 1

GULF SPECIMEN AQUARIUM

A unique experience to get up close with sharks, sea turtles, starfish, octopus and other sea life from the Gulf of Mexico. One of the largest touch tanks exhibits in the U.S. (850) 984-5297 gulfspecimen.org 222 Clark Dr., Panacea

MEXICO BEACH

St. Joseph Bay St. Joseph Peninsula State Park

DINING 4

HOLE IN THE WALL

Seafood market and raw bar. Family owned and operated. Serving fresh locally caught seafood.

Open Tuesday through Saturday.

PORT ST. JOE

Cape San Blas San Blas Bay

(850) 653-3222 23 Avenue D, Apalachicola

SHOPPING 2

T-N-T HIDE-A-WAY

Kayak, canoe and paddleboard rentals. Open 7 days a week. Located on the Wakulla River.

(850) 925-6412 | tnthideaway.com 6527 Coastal Hwy., Crawfordville

5

A distinctive upscale atmosphere for the 21+ crowd with quiet dining, extensive martini and wine lists, signature cocktails and a variety of bottled craft beers.

(850) 653-4888 upthestairsfl.com 76 Market St., Suite F, Apalachicola

DINING 3

CJ’S GRILLE

(850) 697-5151 1637 Hwy. 98 W., Carrabelle 136 May–June 2015

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7

GO FISH CLOTHING & JEWELRY

We offer unique, handcrafted items by talented artisans from developing nations.

Support those who are less fortunate by purchasing a few of their creations.

(850) 653-1333 shopgofish.com 25 Avenue D, Apalachicola

CRUM’S MINI MALL

One-stop shopping for all of your coastal needs. Extensive tackle and bait selection. Ice, snacks, drinks, beach supplies and clothing.

(850) 984-5501 | crumsminimall.com 1321 Coastal Hwy., Panacea

SHOPPING

6

You’ll love our homey atmosphere, Southern hospitality and delicious food, featuring hand-cut steaks, juicy Phillys, fresh seafood, the best burgers around and much more!

UP THE STAIRS

8

ISLAND OUTFITTERS

Hobie authorized dealer. Kayaks and Paddleboards — sales and rentals. Pro tackle shop, charters, outdoor apparel, footwear, jewelry, art and much more!

(850) 927-2604 235 E. Gulf Beach Dr., St. George Island

CRAWFORDVILLE 2

1

7 11

PANACEA

6

9

5

ALLIGATOR POINT

CARRABELLE 3

12a

Dog Island

EASTPOINT

TALLAHASSEE

APALACHICOLA Apalachicola Bay 12b St. Vincent Island

Apalachee Bay

BALD POINT

LANARK VILLAGE 10

4

LIVE OAK POINT

8

St. George Island

Bob Sikes Cut

Cape St. George

SUPPLIES 10

LANARK MARKET

Fuel, boat fuel, ice, bait, beer, drinks and snacks. Outdoor patio, bathroom and showers.

DRIVING DIRECTIONS FROM TALLAHASSEE Head south on South Monroe Street toward Apalachee Parkway. Turn right onto East Orange Avenue, then take the first left onto South Adams Street and continue onto Crawfordville Road. Turn right onto US-319 South and continue for about 50 miles.

(850) 697-2211 2348 Hwy. 98 E., Lanark

SHOPPING 9

THE TIN SHED

The best nautical and maritime collection east of the Mississippi.

(850) 653-3635 | tinshednautical.com 170 Water St., Historic Apalachicola

VACATION RENTAL 11

MIKE’S MARINE SUPPLY

Providing all your boating needs for over 40 years. Full line of aluminum and pontoon boats, as well as inshore and offshore boats.

Full service center.

(850) 984-5637 mikesmarineflorida.com 1296 Coastal Hwy., Panacea

12

SUNCOAST VACATION RENTALS

We’ll save you a spot on the beach! Offering family-friendly beach vacations and romantic coastal getaways for 35+ years.

Call or visit us online!

(800) 341-2021 uncommonflorida.com 84 Water St., Apalachicola 224 Franklin Blvd., St. George Island TALLAHASSEEMAGAZINE.COM May–June 2015

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SPONSORED REPORT

Turner’s Fine Furniture located just 10 minutes north of Chiles High School

On Apalachee Pkwy and 10 minutes north of Chiles High School

High School, the stores have received tremendous support from the Tallahassee area and surrounding communities. As a result, Turner’s expanded again in 2014 with the opening of Turner’s Budget Furni-

find the latest styles accessorized and displayed in complete room settings, making it easy to imagine how it will look in their home. Plus, most items are in stock and ready for immediate delivery. Turner’s Fine Furniture also offers a complimentary, in-home design service to help customers create the home of their dreams.

The Turner family is proud to have maintained the same core values the company was founded on in 1915. Their top priority continues to be offering the best quality furniture at the lowest possible price and offering exceptional customer service at their 10

bedrooms and dining rooms — customers always

tional details, visit turnerfurniture.com.

TURNER FURNITURE COMPANY CELEBRATES 100-YEAR ANNIVERSARY

MW

Turner started Turner Furniture Company in the small town of Pelham, Georgia. What began as a hardware store in 1915 has evolved into a 10-store operation.

Today, Turner Furniture is in its fourth generation of ownership and serves South Georgia and North Florida with four Turner’s Fine Furniture locations and six Turner’s Budget Furniture locations.

Turner Furniture has remained strong and able to expand to new markets because of the support from each community it serves. In 2010, Turner’s Fine Furniture and Turner’s Budget Furniture stores were built on the same property in Beachton, Georgia. Located just 10 miles north of Chiles

Fortson & Austin Turner, 4th Generation Owners

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ture on Apalachee Parkway in Tallahassee.

While Turner’s Fine Furniture offered top-quality furniture at the lowest price, the word “fine” has occasionally led to the perception that the store is more expensive. In order to broaden their market and appeal to more people, the decision was made to open a bare-bones, no frills operation with lower priced furniture from manufacturers different than the ones for which Turner’s Fine Furniture is best known. In 1991, the first Turner’s Budget Furniture opened in Valdosta, Georgia. The positive response led to the opening of Turner’s Budget Furniture locations in Tifton, Albany, Moultrie, Beachton and Tallahassee.

At Turner’s Fine Furniture, shoppers find the largest selection of quality furniture and mattresses from top manufacturers, including Bernhardt, Broyhill, La-Z-Boy, Paula Deen, Serta, Tempur-Pedic and more. From fabric and leather sofas to recliners,

locations.

“Our great-grandfather would be very proud of the way Turner’s operates today,” said Fortson Turner, fourth generation owner of Turner Furniture. “We are grateful to our loyal customers and communities for allowing us to grow and expand for the past 100 years. Without you, we would not be where we are today.”

To celebrate their 100th anniversary, Turner’s is giving away $100,000 in free furniture and donating $100,000 to qualified local charities this year.

Monthly drawings will be held now through December 2015 with 28 individual winners each month. The winners will be given the opportunity to designate a local charity to receive a matching donation from Turner’s. Each month, $10,000 in free furniture will be given away to individuals and $10,000 in cash will be donated to local charities. Register to win at any Turner’s Furniture location. For addi-

SPEC IAL ADVE RTISING SECTIO N

PROFESSIONAL PROFILES

It’s all about trust. Choices are made every day to consult professionals on matters as varied as legal services and home improvement. In this special advertising section of Tallahassee Magazine, meet some of the area’s top professionals in their fields dedicated to earning your trust, while providing their specialized services to you.

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PROFESSIONAL PROFILES

SPEC IAL ADVE RTISING SECTIO N

Acey Stinson

REMACC Real Estate Management and Consulting Company WHAT SERVICES DO YOU PROVIDE? We provide property management, traditional real estate services and development.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN IN BUSINESS? We have been in the real estate business since 1996. Our name changed to REMACC in 2010.

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TALLAHASSEE AS THE PLACE TO OPEN YOUR BUSINESS? I have lived in Tallahassee since 1976. While I had many chances to leave, Tallahassee is my home. It’s a great city that is wonderful to have a business and raise a family in.

WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR FAVORITE PROJECTS THAT YOU HAVE DONE? We are currently working on a great development for

Tallahassee and can’t wait to unveil our plans for everyone to see. Years ago, I worked on several contract projects for the State of Florida. It allowed me the ability to meet many people and see some very remote parts of Florida that everyone should take time to enjoy.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF YOUR JOB? Every day we have a new adventure, and you never know what the day will hold.

(850) 445-2274 | 820 E. Park Ave. | remaccproperties.com

Danny Chichester

Southern Financial Insurance Group and Aflac WHAT SERVICES DO YOU PROVIDE? Aflac Business Employee Benefits and personal and commercial lines of insurance, such as auto, home, life, disability, general liability, commercial property and workers’ compensation.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN IN THE BUSINESS? I have been an Aflac franchise owner since 2007. I joined forces with Southern Financial Insurance Group as an insurance consultant in 2014.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE PROJECTS YOU HAVE WORKED ON? I have had the pleasure of working with more than 100

businesses in all types of industries here in Tallahassee, including salons, roofing companies, auto, restaurants and more.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF YOUR JOB? I left the restaurant business because I watched my dad battle two bouts of cancer. Losing his second fight in 2006, I knew I had a bigger calling to help others during tough times. I truly feel that over the past eight years, I have been making a difference in each policyholder’s life by sharing life stories while educating others on the need to protect their families and their income.

WHAT DO YOU SEE FOR THE FUTURE OF YOUR CAREER? I want to continue to strengthen relationships while starting new ones as well.

If that means I’m the right person to help you, your family or your business grow, I will do my best to be the person you can count on for your insurance needs.

(850) 521-3075 x3275 (office) | (850) 556-2172 (cell) | danny@southernfig.com | southernfig.com 140 May–June 2015

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SPONSORED REPORT

ABOUT Stearns Weaver Miller Weissler Alhadeff & Sitterson, P.A. Located at the crossroad of government and commerce, Stearns Weaver Miller’s Tallahassee team is uniquely positioned to navigate clients’ legal and business issues.

With offices throughout Florida, the firm offers full-service counsel to clients from the Panhandle to the Keys and beyond. From small start-up ventures to some of the largest multinational corporations in the world, the firm is proud to represent many of the businesses that have contributed to Florida’s growth.

BRIDGET SMITHA Shareholder — Litigation

Bridget Smitha

Reggie L. Bouthillier

Bridget’s focus is on liquor licensure, environmental law, corporate defense and complex commercial litigation, representing clients in state and federal courts in Florida and across the nation.

Community involvement: Guardian ad Litem, 2nd Judicial Circuit

REGGIE L. BOUTHILLIER Shareholder — Land Development, Zoning & Environmental; Governmental Affairs Reggie has 22 years of experience representing clients statewide in areas of governmental affairs, land use, growth management, environmental, land development, real estate and administrative law.

Community involvement: Improving economic conditions communitywide and providing resources for children in high crime and poverty-challenged areas of Tallahassee

GLENN BURHANS JR. Shareholder — Litigation Glenn focuses on class actions, governmental investigations and administrative law, constitutional and election law. His experience includes complex business, environmental and consumer protection disputes and internal investigations.

Glenn Burhans Jr.

Kenneth B. Metcalf

Community involvement: Ronald McDonald House Charities of Tallahassee, which provides a home away from home for families with hospitalized children

KENNETH B. METCALF Director of Planning — Land Development, Zoning & Environmental; Governmental Affairs Ken is an AICP Certified Planner with 29 years of experience. He navigates clients through Florida’s complex growth management and permitting requirements, providing innovative solutions and planning strategies.

Community involvement: Assisting hospice and underfunded elementary schools

RICHARD I. BLINDERMAN Shareholder — Real Estate Richard’s real estate practice includes tax-exempt financing with a focus on affordable housing. He represents financial institutions involved in tax-exempt bond and low-income housing tax credit transactions for multifamily housing developments.

Richard I. Blinderman

Community involvement: LeMoyne Chain of Parks Art Festival

106 E. College Ave., Ste. 720 | (850) 580-7200 | Stearnsweaver.com TALLAHASSEEMAGAZINE.COM May–June 2015

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Digital Graffiti at Alys Beach 2015 Digital Graffiti at Alys Beach is a festival of digital virtuosity from all over the world. Join Alys Beach at the intersection of art, technology, and architecture.

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ON THE TOWN THE ARTS CALENDAR SOCIAL STUDIES THE BUZZ

Spotlight Suds and Sonatas

For the past eight months, Waterworks has been a hotbed of radical thinking — but not of the anarchist sort. Instead, Classical Revolution seeks to take chamber music out of the concert hall and into nontraditional settings such as the Midtown bar.

Classical Revolution started in San Francisco in 2006 and has grown to 30 chapters in the United States, Canada and Europe. When doctoral candidate Larkin Sanders and other students from Florida State University’s College of Music decided it was time to create a “revolution” in Tallahassee, they found a willing collaborator in Waterworks owner Don Quarello, who’s known for his creative take on entertainment. (Anybody up for Cat Night Wednesday or Science Salon?)

“It’s kinda weird,” Sanders said. “When you say you’re going to play classical music in a bar, people are like, ‘Whaat?’ But I think they come and realize it’s a lot of fun and keep coming back.”

Appearing at least once a month since September, the night’s musical entertainment usually features different groupings of FSU students taking the stage. In February’s performance, the offerings included everything from solo saxophone and clarinet pieces to a four-man jazz combo — even a duet penned by a student composer featuring the unlikely pairing of steel pan drum and clarinet. March’s offering was a more classical music-inspired “Spring Serenade.”

While patrons might be surprised by an etude accompanying their Manhattan, Classical Revolution is also an out-of-the-ordinary experience for the musicians, who normally play in recitals where the audience is quiet and focused on the music. In the bar setting, “people talk and laugh … and the more people there are, the louder it gets,” Sanders said.

Classical Revolution is usually scheduled from 8 to 10 p.m. on the last Tuesday of every month at Waterworks. For more information, go to classicalrevolution.org or visit the local group’s The classical “revoluFacebook page tionaries” who started the local chapter include (Classical Revolution Larkin Sanders, Cole Belt Tallahassee). // ROSANNE DUNKELBERGER

MATT BURKE

and Ben Lougheed.

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»culture ON THE TOWN

CHEAP DATE. The words conjure up a fast-food joint and a movie — and the connotation is pretty much negative.

Toss that thought out the window. We’re going to explore many unique ways to treat your sweetie or win over someone new — without breaking the bank when it comes to impressing your object of affection.

One of the most classic ends to a date is a stroll through a park or downtown. Why not make that your date? Center your date on the exploration that a walk can bring, creating a unique experience. If you haven’t visited the Gaines Street area recently, now’s the time to check out all that’s new. Have coffee at All Saints Café, a craft brew at Fermentation, or grab a slice of pizza at Gaines Street Pies, then wander along “G Street” or CollegeTown on your stroll.

Another classic is the romantic and timeless picnic. With so many parks to choose from in Tallahassee and the surrounding areas, this date can be easily planned in beautiful springtime weather. Try Bald Point Beach, where you can spread a blanket out on the sand and bask in the sea breeze. Another great picnic spot is Wakulla Springs, where there are a variety of activities (go crazy — the River Boat Cruise is only $8 per person),

Dates on a Dime Cheap Dates Reinvented for Less Than $50

By Brianna Dixon or Maclay Gardens. Both are state parks with entrance fees for two costing $6 or less. In the middle of town, there is Lake Ella and the brand-new Cascades Park. The picnic provides an intimate setting perfect for conversation with the added bonus of beautiful surroundings.

Keeping with the outdoor theme, sports fans might consider college athletics. While

football and men’s basketball tickets can be budget busters, the list of free events is much longer. At Florida State University and Florida A&M University, there are sporting events going on throughout the school year.

Why not try tennis, sand volleyball, softball, track and field, soccer or water sports?

Other daytime dates can include a tour of a museum for a little historical fun and grabbing some ice cream after. Tallahassee is rich with history, and there is no shortage of historic sites. Some include Tallahassee Museum, which is a bit of a museum and a zoo with plenty to see. There is the Museum of Florida History and the Florida Historic Capitol Museum. Learning new things together can spark a common interest and teach you a lot about where you live!

No one wants to strike out on a date — unless while you’re bowling at Capital Lanes or Seminole Bowl. The competitive spirit can help create a bond or add a spark to an existing one. Another great way to build a bond and create lasting memories is trying something new together: Take your date to a pottery class at Firefly Pottery Studio. You’ll be left with mementoes from a great time together.

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»culture ON THE TOWN A classic date night often includes a movie — although it’s kind of hard to get to know each other when you’re looking at a screen for two hours. For a more sophisticated take on the movie date, grab a cocktail at 101 Restaurant (time it for Happy Hour between 4 and 7 p.m.), then walk on over to the IMAX theater for a largerthan-life movie experience. If a movie is too cliché and music is more your style, head to Bradfordville Blues Club for an up-closeand-personal roadhouse experience or put a pep in your step at HiFi Jazz Club.

Another sophisticated find is Uptown’s 319 Wine & Cheese Shoppe; 319 also serves food for a great price. An additional winetasting option is The Wine Loft, a bar dedicated to wine with a small plate menu. And if wine isn’t your thing, try beer tasting at Proof Brewing Co. With so many options for indoor and outdoor fun on a budget, you can’t go wrong with creating a great date. “Budget” doesn’t necessarily mean cheap, and “affordable” isn’t a code word for a bad date. A low budget can create priceless memories. Be creative and think outside the box. Even though the cost is less than 50 bucks, you’ll have created priceless memories. n

PLAN A GREAT DATE

If any of the scenarios in this story sound like a fine way to have some one-on-one fun, here’s how you can learn more about the places we’ve described.

GAINES STREET GALLIVANT Gaines Street Pies 507 W. Gaines St. gainesstreetpies.com All Saints Café 903 Railroad Ave. (850) 224-0805 Fermentation Lounge 415 All Saints Street, #113 (850) 727-4033

So much to Celebrate!

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PARK PICNIC Wakulla Springs State Park floridastateparks.org/park/ Wakulla-Springs Bald Point State Park floridastateparks.org/ park/Bald-Point Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park floridastateparks.org/ MaclayGardens ON KLEMAN PLAZA 101 Restaurant 101tally.com Challenger Learning Center IMAX challengertlh.com

TUNE IN Bradfordville Blues Club bradfordvilleblues.com Hi Fi Jazz Cafe jazzbluesflorida.com PUB CRAWLING 319 Wine and Cheese Shoppe 319wineandcheese.com The Wine Loft thewinelofttallahassee.net Proof Brewing Co. proofbrewingco.com A SPORTING GOOD TIME Capital Lanes bowlsrc1.com/19.asp Seminole Bowl bowlsrc1.com/20.asp Florida State University Sports seminoles.com Florida A&M University Sports famuathletics.com BLASTS FROM THE PAST Tallahassee Museum tallahasseemuseum.org Museum of Florida History museumoffloridahistory.com Florida Historic Capitol Museum flhistoriccapitol.gov HANDS-ON FUN Firefly Pottery Studio fireflypotterystudio.com

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»culture THE ARTS

Where the

Muse RESIDES Artists Share Their Creative Spaces

By Marina Brown // Photos by Matt Burke

y

ou can often find her at dawn. Or glimpse her from the corner of your eye at a stoplight or a crowded airport. Sometimes she hovers in the reverberation of a quiet room or sings loudly from the pages of a book.

But the Creative Muse, whether of Painting, Words, Dance or Music, is restless. She moves from place to place. She won’t be bullied into command performances.

And she can’t be cajoled into permanent residence. Here, four Tallahassee artists talk about the internal and external spaces they visit to seek her.

Anjali Austin Dancer/choreographer/associate professor of dance at Florida State University and former Dance Theatre of Harlem soloist, in FSU’s empty Black Box Theatre TALLAHASSEE MAGAZINE: Spaces mean many things to an artist. Is your creative space primarily physical, or do you “carry it around” to some extent?

AA: I love the Black Box Theatre at FSU … black curtains, floor and ceiling … It is somehow filled with electricity. It gives me no information of its own, but is neutral so that my ideas feel free to roam — no limits, no qualifying. I like to investigate a space; to feel the air between the walls, to touch its floor with my body.

And yet I think my creative spaces are mobile.

Pedestrian comments by strangers may spark an idea; the way someone picks up a piece of paper from the floor may begin a whole dance; the accumulated The “neutral” walls, quilts of my grandmother may floor and ceiling be the beginning of a kinetic of FSU’s Black Box thought.

Theatre give Anjali TM: What else influences the way Austin’s ideas room to roam. your dancing is going? What you

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»culture THE ARTS are reading? The time of day? The music you are listening to?

AA: I like to get up at 4 to 4:30 a.m. I do spiritual reading and journaling then. Thoughts at that time of day seem to form themselves into ideas more easily. I also love being near water, a large lake or the Gulf. But it must be vast; someplace where it seems an infinity of ideas can ebb and flow. For me, that kind of place feels like … freedom.

Greg Sauer Associate professor of cello at FSU, in his studio with his 1720 Tecchler Italian cello TM: You chose to be photographed in your office/studio at FSU. Does the Muse come differently to you here in this plain space versus when you are on stage performing?

GS: They’re much different. In practicing here in the studio, the Muse is the soul of the composer, channeled through the music on the page. In public, it’s partly that, and partly the energy of the audience and the silences that envelop us all. Most of all, the one factor that influences and inspires me are the acoustics of the room.

I guess you could say that my “creative space” exists within a “bubble of sound.”

TM: Where do you go mentally when you are playing?

GS: When I am playing alone here, I often see movement, something like dance … ribbons of movement.

But lots of playing is done with other musicians, and I love seeing their motions and facial expressions.

Together we create a kind of physical environment.

TM: What are the most inspiring places you have played?

GS: Possibly the abbey atop Mont St. Michel in Normandy and the beautiful foothills outside Boulder.

Yet I’ve been inspired by some unlikely venues, like a geodesic dome in Utah. Old spaces tend to have tonal qualities that are good for stringed instruments, and nature can encroach on the concert experience in a very wonderful way.

Stuart Riordan Internationally exhibited painter, in her light-flooded Betton Hills studio TM: Your second-floor studio is filled with massive panels and canvases of Renaissance-like figures that fall and catapult through space. There is also a library of books on

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Inspiration comes to cellist Greg Sauer in the simple confines of his office (right) while artist Stuart Riordan (far right) prefers a studio filled with an eclectic mixture of items.

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»culture THE ARTS

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art, philosophy, poetry, history — a dobro, a cello — and a stuffed crow.

What goes on up here?

SR: Everything! I’ve always gotten up at dawn … to see the morning light … to greet the new day. That’s when I read … here’s Garcia Lorca; a Gandhi biography; T.S. Eliot; Gaia’s Hypothesis. Bach is helpful.

It’s amazing how one little equation from a book on chemistry can pivot the direction of a whole painting.

I spend all day here, photographing models, painting, playing the cello, researching in this quiet space.

And yet I carry my “space” around like a big basket which the universe can just toss fragments of life and mystery into. I reach in and pull out a tiny filament and enter it into one of my notebooks. I do research to figure out what meaning it will have.

From there, a painting is started and grows and evolves. My paintings are unpredictable … I start with an idea, something from my “peripheral vision,” water it with research … and let it sprout.

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New York Times best-selling novelist, publisher, creator of video games and graphic novels, in Mission San Luis Park TM: Do you have a routine or regimen you practice that sets up a creative atmosphere?

JV: I’ve given up “writing fetishes,” so to speak … divested myself of special pens, writing desks, cool notebooks. But I do set the stage by waking up early, having breakfast, then starting to write while still not awake. That way I overcome the mindset that critiques each sentence as I write it. I also can’t write in red rooms or with a lot of clutter around.

No clutter, but always music. I’ll often create particular mixes for a scene I’m writing to keep the right mood going. The other important thing for me is to be out in nature …

Novelist Jeff VanderMeer, shown here in San Luis Mission Park, credits walking in nature for many of the ideas in his books, including the books of his Southern Reach trilogy (above).

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hiking on a regular basis. A good three-quarters of my ideas come when I’m walking in either a wilderness or a public park.

TM: What else influences the arrival of the Muse?

JV: There is a case to be made for productive melancholy. The weather in Tallahassee is rather glum right now and conjures up images and thoughts that are a little dark. The key is to recognize how environment affects you and channel that into writing. I used to write at Anthony’s Restaurant, sitting with my wife on the balcony producing a lot of fiction. There’s just something about being in a comfortable darkened space, surrounded by people, but not interacting with them, that is useful to writing.

So where is the Muse? Apparently everywhere! She’s an early riser, according to these four artists. She is fond of trees and lakes.

And she’s a bit of a shape-shifter, appearing to some as a dancer, others as a stream of sound, and still others with images that tell a story.

The good news is that Tallahassee is filled with creative spaces … places to imagine and dream … and maybe to meet up with an ephemeral friend. n TALLAHASSEEMAGAZINE.COM May–June 2015

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»culture BEST BETS

May–June

// COMPILED BY JENNIFER IRELAND

Capital Cuisine Restaurant Week May 14–26 If you’re in a restaurant rut, Visit Tallahassee’s Capital

Cuisine Restaurant Week is the perfect opportunity to find yourself some new dining favorites. During these days and nights, the capital city’s best chefs will be cooking up everything from Southern favorites to cutting-edge cuisine —and serving it all up at prices that will make your mouth water.

Multi-course menus are priced at $15 for lunch and $30 for dinner, and are available at more than 35 establishments all over town. Give your taste buds a treat and try something scrumptious. Here’s a hint for a fabulous date night: Enjoy dinner with your honey on May 15, then finish off the evening at the Capital City Amphitheatre at Cascades Park (details, page 157) listening to the classic California sound stylings of The Beach Boys.

For information on participating restaurants and their Cuisine Week menus, go to visittallahassee.com/capital-cuisine-restaurant-week-concert-series

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PHOTO COURTESY THE ZIMMERMAN AGENCY

A Taste of Tallahassee … and So Much More

» events

» events

benefiting the Capital Area Community Action Agency. More than 40 pit masters will gather at the North Florida Fairgrounds to compete for the chance to advance to the Jack Daniels World Championship, Kansas City American Royal, and the World Food Championships. Enjoy live music all day from Crooked Shooz, Swingin’ Harpoon and other bands while chowing down on some world-class barbecue.

The day’s events also include a custom car and bike show, kid’s zone, marketplace and food vendors. CACAA provides emergency assistance to help low-income families in the Tallahassee area. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for kids under 12. VIP Tickets are $35 per person and offer two beverages, competition barbecue samples and other food, and private seating area near the bands.

To purchase tickets, visit cacaainc.org, the agency’s Facebook page or call (850) 222-2043, extension 101.

» events

Midtown Barre Crawl June 6 Kick off summer while imbibing in a taste of Midtown to benefit The

Tallahassee Ballet. Participants are given goodie bags that include commemorative cups for tasting drink samples throughout the evening, a complimentary T-shirt if you pre-register and maps directing you to each participating Midtown bar for a complimentary beer or wine sample. Sip, stroll and support the local arts community!

To register, visit midtownbarrecrawl.com.

JACKIE WARD

Pigfest June 6 Have a finger-licking good time at the sixth annual Pigfest barbecue cook-off

» regional best bet

Digital Graffiti June 4–6 Art, architecture

and new technology come together at the eighth annual Digital Graffiti at Alys Beach, the world’s first projection art festival.

Innovative artists use the latest technologies to project their original artwork onto the stunning alabaster architecture, walls and bridges throughout the 30A town of Alys Beach. Inspiration abounds as digital artists from around the world come together to compete for $10,000 in cash prizes at this dynamic three-day art fete.

Festivalgoers are treated to artist meet and greets, live interactive art demonstrations, DJ and VJ music performances, arty animated surprises and plenty of food and beverage booths at the must-notmiss event of the summer season.

Digital Graffiti was voted Best Event by readers of EC magazine and listed as one of 52 Amazing Weekends by Florida Travel and Life magazine.

For a full schedule and ticket information, visit digitalgraffiti.com.

Proceeds benefit The Alys Foundation.

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Ready wherever the road leads.

»culture CALENDAR // COMPILED BY TALLAHASSEE MAGAZINE INTERNS

MAY 1, JUNE 5

Railroad Square Art Park’s First Friday Gallery Hop Walk around the square as you take in local artists alongside their galleries, listen to live music and grab a beverage at the new Proof Brewery. FREE. 567 Industrial Drive.

6–9 p.m. (850) 224-1308, railroadsquare.com

After an accident, all you want is your healthy car back.

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MAY 1

Tallahassee Symphony Open Rehearsal All music lovers are invited to watch the rehearsal of a Tallahassee Symphony Orchestra performance. You can also join in for refreshments 30 minutes prior to the rehearsal.

FREE. Ruby Diamond Concert Hall, FSU campus. Noon–2:30 p.m. (850) 224-0461. tallahasseesymphony.org

MAY 2

‘Three Titans’ Come out and see the Tallahassee Symphony Orchestra’s final show of the season, featuring music from three powerful and prominent titans of the opera — Mozart, Mendelssohn and Mahler. $10–$55.

Ruby Diamond Concert Hall, FSU campus. 8–10 p.m. (850) 224-0461, tallahasseesymphony.org

MAY 2

Mark Worley is a Graduate Master Builder, Certified Green Professional, Certified Aging in Place Specialist, a Construction Industry Professional and

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Free Planetarium Show Head downtown to view the free monthly showing at the planetarium.

As the skies of Tallahassee change each month, so does the show.

Prominent stars, planets and constellations will be shown, along with Q&A and audience interactions.

FREE. Challenger Learning Center, 200 Duval St. 10–11 a.m. For more information and more show times, call (850) 644-4629. challengertlh.com

MAY 2

‘Carnival of the Animals’ Allow your imagination to soar during this Tallahassee Ballet original designed for younger audiences — with professionalism and intrigue that can be appreciated by all. $35.

10:30 a.m. Ruby Diamond Concert Hall, FSU campus. (850) 224-6917, tallahasseeballet.org

MAY 2–3

‘Dance for Spring’ Watch exciting performances by the Tallahassee Ballet featuring “Paquita”, a story infused with love and passion, and two world premieres. $35. May 2, 8 p.m.; May 3, 2:30 p.m. Ruby Diamond Concert Hall, FSU campus. (850) 224-6917, tallahasseeballet.org

MAY 2, 9, 16, 23 AND 30 AND JUNE 6, 13, 20 AND 27

Tallahassee Farmers’ Market You’ll find a large variety of locally grown products at this weekly market.

Feel good about a shopping experience that promotes local growers and resellers. FREE. 1415 Timberlane Road.

8 a.m.–3 p.m. weekly. (222) 263-1365, localharvest.org/tallahassee-farmersmarket-M1165

MAY 2, 9, 16, 23 AND 30 AND JUNE 6, 13, 20 AND 27

Downtown Marketplace On Saturdays, the marketplace has everything from local-author book signings to art showcases and fresh produce. Check it out. The Downtown Marketplace has it all. FREE. 115 E. Park Ave. 9 a.m.–2 p.m. For more information, contact Allen at (850) 224-3252. tallahasseedowntown.com

MAY 8

Leadercast Tallahassee This worldwide live stream event brings leaders from around the globe to speak in Atlanta. $85–$99.

Ghazvini Center for Healthcare Education, 1528 Surgeons Drive.

8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. (850) 201-8760, tcc.fl.edu

MAY 9–10

‘Spotlight on Dance’ Experience a dazzling mix of classical and contemporary dance performed

by Tallahassee’s own Pas de Vie Ballet Company during its spring showcase event. $15–$20. Ruby Diamond Concert Hall, FSU campus.

Sat 8 p.m., Sun 2:30 p.m. (850) 2902247, pasdevieballetcompany.com

MAY 14

Spring Fling With the theme “Under the Hollywood Moon,” Spring Fling features food, drinks and entertainment. The annual event

benefiting Big Bend Hospice has become a Tallahassee favorite. $125. Tallahassee Nurseries, 2911 Thomasville Road, 7–9:30 p.m.

(850) 701-1341, bigbendhospice.org

MAY 15

The Artists League Summer Salon Held in conjunction with The Tallahassee Tri-State Watercolor Society, the Artists League’s annual Salon will feature an extensive collection of works by local artists, making it a cultural destination for this summer. FREE. Florida State University Museum of Fine Arts, 530 W. Call St. 6–8 p.m. (850) 644-6836, mofa.fsu.edu

MAY 15

The Beach Boys After more than 50 years harmonizing together, the iconic 1960s band is still touring, playing 150 shows a year. Sit under the stars and let them take you to the shore and back in time. $39–$50. Capital City Amphitheater, 1001 S. Gadsden St. 7–10 p.m. (850) 671-4700, capitalcityamphitheater.com

MAY 16

Tour of Gardens Nature lovers, come together to enjoy a day of fun and adventure at Alfred B. Maclay Gardens. The day starts off with breakfast at the park with some words from regional and national gardeners. There will be a silent auction and a plant sale, followed by a self-guided tour through some of Tallahassee’s most beautiful public and private gardens. $25 in advance, $30 at the door.

3540 Thomasville Road. 9 a.m.– 5 p.m. (850) 487-4556, floridastateparks.org/ maclaygardens

MAY 19

Rotunda Rendezvous Come to the Historic Capitol Building for the fourth annual Rotunda Rendezvous, a celebration of historic preservation efforts that jumpstarts Historic Preservation Month in Florida. FREE. 400 S. Monroe St. 5:30–7:30 p.m. (850) 487-1902, info@flhistoriccapitol.gov

MAY 21, JUNE 18

Masters in the Making Ever want to paint like the Masters?

Here’s your chance! Each month at LeMoyne Center for the Visual Arts, instructors will focus on a particular artist and a selected piece from their body of work. In May, instructor Karen Mercer will lead the class in a recreation of Mary Cassatt’s work.

June will focus on John Singer Sargent. $35 members, $45 nonmembers. 417 E. Call St. 6–8:30 p.m.

(850) 222-7622

MAY 28–JUNE 14

Theatre Tallahassee Presents: ‘Murder on the Nile’ Agatha Christie adapted her novel “Death on the Nile” into this rich and mysterious play that will keep you guessing until the plots twist at the play’s surprising end. $22 for adults, $17 for senior citizens and government employees, $12 for students. Theatre Tallahassee, 1861 Thomasville Road. Contact Caroline for more information at (850) 224-8474 or visit theatretallahassee.org.

MAY 30

American Lung Association Lung Force Walk People of all ages will be participating in this walk to raise awareness and funds for lung disease research.

Cascades Park, 1001 S. Gadsden St. Check-in begins at 8 a.m., walk begins at 9. Register online at tallylungwalk.org. (850) 386-2065

Strengthen the Body.

Develop the Mind.

Nurture the Spirit.

Prepare for the Future.

JUNE 5–8

Tallahassee Latin Dance Festival Enjoy three days of Latin culture, dance and fitness, all while dancing yourself! People of all levels of dance are invited to come out and learn through workshops and fun. $75.

Tallahassee Antique Car Museum, 6800 Mahan Drive. (850) 339-8463, tallylatindancefest.com

JUNE 6

Pints for Paws Nothing could be better than an afternoon spent sampling some of the best beers crafted by local home brewers, while knowing you’re lending a helping hand to man’s best friend. All proceeds support the Tallahassee Animal Shelter Foundation. You must be 21 or older to attend. FREE, with $15 suggested donation. Market Square Pavilion,

John Paul II Catholic High School ₅₁₀₀ Terrebone Drive | SouthWood | Tallahassee, Florida

₈₅₀‐₂₀₁‐₅₇₄₄ | www.JPIICHS.org A place where faith and community shape character.

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»culture CALENDAR 1415 Timberlane Road. 4–8 p.m. pintsforpaws.org

JUNE 7

The Tallahassee Bach Parley This event is your chance to timetravel 400 years into the past.

Musicians will treat audiences to the musical styling of the Baroque era.

Suggested donation is $10. St. John’s Episcopal Church, 211 N. Monroe St. 3 p.m. tallahasseebachparley.org

JUNE 12–13

3220 Apalachee Parkway • 850-216-1600 Walk-ins & appointments • Open Daily 10–10

GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE

10th Annual Ride for Hope A fun-filled cyclist and wellness event for all ages, the Ride for Hope provides six distance rides ranging from a family fun ride/walk to a 100mile “century” through the rolling hills and canopy roads of Tallahassee.

More than simply a great way to get outside this summer, the event also benefits the Tallahassee Memorial Cancer Center. $20–$45. North Florida Fairgrounds, 441 Paul Russell Road. Fri 5 p.m., Sat 9 a.m.–1 p.m. therideforhope.com

JUNE 18

Third Thursday at the Museum of Florida History Third Thursday offers museumgoers the opportunity to visit the Museum of Florida History in the evening in an event complete with food and unique, Florida-inspired music by Dawg Peter Pat. FREE. 500 S. Bronough St. 5–8 p.m.

(850) 245-6400, museumoffloridahistory.com

JUNE 19–28

Miller Glass creates Custom Mirrors and Furniture Tops!

Call us today for custom or replacement mirror or glass!

• Quick turnaround on residential insulated glass replacement • Screen repair & replacement

• Custom shower enclosures • Mirrors & furniture tops

1961 Raymond Diehl Rd · 850.224.6030 · millerglassco.com 158 May–June 2015

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Young Actor’s Theatre Presents ‘42nd Street’ This bold musical celebrates hard work, talent and love. Set in 1933, audiences will follow aspiring chorus girl Peggy as she aspires to one day make it big. $14 children 12 and under, $16 students and seniors citizens, $18 adults. Young Actor’s Theatre, 609 Glenview Drive. For more information, contact Robert at (850) 386-6602 or visit youngactorstheatre. com for specific show times.

JUNE 27

3rd Annual “Rockin’ With Spirit” Benefit Concert The Spirit of a Child Foundation (SOAC) is gearing up for their annual bash! This year’s event will be

serenaded by the Michael Miller Band. The evening will also feature Sway Jah Vu, the Tyler Denning Band and a silent auction, as well as a preconcert VIP reception with live Latin music. SOAC’s mission is to help families grow stronger by providing unique opportunities for at-risk children. $14-$18. The American Legion Hall, 229 Lake Ella Dr. 7 p.m. spiritofachildfoundation.org

JUNE 27

Tallahassee Model Railroad Show and Sale Model train enthusiasts rejoice. The 24th annual Tallahassee Model Railroad Show and Sale promises to be the biggest to date. Come see spectacular model train layouts and an extensive collection of new and used items. $6, FREE for children 12 and under. North Florida Fairgrounds, 441 Paul Russell Road, 9 a.m.–4 p.m. (850) 524-4399, bbmra.org

JUNE 27

Artopia This charity art fundraising event that benefits Big Bend Cares is the perfect place to find that special artwork your home or office is missing. Local and regional artists of all styles donate their artwork for this exciting event. With art in mediums including painting, sculpture and photography as well as arts and crafts, Artopia has become a mustattend event, drawing approximately 1,500 participants per year. $30.

Donald L. Tucker Civic Center, 505 W. Pensacola St. 7 p.m. bigbendcares.org, (850) 656-2437

JULY 4

Celebrate America Get ready to rock your red, white and blue at Tallahassee’s annual Independence Day celebration.

Things kick off at Tom Brown Park with a welcome ceremony and live musical performances. Sure to be an evening full of patriotic, familyfriendly fun, Celebrate America concludes with a stunning fireworks display. Vendors and food trucks galore! FREE. Tom Brown Park, Capital Circle N.E. 5:30 p.m.– 10:30 p.m., visit talgov.com for more information. n

The Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare Foundation

May / June 2015

Donald Zorn, M.D. Named 2014 Family Physician of the Year by the Florida Academy of Family Physicians Since the award’s inception, six physicians from the Tallahassee Memorial Family Medicine Residency program have been named “Family Physician of the Year” by the Florida Academy of Family Physicians.

The 2014 recipient, Donald Zorn, M.D., brings that total to seven. Upon learning of the recognition, Dr. Zorn said with his characteristic modesty, “Any family physician worth his or her salt knows how valuable and indispensable a good nurse is and I really want to dedicate this award to my nurse of 30 years, Jodie Strong. She is the one who deserves it most.”

Lisa Jernigan, M.D., an Associate Director of the Family Medicine Residency Program, described Dr. Zorn as “available, humorous, helpful, and the best possible example of a physician, educator and leader. He will go to bat for his faculty, for his residents, and for his staff, knowing that doing his best by them means he is doing his best by our patients. He teaches, never by telling us, but by showing us.”

Dr. Mazziotta added, “His medical care is compassionate, well-informed, and tailored to the individual patient. His medical home has always been ‘patient centered.’”

Following medical school at Emory “Dr. Zorn has been recognized for his University and residency at the Medical outstanding patient care, teaching ability Center in Columbus, Georgia, Dr. Zorn and community support, having received began his medical career in a private awards from the Family Medicine residents, family medicine practice in Blackshear, Tallahassee Memorial nursing staff and Georgia. In 1984, he accepted a position as the Capital Medical Society, and now he Donald Zorn, M.D. a faculty member and Associate Director of has been recognized at the state level. the Tallahassee Memorial Family Medicine We are so proud of Dr. Zorn as a leader Residency Program and became its Interim in our organization, a physician caring for Dr. Zorn is the kindest, Director in 2002 and Director in 2005, a patients in our community and a teacher to position he will hold until June 27, 2015. most compassionate and our residents. His compassion, dedication Fortunately for the Residency and those and warmth shine through to every person caring doctor a patient it serves, Dr. Zorn will not retire but will he meets and every task he completes,” could ever have. continue as a member of the faculty where said Mark O’Bryant, Tallahassee Memorial’s he can concentrate on what he most loves President and CEO. — Barbara Smith, a patient of -- teaching and taking care of patients. Dr. According to A. D. Brickler, M.D., 1982 Dr. Zorn’s since1984 Zorn will be succeeded as Director by Joseph National Family Physician of the Year and Mazziotta, M.D., who has been on the Family Inpatient Obstetrics Director at the Family Medicine Residency Program’s faculty for 15 years Medicine Residency, “Dr. Zorn has inspired both a son and a daughter and is currently one of its Associate Directors. to follow him into Family Medicine which includes regular sessions

“

”

in the health department clinics. He and his wife -- the remarkable Taska – have used off time to make mission trips to developing countries, as well. His family life is an inspiration to all lucky enough to know them.”

Congratulations – Dr. Donald Zorn – 2014 Family Physician of the Year.

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THE RIDE FOR HOPE

Presenting Sponsor:

Supporting the Tallahassee Memorial Cancer Center CELEBRATING 10 YEARS AND LOOKING TO THE DECADE AHEAD

The Ride for Hope (TRFH) – rolling into its tenth year – is acclaimed by cyclists and supporters of Tallahassee Memorial throughout the state of Florida and beyond.

Beginning with 81 riders in 2006, TRFH aspires to top 1,000 registered riders this year. The all-time high to date is 740.

While the cycling event offers six courses ranging from a quarter-mile family fun walk/ride up to a 100-mile “Century” ride, the event has always been more than just a ride – it’s a family activity promoting Honorary Chair active living, health information, a familyJohn P. Fogarty, M.D., Dean fun festival and an avenue for anyone to FSU College of Medicine support “Cancer Care Close to Home.” By registering to ride, sponsoring, hosting a booth at the expo and health fair, or just attending to have fun, gather health information or cheer on the riders, each participant is supporting the Tallahassee Memorial Cancer Center and its mission of providing the most comprehensive and best cancer treatment in the region in order to keep patients and family members close to home as they navigate their way through one of the most difficult seasons in their lives.

TRFH was conceived in honor of Lou Farrah, a cancer survivor, by his two sons -- then Florida State University College of Medicine student Jason Farrah and then Palmer College of Chiropractic student Jeffrey Farrah. Interestingly, the first discussion of a Farrah Family/ TMH Foundation collaboration was held in the Tallahassee Memorial Bixler Emergency Center where Jason was a member of the team caring for TMH Foundation President and CEO Paula Fortunas’ mother. Jason described to Paula the Farrah Family’s aspirations for a local cancerrelated ride and, as the expression goes, “the rest is history.”

Jason Farrah, M.D. served as the first Ride Director, and Aaron Kinnon, TMH Foundation Director of Development, remembers working side-by-side with Jason. Aaron said, “Because of Jason’s love for his father and compassion for others with cancer, he inspired the first committee to make it happen. Jason once told us, ‘Nothing is more inspiring than seeing someone cross the finish line after a long arduous bike ride with the words CANCER SURVIVOR or IN HONOR OF A Hero of Hope NAMED CANCER SURVIVOR across the back Sue Semrau, Head Coach of their jersey, tears in their eyes, knowing FSU Women’s Basketball Team that their efforts are helping to bring us all one step closer to the ultimate goal of a cure.’” Aaron continued, “Jason, along with Jeffrey, Lou and mother Jenny, inspired and mobilized the first committee and launched this event that helps so many people in our community.” The remarkable Lou Farrah passed away in November 2006, several months after witnessing the inaugural event. TRFH is now held each year in his honor.

Tallahassee Memorial and the TMH Foundation have a longstanding relationship with the Florida State University College of Medicine, and Jason Farrah was in its first graduating class. “As The Ride for Hope closes one decade and enters the next, we are proud to announce John Fogarty, M.D., Dean of the College of Medicine at Florida State University as the Honorary Chair for The Ride for Hope 2015,” said Paula Fortunas.

Dean Fogarty stated, “In spite of all of the advances, we still have a long way to go to address both the physical and emotional tolls that cancer has on our families. That’s why the TMH Foundation’s The Ride for Hope is such an important community event to support the Tallahassee

The Ride for Hope — a photo history — 2006 to present

| tallahassee memorial healthcare foundation advertorial 2160 May–June 2015 TALLAHASSEEMAGAZINE.COM

ALLEGRO SENIOR LIVING SUPPORTS THE TALLAHASSEE MEMORIAL CANCER CENTER Southeastern Dermatology, Presenting Sponsor of TRFH for the past five years, is represented here at the 2011 event. Left to Right: Michelle Bergschneider, Brandon Bergschneider, Elaine Ford, Michael J. Ford, M.D., Christopher Jones Memorial Cancer Center in its critical work to provide care and advance cures for cancer.”

Each year The Ride for Hope presents the Hero of Hope Award to someone who has provided hope to cancer patients and their families and/or exemplifies courage and hope in the face of cancer. This year, Sue Semrau, Women’s Head Basketball Coach of Florida State University, will receive this honor Friday evening, June 12, at The Ride for Hope’s Hero of Hope presentation and program held at the North Florida Fairgrounds. When told that she had been selected for this award, Coach Sue said, “While I am grateful to be nominated as this year’s Hero of Hope, the real honor should be given to those who battle cancer on a daily basis and those families, friends and physicians who support them in their individual battles.” Tina Darnell of Tallahassee State Bank and Ride Director, said, “After all she has done for others who face cancer, this humble response is yet another reason why she is a Hero of Hope.”

The TMH Foundation and TRFH are grateful to Southeastern Dermatology, Presenting Sponsor; Fonvielle Lewis Foote & Messer, Jersey Sponsor; and so many others who support on various levels. Once again, the Florida Highway Patrol is TRFH Course Safety sponsor and will provide invaluable service in escorting the Century and Metric Century lead race groups along with providing general safety and presence on the various courses.

This year, 2,000 people are expected to participate in TRFH’s Vendor Expo, Health Fair and Family Fun Festival, which are at no charge to the general public. Of those, 800 to 1,000 are anticipated to register for the main cycling event. Cyclists of all ages and experience, from novice to expert, ride one of the six different courses. A delicious lunch will be served by Gordos and Bandidos restaurants – free for all registered riders and at a nominal fee for the general public. TRFH and associated events will be held at the North Florida Fairgrounds – all cycling courses will begin and end there.

Please visit TheRideForHope.com to register for The Ride, review sponsorship opportunities, complete a vendor booth application for the Friday night Expo and/or Saturday Health Fair, see TRFH schedule of events, photos and more.

This fun-filled weekend will kick off Friday evening, June 12, from 4-7 p.m. with TRFH Vendor Expo, Registration/Bag Pick Up and The Hero of Hope Award Ceremony. The Friday night festivities also include music, buffet dinner, vendor expositions and much excitement as riders gear up for the next day.

The residents and staff of Allegro Senior Living combined their efforts and talents to raise $2,423 to support the work of the Tallahassee Memorial Cancer Center. “The fund-raising projects were unique and a lot of fun,” said Gail McDonald, Sales and Marking Director. All in good philanthropic spirit, Allegro staff and Bud Budzinski, Community Director, took pies in the face and many “dunks” in the dunk tank…for a price. “Residents and visitors alike painted pink pavers that are currently on display in the Healing Garden at the Cancer Center and the Allegro staff ‘bowled for breast cancer’…all to raise money for this worthwhile cause,” noted Janet Borneman, Director of Planned Giving, TMH Foundation.

Left to Right: Gail McDonald, Allegro Sales and Marketing Director; Janet Borneman, Director of Planned Giving, TMH Foundation; Ann Hatcher, RN, Nurse Manager, Tallahassee Memorial Cancer Center and Bud Budzinski, Allegro Community Director celebrate fund-raising success.

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Books-A-Million Gives Back to the Community with December Book/Toy Drive to Benefit Children and their Families Served by TMH

During December 2014, Books-A-Million (BAM) and Carl Robinson, local store manager, partnered with employees, families, friends and visitors to host and organize a month-long celebration of giving with a book and toy drive to benefit the Tallahassee Memorial Children’s Center and other areas that serve children within TMH. BAM managers and staff encouraged every store patron to donate a book, toy or puzzle with TMH as the beneficiary. Mr. Robinson underscored the store’s passion, “This is the first year the Books-A-Million store in Tallahassee organized and completed a holiday book/toy drive and we are overjoyed by the project’s success due to the enthusiasm of the employees and all the generous BAM customers who donated during their December visits to the store.”

On Tuesday, January 6, 2015, the book and toy drive culminated when total gifts, valued at $17,000, were packed into 46 bins and delivered to the TMH Foundation for distribution to the Tallahassee Memorial Children’s Center, the Bixler Emergency Center, the Emergency Center Northeast, the Behavioral Health Center Child and Adolescent Unit, Pediatric Rehabilitation Outpatient Services and the Child Care Center. These books, toys, board games, DVD movies and puzzles will provide an abundance of support and positive distractions for children who

Judi Wills, TMH Foundation Director of Annual Giving and Carl Robinson, Books-A-Million Store Manager

are hospitalized or those who require outpatient treatments.

According to the Tallahassee Memorial Children’s Center Nurse Manager, Kim Outlaw, “The Children’s Center staff is very grateful for the Books-A-Million donation, providing memorable gifts for the children and their families during their hospital stay.” TMH Child Life Specialist Lauren Sherrill added, “With many of these generous donations, children will feel much more relaxed during hospitalization engaging in activities that they normally enjoy at home, such as reading, completing a puzzle or playing a game.”

The Tallahassee Memorial Behavioral Health Center Assistant Nurse Manager Katie Mann was thankful, too, “This generous gift is such a benefit to the population we serve. The Behavioral Health Center appreciates the thoughtfulness and efforts of the local community, specifically those individuals at Books-AMillion who helped make this happen.”

Judi Wills, TMH Foundation Director of Annual Giving, concluded, “The TMH Foundation is extremely grateful for Books-A-Million and all of the store visitors who participated in the project during December to provide gifts that will really make a difference in the lives of so many children and their families.”

TMH Child Life Specialist Lauren Sherrill and FSU Intern Kait Oepen enjoy presenting gifts in the Children’s Center Mike Martin Family Playroom.

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Left to Right: Behavioral Health Center staff: Nelly Cuartel-Guarda, Pam Bowles and Lakesha Brown display gifts to benefit the Child and Adolescent Unit.

The TMH Foundation’s Scholarship Alumni Association Welcomes TMH Colleagues and Friends to Third Annual Luncheon The Tallahassee Memorial Scholarship Alumni Association, established by the TMH Foundation, celebrated its third anniversary on February 19 with a luncheon in the Women’s Pavilion classroom, welcoming TMH colleagues, friends and supporters. “The Association luncheon is an opportunity to salute generous donors and to hear inspirational testimonials by both present and past recipients as they reflect on the importance of the TMH scholarship and tuition reimbursement programs,” noted Paula Fortunas, President and CEO of the TMH Foundation, during her remarks to the assembled guests.

The Association’s Founding Committee, chaired by Dr. Marie Cowart, TMH Foundation Trustee and Dean Emerita of the FSU College of Social Sciences, is committed to increasing support by inviting friends and colleagues of TMH to become members. During the luncheon program, Dr. Cowart outlined the Association’s goals and objectives and recognized the following sponsors: TMH Federal Credit Union, Tallahassee Community College, the TCC Foundation, Florida State University College of Nursing, Thomas University, Florida A & M University, Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare, the TMH Foundation, ITT Breckinridge School of Nursing and distinguished founding sponsor Virginia Glass, Realtor and TMH Foundation Trustee.

Generous door prizes for the luncheon guests were donated by: Hellen’s Uniforms, Books-A-Million, Sweat Therapy, Walgreens and the TMH Gift Shop.

Highlighting the program were powerful testimonials from two scholarship and tuition reimbursement recipients: Norman Pasley, RN, MSN/MBA, NE-BC, and the current Tallahassee Memorial Rehabilitation Center’s Administrator and Steven Phillips, a 2014-15 scholarship recipient who is working in the BIxler Emergency Center as a technician. He will graduate from the FSU College of Nursing in May 2015 and then plans to practice nursing at TMH. “Currently, my wife Rachel, who I met in nursing school, and I are both proud recipients of the scholarship programs. We both work as ER technicians at TMH while attending our classes at the FSU College of Nursing. The TMH scholarship and tuition reimbursement programs were extremely helpful in our efforts to maintain our enrollment in the traditional BSN degree program, and we are very pleased to be graduating in May. We are both looking forward to completing our goal of becoming registered nurses and enjoying a rewarding career at TMH,” Mr. Phillips told the audience.

Mr. Pasley added, “The scholarship and tuition reimbursement programs served as a pivotal part of completing my education and advancing my career at TMH. The programs helped me to obtain a master of science degree in nursing and an MBA. I am proud to be an Association member and a TMH Foundation scholarship recipient.”

“It is my pleasure to continue to serve as chair of the Association and to advocate for the scholarship and tuition reimbursement programs at Tallahassee Memorial,” explained Dr. Cowart. Judi Wills, Director of Annual Giving for the TMH Foundation, added, “I am pleased to report that as of February 19, the Association now stands strong with 149 members and includes over 15 sponsors from the community. By the end of 2015, the goal is to exceed 200 members and I am confident that goal will be attained.”

Please visit www.tmh.org/giving/tallahassee-memorial-scholarship-alumniassociation, scroll down the page and click on JOIN NOW. If you require additional information, contact Judi Wills, 850-431-5904 or email judi.wills@tmh.org

Norman Pasley, former TMH Foundation scholarship recipient and now Administrator of the Tallahassee Memorial Rehabilitation Center.

The Association Founding Committee: Bridget Chandler, Paula Fortunas, Marie Cowart, Virginia Glass, Ingrid Ross, Amanda Eagleton, Kristin Cantrell, Melissa Davis, Judi Wills, Amanda Murray and Susie Parslow. Not pictured: Maggie Procunier, Katie Mann, and Robin Glady.

Rachel and Steven Phillips, both current TMH Foundation scholarship recipients.

tallahassee memorial healthcare foundation advertorial | 5 TALLAHASSEEMAGAZINE.COM May–June 2015 163

PROTOCOLS FOR PHILANTHROPY

SAVE THE DATE

How You Benefit by Giving Life Insurance – One of the Most Satisfying Ways to Donate Life insurance is an asset you may not think of donating to the Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare (TMH) Foundation until you hear how powerful, practical and simple it can be.

Almost everyone owns life insurance and it can be an excellent vehicle for making a meaningful charitable contribution.

When you own a life insurance policy with accumulated cash value and its original purpose for the protection no longer applies, it can be redirected for charitable purposes.

There are several ways this can be accomplished.

One approach to giving life insurance is to retain ownership of the policy and name the TMH Foundation as the charitable beneficiary of all or a portion of the policy’s proceeds after your life. This does not qualify for an income tax charitable deduction. However, if you choose to name the TMH Foundation as both owner and beneficiary of the policy, you may claim an income tax charitable deduction to the extent permitted under the Internal Revenue Code’s formula for valuing gifts of existing policies. If the policy is one on which premiums remain to be paid, you may make annual tax-deductible cash gifts to the Foundation to cover the premiums the Foundation will subsequently pay on the policy it then owns.

Another option is to take out a new life insurance policy naming the TMH Foundation as both owner and beneficiary. In this instance also, you may make tax-deductible gifts to the Foundation to cover the annual premiums.

A life insurance policy often provides for the proceeds to be paid to the surviving spouse with a provision for proceeds to be divided equally among the children if the spouse does not survive. Sometimes no designation is made beyond the spouse and children. A good charitable plan is to designate the TMH Foundation as the contingent beneficiary in case there are no surviving family members.

Another opportunity is to name the TMH Foundation as the revocable beneficiary of a life insurance policy – retaining the right to change the beneficiary at any time. Although you may not claim an income tax charitable deduction for a revocable designation, the proceeds, if you retain the charitable beneficiary, will not be subject to federal estate tax.

Please visit tmh.org/foundation and click on Charitable Gift Planning, followed by a click on eBrochures to obtain a complimentary guide to the benefits of giving life insurance or let us directly hear from you — contact information appears below. This article and any materials you will receive from the TMH Foundation are general in nature and are not intended as either legal, financial or tax advice.

Please consult your own professional advisors before making a final decision to proceed with gift arrangements.

1331 East Sixth Avenue, Tallahassee, Florida 32303 Telephone: 850-431-5389 Facsimile: 850-431-4483 Email: paula.fortunas@tmh.org Website: www.tmh.org/foundation

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Proceeds are divided equally between the Proctor Endowment for Children with Diabetes and the Tallahassee Memorial Children’s Center Current Use Fund.

DINNER CARNIVAL Sunday, October 18, 2015, 6 p.m.

Proctor Subaru 1707 Capital Circle NE GOLF TOURNAMENT Monday, October 19, 2015 Double Shot Gun Start: 8 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.

Golden Eagle Country Club Rain Date: Thursday, October 22, 2015 www.tmh.org/foundation or call the TMH Foundation at 850.431.5389

IN THE NEXT ISSUE A scrapbook of highlights and photographs from Tallahassee Memorial’s April 23 Golden Gala XXXII and the April 25 through May 2 USTA Tallahassee Tennis Challenger will be featured in the JulyAugust issue of Tallahassee Magazine.

To Make a Secure Online Donation: Please visit www.tmh.org/foundation.

Click on Make a Donation and then Click on Donate Now.

»culture SOCIAL STUDIES Tallahassee Top Salon January 24, 2015 Thirteen talented salons competed, and JS Hair Lounge and their model, Danielle Hay, were the night’s Top Salon winner. The night was filled with fun and funky dancing as each salon showed off their skills by transforming a deserving model. Silent and live auctions also took place and delicious food and libations were served. Each model strutted her stuff down the runway and showed off a new look thanks to the salon she was modeling for. Dream State Salon was the runner-up and Fuel Salon earned second runner-up honors. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to JS Hair Lounge’s charity of choice, Hospice House. // PHOTOS BY ELLE BELLE

Back Row: Tanner Martin, Alyssa Martin, Tonya Smith, Ali Campbell, Brian Campbell and Lee Williams Front Row: Cecily Armengol, Caldwell Nystrom, Ashley Moore, Abby Crane, Brian Bibeau and Kim Bibeau

Bailey Burgin and Brittany Bentley

Marie Long, Cindy Griffiths, Dr. Russell Rainey, Jane Rice, Jacque Brewton, Sheila Monk and Elizabeth Holm

Allison Abel, Zoee Rosser and Juli Downs

Malcolm Hosford and Lena Shields

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2010, 2012, 2013, 2014

To better serve our rapidly growing family...

A New, Expanded, State-of-the-Art Subaru Parts and Service Facility caring for all makes and models is coming Mid-2015! p rocto rsu b a ru .co m 166 Mayâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;June 2015

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»culture SOCIAL STUDIES ADDY Awards February 7, 2015 The American Advertising Awards, presented annually by the American Advertising Federation Tallahassee (AAFT), recognize the achievements in creative design and execution in the previous year. Each year AAFT bestows the Gold and Silver ADDY®, Franceschi Public Service, Judge’s Choice and Best in Show awards as well as the club’s highest honor — the Silver Medal — at a gala event. Winners of the local competition were honored at the Governors Club, and this was the first step in a three-tiered program that continues with AAF Fourth District and AAF National competitions.

Raquel Simon-Petley, Heather Johnson and Jackie LaPointe

Charlie Wilson, Cathy Schroeder and Roger Wilson

// PHOTOS BY KRISTY GAUNT AND ALICE YOUNG

Bryan Zhang, Lauren Gines, Patrick Gines, Rachel Braun and Adam Braun

Moore Communications Group

Les Ballets Trockadero De Monte Carlo February 7, 2015 “The Trocks” gave a magnificent and energetic performance at the Ruby Diamond Concert Hall as part of FSU’s Opening Nights series. Male ballerinas employed classical ballet techniques — spiced with a huge dollop of humor. Guests were able to meet the dancers after the show and purchase memorabilia such as ballet slippers signed by the performers.

Opening Nights is an ongoing arts series sponsored by Florida State University with performances held from September 2014 through April 2015.

Ann and Bill Brattain

Bailey Wheeler, Cassie McGlrynn and Nikki Smith

// PHOTOS BY JENNIFER IRELAND

Katrina Harkness, Andrea Jones, Maria Lecap, Diane Wilkins, Anne Davis and Barbara Davidson

Cate Young and Goldie Chaves TALLAHASSEEMAGAZINE.COM May–June 2015

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Community Christian s Chool

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Family owned and operated, at Bob’s Auto all employees and customers are treated like family. Bob’s has been rated #1 by FSU students, won the 2013 CCYS Best of Tally Award and won the 2013 Angie’s List Super Service Award, just to name a few.

At Bob’s, we work on all makes and models, classic and performance vehicles included.

Ask about our 24 24 Warranty!

Where the Seminoles Go

»culture SOCIAL STUDIES Fast Cars & Mason Jars February 21, 2015 A starry night made Tree House, Inc.’s annual Fast Cars & Mason Jars fundraiser one to remember. The event took place at The Farm Equestrian Center and featured both silent and live auctions, food, drinks, entertainment and fun. As the primary fundraiser for Tree House, proceeds from the event help provide financial support to house the abused and neglected children Tree House cares for each year. // PHOTOS BY GABRIEL HANWAY

Fast Cars and Mason Jars Committee

Lisa and Gavin Phipps

Carrie McNeill and Kristin Whitaker

Drew and Stacey Smith, Jeanne and Blake Dowling, Davisson and Clarissa Dunlap

Jill Chandler and Linley Paske

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Did you know you have a choice?

Community advocates created a hometown hospice on 1983.

Local leaders continue the legacy.

Choose

Big Bend Hospice • 1723 Mahan Center Boulevard, Tallahassee, FL 32308 • 850-878-5310 • www.bigbendhospice.org

The All-New 2015 Honda Accord

Now Available at

(850) 576-5165

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2373 W Tennessee St Tallahassee, FL 32304

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»culture SOCIAL STUDIES Tallahassee Heart Ball March 6, 2015 In keeping with its “Moulin Rouge” theme, the 2015 Tallahassee Heart Ball at the Donald L. Tucker Civic Center ballroom featured black and red decor as well as acrobats and dancers.

Guests enjoyed dinner, drinks and a live auction, with all proceeds benefitting the American Heart Association. One of the night’s featured guests was Brittany, whose life was saved after she suffered cardiac arrest in December in a New York City restaurant by a bystander who administered CPR.

Acrobat

Craig Hansen, Dr. Wayne and Zaneta Bachelor; Dr. Marilyn Cox, Dr. Thomas Noel and Fara Noel, Kristine and Dr. Farhat Khairallah

// PHOTOS BY STEVE LEACOCK

Mr. and Mrs. Charlie Williams, Brittany and Lance Williams

Lisa and Ed Canup

Have a Heart for Horses March 14, 2015 A rootin’ tootin’ good time was had by all at The Second Chance Dance fundraiser benefitting Triple R Horse Rescue. Guests enjoyed live music by “Last Call” and Jimmy Gillis and danced the night away to country and classic tunes. Delicious food, a fabulous silent auction, and riding demonstrations were also part of the night. All proceeds from the event provide medical care, food and safe homes to abused and neglected horses so they can have a “second chance” for a happy life.

Rachel and Emma Jarvis

Sean Hughes, Chay Baxley, Vicky Bruns and Edin Osmanovic

// PHOTOS BY ROSANNE DUNKELBERGER

Eric Pelletier, Carol Dover and Linda Kleindienst Bruns

Trey Young TALLAHASSEEMAGAZINE.COM May–June 2015

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»culture THE BUZZ

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Custom Framing * Children’s Birthday Parties Check our website for all Summer Camp Offerings!

The

Buzz

WELCOME TO THE BUZZ, Tallahassee Magazine’s column created to share who’s where and what they’re doing. While we try to flit around with all of Tallahassee’s social butterflies, the Buzz can’t be everywhere. Send the skinny on your next soiree to buzz@tallahasseemagazine.com.

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A Day of Dialogue 2015: Women of Interest kicked off its spring luncheon speaker series Feb. 26 with a sold-out crowd on hand to listen to a talk by Elmira Mangum.

The president of Florida A&M University’s presentation was wide ranging, from quotes that have had an impact on her life to a program she’s instituting to help FAMU students get passports to her thoughts on legislative efforts to allow guns on college campuses. Cherie Rowland moderated the event, and those attending included Dr. Joe Ann Houston, state Rep. Michelle Rehwinkel Vasilinda, Karen Moore, Tom Jennings, Darrin Holloman, Kim Howes, Mary Katherine Lawler, Tracy Cohen, Yuh-Mei Hutt, Mary Stafford, Martha Hall, Mart Hill and Sherrill Ragans.

Shelly Glenn traveled from Sarasota to represent the series’ presenting sponsor, Florida Cancer Specialists. Also in the audience were Lorraine Head, Elmira Davis, Jeanne Curtin, Dr. Florence Ashby, Haley Cutler, Dr. Pam Graham, Robin Hassler-Thomson and Gail Dixon. zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

Dr. Tyler and Rhonda Baldock opened their Rosehill home to supporters of Boys Town to unveil plans for ART Town. Standing for Art, Resources and Training, the facility will provide art therapy for the youth at Boys Town as well as tutoring and counseling. The 3,500-square-foot remodeled ranch home will also have space for training parents and foster parents. Jay Smith, Charley Redding and Cam Whitlock, who are donating their professional services to the project, showed plans

BOB HOBSON

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»culture THE BUZZ for the building, which will cost more than $500,000 to renovate. Also on hand were Audra Pittman and Kathleen Carter. Along with Kelly Pettit, their art therapy sessions with youngsters at Boys Town inspired the project. Attendees were entertained by The Purple Martin String Quartet as they noshed on hors d’oeuvres. They included Bobby and Sue Dick, Mary Moor, Monique Wood, Benjie Bryan, Marc and Melissa Inglese, Emory Mayfield, Mike Rupp, Patty Barkas, Ken and Michelle Bender, Richard Campbell, Chad and Courtney Jordan, Russ and Cherie Raney, Glynn and Julie Watts and Camille Blake. zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

New Featured Summer Special!

Craving something light and delicious this summer? Try our summer special featuring a scoop of your favorite chicken salad, our summer salad with strawberries, cranberries, fuji apples, pecans and feta cheese, and a key lime square. And, if you have not heard, Paula Deen has selected us as “one of her favorite chicken salad spots!”

A Simple Concept, A Superb Experience! www.ChickenSaladChick.com | 850-894-2502

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With its newly installed wood floors, old tin ceiling and vintage country décor, Shiloh Farm was the perfect venue for the American Cancer Society’s Cattle Baron’s Ball on Feb. 21. The Western-themed event offered the perfect balance of Southern charm and elegance.

The main hall hosted tables of sponsors and guests, as well as a live band, dance floor, dinner buffet (by 101 Restaurant), bars and a silent auction. Connected to the country-chic barn is the 200-year-old Shiloh Chapel, which was turned into a casino for the night, where guests could enjoy multiple rounds of craps, blackjack and Texas Hold ’Em poker.

The silent auction, live auction, photo booth, raffles and more offered opportunities for guests to dig into their wallets, from their hearts, to help the mission of the American Cancer Society. A highlight of the evening was a friendly longhorn steer that posed patiently for photos with guests throughout the night.

Among those who tapped into their inner cowboy for the event were U.S. Rep. Gwen Graham and Steve Hurm, Dr. Dale and Sally Wicklow, Dr. Mary and Jeff Swain, Matt and Nita Sherer, Craig Pate, Dr. Arjun and Dianne Kaji, Keith and Debbie Dantin, Claude and Laurie Walker, Marshall Cassidy and family, Beth Vecchioli, Elroy and Lisa Caldwell, Margie Fletcher, Tony and Betsy Brown, Todd and Andrea Kocourek, Tom and Renee Glennon, Bill Corry, Ken and PJ Kanline, Mark and Sally Rosser, Dave and Kathy Gilbert, Mike and Barbara Bist, Jack Madden, Don and Tammy Wise, Gene and Rebecca Rivers, Steven Louchheim, Jeff and Terri Doxsee, Shane and Trina Searcy, Kitty Flynn, Jackie Wilson, Jane Parsons, Sonia Jewel, Glenda Cato, Rachel Pienta, Becky McNeal, Carla Stevens, Shannon Summerlin, Frank Hranicky and Bill and Lori Durham. zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

More than 500 attendees came out to support the Tree House of Tallahassee at Fast Cars and Mason Jars, held at The Farm on Meridian Road. The evening started with an extensive silent auction, live music and open bar with mojitos as the signature drink. Guests

enjoyed Mexican food during the live auction, where everything from black Labradors to Argentinean hunting vacations were auctioned off. Among the attendees were Brian Drawdy, Mark and Maria Yealdhall, Hayden and Angela Dempsey, Anuj and Sonia Patel, Steven Lohbeck and Kenzie Burleigh, Wes Tindell and Anna Dower, Blake and Jeanne Dowling, John and Renee McNeill, Chad and Kristin Gardner, and Stewart and Cissy Proctor.

The night concluded with the Tupelo after-party/ concert that also included a mechanical bull, endless cupcakes from The Cake Shop, and Taco Republik food truck offering all-you-can-eat tacos to satisfy the late-night munchies. The Tree House provides shelter for abused and neglected children from Tallahassee and nine surrounding counties.

Thanks to the support of hundreds of Big Bend businesses, restaurants and community members, over $100,000 was raised to provide life-changing support to thousands of local children and families!

For photos from the event, visit chstallychefs.com

See you next year! #tallychefs16

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A sold-out crowd of 300 people filled the aisles of The Fresh Market after hours on Feb. 26 for a Wine Gala benefiting the Patrons Association of Florida State University’s School of Theatre. Ten tables strategically placed around the store featured tastes of wines from around the world as well as delicious bites including crab crostinis, roast turkey sliders, classic shrimp cocktails, smoked salmon terrine and antipasto trays that included delicious little pickled peppers stuffed with cheese and prosciutto.

Those sipping and savoring included Virginia Newman, Mike and Nancy Sheridan, Lou and Betsy Kellenberger, Angela Hardiman, Howard Kessler, Anna Johnson Riedel, Mandy and Frank Bianchi, Helene Bianchi, Leo Sandon, Anna Smith, Sandi and Dave Jacobsen, Gary Cook and Cameron Jackson, the executive director of the School of Theatre.

Other patrons at the event included Howard and Susan Eisenman, Barbara Elam, Jay Newman, Bob Spivey, James Smith, Lynn McWilliams, K.C. McWilliams, Ellen Berler and Rob Contreras.

The Patrons Association supports students and the arts at FSU with scholarships, community programming and outreach, student recruitment and visiting guest artists. Twice annually, The Fresh Market provides food and drink at in-store fundraising events for local nonprofit groups, which keep the proceeds from ticket sales.

Photos: Lee Howell & Lewis Johnson Photography

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After some cold and dreary days, the weather warmed up to a spring-like 80 degrees just in time for Associated Industries of Florida’s party March 2, always held the night before Florida’s 60-day legislative session begins. Everybody who’s anybody in the state’s political elite makes an appearance, including Gov. Rick Scott, as well as lobbyists, aides, media folks and more. The giant, 1,200-person cocktail party is held in

Thursdays 10:30 am Fox 49 TALLAHASSEEMAGAZINE.COM May–June 2015

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»culture THE BUZZ the backyard of the group’s Adams Street headquarters, which represents the interests of some of Florida’s largest businesses.

Local politicians were among those spotted the event, including city commissioners Gil Ziffer and Curtis Richardson and Rep. Alan Williams. Former Tallahassee Mayor John Marks was there, as well as Marc Paul, Van Poole, Lance Lozano, Meghan Kelly, Barbara Ash, Matt Ubben, Trimmel Gomes, Ken Armstrong, Tisha Keller, Marcela Romera Gomez, Michael and Martha Coppins, Kathleen Haughney and Gray Rohrer, Tia Mitchell, Florence Snyder and Emily Fritz. zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

“Prost!” to GrassLands Brewing Company, which recently opened its Gaines Street brewery and taproom. On the night before the Feb. 28 opening, the owners hosted a Campaign Donor Soft Launch Party to celebrate the brewery’s crowd-funding campaign donors as well as GrassLands’ investors.

Co-owners Gabe and Saralyn Grass and Scott Hall celebrated with family, friends and supporters including Bruce Grass, Ronnie and Debbie Sapp, Doug and Jill Smith, Daryl Green, Jake and Michelle Kiker, Chad Gardner, Dan Parisi and bartenders Andrew Pitts and Liz Kaniosky. zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

When dressage day was over March 6, organizers of the Red Hills Horse Trials spent a lovely evening saying “thank you” to the sponsors who helped make the three-day eventing event possible. RHHT has become a signature springtime event in Tallahassee garnering international attention.

The party was sponsored by Capital City Bank and representatives from the financial institution who were there included Bill and Paula Smith, William Smith, Bill Moor, Brooke Hallock, Tom and Jane Barron, and Ryan Poole.

Among those enjoying fried oysters, thick slabs of bacon and a giant vat of corn chowder cooked up by Cowboy Catering were Brian Rowland, Mark Baldino, Theo and Velma Proctor, Alan and Amy Hanstein, Mike and Flo Schmidt, Bill and Lori Mattice, Elizabeth Barron, George Varn, Lee and Terry Daniel, Tom and Stephanie Derzypolski, Winston and Yvonne Howell, Scott and Allison Harrell, Kim Smiley, and Michelle and Janet Wilson.

The right choice means everything.

They were there when you scraped your knee and needed a hug.

Provided a shoulder to cry on when your heart was first broken. They supported the choices you made in life and gave advice along the way.

Now your parents are facing the challenges of aging, and you know they deserve the best care possible. At HarborChase, we focus on providing the highest level of service and care for seniors. With your loved one here you’ll feel secure knowing you made the right choice.

Join us for a tour to learn more about our programs.

Call toll free: 888-684-0674 or 850-531-0404.

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Specializing in the Treatment of Sleep Disorders.

Sleep disorders affect more than 700 million people in the United States. In fact, there are over 80 different disorders that can affect your sleeping and waking cycles. If you snore, suffer from insomnia or restless sleep, contact our practice for an evaluation.

Physician referrals are not necessary to make an appointment.

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BEING THE “BEST” IN BUSINESS comes at a cost — incurred through the fiscal investment it takes to commit to quality of goods or services along with the time and attention it takes to cultivate a successful operation. The payoff comes in the form of repeat business, community recognition of the company’s efforts and financial stability.

We’d like to throw a cherry on top of that list of rewards for businesses that continue to put their best foot forward: a chance to win a coveted “Best of Tallahassee” award. This list of categories offers readers an opportunity to cast their votes for the businesses that earn their hard-earned consumer dollars. More than that, this competition is a way to highlight those businesses that have committed to making the entire community the best it can be.

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2015 OFFICIAL BEST OF TALLAHASSEE BALLOT BROUGHT TO YOU BY

RULES To preserve the integrity of the voting process, the following contest rules must be observed in order to cast a ballot and ensure it is included in the voting tabulation process: • Only ballots printed on original Tallahassee Magazine pages will be accepted; no copies or facsimiles of the ballot will be counted as a vote.

• Ballots must have votes marked in at least 10 different categories in order to be counted.

• All votes must be cast for businesses in and around Tallahassee. Votes for any business outside of a 30mile radius from the city limits will not be counted.

• Only one ballot per envelope is permitted.

• All ballots must be mailed directly to Thomas Howell Ferguson, a third party organization responsible for processing the ballots. The firm’s address is: Thomas Howell Ferguson P.A. C/O: Best of Tallahassee P.O. Drawer 14569 Tallahassee, FL 32317 • Ballots must be postmarked by May 30, 2015.

•O bvious attempts at ballot stuffing will be disqualified.

•A ny winning business must be in good standing with Rowland Publishing, Inc. in order to be promoted as a “Best of” winner.

Once ballots are counted, all tabulations are final.

FOOD & BEVERAGE

Hotdog__________________________________

Appetizer_________________________________

Italian Restaurant ___________________________

Bakery___________________________________

Locally Owned Restaurant_____________________

Bar_____________________________________

Lunch___________________________________

Barbecue_________________________________

Martini/Cocktail ____________________________

Breakfast_________________________________

Mexican/Latin American Restaurant_______________

Brunch __________________________________

Outdoor Dining Restaurant _____________________

Cajun Restaurant____________________________

Pizza____________________________________

Casual Dining______________________________

Seafood Market_____________________________

Catering _________________________________

Seafood Restaurant__________________________

Celebration/Special Occasion Restaurant____________

Sports Bar________________________________

Coffee Shop_______________________________

Steakhouse _______________________________

Deli_____________________________________

Sushi____________________________________

Dessert__________________________________

Wine List/WineBar___________________________

Ethnic Restaurant___________________________

Wings___________________________________

✁

Fine Dining Restaurant________________________ Hamburger________________________________

SERVICE PROVIDERS

Happy Hour_______________________________

Air Conditioning/Heating ______________________

Hibachi__________________________________

Alterations________________________________

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Assisted Living Facility________________________

Phone Service Provider________________________

Auto Repair/Body Shop _______________________

Photographer______________________________

Automobile Dealer___________________________

Plumbing Service____________________________

Banquet Facility_____________________________

Pool Repair/Service Company___________________

Bank____________________________________

Printing/Copying Services______________________

Carpet Cleaner_____________________________

Residential Real Estate Agency/Agent______________

Child Care Provider__________________________

Roofing Repair/Services_______________________

Chiropractor_______________________________

Security System ____________________________

Credit Union_______________________________

Sign Company _____________________________

Computer Repair/Services______________________

Sports/Physical Therapy _______________________

Commercial Real Estate Agency/Agent_____________

Surgical Practice____________________________

Dance Studio______________________________

Tree Service_______________________________

Day Spa__________________________________

Veterinary Clinic____________________________

Dentist Practice_____________________________

Web Design_______________________________

Dermatology Practice_________________________

Wedding Venue ____________________________

Dry Cleaner _______________________________

Weight Loss/Control Program____________________

Electrical Company__________________________ Family Physician/Practice______________________

SHOPPING

Financial Advisor____________________________

Antique Shop______________________________

Fitness Instructor/Center______________________

Cosmetic Vendor____________________________

Flooring (carpet/tile/etc) ______________________

Eyeglass Store______________________________

Florist___________________________________

Furniture Store_____________________________

Gym/Health Club ___________________________

Gift Store_________________________________

Hair Salon/Studio ___________________________

Jewelry Store______________________________

Hotel ___________________________________

Kids Clothing ______________________________

Insurance Agency ___________________________

Locally Owned Store__________________________

Interior Design Firm__________________________

Men’s Clothing _____________________________

Landscaping/Lawn Services ____________________

Nursery/Garden Center/Landscaping Materials_________

Law Firm/Attorney Practice _____________________

Sporting Goods Store_________________________

Limo Service_______________________________

Teen Clothing Store__________________________

Local Charity/Nonprofit Organization_______________

Women’s Accessories/Shoes____________________

Maid Service/House Cleaning ___________________

Women’s Clothing___________________________

Monogramming/Embroidery Services ______________

ENTERTAINMENT

Nail Salon_________________________________

Community Event___________________________

Obstetric/Gynecological Practice_________________

Golf Course _______________________________

Optometry/Opthamology Practice________________

Entertainment Venue_________________________

Painter___________________________________

Local Band________________________________

Pediatric Practice____________________________

Place to Take the Kids_________________________

Pest Control Service__________________________

Wedding Venue_____________________________

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TO PARTICIPATE IN OUR 5 ONLINE EXCLUSIVE CATEGORIES VISIT TALLAHASSEEMAGAZINE.COM/BEST-OF-TALLAHASSEE-2015-BALLOT

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Camellias are the Perfect Bloom for Your Yard

It can be a task to find a beautiful, colorful plant that blooms from winter through spring. Until you meet the camellia. The camellia is a unique flower with dark, glossy leaves and a variety of petal colors that range from deep reds and crisp corals to snow whites and pops of pinks. The petals unfold from the winter chill all the way through sunny spring.

There are over 200 species of camellia worldwide. With such variety you can find everything from a cheerful centerpiece flower to blooms that fill your entire backyard. Camellias come in a variety of sizes, shapes, scents and colors depending on your preference. They

are easy to maintain and with the right care will provide you with aesthetically pleasing blooms through fall, winter and spring months. Tallahassee Nurseries can aid you in finding the perfect camellia to fit with the style, size and landscape of your home.

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TALLAHASSEE

BRIAN BARNARD’S FLOORING AMERICA BEST FLOORING | 2 0 1 2 , 2 0 1 4

CAPITAL CITY BANK BEST FINANCIAL INSTITUTION |

CHICKEN SALAD CHICK BEST CASUAL DINING | 2 0 1 3 – 2 0 1 4

2012-2013

A special thanks to Tallahassee Magazine readers for voting us “Best of Tallahassee.” We are honored to have been chosen again. Each day we live to fulfill our brand promise of being “More than your bank.

Your banker.”

2 7 3 1 C A P I TA L C I R C L E N . E . | 8 5 0 . 3 8 6 . 8 6 8 9 1 5 01 E . JAC KSO N ST. T H O M A SV I L L E , G A .

2 2 9 . 2 2 6 . 74 3 8 | B A R N A R D S F LO O R I N G -A M E R I C A . CO M

1 3 LO C AT I O N S TO S E R V E YO U 850.402 .7500 | CCBG.COM

FIT WEIGHT LOSS & MORE BEST WEIGHT LOSS/ CONTROL PROGRAM | 2 0 1 3 - 2 0 1 4

FIT offers services and products to help you look good and feel good, including: medically supervised weight loss, essential B vitamin injections with MIC, LatisseTM, medical-grade skin care/facials, featuring SkinCeuticals products line and introducing Zerona Non-Invasive Body Contouring!

1 9 0 9 C A P I TA L C I R C L E N E | 8 5 0 . 3 8 5 .1 1 0 5 FITWEIGHTLOSSANDMORE.COM

Well, butter my biscuit, Tallahassee, you are too kind! Thank you for voting Chicken Salad Chick best casual dining two years in a row! Keep comin’ back and we will continue to strive to exceed your expectations.

BEST BANK | 2 0 1 4

Family-owned Brian Barnard’s Flooring America, a consistent favorite among Tallahassee Magazine voters in the Best Flooring category, has been supplying Tallahassee residents with flooring options that match the look you want at the budget you need.

Since 1976, Brian Barnard’s Flooring America, where friends send friends.

1 41 0 M A R K E T ST. I N T H E M A R K E T D I ST R I C T 850.894. 2502 | CHICKENSALADCHICK.COM

THE GEM COLLECTION BEST JEWELRY STORE | 2 0 1 3 – 2 0 1 4

GROWING ROOM CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTERS

Thanks Tallahassee for your continuous vote as Best Jewelry Store! We love being part of your special occasion and invite you to stop by anytime to browse our newest “gems” or to just say hi.

Growing Room Child Development Centers open the door to a secure, quality, fun and nurturing educational environment based on a balanced partnership with parents. Thank you for voting Growing Room as Tallahassee’s Best Childcare Provider for two straight years. We appreciate your outpouring of love and support year after year!

3501 THOMASVILLE ROAD 850.893.4171 | GEMCOLLECTION.COM

BEST CHILDCARE PROVIDER | 2 0 1 3 - 2 0 1 4

8 5 0 . 2 2 4 . G R O W (4 76 9 ) | 3 LO C AT I O N S GROWINGROOMCHILDCARE.COM

TALLAHASSEE MUSEUM BEST PLACE TO TAKE THE KIDS

2011–2014 Explore Tallahassee Museum’s 52 acres of living wildlife exhibits, high-flying zip lines and obstacle courses, nature trails, historic buildings, animal encounters and more! Always voted the best place for kids of all ages.

3 9 4 5 M U S E U M D R I V E | 8 5 0 . 57 5 . 8 6 8 4 | TA L L A H A SS E E M U S E U M . O R G

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DON’T FORGET TO CHECK OUT THE BALLOT STARTING ON PAGE 178 TO VOTE FOR THIS YEAR’S CATEGORIES.

HELGA’S TAILORING BEST ALTERATIONS | 2 0 1 0 - 2 0 1 4

HILL SPOONER & ELLIOTT, INC. REAL ESTATE AGENCY | 2 0 1 4

With more than 27 years of experience, Helga’s offers a full range of fine tailoring and alterations services in two locations. We can work with any style or material and are equally adept with both men’s and women’s clothing. Helga’s can create custom clothing and handle last-minute, same-day alterations. Two master tailors are available with two convenient locations.

Hill Spooner & Elliott, Inc. is a dedicated and experienced real estate company with the right dynamics and cutting-edge marketing skills that have earned us a reputation as top producers and have consistently finished in the top 1% of sales annually.

2001 THOMASVILLE RD. 850.509.4337 | HILLSPOONER.COM

MASA BEST ASIAN RESTAURANT | 2 0 0 7 – 2 0 1 4 BEST SUSHI | 2 0 0 9 – 2 0 1 4

Thank you to all of the readers who voted MASA Best Sushi and Best Asian Restaurant. We are honored to serve you. We appreciate all the support and look forward to next year.

1001 NORTH MONROE STREET 8 5 0 . 8 4 7. 0 0 0 3 M A S ATA L L A H A SS E E . CO M

2 9 0 1 E . PA R K A V E . | 8 5 0 . 8 7 7. 1 2 6 6 1535 KILLEARN CENTER BLVD. | 850. 270.9399 H E LG A STA I LO R I N G . CO M

MILLER’S TREE SERVICE BEST TREE SERVICE | 2 0 0 9 – 2 0 1 4

Thank you for voting Miller’s Tree Service as Tallahassee’s best tree service for six straight years. We appreciate your continued support and are committed to providing the highest level of customer service in the years to come.

“We’ll go out on a limb for you.”

4951 WOODLANE CIRCLE 8 5 0 . 8 9 4 .T R E E ( 87 3 3 ) | M I L L E RT R E E S RV. CO M

PINK NARCISSUS BEST KIDS’ CLOTHING | 2 0 1 1 - 2 0 1 4 BEST WOMEN’S CLOTHING | 2 0 1 1 - 2 0 1 4

Thank you from all of us at Pink Narcissus for voting us Best of Tallahassee in multiple categories last year! We love and appreciate the support of our customers and look forward to another Best of win this year. Don’t forget to vote on the ballot found in this issue, starting on page 179.

1 35 0 M A R K E T ST R E E T, # 1 0 0 8 5 0 . 5 9 7. 8 2 0 1 | L I K E U S O N F A C E B O O K

SHARON DAVIS BEST DANCE SCHOOL | 2 0 1 0 - 2 0 1 4

The teachers at Sharon Davis School of Dance want to thank our dancers, their parents and friends for voting us the Best Dance School in Tallahassee for 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014.

Your loyalty means so much to us. We promise to always strive to be Tallahassee’s best dance studio. If you are still pleased with Sharon Davis School of Dance, we would appreciate your vote again in 2015.

A big thanks for all you do for our dance school.

1232 TIMBERLANE ROAD 8 5 0 . 8 93 . 59 0 0 | S H A R O N DAV I S DA N C E .CO M

THOMPSON, CRAWFORD & SMILEY BEST LAW FIRM/ATTORNEY PRACTICE | 2 0 1 4

Thank you for voting Thompson, Crawford & Smiley Tallahassee’s Best Law Firm. Both our firm and attorneys have received the highest possible ratings from Martindale-Hubbell. We take pride in providing comprehensive legal services for individuals, businesses, health care providers and charitable and nonprofit organizations.

1 3 3 0 T H O M A SV I L L E R OA D | 8 5 0 . 3 8 6 . 57 7 7 | TA L L A H A SS E E T R I A L L AWY E R . CO M

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TALLAHASSEE DON’T FORGET TO CHECK OUT THE BALLOT STARTING ON PAGE 178 TO VOTE FOR THIS YEAR’S CATEGORIES.

SO PURE SALON & SPA BEST HAIR SALON/STUDIO | 2 0 1 3 , 2 0 1 4 BEST SPA | 2 0 1 3 BEST DAY SPA | 2 0 1 3 BEST NAIL SALON | 2 0 1 3 PLACE TO BE SEEN | 2 0 1 3 , 2 0 1 4

As one of the fastest growing Aveda salons & spas in Tallahassee, we would like to thank the local community who voted for us and continue to support us. Thank you, Tallahassee.

1410 MARKET STREET 8 5 0 . 7 2 7. 0 4 8 2 | S O P U R E S A L O N . C O M

THE HOUR GLASS BEST EYEGLASS STORE | 2 0 0 0 - 2 0 1 4

The Hour Glass is committed to providing the best quality eyewear and service. We have been voted The Best of Tallahassee for 15 years and pride ourselves on being the best in customer service.

SOUTHERN SEAFOOD BEST SEAFOOD MARKET | 2 0 0 2 - 2 0 1 4

Looking for that perfect Alaskan wild salmon or mahi-mahi filet to throw on the grill? Or maybe some fresh stone crabs or Gulf shrimp? Boats of local fishermen are daily unloading the freshest finfish and shellfish in town. A perennial favorite, Southern Seafood has a wide variety of fresh seafood that will satisfy the most discriminating palate.

Thank you from all of us at Narcissus for voting us Best of Tallahassee in multiple categories last year! We love and appreciate the support of our customers and look forward to another Best of win this year. Don’t forget to vote on the ballot found in this issue, starting on page 179.

1415 TIMBERLANE ROAD IN MARKET SQUARE 8 5 0 . 8 93 . 7 3 01 | SO U T H E R N S E A FO O D M A R K E T.CO M

1408 TIMBERLANE ROAD 850.668.4807 | LIKE US ON FACEBOOK

THE MAIDS BEST MAID SERVICE/HOUSE CLEANING | 2 0 1 4

BENSON’S HEATING AND AIR AIR CONDITION HEATING | 2 0 0 5 - 2 0 1 4

When it comes to how your home looks, you have high expectations.

Get the kind of clean that only comes from a unique 22-step deep-cleaning system delivered by a team of specialists.

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THEHOURGLASS.COM 1480 TIMBERLANE ROAD | 850.893.4687 1 4 3 3 E . L A F AY E T T E S T . | 8 5 0 . 8 7 7. 4 6 8 7

NARCISSUS BEST WOMEN’S CLOTHING | 2 0 1 4 BEST WOMEN’S ACCESSORIES | 2 0 1 1 - 2 0 1 4

Plastic Surgery Clinic & Physicians’ Skin Care Clinic

Your No. 1 heating and air conditioning team!

Benson’s is proud to have provided North Florida and South Georgia with 24/7 service for more than 30 years. Thank you for voting us the best heating and air conditioning company.

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TALLAHASSEE PLASTIC SURGERY CLINIC SURGICAL PRACTICE | 2 0 1 4

Dr. Larry Harper, Dr. Alfredo Paredes and Dr. Jeffrey Rawlings, Board Certified Plastic Surgeons, offer the latest techniques and procedures with confidential, personal care and provide the highest quality plastic surgery for North Florida and South Georgia since 1978.

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Plastic Surgery 2 4 5 2 Clinic M A H A N D R . S U I T E 1 0 1 | 8 5 0 . 8 7 7. 2 1 2 6 | T L H P L A S T I C S U R G E R Y. C O M & Physicians’ Skin Care Clinic

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Bring in spring with a donation that creates new life Tallahassee Teen Challenge is a non-profit, one year residential rehabilitation program for men. For those who have been involved in drug addition, alcoholism, and other lifecontrolling problems, this faith-based program provides room, board and an effective life changing opportunity to successfully re-enter society. The Tallahassee Super Thrift Store plays an important part in financing this program and will allow us to help men become mentally sound, emotionally balanced, socially adjusted, physically well and spiritually alive. Thank you for your support.

Tallahassee Teen Challenge

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SPONSORED REPORT

And The Winner Is ...

Ensuring the Integrity of Tallahassee’s Best of Awards is Taxing Business

Y

ou see the logo all over town on signs, businesses, billboards, television, trucks and print ads. The Best of logo is a proudly displayed symbol of accomplishment in the community — and the Best of Tallahassee awards have been the “gold standard” reader’s choice poll of the community for the past 16 years.

From the onset Rowland Publishing has outsourced the ballot counting to various community organizations, including the Tallahassee Junior League, the Rotary Club and a local law firm. But Rowland Publishing felt it was time to further elevate the security of the counting process.

With the popularity of the Best of awards came a greater responsibility for tabulating and then securing the ballots. “To increase the integrity of the ballot process we decided to contract the audit and counting of ballots to Thomas Howell Ferguson CPAs,” said Brian Rowland, publisher. As the largest, locally based accounting firm, Thomas Howell Ferguson was a natural for Rowland Publishing to approach. With approximately 70 team members located right here in Tallahassee, it became apparent that they could handle this growing task.

Last year, THF was able to map out a workflow that used approximately 11 team members dedicated to the task of handling the ballots. All ballots were sorted, opened and numbered. Any ballots postmarked after May 31 were kept on file but were immediately disqualified.

During this process, any ballot “During tabulation, that was considered “stuffing” was removed from the tally. After Rowland Publishing was all of the ballots were entered, never allowed access to another group of team members the ballots, as they were were brought in to cross-check the sent directly to THF.” names for accuracy. A third group of team members were brought in - Jeff Barbacci, for a final quality control review Shareholder, Assurance Services of the tallied ballots.

With the number of people working and entering ballots, THF was able to complete the tally in record time. During this process, Rowland Publishing was never allowed access to the ballots, as they were sent directly to THF. A final, tallied list was given to Rowland Publishing which then had the fun of announcing the winners.

This new partnership with THF validates the true purpose of the Best of Tallahassee awards.

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From Top: Nominees mingle before the 2014 award ceremony begins.

The Title “Best of” is awarded in more than 100 categories ranging from Air Conditioning/Heating to Women’s Clothing. Tallahassee-based accounting firm Thomas Howell Ferguson P.A., as the official tabulator, is ineligible to win.

Tallahassee Magazine’s 2015 Best of poll will be its 17th consecutive.

THOMAS HOWELL FERGUSON P.A. 850.668.8100 THF-CPA.COM TALLAHASSEE TAMPA

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DIVA: di-va “goddess, fine lady,” “divine one,” “a lady of distinction,” “woman of good taste” (850) 894-3482 Dazzle-Me-Divas.myshopify.com

MILLENNIUM NAIL & DAY SPA: UPTOWN & MIDTOWN Visit our beautiful, full-service salon & spas, located in NE & Midtown.

(850) 894-4772 MillenniumNailAndDaySpa.com

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We are the best fitness trainers in Tallahassee. We are NOT a gym, we are a community. With a passion for fitness, we change lives.

(850) 222-1781 SweatTherapyFitness.com

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GROWING ROOM CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER

Quality, Loving, Safe Learning Environment.

3 Tallahassee Locations (850) 224-GROW (4769) GrowingRoomChildCare.com

ADF O RD

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Located just ten miles from the Florida State Capitol, Tallahassee’s Uptown District offers a unique experience for visitors. From its charming shops to exciting restaurants, Uptown Tallahassee certainly has something for everyone.

Plan to swing by these Uptown favorites the next time you find yourself in the Capital City.

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FLYING BEAR GREAT AMERICAN GRILL

With an intense desire to please.

(850) 320-6132 FlyingBearUSA.com

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Your neighborhood boutique specializing in gifts, jewelry & personalization! Lilly Pulitzer, Brighton, Troll, Vera Bradley & much more!

(850) 222-2583 | SweetBlueGifts.com

H & H FURNITURE

American-made, custom-designed, lifetime-guaranteed furniture in 35 days. Designers available to assist.

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Patients First puts your family in our family medicine. We offer nights and weekends with seven convenient locations.

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DINING » FEASTING » ZESTY BITES

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ON THE MENU ON YOUR TABLE DINING GUIDE

Flavor

A Juicy Classic New Ways to Enjoy the Great American Watermelon

By Shelby Bouck

O

n average, every American eats 15 pounds of watermelon every year. Since a typical watermelon yields 14 pounds of edible fruit, that’s over one entire watermelon’s worth of squishy sweetness per person per annum — and if the popularity of Independence Day watermelon-eating contests is any indication, most of that might be consumed in July.

Why does watermelon appeal to so many people?

Its naturally chilly, sweet taste make it a great cooling-down alternative to sugary soda. Plus, let’s be honest: Spitting the seeds is just plain old fun.

As completely as the United States has absorbed it into its culture, watermelon is far from a uniquely American fruit. It is thought to have originated in the Kalahari Desert in the southern part of Africa.

The earliest recorded watermelon crop was harvested in Egypt in approximately 3000 B.C., according to hieroglyphic records on the walls of ancient structures. Egyptians sometimes buried their pharaohs with a watermelon to nourish them in the afterlife.

While most Americans associate watermelon with Independence Day, people in Iran, Afghanistan and other countries in Central Asia make a point to eat it on Yalda, a festival marking the longest night of the year that goes back to the Persian empire. According to tradition, if you eat watermelon on Yalda, you will never be thirsty during the coming summer — an important stipulation for people in one of the driest areas of the world.

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TALLAHASSEE MAGAZINE’S 2015

TOPSINGLES PRESENTING SPONSOR:TALLAHASSEE PLASTIC SURGERY

TALLAHASSEE MAGAZINE’S 2015

TOPSINGLES The Hottest Charity Event is Back: Summer 2015!

Thank you for your nominations. The 2015 Top Singles have been selected and will be profiled in the next issue of Tallahassee Magazine.

Look for more information and event details at: tallahasseemagazine.com/Tallahassee-Top-Singles

PRESENTING SPONSOR T a l l a h a s s e e

Plastic Surgery Clinic & Physicians’ Skin Care Clinic

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»food ON YOUR TABLE WATERMELON STRAWBERRY MINT SALSA National Watermelon Promotion Board

Ingredients » 1 cup diced watermelon (seeds removed) » ¾ cup diced strawberries » ¼ cup diced red onion » 2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint leaves » 2 tablespoons diced, seeded jalapeño chili » 1 tablespoon lime juice » 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to taste) Instructions Gently stir together all ingredients in a bowl. Let stand to blend flavors, about one hour. Serve with Caribbean or jerk-seasoned grilled items, or with pretzels.

WATERMELON PROMOTION BOARD

OH, WHAT A MELON

Celebrating Watermelon Today, the United States ranks fifth in global watermelon production, with Florida as the most watermelon-productive state. In the late 1800s, our neighboring county to the east, Jefferson County, grew watermelons for seeds and was the world’s top seed supplier. While there are only a few growers left, for more than 65 years they have celebrated the area’s agricultural history with the Jefferson County Watermelon Festival (see information box).

Stephanie Barlow of the National Watermelon Promotion Board credits Florida’s high melon output to its abundant sunshine.

“Water is not an issue for us as it is in other parts of the country,” said Barlow, whose office is based

in Winter Springs, “and we also get two harvests, because of the warm weather.”

While most watermelon-growing states can only harvest in May or June, our famous Florida heat allows us to harvest not only in the typical peak season but also from October through December.

Experimentation with watermelon flavor is nothing new: The first cookbook published in the United States included a recipe for watermelon rind pickles — and that was in 1776. However, as time has gone on, culinary technique has gotten more and more creative. Some chefs are pairing watermelon with hot spices like chipotle, cayenne or rooster sauce, or with meats like pork or quail.

You know summer has arrived when it’s time for the Jefferson County Watermelon Festival, held this year June 19–20 in Monticello. The schedule is packed with watermeloncentric fun, including seed spitting and watermelon carving contests. There’s also a parade, street dance, 5K run, pageants, music, arts and crafts vendors and much more.

For more information, visit monticellojeffersonfl.com/ event/watermelon-festival

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»food FLAVOR

ENJOY OUR NIGHTLY

DINNER SPECIALS

There are some delicious watermelon-flavored liquors on the market as well. Two of the best available are Three Olives Watermelon Vodka and new Bacardi Grand Melon Rum. Of course, the most nutrient-rich way to enjoy your watermelon is raw. Every chunk of fresh watermelon is filled with vitamins A, B6 and C, as well as the cancer-preventing antioxidant lycopene.

In addition, this versatile fruit can help with hydration, as it clocks in at 92 percent water on average. n

MONDAY 1 1/4 LB. FULL RACK OF BABY BACK RIBS Served with cole slaw & fries.

Dine in only.

$10.99

TUESDAY ZINGERS®

Served with celery & ranch or bleu cheese dressing. Dine in only.

$5

KIDS EAT FREE!

With the purchase of a regular priced adult entree. Dine in only.

WEDNESDAY 1 1/4 LB. LIVE MAINE LOBSTER

Served with cole slaw & baked potato.

Dine in only.

THURSDAY 12oz. CHOICE PRIME RIB*

Served with cole slaw & choice of side.

$12.99

Miller’s Tallahassee Ale House 1/4 Mile from the State Capitol 722 Apalachee Pkwy. | Tallahassee, FL 32301 850-222-0364 | MillersAleHouse.com /millersalehouse | @millersalehouse | #millersalehouse

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MOJITO WATERMELON SALAD

Stronger Together Co-op, courtesy of New Leaf Market

Ingredients » 2 cups seeded watermelon, cut into 3/4-inch cubes » 1 large red heirloom tomato, cored and chopped » 1 large yellow heirloom tomato, cored and chopped » ¼ cup fresh-squeezed lime juice » 2 tablespoons tequila (optional) » 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar » 2 teaspoons agave nectar » 3 tablespoons olive oil » 2 tablespoons minced fresh mint » Pinch each of salt and freshly ground black pepper Instructions Place the watermelon and tomato pieces on a paper towel to absorb excess moisture. In a large bowl, whisk together the lime juice, tequila, agave nectar, vinegar, mint, salt, pepper and olive oil. Add the watermelon and tomatoes, toss well to coat and serve immediately.

WATERMELON PROMOTION BOARD

WATERMELON GAZPACHO National Watermelon Promotion Board

Ingredients » 5 cups chopped seedless watermelon » ½ cup chopped yellow onion » ½ cup chopped green pepper » ½ to 1 teaspoon salt » ¼ teaspoon pepper » 1 teaspoon cumin

» ¼ teaspoon chili powder » ½ cup chopped cilantro » 2 teaspoons chopped jalapeno » 1 tablespoon lime juice » 1 cup finely chopped seedless watermelon, reserved for garnish » ½ to 1 cup finely diced avocado, reserved (optional)

Instructions Puree the first 10 ingredients in a blender until smooth. Adjust the seasonings as needed. Chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour. Stir in the finely chopped watermelon and avocado at serving time.

Serves 4.

WATERMELON-STRAWBERRY LIME COOLER Stronger Together Co-op, courtesy of New Leaf Market

Ingredients » 1 cup frozen strawberries » 4 cups cubed watermelon, seeds removed » 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice » mint sprigs Instructions In a blender, combine the watermelon and strawberries. Add the lime juice and puree.

Serve immediately with mint sprigs for garnish.

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»food ON THE MENU

Zin & Sin

IF YOU LIKE GOOD FOOD and have been around Tallahassee at all over the past two decades, the name Chris Clark should ring a few bells.

A successful restaurateur and classically trained chef, Clark has repeatedly wowed Florida’s capital city with his deliciously innovative concepts, ranging from the gastronomically avant-garde to the just-plain groovy.

“This is what I do,” smiled Clark, relaxing in a booth at his newest establishment, Zin. “I open places.”

He’s certainly right about that.

In the 1990s, Clark’s initial project, The Cab Stand, debuted.

Later came Café Cabernet and Deep Lounge. After a brief hiatus from Tallahassee, Clark returned from the big city (or cities — in this case, New York City and Washington, D.C.) with a new respect for urbanesque, upscale dining. And by 2010, his travels had inspired him to open the doors to Avenue Eat & Drink — a fine-dining establishment catering to downtown power players, not to mention a pretty happening Sunday brunch crowd.

It was a whirlwind, and for about four years, Avenue was more than enough to keep Clark completely occupied. Eventually, though, he realized something was missing from his culinary and professional repertoire.

“I wanted a second restaurant here in town that was a different price point compared to Avenue,” Clark said. “Avenue is fine dining and a great restaurant with phenomenal food. But it’s upper tier as far as pricing and product. I wanted something that was a little more price-aggressive so that we could appeal to a broader mass of customers.”

His concept for Zin & Sin, now located on North Monroe Street, fit the bill perfectly.

“We call it an ‘American eatery,’” Clark said about Zin, “so everything is classic American fare, as opposed to Avenue, which we call ‘Southern fusion.’ Here, we’re a little more wide open and can diversify.”

Of course, Sin, the highly anticipated petite dessert room connected to Zin, has its own allure. Reservations are required due to limited seating and a desire to keep the ambiance private. Sin is intimate with a dark, rich red-toned color scheme and decadent

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MATT BURKE

Chris Clark’s New American Eatery and Dessert Room are the Next Additions to His Culinary Kingdom By Chay D. Baxley

MATT BURKE MATT BURKE

MATT BURKE

offerings such as the Prickly Pear Cobbler and the signature Red Velvet Ice Cream Sandwich.

Don’t worry: If Sin is all booked up, dessert is also served in the main dining rooms — just without Sin’s added punch of panache.

While the food and service came easy for Clark and his team, the renovation process took a bit of finesse.

The space, which formerly housed Mockingbird Cafe, was completely reimagined and demolished down to the drywall.

The restaurant’s two separate dining areas — including a private wine room and a full-service bar — as well as Sin, were expertly renovated by Clark with the guidance of his trusted designer and longtime friend, Laura Williams of L.A.W. Designs.

“When Chris first contacted me, all he told me is that he wanted American and that this venue was based on American food,” Williams laughed. “I really didn’t have much to go on, other than that he wanted some blue in there. Really, that was it. We just kind of put the pieces together.

“If you were looking for a name for the concept or style, I’d call it ‘vintage eclectic.’”

Named for red zinfandel, one of Clark’s favorite wines, Zin’s menu is completely original. Meticulously designed by Clark himself, and later tweaked by Chef Jud Wiard, Zin’s kitchen prides itself on being a fresh and exciting mix of everything scrumptious: savory pork belly sliders, true Florida blue crab cakes and Cornish game hens, just to name a few.

At the redesigned Zin “We have my mother’s restaurant (top and bottom left) you’ll find recipe for meatloaf on the American style plates menu,” Clark said. “That’s such as pork belly sliders always one of my favorites.” (top right). Save room It’s the personal touches, and make a reservation patrons say, that make dining for Sin, where you can at Clark’s establishments a indulge in desserts like real treat. According to cusa Red Velvet Ice Cream Sandwich (bottom right). tomer Peper Willis, co-owner of the Old Willis Dairy Farm, where Clark has catered a number of banquetstyle dinners, working and relaxing with Clark is a delicious experience.

And as for Zin? She’s a big fan.

“When his food comes out,” Willis said, “it’s perfection. It’s beautiful and it tastes great.

“When Chris says he’s going to do something, he’s going to come through with flying colZIN & SIN ors. He’s so good. We’ve eaten 1225 N. Monroe St. at both of his restaurants — (850) 765-8851 Avenue Eat & Drink as well as zintallahassee.com Zin. We’ve celebrated family occasions there, and he’s made Monday–Thursday, 5–10 p.m. us feel so special. His personal Friday–Saturday, 5–11 p.m. attention to every single detail Sunday, Closed is unbelievable.” n

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16 Fiery Hibachi Tables • Spectacular Seafood Combinations Fresh Sushi Bar • Expert, Experienced Chefs Cocktail Lounge with Exotic & Local Favorites Private Dining for Groups up to 70

Open Daily • Lunch 11am – 2:30pm • Dinner 2:30 – 10:30pm 850-531-0222 • 1690 Raymond Diehl Road

S e rv in g B re ak fa s t, B ru n c h & Lu n c h

The Egg Cafe & Eatery at 3740 Austin Davis Ave.

Great Food Great Friends Warm & Inviting Atmosphere Upscale Tastes at Affordable Prices NEW MENU ITEMS!

Off Capital Circle NE near Mahan | Tue–Sun 7 am–2 pm | (850) 765-0703

The Egg Express in the R.A. Gray Building, 500 South Bronough, Room G-22 Mon–Fri 7:30 am–3 pm | Sat 10 am–3 pm | (850) 907-EGGS (3447) | Lite Breakfast Fare

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Apple Walnut Salad

»food ON YOUR TABLE FLORIDA SCALLOP AND SUMMER VEGETABLE PASTA Yields: 4 Servings

Summertime

SCALLOPING

To Enjoy This Tasty Bivalve, You’ll Have to Dive for Your Dinner

By Ellen Pribil HALF SNORKELING, HALF FISHING, and with the promise of a meal at the end of all the fun, scalloping is a quintessential Florida experience. The Sunshine State is home to great scalloping and, fortunately for Tallahassee residents, some of the best can be found right here in the Big Bend.

From just north of Tampa Bay, around the Big Bend and west to Port St. Joe and Cape San Blas are the only harvest areas in Florida during the recreational scallop season, which runs this year from June 27 until Sept. 24. Because the season takes place during the scorching heat of summer, it’s great fun to cool off in the Gulf while catching your dinner at the same time.

While other types of fishing are generally done from above the water, scalloping is different, as it is completely hands-on, immersing you in the water, bringing you face-to-face with your catch. All you need for scalloping is fins, a mask, a snorkel, and a net or bag to keep your scallops together while gathering more. The ideal depth of water for scalloping is between 4 and 6 feet.

Scalloping is often referred to as “the Easter egg hunt of the sea,” and with scallops cozily nestled in

sea grass and very easy to spot and grab, it’s not hard to understand why. They are an off-white, yellowish color, sometimes open, just waiting to be plucked and eaten. To be safe, it would probably be best to catch more scallops than you think necessary, as bay scallops, the type found off the Gulf coast, are about an inch smaller in diameter than the sea scallops found off the coast of New England. There are 10 to 20 sea scallops in a pound, while it takes 50 to 90 bay scallops to make that weight. Bay scallops are prized for their tenderness and much sweeter flavor.

Once you’ve caught your limit of scallops (2 gallons in the shell per person, per day), just head back to shore and prepare to cook.

Opening the scallops may be the hardest part of the whole process. To do this, lay an unopened scallop down on its flat side, press a knife inside the shell and slice it all the way to the back. This will split the shell open and finally reveal the muchanticipated scallop meat. Once opened, scoop the scallop out of the shell with a spoon and pull off all of the extra goo and meat. Once stripped down, the raw scallops will be thick, small and round. Wash the scallops in cold water and get ready to cook! n

Ingredients » 12 ounces of your favorite pasta (spinach fettuccini, angel hair, etc.) » Virgin olive oil » 1 pound Florida scallops » 4 garlic cloves, minced » 1 cup white wine or low-sodium chicken broth » 2 small or 1 large Florida yellow squash, diced » 1 pint Florida mushrooms (your

favorite kind), sliced » 1 pint Florida cherry tomatoes, quartered » 10 ounces Florida arugula or spinach » ¼ cup fresh parsley, hand-torn » ¼ cup Romano cheese, shaved » Juice of one lemon » ½ stick unsalted butter » Sea salt and fresh ground pepper to taste

Instructions Cook pasta as suggested on package directions. Meanwhile, in a large-size sauté pan, heat olive oil on medium high until oil faintly smokes. Lightly season and sauté scallops until cooked through, about 2 minutes total. Remove scallops from pan.

Add a little more olive oil to pan. Add garlic; cook 1 minute. Add squash, mushrooms and tomatoes. Continue cooking ingredients, stirring occasionally, until the veggies are slightly softened, about 2 to 3 minutes. Add wine and cook until reduced by about half. Put scallops back in pan. Add arugula, lemon juice and butter and season with sea salt and fresh ground pepper to taste.

Toss drained pasta with a drizzle of olive oil and Romano cheese and season with sea salt and fresh ground pepper to taste.

To serve, divide hot seasoned pasta on four plates and top with scallop mixture. Garnish plates with freshly torn parsley and shaved Romano cheese.

Recipe Courtesy of Chef Justin Timineri C.E.C., Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services

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GREAT MOMS DESERVE THE BEST

»food DINING GUIDE Gourmet Specialty ANDREW’S 228 American, Italian. A chic urban restaurant serving signature blends of creative American and Italian cuisine in stylish surroundings. Private rooms are available for banquets and meetings.

228 S. Adams St. (850) 222-3444. $$$ D

AVENUE EAT & DRINK American Fusion. A chic restaurant offering a melting pot of flavors fresh from the South, served in scrumptious dining presentations. Sunday brunch is a not-to-be-missed treat. 115 E. Park Ave. (850) 224-0115. $$$ B L D

Killearn Shopping Center 3491 Thomasville Rd, Suite #12 | 850.222.5458 Ocala Corners 800 Ocala Rd, Suite #370 | 850.575.5458 WWW.KIKUFUSION.COM

Thank you for voting us the BES T in Tallahassee!

CYPRESS RESTAURANT H New Southern. To make a special evening a cut above the rest, bring the celebration to Cypress. Known for its sophisticated take on Southern cuisine, this restaurant won readers’ votes in 2014 as Best Celebration/Special Occasion and Best Fine Dining restaurant. 320 E. Tennessee St. (850) 513-1100. $$$ D THE FRONT PORCH H Southern, Seafood. Located in the heart of Midtown, The Front Porch mixes Southern comfort with fresh seafood to make for one of the finest casual dining experiences in Tallahassee. Stop by for dinner or special Saturday/Sunday brunch. The spacious “front porch” under the oaks earned the restaurant Best Outdoor Dining honors in 2014.

1215 Thomasville Road. (850) 521-5821. $$$ L D GEORGIO’S American. If George Koikos is in the house, you can count on a visit to your table from him during your meal. His hands-on commitment to quality, food, service and a personal touch have kept his restaurants in business for more than 45 years.

2971 Apalachee Parkway. (850) 877-3211. $$$ D MICCOSUKEE ROOT CELLAR Fusion. With its hand-hewn décor, organic menu items and seemingly endless supply of artisan crafted beer and wine, the Miccosukee Root Cellar is the place to go when a fresh twist on tradition is what the taste buds order. 1311 Miccosukee Road.

(850) 597-7419. $$ D

We’re so much more than just cakes

SAGE RESTAURANT American. Fine dining is about both flavors and atmosphere. Sage’s menu masterfully melds regional influences, including Southern and French, to produce some of the finest cuisine in town. The setting is gorgeous but cozy, and the outdoor patio sets a charming, romantic tone for a relaxed evening.

3534 Maclay Blvd. (850) 270-9396. $$$ B L D

1908 Capital Circle NE 850-386-2253 | TallahasseeCakeShop.com

Mon–Fri 8:30 a.m.–6:00 p.m. | Sat 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.

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Specialty 101 RESTAURANT H American. Readers say 101 has the Best Happy Hour and cocktails, whether you

The Key

The restaurants that appear in this guide are included as a service to readers and not as recommendations of the Tallahassee Magazine editorial department, except where noted.

Best of Tallahassee 2014 Winner Breakfast/Brunch Lunch Dinner Outdoor Dining Live Music Bar/Lounge $ Inexpensive $$ Moderately Expensive $$$ Expensive ★ B L D

work 9 to 5 or just want to enjoy a night out with friends. Guests can choose from two happy hours, a selection of delectable martinis and cocktails, two-for-ones and a bevy of other drinks.

215 W. College Ave. (850) 391-1309. $$ B L D ANDREW’S CAPITAL GRILL AND BAR American. A Downtown landmark for 40 years, Andrew’s is an energetic, casual, see and-be-seen spot. House favorites include a popular lunch buffet, hamburgers, sandwiches, salads and pasta dishes.

Downtown delivery. 228 S. Adams St. (850) 222-3444/Fax, (850) 222-2433. $$ B L D AZU — A LUCY HO’S RESTAURANT Asian. Serving Tallahassee since 1970, Lucy Ho’s offers Japanese-style cooking with Cantonese, Sichuan, Hunan, Peking and Taiwanese influences. Diners also will find a full bar and the freshest sushi. 3220 Apalachee Parkway.

(850) 893-4112. $/$$ L D BELLA BELLA H Italian. Take your taste buds to Italy with a trip to Bella Bella, voted Best Italian

by Tallahassee Magazine readers in 2014. This locally owned and operated restaurant has a cozy atmosphere with all the classics to satisfy your pasta cravings. 123 E. 5th Ave. (850) 412-1114. $$ L D BROOKLYN WATER BAGELS AND PIZZA American. Using the freshest ingredients and an exclusive water treatment process, renowned Brooklyn bagels, coffee and pizza made famous in their original location can now be found in Tallahassee. CollegeTown, 815 W. Madison St. (850) 765-1058. $B L D THE CAKE SHOP H Bakery. From your plain vanilla and chocolate to specialties like Snicker’s Candy Bar and Chunky Monkey, The Cake Shop provides delicious cakes, cookies and cupcakes for special occasions or just to satisfy your sweet tooth. It earned honors for Best Bakery and Best Dessert in our 2014 readers’ choice poll. 1908 Capital Circle N.E. (850) 386-2253. $

CANTINA TALLAHASSEE Mexican. The menu includes all your South of the Border favorites — tacos, burritos, chimichangas, quesadillas and more — along with $5 and less fast food options as well as sharingsized Platos Con Amigos. CollegeTown, 705 S. Woodward Ave. (850) 273-4002. $L D CARRIE ANN & CO. American, Catering. No reservation required for Carrie Ann & Co.’s Tuesday Night Dinners at the Mays House, a charming, historic 1922 residence in Monticello. Or head downtown to their Rosemary Tree Café & Gift Shop for coffee and daily specials on wraps and sandwiches. Custom catering available.

The Mays House, 925 E. Washington St. (850) 544-2427 or (850) 544-1582.

Rosemary Tree Café, 170 N. Jefferson St. (850) 997-2106. $/$$ B L D (Tuesdays (Mays House only) Only) COOSH’S BAYOU ROUGE H Cajun. This Best Cajun Restaurant winner for 2014 brings the best of the Bayou State right to your table. The menu is jam-packed with Louisiana-style dishes, favorites like jambalaya, crawfish etouffee, po’boys and seafood gumbo.

Not in a Cajun mood? Coosh’s also offers classic hamburgers, salads and chicken wings. 6267 Old Water Oak Road.

(850) 894-4110. $$ B L D THE EGG CAFÉ AND EATERY H American. When you’re looking for breakfast favorites, even if it’s lunchtime, The Egg is the place to be. Made-to-order items use the finest ingredients. Voted Tallahassee’s best 11 times, including the 2014 awards for Best Breakfast and Best Brunch. In Evening Rose at 3740 Austin Davis Ave. (850) 907-3447. Light breakfast fare is available at The Egg Express, a second downtown location in the R.A. Gray building. 500 S. Bronough St. Room G-22 (850) 907-3447. $$ B L EL JALISCO H Mexican. In the mood for sizzling enchiladas and frozen margaritas? Make your way to the 2014 Best Mexican/Latin American Restaurant, El Jalisco, where they do Mexican cuisine to perfection.

2022 N. Monroe St. (850) 878-0800; 2915-301 Kerry Forest Pkwy. (850) 6681002; 2736 Capital Circle N.E.; and 3197 Merchants Row Blvd. in SouthWood (850) 727-0094. $ L D HASU Asian. Hasu offers carefully prepared sushi that comes with a great, welcoming atmosphere for those dining in as well as carrying out. Two convenient locations. 3551 Blairstone Road, Suite 132 (850) 671-4278; 1400 Village Square Blvd., Suite 14 (850) 893-4278. $$ L D JOE MAMA’S WOOD FIRED PIZZA Italian. Crisp toppings. Freshly prepared pizza dough. Traditional Tuscan woodfired oven. What more could you ask for? Joe Mama’s offers quintessential casual Italian dining. 307 N. Monroe St. (850) 577-1231. $ L D

KIKU Japanese Fusion. With a wide selection of sushi rolls and traditional Japanese dishes, Kiku caters to a variety of tastes. 3491 Thomasville Road Suite 12.

(850) 222-5458. $$ L D KLASSIC KATERING H American, Southern, Italian. The culinary masterminds behind Klassic Katering know how to transform an event from drab to fab. With a ton of flavor and a pinch of panache, this Best of Tallahassee winner will cater to all of your foodie needs.

2207 Bannerman Road. (850) 894-0423.

KOOL BEANZ CAFÉ H Fusion. This colorful, casual spot has been serving up gourmet dishes so tasty and creative it was named Best Locally Owned Restaurant in 2014.

Diners can expect delicious modern American cuisine, as well as dishes influenced by the worldwide travels of the kitchen staff. Menus change daily.

921 Thomasville Road. (850) 224-2466. $$/$$$ L D LEVEL 8 Nightclub. This modern downtown rooftop bar at the Hotel Duval is the perfect setting for any get together. The upscale environment sets the bar high, so dress in your best attire. 415 N. Monroe St. (850) 224-6000. $$ LIBERTY BAR & RESTAURANT American. No detail is too minute for the chefs and skilled alchemists over at Liberty Bar & Restaurant. A fairly new addition to the Midtown neighborhood, Liberty’s full menu and artisan twists on old favorite cocktails are sure to inspire.

1307 N. Monroe St., (850) 284-7966. $$ B L D MADISON SOCIAL H American. Whether it’s for a social cocktail, a quick lunch or a place for alumni to gather before home football games, Madison Social offers something for everyone. Madison Social earned Best Bar honors in 2014. CollegeTown, 705 S. Woodward Ave. (850) 894-6276. $$ L D MASA H Asian Fusion. For another year, Masa earned the title as the Best Sushi and Best Asian in town — and with a good reason. This Japanese fusion restaurant packs bold, delicious flavors into each finely crafted, authentic roll.

1001 N. Monroe St. (850) 847-0003. $/$$ L D MORELIA’S Mexican. Try delicious house specialties like Quesadilla de Camar’on (shrimp) and Tacos de Carne Asada (grilled steak) at dinner along with all the traditional favorites. Lunch specials daily and a kids’ menu. 1355 Market St. (850) 907-9173. moreliasmexican.com $ L D OLD TOWN CAFÉ American. Southern hospitality is embedded throughout this family-owned

Buy Fresh · Buy Wild

BUY SOUTHERN

BEST SEAFOOD MARKET

1415 Timberlane Road in Market Square 850.893.7301 southernseafoodmarket.com TALLAHASSEEMAGAZINE.COM May–June 2015

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»food DINING GUIDE restaurant. Mom’s meatloaf with mashed potatoes and green beans makes you feel like you’re home, not to mention their world famous prime rib, which slowly roasts all day. 1415 Timberlane Road.

(850) 893-5741. $$ L D

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OSAKA JAPANESE STEAKHOUSE AND SUSHI BAR H Japanese. Rated Best Hibachi for 2014, Osaka provides dinner and a show with chefs seasoning and preparing your meal right in front of you. It’s a meal that’s sure to leave you satisfied as well as entertained. 1690 Raymond Diehl Road.

(850) 531-0222. $$$ D

Family owned and operated for more than 30 years Mon-Fri: 11am-9pm | Sat: 11am-5pm Capital Circle Open Sundays hopkinseatery.com NORTH 1660-9 N. Monroe 386-4258

NORTHEAST 1415 Market St. 668-0311

SOUTHEAST 1208 Capital Circle SE 325-6422

PAISLEY CAFÉ American. Guilt-free lunch has never been easier now that Paisley serves up food with seven natural ingredients or less. This charming Midtown spot boasts a fresh bakery and garden full of wholesome treats. 1123 @ Midtown on Thomasville Road. (850) 385-7268. $ L TACO REPUBLIK American/Worldwide Fusion. An authentic taqueria, Taco Republik specializes in creating tacos and burritos in abstract and delicious ways.

Located in the heart of Midtown, this restaurant is beloved for bold flavor combinations and wallet-friendly prices.

705 S. Woodward Ave., (850) 559-5464. $L D THE WINE LOFT WINE BAR H American. When it’s part of your name, of course you’re going to be chosen as the Best of in 2014. Midtown’s Wine Loft features a variety of worldly wines and bartenders who love to experiment. The Wine Loft is ready to help you relax and enjoy the evening. 1240 Thomasville Road, Suite 100.

(850) 222-9914. thewinelofttallahassee.net $$ D

Family/Casual

Thank you for making us Tally’s Top ChoiCe!

elegant creative unique d istinctive Visit our new website! info@klassickatering.com | klassic-katering.com 850.894.0423 | 850.509.5005 (mobile) 200 May–June 2015

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honors in 2014. There are also deli sandwiches, side items and soups, and a cookie of the day. 1410 Market Street, D-3. (850) 894-2502. $ L D HOPKINS’ EATERY American. This deli provides more than just your average sandwich.

Favorites like the Ultimate Turkey and the Linda Special and a variety of salad meals keep customers coming back for more. And it’s healthful, too!

1660 N. Monroe St. (850) 386-4258; 1415 Market St. (850) 668-0311, and 1208 Capital Circle S.E. (850) 325-6422. hopkinseatery.com $ L JUICY BLUE American Tapas. In the new Four Points by Sheraton Downtown this cool newcomer offers breakfast, lunch and dinner. Unique offerings include tapas with a unique twist like the Georgia peaches and caramel. Sandwiches, salads and a nice variety of seafood, pasta and chicken dishes round out the menu. Local coffee bar Redeye is located in the lobby. 316 W. Tennessee St. (850) 422-0071. $ B L D MERV’S MELT SHOP American. Welcome Merv to the neighborhood. This new daytime cafe specializes in homemade breakfast and handcrafted sandwich melts. Enjoy one of their gourmet sandwich creations or make your own. Fresh bread is baked daily, and they even make their own chips. 825 Railroad Ave. (850) 320-6287. $B L D MIDTOWN PASS H Sports Bar. Watch the game while you nosh on some of the best wings to be found in town, and wash it down with one of the 32 beers on draft (and 80 bottled varieties). Voted Best Sports Bar in 2014 by the readers of Tallahassee Magazine.

1019 N. Monroe St. (850) 597-9614. $$ L D

BURGERFI American. BurgerFi uses all-natural, free-range beef and is dedicated to sustainable practices. Their menu is packed full of tasty, savory and creative hamburger and hotdog creations as well as fresh-cut french fries and gigantic onion rings. Vegetarian options, frozen custard, beer and wine are also available. 1817 Thomasville Road, No.7.

(850) 629-4333. $ L D

MOMO’S H Pizza. After devouring a slice “as big as your head” at this 2014 Best Pizza winner, chain pizza simply is not gonna cut it.

From the black-and-white photos to the bathrooms decorated in album covers the restaurant has an unmistakable and enjoyable “hole in the wall” vibe.

1410 Market St. (850) 412-0222; and 1416 W. Tennessee St. (850) 224-9808. $L D

CANOPY ROAD CAFÉ American. Combine fresh ingredients, made-to-order dishes and a welcoming staff, and you have the components of a deliciously successful restaurant. This casual, family-style restaurant proclaims itself a “greasy-spoon diner meets modern Southern cafe.” 1913 N. Monroe St. (850) 668-6600; 2202 Capital Circle N.E. (850) 893-0466. $ B L

PUBLIX DELI H Casual . The delis at Publix Super Markets have a certain reputation around these parts. A 2014 Best of winner, these convenient eateries are beloved not only for their tasty “Pub subs,” cold cuts and graband go meals, but also for their exceptional customer service. Multiple locations.

CHICKEN SALAD CHICK H Southern. Chicken Salad Chick exceeds expectations with 15 different chicken salads to choose from served in a bright setting that earned it Best Casual Dining

4 RIVERS SMOKEHOUSE Barbecue. Need something to lift your spirits? A bite of brisket can make the world seem right. Specializing in the deliciously savory, 4 Rivers Smokehouse is a new addition to Tallahassee’s barbecue scene.

Conveniently located in Midtown’s Miracle

Creekstone Farms Beef LOCAL SEAFOOD Plaza, this small Florida-based franchise offers patrons a better-than-mama-madeit, home-style meal in an inviting, rustic atmosphere. 1817 Thomasville Road (844) 474-8377 $$ L D SONNY’S REAL PIT BAR-B-Q H Barbecue. Nothing satisfies a rumblin’ stomach quite like a plateful of hot, savory barbeque; and if you’re looking for the tastiest grilled dishes, 2014 Best Barbecue winner Sonny’s has them in spades.

3101 Dick Wilson Blvd. (850) 878-1185; 2707 N. Monroe St. (850) 385-2167; and 1460 Timberlane Road (850) 906-9996. $L D STARBUCKS H American. Whether you’re craving a Caramel Ribbon Crunch Frappuccino or a simple cup o’ joe, Starbucks provides a wide variety of beverages that will satisfy even the most adventurous caffeine addict. The 2014 Best Coffee Shop winner also offers free Wi-Fi. 2264-1 N. Monroe St. (850) 386-2417; 3425 Thomasville Road. (850) 894-7005; and 2120 Apalachee Pkwy. (850) 671-2041. $B L THE LUNCH BOX American. This iconic little café conveniently nestled at the corner of Mahan and Magnolia offers up homestyle breakfasts and plenty of lunch items to choose from. Dine in, take out and outdoor seating is available.

295 N. Magnolia Drive. (850) 942-9766. $B L THE TIN COW American. The Tin Cow boasts an impressive mix of canned craft beer, spiked milkshakes and mammoth build-yourown burgers. A new-to-Tallahassee bar and eatery, this lively establishment is situated near FSU’s main campus where AJ’s once hailed. 1800 W. Tennessee St. (850) 681-0731. $/$$ D TUCKER DUKE’S LUNCHBOX American. An original Emerald Coast, Southern-style lunch counter eatery, Tucker Duke’s is known for dishing out a ton of character served with pure attitude. From quality craft burgers to their signature “blue light special” and gourmet sides, Tucker Duke’s is steaming with delicious home cookin’ in a fun and family-friendly atmosphere.

224 E. College Ave. (850) 765-1554. $/$$ L D UP IN SMOKE PIT BBQ Barbecue. While their barbecue is certainly succulent, Up in Smoke’s other menu options — including fried green tomatoes, meatloaf and grilled salmon — cater to even the pickiest of palates.

402 Tennessee St. (850) 597-7964. $B L D VERTIGO BURGERS AND FRIES H American. The No. 1 spot for hamburgers in 2014 went to Vertigo, home to some of the juiciest, funkiest burgers in town. The modern building provides a no-frills setting to enjoy such favorites as the Vertigo Burger — a beef patty with fried egg, applewood bacon, grilled jalapenos, sharp cheddar and Vertigo

sauce. 1395 E. Lafayette St. (850) 878-2020. $$ L D WINGSTOP H American. After being voted Best Wings in town for the ninth year in a row, it’s safe to say that this joint is the ultimate source for chicken wings. Wingstop offers a variety of homemade sides and 10 mouthwatering flavors for their wings.

1964 W. Tennessee St. (850) 574-9464; 3111 Mahan Dr. (850) 942-9464; and 6668 Thomasville Road. (850) 219-9464. $L D

Steak/Seafood BONEFISH GRILL H American. With countless perfectly cooked, succulent seafood items to choose from, in addition to delicious “turf” options for those who do not enjoy their food from the “surf,” it’s no wonder Tallahassee Magazine readers selected Bonefish Grill as its favorite restaurant for seafood and appetizers in 2014. 3491 Thomasville Road.

(850) 297-0460. $$$ D

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CHOP HOUSE ON THE BRICKS American. This family-owned upscale restaurant serves local organic and sustainable meats, seafood, poultry and produce. Craft beers, fine wines and specialty drinks complement house specialties like Bone-In Ribeye, Plantation Quail and the Chop House Burger. Their Knob Creek Bourbon Bread Pudding is a dessert favorite. 123 N. Broad St., Thomasville, Ga. (229) 236-2467. $$ D MARIE LIVINGSTON’S STEAKHOUSE H Steak. Dining at Marie Livingston’s is upscale yet comfortable and always a special treat. Not just a restaurant that serves up savory cuts of prime rib or marbled steaks, this 2014 Best Steakhouse winner is a Tallahassee tradition, and newcomers owe it to themselves to make it a priority to visit.

2705 Apalachee Parkway. (850) 562-2525. $$ L D SHULA’S 347 Steak. The legendary Miami Dolphins’ head coach brings the quest for perfection to the dining table at his namesake restaurant, located in Hotel Duval. Keep it light and casual with Premium Black Angus Beef burgers or a gourmet salad or opt for one of their signature entrées — “Shula Cut” steaks Reservations are suggested.

415 N. Monroe St. (850) 224-6005. $$$ L D SOUTHERN SEAFOOD H American. Whether you’re looking for fish, shrimp, oysters, scallops, crab or lobster, these guys have you covered. The 2014 Best Seafood Market winner brings the ocean’s freshest choices to Tallahassee’s front door. 1415 Timberlane Road.

(850) 668-2203.

Visit our comprehensive,searchable dining guide online at tallahasseemagazine.com/Restaurants

3491 Thomasville Rd., Suite 9

850.894.8080

Your favorite restaurant has a new home 1650 N. Monroe St. NEW LOCATION COMING SOON

EAST MEETS WEST, noW A fEW blockS norTh A Fresh Take on Pan-Asian Cuisine and Sushi Join us for Lunch & Dinner Featuring a Full Bar with an Extensive Selection of Wine, Beer & Sake Voted Tallahassee’s Best Sushi & Best Asian Restaurant since 2009

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»the last word

Paris and the LOST EARRINGS

I’VE ALWAYS BEEN A SENTIMENTAL PERSON. So when my father gave me my first pair of grown-up earrings at the age of 18, I treasured them.

Perfectly oval, rose-hued cameos encased by gold beading — I wore those little vintage beauts everywhere. For many a moon, I made certain the studs were incorporated into my daily ensemble. They were my signature look.

Several years had passed by the time I was packing for a summer-abroad program in Paris. The earrings easily made my “must take” list, despite our advisers’ recommendation to leave all our valuables at home. I guess that’s what they call “foreshadowing,” huh?

We were in Paris for almost three weeks before the inevitable happened.

I was running late to my French language class, located just a quarter of a mile away from the Jardin du Luxembourg in a beautiful fifth-floor stone walkup. As I hurried out of my dorm room on the other side of town, I snatched my earrings off the bedside table, shoved them deep into my pocket and took off to catch the Métro. It wasn’t until I had gotten settled into my desk chair that I thought to reach for them again. They were gone.

My face grew warm as I realized what had happened, feeling around my pocket only to find the tiniest of holes where they must have fallen out.

A distinct wave of nausea followed suit. Oh yeah, I was definitely going to cry. Big time. “Pardon moi,” I squeaked out, managing to excuse myself from the classroom before the tears started to fall.

I spent the rest of the morning frantically retracing my steps: down the stairs, through the corridors of the institute, back to the street and Métro platform. My eyes glued to the ground, I was hopeful up until the moment I unlocked my door. Then I knew for sure — no way, no how. There simply wasn’t a chance in the world I’d see those earrings again.

Though the sentimental loss for me was great, I soon realized what was actually weighing heavily on my heart was the thought of telling my parents.

Of course they’d pretend it wasn’t a big deal, and fiscally speaking it probably wasn’t. But there was just something about the notion of saying, “You gave me something beautiful, and I lost it,” that I just couldn’t stomach.

I quickly hatched a plan.

My mother was coming to Paris the following week, so I could show her the sights I had been gushing about over Skype since my arrival. Before she landed I had to, I repeat, I had to find another pair of rose cameo earrings.

Luckily for me, I was in Paris — the mecca of sparkling things.

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With a little bit of legwork, I managed to track down a pair of earrings eerily similar to my own at a gift shop in These are the Louvre. Despite being costume jewelry, they were pretty the cameo darn close to my original pair. If nothing else, I told myself, earrings that the 20 euros I had to spend on them would buy me time to were lost in Paris — and work up the nerve to tell the truth.

I wore the knockoffs to the airport when I went to fetch her. wondrously My mom and I had a great time wandering the city found again. streets. I was able to show her my favorite neighborhood, Le Marais, and all the other things I was so excited about.

As for the earrings? She never even noticed. I resigned myself to the fact that someday, somehow, I’d have to share with my parents what had happened. But not just yet.

On my last night in town with Mom, I received a message in my inbox from a coed friend: “Hey! I found a pair of earrings on the sidewalk last week. They remind me of you. I heard you lost a pair. Could it be?”

The message came with a picture.

It was impossible. And yet … there they were, in the palm of my classmate’s hand. A little scratched but no worse for wear, my earrings had managed to wedge themselves into the soles of my friend’s shoe.

It was a miracle. Perhaps not in the biblical sense, but, to me, there was simply no other word for it. With more than 2 million people in Paris (and presumably 4 million or so feet strolling about), the fact that my earrings found their way back to me was completely incredible.

I’ve never told my parents the entire story about why I love those earrings so much. Well … I guess I have now. n

MATT BURKE

Is It the City of Lights, the City of Love or the City of Luck? By Chay D. Baxley

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