February-March 2011

tM

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• F e b r u a r y /M a rc h 2011 3

CONTENTS

20

T a l l a h a s s e e W o m a n M a g a z i n e | F e b r u a r y / M a r c h 2 0 11

Special Section: Women Following Their Heart’s Passion 16

20

A Heart for Music

The Women of the Tallahassee Symphony Orchestra The sweet sound of the music of the Tallahassee Symphony Orchestra is achieved by a collaborative effort—both on stage and off.

20 A Love for Irish Dancing

38

Kristy Lehmann Keeping the tradition of Irish Step dancing alive, Kristy Lehmann fulfills her heart’s passion by being involved in the art, while teaching it to the next generation.

DEPARTMENTS

34

14

6

From the Publisher

7

Girl Talk

26

Style & Grace

30

Healthy Living

32

Sports & Fitness

38

Flavors

40

Community

54

Funny Girl

Seeing red | Makeover your eyes | Big discounts From local Businesses | Make Time for Tea | health Flash | Colors Can affect your Mood

love the new you

leading a heart-healthy lifestyle

Women on Wheels—amber Colvin and lauren Baker | Bravo to The Marathon

Sensational Strawberries

a Cause for the Paws | Catch the Spirit | Something Wild Wild—The 2011 Tallahassee Film Festival | Searching for the artists of the Future

Shopping debacle

IN EVERY ISSUE Capital City Gems 16 | Around Town 47 | Women to Watch 50 Women We Admire 51 | Calendar 52

ON THE COVER Kim Sash, Sandy Hartsfield, and Lora Hauser | Photography by Adam Cohen | Clothing by Cole Couture and Narcissus | Hair by Haute Headz and Artisan Salon | Makeup by Kanvas, MAC and Chanel at Dilliards .

4 t a l l a h a s s e e wo m a n • F e b r u a r y /m a rc h 2011

TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR HEALTH! M ENOPAUSE | E RECTILE D YSFUNCTION | M IGRAINE | H IGH C HOLESTEROL | F ATIGUE | W EI G H T G A I N

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5

FROMTHEPUBLISHER

“i’ve learned that people will Living Well and Loving Life!

forget what you said, people will

February/March 2011 Volume 6 | Issue 1

forget what you did, but people PUBLISHER & EDITOR Kim Rosier

will never forget how you made them feel.” — Maya angelou

ASSOCIATE EDITOR Heather Thomas

W

ADVERTISING SALES DIRECTOR Lynn Solomon

e recently posted this quote by Maya Angelou on our Facebook page and received so many comments and “likes” that we knew that we wanted to print it in this issue. It is a good reminder of how much our actions can impact the lives of others.

In this fast-paced world it is sometimes too easy to be quick to react, many times with regret for our words and actions. With so much chaos, aggression, and uncertainty in our world today, it is more important than ever to respond to those around us positively with kindness, patience, and love.

GRAPHIC DESIGN Christy Jennings Miqueli INTERNS Alexandra Delgado Alyssa Fleisher Caroline Walker CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Adam Cohen Photography Inga Finch Photography

And speaking of love, we share several stories of women who are pursuing their life’s passion and doing things that are close to their heart. From racing, to dancing, to playing music, to helping others in need, all of these women are making their mark on the world and in the lives of others.

Women have the tendency to put everything (and everyone) in their lives first—with their needs becoming secondary. While this may be just the way it is, especially with obligations to children, husbands, jobs, family, friends, and other commitments, it is important to take time for yourself as well. Maybe you need a fresh look to be revitalized. Be sure to read about the three women who decided they needed a change and, in one day, received a makeover that changed their whole outlook and gave them a new look that they love.

March is Women’s History month and the time to honor and admire those women of the past that have made great sacrifices to change the world. While many of the women recognized at this time are women who are well known for their contributions to society, we also want to take the time to honor all of the women that have made our lives richer. Our mothers, sisters, friends, coworkers—all who have had an impact on the lives of those they love and have made sacrifices so that someone else can have a better life. These women are part of our own personal history and our world is a better place because of them.

Until next time.

Kim Rosier Publisher 6 t a l l a h a s s e e wo m a n • F e b r u a r y /m a rc h 2011

Tallahassee Woman Magazine LLC Post Office Box 13401 Tallahassee, FL 32317-3401 Phone (850) 893-9624 Fax (850) 254-7038 info@TalWoman.com

r

tallahassee Woman is published six times per year and is distributed on a complimentary basis throughout Tallahassee and the surrounding communities. Subscriptions are available for $15 for one year (six issues).

The information in this publication is presented in good faith. The publisher does not guarantee accuracy or assume responsibility for errors or omissions.

ADVERTISING

For more information on advertising, call (850) 893-9624 or e-mail ads@TalWoman.com

TalWoman.com Join us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter Copyright ©2011

by Tallahassee Woman Magazine LLC. All rights reserved.

Reproduction, in part or in whole, without express written consent of the Publisher is prohibited.

t a l l a h a s s e e wo m a n • F e b r u a r y /m a rc h 2011

7

RED HILLS HORSE TRIALS March 11,12,13 Klapp-Phipps Park Tallahassee

Caroline

A Salute to Our Community

8 t a l l a h a s s e e wo m a n • F e b r u a r y /m a rc h 2011

e Walker

t a l l a h a s s e e wo m a n • F e b r u a r y /m a rc h 2011

9

G I R LTA L K | B E AU T Y

Makeover Your Eyes With Colors That Flatter

C

ut your experiment time by knowing what eye shadow colors work best for you.

If you have blue eyes, try pinks, silvers and golds. Orange is the direct contrast to blue, so orange-based shades like bronze and terra cotta make eyes pop. The daring will love the boldness of a navy shadow.

Adjust the color shade and intensity depending on eyeshade: lighter eye colors call for lighter makeup.

Green eyes are flattered by earth tones like browns, bronzes, and honey. A plum shade will contrast against the green and have a brightening affect.

Avoid blues and silvers.

For hazel eyes, it’s best to skip the blues and stick to pinks and browns, even

purples. Opt for golden shades that bring out the gold in the eye.

Brown-eyed girls need not avoid any colors. Still, shadows in shades of brown, purple, and metallic gold look best. Maximize the effect of your makeup by matching it to your hair color.

Generally, the darker your hair color, the darker the makeup can be without looking too harsh. For brunettes, the floor is open but blush is a must.

Blondes should keep to shimmery pales and nudes for cheeks while red heads look lovely in green shadows and peach cheeks.

If all else fails, two products that work on any skin tone, hair color, and eye color are sheer pink lip-gloss and brown liner. —alexandra delgado

Complete your weight loss journey.

Bariatric surgery and gastric Bypass surgery have grown significantly in popularity and can result in massive weight loss in a short time. According to the American society of Plastic surgeons, the most common procedures for contouring the body after losing a large amount of weight are: a thigh lift, an upper arm lift, a breast lift and a lower body lift. it can help decrease the extra skin and give an individual a new image after weight loss. if you have undergone substantial weight loss, or are considering weight loss surgery options, consult with Drs. Kirbo and Rosenberg about body contouring today to complete your weight loss journey.

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BIG DISCOUNTS From Local Businesses As Close As Your E-Mail

There is a new way to access savings to your favorite local venues and maybe some you have never tried, but would like to. Believe it or not it’s just a few clicks away.

Welcome to the online world of Groupons.com, an Internet-based coupon system that allows you to purchase coupons granting steep discounts off of goods and services.

While they offer deals from vendors around the world, Groupon also offers options right here in Tallahassee. Many local merchants have already offered unbelievable deals through Groupon, including Bite of Your Life Bakery, Cole Couture, Beef O’Bradys, Shula’s 347 Grill, Canopy Road Café, and Fuzions Frozen Yogurt.

By becoming a member of Groupon online, you can have access to do, eat, see and even buy from places all in the Tallahassee area, but also from over 300 markets in 35 countries.

Becoming a member of Groupon.com is simple. Once you register, daily deals are offered with information on the value of the coupon, the discount offered and the amount that you will save.

So whether it’s a family outing, an evening to remember with that special someone, or a girls’ night out, start filling up your calendars. For more information and to start saving while supporting our local merchants visit Groupon.com.

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—alyssa Fleisher t a l l a h a s s e e wo m a n • F e b r u a r y /m a rc h 2011

11

12  t a l l a h a s s e e

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• F e b r u a r y /M a rc h 2011

H EALTH F LASH

Need to talk?

Summer Brooke Gomez, MSW

850-421-1260

If you are prescribed antibiotics for a bacterial infection such as strep throat, a professor of preventative medicine at Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York City recommends that you should throw away your toothbrush and get a new one to avoid being reinfected. However, he also suggested that it may be a good idea to toss any lip balm or lipstick you used while you were sick. Bacteria may linger on toothbrushes and lip products; by reusing these items you run the risk of reinfection. If you had a cold or flu bug, there is no need to toss these items as your body has built up antibodies against the virus. Check with your doctor to know what you should do to stay healthy. —alexandra delgado

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13

G I R LTA L K | FA S H I O N

Colors Can Affect Your Mood

W

hat is your wardrobe telling people about you? Do you feel safe and comfortable at home? What is your general

persona at the moment? According to the website everydayhealth.com, the way you’re feeling can be affected by the colors surrounding you. The best way to choose the right colors for you is to examine them individually.

Red:: If you are the type of person who loves that little bit of arousing attention, then red is a smart color choice for you. This is a powerful color that has the capability to trigger love, or on the contrary, hate. It is the type of color that you can feel. If you are looking to make a powerful fashion statement then try red in a lipstick or a cocktail dress.

Yellow:: Perhaps you are more the type searching for happiness and joy.

If so, then yellow is your color. A simple yellow dress or even enjoying the yellow sunshine can brighten anyone’s day. If

White: The bottom line with white is that it

you’re longing for optimism, energy and

represents peace and purity, which is why you

adventure, then yellow is ideal.

typically see it at weddings. However, people could potentially consider you unfriendly

Blue, Green and Purple: Everyone

at first glance. Also, try abstaining from

needs some time during their day to relax.

white walls in your home. It can be extremely

Cool colors such as blues, greens and even purples

challenging to achieve anything or feel comfortable

are probably the most sensible option. If you’re

in a room painted white.

looking for a place to unwind try picking a room in your house and emphasize those colors.

Orange and Brown: The color orange can produce feelings of enthusiasm and warmth.

Black: While black can be extremely

Brown is a very popular color in living room

flattering, make sure you are accentuating it

furniture, which is understandable considering

in the right scenario. Black in the workplace

the color is more likely to evoke comfort,

is excellent when you want to make a

warmth and security.

powerful impression. However, keep in mind that too much of this color can also generate hatred, grief and mourning.

14 t a l l a h a s s e e wo m a n • F e b r u a r y /m a rc h 2011

—alyssa Fleisher

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15

C A PI TA L CI T Y

Noteworthy events coming up in the area that you don’t want to miss. seven daYs oF oPeninG niGHts February 3 through March 14, 2011

Seven Days of Opening Nights is a performing arts festival organized by Florida State University. This popular event demonstrates a commitment to the arts—music, theatre, dance, visual art, film and literature. This year the festival returns to Ruby Diamond Auditorium. Events are scheduled from February 3 through March 14. For more details on the event visit online at sevendaysfestival.org. To purchase tickets call (850) 644-6500 or visit online at tickets.fsu.edu.

RUn FoR tHe CooKies 5K and one Mile RUn/WalK February 12, 2011

Each year, the Girl Scout Council partners with Tallahassee Community College (TCC) and the Gulf Winds Track Club to host the Run For the Cookies 5K and One Mile Run/Walk at TCC. This is a major fundraiser for the Wider Opportunities Scholarship Fund, which enables underprivileged girls to participate in Girl Scout activities and trips. This year, the event will take place on Saturday, February 12th at TCC. The One Mile Run/Walk begins at 8:30 a.m., and the 5K begins at 9:00 a.m. Early registration fees are as follows: One Mile Family Fun Walk/Run is $10 (includes a shirt), or $8 for registration only; the 5K Cookie Run is $15 which includes a shirt and cookies; $12 for registration only. For more information call the Girl Scout Council office at (850) 386-2151 or visit their website at gscfp.org. To register visit online at active.com.

16 t a l l a h a s s e e wo m a n • F e b r u a r y /m a rc h 2011

WHale oF a sale

February 26, 2011 Whale of a Sale, the Junior League of Tallahassee’s (JLT) largest fundraiser, will take place at the Tallahassee Mall (in the former Goody’s location) on Saturday, February 26. The sale will feature gently used quality merchandise at low prices. All proceeds from the Whale of a Sale support the JLT mission, which includes training volunteers and implementing projects that improve the lives of children and families in the Tallahassee community. For information visit jltallahassee.org.

ReaCH FoR tHe staRs~looK to tHe FUtURe 2011 MaClaY sCHool aUCtion March 3, 2011; online auction opens February 7, 2011

This year’s event features dinner, dancing and bidding on some of the most exciting and unique items in Maclay Auction history. The 30th annual event will be held in the Maclay Gym and Convocation Center, but the online auction will open to the public on Monday, February 7 at noon and will close on Wednesday, March 2 at 8 p.m.

Auction items include the University Champion Car, a meet and greet with Taylor Swift, David Beckham’s Galaxy jersey, vacations, jewelry, and much more. All proceeds from the auction and event go directly towards enhancing technology for Maclay students. For more information visit maclayauction.com.

Red Hills International Horse Trials March 11-13, 2011

The Red Hills Horse Trials is one of the area’s most anticipated sporting events of the year, hosting some of the best riders and horses from around the world. Held on the beautiful grounds of Tallahassee’s Elinor Klapp-Phipps Park, the Red Hills Horse Trials has become one of the premier equestrian eventing competitions in the United States. Events include dressage, cross country, and stadium jumping. In addition to the exciting competition come enjoy the Red Hills Food Court and the Red Hills Avenue of Shops, as well as events for the kids including a kids fun area, wildlife exhibits and pony rides. For more information visit rhht.org.

The Florida Wine Festival March 18-19, 2011

Now in its ninth year, this festival is a much anticipated event offering fine wine and food, entertainment and fun in celebration of the arts and sciences. The event benefits the Mary Brogan Museum of Arts and Sciences and takes place over two days. Tickets can be purchased for the Friday night event, March 18th, which includes festivities that are sure to please the adult palate, including wine tasting and entertainment. On Saturday, March 19th, the festival is free for all ages, with many events planned including art and science activities as well as wine lectures and shopping from local vendors. The Florida Wine Festival serves as The Mary Brogan Museum of Art and Science’s largest annual fundraiser, bringing in crucial revenue to support art and science exhibitions as well as educational programs. For information call (850) 513-0143 or visit online at thefloridawinefestival.com.

Quality • Classic • Unique Jewelry

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• F e b r u a r y /M a rc h 2011 17

C A PI TA LC I T YG E M S

sPRinGtiMe tallaHassee Festival April 2, 2011

One of the more popular events in Tallahassee, Springtime Tallahassee is considered one of the biggest southeastern parades and craft shows, attracting over 70,000 spectators. There are a number of activities planned so there is something for everyone to enjoy. The theme for the 2011 event is “What’s Cookin’?”

Bring your family and friends and head downtown for some fun!

Jubilee in the Park— 9:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Music, food, arts and crafts showcasing over 250 local, regional and national vendors. The Jubilee will take place off Monroe Street on Adams Street, Duval Street, Park Avenue, and College Avenue.

Grand Parade—10:30 a.m. The parade begins at the intersection of Monroe Street and Thomasville Road and travels south on Monroe Street past the Florida Capitol ending at Gaines Street.

Kid’s Park—Located at Duval Street and Park Avenue. Featured at the kids park is an aquarium touch exhibit provided by Gulf Specimen Marine Lab, face painting, inflatable attractions, games and more.

We Can Make Any Home a Cottage

the Main stage Music Festival—Noon to 5 p.m. at Kleman Plaza.

Musical entertainment including the Rock Jazz Blue Stage (Jefferson Street and Adams Street) with live music by local and regional acts and the Community Stage (at College Avenue and Duval Street) featuring some of the best performing and musical acts from our community, such as local dance teams, ballet, performing arts and more. Kleman Plaza is also the place to be for the Springtime Tallahassee Seafood Festival, Beer Garden and live regional entertainment. For more information on these events visit online at SpringtimeTallahassee.com.

MasKed BeneFit Ball March 19, 2011

Urban • Chic • Country Home • Beach or Lake • Mountain Retreat Featuring: Slipcover Furniture • Lamps • Gifts • Curtains • Local Art • Candles • Home Décor Come visit our 1860’s cottage in Havana and explore the simple pleasures of cottage living at its finest.

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18 t a l l a h a s s e e wo m a n • F e b r u a r y /m a rc h 2011

The Masked Benefit Ball is a Mardi Gras-themed party featuring New Orleans style cuisine, music, dancing, live and silent auction, charity casino and prizes. This is a major fundraiser to assist people in the area with services provided by Capital Area Community Action Agency. The event will be held at the Tallahassee Automobile Museum on March 19 at 7 p.m. For more information and to purchase tickets call (850) 222-2043 or visit cacaainc.org.

tallaHassee FilM Festival April 6-10, 2011

The 2011 Tallahassee Film Festival will celebrate the 25th anniversary of the action comedy something Wild, starring Melanie Griffith and Jeff Daniels which was filmed in Tallahassee. For more information visit tallahasseefilmfestival.com.

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tallaHassee’s HiGHland GaMes and CeltiC Festival April 9, 2011

Tallahassee’s Highland Games and Celtic Festival features heavy athletics, pipe bands, highland and country dancing and more. The event will be held at the North Florida Fairgrounds.

The traditional Sponsors Reception and Whisky Tasting will begin the night before the festival. For more information including event updates visit tallahasseehighlandgames.com.

Usta tallaHassee tennis CHallenGeR

Proudly introducing

Joshua E. LEE, M.D. Now accepting new patients

April 9–16, 2011

The 12th Annual USTA Tallahassee Tennis Challenger will take place at the City of Tallahassee’s Forestmeadows Tennis Complex. Proceeds from the tournament continue to benefit the Tallahassee Memorial Vogter Neuro-Intensive Care Unit. For more information visit tallahasseechallenger.com/history.htm.

Dr. Lee recently joined Capital Regional Surgical Associates. He earned his medical degree from Howard University College of Medicine in Washington, D.C. and completed his general surgery training at Penn State Medical Center in Hershey, PA. Dr. Lee is a general surgeon with a focus on colorectal procedures.

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t a l l a h a s s e e wo m a n • F e b r u a r y /m a rc h 2011

19

A HEART FOR MUSIC

The Women of the Tallahassee Symphony Orchestra

By Heather Thomas

W

hen you hear the pure, harmonious strains of many instruments coming together in a communion of sound, there is a sense of wonderment as to how each instrument can produce its own notes to combine with others until a melody is produced. It’s like a musical puzzle, with the pieces being more than just the instruments, but the musicians and the leaders of the symphony themselves.

The Tallahassee Symphony Orchestra (TSO) is made up of students, professors, mothers, fathers, and neighbors. They are everyday people with exceptional musical

and leadership talents coming together to make an uncommon connection of musical artistry that is unparalleled in the state and is arguably one of the best community orchestras in the nation.

This is no empty boast, as confirmed by one of the exceptional women that works behind the scenes to make the Tallahassee Symphony Orchestra such a success. As

Photography by Adam Cohen

Mandy Stringer Sauer, Corinne Stillwell, Melissa Brewer, Melanie Punter, Suzanne Werdesheim, and Laura Figo

executive director of the organization Mandy Stringer Sauer said, “Tallahassee is extremely fortunate to house a professional orchestra of such high quality. Our musicians, many of whom are faculty and graduates of Florida State University’s nationally recognized College of Music, are some of the best in the country.”

“Attending a performance by the Tallahassee Symphony Orchestra in Ruby Diamond gives meaning to the instrumental word movement, since you can’t help but be moved by the sights and sounds of an orchestra playing at it’s highest level in such an acoustically and visually perfect concert hall.” – Mandy Stringer Sauer

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Also impressive is the number of female leaders involved with the orchestra. Besides Mandy, there is Music Director Miriam Burns, Director of Operations Laura Figo, Personnel Manager Melissa Brewer and Librarian Suzanne Werdesheim. All of these women are dedicated to seeing the orchestra thrive, and have a unique, harmonious relationship with each other, the musicians, and the donors, which is a remarkable feat. “One of the most challenging aspects of our job is to ensure that everyone—the musicians, the patrons and the audience—has a rewarding experience, since everyone is here by choice,” says Mandy.

Perhaps the ‘lady’ that shines the brightest for the TSO is the Ruby Diamond Concert Hall. Renovated with details that give it a regal majesty, Ruby Diamond is a jewel of a place that the orchestra proudly calls its home. Mandy says that, “attending a performance by the TSO in Ruby Diamond gives meaning to the instrumental word movement, since you can’t help but be moved by the sights and sounds of an orchestra playing at it’s highest level in such an acoustically and visually perfect concert hall.”

Besides the caliber of musicians, exceptional leadership and a new concert hall, there is a renewed sense of purpose and an inspirational energy to it that hasn’t been seen in awhile. Like the orchestra itself, it could be a combination of many factors, but maybe it’s just that the organization is proving to itself and others that it has withstood a tough economy and has come out stronger and more united.

If so, then they are a step ahead of other orchestras in facing an uncertain future.

Since community orchestras all over the nation have been struggling to stay afloat, with many losing the fundraising battle, staying relevant in changing times is one of Mandy’s top priorities. “Innovation and survival is key right now and we are working hard to make the TSO rewarding for the musicians and our patrons, while keeping the community interested in attending performances.”

“Playing in the Tallahassee Symphony Orchestra nurtures me and feeds my spirit.”– Melanie Punter

Implementing pre and post concert events like “Stella Artois” and gathering after a performance at a selected restaurant to mingle with the musicians has given an ‘evening out’ flair to recent shows. Mandy says that, “The conundrum for orchestras is that they haven’t changed much in 120 years, and there’s really not a lot of ways to change the experience without interfering with the artistry of the music.

Being back at Ruby Diamond has helped tremendously with audience appreciation, and we have really terrific donors, but we want to also encourage the ones that may not be familiar with the TSO or have never attended a classical musical performance before to give us a try.”

Attending a performance of the TSO provides an opportunity to experience the incredible talent of the musicians, including that of Melanie Punter. After more than thirty years of making music, Melanie says that she can’t imagine doing anything else, but admits that her instrument, the bass, can get a little heavy at times. “I started playing bass by default since I was absent from school on the day that they were handing out instruments in my music class in junior high. I had to choose between the cello and the bass, and I chose the bass thinking that I wouldn’t have to bring such a heavy instrument home. Boy, was I wrong!” Melanie says that her teacher and her mother had conspired to not only have Melanie bring it home every day, but to have private lessons as well. Decades of transporting her bass to performances all over the world has paid off for Melanie, a nationally renowned bass player for the Tallahassee Symphony Orchestra and a professor of music at Florida State University.

faculty at Juilliard Conservatory of Music before joining FSU’s College of Music in 1996, and became the Principal Chair in Bass in the TSO soon thereafter. Even though Melanie has played in orchestras around the world and travels to New York City periodically to play with the Orchestra of Saint Luke’s, she is continually amazed at the level of talent in the TSO. “The community really needs to be aware of how profoundly talented this orchestra is.” A musician who has worked in the orchestras of several movies and with those on Broadway, Melanie says that, “playing in the Tallahassee Symphony Orchestra nurtures me and feeds my spirit.”

Another aspect that Melanie appreciates about the TSO is the ability to play with her students, allowing them to inspire each other as equal colleagues.

“I’m intense when I play. I feel that it inspires my students to achieve their fullest potential when they see myself, and other professors perform. This enhances our experience as artists and makes us more effective as instructors.”

A native New Yorker, Melanie played the bass professionally for 20 years in New York. She was also a member of the MAP t a l l a h a s s e e wo m a n

• F e b r u a r y /M a rc h 2011 21

Corinne Stillwell, Melanie Punter

Even though Melanie is passionate about what she does, perhaps there is one other thing that she can see herself doing—attending more baseball games. Melanie is a serious baseball fan. This might seem incongruous to the majesty of a symphony, but Melanie reminds us that beauty can be found in many forms. “The only other sound that ranks up there with classical music is the crack of the wooden bat when the ball makes connection, and the sight of the field when I first walk into the stadium—it’s a thing of beauty.”

Another fascinating woman in the TSO is Concertmaster Corinne Stillwell. Although she would never admit it, Corinne was something of a child musical prodigy. Raised by a family of musicians that started their own orchestra, Corinne, a native of New Jersey, began playing the violin when she was just four years old, and attended a special program at Juilliard Conservatory

of Music when she was just ten years old. She then obtained her undergraduate, masters and doctorate at Juilliard before teaching and playing professionally in Texas and New York, before she and her family decided to call Tallahassee home in 2007.

Even though Corinne has played in the likes of Carnegie Hall, she says that playing with the TSO at Ruby Diamond is an incomparable experience. “There’s a special energy there, along with an incredible mix of musicians who really bring their own unique musical art forms.” Corinne also appreciates the freedom that the TSO offers and the lack of pressure. “Playing together is gratifying in and of itself, but everyone gets along remarkably well and the leadership and donors work hard to make it all even more worthwhile.”

Besides performing in the TSO and traveling around the country playing with a piano-trio called “Trio Solis,” she is dedicated to helping her students at Florida State’s College of Music. “I want them to follow their dreams and to feel empowered to share what they Corinne Stillwell have, at whatever level they can.”

This is also why she loves teaching, as

“I wanted to be in a place where I could inspire enthusiasm for music and help others find their passion, and in turn, I found mine.” — 22 t a l l a h a s s e e

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• F e b r u a r y /M a rc h 2011

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• F e b r u a r y /M a rc h 2011  23

KRISTY LEHMANN

A Love For Irish Dancing

By Heather thomas

Photography by Inga Finch

“It’s a perfect outlet for children’s energies and for those looking for something a little more spunky.”

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B

eing a mother of two, Kristy Lehmann enjoys the outlet of Irish dancing because it literally helps to keep her on her toes. The fastpaced movement is exhilarating to watch and for Kristy and her students at Killearn Performing Arts it’s also a rewarding past time that helps to keep the ancient traditions of Irish dance and Irish music alive.

Because of world famous shows such as Riverdance and Michael Flatley’s lord of the dance, Irish step dancing has become more mainstream and has grown in popularity. The dance style is characterized by a stiff upper body and the rapid, precise movements, or steps, of the feet. Kristy, a music therapy major, claims she has, “absolutely no coordination whatsoever,” but as those who have watched her perform can attest, she excels as an Irish step dancer. She seems to have found harmony in using her musical background to understand the intricate rhythms of the dance. “I’ve always struggled with anything that requires moving my arms and feet at the same time, but I love music, so Irish step is a perfect fit for me.”

Growing up in Panama City, Florida, Kristy came to Tallahassee to attend Florida State University’s College of Music, and after graduating, she never left. While in college, she heard about the Killearn Performing Arts Irish dancing classes and thought she’d give it a try. She eventually became a part of Tallahassee’s first Irish dance troupe, “The Tallahassee Irish Step Dancers.” Ten years, and a husband, son, and daughter later, she’s still stepping to reels, jigs and songs that “move the feet and stir the soul.” The troupe travels all over the country to perform at events and every year Kristy participates in an Irish step version of the snow Queen.

Besides performing with the troupe, Kristy teaches Irish step dance to children and adults at Killearn Performing Arts and in turn starts them on a journey of Irish history. A lot of the dances that beginners learn are céili dances, which are traditional party or partner dances. They then move on to harder jigs, reels and hornpipes. Since Irish step dancing is focused on the feet, the type of shoe worn can determine if the dance is more fluid (soft shoe) or if it will be more pronounced with the distinctive ‘clicking’ sound (hard shoe).

Traditional and modern Irish music is used in the dances. Violins, drums, pipes and accordions can be heard echoing along the dance studio’s halls, along with the thumping sound of children skipping and jumping to their heart’s content. “My classes are on the move all of the time, so it’s a perfect outlet for children’s energies and for those looking for something a little more spunky,” says Kristy, whose 4-year-old daughter, Aria, is taking lessons.

“It’s also a really great workout and I recommend it to anyone looking for a fun outlet and a challenge. It really strengthens the mind and the body.”

Even though Irish step dance has very precise rules, within the dance itself there is an amazing freedom of expression to it since the actual steps are unique to each school, teacher or dancer. Kristy says that once the steps are in your mind, you let go, and then it comes out to your feet. She says, “I can probably listen to any song and start Irish stepping to it. I can’t think of any better way to express myself.”

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LOVE THE NEW

YOU

There’s something about a fresh new look that can completely change your outlook. you feel more confident, energetic, and, of course, more beautiful. a makeover can give you the spark you need to take on new endeavors, or just to feel revitalized. Calynne hill and Terra Palmer of TuTu divine selected three women who were ready for a change. With the help of local beauty and fashion experts, TuTu divine provided Kim Sash, Sandy hartsfield, and lora hauser with a makeover day that included dramatic changes to their hair, makeup, and wardrobe style, transforming the women with a fresh new look that they love.

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ST YLE&GR ACE

KIM SASH HAIR For Kim Sash’s makeover, the stylists all

had very distinct ideas on how to give Kim a look she’d love. Cheryl Moody of artisan Salon was the hair stylist to give Kim’s hair a fresh, new look. Cheryl said, “Kim has beautiful, long, silky straight hair, a golden undertone and has never colored her hair. She also has narrow features and blue eyes.” Cheryl decided to work with a design that has a more blunt feel, yet edgy. The result—a slight swingbob with tons of textured layers and razored edges and a color that is a combination of strawberry, copper and golden highlights that dance in the sunlight. Kim’s new hairstyle is very versatile and the maintenance is minimal.

MAKEUP Kim’s new makeup look was

Photography by Adam Cohen

accomplished by letisha Bush of MaC at dillards. letisha said, “Kim was very new to makeup so i really wanted to showcase her beautiful features and show her how easy it is to feel a little glamorous.” letisha started off Kim’s makeover with Comfort Cream moisturizer and Prep Prime Skin Primer to give her a healthy glow, to ensure longevity and to keep her foundation looking flawless. next she applied Studio Sculpt Foundation, Studio Finish Concealer and dusted Mineralize Skinfinish natural to set the look. The foundation evened out her skin tone, while the concealer brightened up under her eyes. Setting with the powder took down any access shine and softened up her face a bit. next, letisha used a pink blush called dainty to liven up Kim’s complexion by bringing out her skin tone and emphasizing the smoothness of her skin. She used Painterly Paint Pot with Tan Pigment to bring out the color of Kim’s beautiful blue eyes. “To add a little drama, i blended in embark eye shadow in the crease to make her eyes pop,” letisha explained. “i lined with engraved eye liner, top and bottom, and did two coats of haught & naughty lash Mascara to her already long and full lashes. For the lips, i used a store favorite— Viva glam V lipstick and gloss, lined with whirl liner.”

FASHION Juli downs and

Kyli ringeman of narcissus selected a gown that would complement Kim’s best features. They chose the Mon Cherie peach one shoulder silk dress for Kim because it would be a perfect complement to the strawberry in her hair, and accentuate her lovely skin tone. The off-the-shoulder style lends edginess to the look, while staying elegant and soft in color and length.

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ST YLE&GR ACE

LORA HAUSER HAIR

laura Cowan of haute headz Salon transformed lora hauser’s locks into a beautiful new look.

“Considering lora’s natural skin tone and eye color i chose a soft brown with a tint of red. For the highlight i chose a nice caramel tone to give her great dimension,” laura said. For the cut, laura took length off and added layers to enhance lora’s waves, resulting in a style that she can easily manage at home. To finish the style, laura added fullness to lora’s crown and added bangs to complement her face shape and to accentuate lora’s blue eyes. laura said, “i wanted to give her a youthful, yet appropriate cut and color to bring out that sassy yet sophisticated look.”

MAKEUP

For her makeup, lisa Mergel of Kanvas worked with lora to achieve a natural everyday look. She started the makeover by concentrating on lora’s skin. “i started with the dr. gross alpha Beta daily Facial Peel to exfoliate and soften laura’s skin. Then darphin intral Soothing Cream was applied to hydrate and reduce redness. darphin Stimulskin eye cream was applied to the eye area to lift, firm and hydrate,” lisa said.

To even out lora’s skin tone, lisa used dr. gross Tinted Moisturizer and Vincent longo Copper Kiss duo Bronzer was used as blush. lisa explained that since lora has redness in her cheeks it was best to avoid any pinks. For eye shadow, lisa applied Julie hewett runway all over, Brunette was used to contour and Vanilla to highlight.

She then used T. leClerc’s products to finish the look, including a blue/gray wax eyeliner to line lora’s blue eyes, setting the look with pressed powder in Sable. a volume mascara was applied to lora’s naturally curled long lashes and on her lips is Satin lipstick insolite and a touch of T. leClerc lip gloss, reflect d’Or.

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FASHION Carrie Mcneill of Cole Couture

selected the wardrobe for lora’s makeover. Carrie said, “lora is wearing a one of a kind, vintage inspired dress that pairs a touch of classic with dramatic.“ The style was chosen with a focus on lora’s comfort level, body type and the edgy sophistication that she wears so well: audrey hepburn wide neck, winter white silk top, meets Sarah Jessica Parker fitted gold-toned sequin bottom. The look was completed with Spanx sheer tights and a gold drop necklace with pearl accents. “understanding shape, body type and personality allowed us to select the perfect look accenting lora’s perfect legs,” Carrie said. “lora is elegant, edgy and sassy all in the same ensemble.”

SANDY HARTSFIELD HAIR

For the makeover of Sandy hartsfield, Cheryl Moody of artisan Salon created a style that Sandy would love and that flattered her features. “Sandy arrived with long, shoulder-length hair with a few layers, and her blonde color was a result of highlights since she is about 40% silver. Sandy has blue eyes and a light golden skin tone. Cheryl thought that Sandy’s hair was too close to her skin tone which tended to wash her out. “Sandy’s face shape narrowed at the chin area, so to give balance we decided to design a modern shag with lots of fun, airy layers and a swoop side bang,” Cheryl said. after some time, Sandy emerged with a new brunette color that has a rich sun-tea reflection with micro golden highlights. With more color in her hair and shorter, flipped layers, Sandy’s new look is easy, fun and youthful.

MAKEUP expert makeup artist

daniel Tillery at the Chanel Makeup counter at dillards transformed Sandy with a new look. after prepping Sandy’s skin with ultra correction lift serum and moisturizer for a more firm texture to the skin, they added lift lumiere foundation, which has a luminous finish to give her skin a youthful glow. They contoured her face with a light peach tone bronzer to the forehead, cheeks and chin for a sun-kissed look. next, Fandango blush was added to the apples of her cheeks to contour and brighten. her brows were then arched using a powder-based pencil in soft brown. For the eye area a shadow base in beige was applied to hold on to the shadow; her eyes were contoured with Mystic eyes Quad, placing light shades on the brow bone and the ball of eye, keeping the darker shades in the crease and under to smoke out as liner. The eye look was finished off with inimitable Mascara in noir. Sandy’s lips were kept in a neutral shade with color and a touch of lighter gloss in the center of her lips. The entire look was finished with concealer under the eyes and around lips and on the bridge of the nose to brighten the center of her face.

FASHION Juli downs and

Kyli ringeman selected Sandy’s charcoal silk taffeta dress, which is part of the atelier alyce Signature Collection at narcissus. The dress complemented Sandy’s shorter hair style and showed off her glowing skin, while elongating her figure with the floor-length hemline.

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HO E AML ET H Y L I V I N G

Leading a Heart-Healthy Lifestyle By angela Howard

D

id you know that women are six times more likely to die from heart disease than breast cancer? It’s true. In fact, research from the Mayo Clinic shows that heart disease kills more women over the age of 65 than all the cancers combined.

However, it’s not just older women who need to worry about their heart. This disease is one that knows no bounds.

“We see younger and younger people, in their 30s and 40s, coming in with problems, having chest pain,” said Cathy Heimbecher, Registered Nurse and Service Line Administrator for Heart and Vascular Services at Tallahassee Memorial Healthcare.

The Mayo Clinic also found that heart disease is the third-leading cause of death for women 25 to 44 years old, and it’s the second-leading cause of death for women between the ages of 45 and 64.

The most well-known sign of heart disease is chest pain, but there are a host of other signs. For men, those signs include tightening of the chest, fatigue, stomach pain and a sweaty, cold, clammy or dusky look. For women, Cathy says, those signs include fatigue, indigestion, nausea, vomiting, shortness of breath and just not feeling right.

“It’s just so important to know your body and know what’s normal for you, and if it’s not normal, get it checked out.”

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Smokers, diabetics, those who do not take prescription medications as instructed, people who are under an enormous amount of stress or who are depressed and women with low levels of estrogen after menopause are at an increased risk of heart disease. Carrying excess weight around your middle near your vital organs can also put undue pressure on your heart.

But being proactive can help. According to Cathy, that includes: • Eating a healthy diet • Maintaining a healthy weight • Keeping your blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol in check • Exercising five days a week for 20 to 30 minutes to get the heart pumping • Staying away from cigarettes and other forms of tobacco The roles women play in society have definitely changed over the years, which could be one reason why the number of women with heart disease has jumped. According to the Women’s Heart Foundation, some 8 million women in the United States are currently living with heart disease; 35,000 of them are under the age of 65.

The foundation also found that women under 50 are twice as likely to die from a heart attack as men of the same age. So, what’s with the spike?

Cathy says it could be the change in jobs, the change in stress or simply ignoring the signs.

“Women tend to care for everyone else, and they are very tuned in to everyone else and what goes on there.

We need to focus on ourselves and turn some of that sensitivity to our own bodies and take care of ourselves.”

If you are experiencing any of the signs of heart trouble or if you see someone who is, call 911 IMMEDIATELY. Do not ignore it. Do not wait. Do not drive yourself to the hospital.

Paramedics are trained to deal with emergency situations—you are not.

“You’re taking a chance by driving yourself or someone who has heart trouble to the hospital,” Cathy says. “You have to take it seriously.”

Did you know? according the american heart association:

eating a lot of fruits and vegetables as a child is associated with healthier arteries as an adult.

The amount of vegetables consumed in childhood correlated to the amount of arterial stiffness in adulthood.

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31

SPORTS&FITNESS

Women o Amber Colvin

and Lauren Baker are

living life in the fast lane —

and they

are

loving

every minute

of it.

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n Wheels

By Caroline Walker

A

s part of the racing world, women face all the

challenges that every racer experiences. However, in addition to that they also deal with the challenge of being a woman in a predominantly male sport. But Amber Colvin and Lauren Baker have what it takes to succeed—they have a heart for racing and for living their dream of being winners, both on and off the track.

Photography by Inga Finch

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• F e b r u a r y /M a rc h 2011 33

SPORTS&FITNESS

Amber Colvin “I Beat the Boys” Smart, driven and charismatic, Amber Colvin loves the competition and isn’t afraid to talk about it. Racing cars is her greatest passion, one that led her to become winner of the 2010 NASCAR Diversity Young Racer Award in Daytona, Florida.

Amber’s racing career began in 2004 at the age of ten when her father purchased a yard cart and fixed it up. Amber’s interest grew quickly with a love for speed and driving, so she and her family decided to take the next step for Amber to start competing.

Ever since, there has been no slowing down for Amber, who now has five championship wins under her belt. Because Tallahassee has no local tracks, traveling throughout the United States to different tracks to compete has been a big part of Amber’s life. She’s competed at tracks in Georgia, Alabama, North Carolina and Texas.

Amber has had experience with several different kinds of racing cars, including go-karts, Bandoleros and now racing Legend cars. Her biggest aspiration for the future includes racing for the NASCAR Cup Series, and she believes that the racing world should start getting used to females competing. “Racing is thought of as a male sport, but the car can’t tell who is driving. It’s just a race and females can do it too,” Amber says. Her determined and well-driven attitude has led her past many male racers, and she doesn’t let the pressure of being a female get to her one bit. “The pressure on female racers by

34 t a l l a h a s s e e wo m a n • F e b r u a r y /m a rc h 2011

people and stereotypes can bring you down. Don’t let them judge,” Amber says.

Despite having a tough attitude on the track, Amber is still a teenager at heart, spending as much time as she can with friends and family, always being the social butterfly of the group. Juggling schoolwork can be a difficult task for any teenager, but Amber knows how to manage the books and the track at the same time.

Now a junior in high school, Amber decided to leave the IB program at Godby High School and transfer to Rickards High School in order to focus more on racing while still having to maintain a high grade point average. “I am still getting straight A’s; if I get a B on my report card, I’m on probation,” Amber says. College for the young racer is still an option for the future, whether it is plan B or not. “It all depends on how racing goes; the prime time is ages 18 to 22, but I will probably go anyway,” Amber says.

Amber’s dreams of becoming a female racer for NASCAR are closer with each win. When asked who her favorite female racer was, with a sparkle in her eye, she smiled and chuckled, “People say I look like Danica Patrick but my favorite female racer is myself.”

Amber’s current sponsors include Tallahassee Chiropractic, Gold’s Gym and Amsoil but she is always looking for more support. For more information on Amber and her racing, visit ambercolvin.com.

Lauren Baker: Two Sides to Every Girl Looking back on the history of women, we can certainly say we have come a long way. In the twenty-first century, women are discovering new interests and pursuing their dreams. A major difference in today’s time is women participating in what was once an all-male sport—in particular, motocross. At just 22 years old, this beautiful and bright-eyed Tallahassee native, Lauren Baker, is just one of the young women breaking the barriers and is making a name for herself as part of this gender-crossing sport.

When Lauren started racing at 13 years old, there was no racing class for women at the time. However, when she jumped back into the sport at 18, a women’s class was added. “I got back into racing after I started dating my boyfriend because he was a pro/amateur racer and we traveled every month to races. I didn’t want to just sit on the side of the track, so I got back into it more than ever,” says Lauren. When asked about her racing future, Lauren says she is very content with what she has already accomplished. “I think I’ve pretty much met my biggest goal in racing earlier this year when I qualified for the Loretta Lynn’s Amateur Motocross Championships.

This is the biggest race that any amateur could hope to make it to because everyone in the nation competes in a series of qualifying races for only 42 spots in each class. I would like to qualify again next year and get a better position in the nation,” she says.

Despite being heavily involved in racing, Lauren also has many other

passions in her life. A big aspect of her life is her family, which is also her favorite thing about racing. “It is such a family-oriented sport because you have to really be a team to make it happen and everyone does their part. It has brought my dad and I really close because he also rides and it gives us something to share,” says Lauren.

Lauren is also a college student majoring in exercise science at Florida State University and is planning on pursuing a career in medicine. “I hope to work in an orthopedic clinic; that way I can work alongside injured athletes and bring them back to competition,” says Lauren.

Her athletic abilities are even found in other sports. “I guess you could say I’m a two-wheel freak. I’m a member of the FSU cyclist team and plan on doing some races this spring with them. I also like to go on the river and wakeboard in the warmer months.”

When picturing what a motocross racer would look like, Lauren puts any rough stereotype to rest. She is described by friends and family as sweet and kind, even being teased by her boyfriend when she tries to act tough out on the track—which are in no way negative comments. When expressing her feelings about other females that want to break into the motocross sport, Lauren has some thoughtful advice: “Ride because of the feeling you get when you first crank up your bike and crack the throttle open because that’s what it’s about, having fun and knowing that you’re breaking the barrier of what women can do.”

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35

SPORTS&FITNESS

By Kelly stevens

T

his past summer, a friend of mine proposed the idea of running the Athens, Greece marathon together in the fall. It would be the 2,500th anniversary of the Battle of Marathon, from which the marathon was born. Despite the efforts it would take to plan and save for an adventure like this, I eagerly started training. I was often asked details about the course, but I rarely had an answer.

Truthfully, I didn’t care much about what the course entailed. I would be running it regardless, and my sights were set on the vacationing in Greece. But eventually, practical curiosity got the better of me (the day before the race), and I learned that the first 32 kilometers of the 42.195 kilometers course are uphill (yes, that is about 19 miles, or three-fourths of the race). The race starts around sea level in the coastal city of Marathon and ends at Panathenaikon Stadium in Athens, with a total elevation gain of about 320 meters.

Hmm, this might not be the best day for a personal record or best time, after all.

Legend has it that about 2,500 years ago, Pheidippides, an Athenian herald, ran from the city of Marathon to Athens to announce the unlikely victory of the Athenians over the Persians in the Battle

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Bravo to “The” Marathon of Marathon. Shortly after arriving, however, Pheidippides died of exhaustion, thus inspiring the commemorative practice of running a “marathon.” For anyone using this as an excuse not to run a marathon, one of the tour guides at the Acropolis mentioned that he likely didn’t die and that Greek storytelling may have falsely claimed he did in order to honor Pheidippides as a hero. I tried to remember this as I unexpectedly started struggling at kilometer 20 of the race.

The city of Athens was covered with the 12,500 registered marathoners the days before the race, with everybody trying to cover the big sights, such as the Acropolis, the Plaka, and the Ancient Agora. I also spent my two days before the race acclimating by sightseeing, walking the rolling hills and tasting Greek cuisine (creamy mousakka, Greek wine and the indulgent Greek dessert baklava). I was reminded of these imprudent choices as I labored through kilometer 25. This was turning out tougher than I had anticipated.

Despite my inner bemoaning, the crowd’s cheers never slackened. The incessant roar of “Bravo, Bravo!” along the way with some interspersed cheers of “Thank you!” guided us as we approached the more industrialized city of Athens. Someone from the crowd yelled, “Up!” as if we needed a reminder of the terrain. Surrounded by a multitude of languages and very little English, I imagined what other marathoners were saying. Were they discussing the weather—or perhaps the pain?

Knowingly past the peak climb of the marathon at kilometer 32, I was still suffering. I thought about Pheidippides and was hoping for some kind of cosmic inspiration to pick up the pace. I pretended I had an important message to deliver like him, mine being my marathon story for the readers of my blog, but, alas, it did not have the desired effect. I ran a slow race, finishing about 20 minutes off my personal record. But any feelings of disappointment quickly evaporated in the atmosphere in Panathenaikon Stadium at the finish. Although the stadium that hosted many sporting events dating back to 566 B.C. was not filled to capacity, it seemed filled, and I felt like a hero. I was entirely fulfilled from the experience.

I highly recommend running an international marathon. I did mine through a tour group, Amazing Running Tours, as they arrange transportation, registration and accommodations.

However, if you’re crafty enough, you may be able to arrange these on your own. I wouldn’t necessarily expect a personal best, but rather a truly memorable experience sharing your wacky love of distance running with the world.

When Kelly stevens is not out running marathons around the world, she lives and works in tallahassee as a meteorologist with the department of environmental Protection. Kelly played soccer and ran track in college at sUnY oneonta in new York before moving to Florida to pursue her master’s in meteorology at FsU. she continues to play soccer with the tallahassee soccer association and runs in various race events hosted by the Gulf Winds track Club, including the tallahassee marathon in 2008. athens was her fourth marathon.

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Chief of Staff at TMH, 2000-2001

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Dr. Hempel emphasizes Preventative Medicine and promotes “exercise as the key to good health!”

STAFF SPOTLIGHT Nectar H. Aintablian, MD Susan M. Cross, MD Kathryn H. Davis, MD Terreze M. Gamble, MD Kristin A. Harmon, MD Paul F. Hartsfield, MD Karl F. Hempel, MD Patricia A. Hogan, MD Kennessa W. Hugger, MD

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Jayati C. Singh, MD Victoria L. Smith, MD Louis B. St. Petery, MD Wendy S. Thompson, MD Hugh E. VanLandingham, MD Chris A. VanSickle, MD Gregory A. Williams, DO Brandy Childers Willis, MD Gary E. Winchester, MD

www.tallahasseeprimarycare.com t a l l a h a s s e e wo m a n • F e b r u a r y /m a rc h 2011

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COMMUNIT Y

A Cause for the Paws By sarah K. Cleeland

Imagine a lazy Sunday afternoon. The house is still; the sunset is cascading in through the windowpane. Then a small wet, whiskered nose nudges your knee, and complete comfort is attained, making your house a home.

“Lives have been saved because LCHS volunteers have cared enough to make a difference,” Sonya humbly states.

“Everyone can help the animals in some way—volunteering, becoming a foster parent for the animals, joining as a member or adopting. At the Leon County Humane Society good people do great things for the animals every day.”

For fifty years, the Leon County Humane Society (LCHS) has aided in finding forever homes for cats, dogs, and other pets of the Tallahassee area. With the immeasurable dedication of LCHS Board president, Karen Ostendorp Hardin; LCHS Executive Director; Sonya White, and numerous local volunteers, thousands of animals have been offered a better life, clean water bowls, and endless belly rubs.

The no-kill organization has partnered with Be the Solution, Inc., which has funded nearly 3,000 spay/neuter surgeries performed by more than 20 participating local vets. Without this dedication from local businesses and volunteers working to better the lives of animals, the LCHS would not be nearly as successful.

All of their fundraisers and events are strictly supported by 100 percent donations. Their largest annual fundraiser, “The Fur Ball,” is vital to the success of the canine-loving and feline-adoring mission.

“Because of the generosity of the Tallahassee community,” explains Karen, “the 2010 Fur Ball was sold out and our second most profitable fundraiser ever, making LCHS’s 50th anniversary even more special. In addition to the dinner, live band, dancing and large silent auction, the committee looks for unique ways to generate additional funds to support the foster/adoption program.”

Although LCHS differs from other animal advocacy groups in Tallahassee,

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they all have a common agenda and come together with one admirable goal—to do whatever they can for the animals.

“We are proud of our networking partnership with the TallahasseeLeon Community Animal Service Center and all the animal welfare groups in our community,” says Sonya. “Different organizations have different missions, but ultimately we work together to save lives, promote adoption, accomplish spay/neuter, reduce pet overpopulation and provide humane education.”

In December of 2010, LCHS was awarded a $25,000 dog rescue/adoption grant from PEDIGREE Foundation for its unique program “Rescue Waggin.” One of only ten recipients nationwide, Tallahassee’s local humane society was selected for its Innovation Grant proposal that furthers the search for forever homes. This grant program focuses on transporting dogs from small, rural shelters with high euthanasia rates and either placing them in the LCHS foster/adoption program or moving them to other Florida shelters where they can be adopted.

Sonya, Karen and hundreds of others volunteering with the LCHS have helped to create a voice for those who cannot speak for themselves. Through their passion for animals, desire for change and perseverance through the emptying of endless cat boxes, the animals of Tallahassee have a better chance for a future, a home and a safe and loving family to call their own.

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COMMUNIT Y

Catch the “Spirit” with Capital Regional Medical Center

A

s the healthcare leaders in their home, women are typically the first to ensure their family is up-to-date on check-ups and to encourage a doctor visit if something seems amiss.

In fact, studies show that women make up to 85 percent of household healthcare decisions.

Capital Regional Medical Center prioritizes women’s health highly, offering the newest services and most comfortable surroundings with its new Comprehensive Breast Center, state-of-the-art Family Center and is the only hospital in town to offer all private rooms. Now, the organization is taking its commitment to the next level by joining Spirit of Women, an elite coalition of American hospitals and healthcare providers that ascribe to high standards of excellence in women’s health, education and community outreach. Spirit of Women enables Capital Regional Medical Center to continue to focus on the specific needs of the Big Bend community while drawing on the strength and support of a national network.

A D V

E R T O R I A L

A Commitment to Women As a Spirit of Women hospital, Capital Regional Medical Center has committed itself to a comprehensive list of National Standards for Excellence in Women’s Health.

Because women tend to be the healthcare drivers in a household, the educational and motivational Spirit of Women efforts will positively impact the well-being of the entire family and community as a whole.

Through Spirit of Women, Capital Regional Medical Center will focus on education and will conduct a wide variety of events including educational and recreational activities, health screenings, workshops, mentoring opportunities and support groups that will reach women in all stages of their lives. The educational focus will cover health topics such as menopause, cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, healthy pregnancy and many others. The goal of the program is to ensure women are supported fully in mind, body and spirit in their comprehensive care and when making those whole family healthcare decisions.

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“More than 21 million women will turn 50 by 2013,” says Marie Johnson, ANRP, Chief Nursing Officer at Capital Regional Medical Center. “Our goal is to reach these women now, help them adopt healthy behaviors and provide the information and tools they need to live the healthiest life possible.”

Dancing to Better Health Heart disease is the number one cause of death for women in the United States. Though often a “silent killer” with few warning signs, heart disease can be largely prevented with a healthy lifestyle. During American Heart Month, Capital Regional Medical Center seeks to educate women in the Big Bend region about ways to prevent this deadly disease and others.

Day of Dance, Capital Regional’s inaugural Spirit of Women event, will focus on dance as an exciting way to get exercise, boost mood and reduce the risk of disease. The event invites women to take charge of their own health. Day of Dance is February 26 and admission is free to the community. Visit CapitalRegionalMedicalCenter.com for more information on Day of Dance and to become a member of Spirit of Women to have access to exclusive information and events.

To learn more about Spirit of Women, call (850) 325-3627 or visit CapitalRegionalMedicalCenter.com.

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THE 2011 TALLAHASSEE FILM FESTIVAL

By ivette Marques, aPR

When most people think of Tallahassee, they envision business suits, politics and college football. Fortunately for us, Tallahassee has a lot more culture and events than we get credit for. Enter the Tallahassee Film Festival, a four-year-old fest featuring independent films from all over the world that will paint the town “wild” during its 2011 event, April 6–10.

WHAT TO EXPECT The TFF is a true community event, run by volunteers who dedicate their time and energy to creating a unique event. Committee members are currently reviewing more than 200 film entries already received from 30 countries. The final selections will be featured during the 2011 Tallahassee Film Festival.

“We’re excited about the response we have received from filmmakers, especially the

opportunity to showcase international films, some of which have never been screened in the United States before,” said Chris Faupel, Programming Director.

The festival provides an oppotunity for viewers to experience a variety of film genres, from documentaries to shorts, to feature length and animated films—something for everyone. Past hits have included Cannes, Sundance and South by Southwest winners.

“We are dedicated to nurturing all aspects of film culture, while stimulating economic development,” said Carolyn Smith, TFF Director. “Our goal is to ultimately establish Tallahassee as a key community for the film industry.”

“SOMETHING WILD” TFF is paying homage and adopting a something Wild theme in honor of the 25th anniversary of the action comedy

A CONVERSATION WITH TFF’S WOMEN LEADERS TFF Chair Chucha Barber and TFF Director Carolyn Smith talk film, community and volunteerism.

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starring Melanie Griffith and Jeff Daniels, which was filmed in the Capital City.

The committee is reaching out and inviting cast and crew of something Wild as well as hosting seminars and panel discussions in conjunction with a special screening of the film. Extras in the film include many Tallahassee residents and a few local celebrities, such as poet David Kirby.

YOUR GOLDEN TICKET With the goal of bringing film to the masses, TFF strives to be an affordable event. Individual film tickets cost only $5, and an All-Access Pass is $25, allowing entry to all films shown at the festival.

Tickets are currently on sale online.

Q: What sparked your interest in the Tallahassee Film Festival?

Carolyn: I love film! I had just moved to Tallahassee in 2007 and was looking for something with which to get involved.

Chucha: I served as one of the original Knight Creative Community Catalysts, and the Film Festival was one of the four initial projects of that effort. It offered incredible economic potential

All educational panel discussions and Q&A’s with filmmakers are free and open to the public, as well as after-parties and award ceremonies.

FILM FEST 101 Maneuvering your way through a film festival can take some skill. With so many films to choose from and some films playing at the same time, it is important to plan and prioritize to ensure you can watch all of your top choices.

“We usually show more than 80 films during the festival, so it is important to be selective when plotting your schedule,” added Smith. “Fortunately, we show most of the films twice, making it easier for attendees to catch most of their selected films.”

Films will be shown at a number of theatres, including the Regal Miracle 5 Theatre. The festival after-parties and award ceremonies should not to be missed. The much-anticipated opening night party will be hosted by Hotel Duval, and other wrap-up parties will be held at numerous local venues.

YOUR TIME TO SHINE

“We’re excited about the response we have received from filmmakers, especially the opportunity to showcase international films, some of which have never been screened in the U.S. before,” said Chris Faupel, Programming Director. prop and line of dialogue are posted on Friday evening, and all elements must be included in the film. Participants have until Sunday—48 hours—to write, shoot, edit and submit a film. The films are posted on Tallahassee.com to be voted on by friends, family and the film community.

The winning films will be shown and awarded at the festival’s closing ceremonies.

The 48-Hour Film Contest will begin Friday, March 18, and end Sunday, March 20, with three categories to choose from: student, amateur or professional.

Do Something Wild…see you at the 2011 Tallahassee Film Festival!

The Tallahassee Film Festival began in 2008 with a grant from the Knight Foundation. Since then, it has grown from 65 screenings to more than 200 screenings, with more than 7,000 attendees. It has become a catalyst in promoting education and economic

Q: Favorite film shown at the festival?

Q: What has been the greatest reward from working with TFF?

Chucha: “Courting Condi” is one of the funniest movies I’ve ever seen, and the opportunity to have a discussion with the film’s producers and talent was awesome.

Carolyn: Working alongside dedicated volunteers and seeing their efforts come together.

Carolyn: 2009’s “A Deal Is a Deal.”

Chucha: We’re still here! I’m hoping the great reward this year will be more businesses and organizations supporting TFF.

The TFF is always looking for energetic volunteers—assistance is crucial in the months leading up to the festival and during the event itself. If you’re interested in volunteering, please contact volunteers@tallahasseefilmfestival.com.

THE LITTLE FILM FESTIVAL THAT COULD

Every year TFF hosts a local 48-Hour Film Contest. A theme,

and resonated with me personally.

opportunities in the community.

Q: Best memory of past festivals?

Chucha: The first awards ceremony.

The Rickards High School marching band playing the Star Wars theme in the Brogan Museum, while the first recipient

of the Lifetime Achievement Award, Richard Portman, was “conducting” with an invisible baton, tears streaming from his face—hard to top that.

Q: Why is TFF so important for the community?

Carolyn: All the pieces for a great festival are here. It’s the capital, we have a great film school at FSU and the community appreciates art. We have come a long way, and if we can support this festival for three to five more years, it will grow into one of the top regional festivals— similar to Austin’s South by Southwest. t a l l a h a s s e e wo m a n • F e b r u a r y /m a rc h 2011

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AROUNDTOWN Special Events • Speakers • Benefits • Activities

Jingle Jubilee Kickoff Party The Junior League of Tallahassee celebrated the commencement of the successful fundraising event “Jingle Jubilee” with a kickoff party.

laurie hartsfield, Chair of Jingle Jubilee Betsy Couch, President

lane gunter, Mary radcliffe, holly edenfield, rian Meadows, Katie Pernell

Links Art Academy Scholarship Fundraiser The Links, Inc. presented “A Timeless Holiday Affair,” hosted by Mayor John and Jane Marks. All proceeds from the event benefited The Links Art Academy Scholarship Fund.

Carla Bardhi, Carrol Scherman

doby Flowers, aldonia Flowers

Thea Cheesborough, erin Cheesborough

Colin Phipps, doby Flowers, anne Phipps, deana Mcallistar, anita Favors Thompson, Pam ridley t a l l a h a s s e e wo m a n • F e b r u a r y /m a rc h 2011

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AROUNDTOWN

Fashion Tallahassee Hosted by TuTu Divine, Fashion Tallahassee 2010, brought the runways of New York to Tallahassee. All proceeds from the event benefited the many projects of the Junior League of Tallahassee and was part of Jingle Jubilee 2010.

lindsy grosso, Selena Sickler rebekah dorn, Cassie Brooks

rhonda Morris, Cristina Paredes

louise heidenreich, gigi Jones, Kelli Schroeder

amanda Morrison, Colleen McQuone, Kristina Tutton 48 t a l l a h a s s e e wo m a n • F e b r u a r y /m a rc h 2011

liz Boyette, Melissa Joiner

TMH Cancer Center Preview Event To celebrate the opening of the Tallahassee Memorial Cancer Center, TMH hosted a preview event of the new facility, which is located at the street address One Healing Place.

Jessica Field, Melody Steck, rachel Culpepper, rachel & alan davis

Sally Wickstrum, dale Wickstrum, randy Pople, Barbara Pople

Cecilia homison, Jan Sheffield gil ziffer, Brooke hallock, Paul hallock

Mary noel Childers, Kim Kuhn, Charlotte audie, Vickie Childers, Sara noel Childers

Melissa Moore, deana Bray, Pam Post, debbie giudice

Brian desloge, Christy harrison, Jason Moore

Sally Karioth, dr. nancy loeffler, eric King, Susan King

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WO M E N TOWATC H

WOMEN TO WATCH

is a listing of women with new jobs or promotions, business openings and changes, awards and installations, or a woman who is reaching out and making a difference in our community.

E-mail information for Women to Watch to listings@TalWoman.com.

Taylore Maxey received the 2010 Gwendolyn Baker Rodgers Spirit Award presented by The Charmettes, Inc. She is currently the chapter’s reporter and historian. For the last four years, Taylore has handled community and media outreach for the fundraiser, Ebony Fashion Fair. As a result, the chapter has been able to contribute more than $20,000 to first-generation college students at Florida A&M University over the years.

Taylore Maxey

Jennifer Keister

Jessica Geib recently purchased My Little Girl, LLC, that specializes in unique and creative hair accessories for girls and women of all ages.

Virginia Yon was recently promoted to be the Juvenile Assessment Center Program Director at DISC Village, Inc. She also practices real estate and is a member of the Tallahassee Board of Realtors, Florida Association of Realtors and National Association of Realtors.

Susan McKnight

Jennifer Keister, owner of the preschool Scottsdale Academy, has recently opened a second

Stephanie Bell

location in Tallahassee. Jennifer serves as an advocate for early learning, speaking several times at the 2010 legislative session in support of early childhood education funding.

Susan McKnight recently completed her 30th year of teaching with 20 years at Epiphany

Lutheran School and was recognized for teaching excellence and service as teacher representative to the Epiphany School Board. Susan is also a member of the Timberlane Church of Christ and is serving on its preschool Advisory Board.

Christy Crump

Stephanie Bell has recently started her new business, Doggie Day Care, providing an opportunity for pets to have fun during the day and also receive training to improve their manners.

Bambi Lockman

Christy Crump of Crump and Associates, is celebrating the company’s fourth year in business.

Bambi Lockman has been selected to serve as the president of the National Association of State Directors of Special Education. She is currently the Bureau Chief of the Florida Department of Education Exceptional Education and Student Services.

Melanie Barton

Melanie Barton, LCSW, Ed.D, a Tallahassee licensed social worker and pastoral counselor, has debuted as host of The Dr. Melanie Show on VoiceAmerica.com.

Karen Mercer

Rory Reese

Karen Mercer of FairyDust Faces and Sharon Grimes of BodyArtFusion founded the North Florida Face Painting Guild, contributing their talents to the community, most recently coordinating their face painting services for the U.S. Marine Corp’s annual holiday toy distribution Toys for Tots and for Tallahassee Museum’s Children’s Day. Rory Reese, RDH, BHS, has recently assumed her role as president of the Florida Dental Hygiene Association. Rory was also selected to attend “Unleashing Your Potential,” a leadership program of the American Dental Hygienists’ Association.

Elmira P. Davis Liz Amsellem

Pastor Elmira P. Davis, the author of HeRstoRY, an inspirational book about women, is hosting and presenting at the event A Night Of Discovery Women’s Expo and Fundraiser in February at the New Destiny Church of Christ Written In Heaven to benefit Chelsea House.

Liz Amsellem has recently launched her new busines, Soleil Airbrush Tanning, using all-natural products (including 100 percent organic solutions) as an alternative tanning solution.

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WOMENWE ADMIRE

Sarah BrOWn

By Heather thomas

Almost all of Sarah’s maternal relatives have suffered or have died from breast cancer, so she knew that the odds were not in her favor. Upon her oncologist’s suggestion, Sarah went through a preemptive double mastectomy and reconstructive surgeries. “I know there are many that would not understand why I would make this decision. But I’ve seen how the women in my family have suffered and I did not want this hopeless cloud hanging over me all of my life.”

From her experience Sarah realized that contemplating having a mastectomy and going through one is a deeply emotional journey, but she has found new hope and strength from making the choice.

Taking this understanding a step further, Sarah began using her sewing machine to make tote bags for women facing a mastectomy that contain items that she relied heavily upon. Each tote bag contains four drain holders that Sarah designed herself, two underarm pillows and a fabric heart sewn into each pillow that has the following prayer: “May you be healed body and soul, may your pain cease, may your strength increase. May your fears be released. May blessings, joy, and love surround you.” Sarah accepts no money for the totes and accessories and is simply happy to bring comfort to others. Sarah also counsels women who are contemplating a mastectomy and recently became the FORCE (Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered) Tallahassee Outreach Coordinator.

While teaching dance at The Arts at Good Samaritan, Sarah got the idea to provide ballet birthday parties for girls, and Twirly Girly Birthday Parties and Hair Accessories began about a year ago. She put her sewing machine to good use again, and became skilled at making hair bows, and was asked by a mother of a three year old if she could make a bow for her daughter Mary’s helmet.

Mary has epilepsy and has to wear protective headgear in case of seizures, but longed to wear something pretty in her hair. Mary was beaming when she was able to wear the bow Sarah created, and that inspired “I think it has been good for my children to see Sarah to make star me and others go through difficult times, but shields to go on boy’s be blessed with joy and hope in the end.” headgear since “every girl should feel like a princess and every Helping others and seeing what my work boy should feel like a superhero.” does to improve their lives is also enriching my life.” Being a wife and a mother of two, Helping people feel good is what Sarah Sarah has also begun to realize how her is best at, and just like the tote bags, selflessness is a life lesson for her own she gives away the headgear accessories family. “My daughter had to write a speech for free. Thanks to Sarah, patients at and only later did I learn that it was about Progressive Pediatrics have a steady supply me. She titled it, ‘My Mom, My Hero.’ I of headgear accessories for children to think it has been good for my children to choose from. Also thanks to Sarah, and see me and others go through difficult generous donations by a community times, but be blessed with joy and hope in fundraiser she spearheaded for Mary in the end.” last fall. Mary has a seizure assistance dog that will provide immeasurable support.

Photography by Inga Finch

W

hen Sarah Brown first turned on her sewing machine after only one lesson on how to use it, she had no idea how it would transform her life, and the lives of those in the community. From tote bags for women undergoing mastectomies to headgear accessories for special needs children, Sarah is determined to share the hope she has found with others.

When looking into the future, Sarah says that, “I’ll continue doing what I’m doing and anything else I can do to help people.

For more information about FoRCe or how to receive a free tote bag or headgear accessory, e-mail sarah at kcandsarah@hotmail.com.

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CALENDAR

Special Events

Art Exhibits

February 5 6th Annual Daddy/Daughter Dance To benefit the Northside Rotary Club (850) 514-6243 or rotaryddd.com

February 25–26 37th Annual Whale of a Sale Junior League of Tallahassee Tallahassee Mall (850) 224-9161 or jttallahassee.org

February 19 Saturday Matinee of the Arts Tallahassee Museum (850) 575-8684 or tallahasseemuseum.org

February 26 Night of Discovery Women’s Expo 6:00 p.m. New Destiny Church of Christ Ten percent of the proceeds will benefit Chelsea House (850) 933-1498 or e-mail info@newdestinycoc.com March 9 Springtime Tallahassee Breakfast in the Park Bloxham Park 6:30-10:00 a.m.

(850) 224-5012 March 11–13 Red Hills International Horse Trials Elinor Klapp-Phipps Park (850) 580-4020 or rhht.org

Through April 2 Stalking the Wild Landscape: Plein Art Paintings by Lynn Priestly and Julie Bowland Gadsden Art Center (850) 875-4866 or gadsdenarts.org

March 30 – April 3 Aint Misbehavin’, The Fats Waller Musical Show FAMU Essential Theatre Charles Winterwood Theatre FAMU Campus (850) 561-2425 or essentialtheatre.us

Music

Theatre and Dance January 28 – February 6 The Diary of Anne Frank Young Actors Theatre (850) 386-6602 or youngactorstheatre.com

February 8 Celtic Woman: Songs From the Heart Tallahassee-Leon County Civic Center (850) 222-0400 or tlccc.org

March 18–20 4th Annual Stone Age and Primitive Art Festival Ochlockonee River State Park (850) 962-2771 or floridastateparks.org/ochlockoneeriver

February 4 Pas de Vie The Dixie Theatre (850) 653-3200 or dixietheatre.com

February 25 The Tallahassee Blues Festival 2011 Tallahassee-Leon County Civic Center (850) 222-0400 or tlccc.org

February 11–13; 16–20 The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee The School of Theatre at Florida State The Fallon Theatre (850) 644-6500 or tickets.fsu.edu

March 19 Viva la France Tallahassee Symphony Orchestra Ruby Diamond Auditorium (850) 644-6500or tickets.fsu.edu

April 9 Tallahassee’s Highland Games and Celtic Festival North Florida Fairgrounds For updates and information visit tallahasseehighlandgames.com.

EVENTS wo m a n

Through April 2 Alla Prima Gadsden Art Center (850) 875-4866 or gadsdenarts.org

March 21 Mamma Mia! Tallahassee Broadway Series Tallahassee-Leon County Civic Center (850) 222-0400 or tlccc.org

March 18–19 The Florida Wine Festival 2011 Benefit for the Mary Brogan Museum of Art and Science (850) 513-0700 or thefloridawinefestival.com

April 2 Springtime Tallahassee Festival Parade and Jubilee in the Park (850) 224-5012 or springtimetallahassee.com

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Through March 7 Horizon Lines: Oil paintings by Shehla Milliron, Pam Talley and Mary Urquhart City Hall Gallery (850) 224-2500

March 3 Spring Awakening Tallahassee Broadway Series Tallahassee-Leon County Civic Center (850) 222-0400 or tlccc.org

February 5 The Two B’s — Brahms and Bizet Tallahassee Symphony Orchestra (850) 224-0461 or tallahasseesymphony.org

March 19 9th Annual Masked Benefit Ball Presented by Capital Area Community Action Agency Tallahassee Automobile Museum (850) 222-2043 or cacaainc.org

OF

February 24 – March 24 Hatian Art Collection Tallahassee Community College (850) 201-8713 or baroodyj@tcc.fl.edu

February 25–27 & March 4–6 Hello Dolly!

The Quincy Music Theatre (850) 875-9444 or qmtonline.com

• F e b r u a r y /M a rc h 2011

February 18–19 & 25–26; March 4–5 Steel Magnolias Monticello Opera House (850) 997-4242 or monticellooperahouse.org February 24–27; March 4–6; 11–13 The Foreigner Tallahassee Little Theatre (850) 224-8474 or tallahasseelittletheatre.org February 25–27; March 2–6 The Miser The School of Theatre at FSU (850) 644-6500 or tickets.fsu.edu

March 24–27 Gianni Schicchi and Les Mamelles de Tiresias Florida State Opera (850) 645-7949 or music.fsu.edu March 27 Tallahassee Bach Parley: French Baroque St. John’s Episcopal Church (850) 224-8025 or tallahasseebachparley.org April 9 Toby Mac in Concert Wild Adventures Theme Park (229) 219-7080 or Wildadventures.net

Other Activities February 6 The 37th Tallahassee Marathon and Half Marathon Benefit for the American Lung Association of Florida.

7:30 a.m. start time. For more information visit tallahasseemarathon.com.

February 11 Wine Tasting Fundraiser Benefit for the Junior League of Tallahassee (850) 224-9161 for information or e-mail cmo4218@yahoo.com.

February 12 Run for the Cookies 5K and One-Mile Run/Walk Benefit the Girl Scout Council’s Wider Opportunities Scholarship Fund (850) 894-2019

March 11 Share the Journey Concert Benefit for Big Bend Hospice 8–11 p.m.

For information contact Laura at (850) 701-1341 or visit lowflyingplanes.com/bbh.

March 18–20 Tallahassee Book Festival and Writers Conference Monroe Street Conference Center/Holiday Inn For information visit tallahasseewriters.net.

Coming up in the next issue of Tallahassee Woman Fresh Spring Looks Home Design and Decorating Makeovers Business Leaders Profiles

March 26 5th Annual Ability 1st Walk Run Roll-A-Thon To benefit mission of the organization by offering persons with disabilities the opportunity to achieve, maintain and strengthen their level of independence.Register at ability1st.info.

Faves & Raves

February 18 2011 Leadership Conference FSU Conference Center (850) 224-8116 or leadershiptallahassee.com February 19 North Florida Travel Expo Tallahassee-Leon County Civic Center For information visit northfloridatravelexpo.com.

February 19–20 Italian Family Festa John Paul II Catholic High School in Southwood For information visit tallahasseeitalianfesta.com.

February 25–27 Thomasville Antiques Show Thomasville Exchange Club Fairgrounds (229) 225-9354 or thomasvilleantiquesshow.com February 26 Spirit of Women “Day of Dance” Celebration to promote women’s health.

Capital Regional Medical Center (850) 325-3627 or capitalregionalmedicalcenter.com

March 30 Women’s History Month Celebration The Oasis Center for Women & Girls St. John’s Church/Lively Cafe (850) 222-2747 or oasiscenter.net

Saturdays in March Downtown Marketplace Ponce de Leon Park (850) 224-3252 or tallahasseedowntown.com

April 1 8th Annual Capital City Bank Springtime Tallahassee Downtown GetDown From 6 -10 p.m. at Adams Street Commons.

Live music, food, and street entertainment.

(850) 487-8087 or uwbb.org

March 3–5 29th Annual St. George Island Charity Chili Cookoff St. George Island, Florida For information visit anaturalescape.com

April 2 The Springtime 10K/5K and 1 Mile Road Race (850)383-1361 or gulfwinds.org April 9–16 The 12th USTA Tallahassee Tennis Challenger at Forest Meadows Tennis Complex. Proceeds benefit the Tallahassee memorial Vogter Neuro-Intensive Care Unit. For more information visit tallahasseechallenger.com/history.htm

tallahassee woman online Now you can keep up with Tallahassee Woman Magazine online!

Follow us on Twitter and find us on Facebook.

To submit an item for the calendar, please be sure to include the event title, date of the event, contact name, telephone number and e-mail or website address. Submissions are subject to approval. Send the information to us at info@TalWoman.com. t a l l a h a s s e e wo m a n

• F e b r u a r y /M a rc h 2011 53

FUNNYGIRL

SHOPPING DEBACLE

By Maria theresa sigua

T

here’s nothing like buying a new pair of jeans to force you to realize how large you’ve allowed your rear end to become. You find yourself standing in front of the neatly folded piles of jeans for at least ten minutes before you even reach for a pair.

Skinny jeans, boot leg, slight flare, dark wash, acid rinse. So many choices but all you’re concerned with is what size you should be reaching for. You want to grab the 5/6 but realize that’s the size you wish you were, so you start to reach for a 7/8 but remember you haven’t been that size for a few years, so now you start looking for a 9/10 but it’s on the top shelf and you have to ask a salesperson to help you.

Now it feels like a small production because the salesperson has to use a ladder to get your jeans and you start to think, “What if I’m wrong? What if I’m actually an 11/12 now?” You don’t want to have ask the salesperson for help twice because then you’ll be pegged as one of those women in denial about your size. So in your most nonchalant voice you say to him, “You know, while you’re up there do you mind grabbing an 11/12 for me?” while doing your best not to let on just how much it hurts you to admit that out loud.

Finally with six pairs of jeans tucked under my arm I head off to the dreaded dressing room, where I think women do more self reflection than trying on clothes. I mean, why is it that the lighting in those rooms reveal parts of your body in a way that you just never notice when you’re in front of your own bathroom mirror? You’d think a retail store would 54 t a l l a h a s s e e wo m a n • F e b r u a r y /m a rc h 2011

want to encourage purchases by using lighting that complements the shapely figure of all women, not just the perfectly shaped ones. Try dimmer lights!

Note to self—start an average to plus size woman’s coalition against the inventors of those terrible dressing room lights.

I’ve learned to avoid looking in the dressing room mirror until I’m completely dressed, but out of regretful curiosity that day, I peeked behind my shoulder just as I was sliding the jeans over my buttocks. What a bad idea. All I could think was, “What happened? Why does my butt look like that? It looks so...deflated? And when did it drop? It used to be so damn perky.”

By the time I left the third store empty-handed I was tempted to walk into a store that sold those new jeans claiming to enhance your derrière. Of course, after all I’d already put myself through mentally I couldn’t envision walking up to the bored looking sales kid and asking him to point me in the direction of the butt lifting jeans. *Sigh* One hour later, still no jeans, and all the kids and hubby are blast texting me.

I’m having a mid life crisis and all they care about is what time we’re meeting for dinner.

Check out Maria-theresa servillon’s blog at mariasrandomrants.wordpress.com. Follow her on twitter @mariasrandmrant. article source: ezinearticles.com

February 26, 2011 • dayofdance.com Bring your friends and family to dance, learn simple ways to stay healthy, enjoy music, and participate in health screenings.

Time: 11a.m. - 4p.m.

Location: Downtown Tallahassee Kleman Plaza Admission Fee: Free, but registration is suggested

More Information: Dance to your own beat – and live your healthiest life! Join us for exciting dance performances, cooking instruction and health screenings at Tallahassee’s first Day of Dance for Your Health event.

To Register: Call (850) 325-3627 Web: CapitalRegionalMedicalCenter.com

Day of Dance® for Your Health is powered by Spirit of Women®, a national network of hospitals and healthcare providers across the United States that ascribe to the highest standards of excellence in women’s health, education, and community outreach. t a l l a h a s s e e wo m a n

• F e b r u a r y /M a rc h 2011 55

Stepping Up | Reaching Out Tallahassee’s #1 Auto Lender is stepping up our game and climbing up the ladder to become the region’s Top Mortgage Lender.

We’re updating our entire mortgage program and reaching out to more homebuyers than ever before.

With a full range of mortgage products to meet the local needs of our members, come see for yourself why Florida Commerce is consistently voted Tallahassee’s favorite financial institution.

Spencer Conner III Mortgage Originator 850.488.0035 Ext: 1282 850-570-4262 (cell) sconner@floridacommerce.org

850.488.0035 | 800.533.5772 | WWW.FLORIDACOMMERCE.ORG 56 t a l l a h a s s e e BRADFORDVILLE wo m a n • F e b r u a r y /m a rc 2011 | hBLAIRSTONE | CApITAL | MAHAN | THOMASVILLE ROAD | WESTSIDE