October-November 2016 Tallahassee Woman

The Arts & Culture Issue

COMPLIMENTARY

OC TOBER/NOVEMBER 2016

Avis Berry and the

Modern Renaissance Woman

tallahassee woman • october/november 2016 1

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tallahassee woman magazine | october/november 2016

contents THE ARTS AND CULTURE ISSUE

26

8 Our Thoughts

48 WWMB Community

Our Creative Capital

Women to Watch

12 Woman2Woman

Time to Fall in Love With Color | Cooking Apps for the Holidays | Home Is Where the Art Is | Best Fall Reads | What to Eat Before and After You Work Out | How Healthy Is Your Resume? | Trending Now—Aerial Photography and Fall Gardening Tips | Faves and Raves: Holiday Gift Guide

50 Business and Career Leaving a Character Legacy in Business

52 Money Talks

Where to Buy Your Tickets to an Artful Experience

54 Our Community

26 Style and Grace Perfectly Polished for Fall

30 Healthy Living

Cancer Diagnosis: What Friends Can Do to Help | The Importance of Self Breast Exams

Alzheimer’s Project Marks 25th Anniversary With Forget-Me-Not Walk | Whole Child Leon Brings “Chopped Junior” to Tallahassee | HerStory of Tallahassee History | Sponsor Section: What Women Should Know | Big Bend Women Give Back | Haute Happenings | Around Town

32 Bodies in Motion

70 Home and Garden

34 Real Life

72 The Dish

42 Special Feature:

74 Funny Girl

Tallahassee Marathon: Women Run This Town

Cuban Culinary Exchange

A Novel November

Modern Renaissance Women Balancing Profession, Passion and Purpose

36 On the Cover

Family: The Classic Architecture

Happy Thanksgiving!

Avis Berry: A Modern Renaissance Woman By Heather Thomas

About the Cover: Photography by Kira Derryberry | Makeup by Studio B, A Salon 4 tallahassee woman • october/november 2016

We can do the holiday decora/ng So you can do the celebra/ng!

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twm | october/november 2016

View Tallahassee Woman

TM

YOUR WAY

October/November 2016 Volume 11 | Issue 5

Print...

Pick up a copy around town.

The Arts &

COM PLIM

PUBLISHER Kim Rosier Culture Issue

EDITOR Heather Thomas

ENTA RY OC TOBE R/NO

VEM BER

STYLE EDITORS Calynne Hill • Terra Palmer ADVERTISING SALES Jennifer Stinson • Michelle Royster Hart

Digital...

The digital version of the magazine is posted online on our website, TalWoman.com.

2016

GRAPHIC DESIGN Christy Jennings

Avis Berry Modern Re and the naissance Woma tallah assee wom an • octob er/no

n

vemb er 2016 1

Virtual Reality...

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BUSINESS OPERATIONS Jane Royster Munroe, CFO INTERNS Janecia Britt • Maria Elena Margarella Rachel Corry • Emily Wells Tallahassee Woman Magazine LLC Post Office Box 13401 Tallahassee, FL 32317-3401 Phone (850) 893-9624 Fax (850) 254­-7038 info@TalWoman.com Tallahassee Woman is published six times per year and is distributed on a complimentary basis throughout Tallahassee and the surrounding communities.

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twm | october/november 2016

OUR CONTRIBUTORS GFWC Woman’s Club WRITERS

Judy Micale MS, ACC, CMC, is an author, national speaker, and a Certified Coach, with an international client base. Contact Judy for coaching/training/ speaking at jmicalecoach@gmail.com, or online at theauthenticitycoach.com, #jimicalecoach.

of Tallahassee

Michelle R. Nickens is a vice president at the Institute for Intergovernmental Research, a graduate of Leadership Tallahassee, a local actor, blogger and author of the novel, Precious Little Secrets. She is currently participating in Leadership Florida Class XXXIV.

Nestled among the oak trees at the entrance to Los Robles is a stately structure–the Clubhouse for the GFWC Woman’s Club of Tallahassee. Since its completion in 1927, this historical landmark has been the site of countless civic, social, educational and entertainment events.

J. Santiago is a graduate of Villanova University and the University of Pennsylvania. She gets her love of sports from her fifteen-year career in the field and a houseful of boys who love to play. A former English and history teacher, she understands and embraces the power of stories in our lives.

Lesa Edwards, CEO of LEK Executive Consultants, is known as “the indispensable job search partner of superstar sales and marketing executives.” She is a published writer, job search coach, and a national speaker on job search topics. Her global practice includes clients on every continent except Antarctica.

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Kira Derryberry is a Tallahassee-based portrait photographer specializing in families, headshots, boudoir and commercial photography. She books locally in Tallahassee and is available for travel world wide. View her portfolio at kiraderryberry.com.

Stacy Rehberg is a professional photographer based in Tallahassee. A member of the professional photographers guild of Tallahassee, her business, Stacy Rehberg Photography, specializes in women’s portraiture and wedding photography.

Lydia Bell, Elle Belle Photography, is a member of COCA, PPA, Tallahassee Professional Photographers Guild, FPP, PPA Charities, NPPA, NAPCP, ASMP, APA Atlanta Chapter, IFPO, and Fotolanthropy. She has been commissioned by many local and national publications, organizations, businesses and events.

You can find an online portfolio of elleBelle’s portraits online at ellebelle.pics.

“Advertising in Tallahassee Woman Magazine has opened the door by allowing me to reach a broader demographic than any other form of marketing. Shine Boutique has even received calls from Destin and Panama City referring to my ads. The women of TWM are always available for guidance, suggestions and really work together with me to create amazing ads.

Partnering with TWM has become an effective and easy way to grow my business.“ - Erika Harnett, Owner of Shine Boutique, advertiser since 2014 TM

Shine Boutique is just one of the many businesses that is part of the economic fiber of the community.

At Tallahassee Woman our goal is to help other businesses reach the community with information on their goods and services. We value our advertisers in supporting the women of Tallahassee.

Call today to see how we can help you grow your business through effective advertising.

tallahassee woman • october/november 2016 9

OUR

thoughts

Our Creative Capital

T

he most watched TED Talk of all-time discusses the vital role creativity plays in the development of children, how important it is to our quality of life, and to the progression of humankind, and that we should nourish the creative spirit within all of us. It’s clear that this is resonating with millions of people. Perhaps it’s because too often than not, somewhere, along the way, we lose the desire to color outside of the boundaries we erect around our lives. Our pursuit of wonder, following the direction of our imagination and finding deep meaning and value in making mistakes dries up. It is replaced by the stagnant importance we put on getting the right answer, propelled by the fear of failure in getting the wrong one, and our lives are parched for meaning.

The importance of creativity is one of the main reasons we continue to focus on women in our community who are empowering others with their innovative ideas, exceptional talents, and imaginatively expressing them. In this October-November edition of our annual Women of Arts and Culture, we explore the meaning of “Renaissance” and how it applies to the women of our capital city. The Renaissance period in Europe was a time of enlightenment and rebirth that shaped the future of our modern history.

In many ways, Tallahassee is experiencing a time of reimagining itself, and we are seeing women at the forefront of this movement, using their creative ‘capital,’ to help bring innovation to

10 tallahassee woman • october/november 2016

Florida’s capital city and the Big Bend region. They are modern renaissance women—change agents and boundary breakers, pioneering a new model of how to express creativity in their everyday lives and impact others. Avis Berry, our cover woman, and the other cultural change-makers in this issue are just a few examples of the profound importance of opening ourselves up to the awakening and fulfillment that can come from adding a creative purpose to our everyday lives.

Around 1400 A.D., the printing press was invented by Johannes Gutenberg. It is largely believed that the printing press was the seed of the Renaissance, and without it, the Information Age that we now live in would not be possible. Without that invention, I would not be able to share this letter with you now, nor the magazine it is published in. What ideas and creative expressions could we be missing out on because they aren’t being explored or shared? One day, perhaps Tallahassee will be known as the Creative Capital, thanks to the efforts of those who are willing to break down boundaries, share ideas, and keep our creative spirits alive.

Until the next creative conversation,

Heather Thomas, Editor

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woman woman

Love

style | knowledge | trends | wellness

TIME TO FALL IN WITH COLOR

By Maria Elena Margarella

A

s summer ends and leaves begin to fall, we all welcome the lower temperatures and the cute outfits that accompany them. It’s time to grab our pumpkin-spiced lattes and embrace what fall fashion is all about this year—diversity of color.

That’s right. Forget the expected brown and orange shades of seasons past. The colors that rose to the top of New York Fashion Week 2016 include a little something for every woman’s taste. From cool blue hues to hot redish tones, the trending fall colors will keep your closet fun and lively.

The colors Riverside, Airy Blue, Aurora Red and Bodacious Pink are just waiting to pick pumpkins with you. Other popular colors include Sharkskin Grey, Lush Meadow Green and Spicy Mustard. So as you layer up, think layering colors. The fall season fashion intends to inspire confidence and complexity through its own unity as a diverse palette.

Expect vibrancy with an aura of personal comfort, as every woman gets to choose her own favorite shades to mix and match. Enjoy the escape from your typical autumn framework. We at TWM raise our lattes to you!

To see the Fall Fashion 2016 Color Report visit online at pantone.com.

12 tallahassee woman • october/november 2016

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woman 2 woman | tech grocery list, plan your weekly meals and even follow your family, friends, and favorite blogs. The app also includes seasonal collections perfect for your holiday cravings.

Epicurious: On this app has over 30,000 tested, high-

quality, professionally-tested recipes. There is also a recipe box that allows you to log in and access every recipe and shopping list you’ve saved anywhere you go—at the store, at the farmer’s market, at home or at work. There are also voice-activated controls that let you advance through a recipe’s steps without getting flour all over your screen.

olidays are for family, food, and fun. Cooking for the whole clan, though, can be overwhelming. Try these apps in the kitchen to make this season easier and much more delicious.

We all have an idea of what the perfect healthcare experience should be.

Responsive yet friendly.

Technologically advanced yet compassionate. At Capital Regional, our physicians strive to be the very best every day.

And we think it shows.

To view our Physician Network of Care, visit CapitalRegionalMedicalCenter. com/physicians/affiliatedpractices.dot Accepting appointments at all locations.

INTERNAL MEDICINE Rick Damron, MD J. Roberto Mendoza, MD Terence Murphy, MD Andrea Randell, MD Richard Thacker, DO Leonard Waldenberger, MD 850.878.8235

e all have an idea of what the perfect healthcare experience should e. Responsive yet friendly. Technologically advanced yet ompassionate. At Capital Regional, our physicians strive to be the ery best every day. And we think it shows.

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Yummly: This recipe discovery app makes deciding

what to make easier. You can filter recipes by the ingredients you have on hand, create different recipe boxes and build shopping lists for the week based on the recipes you choose.

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Cooking Apps for the Holidays

Kitchen Stories: This app, which calls itself your video and photo cookbook, has new free recipes every week. The recipes come in complete packages with howto videos, step-by-step instructions, wine pairings and downloadable shopping lists.

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Jolita Burns, MD, FACOG 2770 Capital Medical Blvd., Suite 110 850.877.5589

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Brian Allen, MD Maci McDermott, MD Lynn Steele, ARNP 3445 Bannerman Rd., Suite 100 850.894.2401

FAMILY PRACTICE Erin Ayers, ARNP Pam Garcia, ARNP Jennifer Russell, ARNP Molly Seal, ARNP 850.878.8235 CRAWFORDVILLE Robert Frable, DO Aida Casto, ARNP-C 2382 Crawfordville Hwy., Suite C Crawfordville, FL 32327 850.926.6363

Michelle Bachtel, MD Joseph Baker, MD Sirisha Reddy, MD 2631 Centennial Blvd., Suite 200 850.656.7265 Carey Dellock, MD Niraj Pandit, MD 2770 Capital Medical Blvd., Suite 109 850.877.0320

Michael L. Douso, MD, FACOG 2626 Care Dr., Suite 105 850.402.3104

WOMEN ON FIRE BE A PART OF THE WOMEN WHO MEAN BUSINESS COMMUNITY JOIN US FOR LUNCH and NETWORKING!

Women Who Mean Business (WWMB) Luncheon Wednesday, October 19, 2016 Woman’s Club of Tallahassee 1513 Cristobal Drive in MidTown

Guest Speaker Dr. Michelle Mitcham, LMHC, NCC, CFM

a professor, life coach, author, psychotherapist and family mediator, and founder of Courageous Conversations, LLC.

Topic: What’s in Your Crisis Toolbox?

Effective Strategies for Work/Life Crisis Management

Limited business sponsorships

and vendor tables are available.

All WWMB Sponsor Packages include tickets plus: • Vendor/Exhibit table option during networking hour • Recognition at event • Recognition on WWMB social media and website • Recognition as sponsor on an ad in Tallahassee Woman magazine and on the WWMB monthly newsletter.

SPONSOR LEVELS: *White Flame Sponsor: $750 Sponsor Package plus reserved table of 8 with table signs. *Blue Flame Sponsor: $500 Includes Sponsor Package plus 4 tickets.

Networking hour: 11:00 a.m.-Noon Lunch and speaker: Noon-1:00 p.m.

*Vendor table only: $200 Includes 2 lunch tickets

Seating is limited.

WE SOLD OUT QUICKLY LAST TIME. GET YOUR TICKETS TODAY!

SPONSOR OPPORTUNITIES

PURCHASE TICKETS AT TALWOMAN.COM OR VISIT OUR FACEBOOK PAGE MEMBERS $45 EACH. NON-MEMBERS $55

For more information or to reserve your sponsorship e-mail us at wwmb@talwoman.com or call (850) 893-9624.

To purchase tickets and to learn more about becoming a member visit talwoman.com or e-mail WWMB@talwoman.com for information. tallahassee woman • october/november 2016 15

woman 2 woman | knowledge

HOME IS WHERE THE ART IS

By Maria Elena Margarella

A

rt is not just for museums and galleries. Your house, too, is fit to hold great works. Get in touch with your inner artist, and turn a house into a home using some helpful tips from Signature Art Gallery owner Mary Maida.

1. Centered at Eye Level: While this is the general rule of thumb, you may need to adjust depending on the size of the piece and the room itself. If the room’s function is primarily sitting (i.e. dining room, conference room), hang the work lower. Room with higher ceilings— 9 to 12 ft? Hang it higher.

2. Keep Collections Together: If pieces were designed to hang together (or if you organized your own set), focus on one wall and maximize its potential.

Try creating a symmetrical grid with coordinating colored frames, or mix and match frames producing a more eclectic look. Note: Keep bigger pieces to the bottom left— our eyes will naturally scan the walls from left to right, like the way we read.

3. Frame Fame: While frames are common and useful, don’t be afraid to think outside the frame. Creating your own casing is as simple and artful as you want to make it—maps, hard book covers, ribbons, clipboards and more can be used to give your home a unique flare.

4. But Before You Hammer: Plan it out!

Take craft paper or cardboard and make templates of the piece(s) you want to hang. Label the templates using references like focus point, subject matter, where is the subject looking, etc. Lay out the different possibilities on the wall, so you can visualize the final outcome. If you’d rather avoid hammers altogether, try propping up your art. Let it lean somewhere stable; we suggest bookshelves, dressers, and right above the fireplace.

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book nook BEST FALL READS

By Janecia Britt

C

ombined with a hot beverage and a porch swing these captivating reads are sure to get you cozy and enthralled this fall.

A Window Opens by Elisabeth Egan: Alice is

proud of her new ability to “have it all” until her dad gets sick, her marriage flounders, her babysitter gets fed up, her kids start to grow up and her work takes an unexpected turn. In the midst of her second coming of age, Alice realizes the question is not whether it’s possible to have it all, but what does she really want the most? In this honest, funny and poignant novel a wife and mother of three leaps at the chance to fulfill her professional destiny—only to learn every opportunity comes at a price.

Hidden Figures by Margot Lee Shatterly:

The predecessor to the film slated to arrive in January that tells the astonishing true story of female African-American mathematicians who were invaluable to NASA’s space program in the Jim Crow South in the early 1960s. It chronicles their careers over nearly three decades as they faced challenges, forged alliances and used their intellect to change their own lives, and their country’s future.

Three Dark Crowns by Kendare Blake: Revel in the Halloween spirit with this dark tale of sisterhood and magic.

In every generation on the island of Fennbirn, a set of triplets is born: three queens, all equal heirs to the crown and each possessor of a coveted magic. But becoming the Queen Crowned isn’t solely a matter of royal birth. Each sister has to fight for it. And it’s not just a game of win or lose—it’s life or death. The night the sisters turn sixteen, the battle begins. The last queen standing gets the crown.

Swing Time by Zadie Smith: Two brown girls dream of being dancers, but only one, Tracey, has talent. The other has ideas—about rhythm and time, about black bodies and black music, what constitutes a tribe or makes a person truly free.

Dance, pop culture and race are brilliant power players in this story of friendship.

The Assistants by Camille Perri: When a technical error with her boss’s expense report presents Tina with the opportunity to pay off the entire balance of her loans, she begins to fall down the rabbit hole of her morally-questionable plan. Other assistants with crushing debt and fewer scruples approach her to say that they want in. Before she knows it, she’s at the forefront of a movement that has implications far beyond what anyone anticipated.

tallahassee woman • october/november 2016 17

woman 2 woman | wellness

WHAT TO EAT

Before and After You Workout

By Janecia Britt

A

quick piece of fruit just isn’t enough to help your body prepare and recover from a killer workout. Really feeding your body before and after every run or spin class is essential for burning the most calories, staying energized, building lean muscle, losing weight and speeding up recovery. However, you can actually cause muscle loss if you regularly work out on an empty stomach.

Here’s why: When you’re hungry, your body goes into survival mode and draws protein from muscle instead of from your kidneys and liver, where the body normally looks for protein. When this happens, you lose muscle mass, which can ultimately slow your metabolism and make it harder for you to lose weight. Eating something that combines protein and carbohydrates after your workout refills energy stores, builds, and repairs your muscles that were broken down and helps to keep your metabolism burning strong.

Pre-Workout: You’ll want something high in fiber so eat a banana, trail mix, an energy bar or a good fat, such as nuts.

If you’re strength training you’ll need to eat close to two to three ounces of protein before you work out. That could be anything from chicken breast, fish, eggs, low-fat milk and yogurt, beans and lentils.

Post-Workout: Choose a salad with mixed greens and some lean protein such as chicken breast, grilled fish or a protein-infused shake. Stay away from bottled dressings or anything that has high-fat content. If you’re strength training, eat four to six ounces of protein and healthy grains such as brown or Basmati rice. Avoid heavier starches such as potatoes and reward your body with yummy pieces of grilled fish or shrimp and vegetables. For a balanced meal, it’s very important to include high fiber veggies such as artichokes with your protein.

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woman 2 woman | knowledge

How Healthy Is Your Resumé?

By Lesa Edwards

T

not ACtuAL PAtients

oday’s resumés are results—rich, visually appealing marketing documents that immediately capture the reader’s attention.

They MUST include impactful accomplishments for each position you’ve held. Your accomplishments differentiate you from the competition by showing you weren’t merely a placeholder in your jobs, but a game-changer. Remember, it’s not bragging if you can prove it! So which format is best for you?

• Chronological—the focus is on work experience, which is presented in reverse chronological order.

• Functional—the focus is on career accomplishments, which are grouped together and “divorced” from employment; used to hide something about the candidate, such as a change in career focus or employment gaps.

• Blended—the focus is on marketing the candidate’s qualifications for the position; work experience remains “married” to career accomplishments.

For most of us, the blended format works best. The chronological format doesn’t effectively market the candidate, while the functional format is viewed with suspicion by employers, who immediately try to determine what the candidate is trying to hide.

In writing more than 1,000 resumes, I’ve never used a functional format. I find the blended resumé format to be effective in: • Showing transferability of the client’s experience to a new field.

• “Demilitarizing” a soldier’s work history to show applicability to the civilian sector.

• Presenting a client as having current skills, despite being out of the work force for some time.

Let’s talk about resumé design. My preference is for a bit of color and shading in a manner that is appropriate for the client. I’ve designed fairly conservative resumés for accountants and attorneys, as well as creative resumés for marketing managers and digital designers. Here’s the acid test when it comes to the visual impact of your resume:

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woman 2 woman | trends

TRENDING NOW: WHAT’S TRENDING NOW: AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHY A BIRD’S-EYE VIEW… AND A PICTURE TO REMEMBER IT

By Maria Elena Margarella

H

umans may not have wings but that won’t stop us from touching the sky. Literally. Aerial photography, the process of taking photographs from an elevated position or angle, has recently soared in popularity, and we can see why. The film practice transforms the art of photography into an atmospheric experience. Although it dates back to the nineteenth century, aerial photography has evolved to encompass much more than just kites and parachutes.

We have pictures to prove how far we’ve progressed. Flying structures such as helicopters, blimps and various other aircraft equipment often support the cameras (and sometimes cameramen and women) up in the air. The most popular, however, is the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). UAVs are widely used because they do not require a human pilot on board. One can control the vehicle and the camera with two feet safely on the ground. It’s an innovative means of exploration and documentation—and it’s happening right here in our city.

Aerial Tallahassee is a local community project that shares the art of aerial photography while encouraging citizens to explore Florida’s great capital. It all began when Alex and Chelsea Workman, a husband and wife team, wanted to learn more about their city and unite a community through a common, sky-high point of view. Since its debut in 2015, Aerial Tallahassee has collected quite the following on social media. Fans connect daily through a shared admiration for art and the city. The pictures can speak for themselves, though: sunrises, sunsets, green landscapes and bright blue skies fill the media feeds. With each post, the Workmans capture a different angle of our city with optimistic pride. The couple is quite active on the media outlets, inviting anyone to explore Tallahassee’s beauty from a birdlike perspective. No wings?

No problem.

For more information about Aerial Tallahassee, visit aerialtallahassee.com or follow on Facebook, Instagram and/or Twitter.

20 tallahassee woman • october/november 2016

FA S H I O N • E N T E R TA I N M E N T • C U LT U R E • T E C H N O L O G Y

GARDENING TIPS FOR FALL

By Janecia Britt

W

ho doesn’t love gardening in the crisp fall air? But in order to reap the full benefits of a fall harvest, a little prep work is required. According to Shannon Ruark at Esposito Lawn & Garden Center, there are some important steps you should be taking now to get your garden ready for fall plants and vegetables.

1. DRAW UP A GARDENING PLAN.

“Having a plan helps when it comes to shopping and planting. Make sure you provide enough space for each plant. Also consider companion planting since some plants get along better than others.”

Dr. William T. McFatter welcomes Dr. Valarie Dozier

2. REMOVE ANY WEEDS OR OUT OF SEASON PLANTS.

“In your veggie garden, make sure to use an organic pre-emergent such as Preen Organic Weed Preventer. As well as clear out any spring or summer annuals that are starting to wither away.”

3. ADD YOUR MULCH.

“Not only does mulch control your weeds, retain moisture and helps polish up your garden it also can act as an insect repellant.

Using certain types of mulch, such as cedar bark, can deter certain pests due to the fact that the cedar bark has natural oils that act as an insect repellant. To reap the full benefits, be sure to find mulch that is very fragrant, as it will have the greatest effect on insects.”

4. PLANT YOUR SEEDS.

“If you plan on starting seeds indoors or outdoors, it’s a good time to get them in the dirt! Make sure that you follow the instructions on the package for best results.

And the best part? Children make excellent seed-planting assistants!”

Call Now To Schedule An Appointment For Your Initial Exam And X-Rays.

Beachton Denture Clinic 2515 US-319 Thomasville, GA 31792 229-233-0249 • Beachtondental.com tallahassee woman • october/november 2016 21

s e v a R d n a s e Fav woman 2 woman | shopping

Holiday shopping is an art. You can be an artist with TWM’s palette of gift-worthy finds from local stores.

Be the envy of your friends with this handcrafted, one of a kind, Ruby and Opal necklace Call for price.

Roberts Jewelry & Design 1950-M Thomasville Road Tallahassee, FL 32303 (850) 422-1373 robertsjewelry.net Button Up Denim Skirt $30 Embellish Me Top $35 Walter Green Boutique 1817 Thomasville Road, Suite 530 | Tallahassee, FL 32303 (850) 999-6105 | waltergreenboutique.com

Black Leighton Genuine Leather Backpack

by Vera Bradley $268 The Grey Fox 206 East 6th Avenue Tallahassee, FL 32303 (850) 894-VERA (8372) thegreyfoxonline.com 22 tallahassee woman • october/november 2016

Poetic Licence Jacquard Booties $129 Narcissus 1408 Timberlane Road Tallahassee, FL 32312 (850) 668-4807 narcissusstyle.com

from denim to lace and everything in between

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…

“Reborne J” Black Dress $30 (comes in assorted colors) Beaded Necklace $15 Sparkle by Madison 1108 Thomasville Road Tallahassee, FL 32303 (850) 591-0074

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tallahassee woman • october/november 2016 23

woman 2 woman | faves & raves

Blue/White Ginger Jars Round: $30; Square: $33 Chrysalis Fine Fabrics 1410 Market Street Tallahassee, FL 32312 (850) 224-2924 chrysalisfabric.com

Shimmering Egret Painting by local artist Anne Hempel $650 SuzAnnz Furniture and Design 2811 Capital Circle N.E. | Tallahassee, FL 32308 (850) 385-8033 | suzannz.com

Identity Theft Protection Basketweave Clutch, Continental Jade Clutch, Checkered Credit Card Case Prices range from $59–$350 Kanvas 832 Thomasville Road | Tallahassee, FL 32303 (850) 224-7467 | kanvasbeauty.com

24 tallahassee woman • october/november 2016

Twine & Twig Hand Embroidered Pillow Case $120 (pillow not included) Cole Couture 1240 Thomasville Road Tallahassee, FL 32303 (850) 553-3327 colecouture.com

“Our Little Picasso” Child’s Art Hanger $15 Esposito Lawn & Garden Center 2743 Capital Circle N.E. Tallahassee, FL 32308 (850) 386-2114 espositogardencenter.com

Fall Wreath $53 Tallahassee Nurseries 2911 Thomasville Road Tallahassee, FL 32308 (850) 385-2162 tallahasseenurseries.com

tallahassee woman • october/november 2016 25

style & grace

PERFECTLY POLISHED FOR FALL

By Terra Palmer and Calynne Hill Photography by elleBelle Photography

26 tallahassee woman • october/november 2016

Bags, jewels, shoes and even your nail polish take center stage this fall fashion season.

Stay current on the chicest trends with non-basic and completely gorgeous styles and colors so that you can be perfectly polished for fall.

Whether it’s a cross-body bag for a woman-on-the-go, a designer tote declaring your status update, or a delicate clutch for a night out, purses are an important piece to fall style.

tallahassee woman • october/november 2016 27 

style & grace

Jewelry that sparkles and shines can light up any outfit, along with the earthy tonal colors and textures of fall that we’ve come to anticipate, pairing well with our pumpkin spice lattes.

28 tallahassee woman • october/november 2016

When it comes to fall shoes, heels have their say—from chunky to delicate and leather all over, open-toed heels and booties are helping you put your best feet—and polished toes—forward.

Our special thanks to Polished Nail Salon on Thomasville Road who provided the models’ manicures and pedicures in the most up-to-date, seasonal colors.

Picture #1—Tory Burch navy resort dress and purse from Narcissus Picture #2—Distressed jeans, purse, jewelry and shoes from Narcissus Nail Color—CIA (Color is Awesome) by OPI at Polished Nail Salon Picture #3—Vintage Louis Vuitton with deerskin leather and Chic Verte antler embellishment from Shine Chic Verte wrap around bracelet with antler embellishment from Hearth and Soul Shoes from Narcissus Nail Color— Shh...It’s Top Secret by OPI at Polished Nail Salon Picture #4—Snake fold-over purse and black-gold cuff from Walter Green Boutique Pant and shoes from Narcissus Nail Color—Never a Dulles Moment by OPI at Polished Nail Salon

tallahassee woman • october/november 2016 29

healthy living

HOW TO SUPPORT A FRIEND WITH BREAST CANCER

By Janecia Britt

T

here is no best way to respond to a friend who has breast cancer. Offering to help your friend, family member, or co-worker who has been diagnosed with cancer can be frightening when we are not sure what to do or what to say to that person. Just a few simple gestures can go a long way in letting them know that you care about them and are there to support them. Listen to them: let them tell you their story without interrupting them. Let them cry if they want to. Hug them. Everyone deals with illnesses and other struggles differently. That’s why when talking to a friend with breast cancer, it’s important to follow her lead. If you ask how she’s doing and offer your support, she’ll respond as little or as much as she wants. The key is to let her talk. It’s not about you. You don’t have to think of something profound to say. Just let them know that you are sorry this has happened to them and that you are there to help support them through it.

Getting a cancer diagnosis is scary but people do want and need help, but may feel like they are imposing if they accept assistance.

Avoid asking, “What can I do to help?” Instead, offer something specific like: • I’d like to come over and clean your kitchen (do your laundry, etc.)

• I’m available to babysit, cook, pick-up groceries, drive the kids to school, etc.

• I’m going to bring you something for dinner (or for the freezer). What day would work best?

Other helpful things you can do: • Organize a team to bring food to the family on a regular schedule.

• Accompany them to their doctors’ appointments and take notes.

• Organize a phone tree and offer to serve as a point of contact for someone not feeling up to much talking.

Friends can call you for an update and you can make calls if their condition suddenly changes.

• Support your friend’s family with occasional phone calls. Offer to take the kids on an outing or to stay with your friend so that their family can get out for a while.

Remember that after a while your friend may be craving a sense of normalcy. If they don’t want to talk about their health, be understanding and talk about other topics. Just being a part of their lives and being there to listen to them while they go through this difficult time will be appreciated more than you may ever know.

For more information on local assistance that may be available, visit the Joanna Francis Living Well Foundation at joannafrancislivingwell.org.

30 tallahassee woman • october/november 2016

BREAST SELF EXAMS

By Janecia Britt

T

he best way to prevent cancer is to be proactive. Adult women of all ages are encouraged to perform breast self-exams at least once a month. Johns Hopkins Medical center states, “Forty percent of diagnosed breast cancers are detected by women who feel a lump, so establishing a regular breast self-exam is very important.” Now, a self-exam is considered to be less effective than other techniques, such as regular mammograms. While mammograms can help you to detect cancer before you can feel a lump, breast self-exams help you to be familiar with how your breasts look and feel so you can alert your health care professional if there are any changes.

There are a few ways to perform a breast self-exam on yourself. These being in front of a mirror, in the shower or lying down.

The most common is lying down, as it is easier to feel for lumps or abnormalities, as the breast tissue spreads out evenly along the chest wall.

HOW TO PERFORM A BREAST SELF-EXAM:

Mary Swain, MD; Maribel Lockwood, MD; Barbara Jaeger, MD

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1. Lie down and place a pillow under your right shoulder and your right arm behind your head.

2. Using your left hand, move the pads of your fingers around your right breast gently in small circular motions covering the entire breast area and armpit.

3. Use light, medium, and firm pressure.

Squeeze the nipple; check for discharge and lumps.

4. Repeat these steps for your left breast.

If you find a lump, schedule an appointment with your doctor, but don’t panic—eight out of ten lumps are not cancerous. For additional peace of mind, call your doctor whenever you have concerns. For more information on mammograms and selfexams visit nationalbreastcancer.org.

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850.210.0593 | preventivecardiologyim.com tallahassee woman • october/november 2016 31

bodies in motion

TALLAHASSEE

MARATHON WOMEN RUN THIS TOWN

By Maria Elena Margarella

32 tallahassee woman • october/november 2016

R

un, Tally, run! That’s the battle cry we will all be proudly calling come February 5th of 2017, as the Tallahassee Marathon and Half Marathon is back for its 43rd year running, and is stronger than ever. In an event that unites communities, our city, and its runners, exercise doesn’t have to be boring. Elizabeth “Ely” Rosario will certainly make sure of it.

personality of a big race while securing the convenience of a small one. For some runners, this event will allow them to run in places they have never ventured before, and with cheering stations every half-mile, they will never be alone in their journey. The cheering stations were a high priority of Ely’s, as they boost not only the runners’ morale but also the overall energy of the event itself.

Directing this year’s marathon, Ely is a firecracker of activity and community passion. One conversation with her, and you’ll want to get outside and be active.

“No one ever regrets a run,” she says, “I want to be an example for my children and my community—I have a strong desire to be doing things that make a difference.” And doing is exactly what she does.

As a person, Ely epitomizes community ideals—she knows a majority of the runners and volunteers personally—and successfully blends the value of physical activity in her work with Tallahassee Marathon. She has a full-time job and children but manages to stay ahead of the pace with her active spirit and positive energy. Last year, serendipity first delivered the chance to direct the marathon, and Ely accepted: “It turned out so magical that I just couldn’t let it go,” she said, “I felt like it was a baby and I had to nurture it.”

While the Tallahassee Marathon, organized by Gulf Winds Track Club might seem like a newborn in many ways, the improvements themselves express a long history of progress. From its beginning in 1975, with just two participants, the marathon has grown impressively over time, enveloping a greater community in its miles-length arms. Now, over 57 percent of the field is female, reflecting the rising national number of women runners.

Furthermore, the revised course essentially offers an entire tour of the city. The course starts on Monroe Street—the center of Tallahassee—and weaves through Midtown, historic parks, new

As a reflection of the nature of its course, this race is clearly a community event, and Ely aims to welcome as many participants as possible. She encourages anybody to get involved somehow during that February weekend—a weekend that hosts not only the Sunday race and an iHeartradio finish-line concert but also a Saturday expo where people can find everything from a children’s race to sponsors’ booths.

“No one ever regrets a run, I want to be an example for my children and my community—I have a strong desire to be doing things that make a difference.” parks, Florida A&M University and Florida State University; a permanent finish line, donated by the City of Tallahassee marks the finish at Kleman Plaza.

“You’re getting so much out of these 26.2 miles—things that highlight our community,” Ely says, “Get off your one-mile radius and go outside.”

This marathon uniquely possesses the

The entire weekend is completely volunteer-driven, and sponsors only invest because they believe in what Ely and the other community members are doing. “We are very thankful that Capital City Runners and Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare came back as presenting sponsors,” she says, “We try to give back as much as we can, and it just takes them believing in us. They complement our race so well as we all share a goal to inspire health in our community.”

It is all a matter of believing and giving back while working together. The profits from Tallahassee Marathon and Half Marathon benefit both Gulf Winds Track Club and The Hang Tough Foundation.

Thus, whether you are a runner or volunteer or cheering for a family member, you are joining a bigger picture.

“We’re all working together as a big team,” she says proudly.

For more information or to register for the Tallahassee Marathon, visit tallahasseemarathon.com or download the app in the app store (Tlh Marathon).

tallahassee woman • october/november 2016 33

real life

A NOVEL NOVEMBER

By J. Santiago

D

riving home with a car full of boys on a February afternoon in 2012, I listened on my cell phone while my friend tried to persuade me to investigate National Novel Writing Month. She was convinced it would provide the perfect forum for me to actually write my second book. My first full-length novel, which took me eleven years to write, sat on a shelf in a binder, an overwritten comingof-age story that will never make it to ebook or print. When I got home that day, I did what she asked.

Every November thousands of aspiring novelists embark on a journey to write a book as part of National Novel Writing Month. With a tagline of “The world needs your novel.” how can one resist?

Do the math.

Fifty thousand words in thirty days.

One thousand six hundred and sixtyseven words a day.

Not so hard right? Except when you work full-time and are a wife and mother of three active children—then, it seems daunting. Yet the thought of being able to

34 tallahassee woman • october/november 2016

finally do something I’d dreamed about doing was too tempting. With plenty of time to plan, I committed to writing my second novel.

On November 1 of 2012, I began writing Lex & Lu. Every morning at 4:45 a.m., I got up and wrote. Words. And more words. My goal was a measly 1,667 words. Every day. Some days were easy.

Words flowed and I felt like a master novelist. On other days I simply stared at my computer. I couldn’t string a sentence

together if my life depended on it. But because I didn’t want to fail, I would write.

NaNo Wrimo (National Writing Month’s website) encourages you to turn off your inner editor. Without the pressure to get it right, my ideas flowed more freely as I raced to the fiftythousand-word finish line. By November 30th, I met my goal.

After revising, I went on to complete my novel by the end of December. Lex & Lu was published July 2014.

The next year, starting November 1, 2013, I began writing Five-Star. I have worked in college athletics for the last fifteen years so writing a book about a college football player came easily. I’ve discovered through this process that I’m a planner.

I started with an outline but with a word count hanging over my head daily, I found that I couldn’t always stick to it. Often what I wrote veered off of my chartered path. This is wonderful for creativity but not always the best for plot development. Often my books have taken turns I didn’t anticipate. But once again, I met my goal at the end of that November and finished at the end of January 2015. Five-Star was self-published September 6, 2016.

As soon as I completed Five-Star, I started plotting my next book. This time, I used the discipline I learned from National Novel Writing Month to set my writing schedule. I wanted an older heroine and a slightly younger hero. The adage of “write what you know” makes the process easier, so I used youth soccer as a backdrop for the story since I spend so much time watching my boys practice. Interestingly, the idea for Bliss came from one of my son’s coaches who helped found, Who We Play For, an organization to prevent sudden cardiac arrest, the number one cause of death for student-athletes.

In exchange for using their story in my romance novel, I donated 50 percent of proceeds from the sale of the book to their organization. I spent six months learning more about the organization and developing a story that would raise awareness. In December 2015, Bliss was published.

Some people run marathons. Others commit to 30-day diets. I participate in National Novel Writing Month to give me the structure, creative outlet and freedom to create while continuing to work my day job and be a wife and mom. The pressure of a daily word total forces me to write, write and write some more. Yes, it’s tough and it’s hard to juggle all of my responsibilities and manage a growing family. But when I see a book with my name on it, I don’t think about those mornings, or what I gave up in order to write. I think about how good it feels to share my stories.

For more information about National Novel Month visit nanowrimo.org. For more information about Who We Play For, visit whoweplayfor.org.

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www.TalonTraining.com tallahassee woman • october/november 2016 35

on the cover

Avis Berry A MODERN RENAISSANCE WOMAN

BY HEATHER THOMAS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY KIRA DERRYBERRY

The Renaissance was a time when Europe was coming out of what was known as the “dark ages” into the light of modern history. There was a rebirth of the arts, literature, science, math and more, but they were fusing together to create some of the greatest cultural masterpieces and forward thinking the world has known. Connecting diverse talents and subjects is what many women in Tallahassee are doing in order to make a living—and an impact—in their workplaces, community and the arts and culture landscape. A modern-day Renaissance woman, Avis Berry is an elementary school teacher and a jazz vocalist, among many of her roles. Her multi-faceted life synchronizes together to create a harmonious sound that is deeply felt in the lives of others.

T

he first time I heard Avis Berry sing was like getting a joy-bath for my ears and my spirit. She was a guest vocalist at Wildwood Presbyterian church, and the music director introduced her in conjunction with the church’s drummer, Leon Anderson, an Associate Professor and Director of Jazz Studies at Florida State University. Avis and Leon frequently perform together in his jazz group, and Leon is a nationally renowned jazz musician. “This is going to be good,” I remember thinking to myself, always in awe of Leon’s talents. As she started to sing and I felt the lift of the hairs on my skin, I knew I was listening to an incredible talent, but at the same time, watching her smile and her soul pour forth indescribable bliss, as if she was giving us all a piece of it to savor and be washed anew.

My rapturous listening was suddenly interrupted with a firm tug on my arm. My son, a student at Gilchrist Elementary School, was signaling for me to bend down so he could whisper excitedly in my ear, “That’s a teacher at my school! It’s Mrs. Berry!” and he seemed just as stunned as I was. I had no idea who she was until that moment, but I admired how she was making a positive impact in both of her roles, and it made me conteplate how women are redefining what it means to follow the calling of creative, artistic and cultural pursuits.

36 tallahassee woman • october/november 2016

“Music is in my cells.

My insides are ingrained to move with the music because it’s always been a part of my life, a part of my cellular development. It’s life changing because it carries with it power and energy. It can create and affect moods, and heal.

Music for me is deep and transformative.” tallahassee woman • october/november 2016 37

on the cover her voice for positive empowerment for her family and for the community. First, she tells how she gained the confidence to focus on singing in her hometown of Clearwater, Florida. “My music career began in church and a community group called Kids A Poppin’. We would perform for nursing homes and community events. I also started listening to music theatre and my favorite was Ain’t Misbehaven which spawned my love of jazz. Nell Carter was the lead in that musical and I admired her very much.”

That admiration turned into a life-changing moment for Avis when Nell Carter came to perform in Clearwater. “I was ten years old and I had written her a letter that shared how much she inspired me.

With my mom’s encouragement, I was able to put that letter and flowers in her dressing room before she even got there. After the performance, I went to get in the long line of other fans to the backstage door, really just wanting to see her and thinking, ‘Here is a woman who is doing something I want to do.’ But then, a body guard comes over and asks me, ‘Are you the one who wrote Ms. Carter a letter?’ He escorted me out of the line and brought me to meet her. She was so encouraging and gave me many words of wisdom that I held on to, one of those being to never give up and to trust in the Lord.”

Avis, a fifth grade teacher at Gilchrist, laughs at this story with her gentle, soft voice—so much quieter than her sultry alto, but that same joy lingers in the air with her radiant smile, like a resonant melody just the same. “Yes, I get that a lot. To my students, I’m Mrs. Berry. To others, I’m a librarian at the Florida State University College of Music, and then to my audience, I’m a vocalist. To my husband, I’m his wife, and to my daughter and son, I’m just Mom. I guess the truth of who I am, and what I do, depends on the hour of the day you ask me!”

It’s hard to see a spare minute in any of the hours of her schedule in which she’s not working. After she leaves an eight-hour day at Gilchrist, she goes to her other job at FSU’s College of Music library every day, except for Friday, until closing time at 10:15 p.m. On Friday or Saturday nights—sometimes both— she’ll perform at different venues around town, and then on Saturday and Sunday afternoons she’ll work some more hours at the library. Sometimes, like she did the Sunday morning when I first heard her sing, she’ll be a guest vocalist at a church, but usually she’s singing at and attending her home church, Restoration Place.

Along with her different professions, she is wife to Amon Rwito, also a teacher at Kate Sullivan Elementary, and a mother to two children, daughter Raziah Rwito and son, Zian Rwito. Probably the first question people ask (like I did) when they hear her schedule is, “why do you have all of these positions?” The answer is interwoven not only in her present, but in her past, with the steady thread being the joy of using 38 tallahassee woman • october/november 2016

After high school Avis found her way to FSU and the Voice Performance program. She earned a bachelor of music in voice performance, but not without a scare her senior year of college. “I became unable to sing certain notes and my voice would crack. I learned that I had nodes on my vocal chords from overuse and for six months I was on vocal rest. It taught me how important it is to take care of my voice, my instrument, and to balance my life better. It can be challenging—working as a teacher and in the library—but I’ve learned to not talk too much, to talk more softly, and the gift of that is I am able to be a better listener.”

During college, and after, she performed with small blues and jazz bands and worked for FSU’s College of Music library. For most artists and musicians, there comes a moment where you have to decide which way to go. Avis says, “After college, there was a brief panic of, ‘What am I going to do with my life?’ A music career is challenging. Singing can be very lucrative, but not lucrative all the time, and is not enough to pay the bills.” During this time she got married and started substitute teaching. “Both of my parents were teachers, but I never imagined myself doing that.

When I got in front of the children if felt natural

and fun. I felt like I was on stage and it was showtime!”

While working as a substitute teacher and keeping her library job, she began working on her master of science in elementary education and graduated in the fall of 2003. She later began a second master of science degree in information and just recently graduated in August 2016 with that degree.

After her graduation in 2003, her children were 4 and 3, and she was pregnant with a third child, who they had already named Selah. She was also interviewing for elementary teaching jobs and had secured a job with Gilchrist. It was a time of great anticipation that paralleled a time of tragic loss. Avis gave birth to Selah at 36 weeks, who was stillborn. “The heartbreak was indescribable, but with two young children to take care of and a job to prepare for, I focused on that to get me through. Selah is still a part of me.” She also speaks of the healing and soul-affirming power of music. “Music is in my cells. My insides are ingrained to move with the music because it’s always been a part of my life, a part of my cellular development. It’s life changing because it carries with it power and energy. It can create and affect moods, and heal. Music for me is deep and transformative.”

Just like everything Avis does, she put all of her heart and empowering voice into her new role as a teacher, which she finds to be complimentary to her role as a singer. Now a thirteen-year veteran teacher at Gilchrist, Avis says, “Knowing I’m making a difference in my students’ lives and knowing that they are having fun while learning—that’s what keeps me coming to work.

I love creating with the kids and sharing what I know.

It’s another stage for me too. Just like with performing in music roles, I prepare for my educator role every day, and see my students as an interactive audience, active participants to the ebb of flow of learning, just like audiences do in jazz and in the church.”

All the while she has held on to her job at the library.

“Most teachers have to supplement their income, so that’s the main reason why I’ve held on to everything— I get to keep doing things that I love and it has helped us survive in different ways. All my jobs have helped us accomplish goals and get out of debt in some areas— a boring practicality but part of living too.”

Where you see Avis really come alive is on the music stage, and seeing and hearing her sing in a jazz performance is no less transcendent. Her radiant smile is like captured sunlight, and her hands and body are an expressive part of her performance as they move to the rhythm of the music. She most recently performed at

“Jazz is like a conversation in the moment—I love the collaborative nature of it all...” tallahassee woman • october/november 2016 39

on the cover

“Every free moment, I’m very present with my family...creating good memories in that intentional time.” the Florida Jazz and Blues Festival at Cascades Park in September.

For many, this may have been their first time hearing her perform and hearing jazz “speak.”

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40 tallahassee woman • october/november 2016

Avis says, “Jazz is like a conversation in the moment—I love the collaborative nature of it all. You have a foundation, or song that you start with, but you have to be present so that you can respond in whatever conversation you are having at that time, with the conversation taking place between me and the musicians and me and the audience. With jazz musicians, there’s a lot of looking at one another, a lot of talking to one another, me queuing the band…I’m feeling the rhythm of the music and our synchronicity.

Sometimes you get to lead, other times you are among them in the creative process. The audience is so responsive and picks up on the conversation and joins in—you get that instant feedback and become really encouraged as an artist and as a singer.”

Despite her willingness to give each position her full attention, she needs help balancing her different roles. “I couldn’t do this without my husband’s help, and the colleagues that I have at both jobs are a wonderful support network. I’m incredibly blessed to have the support of the arts and cultural community and the city as a whole—it’s truly a collective effort.” The only other question that bears asking is what does Avis do in her “free” time? She answers with, “Every free moment, I’m very present with my family. I don’t have hobbies. We spend one-on-one time together and work on creating good memories in that intentional time. It’s what keeps me energized.”

There doesn’t seem to be a change in Avis’s on-the-go schedule coming any time soon, and she’s all right with that. “I’m a part of different communities that have made an impact on me, and I’m able to make an impact with them. If I didn’t get the encouragement that I did from a young age, I don’t think I would have continued on as a singer. I get to be a Nell Carter for someone else. I think it’s vitally important that people of all ages are given the ability to try different things out, to see where their joys are and to find their own voice.”

When contemplating the wonder of how she orchestrates her time, Avis answers, “It’s full and deep—filled with music, love and soul.” And then, as her beaming smile slowly blooms, and her eyes sparkle, she says, “It’s a beautiful life.”

Before

Tallahassee Nursweries Full

After 2911 Thomasville Rd. | 850.385.2162

tallahassee woman • october/november 2016 41 

special feature | women of art

Modern Renaissance Women Balancing Profession, Passion and Purpose

by Michelle R. Nickens Photography by Stacy Rehberg

42  tallahassee woman • october/november 2016

The Renaissance—the historical period spanning the 14th to 17th centuries—was highly influenced by science, literature, politics, philosophy, religion and music. Some of our most famous and beloved artists and writers emerged during this time, such as Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Raphael, Botticelli, Machiavelli and Erasmus. Renaissance men were seen as educated and cultural, refined with an understanding of both the arts and sciences.

Women, on the other hand, were supposed to marry, have children and take care of the family.

Yet, as we’ve seen throughout history—women have no boundaries. Some women did not conform to the expectations of the time, such as Isabella D’Este, Alessandra Scala, Vittoria Colonna and one of the most notable female artists—Artemisia Gentileschi. These women were warriors, paving the way and pursuing their dreams. Not an easy task in a male-empowered Renaissance, but their determination and spirit for freedom of thought and their individual passions serve as fuel for our modern-day Renaissance women.

Renaissance women are talented in multiple fields, experts in various topics, and constant and efficient life learners. They are not only multi-taskers but multi-dimensional, seeking and capitalizing on many opportunities simultaneously. Words that come to mind: fearless, free, flexible, fun and focused. These women inspire us as we work to balance our lives and loves in this complex and demanding world.

Renaissance women exist everywhere—right here in our own community.

tallahassee woman • october/november 2016 43

special feature | women of art illustrator, but found the work empty. She returned to school a year later, and while working two jobs and drawing pastel portraits to pay tuition, earned a master of arts in art education from the University of Kentucky.

She became a high school art teacher and loved it.

Grace Briggs Robinson is the Executive Director of the Gadsden Arts Center and Museum. She oversees all the museum’s programmatic areas and development activities. Grace works with many volunteers and a small professional staff to serve the Gadsden Arts mission which is to improve the quality of life through art. Grace is also working with stakeholders to finish capital fundraising for the Community Connections Renovation and Expansion project while overseeing the renovation. Having grown up in a family of artists, surrounded by their art and art collected from their artist-friends, Grace thought she would make a career in art, but never saw herself as a museum director.

Grace and her family moved to Florida in 1998, to be nearer to extended family but found no open art teaching jobs. She was hired as an Assistant Curator at the Vero Beach Museum of Art and, by accident, began her museum career, working her way up. “Before coming to Gadsden Arts in 2005, I was the Education Director and Deputy Director at the Vero Beach Museum of Art (VBMA). VBMA is an AAM Accredited Museum with about 30 staff members.

While there, I had the good fortune to manage a large education department.

That experience gave me a broad view of museum work, and a mindset for high quality in all that I do in a museum. It was a challenge to move from VBMA into Gadsden Arts, as I was initially the only full-time employee when I arrived but I inherited a uniquely beautiful, museum-quality facility, with an army of enthusiastic, dedicated volunteers, a reputation for strong exhibitions, and a culture in which everyone pitches in. That was a fantastic foundation upon which to build Gadsden Arts to be the nationally accredited museum it is today.”

“My grandfather, whom I never met, was a graphic designer and illustrator. I loved my mother’s stories of his kindness and generosity, the humor in his designs, and the beautiful, calligraphic quality of his illustrations. I grew up drawing all the time, capturing images of everything I loved, and thought I would be a designer and illustrator like Rocco.” Grace earned a bachelor of fine arts with a minor in arts management from Miami University (Oxford, Ohio) and began work as an

This is the first-time Gadsden Arts has been accredited. It met or exceeded every standard and was noted for exemplary practices. Grace’s background in education has helped spearhead community programs and integrate youth activities. She created and implemented an internship program with Florida State University, Florida A&M University and Tallahassee Community College. She has also established a Permanent Collection Loan Program and served as an expert on

Grace Briggs Robinson— Changing Lives Through Art and Education

44 tallahassee woman • october/november 2016

topics such as the arts and the economy.

“A community-owned and volunteer driven organization like Gadsden Arts not only improves the quality of life and anchors community revitalization efforts on the outside, it facilitates relationships between people, often from different walks of life, to strengthen the fabric of a community from the inside.”

Renaissance women, like Grace, are successful because they set priorities and make every minute count. “Do your best each day,” Grace said. “Take time every day, even just a few minutes, to do something you enjoy, just for yourself. I carve out an hour in the early morning to workout and read the news, and about an hour of quiet time to sit with my son at night. We both read something purely escapist. On weekends—at least on one day—a long walk in the woods with one of my dogs or kayak paddle on a spring fed river with my family and friends refuels positive energy.”

Gadsden Arts has a number of exciting projects underway. Information about the Community Connections Renovation and Expansion project, improving and expanding museum facilities, and major exhibitions such as Found: Vernacular Art and Florida’s First Highwaymen can be found at www.gadsdenarts.org.

Lucy Harris—Creating Healthy Cooking Through Creativity Lucy Harris is the owner of Full Earth Farm in Quincy and is a retired attorney.

She is the president of the board of directors of the Gadsden Arts Center and is embarking on a new food-related venture. Lucy is a native of Tallahassee.

She attended Auburn for undergraduate school and Stetson Law School. She is not only passionate about art, business and family but also about bringing creativity into cooking and educating the community on healthy eating. Full Earth Farm has been Certified Naturally

gala for the third time and is involved in the Community Connections expansion and renovation project.

“This will allow us to make art more accessible by creating a dedicated family/ children’s art studio and gallery, as well as expanding exhibitions, the gift shop, and administrative spaces.”

Grown since 2010, and is a member of the Red Hills Small Farm Alliance.

Lucy’s law background, business sense, love of the arts and culinary knowledge offers a perfect blend and foundation for achieving her professional and personal goals. “I believe Renaissance women use both sides of their brain,” Lucy said, “to satisfy curiosity and solve problems.

Art is, to me, using creativity to bring humanity, beauty, and humor to one’s tasks and challenges.”

Art is all around us. In nature. The rich colors in fruits and vegetables. In how the season’s change. There are no limits on how we see, use or incorporate art into our lives. “I cook lunch for our farm workers and volunteers. Learning to cook seasonally, based on what is currently available fresh, has been a wonderful creative outlet. I find inspiration in the beauty of nature and in the connections among people, especially children.

Unfortunately, art took a back seat in my life due to other demands and only resurfaced in the past ten years.” After her mother passed away, she sought an escape.

She spent a week at the John Campbell Folk School in Murphy, North Carolina, where a multi-media class recharged her creative juices. As a life-long dabbler in art, Lucy especially enjoys the instant gratification of painting with acrylics.

Lucy will be co-chairing the Gadsden Arts Center and Museum’s annual fundraising

“Gadsden County is one of the least healthy counties in Florida,” she explained.

“When a building on the courthouse square in Quincy became available, my husband and I decided it was the time for us to do our part to bring healthier food choices to our community. Partnering with chef/baker Max Gross is enabling us to realize our dream of opening a local produce market and cafe.” Damfino’s Market and Cafe is planning to open in early November.

“There is no question that balancing career and other interests is daunting.

To the women trying to do everything, I would say prioritize the demands on your time. Some things are just not as pressing as others and can be deferred. Don’t believe that everything has to be perfect all the time—it won’t be. Identify and set up a good support system, and don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it!”

her multi-tasking and multi-dimensional abilities defy logic. Sharon owns and operates Aakhet Center for Human Development, which is a private practice specializing in psychological evaluation and treatment. She owns Amen-Ra’s Bookshop and Gallery and Nefetari’s Fine Cuisine & Spirits. She is an author and recently started a new artistic enterprise—a multimedia production company, SRAD Productions, specializing in short films and commercials.

“I consider myself a “Jill” of all trades and hopefully a master of some,” Sharon said. “These enterprises feed my soul by allowing me to favorably impact the lives of others while having fun. Each business is unique and requires different responsibilities.” Her days range from conducting psychological evaluations to scheduling art shows, preparing the menu as the Executive Chef at Nefetari’s to writing a dinner mystery like “Who Killed King Tut?,” directing and producing short films and commercials to buying art and novelty items for resale.

When walking into Nefetari’s you can see Sharon’s love for art, culture and education. “I love all genres of art. My life is consumed with artistic expression. I can’t imagine walking out the door in the morning and leaving my artistic self behind.” Sharon’s parents encouraged education and she excelled academically. She grew up on the Eastern

For more information about Lucy’s farm and endeavors, visitfullearthfarm.com or follow it on Facebook.

Sharon Ames Dennard— Maximizing Life Through Art and Culture Sharon Ames Dennard balances her profession as a licensed clinical psychologist, her businesses, family, creative endeavors and community commitments with finesse and enthusiasm. As a self-professed “juggler” tallahassee woman • october/november 2016 45

special feature | women of art Shore of Virginia and attended the Virginia Commonwealth University, receiving a bachelor of science in psychology. She received a master’s and doctor of philosophy in clinical psychology at Florida State University.

“As a psychologist, I am familiar with the consequences of stress on the mental, physical, emotional and spiritual development of humans.

By introducing my community to tangible artifacts, live music, healthy cuisine, theater productions and comedic relief, my hope is to create relaxing and joyful experiences that enhance life and remove stress.”

Sharon has been married to her husband for 30 years. They are business partners and both are clinical psychologists. “Life inspires me. I am happy to be alive. I begin and end my days in grateful meditation. I spend the day interacting with and appreciating all living things—the plants that provide vital oxygen, the animals that bring me visual and physical comfort and humans of all ages that fascinate me with their expression of creativity, stamina and will.”

Sharon’s love for life, sense of humor, effective juggling, and constant ability to be innovative and create, makes her a true modern Renaissance woman. There is no stopping her. She is embarking on another new venture—Cooking with Dr. Sharon: The Psych Chef. This will be a series of cooking classes. “Sadly, in our high-tech world, cooking is a lost art. I intend to change that.” She is also launching Food Therapy, a party for up to ten friends in your home where you will cook, eat and discuss a topic of the group’s choosing, such as work or family. And, if that was not enough, Sharon plans to release her first trilogy of shorts.

“My biggest challenge is taking ‘me time’ without the associated guilt women often feel when doing so. My advice is to carve out time in each day to experience joy however you define it. Do not deny yourself this. Plan and take vacations without fail. All batteries need recharging, even yours.”

For more information about Nefetari’s Fine Cuisine and Spirits, visit nefetaris.com.

Brinda Pamulapati—Opening Your Mind, Heart and Soul Through Art When you walk into Brinda Pamulapati’s art gallery, Venvi, you are greeted by vibrant pieces of art hung on the walls and swaying from the ceiling. Intricate sculptures lure you into their meaning and architecture. You could get lost in the art for hours in this space. As an abstract artist, Brinda has developed an eye for curating the best pieces while creating a warm and inviting gallery for guests to explore and discuss art and its intrinsic value in our lives.

Brinda was born and raised in India. “My childhood was full of art and extracurricular activities,” she said. “I was considered the artist of the school.” She spoke of her father’s encyclopedia, where during summer holidays she would read about the Renaissance and art.

In addition to being the owner and art director of Venvi Art Gallery, Brinda is an online math faculty member at Southern New Hampshire University, a wife and mother of two sons. She received her bachelors and masters degree in mathematics from Florida State University while continuing her art. “Balancing the passion for my art, working as a faculty member and caring for my family is a team effort along with prioritizing and scheduling.”

As a modern Renaissance woman, Brinda has brought her diverse passions together. “At one point all knowledge merges together. The laws of creation and math are not too different.” She explained, “On the real number line as you keep traveling from left or right, numbers change from negative to positive with zero being the center. Each individual is the center of his or her universe. The world changes to our understanding and perceptions. Similarly, when an object or scene is in the distance, we cannot see it clearly. So I blur the background. When the object is closer, it is more in focus and we can see more details. I compare this with number system in math and use these basic elements to create interest and surprise in my subject.”

“The turning point in my artistic pursuits,” she said “was when I painted Buddha for a charity organization (Mothers Cry) in Jacksonville, Florida. This fanned my passion and the process of honing my skills.” She subsequently found a

46 tallahassee woman • october/november 2016

mentor in Toronto—a world-renowned artist, Professor Jacob Pichhadze. Recently, one of her paintings was selected for the “Creative Tallahassee” exhibition conducted

by Council on Culture & Arts (COCA) and is currently displayed on the fourth floor of City Hall. Her painting “Gandhi” was accepted as a permanent collection of Tallahassee’s City Hall. Brinda’s artwork is also displayed on a pole outside the FSU College of Law building as part of the city’s “Tall Art” project.

“As I became proficient in art, I learned that I couldn’t create an outstanding work in one day. Working, even a little a day, over a period of time is better than trying to create a masterpiece at the eleventh hour. As demands on women keep increasing, they consider walking away from their passion as a sacrifice and shoulder more responsibility.

I wish more women realize that nurturing their passion is important and it is also their responsibility. I would strongly ask women to be more forgiving and let go of any negative situations or people in their life so that they can remove the blocks from leading a fulfilling life.”

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You can see in Brinda’s face the delight and pride she has for her work and for bringing Venvi to our community. “I feel blessed to be able to be doing this. It is a dream come true.”

Venvi Art Gallery will be celebrating its first anniversary on November 7, and is open First Fridays from 6-9 p.m. For more information, upcoming events and additional hours of operation, visit venviartgallery.com or follow Venvi on Facebook and Twitter.

Renaissance women are creative, free thinkers, constantly seeking knowledge and positively impacting those around them.

These trailblazers make a difference every day. They are energetic, intelligent and visionary. Artemisia Gentilischi was quoted as saying “My illustrious lordship, I’ll show you what a woman can do.” I can only imagine what she would think of today’s Renaissance women—limitless. tallahassee woman • october/november 2016 47

W WMB B U S I N E S S

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S

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Women Who Mean Business WOMEN TO WATCH A M

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M I L E S

T O N E S

As part of a community of business-minded women, Tallahassee Woman wants to celebrate, recognize and honor the achievements made by women in the workplace and in the community. In doing so, we are connecting women together, empowering one another and celebrating our successes that are making a difference for everyone.

WOMEN TO WATCH

BUSINESS

Samantha “Sam” Hobbs of the Florida Engineering Society (FES) and the Florida Institute of Consulting Engineers (FICE) has been promoted to Director of Government Affairs and Executive Policy. Sam is an active Florida Society of Association Executives (FSAE) member, and a graduate of the Program for Association Leadership and recently completed the Qualified Association Specialist certificate program.

Becky McCrea was recently was promoted to a full-time event planner with of A Piece of Cake Event Planning. Becky graduated from Florida State University with a bachelor’s degree in sociology and a minor in hospitality.

Attorney Jasmyne Henderson from the Tallahassee office of Pittman Law Group was honored by the National Bar Association as an inductee of the 2016-2017 Class of Nation’s Best Advocates: 40 Lawyers Under 40. This honor is awarded to the nation’s top lawyers under 40 who exemplify a broad range of high achievement, including innovation, leadership and community involvement.

Kristin Dyer recently assumed the role as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of Capital Regional Medical Center, providing financial stewardship for the facility. Kristin brings with her many years of talents from her professional roles in the private sector as well as from her years of experience serving in the United States military.

Dianna Shepeard served as spokesperson for the Disability Rights of Florida Organization, advocating for increased voting among persons with disabilities.

She was a guest speaker at the Disabled Voter’s Rights Press Conference held at the Leon County Supervisor of Elections Office and at a voter rally. Dianna currently serves as Head Clerk for Leon County Voter Registration at St. Stevens Lutheran Church.

Local artist Chantal Littleton’s spiritual angels will be featured in nationally renowned art exhibit, “Great Spirits Among Us: Saints, Prophets, Holy People” at Nails in the Wall, the Gallery at St. Luke’s (Metuchen, New Jersey). The exhibit, which begins its fifth year, features works by 44 artists across the country and Austria will feature two of Littleton’s paintings from her “Angel series.”

Submit your items for the WWMB Community Women to Watch for Business, STEAM, Milestones, New Girl and Arts and Culture to listings@talwoman.com.

48 tallahassee woman • october/november 2016

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Originally from the Carolinas, Beth Oberacker moved to Tallahassee as a result of tThe opportunity to work with the Information Technology sector as Director of Human Resources for Mainline Information Systems.

She has over 25 years in human resources management. Beth earned a bachelor of science degree and a master’s degree in human resource management, holds both the SPHR and SHRM-SCP designations and is active in both the local and state chapters of SHRM. She has volunteered in several community outreach programs including Communities in Schools, working with high school teens, as well as Habitat for Humanity and the women’s shelter.

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䘀爀漀渀琀椀渀最 䰀愀欀攀 䤀愀洀漀渀椀愀Ⰰ 琀栀椀猀 猀琀愀琀攀氀礀 愀氀氀ⴀ戀爀椀挀欀 栀漀洀攀 猀椀琀猀 漀渀 漀瘀攀爀 ㈀ 瀀爀椀瘀愀琀攀 愀挀爀攀猀℀

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㈀ ㄀ 吀栀漀洀愀猀瘀椀氀氀攀 刀漀愀搀 吀愀氀氀愀栀愀猀猀攀攀Ⰰ 䘀氀漀爀椀搀愀 ㌀㈀㌀ 㠀

伀渀攀 漀昀 漀渀氀礀 琀眀漀 氀漀琀猀 氀攀昀琀 漀渀 䰀愀欀攀 䴀挀䈀爀椀搀攀℀ 䔀砀椀猀琀椀渀最 搀漀挀欀 ☀ 戀漀愀琀 栀漀甀猀攀 眀椀琀栀 欀椀琀挀栀攀渀 ☀ 昀甀氀氀 戀愀琀栀㬀 攀氀攀挀琀爀椀挀椀琀礀Ⰰ 眀攀氀氀Ⰰ 愀渀搀 猀攀瀀琀椀挀 椀渀 瀀氀愀挀攀⸀

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business & career not a one-time everybody has to work on this project, this is a here are some ideas what would you like to do? This is asking your workforce to think outside the box and make a contribution in a way that has meaning for them.

After all, this is not a “one size fits all” society.

LEAVING A CHARACTER LEGACY IN BUSINESS By Judy Micale

T

oday’s workforce is searching for a deeper meaning or purpose. Gone are the days of going to work and putting in hours to get a paycheck. People today want to know that what they are doing is making an impact, changing lives in some way. Creating an atmosphere of caring, giving back to others is not just a feelgood way to run a business today—it is a critical piece of the puzzle.

Take a moment and reflect back over your life: Who was the biggest influence in your life? Who guided you, showed you how unique and special you are? These are the people who have left you their character legacy. When you think back over your lifetime and fondly remember these people, chances are they were not mega millionaires; they were ordinary people like you and me. They were our heroes and sheroes. They took the time to listen to us, to guide us, to mentor us.

They may have been family, teachers or a supervisor who saw your potential.

A company in today’s world makes an impact by tapping into the workforce’s desire to have a purpose or meaning not only in their home but in what they are doing within the company and community. They initiate programs within the agency to offer growth. They embrace the change of today’s workforce.

They never say the words “that is just the way we do things.” They understand they may be grooming their workforce to leave for another job, but they are going to have an advocate for life.

By offering opportunities for employees to give back, not necessarily in a financial manner but sweat equity, they are encouraging individuals to explore and invest in the community they live in. This creates an atmosphere of meaning. This is

50 tallahassee woman • october/november 2016

As a leader, you are demonstrating that you understand those who work for you are all unique and not everyone has the same cause as you. You are allowing your staff to embrace the fact that you value community service in many different forms. You are also demonstrating that there are many character values: compassion, work ethic, empowering others to lead in the future and so much more.

Take a moment to think about this: If we embrace the concept of a legacy of character then we understand that we are creating an environment of growth and change. Today we want to work for companies and individuals who understand there is more to life than a paycheck. We want to be able to embrace and grow both professionally and personally. We want to know that we are making a difference.

Please remember making a difference starts with one person making an impact in another’s life. Again, reflect back over your own life. Who made the biggest difference to you and why? Take that memory and pay it forward.

Dedicated to my Grandma Jane who showed me that through dedication, love and random acts of kindness, even those of us who are not millionaires can impact the lives around us. Even the smallest gesture or random act of kindness has a huge impact down the road.

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tallahassee woman • october/november 2016 51

money talks

Where to Buy Your Ticket to an Artful Experience

By Elena Margarella

A

rt is not confined to a canvas. It can enrich your social and cultural lifestyle through real-life experiences. All you need is a ticket, and the Internet is full of them. You just need to know where to look.

TICKETMASTER: Merged with

Live Nation events promoter, this outlet provides the most variety of “experiences” on this list. From concerts to sports games to family events and more, Ticketmaster often ranks high in popularity for ticket buy and sell. Here, you can also upgrade or return your tickets, which most sites won’t let you do. However, beware of processing fees. Such fees may have granted you free ticket vouchers due to a 2013 lawsuit; if you purchased tickets from the site between 1999 and 2013, click “Active Vouchers” under “My Account” to check.

STUBHUB: According to its mission

statement, this eBay-owned site “helps fans find fun.” Events include concerts, sports, theater and comedy—less range than Ticketmaster—but if you want an event in a certain place, perhaps our very

own Tallahassee, you’ll definitely find it. Your money even reaches further, as Stubhub supports non-profits that expand access for at-risk youth. The site also typically lists lower prices if you buy more than one ticket in a single purchase. So grab some friends and save more money.

THEATERMANIA: For Broadway, this site is theater heaven. Not only does it offer tickets for on and off Broadway productions (including magic shows, comedy sketches, children’s theater and more), but it also keeps your hand on the pulse of playhouse news. From interviews to the latest reviews, it keeps you informed. Planning a trip to the Big Apple? Check out the discount tab or sign up for the Gold Club to enhance your dramatic experience.

TICKETWOOD: Unlike the other sites on this list, Ticketwood will not sell tickets directly to you; instead, it compares prices from various ticket providers—including big names like Stubhub—in order to find you the best deal available. At no charge, you can view full event schedules, interact with venue

52 tallahassee woman • october/november 2016

maps, and compare offers side-by-side based on price, location and date. The site lists events in three categories: sports, concerts, and theater.

CRAIGSLIST: While you need to take extra caution with sharing information on such an open platform, Craigslist will usually be the fastest way to find cheap tickets. Due to its convenience, the site attracts individuals who simply cannot make the event and need to sell their tickets quickly. The ticket options, therefore, are unpredictable, so you’re not guaranteed a seat. But new events may pop up every day!

THE VENUE: This last one is not a website. Sometimes, the best deals are found at the actual event, for most venues release extra tickets on the day of the event. At the box office, you avoid unnecessary service fees and discover last-minute discounts. While you may not score the coolest seats, you may just score the coolest prices.

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OUR COMMUNITY A look at the events, organizations, businesses and people that make Tallahassee a great place to live—and love.

Alzheimer’s Project Marks 25th Anniversary With Forget-Me-Not-Walk Contributed by the Alzheimers Project

A

lzheimer’s Project Inc. is celebrating 25 years of providing life-changing support and service to people with dementia and their families in the Big Bend.

For more than two decades, Alzheimer’s Project has improved quality of life for clients and their caregivers through support groups, counseling, caregiver training, respite care and Project Lifesaver, an active recovery program for people who wander. The goal is to empower and support caregivers so that they can remain healthy, achieve a higher quality of life and care for their loved ones at home as long as possible. Classes such as music therapy also keep clients with dementia engaged and active.

These services are a lifeline for people like Reggie and Jane,* a couple who relies on weekly respite. Reggie, a farmer since childhood, was strong and full of energy, but Alzheimer’s disease limited his ability

to work independently. He grew restless, often taking his frustration out on Jane, his full-time caregiver. Volunteers responded by putting Reggie to work.

He carried boxes, moved chairs into a circle for seated exercises, took out the trash, swept the courtyard and cleaned the windows. Every morning, Reggie eagerly asked how he could help. His frustration declined as he found purpose again. Jane walked with friends and even got back to some of her crafting while Reggie enjoyed working in the respite room. Her freedom gave her new energy. One day, she came to pick up Reggie and gave him a big kiss on the lips. “We haven’t kissed like that in years,” she confided, “but having this time to myself has allowed me to love my husband again.”

That’s just one example of the hope caregivers find through Alzheimer’s Project, which relies on state, local and private funding to meet a growing need. In 2015,

54 tallahassee woman • october/november 2016

about 510,000 people in Florida had Alzheimer’s disease, and that number is increasing. Tallahassee area residents will have the opportunity to support this important organization from 1:30 to 4 p.m., Sunday, November 6, at the Forget-MeNot Walk at Cascades Park, an annual event that raises a significant amount of Alzheimer’s Project’s funding.

Honorary Chairs Commissioner Gil Ziffer and Gail Stansberry-Ziffer will kick off the walk and share about how Alzheimer’s has affected their families. All walk proceeds will go toward supporting families in the Big Bend.

To form a team for the walk or for more information, visit AlzheimersProject.org, or call (850) 386-2778.

*Names changed for confidentiality.

25th Anniversary

2016 ForgetMe-Not-Walk

Show Caregivers How Much You Care Start Your Team Today!

Solo Walkers Welcome!

Sunday, November 6th 1:30–4pm Beautiful Cascades Park Honorary Chairs: Commissioner Gil Ziffer Gail Stansberry Ziffer To Register: Go to Alzheimersproject.org Click on Walk Banner to the Registration Site or call 850-386-2778 Alzheimer’s Project, Inc. Debbie Moroney, Executive Director 301 East Tharpe St. Tallahassee 32303 Local Services for Local Families tallahassee woman • october/november 2016 55

our community | events

WHOLE CHILD LEON

BRINGS “CHOPPED JUNIOR” TO TALLAHASSEE

by Janecia Britt

F

or 10 years, Whole Child Leon has connected and engaged our community around infant mortality, childhood obesity, and neighborhood inequity with specific initiatives on maternal health, developmental screenings, dental health, and breastfeeding. They have helped facilitate positive change in South City through a community gardening project and implemented 95210—a nationally recognized wellness initiative that promotes good health and lifelong healthy habits throughout Tallahassee.

To continue their efforts, Whole Child Leon is hosting a Tallahassee Chopped Junior Competition and Silent Auction Event at The Moon on October 30, 2016, at 5 p.m. Up to 100 youth competitors from ages 9-17 will compete. The 5 mystery ingredients will be announced and the contestants will cook their best dish incorporating those ingredients. A panel of judges will sample and critique each dish and choose the best dishes based on taste, presentation and creativity.

The evening will culminate with four finalists being chosen for an opportunity to audition with the executive producer and casting director of the Food Network television show “Chopped Junior.”

From the four, a finalist will be chosen and flown to New York City for an audition on the “Chopped Junior” set.

Announcement of this top winner will be publicized a few weeks after the local

benefit takes place. Guests will enjoy hor d’oeuvres from local chefs and cocktails during the competition. They will have the opportunity to bid in the silent auction and the opportunity to vote on their favorite dishes by local restaurants. The silent auction will include cooking supplies as well as a trip to New York City and a personalized tour of the Food Network “Chopped” set with Executive Producer, Linda Lea. Whole Child Leon Executive Director Courtney Atkins and former state of Florida Representative Loranne Ausley, the two women who have been with Whole Child Leon since its early stages, are longtime friends of Linda, who said, “Courtney, Loranne and I became friends in high school (Linda is a graduate of Maclay High School, Class of 1981).

When they showed me the South City Community Garden created from a partnership with the Tallahassee Food Network, I was so moved by the project, I knew I wanted to help in some way. I’m always impressed with their serviceover-self-attitude toward the kids and families of Tallahassee. So when

56 tallahassee woman • october/november 2016

“Chopped Junior” launched last year, I immediately called them to find a way to collaborate. Celebrating their good work, and meeting amazing kids and families who love food seemed like a perfect opportunity for us to get the band back together and throw a fundraiser.”

To learn more about tickets, contestant registration and sponsorship opportunities, visit the Whole Child Leon website at wholechildleon.org. All proceeds from the event, including ticket and silent auction sales, will go directly to support Whole Child Leon’s initiatives.

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our community | her story

er hHISTORY

Memories of Tallahassee

Contributed by Patricia Cheavers

SEINING IN OLD SOUTHWOOD PONDS

M

y paternal grandmother was a prize-winning, neighborhood, cane pole fisher. When schools closed in Leon County during the summer months, in the late ’40s, there was no official summer school program at that time; therefore, several of us grandchildren would vacation with Mama Della in Old South Wood plantation/quarters located in southeast Tallahassee, running parallel with Tram Road, east of what is now Capital Circle Southeast.

Trotting along behind our grandmother in the hot, humid, bright, sunshiny weather, dredging through white sandy roads, pulling through moss-draped canopy trails, Mama Della took us fishing almost every morning. Other than picking wild blackberries, digging bait was the children’s chore during the early morning. Once we arrived at the edge of the ponds, we used bridges made from long tree logs to cross from one pond to another. Balancing was a special talent—either you could or you couldn’t.

But it was the “Fish Fry” that we all waited for which was mostly held on the following days: May 20th, July 4th, Labor Day, the days when we needed more bluegill breams, largemouth bass, dollar sunfish for frying to serve the invited guests. For such occasions, at sunrise, the grandfathers, fathers, brothers and sons would all gather to assemble the “Seine.” Using an interlocking method, the men would wrap medium-size fresh tree limbs together in order to strengthen this horizontal pole-like apparatus. Approximately ten or more

58 tallahassee woman • october/november 2016

men pulling the seine would wade out toward the middle of the pond and then return toward the shore dragging this man-made device. In the process, many fish were thrown out. Excited and hungry, the children hurriedly gathered the fish, throwing them into weaved, straw baskets.

When the baskets were filled, we ran back to “Cuttin” Siss’s house where an adobe-style kitchen—with its sandy white dirt floors—was detached from the main house.

There, with deliberate speed, we would clean, wash, and season the fish. Cooking took place in a large, deep opening located in the middle of the kitchen floor surrounded by a protective metal which was filled with white oak firewood. Not too long, though, the white oak would turn to a red, yellow, ashy gray color, and that’s when the cooks knew that the fish would fry to a golden crisp. I can still smell the fried fish now and never ever can forget the taste of those corn bread “hush puppies.” A bit greasy for today’s standards, but a taste we all enjoyed.

So, if you are ever breezing through Indian Head Acres, my neighborhood, you might be fortunate enough to receive an invitation to one of my fish fries. During my more formative years, these occasions were filled with storytelling and “catching up” conversations by the adults while the youngsters played “Ring Play.” I love Tallahassee with its old-fashioned social mores under which I was reared.

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our community | what women should know

CAR BUYING TIPS N

o matter where one is in life, buying a car is a major undertaking. The process itself can be confusing, drawn-out, and way more difficult than it needs to be. To help you make the best decisions for your wallet, Werner Hyundai shares insightful tips to steer you in the right direction.

The Best Deals Were Last Year. By this, we mean the dealers and manufacturers often put the best discounts and incentives on the previous year’s models. There will be differences in technology and safety features between the years, so make sure you understand them. Weigh what those mean—or rather, cost—to you.

Frequent Trader? Buy New. If you trade your vehicle(s) in every four years or less, then you might want to purchase the newest model. The trade value will be higher, and the chance of having negative equity on your vehicle decreases. (“Negative equity” is when your

car is worth less than what is owed on the loan. This is common, as cars depreciate in value rather quickly).

Cybershop. Take advantage of the huge impact the Internet has had on the automobile industry over the past few years. It’s the great equalizer, as consumers now have pricing and services at their fingertips. Dealers and manufacturers must stay competitive, so keep yourself educated and do your research. If you find contradictory information, bring it up to a sales professional and request accurate data.

Don’t Give in to the Pressure of Buying Extras. Odds are, you don’t need them. You should never let yourself be pressured into buying anything. Always do what is best for you and your family. After all, it is your money.

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our community | groups

BIG BEND WOMEN GIVE BACK

By Janecia Britt

G

iving Tuesday is celebrated annually on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving and the widely recognized shopping events Black Friday and Cyber Monday—to kick-off the holiday giving season and inspire people to collaborate in improving their local communities and to give back in impactful ways to the charities and causes they support.

Giving Tuesday mostly uses social media to harness the generosity of people around the world to bring about real change in their communities.

Following the national trend a group of Tallahassee women from the Big Bend Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, the Community Foundation of North Florida, the Council on Culture and Arts, the Institute for Nonprofit Innovation and Excellence, United Partners for Human Services and the United Way of the Big Bend came together to create #bigbendgivesback— our local campaign. Using their collective power these women use their organizations’ membership to create a coalition of approximately 300 nonprofit organizations that have joined forces to promote volunteerism and philanthropy in the Big Bend Region.

Audra Pittman, Executive Director for the Council on Culture & Arts for the Big Bend Region has a role in the committee by “trying to promote the efforts, compile lists of our arts organizations and links to their donation sites and serve as a runner and hype-woman.”

Colette Podgorski, is the Association of Fundraising Professionals 2015 Big Bend chapter president and is fundraiser for Florida State University brought this group of women together to help create fundraising efforts in the community.

She believes “philanthropy changes lives.”

While Jessica Lowe-Minor, the Executive Director of the Institute for Nonprofit Innovation and Excellence “has been instrumental in updating the site, creating promotional materials and creating opportunities for people to learn more about the initiatives through workshops and seminars. She has also been providing our group with info from the national campaign of Giving Tuesday and providing updates from them.”

It’s only fitting that these power players in our community have joined forces for good. “I am passionate about this effort because of the other [female] leaders in this group who have made it their mission to focus on helping others.” said Audra.

Jessica agrees with her sentiment “I’ve always heard that if you want something done, ask a busy woman. In our case, we have a whole team of busy women! This group is bright, motivated and resourced—it’s an honor to work with them to support our nonprofit community and make Big Bend Gives Back a reality.” It takes a village to evoke change and you can get involved as well. Giving Tuesday this year falls on November 29th. Tell your friends, family, co-workers and social networks about the causes you’ve chosen to support and encourage them to give back on Giving Tuesday as well. This could be by donating money, items or your time. To get involved visit bigbendgivesback.org or attend the Big Bend Gives Back Campaign Kickoff on November 15th, 10:00 a.m. at Kleman Plaza.

62 tallahassee woman • october/november 2016

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our community

haute HAPPENINGS 18th Annual Stone Crab Fest October 21, 2016 | WC Dover Farm

The Ronald McDonald House of Tallahassee will be hosting its 18th Annual Stone Crab Fest at Eagle Hill, WC Dover Farm from 6:30-10:00 p.m. on October 21, 2016. This will be a spectacular evening of cocktails, dancing and all-you-caneat stone crab claws. There will also be a silent auction and live entertainment from the Encore Band. All proceeds benefit families being cared for by the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Tallahassee.

Race for Readiness

October 1 | Southwood Town Center The Early Learning Coalition (ELC) of the Big Bend is excited to host its 2nd annual Race for Readiness this October. The race is a fundraiser to help the children and the childcare providers that the ELC serves. Last year, the race had 313 participants and raised over $10,000. If you and your family are interested in helping a worthy cause, go to elcbigbend.org to learn more.

Havana Pumpkin Festival

October 8 | Downtown Havana, Florida With the Halloween spirit quickly following the beginning of October, the Havana Pumpkin Festival is not an event to miss. The daylong festival is brimming with exciting carnival games, hayrides and costume contests open to all ages.

Local residents of Havana show their creativity with face painting, pumpkin decorating and other activities. The price of admission is only a couple of dollars for a fun-filled day.

Moon Over Maclay Jazz Concert

October 16 | Maclay Gardens State Park Enjoy an evening of jazz and lively flamenco music under a full moon on the lawn of the historic Maclay House in Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park from 6 to 10 p.m. Performances are by the Maharajah Flamenco Trio and the Brian Hall Quintet appearing with one of Tallahassee’s favorite singers, Avis Berry. Bring lawn chairs or blanket, pack a picnic and your favorite beverages.

For tickets and information, visit online at friendsofmaclaygardens.org or call (850) 487-4556.

Women Who Mean Business Luncheon and Networking Event

October 19 | Woman’s Club of Tallahassee Come join the businesswomen of Tallahassee for networking, lunch and an inspirational and informative presentation by Dr. Michelle Mitcham of Courageous Conversations LLC. Vendors and networking time begins at 11 a.m. until noon, with lunch and the presentation from noon until 1 p.m. For tickets, visit talwoman.com.

64 tallahassee woman • october/november 2016

French Country Flea Market

October 21–22 | 6007 Veterans Memorial Drive Filled with vintage objects inspired by flea markets and cotton-style magazines, the 2016 French Country Flea Market will feature numerous vendors with shabby chic furniture, local art and hand-made jewelry and more. For more information, go to frenchcountryfleamarket.com.

Greek Food Festival

October 21–22 | Greek Orthodox Church Holy Mother of God Get a taste of Greek culture at the annual Greek food festival.

Enjoy folk dancing, food and music. This event will run from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. For more information, visit hmog.org/festival.

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TALLAHASSEE AUTOMOBILE MUSEUM FOR SPONSORSHIP OR VENDOR INFORMATION, PLEASE CALL 850-201-3005 tallahassee woman • october/november 2016 65

66  tallahassee woman • october/november 2016

our community | haute happenings

"And Then There Were None" October 27 through

November 13 | Theatre Tallahassee In this theater adaptation of Agatha Christie’s famous mystery novel And Then There Were None, ten strangers are lured to an island by an unknown host. Throughout their stay, the guests are murdered one by one with their only clue being a nursery rhyme hung above the fireplace. This chilling tale is a perfect addition to your Halloween fun in late October. To find out more about the play and how to get tickets, visit theatretallahassee.org.

Forget Me Not Walk for Caregivers

Sunday, November 6 | Cascades Park The walk is a fundraising event to support caregivers of those effected by Alzheimers.

For information and to register, contact Debbie Moroney, Executive Director, Alzheimer’s Project at (850) 386-2778.

Annual Fall Affair

November 6 |Capital City Country Club Big Bend Hospice presents the annual Fall Affair, a live/silent auction to benefit Music Therapy at Big Bend Hospice. Tickets are $75 per person or $125 for two. For tickets or sponsorship information, call Connie Palmer at (850) 878-5310 or visit bigbendhospice.org.

Plantation Wildlife Arts Festival

November 11-20 | Thomasville, Georgia A black-tie dinner featuring two Master French Chefs, Sea Island's Jonathan Jerusalmy and Charleston's Nico Romo, will prepare this year's five-course dinner. The intimate evening is held in the exclusive dining room at Pebble Hill Plantation. Guests are entered into a Game of Chance to select an art piece from this year’s featured artists, painter Lyn St. Clair and sculptor Walter Matia.

For more information, call Thomasville Center for the Arts at (229) 226-0588 or email info@thomasvillearts.org.

OPENING NIGHTS PERFORMING ARTS PRESENTS

OCTOBER 5 & 6

Ragamala Dance Company

20th Annual Artisans in the Garden

November 12 | Tallahassee Nurseries Tallahassee Nurseries will host the 20th Annual Artisans in the Garden from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m., featuring over 50 local artists, music and food vendors. Come see beautiful, unique art situated in a relaxing fall garden setting, listen to great music while munching on delicious goodies and get some Christmas shopping done all at the same time! Call Sharon Dejonge at (850) 385-2162 for more information.

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AROUNDTOWN Events • Benefits • Activities

The 11th Annual Cards for a Cure

The Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare Foundation 11th Annual Cards for a Cure was hosted at the Tallahassee Automobile Museum. The event had much to offer—delicious food, music, silent and live auctions as well as many card games to choose from. This year’s honoree, Abby Bender Kirkland, shared her inspirational story of strength and survival and how she’s used her experience to give back to her community. Proceeds from the event benefitted the Tallahassee Memorial Cancer Center and cancer programs.

2.

1. Ashley Marina, Dr. Ovidiu 6.

Marina, Dr. Iman Imanirad, Donya Salmasinia.

2. Vikki McKinnie, Butch Bundy, Amy Anderson, April Stephens 3. Brandi Baker, Katie Westerhot, Kori Chavers 4. Angie Cogland, Jeff Hurst, Kelley Kraus 5. J.T. Burnette and Kim Rivers 6. Dr. Iman Imanirad, Donya Salmasinia, Dr. Janice Lawson, Dr. Matthew Lawson 7. Scenia Carpenter, Matt Burke 8. Dr. Shelby Blank, Jennifer Bryant, Jody Elliot 9. Janet Borneman 10. Elizabeth Davidson, Rochelle Richardson, Amanda Cherry 11. Sarah Nanhaney, Beatriz Caballero, Emily Torrance, Litzie Martin 12. Coleen Minor, Hillary Hodges, Joane Barker 13. Dr. Sandeep Rahangdale, Greg and Shelley Nelson, 14.

Lee and Cheryl Kuhlo 14. Marsha Doll, Kathy Brooks, Abby Bender Kirkland, Darcy Cavaell, Jane Marks 15. Jane Monroe, Chris Smith, Abby Smith, Rachel Chumney, Dr. Garrett Chumney, Karlie O’Neal

1.

4.

3.

5.

7.

9.

12.

68 tallahassee woman • october/november 2016

8.

10.

11.

13.

15.

Before

a life-changing smile “I had one peg tooth and one tooth that was missing. When I was in middle school, I would smile with my mouth closed. I was very self conscious before coming to Dr. Oppenheim. He really did change my life. It’s a great feeling to be able to smile with confidence!” Why did Stevie Lynn choose Dr. Oppenheim to give her a beautiful, natural smile? Was it Dr. Oppenheim’s ten gold medals in international cosmetic dentistry competitions, or that he is one of only 63 dentists worldwide to have achieved the elite status of Accredited Fellow in the AACD, or that his patients have appeared on the cover of The Journal of Cosmetic Dentistry eight times? - Stevie Lynn says, “Yes, it was!”

tallahassee woman • october/november 2016 69

home & garden

70  tallahassee woman • october/november 2016

Family The Classic Architecture

by Maria Elena Margarella Photography by AJ Abellera

Family will never go out of style. Bri and Jay Smith even incorporated the classic element into the very foundation of their house. With three daughters, the couple designed a vision to fit their tight-knit family. “A lot of the layout of the house was because of family,” Bri says, “[It] connects the family. We live in every part of the house every single day.”

Building from the ground up, the couple worked closely with an architect and an interior designer. Both traditional and contemporary designs then merged to create the aesthetic of a warm, inviting home that simultaneously upholds a professional physique. They admire classic architecture, so the plan was to build a new house that looked like it had already been there for years. Meanwhile, the Smiths’ family values take precedence. “The furniture we chose was family-friendly,” Bri continued, “[We wanted it to] feel comfortable not just for the kids but for everyone that we welcome in. All of our furniture is for that purpose.”

The process took two years, but the product lasts forever. But the vision does not end when the house is built. “I’m having more fun with the decorating process on this end of it,” she says. Jay added, “The lesson learned is this: we didn’t build out every single process because we wanted to get in and live in it.” He advises to “keep a few things open” in order to figure out how you and your family function in your new environment. “It’s a learning process,” he says. And their favorite part of the house? The living room. “It’s so open with all the windows,” Bri says, “You can see the lake and we can all be together.” tallahassee woman • october/november 2016 71

the dish

Cuban Culinary Exchange

By Keasi Smith

O

nly 90 miles south of Key West, Florida, the island nation of Cuba is not only known for its white-sand beaches, coffee and cigars, but also for its multicultural cuisine. A nation with Spanish, African, Asian, Italian and other influences, entrees there often reflect this melting pot of flavors and cooking methods. Cuban entrees commonly include meat, plantains, yucca, malanga, root vegetables, a healthy serving of vegetables and the staple of rice and beans.

Tallahassee celebrity chef Shacafrica Simmons, better known as “Chef Shac,” owner of Chef Shac LLC, recently visited Cuba, absorbing the culture and came back inspired with recipes and ideas to add to her Tallahassee Sensory Experience events. She shared with us some of her recipes that we are excited to share with you.

CAMARONES AL AJILLO: Garlic Shrimp Chef Shac said, “This dish is a real favorite for Cubans and tourist alike. This recipe was inspired by an amazing Paladar in Havana called “IDEAS” it was the first restaurant I enjoyed when I arrived in Cuba.”

Ingredients: 1.5 lb large shrimp peeled, deveined and tails-on 1/4 cup vegetable oil 2 tbsp. butter 7 cloves garlic, chopped 1/4 cup white or dry sherry wine 1 tbsp. hot sauce 1 tbsp. local honey 1 lime, juiced 1/2 tsp. coarse salt 1/4 tsp. white pepper 1/4 tsp. onion powder 1/8 tsp. dry oregano 1/8 tsp. ground cumin 1/4 cup parsley, finely chopped, garnish Directions: Heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add shrimp. Sauté 3-5 minutes, then remove from the pan and set aside.

Add butter and garlic, sauté. Add the wine, lime juice, spices, herbs, honey and hot sauce. Return shrimp to the pan. Turn off the heat, add the parsley and mix it in well.

Serve immediately. Delicious with Congri or pasta.

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and cook beans for 45 minutes or until tender. Strain beans and reserve black liquid for later use. Rinse and strain uncooked rice, allow to drain. In a large sauce pan heat olive oil, sauté onions, pepper and garlic; add tomato sauce, honey, spices, and herbs and cook for 3 to 5 minutes. Add the rice and beans, then stir. Add 3 to 4 cups of the reserved black liquid from the beans to the pan. Bring to a boil, then reduce to simmer, cover and cook for 20 to 25 minutes until all the liquid is absorbed.

CONGRI OR MORO: Black Beans and Rice Black beans and rice are a Cuban staple at meal time.

Ingredients: Beans: 1 lb. black beans, dry 1.5 qt water 1 tbsp. coarse salt 1 tsp. ground black pepper Rice: 2 cups white or brown rice 2 tbsp. olive oil 2 tbsp. butter 1 cup tomato sauce 1 tsp. apple cider vinegar 1 tsp. honey 1 large onion, diced 1 green bell pepper, diced 2 garlic cloves, minced 2 tsp. salt 1 tsp. black pepper 1 tsp. onion powder 1 tsp. garlic powder 1/2 tsp. ground cumin 1/2 tsp. ground oregano 1/2 tsp. parsley flakes 2 bay leaves 4 cups black liquid (reserved from cooking the beans) Directions: Wash beans and place in large pot and cover with water. Over medium high heat, bring to boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low, add salt and pepper, cover,

CUBAN FLAN This baked custard dessert is very popular in Latin and Hispanic cultures but this version is all Cuban.

Ingredients: 1/2 cup sugar 1/4 cup water 1 (14 oz.) can sweetened condensed milk 1.5 cups heavy cream 1 tbsp. vanilla extract 1/2 tsp. almond extract 1/2 tsp. lemon extract 1 whole egg, lightly beaten 4 egg yolks, lightly beaten 1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon 1/4 tsp. ground ginger Pinch of salt Directions: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Set 6 oven safe ramekins into a 13x9 long baking pan, lightly buttering each ramekin using a pastry brush then set aside.

Caramel Coating: Cook the sugar in a small saucepan. Let it cook but DO NOT stir, use a wet brush to clean the sides of the pan. Swirl the pan around until it gets to a nice golden to amber brown. Immediately pour small even amount into each ramekin. Swirl to evenly coat the bottom.

Custard: With a mixer beat egg and yolks until well blended. Slowly add condensed milk, cream, extracts, salt, cinnamon and ginger. Make sure it is well blended.

Pour mixture into each ramekin over the caramel coating.

Baking: In your preheated oven place baking pan with ramekins on to middle rack. Pour hot water halfway up the side of the baking pan, creating a water bath for the ramekins.

Bake for 45 to 50 min or until the center slightly jiggles, remove from oven and allow them to sit in water bath an additional 15 minutes. (Be careful not to burn yourself with the hot water).

Remove from the pan and allow cooling in fridge for 4 hours or overnight.

Serving: Use a butter knife to loosen the sides of the flan from the ramekin.

Place upside down onto a larger plate, to expose the caramel top and allow the sauce to flow over the flan. *Optional: Serve with fresh cream, berries, and a sprig of mint or even alongside your favorite ice cream.

For more of Chef Shac’s Cuban-inspired recipes visit The Dish online at talwoman.com.

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FunnyGirl.

“I come from a family where gravy is considered a beverage.” —Erma Bombeck

Happy Thanksgiving FROM ALL OF US AT TALLAHASSEE WOMAN.

NEXT TIME IN TALLAHASSEE WOMAN MAGAZINE The Beauty Issue...Redefining what beauty is, finding beauty in unexpected places and envisioning beauty in the future. Plus, wellness at every age and “It’s a Beautiful Life!” style feature.

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experience the past

Explore Tallahassee Museum’s 52 acres of living history, wildlife exhibits, soaring zip lines and obstacle courses, Jim Gary’s Twentieth Century Dinosaurs, nature trails, historic buildings, animal encounters and more!

76 tallahassee woman • october/november 2016