Spring Break has Sprung
Transcription
Spring Break has Sprung
March–April 2015 Now online at theseasidetimes.com Spring Break has Sprung A local’s take on family fun for your spring vacation By Debbie McChesney If you’re wondering what to do with your kids this year during spring break in Seaside, the limitless activities available leave little room for boredom — rain or shine. And many of them are free. Start at least one or two mornings with a treat. Modica Market offers an array of baked goods every morning including croissants, muffins and doughnuts. Send the kids in with a few dollars each and let them pick out their favorite pastry — the chocolate chip muffins never fail to please. On Saturday mornings, take your family into town to explore the Seaside Farmers Market. With an array of vendors, you can buy locally grown produce, homemade pies and cookies, and more while enjoying some freshly cooked food along the way. With activities aplenty go- Seaside lives up to its title as the Travel Channel’s Best Family Beach, with fun activities for all ages. Photo by Ron Calamia ing on from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the market, you can enjoy sampling the various produce, nut butters and pastries while the kids run around the amphitheater field meeting new friends. If it gets too hot, Frost Bites famous shave ice is right on the corner for a sweet treat. Or grab a fresh smoothie from Raw & Juicy. The Coastal Dune Lakes Documentary and Its Connection By Nic Stoltzfus As part of the crew that has been working on the coastal dune lakes documentary in Walton County this past year, I am pleased to say that we are finally finished. This documentary, “Coastal Dune Lakes: Jewels of Florida’s Emerald Coast,” will be shown on public television stations throughout the state of Florida in April and will premiere on stations across the nation in July. Even though this story will be aired on TV throughout the United States, the documentary got its start in smalltown Seaside. In the fall of 2013, Elam Stoltzfus (my father), received funding from the St. Joe Community Foundation to produce a documentary about If you’re heading to the beach, umbrellas and chairs are available from the Cabana Man service, which also has stand-up paddleboards and kayaks — both single and double — to rent hourly and take the kids on the water. The smaller swell and clear water of the Gulf offer the perfect, safe place to learn to surf. Sign up for surfing lessons at Austin Magee Surf School at (850) 217-4042, located on the beach. Check out his Facebook page for additional information, photos and rave reviews. Also for the blooming angler, you can contact Kyle Swift for rod and reel rentals and some surf fishing lessons at (770) 880-8767, or find him on Facebook (look for “SwiftlyHooked” on Facebook). Seaside has three pools — one covered for shade, one for adults only and one on the west side. The largest of the three, the west pool has a Cool Bites grill that opens March 7 and will be open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., making it a great option for lunch or dinner with the kids. They swim and play while dinner is cooking. No wiggling around at a restaurant. For a break from the sun or to escape a rainy day, paint your own clay masterpiece at Fired Up Paint Your Own Pottery at (850) 2313211. At the end of the day, you’ll have hand-painted souvenirs to take home and enjoy. Or join the Spring Break cont. page 2 The Joffrey Ballet Concert Group preps for its debut performance By Wendy O. Dixon This spring, the merchants of Seaside will host America’s premier ballet company, The Joffrey Ballet Concert Group. The performance company of the Joffrey Ballet School in New Costal Dune Lakes cont. page 11 York City, the concert group will have its debut performance in Seaside on May 2. The show will include 30 Joffrey company members performing a variety of dances ranging from modern and jazz, to classical ballet. During a three-day workshop held in Seaside, 15 selected local dancers will be trained by Davis Robertson, choreographer and artistic director, and will perform in Seaside at a later date. Robertson is planning to bring his Joffrey Ballet Concert Group dancers as demonstrators and teaching aids for the workshop April 30-May 2. Rehearsals will be conducted by Seleta Hayes Howard, Seaside’s “Nutcracker” ballet Davis Robertson, choreographer and artistic director for the Joffrey Ballet mistress and ballet teacher of the Dance Academy of Seaside Neighborhood School. For those wanting to take in the show, cottage rentals are available through the partners of the Seaside Community Development Corp. — Cottage Rental Agency, Homeowner’s Collection and Sunburst Luxury Collection, which have the variety of homes, including a cozy one-bedroom romantic retreat or a luxury resort hotel experience with concierge service. To reserve a cottage and see the performance, visit Seasidefl.com/ vacation/rentals. c Page 6 Page 10 Page 12 Page 17 Page 18 Page 26 Women of Seaside Beach Bites Floral Wines 30A Radio Duck Olympics Seaside Institute Cranky Yankee Page 2 March–April 2015 T h e S e a s i d eTi m e s . c o m Spring Break Continued from page 1 Seaside Repertory Theatre for Stories by the Sea, a one-of-a-kind storytelling experience for kids of all ages. Offered every day at 3:30 p.m. except Sundays, the event is free, and every day offers a new story and opportunities to participate. A favorite family tradition for many Seasiders is to end each day on the beach watching the iconic sunsets of the gulf while listening for the Bud & Alley’s restaurant bell to signify that another day is done. Also don’t forget to check the schedule for evening activities in the Seaside Amphitheater. There is sure to be some great music or a fun family movie to enjoy. c Seaside was named Best Family Beach by the Travel Channel, in part because of its family focused activities and bike friendly streets. Photos by Jack Gardner, Clark Maxwell and Modus Photography March–April 2015 Page 3 T h e S e a s i d eTi m e s . c o m Page 4 March–April 2015 T h e S e a s i d eTi m e s . c o m Happenings About Town Editor’s Letter Spring break is upon us again. And as the restaurants, retailers, service and . We’d like to cottage rental partners welcome you to beautiful share the latest news with you to help make your stay here even more special. While you were making your spring break plans, a few fortunate artists from around the country were invited to participate in the Escape to Create artist residency program, held each January and February. The program offers artists a chance to work on their art projects and showcase their songs, documentaries, architecture, books and more while contributing to the thriving arts culture in Seaside. You can read about the program and the artists on page 7. Our cover story tells of one of 2014’s Escape to Create artists. Elam Stoltzfus, along with his son Nic, has been working on a film featuring the rare coastal dune lakes of South Walton. This documentary, “Coastal Dune Lakes: Jewels of Florida’s Emerald Coast,” will be shown on public television stations across the state of Florida in April and will premiere on stations across the nation in July. Seaside is always in the news in some capacity or another. Being named Best Family Beach by the Travel Channel is the latest accolade this iconic town received. Congratulations! Wendy O. Dixon Editor [email protected] Connect with Instagram.com/seaside_newtownoldways Twitter.com/seasideFL_ Find “The Seaside Times” on Facebook Link to our advertisers! Visit us at www.theseasidetimes.com Subscribe The Seaside Times The Seaside Times is available by subscription. Enjoy the convenience of having each issue mailed to your home. Executive Editor Pam Avera To subscribe, send your name, address, and check or money order to: The Seaside Times P. O. Box 4730 Seaside, Florida 32459 One year subscription: overseas $15 $25 USD Two year subscription: within the U. S. overseas Editor Wendy O. Dixon Designer Scott Camp Contributing Writers Photography The Seaside Times is published six times a year. within the U. S. ® Special Olympics Florida - Walton County basketball team celebrates after participating in County Games at Emerald Coast Middle School in December 2014. See page 17 for our story on the upcoming Duck Olympics this Easter in Seaside. The Duck Olympics is a fundraising event to benefit Special Olympics Florida- Walton County. Photo courtesy Mike Schumacher $25 $50 USD Kevin Boyle Susan Benton Cory Davis Wendy O. Dixon Diane Dorney Karen Granger Laura Holloway Rebecca A. Huber Jacquee Markel Debbie McChesney Mark Schnell Lori Leath Smith Nic Stoltzfus Katie Tammen Tracy Townsend Susan Benton Ron Calamia Evan Carter Photography Jack Gardner Find “The Seaside Times”on Facebook and join our community. Clark Maxwell Modus Photography Lynn Nesmith Director of Public Relations and Marketing Seaside Community Development Corp. Lori Leath Smith (850) 231-6179 [email protected] Send Letters or Photos to the Editor: The Seaside Times P.O. Box 4730 Seaside, FL 32459 [email protected] (850) 387-6822 Advertising deadline for May/June April 5, 2015 For more information about ad rates contact Wendy O. Dixon at (850) 387-6822 or [email protected] March–April 2015 Page 5 T h e S e a s i d eTi m e s . c o m Breaking the Chains By Mark Schnell I have a confession: I love Chipotle. Yes, I’m talking about the national chain of “fast casual” restaurants with the industrial look and heavenly burritos. Of course, this will not surprise any of my friends and family who have watched me bring an extra burrito home from Tallahassee, or more recently, drive to the new Chipotle in Destin to get my fix. But this might come as a surprise to those involved in the local debate over the Hampton Inn proposed for Seagrove. They might think I don’t like chain businesses. Not true. I just like them to be in the right places. The proposed Hampton Inn development has sparked an unprecedented uproar. A huge number of locals, second homeowners and visitors are strongly against it. I’m one of them. There are several levels to the opposition, and the fact that it’s a chain hotel is only one of them (it would be the first chain hotel along Scenic Highway 30A). The proposed development, which also includes a mysterious and tiny 660-square-foot retail use within the pool area (a ridiculous attempt to meet the mixed use requirement), has sparked widespread opposition in the community because of its standard prototype design, impacts on traffic, beach accesses, parking, drainage and safety, as well as its incompatibility with the abutting properties and surrounding neighborhood. Last but not least, it doesn’t conform to the rules for the Village Mixed Use category. (The Walton County commissioners will most likely make their decision on March 5, right around the publication of this column.) But the fact that a chain hotel has been proposed for 30A means that our days with only a small handful of chains might be coming to a close. We’ve been “discovered” — even by corporate America — and we’re facing a new wave of development. As with any real estate boom, some development will be good, some will be negative. As a community, we need to find a way to make sure that the growth — which is inevitable — actually enhances our lives and reinforces our brand to the greatest degree possible. So how would I react if my beloved Chipotle (or any of the other chains I gladly patronize) were to open on 30A? Believe it or not, I would be very sad to see that happen. The brand of 30A as a destination and as a communi- URBAN DESIGN ty is that we are a one-of-a-kind place, full of mom-and-pop locally owned businesses and very high quality design. You simply can’t find another place like it. When we begin to be just like every other generic place — “Anywhere USA” — then we will lose our competitive advantage. Even though I love Destin and Panama City Beach, we really don’t want to follow their lead. It’s simply not in our best interests. I’d like to see our community continue the discussion about chains, and even consider banning some of them. Many communities have done this, and each has tailored their laws to their unique needs. Each community selects a number of business locations — often in the range of 11 to 15 — that define a business as a chain or “formula business.” Most of these ordinances do not include such common chain businesses as gas stations, grocery stores, and banks in their ban. And most limit the ban to certain geographical areas, such as a downtown or historic district. We could follow suit, banning chains only along 30A and the feeder roads (existing chains would be grandfathered). That would send the national chains up to locations along Highway 98, which is a more natural and ap- www.seasidefl.com propriate place for them. In addition to a possible ban on some chains — or maybe in lieu of it — we should implement some basic design standards. Mostly, I’m referring to codes that regulate the typical zoning issues of height, setbacks, etc. rather than architectural style. However, we could consider architectural standards in some cases, if warranted. There are model codes such as the SmartCode that can be calibrated for our local conditions. Ideally, we would implement such a code throughout South Walton. But even if it were used on a very small scale — to rescue the troublesome Village Mixed Use category, for example — it would help the situation. Despite my love for Chipotle (seriously, the hot salsa is amazing), I hope there will never be one along 30A. But I will happily drive — or maybe even bike — to a location along Highway 98 to enjoy my favorite burrito. We are stronger when we keep our standards very high and reinforce the unique qualities that make our home such a remarkable destination and place to live. c Mark Schnell is an urban designer based in Seagrove Beach. Instagram.com/seaside_newtownoldways Page 6 March–April 2015 T h e S e a s i d eTi m e s . c o m WOMEN OF Pioneer Women Meet the leading ladies who make Seaside a better place By Wendy O. Dixon As we continue our year-long series on the women of Seaside, we shine the spotlight on three women with diverse backgrounds, careers and interests. In their positions as leaders, they show their commitment to enhancing the Seaside community by running a business, heading up an artist residence program, contributing to local charities and caring for animals. As one of the most respected small towns in the world, Seaside lures people with an appreciation for the town’s new urbanism design and the principals the town has come to embody. Women are an inspirational part of that vision; women who know what they’re working toward and who are doing what matters. These women have sought opportunities, faced challenges and overcome obstacles. They have rolled up their sleeves and put in long hours to cultivate their dreams. They are leaders in the community, and have inspired many more women to contribute their skills and talents in Seaside. They’ve shown that working with each other can make all the difference between floundering and succeeding in business. With a generosity of spirit, they extend a helping hand, share resources and give credit for a job well done, knowing that a rising tide lifts all boats. Wendy Mignot Her fine pearl and leather jewelry has graced the cover of Vanity Fair and been worn by Hollywood’s Alist celebrities. Her collection is a world-renowned brand defining the Gypset Style. You may think the creator of one of the hottest jewelry lines would hail from Los Angeles or New York, but jewelry designer Wendy Mignot, originator of Tahitian and Fresh Water Pearl and Leather Jewelry collection, ushers in her unique collection from Seaside. Owner of La Vie Est Belle (meaning “life is beautiful”) in Seaside, Mignot’s trademark Fine Pearls and Leather Jewelry collection includes the finest Tahitian, South Sea and freshwater cultured pearls, as well as sea glass, shells, stones and an exclusive presentation of ancient and shipwreck coins on hand-rolled leather, tied with precision and care. An artist all her life, her latest jewelry designs began to take shape while sailing in the Caribbean, Virgin Islands, Aruba, St. Bart’s, the Bahamas, Panama and Central America with husband Jean-Noel Mignot. From there her designs have grown into an international brand. After losing a sail boat in an accident, they bought a Volkswagen van, heading from Canada to Central America, stopping in Seaside to visit Jean’s parents, who were having a trunk show for their jewelry. “We stopped to see them and never left,” Mignot says. The fell in love instantly with Seaside. And in 2004, opened a coffee and wine bar and art gallery, where Wendy introduced her pearl jewelry, in Ruskin Place. After great success in Ruskin Place, they later opened Café Rendezvous in Central Square, selling wine and pearls, as well as coffee. Finally, her current location became available, and she narrowed her merchandise to focus on her expanding pearl jewelry collection. Mignot says Seaside founders Robert and Daryl Davis were instrumental in her success in Seaside. “Daryl has always been very encouraging to me, she’s a great inspiration,” she says. “As a mentor and businesswoman, she has always been there for me every step along the way and I have great respect for her. One thing that sticks out in my mind from my conversations with Robert is when he said, ‘We do a lot of things here. Some things work. If they do, we keep them going. And if they don’t, we try something else.’ It’s a simple philosophy but I think it’s a great way to look at it.” Did you see leaving behind a nomadic lifestyle and starting a business here as a risk? We are risk takers, life is a risk and we go all out. We’ve traveled on sailboats with babies and some people thought we were crazy. But I like to live life with grit. When we came to Seaside, we saw this new town and it was incredible to find a place this beautiful. It was perfect. What do you think of when you consider how far this town has come, how many people visit here and invest in the Seaside lifestyle? We arrived in 2004, which I think was the turning point for the town. The artistic community was so overwhelming to me, and I felt at home. It was really a dream come true. Life is island-like here in Seaside, where 30A is an island and Seaside is the heartbeat. What’s the single most important attribute in differentiating good businesses and great ones? Originality and great customer service. That’s why year after year people come back to me. I’ve built wonderful relationships with my collectors; I don’t call them customers. I see my jewelry adorned on beautiful people and it’s such an inspiration. When I do something, I do the best; I will always strive to be the best. What are your principles for success as a leader in the community, and also in life? The secret to success in life is to “live your love!” I believe you have to give back for things to come to you. Being part of this community, we know that it takes a village to raise a village, so I’m active in several local charities. We sponsor the Seaside Neighborhood School Half Marathon each year, raised $12,000 for the Boys & Girls Clubs in 2014 and give to Food For Thought and Alaqua Animal Refuge. Laurie Olshefski As owner of The Fitness Fetish Family Sport & Beach Shop, an upbeat shop known for its great selection of positive lifestyle clothing, Laurie Olshefski lives the lifestyle of one with a fetish for fitness. “If I’m selling it, I’m wearing it and living it,” she says. “I don’t do it just for money, it has to come from the heart.” Her motto — Exercise and Accessorize — suits her, as she elegantly mixes fitness gear with a little bling. The fitness shop celebrated 20 years in business in 2014. Laurie, along with her husband John Olshefski, started out with a 250-squarefoot retail shop in Seaside. She taught fitness classes in Seaside, with many of her students, including Seaside co-founder Daryl Davis, being other Seaside shop owners and employees. Olshefski says she looks for products with a mission to help people. One of her apparel brands is “Life is good,” whose charity, Playmakers, helps kids around the world in need of love, safety, health and joy. Brooks, a running shoe and apparel brand, raises money for breast cancer related charities. Many products in the Olshefskis’ stores revolve around companies with social missions. She still teaches yoga in Panama City Beach, and plays key roles in leadership idea camps and the Women’s Work-Life Symposium, where she shares ideas and tips with others in business community. She was a recipient of the Retailer of the Year award in 2011 by the Florida Retail Federation, and won the 2012 Glenn Shepard National Excellence in Leadership Award based out of Nashville. She credits Seaside founders Robert and Daryl Davis with providing guidance and support when she was a young entrepreneur with a lot to learn. “Daryl would personally cut out articles and display ideas for us to use for our store,” she says. “She and Robert also hired consultants to come to Seaside and work oneon-one with us merchants to help us with merchandising and how to improve displays. They held workshops for the Seaside merchants to provide training on customer service and sales techniques by retail experts. I learned a great deal about retailing from these talented and creative consultants.” Did you see starting your careers here as a huge risk? I was 28 when John and I started our business in Seaside. We didn’t have children at the time. We looked at the beautiful area of Seaside as wonderful opportunity, not a risk. What do you think of when you consider how far this town has come, how many people visit here and invest in the Seaside lifestyle? We are thankful and happy to be able to say that we are one of the long lasting pioneering merchants of Seaside. We have witnessed the rise of the popularity of Seaside, and watched all of 30A grow into a lifestyle because of Seaside’s influence as the founding nucleus. What’s the single most important attribute in differentiating good businesses and great ones? I think great businesses care — they care about their customers, their employees and their mission. When everyone cares about their job and each other, everyone works harder and success happens. What are your principles for success as a leader in the community, and also in life? There are many principles I use as a leader in our company, as a yoga teacher and a mother. Being a great leader is being a good example in the way you move through life. The principles I strive most for are staying optimistic, keeping a strong faith, having courage, living a healthy active lifestyle, embracing change and challenges, striving to be different and always continuing to work on improving skills and self- development. My goal as a leader is to be a multiplier — a leader that brings out the best in the talents and skills of others, helps others to blossom and helps to create future leaders. Marsha Dowler M a r sh a Dowler came to Seaside for the first time in 1992 with her husband, David, who had been coming to Grayton Beach every summer since 1948. The two were married in Seaside in 1994, and Marsha quickly became involved in her new community. Her first visit was during the winter, she recalls, the same time as the first Escape to Create (E2C) event, a temporary artist residency program. As the only such residency of its kind in the Florida Gulf region, Dowler recognized the importance of the program and volunteered to help. Seaside founders Robert and Daryl Davis value the importance Pioneer Women cont. page 11 March–April 2015 Page 7 T h e S e a s i d eTi m e s . c o m Escape To Create ART Unique residency program is a haven for budding artists By Wendy O. Dixon Creative types sometimes need a change of scenery to nurture their artistry. The natural beauty of the gentle coastline of Northwest Florida — as well as the inspirational treasure that is Seaside — seduces artists, poets, novelists, musicians, playwrights and composers from all over. Each winter, Seaside plays host to a spectrum of artists who can immerse themselves in their work through Escape to Create (E2C), a unique artist-in-residence program founded by Seaside’s cultural pioneers as a program of the Seaside Institute and a core element of town-making. Creative types sometimes need a change of scenery to nurture their artistry. The natural beauty of the gentle coastline of Northwest Florida — as well as the inspirational treasure that is Seaside — seduces artists, poets, novelists, musicians, playwrights and composers from all over. Each winter, Seaside plays host to a spectrum of artists who can immerse themselves in their work through Escape to Create (E2C), a unique artistin-residence program founded by Seaside’s cultural pioneers as a program of the Seaside Institute and a core element of townmaking. “It’s so rare in this world,” says Marsha Dowler, president of Escape to Create artists — Left to right: Author and Naturalist, Mark Hainds; Mixed Media Artist, Janet Satz; Composer, Tyler Capp; Works on Paper, Donna Ruff; Music Theatre, Heather Robb; YA Author, Bobbie Pyron. Photo by Karen Holland the Board for E2C. “Where else do your neighbors and friends open their homes for artists and their friends to come work on their art? The entire community — the homeowners, financial contributors, the partnership with the Seaside Repertory Theatre (REP) as a fellow non-profit and our merchants — all elements of the community come together to offer this year after year. It’s a humbling experience, but such a privilege to bring together and connect them to what these artists bring.” First as community volunteer and then as a 12-year board member of the Seaside Institute and director of the program, Dowler has played a key role in promoting Seaside as a vibrant cultural community through guiding Escape to Create’s emergence as the nationally recognized artist residency it is today. “In the late 1980s and early ’90s, there were few art galleries in the area, no theater or film outlets, and a fledgling bookstore,” Dowler says. “During these early years, as many as 12 artists — composers, painters, writers, photographers, architectural scholars, etc. — would be invited to spend the month of January in a new town that didn’t even exist yet on Rand McNally maps.” By the economic downturn of 2008 and 2009, the overwhelming success of Seaside as the model for New Urbanist communities and sustainable place-making had long been the core mission of the institute, and only E2C remained as an arts program. Dowler recognized a shrinking arts budget provided unexpected opportunity for E2C to expand its cultural footprint as a 501c3, making it eligible for grants and tax-deductible contributions. To maximize its efficiency and the necessary reliance on the generosity of Seaside homeowners who donate their off-season rental cottages as artist housing, Dowler expanded the residency to two month-long sessions with fewer artists who are selected through a rigorous application process with stringent review by a panel of distinguished E2C alums. Dowler and Escape to Create co-director Karen Holland resigned their positions at the institute to devote themselves to launching E2C as a leading non-profit residency. Seasiders Cathy Toole and Jane Crews, author/writer Lynn Nesmith and educational advocate Sherry Londe of Destin comprise the dedicated team that makes up the volunteer board. E2C has gained national attention for its impact on the local community and in the creative lives of the artists. In 2010, E2C was selected as one of only five U.S. models of emerging residencies in the U.S. by the Alliance for Artist Communities, an international arts and culture research organization. Escape was cited for its role in connecting artist to community through the intrinsic value of its philanthropic multi-disciplinary residency, its purpose in advancing appreciation for the role of artist in shaping community, and its record of service through educational outreach. “This was a defining moment for me,” Dowler says, “to recognize the legacy Escape To Create represents to Seaside and to the world.” The program is designed for artists who are emerging or in midcareer. To apply, artists must submit a work proposal that defines the creative work they would accomplish during their stay. The second component is a community service proposal out of which the cultural programming is created. Third is educational outreach proposal. “Educational outreach brings a larger world to schools located in an underserved county,” Dowler says, noting that the artists visit schools in Walton County. “They’re here to not only work on their projects, they’re seeking to make contributions. Over the years I’ve witnessed lives being transformed in front of you, for the artists, teachers and students.” And while the fortunate few who are awarded a spot in the program share their talents, they add to the thriving cultural flavor of Seaside, drawing audiences from all over North Florida. “For example, a writer will give a reading,” Dowler Escape to Create cont. page 13 Page 8 March–April 2015 SPRING BREAK T h e S e a s i d eTi m e s . c o m Squad Service SEASIDE® partners with law enforcement during spring break to maintain safety By Wendy O. Dixon As spring break approaches, Seaside will be using several resources to assist in managing the crowds that flock to Seaside during this time. In addition to its own Courtesy Team, there will be an increased law enforcement presence. To provide better service and a sense of safety to residents and visitors of Seaside during the busy spring break season, the Walton County Sheriff ’s Office has a stand-alone substation located adjacent to Perspicasity. The goal of the facility is to improve response time, speed up report processing, and reduce fuel consumption. Walton County Sheriff ’s Office Lt. Don Savage says the substation is manned full-time during spring break, and is equipped with computers and a work area to allow officers to complete reports while being present in the community. “It allows officers to stay in Seaside more often,” he says, “and provide better service during spring break.” Savage explains. “We’ll be more visible to the public,” he says. “Anytime you have law enforcement officers present, it is a deterrent to crime.” In addition to the substation, the sheriff ’s office is providing a bike patrol and a mobile command center, with deputies on site. “Our goal is to keep the public safe,” Savage says, “and especially to look out for underage drinkers.” The command center has everything a police station would have, according to Patti Rogers, super- The Walton County Sheriff’s Office has a command center and bike patrol (top right) on site in Seaside, allowing the deputies to respond more quickly to calls. Photos courtesy Walton County Sheriff’s Office visor for the Seaside Community Development Corp. Courtesy Team. It provides the additional officers Seaside needs during spring break. “Parking it here serves as a visual deterrent for bad behavior,” she adds. “We’ve received rave reviews from the community, who have given us very positive feedback.” “The additional manpower helps deter crime and keep the community feeling safe”, says Catherine Rodriguez, public information officer for the Walton County Sheriff ’s Office. “We work with local businesses and our community part- Instagram.com/seaside_newtownoldways ners,” she explains, “knowing that during spring break we have an influx of people coming in, and we are able to respond more quickly if needed.” In addition to the Walton County Sheriff ’s Office, the Seaside Community Development Corp. Courtesy Team is on site yearround. Savage adds that if someone is in need of immediate assistance to call 9-1-1. “Of course, if someone sees a deputy and needs them, they will come running to help.” c www.seasidefl.com March–April 2015 Page 9 T h e S e a s i d eTi m e s . c o m At Your Service SPRING BREAK The Courtesy Team looks out for families By Patti Rogers Seaside’s Courtesy Team members are the front line ambassadors in providing Seaside guests with a safe environment and offering a wide variety of assistance for visitors to the community at any time of year. In the course of a day, a Courtesy Team staff member can receive a call from a guest reporting a lost cell phone or lost keys. Minutes later they may receive a phone call about a lost child. As supervisor of the Courtesy Team, I am fortunate to have such a qualified staff. Although our past jobs and life experiences differ, collectively we have the perfect balance to meet the needs of Seaside merchants and guests. The Courtesy Team works closely with the maintenance staff in preparation for popular events Seaside offers throughout the year. Families come to enjoy our concerts in the amphitheater where a blanket on the grass, coupled with a cool breeze, and Seaside-style entertainment is the perfect combination for an enjoyable experience. Behind every event, the maintenance staff and Courtesy Team work continuously, attending to the property details that enable everyone in attendance to have a safe and worry free good time. During the spring break season, Seaside experiences an influx of Courtesy Team member Corey Pope Seaside Community Development Corp. (S.C.D.C.) Courtesy Team members Jeremy Brunn, Patti Rogers and Brandan Babineaux. Photos courtesy S.C.D.C. families with children and teenagers from many different states. The Courtesy Team offers assistance to the Walton County Sheriff’s Office in crowd control and safety. We collectively want to make sure they return home safe at the end of the night. The sheriff’s office has been instrumental in keeping order so all visitors young or older, have a great time. There is an old saying — It takes a village — and in this case, the village is Seaside. The dedication of the Courtesy Team and fellow em- ployees, coupled with the cultivation of a great relationship with law enforcement officials, has resulted in the perfect combination. The kids, officers, guests and staff come home safe at the end of the day. They don’t just strive for that, more importantly, they achieve it. People have asked me, “What is it about Seaside that makes it work, that makes it so unique?” Their eyes are wide open as they await an answer. “Well,” I reply, “We really, really, love this place and we just want to share the love.” c Page 10 March–April 2015 FOOD & WINE T h e S e a s i d eTi m e s . c o m Beach Bites For Spring Break 2015 Story and Photos by Susan Benton Spring break is a most welcome season; they don’t call it spring fever for nothing. After the chill of winter has dissipated and the warm sunshine beckons us to the beach, sometimes a quick bite is just right. Airstream Row in Seaside is famous for its top quality barbecue, hot dogs, burgers, smoothies, salads and shave ice — all quickly prepared so you can make your way to the beach and soak in the sun. Certain to please any beach goer seeking relief from the heat, Frost Bites has been serving happy customers since 1994. Offering a variety of fun creations like the Piggly Wiggly, a stuffed shave ice with custard on the bottom and cream on the top, Frost Bites also sells sugar free flavors in addition to scrumptious add on toppings. For those opting for healthier foods to enjoy on the run, Jenifer Kuntz, owner of Raw & Juicy says, “Obviously our Costa Rican Bowl filled with hearty rice, beans, spicy salsa and avocado is nourishing, and easy to devour on a walk back to the beach! The Spring Rolls are a great snack, and the Veggie Hummus Wrap is also popular.” If Southeast Asian street food is what you are craving, then surf over to Sóng’s food truck, (meaning wave in Vietnamese) for the closest to authentic Bahn Mi offered on 30A. As a big fan of the Vietnamese Bahn Mi sandwich, and having tasted many over a lifetime of travel, it won’t disappoint with its bold flavors exuding from the luxurious Heritage free range black pig that has been slow cooked over night, before being stuffed in a fresh baguette created specifically for owner Tommy Stein by the Santa Rosa Beach bakery, Crust. The in house pickled farmed vegetables and herbs add the perfect acidity and balance to the sandwich, and while most are known for their thin layer of liver pate spread on the bread, Sóng’s is layered with a refreshing avocado-lime aioli. “Wild Bill’s Beach Dogs are dogs gone good”, says owner Heavenly Dawson of the food truck aptly named after her husband, Bill. Everything made is ingredient driven, including her family recipe for the chili that is topping her Let’s Be Frank brand chilidog. The chili, along with the beef served in the burgers at their sister restaurant, Pickles Burger & Shake across the street, is made with White Oak Pastures sustainable grass fed beef. Heavenly says, “While it’s significantly less expensive, faster, and easier to make mass-produced food, we just don’t think it’s the right thing to do.” Plan on walking up to the window to order one of the best hand crafted burgers on 30A, and then take a load off while savoring each morsel at the Seaside Pavilion overlooking the Gulf behind the Shrimp Shack. You might even be drawn back in for a second course from the billowing smells of Royal Red Shrimp and Florida Lobster Tails being steamed to order. At Bud & Alley’s Pizza Bar, Chef Phillip McDonald has taken the reigns and is showcasing a new menu. You can’t go wrong picking up a slice of pie, and I highly recommend his Brussel Sprouts pie topped with fresh house made mozzarella, Pancetta, garlic, and chili or the Avocado Bruschetta topped with thinly sliced radishes, lemon, extra virgin olive oil and spices. Both are incredibly fresh, delicious, and the best part is you can place the order from your beach blanket and get it to go. c Susan Benton, owner of 30AEATS.com, is currently penning a cookbook to be published late summer 2015. For a taste of Southeast Asian food, try Sóng’s Bahn Mi sandwich before heading to the beach. little residual sugar and are therefore considered dry. These intensely aromatic wines can overpower more delicate cuisines, so you’ll want to select a more highly flavored dish to accompany your floral wine for maximum enjoyment. The bouquet from Bud & Alley’s Marc Brendiff, Vouvray, Loire Valley, France- A classic and lush chenin blanc that is pale gold in color with a nose full of white flowers, pear and grapefruit. Yalumba Y Series, Viognier, South Australia- This silky wine features aromas of honeysuckle, ginger, jasmine and mandarin orange. Alamos, Torrontes, Salta, Argentina- Bright floral aromas jump out of the glass with orange blossom and jasmine along with citrus and peach in this crisp white. Florals to buy at Modica Market Conundrum, Proprietary Blend, California- A California beauty with an intriguing nose of green apples, tangerine and honeysuckle, this wine has an exotic pallet and a round mouthfeel. Baladina, Albarino, Rias Baixas, Spain- This Spanish classic is zesty, elegant, crisp and dry with earth notes and pleasant floral aromas. There are many beautiful floral wines to choose from here in Seaside. Celebrate the spring season and taste the bouquet. Cheers! c Floral white wines are in bloom Pairing wines with a season is a fulfilling experience for many. After the heavy reds of winter, lighten up your glass with these gorgeous white wines that feature floral aromas such as citrus blossom, white flowers, honeysuckle and jasmine. I took a stroll through Seaside on the lookout for early signs of spring and was delighted with the variety of flowery wines from around the globe available in our fair town. Floral notes tend to be secondary aromas (primary being stone fruit, citrus fruit and orchard fruit). So I find that wines with these floral characteristics are more complex and enjoyable. ‘Floral’ should not be confused with ‘sweet’ (containing residual sugar), as many of the wines listed below contain very Pickles Burger & Shake is famous for its grass-fed beef burger. The flowers of The Great Southern Café Alois Lageder, Pinot Grigio, Alto Adige, Italy- From one of the most prominent names in pinot grigio this wine is a brilliant straw yellow and has expressive aromas with flowery and spicy notes. The Curator, Swartland, South Africa- This fruity and silky wine is a blend of chenin blanc, chardonnay and semillon featuring aromas of stone fruits, lemon candy and flowers. Tipple through the Tulips By Karen Granger Succulent lobster chunks overflow a fresh roll at the Shrimp Shack. Karen Granger is passionate about wine and food. As a sommelier, she researches wines available in Northwest Florida, and encourages people to expand their knowledge of wines and find their next favorite. March–April 2015 Page 11 T h e S e a s i d eTi m e s . c o m Coastal Dune Lakes Continued from page 1 the coastal dune lakes in Walton County. In an effort to fully understand the depth of the story, Elam went to a Coastal Dune Lakes Advisory Board meeting to talk to the board members about who he should interview for the documentary. During his discussions with them, board member Lynn Nesmith told him about the Escape to Create program in Seaside. She described it as a program that offers artists a chance to stay in Seaside for a month to work on artistic projects. She recommended he apply since Seaside is perfectly located smack-dab in the middle of dune lake country. Elam applied to the program, was accepted, and spent January and February of last year as an artist-in-residence in Seaside. One of the components of the Escape to Create program is interacting with other artists, many having never been to this part of Florida. As north Florida neophytes offering a fresh perspective on the region, their conversations with Elam sparked vibrant and novel ideas about how to capture the dune lakes story. During his residency, he interviewed 11 people; these voices would come to form the core of the documentary itself. Along with time spent connecting with people, Elam also worked on capturing images and video of the surrounding lakes, particularly Western Lake, an easy 10-minute bike ride from Seaside. However, last winter was particularly cold and this proved to be a challenge for filming outside. On one cold January morning my father messaged me: “Began at daybreak by documenting the ice covered outfall of Western Lake at Grayton Beach. OMG it was soooo cold. 26 degrees is cold on the beach — it was the Grayton Tundra! I had a pair of ski gloves and a heavy Carhartt coat, but I was not able to stay warm. The batteries of the camera died due to the cold weather.” After the batteries thawed out, he was able to capture some stunning images of the frozen outfall and ice crystals on the sand, rare occurrences for Florida. Later that spring, we interviewed the founder of Seaside, Robert Davis. During the interview, which lasted for about an hour, Davis talked about a whole Documentarian Elam Stoltzfus interviews Seaside founder Robert Davis for his film, “Coastal Dune Lakes: Jewels of Florida’s Emerald Coast.” Photo by Nic Stoltzfus Pioneer Women Continued from page 6 of the arts and civic duty, she says, and she found Seaside was the perfect place for her to do her civic duty. “Robert and Daryl have been incredibly supportive in creating a cultural and civic identity for the community,” she says. “And Escape to Create was instrumental in that. It further strengthens the artists’ connection to the community and expands the programming for the Seaside Repertory Theatre (REP), and that strengthens both organizations.” But in 2009, as many non-profits were suffering from the damaged economy, the program was at risk of closing when the current board member was pulled away for another job. “I thought if you lose it you may never recover,” she says. “So you need to find someone who can go to Seaside and manage it for the artists. I guess I volunteered.” In recognition of her contribu- tions to the cultural fabric of Seaside, Dowler received the first Spirit of Seaside Award given by the town council in 2012. “It was an incredible honor and to me, (the award) remains a powerful symbol of a generosity of spirit and hospitality so rarely found in this world,” she says. “Seaside is a beacon of hope for artists and indeed, for all of us.” Dowler is serving her second term on the board of The REP Theatre, having first served during its startup years. Dowler is also a long time advocate and volunteer with local efforts to address the overpopulation of feral cats through TNR (Trap-Neuter-Return) practices. What was it like having one of the first weddings in Seaside? We were married at the Tupelo Circle Gazebo, our sacred spot. It remains so fresh and beautiful in my mind. So many of our friends never believed either one of us would get married. It was just the most loving celebration of finding your way to Nic Stoltzfus photographs a spectacular sunrise over WaterSound for the film, “Coastal Dune Lakes: Jewels of Florida’s Emerald Coast.” Photo by Elam Stoltzfus range of topics. One of my favorite quotes of his, and it made it into the final cut of the film, is not about architecture or development, but about our relationship with nature: “When I am here, I am relaxed. Particularly when I am on the beach, or walking along the edge of the lake, or out in a canoe, I really feel a much stronger connection to my parents and grandparents and other ancestors who are no longer walking around on this planet, but are very much a part of my life.” Through long summer days, we continued to film sunrises and sunsets. Our crew chased rain clouds and rainbows and worked tirelessly to film elusive beach mice and turtle releases. In August, Elam and I traveled to Australia to document dune lakes found there. It was an intense few months, but by October we had amassed more than 13,000 images, hundreds of hours of video, and almost 30 interviews. It was time to start editing the film. After I finished writing the script, I began work on a companion coffee table book featuring the dune lakes. Cynthia Barnett, one of Dad’s fellow artists at Escape to Create, agreed to write the foreword. Over the past few months, we continued to edit the film and the book. The first drafts were rough but, over time, we continued to smooth out the sharp edges and eventually beautiful and smooth works of art emerged. After much work, we have created a documentary and book of which I’m proud. Many people have helped us along the way, but I am especially grateful for the robust support of the Seaside community that helped nurture this project and give it such depth and richness. Along with the premiere of their film at WaterSound Origins on April 2, there will be a film screening at the Seaside REP theatre and a book signing by Nic Stoltzfus at Sundog Books on Saturday, April 18. c a partner in life, in which together you’re bigger and better. It’s still very meaningful to me. of Seaside homeowners in providing artist housing and the fundraising efforts of its board, Escape To Create will award its first Fellowships in 2016. We want to continue to identify and support impactful environmental projects like the Elam Stoltzfus 2014 Dune Lakes Documentary and take a more targeted look at our investment in the arts for the benefit of our artists and our host community. How did you keep Escape to Create going during a rough economy? The institute had deferred further programming for who knew how long. I took that as an opportunity to preserve the program. I incorporated together with co-creator Karen Holland, and we determined to go double or nothing. How has the Escape to Create program evolved since its early days? Rather than have 10 to 12 artists every January, I cut it in half and extended the season. So we had five or six artists in January and again in February. Now it has developed into a true partnership with the REP Theater in offering public programs with incredible depth and diversity. After almost a quarter century, what is next for E2C? Thanks to the continued support As an animal lover and advocate, especially with the local cats, what do you think other people can do to help take care of the feral cats in the area? Education and access to spay-neuter programs is the key to controlling a healthy population and to avoid abandoned pets. Hopefully the day will come when Walton County realizes that it is an investment in the future Walton County. c Editor’s Note: This article is part of an ongoing series highlighting women who have contributed to their beloved community of Seaside. Page 12 March–April 2015 REGIONAL NEWS T h e S e a s i d eTi m e s . c o m 30A Amped We are featuring three new albums we’re excited to air on 30A Radio for this spring. so. Add that song to his list of great bonfire songs like “The Sweetest Thing” and “Brighter Days.” This album is a must have for spring and summer on 30A. Ol’ Glory by J.J. Grey & Mofro is now available. www.jjgrey.com Kelsey Anna EP Local artist Kelsey Anna released her self-titled album in January and it is now available on iTunes. Kelsey Anna wrote her first song at 16, and over the past decade has played over 150 shows a year along the Gulf Coast. Kelsey won Northwest Florida’s Regional X-Factor contest in 2011 and 2012, and her hit song “Poison” won Best Original Song at the Beachcomber Music Awards. Residing now in Nashville, Tenn., she is truly one of 30A’s favorite local artists. You can also find her album at Central Square Records in Seaside. www.kelseyanna.com JJ Grey & Mofro “Ol’ Glory” Ol’ Glory is a highly anticipated new album from J.J. Grey & Mofro out of Jacksonville. The single off the album “Every Minute” could have our favorite lyric of all time. “Feels too good to be warm, in the sun, loving every minute I’m living.” Does that scream 30A? We think The Skints “FM” Reggae is a big part of 30A Radio, and one of our favorites is a band from London called The Skints. Described by Clash Music as “the torchbearers for modern British reggae music,” The Skints mix reggae, ska and dub with touches of grime and hip-hop; a contemporary style that draws as much from the streets of the U.K.’s capital as it does from the Caribbean. “FM” is their latest album and is set in an imaginary pirate radio station. The single “This Town” features Tippa Irie & Horseman. With great vocals, and better bass, we recommend The Skints “FM” for your next beach party or dune lake paddleboard trip. www.theskints.co.uk Send us your suggestions for our local, regional, and reggae 30A Radio Music Buzz to [email protected]. Listen to 30A Radio online at www.30aradio. com, or on the 30A app for iPhone, Android, or iPad. c Sand Rover Rally Makes its Trail Contributed by 30.com’s Lauren Reinlie Locals and visitors are invited to show off their funky old beach cruisers during the second annual 30A Sand Rover Rally at Grayton Beach State Park on Saturday, April 11, 2015. Vintage Land Rovers and beach cruisers of all makes and models are invited to attend the event, which is hosted by 30A.com. “Last year, over 40 owners from across the Southeast brought their vehicles to the event. We expect an even larger turnout this year,” said 30A’s Mike Ragsdale. “It’s a celebration of the cool old beach cruisers that you often see here along Scenic Highway 30A, and it’s also a good excuse to get stuck in the mud.” Last year’s 30A Sand Rover Rally was featured on the cover of Rovers magazine, North America’s largest Photo courtesy 30A.com publication for Land Rover enthusiasts. The day will begin with trail rides through Point Washington State Forest, followed by the rally event at Grayton Beach State Park from 1 to 5 p.m. Although there is no fee to register, please note that there is a $4 fee to enter Grayton Beach State Park. For more information, visit www.30Asandroverrally.com. c www.seasidefl.com March–April 2015 Page 13 T h e S e a s i d eTi m e s . c o m Visitors Bureau provides accomodations for the ultimate visitor experience Seaside is best known for the simplistic elegance of the New Urbanism design principles. And the partners of the Seaside Community Development Corp. — Cottage Rental Agency, Homeowner’s Collection and Sunburst Luxury Collection — have the variety of homes to meet any vacationer’s needs, whether you want a cozy one-bedroom romantic retreat or a luxury resort hotel experience with concierge service. With amenities aplenty, the Seaside Visitors Bureau partners plan to ensure guests at Seaside have all they need to enjoy their vacation. By renting a cottage through one of the Seaside partners, you’ll be assured you’re getting the right cottage for your stay in Seaside. Visit Seasidefl.com/vacation/rentals Our Featured Properties Cottage Rental Agency Sunburst Luxury Collection Beachfront 9 Gift By The Sea Love Me Tender/Love Me True Pure, simple and elegant. This series of beachfront “Honeymoon Cottages,” were designed by Scott Merrill, who at one time was Seaside’s town architect, and inspired by President Thomas Jefferson as he built Monticello. These Gulf front cottages are the perfect setting for a romantic retreat. Perched perfectly behind the primary dune along the Gulf of Mexico, each cottage is furnished with a comforting neutral palette. Gift by the Sea is part of the Sunburst Luxury Collection, a high service and amenity segment within Sunburst Beach Vacations that provides a 5-star luxury resort experience with all of the benefits — privacy, space and freedom — of a private home. Love Me Tender/Love Me True is located near Central Square and just steps from the East Ruskin Beach Pavilion, one of the town’s most photogenic beach walk-overs. Complete with upper-level vaulted ceilings and views of the Gulf, both floors are highlighted by tongue and groove walls and an expansive kitchen, dining, and living area. Each level features an inviting screened-in porch; upstairs, a nostalgic porch swing and views of the emerald waters of the Gulf are enjoyed, while downstairs, a screened-in porch features an outdoor shower. Each master suite is sumptuous, and the showers are oversized. For additional options, this cottage may also be rented as separate one-bedroom cottages. 2088 E. County Hwy 30A Sunburst Beach Vacations (866) 310-5718 SunburstCo.com Escape to Create Continued from page 7 says. “A musician will give a concert, an architect will give a lecture and a presentation.” The heart of the Escape To Create experience is the gift of time and place to artists fully engaged in creative ideas, says Dowler. Housed in private cottages donated in support of their projects, artists enjoy complete immersion in their work balanced with opportunities for cross-disciplinary dialogue in an intimate group setting. “We own no studio, nor practice room for the musicians,” Dowler says. “We just start with the intent to create this experience for artists every year. Houses are different every year, artist are different every year. And we find that for the artists who respond to this, that’s what they are really seeking, the permission to fully surrender to their art.” 2326 East Co. Hwy 30A 2 BR, 2 BA, Sleeps 8 Cottage Rental Agency 877-811-5440 www.CottageRentalAgency.com Area restaurants and markets provide E2C’s weekly “soup kitchen,” a tradition that brings the group of no more than eight artists together in the casual intimacy of a private home. This January alone, Escape To Create and Seaside homeowners hosted an Academy Award and BAFTA nominated documentary filmmaker; a leading folk singersongwriter from Canada; a leading actor and director from London; a gifted emerging choreographer who created the first dance film in response to Seaside’s unique architecture; a painter mapping the fragile beauty of the Gulf and the rare Dune Lakes as part of her worldwide Waterplaces Project; and an early career fiction writer whose literary power predicts huge potential. “To bring these artists into the schools and colleges throughout Walton County is an incredible opportunity to impact change and transform lives. Homeowner’s Collection Fernleigh 30 Savannah Street 3 BR, 2 BA, Sleeps 6 Fernleigh is a beautiful three-bedroom cottage located just minutes from the beach on the east side of Seaside. The cottage welcomes you with a large screened-in porch that has a swing on one side and rocking chairs around the other. The first floor of the home has the living area, dining area that seats six, kitchen and walkway to the master bedroom with king size bed and connecting full-bath. Upstairs you’ll find the second and third bedrooms with a shared full-bath. The bedroom to the left is a queen bedroom with access to the balcony. The bedroom has a twin daybed with trundle pullout. This bedroom also has access to the balcony, along with seating and views. Homeowner’s Collection (855) 411-1557 HomeownersCollection.com And to showcase such unique talent onstage at The REP attracts a mature cultural audience to our community in contrast to the exciting summer programming The REP offers seasonal visitors,” Dowler says. Yet the influence of Escape To Create extends well into the summer season. The hugely popular illusionist and performance artist Jeanette Andrews will return to Seaside in May for her second engagement, bringing to The REP a new magic show developed during her 2014 Escape to Create residency. So after almost a quarter century, what is next for E2C? Thanks to the continued support of Seaside homeowners in providing artist housing and the fundraising efforts of its board, Escape To Create will award its first Fellowships in 2016. “We want to continue to identify and support impactful environmental projects like the Elam Stoltzfus 2014 Dune Lakes Film and take a more targeted look at our investment in the arts for the benefit of our artists and our host community.” To find out more about the writers, scholars, filmmakers, musicians and other artists participating in the Escape to Create program, visit Escape2Create.org/artists. Editor’s Note: Marsha Dowler contributed to this article. c Editor’s Note: Marsha Dowler contributed to this article. #SeasideFL_ Page 14 March–April 2015 MAP T h e S e a s i d eTi m e s . c o m March–April 2015 Page 15 T h e S e a s i d eTi m e s . c o m Shopping, Dining and Services 45 Central Wine Bar (Opening in March) Intimate wine bar and restaurant including a menu of small plates paired perfectly with a wide selection of wines. Albert F’s Fashion, Arts & Accessories Located in Seaside’s lovely Ruskin Place, Albert F’s is the place to find ladies casual fashion, art by local talent & beach chic accent jewelry and accessories. 800.974.5203 / www.albertfseaside.com email: [email protected] Amavida Coffee & Tea The one-stop shop for Fair Trade Coffee, Fair Trade Organic Tea plus coffee and tea accessories. 850.231.3539 www.amavida.com Amoré by the Sea An eclectic shop full of treasures.Turkish pottery, dough bowls and ironwork. Antiques, furnishings, local art and jewelry. That’s Amore’! 850-231-0337/ Amorebytheseside.com An Apartment in Paris Come inside and experience the perfect collection of original art, home furnishings, accessories, gifts, jewelry and clothing. 850.534.0038 www.anapartmentinparis.net The Art of Simple Downtown Brimming with home accessories, candles, unique finds and rare bath and body lines ... browse, linger, be inspired and leave with a happy find from the store that has everyone buzzing with delight. 850.231.6748 www.theartofsimpleonline.com Barefoot BBQ Barefoot BBQ specializes in hormonefree, steroid-free, antibiotic-free beachside BBQ in a retro, tiki style atmosphere. 850.534.0313 Bud & Alley’s Pizza Bar Thin crust, wood fired pizza, antipasto bar, salads & more. Italian wines and beer and a full bar available. Located right on the beach next to the Obelisk tower. 850.231.3113 / www.budandalleys.com Bud & Alley’s Restaurant & Roof Top Bar A Seaside tradition on the Gulf since 1986. Sunsets on the roof-deck are a daily town ritual. Fresh, regional, coastal cuisine served daily for lunch & dinner. 850.231.5900 / www.budandalleys.com Bud & Alley’s Taco Bar Authentic border tacos, burritos & fun. Offering a full bar featuring over 40 speciality Tequilas. Dine in or take out. Located roadside next to Bud & Alley’s. 850.231.4781 / www.budandalleys.com Central Square Records An independent record store specializing in CDs, new & used vinyl, record players, guitar strings & accessories, Jittery Joe’s Coffee, unique gifts, cards & more. Located above Sundog Books. 850.231.5669 www.centralsquarerecords.com Dawson’s Yogurt & Fudge Works Homemade fudge, kid’s candy and Yobe Yogurt, America’s newest taste sensation. Homemade fresh-squeezed lemonade is a refreshing thirst quencher. 850.231.4770 www.sweetwilliamsltd.com Deja-vu on the Beach Offering affordable trendy clothing with a sophisticated urban eclectic style. Apparel, jewelry, shoes, bags and accessories. 850.534.0710 www.shopwithdejavu.com Duckies Shop of Fun Calling all kids and kids at heart! Duckies carries hundreds of items to put a smile on your face. We’ve got toys, clothing for kids, gifts, beach gear and so much more. 850.231.4800 / www.shopduckies.com Fired-Up Pottery Painting A fun, friendly place where you can paint your “art” out on over 500 unique pottery pieces. Great for birthday parties, bridal showers, girls’ night out, and corporate events.850.231.3211 www.firedupseaside.com The Fitness Fetish Fun & friendly family sport & beach shop. “Life is Good” products, sports apparel, swimwear, footwear, beach stuff and cool gifts. 850.231.5000 / www.fitnessfetish.com Focus A little boutique portrait studio by the beach where fun memories are made. Focus also features fabulous gifts, frames and custom jewelry. 850.231.1842 www.carlettawatkins.com Frost Bites Hawaiian shaved ice, homemade frozen custard, fresh squeezed lemonade and cold drinks. Also available for birthday parties, weddings and special events. 252.452.3013 Gordie Hinds Contemporary Art Fusion South Walton outdoor scenes, fishing, still life, colorful people. 850.231.1041 Great Southern Café New-fashioned southern cuisine. Fresh seasonal vegetables, seafood, aged beef. Enjoy the “Littlest Oyster Bar” for fresh oysters. Beer, wine, cocktails. Breakfast, lunch & dinner. 850.231.PEAS (7327) www.thegreatsoutherncafe.com It’s Heavenly Authentic, delicious gelato, hand-folded and dipped ice cream. Enjoy shakes, sundaes, cookies and strawberry shortcakes. Gourmet LavAzza Italian coffees and espresso. 850.231.2029 www.sweetwilliamsltd.com Jewel Toffier Taking you from casual to classy, Jewel Toffier is known for its privatelabel coastal clothing and accessories. 850.231.0639 La Vie Est Belle Featuring designer Wendy Mignot, the originator of the Tahitian and Fresh Water Pearl and Leather Jewelry collection. Largest collection of ancient coins & shipwreck coins in the southeast. 850.231.4692 www.lavieestbellegallery.com The MeltDown on 30A Gotta have grilled cheese sandwiches and soups. Serving traditional and speciality grilled cheese sandwiches. www.meltdownon30a.com Mercantile Mercantile carries goods for men and women that are time-worn, weathered, a bit western and where possible – eco-friendly and American made. 850.213.0010 / www.shopmerc.com Modica Market Your exclusive grocery deli market in Seaside. Breakfast, lunch and beach foods to go. 850.231.1214 www.modicamarket.com Newbill Collection by the Sea Gallery of Contemporary American Art, fine craft, original paintings, photography, folk art & garden sculptures. Best selection of handcrafted jewelry on the Gulf Coast. 850.231.4500 ONO Surf Shop Latest styles swimwear, footwear, lifestyle clothing, surfboards, boogie boards, skim boards & accessories. 850.231.1573 / www.onosurfshop.com Restaurant Hours through March 31: 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. Ophelia The area’s premier luxury designer swimwear boutique catering to a variety of body types and styles. 850.231.0676 / Opheliaswimwear.com Per•spi•cas•ity Open-air bazaar featuring bohemian beach styles. Must have pieces for the ultimate Seaside escape. 850.231.5829 / www.theseasidestyle.com Pickles Burger & Shake Home of Grass-fed beef burgers, corndogs, chicken fingers and famous fried pickles; Hand-cut double-fried French fries with special seasonings; and doublerich hand-made milkshakes. 850.231.5686 / www.sweetwilliamsltd.com Pizitz Home & Cottage The luxuries and necessities for simple, comfortable, relaxed Seaside living. Custom orders available. 850.231.2240 / www.theseasidestyle.com Raw & Juicy Offering organic juices and smoothies, raw food and organic beach snacks. Sea Turtle Flashlight filters and merchandise available here. 850.231.0043 www.rawandjuicylife.com Seaside Beach Casual Seaside fashion and accessories for men and women. “bare feet & sandy floors rule” in this Seaside lifestyle store. 850.231.4193 / www.theseasidestyle.com Seaside Classic Classic collection of Seaside clothing, accessories, books & prints. The flagship store for Seaside style. 850.231.2497 / www.theseasidestyle.com Seaside Kids The original children’s store at the beach. Fun fashion, toys and must have accessories. Seaside logo wear for kids. 850.231.1733 / www.theseasidestyle.com Shimmering Seas Jewelry Elegant sterling silver, gold, diamonds, pearls & many more shimmering jewelry collections and unique gifts. 850.231.5100/shimmeringseas.com The Shrimp Shack A walk-up steam seafood shack on the beach with peel & eat shrimp, lobster rolls and shrimp rolls plus fresh oysters served raw, steamed or baked. 850.231.3799 www.sweetwilliamsltd.com Snap Tweens Apparel, footwear, jewelry and gifts that are just right for pre-teens. Unique fashion and designers that both parents and kids will enjoy. 850.231.3800 www.snapkids.net Sóng Serving southeast Asian-inspired, street food-style dishes from fresh local products, the menu is about creative simplicity, integrity and flavor. 850.502.9797 Sundog Books An eclectic selection of books, greeting cards & gifts for all ages. 850.231.5481 www.sundogbooks.com Services Believe Studio Yoga and fitness studio offering yoga for adults and kids, dance, Barre and other fitness classes. www.TheBelieveStudio.com Beach Ready Spa A unique blend of medical spa & holistic wellness center. Highly trained technical staff is available to provide you the products and services to treat both internal and external signs of aging. 850.468.0925 / www.beachreadyspa.com Seaside Transit Authority Bike Rentals The official rental bike provider of Seaside, Florida. Seaside Transit Authority offers custom designed rental bikes for all our Seaside guests and visitors. A variety of rental items available include unisex bikes, mens bikes, boys and girls bikes, tag-a-alongs, tandems, kids trailers and cargo trailers. 850.231.0035 www.seasidetransitauthority.com Cottage Rental Agency 877.811.5440 Earl Bacon Insurance Agency 850.369.0161 Florida Haus 850.231.3100 Johnson Rice & Co., LLC 850.231.0158 Neighborhood Title Company 850.231.5178 Post Office 850.231.2220 Trustmark ATM Located next to The Art of Simple and Sundog Books Seaside Commercial Properties 850.231.6106 The Seaside Institute 850.231.2421 Seaside Interfaith Chapel 850.502.6112 Seaside Neighborhood School 850.231.0396 Seaside Tennis 850.231.2214 Seaside Swim and Tennis Club 850.231.2284 Seaside Repertory Theatre 850.231.0733 Surgical Care Affiliates, LLC 205.545.2572 For your vacation planning and reservations in Seaside. Seaside Visitors Bureau www.seasidefl.com/vacation/rentals Rental service for beach chairs, umbrellas, kayaks and more. Cabana Man 850.231.5046 / www.cabanaman.com Licensed Real Estate Broker. Seaside Community Realty, Inc. Dedicated to the exclusive sales of Seaside properties since 1983. 850.231.2201 / www.seasidefl.com Wild Bill’s Beach Dogs Serving up the best hot dogs on the beach! We serve 5 different dogs that are bursting with flavor & they have no antiFor the list in its entirety, download the insert at biotics, hormones, nitrates, nitrites, filler www.VisitSouthWalton.com/contents/download/30445 or junk. They are dogs gone good! 850.231.0802 / www.sweetwilliamsltd.com Willow+Woods An exclusive boutique for both men & women designed to cater to all your fashion needs - fun & flirty for her, relaxed & casual for him. 850.231.0433 www.willowchicboutique.com Take us with you! You can download the latest map and list of places to shop and dine at theseasidetimes.com/SSTShopandDine.pdf Link to any of our advertisers. Visit us at www.theseasidetimes.com Page 16 March–April 2015 T h e S e a s i d eTi m e s . c o m CALENDAR March/April Calendar of Events 2015 March 13th Annual Seaside Half Marathon & 5K March 1 Whether you are a serious distance runner or a casual weekend warrior, come join us in America’s Classic Beach Town on Sunday at 7 a.m. for the Seaside Half Marathon and 5K Run. Stick around for a great postrace party following the completion of the Half Marathon. For more info, visit: www.snsrun.com. “First Friday” ArtWalk Friday, March 6, 5-8 p.m. Ruskin Place & Central Square Enjoy live music and view beautiful works of art and artist demos at the galleries and shops of Ruskin Place and select Central Square merchants. Seaside Farmers Market Saturdays, March 7, 14, 21, & 28, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. – Amphitheater Get your pick of fresh produce, baked goods, dairy products, native plants and other unique offerings during our market on Saturday mornings. Find local specialties that will help sustain our growers. Enjoy special cooking demos and activities sure to liven up your morning. Stories by the Sea Mondays-Fridays, March 9-27, 3:30 p.m. – Seaside Lyceum Archway Join the Seaside Repertory Theatre as we present a one-of-a-kind storytelling experience for children of all ages. Each day will offer a new story and there might even be opportunities for your participation. “The Commedia Robin Hood.” Mondays, March 9-30, 5 p.m. Amphitheater Seaside Repertory Theatre’s (REP) spring season revisits the commedia dell’arte style with “The Commedia Robin Hood.” The merry REP troupe, Columbine, Arlequin, Punchin and Rosetta tackle, tumble, trick and trip their way through the tale of Robin Hood with fantastic abandon. The commedia players are portrayed as poor travelers who have made all their props from objects they’ve found. Get ready for action-packed clowning with puppets, stilts, singing, patter verse and mock combat in this unforgettable adaptation. Theatre Camp Tuesdays, Thursday & Fridays, March 10-31, 1-3 p.m. The REP Theatre Students learn the basics of improv comedy, creating solid scene work, and fun characters. The students will also learn different types of improv games and formats while exploring their own creativity and how group trust and teamwork make for an --amazing and hilarious improv theatre. Camp sessions are from noon-1 p.m. for ages and 1-2 p.m. for ages 12 and up. For more information and to sign up visit LoveTheREP.com Central Square Cinema Friday, March 13, 20 & 27, 7:30 p.m. Grab your blankets for a family movie under the stars. Enjoy a great variety of films during this yearlong series. Rachael Sage - Live@TheREP Thursday, March 26 - 7:30 p.m. Seaside Meeting Hall Theatre 216 Quincy Ave. Tickets: $25 A soulful vocalist and innovative multi-instrumentalist, singer/ songwriter and producer Rachael Sage has become one of the busiest touring artists in independent music, performing 100+ dates a year with her band The Sequins throughout the U.S., U.K., Europe and Asia. She has earned a loyal following for her dynamic piano playing, delicate guitar work, soulful vocals, and improvisational audience interaction. April Stories by the Sea Mondays-Fridays, April 1-10, 3:30 p.m. – Seaside Lyceum Archway Join the Seaside Repertory Theatre as we present a one-ofa-kind storytelling experience for children of all ages. Each day will offer a new story and there might even be opportunities for your participation. Callaghan - Live@TheREP Thursday, April 2 - 7:30 p.m. Seaside Meeting Hall Theatre 216 Quincy Ave. Tickets: $25 Join us to celebrate the release of Callaghan’s new studio album “A History of Now.” Callaghan plays piano and guitar and delivers a stunning vocal, which earns frequent comparisons with artists like Sarah McLachlan and Emmy Lou Harris. Her songwriting chronicles the stories, experiences and emotions that are part of everyone’s lives. featuring over 12,000 eggs in the Amphitheater all for the little ones to enjoy. Duck Olympics Sunday, April 5, noon-3 p.m. Lyceum Support the Special Olympics Florida — Walton County at the Duck Olympics, where an 80-footTheatre Camp long lazy river will transform the Tuesdays, Thursday & Fridays, Lyceum Lawn into a duck pond April 2-10, 1-3 p.m – The REP and act as the centerpiece of the Theatre fundraising event. A 4-mph current Students learn the basics of improv will propel 5,000 yellow rubber comedy, creating solid scene work, ducks around the pool in multiple and fun characters. The students races for prizes throughout the will also learn different types of afternoon. Singer Reid Soria of improv games and formats while Autism Sings will also perform at exploring their own creativity and the event. The event free to attend. how group trust and teamwork People interested in volunteering make for an --amazing and hilarious at the event, providing sponsorship improv theatre. Camp sessions are or prizes can contact Mike from noon-1 p.m. for ages and 1-2 Schumacher at mikeschumacher@ p.m. for ages 12 and up. For more specialolympicswalton.org. Ducks information and to sign up visit adoptions are available for $5 online LoveTheREP.com at www.duckolympics.com. A duck adoption will enter your duck into Central Square Cinema the race for prizes at the event. Fridays, April 3 & 10, 7:30 p.m. People will not need to be present Seaside Amphitheater to win. Grab your blankets for a family classic movie under the stars. Enjoy “The Commedia Robin Hood.” a great variety Mondays, April 6 & 13, 5 p.m. of films during Amphitheater this yearlong Seaside Repertory Theatre’s (The series. REP) spring season revisits the commedia dell’arte style with “The “First Friday” ArtWalk Commedia Robin Hood.” The Friday, April 3, 5-8 p.m. merry REP troupe, Columbine, Ruskin Place & Central Square Arlequin, Punchin and Rosetta Enjoy live music and view beautiful tackle, tumble, trick and trip their works of art and artist demos at way through the tale of Robin the galleries and shops of Ruskin Hood with fantastic abandon. The Place and select Central Square commedia players are portrayed merchants. as poor travelers who have made all their props from objects they’ve Seaside Farmers Market found. Get ready for actionSaturdays, April 4, 11, 18, & 25, 9 packed clowning with puppets, a.m.-1 p.m. – Amphitheater stilts, singing, patter verse and Get your pick of fresh mock combat in this unforgettable produce, baked goods, adaptation. dairy products, native plants and other DATES, TIMES, & EVENTS ARE unique offerings SUBJECT TO CHANGE during our market on Saturday mornings. WITHOUT NOTICE. Find local specialties that will help Please refer to SeasideFL.com or sustain our growers. Enjoy special facebook.com/SeasideFlorida cooking demos and activities sure to for event details. liven up your morning. Events are made possible Seaside’s Easter Celebration by the A&E fee collected by Sunday, April 5, noon-2 p.m. members of the Seaside Arts Seaside & Entertainment Corporation. Join Seaside for this annual Easter Events are free & held in the Egg-stravaganza including a visit Seaside Amphitheater unless from the Easter Bunny, live music otherwise noted. from 30A Radio and an egg hunt March–April 2015 Page 17 T h e S e a s i d eTi m e s . c o m Getting Their Feet Wet COMMUNITY Special Olympics Florida: Walton County holds Duck Race fundraiser on Easter Sunday in By Katie Tammen Two years ago, a handful of people decided to revitalize Special Olympics in Walton County. Easter Sunday, they’re inviting the community to see how far they’ve come during the Inaugural Duck Olympics. “It’s going to be a really great family event,” said Mike Schumacher, one of the parents who led the effort to restart the program in the spring of 2013. An 80-foot-long lazy river will transform the Lyceum Lawn into a Duck Pond and act as the centerpiece of the fundraising event. A 4-mph current will propel 5,000 yellow rubber ducks around the pool in multiple races for prizes throughout the afternoon. Singer Reid Soria of Autism Sings will also perform at the event. “We are honored to partner with our merchants and Special Olympics Florida — Walton County in this inaugural event that will help raise funds to improve the quality of life for members of our community and their families,” said Lori Leath Smith, director of public relations and marketing for Seaside Community Development Corp. The April 5 event is the largest fundraiser the Walton County Duck Olympics benefits the Special Olympics team in Walton County, which has nearly 60 athletes competing in six sports. Photo courtesy Mike Schumacher program has tackled. The presenting sponsor, Duckies Shop of Fun, and South Walton businesses such as YOLO Board, The Donut Hole, The Beach Group, Modica Market, Davis Properties of Northwest Florida, SOFITCO, Emerald Coast Title Services, Trustmark Bank and more have already stepped up with time and money to help the organization. YOLO Board donated a paddleboard as one of the prizes at the Duck Olympics and Duckies purchased the lazy river pool. “To me, just doing whatever we could for Special Olympics was a nobrainer,” said Bryan Pritchett, owner of Duckies. “Making an investment in that pool meant that they could raise money for years.” Walton County Director Damien McNeil said they’re hopeful this event will draw people to the program. “We have an ambitious plan to double the number of athletes participating and sports offered by the end of next year,” he said. Currently 59 athletes ages 8 and up are participating in six sports including the popular paddle board program. Some of those athletes will participate in a demonstration during the event. YOLO Board co-owner Mitzi Archer said it’s a natural fit to work with Special Olympics. “They just took to it so quickly and so easily,” she said. For the athletes, any of the sports are life-changing, according to Nancy Simpler who has been involved with the program for about six years. “It teaches them sportsmanship; it teaches them what their abilities are,” Simpler said. “To see the advancement they make with these (sports), it changes your life.” The event will kick off at noon on April 5 and continue until 3 p.m. It’s free to attend. People interested in volunteering at the event, providing sponsorship or prizes can contact Mike Schumacher at [email protected]. Ducks adoptions are available for $5 online at www.duckolympics.com. A duck adoption will enter your duck into the race for prizes at the event. People will not need to be present to win. c Page 18 March–April 2015 INSTITUTE T h e S e a s i d eTi m e s . c o m Homeowner Beverly Walters to Serve as Chair of the Board Institute of the By Diane Dorney Long-time Seaside homeowner Dr. Beverly C. Walters was named Chair of the Board of Governors for the Seaside Institute at its annual meeting, which was held on February 20, 2015. As Chair, Walters will preside over the meetings of the Board and shall be the chief executive officer of the non-profit organization, which is dedicated to fostering education, cultural activities and the arts within Seaside and the surrounding area. She will also have general control and management of the business and affairs of the Institute. “Beverly has brought tremendous enthusiasm and benefit to the Institute and, in addition to being a Seaside and WaterColor homeowner and long-time supporter of the Institute, I believe she will do a wonderful job at the helm of the Board,” said outgoing Chair, Frank Starkey. Starkey served as the Board’s chair for the past five years. Walters, who has had a career as a neurosurgeon and clinical epidemiologist, has retired from fulltime clinical practice to pursue her interest in applied evidence-based medicine. She brings a wealth of leadership experience to her new role as she has served as co-chair of numerous practice guideline writing groups and was Chairperson of the Guidelines and Outcomes Below are her responses to a few questions regarding her new position on the Seaside Institute Board of Governors. What strategic goals would you like to see for the Institute? Dr. Beverly C. Walters Committee of the Joint Congress of Neurological Surgeons/American Association of Neurological Surgeons for over 10 years. She also served on the Congress of Neurological Surgeons Executive Committee and on the Board of Governors of the American College of Surgeons. Dr. Walters has had a lifelong interest in planning, architecture and design. She was an assistant properties manager of a large real estate development company and learned interior design in the architectural practice of Toombs, Amisano, and Wells in Atlanta. Following her retirement from Neurosurgical practice Walters studied interior design at the Rhode Island School of Design, graduating in 2007. BW: I would like to see the institute regain its proper place in the life of Seaside and its citizens, as a purveyor of continuing education in townbuilding, New Urbanism, and evolving understanding of Aging in Place. The Academic programs of the Institute are extremely important in the life of the town, as well as the “keeper of the faith” for the basic tenets of community building, as exemplified by the town of Seaside. What role do you think the Seaside Institute plays in Seaside and would you like to see that change or continue along the same lines? BW: In addition to the goals stated above, I would like to see the Seaside Institute develop further relationships with academia and other stakeholders in the realm of small town development and exploration of community structure. How do you see the Academic Village playing a role in the Institute goals? BW: The Academic Village is one of the most important civic estab- lishments at Seaside. In the field of education of all kinds, it stands as a crucible for advanced thought in town planning and community development and the exploration of how these ideas fit into an everevolving world of technology and globalization. Its educational mission is paramount, for learning and learners of all kinds and at every stage of personal development. In addition, the Academic Village has a potential opportunity to evolve into a center for artistic pursuits in addition to design, architecture and town planning. c March–April 2015 Page 19 T h e S e a s i d eTi m e s . c o m Bob Gibbs, Daryl Davis Lead Retail Workshop in By Diane Dorney In mid-January, a group of 30 developers, planners and municipal officials gathered in Seaside to attend the Seaside Institute’s first in a series of retail workshops. Held in Seaside’s Assembly Hall, this workshop was led by new urban retail experts Bob Gibbs, Daryl Davis and Terry Shook. Participants were guided through the basic principals of retail planning, case studies in existing town centers and a tour of the most successful new urban town center in the country: Seaside. For some boots-on-the-ground experience, Charlie Modica, owner of Seaside’s Modica Market, shared his family’s personal experience in INSTITUTE getting the market up and running when the town consisted of just a few houses and had yet to make its impact in the region. Gibbs and Shook are retail planning consultants for new urban developers who want to incorporate the crucial component of a town center into their projects and to municipal officials who may be seeking ways to reinvigorate a downtown. Davis led the development of Seaside’s town center and continues to manage its’ tenants as it evolves. The Seaside town center is a success story that others seek to emulate as they attempt to find the appropriate retail, office and housing that will make for the long-term viability of a town. c Seaside town founder Daryl Davis leads Seaside Institute retail workshop participants on a tour of the town center she helped to create and continues to manage. Photos by Diane Dorney The ICAA Holds Its Annual Retreat in By Diane Dorney In early February, the Institute for Classical Architecture and Art held its board of directors’ retreat in Seaside. This annual meeting offers the directors of this nonprofit organization dedicated time to discuss long-term goals for the ICAA, which is dedicated to advancing the classical tradition in architecture, urbanism and their allied arts. This is accomplished through education, publication and advocacy. Two prominent Seaside homeowners currently serve as directors of the ICAA: Robert Davis, the founder of Seaside, and David Dowler, a long-time Seaside homeowner who, with his wife, Marsha, has been involved in Seaside civic life for several decades. Between two business meetings, the directors were given a walking tour of Seaside. Several visitors stayed in the Seaside Academic Village and others found guest housing in various Seaside cottages. The ICAA, which is the result of a 2002 merger of Classical America and the Institute of Classical Architecture, is based in New York City and is represented by 16 chapters nationwide. It is a valued educational resource for students of art, planning and architecture, design professionals and the general public. It publishes an academic journal called “The Classicist” and acts as a curriculum partner with accredited schools of architecture, such as the University of Colorado Denver. For more information about the ICAA, visit www.classicist.org. An excerpt of the letter from ICAA President Peter W. Lynden is below: Dear Daryl and Robert, I cannot thank you enough for the extraordinary hospitality you and the entire Seaside family showed us this weekend. The ICAA board was thrilled to see the amazing community you have built in Seaside, and it served as the perfect backdrop to bring us all together to discuss the future of the ICAA and of the field of classical architecture and the allied arts. With warmest regards, Peter W. Lyden President INSTITUTE SPRING ART PROGRAMS Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain March 27 - 31, 2015 Thousands of students have taken this course with Brian Bomeisler, which is based on the work of Dr. Betty Edwards. Bomeisler continues to have tremendous success in teaching people to draw and paint, as well as helping to build their levels of artistic confidence and creativity. By the end of this 5-day workshop, you will see a remarkable change in your drawing skills. Plein Air Oil Painting with Kathie Odom May 25 - 29, 2015 For intermediate and advanced painters. Sign up for this session and receive lessons from a master in Plein Air oil painting. Kathie has won numerous awards for her work but loves sharing what she has learned with others in a collaborative environment. Architectural Photography Workshop May 30 - June 3, 2015 Steven Brooke returns to Seaside for a second five-day workshop. He will cover the photography of individual buildings streetscapes, landscapes, interiors and night photography and include instruction in photographic techniques, composition and post-production. All levels are encouraged to participate. Limited housing is provided in the Academic Village for our educational programs. Visit seasideinstitute.org/accommodations for more information. For more information about each program and to register online, please visit www.seasideinstitute.org or contact Diane Dorney at [email protected]. November–December Page 20 2014 March–April Page 2015 20 TENNIS T h e S e a s i d eTi m e s . c o m What’s Your Style By Tracy Townsend I want to talk to you about style. And I don’t mean clothes. Do you know what style of tennis you play? My Wilson rep recently showed me the company’s new Tracy Townsend, racket technolSeaside Tennis manager ogy customized for the three styles of play: the baseliner, the attacker and the net player. Baseliners are people who never come to the net unless they have to. They are fast on their feet and hover just behind the baseline for every shot. They are consistent, patient and in good shape. They don’t take a lot of chances. They wait for their opponents to make the mistakes, and they make few mistakes themselves. Baseliners hit the ball deep in the court, and they have the ability to stay on the court as long as it takes to wear you out. Attackers look to take advantage of short balls or mistakes. They drive the ball into a corner and follow it in. They take more risks on short balls and hit more aggressively more often. Balls that float toward them will be taken out of the air with an offensive volley that they follow in to the Spring Pro Shop Hours starting March 2: Monday-Thursday 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Friday-Sunday 9 a.m.-1 p.m. net. The attacker likes overheads and typically puts them away. Net players live at the net. They have good volleys and good overheads. They are quick, and they plan ways to get to the net whenever they are at the baseline. They can chip and charge, or they can slice the ball and move forward. A net player is always looking for a way to take the ball out of the air. They serve and volley, always follow a lob to the net, and have effective approach shots. Most of the pros you see on tour stay back on the baseline. Very few true serve-and-volley players are left. Even the attackers have to be picky about what shots they come in behind. You have to recognize what style tennis you play in order to improve. I love to beat players by making them do something they are uncomfortable doing or are unable to do. If you don’t know what kind of player you are, come see me. And if you do know what kind of player you are, come see me. We have some work to do either way. See you on the courts! c Tracy Townsend is a resort Tennis expert and his company, 30A Tennis, manages Seaside Tennis on behalf of the Seaside Community Development Corp. You can reach him at tennis@ seasidefl.com or call (850) 231-2214. For news events and court conditions, find Seaside Tennis on Facebook. Courts are open for play daily 8 a.m.-10 p.m.; please call to reserve. Eye-Opener Clinic: Monday-Thursday 8-9 a.m. Round Robin: Friday-Sunday 9-10:30 a.m. March–April Page 21 2015 November–December Page 2014 21 T h e S e a s i d eTi m e s . c o m ABOUT TOWN 30A Songwriters Festival 2015 More than 4,000 fans showed up to see Jason Isbell and Leon Russell. Graham Nash, who told the audience the story behind the song “Our House,” followed a standing ovation performance by The Indigo Girls. The weather was the arguably the best surprise performer of the weekend. Most agreed 2015 Songwriters Festival was the best yet. Photos by Evan Carter Photography Page 22 March–April 2015 T h e S e a s i d eTi m e s . c o m VIEWPOINT Ecology and Economy Caring for the coastal dune lakes is our responsibility By Jacquee Markel Photos by Nic Stoltzfus My first cruise down 30A was 25 years ago. Windows were down, classic rock was playing and this Jersey girl couldn’t believe her eyes. Not only were the beaches pristine and the dunes breathtaking, they were deserted. There was something else distinctly different about this quaint beach road. There were lakes, lots of them. Each one unique. Each one a gem. I came to learn that these 15 lakes were different than any lake I had known. They were called coastal dune lakes that broke open to the gulf from time to time, merging salt and fresh water along with their inhabitants. My fascination grew as we built a home on Oyster Lake, and the lakes became part of me. I was in love. So how do we honor these unique water bodies? How do we coexist without destroying them? I spend a lot of time thinking about that, especially as the next wave of development can be seen everywhere. Walton County is part of one of the fastest growing regions in the country. The county has long considered the lakes treasures and is trying to develop measures that allow for limited development while protecting the lakes. In December of 2014, Walton County’s planning department introduced an ordinance to relax the regulations that protect our coastal dune lakes by increasing the amount of land that can be cleared of natural vegetation to build. The natural vegetative community that exists around our lakes and watershed perform several valuable functions including filtering contaminants before they enter the lake and absorbing storm water runoff. Lawns and landscaping will never provide the same efficiencies of function. Clearing invites invasive species and increases the severity of storm water runoff, creating a direct pathway for fertilizers from our lawns and other contaminants to flow into the lake. The effects can be seen as invasive species and algae, which are symptoms of an unhealthy lake. After public outcry, the ordinance was tabled to allow for more input. So the question is, who should get more consideration, the natural resource or the landowner? Florida’s Natural Areas Inventory has given our coastal dune lakes a ranking that classifies them as globally rare and critically imperiled. On March 26, 2014, the Florida State Legislature passed Senate Resolution 1696 “recognizing the vital importance of Walton County’s coastal dune lakes to the ecological and economic health of this state.” So what should we do? Do we err on the side of caution or throw caution to the wind? Is bigger better and better for whom? Living on a lake is a privilege. Along with the privilege comes the responsibility of stewardship. Perhaps living with that stewardship isn’t for everyone. The lakes have only our regulations and understanding of those who live near their shores to protect them. Instead of Walton County changing its current regulations to accommodate a particular vision for a bigger house, a pool, a guest house or more parking, shouldn’t we give a voice to the voiceless and show them the respect they deserve? How we assess value is subjective. In the long run, by degrading the coastal dune lakes for the sake of a larger homestead, we will eventually devalue both and Walton County taxpayers will be left to pick up the tab. c March–April 2015 Page 23 T h e S e a s i d eTi m e s . c o m NEIGHBORHOOD SCHOOL Dedication, Innovation and Inspiraton The Foundation of the By Laura Holloway It has been said that the true value of a community is a reflection of its education system. The future leaders of tomorrow find their beginnings in classrooms around the country, and in Seaside, the chances for greatness are heightened by the existence of the Seaside Neighborhood School. In 1993, Dr. Rosemary Williams, a homeowner in Seaside since 1988, bumped into Seaside founder, Robert Davis, who mentioned that a small group was meeting regularly to discuss South Walton’s school system. He recommended that she, an educator, attend, and she soon found herself immersed in a group of individuals who were trying to improve K-12 education in the area. After several meetings over many months, it became apparent to Rosemary that the educational void in the area could only be filled with the foundation of a new school. At the time, there were no charter schools in Florida, but when Rosemary and Robert began discussing the possibility of a school in Seaside, they discovered that a group of senators in Tallahassee were working on the Charter School Bill. After a few trips to Tallahassee to meet with the senators and their legislative analysts, the two felt they had enough information to push the idea of the school forward. The Charter Bill was passed in 1996, and everything went into fast forward. With a six-week window closing rap- Neighborhood School The Seaside Neighborhood School, which began in 1996 with 36 students, is consistently ranked in the top 10 among all middle schools in Florida. Photo courtesy Seaside Neighborhood School idly, it was what Rosemary calls “a race to the finish.” The public schools in the area were starting the year on August 13, and the team scrambled to draw up appropriate documents and plans to open on time. Tracey Bailey, who had been appointed Charter School Director, helped Rosemary define the proposal for presentation to the board, which was approved by the Walton County School District. This triggered a request for a contract, and Beth Folta and Linda Dwyer, who were working with Seaside Community Development, joined the team to lend their expertise in development and financial planning. The board approved the contract the night before the day legally required to open the school, and again, planning went into fast motion. Rosemary laughs telling it, and said, “When we came out of the meeting where they approved the contract, the teachers were signing their teacher contracts on the hood of a car in the parking lot of the Walton County School District Administration Office!” The board knew they had teachers, but they still, even at this point, did not know whether they had students. Many families were waiting to see whether the organization would open as a private or public school. But the next day, the school welcomed in its first 36 students, along with two faculty members and one administrator, proudly existing as one of the first charter schools in the state of Florida. The school’s first classrooms were located in two modular units, and the enthusiasm and dedication behind the project prompted Robert Davis to donate the land for the first building. Soon after, the location fees from the locally filmed movie “The Truman Show” were donated by the homeowners of Seaside to fund the construction of the building. The passion behind the project was extraordinary, and the founders are fortunate to have moments of true appreciation for their dedication, to see the good that they have helped bring to the area. Rosemary recalls one moment: “Before the school was even under way, I had a complete picture of the school in my head. I had a vision of the Lyceum being filled with students, playing soccer. And I remember during that first year, I was walking past the Lyceum and it was as though my dream was transferred to the school. All of the kids were outside playing soccer. It was amazing.” The Seaside Neighborhood School would have never been possible without the complete support of the community, particularly Robert and Daryl Davis, and the board members, who continue to selflessly push the school towards greatness. The parents of those very first 36 students were instrumental, with “so much time and energy donated — even supplies were donated.” The earliest teachers also “took the risk to come to a place that no one was sure would survive,” and the principles handled the continued evolution of the school with skill. Even the students, who Rosemary describes as “incredible,” were patient and attentive in the primitive early stages of the school, contributing to the success of the school. If a community is in fact a reflection of its school, Seaside, like the Seaside Neighborhood School, will continue to inspire and innovate, always remembering the perseverance and dedication that made it all possible. c Page 24 March–April 2015 T h e S e a s i d eTi m e s . c o m FITNESS Aging Gracefully The beginning of a journey toward health By Lori Leath Smith Director of Public Relations and Marketing Seaside Community Development Corp. Believe Studio Personal Trainer: “You’ll be working out with me in the studio two days a week; but I expect you to do your homework.” Lori: “What? Homework?” Believe Studio Personal Trainer: “Yes, through the mobile app, you will have assigned homework that holds you accountable. No excuses.” Lori: “OK, If that’s what it’s going to take, then I’ll do it.” Believe Studio Personal Trainer: “Lori, I like your motivation.” When I was in my 20s, I worked out and even taught fitness classes, watched what I ate and stayed in shape. However, I remember thinking: “If I’m working this hard to stay at a healthy weight now, what will it take to maintain that same level of health when I am older?” Now I am finding out. The other day, I looked closely in the mirror; what I saw staring back was, well, not quite what I wanted. I still expect to see the woman I was in my 20s, but there’s a 50-something woman staring back at me. Couple growing more mature with the life events that occur when you least expect it, and you find yourself wondering how you got to where you are, or in my case, the weight I am at, while you are taking care of other business. Somehow I didn’t realize it until it had already happened. I’ve raised three children and am enjoying a successful, but sometimes stressful, career and, believe me, have incurred my share of traumatic life events. As I have let things go a bit, the most difficult hurdle has been admitting that I need to do something about my not-so-healthy lifestyle and just plain getting started. Though the path can be filled with ups and downs, victories and setbacks, I believe it’s worth pursuing aging gracefully — at any age. We all can get back on track if we put our minds to it. To begin with, I have taken it upon myself to obtain the best information from experts on nutrition, fitness and healthy living and other ways of feeling good and looking good, so that I will be able to stare at that person in the mirror with a renewed sense of pride and confidence. And while it is natural instinct to want to keep this all to myself, I believe better success will come from being transparent and inviting you to walk with me through the steps of my own weight loss and fitness journey. Besides, it might be too easy to quit if I’m the only one who knows about it. My job demands that sometimes I’m staffer’s thrust in front of a TV camera, am called out to speak to large groups, or simply representing Seaside, day in and day out, in the best light possible. So, why not make this process public as well? I hope you’ll join me, an everyday professional, in my journey and that this experience will help you in your own healthy living goals. I welcome your interaction and support along the way and am making myself accountable to Seaside Times readers. In fact, I’d love your feedback; perhaps you’re walking (or running) your own journey. You can email me at [email protected]. To get started: 1. I have begun a formal fitness and nutrition program with Believe Studio in Seaside. Owner Eric Isham paired me with one of the studio’s expert personal trainers, Justin Brown. Justin is becoming a new best friend, offering support, accountability, and expertise. He says I am beginning to recharge my battery. I am working out with Justin in-person two days a week and am working out with him the other three days via a mobile app that provides instruction, a timer and the ability to log in my efforts each session. I love the ability to do these workouts early in the morning before work. And the best part — Justin tailors my workouts just for me. I am attending yoga, barre, and pilates classes to fill in. For me, this is a lifestyle change that includes time management, incorporating workouts into my everyday routine —which is the ultimate goal. (Oh, I’m also signed up to participate in the Seaside Neighborhood School 5K. I’ll let you know how that goes.) 2. I’m trying to take an honest look at what is going into my mouth, the types of foods and portion sizes, and making adjustments to my diet. From the time I was in high school, I’ve been aware of healthy foods and portion sizes. My kids even called me Mother Earth at one point. But, the truth is, it’s been a slow fade to not really thinking about it most of the time. And, because of time restraints, stress, and a very hectic schedule, I haven’t been as attuned to eating as healthy as I could. I am following a sensible eating plan, including nutritional supplements, with helpful guidelines: more fruits and vegetables, more fish and lean proteins, drinking a lot of water, etc. I’ll also have help from many Seaside restaurants and eateries that provide locally-grown, fresh and organic produce as part of their menus. (P.S. No more coffee creamer.) Current Dress Size: 14 Height: 5’ 6 ½” Weight Loss Goal: 40 lbs. Photo by Kurt Lischka for SoWal.com 3. I’m looking forward to support from Seaside Times readers, friends and family to help me through. This is a long-term lifestyle change. It takes some work to maintain a healthy lifestyle and I aim to achieve it. Justin says consistency is the key. Managing my time to fit it in is going to take some work. Years ago, I taught fitness classes. I used to tell my clients, “You make time to do what you really want to do.” With three children and all their activities, a full-time job and being a single mom, it became much more difficult. But it can be done. This journey is not only about losing weight and getting healthy, but also about respecting yourself and aging gracefully. Inspired by Seaside founders Robert and Daryl Davis whose continued vision for Seaside is a place for those to recharge and rejuvenate simply, this column will offer ways we can all work at aging gracefully — at any age. March–April 2015 Page 25 ENTERTAINMENT La Commedia dell’ T h e S e a s i d eTi m e s . c o m The Seaside Repertory Theatre’s spring season brings tumbles, tricks and trips By Rebecca A. Huber Did you know that our modern sense of humor has been heavily influenced by 16th century Italian theatre? Commedia dell’arte is a form of improvisational theater performed by a traveling comedic troupe of professional actors that performed in the streets and occasionally at court venues until they wore out their welcome. While their style was improvisational, the troupes perfected their lazzi, a memorized joke or antic they used as a staple in the performances. These jokes became a trademark for the actors or troupes, and many of the lazzi have been passed down from generation to generation. Most of us are familiar with television’s The Simpsons, whose characters are based off the commedia dell’arte stock characters. Homer Simpson is Zanni, the lowly adult with the mentality of a child. Lisa and Marge are both the Columbina character, the beautiful and wise female who solves all the problems. Bart is the perfect Arlechinno, the loveable prankster. These character types are still considered standards for the entertainment industry. Seaside Repertory Theatre’s (REP) spring season revisits the commedia dell’arte style with “The Commedia Robin Hood.” The merry Hang 10 Surf School opens again for spring and summer By Wendy O. Dixon Seaside REP’s improvisational theater performances are fun for the whole family. Photo courtesy Seaside REP REP troupe, Columbine, Arlequin, Punchin and Rosetta tackle, tumble, trick and trip their way through the tale of Robin Hood with fantastic abandon. The commedia players are portrayed as poor travelers who have made all their props from objects they’ve found. Get ready for action-packed clowning with puppets, stilts, singing, patter verse and mock combat in this unforgettable adaptation. You can catch a performance of “The Commedia Robin Hood” on Mondays, March 9 through April 13, at 5 p.m., at the Seaside Amphitheater. For more information about this performance and The REP’s Spring Break Theater Camp, visit LoveTheREP.com. c ACTIVITIES Austin Magee has been surfing more than half his life. And through his travels abroad he has connected with a world wide surfing community. He’s surfed in various weather conditions and many coastlines, including the reefs of Indonesia, Bali, and most recently, Ecuador, where he brings clothing and toiletry items to families in need. “Doing missions work there is part of it,” Austin Magee says. “It’s a simple thing to do, pick up some things at Walmart to bring items not easy to get in those places.” After setting up a surf school in Seaside in 2014, returning clients are already booking surf sessions for spring. The water can still be cold during the early spring months, Magee warns, so he has wet suits available. Appointments are recommended so he can ensure the proper size suit for each student. Magee says anyone can get pick up surfing, and he loves offering lessons for anyone wanting to “hang 10.” “This deep seeded connection gets rejuvenated every time I teach someone how to ride a wave,” he says. “It doesn’t matter whether you are six or 76. The thrill that pours over you when you feel the energy beneath your feet is unlike anything else.” Who can sign up: Ages 5 and older, must be able to swim Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily For more information, including pricing, contact: (850) 217-4042; [email protected]; Facebook.com/Austin Magee’s Surf School at Seaside, Florida c Surf instructor Austin Magee’s surf school is reopened for the spring and summer in Seaside. Photo by Haley Aull Page 26 March–April 2015 FARMERS MARKET T h e S e a s i d eTi m e s . c o m The Seasonings of Life The Cranky Yankee adds spice to Farmers Market By Wendy O. Dixon Master Gardner and naturalist John Kratt loves gardening. And after 50 years of growing and 30 years canning, he’s figured out how to produce wholesome, tasty, chemical-free produce and spices for shoppers at the Seaside Farmers Market each Saturday morning. On his farm in Freeport, Fla., Kratt, known as the Cranky Yankee as a nod to his Pittsburg, Pa., roots, uses only organic materials, producing vegetables, herbs, spices and sea salts. During the spring, Kratt plants tomatoes and peppers. “Mostly hot and some sweet,” he says. “And specialty items others are not growing — squash, eggplants, Persian cucumbers and potatoes.” His gourmet herbs include bay leaves from Turkey, and organic ground Saigon cinna- mon from Vietnam, as well as oregano and thyme, which he buys from importers. “At the farmers market, I sell starter plants in March and April — basil, tomato, pepper, eggplant and other veggie and herb plants.” The Cranky Yankee’s specialty sea salts, rich in healthful minerals found in the ocean water, are pure and flavorful. The Himalayan pink has a delicate pink color, and makes a dramatic finishing salt. The Pacific Blue, a kosher flake sea salt coats food with a clean, bright saltiness. The pyramidshaped crystals of this salt make it ide- John Kratt, better known as the Cranky Yankee, al for cooking, seasoning, and for use and wife Ellie Kratt as an accent for refreshments that call for a salt-rimmed glass. Not iodized, a premium Hawaiian natural sea salt, it is quite possible the best tasting sea has a deep black color, and is course salt, complete unrefined, the natural but brittle with a crunch texture. And minerals add subtle nuances of flavor. the Tamise French Grey is made of It is evaporated Pacific ocean water a course crystal, making it a perfect finishing touch to a meal with deliwith no additives. The exotic sounding black lava salt, cious flavor and texture. “Our own Creole seasoning blend, The Bayou Blast, is perfect for blackened fish,” he says. “The Ragin Cajun, also called magic dust, is great with seafood, chicken and pork.” Infused salt flavors include chipotle, rosemary, habanero, garlic dill and apple wood smoked. “I’m a real stickler for what ingredients I use,” he says. “I think people should eat real foods, unadulterated, and know what a real fresh vegetable should taste like, it’s the best I can find, freshly picked that morning. That’s why I enjoy the farmers market.” c White Bean and Collard Greens Soup Collard green soup is a wonderful way to prepare these nutrition-rich greens. Great Northern beans, chopped yellow onion, white wine, garlic, and our 15-spice blend, and thyme give this soup incredible flavor. For a weeknight supper, serve with slices of crusty bread spread with goat cheese. Yield: 4 servings (serving size: 1 1/4 cups) Ingredients 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 cup finely chopped yellow onion or sweet onion 2 diced carrots 3 garlic cloves, minced 1/2 cup pinot grigio or other light white wine 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 1/4 teaspoon sea salt (or to taste) 6 cups finely shredded collard greens (about 10 ounces) 1 teaspoon of 15-spice blend 1 teaspoons thyme 2 (14-ounce) cans fat-free, lesssodium chicken or veggie broth 1 (15.5-ounce) can Great Northern beans, rinsed and drained Preparation Heat oil in a Dutch oven or large pot over medium-high heat. Add onion and garlic; sauté for 5 minutes or until onion is tender. Add wine, pepper, and salt. Reduce heat; simmer 5 minutes or until liquid almost evaporates. Add greens, carrot, thyme, spice blend and broth. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer 8 minutes or until greens are tender. Add beans; simmer 5 minutes or until thoroughly heated. March–April 2015 Page 27 T h e S e a s i d eTi m e s . c o m Pictured left to right: Carmel Modica, Carol Green, Cole Skipper, Jackie Stone, Jessica Grow and Ann Grelling Merchant Appreciation Awards Congratulations to the 2014 Merchant Appreciation Award winners Amavida Coffee & Tea Cabana Man Beach Services Great Southern Café It’s Heavenly La Vie Est Belle Meltdown Mercantile Modica Market Perspicasity Seaside Beach Taco Bar Crossword Puzzle seasidefl.com/highlights Across: 2. Freshly squeezed juice from the convenience of Airstream Row; Raw and ______________ 3. the northern-most roadway in Seaside 6. Seaside shop that caters to your peepers (two words) 7. local winery named after the owner’s hometown in Indiana 8. The feline counterpart of Bud and ________ 10. instrumental in starting the Seaside Neighborhood School _______________ Williams 12. Southern food staple, a favorite at Great Southern Cafe; Fried Green _________________ 15. ________ _________ Cinema movies under the stars in Seaside every Friday night (weatherpermitting) (two word) 16. colorful paint-your-own pottery studio in Seaside (two words; __________-Up 17. local radio station keeping you in tune with all things 30A (two words) Down: 1. Seaside’s neighbor to the West 2. ______ ________ ________dancers performance ballet group showcased in Seaside on May 2 (three words) 4. Airstream sushi favorite; the name means ‘wave’ in Vietnamese 5. something you wear at the beach (unless you want to burn!) 8. hotspot for quick bites on the way to the beach (two words) 9. storyteller theatre for all ages, presented by the Seaside Rep (four words) 11. cures spring fever (two words) 13. Seaside’s neighbor to the East 14. tentacle-ed sea creatures that leave a powerful string; look, but don’t touch 18. coffee anyone? try this local shop on 30A For answers, visit www.theseasidetimes.com/crossword4 seasidefl.com/vacation/rentals