Pensacola, FL May 2024

THE Women's ISSUE

HEALTH + WELLNESS

CELEBRATE YOUR ESSENCE: EXPLORING THE JOURNEY TOWARDS WELLNESS

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A letter for all the women out there

A letter to all women whom these stories reach.

First and foremost, May is here and I want to wish you all a Happy Mother's Day!

I want to take a moment to acknowledge the love, strength, resilience and creativity that each of you, my dear friends, women and mothers, show every day. I am delighted to recognize the impact you make in shaping the future with your wisdom and courage. You are the quiet heroes in our shared story.

I write this message with heartfelt thanks. Today, we celebrate You - with your early mornings, late nights, selfless love and the dreams you sometimes put on hold for others. We honor not only mothers by birth, but every woman who's a mother through her actions, creativity and care. You create a sisterhood that promises to elevate each other to greater heights.

Happy Mother's Day to each and every woman who has nurtured, educated, led and loved. You are the beacons guiding us, the fires warming us and the stars encouraging us to aim high. As you take in these words and the remarkable stories in this issue, know that you are valued more than words can express. May today highlight the incredible difference you make and bring you the recognition you truly deserve.

With deepest affection and admiration,

ADINA PRESTON, EDITORIAL COORDINATOR @PENSACOLACITYLIFESTYLE

May 2024

PUBLISHER

Suzanne Pope | suzanne.pope@citylifestyle.com

EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Adina Preston | adina.preston@citylifestyle.com

ACCOUNT MANAGER

Melanie Williams | melanie.williams@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Alex Boykin, Cindy V. Reeves, Karen Chisholm

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Adina Preston, Phillip Salzman

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson

TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Josh Klein

AD DESIGNER Matthew Endersbe

LAYOUT DESIGNER Antanette Ray

city scene

WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

1: The Sleeping Beauty presented by the Pensacolla Ballet. 2: We had the honor to attend a private rehearsal of the Sleeping Beauty, and meet Artistic Director, Stephano Candreva. 3: Behind the scenes with the Pensacola Ballet. 4: Pensacola Humane Society Fur Ball 2024 took place on March 16th at the Pensacola Yacht Club. 5: Pensacola Humane Society’s biggest fundraiser, the Fur Ball 2024 6: Pensacon 2024 at the Pensacola Bay Center spanning the genres of comics, anime, sci-fi, horror, gaming and fantasy. 7: Rowan Preston, 14, poses with Star Wars characters during Pensacon at the Pensacola Bay Center on Friday, Feb. 23rd.

Want to be seen in the magazine?

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The Wash Room Laundromat

The Wash Room on University is a full-service laundromat with new, high-tech, state-of-the-art Speed Queen washers and dryers in various sizes. We offer Self Service Laundry, Wash, Dry and Fold service, Pickup and Drop-off services for both residential and commercial laundry. At our University location, we have a Cafe with coffee, amazing food and a study area. Laundromat 6AM – 11PM; Last Load at 9:30PM; Cafe Hours 7AM – 9PM • 9401 University Blvd, Pensacola

Short Story Studios

Short Story Studios is a luxury portrait studio nestled in East Hill, Pensacola. Specializing in commercial, personal branding, family and boudoir photo sessions, with a nod to the owner's fine art background. The owner Toni Sparks feels that everyone deserves magazine-quality images and is determined to make sure you have a stress-free experience. Relaxed, calm and confident, this is exactly how you will feel in front of her camera.

Photography Provided

Photography Provided

Photography By Toni Sparks

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CELEBRATE W HOYOUAR E

A JOURNEY TOWARDS EMOTIONAL WELL-BEING AND SELF-ACCEPTANCE

ARTICLE BY KAREN CHISHOLM

BY ADINA PRESTON & PHILLIP SALZMAN

Photography by Adina Preston & Phillip Salzman; Hair & Makeup: Beauty Bar by Mojo Makeup; Models: Adina Preston, Tahne Atkinson

PHOTOGRAPHY

“Know that you are the hero of your story and you are worthy!”

I love plants, but they may not like us back. Sometimes I tell my husband that I'm a delicate flower, but really, I'm more like a pineapple: hard on the outside, a little spiky, but soft and silly on the inside.

Just like a plant or pineapple, I may not bloom like everyone else. It may take me several days before I sprout, and when I do, I may grow tall or short, or even grow out like watermelon vines. On the other hand, I may not grow at all, but that's Okay. I have to embrace who I am.

Life moves along and we all say it flies by; one day you wake up and you are 25  with children and then you’re 44 getting out of bed hearing the “Snap, Crackle and Pop” (trademark) commercial, loud and clear coming from your bones. At age 30, we start to lose muscle mass and continue to lose at 10% per decade. Another challenge we face is, as our hormones shift, we experience a decrease in Calcium retention which could develop into Osteoporosis. But wait… there’s more… as we get older we move into menopause. These diverse health

challenges and milestones we encounter through different stages of life affect our body, mind and emotions. And it’s tough!

The foundation of embracing our body should be based on where you want to go or be in your journey; you are the hero of your story. We live in a culture of comparison and it is a thief. In this age of social media, comparison has become all too easy and pervasive. Unfortunately, this tendency to compare ourselves to others can have a detrimental impact on our sense of joy, worthiness and identity. Shifting away from this mindset can be challenging, but it is an important step towards greater emotional well-being and self-acceptance.

I hear you and understand. It's true that women often take on many responsibilities and put others before themselves. Taking care of ourselves should be a priority. It is okay to say No and seek support when needed. When life throws us curveballs, it can be difficult to stay positive, but remember that you are not alone. Focus on things that bring you joy and take

Photo by Adina Preston; Model: Tahne Atkinson

small steps towards your goals. Setting boundaries, practicing self-care and seeking help will allow you to build a firm foundation and move forward.

You can become the hero of your story by taking small steps towards your goals and focusing on the things that bring you joy.

Here are some ways to stay positive throughout your journey:

Create 10 “I am” statements. These may look like “I am a healthy person.” "I am an amazing mom.” These are great reminders when you are feeling down or had a rough day. Always remember who you are.

Self-care is not just doing our nails or hair, and spending time at the spa. Self-care can be as simple as taking a walk or sitting in the quiet. Protect your mindset with mantras or affirmations. Find a phrase that speaks to your heart and makes you smile. Put it where you will see it every day.

Examine your Surroundings. Our surroundings can greatly influence our perception of ourselves. The people we spend time with, the information we expose ourselves to, and even the food we eat, can all impact our mental and emotional well-being. Therefore, it is important to pay attention to our environment and make intentional choices that promote a positive self-image and overall wellness. Identify people in your life who may sabotage your efforts and start setting boundaries around them. Then identify people that lift you up and cheer you on, and stay in the community with them.

“I love plants, but they may not like us back. Sometimes I tell my husband that I’m a delicate flower, but really, I’m more like a pineapple: hard on the outside, a little spiky, but soft and silly on the inside.”

Find a supportive community. Being a part of a supportive group is essential for personal growth and development. When we surround ourselves with like-minded individuals, we can share our experiences of both success and failure. This creates a safe and encouraging environment that enables us to learn from each other, grow together, and achieve our goals more effectively.

Creating a routine can be beneficial as well. Striving to become a better version of yourself by developing healthy, positive habits is important. These habits can include a structured eating plan, exercise, sleep and hydration. All four of these areas will assist in managing stress and emotions more effectively.

"To the single mom who cries herself to sleep, to the empty nester who thought she had it all figured out, to the married working mama who struggles to balance everything, and to the woman who is leaving the corporate world and trying to figure out who she is now, I see you. No matter where you are in your journey, even if you haven't started the journey, or don't realize that you're on a journey, know that you are the hero of your story, and you are worthy."

Photo by Adina Preston; Model: Tahne Atkinson

IMPACT 100

ARTICLE BY CINDY V. REEVES PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

The Pensacola Bay Area IMPACT 100 is like a winning sports team. There is passion to work collectively to achieve a goal, but it takes the generosity of each individual to achieve it. Kristin Longley served a two-year term as president. It was like being team captain: “I can’t move transformative

Women Transforming Pensacola

“If you have it in your heart to make a difference, IMPACT 100 is for you.”

change individually, but with my IMPACT sisters, I know I can contribute over a Million dollars to the community, and that is something that we can all be proud of each year.“

That sense of sisterhood drives IMPACT. Kristen stepped up to the podium at this year’s membership reveal celebration wearing a royal blue dress, the team color for IMPACT. Her sisters in the audience mirror her as a sea of blue.

Kristin reminded her “true blue” team that they have done their fair share of giving. Since its inception in 2003, the Pensacola chapter has awarded $16,284,000 in grants to area nonprofit organizations.

What is perhaps more amazing is this year, the local IMPACT has a record 1,208 women in

its membership. That makes Pensacola “the largest IMPACT 100 in the world!”, Kristen exclaims. The achievement results from countless hours of hard work and dedication by an all-volunteer board.

In March, in recognition of her accomplishments, the Junior League of Pensacola named Longley, Philanthropist of the Year. She has worked with IMPACT 100 in various roles since joining in 2012. She juggles a family and career along with her volunteer work. “I have served Cox Communications as both, a Regional Marketing Director and in my current role, as East Region Public Affairs Director.” Still, she makes time to give. “I believe that to whom much is given, much is expected. I am very blessed by a wonderful family and a dynamic career, and honestly

believe that it is critically important for each of us to make the biggest difference that we can while we are here on earth.”

Susan Bonsignore, a ninth-generation Pensacolian, has served on the board for the last four years, most recently as membership chair. She explained, “One hundred percent of membership goes to grants.” Each woman who joins IMPACT pays a yearly fee of one thousand dollars. She added, “It is One woman. One vote. One thousand dollars,” so 200 new members mean 12 non-profits will each receive $100,670 dollars in grants in the Pensacola year.

The concept of collective giving is not new, but twenty years ago, a local woman brought that idea to Pensacola. Debbie Ritchie was in the carpool line when she read a magazine article published in January 2003 about women in Cincinnati who had each given $1,000 to provide grants to a non-profit in their community. She approached a small group of women gathered that year at a Super Bowl Party in Pensacola and ignited the idea. “Collective and high-impact giving is exciting, but we valued and wanted more. We also liked the idea of empowering women to be more educated and involved in their philanthropic giving. Debbie hoped “to find at least 100 women to give,” but that first year her friends recruited 500.

“Life is life as echo, what you give comes back to you, so give goodness.”

Belle Bear was one of those original members. She remains Board Member Emeritus and Debbie, President Emeritus. “It makes a difference in your life when you give that thousand dollars. It’s like giving a million. She marvels at the impact. “We call it the impact of IMPACT.”  She shares a story about a non-profit that was not selected as a grant recipient, but by the end of the day, they got what was needed. “My husband and the Bear family foundation, we gave the money.” Giving, she says, is infectious.

Debbie thrives on those examples of selflessness. “The impact of IMPACT still amazes and inspires me all these years later. This community has a lot of heart, and some giving and committed women at the center of it.” Susan agrees, “If you have it in your heart to make a difference, IMPACT 100 is for you.”

Kristen believes a quote by an anonymous author sums up what the women of IMPACT do:

“Life is life as echo,” she reads, “What you give comes back to you, so give goodness.”

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Heart for Giving:

ARTICLE BY CINDY V. REEVES

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ADINA PRESTON

Golden angel wings in a large frame greet visitors as they enter Jan Miller’s home. “Someone gave them to me because they said I was an angel,” Jan explains. Many in the Pensacola area agree she is a divine treasure.

Her palatial home is just over the Florida line, in Lillian, Alabama. It is filled with artwork and photos that document her years of philanthropy, and her heart for giving and volunteering, but it is a tiny basket that she chooses to display. One of her hobbies is knitting. She knitted a soft pink baby’s blanket and a delicate infant's sweater for a local non-profit's Spring event. She added a children's book about unicorns. It is fitting because, like an unicorn, she

is unique. “The value is $150 dollars,” Jan remarks. She admits that the gift is in the lower range of her typical donation. The high-end is a three million dollar donation to Pensacola State College in 2018. The funds will be used to build a new building near the student center.

Jan believes generosity is ingrained in her: “It came from my parents who taught an at early age that it's important to give back when you have blessings.” She adds, “It's important to give back to the community in which you live.”

Jan followed her husband Ron to Pensacola in 1996. Originally from Louisville, Kentucky, she moved from Washington D.C. after retiring from the banking industry. She had worked for several Fortune 500 companies. Jan quickly became a leader in the Pensacola community. She’s lost count of the number of boards she has served on and how many organizations she has donated her time to.

The Pensacola Women’s Alliance names a few in her bio including WSRE-TV Foundation Board & Chair, Sacred Heart Women’s & Children’s Hospital, West Florida Hospital, Take Stock in Children, Saenger Redevelopment Committee, Covenant Hospice Foundation, Pensacola State College Foundation, Pensacola Opera, Pensacola Women’s Alliance Board & President, and the Greater Pensacola Chamber of Commerce HR Roundtable. Jan adds she is also a founding member of the Pensacola Bay Area IMPACT 100, and in the past two years has been named “Philanthropist of the year” by polls of her peers in two local magazines. She was

“It’s important to give back to the community in which you live.”

humbled to get a standing ovation. “My husband says he’s really proud of me!”

Getting accolades comes as a surprise to Jan because she is just doing what she loves. Her eyes brighten when she describes the place where her heart is, the Pensacola Opera. “My mother just loved Opera. I was listening to it before I was speaking.” Signed posters line the hallway in her house as a reminder of her years as board president which was 1999 through 2006. Jan was elected as Emeritus Trustee in 2009. She feels her biggest contribution is helping establish the Artists in Residence program which is now called “The Jan Miller Studio Artist Program”. The program involves bringing singers in for educational programs. Thousands of 4th graders have taken a field trip to the Seanger Theater over the years to see operas like “Little Red Riding Hood” or “The Three Little Pigs." “When we started this is the early 2000’s, there were only programs in Houston, Santa Fe and Philadelphia.” Jan was proud to add Pensacola to that list.

It warms her heart to know that children and community members have been exposed to cultural experiences that many would miss without these programs. Much of her philanthropy targets education. "It's like what you see at The Pace Center for Girls. You see them get a leg up.” She adds, “When I think about the poverty level in Pensacola, I think of the people who could get out of poverty if they could just get a good education”.

At 78, Jan has no plan on retiring from her volunteer work. She exercises daily and gets up at 4:00 am to get started on the day. She attributes her ability to accomplish so much to being highly organized. “I get up early and on the computer before the phone starts ringing!” She smiles. A typical day might be back-to-back appointments on the hour, but friends believe it is more than just good organizational skills that make Jan outstanding.

Those gorgeous angel wings in the doorway are a symbol of someone with an extraordinary gift for giving. Like her beloved opera music, her passion for giving is timeless.

“Philanthropist of the year” by polls of her peers in two local magazines. She was humbled to get a standing ovation. “My husband says he’s really proud of me!”

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ARE WOMEN MORE SUITED FOR THE WORLD OF WINE THAN MEN?

The answer may surprise you!

ARTICLE BY ALEXANDER BOYKIN | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

The world of wine would not exist without the masterful touch of countless women. That is a statement of the obvious, but what exactly can a woman bring to the wine table that a man cannot? The answer may surprise you!  But first some history.  One of my favorite women who shaped the world of wine was Dona Antónia Adelaide Ferreira.  It is forgivable if that name doesn’t ring a bell, unless you are a massive wine geek or a huge fan of Port Wine, or both, as I am.  If you are a fan of Port then you owe her A LOT of what you enjoy today.  Dona Antónia was born in Portugal, in the Douro, into a family of wine producers and Port traders in 1811. She was married “off” to a young man who squandered most of what they had.  The turn occurred when she became a widow at age 33.  At that point, she took over the family business and through “her vision, courage, independence of spirit, and entrepreneurship, successfully managed the business, becoming the most prominent landowner in the Douro

“ALL OF THE WINES WERE EITHER PRODUCED OR OWNED BY WOMEN, AND ALL OF THEM WERE GOOD!”

Valley, and boasted one of the largest fortunes in Portugal at that time.” Not only was she a major driving force for increasing the quality standards of Port wine but she also had a vision that the Douro Valley could produce even more amazing wine.  Dona Antónia wanted to broaden the wine-producing area of the Douro Valley, expanding it to the east towards Spain, subsequently opening up the DOC region of the Douro that we know today as the Douro Superior.  To this day you can visit her family’s original winery, Quinta do Vesúvio, and also her amazing winery built during the expansion, Quinto do Vale Meão.  I was there this past summer.  Their wine, both the Port and their red wines, are AMAZING! I highly encourage the journey to this beautiful area, all thanks to Dona Antónia.

Well, history is great but not everyone loves to geek out as I do.  So, what can some women bring to the wine table that most men cannot?  We turn to science for this answer; it isn’t a woman’s masterful touch that puts women ahead of men in the world of wine, but her palate.  In Wine Folly, The Master Guide Magnum Edition it has been shown that “Women are over two times more likely to be hypersensitive tasters than men.”  This isn’t to say that all women are better tasters than men, just that there should be twice as many female hypersensitive tasters than males.  Additionally, a study conducted in The Science of Wine; From Vine to Glass, by Jamie Goode, cited that during Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging scanning, which measures activation of areas in the brain associated with neural activity, “the responses to both real and imaginary odours were about twice as high in women as in men.”  Deep science I know, but those are two very big statements!  Does this make women better suited than men in the World of Wine? Maybe. If so, why do we not have more women in the world of wine than men?  I know a lot more men in the wine industry than women.  Perhaps it should be the other way around. Perhaps we have only enjoyed half of the wine palate spectrum because there are not enough women involved. Well, leave it to our amazing local wine culture to even things up.  We have some amazing women in

our local wine scene! Three of our local wine shops are owned by women, Aragon, Anna’s, and the Curious Wine Shop. The President of our local chapter of the American Wine Society is a woman. Green Thumb Wines and The Establishment are managed by great women who know a TON about wine!  We are also blessed with several very good female distributors, who are excellent tasters. To me, these are just more reasons to get out to some of our local wine tastings.  In fact, just recently I was at one of Aragon’s wine tastings where the theme was “Women in Wine.”  All of the wines were either produced or owned by women, and all of them were good! So, if you are a “regular” guy these are some good reasons to invite a lady out to a wine tasting, maybe she can tell you what you “should” be tasting.  And, well, if you are a hypersensitive lady taster, I guess it would be okay to invite a guy to a wine tasting, it’s nice to have some company sometimes.

MAY 3RD

The Sleeping Beauty Ballet

The Saenger Theatre

Ballet Pensacola presents The Sleeping Beauty from May 3rd - 5th. Visit BalletPensacola.org or call 850-595-3880 for more information.

MAY 5TH

Gulf Coast Culture Fest

Seville Square • 311 East Government St., Pensacola | 10:00 am - 4:00 pm

Dive into the Gulf Coast Culture Fest at Seville Square in downtown Pensacola, a vibrant celebration of art, music, dance, and cuisine. This inclusive event brings together the community, artists, businesses, and vendors for a day of shared cultural delight.

MAY 11TH

Art and Wine Festival

Pensacola Beach Boardwalk • 400 Quietwater Beach Rd, Pensacola Beach | 10:00 am - 4:00 pm

The Art and Wine Festival promises a fusion of artistic expression and culinary pleasure. Featuring an eclectic mix of local artists and wineries, this event is poised to delight the senses in a celebration of creativity and taste.

MAY 11TH

850 Foodie Festival

Pensacola Interstate Fair • 6655 Mobile Highway, Pensacola | 10:00 AM

The 850 Foodie Festival is an essential gathering for culinary enthusiasts. Offering a spread of mouthwatering cuisine from top local eateries, this event guarantees a feast for the taste buds of all who attend.

MAY 17TH

Cinemas in the Sand

1 Via de Luna Dr. Pensacola Beach | 7:00 PM

Friday, May 17: The Parent Trap

The Santa Rosa Island Authority (SRIA) warmly welcomes individuals of all ages, from families to friends, to unfold their beach chairs, lay out their blankets, and wiggle their toes in the sand for a cozy Friday evening on Pensacola Beach. Enjoy a classic family film for FREE under the stars.

MAY 23RD

3rd Annual Navarre Paddle Classic Navarre Beach

8739 Gulf Blvd, Navarre • Navarre Beach | 7:00 AM

The 3rd Navarre Paddle Classic will be held at the Navarre Beach Marine Park on the Santa Rosa Sound benefitting the Navarre Beach Sea Turtle Conservation Center. Paddle Races, vendors, food & raffles! There will be courses for ALL levels (12, 6, 3, 1-mile fun paddle, kids paddle) & human-powered watercraft.