DOWNTOWN NEIGHBORS 04.10.2013

Save these dates:

This Thursday you are invited to join the three Mrs Flaglers for dinner at the Casa Monica Hotel as it celebrates its 125^th anniversary.  The show is produced by our own Dianne Jacoby and the event includes a sumptuous meal.  Seating is limited so make your reservation by calling 819-6006.  $49 per person includes tax and gratuity and seating is at 6:30.  This promises to be a wonderful evening so don’t miss it!

Heather Neville wants us to know about Velo Fest which is being April 12 – 14 to promote bicycle awareness.  In its second year, the event will take place on a course in the Oldest City and will feature professional cyclists racing through the streets of St Augustine (you’d better keep your wits about you!).  There will be live music, food and a bike parade for riders of all ages.  For more please visit velofest.org.

Where can you eat pie and know you are doing a good thing?  At Simple Gestures, of course.  Our good friends Stevo and Sue Marrazzo and Malea Guiriba from Pie in the Sky will be hosting the annual spring fundraiser and a good time is guaranteed!  This year’s theme is “In Other Words,” and local artists have created work in their own words which will be available for sale and for silent auction.  Be sure to save time this Saturday between 11 and 4pm and get yourself down to Simple Gs at the corner of White St and Anastasia Boulevard.  There’s something for everyone including the second annual Pie-Hole Tournament where you can compete for the custom trophy made by Uncle Stevo and starting at 1, you can tap your toes to the live music of Lonesome Bert & the Skinny Lizards (who will do anything for a piece of pie).  Hot dogs, drinks, T-shirts, hats and – PIE!  All proceeds benefit the amazing service provided by Pie in the Sky to those in need.  See you there!

This Sunday is the First Coast Fresh Farm Stroll.  From 11 to 4, a new farm tour will take place over eight locations and fresh produce will be available for purchase.  Included this year are KYV Farms, Barnes Farms, Blue Sky Farms, IFAS – Hastings, County Line, Log Cabin Winery, St Johns Oaks Vineyard and Blueberry Hill U-Pick.  Artists will be on hand at each stop with signature pieces that will be auctioned to support Art Breakers, a local cancer charity.  Local chefs will be preparing food at each farm and you can snack at no charge.  This is a free event and everyone is welcome.  Please check out firstcoastfresh.com for details.

Recognitions:

City resident Bo Sterk recently participated in the St Johns County Beekeepers Association presentation with special guest George Waldoch, the oldest living beekeeper in Florida.  Sterk, a master beekeeper, has given talks about beekeeping domestically and internationally and is president of the St Johns County group.

Susan Herrera, owner of Amistad on San Marco Avenue was recently the keynote speaker at the monthly luncheon sponsored by the GFWC Woman’s Club of St Augustine.  Herrera spoke about the international outreach program, fair trade organizations and the importance and value of the fair trade economic system.  If you haven’t been to Amistad, you should definitely put it on your list of things to do soon.  Located at 67 San Marco Avenue, this store is a wonderful addition to the San Marco shopping district.

Some familiar downtown names and faces were recently featured in the Essentially America magazine, the only UK magazine devoted to travel and lifestyle in the USA.

Under the title, “Super Shopping in the Sunshine State,” Joel Bagnal in his goldsmithing apron appears on the front page of the article which starts out with shopping in our city.  Hookey Hamilton and Bill Puckett of the Aviles Gallery are mentioned as are Joel with his custom jewelry and Dan Holiday who has long been known for his leather work.  Finishing up the St Augustine piece is the Panama Hat Company on St George Street.  How nice to have some of our merchants and artists mentioned so prominently in this magazine!

Everyone knows the Gifted Cork at 64 Hypolita Street, but did you know that Jeanne Maron has opened up the Gifted Gourmet right around the corner at 58 Spanish Street.  Offering gourmet cheese, locally roasted coffee, locally made chocolates and a wide variety of gourmet gifts, kitchen gifts and other delicious foods, this is a welcome addition to the downtown corridor for locals and visitors alike.  Stop by and wish her well with this new endeavor.

Time is flying by and it will be summer in no time.  Enjoy every moment!

 

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