DOWNTOWN NEIGHBORS 08.14.12

The weather notwithstanding, summer’s winding down and soon the streets will throng with incoming college students mixing it up with last minute vacation revelers.

CONGRATULATIONS –

The Maria Jefferson Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution recently honored our own Eva Doolittle.  Presented with the highest award given to a foreign born citizen, Eva received the Americanism Medal and Certificate from the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution on the recommendation of our local chapter.  Born in Warsaw, Poland and naturalized in New York City, Eva’s leadership in St Augustine’s art community is well known, especially through her work with the EMMA Concert Association and the St Augustine Branch of the League of American Pen Women.

Looking for the White Peony?  Recently relocated from Charlotte Street to 76B San Marco Avenue, the owner is none other than renowned author, Connie May Fowler.  Her first book, “Sugar Cage,” referenced the turbulent years of civil unrest in St Augustine during the 1960s and “Before Women had Wings,” was turned into a movie for television with the screenplay written by the author.  The shop is full of beautiful things including art to wear, jewelry, home and garden décor, antiques and newtiques.   Make sure you stop by to say hello and check it out.

Getting married?  Need a dress?  Meet Daniel Thompson, owner/creator/designer of Daniel Thompson Bridals.  Former Saragossa Street resident and now a homeowner in North City, Daniel’s shop is located at 128 San Marco Avenue and you can admire his talent just by looking in the windows.  A graduate of the world renowned Traphagen School of Fashion in New York City, he worked for many years in the northeast before the call of St Augustine lured him south.  Visit Daniel in person or at danielthompsonbridals.com. 

The daily thunderstorms have been a welcome relief to the aquifers, but have wreaked havoc for those of fording the streams of rain as the streets swell with water.  Thursday nights have been no exception, so a hearty thanks goes out to all who bring their chairs and umbrellas to free Concerts in the Plaza performances every week.  This week brings us Rob Ellis Peck & Friends with the Mike Hart Band on August 23^rd and Lonesome Bert & the Skinny Lizards making their first appearance in the Plaza on August 30^th.  Remember, a little rain never hurt anyone, especially when there’s live music on hand.  Visit lonesomebert.com

Grace Paaso  invites everyone to the “Buy the Inch” Library Book Sales being held in the main branch at 1960 Ponce de Leon Boulevard on Friday, September 7^th and Saturday, September 8^th.  Hard and soft covered books are priced at $1.00 per inch depending on the height of total books selected.  CDs and DVDs are $1.00, VHS tapes and audio books are 50 cents and cassettes are a quarter.  Wow – this is bibliophile on a budget dream event.  Pore through classic and contemporary fiction, biographies and memoirs, travel, health, inspiration, cooking, art, music, poetry, foreign language, nature, children, young adults and current issue selections.  Members are invited to a Members Only preview on Thursday the 6^th from 3 to 5pm – bring your membership cards.  Everyone else is invited between 10am to 5pm on Friday and Saturday.  As always, school and county employees are offered a 50% discount with proof of employment (id badge or pay stub).  Bring your canvas bag and reading glasses!

There’s lot of activity downtown so if you’d like to see a new business, restaurant or event featured, please drop me an email.

 

 

Contact Me