DOWNTOWN NEIGHBORS 04.24.2013

Congratulations:

It was a packed house in the Alcazar Room at City Hall Monday night when family, friends and co-workers came together to honor Herbie Wiles as the City Commission bestowed upon him The Order of La Florida.  In recognition of his extraordinary lifetime services to the community, Mr Wiles was given a rousing standing ovation as four generations of the Wiles family proudly watched the awards ceremony. Modest to a fault and with the lovely Annette Wiles at his side, Mr Wiles thanked the honorees that came before him and recognized others who have given so generously to the community.  Bravo Herbie, bravo!

A belated happy birthday to Beau Redmond, who recently celebrated the occasion at the downtown home of Cathy Brown and Wonderful Warren Butler.  Joining in the festivities were Saragossa Street residents Corinne and Allen White, Kate Brown, Jayne Moone, Steven Nasisse and Peggy Friedman.  Happy birthday Beau!

Condolences:

Last Friday Lincolnville lost Tiger Joe Johnson in a bicycle accident.  A familiar figure with his bicycle and garden rake, Clifford Wayne Johnson, Sr. was known to everyone as Tiger Joe, a nickname that dates back to his professional boxing days.  Friends and neighbors stepped up to care for his beloved dogs and his absence will be felt by many.

This past Sunday we lost Joe Pomar, a native of St Augustine, a Menorcan and a former City Manager of St Augustine.  His legacy can be seen all over the city and thanks to it we have so much to enjoy as a result of his vision.  The 48-acre Pomar Park on Masters Drive is just one token of appreciation for his years of dedication and service.  Our sympathies to family, friends and co-workers.

Events:

The rain did little to dampen the spirit of Earth Day at the Lincolnville Farmer’s Market and its friends from the City Street Tree Advisory Committee hosted a series of events to celebrate the event.  In addition to the regular vendors, there were 30 eco-friendly booths including Slow Food, Green Builders, the Garden Club of St Augustine, Mosquito Control, the Native Plant Society, Sierra Club NE FL Group and then a host of activities with GTM’s live native reptile presentations, bee demonstrations, pet adoptions from SAFE and the infamous dunking booth where all the participants took a swim or two.  Kids of all ages enjoyed a myriad of activities and downtowner Frog Bozung kicked off the music which lasted all afternoon.

The City of St Augustine had a booth and city employees were on hand to assist people with proper disposal of tires, electronics, cooking oil, batteries and paper for shredding.  Other partners included the Lincolnville Community Garden (sponsor of the dunking booth, thank you Cash!), Esco Recycling LLC, Solar Stik, Old Town Trolley Tours, the 40th Accord, Memorial Presbyterian, St Augustine UU Fellowship, First Coast Metropolitan Community Church, St Cyprian’s Episcopal, Temple Bet Yam and San Sebastian Catholic Church.  We’re already looking forward to next year!

Susan and Jorge Herrera of Amistad at 67 San Marco Avenue are hosting the Wine and Whiskers Fun-Raiser this Friday from 6:30 to 8:00pm with M*A*S*H* star, artist and animal advocate, Loretta Swit on hand to help with the festivities.  Six wines will be featured and paired with unique cheeses and chocolates donated by the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory.  Ayla’s Acres No-Kill Animal Rescue, Inc. is the beneficiary and Swit’s original paintings and jewelry will be showcased.  Please join Amistad and Loretta Swit on this special evening and experience the fair trade products at the shop.  Amistad means friendship and fair trade makes a difference here at home and around the world.  Tickets are $25 and space is limited so contact [email protected] today.

Jan Miller of Butterfield Garage is proud to announce the May show entitled “Magnificent Animals” and featuring the work of Diane Travis.  Travis’ passion about animals is evinced in her life-size paintings and the work is nothing less than breathtaking.  During the opening evening on May 3, Butterfield will also host a fundraiser for the St Augustine Humane Society.  A raffle for donated items and art will generate proceeds that will go to the organization.  Be sure to mark your calendar for First Friday Art Walk.

Georgia “Gayle” Nick is excited to announce that Sister Diane Couture of the Sisters of St Joseph Stained Glass Ministries has joined the Georgia Nick Gallery on Aviles Street.   A stunning addition to the gallery, they have constructed an 8 x 8 light box to display Sister Diane’s work.  Be sure to stop by and see it and to welcome Sister Diane to the gallery.

Hats off to the 2013 Flagler College graduates – a good summer to all and we’ll see everyone else in August!

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