​Creative Me ART Studio December Calendar
SPECIAL WINTER CLASSES, EVENTS & WORKSHOPS
Dec. 3rd: Mini Nutcracker Painting Workshop, 2pm-4pm, Ages 8+
Dec. 8th: Winter-Themed Family Fun Night, 6pm-7:30pm, Ages 4+
Dec. 9th: Parent’s Night Out, 6pm-9pm, Ages 5+
Dec. 10th: Ornament Painting, 12pm-5pm, Pick, Pay & Paint!
Dec. 12th: Wreath Making Workshop I, 10:30am-11:30am, Ages 12+
Dec. 14th: Wreath Making Workshop II, 6pm-7:30pm, Ages 12+
Dec. 15th: Cookies-N-Canvas, 6pm-8pm, Ages 8+
Dec. 16th: Ornament Painting, 12pm-8pm, Pick, Pay & Paint!
Dec. 22nd: Parent’s Night Out, 6pm-9pm, Ages 5+

Ongoing November 18-January  31
Night of Lights 
St. Augustine glows with holiday magic from the ground to the rooftops.  Selected by National Geographic in 2011 and 2012 as one of the 10 best holiday lighting displays in the world, St. Augustine’s Night of Lights features millions of tiny white lights that create a magical atmosphere in the nation’s oldest city. Tracing its origins to the Spanish tradition of displaying a white candle in the window during the Christmas holidays, the spectacular lighting reflects the city’s history and illuminates the beautiful setting for lasting holiday memories. The lights are turned on at 6:30 p.m. Nov. 18 and come on a sunset each evening through January 31. Go to nightsoflights.com for more details.

Ongoing through January 7th
Dressing Downton
The Dressing Downton in Lightner Museum’s Grand Ballroom Gallery, 75 King St., downtown St. Augustine. **The gift shop features holiday items and Christmas ornaments! Dressing Downton, Changing Fashion for Changing Times is an exquisite exhibition of 36 costumes and accessories paired to perfection in engaging vignettes, immersed amongst Otto Lightner’s collection of turn of the century fine art and furniture. Admission is $19.99 for adults, $14.99 for military/students/seniors, $9.99 ages 12-17, and free for ages 11 and younger. Go to  www.lightnermuseum.org/dressing-downton


December 6th
Luminary Night at St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum
Enjoy children’s activities and holiday crafts, yuletide refreshments and live music, including a string quartet inside the Lighthouse tower and the St. Augustine High School choir led by Mr. Jeff Dodd. Guests also get a close-up look at the Lighthouse’s spectacular holiday decorations and lighting displays.

December 8-9
Bethlehem
Take a walk through the town of Bethlehem and see how it might have looked on the night of Jesus’ birth. Seek out the lowly manger and the Christ Child. Hours are 6 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 8 and Saturday, Dec. 10. at Ponte Vedra Presbyterian Church, 4510 Palm Valley Road, Ponte Vedra Beach. A cast of more than 200 people, plus live animals, portray the  residents, merchants and craftsmen. Wear comfortable walking shoes. Admission is FREE. Parking is $5 per vehicle at the PGA Tour lot off County Road 210, with FREE shuttles. Call 904-285-8225 or go to www.pvpc.com

December 9th
St. Augustine B&B Holiday Tour
www.staugustinebandbtour.com/

December 9th at 4
RiverTown's Winter Festival
Enjoy delicious food from our Food Trucks, visit with Santa, have your face painted, pick out sweet treats, and cuddle up a warm cup of cocoa from our hot chocolate bar while you watch classic holiday movies.These are just a few of the many things that we have planned for the evening

December 9 at 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Regatta of Lights!
St. Augustine’s annual Regatta of Lights begins at 6 p.m. Dec. 9 on Matanzas Bay, sponsored by the St. Augustine Yacht Club. View boats decorated in lights and holiday decor, all parading along the bayfront near the Bridge of Lions. Arrive early to find parking and a spot to watch the parade. Spectators can view the event for FREE. Call 904-824-9725 or go to www.staugustineyachtclub.com

December  7 at 10 AM to December 8 at 8 PM
Champagne & Shopping at the Cummer
Enjoy complimentary champagne and appetizers while shopping special artisan merchandise brought in just for this two-day event. Free admission.
http://www.cummermuseum.org/event/champagne-shopping-0

​December 9-13
St. Augustine Historic Inns Coastal Christmas Tour
The 24th Annual St. Augustine Bed and Breakfast Holiday Tour is features five days of festive hospitality, history, and holiday cheer. See more than 20 B&Bs and 10 bonus properties in St. Augustine’s many historic districts, all decorated for the holidays. This celebrated event has become a tradition in St. Augustine, showcasing the ancient city’s array of romantic inns decked out for the season and taste their restaurant partners samples. For tickets, go to www.staugustinebandbtour.com

Dec 14 at 10:30 PM to Dec 15 at 11:30 AM
The History of Chocolate and Tastings
Lightner Museum/The Lightner Museum welcomes world-renowned food historian, James Beard-nominated author, and television personality, Francine Segan to present "Munch, Mingle, and Maticulate". Segan will explore chocolate’s history, starting with its New World origins. Journey to Europe and learn how it evolved from a grainy bitter brew into the treat we know and love today. Learn how chocolate goes from bean to bar as you are guided through a tasting of various types of fine chocolates.

December 15-16
The Santaland Diaries
Apex Theatre presents “The Santaland Diaries by David Sedaris” with musical guest Duffy Bishop at 8 p.m. Dec. 15-16 in the Ponte Vedra Concert Hall, 1050 A1A North, Ponte Vedra Beach. Tickets are $20. NPR favorite David Sedaris’ “The Santaland Diaries” is a hysterical retelling of one man’s experiences working as an elf at Macy’s Santaland. “The Santaland Diaries” contains mature content and language. Go to pvconcerthall.com

December 16th 12 PM - 10 PM
Carrera Wine Cellar Storewide Holiday Sale
Carrera Wine Cellar - 35 San Marco Ave, Saint Augustine, Florida 32084
Over 250 selections of imported and domestic wines in stock for your shopping pleasure! Prices starting as low as $3 a bottle! Take advantage of this great sale to stock up on your holiday wine needs, or better yet, for the upcoming year!

December 21-23
It’s A Wonderful Life
Apex Theatre presents the Christmas classic “It’s A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play” at 8 p.m. Dec. 21-22, and 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Dec. 23 in the Ponte Vedra Concert Hall, 1050 A1A North, Ponte Vedra Beach. Tickets are $25. This beloved American holiday classic will come to captivating life as a live 1940s radio broadcast. With the help of an ensemble that brings a few dozen characters to the stage, the story of idealist George Bailey unfolds as he considers ending his life one fateful night. Go to pvconcerthall.com

December 21 at 7:30 PM - 10 PM
A Christmas Carol
Times Union Center. Woven throughout this classic tale are beautiful new arrangements and moving renditions of holiday songs such as “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen,” “Wassail Wassail,” “Good Christian Men Rejoice,” “Away in a Manger,” “Greensleeves,” “The Boar’s Head Carol” and many more. Featuring a cast of 23 performers, live musicians, and Broadway-style scenery and costumes, audiences cherish this sumptuous holiday classic.


December 31 at 6:30 PM - 1 AM
New Year’s Eve Gala Alahambra
Champagne reception & hors d’oeuvres. Four-course table-served surf & turf dinner. Midnight champagne toast & balloon drop. Our famous Midnight Breakfast Buffet. Featuring The Legend of Johnny Cash starring Philip Bauer (The Highwaymen, Music Series 2015). With dancing all night to the live music of Crescendo Amelia Big Band and the culinary magic of Executive Chef DeJuan Roy, you don’t want to miss ringing in the new year at the Alhambra!

Creative Me Art Studio Winter Wonderland ART CAMP
January 2nd – 5th
Choose a time session: 
9:00am - 12:00pm  or  1:00pm – 4:00pm $30 per child, per day/session
Ages 5+ Drop the kids off for some creative fun! 
Call the studio @ 904-770-2222
 Or visit our website www.CreativeMeArtStudio.com

​Since 1992, The Community Nutcracker has been delighting audiences of all ages with its annual holiday production of the Nutcracker Ballet. Performed by more than 4,300 local and 36 professionals in 95 live, full-length performances, the Community Nutcracker brings out the whimsical culture of Christmas through childlike imagination and artistry, but it is the impact to the community that many may be unfamiliar with. 

In the past 25 years, more than $600,000 has been donated to various nonprofits in Northeast Florida, including its main beneficiary for the past twelve years, Dreams Come True of Jacksonville. Through their partnership, more than 50 local children have seen their dreams fulfilled from the proceeds raised during the annual production. Dreams have ranged from week-long trips to Walt Disney World to tropical getaways to shopping adventures and even sailing the high seas. 

“For more than 33 years we have been able to bring hope and joy to local children and their families because of our community partners,” stated Andrea Siracusa, Senior Manager for Dreams Come True. “It is through the generosity and talents of volunteers with the Community Nutcracker that Jacksonville is given the opportunity to enjoy a beautiful, artistic production, while knowing that an investment is being made back into the community.”

As part of their dedication to Northeast Florida, over 2,000 free tickets are issued city-wide each year through the Community Nutcracker. More than 4,000 school children from area schools are also provided the opportunity to see the performance during one of two school productions.

Together with its main sponsors, Community First Credit Union as the 2017 Principal Sponsor and Nimnicht Family of Dealerships as the Community Service Night Sponsor as well as many other amazing donors, the Community Nutcracker continues to produce a performance using over 250 local and talented dancers ranging in age from 9 years old to 85.  

The Community Nutcracker and Dreams Come True are such important efforts” said John Hirabayashi, CEO and president of Community First. “We’re proud to help continue the tradition of this treasured local performance that supports the dreams of performers as well as those in need.”
Joining the production this year for the principal roles, is Yinet Fernandez and Jorge Villirani from the acclaimed Dance Theatre of Harlem.
​
Directed by the talents of three artistic directors Dulce Anaya (Dulce Anaya School of Ballet), Debbie Rankin (Baggs Studio) and Mark Spivak (Mark Spivak Dance Extension & Institute), plus two new choreographers Heather Loveland (Heather Loveland Dance Academy) and Suzanne Saltmarsh (Saltmarsh Dance), the Community Nutcracker is scheduled for Friday, December 8, 2017 at 8 p.m. as well as Saturday, December 9, 2017 at 1:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., at the Florida Theatre. For more information and tickets, visit www.jaxnutcracker.org.

by Jennifer Yarbrough

​On April 1, 2017 local Cancer Survivors, Caregivers, and citizens will come together at the American Cancer Society Bartram Trail Relay for Life to remind the community that “There’s No Place Like Hope.”  The Relay for Life is a “grassroots, community-based team event,” which happens all over the United States every Spring.  The day starts with a “Survivor’s Lap,” and then a “Caregiver’s Lap,” to recognize those directly affected by Cancer.  Teams set up “camps,” around the track selling items to raise funds for the event and team members take turns walking around the track.  A member of each team must be walking at all times to symbolize how those battling cancer never rest.  In the evening, Luminarias will be placed around the track in honor of loved ones lost to Cancer and Cancer Survivors. The lit luminarias against the night sky are a powerful reminder of just how many people in our community have been affected. 
    One of those Survivors is Danielle Rodriguez.  Danielle is like so many of us, a 40-something mom of two small children, she leads a busy life.  Last February, she noticed a small pimple on her breast, but thought she might wait until her scheduled exam in April to get it checked out.  Her mother intervened and as mother’s often do, encouraged her to make an appointment right away.  Thankfully, she did.  She was diagnosed with Stage 1 Breast Cancer and had to undergo two surgeries and six weeks of daily radiation treatments.  Throughout her experience her family, her mom especially, gave her strength.  Her mom, her “rock,” who was already a “medical buff,” researched everything that she was going through and helped her gain peace of mind.  Danielle describes herself as a person with a “get it done,” mentality and credits that with getting her through.  She also found strength in prayer and keeping a positive outlook.  Since her diagnosis and treatment, she has worked hard to change her lifestyle and that of her family.  She encourages eating organic and being mindful of the food you eat and the chemicals you bring into your home and body.  Her advice for people who receive a Cancer diagnosis:  it doesn’t have to be a death sentence.  Get all your facts from all sources—traditional and non-traditional.  Work to change your lifestyle, focus on your spirituality, eliminate stress and make your health a priority.  By finding strength in the people around her and her faith, Danielle Rodriguez beat Cancer and is living her life with a new focus and passion. 
    Another Cancer Survivor is Bjorn Huysmans.  Bjorn didn’t know when he got involved with the American Cancer Society Relay for Life that one day he would be walking the “Survivor Lap,” himself.  In 2014, the 30-something, Small Business Owner decided to get involved with Relay for Life, making his signature “Belgian Waffles,” from his homeland to raise funds for the cause.  When he shares his experiences with Relay for Life, one cannot help, but see his dedication and love for the event and what it represents.  Last year, he walked the “Survivor Lap,” after being diagnosed with Sarcoma, but before the start of his treatment.  During that lap, he walked and talked with someone he describes as his angel, Philip White.  That was the first time he had met White who had been fighting his own 7-year battle with Cancer.

​ Throughout Huysman’s surgery, Radiation, and Chemotherapy, White was there to answer his questions and give him support.  Their shared experiences and White's strength in his fight, gave Bjorn strength.  Another friend, Trish, a Breast Cancer Survivor, also stepped up and supported Bjorn during his experience. Perhaps the greatest support and strength came from his partner, Petra, a former nursing teacher, who helped with emotional support and the day-to-day routine of recovering from surgery, treatments, and with his wound-care.  Her simple statement of, “I’m loving you through this,” made a tremendous impact on his recovery and gave him strength to continue.
    Dana Wolf, BT Relay for Life Community Manager had this to say about Bjorn and Petra, both RFL volunteers, “Together they are battling cancer and helping create a memorable Relay For Life experience for North St. Johns County.  I am inspired every day by the volunteers that give so much of themselves to Relay so that others might never have to hear the words: "You have cancer."
    By finding strength in the support of those around him, Bjorn Huysmans has beat Cancer and is a Survivor.

by Rachel Lord

​Mom Look! The Pumpkin Patch! If this sounds familiar then you already know what time of year it is. The time of year where families come together and fun is made, at Tommy’s Pumpkin Patch and Fun Zone. Being the sixth year of Tommy’s Pumpkin Patch, we have gone bigger and better than ever. We are back, and 2016 is going to be the best thus far! 
          Not only is Tommy’s Pumpkin Patch and Fun Zone a great place to bring the family, but it has also become a family tradition to many. With a hay ride, a petting zoo (equipped with all of our favorite furry friends such as goats, sheep, chickens, and so many more), a minion train, a city corn maze, 2 bounce houses, 2 mega slides, a leaf room, a toddler zone, duck races, concessions & new pavilion area, and so much more, Tommy’s Pumpkin Patch is a place you will want to visit year after year. 
          Oh and let’s not forget about all of the pumpkins to choose from! From the perfect jack-O lantern to carve, to white Cinderella pumpkins, to miniature pumpkins for the children, you will be sure to find your family’s perfect pumpkin. And while we are talking about pumpkins, have you ever had Tommy’s Pumpkin Patch’s homemade pumpkin pie? I myself was not a big pumpkin pie eater, but let me be the first to tell you that our pie has changed me to the biggest pumpkin pie eater ever! 
Some people come to Tommy’s Pumpkin Patch every year just for the pumpkin pie. So, when you come, make sure you grab a slice or a pie. 
    As a family run business, owners Tommy & Carmen Outley and Greg & Rachel Lord, along with our staff, strive in making sure that your family has a blast! That is why we are there, working and giving families that “personal touch”.  Many local families grew up somewhere where they had the pumpkin patches and the fall festivities when they were younger. So, where can you go in our Sunshine state that has that? That is why the entire staff of Tommy’s Pumpkin Patch and Fun Zone try our best to bring the fall atmosphere to the St. John’s area.
          In conclusion, even though it is still warm here in October, Tommy’s Pumpkin Patch and Fun Zone helps us pretend the weather is cool, the wind is blowing, and the leaves are falling, so be sure to bring the entire family!

"A  MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S SWAMP"  JULY 16TH, LEWIS AUDITORIUM
 
St. Augustine, FL-  Swamp Radio, Northeast Florida's culture and arts variety live radio experience, will take its annual summer road trip to St. Augustine to celebrate all things summer, St. Augustine and Shakespeare.  The live radio performance will take place at Lewis Auditorium on Saturday, July 16th at 7:30 p.m. to be recorded for broadcast in late summer on WJCT 89.9. Tickets are available at www.swampradiojax.com.
               "So much of what we treasure about a visit to the ancient city has to do with a richness of character, spectacle and poetry. These same qualities are what has made William Shakespeare the most striking dramatist in the English language," stated host and producer and Ian Mairs.  "Swamp Radio is all about telling a story, so we it made sense that we explore the ultimate storyteller of the past four hundred years," Mairs added.
               The show will also feature St. Augustine novelist Laura Lee Smith's humorous instructions for the proper way to walk on the beach.  Times -Union columnist Mark Woods will do a reading from his latest book, Lassoing The Sun, an account of his year long trek in the national park system.  Comic writer Kate Norton has rendered a hilarious profile of a fictional ancient city trolley driver with her own bizarre tour narrative.
               The Retreads, Swamp Radio's resident sketch comedy group, will be on hand to provide their own rifts on some of the Bard's sonnets and audience favorite, Swamp Lady, will address the nagging questions of  classic Shakespearean kings and queens.  Special musical guests will include hometown favorites The Willowacks and Shea Birney.
               General admission tickets are $25.00 and are available at www.swampradiojax.com and at the box office one hour before the show.  

​Contact Ian Mairs (904) 476 5582
ianamairs@gmail.com

​Are you afraid of the mysterious forces that lurk in the night? Beware the dark side is all around us: day and night. 
    Now the scene is set and you are beckoned to attend a theatrical performance of Bram Stoker’s Dracula  adapted by John Mattera , Dramatic Publishing,
    The novel Dracula by Bram Stoker, was first published in 1897 and since then the character of Count Dracula has lived on in the imagination. In this adaptation, the mysterious Count Dracula has gone to England where he is living on a large estate next to an insane asylum run by the incredibly naive Dr. Seward. The others that make up the cast of this thriller include Professor Van Helsing who must convince Dr. Seward that Count Dracula is a vampire; Renfield, a fly-eating lunatic who serves the Count (once too often); beautiful Lucy Westenra, who has an uncanny resemblance to a girl Count Dracula loved over a hundred years ago; Charles, the Westenra family butler whose poor eyesight saves him from being hypnotized; as well as three female vampires! Dracula is an ancient monster who has come upon the modern world, and those who encounter him must somehow find the courage to fight against him. But victory is not assured…
    The Bartram Trail Drama Club will perform the show on October 22-24 (Thursday-Saturday), 2015 at Bartram Trail High School just in time for Halloween.  Guests are invited to have fun with it and dress in Dracula theme and enjoy a Haunted Dracula Corridor, which will open an hour before the show begins.  
    Count Dracula demands punctuality, so don’t be late. Beware this performance is PG. Please feel free to dress in Dracula theme.
    The Haunted Dracula Corridor will open its doors at 6pm.  Dracula will 

​     Our country seems enamored by freshness, unique flavors and regional cuisine, rightfully so. Innovative cuisine coupled with Florida’s array of fresh produce and seafood make local eateries a vibrant part of the city’s attraction and culture. Nearly 20 established, independently owned restaurateurs recognized the allure and opportunity to collaborate and join together to promote the impact of “dining locally.” St. Augustine’s Independent Restaurant Association, better known as SAiRA, was born in 2007, into a heavily competitive marketplace. The mission of SAiRA is to encourage, support, and enhance the visibility for independently owned businesses and continually advance St. Augustine’s unique culinary and cultural diversity. The desire to keep funds local and working in our community extends to the group’s passion to collectively give back.
     So why not spend an afternoon with SAiRA and sample local cuisine at its finest; all in one place.  As the pinnacle of a foodie haven’s  SAiRA’s 6th Annual Food & Wine Festival will commence on Sunday, October 4th from noon to 4 p.m. at the River House. Guests will wine and dine in one of the city’s most elegant waterfront locations—all to benefit the local Boys & Girls Club. With selections from 17 of  the city’s best local independent restaurants, craft cocktails, local beer and more than 100 wines from around the world will taunt even the most discerning taste buds. New features to the event this year will include a seafood raw bar, expanded craft beer, cocktails and sparkling wine selections plus a chance to win a $25,000 shopping spree at Blue Waters Jewelers.
     Tickets are limited so guests who have enjoyed this event in the past know to buy their tickets early. All proceeds benefit The Boys & Girls Club (BGC) of St. Augustine and its youth enrichment & prevention programs. www. StAugustineRestaurants.com 

     ​The Corn Maze at Sykes and Cooper Farms is a family affair.  Located in Elkton, the farm was originally a potato farm owned by the Grandfather and Dad of current owners Bucky Sykes &  Cheryle Cooper.  A few years ago the family was approached by a company that creates corn mazes and they decided to use their fields for a corn maze during the month of October and see where it lwould lead.  Each family member has a responsibility, with Cheryle  running operations, Rachel (Cheryle’s daughter) in charge of Field Trips (hundreds) and Bucky overseeing Maze planting and growing.  Now in its fifth year,  Sykes and Cooper Farms is one of northern Florida best known and loved corn mazes and its only about twenty minutes from northern St. Johns!
    A corn maze is a giant puzzle with loops and dead ends that is cut into a cornfield. At Sykes and Cooper Farms Corn Maze, families can enjoy the outdoors and get in the spirit of the Fall season with hay rides, sunflower fields, a pumpkin patch, live music and many other fun activities.  Another fun activity at Sykes and Cooper is seeing the farm animals, including pigs (Miss Piggy), goats, ponies, cattle and chickens that will melt your heart.  It is a complete experience that children will remember for a lifetime.  Rachel Cooper says they made every effort to keep rates low because they want families to be able to afford it.
    The 2015 maze is cut in the shape of a few alligators as part of a collaboration with The St. Augustine Alligator Farm. Saturday October 17th is reserved for CROCtober Fest with The St. Augustine Alligator Farm! In addition to exploring the maze, visitors are invited to take photos with live alligators, snakes and even a mermaid! There will be a live animal show in the afternoon! All proceeds go to benefit several international crocodilian conservation projects.

​
When? Fridays through Sundays, from October 3 to October 25, 2015. Fridays: 5 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Saturdays: 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Sundays: 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Last ticket sold at 9:00 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.
Where?  5995 Brough Road in Elkton, FL 32033 (a few miles off I-95 and only twenty minutes from northern St. Johns)
Admission: General Admission is $9 for adults (ages 3 to 64), $7 for senior citizens (65+) and military, while children two and under are free. Tickets are cash only, but an ATM is available for use at the farm.

by Jennifer Yarbrough

Cindy Funkhouser, President and CEO of the Sulzbacher Center in Jacksonville was the speaker for the third “Women’s Wednesdays,” presented by “She is Fierce.” And she is fierce! She brought her sense of humor and her business experience together to implore women to find their purpose and then use their skills to achieve that purpose.  She explained her story of coming from a sales background in corporate America to the moment that changed everything---August 24, 1992, the day that 175,000 people in southern Florida became homeless because of Hurricane Andrew.  She recounts going into the hurricane ravaged areas with her church group and being struck by how people were living in horrible conditions.  It was through that experience that she realized she wanted to be a homeless advocate.  Many years, a relocation, and a lot of hard work later, she is now the President and CEO of the Sulzbacher Center in Jacksonville.  The Sulzbacher Center is the largest homeless shelter and outreach in NE Florida, they help feed, educate and house hundreds of needy families every year. 

Cindy Funkhouser has found joy in serving and that joy was evident in her demeanor and the excitement with which she described the things happening at the Sulzbacher Center to help the homeless.  She encouraged the women in the audience to serve, saying that everyone can serve, wherever they are, that there are people around us that need help.  We must figure out what our interests are and use our skills and gifts to help others.

It’s no surprise that her favorite quote is from Gandhi, “Be the change you wish to see in the world,” she is changing the world for many people in our area every day and calling on us to do the same.

Next week’s talk (June 24th) will be presented by Kate Taylor founder of Taylor Made Coaching.  The “Women’s Wednesdays” talks take place at “The Treasury,” in downtown St. Augustine.  Free tickets can be obtained at SheIsFierceHQ.com/Events.  Please note that Kate Taylor will also present a workshop after her talk for a fee, please see the She Is Fierce website above for more information.

 

By Debbie Gaylord
Master of Arts, Women’s History, University at Albany
Publisher, St. Johns Magazine

           “She was a vixen when she went to school; And though she be but little, she is fierce!”
                                                                                      - William Shakespeare - A Midsummer Night’s Dream


As women, many of us resonate with this Shakespearean quote.  The sentiment is the inspiration for –she is FIERCE! A new a global website, speaker's series and community dedicated to inspiring women to live boldly, all based out of Saint Augustine. 

She is FIERCE! held its first event, Women’s Wednesdays, at Treasury on the Plaza in St. Augustine and it was amazing!  Women empowering women, providing advice and words of wisdom is what it seeks to deliver.  It was the first in a series of educational talks for she Is fierce!   occurring over nine nights during June and July. Every Wednesday, doors will open at 5PM and the Fierce Speaker will begin at 6:15PM.  By sharing herstories and allowing questions from the audience, She is Fierce! engages women in a public dialogue that helps them grow.

Melissa Ross, First Coast Connect host and award-winning journalist offered life lessons to a large crowd of women about branding, ambition and achieving your goals. Branding is essentially you or your company’s reputation. It is what you are trying to put out there in the world.  It begins the minute we interact with others in any capacity.

During her talk Melissa reminded us of a great quote from Nora Ephron’s 1996 commencement speech at Wellesley College: “You are not who you will be forever.”  Melissa shared the story of how she went from T.V. newsperson to Public Relations Executive to her current position in public media.  Each time she changed gears she had to take a chance and enter unknown territory.  She felt small and unsure but she took the “leap of FIERCE”!  Reminding listeners, “We regret the things we didn’t do, not the things we took a chance on”.

Think about it? If you were to describe yourself with five words when you were 25 and then 35 and then 45– WOW!! Those are very different lists.  But have you ever thought about how you got there?

 I am a literally a small woman (5.1) and as I prepared to attend Women’s Wednesday, even before I arrived, I felt stronger and taller and more confident just saying the words in my mind – She is FIERCE!  My experience at the event helped remind me of the power of women’s energy when gathered together and how we can learn from one another. 

The event taught me that our brand may change over time but we should never give up on our goals and also accept our shifting mindset for what it is.  One of our strongest traits as women!  As Melissa Ross said, “Celebrate you for your resilience! Challenge the status quo when necessary; fearlessly speak out; dare to do something fearless!” Yes! As we all know, you should never underestimate a woman… “though she be but little, she is fierce!”  Thank you sisters at she is Fierce!  for this incredible event!

She is Fierce Founder Kelly Youngs, is an Emmy-nominated Executive Producer who had a dream to provide something that could change women’s reality with an online resource for women, Fierce Talks Speaker Series, a Fierce Life Masterclass, and the ability to grow as a community of Fierce Women supporting one another.   

Next up for Women's Wednesday on June 10th is Debbie Powers, Call Her Coach!

Debbie is an advocate for women in sports.  She grew up playing basketball before there were girls’ leagues.  She went on to lead Indiana University to the Final Four and eventually became head women’s basketball coach at Ball State University.  She is the author of the award-winning memoir, Meeting Her Match. 

 For a complete list of upcoming speakers and to acquire tickets to the Women’s Wednesday tab on SheIsFierceHQ.com


To hear more highlights from Women's Wednesday below: