What's happening in St. Augustine
"Reprinted with permission from The St. Augustine Record"
November 5, 2015
We've adjusted the clocks so the days are getting shorter and there's no denying that the holidays are just around the corner, as I keep seeing people in cherry-pickers stringing lights.
Just in time, Jennifer Ellen Ellis of Olde Towne Toys is opening her new location at 3000 S. Ponce de Leon Blvd. on the corner of Daniels Street, two blocks south of King Street. If you've never been to her shop at 113 King Street, you are missing the ambiance and hospitality of an old-style independent toy store. In order to better serve the community during the season, both locations will be open through the holidays.
The doors to the new shop will open this coming Tuesday so you can go to either shop before the King Street location closes at year's end. Look for news about the grand opening by visiting Facebook or at oldetownetoys.com. Congratulations on your new location!
■ Sailors Exchange at 222 W. King St. is holding a nautical flea market this weekend. All sorts of maritime items will be available at the various booths and the money from the booth rentals will go to support the St. Augustine Yacht Club's junior sailing program. The event is being held on Saturday and Sunday and you can contact John at 429-7415 for more information.
■ Michael Rothfeld invites everyone to the "Honoring Veterans" celebration this Sunday at the Anastasia Baptist Church, 1650 State Road A1A S. Starting at 1 p.m., there will be patriotic music courtesy of the St. Augustine High School Chorus, Dr. Roger Geronimo and SJCCA Classical Guitar Ensemble, military and memorial displays, local military organizations, a showing of the PBS story "K9s for Warriors," and more. In honor of Veteran's Day, we honor and thank those who serve and have served. Everyone is welcome.
■ If you've been wondering what has happened to batik artist extraordinaire Wendy Tatter, she has become an advocate for prison reform and will be giving a presentation on Monday with practical advice for those navigating uncharted waters. Compassionate St. Augustine is hosting the event at St. Cyprian's Church on the corner of Lovett and Martin Luther King Ave. This informative talk will provide practical information about how to send clothes, food and funds, make phone calls and visitation protocol. Starting at 6 p.m., the talk will be held at the Mission House adjacent to the church.
■ Joy D'Elia and the ROWITA (Recognizing Outstanding Women in the Arts) committee are calling for nominations of women artists. Visit the St. Johns Cultural Council's website at stjohnsculture.com and look under Grants and Awards for details about nominating criteria. Started by the late Dr. Gail Pflaster and Joy, this is a wonderful recognition of the amazing women artists from St. Johns County. You'll also find information about Junior ROWITA and if you know a high school senior who meets the criteria, please nominate them so they may receive a scholarship award. The deadline is Dec. 1, so start thinking!
■ Finally, if you haven't seen the wonderful documentary, "Davis Shores: Growing Up in the Venice that Never Was," you have a chance to do so on Saturday, Nov. 14. Corazon Cinema and Café at 36 Granada Street is hosting the film and local historian and national treasure David Nolan will be on hand for questions after the movie. Seating is limited and the event is free so get there early. If you haven't been to Corazon, this is an excellent way to get acquainted with our local downtown movie theatre.
Many thanks to everyone who wrote, called and texted to welcome back this column. Please keep me posted.