LLS

On Jan. 12, a huge circle of people gathered by the St. Johns River at Marywood Retreat Center for what was an incredible, moving experience. Basil Brave Heart and his wife Charlotte travelled from their South Dakota reservation to bless the river. The group was "cleansed" with smoke from sage leaves, spread across each participant with an eagle feather. Good friend and St. Johns Riverkeeper Neil Armingeon offered participants water from the river to place upon their finger tips. With chants and drumbeats from fellow Native Americans and others participating in the ceremony each person in the circle placed their prayers in the form of tobacco on to prayer cloths.

The book of Ecclesiastes says, “To every thing there is a season,” and for me, the season has come to bid adieu.

This has been the one of the most incredible parts of my life’s journey. I will sorely miss writing for you each week. Through the Sun, I have had the opportunity to meet many wonderful people and cover fascinating stories along this road.

I’ve experienced the St. Johns River in ways I never dreamed possible, including alligator hunting, commercial crabbing, and monkey sightings. I’ve walked the spiritual lands surrounding Fort Mose, feeling the whisper of ancient voices rising with the sweltering heat. I’ve worked “inside the ropes” at the TPC, rubbing elbows with the greats of the game.

Last Sunday, Dec. 16, a wire story broke from the AP ran announcing the passing of Dan Fogelberg. He was 56-years-old. In 2004, the singer-songwriter was preparing to go on tour when he was diagnosed with advanced stage prostate cancer. He never toured or recorded again.

In 1974 I first learned of this prolific talent while sifting through the bins in a small record store behind the capitol building in Columbia, S.C. near the University. I purchased my first Fogelberg album, a vinyl recording titled "Souvenirs." The album changed my life.

Way back when, I was a musician. In my heart, I guess I still am. Through the years, I would have the opportunity to see Dan perform on several occasions. The first time being at the famed Fox Theater in Atlanta. He was touring solo and I had never been so blown away by such an incredible musical talent. The last time I was blessed hearing him was at the Florida Theater.

It still remains amazing to me how much our little hamlet is changing. I guess it shouldn't be hard to believe a bank heist would occur in Fruit Cove, they happen most every other place in Florida. But one that is armed robbery and occurs in broad daylight!

St. Johns County Sheriff's Office is still looking for the man who robbed the Fruit Cove Wachovia Bank on Sept. 15. At 10:54 a.m., a man entered the bank, casually waited in line before allegedly pulling a gun from a nylon fanny pack and demanded all of the money from the teller's station. He fled the building but no one saw whether he left by vehicle or on foot.

Hey, next Saturday, Aug. 18 at 1 p.m., TPC Sawgrass wil host the 2007 Mutual of Omaha Drive, Chip and Putt Tour. The Golf Channel is one of the major sponsors of the event and will host the national championship of this skills competition for kids, ages 7-14, in the fall in Orlando.
To reach Orlando, these young prodigies must win at TPC and win their regional qualifier.
How cool is it these athletes get to compete against kids their own age at the PGA Tour's home course! Did I mention it is also free? You can register your child on-line at the Golf Channel's Web site or sign them up the day of the event at Sawgrass. Sounds like a lot of fun if your child is into the game.

I recently had the incredible opportunity to sit down with Nina Johnson. On July 23, she celebrated a birthday, her 103rd!
Now, I'd heard tales of Mrs. Johnson. You see, she's a resident at Westminster Woods on Julington Creek. I like to go there to take photographs and on most occassions, you see many of the residents on three-wheelers peddling by. Most of the riders mosey along, enjoying the views and greeting people along the way. Mrs. Johnson — she lays down her tracks! She zooms to and fro keeping a pace far beyond much younger whipper snappers (her fellow residents)!

I first want to applaud my co-worker Mark Pettus for his outstanding coverage of the St. Johns Cultural Council, as well as the few bloggers who wrote in support of the SJCC. I am fortunate enough to know Philip McDaniel and experience his enthusiasm for bringing the arts to all of the county.
Recently over lunch, Philip and I discussed the northwest and what it would take to get the arts more recognized here. We talked about the importance of sports in our community and how every season, more than 2,500 kids participate in Creeks Athletics Association sports. We both felt that many of those same parents who provide their children with athletic experiences, would also be interested in providing arts and cultural opportunities to them as well. Not to mention, all of the children in the community who are not involved in athletics.

As one of the staff photojournalist at My St. Johns Sun, it is my privilege to spend time weekly out in the county capturing photographs to place in the Sun. As a writer, I enjoy crafting words into meaningful articles, but it is my visual storytelling, through my images, that I have always enjoyed most.
Kevin and I are the only two remaining staffers from the beginning of what is now My St. Johns Sun. I can remember sitting with Kevin's boss in the downtown offices of the Florida Times-Union during one of my interviews for the reporter position and being shown a little Nikon point and shoot camera. I sheepishly asked if it would be alright to use my equipment — Nikon professional series camera and lenses. Thankfully, they gladly welcomed my desire to use my camera skills, and I hope you've enjoyed them too.