Susie Wiles, Board of Directors, Monique Burr Foundation for Children

The Monique Burr Foundation for Children, Inc., a Jacksonville-based nonprofit organization created in 1997, has announced that Susie Wiles has joined its Board of Directors.

“Susie’s extensive experience throughout Florida will contribute to our mission as we continue our statewide expansion,” said Ed Burr, chairman and founder of the Monique Burr Foundation for Children.

“I am looking forward to helping the Foundation continue its work in preventing child abuse throughout our state,” said Wiles. “I have admired the work of this Foundation and its research based program, MBF Child Safety Matters™.”

The Monique Burr Foundation Board of Directors works with donors and communities throughout the state to carry out the organization’s mission of providing MBF Child Safety Matters™, its bullying and child abuse prevention program.

Wiles will be joining the other members of the board of directors: Edward E. Burr, GreenPointe Holdings, LLC – Chairman; Dennis Rosa, The Lighthouse Group at Morgan Stanley – Vice President; John C. Fletcher, Jr., Harbeson, Fletcher and Bateh, LLP, CPAs – Treasurer; Daniel Davis, JAX Chamber; Maxine McBride, Clockwork Marketing Services; Donna Orender, Orender Unlimited; Dianne E. Parker, U.S. Navy; and Bert C. Simon, Gartner, Brock and Simon.

About the Monique Burr Foundation for Children

The Monique Burr Foundation for Children, Inc., started by Edward E. Burr, president and CEO of GreenPointe Holdings, is a nonprofit organization with a mission to provide prevention education relevant to issues facing children today. MBF Child Safety Matters^TM is a research-based, primary prevention education program, designed to educate and empower elementary students and all relevant adults with information and strategies to prevent bullying, cyberbullying, digital abuse and all forms of child abuse and exploitation. The MBF Child Safety Matters^TM curriculum is approved in 56 counties in Florida and these safety lessons have reached more than 1 million children. The foundation has trained more than 1,300 facilitators to implement the program. The program is made possible through donations, which is the foundation’s greatest need, so that every child in every public elementary school can receive this safety training.

MBF Child Safety Matters^TM continues to expand statewide as a collaborative effort with the Florida Governor’s Office, the Florida Office of the Attorney General, the Florida Department of Education and the Florida Department of Children & Families. For more information about the Monique Burr Foundation for Children, call (904) 642-0210 or visit www.moniqueburrfoundation.org or www.mbfchildsafetymatters.org.

Sisler Johnston Interior Design has been awarded the contract to provide interior design services for Branan Fields Rehabilitation Center.

The interior design firm will be responsible for providing the new rehabilitation care center’s interior specifications, including furnishings, materials and finish selections. Sisler Johnston Interior Design will ensure the selections meet the highest commercial standards while offering the colors, patterns and textures that reflect the warmth and appeal of residential interior design.

“I’ve always believed that rehabilitation and recovery are enhanced by beautiful surroundings and warm and loving caregivers,” said Judith Sisler Johnston, president of Sisler Johnston Interior Design, allied member, American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) and a Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS). “Branan Fields Rehabilitation Center’s ambiance will complement its specialized care and therapies, and its mission to help individuals return to healthy, productive and fulfilling lives.”

Located near the intersection of Branan Field and Old Jennings roads, Branan Fields Rehabilitation Center will be a one-story, approximately 85,000-square-foot building housing 120 skilled nursing beds including a 10 room wing for hospice care. Amenities will include a therapy pool and gym, movie theater, private and community dining areas, and resident lounges for socializing and entertainment. The community’s design will feature Craftsman-style architecture and a relaxed country equestrian ambiance.

Branan Fields Rehabilitation Center will be managed by Health Care Managers, Inc., of Fernandina Beach. The architect is Architectural Concepts, Inc., located in Largo, Fla.

Sisler Johnston Interior Design specializes in senior lifestyle design. The company offers exceptional skills in the special design considerations unique to residential environments for mature adults and delivers marketable designs that offer maximum aesthetic appeal while meeting functional and regulatory requirements. More information is available at www.SislerJohnston.com.

The John Gorrie a condominium

A very limited number of homes remain available for sale at the historic and fully-renovated John Gorrie a condominium, located in popular Riverside where property costs are on the rise.  A Federal Housing Administration (FHA)  and Fannie Mae (FNMA) approved residence, qualified homebuyers at The John Gorrie can obtain a low down payment and fixed-rate mortgage at competitive rates, allowing them an opportunity to purchase a piece of history.  Owners also receive an ad valorem tax abatement toward their homeowner’s tax bill through 2021.

“We had first toured The John Gorrie in February 2014 and absolutely fell in love with the space,” said Blythe Duckworth and Denys Zayets. Awaiting The John Gorrie’s FHA approval, the couple revisited in January 2015, hoping approval would be closer. “We selected the home we wanted and crossed our fingers it would still be available once the FHA approval came through. Lucky for us, it worked out.”

As the building’s ornate Mediterranean Revival architecture demonstrates, the former John Gorrie Junior High School was constructed in 1923 and was designed by noted Jacksonville architects Roy A. Benjamin and Mellen C. Greeley.  Listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1987 before closing in 1997, community advocate Delores Barr Weaver and her husband purchased the former school with plans to renovate and restore the historic buildings, transforming them into what is now The John Gorrie a condominium.

The John Gorrie consists of 68 residences with luxurious contemporary amenities including 12-foot ceilings, expansive windows, stainless steel GE appliances, CaesarStone countertops and hardwood floors.  The John Gorrie offers one- and two-bedroom residences and two-story townhomes priced from the upper-$100,000s. The community’s amenities include private gated parking, a private courtyard, custom fitness center, elevators, a resident reading room and Wi-Fi Internet access.

“Every home is unique because Mrs. Weaver was determined to retain as much of the historical aspect of the building as possible, yet each home has modern amenities,” said Valerie Williams, owner at The John Gorrie.  “I was very impressed that the building still had the feeling of being a school.  Original doors, window frames and radiators align the hallways and some of the homes even have original wooden floors from the former gymnasium and classrooms.”

The John Gorrie is home to young professionals, retirees and families alike, and to the owners’ delight, pet-friendly.  Scheduled to break ground by December 2015, The John Gorrie Dog Park at Riverside Park will be located near the condominium in the northwest corner of Riverside Park.  For more than three years, the Riverside Avondale Preservation (RAP) has been working in partnership with Weaver and community partners to establish the two-acre, off-leash dog park as a neighborhood amenity.

“One of my favorite things about life at The John Gorrie is the convenience of its location. On any given afternoon I can grab a cup of tea, stroll through Memorial Park, take in a matinee movie, eat Asian-inspired street fare and pick up some light reading at the book store – all without having to get in my car,” said homeowner at The John Gorrie, Mark Pariani.

Accolades that The John Gorrie a condominium has received include the Grand Aurora Award at the 2012 AURORA Awards in its “Remodeling, Rehabilitation or Historical Renovation” division; the Jacksonville Historic Preservation Commission’s 2012 Preservation Award for the restoration and renovation of the former John Gorrie Junior High School into condominium homes; an Outstanding Multi-Family Renovation award from RAP in 2012; and in 2013 Delores Barr Weaver was awarded the prestigious Urban Land Institute North Florida Award for Excellence in the Reuse/Repurpose category for her work on The John Gorrie’s transformation.

“Restoring a historic building as special as John Gorrie Junior High School and transforming it into a home for many was truly a labor of love,” said Weaver. “Thank you to the community for supporting the project and renovation process.”

For more information about how you can secure your piece of history and be part of The John Gorrie community, call (904) 383-3688 or visit www.TheJohnGorrie.com.

The Women’s Board of Wolfson Children’s Hospital has announced the speakers for its 39th Annual Art & Antiques Show. The annual event, which benefits Wolfson Children’s Hospital, will take place Dec. 3–6, at the Prime F. Osborn III Convention Center, 1000 Water Street.

Beginning Thursday, Dec. 3, the Art & Antiques Show kicks off with a Sneak Peek and Benefactor Preview in advance of a 6:45 p.m. lecture from Jacksonville native Alexa von Tobel. Named the “Most Powerful Woman Entrepreneur of 2014” by Fortune Magazine, von Tobel is a celebrated financial expert, a New York Times bestselling author and Founder and CEO of LearnVest.com.

On Friday, Dec. 4, attendees will enjoy a lecture by top designer Alexa Hampton at 10 a.m., followed by a signing of her newest book, Decorating in Detail. Hampton is owner and Design Lead of Mark Hampton LLC, an internationally acclaimed design firm begun by her father, the late Mark Hampton, and is a recurrent member of top designer lists such as Architectural Digest.

Also on Friday, at 11:30 a.m., designer Juli Catlin and antiques expert William Nash will explore Florida’s design aesthetic and its influences from Spain’s Ponce de Leon to Palm Beach’s Lilly Pulitzer. As principal of Catlin Design, Catlin has led her firm to more than 30 years of design excellence and has been featured in many national publications. Nash is one of the Southeast’s up-and-coming experts in antiques and decorative arts and, in partnership with his father, runs E.W. Nash & Son, an antiques restoration and appraisal firm in Jacksonville.

On Saturday, Dec. 5, Richard Keith Langham will lecture at 10 a.m. Langham is an Alabama native who was educated in New York, apprenticed under Mark Hampton and has been recognized on Elle Décor’s A-list as well as Architectural Digest’s AD100. Langham’s clients have included the late Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Mrs. William F. Buckley and Hilary Swank.

At 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, interior designer Barbara Westbrook will speak and sign her book, Gracious Rooms, which explores the dynamic between comfort, charm and elegant style. Since 1992, Westbrook has run her Atlanta-based interior design firm, Westbrook Interiors, and has made her mark on high-end residential and commercial spaces in addition to being regularly featured in national design publications.

Concluding the lecture series on the final day of the Art & Antiques Show, Dr. J. Michael Francis will speak Sunday, Dec. 6, at 1 p.m. His topic, Before Jamestown: Europeans, Africans and Indians in Spanish Florida, celebrates the Show’s 2015 Spanish theme. Francis is a historian who is considered an international expert on colonial Latin America, Early Florida, Spanish Borderlands, the Pre-Columbian Americas and Spanish Paleography. He was appointed by the President to St. Augustine’s 450th Commemoration Commission and is the author of numerous articles and books on Spanish history, most recently St. Augustine, American’s First City: A Story of Unbroken History & Enduring Spirit. Dr. Francis is known for his extreme depth of knowledge and charismatic style.

“The 2015 lecturers are incredibly knowledgeable and truly experts in their unique areas,” said Sheila Collier, who is chairing this year’s Art & Antiques Show with Christy Martin. “All interested in attending should purchase tickets in advance, as they are going fast.”

Show hours are: Friday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; and Sunday 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets are available online at www.artandantiquesshow.com, by calling (904) 202-2886 or by email at [email protected]. Daily admission to the Show is $15, and lecture tickets are $30. Higher level tickets for multiple events and corporate sponsorships are available.

For further details and a complete listing of Show events, visit the Art & Antiques Show website at www.artandantiquesshow.com.

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty is proud to announce its new partnership with Dreams Come True and the Jacksonville Jaguars.

“We are thrilled to continue supporting the important mission of Dreams Come True through a new collaboration with the Jacksonville Jaguars,” said Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty Founder, President and CEO Linda Sherrer. “With the power of the Jacksonville Jaguars and the support of our valued customers and passionate team members, we will continue to help make dreams come true for many deserving Northeast Florida children.”

During the past two years, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty has donated more than $60,000 to Dreams Come True, the First Coast’s only locally based nonprofit organization dedicated to fulfilling the dreams of children with life-threatening illnesses. Under the new partnership, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty will continue to donate a portion from every completed home sale to fund the sponsorship for Dreams Come True.

The funds will support marketing and public relations efforts for Dreams Come True as well as Special Times with the Jacksonville Jaguars in conjunction with Dreams Come True. Special Times provides the dream child and his or her family a time to momentarily forget the realities of life-threatening illnesses.

“Often, our children battle their illnesses long before and even after their dreams have been fulfilled,” said Sheri Criswell, executive director, Dreams Come True. “Special Times make it possible for us to continually support our children with meaningful experiences designed to brighten their day. We appreciate the incredible support and generosity of the Jacksonville Jaguars and Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty to help us make this possible for our children.”

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty’s fundraising efforts for Dreams Come True began in August 2013 as part of the company’s 25th anniversary year. Company leaders and associates are passionate about supporting Dreams Come True.

“We have the best job in the world…helping people achieve their dreams of homeownership! Our partnership with Dreams Come True is a natural fit, allowing us to also fulfill the dreams of children and their families who need something exciting to look forward to,” said Broker/Executive Vice President Christy Budnick. “Dreams Come True does so much good for our community and we want their children to have special times they will never forget. We are honored to partner with the Jacksonville Jaguars and to support Dreams Come True and its mission to make a difference in the lives of children.”

Habitat for Humanity of Jacksonville (HabiJax) invites those who are interested in joining the 2016 HabiJax Volunteer Leader Team to attend a Training Kick Off session to learn about the updated Volunteer Team Leader Training Program.

Attendees will also learn about how volunteers can get certified to be construction crew leaders.  No experience is required and a light dinner will be served.

Training Kick Off sessions will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 10, and Tuesday, Nov. 17, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at HabiJax, located at 2404 Hubbard Street.

For more information or with questions, please contact Davetta Williams at [email protected] or (904) 208-6674.

The Northeast Florida Builders Association will host its Chester Stokes Holiday Golf Tournament on Monday, Dec. 7, at Marsh Landing Country Club in Ponte Vedra Beach.

Lunch, which will be provided by Builders First Source, and range time will begin at 11 a.m. and the tournament will follow at noon.

Cost is $150 per player or $500 per foursome.

RSVP to Corey Hacker at [email protected].  Sponsorship opportunities are available.

Dr. Joseph G. Joyner, Superintendent of Schools, St. Johns County

Plan now to attend the Northeast Florida Builders Associations (NEFBA) Sales and Marketing Council (SMC) Breakfast meeting on Friday, Nov. 13, 2015 at the University of North Florida.

The hottest new home market in Northeast Florida continues to be St. Johns County.  A big part of the attraction for all real estate buyers is the area’s top rated public school system.  St. Johns County schools have led all other First Coast districts in school ranks for years.  Don’t miss this breakfast meeting and a chance to hear the vision of Superintendent Joseph G. Joyner. Dr. Joseph G. Joyner has been superintendent of schools for the St. Johns County School District since July 1, 2003.

Registration is now open here.

Attend the NEFBA Sales and Marketing Council to network with the home building industry’s top leaders. With over 200 members, NEFBA has one of the largest SMCs in the nation.

Make plans now to attend Jacksonville’s Annual Veterans Day Parade on Wednesday, Nov. 11 in Downtown Jacksonville. The parade begins at EverBank Field at 11:01 a.m. and proceeds west on Bay Street to the Prime Osborn Convention Center.

The Grand Marshal for this year’s parade is retired Major General Michael D. Healey, United States Army. General Healy was the inspiration for the John Wayne movie “The Green Berets.” General Healy, or “Iron Mike” as he is known in the Special Forces community, served with valor during five tours in Vietnam. He was recognized with the Distinguished Member of the Special Forces Regiment Award. During his 35-year career, Major General Healy was the recipient of three Distinguished Service Medals, two Silver Stars, the Legion of Merit, the Distinguished Flying Cross, seven Bronze Stars with Valor, two Purple Hearts and many more awards.

As a celebration of the community’s evolution and the addition of a $6 million Resident Club at Oakmont, its developer and principal builder,
ICI Homes, will host a groundbreaking ceremony on Wednesday, Nov. 11, at 9 a.m., in partnership with the six home builders at Oakmont.

Oakmont builders include Arthur Rutenberg Homes; Barry Bullard Homes; Jeffrey M. Wilde; Tommy Waters Custom Homes; Tommy Williams; and ICI Homes. Notable guests of the celebration may include local dignitaries and elected officials, as well as the Resident’s Club interior designer, Judith Sisler Johnston, of Jacksonville-based firm Sisler Johnston Interior Design. The firm is responsible for interior specifications and selections including furnishings, décor, wallcoverings, window treatments, carpeting, countertops, lighting and decorative hardware.

“Builders and homeowners at Oakmont are excited about the progress of the community in the last few months,” said David Haas, Chief Development Officer, ICI Homes. “We know the Resident Club will be a welcomed amenity for Oakmont families for years to come as it will be a central gathering place for all to enjoy.”

Surrounded by unspoiled natural beauty, the 556-acre community of Oakmont is designed with abundant green space and appeals to those who enjoy an active lifestyle and appreciate the great outdoors. Scheduled for completion in spring 2016, the Oakmont Resident Club will house a state-of-the-art fitness center and grand gathering room, as well as tennis courts, an amphitheater, a basketball court, resort-style swimming pool with lap lanes and a multi-purpose field.

Each of the six Oakmont homebuilders offers unique floorplans, allowing prospective homeowners to have a choice in home sites that range in size from single-family to one-acre estate-sized lots.

Plans range in size from 1,500 square feet to 10,000-square feet. Single-family homes start from the low $200s and custom estate homes start from the low $400s to more than $2 million. For more information, visit www.oakmontfl.com.