Rosemary Beach’s community newspaper, the Rosemary Thymes has arrived hot-off-the-press just in time for our annual Homeowners Weekend. We’re thrilled to share the newest issue as Susan Vallee shares her Editor’s Note below and invites you to flip through the Fall 2014 edition for the latest happenings and stories from our town. Enjoy!
There is so much to be thankful for as we approach Thanksgiving and the holiday season! Do you like our new look? We worked hard to improve our page layout, photographic quality, font sizes and color palette so the paper would be easier to navigate and to read. We are also working to reflect the town’s commitment to architecture, nature and community through our stories and images. I’d love to hear suggestions for stories, or events that you’d like us to feature. I want the Thymes to be the absolute best it can be while reflecting the wonderful spirit of this town.
In this issue we highlight several individuals who give their time, talent and money to causes greater than themselves. I hope their determination will inspire you to give more of yourself.
The staff of Amavida is fundraising (and looking for participants) in its upcoming 40 mile race. No, that is not a typo. It really is a 40 mile race. Runners are seeking donations. Please see page 24 to find out more.
Resident author Cym Lowell is donating 100 percent of book sales to fund a Wounded Warrior cause that is near and dear to his heart. He was looking for a way to help veterans when he learned of the need for adaptive laptop computers. You can purchase his book, “Jaspar’s War,” at The Hidden Lantern Bookstore and feel great knowing that not only did you just get an
entertaining story for yourself, but you also helped a soldier. Thank you Cym for doing this.
The annual Jim DelMauro Rosemary Run has raised more than $100,000 for The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s research. Isn’t that wonderful? Homeowner Jim DelMauro is a fighter and he is facing this diagnosis with courage and a great attitude. If you missed the race, you can still donate to the cause by going to jdmrosemaryrun.org.
Rosemary Beach Foundation helped raise money for the new Alaqua Animal Refuge in Freeport. The facility is moving to 85 donated acres and is working with Jim Fowler on designing an “animal welfare zoo.” Please see page 12 for more.
Check out the great photo by Cocoa L. Photography on page 8. It captures Rita’s infectious smile and her big heart. Rita has been an employee at Gigi’s Fabulous Kids’ Fashions & Toys for 10 years, but she’s also been behind the stores success. There’s just something special about going into a store and being recognized. And no matter who you are, Rita will remember you. I can’t even count the times she has sat on the floor to play with my son or carried my baby around the store so I could shop (and she could play). You can’t buy that kind of service. The town of Rosemary is lucky to have Ms. Rita (as we call her). She helps every kid in town feel important and special. And for that, she is most deserving of a crown indeed. Happy 10th anniversary Rita!
SUSAN VALLEE – EDITOR
