The Buzz: Andrew Gillum sworn in as new Tallahassee Mayor
Welcome to The Buzz, Tallahassee Magazine’s column created to share who’s where and what they’re doing. While we try to flit around with all of Tallahassee’s social butterflies, the Buzz can’t be everywhere. Send the skinny on your next soiree to buzz@tallahasseemagazine.com.
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To include the public in his swearing-in ceremony as Tallahassee’s new mayor, Andrew Gillum, took his oath of office during the most public of events, the Downtown Getdown. In a comic moment, Gillum had to transfer his new twin baby boy, Jackson, from his right hand to his left to take the oath of office. Wife and Tallahassee’s new first lady, R Jai Gillum, stood next to him holding daughter Caroline while numerous members of Andrew’s family watched from the VIP section along with newly installed president of Florida State University, John Thrasher, and congresswoman-elect Gwen Graham as well as state Rep. Alan Williams and former state Sen. Al Lawson. After a moment of silence recognizing the courageous efforts of the FSU and Tallahassee police departments during the shooting at FSU’s Strozier Library the night before; the evening was picture perfect. Festivities continued at a celebratory community event at the Tallahassee Centre, hosted by various businesses on behalf of the newly elected members of the city commission. Hot Beef Wellington puff pastries greeted guest entering the room while an array of hummus, salad and chicken skewers lined the buffet table. Judge Nikki Clark, who swore in the new Mayor as well as new City Commissioner Curtis Richardson, mingled with campaign chairman Jay Landers and his wife, Pam Forrester. Guests who came out the celebrate also included Mayor Pro Tem Scott Maddox, City Manager Anita Favors Thompson, Jon and Serena Moyle and many others.
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Anhinga Press celebrated 40 years of bringing fine literature to readers around the world with a special event held at Aloft Tallahassee Nov. 23. Event Co-Chairs Donna Decker and Jeff G. Peters planned an occasion that brought together writers, musicians and friends of Anhinga Press for a unique literary evening. The night featured readings of poetry, prose, live music and a special appearance by the Java Girls: (Lynne Knight, Mary Jane Ryals, Melanie Rawls and Decker) . Award-winning writers gave spirited readings to an adoring crowd. The program included Ryals, David Kirby, Michael Trammel, Kristine and Jay Snodgrass, Bucky McMahon, Rick Campbell, Agnes Furey, Herb Donaldson, Erin Hoover and Alex Quinlan. The crowd was entertained by some of Tallahassee’s finest musicians — Hal Shows, Susan David and Mershell Sherman. Rick Campbell was presented with commemorative Anhinga Press beer mugs in honor of his long and excellent stewardship of Anhinga Press. Anhinga Press continues to publish beautiful books under the direction of Kristine and Jay Snodgrass, Lynne Knight and its board of trustees. Photography for the evening was provided by Bob O’Lary. Additional celebratory events will be happening in the spring. Information about them will be posted at anhinga.org.
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More than 350 physicians, Junior League members and patients attended the annual Holiday Open House at Southeastern Plastic Surgery in Tallahassee. Board certified physicians Doctors Ben Kirbo, Laurence Rosenberg, Chris DeRosier and staff took the opportunity to say “thank you” to patients, family and friends. In addition to having an opportunity to speak with physicians and spa experts about new techniques and technologies, guests received paraffin hand treatments, mini spa facials and complimentary eyebrow shaping. Guests also received discount vouchers for spa services and complimentary consultations and discounts on all skin care products. As is the tradition, each year a local charity is a benefactor of the Open House. This year, Tallahassee’s Brehon House received a special donation from the staff of Southeastern Plastic Surgery to celebrate the season.
