Local Folks: Friends, Ginny and Ward
Amid five decades of change, Ginny Stine Romano and R. Ward Lariscy have managed to maintain a consistent friendship. Living and working close by, shopping and socializing in the same circles, and even traveling together—sometimes a state or two away, and sometimes abroad. These two friends have been doing life side by side for the […]
Local Folks: Melissa & Timothy Silcox
Melissa and Timothy Silcox are the brother and sister team who distribute newspapers and magazines for The Resident Community News Group (RCNG). Melissa has been distributing for the publishing company for nearly seven years. Timothy joined her in 2021. “He’s been such a help,” Melissa said of her brother. He and Seth Williams, of the […]
Local Folks: Ed Hall
Despite his social interactions being limited for the past couple of years by personal health issues and pandemic restrictions, San Marco resident Ed Hall’s voice and visual commentary have been seen and heard in publications in the U.S. and around the world. Hall’s profound and wickedly hilarious political and editorial cartoons and award-winning illustrations deliver […]
Local Folks: Dori & Christian Thomsen
Meet the Thomsens: Dori, a Floridian from Pensacola Beach, and Christian, a New Orleans native. They are the Riverside couple who founded Saluna Yoga + Spa in 5 Points in 2014 and who recently celebrated their tenth wedding anniversary. They met in 2004 in Jacksonville at the University of North Florida while Dori was completing […]
For the Love of a Neighborhood: Wayne Wood
You may not know it, but if you’ve ever wandered through Riverside on a Saturday morning, you’ve no doubt appreciated the work of Dr. Wayne Wood. Wood, nicknamed the “Mayor of Riverside,” is one of the leading founders of Riverside Avondale Preservation (RAP), an organization responsible for the salvation of many of the area’s beloved […]
For the Love of a Neighborhood: Zimmermann Boulos
Few people have the moxie to leave a permanent mark on their community, but if you’re Zimmermann Boulos, you manage to do it eight-fold. Nicknamed the “King of San Marco,” Boulos has been wholly- or partially-responsible for the installation of eight pieces of public art throughout the San Marco area, including the iconic Lions’ Fountain […]
Local Folks: Kelly & Clint Ross
Kelly and Clint Ross are opticians who own Davalt Optical, a longstanding eyewear boutique in Riverside. There they fill prescription lenses, repair broken eyeglasses, take custom orders, and so much more. In addition to eyes, the Rosses have a passion for history and collectibles. So, when they’re not dressing the windows of people’s souls, they […]
Local Folks: Joque Soskis
Long time Riverside resident Joque Soskis (who mentioned that the surname was probably shortened at Ellis Island in the 1800’s then continued his commentary with a short lesson on standardized English) was born in New Orleans, Louisiana on July 12, 1941. The quick witted Soskis remarked that makes him “about the same age as dirt.” […]
