our 9th nova noel

Our 9th Nova Noel

This week it was feeling a lot like the Holidays, a desire to be relaxed coupled with a bit of extra craziness… and that’s because it was time for our annual Holiday party, our 9th Nova Noel! Of course it was held at Entrepreneur Social Club‘s headquarters, NOVA 535, in beautiful Downtown St. Pete. The decorations and atmosphere were simply exploding with festive vibes, and we were loving all of it.

our 9th nova noel

Pictured above, from left to right: Kaleigh Ferreira and Our close-up magician Cory Van Valin, one of Mike’s best childhood friends Dan, Michael Novilla (owner of NOVA and founder of ESC and DowntownStPete.com), awesome bartender Charlotte, Chris Novilla tech-guru, MoTown and a few of his Got Jokes? clan Gwiggy, and Tarik, Krystle Pinzker and Nick Mezeika.

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our 9th nova noel

Pictured above from left to right: (top) Katie James, Marina Williams, Michael Novilla, Keith Widmer, Jeff Sassano, Troy, Tony Michaelides, Tony (bottom) Becky Williams, Kathi Harris, Santa, Gemma Lux, Erika Cain.

The courtyard was once again a gorgeous entrance to walk through, as the lights I so often swoon over were lit brightly and hung over the bamboo perfectly. Tables were set up outside for those who wanted to enjoy the gorgeous weather we had going on, but inside was where all the Christmas magic was really happening. (I’m Audrey Bedinghaus, ESC, NOVA and DTSP’s promotional guru, yoga instructor, positivity polly, adventurer and writer).

our 9th nova noel

Gloria West & The Gents were playing jazzy Christmas jams as guests enjoyed their catered dinner and top shelf drinks, and the overall feeling of it made everyone forget that the end of 2016 was still over two weeks away… we felt like we were right there enjoying the best of what the holidays offer us, right here at Nova! The 15 foot tall tree covered in lights and ornaments no doubt had something to do with it, but what really brought the holiday to life here was everyone’s favorite jolly man, Santa, set up right in the middle of the venue. He was taking notes on who’s been naughty and who’s been nice enough to make a wish list with him; and by his side to help were two of his adorable dancing elves! They were also there to brighten any pictures taken with him with some extra beautiful Holiday cheer. Job well done, ladies!

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I obviously had to take advantage of the opportunity to have a sit down with Santa and share with him my Christmas list of Flores onesies and all the cute puppies my arms can hug at one time (…what? Don’t act like you don’t wish you thought of it first.), but I was quite surprised when I came to find how intriguing this man in a red suit really is! While I expected a simple “Ho, ho, ho!” and maybe a confirmation that I have, in fact, been a very good girl this year, I got much more of a story from the real man under the hat! Turns out, visiting people and places as Santa is something Ross Tarr has been doing for over 30 years now, and it was knots inevitable that his fate would lead in that direction.

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Because after years of bouncing around in various different corporate professions, he found himself living on a house boat and being pulled in the direction of his father’s profession. That’s right, his father had been Santa Claus for the holidays as well, so Ross was essentially following in his foot steps and pursuing the family business. He’s been telling stories and dressing as characters such as a leprechaun and working as a story teller for seniors and children ever since!

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I loved hearing his story. It’s always so interesting to me to get to know the many unique people of Nova and of Entrepreneur Social Club, as Nova somehow seems to attract the utmost innovative, inspiring, and unique characters. A party in this venue is never dull, that’s for sure!

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And yes, we did have some of our wonderful ESC gracing us with their presences and enjoying the holiday festivities with us for our 9th Nova Noel. Rather than gathering to chat business and laugh over our crazy stories and endeavors, we decided to invite our members and friends to kick back and enjoy the merriment. After all, whether naughty or nice, we’ve all worked hard… I’d say it was well deserved.

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Dinner tonight was provided by Catering by Murray, one of the Entrepreneur Social Club’s favorites. It was a delicious menu including Grilled Chicken and Grilled Beef, with mouth watering Chipotle ranch, Creamy horseradish, Honey mustard, Creamy Garlic Dill sauces. Plus Long Grain Wild Rice, Roasted Garlic Dill New Potatoes, Seasonal Roasted vegetables, and Penne Pasta Served with a red tomato sauce and a white creamy garlic sauce. Plus a fresh green salad. Mmmm!! Thanks Murray and scrumptious desserts by Wandering Whisk for making our 9th Nova Noel so delicious!

2016-12-08-nova-noel-3  Ruby Thomas and her lovely family. Below: Ruby,Baby Kevin, Little Pearl, and John Kevin, 2016-12-08-nova-noel-3 2016-12-08-nova-noel-3 2016-12-08-nova-noel-3 2016-12-08-nova-noel-3

Our photo booth was provided by newcomer Kelly Willis of Extremely Fun Photos, it was a blast! So many CRAZY photos and memories!! Also our longtime hilarious pals, the Best of the Bay Improv Troupe Got Jokes? performed later in the night. SO FUNNY!!

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Here is a big HAPPY HOLIDAYS to all of our fellow Entrepreneurs, Business Owners, Start-Ups, Mentors and Visionaries from all of us at the Entrepreneur Social Club!! Best to you all in 2017 and beyond!!

PS – Join on here Thursday Nights 6 pm to 830 pm then Downtown St. Pete for dinner and more drinks!

PPS – Enjoy all the photos below!

 

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