This week’s Ponte Vedran of the Week is Maggie Bowers. I first met Maggie when we were actively involved with Community Pedscare. Her infectious smile and positive energy were something I admired as we were knee-deep in setting up a station for Halloween Doors & More and something I have been drawn to through the continuing years. Always first with a kind word, Maggie’s commitment to her family, her friends, her cross-country kids, and her community is both obvious and inspiring.
Ponte Vedran Since: I moved to Ponte Vedra Beach in June of 2008 after SP, my husband, took a job at the Mayo Clinic. I had lived in San Antonio, Tx where SP was a general surgeon in the Air Force and went to Iraq three times from 2003-2007.
Other Places You’ve Lived: Before that, we lived in Atlanta, GA, and Denver, CO where we did our medical training, SP as a general surgeon and me as a Physician Assistant. I remember moving to Ponte Vedra and being so excited to meet on the beach on a Friday night for a cocktail and to have the kids run around with friends. It is still my favorite place to have a cocktail and I have been so happy to have the beach during this pandemic.
Speaking of the Pandemic, we both really wanted to do something to help advance the vaccine process. We looked online and found the Jacksonville Center of Clinical Research. They were doing the phase 3 trial for the Pfizer and the Moderna vaccines. We both signed up to be randomized and fortunately, both received the Moderna vaccine in August and September. At the time I was open to going back to work as a Physician Assistant so took a job with the center to do other vaccine trials for Covid. It was just about being at the right place at the right time.
In my spare time, I like to?
When not at work I enjoy coaching track and cross country at Ponte Vedra High School. We have a large and very active team of 120 high school students for XC and about 40 for distance track. The kids and families are so fun to work with and it has been a great way to meet people in this very active community. I also love to play league tennis and try to do beach yoga whenever possible.
I also am a foodie and my favorite restaurant is the Palm Valley Fish Camp and also really enjoy going to 3 Palms to sit out on the back deck.
When out of town I am either visiting my son, John, in Annapolis, MD where he is a track and cross country runner for the Naval Academy, or my daughter Livi, who is a Freshman at Tulane studying Architecture. Our family loves hiking in National Parks or visiting family in North Carolina. My favorite thing to watch is Carolina Basketball. Go Heels! Unfortunately, we are a house divided so the other half of the house is cheering for Duke.
Favorite Thing about Ponte Vedra:
We love the community of Ponte Vedra Beach because people who move here really want to be here. They have embraced all the outdoor activities the area has to offer and live a very active family-centered lifestyle. We have no plans on leaving anytime soon!
