Currents September / October

magazine

VOLUME 9 ISSUE 6 • SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER, 2015 PRICELESSS

Women in Business

Saluting Strength In Our Community

Currents | September/October, 2015 | 1

2 | Currents | September/October, 2015

Your family’s health means everything to us.

New extended late hours. Tuesday and Thursday open until 6:30 p.m.

For comprehensive family care, you can feel confident turning to Lake Shore Primary Care West. And now, we are proud to welcome Michael C. Ukaegbu, M.D., to the group. Dr. Ukaegbu provides services ranging from routine exams to the careful management of chronic conditions. He is dedicated to helping families like yours achieve and maintain good health – for life.

Same-day appointments are often available. And for your convenience, you can call or schedule your appointment online.

Michael C. Ukaegbu, M.D. Internal Medicine

Jennifer Scott, ARNP

Board Certified in DOT Physicals Family Nurse Practitioner

Member of the Medical Staff of Shands Lake Shore Regional Medical Center and Member of the Allied Health Staff of Shands Lake Shore Regional Medical Center.

221 SW Stonegate Terrace, Suite 101

386-292-7744 ShandsLakeShorePhysicians.com Currents | September/October, 2015 | 3

[c o n t e n t s] 06 A rockin’ good time

Local restaurants, bars — and even a church — offer aspiring artists a chance to shine.

12 ION L SECT SPECIA on starts49 e g a p

12 Working women

Four local businesswomen take on the workforce and rise to the top of their fields.

28 On the water

CHS junior Christian Thompson sets his sights on 2016 Bassmaster Southern Open.

32 A miracle in the making 28 Support the gift of life — and witness a living miracle — by attending Signature Chefs Auction.

40 Find your fall favorites

Columnist Martha Ann Ronsonet shares her favorite fall flowers just in time for planting.

44 Outdoors are his office

Ichetucknee Springs State Park director of volunteer programs Sam Cole has made a career of nature.

[ [ PUBLISHER: Todd Wilson EDITOR: Robert Bridges SALES: Dawn Layton Jose Rodriguez AD DESIGN: Dave Kimler

WRITERS: Larry Griffin Sam Burroughs Nick Rollison Tony Britt DESIGN: Emily Lawson

CURRENTS magazine is a publication of the Lake City Reporter, 180 E Duval St., Lake City, FL 32055.

To inquire about advertising, call (386) 752-1293 or e-mail Currents@lakecityreporter.com. © Copyright 2015.

32

COVER CREDITS magazine

VOLUME 9 ISSUE 6 • SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER, 2015 PRICELESSS

Women in Business

Saluting Strength In Our Community

Women in business in Columbia County are saluted in this issue. October is Women in Business Month.

Composite by Dave Kimler

Two skilled surgeons are just a short ride away.

If you ever need surgery, it’s good to know that you have two skilled general surgeons right here to care for you. Jerzy Polmerski, M.D., and Edwin Gonzalez, M.D., FACS, provide a wide range of surgical options, including minimally invasive laparoscopic procedures. For many people, these procedures can mean less pain and a quicker recovery when compared to traditional surgeries.* For more information, call 386-755-7788 or visit ShandsLakeShorePhysicians.com.

Edwin Gonzalez, M.D., FACS Jerzy Polmerski, M.D.

These surgeons provide the following types of procedures: Breast Surgery • Biopsies • Colon and Rectal Surgery Cystoscopic • Endoscopic • Gallbladder • General Surgery Hernia Repair • Laparoscopic • Thyroid and Parathyroid Ultrasounds • Pediatric Surgery (ages 2 and up)

755 SW State Rd. 47

Currents | September/October, 2015 | 5 Center *Patient results may vary. Consult your physician about the benefits and risks of any surgical procedure or treatment. • Members of the Medical Staff at Shands Lake Shore Regional Medical

HANGAR 7

Y T I C E K A L N I E V LI

cal musicians

from lo Venues offer music

T

By NICK ROLLISON | Courtesy Photos

he tapping of a foot, the clapping of hands, the stage and the spotlight all make for an age old form of entertainment. Whether you’re in the mood to listen or you’re ready to face the crowd from behind the mic, there are at least a few places in Lake City that might satisfy your creative or entertainment needs.

Not only do these places offer a venue for music entertainment, they also give aspiring local artists a chance to discover if they have what it takes to play in front of a live crowd.

ING UP COOneMSmall Step • Sat, Oct. 31 @ 7 PM

Save the Empire! • Fri, Nov. 13 @ 8 PM

BELOW: Save the Empire! is seen performing recently at Hangar 7, a venue on U.S. 90 that boasts live music every weekend, karaoke three nights a week and open mic night each Wednesday.

One of those establishments, Hangar 7, located at 3839 U.S. 90, has been around for over 30 years.

“As far as I can remember ... every weekend we’ve had live events, every weekend,” said Hangar 7 owner and operator Alice Anderson. “A lot of these other places have them once a month, or once every three months, or something like that, but we have been doing this for many years.”

The bar hosts live bands on the weekends with its spacious concert area, and Anderson says that local rock bands such as Primal Nature, One Small Step, and Rojo Diablo have all played there. The bar also hosts karaoke sessions three nights a week and an open mic night on Wednesday.

Anderson said she prefers rock and roll, but that the bar does offer up variety in their musical guests.

“We have about three bands that when they come they don’t have a full four-hour set, so they will bring other bands with them and we encourage that because they always bring variety,” Anderson said.

One of the entertainers she seems to recall fondly is Shermy D and The Luscious Ones, a Gainesville-based act.

“They call him Shermy D, I believe, and he’s a tall skinny young man and he’s a rapper,” Anderson said. “He has the girls in the back with him with lights all over him, and hula hoops with lights on them, and it’s just a fun thing.”

Gainesvillebased act Shermy D and the Luscious Ones are a hit every time they perform at Hangar 7.

6 | Currents | September/October, 2015

When you’re at your worst, our E.R. is at its best.

Emergency medicine is about three things: compassion, skilled care and speed. You’ll find these at Shands Lake Shore Regional Medical Center. We’re here for you 24/7. Our E.R. services are led by emergency medicine physicians who are supported by a caring medical and professional staff. They are backed by the full resources of an integrated health system that offers advanced medical technology and diagnostic capabilities for adults and children.

And our E.R. is designed for your comfort and ease of accessibility.

We’re so proud that Lake City Reporter readers have voted our E.R. Best of the Best!

For more information, visit ShandsLakeShore.com.

If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911.

Currents | September/October, 2015 | 7

MARION STREET DELI AND PUB On the other side of town, Ron Robbins, owner of Marion Street Deli and Pub, on 281 North Marion Avenue, also boasts live musical entertainment.

Robbins said that his restaurant offers music four nights a week, Wednesday through Saturday, and that some of the nights are themed, such as Ladies Night on Wednesdays, or country music on Thursdays.

“I push for local,” Robbins said. “I would rather have someone from Lake City, Live Oak, Jasper, Macclenny play then having to find people out of Jacksonville, Gainesville.”

Robbins, a former musician himself, says he brings acts like Kellen Vincent and Little Mike for the customers. He plans to move the music over to an upcoming addition to the Pub that he’s looking to complete in four to five weeks, a room that will connect to the Pub and be designed as a “speakeasy” piano bar.

“Entertainment,” replied Robbins when asked why he offered live music.

“Entertainment for the customers, but for me, really again, being a musician, it’s also the fact that I like to hear and give people, like Kellen Vincent, give these guys an opportunity to play locally, get their names out. So it’s supporting local musicians which is a real big part of it.”

One of those local artists is Kate Dobson, who has been working as a bartender at Hangar 7 for about a year or so, and is part of a new band called Empty Cage.

Dobson, who plays the guitar and does

vocals, said that the local music community was a close one.

“The music scene for such a small town is impressive,” Dobson said.

Dobson, who has played at Hangar 7 and other areas, praised the bar as a good starting out point for musicians that are new to the scene.

“It’s a great place to dig your heels in and have a decent sized audience to perform in front of,” Dobson said. “I think the open mic is really important too because it gives new musicians and you nge r musicians a chance to come out and pr a c t i c e their craft, and work on getting over stage fright, or for seasoned musicians to bring out new material and for musicians to meet each other.”

LIVE IN

LAKE C

cont’d

ITY

Terraplane Blues Band is seen playing at the Marion Street Deli and Pub, above. The pub’s owner Ron Robbins talked about how it was hard for a good band to be able to be professional and play at acceptable levels inside the restaurant. Robbins has also invited aspiring local artist Kellen Vincent, left, to perform at Marion Street Deli and Pub to help get his name out to the public.

The music scene for such a small town is

impressive.

— Kate Dobson, artist

OUT OF COUNTY

TUNES 8 | Currents | September/October, 2015

Maybe you’re not quite in the Columbia County area and would still like to enjoy a live show or two, or even pick up a mic yourself. Here are some places that offer live music or karaoke in and around the surrounding areas that might tickle your

music fancy.

The Spirit of Suwannee Music Park, at 3076 95th Drive in Suwannee County, offers live music free of charge on Friday and Saturday nights starting at 8 p.m. in the Music Hall.

OTHER LOCAL VENUES There are some other local venues to go to in order to get your ears filled up with the dulcet tones of a local or to practice your own singing career.

Applebee’s, located at 2893 W U.S. 90, also offers some live music every Friday and Saturday night. A local band named Kickstart is a favorite and was described as having something of a fan following.

Another more community-focused effort is the open mic gospel singing at New Beginning Church that occurs on the third Friday of every month. The church, located on Highway 242, invites every person to come participate.

“Anyone that can sing or play an instrument is welcome to,” Geneva Williams, the church’s publicity and weekly bulletins organizer, said. “This is just something we wanted to do for the fellowship and to get to know our neighbors.”

So, if you’ve been a music fan since childhood or you’re looking for a good evening of entertainment, stop by any of NEW BEGINNING CHURCH these local venues and be prepared to be amazed.

3rd Friday of the month

FIND OUT MORE For more information about live music in Lake City check out the Lake City Musicians/Artists Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/groups/549149918472264/?ref=br_tf

In Branford, Ellie Ray’s RV Resort and Lounge, 3349 NW 110th Street, offers live music most weekends, with shows starting around 9 and 9:30 p.m. If no band is scheduled to play that weekend, then a live DJ is usually on hand to entertain.

The Keg Room, located at 22671 SR 247, offers live music on Saturday nights starting at 9 p.m. They also offer karaoke singing on Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday nights, which also start at 9 p.m.

In Baker County, Gator Patrick’s Tavern,

620 E Macclenny Ave., Macclenny, offers karaoke on Friday and Saturday nights, starting at 9 p.m.

Country Club Lounge, located at 1660 S. 6th St, Macclenny, also offers karaoke on Tuesday nights starting at 9 p.m.

Currents | September/October, 2015 | 9

Make

MUSIC @home M STATEPOINT MEDIA

usic enriches lives and offers people of all ages a number of benefits — from improving academic outcomes for children to relieving stress for working adults, and even helping seniors keep their minds active.

Indeed, social harmony is higher within families when young people listen to music, according to a study conducted

by Frontiers in Psychology.

This National Piano Month, celebrated in September, is a great time to foster a love for making and appreciating music.

Here are three ways to get your family started:

Enroll Take advantage of school music programs, from choral groups to band to piano lessons, your child’s school can provide a great foundation for music education. Supplement this at-school learning by encouraging children to practice at home. Private lessons are a great option and often affordable when taught by

10 | Currents | September/October, 2015

an older student. Online tutorials can also prove helpful. Your school’s music teacher can be a great resource for these possibilities.

Get Equipped Having a piano in your home will not only help ensure that your kids will practice music on their own time, but it can also take center stage when creating musical memories as a family. Look for a family-friendly option, such as Casio’s CGP-700, which features an icon-based menu and a Color Touch Interface that enables musicians to choose tones, select rhythms, split and layer sounds -- fun options that will come in handy during sing-a-longs. Its 88-note scaled hammer action keyboard with simulated ebony and ivory keys gives an authentic piano feel that musicians expect in a grand piano in a compact design. Plus, headphone jacks make practice time easier for shy beginners.

Field Trip Take the whole family to local music events and performances, such as the local orchestra, musical theater or your favorite band coming to town. Exposure to a wide-range of musical genres has great cultural

ITH

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value and will get the members of your family thinking about music theory without even realizing it.

This National Piano Month, take time to make and appreciate music at home and in the community.

ny is Social harmo amilies f in h it w r e h hig eople when young p ic. listen to mus

A birthing experience as unique as your baby.

Having a baby is one of life’s most amazing experiences. And at The Birth Center at Shands Lake Shore, we’re here for you, as the only hospital in the area standing by with the staff and facilities for your delivery. We offer options to accommodate your personalized birth plan, with the safety of you and your baby as our primary concern. And in most cases, labor, delivery and recovery can all take place in your private birthing suite. For more information or to schedule a tour, call 386-292-7800 or visit ShandsBaby.com.

368 Northeast Franklin Street September/October, 2015 | 11 Lake Currents City, |FL 32055

BERHARDT, DEBRA LYNN PARRIS, GLORIA MARKHAM, RENEE FAUL

OLLLY FRAZIER, AMY FRANCIS, JESSICA RENDON, JILL ADAMS, DAW

ELIA MARTIN, JULIE OWEN, TERRI ANDREWS, LORRIE CASON, PATR

ARY GODDEYNE, KATHY NEWMAN, TAMMY HALL, MISSY ZECHE

HRISTIE, MALINA NEMESH, TRACY SPEARS, BETTE CARLSON, MIC

AYLOR, ELAINE TOLAR, DIANA PARKER, ESTA EBERHARDT, DEBRA L

AREN GREEN, PEGGY KENT, DEBRA GRIFFIN, HOLLLY FRAZIER, AM

AWSON, ELEANOR RANSBURG, CHARLOTTE HILL, CELIA MARTIN,

AMMY SCOTT, DESERRAI DAVIS, BECKY HOLLOWAY, MARY GODDEYN

HONDA SHERROD, CARRIE CASON, DEBBIE CHRISTIE, MALINA NEM

TELTENPHOL, DEANA MORRISON, PATTI TAYLOR, ELAINE TOLAR,

ARKHAM, RENEE FAULKNER, JUDY LEAVINS, KAREN GREEN, PEGG

ENDON, JILL ADAMS, DAWN LAYTON, EMILY LAWSON, ELEANOR

NDREWS, LORRIE CASON, PATRICIA STUART, CAMMY SCOTT, DESER

AMMY HALL, MISSY ZECHER, DEBI BENNEFIELD, RHONDA SHERROD

ETTE CARLSON, MICHELLE MORRIS, OLIVIA STELTENPHOL, DEAN

W

BERHARDT, DEBRA LYNN PARRIS, GLORIA MARKHAM, RENEE FAUL

omen are a powerful force in today’s economy.

While there remain challenges for women who take on OLLLY FRAZIER, AMY FRANCIS, JESSICA RENDON, JILL ADAMS, DAW workplace tasks formerly reserved for men, their gains ELIA MARTIN, JULIE OWEN, TERRI ANDREWS, LORRIE CASON, PATR have been considerable.

In this issue of Currents, we speak with local women

ARY GODDEYNE, KATHY NEWMAN, TAMMY HALL, MISSY ZECHE

HRISTIE, MALINA NEMESH, TRACY SPEARS, BETTE CARLSON, MIC

AYLOR, ELAINE TOLAR, DIANA PARKER, ESTA EBERHARDT, DEBRA L 12 | Currents | September/October, 2015

AREN GREEN, PEGGY KENT, DEBRA GRIFFIN, HOLLLY FRAZIER, AM

LKNER, JUDY LEAVINS, KAREN GREEN, PEGGY KENT, DEBRA GRIFFIN

WN LAYTON, EMILY LAWSON, ELEANOR RANSBURG, CHARLOTTE HIL

RICIA STUART, CAMMY SCOTT, DESERRAI DAVIS, BECKY HOLLOWA

ER, DEBI BENNEFIELD, RHONDA SHERROD, CARRIE CASON, DEBB

CHELLE MORRIS, OLIVIA STELTENPHOL, DEANA MORRISON, PAT

LYNN PARRIS, GLORIA MARKHAM, RENEE FAULKNER, JUDY LEAVIN

MY FRANCIS, JESSICA RENDON, JILL ADAMS, DAWN LAYTON, EMIL

, JULIE OWEN, TERRI ANDREWS, LORRIE CASON, PATRICIA STUAR

NE, KATHY NEWMAN,TAMMY HALL, MISSY ZECHER, DEBI BENNEFIELD

MESH, TRACY SPEARS, BETTE CARLSON, MICHELLE MORRIS, OLIVI

, DIANA PARKER, ESTA EBERHARDT, DEBRA LYNN PARRIS, GLORI

GY KENT, DEBRA GRIFFIN, HOLLLY FRAZIER, AMY FRANCIS, JESSIC RANSBURG, CHARLOTTE HILL, CELIA MARTIN, JULIE OWEN, TER

RRAI DAVIS, BECKY HOLLOWAY, MARY GODDEYNE, KATHY NEWMAN

D, CARRIE CASON, DEBBIE CHRISTIE, MALINA NEMESH, TRACY SPEAR

NA MORRISON, PATTI TAYLOR, ELAINE TOLAR, DIANA PARKER, EST

LKNER, JUDY LEAVINS, KAREN GREEN, PEGGY KENT, DEBRA GRIFFIN

from all walks of life in the business world: a law enforcement officer, attorney, municipal and employment executive.

Each has her WN LAYTON, EMILYleader LAWSON, ELEANOR RANSBURG, CHARLOTTE HIL own unique perspective on what it takes to make it in her chosen RICIA STUART, CAMMY SCOTT, DESERRAI DAVIS, BECKY HOLLOWA profession.

Each has a compelling story and each has her own way of telling it.

ER, DEBI BENNEFIELD, RHONDA SHERROD, CARRIE CASON, DEBB

CHELLE MORRIS, OLIVIA STELTENPHOL, DEANA MORRISON, PAT

LYNN PARRIS, GLORIA MARKHAM, RENEE FAULKNER, JUDY LEAVIN Currents | September/October, 2015 | 13

MY FRANCIS, JESSICA RENDON, JILL ADAMS, DAWN LAYTON, EMIL

Sikes Audrey

14 | Currents | September/October, 2015

C

LAKE CITY CLERK RISES TO NEW HEIGHTS Story and Photo by NICK ROLLISON

City Clerk Audrey Sikes’ office is filled with all types of documents, some stacked, some not, but in the midst of what appears to be a bewildering mass of paperwork, she greets you with a ready smile. Sikes is proud to have made it to the post she has held for the past 10 years.

“I’ve always been very competitive, and if someone ever expresses any doubt, it’s like, you just challenged me, so that gives me my drive,” Sikes said. “It only makes me work harder.”

As city clerk, Sikes handles all the official records for Lake City, municipal elections, advertising for official meetings, and keeping track of the minutes of those meetings, just to name a few of the responsibilities her position entails. She is the liaison between the public and their elected officials.

Audrey Sikes has spent 15 years with the city, 10 of which she’s worked as City Clerk.

City Clerk,

City of Lake City Location: 205 N Marion Ave, Lake City “We have a lot of committees and boards that I’m responsible for and just a lot of day to day responsibilities, but I thrive on things of that sort. I thrive on a challenge,” Sikes said. “And every day is not the same in here, I think that’s what I like most about my job. Every day is not the same thing.”

Sikes, who was voted City Clerk of the Year in 2012 by the Florida Association of City Clerks, is a native of Williston. She described moving around a lot at a young age to places such as Mayo, Live Oak and Plant City. Sikes says she was never sure what she wanted to do growing up, but that she had an inkling it would be in business.

“I never wanted to let my parents down, I always wanted my parents to be proud of me and so, I’ve always had that drive. I was a worry-wart as a child,” Sikes said, “but I don’t think I was a child very long. I grew up really, really fast. I didn’t have a lot of time for kid’s stuff past sixth grade.”

One fond memory that she holds is from one of her first jobs which was working at Maryland Fried Chicken in Plant City.

“I loved that job. I learned so much from the owners, just little things, like, they had a mirror in front of the telephone when you take a to-go order, and it’d say ‘Smile, they can hear it in your voice,’ and just little things like that to make you smile,” Sikes said.

“Your uniforms had to be scrubbed, and you had to be clean, your shoes had to be a certain way and your hair had to be a certain way. It taught me a lot.”

Sikes is heavily involved in the Florida Association of City Clerks, and served as their president for the 2014 year. She now acts as the organization’s Immediate Past President, and much of her time this past year was spent traveling to other city councils on a wide range of FACC business.

For now, though, the mother of two, Logan and Luke, says she’s ready to focus her energy at FACC

on another challenge. Florida does not have a state-level certification for city clerks, something Sikes would like to see changed.

It’s not all work, though, at least not all the time.

Sikes’ hobbies include running and hunting.

As for advice to those who might follow in her footsteps, she offered a simple statement, but one that shows a serious commitment to duty: “Never feel that your worth is inadequate, always believe in yourself,” Sikes said. “Always reach for the stars, always reach for your dreams.”

Currents | September/October, 2015 | 15

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Currents | September/October, 2015 | 17

Hisler -Pace Tracy

Public Affairs Officer, Florida Highway Patrol Location: 1350 W US Hwy 90 # 101, Lake City

18 | Currents | September/October, 2015

F

KEEPING TRAFFIC — AND INFORMATION — FLOWING AT FLORIDA HIGHWAY PATROL

F

By NICK ROLLISON

For Florida Highway Patrol Troop B Public Affairs Officer Sergeant Tracy Hisler-Pace, her job is her passion, and she speaks fondly about her career and her family, husband Kevin (also an FHP sergeant) and 12-yearold son, Dylan. However, she does recall a recent moment that highlighted the hardships her job entails.

“With all the negative things being said and things happening to law enforcement, and my son being so on top of his current events, he sees this on television and he says, ‘Mommy, I don’t want you to do this’,” Pace said.

“And that just tore my heart out.”

Pace, who grew up in Miami and graduated from Miami’s Barry College, is closing in on her twenty-fifth year with FHP. She’s proud of her son, an honor roll student at Lake City Middle School, but says that she and her husband don’t shy away from telling him of the danger their profession faces.

“And I really think that’s just the little man in him, protecting his mom, and that just swells my heart, but my husband and I have sat him down. We have had some very serious, honest, open talks with him,” Pace said. “We can’t sugarcoat it for him, and we both decided to talk to him about the what-ifs, and to let him know, that if something were to happen then there are provisions made for him and he would be fine.”

Pace’s job is to provide the correct

information to the media in regard visited us for the afternoon...and drivto events involving the FHP, as well ing south through Miami we saw all as to educate the community on the these blue lights, red lights, going on dangers of driving by visiting schools in Liberty City, and back then, there and participating in other local were no pagers, no cellphones, so events. On top of this, she still has a when we got home our house phone duty to perform as a patrol officer in was ringing and my dad picked it up. that she must respond That’s when the Liberty if she comes across a City riots had started, “This is a job traffic crash or disabled and I remember that was where you wear the only time in my mind vehicle. many hats during I can recall ever really “This is a job where the day. You you wear many hats being worried, scared. I during the day,” Pace can do your law remember asking my dad said. “You can do your enforcement, you not to go to work.” law enforcement, you Pace says she has become a marriage encountered very few become a marriage counselor and counselor and more. on-the-job hardships as You’re out there somemore. You’re out a result of her gender, times and you have to there sometimes but that there have been be the nurse or the docand you have to a few instances during tor, and then you have traffic stops where the be the nurse or to be a mediator. You person tried to persuade the doctor, and never know what you’re her, thinking that since going to encounter then you have to she was a woman she every day.” be a mediator. You might wilt.

Law enforcement, or However, she says never know what more specifically, being some advice from her you’re going to a state trooper, is in her father has served her encounter every well. He told her to treat genes, as her grandfather, father, and father-in-law others the way she would day.” have all been involved want a family member with the FHP. She retreated. called an early moment “I think if you portray in her life with her father, Ronald Hisler, yourself, just to be yourself and not and the Miami riots of 1980. try to be someone else that you’re not, “It was actually more of a scary people will respect you more for that time for me,” Pace said. “We had and I’ve just gone out there...and this taken my grandmother home, she is me.” Pace said.

Currents | September/October, 2015 | 19

Olin Melissa 20 | Currents | September/October, 2015

A

FROM ASSISTANT PROSECUTOR TO PRESIDENT OF HER OWN FIRM Story and Photo by NICK ROLLISON

Attorney Melissa Olin seems pleased as she describes the events in her life that brought her to the point she is now, with her own law firm in Lake City.

The former assistant state attorney is now free to pick and choose her cases and, according to Olin, everything has been working out fine so far.

Olin owes her interest in a law career to two experiences, one from early on in her life, in her hometown of Palatka, and one when she had a family of her own and a business with her husband in Lake City.

“When I was young, I would go hunting with the judges and sometimes we’d have to go to first appearance before we could go to the woods. So, I would go and hang out while they did first appearances,” Olin said. “So, I was exposed early on to a fairly decent side of the law I guess you could say, and then later on we went through an eminent domain suit, and I came home in the middle of that and told my husband that I think I wanted to go to law

President / Attorney,

Law Offices of Melissa Gates Olin Location: 235 SE Saint Johns St., Lake City school, and he said OK.” The family was sued under eminent domain by the Department of Transportation, forcing them to move their mulch and landscaping business, Mucho Mulch.

“They finally settled. They were actually trying to overturn a case that had been ruled on in the state of Florida,” she said.

They were trying to get a better ruling. I believe that they were really trying to use our case to do that with, and they failed miserably, and we ended up settling and moving the mulch, and by that time, I was well on my way to UF.” Olin talks briefly of her days at UF’s Florida Levin College of Law and her position of assistant state attorney for the Third Circuit State Attorney’s Office that followed.

However, her face lights up when she starts talking about her private practice.

“It’s been fantastic. One of the biggest questions I get is how do you go from being a prosecutor to a defense attorney, and the one thing that always sticks out in my mind is, I believe I’m sitting in a criminal law class at UF and Mike Segal was our

professor, and he said every day that you get up as a lawyer...just do the right thing, do the right thing! It’s not hard, do it,” Olin said. “I feel like people deserve a defense. I feel like people have every right to question the state’s evidence and to make the state meet their burden. If they can’t do it, they can’t do it. I think people think it’s a moral dilemma and it’s not, it’s the practice of law.”

Olin says one of the hardships of her job are when she see’s the trickle down effects of the cases she has to deal with.

“You know, probably the effects on the client’s families, that’s hard to contend with, whether it be mom or the wife slash long-term paramour, or the children,” Olin said. “Watching how many people the cases affect, it’s not just the defendant, it’s so many more people that are affected.”

On the flip side of that coin, it’s bringing good news to her clients that she enjoys most, that, and the courtroom. Now that she is in business for herself, Olin is also free to pursue other community activities that might have conflicted with her job as a prosecutor. Olin is president of the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers Third Judicial Circuit Chapter, as well as a member of the Rotary Club of Lake City, along with her husband James.

They have two children, Stephenie and James, and Olin also loves to go hunting.

Although Olin admits her life revolves around her job, she insists that she knows how to pace herself.

“I know that’s a very common

perception of lawyers, is that they’re just run ragged, and maybe that could be true, if somebody’s an associate at a huge corporate law firm and they’re putting in a hundred some hours a week, and being yelled at every day, but not here, not for me,” Olin said. “I pick and choose what I want to do.”

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Mendoza Anna

Director of Operations, Career Source Florida Crown Location: 1389 W US Hwy 90 Suite 170, Lake City

24 | Currents | September/October, 2015

HER EMPLOYMENT HISTORY LED TO WORKING TO HELP OTHERS FIND JOBS

A

Story and Photo by LARRY GRIFFIN

Anna Mendoza, director of operations at Career Source Florida Crown, thinks of herself as task-oriented and motivated as she goes about finding jobs for the unemployed.

“I like to work to reach out to individuals looking for work,” she said, “whether with my system or with the team that I have, to provide them with resources available to become efficient.”

Her family is from Venezuela, but Mendoza grew up in Lake City after they moved here when she was very young. Her early adulthood was full of odd jobs. She worked waitress jobs, bookkeeping jobs, cleaning jobs and more, she said.

It was those experiences that motivated her to help other people find jobs.

In a 15-year career with Career Source Florida Crown, Mendoza has been climbing the ladder. From her early days at the front desk, she eventually graduated to employer service representative, where her job consisted of going out and meeting people in the community to ally their businesses with Career Source’s online system.

After her promotion to Director of Operations, she works primarily from her office now, overseeing both the Lake City office and another office in Trenton.

“We reach out to the youth,” she said. “Knowing there’s a need, if there’s a barrier with a disability, or if they just came out of school.

If they cannot, for whatever reason, reach out and go back into the community, my role is to find them work. That has been the most impact I can have with the community.”

When asked what she wants to do in the future, Mendoza said she’s been considering opening her own fitness business. While it’s a whole different world from helping people find jobs, Mendoza said the aim is quite similar.

“It’s a different change, but what it boils down to is, I’d still have the satisfaction of helping people better themselves,” she said.

“To make sure they are in a better, healthy lifestyle in order to be successful.”

When she isn’t working, Mendoza said she spends a lot of time with her daughter Karissa Shepard, who is a cheerleader in 10th grade at Columbia High. She said she goes to all the football games and the two of them are also in a runner’s group at Step 24 Fitness in town.

To contact Career Source, call 386-755-9026.

They are located at 1389 US Highway 90 West, Suite 170 in Lake City.

Currents | September/October, 2015 | 25

26 | Currents | September/October, 2015

HOLIDAY BUDGET

It’s never too early to plan ahead. new CLASSWIZ fx-991EX scientific calculator allows users to create spreadsheets of up to five columns and 45 rows for a maximum of 170 data items on its high-resolution LCD screen. With its icon-based display and 274 functions, this tool can prove valuable when planning your pre-holiday season savings. More information can be found at www.

ShopCasio.com.

STATEPOINT MEDIA The holiday season will be here before you know it, and it is never too early to start budgeting for this exciting time of year. While many may seek financial absolution in January, the first of the year will be a lot brighter if you avoid seasonal overspending in the first place.

Here are some simple strategies for setting up a holiday budget and sticking to it.

Shopping Strategies

Get Started Early Purchasing gifts, decking the halls, throwing holiday parties and getting out of town will come as no surprise, and neither should the associated expenses. You can end 2015 in the black by planning ahead.

Just as you may tuck away savings for a rainy day or for a big purchase down the line, you can also create a holiday fund. Cut back on unnecessary expenditures here and there, diverting that portion of your income to a special savings account marked “Holiday Spending.”

Smart Spreadsheets Before hitting the stores, map out your

spending with an organized spreadsheet.

It is easier to keep track of your purchases when you have an interactive visual to assist you.

These days, it is easier than ever to mathematically calculate your expenditures as certain new models of scientific calculators for the first time offer spreadsheet functionality. For example, Casio’s

Store designers have admitted that floor displays are designed to keep you browsing and to encourage impulse purchases.

You can circumvent these obstacles by being aware of them. For example, the area around checkout is full of grab-and-go smaller items, the purchase of which can easily be justified on a whim.

Making a list and knowing what you plan to purchase before entering a store can help you get in and out without adding more to your cart than you planned.

With smart planning and new tech tools, you can end this year with your coffers full.

Currents | September/October, 2015 | 27

Bass Mast

CHS JUNIOR SPENDS WEEKENDS ON THE LAKE AS SEMIBy SAM BURROUGHS | Courtesy Photos

B Christian Thompson, 16, has been angler since he was 4. dreaming of becoming a professional

28 | Currents | September/October, 2015

y day’s first light, Christian Thompson is already on a boat pursuing his dream.

At 16 years old, Thompson is a semipro angler with a will to work. Currently, he has his sights set on the 2016 Bassmaster Southern Opens.

“The Southern Opens is an open tournament,” Thompson said. “Anybody can fish it but it’s getting the confidence in yourself to be able to fish it.”

Thompson, of Lake City, is a bass fisherman. He has been fishing since he was 4 years old. By the time he was 9, bass fishing was his main focus.

“When I was 10, we got a boat. So, that first weekend that we had it, we went out to Lake Jeffery and I caught my first bass,” Thompson said.

Fishing is Thompson’s passion and he plans to pursue it professionally.

“It’s just the feeling, like when you finally get the bite, you never know what’s going to be there — how big that fish is going to be at the end of the line,” Thompson said.

TRIP! HERE’S YOUR NEXT

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1. LAKE FORTH, TX

More state-record bass have been caught on this lake than anywhere else in Texas.

2. FALCON LAKE, TX Trophy-size bass and the trill of the chase make this lake on the border one of the best.

ter

-PRO ANGLER

Thompson’s 16 hoped-for 20 Bassmaster ns Southern Ope location

Thompson will be fishing at the 2016 Bassmaster Southern Opens as a co-angler so he can gain experience with professionals that will help him achieve his dream of fishing professionally.

His biggest dream is to win the Bassmaster Classic.

A junior at Columbia High School, Thompson fishes every weekend with his dad, Matthew Thompson, and sometimes even during the week.

He has 10 sponsors that he will be representing at the tournament. While the location for the event has not been revealed, Thompson says he hopes it will be held at Lake Okeechobee.

Currently, Thompson’s most frequented fishing spot with his dad is the Santa Fe River, where they go almost every weekend.

After countless early mornings and long days, Thompson has learned that there is more to the sport than some people think.

“It’s more than ‘throw a hook out there and just let it sit’,” he said.

3. O.H. IVIE, TX

Whopper-size bass over 15 pounds are ready to be caught in this well-kept secret reservoir.

4. TABLE ROCK LAKE, MO Smallmouth and spotted bass can be found in great abundance & deep water fishing lasts year round.

5. LAKE GUNTERSVILLE, AL One for the pros, especially in late winter, this lake sees a lot of tournament action and trophy fish.

6. CASTAIC LAKE, CA

Nowhere in the United States will you find a lake that produces so many bass over 20 pounds.

7. LAKE OKEECHOBEE, FL Florida’s largest lake produces monster fish yet carries enough smaller-sized bass to keep excitement high.

8. LAKE OUACHITA, AR

The biggest lake in Arkansas is also considered to be one of the cleanest lakes in the United States.

9. LAKE ERIE

It’s hard to deny Erie’s status as the ultimate for smallmouth bass anywhere in the world.

10. CHAMPLAIN, NY

Cold weather won’t keep smallmouth bass from willing their way to a snack. *Information found on World Fishing Network

Thompson will be a co-angler at the 2016 Bassmaster Southern Opens. The date and location have yet to be determined.

Currents | September/October, 2015 | 29

THE OPENS:

“You’ve got to determine where the bass are living at that time of the year, where the sun is, where the weeds are, where the shade is, where the current’s moving, where the plankton is in the water, where the bait fish are. I mean, it’s everything.”

Last April, Thompson caught his biggest bass, weighing in at 9.14 pounds.

While personal records help Thompson move forward in the fishing world, his favorite part of fishing is letting the fish go.

“Then you get to see them swim away,” Thompson said. “[And you think] ‘I’m going to catch you again soon. You gain about 10 pounds you’ll be my best friend.’”

TOURNAMENT BREAK DOWN • THREE BY THREE There are three Open divisions (South, Central, and North), and there are three tournaments for each division.

• QUALIFICATIONS Anyone with a B.A.S.S. membership can qualify for the Opens, though priority registration is set aside for previous competitors, Federation Nation members, and those with a lifelong B.A.S.S. membership.

• THE BEST ADVANCE The winner of each tournament automatically qualifies for the Classic, so long as that angler fishes the other two tournaments in their division as well.

• ELITE STATUS To qualify for the Elite Series, you must rank in the top five in points at the end of the season in one of the divisions.

Last April, Thompson caught his biggest bass, weighing in at 9.14 pounds. But his favorite part of fishing is letting the fish go.

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LIVING PROOF OF

W

By TONY BRITT | Courtesy Photos

here do parents’ hearts turn when their child has been born too early and has fight for every day and every breath?

For Justin and Shellie Young, the parents of Isabella Grace Young, the quest for life that enraptured their daughter unfolded in a span elapsing a little more than a month when their child was born weighing less than three pounds.

The hearts skipped beats with every potential medical crisis; poured sympathetic, compassionate and unconditional love into the newborn, but more importantly, grew stronger in faith with each passing day that their child would be all right.

“Bella,” as she is called by her parents, was born at 31 weeks and spent six weeks in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit after her birth.

“Our thought process really was to enjoy each day we had with Bella and to continue to see improvement and every day she could get better, even if it was the smallest little bit, we felt like we had saw a big degree that day,” Justin said.

32 | Currents | September/October, 2015

Isabella Grace Young is seen in the Neonative Intensive Care Unit soon after she was born at 31 weeks. Weighing just under 3 pounds, she spent six weeks in intensive care. LEFT: Bella, as she’s called by her parents, is seen at age 6, healthy and thriving.

Miracles

Young said what vividly remains in his memory is right after Bella was born, they took her out of the room to wash her and it’s a strong memory he has of the first time hearing her cry and how tiny she was.

“She had some size to her as far as length, Thre but didn’t have much weight on her,” he said.

Young ewdays after fin “She was just skin and bones. It wasn’t like the world as born at 31 ding out I had w some people say you can fit them [preemies] I’ve nev, weighing 2 poueeks’ gestationp. reeclampsia, Is e tubes an r seen such nds, 12 ounc From the m abella Grac in a shoe box, she was just very depleted as far h earts wod machines. Wa small, little p es, she was a foiment she enteree as nutrition because the womb wasn’t benefitd knowing uld drop, hop ith every alarm erson hooked u ghter. ing her, so she was just really skinny. Really i o n p u a g our life. r God has a for the best nd beep of t to so many tiny. It looked like she was starving.” h but anti master p For six cipatinge machines our l a n Now Bella is six years old and she loves a n d th purpose strength weeks Bella for everye worst, dance, shopping and working with her grands s t o a y s e h d e event in in the N could ev many do mother. In fact, she’s a “hair-tall for her age,” I e c n C t t o u U r a s lly go ho and nur fighting with th m her father said.

If not feir love and encoses poured into e and join our for life and He said the March of Dimes was instrudoubt inor the March o uragement. our Bella and family. So our lives mental in saving Bella’s life. technolo our minds thatf Dimes and th g e “They helped us through their research. y B i r a ell re nd staff life. took a tia would not be swearch there is n They were able to give Bella a steroid prior to o ny fighte Bella is r and gaith us today. T her birth that allowed her lungs to develop so strong a now approachi h ve her a chance ae that she could breathe on her own when she She is pnd beautiful. Tng her seventh b t was born. Without that, I and play assionate abou hat fight for l irthday and is don’t even know that We will , dancing and st all aspects ofife is still withihealthy, she would have opportuforever be thankinging everywherlife. She lovesn her. nity they f e to run lived or she would personaul l for the Marcshe goes!

l h y of provided have had a treour fam Dimes and the mendous time ily.

S learning to hellie Y oung breathe on her own.”

Open L

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Isabella Grace Young at 2 years old.

For event information, turn the page.

Currents | September/October, 2015 | 33

Runners, walkers, and bikers start the March of Dimes March for Babies last April.

babies y h t l a e h A recipe for

Signature Chefs Auction is November 19

T

he March of Dimes Signature Chef ’s Auction will take place from 6 - 10 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 19, at the Lake City National Guard Armory on Lake Jeffery Road.

Vern Lloyd is the logistics chairman for the 2016 March of Dimes Signature Chef ’s Auction, while his wife, Maureen, is the publicity chairman for the event.

Lloyd said it’s important to continue to hold the annual event because it’s one of the most

d e t i v n I e r Yo‘u

on hef ’s Aucti Signature C arch of Dimes M supporting 19 November Thursday, p.m.

0 from 6 to 1 ard ational Gu Lake City N ake Jeffery Road L Armory on

What: When: Where:

Bob Smith spots during the live auction at the March of Dimes Signature Chefs Auction last year.

34 | Currents | September/October, 2015

successful fundraisers for the March of Dimes.

“Last year we were up in the mid-$70,000 range and this year we’re looking to increase a few thousand and looking to maybe raise as much as $80,000,” he said.

He noted the March of Dimes’ mission is to prevent prematurity, infant mortality and birth defects and the fundraising efforts are a catalyst in reaching those goals.

“The March of Dimes offers long-term research benefits, but there is also support given to families that have infants in the neonatal intensive care units,” Lloyd said. “That’s an immediate benefit that comes to those people who need it.”

Currents | September/October, 2015 | 35

Family-Fun Activities for Halloween season STATEPOINT MEDIA Trick-or-treating may be the standard Halloween tradition for most American families, but the holiday has branched out extensively over the last decade.

Today, Americans spend over one billion dollars visiting Halloween-themed attractions. Where are they going, and what are the best activities for your family? The experts at Hauntworld.com are offering some spooky answers in this ultimate fall to-do list.

Family Fun Many farms offer tons of fall activities ideal for families with young children, including picking the perfect carving pumpkin, finding your way out of a corn maze and drinking homemade apple cider.

Other fun activities include pony rides, hay mazes, non-spooky hayrides, petting zoos and even shooting pumpkin cannons.

Ghost Tours Ghost hunting television shows have really increased the popularity in finding haunts and eerie tours.

Learn more about your local area’s

spooky history by taking family or out of town guests to haunted mansions, cemeteries, prisons and more.

if you’re on a budget. For tips and tricks on haunting your own house, visit www. hauntedhousesupplies.com.

Zombie Runs

Escape Rooms

What could be scarier than a 5K run?

One with zombies of course! Zombie runs are a good time for the whole family, providing a fun reason to get kids and teens moving, using obstacle courses, contests, prizes and more as incentives.

Escape rooms offer an immersive and interactive experience like none other.

These Halloween-themed attractions involve working together to solve puzzles and riddles in order to escape a room in under an hour.

Haunted Hayrides

Haunted Houses

Hayrides can be as sophisticated as a Hollywood movie, complete with fog machines and lights. Some have even adopted new twists. For example, on a zombie paintball hayride, guests go on a high adrenaline adventure, hunting and shooting zombies with paintballs.

Haunted hayrides make guests and especially smaller kids feel safe as they ride in groups.

Haunted houses come in all shapes and sizes, ranging from three-dimensional black light attractions to haunted trails to major scream parks. Haunted houses also change regularly, so it may be very different from visit to visit. Today, most haunted attractions don’t rely as much on blood and guts as they do on interactive special effects, sophisticated costumes, story lines and computer-generated imagery. To celebrate the scary side of Halloween, get the family together for an unforgettable night filled with fun and screams.

Home Haunts Americans are now decorating their yards and homes into spooky graveyards with high tech lights, animations and more. Some homeowners take it further by also decorating their home’s interiors and creating mazes in the garage or backyard. Finding a spooky home haunt or neighborhood near you can be a great Halloween activity to do

While tradition never gets old, novel Halloween activities provide different thrills than a standard trick-or-treat trip around the block.

REVIEW A COMPREHENSIVE DIRECTORY OF THESE ATTRACTIONS AT WWW.HAUNTWORLD.COM. 36 | Currents | September/October, 2015

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FALL T

Martha Ann Ronsonet | GARDENING

he change of seasons is always an exciting time for me.

Whatever the season, each one brings a special feeling of anticipation. Fall brings us football, back to school, cooler days as the leaves begin to fall and best of all lower humidity for North Florida. I begin to plan what needs to be done in the garden, besides weeding, when I’ll be able to spend more time comfortably outdoors.

Working with Mother Nature Use your leaves. Leaves are valuable and can be added to your garden beds as they are, or shredded by your mower.

As they break down over time, they provide nutrients for your plants. That’s the way Mother Nature makes compost (organic fertilizer). Reducing the need for additional fertilizers and mulch helps keep the soil more moist. It also helps prevent weeds and looks more finished than bare soil. Mulch should be about 3-4 inches deep, but keep it from settling against the stems of flowers and trunks of trees as that can cause retained moisture and may cause plant problems (rot or pests).

Fall is the best time to divide spring blooming bulbs and perennials. Iris, agapanthus, daylilies and amaryllis need dividing every few years as they become crowded. Amaryllis bulbs should be planted with the top one-third of the bulb above the soil line, about a foot apart in well-drained, organically enriched soil. Too deep and they won’t bloom.

40 | Currents | September/October, 2015

Time to Transplant Wait until January for transplanting, but you can root prune larger plants (dig a trench at the drip line around plant) in November to give them six weeks to grow new feeder roots.

Then when January arrives, dig just outside the new roots and move to the new spot. This helps avoid the shock of removing so many roots at one time. If you wait any longer than six weeks to transplant you run the risk of injuring the newly formed roots that form at the trench.

When planting from containers or transplanting, I plant about an inch higher than the soil line. As the freshly disturbed soil settles, the new plant won’t be too deep, which is a major cause of plant decline and death, especially for camellias.

Hurricane lilies (right) appear in late summer with a fountain of lush, strappy leaves. The blooms persist through the winters of North Florida when so much else dies with the first frost. COURTESY PHOTOS

Favorite Fall Flowers One of my favorite fall bloomers is the daisy mum.

They are white and tinged with pink and bloom profusely with so little care. I pinch them back in spring and early summer, so they will be bushier and less lanky. They are one of those “passalong” plants I wrote about last year. When a plant is shared, the memory of the giver is always fresh, as their plants continue to give pleasure. I think of my friends fondly every time I pass the plants they have given me.

Here are some of my other fall favorites: • Cannas are easy-care plants, blooming all through the heat of summer. They are really enjoying the wet weather we have had. They

There are more than 2,000 cultivars of the cannas plant, available in red, yellow, salmon, pink or combinations of these. have few pests and disease problems. Rejuvenate old plants by separating the rhizomes and replanting or giving away the extras.

There are more than 2,000 cultivars available, ranging from 12 feet to only 18 inches, with brightly colored flowers of red, yellow, salmon, pink or combinations of these. Foliage comes in greens, purple and variegated stripes and are banana-shaped, giving your garden a tropical look. Some are self-cleaning, others should have their flower shoots removed for continued blooming, otherwise the plant will use all their energy

for seed development.

• Lycoris (hurricane lilies) are unusual plants. The blooms appear suddenly in late summer, sending up leafless stalks topped with spidery, exotic-looking blooms. The foliage is dormant during the heat of summer, then after the blooms appear and wither, a fountain of lush, strappy leaves appear and persist through the winter, when so much else dies down with the first frost. The yellow Lycoris aurea and red Lycoris radiata, varieties grow well for our area.

Lycoris squamigera, which is a pale pink is reportedly not well adapted for the heat and humidity of our zone, but friend Sandra Plummer has what we think are them, growing in her yard, so there are always exceptions. There are more than 20 cultivars available. The bulbs prefer drier soil when dormant so hopefully they haven’t been harmed by all the rain we’ve had this summer. As an added bonus, Lycoris

Pinch back fall planted snaps when they are about 5 inches high. If you do this several times as they grow, they will be sturdier, more compact plants. Many annuals will benefit from pinching the blooms off when planting.

This will give the roots a chance to get established before putting their energy into blooming. Deadheading (removing withered blooms) is important for most annuals to keep them blooming. are deer resistant.

• Another late-summer blooming beauty is blue ginger (Dichorisandra thyrsiflora), which is not really a ginger, but a member of the Spiderwort family. The electricblue 10-inch spikes make a beautiful show of color atop 5-foot stalks.

They will grow in partial shade but bloom better with a few hours of sun. New plants can easily be started by cuttings. Roots will form at each node.

• Crinum lilies are old-fashioned plants that love the heat and moisture of the South. They have few problems with pests and diseases and may live forever. Many times I have seen them at abandoned home sites and cemeteries. Be sure to place them where you want them because the bulbs just keep getting bigger and are difficult to move. They’ll thrive in sun or light shade, but won’t bloom in deep shade. New bulbs will form around the mother plant and can be shared and this is best done in winter. Two of the most common crinums are the milk-and-wine colored blooms and the deep rose pink. My favorCurrents | September/October, 2015 | 41

ite is Crinum jagus or St. Christopher lily, a beautiful creamy white flowering plant. There are about 130 species of crinums.

Other heat loving bloomers that will continue until the first frost kills them back include the perennials: angelonia, jacobinia (partial shade), pentas, gerbera daisies, caladiums, torenia, salvias. Annuals such as marigolds, zinnias, ‘Sun Patiens’, ageratum, wax begonia, sun flower and coleus will bloom till it freezes. Perennial dianthus is worth planting in every garden. They actually bloom all year long, but heaviest in spring and they slowly spread to make a great ground cover. Some even have fragrance and no pests I’m aware of. They are available in many different heights and colors, as are snapdragons.

in October: Viola, pansy, petunias, sweet alyssum, nasturtium, lobelia, diascia, nemesia, calendula, larkspur, sweet pea, california poppies, calibrachoa, dusty miller, verbena and ornamental cabbage and kale.

Cool weather herbs to plant in the fall include cilantro (seeds are coriander), dill, fennel, oregano, rosemary, sage, thyme, horsemint, and parsley. Be sure to plant enough parsley for you and the black swallowtail larvae. Dotted horsemint is much easier to grow than thyme and has the same chemical as thyme and oregano. It is a native and really unusual and a pretty addition to the garden. I thank Rosemary Coleman for introducing me to this plant. Cilantro, chives and parsley are easily started from seed.

Cooler weather is just around the corner, hallelujah!

Crinum lilies, like these milk-and-wine blossoms, are old-fashioned plants that love the heat and moisture of the South. They’ll thrive in sun or light shade, but won’t bloom in deep shade.

Working with the Weather In North Florida, most annuals last one season, and they should planted at the right time, and as we know sometimes annuals are sold out of season and don’t last long in the wrong temperatures. So know which annuals are cool or warm season plants.

It is best to plant cool weather plants in fall, rather than waiting until January when it actually gets cold.

The plants will be bigger, stronger and will have established a good root system by bloom time.

Cool weather annuals that are cold hardy to plant

|

CAR 3

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Martha Ann is an avid gardener who lives in Lake City. She is the author of “Gardening in the Deep South and Other Hot Pursuits.”

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and even manatees. It’s one of the prettiest places I’ve ever seen.

How did Sam’s path bring him to a career at Ichetucknee?

The Road to Ichetucknee

Outdoors WITH SAM

SERVED ICHETUCKNEE SPRINGS SINCE 1995

By BOB DENNY | Courtesy Photos The Ichetucknee is known far and wide for its beauty, and folks come from around the country for the experience of floating down the river in a tube for a couple of miles, swimming in the springs, snorkeling, kayaking or canoeing.

The Ichetucknee Springs State Park Nature Center has fascinating hands-on displays, a tour, and a short movie about the park’s native plants, animals and natural history.

Sam Cole, director of the park’s volunteer program, introduces visitors to a few resident snakes and turtles. In the river, you might see river otters, snakes,

44 | Currents | September/October, 2015

His dad’s career with the Florida Park Service moved the family between several state parks, and gave him many fond memories of nature. At age 9, Sam made the decision to become a park naturalist, and one day he decided to become a serious bird watcher. Knowing so little about birds, he went hiking in the Everglades, where he lived at the time. As luck had it, he met a couple who were real live bird watchers. They took him under their wing, and encouraged his interest. When his family vacationed at the Ichetucknee when he was 11, he was awestruck by its beauty and its ecology. He says that the image of the springs was burned permanently into his brain.

While attending high school on the Gulf Coast, he did a lot of beachcombing at St. George Island State Park, where his dad worked. Intrigued by beach ecology and the massive bird migration, Sam went on to study biology at Florida State University.

During his college years, he began his career with the Florida Park Service, as an interpretive park ranger at Wakulla Springs State Park. In his free time, he frequented the nearby St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge and its thousands of birds and alligators.

After receiving his bachelor’s degree, Sam worked for a couple of years as a park biologist in southwestern Florida.

But he was lured by his memories of the Ichetucknee River, and was thrilled when he was hired as the park biologist for Ichetucknee Springs in 1995.

Through the years, Sam has grown in his knowledge and love of nature. His favorite part of working in the park?

“Working with people and with nature.”

ABOVE: Ichetucknee Springs State Park director of volunteer programs Sam Cole has had a love of the outdoors since he was a young boy. That love carried him to a career in the beautiful environs of Columbia County.

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Gainesville | Ocala | Lake City | Alachua Currents | September/October, 2015 | 45

SAM COLE

outside THE

PARK

Makeila Reis holds Serabi, a yellow rat snake, as Ichetucknee Springs State Park Services specialist Sam Cole holds Moufasa, a gray rat snake, during the Alligator Lake Spring Festival last April. Cole used the snakes to educate the public about area wildlife.

He says his dad was somewhat of a “humorist,” and that’s where his enjoyment and liking of people probably comes from. Sam is fired up by young folks that want to learn about nature.

Days in the Outdoor Classroom What does he do now? He enjoys leading field trips of students, with “outdoor classrooms,” brought mainly from Fort White Middle School and Fort White High. He enjoys presenting interpretive programs, and takes a few reptiles “on the road” to classrooms when he visits Lake City schools. He is always busy developing programs like his current nesting program for kestrels (sparrow hawks, also called falcons or tilly hawks) and continuously improving the interpretive programs.

Sam and I sat at a picnic table with a view of the forest and the beautiful Ichetucknee Head Spring below. I noticed a big, scary bug crawling on his shoulder. Afraid that it might be poisonous or dangerous, I gasped. He reached over and placed it carefully in the palm of his hand, and explained to me that it’s a “leaf-footed bug”— a dangerous predator for tiny creatures, but harmless to humans. I took a relaxing 46 | Currents | September/October, 2015

Outside the border of the Ichetucknee Spring State Park, Sam Cole enjoys spending time with his family. His wife, Lori, helps and encourages him, and she ran the volunteer program for a long time.

He wishes he could have spent more time with his busy father, but makes up for it by spending lots of time with his family now. His kids are in high school and college, and are involved in activities and interests that include accounting, singing, music, and fine art. Sam and Lori conducted a puppet ministry for their church for many years, and now she works with kids with special needs at Fort White High School.

Connie Bersok presents the Florida Springs Stewardship Award to Sam Cole in February 2009. The award was given to Cole by the Florida Springs Task Force for his “steadfast dedication to protecting the ecological health of the Ichetucknee Springs and Ichetucknee River.” Cole has worked at Ichetucknee Springs State Park since 1995.

FLORIDA State Parks

... the Real Florida For more information about Ichetucknee Springs State Park or any of the Florida State Parks, visit:

www.floridastateparks.org

breath.

Sam says he enjoys occasionally capturing caterpillars, and feeding them until they become beautiful butterflies or moths. He enjoys nurturing things, and wonders at what they become.

He also loves to see kids who want to learn about nature, and gets joy from watching his own children as they grow up. He looks forward to their becoming families of their own.

In addition to his love of outdoors, Sam has a lifelong interest in writing, and received a creative writing scholarship. A lifelong ambition is to complete a science fiction novel.

Another thing Sam would like to do: a lot of traveling — someday, when he retires!

He’s very active in his church, and believes that variety is the spice of life. Sam says he enjoys looking back over his life and remembering special lessons he’s learned from life’s experiences.

Sam has a real love for the great outdoors.

“I’ve found that you can learn so much from the forest,” he says.

| Bob Denny is a columnist for the Lake City Reporter.

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Currents | September/October, 2015 | 47

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48 | Currents | September/October, 2015

Audrey Sikes

Bette J. Carlson

City of Lake City

Avalon Healthcare

City Clerk

Administrator

205 N. Marion Ave, Lake City • (386) 719-5756

1270 SW Main Blvd., Lake City • (386) 752-7900

15 years with City 10 years as City Clerk Awards/Special Achievements:

• Lake City Police Department Civilian Employee of the Year Award- 2000 & 2001 • Lake City Police Department Chiefs Award- 2003 • Certified Municipal Clerk Certification-July 2008 • Master Municipal Clerk Certification- October 2011 • City of Lake City Achievement Award-2012 • Florida Association of City Clerks- City Clerk of the Year- 2012 • Florida Association of City Clerks- President Award- 2013-2014 • Currently serving as President for the Florida Association of City Clerks, June 2014-June 2015

Public Service Involvement:

Over 26 years experience Awards/Special Achievements:

• Leadership Award from the American College of Health Care Administrators • Bachelors & Masters Degrees from Syracuse University • Registered Dietitian • Licensed Nursing Home Administrator

Public Service Involvement:

• Rotary Club- on Board of Directors • FHCA- District VIII- Board Member

• Parent involvement in Columbia County Schools • VA- Veterans Christmas donation drive

Michelle Morris, ARNP

Olivia Steltenpohl Pharmacist/Pharm D

Baya Urgent Care

Baya Pharmacy Long Term Care

2 years

1 year

Administrator

1465 US Hwy. 90 West, Lake City • (386) 243-8358

1465 US Hwy. 90 West, Lake City • 755-2268 Awards/Special Achievements:

Awards/Special Achievements:

• Best of the Best 2014, 2015

• Doctor of Pharmacy degree South University School of Pharmacy, Savannah, GA.

Public Service Involvement:

Public Service Involvement:

• Community Wellness Fairs • Charity Walks

Deanna Morrison, ARNP Baya Urgent Care

1465 US Hwy. 90 West, Lake City • 755-2268

2 years

Awards/Special Achievements: • Best of the Best 2014, 2015

Public Service Involvement: • Community Wellness Fairs • Charity Walks

• Immunization Certified

Patti Taylor Realtor

Coldwell Banker Bishop Realty, Inc.

839 SW SR 247, Lake City • (386) 623-6896

10 years Awards/Special Achievements:

• Coldwell Banker International Sterling Society • Cartus Network Affinity Specialist • USAA Movers Advanatage Agent • Served on Multiple Listing Service Board • Served on Realtors Political Action Committee

Public Service Involvement:

• Member of Florida & National Association of Realtors • Supporter of Youth Activities & Sports • Donates to local charities • Attends First United Methodist Church • 10 years of meeting the needs of people searching for homes and selling properties.

Currents | September/October, 2015 | 49

Elaine K. Tolar

Diana Parker

Coldwell Banker Bishop Realty, Inc.

Campus USA Credit Union

Broker/Owner

Service Center Manager

1658 West US Highway 90, Lake City

33 years in this career

839 SW SR 247, Lake City • (386) 365-1548

Established 60 years Awards/Special Achievements: • Certified Real Estate Specialist • Graduate Real Estate Institute • Real Estate Broker for 20 Years

Public Service Involvement:

• Blood Donor Since 1985 • School Volunteer • 20 years of meeting the needs of people who need to sell a home and/or find a new home.

Awards/Special Achievements: • University of Lending Management • Essentials of Supervision School • Certified Financial Professional • Cuna Branch Management Institute • Husband: Jimmy • Daughter: Jenifer • Granddaughters: Hilary, Alison & Emma

Public Service Involvement: • Christian Heritage Church • United Way • Pregnancy Care Center

Debra Lynn Parrish

Esta Eberhardt

Owner/Licensed Funeral Director/Embalmer

Photographer/Owner

Dees-Parrish Family Funeral Home

Captured Memories by Esta

152 SE Hernando Ave., Lake City • (386) 623-0111

(386) 752-1234

4.5 years

Awards/Special Achievements: • Co-owner HKE Transport • Self taught photographer • Mom to Kaitlin and Kyle • Married to Hank 18 years • Member of Professional Photographers of America • Steering committee chair Branford Camera Club • Best of the Best Photographer 2015

Public Service Involvement:

• 2nd VP Altrusa International of Lake City • Magic Hour Foundation Photographer for cancer patients • Member of Lake City Chamber of Commerce

Etablished in 2004 • 28 years in funeral business

Awards/Special Achievements: • 2015 Best of the Best Funneral Home • 1988 CHS Graduate • AS Degree Mortuary Science John A. Gupton, 2000

Public Service Involvement:

Childhood Cancer Awareness • Suwannee River Breast Cancer Awareness • Autism Speaks- for my nephew Carter- Sponsor • March of Dimes • Rotary • Support local youth in sports & other activities

Gloria Markham

Reneé Faulkner

First Federal Bank of Florida

First Federal Bank of Florida

Vice President, Senior Financial Center Manager

Vice President, Financial Center Manager

707 SW Main Blvd., Lake City • (386) 755-0600 29 years

4705 US Hwy. 90W, Lake City • (386) 755-0600 13 years

Awards/Special Achievements:

Awards/Special Achievements:

Public Service Involvement:

Public Service Involvement:

• Real Estate License

• Chamber Board Member and Ambassador • Lake City Leads Club Member • Lake City Police Academy member • United Way Campaign member • Columbia County Builders Association

50 | Currents | September/October, 2015

• Leadership Lake City

• United Way • Women in Business • Another Way

Judy Leavins

Karen Green

Vice President, Financial Center Manager

Owner, Skin Care Specialist & Stylist

Gegee’s Studio

First Federal Bank of Florida

440 E. Duval St., Lake City, FL • (386) 758-2008

2571 US Hwy. 90 W., Lake City • (386) 755-0600 15 years

15+ years Awards/Special Achievements:

Public Service Involvement:

• Downtown Rotary • Board member for March of Dimes

• Best of Best Esthetician 2015 • Micro Needling • Derma Planing • Medical-grade Skin Care • “The Skin Make-Up”

Public Service Involvement: • Altrusa International Member • Pregnancy Care Center • Supporter of Catholic Charities

Peggy Kent

Debra K. Griffin

Owner/Redken Artist

Owner & Doctor of Audiology

Hair Graphics Salon

Hearing Solution, Inc.

948 SW Baya Dr., Lake City • (386) 755-2325

183 NW Veterans St., Lake City • (386) 269-1778

30 years Salon Owner 35+ Years Lic. Cosmetologist

Awards/Special Achievements: • Best of the Best Hair Salon 2008 through 2012 • Ceertified Redken Colorist • Redken Educator

27 years providing hearing health care and 17 years as owner of Hearing Solutions, Inc.

Awards/Special Achievements: • Fellow Ceritfication as a Tinnitus Practioner • Audiology Group “Provider of Distinction 2013 & 2014” • Member of Academy of Doctors of Audiology

Public Service Involvement: Public Service Involvement:

• Compassion International Missions • Breast Cancer Awareness • Support of local charities

• Covenant Pet Trust, President • Altrusa Member • Chamber of Commerce Columbia & Suwannee Counties • Habitat for Humanity volunteer • A.C.T.I.O.N. Active Citizens To Improve Our Neighborhood

Amy Francis

Holly Frazier Holly Frazier Photography

Event Designer & Coordinator/Owner

2011/3 years

181 SE Hernando Ave. Lake City, FL • 352-316-2815

Owner

Imperial Productions

181 SE Hernando Ave., Lake City • (386) 623-3024

Awards/Special Achievements: • Published Photographer • Work Featured on The Knot • Cover Winner for North Central Florida Bride Magazine • Member of Professional Photographers of America (PPA) • 2013 & 2014 Best of the Best Photographer

Public Service Involvement:

• Chamber Member • Altrusa Member • Supporter of Imperial Proiductions Charity Ball

6 years

Awards/Special Achievements: • Best of the Best Event Planner 2013 • Best of the Best Event Planner 2014 • Best of the Best Event Planner 2015 • Featured in national publications • Self taught event designer

Public Service Involvement: • Member of Altrusa International of Lake City • Founder of the Imperial Productions Charity Ball • Supporter of Tough Enough to Wear Pink

• Supporter of Take Stock in Children • Supporter of March of Dimes • Supporter of Another Way • Member of Lake City Chamber of Commerce

Currents | September/October, 2015 | 51

Jessica Rendon Owner

Jessica’s Bistro

426 SW Commerce Dr., #115, Lake City, FL 32025 (386) 438-5098

8 months Awards/Special Achievements:

• Miguel and Jessica have a combined 18 years of culinary food profession.

• Previously worked at Bernie Kosar Steak House • Best of the Best 2015, Best Lunch Special

Public Service Involvement: • Married to Miguel Rendon • Daughters Emma and Ellie

Jill Adams

Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer

Lake City Medical Center Established 1956 Awards/Special Achievements:

• Finalist for 2015 Lake City / Columbia County Chamber of Commerce Citizen of Year • CPA • Financial Peace University Coordinator (Financial Counselor by Dave Ramsey Organization) • Dale Carnegie Course graduate

Public Service Involvement:

• President, Altrusa International, Lake City, FL, Inc. • Chairperson, Florida Gateway College Foundation • Allocations Board Member, United Way (Former Executive Board Member and Treasurer) • Community Advisor Board, Haven Hospice • Florida Gateway College Presidential Search Committee • Friend of Columbia County Senior Services • The Orchard Community Church Member, Sunday School Teacher

Dawn Layton

Emily Lawson

Lake City Reporter

Lake City Reporter

Account Executive

180 East Duval St., Lake City • 754-0416

10 years in advertising

Graphic Designer

180 East Duval Street, Lake City, FL 32055

2 years

Awards/Special Achievements:

Awards/Special Achievements:

• Mother of Jerry Wayne Courson and Jada Wainwright • Grandmother of Blaine & Jara Courson; Clay & Clint Wainwright • Love my job and the people I work with • Salesperson of the Month of July

• Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from Northwestern • Started freelance graphic design business for wedding and party invitations, book layout, posters, fliers and more • Designed logo/branding and website for EFCA Regional Conference • Married to Brad, ‘mom’ to Wafer (2-year-old Shepherd mix)

Public Service Involvement:

Public Service Involvement:

• Past hobbies: Rodeo Team Roping

• International volunteer at Door of Hope Children’s Mission in Johannesburg, South Africa

Eleanor Ransburg

Charlotte Hill

Lake City Reporter

Martin Kids

Associate Editor

180 E. Duval St., Lake City, FL

Joined staff in May 2015 Awards/Special Achievements: • Bachelor of arts in journalism from LSU (cum laude) • Former assistant managing editor at the Shreveport Times • Former copy desk chief at the Miami Herald, Montgomery Advertiser and Rockland Journal News in West Nyack, N.Y. • Former special sections editor at the Mobile Press Register • Copy editor at the Tuscaloosa News

Public Service Involvement:

• Former Girl Scout leader • Two stints as volunteer missionary in Brazil (in the cities of Belo Horizonte and Porto Alegre) 52 | Currents | September/October, 2015

Dentist

Hwy. 47 S., Lake City • (386) 752-8200

Awards/Special Achievements: • Academy of General Dentistry Members • Periodontal Therapy Award from UFCD • Worked in Barrow, Alaska, the northern most US city

Public Service Involvement:

• Mission trips to Dominican Republic, Costa Rica and Ecuador • Volunteer at Florida Mission of Mercy • Volunteer at local public dental clinic

Celia Martin

Julie Owen, O.D.

Martin Orthodontics

North Florida Eye Care

Doctor (Orthodontist) 701 SW State Road 47, Lake City (386) 755-1001

Optometrist

763 SW Main Blvd., Lake City • (386) 752-1722

15 years

27 years in business Awards/Special Achievements:

• National Advisory Committee for 3-M Unitek • Academy of Women Dentist and Operative Dentistry Award • Past Faculty of the University of Florida Dental School • Member of Great Aspirations 1999 an 11-person team that trekked to the North Pole • Climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro 1999 & went to Antarctica with National Geographic 2007

Public Service Involvement:

• Altrusa Member • Supporter of Youth Activities and Sports

Awards/Special Achievements: • Graduated with Honors from University of Florida • Luxottica Pediatric Optometry Award to graduating senior (Nova Southeastern University 2000) • Northeast Florida Optometric Society Board Member (served as) 5 yrs.

• Member of the Florida Optometric Association & the American Optometric Association

Public Service Involvement:

• Columbia County School Volunteer (former) • Served on Columbia City Elementary’s Family Involvement Council

Dentist/Owner

Dr. Lorrie Cason Wheeler

272 SW Bentley Pl., Lake City • (386) 752-3043

Oak Hill Dental Group

Dr. Terri M. Andrews Oak Hill Dental Group

Dentist/Owner

24 years in practice

272 SW Bentley Pl., Lake City • (386) 752-3043

Awards/Special Achievements:

23 years in practice Awards/Special Achievements:

• Wife & Mom (my other 2 favorite jobs) • Married to Michael 30 years.

• Graduated from University of Florida College of Dentistry

• Altrusa Board Member • Married to Brad 25 years • Children: Holly, Haley, BJ, Hanna

Public Service Involvement:

Public Service Involvement:

• Past president of Altrusa of Lake City • Volunteer dentist-Baptist Association dental bus.

• Santa Fe College Dental Guest Lecturer

• Florida Baptist, Beulah Association • Dental Van Volunteer 11+ years • Parent involvement in Columbia County Schools

Patricia B. Stuart

Cammy Scott

Odom, Moses & Co., LLP, CPAs

Odom, Moses & Co., LLP, CPAs

Certified Public Accountant/Partner 4424 NW American Lane, Lake City, Fl 32055

19 years

Certified Public Accountant/Partner 4424 NW American Lane, Lake City, Fl 32055

22 years

Awards/Special Achievements:

Awards/Special Achievements:

• Graduated with Honors from University of Florida 1986 • Received Elijah Watt Sells certificate for performance on CPA exam • Series 7 securities license • 2015 “Best of the Best” Tax Service / Accounting & Payroll

• Graduated Magna Cum Laude from University of Texas/ Permian Basin • Series 7 securities license • Insurance Licensed • 2015 “Best of the Best” Tax Service / Accounting & Payroll

Public Service Involvement:

Public Service Involvement:

• Local Habitat for Humanity Treasurer, 2 yrs.

• First Presbyterian Church finance committee member, 4 yrs.

• Board Member of Sea of Change Foundation • CPA for Friends of Heritage Park

Currents | September/October, 2015 | 53

Deserrai Davis

Certified Public Accountant/Partner

Becky Holloway

4424 NW American Lane, Lake City, Fl 32055

Pet Spot

Odom, Moses & Co., LLP, CPAs

Pet Spot / Owner

15 years

872 SW Main Blvd., Lake City • (386) 754-5553 9 years

Awards/Special Achievements:

Awards/Special Achievements:

• Bachelor of Science in Accounting, University of Florida • Master of Accounting, University of Florida • Series 7 securities license • Member, Parkview Baptist Church • 2015 “Best of the Best” Tax Service / Accounting & Payroll • Proud mother of US Navy Hospital Corpsman

• Scores Entrepreneur of the Year Nominee • Best of the Best 9 years • Mother of 2 sons • 4 grandchildren • Member of American Pet Association

Public Service Involvement:

• Partner with Hospice of Nature Coast • Sponsor for CHS Sports • Relay for Life involvement • 5 Star Approved by American Pet Association

• Supporter of various local charities

Mary Goddeyne ARNP, FNP-BC

Primary Care Medicine

404 NW Hall of Fame Dr., Lake City • (386) 754-3627

Family ARNP since 1997 • 18 years as ARNP • RN since 1986 • 29 years as RN • Licensed Health Care Risk Manager Since 2007 Awards/Special Achievements:

Public Service Involvement:

Elizabeth “Kathy” Newman ARNP

Primary Care Medicine

404 NW Hall of Fame Dr., Lake City • (386) 754-3627

14 years

Awards/Special Achievements:

• Masters in Nursing from University of Florida • Board certified Family Nurse Practitioner • Inducted into Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society for Nurses • Honored for service to spinal cord injured veterans by Paralyzed Veterans of America

• Attended and Graduated Florida State University Graduate School, Honors • Member Phi Theta Kappa Honorian Association.

Public Service Involvement:

• Sunday School Teacher and Active Member at Beulah Baptist Church

• Courtesy Professor University of Florida College of Nursing; Preceptor for ARNP students since 2000; Columbia High School Soccer Booster Member

Tammy D. Hall

Co-Branch Manager/Partner

Raymond James

4424 NW American Lane, Lake City, Fl 32055

20 years Awards/Special Achievements:

• Honors graduate, University of North Florida • LLP CPA/Partner, Odom, Moses & Co. CPAs • Personal Financial Specialist • IIMC Investment Management Consultant • Holds Series 7, 9, 10, 31 and 65 securities licenses • Licensed Life, Health and Annuity agent

Public Service Involvement:

• Altrusa International-District 3 Program Coordinator • Serves on Board of Columbia Senior Services • Foundation for Florida Gateway College- Finance Committee • Supports local charities and community events • Serves on Board of Columbia County Senior Services 54 | Currents | September/October, 2015

Public Service Involvement:

Missy Zecher

Realtor Associate CDPE

Remax Professionals, Inc. 4255 SW Cambridge Glen, Lake City (386) 623-0237

20+ years Housing Industry 9 years as a Realtor Awards/Special Achievements:

• 2009 Remax Executive Club • No. 5 Real Estate Agent in Satte • 2010-2015 Remax 100% Club of Florida for Sales • 2013 Inducted into Remax Hall • 2012-2015 Remax Platinum Club of Fame • 2013 Realtor of the Year • 2013-2014 Remax High Honor of • Certified Distress Property Expert Chairmans’ Club • Best of the Best Realtor Lake City Reporter 2011, 2012, 2014 & 2015

Public Service Involvement:

• 2010-2015 CHS Tiger Football Corporate Sponsor • LCMS Anti-Bullying Corporate Sponsor • Children’s’ Miracle Network • President Elect MLS Board of Directors 2015

Debi Bennefield Realtor

Rockford Realty Stewart Real Estate Team 333 Rosemary Drive, Lake City

4 years

Awards/Special Achievements: Licensed Realtor with Rockford Realty Group. Work with residential & commercial clients in Lake City & surrounding North Florida areas.

She began in industry in 2004 specializing in houses, land & farms.

As part of the Stewart Real Estate Tema, Debi has met the sales & learning needs of hundreds of clients.

Public Service Involvement:

Debi is the Sales Director for The Preserve at Laurel Lake, Lake City’s premier lifestyle community. She is constantly promoting and sharing all of the exciting things The Preserve has to offer. She believes in The Preserve at Laurel Lake so much, she is building her family’s dream home there.

Rhonda K. Sherrod, RN, MSN Chief Executive Officer

Shands Lake Shore Regional Medical Center The hospital was established in 1911

Awards/Special Achievements:

• University of Florida • Bachelor of Science in Nursing • Valdosta State University • Master of Science in Nursing with a Clinical Specialty in Adult Health and a Functional Specialty in Administration • CEO In the Shands Market for 21 years

Public Service Involvement:

• 2013 Florida Gateway College Distinguished Alumni of the Year • Member of Altrusa International; United Way; March of Dimes; and various Health Advisory Boards

Carrie Cason

Debbie Christie

Swift Creek Realty

The Cozy Country Porch

Broker Associate, GRI

1211 SW Basom Norris Dr., Lake City, Suite 201 (386) 623-2806

14 years

Owner

2779 SW Main Blvd., Lake city 32025

1 years

Awards/Special Achievements:

Awards/Special Achievements:

• Husband Matt and 3 children.

• University of Florida, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration • Top Producer with Over $50 Million in Completed Sales Volume.

• Assisted in site acquisitions for National and local tenants.

• Work experience in all fields of Real Estate including residential, commercial, industrial and acreage.

• Married to Marty 6 years • 3 children: Robbie, Michael and Daniel (GM of The Cozy Country Porch)

Public Service Involvement:

• Member of National & Florida Association of Realtors, Chamber of Commerce Member • Board of Directors March of Dimes • Very involved in our church and the community • I’m also serving on the North Florida MLS Board of Directors

Public Service Involvement:

• Sponsor- Davis Racing, Macclenny, FL • Donates to local charities • March of Dimes

Malina Nemesh

Tracy Spears

The Rocking N

Thomas T. Demas, Attorney at Law

Owner

1268 SW SR 47 Suite 161, Lake City

3 months

Paralegal

153 NE Madison St., Lake City

17 years (8 years with firm)

Awards/Special Achievements:

Awards/Special Achievements:

• Owner / operator of The Rocking N • Member of Chamber of Commerce • Children: Kevin, Brandon, Chelsea, Rodney • Grandkids: Braxton, Sara May

• National Federation of Paralegal Associations • National Association of Legal Assistants

Public Service Involvement:

• Military Order of Purple Heart Chapter 772 • UCHS • JROTC

Public Service Involvement:

• Donates to local charities, Charity Walks • Supports Leukemia research charities • Elementary School volunteer • Mother to one wonderful daughter

Currents | September/October, 2015 | 55

56 | Currents | September/October, 2015