Family Magazine Winter 2021

A LABOR OF LOVE

WITH SCOTT STEWART

The Mobley Family ANN HADSELL

SENIOR MOMENTUM

LILY P’S COOKIES

FRANCHESKA POWELL

We bring our wide variety of legal experience together to provide you efficient and effective legal representation and counseling.

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Winter 2021 | 1

F RO M T H E P U B L I S H E R PUBLISHER

Noah Walker DIRECTOR OF CREATIVE DESIGN

Sarah Nichols

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

Justin Young

It’s time to celebrate Winter in this, our 29th issue of Family Magazine. Despite short days and the wildly unpredictable weather of North Central Florida, where temperatures can range from the second showing of Summer to way below bearable, Winter is a season of opportunity, celebration and new beginnings!

Thank you for picking up this issue of Family Magazine, in which you’ll find great content to enhance your experience of the season. From household tips and seasonal living trends to highlights of highly talented community members and budding entrepreneurs, we hope you enjoy it all! Our cover story showcases a familiar story arc to many individuals and families, who while raised in our home area, have traveled and endeavored far and wide only to come back for the comfort of vibrant roots and the opportunity to enhance our community.

Cuddle up on the couch with your favorite buddy, some hot chocolate and maybe a few cookies to enjoy Family Magazine Winter 2021-2022.

Noah

Noah Walker, Publisher Noah@allthingsvisual.com

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CONTRIBU TORS R.J. Adler Jeweliana Curtis Holly Frazier Tammy Johns Susan K. Lamb Carly Meyers Kayla Perla Mar y Ricketson Chani Walker Hayli Zuccola

Member of the Florida Magazine Association

North Central Florida Advertiser, Inc 358 NW Main Blvd, Lake City, FL 32055 (386) 752-8280 All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part of any text, photography, or illustration only with written consent of the publisher. Family Magazine, its officers, staff members or contributors do not warrant the accuracy of or assume a responsibility for any of the material contained herein. All submissions, text, and photography received by Family Magazine has been considered authorized for publication.

Winter 2021 | 3

Home + Design......................6 Go for the Goal.....................8 Helping Humanity...............15 Women In Beauty.........19 Timber To Tables: Scott Stewart..............23 Philip Mobley.......31

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Savory Winter Soup Recipes..........................38

Learn all about the fun to be had in Memphis, Tennessee

A Weekend in Memphis................40

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Air Fryer & Slow Cooker Recipes..........44 Start Park State of Mind...............46 Practical Minimalism....................52 Celebrating Women’s History Month.....54 Senior Momentum...............58 Horses Without Humans...................62

GO FURTHER TOGETHER

Valentine’s Day Date Night..................66 Lily P’s Cookies...............69 On the Cover: Meet the Mobley family. A family rooted in history and service.

Staff Photography

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Michael Campbell.................72 The Great Family Pie Review.................74 A Capsule Wardrobe...............78

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HOME + DESIGN Trends to Brighten Your Space in the New Year

By Jeweliana Curtis

Out with the old and in with the new! As 2021 comes to a close, it’s time to look ahead and dream of all that 2022 has in store. With a fresh start comes the desire for a home refresh, so we have rounded up our favorite trend predictions for 2022.

From emerging design choices for your home to the hottest trending hues for your walls, this guide has it all. Let’s dive right in!

COLOR OF THE YEAR

It’s no secret that the past few years have thrown us some curveballs, leaving most people to desire a calming space to come home to each day. Whether you are working from home and need some work/life balance or are simply looking to spend more time doing what you love, creating a calming space may be at the top of your list. Check out these color spotlights that trend forecasters are predicting to be the hottest hues this year.

BENJAMIN MOORE: OCTOBER MIST

Created to mimic the silver-green hues of a flower’s stem, this stunning shade is sure to spark your fancy. This shade pairs well with a variety of neutrals and looks great with silver accents. October Mist is described as a color that invokes creativity, making it an ideal color for a home office, child’s room or kitchen.

SHERWIN WILLIAMS: EVERGREEN FOG

Described as a versatile and calming hue, Evergreen Fog is the perfect combination of green-meets-gray with a touch of blue. It’s simple with an organic feel, making it an elegant statement shade for any room in the house.

Evergreen Fog pairs well with neutral and natural browns, striking golds and beige tones. This shade may translate well to a bedroom or bathroom, but it is also great for a kitchen or home office.

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FABULOUS FLOORING

Thinking of renovating your home in 2022? This flooring trend is sure to spark your interest. Geometric patterns have been making a resurgence in home flooring options, and we can’t get enough of the gorgeous options for every room in the home. While geometric tiles are meant to make a statement, designers encourage you to stick to neutral tones for a more timeless look, though lightertoned floors are currently in style.

Additionally, herringbone patterns are also making a comeback. Herringbone patterns are known for their classic look, bringing a touch of elegant texture to any space. These gorgeous, retro flooring options are great to offset the modern, clean lines being showcased in most homes today.

PRACTICALITY IS KING

With an uptick in remote jobs, most people are desiring spaces in their homes that “do it all,” meaning that functionality and practicality are at the top of the list when shopping for home decor and outfittings. One of the most popular examples of this is furniture pieces that serve multiple functions, like a bench that can be used for seating in a living space that also has hidden storage. There are many great functional decor and furniture items hitting the market, but it is expected that many more will be created in 2022.

RETRO THROWBACK

The ‘70s are making a comeback, and we are here for it! Designers predict that 2022 will be the year that we embrace

the best of ‘70s design, from funky and fun colorful furniture pieces to eclectic accents. Give your space a nod to the era by incorporating texture, color and originality into your home this year.

For a sustainable option, try shopping secondhand at vintage shops, or shop flea markets for unique home-interior gems.

ODE TO NATURE

A big interior-design trend in recent years, the idea of bringing the outdoors inside, is predicted to stay relevant in 2022.

Most new builds may feature large, open windows to let in beautiful natural light, and indoor/outdoor flex living spaces will continue to be popular. One of the easiest ways to embrace this trend is to incorporate houseplants into your spaces.

It’s amazing what a pop of greenery from a monstera deliciosa or a fiddle leaf fig can do for a room. Plus, some plants offer great health benefits as well!

Incorporating elements of the outdoors can breathe life into your space, all while complimenting your color palette and bringing great depth to your design style.

CURVED COMFORT

Emerging in 2020, the stylized curved furniture trend is here to stay! Long gone are the days of harsh lines and uncomfortable seating options… From curved sofas to relaxed, circular chairs and rounded tables, this furniture style offers a modern take on romantic and feminine furniture choices. This trend can easily be incorporated into your home in the form of a new reading chair or even a rounded decor piece for your mantle. This stunning style brings lightness to a space and offers a bit of contemporary flair to any room. ■

Winter 2021 | 7

GO FOR THE GOAL HOW TO ACHIEVE YOUR CAREER GOALS IN 2022

By Jeweliana Curtis

New year, new you! As you begin mapping out your goals for the new year, you may be adding a few career goals to your list. Whether you are working towards a promotion or are looking to venture out on your own in 2022, we are here to help! Joy Lutz, CPA and Certified Tax Coach at Aligned CPA, weighs in on her favorite methods for setting goals, all while providing helpful tips for sticking to your goals and avoiding the dreaded burnout. Read on to hear Joy’s take on why setting goals is important and how you can effectively accomplish your goals from this moment forward.

“I’m a big believer in goal-setting simply because I believe that if you do not have something you are working towards, you are aimlessly going with the flow,” Joy explains. “That may sound good, but that really just means that you are likely not going to reach those long-term goals.”

One of Joy’s biggest tips for planning goals is to break down your yearly goals into 90 day increments. This process, also known as the 90-Day Year, enables you to focus on needlemoving tasks for a short period of time. This leaves little room for procrastination, as you have goals to accomplish in a short period of time that you must work on weekly or even daily.

Though it is important to have big dreams and audacious goals, it is even more important to break those goals down into actionable steps that you can track and accomplish. This method creates a sense of urgency to keep you focused, all while chipping away at your big, lofty goals for the year.

For instance, if your goal is to build a six-figure business, rather than being overwhelmed at the thought of starting from zero, begin to reverse-engineer that goal. Break your year down to quarters and set goals for each quarter that will help you accomplish your long-term goal. This will look different to each person, but some great questions to ask yourself may be: How many new clients do I need to sign on to accomplish this income goal? What do my rates need to look like? How will I get those new clients? These questions will help you plan out your next 90 8 |

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days, which in turn will impact your yearly goal.

“Having that 90-Day Year mentality really keeps your goals fresh so that you know what you can do now, versus trying to catch up on tasks at the end of the year,” Joy explains.

“Once you see the traction with this method, before you know it, you may surpass that original goal you had.

It’s all about constantly taking those actionable steps and tracking that goal consistently.”

Joy Lutz, CPA Certified Tax Coach Aligned CPA

Another one of Joy’s greatest tips when setting goals is to stay committed and be disciplined. Time-blocking is a great tool for this. Begin by committing a certain amount of time each week to working on your goals.

This may be two hours per week, and you may choose to set aside time on a Friday afternoon to work on them. Once you have made your decision, block off that time on your calendar and protect it at all costs. If there is a blank spot on your calendar, it can be easy to fill it with work or even slip out of the office early rather than work on your goals. Joy suggests combatting this by blocking off time now and committing to it no matter what.

“Commitment is huge with goals, and so is discipline. You have to stay committed and disciplined in taking that action,” Joy says. “As entrepreneurs, it can be easy to get caught up working in your business rather than working on your business. If you have these yearly goals, you’re going to be tempted to wait until the end of the year to work on them, or wait until you have more time… But honestly, there’s never going to be a perfect time. I combat this by placing goals on my calendar and guarding that time like it is sacred!”

Creating routines around your goals can also be helpful, so Joy recommends keeping this time on your calendar consistent as much as possible. If you know that you always work on your goals on a certain day, it can be easier to stay on track and stay focused during that time.

Additionally, having strong accountability in your life is important. Joy recommends having a mentor or accountability partner to meet with on a regular basis. This is another great action to add to your calendar now to ensure you make time to meet consistently.

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During these meetings, you may want to talk about any pitfalls you are having or share how you are feeling about your goals.

While you cannot always rely on someone else to motivate you, it is necessary to have someone to encourage you on the tough days and cheer you on throughout the process. Plus, it is imperative that you have someone to celebrate the wins with!

“A big part of goal-setting is celebrating the wins. I think we can get into this habit of achieving a goal, then quickly moving on to the next one, when we need to stop and celebrate the small wins,” Joy says.

“When we don’t celebrate those small wins, we can get burned out, or we can find ourselves at the end of the year feeling unaccomplished and like we did not achieve much. I encourage you to keep a list of accomplishments and, at the end of the year, remind yourself or your team of all that you have accomplished. It provides that encouragement and momentum to keep going.”

Most importantly, it is crucial that you always keep your “why” at the forefront when you are setting goals. Having big dreams and impressive goals can be great for your growth, but if there is no purpose behind them, then you are less likely to actually follow through with them. If you are new to the concept, Joy suggests checking out Simon Sinek’s book Start With Why for insight on how to articulate your why. When determining your goals for the year, consider your why and build your goals around that.

“You can get burnt out if you are constantly grinding, so having a bigger reason and really knowing the why behind your goals makes it easier to pick back up and keep going after a failure,” Joy explains. “Your why can help you feel more successful and like you have really been a part of something bigger than yourself. Really keeping that why at the forefront is so important.”

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If you are an employee aspiring to a promotion or if you have goals to make a career change this year, Joy encourages you to be a lifelong learner and take advantage of all of the knowledge right at your fingertips. From free online courses to enrichment classes and endless “how to” videos on YouTube, there are so many amazing resources available. You just have to take advantage of them!

“If you are looking for a promotion or even a new job, set yourself apart from the pack.

There are so many things you can do online for free to build up your skills. Be proactive and do that,” Joy suggests. “If you can show that on a resumé, it’s going to be golden because your peers may not be doing that.

If you take a class on leadership, or if you have a new skill you are developing, not only are you strengthening your skills, but you are showing potential employers that you are willing to learn and that you love to learn. That’s what good employers want to see.”

Lastly, to achieve your career and financial goals, Joy encourages you to stop fearing failure. As an entrepreneur or business professional, it can be easy to fall into complacency and never really put yourself out there. This could be due to fear of rejection or fear of failure, both of which can be debilitating if you allow it to be. The truth is, however, failure is not permanent and failure is not fatal. Learn from your shortcomings, evolve and continue to push towards your goals.

“Don’t be afraid to fail, because you are either winning or you are learning. Failure is learning. We all fail; there’s always something that goes wrong… It is just a part of putting yourself out there,” Joy shares. “What is important, though, is to really evaluate what went wrong in those scenarios and do something different next time. Failure is great if you learn from it. If you can work through that fear of failure and push past it, that’s where your confidence is built. From there, the sky’s the limit.”

Resources for Career Growth There is no shortage of knowledge and resources online for growth and continued education!

Whether you are looking to learn a new skill or brush up on a skill that has become rusty, check out these great resources for learning online at your own pace.

Learn with Masterclass This subscription-based platform allows users to learn skills from some of the most successful people in their fields over the course of a few video modules. Learn how to cook gourmet recipes with Gordon Ramsey or glean wisdom on creativity and leadership with Anna Wintour.

The possibilities are endless, and this platform provides an affordable way to learn from the greatest minds on a variety of topics from business to bartending!

Get Inspired with Podcasts Do you want to learn from successful professionals in your niche? There is likely a podcast for that! Do some research and find creatives talking about your industry to learn great tips of the trade and reignite that fire for what you are passionate about. Some of Joy’s favorite podcasts include How I Built This by Guy Raz, Hello Seven by Rachel Rodgers and The Impact Theory by Tom Bilyeu.

Find a Great Read With so many great books in existence, it can be daunting to narrow down your choices for continued learning. Joy suggests checking out Simon Sinek’s Start With Why for a great foundation for setting goals, or Never Split the Difference by Christopher Voss and Tahl Raz, a book on the power of negotiating. This book even has a Masterclass course you could enjoy to really hone in on your negotiating skills. Whether you pick up a great hard copy of a text or opt to listen to an audiobook, pick a book that speaks to a topic you are interested in and dive in!

About Aligned CPA Located in Lake City, Aligned CPA provides service businesses and law firms with monthly accounting services, tax preparation and planning. As a Certified Public Accountant and Certified Tax Coach, Joy Lutz and her team strive to provide resources and support to their clients beyond tax preparation. Joy’s passion is to help entrepreneurs just like her to receive the resources to achieve their dreams.

Aligned CPA, LLC 224 East Duval Street, Lake City, Florida, 32055 alignedcpa.com

Goal-Setting Worksheet My Goal:

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Goal Starting Point: WHAT ARE YOU STARTING YOUR GOAL WITH? WEIGHT, TIMES PER DAY YOU WORK OUT, ETC.

Where will I be in...

• 1 Year: WHAT IS THE ULTIMATE RESULT YOU ARE WORKING TOWARDS?

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HOW/WHY WILL THIS RESULT MAKE MY LIFE BETTER?

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Winter 2021 | 11

GOA L S, G R O WT H A N D H E A L TH Y H A BI T S

By Jeweliana Curtis

Jesenia Minniefield, MSW, LCSW Evolve Counseling & Consulting

As 2021 quickly comes to a close, you may be busy reflecting on all that you accomplished in the past year and dreaming up new goals for the new year. Setting out to accomplish a new goal can be exciting and thrilling… For the first weeks of January at least! According to a study conducted by OnePoll in 2020 of 2,000 Americans, it takes just 32 days for the average person to break their new year’s resolutions, but 68 percent of those polled broke their resolutions before the 32-day mark.

So, if many people give up on their resolutions, how can you ensure that you keep yours? What determines if a new year’s resolution succeeds or fails? With the help of Jesenia Minniefield, MSW, LCSW, and owner and founder of Evolve Counseling & Consulting LLC, we can take a look at the psychology behind setting goals and learn how to create resolutions that stick.

Before we dive into how to achieve your goals, we must first take a look at why we set goals in the first place.

Jesenia weighs in on this, sharing, “When you set goals, it shifts your perspective and teaches you how to problem-solve.

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You become more ambitious and really just continue to grow and evolve.”

date to your goal, it’s not going to come to fruition,” Jesenia explains.

Once you have set your S.M.A.R.T. Now that we know why we should set goals, let’s take a deep dive into Jesenia’s goals, it’s time to commit to them and see them through. Often when we set preferred method for setting goals that stick, which is ensuring that goals, starting them is easy, but you set S.M.A.R.T. goals. committing to them and This renowned method seeing them through is “When you of setting goals is the tough part. You’ve an acronym that likely experienced set goals, it shifts can help you map the rollercoaster of your perspective feeling like a failure out your goal and teaches you how after skipping your and ensure that new healthy habit it’s something to problem-solve. You for a few days that is specific, become more ambitious due to a stressful measurable, attainable, week, or the and really just continue realistic and crushing feeling of to grow and evolve.” time-bound. guilt after you cave and indulge in your —Jesenia Minniefield “Sometimes a favorite comfort meal goal may start off as instead of sticking to your a dream or a wish, and healthy meal plan. The feeling of failure can be paralyzing in these that’s wonderful! But if you don’t instances, but it doesn’t have to be. actually attach a deadline or a target

“The biggest hurdle that I’ve seen with setting goals is that we talk ourselves out of it.

We say all of these negative things to ourselves, so what we do at Evolve is learn how to reframe those thoughts,” Jesenia shares. “You may have had a bad moment, but it wasn’t a completely bad day, and you are not a horrible person. You may have made a mistake, but you can learn from it and move forward.

It’s really just learning how to be nicer to ourselves and give ourselves more grace. It really comes down to that negative self-talk.”

Jesenia goes on to share that though it is not always easy, we must embrace the process and learn to talk to ourselves in a positive manner. While we are unfortunately inherently negative to ourselves, it’s all about reframing those thoughts and giving ourselves encouragement along the way. Commit to working through the process and eventually you will train your automatic thoughts to be more positive, logical and rational, instead of immediately crumbling and giving up. This is where journaling and reflecting may come into play in your setting goals, as it serves as a great way to track your progress and identify any missteps along the way.

“I tell all of my clients to write it all down. Sometimes we can forget the journey, so take the time to write it down so you can go back and really reflect on that progress you have made,” Jesenia explains. “We see a sort of blackand-white thinking a lot in this field. It’s that mindset of ‘Oh, I did bad today, so I

may as well just give up.’ No! We can just start again. We can figure out what caused us to do something bad that day and find a way to react differently next time. It’s just digging deep and figuring out what is going on and causing you to trip, then finding a way to combat that.”

Another helpful tip that Jesenia suggests is to find a responsibility buddy that you can trust. Typically, we are more likely to follow through when we feel like we have someone in our corner counting on us. So, whether you ask a friend to accompany you to the gym or have your partner check in with you on habits you want to build, finding someone you trust to encourage you along the way can really impact the success of your goals.

Finally, when setting goals, it is important to start small. While there may be many aspects of your life that you wish to progress in, it can be overwhelming to feel like you need to make so many changes overnight. It is absolutely okay to start small, build healthy habits and reevaluate as you go.

About Evolve Counseling & Consulting LLC Founded by Jesenia Minniefield, MSW, LCSW, Evolve Counseling & Consulting focuses on helping it’s clients grow and evolve into the person they have always wanted to be. The practice offers a personal approach to counseling, tailoring it’s services to meet the specific needs of it’s clientele, from specialized mental health counseling to life coaching and all areas in between. All are welcome at Evolve Counseling & Consulting, but Jesenia specializes in counseling women, children and elderly adults through a variety of issues including self-esteem, body positivity, fertility struggles, depression, anxiety, life after divorce and

“It’s really just what is going to make you feel better or good. Start small. You do not need to have 50 goals for the new year, just start with one or two. Then, break those small goals into steps that you need to take to actually achieve those goals,” Jesenia states. “Usually that means we need to do four or more different things to reach our goal. Instead of having that tunnel vision and focusing on the end goal, don’t miss the journey or the opportunities along the journey that may help you expand your goal. It’s just about the baby steps and progress.”

So, if you are searching for a recipe for success with setting goals, consider embracing the imperfect steps that it takes to achieve that goal. You do not need to have grandiose, impressive goals that overwhelm you, or goals that are not specific to your life. After all, the most important item to consider when setting a goal is simply how your goal is going to put you one step closer to the healthy, happy individual that you want to be. Growth should always be our number-one goal, not perfection.

“It is most important to make sure your goal has meaning to you. You don’t have to please anyone else with your goals. They are specific and personal just to you, so keep that in mind,” Jesenia shares. “If you have a really big picture idea, break it down so you do not become overwhelmed and give up. We always strive to prevent overwhelm or burnout. Break it down, take it step by step, and don’t be afraid to ask for help along the way.”

coping with a loss of independence as aging progresses. No matter your needs, Jesenia Minniefield and her team strive to work with you to overcome your identified obstacles, while assisting you in setting goals that align with your personal beliefs.

INFO: Evolve Counseling & Consulting LLC 136 NW Veterans Street, Lake City, FL 32055 evolvecounselingconsulting.com Email: jminniefield@evolvecounselingconsulting.com Telephone: 386-365-4698

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Helping Humanity

By Jeweliana Curtis

RENEWED: PARTNERING WITH HOPE Located behind Red Lobster off of highway 90 in Lake City, Renewed is an organization committed to helping those in need in the community. You may be familiar with the Renewed Thrift Store, but this is just a portion of the operation. Along with other ministries, Renewed operates a food pantry that provides grocery and pantry items to those in need. The food pantry is open on Mondays and Thursdays from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., and serves both Columbia County residents and the homeless population within the community.

To qualify for this giveaway, Columbia County residents need to bring proof of address, such as a piece of mail, and an ID. Residents receive a large box of food, as well as a bag of frozen meat. The homeless population receive a food kit, hygiene kit, clothing, backpack or bag and a blanket. They also operate a closet as a way to provide needed items for the homeless within the community, such as jackets, shoes and other clothing essentials.

At Renewed, the goal is simple: to share the love of God with others. Jesus said, “When you did these things unto the least of these, you did them unto Me.” At Partners of Hope and Renewed Outreach, they believe every life is precious to God and they

When times are tough, it is imperative that people have a safe space to receive assistance, and there are many great organizations that provide that to the local community. From food banks to community closets, these organizations seek to help people through vulnerable, hard times; whether that be an unexpected loss of a loved one, the loss of a job or the loss of independence. No matter the circumstance, local organizations have committed to closing the gap and providing needed support during difficult times. Read on to learn more about two organizations that are committed to helping those in need in our local community, one person at a time.

exist to bring hope to those in need in our community.

If you are interested in supporting Renewed, or if you are interested in the services they provide, visit their location during the specified food pantry hours or call 386-438-5597 for more information. Be sure to follow along on Facebook and Instagram to stay up-to-date on community events and outreaches.

Renewed 225 NW Real Terrace, Lake City, FL 32055 386-438-5597 Facebook: @renewed.thrift.lc Instagram: @renewed.thrift

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THE WORSHIP ROOM: IT’S ALL ABOUT JESUS At The Worship Room, the staff and volunteers are passionate about spreading love to the community by being the hands and feet of Jesus. The organization regularly hosts clothing drives, food giveaways and community meals. Lead Pastor Matt Ganskop shares that The Worship Room is in the ministry of restoration and leading people back to a relationship with Jesus.

“People need to know that there are those who care about them and that God loves them,” Pastor Matt shares. We have been blessed to be a blessing to others.”

The Worship Room gives back to the community through monthly food giveaways, typically on the second Saturday of each month. They also offer a community meal, which is open to all, on the first Tuesday of each month beginning at 6:30 p.m. On Mondays and Wednesdays, you can find The Worship Room team hosting clothing drives from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

There are also open worship nights every Friday beginning at 9 p.m.

Additionally, The Worship Room also meets many community needs on a case-by-case basis. Baptisms, prayer, emergency groceries and more are provided as requested. The Worship Room proudly partners with local church groups and organizations to meet these needs.

For more information about The Worship Room, and to stay up-to-date on future community events and giveaways, follow along on Facebook at @theWorshipRoomLC. The Worship Room 162 NW Ridgewood Ave., Lake City, FL 32055 386-243-0279 Facebook: @theWorshipRoomLC THE WORSHIP ROOM’S SCRIPTURE: Jesus loves Lake City!

1 John Chapter 3:17-18: “But whoso hath this world’s good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him? My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.” ■

As a new year approaches, Family Magazine encourages our readers to get involved with a cause you are passionate about and give back in 2022. If you have extra time, consider volunteering at a local non-profit.

Commit to being a monthly donor at your favorite organization. Declutter and donate excess items to your local thrift store, or purchase items for those in need.

The gesture may seem small to you, but the impact in the community is great.

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Winter 2021 | 17

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FamilyMagazine

Beauty WOMEN IN

By Carly Meyers

The Suwannee Valley is blessed with many strong women in businesses who enhance our quality of life in North Central Florida! We are thankful for the personal and economic impact they all provide to our home!

In this edition of Family, we wanted to take an opportunity to highlight a couple of new budding female entrepreneurs. The Gel Room and Euphoria Beauty Co. have chosen to grow the business spectrum of our community and apply their trades for the benefit of their neighbors.

EUP H O R I A B EAUT Y CO. Euphoria Beauty Co. is a small business created by two sisters, Lai Stebbins and Kia Brown, based in Lake City. Euphoria specializes in lash extensions, massage, waxing, brow services, makeup and skincare. Now a successful business with packed schedules, Euphoria grew from humble beginnings.

Lai and Kia always knew they wanted to open a business together, they were just unsure what. The original plan was to open a boutique until Lai decided to go to school for her esthetician license. At the time, Kia was a stay-at-home mom and decided to join Lai since the classes were at night. They quickly realized they had discovered a passion they both loved.

“We’ve always been into art together. Every different style of art one of us has done, we’ve always gotten the other one into it,” Kia says. “Lashes have been no different.”

The skill they found the most interesting was lash extensions.

They began to practice on each other and their mom to refine their skillsets. “At first it was difficult. I wasn’t sure if I would be able to do it. But overtime, it started to come much easier,” Kia says.

The sisters began to grow their clientele for lash extensions and eventually decided to rent a room in Glo Tanning in Lake City to work from.

They liked the space and could both fit their own bed for lash extension clients while being closer to the majority of their customers.

Winter 2021 | 19

Later, they added brow services to their menu.

After a year of working from Glo Tanning, they decided it was time to start working toward their original goal of owning a small business together.

In Fall of 2021, Lai and Kia began to look for a space of their own. They eventually found a suite off State Road 247, though it needed a lot of construction. After much deliberation, the sisters decided that even though the suite required a lot of work, this was their opportunity to make the space exactly how they had dreamt it.

The sisters’ vision for Euphoria was to expand upon lash and brow services. They hired a massage therapist and added a boutique section for a local vendor to sell her products.

In the spring, they plan to offer their own educational courses

for lash and beauty services, as well as offer internships to those wanting to learn and grow in the beauty industry. “It’s important to be supportive of other women and mean it,” Lai says. “Not only can we support women in our community by offering services that help boost their self-confidence, but by sharing our skillsets to empower other women to join the beauty industry, too.”

The sisters’ dreams of owning a business together have otherwise been smooth sailing. “Usually, people say not to work with family, but surprisingly we never disagree,” says Kia. “I could never work with anyone besides my sister,” Lai says.

She continued, “We feel like we are a yin-yang situation. Kia is an introvert and I’m an extrovert. We balance each other out so well and help one another grow in the industry.”

“Euphoria means a feeling of intense excitement or happiness.

We chose the name Euphoria because we want our clients to feel the highest euphoria about themselves,” Lai says. “Euphoria is the perfect combination of Kia and me. It’s the perfect vison of us, and we did it together.”

Euphoria Beauty Co. is now open and located at 757 SW SR-247, Suite 107B in Lake City. To book an appointment, contact Lai and Kia online at the Euphoria Beauty Co. Facebook or Instagram page.

T HE GE L R OOM Meet Sam Pasternak, owner of the Gel Room in Lake City. A business that originally started as a new way to challenge herself has quickly blossomed into an opportunity that is outgrowing its space, and quickly.

Sam has been a Lake City resident since she was 5 years old.

She started her associate degree right out of high school with no idea of her intended path. Aside from school, she worked at Sugar Cakery creating custom cakes and cupcakes. Since her ultimate goal was unknown at the time, she decided to attend cosmetology school in the meantime. She worked as a hair stylist for a short period and decided it wasn’t her passion.

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While finishing her associate degree, she also obtained her real estate license in 2017 and pursued the career while staying home with her son, Iverson, until early 2021. Feeling a bit uninspired, Sam decided to try her hand at nails after seeing many new trends. She wanted to oversee her own schedule and decided to take advantage of her cosmetology degree. She started practicing custom nails on her friends in her old pottery studio. The room jokingly became nicknamed ‘the Gel Room’, and Sam’s work began to spread farther than the pottery studio’s walls.

Sam aims to offer a different level of nail service. “I want to set myself apart from other salons with not only the products I use, but my artwork and operate in a different tier,” Sam says. She prefers to use gel products over acrylic or dip powders offered by most salons. Sam has tried both acrylic and dip in the past, but steers away from them for various reasons. “I think a big part of other salons is speed. When was the last time you had your cuticle prepped at a salon?” Sam asks. “My favorite part of the service is prep, and I want to offer my clients a service that lasts, without jeopardizing the integrity of the natural nail.”

Sam’s artwork spread, and with inquiries pouring in, she got her own suite and gave it the name the Gel Room. In just six months, Sam cannot keep up with the amount of clientele herself. “My clients are the ones who grew my client base this quickly,” Sam says. “I’m just lucky that people carry my work on themselves, and when others see it, it just helps me more. They wear it everywhere, but if someone says they like their nails, it’s a compliment to my work and I love that.”

clients both a cozy, close-knit environment like before, but still be able to include the comradery and environment that could accommodate clients coming with friends,” Sam says.

Sam also notes that she could not have gotten to this point without the love and support of her husband, Adam. He has not only worked hand-in-hand with Sam to get her new salon up and running, but would recruit his coworkers at Lake City Medical Center as nail clients to support Sam in any way he could. Though Adam, an RN, is not nail savvy, he would explain the pros of builder gel to the nurses and suggest they pay Sam a visit.

Looking to the future, Sam says she wouldn’t mind taking a step back from the business to educate others in the field once she has a team that shares the same vison, dream and passion for the business standing behind her. For now, Sam is happy to have found a path that continues to challenge her every day.

“It’s a lot to keep up with your own business; it’s all on you,” Sam says. “But I have always wanted to work for myself and be an entrepreneur. There’s no better investment than yourself. It’s hard work, but so rewarding. If you empower others, they’ll lift you up and empower you as well.”

For updates on the Gel Room’s new salon and notifications on scheduling, follow Sam on Instagram at thegelroom_sam. ■

Though Sam is experiencing growing pains, she views it as problems she’s blessed to have. She has already put in motion plans to open a salon of her own in January of 2022 in Lake City. Once the salon and her newly hired staff is ready, she will open her books again to clients. “I would love to offer my

Winter 2021 | 21

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A Labor of Love

Scott Stewart:

Timber to Tables

By Hayli Zuccola Winter 2021 | 23

Reflecting on past and present woodworking projects, Scott Stewart’s expression can light up a room. Since handcrafting his first wooden table over 40 years ago, Scott’s skills and talent for transforming ordinary timber into extraordinary tables have progressed drastically with the incorporation of new techniques, lumber variety, finishes and even the occasional pop of color. Nevertheless, becoming a lumber artisan was never his intention. Even now—over 250 tables later—Scott insists that he doesn’t make wooden structures, but rather, he listens to music—the result of which just happens to be something visually remarkable.

Throughout the last four decades, Scott has retained a range of positions from entrepreneurial roles as cofounder of Ellianos Coffee Company to developer and 24 |

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president at The Preserve, as well as his most recent standing as a commercial real estate specialist with Rockford Realty Group. However, sitting proudly on his office shelf is a vintage drill that serves as a reminder of humble beginnings. Fresh out of high school, Scott’s first career was as a carpenter, and though he was successful in the trade, his growing family meant an occupational change was in order. In doing so, Scott hung up his tool belt for the time being until all six of his kids began to have families of their own.

Never one to sit still, five years ago Scott used the free time he had on weekends or after work to start making wooden tables again. Rather than fishing or hunting, early Saturday mornings became reserved for woodworking and experimenting with raw materials—most of which

originated from his property with others deriving from locally demolished, 100-year-old buildings and some from as far as the Black Hills of South Dakota.

Instead of tossing cut trees into the burn pile, over several decades, Scott and his father, Roger, created a stockpile of lumber featuring large, live edge slabs, scrap boards and wide branches— each piece harboring unique knots, cracks, discoloration and marks that others may consider flaws, but Scott views as limitless possibilities.

“All over the place, there’s opportunity. There’s wood, there are pallets, there are trees,” he says.

“It’s junk wood to most people; some of it you’ll see it’s just like a piece of garbage, but you put epoxy on it, you mold it, you tweak it and you get to reuse it.”

When the Saturday sun rises, Scott goes to his barn to overlook his expansive timber inventory, which he notes is enough for 600 more tables, and decides on a project depending on what piece speaks to him, which could be anything from repurposing an old rolltop desk or enhancing a design that’s naturally present in the hardwood like a dolphin to hand-carving a vessel fit for preserving a specific object like Scott did for his dad’s magnum shotgun—the comb of which has delicately painted embellishments of nature.

When he’s feeling more adventurous, Scott will eclipse his live edge, epoxy-glazed bases and manipulate the wood to create something unique like fashioning a large table of which the center is filled with over 600 coffee beans or molding a shelf with vibrant colors that seamlessly melt into the wooden fractures.

Scot with his dad Roger

To add to the diversity of tables he opts to keep realistic and authentic to their roots, Scott uses multiple varieties of wood—some of his favorites being pecan and red cedar with his least favorite a local staple: live oak, which, though beautiful when first cut, easily warps. While typically electing to use metal, Scott will also use thick grapevines as table legs as yet another way to modify his carpentry catalog.

“So I just put different legs, different styles, different—maybe it’s slabs of wood, old wood, new wood, epoxy, just some colored wood, some finishes—no real pattern.

Winter 2021 | 25

I go to my barn on Saturday—I work Saturdays all the time early in the morning—so I just go out there, I walk to my pile—I have a bunch of wood—and I say ‘what do I feel like doing today,’” he says.

That innovation and desire to make something both tangible and artistic is apparently hereditary as Scott’s dad, Roger, who recently turned 90, retired from wood-based projects to make acrylic bowls, vases and windowpane wall accents while sharing in his son’s habit of listening to music to tune out the world and delve into a sense of creativity.

It’s been over five years since Scott began making tables regularly and he’s refused to sell any of them, instead, insisting on giving them away whether it’s to a nonprofit organization like the Rotary Club of Lake City or the Pregnancy Care Center to auction off during fundraising events or hosting recurring Facebook giveaways. Not accepting money for his work ensures that his hobby will continue to be an enjoyable passion rather than a job.

“I do it for fun and I like to help people out, so I guess that’s it so if I can give tables away and brighten their day, it’s more fun to do that,” he says. “It’s a passion; it’s a hobby, and I think people like them—that’s great—but it’s fun to give them away. When people like stuff it’s fun.”

Aligning with his altruistic personality, Scott’s goals for the future of his craft involve using his skills to help the Imani Children’s Choir in Uganda, which he learned about when those visiting the area needed a place to stay—continuing his involvement by later sponsoring three children in the organization.

“If I have a dream and a goal in reference to tables, that’s kind of it, is to go back to Uganda one day and spend a week just making tables,” he says.

From a coffee bean river cutting through the center of a conference table to a family heirloom preserved in 100-yearold wood and clear epoxy, each piece Scott creates is a oneof-a-kind work of art—a realization anyone who sets sight on his work can instantly recognize, even if Scott still tries to convince himself otherwise. Simply listening to music has never been so optically awe-inspiring. ■ 26 |

FamilyMagazine

Reclaimed wood serves both aesthetic and practical purposes. Visually stunning, reclaimed wood also is a great way to make use of old-growth forest wood. Why is that significant? According to the United States Forest Service, just three percent of old-growth forest has survived into the second decade of the 21st century.

Old-growth forest wood, like that from longleaf pine trees, has long been touted as excellent building material, but the pine utilized today comes from trees that are cut down when they’re young. Reclaimed wood taken from old or demolished homes built with old-growth forest wood offers access to this highly valued building material while also providing the environmental benefits that come with reusing existing materials.

Reclaimed wood can be incorporated into a home’s interior rather easily, and the results are often stunning.

• Accent wall: Transforming a wall into an accent wall with reclaimed wood is a simple project that won’t affect the existing design of a home’s interior. A living room or home office can be given a whole new look with the addition of an accent wall made from reclaimed wood.

Homeowners who want their bedrooms to give off the vibe of a rustic retreat can consider adding an accent wall made of reclaimed wood.

• Furniture: Reclaimed wood also can be put to use, or reuse, as furniture. A home office desk made from reclaimed wood can be both stunning and sturdy, while end tables and coffee tables made from reclaimed wood can add some unique character to a living room.

• Kitchen islands: Homeowners who aspire to have a farmhouse kitchen can consider reclaimed wood when creating their kitchen islands. Reclaimed wood can be used to make the body of the island, complete with cabinets and drawers, that sits beneath the counter top where cooks will prepare their meals.

• Storage beds: Guest rooms tend to be smaller than other rooms in the house, and that means little room for furniture like dressers. Rather than cramming lots of furniture into a small room, homeowners can utilize reclaimed wood to create storage bed frames. The frames won’t take up extra space in the room, reassuring guests that they won’t be spending a weekend in cramped quarters. Not to mention the rustic look of reclaimed wood storage beds can be an instant stunner when guests arrive.

Reclaimed wood can be incorporated into a home in myriad ways. This stunning, eco-friendly design choice can add instant appeal to any home.

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FL State Certified EF20001247

Coming Home

Community Highlight:

By Hayli Zuccola

Winter 2021 | 31

Philip with his sisters,Narragansett “Narrie” Smith and Mattie Jones

Growing up, Philip Mobley couldn’t wait to leave his hometown behind —determined to become more than just “one of the Mobley boys.”

The funny thing about hometowns, though, is they tend to leave roots that are always ready to bloom again. Six years ago, Philip returned to Columbia County equipped with over three decades of knowledge and experience in ministry, leadership and educational work to help close inequity gaps in the community and bring fundamental changes to the area—proving that the best journeys often lead back home.

The son of Pastor L. U. and Mattie Elizabeth Mobley, Philip—along with his three older brothers Nathaniel, Samuel and Lewis and two younger sisters Mattie Jones and Narragansett “Narrie” Smith—was raised on three core principles that followed him into adulthood: hard work, education and ministry.

In primary and secondary school, Philip, whose family moved to Lake City from Gainesville when he was 8 months old, was a self-proclaimed nerd: always eager to learn despite the societal obstacles that often prevented him and his peers from doing so. Being an AfricanAmerican student in the ’60s, segregation was the norm until Philip’s senior year when the county implemented 32 |

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full integration in schools. While many around him struggled in the transition, Philip immediately recognized the ensuing benefits—from newfound opportunities like the ability to join the drama club, the yearbook committee and the Beta club to having access to up-to-date school books rather than secondhand resources—he took the experience in stride while laying the groundwork for a future of “firsts.”

In 1971, Philip was part of the first fully-integrated graduating class at Columbia High School and continued his accolades at Lake City Community College (FGC), where he earned his AA degree and became the first AfricanAmerican student government president; at the University of North Florida, where he became the first African-American to receive a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics and Computer Science; and at Florida Blue, where he maintained a 33-year

career as a project manager before being the first AfricanAmerican Director of Enterprise Resource Planning, the Director of Business Process Management and Director of Cultural Competency and Diversity.

where he helped form and ultimately became the director of the W.I.N. Night Basketball Team—a crime prevention and youth empowerment program under the nonprofit Northside Community Involvement.

“I was comfortable in my skin, I was comfortable where I was, but I also felt the challenge of proving to people that I was academically sound and things were not given to me because of my race. I felt like I had to earn everything and I worked hard to make sure I earned everything,” he recalls.

“Where I got the energy is from working with people and seeing, changing the lives of young people. In our ministry—our youth ministry in Jacksonville—we had about 300 young people in our youth ministry, so it was a big youth ministry, but it was one that was very, very rewarding,” he says.

Outside the office of his growing career at Florida Blue, Philip sustained the role of a youth minister and later elder pastor at the Northside Church of Christ in Jacksonville

In addition to community involvement within his ministry, Philip also served on several boards outside the church including the UNF Alumni Association, Leadership Jacksonville, OneJax, the Jacksonville Housing Commission and Family Support Services. It was also while living and working in Jacksonville that Philip pursued his Master’s in Business Administration from Jacksonville University, completed his Doctorate in Education at UNF and, after retiring from Florida Blue, worked as the Executive Director of Organizational Effectiveness for the Duval County Public Schools.

Each of these accomplishments built upon the pillars of the Mobley family’s values: hard work, education and ministry. L.U. Mobley, who became a community figure as an educator and minister, was the patriarch of the Mobley family and instilled in his children the desire to help others and, for his youngest three, the drive to forge a similar career path.

While Philip was making headway in Jacksonville, his sister Mattie Jones started her career as the Director of Nursing at Lake Shore before becoming an educator at Florida Gateway College and minister at New Jerusalem Baptist Church in Jasper. The youngest sibling, Narrie, followed suit by serving as the Assistant Superintendent of Schools in Columbia County before advancing to the chairperson of the school board and minister of New Bethel Missionary Baptist Church. The family legacy continued with each generation as Phillip’s daughter, Shanna, and several of his nieces took an interest in the rewarding world of education.

“Education and ministry are really, it’s been in our DNA,” says Phillip, whose wife, Lotonia, is a retired special education teacher.

While his dad may have influenced their career aspirations, it was Philip’s mom, Mattie Elizabeth, who was the glue that kept everyone together.

“My biggest hero was my mom,” Philip says. “She could sit in the room with you for an hour and not say a word, but when she says something, it was powerful because she would tell you what she thought.”

Winter 2021 | 33

In 2015, Philip left Jacksonville and returned to Lake City where he continued following his passion for helping others and working to make the community he lives in a better place.

Apart from being the minister of Northside Church of Christ in Lake City, since coming home, Philip partnered with his sister Narrie to form Gateway Youth and Family Services, a nonprofit that provides resources and services to families in need, in honor of their niece Sharron, who was an educator in Orlando before she passed away in a car accident in 2017.

“We help anyone. There is no age, color or financial requirement. Anyone who comes to us, we will help them and, really, what we do is help people navigate some of the complex systems to be able to get the resources that they need. Most of the people that we deal with are homeless, about to be homeless, people that are dealing with hardships, about to have their power turned off or need financial assistance,” he says.

Pastor Philip Mobley

“I wanted to be able to do something to help families within urban— especially struggling families that are dealing with certain challenges—to be able to help break the cycle of sometimes poverty. So that’s always been my passion work is just working with families and children,” he says.

When looking to expand their outreach, Philip learned that the nonprofit Partnerships for Strong Families received a grant to open a resource center in Lake City.

Realizing their goals aligned, Philip and members of the neighboring nonprofit worked in conjunction to create the NorthStar Family Resource Center, which opened in the historic Richardson Community Center in March 2021.

“We have served thousands of people since we opened our doors,” he says.

“And the reason we use the term ‘Northstar,’ is because we want to be the North Star for our community where people, wherever they need it if they’re struggling and they don’t know where to go, they come to Northstar and we will direct them to where they need to go.”

Similar to Gateway Youth and Family Services, the NorthStar Family Resource Center acts as a guide helping those in need find the answers they’re searching for whether that concerns senior services, academic assistance or job applications. In addition to in-office support, the center also hosts community events like back-to-school backpack giveaways, clothing donations, youth leadership summits and health fairs.

“I think that the key is, the resource center, one of the things is that we strive very hard to be nonjudgmental and we work with people’s strengths, you know, our whole focus is not to focus on your weaknesses or your problems, but to figure out what your strengths are and, with those strengths, we will help you. Our thing is we want you to thrive, we want your children to thrive, so we believe in figuring out a way to help people thrive,” he says.

There’s no way around it: Change takes time. Nevertheless, change—no matter how difficult—is possible: a concept Philip has witnessed firsthand time and time again.

“I would really like for this community— Columbia County—to become a model where people can say, you know, this small, southern community, their poverty rates are low, their education attainments are high and their health disparities are just about, you know, and I think that can happen. I really think that can happen and then, as a result, we can really help change some things just nationwide, but we got to do it in our community first and I think Lake City is a good place because Lake City is a family community, a spiritual community. I think it can happen here,” he says.

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“I truly believe that my faith is what has me where I am and I just believe that because our community is such a faith community that we can work together as a community to make a change, and that’s what I would love to see.”

Throughout his career and altruistic efforts, Philip has donned many titles, but some of the most important ones began right at home where he became a father of two to daughter, Shanna, and his late son, Philip Jr; grandfather of six and great-grandfather of two. Through it all, he never would have guessed that after 30 years, he’d find his way back to Lake City. Granted, there have been a lot of moments in his life that he didn’t necessarily plan on, but when each door opened, Philip always knew that the only answer was to go through it.

Philip and his wife Lotonia

“I have just worked hard and things have happened to me and I have just followed. I’m one of those people that believe and I pray for God to direct me in certain things and when opportunities come, I move toward them,” he says.

Brandon, Philip, Sr., Brylon and Shanna

Philip’s parents, Pastor L. U. and Mattie Elizabeth Mobley, and siblings Nathaniel, Samuel, Lewis, Narragansett “Narrie”, Mattie and Philip.

Henry Williams, Nathaniel, Brylon, Philip, Sr., Philip, III “Tre”, & Brandon

Winter 2021 | 35

ADVERTORIAL

STUDENT LIFE GUIDANCE

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Florida Gateway College has plenty to offer prospective students whether it’s their diverse curriculum of over 60 programs or low tuition rates coupled with recommendations for grants, scholarships and work-study programs, but what about after enrollment? From one-on-one advising and assistance in creating a plan postgraduation to providing on-campus housing and an array of activities both virtual and inperson, students at FGC can get the full college experience while receiving individual support every step of the way.

ADVISING Once a student enrolls at FGC, they’re assigned an advisor who they connect with either in-person, by phone or by email to discuss their educational and career goals – whether that’s earning a certificate, an associate’s degree or ultimately transferring to another college. Advisors also explain college policies and procedures and provide students with information about helpful resources regarding financial aid and the Student Success Center.

“From there, we do what we call proactive advising. So, we don’t wait for the student to wander back up to us or make a phone call or send an email,” said Sandi Tomlinson, the Associate Dean of Student Affairs.

Proactive advising involves conducting various campaigns to help keep students on track whether

that’s notifying students if they’re falling behind in one of their courses; tracking a student’s academic standing, or reaching out when a student has 45 credits to ensure they meet the requirements for graduation.

“A lot of proactive advising goes on. It’s changed in the last 10 years dramatically and the last 5 even more dramatically. I know when I went to college, you were lucky if you got to see your advisor once every 2 or 3 years, so they really do push to try to see their students every semester,” Tomlinson said.

Advising also assists students wishing to transfer post-graduation, whether that’s making sure they’ve earned the necessary prerequisites for the program they’re interested in or walking them through what that particular college requires of applicants.

“The advisors are there for them. They definitely are the biggest support they have in their corner. They need to know that they’re here for them,” she said. “It is an open-door policy. Come in, come in here and use the resources. You don’t have to do it alone; we’re a team.”

Office of Advising Services: Phone: 386-754-4222 Email: advising@fgc.edu

STUDENT SUCCESS CENTER The Student Success Center houses the tutoring center, which is available to all FGC students on a walk-in basis and is led by CRLA-certified tutors who assist students in a variety of subjects that vary by semester. In addition to in-person guidance, online tutors are available 24/7 via tutor.com. Also within the Student Success Center is TRiO SSS, which helps first generation, incomeeligible and accessibility students attend and graduate from FGC. Funded by the federal government, TRiO programs provide support, services, and resources to nearly one million students nationwide through personal student success coaches, tutoring, transfer assistance, financial literacy, peer mentorship and more.

Student Success Center Phone: 386-754-4437

get their java fix with a lineup of iced coffees, espressos and lattes or a boost of refreshment with an assortment of frozen drinks and smoothies.

CAREER SERVICES Students interested in career exploration, planning their career path or looking for assistance in applying to a position in their chosen field also have FGC’s Career Services Center at their fingertips.

STUDENT LIFE & RESIDENCE HALL While education is the focal point of the college experience, it’s not the sole aspect. Throughout the year, students can participate in a broad range of activities and events both on and off-campus including free FGC basketball and volleyball games at the Howard Center; multicultural events like those celebrating Black History Month, Hispanic Heritage Day and Lunar New Year, as well as seasonal offerings like the spring fling and fall fest. Smallerscale activities also occur each month like tie-dye Tuesdays, paint pouring classes, drive-in movies and Wolf Wednesdays, which encourage school spirit on campus.

“We also offer activities for the students to participate in online, whether it’s online scavenger hunts or us sending out DIY kits for the students who sign up for them,” said Amy Dekle, the Director of Student Life & Residence Hall.

In addition to scheduled events and activities, students have the option of joining a club, participating in student government and having access to the student center, which features pool tables, ping pong tables, dart boards, computer gaming and more.

Students seeking a more traditional college experience also have the option to live on campus during the spring and fall semesters at Granger Hall. Though on-campus housing is available to any

student, the residence hall is closed during major holiday breaks and for the summer semester.

Student & Resident Life Phone: 386-754-4317 Email: amy.dekle@fgc.edu

GATEWAY GRILLE Put down the ramen! FGC students, faculty and staff have access to the on-campus culinary expertise of the Gateway Grille. Recently subcontracted under the leadership of Le Cordon Bleu graduate Jason Thomas, the Gateway Grille, which is open Monday through Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Fridays from 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., offers a diverse breakfast and lunch menu complete with vegetarian and veganfriendly options; full-scale catering for both on and off-campus events and recently welcomed the addition of a full-service coffee shop. Open Monday through Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Fridays from 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Lobo Coffee Company patrons can

“My office helps prepare résumés, we help with cover letters, we also do mock interviews in the office as well if that is something that’s needed,” said Julie Cannon, the Director of Dual Enrollment and Career Services.

Every semester, Cannon and her team organize the career fair and make career presentations in multiple classrooms to bring awareness to everything that’s offered in her department. In addition to receiving one-on-one help at the Career Services Center, students also have access to the Career Coach software, which can help them choose a career that’s right for them, connect to available jobs through Indeed or build their résumé. What’s more, Career Services is located in Building 14 with several other essential departments so students can find the answers they’re looking for all at once.

“We’re all right here together: my office and then, of course, there’s dual enrollment as well and then we have our advisors right next door and then we have our financial aid in this building as well so we’re kind of all here to make sure that they have an answer when they leave or some direction when they go to leave,” she said.

Career Services Phone: 386-754-4298 Email: Career.Services@fgc.edu

www.fgc.edu • (386) 752-1822 149 SE College Pl., Lake City, FL 32025

Soup’s on!

The weather is cooling down, making it the perfect time to cozy up with a bowl of one of these hearty winter soups.

Skinny Turkey-Vegetable Soup 6 Servings • Prep Time: 30 min. • Cook: 35 min.

Ingredients • 2 medium onions, chopped • 2 medium carrots, halved and thinly sliced • 2 celery ribs, chopped • 1/2 cup chopped sweet red pepper • 1 tablespoon olive oil • 3 garlic cloves, minced • 4 cups water • 1 can (10 ounces) diced tomatoes and green chilies, undrained • 1/2 cup frozen peas • 1 bay leaf • 4 teaspoons sodium-free chicken bouillon • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme • 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin • 1/4 teaspoon pepper • 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon hot pepper sauce, optional • 1/2 cup uncooked whole wheat orzo pasta • 2 cups cubed cooked turkey breast • 1 tablespoon minced fresh cilantro

Directions: In a large saucepan, saute the onions, carrots, celery and red pepper in oil until tender.

Add garlic; cook 2 minutes longer. Stir in the water, tomatoes, peas, bay leaf, bouillon, basil, thyme, cumin, pepper and, if desired, pepper sauce. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 15 minutes. Meanwhile, cook orzo according to package directions; drain. Stir orzo and turkey into soup; heat through. Discard bay leaf. Sprinkle with cilantro.

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Italian Sausage Zucchini Soup Savory Winter Soup

14 Servings • Prep Time: 20 mins. • Cook Time: 6 hrs.

Ingredients • 2 pounds ground beef • 3 medium onions, chopped • 1 garlic clove, minced • 3 cans (10-1/2 ounces each) condensed beef broth, undiluted • 1 can (28 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained • 3 cups water • 1 cup each diced carrots and celery • 1 cup fresh or frozen cut green beans • 1 cup cubed peeled potatoes • 2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley or 2 teaspoons dried parsley flakes • 1 teaspoon dried basil • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme • Salt and pepper to taste Directions: In a large skillet, cook beef and onions over medium heat until meat is no longer pink. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Drain. Transfer to a 5-qt. slow cooker. Stir in remaining ingredients. Cover and cook on low until vegetables are tender, 6-8 hours.

To save chopping time, use frozen sliced carrots and cubed hash brown potatoes in Savory Winter Soup.

10 Servings • Prep Time: 20 mins. • Cook Time: 45 mins.

Ingredients • 1 package (19-1/2 ounces) Italian sausage links, casings removed • 4 celery ribs, chopped • 1 medium onion, chopped • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning • 1 teaspoon dried oregano • 1/2 teaspoon salt • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil • 2 medium zucchini, cut into 1/2-inch cubes • 2 medium green peppers, chopped • 4 cans (14-1/2 ounces each) no-salt-added whole tomatoes, undrained, crushed • 1 can (14-1/2 ounces) reduced-sodium chicken broth • 1 teaspoon sugar • 3-5 cups cooked rice (if desired) Directions: In a 6-qt. stockpot, cook and crumble sausage over medium-high heat until no longer pink, 5-7 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon. Add celery, onion and seasonings to same pot; cook and stir until onion is tender, 4-6 minutes. Stir in sausage and remaining ingredients; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, covered, until zucchini and peppers are tender, about 30 minutes.

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Memphis A Weekend in

By Hayli Zuccola

Often overshadowed by its sister city to the northeast, Memphis, Tennessee, combines the nightlife of New Orleans with the musical prominence of Nashville with the addition of outdoor adventures and unforgettable sights—the combination of which makes it an underrated gem of the Volunteer State. Clocking in at 9 hours from Lake City, it also tops the list for an ideal weekend getaway that caters to everyone’s interests.

HOME OF THE BLUES Blues and rock and roll are the heart and soul of Memphis— the city that’s become synonymous with cultural icon Elvis Presley. Even those who aren’t a fan of the “Heartbreak Hotel” singer’s discography will appreciate a stop at the 120-acre Graceland. At the core of the park is Elvis’ 14-acre estate, which offers a glimpse into the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll’s life. If exploring the entirety of the late musician’s home doesn’t spark curiosity, every morning from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. visitors are invited to wander the Meditation Garden at Graceland where Elvis and his family are buried. Beyond the mansion, guests can walk to nearby exhibits displaying Elvis’ planes, cars, clothes and other memorabilia.

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After a stop at Graceland, embark on a 45-minute guided tour at the nearby Sun Studio: the renowned recording studio that captured the legendary voices of singing sensations B.B. King, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Roy Orbison and more.

For a broader, yet, more in-depth look at musical mementos from the past, head over to the Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum created by the Smithsonian Institution. Since opening its doors in 2000, the museum has welcomed over 1 million visitors from around the world who flock to the gallery that’s dedicated to preserving the history of the rock and soul genres while honoring their birthplace city of Memphis, which has been referenced in more recorded songs than anywhere else in the world.

NIGHTLIFE Decked out in colorful neon lights and beaming with sounds of the blues, Beale Street is without a doubt the Bourbon Street of Tennessee. Throughout the 1.8-mile stretch is an eclectic mix of music venues, live entertainment and plenty of Southern barbeque, but among the hustle and bustle is a place that combines a little bit of all three. Located in an over Winter 2021 | 41

100-year-old saloon, Silky O’Sullivan’s—named after the self-proclaimed “Father of Barbeque”—not only offers comforting classics like beef brisket and pork po’boys, it provides a space for live music and some rather unusual entertainment in the form of Irish goats playing on the back patio.

If kicking back with an Irish coffee and watching a herd of goats jumping with joy doesn’t sound appealing, there are dozens of other eateries, record shops and gift stores all over Beale Street just waiting to be discovered.

THE GREAT OUTDOORS

The tradition, which began as somewhat of a lighthearted prank back in the 1930s, became a more formal affair in 1940 under the leadership of former circus animal trainer Bellman Edward Pembroke, who taught the ducks their classic waddle march and served as their ducky director for 50 years until his retirement, according to peabodymemphis.com.

After a 6-hour shift, the ducks are ushered back to the elevator and brought to the Royal Duck Palace where they continue living in the lap of luxury. At the end of a long work day in the hotel lobby, the pampered waterfowl spend their off-duty hours in a $200,000 manor located on the rooftop of the Peabody. In addition to glass and marble embellishments, the structure houses a mini-replica of the hotel and provides the feathery inhabitants with their very own fountain, adorned with a bronze water-spitting duck. Following a short three-month tenure, the ducks retire to the farm where they came from and a new team of ducks is brought in—giving multiple ducklings a taste of the high life.

Searching for a more mild adventure away from the nightlife of Beale Street? The Memphis Zoo, which is home to over 4,500 animals ranging from the tiny poison dart frog to the mighty grizzly bear, is the perfect place to spend an afternoon.

What’s more, the Memphis Botanic Garden, which is just a short drive away from the zoo, offers guests an abundant 96 acres to roam while encountering 30 specialty gardens featuring colorful camellias, blooming azaleas and fragrant herbs.

ICONIC MEMPHIS The Bluff City’s most notable residents—ones who never shy away from a crowd of adoring fans—are the Peabody Ducks. For nearly 90 years, the Peabody hotel in Memphis has delighted guests and onlookers with the famed Duck March. Every morning at promptly 11 o’clock, visitors peer

behind velvet ropes while the Peabody Duckmaster escorts five North American mallards down a red carpet toward the lobby fountain.

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Apart from the cute, animated symbols of Memphis, another city landmark is the 321-foot pyramid. Designed as a tribute to their Egyptian namesake, original ideas for the structure—that’s base is the size of five-and-a-half football fields—included a Grammy museum, a college football hall of fame, an aquarium and even a radio station. Nevertheless, the Pyramid officially opened in 1991 as a concert venue and hosted performances from Prince, Bruce Springsteen, the Fresh Prince and the Grateful Dead. The Pyramid then became a basketball arena for the Grizzlies and the University of Memphis Tigers before it stood vacant for nearly a decade.

In 2015, Bass Pro Shops took over the unusual locale, which today features a 103-room hotel; a 600,000-gallon water tank home to over 1,800 fish; a cypress swamp with alligator pools and duck aviaries; and a 28-story elevator ride that takes patrons to the top of the pyramid overlooking the city and the adjacent Mississippi River, according to memphistravel.com.

From a foodie’s answer to the best Southern barbeque in the state to an Elvis-enthusiast’s top bucket-list destination, Memphis offers a little something for everyone whether that’s gawking at a parade of ducks or strolling through Beale Street.

Whatever you’re searching for, you’ll likely find it during a weekend in Memphis.

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•

COCONUT SHRIMP •

Ingredients: ½ pound uncooked large shrimp ½ cup sweetened shredded coconut 3 tablespoons panko bread crumbs 2 large egg whites

1/8 teaspoon salt 1/8 teaspoon pepper Hot sauce to preference 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

Directions: Preheat air fryer to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Peel and devein shrimp, leaving tails on. In a shallow bowl, toss coconut with bread crumbs. In another bowl, whisk egg whites, salt, pepper and hot sauce. Place flour in a third bowl. Dip shrimp in flour to coat lightly; shake off excess. Dip in egg white mixture, then in coconut mixture, patting to help coating adhere. Place shrimp in a single layer on greased tray in air-fryer basket. Cook 4 minutes on each side; turn shrimp and continue cooking until coconut is lightly browned and shrimp turn pink.

AIR FRYER

& SLOW COOKER

RECIPES

By Carly Meyers

•

HOME-MADE POTATO CHIPS •

Ingredients: 2 large potatoes Olive oil-flavored cooking spray

½ teaspoon sea salt Parsley to taste

Directions: Preheat air fryer to 360 degrees Fahrenheit. Using a mandolin or vegetable peeler, cut the potatoes into thin slices. Transfer to a large bowl; add enough ice water to cover potatoes completely. Soak for 15 minutes; drain. Add more ice water and soak for another 15 minutes. Drain potatoes; place on towels and pat dry. Spritz potatoes with cooking spray and sprinkle with salt. In single layers, place potato slices on greased air fryer basket. Cook in batches until crisp and golden brown, 15-17 minutes, turning every 5-7 minutes. Sprinkle parsley to preference.

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The convenience of the slow cooker well-known. New to the scene of convenience, and quickly growing in popularity, is the air fryer. In the end, these two kitchen appliances give a totally different experience. The slow cooker is all about one-step quick preparation, whereas the air fryer provides the convenience of faster cooking times and fried crispiness.

Check out one of these recipes the next time you’re looking for something new!

•

SALTED CARAMEL COOKIE BARS •

Ingredients: 2 sticks of butter ¾ cup sugar ¼ teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon vanilla

1 egg 2 cups of flour 1 package of caramel pieces ½ tablespoon sea salt

Directions: Spray the bottom of your slow cooker with nonstick spray heavily. With a mixer, beat together butter, sugar and vanilla. Add egg and salt; mix until combined.

Add flour 1 cup at a time and mix until dough forms. Sprinkle a little extra flour over the dough and use hands to form it into a ball. Use a little over half of the dough and press it down in the bottom of the slow cooker. Use a sprinkle of flour as needed to prevent it from sticking to your hands. Add the bag of caramel pieces evenly over the dough. Crumble the remaining dough over the caramel layer. Sprinkle sea salt on top.

Cook covered on low for 2-3 hours.

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Winter 2021 | 45

. McC l ay Alf re d B G a rde n s

We e k i Watc hee St ate Pa r k

Tro y Sp r ing s St ate Pa r k

lo r Ft. Zach er y Tay State Pa rk

By Hayli Zuccola Photos by R.J. Adler

State Park State of Mind Colt Creek

Anastasia

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Dudley Farm

Talbot Bay State Park STOCK PHOTO

One hundred and seventy-five state parks outline Florida’s beautiful landscape, each with its own unique treasures to find, from the glistening draperies of the Florida Caverns to the dark sky views of the star-showering Kissimmee Prairie; the mythical mermaids of Weeki Wachee to the gentle manatees of Silver Springs.

From Perdido Key on the western edge of the panhandle down to Fort R.J. Adler Zachary Taylor Historic State Park in the Florida Keys, Lake City native R.J. Adler has explored them all: an ambitious feat and one that was never part of the original plan.

Around August 2018, R.J. became enthralled with the idea of exploring local ghost towns. His research unveiled Columbus’s history and haunting legend, which was noted for having one of the oldest cemeteries in the state. However, upon discovering the abandoned town’s supernatural borders resides in the Suwannee River State Park, his aspirations for wandering regional ghost towns transitioned into the desire to look into the preservation efforts of his home state.

Established in 1935, the Florida Park Service, which operates under the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, was organized as a way to protect and maintain “over 161 parks, 10 state trails, nearly 800,000 acres, 100 miles of beaches and more than 1,500 miles of multi-use trails,” according to the Florida Park Service Ranger Association’s website fpsra.org. From historical landmarks and museums to gardens, geological wonders and freshwater springs, each designated park in the system demonstrates an unprecedented picture of “the real Florida.”

Apart from the occasional excursion to watch the reenactment at Olustee Battlefield or to see the holiday lights at Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center, before his day-trip to Suwannee River, R.J. hadn’t given the state park system much thought, but his enthusiasm to delve deeper pushed him to order a state park passport—giving him the option to learn more about each of the organization’s nearly 200 parks and collect stamps for those he planned to visit.

After touring some of the neighboring reserves like the blue waters of the Ichetucknee Springs, the 120-foot deep limestone sinkhole of Devil’s Millhopper, and the Santa Fe River overlook of O’Leno, it was time for a lengthier venture down the coast to Silver Springs State Park, which is renowned for its glassbottomed boat tours and manatee sightings.

“The furthest that I’d actually driven before that was like Valdosta or Hahira,” R.J. says. “Initially, I was kind of shy about going out there, you know, two hours away. I used to think going to Jacksonville or Gainesville from Lake City was courageous and so I just kind of hit the parks little by little—I think I hit like 40 over the first 6 months.”

Washington Oaks Gardens

Indian Key Winter 2021 | 47

Silver Springs

Gasparilla Island

Despite that early headway, work—and life in general—forced his newfound hobby to take a back seat. Nevertheless, after a year-long hiatus, R.J. began collecting passport stamps on the regular once again, each adventure giving him a new perspective of home.

“I will not lie, living here all my life I thought it was mostly beaches, swamps, woods and that was it, but there’s so much more to it and some places I felt like I was in a completely different state,” he says.

From the fall foliage surrounding the Apalachicola River in Torreya State Park to the crystal blue waters speckled with

Lime Sink Run, Suwannee River State Park, Northern Florida STOCK PHOTO

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Bill Baggs Florida Cape

Ravine Gardens

colorful coral at John Pennekamp, the roaming bison of Paynes Prairie to the bald eagles and Florida panthers of Fakahatchee Strand Preserve, the breathtaking night sky of Kissimmee Prairie to the pristine coastal views of Washington Oaks Gardens, each park offers an unforgettable, one-of-a-kind glimpse into the sunshine state of mind.

“I would say a lot of them are unique. Some of them are kind of similar, but even then they manage to kind of have their own unique features,” R.J. says.

Though each park presents special characteristics, R.J. retains a handful of favorites like the Palatka-based Ravine Gardens that’s

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acclaimed for its two 120-foot deep ravines, an outmatched azalea blooming season and the Suwannee River State Park, which, in addition to being the residence of the remnants of a 19th-century steamship and two ghost towns, was the first park R.J. visited that influenced his decision to complete the state park passport.

Of course, even with sub-tropical, eye-catching flora and a diverse collection of fauna, the great outdoors can also be unpredictable, a fact that on a few occasions R.J. had to learn the hard way—experiencing everything from mosquito bites and unusual freezing temperatures on Hontoon Island, which was overcompensated by an unexpected Christmas boat parade on the St. Johns River, to several close calls with a minefield of jellyfish during a kayaking excursion at Indian Key and a snorkeling trip at John Pennekamp. Even so, each scenario prepared him for the next while racking up a list of advice and tips for others interested in taking a similar trek, including packing bug spray, water and a camera to capture all the memories along the way.

Another facet R.J. recommends taking advantage of is the Operation Recreation Geo Tour. Geocaching—an activity that isn’t exclusive to state parks—is like a modern-day treasure hunt encouraging players to use listed coordinates to find a hidden cache filled with trinkets provided on a “take something, leave something” basis. Besides the thrill of the chase, those who visit 20 caches of the 71 parks that participate in the program are awarded an Official Operation Recreation Geocoin.

In May 2021, Curry Hammock in Marathon became a milestone state park for R.J. by marking the last stamp in his passport, which earned him a family annual entrance pass and ended a 3-year endeavor he’s all too eager to repeat—this time with the knowledge he gained from the first time.

“It’s like whenever you beat a video game and then you get to

Fort Clinch State Park, Amelia Island

start over with all the stuff you got from the first playthrough, that’s what it feels like,” he says.

Some of the aspects R.J. missed and is planning to seek out on his return trip involve snorkeling at Troy Spring State Park. The shallow waters protect a Civil War-era steamboat and Addison Blockhouse Historic State Park, which can be reached by kayak— something R.J. is still getting accustomed to.

As someone originally nervous to journey too far from his hometown, this experience in its entirety made R.J. a more courageous person and one not to shy away from an opportunity to try something new, whether it’s driving to a new city, attempting to kayak or floating above a bed of jellyfish—a lease on life he encourages anyone who harbors a desire to step out of their comfort zone to follow and pursue.

“Go out there. Enjoy the ride. Anything you’re afraid of, just go through it, just face it,” he says. “I feel like everybody should have that ‘thing’ that they just absolutely love to do and make time for it. Do whatever you can to be able to do that.”

Bahia Honda State Park STOCK PHOTO

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STOCK PHOTO

Aside from embarking on the second run-through of all 175 state parks, R.J.’s future goals include starting a blog related to his travels. As for now, R.J. is photographing the state one park at a time and has since taken over the position of managing the Friends of O’Leno social media pages, which are directed toward two of our local parks: O’Leno and River Rise Preserve State Park. To tag along virtually, follow R.J. on Instagram @r.j.travels where you can also order a copy of his calendar “State Park State of Mind,” which features snapshots of some of his favorite parks.

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Minimalism Practical

By Kayla Perla

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FamilyMagazine

another great examples of this.

Minimalism is currently trendy; however, what about practical minimalism?

Are you drowning in stuff without even realizing it? Do you run from your house or want to hide when it comes time to clean? This was me.

I would get home and immediately feel overwhelmed and defeated. At the time, I didn’t understand what was going on. I now know that I was overwhelmed by the stuff inside my house. If you had asked me back then if I was overwhelmed, I would have told you I wasn’t. If you had asked me if I had too much stuff, the answer would have also been a “no.”

In early 2018, I felt nudged to start going through what I had in my home. I was invited to get real with myself and began the decluttering process. Which hasn’t been the easiest; however, it’s been worth it. I created a home that my family loves.

That we feel safe in. We can make memories without feeling the need to run and hide.

During the process I had fears that I wouldn’t have what we would need or that somehow, I would miss the stuff that I was getting rid of. It’s been four years now, and I can say with confidence that not once have I regretted getting rid of my stuff.

We are fortunate to live in a country where we have access to not only essentials but luxuries. And if you’re like me, I was stocking to the point of clutter. Art and craft supplies are

Practical minimalism focuses on having what is suitable for the season of life you are currently in, not just having minimal belongings.

For example, minimalism would say have one serving spoon. However, if you’re in a season of hosting people and parties in your home, this won’t be practical for you. Hosting means you would most likely need more than one serving spoon. Identify when a season has ended and move on. (Back to the party-hosting season, if your hosting season is over, there is no shame or guilt for getting rid of your hosting gear, right?!)

Benefits of Decluttering: • • • • • • • •

Reduce stress and anxiety.

Improve your sleep.

Boost productivity and creativity.

Discover lost treasures.

Rid the home of allergens.

Save money.

Simpler to clean and tidy.

Moving isn’t a big deal because you don’t have an excess of belongings.

• You have what you need and use what you have.

• A simpler life.

Storing things we aren’t actively using is where we get weighed down. This is where identifying your season of life—when a season has ended and another season has begun—is helpful for decluttering.

What if you tried decluttering a space, even if it is a small space?

Start slowly. You can always box up your stuff, label it, put a date on it and store it. In one year, if you still haven’t looked for anything in the boxes, you can confidently donate it.

5 Steps to Get You Started: 1. What space in your home is most overwhelming? Starting in the most challenging space brings the most peace and encouragement to continue.

2. Empty the space you’re working in (a drawer or the whole room).

3. Make a pile of “To Keep,”“Donate,” and “Trash.”

4. Hold each item in your hand. Do you actively use the item? Or is it no longer needed, damaged, doesn’t fit, isn’t used? Put the items you’re keeping back into the space.

5.Donate and trash the items you’re not keeping.

Winter 2021 | 53

CELEBRATING WOMEN’S

HiSTORY MONTH

By Jeweliana Curtis

LAKE CITY • COLUMBIA COUNTY

Did you know that in 2020, despite the emerging global pandemic, over 40 percent of new businesses in the United States were founded by women? From a woman’s natural nurturing ability to her strong sense of self and confident creativity, it may come as no surprise that women are able to reframe and pivot when needed, which is exactly what all business owners had to do in 2020 to stay afloat. As women continue to step up and fill in the gaps both locally and nationally, it’s clear to see that women hold a valuable space in our world, and that is worth celebrating. Read on to learn more about the Lake City-Columbia County Chamber of Commerce’s stance on creating a diverse community for women and men to thrive in.

Joey O’Hern Lake City Chamber of Commerce Executive Director joey@lakecitychamber.com

“When I first came on as a chamber team member, my goal was to fill any gaps in services, which I quickly realized that at that time was programming specifically for women,” Joey O’Hern, Chamber Director, shares. “At the time, the chamber did not do much for specifically women in business, and as someone with three sisters, it was important to me to do something to bridge that gap.”

From this local need, the annual Celebration of Women was created in 2021. The celebration included three events: a kick-off Women’s Leadership Breakfast featuring a panel of four local

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women leaders, a virtual Women’s Leadcast and a Little Black Dress Mixer to conclude the series. This series was entirely executed using women-owned businesses, from catering companies to the sound technicians and everything in between.

The kick-off breakfast was designed to create an atmosphere for growth, with women learning from other women in similar stages of life. With that in mind, the 2021 panel included four women from different generations, all offering a unique perspective and background on the questions asked. The panel featured Laurie Giebeig of The Skin Fix, Joy Lutz of Aligned CPA, Lauri Adams of Multi-Specialty Research Associates, and Jill Adams of the Lake City Medical Center, with Jill Adams serving as moderator of the event. With completely sold-out tickets, the attendees enjoyed dialoguing about all topics surrounding women in business, from balancing their workload to embracing creativity and adapting your business as times change.

The Women’s Leadercast, a mid-month event, featured speakers such as Abby Wambach, Randi Zuckerburg and Bonnie St. John. The chamber hired Bob Ganzak,

a Dale Carnegie speaker, to facilitate the day. It offered a great opportunity for the women involved to soak in valuable information from great leaders in the business world, then take those lessons and apply them directly to their businesses. Joey explains that in the future, this event will hopefully be held in person with a live speaker to continue to hone in on those skills and provide a great discussion for the attendees.

Lastly, the Little Black Dress Mixer concluded the celebration. This event offered attendees the chance to get dressed up and enjoy an evening out with their girlfriends, all while supporting local women in business. The Florida Gateway Fairgrounds venue was transformed into a pop-up shop with goods ranging from skincare and beauty to fashion and treats.

“This offered an opportunity for the attendees to shop and support each other,

Missy Hartley Lake City Chamber of Commerce Director of Member Services missy@lakecitychamber.com

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and really allow that women supporting women message to come to life,” Missy Hartley, Director of Member Services, expresses. “And they did support each other! One of the new businesses with the chamber at the time shared that they had never done anything like this event before, so they really did not know what to expect, but they just decided to jump in. They sold out of almost everything they had!”

Aside from this annual celebration of women, the Lake City-Columbia County Chamber of Commerce is passionate about supporting women in business all year round. The staff makes an effort to send helpful grant or policy information to the applicable members, and they are always brainstorming ways to bring businesses together for a common goal.

From introducing business owners and facilitating a project or partnership with them to creating space for members to bring ideas to the table, the local chamber is committed to supporting its members.

“The Chamber only thrives when it is diverse, so that’s one thing that we are very passionate about: expanding and diversifying our membership,” Joey explains. “We want every business to know that we support them, whether it’s through an official chamber benefit, or even connecting them to other members and resources within the community. We make sure we do everything we can to support our members.”

Moving forward, a large focus of the team at The Lake City-Columbia County Chamber of Commerce is to create projects to benefit emerging women in business, as well as mentorship programs to help raise the next generation of local

Thomas Honey small business vendor at the Little Black Dress Mixer.

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Jill Adams of the Lake City Medical Center, Laurie Giebeig of The Skin Fix, Joy Lutz of Aligned CPA, and Lauri Adams of Multi-Specialty Research Associates during the 2021 Celebration of Women Breakfast.

leaders. The goal is to create a roadmap for current business leaders to offer grants to emerging leaders in our community.

Additionally, the team is looking to the future and mapping out ways that business leaders can mentor students in our local high schools or college programs.

This may be in the form of scholarships, one-on-one training or on-the-job experience.

“I would love to see angel programs emerge to really keep the cycle going,” Joey says. “Through a program like this, we would be keeping businessminded people in Columbia County, encouraging younger generations to pursue opportunities in Columbia County, and really continue to raise up the next generation of leaders in our area.”

Aside from the connection and mentoring aspect, the economic impact of a program like this would be influential as well. If young people decide to start their careers locally, where they are already plugged in at a young age, the future of the area will be bright.

Little Black Dress Mixer.

“We absolutely want talented people to stay here and build here,” Missy shares. “If someone pioneers that, others will come behind them and take those opportunities as well.”

As our community continues to look to the future, it is imperative that the area continues to grow, flourish and evolve.

This takes the efforts of businesses and individuals, with women playing an integral role in that change both in the home and in the business sphere. The Lake City-Columbia County Chamber of Commerce weighs in on this, expressing the need for diversity and representation in our community.

“My personal goal is that the chamber becomes reflective of the community that we live in, which is diverse and vibrant.

We all work very hard to make sure that the chamber is diverse, and we hope that the change continues to happen,” Joey says. “We want a diverse melting pot of different nationalities, ethnicities, sexes, histories, generations and businesses.”

Missy adds, “That’s not just a goal we have to check a box. It’s a goal of ours because it’s a vehicle for change. There are lots of people in our community that are underrepresented and under-reached.

Because they are part of our community, we want to have everyone take part in this vision for the future.”

Though it was the first year for the series, all of the events were well-received, and the Lake CityColumbia County Chamber of Commerce team is thrilled to bring it back for 2022 with some new and exciting additions. For more information about this event, stay tuned in on the Chamber of Commerce Facebook page. The Celebration of Women series is scheduled to kick off on March 1, 2022. ■

RECIPE COURTESY OF RACHAEL RAY

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INGREDIENTS: • 2 medium carrots, peeled • 2 cloves garlic, chopped • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, 2 turns of the pan • 1 medium zucchini • 1 small to medium red bell pepper, seeded • 1 medium yellow skinned onion, peeled and halved • Salt and pepper • 1 tablespoon herbes de Provence, available on spice aisle or, 1 teaspoon each dried sage, rosemary and thyme • 1 1/2 pounds small red skinned potatoes • 1 cup dry white wine • 1 (14-ounce) can diced tomatoes or coarsely ground tomatoes • 1 quart + 1 cup chicken stock • 1 pound chicken tenders, diced • 1 small jar black olive tapenade • 2 tablespoons chopped flat-leaf parsley • Crusty bread, to pass at table

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DIRECTIONS: One medium soup pot preheated over medium high heat. While soup pot heats, chop carrots into 1/4-inch dice, then add garlic, and stir to coat in extra-virgin olive oil. Chop and drop in the zucchini, pepper and onion next, 1/2 inch dice. Season all the veggies with salt and pepper and herbes de Provence. Cook the veggies together 5 minutes. While they cook, cut potatoes into thin wedges. Add wine to vegetables and reduce a minute or so.

Add the tomatoes, cut potatoes and stock to the pot, cover the pot and raise heat to high. Bring the stoup to a boil, then add cut chicken and simmer 8 to10 minutes until potatoes are just tender and chicken is cooked through. Serve stoup in shallow bowls and stir in a rounded spoonful of black olive tapenade at the table. Top soup with chopped parsley and pass crusty bread at the table for dipping and mopping.

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Winter 2021 | 57

Ann Hadsell

SENIOR

MOMENTUM One of my favorite witticisms is “don’t retire, retread!” A brief cheer for those who have attained the age and privilege of sleeping in, leisurely mornings, quiet afternoons and early bird specials but are not ready to make a habit of them. To personify this is Ann Hadsell.

By Mary Ricketson

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Brenda, Ann’s daughter and Ann Hadsell

Ann’s work ethic is a bit daunting and it was instilled at a young age. In addition to helping her mother before and after school in her restaurant, she got her first paying job at the age of 13 as a babysitter. This job morphed into encompassing all the responsibilities of a “nanny” by the time she graduated high school including housekeeping, meal prep and overnights while the parents traveled. After graduating, Ann married Ivan, her “steady” for the last 61 years. They had a full-service, three-bay garage where she pumped gas, changed oil, washed windshields and kept the books. Simultaneously, she worked at HK Collier and Sons, a department store, in their wallpaper department where she honed her lifelong skills for decorating. “I wallpapered everything,” Ann says laughing. She also learned how to mix paint (not automated!) and upholster furniture and when she became pregnant was transferred to art supplies which fed her crafty spirit. “I just loved it!”

Still working at the service station as well, she enrolled in night school to learn business accounting. That education enabled her to not only do ledgers, taxes and payroll for their own business, but also led to a job with a local construction company managing their office and books.

Eventually, a friend encouraged her to take a state exam that upon passing enabled her to be hired by the New York Department of Environmental Conservation, which provided her with health insurance and other benefits.

“The job was part time, seasonal and temporary, ha. “ Ann says. It became full time so she had to ‘’reluctantly” leave her job with the construction company. Now, she was down to two.

The faithful volunteers at The Lighthouse Gift Shop

for both. They restored antique lake boats, traveled up around the 1000 Islands, a North American group of 1,864 islands that straddles the Canada–US border with friends and family. They rode motorcycles, camped, and raised their children. They even retired from work on the same day. “We were 40-plus years in the same big house and started to downsize. We made many trips to the storage units and then traveled for eight months living a gypsy lifestyle. I was sure we were going to someplace like Pompano or Fort Lauderdale. I thought I was going to have sidewalks and civilization all around, but we ended up on the farm.” says Ann. The farm belonged to her brother and sister-in-law, Ann’s brother being Ivan’s best friend. Ann and Ivan parked the RV in the pasture, and Ann woke up in the morning to look out the windows at the horses looking back at her.

The Dolly Ann, one of the restored lake boats ready for voyage.

The job with DEC led to many adventures and experiences for which she is ever grateful. “It wasn’t just office work. My boss bought me a pair of work boots and had me go out to all the sites to be aware of what we were paying for. Boardwalks, viewing stations, wildlife habitats! I even dug up and replanted sea grass. I did the paperwork for our office and three others in the state. I would still be there if Ivan hadn’t retired.” Ann says.

Ann and Ivan also had a very active social life. She loved roller skating and dancing, sewed all her costumes

Ann enjoying one of many “glamping” trips.

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“We spent a couple months in the pasture until we found our home one day coming back from church. Now we have one and a half acres and a lemon, two peach and a grapefruit tree and shrubs and a few tomato plants. Last year I had about six pepper plants. If they come up and live…good.” Ann says. It was at church she met the then director of the Christian Service Center (CSC) at a dinner one evening and was motivated by her enthusiasm. “I thought, I think I’d like that. I had always worked and liked being around people.” Ann says. So, she began her volunteer career in 2007 in the sorting room of CSC. Then, Shirley, the director at the time, shared her vision of the large warehouse with a gift/thrift shop to help people and the center. “Oh, that sounds like fun and the next thing I knew my friend, Joan Davis, and I ended up opening the Lighthouse. I also volunteered Ivan with his hammer and nails and he did the finish work. He’s been here ever since and likes it as much as I do”. Ann says.

They both volunteer countless hours at the Lighthouse Gift Shop and Christian Service Center and even illness, injuries and surgeries have not deterred them from their mission.

They have recruited their daughter and sister-in-law to volunteer, too.

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“What about R and R?” I asked. “Oh, I think I would like a little more R and R, but there just isn’t time to fit it in”, she says.

Ann and Ivan belong to the Dixie Dancers, a Lake City square and round dance group that dances every week. They also belong to a camping club called the Square Wheels. “ I cue for them; we are the largest club in the state. It’s a wonderful exercise for the body and mind.” Ann says. They also attend Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church and play cards on a regular basis with family and friends. Their daughter and son-in-law recently relocated from Texas for which Ann and Ivan are very thankful. If that wasn’t enough to keep them busy, there are plans for her to restore her 1966 Plymouth Valiant Convertible, red, of course! “We have been so fortunate. We are really blessed. We need two lifetimes to do it all!” she says.

It sounds like one lifetime has been fulfilled up to, and beyond, the days when taking it easy is supposed to be the mantra.

“Don’t waste time,” says the expert, as she gets up to follow her own advice. ■

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Winter 2021 | 61

Horses Without Humans: Changing the Narrative, One Horse at a Time

By Jeweliana Curtis

If you have ever had the pleasure of interacting with a horse, you were likely met with kind eyes, a gentle demeanor and an incredible sense that this animal was strong and powerful.

We would also venture to say that you may have left the interaction mesmerized after witnessing the beauty and magic that a horse exudes. This is all true for Yvonne Barteau, a horse enthusiast from a young age turned “unicorn” in the equine industry who has dedicated her life work to helping horses without humans.

Yvonne Barteau grew up in Toronto, Canada, and has always described herself as an animal lover. Growing up, she had a fascination with dogs, leading her to become friends with all of the neighborhood dogs and reading every book she could find about them. When she eventually ran out of dog-related books to explore at her local library at the age of ten,

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she checked out Walter Farley’s Black Stallion. After completing the read in less than 24 hours, Yvonne read it again, the animal she had come to love. That’s really where her love of horses began, and she knew that she wanted to be a horse trainer.

Because her family members were not interested in horses, and due to the fact that she lived in the bustling city of Toronto, Yvonne shares that everyone in her life did not take her decision to work with horses seriously.

Everyone from her friends to the school guidance counselor thought it was not a real career path she should pursue, but despite the odds, Yvonne never lost sight of her dream.

“I knew I would be a horse trainer,” Yvonne shares. “Of all the things that I have known or not known with unwavering certainty, the fact that I was going to be a horse trainer has never strayed from that moment on.”

It was that determination that pushed Yvonne to achieve many accolades in her profession, from becoming a renowned horse trainer specializing in “difficult” horses to being long-listed for the Olympics team with a Dutch stallion named Liberty. This same passion pushed Yvonne to become one of the few trainers in the country that has trained more than 25 horses to the Grand Prix level, training hundreds to the level just below it.

As Yvonne embarked on her career, she gained experience with horses and learned all about the horseracing industry at a racetrack. While she was grateful for her experience there, she felt that it was not actually a sport about horses, but rather a sport about making money with horses involved. Yvonne then moved to Florida where she would become a horse trainer and problem solver, working with the “difficult” horses in the stable.

This is where she learned all about training before transitioning into show business and working for the Arabian Nights Dinner Theatre in Kissimmee, Florida. She worked as a horse trainer and actor in the show, learning the ins-and-outs of producing a great show, which is a skill she utilizes for the rescue today.

After leaving the world of show business to raise her family, Yvonne continued to train horses in Illinois with her company, KYB Dressage, and she has published two books surrounding the topics of equine training and human and horse personalities. As an expert in her field and a lifelong horse lover, you can imagine the shock and horror that she felt one evening when she discovered the horrors of equine welfare in the United States.

“Somewhere along the line, we were making a movie about how to select and train horses for theater work, and the subject of equine welfare in the United States came across my computer,” Yvonne explains. “I feel so sad to say that as a lifetime horse trainer, I could peripherally understand that not all horses had great lives, but I did not know the actuality of it. As I started to research, I got more and more horrified at how horses are treated in the United States. I started to weave the plot of unwanted horses into our documentaries immediately, and the Horses Without Humans rescue started shortly after that.”

Through scholarly research and personal experiences, Yvonne began to seek out local rescues in Illinois to see how she could help the horses while keeping the rescue afloat. She found out that although they have passionate and good-hearted individuals seeking to help the horses in these rescues, none

About Horses Without Humans Horses Without Humans 6191 US-129 Bell, FL 32619 horseswithouthumans.org 847-809-4093

of them had horse trainers involved. Essentially, this lack of horse training kept the rescues at capacity and adoptions from happening after a horse’s rehabilitation back to health. Seeing this need, Yvonne began to partner with these rescues to train the horses to an impeccable standard, then marketing them to potential buyers. This enhanced the success rate of adoptions, matching these amazing horses with their caring humans for a happily-ever-after ending.

With this incongruity in the process solved, Yvonne made it her mission to take in horses in need of care, nurse them back to health and train them to be great citizens in the equine world.

Now the organization is based in Florida, occupying a beautiful 126-acre property in Bell, which is home to nearly 60 horses.

In 2020, as the organization was preparing for its annual fundraising event, the (HWH) team came across The Oaks, a scenic horse community nestled in Lake City. This beautiful venue became the location for their holiday show, “The Spirit of the Horse,” which shares the heartwarming tale of one family’s love and redemption. The show features breathtaking horses and professional dancers, sure to ignite a passion for horses in all who attend.

“I believe that it is so magical, and I’m hoping that we are bringing the magic of the horse to the next generation. I really want to bring up the next generation of horse lovers,” Yvonne states. “I think back to myself as a child, and if I had a show like this to see, it would have been enough to keep my dreams of horse training alive and well. I know there are more horse-crazy kids and people out there, so I hope to inspire them through this show.”

Following the success of the holiday show in 2020, Yvonne worked out a partnership with The Oaks Equestrian Center to come onboard and breathe new life into their programs. Yvonne and her daughter began offering lessons at The Oaks, which assists in keeping the rescue operating. There are also horses from the rescue in the barn at The Oaks, providing an excellent way for interested youth and adults to gain hands-on experience with horses. Many apprenticeship opportunities are also available through HWH. From offering riding lessons to hosting trail rides and teaching equine care, the Horses Without Humans partnership has brought new passion and vision to The Oaks Equestrian Center, proving the partnership to be a great success.

Founded in 2016, Horses Without Humans is a 501(c)(3) organization that focuses on rehabilitating horses that have no humans, no voice of their own and no other options. The team of successful equine trainers provides exceptional care, compassion and training to these horses, rehabilitating them to be adoptable once again. The Horses Without Humans team is saving horses by giving them time, education and the conditioning necessary for them to be the best athletes and partners they can be, all while connecting the horses with their humans for the best happy ending.

Located in Bell, Florida, this rescue is run completely by donations and support from horse lovers and activists. Whether you are searching for a way to learn more about equine welfare or are looking to get involved in a meaningful cause like this one, the Horses Without Humans team would love to have your support. For more information about the organization, and to find ways to get involved, visit horseswithouthumans.org and follow along on their Facebook page at @horseswithouthumans.

Winter 2021 | 63

time. The demand for this organization is great, and it cannot be accomplished by one person or even a handful of people.

To solve the equine welfare issues in the United States, it will take each person deciding to dive into the mission and help in whatever way they can. From fostering a horse to volunteering on-site or even just spreading the message, each and every person who supports this mission brings Horses Without Humans one step closer to their goals. Every horse deserves a loving human, and this organization is making strides to change the equine industry forever.

“We need more Cinderella stories of positive and great things that come through rescues,” Yvonne says. “Whether you take a horse that has lost its way, been injured, been neglected or even starved, and really turn them back into a superhero in the industry, I think it opens people’s eyes to what is possible.”

The Horses Without Humans operation continues to thrive with the help of supporters, but it truly is a family affair. Yvonne’s four children; Jamie, Jessica, Kassie and Hudi (Kayla), are all horse lovers, which is a great source of pride for Yvonne. Kassie holds the title of the most awarded Young Rider in United States history! Kassie works part-time with the rescue and part-time training and competing horses. This year, Kassie took a rescue horse named Sky to three regional championships, receiving the title of First Level Horse of the Year in the United States and two national championships at the Invitational Finals in Kentucky.

Hudi proudly travels all over the United States with her rescue horse, Dargon, participating in exhibitions as an ambassador for the rescue. Jessica, who is based in Michigan, directs the holiday show each year and is an integral piece to the production.

Yvonne shares that without Jessica, the production would be nowhere near as grand and well-produced.

While the goal of the organization is to provide help to horses in need, the mission goes well beyond just the horses it can physically handle. Equine welfare is at the top of Yvonne’s radar, and she hopes that by working with others in the industry and raising awareness for the cause, they can put a stop to the horrible acts within the industry that she learned about many years ago.

“I want to continue to educate people and raise awareness for equine welfare in the United States. My huge goal would be to simply stop shipping horses off to slaughter. It’s a horrible, abominable thing, and we really need to, as a nation of equine lovers, put a stop to it,” Yvonne expresses. “There’s a Safe Equine Act that needs to be passed to protect these horses. It’s almost like a hidden secret, though.”

Yvonne continues, saying, “In my mind, horses are man’s best friend. They have done so much for us over the years. Horses are the only animals that qualify to compete in the Olympics games as an athlete. They race for us, they have been our transportation, they have plowed our fields… And yet we still ship them to slaughter? It’s a huge goal of mine that this just stops.”

With a team of incredible volunteers and the support of equine enthusiasts, Horses Without Humans has continued to grow, now serving between 50 and 60 horses at any given

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Horses Without Humans is an organization that is changing the lives and narratives of unwanted horses. If you are interested in getting involved with the mission at Horses Without Humans, or if you want to watch the journey unfold, visit horseswithouthumans.org, and follow the Horses Without Humans Rescue Organization Facebook page. ■

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By Carly Meyers

The usual plan for Valentine’s Day always remains the same: drinks and a formal dinner followed by a romantic comedy at the movie theater. Some couples may try to break the mold and get a bit more creative with their plans to find a more original way to spend the day. Others are looking for the best opportunity to avoid crowds or ways to spend the holiday at home. Stumped on plans? Consider these ideas!

The Classic Plans

If going the classic route, the first step is to make dinner reservations. Most couples make their reservations as far out as six weeks ahead of time, so if you’re trying to avoid a last-minute spot in the early afternoon, it’s best to make yours today. Consider having dinner at Marion Street Bistro in Lake City or The Great Outdoors in High Springs, or head to Prohibition in Downtown Lake City for appetizers and drinks.

As for the movie, the romantic films set to release for Valentine’s Day this year are I Want You Back, What About Love, Marry Me and Through My Window. Scope out their trailers to buy your tickets ahead of time, especially if you’d like to attend a prime time showing after dinner.

The Out-of-the-Box Plans

Looking for a one-of-a-kind experience? Try something new! Push your luck and experience an escape room in Lake City or try your hand at throwing axes at Class Axe in Jacksonville. Doing something new or daring can make the holiday memorable in a whole new way, especially doing so with a loved one. Have you ever been skydiving or zip lining?

Valentine’s Day is your time to shine. A great option is The Canyons Zip Line and Adventure Park in Ocala that offers nine zip lines, two rope bridges and horseback riding. A daring, outof-the-box activity is a sure way to offer a new perspective to Valentine’s Day this year.

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The Sentimental Plans

If you’re looking for an activity with meaning, do something tried and true this Valentine’s Day. Try a classic such as putt-putt golfing or bowling, like at Lake City Bowl. Or, reenact your first date to reminisce on the past. The goal is to do something that feels special to those involved; it doesn’t need to make sense to others.

Something that always feels special is experiencing new places. Plan a road trip or day trip to somewhere the two of you have never been before. There are tons of wineries in southern Georgia, such as Still Pond Vineyard in Arlington. If that’s not your aesthetic, head to a beachside you’ve never seen for some fresh seafood and a change of scenery. If you enjoy camping, consider reserving a campsite at Ginnie Springs in High Springs or Anastasia State Park in St. Augustine. A new view or a sunset in a different place is sure to make the holiday memorable.

The Recluse Plans

If you despise crowds, you’re most likely dreading Valentine’s Day. Don’t fret! There are plenty of ways to make the day feel special without ever having to leave the house. Avoid restaurant masses by cooking your loved one’s favorite meal at home or having breakfast in bed. Not a chef? Pizza or food delivery will never desert you in your time of need.

Skip the movie out and instead opt for your favorite DVD marathon. If you hate to sit still, consider camping or stargazing in your backyard. Some couples often enjoy completing DIY or art projects together.

Think about spending the night painting new canvases for your home or trying your hand at homemade pottery over a glass of wine. Crowds are never needed to have quality one-on-one time with a loved one.

The Relaxed Plans

If the simple thought of Valentine’s Day stresses you out, relax instead. Cut out all stress and worry by spending the day getting pampered at a spa. Many spas often run Valentine’s Day specials for couples, so be sure to take advantage!

Indulge in a couples massage at The Spa on Marion or fall asleep during a variety of facials at Skincare by Serana, both in Lake City. Utilize the holiday to take a well-deserved pause from your hectic schedules and enjoy a blissful day together instead.

The Active Plans

If you’re looking for plans that don’t involve long periods of time spent sitting in different places, consider these options. Perhaps you’d enjoy spending the day hiking at Alligator Lake or riding bikes around the lake in Downtown Lake City. You could also make the drive to Gainesville to go rock climbing at The Knot or have drinks and play games at Dave and Buster’s.

Regardless, a fun activity is an easy way to break tradition while also not falling into a rut of only eating and drinking the holiday away. Whatever activity the two of you enjoy doing together or often don’t get time to do, plan a date around it this Valentine’s Day to make the day feel special.

The “Not a Big Deal” Plans

If you haven’t been dating someone very long or maybe not going steady yet, you may want to acknowledge the holiday but not do anything too crazy.

In this situation, it’s best to keep the gifts to candy or a card and the activities minimal. Perhaps suggest a frozen pizza and a movie at home or grab ice cream from your favorite drive-through. A large gesture while not in a serious relationship can feel awkward or forced, so keep it simple.

Regardless of how you decide to spend this Valentine’s Day, know that a dinner and movie are not your only options when making plans. Plan the day around you and your loved one; do something that is specific to your relationship. Whether that be take-out or a formal dinner, enjoy your Valentine’s Day spent in a way that makes you love the holiday as much as those you choose to spend it with. Happy Valentine’s Day!

The Adventurous Couple Every day is best utilized when an adventure is involved, and Valentine’s Day is no different for this couple. If your ideal date night involves throwing axes, like at Class Axe in Jacksonville, or trying out an escape room here in Lake City, then consider yourself this couple. Rest assured, you’re up to do anything thrilling this Valentine’s Day. The Active Couple The idea of sitting still for a date night sounds like terror to this couple. Instead, find them rock climbing at The Knot in Gainesville or bowling at the Lake City Bowl. Or, catch them on a hike or bike ride around town to avoid the crowds.

Regardless, Valentine’s Day is not the day for them to slow down.

The Traditionalists It’s dinner or no-go for this couple. Willing to brave the crowds, this couple prefers the tried-and-true Valentine’s Day date night and has had their dinner reservation secured since Christmas. For this couple, straying from tradition would ruin the holiday altogether. Some would say they’re wary of change, but they believe the holiday can’t be spent better any other way.

The Artsy Couple Creative minds think alike! This couple likes to take a more off-beat approach to their date nights. You’re likely to find them at Painting with a Twist or camping at home in the backyard to break the traditionalist date scheme this Valentine’s Day. The Nostalgic Couple This couple likes to give new memories to old experiences. Perhaps they’ll take a trip to the drive-in theater in Ocala or plan a throwback “high school date” and spend their night puttputt golfing in Lake City followed by some star gazing in an open field. Nevertheless, this couple appreciates the gesture of the date rather than what the date entails.

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d e t s o r F , t e e w S ! s e i c a Delic Lily P’s Cookies

By Hayli Zuccola

Holly Frazier Photography

Five years ago, Francheska Powell’s pastry skills were limited to oven-ready confections whipped up by a cheerful doughboy, jarred frosting and a handful of sprinkles, which may come as a surprise to anyone who’s ever set sight on an assortment of her painstakingly decorated cookies. Of course, founding a cookie company was never part of the plan, at least, not until the birth of her daughter put her on a sugarcoated path to a tasty new venture.

Looking for a sweet present to gift her labor and delivery nurses, Francheska was instantly fascinated with the idea of hand-piped sugar cookies, but with only a couple of weeks of

her pregnancy left, nearby bakeries were either booked for new orders or too expensive for the mom-to-be, so, she opted to frost a few dozen herself with the assistance of YouTube tutorials and recipe suggestions from a friend who worked as a baker in Virginia.

Equipped with a themed set of cookie-cutters and plenty of piping bags and tools from her mom’s stash of holiday cakemaking supplies, she formed an assembly line of cookies until she painted around four dozen rookie cookies to pass out to the delight of hospital staff.

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What she considered a one-time experience became a life-changing one after a picture her mom posted of the process garnered the attention of a friend who in-turn requested a batch of the baked goods for an upcoming baby shower. More inquiries soon followed, and with them, Lily P’s Cookies—named after her daughter who inspired it all— became a full-fledged business.

“She was the reason that I started, and doing these cookies gave me the opportunity to stay home with her,” Francheska says.

Today, Francheska is the queen of royal icing and has made edible works of art for countless special occasions, local events and holiday celebrations. Nevertheless, while she can translate any idea into a bitesized illustration, she leaves the baking aspect to her mom, Tammy, whose soft, melt-in-the-mouth cookies are a tweaked, elevated version of the original recipe from years ago. With a unique flavor and texture that surpasses the profile of a traditional sugar cookie, this dough, in particular, makes for a delicious cookie canvas not even Francheska herself can replicate—and not from a lack of trying.

“She’s my lifesaver, so she bakes the cookies and I decorate them,” she says.

Though the taste remains consistent, Lily P’s prides itself on creating truly customized desserts tailored to each customer, pulling inspiration from invitations, business logos and color palettes to produce intricate one-of-a-kind treats.

“I want all the things so that I can create a truly custom set of cookies that are specific to your event, like it’s not just something that everyone’s had at their party,” she says.

“That helps me feel like I’m getting to use my creativity and not just slapping some icing on a cookie.”

When an order comes in, Francheska delves into her 28 boxes of cookie cutters to narrow down the shapes best-suited for the occasion, whether it’s a wedding reception, baby shower or business launch party. She then outlines the colors, layout and style for each cookie before adding the request to the weekly baking rotation at her mom’s house, no more than four days before the date of the event. The Powells may be tight-lipped on their crave-worthy recipe, but Tammy has everything from the ingredient order, temperature and cooking time down to a T—repeating the process until all the cookies are golden and cooled with the leftover scraps repurposed into a so-called “smash cookie” designated for Francheska’s dad.

Trays of bare cookies in tow, Francheska then spends the following days coloring, piping and flooding icing designs for every order. It’s a timeconsuming, detail-oriented career choice, but one her daughter, Lily, is

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all too eager to replicate. Though she’s too young to assist with customer cookies, Lily is already living up to the company namesake by opting to decorate Christmas cookies for friends and family—paving the way for a possible three-generation business. Only time will tell if Francheska’s son, Levi, will share in the enthusiasm for the embellished desserts.

Though filling customer orders certainly keeps her busy with three to four bookings a week—each of which can contain anywhere from one to six dozen cookies—in April 2021, Lily P’s began offering cookie decorating classes for both private and public events.

Whether it’s a collaboration with Painting with a Twist or a pre-scheduled monthly visit at Halpatter Brewing Company, it’s all about the prep work for the self-taught cookie artist. After choosing three to four base shapes, Francheska traces the selected cookie cutters and builds easy-to-replicate drawings tailored to the specific season, current trends or private party request while using colored pencils to determine the perfect icing shades for the overall look. Kits are then put together with pre-baked, individuallywrapped cookies; colored and bagged frosting; and decorating tools for each person signed up for the session.

“I love the socialization aspect of the in-person classes, like that is just so fun to me. I’ve always been a social person, so getting to get up there and be with people and talk to people and help them, like show them something that I love doing and watch them have fun doing it too is the coolest thing ever,” she says.

The concept of teaching her practiced techniques began as a far-fetched idea—one that initially made her nervous to attempt outside the comfort of her home—but in the end, it was an expansion that only furthered her overall desire to share her passion for the art form and advice with others.

“When you get started in the industry, you feel like everyone’s your competition, but it’s not that way, and it’s taken me a while to learn that,” she says. “I love to encourage other bakers: cookie bakers, other cake people, cupcakes, cake pops—all the things. I’m a huge proponent of community over competition and I know and am friends with several other bakers and cookiers in the area, and we’re able to bounce not only ideas off of each other, but clients. When one of us is booked, we have a list of other people we can send them to, and I’m just really—I love to encourage other cookiers,” What began as a gift idea for a group of pregnancy care nurses forged an entirely new career for Francheska, who acknowledges her family’s continued support as the reason behind Lily P’s success.

“I couldn’t do any of it without my husband. He’s my rock,” she says. “He’s like my biggest cheerleader, which is the coolest thing, and I love that, but having my mom be a part of it too is amazing, and Lily just showing the interest and intrigue that she does.”

Approaching year six in the candy-coated trade, Francheska’s future goals include opening a brick-and-mortar location where she can bake and decorate custom orders, teach classes and sell her beautiful and equally delicious cookies all in one place. Of course, when that day does arrives, don’t expect cakes, cupcakes or other bakery items to be added to the menu, because at Lily P’s, cookies reign supreme.

To see more of Lily P’s cookie designs or to sign up for an upcoming class, visit their Facebook page at Facebook.com/lilypssugarcookies.

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Michael Campbell is a brilliant abstract artist who lives in Suwannee County with the goal of spreading joy through his artwork. To Michael, it’s his way of making others, and himself, happy, as well as giving back to his community.

Michael, who just turned 50, has been painting for the past year. Michael initially ventured into painting as a hobby.

Instead, he ended up quickly finding success through selling them online. Though, not everything has come as easy as painting to Michael.

By Susan Lamb Tammy Johns Photography

At a young age, Michael was in an accident that left him unable to walk. After falling into a neighbor’s pool, he was in a coma that affected his brain function. While in a coma, Michael developed pneumonia, and doctors suggested taking him off life support. “I avoided the doctor so he couldn’t talk to me about pulling Michael off his life-saving equipment,” Karla, Michael’s mother, says. When Michael woke up, doctors worried he would have to be institutionalized. Not accepting that answer, Michael’s family took his care into their own hands.

Eventually, Michael was eating, sitting up and gaining weight; he was getting better. The family knew it was the hand of God and love and care by the family that led to his turn-around. “It was a long hard battle, but we did it. I knew he would make it!”

Karla says.

In his world, Michael’s taken a stand. “I won’t back down,” he insists. His Facebook page features Tom Petty singing “I Won’t Back Down,” a song Michael has chosen to become his life motto. Michael is always trying to push his limits and expand upon his interests and experiences, challenging life to try and hold him back. “Michael was never scared of anything,” Karla says. Karla and Gary, Michael’s parents, admire his resiliency, even though he often makes them hold their breaths. For example, when he went ziplining last year. “I was so scared, but he was determined to do it and told me if it was his time to go, he would,” Karla says.

Growing up, Michael enjoyed participating in parasports.

In one instance, Michael was racing on his walker with Gary running beside him yelling, “Go Michael, go!” Michael threw down the walker and finished the competition at the finish line. “He’s done so many things to make me proud, and he’s met a lot of people,” Karla says. One of those being the late FSU coach Bobby Bowden. Michael is a huge FSU fan and was floored to get to meet one of his heroes. “Bobby was so good to Michael, and he even signed a football for him,” Gary says. When it came time to eat together, Bobby asked Michael if he rather sit with the players or cheerleaders.

511 Goldkist Boulevard SW Not shocking to his Live Oak, FL 32064 386-362-7143 parents, Michael chose the cheerleaders.

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Michael with his parents Karla and Gary, and nephew.

“Art has a voice—let it speak.”

— Rochelle Carr

The ARC is an organization that provides advocacy, employment training and living services for people with disabilities in Suwannee, Hamilton, Lafayette, Columbia and Baker Counties. Michael has a job at the ARC as a client liaison, while Gary serves as the organization’s treasurer. After Gary retired from law enforcement after 37 years, the family decided to move to Suwannee County specifically for the opportunities the ARC could offer Michael. Since then, Michael has been at the ARC every week since moving to Suwannee County five years ago. “I have never seen a place so compassionate and organized that serves the community so well,” Karla says.

If Michael isn’t spending his free time on his artwork, he volunteers with his family to help others in need. Last Christmas, he spent his time making gift bags, made possible by numerous donations, for those in nursing homes in their area.

According to Karla, they were able to provide a gift for every person in the facility thanks to Michael’s caring idea and the family’s hard work.

Michael’s parents have dedicated their

lives to caring for their son, giving him as much of a normal life as possible. Both parents are constantly with Michael to assist him any way they can, including helping him communicate with others.

With Michael’s resiliency, humor and easygoing attitude, it’s not difficult for

rs h othe c u o t n “If I ca h this story, throug do that!” to I want hael —Mic

ell

Campb

him to brighten a room. Karla says giving up was never in her vocabulary. “Don’t give up. I never gave up, I never will, and Michael is going to do outstanding things,” Karla says. Although there are still many obstacles to come for this 50-year-old artist, Michael continues to persevere, bringing laughter and happiness wherever he goes with his

smiles and desire to make others happy, especially through his paintings.

Michael’s paintings recently caught the Suwannee County Property Appraiser, Ricky Gamble. Ricky, who serves on the ARC board alongside Michael and Gary, wanted one of Michael’s paintings for his office. Thrilled by his request, Michael took a painting to Ricky’s downtown office in Live Oak. “This is just the first of many more to come,” Ricky states while presenting the piece, pointing to an open wall awaiting more of Michael’s future artistic endeavors.

As for Michael’s hopes for the future, painting plays a huge role. “My goal is to become famous, build a house, get a new wheelchair and put my money back into supplies for painting,” Michael says. When speaking on this feature, Michael said, “If I can touch others through this story, I want to do that!”

Regardless of what’s to come, Michael won’t back down. ■

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Pie Review

By Carly Meyers

This season, we held the 1st annual Great Family Pie Review. We welcomed those in our community to bake pies to compete for gift cards from 5th Generations Farms and a chance to have their recipe featured in our magazine.

Was this a ploy to find the best pie for our readers for the holidays, or to get people to bring us a ton of dessert?

Regardless, the turnout was as fantastic as the pies.

The pies were judged on taste, texture, appearance and

1ST PLACE

creativity. From a set of 10 judges, each pie was judged by three people at random. Judges pulled scoring cards with assigned pies from a bin to ensure the pies weren’t scored up against all others, and instead held its own ground for scoring.

The results were close, with only 2 points separating 1st and 2nd place. The following are your first annual winning pies of the Great Family Pie Review!

White Chocolate Raspberry Pie

by Richard Crawford

Ingredients: Crust: • 1 1/2 packs of graham crackers crushed (about 15) • 4 tablespoons softened salted butter

Filling: • 2 packages 3-4 ounces instant French vanilla pudding mix • 1 cup cold milk • 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream • 1/2 cup of prepped whipped cream • 2-4 tablespoons melted white chocolate morsels

Whipped cream: • 1 cup heavy whipping cream • 1 tablespoon powdered sugar • 1 teaspoon almond extract

White chocolate disk: • 1/2 cup melted white chocolate morsels

Garnish: • 5 ounces or more of raspberries • 2 tablespoons melted white chocolate

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Directions: Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Crush graham crackers into fine crumbs in a food processor, or in a bag with a rolling pin. Mix in butter (softened not melted) until fully incorporated and crumbs look similar to wet beach sand.

Press crumb mixture into a 9-inch pie pan by hand into bottom and edges to desired thickness; suggested is 1/2 - 1/3 inches thick. Once finished, bake for 13 minutes or until dark, golden brown; set aside to cool.

Make whipped cream Add heavy cream, powdered sugar and almond extract to a medium mixing bowl and mix on medium to medium-high speed with an electric or stand mixer until firm peaks form; 4-8 minutes depending on mixer and speed. Store whipped cream in fridge until ready to use.

Make the disk Melt chocolate according to the package until smooth and easy to spread.

Spray the bottom of a 9-inch round cake pan, or silicone mold, with non-stick butter or baking spray.

Spread the melted chocolate onto the bottom of the cake pan evenly and set aside or in the fridge to harden; do not place in the freezer, as it will crack.

Make the filling Add pudding mix, heavy cream and milk to a large bowl and mix well for about 2 minutes. Then, add melted white chocolate while mixing to incorporate evenly into the mixture. Next, add whipped cream and mix on high for about 2 minutes until smooth.

Layering the Pie First, add filling and smooth; optional to follow with a single layer of raspberries if desired. Next, carefully remove white chocolate disk from its pan and add on top of the filling. Then, add whipped cream over the entire disk by spreading carefully or with a piping bag. Next, add desired number of raspberries on top of whipped cream; suggested is covering entirely with raspberries. Garnish with drizzle of melted white chocolate.

Cool pie in the fridge for at least 1 hour to set the layers. For best results, cool for 4-24 hours.

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2ND PLACE

Cranberry Vanilla Bean Pie

3RD PLACE

Pink Lemonade Pie

by Erika Bisconer

Ingredients: Cranberry filling:

by Sarah Nichols

Ingredients:

• 16 ounces fresh cranberries, washed and rinsed

• 1 cup cranberry juice cocktail

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar

• 1/2 teaspoon fresh grated ginger

• 1/4 cup light brown sugar

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1 teaspoon fresh lemon zest

• 1/2 tablespoon cornstarch

• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

• 2 tablespoons cold water

Crust and crumble: • 1 3/4 cup all-purpose flour

• 3/4 teaspoon baking powder

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar

• Pinch of salt

• 1/4 cup light brown sugar

• 3/4 cup salted butter, room temperature

Cheesecake filling: • 8 ounces cream cheese softened

• 1/2 teaspoon fresh lemon juice

• 1/2 cup sour cream room temperature

• 1 large egg room temperature

• 2/3 cup granulated sugar

• 1 vanilla bean

• 1 can of sweetened condensed milk • 1 packet of pink lemonade drink mix • 8 ounces of cool whip • 1 graham cracker pie crust

Directions: In a mixing bowl, combine condensed milk and pink lemonade drink mix until mixed thoroughly.

Use a large spoon, or silicone spatula, and mix in cool whip until no white streaks remain; add to pie crust.

Cover pie and let chill in refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving. For best results, chill overnight.

OTHER ENTRANTS Sarah Peterson

Nina Howd

Directions: Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease glass pie pan with shortening and coat with flour.

Cranberry filling: Bring cranberries, both sugars, lemon zest, lemon juice, cranberry juice, ginger and cinnamon to a boil over medium-high heat. Be sure to continuously scrape sides to avoid burning. Decrease heat to medium-low and cook down until cranberries are soft and juice has thickened slightly.

Mix ½ tablespoon corn starch and 2 tablespoons cold water. Add to cranberry mixture and bring to a boil. Let boil for 3 minutes then remove from heat.

Crust: In a mixing bowl, mix flour, both sugars, baking powder and salt until well combined. Add butter and mix with a paddle attachment until mixture is crumbly and holds together when pinched.

Transfer the remaining crust mixture to a 9.5-inch greased and floured glass pie pan. Press the crust firmly and evenly into the pan. Bake for 10 minutes. Set aside to cool.

Cheesecake filling: Raise temperature to 475 degrees Fahrenheit. Beat cream cheese, sour cream, lemon juice and granulated sugar in a large mixing bowl on medium speed until light and fluffy. Split vanilla bean lengthwise with a knife and scrape out its seeds into the bowl, add egg and mix until combined and smooth. Pour the cheesecake filling over the slightly cooled crust; spread evenly.

Bake 15 minutes, then lower temperature to 250 degrees and bake for 30 minutes to 1 hour; it will be clearly set with a slight wobble. Turn off oven and open oven door. Let cheesecake cool down in oven for 30 minutes. Remove and add cranberry filling over the top. Refrigerate overnight.

Let cool completely before serving chilled. Dust with powder sugar (optional).

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Carly Meyers

James Carter

Debra Bolduc

Noah Walker

May feelings of peace, joy and harmony follow you everywhere you go this season!

Thank you for bringing so much sparkle to our year!

FA M I LY O W N E D & O P E R AT E D

L AKE CIT Y MALL 386-961-8000 Winter 2021 | 77

By Carly Meyers

All too often, we buy items for our wardrobe that are fun and in that season. Instead of utilizing these pieces, we find ourselves reaching for our tried-and-true favorites and claiming we have nothing to wear. As consumers, we’re taught to buy new every time the weather changes, yet never get the full use of these pieces. What’s the solution? Introducing your new best friend: the capsule wardrobe.

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Simply put, a capsule wardrobe is comprised of versatile pieces that you love to wear without fail. It consists of tops, bottoms, shoes, accessories, outwear and dresses that can all be mixed and matched to either be dressed up or down. Usually comprised of mostly neutrals, it’s easy to match pieces that you always love. A capsule wardrobe is all about quality over quantity. It means your closet has fewer trendy pieces that won’t outlast the season and more highquality pieces that can stand the test of time.

Where to Begin The first step is to purge your current closet. Take out every single piece and asses its versatility. A good suggestion is to categorize every item in your closet into 1 of 4 categories: ABSOLUTELY: You’re ready to wear this piece tomorrow if needed and it makes you feel happy and confident. These pieces are here to stay.

MAYBE: It can be difficult for some of us to shed our belongings. Pieces that have sentimental value, haven’t been worn more than once or fit questionably belong in this pile. Store them in an easily accessible box and, if you still haven’t reached for them by the end of the season, it’s time to donate them and make room for pieces that do benefit you. My personal rule of thumb is that if I have not worn it in a year, it’s time to move forward. This pile allows you to make the tougher decisions later once you’ve visualized and proven that you do not utilize these pieces.

PASS: There’s no sense in keeping items that do not flatter your body and no longer make you feel confident.

Clothing that doesn’t fit also belongs in this pile. The purpose of a capsule wardrobe is to be able to grab any piece at any time, not grabbing for a piece that has not fit in years and makes you upset to see.

What Pieces Benefit a Capsule Wardrobe?

A capsule wardrobe does not mean you have to give up on trend pieces forever and only wear jeans and a neutral tee.

It instead means that when you do purchase trendier pieces, you’ll know how to fit them into your wardrobe amongst your other pieces to make sure they get their full use.

Though different bodies and personalities favor different pieces, it’s still helpful to have a suggested starting point. The whole point of a capsule wardrobe is versatile, timeless pieces. Consider looking for these while overhauling your closet.

Suggested pieces to keep • Jeans • Leather jacket • Plain T-shirts • White sneakers • Leather totes/purses • Aviator sunglasses • Mules • Slide sandals • Classic trousers • Black leggings • Crewneck sweaters • Graphic tees • Body suits • Loose-fitting white button-ups • Linen dresses

SEASONAL: Living in Florida, there’s no purpose in keeping heavy sweaters out all year long. For selective seasonal pieces, store them away until needed.

10 PIECES OF CLOTHING + 2 PAIRS OF SHOES + 2 ACCESSORIES The Upkeep

= 15 OUTFITS

As time goes on, you’ll need to update your capsule for literal and figurative seasons of life. The goal is to upkeep a capsule you can swap pieces with by season or need, such as having both a professional and an everyday capsule. Updating your capsule can’t happen overnight and will require strategic thinking. Start with the holes: what are you lacking and can benefit from?

What no longer fits your body or lifestyle? Approach your purchasing with strategy, thought, and longevity in mind, and over time, your capsule wardrobe will save you both money and frustration getting dressed.

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DO YOU HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT YOUR CHILD’S DEVELOPMENT & PERFORMANCE • Developmental Delays • Social Emotional • Behavioral Challenges

Call 1-866-752-9770

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Stephen@AttorneyWitt.com • StephenMWitt.com

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