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PRESENT TIME

GEORGE SALAZAR

SAILING THE SEAS

Cooking Up Memories One Generation at a Time

Giving Back by Paying Forward

Interview with a Gator Gone Broadway

Comparison of Five Popular Cruise Lines

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CONTENTS WINTER 2014 • VOL. 05 ISSUE 04 >> GOOD TIMES

Nightlife Off the

Beaten Path

44

Out On the Town (with or without the kids)

hinking about nightlife in a college town often conjures visions of raucous co-eds bumping,

burning off steam after a big exam. Gainesville is also home to families and couples who might be looking for a different kind of night out.

Throughout the city and even nestled among the wild college nightspots are places where locals gather to have a good time at a different pace. Whether it’s a family of four or just a couple of friends out on the town, here are just a few of our staff picks for some fun places for locals to gather once the sun goes down — with our without the kiddos.

GOTTA’ SITTER? If you are lucky enough to land a sitter for the evening, or if you are living the kid-free lifestyle, Gainesville offers plenty of places for locals to congregate. Check out these adult-only options for a night out in G-town.

Lillian’s Music Store Lillian’s isn’t a music store at all, but rather a long-time Gainesville nightclub.

While innumerable bars in downtown Gainesville have come and gone, Lillian’s has weathered the storms and still stands strong.

Established in 1974, Lillian’s has supported live music in Gainesville for more than 40 years. In addition to the established musical acts, Lillian’s also hosts jam nights every Monday night (with no cover) and Karaoke on Wednesdays.

Bartender Tom will greet you for Happy Hour where regulars belly-up to the bar for goodnatured conversation. Tom has been bartending there for as long as we can remember.

On any given Friday or Saturday night once the band takes the stage, the club becomes a

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PHOTOS BY KRISTIN KOZELSKY

T

grinding and playing beer pong in crowded bars and nightclubs. But the Gainesville population is more diverse than the wild and single 18- to 20-somethings

Out on the Town

www.VisitOurTowns.com

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There are plenty of things to do with your significant other on date night in Hogtown — and if you can’t get a sitter you can also take the kiddos out with you for some fun. Read all about a few of our favorites.

>> CHARITY

Present Time

54

Giving Back

Giving Back by Paying Forward

WRITTEN BY ERICKA WINTERROWD

I

t’s the holiday season and as the saying goes, “‘Tis far better to give than to receive.” There are, however, some gifts that let you do both. Giving to charities doesn’t have to be just writing a check, and Gainesville has many organizations that welcome volunteers to get involved in giving back.

“Help one another; there’s no time like the present and no present like the time.”

— JAMES DURST

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Mid-Florida Established in 1975, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Mid-Florida (BBBS) has served thousands of children within Alachua, Bradford, Columbia, Gilchrist, Levy, and Marion counties. BBBS Match Specialist Joel Robinson said the heart of this charity is putting children on a lifelong path to success and helping them reach their potential by giving them a positive role model in their lives.

“All of the kids in our program are here for one mentoring need or another and the volunteer can really be a positive role model in these

By Ericka Winterrowd

Emma Stone, Jamie Foxx and Andrew Garfield at an open photocall for “The Amazing Spiderman” in Los Angeles in 2013. Foxx is national spokesperson for Big Brothers Big Sisters of America.

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www.VisitOurTowns.com

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It’s that time of year when we stop and give thanks for all of the gifts in our lives. We give presents, eat plentiful, and shop till we drop. As we celebrate with our families let us remember those who are not as fortunate. Learn how you can pay it forward to those who need it the most.

>> ANCHORS AWEIGH

Cruising Explore the Open Seas WRITTEN BY MARISA ROSS

G

one are the days of lugging heavy suitcases through narrow alleyways as you decode a map with unpronounceable street names to find your hole-in-the-wall hotel. If you’ve never been on a cruise

vacation, you’re probably missing out on one of the best-value ways to travel.

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By Marisa Ross

On a cruise ship, you’re able to travel to several new and exciting destinations along with abundant food, constant entertainment and excellent service. For the most part, the majority of planning is done for you, repetitive unpacking and repacking isn’t an issue and you get exclusive sale offers you can’t find on land. If all that seems appealing, it might be time to ditch your old ways and discover how to travel in comfort, ease and style. Here’s an introduction to the

Sailing the Seas

things some of the most common cruise lines offer and the resources to use when planning a trip. Bon voyage!

CARNIVAL: For the budget-conscious and energetic crowd To get a sense of what this cruise line is all about, look no further than its namesake.

This line refers to its vessels as “fun ships,” and once you’ve cruised with one, it’s no wonder why: Carnival knows how to party. With a combination of its liveliness, low-priced fares and beachy destination itineraries, Carnival cruises are the optimal choice for spring breakers in the month of March. But don’t be fooled. While the vim and vigor of this line may attract younger passengers, it’s not just a “booze cruise” for rowdy college kids. The line offers an impressive range of affordable shore excursions, late night adult comedy, dive-in movies on the lido deck and more. From limbo contests to poolside volleyball matches, there is something fun for everyone. Even the towels are fun! Each night, be surprised by what towel animal formations will be waiting for you. An exciting feature to look for in 2015 is the Carnival LIVE concert series, featuring performances by notable artists, including Journey, Rascal Flatts and Jennifer Hudson.

• Most popular ship: Carnival Liberty • Where it goes: Alaska, Australia, Bahamas, Bermuda, Canada-New England, • •

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Cruise on over to our story exploring some of the fun to be found on the open ocean. Compare prices, services and destinations. From Disney to Carnival and a few ships in-between, there’s something for everyone.

PHOTO BY KRISTIN KOZELSKY

ON THE COVER

76 >> FEATURES 12

ALS Ice Bucket Challenge President Machen Accepts Icy Fate

UF alumni Steven Gallo and Joy Marie Hamm have set the date for their wedding this February. Find out how three local couples prove that love exists right here in Our Town.

BY ERICKA WINTERROWD

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Center Stage

COLUMNISTS

What’s Happenin’ This Theatre Season

40 Donna Bonnell EMBRACING LIFE 66 Albert Isaac DIFFERENT NOTE 88 Terri Schlichenmeyer READING CORNER 104 Brian “Krash” Kruger GATE CRASHING 154 Crystal Henry NAKED SALSA

BY BRIANA ERICKSON

32

Cinema Verde A Four-day Festival of Thought-provoking Films

BY EMILY BEHRENS

76

That’s the Power of Love Three Local Couples Illustrate the Timeless, Ageless and Irresistable Pull of Attraction

BY JORDAN ALBRIGHT

92

Interview: George Salazar

INFORMATION

Gator Goes Broadway

BY ERICKA WINTERROWD

130 Love, Health & Happiness Recipes for Life

BY MARISA ROSS www.VisitOurTowns.com

108 Taste of the Town 114 Community Calendar 146 Charity of the Month Winners Winter 2014 | 9

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Published quarterly by Tower Publications, Inc. www.towerpublications.com

PUBLISHER Charlie Delatorre charlie@towerpublications.com EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Albert Isaac editor@towerpublications.com fax: 1-800-967-7382 MANAGING EDITOR Ericka Winterrowd ericka@towerpublications.com ART DIRECTOR Hank McAfee hank@towerpublications.com GRAPHIC DESIGN Neil McKinney neil@towerpublications.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Jordan Albright Ellis Amburn Emily Behrens Briana Erickson Crystal Henry Marisa Ross Ericka Winterrowd Cynthia Wonders Winterrowd INTERN Emily Behrens ADVERTISING SALES 352-372-3245 Nancy Short nancy@towerpublications.com Melissa Morris 352-416-0212 melissa@towerpublications.com PHOTO BY ERICKA WINTERROWD

How do YOU make memories? Try out three recipes that have been handed down to one Gainesville family. They are WONDERful!

Helen Mincey 352-416-0209 helen@towerpublications.com Jenni Bennett 352-416-0210 jenni@towerpublications.com

>> FEATURES

Pam Sapp 352-416-0213 pam@towerpublications.com

158 Recipe Wonders Cooking Up Memories One Generation at a Time

Annie Waite 352-416-0204 annie@towerpublications.com

WRITTEN BY CYNTHIA WONDERS WINTERROWD

The articles printed in Our Town Magazine™ do not necessarily Publications, Inc. or their editorial staff. Our Town Magazine advertising; however, we can not be held responsible by the Our Town Magazine reserves the right to refuse or discontinue reserved. © 2014 Tower Publications, Inc.

10 | Winter 2014

reflect the opinions of Tower endeavors to accept reliable public for advertising claims. any advertisement. All rights

ADVERTISING OFFICE 4400 NW 36th Avenue Gainesville, FL 32606 352-372-5468 352-373-9178 fax

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SPECIAL >> ALS ICE BUCKET CHALLENGE

President Machen Accepts Icy Fate STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY ERICKA WINTERROWD On the first day of the fall semester UF President Bernie Machen surprised students in Turlington plaza as he participated in latest social media phenomenon — the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge. Gator quarterback Jeff Driskel and Gator volleyball blocker Simone Antwi administered the dousing.

Machen was nominated by UF journalism graduate student Kéran Billaud. “I didn’t know if he would accept the challenge, and I was like, ‘oh my gosh! I hope he’s not angry with me — there goes my enrollment,’” Billaud said with a chuckle. “But no, he’s a fantastic president and a great leader and clearly has taken a stand to help this important movement.”

The ALS Association symbolizes the hopes of people everywhere that Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis will one day be a disease of the past. Until that day, the group relentlessly pursues its mission to help people living with ALS and to leave no stone unturned in the search for a cure of the progressive neurodegenerative disease that took the life and name of Baseball Legend Lou Gehrig — and, more recently, Tarzan actor Denny Miller.

As the only not-for-profit voluntary health agency

12 | Winter 2014

dedicated solely to the fight against ALS, the organization directs the largest privately funded research enterprise engaged to uncover the mystery of a disease that affects as many as 30,000 annually. With more than 5,600 people diagnosed each year — an average of 15 new cases each day — their mission is urgent.

Funding is crucial. Today, the ALS Association has topped $100 million in donations from people all over the globe. As of August 29, it has received $100.9 million in donations compared to $2.8 million during the same time period last year (July 29 to August 29).

Machen hopes that by accepting the challenge he can help bring more awareness to the cause and eventually strike down this terrible disease.

“I think this [ice bucket challenge] is a lot of fun, but there is something good behind it,” Machen said. “This is social media used the right way, the way this thing has gone viral and become a contagious phenomenon.

Social media has got its good points and its bad points, so this is one of the good parts about it. I hope people say, you know, if that old guy can do it maybe we can go out and do something to help as well.” s

MESSAGE >> FROM THE EDITOR

Happy Holidays!

In this issue of Our Town we offer you a bevy of stories and cheer primarily centered on the idea of recipes for a happy life. A few months back, we gathered together in the editorial department and bounced ideas off one another regarding the kinds of things that make us happy.

Family certainly resides at the top of the list. With that in mind, we bring you a feature about recipes, handed down from generation to generation, written

by Cynthia Wonders Winterrowd. If that name sounds familiar it’s because Cynthia is the mom of our managing editor, Ericka Winterrowd. Cynthia offers us three recipes for the season, pulled from the pages of her mother’s handwritten cookbooks. I think you will enjoy these dishes (I sure did!).

Speaking of enjoying good food — during the holidays, people are prone to pack on the pounds and many of us make resolutions to lose weight. Or quit smoking. Or find a new job. The list goes on. Read all about methods for keeping resolutions, ways of finding your soul mate and tips for beating the holiday blues in our feature about love, health and happiness.

Fulfilling relationships certainly play an important role in having a happy life, and with that in mind we offer you a trio of love stories just in time for Valentine’s Day — from random rendezvous to electronic encounters that led these three couples to romance.

We also offer a preview of some of the shows our local theatres have to offer for the holiday season.

‘Tis the season to come in from the cold and catch a play or two. Or three. There are plenty to be found.

Lastly, it is important to lend a helping hand to those in need. With that in mind we bring you information on some local charities that work diligently to see that people are clothed and fed — not only during the holiday season, but also throughout the year.

So why don’t you sit back with your favorite warm beverage and enjoy what Our Town has to offer this holiday season! s

Environmental Protection Department

Don’t let

holiday cooking oil hang HYV\UK

Solve your cleanup crisis and help prevent potential damage to our environment.

Dinner parties, delicious food, great company – that’s [OL Z[\Ɉ OVSPKH` WHY[PLZ HYL THKL VM )\[ WV\YPUN \ZLK vegetable cooking oil down the sink can clog drains and ZLW[PJ Z`Z[LTZ (SHJO\H *V\U[`»Z /HaHYKV\Z >HZ[L *VSSLJ[PVU 7YVNYHm accepts any type of liquid vegetable based cooking oil for recycling and uses it to create IPVKPLZLS M\LS :tore the oil in a metal or plastic container ^P[O H [PNO[ Ä[[PUN SPK HUK KYVW P[ VɈ H[ VUL VM V\Y KYVW VɈ SVJH[PVUZ /LSW WYV[LJ[ (SHJO\H *V\U[`»Z LU]PYVUTLU[ HUK YLK\JL WV[LU[PHS KHTHNL [V `V\Y OVTL

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WRITING >> CONTRIBUTORS Jordan Albright

Crystal Henry

loves to learn and explore.

She is a fifth-year senior at UF pursuing two majors: dance and photojournalism; and three minors: business administration, entrepreneurship and theatre.

Her passion is learning about your passion.

is a freelance writer and columnist born and raised in West Texas. She received her B.S. in Journalism in 2006 from the University of Florida. She is in love with the Florida landscape. ces03k@gmail.com

jordanalbrightphotography@gmail.com

Marisa Ross is a UF journalism and Spanish senior. She is a self-proclaimed foodie, photo junkie and travel enthusiast. When she isn’t cooking exotic cuisines or planning her next adventure, you can find her playing volleyball or acoustic guitar.

Cynthia Wonders Winterrowd moved to Florida with her husband in 1974. She lives in Gainesville and is a ‘Gator Mom’ of three daughters, all UF graduates. Cynthia enjoys cooking, journaling and traveling with Daisy, her Malti-Pom.

mross92@ufl.edu

recipewonders@gmail.com

Briana Erickson

Emily Behrens

has had an insatiable curiosity and an eager appetite for stories since before she could write. She is a sophomore journalism major at UF and aspires to become a crime writer for shows like Dateline NBC or 20/20.

is a third-year public relations student at UF. Her passions include travel and playing the piano. You can find her constantly searching for the perfect cup of coffee. emilyebehr@gmail.com

bri.rose561@gmail.com

Ericka Winterrowd

Ellis Amburn

received her master’s in multimedia journalism from UF, where she also earned her BFA in theatre performance.

When she isn’t scribbling down her thoughts she enjoys gardening and fawning over a Malti-Pom named Doodle. ericka@towerpublications.com

is in the Hall of Excellence at TCU’s Schieffer School of Journalism. Involved daily in volunteer community service, the High Springs resident is the author of biographies of Roy Orbison, Elizabeth Taylor and others. ellis.amburn@gmail.com

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Center Stage Winter Theatre Season

WRITTEN BY BRIANA ERICKSON inter includes braving the cold weather, perhaps a favorite warm coat, some eggnog. And holiday spirit.

The Hippodrome Theatre, Gainesville Community Playhouse, Actors’ Warehouse, Acrosstown Repertory Theatre and the High Springs Playhouse invite the community and all of its Scrooges for a season of spreading and providing holiday cheer.

W

>> THE HIPPODROME The Hippodrome Theatre is doing something new this year — Winter Wonderettes. The show will run from Nov. 28- Dec. 21.

“It’s an adaptation of holiday music — “Santa Clause is coming to Town,” “Jingle Bell Rock,” “Run, Run Rudolph,’” said Jessica Hurov, managing director of the Hippodrome.

But there’s also a story. A story of women, Hurov said, incorporated with singing, dancing and acting.

This production addition to The Hipp is in response to feedback from the audience that requested a

20 | Winter 2014

musical this year.

“We agreed that it would be a great year to bring our audience something that Gainesville hasn’t had,” Hurov said.

Along with a fun-loving holiday musical, Hurov said, the Hippodrome, which has been a source of entertainment in the community since its founding 42 years ago in a small warehouse, is bringing back its longest running annual holiday production: “A Christmas Carol.”

Charles Dickens’ classic Christmas Carol will make its 37th annual appearance on The Hipp main stage.

The show will run from Nov. 29- Dec. 20.

“The community loves ‘A Christmas Carol’ at the Hipp,” Hurov said. “Many families make it an annual tradition to bring multiple generations to the show.”

It’s typically a sell-out show following Thanksgiving.

This is a tale of redemption accompanied by The Hipp’s beloved actor Rusty Salling, who has portrayed Scrooge for more than 20 years.

“We have familiar cast members that the audience knows and loves,” Hurov said. “The fact that we’ve

PHOTOS BY MICHAEL EADDY

Whitney Humphrey (as Tiny Tim) and Rusty Salling (as Ebenezer Scrooge) in “A Christmas Carol” and “The Winter Wonderettes” will take the stage just in time for for the holiday season. The holidays are meant for music and singing, and this year the Hipp has brought back The Marvelous Wonderettes for a toe-tapping, heartwarming holiday celebration.

been doing it for 37 years speaks volumes to how the community has embraced this production.”

This is also one of the few times that the Hippodrome actively works with members of the community in the production, including casting children

“Many families make it an annual tradition to bring multiple generations to the show.” in the production, as well as holding matinees during school hours for children, Hurov said.

“They get bussed in, and get to experience professional, live theatre at the Hippodrome,” she said. “Our hope is that people love Christmas music and holiday music just as much as we do.”

The Hipp encourages everyone to take the time to come

out and enjoy what makes the holidays most special.

“Spending the time with people you care about and making memories with each other is what makes it special,” she said. “Coming to see either show is one of those ways where you can take a break, and really enjoy your friends and family with an unforgettable holiday excursion to The Hippodrome.”

www.VisitOurTowns.com

Hippodrome State Theatre 25 SE 2nd Place, Gainesville 352-375-4477

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PHOTOS BY ERIN KLEIM AND STEVEN H. BUTLER

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Actors’ Warehouse Artistic Director, Steven H. Butler; “Black Nativity” Director Jamaili Tyler; L – R: Isiah Blount, Sebrenah Phillips and Bianca Dixon in “Black Nativity.” This gospel “song play” is a joyful retelling of story of the birth of Christ in dialogue, narrative, pantomime, gospel song and folk spirituals.

>> ACTORS’ WAREHOUSE The Actors’ Warehouse in Gainesville is in its third season since its cultivation by Rhonda Wilson, the artistic director the Star Center Children’s Theatre. A small black box theatre, Actors’ Warehouse focuses on the aspect of diverse casting. This holiday season will mark its third production of Langston Hughes’ “Black Nativity” on Dec. 11- 21.

The play is a basic retelling of the nativity story, along with negro-spiritual Christmas songs interwoven throughout the first act. The second act is transformed from a manger scene to a modern-day sanctuary within a church.

“It is full of high energy and poetic versus throughout,” said Steven Butler, artistic director. “It can be very moving.”

Jamaili Tyler, a middle school teacher with experience in acting, dancing and singing, is directing this year.

“I think she will bring a great deal of vision and

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creativity to this year’s production,” Butler said.

All of the actors and staff are volunteers, who do it for the love of the theatre.

“We’re referred to as one of Gainesville’s best kept secrets. Quite honestly, I would rather not be,” Butler said. “I would want Actors’ Warehouse to be a household name in Gainesville.”

Actors’ Warehouse is a nonprofit organization with the goal of providing thought-provoking productions for audience goers, as well as engaging them culturally and politically, which is why they have recently launched a performing arts educational production.

“We are open to receiving new blood, and representing the entire community,” Butler said. “We want everyone to have an opportunity to tap into their creative nature.”

Actors’ Warehouse 608 N. Main Street, Gainesville 352-222-3699

PHOTOS BY CAROLYNE SALT

Tom Miller as Marley, George Steven O’Brien as The Bogle and Ed Hunter as Scrooge.

>> ACROSSTOWN REPERTORY THEATRE Acrosstown Repertory Theatre is holding a holiday show that takes place in its audience’s imagination.

It is the second year the theatre is producing Dickens’ Christmas Carol, as told by Jacob Marley. The play runs from Nov. 28- Dec. 21.

There are minimal props, costumes and a minimal set.

“The audience is the fifth cast member,” said Carolyne Salt, Marketing Director of the Acrosstown Repertory Theatre and second-time director of “Jacob Marley’s Christmas Carol.” “It’s story theatre, so it’s really different, but with the same heart and soul that it had last year.”

The four actors play all of the different characters, while narrating

the story. A tale of redemption three times, Salt explained that Marley’s version tells the real story behind Dickens’ Christmas Carol; Marley’s behind-the-scenes efforts to save Scrooge, and saving himself in the process. Marley is also accompanied

by Bogle, a sprite with an agenda all his own.

“It is the characters that are becoming redeemed, and, to a certain extent, it’s also the audience.”

Salt’s vision for the show is to let the text speak on its own.

“There’s true pathos,” she said.

“There are times of deep sadness and even tragedy, but there’s also a lot of rejoicing and it really runs the entire gamete of emotion.”

The Acrosstown Repertory Theatre, a nonprofit organization, has been in existence for 34 years

www.VisitOurTowns.com

in Gainesville, providing grassroots, cross-cultural theatre and a showcase where volunteers can stage the classics and original material.

“We create theatre for the community and by the community,” Salt said.

That’s what she hopes for the coming production of “A Christmas Carol.”

“It has a lot of real meat to it,” she said, laughing, which is the reason the theatre chose Marley’s version.

“It’s not just sit back and be entertained,” she said. “The audience becomes very involved with the story. It’s really a story of the mind.”

Salt explained that it is challenging to the actors, which is a part of what Acrosstown is about. But it is also challenging for the audience.

You can almost hear it catch its breath.

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PHOTO BY DONNA S. MCCRAW

The Vam York Theater, home to the Gainesville Community Playhouse. In 2009, the theatre presented “Nuncrackers: The Nunsense Christmas Musical. This year audiences can enjoy the “GI Holiday Jukebox.”

There’s silence.

There are laughs.

“We try to do things that are going to be remembered. This is a story that is ultimately going to stick with you for a long time. It’s not really the type of story you fall asleep to,” Salt said, chuckling.

Without an elaborate set or fancy costumes, Salt said the actors are honest and can express the script to the audience intricately.

“They have to be able to make the audience see and believe everything with just the power of their words,” she said. “Really, with a show like this, less is more. I try to push them to give as much as they possibly can, and then pull them back.”

With the audience deeply involved to use their imagination in the production, it truly is different each time, Salt said.

“It’s impossible to do this show and not be moved every single night.”

Acrosstown Repertory Theatre 619 S. Main Street, Gainesville 352-371-1234

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>> GAINESVILLE COMMUNITY PLAYHOUSE Another holiday favorite is the “GI Holiday Jukebox,” which will be performed at the Gainesville Community Playhouse Nov. 28-Dec. 21. A play set during WWII, it is packed with a string of 1940s hits, including tributes te to The Andrews Sisters and Bing Crosby, as well as Christmas music and comedy.

The Gainesville Community Playhouse is one of the oldest community theatres s in the state of Florida, according to its ts Facebook website.

“Our first play, ‘The Pied Piper off Hamlin,’ was produced in 1927 and we have been producing quality plays and musicals ever since,” states the website.

“In 2006, we moved into our present facility, the magnificent Vam York Theater, a 210-seat house e with facilities to stage the most demanding musicals and play plays.”

Gainesville Community Playhouse 4039 N.W. 16th Blvd., Gainesville 352-376-4949

www.VisitOurTowns.com

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PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE HIGH SPRINGS PLAYHOUSE

The cast from last year’s production of “The Homecoming.” The theatre was recently renamed “The High Springs Playhouse” and now offers Friday night concerts.

>> HIGH SPRINGS PLAYHOUSE In its 22nd season, this all-volunteer Playhouse, formally known as the High Springs Community Theatre, was established in 1993 out of the High Springs Woman’s Club. It moved to where it stands today in 2002 and produces a different holiday play each year.

“This year it’s ‘The Best Little Christmas Pageant Ever,’” said Linda Burleson, treasurer of the High Springs Playhouse in a recent telephone interview. “We’re here to enrich the community of North Central Florida by bringing quality entertainment at a reasonable price.”

Running from Dec. 5 to 21, this Christmas classic tells the story of a couple struggling to put on a church Christmas pageant, casting the Herdman kids — that stir up a lot of trouble. Adorned with Christmas carols, this chaotic comedy is something the theatre is looking forward to this season.

“Christmas shows are very

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popular here,” Burleson said.

Almost every year the Christmas show at High Springs Playhouse is sold out for the entire run.

“We get people in the holiday spirit and keep them entertained, I would say.”

The feedback from the play is always positive, she said.

For the Christmas show this year, directors sought personalities in a variety of ages, casting five to eight adults and eight to 12 children, ranging in age from 5 to 18.

“We have a fairly large cast for our theatre,” Burleson said. “We encourage everyone to display their talent and build their level of acting skills.”

While staff does focus on play production, they also offer improvisation workshops for students, which Burleson said builds acting skills and confidence.

The High Springs Playhouse also offers Hearken Night, with artists debuting their new CDs and performing concerts to small intimate audiences. These events usually occur on the Friday following the

end of a play.

About once a year the theatre partners with the Great Outdoors Restaurant to produce an interactive Murder Mystery dinner experience.

“We are all about entertainment, not just plays,” she said.

The series focuses on Americana style music with guitars and a family-friend scene.

“One of the things people are most surprised about is how much talent there is in this little, little area,” Burleson said.

She said the theatre also has quality, professional lighting and draws talent from Lake City, Gainesville, High Springs and Alachua with audiences spanning Lake City to Ocala and from Chiefland to Jacksonville.

“There’s a lot of really good talent,” Burleson said. “For such a small theatre, it comes as a surprising experience.”

High Springs Playhouse 130 NE 1st Avenue, High Springs 386-454-3525

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“She was one of those ladies of a generation where you didn’t talk about things like cancer, so she was already stage four when her cancer was diagnosed,” Dr. Warwicke said. It was through her grandmother’s passing that she realized how crucial education is in the fight against cancer. “It’s so important for everybody to be educated about cancer screenings,” she said. “If you catch cancer early, it’s curable in most cases.”

Originally from Victoria, Canada, Dr. Warwicke earned her undergraduate degree at the University of Miami and her medical degree at Eastern Virginia Medical School in Norfolk, VA. Afterwards, she underwent two years of residency in general surgery at St. Luke’s Roosevelt Hospital in New York, NY, followed by a residency in radiation oncology at the Medical College of Virginia in Richmond where she served as chief resident.

She worked in private practice in Fort Lauderdale, FL, prior to joining Community Cancer Center in 2004.

A board certified radiation oncologist, Dr. Warwicke is a member of the American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology and the American College of Radiology.

Before all of that, she was a 16-year-old girl who loved the sciences. The solidification toward a career in medicine happened in college after she volunteered in hospice care and worked in hospitals. However, it was during her surgical residency that she worked with a radiation oncologist and began to discover her ultimate path in medicine. “I felt radiation oncology balanced 28 | Winter 2014

my need for patient care with my scientific, mathematical brain. It was a good balance between the two,” she said.

During the 19 years Dr. Warwicke has been a practicing radiation oncologist, she has treated close to 6,000 patients. When explaining the feeling she gets from helping her patients, Dr. Warwicke described it as a journey she takes with them.

“When you first meet patients, you’re asking them to put their lives in your hands,” she said. “Building trust and rapport with patients is an honor.”

Dr. Warwicke takes power away from cancers and gives it back to her patients – this happens through education.

She discusses treatment options with them, highlighting their best paths to survivorship. When she declares her patients are cancer free, she helps them rejoice in their victories.

“When patients achieve survivorship, I rejoice with them knowing this – they can live their lives as they were meant to and not be identified as their cancers,” Dr. Warwicke said. “That’s important to me.”

If she could share a message with her patients in the past, present or future, what would it be? “First, don’t let cancer take away your control of your life. Don’t let it define you,” Dr. Warwicke said.

“Also, know most cancers are treatable.

Don’t ignore signs or symptoms – come see a medical professional.” She also stresses the importance of starting conversation with family about genetically linked cancers. “Look into your family history. If you don’t know your greatgrandmother’s medical history, talk to your grandmother or mother,” she said.

“A detailed family history is how we see predominance of cancers and can do the appropriate screenings for them.”

Dr. Warwicke takes pride in the family atmosphere that Community Cancer Center creates for its patients. “From the minute they walk through the front door, they are a part of their teams,” she said. “They’re part of the family we have created here.”

If you wish to have Dr. Warwicke for your medical care needs, call Community Cancer Center at 352.331.0900 (Gainesville location) or 386.755.0601 (Lake City location).

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>> GOING GREEN

Entertaining Environmental Education A Four-Day Festival of Thought-Provoking Films

CINEMA VERDE WRITTEN BY EMILY BEHRENS t’s no secret that the growth of humanity is depleting the world’s resources. This issue, however, is too often overlooked or viewed by some as a boring topic.

Fortunately for Gainesville, a local film festival is returning again this spring to raise awareness about environmental concerns in an educational and entertaining matter.

The 6th Annual Cinema Verde Environmental Film & Arts Festival will be held February 12-16, 2015.

Director Trish Riley said she tries to bring films to Gainesville that have not been in town yet or would not otherwise come to the area. Last year, more than 25 films were shown over the four-day festival period. This year, approximately 12-16 films will be shown to make the work demand easier for volunteers.

Showing fewer films will also allow attendees to see enough without being overloaded with too much information, Riley said.

The festival is an opportunity for people to learn about environmental issues in a unique way. Although

I

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the issues can be frightening, the festival aims to spark conversation amongst people so that they can eventually discuss solutions to environmental problems, Riley said.

The festival also strives to move people toward a more sustainable future. One way it does this is by recognizing businesses that have made the extra effort to reduce their waste and create a more sustainable business, Riley said.

• Green Drinks The idea for Cinema Verde was born from a meeting between Riley and Shirley Lasseter at a Green Drinks Gainesville event. Originating in London, the Green Drinks meetings have become popular in Gainesville, offering opportunities for those concerned about the environment to get together throughout the year and have educational conversations while enjoying a beverage.

After a Green Drinks Gainesville meeting six years ago, Riley and Lasseter talked about seeing environmental films in their travels to other parts of the

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PHOTOS COURTESY OF TRISH RILEY

Cinema Verde VIP Opening Night Reception 2014. TOP L: Maryanne Galvin, visiting director of the film “Who’s Afraid of the Cape Cod Bear,” and friends. CENTER: Director Trish Riley surrounded by Pam and Jerry Coughlin, long-time supporters and festival volunteers. R: Marketing Director Penny Niemann with Cinema Verde Music Director Bud Berning.

country. They realized they needed to bring these kinds of films into Gainesville and met with Nick Williams of Florida Defenders of the Environment.

“All three of us met multiple times through the end of that year and wrote a grant proposal for the state... but it wouldn’t pay us until 2011,” Riley said in a 2011 interview. “We submitted it anyway. By the end of December, first of January, Shirley and I were all for just going ahead. We didn’t want to wait. Nick thought we were crazy and said, ‘I’m outta here.’ But we did it. And it was crazy.”

Green Drinks Gainesville still meets regularly with a mission to raise awareness about environmental issues.

“The more people we can reach that don’t know anything about this the better,” Riley said.

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Sometimes they show a film at a Green Drink event known as Green Drinks meets Cinema Verde.

Last year, approximately 75-100 people attended each Green Drink event.

Riley would like to hold a Green Drink event at the University of Florida in January to reach UF students and show upcoming trailers of the festival.

• Funding Cinema Verde Cinema Verde receives state and local funding to produce the environmental film festival, Riley said.

However, the festival did not receive a tourism grant from Alachua County as it has in the past.

“We do have international attention already, but not large enough to receive it this year,” Riley said.

www.VisitOurTowns.com

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T H E 6 T H A N N UA L

Cinema Verde Environmental Film & Arts Festival

Special Events February 12: VIP Reception & Eco Art Gallery

February 13: Eco Art Gallery February 14: Eco Fair February 15: Film Awards Ceremony cinemaverde.org

PHOTOS COURTESY OF TRISH RILEY PHOTO

Sco Camil talks with viewers following the film “Scott Camil Will Not Die” Scott at the 2014 Cinema Verde Festival. Marketing Director Penny Niemann being interviewed by Channel 20 News.

Regardless of not receiving the grant, Riley said the festival still receives support from the county in other ways.

“This year we have a lack of grants coming in so we need more sponsorship than ever,” said Caitlyn Anderson, a UF marketing senior interning for Cinema Verde.

The festival has received approximately 20-30 donors in the past but is hoping for 30-40 this year, Anderson said.

Riley said she would love to see businesses that practice sustainable measures come forward with sponsorship. Such environmentally friendly businesses will be able to reach that type of audience by helping sponsor the festival, Riley said. Businesses can also

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purchase bulk tickets. If 100 tickets are bought at once, a special discount is available.

Businesses should consider purchasing bulk tickets because they serve as great holiday gifts for coworkers, employees and family members, Riley said.

The festival is also hoping to find a permanent venue for the event in the near future.

• The Future of Cinema Verde Attendance for the Cinema Verde Environmental Film & Arts Festival has consistently been around 3,000 people each year. Riley said she would like to increase exposure to 5,000. She said she would not strictly measure that number by festival attendees, but rather the total of those that have attended a special speaker

www.VisitOurTowns.com

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PHOTOS COURTESY OF CINEMA VERDE

Members of Cinema Verde 2012’s intern crew: front row - Laura Caicedo, Matt Gorstein, Lissette Portocarrero; back row - Michelle Murphy, Neal Patel, Lindsay Sugarman, Erin Roach.

event, such as children at school that have listened to environmental speakers or members of assisted living facilities that have had the opportunity to hear an environmental speaker.

Camila Portillo, a UF advertising sophomore and Cinema Verde intern, said she enjoys the passion of those with whom she works and is excited to see it come alive at the festival.

“This is my first internship in the workplace, and seeing people do what they’ve dedicated their lives to has been one of the best parts,” Portillo said.

The Cinema Verde Environmental Film & Arts Festival is a chance for those involved with environmental issues — and those hoping to become involved

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— to explore numerous, fantastic films and attempt to create solutions to problems the world faces, Riley said. She is excited to see the way younger generations are recognizing environmental issues and starting to create solutions.

She hopes the festival reaches not only the younger generation, but also people in small towns.

Humanity as a whole, Riley said, has been driven to become crazy consumers and should not act that way. Instead, she said we should have time to do meaningful work, raise children and explore our creativity and intelligence.

“It’s time to reshape the world and I’m trying to help people realize how to do that,” Riley said. s

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COLUMN >> DONNA BONNELL

Embracing Life Family Games

ven though I am not a gambler, I dare readers to ask my 33-year-old son where the Green Mountains are located. Wager any amount and I will accept your bet with complete confidence that I will win. When you pose the question, I guarantee Jeffrey will smile, laugh his charming country chuckle and immediately reply with the correct answer.

Much to the chagrin of his wonderful teachers, he did not learn that information in school. Moreover, Jeffrey has never been to Vermont. However, on a Christmas afternoon many years ago, he and his cousin lost a game because they had never heard of the Green Mountains.

Board games and cards are a long-standing tradition in our family. The custom began generations ago when my ancestors migrated to Miami and the Keys.

Accommodations were sparse, working conditions atrocious and money scarce. Family folklore includes stories of our rugged descendants using their limited spare time playing cards. A couple of decks of cards provided cheap entertainment and rich bonding of the family unit.

Many of my earliest memories are of weekly Friday night card games at rotating homes, each taking turns to host the tourneys. Having beer and chips (for the adults) and Coca Cola and candy (for the kids) were really the only responsibilities. The

E

children usually wore their pajamas because inevitably the contests continued into the wee hours of Saturday morning.

Even though it was decades ago and most of the key players have passed on, I will never forget hearing Uncle John’s voice when he lost. As his cards flew across the table, he shouted, “Oh H___!” According to our parents, he was not cursing (it was supposedly the name of the game). Of course, we often wondered how that applied to Rummy or Poker.

Do you think that kind of philosophy (or the game’s name) had a bearing on why the Pilgrims and Puritans of New England frowned on game playing? They viewed dice as instruments of the devil. Until the 19th Century, when the population of the United States shifted from agricultural to urban living, very few indulged in such frivolous activities.

Slowly (thankfully) their popularity grew.

Checkers, one of the oldest games, traces back to early civilization. Evidence found in an archeological dig carbon dated 3000 B.C. Monopoly, made to explain the single tax theory of Henry George, had its humble beginnings in 1903.

Elizabeth J. Magie Phillips wanted an educational tool to illustrate the negative aspects of concentrating land in private monopolies and self-published The Landlord’s Game in 1906. A series of games emerged

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through the 1930s, based on her concept. By 1933, Parker Brothers created and sold Monopoly.

Candy Land’s roots date back to 1945; designed by Eleanor Abbott, while recovering from polio. Milton Bradley Company purchased Candy Land and published the first version in 1949.

Scrabble, my personal favorite, is a derivative from an early word game — Lexiko. In 1938, Alfred Mosher Butts created the new game Criss-Crosswords.

Unfortunately, he was unsuccessful in selling the game to manufacturers. James Brunot, one of the few owners of Criss-Crosswords, bought the rights and changed its name to Scrabble. Brunot and his family made 2,400 sets, but lost money. According to legend, Scrabble’s big break came in 1952 when Jack Straus, president of Macy’s, played the game on vacation.

Upon returning, he was surprised that his store did not carry Scrabble. Strauss placed a large order and the game’s popularity grew quickly.

Fortunately, by the time I was old enough to learn how to spell, the game was accessible to the average family. I attribute Scrabble (and my dearly departed Aunt Rusie) as the foundation for my fascination with words and writing. Regular readers know that many Embracing Life columns have included my gratitude for Scrabble.

I continue to pay forward what Aunt Rusie did for me, by eagerly playing games with Lexi and Owen. Even though both of my grandchildren are only five years old (and we make up the rules as we go), they enjoy the camaraderie and uninterrupted quality time.

Today, family get-togethers and reunions are simply incomplete without a spirted card competition or board game tournament. Jeffrey’s cousin (his partner in the game they lost more than 15 years ago) recently visited with his fiancÊe. Shane’s goodnatured girlfriend patiently listened to their favorite holiday tale as the group played several rounds of Sequence. Nobody could recall the name of the particular game played, but everyone remembered the Green Mountains of Vermont. s

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>> GOOD TIMES

Nightlife Off the

Beaten Path Out On the Town (with or without the kids)

hinking about nightlife in a college town often conjures visions of raucous co-eds bumping, grinding and playing beer pong in crowded bars and nightclubs. But the Gainesville population is more diverse than the wild and single 18- to 20-somethings burning off steam after a big exam. Gainesville is also home to families and couples who might be looking for a different kind of night out.

Throughout the city and even nestled among the wild college nightspots are places where locals gather to have a good time at a different pace. Whether it’s a family of four or just a couple of friends out on the town, here are just a few of our staff picks for some fun places for locals to gather once the sun goes down — with our without the kiddos.

T

GOTTA’ SITTER? If you are lucky enough to land a sitter for the evening, or if you are living the kid-free lifestyle, Gainesville offers plenty of places for locals to congregate. Check out these adult-only options for a night out in G-town.

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Lillian’s Music Store Lillian’s isn’t a music store at all, but rather a long-time Gainesville nightclub.

While innumerable bars in downtown Gainesville have come and gone, Lillian’s has weathered the storms and still stands strong.

Established in 1974, Lillian’s has supported live music in Gainesville for more than 40 years. In addition to the established musical acts, Lillian’s also hosts jam nights every Monday night (with no cover) and Karaoke on Wednesdays.

Bartender Tom will greet you for Happy Hour where regulars belly-up to the bar for goodnatured conversation. Tom has been bartending there for as long as we can remember.

On any given Friday or Saturday night once the band takes the stage, the club becomes a

PHOTOS BY KRISTIN KOZELSKY

www.VisitOurTowns.com

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rambunctious good time with dancers filling the dance floor and patrons spilling outside where additional tables can be put to good use.

Half Cork’d If wine is more your cup of tea, so to speak, then cruise next door to Half Cork’d where you can sample expensive wines at reasonable prices. The establishment uses high-tech dispensing machines that utilize argon to keep the wine fresh, which helps keep the costs down. This technology allows customers the choice to taste up to 56 different wines, choose from over 250 bottles, or simply pick a favorite from a list. Patrons also have the choice of buying wine by the taste, half-glass or full glass.

The establishment also offers tapas, wine, specialty beers and champagne when it’s time to celebrate. Cheers!

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Hippodrome State Theatre Experience culture and entertainment with a night at the Hipp. This architectural downtown centerpiece features a main stage theatre with award-winning thespians and is home to some of the best productions in the country. Grab a drink at the full-service bar and explore the visual arts gallery. Or check out first-run artistic and foreign films in the Hippodrome cinema.

The building in downtown Gainesville is listed on the National Registry of Historic Places and is a great way to spend a culturally enriching night on the town.

Tall Paul’s Brew House Locals looking for live music should try a Saturday night at Tall Paul’s. Just off the main drag in downtown Gainesville, this regional favorite offers an open atmosphere with local beers brewed in-house at the on-site Alligator Brewing Company. They focus on craft beers and beers brewed in Florida, and the selection is plentiful. Just peer through the glass windows behind the bar to catch a glimpse. This calm local bar offers free foosball, darts, a giant Connect Four game, and ring toss. It’s a great place to watch the game, and it’s one of the few places in a football town you can catch a soccer game.

On nice evenings they’ll open up the big windows to let in a fresh breeze.

Dirty Bar Slightly off the beaten path of downtown Gainesville, you can find the Dirty Bar (as in dirty martini) — formally known as Emeralds. If you’re looking for a break from the 20-something college scene then you should head over to Thornebrook Village for happy hour with half-priced drinks and complimentary food offered by the staff and by some of the regulars who will typically bring in snacks.

If you enjoy playing pool you will find pool tables upstairs along with a second fully stocked bar.

Stick around and later in the evening (around

www.VisitOurTowns.com

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9 – 9:30) live bands take to the stage and young and old alike can be found tripping the light fantastic on the dance floor. With drink specials and entertainment Tuesday through Saturday, there is practically something for everyone at the Dirty Bar. Tuesday nights it’s Karaoke. Wednesday nights it’s Kinky Trivia. Live bands grace the stage on Friday and Saturday nights with an occasional Thursday showing.

Additionally, on the third Sunday of each month the club offers a Blues Jam by the North Central Florida Blues Society. Blues fans from all over North Florida converge for an opportunity to listen, play and catch up with friends.

FAMILY FRIENDLY NIGHTLIFE A night out for parents with young children is sometimes hard to come by. But if you can’t shake the kids, there are plenty of fun things to do with your sweetheart while the kids tag along.

Bo Diddley Community Plaza Spend an evening with the family at the plaza — and ring in the New Year!

This year the free concert will begin at 9:30 p.m. on December 31st and run until 12:30 a.m. Noisemakers will be passed out to the audience and at the stroke of midnight the sounds of celebration will chorus in the New Year.

On Friday nights from May to October, local residents gather in historic downtown Gainesville for free concerts at the Plaza. Families bring blankets and lawn chairs from 8 to 10 p.m. to enjoy the local and regional bands as well as performing arts. Parents can snuggle up under the stars while children dance their hearts out in this family friendly environment. The plaza is located on the corner of SE 1st St. and E. University Ave., and this year marks the sixth anniversary of renaming the plaza in honor of local treasure and legendary artist, Bo Diddley. For more information or to check show schedules, call 352-393-8746 or visit gvlculturalaffairs.org.

Splitz at FunWorks For those families that need a little more activity, try an action-packed evening at Splitz. This family-friendly bowling alley and laser tag arena offers specials throughout the week including Two-4-Tuesdays.

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PHOTO BY ROBERT REXJACKSON

On Tuesdays from 5 to 9 p.m. they offer BOGO bowling and laser tag games and children eat free with the purchase of an adult meal. Pick from three separate styles of bowling lanes, including Family Fun Lanes, Boutique Lanes and Private Lanes inside Thirsty Gator.

They also have more than 30 Hi-Def televisions with tons of kids and sports packages, or let your brood head into the fog, music and lights for a game of laser tag in the arena. There’s plenty to keep the kids entertained while parents kick back to enjoy some refreshments.

Be advised that children of all ages are welcome until 10 p.m., when the crowd is limited to 16 and up. Splitz is a part of FunWorks, which offers a family night on Saturdays until midnight. They offer activities such as Swamp Golf, a skating rink, bounce houses and go karts that are sure to complete an action-packed evening.

For more information visit www.funworks.com.

Gainesville Roller Rebels If go-karts and bowling don’t scratch that action itch, amp up your evening with a trip to the roller derby. The Gainesville Roller Rebels is an all-lady skating team bent on derby domination. The Rebels, clad in fishnets and helmets, race around the rink in an action-packed event the whole family can root for.

Roller Derby is played by two teams consisting of five lively ladies. Four of them are blockers, and their job is to protect and defend their Jammer. The Jammer attempts to skate past the opposing team’s blockers to score points. Each of the two halves is a half hour, but

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rest assured that there is plenty of falling, slamming and dodging elbows packed into an hour-long extravaganza of exciting entertainment. Just keep younger children out of the suicide seats. They are right at the edge of the action, and it’s not unheard of to end up with a derby damsel thrown right into your lap.

Museum Nights at The Harn

PHOTO BY TOM MORISSEY

If you’re looking to add a little culture to your family, try a night at the museum.

On the second Thursday of the month, the Harn Museum of Art opens its doors from 6 to 9 p.m. for an evening of entertainment and activities. December’s event is a Holiday Celebration.

Visitors can learn about the multiple holidays celebrated in December, which include Hanukkah, Kawanza and Christmas.

Meet local artists and view their one-of-a-kind ornaments designed for the tree lighting event in the Harn Museum Store. Visitors can also enjoy the Local Artist Trunk Show + Member Appreciation. Local artists who sell merchandise in the Harn Store will bring more inventory on this evening. Mingle with local artists and check out the handmade ornaments that will be available for purchase.

Satchel’s

PHOTO BY USFWS/ANN FROSCHAUER

What would a night out be without dinner? Pizza is one of the most kidfriendly meals, and there are plenty of great options in Gainesville. But one family-friendly pizza joint locals rave about is Satchel’s Pizza. With two playgrounds, a bocce ball court and a junk museum, kids will be entertained while parents kick back and wait on their hand-crafted pizza.

This quirky hipster paradise is a treat for the eyes and the stomach with vegan and gluten free offerings abound.

And who needs a regular table when you can drink homemade Lola Cola in a fort or an old VW van? For menu options and information visit www.satchelspizza.com.

Lake Alice and The Bat House Walk off a nice full belly with an after-dinner stroll around Lake Alice. The setting might be on a college campus in the middle of town, but it offers a serene way to get back to nature as a family. Couples can walk hand in hand along the lake while kids are gator spotting. Keep a close eye on the little ones, and as dusk approaches look toward the bat house to see the creatures of the night take flight. A romantic outdoor stroll is the perfect ending to a low-key evening.

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We understand that this is most certainly not an exhaustive list of all the great nightlife that Gainesville has to offer. We’d love to hear what your favorite local haunts are as well. Email your ideas for the perfect night out to editor@towerpublications.com. s

PHOTO BY TOM MORISSEY

PHOTO BY USFWS/ANN FROSCHAUER

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Your empty milk carton may not look like much now, but since it is 80% recyclable paper, it can be recycled into high-grade paper. In fact, the milk cartons you recycle today can be transformed into the schoolbooks your children will learn from tomorrow. The next time you finish a carton of milk, remember to toss it in the blue recycle bin. After nourishing your child’s body, your milk carton can be recycled into a book to nourish your child’s mind.

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>> CHARITY

Present Time Giving Back by Paying Forward

WRITTEN BY ERICKA WINTERROWD t’s the holiday season and as the saying goes, “‘Tis far better to give than to receive.” There are, however, some gifts that let you do both. Giving to charities doesn’t have to be just writing a check, and Gainesville has many organizations that welcome volunteers to get involved in giving back.

I

“Help one another; there’s no time like the present and no present like the time.”

— JAMES DURST

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Mid-Florida Established in 1975, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Mid-Florida (BBBS) has served thousands of children within Alachua, Bradford, Columbia, Gilchrist, Levy, and Marion counties. BBBS Match Specialist Joel Robinson said the heart of this charity is putting children on a lifelong path to success and helping them reach their potential by giving them a positive role model in their lives.

“All of the kids in our program are here for one mentoring need or another and the volunteer can really be a positive role model in these

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Emma Stone, Jamie Foxx and Andrew Garfield at an open photocall for “The Amazing Spiderman” in Los Angeles in 2013. Foxx is national spokesperson for Big Brothers Big Sisters of America.

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PHOTOS PROVIDED BY BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS OF MID-FLORIDA

Every Big Brother/Sister is screened through an FBI background check, sex offender registry, driving record check, reference check and an extensive interview process. They come from many walks of life, and they are all committed to improving the life of a child in their community.

kids’ lives,” Robinson said in a telephone interview. “And most of our volunteers feel like their ‘littles’ have had an impact on their lives as well, giving them a different perspective and making them appreciate the things they have in their own lives.”

To achieve the BBBS mission, the charity’s accountability statement includes a commitment to measure and be responsible for specific youth outcomes that focus on educational achievement, avoid risky behaviors (especially juvenile delinquency), higher selfesteem, confidence, and the ability to relate to others.

Robinson said the biggest need that BBBS has is for mentors.

“We have a long waiting list of children who are waiting to be paired with mentors,” Robinson said.

After the enrollment process, which involves background checks and an in-person interview, the mentor is matched with a ‘little brother’ or ‘little sister’ that would best match their personality. The organization

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is a collaborative effort; parents, children, donors and partners in our communities all share accountability for the children BBBS serves. And the positive outcomes that are achieved are celebrated by all.

“Having a ‘little brother’ myself, I can vouch that the program really does have an impact on the lives of young people,” Robinson said. “And if someone really dedicates the time to this program they can make a real difference.”

HOW YOU CAN GIVE BACK: Visit www.bbbsmidflorida.org to learn more about the program and fill out an application to become a mentor. The organization asks for a commitment of four hours per month for a full year, although most of the volunteers exceed the minimum four-hour requirement.

LOCATION: 1155 NW 13th St. Gainesville, FL. 32601 CONTACT: 352-375-2525, www.bbbsmidflorida.org EMAIL: info@bbbsmidflorida.org

Catholic Charities Catholic Charities Gainesville is a 501c(3) not-for-profit organization that provides a number of services and programs for those in need, regardless of race or religion, within Alachua, Bradford, Dixie, Gilchrist, Levy and Union Counties.

The organization’s mission is to provide a variety of services “to anyone in need, to advocate justice, human dignity and quality of life; and to call all people of goodwill to join in these efforts; thereby reflecting the compassion and love of God in Christ,” according to its website. Catholic Charities is funded through a combination of grants, donations, fundraisers, parish and diocesan support and membership.

Food Pantry, Weekend Hunger Backpacks and Rural Mobile Food Distribution are programs that help individual families who are struggling with hunger. Regional Director of Catholic Charities John Barli said that the charity’s vision is poverty reduction, and that there are numerous volunteer opportunities to help in that cause.

“We have volunteers who work in our Food Pantry, help unload trucks, help with social media, basic computer inputting for clients, receptionist duties such as answering the phones and greeting clients,” Barli said in a telephone interview.

“It’s dependent on what someone wants to do. And what someone’s skillset is, and what hours they are available to work.”

There are also opportunities to help out in upcoming events such as the charity’s Fire And Ice Festival this New Year’s Eve. “It’s a family-friendly New Year’s Eve celebration that features rides, bounce houses and ice slides,” Barli said. “There’s also a fireworks show.

And it’s done afternoon and early evening so that people can still go and enjoy their New Year’s evening after. Part of the proceeds of the event goes to benefit our Weekend Hunger Backpack program.”

Catholic Charities’ annual

“The best way to find yourself, is to lose yourself in the service of others.”

— MAHATMA GANDHI

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY CATHOLIC CHARITIES GAINESVILLE

In Alachua County, one in four children don’t have enough food to eat each day. Lack of nutritious and adequate food has implications not only for the development of physical and mental disease, but also behavior and social skills.

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fundraising event called the Spirit Of Charity Gala is taking place on February 28th at the Reitz Union. This event includes a night of dining and dancing featuring Gainesville’s premiere Silent Live Auction. Tickets are available starting Nov. 1st through the Catholic Charities’ website.

Another program offered through this organization is Bridges To Prosperity, designed to look at the root cause of poverty and help individuals learn to become self sufficient. Pregnancy counseling services such as Caring Choices offers support and advocacy for women experiencing an unintended pregnancy. Adoption services are also available, and assistance is offered to all parties in the adoption process.

HOW YOU CAN GIVE BACK: Volunteer in-house and/or at events Fire And Ice Festival (Dec. 31,2014) and Spirit Of Charity Gala (Feb. 28, 2015).

For regular volunteering info contact John Barli at: jbarli@catholiccharitiesgainesville.org and for event volunteering info contact Laurie Porter at: lporter@ catholiccharitiesgainesville.org.

Also, food and monetary donations are welcomed as well as toiletry items.

LOCATION: 1701 NE 9th St. Gainesville, FL 32609 CONTACT: 352-372-0294, www.catholiccharitiesgainesville.org EMAIL: jbarli@catholiccharitiesgainesville.org

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY BREAD OF THE MIGHTY FOOD BANK

Bread of the Mighty Food Bank never wants its donated food to spoil, so staff and volunteers regularly load their trucks with pallets of fresh and frozen food and send it out to feed the hungry.

Bread of the Mighty Food Bank The Bread of the Mighty Food Bank is a private non-profit organization founded in 1987. The mission: to provide hope and encouragement to the hungry and food insecure.

This organization collects, sorts, stores and distributes donated food and basic essentials to more than 160 non-profit feeding programs and partner agencies.

Bread of the Mighty Food Bank serves five North Central Florida counties — Alachua, Dixie, Gilchrist, Lafayette and Levy. Director of Community Outreach Loretta Griffis said the heart of this charity is feeding the hungry.

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“Here in Alachua County one in four children and one in five of the general population is what they consider food insecure,” Griffis said in a telephone interview. “Which means they don’t know if they’re going to have a meal tonight or not. I believe it’s a 26.6 percent poverty rate right here in Alachua County, so the big deal is getting food so we can feed the people.”

This charity is on the road five days a week picking up donated food from generous retailers and wholesalers and distributing food to the community.

The organization established the Food On The Move program after seeing how a large portion of its donated food is perishable and cannot sit in the warehouse. The

program makes sure the food reaches those in need quickly, ensuring that little food goes to waste when there are so many out there in need.

Griffis said she welcomes people to come take a tour of the charity’s warehouse to learn all about the programs and how one can get involved.

“We have a volunteer coordinator, her name is Colleen Baker, and anyone who wants to volunteer can go to our website and email or call her. She can get them set up to come in and volunteer, and they can do food drives,” Griffis said. “Right now we’re in the middle of our holiday food drive. It started October 1st and it will go through December 31st.”

Griffis said even though the organization has been in Gainesville for 27 years, a lot of people don’t know they are here, and if they do, they may have a misconception of what they are.

“Some people think we’re a food kitchen or something like that. We’re actually a warehouse and we have five counties that we serve,” she said. “We work with 160 to 170 different agencies that come to us and get the food and take it back out into the community. And we also take food out into the community through the Mobile Pantry program.”

Griffis explained that 1.3 lbs. of food equals one meal. A food drive that accrues 100 lbs. of food equals almost 77 meals.

“A lot of people when they go to, say, Publix, buy one, get one. They keep one and donate the other,” she said. “And we do have people who come to our front door, just regular citizens who come in and drop off food.”

After recounting a story about a gentleman and his daughter who came to tour the warehouse, Griffis stressed the point that one person can make a difference.

“This little girl, who was only about age four, went home and told her mother that they needed to do a food drive. They went door to door in their community and had their own little food drive,” Griffis said. “So you know, if kids can do it, anybody can do it.”

“If you can’t feed a hundred people, then feed just one.”

— MOTHER TERESA

HOW YOU CAN GIVE BACK: Have your own food drive, collect food items in your community and then donate them to Bread of the Mighty Food Bank.

Volunteer to sort food items. Now until the end of the year this charity is having a lot of food drives and when the food comes in it all has to be sorted, so volunteer help is definitely needed.

Drop off food donations; Bread of the Mighty Food Bank takes food donations Monday through Friday, between the hours of 8am to 4pm.

LOCATION: 325 NW 10th Ave. Gainesville, FL. 32601 CONTACT: 352-336-0839, www.breadofthemighty.org EMAIL: foodbank7@bellsouth.net

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St. Francis House and Arbor House Established in 1980 by Father Baker, the St. Francis House provides the basic necessities to help the homeless and hungry in our community. The organization’s program includes providing residents three meals a day, lunch for over 200 visitors, daily emergency shelter for 35 people, 60 beds during severe weather nights, transitional housing in three houses, and 33 efficiency apartments for permanent housing. The Arbor House is St. Francis’ newest property for single women and women with children.

Candice Jones is the volunteer coordinator for the St. Francis House and Arbor House; the two organizations work in conjunction with each other. She said that both houses are in need of volunteers to

or email her directly at: sfhcoor@ stfrancis.cfcoxmail.com to get involved. Other programs that can be found at the St. Francis House and Arbor House are job placement, education and case management, which is designed to address job placement. Referrals to other community resources are available as well. Female volunteers are preferred at the Arbor House, since it is a women and children’s shelter.

Fundraising opportunities are also available through donation and food drives. Those interested can go to the stfrancishousegnv.org website and click on the ‘wish list’ to find which items, such as food and toiletries, are especially needed.

Jones stressed the importance of donating warm clothing as the temperature drops during the winter months.

class requirement or they’re just doing it because they want to help other people, it’s really awesome.”

Jones said the feeling received from helping others at the St. Francis House and Arbor House is indescribable.

“To witness and to see a family’s transition from coming into a shelter and then leaving the shelter because they got the service they needed, it’s just the best feeling,” she said. “It’s hard to put into words the joy that experience brings.”

HOW YOU CAN GIVE BACK: Volunteer to tutor a child or parent.

Volunteer as an individual or get a group of friends together to serve meals.

Host a donation or food drive.

Check out the ‘wish list’ on stfran-

“Anyone who thinks that they are too small to make a difference has never tried to fall asleep with a mosquito in the room.”

— CHRISTINE TODD WHITMAN

help tutor the children that are at the shelter. Parents who are going to college, studying for their GED or reading program are also in need of tutorial help.

Volunteer assistance is also available at the front desk, distributing shower supplies as well as other secretarial tasks. Jones said that one could choose to volunteer as a group or individual.

“So if an individual wants to help out in the kitchen, or if a group wants to get together and come in and serve lunch, they are able to do so,” Jones said in a telephone interview. “Also welcomed are those who wish to bring in a meal for dinner.”

Jones encourages the public to contact the organization through its website, stfrancishousegnv.org

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“It’s getting cooler in the afternoon so we need warm jackets and scarves, socks and underwear,” Jones said. “People think because it’s winter, we only need jackets and sweaters — and we do need those — those are greatly appreciated,” Jones said. “But a lot of people don’t understand that socks and underwear play a huge role in keeping warm, as well.”

As a non-profit organization with limited funds, St Francis House depends on the generosity of the community as well as its volunteers.

“The volunteers are what hold us together, they’re honestly the heart of the St. Francis House,” Jones said. “They keep us going, they bring fresh energy to the clients and staff, they really do. Whether it’s for a

cisgnv.org to find specific donation items that are needed.

Donate a meal for dinner.

Donate warm clothing during winter months; remember that socks and underwear are especially needed too.

LOCATION: St. Francis House: 413 S Main St. Gainesville, FL 32601 Arbor House: 2618 NW 6th St. Gainesville, FL 32609 CONTACT: 352-378-9079, 352-5053521 ext. 4, stfrancishousegnv.org EMAIL: sfhcoor@stfrancis.cfcoxmail.com At 15 years old Anne Frank wrote, “How wonderful that no one need wait a single moment to improve the world.”

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COLUMN >> ALBERT ISAAC

Different Note The Things We Say and the Things We Don’t

y brother lost his life 37 years ago. He was 18 when he crashed his van in the Florida Keys.

That was nearly 40 years ago — but it seems like only yesterday.

I don’t remember saying goodbye to him. But I do remember saying other things. He had taken my cassette player without my permission and I was angry.

I told Mom, “I don’t care if I ever see him again.”

That was a hard-learned lesson. I try not to say things like that anymore.

I never did see my brother again, except in my dreams. A couple of years ago, I had just such a dream.

We hugged. I could smell the odor of his cigarettes. I told him I loved him. We cried together. It was so real when I woke up I thought he was here.

At the time I had had quite the trip down memory lane, beginning with a visit by two “kids” from my old Miami neighborhood (which perhaps prompted the dream), friends that had come to see my sister. The last time I had seen these girls they were teenagers. Now they have adult children. We reminisced and laughed and watched home movies (super-8), and I realized how much we meant to each other in those early years, although perhaps we didn’t know it at the time. The things we do and say to one another have far greater impact than most of us ever realize.

Soon thereafter, I went to Miami to attend the Memorial Service for my high school band director, William “Uncle Willie” Ledue, who was just shy of 90 when he passed. Familiar faces greeted me as I arrived at Coral Gables High School. I walked the long hallway to the band room where I’d spent so many hours making music — and mischief. The room was exactly as I remembered it, complete with the holes in the ceiling where students had thrown their pencils into the acoustic tile.

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It was a bittersweet visit spent reuniting with old friends and celebrating the life of a remarkable man. In the end, many of Uncle Willie’s former students held one final performance. There were tears. There were cheers. And there was laughter.

In the years since high school I had often thought of getting in touch with Uncle Willie. I even discussed it with friends. A year would fly by. Then 10. And then 30.

(I tend to procrastinate.)

Then on day I came across some old boxes with a bunch of high school pictures, letters and yearbooks.

My thoughts turned to Uncle Willie. This time I would not procrastinate. I got off my lazy — excuse my French — derrière and phoned a friend who phoned a friend and before you could say, “Stop procrastinating!” I was spearheading a group effort with my fellow classmates to visit Uncle Willie.

It was great fun visiting with him and my friends, sharing band stories, hearing about his life. And then, while sitting with him at the dinner table, he leaned forward and asked me if I knew a particular student. As it turns out, I did — but I was surprised to learn he was one of Uncle Willie’s former students.

He went on to tell me how this kid came into band with a big chip on his shoulder. These were the early days of desegregation and this young black student had been moved into a white school.

He didn’t want to cooperate. Didn’t want to march.

Uncle Willie met with the boy’s parents and they told him to do whatever it takes to straighten him out.

He told me he didn’t treat him any differently than any other student, but in the end, the young man came to him and said, “I give up. You win. I’ll do whatever you want me to do.”

The chip was gone. The young man graduated.

He went on to college and earned a degree in music.

He then earned a Masters of Science in aeronautical engineering with avionics. This young man went further than your average student — in fact, he went into space, becoming an astronaut and flying in the Space Shuttle Columbia.

I asked Uncle Willie how he felt about having made such an impact on this young man. He shrugged his shoulders.

“That’s what teachers do,” he said.

I had the good fortune of visiting with Uncle Willie one last time before he passed away. We gathered together to celebrate his 89th birthday, former students now grown, from all types of professions — including an astronaut.

The influence this remarkable man had on the lives of so many students is immeasurable, rippling out in waves, never-ending. It was readily apparent at his memorial as one former student after another stood in that old band room and shared their stories. He treated us equally, whether we played well or not, and he expected the best from all of us.

We all have this power, should we desire to wield it.

With our words we can lift people up or knock them down. Our choice.

I’m glad I made the effort to visit the leader of the band. Had I waited, had I procrastinated just one more year, I would never have seen him again. Several of my friends who missed those gatherings are now expressing their deep regrets; regrets that they hadn’t made that visit, hadn’t sent that letter, hadn’t made that phone call.

At the memorial, while talking to a friend, I asked him if he could remember when last we had seen each other.

“It was at your brother’s funeral,” he replied.

That was 37 years ago. And it took another funeral for us to meet again. This should serve as a reminder for all of us to pick up the phone, to send that message, to make that visit before we miss the opportunity. It’s much more fun visiting friends and family during the living years, rather than funerals.

Now go play nice and have few regrets. s

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>> ANCHORS AWEIGH

Cruising Explore the Open Seas WRITTEN BY MARISA ROSS

G

one are the days of lugging heavy suitcases through narrow alleyways as you decode a map with unpronounceable street names to find your hole-in-the-wall hotel. If you’ve never been on a cruise

vacation, you’re probably missing out on one of the best-value ways to travel.

On a cruise ship, you’re able to travel to several new and exciting destinations along with abundant food, constant entertainment and excellent service. For the most part, the majority of planning is done for you, repetitive unpacking and repacking isn’t an issue and you get exclusive sale offers you can’t find on land. If all that seems appealing, it might be time to ditch your old ways and discover how to travel in comfort, ease and style. Here’s an introduction to the things some of the most common cruise lines offer and the resources to use when planning a trip. Bon voyage!

CARNIVAL: For the budget-conscious and energetic crowd To get a sense of what this cruise line is all about, look no further than its namesake.

This line refers to its vessels as “fun ships,” and once you’ve cruised with one, it’s no wonder why: Carnival knows how to party. With a combination of its liveliness, low-priced fares and beachy destination itineraries, Carnival cruises are the optimal choice for spring breakers in the month of March. But don’t be fooled. While the vim and vigor of this line may attract younger passengers, it’s not just a “booze cruise” for rowdy college kids. The line offers an impressive range of affordable shore excursions, late night adult comedy, dive-in movies on the lido deck and more. From limbo contests to poolside volleyball matches, there is something fun for everyone. Even the towels are fun! Each night, be surprised by what towel animal formations will be waiting for you. An exciting feature to look for in 2015 is the Carnival LIVE concert series, featuring performances by notable artists, including Journey, Rascal Flatts and Jennifer Hudson.

• Most popular ship: Carnival Liberty • Where it goes: Alaska, Australia, Bahamas, Bermuda, Canada-New England, Caribbean, Hawaii, Mexico • General price range: $100 - $1,500 per person • For more info: www.carnival.com or 1-800-764-7419

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ROYAL CARIBBEAN: For first-time cruisers and the best entertainment on the Seven Seas Royal Caribbean lends itself to a bit of everything — spectacular service, fine dining and chocolate buffets galore, vast and vibrant showrooms — but one standard of Royal Caribbean that is unparalleled is its world-class entertainment. Every night, be treated to Broadway productions, live orchestras, AquaTheater shows, aerialists, professional ice skaters and more.

Yes, you read correct. On select Royal Caribbean ships, there are even ice rinks for both shows and passenger use. The ships also include a rock wall, zip line, FlowRider (simulated surfing), RipCord by iFly® and mini golf courses. With an endless range of activities to choose from and facilities to satisfy your every need, be it fitness, spa pampering or sun bathing, it’s easy to forget there are actual ports to

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visit during your cruise. Some people love sea days so much, they don’t get off the ship at all! If you’ve never cruised before, this line is a prime choice to start. But be warned: Once you’ve experienced a cruise held to this standard, it’ll be difficult to accept anything less than Royal Caribbean’s best.

• Where it goes: Alaska, Asia, Australia/New Zealand, Bahamas, Bermuda, Canada/New England, Caribbean, Dubai and the Emirates, Europe, Hawaii, Pacific Northwest, Panama Canal, South America, South Pacific and Transatlantic/Repositioning options • Most popular ship: Oasis of the Seas • Price range: $120 - $3,400 • For more info: www.royalcaribbean.com or call 866-562-7625

CELEBRITY: For the foodies with more upscale taste If you haven’t already guessed by the name, this cruise line aims to treat its passengers like royalty — you may not be Victoria Beckham, but you can still travel like her aboard the Celebrity line, which reaches out to a more mature audience with refined dining options, larger

Select ships partner with Bravo TV’s hit show “Top Chef” staterooms and effortless luxury. Select ships partner with Bravo TV’s hit show “Top Chef” to heighten the culinary experience further, with interactive competitions and unlimited access to all seasons of the show on the stateroom TVs.

In addition to the “Top Chef at Sea” feature, Celebrity has its own top chefs in the kitchen whipping up cuisines that highlight flavors of the ports of call and exotic tastes from beyond. And for those that yearn for a cool, tall one, some of the ships boast more than 50 craft beers on tap.

• Where it goes: Alaska, Asia, Australia and New Zealand, Bahamas, Bermuda, Canada and New England, Caribbean, Europe, Galapagos, Hawaii, Panama Canal, South America, Transatlantic, Transpacific • Most popular ship: Celebrity Reflection • Price range: $250 - $18,000 • For more info: www.celebritycruises.com or call 1-800-647-2251

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DISNEY: For the whole family, but mostly for the children From what is widely regarded as “the most magical place on Earth,” Disney has an impeccable reputation to uphold, and it certainly maintains its magic on the sea. While the targeted audience of these ships is clearly the kids, there’s still fun for the whole family and adults-only serenity zones. Discover “a whole new world” with Princess Jasmine, Hercules and all the other original characters from your favorite Disney movies in specialized theatre performances, 3D viewings and aqua play zones. Youngsters will have plenty of meet-and-greet opportunities with Mickey and the gang, as well as a chance to have a tea party with the lovely Disney princesses. There are nightly themed deck parties, such as Pirate Night and the Pixar Pals Party, and during the holidays, Disney invites seasonal characters like Jack and Sally from Tim Burton’s “The Nightmare Before Christmas” onboard for a truly memorable experience. Book with a Disney cruise to have a vacation reminiscent of a fairytale.

• Where it goes: Alaska, Disney’s Castaway Cay/ Bahamas, California Coast, Caribbean, Europe, Hawaii, Mexico, Panama Canal and Transatlantic.

• Most popular ship: Disney Fantasy • Price range: $800 - $6,000 • For more info: disneycruise.disney.go.com

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NORWEGIAN: For a more relaxed atmosphere This cruise line operates on the motto “freestyle cruising,” which means guests are encouraged to dress casually, dine on personalized schedules and have a relaxed, flexible cruising experience in which they call the shots. The elegant staterooms can accommodate a solo passenger or up to eight members of a group.

And although the atmosphere is more tranquil, its nightlife and colorful entertainment is anything but with performances by renowned music artists, the Blue Man Group, Cirque de Soleil-inspired acrobatics and more. For the children, there’s exclusive Nickelodeon™ entertainment and activities at sea.

• Where it goes: Alaska, Bahamas, Bermuda, Canada and New England, Caribbean, Europe, Hawaii, Mexican Riviera, Pacific Coastal, Panama Canal and South America.

• Most popular ship: Norwegian Breakaway • Price range: $200 to $10,000 • For more info: www.ncl.com or 1-866-234-7350 Don’t be afraid to explore different options. You might be able to snag a bargain on Travelocity, and another helpful resource for price checking, reviews and recommendations is cruisecritic.com, the premier search engine for frequent cruisers.

If you’d like to discover destinations off the beaten path, some cruise lines offer trips to Antarctica, the Galapagos and even “cruises to nowhere,” which last a few days and provide all the perks of a full-length cruise without having to get off the ship.

So skip the pricey resorts and extra fees that come with on-your-own travel, and set sail for a nautical journey like no other. s Cruise price ranges shown are based on a per person occupancy, not including additional taxes, gratuities and excursion fees.

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>> IT’S STRONG AND IT’S SUDDEN

That’s the Power

of Love

Three Local Couples Illustrate the Timeless, Ageless and Irresistable Pull of Attraction WRITTEN BY JORDAN ALBRIGHT

Love at Third Sight George and Iris Wershiner he love story of these soul mates, who found one another in their 60s, began in a Wal-Mart parking lot in Silver Springs.

Iris was headed back to her car after shopping when she noticed a German Shepard whining in a truck. She didn’t know why, but she felt drawn to it. Soon, the dog’s owner walked up, so she started talking to him about his dog.

George said he couldn’t help but think, “Why is this lady talking to me?” His dog, Sasha, is a medical service dog that helps him with his severe PTSD from serving in Vietnam.

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“He was a grumpy old man,” Iris recalled. “Poor dog,” she thought.

He cut the conversation short and left in his truck.

Neither of them imagined what would happen over the course of the next two years. Several months later, Iris walked into a restaurant and saw George and Sasha at a table.

Iris knelt down to say hello to Sasha. She looked up to George and said, “You remember me?”

George, confused, said “no.”

“I was the woman talking to your dog in the Wal-Mart parking lot,” Iris reminded him.

After jogging his memory, they sat and talked for about an hour.

They learned that they had both worked in government and had experience with politics, which sparked conversation.

Though connected, they didn’t make plans to meet again.

“What an interesting lady,” he thought. But he didn’t expect to see her again.

Over the next year George felt depressed and alone. He decided “give it up to God,” he said.

“I opened up the phone book to the church section, I shut my eyes, and I put my finger down,” he said.

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PHOTO BY JORDAN ALBRIGHT

www.VisitOurTowns.com

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It landed on Unity Church of Ocala. The next Sunday he went to church and brought Sasha with him.

“After the service, all the single ladies came up to greet me, because I was the new young guy at the church,” he said.

Sasha spotted Iris across the room.

She wandered from George as the women crowded around him and sat at her feet leaving Iris unable to move.

When the women left, Iris introduced herself to George, not recognizing him. He had lost 60 pounds since they had last seen each other at the restaurant.

“What is her name?” Iris asked George.

She didn’t realize she already knew the dog until George said, “Sasha.”

“He wasn’t the same,” she said. “He was talkative and happy.”

They caught up until the church closed its doors. As they parted, Iris realized she couldn’t find her keys, neither to her car nor house. Iris said the missing keys, whether stolen or miraculously disappeared, changed their lives forever.

George took Iris home, and waited for the locksmith to open her front door. While burdensome, it bought more time for them to talk.

After the locksmith finished, George still didn’t want to stop talking to Iris, so he asked her to dinner. While sitting at Cody’s Roadhouse, George began to feed her, and Iris went with it.

“You two are really cute,” their waitress said. “How long have you been married?”

“We’re not. We’re just friends and we just met,” they said with a chuckle.

After dinner, George asked her to come to his house. They turned on some music and danced to Bob Marley’s “Get Up, Stand Up” and then talked until 5 a.m. when he took her back home.

But George couldn’t get back to sleep. He needed to be with Iris again. So, he called her at 8 a.m. and they went to Daytona Beach for the day.

Once back to Ocala, they went to his place and drank some tequila. After the second, he said, “I want to spend the rest of my life with you.”

Three days later, they got married.

This February, they celebrate their first anniversary.

“God is the architect of our lives,” George said.

They believe that Sasha was the spirit of an angel that put them together. s

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“I opened up the phone book to the church section, I shut my eyes, and I put my finger down.”

PHOTOS BY JORDAN ALBRIGHT

Balanced PhDs Adam and Mary Jordan ome people seem superhuman, like husband and wife Adam and Mary Jordan.

They are both Ph.D. students working full time at the University of Florida with a son, Micah, who

S

is about to become a big brother.

While it is daunting and seemingly impossible, these Ph.D. parents are partners through and through.

“He is my best friend, sweet, caring, and charming,” Mary said. “I still get nervous and excited when we haven’t seen each other, even if it has only been since 9 a.m.”

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In order to make it work, Adam and Mary share chores. Every morning Adam packs lunches and gets his son Micah dressed, while Mary makes breakfast. They share other chores, such as making dinner, doing laundry and cleaning house, depending on how busy their schedules are.

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“He is my best friend, sweet, caring, and charming. I still get nervous and excited when we haven’t seen each other, even if it has only been since 9 a.m.”

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PHOTOS BY JORDAN ALBRIGHT

“There’s no way we could do work, school, and parent a young child if we weren’t both all in,” Mary said. “We are true partners.”

At the beginning of the semester Adam and Mary plan their time around major tests and assignments so that they can take care of themselves and their son. On weeks that Adam has a lot of studying to do, Mary plans special “mommy baby dates,” such as going to the libraries or festivals.

Adam and Mary’s love story started at Rowan University in Glassboro, New Jersey in graduate school. Both of them were residence directors for on-campus housing. They met at training.

“I had fun getting to know him,” she said. “The more I learned, the more I was hooked.”

They were engaged about seven months later, and married after they graduated.

This year they are celebrating their fifth year of marriage. Although their marriage is still young, it is strong. They attribute its strength to God. “Our relationship is God centered, and grounded in Christ,” Mary said. s

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Timeless Steven Gallo & Joy Marie Hamm hen it comes to time, you can always count on Steven Gallo to have his watch. He appreciates dressing well, and he always matches his timepiece with his outfit. But, on his wedding day, he won’t be.

When his fiancé, Marie Hamm, asked him if he was planning on wearing a watch, he said no, it’s not appropriate.

“The reason is,” he explained, “anything that’s worth wearing a tuxedo and dressing black tie for — it doesn’t matter what time it is. If it is that important of an event, what’s more important is that you are there, and you are in that moment and enjoying it.

Time is such a constraint — the conversation, or the relationship, or the moment, or the memory takes precedence over the bounds of time.”

Since the beginning, Steven and Marie haven’t allowed time to bind or control their relationship. They knew each other through mutual friends, but it was on a trip to the three-day Passion conference in Atlanta, Georgia, in 2012 that they really got to know each other.

“He basically stalked me the whole weekend,” Marie said.

“That’s a strong word,” Steven said. “We just happened to end up sitting next to each other the whole time.”

The bus arrived in Gainesville, and Steven didn’t want to say goodbye, so he asked her to have a late dinner with him. They didn’t part until about 4 in the morning.

“You aren’t worried about the time,” he said. “You’re invested in something so much more valuable.”

They spent hours in his Honda Accord driving around Gainesville with no destination, just for the ride. It was an excuse to sit next to her but not have to make awkward eye contact, he said.

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PHOTOS BY KRISTIN KOZELSKY

“You aren’t worried about the time.

You’re invested in something so much more valuable.”

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PHOTO BY KRISTIN KOZELSKY

Some of the best conversations have been on secluded dark roads, they said.

About eight months later, Marie and Steven started dating. Marie wanted to make sure they were good friends before they took the next step. Also in her mind was that she would be Steven’s first (and last) girlfriend.

After about a year of dating, Steven sought out advice from his parents and mentors — and he bought a ring.

He proposed to her in Savannah, Georgia after her parents celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary and renewed their vows.

“I realized at that point that this is a woman who loves the Lord,” he said. “This is a woman who would make a wonderful wife, not just because she gives me

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butterflies, not just because she is just beautiful, but you know, we share the same values, we share the same world view, the same perspective on family and children, career and future. And something hit me.

This isn’t just being infatuated in a relationship; these are qualities you want in a wife. She went above and beyond any expectations I could ever have. I knew.

Once I started thinking about it like this, she is perfect.”

The 23-year-olds set their wedding date for February 28, 2015.

When asked, Marie quickly said no: Steven will not be bringing a watch on their honeymoon in St. Lucia.

“I don’t think I will,” he continued, “We’ll find out what island time is.” s

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> TERRI SCHLICHENMEYER BOOK REVIE REVIEW EW >>

I Am Jazz

by Jessica Herthel & Jazz Jennings pictures by Shelagh McNicholas c. 2014, Penguin Dial $17.99 / $19.99 Canada 32 pages

ou are a one-of-a-kind kid.

There’s nobody else like you. Nobody has eyes like yours, or fingers like yours, or ears that fold like yours. You think for yourself, have your own likes and hates, and people love you just the way you are.

In the new book “I Am Jazz” by Jessica Herthel & Jazz Jennings, pictures by Shelagh McNicholas, you’ll read about a girl who’s just like other girls… only different.

Jazz is a little girl who loves the color pink. It’s been that way for as long as she can remember; she also loves silver and green, maybe because they’re sort of mermaid colors and Jazz loves mermaids too.

Like a lot of girls, Jazz spends her days doing “favorite things.” She likes to dance and sing and pretend that she’s someone famous. She draws, plays soccer, swims, and she loves makeup and dress-up. But when Jazz was a very little kid, there were people who didn’t want her to do any of those things.

That’s because Jazz has “a girl brain but a boy body.”

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She’s transgender, and she was born just like that.

For sure, that caused a lot of confusion when Jazz was small because her family didn’t understand. Though she looked like a boy, she had to remind them that she was really a girl inside and reminding made her sad.

Her brothers said that pink and mermaids were “girl stuff.” Her sister laughed when Jazz talked about “girl thoughts.”

Their parents made Jazz wear boy clothes (ugh!) until they saw a new doctor. The doctor said that Jazz was transgender — and since Jazz’s parents love Jazz “no matter what,” they decided to let her be herself, to wear pretty pink clothes and play with the toys she liked.

That wasn’t an easy thing for others to accept at first, but it’s getting better. Some people are understanding, while some kids still tease Jazz and call her names — but then she remembers that those are the ones who don’t really know her very well. Those are the kids who can’t see the important parts of a person. They are the kids who can’t understand different, and “different is special!”

I really like this book. I like its perky, friendly cover and the kid-magnet colors that artist Shelagh McNicholas uses. I like the basic premise, and the answers it offers curious kids, parents, and teachers.

Those are the things that struck me immediately about it. Looking deeper, though, I discovered what truly makes “I Am Jazz” so valuable: it’s a unique, no-secrets tale written in a kid-friendly, easy-to-grasp, matter-of-fact way, told in part by author Jazz Jennings herself. That, with co-author Jessica Herthel, makes this story glow with a personal, upbeat and spirited touch that’s relatable for all children.

Meant for 4-to-8-year-olds, I think kids up to age 10 could very much appreciate this book, especially if there’s a transgender child in their school. For them — and for any adult who may need it — “I Am Jazz” is a one-of-a-kind tale. s Terri Schlichenmeyer has been reading since she was 3 years old and she never goes anywhere without a book. She lives with her two dogs and 11,000 books.

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>> INTERVIEW

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GATOR GOES BROADWAY

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George Salazar They say the neon lights are bright on Broadway, but if you want to find out for sure, just ask George Salazar. After packing up his bags and making the move to the Big Apple six years ago, this UF alumnus has made his presence known, touring in a national production of “Spring Awakening” and making his Broadway debut in the revival of Stephen Schwartz’s “Godspell.”

INTERVIEWED BY ERICKA WINTERROWD

AGE: 28 HOMETOWN: KISSIMMEE, FL PROFESSION: ACTOR TIME IN GAINESVILLE: 4 YEARS AT UF WHERE HE RECEIVED HIS BFA IN MUSICAL THEATRE

One might think that it would be easy for this Broadway Babe to forget his “swampy roots,” but quite the opposite is true. Before finishing out his run in The Public Theater’s Off-Broadway hit “Here Lies Love,” Salazar sat down with me in New York City, proudly stating that he still bleeds orange and blue.

How would you describe yourself?

GS: I would describe myself as a ridiculous boundary pusher. I’m loud but I can also be shy and quiet. I think I’m a workaholic. I love to create. I love to be a part of creation. I’m never fully happy unless I’m busy doing something. And I am funny, I think? I’m just kind of a goofball. I will literally do anything for a laugh. Anything.

What is your connection with Gainesville?

GS: Well, I honed in on my craft and developed the tools that I needed to have when I moved up to New York six years

92 | Winter 2014

ago. So, much of my initial growth — I mean, you go through high school, then you go to college, and I feel like you find the beginnings of who you are. Your mid-to late-20s is when you start to shape everything into the kind of person that you are so, yeah, I’d say I learned a lot about who I am in Gainesville. I don’t know many people who don’t have fond memories of their time in Gainesville. I mean, it’s the polar opposite of living in New York, but it was good. I loved it there and I love going back.

Do you come back often?

GS: I’ve actually gone back once every year, which is kind of remarkable. I came back in 2011 when I was on tour with “Spring Awakening” and spent the night while I was doing a show there, which was awesome. And then the following year I had just booked “Godspell” on Broadway and I came in to do a master class for the musical theatre kids, then post -“Godspell” I did a master class

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PHOTO BY MATT MURPHY

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PHOTOS BY OLIVER OLIVEROS OF BROADWAYWORLD.COM & DANIELLE LEVITT/NEW YORK TIMES

then to come back and share that with bright, young, little versions of me. And to just be like, look, if I make this happen for myself, literally anyone can do this.

When did you start singing and performing?

with Florida Players. It’s been really cool to go through everything that I’ve been through in the city and then go back to that place where everything seemed like its own little world and nothing existed outside of it. So for me to be able to go back — and I’m not that much older than some of the students — and to be able to kind of give them a heads up on what it’s like out there, it’s nice to be able to give back and do that.

What’s it like to go back and have students looking up to you?

GS: Weird, because honestly I came up here [to New York] and I just wanted to work. Actually it’s funny because my dream job, what I was always working towards, was to actually do a show at The Public Theater. When I was in college I interned in the city for two summers. Out of everything I saw in New York it was always the productions at The Public that really stuck with me, so my dream was always to do a show at The Public, not “I want to be on Broadway,” so for all of that to have happened is very weird, but it’s nice.

And it’s a nice feeling to go back and it’s a nice feeling to have accomplished what I set out to accomplish and

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GS: Junior year of high school. I wanted to be a doctor first and I never did any performing. I was in jazz band in middle school, but I didn’t sing until I was cast in my first musical, “Little Shop of Horrors.” Someone heard me by accident. I used to write parody songs, like Weird Al did, cause I was a dork. And someone overheard me singing and they said I should come audition for “Little Shop” and I got the lead role. And that was when I said, “Oh my God, this is what I’m supposed to be doing.” And so it happened very late. I didn’t have my first voice lesson until I went to UF, so literally, when I say my training happened in Gainesville, my training happened in Gainesville. None of that really took effect until I went to college.

Did being the comedian of the family draw you to theatre?

GS: Oh yeah. I always did impressions and I was always cracking jokes, but it never dawned on me that you could do this for a living; this could be your source of income — entertaining people and being “you.” I always thought, oh, you have to have a job; you have to be a doctor. My mother’s whole side of the family is all in medicine. Most of my cousins are doctors. My sister’s a dentist, my younger sister is an occupational therapist, so the medical profession is loud and proud in my family. Performing was never like, oh, you can do that. And why not? I always said, with being a doctor you’re dealing with life and death every day. With being a performer it’s really not that serious, so the pressure’s off. And I think looking at it that way really helps, because a lot of people can get stage fright and get nervous. And when I look at it that way I just don’t

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get nervous. That’s my biggest tip for auditions too, when you go to an audition it’s OK to be nervous and to be scared but you’re not performing brain surgery on someone, like if your arm twitches you could end someone’s life. You’re just singing 16 bars and performing a monologue, you know what I mean? It’s really not that serious. It’s really not that big of a deal. So I’d say the lack of pressure is what also drew me in.

How did you make your way from Gainesville to New York?

GS: So no one would hire me in the Southeast regional theatre circuit because I was a fat half-Latino half-Asian guy. And they were all doing “Carousel” and “Hello Dolly” and there’s just not a place for me in that world.

So I got kind of frustrated with living at home during the summers, so I decided, well, let me go intern in New York City. So the first summer I interned at a general management company, which is hilarious because my current company manager at “Here Lies Love,” I was his intern in 2006. I was his intern at the beginning of his career and now he’s my company manager for the show. Full circle. I did a showcase through UF and I met my manager through that, moved straight to New York and I worked at Bubba Gump Shrimp Company for two and a half years. And then finally booked a non-union national tour of “Spring Awakening.” When I got back, three months later I booked a Broadway gig. It just happened so fast. I thought it was going to take much longer than that. I had professors tell me that I wasn’t

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going to start working until I was in my mid-30s. So I was ready to just slum it out and wait, but it happened when it happened and it’s been really nice.

What would you consider your big break?

GS: The “Spring Awakening” tour. And this is such a weird thing to say but it generated a kind of fan base, and that fan base was very helpful in booking “Godspell” because they’re not just going to pluck somebody out of complete obscurity. There’s so much money involved in a Broadway production. You have to make sure that all your bases are covered. The big, big break was, for sure, “Godspell,” but that first thing that kind of broke through the stonewall was that [“Spring Awakening”] tour and then “Godspell” was very helpful.

So what went through your head when you got the call that you booked “Godspell”?

GS: I was with my best friend. She was temporarily assisting a company manager for a national tour. I got the call when I was visiting her at work. I literally started sweating profusely. I fell to the ground and I was just weeping. I was crying. She was crying. We were both wet and crying. I called my mom immediately and she was like, “What?” She pretended she didn’t hear me. And I repeated myself and she was actually with a patient at the time and she just started screaming in front of her patients who were like, what is wrong with this lady? It was such an emotional process, that audition process. Because I think I went

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in five times. And after every time they’d say, yeah, we’re interested. No. Would he be an understudy? OK. No. We’re going to bring him in one more time. No. Yes, we’re interested. It was just this constant yes and no game. So I kind of at one point said, I can’t put myself through this anymore and I literally closed the book on that chapter. And then they called like 25 minutes after I left the audition — yeah, that was a crazy day.

That was August 26th, 2011. And then we opened on November 7th. Those are my numbers; you know how we have our numbers?

The cast of “Godspell” had a lot of television appearances, like David Letterman and The View— what was that experience like?

GS: I think about a year and a half after being here [in New York] I booked a last minute appearance on Letterman, where I was supposed to be a frat guy with his shirt off. And it was so cool to go back but this time as the musical guest. That was kind of crazy. And they chose my song in the show to be the song [featured]. So it was just a whirlwind. We were also tired, too, because the show was a lot. We were on stage for two and a half hours straight. Our bodies were just going through so much. And we had to film Letterman and then go get ready for the show. Those were always the most tired times. And I have to say I’m so grateful for the Internet, because it’s such a cool thing to have. I know in 30 years I’ll be able to look back and just search for that on YouTube and find the Letterman appearance and

98 | Winter 2014

the Rosie O’Donnell one, and you can just watch those moments and you remember the whole day. And it’s something that I just never want to forget.

Let’s talk about your current show, “Here Lies Love.” What’s it all about?

GS: It is a 360º immersive night club-esque poperetta written by David Byrne and Fatboy Slim, directed by Alex Timbers. The audience stands for 90 minutes. There’s just pounding base and electronic music, and there are platforms surrounding the audience. And these platforms move and rotate so the audience has to be guided around the space. And there are seated galleries above us for people who can’t stand for the full 90 minutes. But it really is 90 minutes— like you shoot the gun, we go and we don’t stop. I have 13 costume changes in 90 minutes. I think the longest I stay offstage is about four or five minutes and during that I’m changing into a suit. It is absolutely hands down the most artistically gratifying show I’ve ever been a part of. It’s a cool show, it’s super popular here. It is a dream job, that’s the only way to describe it. It’s just a dream job. But yeah, it’s 90 minutes non-stop. The audience is encouraged to dance with us and we tell the story of Imelda Marcos, the former first lady of the Philippines, kind of her rise and fall. She started off as a poor girl and then became the richest girl in the Philippines. She owned two penthouses in New York City, purchased presumably with Filipino government money. And she was the wife of the dictator and they were ousted in the mid ‘80s. The show stops once they leave the Philippines.

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So how do you keep the energy up for this intense production?

GS: Since “Godspell” I think I’ve lost maybe 60 pounds.

Since college I’ve definitely lost about 85, but that’s the only reason I can do this show now. I’m lighter on my feet because we’re running. We’re just running non-stop.

A good diet, whatever I eat at the beginning of the day is going to directly affect my show at night. It’s all about just being smart about my decisions and kind of living like a nun. I literally wake up when I want to wake up. I work out and eat well. And then I come do the show, I go home and I go to bed. I’m not going to be partying like I used to.

What’s your character like?

GS: I play a bunch of characters. It’s a very ensemble driven show. So I play anything from a secret service agent to literally a horny bishop at Studio 54. Yeah — just tons of characters and costume changes. It’s like a Beyoncé show. I feel like Beyoncé. It’s unreal.

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What do you love about theatre?

GS: I love that for a period of time I can put on someone else’s clothes, put on someone else’s identity, and tell someone else’s story. And before it gets ugly I can take those clothes and that story, and I can take them off. I can become George again. I love that we can make people laugh, we can make people cry, we can make people feel and forget their own issues, their own problems, and can kind of immerse themselves in another world for a short amount of time. I love offering that kind of experience to audience members.

I think that’s what keeps me doing it, honestly.

What’s next?

GS: I’m actually leaving “Here Lies Love” to move out to Los Angeles until April. I’ll be writing, developing and acting in the CBS Diversity Sketch Comedy Showcase.

I’m really excited to venture out to the West Coast to be a part of this project. For three months, a team of over 40 writers and a team of 20 actors will be rehearsing in preparation of a one hour sketch showcase presented

by CBS for network execs, casting directors, producers, show runners, basically the whole nine yards. It’s considered to be the premier industry showcase in LA. Recently, SNL’s Kate McKinnon was discovered through the showcase and is now a cast member, and many actors have signed talent development deals with CBS. I’ve always wanted to try LA, but being that I have worked hard to create a career for myself in NYC, I’ve held off moving until I had some sort of opportunity or greater purpose to moving. I’m excited for whatever this showcase holds for me and I’m even more excited to skip out on another rough winter in the Northeast.

After all… he is a Florida Gator! s To stay updated on Salazar’s career check out his website at: www.thegeorgesalazar.com

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Gate Crashing On Deck: Tropix

DATE: FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2014 VENUE: BO DIDDLEY COMMUNITY PLAZA reetings, live music aficionados! This installment finds us at a well-established live local music venue, yet one, which somewhat incredibly has not been the subject of any of my prior columns. The Bo Diddley Community Plaza started life back in the 1990s without an official name, often simply being referred to as the “downtown plaza.” And downtown it is, virtually in the center of the entertainment district, a block east of the intersection of Main Street and University Avenue.

The plaza is, of course, named for Alachua County’s late rock icon (in fact he is a member of the Rock and Roll Hall Fame) Bo Diddley. Ellas Otha Bates was born in late 1928 in rural McComb, southern Mississippi. His family later moved to the Chicago area, where he became a part of its 1950’s rhythm and blues scene, and later adopted the stage name by

G

104 | Winter 2014

which he became famous.

In his later years, he established a compound near Archer where he lived for the last 13 or so years of his life, which ended in 2008. Bo occasionally still played local benefit concerts in the area during his Archer years, often with musically talented members of his extended family and other local musicians (including, on one personally memorable occasion, your humble author). The Plaza was named after him in 2009.

The Plaza is directly adjacent to the county courthouse, on the same block as the City downtown bus stop, and, on the southwest corner of the block, The Lunchbox restaurant. The Lunchbox has a large back patio with a great view of the Plaza stage, so if you prefer your music with a cold alcoholic beverage in your hand (remember, the “open container” law applies to the downtown area, except for rare special events), that would be the place to be.

And the place to be that patio was, on this warm Friday evening. In fact, not only was that patio packed

with people, but the entire plaza found hundreds of dancers and music fans inhabiting its space. The reason for this congregation was the latest performance in the Free Fridays music series. Sponsored by the Downtown Gainesville Hampton Inn (whose north side overlooks the Plaza), the Free Fridays music series goes back to the ‘90s (I know, since I played a show there c.

2000), albeit under different names. It is put on by the City of Gainesville Department of Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Affairs, and runs from May through the end of October. As the name makes clear, the series provides totally free entertainment every Friday night (the Plaza stage, which originally was open to the weather, long ago had a large arched roof installed, so that the stage may be used rain or shine).

The series provides “family friendly” music weekly in a broad range of genres and styles from local musos.

This week the music was provided by the Latin music band Tropix. The scheduling of Tropix for this weekend was particularly propitious, as the following day the downtown was hosting a Latin street festival, part of an ongoing month-long Latino Film Festival.

Speaking of “family,” the oft-cited importance of familia in Latin culture is immediately reflected in the roster of band members on Tropix’s facebook page: Gilberto dePaz, Bruni dePaz, Laura dePaz Cabrera, Waldemar Cabrera, and Jose “Joe” Rivera Cepeda. While I am necessarily guessing, it appears that Gilberto and Bruni are the parents of Laura, who in turn is married to Waldemar. So, four of the five listed members of Tropix, who originally hail from Puerto Rico, are related by blood or marriage.

The mother-daughter female members sing, along with Waldemar, with that trio being out along the front.

Gilberto plays keyboards and sings. You may know him from his being the host of local National Public Radio show that focuses on Latin music, “Viernes Social” (“Friday Social,” with the latter word being more loosely translated along the lines of a dance party). Joe plays both horn (trumpet) and congas (though obviously not simultaneously!).

For this performance, an additional two male members were onstage rounding out the rhythm section, bringing the full complement to 7. One played maracas, and cajon, which as its name indicates, is literally a wooden box that is played like drum, most often while seated upon it. The final member played timbales with a standup kit, which also included a bass drum and a tom.

Tropix’s material is listed by them as including Merengue, Salsa, Cumbia, Bachata, Bolero, Cha-cha, and some American classics. The later included the Beatles’ “I Wanna Hold Your Hand,” and the Richie Valens classic “La Bamba.” Additionally the set included some reggaeton. The crowd was dancing enthusiastically the whole time, with a total stranger approaching some friends of ours for instructions!

Now, go see some bands. s

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352-468-2733 www.overheaddoorgnv.com Overhead Door of Ocala 352-622-5737 www.overheaddoorocala.com

There are a few sure things in life, but one thing is certain. Upgrading a garage door is one of the most cost effective renovations a homeowner can make.

In Fact, according to the latest Cost vs.

Value Report by Remodeling Magazine*, replacing a basic garage door with an upgraded one from Overhead Door returned a remarkable 71% on original cost - making it the second highest renovation in the study. Now, thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a return on investment you can take to the bank.

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Taste of the Town

SPECIAL RESTAURANT ADVERTISING SECTION. CALL 352.372-5468 FOR ADVERTISING INFORMATION.

60 North Main 60 North Main St. High Springs, FL 32643 Mon: 5p-10p, Tues/Wed: closed, Thurs: 5p-10p, Fri/Sat: 5p-10p, Sunday: Brunch 12-3p • Dinner 5p-10p

352-278-4680

60northmain.com

CASUAL — Offering the freshest fare including: hand cut meat & fish, great appetizers, and Sushi, 60 North Main is the new eatery in downtown High Springs with a casual dining experience. Now serving lunch Wednesday through Monday featuring hot plate specials.

Our staff, led by head chef Gordy Hebler, will produce a special evening for you and your guests. Whether you join us to try the world cuisine, enjoy the abundance of wine, or local craft beers, we are dedicated to making your evening memorable.

Visit us for happy hour 3p-7p Wednesday through Monday Ladies Night on Wednesdays 6p-11p featuring draft beer & mixed drink specials. Monday Night House Band Jam at the Beer Garden.

Napolatanos 606 NW 75th Street Gainesville, FL Monday - Thursday & Sunday 4:00pm-10:00pm Friday 4:00pm-2:00am • Saturday 4:00pm-11:00pm

352-332-6671

www.napolatanos.com

ITALIAN — Napolatanos is the longest original owner operated restaurant in Gainesville. Nappys, the name the locals have given Napolatanos has the most extensive menu. Whether you choose pizza, calzones, salad, burgers, sandwiches, pasta, seafood, steak dinners or the best chicken wings in town, Nappy’s uses only the freshest ingredients. Visit on Tuesday for half price appetizers.

Burgers & Brew Night on Wednesday and live music inside. Thursday is Pub night with Better than England’s Fish & Chips $7. Outside dining with live music, on the patio, on Sunday evenings. GRAB & GO family dinners feeds 4-6 adults, starting at $25.95. Choose from Ziti, Lasagna, Chicken Alfredo, Chicken Marsala and more!

Mark’s Prime Steakhouse & Seafood 201 SE 2nd Avenue, Gainesville, FL (Historic Downtown) Monday: 5:00pm - 9:00pm • Tues-Sat: 5:00pm to 10:00pm Happy Hour: 5:00pm - 7:00pm

352-336-0077

marksprimesteakhouse.com

STEAK & SEAFOOD — Mark’s Prime Steakhouse and Seafood has a goal to create a unique dining experience that will please the palate and soothe the soul. We serve the finest beef, the freshest seafood, and naturally fresh vegetables. Recipient of Wine Spectator’s Award of Excellence 2004-2011. Join us for Primetime Happy Hour featuring drink and appetizer specials Monday thru Saturday 5-7 pm. We are pleased to feature our full service, private dining facilities. It would be our pleasure to help plan your next reception, banquet, business meeting, or social gathering. Complimentary valet service.

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Flying Biscuit Café 4150 NW 16th Blvd., Gainesville, FL 32605 Located in the Fresh Market Center Mon - Fri: 7am - 3pm • Sat - Sun: 7am - 4pm

352-373-9500

www.flyingbiscuit.com

BREAKFAST — The Flying Biscuit is out to reinvent breakfast in Gainesville! Maybe you’ve tried their soon-to-be-famous creamy, dreamy grits or their “moon dusted” breakfast potatoes, but did you know you can have them at anytime? With a unique open menu, all the items that appear are available throughout the day. With a variety of healthy and hearty dishes, The Flying Biscuit caters to a variety of tastes. With options ranging from the Smoked Salmon Scramble, the Bacon Cheddar Chicken Sandwich or the Tofu and Tater Salad, there’s something for everyone. Call us up to an hour before your expected arrival time to add your name to our call ahead seating list.

Brown’s Country Buffet 14423 NW US Hwy 441, Alachua, FL 32616 Monday-Friday: 7am - 8pm Saturday: 7am - 2pm Sunday: 8am - 3pm

386-462-3000 Brown’s Country Buffet is country-style cooking at its finest, just like Grandma’s house! A buffet style restaurant, Brown’s Country Buffet is open seven days a week! Foods like fried chicken, grilled pork chops, real mashed potatoes, steamed cabbage, banana pudding and coconut pie, just to name a few, are served in a laid back, relaxing environment.

We offer AYCE fried shrimp on Friday nights from 4-8 along with whole catfish & ribs. In addition to their buffet, Brown’s also offers a full menu to choose from. You are sure to find something to satisfy any craving at Brown’s. Serving lunch and dinner daily and a breakfast buffet Friday-Sunday until 10:30am, you’re sure to leave satisfied, no matter when you go. So, when you’re in the mood for some good home cooking, Grandma’s style, visit Brown’s Country Buffet.

Northwest Grille 5115 Northwest 39th Ave., Gainesville 32606 Open 7 Days: 11am to 10pm (Friday open until 11pm) Saturday & Sunday: Serving brunch 10am to 3pm

352-376-0500

www.northwestgrillegainesville.com

SEAFOOD — Locally owned and operated, Northwest Grille has been providing the finest quality fish and seafood entrees in a friendly atmosphere since 1996. Whether it’s their fresh, local seafood & fish, or handcrafted sauces and specialty desserts, Northwest Grille has something to please your palate. Meat lovers will enjoy the hand-cut steaks & vegetarians will love the wide range of vegetarian options.

Serving lunch and dinner daily, Northwest Grille, offers an extensive brunch menu on Saturdays and Sundays with a Build Your Own Bloody Mary Bar from 10-3pm. Northwest Grille also Features a liquor bar with specialty cocktails. Happy hour is served daily from 3pm7pm & all day on Wednesday – offering craft beer, wine & $5 martinis.

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Taste of the Town

SPECIAL RESTAURANT ADVERTISING SECTION. CALL 352.372-5468 FOR ADVERTISING INFORMATION.

SweetBerries 505 NW 13th Street, Gainesville, Florida 32601 Sun - Thurs: 11am to 10pm • Fri - Sat: 11am to 11pm

352-378-4972

www.sweetberries.com

Sandwiches and Frozen Custard Ice Cream — Sandwiches, salads, wraps, soups, hot dogs, and the only hand scooped frozen custard in the area. Enjoy a delicious lunch or dinner in our comfortable dining room or out on our colorful patio. Paintings by local artists, music, and lively conversation create a vibrant atmosphere. Large selection of craft beers and wine to sip while you munch on one of our toasty sandwiches or famous chicken salad on a croissant. Our broccoli salad is a local favorite. Choose from three flavors of frozen custard (vanilla, chocolate, flavor of the day) to create a sundae, a concrete, or a cone. You haven’t had ice cream until you’ve had frozen custard!

Dave’s New York Deli 12921 SW 1st Road • Tioga Town Center Open 7 Days

352-333-0291

www.DavesNYDeli.com

AUTHENTIC NY DELI — The Reviews are in and here’s what customers are saying about Dave’s NY Deli Tioga Town Center!

“Best Reuben, Best Pastrami, Best Philly, and Best Wings” Dave’s continues to be the place to go for authentic NY Deli food and Philly Cheesesteaks. Owner Dave Anders says “Nothing beats quality ingredients combined with a friendly staff. Dave serves New York size Pastrami and Corned Beef sandwiches, Cheesecake from New York, Nathan’s Hot Dogs, NY Kettle Boiled Bagels, Nova Salmon, Knish, Cannolies, Philly Cheesesteaks, Wings, Cubans, Subs, Kids Menu and more.”

Come out and enjoy Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner at Dave’s NY Deli. Now serving beer and wine.

Copper Monkey West 14209 W Newberry Road, Jonesville, FL 32669 Across from the Steeplechase Publix Sunday-Thursday 11am - 11pm • Friday-Saturday 11am - 12am

352-363-6338

mycoppermonkey.com

Restaurant & Pub — Located in the heart of Jonesville, this All-American dining is convenient to all neighborhoods in Gainesville, Alachua, Newberry, High Springs and beyond. Our family-friendly dining features great food at a great price. Whether you come in for the “best burger in town” or try any one of our freshly made salads, pastas or sandwiches, you will not leave disappointed. Our USDA choice steaks, served with 2 sides, offer a great alternative for the perfect celebratory meal. We also feature a full-service bar with signature drinks and many options for your viewing pleasure. Great food, great price, we’ll see you soon.

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Embers Wood Grill 3545 SW 34th St Gainesville, FL 32608 Monday - Thursday 5:00pm - 10:00pm Friday - Saturday 5:00pm - 11:00pm

352-380-0901

www.embersofflorida.com

CUISINE — At Embers Wood Grill, enjoy an elegant atmosphere while dining at Gainesvilles only USDA prime steakhouse and seafood grill. Our real wood grill uses a unique combination of pecan, hickory and cherry woods to create the right amount of heat, aroma and flavor in our culinary creations. The Chef’s Table exemplifies our approach to fine dining, offering a personalized menu and detail oriented service. Our experienced staff is uniquely qualified and trained to create a memorable evening out. Embers features a plethora of fine appetizers and desserts as well as a full wine and liquor bar.

Adam’s Rib Co. 211 NW 13th Street, Gainesville, Florida 32609 1515 SW 13th Street Gainesville, Florida 32608 Monday - Saturday: 7am to 9pm Sunday: 9am to 9pm

352-373-8882NW 352-727-4005SW AdamsRibCo.com BARBECUE — Looking for the best BBQ in Gainesville? Then look no further than Adam’s Rib Company. Adam’s Rib is North Florida’s Premier Barbecue restaurant, serving North Florida’s finest beef brisket, pulled pork, bbq spare ribs and slow smoked chicken and turkey. Choose from over 20 sauces – from honey sweet to habanero hot – and everything in between. Don’t forget dessert, like their scrumptious “Banana Pudding” and their famous Peach Cobbler. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, Adam’s can cater any event locally. Give Adam a call for your next tailgate party 352-514-8692!

Gator Tales Sports Bar 5112 NW 34th Blvd (across from the YMCA) Open daily at 11:00 am

(352)-376-9500 BAR & GRILL — GATOR TALES Sports Bar features 3 large separate entertainment areas! You can relax at our Tiki bar in a large covered outdoor patio enjoying 3 large screen TV’s. If you prefer to be inside, visit the sports bar, where you can find large TV’s. We also have a separate pool hall. We offer happy hours and food specials every day.

Dine in on Wednesdays for 50 cent wings. Gator Tales has a variety of domestic and import beers including a local favorite Swamphead Stompknocker. Our menu includes appetizers, black angus burgers, gator tail, salads and more. Check our Facebook page for trivia, karaoke, band schedules and other events.

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Taste of the Town

SPECIAL RESTAURANT ADVERTISING SECTION. CALL 352.372-5468 FOR ADVERTISING INFORMATION.

The Red Onion 39th Ave & 24th Blvd, Gainesville (Uptown Village Apartments) Monday – Thursday: 11am-10pm Fri & Sat: 11am-11pm Sunday: Noon to 9pm

352-505-0088

www.TheRedOnionGainesville.com

NEIGHBORHOOD GRILL — Featuring Harris Ranch All Natural Prime Steaks, All Natural Chicken (no antibiotics, no steroids) and local produce. Specials every night of the week. We have Burger & Brew Monday, order any 1/2lb. Burger and get a FREE draft pint. Or, Checkout Taco & Tequila Tuesday with $5 Beef or Chicken Tacos and $4 Margaritas and more. Great wine specials on Wines-Day Wednesdays, Prime Rib & Mojito Madness on Thursdays and Sunday Brunch specials!

Come listen to the area’s best Jazz and Blues bands every Saturday for “Music & Martinis” with $5 Martinis all night! Private Dining Room available for rental, perfect for your next rehearsal dinner, bridal shower, baby shower, birthday party, corporate luncheon, etc.

Saboré 13005 SW 1st Road, Tioga, FL 32669 (Tioga Town Center) Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday: 11am – 10pm Fri. & Sat.: 11am – 11pm • Open Mondays for special events only

352-332-2727

www.saborerestaurant.com

FUSION — Saboré [sa-bohr-ay] is a modern world-fusion restaurant featuring a variety of dishes inspired by dynamic cuisine from places like Europe, Asia, and South America. Their recipe is simple: authentic global flavors, quality ingredients, expert craftsmanship, and exceptional service. Saboré offers customers a unique dining experience, shareable plates, delicious dishes, signature cocktails and desserts that will keep you coming back for more. So let us surprise your palate with our global flair and exotic ingredients. Experiencing world cuisine this fresh usually requires a passport.

Newberry’s Backyard BBQ 25405 W Newberry Rd, Newberry Monday-Wednesday 11am-9pm • Thursday 11am-9pm Friday and Saturday 11am-11pm • Sunday 10:30am-3pm

352.472.7260

newberrybbq.com

BBQ — The one and only Newberry’s Backyard BBQ is located in our historic building in beautiful downtown Newberry. Our pork, chicken, beef, and turkey is smoked to perfection daily. Our salads and sides are always fresh. If you are thirsty we have the best sweet tea in the South and a full bar as well. Make sure to bring your kids, we serve their meals on a frisbee that they take home. For your entertainment, we always have live music on Friday nights and Karaoke on Saturday evenings. Let us cater your Holiday Event! Big or small we cater all gatherings.

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New Deal Café 3443 West University Avenue (Westgate Shopping Ctr.) Monday – Thursday 11:00am-9:00pm Fri and Saturday 11:00pm-10:00pm Closed on Sunday

352-371-4418

www.newdealcafegainesville.com

BISTRO – New Deal Café, located next door to Mildred’s, has been dedicated to creating a casual dining experience and serving fresh and local food since 2003. Known for Gainesville’s only dry-aged, local beef hamburgers, New Deal Café is now featuring thin, crispy Roman-style pizzas with big, unique flavors. Draft beer is also available along with carefully selected wines. Entree items range in price from $7 to $14 and happy hour is available throughout the week from 4-7 pm. Seating is available inside or out on the patio.

Some say, “There’s nothing better than a well-paired burger and draft beer.”

Mildred’s Big City Food 3445 W. University Avenue (Westgate shopping ctr.)

Monday – Friday 11-3 (lunch) • Monday – Thurs 5-9 (dinner) Friday and Saturday 5-10 • Sunday Brunch 11-3 Dinner 3-8

352-371-1711

www.mildredsbigcityfood.com

EUROPEAN CUISINE – Established in the summer of 1999, Mildred’s is known as Gainesville’s best restaurant. Working with local farmers, chefs at Mildred’s cook with fresh Florida seafood and serve choice cuts of meat cooked to perfection. The chefs at Mildred’s create constantly changing menus that bring European cuisine and innovative cooking techniques to North Central Florida. French and Italian inspired dishes are presented by a knowledgeable and gracious staff. Come for a casual lunch or enjoy more refined cuisine for dinner. Savor your favorite cocktail at the bar or simply come in for coffee and dessert. Experience the food and atmosphere that garners Mildred’s the Golden Spoon Award.

Blue Gill Quality Foods 1310 SW 13th Street • Gainesville, Florida Mon - Thurs 11:00am-10:00pm, Friday 11:00am-11:00pm Sat 12:00pm-11:00pm, Sun 11:00am-8:00pm (brunch until 2pm)

352-872-5181

www.bluegillqualityfoods.com

LOCAL - In 2011 Blue Gill Quality Foods opened its doors inviting friends and family to enjoy contemporary meals inspired by southern cuisine. In its first year Blue Gill was named one of Florida’s Best New Restaurants. It is now a very popular destination for fresh fish, charcuterie items, and one of the largest collections of Bourbon and Tequila in the area. The meticulously crafted wine list features an eclectic mix of wines from around the world. Blue Gill also has rotating craft beers on draft. For more formal occasions, ask about their private room “the Barn.” Parking is available in the garage above the restaurant.

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CALENDAR If you would like to have an event considered for publication in this calendar, please submit information directly. post 4400 NW 36th Ave., Gainesville, FL 32606 | e-mail editor@towerpublications.com | fax 352-373-9178

ARTWALK GAINESVILLE

CHRISTMAS TREE VILLAGE

FIRST FRIDAY ART WALK

Last Friday 7:00pm - 10:00pm

Dec. 4 - 23 10:00am

Friday, Dec. 5 5:00pm

GAINESVILLE - 104 SE 1st Ave. Free monthly self-guided tour that combines visual art, live performance and events. Held the last Friday of each month with many local galleries, eateries and businesses participating, Artwalk is an exciting, fun way to experience the amazing wealth of creativity the Gainesville community has to offer.

EARLETON - Greathouse Butterfly Farm, 20329 NE State Road 26.

Visit the farm’s annual Christmas Tree Village for a magical holiday experience you family will love! Fun for all ages with bounce house, train rides, and visits with Santa. Purchase your 6-9 foot Fresh cut, premium Fraser Fir.

OCALA - Downtown Square, SE Watula Ave. Various artists will be setting up easels/stations and work on arts/crafts throughout the Central Business District with a performance on the Downtown Square. For details, please contact Melissa Townsend at 352-629-8447.

FESTIVAL OF TREES

TREE LIGHTING AND PARADE

TIOGA MONDAY MARKET

Thursday, Dec. 4 7:00pm

Saturday, Dec. 6 2:00pm – 8:00pm

JONESVILLE - Tioga Town Center, 105 SW 128 St. Festival of Trees is open to the public to view and bid on beautifully decorated Christmas trees. All proceeds benefit Children’s Miracle Network at UF Health Shands Children’s Hospital. During the VIP party on Thursday evening, guests will get first peek at the trees and have the option to ‘buy it now.’

For more information contact Sarah Franz at franzs@shands.ufl.edu.

Admission is $5.

JONESVILLE - Town of Tioga. Celebrate the holiday season with Santa, live music, a holiday parade and the Tioga Town Center tree lighting. Admission to this event is free, but limited. Pick up your free admission pass at the Tioga Town Center office between 9am and 6pm.

Mondays 4:00pm - 7:00pm JONESVILLE - Tioga Center, 13005 W. Newberry Rd. Market features a selection of vegetables, crafts, organic food, fruits and local specialties.

LADY GAMERS Fridays 1:00pm HIGH SPRINGS - New Century Woman’s Club, 40 NW 1st Ave. The Lady Gamers meet for fun, friendship and food. Everyone is invited. Meet old friends and make some new ones.

ACOUSTIC AND ARTS FESTIVAL Second Friday 6:00pm – 9:00pm ALACHUA - Downtown Alachua, Alan Hitchcock Park.

Live Music and art sponsored by Alachua’s Music Junction and The Garden Gallery.

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CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING & SANTA VISIT Friday, Dec. 5 6:00pm – 8:00pm ALACHUA - City of Alachua Municipal Complex, 15100 NW 142nd Terr. & Main Street. Santa and his helpers will be visiting and welcoming children for pictures. Free to all.

RUN ON THE PRAIRIE Saturday, Dec. 6 8:00am MICANOPY - 100 Savannah Blvd. Join Alachua County 4-H in its second annual 5k run.

The Little Run on the Prairie is a great way to enjoy the outdoor beauty of Paynes Prairie State Park while supporting youth in Alachua County.

Proceeds from the run will impact youth through 4-H Clubs, school enrichment programs, and summer camps. Awards, t-shirt,

door prizes, and park admission is all included in your registration fee.

Contact Matt Benge at the UF/IFAS Extension Alachua County Office at 352-955-2402 for registration form.

YOUTH CHORUS HOLIDAY CONCERT Saturday, Dec. 6 5:00pm GAINESVILLE - Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, 100 NE 1st St. The Gainesville Youth Chorus, Inc. (GYC) presents its Annual Holiday Concert.

Celebrating 20 years of success, GYC will be presenting a musical program to delight the heart of every family member. The concert is free and open to the public.

THE DITCHFIELD FAMILY SINGERS Saturday, Dec. 6 7:00pm OCALA - Circle Square Cultural Center and Commons, 8405 SW 80th St. The Ditchfield Family Singers, one of America’s most versatile family ensembles acclaimed for their close harmony, warmth and wide variety of musical styles, presents a phenomenal selection of Christmas favorites.

Tickets range $8-11.

DUDLEY FARM CANE DAY Saturday, Dec. 6 9:00am – 3:00pm NEWBERRY - Dudley Farm Historic State Park. Celebrate the region’s pioneering

past by watching some of the areas rural life style. The Park Service commemorates Ms. Myrtle Dudley’s birthday by grinding sugar cane and boiling cane syrup. Farm tours, domestic crafts, children’s activities, music and vendors are featured on this living history day.

Demonstrators will be showcasing Florida’s traditions of yesteryear.

352-472-1142.

FAMILY BIRDING SERIES Saturday Dec 6 9:00am MICANOPY - Paynes Prairie. 100 Savannah Blvd. Family Birding for all ages. Enjoy birding fun on the 1st Saturday of every month November through April. Topic and meeting location varies for each session. Children are encouraged to attend but must be accompanied by an adult. Program is free, but Park Admission fees apply. Preregistration is required and space is limited.

Register and learn more about each session at

Holiday Tree Lighting Saturday, December 6

6:00pm

GAINESVILLE - The Historic Thomas Center, 302 NE 6th Ave. The City of Gainesville Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs is hosting its annual Holiday Tree Lighting Celebration at the Historic Thomas Center. The free program will run from 6-8 p.m. and will feature caroling and holiday music. Santa will be present and refreshments will be served.

www.prairiefriends.org.

HOMESTEAD HOLIDAYS Sunday, Dec. 7 12:00pm GAINESVILLE - Historic Haile Homestead, 8500 SW Archer Rd. Stroll through the 1856 plantation home decked out in an array of traditional greenery and Victorian finery with a railroad theme. Docents in Victorian costume!

See the Homestead’s famous “Talking Walls.”

Enjoy live holiday music performed by young violin students! Sip some hot cider as you browse a selection of home-baked goodies, and special holiday ornaments.

Alachua Acoustic & Art Friday, December 12

6:00pm – 9:00pm

ALACHUA - Downtown Historic Alachua, NW 141 St. A lovely way to spend a Friday evening strolling along to acoustic music and watching artists at work. Have some dinner, maybe a cocktail, listen to some music, then perhaps a bit of dessert and stop to win a prize.

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Benefiting the

Proceeds benefit UF Health Shands Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hospital. www.SebastianFerrero.org 116 | Winter 2014

THANK YOU TO OUR NOCHE DE GALA 2014 SPONSORS DIAMOND PRESENTING SPONSORS

PLATINUM SPONSORS

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CRYSTAL SPONSORS

GOLD SPONSORS

——————————————————————————————————————————— HOME Magazine Business in the Heart of Florida

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Gainesville Sun / Gainesville Magazine Tower Publications

SILVER SPONSORS

——————————————————————————————————————————— Citizens State Bank • UF Health • The Village Journal • What’s Happening Publications Giggle Magazine • Good Life Community Magazine

MARBLE SPONSORS

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North Central Florida Business Report • Ocala Magazine • Footstone Photography Saboré • neutral7 design group • InterMed Biologics / Tyler’s Hope • Tower Hill Insurance Group Wells Fargo • Coleen DeGroff, Realtor at RE/MAX Professionals • Holland & Knight • Optym Yvette Godet, DMD • Dr. Mark and Jennifer Bleiweis • Neuberger Berman • Ingrid Rockefeller Live Oak Stud • Rountree-Moore Auto Group

BRONZE SPONSORS

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Sleep Inn & Suites • Lang Jewelers • 1st Credit of Union of Gainesville • Kids Doc Pediatrics Signature Brands • Front Street Commercial Real Estate Group • Nancy E. Decker Pool Cleaning Harold and Bonnie-Jean Lyons • Dr. Doug and Macky Barrett • Richard Allen and Susan Mastin/Maytree Foundation • CAMPUS USA Credit Union • Gilbert and Becky Levy/Consultants and Analysts, LLC • Ocala Hilton

GLASS SPONSORS

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Richard and Pam Astrom • Dr. Arlan and Edith Rosenbloom • Blue Highway, a pizzeria • Scarborough Insurance Michael and Penny Wilkes-Mauk • WCA of Florida • Greene-Hazel Foundation • Charlie and Linda Wells Drs. Bill and Shelley Collins • Rodney Fischer • Tom and Linda Donaldson LIBERTYAIR Air Conditioning & Heating, Inc. • Dr. Amit and Melissa Rawal • Dr. Donald and Mary Lou Eitzman Dr. Ira and Gerri Gessner • Ocala Poker and Jai Alai • Lem and Dana Purcell • Ajax Building Corporation Steve Perez • Rembert Family Foundation • Gradell Farm • The Family of Bev Millard • ToneRow Stonecliff Farm • Dr. Jason and Denise Rosenberg

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The Nutcracker December 19-21

Times Vary

GAINESVILLE - UF Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Rd. Dance Alive National Ballet presents the all-time family favorite. NUTCRACKER returns with more beauty, more joy, and more thrills than ever before.

The classic tale has been a holiday tradition for over 49 years in Gainesville. Don’t miss this holiday treat! Tickets range $15-40.

HOGTOWN HEELERS CLOGGING Tuesday, Dec. 9 6:30pm GAINESVILLE - Westside Park Recreation Building, 1001 NW 34th St. Clogging for fun and exercise. Tuesdays, 6:30pm – 9:00pm.

All ages, skill levels.

Beginners welcome first session free, $5 afterwards.

DAUGHTERS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION Second Wednesday, Dec. 12 11:00am - 1:00pm GAINESVILLE - Wesley United Methodist Church, NW 23rd Ave. Gainesville Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution meet on the second Wednesday of each month, October through May.

gainesvilleDAR@gmail.com.

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GOOD FORM RUNNING CLINIC Saturday, Dec. 13 9:00am GAINESVILLE - Lloyd Clarke Sports, 1504 NW 13th St. Good Form Running is about helping people make running a stress-free, more enjoyable, part of their lives. At this clinic, Good Form Running certified staff will work with you on your gait to keep you on the road, running longer, faster, and more comfortably than ever before. This clinic has a small class size to provide more personal interaction and before/ after analysis of your gait.

DUDLEY KIDS DAY Saturday, Dec. 13 10:00am – 2:00pm NEWBERRY - Dudley Farm Historic State Park. Mind Your

Manners. Come out to the farm on the second Saturday of the month for our Dudley Kids Day. Children and adults alike, ages 5 to 65, can join in the fun! There are hands on demonstrations, crafts, old-fashioned games and even some education. Learn about history, and a farming way of life.

CHRISTMAS PARADE Saturday, Dec. 13 2:00pm – 3:00pm ALACHUA - Downtown.

Bring the family to Main Street to enjoy Christmas activities and get in the Christmas spirit. Free to all.

CHRISTMAS PARADE Saturday, Dec. 13 6:00pm HIGH SPRINGS Downtown. Twilight Christmas Parade.

HOLIDAY TRADITIONS: A MUSICAL CELEBRATION Sunday, Dec. 14 4:00pm GAINESVILLE - Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Rd. Presented by Stop Children’s Cancer.

Performing groups will be PK Yonge Vocal Ensemble, Eastside High School Chamber Singers, Santa Fe High School Concert Choir, The Gainesville Youth Chorus and Concertina Choir, and The Alachua County Youth Orchestra. Event will feature a very special soloist, Hyla Marlin, a singer, supporter and survivor. General Admission: $12; Children 12 and under: $6.

HOLIDAY CELEBRATION December 13th 10:00am to 5:00pm MICANOPY - Follow signs to: 508 SE Tuscawilla

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Road. Looking for one of a kind gifts to give this holiday season? Come on out to Tuscawilla Pottery where artist Ana Varela hosts her 18th Annual Holiday Celebration.

Unique pottery, fine crafts, music jam and frivolities ensue. For more information email:

anavarela31@earthlink.net.

WINTER HOLIDAY CONCERT Tuesday, Dec. 16 7:00pm - 8:00pm JONESVILLE - Town of Tioga. Free annual Winter Holiday Concert featuring the Chorus ensembles of two local elementary schools: Meadowbrook & Kimball Wiles Elementary.

MOMMY & ME Wednesday, Dec. 17 5:00pm

Chocolate & Champagne and Dancing with Stars Saturday, Dec. 20 8:00pm GAINESVILLE - UF Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Rd. Dance Alive National Ballet presents the event of the season. Dine and dance in high holiday spirits, and have fun voting for your favorite Gainesville celebrity dancer at the spectacular ‘Dancing With the Stars’ competition. Purchase your Holiday gifts at the unique silent auction. TV 20’s Dave Snyder hosts the event, catered by Sweetwater Branch Inn, and featuring Gainesville’s favorite band, Gosia and Ali. Tickets start at $150; $750 for a table of 8.

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GAINESVILLE - UF Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Rd. Dance Alive National Ballet presents one of the most special experiences a child can have — being onstage with the dancers right in the middle of a Nutcracker rehearsal. Feel the rush of emotions - the excitement, the joy and the happiness of this very unique moment.

Good for children who need to wiggle, find it hard to focus or just need that special added attention.

Tickets are $50.

GAWN Wednesday, Dec. 17 11:30am – 1:00pm GAINESVILLE Sweetwater Branch Inn, 625 E University Ave. The Gainesville Area Women’s Network luncheon — third Wednesday each month. Attend for great networking and a hot lunch. Register: GAWN.org.

GAINESVILLE NETWORKING CHALLENGE Wednesday, Dec. 17 5:30pm – 7:00pm JONESVILLE - Sabore Restaurant, 13005 SW 1st Rd. Come network with business professionals in a casual setting on the third Wednesday of each month. Invite your friends! Enjoy complimentary delicious hors d’oeuvres.

SUGAR PLUM TEA Dec. 20 – 21 4:00pm GAINESVILLE - Phillips Center, Fackler Foyer East. Dance Alive National Ballet Presents Sugar Plum Tea. Join the Sugar Plum Fairy and her court in a very special experience following the performance of ‘The Nutcracker’. The perfect ending to the perfect day. Meet the Sugar Plum Fairy and her Court; touch a snowflake, tease a mouse. Enjoy a tea that only a Sugar Plum Fairy could present. Have your holiday photos taken by Johnston Photography at a special “Sugar Plum Tea” rate. General Admission $15.

HIGH SPRINGS MUSIC IN THE PARK SERIES Sunday, Dec. 21 2:00pm HIGH SPRINGS - James Paul Park, 200 N. Main St. Music in the Park Series happens every third Sunday of the month from 2pm-4pm at James Paul Park located behind City Hall. Featuring local musicians/talent! BYO blankets, lawn chairs and refreshments.

www.VisitOurTowns.com

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Enjoy our beautiful downtown area with your family and friends and “Enjoy Our Good Nature.”

SHEN YUN PERFORMING ARTS Tuesday, Dec. 30 7:30pm GAINESVILE - UF Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Rd. Shen Yun takes you on an extraordinary journey to the lost land of the ancient Middle Kingdom.

Discover classical Chinese dance, one of the most rigorous and athletic, yet exquisitely beautiful art forms in the world. Feel the joy as ethnic and folk dances fill the stage with color and energy.

Experience the new sound of an orchestra that combines East and West like no other.

Tickets range $54-154.

NEW YEAR’S EVE Dec. 31 9:00pm - 12:30am GAINESVILLE - Bo Diddley Community Plaza. “Downtown Countdown” New Year’s Eve Celebration.

Come ring in the near year beginning with a free concert at 9:30pm, hosted by the City of Gainesville Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs.

FIRST DAY HIKE Wednesday, January 1 9:00am – 11:30am FORT WHITE Ichetucknee Springs State Park, 8294 Elim Church Rd. Ring in the New Year with a refreshing journey of renewal: an invigorating winter hike along the Ichetucknee River.

Hike begins at the Ichetucknee Head Spring and follows its

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course adjacent the Trestle Point Trail. This two-mile hike promises a wonderful variety of wildlife through a cross-section of the park’s major plant communities. Sturdy hiking shoes and winter-appropriate clothing are highly recommended for this moderately easy hike in a nature trail setting.

Pets are allowed on the trails on six-foot, handheld leashes only. This ranger-led hike is open for all ages. Entrance fee is $6 per vehicle.

GAINESVILLE HARMONY SHOW CHORUS Thursday, January 1 7:00pm – 9:30pm GAINESVILLE - Grace Presbyterian Church, 3146 NW 13th St. Interested in learning and singing Women’s A Cappella Barbershop Harmony Music?

Gainesville Harmony Show Chorus, of Sweet Adelines International, holds rehearsals Thursdays. For more information, call Beckie: 352-318-1281.

CAMELLIA SHOW January 3-4 Times Vary GAINESVILLE - Kanapaha Botanical Gardens, 4700 SW 58th Dr. This two-day event features prize-winning camellias of all sizes, shapes, and colors.

There will be judged exhibits of japonicas, reticulatas, hybrids and species. In addition to their outstanding winter beauty, some of the varieties are fragrant. This show is geared toward educating the public about the care, culture and appreciation of camellias, both in the

greenhouse and in the landscape. Regular admission price for non-members; members are admitted free of charge.

Gainesville Camellia Society website: www.

americancamellias.org.

DUDLEY KIDS DAY Saturday, January 10 10:00am – 2:00pm NEWBERRY - Dudley Farm Historic State Park. That’s Wool.

Children can participate in educational demonstrations and crafts. Come out to the farm on the second Saturday of the month for our Dudley Kids Day. Children and adults alike, ages 5 to 65, can join in the fun. There are hands on demonstrations, crafts, old-fashioned games and even some education. Learn about history, and a farming way of life.

WINTER SUNRISE CANOE TOUR Friday, January 10 6:30am – 9:30am FORT WHITE Ichetucknee Springs State Park, 8294 Elim Church Rd. The Ichetucknee River is wonderful in the winter. The trees along the banks and in the floodplain are still showing off their fall colors, and the ducks are settling in for the season. Experience the magic as the mist rises off the warm spring waters. The tour will meet at the North Entrance, off Elim Church Road (County Road 238). Launch time will be as close to 7:00 a.m. as possible (sunrise is at 7:28 a.m.) $15 per person.

SYMPHONIC ELLINGTON January 16 TBA GAINESVILLE - Santa Fe Fine Arts Hall, 3000 NW 83rd Street.

Featuring a celebration of Duke Ellington and more. Tickets are $25 for students, $35 for general admission.

PLOW DAYS February 6 – 7 10:00am – 2:00pm NEWBERRY - Dudley Farm Historic State Park. Traditional demonstrations of draft horses cultivating the Dudley Farm crop fields in preparation for spring planting. A fun and educational experience for the entire family with old time music, demonstrations and more. Admission: $5 per vehicle up to 8 occupants.

352-472-1142. www.

friendsofdudleyfarm.org.

WRITERS ALLIANCE OF GAINESVILLE Sunday, February 8 2:30pm GAINESVILLE - Millhopper Branch Library, 3145 NW 43rd St. Life, The Universe and Everything in 500 Words or Less. Ron Cunningham will speak on the virtues of brevity. Open to all who are interested in the written word.

Cunningham is Executive Director of Bike Florida, a nonprofit organization formed to promote bicycle tourism as well as bike safety and education. After retiring from almost 30 years as editorial page editor of the Gainesville Sun, he now writes a Sunday column and is theater critic for the Sun.

www.ďŹ&#x201A;ygainesville.com

www.VisitOurTowns.com

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Hoggetowne Medieval Faire Starts January 24th GAINESVILLE - Alachua County Fair, 3100 NE 39th Ave. Medieval Faire Step back in time as the Middle Ages come to life. The Hoggetowne Medieval Faire will feature 160 artisans, 8 stages of performances, jousting on horseback, human chess game, birds of prey, human powered push rides, old world games, and food fit for a king. Tickets are $7 for ages 17 and under, $15 for 18 and up.

CHICAGO Sunday, February 8 7:30pm GAINESVILLE - UF Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Rd. A true New York City institution, CHICAGO has everything that makes Broadway great: a universal tale of fame, fortune and all that jazz; one showstopping-song after another; and the most astonishing dancing you’ve ever seen.

Tickets range $20-65.

DUDLEY KIDS DAY Saturday, February 14 10:00am – 2:00pm NEWBERRY - Dudley Farm Historic State Park. Chickens Galore!

Children can participate in educational demonstrations and crafts. Come out to the farm on the second Saturday of the month for our Dudley Kids Day. Children and adults alike, ages 5 to 65, can join in the fun! There are hands on demonstrations,

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crafts, old-fashioned games and even some education. Learn about history, and a farming way of life.

A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM Saturday, February 14 7:30pm GAINESVILLE - UF Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Rd. Dance Alive National Ballet brings you A Midsummer Night’s Dream. On a dreamy midsummer night’s eve, the worlds of faeries, humans, dukes and donkeys all collide under the magic spell of cupid’s arrow. We see how true love never runs smooth, as the mischievous puck proclaims, ‘Lord what fools these mortals be!” A bright and beautiful ballet in the classical style created

by Kim Tuttle, set to Shakespeare’s immortal ‘A Midsummer Night’s Eve‘ proves that falling in love is the ultimate gift. Tickets range $15-40.

GUEST CARILLON RECITAL Sunday, February 22 4:00pm GAINESVILLE - UF Campus. Andrée-Anne Doane, carillonneur of St. Joseph’s Oratory, Montréal, will perform on the 61-bell carillon housed in Century Tower. Bring a blanket and lawn chair. Programs will be available on the south side of the tower.

JERSEY BOYS February 24-28 5:30pm GAINESVILLE - UF Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Rd. “Too Good To Be True!” raves the New York Post for JERSEY BOYS, the Tony, Grammy and Olivier Award-winning Best Musical about Rock and Roll Hall of Famers The Four Seasons: Frankie Valli, Bob Gaudio, Tommy DeVito and Nick Massi.

This is the true story of how four blue-collar kids became one of the greatest successes in pop music history.

They wrote their own songs, invented their own sounds and sold 175 million records worldwide — all before they were 30! Tickets range $20-75.

A LAND REMEMBERED Sunday, March 1 2:30pm GAINESVILLE - Millhopper Branch Library, 3145 NW 43rd St. Writers Alliance of Gainesville is sponsoring Rick Smith’s well-known multimedia presentation, A Land Remembered, about his father, Patrick D. Smith, and his life as a writer. It is a visual storytelling with videos, photos, music, etc. and it is a rather informative, lively presentation for students from middle school to senior adults.

Rick will begin with his father’s first novel, The River is Home, and follow his progressive success. This will be free for WAG members and a small fee of $10 for non-members. (Seating capacity 300 people). s

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‘It’s A Wonderf

I

ul Life”

t’s a Wonderful Life is just an old Frank Capra classic to most people, but to the people of SunState Federal Credit Union, it’s more than just a movie. For these volunteers and employees, the Bailey Building and Loan represents a way of doing business that SunState works hard to emulate every single day.

Robert Hart, SunState’s Vice President of Marketing likes to think that it’s not just how they serve their members or the products and services they provide, but it’s more about where their heart is that really sets them apart.

“When people ask me about the credit union, I always talk about George Bailey in the scene from It’s a Wonderful Life where he says your money is under your neighbor’s roof and his money is in the walls of a neighbor’s house and so on,” explains Hart. “It’s a simple way to explain how a cooperative like a credit union works. When George sums it up for the crowd with, ‘We don’t need the Mr. Potters of the world, we 126 | Winter 2014

h have each other,’ it really hits h home. That’s what SunState is aall about. Our credit union is about thousands of neighbors pooling their resources to help each other without having a Mr. Potter step in and take a cut off the top.

Our members know that, as an institution, we care and they know that our employees as individuals care. If George Bailey really existed and he lived in Gainesville, I think he emplo would consider our employees to have very rich lives, even if they don’t live in the biggest houses in town.”

George Bailey gave his life and career to the Building and Loan. If you ask employment experts today, they will tell you how rare it is these days for employees to stay with one company for very long. It’s different at SunState, where many employees and volunteers have given more than 20, 30, even 40 years of service to the community through their work at the credit union. Of them all, one name stands out, that of the late Marvis B. Roberts, Sr. As the story goes, in 1957, during a visit to Washington, DC, Roberts needed to cash a check and was directed to a credit union. He was impressed with the cooperative-style atmosphere and knewthat it was this innovative idea of people helping people -- rather than souvenirs -- that he would bring home. Upon his return from Washington, Roberts organized fellow employees to start Florida USDA Federal Credit Union.

With an initial investment of $5 from each of the original 10 charter members, the credit union was up and

running, serving local employees of the USDA. Roberts understood the importance of providing a venue for people to pool their money in order to make loans to each other at the best possible rates. He knew that not only would a group operating cooperatively treat its members better, but also as a non-profit organization they could offer better rates than an outside company or bank that needed to pay out profits to stockholders.

Over the years, the credit union expanded its member base from only Florida USDA employees to anyone who lives, works, worships or attends school in Alachua, Columbia, Dixie, Gilchrist or Levy counties. So, in 1993, Florida USDA Federal Credit Union changed its name to SunState Federal Credit Union. Today, SunState has grown from a modest organization operating out of a desk drawer to one that serves members from nine locations as well as a robust online presence. Marvis Roberts passed away in 1999, but his legacy has resulted in an organization that started with initial assets of $50 that have grown to almost $300 million, proving when people work together to help themselves, great things can happen.

One might think that the cost of such growth would be a loss in personal service, but that’s not so. SunState has one of the highest employee-to-member ratios

of any credit union in the country, because they are totally committed to customer service. Hart goes back to It’s a Wonderful Life and points out that Jimmy Stewart’s character, George Bailey, embodies the way SunState strives to operate because, “Who would you rather do business with, someone like Jimmy Stewart’s character George Bailey who cares about you, or the greedy Mr. Potter who cares only about your money and is always looking for a foreclosure?”

While the hearts of staff and management lean more to the ways of the old-fashioned Bailey Building and Loan, the financial services provided by SunState are advanced even for the 21st century, because making life easier for their members is the goal of SunState -and easier means better.

“We provide so much for our members and want more people to know that they can take advantage of what we have to offer too,” Robert Hart explains. “We want our members to consider SunState not just as a credit union, but as their one trusted financial partner.”

Like George Bailey and his father in It’s a Wonderful Life, Marvis B. Roberts Sr., the founder of SunState, his desire to serve people and better the community lives on in everyone at SunState Federal Credit Union.

It’s not about money, it’s about people. It’s not about profit, it’s about service.

Serving residents in the Greater Gainesville area for more than 55 years

352-381-5200

www.sunstatefcu.org

VISIT SUNSTATE FEDERAL CREDIT UNION AT ANY ONE OF THEIR CONVENIENT LOCATIONS TO FIND OUT HOW YOU CAN BENEFIT FROM BECOMING A MEMBER. MEMBERSHIP RULES APPLY. www.VisitOurTowns.com Winter 2014

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>> BETTER LIVING

Love, Health

&H

Recipes for Life WRITTEN BY MARISA ROSS is the season! …For ample amounts of stress and gorging on sweets, that is.

Although the months of December, January and February are supposed to be the jolliest time of the year, they’re often filled with work strain, tasty temptations and pressure to have that special someone to spend them with. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the annual symptoms that come along with plates full of Santa’s cookies and calls from your nagging mother asking why you’re still not married, read on to learn how to beat the holiday blues and give the gift of happiness to yourself this season.

T

Health / Resolutions Like a broken record, you’re probably guilty of thinking some of these statements around the holidays: This is the year you’re finally going to stick to that diet. This is the year you’re going to get a promotion. This is the year you’re going do more charity.

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Setting personal goals for a healthier life is an excellent gesture, but making your expectations too high only sets you up for failure, said Tamara Melton, a registered dietician, nutritionist and spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. It’s easy to fall into the holidays trap because “people are stressed and busy, and with a lot of sugar at this time of year, putting the two factors together makes people indulge more than they need to,” she said, especially when they’re bundled up in scarves rather than bikinis. In order to succeed in making positive lifestyle changes, you have to make your goals more realistic. The key is to take small steps before jumping those big hurdles.

Let’s take a look at five of the most common New Years resolutions and some tips on how to make them a reality this year.

Lose weight and eat healthier food: You just wanted one extra mojito at this year’s office holiday party, but it somehow turned into three. You were going to avoid chocolates altogether, but then

1

Happiness your Great Aunt Betty sent that care package with irresistible Ferrero Rocher chocolates inside, and you just had to have one…or two…or nine.

Giving in to food can be a domino effect, and it’s especially hard to resist when that pumpkin spice doughnut and peppermint Frappuccino only make an appearance once per year, but planning ahead and holding yourself accountable is the best way to curb those calories and have self control. You may not be able to change a number on a scale right away, but you can aim to go to bed 20 minutes earlier at least three times a week to make e time to take a morning walk.

If you know ow you’re going g out drinking, plan to eat less caloric meals throughout le the day and week, or perhaps request diet soda instead of regular on your order of rum and coke. Gainesville registered dietician Mary Bohannon

Get Back On!

recommends using database-style calorie tracking apps like MyFitnessPal, LoseIt and SparkPeople to stay on track. These are great resources, she said, but also be aware that sometimes logging exercise that gives calories back to your daily allowance doesn’t always compensate if you’re trying to lose weight.

Exercise more and get fit: If you run out of breath after a four-minute steady state session on the treadmill, you’re not going to be able train for that marathon next month. Sorry, but it’s just not going to happen. While it’s a great goal to have, you’re better off training for that 5K run. Try that first, and maybe someday you’ll eventually work your way up to the coveted 26-mile feat.

And with all of the fun 5K walks/runs in the Gainesville and the surrounding area, there are plenty of opportunities. Whether for good causes, like October’s N.E.R.D. (Novel Education Reward Day) 5K, an excuse to get messy, like September’s Color Run, or just for outrageous fun, like the Great Underwear Dash or

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PHOTOS BY MARISA ROSS

Beer Run at Tioga Town Center, there’s always a reason to put on your tennis shoes. For more information on upcoming races and info on how to get involved, visit www.floridatrackclub.org/race-calendar. Alert, alert! An Ugly Sweater 5K in Dunnellon is fast approaching!

Quit smoking: You might have tried nicotine patches, gum or possibly even hypnosis audio CDs, but nothing seems to work — this habit is a tough one to kick.

The average smoker attempts to quit about 10 times before quitting for good, according to Tobacco Free Florida. That’s not meant to discourage you, but just know it’s not easy, and now you have even more motivation to beat the statistic. If you quit cold turkey,

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the urge will probably be too strong to resist, but by reducing the amount you smoke per day and pulling yourself out of situations that tempt you, you could notice a big difference. If you smoke one pack per day, commit to cutting that down to half a pack for at least two weeks, then go from there. Keep yourself busy at the gym or pick up a new hobby and to invest your time; try to keep your mouth occupied with healthy snacks, toothpicks and mints or gum whenever you get a craving; and clean your clothes and linens to rid them of any smoke-lingering smell.

Butt Out!

If you have an old friend that knows so-and-so at your dream job, ask him or her to meet up for coffee one day.

Get a better job/get a promotion: If you’re frustrated with the day-to-day humdrum of your job, you might be in need of a new one. But before you quit, drop everything and buy a one-way ticket to Chicago to start anew, do some prior planning so you won’t be left without a plan or penny to your name. Above all, stay positive and enthusiastic. When you talk to your boss about your progress at work, you need to show that you don’t want better pay, but that you deserve it.

If you are an asset to your company and you believe it, others will start to pick up on all your hard work too.

If you’re dissatisfied with your current situation and dread the idea of spending the rest of your life at your dead-end job, wait until you’ve reached out to others and considered your options before quitting. If you have an old friend that knows so-and-so at your dream job, ask him or her to meet up for coffee one day.

Snoop and get behind-the-scenes advice from www. glassdoor.com, a great resource for salary previews, interview tips and company reviews. Update your resume and LinkedIn account, and work on some cover letters. You should apply to several jobs, but invest a little more time researching the company to have a better chance getting a position if you score an interview.

Tell relevant stories to future employers, ask unique questions, and practice answering tough questions so you are the best candidate for the job.

4

Reduce stress: Unfortunately, stress is a constant force in our lives. It’s OK to deal with a little sometimes, but if it culminates to the point where it feels unbearable for long periods of time, something might be wrong.

5

First, identify the source of your stress. If it’s lack of sleep from working your 9-to-5 job, or from entertaining the kids, maybe it’s time for a vacation. People who travel, according to “Psychology Today,” even for brief period of time, tend to be happier long-term. If you don’t have the budget or days off for an Australian outback adventure or a weeklong Mexican fiesta, plan a small weekend road trip to Charleston with your spouse or relax with the kids at Ichetucknee Springs for the day. Or just do something mentally soothing, like cozying up to your favorite book Sunday morning in bed or stargazing at the tranquil night sky.

If you can’t seem to cope with your stress with small leisurely activities, don’t be afraid to reach out to friends and family for support. If you think your depression is more serious, seek professional help. There are several resources available in Alachua County to deal with stress of anxiety, personal and couples counseling, depression, family problems, grief, alcohol and drug abuse, and more. For emergencies after business hours, these numbers are available to you:

Stressed?

· · ·

The Alachua County Crisis Center, 352-264-6789 UF’s Counseling and Wellness Center, 352-392-1575 The Suicide Prevention Lifelife, 1-800-273-8255

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The trend in all these resolution solutions is to make a small, manageable changes so you can slowly work toward your goal. If you’re too aggressive in your aspirations at the start, you might get discouraged too soon. And if you do happen to binge on a snack, pick up another cigarette or impulsively splurge on a spree, don’t harp on the past. Instead of dwelling, just act as if you didn’t slip up, get back on track and focus on what you’re doing right going forward. Employ a reward system for encouragement: Take a cooking class, get a massage or buy that designer watch you’ve been eyeing. Use rewards as motivation, and don’t be afraid to treat yourself when you follow through. And as with any resolution, you don’t have to wait until the ball drops on New Year’s Eve to get these changes going. You can start right now!

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Relationships / Dating Valentine’s Day is coming up, and if love isn’t in the air, it’s probably somewhere in the World Wide Web. Think about it. What’s the number one way you check messages, connect with friends or even just get your daily dose of Candy Crush Saga? Yes, you’re probably connected to it at this very moment: the Internet, the single-most unifying network we have that breaches boundaries across the world. If you’re down about your solitary status and haven’t found your soul mate yet, maybe you’ve been searching in all the wrong places. With more than six billion people in the world, you might need some external help finding the

one, and online dating services are a great way to do that. According to a 2013 Pew Research Center study, negative opinions of online dating have decreased, and usage has increased within the last decade.

Today, more than five percent of all married Americans met online. The largest age bracket of users is 25- to 34-year-olds, but studies show people from various generations are getting involved. Here’s a more in-depth look at experiences local people have had with free, downloadable apps and paid websites.

Free Apps When Apple trademarked the phrase “there’s an app for that” in 2010, the powerhouse corporation referred to the more specialized and quirky add-ons that make

up part of one million apps in the App Store today.

And on the topic of dating? There’s an app for that too. Actually, in the top grossing section of the “Lifestyle” category, there’s several: OkCupid Dating, Zoosk, Plenty of Fish, Badoo — just to name a few.

Since the popular mobile matchmaking app, Tinder, was released just over two years ago, the dating game has steadily changed across the generations, and more people than ever are using apps and other online dating services.

It makes sense. In a world where people are dependent on their smartphones and WiFi connections, it’s only natural to look for love interests by resorting to the same technologies that consume virtually every other aspect of life.

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PHOTOS BY MARISA ROSS PHOTOS BY TY ADAMS COURTESY OF SKELETON KEY DESIGN

Since meeting nearly a year ago on the popular dating app, Tinder, Nick Giovannucci and Kristina Orlando have been inseparable. After a glitch in the app allowed them to connect from states outside the 100-mile range maximum, the couple have maintained their long-distance relationship through daily calls and frequent flights. Orlando said despite its reputation, Tinder helped her find her best friend, to which Giovannucci agreed and said she was the best thing that’s ever happened to him.

“Because of how much time everyone is on their phone, it’s almost weird not to have met someone online,” said 21-year-old Nick Giovannucci, who initially met his girlfriend of about one year on Tinder.

For those that don’t know, Tinder is a GPS-based app that privately links users’ Facebook profiles to display photos, mutual friends and liked pages. After setting a range of distance and age, users can then “swipe” through profiles of nearby candidates, and if the attraction is mutual, the user will get a match notification and a chance to chat.

“You control who comes into your life,” he said, “and I don’t know what level you’d go to, but you can basically ‘prescreen’ [potential mates].”

And one day in December of 2013, Giovannucci was bored during his winter break from Arizona State University. Stuck at home from surgery, he opened up Tinder and set the distance to the max of 100 miles.

“You control who comes into your life,” he said, “and I don’t know what level you’d go to, but you can basically ‘prescreen’ [potential mates].”

He was swiping through candidates when a girl named Kristina, a Floridian, appeared on his screen. Her profile was atypical of Pheonix’s arid setting, and he noticed the distance was nearly 2,000 miles away. Neither of them had ever visited each other’s states. The app glitched, but he was intrigued.

He didn’t initially have an agenda when he decided

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“I never thought it would happen this way, but I don’t think it could have happened any better way”

to talk to her, but he felt comfortable with the fact he had little-to-no chance of running into her in real life if they didn’t click — but they did. Although he said she didn’t give him the time of day on the app, he reached out to her in other ways, starting with Instagram.

An innocent comment on a Starbucks-related photo quickly turned into an exchange of Snapchat account information. Long conversational Snaps turned into texts. Texts turned into phone calls. Phone calls turned into Skype video calls. And after progressing through all the platforms of social media, Skype calls turned into a plane ticket from Arizona to Gainesville to meet

for the first time on spring break.

Since then, the two only see each other a few times on trips to their respective states, but even though they are separated by distance, they are never really apart.

Use of social media and technology isn’t a luxury in their relationship — it’s a necessity. The two even have a countdown app called T-Zero for the next time they’ll see each other.

Kristina Orlando, a University of Florida senior, said she can’t think of any other reason for the app’s glitch except that they were “meant to be together.” When a friend encouraged her to get the app more than a year

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“Because all we could do was talk, we had the opportunity to get to know each other more on an emotional scale than a physical scale”

ago, she said she wouldn’t have believed she was about to discover her best friend and future spouse.

“I never thought it would happen this way, but I don’t think it could have happened any better way,” Giovannucci agreed.

Orlando said she is sometimes hesitant to tell people how she met Giovannucci, because although participating in dating apps is now more “socially acceptable,” a stigma still exists about the intentions young users have when joining these networks.

Though less than in the past, people tend to think these services are reserved for those that are desperate

or just looking to “hook up,” especially within today’s college relationships culture, she said.

However, Orlando said she believes it’s the communicative nature of social media and technology that has strengthened her long-distance relationship.

“Because all we could do was talk, we had the opportunity to get to know each other more on an emotional scale than a physical scale,” she said.

Giovannucci and Orlando are a special case, considering Tinder’s reputation, but all they needed to connect for the first time was a network. And that is, after all, the essence of online dating and using apps: It

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won’t build your relationship for you, but it can provide a foundation to start. And if you do happen to find the love of your life, who’s judging?

Well, if you ask Kate Artman, 25, many people still are, especially parents.

When she met her husband, Dan, 30, on the free OkCupid app and website about four years ago, she said she kept details of how they met quiet from her family until relatively close to her wedding date.

Although they are supportive now after getting to know him, at the time, she said she was hesitant because of

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the mix of reported Internet dangers in the news and a family member who had just returned from Europe after an online dating meet-up had failed.

Artman said her parents would have been worried if she told them too soon, but she was certain about the genuineness of the situation and talked with Dan for a month before meeting him in person, which is when they became more exclusive.

“People can lie to your face, and they can lie online,” she said. “But if you meet someone who’s right for you, they won’t be lying.”

PHOTOS BY KRISTIN KOZELSKY

About four years ago, Dan Rodriquez, 30, and Kate Artman, 25, met using the OkCupid app and website. Last March, the couple enjoyed an intimate wedding on Amelia Island.

There’s still a strong backlash against online and app services such as OkCupid because people fear losing the “art of dating,” she said, but “it’s still dating — it’s just faster.” And in response to anyone who thinks a first face-to-face meeting would be unnatural, she said “It’s only as awkward as any first date ever is.”

The way people date may be changing, but the manner of accidentally falling in love remains the same, whether in real life or online.

“There’s no other way I could have met him if it wasn’t for the Internet,” Artman said.

Paid Dating Sites Dating websites are nothing new, but even with the prominence of free apps, people still turn to paid services to find relationships.

Anne Rose, a social media strategist, said because users have to pay for services, “there seem to be better ‘prospects’ on it,” and people tend to be more serious while searching for partners than they would on Tinder, OkCupid or Plenty of Fish.

Rose, 55, said she prefers Match.com for its user-friendly functionality, sleek-looking profile and better selection.

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If you’re thinking about joining a dating service, there are two outcomes: it can “feed your ego, or it can set you up for lots of disappointment,” Rose said. To avoid this, “you have to be confident and not take it too seriously.”

PHOTO COURTESY OF ANNE ROSE

Anne Rose has participated in a few online dating services, but she said she prefers Match.com for its functionality and clean profile look. She tried the site for the first time 10 years ago, but she has been back on it since summer and is happy with the results so far. As long as people are careful of the risks and aware of their online presence, she said, the process of dating online can be faster and more upfront.

With millions of visitors each month, sites such as Match.com and eHarmony consistently rank as the highest grossing dating services, but specialized sites such as JDate, Christian Mingle and BlackPeopleMeet also lure users with specific dating criteria. There’s even targeted audience sites such as FarmersOnly.com.

“Online dating isn’t necessarily better,” Rose said. “I guess we’d all like to catch the eye of a gorgeous man walking down the street and have it turn into a fairytale romance.” But when that isn’t the case — and it usually isn’t — dating sites make it easier for people to meet, especially for older, divorced or widowed singles.

She pointed out that pacing is one benefit of having a more elder presence on the networks. People would rather spend less time talking and meet up sooner in order to avoid wasting time if they find they’re not compatible.

Another interesting trend she’s noticed of 55+ crowds is the use of LinkedIn, Meetup (used for community events and activities) and, surprisingly, even

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the Facebook-installed game, “Words with Friends,” to find partners.

“A lot of sites might not be specifically ‘dating sites,’ but there’s a lot of dating going on,” she said.

If you’re thinking about joining a dating service, there are two outcomes: it can “feed your ego, or it can set you up for lots of disappointment,” Rose said. To avoid this, “you have to be confident and not take it too seriously.”

There are also some safety precautions to take.

Meeting strangers online might not be as dangerous as going home with one from a bar, but the issue of catfishing (people pretending to be someone else) and other sketchy users inevitably comes up. Refrain from giving away personal information and numbers too soon. Try to find different photos than your content on other social media outlets. And in general, be aware of your own presence and know that the way others paint themselves on the Internet isn’t always necessarily accurate. s

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Dinner is Served D

ining patrons make their way toward the wafting aroma of filet mignon and baked sweet potatoes. Today the savory smell of beef stroganoff tempts taste buds as diners wait to be seated at the Atrium Garden Restaurant.

With extended dining hours, residents of The Atrium at Gainesville have the luxury of dining at their convenience in one of the four themed sections of the restaurant: the Main, the Gator Room, the Café and the Garden Room. The Main dining room is a larger area divided into three sections. Sports fans nosh their catch of the day amidst the sports photos and memorabilia of the Gator Room.

Those looking for a more low-key atmosphere can dine in the small garden area of The Café. Others take in the serenity of the Garden Room.

With the new extended dining hours, the food is delivered faster because orders come in waves rather than all at once. Visitors who used to get out at 7:30 can now finish dinner by 7 if they need to get home earlier.

It’s more of a social experience for residents because people come in at different times. Instead of sitting at the same table with the same people every day, diners are seated as they arrive. Manager Ron Stevenson said it’s a great restaurant dining

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experience that both the staff and residents seem to enjoy.

Lunch consists of two main entrees that change daily. Today it is fried catfish or pulled pork with cheese grits, greens or beets. Diners also have staple options such as the fresh catch of the day, filet mignon and marinated chicken breast that are always available. They can choose from sides such as baked sweet or regular potatoes, fruit plates and chef salads.

Servers clad in black aprons and white tuxedo shirts wait on residents and happily help with any dietary requests.

At dinner residents and guests can choose from entrees like hamburgers, hot dogs, deli sandwiches or even omelets. Dinner also features the soup of the day and the much sought-after baked goods.

Stevenson said the Atrium has an excellent pastry chef who makes gourmet fresh-baked cookies daily.

Desserts are known as the Atrium goodnight kiss and denoted by a lip print on the menu.

Stevenson said the residents love the variety and being able to eat when they’re ready and leave when they are finished.

Sometimes a resident will play a tune on the piano, or they’ll set the SiriusXM radio to the Sinatra station, Margaritaville or tunes from the 40s.

Resident Bill Blakeney has been at the Atrium for about six months, and he said he thoroughly enjoys the dining options available.

“It gives us a little more time here for the meal,” he said. “Time flies when you’re having fun.”

He said the servers are wonderful and very patient with the seniors. They’re young, but they’re very nurturing and always cheerful and friendly.

“The food is also very good,” he said.

Lunch is served from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., and the evening meal is served from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Residents and guests who arrive anytime between those hours will be served a full meal.

The extended dining hours are just one of the many ways that the staff at the Atrium works to ensure that its residents enjoy every comfort and convenience right under one roof.

The Atrium features a bright and cheerful atmosphere with people playing cards or putting together puzzles at a beautiful antique table..

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CHARITY OF THE MONTH

Second Chance Rescue AUGUST 2014 WINNER – 915 VOTES

Amy Tate and her husband started fostering dogs in 2002, but it didn’t take long for them to realize the great need for fosters in Alachua County. hey quickly learned that rescue groups don’t often have large facilities to house homeless animals. They can only save as many animals as they have room for, and most of that room is found in foster homes.

They originally fostered through Second Chance Farms, but the director of that rescue decided to focus her efforts on building a sanctuary for older dogs. Tate wanted to fill another need in the animal community by rescuing shelter dogs. So in 2012, she and her husband spun off and created Second Chance Rescue and Rehoming.

Tate said they typically rescue dogs from Alachua County Animal Services, and they like to take dogs that are on the euthanasia list. These dogs are the ones that are heartworm positive, have skin issues or are extremely shy. They’re the “unwanted” dogs, but with a little loving care from the medical team and fosters of Second Chance, they become lovely adoptable dogs in no time.

Because of her work with other rescues, Tate knew a lot of potential fosters, but they’re always looking for more. She said many of her fosters are students who can’t afford a dog or who can’t commit to one longterm, but they want the companionship. It’s a great way for them to do something good and reap the benefits of a loving companion. Second Chance provides everything they need, including food, bowls, crates, leashes and vet care. Tate said they spend $500 each month just on food for the dogs. Those expenses add up for the rescue, so the money they got from the Charity of the Month contest is very much appreciated — and already spent. The person who nominated them for the award received $300 for her nomination, and she gave every penny to Second Chance to help pay for vet bills that have stacked up.

T

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Over the past few years, Second Chance has rescued over 400 dogs.

Last year alone they were able to adopt out 105 four-legged friends who would have otherwise been homeless or euthanized.

Right now, Second Chance has 65 to 70 dogs in the program that are either ready for adoption or are getting medical and social treatment in preparation for adoption. When the dogs are adopted out they are fully vetted, up to date on all vaccinations, spayed or neutered and ready for a loving home.

They hold adoption events on Saturdays from noon until 3 p.m. Even fosters who don’t think they can make adoption events can help by fostering dogs that aren’t quite ready for adoption. Anyone who is interested can fill out a foster application or stop by an event to meet some of these loving canine companions. s Learn more at www.facebook.com/2ndchancerescue

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CHARITY OF THE MONTH

Puppy Hill Farm Animal Rescue SEPTEMBER 2014 WINNER – 737 VOTES

One of the organizations within Maddie’s project helping Alachua County to become a “no kill community” is Puppy Hill Farm Animal Rescue. t any given time, Puppy Hill Farm can have around 150 animals in their program, but not all are adoptable, said executive director and founder Laurie Trenholm. Some are too young or going through heartworm treatment. They pull from the local shelter and keep them for as long as it takes to find them homes. They are an adoption guaranteed organization, meaning that they are “no kill.”

But unlike many rescue organizations that rely on foster homes, Puppy Hill Farm houses many of the animals in their rescue at one location. Although they do rely on some fosters, many of their animals are at a farm in Melrose.

Although new intakes start out quarantined in small areas, they are eventually given something many shelter pets dream of: space. Instead of being confined to crates or small pens, most of the rescued animals at Puppy Hill Farm have a big area to run and play.

Every weekend, volunteers bring adoptable animals to PetSmart in Gainesville. Potential adopters can ask questions about the animal’s temperament or special issues to find the pet that will fit best with their family.

Puppy Hill Farm is comprised mostly of volunteers with full-time jobs and other commitments, Trenholm said, so they are always looking for more.

Trenholm founded Puppy Hill Farm in 1999 because she wanted to be a part of the tremendous rescue efforts in Alachua County. There are so many adoptable

A

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pets in the rescue community, but Trenholm said the sad fact is that some animals just aren’t adoptable. Some face obstacles that can’t be overcome, and because Puppy Hill farm commits to each animal that comes into its program, she said they are guaranteed a home for life.

One such pet is Mr. Thomas. Tommy is a beautiful long-haired black and white tuxedo cat. He came to the program when he was only about a year old as a scrawny little thing with a sweet disposition. He was adopted out once, but he was returned and has been with them ever since. This 17-year-old friend has since been able to live the sweet life relaxing in the sun on the screen porch at Puppy Hill Farm. Trenholm said he’s a very smart, loving and great cat who just never found a permanent home outside the rescue.

Animals like Thomas will always have a home at Puppy Hill Farm, but in order to keep up with expenses, the farm relies on the generosity of donations. s Learn more at www.facebook.com/puppyhillfarm

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CHARITY OF THE MONTH

Newberry HS Band of Pride OCTOBER 2014 WINNER – 1976 VOTES

The Newberry High School Band of Pride is wrapping up marching season, preparing for their holiday concert, and looking toward the spring concert that will be here before they know it. nd in the midst of all that, band members are working hard to raise more than $20,000 for a trip to Washington D.C. The band, which is comprised of about 30 to 35 members, was nominated by U.S. Rep. Ted Yoho to be in the 2015 Memorial Day Parade in the nation’s capital. They submitted an application, and Band Director James DeRemer got news that they’d been selected to march in the prestigious parade to honor fallen military heroes.

DeRemer said they will drive, and the plan is to leave the Saturday before Memorial Day and do some sightseeing and historical tours before their performance on Memorial Day. They should then return home Tuesday or Wednesday after their performance.

DeRemer said they’ve raised about a third of the funds they need to make the trip, including the money they got from winning the SunState Federal Credit Union’s Charity of the Month contest in October.

Ginny McKoy, one of the people working to raise funds, nominated the band through the SunState Facebook contest, and the band was presented with the check at the last football game of the season. Other fundraising

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efforts included a yard sale and a textiles fundraiser to help raise funds. And all the proceeds from the Newberry Watermelon Festival were donated to the band.

They also plan to make a banner for the parade, and as an additional fundraiser people can donate money and have the name of a war veteran put on the banner to be proudly displayed as they march through Washington.

DeRemer said they’re still picking songs for the band to play during the parade, but he’s thinking about an Armed Forces medley that includes songs from all the branches of the military. Each branch of the military will have a small excerpt of their song played followed by a drum cadence that segues into the next branch’s song.

The parade is three hours long, and it passes the National Mall on Constitution Avenue. It will feature patriotic floats, balloons, veteran units as well as outstanding marching bands from around the country.

It will be streamed live online at www.military.com starting at 2 p.m. s

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MAKING YOUR

Holiday Season

GREENER

By: F Fae Nageon de Lestang

D

ecember is here, and with it comes the much awaited holiday season. Working with Alachua County’s waste stream, we see huge increases in materials thrown away during this time of year – many still useable or recyclable. According to the EPA, Americans produce 30 percent more waste between Thanksgiving and New Year’s, most of which is cardboard and paper products. Here are some easy ways to reduce your household waste and start the New Year off right.

Brighten the New Year: Christmas lights contain valuable copper and plastic, and can be recycled to make new products after they burn out. Drop off broken strands at Lowes, any Alachua County Rural Collection Center, or the City of Gainesville Public Works office at 405 NW 39th Ave. Some websites such as www.holidayleds.com even offer discounts on purchases if you mail in unwanted strands. If you’re looking to replace your old lights, LED lights are a great option. While they are slightly more expensive than incandescent strands, they last much longer and use less electricity, which covers the increased price.

Wrap it right: Gift wrap is expensive and creates unnecessary waste. In the U.S. alone, waste from gift-wrap and shopping bags totals more than 5 million tons annually, according to the Clean Air Council. Here are some suggestions to help decrease paper waste: Reuse last year’s gift bags and wrapping paper - or make your own! Decorate paper grocery bags, use newspaper, sheet music, maps or colorful magazine pages as gift wrap. With some imagination, you can turn scraps into paper beads, collages, cards, gift tags, origami or book covers.

Use leftover wrapping paper to line shelves and drawers, cat litter boxes or shred it to make fun packaging filler for gift bags. When you are done, you can recycle what’s left.

Recycle your holiday tree:

After the holiday festivities are over, it is important to dispose of your live tree properly. All lights and ornaments must be removed from the tree before it is collected by your hauler. Trees larger than 6 feet tall should be cut in half. Residents with curbside pickup service can put live cut trees on the curb for pickup on yard trash collection day. Trees can also be dropped off at any Alachua County Rural Collection Center at no charge. The Leveda Brown Environmental Park, 5115 N.E. 63rd Ave Gainesville, FL 32609, accepts unwanted trees for a small fee. Extra points go to those who buy a reusable artificial tree, or buy a live tree and plant it after the holidays.

In the end, memories and experiences we share with friends and family are infinitely more valuable than the gifts we receive. Perhaps this season you will discover a new tradition to share for many years to come.

Happy Holidays!

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Package your present in a gift itself. Put gifts in decorative tins and jars, or wrap them in colorful scarves or fabric.

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COLUMN >> CRYSTAL HENRY

Naked Salsa McChauvanism f I may get up on my soapbox for a moment, I would first like to set fire to any oppressive undergarments I possess. Ahh, that’s better.

My darling Sunshine started kindergarten this year, and after a really rough start she seems to be “adjusting.” I use the word loosely because it’s the one everyone uses when describing what happens to your child when they’re tossed into the world of 6 a.m. wake-up calls and only 30 minutes of recess.

The schools now have a particularly odd and seemingly arbitrary color chart system that dictates students’ behavior, and last week my dear child found herself on Pink, the epitome and apex of good behavior. She was elated, and although she couldn’t pin down the exact actions that led to this particular achievement, I thought it best to join in her elation and celebrate her success.

I offered to reward her by letting her choose a special lunch, and much to my chagrin she chose the golden arches. I realize that the mere fact I allowed my child put this “food” in her body probably negates the following rant, but here it is.

She opted for a Happy Meal, and we navigated the choices of entrees, sides and drinks without too much conflict. However, I have a question for the powers that be at this golden arched establishment. Why, in addition to hamburger or nuggets, fries or apples, chocolate milk or lemonade, do you need to know the gender of my child? I’m confused. Your employee specifically asked, “Is it a boy or a girl?” And while I’m sad he missed my grand Facebook announcement when she was in utero, I let him know that “it” was in fact a female.

I looked at the menu and saw two toy choices, and I then realized he wasn’t asking boy or girl. He was asking if my child would like to grow up to be a grotesque slutty Barbie or an engineer or perhaps an entomologist.

The toy choices were a Hex Bug robot or a Monster High doll. I know my child well enough to know she’d much rather play with a miniature robot rather than a creepy underage lady of the evening.

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154 | Winter 2014

I naively thought by answering “girl” he might follow up with “monster tramp or science nerd?” But apparently, according to McDonald’s, girl is automatically equal to monster slut. Girl does not equal boy. No way. No how.

To clarify, I told him that she was a girl, and she would like the Hex Bug toy.

“Oh, so your daughter wants the boy’s toy?” he replied, confused.

I was just happy she was too busy telling her sister about her favorite part of the Lego Movie to hear that comment.

For the record McD’s, my little girl’s uterus doesn’t stop her from being the official class bug catcher, so yes, she would like the “boy’s toy,” if it means that she gets the robotic bug. She actually really digs science and tries not to let that surplus of X chromosomes get in the way too much.

After we got the box with the super manly bug robot I was further disturbed to find exactly what activity they thought girls would enjoy as they munch their trans fats and worry about saddlebags and smudging their lipstick.

The “girl” side of the box had a super fun game where little ladies can choose their Monster Tramp name by randomly choosing a letter and number. Apparently if you like the number 4 and the letter D, your name should be Claw-elle. Good to know.

However, if you have vas deferens, you’re much better suited for a more intellectual challenge, involving math concepts to decode a cryptic Hex Bug message.

We wouldn’t want those silly women spraining something trying to figure out something as complex as that. Somehow, she managed and decoded the secret message without even breaking a nail.

I am thankful to that poor confused Mickey D’s employee for asking such thorough questions, though.

The one about apples or Gogurt was a good one.

She stuck to her gender role and chose the apples.

Hopefully she doesn’t give it to a boy at school and doom her kind for all eternity. Those pesky ovaries can make you do the darndest things. s

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>> PIECE OF CAKE

Recipe Wonders Cooking Up Memories One Generation at a Time WRITTEN BY CYNTHIA WONDERS WINTERROWD PHOTOGRAPHY BY ERICKA WINTERROWD he Holidays. We are about to embark on that most sentimental time of the year, when families gather and memories are made. It has been said that our sense of smell is the most powerful of our five senses, transporting us through space and time to distant memories. For me, the fragrance of a favorite recipe baking in the oven takes me back to that happy place in my childhood. In my mind I can be arriving home from school the day before Christmas break, my mother’s kitchen warm and welcoming, heavenly aromas greeting me as I open the door and culinary delights awaiting me to sample. Yes, you can go home again — at least in your memory — and a familiar recipe made at home in your kitchen is the vehicle to take you there.

My mother, Ronelva Wonders, lived through the Great Depression, grew up on a farm and lived her life as a farmer’s wife. She knew the value of the dollar, how to stretch meals to feed a crowd, and how to improvise a recipe to make it better. She started at a very young age cooking for her family when her

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mother was taken from the home with illness. A home-cooked meal that brought a smile to her grieving father’s face filled her with pleasure and pride, and she spent her life bringing many smiles to those she welcomed in her kitchen. No one ever left Ronelva’s home hungry.

When I turned 11 years old she started writing these recipes down in a large journal, so that I would never have to wonder, ‘How did Mom make that?’ As the years passed the handwritten cookbooks grew, until there were four. Later, after I married, she gave me a blank journal so that the tradition would continue on another generation.

Today her recipes and the stories she shared on the pages of her cookbooks live on in our family. Even though she is no longer with us, her three granddaughters can recall Grandma Ronelva and the memories of happy times spent in her kitchen.

It’s comforting to know that even after our loved ones pass, the recipes we shared with them live on, reuniting us again with each bite we take.

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he story of this cookie recipe goes way back — to the mid 1920s, I would say. When my mother was a little girl, her grandmother’s next-door neighbor always had these cookies on hand to give to the neighborhood children. She would cut the cookies into huge round circles, so that they had to hold them with both hands! That made a big impression on the children, and they always looked forward to going back for more.

Later she was given the recipe and it has been a classic holiday cookie in our family, one that my daughters now remember making with their Grandma Ronelva. That’s what ‘recipe memories’ do, passing love on through the generations.

This cookie can be rolled out on a floured surface and cut with cookie cutters. For a ‘quick cookie’ you can spoon-drop the batter on a cookie sheet, or roll the batter into logs wrapped in wax paper, and chill or freeze the dough to be used at a later time. Simply unroll the ‘log’ and slice off into desired thickness.

Bake cookies at 425 degrees for 10 – 12 min.

Watch! Every oven is different, and they will burn quickly. Remove when you just start to see browning on edges.

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INGREDIENTS 2 cups sugar 1 cup butter or margarine, softened to room temperature 4 eggs slightly beaten 1 Tbsp. vanilla 2 tsp. baking powder 6 cups flour, sifted 1 tsp. salt METHOD Use a large mixing bowl. Put the softened butter and sugar in it. Cream the butter and sugar with clean hands until rich and creamy.

Then add the four eggs to the creamed mixture and use your eggbeater or whisk to slightly whip them. Get your largest wooden spoon and finish beating the eggs into the sugar mixture until entirely smooth. Now add the vanilla.

Sift flour. In the first two cups of flour, add the baking powder and salt measurements.

Add more flour until the total six cups flour.

Roll out thick. Cut with a big round cookie cutter, or holiday shapes. Sprinkle with sugar and cinnamon, colored sugar, or bake plain for icing later.

Note: Never leave your wooden spoon soaking in water or put it in the dishwater!

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CHRISTMAS

Grandma’s Sugar Cookies

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ot all recipe memories are baked in an oven. For our family, New Year’s Eve wouldn’t be complete without Mom’s Coca-Cola Jell-O! The story behind this recipe shows just how discerning her sense of taste and knowledge of food was. I used to call her a ‘Kitchen Chemist.’ When traveling through Georgia one year with my husband, daughters and their Grandma Ronelva, we happened to stop at a restaurant that had Coca-Cola Jell-O on the salad bar. Upon hearing our exclamations of how delicious this tasted, she set upon figuring out in her head what the ingredients were and how to duplicate the flavors. In classic ‘Ronelva form’ she improvised a few extra ingredients to make it uniquely hers, and even better than the original in my opinion!

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INGREDIENTS 4 – 3 oz. boxes of Black Cherry Jell-O 1 – Can (16 oz.) Dark Sweet Cherries, in heavy syrup 1 – Can (1 lb. 4 oz.) Crushed Pineapple, in heavy syrup *Drain both fruits & set aside combined juices 1 – 8 oz. Philadelphia Cream Cheese, cubed 3 – cups hot water Classic Coca-Cola amount as needed (16 oz. bottle is enough) METHOD Bring three cups water to a rapid boil. Turn off heat, empty the Jell-O into the water. Stir and dissolve thoroughly. Put the fruit juices into a two cup measuring cup. Pour in chilled Classic Coca-Cola to make a full two-cup measure. Next, pour this into the hot Jell-O. Now pour more cola into the measuring cup for a full two cups. Pour this into the hot (now warm) mixture. Stir well.

Put the combined Jell-O into a chilled bowl and into the refrigerator (or freezer) to chill.

Watch! Don’t let it set up too much, but should be chilled and thickened somewhat. Add the drained moist fruit and the cubed cream cheese.

Stir. Return to the refrigerator/freezer until almost set.

Now divide this large amount into two medium serving bowls. For a festive look, make individual servings for your guests in Martini glasses! Cover with plastic wrap and chill overnight for a nice solid set. Serve with an optional dollop of whipped cream and sprinkle of chopped nuts, if desired.

Chilling the Jell-O in the freezer is quicker, but requires keeping a close eye on the process. You do not want the Jell-O to set completely. You are just starting the process before adding the fruit to the mixture.

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NEW YEAR’S

Coca-Cola Jell-O

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his recipe came to our family well before ‘Red Velvet Cake’ was commonly heard of. Back in the late ‘60s when I moved from home to Northern Illinois University, my mom made friends with the woman who ran the rooming house where I lived. To my mother any type of travel to new areas proved an opportunity for a new recipe, and their conversation soon turned into a recipe swap. That is how this easy and unique version of Red Velvet Cake came to us, and we have used it every year since.

The thing that sets this version apart from others is the frosting recipe. Be sure you try it, because once you do you will never go back to pre-mixed grocery store brands. This frosting is light and luscious — the closest thing to whipped cream without actually being whipped cream.

You can make this cake at Christmas as well, however it has traditionally been our Valentine’s cake for more than 40 years — until my son-in-law came along, that is.

His birthday is on February 14th, so it has become his birthday cake too.

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INGREDIENTS 1 box white cake mix 2 – 1 oz. bottles of red food color 2 – Tbsp. Nestle Chocolate ‘Quick’ mix Eggs (depending on cake mix recipe)

Add enough water to make what the cake mix recipe calls for, along with the other ingredients indicated on box.

METHOD Follow the regular directions for the cake mix, using only egg whites (separate the yolks & discard or save for another use). Pour the two bottles of red food color into a twocup measuring cup. Add the Nestle Quick, stir. Add water until you come to the measurement required on the box. Stir to distribute the Quick, then add to the dry cake mix with the other ingredients called for on the box. Use only the egg whites.

Bake according to directions.

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VA L E N T I N E ’ S

Red Velvet Cake

Red Velvet Frosting INGREDIENTS 1 stick margarine, softened to room temperature 1/2 cup white shortening (such as Crisco) 1 cup white granulated sugar 3 Tbsp. flour 2/3 cup milk 1 Tbsp. clear vanilla METHOD Beat & beat & beat with your mixer until sugar granules are almost dissolved. The smooth texture of your frosting will depend upon how patient you are at this step. When you are satisfied with the sugar dissolving, gradually alternate the following, beating after each

addition: Three tablespoons regular flour and two-thirds cup of milk with one tablespoon clear vanilla added to the milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredient first.

Then continue with your mixer until the consistency of smooth whipped cream. Ice your cake and get ready for the compliments once your guests take their first bite of this easy but unforgettable taste experience!

The clear vanilla will give a brighter ‘white’ icing, but regular vanilla can be used as well. It will result in an off white or cream-colored icing.

That familiar expression, ‘Nothing says lovin’ like something from the oven’ is never truer than during the Holidays. These recipes have been making memories and spreading love in our family for generations, and hopefully they will inspire you to do the same.

Here’s to a Happy New Year of recipe wonders! s

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124 >> BARREL OF FUN

Calling All Ye Lords and Ladies of the Court of Hoggetowne! Come indulge not only your kids but also yourself with rides and other authentic medieval fun. The Alachua County Fairgrounds is transformed into a bustling medieval marketplace for the 29th Annual Hoggetowne Medieval Faire. This January and February troupes of actors, street performers and musicians journey back to the days of yore.

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