Otgv 2020 04 june

SPECIAL EDITION: We’ve compiled a sampling of some of our most favorite stories, profiles and features from the last 10 years of Our Town to share with you. Please enjoy and stay safe — we’ll see you again soon!

COLOR AND MOOD GEMSTONES USING YOUR SENSES TO BALANCE YOUR MIND

JUNE 2020 | VOL. 11 ISSUE 04

Nourish the Mind, Body & Soul

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CONTENTS

G A I N E S V I L L E | V O L . 1 1 | N O. 0 4

JUNE 2020

SPECIAL EDITION: We’ve compiled a sampling of some of our most favorite stories, profiles and features from the last 10 years of Our Town to share with you. Please enjoy and stay safe — we’ll see you again soon!

COLOR AND MOOD GEMSTONES USING YOUR SENSES TO BALANCE YOUR MIND

JUNE 2020 | VOL. 11 ISSUE 04

ON THE COVER >> ENJOY SOME OF OUR FAVORITE UPLIFTING STORIES FROM PAST

ISSUES. THESE ARE UNPRECEDENTED TIMES AND WE HOPE THIS ‘LOOK BACK’ WILL INSPIRE YOU TO HOLD ON FOR BRIGHTER DAYS AHEAD. STAY SAFE, OUR TOWNIES! WE WILL GET THROUGH THIS TOGETHER BY STAYING APART FOR NOW...

Nourish the Mind, Body & Soul

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FEATURE STORIES 20

FEELING BLUE? Learn the red-hot truth about color and how it affects your mind and mood.

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CRYSTAL CLEAR From diamonds to amethyst, read about the special properties of crystals and gemstones and some of the folklore behind these natural wonders.

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THE SENSE OF HAPPINESS Sight. Sound. Smell. Touch. Taste. Using your senses to balance your mind, body and soul.

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SCULPTURE CULTURE From the “French Fries” on University of Florida’s campus to The Solar Walk on 8th Avenue, Gainesville certainly has no shortage of imaginative sculptures to admire.

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GIANT STEPS Want to enjoy some fresh air and the great outdoors while getting your cardiovascular workout? Try taking the stairs! Aerobic exercise can lead to better overall heart health, increased performance ability, decreased blood pressure and a better cholesterol profile.

JUNE 2020

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CONTENTS

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SPROUTING SMILES DIY Seed Bombs! Get ready to plant some love around your neighborhood. A fun springtime project the whole family can enjoy!

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MYERS-BRIGGS TYPE INDICATOR Learn about the women who created one of the most popular personality tests.

What’s your type?

JUNE 2020

COLUMNS

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THE ACT OF GIVING Giving back can pay you in return with increased longevity, reduced stress, heart health and more!

24 E MBRACING LIFE

by Donna Bonnell

128 F UREVER FRIENDS

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Spotlight on Rescue Animals

DAISY’S DOGGIE BISCUITS Enjoy one of our favorite Recipe Wonders made with love for your furry quarantine companions. Man’s best friend will be so happy to have a treat baked especially for them.

26 N AKED SALSA

by Crystal Henry

44 H EALTHY EDGE

by Kendra Siler-Marsiglio

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64 F ARM TALES

FRANK CURTIS We all have baggage! This jack-ofall-trades has made himself known by creating art out of luggage.

by Mother Hen

REVIEWS 124 R EADING CORNER

by Terri Schlichenmeyer

INFORMATION Bonus !

Section in

52 T aste of the Town 92

Our Town

The articles printed in Our Town do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Tower Publications, Inc. or their editorial staff. Our Town Magazine endeavors to accept reliable advertising; however, we can not be held responsible by the public for advertising claims. Our Town Magazine reserves the right to refuse or discontinue any advertisement. All rights reserved. © 2020 Tower Publications, Inc.

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2017 • 2018 • 2019

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PUBLISHER Charlie Delatorre ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Hank McAfee

Complete Pregnancy Care from Conception through Delivery

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Ericka Winterrowd editor@towerpublications.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Alexia Fernandez, Cameron Cobb, Crystal Henry, Cyanne Dunn, Cynthia Winterrowd, Donna Bonnell, Hayli Zuccola, Kendra Siler-Marsiglio, Peggy Macdonald, Terri Schlichenmeyer ADVERTISING ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Jenni Bennett jenni@towerpublications.com Nancy Short nancy@towerpublications.com

Anthony B. Agrios, MD Joseph S. Iobst, MD Jean C. Cook, MD

Nicole Scogin, MD Shelley Russell, ARNP, CNM Julie Rischar, ARNP, CNM

Kristen Cook, ARNP, CNM Cyndi Vista, CNM Katie Camargo, CNM

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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR We want to hear from you. Send your letters to the attention of the editor at 4400 NW 36th Avenue, Gainesville, FL 32606 or editor@ towerpublications.com. Letters must be signed and include a phone number in the event we need to contact you. (Your phone number will not be published.)

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HOME ADDITIONS • CUSTOM & OUTDOOR KITCHENS • CUSTOM BATHROOMS| JUNE 2020

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EDITOR ’ S LET TER

JUNE 2020

of Alachua County - West FAMILY OWNED & OPERATED

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A Little Extra Grace In a time of so much uncertainty, it is common to look for a sense of reassurance as well as sources of strength and resilience. I know that is true for me, and I have observed that same sentiment in many people over the past few months.

When faced with challenges and difficult times, I believe we must always go back to doing what humanity does best: helping each other. This includes our local business owners, advertisers and readers with whom this publication could not exist without.

We know so many lives have been turned upside down, both emotionally and financially, by this pandemic. It can be hard to stay positive and find the silver lining when in the trenches of such unprecedented times. This is when we must hold on to the four Fs: Family, Friends, Facts (not fear!) and our Faith. We must not forget to fuel our bodies, minds and souls either. Offering ourselves a little extra grace as we find our new normal wouldn’t hurt either.

And breathe.

It’s like John Lennon once said, “Everything will be okay in the end. If it’s not okay, it’s not the end.”

In this special digital edition for the month of June we continue to bring you some of our most favorite uplifting stories from past issues, such as our feature on The Sense of Happiness and The Act of Giving. Enjoy one of our favorite Recipe Wonders, too, offering a tasty treat for our most loyal (and furry) quarantine companions: our dogs!

We hope these stories might bring you back to happier times and will stand as a reminder that sunnier days always lie ahead.

Lastly, I continue to be inspired by our community and the selfless healthcare professionals, grocery store employees and many other essential workers who have been working tirelessly on the frontlines – making sure our residents are safe and healthy, equipped with everything we may need. You and your actions reflect the very spirit of our beloved town and we thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

Stay safe, Our Townies! We will get through this together by staying apart for now…

352.374.6589 SERVPROACW.COM

Like it never even happened.

Ericka Winterrowd, Editor-In-Chief

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JUNE 2020

PU BLI S HER ’ S LET TER

JUNE 2020

We Need Each Other

Wherever you are right now, all of us at Tower Publications hope you are safe, healthy and doing as well as possible during this unprecedented time.

It’s been an incredible two months.

There’s really little else I can say to describe what it’s been like to close our office and have our entire staff work from home. Like many of you, we’ve managed to stay together, help our clients, stay supportive of one another and wait… for something to change.

So even though life has changed – it goes on. And now, more than ever, we need each other.

As a small, family-owned business, we rely on the support of our advertisers to develop, execute and deliver our magazines on a monthly basis. And for more than 20 years, the success of our business has been linked to theirs. As many of the restrictions that we’ve been living slowly ease and some level of normalcy returns, I hope we can find a way, safely, to support the small businesses that are so important to our local economy.

We love to tell stories about the incredible people, places and happenings that make our community special, and rest assured that this crazy and weird time we’re living in will soon pass. And, when it does, Our Town will continue to do just that, to share the rough draft of our past and present – together.

Stay safe, Townies!

Charlie Delatorre Publisher, Owner at Tower Publications, Inc.

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SPECIAL SECTION: Showcase

that lifts up the kind words in customer testimonials for local businesses and organizations.

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CONTRIBUTOR S

JUNE 2020

CRYSTAL HENRY 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

CYANNE DUNN is a graduate of the Journalism and Communications College at the University of Florida. Though she was born in Miami, she has lived in Alachua since elementary school. She loves traveling and currently resides in Ireland. cyanne.k.dunn@gmail.com

ALEXIA FERNANDEZ is a UF journalism grad who currently resides in Los Angeles and is a reporter for People Magazine. With a deep love of movies and writing, she hopes to one day write books, scripts and continue to create a successful career for herself in entertainment. alexiafernandez5@gmail.com

CYNTHIA WONDERS WINTERROWD is an award-winning writer who was raised in Illinois and lives in Gainesville. She is proud to be a “Gator Mom” of three daughters, all UF graduates. Cynthia loves sharing family recipes that have been passed down in her mother’s handwritten cookbooks. recipewonders@gmail.com

CAMERON COBB received her master’s degree in Mass Communication from UF. She’s also an Air Force veteran. Cameron loves traveling, writing and all animals (her favorite being her rescue dog, Maggie). cameronacobb5@gmail.com

PEGGY MACDONALD is a native Gainesvillian and teaches history at Stetson University. Her publications include a biography of environmental activist Marjorie Harris Carr and a forthcoming book on Florida’s female pioneers. peggymacdemos@gmail.com

HAYLI ZUCCOLA is a New England native who enjoys listening to music and traveling. After graduating high school with her AA degree, she received her Bachelor’s in Journalism from the University of Florida.

HayzDesigns@yahoo.com

DONNA BONNELL became the author of her column, Embracing Life, more than a decade ago. She shares her personal challenges and victories with the goal of inspiring her readers to analyze why things happen in their own lives. bonneldj@gmail.com

KENDRA SILER-MARSIGLIO, PH.D.

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. Her book reviews are published in more than 200 newspapers and 50 magazines throughout the U.S. and Canada. bookwormsez@yahoo.com

is a neuroscientist, medical writer, columnist and president of the nonprofit CommunityHealth IT at NASA/Kennedy Space Center. Kendra enjoys traveling, dancing like no one’s watching, and listening to people’s stories. kendra.sm@gmail.com

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COME IN & Feel the

Local Difference

Supermarket Family Owned & Operated Since 1951

At Ward’s we pride ourselves on sourcing from the Gainesville community and providing items you can’t find anywhere else.

We stock foods and goods that we believe in and want to use.

WARD’S FAMILY RAISED BEEF AND LOCAL PORK PASTURE-RAISED ANGUS FROM OUR FARM TO YOUR TABLE. Fresh baked local in-house bread & bread from local bakeries Huge variety of options from local coffee roasters Ready-to-go vegan wraps and tempeh salads prepared in-house Local vegan products BBQ prepared & cooked daily — try some today!

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wardsgainesville.com JUNE 2020

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COLORS >> SCIENCE & CULTURE

FEELING BLUE?

THE RED HOT TRUTH ABOUT COLOR AND EMOTIONS

The Hue of Your Mood W R ITTEN BY PEGGY M ACDONA LD

C

olors can be the most lucid way to evoke a mood.

Consider Pablo Picasso’s early Blue Period, during which he created a series of melancholy paintings in various shades of blue, reflecting the depression he felt following the loss of his best friend, Carles Casagemas.

“Colors, like features, follow the changes of the emotions,” Picasso said.

Psychologists note that color can affect not only mood, but also taste and fashion.

“Ever tried strawberries colored in grayish brown?” Asked Andreas Keil, professor of psychology at the University of Florida, in a 2018 email. “Just not as tasty. Chocolate? Much better!”

In addition to color affecting the perception of taste, research has shown that darkness and light have a major impact upon psychological well-being. “There is good science showing that being in the dark is not great for mood and even can lead to symptoms of certain types of depression,” Keil explained. “There is a reason why we do not have too many black walls in homes. Social norms and fashion trends are also important.”

Marketers have long understood the importance of color in attracting customers. McDonald’s, Burger King and Wendy’s use warm colors in their logos and signage to stimulate the appetite. Think of the golden arches on top of a red base with the name McDonald’s. Red is also the most provocative color women can wear on their lips, nails and clothing to attract a mate.

While red roses may symbolize love, passion and courtship, in terms of interior design, realtors advise clients to install neutral carpeting, wallpaper and painted walls such as beige to avoid offending potential buyers with bold colors like red.

“My parents’ kitchen (this is the 1970s) had a colorful pattern of circular shapes with orange, yellow, black, and brown rings, in a green background,” Keil recalled. “Right now, most people would find this irritating, including myself.”

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COLORS >> SCIENCE & CULTURE

Orange is associated with the sacred in many Eastern religions. Orange, the color of fire, represents purity because impurities are burned in fire. Orange is also associated with the fruit, and has become a symbol for Florida—including the University of Florida, whose colors are orange and blue.

Blue, the color of the ocean and sky, signifies peace and tranquility.

The color green evokes life and nature, which can be relaxing and refreshing.

In the western world and Japan, white is a traditional color for brides to wear (signifying purity) or the color of a laboratory coat (signifying cleanliness), while in China and some African cultures, white symbolizes mourning.

The psychology of color is complicated. “Color is much more difficult than we take for granted, including very strong differences between men and women regarding how we name and respond to colors,” Keil said. “Remember the internet rage about ‘the dress,’ where people could not agree even on what the color of the dress was, because everyone saw it differently?”

People’s responses to color vary according to not only what the color is, but also what the colored object is. Both the color and the object play a role in determining how a color can affect someone’s mood. People also learn to associate colors with certain things.

Orange has long been associated with the sacred in many Eastern religions. Orange, the color of fire, represents purity because impurities are burned in fire. The color orange and the fruit are also closely associated. The orange has come to represent Florida as an edenic paradise. Orange sunsets are a popular theme in Florida Highwaymen paintings, which Highwaymen biographer and historian Gary Monroe describes as optimistic and colorful paintings of Florida landscapes painted during a time of racial segregation in the Jim Crow era.

In Gainesville, the colors orange and blue are synonymous with the Florida Gators. “People in Gainesville tend to love 22 |

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orange and blue,” Keil said. “U.S. citizens tend to love red, white and blue, and marketers use these where they can. It is also true that certain color combinations attract our attention to a product and certain colors are signals, such as green means go, and red means stop.”

Although the colors red and green will work as signals in many situations, Keil observed, painting a store green will not guarantee a steady flow of customers to a business. “There is no science, nor common sense, to support that as a particularly clever strategy,” he said.

Colors can convey a variety of different moods or signals.

For instance, red can serve to attract or to warn of danger or mistakes, such as a red ink pen. Blue, the color of the ocean and sky, can signify peace and tranquility, according to Ravi Mehta and Rui Zhu, authors of “Blue or Red? Exploring the Effect of Color on Cognitive Task Performances.”

In their study, Mehta and Zhu found that most participants preferred blue to red. Red was found to be useful when a task required people’s vigilant attention, but when a task called for creativity and imagination, blue was a more beneficial color.

Consider the red exclamation mark in an email message, signifying that immediate action is required. By contrast, a blue

room could promote a creative brainstorming session.

Yet, there is conflicting evidence about the impact of color upon mood. “If you read studies that say that ‘green’ is ‘better’ than ‘red’ for ‘mood,’ I would hope that most readers will be skeptical, and they would be right,” Keil noted. “Most readers will have a very good idea as to how different colors on a wall make them feel, and science has not much to add to that.”

“The findings are mixed and inconsistent,” University of Florida psychology lecturer Marina Klimenko said in a 2018 email. “Color perception is a complicated process and will depend on the specific context and the task that an individual is pursuing. Some of what we think is true seems to be supported by evidence. For example, the color red is generally perceived and associated with love and passion; while black is associated with evil or death.”

Klimenko pointed to a 2007 study by Andrew Elliot and Markus Maier, “Color and Psychological Functioning,” which found that little research has been conducted on the influence of color on psychological functioning. “As such, although the popular and applied literatures are replete with statements regarding the content of color associations and their presumed impact on behavior (e.g., ‘Green is peaceful and helps people relax’), the lack of theory and carefully controlled experimentation makes clear conclusions about color associations and their implications elusive,” the authors stated.

Even if psychologists are reluctant to verify the connections between color and mood, artists are quick to incorporate new colors to express mood. Just as Vincent van Gogh incorporated new artificial lighting into his paintings in the late 19th century, today artists are experimenting with Vantablack®, a new material unveiled by Surrey NanoSystems in 2014.

Vantablack absorbs 99.965 percent of the light that hits it, reflecting almost nothing. “Vantablack is a super-black coating that holds the world record as the darkest man-made substance,” the NanoSystems website states. “It reflects so little light that it is often described as the closest thing to a black hole we’ll ever see.”

Due to its extremely low levels of reflectance, Vantablack can play tricks on the human eye. When Vantablack is applied to a 3-D object, it becomes difficult to see the surface features

on the object because 3-D objects start to look 2-D. “Its ability to deceive the eye opens up a whole range of possibilities in design,” the Vantablack website states.

According to the experts, changing the color of your home or work environment from time to time has been shown to promote happiness and mood. “So whatever color you have seen for a while when looking at your wall,” Keil advised, “if you are tired of it, just change it, no matter what scientists have to say.”

Vantablack might not be the best color choice for your new wall, however, unless staring into the equivalent of a black hole is the desired effect.

This story was originally published in the May/June 2018 issue of Our Town Magazine.

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Red can serve to attract or to warn of danger or mistakes, such as a red ink pen. Red roses, nail polish, clothing and lipstick signal fertility and passion. Yellow, a warm color, can trigger feelings of warmth and comfort, such as this picture of the change of seasons in the fall.

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COLUMN

DONNA BONNELL’S

Embracing Life WORLD KINDNESS DAY

DONNA BONNELL BECAME THE AUTHOR OF HER COLUMN, EMBRACING LIFE, MORE THAN A DECADE AGO. SHE SHARES HER PERSONAL CHALLENGES AND VICTORIES WITH THE GOAL OF INSPIRING HER READERS TO ANALYZE WHY THINGS HAPPEN IN THEIR OWN LIVES. bonneldj@gmail.com

THE 14TH DALAI LAMA HELPED ME SETTLE A DILEMMA THAT I STRUGGLED WITH FOR A LONG TIME.

H

is quote, “Our prime purpose in life is to help others. And if you can’t help them, at least don’t hurt them.”

Regular readers know my desire to research and analyze ideas, thoughts or theories. This particular quest began after my job was terminated. During an impromptu meeting, I received dreadful news. After 17 years of documented stellar service, the request of a newly-hired official (with his own agenda) was granted.

An admirable administrator, aware of my strong work ethic and impeccable moral values, volunteered to participate in that gut-wrenching conference. She knew my heart would be broken and my positive approach to life (temporarily) shattered. I left that life-changing devastating event with one small shred of comfort – her final statement. She said, “Don’t worry, Donna, karma will prevail.”

Karma? Like many folks, I considered karma a generic term.

Synonymous, it seemed, to the proverb, ‘What goes around comes around.’ Therefore, her kind comment put a bandage on my raw wound and I began to heal.

Since forgiving is part of the recovery process, I turned to a highly recommended movie for insight – “The Shack.” Yes, it helped, but the film’s plot strongly suggested that karma does not exist in Christianity. When our church’s minister confirmed my interpretation, the band aid protecting my psyche was ripped off. A sharp sting permeated my entire being, which propelled my proverbial pursuit to understand karma into high gear.

The idea of karma differs depending on religion. Dalai Lamas are Tibetan Buddhists who believe in karma and reincarnation.

Karma is defined as action driven by intention; which leads to future consequences. A karmic reaction (good or bad) may manifest in this lifetime or in a future life.

Christians do not believe in reincarnation, which is why karma is not a factor. Yet, the New Testament, 2 Corinthians 9:6 says, “Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.”

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I was completely confused, as were many of my friends. So, I gave up looking for a clear cut concise answer and waited for the Universe to deliver a message.

Along came Hurricane Irma. God answered my prayers for answers in a huge way. Irma affected millions of people. While some became greedy and/or impatient, most folks exuded compassion. Shelters for evacuees fleeing Irma’s wrath were set up all over the state.

Locally, a plea was publicized for donations of bedding.

Evacuees ‘hunkering down’ needed blankets, sleeping bags, sheets, etc. Valerie, a kind-hearted friend, suggested we go to K-mart to purchase pillows. The store manager immediately reduced the price so that we were able to buy everything they had in stock.

We were overwhelmed by his generosity and the community’s quick response for assistance. Within hours, shelters received a surplus of supplies. Valerie posted a shout-out on Facebook that captured my attention and possibly Irma’s intended lesson.

Her comment was, “Kindness is easy!”

Kindness! What a seemingly simple concept! Kindness is considered a behavior. Individuals who portray kindness have a pleasant tender disposition and a charitable spirit. In catastrophic situations, as Hurricane Irma, kindness is contagious. Perhaps when persons without a kind persona face their own mortality, their souls absorb the positive vibes and embrace goodness.

Everything happens for a reason, even challenges. Both the loss of my job and Hurricane Irma led me to The Law of Cause and Effect. It states that whatever you send into the Universe comes back. It is powerful and like a boomerang.

In other words, if we project kindness, it multiplies and returns. If we throw out negativity, that is exactly what we get back. Ralph Waldo Emerson called this, “The Law of Laws.”

My conclusion! A specific religious belief is immaterial.

Those disseminating detrimental energy, will receive the same.

Maybe not immediately, but it will come. The bottom line is that individuals who contribute positive energy, receive goodness in return.

This column was originally published in the Nov/Dec 2017 issue of Our Town Magazine.

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COLUMN

CRYSTAL HENRY’S

Naked Salsa CHOOSING TO STAND IN THE SUN

CRYSTAL HENRY 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

FROM THE TIME MY CHILDREN WERE BORN I’VE BEEN LOOKING FOR MILESTONES.

left feeling a bit cheated, and we show gratitude for the gift of childhood much too late.

Our early years are arguably the most important time in obnoxiously recorded every first, including the our lives. It’s when we are building the inner workings of our first time my first child ate sweet potatoes. personalities, and by age seven those traits are pretty well set.

There’s a three-minute-long video on Facebook I can’t But by age six we’ve decided that first graders don’t have time for imaginative play anymore because they’ve got too much to take back.

For parents these milestones are receipts that our children learn before second grade. The message being sent is “You’re are “normal.” They’re supposed to double birth weight, and they not enough.” need to have a specific word bank by two years of age. And if they That’s not to say we shouldn’t help children grow. But you’d do all that it means we’re somehow winning a contest where the never pull a seedling out of the ground to make it into a tree. So rules are made up and the points don’t matter. But focusing on why do we push and pull our kids to be something they’re not.

Instead we should nurture them through this growth phase. these milestones have taken away the beauty of childhood.

A wise preschool teacher once told me “Children are complete We need to shower them with opportunity to explore. Rather than rushing from activity to activity, let them set down right now.” Children are not miniature adults. They are their roots for a bit. Let them lay in the sunshine complete people with valid feelings, concerns and and play in the dirt. Let them be little. needs. We spend so much time trying to make Childhood is I know that my children are the future of sure they’re “ready” for what’s next. We get a gift that we open the planet, but that doesn’t happen when my them ready for preschool. Then in preschool generation dies off. The future is now. They they’re getting ready for kindergarten. In much too quickly and are a part of our culture and our society right kindergarten we’re getting them ready for toss to the side in in this moment. We have so much to learn first grade. Why not just teach our toddlers to anticipation of the from the questions they ask and the mistakes drive, vote and spend their retirement money next one. they make. wisely? There’s no other area of our lives that This summer my daughter asked to stay home. we spend so much time getting ready. And I have I was flipping through pages of summer camp options two daughters sharing one bathroom. to see which ones she wanted to try. But she wasn’t interested My girls are now 6 and 9, and I can already see the next phase approaching. But rather than trying to push them toward in horseback riding or STEM camp. She didn’t want to join a it, I’m choosing to stand in this moment with them. Time will soccer team or spend her summer at the gym. She just wanted always progress. But by choosing to stand still in the warm her seat lowered on her bike. She wanted to wake up late, eat sunshine of their childhood, I am appreciating who they are cereal in her pajamas at noon and spend the day laying on the hot driveway with her friend across the street. right now. Not who they might be later.

My oldest is into comic books and unicorns. And my youngest Although I work from home, I’ll admit it’s more convenient is slowly coming out of a borderline obsessive cat phase. And I for me to shuttle her off to summer camp. But I think back to my days as a child spent at my grandparents’ house in the middle want to savor all of it.

Childhood is a gift that we open much too quickly and toss of nowhere. We ran the land barefoot, dodging ant piles and to the side in anticipation of the next one. But although the next drinking from the water hose. It was unstructured, wild and I box might be bigger, it’s never filled with as much magic as the can’t actually remember a single adult being around. And it was one before. The teen years are spent wishing to be an adult. Then honestly the best time in my life. when childhood is truly over, we spend our adult lives wishing This column was originally published in the July/August 2018 issue of we were younger. By rushing from one gift to the next, we’re Our Town Magazine.

I

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MINERALS >> CRYSTALS AND GEMSTONES

PRECIOUS STONES

Crystal Clear The Folklore Behind These Natural Wonders S TORY A N D PHOTOG R A PHY BY ERICK A WINTER ROW D

F

or thousands of years ancient civilizations have contributed to special meanings of crystals and gemstones, believing in their “power” to release mental, physical and spiritual blockages to create healing. Today, there are many who differ in opinion to whether these meanings are true or not. Some believe it entirely, while others think it’s merely the power of our own mind discerning it to be true, which in turn may lead to a healing affect. Then there are those who think it’s absolute lunacy to believe any such thing at all. And some don’t mind either way, they just find the legends and lore to be intriguing.

Sharron Britton is the owner and proprietor of the High Springs Emporium, a rock and mineral shop in High Springs. Britton has been in business for about 20 years and said she has always loved rocks and minerals, having collected them since she was a child. She explained that cultures as far back as we have been able to study have used and appreciated these natural wonders, citing the Egyptians who used crystals and other stones, particularly lapis, in their breastplates and crowns.

“Here at the store I’m not interested in telling anybody what or how they should believe because, you know, we all have the right to believe how we choose,” Britton

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AQUAMARINE

AGATE

said in a 2017 interview. “But the rocks and minerals have been a part of many different aspects of religion and spirituality.”

She explained that there are a lot of people who are now using crystals for purposes of healing, chakra balancing, and what is called energy work, which basically has to do with helping to shift and change the way a person feels.

“I personally think that a rock, a crystal or a stone, is something solid and tangible that you can hold in your hand that symbolizes, exemplifies, and magnifies a thought, a prayer, an idea or something you wish for — and certainly there are many people today who use crystals in that way,” Britton said. “You can carry a stone in your pocket to rub on in case you get stressed or worried. Some people have their lucky stone that they found. There are power crystals that many cultures, including some Native American cultures, use for their medicine bag.”

Britton stressed that she is not here to tell anybody to come get a specific rock that will fix all of their problems.

“But certainly [these stones] can and have been used for many purposes,” she said. “And they’re also so beautiful.”

Below are some of the meanings that have been associated with certain stones: Agate: is one of the oldest known healing stones. As a stone of 30 |

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AMETHYST

strength, it was used in ancient civilizations on the breastplates of armor to bring warriors strength and make them victorious in battle. Agates are very protective stones, making them the perfect stones for amulets and medicine bags. They are also thought to bring about courage, emotional strength and self-confidence.

Amethyst: is a crystal of spiritual growth and protection.

It brings clarity of the mind and helps you to become more in tune with your feelings so that you get to know yourself on a much deeper level. Amethyst crystals repel negative energy and attract positive energy.

Aquamarine: is said to balance emotions and strengthen personal power. In ancient times, seamen carried this stone to protect them against the dangers of the sea. It also was thought to have provided them with courage.

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MINERALS >> CRYSTALS AND GEMSTONES

CARNELIAN

AVENTURINE

AZURITE

Aventurine: is one of the premier stones to attract luck, abundance and success. It comforts, harmonizes and protects the heart, helping also to attract luck in love. Aventurine is known as a manifestation stone that can help you bring your dreams into reality.

Azurite: is often referred to as the “Stone of the Heavens,� as it aids in the pursuit of the heavenly self. It is believed to awaken psychic abilities, helping you to recognize intuition and 32 |

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spiritual guidance. Native Americans valued it as a sacred stone for communication with spirit guides. The Mayans are also said to have used it for sacred and mystical communication.

Carnelian: increases personal power and physical energy, bringing you courage, compassion and a boost in creativity.

Wearing or carrying carnelian is said to enhance vitality and will, providing you with the confidence needed to approach new projects and dreams. In ancient times, Egyptians buried their

CITRINE

JADE

JASPER

MINERALS >> CRYSTALS AND GEMSTONES

ONYX

TIGER’S EYE

MOONSTONE PYRITE

ROSE QUARTZ

loved ones with carnelian as it was thought to protect them in their journey to the afterlife, calming their fears about rebirth.

Citrine: is known as a stone of light and happiness, helping to manifest anything you want to bring into your life. It activates your imagination, bringing more creative visions to a clearer mind and a more positive outlook in life.

Jade: is considered a powerful lucky charm. It is a stone that can help you attain your goals and dreams, allowing you

to see past self-imposed limitations. Jade promotes courage; compassion, generosity and longevity, helping you lead a richer more fulfilling life. It is a gemstone of much history, as it has been part of Asian history for centuries.

Jasper: is highly valued as a healing stone that is full of grounding energy —promoting non-judgmental thoughts and actions. In some Native American cultures, jasper symbolizes the blood of the Earth, making it particularly sacred.

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MINERALS >> CRYSTALS AND GEMSTONES

Moonstone: is believed to be a stone of destiny. It is strongly connected to the moon and the divine feminine, making it a helpful stone for women. It is worn to increase fertility and harmonize the mind, providing health and protection. Moonstone helps to align the hormone production, metabolism and reproduction.

Onyx: is a powerful protective stone that is said to shield the mind and body from electromagnetic energy. It absorbs and transforms negative energy, helping to prevent that drain of personal energy. Onyx assists with melancholy, the release of negativity and depression. It helps to calm your fears, leaving you feeling stable and secure.

Pyrite: is known to remedy financial hardship and attract abundance. The resemblance of pyrite to gold has made it a traditional symbol for money and good luck. Its sunny golden color associates it with the sun and with the fortification and strengthening of the mind.

Rose Quartz: is the stone of unconditional love — love of self, love of family, love of friends and romantic love. The soothing energy of rose quartz fosters empathy, reconciliation and forgiveness. It can clear out anger, jealously and resentment towards others.

Tiger’s Eye: helps to rebalance the body on all levels, encouraging optimism and trust in the future. It brings brightness and light into all situations and shines insight onto all problems. Tiger’s eye brings good luck, abundance and prosperity to its wearer. In many ancient civilizations, it was used as a talisman against bad luck and curses.

Turquoise: is known as the “master healer,” and is said to be the bridge between heaven, sky and the Earth. Many Native American cultures believe that turquoise helps to connect the mind to the infinite possibilities of the universe and is considered very sacred in Chinese cultures as well.

TURQUOISE

This story was originally published in the Jan/Feb 2017 issue of Our Town Magazine.

Did You Know?

Many minerals form beautiful crystals, but the most prized of all are gemstones. Uncut gems are often fairly ordinary looking.

It’s only when they are cut and polished that they obtain the brilliance and luster that makes them so valued.

Historically, gems have been divided into precious and semiprecious classes. There are a number of semiprecious gems, many quite beautiful, but diamonds, rubies, sapphires and emeralds continue to qualify as “precious.” (At one time, amethyst was also considered a precious gem, but large reserves were later found in Brazil, reducing its value.)

Diamonds, made of carbon atoms, are the hardest natural substance found on Earth. Formed under extremely high pressure hundreds of miles underground, they are found in very few locations around the world. Graphite is also made of carbon atoms, but with a different arrangement -- explaining why

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diamond is the hardest mineral and graphite (used in pencil lead) is one of the softest.

Rubies are formed of a mineral called corundum, comprised of aluminum oxide. The red color is caused by traces of chromium.

Corundum also forms sapphire in many colors, which generally comes from trace mixtures of iron, titanium and chromium.

Emeralds are formed of a mineral called beryl whose chemical formula is a complex mix of beryllium, aluminum, silicon and oxygen. The color comes from additional traces of chromium and vanadium. Different trace elements can produce other colors, allowing beryl to form semiprecious stones such as aquamarine.

Minerals and gems are classified by their physical properties, including hardness, luster, color, density, and magnetism. They’re also identified by the ways in which they break, or the type of mark, or streak that they leave when rubbed on a laboratory tool called a streak plate.

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36

DIY PROJECT >> SEED BOMBS

IT’S DA BOMB

Sprouting Smiles DIY Seed Bombs Ready to Bloom!

C

S TORY A N D PHOTOG R A PHY BY ERICK A WINTER ROW D

reating floral beauty is a great way to spruce up not only your lawn but public spaces as well. Some call this “guerrilla gardening.” Think less civilian warfare language and more uniting neighborhoods by spreading floral cheer. These seed bombs will sprout not only colorful wildflowers in neighborhoods and other public spaces, but lots of smiles too. Follow these simple instructions and you’ll have a wonderful spring activity the whole family can enjoy.

SEED BOMBS

SUPPLIES:

8-10 pieces of colorful paper Food processor 1-2 packets of wildflower seeds Flower cookie mold Strainer Sponge Large bowl Water STEP ONE: Rip 8-10 sheets of colorful paper into small pieces. Then put them in a large bowl and add enough water to cover all of the pieces. Let the paper soak for about 15 minutes.

STEP TWO: Now it’s time to put the soaked pieces of paper into a food processor. Add some of the remaining water that was in the bowl into the food processor. Now slice the pieces even smaller by using any of the different chopping features that are available on the food processor. Add more water if necessary.

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STEP THREE: Make sure the food processor is turned off, then remove the sliced paper and put directly into a strainer. (It helps to put the strainer over a bowl of some sort so the water can be collected.) Now take a sponge and press on the paper mixture. The goal here is to soak up as much excess water that the paper mixture may be holding. Once completed, the paper will still be moist but it shouldn’t be soaking.

STEP SIX: Allow the seed bombs to dry for about 24-36 hours. They don’t have to be bone-dry to be removed. More than likely they will start sprouting after two days -- even if they are still in the molds.

STEP FOUR: Create your first layer in the flower cookie mold. Put enough of the paper mixture to fill about half of the cookie cup, and then sprinkle wild flower seeds on top. About a pinch or two of seeds should suffice.

The great thing about seed bombs is that you can lob a couple from a car window, while on a walk, or even from your bicycle. Remember: the best seasons for seed bombing are in the spring and autumn, and if you can coincide with heavy rainfall all the better.

Here’s to dropping happy bombs – ones that grow both flowers and love!

STEP FIVE: Once the seeds have been added to each cup, it’s time to put the second and final layer of the paper mixture into the flower molds.

STEP SEVEN: Now comes the fun part … finding the spaces where you will lovingly drop some seed bombs. Neglected roundabouts, planters or flowerbeds work really well.

This story was originally published in the May/June 2017 issue of Our Town Magazine.

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PSYCHOLOGY >> MYERS-BRIGGS TYPE INDICATOR

TESTING, TESTING!

MyersBriggs Mother-Daughter Team Research Personality Types W RIT TE N BY A LEXI A FER N A N DEZ

P

ersonality tests can be found everywhere -- in magazines, on social media websites -- but the best test is perhaps one created by a mother-daughter team in the mid 20th century. Now widely used by individuals and global companies, the personality assessment has become one of the most popular in the world.

In the 1940s, Isabel Briggs Myers and her mother, Katharine Cook Briggs, began researching personality types based on Dr. Carl Jung’s “Psychological Types.” Jung’s theory placed a focus on the essential differences between people in regard to the decisions they made and their intake of information.

Together, they went on to create one of the most popular and trusted personality tests, the

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Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI). Their early work consisted of creating a type indicator during World War II that would help sort people into occupations that would suit them and aid in the war effort.

Briggs Myers’ research led her to Gainesville, Florida, where in 1970, she co-created the Typology Laboratory at the University of Florida. In 1975, Briggs and Myers also co-created the Center for Applications of Psychological Type (CAPT) at UF. Charles Martin, a licensed psychologist and vice president for research and development at CAPT, said the center has the largest collection of personality type research in the world.

“We have two archives,” he said in a 2015 interview. “One is at CAPT, which is available publicly.

People can look through all the resources here or in

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PSYCHOLOGY >> MYERS-BRIGGS TYPE INDICATOR

Logan Abbitt said most people make the mistake of thinking the assessment dictates how they act, as opposed to thinking of how it helps them better understand their personality.

our online library catalog. We also have an archive at the University of Florida that tends to have more of [Briggs Myers’] early journal writings.”

Briggs Myers created the center to promote and teach the ethical and practical uses of the 16 psychological types she and her mother discovered through their research. CAPT trains, educates and conducts research on “the instrument,” also known as psychological type, the different types of personalities that humans can possess.

“We teach people about type to make a constructive use of differences among people,” Martin said.

Logan Abbitt, research librarian for CAPT, said he frequently speaks to companies about the assessment.

“I must get so many questions by companies asking me how to use [the assessment] for hiring purposes,” he said in a 2015 interview. “What I tell them is that it shouldn’t be used in that way.

It was never meant to hire people. It doesn’t work that way.”

Abbitt, who became the research librarian three years ago, said the center’s library has not expanded much in the last few years.

“There’s less and less people conducting

The instrument, the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, has been studied and used all over the world as a personality type indicator.

The instrument, the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, has been studied and used all over the world as a personality type indicator. The assessment spent two decades being researched until 1976 when it became commercially available.

Popular among companies and jobs, it’s held an important place in team exercises and individual development.

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research, so then there’s less things we can collect for our library,” he said. “I think that mainly has to do with the fact that Isabel is no longer alive.”

Among companies that do use the assessment is UF Health. The hospital does not use the type indicator for hiring purposes but it does for team building exercises. It also offers the assessment to individual employees interested in knowing

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PSYCHOLOGY >> MYERS-BRIGGS TYPE INDICATOR

Within the CAPT library, an entire wall is dedicated to some of Isabel Briggs Myers’ (right, next to her mother Katherine) research. The items include research conducted by her mother, Katharine. The library also includes research books by Carl Jung (above) and dissertations from scientists from all over the world.

A majority of the Isabel Briggs Myers’ research is held at Smathers Libraries at the University of Florida.

their personality type.

Danita Gainer, human resources development coordinator at UF Health, overlooks the MBTI assessment that UF Health employees can take. Gainer said the hospital does not call it a test because the word makes people react strongly in either a negative or positive way, a reaction strong enough to affect their performance and results.

“Depending on whether people are answering questions with their gut as opposed to preference, people will tend to overthink things,” she said. “What we try to tell people [when taking the assessment] is to approach answers from a most comfortable space where you’re not trying to go into a certain mode.”

UF Health offers the assessment solely to UF Health employees. It’s not a requirement of employment to take the assessment, as employees usually take it as a personal choice.

Other times, employees may also take the assessment for team building purposes. Managers of employee units will approach Gainer and her office for team building exercises using the MBTI assessment.

“Sometimes when you come in to work you’re dealing with people that are in a certain mode,” Gainer said. “They have their game face on, if you will, and they’re ready to do a job. It can be really eye-opening, especially when you’re in a team setting and hearing the person’s preference for how they work.”

The MBTI is also offered as a general, open communication course to encourage employees to understand themselves and others who they work with.

The assessment’s inception began in the 1940s with Katharine 42 |

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Cook Briggs who studied data from research of theories based on children’s educational and social development.

Her time researching children’s development led to an increased interest in her daughter’s personality type. Seeing Isabel grow and develop led her to increase her research.

She also began to teach Isabel at home, taking her out of the public school system after she found it lacking. She encouraged her to write and read on any topics that interested her.

Katharine introduced her daughter to Carl Jung’s teachings on personality type, sparking their 20-year research on people and different personality types.

The University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries have the earliest research that the two conducted on personality type.

Isabel wrote notes and created questionnaires in the 1940s and 1950s on index cards that the libraries now hold.

Isabel eventually created a questionnaire that could effectively classify people into personality types. She began by writing hundreds of questions, testing them with people she knew and collecting data in journals. The final Form A of the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator consists of 172 questions.

Gainer said the benefits of taking the assessment outweigh any doubts people may have about its credibility.

“It tends to build personal self-awareness,” Gainer said. “I think that’s pretty incredible because when you’re struggling with a certain task you see it’s not normal or easy for yourself based on your personality. It changes your perception of things.”

This story was originally published in the Sept/Oct 2015 issue of Our Town.

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COLUMN

KENDRA SILER-MARSIGLIO’S

Healthy Edge TEACHING KIDS TO “PAY IT FORWARD”

KENDRA SILER-MARSIGLIO, PH.D. IS A NEUROSCIENTIST, MEDICAL WRITER, COLUMNIST AND PRESIDENT OF THE NON-PROFIT COMMUNITYHEALTH IT AT NASA/ KENNEDY SPACE CENTER. KENDRA ENJOYS TRAVELING, DANCING LIKE NO ONE’S WATCHING, AND LISTENING TO PEOPLE’S STORIES. kendra.sm@gmail.com

P

aying it forward is about performing “random” kindness and generosity, without having the expectation of a reward or recognition. What’s the pay-off for paying it forward? And, how can we, as parents, nurture kindness in our kids?

There’s a Confucius quote that, if followed, keeps us all from being “doormats” to others in our personal and professional lives. He said, “There is one word which may serve as a rule of practice for all one’s life: reciprocity.” (Many of us have had a “friend” that we support routinely and that friend is conspicuously missing when we need some help. Based on Confucius’ principle, if you or your kid has a “friend” like that, then you might want to re-think what that friendship means.)

Yet, how can you follow this principle of reciprocity and be generally kind and generous? What do you do when a person you’ll maybe never see again needs help, or you just want to pick up someone’s spirits?

There’s a scientific term that may shine light on how reciprocity and random kindness fit together. In research studies about altruism, kindness, and game theory, “paying it forward” is actually called “upstream reciprocity.”

A study performed by University of California professor of medical genetics and political science James Fowler, PhD showed that random acts of kindness receivers want to “reciprocate” the kindness they receive by paying it forward. Dr. Fowler found that one act of kindness typically had a multiplying effect, inspiring several acts of generosity down the line. Taking it a step further, Dr. Fowler’s work also showed that just witnessing or hearing about generosity inspires more acts of good. Dr. Fowler contends that humans often mimic behavior they see, including generosity.

Emory University found that kindness to another person activates pleasure and reward centers in the GIVER’S brain (as if the giver were on the receiving end). Psychologists who study generosity call this “helper’s high.”

Science has shown that upstream reciprocity

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leads to the following benefits: • Increased happiness. A 2010 Harvard study showed that, worldwide, people who are charitable are happiest overall.

• Lowered cortisol (stress hormone). According to the DrGreene health education website, perpetually kind people have 23% less cortisol circulating in their bodies and age slower than the average population.

• Heightened self-worth and compassion. Witnessing acts of kindness produces oxytocin, which increases feelings of self-esteem, optimism, and empathy.

So, how do we help our kids embrace upstream reciprocity?

“It’s kind of like weight training, we found that people can actually build up their compassion ‘muscle’ and respond to others’ suffering with care and a desire to help.”

— Dr. Ritchie Davidson, University of Wisconsin

Try these tips: • Demonstrate a pay it forward lifestyle every day. Kids emulate what they see. What better way to teach kids to be kind than being kind ourselves?

• Plan how to celebrate “World Kindness Day” (November 13, 2017) and “Pay It Forward Day” (April 26, 2018). You’ll likely come up with so many great ideas that you may end up doing them weekly!

• Help promote a Pay It Forward culture at your child’s school. For some inspiration, check out Hidden Creek Elementary School in Washington: http://blogs.ibo.org/.

Need some ideas about what you and your child can do? Try these recommendations from the Random Acts of Kindness Foundation: • Write to a former teacher who made a difference in your life.

• Tape coins around a playground for kids to find.

• Send a “Thank you” note to the officers at your local fire station.

• Donate old towels or blankets to an animal shelter.

• Write a gratitude list.

“We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give.”

— Winston Churchill

This column was originally published in the Nov/Dec 2017 issue of Our Town Magazine.

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BALANCE >> MIND, BODY AND SOUL

THE CONSENSUS ON SENSES

Sense of Happiness Using Your Five Senses To Balance Your Mind, Body And Soul W R I T T E N B Y H AY L I Z U C C O L A

A

warm hug from a loved one.

The smell of fresh peppermint.

Deciding what color to paint a room in the house. Believe it or not the five senses — sight, sound, smell, touch and taste — have more of an impact on your mood than you may realize.

SIGHT

Whether you’ve moved into a new home or just want to give your current space an upgrade, before you start buying gallons of paint you may want to do a little research. Certain colors belong in certain rooms and not in a snooty “oh that hue of green is just atrocious in a bathroom” designer kind of way. Certain colors physically make people feel better or worse depending 46 |

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on what room you put them in.

According to the article “Room Color and How it Affects Your Mood,” and the Mood Factory article “Power of Sight,” the color red, which is associated with warmth, excitement and passion can raise energy levels and helps pump adrenaline. Being in a room painted red can raise blood pressure and increase heart rate, so it is ideal for a dining or living room but it isn’t the best choice for a bedroom color.

On the opposite end of the color wheel, blue, which is associated with spirituality, tranquility and cleanliness, can lower blood pressure and give a calming and relaxing feel to a room.

Yellow, although bright, cheerful and welcoming,

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BALANCE >> MIND, BODY AND SOUL

can be strenuous on the eyes in large amounts and can cause anger and frustration. Green, on the other hand, is the most relaxing color for our eyes to see and works well in almost any room.

Purple evokes a sophisticated feeling and provides the warmth of red and the calming effect of blue.

Now take these suggestions with a grain of salt because they may not have the same effect on everybody. If you absolutely hate the color blue, chances are it isn’t going to make you feel very calm and relaxed in your bedroom.

SOUND

Belting out the lyrics to your favorite song isn’t just something you should do for fun, it can actually reduce anxiety and make you feel happier. According to the Examined Existence article “How Music Changes Your Mood,” music is a natural antidepressant and there’s a scientific explanation of how music affects the brain.

“Soothing tunes foster the release of serotonin, a hormone that fosters happiness and a general sense of well-being,” according to examinedexistence.com. “It also flushes the body with dopamine, a neurotransmitter that makes you feel good. Music

also paves the way for the release of norepinephrine, a hormone that brings about euphoria and elation.”

So if you’re feeling the blues, and not the musical kind, flick on the radio and jam out to some of your favorite artists or listen to songs with a positive message to put you in a happier mood.

SMELL

The sense of smell and how it correlates with your mood works a little differently than the other senses. In fact, it could be different from person to person. According to the Fifth Sense article “Psychology and Smell,” the sense of smell is linked to memory more than the other senses. Maybe when you were younger you would make homemade gingerbread with your family, so now the smell of gingerbread makes you happy. A certain smell can also trigger bad experiences. Maybe someone was rude to you in a coffee shop, so now whenever you smell fresh brewed java you get agitated.

While many people are drawn to specific scents, there are certain aromatherapy oils that evoke a specific emotion.

According to the Livestrong.com article “Benefits of Peppermint Aromatherapy,” peppermint oil is used because it has uplifting and invigorating properties.

PHOTOGRAPHY: HAYLI ZUCCOLA

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While it can be used on the skin to cool the body and soothe aches and pains during a massage, the smell of peppermint oil can increase one’s ability to concentrate during stress and even boost energy levels. The article also mentions that studies have shown that peppermint oil can help alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression by boosting your mood.

While peppermint is amazing for many people, it isn’t the only holy grail of aromatherapy. According to the Huffington Post article “11 Scents That Can Do Wonders for Your Well-Being,” lavender can help with relaxation and sleeping, while cinnamon — like peppermint — can help sharpen your mind. The smell of fresh-cut grass can bring joy while citrus fruits like oranges and lemons can make you feel more energized.

Jasmine can ease depression, and olive oil, which you probably never noticed really had a scent, can help satisfy your appetite.

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Sometimes to lift your spirits all you need is a hug. As the character Charlotte “Chuck” Charles from the show “Pushing Daisies” puts it, a hug is “like an emotional Heimlich. Someone puts their arms around you and they give you a squeeze and all your fear and anxiety come shooting out of your mouth in a big wet wad and you can breathe again.”

While hugs aren’t normally that dramatic, they actually can help anxiety fade away. According to the Smart Heart Living article “Hugs and Heart Health,” a hug can lower blood pressure and reduce stress, which in turn lowers the risk of heart disease. The article goes on to mention that past studies revealed that each time we get a hug our bodies produce the hormone oxytocin, which gives off a caring or bonding response.

Getting a much-needed hug isn’t the only way our sense of touch can make us feel more positive; the surrounding objects we touch also play a vital role in how we feel. The Telegraph article “Physical Touch Affects Emotional Mood,” states that “the softer the touch, the happier and more generous you are; the harder, the more selfish and aggressive.”

The article talks about a 2008 experiment that found that people were kinder when they held a warm cup of coffee instead of a cold drink.

So if you need a pick-me-up from an awful day at work or school just snuggle up with a soft blanket and a ton of squishy pillows; cuddle with your furry pets; and drink a nice cup of hot chocolate to melt your daily stress away.

TASTE

The final category of the five senses is taste. You probably already knew that if you eat a lot of junk food you’re not going to feel too great, but what foods can make you feel better physically and mentally? We’ve all had days where we feel sad and may even think that the only way to cure our sadness is to indulge in a delicious piece of cake. While we may enjoy it then, there are other options that can actually help turn that frown upside down and help with your overall health too.

The Very Well article “5 Foods for a Better Mood,” suggests enjoying a bowl of oatmeal because it is rich in soluble fiber, which slows “the absorption of sugar in the blood” so you can feel fuller longer. Other foods that help in this area are beans, citrus and apples.

Walnuts and salmon are rich in omega-3 fatty acids that help with brain functioning. Lentils are a great source of folate, which is a “B vitamin that appears to be essential for mood and proper nerve function in the brain.”

Those healthy foods were kind of obvious, but did you know that according to the Huffington Post article “Foods to Help Improve Your Mood,” chocolate can actually be good for you? Well, kind of. When your sweet tooth is craving something delicious, keep in mind that dark chocolate helps increase serotonin, which can help ease depression.

Two other depression fighters are hazelnuts, which contain potassium, calcium, magnesium and iron; and tea, which could be why the British always seem so chipper.

Overall, there is no easy fix if you are suffering from depression or even if you are just experiencing a case of the daily blues. It is important, however, to realize that our surroundings and the use of our five senses play a vital role in keeping our mind, body and soul balanced.

This story was originally published in the Jan/Feb 2017 issue of Our Town Magazine.

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PHOTO BY HAYLI ZUCCOLA

BALANCE >> MIND, BODY AND SOUL

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SPECIAL RESTAURANT ADVERTISING SECTION. CALL

352-372-5468

FOR RATES AND INFORMATION.

Cilantro Tacos

Tioga Town Center - 12921 SW 1 Rd Suite #103 Monday - Saturday from 11:00am to 9:00pm

352-472-1300 Authentic Mexican — A family-owned restaurant that was founded through a passion for great food and hosting dinner parties with friends. Originally from Southern California, their love for Mexican food moved to the wonderful community of Newberry in 2013. They take pride in the quality, freshness, and vibrant flavors of their food — with meats that are never frozen and everything prepared fresh and made-to-order.

Enjoy the tastefully marinated meats and savor the mild, spicy, and mouthwatering salsas that are created from scratch. They feel their purpose is to spread happiness, make contributions to the community and create lasting memories of fun, laughter, and great times. When you eat with us, you’re family. So come on in!

Leonardo’s Pizza 4131 NW 16th Blvd (Millhopper) Sunday - Thursday: 11:00am - 9:30pm Friday - Saturday: 11:00am - 10:30pm

352-376-2001 leonardosmillhopper.com Mouth Watering — Family friendly and locally-owned-and-operated pizza joint with a unique, nostalgic atmosphere that is as distinctive as our delicious food.

Chicago-style pizzas, hand tied garlic knots, and Italian baked dinners and salad bar, we know you’ll be back for more. Come and see why Gainesville loves our signature deep dish pizza pie, the Big Leo. Since 1976 Gainesville has grown up on pizza from Leonardo’s Millhopper and we are still going strong! Our dedicated staff (many have been with us for 15-20 years) knows how important it is to treat you properly. We take great pride in our welcoming atmosphere. We can’t wait to make you part of our family.

Copper Monkey West

14209 W Newberry Road, Jonesville, FL 32669 Across from the Steeplechase Publix Sunday-Thursday 11:00am - 11:00pm Friday-Saturday 11:00am - 11:00pm

352-363-6338 mycoppermonkey.com Restaurant & Pub — Now serving Breakfast on Saturdays & Sundays 8:30am - 10:45am. We are 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.

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Bangkok Square

Two Gainesville Locations: 6500 SW Archer Road & 8181 NW 38th Lane Lunch: Monday-Friday 11:00am-3:00pm • Saturday-Sunday 12:00pm-3:00pm Dinner: Sunday-Thursday 5:00pm-9:30pm • Friday-Saturday 5:00pm-10:00pm

352-375-4488 Archer 352-672-6969 39th Ave. bangkoksquarefl.com Authentic Thai Cuisine — Thai cuisine, blending the best elements of the freshest foods. Thai herbs; garlic, basil, ginger, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, galangal root, chili and more, prepared with the finest blending of fish sauce, shrimp paste, and coconut milk. All of our meals are made to order and prepared on site. We specialize in vegetarian, vegan and gluten free orders. All of our foods can be prepared to your satisfaction with mild, medium, hot, or Thai hot, balanced to the four tastes: sweet, sour, salty, and slightly bitter. Meals can be prepared for take out and we cater to any event. We also have gift cards available. Save 10% off your next dining experience when a gift card is purchased.

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.

Crafty Bastards

4860 NW 39th Ave. ( Magnolia Parke, between Starbucks and TiresPlus) Open at 11am every day

352-872-5970 www.thecraftybastards.com Restaurant - Pub — Crafty Bastards Restaurant is located in NW Magnolia Parke.

Open daily at 11am. We offer great lunch specials M-F 11am-4pm, including 1/2lb Angus grilled burgers and juicy chicken handhelds, fresh fries, salads, soups and more. Check out our Happy Hour M-F 11am-7pm. Looking for fun in the evenings?

Check out Trivia Tuesdays, Karaoke Wednesdays and Live Entertainment on Thursday, Friday and Saturday! Crafty Bastards is also a great place to enjoy your sports on large screen TV’s. Private Party Room for office or birthday parties available. Come see why Crafty Bastards is NW Gainesville’s Best Kept Secret! Follow us on Facebook, Instagram & Twitter!

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SPECIAL RESTAURANT ADVERTISING SECTION. CALL

352-372-5468

FOR RATES AND INFORMATION.

Pepperoni’s Pizzeria

19975 NW 244 Street, High Springs (located in Mills Plaza) Sun -Thurs 11:00am — 9:00pm • Fri & Sat 11:00am — 10:00pm ORDER ONLINE OR DOWNLOAD OUR APP

386-454-3858 PepperonisPizzeria.com Pizzeria — Since its establishment in 2000, Pepperoni’s Pizzeria has been serving up some of the best pizzas, calzones, entrees, wings and salads in town using Grande brand premium mozzarella and other top ingredients. We also have great lunch specials starting at only $5.99. All of our specialty pizzas are loaded with toppings. Pepperoni’s is locally owned and operated and is proud to serve the High Springs Community and surrounding areas. We are located on U.S. Highway 441 in Mills Plaza.

The Social at Midtown 1728 W. University Avenue, Gainesville, FL Monday-Sunday 11:00am – 2:00am

352-373-7383 www.thesocialgnv.com Upscale restaurant and rooftop bar — Hidden among the college bars of the midtown area, The Social at Midtown provides an unique, upscale, and affordable dining and late-night experience for the diverse and ever evolving population of Gainesville. Whether you are in search of high end spirits and craft cocktails or one of the 37 beers on tap the Social at Midtown will undoubtedly bring you back for the next big game with its fantastic menu and over 60 Large LED TVs. Check out our web page to see our weekly specials and plan your next Happy Hour with $4 Local Craft Pints!

Brown’s Country Buffet 14423 NW US Hwy 441, Alachua, FL 32616 Monday-Friday 7:00am - 8:00pm Saturday 7:00am - 2:00pm Sunday 8:00am - 3:00pm

386-462-3000 brownscountrybuffet.net Casual — 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. 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.

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Big Island Bowls

5402 NW 8th Ave, Gainesville, FL 32605 (Located in Greenery Square next to CYM coffee) Open 7 Days from 8:00am – 8:00pm

352-397-1358 bigislandbowls.com Hawaiian Barbecue — Inspired by the owner’s life in Hawaii and travels around the world, Big Island Bowls is a special space where all those tastes and experiences are shared with the Gainesville community. Big Island Bowls was born from their passion to make eating healthy: fast, easy and delicious! Using the finest ingredients and fresh local produce, there is so much exciting variety within the menu, including over 20 (NEW) dishes to dazzle your tastebuds — everything from Fresh Poke Bowls, Sushi Burritos, Acai Bowls, Organic Smoothies, Vegan Bowls, Hawaiian BBQ, Buddha Bowls and Sandwich Wraps. Serving the local community by creating food that nourishes both body and soul sustains a belief that Health & Happiness go hand in hand.

El Toro

15202 NW 147 Drive, Suite 1100, Alachua (Rolling Oaks Plaza) Monday – Thursday 11:00am – 9:00pm Friday & Sat 11:00am – 10:00pm Sunday Noon – 8:00pm

386-418-1039 www.eltorogainesville.com Get Full At The Bull — Bienvenido! Welcome! We are a family owned and family friendly business. We have been serving our guests high quality fresh food for over 28 years. We welcome our guests with our Award Winning Salsa and warm homemade chips, add some fresh guacamole and our homemade white queso and you have a great start to a great meal! Try our Fish Tacos, Shrimp Tacos, Fajitas, Aaron’s Overstuffed Burrito, Nachos Supreme or one of our Daily Specials, we have something everyone will enjoy! We serve Lunch 7 days a week till 4 P.M. and our Kids Meals come with a drink and dessert. Check out our menu on our website. Our outdoor patio is perfect for “Para Cenar Afuera”. So, won’t you please come join us and Get Full At The Bull! See you there!

Piesanos Stone Fired Pizza

(Archer Road) 5757 SW 75th St. — 352-371-8646 • (Millhopper Road) 5200 NW 43rd St. — 352-371-7437 (University) 1250 W University Ave. — 352-375-2337 • (Grand Oaks Plaza) 2575 SW 42nd St. Ocala — 352-351-6000

Mon-Thurs: 11am-10pm Fri-Sat: 11am-11pm Sun: 11am-10pm

www.piesanostogo.com Pizza, Pints & Pies — Piesanos is a locally owed and operated restaurant that is proud to use only the finest ingredients available, including Grande brand premium mozzarella. We are a full service dine in restaurant with an attached take out center and also offer catering.

Our dough is made fresh daily and all of our pizzas are baked directly on the stone in our unique Granite Stone Fired Pizza Oven. We offer a great variety of Specialty pizzas, such as our Pizza Antico-(ultra thin crust- Fresh Mozzarella, mini cup & char pepperoni & fresh basil) Specialty Pastas, Calzones, Fresh soups and salads, classic italian entrees, and a great selection of craft beer. We also offer a gluten free menu. For full menu please visit PIESANOSTOGO.COM. Order online or download our APP PIESANOSTOGO.COM.

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UNCONVENTIONAL ARTISTRY >> FRANK CURTIS

CAN I BE FR ANK?

Frank Curtis The Gainesville Artist Whose “Blank Canvas” Isn’t Always a Canvas W R I T T E N B Y C YA N N E D U N N

T

he person who invented the phrase “Jack of all trades” could have been thinking about Frank Curtis.

Need to learn motorcycle safety? Curtis has taught safety courses, done demo rides for companies like Yamaha and Honda in Daytona, and was a sales manager at a motorcycle shop for 15 years. In fact, he and his wife of almost 10 years, Tracey, met when he taught her how to ride.

Do you have any musical instruments needing repair? He’s the guy. And he not only fixes instruments, he also plays them.

“I never had a chance to play an instrument when I was a kid, so when I was 30 I decided I wanted to learn how to play,” Curtis said in a 2016 interview. About five years later, he was invited to join the Gainesville Community Band, and has been playing with them for 25 years. Around the

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same time, Curtis wanted to learn more about music so he became an apprentice repairman and salesperson at Band Central Station.

Mostly though, Curtis is known for being an artist. Even there, he leaps from medium to medium.

He graduated from the University of Florida in 1984 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in photography.

He’s made unique Christmas cards for his friends and family for 35 years. He paints. A sculpture he made from a motorcycle gas tank won Best 3D Sculpture at the Moto Art 2016. He’s done etchings and book illustrations. He serves on the board of the Doris Bardon Community Cultural Center and as a coordinator for Gainesville Artwalk.

But he’s mostly known for his luggage.

If you’ve spent time at any of the art shows or galleries in and around Gainesville, chances are you’ve seen an old-style piece of luggage with a window cut into it, filled with seemingly various pieces of bric-a-brac. That was Frank Curtis.

PHOTOGRAPHY: CYANNE DUNN

Frank Curtis created “Colorful Guy� in remembrance of his friend Lennie Kesl, who was a prominent fellow Gainesville artist who passed away in 2012. It includes pieces of Color-aid paper, which is used in art school to do color studies that show how much the appearance of a color can change based on the background it is placed on.

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UNCONVENTIONAL ARTISTRY >> FRANK CURTIS

Frank Curtis refers to his suitcase pieces as art assemblages. Each element of a piece is arranged and placed carefully in different places within the luggage until he is happy with its final spot. Each piece can go through several incarnations before Curtis is satisfied with how it turned out, and the process usually takes several months.

In 1984, on his way back from a trip to the Caribbean, his pigskin and wood luggage burst right through the middle of one of the side panels.

“First I was upset and then I looked at it and I thought, I could cut the rest of that out and make something with this,” he said. When he came up with the idea to cover the opening with stained-glass, he began taking classes to learn how to make stained-glass and his signature art was born.

Since then, he’s created around 45 unique pieces of luggage art. Each has a different theme, varying from memorial pieces for beloved friends, to odes to the freedom of riding a motorcycle, to warnings on the dangers of harmful environmental practices.

Not all of them are made out of luggage, either. A few are made from musical instrument cases, while a vintage doctor’s case became a way to express some pent-up emotions after Curtis fought cancer in the early 2000s.

Every piece of art has some piece of Curtis in it, though.

Many contain some kind of religious iconography, like rosary beads. Although he was raised Catholic, Curtis now considers himself more spiritual than religious. Others have a piece of his mother’s diploma, or one of her tarot cards with her handwritten notes scribbled in pencil. These parts of himself are never forced 58 |

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into the pieces, and are only added if they seem to fit naturally with the rest.

The luggage art does contain more than just pieces of his past, however.

“A lot of people think everything I have [in the suitcases] is found, but a lot of times I will, you know, I’ll paint little parts, I’ll add a little piece of art or drawing, some other element than just found objects,” Curtis said. “They’re original artwork, I can’t replace them. I can’t replace some of the objects in them.”

Pieces of luggage in every shape, size and color are stacked across the studio Curtis built out of a patio on the side of his house. Some were given to him, like the paint-splashed suitcase that used to belong to a friend’s son when he was a graffiti artist.

Others Curtis has bought.

The studio itself is kind of a road map into Curtis’ many varied passions. Suitcases line the entrance, and then give way to paintings and drawings that lead to a corner filled with motorcycle figurines and posters. In another corner a music stand sits with sheet music waiting to be used, and a door behind it leads to a small room with vintage instruments and all the tools needed to fix them.

“This is an artist studio,” he said. “Everything is on the verge PHOTOGRAPHY: FRANK CURTIS

SOURCE: CLASSROOM.SYNONYM.COM

of chaos — or balance. You decide what to call it. I call it balance.”

Whatever kind of art it is that Curtis is exploring at the time, it’s his opinion that whatever feelings his art provokes in the people that view it are just as important — or more important — as the feelings that led him to create the art in the first place.

“People ask me, ‘So what’s it about?’ and I always want their input because they’re going to see something I might not have seen or get a feeling out of it I might not have had,” he said. “And I prefer to know a wider spectrum, instead of just my experience. There’s a personal story to everyone involved, not just me, and I hope that the viewer can make it a personal story for them in their own experience.”

Whether it’s his many forms of art, or his activities outside of his studio, Curtis’ approach to life can probably be summed up in a simple sentence.

“If it wasn’t dangerous, why do it?”

This story was originally published in the Sept/ Oct 2016 issue of Our Town Magazine.

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Finish Strong For concrete floors – whether it’s a floor in your garage or a fire station, having a durable epoxy coating can improve the look and life of your space for years to come.

O

ne of the toughest and most durable finishes that you can apply to a garage floor today is an epoxy coating. Not only does it protect your garage floor, it can instantly transform your boring or ugly cement into a professional looking floor of beauty and function. And since the garage is quickly becoming more than just a place where you park your car, the benefits of epoxy have quickly made it one of the top choices for garage flooring today.

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that says “look at me”! Depending on which application you choose, you can select from a variety of understated solid colors and hues, to custom colors and blends of color flakes that match your style.

“We work with our clients to create something that suits their needs and looks beautiful,” said Chad Williamson owner of All Phase CPI, Inc. “With a variety of colors and textures to choose from, no two floors are exactly the same.”

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have a small percentage of epoxy added to the mix to make it more durable than standard paint, but it is still paint. These are known as epoxy paints or 1-part epoxy paint.

Epoxy is an actual thermosetting resin that is applied as a coating. It is formed when you mix one part epoxide resin with one part polyamine hardener. The hardener acts as a catalyst and is what gives epoxy its strength. Unlike paint that has to dry, epoxy actually cures. When the two parts are mixed, a chemical reaction is started which creates an exothermic curing process. This curing process produces polymer structures that are closely cross-linked giving epoxy its superior strength and durability.

The end result is a coating that is much thicker than paint and bonds tenaciously to a properly prepared surface.

“We pride ourselves on doing the little things that make our floors last as long as possible,” said Chad. “From floor prep to the top coat, we make sure we do everything we can to provide our clients a beautiful and durable product.”

So what makes an epoxy coating one of the best finishes for your garage floor? Besides looking nice, the hardened and

thick application that you get from epoxy creates a coating that is very durable and resilient to impacts, chipping, chemicals, stains, and surface abrasion. You don’t have to panic about damaging the floor if you drop a wrench or a bicycle falls over.

The thicker coating also does a great job of covering over minor imperfections such as small spider cracks and flaws in the concrete. Because epoxy is a topical sealer, it is also anti-dusting. Much of the dust in a garage is created from the powder that a cement floor can shed.

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COLUMN

FARM TALES

From Mother Hen LITTLE PAPER BAGS

MOTHER HEN IS PROUD TO BE A “BABY BOOMER” RAISED ON A FARM POPULATED BY DOGS, CATS, CHICKENS, DUCKS, GEESE, HORSES AND COWS. THE WISDOM SHE GAINED WHILE GROWING UP IN THE COUNTRY CAN’T BE FOUND IN BOOKS. YOU CAN CONTACT MOTHER HEN AT motherhenfarmtales@gmail.com.

I’M A PRODUCT OF THE 1950s – THE TAIL END OF THE BABY BOOMERS, THE GENERATION THAT TURNED EVERYTHING UPSIDE DOWN.

U

ntil then, “children were seen and not heard.”

However, when the tidal wave of newborns were born nine months after our soldiers returned from WWII, retailers soon discovered that it was a good idea to cater their products to these little consumers.

It’s been that way ever since.

At every stage of this generation’s life a new improved invention or discovery has come along to make our life better in some way. When we were babies our mothers didn’t have the convenience of disposable diapers. Years later, the Baby Boomers started having babies of their own and you better believe we came up with a more convenient solution.

Throughout the years more and more conveniences such as contacts instead of eyeglasses, or more stylish frames for those who chose to wear glasses evolved.

There used to be only a handful of frame styles to choose from, and believe me – they weren’t made by designers. As we have aged, another example is the simple home hair color products we use to cover those grays. Grandmothers used to look like grandmothers because hair coloring was unheard of.

Not anymore. Thank you, Miss Clairol.

Obviously most of these changes have made a positive impact on society, but some could argue to go back to the good old days. I was sharing some memories in a conversation with my daughters recently (who I lovingly refer to as my three chicks) and I realized how little they know of my childhood and youth. It’s a very different world now. This is the inspiration for my column where I will jot down my memories for them, and you dear readers, hoping it will bring you a smile or trigger a memory of your own to resurface. For those of you too young to remember, I hope it will inspire you to take a few minutes for yourself each day to “stop and smell the roses.” (Yes, you will be reading quite a few quips like this in the months to come.)

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So, let’s begin with my earliest memory. I was an only child, growing up in the country. I’m not sure how old I was at the time, but old enough to stand at the window as night began to fall and watch for my father to return home from working in the fields all day. His truck had a distinctive row of lights above the cab of the truck and I knew it was him when I saw those lights. All little girls adore their daddies, and I wasn’t any different. I loved his aroma of gasoline from the tractors he drove mixed with the earthy smell of the black soil on his clothes. I worked myself up in excitement watching those lights come up the long lane to our cottage in the timber.

I would run to greet him at the door, and usually the most he could muster up in his fatigue from a hard day’s work was a pat on the head.

Then, suddenly, he started coming in the door with a small paper bag that had a treat inside. It wasn’t every day, but several times a week, I would say.

Sometimes it was a bit of candy, a little bracelet, or maybe a trinket from a bubble gum machine. I was thrilled, and I felt so loved. My father was a quiet man of few words, and being the hard-working farmer he was we had little interaction or playtime. Those little paper bags with surprises inside meant the world to me.

It wasn’t until I was an adult, with a child of my own, that I asked my mother how Dad ever found time to go to town and get me a surprise before coming home for dinner. Mother reluctantly told me that it was she who bought the trinkets and would leave them outside the door for him to give me when he came home. She saw how disappointed I was when my understandably exhausted father walked past me, and she came up with a solution of her own. Her selfless act gave me the love from my father that I was seeking. And she kept her precious secret for more than thirty years.

I am the product of the 1950s. I am also the product of being raised on a farm by hardworking, God-fearing parents. In my opinion, it doesn’t get much better than that.

This column was originally published in the Nov/Dec 2017 issue of Our Town Magazine.

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GENEROSITY >> FIVE BENEFITS OF GIVING

REACHING OUT

The Act of Giving Five Ways that Generosity Pays You Back W R I T T E N B Y C R Y S TA L H E N R Y

T Work Perks

he old adage “to give is far better than to receive” is more than a Hallmark movie tagline. There is actual scientific research that the act of giving is good for your health. Altruism is defined as giving without expecting anything in return, however, new studies show that the pure intention to give without receiving is actually the most beneficial type of philanthropy. Here are the top five ways that it pays to be generous.

One of the best places for generosity is at work.

Not only does it build a sense of community, but according to a study at the University of WisconsinMadison, employees who help their co-workers are more committed to their jobs and are happier at work than their colleagues. The researchers found that being altruistic wasn’t about appearing better to other people, but instead it’s a healthy psychological reward system. We feel happy when we’re making others happy.

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Heal the World

Giving to others is just plain better for society.

Holding the door for someone might just inspire them to hold it for the next person. And that person may be inspired to pay for someone else’s groceries, until a snowball of kindness rolls through town. In 2014, more than 750 people paid for a stranger’s coffee in a Starbucks pay-it-forward chain. The idea is that kindness is contagious.

Dr. Donald O. Clifton wrote a book called “How Full Is Your Bucket? Positive Strategies for Work

A study in the International Journal of Psychophysiology showed that people who gave social support to their friends had lower blood pressure than those who didn’t.

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In 2014, more than 750 people paid for a stranger’s coffee in a Starbucks pay-it-forward chain. and Life” with his grandson, Tom Rath. The book is based on the idea that people have an invisible reservoir that represents their mental and emotional self. Their book was a bestseller, and in the 1970s a psychologist named John E. Valusek talked about bucket filling and dipping in order to help explain the effects of human behavior. “How we feel and how we will behave at any given moment is dependent upon how much or how little we have in our buckets,” he explained in his writings.

The idea is that we all have an invisible bucket that we draw from to deal with life’s ups and downs. A full bucket gives a sense of calm, happiness, patience and security. When someone smiles at you as they hold the door open, your bucket will fill up. But you can also fill your own bucket by doing something kind for someone else. A full bucket is necessary to deal with the 70 |

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ups and downs of life.

An empty bucket is void of positive thoughts or feelings.

Bucket dipping happens when you say or do something unkind to someone or they say or do something unkind to you. Too many dips from your bucket will leave you feeling angry, sad and insecure.

Most of the world’s problems are the direct result of an empty bucket. But the bucket theory doesn’t leave your feelings up to the world. You can also fill your own bucket, and the bucket of those around you by being supportive and giving.

Brain Boost

While mental health is a hot topic right now, people are talking about ways to help those suffering. But one of the biggest ways to

Locally owned & operated 20 years experience help them is to find small ways they can help others. In a February 2016 study published in Psychosomatic Medicine, researchers found that those who give to others may benefit more than those on the receiving end. Participants in the study were asked about times they either gave or received social support. Both givers and receivers reported positive outcomes, but a series of MRI tests that explored how different areas of the brain were affected indicated that giving ultimately had greater brain benefits than receiving.

Lending a shoulder to cry on or helping someone in need was proven to reduce stress and activate greater reward and caregiving-related areas of the brain.

Happy Heart

Helping others makes your heart happy in more ways than one. Aside from the warm fuzzy feeling you get from paying for someone else’s Starbucks, paying it forward may actually lower your blood pressure. A study in the Intl. Journal of Psychophysiology showed that people who gave social support to their friends had lower blood pressure than those who didn’t. Interestingly, those people also reported that they received greater support from friends as well.

Live Longer

A study by Michael J. Poulin, an assistant professor of psychology at the University at Buffalo, found that helping others not only reduces stress, but it may actually help you live longer. Stress and social isolation are significant predictors of how long you’ll be around. But so far, research wasn’t able to show that receiving support in stressful situations helps improve mortality. In this study, researchers sought to find out if helping others would also benefit the people who were doing the helping. They found that when dealing with their own stressful situations, the people who had helped others in the past year tend to live longer than those who hadn’t.

Be the change you want to see in the world, and you’re more likely to be around to see the change…

This story was originally published in the Nov/Dec 2017 issue of Our Town Magazine.

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RECIPE SERIES >> DAISY’S DOGGIE BISCUITS

BONE APPÉTIT!

Cynthia Wonders Winterrowd ’s

RECIPE WONDERS FOOD ST Y LING & PHOTOGR A PH Y BY ERICK A WINTER ROWD

DA I SY

E

’ S DOG G I E B I SCU I

veryone has heard the old saying: “A dog is man’s best friend.” I was brought up as a cat person from a long line of cat lovers on my mother’s side of the family tree. Growing up on a farm we always had a farm dog, but they were usually devoted to my father and would follow him around while he did his chores. So, although I was fond of our barnyard dogs, I saved my cuddling for my cats and kittens. I never really understood the level of devotion a dog is capable of. Until Daisy came along, that is.

On a special New Year’s Day back in 2011, a tiny little bundle of fur came into my life and changed everything. I am a firm

TS

believer of positive thoughts attracting positive events in our lives. Daisy is an example of this. Once, when my daughters were suggesting I get a dog, I answered them by saying emphatically that my life was too busy and I travel too much to take on such a responsibility. A dog would complicate my life. I would have to get up early to walk it — with my cat I didn’t have to do that.

But if I did get a dog, it would have to be a small one, and furry like a shaggy dog, AND it would have to be black with white toes on its back feet! (I thought that would end the conversation, because with all those specifications no dog would ever meet these requirements.)

Time passed, and on that momentous day my life changed

CYNTHIA WONDERS WINTERROWD IS AN AWARD-WINNING WRITER WHO WAS RAISED IN ILLINOIS AND LIVES IN GAINESVILLE. SHE IS PROUD TO BE A “GATOR MOM” OF THREE DAUGHTERS, ALL UF GRADUATES. CYNTHIA LOVES SHARING FAMILY RECIPES THAT HAVE BEEN PASSED DOWN IN HER MOTHER’S HANDWRITTEN COOKBOOKS. recipewonders@gmail.com

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DAISY’S BISCUITS ARE SO DELICIOUS THAT DOGS CAN EASILY TRY TO EAT THE WHOLE PLATE AT ONCE! REMIND THEM THAT THEY ARE ONLY “TREATS” AND LIMIT TO ONE OR TWO PER DAY.

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RECIPE SERIES >> DAISY’S DOGGIE BISCUITS

forever when Daisy and I locked eyes. I knew, and she knew, that we were meant to be. And yes, she is small (less than 8 pounds full grown), and shaggy, and has black fur with white toes on her back feet! That was my sign from above that she was sent for me.

Daisy also is a great traveler; we frequently go on long road trips. She loves to sleep as long as possible in the morning. And in addition, she never has accidents in the house, except maybe a little excitement tinkle at the front door when a favorite person stops by. No one can blame her for that.

Talk about devotion — I never understood the word until Daisy came along. She is constantly at my side, wherever my steps take me. She seems to know the meaning of almost every word in the English language, and anticipates my next move before I take it.

The most touching demonstration of her devotion was last summer when I returned home from the hospital after a long day of surgery. Still groggy from the anesthesia, I passed out in the comfort of my bed without looking for my loyal companion, who always curls up next to me when I sleep. The next morning, there she was lying on the hard floor, as close as she could get to me, being too small to get onto the bed by herself. I’ve never forgiven myself for that.

Daisy has just shown a new precious side to her personality.

She has taken on the responsibility of teaching manners to my daughter’s new puppy, Winnie. Joining the family about two months ago, Winnie has all the endearing, and sometimes maddening, habits that puppies come equipped with: biting anything in sight with those needle-like teeth, stealing treats, untying shoelaces, shredding paper and looking for 76 |

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fun (trouble) wherever she can find it. Just when I thought I couldn’t love Daisy more, I am touched by her gentleness with the puppy and her wisdom in knowing how to discipline her when needed.

So with all that our dogs do for us, why not do something special for them? Nothin’ says lovin’ like something from the oven! So let’s bake up something tasty for them. The following

“It was love at first sight when I first met Daisy.”

Win loves Dnie ai biscuitssy’s too!

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is a recipe I’ve used for years, and it has been a favorite with my Daisy. I’m sure you will have success too. Also, I am including a list of foods that are not good for your dog. Some of them may surprise you.

Now turn on that oven, and go hug your dog!

Daisy’s Doggie Biscuits You can add flavor variations to the basic recipe with other healthy ingredients, such as cooked green veggies or carrots, dried soup greens or liver powder.

INGREDIENTS:

This story was originally published in the May/June 2016 issue of Our Town Magazine.

IMPORTANT: Harmful & Toxic Foods for Dogs According to aspca.org, below is a list of the top toxic people-foods to avoid feeding your pet. If you suspect your pet has eaten any of the following foods, they recommend noting the amount ingested and contacting your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435.

2 1/2 cups whole-wheat flour 1/2 cup powdered dry milk 1/2 tsp. salt 6 Tbsp. shortening (or meat drippings) 1 egg, beaten 1 tsp. brown sugar 1/2 cup ice water (add more if needed to reach desired consistency) Method:

• Alcohol • Avocado • Chocolate, Coffee and Caffeine • Citrus • Coconut and Coconut Oil • Grapes and Raisins • Macadamia Nuts • Milk and Dairy • Nuts

• Raw/Undercooked Meat, Eggs and Bones • Salt-Heavy Snacks (such as potato chips, pretzels, and salted popcorn) • Onions, Garlic, Chives • Xylitol (a sweetener in many products such as gum, candy, and toothpaste) • Yeast Dough

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine the flour, dry milk, salt and sugar. Cut in the shortening until mixture is in small granules.

Mix in the beaten egg. Add enough water so that you can shape the mixture into a ball. Pat out the dough with your fingers until it is a half-inch thick. Cut with a doggie-bone cookie cutter, or other whimsical shape your dog will appreciate; then bake on a lightly greased cookie sheet. Repeat this process with the scraps from the first cutting. Bake for 25-30 minutes. (Cooking times and oven temperatures may vary, adjust accordingly.) Cool on a rack before serving to your pup! Makes approximately 10 biscuits.

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OUTDOOR ART >> GAINESVILLE SCULPTURES

ART AROUND TOWN

Sculpture Culture Gainesville’s Got Sculpting Down to a Fine Art S TORY A N D PHOTOG R A PHY BY C A MERON COBB

F

rench fries, planets and gators — oh my! From a place known for fostering an artistic culture and inspiring the imaginative, the brilliance of Gainesville’s many sculptural displays speak for themselves. Wherever your expedition takes you, there’s often an artistic treasure around the corner waiting to greet you. You’ll find it’s not hard to see how Gainesville is, in itself, a wondrous work of art.

“The Solar Walk”

Location: 3349-3399 NW 8th Ave.

In March of 2002, Gainesville introduced one out-of-this-world art project: the Solar Walk.

The astounding 3.6 billion-mile extraterrestrial expedition between the Sun and Pluto has been scaled to a manageable hike of 0.9 miles, with distance between the planets appropriately coordinated, according to alachuaastronomyclub.org.

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can enjoy these celestial monuments designed by UF alum Elizabeth Indianos. The journey appropriately begins at the heart of our solar system, the Sun, with the remainder of the stellar sidewalk display starring each of the nine planets (Pluto included), along with two Comet Halley figures placed along the way. For an authentic experience, park at Albert “Ray” Massey (Westside) Playground during hours of darkness, where you can saunter through the space voyage by starlight.

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“Hammering Man”

Location: Samuel P. Harn Museum of Art, 3259 Hull Rd. What do Norway, Germany, South Korea and Gainesville have in common? They’re all homes for Hammering Man! Created by artist Jonathan Borofsky, Hammering Man is meant to “represent the worker in all of us,” according to harn.ufl.edu.

Eight other Hammering “Men” can be found across the United States, and many others are in cities across the globe. Even being as tough as nails, Gainesville’s 24-foot Hammering Man has suffered some structural damage over the years that requires restoration, including the installation of a more lightweight arm and a new hammering mechanism. But with the help donations from his fellow Floridians, in no time he’ll be well on his way to a full recovery and back on the job! To find out more about Hammering Man and how you can assist in repairing his nerves of steel, visit harn.ufl.edu.

“Alachua” and “Big Max” Locations: “Alachua” – The University of Florida UF Marston Science Library, 444 Newell Dr. “Big Max” – Samuel P. Harn Museum of Art, 3259 Hull Rd.

What could be better than one French-fry figurine? Two! Even if one of those pieces substitutes the golden hue for red instead (made for “big” fans of ketchup, maybe?). John Raymond Henry created the sculptures leaving plenty of opportunity for inquisitive visitors to appreciate each one’s unique attributes. Though it may not be hard to see why the original piece adopted the nickname “French Fries,” it’s actual name is simply “Alachua.” This colossal collection of buttery beams captures the attention of many and offers a warm, sunny welcome to future Gators touring the 82 |

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OUTDOOR ART >> GAINESVILLE SCULPTURESS

campus. The scarlet sister sculpture, “Big Max” (donated to UF by Earl and Christy Powell), resides just down the road and weighs a whopping 30,000 pounds. Talk about supersized!

“Heisman Trophy Winners”

Location: Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, 157 Gale Lemerand Dr. One-in-a-lifetime moments may only be able to be experienced just once, but with the help of art, they can certainly be appreciated long after they’ve passed (or made a pass!). The statues of these Heisman Trophy Winners add to the hype of fans making their way into the stadium each season for excitement-inducing football experiences. These life-sized bronze statues depict past players Steve Spurrier (1966; centered), Danny Wuerffel (1996; right) and Tim Tebow (2007; left), with each of the sculptures weighing nearly a ton! Game goers can enjoy learning about these UF legends in the form of a mini art exhibit, which were made possible

by the contributions of anonymous donors, according to al.com.

Though the subject for the fourth statue remains a mystery, there’s no question that a fellow future Gator will one day earn his place on a pedestal among these legends!

“Luna”

Location: Usually in-between Main Street and 1st St. on the south side of SE 2nd Ave.; pictured here at the Sun Center Courtyard Exquisite art displays sometimes only arise once in a blue moon, but thankfully Luna holds a much more permanent presence.

Though Luna made Gainesville its home in February of 2014, the moon masterpiece was marveled by attendees of the 2013 Burning Man Festival, according to gainesvilleartscene.com. The sculpture stands 13-feet tall and is appropriately solar-powered.

Curious passersby are greeted by Luna’s luminous, electric eyes that pop against the bronze colored steel, complimenting the rest of its detailed facial features. The artist, Ted Crom, has also JUNE 2020

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created props for “The Truman Show” and “Forrest Gump,” along with several other pieces downtown. Crom constructed the sculpture for something fun to do during retirement, according to alligator.org.

“Bull Gator Statue”

Location: Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, 157 Gale Lemerand Dr. Though it is not uncommon to see a live alligator on campus, this one makes for a much safer photo op (and don’t worry – he doesn’t bite!). Guarding the mouth of the stadium since 2008, this reptilian replica celebrates UF’s football team’s 2006 national championship title, according to roadsideamerica.com. An iconic symbol of the university’s legendary athletics (and an essential prop in the inclusion of any Gator’s graduation photos), the scaly-skinned sculpture is decorated in an assortment of names as “an acknowledgement to all the donors who have donated a sizable sum to the university’s athletic program,” according to virtualtour.ufl.edu. Next time you visit the stadium, be sure and snap a picture, as it’s likely the only opportunity you’ll get without an alligator snapping back!

“Tomorrow”

Location: Sebastian Ferrero Atrium at UF Health Shands Children’s Hospital, 1600 SW Archer Rd. “Tomorrow” offers the simplicity of childhood joy in an environment where holding onto that joy has never been more important. A pop of color in otherwise darker days for some, this sculpture by internationally acclaimed artist Romero Britto was created in honor of the Sebastian Ferrero Foundation, according to guidetogreatergainesville.com. The display of a child releasing a butterfly into the world above mimics the silhouette image on the foundation’s webpage, with the innocent action and sculpture’s title representing the tomorrows of patients and to inspire a feeling of hope for those individuals and their families. The foundation’s mission is to “advocate and fundraise for continued advancements in facilities, patient safety and innovative programs dedicated to delivering integrated pediatric care for all children and their families,” according to sebastianferrero.org.

These creative works of art provide concrete (or metallic) examples that beauty can come in all shapes and sizes. And although it may be uncertain when the next piece will settle in, making its home in town, there’s no doubt that Gainesville houses creativity in the heART of the city.

This story was originally published in the Sept/Oct 2017 issue of Our Town Magazine.

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OUTDOOR WORKOUT >> STAIR CLIMBING

GOING UP?

Steps to a Healthy Life How Gainesville Residents Use Local Landmarks to Stay Active W R I T T E N B Y C YA N N E D U N N

I

n the quiet stillness of Devil’s Millhopper, Gosia Sobala climbs.

Down, down the winding wooden steps to the sinkhole, then up, up again to the top of the 232-step stairway. She’ll repeat the ritual 10 times, on an average visit to the park.

Sobala has been exercising on stairs for about 10 years now. When she started, she was a student at the University of Florida, using Ben Hill Griffin Stadium for her workouts.

“I was addicted to doing stadiums at [Ben Hill]. It was part of my daily routine to do something with exercise. It kept me balanced, it kept me relaxed,” she said in a 2015 interview.

After knee surgery Sobala wanted to continue her workout, but in a venue with a more forgiving surface than the concrete benches of the stadium. “[Devil’s Millhopper] was just to be gentler on my joints but still get the workout,” she said.

The state park also had the added benefit of being closer to

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PHOTOGRAPHY: ERICKA WINTERROWD

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OUTDOOR WORKOUT >> STAIR CLIMBING

Local musician Gosia Sobala climbs the stairs at the Devil’s Millhopper in Gainesville. Sobala has exercised on stairs for the past 10 years, beginning with stadiums as a UF student. Devil’s Millhopper is located at 4732 Millhopper Rd.

where she lives and, depending on her schedule, Sobala visits at least two or three times a week. Though she doesn’t mind exercising with a friend when someone wants to accompany her, Sobala enjoys the solitude and said the exercise not only helps her maintain a healthy weight, but also helps make her a better musician.

“I’m a musician and a flutist, so I need to be very strong,” she said. “The stairs are a very quick way of getting a very nice cardio exercise. I think it has really helped me with what I do.

I just try to make my muscles always active, myself active.”

She uses the time to listen to and familiarize herself with music she has to learn, something she calls “passive practicing.”

Walking stairs or running stadiums is a form of aerobic exercise. According to Dr. James Berk, a sports medicine nonsurgical orthopaedic physician at The Orthopaedic Institute, aerobic exercise is any activity that raises your heart rate to sustained levels over a period of time. Different intensities of the workout can be used, and at varying lengths of time.

Berk said aerobic exercise can lead to better overall heart health, increased performance ability, decreased blood pressure and a better cholesterol profile.

“There’s no question [that aerobic exercise leads to a healthier life],” he said in a 2015 interview. “Oftentimes in my profession I see people who have a lot of problems because they don’t move. I say it to people all the time, you either start moving or you die.”

While he says that particular bit of advice is given tonguein-cheek, there’s no denying the health benefits of an active lifestyle.

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OUTDOOR WORKOUT >> STAIR CLIMBING

“People who sit around and don’t do anything will succumb to diseases a lot more quickly,” Berk said. “There’s no question that [exercise like stadiums] leads to a healthier life for a whole multitude of reasons.”

Berk doesn’t just give that advice — he practices it as well.

Berk has been running stadiums since high school. He even used the exercise to help train him to climb Mount Kilimanjaro by wearing a backpack and snorkel to simulate the low oxygen levels he would face.

Aside from the cardiological benefits of running stairs, the workout is also a good strength exercise for the quadriceps, glutes and calves. If done at a proper intensity, using a stair machine in a gym will give the same results, Berk said.

Personally, however, Berk prefers exercising outside of a gym.

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great way to exercise and spend time in nature.

“You’re not in some sweaty gym,” he said. “The combination of being outdoors and that kind of environment gives me a high as well as the exercise, more so than the gym. It’s great to be able to do something natural.”

Sobala may have moved on from the Swamp because of her knee injuries, but the college stadium is still a popular spot for many to work out. Stephanie Abbott has been using the facility for about six years now.

“Initially I was just invited with some friends to go and workout and it just started becoming a weekly routine to go and exercise,” she said in a 2015 interview.

While Sobala prefers her workout solo, Abbott mostly goes with friends.

“Just because it’s usually safer if I’m there with a group of PHOTOGRAPHY: ERICKA WINTERROWD

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While running stadiums doesn’t require the same attention to form that other strength exercises do, the way you run can affect your workout. Dr. James Berk said if you’re looking to focus the exercise more on your calves, stay up on your toes while climbing the stairs.

If you’re looking to work out your glutes, stay down on your heels.

people because sometimes it does get dark,” she said. “And working out with a group of people is more motivational than just sort of trying to do it on your own.”

Abbott currently uses the stadium about twice a month, though exercises in general three to four times a week. She used to go more often to UF, but has had to cut back because of her schedule and the sometimes-prohibitive traffic that can pop up around campus. When she is there, Abbott tries to stay for at least an hour, varying between stadiums and other exercises such as running laps.

Though she has considered using the stairs at Devil’s Millhopper, Abbott said she has never followed through.

“I wouldn’t necessarily consider that someplace I would go and work out, it’s more to see the scenery,” she said.

Berk said that her decision to continue working out on the concrete steps of the stadium isn’t likely to affect her knees. While Sobala had to find a softer surface, Berk said running stadiums is only likely to cause damage to people who have preexisting conditions.

“It’s kind of a double-edged sword, because some of those diseases or conditions are going to be improved by making your quads stronger,” he said. “But if it hurts, you don’t want to be doing those exercises.”

People with previous knee issues or injuries, other injuries, arthritis, flat feet, arch issues and other joint problems should be careful when doing that type of exercise, he explained.

“For the most part, running stadiums is a pretty healthy activity,” he said. “Does that mean everybody can do it without having any problems? No. If you have an underlying knee problem, it can certainly be made worse by stair climbing.”

For those planning to incorporate stadiums into their workout routine, Berk said it’s important to start slow and keep in mind your personal fitness and health level.

“You don’t want to start out doing 50 stadiums,” he said. “If you’re not used to them you’re going to have a problem. Start with maybe five. That’s just kind of a general rule of thumb for anyone starting out a new exercise program.”

For Sobala, the exercise offers more than just physical benefits.

“I can just go and get lost,” she said. “It keeps me sane.”

This story was originally published in the Jan/Feb 2016 issue of Our Town Magazine.

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Our Town

DURING THESE UNPRECEDENTED TIMES, A LITTLE BIT OF LOVE GOES A LONG WAY… The purpose of this special section is to build community, appreciation and hope.

Now, more than ever, words of encouragement are needed as we all find ourselves navigating a challenging new normal. These are testimonials from local people sharing what they love about the people and places that form the foundation of our beloved community. When times get tough, it always helps to know that someone’s got your back and is cheering you on.

We hope you’ll be inspired to support and love on some places of your own, too! :)

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“I went to Kirsikka with a couple ideas in mind for an engagement ring and was so happy to talk with the shop owner - Alexis about different possibilities. In the end he made a customized ring especially tailored for my (now) fiancée and she absolutely loved it!” — JESSE A. “Kirsikka Jewelry is the kind of boutique business that makes living in Gainesville a positive experience.

The service, attention to detail, and expertise that I have consistently received here makes it worth the trip.” — PHILIP A. Kirsikka Jewelry

Jewelry Beyond The Seven Seas 5750 SW 75th Ct, #48 | 352-353-6968

kirsikkajewelry.com JUNE 2020

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“Barre works so much more that I realized it would. A smaller group setting, motivating music, encouraging instructors, and seeing results is worth coming back for! You leave feeling amazing and can tackle your day!” — DIANA KENDRICK “I truly believe and feel that the instructors want to provide all clients with the best

tools to reach their highest potential in class, whether it’s strength, balance, focus, or just having a good time!”

— CHRISTY HILL

AUXO Fitness

Empower Your Body 4994 NW 39th Ave, Suite D | 352-727-7800

auxofitness.com 94 |

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“We had a fantastic time working with Adrienne! She paid close attention to detail and managed to capture the essence of who we are in this season of life. Cannot wait to work with her again!!” — ZAKIYA SMITH-DORE

“Adrienne is extremely helpful, prompt, and professional. Working with her you can tell she is

very experienced and knows her way around the lens. She helped us elevate our Family

business and we at Cilantro Tacos could not ask for a better photographer!

Thank you Adrienne

”

— NATE METH

Adrienne Fletcher Photography Weddings. Portraits. Life.

352-514-7277

adriennefletcher.com JUNE 2020

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“Excellent service, very professional, explained everything beforehand; afterwards Jake explained what he found and what I should expect at the next visit. So glad someone recommended Dayton Heating and Air to me. I rate this company 10 of 10” — CHRIS N.

“I recommend Jacob and Dayton Heating and Air to anyone who is looking for professionalism coupled with a fair cost. I was so pleasantly surprised after dealing with other companies who don’t call you back, overcharge and don’t understand customer service. My experience with Jacob and Dayton Heating and Air has been exemplary.” — PAMELA P.

Dayton Heating & Air Conditioning, LLC Affordable Service, Repair and Installation CAC1819132 | 352-317-2132

daytonheatandair.com 96 |

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“The food and service are always on point!

EVERYTHING on the menu is delicious!! I’ve never had a mediocre meal or service here!

Great atmosphere inside and out!”

— CHRISTIE A.

The Great Outdoors

Open at 11:00am Tuesday through Sunday 65 N Main St, High Springs | 386-454-1288

greatoutdoorsdining.com JUNE 2020

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“Huge shout out to Tina for saving the day by creating a last minute boutonnière for homecoming!!

What a great new Alachua business!!! Thank you!!”

“Really beautiful and unique flower arrangements.

stayed fresh for a long time!”

— MICHELLE J.

They smelled great and — LIZ S.

Alachua Flowers & Tuxedo Rentals

alachua-flowers-and-tuxedo-rentals.business.site Like us on Facebook | 352-339-6290

14520 Main Street, Alachua 98 |

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“Excellent prices, great sales!! Clean store and friendly staff! I have no trouble finding anything!!

Keep up the great work!” — SANDY S.

“Orders my favorite specialty items and always remembers what I favor!!

Great staff, very friendly. LOVE THIS PLACE!”

— TAMARA B.

“Love. Love. Love love love! I came here just for a browse and left awed. The selection of staples is absolutely ridiculous, and the variety of cordials blew my mind.” — APRIL O.

The Liquor & Wine Shoppe

Great people, prices & monthly wine tastings 14451 Newberry Rd, Jonesville | 352-332-3308

facebook.com/LiquorShoppes JUNE 2020

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“I absolutely LOVE this salon! Their products are amazing too!” — TURI D. “I am very pleased for a first-timer and so is Goldie! I’m sure she can’t wait for her next spa day with such wonderful people! A big thanks to everyone who works there.” — ANGELA V. “I’ve been taking my two dogs there for many years and have always been happy with the groomers — I’ve used a number of them, but especially love Ashley. They are wildly popular in Gainesville, so book early for an appointment.” — VASSILIKI S.

Nature’s Pet Day Spa

The world-class care and attention your pets deserve 500 NW 60th St, Suite C | 352-331-8681

naturepetsgrooming.com 100 |

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“Wonderful staff! they treated my son like he was their own.

They’ll work with you for even same day appointment… I have not one negative thing to say.”

— KELLYE G.

The doctor was so sweet to my girls, and I felt that he was extremely knowledgeable and did

“Everything was perfect. The staff were amazing, so nice.

not leave out a single detail. The nurse was very kind and welcoming. You could tell that this is a great place! Loved our visit!” — TONYA D.

Little Pine Pediatrics

Lifelong Partners in Your Child’s Health 15551 NW Hwy 441 Suite 40, Alachua | 386-518-0102

littlepinepediatrics.com JUNE 2020

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“At the Einstein school children are taught empathy and acceptance, while their individuality is encouraged. Our child could not be in a better place.” — LORI S. “The Einstein School, while we’ve only been there a short time, has literally saved my son. I was told that he couldn’t read, I was told that he couldn’t learn, I was told that he couldn’t talk well enough for his SPED teacher to understand him, so she made him point. The Einstein School has brought out the best in him and shown that he can do all of these things. All he needed was someone to listen to him and understand that he learned differently — someone who believed in him and cared about him.

Thank you so much Einstein School!” — JEMMA D.

The Einstein School

Where Children Learn How To Read 5910 SW Archer Rd, Gainesville | 352-335-4321

emschool.org 102 |

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“Today with the help of my Credit Union, I was able to help a lot of great people.

And if you are looking for a great place to do your banking, check out SunState Credit Union. Thanks to SunState Federal Credit Union!” — A VERY HAPPY MEMBER “I am so happy and proud to have businesses like you in our community who give so much back. In the

last couple of years, your generosity has been amazing, and you have helped so many children and other worthy causes. So, from the bottom of my heart, thank you!” — JORDAN M. SunState Federal Credit Union

Proudly serving our members and our community since 1957

www.SunStateFCU.org JUNE 2020

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“One of the best and my personal favorite pawn shop around!

All of the staff are extremely helpful. They keep the place clean and are always very

friendly and professional.” — LACEY S.

“I absolutely love Oaks Pawn. I will never go to any other pawn shop.

They treat you like family and are always kind and respectful.” — TERESA S. Oaks Pawn at High Springs

Buy, Sell or Pawn 18522 US 441 South | 386-454-3776

oakspawn.com 104 |

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“I have rented steam cleaners and thought our carpet came out nice and clean in the past but I had never had it professionally cleaned.

WOW, what a difference! The carpet looks like and feels like new again. It is fluff y and soft and looks really white again. I can’t believe the difference it made and for a very good price.”

— MAT T D.

The Best Restoration

Masters of Disasters 7230 W. University Ave. | 352-505-3321

thebestrestoration.com JUNE 2020

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the best urgent care facility that I have ever been to. The staff and physician was very thorough, kind and had a phenomenal bedside manner. I didn’t feel like a number. I felt like I was being listened to. Thank you so much for the great care that I received!”

“This is by far

— KAYLA F.

OneStop Medical & Urgent Care

TriWest Authorized Facility 15652 NW US Hwy 441 Ste 2D, Alachua | 386-418-4060

www.OneStopMedCenter.com 106 |

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JUNE 2020

“Great food, a lot of great choices. Mojo pork tacos excellent, the plantains in it are an awesome touch. You can never go wrong with the Tuscan sandwich.”

— JORGE G.

“Fantastic menu. Red fish over grits is a spicy explosion of flavor. Filet mac & cheese is creamy goodness to die for. Exceptional local draft list. Craft cocktails too. Quick, competent service. Highly impressed!”

— CRAIG D.

“The fun place for pre game meeting other Gators. The drinks and food is great and bar tenders & waitress are very friendly a accommodating. Just lots of fun for everyone.” — GUY T.

The Social at Midtown

Premier upscale sports restaurant and rooftop bar 1728 W University Ave. | 352-373-7383

thesocialgnv.com JUNE 2020

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I just got back from a visit at Gainesville DPC Physicians. It was a fantastic experience. The blood draw was as painless as I have ever experienced (thanks

Megan). The people are very friendly, courteous and caring. It was so nice not to be rushed through a system, but rather to be listened to I would highly recommend! — CHRIS JET TÉ

“There aren’t words to describe the blessing that this practice is to me and my family. Dr. Cotter is so personal and kind, compassionate, prompt, and just brilliant. I

would recommend either of these fabulous doctors for your family’s primary care.” — JOY SALYERS Gainesville Direct Primary Care Physicians You’re our patient. We’re your doctors. It’s that simple.

13577 NW 2nd Lane, Ste 20, Newberry | 352-204-0120

GainesvilleDPCMD.com 108 |

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“Melissa is incredibly helpful in getting us the right coverage at the best price. She advocates for us proactively.

Best insurance agent I have ever dealt with!”

— JOEL BLUMENTHAL

“The most pleasant insurance shopping experience I’ve ever had! All the staff are extremely welcoming and friendly. Brent, our agent is particularly professional, prompt, and courteous! I’ll no longer spend hours

Schneider provides us with one of the most competitive rates and customer service!!!”

shopping for deals online,

— CHUNGLING YAN

Schneider and Associates

Insurance Agents You Can Rely On 285 Nw 138th Terrace, Suite 100 | 352-333-3775

schneider-insurance.com JUNE 2020

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| 109 109

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“I have used Carpet Systems Plus for a long time, and I

wouldn’t use anyone else!

They are friendly, thorough and punctual. So far I have used Carpet Systems Plus for my carpets, a sofa and grout cleaning. I have always been pleased with their services.

They are a 5 Star company!” — DIANE D.

“I highly recommend them for move outs, seasonal cleaning, or prior to renting/listing a property. On time, professional, trustworthy — phenomenal results!”

Carpet Systems Plus

— CHRIS B.

Love Your Floors Again!

1406 NW 6th Street, Suite C | 352-258-1357

CarpetSystemsPlus.com 110 |

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“Dr.Montini and staff are amazing, I wouldn’t go anywhere else. I do not have one complaint always so nice and always very helpful and wonderful work. Will continue to refer to this wonderful office.”

— TAMRA B.

“My daughter got her braces on yesterday and was little nervous. The Staff and Dr Montini were awesome. They went out of their way to make it the best experience possible. And that is the best thing any parent can witness. Thank you.” — ROSIE G.

Montini Orthodontics

Healthy Smiles Are Our Greatest Reward 7520 W. University Ave. | 352-332-7911

MontiniOrtho.com JUNE 2020

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| 111 111

112

My boyfriend and I had a wonderful dinner here. Probably our new, favorite place to eat out.

The food was very delicious and they gave great proportions.

They actually had some of the best sushi I’ve had since being in Gainesville. My boyfriend loved his steak — very juicy, no fat, cooked perfectly and the meat really felt like it just fell apart in your mouth. It was that delicious! Very fast service when we went. Will definitely be back. — POLLY HWU One other thing: I love the staff. They are so friendly and helpful. If you haven’t tried dining at Ballyhoo, you won’t be disappointed. — THOMAS PERNICE “The seabass dish was the best I ever had! The taste was delicious, a very thick cut and the presentation was beyond reproach!” — KEN B. 112 |

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“This place is fantastic. The service was great and they went above and beyond to ensure we had a great experience, especially our server, Trey. The food was perfect and all 6 of us were extremely happy. They even paid special attention to my toddler and brought him extra crayons and things to keep him occupied.

Definitely will be back!” — TARYN COOPER

“Awesome place to go after the game.

Great variety! Must try the Bananas Foster! Great experience and dessert!”

— NORMAN C.

Ballyhoo Grill

Serving Gainesville since 1998 3700 Newberry Rd | 352-373-0059

ballyhoogrill.com JUNE 2020

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“Always fresh, well prepared food. Warm hearted owners who stay involved.

Great local joint, and the food truck is spotted all over.” — BOBBY P. “For the second time in a year, I arranged to have Nathan bring his food truck out to feed about 60 employees. Nathan is very nice, professional and does what he says he’s going to do.” — PACA S. “Even with a 4.9 review rating, Cilantro Tacos is an underrated restaurant. Most people that I refer to Cilantro Tacos have never heard of them. After eating there, they are devotees.” — CHRISTIAN M.

Cilantro Tacos

Freshness You Can Taste 12921 SW 1 Rd, Newberry

352-472-1300 114 |

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“They are the best! Got me exactly what I needed, saved us money and I’m comfortable enough that I’ve referred many of my coworkers and friends.” — DARA MARINO “I know my family can trust and depend on Perry to make sure everything is taken care of.”

— PASTOR MARK SPRADLEY

“We’ve been with P&L Financial going into our third year. Perry has always been informative,

problem solving, reliable and accessible. We definitely consider him our friend.” — DENNIS & LISA KOZAK P&L Financial Services, Inc.

American Senior Benefits 5700 SW 34th St. Suite #106 | 352-745-7546

www.pandlfs.com JUNE 2020

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“We love this place! The food is delicious, especially the steamed dumplings!

The staff is so sweet and the atmosphere is warm and inviting. My family can’t get enough.” — NANCY S.

“Best Thai restaurant in Gainesville. They have a plenty of options for vegetarians/ vegans too. Their Thai hot spice level is great for my Indian taste buds. Great service.”

— HIMANSHU V.

“Excellent flavor. Crispy tofu salad was amazing. Sticky rice with mango was delicious. Friendly waiter who explained the menu well and a decent amount of vegan options!” — SRI G.

Bangkok Square

Family-Owned Serving the Best Authentic Thai Cuisine Two locations | 8181 NW 38th Ln. | 6500 SW Archer Rd.

bangkoksquarefl.com 116 |

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“I love that I will have direct access to my provider (phone, text, messenger and email) and won’t have to wait days or weeks to be seen.

I’ll keep my health insurance for emergency care and specialists, but financially this just makes sense. If you’re looking for something better, you should definitely check this place out! — MONICA S.

“I just had a patient who is a patient at Celebrate Primary Care, she just went on and on about what an amazing amazing practice y’all have! She’s never experienced such personalized medical care. You are doing great things for people!” — COURTNEY G.

Celebrate Primary Care

A Personal Relationship with your Medical Provider Gainesville (352) 474-8686 | Alachua (386) 518-0200

celebrateprimarycare.com JUNE 2020

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“Dr. Webb will treat you like family.”

— ROD S.

“Always smiling and always a pleasant experience which is weird when you consider that it is the dentist.

Love Dr. Jordan and Dr. Patti.” — TONY M. “The Gentle Dental Care staff were very friendly, kind, and concerned about my welfare. I would definitely recommend them if you are looking for a new dental professional to take care of you!” — MICHELLE G.

Gentle Dental Care

From Our Family to Your Family 3655 SW 2nd Avenue | 352-378-2555

GainesvilleDentist.com 118 |

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“Friendly service with an excellent variety of food. The burgers are fantastic and on special every Monday night! Family friendly, country atmosphere makes this place an easy local gem!”

— J. CUCCHIARA

“The food and bar staff are the best!! My go to spot for cold drinks and great appetizers.

Burgers and soup are always great.” — DENISE ROSE “I am so happy to have this restaurant in Jonesville! I frequent here often with my family as well as business meetings for lunch. Friendly and efficient staff. Great food with plenty of choices.” — NANCY SHORT

Copper Monkey West

Your wait is over — our legendary burgers are back!

14209 W Newberry Rd, Jonesville | 352-363-6338

mycoppermonkey.com JUNE 2020

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“This place is amazing! :) They are so patient and loving.” — MERI B. “This was my son’s first and only preschool. We loved the staff, who are so caring and knowledgeable.

I always refer other families to them who want quality care for their children.” — CHERIE K. “My daughter went to the Education Station for a year and it was by FAR the greatest daycare/ preschool experience I have ever had the pleasure of experiencing!” — PEGGY M.

Education Station & Preschool

Where Learning Never Stops 2411 NW 41st St, Gainesville | 352-335-0026

educationstationandpreschool.com 120 |

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“What can I say except that all of the beds one could dream of are neatly displayed in a beautiful store. No pressure to buy or push us to any action at all. Very pleasant store to visit.”

— JAMES CLEMENS

“The Sleep Center is my go-to place for all beds. As a busy Realtor, I refer all my

clients to Brent and his team. Brent’s philosophy is that he’s not satisfied until his

customer is and I see that in the people he hires as well.”

— BETSY PEPINE

The Sleep Center Superstores

3242 SW 35 Blvd., Gainesville | 352-872-5665 4994 NW 39th Ave., Gainesville | 352-872-5668

gainesvillesleepcenter.com JUNE 2020

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St

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When champion kart racer, Neil Breitenbach, felt a sharp pain in his chest, he never expected to be diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer. From his very first consultation with Florida Cancer Specialists, Neil knew he was in the best place he could be. His care team put him at ease — listening to every question and laying out a personalized treatment plan — and they’ve been fighting together ever since.

In Neil’s mind, racing and fighting cancer have a lot in common. Both can be very hard. Both require dedication and the willingness to push yourself to your limits. But with the right team of oncologists, great outcomes can happen.

“My team at Florida Cancer Specialists is confident and caring. They always make me feel like everything is going to be okay.”

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APRNs/PAs Mindy Augustine, PA-C Kathleen Connery, PA Tracey Curtis, APRN

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BOOK REVIEW

TERRI SCHLICHENMEYER’S

Reading Corner THE MAGICIAN’S LIE

written by Greer Macallister C.2015, SOURCEBOOKS, $23.99 / $29.99 CANADA, 320 PAGES 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. HER BOOK REVIEWS ARE PUBLISHED IN MORE THAN 200 NEWSPAPERS AND 50 MAGAZINES THROUGHOUT THE U.S. AND CANADA. bookwormsez@yahoo.com

ABRACADABRA. NOW YOU SEE IT.

N

ow you don’t because a good magician knows to hide his props behind his fingers, beneath her clothes, in his pockets. And yet we flock to see that sleight of hand, the illusions, the chance to be awe-struck, entertained, and fooled.

Now you see it. Now you don’t. And in the new novel “The Magician’s Lie” by Greer Macallister, the only thing she’s hiding is the truth.

Officer Virgil Holt figured his life was over.

Just that week, he’d learned that the bullet he carried in his body could kill him at any time.

Once the sheriff found out, he’d strip Virgil of his badge; he’d lose his wife, his home, everything he’d worked for. So when a dead man was found in a theatre basement, gruesomely chopped in half, Virgil almost wished he could trade places.

But then something happened that could save him: Virgil captured The Amazing Arden, illusionist, wife of the dead man. Virgil had seen her stage show. He knew she cut men in two and he had her now, triple-handcuffed to a jailhouse chair.

He wanted a confession but instead, Arden began telling Virgil a story…

Once, long ago when she was called Ada, her mother taught her to dance and she had big plans. Then a cousin ruined everything by throwing Ada off a beam onto a barn floor. Just before fleeing for her life, she learned of her own healing powers.

As a runaway, Ada took a job as a kitchen maid where she met a boy and fell in love; he took her to New York, then broke her heart. Shortly afterward, she found work with a magic show, the owner of which taught Ada everything about illusion, and about pleasing a crowd. Ada grew to crave applause.

When the man she loved came back into her life, Ada became Arden, famous for her daring stage shows. She was in love, and happy until everything changed, all because of a fire and a chance meeting that nearly killed her.

She was a victim. She didn’t kill her husband. She didn’t know who did.

At least that’s what she said…

So you might be a little gullible. You know when someone’s fibbing — more or less. But the one thing you’ll know for sure when you read this book is that you’ve got a winner in your hands.

Set around the turn of the last century, “The Magician’s Lie” proves, like any good stage show, that our brains can easily deceive us: never mind the characters, we readers don’t truly know if Arden is spinning a fable or giving an alibi. I’m still reeling from the possibilities myself, because author Greer Macallister’s conjured up the kind of novel that pulls readers in, shakes us up, and leaves us feeling sawed in two.

That, and the lingering sense of having just been happily duped, makes this one very satisfying novel and you know you want it. Go now, find “The Magician’s Lie,” and watch your time disappear.

This column was originally published in the May/June 2018 issue of Our Town Magazine.

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Shop In Your Neighborhood & Save at The Liquor & Wine Shoppes!

The Liquor & Wine Shoppes is committed to providing you with the highest quality products at the best prices.

We offer an extensive selection of champagne, wine ,scotch, bourbons, beer and more. the

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14451 Newberry Road, Jonesville Turn at CVS in Jonesville and come straight to us.

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OUR TOWN MAGAZINE

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SPOTLIGHT

RESCUE ANIMAL ADOPTIONS

Furever Friends LEMON AND MATTHEW AND KELLY

FUREVER FRIENDS IS A RECURRING PROFILE THAT FEATURES A LOCAL RESCUE ANIMAL AND THEIR OWNER, WRITTEN FROM THE ADOPTED PET’S “POINT OF VIEW.” NOMINATE YOURSELF OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW FOR OUR NEXT RESCUED PET PROFILE! CONTACT: EDITOR@TOWERPUBLICATIONS.COM.

Hi there, my name is Lemon – the cat formally known as Hector.

That’s right, Prince isn’t the only one that can reinvent himself. Besides, the name Lemon just highlights my golden coloring and refreshing personality.

I’m a 13-year-old buff tabby – buff as in my fur tone, although I am in great shape, if I do say so myself. Yes, that’s fur not fat, okay. I bet you’re wondering how I got here, sharing my adoption story with you. Well, grab some popcorn because this is going to be good.

Back in 2005, I was adopted. Everything was great and I was happy, but somehow I ended up on the streets – and not Sesame Street. I can’t remember how it happened – I’m 13, I can be a little forgetful. I made my way to this apartment and found Matthew and Kelly. They fed me and would sometimes let me come inside so they could play with me. They weren’t ready to adopt me yet, but I could tell they were on the verge of making me part of their family. Just as my plan of finding a new home was about to come to an end, I was catnapped and taken to the Alachua County Humane Society. Don’t get me wrong, they were nice people, but I wanted my furever home.

The shelter tried to contact my first family because I was microchipped, but no one ever came for me. To my surprise, Matthew and Kelly found me again – they must have put my photo on a milk carton or something after I went missing. I heard them say something about finding me on the internet, whatever that means. They adopted me on St. Patrick’s Day, which was fitting because they were lucky to find me again. Okay, I was lucky too! I’m currently staying at Matthew’s place because Kelly’s roommate doesn’t like pets, which is odd because it’s not like I’m a dog, I’m a cat, which means I’m better.

My parents bought me a cozy bed to sleep in, but my favorite spot to take my morning, afternoon and night naps – don’t judge me I need my beauty sleep – is on top of Matthew’s duffel bag. I don’t know why, but it’s so comfy and therefore I’ve claimed it as my own. Matthew is getting his master’s in political campaigning, and Kelly is in her senior year of getting her bachelor’s in art history. They said that having me helps melt their school stress away. I also try to help Matthew out by waking him up in the morning for work. He has to go to work so he can take care of me in the manner I’m accustomed to.

Sometimes I’ll lay on him or run across the apartment until he wakes up and makes me some breakfast.

When Kelly and Matthew get a new place together in the fall, it’s going to be hard to decide who to snuggle with first. I was lucky to find my furever home two different times and I hope that one day the friends I made back at the humane society are able to find theirs too.

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Lemon’s adoption photo (above) from the Alachua County Humane Society.

A family photo (top) of Matthew, Lemon and Kelly.

This column was originally published in the May/ June 2018 issue of Our Town Magazine.

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Plan ahead for your new car or truck purchase, and SAVE!

It’s easy to walk into a dealership, let them do all the math, and make all of the arrangements.

It could cost you thousands of dollars over the life of the loan, but it is easy. Let’s face it, the dealerships are used to twisting and turning the numbers on auto deals and financing every single day, and they are experts at making even the highest rates and delivery expenses look great! If your budget can’t absorb thousands of dollars in unnecessary up charges associated with your next auto purchase, why take the chance? Speak with a SunState Federal Credit Union representative before you hit the dealerships. Once you decide on a payment amount you can or want to afford, we will work with you throughout the process to finance the vehicle of your choice.

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352-381-5200 www.SunStateFCU.org 130 |

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