Otgv 2020 05 july august

RESULTS INSIDE: RECOGNIZING OUR TOWN’S FAVORITES FOR 2020 IN GREATER GAINESVILLE & ALACHUA COUNTY

JULY/AUGUST 2020 | VOL. 11 ISSUE 05 | GAINESVILLE EDITION

A few of our favorite things…

There are many moments that make life in Our Town great — community events, live entertainment, opportunities for volunteerism and exceptional public spaces to enjoy with our pets. Explore the stories we’ve hand-picked for this special issue!

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July/August 2020

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Better Sleep. Better Health.

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July/August 2020

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CONTENTS

G A I N E S V I L L E | V O L . 1 1 | N O. 0 5

J u ly/ A u g u s t 2 0 2 0

ON THE COVER >> IN THIS ISSUE WE INVITE YOU TO CELEBRATE YOUR FAVORITES!

ENJOY FRESH STORIES THAT HIGHLIGHT SOME OF OUR MOST FAVORITE EDITORIAL TOPICS SUCH AS ANIMALS, NATURE, MUSIC & ART. BE SURE TO CHECK OUT THE WINNERS AND FINALISTS OF OUR 2020 FAVES CONTEST – A TRUE COMMUNITY CHOICE AWARD VOTED ON BY YOU!

FEATURE STORIES 38 TOBY TOAD

68 PHOTO ESSAY: WINGED CREATURES

42 SISTER HAZEL

106 SPRING CHICKENS

Jump for joy while reading about one toad’s path to fame, success and viral views. He was even featured on The Kelly Clarkson Show!

Listen to the melodic sound of rock band Sister Hazel while exploring the past, present and hopeful future of the Gainesville-grown group.

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Local photographer Michael A. Eaddy captures the beautiful world of butterflies at the Florida Museum of Natural History’s Butterfly Rainforest and beyond.

Take note of the way TV20 news anchor Paige Beck reminds herself to enjoy life with her six chickens.

These Disco Chicks are living the life!

Thank you Gainesville for Voting for us!

2017 • 2018 • 2019

2 01 8

Haile Village Center 5141 SW 91st Way 352-363-6226 Two t Hunters Crossing Convenoienns!

5200 NW 43d St. Locati 352-727-7777

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July/August 2020

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CONTENTS

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PET-FRIENDLY GAINESVILLE AND BEYOND! Explore the many pet-friendly places one can visit in our surrounding areas through the eyes of a dog.

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ALYNE HARRIS Local artist Alyne Harris is renowned for her folk art. Learn how her imagery embraces the spirit of imagination, drawing heavily from African-American traditions and nature.

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ALMOST TICKED OFF Local author Ann-Marie Magné pens her first memoir after her husband battles an undiagnosed bacterial infection. Learn how love and fortitude triumph over the deadly disease, and what caused it in the first place.

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CRANKY CRAFTS A DIY project that will help you relax during these stressful times. Learn how to make your very own stress ball! “Squeeze, breathe, release…”

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THE VIOLIN OF SONGLAND Enjoy an enchanting tale by Isa Pillari – The Winner of our 2020 Young Writers Storytelling Contest.

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SWEETWATER PRINT COOPERATIVE Uncover the artist cooperative that’s been used as a studio, print shop, gallery, teaching and social gathering space for the last 25 years by local artists.

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FOSTERING LOVE Healing children from broken backgrounds takes community dedication.

Hear from local familes about their foster journeys, and the organizations supporting those on the front lines of foster care.

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ICHETUCKNEE SPRINGS See the beauty in the Ichetucknee Springs and reminisce with visitors on their childhood experiences.

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OUR TOWN FAVES SECTION! Check out the Winners and Finalists of the 2020 Our Town Favorites — a true community choice award!

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LINDA BLONDHEIM Picture the story of painter Linda Blondheim, and read about her tea parties with prospective buyers.

COLUMNS 67 E MBRACING LIFE

by Donna Bonnell

28 N AKED SALSA

by Crystal Henry

36 F ARM TALES

by Mother Hen

REVIEWS 53 R EADING CORNER

by Terri Schlichenmeyer

INFORMATION 101 C HARITY OF THE MONTH WINNERS

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.

License #CFC043073

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PUBLISHER Charlie Delatorre PRODUCTION DIRECTOR Brian Knepp

Complete Pregnancy Care from Conception through Delivery

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Ericka Winterrowd editor@towerpublications.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Kaitlin Applegate, Dana Bryan, Emily Felts, Summer Jarro, Addison Pezoldt, , Marlowe Starling, Steph Strickland, Hayli Zuccola CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Michael A. Eaddy, Brittany Forde, Michaela Mulligan

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

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

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ADVERTISING ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Jenni Bennett jenni@towerpublications.com Nancy Short nancy@towerpublications.com INTERN Dana Bryan, Emily Felts, Marlowe Starling

CALENDAR SUBMISSIONS If you would like us to publicize an event in the greater Gainesville area, send information by the 1st day of the month prior to the next issue.

For example, submissions for the March/April issue are due by February 1. All submissions will be reviewed and every effort will be made to run qualified submissions if page space is available.

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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OUR TOWN MAGAZINE IS PUBLISHED BI-MONTHLY BY TOWER PUBLICATIONS, INC. REPRODUCTION BY ANY MEANS OF THE WHOLE OR PART OF OUR TOWN WITHOUT WRITTEN PERMISSION FROM THE PUBLISHER IS PROHIBITED. VIEWS EXPRESSED IN THE EDITORIAL PAGES DO NOT IMPLY OUR ENDORSEMENT. WE WELCOME YOUR PRODUCT NEWS. INCLUDE PRICES, PHOTOS AND DIGITAL FILES WITH YOUR PRESS RELEASE. PLEASE FORWARD PRODUCT SAMPLES AND MEDIA KITS TO REVIEWS EDITOR, OUR TOWN MAGAZINE, 4400 NW 36TH AVENUE, GAINESVILLE, FL 32606. WE CANNOT BE RESPONSIBLE FOR UNSOLICITED PRODUCT SAMPLES.

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EDITOR ’ S LET TER

J u ly/ A u g u s t 2 0 2 0

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 – regardless of race, religion, gender, sexual orientation or political beliefs. We are all human beings in need of compassion and love.

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 issue we invite you to celebrate your favorites! Enjoy fresh stories that highlight some of our most favorite editorial topics such as animals, nature, music and art. We also announce the winners and finalists of our 2020 Faves Contest – a true community choice award voted on by you! In our recent Storytelling issue we held another kind of contest for young writers in our community. We had so many wonderful submissions it was hard to choose just one. Be sure to check out our winner’s enchanting tale “The Violin of SongLand” by 12-year-old Isa Pillari! Thank you to all of the young writers who submitted their work.

We have so much talent in our town, and you have inspired us.

Words are powerful – keep telling your stories!

4631 NW 53rd Ave., Suite 105 Gainesville, FL 32653

RealtorBen@gmail.com

352-682-9704

Ericka Winterrowd, Editor-In-Chief

BenSellsGainesville.com

July/August 2020

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CONTRIBUTOR S 

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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

ADDISON PEZOLDT is a journalism major at the University of Florida. In her free time, she enjoys reading, practicing yoga and exploring new eateries in Gainesville. akpezoldt@gmail.com

DANA BRYAN is a journalism student at the University of Florida and a freelance writer. In her free time, she loves to read, write amateur code and watch television. itsdanabryan@gmail.com

STEPH STRICKLAND is a journalism student within the UF Honors Program and she loves telling stories through writing, photography and digital media.

Outside of her studies she enjoys mountain hiking, nature photography and spending quality time with friends and family. stephanieannestrickland@gmail.com

SUMMER JARRO is a journalism student at the University of Florida. Along with writing, she loves Disney, watching old films, going to the beach and traveling to new places. summerjarro@gmail.com

KAITLIN APPLEGATE is a Rock School graduate. In her spare time she enjoys creative writing and finding inspiration in unexpected places (in truth, mostly from Netflix). kaitlinapplegatewrites@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

MARLOWE STARLING is a journalism major at UF minoring in wildlife ecology and conservation. She loves reading, learning about world cultures, speaking French and finding ways to travel. marlowe.starling@ufl.edu

EMILY FELTS Emily is a journalist and photojournalist studying at the University of Florida. She has been in love with photography since she was 15, and her passion for it expands every day. She hopes to pursue a career as a magazine photographer after graduation. emilylaane@gmail.com

July/August 2020

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PET-FRIENDLY PLACES >> A DOG’S GUIDE

PAW PATROL

Dozer’s Guide To Pet-Friendly Gainesville And Beyond!

S T O R Y A N D P H O T O G R A P H Y B Y H AY L I Z U C C O L A

H

i there! My name is Dozer and I’m a 14-year- old bichon poo who’s explored petfriendly destinations all over the country. From the Arizona desert’s Grand Canyon to the snow-capped mountains of Colorado; California’s Golden Gate Bridge to the real-life Yellow Brick Road, I’ve sniffed just about every inch of America and parts of Canada, well, maybe not every inch, but I’ve certainly seen my pawful of landmarks, aromatic backyard wonders and national parks.

I even have my Bark Ranger badge. Be that as it may, throughout my years of experience, I’ve learned that you don’t have to travel far to have an exciting pet-friendly adventure...

Botanical Gardens As pups, our noses possess up to 300 million olfactory receptors compared to about 6 million

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in humans. As a result, any chance to walk among the squirrels, flowers and other natural elements provides a spark of intrigue straight to our senses and makes for an experience unlike any other. And what better way to appreciate a blend of scents all at once than by going for a stroll through an open-air paradise like Kanapaha Botanical Gardens. Kanapaha loves furry companions and unless they’re hosting a special event like a Moonlight Walk or Spring Garden Festival, they welcome well-behaved leashed pets throughout their one and a half mile walkways.

During my recent visit, my family and I started our walk through the west gardens. Being the kickoff of spring, the azaleas and camellias were in full bloom in varying hues of gray. At least, I think they were gray. Contrary to popular belief, I don’t see everything in black and white, but I am red-green colorblind — the most common form of color deficiency among people, according to the American Kennel Club. People’s eyes, for the most part, are

July/August 2020

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PET-FRIENDLY PLACES >> A DOG’S GUIDE

trichromatic, which means they possess three different cones in their retinas when dogs only have two, called dichromatic.

So while I may not be able to see shades of reds, pinks, purples or greens, I can see the world through a lens of grayish-browns, yellows and blues.

After walking through the fragrant floral clusters, we moseyed on over to a bridge overlooking giant fish. Wow, were they big! I think they were almost as big as me! We also watched and listened to splashing waterfalls along the trails, but I think the section I loved the most was a small pathway covered in yellow flowers and petunias. The butterflies liked it too. When we reached the end of the loop, we walked to the east side, which featured perfumed herbs, giant bamboo that stretched to the sky and a bustling hummingbird garden. While my family was captivated by the sights, I was focused on the scents. Some of the best ones came from tufts of long, prickly-like grass, which I proceeded to stick my entire face into in an attempt to capture every possible whiff.

Even though parts of the gardens are shaded by trees and shrubbery, be sure to bring plenty of water to drink along the way and keep in mind that Kanapaha isn’t the only local petfriendly garden. Cedar Lakes Woods and Gardens in Williston also welcome paw-padded guests as long as you call ahead of time.

State Parks Florida has nearly 200 state parks – dozens of which have pet-friendly hiking trails ready to be canvased by curious canines.

On a recent day-trip to High Springs, my family and I spent a cool, crisp morning wandering around O’Leno State Park. On the drive in with the windows rolled down and the breeze in my fur, I watched in wonderment as deer munched on their leafy breakfast. Once we arrived, my paws crunched along the leaf-covered ground as we made our way to a large suspension bridge. It was 24 |

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July/August 2020

a little wobbly while crossing over the sun-soaked water, but I wasn’t too scared and even if I was, which I wasn’t, the bridge was lined with caging so dogs could have a safe journey across.

Because the park is in a wooded area, it’s easy to get distracted by the chorus of chirping birds and rustling water. Don’t forget to look down, and keep a watchful eye out for snakes and other critters lurking near the paths.

The Sunshine State was named by Ponce de Leon from the Spanish word “la florida,” which means “full of flowers,” an accurate description with its scenic landscapes and lush flora and fauna, whose preserved areas reach beyond High Springs. Other local pet-friendly state parks include Paynes Prairie Preserve in Micanopy; San Felasco Hammock Preserve in Alachua; the Gainesville-Hawthorne State Trail in Gainesville; Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Historic State Park in Cross Creek and Silver Springs in Ocala. However, to keep these parks pet-friendly, remember to always keep your pooch on a 6 foot leash; stay in the specified areas and always pick up anything that wasn’t there before – you know what I’m talking about. Poop, yes, poop.

There I said it, okay! As canines, we tend to think we’re giving nature a magical gift of treasure and creating a scavenger hunt for other dogs, but I know it doesn’t work like that so bring bags with you and leave the trails exactly as they were before. The parks and other hikers will certainly be thankful.

Stores and Restaurants In Alachua County, it’s harder to find a restaurant that isn’t pet-friendly as most of the eateries provide outdoor seating and welcome well-behaved pups. Because of the growing number of cafés accommodating pets, it would be too difficult to list all my must-visit sites so always double-check with the restaurant before bringing your pup along.

Stores like PetSmart, Petco, Pet Supermarket and Earth Pets are eager to cater to their furry clientele, but they aren’t

ears perked for special canine-inspired events like the annual Gainesville VegFest; The Fat Tuscan Café’s I Love My Dog: Brunch & Biscuits, a cooking class on making dog cookies; Pepine Realty’s Halloween-themed Petoberfest; Blackadder Brewing Company’s Bark and Brew or their Dog Days of Summer; The Florida Vintage Market at Bo Diddley Plaza; and so much more!

With our unconditional love and soft texture, a cuddle session with us can help lower blood pressure and heart rate; releases oxytocin: the love hormone; releases endorphins: aka the happiness hormones and can decrease cortisol: the stress hormone. While I’m never one to pass up a good snuggle complete with puffy pillows and warm blankets, I love exploring new sights and smells. With all the natural benefits we give to humans, why wouldn’t they want to take us everywhere?

Now I know it’s not possible to take us everywhere – we’re not very inconspicuous in a work environment – but spending time with you, whether it’s just a short meander to the local farmers market or a breath of fresh air in the gardens, is our favorite thing of all.

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the only businesses dogs drool over. The PopA-Top General Store in Depot Park not only has snacks to keep humans occupied, but they have a whole section of toys and treats for us too! To celebrate the love the General Store has for their favorite customers, they encourage pet parents to tag photos of their tail-wagging companions on Instagram with the hashtag: #PupsOfPopATop.

Farmers Markets Open-air farmers markets have an abundance of fresh fruits and veggies; bunches of cut flowers and baskets of bakery goodies, like bread and muffins. Though I can’t devour one of those tasty treats, like warm cinnamon rolls or a crunchy baguette, I love roaming around the market to see what’s new and delicious while saying “hello” to my fellow canines.

It’s not a strenuous outing, but it’s a great place to stretch your paws and bask in a few mouth-watering smells.

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COLUMN

CRYSTAL HENRY’S

Naked Salsa CARROTS

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

BEFORE THE GREAT QUARANTINE OF 2020, I HAD NO TIME FOR NONSENSE.

I

was trying to balance working full time with raising kids and getting our new lake house ready to rent. So naturally I was less than thrilled when my oldest daughter texted me one afternoon to tell me she’d skipped her after school club and caught the bus home to an empty house because of Carrots.

I didn’t know what veggies had to do with anything, but I work about 30 minutes from home, and my husband wasn’t due to pick the kids up for another hour. My 10-year-old was telling me she was headed to a house with no one there. I panicked.

Not like “buy all the toilet paper” panic, but more like “will my kid be OK for 45 minutes alone” panic.

I asked Sunny if her little sister had gotten on the bus as well, and I was relieved to hear that the 7-year-old was at school. I asked Sunny why on earth she made the choice to get on the bus rather than stay for her club, and again she told me it was because of Carrots.

Carrots, as it turns out, is a tiny white bunny my daughter brought home on the school bus. He was a surplus rabbit from a girl named Jocelyn, who brought him to school in a little crate.

I’m not sure if the teacher just didn’t notice him or if our school is just rural enough that a bunny in the building is no big deal.

But either way, Jocelyn got a new bunny over the weekend, and her dad told her she had one bunny too many. So Carrots came to school to find a new home.

Sunny swore she told me about Carrots the weekend before, but I only vaguely remember her showing me a picture of her friend Jocelyn’s bunny while I was frantically getting the lake house ready.

I texted my husband, and his response was “I hope this is a joke.”

It really wasn’t a great time to get Carrots. Not only were our lives busy but on that particular night, I was supposed to perform a live segment for a local radio show, and my nerves were already shot. People think being a writer and an extrovert means that I’m a natural public speaker. In truth, public performances of any kind give me severe anxiety attacks. By

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5:30, I was slamming martinis downtown while my husband was getting Carrots settled into the dog kennel at the house.

After the show, I went home to find my husband laying in bed with Carrots resting on his chest. Turns out Carrots squeezed through the bars of the dog kennel while my husband was putting the kids to bed, so he was waiting for me to get home and hold the bunny so he could grab the cat carrier in the garage. I felt like maybe we too had one bunny too many.

But I climbed in bed next to that troublemaking critter, and I instantly fell in love. His fur is softer than angel wings, and I could literally watch him eat celery until I die. He’s just about the most precious inconvenience I’ve ever laid eyes on, second only to my children.

I told Sunny we could keep him if she pretended I’d told her we couldn’t. That meant I didn’t want to smell him, care for him, pick up after him or know he existed. She’d have to be fully responsible for him, and that included finding a babysitter for him since we were leaving town for spring break just three days after he caught the bus to our house.

Jocelyn agreed to take Carrots back while we were out of town, and I was secretly hoping we’d get an extended spring break so she’d fall back in love with him and keep him.

Unfortunately I got my wish. While we were eating Chinese food in Epcot, we got the news that schools would be shut down starting Monday because of COVID-19. The next few weeks were strange to say the least, and we’re still trying to find our way through this corona fog.

But as soon as we got back in town, my husband made fast work of getting his grandbunny back. And that rabbit has been the source of unbridled joy in our weird new normal lives.

Turns out once you’ve tried to quarantine-school your own kids, work your regular job, and have reached the end of “Tiger King” and all of Netflix, there’s an unlimited amount of entertainment and joy in watching a little white freeloader bounce around your living room bopping your dog and nuzzling his nose in the crook of your arm.

Now that we’ve been forced to slow down, I found out there is actually room in my life for a little bunny-sized nonsense. I’m not sure if it’s because chaos has now been put in perspective for me, or if I just really needed more Carrots in my life. But I’m glad we were blessed with that little bus-riding ball of nonsense.

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FOLK ARTIST >> ALYNE HARRIS

MEET THE ARTIST

THE FOLK ART OF ALYNE HARRIS

Rainbow Canvas W R I T T E N B Y D A N A B R YA N | P H O T OG R A P H Y B Y E R I C K A W I N T E R R O W D

The wind blows by, leaves rustle and fluffy, white clouds fill the light blue sky. Simply being outdoors is all folk artist Alyne Harris needs to spark her imagination and start her latest piece of artwork.

At 78 years old, Harris still remembers how her artistry began when she was a young girl drawing angels in the sand and mud.

Her sisters would run around and play in the dirt making mud cakes while she drew whatever her heart desired that day. Trees, flowers, angels, birds and more were scattered across the ground until her brother came and smushed it together with his feet, erasing her hard work.

Harris always had a creative mind. Since she was a little girl, she had visions of what she wanted to paint. “I could see it in my head,” she said. She simply “paints all [her] dreams on canvases.” She imagined seeing angels riding on clouds and the flowers smiling at her.

Along with African American traditions, nature is one of Harris’s biggest inspirations. She can rely on the beauty of the outdoors to bring her a sense of peace and joy. She brings that 30 |

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sense of wonderment to her paintings. She said rainbows are her favorite. “It’s a beautiful thing ya know,” she said. “A rainbow is a very beautiful thing.”

As a child, she would run through fields to chase the end of a rainbow. She searched for the legendary treasure, hoping it was there waiting for her. She never found a pot of gold. Years later, Harris’ mother passed away. She remembers the rain pouring from up above on the day of her mama’s funeral. Harris, her friends and her family were sad her mother was gone, and then, in the sky, was a rainbow.

“I said, ‘Oh she’s gone over the rainbow now. She’s gone home,’” she said. Harris credits her imagination for her way of thinking. “Most of the time, I look for [rainbows] when it rains,” she said. “It comes out a brighter day.” She said she’s thinking about painting a picture with two people holding hands and

staring at a rainbow for an upcoming art show.

Harris uses acrylic paint for her art. She uses a wide assortment of colors. Specifically, for her paintings with rainbows, she focuses on reds, oranges, yellows and greens. She focuses on the colors most associated with nature to bring her artwork to life. Depending on the painting itself, the focus of her colors will change. She has a home studio where she can sit, paint and let her imagination run wild.

Harris’ love for art continued to grow as she got older. She asked to go to art school, but at the time, her mother did not have enough money to send her. She worked a variety of jobs, but her love for painting remained. When she was able to, she signed up for a class at Santa Fe Community College in Gainesville.

Art has and will continue to be a large part of Harris’ life. She has lived in Gainesville her entire life, born in March 1942. She’s participated in art shows and had her work displayed all over the city, including at the Thornebrook Art Festival, the Santa Fe College Spring Arts Festival and the Downtown Festival and Art Show. She’s created a loyal following in the folk art genre. She has painted sunflowers, bumblebees, mountains and people. Two years ago, there was an art exhibit at the Historic Thomas Center titled “The View from Paradise: The Paintings of Alyne Harris” filled with her artwork.

Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, the spring art shows Harris would normally participate in have been canceled or postponed. This means Harris will not have as many opportunities to have her artwork on display for people to purchase. “It’s scary,” she said, “to see even the doctors and nurses getting sick with the virus.”

COVID-19 has affected every community and social group in the world in some way. The disease can be lethal to the elderly and those

with immune deficiencies. At the age of 78, Harris said she can’t take any chances. Although, most places Harris would spend most of her time have closed indefinitely, such as volunteering at a daycare center and spending her Sundays at a local church in her community.

For Harris, the coronavirus may mean less opportunities for her artwork to be displayed and recreational activities being canceled, but it also means more free time to paint. She can sit outside on her porch, gain inspiration, grab a canvas and start painting whenever she pleases. Her indoor home studio allows her to paint inside or outside depending on her choice that day. Now, when she paints, she sets aside the piece of art for the next open and available art show.

Committing to a passion can be challenging, but Harris believes, “it’s up to you what you want to be.” She said she remembers her daughter playing with dolls pretending to heal them of imaginary illnesses and now, she’s a nurse.

“That’s what she wanted,” she said.

Harris is a mother, grandmother and artist. Her work is what she wants it to be, a celebration of the simplicity and beauty of nature. She paints things she’s seen in person and items she’s only seen in pictures. She paints memories and dreams or visions.

She’s inspired by the world around her. Her artwork provides people with insight into her mind and thoughts, enabling admirers to see her past, present and future. Alyne Harris has never stopped doing her favorite thing, and she never will.

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MEMOIR >> ALMOST TICKED OFF

WRITE ON!

ANN-MARIE MAGNÉ PENS HER FIRST MEMOIR

Almost Ticked Off W R I T T E N B Y H AY L I Z U CCO L A

Sitting by his hospital bedside, Ann-Marie Magné watched as her husband’s health deteriorated.

He had been poked and prodded for over a month in the ICU at North Florida Regional Medical Center. He was overseen by oncologists, hematologists, urologists, pulmonologists and just about every other ‘gist’ in the medical alphabet all while enduring an array of tests, pills and antibiotics – none of which pinpointed the cause of or cured his organ failure, seizures and memory loss. To mask the mental anguish she felt being unable to physically help her husband, Magné recorded everything – every test, every possibility and nearly every conversation – on pages

of chartreuse paper nestled atop a bright red clipboard from the nurse’s station in an attempt to grasp what was happening to her husband. It was a gut-wrenching ordeal that showed a glimmer of hope when a doctor suggested that this mystery infection could have stemmed from a tick bite.

Magné’s husband, former police lieutenant Lee Schwartz, spent 72 consecutive days in the hospital as a patient in the Intensive Care Unit, the Progressive Care Unit and the Select Specialty Hospital before ultimately surviving what could have killed him. While Schwartz was mostly unaware of what was going on at the time, Magné chronicled every moment as she anxiously waited for a cure.

It’s been almost nine years since the couple’s life was turned upside down by an eight-legged critter smaller than a lentil, but it was an experience Magné knew she had to share with the world.

“To me, it was a story that had to be written, and I wanted

To me, it was a story that had to be written, and I wanted to write it. I felt that, for a lot of reasons, people should hear it. They should know about the experience itself, be more aware of tick bites in general, the fact that he came so close to dying, and how he was saved needs to be told.

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to write it. I felt that, for a lot of reasons, people should hear it. They should know about the experience itself, be more aware of tick bites in general, the fact that he came so close to dying, and how he was saved needs to be told,” Magné said in a recent phone interview.

In January 2013, well after her husband had recovered, Magné joined the Writer’s Alliance of Gainesville and a critique pod to receive continued feedback on her story while helping other members with theirs.

Though this wasn’t her first undertaking in writing a novel, her previous efforts proved to be far more challenging and remain unfinished.

“You’ve always heard that when you write a novel, your characters develop themselves. They take you places you never expected to go. You thought you had

Author Ann-Marie Magné and her husband, Lee Schwartz, are pictured at their home in Gainesville. Magné penned her memoir about the experience she and Schwartz went through during his life-threatening infection. (Photo by Brittany Forde)

one idea in mind and then things happen within the story and then you realize no this has to be this way because somebody’s compelling me to do it,” she said. “So, I thought I’d start to write a novel. I left my computer with all kinds of names for the characters and some ideas, and it did not write itself. It just didn’t work.”

It was a struggle she never encountered while writing her memoir as the words flowed like a waterfall from her memories July/August 2020

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MEMOIR >> ALMOST TICKED OFF

PHOTOGRAPHY: BRITTANY FORDE

and well-documented notes.

“I wrote every day. There was never a writer’s block moment. There was never a time when I didn’t know what came next, but that’s because I had all those notes and I knew chronologically what was going to happen,” she said.

“Putting the notes into a story came very easily. The writing process, I mean hours would go by and I didn’t realize it. I loved it.”

Despite her ease in writing, it took six and a half years for her to complete the memoir she put her heart and soul into, titled “Almost Ticked Off.” Submitting a chapter to her critique pod every two weeks, editing it down and adding the finishing touches may have spanned several years, but

it was never a daunting process.

“It sure didn’t seem like six and a half years. I loved writing it. I loved doing it. I loved every bit of it,” she said.

“After the first time of writing the last chapter, I knew it wasn’t done, but when I was really finished, I had such a sense of accomplishment that I had done something really worthwhile.”

The writing process was a cathartic experience that allowed Magné to pour her emotions from an uncertain period in her and her husband’s lives onto paper. While she drew a sense of accomplishment from completing her manuscript, it really sunk in when she received her first author’s copy.

“It came in the mail in a brown envelope. My husband and I were standing in the kitchen. I opened it and I pulled it out. We just stood there and grinned like fools,” she said.

“It was wonderful. It was wonderful.”

It took some time, but Magné found inspiration for her first novel through her life experiences. As a published author, she has advice for aspiring writers who possibly have a story. Aside from joining the Writer’s Alliance of Gainesville and a critique pod, her guidance is simple: write.

“My advice is if you think you have a story in you, start writing,” Magné said. “Don’t worry about grammar, spelling or whether it’s in chronological order or not — just start.”

“Almost Ticked Off ” is available on Amazon.com.

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COLUMN

FARM TALES

From Mother Hen MY FAVORITE THINGS

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.

“RAINDROPS ON ROSES AND WHISKERS ON KITTENS…” SO BEGINS THE POPULAR SONG FROM THE SOUND OF MUSIC BY RODGERS AND HAMMERSTEIN.

T

he lyrics to “My Favorite Things” actually connects with me on a deeper level, almost as if I could have written the lyrics myself. I’ve shared before in this column about my life growing up as a farmer’s daughter in the rural countryside of the Midwest.

I was an only child with few human playmates but many animal companions. I didn’t realize it then, but my possessions were few, and my things were very simple.

I find, however, that remembering those simple pleasures still has the ability to lift up my soul “when I’m feeling sad…”

How many litters of kittens have I been blessed with? Those little noses and whiskers were so sweet and tender. How many winters did I see melt into springs? I had a special white dress with a blue satin sash, and I’ve felt the thrill of watching geese fly in “V” formation high above me. These are the “things” that can never be lost because I possess them in my heart.

When you have had the privilege of living seven decades as I have, you have had many experiences that shape you and make you the person you are. One of those growth experiences I encountered about four years ago, when I prepared my parents’ home for sale.

When my parents passed from this life, we kept their A-frame home on the picturesque hillside near the Vermilion river where I grew up. Our children were young and we used it for many years as our family’s summer vacation retreat. Every room remained just as they left it, filled with their furniture and possessions, down to the dishes in the kitchen and tools in the basement.

It was a connection to my parents that I could share with my children. They grew up feeling a very real relationship with their grandparents, through my parents’ possessions.

Four summers ago, I realized that the time had come to let

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this enchanting home go. Our chicks were grown and had careers and families that didn’t lend their schedules to summers in the Midwest. Occasionally they could spend a weekend, but never enough time to warrant keeping the property and maintaining it throughout the year. I was getting older, and the long drive to the homesite as well as maintaining the lawn and keeping up with repairs was becoming more than I could handle. I made the decision to let it go – with an inner strength I didn’t know I possessed.

I arrived that summer determined to methodically go through every closet and bedroom, the basement and attic, to let go of the things that meant so much to my parents. I didn’t want to have an auction or yard sale; their possessions felt too sacred to attach a dollar value to. I was happy to give the items I felt would mean something to my cousins or friends who remembered them. Other things I took to a local thrift store and hoped they would bring joy to someone else. I did keep some things, of course, as they were just too sentimental for me to part with. Even though I tried to let go of everything, in a way, these possessions that belonged to my parents felt almost like they were my siblings. When I was with them the forgotten memories of my childhood kept bubbling up, similar to when siblings get together at a family reunion.

So how could I let them go?

The answer is that I couldn’t let them all go… and sadly, I have storage units still filled with the items that remain dear to me. Four years of monthly storage payments have passed, for things that are all “my favorite things,” but are seldom touched.

This process is one of the stages of life almost everyone will go through at some point, and along the way a valuable lesson will be learned.

Here’s the lesson: I think this journey is all part of a plan.

We spend the early years of our life gathering things and making memories without giving much thought to it. But then in our golden years we learn through life experiences of heartache and loss that the most important things, our “favorite things,”

are the experiences and memories we make along the way.

As I get older, I think I’m getting wiser.

Once our country gives the all-clear to come out of our homes again following COVID-19, I intend to go back through those boxes in storage once again. Then I’ll let go of those “favorite things”—after revisiting the memories one last time. I’ve finally learned the lesson that possessions are not the memories.

It’s time to let go. The memories will still be there residing in my heart… and in the lyrics of a familiar song.

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Fun In The Sun.

“MY FAVORITE THINGS” LYRICS BY OSCAR HAMMERSTEIN II Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens Bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens Brown paper packages tied up with strings These are a few of my favorite things Cream-colored ponies and crisp apple strudels Doorbells and sleigh bells and schnitzel with noodles Wild geese that fly with the moon on their wings These are a few of my favorite things Girls in white dresses with blue satin sashes Snowflakes that stay on my nose and eyelashes Silver white winters that melt into springs These are a few of my favorite things When the dog bites, when the bee stings When I’m feeling sad I simply remember my favorite things And then I don’t feel so bad

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LOCAL INSTAGRAM CELEBRITY >> VIRAL SENSATION

TOADALLY VIR AL

IT ISN’T EASY BEING GREEN A Toad’s Road to Fame S T O R Y B Y M A R L O W E S TA R L I N G P H OTO G R A P H Y P R O V I D E D B Y S AVA N N A H M I K E L L

T

he name’s Toad.

Toby Toad.

But that’s Yaboi Toby Toad, to you, and to over 152,000 other people (and counting) who follow the now famous Fowler’s toad on

Instagram.

But before she created the account in June 2019, none but Savannah Mikell knew about Toby, the colorful toad who frequents her home garden in Williston, Florida. The walled-in courtyard on her porch attracts all kinds of visitors, from lizards to

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toads, but Toby was unique. He was more colorful than the other toads in her garden. The first-ever photo of Toby was him sitting on a tiny dollhouse couch Mikell’s aunt made for her when she was 6 years old. When she posted it in a public Facebook group called Frogspotting, people loved it. Three Facebook pictures later, she decided to create the Instagram account, which Mikell estimates attracted 13,000 followers in just two weeks in support of the charismatic toad depicted selling lemonade, having brunch and tending to his garden.

The dollhouse props are made to look as realistic

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LOCAL INSTAGRAM CELEBRITY >> VIRAL SENSATION

as possible, Mikell said, and should preferably use the same material that would be used for the real, human-size item. “It can be a bit of an optical illusion,” Mikell said. She explained that the miniatures she and her aunt make are 1:12 scale and Toby fits them like a glove. By comparison, Barbie toys use a 1:6 scale, she said. The bathroom is one of the most detailed rooms. Her aunt installed the working electrical wires in the walls, layered drywall over it, cut and grouted each bathroom tile by hand and even crafts the crown molding. Some of the houses her aunt makes as a professional hobby sell for over $1,000.

In a matter of only weeks, Toby caught the attention of broadcast television stations and media like The Dodo and

talent manager from The Dog Agency, found out about Toby.

When Brasfield’s friend showed her Toby’s account, it only had about 20,000-30,000 followers — a little below the 50,000-follower threshold The Dog Agency typically signs. But Brasfield, a Gainesville native, said she could tell Toby was “a star in the making.” Created in 2015, The Dog Agency was the first agency to focus exclusively on pet influencers and is dedicated to helping protect the rights of other people with Instagram-famous pets — mostly dogs, cats, and more recently, a duck and a tortoise.

“Toby’s our only toad,” Brasfield said.

“It’s like a part-time job, between putting money into props, setting up the scenes, taking the pictures, answering messages

“It’s like a part-time job, between putting money into props, setting up the scenes, taking the pictures, answering messages and approving designs.”

Bored Panda. The pair made their on-air debut on July 31, 2019, with WJXT Channel 4 News. On October 16, Savannah and Toby made a guest appearance on The Kelly Clarkson Show, with each appearance increasing her followers as much as 10,000 overnight, she said. The Buzzfeed article featuring Toby’s account gained her 50,000 new followers alone. That’s when the agents started to call.

Suddenly, Mikell realized she needed to protect what she had created, a creative empire that could easily be stolen from her without an agent or trademark of some sort. Luckily, the right person came along when Carly Brasfield, Mikell and Toby’s 40 |

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and approving designs,” Mikell said. “I’m starting to make more money from doing that than I do working full-time as a bartender.” As a 24-year-old undergraduate clinical psychology student at Saint Leo University and full-time bartender at Texas Roadhouse in Gainesville, Toby’s unexpected fame is time-consuming, but worth it, she said. Sometimes, fame comes with negative backlash, although the majority of her feedback is positive. A few people have posted comments expressing concern or anger over Toby being mistreated. Mikell assures them, however, that Toby is well-fed and is free to spend his time how he likes. “That dude keeps coming back,” she said. “What

other wild toad gets premium crickets from PetSmart hand-fed to him? If he was scared of me, he wouldn’t come back, and he wouldn’t eat out of my hand.”

“It’s nothing but love,” Mikell said of Toby’s followers. “It’s almost like a little community.” On average, Mikell receives about 30 to 50 direct message requests on Toby’s account daily — and she answers each and every one of them, even if it takes her a while to get through them all. “Toby’s fan base is very engaged, and he has a very high engagement for his [account] size,” Brasfield said.

For Toby’s most dedicated fans, Mikell released Toby Toad merchandise, from stationery to stickers. Mikell recently got a design approved for a new T-shirt, featuring a cartoon depiction of Toby sitting on his name on the front left corner of the shirt.

Mikell said she’d rather sell the merchandise to fans who know Toby than sell the shirt at retail stores. The shirts are for sale at the link in Toby’s Instagram bio.

The bestseller so far, however, was the Toby Toad calendar.

In it, Mikell included the date of Toby’s birthday — February 20 — which is the same day as her dad’s birthday. He passed away when she was 14. “I made Toby’s birthday my dad’s birthday in honor of him,” she said. “It was really cool how thousands of people were telling [Toby] happy birthday, and it just felt pretty special.”

In Toby’s birthday post, Mikell sat Toby on a chair in front of a table with a tiny birthday cake in front of him and tiny balloons

tied to the table. A cone-shaped party hat sat atop of his head.

Behind him, she handmade a banner that read, “Happy Birthday Toby” with the caption, “yall ready to partaaayyyy.” It had a total of nearly 21,000 likes. More recently, Mikell also started a TikTok for Toby, a popular app where users can set videos to music. By the same handle as his Instagram, @yaboi_toby_toad, his TikToks have been featured on Snapchat (a photo and messaging app) and attract anywhere from 15,000 to 1 million views. Within the first three weeks of creating the account, Mikell said it gained 47,000 followers.

“Savannah’s done a really good job,” Brasfield said. “It’s really important for influencers to come up with a brand, maintain their voice and be consistent. She created a character from the beginning and she’s been very consistent with posting pretty much every day and [captioning] with the voice of Toby and what activities he likes to do. Her followers keep growing and growing.”

For Mikell, managing Toby’s account is more than a hobby — it’s a godsend. “I honestly just feel like the whole Toby thing has been a huge blessing because it’s made me feel a better sense of purpose,” she said. Mikell said she especially loves messages and letters from fans saying Toby helps them get through hard times, makes them feel better and always makes them laugh.

“It’s given me a hobby I can stick with,” she said. “It’s a crazy opportunity that I never expected.”

To connect with Toby on Instagram, follow him: @yaboi_toby_toad.

DR E A MING A L ICE Maggie Taylor Through the Looking-Glass

FREE ADMISSION image (detail): Maggie Taylor, He was part of my dream., 2017, courtesy of the artist

harn.ufl.edu

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ALL FOR YOU >> GAINESVILLE-GROWN GREATS

MUSIC MEN

Sister Hazel

Still in the Music-Making Groove W RIT TE N BY S TE PH S TRICKL A N D

G

rowing up only a mile and a half from Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, Drew Copeland is a true Gainesville native. The rumble of the stadium echoed in his family home.

From a young age, Copeland sold ice-cold Cokes and event programs in the staunch heat of Florida football season, taking in the excitement of game days from a fan-packed University Avenue. Copeland never imagined the scene that would come 20 years later, as he performed at the 1998 Gator Growl

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alongside his bandmates. Thousands of fans recited the words to Sister Hazel’s hit “All For You” in perfect synchronization and echoed throughout the city.

Suddenly, Copeland’s currency wasn’t cold drinks on a hot day – it was music.

Sister Hazel was formed in Gainesville in 1993 out of a passion for spreading music and good into the world. The bandmembers Ken Block, lead singer; Jett Beres, bass; Ryan Newell, guitar; Mark Trojanowski, drums and Copeland on guitar drew inspiration for their band name from Gainesville local Sister Hazel Williams.

Williams was the founder of Angels of Mercy

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Ministries and dedicated her life to serving the homeless and impoverished populations in Gainesville, particularly at-risk youth. In 2013, she received the Spirit of Gainesville award for her years of service to the city.

“She had a total disregard for race, religion – anything – she was willing to lend a helping hand, and that’s what we wanted our music to be,” Copeland said.

The band remained close with Williams up until her death.

She passed away in 2016 at the age of 91. “She wasn’t impressed by the celebrity of it, but she held our feet to the fire to do something good,” Copeland said.

To achieve the goals instilled in them from Williams, the band began their early years writing music vigorously and touring upward of 300 days each year. The world moved quickly during this time and it took several years of hard work before the band began hitting the charts. In the summer days of 1997, the band topped the alternative charts with “All For You,” which earned their platinum album status.

“That’s a song that opened a million doors for us,” Copeland said. Since then, the band has spent the last 27 years building their sound in rock and alternative music, and now in country as well.

Sister Hazel has had four back-to-back Billboard chart-topping country albums.

For the band, the music has always been about more than which genre it fits into, and Copeland said the categorization of their music into a specific genre typically depends on what you happen to be listening to at the time. “People always try to pigeonhole us into a specific genre,” he said, “it’s Florida music.”

Copeland added that the last four EPs have come with greater ease than previous records. It’s mostly because the group has bonded over the last 27 years and knows how to get in the music-making groove. As the group has gotten older, they’ve gained confidence in their roles within the band and each bring their unique ideas to the table with the intention of putting out the best possible record. “No one gets butthurt…we’re all just trying to get the songs that sound the best on the record,” he said.

The band has also witnessed firsthand the shift toward digital that has altered the music-making and touring process. “You used to tour to sell records, but now you make records to tour,” Copeland said. And since their inception as a group in the 1990s, the crew hasn’t stopped touring and seemingly has no intention of slowing down.

They put on two especially popular annual events for their fans, cleverly named “Hazelnuts,” called Camp Hazelnut and The Rock Boat. The Rock Boat is a take on a floating music festival that has been sailing for decades. Sister Hazel, along with other top artists, perform on a multiday cruise from Miami to locations like Jamaica and Grand Cayman. The excitement and energy of The Rock Boat “surpassed all of our expectations,” Copeland said.

Camp Hazelnut is a space for children and their families to come together as they navigate the challenges of cancer diagnoses. The camp originally began as just another fan event, with a 44 |

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The band unites around their ‘camp’ theme to it. However, when music, fans and the causes they the band decided to invite some serve. They have also interwokids battling cancer, they realized ven their lives over the last 27 the impact an event like this could years. Sister Hazel has done what have on the community. Ever many more bands fail to do – to since, Camp Hazelnut, located in not break up. In sticking together, North Central Florida, has served they have created a family among as a haven for children with cancer each other and their loved ones. and their families to escape and Copeland joked that his kids simply enjoy camping (and, of know they have four uncles as course, some campfire songs). each member of the band plays Camp Hazelnut is in conjunction an important role in each others’ with Sister Hazel’s charity founlives. dation Lyrics for Life, a nonprofit “We argue, we complain, we founded by the band in 2002 to laugh like crazy,” he said. “And – help fight childhood cancer. most importantly – we’re always The charity unites musicians there for each other.” and celebrities for concert events, auctions and fundraising efforts For additional information to raise funds for groups working on Sister Hazel, please visit sisEarth is the fourth installment of platinum-selling band Sister Hazel’s cleverly themed EP compilation series entitled “Elements.” to find a cure as well as those aimterhazel.com or on Twitter and ing to enrich the lives of patients Instagram @sisterhazelband. and their families. Of the bandmembers, Block was most directly Their music can also be found on YouTube and Spotify. Tour dates touched by the effects cancer can have, but Copeland assured that and events are listed on their website, and please follow their site and every member of the band has been touched by cancer in some way social media for important updates on shows, events and, of course, and feels passionately about the cause. the music.

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DIY PROJECT >> RELAX WITH A STRESS BALL

CR ANK Y CR AFTS

WE CAN’T STRESS IT ENOUGH DIY Stress Ball

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

F

eeling a little stressed lately? You’re not alone. Recognizing that you’re stressed is the first step in reclaiming your overall health, and since we all could use a little more relaxation these days —we should talk about ways to relieve some of that tension. Enter: the stress ball!

According to truestressmanagement.com, the idea of the stress ball originated in China. Traditional stress balls, known as Baoding balls, are made out of metal or wood. Unlike the stress balls that are commonly used today, the Chinese stress balls aren’t squeezed; you roll them around in your hand. They’re hollow and have bells or chimes in them that make sounds when rolled. The sound is thought to be very relaxing.

The website states that when we get stressed out, our brain has two channels — a sensory channel (sight, sound, touch, and smell) and an intellectual channel that tries to make sense of how we feel and put it into context. When your sensory channel is blocked or occupied, your experiences aren’t as intense or vivid. In other words, when you’re physically occupied with something, such as squeezing a stress ball, your mind isn’t focused or concentrated on whatever is stressing you. This is why some of the best stress reducers are physical 46 |

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activities, according to truestressmanagement. com.

In an article on huffingtonpost.com titled, “Stress-Relief Tools: Do These Old-Fashioned Remedies Really Work?” stress experts Dr. David Posen and Dr. Kathleen Hall gave their expertise on the topic. Posen said that these days most of our stressors are psychological rather than physical — think narcissistic boss instead of a wild animal.

He stated that we have all of this stress energy and our bodies are in a state of high alert, but there’s nowhere for it to go. Hall added that when you’re stressed your body tightens up, so a physical release helps to let go of some of that energy.

When you start to feel that tightening begin, this “do it yourself” craft could help provide some relief. Meet your new best friend… Mr. Squishy Stress Ball! Follow this simple stepby-step guide and you just might find yourself headed for relaxation station.

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your finger and thumb slightly. Too wide an opening can blow flour everywhere.)

SUPPLIES

Three balloons Rice or flour Funnel Scissors

7) Tie the neck of the balloon tightly.

8) Snip off the excess rubber of the balloon tail.

DIRECTIONS: 1) Stretch out your balloon. (Pro tip: Simply blow it up for some extra stretch and release the air.)

2) Choose your filling: rice or flour.

3) Stick a funnel into the neck of the balloon.

4) Slowly fill the balloon. Pour slowly to avoid clogging the neck of the balloon! If it clogs in the funnel, use a pencil or pen to help push down the filling.

5) Remove the funnel from the balloon and let out as much air as you can. (Pro tip: to release the air, pinch near the neck and separate 48 |

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9) Grab your second balloon, and snip off the end of the balloon tail.

10) Now take your first balloon that you have already filled and tied, and stuff it inside of the second balloon.

11) Repeat this same step with the third balloon.

12) Tie the end of the third balloon and snip off any excess tail.

Voilà! You’ve made yourself a squishy stress ball. Here’s to a relaxing state of being — even during a global pandemic!

Source: patch.com, huffingtonpost.com, truestressmanagement.com *This craft is not a permanent fix to stress or anxiety issues. Always consult your doctor when symptoms arise.

10 WAYS TO EASE STRESS 1) Eat and drink sensibly. Alcohol and food abuse may seem to reduce stress, but it actually adds to it.

2) Assert yourself. You do not have to meet others’ expectations or demands. It’s okay to say “No.” Remember, being assertive allows you to stand up for your rights and beliefs while respecting those of others.

3) Stop Smoking or other bad habits. Aside from the obvious health risks of cigarettes, nicotine acts as a stimulant and brings on more stress symptoms. Give yourself the gift of dropping unhealthy habits.

4) Exercise regularly. Choose non-competitive exercise and set reasonable goals. Aerobic exercise has been shown to release endorphins (natural substances that help you feel better and maintain a positive attitude).

5) Study and practice relaxation techniques. Relax every day. Choose from a variety of different techniques. Combine opposites; a time for deep relaxation and a time for aerobic exercise is a sure way to protect your body from the effects of stress.

6) Take responsibility. Control what you can and leave behind what you cannot control.

7) Reduce stressors (causes of stress). Many people find that life is filled with too many demands and too little time.

For the most part, these demands are ones we have chosen.

Effective time-management skills involve asking for help when appropriate, setting priorities, pacing yourself, and taking time out for yourself.

8) Examine your values and live by them. The more your actions reflect your beliefs, the better you will feel, no matter how busy your life is. Use your values when choosing your activities.

9) Set realistic goals and expectations. It’s okay, and healthy, to realize you cannot be 100% successful at everything at once.

10) Sell yourself to yourself. When you are feeling overwhelmed, remind yourself of what you do well. Have a healthy sense of self-esteem.

Source: myclevelandclinic.org

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2020 WINNER >> YOUNG WRITERS CONTEST

COMMUNITY

THE WINNER OF OUR TOWN MAGAZINE’S YOUNG WRITERS STORYTELLING CONTEST

The Violin of SongLand W R I T T E N B Y I S A P I L L A R I | A G E 1 2 , 7 T H G R A D E | N E W B E R R Y, F L .

Song

was magic in SongLand. Or perhaps magic was song.

In this kingdom, singing created joy and love. All the singing depended on the Queen’s magic diamond necklace. As long as the diamond stayed intact, the people of SongLand could sing the prettiest music in the world. Every night, the Queen took off her precious necklace before she went to bed.

One cold night, while stretching her arms, the Queen accidentally knocked down the lamp on her bedtable. With a thump, the lamp knocked her jewelry down.

There was a scream, was it the Queen or the diamond?

The people of SongLand would wake up to a soundless morning.

Scarlett took the bow off the string of her blackened violin, making the last note echo in the empty forest.

She leaned on a tree.

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“You play really well,” I said, hanging upside down on a branch.

“If only there were more ears to hear it, Lizzy,” she said dryly to me, “but I can’t go to play in the neighboring kingdom, SongLand, because animals are banned there. I’m a vampire, which means I’m only half-human doesn’t it?”

“Well, we might be going to SongLand. It’s going to be risky though, since I’m a fruit bat,” I said while extending my foot with the paper in it.

Scarlett snatched the paper from me and read: “Diamond of Music broken; void of song, the only way that its magic can be repaired is by hearing music. Reward.”

Scarlett looked at her violin thoughtfully, “If I fix the diamond, maybe the Queen might listen to me and lift the animal ban.”

“I can fix the diamond, let me see the Queen,” Scarlett pleaded for the thousandth time to a guard.

“What do you have to show to Her Majesty?” said the guard demandingly.

“This,” Scarlett scowled, sticking the violin under his fat nose.

I peeked out from in between Scarlett’s jacket, where I lay hidden, to see his expression.

“You expect me to believe that piece of junk can make music?”

he roared with laughter. “Go away girl,” he pointed us away.

“We came all the way out of the forest into SongLand for nothing,” Scarlett muttered once we were out of the castle gates.

“What?” came a voice from the bush beside us, making Scarlett jump. A girl and boy walked out of the bush beside us.

“What are you doing here?” asked the girl.

“Probably saying she could fix the diamond, duh!” retorted the brother.

The front of the jacket suddenly became loose and before I knew it, I had plummeted to the ground. The girl’s and boy’s eyes widened.

The girl suddenly picked me up, “What is it?” she asked Scarlett, her hazel eyes shone with interest.

“A fruit bat named Lizzy,” answered Scarlett.

“I’ve never seen one before” said the girl softly, stroking my head. Looking up at Scarlett she said, “You came to save the diamond haven’t you? Mother’s necklace broke, and now I cannot sing.”

“Mother’s necklace?” Scarlett gasped, “You are the Queen’s children!”

The boy looked quizzically at her, “You know how to save the diamond?” he asked.

Scarlett stuttered, “I-I think so.”

“I trust you, follow me,” he said.

“A bat in the castle.” The Queen’s blazing eyes rested upon me.

Scarlett held the diamond out to the Queen. “You’re a vampire,” the Queen said slowly.

“Yeah, I’m a monster,” Scarlett spat. “What’s the deal with treating all animals like scum anyway? I come here, fix your precious diamond, and then, get looked at like I’m a…a…” Scarlett was too angry to finish.

I thought I might collapse.

The Queen and Scarlett stared at each other for a long time.

The Queen finally took the diamond from Scarlett’s hands.

“You might not want to shout at your Queen, if you wish to become a royal advisor,” The Queen said slowly.

Scarlett blinked, confused.

“I truly have been blinded by my power,” the Queen explained, “I was attacked and wounded by a pack of wolves when I was young.” She pulled back her sleeve, showing a slanted scar. “When I chased all the animals out of the kingdom, I thought it was for the best. Now, I see that a vampire, with nothing but a wooden instrument, produced the song needed to repair the diamond.”

The Queen held up the diamond. “You will be my most trusted advisor. You have shown me not to judge too quickly, for the inside can shine bright.”

Facing Scarlett, she softly said, “Thank you.”

The End

After the Prince and Princess snuck me and Scarlett into the castle, Scarlett confessed to being a vampire.

“I am a bat in a girl’s body,” said Scarlett quietly as she unlatched her bronze violin case. “I was born different. A hereditary blood curse settled in me and I was born a vampire instead of a fruit bat. I hate being one. The… animals made the violin for me… to keep me happy…” she faltered and didn’t finish.

“Well,” she said, nodding her head to the fragments of diamond in a box, “do I just start playing?”

The Prince and Princess shrugged.

Scarlett began to play her violin.

But, I thought, they weren’t the carefree notes that she had always played in the forest. A beautiful, yet haunting; happy, yet tearful; calm, yet desperate noise filled the entire room.

There was a dazzling flash of light, the diamond had been repaired!

Scarlett took the bow off the string of her blackened violin, making the last note of the song ring.

“You did it!” I whispered happily to her.

“Okay,” said the Prince in a businesslike tone, though I could tell he was overjoyed, “you have to get out of here before my Mother...”

There was a sharp clearing of the throat and the Queen stepped forward. Her cold eyes darted from the guilty faces of the Prince and Princess to the face of Scarlett, who was biting her lip.

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BOOK REVIEW

TERRI SCHLICHENMEYER’S

Reading Corner “I DON’T WANT TO WASH MY HANDS!”

written by Tony Ross C.2020 EDITION, G.P. PUTNAM’S SONS,$8.99 / HIGHER IN CANADA, 32 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

PEAS OR BEANS? CARROTS OR CORN?

Y

ou’ve been outside all day and it was fun but now there’s dirt beneath your fingernails, maybe enough to grow a garden! You can’t have lunch with dirty hands, of course. Imagine the mess if you went to bed like that, ugh. You know you absolutely have to get cleaned up sometime, but in the new book “I Don’t Want to Wash My Hands!” by Tony Ross, who wants to do it now?

No matter what day it was or what time, Little Princess loved nothing more than to get really, really dirty. Being outside was one of her favorite things ever, especially if there was dirt and mud to play in. But one day, after she came inside and as she reached for a yummy slice of chocolate cake on the Royal Table, the Queen said that Little Princess had to wash her hands first.

When Little Princess asked “Why?” the Queen said it was because she’d been playing in the mud.

A little while later, when Cook told Little Princess to wash her hands again because she’d been playing with her puppy, Little Princess did as she was told.

She even dried “properly.”

But when the King told Little Princess to wash her hands after the potty, Little Princess wasn’t happy at all. Not one bit. She’d washed her hands, not once but twice already that day. It was just ridiculous.

It got worse when Maid told Little Princess to wash her

hands after sneezing. Four times? She had to wash her hands four times? Yes, said Maid, because of “germs and nasties” that are everywhere: in the mud, on puppies, in the potty, in sneezes, on the table, and they’ll make you sick. They’re “worse than crocodiles,” but smaller, so you can’t see them and the only way to keep germs and nasties away is with soap and water and hand-washing.

And that, of course, changes everything.

To fully appreciate “I Don’t Want to Wash My Hands!” all you have to do is have it in yours.

Author Tony Ross is also the illustrator here, and it’s hard to decide which part of this book is better, the words or the artwork. It’ll be hard not to delight in Little Princess, who’s perfectly gleeful as she gets filthydirty. It’s difficult to not love the looks on her face as she’s instructed multiple times to wash up, and it’s hard not to know what she’s thinking. Kids will laugh at how she perceives germs and nasties, with an imagination that comes out clearly in these wonderful illustrations.

The good news is that those drawings are fun in a way that parents can appreciate, too, and the words are LOL cute.

The bottom line is that you’ll both put this book at the top of your Favorites List, so don’t be surprised if it’s off the shelves more than on. For sure, “I Don’t Want to Wash My Hands!” is one your kids will hang onto by their fingernails.

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COMMUNITY CREATIVITY >> ARTIST STUDIO

ART SPACE

The Sweetwater Print Cooperative Creating Printmaking and Other Art Mediums W RIT TE N BY S UMMER JA R RO

T

he historic Tench Building in downtown Gainesville has become a printmaking haven for the past 25 years for local artists.

The building, located at 117 South Main St, was deeded to the City of Gainesville by Judge Benjamin Tench with the hope for it to be used for the arts. In 1995, the building began housing the Sweetwater Print Cooperative, an artist cooperative that includes a number of members who can use the space to create printmaking art and other art mediums. “It’s really great to be right downtown, and be part of the larger group of creative businesses that

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are downtown Gainesville, and it’s also really nice to have a dedicated space that is being shared by a lot of people to make this type of art,” said Joon Thomas, member of the cooperative.

The members utilize the space as a studio, print shop, gallery and a teaching and social gathering space. The cooperative houses an array of equipment including a printing press, acid room and dark room. The cooperative was named after Sue Jester, who was one of the founding members of Sweetwater Print Cooperative.

Throughout the past 25 years, the cooperative has had dozens of members who have used the space to create different styles of art but many have focused on printmaking. The space has about 10 current members at one time. People who are members are able to use the location 24/7, access all the equipment, have the opportunity to showcase their artwork in the space’s gallery and participate in any group activities.

“It’s just a really great space,” said Christina Bartonicek, a current member of the cooperative. “It offers a really amazing, supportive community. It also grants access to things you wouldn’t typically be able to get your hands on.”

Someone can become a member by coming to one of cooperative’s monthly meetings and showing the current members their work and sharing what they do. The members discuss if the person should join, and if there is an opening, they are welcomed into the space as a member.

The public is sometimes able to enter the Sweetwater Print Cooperative and see what is being created inside the location. Sweetwater Print Cooperative also hosts a number of workshops throughout the year for the public to attend and learn more about different art mediums.

Some workshops or talks are free while others cost a small fee.

Past sessions have had participants learn about calligraphy, brush painting, relief printing, etching and mixed media. Workshops are led by members and sometimes outside guests.

The public is also able to get the chance to look in the cooperative during Art Walk Gainesville, a free monthly self-guided tour where attendees are given a map of participants in downtown Gainesville and can explore what the different locations are showcasing such as visual art, live performances and events. Sweetwater Print Cooperative is a participant.

The Sweetwater Print Cooperative currently has 11 members.

Thomas has been a member since the cooperative formed in 1995, and has seen how it has grown and changed over the years. Thomas found out about it by Jester and is grateful to still be a part of the community.

“It’s also been really inspiring to see how many people have really developed their own art and their own skills as artists because of the fact that we have this community,” Thomas said.

Thomas specializes in calligraphy and is a trained printmaker, but isn’t focusing on printmaking now. He said he has always been interested in art and getting into printmaking because of the process of creating the work.

Current member Leslie Peebles was also attracted to the printmaking art form because of the process and the ability to make multiple originals. “The other thing that I really love about it is the meditative quality of it,” she said.

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her master’s in art education. When she began teaching in a middle school in Interlachen she was introduced to the printmaking medium through another art teacher. She was given the teacher’s old printmaking supplies to teach her students and fell in love with it.

When she moved to Alachua County she was looking for a place to grow in her printmaking work and found Sweetwater Print Cooperative through a friend. Peebles has been a member of the cooperative since joining in 1998, and her work has grown because of the community she has been able to learn from at Sweetwater.

“Printmaking is very difficult. There are so many variables in it that can go wrong,” she said. “It’s very complex, so I don’t think I could ever have done what I have done with this medium if I didn’t have people to learn from.”

Relief prints are Peebles’ primary art medium. Having the opportunity to showcase her work at art shows and devote herself fully to her art has helped her grow. In the Sweetwater space she has also been able to teach workshops and display her work.

Bartonicek found Sweetwater Print Cooperative online after moving to Florida from Vermont. She was already working in the art form and has a BFA in printmaking. Bartonicek said she loves printmaking because it is very process oriented and a community-based art form. When moving to Gainesville she was looking for a new printmaking community and found what she was searching for at the cooperative.

“Everybody turned out to be awesome, so I really enjoyed getting to know them all and fostering friendships,” she said. “It’s also great to have other artists around.”

Bartonicek has been a member for about two years. She said she likes the space because of the supportive community of artists it comes with, the access to equipment and supplies, the location and what it offers to the public.

“I feel as though the presence and involvement of Sweetwater adds an infinite value to the rich culture of the city of Gainesville,” she said. “And I’m so grateful for it.”

For more info on Sweetwater Print Cooperative, check out their Facebook page: facebook.com/ sweetH2Oprint/.

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FOSTER CARE >> FAMILY PARTNERSHIPS

OPEN ARMS

Fostering

Love A Look At Local Foster Families W R I T T E N B Y K A I T L I N A P P L E G AT E

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s the McKenzie’s nine-year-old son, Cooper, scribbled out his birthday wish list, something sobering found its way to the page. Right after a new toy, Cooper wanted to see the two children the family had fostered again. Families like the McKenzies, the Messers and the Carters will tell you firsthand that fostering often means heartbreak.

Healing children from broken backgrounds takes community dedication. Partnership for Strong Families is responsible for placing and facilitating children into foster care and services like it in 13 total Florida counties including Alachua. In addition to Partnership for Strong Families, Foster Florida, a nonprofit started in Gainesville, seeks to support families on the front lines of foster care with anything foster parents need from prayer to child care.

When Jim McKenzie became a trustee for Foster Florida, he never imagined his family would end up fostering. After the McKenzies met a young homeless couple on Newberry road in 2018, life changed. The 18-year-old mother was pregnant, so the McKenzies worked relentlessly to help the couple get identification, housing, and healthcare. As they continued to grow closer to the couple, the two families celebrated Thanksgiving and Christmas together that year.

After the couple gave birth to their first son, he was temporarily removed from the parents’ care. As a family, the McKenzies agreed to become the child’s safety monitors to keep him officially out of the foster system. With five biological

kids of their own, saying yes to this baby meant saying no to typical family life.

Fostering meant that eating out and leisure activity funds went instead to diapers and baby bottles. Despite the sacrifice, the McKenzie kids loved fostering. According to McKenzie, his kids were never jealous or bitter of a new child getting special attention.

The McKenzie family grew again when they took in the baby’s younger sister shortly after her birth. When the children left the McKenzie’s life, after a conflict with the foster care agency, the whole family mourned, Mckenzie said. When their son asked to see the two children for his birthday, he was asking to see his family again.

Like the McKenzie family, the Messers understand that signing up for foster care often means signing up for heartbreak. Since becoming registered foster parents in 2018, the Messers have housed four placements, most of which were babies.

Corey Messer said that people often tell her “I could never foster, I would get too attached.” For Messer, attachment is the point. Kids under the age of five need to bond with a primary caregiver in order to develop properly. Messer sees part of her and her husband Larry’s role as foster parents is to bond with every child that comes into their home. That often means falling in love with the kids only to say goodbye, Messer said.

With one biological child of their own, the Messers became foster parents because of their faith. They believe that God

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• From top left: The Carter family with their three biological children and two adopted daughters.

• Corey and Larry Messer.

• The McKenzie family.

• Cooper with his foster brother.

• Foster Florida founders Lacy Basford and Kristy Sutton.

• Lacy Basford and her family.

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cares deeply for orphans, and for them that meant they should too. Messer describes foster care kids as America’s orphans.

With no reliable parents, children who enter the system are often traumatized and neglected. Messer sees their home as a tangible way to express God’s love to these children. “We want them to know that they matter and that they were important from the day they were born,” Messer said.

Like the Messers, the Carter family always felt a connection for hurting children. When family friends began fostering two little girls, the Carters fell in love. After meeting the two girls for the first time, Jenny and her husband, Wesley, felt an instant connection and bond. Even stating that if they could have taken

The Carter, Messer and McKenzie families demonstrate the uniqueness of each foster experience. With every child comes a different situation, story and needs. Foster Florida’s foundation is built on the desire to support each foster parent no matter how their stories unfold. Foster Florida was founded by Lacy Basford and Kristy Sutton who have both served as foster parents. When their church had no plans for Orphan Sunday, a yearly initiative by the Christian Alliance for Orphans, Sutton and Basford set up a table for people interested in foster care.

Two weeks later, 50 people came to an interest meeting. At that moment, Basford and Sutton realized that people wanted to help but were unsure how.

“There’s always something you can do to support those who are currently opening up their hearts and homes,” said Partnership for Strong Families Director of Community Relations and Recruitment Patty Carol those girls home with them that very day, they would have.

Shortly after, the Carter’s friends had to leave foster care and the opportunity for their wish to become reality materialized.

The Carter family was not a licensed foster family, but they did not want these two girls to end up anywhere but in their own home. As non-relative caregivers, the Carters were able to take the girls into their family.

With one 15-month-old and another just shy of four years old, fostering was hard. The Carters were approximately the seventh home the girls had been placed in within one year.

Jenny said that the older of the two girls was terrified of being taken away.

The older girl asked, “Do I have to leave?” constantly. For Jenny, one of the hardest parts of fostering was having to tell her for over a year “I don’t know. I hope not, but I’m not sure.”

When the Carters were able to adopt the two girls, Jenny could finally give her now-daughter the reassurance she craved.

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Basford and Sutton often used social media to help meet practical needs while they worked as foster families. Overtime, this network grew into a community. Now as an official nonprofit, Foster Florida aims to wrap around foster parents to provide for the family as a whole. This happens through mobilizing the community to support families fostering, or, as Foster Florida calls them, their frontline families. Basford believes that if it takes a village to raise a child, then it takes an even larger village to raise a child that you’ve never met before.

Foster care is not about a system, but rather a sacrifice. The Messer family said that these kids’ need for love outweighs any need they have to protect their heart from getting hurt. Some stories end in adoption like the Carter family, and many others end in heartbreak. However, no matter where the journey may lead — the McKenzies, Messers and Carters believe it’s one worth traveling.

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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.

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NATURAL BEAUTY >> ICHETUCKNEE

SPRING FOR IT

Ichetucknee Springs State Park Rollin’ On the River W R I T T E N B Y M A R L O W E S TA R L I N G

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n all my years donning orange and green at The Orange Bowl and then Hard Rock Stadium, I never fathomed I would see that meandering lazy river again — much less call myself a student at the University of Florida.

Herpetologist Archie Carr called it “the most beautiful landscape in the world.” Miami Herald reporter Al Burt wrote that “the Ichetucknee’s waters bubble up out of the ground and flow like melted diamonds across a sandy bottom through a natural forest” in his book “The Tropic of Cracker.” Both are right by me.

My first encounter with Ichetucknee Springs State Park was in 2008 when my family and almost our entire Hurricanes tailgate group road tripped up

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to Gainesville from Miami for the Miami vs. Florida football game (which ended badly for Miami fans).

Awkwardly, my dad was the only one in Gator gear: a proud UF alumnus who was back in his college town. They would tell you that the most memorable part of the trip wasn’t the game; it was our slow float down the Ichetucknee. We rented inner tubes off the side of the road, tied them to the tops of our rental cars and even skipped the tram, opting for a scenic (and lengthy) trail walk to the dock. I was only a mere 9 years old, my brother 4 or 5, but I can remember the way the water glistened, the way the canopy filtered sunlight above our heads, the way our laughter echoed off the longleaf pines and limestone formations as the turtles sunned themselves on logs.

PHOTOGRAPHY: ALISHA SAYLOR

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Fed by nine springs, the Ichetucknee River lets visitors experience the natural beauty of its blue-green waterways year-round.

PHOTOGRAPHY: ALISHA SAYLOR, RACHEL GUTTMAN

But mostly, we all remember how cold the water was.

My attempt to console myself for becoming a Gator (feelings I’ve since come to terms with — Go Gators!) came in the form of convincing my friends from home to take a day on the river ourselves — even though half of them still can’t spell it correctly.

I was successful, and our day on the Ichetucknee has become a tradition among us. It’s a fall semester ritual that disconnects us from our phones, lets nature remedy our woes and inevitably brings a lot of laughter. We’re lucky enough to see sunbathing turtles and snowy egrets fishing for lunch before our meander comes to an end, and we grab lunch for ourselves. Then, with bellies full, we turn around and do it again.

For Alisha Saylor, the springs aren’t just a hidden gem.

Ichetucknee is a getaway she’s known her whole life. The 36-yearold mother of two and Columbia County resident tries to sneak away to Ichetucknee every weekend, where she kayaks, hikes trails, takes photos and enjoys the sights and sounds of nature.

As a full-time student at the University of North Florida in Jacksonville, Saylor said she appreciates the moments she can steal away to the crystal-clear waters and unexpected wildlife, like deer, hogs and otters.

“It’s a little piece of paradise,” she said. “It’s that little bit of just being able to get away and relax and enjoy nature without treading on it. I can be a part of it without hurting it.”

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often takes family and friends out on kayaks to show them the area’s natural beauty. “I fell in love with sharing it,” she said.

“Some of this stuff people will never get to see.”

She also uses her GoPro to get footage of what people don’t commonly see, especially underwater. “People just don’t realize how crystal-clear the water is,” she said. “Usually pictures are overhead, and you see a lot of the grasses and it reflects the green, so they don’t realize that it’s like water out of your faucet or a fish tank.”

She said people are often surprised at the diversity of wildlife at Ichetucknee, too, including otters, manatees, hogs, deer and alligator gars. “In the winter you’ll see large groups of deer, and people don’t expect that,” she said. “I love how wild it is.”

Indeed, Ichetucknee Springs hosts more wildlife than meets the eye with its unusual combination of habitats, from sandhill to springs, providing shelter for some of Florida’s most vulnerable species. On the float down the Ichetucknee, keep an eye out for an area sectioned off with a brown sign labeling it as a protected area for the endangered Ichetucknee siltsnail.

Less than 3 millimeters wide, these Ichetucknee snails are the last population to exist, according to the Center for Biological Diversity. After multiple petitions and even an intent-to-sue statement, the Fish and Wildlife Service concluded that the tiny snail was well protected enough and is not protected by the Endangered Species Act. Groups like the Florida Springs Institute and Florida Springs

Council, a consortium of environmental groups, continue to fight for protection of North Florida’s springs, including the Ichetucknee. In 2016, the Florida Springs Protection and Aquifer Act was passed to require new nitrogen-reducing onsite sewage treatment systems in areas in close proximity to springs and aquifers. The repeal of the 2015 Waters of the U.S. Rule and cutbacks to the Clean Water Act have also worried conservationists about the potential rise in nutrient pollution as a result. Most recently, the fight against Seven Springs renewing an expired permit to allow Nestle Water to pump water from Ginnie Springs and the Santa Fe River watershed has attracted media attention as Seven Springs and the Suwannee River Water Management District stand in the midst of a legal battle — and one that could make or break Florida’s springs.

Saylor’s first time on the Ichetucknee river was before she could remember, but those early days were the foundation of a deep personal relationship with the river that became a haven for her. “I was very, very little — I was still wearing swimmy floaties,”

she said. “I can just remember being terrified of the river grasses touching my feet. But other than that I always had fun.” Saylor explained that it’s the total opposite from the rushed city life. “It’s just amazing,” she said, “and it feels so disconnected from all the busy-busy and hurry-hurry.”

Floating down the Ichetucknee in 2008, I felt the same way, I was afraid an alligator would swim up beside me or that the limestone cave would suck me in and separate my tube from the rest of the group. Now, when I float down that serene channel of water, that amazing feat of nature — centuries worth of geological formation and biodiversity in the making — I worry that one of our favorite places on Earth may one day be gone. I hope Florida’s residents and its local government come to further appreciate this priceless pocket of beauty.

For more info on Ichetucknee Springs, check out their website at: floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/ ichetucknee-springs-state-park.

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Welcome Back DINE-IN OR TAKE OUT FAMILY FRIENDLY LIVE MUSIC EVERY SATURDAY NIGHT LOCAL CRAFT BEERS ON TAP HALF-PRICE BOTTLES OF WINE EVERY THURSDAY!

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COLUMN

DONNA BONNELL’S

Embracing Life DONKEY SNOT – MY NEW FAVORITE THING

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

MY LIFE HAS BEEN BLESSED WITH AN ABUNDANCE OF ANIMALS, FROM CATS TO COWS; HENS TO HORSES; RABBITS TO ROOSTERS; PARAKEETS TO PUPPIES.

M

any cherished memories are stored in my heart and mind of former beloved beasts and feathered friends. For that, I am eternally grateful.

As a youth, (in 4-H) I raised and judged poultry. In my young adult years, I enjoyed horseback riding on the exquisite equestrian trails in Paynes Prairie. My favorite Christmas tree ornament was created in memory of Birdzilla – the meanest rooster ever!

It was not until this year, however, that I had the pleasure of being sprayed with donkey snot! This latest adventure is courtesy of Pie Baby (Pie), a sweet Jerusalem donkey. Pie’s former human mother made a tough decision to put her up for adoption. She wanted her special four-legged family member to get more affection and attention than her busy schedule allowed.

My son, daughter-in-law and ten-year-old granddaughter (Lexi) were the perfect match. Tears fell, as she unloaded this sweet jenny (female donkey) who had faithfully guarded her family’s farm for over eight years. Pie seemed somewhat sad too, but her new family was determined to make her feel at home.

It did not take long for me (Grammy) to become infatuated with the newest member of the Bonnell family. Slowly, with Lexi’s help and a few healthy donkey snacks, Pie began to trust me. Soon, I noticed a different (somewhat strange) pattern develop. Pie began snorting when she met me at the fence. With the snort, came the snot. I laughed every time but wondered why. Regular readers know, I had to investigate. So, my quest began!

Coincidentally (maybe), I tuned in to the CNN Hero Awards.

(If you are not aware and are looking for good news, I recommend you follow the CNN Heroes program. Their goal is to highlight everyday people doing extraordinary things to change the world.)

Mark Meyers, a 2019 CNN Hero nominee and finalist, shared his wealth of knowledge and experience about donkeys. He described them as, “one of the most misunderstood animals.”

Meyers has dedicated his life to donkey rescues and wants

to educate the public in order to change their negative misconceptions. Most folks judge them as stubborn and stupid. Many are afraid of donkeys and deem them dangerous. Meyers said, “They are one of the smartest animals. They are playful and protective. They’re like big dogs.”

These loyal creatures are the undeserving recipients of ridicule and ridiculous jokes, even how these animals are depicted in fictional stories is deceitful. When Bugs Bunny does something stupid, he turns into a donkey. Pinocchio grew ears, a tail and brayed while drinking beer and smoking a cigar. Eeyore, Winniethe-Pooh’s friend, is a gloomy gray stuffed donkey.

Fortunately, the Christian, Islamic and Judaism religions portray the donkey as a symbol of peace and salvation. Pie has a dark cross on her back running down her spine and across her shoulders. However, Pie’s markings are not unique. Dawn Maton, President of the Western Australia Donkey Society said, “They’ve all got them, even the dark ones. If you shaved their fur, you would find the cross on their skin.”

In my pursuit to learn more, I discovered why Meyers is dedicated to promoting the compassionate treatment of these undervalued animals. Did you know that donkeys: cry silently (without tears), get scared, wag their tails when happy, sleep standing up (but will lay down when they feel free from harm), mourn death, can die of loneliness and bray to warn against predators? Their brays are unique. They vocalize while breathing in and out. Their large ears not only keep them cool but provide excellent hearing.

Donkey owners report that they are more amiable and smarter than horses. Until I met Pie, I would never have believed that donkeys showed affection and are fiercely loyal to those they trust. Pie trusts her new Grammy and will come to the fence when I call her. She usually greets me with a hearty snort.

In this process, I have learned that donkeys snort when they are excited. Admittedly, it is hard to say if Pie’s enthusiasm is entirely due to seeing me. Her snorts may have something to do with donkey treats. In any case, oftentimes the snort emits snot – my new favorite thing. Well, that may be a bit of an exaggeration. However, I am happy to embrace Pie, a symbol of peace, living in my front yard.

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PHOTO ESSAY >> MICHAEL A. EADDY

LEPIDOPTER A

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P H O T O E S S AY B Y M I C H A E L A . E A D DY

ABOUT THE ARTIST: MICHAEL A. EADDY IS AN AWARD-WINNING PHOTOGRAPHER BASED IN GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA. ALWAYS DRIVEN TO EXPRESS HIMSELF ARTISTICALLY HE HAS WORKED AS A GRAPHIC ARTIST, ILLUSTRATOR, DESIGNER, MUSICIAN, AND LUTHIER. HE RECENTLY RETIRED AFTER 18 YEARS AS TECHNICAL DIRECTOR AND PHOTOGRAPHER FOR THE HIPPODROME THEATRE TO PURSUE PHOTOGRAPHY FULL-TIME. LEPIDOPTERA IS AN ORDER OF INSECTS THAT INCLUDES BUTTERFLIES AND MOTHS. THESE PHOTOGRAPHS WERE TAKEN AT THE FLMNH’S BUTTERFLY RAINFOREST, SANTA FE RIVER, AND MICHAEL’S OWN BACKYARD. MICHAELAEADDYPHOTOGRAPHY.COM

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Papilio glaucus, the eastern tiger swallowtail, is a species of swallowtail butterfly native to eastern North America. It is one of the most familiar butterflies in the eastern United States, where it is common in many different habitats. It flies from spring to fall, during which it produces two to three broods.

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LEPIDOPTER A PHOTO ESSAY >> MICHAEL A. EADDY

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Parides photinus, the pink-spotted cattleheart, is a species of butterfly in the family Papilionidae. They have a wingspan reaching 3.5–3.9 inches. Adults are black with the hindwing having a blue-green metallic sheen especially in the male.

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OU R TOW N FAV E S

J U LY 2 0 2 0

THANK YOU TO ALL OF OUR READERS FOR VOTING FOR YOUR FAVORITES IN OVER 250 CATEGORIES. WITH OVER 18,000 VOTES AND HUNDREDS OF ENTRIES, WE’RE PROUD TO INTRODUCE YOU TO OUR TOWN’S FAVORITES. CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL OF THE WINNERS AND FINALISTS!

OUTDOOR LIFE FAVORITE LOCAL ANNUAL EVENT​

AUTUMN PAINT OUT

7 726 SE 179th Place, Micanopy, FL With more than 30 artists painting en plein air, hayrides through the fields, plenty of food and a ticketed Gala to end the week, it’s easy to see why this six-day event is a fall favorite for artists and spectators. Fairoaksfoundation.org.

FINALISTS: Downtown Art Festival Medieval Fair FAVORITE LOCAL ARTIST

LINDA BLONDHEIM

1510 NW 13th St, Gainesville, FL 32601 Capturing the real Florida through paint and brushstrokes, Linda Blondheim’s paintings draw inspiration from the rural outdoor landscapes of Florida where she grew up. Her one-of-a-kind oil and acrylic pieces depict agricultural land, the natural world and trees, which are forever illustrated on canvas.

FINALISTS: Damien Quinones Sharon Kantor

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FAVORITE LOCAL BAND

SISTER HAZEL

FAVORITE LOCAL BOWLING ALLEY

SPLITZ

Sisterhazel.com Gainesville-based Sister Hazel dominated radio airwaves in 1997 with their alternative-rock hit “All for You” and the five-piece group has continued their musical prowess ever since, expanding their repertoire by covering multiple genres like rock, alternative and country.

FINALISTS: Southern Burn Savants of Soul

1301 NW 76th Blvd, Gainesville, FL 32606 Aside from earning acclaim as a 30-lane bowling alley with three styles of the sport, Splitz also features a 40-game Arcade Alley, which has the World’s Largest Connect Four, Lazer Runner laser tag and a sports bar and grill – ensuring they provide something for everyone.

FINALISTS: Alley Gatorz Bowling Center

FAVORITE LOCAL BIKE TRAIL

FAVORITE LOCAL CAMPING SPOT

SAN FELASCO HAMMOCK PRESERVE STATE PARK

11101 Millhopper Road, Gainesville, FL 32653 Outstanding birdwatching, the area’s best offroad biking, stunning scenery and a rich historic past are only a few of this preserve’s highlights.

Named for the Mission San Francisco de Potano, the park offers outdoor adventure to hikers, off-road bicyclists, horseback riders and nature lovers.

FINALISTS: Gainesville-Hawthorne State Trail Haile Plantation

PAYNES PRAIRIE PRESERVE STATE PARK

100 Savannah Blvd, Micanopy,

FL 32667 Marsh marigolds, bald eagles and bison are just a fraction of the natural elements that make up Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park; make your nature encounter last longer by staying overnight as the park offers full facility camping for tents, trailers and motorized vehicles up to 40’ long.

FINALISTS: Blue Springs Ginnie Springs Outdoors, LLC

FAVORITE LOCAL COMEDY VENUE

HIGH DIVE

210 SW 2nd Ave, Gainesville, FL 32601 Aside from hosting musical acts and artists across the genre spectrum, High Dive also pays homage to comedians with their recurring local comedy showcase and event schedule featuring seasoned comedians ready to provoke a laugh out of a Gainesville audience.

FINALISTS: Keg of Laughs The Midnight FAVORITE LOCAL CORPORATE EVENT/PARTY VENUE

F AIR OAKS FOUNDATION

7726 SE 179th Place, Micanopy,

FL 32667 The Fair Oaks Foundation is an organization that’s dedicated to preserving historic properties, woodland, farmland, and wildlife; while offering educational opportunities in the arts, music, literature and gardening. At its core, the foundation aims to encourage the culture of arts, music, and agriculture.

FINALISTS: Santa Fe River Ranch Celebration Pointe FAVORITE LOCAL FARMERS MARKET

H AILE FARMERS MARKET

5213 SW 91st Terrace,

Gainesville, FL 32608 Established in 1998, the Haile Farmers Market has grown to encompass over 50 vendors selling fresh locally-grown fruits and vegetables; bread, cheese, eggs, meat, seafood, and coffee; as well as garden favorites and handmade one-of-a-kind gifts. Explore the market every Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to noon.

FINALISTS: Alachua County Farmers’ Market High Springs FAVORITE LOCAL GOLF COURSE

MEADOWBROOK GOLF CLUB

3200 NW 98th St, Gainesville,

FL 32606 With lush fairways, rolling hills and creative hole placements designed for all skill levels, Meadowbrook Golf Club, which took on new management in 2016, is a Gainesville favorite and a golfer’s paradise.

FINALISTS: Ironwood Golf Course Haile Plantation Golf & Country Club

FAVORITE LOCAL LIMO/BUS SERVICE

FAVORITE LOCAL MUSICIAN

C ANDIES LIMOUSINE

6916 W University Ave, Gainesville, FL 32607 Candies Limousine has been a family-owned business for 30 years and is the oldest and most reliable service in the North Central Florida area. Their fleet consists of stretch limousines, executive sedans, Rolls-Royce, a 14-passenger limousine bus, 28-passenger mini bus and a 56-passenger motor coach.

FAVORITE LOCAL LIVE MUSIC VENUE

HIGH DIVE

Harn Museum of Art Butterfly Rainforest at the Florida Museum of Natural History

ERIC REDMOND

Redmondmusic.com In addition to being a professional piano player and singer experienced in elegant music ranging from smooth jazz, big band and the oldies, Eric Redmond uses his talents to perform at events and teach aspiring musicians piano lessons.

FINALISTS: Ryan Akridge Jamie Davis FAVORITE LOCAL NEIGHBORHOOD

DUCKPOND

210 SW 2nd Ave, Gainesville, FL 32601 Named one of the 100 Greatest American Music Venues by Consequence of Sound blog, the High Dive building has provided space for local musicians and radio giants like Dave Matthews Band, Kenny Chesney, Green Day, Black Keys and more. With their intimate setting, audiences experience musical performances unlike anywhere else.

FINALISTS: One Love Cafe Swamp City Gallery Lounge

Northeast Gainesville Duckpond is one of Gainesville’s oldest neighborhoods dating back to the late 1800s into the early 1900s. Aside from being heralded as the former neighborhood of rockicon Tom Petty, Duckpond is a natural escape with moss-covered oaks and vibrant gardens overlooking Victorian, Mediterranean, and Colonial-style homes and architecture.

FINALISTS: Tioga Oakmont

FAVORITE LOCAL MINIATURE GOLF

FAVORITE LOCAL NON-PROFIT

S KATE STATION FUNWORKS

1311 NW 76th Blvd, Gainesville, FL 32606 Complete with a backstory of the Legend of Swamp Golf and the adventures of Captain Greybeard, Skate Station Funworks’ mini-golf is a favorite attraction with visitors along with their other offerings like skating, rock climbing, Go Karts and batting cages.

FAVORITE LOCAL MUSEUM

F LORIDA MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY

3215 Hull Road, Gainesville, FL 32611 From permanent displays like Florida Fossils or Land and Northwest Florida to rotating exhibits like Amazing Pollinators and Women of the Everglades, the Florida Museum of Natural History has been providing educational experiences to guests since 1939 when certain collections – in a previous locale – opened to the public.

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PARTNERSHIP FOR STRONG FAMILIES

Pfsf.org Partnership for Strong Families provides child welfare services designed to protect local children from abuse, neglect and abandonment and assists in establishing safe and permanent homes with their own families, partner families or adoptive parents.

FINALISTS: Danscompany Of Gainesville Inc. We Are Neutral FAVORITE LOCAL PAINT & SIP ART STUDIO

LINDA BLONDHEIM STUDIO

3032 NW 161st Court,

Gainesville, FL 32609 What’s better than enjoying a cup of tea, homemade scones, tea sandwiches and other goodies? Pairing them with the beautiful scenery of Linda Blondheim’s Studio! Linda’s Tea Parties are decorated with flower and bird paintings, dried July/August 2020

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flowers hung from the ceiling, and mismatched tea pots, cups and saucers.

FINALISTS: Painting with a Twist Corks & Colors Studio FAVORITE LOCAL PLACE TO GO SWIMMING

ICHETUCKNEE SPRINGS STATE PARK

12087 SW U.S. Highway 27 Fort

White, FL 32038 At 2,669 acres, Ichetucknee Springs State Park offers eight major crystalline springs, the upper portion of which is a National Natural Landmark, that are ideal for summer swimming or enjoying by canoe or kayak during the cooler months.

FINALISTS: Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park Westside Park FAVORITE LOCAL PLACE TO HAVE A BIRTHDAY PARTY

OKITO AMERICA

6900 SW Archer Road, Gainesville, FL 32608 Birthdays at Okito America provide party-goers with a range of activities including a karate class, games, board breaking and additional options with the main event centered around cutting the birthday cake with a sword.

FINALISTS: Fluid Lounge Skate Station Funworks FAVORITE LOCAL PLACE TO PEOPLE WATCH

DEPOT PARK

874 SE 4 St, Gainesville, FL 32601 Splashing in the Blue Grotto or strolling along the promenade; enjoying a picnic in the pavilion or visiting the Cade Museum; grabbing a snack at Pop-A-Top General Store or a beverage at Box Car Wine & Beer Garden – whatever it is, there’s always an adventure at Depot Park.

FINALISTS: Celebration Pointe Fluid Lounge

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FAVORITE LOCAL PLACE TO TAKE VISITORS

L A CHUA TRAIL

4801 Camp Ranch Road, Gainesville, FL 32641 Visitors can explore Paynes Prairie through eight different trails by hiking, biking or horseback riding, but guests can delve deeper into the natural details within the trails by joining a ranger chat on La Chua Trail, which is offered every Saturday at 9 a.m.

FINALISTS: Ichetucknee Springs State Park—Southern Entrance Devil’s Millhopper Geological State Park FAVORITE LOCAL PLACE TO TAKE YOUR KIDS

HOGTOWN CREEK HEADWATERS NATURE PARK

1500 NW 45th Ave, Gainesville, FL 32605 From former pinelands and majestic upland mixed forests to shady fern-covered wetlands, the 70-acre Hogtown Creek Headwaters Nature Park protects a variety of natural habitats. Through nature trails, a playground and a picnic pavilion, the park provides options for both nature-based and active recreation.

FINALISTS: Depot Park One Love Cafe FAVORITE LOCAL PLACE TO TAKE YOUR PARENTS

UTTERFLY B RAINFOREST AT THE FLORIDA MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY

3215 Hull Road, Gainesville, FL 32611 Though butterflies can be seen perched on leaves or soaring through the air at any point in time, the best time to visit the Butterfly Rainforest is during a butterfly release when multiple butterflies leave their previous enclosure and create a rainbow through the 6,400-square-foot screened-in exhibit.

FINALISTS: Hippodrome Theatre Kanapaha Botanical Gardens

FAVORITE LOCAL PLACE TO WORSHIP

THE FAMILY CHURCH

2022 SW 122nd St, Gainesville, FL 32607 From discipleship and corporate worship to providing community service and organizing mission trips, The Family Church offers a variety of ways to express one’s faith and leads Sunday service every week at 9 a.m. and 10:45 a.m.

FINALISTS: Destiny Community Church Greenhouse Church FAVORITE LOCAL SPORTS TEAM

G ATOR FOOTBALL

Floridagators.com/sports/football Since its formation in 1906, the Gators football team has attracted lifelong, dedicated fans throughout their century-long history. Decked in their best orange and blue, spectators gather at Gainesville’s hometown stadium each fall to cheer on their favorite players.

FINALISTS: Gator Basketball Gator Gymnastics FAVORITE LOCAL SPORTS VENUE

EN HILL GRIFFIN B STADIUM

157 Gale Lemerand Dr.

Gainesville, FL 32611 Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, or “The Swamp” as it’s affectionately known as, was originally built in 1930 and has since expanded its capacity to now seat up to 88,548 fans, which makes it the largest football stadium in the state of Florida.

FINALISTS: Stephen C. O’Connell Center Easton Newberry Archery facility FAVORITE LOCAL WEDDING RECEPTION VENUE

F AIR OAKS FOUNDATION

7726 SE 179th Place, Micanopy,

FL 32667 With rich foliage, draping trees cloaked in green moss and a position on the quiet countryside, Fair Oaks in Micanopy is the perfect venue to host a peaceful, scenic and memorable wedding.

FINALISTS: Santa Fe River Ranch Sweetwater Branch Inn Lodging and Events

EATS FAVORITE “BEST-KEPT SECRET” RESTAURANT

MR. HAN’S RESTAURANT

6944 NW 10th Pl, Gainesville,

FL 32605 From classic Chinese favorites like steamed dumplings, egg rolls and wontons, to more unique menu items like South African lobster tail, weeping willow chicken and phoenix and dragon soup, Mr. Han’s Restaurant is a Gainesville favorite and a foodie’s best-kept secret.

FINALISTS: Country Skillit Volcanic Sushi + Sake FAVORITE LOCAL AMERICAN FOOD

COPPER MONKEY WEST

14209 W Newberry Rd, Newberry, FL 32669 Established in 1980, Copper Monkey West has been making legendary burgers for 40 years.

Though they offer breakfast, appetizers and an array of sandwiches, the locals flock to the restaurant for their burgers – the choices of which are plain and simple or piled with toppings.

FINALISTS: Headwaters Loosey’s Downtown Gainesville FAVORITE LOCAL BAKERY

U PPERCRUST PRODUCTIONS

4118 NW 16th Blvd, Gainesville,

FL 32605 Since its founding in 1981, Uppercrust Productions

has been making mouthwatering made-fromscratch patisseries like scones, tarts, quiches, cookies and eclairs; flavorful cakes; fresh breads and bistro items like croissants, spreads and soups that appease both sweet and savory food cravings.

FINALISTS: Secret Garden Bakery The Bakery Mill FAVORITE LOCAL BAR FOOD

COPPER MONKEY WEST

14209 W Newberry Rd, Newberry, FL 32669 From jumbo wings, loaded cheese fries and legendary steak burgers like the Newberry Road piled with grilled onions, mushrooms and provolone or the Orange and Bleu topped with bleu cheese, fried onion strings and Boom Boom sauce, it’s easy to see why the Copper Monkey West is a bar-food favorite.

FINALISTS: Crafty Bastards Restaurant Loosey’s Downtown Gainesville FAVORITE LOCAL BBQ

A DAM’S RIB CO

2109 NW 13th St, Gainesville, FL 32609 With two locations on 13th Street, barbeque-lovers can’t get enough of Adam’s Rib Company.

Established in 2005, Adam’s menu consists of slow smoked ribs, pork and chicken flavored from pecan, black jack, and hickory infused woods in addition to homemade sides like baked beans, collards, coleslaw and mac ‘n’ cheese.

FINALISTS: Sonny’s BBQ David’s BBQ & Catering

FAVORITE LOCAL BRUNCH/ BREAKFAST

43RD STREET DELI

4401 NW 25 Place, Gainesville, FL 32606 For over 35 years, family-owned and operated 43rd Street Deli & Breakfast House has provided breakfast and lunch classics and culinary twists to their customers and have expanded their reach to serve two restaurant locations.

FINALISTS: Metro Diner The Bakery Mill FAVORITE LOCAL BURGER

COPPER MONKEY WEST 1 4209 W Newberry Rd,

Newberry, FL 32669 Despite offering a fully-loaded menu, The Copper Monkey West earned local acclaim from their gourmet steak burgers. From a plain seasoned patty on a warm Keiser roll to a black bean alternative with a hearty helping of veggies, Copper Monkey West is a burger haven for any appetite.

FINALISTS: Bev’s Better Burgers Mac’s Drive Thru FAVORITE LOCAL CATERER

DOS MAMAS CATERING

3315 N Main Terrace, Gainesville, FL 32609 Whether you aim to design your own menu or leave the course choices to owner Terra LaFleur, Dos Mamas Catering provides delectable options and presentation skills fit for any catered event.

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Celebrations Catering SweetBerries Eatery and Frozen Custard FAVORITE LOCAL CHEF

BRITON DUMAS

3545 SW 34th St. Suite A, Gainesville, FL 32608 Chef Briton Dumas, an executive chef with Embers, is a Gainesville native and culinary arts graduate of Johnson & Wales University. Being classically trained in French cuisine, Dumas translates his skills into the Embers menu with items like pan seared foie gras and white wine sautéed escargot.

FINALISTS: Nestor Espartero Bert Gill FAVORITE LOCAL CHICKEN WINGS

COPPER MONKEY WEST

14209 W Newberry Rd, Newberry, FL 32669 Served with creamy ranch or bleu cheese and celery, Copper Monkey West’s chicken wings, aka jumbo monkey wings, are smothered in sauces ranging from classics like mild, medium, hot, sweet barbeque and honey teriyaki to unique flavors like lemon pepper, Cajun, sweet Thai chili and Boom Boom sauce.

FINALISTS: Gators Dockside Gainesville Loosey’s Downtown Gainesville FAVORITE LOCAL CHINESE FOOD

Y UMMY HOUSE

3102 SW 34th St, Gainesville, FL 32608 Toishan, China natives John Zhao and Tommy Tang started Yummy House in Tampa, FL, before expanding their locations to include a spot in Gainesville. By serving authentic Chinese cuisine and dim sum, they quickly became a local favorite.

FINALISTS: Mr. Han’s Restaurant Gator Suyaki FAVORITE LOCAL CHOCOLATE/ CANDY STORE

THORNEBROOK CHOCOLATES

2441 NW 43rd St. Suite 21,

Gainesville, FL 32606 Nestled in the Thornebrook Village Shopping Center, locally owned and operated Thornebrook 78 |

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Chocolates has been providing unique gifts and assorted hand-dipped confections since 1985.

With milk, dark and white-chocolate coatings accompanied by a variety of fillings, Thornebrook has something for every chocolate enthusiast.

FINALISTS: Kilwins Gainesville Simply Delightful! Confections FAVORITE LOCAL COFFEE/ COFFEEHOUSE

TEA MOMENT

16 NW 18th St #125, Gainesville, FL 32603 From milk, fruit and bubble tea to matcha, fruit, coffee and taro slushes and green smoothies, Tea Moments is a tea-drinkers paradise with options to fill other beverage cravings.

FINALISTS: CYM Coffee Co The Talented Cookie Company FAVORITE LOCAL DELICATESSEN

DAVE’S NEW YORK DELI

12921 SW 1 Road Suite 105, Newberry, FL 32669 Voted Best Deli by Home Magazine and Best Sandwich by Ken Eats Gainesville from 20142018, Dave’s New York Deli’s Gainesville and Newberry locations provide customers with towering deli sandwiches, wraps, burgers and authentic bagels sourced from a bakery in the Bronx.

FINALISTS: Hogan’s SweetBerries Eatery and Frozen Custard FAVORITE LOCAL FAMILY RESTAURANT

VOLCANIC SUSHI + SAKE

5141 SW 91st Way Suite I-101,

Gainesville, Florida 32608 Located at Haile Village Center and Hunter’s Crossing, Volcanic Sushi & Sake offers colorful Japanese dishes inspired by Asian fusion.

Executive chef and restaurant CEO Nester Espartero has added to Volcanic Sushi’s popularity by earning the title of Iron Chef Gainesville for the past three years.

FINALISTS: Brown’s Country Buffet Copper Monkey West

FAVORITE LOCAL FINE DINING

EMBERS

3545 SW 34th St Suite A, Gainesville, FL 32608 To add a unique spin to their menu, Embers puts together an annual Wine and Food Festival Dinner Series every March with this year’s festivities using a three-course meal to represent a different country each weekend.

FINALISTS: Mark’s Prime Steakhouse Francesca’s Trattoria FAVORITE LOCAL FIRST DATE SPOT

A LPIN BISTRO

15 SW 2nd St, Gainesville, FL 32601 At Alpin Bistro, guests can enjoy artisan cheeses, chocolates and charcuteries that are carefully selected and imported weekly; a selection of fresh breads and produce from local bakeries and farms; organic eggs, Amish butter and oldworld natural wines.

FINALISTS: Volcanic Sushi + Sake Copper Monkey West FAVORITE LOCAL FOOD TRUCK

CILANTRO TACOS

12921 SW 1st Road Suite 103, Newberry, FL 32669 Cilantro Tacos is a family-owned business originally from the coast of southern California. In 2013, they brought their vibrant Mexican flavors to Newberry with the objective of creating delicious made-to-order street tacos filled with bright ingredients like fresh pico de gallo and hand-smashed guacamole.

FINALISTS: Eim Thai Gainesville FL Tinker Food Truck FAVORITE LOCAL FRENCH FRIES

POTATO HUB

16 NW 18th St, Gainesville, FL 32603 With over 15 different flavors on the menu, Potato Hub isn’t known for serving your average potato wedges. From garlic parmesan, white cheddar and chili barbeque to more unusual combinations like creamy wasabi, gator sweetcorn and roasted seaweed, Potato Hub is sure to stretch your French fry palate.

FINALISTS: Tony and Al’s Deli Copper Monkey West FAVORITE LOCAL GLUTEN FREE FOOD

BOLAY

2905 SW 42nd St Suite 80, Gainesville, FL 32608 Following the movement to a healthier and more sustainable living, Bolay selects each ingredient on their menu with care and purpose while ensuring everything they offer – from bases to sauces – is 100 % gluten-free.

FINALISTS: The Top Blue Gill Quality Food FAVORITE LOCAL HANGOVER FOOD

COPPER MONKEY WEST

14209 W Newberry Road, Newberry, FL 32669 Setting their legendary burgers aside, Copper Monkey West is the answer to stuffing your face after a hangover with their breakfast options.

With fresh eggs and fluffy omelets – nature’s hangover cure – crisp waffles, biscuits and toast, Copper Monkey West has what you’ll be craving in the a.m.

FINALISTS: Flaco’s Cuban Bakery Metro Diner FAVORITE LOCAL HIBACHI/JAPANESE STEAK

YAMATO JAPANESE RESTAURANT

526 NW 60th St, Gainesville, FL 32607 Pork dumplings, agedashi tofu and sushi rolls – Yamato has it all. From assorted platters, traditional Japanese cuisine, teppan yaki and more, Yamato is Gainesville’s favorite Japanese steakhouse and hibachi restaurant.

FINALISTS: Samurai Japanese Steak House & Sushi Bar Tony’s FAVORITE LOCAL ITALIAN FOOD

F RANCESCA’S TRATTORIA

4410 NW 25 Place, Gainesville,

FL 32606 Francesca’s Trattoria prides itself on making fresh

ingredients like stocks and sauces from scratch.

Led by Chef Michael Khey, who’s practiced his culinary skills in Germany, Switzerland, Italy and France, each dish is prepared in a traditional manner, without shortcuts – a process that’s made them Gainesville’s favorite Italian restaurant.

FINALISTS: O Sole Mio Cucina Italiana Piesanos Stone Fired Pizza FAVORITE LOCAL JAPANESE FOOD

VOLCANIC SUSHI + SAKE

5200 NW 43rd St Suite 509, Gainesville, FL 32606 With 28 different sushi rolls like sweet monster, red dragon and volcanic to candy cane, spider and angry eel; an assortment of bowls, entrees and Japanese favorites like gyoza and sashimi, Volcanic Sushi and Sake is the perfect spot to find the best Japanese food in town.

FINALISTS: Yamato Japanese Restaurant Dragonfly Sushi & Sake Company FAVORITE LOCAL MEDITERRANEAN FOOD

ZEEZENIA KITCHEN AND MARKET

2325 SW 13th St, Gainesville, FL 32608 Crisp falafel patties on pita bread, a gyro with tzatziki and baklava for dessert, Zeezenia Kitchen and Market in Gainesville is a hub for delicious Mediterranean-style food and is a favorite with the locals.

FINALISTS: Zoës Kitchen Sababa FAVORITE LOCAL MEXICAN FOOD

L AS MARGARITAS

4405 NW 39th Ave, Gainesville, FL 32606 Don’t let the name fool you, Las Margaritas isn’t just a venue for sipping tasty cocktails – they offer some of the best Mexican food in town. Whether you’re craving tacos, enchiladas, quesadillas, fajitas or another flavorful favorite, you’ll find delicious and authentic Mexican food at Las Margaritas.

FINALISTS: Cilantro Tacos Tacos Volcan

FAVORITE LOCAL NACHOS

TACOS VOLCAN

6419 W Newberry Road, Gainesville, FL 32605 Located inside the Oaks Mall food court, Tacos Volcan’s passion for making flavorful tacos, nachos and other handcrafted Mexican cuisine piled high with fresh, simple ingredients has made them a city favorite and the best place to get a plate of nachos.

FINALISTS: Copper Monkey West Boca Fiesta FAVORITE LOCAL PIZZA

IESANOS STONE FIRED P PIZZA

5757 SW 75th St, #101,

Gainesville, FL 32608 The only thing better than pie is pizza pie and Piesanos Stone Fired Pizza knows how to make the best with freshly made dough baked golden brown and loaded with delicious toppings, you can’t stop at just one slice and with three locations around Gainesville, you don’t have to.

FINALISTS: Leonardo’s Pizza of Millhopper Villaggio Pizzeria FAVORITE LOCAL PLACE FOR $10 DINNER

MI APÁ

114 SW 34th St, Gainesville, FL 32607 Mi Apá Latin Café’s goal is to serve traditional Cuban food using the freshest, tastiest ingredients with authentic, old-world Cuban recipes at an affordable price. With mouthwatering sandwiches, arepas and entrees, Mi Apá is the place to find delicious Cuban food at a wallet-friendly price.

FINALISTS: SweetBerries Eatery and Frozen Custard Tea Moment FAVORITE LOCAL PLACE FOR $5 LUNCH

TEA MOMENT

16 NW 18th St #125, Gainesville, FL 32603 Whether you’re craving a healthy, veggie-filled green smoothie, an energy-boosting slush or a crab rice roll, Tea Moment is the place in town to grab a bite for lunch under $5.

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FINALISTS: El Indio Mexican Restaurant 13th St Big Lou’s NY Style Pizzeria FAVORITE LOCAL PLACE TO CHOW AFTER 2 AM

FLACO’S CUBAN BAKERY

200 W University Ave,

Gainesville, FL 32601 Established in 2006, Flaco’s Cuban Bakery is a family-owned Cuban café that offers sandwiches, sweet pastries made fresh daily, home-cooked rice, ropa vieja, hot Cuban cafecitos and more – the best part is they’re open late to fulfill their customers’ late-night food cravings.

FINALISTS: Waffle House Five Star Pizza FAVORITE LOCAL PLACE TO GET A DOUGHNUT

H ALO POTATO DONUTS

1323 S Main St, Gainesville, FL 32601 Founded by Drew Stuerman, Halo Potato Donuts is an independently owned and operated donut food truck and catering company whose donuts are a cross between yeast and cake donuts, which makes them light like a yeasted donut, yet dense like a cake donut – combining the best of both methods.

FINALISTS: Krispy Kreme Donut Connection FAVORITE LOCAL RESTAURANT OVERALL

MR. HAN’S RESTAURANT

6944 NW 10th Place,

Gainesville, FL 32605 Not only is Mr. Hans Restaurant & Night Club the favorite restaurant among locals, it’s also a celebrity hot spot. George Burns, Robin Williams, Rodney Dangerfield, Bob Hope and Billy Crystal have all enjoyed the delicious food at Mr. Han’s over the years.

FINALISTS: Volcanic Sushi + Sake Copper Monkey West

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FAVORITE LOCAL RESTAURANT PATIO

G REAT OUTDOORS RESTAURANT

65 High Springs Main St, High

Springs, FL 32643 With occasional live music, an outdoor bar, pet-friendly patio and a roaring fireplace in the winter, the Great Outdoors Restaurant is the best place to be, well, outdoors. The natural atmosphere paired with hearty, mouthwatering food makes the Great Outdoors the ideal place to grab some grub.

FINALISTS: One Love Cafe Volcanic Sushi + Sake FAVORITE LOCAL RIBS

A DAM’S RIB CO

2109 NW 13th St, Gainesville, FL 32609 With “ribs” in the center of their name, Adam’s Rib Co. sure knows how to make ‘em! Slow smoked, slathered in sweet sauce and packed with flavor from pecan, black jack and hickory-infused woods, Adam’s Rib Co. has some of the best southern-style barbeque ribs in Gainesville.

FINALISTS: Sonny’s BBQ David’s Bbq & Catering FAVORITE LOCAL SEAFOOD

WAHOO SEAFOOD GRILL

3833 NW 97th Blvd, Gainesville, FL 32606 In 2013, Shawn Shepherd partnered with Butch Monaghan to open Wahoo Seafood Grill’s first location in Gainesville and a second in Tallahassee in 2015. With fresh fish butchered on-site daily and recipes inspired by the southern and Cajun flavors of Shepherd’s childhood, Wahoo has some of the best seafood in town.

FINALISTS: Northwest Grille Cedar River Seafood of Gainesville FAVORITE LOCAL STEAKHOUSE

EMBERS

3545 SW 34th St. Suite A, Gainesville, FL 32608 Named as one of the Top 10 Steakhouses in Florida by Bestthingsfl.com, Embers Wood Grill offers a fine-dining experience like no other.

Grilled over a hickory, pecan and cherry wood grill and hand cut and fully trimmed in house, Embers’ USDA prime beef is the star of the menu.

FINALISTS: Texas Roadhouse Mark’s Prime Steakhouse FAVORITE LOCAL SUSHI

VOLCANIC SUSHI + SAKE

5141 SW 91st Way Suite I-101,

Gainesville, Florida 32608 Renowned for their sushi, Volcanic Sushi and Sake offers 28 flavors to choose from like the bagel roll with salmon, cream cheese and scallions; the haile with tuna tartare, lotus roots and eel sauce; and the caliente – a seaweed wrapped roll with white fish tempura, avocado, lettuce and spicy mayo.

FINALISTS: Ichiban Sushi Fuji Sushi FAVORITE LOCAL TACOS

CILANTRO TACOS

12921 SW 1 Rd Suite 103, Newberry, FL 32669 Soft flour, yellow corn or hard tortilla shells piled high with fresh ingredients like crisp romaine, onions, cheese, cilantro, smashed guacamole and sour cream over hand-prepped proteins is the recipe for a flawless taco made at Cilantro Tacos in Newberry.

FINALISTS: Tacos Volcan Boca Fiesta FAVORITE LOCAL THAI FOOD

BANGKOK SQUARE

8181 NW 39th Ave Suite 100, Gainesville, FL 32606 Bangkok Square is a family-owned restaurant specializing in flavorful and traditional Thai food including a rainbow of curries, noodles and fried rice as well as unique desserts like sticky rice with Thai custard, lychee and Thai donuts.

FINALISTS: Taste Eim Thai

FAVORITE LOCAL VEGETARIAN/ VEGAN FOOD

THE TOP

30 N Main St, Gainesville, FL 32601 The Top’s vegetarian and vegan dishes certainly aren’t lacking in flavor and they definitely aren’t limited to salads. Seitan Phillies, blackened tofu melts, Peruvian black bean bowls and crispy fried falafel patties – The Top is a haven for Gainesville’s vegetarian and vegan foodies.

FINALISTS: Daily Green Indian Street Food FAVORITE LOCAL VIETNAMESE FOOD

BAGELS & NOODLES

1222 W University Ave, Gainesville, FL 32601 Despite having a vast collection of bagels and spreads like sun dried tomato pesto or apple cinnamon, Bagels and Noodles isn’t just for breakfast staples, it has the best Vietnamese food in town – serving up favorites like pho bo vien, rice vermicelli and pomenh noodle soup.

FINALISTS: Chopstix Cafe Taste FAVORITE LOCAL WAIT STAFF

VOLCANIC SUSHI + SAKE - LOUELLA SUATARON

5141 SW 91st Way Suite I-101, Gainesville, Florida 32608 Louella “Ella” Suataron began at Volcanic Sushi + Saki nearly four years ago as a server and quickly rose to fulfill a management position.

Throughout the years, she’s continued to be a wait staff favorite among Volcanic regulars.

FINALISTS: Copper Monkey West FAVORITE LOCAL WINE SELECTION AT A RESTAURANT

EMBERS

3545 SW 34th St Suite A, Gainesville, FL 32608 In addition to having two certified wine experts on staff, Embers has over 420 wine selections in stock, 30 different wines by the glass and an extensive bar list featuring ports and sherries. So whether you’re a wine newbie or an aficionado,

Embers has the best selection to choose from.

FINALISTS: Mark’s Prime Steakhouse Public & General Restaurant FAVORITE RESTAURANT IN ALACHUA

TONY AND AL’S DELI

14960 Main St, Alachua, FL 32615 Manicotti, stuffed shells, eggplant rollatini, ravioli carbonara, chicken Marsala and other Italian specialties at Tony and Al’s Restaurant take Alachua natives to the Italian coast without the plane ticket and it’s their dedication to traditional Italian fare that earned them the title of favorite restaurant in Alachua.

FINALISTS: Conestogas Restaurant Brown’s Country Buffet

FAVORITE RESTAURANT IN GAINESVILLE

L EONARDO’S PIZZA OF MILLHOPPER

4131 NW 16th Blvd, Gainesville,

FL 32605 With over 40 years of experience, Leonardo’s Pizza of Millhopper knows how to capture their customers’ hearts and taste buds by serving up mouthwatering Chicago-style pizza, hand-tied garlic knots and other Italian baked dinners, which have made them Gainesville’s fave!

FINALISTS: The Top Volcanic Sushi + Sake FAVORITE RESTAURANT IN HIGH SPRINGS

G REAT OUTDOORS RESTAURANT

65 N Main St, High Springs, FL

32643 · Winner of Trip Advisor’s Award of Excellence in 2018 and named favorite restaurant in High Springs by Our Town readers, The Great Outdoors Restaurant attracts customers with live music, an outdoor patio, dining in the upstairs opera house and delicious food.

FINALISTS: Bev’s Burger Cafe Headwaters

FAVORITE RESTAURANT IN NEWBERRY

V ILLAGGIO PIZZERIA

179 SW 250th St, Newberry, FL 32669 Thin New York-style pizza, calzones, Stromboli, crisp garlic knots and sweet cannoli are key to having one of the best restaurants in Newberry and Villaggio’s Pizzeria has all of the above making it the favorite spot to grab a bite in Newberry.

FINALISTS: Copper Monkey West Woodyard Grill

HEALTH & BEAUTY FAVORITE LASER HAIR REMOVAL CENTER

ACCENT AESTHETICS

4340 W Newberry Road Suite 102, Gainesville, FL 32607 Accent Aesthetics specializes in minimally invasive and non-invasive medical aesthetic procedures like facial rejuvenation treatments and laser hair removal and offers medical grade skin-care products. Using state-of-the-art techniques, Accent Aesthetics tailors every client’s needs and lifestyle with a treatment plan unique to them.

FINALISTS: John W. Tyrone, MD, PLLC, Plastic Surgery Laser & Skin Care Center of Gainesville FAVORITE LOCAL AESTHETICIAN

CHRISTINE DAUTEL

4340 W Newberry Road Suite 102, Gainesville, FL 32607 Christine Dautel, an aesthetician with Accent Aesthetics, has advanced training in laser hair removal; light treatments for pigmentation and vascular concerns; chemical peels; anti-aging treatments and skin care. During her career, she’s garnered a loyal clientele due to her passion in helping her patients meet their skincare goals.

FINALISTS: John W. Tyrone, MD Cloud 9 Spa Salon FAVORITE LOCAL AUDIOLOGIST

RYAN BAKER AU.D.

4340 Newberry Road Suite 301, Gainesville, FL 32607 In 2007, Dr. Ryan Baker earned his doctorate in audiology from the University of Florida where he was the recipient of UF’s Outstanding Alumni

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award. Dr. Baker’s also a Fellow of the American Academy of Audiology and holds a Certificate of Clinical Competence from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.

FINALISTS: Diana Guercio, Au.D. Steven Petrakis Au.D. FAVORITE LOCAL BODY PIERCING SHOP

BODYTECH TATTOOING & PIERCING

806 W University Ave,

Gainesville, FL 32601 Established in 1998 by Wayne Lessard, Bodytech Tattooing and Piercing Inc. prides itself on providing a professional, clean and friendly atmosphere where their clients are their number one priority – a standard that’s earned them the reputation of being Gainesville’s favorite body piercing shop.

FINALISTS: Anatomic Body Arts Death Or Glory Tattoo Parlour FAVORITE LOCAL CHIROPRACTOR

A BSOLUTE HEALTH CHIROPRACTIC

4110 NW 37th Place Suite D,

Gainesville, FL 32606 Led by long-time Gainesville resident and chiropractor Dr. Rick Haines, Absolute Health Chiropractic offers its clientele a range of ser82 |

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vices and treatments for migraines and sinus headaches; carpal tunnel syndrome; chronic ear infections; back, neck and muscle pain; vertigo and so much more through natural, safe chiropractic methods.

FINALISTS: Awaken Chiropractic Powell Chiropractic Health Center FAVORITE LOCAL DENTIST OFFICE

G ENTLE DENTAL CARE

3655 SW 2nd Ave, Gainesville, FL 32607 Gentle Dental Care has been a leader in the Gainesville dental community since 1978. Taking pride and satisfaction in helping their patients maintain optimal oral health, Gentle Dental Care provides comprehensive and preventive patient care with services in general and cosmetic dentistry.

FINALISTS: Delmond Dentistry Smart Smile Dentistry FAVORITE LOCAL DERMATOLOGIST

DERMATOLOGY SPECIALISTS OF GAINESVILLE

212 NW 135th Way Suite 20, Newberry, FL 32669 Dermatology Specialists of Gainesville is a full-service dermatology resource that serves patients in and around Gainesville. The practice,

which is led by dermatologists Dr. Christina Mitchell and Dr. Daven Doshi, offers comprehensive dermatology care as well as the latest in medical aesthetics.

FINALISTS: UF Health Dermatology Gainesville Dermatology & Skin Surgery FAVORITE LOCAL DOCTOR

G AINESVILLE DIRECT PRIMARY CARE PHYSICIANS

3780 NW 83rd St, Gainesville, FL 32606 Founded by Dr. Shenary J. Cotter and Dr. Althea Tyndall-Smith, Gainesville Direct Primary Care Physicians is the first physician owned and operated direct primary care practice in North Central Florida and was established with the goal of having a reasonably-priced practice where physicians can spend meaningful time with their patients.

FINALISTS: Jeffrey Phillips OneStop Medical and Urgent Care FAVORITE LOCAL EYE CLINIC

LACHUA FAMILY EYE A CARE

16181 NW US Highway 441 Suite

140, Alachua, FL 32615 Anchored by optometrist Dr. William Avonda and his wife Debbie Avonda, a licensed dispensing optician, Alachua Family Eye Care is

dedicated to providing personalized care and ensuring the comfort and satisfaction of each and every patient.

FINALISTS: Gainesville Vision North Florida Cataract Specialists and Vision Care FAVORITE LOCAL EYE LASHES SALON

BEAUTY LOUNGE & CO

1405 NW 6th St Suite 110, Gainesville, FL 32601 Co-founded in 2016 by microblading artist Nikki Naylor, Beauty Lounge & Co prides itself in using the highest quality tools and products in the industry as well as employing highly-educated artists like Naylor and lash extension and waxing specialist Miranda Bohr.

FINALISTS: Cloud 9 Spa Salon The Brow Queen, Anamaris LLC FAVORITE LOCAL EYEBROW SALON

S ALON ZIBA (ZIBA DE BEAUTE)

2441 NW 43rd St, Gainesville,

FL 32606 Ziba Ahmadi has been perfecting the art of eyebrow threading for over 20 years and has been hailed as the best in Gainesville by her clientele. Her appointment-only services include threading for the face, arms and legs.

FINALISTS: The Brow Queen, Anamaris LLC Beauty Lounge & Co FAVORITE LOCAL GROUP FITNESS

F ULL CIRCLE CYCLE STUDIO

3700 NW 91st St, Gainesville,

FL 32606 Full Circle Cycle Studio is Gainesville’s only fitness studio dedicated to indoor cycling. The studio, which offers both morning and evening classes, houses 15 stationary bikes in a comfortable, non-intimidating, and fun environment, which allows for the instructor and participants to interact to optimize fitness, growth and enjoyment.

FINALISTS: AUXO Fitness Elevate Fitness

FAVORITE LOCAL GYM

G AINESVILLE HEALTH & FITNESS

4820 W Newberry Road, Gainesville, FL 32607 Founded in 1978 by Joseph Cirulli, Gainesville Health & Fitness has grown over the last 40 years to encompass three centers and 27,000 members and offers group classes; fitness for families, seniors and athletes; personal training; special amenities like a lap pool and smoothie bar and so much more.

FINALISTS: AUXO Fitness Elevate Fitness FAVORITE LOCAL HAIR SALON

EDEN MICHELE SALON

2441 NW 43rd St Suite 2B, Gainesville, FL 32606 Founded in 2016, Eden Michele Salon is an Aveda-exclusive salon, meaning they only use Aveda’s environmentally responsible products containing natural and organic ingredients for all the services they offer like highlights and color; haircuts and styling; and keratin and conditioning treatments.

FINALISTS: Cloud 9 Spa Salon Sixth Street Station Salon FAVORITE LOCAL HEALTH FOOD STORE

SUNFLOWER HEALTH FOODS

3424 W University Ave,

Gainesville, FL 32607 Sunflower Health Foods is passionate about the health of the community and provides a vast assortment of vitamins and minerals; Gainesville’s largest selection of herbs; proteins and body-building products; brands specializing in digestion and probiotics; as well as essential oils and CBD hemp oils.

FINALISTS: Earth Fare Ward’s Supermarket FAVORITE LOCAL HERBAL/ NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENT STORE

MIRANDA CASTRO’S SHOP

2833 NW 41st St Suite 140, Gainesville, FL 32606

Miranda Castro’s Shop, founded by Britishtrained professional homeopath Miranda Castro, began as an online store with two products developed by Castro: a healing cream for joints and muscles and a healing cream for scars. Her shop has since grown in online presence and now includes a physical location in Gainesville.

FINALISTS: Your CBD Store Sunflower Health Foods FAVORITE LOCAL HOSPITAL

NORTH FLORIDA REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER

6500 W Newberry Road, Gainesville, FL 32605 North Florida Regional Medical Center is a full-service medical and surgical acute care center serving the North Central Florida area. In 2017, the Gainesville-based community hospital and its services grew to include two new full-service 24/7 Freestanding Emergency Rooms, furthering their commitment to the care and improvement of human life.

FINALISTS: Shands Hospital Comprehensive Women’s Health FAVORITE LOCAL KICKBOXING STUDIO

LOBAL MMA / MAT G LIFE TRAINING CENTER

4000 W Newberry Road, Suite F,

Gainesville, Florida 32607 Mat Life Training Center in Gainesville has been offering authentic martial arts, combat fitness, self-defense, and wellness training for more than 40 years. They also offer one-on-one services and more than 80 classes each week.

FINALISTS: Gainesville Martial Arts FAVORITE LOCAL LASIK SURGERY CLINIC

E YE SURGICENTER

2521 NW 41st St, Gainesville, FL 32606 Eye Surgicenter has been a leader in eye care for over three decades with the facility being the first to perform outpatient cataract surgery in Gainesville, first to perform small incision cataract surgery without stitches, first to use only anesthetic eye drops and the first to offer refractive LASIK surgery.

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FINALISTS: North Florida Cataract Specialists and Vision Care Eye Associates of Gainesville

FAVORITE LOCAL ORTHOPEDIC SURGEON

FAVORITE LOCAL MASSAGE THERAPIST

4500 Newberry Rd, Gainesville,

FL 32607 Dr. Arthur M. Sharkey is a board-certified hand surgeon and plastic and reconstructive surgeon with The Orthopedic Institute who specializes in lower extremity reconstruction, skin cancer, hand trauma, breast reduction and reconstruction and plastic and reconstructive surgery.

FINALISTS: Dr. Jeffrey C. Glenn, DO Dr. Hari K Parvataneni, MD

G AINESVILLE MASSAGE THERAPY - JULIE BURGEVIN

1810 NW 6th St Suite B, Gainesville, FL 32609 Gainesville Massage Therapy is Julie Burgevin’s creation of offering quality and advanced massage to Gainesville residents while also helping them find therapists with whom they can build rapport. Burgevin began GMT independently in 2001 and has steadily grown to incorporate other talented massage therapists.

FINALISTS: Cloud 9 Spa Salon Flo Capone FAVORITE LOCAL NAIL SALON

CLOUD 9 SPA SALON

6500 SW Archer Rd Suite C, Gainesville, FL 32608 Cloud 9 Spa Salon has been providing award-winning beauty services like facials and skin care; manicures and pedicures; waxing, threading and hair removal; spa body treatments; eyelash extensions and hair care for 20 years.

FINALISTS: First Nails Amber’s Nails FAVORITE LOCAL ORTHODONTIST

TIOGA DENTAL & ORTHODONTICS

13005 SW 1st Road, Suite 233,

Gainesville, FL 32669 Tioga Dental & Orthodontics blends professional expertise with a caring, personal touch for a comfortable experience while helping each and every patient maintain healthy, beautiful smiles.

Their office is also equipped with state-of-theart technology like digital radiography, intraoral cameras and cone beam CT scans among other advancements.

FINALISTS: Martin Kids Dental Health Team - Gainesville Orthodontist Montini Orthodontics

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R. ARTHUR M. D SHARKEY, MD

FAVORITE LOCAL PEDIATRICIAN

N ANCY WORTHINGTON

5528 NW 43rd St, Gainesville, FL 32653 Worthington Pediatrics was established in Gainesville in 1990 by Dr. Nancy Worthington.

Dr. Worthington graduated from Eastern Virginia Medical School, completed her pediatric internship at UF Health Shands Teaching Hospital and her residency in Virginia before returning to Gainesville to start a private practice.

FINALISTS: Alliance Pediatrics PA Little Pines Pediatrics FAVORITE LOCAL PERSONAL TRAINER

WILLIAM ROBERTSON

8181 NW 39th Ave, Gainesville, FL 32606 While he was earning a degree in Athletic Training & Sports Medicine, Will Robertson, founder and coach of Elevate Fitness, knew he wanted to help others meet their goals in reinventing themselves while achieving a healthier and happier lifestyle through fitness and nutrition.

FINALISTS: Jacqueline Valdez Jake Thompson FAVORITE LOCAL PHARMACY

C VS

Cvs.com With a dozen locations around Gainesville, CVS is the city’s favorite local pharmacy and offers options like prescription delivery, express pickup, health rewards and savings options for their customers.

FINALISTS: Walgreens Publix Super Market at Springhill Commons FAVORITE LOCAL PHYSICAL THERAPIST

KINETIX PHYSICAL THERAPY

2839 SW 87th Dr. Suite 10,

Gainesville, FL 32608 Kinetix Physical Therapy is committed to providing outstanding patient care to orthopedic, sports, oncology and women’s health patients in Gainesville and the surrounding communities by implementing evidence-based practice from a team of licensed professionals who provide innovative services for rehabilitation, wellness and injury prevention.

FINALISTS: Thompson Physical Therapy Bruce Sack FAVORITE LOCAL PLACE FOR AESTHETIC SURGERY

ACCENT RHINOPLASTY

4340 W Newberry Road Suite 301, Gainesville, FL 32607 Dr. Daniel J. Hall of Accent Rhinoplasty passionately helps patients address medical and aesthetic issues with his expertise in rhinoplasty and nasal surgery procedures. Besides offering a full range of facial cosmetic surgery options, Dr. Hall has extensive experience in skin cancer reconstructive surgery.

FINALISTS: John W. Tyrone, MD, PLLC, Plastic Surgery Gaines Plastic Surgery FAVORITE LOCAL PLACE FOR SKIN CARE

ACCENT AESTHETICS

4340 W Newberry Road Suite 102, Gainesville, FL 32607 Accent Aesthetics mission is to provide superior medical aesthetic and cosmetic services in the safest, most effective and natural way possible.

Through facial rejuvenation treatments and the sale of medical grade skincare products like moisturizers, sunscreens and serums, Accent Aesthetics is a favorite for all skin care needs.

FINALISTS: John W. Tyrone, MD, PLLC, Plastic Surgery Cloud 9 Spa Salon

FAVORITE LOCAL RUNNING EVENT

5 POINTS OF LIFE

Fivepointsoflife.com The Five Points of Life Foundation, a support affiliate of LifeSouth Community Blood Centers, educates how to share life with others through donations of blood, apheresis, marrow, cord blood, organ and tissue. The Five Points race weekend includes a kids marathon, 5 Points 5K, marathon relay, half and full marathons.

FINALISTS: Hoggetown 5K Beer Run LGAA 5K FAVORITE LOCAL SPA

FLOATING LOTUS THERAPEUTIC SPA AND HEALTH CENTER

2441 NW 43rd St. Suite 3A, Gainesville, FL 32606 The Floating Lotus Therapeutic Spa and Health Center is Gainesville’s unique escape from the stresses of everyday life. They aim to help their clients achieve a healthier state of body, mind and spirit, through various treatments and services including massages, facials, waxing, detoxification, acupuncture and yoga.

FINALISTS: Cloud 9 Spa Salon Spa Royale FAVORITE LOCAL TANNING SALON

L AE BEAUTY BAR

618 NW 60th St Suite I, Gainesville, FL 32607 LAE Beauty’s standard is to provide a fresh, healthy and smart approach for customers to care of their body and skin. Since 2008, LAE Beauty has provided services in eyelash extensions, microblading, brows, facials, microdermabrasion, chemical peels, spray tanning - a customer favorite - waxing, tanning and red light therapy.

FINALISTS: Golden Gator Spray Tanning South Beach Tanning Company FAVORITE LOCAL TATTOO SHOP

EATH OR GLORY D TATTOO PARLOUR

8 E University Ave, Gainesville,

FL 32601 With almost 30 years combined experience,

Death or Glory Tattoo Parlour strives to go above and beyond their clients’ expectations whether it’s for one of their pre-drawn flash tattoos or working with individual clients to customize a one-of-a-kind design, they’re passion for the art and craft of tattooing is unmistakable.

FINALISTS: Bodytech Tattooing & Piercing Anthem Tattoo Parlor FAVORITE LOCAL WAXING SALON

CLOUD 9 SPA SALON

6500 SW Archer Road Suite C, Gainesville, FL 32608 Cloud 9 Spa Salon offers multiple beauty services like waxing for expert brow shaping, lip, chin, jawline, sideburns and brow tweezing as well as threading, a process using cotton thread and intricate rhythmic hand movements to gently remove hair from the face and give a precision shape to eyebrows.

FINALISTS: Brazils Waxing Center Floating Lotus Therapeutic Spa and Health Center FAVORITE LOCAL YOGA STUDIO/ INSTRUCTOR

SEARCHLIGHT YOGA

3501 SW 2nd Ave Suite O, Gainesville, FL 32607 Established in 2015 by Samantha Jones, Betsy Carlson, Nicole Sands, and Julieanne Tabone, Searchlight Yoga brings the most experienced local teachers and brightest new talent together to make yoga accessible to as many people as possible while offering reasonable pricing, a flexible schedule, support and a sense of community.

FINALISTS: AUXO Fitness Yoga Pod FAVORITE URGENT CARE

ONESTOP MEDICAL

15652 NW US Highway 441 Suite 2D, Alachua, FL 32615 OneStop Medical’s walk-in clinic and urgent care offers community members an array of medical services relating to injuries, occupational medicine, vaccines, worker’s comp, specific illnesses, CBD and medical marijuana, DOT, labs and x-rays.

FINALISTS: 1st Choice Urgent Care Center CareSpot Urgent Care - Gainesville 43rd Street

NIGHTLIFE FAVORITE BURLESQUE PERFORMER

SALLY B. DASH

Sallybdash.com Sally B. Dash is Florida’s Countess of Caricature. She’s a performer, rehearsal director and founding member of Dr. Sinn’s Freak Island Musical Sideshow and is a member of the Mischievous Madams Burlesque Troupe.

She also produces Sally B.’s Dashing Revue: Gainesville’s only live music burlesque show.

FINALISTS: Florenz Roselle Jenny Castle FAVORITE DOWNTOWN BAR

M ADRINA’S

9 W University Ave, Gainesville, FL 32601 With thirst-quenching, hand-crafted cocktails like the flamingo pop with passionfruit, ginger and rosewater; the matcha colada with matcha, coconut cream and pineapple; guava the hut with guava, vanilla and lime; and unique daiquiris flavors like carrot, cucumber or banana, Madrina’s is Gainesville’s favorite downtown bar.

FINALISTS: Loosey’s Downtown Gainesville Cry Baby’s FAVORITE LOCAL BAR (OVERALL)

LOOSEY’S DOWNTOWN GAINESVILLE

120 SW 1st Ave, Gainesville, FL 32601 Loosey’s Downtown beer selection hails from breweries across America in the form of bottles, cans and 20 rotating drafts, but their drink menu goes far beyond craft beers. They also offer signature cocktails like a mermaid on the rocks and a blueberry smash and wines like pinot noir and chardonnay.

FINALISTS: Fluid Lounge The Midnight FAVORITE LOCAL BAR TO PLAY GAMES

A RCADE BAR

6 E University Ave, Gainesville, FL 32601 The Arcade Bar is three stories of hand-selected arcade games and two full-service bars. The lower

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level offers pinballs, shooters and fighters with a tiki-style bar; classic arcade games and bubble hockey on the second and skee-ball, foosball, classic multicade games and a large full-service bar on the third.

FINALISTS: Swamp City Gallery Lounge The Social FAVORITE LOCAL BARTENDER

C ANADA MARSH

120 SW 1st Avenue, Gainesville, Fl 32601 Canada Marsh has been a bartender for the past seven years with the last six years as a mixologist spent at Loosey’s Downtown in Gainesville. The New Jersey native’s craft of the perfect pour makes him Gainesville’s favorite bartender.

FINALISTS: Zach at Sidecar Bailey at Swamp Head FAVORITE LOCAL BEER (KIND)

WAKULLA

1220 SE Veitch St, Gainesville, FL 32601 First Magnitude Brewing’s Wakulla is a wheat beer paired with notes of banana, clove, vanilla and an interesting backstory. Old Joe, the giant alligator, spent his years basking on the banks of Florida’s largest first magnitude spring, Wakulla, and this beverage will make you want to catch some rays too.

FINALISTS: Vega Hydroslide FAVORITE LOCAL BLOODY MARY

CRAFTY BASTARDS RESTAURANT

4860 NW 39th Ave, Gainesville, FL 32606 Crafty Bastards Restaurant & Pub has a rotation of 60 craft beers on tap and over 750 varieties of craft beer in their CB Bottle Shoppe next door, but it’s their brunch and bloody Mary bar that has customers coming back every Sunday.

FINALISTS: Boca Fiesta Original American Kitchen

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FAVORITE LOCAL BREWERY

FIRST MAGNITUDE BREWING COMPANY

1220 SE Veitch St, Gainesville,

FL 32601 First Magnitude Brewing Company is a craft brewery and tap room that prides itself on making excellent beer; building awareness and appreciation for Florida’s springs; providing a space for people to come and enjoy a pint and being involved in the local community.

FINALISTS: High Springs Brewing Company Swamp Head Brewery FAVORITE LOCAL DANCE CLUB

GOLD ROOM

11 SW 1st St, Gainesville, FL 32607 Established in 2016, the Gold Room Nightclub is one of the most exclusive night clubs in Central Florida with a state of the art sound and lighting system. In addition to having four flat screen and LED screens, the Gold Room also has laser light shows and two large bars.

FINALISTS: Backyard at Boca Fiesta & Palomino University Club FAVORITE LOCAL DISTILLERY

BLACKADDER

618 NW 60th St Suite A, Gainesville, FL 32607 Blackadder Brewing Company is a Gainesvillebased microbrewery providing 40 taps in a cozy pub atmosphere. While they have their own beer on tap, they also have top notch guest beers along with two ciders, two wines, and two natural sodas so there’s something for everyone.

FINALISTS: Fish Hawk Spirits Distillery Saint Augustine Distillery FAVORITE LOCAL DIVE BAR

HIGH DIVE

210 SW 2nd Ave, Gainesville, FL 32601 Aside from being Gainesville’s best venue for live music and events, High Dive is also a full-service liquor, beer and wine bar specializing in quick-service craft beers and custom cocktails like their house-made double liquor fresh fruit mason jar drinks served in their outdoor beer garden.

FINALISTS:

Loosey’s Downtown Gainesville Munegin’s On 13th FAVORITE LOCAL FANCY-PANTS BAR

M ADRINA’S

9 W University Ave, Gainesville, Florida 32601 Apart from their permanent drinks on the menu, Madrina’s also concocts specialty and seasonal drinks throughout the year like their dulce de leche hot buttered rum, a St. Paddy’s staple of frozen Irish coffee and fruity favorites like the Suwannee swizzle with gin, grapefruit, lime, mint and bitters.

FINALISTS: Cry Baby’s Dragonfly Sushi & Sake Company FAVORITE LOCAL HAPPY HOUR

BALLYHOO GRILL

3700 W University Ave, Gainesville, FL 32607 At Ballyhoo Grill, everything is made from scratch from salad dressings to award-winning soups and though their flavorful dishes attract a crowd, it’s their Happy Hour, which takes place every day from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. – 10 p.m. on Tuesdays and Wednesdays – that brings guests back again and again.

FINALISTS: Copper Monkey West Mark’s Prime Steakhouse FAVORITE LOCAL HIPSTER SPOT

THE TOP

30 N Main St, Gainesville, FL 32601 Since 2000, The Top has catered to vegans, vegetarians and meat-loving carnivores alike while offering over 33 rotating draft lines, and craft cocktails to warm your cheeks. Their overall mission is to serve good food, good drinks and good times.

FINALISTS: Cry Baby’s Curia On The Drag FAVORITE LOCAL IRISH BAR

URTY NELLY’S IRISH D PUB

208 W University Ave,

Gainesville, FL 32601 Gabriel and Shauna Dixon, Durty Nelly’s original owners, emigrated from Ireland in 1986 and

were later joined by Gabriel’s brother Bernard whose dream was to open an Irish Pub together.

When Bernard died unexpectedly, Gabriel was determined to honor his brother’s wish and in 1994, Nelly’s opened in Gainesville.

FINALISTS: Mother’s Pub & Grill Limerock Road Neighborhood Grill FAVORITE LOCAL MARGARITA

BOCA FIESTA

232 SE 1st St, Gainesville, FL 32601 Boca Fiesta dispenses soda pop, iced tea, coffee and an extensive beer selection as well as fresh-squeezed lemonade, limeade and their local - fresh-squeezed citrus, agave-sweetened margaritas including their house, Boca and Cadillac-style margaritas.

FINALISTS: Las Margarita’s Blue Agave Mexican Restaurant FAVORITE LOCAL MARTINI

THE TOP

30 N Main St, Gainesville, FL 32601 Traditional martinis are made with gin, vermouth and garnished with an olive or lemons twist, but let’s face it, tradition is boring. The Top ups their martini game by offering key lime pie inspired, basil-infused and espresso-themed martinis on their cocktail menu.

FINALISTS: Fluid Lounge V Pizza & SideCar FAVORITE LOCAL MIMOSA

THE TOP

30 N Main St, Gainesville, FL 32601 Mimosas are a brunch staple made with fresh

citrus juice and chilled champagne and according to Our Town voters, one of the best mimosas in town can be found at The Top. FINALISTS: Civilization Public & General Restaurant FAVORITE LOCAL MOSCOW MULE

THE TOP

30 N Main St, Gainesville, FL 32601 A Moscow mule warms drinkers from the inside out with its vodka base, spicy ginger beer and a refreshing squeeze of lime as its flavor profile and The Top definitely makes a favorite!

FINALISTS: Madrina’s Original American Kitchen FAVORITE LOCAL PATIO BAR

ONE LOVE CAFE

4989 NW 40th St, Gainesville, FL 32606 One Love Cafe offers fresh, local cuisine like flatbreads, salads and unique daily specials in an outdoor setting. Their pet-friendly atmosphere includes fire pits; a tiki bar; an outdoor screen featuring Gator football games and sporting events; cornhole, and three acres to roam around with a beer in hand.

FINALISTS: Great Outdoors Restaurant Ballyhoo Grill FAVORITE LOCAL PLACE TO KARAOKE

LOOSEY’S DOWNTOWN GAINESVILLE

120 SW 1st Ave, Gainesville, FL 32601 Whether you want to belt out a classic or take on a pop bop, every Saturday night you can

sing your heart out from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. at Gainesville’s favorite karaoke venue: Loosey’s Downtown.

FINALISTS: The Queen’s Arms Pub FAVORITE LOCAL PLACE TO SEE BEAUTIFUL PEOPLE

DRAGONFLY SUSHI & SAKE COMPANY

201 SE 2nd Ave, Gainesville, FL 32601 Dragonfly Sushi & Sake Company is a modern Japanese pub featuring fish flown straight from Japan and farm fresh produce throughout their dishes. Aside from assembling beautiful dishes, Dragonfly was named the city’s top place to see beautiful people by Our Town voters.

FINALISTS: Gold Room Swamp City Gallery Lounge FAVORITE LOCAL SPORTS BAR

G ATORS DOCKSIDE GAINESVILLE

3842 W Newberry Rd Suite 1A,

Gainesville, FL 32607 Award-winning signature grilled wings; hearty sandwiches and burgers; big-screen TVs; weekly specials and a family-friendly atmosphere are all factors that led to Gator’s Dockside being named as Gainesville’s favorite sports bar.

FINALISTS: Mother’s Pub & Grill World of Beer FAVORITE LOCAL TRIVIA NIGHT

ACKYARD AT BOCA B FIESTA & PALOMINO

232 SE 1st St, Gainesville, FL Where’s the best place to test your knowledge and compete against other future game show

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contestants? The answer is The Backyard at Boca Fiesta & Palomino for trivia night every Tuesday and Thursday from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.

FINALISTS: World of Beer Blackadder Brewing Company

BEST OF THE REST FAVORITE ELECTED OFFICIAL

G IB COERPER

Cityofalachua.com With a recurring mayoral title since 1999 and a mustache that puts Sam Elliott to shame, Mayor Gib Coerper’s highlights include being named Volunteer of the Year in 2013 by the local Chamber, receiving the Lions Club International Melvin Jones Fellowship and being recognized as Our Town voters’ favorite elected official.

FINALISTS: Chuck Clemons Lauren Poe FAVORITE FEMALE MEDIA PERSONALITY

H ALEY WADE

Wcjb.com Haley Wade is a West Virginia native who began her WCJB TV20 career in 2016 as a nightside reporter covering stories across North Central Florida. Today she works from the anchor desk on TV20’s Morning Edition and News at Noon and is Our Town voters’ favorite female media personality.

FINALISTS:

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Paige Beck Sydney Groom FAVORITE LOCAL AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAM

OKITO AMERICA

6900 SW Archer Road, Gainesville, FL 32608 Not only does Okito America offer an after school program covering martial arts; tutoring; art and science; and sports, they also provide free transportation from 14 different schools in the area.

FINALISTS: High Springs EDEP Sun Country Sports FAVORITE LOCAL APARTMENT COMPLEX

HE FLATS AT TIOGA T TOWN CENTER APARTMENTS

133 SW 130th Way Suite A, Newberry, FL 32669 The Flats at Tioga Town Center combine urban style living with small town charm all within walking distance of the places you visit every day including the vibrant Tioga Town Center, which features a variety of convenient and upscale shopping, a premiere fitness center, restaurants, and numerous professional services.

FINALISTS: The Polos of Gainesville Woodland Villas

FAVORITE LOCAL AUTO SHOP

AUTO ER

2383 SW Archer Road, Gainesville, FL 32608 Auto ER focuses on automotive repairs, collision repairs, and new tires. They have three locations in Gainesville, each with its own specialties, and a fourth in Newberry. All of which are dedicated to providing the best service possible.

FINALISTS: Tuffy Tire & Auto Service Center RPM Auto LLC FAVORITE LOCAL AUTOMOTIVE SALESPERSON

RUSSELL PEREZ

1007 N Main St Gainesville, FL 32601 Russell Perez is a Gainesville native and finance specialist with Motory Group, Gainesville’s go-to dealership for used automobiles with finances available for people with all ranges of credit.

Perez’s work in the automotive industry won him recognition among voters as their favorite automotive salesperson.

FINALISTS: Jordan Hamel Paul MacArthur FAVORITE LOCAL BANK

A MERIS BANK

Banks.amerisbank.com Since they began in 1971, Ameris Bank has stood for strength, courage, pride and fierce determination. These characteristics continue

today as they grow and expand beyond their southern Georgia roots while maintaining five locations in Gainesville and one in High Springs.

FINALISTS: Renesant Bank Capital City Bank FAVORITE LOCAL CARPET CLEANER

A LL CLEAN

3499 NW 97th Blvd Suite 17, Gainesville, FL 32606 All Clean Florida specializes in cleaning all types of hard-surface floors like hardwood, tile, linoleum, vinyl, rubber floors and concrete and offers carpet cleaning services for vacuuming and shampooing all types of residential carpets including plush, level loop, Berber and textured.

FINALISTS: The Best Restoration Clean Zone FAVORITE LOCAL CLEANING COMPANY

A LL CLEAN

3499 NW 97th Blvd Suite 17, Gainesville, FL 32606 All Clean, Inc. was established in Gainesville in 1983 and employs a workforce of 50 to 75 people in the Gainesville and Ocala area who perform a variety of building maintenance services including custodial and janitorial work; floor care; pressure washing; residential house cleaning and post-construction clean up.

FINALISTS: Mini Maid Cleaning Genie FAVORITE LOCAL COLLEGE ATHLETE

K YLE TRASK

Floridagators.com Number 11 quarterback Kyle Trask is a Manvel, Texas, native who’s been playing for the Florida Gators football team since 2018. In addition to being named favorite college athlete, Trask was also named to the SEC Academic Honor Roll.

FINALISTS: LaMichael Perine Scottie Lewis FAVORITE LOCAL COLLEGE COACH

DAN MULLEN

Floridagators.com Dan Mullen became the head coach

for the Florida Gators in 2017, but it wasn’t his first time in the swamp. Before becoming a head coach, Mullen was the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at the University of Florida from 2005 to 2008.

FINALISTS: Mary Wise Mike White FAVORITE LOCAL CONTRACTOR

SHORE BUILDERS, INC.

2727 NW 43rd St Suite 7C, Gainesville, FL 32606 Shore Builders, Inc. was established in 2005 by Danny Shore, a licensed Building Contractor serving Gainesville, St. Augustine and the surrounding areas. The company began with a focus on marinas and parks but has since transitioned into residential and commercial remodels.

FINALISTS: Robinson Renovation & Custom Homes, Inc. Barry Bullard Homes FAVORITE LOCAL CREDIT UNION

SUNSTATE FEDERAL CREDIT UNION

Sunstatefcu.org SunState Federal Credit Union, which began with Alachua County employees of the United States Department of Agriculture, is a not-forprofit financial institution that’s been serving the community and its members for over 60 years.

FINALISTS: CAMPUS USA Credit Union Florida Credit Union FAVORITE LOCAL CUSTOMER SERVICE (OVERALL)

THRIVENT FINANCIAL - NORTH CENTRAL FLORIDA GROUP

6216 NW 43rd St Suite 3C, Gainesville, FL 32653 The North Central Florida Group ensures that the financial guidance process is based on your goals and values and can also help you make decisions around your insurance, investing and retirement planning needs by getting to know what matters to you.

FINALISTS: Gator Goddess Cootie Coo Creations

FAVORITE LOCAL DAYCARE

EDUCATION STATION AND PRESCHOOL

2411 NW 41st St, Gainesville, FL 32606 Kristin Birdsey Klapp and Krista McIver founded their first company together in 2008 and opened the doors to Education Station & Preschool in January of 2010. In 2019, they announced plans to expand with a second location in San Felasco Tech City set to open Spring 2020.

FINALISTS: Greenfield Preschool Kidworks Preschool FAVORITE LOCAL DOG GROOMER

DOGGIE STYLES GROOMING AND PET SITTING

1321 NW 6th St, Gainesville, FL 32601 Doggie Styles Grooming & Pet Sitting is a mobile pet grooming service comprised of an eclectic group of animal lovers who are focused on providing quality grooming and pet sitting.

FINALISTS: Pelusa’s Pet Grooming Charlie’s Pet Place FAVORITE LOCAL DOG WALKER

DOGGIE STYLES GROOMING AND PET SITTING

1321 NW 6th St, Gainesville, FL 32601 Doggie Styles Grooming and Pet Sitting is a local favorite and was voted by Our Town readers’ as favorite local dog groomer, doggy daycare and favorite local dog walker.

FINALISTS: Tim Orwig Damien Quinones FAVORITE LOCAL DOGGY DAYCARE/ BOARDING

DOGGIE STYLES GROOMING AND PET SITTING

1321 NW 6th St, Gainesville, FL 32601 Besides being the favorite place for dog grooming, Doggie Styles Grooming and Pet Sitting also offers pet sitting based on your pet’s needs and what’s most comfortable for the both of you.

FINALISTS: Pet Paradise Must Love Dogs Park & Daycare

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FAVORITE LOCAL ELECTRICIAN

V INTAGE ELECTRIC INC

2421 NW 71st Place, Gainesville, FL 32653 Vintage Electric Inc. was founded in 2004 and since then, they’ve grown to include over 30 tradesmen in their field force work and over three quarters of their workforce is made up of registered apprentices or licensed journeyman electricians.

FINALISTS: Archer Electric Services Co B&D Electric Inc FAVORITE LOCAL FINANCIAL PLANNER

DEANNA EDWARDS, THRIVENT FINANCIAL

6216 NW 43rd St Suite 3C,

Gainesville, FL 32653 DeAnna Edwards is a financial consultant with Thrivent Financial’s North Central Florida Group and her work with Thrivent and her clients has made her Gainesville’s favorite financial planner.

FINALISTS: Jack Fugate, Cornerstone Financial Al Cockrell FAVORITE LOCAL FLOORING COMPANY

FLOOR SANDER SERVICES

209 SE 21st Terrace, Ocala, FL 34471 With over 30 years in the hardwood flooring industry, Floor Sander Services provides experienced, qualified diagnostic and repair services for all leading brand name floor sanding machines and installation equipment.

FINALISTS: Elite Flooring of Alachua JDM Flooring, Inc. FAVORITE LOCAL HOME BUILDER

H ARTLEY BROTHERS

1325 NW 53rd Ave Suite D, Gainesville, FL 32609 Hartley Brothers Inc. was founded on integrity, quality, and attention to detail. They’ve been building in Gainesville and the surrounding areas for over 30 years while establishing a long-standing reputation for producing quality construction with a pleasing architectural design in a cost-effective manner.

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FINALISTS: Barry Bullard Homes Cody West Construction

FINALISTS: Comfort Keepers Touching Hearts at Home

FAVORITE LOCAL HOME ORGANIZER

FAVORITE LOCAL INSURANCE AGENCY

A NGELA BETANCOURT

Simplifyhomeorganizing.com After reading “The Joy of Less, A Minimalist Living Guide” by Francine Jay, Angela Betancourt began implementing the book’s recommendations and formed the skills she needed to turn her passion into Simplify Home Organizing.

FAVORITE LOCAL HOTEL

BEST WESTERN GATEWAY GRAND

4200 NW 97th Blvd, Gainesville, FL 32606 When it comes to hotels in Gainesville, Best Western Gateway Grand offers affordable and comfortable amenities and accommodations.

Whether it’s a weekend getaways for two, family vacations in Gainesville, or business trips close to the University of Florida, Best Western Gateway Grand provides rest and relaxation to all guests.

FINALISTS: Sweetwater Branch Inn Hotel Indigo FAVORITE LOCAL HVAC COMPANY

AYTON HEATING AND D AIR, LLC

Daytonheatandair.com Dayton Heating and Air is a small local business that provides Gainesville, Newberry and the surrounding area with premium services like AC repair, replacement, and maintenance at an affordable price.

FINALISTS: Charles Berg Enterprises, Inc. A Plus Air Conditioning & Refrigeration FAVORITE LOCAL IN HOME NURSING CARE

HOME BY CHOICE

5310 NW 8th Ave Suite 2, Gainesville, FL 32605 Home by Choice is locally owned and operated

by John Markham and Sally Dahlem who have over 40 years combined experience in home healthcare, assisted living, long term care and the medical equipment industries and aim to provide the highest quality of non-medical in-home care.

THRIVENT FINANCIAL

6216 NW 43rd St Suite 3C, Gainesville, FL 32653 In addition to helping individuals and families be wise with money, Thrivent Financial’s goal is to help inspire generosity in the Gainesville community. Through programs like Thrivent Action teams, Thrivent Builds, and Thrivent Choice Dollars, members can work with Thrivent to give back to their community!

FINALISTS: Schneider & Associates Darr Schackow Insurance FAVORITE LOCAL INSURANCE AGENT

DEANNA EDWARDS, THRIVENT FINANCIAL

6216 NW 43rd St Suite 3C,

Gainesville, FL 32653 Gainesville native DeAnna Edwards has been a financial consultant at Thrivent Financial since 2006. As a financial consultant, Edwards has completed advanced education and licensing requirements so she can provide comprehensive, customized financial guidance to her clients to help them address their financial and investment objectives.

FINALISTS: Kerry Ward Brent Carpenter, Schneider & Associates FAVORITE LOCAL INTERIOR DESIGNER

TERESA RUSSELL, INTERIOR ALTERNATIVES

6818 NW 67th Ave, Gainesville, FL Founded in 1990, Teresa Russell of Interior Alternatives has been helping home owners, business owners, and real estate agents in Gainesville and the surrounding areas with beginning to end interior design services from concept to creation.

FINALISTS: Heather Stephens Sarah Cain Design

FAVORITE LOCAL INTERNET PROVIDER

COX STORE

6020 NW 43rd St, Gainesville, FL 32653 As one of over 130 nationwide locations, Gainesville’s Cox store allows customers to stop in and experience the ways they can stay connected. Visiting one of their two local shops allows customers to view equipment, accessories and interactive product demos and have access to staff expertise for any questions.

FINALISTS: Windstream Alachua Xfinity Store by Comcast FAVORITE LOCAL IT SUPPORT COMPANY

EPIC IT SOLUTIONS

5200 NW 43rd St, Gainesville, FL 32606 Epic IT Solutions was established to provide Information Technology Services to the business community of North Central Florida. They work in partnership with current and future clients to provide cost effective solutions in Information Technology and Communication with plans to build on their expertise to expand into new areas.

FINALISTS: My IT Masters CRASH Technicians FAVORITE LOCAL LANDSCAPER

HE MASTER’S LAWN T CARE

11417 NW 59th Terrace,

Gainesville, Florida 32653 Since its founding in 2004, The Master’s Lawn Care has proudly served the Gainesville community in areas like lawn service, landscaping, irrigation, pressure washing and lighting while aiming to constantly exceed their client’s expectations by providing quality work and professionalism.

FINALISTS: Evergreen Lawn Care Lawn Guy of Alachua FAVORITE LOCAL LAW FIRM

KNELLINGER & ASSOCIATES

2815 NW 13th St Suite 305,

Gainesville, FL 32609 The Law Office of Knellinger & Associates provides a wide range of family and business law services for individuals, families and owners

of businesses in Gainesville and communities throughout North Central Florida and is committed to providing personalized service and attention to detail for every client’s case.

FINALISTS: Fine, Farkash & Parlapiano, P.A. Glassman and Zissimopulos Law FAVORITE LOCAL MARKETING AGENCY

AKE IT HAPPEN / M WEHBE MARKETING

Wehbemarketing.com Make It Happen is an improvement consulting firm based in Gainesville that services clients all over the world in a variety of industries. With over 20 years of management experience, Make It Happen develops a unique branding and improvement strategy to maximize a business’s success.

FINALISTS: DM Creative Studios Liquid Creative FAVORITE LOCAL MORTGAGE COMPANY

A NNIEMAC HOME MORTGAGE

1405 NW 13th Street Suite B,

Gainesville, FL 32601 AnnieMac Home Mortgage of American Neighborhood Mortgage Acceptance Company, LLC, is a nationwide mortgage loan provider dedicated to the principle of service for their clients, employees, and business partners.

FINALISTS: Chris Doering Mortgage FBC Mortgage, LLC FAVORITE LOCAL MOVING COMPANY

T WO MEN AND A TRUCK

1120 NW 53rd Ave, Gainesville, FL 32609 Two Men and a Truck has been serving Gainesville, Newberry, Alachua, High Springs, Haile and the surrounding areas since 2007. Their services include helping clients with local moving, long-distance moving, in-home or on-site services, packing services and business services to make your move – wherever it may be – easy and stress-free.

FINALISTS: Veteran’s Moving Help UF Mover Guys

FAVORITE LOCAL NEWS COMMENTATOR OR COLUMNIST

CRYSTAL HENRY

Crystalhenrywrites.wordpress.com Crystal Henry, author of Naked Salsa and A Turtle’s Tale, is a freelance writer and University of Florida alumna. Her award-winning columns about married life, parenthood and life in general appear in Our Town Magazine and have formed a connection with readers who view her as their favorite local columnist.

FINALISTS: Ken Eats Gainesville Paige Beck FAVORITE LOCAL PEST CONTROL COMPANY

FLORIDA PEST CONTROL

116 NW 16th Ave, Gainesville,

FL 32601 Florida Pest Control & Chemical Co. is Florida’s best source for pest management with 20 locations throughout the state – including one in Gainesville. Their commitment to research and their team of graduate entomologists provides the highest level of advanced pest management training available in the industry.

FINALISTS: Gainesville Pest Control Brooker Pest Control, Inc FAVORITE LOCAL PHOTOGRAPHER

A DRIENNE FLETCHER PHOTOGRAPHY

Women.adriennefletcher.com Adrienne Fletcher Photography is a boutique portrait studio that looks to empower women of any age and body type through the medium of photography by creating experiences that leave women feeling confident, valued, beautiful and seen for who they are.

FINALISTS: Prost! Photography Water Bear Photography FAVORITE LOCAL PLUMBER

J .W. FREEMAN PLUMBING

4637 NW 6th St, Gainesville, FL 32609 J.W. Freeman Plumbing – a full-service Gainesville plumbing company specializing in remodels, re-pipes and plumbing repairs – started

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in 2008 with just one truck and has grown to encompass eight trucks on the road that provide services to over 5,000 customers in the area.

FINALISTS: Quality Plumbing Sunshine Plumbing and Gas FAVORITE LOCAL PRESCHOOL

EDUCATION STATION AND PRESCHOOL

2411 NW 41st St, Gainesville, FL 32606 Education Station and Preschool was founded

by University of Florida Elementary Education graduate Kristin Birdsey Klapp and UF Special Education graduate Krista McIver. Their second location set to open in San Felasco Tech City, will be the first of its kind developed with 100 % renewable solar energy.

FINALISTS: Greenfield Preschool West Stepping Stones Preschool FAVORITE LOCAL PRIVATE SCHOOL

OAK HALL SCHOOL

1700 SW 75th St, Gainesville, FL 32607 For forty-eight years, Oak Hall School has been committed to providing students with a welcoming, diverse and supportive learning community that empowers students to pursue their academic, artistic and athletic passions.

FINALISTS: Millhopper Montessori School First Christian Academy FAVORITE LOCAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT COMPANY

R ABELL REALTY

5213 SW 91 Terrace Suite A, Gainesville, FL 32608 Rabell Realty Group, Gainesville’s fastest growing real estate agency, believes that each and every home purchase, sale and lease is unique and deserves a skilled touch. Their small, local real estate firm is focused on providing customers with consistent and outstanding real estate service.

FINALISTS: Golden Rule Thomas Group

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FAVORITE LOCAL REALTOR

DAURINE WEHBE

7515 W University Ave, Gainesville, FL 32607 Daurine Wehbe, a realtor with Coldwell Banker M.M. Parrish Realtors, has lived in Gainesville since 2006. She has a Master’s in French Literature from the University of Saint Joseph and was enrolled in the PHD program at the University of Nantes before becoming a Gainesville area realtor.

FINALISTS: Christopher Redmond, Dawn Realty Darlene Pifalo

FAVORITE LOCAL SPORTS COMMENTATOR OR COLUMNIST

JEFF CARDOZO

Wruf.com/the-tailgate Jeff Cardozo has been a University of Florida broadcaster since 2004 hosting Gatorzone and the pregame show for Florida football games and being a play by play and color analyst for Florida Baseball radio. Since 2013, he’s been a host for the weekday sports radio show “The Tailgate.”

FINALISTS: Pat Dooley Mic Hubert

FAVORITE LOCAL ROOFING COMPANY

FAVORITE LOCAL TALK RADIO SHOW

GODWIN GREEN ROOFING

Thesky973.radio.com Bob Rose is the host of the Bob Rose Show on 97.3 The Sky and has been called the Czar of Talk Radio in North Central Florida. His show takes an uncompromising look at local news and world events and how they impact Ocala and Gainesville.

FINALISTS: Jeff Cardozo Storm Roberts

3424 SW 84th St, Gainesville, FL 32608 Godwin Green Roofing is a family-owned and operated firm that’s been serving North Central Florida since 1974. They specialize in the custom-design and installation of conventional and energy-efficient metal, shingle and flat roof systems, upgrading reflectivity, ventilation and insulation so your home or office is always comfortable.

FINALISTS: Energy Roofing Companies Perry Roofing Contractors FAVORITE LOCAL SENIOR LIVING COMMUNITY

TRIUM AT A GAINESVILLE

2431 NW 41st St, Gainesville, FL 32606 Surrounded by lush trees and tucked into a residential area lined with palms, The Atrium retirement community offers a resort-style experience with a neighborly charm. Adjacent to cafes, markets, the post office, and healthcare, the Atrium independent senior living community thrives within this bustling neighborhood.

FINALISTS: The Village at Gainesville The Windsor of Gainesville

BOB ROSE

FAVORITE LOCAL TAX PREPARER

DEAN POOLE

2531 NW 41 St Suite D, Gainesville, FL 32606 Dean G. Poole, CPA, PA is a full-service accounting firm serving clients throughout the North Central Florida area and is dedicated to providing clients with professional, personalized services and guidance in a wide range of financial and business needs.

FINALISTS: Jeff Lamb, Cornerstone Financial Rita Potter

FAVORITE LOCAL TREE REMOVAL COMPANY

DAUGHTRY TREE SERVICE

26106 NW 3rd Ave, Newberry,

FL 32669 Daughtry Tree Service has been serving both residential and commercial clients in Alachua County and the surrounding areas since 2001.

Their business philosophy includes being fair and honest with their customers and going above

and beyond their expectations while providing quality work.

FINALISTS: SkyFrog Tree Service Acree Tree Services FAVORITE LOCAL TV ANCHOR

PAIGE BECK

Wcjb.com Paige Beck is a West Virginia native who’s been a member of WCJB TV20 since 1989.

She currently co-anchors WCJB TV20’s 5:00 Live, 6:00 Report and the 11:00 PM Nightbeat and was voted by Our Town readers as their favorite local TV anchor.

FINALISTS: Haley Wade David Snyder FAVORITE LOCAL VET CLINIC

JONESVILLE ANIMAL HOSPITAL

14145 W Newberry Road,

Newberry, FL 32669 Jonesville Animal Hospital provides compassionate veterinary medicine to Newberry and Gainesville pet owners. Their dedication to the well-being and longevity of every pet along with the years of experience, diverse skill sets and shared commitment to the human-animal bond is what sets their clinic apart.

FINALISTS: Affordable Vet Clinic Hoof & Horn Veterinary and Acupuncture Services FAVORITE LOCAL VIDEOGRAPHER

SHORT MEDIA GROUP

Shortmediagroup.com Short Media Group is a content creation company in Gainesville that focuses on providing clients with the perfect creative experience. Every business or individual has a powerful story to tell and they strive to capture each story in a unique way for others to share.

FINALISTS: Eli Myer Studios Philip Turner

FAVORITE MALE MEDIA PERSONALITY

KEN EATS GAINESVILLE

Keneatsgainesville.com Ken Eats Gainesville, a review of local eateries, began as a Facebook page for Ken Peng to pass the time between jobs and quickly grew into a standalone website in 2014.

Though Ken usually ranks his “best of,” Our Town readers voted him as their favorite male media personality.

FINALISTS: Storm Roberts Lewis Stokes FAVORITE METEOROLOGIST

MIKE POTTER

Wcjb.com Mike Potter, a Key West native and meteorologist with WCJB, has been reporting the weather for the Gainesville-based station since 1992 – appearing on TV20’s Morning Edition and TV20 News at Noon. However, it’s not the first time he worked at WCJB; he was a Weekend Weather Anchor in 1984.

FINALISTS: Bill Quinlan Jeff Huffman FAVORITE RADIO PERSONALITY

LEWIS STOKES

937kcountry.com Lewis Stokes is a midday announcer and production director with 93.7 K-Country.

Though he’s a Tallahassee native, he bleeds orange and blue and when he’s not reading, listening to country music or watching a UF game, you can hear him on 93.7 K-Country from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

FINALISTS: Storm Roberts WKTK Brett Douglas FAVORITE RADIO STATION

93.7 K COUNTRY

937kcountry.com Since 2009, 93.7 K-Country has been filling radio airwaves with today’s best country, always with a better variety. With morning shows, radio personalities and Top 40 country playlists, Our Town voters are turning their dials to 93.7 for their favorite radio station.

FINALISTS: WKTK Wind FM FAVORITE SANTA FE PROFESSOR

SHAWNA MANSFIELD

Sfcollege.edu Shawna Mansfield is the lead professor for the Graphic Design Technology degree in the Digital Media Technology program at Santa Fe College. Before becoming an associate professor, she began her teaching career in 2003 as the adjunct professor and then assistant professor in the digital media department.

FINALISTS: Alora Haynes Jake Searcy FAVORITE TV STATION FOR NEWS

WCJB TV20 / GAINESVILLE CW10

Wcjb.com WCJB-TV began operation in 1971 and continues to be the only locally produced newscast in the market. The news team prides itself on supporting and sponsoring many local charities and events throughout the market while also bringing viewers the most current and breaking news.

FINALISTS: CBS4 News WGFL-TV FAVORITE TV STATION FOR SPORTS

WCJB TV20 / GAINESVILLE CW10

Wcjb.com Kevin Wells, WCJB’s Sports Director, Steve Russell of The Russell Report and Gator Insider, and Cierra Clark, WCJB’s weekend sports anchor, are the faces behind anything and everything relating to sports at WCJB’s TV20 – Gainesville’s favorite station for sports.

FINALISTS: WGFL-TV CBS4 News FAVORITE TV STATION FOR WEATHER

WCJB TV20 / GAINESVILLE CW10

Wcjb.com Chief meteorologist Bill Quinlan, meteorologist Mike Potter and weekend meteorologist AJ Willy, bring WCJB TV20 viewers the latest in weather updates. If it’s a cool sunny day or an

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impending hurricane, WCJB TV20 is Our Town readers’ favorite weather station.

FINALISTS: WGFL-TV CBS4 News FAVORITE UF PROFESSOR

DR. PAUL BURTNER

Dental.ufl.edu Dr. Paul Burtner is an associate professor in the department of pediatric dentistry within the University of Florida’s College of Dentistry. In 2009, he was the inaugural recipient of the Jordy Engels Award, which recognizes outstanding service by an individual to the developmentally and mentally disabled in Florida.

FINALISTS: Jessica Campbell April Schroeder

SHOPPING FAVORITE “BEST-KEPT SECRET” LOCAL RETAILER

COOTIE COO CREATIONS

23288 W US Highway 27, High

Springs, FL 32643 Cootie Coo Creations in High Springs is an eclectic shop featuring mixed media, classes, stamping, scrapbooking, card making, holiday crafts, arts supplies, art journaling and so much more. Let your creativity shine with Cootie Coo Creations, High Spring’s best kept secret.

FINALISTS: Gator Goddess Kelly’s Kreations

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FAVORITE LOCAL ANTIQUE STORE

WEBB’S ANTIQUE MALL

245 SW Webbs Glen, Lake City, FL 32024 Webb’s Antique Mall began in 1995 and is home to 400 antique-filled booths encased in a 60,000-square-foot air-conditioned facility. This multi dealer mall is restocked daily and features a huge collection of antiques and collectibles ranging in prices for all budgets.

FINALISTS: Antique City Mall The Mantle FAVORITE LOCAL ART GALLERY

ELROSE BAY ART M GALLERY

101 State Road 26, Melrose, FL 32666 Melrose Bay Art Gallery is a local artist’s co-op exhibiting some of the finest art and crafts in the historic district of Melrose, Florida. A new exhibition is featured about every six weeks so there’s always something new to catch your eye.

FINALISTS: Lanza Gallery & Art Supplies Thornebrook Gallery FAVORITE LOCAL AUDIO/VISUAL STORE

SOUND IDEAS

3215 NW 13th St, Gainesville, FL 32609 Sound Ideas opened in 1977 and quickly established itself as the premier dealer for high-end audio systems and naturally progressed into home theater, distributed audio/video, lighting control, structured wiring, security and complete automation systems.

FINALISTS: Electronics World Safari Audio, Inc. FAVORITE LOCAL BICYCLE SHOP

BIKES AND MORE

2133 NW 6th St, Gainesville, FL 32609 Bikes and More is a family-owned and operated shop committed to providing bicycle sales and the best service repair possible. Their mechanic staff is available to answer questions and offer expert opinions on repair needs while their sales staff is happy to help you find the perfect bike for you.

FINALISTS: Chain Reaction Bicycles Santa Fe Bicycle Outfitters FAVORITE LOCAL BRIDAL SHOP

THE WEDDING CYCLE

2441 NW 43rd St, Gainesville, FL 32606 The Wedding Cycle offers pre-loved fantasy gowns on a real-life budget. Alisha Alsbrook, owner of the Wedding Cycle, has a background in event planning and in the wedding industry, giving her the ability to provide customers with the knowledge and information to help create the best event possible.

FINALISTS: Allure Bridal Boutique The Bridal Finery FAVORITE LOCAL CAMERA STORE

BEST BUY

3750 SW Archer Road, Gainesville, FL 32608 Whether you’re interested in Digital SLRs, point and shoots or mirrorless, whatever camera you

have in mind you can find at Gainesville’s Best Buy. In addition to the cameras themselves, you can also find accessories like camera bags and lenses and get face-to-face advice from one of their knowledgeable agents.

FINALISTS: Harmons Flair ComputerDoctor FAVORITE LOCAL CAR DEALERSHIP (NEW CAR)

G ATORLAND TOYOTA

2985 N Main St, Gainesville, FL 32609 Gainesville’s Gatorland Toyota dealership opened in 1994, just four years after Gettel Toyota of Bradenton, making them the second Gettel dealership to open. They’ve since grown to have 17 sister stores throughout Florida, but Gainesville’s location is a favorite among locals looking for a new car.

FINALISTS: Nissan Dealership of Gainesville Southeast Car Agency FAVORITE LOCAL CAR DEALERSHIP (USED CAR)

SOUTHEAST CAR AGENCY

310 NE 39th Ave, Gainesville,

FL 32609 Southeast Car Agency is a family-owned and operated business that’s been in operation since 1979.

For over 40 years, they’ve provided a commission free, no hassle alternative for buyers in search of clean, well-maintained, late model vehicles with a diverse inventory of cars, trucks, and vans.

FINALISTS: Tomlinson Motor Company Gatorland Toyota FAVORITE LOCAL CHILDREN’S STORE

J UST BETWEEN FRIENDS (JBF)

Gainesville.jbfsale.com Twice a year, Just Between Friends’ four-day shopping extravaganza comes to the Gainesville area offering new and gently-used items like kids’ clothing and shoes, maternity, baby gear, toys and games, books and so much more at 50-90 % off retail.

FINALISTS: Weecycle of Gainesville Carter’s

FAVORITE LOCAL CLOTHING BOUTIQUE

M ALGORZATA’S

2441 NW 43rd St. Suite 9, Gainesville, FL 32606 Malgorzata’s Gallery & Boutique opened in the fall of 2011 and featured hand-woven and handsewn rayon, rayon-chenille, and cotton clothing.

It has since grown to feature other uniquely curated items from around the world as well as artwork from over 200 artists and craftsmen.

FINALISTS: Down To Earth Madson’s Boutique FAVORITE LOCAL COMPUTER REPAIR SHOP

EPIC IT SOLUTIONS

5200 NW 43rd St, Gainesville, FL 32606 Epic IT Solutions provides an array of informational technology services for businesses and residential clients in North Central Florida including business IT consulting, residential services, PC repairs, backup solutions, new equipment and remote assistance.

FINALISTS: Everything Mac GatorTec FAVORITE LOCAL CONVENIENCE STORE

POP-A-TOP

2 E University Ave, Gainesville, FL 32601 Whether you’re craving colorful mouthwatering sandwiches; natural wines and craft sodas; picture-perfect donuts and cupcakes; or an eclectic assortment of pre-packaged snacks, Pop-ATop’s general store and corner store locations are the perfect places to pop in.

FINALISTS: Circle K in Jonesville FL Kwik Stop FAVORITE LOCAL COSTUME SHOP

THE LINGERIE COMPANY

2614 SW 34th St Suite 1, Gainesville, FL 32608 The Lingerie Company dressing rooms allow customers to find exactly what they’re looking for while asking for help whenever they need.

The Gainesville-based company also takes pride

in their wide variety of lingerie for both men and women.

FAVORITE LOCAL FLOWER SHOP

A LACHUA FLOWERS AND TUXEDO RENTALS

14520 Main St, Alachua, FL 32615 Alachua Flowers and Tuxedo Rentals creates breathtaking floral arrangements made with quality flowers crafted by experienced designers. They also thrive during prom season with tuxedo rentals and custom-made corsages and boutonnières created to match even the most exotic dress colors.

FINALISTS: Kelly’s Kreations Crevasse’s Florist FAVORITE LOCAL FURNITURE STORE

WALKER FURNITURE SOUTHWEST

3413 SW 47th Ave, Gainesville,

FL 32608 Ledger Walker opened Walker Furniture in 1940 with two philosophies in mind: take care of all customers, and they’ll take care of you and if you don’t grow, you grow smaller. What started as a 1600 square-foot storefront has grown into two locations and is a third-generation family business.

FINALISTS: Furniture Country Leonards Furniture FAVORITE LOCAL GIFT SHOP

G ATOR GODDESS

Gatorgoddesscreations.com Gator Goddess specializes in mounting a variety of plants on crystals. The plants are mounted in such a way that enables their continued care and growth. Crystal and fossil jewelry is also available as well as crystals without mounted plants.

FINALISTS: Malgorzata’s Kelly’s Kreations FAVORITE LOCAL GROCERY STORE

UBLIX SUPER MARKET P AT STEEPLECHASE

14130 W Newberry Road,

Newberry, FL 32669 Since its foundation in 1930, Publix associates and customers have helped the grocery chain grow from a single store into the largest employ-

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ee-owned company in the United States. Voted favorite grocery store by Our Town readers, Publix at Steeplechase strives to replicate the company motto by making shopping a pleasure.

FINALISTS: Ward’s Supermarket Hitchcock’s FAVORITE LOCAL HARDWARE STORE

MILLHOPPER ACE HARDWARE

5200 NW 43rd St. Suite 203, Gainesville, FL 32606 Millhopper Ace Hardware opened in Hunters Crossing Shopping Center in 2011, offering customers personal service, quality products and a convenient experience. Store manager Adam Wilkinson has been with the location since the beginning and if you come often enough you’ll get to know Leo the resident feline.

FINALISTS: Jonesville Ace Hardware Bryan’s Ace Hardware FAVORITE LOCAL HOME DECOR STORE

S ISSET’S...A FUN TWIST ON HOME & PATIO

3429 W University Ave,

Gainesville, FL 32607 Sisset’s specializes in designer garden, home and patio furniture and accessories like replacement cushions; fountains; birdbaths; indoor/outdoor rugs; mailbox covers and accessories; potted silk trees and flowers; statues and much more.

Their extensive collection is ever-changing, so stop in often because Sisset’s is never the same store twice.

FINALISTS: Kirkland’s The Bird Nest FAVORITE LOCAL HOME THEATRE DESIGNER

ELECTRONICS WORLD

1261 NW 76th Blvd, Gainesville, FL 32606 Electronics World is your hometown resource for expert design, sales, installation and repair of audio, video, networking and control products and complete turnkey system solutions. Their interactive showroom features the latest in audio/ video and home automation electronics.

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Crime Prevention Security Systems FAVORITE LOCAL JEWELRY STORE

KIRSIKKA JEWELRY

Kirsikkajewelry.com For 17 years Alexis Hytonen has been involved in the fine jewelry industry from manufacturing and wholesaling to retail and management. Kirsikka Jewelry, named after the sailboat Alexis and his brother Alan spent the first 15 years of their lives traveling across the Atlantic in, opened in Gainesville in 2011.

FINALISTS: Lang Jewelers Santa Fe Pawn FAVORITE LOCAL LIQUOR STORE

DORN’S LIQUORS & WINE WAREHOUSE

4140 NW 16th Blvd, Gainesville, FL 32605 Wine, cheese, dry-cured meats, spirits, beer, olives, crackers, non-perishable goods, chocolates and gift baskets - Dorn’s Liquors & Wine Warehouse has it all. They specialize in wine pairings for weddings, events and catering and also offer drink and cocktail advice.

FINALISTS: Total Wine & More Liquor & Wine Shoppe FAVORITE LOCAL MEN’S CLOTHING

JOHN ISAACS CLOTHING

Facebook.com/John-Isaacs-Clothing John Isaac’s Men’s Clothing is owned and operated by John Mitchell. The company specializes in dressing you for success. Whether it’s for the golf course, casual, business casual, executive attire, formal wear or fully custom, they bring the store to you.

FINALISTS: Jos. A. Bank Men’s Wearhouse FAVORITE LOCAL MUSIC STORE (ALBUMS)

HEAR AGAIN RECORDS

201 SE 2nd Ave Suite 105, Gainesville, FL 32601 Hear Again Records is an independent record store in downtown Gainesville that’s been a source for new and used vinyl since 2009. They receive new vinyl each day and work closely with

different labels to ensure they have new releases you want when you want them.

FINALISTS: Hoggtowne Music Vinyl Oasis FAVORITE LOCAL MUSIC STORE (INSTRUMENTS)

HOGGTOWNE MUSIC

5200 NW 43rd St Suite 503, Gainesville, FL 32606 Hoggtowne Music, owned by Joe and Melonie Dorsey, is committed to offering their customers the best selection of instruments. With over 20 years of experience, they’re ready to service all your musical needs.

FINALISTS: B-Side Vintage Music Junction FAVORITE LOCAL NEW OR USED BOOK STORE

BOOK GALLERY WEST

4121 NW 16th Blvd, Gainesville, FL 32605 Book Gallery West started in 1983 on Main Street as a textbook store, but over time the original owner decided to open a second location that offered books other than textbooks. The second location, on the west side of town, became Book Gallery West and eventually replaced the parent store.

FINALISTS: Books-A-Million Second and Charles Gainesville FAVORITE LOCAL PAWN SHOP

PAWN PRO

25040 W Newberry Road, Newberry, FL 32669 Pawn Pro is a family owned Newberry business equipped with over 20 years of pawn broking experience. They offer customers the best deals and the most money for their merchandise.

FINALISTS: Santa Fe Pawn Haile Jewelry and Loans FAVORITE LOCAL PHONE REPAIR SHOP

ORANGE PHONE CARE

4110 SW 34th St Suite 7, Gainesville, FL 32608 Orange Phone Care provides quality iPhone and smartphone repair services at affordable

prices like crack repairs; LCD screen, charging port, battery and camera replacements; button fixes; speaker repairs and more. What began in Gainesville has expanded to other retail locations across Florida including Daytona, Fleming Island, St. Petersburg and Tampa.

FINALISTS: Re-Tech Repair Experts Gadget Guys - Celebration Pointe FAVORITE LOCAL RESALE/ CONSIGNMENT BOUTIQUE

J UST BETWEEN FRIENDS (JBF)

Gainesville.jbfsale.com Just Between Friends is the nation’s leading children’s and maternity consignment sales event.

Held two to three times annually, JBF offers families an opportunity to turn their children’s new and gently used items into cash.

FINALISTS: Sandy’s Savvy Chic Resale Boutique Valerie’s Loft Consignment Boutique FAVORITE LOCAL STORE (OVERALL)

G ATOR GODDESS

formal occasion you need a tuxedo for, Alachua Flowers and Tuxedo Rentals has you covered and even offers name brands like Michael Kors, available for all shapes and sizes.

FINALISTS: Men’s Wearhouse Allure Bridal Boutique FAVORITE LOCAL VAPE SHOP

MODERN AGE TOBACCO & GIFT SHOP

1035 NW 76th Blvd, Gainesville, FL 32606 1122 W University Ave, Gainesville, FL 32601 At Modern Age Tobacco & Gift Shop, you’ll find a humidor filled with top-quality cigars at affordable prices as well as other tobacco products and equipment and a wide selection of incense sticks and vape products.

FINALISTS: Escape 2 Vape New Leaf Vapor Co. FAVORITE LOCAL WINE STORE

DORN’S LIQUORS & WINE WAREHOUSE

Gatorgoddesscreations.com Gator Goddess combines two elements of nature to form beautiful works of art. Pairing colorful crystals like amethyst and rose quarts with plants to form a pleasing focal point or encapsulating the crystals in jewelry, Gator Goddess is home to one-of-a-kind gifts and creations.

FINALISTS: Cootie Coo Creations Pawn Pro

4140 NW 16th Blvd, Gainesville, FL 32605 Set aside the liquor and cheese, Dorn’s Liquors & Wine Warehouse offers the best selection of wines in town. Not sure if you’d prefer red, white or rosé? Head to Dorn’s for one of their recurring wine-tasting events.

FINALISTS: Tipple’s Brews & Wine Total Wine & More

FAVORITE LOCAL THRIFT STORE

FAVORITE LOCAL WOMEN’S CLOTHING STORE

G RACEWORKS

25575 W US Highway 27, High Springs, FL 32643 Graceworks is a thrift shop and outreach ministry of the Seventh Day Adventist Church based in High Springs. Formed in 2003, they’ve become Our Town voters’ favorite thrift shop.

FINALISTS: Flashbacks Recycled Fashions Sandy’s Savvy Chic Resale Boutique FAVORITE LOCAL TUXEDO SHOP

DOWN TO EARTH

13005 SW 1st Road Suite 123, Newberry, FL 32669 Located in Tioga Town Center, Down to Earth Boutique offers everything from women’s apparel, jewelry and shoes to home furnishings, gifts and candles – a selection that’s given them the title of favorite women’s clothing store.

FINALISTS: Belk Malgorzata’s

FAVORITE MOTORCYLE SHOP

G AINESVILLE HARLEYDAVIDSON

4125 NW 97th Blvd, Gainesville, FL 32606 Gainesville Harley-Davidson is a family-owned and operated dealership formed in 1993 by Ray and Gail Lytle. After moving to its current location in 1995, with continued dedication to customer satisfaction the dealership grew in 2003 and again in 2015 with the addition of a pre-owned showroom and dyno tuning room.

FINALISTS: Stuart’s Cycle FAVORITE SHOPPING DISTRICT

BUTLER PLAZA

3217 SW 35th Blvd, Gainesville, FL 32608 Locally owned by the Butler family, Butler Enterprises has been in business in Gainesville for over 75 years and has continuously grown as Gainesville has progressed, utilizing their 267acre parcel of land assembled through the years to develop a neighborhood of centers uniquely suited for Gainesville’s diverse culture and lifestyle.

FINALISTS: Celebration Pointe Thornebrook Village Shopping Center

THANK YOU FOR VOTING!

A LACHUA FLOWERS AND TUXEDO RENTALS

14520 Main St, Alachua, FL 32615 Weddings, proms or homecomings, whatever

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g n i t o v r o f Thank you your Fave!

for us as

Call DeAnna and Dave Edwards today to see how we can help you make the most of your money.

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North Central Florida Group 6216 NW 43rd St Ste 3C Gainesville, FL 32653 352-226-8000 northcentralfloridagroup@thrivent.com connect.thrivent.com/north-central-florida-group Facebook.com/northcentralfloridagroup.thrivent DeAnna Edwards, FIC Financial Consultant

Dave Edwards, FIC Associate

Thrivent was named one of the “World’s Most Ethical Companies” by Ethisphere Institute from 2012–2020.

Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. owns the certification marks CFP ® and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ in the U.S. “World’s Most Ethical Companies” and “Ethisphere” names and marks are registered trademarks of Ethisphere LLC. For details, visit Ethisphere.com.

Thrivent is the marketing name for Thrivent Financial for Lutherans. Insurance products issued by Thrivent. Not available in all states. Securities and investment advisory services offered through Thrivent Investment Management Inc., a registered investment adviser, member FINRA and SIPC, and a subsidiary of Thrivent. Licensed agent/ producer of Thrivent. Registered representative of Thrivent Investment Management, Inc. Advisory services available through investment adviser representatives only.

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GAINESVILLE.GROUNDSGUYS.COM July/August 2020

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We feel the best way to find and recognize local charities in our communities is by asking you!

The SunState Community Foundation is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization that serves the communities in and around North Central Florida by promoting and facilitating philanthropy.

The Foundation was established to promote and provide charitable assistance that contributes towards the development, education and well-being of the communities, areas and residents of Alachua, Columbia, Dixie, Gilchrist, and Levy Counties in Florida. The foundation’s initial goal is to administer and fully fund the award winning Facebook Charity-of-the-Month program. SunState Federal Credit Union started the program in 2013, but has turned over administration of the program to the foundation, with SunState Federal Credit Union acting only as a sponsor. This has been done in the belief that this path will ensure the program remains a strong and expanding community resource long into the future.

The SunState Community Foundation, Inc., provides donors/members opportunities to participate in the furtherance of the foundation’s goals in multiple ways. First, and foremost, the donors/members are providing funds to support the foundation’s charitable initiatives. Donors/members can also nominate groups for the Charity of the Month program, and then vote for the group of their choice. Donors/members are encouraged to participate and vote in the Charity of the Month program. Ultimately, the voters choose where foundation donations go as part of the infrastructure of the program.

SunState Community Foundation, Inc.

SPONSORSHIP L EVEL S AVAIL ABL E 1,000 CHARITY OF THE MONTH SPONSOR

$

100 |

500 RANDOM CHARITY SPONSOR

$

• Recognized on all 4 Entercom Communication stations, 30 times (120 total); KTK, SKY, WRUF and ESPN.

• Recognized on 2 of Entercom Communications stations, 30 times (60 total); WRUF and ESPN

• Recognized on the Charity of the Month Facebook Contest page, KTK’s Facebook page and Our Town’s Facebook page.

• Recognized on the Charity of the Month Facebook Contest page, KTK’s Facebook page and Our Town’s Facebook page.

• Mentioned in the Charity of the Month page in Our Town Magazine.

• Mentioned in the Charity of the Month page in Our Town Magazine.

OUR TOWN MAGAZINE

July/August 2020

300 NOMINATOR SPONSOR

$

• Recognized on the Charity of the Month Facebook Contest page, KTK’s Facebook page and Our Town’s Facebook page.

• Mentioned in the Charity of the Month page in Our Town Magazine.

100 RANDOM VOTER SPONSOR

$

• Recognized on the Charity of the Month Facebook Contest page.

• Mentioned in the Charity of the Month page in Our Town Magazine

MOST RECENT WINNING ORGANIZATIONS TO NOMINATE A CHARITY OF YOUR CHOICE OR TO VOTE FOR YOUR FAVORITE NOMINEES, VISIT:

www.facebook.com/SunStateFCU and click on “Charity of the Month”

FEBRUARY 2020 WINNER

MARCH 2020 WINNER

Basketball Cop Foundation

Carson Springs Wildlife

The winner of the February Charity of the Month is Basketball Cop Foundation. They will receive $1,000.

Bobby White will win $300 for nominating them. The random charity is Haile’s Angels Pet Rescue, and they will win $500. The random voter, Kathy Van Vliet, will receive $100.

The winner of the March Charity of the Month is Carson Springs Wildlife. They will receive $1,000. Barry Janks will win $300 for nominating them. The random charity is Gainesville High School Band, and they will win $500.

The random voter, Katie Marshall, will receive $100.

APRIL 2020 WINNER

MAY 2020 WINNER

Gators For Refugee Medical Relief

Center for Independent Living of North Central Florida

The winner of the April Charity of the Month is Gators For Refugee Medical Relief. They will receive $1,000.

Alyssa Quinn will win $300 for nominating them. The random charity is Horses Helping People, and they will win $500. The random voter, Christine Stopka, will receive $100.

The winner of the May Charity of the Month is Center for Independent Living of North Central Florida. They will receive $1,000. Amy Feutz will win $300 for nominating them. The random charity is Elder Options, and they will win $500. The random voter, Mark Mayfield, will receive $100.

COMMUNITY PARTNERS >> CHARITY OF THE MONTH

CH A RIT Y OF THE MONTH WINNER S

A project of the SunState Community Foundation, Inc. Presented by SunState Federal Credit Union, Our Town Family of Magazines and Entercom Communications

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TASTE OF THE TOWN

SPECIAL RESTAURANT ADVERTISING SECTION. CALL

352-372-5468

FOR RATES AND INFORMATION.

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.

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!

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 — 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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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 and Best Philly. 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, Cubans, Subs, Kids Menu and more.”

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

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.

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!

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TASTE OF THE TOWN

SPECIAL RESTAURANT ADVERTISING SECTION. CALL

352-372-5468

FOR RATES AND INFORMATION.

Harvest Thyme Café Downtown Alachua - 14816 Main Street, Alachua Open 7 days a week 10am-3pm 386-588-3188

www.harvesthymecafe.com Cafe — Harvest Thyme Cafe now has two locations! We are open for lunch in downtown Alachua, and open for breakfast and lunch in northwest Gainesville! Serving our homemade soups, salads, sandwiches, wraps, fresh fruit, pasta salad and more! We also offer yummy vegan, vegetarian and gluten free options to satisfy every dietary preference. Check out our catering menu online, it’s the simple, easy and fresh solution that you’ve been looking for! We’re ready to serve you delicious, healthy and fresh food! Come visit us at either of our two locations!

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.

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.

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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!

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.

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 has lunch specials M-F 11am-4pm.

Come see our NEW Menu items, including fresh salads and soups. Don’t worry, we still proudly serve what you have voted, the best Wings, Burgers, Fish n’ Chips, and REAL Shepherds Pie around! Crafty’s is the ONLY restaurant in town that is safe for your family and friends. While also offering entertainment every day of the week, we have the largest selection of 60 Craft Beers on tap, and next door at the Bottle Shoppe, we offer over750 varieties of Craft Beer with Free Beer Tastings every Thursday 6p-8p.

Visit our social media and web for ongoing events and new craft beer.

CRAFTY BASTARDS - WELCOME HOME!

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NONTRADITIONAL PETS >> PAIGE BECK’S CHICKS

CLUCK IT

Spring Chickens Paige Beck and her Disco Chicks W R I T T E N B Y H AY L I Z U C C O L A P H OTO G R A P H Y B Y M I C H A E L A M U L L I G A N

M

otivated by the sounds of a car engine revving up the road, six chickens squawk with excitement while running across a lush backyard toward a small, wrought iron gate at the top of the driveway. KC and the Chicken Band, a golden comet chicken whose striking appearance comes from tufts of cinnamon-dusted, red feathers, pokes her head through one of the openings while the rest of the hens trail close behind.

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NONTRADITIONAL PETS >> PAIGE BECK’S CHICKS

“Hi girls, how was everybody’s day today?” Paige Beck sweetly asks the group she fondly refers to as the Disco Chicks – a spin on the 1970s song “Disco Duck.” Unintelligible responses echo from the flock led by KC, three silkies, Downy Summer (known for her soft white coat), Chaka Khan (whose face of golden plumage is her trademark) and Barry Egg White (a gray ball of fluff ), and two black australorps named B.G. and Gloria Australorp. It’s an

gave her a variety of lifelong skills like cooking and gardening, it introduced her to working with various farm animals like Charolais cattle, Rhode Island Red and Bantam chickens – a background that prepared her for caring for six spirited chicks.

It’s been three years since Beck and her husband, Jack Jacobs, gave the Disco Chicks their forever hen house. Providing a coop that is built like a fortress and equipped with fresh straw, three

“I bring them a little yogurt and oatmeal every morning and some fresh parsley,” Beck said. “When it’s cold out, I will get up earlier and make warm oatmeal for them.” entertaining routine, one that only adds to Beck’s appreciation for the great outdoors.

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nesting boxes and a comfy floor of white sand isn’t the only way Beck spoils the chicks. It’s also decorated with painted dancing chickens and a sparkling disco ball.

“I bring them a little yogurt and oatmeal every morning and

Thank you for voting for us!

Book Gallery West

• Used & New Books • Gifts & Cards • Free Gift Wrapping • Childrens/School Reading

352-371-1234 A young Chaka Khan, the chicken not the singer, was once small enough to perch on Beck’s shoulder. Nowadays, Chaka Khan and her golden plumage stand tall among the flock. (Above photos provided by Paige Beck)

some fresh parsley,” Beck said. “When it’s cold out, I will get up earlier and make warm oatmeal for them.”

“One morning, I got up and made a big bowl of oatmeal. It had blueberries and all this stuff on there, and Jack comes down, looks at the bowl, looks at me, and he goes ‘I like oatmeal.’ And I said, ‘I know you do, but you have to wait,’” she said with a laugh.

Aside from yogurt and oatmeal, the chicks are often treated to papaya, strawberries, chia seeds, fresh herbs and other snacks they’ll jump up and down for – literally.

“They’ll hop up in the air for treats and they’ll follow you around the yard like a dog. Actually, when I’m out there working the flowers I have to be careful where I step because they’ll just be right under your feet,” she said.

With a shared passion for fresh air and natural beauty, Beck and Jacobs spend their free time sitting outside watching the chickens happily roam around the yard, especially during warm summer evenings. Along with the sounds

4121 NW 16th Blvd.

(Corner of 16th Blvd. and 43rd St.) Millhopper Shopping Center Locally owned & operated since 1983

of clucks and peeps from the talkative flock, blue jays and cardinals sing songs while soaring through the sky, often landing to enjoy an early dinner beside the chickens.

“It makes you feel like you’re Cinderella out there with all the birds flying around [and] down on the ground,” she said.

While the six pack of chicks continue to live the lap of luxury – as expected by the silkies who are regarded as the high-fashion models of the chicken world – it’s important to note that these chickens aren’t just admired for their beautiful feathers, they’re smart too.

Chickens can recognize up to 100 people and like dogs, they have one-of-a-kind personalities with traits both good and, well, not so good. For Downy Summer and Chaka Khan, their stubbornness shines at nighttime with their refusal to go to bed. Their eventual compliance to physically enter the coop is paired with a mild protest as they sit at the entrance and wait for complete darkness before finally going to sleep. Nevertheless, it’s July/August 2020

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NONTRADITIONAL PETS >> PAIGE BECK’S CHICKS

Growing up in Ohio by Lake Erie, Beck’s husband, Jack Jacobs, shares a love of the great outdoors and the chickens.

In addition to building the coop, he keeps the Disco Chicks’ home spick-and-span and ready for roosting.

these instances along with the relaxing moments of watching them hop for treats or playfully enjoy their backyard habitat that make Beck’s chickens beloved pets.

“This is their forever life here. They got the chicken lotto here with their little coop and you know we just really do love them,” she said.

Not only have the Disco Chicks provided animal companionship for Beck, whose heartbreaking loss of her miniature bull terrier, Luca Brasi, led her to adopt a less traditional pet, the chickens have also taught her a valuable life lesson.

“The chickens are just a reminder that there are all types of ways to be entertained all around you, if you just sit down for a second, and be still,” she said.

“Sit, and just enjoy life. That’s the greatest thing for me... those chickens will help you do that.”

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ENJOY YOUR FAVORITE FOODS AGAIN!

, YOU CAN TASTE AND ENJOY THE FOODS YOU LOVE WITHOUT HESITATION. You can bite naturally and eat virtually anything you want. Unlike removable dentures that can feel uncomfortable and limit the taste of food, dental implants let you experience eating comfortably again.

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CALL TODAY FOR A CONSULTATION. 352-371-4141 altschulercenter.com 2251 NW 41st St, Suite F Gainesville, FL 32606 July/August 2020

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RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL

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Overhead Door Company of Ocala 352-622-5737 www.overheaddoorocala.com

Together We Are Strong In our first 125 years, Capital City Bank has endured the Great Depression, two World Wars, the Great Recession and many challenges in between. While each challenge has transformed our communities, economies and industry, our company is here to serve you today because generations of loyal clients have called us their bankers. Thank you for being part of our story and for helping build a stronger future for Alachua County and beyond.

www.ccbg.com

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Open the door to your home’s equity with a home equity line of credit from Florida Credit Union!

0.99%APR INTRO

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AFTERWARDS, RATES AS LOW AS:

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*Subject to credit approval. Your rate may be higher based on your credit worthiness and property valuation. No closing costs with $10,000 minimum loan amount. APR = Annual Percentage Rate. Rate quoted is as of 6/1/2020 and based on a HELOC with a 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period. The HELOC rate is a variable rate and is based on Wall Street Journal Prime plus .50. Minimum APR 3.750% - Maximum APR 12.000%. Minimum loan amount $5,000 Maximum loan amount $200,000. For example, a $25,000 10-year Home Equity Line of Credit with a 3.750% rate and an 80% Loan-to- Value (LTV) will have an APR of 3.750%, 120 payments of $250.15; total finance charges of $5,018.37, for a total payment of $30,018.37. Your rate may be higher based on your credit worthiness and property valuation. Rates will be no less than Florida Credit Union’s minimum interest rate. This discount promotion cannot be combined with other Florida Credit Union promotions. Offer good for a limited time. Federally insured by NCUA.

I APPRECIATE YOUR SUPPORT!

WE APPRECIATE YOUR SUPPORT!

MIAPALATINCAFE.COM 114 |

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Thank you for voting us as a finalist for Favorite Local Pawn Shop and Favorite Local Store!!

352-327-9067 July/August 2020

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LOCAL ARTIST >> LINDA BLONDHEIM

ART FROM THE HEART

Portrait of an Artist Linda Blondheim Paints what she Preaches S T O R Y A N D P H O T O G R A P H Y B Y E M I LY F E LT S

I

n the second grade, Linda Blondheim painted a terrier puppy perched on a rectangular, checkered stand. She does not remember why she painted it, but she remembers her teacher hung it up. That gesture meant a lot to her. Since then, Blondheim has loved painting.

The nature surrounding her rural Gainesville home along with her past experiences influences her style. It adds depth and character to the sweet woman behind the artwork. For example, the way she spent her summers growing up. She got her horse Peppy, a reddish-brown colored, tall, thoroughbred at the age of 14. He was as mean as could be.

“He treated me well, but I don’t think he really liked anybody,” Blondheim said.

Chubby was her sister’s horse and Sugar was her mother’s. Sugar was her favorite. She didn’t vibe well with Chubby, Blondheim said.

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But even with three horses they would ride through miles of nature trails found in her backyard. Her favorite memory was spent inside of her studio which, at the time, was her father’s. “What I remember the best is that daddy would let me pound nails into his workbench if I wanted to,” Blondheim said. “So I would stand there and pound nails into wood. It was fun.”

Her father was a machinist, who worked at the University of Florida in the metallurgy department.

His studio’s interior was made of raw wood and light gray concrete. He had a workbench across one of the walls, and all sorts of metal and wood that a normal machinist shop would have, she said.

Her mother was an accountant at the UF bookstore. She was very smart and very liberal, which Blondheim was thankful for. “In her generation, that was almost unheard of,” she said. “My dad was conservative. “They never fought about it. They just

Linda Blondheim, a landscape painter located in Gainesville, poses in one of the smaller rooms in her art studio. This is where she keeps three types of kits; her tea kit, bird kit and flower kit, along with some of her smaller paintings.

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LOCAL ARTIST >> LINDA BLONDHEIM

accepted it, which is what you should do.”

After high school, Blondheim moved to Tampa, where she received her bachelor’s degree in fine arts from the University of Tampa and her master’s from the University of South Florida.

She studied anatomy, drawing, painting, art history and sculpture.

Painting was always her favorite.

When her father passed away, she was living in Texas with her two daughters, Jackie and Sarah. A few years later, she and her sister moved back to their quaint, rural land called home to be with their frail mother. That’s when Blondheim decided her father’s studio would be a perfect art studio.

When you enter the narrow hallway leading to the studio’s main room, you’re greeted by smaller paintings of trees, birds and flowers. Her dad’s old workbench holds treasures she found on walks out back. The paintings covering the walls vary in

When it comes to sitting down and painting, Blondheim doesn’t focus on the smaller details and lines. She fixates on large shapes and ponders what values the painting will have.

The value system Blondheim uses for her painting is a contrast between dark, mid-tone and light colors or shading. She adapted this design form after studying Notan for several years, a Japanese design concept involving the play and placement of light and dark elements as they are placed next to the other in the composition of art and imagery.

“I break my values set into a light, half-tint-light, mid-tone, half-tone-dark and dark,” she said. “So there are five values that I pretty much use, and I call them my five value family.”

If she doesn’t have a tight deadline, Blondheim prefers to work in the morning with her French Bulldog, Tucker.

The first thing she does is turn her canvas by painting it all

“I usually use about six colors for painting,” she said. “But when I’m almost done, I’ll go in with another color that’s not in the palette and just tweak little spots here and there.” size and color, but sticks to a natural theme of trees, vineyards, marshes, rivers, beaches, flowers and birds.

Her inspiration comes from pictures taken with her trusty Ipad or from friends who also send her images they think she will like. One of her friends owns a condo in Vero Beach and lets her stay there whenever she wants. She usually goes once a year.

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one, seamless color. Then, using a brush and paint, she paints the desired basic shapes. She moves throughout her painting, not focusing on a single area until she reaches the perfect composition. Then using the color values, she adds contrast. At the end, she brushes in a pop of color.

“I usually use about six colors for painting,” she said. “But when I’m almost done, I’ll go in with another color that’s not

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Blondheim described herself as an analytical painter. It’s the process that appeals to her, not the finished product. Becoming too emotionally invested in artwork hinders you, she explained.

“I’m very involved in the analytics of painting,” she said. “Why it works, why it didn’t, what could I have done differently? That kind of thing is very important to me.”

While she does not see herself as emotionally attached to any of her work, there are specific places that she loves and paints again and again. Each time it turns out different. One of her favorite places is Fish Prairie, located in Evanston, Florida. This private land inspires her art.

When guests and potential buyers visit her to catch up and look at her current work for sale, she likes to greet them with a tea party.

“I went to a tea party for my daughter and it

was wonderful,” she said. “And we all had such a great time. I thought it was such a great idea that I started doing it here.”

At the beginning of the visit, she prepares her “tea room.” A separate room in her studio with two Mad Hatter tea party themed banners. The walls are covered with pink, yellow, orange, purple and blue paintings of flowers and birds, creating a bright and happy aesthetic.

She prepares homemade snacks, like chicken salad sandwiches complemented with a sweet, cranberry bread and port wine cheese wrapped in general salami with a side of blueberries, white chocolate and M&M wafers. These snacks are easy for her to whip up because she used to be a caterer, baker and pastry chef.

She sets out kettles of tea, with the flavor of her choosing. Her favorite is the fruity and semisweet cranberry blood orange. Her mix and match china, some of which belonged

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LOCAL ARTIST >> LINDA BLONDHEIM

t o h e r m o t h e r, finishes the party’s sophisticated look.

“I’ve had incredibly interesting conversations with people at tea,” she said.

They usually range from 1 to 10 people. It makes it easier for her to get to know her buyers and provides a way for them to catch-up and create a deeper relationship. After snacking, sipping and socializing, visitors look at paintings.

Blondheim sells paintings of all sizes, starting with her three kits. The tea kit comes with two bags of tea (random flavors) and a little painting of a landscape. The bird kit has a painting of a bird or nest with high-quality bird seeds. The flower kit has a small floral painting and

wildflower seeds.

All three are wrapped in handmade envelopes with a button from her grandmother’s button jar. They are $7.

Her 8x10 paintings are $350 and are her most popular size. The 12x16 paintings run about $600, her medium paintings are around $1700 and her larg er paintings run anywhere f r o m $ 3,0 0 0 - $ 6,0 0 0.

However, members of her collector’s club pay a one-time down payment of $20 and receive a 30% discount on any artwork.

“It’s really, in my mind, a way to help people collect original art,” she said. “My collector’s club makes them affordable for people.”

For more info on Linda’s art, studio hours and address, check out: lindablondheim.com.

We roast our coffee here.

No extra charge for the aroma.

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Creativity

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photos by Adrienne Fletcher Photography

“Thank you Gainesville for voting!

Your support matters to us!”

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shortmediagroup.com July/August 2020

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Travel in Comfort

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Call or email today for a free quote.

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WE APPRECIATE YOUR SUPPORT!

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WE’LL GET YOUR FLOORS AND UPHOLSTERY LIKE NEW AGAIN!

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Whether you’re looking to build new or just keep your current pool sparkling, we can help. Look to us for prompt, professional service at a reasonable price. Call today!

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ADVERTISEMENT

You Can Feel Safe with SunState Federal Credit Union!

Even though we are only 6 months into it, 2020 has already been the longest year of our lives; and now, as the world starts to once again open up, personal safety and security has never been more important. In our SunState Federal Credit Union branches, we’re taking steps to combine the safety and security you need and want with the convenience you’ve come to expect.

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After weeks and weeks of mostly digital interactions, we are ready to safely see your faces in person. To that end, we are taking precautions in all of our locations to protect our members and our staff. All SunState FCU branch lobbies and ATMs are open for withdrawals and deposits, with the exception of our two VA Medical Center branches, which are only open for ATM withdrawals. Our lobbies are fitted with Plexiglas sneeze guard shields, and we’re routinely cleaning and sanitizing lobbies and machines throughout the day.

If you’re not yet able, or not yet ready, to do your banking in person, we’ve got an excellent digital solution. Our mobile app provides you with contactfree service. Apply for a loan from the comfort of home, perform transactions, or deposit your check online without ever stepping foot outside your door.

SunState’s safe and secure mobile banking is easy to use and free to our customers. Once you are a member, download the SunState Federal Credit Union app on your phone, or visit SunStateFCU.org to join the credit union.

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JOIN US

If you haven’t joined SSFCU yet, it’s never been easier. We’ve made it possible not only to do all your banking online, but you can join us in three easy steps without ever stepping foot in a branch. Simply visit SunStateFCU.org and let us know who you are and how we can help – the online membership application process really is easy to navigate. To offer more support, we’ve also expanded our phone and digital response center hours to Monday through Friday 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

HELPING HAND

During these trying times, we know people need help more than ever.

We’re running lower auto loan rates with no payments for 90 days.

We’re also reaching out to the community through our Charity of the Month program. If you know of a charitable organization that’s making a difference, nominate them to win a $1,000 donation and a feature in Our Town Magazine. You could also win, because we are giving $300 to the person who nominates the winning charity. And it pays to vote because one random voter will receive $100. And that random voter? They get $500 donated to the charity they voted for. To nominate a charity, visit the SunStateFCU.org and click on Charity of the Month. And don’t forget to ask your friends and colleagues to vote on the SunState Facebook page once per day.

We know our community is facing unprecedented challenges right now, and we’re glad to offer the safety, security and community strength you’ve always counted on. Stay safe, and see you soon at SunState Federal Credit Union..

Find out more in person or online at SunStateFCU.org today.

We’ve Recently Lowered Our Rates, Plan Ahead 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. 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.

APPLY ONLINE OR FROM OUR MOBILE APP AND MAKE NO PAYMENTS FOR 90 DAYS!* Membership is open to everyone who lives, works, worships, attends school or does business in Alachua, Columbia, Dixie, Gilchrist, Levy, Suwannee, Lafayette, Union and Hamilton Counties. * Interest will accrue, visit sunstate.org for details.

Proudly serving our members and our community since 1957

352-381-5200 www.SunStateFCU.org

352-381-5200 www.sunstatefcu.org

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Thanks for voting for us!

We are honored to be some of your favorites!

Merchants of High Springs Cootie CooS

Your favorite local art store!

C R E ATI O N

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Proudly serving the community with award winning food

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Hours 128 |

Come in today to discover our unique treasures and gifts

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July/August 2020

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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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LIKE BOTH LOCATIONS ON FACEBOOK FOR UPDATES ON WINE TASTINGS AND OTHER EVENTS! July/August 2020

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HOME • MOBILE HOME • AUTO • BOAT • MOTORCYCLE • UMBRELLA INSURANCE

Are you prepared for a teenage driver?

Vehicle insurance is important. Having a team to help you when you need it most – that’s being prepared.

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We’ve Recently Lowered Our Rates, Plan Ahead 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.

APPLY ONLINE OR FROM OUR MOBILE APP AND MAKE NO PAYMENTS FOR 90 DAYS!*

Membership is open to everyone who lives, works, worships, attends school or does business in Alachua, Columbia, Dixie, Gilchrist, Levy, Suwannee, Lafayette, Union and Hamilton Counties. * Interest will accrue, visit sunstate.org for details.

Proudly serving our members and our community since 1957

352-381-5200 www.SunStateFCU.org 132 |

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