Our Town - March/April 2023 (Gainesville)

B O N U S S E C T I O N : A SHOWCASE THAT LIFTS UP THE KIND WORDS IN CUSTOMER TESTIMONIALS FOR LOCAL BUSINESSES AND ORGANIZATIONS

MARCH/APRIL 2023 | VOL. 14 ISSUE 02 | GAINESVILLE EDITION

Less IS

MORE SPRING CLEANING & SIMPLIFYING YOUR SPACES

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GAINESVILLE VOL . 14 N O . 02

ON THE COVER >> IN THIS ISSUE WE INVITE

YOU TO SPRING CLEAN AND THIN OUT! LEARN HOW SIMPLICITY CAN LEAD TO TRANQUILITY, AND HOW SOMETIMES HAVING LESS MEANS GAINING MORE OF WHAT MATTERS MOST — PEACE OF MIND. LEARN ABOUT TINY HOMES FROM THE OWNERS OF SIMPLIFY FURTHER, A LOCAL TINY HOME BUILDER AND AIRBNB SUPERHOST COMPANY. HAPPY SPRING (CLEANING)!

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THE MATHESONS

PIER 60 SUGAR SAND FESTIVAL

Christopher and Sarah Matheson met, fell in love, and despite many obstacles, left a legacy of love and community in Gainesville.

Their legacies continue to live on through the Matheson History Museum and all the lives they touched.

A 17-day event that highlights Clearwater’s number one asset, their sand, by turning it into art with expertly detailed, largerthan-life sand sculptures.

93 SPECIAL SECTION:

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

MAR/APR 2023

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MARCH/APRIL

2023

CONTENTS 30 // YOUNG WRITERS

STORYTELLING CONTEST Our annual storytelling contest for young writers is in full swing! Everyone has a story to tell—what’s yours?

35 // BRINGING PEACE AND

SIMPLICITY TO YOUR SPACE Interior designer Sarah Cain shares tips on how homeowners and renters can design their homes to live up to their full potential as peaceful and enjoyable sanctuaries.

40 // SIMPLIFY FURTHER

A local tiny home construction business offers custom-built tiny homes to their customers, as well as the opportunity to enjoy a more simple yet fuller life.

48 // A CLEAN CONSCIENCE Learn about the benefits of switching to eco-friendly cleaning products and habits, such as reducing plastic waste, being healthier for people and pets, and overall saving money.

54 // UNIQUE NOTIONS

Showcasing both local and international artists, each item in this shop represents a unique artist with a special story to tell.

59 // DONATING NEAR YOU

A list of thrift stores and non-profits in Gainesville where you can donate gently used items instead of throwing them away.

64 // MAKEUP JUNKIE Kara Winslow, a professional makeup artist, explains the importance of knowing when it’s time to get rid of makeup products and how to properly clean and organize what’s left in your beauty drawer.

71 // SENTIMENTAL STUFF It’s easy to become attached to items of sentimental value, however, this often leads to clutter. There are resources and professionals who can help in tackling this issue. The process of letting go can be a hard one to master.

80 // TAMING YOUR TECHNICAL

CLUTTER Digital clutter can be difficult to manage, but taking a few minutes to keep it organized can prevent being overwhelmed later.

131 // LOCAL CLEANING TEAMS

Hear from local cleaning professionals on their services offered and tips for cleaning!

COLUMNS

INFORMATION

REVIEWS

47 E MBRACING LIFE

86 C ommunity Calendar

121 R EADING CORNER

by Donna Bonnell

63 N AKED SALSA

122 C harity Winners

by Crystal Henry

124 R estaurant Guide

76 F ARM TALES

135 B usiness Directory

by Mother Hen

by Terri Schlichenmeyer

136 F UREVER FRIENDS Spotlight on Rescue Animals

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. © 2023 Tower Publications, Inc.

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CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Kaitlin Applegate, Donna Bonnell, Cameron Cobb, Crystal Henry, Summer Jarro, Emily Mavrakis, Terri Schlichenmeyer, Joanna Grey Talbot, Cynthia Wonders Winterrowd, Hayli Zuccola CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Kacy Photography ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Jenni Bennett jenni@towerpublications.com DIRECTOR OF SALES Nancy Short nancy@towerpublications.com

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.)

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.

A Publication of Tower Publications, Inc. 4400 NW 36th Ave., Gainesville, Florida 32606 phone: 352-372-5468 fax: 352-373-9178

EDITOR’ S LET TER

M A R C H /A P R I L 2 02 3

Spring Cleaning & the Art of Letting Go We come into this world with nothing and leave with nothing. As my dad often reminds me, even the Egyptians couldn’t take it with them. Of course, he is referring to the elaborate tombs of ancient pharaohs that were equipped with every item, usually golden, that they believed would help aid their royalty in the afterlife. The irony is that all of these wonderful things would be left untouched, waiting for either tomb raiders or historical explorers to one day discover and claim.

Just as the ancient Egyptians believed, many of us today think we need a lot of stuff too. It’s almost as if we all forgot how light we intially “packed” for our grand entrance into this world as newborns. Oftentimes our belongings become sentimental because we attach them to a memory we’re so afraid we’ll one day forget. As time marches on so does the increasing weight of keeping all of these precious moments safe — locked away in the form of old ticket stubs, books, photographs, toys, and the list goes on and on.

It’s a very human thing to want to hold on to stuff. After all, letting go is hard to do and the process of learning how to takes time to master. That’s why I see it as more of an art.

Studies have shown that less stuff in your home can actually add more to your life. Having fewer items can reduce stress levels, help you stay organized, and free up more time to do things you enjoy. Start by going through each room and assessing what needs to be done. Do you need to remove old furniture, reorganize shelves, or declutter drawers and closets? Once you have a plan, it’s time to get to work.

Begin with the basics of cleaning: dusting, vacuuming, and washing windows. Then, move on to more specific tasks like wiping down light fixtures, organizing shelves, and clearing out closets. To make it easier, break each task down into smaller sections and tackle one area at a time. Be sure to reward yourself when you finish a task!

When it comes to decluttering, it’s important to be honest with yourself and decide which items you truly need. If something is broken, out of style, or no longer serves a purpose, it’s time to let it go. Consider donating items you no longer need to help those in need or having a yard sale to make a little extra cash.

Spring cleaning and decluttering can be a daunting task, but it can also be an incredibly rewarding and liberating experience, which is why we are dedicating a whole issue to this theme. With the trend of minimalism on the rise, more and more people are realizing the benefits of having less stuff in their home.

It’s not just physical items that can clutter up your life. Our digital lives can also become a mess with an overload of photos, emails, and other digital files. We delve into the topic of “digital decluttering,” too, offering tips for staying on top of the files that can easily clog up our technological devices over the years. We hope the stories within this issue help inspire you to have a “less-is-more” attitude this spring.

Here’s to making more space for the things that matter most in your life!

As always,

Ericka Winter Pauley, Editor-In-Chief

MAR/APR 2023

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250+ categories • Easy online voting • Food, Shopping, Health, Culture, Nightlife and more!

Who’s your fave?

Everyone has their favorites, and now its time to vote for yours! Join us in voting for the 2023 Our Town Favorites — a true community choice award brought to you by our area’s only county-wide community magazine, Our Town Magazine.

Vote as often as once per day, per category.

Valid email address helps us ensure the voting process is fair.

Each voter will be entered to win one of 3 prize packs!

Voting is Open Mar. 6 – Apr. 21, 2023 TOP FINALISTS AND WINNERS WILL BE ANNOUNCED IN A SPECIAL SECTION OF OUR TOWN MAGAZINE IN THE MAY/JUNE 2023 ISSUE.

OurTownFavorites.com Winners in each category will receive a complimentary certificate as the Our Town FAVE in their category. All finalists and winners will be provided their respective badge for promotional use. Any local business or personality is eligible to win without obligation.

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MAR/APR 2023

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CONTRIBUTORS

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MAR/APR 2023

M A R C H /A P R I L 2 02 3

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

CAMERON COBB is a graduate student at UF, working on her master’s degree in Mass Communication.

She’s also an Air Force veteran. Cameron loves traveling, writing and all animals (her favorite being her rescue dog, Maggie). cameronacobb5@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

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

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

EMILY MAVRAKIS is a Gainesville-based writer and photographer. Some of her favorite topics to explore include business, history and culture. She holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Florida. mavrakisemily@gmail.com

JOANNA GREY TALBOT is the marketing director for the Matheson History Museum and the author of the blog “Florida Revealed: Dispatches from the Land of Publix, Citrus, and Alligators.” joannagtalbot@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

DYNAMIC DUO

THE HISTORY OF CHRISTOPHER AND SARAH MATHESON

A Legacy of Love and Community W R I T T E N BY J OA N N A G R E Y TA L B O T

Call it kismet, fate, God’s plan – but occasionally in this life two people meet, fall in love, and despite many obstacles, leave a legacy of love and community. Christopher and Sarah Matheson, the namesakes of the Matheson History Museum, were one such couple.

Christopher was born in the Matheson House in Gainesville in 1874. The house was constructed in 1867 by his parents, James Douglas (JD) and Augusta Steele Matheson, making it one of the three oldest homes in Gainesville. Today it is the crown jewel of the Matheson History Museum complex.

JD was a merchant with a store on the downtown Gainesville square and the family were members of the First Presbyterian Church. The railroad had come to Gainesville in 1859 and the town had been steadily growing ever since.

Christopher graduated from the East Florida Seminary

P H O T O G R A P H Y: C O U R T E S Y O F M A T H E S O N H I S T O R Y M U S E U M

in 1890. He decided to travel to his parents’ home state of South Carolina for college and attended The Citadel. He graduated in 1894 as the valedictorian.

He moved back home to Gainesville and worked a variety of jobs before deciding to join the Army. In 1896 he traveled to St. Augustine and enlisted. He was posted to Fort Bliss near San Antonio, Texas, as a member of the Fifth Cavalry.

On January 16, 1897, Christopher’s younger brother, Steele, was tragically killed in an accidental shooting. The family was devastated, having already lost two daughters in infancy. Christopher came home for the funeral and realized his parents needed him, so he received a dishonorable discharge and moved back home.

Christopher decided on a career in law and studied under the direction of Judge Thomas King and Judge

MAR/APR 2023

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HISTORIC LEGACY >> THE MATHESONS

Horatio Davis. He passed the bar on May 13, 1898, and was certified to practice in South Carolina and Florida.

He handled property disputes, estate and inheritance conflicts, and probate matters.

He quickly became an integral part of the community, including joining the group of community leaders who successfully petitioned for the University of Florida to come to Gainesville in 1905.

In 1908 he went into partnership with W.E. Baxter and E.G. Baxter but by 1911 he was practicing alone from his office located at 103 East Union Street (now SE 1st Avenue) across from the county courthouse. That same year his father died, and Christopher continued caring for his mother.

of Florida continued to expand.

Christopher’s mother, Augusta, passed away in 1916 and he now felt free to pursue opportunities outside of Gainesville. In 1917 he was elected to the Florida House of Representatives and served one term.

After years of public service, Christopher felt called into the ministry and was ordained as a minister by the Presbyterian Church.

He closed his law practice and the Matheson house.

With the help of extended family nearby he rented out the house to a succession of tenants.

In 1919 he preached his first sermon at Central Presbyterian Church in Shawnee, Oklahoma, where he would serve until 1945. For the final 12 years he had a

Christopher quickly became an integral part of the community, including joining the group of community leaders who successfully petitioned for the University of Florida to come to Gainesville in 1905.

From 1910 to 1917 Christopher served as mayor of Gainesville. During his tenure Gainesville continued to grow and prosper – a downtown street lighting system was installed, and the downtown streets were paved; the new federal building, now the Hippodrome Theatre, opened; the county’s first public library opened; and the University

ON VIEW THROUGH JUNE 4 FREE ADMISSION CURATOR TALK MARCH 30, 6 PM DEBORAH WILLIS

harn.ufl.edu | image: Jeffrey Henson Scales, Young Man in Plaid, New York City, 1992, Courtesy of the Artist

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helpmate by his side – his wife, Sarah.

Sarah Hamilton was born in North Carolina in 1901 (yes, that’s a 27-year age difference) to a Presbyterian family with Scottish roots, just like Christopher’s family.

She graduated from the North Carolina College for Women in 1924 and earned her master’s from the

MAR/APR 2023

HISTORIC LEGACY >> THE MATHESONS

(Middle) Sarah at the Florida Museum of Natural History’s 1984 Collectors Day; (bottom) Christopher and Sarah on their honeymoon in Cedar Key in 1933. Photos Courtesy of Matheson History Museum.

Presbyterian School of Christian Education in Richmond, Virginia. In 1928 Sarah took the same leap as Christopher and moved to Oklahoma. She took a teaching position at the Oklahoma Presbyterian College in Durant, where Christopher served on the Board of Directors.

It was through this connection that Sarah and Christopher first met. They courted and corresponded for several years. Every summer they both vacationed in Montreat, North Carolina, where the Presbyterian Church had a retreat, and her family owned a cabin.

Sarah agreed to marry him and they were wed on August 11, 1933 in Montreat. Their honeymoon included visits to Charleston, Gainesville, and Cedar Key. After introducing Sarah to the places of his youth, they returned to Shawnee.

Sadly, in the 1940s Christopher developed Parkinson’s disease and after unsuccessful medical treatments decided to retire in 1945. They returned to Gainesville, restored the Matheson family home, and joined First Presbyterian Church.

On October 22, 1952, Christopher died at age 78 and was buried near his parents in Evergreen Cemetery.

By this point, Sarah, age 51, considered Gainesville home and decided to stay. She found a renewed sense of purpose by serving the greater Gainesville community, just as Christopher had over forty years earlier.

She would always have a heart for young people, so she worked as the hostess in charge of the Presbyterian Student Center at UF and worked with the Council of International Friendship at UF to help welcome foreign students.

Except for her decades of service to the Presbyterian Church, her next longest membership was with the Church Women United, an interfaith, interracial organization. She served on its local, state, and national boards, including as the president of the state organization in the early 1960s.

In 1983 CWU honored her with the Valiant Woman Award.

In 1969 she was elected as the first woman elder at First Presbyterian Church, where Christopher and his father had served before her. She attended the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in Memphis, Tennessee, in 1970 as the only woman commissioner from Florida and one of only eight women among the 400 men attending.

For more than 30 years she served as a church visitor – spending time with church members who were shut-ins or hospitalized.

Sarah was a world traveler, circling the globe twice, for both pleasure and on behalf of the Presbyterian Church, even teaching the children of Presbyterian missionaries in South Korea for two years, yet she always came home to Gainesville.

Due to Sarah’s quick actions and the hard work of the Gainesville Fire Department on a January morning in 1985, the Matheson House was saved from a fire. Sarah used the insurance money to restore the house, using detailed

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architectural drawings created by UF graduate architecture students in 1983.

With no direct heirs, Sarah decided to give the house to the people of Gainesville.

The Alachua County Historical Society, of which she was a member, formed a group to explore possibilities but they lacked the funds to manage such a gift. In the late 1980s Dr. Mark Barrow organized the non-profit Friends of the Matheson Home and secured from Sarah the promise of a deed to her home. She remained on the board until her death.

In 1992 the historical marker for the Matheson House was dedicated and in March 1994 the Matheson Historical Center opened to the public, with Sarah cutting the ribbon. She lived in the house until her death on December 5, 1996.

Christopher and Sarah Matheson’s legacies live on today in the Matheson History Museum and the many lives that they touched throughout their decades of service to the Gainesville community.

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Sarah was a member of Church Women United - an interfaith, interracial organization. She served as president of the state organization in the early 1960s. Photos Courtesy of Matheson History Museum.

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LIFE’S A BEACH Clearwater’s Pier 60 Sugar Sand Festival

A quintessential trip to the beach involves a dip in the shoreline, a search for seashells and a crack at construction using nothing but sand and salt water.

Of course, Clearwater takes that latter beachside activity to the extreme by creating expertly detailed, larger-than-life and awe-inspiring sand sculptures that attract over 200,000 visitors to the city during their famed 17-day Pier 60 Sugar Sand Festival.

W R I T T E N B Y H AY L I Z U C C O L A

P H O T O : H AY L I Z U C C O L A

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B E AC H , P L E A S E

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TRAVEL DESTINATION >> CLEARWATER’S PIER 60 SUGAR SAND FESTIVAL

The main attraction of the festival is a 21,000 square-foot tent filled with sand sculpted art. These pieces are crafted by world-class sculptors using Clearwater’s internationally famous sugar sand.

F

or decades , people have referred to the

consistency of our sand being sugar-like

hence the name the Sugar Sand Festival,” said event founder Lisa Chandler. “We take our number one asset and turn it into art.”

Though 2023 will mark the festival’s 9th year after a two-year pandemic-generated hiatus, the concept was initially brought to Chandler more than 20 years ago by the company Sandtastic.com. The Clearwater-based sand sculpting team had just returned from a build in Cape Town, South Africa, where they crafted a one-of-a-kind art museum made entirely out of sand. Chandler, who volunteered with the city’s not-for-profit arts organization Sunsets at Pier 60, which is a nightly sunset celebration featuring artisans and street performers, was immediately enthralled with the idea and images, but with its expense, it lingered in the back of her mind as a bucket-list project for the city.

In 2013, Chandler, who was still very much immersed in Clearwater’s special events in a volunteer capacity, was approached by the city to help bring back a popular music festival. Nevertheless, Chandler knew if she were to ever take on another large-scale project, her time and energy would go toward her sand museum passion project – and so it did.

“We wanted to create something that wasn’t just something that the locals would attend,” Chandler said. “It

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would be something that people would plan a vacation specifically around this event to come spend their days tanning, playing in the water, seeing this great art exhibit, dancing in the sand for the concerts and maybe taking a sand sculpting class – just the best – highlighting some of Mother Nature’s best assets of Clearwater Beach.”

Produced by the nonprofit Sunsets at Pier 60 in partnership with the city of Clearwater, Chandler and her husband, Steve, helped launch the inaugural Pier 60 Sugar Sand Festival in April 2013, which has grown over the last decade in both size and scope.

“That old saying ‘we’ve come a long way, baby,’ definitely relates to the first year. The first year the exhibit was 10,000 square feet, we are now 21,000 square feet, which is obviously double the size. The first year on the pile we

Despite its yearly progression and expansion, the heart of the festival is and always has been the sand – a precious resource for both creating beautiful art and protecting reptiles.

P H O T O G R A P H Y: P R O V I D E D B Y P I E R 6 0 S U G A R S A N D F E S T I VA L

only had six sculptors. There were no concerts. There were no fireworks. We’ve definitely evolved. Every year has gotten bigger,” she said.

Despite its yearly progression and expansion, the heart of the festival is and always has been the sand – a precious resource for both creating beautiful art and protecting reptiles.

“May 1, that sand becomes sacred ground. May 1 starts turtle season so we are limited to the time of year,” Chandler said. “All of the sand that is used comes directly from Clearwater Beach so we are permitted through the Department of Environmental Protection, it’s a very lengthy process, and basically we remove about an inch of sand from the top. It’s all compiled into these large sand piles and that is the sand, all of the sand that’s used within the sugar sand walk exhibit is Clearwater Beach sand. It’s over 1,000 tons – that’s our magic number of what we compile to be used underneath the sugar sand walk exhibit.”

Once the sand is collected, the artists, who are brought in by the Sandastic team from as far as Europe to as close as Clearwater itself, are positioned throughout the available space where they shovel and pack sand into large wooden frames to create surface tension for a rockhard sandy surface that they can carve into and sculpt to develop their desired illustration.

To keep these natural works of art protected for the duration of the festival as well as during the two-week sculpting process, the artworks are housed under a large weather-protectant tent positioned directly on the beach.

“There’s something to be said about the salt air and sinking your toes in the sand,” Chandler said, “That is the beauty behind this event unlike many of the sand sculpting events throughout the country, we, the structure tent, is what allows us to carry this on for three weeks.”

Chandler added that sand and wind do not mix.

“Mother Nature sometimes, while she provides the most glorious sunsets and beautiful weather, she can also wreak a lot of havoc,” Chandler said. “It’s a very

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TRAVEL DESTINATION >> CLEARWATER’S PIER 60 SUGAR SAND FESTIVAL

large expense to enclose the sugar sand walk exhibit, but we do that. That’s how we’re able to have this event for 17 days out of the year because if we were in an open-air element those sculptures would not last.”

To attract recurring visitation, the theme for each Sugar Sand Festival changes every year with past shows delving into topics like SANDimals, SEA the World, SEA America, Beachwalk of Fame and more with this year’s theme depicting Decades: A Blast from the Past, which aims to bring nostalgic moments and educational opportunities.

“We’ve kind of broken it down into each era of historical events, technology, movies, television, pop culture,” Chandler said. “What I love about this year’s theme – it’s probably the most broad theme that we’ve had in that it can cover a lot of different topics because we’re doing genres of the ’50s, ’60s, ’70s, ’80s, ’90s movies, music, television, which I’m really excited about.”

While the breathtaking sand sculptures are certainly the main attraction, they aren’t the only feature of this grand festival.

“The sugar sand walk exhibit is the only ticketed portion of this event, meaning there are a plethora of free activities

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outside of the 21,000 square foot structure,” Chandler said. “There are nine nights of concerts; three nights of fireworks; you can take a free sand sculpting class each day. They’re offered for free throughout the festival. And of course, because the Sunsets Festival produces the event, there are artisans and street performers who provide free entertainment all throughout the 17 days.”

It takes 37 days to construct and wrap up the entirety of the Sugar Sand Festival, but with sea turtles in need of their nesting space come May 1, the sculptures can’t remain a permanent fixture. The final night of the event, the pieces are subjected to a private destruction party with the sand returning to where it came from that Monday.

“I cry every year, I’m not going to lie,” Chandler confessed.

“It’s very bittersweet because each year, you know, there’s so much work that goes into putting this festival on, it’s like anything else, it’s very bittersweet because it is art,” she said. “Sand sculpting is an ephemeral art, meaning it’s not meant to last forever and so once we put the sand back to its original resting place, work begins immediately for the following year.”

P H O T O G R A P H Y: H AY L I Z U C C O L A

of people think that these are just sand castles, that’s the word ‘oh, it’s a sand castle festival.’ It’s not a sand castle festival,” Chandler said. “We build an art museum made out of sand – sand and water. If you are someone that appreciates and values art, plan to be amazed because of the amount of work and time and physical labor that goes into creating these masterpieces. There’s not one person who comes through that exhibit without photographing their experience.”

From the jaw-dropping main event to the laundry list of free activities – from beach blanket bingo to weekend concerts – this 17-day beachside festival offers something for everyone.

“The beautiful thing about the Sugar Sand Festival is the fact that there’s not one age or demographic that we don’t appeal to,” Chandler said.

TRAVEL DESTINATION >> CLEARWATER’S PIER 60 SUGAR SAND FESTIVAL

All that hard work from design concept to completion extends beyond the 14 talented sand artists and the volunteers behind the Sunsets at Pier 60 nonprofit.

“It takes 1,000 volunteers to put this on. It’s truly a community event that has grown over the years but in addition to supporting the year-round efforts of the Sunsets festival, there are many charities that benefit from our year-round work,” Chandler said.

One of those charitable contributions, in particular, is the Sugar Sand Festival’s Change Creates Change campaign, which invites 8 out of the 14 sand artists to compete in a sculpting competition. Visitors to the exhibit can donate their change to vote for their favorite sculpture with the winning artist receiving a $7,000 cash prize and the money raised throughout the voting duration split between two local Title 1 schools.

Whether you’re a returning guest or a first-time visitor to the Sugar Sand Festival, it’s sure to be an unforgettable experience.

“The sugar sand walk exhibit – plan to be amazed! A lot

To learn more about the Pier 60 Sugar Sand Festival or to purchase your tickets in advance for this year’s event, which runs every day from Friday, April 7, through Sunday, April 23, visit their website: sugarsandfestival.com.

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YOUNG WRITERS STORYTELLING

Attention all young creative minds out there—have you ever dreamed of having your original fiction story in print?

Now is your chance to put pen (or type) to paper and enter Our Town Magazine’s Storytelling Contest! We at Tower Publications would like to encourage you to become the next Beatrix Potter (“The Tale of Peter Rabbit”) or E. B. White (“Charlotte’s Web”).

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C O M M U N I T Y C RE AT I V I T Y

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W

e know there are many talented families in our community and we

are anticipating some really great stories. Parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles or neighbors—if you know of a young writer, please encourage them to join the fun and enter our contest. It is very possible that someone is right here among us who will become the next famous author and only needs to be inspired to believe in themselves. So, our challenge to you is to spread the word and encourage these young talents to write their original story.

Teachers, this could be a great opportunity to assign a writing project for your students, reading the finished works aloud in class and taking a vote for the top stories to submit to our magazine. Have fun with it!

Young writers, grades 4-12, are invited to submit their original story between 500 to 1,000 words to be considered for the grand prize of having their work published in the May/June issue of Our Town. Consideration for originality and creativity will be judged by a panel of professional writers on our staff. We are so excited to receive the submissions. Write on!

For more information contact editor@towerpublications.com.

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CRITERIA FOR STORY SUBMISSIONS: YOUNG WRITERS: GRADES 4-12

Deadline: April 6, 2023

• Main character must be a type of plant, such as a tree or flower.

• Story must involve weather of some kind, such as sunshine or rain.

• Main character must have “thought” or dialog involving other characters.

• Must have an uplifting plot or good moral to the story (Such as Aesop’s Fables).

• Story should be 500-1000 words in length.

• Submissions must include: Title of Story, Writer’s Name, Age, School/Grade, & Contact info.

Submissions can be emailed to editor@towerpublications.com.

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Be there every step of the way

Your Trusted Guide to Senior Living

Embarking on a path to senior care can be an intimidating journey for anyone. Fortunately, families in North Central Florida have access to an incredible team of compassionate navigators to guide them.

Next Steps Senior Solutions is here to help families find solutions to the challenges that come with caring for an aging loved one.

Her background in memory care, home health and hospice gave her a well-rounded grasp on what people need as they enter the senior phase of their lives.

As these seniors cruise into their golden years, their loved ones sometimes only seek help when the dashboard lights up with indicators that something is wrong.

The team at Next Steps is there not only when the lights come on, but they also help families identify red flags they might not realize are pointing to a problem.

Julie’s job is to evaluate individual client needs and give them the tools and resources needed to form a plan — including financial resources to fund the plan. She’s there to dig deep and help answer questions that even the family may not know to ask.

“You know when we often find out someone’s not fine?” said COO Jennifer Fitterman. “When it’s too late.”

Jennifer is a Gator grad who’s touched almost every field of elder care including home health, hospice, skilled nursing and assisted living. But for the past five years, Jennifer has focused on helping families choose the best short-term and long-term solutions for the seniors in their lives with Next Steps Senior Solutions.

To ensure each path is uniquely curated for the specific goals of each family, Jennifer partnered with Next Steps CEO Jeff Linville to build a highly reputable network of senior services.

As a Gainesville native, Jeff is passionate about the people in North Central Florida — specifically seniors and their families. He’s helped strengthen the business side of Next Steps with a background in sales and marketing in the senior living field.

“Our job is to be there every step of the way,” Julie said.

Next Steps provides an extensive network of attorneys, movers, financial and estate planners, healthcare workers, skilled nursing care, hospice and companion care.

“Because our services are free, one of the first questions we get after we explain what we do is, ‘Well how are you compensated,’” Jennifer said.

The Next Steps team is contracted with every senior living provider throughout North Florida and many across the state. They receive some referral fees, but because they’re contracted equally across providers, they’re able to give unbiased guidance and work as an honest broker of senior services.

“We’re just over 35 years of combined experience in senior care and the senior living realm, Jeff said. “It’s a complex industry, and the decisions you make have lasting impacts.”

Senior Solutions Specialist Julie Roca is the voice on the other end of the line when families call for help.

“My father was a pastor, and my mother was a hospice nurse. So, I grew up with an idea of ministry and helping people,” Julie said. “As I got older my heart was for our senior community.”

34 | OUR TOWN MAGAZINE

For a free consultation, or to learn more, call 352-474-2895, or visit NextStepSeniorSolutions.com

MAR/APR 2023

1

KEEP IT SIMPLE

LOCAL DESIGNER SHARES TIPS TO CONFIGURE YOUR DREAM HOME

Bringing Peace and Simplicity to Your Space W R I T T E N BY E M I LY M AV R A K I S

Like the clothing one wears, a person’s home is often a reflection of their personality and values — their preferred colors and style, the hobbies they enjoy and more.

Gainesville-based interior designer Sarah Cain, principal of Sarah Cain Designs and past president for the American Society of Interior Designers Florida North Chapter, works with busy clients throughout the region who hope to establish living spaces that speak to their interests and goals. Cain recently shared some tips on how homeowners and renters can design their homes to live up to their full potential as peaceful and enjoyable sanctuaries.

Your Home, Your Story When she begins working with a client on a new project, Cain says one of her first steps is to find out more about the client’s goals and how they want their room or home

to make them feel. “We are always very client focused in the way we design,” she says. “A well-designed space should tell the person’s story, whether it’s personal or a business.”

To get to the heart of a person’s story through interior design, she will begin with a question like, how do you want to feel in the space? Some common responses she’s received include cozy, relaxed, energized and uplifted. She also asks clients about their needs for a room in terms of activities — for example, do you need an area dedicated to a collection of running medals or scrapbooking materials? Responses to these and other questions inform the direction Cain takes a particular project.

Homeowners and renters who are looking for their own design inspiration can ask themselves or their family members these types of questions to better understand

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SARAH CAIN DESIGNS >> INTERIOR TIPS

how they want their dream living spaces to look and feel.

If it helps you to visualize what the room may look like, try creating a mood board with photos that show the colors, textures and patterns you’d like to include, along with images of the furniture and personal items you will incorporate into the space. Websites like Pinterest enable users to create a digital inspiration collage of your own and see how others have styled their spaces. For example, you could search “boho bedroom” on the site if you’re looking for inspiration on how to design a relaxing sleeping space marked by earth tones, rattan furniture and terracotta throw blankets. You can also create something more tactile by piecing together objects like paint and flooring samples to get a better idea of how a room will appear when it includes those components. Once you have a better idea of what you want to get out of a space, Cain says you can get started on the next task – decluttering.

Everything in its Right Place Simplicity is a key component of establishing a home that allows for calm and tranquility, Cain says. To accomplish this, sometimes it’s a good idea to take a step back from a room, evaluate everything inside and consider if any items would serve a better role by being donated or tossed. By eliminating some of the clutter we hang onto, Cain says, you can alleviate a sense of anxiety that might creep up out of having too many objects in one location. “If

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you have too many items in your visual field, it’s stressful,” she said. Once you know what you want to keep in a room, find ways of incorporating it naturally into the design of a space. This might be accomplished by hanging a collection of wine bottles on an accent piece wine rack or organizing small crafting objects into labeled bins that are placed within a cabinet.

By eliminating some of the clutter we hang onto, Cain says, you can alleviate a sense of anxiety that might creep up out of having too many objects in one location.

The color palette of a room can set the tone of a space.

Selecting wall and furniture colors can be a useful way to help you achieve the feeling you hope to inspire from the room. Psychological research shows that people associate various colors with certain feelings. For example, green can represent refreshment and energy, while blue is relaxing and calming. Yellow is often associated with happiness, and red is a bold choice that can represent passion. Gray,

“For me, the ocean is always a place of serenity,” Cain said. “So I might surround myself with things that remind me of the ocean. Surround yourself with things that bring you joy.”

Lighting the Way Think about the difference you feel when you’re enjoying an evening at a nice restaurant versus when you’re at the doctor’s office. The stark difference in the lighting between those spaces plays a significant role in how those different atmospheres make you feel. Cain says she incorporates warm, less harsh lighting into her clients’ homes to evoke a welcoming atmosphere.

Warm light gives off an amber or yellow tone, while cold light, often called daylight on packaging, gives off blue hues. Overhead daylight is useful in a room like the kitchen, where it’s important to see what you’re doing. In places where you might have an overhead light, such as a dining room chandelier or living room ceiling fan, Cain suggests incorporating a dimmer when possible. This makes the lighting adjustable depending on your needs and the type of atmosphere you are hoping to create.

Rather than relying solely on overhead lighting, Cain says, try incorporating different layers of lighting into a space. This can be as simple as including a table lamp on a bedside table or placing a visually striking standing lamp in the corner of your home office. Layering lights can

SARAH CAIN DESIGNS >> INTERIOR TIPS

a common wall paint color, often represents neutrality or calm. Once you know the main color you want to use in a space, you can also decide on two or three other colors that will complement it. For example, you might paint the walls of your living room gray but include a navy blue sofa, topped with white and gray pillows. You can also add a flair of drama and a visual focal point by painting an accent wall — one wall that is painted in a different color from the rest of the room. Accent walls can draw a person’s attention to a piece of artwork on the wall, help define spaces and even trick the eye into thinking a room is larger or smaller than it really is.

In addition to what a space looks like, Cain says, people might often overlook the ways other senses can be incorporated into a design. What you can physically touch in a room is also important; using blankets and pillows to add texture to sofas, chairs and beds is one way to create a sense of calm. Two senses that are less commonly thought of in terms of interior design — scent and sound — can also elevate your space. Cain says citrus and lavender are common scents that people say conduce a sense of calm and refreshment. If you have a favorite smell, try incorporating it into your room by diffusing or spraying essential oils, or by warming a candle. Soundscapes and music that evokes the calm or energizing environment you are trying to create can also draw a stronger connection in the feel of the space.

In addition to what a space looks like, Cain says, people might often overlook the ways other senses can be incorporated into a design. What you can physically touch in a room is also important; using blankets and pillows to add texture to sofas, chairs and beds is one way to create a sense of calm.

P H O T O G R A P H Y: A A R O N B A I L E Y

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SARAH CAIN DESIGNS >> INTERIOR TIPS

illuminate the same furniture and objects in a room in varying ways. Cain says art lights and accent lights on shelving can draw the eye to interesting art pieces and knick-knacks on display. To add a hint of drama, use an uplight, which faces toward the ceiling, to create patterns along a wall. If you place an uplight in front of a plant, it will cast interesting shadows.

Out of Sight Technology Finally, to create a truly relaxing home environment, you will need to tuck away your tech devices. Having a peaceful living room set up can be instantly ruined by a stray laptop and charger, Cain says. During the decluttering and organizing process, ensure you have places to store various tech items when they’re not in use. For equipment like desktop computers and televisions that remain in sight when not in use, keep cords at bay by keeping them in a cable management box or by using a cord cover.

Create the Home that Represents You Most importantly, the colors, furniture and objects you use and keep throughout your home should come together to create the space where you want to spend your time.

Your style may not come together under one cohesive umbrella like simple elegance, modern farmhouse or maximalism, and that’s OK. Decorating your home to reflect what you enjoy seeing, feeling, hearing and doing is the best way to create a sense of serenity whenever you walk through the front door.

As Cain says: “It all boils down to how you want to live.”

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SIMPLIFY FURTHER Tiny Houses Provide Simplistic Shelter and Profitable Business

“Simple living, higher thinking” is a classic Hare Krishna proverb that Simplify Further seeks to give its customers through their custom-built tiny homes.

When Govinda Carol moved from LA to Alachua and built his very first tiny house, he never imagined that he and Krsna Jivani Balynas, his now wife, would end up running their own tiny home construction business.

W R I T T E N B Y K A I T L I N A P P L E G AT E PHOTOS BY K AC Y PHOTOGR APHY

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HOME SWEET HOME

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G

etting to move into their completed tiny home was a joy for the couple.

“We loved our tiny house,” said Balynas. After enjoying their home, the couple decided to post their tiny home on Airbnb just to try it. They never expected anyone to want to stay at their tiny home, located on the same property as their main house, but were shocked that it quickly became fully booked. One popular Airbnb property began their tiny home business adventure.

After building and renting several tiny homes, the couple behind Simplify Further is now building and selling custom tiny homes. On their website, clients can select from a range of predesigned models or put in an order for a custom home.

Even as a young family, Carol and Balynas both wish they had invested in tiny home living earlier.

As young adults, they spent thousands of dollars on apartment rent and never got any closer to owning their own space. When they transitioned to tiny living, their lifestyle was able to transform. With low housing costs, the family has been able to exit the 9 to 5 workforce and build a company that allows their family to thrive.

Ever since she was little, Balynas told people she wanted to stay home and raise her kids. People always told her that was a pipe dream because she would have to work. Looking back now with two kids of her own, Balynas is thankful to be living her dreams and helping other families live theirs, too.

Although downsizing to a smaller house may seem impractical, it actually adds a sense of freedom to your lifestyle, according to Balynas. And all that space in your house you think you just can’t do without? Chances are you’re not even using it. Mary Alford, home designer and architectural visionary, explained in her TEDxGainesville speech that the average American home is over 2000 square feet, but the typical person only uses about 600 of those square feet.

Although downsizing to a smaller house may seem impractical, it actually adds a sense of freedom to your lifestyle, according to Balynas.

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that enjoying your life doesn’t have to mean getting rid of everything you own, but rather living within your means utilizing the best resources available to you.

As a family, Balynas and Carol don’t exactly fit into one specific box. Their warehouse is on a plot of beautiful land in Archer, which they get to by driving their Tesla. They love the outdoors but are no strangers to Instagram feeds and big city life. Carol’s first name, Govinda is the name of a Hindu cowboy god, “but when I go to Starbucks, I’m David” he laughed. The family’s unique approach to life shines through in their company and welcomes their clients to find and embrace the lifestyle that’s right for them.

As self-taught interior decorators and construction workers, Balynas and Carol learned firsthand what works and what doesn’t when they were building their first tiny homes. Now with an abundance of experience, they’ve hired workers to build perfected models as well as fill custom orders.

Simplify Further is constantly searching for ways to include all people in tiny home living. Whether it’s through an Airbnb visit, purchasing a new home, or participating in their partnership program which allows you to rent out a tiny home on your own property, Carol and Balynas believe tiny living is for everyone. While they focus on taking life

SIMPLIFY FURTHER >> TINY HOUSE LIVING

At Simplify Further, they believe that your house should feel like home no matter the size. While trailer homes are often inexpensive to buy, they don’t feel as warm and welcoming as a well-designed tiny home. When a potential tiny home client and her 4th grade daughter came to visit one of Simplify Further’s latest tiny home listing, the daughter immediately jumped into the home’s loft bed and didn’t leave until her mom said it was time to go. Before leaving, this mother explained that they are currently living in a trailer home, and they feel like it is melting. Her eyes lit up alongside her daughter’s when they stepped into Simplify Further’s tiny home, furnished with real plants and natural lighting. When it comes to cozy and homey, Simplify Further delivers.

Warm atmospheres aren’t the only thing Simplify Further offers its clients; they also deliver across the nation.

Surprisingly, Texas has become one of their most popular delivery destinations. Even in states where everything is supposed to be bigger, the tiny lifestyle is becoming more and more popular.

Despite the small sizes of their homes, Simplify Further wouldn’t describe their brand as minimalistic. Rather, they seek to maximize the output of what you do have in order to enjoy life to the fullest. Balynas and Carol believe

Simple living leaves more time for family. Having less space to clean means more playtime and adventures.

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SIMPLIFY FURTHER >> TINY HOUSE LIVING

one step at a time, they are excited at the idea of bringing tiny living to college students. Balynas envisions plots filled with tiny homes that students could purchase as a group while still enjoying their own space.

Simplify Further’s homes are built on wheels, which makes permitting easier and gives owners the freedom to relocate easily without having to sell their home. Building their houses on trailers not only makes their home more mobile, it makes them heavy duty, too. Building their structures on wheels makes them bottom heavy, which makes them more secure. During the last hurricane, Carol called their clients living in South Florida to make sure their homes were alright during the storm. Not one tiny home flipped during the storm.

From conception to finishing touches, Simplify Further’s homes are built with people in mind. Windows are strategically installed to make the space feel open and free and only real wood is used in the inside furnishings. Models

with full kitchens or big living rooms are designed so that no matter what your living needs are, you can embrace tiny living.

Looking back on their humble backyard beginnings and forward to future opportunities, the Simplify Further family has certainly learned one very important lesson: good things really do come in small packages.

Simplify Further sees your home as an oasis, no matter the size. Many tiny home owners find that living tiny connects them more deeply with nature.

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COLUMN

Embracing Life

BY DONNA BONNELL

SPRING SUICIDES Spring is celebrated as the season of rebirth. Nature’s renewal provides priceless gifts to humans. Joy should ensue when we hear birds sing, smell the aroma of blooming flowers, and witness the return of green pastures. Yet did you know that globally the greatest number of suicides take place during the month of May? Probably not, as it sounds illogical.

Rationally it seems suicides would spike in the cold winter months, especially with added anxiety and loneliness during the holidays. However, quite the opposite is true. Spring is the peak season for successful suicides. Sadly, I first heard that statistic in the Spring of 2015.

On May 10, 2015, a bright beautiful day began at Letchworth State Park in Western New York. The magnificent waterfalls (frozen in the winter) had thawed, while the hills and trails displayed new flora. In that spectacular park, dubbed the Grand Canyon of the East, my 35-year-old outwardly perfect nephew took his own life. Darkness blanketed my family when we heard the unfathomable devastating news.

We were left with a plethora of unanswered questions and excruciating baseless guilt. Shane endured senseless negative stigma alone. In addition to coping with his disease, he was ashamed to discuss his pain. My way of bringing a little light to this life-altering loss, has been to educate the public about mental illness. Advocating, also, that employers extend the same compassion, insurance, and sick leave benefits for the treatment of mental illness as is provided for any other disability.

As Shane’s eight-year anniversary neared, I rehashed (again) what took place and how it could have ended differently. On my mental journey, I recalled the funeral director stating that April and May were his busiest months for victims of suicide. In that moment I was stunned by his statement, but in deep despair and emotional shock. So, I must have filed his remark deep in my mind. Until now.

Regular readers know I had to confirm the possible accuracy of my

resurrected memory. It was easy to find studies and hypothesis backing this paradoxical phenomenon. Psychotherapist Phillip Chard offers two potential explanations.

1) Neuroscientists believe that increased exposure to sunlight activates the release of more serotonin. Chard said, “Folks who suffer suicidal thoughts through the winter may be activated by this bump in serotonin, becoming more aggressive and impulsive. This, in turn, may spur them to act on their self-destructive rumination rather than just endure them.”

2) Psychotherapists hypothesize the contrast effect. Winter’s ambience is dead-like. The sufferer’s inner world and nature’s external one is in sync. Chard states, “As Spring approaches, we too are genetically programmed to come to life and experience new beginnings and the hopes they engender. This deep knowing creates a subconscious expectation that, with the spring, the dark clouds of depression and angst will dissipate. When that fails to occur and the inevitable disappointment sets in, this only intensifies their distress, too often tipping them over the edge toward self-destruction.”

Spring is the time earmarked to declutter our homes, but it is also suicide season. Our closets may only need cleaning annually, but does spring cleaning apply to everything else?

Throughout the year vehicles are scheduled for routine maintenance, pets are provided with checkups, and even our electronic devices have service contracts.

Perhaps the purpose of Shane’s most recent message is to encourage everyone to practice personal, routine mental and physical tune-ups. We all carry buried baggage, which is ignored. Everyday duties should not take precedence over mind cleansing.

I am not qualified to give advice. However, I can share ways that helped me. First, counseling by a professional.

Second, accepting medical treatment for insomnia and thyroid imbalances. Third, participating in spiritual healing. Fourth, joining fitness classes. Finally, recognizing God’s grace and expressing gratitude.

Life is daily. Some days are much harder than others.

Losing Shane was sheer torture, but his suffering in silence had to be worse. He would want his tragic tale told so others do not agonize in isolation.

We are not alone. Remember to embrace life often with family and friends. Sometimes we need therapy to get back on track and that is okay.

For immediate assistance call 988 (Suicide and Crisis Lifeline).

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

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A CLEAN CONSCIENCE Why Eco-friendly Cleaning Products are the Smarter Choice for Your Home and the Planet

It’s no secret that our one-and-only world is truly our most precious, limited resource. As you plan spring cleaning and general upkeep, consider the impact something as simple as doing a household chore has on the environment.

STORY BY CA MERON COBB

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G R E E N E R A LT E R N AT I V E S

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ENVIRONMENT >> ECO-FRIENDLY CLEANING

S

o, how can you implement greener habits that keep both your home and planet clean?

One thing you can do is aim to shop for eco-friendly cleaning products and/or ingredients to make your own homemade cleaners. Greener alternatives have taken over the market in recent years, with consumers seeking more environmentally sustainable options on the shelves as people shift towards making more earth-conscious choices in different areas of their personal lives, especially at home.

Eco-friendly cleaning products stem from naturally derived ingredients, offering multiple health, cost, and, most importantly, environmental benefits.

Non eco-friendly cleaning products are often comprised of harmful chemicals that can be detrimental to ecosystems, vegetation, wildlife, people, and pets around the globe. In comparison, eco-friendly cleaning products use natural, safe, and non-toxic ingredients that are biodegradable (think vinegar, baking soda, and lemon juice). Additionally, eco-friendly cleaning products don’t exhibit the same harmful qualities towards the environment as their chemical-dependent counterparts.

In addition to being better for the planet, eco-friendly cleaning products have even shown many positives when it comes to health for people of all ages and also pets. For example, traditional cleaning products contain chemicals like chlorine, ammonia, and phthalates that can irritate the eyes, skin, and respiratory system. Such additives may also even lead to unpleasant side effects like headaches, dizziness, and nausea. In contrast, the natural basis of eco-friendly cleaning products means they tend to be gentler.

Eco-friendly cleaning products can also help you save money in the long run.

Not only are they often less expensive than traditional cleaning products, but they are also more efficient.

It’s worth mentioning that eco-friendly cleaning products can also help you save money in the long run. Not only are they often less expensive than traditional cleaning products, but they are also more efficient. Many eco-friendly cleaning products are designed to work with just a small amount, so you won’t have to use as much to get the job done. This means that a bottle of eco-friendly cleaning product will last longer while saving money over time.

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1. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle: The never-failing, three-letter system we all know & love since our introduction to the acronym on a classroom poster in elementary school. But the renowned triple-R guidance never fails to (literally) point us in the direction of where to go! Implement some of these practices as you think of your own cleaning regimen. You could reduce your paper consumption by making some simple swap outs (revive old towels by turning them into cleaning rags, or cut scrap fabric for a unique set of cloth dinner napkins). Avoid contributing to excessive plastic and chemical waste by aiming to bulkbuy cleaning products (like concentrated all-purpose cleaners or products in larger containers). Concentrated products typically come in smaller packaging and often wind up being less expensive than their watered-down competitors.

2. Vinegar and baking soda offer much more beyond being the basis for those paper mâché volcanoes we’re all guilty of passing off as a middle school science project. For cleaning purposes, mix a solution of equal parts water

and white vinegar, sprinkle baking soda on surfaces, and scrub ‘til squeaky clean. Store cleaning vinegar in a reusable glass bottle with a spray nozzle (bonus tip: toss in leftover citrus rinds—like oranges or lemons—to soak in the vinegar mixture for a refreshing au naturel scent with every spritz).

ENVIRONMENT >> ECO-FRIENDLY CLEANING

Here are a few examples of easy eco-friendly cleaning product, ideas, and habits you can adopt to help you go green and get clean:

3. Speaking of citrus, lemon and salt are two common household items that make for a truly dynamic duo, not to mention ingredients you likely have available in your kitchen right now. Simply combine lemon juice and salt to make an abrasive scrub for areas like cutting boards, countertops, and other tough-to-tackle surfaces.

Alternatively, you can just cut a lemon in half and cover the fleshy side with coarse salt and use directly as a “scrubber”.

4. O ne of the simplest and most effective ways to minimize your cleaning environmental carbon footprint is to cut back on water usage. For instance, keeping your clothes’ wash cycle set to cold water whenever you do laundry is the 8th best practice you can do at home to positively impact the environment, according to greenlivingdetective.com. For a questionably, more bizarre water-saving suggestion, have you ever pondered how to make use

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ENVIRONMENT >> ECO-FRIENDLY CLEANING

of that pasta-water-filled pot sitting on the stove after spaghetti night? Treat your plants! According to floursihingplants.com, the nutrients from pasta water may help to “fertilize and feed your plants, giving them a healthy start by feeding the bacteria in the soil,” in addition to adding minerals to promote healthy growth. Who knew plants had a palate for Italian!

5. W hat better eco-friendly cleaning substitution than the essence of nature itself? Essential oils are derived directly from the bark, leaves, flowers, etc. of plants, and certain oils containing powerful disinfectant properties, according to forbes.com. Peppermint oil offers antibacterial, antifungal, and even pesticidal perks (not to mention the pleasantly crisp scent!). The versatility of tea tree oil makes for a great addition when cleaning floors, multiple surfaces, and even make-up brushes! And beyond the obvious sleeping-related soothing effects, lavender oil also contains antimicrobial properties that can aid in your cleaning routine (when washing your pillowcases, add a few drops in with the detergent for a heavenly—and clean—night’s sleep!). Just always ensure you follow proper measurement and dilution guidelines depending on the type of oil and desired purpose.

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6. The Sunshine State could not offer a more prime location to line dry your clothes. Channel your inner Little House on the Prairie by hanging up a clothesline and pinning your freshly laundered linens up to soak in the warmth of a Florida afternoon. Sure, you won’t have the annoying hum of a tumbling, clunky dryer to fill your home, but we’ve all got to be willing to make sacrifices for the sake of Mother Nature, right?

NOTE: For any homemade cleaning products, remember to ensure ingredients are safe prior to mixing. Additionally, always patch test surfaces before using such products, and avoid using these cleaners on surfaces that could be damaged by the ingredients.

Introducing eco-friendly products and greener habits into your household’s cleaning routine is the perfect start for anyone looking to live a more sustainable lifestyle and help the planet in return. These alternatives are better for the environment, your health, your family/pets, and even your wallet.

So why not make an eco-friendly switch today and start enjoying the benefits of going green as you clean?

Say goodbye to harsh chemicals and hello to sustainability—you’re sure to find the transition to be a breath of fresh air!

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UNIQUE NOTIONS Brightening Your Home with Local Art

Not all art collections live in museums.

Nestled next to a local ice cream shop, High Springs is home to Unique Notions, a gift shop filled with creations from local and international artists. As a creator herself, shop owner Jaya Brew has created a storefront for local artists to sell their goods. As an art walk regular, Brew noticed that outside of markets, there was no proper home for local artists to sell their work. By opening her own storefront, she’s given customers and creators alike the chance to celebrate local creation.

W R I T T E N B Y K A I T L I N A P P L E G AT E P H O T O G R A P H Y B Y J AYA B R E W

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C E L E BR AT I N G LO C A L C RE AT I V I T Y

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HIGH SPRINGS >> UNIQUE NOTIONS

W

hile the shop itself is small, Brew has managed to fill every corner

with unique housewares, health products, and clothing. Unique Notions is home to dozens of local artists as well as a few international makers that Brew has gotten to know over the years. The walls are stuffed with beautiful colors and textiles that manage to concentrate an entire art market

for custom designs, and she decided to open up a small Etsy shop. Stepping into the creative market and out of the food industry was life changing for Hoppes. Food service had left her drinking and partying more than she wanted, and this new art form gave her a way out of that lifestyle. “It sounds crazy but macramé kind of saved my life,” Hoppes said. Now, Hoppes work life has become a source of creativity and adventure.

As a small town that is also a tourist hub, High Springs

“ It sounds crazy but macramé kind of saved my life,” said Hoppes. Now, Hoppes work life has become a source of creativity and adventure. into one decked out room. With so much to explore, guests can drop by for a fast visit, or stay hours to discover all the store’s hidden treasures.

For Ashley Hoppes, Brew’s business partner, Unique Notions became a fresh start after she was forced to leave the food industry during COVID. With extra time on her hands, Hoppes decided to try her hand at macramé, and fell in love with it. Her eyes lit up in the colorful shop as she described the therapeutic nature of this intricate artwork. Before long, family and friends were asking Hoppes

has become the perfect home for sharing Unique Notion’s creations with the public. Brew loves giving artists a home for their work to live. She remembers before her shop opened how difficult it was to get your own artwork into a storefront. More often than not, artists were met with wary looks and sharp rejections when trying to move their artwork onto store shelves. Now that she runs her own shop, Brew loves getting to say yes to artists from all over the community. Without a lengthy application process, Brew is thankful that “we can just sell their stuff!”

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HIGH SPRINGS >> UNIQUE NOTIONS

The patrons who come to Unique Notions tend to be just as unique as the artists that stock their store. As a fairly new creator, Hoppes enjoys getting to have creative conversations with regulars and swapping ideas. Their store invites people to find the right product in a casual atmosphere. Brew credits the store’s survival through the pandemic to her regulars. Without them, the store likely wouldn’t be here today.

With the springs so close to their shop, Brew and Hoppes also get to know people from all over the globe. Hoppes smiled as she talked about two young women from France who were visiting North America on a six-month-long adventure. During their week stay in High Springs, they came to visit Unique Notions almost every day.

Getting to help their clients is one of Brew and Hoppes’ favorite part of their work. Brew especially loves to see an entire family enter the shop, and each member leave having found a product they love. Since the store is so diverse, there’s a little something for everyone. Hoppes takes pride in their efforts to keep the store’s prices accessible, too.

Customers who come into the shop looking for inexpensive gifts will be just as pleased as those hunting for an elaborate statement piece.

As creators themselves, Brew and Hoppes understand how special it is to share your artwork with others. In

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You can find elaborate plant hangers down to intricate handmade earrings at Unique Notions. Brew’s own candle creations line the shelves as well.

addition to macramé, Hoppes sells pickled vegetables that she makes with her mom. You can find Brew’s creations lining the shelves in the form of handmade candles. Each product in the store represent a unique artist with a special story, and Brew is happy to tell you about each one of them.

When an artist’s product sells, Brew loves texting the artist to let them know that someone else fell in love with their work. As one peruses the aisles, they’ll come to find the name of the artist who created the product they’re looking at, which adds another touch of the art community they seek to cultivate in their store.

Buying from Unique Notions ensures that creative artists are around for years to come.

Because there’s a name behind every item at the store, Brew takes pride in knowing that their wares are responsibly made. Many artists work with fair trade supplies and are committed to stimulating their local economies.

Buying from Unique Notions ensures that creative artists are around for years to come.

As the shop is growing and changing, Brew and Hoppes are excited to see High Springs developing, too. The Walldogs murals, a collaboration with local and international artists, coming to High Springs marks a big step 58 | OUR TOWN MAGAZINE

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forward in the town’s art scene. Brew and Hoppes see this movement as a marker for bigger things to come. As a store and a city, they are excited to see what the next chapter will bring to their shop and community.

With elaborate plant hangars down to intricate handmade earrings, Unique Notions has surprises in every corner. Those looking to freshen up their homes after spring cleaning, or just searching for a fun store to check out after a stop at the ice cream shop, will find it on the walls of Brew’s art collections. Every item is a story just waiting to be told, and you’re invited to discover it.

IT’S GREAT TO DONATE

A ROUND-UP OF LOCAL THRIFT STORES AND NON-PROFITS ACCEPTING ITEMS

Donating Near You W R I T T E N BY J OA N N A G R E Y TA L B O T

NON-PROFIT THRIFT STORES

creativity, and help us all rethink what we throw away.”

• Repurpose Project Store (creative reuse center and architectural salvage store) – 1920 NE 23rd Avenue, Gainesville; Open Tuesday-Saturday 10am-6pm, Sunday 12pm-5pm; Donations accepted Tuesday-Saturday 11am-5pm • Reuse Planet Store (used furniture, cabinets, appliances, and more) – 1540 NE Waldo Road, Gainesville; Open Tuesday-Saturday 10am-6pm, Sunday 12pm-5pm • Questions about donations? Contact them at donations@ repurposeproject.org, 352-363-8902 or visit their website at www.repurposeproject.org.

The Repurpose Project • “The Repurpose Project is a non-profit community based effort to divert useful resources from the landfill, redirect these items to the public for art and education, inspire

Haven Hospice Attic Resale Store • Their mission is “honoring life by providing comfort, care and compassion to individuals and families we serve.”

• 300 NW 8th Avenue

There is something about spring weather that makes everyone want to clean out their closets. While it may be easy to throw everything in the trash, it’s better for our environment to donate as many of the items as you can so they can be enjoyed by someone else. While not exhaustive, this list includes a variety of thrift stores and non-profits where you can donate gently used items. If you are unsure about a specific item, please contact the locations before donating.

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DONATION ROUND-UP >> THRIFT STORES

• Open Monday-Friday 10am-5pm, Saturday 10am-4pm • Donations accepted Tuesday-Saturday 9am-1:30pm • Questions about donations? Call 352-378-7484 or visit their website at https://beyourhaven.org/attic.

Goodwill • “Goodwill Industries of North Florida is a local, not-forprofit organization that removes barriers to employment through training, education, and career opportunities for the communities we serve.”

• Gainesville North – 1223 NW 23rd Avenue; MondaySaturday 10am-7pm, Sunday 10am-6pm • G ainesville South – 3520 SW 34th Street; MondaySaturday 10am-7pm, Sunday 10am-6pm • Gainesville Hunters Walk – 5141 NW 43rd Street; MondaySunday 10am-6pm • G ainesville/Newberry (Donations only) – 14451 W Newberry Road; Monday-Sunday 10am-6pm • Q uestions about donations? Visit their website at https://goodwilljax.org/donate or call 904-384-1361.

Humane Society of North Central Florida • “We rely on the support of dedicated volunteers, donors and thrift store shoppers to continue our mission to eliminate the needless euthanasia of healthy and treatable pets in North Central Florida.”

• Thrift Store – 4205 NW 6th Street, Gainesville; Open Tuesday-Saturday 10am-6pm; Donations accepted Tuesday-Saturday 10am-4pm • Thrift Boutique – 5403 SW Archer Road, Gainesville; Open Thursday-Saturday 10am-6pm; Donations accepted Thursday-Saturday 10am-4pm • Questions about donations? Contact them at thrift@ humanesocietyncfl.org or 352-373-9522 or visit their website at www.humanesocietyncfl.org.

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Outreach Thrift Store • 2430 NW 6th Street, Gainesville • Open Monday-Saturday 9:30am-6pm, Sunday 1pm-5pm • Gently used items accepted: clothing and household items • Questions about donations? Call 352-375-3200.

Alachua Habitat for Humanity - ReStore • Their mission is to “help families build strength, stability, and self-reliance through affordable shelter.”

• 2301 NW 6th Street, Gainesville • Open Tuesday-Saturday 10am-4pm • Questions about donations? Call 352-373-5728 or visit their website at www.alachuahabitat.org.

Salvation Army • “The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian Church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.”

• 55 NW 23rd Avenue, Gainesville • Open Tuesday-Saturday 10am-5pm; Donations accepted Tuesday-Saturday 10am-4pm • Q uestions about donations? Visit their website at https://salvationarmyflorida.org/gainesville/.

NON-PROFITS: GRACE Marketplace • “Our mission is simple: to end homelessness. We achieve that goal by removing the typical barrier that keeps people from getting help and providing them with safe shelter, effective services, and permanent housing solutions.”

• 3055 NE 28th Drive, Gainesville

• Donations accepted Monday-Saturday 10am-6pm • All furniture donations should be taken to the Reuse Planet Store. Guests of GRACE who are exiting homelessness will be provided a gift card to shop the store.

• Questions about donations? Visit their website for a complete list of items they accept: https://www.gracemarketplace.org/wishlist. Still have questions? Email them at donorcare@ gracemarketplace.org.

Alachua County Animal Resources • “The mission of Alachua County Animal Resources is to promote public safety for the welfare of citizens and animals.

We accomplish this through education, adoption, sheltering, enforcement, and the rescue of animals that may be stray, injured, unwanted, neglected, or abused.”

• 3400 NE 53rd Avenue, Gainesville • Open Tuesday-Saturday 10:30am-5:30pm • Items accepted: blankets, sheets, towels, dog beds, crates, carriers, collars, and leashes.

• Q uestions about donations? Call 352-264-6870.

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DONATION ROUND-UP >> THRIFT STORES

St. Francis House • Their mission is “empowering families with children to achieve permanent and stable self-sufficiency by providing case management; nutritious meals; and educational, health and career resources; in a safe and secure environment.”

• 413 S. Main Street, Gainesville • Donations accepted daily 8am-2pm • Gently used items accepted: jackets, coats, shoes, blankets, sheets, towels, pillows, and pillowcases.

• Questions about donations? Email them at info@stfrancishousegnv.com or visit their website at https://stfrancishousegnv.com.

Peaceful Paths Domestic Abuse Network • “Peaceful Paths is the certified domestic violence center that serves survivors of domestic violence in Alachua, Bradford, and Union counties.”

• 2100 NW 53rd Avenue, Gainesville • Please call the Outreach office at 352-316-9958 to schedule a drop-off.

• Gently used items accepted: business casual clothing for women. Gently used items accepted on an as-needed basis: children’s clothing and furniture.

• Questions about donations? Contact the Outreach office at 352-316-9958.

Friends of the Library • “ We support the Alachua County Library District and literacy programs throughout Alachua County.”

• 430 N Main Street, Gainesville • Donations accepted Monday-Thursday 9am-3pm, FridaySaturday 9am-12pm. There are two drop boxes outside the Bookhouse for after-hours donations.

• Gently used items accepted: printed material, art work, CDs/DVDs, audio tapes, records, puzzles, games, and computer software.

• Questions about donations? Call them at 352-375-1676 or visit their website at www.folacld.org.

No matter where you choose to donate your gently used items, the important thing is that you do. Instead of contributing to the landfill, contribute to the betterment of our community. You never know what treasures you’ll find in a thrift store!

Donating old and gently used clothing and household items does more than just declutter your home. First, it reduces waste and keeps items out of landfills, which helps the environment. Second, it can help those in need— so donating your items can make a difference in someone’s life.

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COLUMN

Naked Salsa

B Y C RY S TA L H E N RY

SPARKING JOY AND IGNITING CHANGE A few years ago I got 15 minutes of infamy for beefing with the Queen of Spring Clean — Marie Kondo.

It wasn’t that I disliked Marie. I think she’s actually fabulous, and I’ve totally taken to heart some of her methods. I love the idea of holding on to only the things that spark joy. But my small caveat was that it was easier to toss things when you had money to buy new ones.

I’d written an article talking about how cluttered my life was when we had less money, and it got picked up by Good Morning America. The writer called me for an interview to ask me why I hated Marie and to tell me Marie had a response to my article.

First off I freaked out that Marie Kondo read something I wrote, then I had to set the record straight that I didn’t hate her at all. I thought she was a very sweet, peaceful woman.

I only offered my own perspective on why I struggled with her method when finances were tight. I still to this day feel like I have to tell anyone who brings it up “No! I don’t hate her! She’s lovely!”

My perspective was just that I held onto things because I wasn’t sure when I’d need them again. My old worn out t-shirts didn’t necessarily spark joy, but I wasn’t sure if I could buy new ones if I tossed the old ones. I held onto sports equipment even after the kids swore they were done playing the sport because I knew if they all of a sudden changed their minds, it wasn’t easy to come up with $400 worth of softball gear. It just seemed too hard to part with things when I wasn’t sure I could afford to replace them. But I soon learned how helpful it could be to let go.

About two years after the article debuted, it was time to sell our home. We were in the midst of a divorce, so it was a cleansing beyond that of a family moving from house to house. It was a cleanse of our old lives together as we embarked on new ones apart.

As much as we set out to be amicable, things were anything but friendly in those days.

My soon-to-be-ex husband was living in the house with his new fiancée

he’d met a few weeks before on Tinder. And I was just ready to go.

When the first set of movers came to pack our things, I’d told him I wanted to be at the house so I could help direct the crew as to which things to put in “my” boxes and which to put in “his.” But he refused to let me come to the house I owned because “she” was there. So I waited until he left for a baseball game later that night, and I went to the house I’d raised our babies in to see what was left to pack.

It was an absolute disaster. He’d let the crew go before they’d finished, so most of the things my children owned were in boxes and bags in the driveway. Everything else was scattered on the floors and counters in the house. It was an impossible mess.

I was overwhelmed and angry and devastated all at once as I surveyed the scene knowing the real estate photographer was set to come the next day. There was no way it would be ready.

I sat on the floor and sobbed, knowing I couldn’t move all the boxes on my own. I noticed he’d taken down all the family pictures with me in them, but he left a few of him and the girls.

I looked around at all the things that still needed packed, and I suddenly realized none of it sparked joy.

I grabbed a trash bag, and I started throwing everything away. I didn’t care about the little dust covered knick knacks we’d collected, or the kitchen gadgets I thought I might use if we hosted Thanksgiving again. I was ready to pitch it all.

I was once again entering a life where finances weren’t going to be as steady as they once were. But I pared down my world to a few boxes of clothes, my books, and a tub for the girls’ artwork and photos I’d collected since they were born. I was easily done with the rest.

As the trash bags piled up, my tears dried. I blasted Lizzo in my earbuds and I had the most therapeutic cleaning day of my life. I ridded myself of all the things I’d been holding on to and all the things that kept me from leaving all those years. I literally felt lighter. I finally understood Marie’s method.

My ex came home while I was cleaning and demanded that I leave the house. He stood towering over me thinking he’d intimidate me into backing down, but I pushed past him with all the strength I could gather, and I told him to get out of my way while I finished what I needed to do.

After I finished, I walked out of that house and never looked back. I took the few boxes of things that I’d saved, and as I unpacked in my new apartment a few weeks later I noticed there were a few things missing. I should’ve saved the coffee pot. I could have used a few more towels. But my new home is absolutely free of useless clutter, and every intentional thing I’ve brought into my home and my life since then has sparked nothing but joy.

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

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MAKEUP JUNKIE Organizing your Stash with Kara Winslow At its foundation – pun intended – makeup is an art form. Creamy lipsticks and sticky glosses; eyeshadows that shimmer, shade and blend; liners that brighten the eyes or frame the lips – all of which are crafted in a prismatic range of pigments and finishes – act as a medium for budding artists and makeup gurus alike. Nevertheless, whether you’re a highlighter hoarder or a makeup minimalist, it’s important to know when it’s time to ditch the products in your collection and how to tackle organizing what’s left – a feat Gainesville-native, cosmetic connoisseur and professional makeup artist Kara Winslow was born to be an expert on.

W R I T T E N B Y H AY L I Z U C C O L A

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M A K E U P M A N AG E M E N T

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MAKEUP ORGANIZATION >> KARA WINSLOW

I

always sort of laugh that I came out of the womb

with a makeup brush in my hand and that’s a slight

exaggeration, but I mean, you know, there are pictures of me at age toddler, wrapped in a towel, sitting in front of my play plastic vanity pretending to put makeup on,” Kara Winslow said.

Winslow, who upgraded her Tinkerbell makeup set for more prestige brands as she grew older, got her degree in theatre where she began reading books by and practicing the techniques of celebrity makeup artist Kevyn Aucoin, who had the career she dreamed of but never thought she could aspire to be. After being cast in an independent film where she was given the prominent role to scream and die before ultimately taking over as the on-site makeup artist, the doors began opening for Winslow whose resume milestones include working with MTV as the lead makeup artist on a commercial for Axe, being the spokesperson for a cosmetics company appearing on HSN and fostering relationships with those in the beauty industry all prior to quitting her desk job to become a full-time makeup artist almost 11 years ago.

Being a professional, Winslow gets a pass for harboring mounds of mascaras, eyeliners, lipsticks and other colorful goodies, but while she goes through products quicker than the moderate makeup user, she’s still vigilant of when a product is past its prime.

“Most packages are going to tell you the length of time that it is technically considered ‘good’ and usually that’s anywhere from 6 months to 2 years and that’s from the time that you opened the product not the time that you bought the product,” she said. “However, there are things to keep in mind. Certain things, like powders – most of those can last forever. Unless you’re really getting germs in there and contaminating them, those last for quite a long time. It may say 2 years on the package, but I’ve used them beyond that and it’s not been an issue. But things like cream-based substances such as foundations, primers, lipsticks and lip glosses, those can have a shelf life and the easiest way to tell – because you’re not always going to remember ‘when did I open this’ – with things like foundations, lipstick, lip glosses, if the consistency has changed and then [if] there’s a smell. Like if it suddenly sort of gets a weird smell, throw that thing out.”

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Winslow, who is sensitive to certain ingredients in makeup, is already cautious of the products and brands she uses on herself and her clients, however, she takes extra care in regard to mascara, which she recommends replacing closer to the three-month mark.

“Mascara can get really clumpy, really gross. We have little mites on our eyelashes and so every time you’re dragging that mascara wand over your eyelashes, those are getting on the wand and then they’re going back into the mascara. So the bacteria grows very quickly in mascara and mascara is also the thing that people are most often reactive to so that is something that people really need to keep an eye on is their mascaras and never share mascara with anyone because of your own personal bacteria really going into the product,” said Winslow, who’s no stranger to mascara-triggered swollen eyelids.

Though mascara has a best-by date for lashes, the wands can serve a second purpose as Winslow cleans and saves the single-use wands from her clients to eventually send over to an organization that reuses them to brush and clean animals caught in oil spills.

Wands aside, just as important as purging expired items is keeping multi-use makeup application tools, such as brushes and sponges, clean.

Winslow says there are many cleaning options to choose from when it comes to washing your make up tools. However, she recommends dawn soap for deep cleaning. “One: it rehydrates the bristles. Two: it cuts through everything but at the same time is gentle. So I use dawn soap to clean my brushes when I do a deep cleaning,” Winslow said.

Scrapping the old and cleansing the keepers is the easy part.

Organizing what’s left, now

P H O T O G R A P H Y: A D R I E N N E F L E T C H E R P H O T O G R A P H Y

that’s a whole other challenge, well, maybe not as big of a burden as trying to sort through Winslow’s stash.

“If you come into my home, my vanity is filled with makeup and then my office is filled with makeup, but that’s for my clients and then my car has my makeup kit that I literally had to buy a car big enough to fit my makeup kit,” she said.

Winslow gets a pass for harboring mounds of mascaras, eyeliners, lipsticks and other colorful goodies, but while she goes through products quicker than the moderate makeup user, she’s still vigilant of when a product is past its prime.

Excessive quantities aside, Winslow’s go-to storage solutions at home are clear table-top drawers and tall candy jars so she can see what she has while still keeping everything in its place.

“On my vanity, I have the clear acrylic drawers and stuff so that I can see everything and know what I have, be able to easily access it, but it doesn’t look cluttered and overwhelming.”

To adopt a more clutter-free approach to makeup post-tidying up, Winslow suggests skipping the brush kits and sticking with the basics of a paddle, chisel and eyeshadow brush in your makeup arsenal. Matte and neutral shadows are ideal for any occasion and save space for more color options by de-potting your lipstick into an empty palette.

Whether you keep a setting powder stockpile or you’re a bronzer beginner, when it’s time for a spring cleaning overhaul, don’t forget to take a deep dive into your makeup drawer. Toss out the old and display what remains so your future self can be mindful of what you already have on hand before that next Ulta haul.

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MAR/APR 2023

EMOTIONAL ATTACHMENT

LETTING GO OF THE EMOTIONAL ATTACHMENTS TO THINGS

Sentimental Stuff W R I T T E N BY S U M M E R JA R R O

As people get older, they tend to become attached to things from their past, but for some people, holding on to too many things can become overwhelming.

Sentimental items mean anything that someone is attached to because of an emotion, memory or meaning.

Too much of a hold on sentimental items can turn into clutter. Holding on to too many items can also be a trauma response. Research shows that there is a link between trauma and hoarding.

There are many resources and tips people can follow to get rid of too many sentimental items so it doesn’t become overwhelming. There are also several local cleaning professionals who can help people get rid of a lot of the clutter they no longer need or help keep their spaces tidy.

Karina Vazquez owns her own company in Gainesville called Done By K, LLC where she helps organize people’s

living spaces. She has always loved being clean and organized and wants to help others in the same way. Since she was little she has had a love for organizing.

“My friends remember,” she said. “My drawers were impeccable. … Whenever I used to go to my friend’s houses, I always was asking them ‘do you want to organize your closet? Do you want to organize your kitchen?’”

Keeping a space clean and not having too much clutter can change your mood, she said. During the pandemic, she saw many people struggling to keep spaces clean.

“They just lost it and they did not have the time or they did not have the motivation to do it,” she said. “Once they have a place organized, they can pick up where they left [off] and they feel better.”

Vazquez’s biggest tip for someone trying to tackle their cluttered home is to not start with a big task.

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SENTIMENTAL ITEMS >> FREEDOM FROM CLUTTER

“If you have your garage, and it’s disastrous, don’t go for it because it can be overwhelming,” Vazquez said. “So my tip will be to start with a drawer in your house like the ‘everything drawer’ that everybody has in their kitchens.

Organize that one, and after that, go for a bigger project.

Now let’s do the pantry or one cabinet in the kitchen or go do a drawer in your bathroom, and then you go with a cabinet in the bathroom. Do little by little and never start with a big project. Never start with a garage. Never start with a bedroom or your closet because it can be very overwhelming.”

“ Whenever you have a cluttered home it really affects your mental space and makes you a little bit more stressed and have more anxiety,” Mousa said. “One of the best things you can do to kind of help with that is by cleaning your personal space and areas you spend a lot of time in.”

Vazquez also recommends that people do not become embarrassed of the clutter they have. Many people also have sentimental clutter or spaces that need some cleaning.

At the end of the day they can still be managed and fixed.

Matthew Mousa has been cleaning spaces for some time and last year opened his first cleaning business called the Sunshine Maids in Gainesville.

He formed the business to offer a cleaning service and realized how important it is to keep spaces clean.

“Whenever you have a cluttered home it really affects your mental space and makes you a little bit more stressed and have more anxiety,” Mousa said. “One of the best things you can do to kind of help with that is by cleaning your personal space and areas you spend a lot of time in.

A clean space without a lot of clutter can make a difference, Mousa explained.

“I feel like it makes a bigger difference than people really think especially subconsciously,” he said. “When you have a clean space to walk into compared to when you keep it cluttered or dirty it just really starts to take an effect on your mental and physical health. I think it’s something that people should really start prioritizing especially when they get a new property or move into somewhere new.”

Here’s to a new season of organization and cleansing!

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COLUMN

From Mother Hen FARM TALES THE PIANO About a year ago I made a decision to streamline my life by eliminating the things I haven’t touched for decades just because I just couldn’t bring myself to part with them.

One of those things was my piano.

I bravely vowed that 2022 would be the start of a new year and a new me. However, with all those good intentions and resolve to do it, it just didn’t get done. There were reasons, of course, and explanations—but the bottom line is, here I am a year later in the same situation.

Thinking back about how I got here, it probably all began back when I was a young girl of nine. My aunt (my mother’s sister) donated an ancient upright piano that had been taking up space in their farmhouse and brought it to me with the hope that I would enjoy taking piano lessons. The only space to put the huge dinosaur of a thing was against a wall in my bedroom. And there it sat, in my bedroom covered with dolls and stuffed toys, staring at me and making me feel guilty if I didn’t practice.

With high hopes I began taking weekly lessons from a friend of the family, and for a while I did apply myself.

John Thompson’s Modern Course for the Piano became my daily after school homework. It was just so hard to practice when the great outdoors was calling or my pet kittens wanted to be played with—and there was always tomorrow to practice, right?

Well, somehow, I kept at it for eight years. And although I took lessons longer that just about anyone I know, I never moved past the very, very, VERY amateur stage before finally giving up around the age of 17. Believe it or not, it was really hard for me to stop. I think it may have been because deep down inside I knew I could have applied myself more. I hated feeling like I let anyone down (my parents, aunt, or my teacher) but most of all I felt like I let that old dinosaur of a piano down.

Actually, when I gave up on my lessons, it did spell doomsday for the old dinosaur.

My cousins came down with their

farm-boy muscles and somehow wrestled the piano out of my room and dumped it unceremoniously at the farthest edge of their barnyard. That feeling of regret must have stuck with me, because years later I jumped at a second chance to redeem myself.

That second chance came after I was married and the mother of my three chicks. They were then at an age when all three could be introduced to piano lessons. The whole family went to a piano-show event in a nearby city. We walked into the showroom and there she was. The most beautiful upright I ever saw. She was honey colored oak with just the right amount of ornate carved accents. Her tone was deserving of any heavenly choir. We decided right then and there she was the one for us.

I had no doubt that at least one of my chicks would take right to it, as my husband’s mother was a talented pianist (after taking lessons for only one year) and had enjoyed a lifetime of playing for ladies’ clubs, groups, a band, and just for pleasure. My own grandmother taught herself to play “by ear” so surely some of this talent had been passed down in the genes to my chicks.

Somehow Dixie became our piano’s name. Even though she didn’t get to show off her beautiful tone with lovely concertos in our home, Dixie became part of our family.

Alas, this was not to be. The girls gave it a try, although not as long a try as I did. The call of softball, other sports and fun activities won out over practice at the piano. Still, I hung onto the thought that maybe I would take up piano lessons again when I had more time. I contented myself by playing the one song I still remembered from my childhood days. “Dixie” was a tune I could still play, and it became a family joke that Mom was at the piano again playing her one song. Somehow Dixie became our piano’s name. Even though she didn’t get to show off her beautiful tone with lovely concertos in our home, Dixie became part of our family.

Years passed and we eventually moved to another city in our state about 300 miles away. At that time, we sorted the things to keep and the many things to let go. At the suggestion we let Dixie go, I couldn’t bear the thought of it.

I told my family “The piano is non-negotiable!” I still hung onto the dream of taking piano lessons again. Surely now

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.

that the chicks were older I could find the time. That was 18 years ago, and within those 18 years I moved that piano three more times. And each time I stubbornly said it was “non-negotiable.”

Now I am facing a fourth move in a few months. I am moving to a city closer to my little granddaughters, and I finally realized that the time has come to part with my old friend, Dixie. This time I plan to find her the perfect place, with a musical family or a child learning the piano.

I’m freeing her to use her beautiful tone to its full potential.

When I do find that place for her, I won’t feel guilty because I know holding onto the dream of playing the piano is not ever going to happen for me. But you know what? It’s okay, and it feels strangely good. It feels right.

I discovered how freeing it is to let go of the baggage I’ve been carrying around for decades. There is freedom in letting go of regret and looking forward to new experiences. While I may not be a talented pianist, I am looking forward to being the best “Nana Hen” I can for my little chicklets. I know I will find joy and satisfaction in these new experiences.

And after all, I can still teach them to sing “Dixie.”

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Parade of

HOMES 2023

TM

The 65th Annual Spring Parade of Homes™ is coming up April 15-16th & April 22-23rd.

Mark your calendars for this highly anticipated county-wide event! Since 1958, the Builders Association of North Central Florida (BANCF) has proudly hosted the Parade of Homes™, featuring over 2,200 homes in over 300 neighborhoods throughout Alachua County and surrounding areas. Parade homes are open to the public from noon to 5pm each day, and admission is free. Come out and tour a collection of beautiful homes throughout numerous neighborhoods in our community.

What is the Parade of Homes™?

The Parade of Homes™ is a variety of brand-new homes in the community showcasing the latest in home design and décor, with the most up-to-date energy saving construction techniques, and the newest in land development. The wide array of interior and exterior designs, floor plans, sizes, and neighborhood amenities are what makes the Parade of Homes™ so special.

When you visit the Parade of Homes™ you are getting a glimpse of all the housing choices available in our community.

You can plan your personal route of the homes and tour at your own pace. Builders and their representatives will be on-site 78 | OUR TOWN MAGAZINE

MAR/APR 2023

during the parade to answer questions and provide information to interested buyers.

Each Parade Home is a collective effort of numerous people who combine their talents and resources to show the public the newest ideas in the housing industry. Builders, developers, subcontractors, lenders, suppliers, designers, and many others have put their best foot forward to present the best the building industry has to offer. Whether you are a potential home buyer or looking for ideas for your current home, the Parade of Homes™ has something for everyone.

Frequently Asked Questions about the BANCF Parade of Homes™ How do I know which neighborhoods are participating and where can I find them?

I'm a builder. How can I put one of my homes in the Parade?

Where can I get a Parade Magazine?

I own a business in Alachua County. Can I advertise in the Parade Magazine?

Neighborhood locations will be available on the BANCF website: www.bancf.com in the weeks leading up to the Parade.

Parade magazines will be inserted into the next edition of Our Town Magazine and will be available at every one of the parade homes with copies at the BANCF office as well. A digital copy will also be featured on the BANCF website. Floor plans, renderings and features of the homes are included in the Parade magazine.

Are the homes showcased in the Parade of Homes for sale?

Some homes in the Parade may be for sale, others may have been purchased prior to the Parade. Please contact the builder to find out information on any particular home in which you have interest. The builder’s contact information is conveniently located on each of the home pages of the parade magazine.

Parade of

HOMES 2023

There are many steps to entering a home into the Parade.

Email emily@bancf.com or call the BANCF office at (352) 372-5649 for more information.

Advertising in the Parade magazine is a benefit available exclusively to BANCF Members. If you are not yet a member of BANCF, information on joining and a membership application can be found at www.bancf.com. If you are a member and would like to find out more, contact an advertising representative at Tower Publications or call the BANCF office at (352) 372-5649.

I missed the last Parade. Is there any way I can look at previous Parade magazines?

Yes! You can view all floor plans, renderings, and features from past Parades on the BANCF website: http://www.bancf.com/events/parade-of-homes If you would like a copy a specific magazine, you can call the BANCF office at (352) 372-5649.

The Builders Association of North Central Florida looks forward to seeing you April 15th, 16th, 22nd, and 23rd. For more information, please visit www.bancf.com.

TM

April 15-16th • April 22-23rd

MAR/APR 2023

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TAMING YOUR TECHNICAL CLUTTER Clearing Your Desktop and Phone to Clear Your Mind

House guests may not see the mess hidden behind your digital screens — dozens of flagged emails, a swath of calendar events, a jumble of unorganized phone photos — but they can certainly still weigh on your mind. Managing digital clutter can be difficult to prioritize since it doesn’t stare you in the face in the same way a pile of laundry or an unfinished bathroom renovation project does, but it can cause trouble when you’re unable to easily access a misplaced file or find photos from a particular vacation.

W R I T T E N B Y E M I LY M AV R A K I S

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TECH MESS

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LESS IS MORE >> DIGITAL CLUTTER

P

enciling in just a few minutes every day to keep your tech organized can help prevent you from becoming

overwhelmed when you need to find something in a pinch or want to easily file it away for later.

Here are a few tips on ways you can easily conquer your digital clutter.

Email Inbox With dozens of messages finding their way to your work and/ or personal inbox on the daily, it’s easy to feel like you’ll never reach inbox zero. There are several ways you can automate email organization so that as soon as they arrive, messages are filtered to the right place. For example, platforms including Microsoft Outlook and Gmail allow users to set up inbox rules. You might create a rule so that every time you get an email from your doctor’s office, it is automatically placed in a folder you created called “Health” so that it’s easy to find later and doesn’t get lost in the main inbox. Try creating and organizing folders by topic, such as home, insurance and online orders; by sender or by timeliness: Is it a message that needs to be reviewed today, this week or this month? It might take time before you know which method will work best for your needs. Anything that you’ve reviewed but want to hold onto can be saved in its own folder or archived.

Photos Scrolling through thousands of photos in your phone to find the one cruise picture you wanted to show your neighbor can be a hassle. Get into the habit of creating photo albums on your phone that organize your photos by year, month, event or even by person. It’s also a good idea to backup special photos onto an external computer hard drive and/or cloud service. The more places they are stored, the less likely they are to become lost due to a broken or lost device. Services like Google Photos, Dropbox and Apple’s iCloud provide free and low-cost options that allow you to save and view photos across all your devices.

Documents Organizing the digital paperwork required for your work and personal lives doesn’t have to be complicated. For job-related documents, start by making folders for any administrative work and then organize the rest of your documents into folders by year. Create subfolders that correspond to various projects, clients or months. You can also separate these further by differentiating between in-progress tasks and completed tasks.

Personal documents can also be separated by year, but you can also create folders for different family members and categories such as home, taxes and health. Platforms like Google Docs also allow users to color code folders.

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LESS IS MORE >> DIGITAL CLUTTER

Notes and Lists Sometimes, you jot down the name of a restaurant recommendation in your phone. Other times, you write up a whole to-do list for yourself from your laptop. Taking notes and making lists on your devices is a great way to free up mental space, but it can become burdensome if you have a hard time remembering where you wrote something down or the context behind a random phone number. Consider color coding or grouping your notes together into different topics to keep them organized. If you’re a big fan of to-do lists, several apps combine clean interfaces with customizable checklists for the most orderly among us.

Todoist, TickTick and Google Tasks all enable larger tasks to be broken down into subtasks with due dates. TickTick has a built-in timer feature that allows you to build breaks into your work, while Google Tasks can sync directly with your Google calendar.

Calendars Life can get busy. From work meetings and monthly bills, to dentist’s appointments and vacations, we all have a lot of events to track. Organizing a digital calendar begins with understanding how you best like to manage your time: Do you prefer to view the world one day at a time, scheduling tasks hour by hour? Or maybe you like to view your calendar one week at a time, moving meetings around from one day to another as necessary. Whatever the case, choose the view that works best for you in an app such as iCal, Outlook or Google Calendar. You might even choose one platform for work and another to organize your personal life. Once you decide on a platform, organize your calendar by color coding different topics such as finances, travel, health and birthdays. Create calendar events as soon as you schedule a task so that you don’t forget to do so later on, and set up event reminders if needed. Remember to set a reminder that gives you enough time to travel to an event — for example, if you need to go to a concert an hour away that starts at 8 p.m., set a 7 p.m. reminder so you are sure to leave on time.

Passwords If you’re guilty of using the same password over and over again, you’re not alone. That may be easier than tracking dozens of passwords across websites and devices, but doing so puts you at a much higher risk of compromising any personal information you share on your devices. You may want to use a password manager that can create and keep track of hundreds of strong, unique passwords and secure notes that can only be accessed by you using a master password you create. 1Password is an easy-to-use manager with a safe track record (to date, there have been no data breaches among 1Password users) that syncs across your devices and costs less than the price of a specialty latte per month. Bitwarden is a safe alternative that offers a free version.

MAR/APR 2023

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Schedule Time to Clear the Decks One of the reasons why cleaning up emails, photos and notes can feel so daunting is because people wait until they become a nuisance before they try to clear the clutter. Instead of waiting for an avalanche of digital data to crumble down upon you, try scheduling a few minutes each day or blocking a chunk of 30-minutes on your calendar every week to filter through and delete items to keep your phone, tablet and computer looking organized and running smoothly.

Practice what you’ve learned here by creating a recurring calendar event or making it a to-do list item with subtasks to help you conquer your emails, photos and documents.

Here’s to decluttering your digital life!

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COMMUNIT Y C ALENDAR

M A R C H /A P R I L 2 02 3

CADE AFTER DARK FAMILY FUN NIGHT Friday, March 17 from 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Cade Museum for Creativity & Invention, 811 S Main St.

GAINESVILLE –Unwind at the Cade and enjoy a night of fun with the whole family! Fun activities for kids (and parents too!)

Tickets include 1 adult beverage for the grown-ups, finger foods, science experiments, games and more! Tickets are $15 for adults age 18 and up; $10 for children age 5 to 17 and free for children 4 and under. cademuseum.org

JESSICA VOSK

FLORIDA SPRINGSFEST 2023

Thursday, March 2 at 7 p.m. & 9 p.m.

Saturday, March 4 to Sunday, March 5

ITZHAK PERLMAN AND ROHAN DE SILVA

Curtis M. Phillips Center for the

from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Monday, March 6 at 7:30 p.m.

Performing Arts, 3201 Hull Rd.

Silver Springs State Park,

Curtis M. Phillips Center for the

GAINESVILLE – Jessica Vosk is a celebrated

5656 E Silver Springs Blvd.

Performing Arts, 3201 Hull Rd.

singer and actress known for her starring role

SILVER SPRINGS – Join us Saturday, March

GAINESVILLE – Legendary violinist Itzhak

on Broadway and in the national tour of Wicked.

4th and Sunday, March 5th from 10 a.m. to 4

Perlman is known for his musical eloquence.

Her strengths are in her stage presence and

p.m. at Silver Springs State Park to learn about

It’s a quality that shines through his playing both

in her natural humor! Tickets are $50 for the

Florida Springs! History, science, sustainabil-

of classical and klezmer music. Performing with

7 p.m. show, $35 for the 9 p.m. show and $10

ity, fun, music, food and friends all for $2 park

Perlman is grandmaster pianist Rohan De Silva.

for UF students.

admission! Plus Glass Bottom Boat rides all

De Silva has performed at the White House as

tickets.performingarts.ufl.edu

weekend (not included with park entry fee). More

well as in some of the most prestigious halls

information on our Facebook page

around the world. Tickets range in price from

@FloridaSpringsFest.

$45 to $75 for the general public and are $10

TA-RUN-TULA 5 K Saturday, March 4 from 8 – 10 a.m.

for UF students.

Florida Museum of Natural History,

TOWNES FEST

3215 Hull Rd.

Sunday, March 5 from 12 p.m. – 7 p.m.

GAINESVILLE – Celebrate spiders! THE Florida

Heartwood Soundstage, 619 South Main St.

READER’S THEATRE FESTIVAL

Museum of Natural History’s seventh annual

GAINESVILLE – The 2023 Townes Fest at

Monday, March 6 – Thursday, March 9;

run is the Ta-RUN-tula 5K to get all of your legs

Heartwood Soundstage honors the musical

Various Times

moving and invite you in to our new special

legacy of Townes Van Zandt. Join Heartwood

Black Box Theatre (McGuire Pavilion),

exhibit, Spiders Alive! The race will be a com-

Soundstage for an afternoon benefit show on

1800 McCarty Dr.

bination of nature trails and quiet roads here

the outdoor Heartwood stage from 12 p.m. -7

GAINESVILLE – Join the UF School of Theatre

on the UF campus. This is a fun run, so go at

p.m. The lineup includes 5 amazing bands and

and Dance for a chance to see a series of one-

your own pace. We won’t be recording times

9 fantastic songwriters. This is a free show

act plays, dramas, and classic works performed

or giving placement prizes. Tickets are $25

with a sliding scale donation ($10 suggested).

with scripts in hand and without props or cos-

before February 3 and $30 after February 3 for

Donations will be accepted in person on-site

tumes, giving focus to the written word. (Tickets

the in-person race and $30 for the virtual race.

or in advance on the Heartwood webpage.

will be free and facilitated through Eventbrite.

floridamuseum.ufl.edu

heartwoodsoundstage.com

arts.ufl.edu

86 | OUR TOWN MAGAZINE

MAR/APR 2023

tickets.performingarts.ufl.edu

STACEY KENT

SPRING GARDEN FESTIVAL

Thursday, March 9 at 7 p.m. & 9 p.m.

Saturday, March 18 and Sunday, March

GNV ART JAM PRESENTS FIGURE DRAWING IN THE PARKS

Curtis M. Phillips Center for the

19 from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Sunday, March 19 from 12:30 - 3:30 p.m.

Performing Arts, 3201 Hull Rd.

Kanapaha Botanical Gardens,

A. Quinn Jones Museum & Cultural

GAINESVILLE – When talking about Stacey Kent,

4700 SW 58th Dr.

Center, 1013 NW 7th Ave.

it’s easy to get caught up in all of the accolades

GAINESVILLE – A wonderful way to spend the

GAINESVILLE – Figure Drawing on the Patio is

she’s earned during her 20-plus years as a jazz

day with family and friends at the gardens!

an outdoor drawing series held in the beautiful

vocalist. The Gold, Double Gold, and Platinum-

This is Gainesville’s premier horticultural event.

parks of Gainesville presented by “Figure on

selling artist has released hit records on leg-

The Spring Garden Festival features over 100

Diversity.” Free and open to the public; all ages

endary jazz label Blue Note, garnered a global

booths offering plants, landscape displays,

welcome. No art experience required; guid-

following of diehard fans, and received endless

garden accessories, arts and crafts, educational

ance from experienced artists available. Chairs,

praise from critics along the way. Reserved

exhibits and, of course, foods. Also featured is

Easels and Drawing Boards provided. Materials

seating tickets are $50 for the 7 p.m. show, $35

live entertainment on Sunday. The children’s

(drawing tools and paper) provided. Artists are

for the 9 p.m. show and $10 for UF students.

area is included with the admission price. Pets

also welcome to bring their own supplies in any

tickets.performingarts.ufl.edu

are not allowed at this festival. Tickets are $10

studio medium! “Figure Drawing in the Parks”

for adults and $5 for children age 5 to 13. A

is a GNV ART JAM program funded by the City

$2 discount is given to Kanapaha members.

of Gainesville - Parks, Recreation and Cultural

kanapaha.org

Affairs (PRCA). aqjmuseum.org

THE GAINESVILLE GUITAR FESTIVAL

THE KINGDOM CHOIR

Curtis M. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, 3201 Hull Rd.

Sunday, March 19 from 12 - 8 p.m.

Curtis M. Phillips Center for the

GAINESVILLE – Known for its legendary music

Heartwood Soundstage, 619 South Main St.

Performing Arts, 3201 Hull Rd.

collection, including the early albums of Elvis

GAINESVILLE – Heartwood presents The Great

GAINESVILLE – London’s The Kingdom Choir

Presley, Sun Studio left an indelible mark on

Southeastern Guitar Workshop and Festival.

were catapulted to worldwide fame after their

the history of rock ‘n’ roll. In 2005, Tyler Hilton

Learn from the masters of acoustic blues, rag-

show-stopping performance of “Stand By Me” at

was cast to play the legendary rock star in the

time, fingerstyle, jazz guitar, piedmont style

the Royal Wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan

blockbuster biopic, “Walk the Line.” Now, Tyler

and old time. Instruction and performances

Markle. Since that day the Choir’s infectious joy

has teamed up with America’s premiere hot jazz

by Roy Book Binder, Richard Smith and more.

and spirit, matched only by their raw Gospel

and Western swing trio, Hot Club of Cowtown,

heartwoodsoundstage.com

spiritual style, has taken them around the world

CELEBRATING ELVIS PRESLEY’S RECORDS FROM SUN STUDIO Friday March 10 at 7 p.m. & 9 p.m.

Monday, March 20 at 7:30 p.m.

bringing Elvis’ greatest hits from the Sun Studio

performing soulful renditions of traditional gos-

years to life on the stage. Tickets for reserved

pel classics and popular contemporary hits.

seating are $50 for the 7 p.m. show and $35 for

Tickets range in price from $20 to $40 for the

the 9 p.m. show for the general public and $10

general public and are $10 for UF students.

for UF students. tickets.performingarts.ufl.edu

tickets.performingarts.ufl.edu

SISTER HAZEL’S 5TH ANNUAL LYRICS FOR LIFE: A NIGHT OF MAKING MUSIC MATTER! WITH DARIUS RUCKER

Saturday, March 4 at 8 p.m.

Curtis M. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, 3201 Hull Rd.

GAINESVILLE – ​”Lyrics For Life” was founded by Sister Hazel’s front man Ken Block in memory of his younger brother Jeffrey, who ultimately lost his four-year battle with Cancer when he was only 18 years old. The charity unites musicians and celebrities for concert events, auctions and other fundraising efforts. The monies raised are donated to groups that are working to find a cure as well as those aiming to enrich the lives of patients and their families.

Artists participate in many ways, most often by donating handwritten lyrics to one of their songs on anything from a simple sheet of paper, to a surfboard to any kind of unique item. The items are then beautifully framed/ mounted and offered for auction. Come out and sip cocktails, browse a star-studded silent auction, and enjoy delicious cuisine before an exclusive intimate concert

by Sister Hazel and guest artists, Darius Rucker. Ticket info: lyricsforlife.org

MAR/APR 2023

OUR TOWN MAGAZINE

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88

WALLDOGS DIVE INTO HIGH SPRINGS: A MURAL AND HISTORY FESTIVAL

seminars and “Swamp Tours” aircraft rides for

another Grateful Gainesville Boogie. Featuring

purchase. uac.aero

Uncle John’s Band, Billy Gilmore and Friends, Spirit of the Dead, Tamayo and Funky Miracle.

Wednesday, March 22 – Sunday, March 26

THE WATER STATE FESTIVAL

High Springs Main St.

Saturday, March 25 from 1 - 8 p.m.

HIGH SPRINGS – Enjoy a four-day festival with

Cypress & Grove Brewing Co.,

ELEMENTS OF STYLE

10 works of art distributed across beautiful High

1001 NW 4th St.

Friday, March 31 at 7:30 p.m. and

Springs showcasing the city’s rich history and

GAINESVILLE – The Water State Festival is a

Saturday, April 1 at 9:30 p.m.

culture through the art of mural storytelling.

celebration of our Florida waters - the best on

Santa Fe College, 3000 NW 83 St.

Discover your roots, celebrate with your neigh-

the planet! Vendors, food trucks, art, crafts,

GAINESVILLE – Dance Theatre of Santa Fe

bors and come together with the Walldogs and

environmental nonprofits, speakers, government

presents their annual concert showcasing a

the Heart of High Springs, Inc. as they create

agencies, live mermaids, entertainment and an

variety of dance styles. Directed by Melissa

history. walldogsdiveintohighsprings.com

art exhibition will be set up on the grounds of the

Brenner, Elements of Style will feature guest

brewery and along the city bike trail. Proceeds of

artist premieres, with more works by adjunct

the festival will benefit three environmental non-

faculty: Jessie Dominguez-Reyes, Herman

Thursday, March 23 from 7:30 – 10 p.m.

profits (to be announced) and further support

Ramos and Mohamed DaCosta. Tickets $9 -

Heartwood Soundstage, 619 South Main St.

Play Hard Florida’s campaign to rename Florida’s

$15. sfcollege.edu

GAINESVILLE – Lemon City Trio is one of

nickname to “The Water State”. facebook.com/

Miami’s hottest jazz fusion bands. Tickets $15.

cypressandgrovebrewing

LEMON CITY TRIO

heartwoodsoundstage.com

Tickets $25. heartwoodsoundstage.com

CARMEN: UF OPERA THEATRE AND UF SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

DREAMGIRLS

TU FIESTA RADIO LATIN FESTIVAL

Friday, March 24 – Sunday, April 16;

Saturday, March 25 from 4 – 11 p.m.

Saturday, April 1 at 7:30 p.m.

Various Times

Heartwood Soundstage, 619 South Main St.

Curtis M. Phillips Center for the

Gainesville Community Playhouse,

GAINESVILLE – Tu Fiesta Radio pres-

Performing Arts, 3201 Hull Rd.

4039 NW 16th Blvd.

ents the second Tu Fiesta Radio Latin

GAINESVILLE – Set in 1830 Spain, “Carmen” is

GAINESVILLE – A young female singing trio

Festival featuring music, food and a cel-

a roller-coaster ride of desire, passion, and the

from Chicago get their big break at an amateur

ebration of Latin culture! Tickets $10.

relentless hand of fate. Alluring and irresistible,

competition and begin singing backup vocals for

heartwoodsoundstage.com

Carmen is a charismatic independent spirit

James “Thunder” Early. However, things begin

Friday, March 31 at 7:30 p.m. and

who refuses to compromise her own liberty

Taylor, Jr., makes Deena, and not Effie, the star

GRATEFUL GAINESVILLE FOOL’S BOOGIE

of what will become known as “The Dreams.”

Friday, March 31 from 5 p.m. – Saturday,

Symphony Orchestra, and guest artist Kirstin

Through gospel, R&B, smooth pop, disco and

April 1 at 11:30 p.m.

Chávez as Carmen. Tickets range from $20 to

more, “Dreamgirls” explores themes of ambition,

Heartwood Soundstage, 619 South Main St.

$40 for the general public and are $10 for UF

hope and betrayal, all set in the glamorous and

GAINESVILLE – Join Heartwood Soundstage for

students. tickets.performingarts.ufl.edu

to spin out of control when their agent, Curtis

and right to live her life as she chooses. Join the University of Florida Opera Theatre, UF

competitive world of the entertainment industry. gcplayhouse.org

GATOR FLY-IN Saturday, March 25 from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

DANCE ALIVE NATIONAL BALLET PRESENTS: SWAN LAKE

GAINESVILLE – Gainesville Regional Airport

Saturday, March 25 at 2 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.

Curtis M. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, 3201 Hull Road

(GNV) and the University Air Center (UAC)

GAINESVILLE – The most beautiful ballet of all-time,

host the Gator Fly-In and Armed Services

Swan Lake is the story of a Prince whose fiancée has

Appreciation Day, an event dedicated to Gator

been transformed into a swan by an evil sorcerer. With

Alum Col Joe Kittinger to honor all branches

guest artists Oksana Maslova and Sterling Baca from

of the military. Admission and parking are free,

Philadelphia Ballet, this performance transforms the

and a complimentary shuttle will be provided.

stage into a world of beauty and artistry. Tickets range

Planned events include a T34 Mentor and T-6

from $35 to $70 for the general public; $35 for students

Texan “Flown West” ceremony, static displays

and children; and $35 for seniors age 65 and older.

of military and non-military aircraft, live music,

tickets.performingarts.ufl.edu

University Air Center at Gainesville Regional Airport, 4701 NE 40 Terr.

classic cars, kids activities, food trucks, pilot 88 | OUR TOWN MAGAZINE

MAR/APR 2023

NATIVE GARDENS

Friday, March 10 – Sunday, March 26 (Previews Wednesday, March 8 and Thursday, March 9); Various Times The Hippodrome, 25 SE 2nd Pl. GAINESVILLE – A disagreement over a long-standing fence line soon spirals into an all-out war of taste, class, privilege, and entitlement. The hilarious results guarantee no one comes out smelling like a rose. thehipp.org

MY FAIR LADY

GARETH PEARSON

Monday, April 3 at 7:30 p.m.

Friday, April 14 from 7 – 9 p.m.

GNV ART JAM PRESENTS FIGURE DRAWING IN THE PARKS

Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Road

Heartwood Soundstage,

Sunday, April 16 from 12:30 - 3:30 p.m.

GAINESVILLE – Boasting such classic songs

619 South Main St.

A. Quinn Jones Museum & Cultural

as “I Could Have Danced All Night,” “The Rain

GAINESVILLE – Award-winning guitarist, Gareth

Center, 1013 NW 7th Ave.

in Spain,” “Wouldn’t It Be Loverly,” and “On the

Pearson, returns to the indoor stage with special

GAINESVILLE – Figure Drawing on the Patio is

Street Where You Live,” “My Fair Lady” tells the

guest Taylor Roberts. Tickets $25. heartwood-

an outdoor drawing series held in the beautiful

story of Eliza Doolittle, a young Cockney flower

soundstage.com

parks of Gainesville presented by “Figure on

seller, and Henry Higgins, a linguistics professor who is determined to transform her into his idea of a “proper lady.” But who is really being transformed? performingarts.ufl.edu

THE GAINESVILLE ORCHESTRA, MEREDITH WILLSON – THE MUSIC MAN!

Diversity.” Free and open to the public; all ages welcome. No art experience required; guidance from experienced artists available. Chairs, Easels and Drawing Boards provided. Materials

Friday, April 14 at 7:30 p.m.

(drawing tools and paper) provided. Artists are

Santa Fe College of Fine Arts,

also welcome to bring their own supplies in any

Thursday, April 6 at 7:30 p.m.

3000 NW 83 St.

studio medium! “Figure Drawing in the Parks”

Santa Fe Gallery, 3000 NW 83 St.

GAINESVILLE – The quintessential Musical cele-

is a GNV ART JAM program funded by the City

GAINESVILLE – Join us for the Santa Fe College

bration of community sings in the official staged

of Gainesville - Parks, Recreation and Cultural

Winds Orchestra concert. The ensemble will

concert version of this Award winning iconic

Affairs (PRCA). aqjmuseum.org

perform classical and contemporary concert

American Musical. Guest Broadway Artists

compositions under the direction Dr. David

will collaborate with local Actors in bringing

Smith. sfcollege.edu

River City, Iowa to the Gainesville Orchestra.

WINDS AND CLASSICS

Thursday, April 13 at 7 p.m. & 9 p.m.

STUDENT ART SHOW

SN COUNTRY DANCE THEATRE PRESENTS: THE 15TH ANNIVERSARY SPRING YOUTH CONCERT FEATURING “ALICE’S ADVENTURES”

Upstage at the Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Rd.

Friday, April 14 – Friday, April 28

Sunday, April 16 at 2:30 p.m.

GAINESVILLE – The members of San Salvador

Santa Fe Gallery, 3000 NW 83 St.

Phillips Center for the Performing Arts,

have made it their mission to search for

GAINESVILLE – The Annual Student Art Show

3201 Hull Rd.

what they call “universal folklore,” rooted in

is the yearly showcase of Santa Fe student art-

GAINESVILLE – Sun Country Dance Theatre is

their region’s deep troubadour traditions yet

work. This juried exhibit features work made for

committed to its mission of providing invalu-

oscillating between cultures and musical

or in class from the various subjects taught in

able arts opportunities for the youth of our

genres. Singing in Occitan­—a language that

the Visual Art’s program. This includes painting,

community, and as such we will once again be

is spoken primarily in southern France—this

drawing, ceramics, sculpture, printmaking, and

offering free tickets to all children ages 11 and

group of six singers composes hypnotic vocal

photography. A guest juror from the commu-

under available through the box office only. All

harmonies cascading over shifting patterns

nity will select pieces for awards that are pre-

other Tickets for the production are $15.00. To

of compelling polyrhythmic percussion.

sented at a ceremony at the opening reception.

celebrate this important anniversary, Artistic

performingarts.ufl.edu

sfcollege.edu

Director, Judy Benton, has selected several

SAN SALADOR

sfcollege.edu

works from the company’s past seasons to re-stage for this year’s production, in addition to a diversity of newly choreographed works by guest choreographers. performingarts.ufl.edu

MAR/APR 2023

OUR TOWN MAGAZINE

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NCFBS PRESENTS: CHRIS CAIN

JAZZ UP SPRING

SING INTO SPRING

Thursday, April 20 at 7:30 p.m.

Thursday, April 27 at 7:30 p.m.

Sunday, April 16 from 6:30 – 9 p.m.

Santa Fe College of Fine Arts,

Santa Fe College of Fine Arts,

Heartwood Soundstage, 619 South Main St.

3000 NW 83 St.

3000 NW 83 St.

GAINESVILLE – Take influence from B.B. King,

GAINESVILLE – Join us for a cool spring concert

GAINESVILLE – Springtime at the Jackson N.

Albert King, Ray Charles, and a pinch of Albert

of hot jazz featuring the Santa Fe College Jazz

Sasser Fine Arts Hall is best celebrated with a

Collins. Add in dazzling Blues and Jazz guitar

Band, under the direction of Dr. David Smith. In

true variety choral concert, with different types

chops, a rich soulful baritone vocal and skills on

this upbeat, fun concert, you can expect to hear

of music from different eras. Directed by Lynn

various horns and keyboards. It all adds up to

the sounds of jazz composers though the years.

Sandefur. Tickets $9 - $15. sfcollege.edu

the one and only Chris Cain who has gone from

Tickets $9 - $15. sfcollege.edu

the scene in 1987 with a classic debut release, to

SPRING PLANT SALE

43RD ANNUAL 5TH AVENUE ARTS FESTIVAL

being a legend, inspiration and long-established

Friday, April 21 – Sunday, April 23

Friday, April 28 – Sunday, April 30

member of the Blues pantheon. Tickets are $25.

Florida Museum of Natural History,

Santa Fe College Blount Center, 401 NW

heartwoodsoundstage.com

3215 Hull Rd.

6th St.

GAINESVILLE – The Museum’s Spring Plant

GAINESVILLE – The 5th Avenue Arts Festival

Sale is one of the largest of the year, featuring

features three days of performance and visual

more than 100 species of Florida- and pollina-

arts. Local businesses and organizations are

tor-friendly plants. Discover which pollinator

invited to set up booths on Saturday and Sunday

species you can attract and learn about the

to provide information about opportunities

butterfly-friendly plants that work best in your

for both youth and adults in the community.

landscape. Accent, host, native and nectar

On Friday, artists go to the public schools to

plants are available for purchase, with pro-

demonstrate their craft. On Saturday, the Festival

ceeds benefiting the Butterfly Rainforest exhibit.

officially opens with a Gospel program followed

floridamuseum.ufl.edu

by dancers, local bands, and singers. On Sunday,

being a newcomer phenomenon bursting onto

SILENT SKY

booths and exhibits open at noon, followed by a relaxing Sunday afternoon of jazz and reggae

Friday, April 21 – Sunday, May 7

on stage from local and national bands. cultur-

(Previews Wednesday, April 19 and

alartscoalition.org

Thursday, April 20); Various Times The Hippodrome, 25 SE 2nd Place

THE ZA-BOO-ZAYS

GAINESVILLE – The true story of 19th-cen-

Saturday, April 29 from 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.

tury astronomer Henrietta Leavitt plays out

Heartwood Soundstage, 619 South Main St.

against a landscape of fierce sisterly love,

GAINESVILLE – Kaleigh Baker, Hannah Harber

early feminism, and universe-revealing science.

and Olivia Wynn join forces for a night to remem-

Friday, April 7 – Sunday, April 30; Various Times, High Springs Playhouse, 23416 W U.S. Hwy 27

thehipp.org

ber! Tickets are $20.

HIGH SPRINGS – Members of the newly

Wednesday, April 26 at 7 p.m.

renovated Meadowbrook Health Resort

Stephen C. O’Connell Center,

are dropping like flies, including famed

250 Gale Lemerand Dr.

chef Edith Chiles! On the eve of the grand

GAINESVILLE – The Harlem Globetrotters

HAILE EQUESTRIAN RIDE & WINE

re-opening, this is not the best advertise-

2023 World Tour presented by Jersey Mike’s

First Fridays at 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

ment. It’s up to John Stone, the manager, to

Subs is coming with game like never before!

Haile Equestrian, 7680 SW 46th Blvd.

find the cause and the murderer. Delightfully

Your favorite Globetrotter stars are bringing

GAINESVILLE – Enjoy an adults-only evening of

sarcastic and cynical, Stone finds himself

out their amazing basketball skill, outrageous

horseback riding, wine, charcuterie and great

teaming up with Ed Parlor, mystery writer

athleticism and a non-stop LOL good time.

conversations with us. All riding levels welcome.

and amateur sleuth, in a wacky race against

Join the Globetrotters as they go head-to-head

Tickets are $75 per-person.

time. The clues point to a sinister box of

against the Washington Generals who will stop

haileequestrian.com/events

chocolates, and the suspects include all

at nothing to try and defeat the world’s win-

the outlandish characters working for the

ningest team! In 2023, every fan is getting in

GUIDED WALK AT KANAPAHA

resort. highspringsplayhouse.com

on this action…that means YOU, so get ready!

First Saturdays from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.

It’s GLOBETROTTER game time! Doors open at

Kanapaha Botanical Gardens,

6 p.m. oconnellcenter.ufl.edu

4700 SW 58th Drive

DEATH BY CHOCOLATE

90 | OUR TOWN MAGAZINE

MAR/APR 2023

HARLEM GLOBETROTTERS

heartwoodsoundstage.com

RECURRING EVENTS

GAINESVILLE – Enjoy a guided tour through Kanapaha Botanical Gardens starting at 10 am the first Saturday of every month. Regular admission price applies for non-members. kanapaha.org

CHALK THE WALK Second and Fourth Tuesdays Depot Park, 200 SE Depot Ave. GAINESVILLE – Chalk the Walk is a free public program hosted at Depot Park on the second and four Tuesday of the month. Chalk the Walk

GROW YOUR OWN GARDEN TALKS

10 am children (accompanied by a guardian)

Saturday, April 29 from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Gainesville Garden Club, 1350 NW 75th St.

will meet a park ambassador at a table in the

GAINESVILLE – Welcome to the 3rd Annual “Grow Your Own” Garden Talks event! The

designated area. That ambassador will provide

Gainesville Garden Club is excited to collaborate with the Alachua County Master Gardeners

Chalk, and instruction, and will be available to

for this year’s Talk on Native Plants and Plant Sale! The program will start at 9 a.m. with early

answer any questions that you may have. Chalk

access to the plant sale for ticket-holders through 10 a.m. Plant sale will open to general

the Walk is a fun outdoor experience that allows

public at 10 a.m. ggcfl.org

is designed for children ages 2-5 years old. At

children to develop their fine motor skills, gross motor skills, and social skills in nature while allowing them to express themselves through chalk art. depotpark.org

JAZZ ON THE GREEN

STORY TIME AT THE ZOO

PLAYLIST AT THE POINTE

Third Wednesdays from 10:30 a.m. – 11 a.m.

Fourth Fridays from 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo,

Celebration Pointe, 5001 Celebration

Second Saturdays from 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.

3000 NW 83rd St.

Pointe Ave.

Celebration Pointe, 5001 Celebration

GAINESVILLE – Join the Santa Fe College

GAINESVILLE – A music event that offers

Pointe Ave. Suite 140

Teaching Zoo and the Alachua County Library

an eclectic mix of music from a variety

GAINESVILLE – Join Celebration Point every

every 3rd Wednesday of the month for Story

of genres – country, rock, soul and more.

second Saturday of the month for live music,

Time at the Zoo! Story time is held in front of

celebrationpointe.com

food, drinks and more! Spread a blanket under

the zoo on the lawn and is free for all to attend.

the setting sun, and catch some beautiful music

If you’d like to visit the zoo after story time,

GAINESVILLE SHRINE CLUB MARKETPLACE

on the green. celebrationpointe.com

tickets are $8 for adults; $5 for children ages

Fourth Saturdays from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.

4-12, seniors over 60 and UF student and staff

Gainesville Shrine Club, 8100 SW Archer Rd.

with Gator 1 card; and free for children 3 and

GAINESVILLE – The Gainesville Shrine Club’s

Second Sundays from 9 a.m. – 11 a.m.

under. Zoo Members and Santa Fe College

MarketPlace is a yard sale/ flea market with

Whole Foods Market, 3490 SW Archer Rd.

students, staff and faculty with SF ID are free.

proceeds benefiting the local Shrine Club.

GAINESVILLE – A gathering for automotive

sfcollege.edu/zoo

Contact David Jones at 336-430-910 to

GAINESVILLE CARS & COFFEE

enthusiasts of all types from exotics and

reserve your vendor spot.

is free to attend; coffee will be provided to

DOWNTOWN HIGH SPRINGS ARTWALK

attendees, as well as breakfast items for sale.

Third Saturdays from 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.

MACRAMÉ WORKSHOP

gainesvillecarsandcoffee.com

Downtown High Springs

Fourth Saturdays from 3 p.m. – 5 p.m.

HIGH SPRINGS – Art Walk features local artists

High Springs Creates, 23625 W U.S. Hwy 27

classics to imports and jalopies. The meet

FUN WITH FLOWERS

gainesvilleshrineclub.org

and makers situated both inside stores and on

HIGH SPRINGS – Join us every fourth Saturday

Third Tuesdays from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

the sidewalks of downtown. Some locations

for a 2 hour macramé class with Be Kind Twine!

Gainesville Garden Club, 1350 NW 75th St.

feature live painting and demonstrations. This

You will learn the art of knot tying while creating

GAINESVILLE – Make beautiful floral arrange-

seasonal monthly event is an opportunity for

a plant hanger for your new plant!

ments to take home! Social gathering with

local artisans and artists to demonstrate and

Plants and pots will be available for purchase

coffee and refreshments starts at 9:30 a.m.

display their talents and offer their works for

from Unique Notions & The Plant Plugs.

and guided session with a local florist begins

sale in storefronts throughout the downtown

facebook.com/HighSpringsCreates

at 10 a.m. ggcfl.org

area. Participating host merchants also offer specials and sales during the event. highsprings.us

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treats and more. The Farmers Market is produced by The City of High Springs. highsprings.us/farmersmarket

PARKRUN 5K AT DEPOT PARK Saturdays at 7:30 a.m.

Depot Park, 200 SE Depot Ave. GAINESVILLE – Parkrun is a free, weekly, timed 5K at Depot Park. Participants can walk, jog or run. The community is encouraged to get active at their fitness and ability level. Parkrun is a global movement that started in the UK and quickly spread across the world. Every Saturday

BARNYARD BUDDIES

over 1,700 events occur with more than 150,000

Wednesdays from 3 p.m. – 4 p.m. (September – May) Morningside Nature Center, 3540 E University Ave.

participants globally. parkrun.us/depotpark

with an adult, can meet and greet farm animals by helping staff with afternoon feeding on

ALACHUA COUNTY FARMERS’ MARKET

the Living History Farm. This program is free but the animals love donations of carrots,

Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.

squash, apples, sweet potatoes, and melons (please give these items to a staff member

5920 NW 13th St.

and not directly to the animals). Come join in on all the farm fun!

GAINESVILLE – Don’t forget to bring shopping

GAINESVILLE – Morningside Nature Center has a farm, ee?i?ee?i?oh! On this farm, youngsters,

bags, your grocery list, and plenty of small bills.

This market prides itself on being a grower’s only

TOT TROT Tuesdays from 9 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.

every Wednesday morning from September 1st

market – meaning the vendors selling produce,

though the end of May. alachuaaudubon.org

plants and other products must have grown the items themselves. 441market.com

Florida Museum of Natural History,

RUNNING TABS

3215 Hull Rd.

Wednesdays at 6:15 p.m.

HAILE FARMERS MARKET

GAINESVILLE – Get your toddler excited about

First Magnitude Brewing Company,

Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.

science and natural history! Join Discovery

1220 SE Veitch St.

Haile Plantation Village

Zone nature ambassadors for an exciting

GAINESVILLE – Running Tabs is a fun, open

GAINESVILLE – Take a stroll down the tree-lined

and interactive nature walk. Each program

group aimed at promoting runners and the run-

streets of the Haile Village Center to browse for

highlights an outdoor area and encourages

ning community throughout the Gainesville

groceries, prepared food and handmade gifts

exploration with a closer look at nature and

area. Runs are free and open to runners of all

then continue on for more shopping or brunching

museum objects. This program promotes

ages and fitness levels. If you’re looking for a

at the Village Center’s locally-owned shows

sensory experiences, investigation and explo-

running group to help you get into running or to

and restaurants. Covid-19 recommendations:

ration with a focus on science. Recommended

improve your race performance, give us a shot.

maintain physical distance, don’t touch products,

for children ages 2-5 years old (child must be

fmbrewing.com

one customer served per vendor at one time and

accompanied by an adult chaperone). Tickets are $6 for members and $7 for non-members.

GNV MARKET

floridamuseum.ufl.edu

Thursdays from 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.

BIRD WALKS AT THE WETLANDS

Heartwood Soundstage, 619 South Main St. GAINESVILLE – The GNV Market is Gainesville’s Downtown farmers market every Thursday

Wednesdays from 8:30 a.m. – 11 a.m.

from 4-7 p.m.

Sweetwater Wetlands Park,

fresh produce, live music and craft beer.

325 SW Williston Rd.

gnvmarket.com

GAINESVILLE – Discover the rich diversity of

Featuring over 40 vendors,

birding hotspots during a 2-3-hour guided

HIGH SPRINGS FARMERS MARKET

walking tour. Join us to see why Sweetwater

Fridays from 3 p.m. – 7 p.m.

Wetlands Park is the most popular birding desti-

23517 NW 185th Rd.

nation in the Gainesville area. Walks are free with

HIGH SPRINGS – Florida grown fruit, vegetables,

park admission fee ($5/vehicle) and are offered

dairy and meats as well as honey, handmade

birds at one of north central Florida’s premier

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protect yourself and others by wearing facial coverings. hailefarmersmarket.com

in Our Town

GOOD THINGS HAPPEN WHEN YOU CELEBRATE KIND WORDS… The purpose of this special section is to build community, appreciation and hope. In the following pages you’ll find words of encouragement. These are testimonials from local people sharing what they love about the people and places that support our community and need your support.

We hope you’ll find some places you love, and encourage them too ;)

MAR/APR MAR/APR 2023 2023 OUR SHARE TOWN MAGAZINE THE LOVE

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Our Goal at Bangkok Square Restaurant is to be a place where you always know you will get the best authentic fine Thai cuisine. We feature a cozy dining room with soothing warm tones and comfortable furnishings. You will enjoy a relaxing and pleasant atmosphere while indulging in our delicious selections. We enjoy sharing the most fragrant, interesting and flavorful dishes from all over Thailand. Our mission is not only to offer delectable food, but to also offer friendly, efficient service because our visitors satisfaction is paramount.

“We love Bangkok Square! The pad Thai is a favorite! The

vegetarian options are yummy. The veggies are nicely cooked and big beautiful chunks. The people are so kind and respectful”. — S. Vani

Family-Owned Serving the Best Authentic Thai Cuisine

Bangkok Square 2 locations | 8181 NW 38th Ln. | 6500 SW Archer Rd. 352-375-4488 Archer | 352-672-6969 39th Ave.

bangkoksquarefl.com

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“I had a great experience here. The servers are very polite and food was full of savory umami flavor.

I Had the chicken padthai and crab meat soup for lunch. Lunch came with crunchy egg rolls and food came out hot and yummy. The price is extremely reasonable”. —Song N

“The only place I get Red Curry from. Always tastes great. The atmosphere there is really relaxing as well. Good place to

have a small get together. They also have outside seating!” — S. Mariee

Tomlinson Motor Company has been providing automotive sales & service to the Gainesville area for almost 30 years. Family owned and operated, they have built a reputation for offering quality vehicles at unbeatable prices. Their philosophy is simple- make it easy and enjoyable for the customer and build relationships through repeat business and referrals. That is exactly what they have been doing all of these years and why they are now seeing second and even third generation Tomlinson buyers. It’s always nice to go where someone knows your name.

“I could not have asked for a better experience getting my car! The guys at Tomlinson Motor Company in Gainesville are the BEST! John David “JD” was so patient, consistent,

MOTOR COMPANY Love your car, Love the process!

and helpful with getting me the exact car I wanted and needed! If you are looking for a car this is the place to go!” — J. Harvey “Tomlinson is wonderful!! I purchased my car in August of this year.

Tomlinson Motor Company 3580 N. Main St. Gainesville, FL 32609 352-373-6851 (service) | 352-500-AUTO (sales)

tomlinsonmotorco.com

Bill Carter took care of me the whole way through. The process was fast, easy, welcoming and overall satisfactory. I’m in love with my new car... so much so my sister is purchasing from Tomlinson as well. Highly

recommend. A good and honest business with more than fair prices.” — M. Fitzsimmons MAR/APR 2023

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The Newberry Floor Store is a full-service flooring center that has been serving area customers since 2001. With the largest selection of inventory in the area, they are certain that you will find the right style, design and budget to fit your home. The Newberry Floor Store is a family friendly and relaxed atmosphere. The sales staff is non-commissioned and offer years of experience striving to serve each customer with a personal touch. We serve Newberry, Alachua, High Springs, Chiefland, Archer, Cedar Key, Steinhatchee and the greater Gainesville area.

“Great people. Very helpful with any projects that you may be working on.” — Kerry B. Quality Flooring for Every Room

The Newberry Floor Store 840 NW SR 45, Newberry 352-472-1331

newberryfloorstore.com

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“The Newberry Floor Store did an excellent job at my place of employment therefore when it was time to do my house I called them.

They were very helpful, and had everything for my job in stock. They had great communication skills throughout the entire process. Everyone from the install crew to the folks at the showroom were easy to talk to and very knowledgeable. Job was done right and on time.

Price was lower than the big box home improvement stores too. Highly recommended.” — Joe H.

At Celebrate Primary Care we offer affordable and personal health care. We are Gainesville’s premier direct primary care medical practice serving businesses and individuals with offices in Gainesville and surrounding areas. Ultimately, that means you or your employees get excellent medical care, when you need it, without having to jump through the hoops of a traditional medical practice. Because we have taken insurance companies out of the primary care equation, costs come down. Imagine a healthcare provider that knows you, and is only an email or text away.

“I love that I will have direct access to my provider (phone, text, messenger and email) and won’t have to wait days or weeks to be seen. I’ll keep my health A Personal Relationship with your Medical Provider

Celebrate Primary Care 1216 NW 22nd Ave. | 919 NW 57th St. (352) 474-8686

celebrateprimarycare.com

insurance for emergency care and specialists, but financially this just makes sense. If you’re looking for something better, you should definitely check this place out!” — Monica S. “I just had a patient who is a patient at Celebrate Primary Care, she just went on and on about what an amazing amazing practice y’all have! She’s never experienced such personalized medical care. You are doing great things for people!” — Courtney G. MAR/APR 2023

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Tosh delivers elegance, detail, and satisfaction to every event they perfect. Tosh offers a full-service event management and catering experience.

From anniversary celebrations to rustic weddings, every event is treated with the utmost care and attention to detail. They will impress your guests with freshly prepared meals accommodating any and all preferences from carving stations to vegan options. Experience the satisfaction of having your dream event brought to life by the experts at Tosh Event Group.

“I could not have asked for a better company to work with to help plan our gala event. From the catering

to the decorations, down to the entertainment they took care of it all.

Working with them for this annual event these past two years has been extremely helpful and stress free. I highly recommend working with Tosh for any of your event needs, small or large. They are responsive, accommodating, and organized. “— Nicole M.R.

Tosh Event Group 12 W. University Ave, Gainesville 352-284-1807

tosheventgroup.com

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“Tosh Event Group was great to work with. They were responsive, offered a diverse menu, worked with our budget, and I did not have to worry about logistics during the event. I look forward to working with them again. — Heather H.

A family owned local business with over 20 years of pawn broking experience; Pawn Pro offers their customers the best deals and the most money for their unwanted items. They take pride in offering top dollar for jewelry, broken jewelry, electronics, tools and much more. Available 6 days a week Chris strives to create a pleasant experience regardless of what you may be looking to buy or sell. Isn’t it time you got rid of some of those unwanted items? Let the Pawn Pros help!

“First rate service - Something for everyone - great prices, great service, friendly and family driven definitely the raiser of standards and the breaker of the stereotypical mold - not your typical pawnshop - friendly and family oriented. Be

Hometown Local Business

Pawn Pro, LLC 25040 W. Newberry Road, Newberry 352-327-9067

pawnprollc.com

expected to be impressed!” — Jay M.

“I’ve been a customer for 15 years, YES 15 years and never a regret, always treated well, you can’t find better deals and the owner goes above and beyond on every transaction.” — John C.

“Great place. Very helpful and knowledgeable staff.

Chris is sincere and a real professional” —MAR/APR Bill M. 2023 OUR TOWN MAGAZINE | 99 99

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Little Pine Pediatrics consists of experienced, compassionate pediatricians and friendly, nurturing staff members who take pride in giving their young patients the personalized pediatric care they deserve. They look forward to showing you how they differ from other practices. All of their providers are highly educated professionals who have undergone rigorous academic and clinical training in pediatrics. Little Pine believes in a team approach to your child’s health and well being which allows the doctors to collaborate with parents to provide the highest level of care.

“Wonderful staff! they treated my son like he was their own. They’ll work with you for even same day appointment… I have not one negative thing to say.” — Kellye G.

Lifelong Partners in Your Child’s Health

Little Pine Pediatrics 15551 NW Hwy 441 Suite 40, Alachua 386-518-0102

littlepinepediatrics.com

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“Everything was perfect. The staff were amazing, so nice. The doctor was so sweet to my girls, and I felt that he was extremely knowledgeable “and did not leave out a single detail. The nurse was very kind and welcoming. You could tell that this is a great place! Loved our visit!” — Tonya D.

Gentle Dental Care has been a leader in the Gainesville dental community since 1978. They take great satisfaction in helping you maintain optimal dental health. Devoted to comprehensive and preventive patient care, the staff at Gentle Dental Care believe their patients should have as much information as possible in order to make important, informed decisions regarding their dental health and treatment options. The most important member of their team will always be you! Stop by today and meet the family at Gentle Dental Care.

“Dr. Webb will treat you like family.” — Rod S. Your health and safety are our greatest concerns!

“Always smiling and always a pleasant experience which is weird when you consider that it is the dentist. Love Dr. Jordan and Dr. Patti.”

— Tony M.

Gentle Dental Care 3655 SW 2nd Avenue 352-378-2555 Drs. Patti and Jordan Webb

GainesvilleDentist.com

“The Gentle Dental Care staff were very friendly, kind, and concerned about my welfare. I would definitely recommend them if you are looking for a new dental professional to take care of you!” — Michelle G. MAR/APR 2023

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The mission of St. Francis House is to Create New Futures for homeless women and families with children. We provide the support and stability needed to empower women and families with children to achieve permanent and stable housing. It is reported that 37% of the total homeless population consists of families with children. In 2022, St. Francis House helped 106 families and 148 children move into safe and secure housing.

To view our full 2022 Annual Report and learn more about our successes, check out our website at www.stfrancishousegnv.com!

“I slept real good here, I fell asleep and had the best night’s rest I’ve had in a long time. You have been angels, you don’t even know. What a

blessing. I love it here!”— Former St. Francis House guest Creating New Futures for Children and Families

“I became homeless in 2014. I lived in a storage shelter for about 2 years. I stayed in the woods in a 10x10 shed for about another 2.5 years. I found out had bladder cancer and needed extra support.

St. Francis House, Inc. 413 South Main Street (352)-378-9079

stfrancishousegnv.com

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I heard about St. Francis House and met with a case manager

for assistance. I am so very thankful for what they

did for me there to help improve my situation!”

— Former St. Francis House guest

Come see why so many people love the Copper Monkey. We are known for providing legendary burgers and delicious food in a casual dining setting. If you missed legendary burgers like The Monkey’s Uncle, The Ranch Burger and the Orange and Blue Burger, your wait is over. These are just a few examples of why we have been voted “Our Town’s Favorite Burger”. Open for both lunch and dinner, Copper Monkey is always here for that cold beer after work or to meet up with friends and family for an evening of wonderful memories, just like old times!

“Very impressed with our first experience at CMW!

Your wait is over — our legendary burgers are back!

Copper Monkey West 14209 W Newberry Rd, Jonesville 352-363-6338

mycoppermonkey.com

Our server Ty was really great, very knowledgeable of the menu and specials, and very friendly. The food was excellent, I got a rare 8 oz sirloin and it was cooked perfectly. The grilled veggies were really good too. The food came out quickly and fresh off the grill. Thank you!!!”

— Becky S. “Very nice lunch. I had the spinach salad and my partner had a steak.

The meals were delicious and our server was polite and very attentive.”— Julie H. “Great restaurant with Sunday Steak specials. The

bar looks fun. I got a 10oz and date got 6oz sir loins. Bloody Mary was good. I will definitely stop through here again.” — Finn A. MAR/APR 2023

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We are a family-owned business, originally from the coasts of Southern California, & brought our love for Mexican cuisine to the wonderful community of Newberry, Florida in 2013. We think you of, our patrons, as FAMILIA, & our goal is to always make you feel welcome and satisfied each time. We pride ourselves in the quality, freshness, & vibrant flavors of our food. Our meats are never frozen, and every meal is prepared fresh and made to order. From our fresh Pico de Gallo to our hand-smashed guacamole, you will savor the mouthwatering flavors.

“Always fresh, well prepared food. Warm hearted owners who stay involved. Great local joint, and the food truck is spotted all over.” — Bobby P. Freshness You Can Taste

“For the second time in a year, I arranged to have Nathan bring his food truck out to feed about 60 employees. Nathan is very nice, professional and does what he says he’s going to do.” — Paca S.

Cilantro Tacos 12921 SW 1 Rd, Newberry • 352-472-1300 15551 NW HWY 441, Alachua • 352-660-3262

eatcilantrotacos.com

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“First time here and I loved it! You can tell they really

take their time with the food and it’s great quality. I cannot wait to return! Thanks for the excellent food and service and I appreciate all your hard work during these times.” — Leslie B.

Alachua Blind Company is excellence in action for all of your window blind and shade needs. With an array of option in a variety of colors and styles, Alachua Blinds has been serving our area for over 17 years. They operate their business with an attention to detail and work to make your buying experience second to none. Locally owned and operated allows them to offer discounted rates to members of our military, veterans and first responders. Call today or visit their website to request your free, no obligation estimate.

“We called Alachua Blind a couple of months ago and were given a fair quote by Matt. Soon after Matt and his assistant took the measurements, they assured us of installation promptly. They were extremely courteous and professional. At arrival of blinds they promptly made the installation. We have been extremely

Covering all your windows needs

Alachua Blinds and More Address??

(352) 494-4778

alachuablindcompany.com

pleased with the professional of Matt and his crew.”

— J. Freeman

“I love these blinds! Matt came to my house and took the time to go over all the samples, gave some suggestions and didn’t rush me when I was trying to decide on colors and fabrics. I’ve had the remote blinds for over a year now and they work great!!! I thoroughly enjoyed speaking and doing business with Matt and I would HIGHLY recommend Matt, his company and product!!!!!

“— M. Crosby MAR/APR 2023 OUR TOWN MAGAZINE | 105 105

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Crafty’s is “NW Gainesville’s Best Kept Secret.” Crafty’s reputation is de-fined on the creativity of every dish including, crispy naked wings, 1/2 pound all Angus burgers, real Shepherd’s pie, fresh beer battered fish n’ chips, and an amazing selection of what may just be your “new favorite” appetizers and handhelds. If you love your Happy Hours, Crafty’s has quite arguably-the BEST happy hours in town. Monday’s the BEST All You Can Eat Wings (kids eat free), Tuesday Trivia, Wednesday, Karaoke, and Live musician Thursday, Friday, and Saturdays.

“A great place to grab a drink and catch up with friends or watch the game. They have a wide selection on draft. Everything from big brands to local and not just a bunch of IPA’s but also ales and ciders too. The staff is fun and personable creating a

Your Neighborhood Craft Beer Restaurant and Pub- Welcome Home

Crafty BastardsRestaurant & Bottle Shoppe 4860 NW 39th Ave. Magnolia Parke 352-872-5970

www.TheCraftyBastards.com

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great atmosphere.” — A. Condrey

“Food was great! “ Killer Cowboy” burger with onion rings and Mango Habanero wings were extremely flavorful! The recommendations from waiter were spot on. Will definitely visit again!” — S. Moss “The wings were really great and my wife loved the parmesan garlic sauce on hers. She also said they had the best onion wings she’d ever had. We are definitely coming back!” — R. Thomas

The Sleep Center’s commitment is to provide the absolute lowest prices without sacrificing the personal touch and attention of a locally owned, community-committed business. They truly are Gainesville’s Premier Specialty Sleep Shop with Top Name Brands. Their factory-trained Sleep Consultants are not commissioned sales people. Their goal is simple: help and assist in any manner required or needed by consistently providing professional, courteous and responsive assistance to each and every guest.

“Jesse was great. No pressure. Listened to what we needed and filled the need with no up selling. Excellent service. Delivered as promised with a polite and efficient crew to set up mattress and remove trash. Have recommended to friends.” — Henry W. Gainesville’s most trusted mattress retailer 3242 SW 35 Blvd., Gainesville, FL 32608 4994 NW 39th Ave., Gainesville, FL 32606 888.695.2337 (BEDS)

gainesvillesleepcenter.com

“Excellent customer service - I checked out several stores in Gainesville when I was shopping for a bed but this was the best by far for selection, quality, and no-pressure sales. Save yourself time and go here first.” — Cara M. “If you’re looking for a quality mattress, please visit this location. There’s nobody forcing you to buy anything and they’re truly knowledgeable on all their products. Delivery guys were great and considerate.”

— Brandon F. MAR/APR 2023

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Confidence Hair Salon specializes in color and extensions. From color corrections to trending hair transformations we strive ourselves on full consultation and execution of the look you are going for! If you’re not sure what you’re looking for we offer an always free 30 minute consultation to discuss your wants and needs. This ensures we know exactly what you’re looking for the day of your appointment. For ease of scheduling we offer online booking to have a live view of dates and times available to suit your needs.

Confidence is beautiful!

Confidence Hair Salom 4131 NE 28th Lane Suite 7 Room F 352-678-8223

ChristyHenneman.glossgenius.com

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“I got hand tied extensions put in by Christy as well as some color. She did an extensive consult with me beforehand and answered every little question I had. She made the process so easy and is such a professional. She also added custom color to my real hair and extensions and matched them perfectly. She really has thought through every detail of the process to set up her extension clients for success. Also, her online booking system makes booking my next appointment so easy.

She really has perfected her craft. I get so many compliments on my hair and I always leave pleased. Client for life!” — Megan W.

“I absolutely love the cut and style that Christy gave me. I am very picky as I am the daughter of a retied hairstylist. I have searched quite awhile and so glad I have found Christy!!!! “— Beth M.

Alachua Animal Hospital is your local family owned and operated source for top quality, personalized pet care. From general wellness checks to surgical procedures, we offer a wide range of services. Our team is patient and caring, so you can be sure your pet will be in great hands. We offer complimentary exams for all new patients, so give us a call today! We’re located right on the corner of Main Street and 441 in downtown Alachua!

“This is whole team is amazing. Great with cats, dogs, and people. Best vet office in north central Florida!” — Edward P

“I love taking my fur babies to Alachua Animal Hospital for all their vet care! I feel as though I am well informed as to my dogs health and that they genuinely love every fur baby that walks in there. They do not see $$$… they do not charge for unnecessary services!” — Candice B

Alachua Animal Hospital 15100 Main Street Alachua 386-588-3219

www.alachuavet.com

“This place is very clean. The people working are the

sweetest! Very fast and efficient. Reasonable prices which is always

nice!” — Heather P MAR/APR 2023

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OneStop Medical and Urgent Care in Alachua, Florida is locally owned and operated, they truly understand the importance of a patient-centered environment. Available to assist with illnesses and injuries, the staff is committed to providing the best care possible while getting you back to your everyday life as quickly as possible. Their team has extensive experience and is dedicated to treating patients with the utmost courtesy.

OneStop Medical offers a wide array of services including on-site Xrays, COVID rapid and PCR testing and Occupational Medicine.

“This is by far the best urgent care facility that I have ever been to. The staff and physician was very thorough, kind and had a phenomenal bedside manner. I didn’t feel like a number.

I felt like I was being listened to. Thank you so much for the great care

Primary Care Coming Soon!

OneStop Medical & Urgent Care 15652 NW US Hwy 441 Ste 2D, Alachua 386-418-4060

OneStopMedCenter.com

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that I received!” — Kayla F. “I was a walk in for a DOT physical. Everyone there was

friendly and polite and very professional. Got a thorough physical and was out of there in a very reasonable time.

They’ll be my 1st choice every time from now on. — Tom R.

Teaming up to offer High Springs and the surrounding communities with the best family practice and women’s health care available, Joseph Stankus, APRN and Melissa Webb, APRN, offer well visits, sick visits, skin checks, weight loss, women’s health, men’s health, and hormone therapy. The team at Stankus Family Care is happy to meet your healthcare needs.

“This is a great Family Care practice. It seems rare to find a practice that puts an emphasis on the patient over the administrative aspects of healthcare. Joseph Stankus and his team ensure that people

Healthcare with Heart

are taken care of here.” — David R. “Joey has been my entire family’s health care provider for many years.

Stankus Family Care 18743 NW 234th St. High Springs, FL 32643 386-454-0721

stankusfamilycare.com

He and his entire staff are always very kind and listen to all your needs.

His office’s motto is “ Health Care With Heart” this describes them

perfectly. Thank you for all you do for my family and

the community” — Angie E.

MAR/APR 2023

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Daughtry Tree Service serves both residential and commercial clients. We are fully licensed and insured to work in the beautiful state of Florida.

We are experts in local trees, shrubs, bushes as well as the climate in north central Florida, and can handle all your tree service needs.

With over 30+ years working in the tree care industry, be assured with great confidence that our team will provide the dependable and expert tree services at affordable prices. No job is to big or small. We have the expertise and equipment to tackle them all.

“Everything was top notch from the initial estimate with Emery to when they drove away with my yard looking immaculate. Emory was

professional and friendly and they performed the work flawlessly. I had several trees removed, dead limbs removed

No job is too big or too small

Daughtry Tree Service 26106 NW 3rd Ave, Newberry, FL 32669 (352) 660-0367

daughtrytreeservice.com

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from other trees, and the canopy raised throughout the yard. I would not hesitate to use them again and I definitely will recommend their service to anyone who asks.” — Paul Manning “They did a fantastic job of removing two dead palm trees and trimming the remaining three palms for us. Would

definately recommend you call them for your tree maintenance needs.” — Duane Tully

Although Melissa has not been baking professionally for long, she’s made a tremendous impact in the baking world, especially in Gainesville. Soon to be featured on the The Greatest Baker Competition, her signature bake is a Bourbon Maple Cinnamon Roll and is not to be missed. Locally, her custom sugar cookies have been featured in large Chamber of Commerce events as well as local fundraisers. Melissa’s cookies and pastries are mouth wateringly delicious and her passion for baking is instrumental in the quality of her pastries.

“Melissa knocked it out of the park for my order. She made personalized cookies to thank my sons medical team for their care, on very short notice. I could not get over the packaging, it was so pretty.

And the cookies are delicious. I recommend Melisa at all my friends.”

— Katye G. With Sugar, Spice and Everything Nice

Amazing Grace Confections Melissa@mysugarcookie.com 352.262.5625

mysugarcookiejar.com

“Amazing Grace Confections cares about the quality of their products.

They care about how your event turns out and are honestly honored to be a small part of it. The taste is equally as good as the appearance. Overall the best of the best.” — Rob S. “The cookies and pastries are absolutely amazing! You have to try the cinnamon rolls and almond cookies. Highly recommended!” — Keri W. MAR/APR 2023

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The team at Next Level Orthodontics strives to maintain an environment that is focused on the quality, mutual respect and superior results while having as much fun as possible. Dedicated and professional, the team at Next Level Orthodontics works synergistically with one goal in mind, to help you get the most beautiful and healthy smile possible while creating a next level customer experience. Welcoming patients of all ages, the team at Next Level Orthodontics is ready to help. Visit them online or call to set up a complimentary consultation.

“Such kind staff and Dr. A is awesome. I waited until my 30’s to start my Invisalign journey and the best decision was choosing this place. I feel like at each appointment my teeth are very carefully examined and my treatment plan evolves as needed to meet my outcome

Elevating the health and beauty of your smile to the Next Level

Next Level Orthodontics 320 NW 76th Dr. Gainesville 352-332-7466

thenextlevelorthodontics.com

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goal. Can’t wait until my final result is reached. Loving how much progress my teeth have made already. My only regret is not doing it sooner!” — C. House “I went to Next Level Orthodontics for my braces and from the first

day to the last everyone was so pleasant and kind. I love the work

they did. Now I can be happy smiling and not doubt it. Great thanks to Dr. Akhavan and his staff.” — E. John

The Great Outdoors Restaurant specializes in hand-selected steaks, fresh seafood, signature entrée salads, homemade soups and desserts. It’s a perfect place to grab a cold, local craft beer after hitting the springs all day or for your family gathering. The amazing patio features luxurious outdoor seating with live music every Friday and Saturday night from some of the area’s best known bands. From craft cocktails to specialty desserts the Great Outdoors Restaurant invites you to make the short drive to High Springs.

“New owners & its great! We loved it before and still do! Great entertainment outside! Dining inside is pleasant too.

Great place to bring friends from out of town and to celebrate those special events!” — Shelley “I just moved here in Jan 2020. Then Covid hit. Finally this place

Great Outdoors Restaurant 65 N Main St, High Springs 386-454-1288

GOhighsprings.com

is back to rockin! Great service. Great food and drink. Great atmosphere. I can’t wait to be a regular since the music is now back! Love this place! So glad I move to High Springs. Come check this place out. You’ll love it!” — Randy MAR/APR 2023

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No matter what your taste buds are craving, you’ll find classic meal favorites and organic vegan options- Fresh and made to order, including the full menu of unique craft cocktails, beer and wines. Then “swing a club” at the Pink Flamingo “water-featured” Mini Golf course located just out back. Whether you relax outside at the Flamingo bar or watch others play the 18 hole course, the entire family is invited to come spend the day.

There’s something for everyone! Follow the flock to the Pink Flamingo Diner and Mini Golf in historic High Springs.

“Excellent food! The revitalized inside is fantastic!

The staff were incredibly gracious and engaging. Such a great energy here, and I’m glad this is in High Springs.” — Eric

A unique “destination” Diner experience for the whole family

Pink Flamingo Diner 19726 US 441, High Springs, FL 32643 386-454-5775

PinkFlamingoDiner.com

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“My husband and I came in for lunch today and really enjoyed it! He got the High Springs Heaping and I got the California Chicken. I liked getting the mixture of French fries and fried pickles with my sandwich.

(Mine would’ve been killer with bacon added *hint hint*.) Service

was great and the restaurant looks so nice after the remodel. Good job, we’ll be back!” — Tiffany

Welcome to The Floating Lotus Therapeutic Spa and Health Center, Gainesville’s unique escape from the stresses of everyday life. We invite you to slow down, sit back and unwind in our luxury day spa at an affordable price. From our personalized signature facials, deep tissue therapeutic or relaxation massage, or acupuncture, we are here to provide a healthy retreat. The atmosphere we create, the natural products we use, and the therapists devoted to your service combine to give you a one-of-a-kind experience found only at the Floating Lotus Spa.

Floating Lotus Spa Gainesville’s unique escape from the stresses of everyday life

Floating Lotus Spa 2441 NW 43rd St #3A, Gainesville, FL 32606 (352) 378-8125

floatinglotusspa.com

“I am so impressed with this spa. The team here is incredible and from the moment you walk in you feel calmer, relaxed, and ready to be pampered! The level of service I received here was unparalleled to any other spas I had previously been to and I will definitely be returning. To the entire team: THANK YOU!!!!

— A. Burmester “Your Spa has a very relaxing atmosphere, and I particularly love that the staff is so professional and caring. Everything they do has a personable touch!” — Julia G. “The spa is immaculately clean and beautifully appointed. The staff is very kind and nice and my service was excellent!”— Marilyn M. MAR/APR 2023

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At Nature’s Pet Day Spa, we bring the world-class care and attention your pets deserve. Led by the award-winning coach and grooming expert Lisa Jordan, we’re a woman-owned, local business built on compassion and a commitment to excellence. By using natural products, we focus on your pet’s health. Add a caring atmosphere, and you’ve got a day spa you can trust with your pet’s happiness and well-being.

“I absolutely LOVE this salon! Their products are amazing too!” — Turi D. “I am very pleased for a first-timer and so is Goldie! I’m sure she can’t

The world-class care and attention your pets deserve

Nature’s Pet Day Spa 500 NW 60th St, Suite C 352-331-8681

naturepetsgrooming.com

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wait for her next spa day with such wonderful people! A big thanks to everyone who works there.” — Angela V. “I’ve been taking my two dogs there for many years and have always been happy with the groomers — I’ve used a number of them, but especially love Ashley. They are wildly popular in Gainesville, so book early for an appointment.” — Vassiliki S.

STORMS HAPPEN. We can’t prevent them, but we can help protect you through them. Our Energy Roofing Team takes your protection seriously and we want you to experience our commitment. We are dedicated to roofing excellence and our team of experts are seasoned with decades of industry experience and best practices. We have roofing solutions for any budget. We look forward to earning the priveledge to be chosen as your Roofing Contractor.

“Energy Roofing provided an excellent quality roof for my home following highly professional standards of workmanship and at a fair

price. Many of my neighbors remarked how quickly

they completed this task and the beauty of the final product. 5 stars!”—Patrick L.

Energy Roofing 507 NW 60th St suite C, Gainesville 855-766-3852

energyroofingco.com

“Energy Roofing completed a full roof replacement for us and it was one of the most seamless experiences I’ve ever had. I simply cannot recommend Energy Roofing enough!” — Justin S. “I needed a fairly complicated roof repair and Energy Roofing was able to help from the very beginning. There’s NO need to look further!”

—John H. MAR/APR 2023

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The End. Or is it really just the beginning?

Now it’s up to you to say something nice or share a positive experience.

We encourage you to take a moment and tell us what you love about these or other local businesses. Words matter – and what we say can have a meaningful impact.

Share The Love by posting on our Facebook page and telling us more about the people and places you LOVE. Love on!

This special section was brought to you by Our Town Magazine.

in Our Town

PUBLISHER’S NOTICE: Our Town does not endorse any business, product, place or service. Nor does the content of this publication intend to do so, but rather is for your entertainment and informational use. The content used in this publication was collected through various online and offline sources. We have not independently verified any of the claims made in this publication and have no liability for the completeness, accuracy or fitness of any of the information. That means you are solely responsible for verifying any claims. ©2023 Tower Publications, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

OUR TOWN THE MAGAZINE LOVE MAR/APR MAR/APR 2023 2023 120 | SHARE

BOOK REVIEW

TERRI SCHLICHENMEYER’S

Reading Corner THE PIRATE’S WIFE: THE REMARKABLE TRUE STORY OF SARAH KIDD by Daphne Palmer

Geanacopoulos C.2022

HANOVER SQUARE PRESS

$

27.99

288 PAGES

X MARKS THE SPOT.

The map is clear: that’s where the treasure was buried.

It’s up to you to figure out which island it’s on, what landmarks match the clues, and who owns the piece of property that supposedly contains wealth and riches. You have your shovel, your GPS, your courage, and this map but beware.

As in the new book “The Pirate’s Wife” by Daphne Palmer Geanacopoulos, you could lose everything.

Fourteen-year-old Sarah Bradley must’ve had an inkling that her trip across the Atlantic would end as it did. Motherless and adept at caring for her father’s home and her little brothers, she would make a fine wife for a seagoing merchant.

By the time she was seventeen, her husband, William Cox, had set her up with a fine home and a shop in Manhattan, from which Sarah sold goods that Cox imported. Women in eighteenth-century New York couldn’t own property but Sarah was a good businesswoman, and she and Cox became “extraordinarily wealthy.”

It’s curious, therefore, that he left her relatively little, when he wrote his will in 1689. Three weeks later, he was dead by drowning. After a customary period of mourning, Sarah married John Oort, a former ship captain; around this same time, she met Captain William Kidd, with whom she fostered a deep friendship.

Soon, the friendship became more than that, but “divorce was not an option.” Still, Sarah and William “were such solid citizens... that an investigation into Oorts death was not initiated” when he died suddenly in 1691 and Sarah married Kidd quickly afterward.

But Kidd was a merchant sea captain, and his job was at sea. When he was hired by the British Crown to capture pirates at a time when Britain had a shaky hold on

its colonies, “It satisfied a thrill.” He’d been “restless,” and Sarah knew it. She couldn’t ask him to stay home, and so he sailed out in late March of 1696, promising to be home in a year.

Kidd left with a full crew, including Sarah’s younger brother.

He returned home a pirate.

Looking for a high-seas adventure and a chance to buckle your swashes? Nope, sorry, “The Pirate’’s Wife” isn’t that. It’s better.

Toss out all the stereotypes and legends you think you know about pirates, because this book makes short work of that mythology. Instead, author Daphne Palmer Geanacopoulos tells a love story here about a gentleman and his wife, a resourceful, wonderfully intelligent woman who could read but likely could not write. Hers is a tale with a tinge of feminism, circa 1698; there’s also an enemy that you just know was prone to sniveling, and a thoroughly fascinating history of American life in pre-Revolutionary times. Just beware, mateys, that you won’t find any bloodand-guts, there are few high-seas hijinks – and at the risk of being a spoiler, the ending here is nowhere near happy. Arrrrgh!

Still, you will be, when you start this absolutely absorbing book. Find “The Pirate’s Wife” and settle in. This book really hits the spot.

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

MAR/APR 2023

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Charity of the Month

CONGRATULATIONS CHARITY OF THE MONTH WINNER

January 2023 Winner

UF Center for Autism & Related Disabilities The University of Florida Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (CARD) is a support center for individuals with autism and related disabilities. The center’s goal is to optimize the potential of these individuals and provide support and assistance.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex developmental disability that affects the normal functioning of the brain and impacts development in areas such as socialcommunication and behavior.

At the UF CARD, the staff work to provide services that optimize the developmental and behavioral health of individuals with autism and related disabilities. The center has locations in Gainesville and Jacksonville, and the staff is equipped to provide care for children and adults with autism and related disabilities. The UF CARD also provides resources and information to families, schools, and communities to help them better understand and support individuals with autism and related disabilities.

To nominate a charity or to vote for your favorite nominee visit: 122 | OUR TOWN MAGAZINE

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RadiantCU.org/com

“We feel the best way to find and recognize local charities in our community is by asking you!”

About Radiant Credit Union’s Charity of the Month Program...

The program was started in 2013 as a way for our communities to recognize their favorite local charities.

Since that time Radiant has donated thousands of dollars to charities in our area.

Each month Radiant awards the winning charity $1,000. All 501c3 charities headquartered in Radiant’s service area (Alachua, Bradford, Citrus, Clay, Columbia, Dixie, Gilchrist, Hamilton, Lafayette, Levy, Marion, Putnam, St. Johns, Suwannee or Union County in Florida) are eligible to enter the contest.

Entering your favorite charity is easy and you could win $100 if the charity you entered wins.

For complete rules and step-by-step instructions go to RadiantCU.org/com

School of the Month February 2023 Recipient

Terwilliger Elementary Radiant’s Archer Road Branch Manager, Jesse Orozco presented Terwilliger Elementary School Principal Heather Harbour a check for $1,000 for being Radiant Credit Union’s February School of the Month. The money will be used by the school to benefit their students.

Presented by Radiant Credit Union and Our Town Family of Magazines

MAR/APR 2023

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Restaurant Guide

The Paper Bag Deli and Catering — Using only the freshest ingredients and serving the highest quality meats and cheeses, The Paper Bag Deli in Gainesville is quickly becoming the destination for custom prepared meals designed for people with a time sensitive schedule. Serving premium Boar’s Head meats, The Paper Bag has quick serve cold options you can grab and go from the fridge or order hot options from the counter. Have time to stay a while? You can relax on their sunny patio or at the bar-style seating and enjoy a variety of freshly baked artisan sandwiches, wraps, salads and much more.

Enjoy your favorite local and domestic beers or order to go! We have many catering options for corporate, schools, and private parties. Call ahead to pick you order today!

Park Lane Apartments 5750 SW 75th Court Suite 20 Open Monday - Friday 10am - 6 pm

(352) 451-4972

thepaperbagdeli.com

Stone House Grill

Great steaks, seafood and more — Visit us at Stone House Neighborhood Grill for the ultimate dining experience.

We are a full-service restaurant located in Newberry, Florida. The owners and operators have over 20+ years of experience in the food service industry, and a passion for providing exceptional food and service that will leave all customers coming back for more.

Enjoy our unique variety of menu options for lunch or dinner. Lunch specials Monday-Friday. Happy hour 3-6 Monday through friday.

1759 SW 248th Drive Newberry 32669 Monday - Thursday 11am-10pm Friday & Saturday 11am-11pm Sunday 11am-9pm

352-354-8023

www.stonehousenewberry.com

Copper Monkey West

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.

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

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mycoppermonkey.com

Delicious food FEATURED RESTAURANT

Restaurant Guide

with a simple mission

Cilantro Tacos started a small mom n' pop restaurant hoping to make a positive impact in the community. All of their vegetables are hand cut and free of pesticides.

Theiir meats are hand-prepared daily. They make FRESH food, not FAST food and want their patrons to feel good about what they eat and where it comes from!

If passion was a flavor, you'd find it generously sprinkled on everything at Cilantro Tacos.

This delightful family-owned jewel popped up with locations in Alachua and Newberry, and they've committed to serving a perfect selection of real Mexican cuisine since 2013.

Bringing authentic dishes infused with Southern California coastal influence, Cilantro Tacos delivers quality, freshness and vibrancy in every dish. Patrons can build their own dream boat tacos with fresh selections of proteins like steak, wild caught shrimp and flounder, grilled eggplant, carnitas, al pastor and barbacoa.

The niños have their own selection of tacos and quesadillas. And it's impossible to find anything less than a deliciously Instagrammable dish on the menu.

In addition to their brick and mortar locations, Cilantro Taco pulls up for special event catering as well. The Taco Bar and Food Truck have been booked solid for a wide range of celebrations from weddings to office lunches.

Then it's time to load it up with toppings like lettuce, onions, tomatoes, cilantro, cheese, limes, pickled and fresh jalapenos, guacamole and sour cream. The Nate-style tortillas — named for one of the owners — are corn tortillas dipped in pork stock and grilled to golden. And they're a fan fave with regulars and newbies alike.

In an effort to strengthen their communities, they also offer a Sponsor a Hero Lunch. In the wake of COVID-19, they offer bulk pricing to any community hero you want to sponsor. From deputies to healthcare workers, these local heroes are given an individually boxed taco plate to show appreciation for all they do.

The menu expands to quesadillas, loaded nachos, taquitos, carne fries, salads and more. The queso is made from scratch using milk, saguaro cheese and butter. And the guac is hand-smashed with fresh tomatoes, onions, cilantro and lime. They've even upgraded to eco-friendly disposable containers to ensure sustainability for the planet that provides these fresh ingredients for their plates.

Cilantro Tacos is all about service, and its owners want everyone to feel like "familia." The Baja California cuisine is served warm — just like their service.

eatcilantrotacos.com

Tioga Town Center 12921 SW 1 Rd Suite #103 352-472-1300 Alachua 15551 NW US HWY 441 352-660-3262 SPECIAL RESTAURANT ADVERTISING SECTION. CALL 352-372-5468 FOR RATESMonday AND INFORMATION. - Saturday MAR/APR 2023 OUR TOWN MAGAZINE | 125 11:00am to 9:00pm 125

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Restaurant Guide

Piesanos Stone Fired Pizza Italian Restaurant — 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.

For full menu and list of locations visit: PIESANOSTOGO.COM Now Serving: Gainesville, Ocala, The Villages, Clermont & Windermere, Coming soon: Lake City & St. Augustine Mon-Sun: 11am-10pm Order online or Download our App: PIESANOSTOGO.COM

That Bar and Table

Neighborhood Bar and Restaurant —Located in the Haile Market Square Publix center, we are locally owned and operated, family friendly (including dogs!), and offer indoor and outdoor dining! Lunch specials available Mon-Fri and brunch is served on weekends. Daily specials include Cluckin’ Monday, Taco Tuesday, Burger Wednesday, Wine-Night Thursday, and amazing weekend Chef’s specials beginning each Friday! Our scratch kitchen is prepping daily to deliver amazing wing dishes, glorious ½ pound burgers, and a wide selection of appetizers, sandwiches, salads, and dinner entrees. Our skilled bartenders will serve up your favorite cocktail or can recommend one of our house favorites! See you soon!

2725 SW 91st St, Gainesville 11-9 Sunday, Monday, Tuesday 11-10 Wed-Sat

352-331-6620

thatbarandtable.com

Brown’s Country Buffet

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.

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

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brownscountrybuffet.net

Restaurant Guide

Mi Apá Latin Café Cuban — When it comes to authentic Cuban cooking, you cannot go wrong with Mi Apá Latin Cafe. Featuring authentic ingredients and classic Cuban recipes, such as Pollo Asado, Croquetas de Jamon, and the best Cuban sandwiches in Alachua County. With three locations, you’re never far from the best Cuban coffee and Cuban pastries. Visit us for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, seven days a week. Whether you’re dining in, driving through, or picking up your online order, your food will always be hot, fresh, and full of Latin flavor! And don’t forget our daily Happy Hour with half-off iced coffee and Kids Eat Free every Wednesday from 4:00-9:00pm

Alachua – 15634 US Highway 441 (386-418-0838) Gainesville - 114 SW 34th ST (352-376-7020) Jonesville - 14209 W Newberry RD NOW OPEN! (352-545-4430)

MiApaLatinCafe.com

El Toro 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!

15202 NW 147 Drive, Suite 1100, Alachua (Rolling Oaks Plaza) Monday – Sat 11:00am – 9:00pm Sunday – Closed

386-418-1039

www.eltorogainesville.com

Bangkok Square

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.

Two Gainesville Locations: 6500 SW Archer Road & 8181 NW 38th Lane Archer-M,W,TH, Friday 11:00am-3:00pm • Saturday-Sunday 12:00pm-3:00pm 38th Ln.-T,W,TH, 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 SPECIAL RESTAURANT ADVERTISING SECTION. CALL 352-372-5468 FOR RATES AND INFORMATION. MAR/APR 2023

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Restaurant Guide

Dave’s NY Deli Authentic NY deli — Serving classic NY deli favorites since 2009. Dave’s NY Deli continues to be the place to go for authentic NY Deli food. Owner, Melissa says, “Nothing beats quality ingredients combined with a friendly staff.” Dave’s NY Deli serves New York size Pastrami and Corned Beef sandwiches, Nathan’s Hot Dogs, NY Kettle Boiled Bagels, Nova Salmon, Philly Cheesesteaks and Cubans, a big variety of sandwiches, Salad and Wraps. They also offer a Kids Menu. Let’s not forget about the dessert favorites such as, Cannolies and Cheesecake from New York. Come out and enjoy Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner at Dave’s NY Deli. Now serving beer and wine. Dave’s NY Deli also offers Catering.

12921 SW 1st Road • Tioga Town Center Monday thru Saturday 8 am to 8 pm Sunday 8 am to 6 pm.

352-333-0291

Arashi Yama

www.DavesNYDeli.com

Authentic Sushi and Hibachi Lounge — Are you looking for the newest place in town to enjoy sushi? Welcome to Arashi Yama Authentic Sushi & Hibachi Lounge. Arashi Yama offers some of the best and most creative sushi by using only the freshest and finest ingredients available. Offering a pleasant and soothing dining ambiance. Arashi Yama’s menu includes all your sushi favorites, incredible Hibachi options and a full bar with craft cocktails. Don’t have time to stop in? Arashi Yama offers easy online ordering for all your to-go dining needs or is open for both lunch and dinner.

Visit their website for more information and to check out their delicious menu.

Magnolia Parke - 4780 NW 39th Ave. Suite 1

Happy Hour menu available

Tuesday- Thursday: 11am-3 pm / 4:30-9:30 Tuesday to Thursday 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm Friday: 11 am - 3 pm / 4:30-10 pm Saturday: 11:30 am - 3 pm/ 4:30 pm - 10 pm Sunday: 12 noon - 3 pm / 4:30 pm - 9 pm Monday: Closed

352-505-6000

www.arashiyamagainesville.com

Cilantro Tacos

Cali-Mex Street Food — This 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!

Tioga Town Center - 12921 SW 1 Rd Suite #103 352-472-1300 Alachua - 15551 NW US HWY 441 Unit# 50 352-660-3262 Monday - Saturday from 11:00am to 9:00pm

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Restaurant Guide

Leonardo’s Pizza 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.

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

352-376-2001

Top Hog

leonardosmillhopper.com

Family Style BBQ — Sweet,Tasty, Spicy, Hot, Vinegar, Smokey. Just a few adjectives that will come to mind when you visit Top Hog! We take our time to make our recipes with love. We make our recipes in small batches to make sure that everything you order is fresh and up to our customers high standards! To give our meats a distinct Florida flavor, our meats are smoked with a mix of Florida woods, like orange wood and oak. Family style meals or meat sold by the pound with your choice of sauce available. Check our website and facebook for our full menu and daily specials. Think of us for your next family gathering, office party or tailgate party and let the TOP HOG cater your next event! We are not a chain, we are one of a kind, we do it our way.

Jonesville: Sun-Thurs 11-9, Fri-Sat 11-10 Archer Road: Sun, Tues-Thur 11-9, Fri-Sat 11-10, Monday closed

352-331-6035

www.top-hog.com

Mr. and Mrs. Crab

Customized Seafood Experience — Mr. and Mrs. Crab’s hand-held seafood integrates American country taste with traditional Szechuan spices to create a unique taste. After you’ve decided what types of seafood you would like to indulge yourself in, our chefs will have your food cooked to perfection and placed in our specially designed seafood boil bags to be tossed in one of our mouthwatering seasonings. We have a vast selection of seafood to choose from, accompanied by our famous Mr. & Mrs. Crab house seasonings. We can’t wait for you to try our Asian-inspired, Louisiana style seafood boils. We’re confident after you’ve had a taste, you’ll be sharing your Mr. and Mrs. Crab story with all your friends!

(Butler Plaza Central) 3246 SW 35th Blvd, Gainesville, FL 32608 Sun to Thur 12 pm - 10 pm Fri and Sat 12 pm - 11 pm

(352) 554-5968

www.mmcseafood.com

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Sat April 29th 10 AM- 5 PM

Sunday 30th 10AM-4PM

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MAR/APR 2023

DREAM (CLEAN) TEAM

GETTING IN THE CLEANING SPIRIT

Local Cleaning Teams W R I T T E N BY S U M M E R JA R R O

THE SPRING CLEANING SEASON IS IN FULL SWING.

For different countries and cultures, this well-known period of “cleansing fever” can take place at different times of the year. However, for most living in the United States it usually happens once the spring season arrives.

Many people take it upon themselves to clean their living spaces on their own but there are also many cleaning services available in the Gainesville area to help residents live comfortably in a cleansed space.

Here’s a look at a couple fresh, local cleaning companies and their professional cleansing tips!

The Sunshine Maids The Sunshine Maids is a locally owned and operated business that opened in Gainesville last fall. Owner Matthew Mousa was originally going to open his business in Jacksonville but opted to serve the Gainesville area instead.

“I went to school in Gainesville at the University of Florida and I thought it would be a good opportunity since I kind of knew the area, knew some of the people there and help some of those residents in the city with some cleaning services,” he said.

Mousa has been cleaning for people before, but this is his first time owning his own business. The Sunshine Maids serve Gainesville as well as surrounding areas such as Newberry, Archer and High Springs. Services available

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LOCAL CLEANING TEAMS >> SERVICES & TIPS

include standard cleanings that can be weekly, biweekly or monthly, deep cleanings, moving cleanings and office cleanings.

According to Mousa, business is going well so far.

“We’ve been building up a lot more momentum in the Gainesville area, meeting new clients, helping them service their homes,” he said.

Although the Sunshine Maids has only been in business since September, Mousa knows cleaning services can get more clients during springtime as people do their spring cleaning. This past holiday season was a busy time for the company as many people want to have their living spaces looking good for family and guests. Mousa expects the momentum to continue into the spring season, he said.

Mousa started his own business because he understands the importance of having a clean home and how it can have positive effects on a person’s mental health.

“We just wanted to be able to bring that sense of peace and that sense of clarity to our customers through great cleaning and great customer service, and by not only cleaning their home but also making our customers feel good and smile,” he said. “That’s just what we’re really trying to do at the end of the day for each cleaning. That’s really why it kind of made me want to get into this business because it’s something that I knew how to do and I knew makes a big difference in my life. When I get a new cleaning – each time seeing my space done and smelling nice – it makes everything else in life a little bit easier to handle.”

For more information on the Sunshine Maids and cleaning services available, call 352-575-9321.

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Gainesville Cleaning Provisions Another fairly new cleaning business that is locally owned in the Gainesville area is Gainesville Cleaning Provisions.

“We’re committed to quality service not only to the client but also to our cleaners,” said Jessica Forbes, one of the owners of the business along with Eric Hutchinson. “One of the things we knew was that many cleaners in Gainesville were not getting paid fairly at all, so we’re a company that pays almost three times what someone might make as a cleaner for another company in the area.”

The cleaning company opened in August of last year. It covers all of Alachua County and offers residential, commercial and rental property cleanings. Cleanings include standard cleanings, deep cleanings and cleanings for when someone moves in or out of a space.

Forbes wanted to open a cleaning business because of the background her family has in the profession. Her mother worked as a housekeeper for more than 40 years, and Forbes learned a lot from her. “[I] wanted to create a customer service based company for the area because it didn’t exist,” Forbes said. “There are many companies that do cleanings but many of them lack the customer service that we provide.”

Business is going well so far since Gainesville Cleaning Provisions opened.

“We’re hiring new technicians, we’re taking on more clients,” Forbes said. “Our name was getting around, and we’re grateful for the feedback we’ve been able to receive.”

Forbes believes residents who are looking for a new cleaning service or wanting to change cleaning services should try Gainesville Cleaning Provisions because they

are easy to contact, convenient and all information on services and the company are transparent.

“We’re committed to improving the customer experience for those who are in Alachua County,” Forbes said.

“If you are a person who’s looking or you’re working with a company already and you notice that they’re just not consistent, you should really give us a try.”

For more information on Gainesville Cleaning Provisions, visit gnvcp.com or call 352-405-2211.

Tips From Cleaning Professionals: Mousa recommends people keep up with making sure their spaces stay clean instead of holding off on doing it for long periods of time.

“The more you kind of push it to the side the harder those cleans are. It can kind of create a downward spiral effect compared to if you kind of keep up with it on a weekly basis,” Mousa said. “It just makes it a lot easier, it makes the load a lot lighter.”

Forbes agrees.

“The best way to keep your home clean and to just keep an area clean is to stay on top of it and that’s one of the things that we can help with,” she said.

Mousa also recommends checking which products work best on different surfaces before using them. Many of the clients for his business let staff know ahead of time what products are best to use in their home. The professionals can help guide clients as well.

“That’s why we sometimes do recommend letting a professional come and service the home at least for the initial deep clean,” he said, “just so that the customer is able to learn about what is best for their house and their property.”

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MAR/APR 2023

LOCAL BUSINESS DIRECTORY

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MAR/APR 2023

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SPOTLIGHT

RESCUE ANIMAL ADOPTIONS

Furever Friends EMILY JUNCOSA AND SLIM

We were so small and malnourished they dubbed us Slim and Bones. It wasn’t long before Bones got adopted, but I was still looking for my furever home when the rescue put out a call looking for foster families in preparation for some guy named Ian who was supposed to show up soon.

I’m not sure what the big deal was. Maybe he was their boss? I don’t know what all the fuss was about, but it was fine with me because I ended up being taken in by Emily Juncosa and her twin sister, Suzanne.

I was kind of nervous when they brought me home, but then I met Enzo and Shiloh and was

so excited to make some new friends! Emily and Suzanne brought Enzo home in May and he was their very first dog. Isn’t that crazy? Apparently they always had cats in their family, but obviously after getting older they got some clarity and realized dogs rule and cats drool. Since Enzo was the oldest, he showed me the ropes, but I also quickly became friends with Shiloh who the girls adopted in August. Enzo and Shiloh were both foster fails so they taught me some tips and tricks on how to be one too. I was only with Emily and Suzanne for a few days when they knew I would become a permanent member of the pack.

Unfortunately, my adoption was on a hold because I had a pre-existing injury – a torn CCL in my back right leg, which is like when humans tear their ACL. Even though my adoption was pending, I still made myself comfortable in my new home because I was just so happy to be there! I always greeted Emily and Suzanne with a tail wag, played with my new siblings and cuddled whenever I could. I eventually had surgery and got a plate and screws in my leg. My mom says that because of it, I’m like a bionic puppy!

Doesn’t that sound so cool? Dun da du dun, bionic puppy!

I should have my own comic series, right?

Of course, like any young pup, I was a little nervous to get surgery, but oh man was it worth it! I definitely got the spoiled-puppy treatment post-op, but I’m a very good patient and take all my medicine. With my medical hold no longer an issue, I was officially adopted in November and now I’m proud to say that I’m a permanent member of the Juncosa household! I still have to take it easy while recovering, but even though I can’t run around and play with my siblings just yet, I’m still so happy that I found my furever home. I don’t think my tail has stopped wagging since I came through the door as a foster pup back in September. The only thing that could make me any happier is that the other doggies, and, fine, cats too, that I met during my time at Faithful Friends, find their furever families one day too!

If you’re interested in adopting from Faithful Friends, visit their website at faithfulfriendsrescue.org.

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

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138 | OUR TOWN MAGAZINE

MAR/APR 2023

COME IN & Feel the

Local Difference Supermarket

At Ward’s we pride ourselves on sourcing from the Gainesville community and providing items you can’t find anywhere else. We stock foods and goods that we believe in and want to use.

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

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