Our Town - Sept/Oct 2023 (Gainesville Edition)

LOCAL

FASHION SCENE

Fashion trends are always changing, but 90s-inspired outfits and accessories are predicted to make a comeback. Learn about Gainesville’s diverse fashion scene and how it encourages individuality.

Testimonials from local people sharing what they love about the people and places that support our community and need your support too.

PHOTO ESSAY

Showcasing selected images from the new book “All Things Beautiful: Wonders from the Collections of the Florida Museum of Natural History,” enjoy the splendor of natural history museums!

There are more than 300 octopus species, including three found in Florida: the common octopus, Caribbean octopus, and Atlantic white-spotted octopus. This animal was found by museum researcher John Starmer off St. Petersburg, Florida in 2004. Designer Hollis Wooley created the solarized image.

25 // RUNWAY RIVALS

A local reality show challenging fashion designers to creatively upcycle locally sourced used materials.

30 // RECIPE WONDERS

In honor of the new school year and lifelong learning , enjoy a Waldorf Salad recipe—the main ingredient being delicious apples!

36 // CABINET OF CURIOSITIES

Bill Hutchinson always wanted to be a living museum, and after accumulating enough artifacts, he opened the Theatre of Memory Museum.

43 // LIFELONG LEARNERS

The Chautauqua movement came to Gainesville in 1903, offering a variety of lectures, performances, and activities. Its influence can still be seen today.

48 // CURIOSITY UNBOUND

World-renowned photographer Jerry Uelsmann’s life and work are celebrated in an exhibition at the Harn Museum of Art, giving viewers a glimpse into his creative process and showcasing the whimsical and thought-provoking nature of his images.

57 // THE CURIOUS WORLD OF AI

Learn how Artificial Intelligence is revolutionizing multiple industries, changing the way we interact and bringing about ethical questions.

65 // STUDY TIPS

Is your old study routine not working? Figure out your specific learning style while picking up some tips on what might work best for you!

102 // DIY BOO BATS

Boo! Have some spooktacular fun this Halloween season by creating a decorative colony of bats with egg crates.

111 // SCHOOLS OF THE PAST

Highlighting the significance of several schools in the community and their role in education during different time periods.

117 // THE HIPP: FIRST 50 YEARS

Richard Gartee, a longtime supporter of The Hippodrome Theatre, has written a comprehensive book documenting the theatre company’s 50-year history. The book includes details from all 440 productions, original photos, and interviews with key players.

PUBLISHER

Charlie Delatorre

PRODUCTION DIRECTORS

Kaloni Dunlap, Brian Knepp

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Ericka Winter Pauley

editor@towerpublications.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Cameron Cobb, Debra Garcia, Crystal Smith, Joanna Grey Talbot, Victoria Vargas, Cynthia Wonders Winterrowd, Hayli Zuccola

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Jerry Uelsmann, Michael Eaddy, Kristen Grace

INTERNS

Debra Garcia, Lindsay Schindler

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

Jenni Bennett jenni@towerpublications.com

DIRECTOR OF SALES

Nancy Short nancy@towerpublications.com

CALENDAR SUBMISSIONS

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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

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

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

Curiosity & Childlike Wonder

Curiosi ty is the driving force behind our quest for knowledge, understanding, and growth. It pushes us to explore the unknown, challenge our assumptions, and seek new experiences. Without curiosity life can become stagnant, leading to missed opportunities and a feeling of disconnection from the world around us.

S imilarly, nurturing a sense of childlike wonder is crucial for embracing the beauty and joy in the simplest things. Remember those carefree days of childhood when every dandelion became a wish, every puddle a portal to another world, and every star a possibility waiting to be discovered? Recovering that sense of awe and amazement can be transformative, rekindling our passion for life and reminding us to appreciate and marvel at the wonders surrounding us.

Speaking of childlike wonder, I am thrilled to announce my personal journey into motherhood. This December, my husband and I will welcome a precious baby girl into our lives, beginning a new chapter for our family. As I embark on this adventure, I can’t help but imagine the significance of curiosity and childlike wonder in the context of raising a child.

Watching our daughter grow, learn, and explore will be a constant reminder of the power of curiosity. From her first steps to her first words, every milestone will be a testament to her innate desire to understand the world around her. As her parents, we will have the privilege of witnessing her journey of discovery, and I am eager to tap into my own sense of wonder as I join her in exploring the mysteries of life.

Together, we will eagerly observe the fascinating process of learning and development, cherishing the simplicity and beauty of those everyday moments. From discovering what bubbles are to marveling at the wonders of nature, I will be reminded of the importance of maintaining my own quest for knowledge and enlightenment. Through her innocent eyes, I will strive to rediscover the magic that exists in even the most ordinary experiences.

This focus on nurturing a sense of childlike wonder will not only benefit my daughter but also serve as a compass for my own personal growth. Life with a child brings new perspectives, challenges, and opportunities for learning. I am excited to embrace this journey wholeheartedly, knowing that the combination of my own curiosity and my daughter’s natural inquisitiveness will create a dynamic synergy that will shape both of our lives.

W hether embarking on the journey of parenthood, pursuing our passions, or simply navigating the complexities of adulthood, these qualities will continue to enrich our experiences and allow us to see the world through fresh eyes. May we never lose that spark that drives us to explore, question, and marvel at the world around us.

Here’s to the birth of so much possibility!

Ericka Winter Pauley, Editor-In-Chief

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

DEBRA GARCIA

is a senior journalism major at the University of Florida and freelance writer. In her spare time, she enjoys thrifting, listening to Taylor Swift, and playing softball.

2004debbygarcia@gmail.com

CRYSTAL SMITH

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

VICTORIA VARGAS

is a journalism graduate from the University of Florida. She is constantly looking for the perfect pasta dish and loves conspiracy theories.

victoriao.vargas@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

CAMERON COBB

is a UF graduate with 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

HANNAH DE LA GARZA

is a fourth-year journalism major and classical studies minor at the University of Florida. Outside of school, she enjoys finding new places to visit and new activities to try out.

hannah.delagarza@ufl.edu

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

CYNTHIA WONDERS WINTERROWD

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

Lauren Womack, ARNP

Ronald Emerick, D.O.

Sarah Garrett, ARNP

LOCAL FASHION SCENE

The Curiosity of Clothing

The city of Gainesville, while small, houses quite a large fashion community. With college-aged students attending the University of Florida, the circulation of fashion trends seems to change drastically each year.

WRITTEN BY DEBRA GARCIA

In the years after COVID, mOre anD mOre stu D ents are m OVI ng t O g a I nes VI lle an D taking in-person classes at UF. This, in turn, means more students are walking around campus and being influenced by the outfits that other students are wearing. Lately, Gainesville has become a fashion judgment-free zone. Everyone wears what they please and either compliments outfits they like or they mind their business.

Be cause Gainesville is a judgment-free fashion zone, students have been wearing outfits that do not fit gender norms. Men wear high-heeled boots, women wear oversized men’s clothes, men paint their nails, women wear more “masculine” fits such as cargo pants, and men wear crop tops/ short shorts. Gainesville is a place where everyone can be themselves and wear what they want.

Sofia Ferrer is a UF student in the MODE fashion club and the UF Thrift Club. She has noticed this “outside gender-norms” trend and loves how it influences individual freedom. “I think it’s valuable to have the freedom to do so and continue to do so. More uniform attire can have the effect of making us feel caged in, repressed, and inauthentic. When we’re free to be our authentic selves and show the world who we are, this paves the way for positive change fueled by our unique voices,” Ferrer said.

In recent years, Gainesville has become more colorful. Think about that scene in The Wizard of Oz. It turned from black and white to bright and beautiful.

UF student Alexa Merkens, who studied fashion in Italy, has noticed this trend and loves the change. “When I got to UF, I remember there being a big call to wearing neutrals and less saturated colors. I remember I would go shopping and be so annoyed that nothing was eye-catching enough. Now, I am in heaven,” Merkens said. “I love me a bright color, and I can pretty reliably go out and find something I like seeing.”

That being said, there are certainly fashion staples that are worn increasingly more than others. Oversized pants, especially cargo pants, are definitely in right now. Depending on the individual’s desired look, they can be dressed up or down. Many women wear flared leggings to classes, as they can be very comfortable. Y2K fashion is also making a comeback, especially halter tops and low-rise jeans.

Because Gainesville is a judgment-free fashion zone, students have been wearing outfits that do not fit gender norms. PHOTOGRAPHY: SARA ISMAIL, ALEXA MERKENS

FASHION >> GAINESVILLE STYLE

When students are not wearing athletic wear to stay comfortable during class, they break out their favorite articles of clothing for nightlife. These include crop tops, jeans, Doc Marten boots, and cowboy boots.

Kendall Walsworth, an incoming UF freshman, recommends everyone has at least one pair of white jeans because of their versatility and reliability. “You can dress them up or down, and because of their neutral color they’re easily paired with most tops. Another staple for me is a pair of comfortable white sneakers,” Walsworth said. “Like the white jeans, they match almost anything and can add the relaxed factor to an otherwise stiff outfit. My personal favorite is the Reebok Club C sneakers in all white.”

There is also now a new trend of where to shop. The sustainability movement has influenced this generation to buy more second-hand clothing than brandnew products. This means college-aged Gainesville residents are more inclined to go to thrift stores than a mall. Especially because college students are already on a budget. Thankfully, there are many places in Gainesville to thrift. Many students recommend attending Goodwill, Plato’s Closet, Sandy’s Savvy Chic Resale Boutique, Flashbacks, Haven, Outreach, and going on eBay. Students also attend events at How Bazaar, vintage markets, and UF Thrift Club swaps.

In Gainesville, celebrities and influencers often impact the fashion styles of students in their early 20s. These celebrities include but are not limited to Bella Hadid, Olivia Rodrigo, Jenna Ortega, Taylor Swift, Ryan Gosling, Ellie Zeiler, Alix Earle, and Sofia Richie.

Maka yla Grace Raphael is the co-founder of the MODE fashion club at UF

“When we’re free to be our authentic selves and show the world who we are, this paves the way for positive change fueled by our unique voices,” Ferrer said.

and has been influenced by rapper Kanye West’s fashion style. “For me personally, his use of oversized sets such as sweats, denim, etc., influence my love for them,” Raphael said.

Keegan Hannan is the Creative Director of Strike Magazine and has seen that Emma Chamberlain has greatly impacted style with Gainesville college students. “Emma is someone our generation relates to, and her fashion choices continue to be reflected in the student population,” Hannan said.

Those in Gainesville who love fashion have many smaller communities where they can express their love and improve their personal style. There’s MODE, which focuses on expression. UF Thrift Club, which promotes the sustainability movement, and Strike and Rowdy magazines encourage student-run fashion in Gainesville. Student fashion is also shown to UF students on Instagram on the UFl outfits account, which Sara Ismail runs. Ismail is also president of Her Campus UF, which focuses on writing articles about campus fashion.

It is a widely accepted belief that fashion is constantly changing. The fashion trends from this year can be completely different compared to future years. However, that does not stop fashion lovers from predicting what will be popular.

UF students are no exception to this. Some believe that jean shorts will make a comeback, others believe that colored animal prints will storm the world, as well as fingerless gloves. Ismail understands how impactful the 90s were to fashion and predicts more and more 90s trends will come back. “90s-inspired outfits are going to come back, especially during winter. I expect to see a lot of leg warmers, berets, colorful stockings, and miniskirts,” Ismail said.

W hatever happens, the fashion scene in Gainesville will never be the same, for better or worse. Let’s hope everyone can continue being themselves to show their authentic style.

It is widely accepted belief that fashion is constantly changing. The fashion trends from this year can be completely different compared to future years.

PHOTOGRAPHY: UF THRIFT CLUB, ALEXA MERKENS, KENDALL WALSWORTH

+ DRAMA = PERFECT REALITY TV

Runway Rivals

WRITTEN BY DEBRA GARCIA

It all started when Madelyn Markman got a sewing machine for her 15th birthday. At the time, she wanted to recreate what she saw from fashion upcycling YouTube videos on her own clothes. Growing up, Markman loved watching creators turn unwanted clothing into one-ofa-kind pieces. This, plus her belief in social and environmental causes for sustainable fashion, her interest in film production, and her love of entertainment reality TV all morphed into Markman’s latest passion project. Now, six years later, after she was given the sewing machine, Runway Rivals is here.

Ma rkman, 21, is majoring in film production at the University of Florida and is making her dream come true by creating and producing her own fashion-based reality TV show, Runway Rivals.

Runway Rivals is a reality TV competition show that

tests fashion designers to find the most entertaining way to upcycle locally available used materials. In each episode, the host, designers, and models gather in the studio to discuss the challenge for the upcoming show and decide which models will collaborate with which designers. They split into two parallel narratives because there are too many models and not enough designers.

The first narrative is about what’s occurring inside the

FASHION

“Runway Rivals has the glitz and glam of a reality TV show and the hands-on spirit of a grassroots sustainability initiative in one,” Markman said.

studio with the designers and their chosen models. The other is about what’s happening outside the studio with the unselected models. As the designers compete against one another and the models respond to their designers’ creations, tensions rise in the studio.

The show’s drama develops outside the studio, as the unselected models spend their free time together at a pool, a mall, or participating in any activity. The models compete against one another on their day off to improve their chances of participating in the challenge in the following episode and show the other models that they have what it takes. The end of the episode involves a judged runway show where a panel of judges determines which designer wins the challenge.

“Runway Rivals has the glitz and glam of a reality TV show and the hands-on spirit of a grassroots sustainability initiative in one,” Markman said.

The creation of Runway Rivals was not an easy. Markman got the idea for this show in December of 2022. She had to find equipment, models, designers, photographers, videographers, and materials/props to use. Thankfully, Markman was fortunate to be at a university with a fully-equipped studio for filming and a whole room of extra filming gear at her fingertips. All designers brought their sewing machines, and she used her own money to buy materials and props from local thrift stores.

“The materials were all items that the thrift shop could not sell, so our use of them proves the runway worthiness of ‘unwanted’ clothing,” Markman said.

Besides tha t, hiring models was challenging for Markman, as she wanted to start filming in April 2023, which is around exam time for most UF students. She had to use many different ways of scouting to find the perfect models for her show. She opened an online application, passed out flyers, spread “models wanted” on many UF newsletters, and even traveled around campus, looking for individuals that enjoyed being on camera and had the

time to commit to one and a half days with them, even without ever hearing who they were beforehand.

“Although the talent search was intensive, it was the challenge of it that really helped me grow as an Executive Television Producer,” Markman said.

Nataly Ignatowicz, CT Ryczek, Maus Kelava, and Jordyn Chiodo all worked on the set of Runway Rivals. Ignatowicz and Ryczek were both models; Kelava was a designer, and Chiodo was a photographer/ videographer. All four loved

The show helped them make new friends, grow as artists, and open creative doors.

working on the Runway Rivals set. The show helped them make new friends, grow as artists, and open creative doors.

Ignatowicz loved being on the Runway Rivals set. As a model, she was pushed out of her comfort zone. She was one of the four lucky models to be featured in the pilot episode, and when she was picked, she expressed that she loved girly and feminine clothes. To her surprise, her designer had her modeling an androgynous outfit with masculine tones.

“I was so thrown off! But I took this as an opportunity to improve my modeling skills and made the most out of it,” Ignatowicz said.

Ignatowicz was not the only one told to try something new on set, as designer Kelava, 20, was told that she was not allowed to use bleach, a material she typically relies on to make patches or distressed garments.

“It really pushed me to think outside the box, and I used screen printing ink instead. That opened up a lot of doors creatively because I make linocut patches using screen printing ink all the time now,” Kelava said.

Runway Rivals also gave people like photographer and videographer Chiodo, 21, a chance to improve his craft and experience things he never dreamed of.

“This was my first time ever being on a film set, so it was really cool to be behind the scenes and see how everything is run,” Chiodo said.

Runway Rivals is a reality TV competition show that tests fashion designers to find the most entertaining way to upcycle locally available used materials. In each episode, the host, designers, and models gather in the studio to discuss the challenge for the upcoming show and decide which models will collaborate with which designers.

After everything was filmed, Markman would do her very best to promote her show and set a day and time for the pilot episode’s premiere. She created an Instagram page for her show, @runwayrivals, and spread the word around campus. She even collaborated with the UF Thrift Club on Instagram during the post-production phase of the show. Althoug h a date and time for the pilot premiere of Runway Rivals has yet to be set, she does want to have a public event in late Fall 2023 here in Gainesville.

“If sustainable fashion, clothing versatility, and a sprinkle of drama sounds like a perfect Friday nig ht viewing experience, this show is for you,” said Ryczek, one of the models on set.

“While the details are still to be determined,” Markman said, “I know one thing for certain: the Rivals are coming! I want our premiere event to bring together all Rivals (what we lovingly call our fans), inspire people to upcycle, and entertain the public.”

The show splits into two narratives: one inside the studio with the chosen models and one outside with the unselected models. Tensions rise as the designers compete and the models respond to their designers’ creations. (Photography: Xinye Li, Runway Rivals)

PREMIER PRESCHOOL OUR FAVE! PRESCHOOL

Gainesville is home to one of the most enriching educational experiences for early childhood in the state. With a large demand continuing to rise, an important focus on preschool education and higher learning continues to grow for families in our community. Premier Preschool is proud to address this need in Gainesville by educating children through Christ and creativity, their nurturing haven focuses on empowering children to grow academically, socially and emotionally, proving that it isn’t just a place for childcare –it is a place that cares deeply about children.

Since the doors opened in 2018, the goal of the school has been to provide an all-encompassing emotional and educational environment for children and teachers. “Happy teachers means happy kids,” said the school’s founder, Dr. Suzana Sargent. A native of Brazil, Dr. Sargent completed her graduate education at Michigan State University, one of the top educational teaching programs in the country, with a Master’s degree in Special Education and a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction. She is now blessed to have fullfilled her 40-year dream by opening Premier Preschool.

Working daily alongside staff and the little ones they serve, she is reminded of her desire to create a place where teachers feel supported by pouring tuition into resources for the school. “My heart has always been in early childhood education. The impact we have in these first five years is invaluable. It truly makes you who you are and we take that to heart here at Premier”. Rather than partnering with a franchise, she started the school from scratch and today has a maxed-out capacity of 87 children with a long wait list.” The need is tremendous, academically and emotionally. Some of our little ones are here with us more than they are at home, so we love them as if they were our family”.

With academic-based programming for children ages eight weeks to first grade, teachers craft weekly lessons designed for each stage of development. On an average day children can look forward to playing outside amongst the shady trees, learning through play and STEM projects alongside their fellow classmates and speaking Spanish with their teachers. Their weekly enrichment programs, such as gardening, soccer training, music, Bible study and creative free play with friends, adds a great dynamic to learning; giving them a well-rounded educational start. Alongside each of these programs, students are also able to enjoy the famous splash pad that has always been a hit with both parents and students.

Dr. Sargent’s first language is Portuguese and she strives to bring culture into the school. She is proud that every classroom has at least one bilingual speaking teacher who speaks Spanish daily with children, giving them a language learning opportunity not only from their teachers but with each other. “The parents get so happy to see them learning another language, it’s such an invaluable skill. It shows you that, if you teach, they will learn”, Dr. Sargent said. Though there is no direct affiliation with a local church, the school is rooted in Biblical, non-denominational values that teach life skills to the children on a daily basis.

It was Dr. Sargent’s mission to create a place focused not only on the children but also the staff, making sure teachers’ emotional and teaching needs are always met. “I have a very happy staff here; they are all like family to me and they are the true champions in this. I am simply their cheerleader”, Dr. Sargent says. Of the twenty employees at the school, sixteen are international with higher education degrees ranging from medical doctors to lawyers. “I have a great team who supports me here,” Dr. Sargent said. “Every staff member here is wonderful and because of our cultural backgrounds, we are all very expressive and happy,” she said. “The kids are so much more emotionally stable and we love seeing that impact on them.”

With a focus on giving back to its students and staff, it’s no wonder Premier Preschool was voted the “Our Town Fave! Preschool” for 2023! Dr. Sargent is excited to continue serving the community through the growth that’s coming in the next year. Premier will be expanding their school with a new 8,000 square foot building with new classroom additions and features like a STEM-focused indoor playground for these hot Florida days as well as a computer lab for students to start their technology learning.

Premier Preschool is looking for computer donations for their new computer lab! To donate, contact Suzana Sargent at SuzanaSargent@gmail.com. Your donation is tax exempt!

Learn more about Premier Preschool and their new facility, which plans to open sometime in 2024, by visiting thepremierprechool.com or call 352-519-5300

RECIPE WONDERS

FOOD STYLING & PHOTOGRAPHY BY ERICKA WINTER PAULEY

WALDORF SALAD

An “apple for the teacher” was a way of getting on the good side of your teacher back in the day. So much so, that when we think of educators we still associate a perfect red apple as their mascot. But today we might need a little more than just an apple to impress. Perhaps a teacher appreciation brunch would be perfect—hosted by students with a delicious Waldorf Salad to complement the menu.

This fresh-tasting salad is easy to do, but looks so “fancy” when prepared and served on a bed of spring salad greens. It has a fancy history as well. According to thekitchenproject.com, it was created in 1896 at New York’s Waldorf-Astoria Hotel and it became an instant success. Interestingly, it was not created by the hotel’s chef, but rather by Oscar Tschirky, the maître d’hotel.

The history of the Waldorf Salad in my mother’s recipe books goes back to my grandmother’s day. I often wondered how my grandmother, a Midwest farmer’s wife, had such a fancy recipe at hand. However she was from an aristocratic German family, and enjoyed entertaining friends. I was told she loved her fine china and crystal pieces, and always used them on special occasions. I can imagine her coming across this recipe in one of the ladies’ magazines of the day and wanting to impress her guests with a recipe from the New York Waldorf-Astoria hotel.

The orig inal recipe used only apples, celery and mayonnaise, however, over the years it has been expanded to include chopped walnuts, grapes or raisins, and even chicken breast, if used as a main course at brunch. The recipe in my mother’s cookbook is as follows, but you can let your own creativity guide you to make it your own.

WALDORF SALAD

Ingredients:

• 3 cups cored and chopped apples (peel some, but leave red skin on a few for an attractive red accent)

• 1 cup thinly sliced celery

• 3/4 cup chopped walnuts

• 1 cup red seedless grapes, sliced in half (or substitute 1/4 cup raisins)

• 6 tablespoons mayonnaise

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• Pinch of freshly ground black pepper

• Lettuce greens

• Drizzle honey on top of each individual salad if a little sweetness is desired

METHOD:

Se lect some sweet red apples. Core and cut into slices, keeping the red skins on a few for an attractive red accent in the prepared salad. Then cut the apple slices into bite-sized chunks. Cut your lemon in half and squeeze half over the apples to keep them from turning brown. Slice the celery into thin slices, rather than big chunks. Measure 3/4 cup of chopped walnuts. Then prepare one cup of seedless red grapes, sliced in half (or substitute 1/4 cup of raisins) and set aside. Now prepare the mayonnaise mixture with the salt, pepper, and one tablespoon lemon juice. Mix well. Then add all the ingredients to the mayonnaise mixture and stir well until all are coated. Chill mixture in refrigerator until serving to your guests on a bed of fresh salad greens. Drizzle honey on top of each serving, if desired.

And there you have it—a fancy salad from one of New York’s finest hotels, fit to impress your favorite educator or even family and friends. Enjoy!

Embracing Life

BY DONNA BONNELL

BOLO – BE ON THE LOOKOUT

We are advised to be vigilant and aware of our surroundings. Every day, more warnings manifest. Even my car flashes a warning to look in the back seat, and my computer monitors for insecure websites. Do we constantly need to watch our backs to survive? The reality of that possibility is exhausting. Regular readers know I had to find a balance. So, I began with the definition of on the lookout. Per idioms4you.com, it means “watchful for someone or something; vigilant, alert.”

Most of us are aware of the critical alerts from law enforcement agencies asking folks to BOLO. The AMBER Alert was established in 1996 after nine-year-old Amber Hagerman was kidnapped and murdered. As of June 30, 2023, this urgent, well-known signal has resulted in rescuing 1,140 missing kids.

The Silver Alert was designed to disseminate information on lost senior citizens who suffer from deterioration of their intellectual abilities. Similarly, the Purple Alert applies to missing individuals 18 or older with emotional, mental, or physical disabilities. In addition, an All-Points Bulletin (APB) is issued when vehicles are reported stolen.

I am grateful for the creation of these public BOLOs and for the skilled officers who bring fruition to locating missing persons and automobiles. Yet, I wonder if we could/ should be on the lookout for something more altruistic or inspirational. It has been said that curiosity killed the cat. However, inquisitiveness is the foundation of “Embracing Life.” My feline-like instincts emerged, and I began prowling.

My answer came in the form of a quote from Author Charles F. Glassman, MD, who wrote “Brain Drain – The Breakthrough That Will Change Your Life.” He wrote, “Be on the lookout for even the smallest miracles. They have a way of showing up.”

W hy did Glassman’s quote grab my attention?

Like a nervous black kitten swatting around catnip on Halloween, I anxiously tossed that thought for days. What was I missing? For decades, I attended self-improvement seminars and classes in attitude

adjustment techniques. Those methods provided pathways for my personal growth and happiness. Yet, I felt like there was a higher level for me to reach.

Mag ically (maybe), it hit me. Glassman advocates purposefully being on the lookout for good things. Everyone’s journey differs. To strengthen my mental health, it required retraining my brain and actively pursuing life in a different light. I quickly learned that consciously ignoring negative ideas takes patience and practice.

One tip I found helpful was to replace pessimistic thoughts with positive affirmations. The easiest exercise and immediately fulfilling was expressing sincere gratitude, even for minor miracles. Alternatively, I found the most difficult hurdle was the ability to acknowledge my achievements and personal talents. I am slowly improving, but it remains a work in progress. Surrounding myself with like-minded, optimistic people who remind me when I slip has been a treasure.

In my quest to achieve this goal, I discovered an almost tangible difference between happiness and positivity. Happiness is a temporary emotion. Genuine positivity is a sustained healthy state of mind, deliberately achieved by repeated actions.

It took a while, but I found my balance in this BOLO dilemma. It is wise to stay safe by remaining vigilant and humane to assist others in need. Also, it is imperative to acknowledge that everyone experiences bad days, grief, scary diagnoses, and sadness. However, I intend to invest adequate energy to achieve and maintain an intentional positive state of mind. When those challenges occur, I will be better equipped to survive.

An eerie postscript to this story…

W hile slyly investigating BOLOs, I learned that other countries do not view the black cat as symbolic of evil. Traditionally, in America, when a black cat crosses your path, it signifies doom and imminent bad luck. Additionally, they are classic Halloween symbols and objects of superstition. Meanwhile, in Japan, black cats are predictions of good luck. Ancient Egyptians worshiped their black felines. Hmm… I will approach Halloween of 2023 with a new twist and be on the lookout for a black cat. With that sighting, I know happiness will prevail during the upcoming holiday season.

DONNA BONNELL BECAME THE AUTHOR OF HER COLUMN, EMBRACING LIFE, NEARLY TWO DECADES 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

One tip I found helpful was to replace pessimistic thoughts with positive affirmations.

CABINET OF CURIOSITIES

Step Inside the Theatre of Memory Museum

Since he was a child, Bill Hutchinson wanted to be a museum – yes, not open a museum, but be a museum. This desire can likely be traced back to his grandmother, who – when moving in with his family – brought with her little boxes of arts, crafts, and small antiques of remnants of her old life. Sorting through these trinkets and small treasures had an impact on a young Hutchinson, who one day wanted to curate a similar collection.

WRITTEN BY HAYLI ZUCCOLA

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHAEL EADDY

Bill Hutchinson initially opened the Theatre of Memory Museum in High Springs before reopening it in its current Gainesville location in 2022.

Somehow I knew, lIke 50 years ago, that I wanted to be a museum when I grew up , but I wasn ’ t exactly sure how that was going to happen,” Hutchinson recalled.

Eventually, Hutchinson, a combat infantry veteran from the Vietnam War and lifelong musician, broadcaster, and seasoned performer, had accumulated enough artifacts to fill three large storage units. Still, without a space to display them, they were practically meaningless.

“[The artifacts] mean nothing unless there’s somebody looking at them, and that’s what brings them to life. So it was obvious that I had to make a public space for them, and that’s how it happened,” he said.

Named after the idea coined by Italian philosopher Giulio Camillo, Hutchinson initially opened the Theatre of Memory Museum in High Springs in 1994. Housed in the old opera house, Hutchinson managed the space for 10 years before the building owners ultimately decided to sell. For years, the items once displayed and admired by visitors and history buffs alike were stored away until the museum’s current location on Northwest 6th Street in Gainesville became available.

Af ter buying the property with help from some of his supporters, Hutchinson’s next step was to exhume the papers, articles, and mementos he had stored for eight years and then redesign the museum for the newfound space.

“Once they’re here and I start unpacking them, it’s like being reacquainted with some old treasured friends. Then the joy comes in figuring out how to present these to make them the most meaningful,” he said. “You kind of have to set up a context for them so that they are viewed within the proper context, and then you have to make it harmonize. It has to sing. When you walk into a room, it can’t be a bunch of junk on the walls. There has to be some order, making a cosmos out of chaos.”

Hutchinson explained that he wanted to create a place that was theatrical.

“Each room is different, with places to sit and contemplate every piece and have an experience like none that they’ve [the visitors] had,” he said.

An advocate for experiencing history beyond tempered glass displays or velvet ropes, Hutchinson envisioned a space where visitors could hit a gong with a mallet or create beautiful sounds with chimes and bells in the ringing room, pick up a quality seashell and hold them in their hand; read palm leaf manuscripts, cuneiform tablets or receipts from WWI and so much more.

“ The place is set up so it is sort of theatrical, a theatrical

“[The artifacts] mean nothing unless there’s somebody looking at them, and that’s what brings them to life.”

presentation of artifacts. This is not like the museum where you go in and everything’s behind glass in lit cases,” he said. “This is the opportunity to come into a room that is set up like a 19th-century Western room with art and artifacts. This is the chance to walk into a little maritime shell room. This is the chance to walk into a bicameral tea room where half of it looks like it’s in Japan, and the other half looks like it’s in jolly old England.”

Hutchinson further explained how the Theatre of Memory Museum is very different from others that house history.

“In museums, most everything is down in the basement.

You see a little bit of it in a case, but we get to explore things firsthand at the Theater of Memory, which means it is in your hand,” he said. “You’re not hearing about it in somebody else’s hand; you’re not just hearing about it or just looking at photographs. This is about people who are really interested in the primary sources of history.”

Eleven rooms make up the new Theatre of Memory, which officially opened to the public in November 2022, with each room dedicated to a particular theme. The writing room is organized with manuscripts hailing from the east on one side and west on the other – this also happens to be Hutchinson’s favorite of all the rooms. There’s

The Theatre of Memory has 11 rooms of artifacts and treasures from music and art; to manuscripts and bells.

the Wheelhouse, Gallery, and Shoe Room – yes, a room dedicated to shoes. A Music room, Hall of History, and Longbranch Salon as well. The latest room in the works is the archive room, which will house ancient writings from the Middle Ages or rare books that people can peruse while in the museum.

“Each experience, each room, clears your palate from the one before,” Hutchinson said.

Each piece that exists in the Theatre of Memory does so because Hutchinson is a collector and a facilitator of history and, more importantly, of stories.

“As I’ve collected over the years, I have collected for the story. Each thing has a story,” he said.

His love of history and passionate demeanor may have also played a role.

“I remember saying something to someone the other day and saying that I don’t think anything really happens unless somebody is at least a little bit obsessed,” he said. “And so I just might be that person because the collecting I’ve done has been bolstered by the fact that I worked as an archivist for a while for a guy who dealt in historical documents. So I learned a lot.”

In addition to having a space for unique treasures, the Theatre of Memory is also a place for events – most of which, like admission to the museum, are free of charge. Certain special events, like concerts, require reservations to accommodate for the limited capacity and require a paid ticket to compensate the musicians. Whether an event is free or is a fundraising event is always noted on the website.

W hile Hutchinson always knew he wanted to be a museum when he grew up, he’d like the legacy of the Theatre of Memory to continue after he and his wife and business partner, Jennifer, decide to retire. Similar to a “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” situation, Hutchinson’s long-term dream is to one day have a young, aspiring mind lead the way for the next generation.

“As we get going here, people will recognize the value of it and bring their kids and experience it with their kids. Kids will grow up thinking that this is a cool place where they can come experience things by themselves if they want, and through a process over the years, I’m hoping that some of these children will think that they would like to run the place,” he said. “We are a nonprofit, hoping to last into the future of Gainesville.”

The Theatre of Memory Museum is open Wednesday through Sunday from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

BILL HUTCHINSON >> THEATRE OF MEMORY

A Home for Lifelong Learners

WRITTEN BY JOANNA GREY TALBOT

W hat motivates a lifelong learner? In 2021, John Hagel III shared his findings in the Harvard Business Review. He and his colleagues at the Deloitte Center for the Edge conducted a study of 1,300 full-time workers in the United States across 15 industries, and this is what they found: “Rather than fear, employees who learned and grew in this way (creating new knowledge, not just handing off existing knowledge) tended to exhibit what we have called the passion of the explorer.”

This passion has been around for millennia and drove people to search for ways to heal diseases, learn how nature operates, leave the safety of home and search for new passageways across continents, and so much more. Today, we have all the known information at our fingertips thanks to the internet. Still, before the technological advances of the 20th century, people who were no longer

of school age had to find other ways to keep learning. One way lifelong learners could continue their quest was by attending lyceums and then Chautauqua conferences.

In the 1870s, the United States was recovering from the scars of the Civil War and was amid tremendous industrial growth. As a result, the middle class had been steadily growing. Through the Lyceum Movement of the 1830s to 1860s, Americans began to see the importance of education for all. Until then, education beyond the elementary grades was only readily available to the wealthy. At one point, over 3,000 lyceums across the country offered free lectures on subjects from geology to history to philosophy to education.

The lyceum movement died at the start of the Civil War. Still, in 1874, John Heyl Vincent, a Methodist circuit preacher and Sunday school agent, and Lewis Miller, a

THE TRAVELING CHAUTAUQUAS OF THE 1880 s -1930 s

wealthy teacher and inventor, took up its banner and began the Chautauqua Institution on the shores of Lake Chautauqua in New York State.

Vincent and Miller began the Chautauqua Institution as a summer school for Sunday school teachers. At the time, Sunday school was a time of instruction for children who worked six days a week. Public school teachers taught it on Sundays for 4-5 hours. Vincent and Miller saw a need for the professionalization of teaching. Although religious teaching was a part of the curriculum, they intended to educate, not save souls.

become known as the circuit Chautauqua. Local Historians Dr. Charles Hildreth and Dr. Merlin Cox stated in their history of Gainesville that “commercial agencies formed traveling companies composed of prominent speakers, musicians, and actors and sent them all over the country.”

One such town was Gainesville, Florida. Starting in 1903, the city hosted a two-week Chautauqua meeting followed by a two-week Bible conference. Begun by Reverend Clarence B. Strouse, the yearly Chautauqua offered a variety of lectures, “dramatic readers, musical quartets, singers, magicians, programs of slides, and even horse shows.”

One way lifelong learners could continue their quest was by attending lyceums and then Chautauqua conferences.

A few years later, the Chautauqua Institution broadened to include adult education in all areas, including a correspondence course. Thousands traveled there every summer to attend classes, concerts, and social activities.

As the I nstitution’s members and graduates began spreading its ideas. Towns and cities nationwide began establishing their own Chautauquas, starting what would

R ev. Strouse was born in Salem, Virginia, 1869 and attended the Virginia Military Institute. In 1895, after attending a meeting by evangelist J.E. Schoolfield, he became a Methodist evangelist. Whether it was his revival meetings or a warmer climate for his health that first brought him to Gainesville in 1902, he and his wife, Mary, quickly became beloved members of the community.

Traveling Chautauquas were held all over Florida, including Gainesville and Melbourne. The Gainesville Chautauqua began meeting in the Florida Winter Bible Conference Tabernacle in 1906. Images courtesy of the Matheson History Museum and the Library of Congress.

Frequent mentions in the Gainesville Sun of the Strouse’s comings and goings show that they never became permanent residents but instead visited for long periods in the winter. On March 18, 1904, the Sun stated that they had left Gainesville for New Orleans, but “when this popular couple leaves Gainesville, or returns to Gainesville, it is like leaving or returning home. They have spent so much of their time here during the past two years that we begin to look upon them as Gainesville’s people.”

The 1905 Gainesville Chautauqua included lecturer Reverend Sam Jones, a revivalist Methodist minister. He was quoted in the March 11, 1905, Pensacola Journal saying, “I was two days at Gainesville, Fla., Chautauqua. Gainesville is having a phenomenal growth at this time. […] The saloons have been driven out, the moral atmosphere purified and Gainesville realizes she can grow in leaps and bounds without the traffic of liquor in her midst. […] They are now discussing the paving of the streets. The national government has placed its machinery and its experts at the command of the county, and they are now building one mile of good road.”

In 1906, the Gainesville Chautauqua began meeting in the Florida Winter Bible Conference Tabernacle, located

on the site where the Matheson History Museum currently resides. The Tabernacle was built on land deeded by the city to the organization and could accommodate 2,000 people. The Bible conference organization closed after a few years, and the City turned the Tabernacle into a civic hall in 1911.

The 1907 Chautauqua conference included performances by the Montauk Lady Quartette, a demonstration of the American Vitagraph “with new and marvelous moving pictures,” a School of Health and Cooking hosted by Dr. Carolyn Geisel of the Battle Creek Sanitarium in Michigan, and lectures by Capt. Richmond Pearson Hobson, “Hero of the Merrimac,” and Laura G. Fixen, “foremost among W.C.T.U. workers in America.”

One of the last Gainesville Chautauquas was hosted by Redpath, a traveling company, in 1930. It featured Elsie Patay, a “noted Hungarian cymbalon artist” with the Vienna Cymbalon Symphony; George Staples, a magician, cartoonist, and ventriloquist; radio and musical comedy stars The Lombards; and lecturers Theodore H. Graham and Elwood T. Bailey.

Many Florida cities, such as Lakeland, Orlando, and St. Petersburg, were a part of the Chautauqua circuit. In

(top, middle) The Montauk Lady Quartette, (right) The program for the first Florida Chautauqua at DeFuniak Springs in 1885, (bottom) Florida Winter Bible Conference Tabernacle in Gainesville. Images courtesy of the Matheson History Museum, Florida Memory, and UF Smathers Libraries.

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1885, the original New York Chautauqua group hosted its first winter conference in DeFuniak Springs. By the time Gainesville was hosting its first conference, the DeFuniak Spring Conference was attracting thousands of people worldwide.

The movement began to die out in the 1930s as higher education for women became more accessible, the Great Depression dried up funding, and the influence of radio, movies, and the car culture began to rise. Today, the Chautauqua Institution continues to meet every summer on the shores of Lake Chautauqua, and the Florida Chautauqua Association hosts an annual assembly on the shores of Lake DeFuniak.

Traveling Chautauquas may be a thing of the past. However, the movement’s influence can still be felt in Gainesville with its legacy of supporting public schools and higher education for all, a flourishing arts scene, and many community groups dedicated to lifelong learning.

One of the last Chautauquas to be held in Gainesville was hosted in 1930 by a traveling company called Redpath. This program shows the variety of speakers and performers that attendees enjoyed throughout the week. Photos courtesy of the Matheson History Museum.

The Sprague Players from the Redpath Chautauqua, which visited Gainesville in 1930. They performed two plays – “The Rivals” and “The Big Pond.” Photos courtesy of the Matheson History Museum.

CURIOSITY UNBOUND

Exploring the Imagination and Legacy of Jerry Uelsmann

“brave,” and “life-changing.”

These were words used by close friends and colleagues to describe the late American photographer Jerry Uelsmann.

WRITTEN BY HANNA DE LA GARZA

“Funky,” “charismatic,” “generous,”

Jerry Uelsmann, Apocalypse II, 1967, gelatin silver print. On loan from the Uelsmann Family.

Copyright: Jerry Uelsmann’s estate.

Jerry Uelsmann, Untitled , 1958-1959, gelatin silver print, Museum purchase, funds provided by The David A. Cofrin Acquisition Endowment.

Jeffrey Lotz, Portrait of Jerry Uelsmann in His Darkroom , 1982; print: 2022, digital print, Gift of the artist.

Emerging as a prominent figure in the 1960s and 70 s , u elsmann was internationally recognized for breaking the confines of traditional photography through his creation of photo montages. His vision and creativity made it possible to explore expression and imagination through photography, forever changing how this medium is treated.

Uelsmann was born in Detroit, Michigan, on June 11, 1934. From a young age, he was exposed to snapshots and gelatin silver prints. His father, Norman Uelsmann, enjoyed photography as a hobby and built a darkroom in his basement. By the time Uelsmann was in high school, he knew he wanted to pursue a career in this field. He began taking pictures for the school newspaper and even managed to pick up a few jobs photographing models.

Uelsmann went on to study at the Rochester Institute of Technology, which was on its way to becoming one of the major schools of photography. As a technical school, RIT featured courses like sensitometry and photochemistry. Much to his surprise, Uelsmann excelled in these courses; however, he did not have the freedom to take his own pictures. He then knew he wanted to focus on capturing portraits.

Why should photo art be restricted to a technical dependency of the camera when the enlarger and darkroom are just as important? Why can’t several different ways of making photo art be parallel to each other?”

Uelsmann went from using two enlargers to as many as eight and mastered seamlessly blending images to appear as one. While current-age technology users can do this with the tap of a finger, the process of creating photo montages was a lot more nuanced and advanced in the pre-digital era.

Considering many elements, Uelsmann used details like perspective, exposure, and color to make the images work together. Because of this, he was often referred to as “The Godfather of Photoshop.” Ironically, the photographer refused to go digital, even rejecting an offer by the creative director of Adobe to set him up with an upgraded computer.

This posed Uelsmann as a juxtaposition: he did not adhere to standards for traditional photography yet did not fully adopt methods of modern photography.

Petersén met Uelsmann for the first time in Gainesville. He had been residing there since 1960 after being invited to teach at the University of Florida by famed photographer and professor Van Deren Coke. Although Uelsmann retired

In 1957, he earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts from RIT and continued his studies to earn his Master’s at Indiana University. While at IU, he began developing and fine-tuning his unique photography approach.

In the darkroom, he became a master of his space. Much like a chef in the kitchen or a mad scientist in a laboratory — some might draw similarities — Uelsmann took complete control. Frenzied and chaotic but smoothly executed all at once, he would combine negatives of different images to create one photomontage. Using enlargers, he would move the photo paper between them to get unique composites that featured a variety of elements.

This method was groundbreaking because, at the time, photography was treated only as a means to capture reality for what it was. His use of photo manipulation was seen as provocative and disturbing to traditional straight photography.

Moa Petersén, historian and close friend of Uelsmann, put it best, “It might seem strange to us today, but the whole U.S. art photo scene had been created around a credo where the creative moment was over once the shutter was released.”

She continued, “Uelsmann thought: Why could the creative moment of photography not happen in the darkroom?

from teaching in 1998, he stayed in Gainesville and was active in his photo art career.

Familiar with his work and looking to write an article on it, Petersén emailed Uelsmann with some questions, to which he responded, “Hey Moa, these are really good questions, but I type with two fingers…why don’t you come here so I can answer them properly?”

So, she did.

Petersén traveled from Sweden to Gainesville in 2016, and she stayed in his house for two weeks, an experience she described as “feeling like coming home.”

“Uelsmann was a strong character with a lot of emotional skill, warmth, and humor,” she said. “His thoughts went extremely fast, and we often shared our absurd associations around different subjects.”

After getting to know him through her stay, she realized an article would not be enough to capture his mind and his work. In June, Petersén released her book, “Eighth Day Wonder,” the first biography dedicated to Uelsmann.

“I miss him every day, and it is a pity he never saw the great book I got to publish,” she said. “But I am sure he would like it if he saw it from ‘the big darkroom above.’”

Uelsmann passed on April 4, 2022, at the age of 87. Former student and close friend Randy Batista said he

At the time, photography was treated only as a means to capture reality for what it was. His use of photo manipulation was seen as provocative and disturbing to traditional straight photography.

JERRY UELSMANN >>

lived a full life with few dull moments.

Batista, a well-known portraitist in Gainesville, shared how Uelsmann changed his life and gave him one of his most precious friendships.

A Cuban immigrant, Batista and his family were subject to political turmoil in their country, and he ended up moving to Florida and studying at UF. Initially on track to become a pediatrician, he became dispassionate by his second year.

One day, his roommate purchased a camera and invited Batista to go out to Lake Orange to take pictures. After receiving the roll of his photographs on the trip, he became enraptured.

To study photography, the College of the Arts told him he would have to start from scratch, which he could not afford to do. A door opened for him after meeting with Uelsmann, the head of the photography department. “Needless to say, I had fire and passion in my eyes while talking to him,” Batista said.

Uelsmann agreed to let Batista take the courses under the condition that he did well in his first class, art history. He passed with flying colors, and Uelsmann quickly became a mentor to him due to their shared views on photography.

“My photography was approached from a very artistic sense rather than a commercial photographer sense,” he

Jerry Uelsmann, Untitled , 1982, gelatin silver print. On loan from the Uelsmann Family. Copyright: Jerry Uelsmann’s estate.

said. “Whatever I did, I always tried to find an edge to make it slightly different.”

The pair’s relationship eventually transformed from mentorship to a life-long friendship, with Batista teaching Uelsmann how to play racquetball and Uelsmann inviting the younger to his many parties.

“ We were soulmates. My life is what it is because of him,” Batista said.

Batista currently has three photographs of Uelsmann on display at the Harn Museum of Art. In June, the Harn unveiled its exhibition dedicated to Uelsmann’s life and legacy. “Jerry Uelsmann: A Celebration of His Life and Art” offers a glimpse into the photographer’s world.

Upon entering, visitors are greeted by snapshots of Uelsmann, each image exploring a different facet of his life: his darkroom, travels, and colleagues.

Walking through the exhibit itself can best be compared to daydreaming. Just as daydreaming can transport people to far-off places and surreal scenarios, the exhibit transports visitors through Uelsmann’s lens to ethereal landscapes, architectural wonders, and enigmatic scenes.

The viewer may note specific iconography and themes

within his work. The most notable include nature and man, mirrors and reflections, and doors and windows. All of these elements were combined to express Uelsmann’s views on humanity and the psyche.

The exhibit also allows the viewer to sit down and share a more personal experience with the photographer. There are a few chairs, and in front, a television. Upon hitting play, the screen comes alive with a video of Uelsmann.

Donning bright blue, wire-rimmed glasses and a matching blue button-down shirt, he felt like a reflection of his art: zany and unabashed. His hair is a wild, untamed canvas of silver threads. It erupts from his scalp in a frenzy of chaotic curls and waves, defying gravity and expectation.

Uelsmann speaks with a fervor that has the viewer wanting to sit there and listen to him for the full 20-minute run time. He talks about his process for creating photos, even showing a play-by-play of how it all happened in his studio. The documentary allows Uelsmann to speak to the audience directly about his technique and inspirations with passion and humor.

Visitors can also experience his studio through one of the most memorable parts of the exhibit: a collection of

Jerry photographing in Yosemite National Park, digital print, c. 2008. On loan from Randy Batista.

PHOTOGRAPHY: RANDY BATISTA

Jerry Uelsmann, Untitled , 1980, platinum print. Gift of Melvin and Lorna Rubin.

items from Uelsmann’s studio. Inside glass cases, there are several figurines ranging in levels of oddity. For instance, there is Superman, Buddha, dogs, and a tree, but there is also a crawling baby with a tin case for a body and a sort of hunched figure with a bird-like face.

Carol McCusker, the exhibition’s curator, felt it was important to capture the pathos, humor, and creativity within Uelsmann’s work.

“I’ve also recreated part of his studio in the center of the gallery, which is just a glimpse into all the toys, whirligigs, and other artists that he collected who inspired him,” she said. “He had a huge capacity for creativity.”

The exhibition will be open until February 18, 2024. Despite much of Uelsmann’s photography being available online, McCusker urges the community to experience it personally through the exhibition.

“ To look at art simply on the computer is a travesty, but more importantly, a missed opportunity for deeper connection and contemplation,” she said. “Art, the actual object made by the artist, should be experienced firsthand.”

It may be difficult to picture a world-renowned figure having lived here in Gainesville, but Uelsmann did not view it that way. He enjoyed the simplicity and freedom being in this town allowed him. His spirit serves as a reminder that it is important to celebrate talent within the community, as creativity thrives in unexpected places.

Jerry Uelsmann will forever be a piece of history for both Gainesville and the art world alike. As you navigate the surreal landscapes and compositions that he crafted, you embark on a journey through his inventive mind and perhaps into your own imagination.

Special thanks to Andrew Uelsmann, Randy Batista, the Harn Museum of Art, and Jerry Uelsmann’s estate for permission to publish the images in this story and on our covers.

His spirit serves as a reminder that it is important to celebrate talent within the community, as creativity thrives in unexpected places.

Jerry Uelsmann, Untitled (Philosopher’s Desk), 1976, gelatin silver print. On loan from the Uelsmann Family. Copyright: Jerry Uelsmann’s estate.

Jerry Uelsmann, The Edge of Silence , 2007, pigment inkjet print [Epson], Gift of Jerry N. Uelsmann and Maggie Taylor.

JERRY UELSMANN

FARM TALES

From Mother Hen

CURIOUS ABOUT WORDS

W hen I was a girl, I loved my books. I loved retreating to my room with a favorite book on a rainy day … or any day, really. I always had a curiosity for words and their meaning. I loved the subtle nuances between similar words and imagined an author’s process while writing. I would like to think about how he or she chose one word over another to convey the exact emotion or situation. I found it fascinating.

From this interest in words and their meaning, I developed a unique hobby of looking them up in the dictionary to learn their root or origin or sometimes their other meaning when used differently in a sentence. It was a somewhat strange hobby for a young girl, but I think I came by it naturally.

My mother had a similar fascination with words. She grew up during the Depression when a high school diploma was not the norm, especially for young women. When her mother was taken from the home with an illness, she left school to help with the family chores and take care of the home in her mother’s absence. Even so, her learning never stopped, and she also found satisfaction in finding the perfect word for whatever she was writing.

When she and my father would take winter trips to Key West, Florida, she would handwrite long travel journals (in triplicate, with carbon paper between the pages) and send them back home to family and friends. Each letter journal was eagerly received by the addressee because the adventure was so vividly described that they felt they were right there with her. The letter journals would be passed among the homes of other family members when they finished reading them. I think if she were alive today, she would be a famous internet blogger.

My mother always sent notes of sympathy or congratulations to friends and family. She would painstakingly write a rough draft on a separate sheet of paper before the final copy was written on the card. I can remember seeing her sitting at the kitchen table, pen in hand, with her reader

glasses perched on her nose. Her well-worn dictionary was right by her side for reference when she needed a little help with spelling or finding the exact word that she was looking for. It wasn’t very often she needed help finding the right word, though. She had an amazing vocabulary for someone with a ninth-grade education. She went on to write four handwritten cookbooks with family favorite mouth-watering dishes, complete with background information on the family member who always made it or her memories as a child watching her mother or an aunt preparing the recipe. These cookbooks have become our family’s treasures.

Going another g eneration back, my mother’s Aunt Martha also had a well-worn dictionary. I remember visiting my great aunt in her home and seeing that dictionary next to her favorite chair. I once asked her about it, and she told me that she would read a few pages in the dictionary every night, familiarizing herself with the words and their meanings. She also told me she had read through the dictionary numerous times and planned to keep doing so. Of course, this was in the 1950s and early 1960s—way before television and the internet became a distraction to the use of a dictionary.

O n my bedside table, I have a coaster for my water glass that reads, “Words are the voice of the heart.” I think this could be my motto as I try to speak my heart daily. I’ve lived seven decades; in that time, I’ve known and lost many dear friends and family members. The hardest part of losing someone you love is regretfully not letting them know how much they meant to you—not voicing your heart. Another way I’ve learned to “voice my heart” is through journaling. It’s such a cleansing of the soul to put your feelings into words. It is also enlightening to look back at your journals through the years to see where you were … and how far you‘ve come.

My advice to you is to nurture your curiosity and develop an interest in words, too. There’s no reason not to with the internet at your fingertips. Download a dictionary or thesaurus app and have some fun. A wonderful way to start is with a journal. I’m sure you will be surprised at how interesting your life is once you write down the details. The perfect words will come.

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

HOW

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IS CHANGING OUR WORLD

The Curious World of AI

WRITTEN BY CRYSTAL SMITH

In the late 90s and early 2000s, you could type “Dear blank,” and an animated paperclip would cheerfully pop onto your computer screen to ask if you’d like help drafting a letter. Now, artificial intelligence is capable of writing screenplays and poetry, driving cars, and even detecting cancer. This ever-evolving technology and its capabilities are revolutionizing multiple industries, changing the way we interact, helping to maximize efficiency and bringing about ethical questions on what our world will look like as AI continues to take shape.

WHAT IS AI?

Ar tificial Intelligence (AI) comes in many forms, but essentially, it’s machines designed to simulate human intelligence and behavior. They emulate learning, reasoning, problem-solving, and language comprehension. They’re

trained using massive amounts of data to complete tasks using smart and adaptable systems quickly. And we’re seeing these technologies used in everything from healthcare and drug development to finance, manufacturing, and marketing.

AI ASSISTANCE

Throughout our daily lives, digital assistants like Siri and Alexa are helping to update shopping lists and tell us what’s going on in the world. They can sing your babies to sleep at night and help with math homework. But it doesn’t stop at voice commands. Autonomous vehicles offer increased mobility for the elderly and people with disabilities. Auto manufacturers like BMW, Volvo, and Volkswagen are investing heavily in AI to help with safety features like driver assistance, automatic braking, pedestrian alerts, and collision avoidance systems.

MODERN MEDICINE

In the healthcare industry, AI is used to detect and diagnose diseases. According to an article in the National Library of Medicine, algorithms are already outperforming radiologists at identifying malignant tumors. However, experts believe it’ll be a while before AI replaces humans in medicine. In the meantime, researchers are testing applications for AI-assisted surgery and virtual nursing assistants. Rather than replacing professionals, AI is being looked at as a tool to help human productivity.

CREATIVITY BOOSTERS

I n the marketing world, programs like ChatGPT and Grammarly are used to create and generate content for everything from blog posts and articles to video scripts and social media captions. “I’m very, very excited about it, and what makes me most excited is that every time I dive in, my enthusiasm only increases, and I find more ways to use it,” said Ebony Clark, marketing director for a virtual staffing firm called BELAY Solutions.

Clar k was trained as a journalist, and she said she uses AI for everything from content and idea generation to market research and insights. But rather than replace her writers, the tools are there to jumpstart creativity. “It can kind of expedite the creative process for me as a writer to help me get the structure in place, and then I can kind of put more meat on the bone,” she said. Clark said one idea that stuck with her was that “AI won’t take your job, but someone who knows how to leverage AI to do your job faster or better will take your job.”

AI LIMITATIONS

As much as AI is poise d to jump-start processes, most

professionals see the limitations it holds as well. In its early stages, there’s still a need for a human touch and a vetting process to ensure that the output is accurate and appropriate.

Noah Palone is a creative director in the banking and insurance industry who’s been working with AI programs like Midjourney and DALL-E to spark design inspiration. He said it’s been interesting and fun to discover the capabilities these technologies possess. And some of the imagery and artwork that’s come out has been incredible. Some are even winning awards.

Palone said that with a few prompts, you could generate a photo of a purple rubber duck in the middle of the Last Supper and have it drawn in a folk art style. Or you can go with a more natural portrait of a family opening Christmas gifts

together as the snow falls outside. “But almost always, you find Easter eggs of anomalies and things that AI throws in that you’ve got to catch with a human eye,” he said. “I once found a spooky-looking baby doll shoved into a bush on a Christmas card I was designing with AI. And hands. AI just can’t seem to understand human hands.”

He said some projects have taken longer to use AI, but it’s been worth exploring to sharpen his skills and understand how to prompt better. “Sometimes it’s like one of those seek-and-find books you used to play with as a kid. It’s fun, but it definitely still needs a human touch.”

THE ETHICS

The use of AI has also prompted several ethical debates. Palone said his department has been exploring the security of allowing AI to alter proprietary designs. They’ve discussed where the line is drawn for ownership over designs rendered by AI programs. Clark said that as a journalistically trained writer, some of her concerns were over accuracy and plagiarism.

“Since the foundation for ChatGPT is searching the worldwide web for content, there is a chance that it could be derivative of something else or an exact replica,” Clark said. “So I think it cannot be overstated how important the human element is to using these technologies.”

WHAT’S NEXT FOR AI?

Beyond the computer screen, AI is being used in many other places. A cucumber farmer in Japan is using AI image recognition to sort cucumbers on his family farm — a tedious process that his mother formerly handled. While some basic machines typically sort good veggies and toss bad ones, some more advanced machines can pull oddly shaped tomatoes that wouldn’t get bought off the shelf and sort them for sauce production.

The world of AI is rapidly changing daily, and these new features are sure to become integral parts of our everyday lives. But as these technologies improve human lives, it’ll be up to humans to ensure they remain a force for good.

5TH ANNUAL RUN FOR YOUR LIFE 5K COLOR RUN

Sunday, September 24 at 8 a.m. Depot Park, 200 SE Depot Ave.

GAINESVILLE – Bring your family and friends – including the furry ones – to run/walk for a cause and for fun at the 5th annual Run For Your Life 5K Color Run by Alachua County Health Promotion and Wellness Coalition to spread awareness about substance misuse in Alachua County and fundraise to provide substance use prevention services to the community The event will open with breakfast for participants and a warm-up session. There will also be a community fair with other local organizations to help you and your friends connect with resources in Alachua County before the 5K begins. During the fun run, there will be multiple powder stations with volunteers and colors like blue, purple and orange so be ready. At the end of the 5K, raffle ticket winners will be announces and medals will be handed out. To conclude, we have a group photo throwing powder to celebrate. hpwcoalition.org

ELECTRIC KIF AND LEMON CITY TRIO

Friday, September 8 from 7 – 10 p.m. Heartwood Soundstage, 619 S Main St. GAINESVILLE – Join Heartwood Soundstage for a night of two jazz fusion powerhouses featuring Lemon City Trio and Electric Kif. Tickets are $15. heartwoodsoundstage.com

11TH ANNUAL ARTSPEAKS: BRINGING POETRY & PEOPLE TOGETHER

Sunday, September 10 from 4 – 8 p.m. The Historic Thomas Center, 302 NE 6th Ave. GAINESVILLE – ARTSPEAKS is North Central Florida’s Signature Community Poetry Event. Each year community members gather at the beautiful Historic Thomas Center to share their unique, diverse voices and their authentic selves through the art of Poetry, SpokenWord, Storytelling and other forms of Artistic Expression. This event is free and public. If you would like to participate in this year’s ARTSPEAKS or desire additional information, please contact ARTSPEAKS at INFO@ARTSPEAKSgnv.org

OUTBACK PRESENTS: STEVE-O: THE BUCKET LIST TOUR

Sunday, September 17 at 7 p.m. Phillip’s Center, 3201 Hull Rd. GAINESVILLE – Reserved seating: VIP Meet & Greet: $126.00 All other prices range from $56.00 – $36.00 VIP Meet & Greet tickets include one reserved premium seat in the front rows; meet and greet with Steve-O after the show and one VIP lanyard. performingarts.ufl.edu

THE CURRYS CD RELEASE

Thursday, September 21 from 8 – 10 p.m. Heartwood Soundstage, 619 S Main St. GAINESVILLE – The Currys return to Heartwood for their CD release concert. Tickets are $20. heartwoodsoundstage.com

THE GAINESVILLE ORCHESTRA PRESENTS: UNDER THE TUSCAN SUN

Friday, September 22 from 7:30 – 9:30 p.m. Jackson N. Sasser Fine Arts Hall, 3000 NW 83rd St.

GAINESVILLE – A journey of Italian influences in art and music including Respighi’s “Trittico Botticelliano” inspired by Botticelli,” Bassoon Concerto” and a suite of “The Godfather” by Nina Rota, guest soloist Arnold Irchai, and Mendelssohn’s beloved “Italian Symphony.” Tickets at box office (352) 395-4181. gainesvilleorchestra.com

THE BLUES BEATLES WITH ROOTS REDEMPTION

Sunday, September 24 from 7 – 10 p.m. Heartwood Soundstage, 619 S Main St. GAINESVILLE – Blues Beatles is a Blues band that mixes the melodies of the Beatles with traditional Blues arrangements, a mix that has been winning in Brazil (their home country), the USA and Europe. Root Redemption is a roots-based Blues band that plays Delta and Chicago Blues along with original material that stands easily alongside the standards. Tickets are $25. heartwoodsoundstage.com

RED JUMPSUIT APPARATUS, BAD LUCK, RECKLESS GIANTS

Monday, September 25 at 6 p.m.

High Dive, 210 SW 2nd Ave.

GAINESVILLE – Glory Days Presents! RED JUMPSUIT APPARATUS, Bad Luck, Reckless Giants and Saturn Lights. Tickets are $20. highdivegainesville.com

AEG PRESENTS: DANIEL TOSH

Monday, September 25 at 8 p.m.

Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Rd.

GAINESVILLE – Tickets range from $42 – $187. Note that this performance will contain adult content. performingarts.ufl.edu

CANCER CHOMP

Saturday, September 30 from 8 – 11 a.m. Bo Diddley Plaza, 111 E University Ave.

GAINESVILLE – Join UF Health for the 2nd annual Cancer Chomp, a brain tumor event presented by the Preston A. Wells Jr. Center for Brain Tumor Therapy in conjunction with the Department of Neurosurgery at the University of Florida. This event will include a 5K run/walk, food truck, Kid Zone, charitable organizations, community vendors, mini therapy horses, the UF Gator Mascots, the UF Gator Band and more. donate.giving.ufhealth.org

FALL ART SOIREE

Saturday, September 30 from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Fair Oaks, 7726 SE 179 Pl.

GAINESVILLE – Join the Fair Oaks Foundation, Inc. for the Autumn Art Soiree at Fair Oaks Farm in Evinston, FL. There will be live music, nibbles and a guest speaker. fairoaksfoundation.org

GATORVILLE COLLECTORFEST

Sunday, October 1 from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Holiday Inn (University),

1250 W University Ave.

GAINESVILLE – Vintage and modern toys, retro gaming, comics, artwork and more pop culture goodness. Admission is $10 all day and kids under 12 are free. Free Hot Wheels for kids under 12. There will be several comic vendors on-site with lots of different comics from all eras to choose from, hand-picked artwork and retro game vendors. floridatoyshows.com

LINDA BLONDHEIM FRONT PORCH PARTY

Saturday, October 7 from 11 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Artisans Guild Gallery, 224 NW 2nd Ave. GAINESVILLE – Join Linda Blondheim artist for her porch party at the Artisans Guild Gallery. Linda’s special guest will be poet Sarah Carey who will do readings throughout the day. She will have books available. Linda will have lots of paintings too. There will be chili con carne and bean vegetable chili and cake for lunch. artisansguildgallery.com

THROWBACK ’80s & ’90s CONCERT FEATURING

TAMAYO BAND AT TIOGA

Friday, October 13 from 7 – 10 p.m. Tioga Town Center, 104 SW 131st St. NEWBERRY – Join Tioga Town Center for a very special throwback ’80s and ’90s concert night, featuring Tamayo Band! Bring your lawn chairs and blankets, and come enjoy the music under the stars. This is a free outdoor concert and open to the public. Don’t forget to visit the

Town Center restaurants for before the show or grab take-out to enjoy during the concert. tiogatowncenter.com

INTERNATIONAL CAR SHOW

Saturday, October 14 from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Butler Town Center, 3217 SW 35th Blvd.

GAINESVILLE – Calling all automotive enthusiasts, save the date for the Third Annual International Car Show hosted by Butler. The show will feature cars and motorcycles from Mercedes to Audi; Ferraris to Lamborghinis and vintage to modern models. All International brands are encouraged to come! The International Car Show will be held across the street from The Cheesecake Factory and will include music, select vendors and lots of fun. The show is free to attend for spectators and 100 percent of the proceeds from Show will benefit The United Way of North Central Florida. shopatbutler.com

EXTENSION EXTRAVAGANZA

& FOOD TRUCK RALLY

Saturday, October 14 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Alachua County Agriculture and Equestrian Center, 23100 W Newberry Rd. NEWBERRY – This free, family-friendly event is hosted by the UF/IFAS Extension Alachua County Office and will feature info and activity booths with UF/IFAS departments serving the community; demos from Alachua County 4-H’ers to showcase the many 4-H clubs available to youth ages 5-18; a plant sale hosted by Master Gardener Volunteers featuring plants for fall/winter gardens; presentations on educational topics including landscaping, herbs, livestock, and more; and plenty of food trucks. alachua.ifas.ufl.edu

TIOGA TOWN CENTER CAR SHOW

Saturday, September 30 from 4 – 8 p.m.

Tioga Town Center, 13085 SW 1st Lane

NEWBERRY – Check out an amazing lineup of cars and trucks, from your favorite vintage classics to the newest, fastest modern styles. There will be live music from Whiskey Jones, food, entertainment and more. Activities include free face painting, free airbrush tattoos, free caricaturist portraits, B’z Gelati food truck, Kona Ice food truck, raffle prizes, cornhole, giant jenga and fun for the whole family. This event is free, family-friendly, and open to the public. Proceeds from this event will benefit Bread of the Mighty Food Bank. For more information, or to register your car or truck, email tioga@hankingroup.com or call (352) 331-4000.

TOM PETTY WEEKEND

Friday, October 20 –Sunday, October 22 from 5 – 10 p.m. Heartwood Soundstage, 619 S Main St. GAINESVILLE – Celebrate Tom Petty’s music and history in his hometown of Gainesville, Florida. Three days of live music and storytelling at Heartwood Soundstage. tompettyweekend.com

FLORIDA BAT FESTIVAL

Saturday, October 21 from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Lubee Bay Conservancy, 1309 NW 192nd Ave.

GAINESVILLE – Come celebrate with Lubee as they continue to spread bat conservation awareness and enjoy all the batty fun festivities. This family-friendly festival promises to be a fun-filled event. Enjoy games and activities in the kid zone; shop from local artisans; enjoy tasty foods from local food trucks; speak with bat experts while enjoying the world’s largest bats; multiple local conservation non-profits; and listen to live music while enjoying unlimited samples in the beer garden from local Florida breweries. Tickets are $5 for children age 5 – 12; $10 for ages 13 and up; and beer garden tickets are $25 until September 16 before increasing to $30. lubee.org

FALL PLANT SALE AND ORCHID SHOW

Saturday, October 21 and Sunday, October 22 from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Kanapaha Botanical Gardens, 4700 SW 58th Dr.

GAINESVILLE – Each October, Kanapaha Botanical Gardens holds an Open House and Fall Plant Sale in conjunction with the Gainesville Orchid Society. In addition to viewing the botanical gardens, approximately 60 booths will be set up selling a wide variety of plants. The American Orchid Society will have their annual American Orchid Society’s judged show that will coincide with the Fall Plant Sale and will take place inside Kanapaha’s entrance building. Admission for this event is free. kanapaha.org

TIOGA MOVIE NIGHT – GHOSTBUSTERS

Friday, October 27 at 7:30 p.m. Tioga Town Center, 104 SW 131st St. NEWBERRY – Don’t forget those blankets and lawn chairs, and be sure to stop by one of Tioga’s amazing restaurants to grab dinner before the movie or pick your food up to-go and enjoy during the show. tiogatowncenter.com

THE FEST 21

Friday, October 27 – Sunday, October 29

GAINESVILLE – The Fest is one of the largest alt/ punk festivals in the world featuring over 350 bands on thirteen stages. Weekend passes are sold out but day passes are still available for certain venues. thefestfl.com

RECURRING EVENTS

HAILE EQUESTRIAN RIDE & WINE

First Fridays at 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.

Haile Equestrian, 7680 SW 46th Blvd.

GAINESVILLE – Enjoy an adults-only evening of horseback riding, wine, charcuterie and great conversations with us. All riding levels welcome. Tickets are $75 per-person.

haileequestrian.com/events

GUIDED WALK AT KANAPAHA

First Saturdays from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Kanapaha Botanical Gardens, 4700 SW 58th Dr.

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

BE KIND TWINE’S MACRAMÉ WORKSHOP

First Saturdays from 6 – 8 p.m.

Unique Notions, 23641 W. US HWY 27

HIGH SPRINGS – Join Be Kind Twine on the 1st Saturday of each month for a 2-hour macramé workshop. You will create your own plant hanger with choice of cord color. Space is limited, don’t wait to sign up. Class is $35 per-person. uniquenotions.com/register-for-a-class

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 is designed for children ages 2-5 years old. At 10 am children (accompanied by a guardian) will meet a park ambassador at a table in the designated area. That ambassador will provide Chalk, and instruction, and will be available to answer any questions that you may have. Chalk the Walk is a fun outdoor experience that allows

FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY FALL BOOK SALE

Saturday, October 21 – Wednesday, October 25; Various Times

Friends of the Library, 430 N Main St.

GAINESVILLE – This 5-day event, organized and presented by the all-volunteer Friends of the Library organization, offers over 500,000 gently used (community donated) books of all genres, objects of art, puzzles, games, movies, vinyl records, CDs, magazines and much more at bargain prices. folacld.org

27TH ANNUAL BOO AT THE ZOO

Tuesday, October 31, from 3 - 7 p.m.

Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo, 3000 NW 83rd Street

GAINESVILLE – Boo at the Zoo is one of Gainesville’s favorite Halloween treat for families. The students and staff transform the zoo into a spooky but safe trick or treating event for the whole family. All ages are welcome to join in costume and trick or treat! Admission to the event is one canned good or non-perishable food item per person. Cans collected help two charities - Saints Food Share at Santa Fe College, and Catholic Charities, which feed families in need around our community. sfcollege.edu/zoo

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

ARTIST MEETUP

Second Thursdays from 5:30 – 7 p.m.

Gainesville Fine Arts Association Gallery, 1314 S Main St.

GAINESVILLE – The Gainesville Fine Arts Association is proud to present Artist Meetups every second Thursday of the month from 5:30-7 p.m. Join in the conversation about the current exhibitions. Exhibiting artists are strongly encouraged to attend and speak about their work. This event is free and open to the public. gainesvillefinearts.org

FAMILY FRIENDLY BIKE RIDE

Second Saturdays from 9 – 10 a.m. Depot Park, 200 SE Depot Ave.

GAINESVILLE – Please join the Gainesville Cycling Club for a family-friendly social ride at 8:30 am on the second Saturday of every month. Meet at the Depot Park parking lot and ride the Gainesville Hawthorne trail down to the Alachua Overlook for a round trip of 9 miles. Sometimes a few more miles are added if all participants agree. All riders must wear a helmet, and parents are required to participate with riders under

16. This is a Gainesville Cycling Club outreach ride that is open to all ages and riding abilities. GCC membership is NOT required. For more information email: info@gccfla.org.

JAZZ ON THE GREEN

Second Saturdays from 7 – 9 p.m.

Celebration Pointe, 5001 Celebration Pointe Ave. Suite 140 GAINESVILLE – Join Celebration Point every second Saturday of the month for live music, food, drinks and more! Spread a blanket under the setting sun, and catch some beautiful music on the green. celebrationpointe.com

GAINESVILLE CARS & COFFEE

Second Sundays from 9 – 11 a.m.

Whole Foods Market, 3490 SW Archer Rd. GAINESVILLE – A gathering for automotive enthusiasts of all types from exotics and classics to imports and jalopies. The meet is free to attend; coffee will be provided to attendees, as well as breakfast items for sale. gainesvillecarsandcoffee.com

FUN WITH FLOWERS

Third Tuesdays from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Gainesville Garden Club, 1350 NW 75th St. GAINESVILLE – Make beautiful floral arrangements to take home! Social gathering with

coffee and refreshments starts at 9:30 a.m. and guided session with a local florist begins at 10 a.m. ggcfl.org

DOWNTOWN HIGH SPRINGS ARTWALK

Third Saturdays from 12 – 5 p.m. Downtown High Springs

HIGH SPRINGS – Art Walk features local artists and makers situated both inside stores and on the sidewalks of downtown. Some locations feature live painting and demonstrations. This seasonal monthly event is an opportunity for local artisans and artists to demonstrate and display their talents and offer their works for sale in storefronts throughout the downtown area. Participating host merchants also offer specials and sales during the event. highsprings.us

PLAYLIST AT THE POINTE

Fourth Fridays from 7 – 9 p.m. Celebration Pointe, 5001 Celebration Pointe Ave. GAINESVILLE – A music event that offers an eclectic mix of music from a variety of genres – country, rock, soul and more. celebrationpointe.com

GAINESVILLE OLD-TIME AND TRADITIONAL MUSIC JAM

Fourth Sundays from 2 – 5 p.m. Civic Media Center, 433 S Main St.

GAINESVILLE – Pickers, grinners, strummers, pluckers, and bowers unite every 4th Sunday of the month at the Civic Media Center Old-Time, Bluegrass & Traditional Jam. Expect a lot of old-time and bluegrass fiddle tunes, as well as folk songs, Celtic, and other traditional roots music from around the world. Enter through the courtyard in the back. Bring a sliding scale donation for the CMC. Everyone is welcome. civicmediacenter.org

TOT TROT

Tuesdays from 9 – 10:45 a.m. Florida Museum of Natural History, 3215 Hull Rd.

GAINESVILLE – Get your toddler excited about science and natural history! Join Discovery Zone nature ambassadors for an exciting and interactive nature walk. Each program highlights an outdoor area and encourages exploration with a closer look at nature and museum objects. This program promotes sensory experiences,

GNV MARKET

Thursdays from 4 – 7 p.m.

Heartwood Soundstage, 619 South Main St.

GAINESVILLE – The GNV Market is Gainesville’s Downtown farmers market every Thursday from 4-7 p.m. Featuring over 40 vendors, fresh produce, live music and craft beer. gnvmarket.com

HIGH SPRINGS FARMERS MARKET

HAILE FARMERS MARKET

Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Haile Village Center, 5213 SW 91st Terr.

GAINESVILLE – Take a stroll down the tree-lined streets of the Haile Village Center to browse for groceries, prepared food and handmade gifts then continue on for more shopping or brunching at the Village Center’s locally-owned shows and restaurants. Covid-19 recommendations: maintain physical distance, don’t touch products, one customer served per vendor at one time and protect yourself and others by wearing facial coverings. hailefarmersmarket.com

investigation and exploration with a focus on science. Recommended for children ages 2-5 years old (child must be accompanied by an adult chaperone). Tickets are $6 for members and $7 for non-members.

floridamuseum.ufl.edu

BIRD WALKS AT THE WETLANDS

Wednesdays from 8:30 – 11 a.m.

Sweetwater Wetlands Park, 325 SW Williston Rd.

GAINESVILLE – Discover the rich diversity of birds at one of north central Florida’s premier birding hotspots during a 2-3-hour guided walking tour. Join us to see why Sweetwater Wetlands Park is the most popular birding destination in the Gainesville area. Walks are free with park admission fee ($5/vehicle) and are offered every Wednesday morning from September 1st though the end of May. alachuaaudubon.org

BARNYARD BUDDIES

Wednesdays from 3 – 4 p.m. (September – May)

Morningside Nature Center, 3540 E University Ave.

GAINESVILLE – Morningside Living History Farm is hosting an in-person, socially distant Barnyard Buddies program! This one-hour program is free, but online pre-registration through Eventbrite is required on a first-come-first-served basis.

Youngsters, with an adult, can meet and greet farm animals by helping staff with afternoon feeding on the Living History Farm. September – May.

RUNNING TABS

Wednesdays at 6:15 p.m.

First Magnitude Brewing Company, 1220 SE Veitch St.

GAINESVILLE – Running Tabs is a fun, open group aimed at promoting runners and the running community throughout the Gainesville area. Runs are free and open to runners of all ages and fitness levels. If you’re looking for a running group to help you get into running or to improve your race performance, give us a shot. fmbrewing.com

LIVE JAZZ AT COVEY KITCHEN + COCKTAILS

Wednesdays and Sundays from 6 – 8 p.m. Covey Kitchen + Cocktails, 1514 SW 14th St.

GAINESVILLE – Enjoy the live music while dining or enjoying hand-crafted cocktails. Dining reservations can be made through OpenTable.

“The Oak Trio” includes pianist Howard Wapner, upright bassist Rafael Abdalla from Brazil and drummer Eddie Fields from Daytona Beach with occasional guest appearances, creating an even more memorable evening.

hoteleleo.com/dining

Fridays from 3 – 7 p.m. 23517 NW 185th Rd.

HIGH SPRINGS – Florida grown fruit, vegetables, dairy and meats as well as honey, handmade 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 over 1,700 events occur with more than 150,000 participants globally. parkrun.us/depotpark

ALACHUA COUNTY FARMERS’ MARKET

Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. 5920 NW 13th St.

GAINESVILLE – Don’t forget to bring shopping bags, your grocery list, and plenty of small bills. This market prides itself on being a grower’s only market – meaning the vendors selling produce, plants and other products must have grown the items themselves. 441market.com

NOT

SURE HOW YOU LEARN? DON’T WORRY, WE’VE GOT THAT COVERED TOO!

Study Tips Based on Your Learning Type

WRITTEN BY VICTORIA VARGAS

Heading back to school can be a readjustment. Maybe you spent the whole summer reading, writing and practicing differential equations. Good for you. Or, you decided to spend the summer sitting on your couch watching the entire Gilmore Girls series again like the rest of us. However you spent it, getting back to a steady routine of going to class isn’t always going to be a smooth transition.

Establishing a study routine for anything you’re learning is crucial to be successful. Understanding your learning style is a great place to start. There are three main learning styles: visual, auditory and physical. Unsure of your learning style? Here are the characteristics of each style and study tips for each.

VISUAL

Characteristics: According to the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, you may be a visual learner if

you are best able to perform a task after watching someone perform it first. Visual learners are good at reading charts or maps. Visual learners may also have a strong sense of color or have trouble following lectures, according to American River College. They say “show me” or “let’s look at that.”

Tips:

• Try writing out the directions for a task and color coding your notes. Develop a system for the colors. Green can be definitions. Blue can be examples.

• If using a computer for taking notes, you can also experiment with different fonts and sizes. Try putting your words in bold.

• U tilize flashcards for learning definitions or broad concepts.

• Create diagrams, maps and illustrations.

AUDITORY

Characteristics: Auditory learners are likely to remember all the words to the songs they hear and can easily follow along in a lecture. Auditory learners are usually good at oral reports and presentations, according to ThoughtCo. com. These learners may have issues following written instructions and will say “tell me” or “Let’s talk about it.”

Tips:

• Auditory learners benefit from studying in quiet areas like a library.

• If allowed, record lectures to listen to later. Read aloud directions or instructions. Read aloud your notes.

• Have a conversation with someone about a topic you’re studying.

• Put a rhythm or tune to material to repeat.

• Examine illustrations in textbooks and convert them into descriptions.

PHYSICAL

Characteristics: Physical learners are also referred to as kinesthetic or tactile learners. According to ThoughtCo. com, physical learners may become more bored listening to a lecture than their peers. Physical learners may study with loud music playing. This type of learner can assemble parts without looking at instructions. Physical learners are better at completing a task by trying it out first and will say “let me try.”

Tips:

• The top tips for these learners are to take frequent breaks when studying. Break your study time into digestible segments.

• Physical learners should try experimental learning like making models or role playing.

• Try snapping your fingers or pacing when reviewing material to help you retain the information.

Studying is different for each person. What works for you may not work for your best friend. It is helpful to know what kind of learner you are so that you may better utilize the time you spend learning. Understanding what kind of learner you are helps you better shape the way you retain information. Knowing the best ways to study ensures you’re making the most of your time throughout the year.

Sometimes learning styles depend on the content one is studying. For example, when it comes to math, working through equations one-on-one might help with better understanding the lesson. On the other hand, for topics one might feel more comfortable with, simply hearing notes aloud during a study group session may be enough. One top study tip is to create a conducive learning environment to your needs, finding a place that strikes the right balance between silence and background noise.

Now it’s time to hit those books!

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The passing of a loved one is a difficult and deeply personal experience, and you may feel overwhelmed by the financial choices that lie ahead.

Let’s set up a time to discuss your needs. Learn more.

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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 ;)

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

“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.

Hometown Local Business

pawnprollc.com

“First rate service - Something for everyone - great prices, great service, friendly and family drivendefinitely the raiser of standards and the breaker of the stereotypical mold - not your typical pawnshop - friendly and family oriented. Be expected to be impressed!” — Jay M.

“I’ve been a customer for 15 years, YES 15 yearsand 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” — Bill M.

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!

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

4509 NW. 23rd Ave. Suite 7 Gainesville, FL

352-678-8223

ChristyHenneman.glossgenius.com

“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.

Stankus Family Care

18743 NW 234th St. High Springs, FL 32643

386-454-0721

stankusfamilycare.com

“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 are taken care of here.” — David R.

“Joey has been my entire family’s health care provider for many years. 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.

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.

“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 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

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.

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

“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

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.

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

Next

“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 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

For over 10 years, Melissa Hough and Magnolia Lane Studios have photographed a variety of occasions, from the first breath of life to the moment a couple vows their lives to one another. They love capturing families, as they grow from maternity, newborn, milestones moments and everything in between. Melissa has developed the skill of seeing more than meets the eye and uses her creative energy to tell an artistic story through photographs. Photography isn’t a career for Melissa, it’s her passion! Melissa is ready to help you capture the moments that make life special.

“Melissa was absolutely incredible to work with during our family photoshoot, that included a somewhat impatient toddler. She went above and beyond to capture the perfect pictures that we will cherish for a lifetime. Magnolia Lane Studios as a whole made the rest of the experience that much more meaningful.” — Cat B.

Wedding and Portrait Photography

Magnolia Lane Studios (352) 222-4667

magnolialanestudios.com

“We had a large family photo shoot January of this year, it was loud, crazy and sometimes wild. Lol. Melissa was Great and she just rolled with the flow. We laughed so much we had tears. I do not have the words to express the gratitude for these amazing and priceless photos she took for us. We love Melissa and highly recommend Magnolia Studios.” — Jo-Ann C.

“I could not be more pleased with the team at Kings

The difference is in the details

Kings Interior Design

5200 Newberry Rd Suite Suite D6 352-451-4896

kingsinteriordesign.com

Interior Design- they completely transformed my master bath. The materials, fixtures, and design suited me perfectly. They also assisted in updating two full baths. In addition, I had them help me with color and interior design in other areas of the house. They patiently listened to me and my ideas, helped me incorporate furniture, art, and rugs I already had, and assisted me in revamping my dated home into renewed, refreshed space. Throughout the entire process, they were professional, courteous, and honest. Thank you, Kings Interior. I can’t wait to do the kitchen!” — Nicki

B.

Transforming Spaces, Elevating Lives: Welcome to Kings Interior Design where interior dreams come to life. Our passion for design drives us to curate personalized, functional, and aesthetically captivating interiors that resonate with your style. With a keen eye for detail and a commitment to innovation, we blend modern trends with timeless elegance, turning houses into homes. From concept to realization, our skilled team orchestrates every element, ensuring harmony in color, texture, and functionality.

Alachua Blinds and More 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, they have been serving our area for over 17 years and 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.

Covering all your windows needs

“We called Alachua Blinds and More 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 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

“I just took my pup here to get him established somewhere since moving. It was BY FAR the BEST vet visit I’ve ever had taking any dog I’ve ever had to the vet. I left wondering if people ever tip vets-because I would tip them. It was THAT good. Your cherished furry family members will be more than well cared for here. Their staff is amazing!” — Stephanie C

“Great place to take your fur babes! Staff is attentive, caring, accommodating and the office is affordable. It’s a bit of a drive for me, but the care and kindness that all of the staff offer is top notch!” — Tanya T

“This place is run by honest and kind people.” — Carlos 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!

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.

MOTOR COMPANY MOTOR COMPANY

Love your car, Love the process!

Tomlinson Motor Company

3580 N. Main St. Gainesville, FL 32609

352-373-6851 (service) | 352-500-AUTO (sales)

tomlinsonmotorco.com

“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, 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. 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

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

Cilantro Tacos

12921 SW 1 Rd, Newberry • 352-472-1300

15551 NW HWY 441, Alachua • 352-660-3262

eatcilantrotacos.com

“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.

“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.

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.

A Personal Relationship with your Medical Provider

Celebrate Primary Care

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

celebrateprimarycare.com

“I love that I will have direct access to my provider (phone, text, messenger and email) and won’t have to wait days or weeks to be seen. I’ll keep my health insurance for emergency care and specialists, but financially this just makes sense. If you’re looking for something better, you should definitely check this place out!” — Monica S.

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

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.

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.

No job is too big or too small

Daughtry Tree Service

26106 NW 3rd Ave, Newberry, FL 32669

(352) 660-0367

daughtrytreeservice.com

“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 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

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.

Your Neighborhood Craft Beer

Restaurant and Pub- Welcome Home

Crafty BastardsRestaurant & Bottle Shoppe

4860 NW 39th Ave. Magnolia Parke

352-872-5970

TheCraftyBastards.com

“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 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.

“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.

3242 SW 35 Blvd., Gainesville, FL 32608

4994 NW 39th Ave., Gainesville, FL 32606

888.695.2337 (BEDS)

gainesvillesleepcenter.com

“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.

Gainesville’s most trusted mattress retailer

Jewelry Works has been family owned since 2006, serving Gainesville and surrounding areas with high-quality repair services, custom created jewelry, and stunning unique fine jewelry found nowhere else. Caring, thoughtful, and focused on the quality of our products and services, we pride ourselves on our high standards while remaining approachable and realistic with our customers. Our clientele consists of long lasting customers who appreciate our honesty and high skill level, as they know they can trust us with their most treasured jewelry and timepieces.

Custom Created Fine Jewelry and Watch Repair

Jewelry Works

6419 W Newberry Road

(Located in The Oaks Mall)

(352) 333-0301

jewelryworksgainesville.com

“The craftsmanship of the work at this location is second to none! The staff here is helpful and friendly, and the options to choose from are so tasteful and accommodating to any needs you may have. This is the only place I will go for a gift that will be unforgettable and treasured for a lifetime.” — Kevin

K.

“I cannot say enough great things about Jewelry

Works! David and Valissa showed my fiance and me great diamond options, as well as, helped us build her the perfect engagement ring! She gets compliments on it routinely. Very professional, kind, and will work with you to deliver your vision.” — Micah S.

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

“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

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.

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.

It’s been our pleasure to serve the flooring needs of the Gainesville area for more than 27 years. We’re your family-owned, neighborhood flooring experts. Our flooring team has decades of experience in the industry, and we can help you with your next project each step of the way. We have easy online tools to help you get started on your floor buying journey, like our Flooring Guide. Our Guarantee policy means that if you don’t love your new floors, we’ll replace them for free. Drop by and let us help you choose the perfect flooring for your home and lifestyle.

“I’d like to express my appreciation to Maggie and her dedicated team. They truly exceeded expectations, displaying exceptional professionalism and going the extra mile. Their punctuality, clear explanations, and outstanding work on the project are commendable. I wholeheartedly recommend them!”

— Lucy L.

(352) 562-0565

carpet1gainesville.com

“We had a good experience with their services. The free estimation was easy, our sells rep was very helpful. We had the bonus room re-floored from carpet to vinyl wood planking. The job was completed in less than one day. The installers were professional and communicated with us.” — Roxanne R.

Knowing your worth and beauty can be an emotional self-battle at times. At Pink Threads Boutique, their goal is to support all women in a positive environment, where they can be at their beautiful best. Their mission is to be a movement of faith and fashion and create a space for customers to feel their passion for fashion. Founded by a high school senior with a passion for boutique culture, shopping, and small towns, it opened online in early 2023, and its store front in the summer of the same year.

“The cutest boutique! Love my earrings and shirts!

The girls in there are the sweetest!!” — Haley Bennett

Faith never goes out of style

Pink Threads Boutique

14925 Main St. Alachua, FL 32615

352-727-2677

pinkthreadsbou.com

“The staff is very sweet and helpful. The store is pretty and there is a comfy couch to sit and relax on. The clothes are very unique and reasonably priced. They have a good variety of sizes as well. They sell accessories like jewelry but also some very useful devices like the birdie alarm.The store itself is located on Main Street of Alachua so there are many things to do before and after you shop, and it’s a nice area to spend some time in.” — Jess

“Absolutely love this store. My daughter school shopped and the options were so many for a boutique. They were so helpful. We will be back for birthday shopping!” — Terra N

Volcanic Sushi+Sake is a Japanese inspired Asian Fusion Restaurant with details on quality fresh food and innovative presentation. Volcanic Sushi + Sake is sure to satisfy your sushi cravings. They have been crowned as the Best Local Sushi in Gainesville for the past 3 years. In addition to Sushi, they offer a wide variety of delicious appetizers, soups and salads. Come in and try the Spring Rolls, Crab Rangoon and Stuffed Wontons. For the main course you can choose from delicious entrees such as, Wok fried rice, Udon noodles, Ramen bowls, Chicken Teriyaki and more!

“Stopped in for a quiet Sunday lunch and enjoyed excellent food and service! I’ve tried their sushi before, which is also great, but today I focused on their Udon noodles with chicken. It was a good portion size and I’ll be back to try the pork and shrimp versions too.” — Ann Marie

G.

Japanese Inspired Fusion Restaurant

Volcanic Sushi

Haile Village Center - 5212 SW 91st Terrace & Hunter’s Crossing - 5200 NW 43rd St

352-363-6226 (Haile) 352-727-7777 (43rd St.)

volcanicsushisake.com

“I really enjoyed our food there today. We ended up getting the lunch menu, red curry with tofu and with chicken. Our waiter was very kind and they did a good job, providing us with vegetarian needs and spice preferences. I will say that their red curry is probably one of the best I’ve had in Gainesville. My friend enjoyed the fried ice cream tempura as well!” — Shreya R.

The Masters Lawn Care is focused on delivering top-notch lawn care services while putting the needs of the customer first. Their team consists of certified and experienced professionals who are passionate about lawn care. They take pride in our work and believe that a well-manicured lawn not only enhances the look of your property but also has a positive impact on the environment. Their services range from routine lawn maintenance to full-scale landscaping projects, and use the latest equipment and techniques to ensure the job is done right.

The leader in high quality landscape and maintenance

The Master’s Lawn Care 11417 NW 59th Terrace, Gainesville, FL 32653

(352) 378-5296

TheMastersLawnCare.com

“We recently hired The Master’s Lawn Care to remove a significant portion of our grass and incorporate new beds with our existing ones. Our experience with the team was great from the beginning to the end. “ —

A. Hanssen

“We are very happy with service we received from The Masters Lawn Care sod installation crew. We found D’Shaun particularly enjoyable to work with. They showed up on time, were very courteous and respectful of us and our property.”

— A. Bernard

“The Master’s Lawn Care always goes above and beyond for our company (Scorpio Construction). I would recommend them to anyone!”

— Alex H.

Creating New Futures for Children and Families

St. Francis House, Inc.

413 South Main Street (352)-378-9079

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

“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.

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

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!

PHOTO: PHILIP MARCEL

Since 1994, we’ve been helping our customers find the Toyota model of their dreams, and we look forward to serving our community for years to come. Our staff has many years of experience and use their expertise to assist you. When your Toyota needs service, there’s no better place to take it than our service center. Our team of certified technicians knows your Toyota inside and out and are ready to give it the care it deserves. Whether you’re in need of a simple service or something more complicated, our technicians are ready to help you.

“Awesome service experience. I bought my Toyota from an outside dealer and thought it was gonna be a hassle to have this recall done. Everything went smooth. Even provided me with the rental car. Thanks Gatorland Toyota for the awesome experience.” — Samuel W.

Gainesville’s Largest Dealership!

“Prompt service. they keep you updated on your car’s service and have competitive prices.” — Sonia. N.

Gatorland Toyota 2985 N. Main Street 352-224-3408

gatorlandtoyota.com

“My salesperson made my experience comfortable with great knowledge and truly helpful to my choices and the needs of the vehicle I wanted . All my questions were answered and properly explained with patience. The gentleman in the finance department was also professional. The atmosphere was great.” — EB

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.

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

“I am very pleased for a first-timer and so is Goldie! I’m sure she can’t wait for her next spa day with such wonderful people! A big thanks to everyone who works there.” — Angela V.

“I’ve been taking my two dogs there for many years and have always been happy with the groomers — I’ve used a number of them, but especially love Ashley. They are wildly popular in Gainesville, so book early for an appointment.” — Vassiliki S.

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.

Your health and safety are our greatest concerns!

Gentle Dental Care 3655 SW 2nd Avenue 352-378-2555

Drs. Patti and Jordan Webb

GainesvilleDentist.com

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

— Tony M.

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

G.

“Dr. Webb will treat you like family.” — Rod S.

Reading Corner

“TANGLED VINES: POWER,

AND THE MURDAUGH FAMILY MURDERS” by John Glatt

says that Murdaugh’s two sons ran wild with almost no accountability or consequences. When Alex or either of his boys got into trouble, they used their name to escape punishment and to make things “quietly” go away.

That worked for a time, but not forever...

Okay, so you know how this true crime story ends. You watched it unfold on television like a daily chapter of Movie-of-the-Week, and you couldn’t stop watching. Now read “Tangled Vines” and see the history behind this astounding tale.

Just know that it’s a frustrating one for most Average Joes.

You couldn’t seem to keep your mouth closed.

It kept falling open in astonishment and disbelief. You never saw that coming. Or you did, but not like what happened. And everything that followed? Wow, you were absolutely gobsmacked. As in the new book, “Tangled Vines” by John Glatt, you simply couldn’t stop watching.

For over 200 years, the name Murdaugh meant something important in South Carolina’s Lowcountry. It was a name that first spoke of industry or entrepreneurship and railroads and banking later. Then, of courtrooms and convictions after Randolph Murdaugh, Sr. set up a solo law firm across from the Hampton, South Carolina, courthouse in 1910.

Like a Southern version of Genesis, Murdaugh Sr. begat a son who became a lawyer, who begat a son, and so on. By World War II, the Murdaugh family was known by everyone who lived in their county and nearly everyone in South Carolina. Generations of Murdaughs won elections and served as county solicitors (what is known as a chief prosecuting attorney elsewhere). It was rumored that if you wanted out of a sticky legal situation, a Murdaugh had the power to make things go your way – or go away completely.

Nobody was surprised when Richard Alexander (Alex) Murdaugh, born in 1968, said he wanted to be a lawyer like his father and grandfather. Until then, says Glatt, Alex and his brothers were raised with an aura of entitlement and enviable, absolute privilege. As was expected, Alex grew up, went to law school, married a beautiful woman, and settled in to raise a family in the small town where his forebears built an empire.

But there was high trouble in the Lowcountry. Glatt

Seeing how decades of power held by one family meant harm to dozens of others is unsettling, even uncomfortable, and most readers will squirm, beginning almost with the opening pages. That’s long before author John Glatt even starts to tell of Alex Murdaugh’s crimes and cover-ups; long before a deadly boat accident, a double-murder, and a riveting crime. There’s so much to tell, in fact, that Glatt barely touches upon the wrap-up of the murder investigation or the trial or its aftermath or where things stand today.

But then, you know how this true crime story ends. If you need more, and you’re ready to pick up your jaw every few pages, open “Tangled Vines” and read. You won’t be able to close it.

PRIVILEGE,

BOO BATS

DIY Egg Crate Halloween Decoration

It’s that spooktacular time of year again when we all start to decorate for Halloween! Why not try your hand at a fun DIY project that will have you and your kiddos feeling festively fun. Just follow these simple steps and you, too, could create a colony of bats to adorn your home during the month of October!

STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY ERICKA WINTER PAULEY

SUPPLIES:

Egg carton

Black acrylic paint

Paintbrush or sponge

Glue gun

Festive ribbon

Googly eyes

Scissors/ X-Acto knife

STEP 1

Using scissors or an X-Acto knife, cut the egg crate dozen to form 4 sets of 3 “eggs” together. Turn upside down so the opening is on the bottom.

STEP 2

Cut out “wings” on each side of the egg crate sets (upside down triangle shapes).

STEP 3

With your paintbrush or sponge, paint each set of 3 egg crates black. Set aside to allow time to dry.

STEP 4

Glue googly eyes in the center of the middle egg. Feel free to get creative – try making a Cyclops bat with only one eye or even a three-eyed monster bat!

STEP 5

Cut your festive ribbon to a reasonable length that allows enough room to hang your bat from the height of your choosing.

STEP 6

Loop your ribbon and glue the center point down onto the top of the middle egg. Be careful not to burn your fingers with the hot glue. You can always use another utensil to press the ribbon onto the glue, like the tip of a pencil. Set aside to allow time to dry.

STEP 7

Tie the open end of the ribbon into a knot or a bow.

STEP 8

Now it’s time to find the perfect hanging place for your bat. Some fun ideas are outside tree branches and indoor dining room chandeliers. Remember: if you do decide to display your bats outside, bring them inside during rainstorms to protect their wings from the sometimes-spooky outdoor elements. BOO!

Here’s to creating some Halloween magic this year…

Source: pinterest.com and craftsbycourtney.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

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

eatcilantrotacos.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

352-363-6338  mycoppermonkey.com

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

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  leonardosmillhopper.com

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 3 pm.

352-333-0291  www.DavesNYDeli.com

Scuola Pizza

Greek and Italian Cuisine— At Scuola Pizza, their goal is not only to provide delicious pizza and entrees, but also to enhance the casual dining experience. When the Sinis family moved to Gainesville from Greece, their goal was to open a restaurant where the ambiance was as unique as the signature dishes. Influenced by European culture and Mediterranean cuisine, Scuola Pizza serves delightful Mediterranean dishes in a relaxing atmosphere of books and vintage decor. With outdoor seating available and spacious dining room, Scuola Pizza offers a variety of daily and weekly specials. Dine-In or Carryout available. Call or stop by today.

5204 NW 34th Blvd.

Tue. - Thurs. 11am- 9pm

Friday and Saturday 11am - 9:30pm

Sunday 4pm—9pm

(352) 451-4122  scuolapizzagainesville@gmail.com

Dave and Busters

Craft Kitchen — Everyone wins at Dave and Buster’s! They say it’s not about winning or losing, but those people obviously haven’t been to Dave & Buster’s, because with hundreds of games to play, everyone leaves feeling like a champion. Whatever you can dream, you can play at D&B. No experience at Dave & Buster’s is complete without enjoying some tasty food and drinks. We’re not just throwing some pizza rolls in the microwave and calling it a party. Our chefs are serious about the food they make, and we’ve got the hardware to prove it. Our amazing restaurant menu full of delicious food or our drink menu with amazing cocktails and beer. Stop by today or visit our website for more information.

Celebration Pointe • 3023 SW 45th St, Gainesville

Sun - Tue: 11:00 AM - Midnight

Wed - Fri: 11:00 AM - 01:00 AM

Sat: 11:00 AM - 02:00 AM

352-448-2900  daveandbusters.com

Arashi Yama

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

Tuesday- Thursday: 11am-3 pm / 4:30-9:30

Happy Hour menu available

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

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

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

Crafty Bastards

Restaurant - Pub — Crafty Bastards Restaurant has lunch specials M-F 11am4pm. Come see our NEW Menu items, including fresh salads and soups. Don’t worry, we still proudly serve what you have voted, the best Wings, Burgers, Fish n’ Chips, and REAL Shepherds Pie around! While also offering entertainment every day of the week, we have the largest selection of 60 Craft Beers on tap, and next door at the Bottle Shoppe, we offer over 750 varieties of Craft Beer with Free Beer Tastings every Thursday. 6p-8p. Visit our social media and web for ongoing events and new craft beer. Private party room for office or birthday parties available.

CRAFTY BASTARDS - WELCOME HOME!

4860 NW 39th Ave. ( Magnolia Parke, between Starbucks and TiresPlus)

Open at 11am every day

352-872-5970  www.thecraftybastards.com

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

Big Mill’s Chesesteaks

Best Cheesesteak — If you’re looking for an exceptional cheesesteak sandwich, look no further than Big Mills Cheesesteak in Gainesville. Their unique, exceptional taste is achieved by using only the finest and freshest ingredients available, including 100% freshly shaved sirloin. Conveniently located 20 blocks north of the University of Florida, their menu features a wide variety of sandwiches and salads with every cheesesteak cooked hot and fresh to order. Looking to cater your next office lunch? Big Mills offers ready-to-serve catering solutions for almost any occasion. Stop by today or visit their website and Facebook page for a complete menu and daily specials.

2111 NW 13th St, Gainesville, FL

Monday-Friday 11am - 8 pm

Saturday and Sunday - 11am - 6pm

352 204-5122  www.bigmills.com

IN OUR HEARTS AND MEMORIES

Schools of the Past

WRITTEN BY JOANNA GREY TALBOT

Schools are not only a place of learning but also a place of community and traditions. Everyone remembers the best friends they made or that one teacher who made the biggest impact on their life. Many can still chant their high school’s favorite cheer or fight song.

As Alachua County has grown over the years, so has the number of schools, but as the population has shifted and laws have changed, many schools have been closed. Some public schools, such as Santa Fe High School, were merged to create new ones, while others were closed, and the students were sent to existing schools.

KIRBY SMITH SCHOOL

620 E. University Avenue, Gainesville

The building that currently houses the Alachua County Public Schools District Office was constructed in 1900 as a

twelve-room, two-story red brick structure and is one of the oldest existing school buildings in Alachua County. It was initially called the Gainesville Graded & High School and was open to all white children. An addition was built in 1912 to house the higher grades.

After a new Gainesville High School was built on West University Avenue in 1922, this building became Eastside Elementary and housed the primary and grammar grades. In 1939, the school was remodeled and named in honor of Confederate General Edmund Kirby Smith.

Jo (Bryant) Grey attended Kirby Smith from kindergarten to sixth grade from 1951 to 1958. She lived on NE 3rd Avenue and would walk to school every day until the summer before sixth grade when her family moved to NW 35th Avenue. Then, her parents would drive her in the morning, and she’d catch a city bus on University Avenue after school. Her memories include playing jacks on the steps of the

FOREVER

school at recess, participating in assemblies and programs, and serving as a safety patrol member in sixth grade, proudly standing at their corners and crosswalks. Her favorite benefit at Kirby Smith was the shop class located in the basement. “If my memory serves me, Mr. Reddick was the instructor who introduced us to basket weaving, pouring pottery, etching on aluminum trays, and other arts and crafts.”

This impressive building, with its distinctive square tower, became the main office of the Alachua County School Board in the early 1980s, relinquishing its distinction as one of the oldest public schools in the state. In 2017, the building’s name was changed from the Kirby Smith Center to the Alachua County Public Schools District Office.

LINCOLN HIGH SCHOOL

1108 NW 7th Avenue, Gainesville

In November 1865, the National Freedmen’s Association of New York sent Catherine Bent to Gainesville to start a school for the formerly enslaved children of Alachua County. In 1867, a Board of Trustees, consisting of nine African American men from the community, formed to purchase land for a permanent building. By 1868, the newly named Union Academy was operating as the county’s first public school for Black children. The school was located at the corner of NW 1st Street and NW 6th Avenue, where the Rosa B. Williams Center is today. Union Academy grew by leaps and bounds, adding a second story to the building in 1896.

As the city’s population grew, so did the school’s student body. The 1922-1923 school year was Union Academy’s last. The building could no longer support the students, so a new school was constructed – Lincoln High School – on NW 7th Avenue. Its previous principal, A. Quinn Jones, oversaw Union Academy’s closure and became Lincoln High School’s first principal.

For almost 50 years, Lincoln High School was the crown jewel of Gainesville’s Black community. From the teachers who instilled students with an excellent education and a strong sense of pride to the champion football team to the marching band, which was a community favorite in any city parade, Lincoln High School was, and still is, beloved.

In the fall of 1969, the community learned that in response to federal orders to desegregate, the Alachua County School Board was planning to close Lincoln and send the students to schools that had previously been whites only. Lincoln students boycotted the closure from November 25 to December 12, giving a list of demands to the school board. The school was permanently closed after violence broke out at Lincoln on January 29, 1970.

O n February 6, 1970, Alachua County had its first full day of desegregated classrooms. The former Lincoln High School building is now home to the A. Quinn Jones Center.

If you would like to learn more about the history of Lincoln and desegregation in Alachua County, you can tour the A. Quinn Jones Museum & Cultural Center in Gainesville and read “Lincoln High School: Its History and Legacy” by Albert White and Kevin McCarthy and “We Can Do It: A Community Takes on the Challenge of School Desegregation” by Michael Gengler.

The Gainesville Graded and High School opened in 1900. Lincoln High School opened in 1923. Images courtesy of the Matheson History Museum and UF Smathers Libraries.

I n 1954, in response to overcrowding and outdated school buildings, the Alachua County School Board decided to build Santa Fe High School in Alachua. The stu dents were pulled from High Springs High School, Alachua High School, and some from Newberry High School. Each of the three towns had been home to public schools since the 1880s, but Alachua County’s expo nential growth after World War II created a need for larger, updated school buildings.

Santa Fe High School opened in 1956, and the class of 1957 was Santa Fe’s first graduating class. Santa Fe’s original mascot was the Rebels, complete with Confederate flags, but in 1970, due to protests by Black students, the mascot was changed to the Raiders.

The last High Springs High School building, constructed in 1917, was torn down in the summer of 1957. Alachua High School was torn down in the 1960s.

The Alachua High School building was torn down in the 1960s. Postcard courtesy of the Matheson History Museum.

THE MARGARET TEBEAU SCHOOL

Corner of S Main Street and SW 2nd Avenue, Gainesville

Miss Tebeau’s Boarding and Day School opened in 1873 on the corner of S Main Street and SW 2nd Avenue, where the Alachua County Criminal Courthouse is today. Margaret Tebeau, a native of Staunton, Virginia, moved to Gainesville with her mother, Elizabeth, and Aunt Anna in 1867. Anna first opened a private school but closed it after she married James T. Thomas. In the meantime, Margaret had moved to Fernandina to teach but returned to Gainesville to care for her mother.

Margaret bought the Thomas house on the corner of S Main Street and SW 2nd Avenue and opened her school. She allowed only female boarders, but boys and girls were enrolled in the day school. In 1908, the Protestant Episcopal Church Diocese of Florida recognized it as the official diocesan school for girls.

Mar garet passed away in September 1924 and was buried in Evergreen Cemetery. Sarah Alice Thomas, the stepdaughter of Margaret’s Aunt Anna, took over as principal. Unfortunately, she had to close it in 1936 when she became ill. The buildings were razed in the 1950s.

Many more former Alachua County schools are held dear by their alumni today – Douglass High School, A. L. Mebane High School, etc. – or have been resigned solely to history – East Florida Seminary, Union Academy, etc. – but their legacy will always be a part of our collective history.

ALACHUA

COUNTY

THEATRE

First 50 Years

STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY VICTORIA VARGAS

Richard Gartee has been to every production put on by The Hippodrome Theatre since 1977. It makes sense that he’s the one who wrote the book covering the complete 50-year history of the theater company, titled “The Hippodrome Theatre First 50 Years.”

HOW IT CAME TOGETHER

Already an accomplished and award-winning author, the book is a passion project for Gartee, who typically writes novels and technical textbooks. “If we don’t capture this information now, it will be lost forever,” Gartee recalled saying to The Hippodrome’s former artistic director Lauren Caldwell about why he felt compelled to write this book toward the end of 2018. “Building a work like this allows a wider spread of people to learn what the city is about through probably its most important cultural icon,” he said.

The book took several years to produce and includes

details from each of the 440 productions put on by the theatre company since its beginnings in the 70s. Each play featured includes a story summary, a list of cast members, recollections from key players in the production, and original photos that Bartee recovered alongside many photographers who captured them, like Randy Batista.

“ This place here [The Hippodrome Theatre] made downtown what it is today,” Batista said.

The book is full of riveting details and anecdotes straight from the mouths of those who were there when it happened. Gartee said he interviewed about 30 original actors and directors, including four of the five founders of The Hippodrome Theatre. He said one of his favorite parts about writing the book was hearing what was important to them and their personal stories. The Hippodrome is a professional theatre employing full-time staff and working

THE HIPPODROME

actors nationwide. “All of the people who work here and have worked here throughout time are all people who this was their life. This was what they did every day,” Gartee said.

Telling the stories of over one thousand actors is a challenging task by any means. The book may seem like a lot to take in, with almost 500 pages stocked full of engaging text and images, but rest assured, Gartee and his team gave each play its due diligence. On July 21, Gartee and several of the original photographers of The Hippodrome Theatre’s productions, including Randy Batista, Michael Eaddy, and Gary Wolfson, gathered in The Hipp’s Lower Level, AKA the Basement, to give insight into the photo selection process for the book.

“ Working at The Hippodrome was always a special moment,” Wolfson said.

The inclusion of original restored images from the theatre company’s 50-year history added over 100 pages to the book, Gartee said. Selecting the photos that went into the book was treated with utmost importance and care. While he was fortunate enough to have the original film negatives for many shows, thanks to photographers like Batista, Eaddy, and Wolfson, some photos weren’t easy. Gartee said he spent almost two and half days of work to find and restore images featured in newspapers, and he even restored photos just from contact sheets, pieces of

photographic paper that have small thumbnail versions of all the images in a roll of film.

Gartee said he wanted each photo to tell the stories in the book further and made it a goal to have at least one image for every production featured.

Gartee recalled one of his favorite productions at The Hipp, “Equus.” A photo from the production is even featured on the back cover of the book. “It changed the theatre dramatically,” Gartee said. “Equus really raised the bar. It was such excellent theatre that everybody who came to it expected that the rest of the plays would be like that.”

Th e Hippodrome Theatre’s repertoire is vast and acclaimed, with feats and features that many other local theatres never see. The production of “Lips Together, Teeth

in your own back yard!

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The book is full of riveting details and anecdotes straight from the mouths of those who were there when it happened. Gartee said he interviewed about 30 original actors and directors, including four of the five founders of The Hippodrome Theatre.

Apart” saw the construction of almost a whole house and an actual swimming pool on the stage. Renowned playwright Tennessee Williams even journeyed to see the production of his play “Tiger Tail.”

The book is a historical document of a pillar in the Gainesville arts culture and an excellent addition to any theatre buff’s collection. Anyone wanting to learn about Gainesville history can enjoy the contents found in “The Hippodrome Theatre First 50 Years.” It follows the theatre company from its first days in an old plumbing warehouse on Hawthorne Road throughout its transition into the historic Federal Building downtown, where it still resides today, which you can tour. One review by Gainesville native Illene Silverman said, “Enthralling. I felt like I was there for every performance.”

You can purchase “The Hippodrome Theatre First 50 Years” in town at the Matheson History Museum, 513 E University Ave; Book Gallery West, 4121 NW 16 Blvd; and Ilene’s Gator Store, Thornebrook Village, 2441 NW 43 St., or online on Amazon.

(left to right) Randy Batista, Michael Eaddy, Richard Gartee and Gary Wolfson stand together with Gartee’s new book covering the history of The Hippodrome Theatre. Batista, Eaddy, and Wolfson are the photographers of the images in the book.

Naked Salsa

BY CRYSTAL SMITH

A YEAR OF DISCOVERY

If anyone is curious about what it’s like to be divorced, today would have been my 19th wedding anniversary, and I’m celebrating in the emergency room. Exactly one week ago I celebrated the one year anniversary of my divorce hearing. I got in a car wreck yesterday that totaled my new car. And I’ve truly never been happier in my whole life. My divorce was finalized the day before my birthday, so as the big day approached I knew I had to celebrate. But one of my best friends moved to North Carolina last summer and my other best friend moved to New York a few weeks ago. So I knew I’d be planning my own birthday/ divorce-aversary celebration.

My youngest daughter was going to visit her dad, but my oldest got kicked out of his house because she posted an Instagram meme that said “My step-grandma low key bad.” My ex doesn’t speak Gen Z, and he also thought she was talking about his new wife’s mother. There’s too much to unpack there.

A friend had offered for my Instagrammer to spend the weekend with her, so with the kids taken care of I booked a trip to Cancun.

Woe is the life of a divorced woman — booking my own vacations. Sleeping alone, sprawled out in a quiet, cool bed where the only snoring I hear is the soft occasional whistle from my dog’s nose. Washing only my dishes and underwear. Asking only myself what I want for dinner.

Before I left my marriage I’d been so afraid of what my life might look like without a husband. I’d been conditioned from birth to think I needed one, so I couldn’t fathom what life might be just out in the world as a spinster. ed on my own before I was married, but the idea was that it was only a temporary holding pattern before I got line at the end of the rose-covered aisle.

’d seen single women claim to be happy, but I stupidly thought, “Oh look at that brave soldier. She’s trying to convince herself as much as she’s trying to convince us that she’s happy. But she’s clearly

so lonely and sad. Good for her, making the best of things until her prince comes along.”

W hat a jackass.

I was infinitely more lonely and sad in my marriage than I have been as a divorcee. When I need my oil changed, I take it to a man who does it immediately, and the only thing he wants from me afterward is my credit card. When I miss washing someone’s underwear, my kids are always there to help.

Really the only moments of sadness I’ve had as a divorced woman are the ones where I look back at my married life and wonder why and how I stayed so long.

I’ll admit I had to relearn what it was to be an adult after I left. My husband had taken over so many responsibilities like paying bills, maintaining the cars, umm…I’m sure there’s more?

But i t was almost like riding a bike. I figured out how to get my own car insurance, which was great since I have to make a claim today. I figured out how to get renter’s insurance, which was great since my apartment flooded on Christmas Eve.

I figured out all the little things I ’d forgotten how to do on my own, and with each new skill unlocked I also figured out how good it feels to be my own person.

I discovered how capable I am, and how resourceful I can be. I also discovered that I like my own company, and that being alone doesn’t have to mean you’re lonely.

After I left I got on the dating apps, mostly out of curiosity. I was pretty convinced there wasn’t a market for a divorced mother of two in her late 30s. But I soon discovered that particular market is on fire.

Everyone’s 20-something son, 50 something dad and every man in between was swiping for his life out there. I had over 200 matches on my profile wi thin the first 10 minutes, and I howled laughing with my married girlfriends as we looked through the pickin’s.

It was fun to swipe through the online shop and add to cart, but I knew I had no intention of buying a single thing these men were selling.

CRYSTAL SMITH 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

I figured out all the little things I’d forgotten how to do on my own, and with each new skill unlocked I also figured out how good it feels to be my own person.

I have claimed a peace I’ve never known. I have fallen in love for the first time in my life, and it would take someone really incredible for me to even consider leaving this relationship with me. It’s not that I don’t believe in happy couples — I know several. But I now know there’s no love like self love.

Cancun was incredible and peaceful. Then on the way home from the airport someone’s husband ran a stop sign and just about ruined the fried chicken dinner I had in my passenger seat.

While we waited for the police, his wife and I exchanged looks on the side of the road. It looked like they’d been arguing, and if I had to guess she’d thrown her hand across his chest screaming for him to slow down before our cars collided.

That poor woman. She scowled at her husband from the side of the road, but I’m sure she’ll make the best of that situation. Brave soldier, standing by her prince. I said a little prayer for her while I ate my chicken.

Charity of the Month

CONGRATULATIONS

CHARITY OF THE MONTH WINNER

June 2023 Winner

BEAUTY’S HAVEN FARM & EQUINE RESCUE, INC.

Beauty’s Haven is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization located near Ocala in Central Florida. They are dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming horses that have been neglected, abused, and/or abandoned, and provide permanent sanctuary for some with special needs. They aim to give horses a second chance at a life without pain or worry, a life with dignity and respect.

They are also passionate about educating the public on proper horse care, welfare issues such as horse slaughter, and the steps to take when encountering cases of cruelty or neglect. They try to get youth involved as they are the horse owners of tomorrow. Beauty’s Haven believes that awareness and education are paramount in helping our equine friends.

To nominate a charity or to vote for your favorite nominee visit:

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

April 2023 Recipient

Summers Elementary School

Congratulations to Summers Elementary School, our April School of the Month!

We LOVE giving schools the power to shine.

Our Lake City Branch Manager Jarodanne Rentz presented Principal Robert Cooper and Vice Principal Brandi Keen with this check for $1,000 to help the school accomplish its mission.

Giving back to our community isn’t just a part of our mission – it gives us joy.

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

386-462-1294

It began as a dream. We envisioned a place where families could sit back and relax after a long day’s work. A place where you could talk, crack a few peanuts and soak up some old-time atmosphere. A place that reflected the warmth and friendliness of downtown beautiful Alachua, Florida. That dream became Conestogas Restaurant.

Now, since September 1988, Conestogas has become an area tradition. We take pride in giving customers exactly what they want. Delicious hand-cut steaks grilled to perfection, fresh seafood, mouth-watering desserts, plus courteous service and a friendly smile - it’s what you can expect at Conestogas.

Reservations are never required, so y’all come on in, relax a spell, enjoy some true Southern Hospitality...and help yourself to the peanuts!

- Rick, Donna, Alex, Dixie, Melissa, Bevin and the Crew of Conestogas

FLMNH’S ALL THINGS BEAUTIFUL

Essay by Kristen Grace

of

the Florida Museum

ARTIST’S STATEMENT:

Kristen Grace is an award-winning photographer/videographer and Digital Asset Manager for the Florida Museum of Natural History in Gainesville, FL. She specializes in science communication through visual storytelling and is honored to have been a part of the incredibly talented team that worked on All Things Beautiful. She would especially like to congratulate Hollis Wooley for her award-winning design, Heather Dewar for her literary craft, and Beverly Sensbach for her guiding vision. This project, as Heather puts it, is a love letter to the museum. Each image was crafted with a focus on highlighting the important stories museum collections, and the people behind them, must tell to “inspire people to care about life on Earth.”

Photo

The book can be purchased online from the University Press of Florida (upf.com/book) or from the museum gift shop in Powell Hall (floridamuseum.ufl.edu/shops/collectors/).

Prepona butterfly species

The spectacular colors of Preponini have led collectors to yearn for them and scientists to study them. There are more than 25 Preponini species, a tribe of tropical forest butterflies ranging from Mexico to Argentina.

Albert the alligator

Seven alligators named Albert were UF mascots between the 1950s and the 1970s. This impressive skull belonged to the last Albert—a male, 12 feet long. In 1975 he had surgery at the College of Veterinary Medicine; he died of an unknown cause.

South Pacific squat lobsters

Smaller than a pinky fingernail, this South Pacific squat lobster was found on a 2006 expedition to Moorea, off Tahiti. Squat lobster species inhabit the world’s oceans; in life they are very colorful lobsters, decked out like miniature clowns in stripes and polka dots.

Prickly pear cactus blossom

Prickly pear cactus is common in the desert Southwest. Coyotes and rabbits feed on prickly pear cactus’ waterfilled stems and fruit. For thousands of years people have also eaten them and made them into beer, wine, syrup, and medicines.

Florida false rosemary

Six of the world’s seven Conradina species are endangered or threatened. Two of them grow only a few dozen miles from Gainesville, in Putnam County’s white sand pinelands, and are globally endangered. They are perennial shrubs in the mint family with bright, showy flowers.

Cone shells

These beautiful predators make venoms that have become a boon to human medicine, with toxins that are finding medical uses as pain blockers, some of which can be 100 times as effective as morphine. Some people have died from cone shell stings, but it’s uncommon.

Guard crab and crown of thorns (preserved specimens)

The crown of thorns sea star is a predator of Indian and Pacific Ocean corals that can devastate reefs. Guard crabs can stop it; these tiny crabs are about an inch in size and they pinch the underside of the star to drive it away.

Queen Victoria’s water lily

This ‘Longwood hybrid’ is from Kanapaha Botanical Gardens in Gainesville. The world’s largest water lily’s leaves can grow to more than 6 feet in diameter. The undersides have prickles to discourage fish and manatees from eating them, and its beautiful flowers bloom by night.

Resplendent quetzals

With tail feathers 3 feet long and iridescent green plumage that shimmers gold, blue, and violet in the shade of the tropical rainforest, the resplendent quetzal has been called the most beautiful bird in the world. Today the quetzal ranges from southern Mexico to Panama.

Strawberry urchin

On Guam in the 1990s, shell collector and diver Harry Conley explored the coral rubble piled at a reef base to find marvels like this strawberry urchin. Little is known about the animal, and only a handful of museums have it in their collections.

JOIN US AT TIOGA TOWN CENTER!

There's so much to look forward to this year and beyond! Save the dates and join us for all our festive upcoming events, including the biggest and most magical Light Up Tioga event ever! Stop by our amazing shops to find the perfect gift, create memories together with friends and family at our amazing bars and restaurants, and enjoy everything the rest of this year brings! We hope to see you real soon!

Upcoming Events:

des·ti·na·tion noun

The place to which someone or something is going or being sent.

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