http://www.visitourtowns.com/issues/hsala/OTHS-Autumn2010

ROSE GARDENS | SCHOOL INFORMATION | RIVER FEST & MORE!

Autumn 2010

Greener Pastures Mill Creek Horse Retirement Farm in Alachua is Great for Horses and Families Alike

Wes Skiles Saying Goodbye to a Local Legend

Flying with Angels Giving a Lift to Patients in Need

Spook-tastic Trace the history of Halloween through the ages

Safe Haven Eye of the Eagle Wildlife Sanctuary

The real winners here are

our patients.

North Florida Regional Medical Center ranks in the Top 10% in the Nation for General Surgery.

When Kinnon Thomas and Pat Klaus needed surgery, they chose North Florida Regional.

Each year, thousands of other surgery patients do the same. What they receive is award winning care. We’re proud of this because it means we’re making a difference in people’s lives. As Gainesville’s only community hospital, it means everyone in the area who needs surgery is a winner, just like Pat and Kinnon.

And that is the biggest reward of all. š Jef '& _d j^[ DWj_ed \eh =[d[hWb Ikh][ho š H[Y_f_[dj e\ =[d[hWb Ikh][ho ;nY[bb[dY[ Award™ for 4 consecutive years š HWda[Z 8[ij _d j^[ =W_d[il_bb[ H[]_ed \eh =[d[hWb Ikh][ho _d (&'& Log on to www.NFRMC.com to learn more eh YWbb .&&#,''#,/') \eh W f^oi_Y_Wd h[\[hhWb$ *Region is Gainesville, FL of CBSA/ Division as deďŹ ned by the federal government’s OfďŹ ce of Management and Budget

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You Have a Choice for your child’s education.

Alachua Learning Center Elementary and Middle School located just north of the town of Alachua on State road 235, serves students from all parts of Alachua and neighboring counties.

Charter Schools are part of the Florida Alternative System of Public School Choice and charge no tuition.

While having the benefits of a “small-school” environment the Alachua Learning Center provides a challenging and fulfilling academic, cultural, and physical educational program for students from kindergarten to eighth grade.

6 | Autumn 2010

The Alachua Learning Center has consistently been rated an “A” school by the State of Florida. We provide a comparatively low student class size and a high teacherto-student ratio. Although we do not “teach to the test”, we regularly score very high on State of Florida FCAT writing, reading, math and science testing.

Nick Jr. Magazine rated the N Alachua Learning Center breakfast and lunch program among the “Top Ten” School Cafeterias for healthy diet. Our varied physical education curriculum includes on-campus rock climbing and subscribes to the “President’s Fitness Program”.

The Alachua Learning Center offers inspiring classes on a variety of subjects: Science, Social Studies, Language Arts, Math, P.E. Sports, Rock Climbing, Drama, Music, Clay Sculpting, Computer Graphics, individual Student Book Publishing (writing, design, illustrating), Drawing, Painting, Crafts, Community Service Display Projects, and exciting Field Trips Many other features of our school can be experienced on our internet web-site, alachualearningcenter.com., or call us at 386-418-2080 for more information.

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2010 | 9 T H O R N E B R O O Kwww.VisitOurTowns.com VILL AGE • G A I N E S V I L LAutumn E

CONTENTS SUMMER 2010 • VOL. 08 ISSUE 03

>> FEATURES 20

24

For the Beauty of a Rose

54

A Look into Alachua’s Hope for the Future

BY JESSICA CHAPMAN

BY TARA MASSAGEE-STANLEY

Ghosts and Spirits

58

Nearby Haunted Inns Offer Guests an Opportunity for the Unforgettable

BY JESSICA CHAPMAN AND NICOLE GREINER

32

BY ALBERT ISAAC

Tracing Halloween Through the Ages A Spook-tastic History

BY MARY KYPREOS

10 | Autumn 2010

Nations Ballpark Huge Complex Could Be Operating By Spring

BY CHRIS WILSON

68

Equine Sanctuary Mill Creek Horse Retirement Farm

Haunted Inn(terview) Our Writers Discuss Their Assignment to Document Things that Go Bump in the Night

44

Project Legacy

The Garden that Never Stops Blooming

BY NICOLE LYNN GREINER

94

Uniformity - With Flair!

Transition to School Uniforms Need Not Sacrifice Style or Money

BY JANICE C. KAPLAN

105 Nick West Local Author Publishes Book Detailing Family, Circus Life

BY CHRIS WILSON

ON THE COVER

PHOTO BY TJ MORRISSEY / LOTUS STUDIOS

For the cover shot of this edition of the High Springs & Alachua Magazine, photographer T.J. Morrissey brought his children to Alachua for a visit to the Mill Creek Horse Retirement Farm. In this photo, his son Zachary, 6, feeds one of the many horses at the farm that were either seized by law enforcement, rescued by the SPCA or Humane Societies, or retired from government service.

>> GIVING BACK

50

Flying with Angels

By Jessica Chapman

Giving a Lift to Patients in Need

Flying with Angels For patients unable to travel, Angel Flights comes to the rescue.

Volunteers for this national organization donate their time and resources to transport patients across the state or across the country.

BY JESSICA CHAPMAN

T

he small plane taxies down the runway at the Gainesville Regional Airport. It is off to Miami or Pensacola or Georgia or South Carolina — or anywhere else someone needs a way to the hospital.

Angel Flights is a national airline service for patients who need to travel long distances for hospital treatment. Patients often use the service because they are unable to drive. Dr. Peter Roode and Joe Meert are two local pilots who fly together for Angel Flights.

Angel Flights, however, is not a typical airport-style service. The pilots are all volunteers and most have other jobs. Although Roode is a retired surgeon, Meert is a geology professor at the University

of Florida. He fits flying in-between teaching and research.

Roode said while patients come to ShandsUF for medical reasons, some have added family incentive.

Because she wanted to be close to her mother, a woman from Pensacola drove herself to Shands for cancer treatment. When she started chemotherapy she became too sick to drive. Angel Flights then began taking her back and forth.

Roode and Meert said they fly a variety of patients — not just cancer patients. The two fly children, veterans, organ transplant recipients and others who need treatment at a hospital away from their home.

Some patients climb in and fall asleep continued on page 52

PHOTOS BY TJ MORRISSEY AT LOTUS STUDIOS

Pilots Dr. Peter Roode and Joe Meert at the Gainesville Regional Airport.

Both are volunteers with Angel Flights, a national organization dedicated to providing transportation for patients in need, ranging from young children with burn injuries to organ recipients in need of a trip to the hospital for transplants.

www.VisitOurTowns.com

50 | Autumn 2010

Autumn 2010 | 51

>> WORLD REKNOWNED

98

Wes Skiles

By Albert Isaac

In Memoriam In July, our fragile rivers and springs lost an untiring advocate when Wes Skiles passed away. This Florida boy became a pioneer in underwater cave exploration and filmmaking. With stunning photography and breathtaking documentaries, Wes’ films showed to the world places never before seen by anyone.

High Springs and the World Say Goodbye to a Local Legend

BY ALBERT ISAAC

U

nder a storm-threatened sky, on July 28, a steady stream of motor vehicles flowed into Ginnie Springs Park.

A feast fit for a king adorned the tables, set up to feed the many people who had gathered. Nearby, under cover, a slideshow projected family photos and images of rivers, springs — and cave divers.

Visitors, however, were not there to merely enjoy all the park has to offer; most were there to celebrate the life and times of internationally acclaimed cave diver Wesley Cofer Skiles, conservationist, filmmaker, adventurer.

Wes Skiles, 52, passed away on July 21 while diving off Boynton Beach during a shooting assignment.

The news of his death traveled quickly. Within a week a memorial service was planned, executed and attended by an estimated 1,000 people.

At Ginnie, a stage was setup for friends and family to share their love and memories of the man, while his wife Terri, son Nathan and daughter Tessa listened with quiet dignity.

The clouds gathered. The rain began to fall.

“Wes wants us to get wet,” someone said. An abundance of umbrellas popped open. continued on page 100 Pastor Denny Heiberg

PHOTO COURTESY OF TERRI SKILES ABOVE: The Skiles family, Terri, Tessa, Wes and Nathan, during a recent trip to the

Bahamas where Wes was filming a documentary.

PHOTO BY JOHN MORAN OPPOSITE: Wes Skiles diving in Ginnie springs in 2001, as he was preparing to depart for

Antarctica on assignment for National Geographic.

98 | Autumn 2010

Autumn 2010 | 99

>> FUN FOR FALL

McDonough added. “The vendors downtown will be sharing their information, and the Pedal Paddle Challenge will be the main sportstype event.”

At the time of this interview, the details of band locations were being worked out; there will be music, either by the James Paul Park (sinkhole behind city hall) or by the railroad tracks in front of the Music Junction where the city has set up bleachers.

Festivities begin Thursday, Sept.

126

30, with promotional events geared to children’s activities. Then Fantastic Friday will kick off the festival.

The High Springs River Fest is being planned to work in conjunction

By Albert Isaac

with many other events in the High Springs area. Poe Springs Park will be hosting musical performances and outdoor activities as well as providing shuttle buses to and from the activi-

Inaugural River Fest!

ties around High Springs.

“We are having all these events in coordination, so it will be that much better,” McDonough said. “O’Leno State Park is doing its old time dance

Organized by the High Springs Main Street Program and with the help of volunteers, this area-wide event will offer a variety of activities including music, educational booths, and the Pedal Paddle Challenge on the Santa Fe River.

on Friday and Saturday nights, at the park. And Camp Kulaqua is opening up the zoo and nature center to the public on Sunday.”

According to the festival’s

PHOTO COURTESY OF TOM HEWLETT

Linda Laird of the Yellow Bellied Sliders Bicycle Society paddles the Santa Fe River.

River Retreat High Springs Hosts Inagural River Festival

BY ALBERT ISAAC

M

making,” said Main Street Manager Ashley McDonough during a recent

Barrows said. “We hope to have 10 bands, and the lead band will hope-

are all on the menu as High Springs hosts its inaugural River

usic. Bicycling. Paddling, and ecological education

interview in the Music Junction.

Leon Barrows, who owns and

fully be Bluegrass.”

There are plans to have a wide

Festival.

Set to coincide with the High Springs Fall Festival in October, the River Festival strives to offer something for everyone.

operates the Music Junction with his wife Joanne, is in charge of the musical acts. He will be setting up all of the musical equipment and coordinating the bands.

variety of music, ranging from country to rock ‘n’ roll.

“We’ve been contacted by bands from all over the country,” Barrows said.

“This event is 11 months in the

“I have four bands right now,”

126 | Autumn 2010

“The concerts will be huge,”

website: “Additionally, there will be nature and water excursions at natural spring locations in Alachua, Gilchrist and Columbia counties over the course of three days. In historic downtown High Springs, there will be live music, shops open late, as well as food vendors and environmental organizations with educational displays throughout the event.”

The local Yellow Bellied Sliders bicycle group is having its first River Rise Pedal Paddle Challenge on Saturday, Oct. 2. This event is a group ride through a series of challenging trails in O’Leno State Park and River Rise State Preserve, followed by a paddle trip up the Santa Fe River to River Rise, where the river emerges from its threemile underground journey.

“We expect 150 to 200 people

for the Pedal Paddle Challenge,” McDonough said. “A lot of people are already signed up. The Yellow Bellied Sliders are hosting this event with the majority of the proceeds going to

Schedule of Events FRIDAY, OCTOBER 1ST

the Main Street Program.”

Additionally, the High Springs Main Street Program will be hosting

9:30 am

Cootie Coo Craziness Begins

5:00 pm

Fantastic Friday

a Roll Your Boat Race downtown, as well as a feature presentation

6:00 pm

Springs documentary downtown - Jill Heinerth

7:00 pm

Old Time Dance event at O’Leno State Park

by world-renown cave diver and photographer Jill Heinerth.

McDonough said Cootie Coo Creations will be coordinating scrapbooking activities around the River Fest, all weekend.

“While the husbands are doing the Pedal Paddle the wives can go to Cootie Coo Creations and make scrapbooks,” she said with a laugh.

A lot of effort goes into planning and executing such an event.

Currently, about 70 volunteers are donating their time and energy to the High Springs River Fest, and Barrows said they could always use more help.

“We put a lot of work into this,” Barrows said. “It’s for the public. That’s why we are doing it. It would be really a blessing if people come down and enjoy the free entertainment.”

“This area is so rich in music and the arts, we want to incorporate the natural beauty with all the cultural uniqueness that is here, too,” McDonough said. “That is our biggest draw, the sports and water activities and the music and arts and all those things that are available downtown.”

While the festival itself may be new, the concept may not be.

McDonough said she had heard that 15 to 20 years ago there was talk of a High Springs River Festival on a smaller scale.

“So we are finally trying to make it happen,” McDonough said. “And it’s definitely something we’d like to see for years to come. We want this to be

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 2ND 9am-4pm

Peddle/Paddle

10am-4pm

Fall Festival events

10am-4pm

“Sink to Springs” - James Paul Park, Conservation Information and Nature Trip Scheduling Booths

12am-8pm

All Day Concert Poe Springs

6:00 pm

Springs documentary downtown - Jill Heinerth

7:00 pm

Old Time Dance event - O’Leno State Park

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 3RD 9:00 am

Cowboy Church Camp Kulaqua

10:00 am

Zoo & Nature Center open to the public - Camp Kulaqua

1pm-3pm

Springs-Themed Sidewalk Chalk Art Contest - High Springs Art Co-op

12pm-5pm

Sidewalk Sale

Musical Lineup SATURDAY, OCTOBER 2ND Noon-1pm

River Junction

here, so 25 years from now people know to come to the High Springs River Fest.” s

1pm-2pm 2pm-3pm

Foggy Creek Band

For more information about how to become a sponsor contact the Main Street Manager at 386-454-2889 or e-mail manager@ highspringsmainstreet.com

3pm- 4pm

Amos Neo

4pm - 5pm

Up The Creek

www.VisitOurTowns.com

Velveeta Underground

Autumn 2010 | 127

The articles printed in Our Town Magazine™ do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Tower Publications, Inc. or their editorial staff. Our Town Magazine endeavors to accept reliable advertising; however, we can not be held responsible by the public for advertising claims. Our Town Magazine reserves the right to refuse or discontinue any advertisement. All rights reserved. © 2010 Tower Publications, Inc.

www.VisitOurTowns.com

Autumn 2010 | 11

>> FEATURES 112

Adam Joy Alachua’s Police Officer of the Year

www.towerpublications.com

BY ELIZABETH BEHRMAN

114

Published quarterly by Tower Publications, Inc.

Safe Haven Eye of the Eagle Wildlife Sanctuary

BY TARA MASSAGEE-STANLEY

122 Letters from Home Alachua County Supports Our Troops

BY JESSICA CHAPMAN

130 All in the Family A Reunion, Centuries in the Making

PUBLISHER Charlie Delatorre charlie@towerpublications.com EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Albert Isaac editor@towerpublications.com fax: 1-800-967-7382 OFFICE MANAGER Bonita Delatorre bonita@towerpublications.com

BY NICOLE LYNN GREINER

134 A Traditional Thanksgiving...?

A Second Look at the Beloved American Holiday

BY JANICE C. KAPLAN

138 Our Town Almanac Autumn in North Florida

BY DEBBIE M. DELOACH

140 Regina Reforged High Springs Pawn and Jewelry Opens

BY LARRY BEHNKE

148 A New Face in Newberry Newberry High School Welcomes its New Principal

BY CRYSTAL HENRY

Crystal Henry ............................................................ NAKED SALSA Albert Isaac ................................................................ DIFFERENT NOTE Kendra Siler-Marsiglio ..................................... HEALTHY EDGE Donna Bonnell ......................................................... EMBRACING LIFE Diane E. Shepard .................................................. MAMA MUSINGS

Gator Sports Schedule High School Sports Community Calendar Back to School Info Alachua County 2010 School Calendar

12 | Autumn 2010

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Larry Behnke Elizabeth Behrman Jessica Chapman Debbie M. DeLoach Nicole Lynn Greiner Crystal Henry Janice Kaplan Mary Kypreos Tara Massagee-Stanley Chris Wilson

ADVERTISING SALES Jenni Bennett 352-416-0210 jenni@towerpublications.com Amanda Skadhauge 352-416-0196 amanda@towerpublications.com Pam Slaven 352-416-0213 pam@towerpublications.com Helen Stalnaker 352-416-0209 helen@towerpublications.com Kayla Stump 352-416-0212 jenny@towerpublications.com

INFORMATION 41 76 82 90 92

SENIOR DESIGNER Tom Reno tom@towerpublications.com

INTERN Jessica Chapman

COLUMNISTS 36 62 118 144 150

ART DIRECTOR Hank McAfee hank@towerpublications.com

110 128 136 164

Fall Festivals Worship Centers Library Happenings Advertiser Index

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

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

When you visit Tioga Town Center, you’ll get the freshest local grouper, a pound of crab claws,

…and Lee. Sure, the picturesque storefronts, coffee shop, boutiques, restaurants, postal center, wine bar, world-class fitness center and bakery, make Tioga Town Center a prime shopping destination.

But it’s more than that here— It’s the people who make Tioga Town Center an experience like no other in Gainesville.

People like Lee Deaderick and his staff at Northwest Seafood, who pride themselves on offering the freshest local seafood, that will make Tioga Town Center your favorite place to visit.

So come on out! Take a stroll around and talk to the people who will make Tioga Town Center your favorite destination in town.

SW 128th Street & W. Newberry Rd. Tioga, Florida 32669

www.VisitOurTowns.com

352.331.4000 www.TiogaTownCenter.com Autumn 2010 | 13

PHOTO BY TREVOR ISAAC

MESSAGE >> FROM THE EDITOR

I hope all of you had a wonderful summer. We did, and boy did it go by fast.

Like most two-income families, we kept busy with our careers, but in August we did manage to get away from it all for a weeklong vacation to the mountains. Who’d a thought Gatlinburg would have a heat index of 110? Certainly not us. What a surprise. Hottest it’s been in 10 years, they say. I do believe it was cooler in High Springs.

But we made the best of it and scheduled our nature hikes during the cooler parts of the day. And North Carolina provided a welcome respite from the sweltering summer.

So we went there... twice!

However, it’s always nice to be back home and — believe it or not — back at work. I left the mountains and returned to a mountain of paperwork, but it is certainly worth the effort. All of us here at Tower have been working diligently to put this magazine together and we think you will enjoy it.

In this edition, we strive to offer you a wide variety of stories, ranging

14 | Autumn 2010

from haunted inns to the history of Halloween; from Angel Flights to Angel Gardens; from Newberry’s Nation’s Ballpark to Alachua’s Project Legacy; from the familiar fall festivals to the inaugural River Festival in High Springs.

Did you know there are lions and tigers in Jonesville? Tara Massagee-Stanley recently met with veterinarian Dawn Miller, who owns and operates the Eye of the Eagle Wildlife Sanctuary.

Jonesville has lions, and Alachua has the Mill Creek Horse Retirement Farm. Nicole Greiner visited with Peter Gregory, who has owned and operated this horse sanctuary with his wife — and the generous help of volunteers — for more than a quarter century.

In this edition, we also bid a sad farewell to Wes Skiles, a friend and longtime supporter of the Our Town Family of Magazines. As many of you know, Wes passed away while diving off the east coast of Florida.

For many years, Wes has provided his outstanding photography for us to use on the cover of the summer edition of our magazine. Terri

Skiles was gracious enough to meet with me to talk about her beloved husband.

I met Wes several years ago, while writing a story about the aquifer. We talked on the phone as Wes was traveling back from shooting his “Water’s Journey” series in the Everglades. Wes was a fountain of knowledge and gave me a quick education on Florida’s karst topography.

Wes was an adventurer who always had interesting stories to tell. Last year, while I was visiting with him and his wife Terri to look through photos to run on the cover, he pointed to a damaged wetsuit.

Seems he’d been spear fishing when a Goliath Grouper decided to swallow his arm. With a laugh he described the percussive blast as the giant fish spit him out.

Wes Skiles was a force of nature, and he will be greatly missed by many, but his legacy will live on. s

PHOTO BY TREVOR ISAAC

When you visit Tioga Town Center, you’ll get the hottest new style, the perfect outfit,

…and Jason.

Sure, the picturesque storefronts, coffee shop, boutiques, restaurants, postal center, wine bar, world-class fitness center and bakery, make Tioga Town Center a prime shopping destination.

But it’s more than that here— It’s the people who make Tioga Town Center an experience like no other in Gainesville. People like Jason Moses and his staff at Vela Clothing Co., who will gladly hold that perfect dress for Friday night, that will make Tioga Town Center your favorite place to visit.

So come on out! Take a stroll around and talk to the people who will make Tioga Town Center your favorite destination in town.

SW 128th Street & W. Newberry Rd. Tioga, Florida 32669

352.331.4000 www.VisitOurTowns.com www.TiogaTownCenter.com

Autumn 2010 | 15

STAFF >> CONTRIBUTORS Janice Kaplan

Nicole Greiner

has been a freelance writer for five years. In her spare time Janice loves cooking, Gator sports, Jimmy Buffett anything and spending time with her husband and kids.

is a freelance writer and sophomore at UF’s College of Journalism. She loves hanging out with friends, watching football and reading. She hopes to work for the National Football League one day.

kaplan_ janice@yahoo.com

journ1453@ufl.edu

Jessica Chapman

Debbie M. DeLoach, Ph.D.

is a student in UF’s College of Journalism and Communications. When she’s not writing, she enjoys volunteering, playing the piano and reading.

is a freelance writer and garden consultant living in Gainesville. She also enjoys volunteering as an Alachua County Master Gardener and as a member of the Florida Native Plant Society.

jessicalorriane@gmail.com

drdebbied@gmail.com

Chris Wilson

Mary Kypreos

has been a professional editor and writer for community publications in Gainesville and Tampa for more than 10 years.

He also has a passion for history and sports. Chris and his family live in Newberry.

is a freelance writer and editor fresh out of the University of Florida.

She enjoys discovering tidbits of knowledge about Alachua County from those who know it best.

cwilson5000@msn.com

kypreos.mary@gmail.com

Crystal Henry

Elizabeth Behrman

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.

is a freelance writer and student in UF’s College of Journalism. She is a member of Phi Mu Fraternity. She loves to read, write, watch movies and spend time with friends. liz.behrman@gmail.com

ces03k@gmail.com

Tara Massagee Stanley

Donna Bonnell

is a freelance writer and journalism senior with aspirations of becoming a lawyer. She enjoys spending quality time with her family and friends.

moved to Newberry from Miami in 1983. As a freelance writer, she shares personal stories in her column, Embracing Life. Donna’s passion is to inspire readers to enjoy each day to their fullest.

t.massagee.stanley@gmail.com

donna@towerpublications.com

Larry Behnke

Diane Shepard

is an artist, writer, photographer and a graduate of the University of Michigan in cinematography and painting. He has used solar electricity since 1984 and lives in a dome home.

is a writer and Mama to two young children. Her next work in progress is a memoir “Keeping Time with Turtles.”

larry@towerpublications.com

16 | Autumn 2010

diane@towerpublications.com

Call us before October 1st for a free 8x10 with Family or Holiday Portraits

Families

352-332-1484

Live colorfully‌

lotusphotostudios.com17

www.VisitOurTowns.com

Autumn 2010 |

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Built for times like these, built for you! student to lessons in financial independence for the high schooler, children and young adults have plenty to learn, and SunState wants to help.

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20 | Autumn 2010

PHOTO BY JESSICA CHAPMAN

>> GARDENING

For the Beauty of a Rose The Garden that Never Stops Blooming

BY JESSICA CHAPMAN rs. B.R. Cant is full, cupped and scented.

Lady Banks is a small, pale rambler. Martha Gonzalez is a handsome scarlet. Louis Philippe is large and double cupped, and Knock Out is an eye-catching cherry red. Crazy Dottie, American Beauty and Heaven on Earth are somewhere in the group too.

The list of roses, of course, could go on and on. Angel Gardens, owned by Pam Greenwald, features 1,000 varieties of roses, including old garden roses that were introduced before 1867 and modern roses, introduced after 1867.

Greenwald said Angel Gardens is one of the only local places to find Old Garden Roses, also known as antique roses. Although a few specialty shops have antique roses, only modern roses are available commercially, in nurseries and

PHOTO BY JESSICA CHAPMAN

M

stores like Home Depot or Lowes.

Greenwald now runs her business from her home, but for 16 years she ran Angel Gardens at a shop in Gainesville off State Road 441. Greenwald sold the place to Harmony Gardens and moved Angel Gardens to her house in Alachua about three years ago.

Old and modern roses surround her house today. She said while spring and fall, specifically May and October, are the best times for roses to bloom, she has so many classes and varieties that roses can always be seen overflowing in her yard.

“You fall in love with them,” she said. “It’s a healthy addiction.”

It is a common misconception that roses are hard to grow, Greenwald said. People have trouble growing roses when they use non-organic techniques and grow bare-root roses instead of

www.VisitOurTowns.com

own-root roses, she said. Bare-root roses grow significantly faster than own-root roses, making them ideal for commercial uses.

“People are uneducated,” she said. “Everyone wants a quick fix.”

Unfortunately, modern roses are only grown on bare-roots. The lack of availability makes finding own-root roses almost impossible anywhere, except in specialty stores like her garden, she said.

Own-root roses are stronger and live longer than other roses — up to 75 years longer, Greenwald said.

But because bare-root roses grow faster, many rose breeders used them to make roses easier and more appealing for people to grow.

Using chemicals is another problem with rose gardening. Chemicals make the rose a drug addict, she said, and kill all microorganisms in the soil, continued on next page

Autumn 2010 | 21

PHOTOS BY JESSICA CHAPMAN

Pam Greenwald shows off her garden, recalling the names of each individual

including good nematodes needed for the roses.

Greenwald said it is not that roses are difficult to grow, but that they take time to grow.

“There’s a famous rose saying that sums up roses very well,” she said. “’The first year it sleeps. The second year it creeps. The third year it leaps.’ That is so true.”

Old Garden Roses originated in Europe and Asia and were slowly introduced in America throughout the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. As people began crossbreeding different roses, modern roses — including the popular hybrid tea show rose — began replacing antique roses.

Greenwald said names were sometimes changed when roses came from Europe to America.

The Peace Rose and American Beauty Rose, both originally French roses, are popular roses that had a name change after being brought to America.

Roses are named by the person who discovered the rose, often finding them in cemeteries, or by a breeder who cross-pollinated it. The names vary from countrythemed, like Dixieland Linda and Country Music, to celebrities, like Liv Tyler and Julia Child, to dreamy

22 | Autumn 2010

names, like Carefree Beauty and Belinda’s Dream.

People would often give roses a name without realizing they had already been named, and the common name would sometimes become more popular. For example, Greenwald said, the Red Cascade Rose is also known as “Alachua Red” because so many local residents grow it.

Greenwald also said certain classes of roses are easier to grow.

The China Roses are particularly easy because they are disease-free.

Louis Philippe, Old Blush, Spice, and Fortune’s Double Yellow are all China Roses that are easy to grow.

“The easiest doesn’t always mean it’s the best,” Greenwald said.

“There’s no perfect rose.”

The easiest and best roses make big flowers and bloom non-stop, from April to the first frost, she said. The three best roses to grow are Carefree Beauty (a shrub rose that is cold and heat tolerant), Belinda’s Dream (a pink, mini-petal shrub rose) and Mrs. B.R. Can’t (a full tea rose).

She said grafted roses grown with chemicals are always difficult to grow. However, grafted roses, which are similar to bare-root and are grafted from other rose

rose. Greenwald ran Angel Gardens at a shop in Gainesville for 16 years; she moved the business to her house three years ago. She grows about 1,000 varieties of roses, including old garden roses and modern roses. Greenwald said growing roses takes time, usually about three years.

cuttings, often grow quicker and are the only roses stores sell.

Greenwald is the Southeast Regional Director of the Heritage Rose Group, a group devoted to Old Garden Roses. She said the group will be starting a local chapter in October that will give area rose lovers the chance to learn more about growing roses.

Angel Gardens ships roses yearround, but the fall and spring are the best seasons. May is often the busiest month. This past May she sold more than 500 roses.

Greenwald said she also imports and exports roses from around the world. Because roses bloom at different times, having different classes of roses enables her to keep roses blooming year-round.

“It’s a specialty hobby,” she said.

“There are fans of these roses all over the world.” s For more information on Angel Gardens, visit angelgardens.com.

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Autumn 2010 | 23

>> WHO YOU GONNA CALL?

Ghosts and Spirits Nearby Haunted Inns Offer Guests an Opportunity for the Unforgettable

BY JESSICA CHAPMAN AND NICOLE GREINER ome people say they heard footsteps in the night. Some people say they smell sweet fragrances. Others say they feel someone tucking them in at night. Even still, some say they have been spritzed in the face with water in the middle of the night.

The stories go on and on. Sometimes the lights flicker. Doors slam shut. A woman in a wedding dress appears on the second floor. Of course, all of this is hearsay, but to some, the Herlong Mansion in Micanopy and the Grady House Bed and Breakfast in High Springs are indeed haunted.

Hauntings, however, may not be as scary as they might seem. Andrew Nichols, a parapsychologist who investigates hauntings with the American Institute of Parapsychology, said that a haunting is only a particular person reacting to a particular location with prolonged unexplainable experiences.

Trying to explain these unexplainable experiences is a little more challenging. Throughout history, one common reason for a house to be haunted is because of a death in the house. The Herlong Mansion is one such example.

The ghost of Inez allegedly haunts the Herlong Mansion. The mansion was originally a cracker-style farmhouse built in 1845 and remodeled in 1910. The house was left to the Herlong’s six children when their mother died. After a bitter 18-year battle, only one of the children could afford the home: Inez.

Legend has it that soon after Inez acquired the home

S

24 | Autumn 2010

she died in her childhood room, said Chanity Brown, assistant manager at the Herlong Mansion.

The ghost of Inez is said to now haunt the mansion.

Nichols, who has investigated the Herlong Mansion on multiple occasions, said such hauntings illustrate an important misconception about haunted houses — that for a place to be haunted someone must have died there. There is usually no connection between historical events and a haunting, he said.

“If that’s the case why aren’t hospitals haunted?”

Nichols asked. “A whole lot more people die there. Ghosts may be real, but they have nothing to do with history.”

The Grady House was originally a bakery in the 1800s and then used as a boarding house for railroad supervisors in the 1900s.

The Grady House Bed and Breakfast in High Springs is one place that proves Nichols’ point. Grady House owner Lucie Regensdorf said while there is no reason for her bed and breakfast to be haunted, past owners and guests have had haunting experiences.

Regensdorf said people have reported being tucked into bed, chess pieces continued on page 26

PHOTO BY JESSICA CHAPMAN

The Grady House Bed and Breakfast in High Springs is reportedly haunted. Guests and owners of the B&B have reported strong fragrances, hearing footsteps, ghosts helping them pack their things and a myriad of other ghostly things.

The Grady House is on the national registrar of historic places and was named to have one of Gainesville’s best breakfasts.

www.VisitOurTowns.com

Autumn 2010 | 25

PHOTOS BY JESSICA CHAPMAN

The Herlong Mansion in Micanopy, said to be haunted by the ghost of Inez, was originally a cracker-style farm-house built in 1845 and completed to its full structure in 1910. The Mansion has 10 rooms and two cottages houses and serves a southernstyle breakfast in the mornings.

o continued from page 24 mysteriously moving or a strong sense of perfume in their room. Some have said that someone helped them pack up their things.

One guest went to sleep with magazines scattered all over the bed. The next morning they were in a neatly stacked pile. Another person said they were asleep one night and the radio kept turning on. When the person said, “Turn it down,” the volume was turned down. When he said, “Turn it off,” the radio went off.

Although her husband Paul has never had any haunted experiences, Regensdorf has. She described the time she was home alone one night and clearly heard male voices upstairs, causing her dog to growl.

However, Regensdorf said living in a haunted house does not bother her at all. She loves living in and owning a bed and breakfast.

“I fantasized about opening a bed and breakfast,” she said. “It’s a nice lifestyle.”

The Grady House was originally a bakery in the 1800s and then used as a boarding house for railroad supervisors in the 1900s. While a boarding house, Regensdorf said the rooms were half the size and included kitchens. When the boarding house was remodeled to a bed and breakfast, the rooms were remodeled and made bigger too.

The Regensdorf’s also run the Easterlin House, which was owned by High Springs’ first female mayor in the 1950s. The Easterlin House was built in 1896.

Regensdorf said some guests have reported hauntings while staying there, as well.

Although the situations at haunted houses can be scientifically explained, Nichols said people must be careful when claiming they have been haunted because these experiences can often be explained by

26 | Autumn 2010

overactive imaginations.

In reality, Nichols said, a haunting is the interaction between place and mind. It is a particularly sensitive person reacting to particular place.

Magnetic fields can affect the place, Nichols said.

Magnetic fields can be localized to a specific area, so when a person enters a place with a strong magnetic field, such as possibly the Herlong Mansion or the Grady House Bed and Breakfast, they are effected by the field and have unusual reactions to things they see and hear. People label it a haunting to try and explain what is happening.

Water underground and fault lines can influence magnetic fields. Houses with long histories of being haunted often have strong field strength, Nichols said.

Places like the Herlong Mansion and the Grady House might be examples of these.

Places with strong magnetic fields are not limited to bed and breakfasts, however. Nichols spent time investigating one house in Archer that had no exciting legend behind the hauntings.

Linda Kasicki, who lives with her husband Bob in the haunted house in Archer, said their home sits on a fault line that runs through Archer, so it is possible they are in an area where the field strength is especially strong.

She said Nichols spent investigating the house as part of a six-week course he taught.

“It’s a true haunting,” Kasicki said. “There’s even a certain chair where someone will tap you on your shoulder. In our house you are never alone.”

People who have these reactions may often have such experiences, but they are amplified in areas with strong magnetic fields, Nichols said. For instance, they might often see things out of the corner of their eye, but in haunted houses like the Herlong Mansion or

“There’s even a certain chair where someone will tap you on your shoulder.

In our house you are never alone,” Kasicki said. the Grady House, such experiences may occur in more obvious ways. Nichols said about 10 percent of the population are sensitive to instances like this.

While we know who this happens to and why it happens, Nichols said, we do not know if what they are seeing and hearing is real or imaginary. We may never know, he said.

“I don’t think these people are lying or crazy,” Nichols said. “We just need to modify some of our understanding.”

Regardless of whether a person’s experience is real or imaginary, we have to believe it is real to them, Nichols said, which is important to keep in mind when looking at the Herlong Mansion.

Although the ghost of Inez is said to haunt the Herlong Mansion, both Brown and current owner Carolyn West said the legend is not completely true.

West and Brown said Sonny Howard, who bought

the southern-styled bed and breakfast in 1987, began the myth as a marketing method to draw people to the Mansion.

Howard claimed Inez died in her childhood room on the third floor. However, that room was not completed until after her death. In fact, at the time she was living, the third floor was an attic. Inez also reportedly died in the hospital.

While Nichols stayed at the Herlong Mansion, he read many haunting stories in guest books about people describing their experiences, he said.

Nichols said when he stayed at the house he read many stories about people describing their experiences. Howard’s tale may not be true, Nichols said, but Howard did not make up the stories people told after staying at the Mansion.

Places like the Herlong Mansion and the Grady House are multi-generational haunted houses; places that have been haunted for decades. In most cases, however, Nichols said hauntings only last about a decade and can be very easily explained.

But the science behind a haunted house does not necessarily take away the spookiness. Whether real or imagined, places like the Herlong Mansion and the Grady House could easily pass as haunted. Although the lights may flicker and the portraits may seem scary to some, these bed and breakfasts, with cozy rooms, beautiful gardens and delicious breakfasts, seem to have it all. s

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>> REDRUM

Haunted Inn(terview) Our Writers Discuss Thier Assignment to Document Things that Go Bump in the Night

BY ALBERT ISAAC or our story on hauntings, we sent two intrepid reporters on special assignment to the Herlong Mansion in Micanopy and the Grady House Bed and Breakfast in High Springs — both of which are reportedly haunted. Admittedly skeptical, Nicole Greiner and Jessica Chapman spent a night in each of these inns. This is what they have to say about their experiences.

F

Q:

First of all, do you believe in ghosts?

Jessica: I’m not one to believe in ghosts, haunted houses or anything similar. But after staying at both the Grady House Bed and Breakfast and the Herlong Mansion, if I was going to get haunted anywhere it would be at the Herlong Mansion.

Nicole: I don’t believe in ghosts, either. However, I can live without spending another night in a mansion in a storm when the lights go out.

Q:

Tell us about your experiences at the Herlong Mansion.

I understand a storm blew in?

32 | Autumn 2010

Jessica: It was really nice.

Nicole: It was a pretty house. The sun was shining when we got there.

Jessica: From the front, it had huge trees with moss hanging down so it is believable that it could be haunted. Especially when you get inside, because it’s big and it just felt very, very old. In a good way.

Nicole: I thought it was just a really nice older house. It wasn’t as scary to me, like the Grady House, which was smaller.

Jessica: That’s what was surprising to me. I did not get remotely spooked at the Grady House. But at the Herlong Mansion, that’s about all I got. Nicole had the opposite experience. I just don’t get it.

Q:

Did the innkeeper at the Herlong Mansion share any ghost stories with you?

Nicole: Carolyn told us stories about the ghost hunters [who came to investigate]. They brought a ton of equipment into the room and had their camera set up to take

10 pictures at a time. And in one there was a very distinct picture of a woman wrapped with a cloth around her head, and she was standing outside of the [second story] window.

Jessica: It was like a woman from the 1800s with a shawl wrapped around her. I was sleeping right next to that window where they saw the ghost. See why I was spooked? We are staying in the room where ghost hunters had stayed, it’s storming outside, and then the lights went out. The first thing I thought when the power went out was that I didn’t have enough battery left on my computer to write my story.

Nicole: I am sitting at the foot of the stairs talking to a friend on the phone and all of a sudden the lights go out. And I screamed.

Jessica: I heard Nicole scream. She ran in and slammed the door shut and started pacing. She was very freaked out. She sat down on the floor near the fireplace.

Nicole: It just really wasn’t cool

with the lights going out. I was outside of our room. And I was creeped out, even before the lights went out, because I looked down and saw this man walking around. I didn’t scream that time. I was really quiet. I ran to the room, and in the back of my mind I thought it was the guests, but they weren’t in the main house.

Q:

Was it a ghost?

Nicole: It wasn’t a ghost, sorry to disappoint you.

Q:

So are you more afraid of the living than the dead?

Nicole: Yes. Jessica: I wasn’t. I was more afraid of the dead.

Q:

Can you tell us about your experiences in the Grady House?

Nicole: I just thought if there would be any ghosts in the houses it would be in the Grady House, because of the way it was set up.

Jessica: How? I don’t understand that. I thought it was cozy. We had the perfect conditions for it to be haunted that night [at the Herlong Mansion]. I told Nicole when it started storming that this should be a horror movie.

Nicole: I guess I just wasn’t in the mood that night. But the Grady House has the narrow hallway. And there was an old telephone there.

Everything was more old fashioned there, I thought. There were old pictures of people on the walls, black and white pictures of people from the 1800s. I constantly felt their eyes watching me. The steep staircase and narrow halls made me feel as though a ghost would have a grand ole time in the home.

www.VisitOurTowns.com

Q:

Did the innkeeper share any stories with you?

Nicole: Yes, she did. Lucie said she was in the house alone one night with her dog. And she heard distinct male voices upstairs. And then her dog growled. But she didn’t want to go up there.

Q:

I understand there is a book at the Grady House, “Haunted Inns of the Southeast” that describes radios turning on by themselves, guests being tucked in, chess pieces moving.

Did you experience any such phenomenon?

Jessica: I saw no ghosts. I heard no mysterious footsteps. I smelled no overwhelming perfume. And no one smoothed my covers as I went to sleep. I guess ghosts are scared of the press. continued on next page

Autumn 2010 | 33

Nicole: No radios turning on or off, but I did move a chess piece and I’m pretty sure it moved...

Jessica: No it didn’t. Nicole, I was moving pieces too.

Nicole: You moved them but you didn’t move it that time.

Jessica: Yes, I did. Nicole, a chess piece did not move by itself.

Nicole: But the thing is, the ghost in the book doesn’t really know how to play chess. The ghost would put the chess piece on top of another piece. But it didn’t do that. It just moved it. So maybe over the course of a hundred years it learned how to play chess. Oh, and I smelled perfume.

Jessica: Nicole, we were in the Peach Room, it’s supposed to smell good.

Nicole: I think it was the air freshener in the room. But I don’t know.

Jessica: I try hard to respect that you had that experience. I don’t want to seem harsh but I find it totally unbelievable.

that we hear about, I don’t think there’s much merit to them.

Jessica: But if we did believe it, that is what we would think [Ghosts].

Nicole: I think there’s a lot that you can do with your own imagination.

Q:

Jessica: Exactly.

Jessica: Both bed and breakfasts were amazing. Each place had something particularly special about it. At the Herlong Mansion it was the history and bigness of it all. At the Grady House it felt delightful and luxurious and the house and garden were beautiful.

My biggest regret at the Grady House was not being able to stay for breakfast. Knowing the previous morning’s breakfast was strawberry-stuffed French toast did not help a bit, either. The houses were really, really nice.

Nicole: If you really want to believe something you can believe it. I’ve seen things out of the corner of my eyes at places, but that’s nothing.

That happens to everyone. You believe what you want to believe.

Q:

You visited, briefly, the Newnansville Cemetery and took some photos. Why didn’t you stay until after dark?

Nicole: Because that would have taken away from our experience at the Grady House. And we hadn’t eaten.

Q:

I understand something appeared in one of your photographs?

Nicole: Jessica seems to think it’s the light. I seem to think it’s kind of interesting. I wouldn’t say it’s a ghost, I just think it’s a weird blotch that shouldn’t be there.

Jessica: I don’t know (rolls eyes).

Q:

You are both ghost skeptics - how do you explain these experiences?

Jessica: I don’t think these instances that we read about and

Q:

So what I’m getting here are two skeptics arguing about something neither one of you actually believes in.

How would you describe your overall experiences?

Nicole: I had a wonderful time at both the Grady House and the Herlong Mansion, the antiquity of the homes was remarkable and the hospitality was welcoming.

Also, although I am a Yankee I do enjoy a good southern-style breakfast every now and then, courtesy of the Herlong Mansion.

Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to stay for the award-winning breakfast at the Grady House, but I will have to just make a special trip for that sometime.

Ghosts or no ghosts — it would seem as though hauntings may be in the eye of the beholder.

Guests will just have to see for themselves. s

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Autumn 2010 | 35

COLUMN >> CRYSTAL HENRY

Naked Salsa Each morning in the a.m. I wake up in my sleeping bed. I brush my mouth teeth with my toothbrush and fix some kind of food breakfast for eating. clean my living-in house and get in my driving car to run my errands. All the while I have a little child kid attach glued to my hip waist. If I seem a little bit redundant or like I’m adding too many unnecessary adjectives that don’t need to be added to words because they aren’t necessary for you to understand the words they’re being added to, forgive me and I’m sorry. But I’ve heard the term “working mother” used a lot recently, and I’ve gotten a little perturbed at the definition of working.

First let me issue a very heartfelt shout out to those mothers who must leave their offspring in the care of others while they work outside the home on a 9-to-5-week-daily basis. Bless their hearts because I know leaving my little ‘un for even half an hour at the gym daycare was painful. So I do want to commend them for their bravery. There are all sorts of crackpots taking care of kids out there, and I know what kind of mischief my angel can conjure when she’s right under my very watchful eye. So for those who have no choice but to entrust their young ones to someone else for several hours each day, I truly do have much respect.

But I must admit, at times I am awfully jealous.

The first day of leaving the tiny one I’m sure is hard. If they’re not old enough to notice that you’re gone and scream and wail in protest, I’d be willing to bet it’s still nerve-wracking to release them into the care-taker’s arms for the first time. Some moms even break down in hysterics, call it quits their first day back on the job, and try again another day. You know who you are.

But once it is confirmed that the caregiver is not

I

only capable of sustaining the life of the child, but also enriching their life and bringing a smile to said child’s face, well then I think it gets a little easier. And it’s at that point I’m green with envy.

You see, my B.S. in Journalism isn’t a degree that has CEOs beating down my door with million dollar salary offers in hand. Shocker. And my pre-baby take-home pay would have barely covered the cost of childcare. So the unanimous decision in the Henry household was that I would stay home to bear and rear our youngin’s.

Well, the decision for me to bear them was not exactly left up to me, but the hubby’s not really into experimental medicine of that nature. So I’m stuck with that one.

Nonetheless, I did the deed, grew the child, popped her out and then quit my job to raise her. And she’s really a swell kid, and I do have the privilege of witnessing all the wonders that she brings each day.

But I’ve got to tell you it’s no walk in the part. I don’t feel like I’m a “play mother” or a “sit-on-mybutt-eating-bonbons mother.” No my day is very much full of work.

I would kill for a space of my own to get things done. Even a bitty tiny cubicle sounds like heaven. Instead I feel like a border collie wrangling and herding the kid away from the open dishwasher, fireplace, stairs and other hazards. Oh barricades you say? We don’t call them baby gates in this house. Those are deadly climbing ladders and are classified under “Things you wouldn’t think I could hurt myself with but oh were you wrong.” And maybe I’m part Lab since I’m often panting and chasing her through the house trying to retrieve the armfuls of laundry I JUST folded, or my cell phone and car keys that like to go swimming in the toilet. All I know

Nonetheless, I did the deed, grew the child, popped her out and then quit my job to raise her.

36 | Autumn 2010

is at the end of my “work” day I’m dead dog-tired.

And oh what I wouldn’t give for a lunch break. I don’t want to sound whiny, because I’m so grateful that I’m able to stay home and bond and share special moments and once in a very blue almost purple moon sneak in a quick afternoon nap when I put her down for a snooze and accidentally stop moving for a second.

But those busy heroic SuperMoms who work a nineto-fiver outside the home get a break from their kids.

And when they get home after a hard day at the office, they are greeted with the sweet smile of a child who is grateful that they haven’t been abandoned for good.

Now my own mother, both grandmothers, aunts and cousins are all “working moms,” and I have plenty of friends who have no choice but to use childcare services while they brave the working world to make ends meet. But even they have admitted to me that once they got over the initial separation anxiety hump, it was oh so freeing to go to work and not have to worry if your boss’s diaper is full or if he needs a ‘nanner’ to hold him over until lunchtime.

So, although my office may be littered with crayons and cookie crumbs, please remember that I don’t get to drop what I’m doing at 5 p.m. and leave. (Although Lord knows I’ve had my hand on the door handle.) And yes, when I have jelly in my hair and juice stains on my shirt, I might look like a broken woman. But bless my heart I’m still trying to be a very hard working mother. s

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>> 2010 UF SPORTS

Gator Football DATE

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Sept. 4

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Sept. 11

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Oct.9

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Oct.16

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44 | Autumn 2010

>> A SPOOK-TASTIC HISTORY

Halloween

Through the Ages

BY MARY KYPREOS s the weather grows colder, the days shorter and the nights longer, people leave their homes in costumes and coverings. On this one night a year — Oct. 31, of course — an entire culture gathers around bonfires to celebrate... but not to celebrate Halloween that comes to most people’s minds.

It is often regarded that about 2,000 years ago, during the Celtic celebration of Samhain, the inhabitants of Ireland, United Kingdom and Northern France recognized their new year on Nov. 1, and much like today, partied the night before.

“This day marked the end of summer and the harvest and the beginning of the dark, cold winter, a time of year that was often associated with human death,” according to “Halloween,” an article on The History Channel website.

A

Halloween’s Parentage Today’s Halloween is a few months shy of New Year’s Eve, but nevertheless many believe today’s secular celebration has roots tracing back to the Celtic celebration of Samhain.

“Agricultural support dates back to at least 500 B.C.

for these holidays,” said Douglas Klepper, a professor of history at Sante Fe College, referring to both Samhain and its sister holiday, Beltaine, celebrated in the spring.

Since Samhain took place at the end of the summer and harvest season, when herds were brought in from pastures, when crops were accounted for, it was often connected with the renewal continued on next page

ABOVE: PHOTO COURTESY OF THE LIBRARY OF CONGRESS, PHOTOGRAPH BY HARRIS & EWING

Mrs. Henry A. Wallace, wife of the Secretary of Agriculture at the time, helps a girl scout carve a pumpkin on Oct. 29, 1938.

Originally, Jack O’Laterns were placed in windows and doorways to scare away restless spirits.

www.VisitOurTowns.com

Autumn 2010 | 45

Vintage Merry Halloween postcard. Printed in 1908.

of ownership, Klepper said. Laws were renewed and genealogies were recorded.

Because Samhain also signaled the beginning of winter, it was often associated with death and darkness, all characteristics of winter’s longer nights and reduced plant growth.

Many references to these holidays “seemingly agree that the spring holiday is light-hearted, and the fall is a more somber affair,” he said.

Around the 800s, when Christianity hit Celtic lands, the Catholic Church introduced All Saints’ Day, Nov. 1, to the country.

According to the History Channel article, this somber theme may have been because the Celts believed lines between the world of the living and dead were blurred on Oct. 31, allowing ghosts to return to Earth.

As with living people, there were good and bad spirits. Some spirits played tricks upon people and damaged supplies. On this night, Celts dressed up in costumes of animal heads and skins, hoping to trick ghosts from following them home.

To commemorate the celebration, huge bonfires were constructed in which to burn crops and offer sacrifices - not limited to animals.

“Scott and Irish folktales talk about human sacrifice at this time,” Klepper said.

After the sacrifices and donations, the families relit their extinguished hearth fires from the bonfires.

Relighting their fires from the sacred bonfires helped

46 | Autumn 2010

protect their homes from the winter ahead and served as a common bond for the community.

One final aspect of Samhain, which later passed through generations, was the art of divination. The Celts believed the presence of spirits in their world on this night allowed for easier predictions.

“For a people entirely dependent on the volatile natural world, these prophecies were an important source of comfort and direction during the long, dark winter,” according to a History Channel article.

Adaptations Through Time By the First Century A.D., the Romans controlled much of the Celtics’ land, however, they left much of culture and many of the Celtic gods intact. As a result, Samhain was protected from extinction, an important step in ensuring its continuation in the 21st Century.

“No effort was made to extinguish the local tradition because it was beyond their means,” Klepper said, adding that there were not very many Romans in Britain. “Why spend the time, effort and blood going after a people when they will just pay their taxes.”

Scholars believe that during the centuries of Roman rule, the strongest link between the Celtic festival of Samhain and the Romans was the Roman festival of Pomona.

Pomona, the Roman goddess of fruit and trees, had a festival held in her own every fall, near the time of Samhain. Interestingly, the apple is a symbol of Pomona.

Could she be the reason people bob for apples?

Around the 800s, when Christianity hit Celtic lands, the Catholic Church introduced All Saints’ Day, Nov. 1, to the country. Eventually, it would become a threeday holiday consisting of All-hallows Eve on Oct. 31, All Saints’ Day on the first and All Souls’ Day on the second. This celebration exhibited many of the same parts as Samhain: bonfires, costumes, parades, but it all had the church’s stamp of approval.

Common Traditions Take Hold As time passed, the holiday became more secular and less religion based.

Although some people today think of Halloween Night as All Hallows Eve the first known mention of this name was not until 1556 in Scotland, Klepper said.

The Scots were also pioneers of silly pranks and

tricks as part of Halloween celebrations. They were not the originators, however; remember those restless, destructive ghosts the Celts tried to trick during Samhain?

In North England, bobbing for apples or sixpence signaled good luck if you were able to get one with your teeth, Klepper said.

Of course, Halloween would not be the same without a jack-o’-lantern.

Around the late 18th and early 19th centuries, jack-o’-lanterns started appearing in windows and doorways, Klepper said.

However, the original jack-o’-lanterns were carved into turnips. Pumpkins would not be used until Halloween appeared in the U.S., where pumpkins were more common than turnips.

There is little mention of Halloween in the U.S. until the very late 19th century, Klepper said. In the U.S., Scottish and Irish immigrants popularized the holiday, and as such it took on many characteristics obtained from European cultures over the centuries.

Americans dressed up, threw parties, trick-or-treated their way from

house to house, played pranks and probably practiced a little divination.

One of the most popular divination tricks was for that of young women seeking their future husbands. In one instance, a woman sowed hemp seeds in a field at midnight. After looking over her shoulder, she would see an apparition.

A woman could also peel the entire length of an apple, throw it over her shoulder, and whatever letter the peel resembled would be the first initial of her future spouse’s first name.

Secular Halloween celebrations can be good clean fun nowadays, and the key word here is secular. There is very little religious attachment to Halloween.

For the most part, people no longer thank the gods for a good harvest and ask for protection throughout the winter. Although, there is still a small segment of the population for which it holds greater religious value.

“Most people celebrate it as a secular holiday and use it for harmless pranks, dressing up and eating sweets,” Klepper said. s

Looking to the Past Now that you know a little about the history of the holiday, try taking advantage of your knowledge by adding ancient flare to your next Halloween party.

Embrace the old European tradition and carve a few turnips along with your pumpkins. You’ll be sure to confuse your guests and teach them a part of history they did not know.

If children come to your party, have them sing a song or perform a trick in return for their treat. This custom, known as guising, is still practiced in parts of Scotland.

Setup an area for bobbing for apples... and while you are at it, have a peeler nearby so young women can divine their future.

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>> GIVING BACK

Flying with Angels Giving a Lift to Patients in Need

BY JESSICA CHAPMAN he small plane taxies down the runway at the Gainesville Regional Airport. It is off to Miami or Pensacola or Georgia or South Carolina — or anywhere else someone needs a way to the hospital.

Angel Flights is a national airline service for patients who need to travel long distances for hospital treatment. Patients often use the service because they are unable to drive. Dr. Peter Roode and Joe Meert are two local pilots who fly together for Angel Flights.

Angel Flights, however, is not a typical airport-style service. The pilots are all volunteers and most have other jobs. Although Roode is a retired surgeon, Meert is a geology professor at the University

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50 | Autumn 2010

of Florida. He fits flying in-between teaching and research.

Roode said while patients come to ShandsUF for medical reasons, some have added family incentive.

Because she wanted to be close to her mother, a woman from Pensacola drove herself to Shands for cancer treatment. When she started chemotherapy she became too sick to drive. Angel Flights then began taking her back and forth.

Roode and Meert said they fly a variety of patients — not just cancer patients. The two fly children, veterans, organ transplant recipients and others who need treatment at a hospital away from their home.

Some patients climb in and fall asleep continued on page 52

PHOTOS BY TJ MORRISSEY AT LOTUS STUDIOS

Pilots Dr. Peter Roode and Joe Meert at the Gainesville Regional Airport.

Both are volunteers with Angel Flights, a national organization dedicated to providing transportation for patients in need, ranging from young children with burn injuries to organ recipients in need of a trip to the hospital for transplants.

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Autumn 2010 | 51

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while others talk the whole time, the pilots said, but all very grateful.

Roode and Meert select their missions from a list available to pilots on the Angel Flights website. Because the pilots pay for gas and other expenses, their flying distances are limited.

To help those in need of cross-country treatment, Roode and Meert said a series of Angel Flights pilots will set up a chain and each pilot will take them as far as they can.

In addition to flying patients to the hospital, Angel Flights, a national organization that is broken into regions, helps with disaster relief, transplants, domestic violence relocations and other humanitarian needs.

Roode said following 9/11, Angel Flights was the only airline not grounded. Angel Flights flew respirators to Ground Zero in New York City.

Angel Flights also routinely helps with organ transplant recipients. While the organ is transported on a jet, the transplant recipient has to get to the hospital on his or her own, Roode said. For those far from the hospital, a plane is the fastest way for the recipient to get there before the organ is unable to use.

Roode said he began flying for Angel Flights three and a half years ago and has been on 34 missions. Meert began flying Angel Flights with Roode a year and a half ago.

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“If I was rich,” Meert said, “I would go off a lot more.”

Roode said he has flown 50 patients and 16,554 miles for Angel Flights, and it cost him about $1,000.

“I know exactly where all those pennies went,” Roode said. “It’s the least I could do.”

Meert said the children they transport are the most heart wrenching and stand out the most.

“To see little kids always tugs at my heart,” Meert said.

The children need an adult to fly with them, and sometimes Roode’s wife, Betty, will go on the trips if a parent or guardian cannot go.

“Kids don’t ask to be sick,” Roode said.

Children come through Angel Flights with a myriad of diseases. Their stories fill the page on Angel Flights Southeast’s website, the region in which Roode and Meert fly.

Quincy had burns that cover 76 percent of his body after a house fire. Foster was a baby with clubfoot.

His feet are turned the wrong way. Hedi needed a spur-of-the-moment intestinal transplant.

The list of children who rely on Angel Flights is long. According to Angel Flights Northeast, 50 percent of passengers are children. Pilots around the country are the fastest and often the only way patients like these children can get help, Roode and Meert said.

However, Roode and Meert’s decision to fly for Angel Flights was not a sudden desire put into motion at

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once. Both pilots said they have always wanted to fly.

Meert said he would go to the Gainesville airport and watch planes take off. One day his wife told him he should just do it — he should fly. After getting his pilots license he noticed signs for Angel Flights at the airport. It was not long before he was flying with Roode.

“I was finally doing what I always wanted,” he said. “I’d always wanted to fly.”

Roode got his commercial license to fly in 1978 and keeps a small plane about the size of a Volkswagon at the Gainesville Regional Airport. He had heard about Angel Flights before retiring while he was acting as a locum tenens surgeon, an on-call surgeon for different hospitals around the country. Whenever hospitals needed a temporary surgeon they would call upon Roode.

While on call one day, he heard about Angel Flights and decided to start flying for the organization.

Although Roode and Meert immediately began flying for Angel Flights, they said the organization needs volunteer help in many areas, including financial assistance and Earth Angels to help with patient transportation on the ground.

Despite the time and money the pilots put into flying, Roode and Meert said the passengers’ appreciation and Angel Flights’ need for help, make it all worth it.

“I feel very fortunate,” Roode said.

“So I’m paying back society.” s To learn more about Angel Flights visit www.angelflightse.org.

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Autumn 2010 | 53

>> RECREATION

Project Legacy A Look into Alachua’s Hope for the Future

BY TARA MASSAGEE-STANLEY urrently, the 110 acres of sprawling, green pasture that sits to the side of the Hal Brady Alachua Recreation Complex is vacant. But within the next five years, residents of the city can expect dramatic changes on the property, complete with new sports fields, more national tournaments and an enhancement of the quality of life for the city.

This idea by the city is called Project Legacy, and Mayor Gib Coerper said in an interview at City Hall that the project “is a legacy we can leave with our citizens.”

He said the project will be something that generations for years to come will enjoy.

When his and the other commissioners tenures are over, the development and finishing of the project will be up to the new commission and the residents of the city.

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54 | Autumn 2010

“We are creating the path for them,” he said.

The land the city is trying to buy is the property that hundreds of people use to park their vehicles and watch the fireworks during Alachua’s 4th of July event. Coerper said the city had been looking for property to buy and felt this was a great opportunity for the expansion of the current 25-acre recreation facility.

He said he would like to build a multi-purpose building and have fields for adult recreation. He said there would also be more ball fields because there is an immediate need for them in the city.

“The rest of the land will be up to the interpretation of future leaders and citizens,” he said.

The property had belonged to Maronda Homes, and 200 homes were going to be built on the site, Coerper said. Maronda then sold the property to JTD Land Company,

out of Kissimmee, and city officials asked if they would want to sell it.

Before Project Legacy can begin, the land has to be purchased from JTD Land, said Adam Boukari, the assistant to the city manager. In total, the land price is $1,250,000, Boukari said. But, the city was able to make a down payment of $90,000 on the property because of a private donation, he said.

Because of the donation, the city was able to secure the property until June 30, 2011.

If the remaining $1,150,000 is not raised by that date, the city will lose the property.

Boukari said that in order to help the city get an understanding of the task at hand they have consulted with people who have successfully completed these types of projects.

“It’s a lot of money, but we have been very encouraged by people who have done it,” Boukari said.

PHOTO PROVIDED BY ADAM BOUKARI

The 110 acres to the side of the Hal Brady Recreation Center is in the process of being bought by the City of Alachua, in hopes of leaving a lasting legacy for the city’s residents, Mayor Gib Coerper said.

Boukari stressed the fact that the remaining funding would not be taken from the City of Alachua’s budget or its residents. He said he and the commission are looking for grants, trying to fundraise and hoping more people will donate.

One grant that the city is anticipating is the Wild Spaces, Public Places grant, Coerper said.

With this grant, $300,000 would be taken away from the remaining $1,150,000 that the city would need to buy the property. This would leave $850,000 still to be raised.

Boukari said they are looking to other individuals who are willing to donate, and hope they feel this “may be most important gift they ever give.”

He said they are “open to anybody who wants to assist in

fundraising, volunteer, anybody that wants to help.”

“We are reaching out to anybody and everybody,” Boukari said.

At a recent commission meeting, the developer of the project and many city residents were present to listen and give their thoughts. Coerper said this was the first time he saw a developer get a round of applause and approval at a city meeting.

“Everybody we talked to is extremely excited about this project,” he said.

One person very excited about the project is Gainesville Sports Commission Director Jack Hughes.

The sports commission is a non-profit organization that has a contract with Alachua County to create sports tourism. Hughes has been helping

www.VisitOurTowns.com

the city figure out what is needed to get the project moving.

He said he really commends the city for planning for the future because “they are not thinking small, they are thinking [about] nice facilities that will last for the citizens and be of tournament quality.”

In talking to the city, Hughes said he told them to think of a niche that no one else in the county is doing. In particular, he said, building lacrosse fields would be a good idea because it is the fastest growing team sport in the country and Florida. He said if there is soccer there could also probably be lacrosse because the fields can be constructed to be multi-purpose.

Additionally, he said the location, off continued on next page

Autumn 2010 | 55

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Interstate 75 and halfway between Pensacola and Miami, makes Alachua an ideal place to host tournaments.

In August, the city hosted the Babe Ruth Little League Softball World Series, and Coerper said there is already talk of more of these tournaments headed their way within the next five years.

It is “going to be a magnet for national sports activities,” Coerper said.

With national tournaments come economic gains to the hosting city and county. Hughes said the Babe Ruth series in particular probably brought about $1 million to the county, most of the money being centered in Alachua.

Boukari said the parents of the participants had to stay in the local hotels, buy gas locally and eat in the local restaurants. He said this is a really good selling point to local businesses when they see the economic returns that are possible.

“It’s a special project that goes beyond recreation,” Boukari said.

Hughes said the really important idea about this much acreage is that not all of it has to be developed.

“In 10 years there may be another hot sport people want to participate in,” he said. “If they have land backed away down the line, all the better.”

Both Boukari and Coerper agree that there are significant reasons for not developing all of the land in the beginning. Boukari said there would still need to be parking somewhere and keeping some of the space open would allow it. He also said fairs and expos would have open space to come and set-up.

They also both agree that the city needs to have its own niche because Alachua has always done its own thing, Coerper said.

Boukari said the city wants its own baseball, soccer, softball, lacrosse and football fields. “[We are] trying to prepare ourselves with those activities and growing trends,” he said. s Those interested in donating to Project Legacy can send checks to the city made payable to the city of Alachua Project Legacy.

A bank account has also been set up at Gateway Bank where donations can be made.

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>> RECREATION

Nations Ballpark Massive Complex Could Be Operating By Next Spring

BY CHRIS WILSON he sprawling green open lot near the railroad tracks on the southside of Newberry have been described by Lou Presutti as a slice of Americana. He has seen baseball thrive in traditional, pastoral settings. Presutti, who is the CEO of Cooperstown Dreams Park, is willing to bet that the American pastime will thrive in Newberry.

Nations Park, which is likely to begin development this fall, will be a 16-field complex for teams from throughout the U.S. to visit for large tournaments.

The Cooperstown Dreams Park in New York, a similar complex, has had to turn away teams that want to play in tournaments. Newberry’s park will offer both an alternative and a warm weather locale for hosting fall, winter and early spring tournaments.

And, Presutti has put his money where his mouth is

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by having his company front the cost to construct the new complex.

“The city will then buy the complex back from them over time, and they will probably have to provide operations and maintenance,” said Richard Blalock, Newberry Parks and Recreation director.

Blalock said the park will also benefit the city’s park and recreation baseball and softball programs.

“It could reduce my operating budget by about 20 to 25 percent, with them running it,” explained Blalock.

“One problem we have is that we don’t have enough fields for games and practices, so practices frequently get pushed off the field. Now we can use some fields for games and others for teams to practice.”

Presutti and Blalock were expecting construction on the new complex to begin as soon as the end of

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ABOVE: The large tract of land on the south side of Newberry that will become the 16-fi eld Nations Park baseball complex.

The facility could grow in the future to include more than 30 fields.

TOP RIGHT: Newberry Parks and Recreation director Richard Blalock explained to the Newberry-Jonesville Chamber of Commerce the benefits that Newberry’s park system will have on the city’s economy. Blalock will help oversee the construction of a 16-fi eld baseball facility south of downtown Newberry.

BOTTOM RIGHT: Cooperstown Dreams Park CEO Lou Presutti has been back-and-forth between New York and Newberry for the past three years, as he has been pitching his Nations Park idea to Newberry and Alachua County offi cials.

September or beginning of October, provided all of the contracts were signed and sealed.

The city of Newberry will receive $7 million from the Alachua County tourism bed tax on hotels over the next 20 years to pay for the complex.

Newberry City Manager Keith Ashby said the ballpark will more than make up for the money the county has committed to the project.

“We’re looking at a minimum of 30,000 hotel nights, but probably much more than that, when this thing is done,” Ashby said.

The number cited by Ashby comes from the tourist development committee.

“This is like adding six home football games to the University of Florida’s schedule for the impact of what this place can have,” Blalock told the NewberryJonesville Chamber of Commerce.

Presutti believes the park could host as many as 2,000 youth baseball teams in 2011, provided that the fields are ready by spring. Presutti is already planning to expand the complex within its first two years to 24 or 32 fields.

The property at the corner of Highway 27/41 and Southwest 30th Avenue, where the park will be constructed, was donated by property owner Stefan Davis.

“The site is beautifully located on the corner of 30th Avenue and State Road 45, right next to the railroad tracks, so it has a lot of visibility,” Ashby said. “It’s close

to water and sewer. But, with an attractive entrance there, you can’t miss it.”

Because the Davis site is located within the urban services boundary, more commercial development can occur near the ballparks. Newberry-Jonesville Chamber of Commerce President Joy Glanzer said area business leaders are in favor of the project, especially at its location on the southern side of Newberry.

“It was inside that urban service area, where we’re allowed to grow and have businesses,” Glanzer said.

“The city’s vision for the last 20 years has been to grow from that part [of the city] out. Zoning permits it.”

Ashby believes that the adjacent commercial zoning will help attract businesses to Newberry.

“It’s surrounded by commercial property,” Ashby said. “I think that will be a catalyst and pull the trigger for the kinds of things we’re looking for, such as hotels, restaurants and all the support mechanisms that go with 50,000 visitors.”

Presutti said the big winner will not be the city of Newberry, but the game of baseball. Still, he admitted that Newberry will become a destination for youth ball players nationwide.

And the large, quiet, empty lot on the south side of Newberry is soon going to be buzzing with the laughter of young athletes, the crack of the bat and the cheers of families who will leave with a lifetime of memories. s

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Autumn 2010 | 59

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onnie Del Rosal is from Canada and her husband, Mike, is from Miami. After living in Miami and raising their daughter to college age, they moved to Alabama, bought a farm and loved it. But, they missed Florida. So, they moved back to Florida and chose Alachua. “We were looking for a relaxed, historic atmosphere,” said Bonnie. And

what better describes Alachua than relaxing and historic.

Mike and Bonnie opened the beautiful Garden Gallery downtown on Main Street and this September they will celebrate their 12th year in business. Garden Gallery offers custom, permanent

floral designs, and features Willow Tree, Alexandria Fragrance Lamps, throws, a variety of art by local artists, a great baby section including (including Camp grandma, Mud Pie, and Gund), and pillows

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Customers as well as local business people and residents, comment that their visit to Garden Gallery is always peaceful and relaxing, leaving them wanting to return. The first thing that hits you when you walk in the front door of Garden Gallery is the heavenly scent. Scented candles, beads, and room sprays blend into an entrancing bouquet. “There’s a serine feeling here, says Bonnie.

“The scent, the colors, the music and artful displays make people feel at home”. Sometimes people just take a quick break from work to stop by for a few minutes of serenity and to visit with Bonnie, Dorsey, Gail or Chaser. Chaser, their beloved Australian Shepard, is always present, adding to the ambiance and entertaining customers. Bonnie says, “It’s comical how some people just stick their head in the front door and ask if Chaser’s in. If we say ‘not today’, they’ll have a sad look and leave.”

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Autumn 2010 | 61

COLUMN >> ALBERT ISAAC

Different Note It began with a memory. Triggered by old faded letters.

Followed by a phone call. And another. efore I was even aware of it, I had put into motion a reunion with my high school buddies and — and this is the important part — my high school band director, Uncle Willie.

Sure, my friends and I had talked before about getting together. Maybe a year ago. Maybe five years ago. Who knows? Time slips by so fast sometimes I can hardly believe that it’s been nearly — well, never mind how long it’s been since high school, but pretty long.

Yet, in many ways it feels like yesterday.

I had been searching for something in my newly “organized” home office. Every time I clean I am sure to lose something of great importance, which in turn leads to me again tearing the room apart in search of that highly elusive item. In this case, I was looking for some crucial CDs, vital for getting my newly formatted hard drive to work. (My trials and tribulations at that task could be a story in itself.)

During my rummaging, I came across all manner of interesting items I haven’t seen in years. I even threw out some of the junk (which I will undoubtedly need again now that it’s gone). I pulled nearly everything out of my cluttered closet and had it strewn throughout the room. But I didn’t have the forethought to make a path through the clutter. To move across the room I had to balance like a ninja, high stepping between one teetering pile of debris to another. But that’s okay, because I was on a mission. I didn’t know it at the time, but the universe was directing me to gather my friends together, and soon.

I am easily distracted. I imagine if I were tested, I’d be diagnosed with some form of attention disorder

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62 | Autumn 2010

that didn’t even exist when I was a child. This very paragraph is evidence of my disorder. It’s a wonder I can accomplish anything at all before getting derailed by some other highly important task.

But in this case, being distracted, having my train of thought derailed, led to something special.

I had been digging through a container when I found the old letters, written by my high school friends after they had left home for college. Talk about a trip down memory lane. These letters, penned by my rapscallion-like buddies — now upstanding pillars of society (and no, for once I’m not joking) — provided an uproarious glimpse into the past. Their crude, handscrawled missives, rife with insulting and derogatory terms of endearment, should never be repeated in polite company.

Which is why I posted them on the Internet.

I am KIDDING. But I laughed as I read them. Laughed out loud as their words pulled me back to a place in time that, while consisting only of a few years, seemed much longer. We sure packed a lot of living into those years.

Also stashed away was a high school football program, complete with photos of the football team, the band, the flag girls, the officers and our band director, Uncle Willie. I hadn’t seen him since 1978.

Oops, I wasn’t going to talk about how many years it has been. Try to forget that I ever mentioned 1978.

However long, it was time to see him again.

I picked up the phone and called a friend who has stayed in touch with Uncle Willie through the years.

We talked about a reunion. My buddy agreed it was a great idea. Of course, he thought it was a great idea the last time we’d talked about it, five or so years ago. We all thought it was a great idea. But sometimes not even great ideas are realized.

This time would be different. I called another friend.

And another. All were excited about the prospect.

Somehow, with very little effort, I had arranged a reunion with some of my closest friends and the educator who has inspired so many of us.

We gathered at a restaurant, talked of old times, shared stories. To me, it was much like a family

reunion, long overdue. Uncle Willie remembered all of us by name, even remembered the instruments we played (a test most of us would surely fail).

While the others at the table were raising a ruckus and reminiscing, my teacher leaned forward to tell me about a young band student with a chip on his shoulder. But Uncle Willie never gave up on this young man, and in time his attitude changed; the chip was gone.

He went on to college. Did well for himself. Played trumpet. Became an astronaut. Flew the space shuttle.

I asked Uncle Willie how he feels about being part of this man’s success story.

“It’s what teachers do,” he said with a shrug.

After dinner we all caravanned back to his house, nine of us descending upon the home he shares with his wife. We listened to stories of his life: his time in World War II, his career as a musician and educator, and the path that led him to our particular high school in Miami. It was all new to me.

That night, I thought a lot about all that had transpired. I thought about the thousands of kids Uncle Willie has influenced over the course of his career. And I thought about the ripple effect we all have on those around us, throughout our lives. I thought about how lucky I am to be part of those magical, musical days and luckier still to be able to meet with everyone once again.

All because of a simple phone call. s

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Fava was the Award of Distinction recipient in 2009, at which time her artwork was chosen to represent the 2010 annual festival.

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With the construction of the branch, certain improvements were made to the surrounding area to ensure members the easiest access possible throughout the normally busy area streets. The creation of a new traffic signal will allow easier access to the credit union’s new drive-through banking center. A road was built at the front of the building and a new lot created to provide plenty of parking at any time of the day. And of course, Gainesville’s nicest bus stop was 64 | Autumn 2010

built to ensure anyone needing access to SunState could arrive or depart in style, even if mass transit is your transportation of choice!

Opened in early July in the heart of Gainesville’s financial district, SunState’s newest branch is located on 43rd street in Northwest Gainesville. This branch replaced the Magnolia Park location and is expected to serve as SunState’s Commercial Services Center. Built around SunState’s 50-year commitment to provide members with the highest possible level of service and innovation, the new 43rd street branch continues to deliver friendly and professional service. From state-of-the-art, member-friendly teller stations, to a super-convenient drivethrough banking center, the new branch offers a truly a unique banking experience.

“I think members are really going to appreciate the details we put into our newest location,” said Jim Woodward, President of

SunState Federal Credit Union. “We needed a branch that could serve the ever growing needs of our membership base in Northwest Gainesville. In addition, this branch will serve as our commercial services center, something area businesses have been anxiously awaiting.”

Built for times like these, built for you!

For business owners, SunState’s package of commercial services, launched in early 2008, has grown and expanded to meet the needs of many small business owners in the area.

Whether you’re a local business or an individual looking to make a difference, nothing can help our local economy more than bringing your money home to a locally owned and operated financial institution. If you’re in the area, why not come on over and experience banking the way it should be?

Trusted by thousands of members, why not join a team that will help build your financial future? Why not work with a credit union that has your best interest in mind, not theirs?

Membership is open to anyone who lives, works, worships or attends school in Alachua, Columbia, Dixie, Gilchrist and Levy Counties.

NEW BRANCH NOW OPEN LOBBY DRIVE THRU SATURDAYS

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Autumn 2010 | 65

PRESIDENTIAL

PAINT SERVICE $ 95

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For More Information, Call (352) 374-5213 • www.TheWasteWatcher.com 66 | Autumn 2010

MV#68622

©2008 Alachua County Office of Waste Alternatives.

352-371-4251

It is our pleasure at Cuts & More to take care of your hair care needs. It is because of customers like you, who faithfully support our business, that we’ve continued to succeed for the last 6 years.

We are inspired by your natural beauty and we will continue to give you the satisfaction you desire. We appreciate your trust, and will strive to continue giving you the kind of service you deserve.

Again thank you! Look for the many ways Cuts & More gives back to their clients, community, and country throughout the year, as their way of saying thanks.

Call or come in today!

CUTS AND STYLING FOR MEN, WOMEN AND CHILDREN

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Visit us on Facebook!

Autumn 2010 | 67

>> GREEN PASTURES

An Equine Sanctuary Mill Creek Horse Retirement Farm

BY NICOLE LYNN GREINER pon retiring as a Master Sergeant from the Army, Houdini received a certificate of appreciation signed by President Barack Obama.

When it was time to find a place to retire after 19 years of service, he went to a small farm in Alachua: Mill Creek Farm. But Mill Creek Farm is not typical; it is a retirement farm where the average age is 27 years old.

Houdini is one of 126 horses that now call the Mill Creek Farm home.

At the farm, only a wooden fence confines him. He has no saddle, no reins and no rider. He has 12 acres to roam free and he shares the green pasture with five other horses, including Possum, who retired as a Sergeant First Class from the Army.

Together, Possum and Houdini have appeared in 4,300 events in multiple states, and their hard

U

work and service has paid off. Upon Houdini’s arrival to the farm he was promised — as are all horses — that he would never be ridden or worked again. And he will die there.

To Peter Gregory, the farm’s owner, this is how it should be.

Each horse at the Mill Creek Retirement Home for Horses has a unique life story. Some were racehorses, some were rescued from abuse, some were research subjects, but all found common ground at Mill Creek Farm.

The farm, located down a small dirt road from CR 235-A in Alachua, has been around for the last 26 years and was created as Peter and his wife Mary’s retirement plan.

Gregory said the idea to start the farm began in 1950 when he met and fell in love with Mary while enrolled at the University of London.

Gregory became a hotel manager

for a company in Great Britain. He ran resorts in the Caribbean and in the Grand Bahamas Islands, and he also ran the first hotel for nonsmokers, The Native Sun. The couple later made the move to America and became citizens in 1976.

After becoming a millionaire twice in his life, it was about time to think about retirement. The couple decided to spend the rest of their lives helping animals, which had been their dream since they met about 60 years ago.

“We always had this dream in our mind that we had to do something for the horses, but if it wasn’t horses it would have been dogs or cats,” Gregory said.

In 1983, they opened the gates of Mill Creek Farm and one year later they welcomed their first horse to the farm. continued on next page

PHOTO BY TJ MORRISSEY / LOTUS STUDIOS

Zachary Morrissey, 6, feeds one of the horses at Mill Creek Horse Retirement Farm in Alachua. Admission to the farm is two carrots.

www.VisitOurTowns.com

Autumn 2010 | 69

PHOTO BY TJ MORRISSEY / LOTUS STUDIOS

Kayla Stump and her son, Xavier Edwards, 4, visit with one of the many horses at the Mill Creek Horse Retirement Farm.

After 26 years the farm is still there and Peter is now 81 years old, but his sharp memory and his quick feet would fool people. He knows every horse by name and even remembers when each horse came to the farm and from where it came.

Big Surprise, now 10 years old, came to the farm in the belly of his mother, Dakota Too. Dakota Too was rescued when the Broward County Sheriff’s Department raided a farm in South Florida. In total, 18 horses were found and Mill Creek Farm took eight of the horses in the worst shape.

Nobody knew the mare was pregnant, including the veterinarians that examined her.

“She never looked any different,” Gregory said.

Gregory is not quite sure why his memory is so sharp, but he said his

70 | Autumn 2010

father lived to be 91 and that might have something to do with it.

“I keep busy,” he said. “I don’t worry about what’s going to happen tomorrow because I keep busy.”

He attributes some of his retention to his eating habits. For the last 35 years, the couple has been vegetarians because they do not approve of killing animals.

To the Gregorys, Mill Creek Farm is home; they live in a small house on the middle of the property.

Gregory said he loves living on the farm and the proximity makes it easier for him to get things done.

He works a 12-hour day that starts at 6:30 a.m. Some times he does not even stop to take a break.

Every morning he loads a golf cart with carrots and apples and makes his rounds around the farm.

He sees to it that all the horses are

cared for and none need a vet.

The farm has only one paid employee that takes care of feeding the horses; the rest of the workers are volunteers.

“It’s amazing that they do it themselves, it’s incredible,” said Dawn Zinsmaster, a frequent volunteer at the farm.

Zinsmaster said coming to the farm is like an escape from reality.

“When you come here, everything else in your life just goes away, and you know you’re doing a good thing,” she said.

Zinsmaster said she mostly helps Peter with the Facebook page and clerical work.

Even at 81 years of age, Gregory has no plans to retire as the owner and manager of the farm. To him this is retirement.

“I am retired,” he said. “This is

PHOTOS BY TJ MORRISSEY / LOTUS STUDIOS

ABOVE: Farrier B.J. Beal works on a horse’s hoof.

TOP: Owners Peter Gregory and wife Mary pose with one of the many residents of the horse retirement farm.

MIDDLE: Volunteer Elayne McNamara walks a Palomino by the name of Sly. BOTTOM: The horse farm is sanctuary to horses, ponies and donkeys. Here Catherine Morrissey, 4, feeds one of the smaller residents.

what I do when I’m retired.”

Since the farm opened in 1983, the Gregorys have worked without a salary. Gregory said the last time he went out to dinner was in April of 1993, partly because he wants to leave as much money as he can for the farm. The other part is because there is no money to spread around.

It costs hundreds of dollars a

month just to care for one horse.

The farm currently has 126 horses and at one point had 141.

In 2000, Pavarotti, a now 31-yearold quarter horse, retired to Mill Creek Farm from the Claremont Riding Academy in New York City.

Pavarotti was living in a basement stall in the city and was used for riding lessons. Now she grazes in

www.VisitOurTowns.com

wide open pastures with grass at her feet and the sky overhead.

Gregory also dreams of buying more land to care for more horses, but property is hard to come by. The land behind the farm is for sale, 300 acres for $2.9 million. However, money is even harder to come by.

The farm runs solely on donations, continued on next page

Autumn 2010 | 71

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GUARANTEED FINANCING • LOW PAYMENTS 72 | Autumn 2010

most of which come on Saturdays when the farm is open to the public. From 11 a.m. to 3 pm visitors stroll the 265-acre farm to pet and feed the horses and even have picnics.

To the horses, this is the day they take a break from galloping across the fields to stand along the fence and eagerly wait for visitors to come with carrots and the occasional apple.

Terry Harpold said he has visited the farm about four times with his 6-year-old daughter, August, who loves feeding the horses carrots just as much as she loves eating them.

August enjoyed feeding one horse in particular, Voltan.

Voltan, a Belgian horse, came to the farm in 2006, fresh from his glory days performing at the Metropolitan Opera. He was called to the Met to replace Milky Way, who had also retired to Mill Creek Farm.

Voltan took the stage to play a role in Carmen at the Lincoln Center. He, too, retired from the Claremont Riding Academy in New York City.

“When you come here, everything else in your life just goes away, and you know you’re doing a good thing.”

Voltan was forced into retirement after a bad case of arthritis.

Terry and August are just two of about 300 visitors that come to the farm every Saturday.

A walk through the farm is not free. Visitors must pay the cost of admission: two carrots.

“It’s definitely fair,” said Eric Hicks, a Gainesville resident who visited the farm with his family. “Last time we didn’t bring enough carrots.”

The 265-acre farm is immaculate. Visitors, neighbors and volunteers often say the farm is like heaven.

And for horses like Houdini the farm is heaven. It is also their final resting place. When Gregory made the promise that every horse would live out its life on the farm and never leave, he was not lying. The horses are buried in a section called the Field of Dreams.

Just like the other parts of Mill Creek Farm, the Field of Dreams, which holds over 200 fallen horses, also has a story, a story in every tree that is planted in the memory of a fallen horse.

Everything at Mill Creek Farm is done for the horses, so Houdini, Possum, Big Surprise, Pavarotti and Voltan need do nothing more than be the creatures they were born to be. s

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Autumn 2010 | 73

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“You never know what you’re going to find,” said Todd recently at his newly opened location in High Springs. “We’ve got over 10,000 DVDs, tools, gold, jewelry, guns and many of the unusual items you expect to find in any great pawn shop.”

Pawn shops have been around

for more than 2,000 years and Todd is happy to buy your unwanted items, sell some of the many items found throughout his store or make loans on any item of value.

Need a little extra cash? Old Irishman’s Pawn Shop will work with you on determining the value of your item, agree on a loan amount and negotiate the terms and conditions of a repayment schedule. It’s that simple.

If selling something is what you’re looking for, Todd is buying now. And of course, if you’re looking to buy, Todd just might have what you’re looking for.

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Autumn 2010 | 75

>> HIGH SCHOOL FALL SPORTS

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Sept. 27

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Sept. 28

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Sept. 30

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Oct. 4

St. Francis

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Autumn 2010 | 77

>> HIGH SCHOOL FALL SPORTS

Newberry High Panthers Oct. 7

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Away

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OPPONENT

SITE

TIME

Oct. 14

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7 pm

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OPPONENT

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Autumn 2010 | 79

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80 | Autumn 2010

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C

4

Welcome to the Eighth Annual

ALACHUA HARVEST FESTIVAL In Historic Downtown City of Alachua 10 Miles North of Gainesville - Exit 399 on I-75 SUNDAY, October 17th, 2010 - 11AM - 5 PM Main Street in Downtown City of Alachua Free and Open to the Public Enjoy a wonderful Sunday afternoon with the family while strolling along Historic Downtown Main Street in Alachua, lined with lovely Victorians. Savor delicious food while listening to local musicians and chatting with friends, neighbors and gracious shopkeepers. Unique vendors and farmers market all day! We look forward to seeing you!!

Alachua Business League, Inc. The ABL Mission is to promote business-to-business support, organize events and activities to promote local business, maintain a business development network, conduct roundtable discussions, and welcome all new businesses into the area.

Join Now: www.alachuabusiness.com

Gently ntly Used Name Brands Bra Girls 6x to Women’s 5x

Sponsored By: Alachua Business League, The City of Alachua, SunState Federal Credit Union, Gator Dominos and Alachua Printing

For more information: rmorse47@yahoo.com

Consignment Boutique

14822 MAIN STREET, ALACHUA

386.462.2230

n Call:

Kelly’s Kreations Gift Baskets 386.462.5010

Custom designed gifts created for that special someone.

Weddings Holidays Teacher Gifts

Baby Shower Birthday Sympathy

SHIPPING AVAILABLE

kellyskreations@windstream.net

The Pink Porch

– PREVIOUSLY LOVED BOOKS – 14720 Main Street – Downtown Alachua

386-462-9552 www.pinkporchbooks.com • GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE • We take books in trade, so bring your beloved books to us where they’ll be cherished.

www.VisitOurTowns.com

Thurston Garden Design Reg# 47222925

Visit our farm to view our great selection of flowers, plants and fruit trees.

• Garden Design • Installation • Maintenance

• Consultations • Problem Solving • and more!

Lion Oaks Farm • 20114 NW 78th Ave • Alachua Schedule a free consultation:

386.462.9641

Autumn 2010 | 81

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

High Springs Farmers Market Every Thursdays 2:00pm - 6:00pm James Paul Park.

Variety of vendors - fresh & organic produce, shrimp, flowers, fresh baked goods, candles, oils, crafts and more.

352-672-5308 www.farmersmarket.highsprings.com

Friday Fling Fourth Friday every month.

12:00pm - 6:00pm Main Street, Newberry.

Weekly event, weather permitting. www.newberrymainstreet.org

Fantastic Fridays First Friday of each month 6:30pm - 8:30pm Historic Downtown High Springs. Carriage rides, merchants open late, Railroad Avenue Street Jam by Music Junction, street vendors, and family fun.

386-418-0075 www.highspringsmainstreet.com

Newberry Saturday Morning Market Every Sat. 8:00am - 2:00pm Downtown Newberry, W Newberry Road by the railroad tracks.

Weekly event, weather permitting.

352-494-5360 www.newberrymainstreet.org

Fruit Tree and Plant Sale Wed. 9/1 4:00pm to 7:00pm Downtown Gainesville Plaza. The Edible Plant Project will hold its spring sale at the Union Street Farmers’ Market, offering a selection of edible plants, fruit trees and seeds.

321-501-4927

Boeing Boeing Wednesday 9/1 through Sunday 9/26 Hippodrome State

Gonzales Site Prep, Inc.

Theater. Gainesville. In the classic sixties comedy of errors, BoeingBoeing, the uproarious jet-propelled comedy that had audiences and critics cheering in London and on Broadway.

352-375-4477 www.thehipp.org

Autism Parent Training Workshop Sat. 9/11 9:00am Camp Kulaqua, High Springs. Relate to Autism is offering a dynamic parent-training workshop about Autism. Participants will learn details about how to help their children and make the most of their time with their children, along with many more details important to taking care of children with Autism. Registration is required.

1-800-340-5978 support@relatetoautism.com www.relatetoautism.com

Start! Heart Walk Sat.9/18 8:00am North Florida Regional Medical Center Duck Pond. The Start! Heart Walk is a non-competitive walk promoting physical activity and heart-healthy living in a family friendly environment. The Start! Heart Walk creates hope, inspires change, and celebrates success.

888-352-3824 ext. 8013 www.alachuaheartwalk.kintera.org

City-wide Yard Sale Sat. 9/25 8:00am - 12:00pm High Springs. James Paul Park. www.highsprings.com

Breastfeeding Successfully Wed. 9/29 6:30pm - 8:30pm The Birth Center of Gainesville. Twohour class taught by

Nails-N-Spa — WALK-INS WELCOME! —

Bulldozer • Backhoe Tractor • Front End Loader Land Clearing • House Pads • Final Grading Driveways • Culverts • Bush Hog • Mowing Root Raking • Stump Removal • Limerock • Fill Dirt

352.284.0383 Licensed & Insured

82 | Autumn 2010

Complete Nail Care for Ladies -N- Gentlemen Eyebrow tinting Gift certificates available

Located in the FULL WAXING Winn-Dixie Plaza, SPECIALIST High Springs, FL

Family Owned & Operated business

SET OF ACRYLIC WITH WHITE TIPS

$

25

386-454-1434 Mani & Pedi

$

33

MUST PRESENT THIS COUPON UPON PURCHASE

Youth $6, and children under 3 are free.

352-591-0441 352-591-1775

The Foreigner Friday 10/8 through Sunday 10/31 High Springs Community Theatre.

This comedy premiered in 1983, moved to off-Broadway, then to NYC’s Astor Place Theatre, where it ran for 686 performances, winning two Obie Awards and two Outer Critics Circle Awards, including Best New American Play.

386-454-3525 www.highspringscommunitytheater.com

PHOTO BY ERIC ZAMORA

Customer and visitors roam the plant sale area during Butterfly Fest.

experienced lactation consultant presents information pertinent to breastfeeding mothers who need to return to work or school but want to continue to breastfeed. Preregistration required.

352-372-4784 www.nurturingmothersandbabies.com

live music concerts downtown to conservation efforts throughout the weekend and live presentations.

386-454-2889 www.highspringsriverfest.com

High Springs River Festival

Sat. 10/2 5:00pm - 9:00pm

Fri. 10/1 - Sun. 10/3 5:00pm Downtown High Springs. This River Festival will include a variety of exciting events ranging from

MSGA Military Support Gala Atrium, Gainesville. The Military Support Group of Alachua County will be hosting its first gala to help raise money to support the troops overseas. Former UF and NFL Quarterback Doug Johnson and

Howl-O-Whinny Halloween

Combat Surgeon Dr. Thomas Beaver will be the featured speakers for the event, and a special drawing will be held for a .45-cailber Taurus Judge Revolver.

352-222-8837 www.msgfac.com

Thur., 10/14 6:30pm - 10:30pm Sweetwater Branch Inn, Gainesville.

Proceeds benefit Horses Helping People.

Silent auction, live music and dancing, costume and scarecrow contests. Alcohol will be served. $75.

352-214-8715 www.Halloweenforhope.org

Coon Hollow Corn Maze Open Fridays, Satudays and Sundays 10/8-11/7 Coon Hollo Farm, 22480 N Hwy 441, Micanopy. Hay rides, Farmyard Playground, obstacle course, and “Fort Coon Hollo.”

Adults $8, Seniors $7,

Alachua County Harvest Festival Sun. 10/17 continued on page 85

Time For A Change? “where rationality is optional.”

Great Food - Cool Stuff - Fun Times Dine In - Carry Out - Box Lunches Catering - Private Parties - Art - Gifts Cool Stuff - Antiques - Collectibles Art Classes - Creative Space

25 NE 1st Ave., High Springs, FL

www.madhatters-cafe.com

386-454-5700

As seen on HGTV

• LOVE SEATS • SOFAS • EXERCISE EQUIPMENT

• FOAM INSERTS • SLIP COVERS • PILLOWS • CUSHIONS

FAMILY OWNED & OPERATED — PARADE OF HOMES UPHOLSTERER

18 YEARS EXPERIENCE — FREE ESTIMATES

Artful Upholstery & More 4502 nw 6th street, gainesville, fl hours: Monday - Friday 8-5

www.VisitOurTowns.com

352-219-3670 Autumn 2010 | 83

Seeingg Believing!

B li g is

• Cataract ract Surgery with No Stitches, No Needles

• Latest, Most Oxygen Permeable Contact Lenses • Diabetic, Glaucoma & Macular Degeneration Evaluations • Comprehensive Eye Exams • Contact Lens Exams

OPTICAL SHOP Grand Opening!

In Focus Eyewear Hundreds of frames to choose from New designer styles Friendly staff to help you find the perfect pair

84 | Autumn 2010

on Eyes

352-372-9414 www.AccentMD.com

4340 Newberry Road, Suite 301, Gainesville ©2010 Accent Physician Specialists. All rights reserved.

o continued from page 83

11:00am - 5:00pm Downtown Alachua.

Enjoy delicious food and live music. Expect arts and crafts, children activities, gift baskets, bargains, home improvement, rides, games and more.

Many unique shops will be open, as well, including gift shops, consignment shops and antique shops.

386-462-9552 www.alachuabusiness.com

ButterflyFest Sat. 10/23 10:00am - 5:00p Florida Museum of Natural History.

Explore the lives of bees, bats, birds and butterflies at ButterflyFest.

352-846-2000 www.flmnh.ufl.edu

Noche de Gala Oct. 10/23 7:00pm - 12:00am Besilu Collection, Micanopy. The Sebastian Ferrero Foundation’s annual fundraising event The Theme of Noche de Gala 2010 is a Grand Ball. Guests are encouraged to dress black tie.

352-333-2579 www.nochedegala.org info@sebastianferrero.org

Newberry Fall Market Festival Sat. 10/23 9:00am - 4:00pm Downtown Newberry, along Seaboard Drive. (Just south of Newberry Road along the railroad tracks, downtown Newberry).

Vendors, food, entertainment and more.

352-514-4996 www.NewberryMainStreet.org anne@NewberryMainStreet.org

Trick-or-Treat on Main Street

A Classic Moment Limousine Service

Date TBA 7:00pm - 9:00pm Alachua.

386-462-3333

We make any occasion a special one!

Boo at the Zoo Sun., 10/31 3:00pm - 7:00PM

Weddings, Anniversaries, Proms, Parties, Formals, Airport Service & Special Events. 24-hour service.

352-376-7476 • 352-318-4011

Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo.

Downtown Festival and Art Show

P MAIL PICK-U

ERING PLANT WAT

Sat., 11/6 - Sun. 11/7 10:00am - 5:00pm Bo Diddley Community Plaza, Gainesville. 250 of the nation’s finest artists will display unique paintings, ceramics, jewelry and photography. www.gvlculturalaffairs.org 352-393-8536

Licensed + Insured

Caring for your pets and their special needs in their own surrounding

20 YEARS EXPERIENCE IN SURGERY

352-316-5658

Al Mincey Site Prep

352-538-1252

Personal Financial Management

— COMMERCIAL & RESIDENTIAL — Land Clearing • Sink Hole Repair Driveway Culverts Foundations Filled Ponds Dug Fill Dirt Limerock Demolition & more

Wed. 11/10 1:00pm - 5:00pm Alachua County Extension Office.

2800 NE 39th Ave., Gainesville. The objective of this program is to teach participants to manage their resources wisely, enabling them to build a financially secure future.

Responsibilities. $10.

352-955-2402

& Grooming

Locally Owned Sand Pit • Since 1986 www.AlMinceySitePrep.com

Don’t be just another number.

At M&S Bank we greet you by name.

A.L. Mebane High School Alumni Parade Sat. 11/27 12:00am - 1:00pm Main Street Alachua.

Free to the public.

386-462-2539

325 N. Main Street, High Springs

386-454-1785 Other banks come and go…

M&S Bank stays and grows.

www.VisitOurTowns.com

Member FDIC

Autumn 2010 | 85

ADVERTISEMENT

Balance Is Independence Caretenders of Gainesville uses their Optimum Balance program to help seniors lead more independent lives.

A

ccording to a recent report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, falling is the leading cause of injury-related deaths for seniors. But falling does not have to be a fact of life for the elderly population.

Caretenders of Gainesville offers a revolutionary course of treatment called Optimum Balance to help patients with the cause of their falls and not just treat the results.

“The focus of the Optimum Balance program is to decrease and prevent falls,” said Deborah Hill, Rehab Manager at Caretenders. “Of the people over age 65 who fall and fracture a hip, 25 percent die within one year. So our therapists want to get to the root of why they’re falling, so that they don’t fall again.”

Optimum Balance incorporates all five systems that contribute to balance – vestibular, somatosensory,

vision, musculoskeletal and cognitive. Therapists give patients a thorough evaluation of these five systems, and then the clinical team implements a customized treatment strategy. A wide variety of treatment methods is used in the Optimum Balance program, including anodyne infrared light therapy, the Epley Maneuver (canal repositioning treatment often done with vertigo patients) and retraining of oculomotor system.

Patients undergoing Optimum Balance treatment experience a significant decrease in falling. Studies show that 90 percent of program patients had not experienced a fall for one year after treatment, and 87 percent experienced a decrease in neuropathic pain.

Evette Reed, physical therapist and the Clinical Champion of the Optimum Balance program, has treated

under the program for two years. “It’s changed the way I do physical therapy,” she said. “I look at our patients differently and I have a much better understanding of the vestibular and balance system as a whole.

I can help them to a larger degree than ever before.”

Reed also ensures that staff members are properly credentialed; each therapist is required to take 19 hours of specialized training and engage in specific clinical practice sessions and inhome skills competencies to become a part of the Optimum Balance program.

Optimum Balance fits in perfectly with Caretenders’ mission of senior advocacy.

“Your balance is a key piece of wellness and sustained independence,” said Reed.

“There’s so much more we can do to keep ourselves healthy and well. We should never accept anything less than the best in our lives.”

Please call or visit our website for information about our services.

(352) 379-6217 • www.caretenders.com 86 | Autumn 2010

Excellence Through Senior Advocacy!

Your partner in Home Health Care Solutions.

For over thirty years, Mederi Caretenders has been providing skilled, compassionate home healthcare in our local communities. We bring our expertise into the home – the ideal setting to promote healing, comfort, and support to those facing the challenges of aging.

OUR SERVICES INCLUDE: ❖ Skilled nursing care

❖ Physical therapy

❖ Occupational therapy

❖ Speech therapy

❖ Medical social work

❖ Home health aides

Our Senior Advocacy philosophy addresses challenges by looking beyond the obvious needs of the patient to become advocates in all dimensions of physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Our goal is to promote independence, allowing seniors to age in place for as long as possible.

For more information please call

877.379.6217 Lake City

Gainesville

Keystone Heights

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Autumn 2010 | 87

THIS IS EXACTLY

WHAT YOU WAITED FOR

88 | Autumn 2010

Palm Harbour (32x80) $

79,900 Includes: Delivery, Setup, A/C, Heatpump, Skirting & Code Steps

Priced thousands lower than those brands that are supposed to be “cheap”.

CHECK OUT THESE EXCLUSIVE ITEMS - THEY ARE ALL INCLUDED FREE! Ceramic Tile Floors Ceramic Tile Showers Residential Exterior Package 4/12 Pitch Roof Tape & Texture

Deluxe Interior Doors Architectural Shingles Insulated Windows Hardi-Board Siding & loads of other quality that we don’t charge for

SHOWCASE

HOMES 332 SW Deputy J. Davis Lane, Lake City

386-758-9538 www.ShowcaseHomesDirect.com www.VisitOurTowns.com

Autumn 2010 | 89

>> BACK TO SCHOOL

Our Children Get Set To Go

2010-2011 SCHOOL YEAR IS UNDERWAY ummer has come and gone, and by now the children of Alachua County are settling into the new school year.

Some are surely experiencing those ‘first day jitters’ while others are happily reconnecting with their buddies.

Some have moved on to bigger schools, suddenly finding themselves to be little fish in a big pond, yet again.

High school seniors have finally reached the epitome of their academic careers — so far — and will be making memories to last a lifetime.

In the following pages, readers will find area school information as well as a complete school calendar.

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STEPHEN C. O’CONNELL CENTER SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 27: 10am - 6pm SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 28: 10am - 5pm for more information: 352-392-5500 or email: scoc-info@ufl.edu

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A.L. Mebane Middle 16401 N.W. 140 Street, Alachua Phone: 386-462-1648 Fax: 386-462-9094 Web: www.sbac.edu/~mms/ Grades 6 through 8 Hours: 7:55 a.m. to 2:05 p.m.

Alachua Elementary

Principal: Manda Bessner

13800 N.W. 152 Place, Alachua

Newberry Elementary

Phone: 386-462-1841 Fax: 386-462-0133

25705 S.W. 15th Avenue, Newberry

Web: www.sbac.edu/~alachua/

Phone: 352-472-1100 Fax: 352-472-1120

Grades 3 through 5

Web: www.sbac.edu/~newberry/

Hours: 7:45 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. (Wed., 12:30 p.m.)

Grades Pre-K through 4

Principal: Jim Brandenburg

Hours: 7:45 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. (Wed., 12:30 p.m.)

Alachua Learning Center

Principal: Lacy Aubel Redd

11100 SR 235, Alachua

Oak View Middle

Phone: 386-418-2080 Fax: 386-418-4116

1203 S.W. 250 Street, Newberry

Web: home.alcportal.com/

Phone: 352-472-1102 Fax: 352-472-1131

Grades K through 8

Web: www.sbac.edu/~ovms/

Hours: 8 a.m. to 1:45 p.m.

Grades 5 through 8

Director: Tom Allin

Hours: 8:25 a.m. to 2:40 p.m.

High Springs Community

Principal: Kevin Purvis

1015 North Main Street, High Springs

Santa Fe High

Phone: 386-454-1958 Fax: 386-454-2298

16213 N.W. U.S. Hwy. 441, Alachua

Web: www.sbac.edu/~hisprngs/

Phone: 386-462-1125 Fax: 386-462-1711

Grades Kindergarten through 8

Web: www.sbac.edu/~sfhs/

Hours: K–5: 7:45 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. (Wed., 12:30 p.m.)

Grades 9 through 12

6 - 8 -7:45 a.m. to 1:57 p.m. (Wed. 12:36 p.m.)

Hours: 9 a.m. to 3:10 p.m.

Principal: Jeff Means

Principal: Bill Herschleb

W.W. Irby Elementary

Newberry High

13505 N.W. 140 Street, Alachua

400 S.W. 258 Street, Newberry

Phone: 386-462-5002 Fax: 386-462-5731

Phone: 352-472-1101 Fax: 352-472-1116

Web: irby.gainesvillains.com

Web: www.sbac.edu/~nhs/

Grades Pre-K through 2

Grades 9 through 12

Hours: 7:45 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. (Wed., 12:30 p.m.)

School Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 2:40 p.m.

Principal: Lina Burklew

Principal: Shane Andrew

“DEPEND ON IT” 18266 NW HWY 441 • HIGH SPRINGS, FL OFFICE: 386-454-3633 CELL: 352-339-6069 Brenda@ ForresterRealty.com • www.ForresterRealty.com

CALL BRENDA FOR EXCELLENT REAL ESTATE SERVICE! www.VisitOurTowns.com

Autumn 2010 | 91

>> BACK TO SCHOOL

2010 - 2011 School Calendar August 16 – August 20 Pre-Planning (5 weekdays) Monday, August 23 First Day for Students Monday, September 6 Holiday - Labor Day Tuesday, September 28 Send Interim Reports Home Friday, October 15 Holiday - UF Homecoming Tuesday, October 26 End of First Nine Weeks Friday, October 29 Pupil Holiday / Teacher Workday Tuesday, November 9 Send Report Cards Home * Thursday, November 11 Holiday - Veterans’ Day Wednesday, November 24 Pupil Holiday / Teacher Holiday November 25 – November 26 Thanksgiving Holidays

Wednesday, December 8 Send Interim Reports Home December 20 – December 31 Winter Holidays (10 weekdays)

March 28 – April 1 Spring Holidays (5 weekdays) Monday, April 18 Send Report Cards Home

Monday, January 3 Classes Resume

Friday, May 13 Send Interim Reports Home

Monday, January 17 Holiday - ML King Birthday

Monday, May 30 Holiday - Memorial Day

Thursday, January 20 End of First Semester

Tuesday, June 7 School out Last Day for Students

Friday, January 21 Pupil Holiday / Teacher Workday

* Wednesday, June 8 Post-Planning for Teachers

Monday, January 24 Begin Second Semester

* Thursday, June 9 Post-Planning for Teachers

Thursday, February 3 Send Report Cards Home * Monday, February 21 Holiday - Presidents’ Day Wednesday, March 2 Send Interim Reports Home Thursday, March 24 End of Third Nine Weeks * Friday, March 25 Pupil Holiday / Teacher Workday

Extended School Year Schedule Summer school begins June 16 and ends July 9. (four days per week, with the exception of the last week, where July 5th and July 6th are holidays and school is in session July 7-9.)

Drivers’ Education (dates not yet established)

* THESE DAYS MAY BE USED TO MAKE UP DAYS CANCELLED DUE TO HURRICANES OR OTHER EMERGENCIES. FOR THE 2010-11 CALENDAR, THEY WILL BE USED IN THE FOLLOWING ORDER:

(1) June 8 (2) June 9 (3) March 25 (4) November 11 (5) February 21 92 | Autumn 2010

We Spoil Them R ot ten!

TWO LOCATIONS i a n G e s g v n i TO SERVE YOU! lle, A vi r e lach S ua a nd High Springs!

AT HOME” ATMOSPHERE LUXURY ACCOMODATIONS INDIVIDUAL CARE AND ATTENTION INDIVIDUAL RUNS & EXERCISE YARDS YEAR-ROUND INDOOR CLIMATE CONTROL FOR BOARDING COMFORT GROOMING & BATHING

Archer Road Pet Resort

Vacation Station Pet Resort

16011 SW Archer Rd., Gainesville

Just off 441 High Springs

352-495-9111

352-538-9431

www.archerroadpetresort.com

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Great Gift Ideas

BIG SALE! Receive a FREE gift with any qualifying purchase!

Tables Water Fountains Lion Statues ues Birdhouses es Women’s Jewelry Decorations ns Housewares res Figurines Lanterns

visit us online 24 hours a day at www.cr-biz.com www.VisitOurTowns.com

Autumn 2010 | 93

>> THE NEW STYLE

Uniformity - with Flair!

Transition to School Uniforms Need Not Sacrifice Style or Money

BY JANICE C. KAPLAN

“So what do you think about the new school uniform policy?” hat has been the $64,000 question, both before and after the Alachua County School Board’s decision in June to make uniforms mandatory in all public schools. And if you asked someone that question, chances are you were on the receiving end of a passionate answer one way or the other. But whether your children have happily embraced polo shirts or you have to drag them screaming from their stripes and patterns, there are ways to ease the transition for both students and parents.

T

THE BASIC UNIFORM IS AS FOLLOWS: Girls – The basic uniform for girls is a long or shortsleeved, solid color, collared blouse or polo shirt with a plain solid color skirt, pants, walking shorts, jumper or skorts of corduroy, cotton, twill or denim fabric. Jeans need to be solid color, without color trims, embroidery, or other decorations. Dresses may be worn but must be a solid color with short or long sleeves and follow the other requirements of this policy.

Boys – The basic uniform for boys is a long or shortsleeve, solid color, collared shirt, such as a polo, oxford or dress, with plain solid color pants or walking shorts of corduroy, cotton, twill or denim fabric. Jeans need to be solid color, without color trims, embroidery or other decorations.

94 | Autumn 2010

Individual schools can also decide whether to allow additional items, such as crew neck T-shirts with school logos (they can also adapt a more strict dress code if they wish). Check with your child’s school for any such exceptions or further restrictions.

Most large stores like Target, Old Navy and JC Penney carry approved clothing items starting as low as $5-6 for shirts and $9 for bottoms, all in a variety of colors (with an even wider selection on the stores’ corresponding websites).

But traditional retailers are not the only option to find your students a stylish yet policy-approved look.

Online companies such as Hanes.com offer some uniform clothing and often combine sale prices with free shipping if you spend a certain amount. You can also comb area consignment stores; since the policy includes plenty of options such as color choice in shirts and permission to wear jeans, there is a greater chance that you can find quality additions to your child’s wardrobe in resale.

While a little research can help you find an economical wardrobe with ease, a touchier subject remains — individual style. Our clothing is often a reflection of our personalities, and children, much like adults, like to express themselves through what they wear. While the uniform policy is specific on style, you can help your child find other ways in which he or she can shine: Allow your student as much choice as possible. Let your child choose the hues for his shirts (provided

PHOTOS BY JANICE KAPLAN

Involve your child in uniform shopping as much as possible. Letting her choose her favorite colors allows for individual style.

his school has not designated an approved color). There are also several options for bottoms including pants/jeans, shorts, skirts and skorts, all of which come in a myriad of cuts and styles. So students can choose the looks that best suit them. And since small manufacturer’s logos are allowed under the policy, chances are he can still choose his favorite brands.

Accessorize! Your child might not like the neutrality of khaki, but a distinctive necklace or brightly colored hair band can easily customize the look. Help her select jewelry, shoes, hair accoutrements, scarves and other items that bring out her personality in a way that no uniform can.

The books have to go somewhere,

so why not into a stylish backpack?

Patterns might be absent from clothing, but backpacks come in an infinite variety of designs. Just make sure it fits your child’s needs and the school’s specifications (for example, most schools do not allow wheeled backpacks). You should also be sure that it does not contain imagery or slogans that promote drugs, alcohol

www.VisitOurTowns.com

or discrimination, or could otherwise be deemed objectionable.

Switching an entire school district to uniforms is a complex and tricky process for everyone involved. But with a little planning and a lot of compromise, your family can make the switch without sacrificing your budget — or your child’s sense of individuality. s

Autumn 2010 | 95

ADVERTISEMENT

Old-Fashioned Customer Service Really Keeps Your Motor Running Since 1983, Jack’s Small Engine Repair has been selling and servicing small engine equipment the “old fashioned” way – with customer service their number one focus. New owner’s Debbie Marshall and Mark Singleton are proud to continue Jack’s tradition and have recently completed their second year.

Specializing in lawn and garden equipment sales, service and repairs, Jack’s is the largest authorized HUSQVARNA dealer in the area. One of the most trusted names in outdoor equipment, Jack’s delivers more than a great product line.

Each item sold is assembled on site and comes with personal instructions. Unlike the big box stores, Jack’s will take the time

to show you how to best use and maintain your new equipment, advise you on the equipment to buy and help in any way throughout the buying process.

Come by and talk with Sales and Parts Manager, Larry Jackson.

With more than 40 years experience, Larry will take the time to make sure you’re buying the right machine for the job.

Known for their service and repair departments, Jack’s can help with almost any small-engine need. Whether it’s blowers, edger’s, tillers, four wheelers, go carts, generators, pressure washers, lawn mowers, chain saws, trimmers or most others, their authorized mechanics, Thomas, John and Mark, will diagnose and repair most

Jack’s 49.95

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96 | Autumn 2010

small-engine problems. For an additional charge, Jack’s can make arrangements to pick up your item, diagnose, repair and return your item with as little inconvenience to your schedule as possible. Bring in your blades and chains for while you wait sharpening as an added convenience. With access to thousands of parts for almost every piece of lawn and garden equipment, Jack’s is your trusted name in small engine repair.

Open 6-days per week, including Saturdays until noon, Jack’s Small Engine Repair is there to help. Give them a call at 386-462-2882 and see why many trust Jack’s for all their lawn and garden needs. Shop local for guaranteed lowest prices.

Small Engine Repair AREA’S LARGEST SELECTION OF PARTS

GENERATOR TUNE-UP

Blade/Chain Sharpening • Service & Repairs • Sales PICK-UP AND DELIVERY SERVICE AVAILABLE ASK US ABOUT FINANCING M-F: 8am-5:30pm • Sat: 8am - 12pm

16530 N. US HWY 441 Between Alachua and High Springs

386-462-2882

The Genuine. The Original.

Overhead Door of Gainesville

Overhead Door of Ocala

352-468-2733

352-622-5737

352-468-1453 fax

352-622-5720 fax

www.VisitOurTowns.com

The Genuine. The Original.

Autumn 2010 | 97

>> WORLD REKNOWN

Wes Skiles High Springs and the World Say Goodbye to a Local Legend

BY ALBERT ISAAC nder a storm-threatened sky, on July 28, a steady stream of motor vehicles flowed into Ginnie Springs Park.

A feast fit for a king adorned the tables, set up to feed the many people who had gathered. Nearby, under cover, a slideshow projected family photos and images of rivers, springs — and cave divers.

Visitors, however, were not there to merely enjoy all the park has to offer; most were there to celebrate the life and times of internationally acclaimed cave diver Wesley Cofer Skiles, conservationist, filmmaker, adventurer.

Wes Skiles, 52, passed away on July 21 while diving off Boynton Beach during a shooting assignment.

The news of his death traveled quickly. Within a week a memorial service was planned, executed and attended by an estimated 1,000 people.

At Ginnie, a stage was setup for friends and family to share their love and memories of the man, while his wife Terri, son Nathan and daughter Tessa listened with quiet dignity.

The clouds gathered. The rain began to fall.

“Wes wants us to get wet,” someone said. An abundance of umbrellas popped open. continued on page 100 Pastor Denny Heiberg

U

PHOTO COURTESY OF TERRI SKILES ABOVE: The Skiles family, Terri, Tessa, Wes and Nathan, during a recent trip to the

Bahamas where Wes was filming a documentary.

PHOTO BY JOHN MORAN OPPOSITE: Wes Skiles diving in Ginnie springs in 2001, as he was preparing to depart for

Antarctica on assignment for National Geographic.

98 | Autumn 2010

Autumn 2010 | 99

100 | Autumn 2010

o continued from page 98 stood upon the stage near the crystal clear water of Ginnie Springs and addressed the audience.

“There’s no other place to celebrate his life,” Heiberg said.

“And let me use his own words.

Here’s what he says about where we are standing today: ‘There’s no other place I’d rather be than along the springs and rivers of Florida. If I could pick one spot to spend the rest of my life, it would be...’ want to say it with me?”

“Ginnie Springs,” the crowd replied in unison.

“There’s nothing like it in the world,” Heiberg continued. “So this is the perfect backdrop for the celebration of Wes’ life.”

The rain soon stopped as friends and family laughed and cried and talked about this tireless steward of the springs. A saxophonist played “Amazing Grace.” And as the celebration of Wes’ life continued, the sun set, a striking red and orange that lit the sky through the trees.

Wes Skiles was born on March 6, 1958, in Jacksonville, Fla. Although he did not hold any advanced degrees, he said that after high school he enrolled in the “School of Life” to pursue a degree in “Curiology.”

“As a person with no science degree, I’m an explorer,” Wes said during an interview in his High Springs home office in 2008. “I can use direct observation to see how things work. And I physically go out there. You can’t understand this by looking at selected sources of information.”

Wes’ interest in diving and filmmaking began at an early age. His first films were surfing movies, shot with his older brother Jim who had bought a Super-8 camera. The two also experimented with stop-action filmmaking — taking one frame at a time to create special effects.

“He was a great brother and we had a lot of good times,” Jim said in recent telephone interview. He said Wes began scuba diving at a young age.

“I was teaching swimming lessons at YMCA,” Jim said. “Wes took snorkeling class at the Y, and he loved it. I remember he had to wait a year before he could take scuba.

But he was one of the youngest.”

Jim said he and Wes visited Ginnie Springs, back before it was a park. Wes was immediately hooked.

“It changed my life instantly,” Wes had said, describing it thusly: “In July of 1973, I made my first unsupervised scuba dive in a Florida spring at the age of thirteen.

Diving down into this virtual wonderland of clear blue water it

In high school, Wes said he loved biology and history but was really fascinated with shop and graphic arts.

“In shop, I built unique things,” he said. “I started building cave diving reels and lights. In graphics, I got really interested in photography. I fell in love with capturing a single moment and telling a story with photography.”

This love for storytelling would eventually lead Wes to create breathtaking documentaries and stunning photography, throwing light on places never before seen by anyone.

In 1986, a Sony representative saw one of Wes’ slideshows.

“Right there, on the spot, he sponsored me with Sony

This love for storytelling would eventually lead Wes to create breathtaking documentaries and stunning photography was the springs’ cave entrance that first captured my attention. Kicking hard against the current, I made my way down to the dark, foreboding entrance. I grasped a boulder at the mouth of the cave to hold myself in place and experienced the true magic of springs, the powerful flow of pure water issuing from the mysterious darkness below. It was like a strong cool spring breeze, but this was 72° water, the flow clean, crystal clear and constant. Swimming inside the cavern entrance, I was in complete awe.

“I’ll never forget that moment as the definitive beginning of what has become a lifetime quest to discover the true source of our North Florida springs.”

equipment,” Wes said. “Editing equipment, lights, etc. I immediately did something with it. I basically jumped right in to doing the first-ever deep cave diving.”

He founded Karst Environmental Services and its sister company, Karst Productions, companies devoted to the study of the springs and rivers as well as creating documentaries of places never seen before.

His films entertain and educate, as Wes and his team explored underwater caves, swam in the aquifer, flew the open skies and dove inside an iceberg.

“Ice Island” was filmed in Antarctica, where Wes and his continued on next page

PHOTOS BY WES SKILES

Five summers of cover art. Wes Skiles provided photos of the area’s springs and rivers for the cover of the High Springs & Alachua as well as the Newberry & Jonesville editions of Our Town Magazine since the summer of 2005.

www.VisitOurTowns.com

Autumn 2010 | 101

Wes recently saw his photography appear on the cover of National Geographic Magazine.

crew explored the largest iceberg in history.

Jim remembers being on the phone with Wes as he searched for his next big adventure.

“We were talking late at night and he said, ‘I’m reading about this iceberg that had broken off. This is it.’ Wes had to get to the bottom of it,” Jim said. “That was the most prayed-over trip I remember my family being involved with. He’d been down in caves before, but to be in subzero temperatures, that was just to me the most fantastic and scary trip he went on.”

Wes worked tirelessly to teach Floridians about the water beneath the ground and the growing threat to Florida’s springs. His films include, “Polluting the Fountain of Youth” in 1998, “Protecting Florida Springs” in 2001, “Waters Journey: Hidden Rivers” in 2003 and “The Springs Heartland” in 2008.

Wes’ love for photography also led him to the love of his life, Terri.

Terri was working in a camera store in Jacksonville when Wes came in to make a final payment on a Nikon F2.

102 | Autumn 2010

“He bought the camera and asked me out on a date,” Terri said in a recent interview.

“I said ‘no.’ And he came back in and asked, ‘Do you want to learn how to scuba dive? I’m such a great person, and I do all these things.’ I was not impressed.”

However, the second time Wes asked her out, she agreed.

“And I immediately fell in love,” Terri said. “He was such a compassionate guy. He had a lot of compassion for anybody — from the lowest to the highest.”

The two married in 1981 and moved to the High Springs area.

Not long after, Wes teamed up with Pete Butt to form Karst Environmental Services.

“To pay those bills, he started Karst Productions,” Terri said. “Back then, people — scientists — didn’t really believe cave systems were as huge. And the only way to prove it, other than being a cave diver, is to photograph it. So that’s where the photography started to prove what he was saying. And through his lens he started seeing changes underwater.”

In the beginning, the scientists did not give Wes much weight because he did not have a degree, she said.

“They eventually did,” Terri said.

“He got a lot of accolades from scientists.”

The changes Wes witnessed in the springs and in the water under the ground spurred him to action. He was a tireless champion

for springs’ protection, both with his films and as an outspoken advocate.

“When agency members had to tiptoe around sensitive political issues, Wes was there to say what needed to be said,” Jim Stevenson writes on the Karst website.

Stevenson is a retired state biologist and springs advocate. “Prior to meetings, I would sometimes ask Wes to push certain issues and to insist that we take stronger action.

He loved it. It was like having my own ‘Enforcer.’”

Wes was also quick to point out that everyone in Florida is part of the problem, and as such, part of the solution.

“No one person can change the world, but everybody, individually trying, can make a huge difference,” Wes said. “Ultimately, we’re the stewards. Alachua and High Springs have the ability to negatively impact what is not rightfully ours to destroy — the Santa Fe and the springs and the resources that belong to the world.”

While his films entertain and educate, Karst Environmental Services back them up with science. Wes and his team conducted dye trace studies that connected the dots: what goes into the ground in Alachua shows up in drinking water in Hornsby springs. “[The Santa Fe River] is born out of the swamps and wetlands as surface water, but the vast majority of water traveling down that river is groundwater,” Wes said. “And that’s water that’s passing underneath our homes and highways. And, as we grow out of control and have thousands of septic tanks, and people are putting in manicured lawns instead of enjoying the natural environment that we were blessed with here, we are going to mess it all up.”

PHOTO BY ALBERT ISAAC

A “Viking Ship” burns at Ginnie Springs at Wes Skiles’ memorial service held in July. Terri Skiles said it reminded her of one of her husband’s most popular photographs, “Earth, Rain, and Fire,” depicting a diver floating in tranquil blue with a burning orange light shining from above.

Fellow cave diver Jill Heinerth worked with Wes for years. They met at a talk he gave in Canada.

“He was making a presentation about cave diving,” Jill said. “His enthusiasm for Florida streams was pretty infectious.”

Jill eventually moved to High Springs and worked with Wes on many projects. She said he was very cautious and always prepared.

“Everybody thinks that cave divers are yahoo adrenalin junkies,” she said. “Wes was very thoughtful in the way he planned.

“And he thought about his family every time he went diving.

It was very important to him. He would stop everything to call and see if Tessa did well on a test or to see how Nathan did in a game.

His work often took him away, but those little moments with his family meant a lot to him.”

Wes’ most recent accomplishment was seeing his photography in the National Geographic Magazine.

His son Nathan was with him on that shoot.

“Nathan’s on the cover of National Geographic,” Terri said.

“Nathan worked with him on lots of things. He’s a trained cave diver, and he loved working with his dad.”

Terri said that Wes had the cover shot once before, but then Hurricane Andrew came along. His photo was bumped. But this time it ran, and Wes was very excited.

“It was the pinnacle of his career,” Terri said. “And he got to see it before he died.”

As night fell upon Ginnie Springs, and an immense harvest moon rose above the treetops, the celebration continued. Music played. Fireworks lit the sky. And although Wes was not Norwegian, an 8-foot model of a Viking ship was set ablaze upon the calming blue of Ginnie Springs.

“That [ship] was made by some very good friends that wanted to do something special,” Terri said. “And it was up to them to make it safe and leave not a trace in the spring.”

Wes would not have wanted it any other way. s

www.VisitOurTowns.com

Here are some ways to help protect the springs, courtesy of the Karst website and Jim Stevenson: 1. The up-coming election gives you an opportunity to ask candidates: “If elected what action will you take to protect our springs?”

2. If you live in a springshed, stop fertilizing your lawn.

3. Take your county commissioner or your legislator to see a spring.

4. Take a child to see a spring.

5. Buy the “Protect Florida Springs” specialty license plate.

Wes will be grateful and a spring will whisper thank you. The family requests that in lieu of flowers donations be made in Wes’ name to: the Alachua Conservation Trust: www.alachuaconservationtrust.org

Autumn 2010 | 103

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>> FAMILY HISTORY

Local Author Publishes Book Detailing Family, Circus Life

Nick West

BY CHRIS WILSON ick West never considered himself an author. Military veteran, college graduate, farmer and successful business owner – yes. But, in his own eyes, he was not a writer. That is, until he published his first book about circus life in the 1800s.

West spent years researching and writing “The Great Southern Circus.” He finally thumbed through the pages of his first book in 2010.

“I had no intention of going through the publishing process,” he admitted. “I just wanted to put these stories on paper for my family. My guess is any of us can pick out some of our ancestors and tell an interesting story about them.”

The book is a part of his family’s history, documenting the circus life of his great-great grandmother Miranda Maddera and great-great grandfather James Johnston in the pre-Civil War days.

“When I was growing up, my mother worked and my father was a farmer,” West said. “I spent a lot of time with my grandmother [Verna Simmons Goode], and it was an era before television. For entertainment, my grandmother

N

would tell me stories that had been passed down through the family.

Her favorite topics were the circus stories passed down from her grandmother, Miranda Madderra.”

West said he mentioned the stories about the circus to some of his other relatives who also had recollections of hearing the same tales. He decided — from the fear that these stories and a part of family history might be lost — to document the stories for future generations of his family.

“I spent my spare time researching the actual circus,” West said.

“I wanted to be factually accurate with dates and places and names.”

West spent time researching the history of the circus with the help of books, circus historian Stuart Thayer and the Circus World Museum in Baraboo, WI. “I got an itinerary of that particular circus and a roster of the various acts, with their names,” West said. “[The museum] provided me with phone numbers and contacts, so I was able to contact relatives of some of the other people in that troop. I was able to get an idea of who they were and

www.VisitOurTowns.com

things that had been passed down through their history.”

West now has huge binders full of articles, letters, e-mails, notes, photos and other documents that detail the stories he tells in his book — and more.

West finally began to put these stories together on paper about two years ago. He said the slow economy gave him enough time away from West Farms, his familyowned and operated landscaping business, to sit down and write.

After sending his manuscript to several publishers, he decided to self-publish his book.

“The process from where I turned in the manuscript, through the editing and then the publishing, lasted about three months,” West said.

Writing the Book “The Great Southern Circus” does not read like a history book.

It reads like a fictional novel, even though the events described in the book are factual.

“You can get the basic information, as far as born, died and so forth,” West said. “But, you have continued on next page

Autumn 2010 | 105

to make it an enjoyable read by bringing those characters to life.

That was a more challenging part [of writing this book].”

The backdrop of the circus is the love story involving West’s greatgreat grandparents. The couple had met and fallen in love before the circus tour of 1859-60, when both were living in rural Alabama.

Miranda’s family was a circus family, which performed on horseback,

and her future husband James joined the group to see the country and to be close to Miranda.

Along the way, West spins some fascinating yarns of circus life, while documenting the travails of Orton and Older’s Great Southern Circus performers and roustabouts, who were traveling through a country that was still very much a wilderness and on the precipice of civil war. There are stories of murders, an angry elephant, gunfights and plenty of juicy romance to keep the pages turning.

“People back then traveled little dirt roads between towns, especially in the south,” West said. “People would be born, raised, get old and die without seeing the next town because it was 15 miles away. When they heard a circus was coming to town with elephants, leopards, wild animals and bareback riders, it was like a Fourth of July type event.”

The Sequel?

“The Great Southern Circus”

ends on a cliffhanger. Readers will enjoy learning about the family’s circus life, which comes to an end at the onset of the Civil War. However, some readers may be disappointed to be left wondering what happened to the story’s lovebirds, or the circus’ only African-American performer who was searching for his enslaved sister and some other situations West leaves readers to ponder.

“That’s all going to be in my next book,” West said, who already has had talks with publishers about the sequel. As West continues to work on the next chapter in his family’s history, readers who have been left wondering can take solace in the fact that questions will not be left unanswered. s “Dinner With the Author” Hosted by The Pink Porch Bookstore Downtown Alachua Wednesday, Nov. 17, 6 p.m.

Conestoga’s Restaurant in Alachua Reservations required: 386-462-9552 www.pinkporchbooks.com

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FALL FESTIVALS If there is one thing certain about seasons, it is that fall is the time for festivals. As Florida slowly (very slowly) slips into winter and the weather gets cooler, festivals abound in the surrounding areas.

High Springs RiverFest Downtown High Springs October 1-3 All Day With all the water sports and activities in the local High Springs area, the High Springs Main Street Program will host the first River Festival, featuring live music concerts downtown and conservation efforts, as well as presentations by world-renown photographer and cave diver Jill Heinerth. highspringsriverfest.com

Alzheimer’s Association Memory Walk The Village at Haile Plantation, Gainesville October 2 8 a.m. (registration), 9 a.m. (walk) The Alzheimer’s Association Memory Walk is the nation’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer care, support and research.

Although there are no fees to walk, people are encouraged to raise money to help support research and care for Alzheimer’s Disease. One mile and three mile courses are available for the walk, and people usually register in teams. Registration is available online. www.alz.org

110 | Autumn 2010

22nd Annual Central Florida Harvest and Peanut Festival Linear Park, Williston October 2 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

This festival is held each year on the first Saturday in October. Games, food, crafts and other entertainment will take place all day, including a reverse drawing raffle with a $2,000 prize.

The Peanut Industry Showcase will have a wide variety of peanuts and peanut products available, too. willistonfl.com

ButterflyFest

Eighth Annual Harvest Festival Main Street, Alachua October 17 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The downtown Alachua festival features shopping, strolling and dining along Main Street.

Local musicians entertain while visitor check out local arts and crafts vendors lining the street.

Vendors for the festival are still needed and can contact the Alachua Business League for more information. alachuabusiness.com/festivals.html

Florida Museum of Natural History, Gainesville October 23 - 24 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The ButterflyFest will feature tours, presentations, a Monarch Watch, workshops, as well as other displays and contests. The ButterflyFest is designed to raise awareness about butterflies and offer a call to action for the conservation and preservation of backyard wildlife and habitats. flmnh.ufl.edu/butterflyfest

36th Annual Micanopy Fall Harvest Festival

Thornebrook Village, Gainesville October 2-3 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The two-day festival will feature fine arts and crafts from local artists in the area. Visitors can stroll through Thornebrook Village and enjoy the local art.

Wisitors will also be able to attend a preview show on October 1, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., with jazz music, wine and cheese.

McIntosh 1890s Festival McIntosh October 23 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Each year this festival raises money for community projects, including scholarships and city beautification projects. The residents dress up in 1890s clothing, and vendors surround the traditional Victorian and Florida cracker-style houses.

Cholokka Boulevard, Micanopy October 30 - 31 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

For one of Micanopy’s biggest events of the year, visitors can stroll down Cholokka Boulevard and enjoy the local artists and musicians during Micanopy’s Fall Festival.

About 200 arts and crafts will fill the streets along will a variety of other attractions. All of the proceeds from the festival go to non-profit groups that have helped support the festival.

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Annual High Springs Fall Festival 29th Annual Downtown Arts Show and Festival Downtown Gainesville November 6 - 7 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Enjoy art, jewelry, ceramics and photography from more than 250 of the country’s most talented artists.

The festival will feature arts of all kinds - including culinary arts, children’s art and performance art.

For the past three years, Sunshine Artist magazine has recognized the festival as one of the top 30 fairs and festivals in the country, naming it No. 27 in 2009. Greg Lawler’s Art Fair SourceBook also ranked the festival as one of the top 100 fine art festivals in the nation. www.gvlculturalaffairs.org

James Paul Park, High Springs October 2 10 p.m. to 4 p.m.

The annual festival, sponsored by the High Springs Chamber of Commerce, will include food, arts and crafts and a concert. Many local business will be partipating in the event, and the Chamber is still looking for vendors.

Interested vendors should contact the High Springs Chamber of Commerce.

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18th Annual High Springs Car Show

Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, North Lawn, Gainesville November 18 6 p.m.

The evening walk and fundraising event for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society helps raise money for research and educational programs.

There is no deadline to sign up, but participants are encouraged to sign up early. Although there is no cost to participate, if walkers would like a T-shirt and balloon, a minimum $100 donation is suggested. Walkers can register online.

High Springs October 30 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Car enthusiast can gather in High Springs for the High Springs Rotary Club’s annual car show.

The will feature 100 cars, including antique cars and hot rods. Breakfast will be served and sausage hotdogs will be served for lunch. There will also be a cruise-in on Friday, October 29, at 3 p.m. beginning at the Civic Center to the home of Dr. Robert Cade, inventor of Gatorade.

Prizes such as People’s Choice and Best of Show will be awarded to the antique, modified and street-rod vehicles.

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386-454-1469 Autumn 2010 | 111

>> COP HONORS

Adam Joy Named Alachua’s Officer of the Year

BY ELIZABETH BEHRMAN dam Joy always knew he wanted to be a police officer.

He loved watching officers make exciting arrests on “Cops.” He loved being in the Alachua Police Explorer program, a county program for teenagers interested in pursuing a career in law enforcement.

And he loves relying on his instincts.

So it should come as no surprise that at the ripe old age of 23, Joy is Alachua’s Police Officer of the Year for 2010.

Earlier this year, Joy responded to a call from a family that had stopped at an Alachua restaurant on the way to Disney World. Joy said he pulled into the parking lot and saw a woman frantically waving her arms through the window.

The woman’s 22-month-old daughter was sick and did not have her medicine. By the time Joy arrived at the scene, the little girl had turned blue. Joy immediately began performing CPR on the child, a skill all police officers are trained to do, and stayed with the family until paramedics arrived.

Lieutenant Patrick Barcia said Joy was nominated for the award for saving the girl’s life but also for his attitude and conduct.

“That was kind of the icing on the cake for him,” Barcia said.

After he graduated from the police academy in 2007, Joy hit the Alachua streets and began his career as a police officer.

“It’s just something different every day,” Joy said.

Joy said he wanted to be a police officer since he was 10 years old and made sure he caught every episode of “Cops.” But he knew for certain after a ride-along with an

A

112 | Autumn 2010

officer while participating in the Police Explorer program.

Barcia, who was one of Joy’s field-trainers in 2007, said he has been impressed with how Joy has grown into the job in the last three years. He began as a new officer and is already a commended officer. Joy also takes the time to get to know every person on every call, Barcia said, something that makes him a pleasure to work with.

PHOTO BY ELIZABETH BEHRMAN

“Every day, Officer Adam Joy goes out to see how he can help somebody,” Barcia said.

In addition to his award as the city’s Officer of the Year, Barcia said Joy was also the city’s nomination for Officer of the Year in Alachua County and was invited to join the Fraternal Order of Police, an organization of law enforcement officers in the United States. These commendations are a testament to Joy’s character, Barcia said.

“To me, what I did was just part of the job,” Joy said.

“I didn’t expect to receive anything.” s

www.VisitOurTowns.com

Autumn 2010 | 113

114 | Autumn 2010

>> PRESERVATION

Safe Haven Eye of the Eagle Wildlife Sanctuary

BY TARA MASSAGEE-STANLEY t all began in 1993, when veterinarian Dawn Miller brought home a screech owl and a great horned owl to rehabilitate them. At the time, Miller was working three days a week as a relief veterinarian for an animal hospital in Homossasa, stepping in when a veterinarian went on vacation or was otherwise unable to be in their office. She said the position was “kinda like a substitute.”

Miller said the hospital was too busy to help the many animals coming in on a daily basis. So, she started taking them home herself, to spare them from being euthanized.

Soon after, Miller started collecting her own equipment and taking her own clients, so she could open her own veterinary practice while still helping wounded and injured animals. In 1995, Eye of the Eagle Wildlife Sanctuary opened its doors. About 200 animals now call the sanctuary home, but Miller said that was a rough estimate.

“I never count animals, and I never count my feed bills,” Miller said. “I think it would scare me.”

These days, as president of Eye

I

of the Eagle Wildlife Sanctuary and owner of Sunset Meadows Country Animal Clinic, both located in Jonesville, Miller starts working before the crack of dawn and usually does not stop to put her feet up until the sun goes down.

A few of the animals now living at the sanctuary include lions, tigers, two white-tiger cubs, cougars, leopards, emus, rheas, deer, hawks, owls and parrots, just to name a few.

Miller said her mission is to rehabilitate as many animals as she can so they can be released back into the wild. But for those animals that have been severely injured or kept in captivity for too long and are unable to survive on their own, Eye of the Eagle is their permanent home.

There are also animals that are not so fortunate — they have to be euthanized.

For her wildlife, the major goal is to get them healthy enough to be released, she said.

Some of the birds that cannot be released can become educational birds, used to tour schools and other agencies to teach the public.

C.B., a Great Horned Owl, is one of veterinarian Dawn Miller’s primary education birds.

The time an animal spends at the sanctuary depends on how badly the animal is injured and whether it can survive in the wild.

Miller said most of the time when she receives birds with mild head trauma they are released within a few days. Others may take longer.

She recalled a particular case where she received a hawk that was paralyzed. continued on next page

PHOTOS BY TJ MORRISSEY / LOTUS STUDIOS

Opposite: Stripes, a 4-month-old white Bengal tiger, dines on a chicken leg.

www.VisitOurTowns.com

Autumn 2010 | 115

“He was a mess,” she said.

She worked with the hawk for eight months until he was finally able to be released.

Then, one day she was outside when she heard a hawk calling. She said she looked around to find the same hawk she had released sitting on top of the cougar cage in the sanctuary. The hawk had been hit by a car and came back.

“I guess he knew I helped him the first time,” she said. So she “brought him in, fixed him up, and now he stays here.”

But the exotic animals, such as the lions and tigers, usually stay because most would not survive on their own and were going to be

116 | Autumn 2010

euthanized.

Miller is particularly proud of her work with lions suffering from wobbler syndrome. She said wobbler syndrome is a neurological disease that causes the lions to get weak in their hind-ends. Most lions diagnosed with the syndrome are euthanized between the ages of 9 months and a year-and-a-half.

“Most are dead by then, or euthanized,” she said. But, “after working for years and years I finally got four better.”

In order to work with the animals Miller needs numerous permits and is inspected randomly.

She said, in total, she has eight state and federal licenses and

works with the USDA, Alachua County Animal Shelter, Florida Fish and Game and Florida Department of Agriculture.

The agencies she works with are usually the ones that bring animals for her to rehabilitate.

“I get wildlife from seven counties and exotics from all over the U.S.,” she said.

There are animals she will not take, she said, such as smaller mammals and songbirds, because she does not want anyone to think that when the smaller animals die she feeds them to her larger animals.

“It’s a conflict of interest,” she said.

Also, she does not take bears

Surreya is a spotted leopard, seen here having dinner on a picnic table.

LEFT: Sabu, an adult black-maned African lion, is one of five lions at the sanctuary.

OPPOSITE: Bigger Tigger and Tigger

and elephants because she does not have the space needed for such large animals.

“I have enough, she said.” “I really have enough.”

In order to run the sanctuary, Miller relies on her volunteers to help feed and take care of the animals, while her veterinary practice pays for most of the bills.

She said she has about eight volunteers and does not know how they found her.

“I never once advertised, but they find me,” she said.

One such volunteer is Shirl Johnson, of Newberry, who has been volunteering for 10 years.

Johnson said she met her through

her bird club where Miller did a presentation. She asked Miller if she needed help. A week later, she was volunteering.

She began by cleaning the hawk pens, she said. Now she does a little bit of everything, from cleaning to helping out in the clinic.

“I try to help her as much as I can,” she said. “I am just an animal lover.”

Initially, Johnson began volunteering because of her passion for animals. But Johnson also said she saw how Miller cares for the animals and how much trouble she goes through trying to rehabilitate them.

“She works so hard for those animals,” Johnson said. “She’s doing

www.VisitOurTowns.com

Rose are just two of the many exotic animals under the watchful eye of veterinarian Dawn Miller.

TOP: Also found at the Eye of the Eagle Wildlife Sanctuary are miniature horses, donkeys, emus, rheas and white-tailed deer, to name but a few.

a really great job there.”

As for Miller, she said if someone had told her 20 years ago that this is what she would be doing now, she would have called them crazy.

But she has no plans to stop what she is doing.

“I will keep it going until I literally, physically, can’t do it anymore,” she said. s

Autumn 2010 | 117

COLUMN >> BY KENDRA SILER-MARSIGLIO

Healthy Edge Cell phones provide us with a sense of safety. And, it’s arguably the staple of social life nowadays. s parents, we want safety and connectedness for our children, but when is the right time to give kids their own cell phone? And, when you make the purchase, what kind of phone should you get?

According to a 2010 Pew Research Center study, kids are getting cell phones at earlier ages. In 2004, 18 percent of 12-year-old children had cell phones; now it’s up to 58 percent. Six years ago, 45 percent of kids ages 12 to 17 had cell phones; now it’s 75 percent.

A

Why do so many kids have cell phones?

It depends on whom you ask.

Parents say they’re buying kids cell phones for safety reasons and activity coordination.

Gill Valentine, Ph.D., a Professor of Human Geography at the University of Leeds (U.K.) suggests that “terror talk” — fearful ways about thinking and talking about the risks kids take in public spaces — has generally altered how parents manage kids’ lives. She believes that for some people, the quality of parenting may be one day judged by whether or not a global positioning system (GPS) bracelet is strapped on their child’s wrist.

Cell phone industry experts say that the cost of cell phones has declined. It’s easy for parents to add kids to plans and give kids an old device when it’s upgrade time.

For kids, it’s about being “in.” The Pew study

suggested that half of 12- to 17-year-old children sent 50 text messages daily and text more than they have face-to-face conversation or talk on the phone. There’s a strong pressure to text even in grade 6.

So, when’s the right time to give kids their first cell phone?

Wired Safety, a child advocacy group, suggests that you figure out if your kids are capable of following your rules.

Some practical questions for parents to discuss are: Can my child be responsible with the phone? Will my child keep it turned on, charge it and not lose it?

And perhaps most importantly, how does my child handle distraction?

University of California Psychology Professor Patricia Greenfield, Ph.D. wants parents to be aware of what the loss of childparent communication means to them when a cell phone is brought into the mix for the first time.

“Kids want the phone so they can have private communication with peers,” she says.

An organization that rates children’s media, Common Sense Media, agrees. According to Common Sense Media, most parents give kids cell phones to keep them safe while ignoring the majority of other ways kids can use cell phones.

With Internet access and other added features come addictive behavior, sexting continued on page 120

If you choose a family plan, companies offer restriction packages. For $4.99 a month, AT&T or Verizon lets parents set limits on minutes, time-of-day use, and who a child can text or call.

Photo texting and content can be blocked as well.

118 | Autumn 2010

www.VisitOurTowns.com

Autumn 2010 | 119

o continued from page 118

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Common Sense Media suggests that parents avoid giving children younger than 13 a phone with a camera and Internet access. Internet access, texting, and calls should be restricted until around age 16.

According to the Pew study, one in five teenagers use prepaid phones that aren’t bound by a contract. These teenagers used cell phones less than their peers.

If you choose a family plan, companies offer restriction packages. For $4.99 a month, AT&T or Verizon lets parents set limits on minutes, time-of-day use, and who a child can text or call. Photo texting and content can be blocked as well.

My Mobile Watchdog sells software that is loaded on the child’s cell phone to send copies of texts and photos to a parent’s phone.

Want a cell phone alternative?

Consider trying something like the iPod Touch. It offers music, games, and applications. Where there’s wifi, kids can use Skype to text or call friends for free.

When to give kids that first cell phone is a tough decision. Are you going through that process right now and you need more information? If so, check out www. commonsensemedia.org. s Kendra Siler-Marsiglio, Ph.D. is the Director of the Rural Health Partnership at WellFlorida Council.

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Autumn 2010 | 121

>> CARE PACK

Letters from Home Alachua County Supports Our Troops

BY JESSICA CHAPMAN t all started when people stopped supporting the soldiers.

When terrorists flew airplanes across the U.S., crashing into the Twin Towers and ripping the Pentagon apart, people were all for the War on Terror. But after a few years, many started getting tired of the war, and support for the troops began to wane.

The trend was something that bothered Jim Yakubsin, who had sent three sons off to the Marines, the youngest of which was serving in Iraq. The war was close to him, he said. Both his son and several of his son’s friends were serving in Iraq.

With that in mind, his group began.

He and a few close friends began sending care packages to soldiers overseas because, he said, someone had to help them. The small group slowly got bigger, and soon the Military Support Group of Alachua County was formed, with a primary goal to send packages and letters to soldiers.

“Just getting a package or a letter from home,” Yakubsin said, “you don’t know how much it means.

They just love it. It’s something that just brings a lift.”

The group is one of the only local organizations to send care packages to soldiers. Yakubsin said

I

122 | Autumn 2010

while everyone wanted to help, the cost to ship boxes got expensive quickly, limiting the number of boxes they could send. They spent about $30 or $40 per box before the post office started offering flat rate shipping. Now the 100-plusmember support group sends out about 225 packages a month.

which can be used to reveal traps, as well as play around with. They love getting hard candy and healthy snacks in their packages too. Other items — like squirt guns, golf and tennis balls and Gatorade — are precious commodities.

Oftentimes the soldiers find other ways to use the items sent in

PHOTO BY LARRY BEHNKE

Group members put together care packages for soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The packages have everyday items that soldiers often go without.

Most soldiers do not have enough socks, so when the group sends new ones, the old socks are so worn out the soldiers have to throw them away. Sometimes the soldiers have to use sanitary pads as bandages, so the support group packs extra.

The group also includes silly string,

their packages. Whether it is fun or serious, the soldiers have learned to get creative.

Sometimes the gifts can save lives. The soldiers use silly string to find traps when they enter buildings. The silly string is too light to set off the traps, so it hangs on the wires, making it easy for soldiers to see where they should avoid

PHOTO BY ALBERT ISAAC

A display of pictures and memorobilia from the troops were on display at a Military Support Group meeting in Alachua.

walking, Yakubsin said.

Personal hygiene items are used on the field too. Both men and women pack women’s sanitary pads, and when someone is wounded they can use the pads as bandages.

Their gratitude is shown in their letters.

“To my amazement, when I opened the box my jaw dropped,” one solider wrote. “Everything inside was more than I could have asked for ... It really helps to keep our heads in the game to know that people back home are taking the time to send us care packages and

show your support...”

“It’s taxing,” another solider wrote. “Wearing the same socks three weeks straight, little to no sleep each night, no showers, no restrooms; but it is a necessary evil.

A few inconveniences aren’t so bad.

Plus all the support we get from home...”

“I am so thankful for the items you have sent,” an Army solider wrote. “As I’ve said before, just having your name called for mail is a great feeling. Then to open the box that you know is full of good things to eat, well it’s like a birthday gift...”

www.VisitOurTowns.com

“The touch of home greatly helped in dealing with the deployment,” a Marine wrote. “Groups such as yours are a testament to the faith and goodwill of our nation...”

Their stories go on and on.

The two-inch binder is filled with similar letters.

Dealing with situations like these can be difficult on young married couples and families. The support group can be especially beneficial for them, offering the families community support and projects to help their loved ones, Yakubsin said. continued on next page

Autumn 2010 | 123

The Marines are usually overseas for six to seven months, while the Army is overseas a lot longer — about year, he said. The Navy and the Marines usually work together closely, though.

Yakubsin said although going into the military means sacrificing freedom, especially in the beginning, the military is a good option for people without plans after high school. It teaches people respect and responsibility, he said.

“Not everyone can do it, but a majority of them are good [soldiers],” he said. “It’s a good place.

It’s a good start for people.”

To reach as many soldiers as possible, the group relies on fundraisers to support the group.

The price for sending care packages overseas gets expensive — up to about $4,000 a month — and Yakubsin said they repay members any personal cost for shipping packages. Fundraisers are a vital part of continuing their program.

The fundraisers, including golf

tournaments and garage sales, are even more important this year, though. Business is a little rougher, he said. With a tight economy the last few years, the members find themselves without as much financial support.

“You’d be surprised how many people don’t even know we’re around,” he said. “But the word is getting out.”

This year the support group is taking fundraising to the next level.

The group will host the Military Support Gala at the Atrium on Oct. 2 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Former UF and NFL Quarterback Doug Johnson and Combat Surgeon Dr. Thomas Beaver will be the featured speakers for the event, and a special drawing will be held for a .45-cailber Taurus Judge Revolver.

“There’s a lot of support,” Yakubsin said. “A lot of emotions.”

Yakubsin said the Military Support Group of Alachua County is growing so much that they are considering getting a bigger space.

They currently meet on the first Thursday of each month at the First United Methodist Church in Alachua. The group prepares the care packages at their meetings and also keeps a book full of letters sent by soldiers.

Although the variety of people you will find in the military is surprising, Yakubsin said it is still easy to find family.

“My son [who was serving in Iraq] said, ‘Dad you can’t believe all the Gators out here,’” Yakubsin said.

“There were Gator flags everywhere.

There’s a lot of support out there.”

While there is a lot of support in Alachua County, Yakubsin said they still need more help — 225 care packages a month will not reach every solider fighting for the United States. According to the Brookings Institution’s Iraq Index, as of Feb. 28 there were 85,000 U.S.troops in Iraq. s To Get Involved with the Alachua County Military Support Group call Jim Yakubsin at 352-222-8837 or visit the website. www.msgfac.com.

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>> FUN FOR FALL

PHOTO COURTESY OF TOM HEWLETT

Linda Laird of the Yellow Bellied Sliders Bicycle Society paddles the Santa Fe River.

River Retreat High Springs Hosts Inagural River Festival

BY ALBERT ISAAC usic. Bicycling. Paddling, and ecological education are all on the menu as High Springs hosts its inaugural River Festival.

Set to coincide with the High Springs Fall Festival in October, the River Festival strives to offer something for everyone.

“This event is 11 months in the

M

126 | Autumn 2010

making,” said Main Street Manager Ashley McDonough during a recent interview in the Music Junction.

Leon Barrows, who owns and operates the Music Junction with his wife Joanne, is in charge of the musical acts. He will be setting up all of the musical equipment and coordinating the bands.

“I have four bands right now,”

Barrows said. “We hope to have 10 bands, and the lead band will hopefully be Bluegrass.”

There are plans to have a wide variety of music, ranging from country to rock ‘n’ roll.

“We’ve been contacted by bands from all over the country,” Barrows said.

“The concerts will be huge,”

McDonough added. “The vendors downtown will be sharing their information, and the Pedal Paddle Challenge will be the main sportstype event.”

At the time of this interview, the details of band locations were being worked out; there will be music, either by the James Paul Park (sinkhole behind city hall) or by the railroad tracks in front of the Music Junction where the city has set up bleachers.

Festivities begin Thursday, Sept.

30, with promotional events geared to children’s activities. Then Fantastic Friday will kick off the festival.

The High Springs River Fest is being planned to work in conjunction with many other events in the High Springs area. Poe Springs Park will be hosting musical performances and outdoor activities as well as providing shuttle buses to and from the activities around High Springs.

“We are having all these events in coordination, so it will be that much better,” McDonough said. “O’Leno State Park is doing its old time dance on Friday and Saturday nights, at the park. And Camp Kulaqua is opening up the zoo and nature center to the public on Sunday.”

According to the festival’s website: “Additionally, there will be nature and water excursions at natural spring locations in Alachua, Gilchrist and Columbia counties over the course of three days. In historic downtown High Springs, there will be live music, shops open late, as well as food vendors and environmental organizations with educational displays throughout the event.”

The local Yellow Bellied Sliders bicycle group is having its first River Rise Pedal Paddle Challenge on Saturday, Oct. 2. This event is a group ride through a series of challenging trails in O’Leno State Park and River Rise State Preserve, followed by a paddle trip up the Santa Fe River to River Rise, where the river emerges from its threemile underground journey.

“We expect 150 to 200 people

for the Pedal Paddle Challenge,” McDonough said. “A lot of people are already signed up. The Yellow Bellied Sliders are hosting this event with the majority of the proceeds going to the Main Street Program.”

Additionally, the High Springs Main Street Program will be hosting a Roll Your Boat Race downtown, as well as a feature presentation by world-renown cave diver and photographer Jill Heinerth.

McDonough said Cootie Coo Creations will be coordinating scrapbooking activities around the River Fest, all weekend.

“While the husbands are doing the Pedal Paddle the wives can go to Cootie Coo Creations and make scrapbooks,” she said with a laugh.

A lot of effort goes into planning and executing such an event.

Currently, about 70 volunteers are donating their time and energy to the High Springs River Fest, and Barrows said they could always use more help.

“We put a lot of work into this,” Barrows said. “It’s for the public. That’s why we are doing it. It would be really a blessing if people come down and enjoy the free entertainment.”

“This area is so rich in music and the arts, we want to incorporate the natural beauty with all the cultural uniqueness that is here, too,” McDonough said. “That is our biggest draw, the sports and water activities and the music and arts and all those things that are available downtown.”

While the festival itself may be new, the concept may not be.

McDonough said she had heard that 15 to 20 years ago there was talk of a High Springs River Festival on a smaller scale.

“So we are finally trying to make it happen,” McDonough said. “And it’s definitely something we’d like to see for years to come. We want this to be here, so 25 years from now people know to come to the High Springs River Fest.” s For more information about how to become a sponsor contact the Main Street Manager at 386-454-2889 or e-mail manager@ highspringsmainstreet.com

www.VisitOurTowns.com

Schedule of Events FRIDAY, OCTOBER 1ST 9:30 am

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Fantastic Friday

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Springs documentary downtown - Jill Heinerth

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Old Time Dance event at O’Leno State Park

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Peddle/Paddle

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Fall Festival events

10am-4pm

“Sink to Springs” - James Paul Park, Conservation Information and Nature Trip Scheduling Booths

12am-8pm

All Day Concert Poe Springs

6:00 pm

Springs documentary downtown - Jill Heinerth

7:00 pm

Old Time Dance event - O’Leno State Park

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 3RD 9:00 am

Cowboy Church Camp Kulaqua

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Velveeta Underground

2pm-3pm

Foggy Creek Band

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Amos Neo

4pm - 5pm

Up The Creek

Autumn 2010 | 127

WORSHIP CENTERS If we have left out a church or have incomplete / incorrect information, please let us know! Send your corrections by faxing 352-373-9178 or emailing editor@towerpublications.com. We welcome your contributions and suggestions.

HIGH SPRINGS ALLEN CHAPEL A.M.E. CHURCH 386-454-3574 10 S.E. MLK Drive Rev. Ocelia Wallace, Pastor ANDERSON MEMORIAL CHURCH OF GOD IN CHRIST 386-454-3433 935 SE Lincoln Ave. BETHLEHEM UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 386-454-1996 County Road 778 Pastor Clarence Desue CHRIST ANGLICAN FELLOWSHIP 386-454-1845 323 SW CR 778 Pastor Michael LaCagnina CHRISTIAN FAMILY WORSHIP CENTER 386-454-2367 220 NE 1ST Ave. Dr. Lloyd S. Williams CHURCH OF CHRIST 386-454-2930 520 NE Santa Fe Blvd.

CHURCH OF GOD

BY FAITH 386-454-1015 US Hwy 27 THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER DAY SAINTS 386-454-4282 24455 NW 174th Ave. Pres. Keith Brown HIGH SPRINGS CHURCH OF GOD 386-454-1757 210 NW 182 Ave. Pastor Terry W. Hull

128 | Autumn 2010

FELLOWSHIP CHURCH 386-454-1700 16916 NW U.S. Hwy. 441 Pastor Jeff Powell FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH 386-454-1505 20112 North US Hwy. 441 Pastor J. Eddie Grandy FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 386-454-1037 205 North Main Street Pastor Glen A. Busby

MT CARMEL UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 386-454-4568 1230 NW 1st Ave. Pastor Byran Williams

ST. BARTHOLOMEW’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH 386-454-9812 1st Ave., next to city hall Rev. David Kidd

MT PLEASANT BAPTIST CHURCH 386-454-2161 29603 NW 142 AVE Pastor Steve Brooks

SPRING HILL UNITED METHODIST CHURCH Located at High Springs exit 79 off I-75 North of Gainesville (on Old Bellamy Rd.) Pastor James Richardson

MOUNT OLIVE BAPTIST CHURCH 386-454-3447 948 SE Railroad Ave.

ALACHUA

FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH of HIGH SPRINGS 386-454-1255 17405 NW US Hwy 441 Pastor Richard Stauffer

THE NORTH EAST CHURCH OF CHRIST 4330 NE County Road 340 nechurchofchrist.net

ALACHUA CHURCH OF CHRIST 386-462-3326 14505 NW 145th Avenue Minister Doug Frazier

GRACE CHURCH OF HTE NAZARENE 386-454-9709 Santa Fe Blvd.

SAINT MADELEINE CATHOLIC CHURCH 386-454-2358 17155 NW Highway 441

ANTIOCH BAPTIST CHURCH 386-497-3121 Jordan Road (Ft. White)

HOLY TEMPLE CHURCH WITH GOD 386-454-0313 615 SE ML King Drive

SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH 352-497-2221 230 NW 1st Ave. Pastor Anthony Crawford

CHRIST CENTRAL ALACHUA 386-418-8185 14906 Main St. www.ccalachua.com

IMPACT FAMILY CHURCH 386-454-1563 16710 NW US 441 Pastors Edwin & Angela Anderson JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES 386-454-3509 330 SE 7th Ave. MIRACLE TEMPLE CHURCH 386-454-4298 605 SE 1st Place THE MISSION CHURCH OF HIGH SPRINGS Meeting at the Seventh Day Adventist Building 230 NW 1st Ave. 352-870-0247 Pastor Keith Helsel

SHILOH BAPTIST CHURCH 386-454-4978 Shiloh Church Rd. Pastor Earl Tuten SHILOH MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH 386-454-3126 1505 NW Main St. SPRING RIDGE FIRST CHURCH OF GOD 386-454-3600 5529 NE 52nd Place Pastor Todd L Wymer SPRINGRIDGE FIRST CHURCH OF GOD 386-454-4400 420 Spring Ave.

CHURCH OF GOD BY FAITH 386-462-2549 13220 NW 150th Ave. CRUSADERS FOR CHRIST, INC. 386-462-4811 NW 158th Ave. FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF ALACHUA 386-462-1337 14005 NW 146th Avenue Pastor Doug Felton FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH OF ALACHUA 386-462-2443 14805 NW 140th St. Pastor Rob Atchley

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF ALACHUA 386-462-1549 14623 NW 140th St. Rev. Virginia McDaniel FOREST GROVE BAPTIST CHURCH 386-462-3921 22575 NW 94 Avenue GREATER NEW HOPE MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH 386-462-4617 15205 NW 278th Ave. (Bland) HARE KRISHNA TEMPLE 386-462-2017 17306 NW 112th Blvd.

HOPE COMMUNITY BAPTIST CHURCH 386-454-2981 13719 NW 146th Avenue Pastor Arnold Osteen LEGACY BAPTIST CHURCH 352-538-5595 255 S. Main St. Pastor John Jernigan LIVING COVENANT CHURCH 386-462-7375 Pastor Brian J. Coleman NEW OAK GROVE BAPTIST CHURCH 386-462-3390 County Road 1491 Pastor Terry Elixson, Jr. NEW TESTAMENT CHURCH OF GOD AND CHRIST 386-462-4891 1310 NW 155 Place Pastor R. L. Cooper NORTH PLEASANT GROVE BAPTIST CHURCH 386-462-3317 25330 NW CR 239 Pastor Edwin A. Gardner

NEW SAINT MARY BAPTIST CHURCH 386-462-7129 13800 NW 158th Ave. PARADISE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH OF ALACHUA 386-462-0162 14889 Martin Luther King Boulevard & 135 Northwest Terrace Pastor Rev. James D. Johnson, Sr. SANTA FE BAPTIST CHURCH 386-462-7541 7505 NW CR 236 Pastor William Pruitt MT NEBO UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 386-418-1038 9975 NW 143rd St. Pastor Ricardo George Jr. NEW SHILOH BAPTIST CHURCH 386-462-2095 18610 NW CR 237 NEW ST MARY BAPTIST CHURCH 386-462-7129 13800 NW 158th Ave. OLD SHILOH MISSIONARY BAPTIST 386-462-4894 16810 NW CR 239 RIVER OF LIFE ASSEMBLY OF GOD 352-870-7288 14200 NW 148th Place Alachua, Fl 32615 Pastor Greg Evans ST LUKE AME CHURCH 386-462-2732 US Highway 441 South ST MATHEWS BAPTIST CHURCH 386-462-2205 15712 NW140 Street Pastor Isaac Miles TEMPLE OF THE UNIVERSE 386-462-7279 15808 NW 90 Street www.tou.org WESTSIDE CHURCH OF GOD IN CHRIST 386-418-0649 15535 NW 141st St.

NEWBERRY ABIDING SAVIOR LUTHERAN CHURCH 352-331-4409 9700 West Newberry Road BETHEL AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH 352-474-6215 23530 NW 3rd Ave. Pastor Theodora Black CHRISTIAN LIFE FELLOWSHIP 352-472-5433 Pastor Terry Fulton CHURCH OF GOD BY FAITH 352-472-2739 610 NW 2nd St. Pastor: Jesse Hampton THE CHURCH AT STEEPLECHASE 352-472-6232 Meeting at Sun Country Sports Center 333 SW 140th Terrace (Jonesville) Pastor Buddy Hurlston CORINTH BAPTIST CHURCH 352-472-7770 5577 NW 290th St. Pastor Henry M. Rodgers FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF NEWBERRY 352-472-2351 25520 West Newberry Road Rev. Jack Andrews

JONESVILLE BAPTIST CHURCH 352-472-3835 17722 SW 15th Ave. Pastor Corey Cheramie JOURNEY CHURCH 352-281-0701 22405 W. Newberry Road Milam Funeral Home Chapel Pastor Dr. Michael O’Carroll MT ZURA FULL GOSPEL BAPTIST CHURCH 352-472-4056 225 NW 2nd Ave. Pastor Natron Curtis NEW ST PAUL BAPTIST CHURCH 352-472-3836 215 NW 8TH Ave. Pastor Edward Welch NEWBERRY CHURCH OF CHRIST 352-472-4961 24045 West Newberry Road Minister Batsell Spivy DESTINY COMMUNITY CHURCH 352-472-3284 420 SW 250th Street Pastor Rocky McKinley OAK DALE BAPTIST CHURCH 352-472-2992 Highway 26 and 241 South PLEASANT PLAIN UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 352-472-1863 1910 NW 166TH St. Pastor Theo Jackson

FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 352-472-4005 24845 West Newberry Road Pastor Kenneth Kleckner

ST JOSEPH’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH 352-472-2951 16921 West Newberry Road Pastor John DiLeo

GRACE COMMUNITY CHURCH 352-472-9200 22405 W. Newberry Road Pastor Ty Keys

UNION BAPTIST CHURCH 352-472-3845 6259 SE 75TH Ave Pastor Travis Moody

www.VisitOurTowns.com

Autumn 2010 | 129

>> ANCESTRY

All in the Family

BY NICOLE LYNN GREINER

A Reunion, Centuries in the Making bout three years ago, Susan Eddy Poole joined Ancestry.com to learn more about her family tree. She soon realized that finding her relatives was like putting together a very complicated puzzle, and sometimes finding the right piece seemed impossible.

After three years researching on Ancestry.com Poole was able to trace her ancestry back six generations into the mid-1700s.

She discovered that her ancestors had fought in numerous wars, experienced rough times during the Great Depression and even participated in the naming of the city of Gainesville, which was originally named Gainsville, according to old courthouse records.

Poole’s family was one of the original settlers in Florida. In the early 1800s her family built a home in Newnansville, when Florida was just a territory. She said that in those days mail was delivered by stagecoach. However, it was not long before the territory of Newnansville was no more.

“When the railroad was built everyone packed up and moved toward the railroad,” she said.

Some of the Poole family have lived in the same home since they moved from Georgia in the early 1800s after the Seminole War. The family has no plans of ever

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PHOTOS COURTESY OF SUSAN EDDY POOLE

Laura Louise Standley Speight Cullen is grandmother of Poole and she died in 1959.

getting rid of the family home.

Poole remembers many stories of her relatives, tales her mother would tell her as she was growing up. She recalls her mother speaking very fondly of her brother, S.B. Cullen, who fought in the Battle of the Bulge in World War II and returned home. She said Cullen was a doting uncle to all of his nieces and nephews and took care of the family home.

Cullen never married and never talked about what he experienced in wartime.

Poole also discovered that both of her great grandfathers fought against one another in the Civil War, during the Battle of Olustee.

Shortly after the Civil War, Poole’s family lost all of their money when the South’s currency was declared illegal. They were able to keep the house but lost some of their land.

After two years researching Ancestry.com, Poole met a woman named Cathy Susar and soon discovered they were related. Poole’s grandfather, William Standley, was the brother of Susar’s grandmother, Laura Standley. The

TOP: About 40 relatives united at Conestogas Restaurant in Alachua on June 12, where most met for the fi rst time. Left to Right: Cathy McLeod Susar from Valrico, Brooks Ball Gallagher from Jacksonville, Jewell Freeland from Georgia, Susan Eddy Poole from Alachua and George Ann Dansby Ball from Jacksonville.

ABOVE: James W. Standley is the son of John Blackstone Standley II, who fought in the Battle of Olustee in the Civil War and died in 1879. He is Poole’s great-grandfather. FAR RIGHT: Susan Eddy Poole stands next to the grave of her great-greatgrandfather, John B. Standley, who died in 1860.

two found each another while trying to link together a part of the family tree.

Soon after linking their family trees, Susar decided to visit Poole in Alachua. They visited the Standley Family Cemetery, located between Hague and Newnansville, and decided it would be a good idea to have a family reunion.

She said that when they met it felt right, “it felt like family.”

Soon thereafter they began planning a family reunion. In June, 40 descendants and three generations of their family gathered to meet at Conestogas Restaurant, in Alachua. Family members came from as far away as South Carolina for the reunion.

“The reunion took place 150 years after John B. Standley died,” Poole said, “and we want future generations to know about the family that lived in this area so long.”

The descendants told tales and compared stories about

their relatives and what they knew about their pasts.

The relatives have also taken special care of her family’s cemetery. They have cleaned up debris surrounding the burial grounds and placed flowers on the graves of their ancestors.

In order to protect the cemetery, Poole said she felt it was important to have it registered as a burial ground so that it could never be developed.

“It is nice to honor those who have gone before us,” she said.

Poole said she plans to continue her research and hopes to locate more relatives and discover the rest of her genealogy.

Poole’s relatives are also looking forward to holding another family reunion, but this time instead of waiting 150 years they plan on meeting next fall, and making an annual tradition out of it. s

www.VisitOurTowns.com

Autumn 2010 | 131

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132 | Autumn 2010

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Autumn 2010 | 133

>> TRADITION

A Traditional Thanksgiving...?

A Second Look at the Beloved American Holiday

BY JANICE C. KAPLAN he turkey, the mashed potatoes, the corn and the pumpkin pie... all are staples of today’s Thanksgiving. But are they truly traditional?

It turns out that many of the foods, images and stories that people associate with this beloved holiday are actually influences from recent history.

For example, that first Thanksgiving meal might not have even featured a turkey. According to historian Richard Pickering, deputy director of Massachusetts’ Plimoth Plantation, eyewitness accounts of that first

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134 | Autumn 2010

feast in 1621 mention “wildfowl.”

One such account is contained in a letter written by Edward Winslow, a passenger on the Mayflower who ultimately became governor of Plymouth Colony: “Our harvest being gotten in, our governor sent four men on fowling, that so we might after a special manner rejoice together after we had gathered the fruit of our labors. They four in one day killed as much fowl as, with a little help beside, served the company almost a week.”

While it is possible that this included wild turkey,

it could have also meant duck, swan or even pigeon.

If a turkey was on the table, it certainly was not the centerpiece that it is today. Also absent from the table were sweet potatoes, which were not common; corn on the cob, which was kept dried during the fall months; and pumpkin pie, the recipe for which did not yet exist.

According to History.com, the meal probably included plenty of seafood such as cod, lobster, eel and clams.

So what was served at the first Thanksgiving?

According to History.com, the meal probably included plenty of seafood such as cod, lobster, eel and clams.

Venison was plentiful at the time, as were vegetables like lettuce, radishes, peas and beans (pumpkin was likely included, but in stewed form). And, per Winslow’s letter, it was all served over three days, probably in late September or early October when the settlers would have been harvesting. It is a far cry from today’s November feast, which is more a reflection of the American cuisine that was popular in 1863 when President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed Thanksgiving a yearly tradition.

Here are some other holiday hallmarks that are not quite what they seem:

In fact, European settlers had been living in what is now North America for decades before the pilgrims arrived. Spanish explorers settled in Florida and Texas in the mid to late 1500s, while the Berkley Plantation in Virginia was settled in 1619. And of course there were the Native American tribes who had lived on the land for centuries. Most if not all of these societies and settlements celebrated some form of thanksgiving or harvest feast before the Mayflower saw the Massachusetts shore.

Native Americans were invited to feast with the pilgrims.

It is true that the native Wampanoag tribe provided crucial help to the pilgrims in their first difficult year. But their participation in the first Thanksgiving feast was more of a happy accident. According to historians, tribe members heard the pilgrims’ gunshots and mistakenly thought they were preparing for war. The Wampanoag chief and his men went to the area to investigate, only to realize that the pilgrims were simply hunting for meat to accompany their harvest meal. The tribe then brought in some deer to contribute to the feast.

While Thanksgiving has transformed over the centuries, one aspect of the holiday remains the same — the spirit of thankfulness and cooperation. This enduring and most important tradition helps make Thanksgiving one of the most beloved of American holidays. s

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Pilgrims wore black and white, with shiny brass buckles on their hats and shoes.

As with the feast itself, our perception of pilgrim dress is influenced by later trends. Black and white clothing was usually reserved for the Sabbath. Since the first Thanksgiving feast was a relaxed affair, the pilgrims likely wore more casual clothes; men mixed their black and white with beige, green or brown, while women would be in earthy red, green, blue, purple, brown or gray. Buckles were not popular until the middle to late 1700s, so they were not found on pilgrim clothing.

The pilgrims landed on Plymouth Rock.

This could be America’s first urban legend. The first mention of the pilgrims actually setting foot on a rock was not made until more than 100 years after the Mayflower’s arrival, and even then it was in a story relayed by a 95-year-old man. In fact, the ship’s first landing was farther south on Cape Cod before heading to the pilgrims’ final settlement at Plymouth. Many historians question the accuracy that Plymouth Rock is the rock upon which the settlers first trod. But because of its status as a beloved symbol of our country’s beginnings, many still accept the Plymouth Rock story as a part of Thanksgiving folklore.

The pilgrims celebrated the first Thanksgiving.

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Autumn 2010 | 135

LIBRARY SCHEDULE Alachua Branch Library .....................14913 NW 140th St. .............................. 386-462-2592 High Springs Branch Library ...........135 NW 1st Ave........................................ 386-454-2512 Newberry Branch Library .................110 South Seaboard Dr. ..........................352-472-1135 For further information on scheduled events visit www.acld.lib.fl.us

ALACHUA PROGRAMS FOR ALL AGES American Sign Language Basics Mondays, 5:30 p.m.

Beginners class to learn the manual, alphabet, basic word signs, ASL sentence structure and a brief history of deaf culture.

Class size is limited; pre-registration required.

Latino Film Festival presents La Fuga; a Puerto Rican Comedy Sun., 10/10, 2:00 p.m.

La Fuga is a movie about commitment and new horizons.

Filmed in the breathtaking mountains of Puerto Rico, where the Orama family resides, the movie tells the story about the youngest daughter, Isabel’s wedding adventures.

PROGRAMS FOR CHILDREN Preschool Story Time Thursday, 11:00 a.m.

PROGRAMS FOR TEENS Gaming @ Your Library Thursdays, 2:00 p.m.

Come out to the library to play video games.

Zumba Classes

by Choices Health Education and Wellness Programs Thursdays, 6:00 p.m.

Zumba mixes body sculpting movement with dance steps, derived mainly from Latin music.

Computer Class Wednesdays, 11:00 a.m.

Learn basic computer skills. Classes are first come first served and seating is limited.

Pilates Classes

by Choices Health Education and Wellness Programs Wednesday, 6:00 p.m.

Pilates focuses on building strength without bulk, improving flexibility and agility, and helping to prevent injuries.

Hatha Yoga Tuesdays, 5:30 p.m.

Come join us for one hour of Hatha Yoga taught with an emphasis on mindfulness, individuality and proper alignment, all in a non-competitive atmosphere. Be sure to bring your own mat.

T-shirts to T-towels Tues. 9/21, 11:00 a.m.

Learn how to take simple T-shirts and turn them into fun yet practical tea towels.

Each person will start with two T-shirts in coordinating colors.

Then we’ll use fabric paint and appliqué techniques.

PROGRAMS FOR ADULTS

TANNING ExcelHHAIR A DESIGN and

Raised Bed Vegetable Gardening Mon., 9/13, 6:00 p.m.

Learn about an innovative way to grow vegetables.

You will be amazed to learn how you can grow your own produce within limited space. Will also cover vegetable gardening basics and teach you how to use raised beds for increased efficiency.

Canning: Food Storage Basics Tues., 11/16, 5:00 p.m.

The class is an overview of canning in both pressure and boiling water-bath canners. Step-by-step procedures will be discussed for safely canning both low and high-acid foods as well as tips on making successful sweet spreads (jams, jellies, etc) and pickles.

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136 | Autumn 2010

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The Rug Bunch Monthly on 1st and 3rd Wednesdays, 3:00 p.m.

Crochet a rag rug with a group of fellow enthusiasts.

Beginners welcome.

PROGRAMS FOR TEENS Afternoon at the Movies Thursdays, 3:00 p.m.

(6/24 - 8/12) Escape the heat and chill out watching favorite movies and new releases on the big screen.

Crafty Clique Wednesdays, 5:00 p.m.

Come crochet, knit, quilt or scrapbook with fellow crafting enthusiasts

What’s that Noise?

Tues. 10/12, 2:30 p.m.

Find out about all those nighttime creatures that roam while you sleep.

Lady Gamers Monthly on first Friday, 2:00 p.m.

Join other senior women for a fun afternoon of gaming.

Meet Molly: The Monarch Butterfly Puppet Tues., 11/9, 2:30 p.m.

Come along with Molly and her caterpillar friends on their fun-filled adventure through a butterfly garden.

Cheesemaking Workshop Fri., 9/10, 1:30 p.m.

Learn how you can make simple cheeses at home.

The workshop will demonstrate how to make Ricotta and Feta cheeses. Watch,

PROGRAMS FOR ADULTS

OPEN 7 DAYS 7AM-MIDNIGHT! • ALL LIGHTED

Wednesdays, 3:30 p.m.

Tempting Reads Monthly on Last Wednesday, 6:00 p.m.

Join us for lively book club discussions featuring popular & recently published, yet readily available, books chosen from participants’ suggestions. Snacks and refreshments welcome.

Fall Costume Party!

Sun. 10/31, 2 p.m.

Calling all ghosts, ghouls, goblins and more — scary or nice!

Games, prizes and fun.

PROGRAMS FOR ADULTS Intro to Computers: The basics Monthly on the first Tuesday, 6:00 p.m.

New to computers?

Don’t despair — this three part series can help. The class goes over the basic terminology, components and applications of a personal computer.

Intro to Computers in Spanish Monthly on the first Thursday, 6:00 p.m.

Spanish-only speakers can learn computer basics in Spanish. The class goes over the

PROGRAMS FOR CHILDREN Preschool Story Time Wednesdays, 11:00 a.m.

basic terminology, components and applications of a personal computer.

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Mystery Reading Group Monthly on third Thursday, 6:30 p.m.

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PROGRAMS FOR ALL AGES

Butterfly Bonanza Tues. 9/14, 2:30 p.m.

Learn about the beautiful world of butterflies from the Greathouse Butterfly farm.

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Crafter’s Circle Wednesdays, 1:00 p.m.

Any non-messy craft may join this group.

Preschool Story Time Tuesdays, 11:00 a.m.

learn and sample the finished product.

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PROGRAMS FOR CHILDREN

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352-332-2721 Autumn 2010 | 137

>> SEASONAL

Our Town Almanac Autumn in North Florida

BY DEBBIE M. DELOACH re there certain days of the month that are good for cutting hair to speed up or slow down subsequent growth? According to the Old Farmer’s Almanac the answer is yes. Almanacs are more than oldfashioned aids for old-fashioned farmers.

The Old Farmer’s Almanac has been published annually in New Hampshire since 1792. Now under its 13th editor, the Old Farmer’s Almanac may still sport its original cover design but its content is both traditional and modern, even down to its website.

As the country has grown and evolved over the past 218 years, so has the Almanac’s coverage of useful and entertaining prognostications and trivia. As North Florida now enters autumn 2010, some of that information is distilled and revealed here for the reader’s use and enjoyment.

A

ASTRONOMY Full moons occur on Sept. 23, Oct. 22, and Nov. 21 this year. The best meteor shower of the season, the Orionid, will arise from the south sky in predawn hours, Oct. 21 through 22.

138 | Autumn 2010

Expect about 15 meteors per hour.

September The first day of autumn, also known as the vernal equinox, occurs on Sept. 22. On this day, the amount of daylight will equal the amount of darkness so that they span 12 hours each.

The Jewish New Year occurs at sunset, Sept. 8, and marks the beginning of the year 5771. However, the Byzantine calendar marks the first day of the year 7519 a few days later on Sept. 14. The Islamic year 1432 begins at sunset on Dec. 8.

Notable dates in September include the day Steve Irwin, the Crocodile Hunter, died from a freak encounter with a stingray on the 4th, 2006. The first baby placed in an incubator was Edith McLean on the 7th, 1888. Also note Labor Day on the 6th, Rosh Hashanah on the 9th, and Patriot day on the 11th.

October Oct. 1 was a momentous day for Florida in 1971 when Disney World opened its doors in Orlando. This ushered in a new era for Florida tourism as mega-parks owned by corporate giants begin to supplant

and overshadow locally owned tourist destinations.

Columbus Day and Canadian Thanksgiving Day both occur on the 11th and All Hallows Eve is celebrated as Halloween on the 31st.

November On Nov. 13, 2006, construction began on the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial in Washington, D.C. But on the 27th in 1912, North Florida received half an inch of snow. Woo Hoo! Conscientious citizens get out the vote on the 2nd, Election Day. Thanksgiving Day is Thursday the 25th and Veteran’s Day is the 11th.

On Saturday, the 6th, Sadie Hawkins Day is a great time for a dance. Luckily, that night Daylight Saving Time ends at 2 a.m., so partygoers get an extra hour of sleep.

HOME SENSE Vegetarians can skip this paragraph. According to an article

by Shannon Hayes in the 2010 Old Farmer’s Almanac, bones make great meals. They enrich soups and stews with nutrients, flavor and color. So, do not throw out those cooked rib eye and chicken bones. Recycle them.

Tips for successful hard-boiled eggs include: • not using fresh eggs • covering the eggs with one inch of water • adding a dash of vinegar to the water • breaking the head off a wooden match then tossing the stick into the water • placing a wooden spoon in the water.

WEATHER How does the Old Farmer’s Almanac make weather predictions for an entire year? The basic formula dates back to 1792 when the Almanac’s founder, Robert B. Thomas, devised it. Nowadays, that formula has been improved and augmented with modern prediction techniques. Amazingly, the Almanac’s weather predictions have averaged about 80 percent accuracy through the centuries.

This September, Florida can expect one, possibly two, hurricanes

and more rain than usual. Of course, with a hurricane one can obviously expect more rain than usual. Pray for this prediction to fall within the 20 percent area of the Almanac’s fallibility.

After September’s forecast, October and November are somewhat lackluster.

BEST DATES Celeste Longacre, the Old Farmer’s Almanac’s astrologer, uses moon phases to recommend the best dates to perform certain functions.

A selection of these dates follows.

• Quit smoking or start a weight reduction diet on Sept. 3 or 26, Oct. 5 or 23, or Nov. 5 or 28.

• Get dental work performed on Sept. 7 or 8, Oct. 5 or 6, or Nov. 1, 2, 28 or 29.

• Start new projects on Sept. 9 or 10, Oct. 8 or 9, or Nov. 7 or 8.

• To encourage faster hair growth, get it cut on Sept. 9, 10, 21 or 22; Oct. 3, 4, 30 or 31; or Nov. 14, 15,

19 or 20.

• For the most fun camping, go on Sept. 13 through 15, Oct. 11 and 12, or Nov. 7 and 8.

GARDENING Some believe that the moon’s phases are important determinants for growing successful vegetables.

Crops that bear above ground, such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts, leafy greens, cabbage and kohlrabi, should be planted during the time the moon is going from new to full.

Crops that bear below ground, such as beets, carrots, radishes, onions, turnips and leeks, should be planted during the time the moon is going from full to new.

For our area, the moon will be waxing, going from new to full, on Sept. 9 through 23, Oct. 8 through 22, and Nov. 7 through 21. The moon will be waning, going from full to new, on Sept. 1 through 8, Sept. 24 through Oct. 7, Oct. 23 through Nov. 6 and Nov. 22 through Dec. 7. s

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Autumn 2010 | 139

>> REINVENTION

Regina Reforged High Springs Pawn & Jewelry Opens

BY LARRY BEHNKE he woman behind the counter is the same, but the business has a new twist.

Regina’s Fine Jewelry has become High Springs Pawn and Jewelry.

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140 | Autumn 2010

“This is a return to the days when working people were looking for value,” said Regina Quick, who has worked in the same space since 1980. “Everybody likes a bargain.”

PHOTO BY LARRY BEHNKE

From left: Michael Ragan, Regina Quick and Clint Asbell behind the counter of High Springs Pawn and Jewelry.

The impeccably dressed, attractive woman with a ready smile is a survivor.

The economy dictated a change in Regina’s life, and she has adapted. She and her husband Michael Jon opened their jewelry store as the Genuine Article in 1980. Then in 1987, it became Michael Jon Sculptor of Gold. He was an artist who created pieces from scratch.

He also encouraged others to be creative.

Regina remembers, “He used to tell kids that anyone can be an artist if you put your heart and soul into it.”

After a debilitating illness, Michael Jon died in 2005.

Regina tapped her inner strength. She had the jewelry business know-how and the support of customers. She kept the store going and renamed it Regina’s Fine Jewelry.

For a while, Regina had help running the shop from her daughter Candy and her mother Nethra Phillips.

But after decades with hardly a break, Regina was tired.

Clint Asbell, who has managed Oaks Pawn and Jewelry in Gainesville for six years, heard through a friend that Regina might want to sell her shop. He met with her and at first recommended liquidation. But Asbell liked High Springs and decided, with Regina’s help, to open a branch store, even though he had recently opened Haile Jewelry and Loan.

Regina was not quite sure what pawnshops did, but they do deal in jewelry, something she had much experience with. She is now quickly learning the ropes.

“Pawn shops once had a bad reputation,” Asbell said, “but now they are more retail and customer oriented.”

Regina agrees, since many of her former customers have come in to see her and get acquainted with this new pawnshop.

“With the economy the way it is now, people may need a little loan,” she said. “You can’t get gas money from a bank.”

Regina said this is actually a return to tradition, because in the late 1800s in the same shop, building owner Georgan Roberts’ grandfather also made small loans to local people.

Regina explained how a pawnshop works. When someone brings in an item, they are loaned money with the item as collateral. They have 30 days to pay back their loan plus interest. They can also pay just the interest and extend the loan for another month. If they do not pay off the loan, the item is put on sale in the shop.

“If I had known what pawn shops were about, I could have sold a lot more than I did at my yard sales,” Regina said.

Now she is teaching others. She is the local face that people trust and her business has improved.

“We’re bringing our pawn shop up to a level where people will enjoy shopping here,” she said.

And everything Regina’s Fine Jewelry offered is still in place.

“We’re a full service jewelry store,” Regina said. “We have jewelry repair and design, watch repair and a bigger selection, but now the prices are lower.”

Asbell said that because they have three stores, their inventory is huge.

“We take requests,” he said. “We have something for everyone. Even people with money want a good deal; we get doctors coming in.”

The company has an online store too, run by Asbell’s mother. And Regina’s daughter Candy now enjoys working at Haile Jewelry and Loan.

“It’s almost a family business,” Regina joked.

Asbell is head manager of all three stores, while Regina works with Michael Ragan, manager at the High Springs shop.

Regina is happy about the transition of her jewelry store into something new.

“The economy got way out of line, and we’re helping to bring it back,” she said. “This is a way of serving the community and helping the economy.”

She has other perks too.

“I don’t have to be boss anymore,” Regina said. “And I get a paycheck.” She smiles at Asbell and Ragan. “I passed the baton on to great people.

In August, Regina took her first weeklong vacation in more than a decade. s

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COLUMN >> DONNA BONNELL

Embracing Life Ink in my veins.

hree abandoned newspaper boxes reside at the end of my driveway. A mother bird set up residence in one; a mammoth spider and his gigantic web homesteaded the second. The third is completely abandoned — faded, cracked and lifeless. Could these yellow plastic tubes represent the status of the newspaper industry — a business that has been an integral part of my life?

My father was a circulation manager for “The Miami Herald.” His job was to supervise carriers who delivered the papers and manually keep updated subscriber lists and door-to-door collection records. Dad’s territory was South Miami Beach. The way of life was very different in the ‘60s. In those days, South Beach consisted primarily of retired folks, and it was an accepted practice for young children to work hard, even before school began.

As young pre-adolescent girls, our father would wake my sister and me up at 4 a.m. to cover paper routes when an employee called in sick or quit. We would sit on the tailgate of his station wagon, fold papers, secure them with rubber bands and sling them into our customers’ yards. Some mornings we also cared for our infant brother in the back of the car. One day we hit a pothole in the road, and Donnie bounced out. Sandy and I screamed for Dad to stop. Fortunately, our baby brother was fine. Today, we still laugh at that story, more than four decades later.

Other days Dad dropped us off at high-rise condominiums with bundles of newspapers intended for front door delivery. Apartment numbers of subscribers on our route were memorized; Dad verbally told us which customers cancelled their orders and who started delivery. Cell phones or computer-generated lists were not available. We were simply required to know our customers.

As the sun rose, our work was finished. Dad rewarded us by stopping at an authentic Jewish bakery/restaurant, where the owners treated us like royalty. We would arrive covered in smudged clothing, dirty hands, and hungry. They prepared the best hot chocolate with real whipped cream, thick French toast and homemade donuts. Remembering their kindness

T

144 | Autumn 2010

brings back precious memories. I can almost taste the savory sweet treats and smell the smudged newsprint ink on my shirt and shorts.

My first full-time employment, in 1973, was at “The Miami News,” the same year they moved in with “The Miami Herald.” The two newspapers shared production facilities while maintaining a separate editorial staff.

I worked for the marketing department, which was challenging, as we were the smaller evening paper.

Coordinating events to promote circulation sales, with the most energetic enthusiast and entertaining cohorts I have ever worked with, was my job. Any attempt to compete with the giant “Miami Herald” required thinking outside the box and the willingness to be a bit crazy.

We tried everything, including sponsoring nights at the dog track and hiring hustlers to solicit doorto-door. Those street-wise young men knew how to make a sale. Their rewards were trips to Disney World.

Chaperoning those overnight excursions definitely fell in the above-and-beyond category. We offered disability and life insurance to our subscribers. I became a licensed insurance agent to fulfill the State’s requirement. Unfortunately, all circulation gains were temporary. “The Miami News” ceased publication on Dec. 31, 1988. Just as the broken and discolored newspaper box at the end of my road, its life was over.

The empty box held together by the terrifying tangled web illustrates my dismay. The average daily circulation of all newspapers has been in decline since the late 1980s. An article in “The Washington Post” reports, “...the Audit Bureau of Circulations, paints a dismal picture for an industry already feeling the pressures of an advertising slump coupled with the worst business downturn since the Great Depression.”

The good news is that small newspapers, which focus their limited resources on local news, are gaining readership. What a rare bright spot in today’s economy.

Perhaps the paper box housing mama bird and her eggs, represent periodicals such as Our Town Magazine. My colleagues at Tower Publications embrace the rebirth of small town America, and I am proud to play a small part in their success. s

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>> WRITTEN UP

A New Face in Newberry NEWBERRY HIGH SCHOOL WELCOMES ITS NEW PRINCIPAL

BY CRYSTAL HENRY hane Andrew has his roots in Alachua County education. Andrew moved to the area as a toddler in 1970. He grew up in the school system where he attended kindergarten through high school. The local educational system was a good fit, so he stuck around and attended Santa Fe Community College as well.

He capped off his hometown education with a degree from the University of Florida. Andrew had just about every ounce of Alachua County education he could gather, and it was time to start spreading the wealth.

While enrolled at SFCC (now Santa Fe College), he decided to work with kids and give back to the community that had given him such a great education. But his interest in educating was not just a shot in the dark. Andrew comes from a long line of educators including both of his grandmothers who were teachers in the old one-room schoolhouses. His father was a professor at UF, and he also worked to bring education to other parts of the world. Andrew

S

148 | Autumn 2010

remembers the cultural experiences he had even as a toddler in places such as Central America and Africa, and those memories made a lasting impression. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I saw firsthand the difference between folks who have a lot and those who have nothing,â&#x20AC;? Andrew said.

He wanted to help children from all walks of life and economical backgrounds. And while he knew that being an educator would not be the highest-paying profession, he could not pass up the intrinsic rewards it offered.

Andrew began his educating endeavor as a substitute teacher.

He then spent 15 years at Hawthorne High School in various roles.

He worked as a teacher and an assistant principal, as well as athletic director.

He then went on to Mebane Middle School where he was the assistant principal for three years, and then the principal for one.

And now, as he begins his inaugural year as principal of Newberry High School, he is excited to get back into the high school groove. He said high school

students are just a little bit closer to their life goals and dreams, so it is exciting to help them attain them.

“We have a strong group of folks here,” he said.

Andrew said he feels fortunate to join such a strong team and would like to continue in the positive direction his predecessor, Hershel Lyons, left behind.

Lyons was given a “well-deserved” promotion to assistant superintendent of personnel at the school board, and he said Lyons has been instrumental in the transition.

“I have full confidence in the faculty and staff here.”

Andrew said he is very excited to be a part of such a great school. He attended graduation and was pleasantly surprised to learn that the students earned well over $1 million in scholarships.

“It speaks to what the faculty and staff have done with the curriculum,” he said.

One of his main goals for the coming year is to open doors to upper division educational opportunities, especially to those who may be first generation college students.

At the end of the summer, Andrew introduced himself to the teachers, but he said he will get to know everyone better once school begins.

He said he understands that at the beginning they were probably still reeling from the news that Lyons was leaving. But he hopes he alleviated some curiosities by introducing himself.

The transition has been a smooth one so far, he said, and although he is sure there will be challenges, he is optimistic about his future at Newberry High School.

“I have full confidence in the faculty and staff here,” he said.

This summer Andrew attended band camp, summer school and some of the athletic practices. Andrew said the freshmen orientation at the end of August will be a great time to meet incoming students.

One thing he really likes about Newberry High

School is that it is a small enough school that he can get to know the students.

“I’m not one that likes to be sitting in my office,” Andrew said.

One change he would like is the incorporation of more technology into the classroom. He said he will enlist community support to help bring things like smart boards and document cameras into the classroom. A smart board is white board that is engaging and interactive.

“It beats an overhead,” Andrew said. “Anything technology gets the kids’ attention.”

He said technology will help bring real-world education into the classroom, and it will also save time.

Andrew said he will do all he can to improve reading and math skills. The educational system is in a transitional phase right now, and many classes are moving toward the trend of end-of-course exams. He wants to ensure that the students will be adequately prepared.

He said he is very data driven, and he will look to the information gathered from students to assess what they have mastered in order to enrich it. He said the data will also help to determine what they still need help with, and they will work to figure out the best way to reach the students and improve in those areas.

Andrew said Newberry High School is on the right track, and he is geared up to jump on board as its new leader. s

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COLUMN >> DIANE E. SHEPARD

Mama Musings Always ready for an adventure, he is at the front door, a toy car in one hand, the other clinging to the doorknob.

“I ready!” my son, Nicholas, proclaims.

Wheels fascinate Nicholas. They signify power and motion. He is perpetual motion. He has only one speed: Turbo FAST. Nicholas loves to GO, so he loves things that GO! We GO a lot: to the library, store, pool, park, friend’s houses...

Once in the car, he delights in looking out the window, taking in each tree, sign, cow and pond that we pass, noting it all, sometimes out loud, sometimes not. I swear I see those “brain” wheels turning.

So impatient is he for the journey, that when we’re stopped at a light, or drive-thru, Nicholas says, “Go, Mommy, go!”

On those rare occasions when he does slow down, he lays on his side, on the floor, toy car in hand, so his face

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is even with the rolling car. He watches the wheels go ‘round and ‘round.

This is his meditation.

As I’m packing for a family road trip, I’m listening to William Least Heat-Moon’s “Blue Highways,” about his meanderings across the U.S., with only a handful of essential belongings.

Although Heat-Moon had no particular destination in mind, his trip was not without direction. He followed a circle because, he said, it would give his trip “purpose.”

It would signify a “coming around again...” to “shuck the routine...”

I’m enchanted by his adventure. But reality sets in: I’m surrounded by toy cars, dolls, books, stuff. Our road trip has a definite destination. And we cannot travel lightly.

Still, the more I listened, the more I couldn’t shake the romantic notion of how fun it would be just to hit the open road, just for the pure joy of discovery: Like HeatMoon, like Nicholas, just traveling light and enjoying the ride. Like I used to do.

Our road trip takes us to visit my Granddad, now 92 and caught in the cruel grip of Alzheimer’s. Each day, he moves further “away” from us, as the disease pulls him further from who he was. A shadow of his old self.

Dependent on others for everything. Forgetting who we are every few minutes. But I was granted a glimpse of my continued on page 152 beloved Granddad once more,

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o continued from page 150 as he watched Nicholas playing with his cars.

“I remember doing that. I had a few cars, and I would watch the wheels turn like that too,” Granddad said.

For a moment, he was back with us again. His warm, familiar laugh a comfort I had missed.

Nicholas reminds me that each new day can be an adventure, an opportunity...

For a man who once delighted in long cross-country road trips and traveling to far away places, my Granddad has returned again to the joy of the simple, quick outing — just going to get the mail or taking out the recycling is an adventure for him, not unlike my son.

Nicholas is at the beginning of his journey; I am at the middle of mine, while Granddad is nearing the end of his, all part of the circle of life.

But with the circle of life, as with all circles, the end turns in on its beginning.

As the great Oglala Sioux Holy Man, Black Elk said, “The Power of the world always works in circles, and everything tries to be round ... The life of man is a circle from childhood to childhood, and so it is in everything where power moves.”

I take comfort in knowing that my Granddad enjoyed

a rich, full life, with his soul mate by his side for most of it, and children and grandchildren nearby. I know he enjoyed the ride.

Back home, my thoughts turn inward.

I used to have more fun. I used to enjoy the journey more — even reveled in it. My mantra: “It’s the journey, not the destination.”

What happened?

I think about Nicholas, my pint-size traveler. He finds the fun, always, in anything he does. He makes a trip to the grocery store anything but mundane. He always finds the joy. He always enjoys the ride.

Nicholas reminds me that each new day can be an adventure, an opportunity to find the fun, even amongst the monotonous routine of everyday chores and errands.

It won’t be easy, but I must try.

I must remember to ENJOY THE RIDE! After all, we really don’t know how long our journey through this world will be.

All truly meaningful journeys are circular — proving more spiritual, than geographical. They lead you back to your roots, your core, yourself.

“Ready, Mama?!” Nicholas calls excitedly from his perch at the front door.

“Ready!” I say.

I grab my keys and wallet. Nothing else.

I have no idea where are we going, but I do know that I’m going to enjoy the ride! s

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154 | Autumn 2010

The Choice For

PINE BARK // CYPRESS MULCH // POTTING SOIL

QUALITY PLANTS & SERVICE

PINE STRAW!

WE SPECIALIZE IN:

PALMS & LANDSCAPE PLANTS

SHRUBBERY SELECT 3 GAL. CONTAINERS

$7 EACH

DELIVERY AVAILABLE! BLOOMINGHOUSE NURSERY 15220 W NEWBERRY RD. NEWBERRY, FL. 32669

SEASONAL PLANTS & FLOWERS COME IN TODAY:

FOR ALL YOUR LANDSCAPE NEEDS!

352.472.3111

Visit Our 9,000 square foot Showroom and Warehouse!

FREE

Bottle Of Floor Cleaner Your Choice of Hardwood, Ceramic Tile or Vinyl - While Supplies Last!

www.VisitOurTowns.com

Autumn 2010 | 155

West End Animal Hospital 15318 West Newberry Road • Newberry, FL 32669 www.westendanimal.com office 352.472.7626 SERVING ALACHUA COUNTY FOR 20 YEARS

Deborah Cottrell, DVM ~ Fred Schirmer, DVM ~ Allison Hiers, DVM COMPANION ANIMAL & EXOTICS • LARGE PHARMACY COMPLETE IN-HOUSE LABORATORY • DIGITAL RADIOLOGY VIDEO OTOSCOPY • SURGERY SUITE • DROP-OFF SERVICE BOARDING • DOCTOR ON CALL 24-HOURS

OPE RATION PIT- N I P FREE SPAY OR NEUTER FOR PITBULLS AND PIT MIXES All dogs must be Alachua County residents and have valid Alachua County Rabies tag.

If your pet is not current, a vaccine and tag can be acquired the day of surgery for $25.00

156 | Autumn 2010

www.VisitOurTowns.com

Autumn 2010 | 157

Available at

US 441, High Springs

Free Delivery & Set Up No Credit Check Lifetime Warranty Rent-to-own w/small downs & easy payment plans

386-454-1488 visit us online at www.JDSandS.com

OIL CHANGE SPECIAL

95

$

18

+ TAX

Includes up to 5 quarts of oil & new oil filter. We check all fluid levels. Synthetic oils & diesels extra.

Some exclusion may apply. Not valid with any other offer or coupon. Plus tax and shop supplies. Must present coupon when order is written. Exp. 11/15/10

WE HAVE T FOR JUST IRES ABO ANYTHING UT !

A nd w not be un e will dersold !

Restriction

“YOUR TRUSTED DEALER SINCE 1926” 386-454-1488 • US 441 • High Springs w w w. J D S a n d S . c o m 158 | Autumn 2010

s Apply

Here’s how it works:

We’ll give you:

Present these coupons when you

Give our Free Checking account a try... and we’ll give you

Open a CAMPUS Free Checking Account1 Keep it active2 Set up CAMPUS PAY online bill payer3

Open a

FREE Checking Account with eStatements and Direct Deposit

$50 $25 $25

GET

1 Credit approval and initial $50 opening deposit required. Member must elect to receive eStatements and Direct Deposit of at least $200 per month must be established within the first 90 days. $50 reward will be deposited to the member’s savings account and will be on hold for 90 days. At that time if the requirements are met and the account remains open, the $50 reward will be made available to the member, otherwise it will be debited from the member’s account.

Use your

Debit Card

GET

2 The new checking account must remain active for at least 90 days.

Member must have elected to receive eStatements and received at least one month of direct deposit for at least $200. There must be a minimum of 5 debit card transactions per month for the last 3 months. Coupon must be presented in order to receive incentive. If all promotional requirements are met, incentive will be credited immediately.

Set up

Online Bill Pay

GET

3 The new checking account must remain active for at least 90 days.

Member must have elected to receive eStatements and received at least one month of direct deposit of at least $200. CAMPUS PAY online bill pay service must be set up, with a minimum of 3 bills paid online within the first 90 days of account open date.

EQUALS Give CAMPUS Free Checking a try!

Shining Strong for 75 Years.

335-9090 and press 5 Your savings federally insured to at least $250,000 and backed by the full faith and credit of the United States Government

National Credit Union Administration, a U.S. Government Agency

Visit us today to sign up for your free checking account and get what’s coming to you!

!

Membership is open to everyone in Alachua, Clay, Columbia, Lake, Marion and Sumter counties! 4 4 Credit approval and initial $5 deposit required. Mention this ad and we’ll waive the $15 new membership fee.

Gainesville E. Campus 1200 SW 5th Ave. W. Campus 1900 SW 34th St. Jonesville 107 NW 140th Terrace Hunter’s Walk 5115 NW 43rd St. Tower Square 5725 SW 75th St. Shands at UF Room H-1 Springhills Commons 9200 NW 39th Ave. Lake City 183 SW Bascom Norris Dr. Ocala 3097 SW College Rd. East Ocala 2444 E. Silver Springs Blvd. West Marion 11115 SW 93rd Court Rd. Summerfield 17950 US Hwy. 441 www.VisitOurTowns.com Autumn 2010 | 159

Drive Home

TODAY!

Always great vehicles Always great prices!

• No Credit Check!

• $2,000 OFF any financed vehicle.

• Cars Starting at $0 down

• 30 day warranty on financed vehicles.

Sun City Auto Sales

(352) 338-1999 160 | Autumn 2010

13th Street

Homes oof Gainesville + Alachua

ATTENTION: HOME BUYERS

REBATE EXTENDED

$ up to

5,000

6.9% FINANCING on New or Used Homes w.a.c.

13th Street Homes in Gainesville, FL has been given approval to extend the Home Buyers Rebate Program on ALL MODEL HOMES until December 30, 2010. Any customer purchase of a new or used home may qualify for up to $ 5,000 back at closing.

12426 NW US Highway 441 in Alachua

386-418-0424 6 Miles South

CASH BACK AT CLOSING

5.5% FINANCING on Land/Home pacages w.a.c.

2011 2011 2011 SINGLEWIDE

DOUBLEWIDE

16x80

2 BED / 1 BATH

3 BED / 2 BATH

3 BED / 2 BATH

$

23,995 $29,995 $33,995

PRICE INCLUDES DELIVERY AND SET-UP

PRICE INCLUDES DELIVERY AND SET-UP

PRICE INCLUDES DELIVERY AND SET-UP

Program available until December 2010 only. Must have signed contract by December 30, 2010. Offer does not apply to contracts completed prior to December 1, 2010 by 13th Street Mobile Homes, LLC. All rights reserved. Monies to be paid within 30 days of contract closing. Call for details.

www.VisitOurTowns.com

Autumn 2010 | 161

For All Your Retail Needs...

TV’s DVD Players, DVD’s, Guns, Gun Safes, Home Entertainment, Electric Guitars, Tools Galore!

Huge, Huge, Huge Jewelry Selection

We Buy Scrap Gold!

Alachua Pawn & Jewelry Sales and Loans 16130 NW US HWY 441 P.O. Box 2049, Alachua, FL 32615

M-F: 9am-6pm - Sat: 9am-1pm 162 | Autumn 2010

Now Online! www.AlachuaPawn.com

386.462.5429

THE PRESTIGE DIFFERENCE!

Fall in love...

OUR PRICES, OPTIONS AND CUSTOMER SERVICE ARE SECOND TO NONE! Singlewides Doublewides STARTING AT ONLY STARTING AT ONLY $ $

25,995 34,995 OVER SUPERB

100 FLOORPLANS TO CHOOSE FROM

Hwy 326

35 St.

444/301

75

North Prestige

CUSTOMER

SERVICE & SATISFACTION

NEVER ANY HIDDEN COSTS! PRESTIGE HOME CENTER 3150 N. Pine Ave., Ocala, FL 34475 www.VisitOurTowns.com

Local callers, dial

(352) 351-3899 or call us toll-free

1-800-351-4246

Autumn 2010 | 163

ADVERTISER INDEX 4400 NW 36th Avenue • Gainesville, FL 32606 352-372-5468 352-373-9178 fax REAL ESTATE Coldwell Banker MM Parrish ............... 168 (HS) Forrester Realty ................................................. 91 Lamplighter.................................................................72 Prestige Home Center N. Ocala .................163 PRO Realty ............................. 42, 168, 167 (HS) Showcase Homes Direct................................ 88 Springhill Village Apartments ............................ 111 Village Retirement Community .....................3 13th Street Home Sales ........................................ 161

AUTOMOTIVE Bush Auto Repair ...................................................147 City Boy’s ............................................................ 79 Gainesville Harley Davidson ......................... 53 Jim Douglas Sales & Service .......................158 Maaco Body Shop ............................................ 66 Newberry Auto Repair Inc .......................... 150 Quality Collision Repair ................................153 RPM Auto ...........................................................143 Sun City Auto .................................................. 160

FINANCIAL / INSURANCE Alarion Bank ..............................................................80 Campus USA Credit Union ..........................159 Edward Jones ...........................................................80 M&S Bank of High Springs ..................................85 Pat Gleason, CPRS® ....................................... 56 Sunshine State Insurance ..............................48 SunState Federal Credit Union .............18, 64 Three Rivers Insurance ..................................125

MEDICAL / HEALTH Affordable Dentures .............................................124 Alachua Dental ..................................................30 Alachua Family Medical Center ................ 149 Alligator Optical ..................................................... 133 Accent Audiology ..................................................109 Accent on Eyes ........................................................ 84 Caretenders ........................................................ 86 Community Cancer Center ........................... 73 Dr. Tyrone Plastic Surgery ............................48 Douglas M Adel DDS......................................107 Haven Hospice..........................................................80 NFRMC ....................................................................2 Palms Medical Group ...........................................106 164 | Autumn 2010

Samant Dental Group ..........................................147 Southeastern Integrated Medical ............... 63 Dr. Storoe, Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery.. 157 Tioga Dental Associates ........................4 (NB)

FITNESS and BEAUTY All Creations Salon ................................................. 42 Airbonne......................................................................80 Cuts & More ........................................................ 67 Excel Tanning and Hair Design........................136 Nails N Spa ......................................................... 82 Sarah Vierra Salon .......................................... 38 1 Nails and Spa ................................................ 146

PETS and VETS Bed ‘n Biscuit Inn .............................................151 Earth Pets Organic Feed & Garden ...........119 Flying Fish Pets and Aquatics .......................... 43 House Call Vet ..................................................154 Pampered Paws ....................................................... 43 Pamper Your Pet ......................................................76 Spring Hill Equine Vet Clinic .......................145 Susie’s Pet Sitting ............................................ 85 Vacation Station Pet Resort ....................... 93 West End Animal Hospital ...........................156

CHILD CARE / LEARNING Alachua Learning Center .................................6 American Academy ........................................154 Building Blocks Learning Center................ 47 Spencer House Montessori ...........................113 The Studio of Alachua ......................................... 135 The Whole Child ............................................... 76

RETAIL / RECREATION Alachua Pawn & Jewelry ..............................162 Bennett’s True Value ....................................... 75 Blue Springs .......................................................48 C&R Business .............................................................93 Colleen’s Kloset...................................................... 104 Colortyme ....................................................................37 Cootie Coo Creations .....................................141 Daba Designs ............................................................80 Decades ............................................................... 58 Decks, Docks and Barns ..................................... 152

Diana Originals Art & Teaching Gallery ... 63 High Springs Pawn & Jewelry ...................4 (HS) High Springs Farmer’s Market .......................... 42 The Flower Exchange ........................................... 42 Garden Gallery ................................................... 61 Gator Chomp ...................................................... 41 Gatorland Kubota ............................................151 General Ship It & More Store ................42, 43 Great Southern Circus .................................... 28 JaneJuicePlus.com .................................................80 Jewelry Designs by Donna................................. 42 Kelly’s Kreations.........................................................81 Klaus Fine Jewelry ..............................................9 Lentz House of Time ....................................... 58 Lifestyle Cruise & Travel ...............................154 The Lighting Gallery........................................49 Liquor and Wine Shop, The..............167 (NB) Morrell’s Furniture ............................................ 29 Noche De Gala .................................................. 23 North Florida Academy Martial Arts ........ 34 Old Irishman’s Pawn Shop ............................ 74 Oliver & Dahlman .................................................... 56 Pace Custom Jewelers & Time Works ......60 Paddywhack....................................................... 27 Painted Lady .............................................................90 The Pink Porch Bookstore ....................................81 Prissy Pals ..........................................................132 Pro Taekwondo ..............................................................

Radio Shack ......................................................125 Rum Island Retreat ..........................................48 Sapp’s Pawn , Gun and Archery ................145 Stephen C. O’Connell Center ............................90 Stitch In Time Embroidery ...........................143 Suwannee River Music Park .........................121 Texas Trailers ............................................................149 Tioga Town Center...................................... 13, 15 Valerie’s Loft ................................................39, 81 West End Golf Course ...................................137

SERVICE A Classic Moment Limousine ...................... 85 ACT Computer Solutions .............................. 42 Alachua Printing ..............................................154 AllState Mechanical, Inc................................143 Amira Builders ........................................................ 104 Artful Upholstery & More .............................. 83 Balsinger’s Landscape Services.......................... 8 Big Blue.............................................................. 120 Blake’s Lawn Care, LLC .................................153 Blooming House Nursery .............................155 Creekside Outdoor .......................................... 57 Crystal Clear Communication .....................40 Grower’s Fertilizer Corporation ................ 108 Kim’s Cleaning .........................................................154 Lotus Studios Photography .................................17 Ms. Debbie’s Cakes & Sugar Art .....................142

Open Show Photography.............................132 Outreach Center for Children .......................... 125 Phones & More .................................................. 79 Thurston Garden Design .......................................81 Quality Cleaners ............................................. 146 3-Way Electrical Service Inc. .......................80

HOME IMPROVEMENT Al Mincey Site Prep ......................................... 85 Biblical Botanical Gardens............................ 72 Clint S. Davis LLC ............................................107 Cook Portable Buildings ...............................158 Corbetts Supply......................................................154 Dan’s Custom Blinds ....................................... 52 Floor Store ................................................142, 155 Gonzales Site Prep .......................................... 82 Great Lakes Carpet & Tile ............................. 73 Griffis Lumber...................................................154 Gulf Coast Metal Roofing .............................107 Home Improvements by Andy .................. 120 Innovative Home Builders .................168 (NB) Jack’s Small Engine Repair........................... 96 Overhead Door Company ............................. 97 Red Barn Home Center ................................ 108 Sherer Studio Glass & Stone ........................ 37 Southland Rock & Stone ..............................133 Waste Watchers.........................................66, 77 Whitfield Window and Door ........................ 35

RESTAURANT Conestogas Restaurant.................................. 29 D’Lites Emporium ............................................151 David’s BBQ ....................................................... 52 Dave’s NY Deli ...........................................................78 Gator Q BBQ, Wings and Things .....................76 Gator Domino’s ............................................ 5, 80 El Toro Mexican Food & Salsa ................... 146 Los Aviña Mexican Restaurant ...................139 Mad Hatter’s Café .....................................42, 83 Main Street Pizzaria.........................................80 Mamma Mia NY Style Pizza.......................... 77 NY Pizza Plus ................................................... 146 Papa G’s BBQ .................................................... 34 Pepperoni’s ................................................................ 43 PizzaVito.............................................................156 Villaggio’s Pizzeria ..........................................143

EMPLOYMENT CD Case Assembly .........................................153

MISCELLANEOUS Alachua County EPD ......................................151

www.VisitOurTowns.com

Autumn 2010 | 165

page

114 >> WOAH THERE, TIGER

Veterinarian Dawn Miller is blindsided by Yipes, a playful Bengal tiger cub, while her sister Stripes sits at her feet. These white tiger cubs are only 4 months old. Miller began her wildlife sanctuary in Jonesville about 15 years ago and it is now safe haven for a wide variety of animals, both common and exotic.

166 | Autumn 2010

Welcome to

Ashton Ridge

NEW HOMES STARTING AT:

$

112,900

Douglasville 1556sq. ft. Heated/Cooled 3 BED/2 BATH 2 Car Garage. $149,900

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:

206 NE 1st Street High Springs, Fl 32643

Damon Watson 352.215.6986

Leslie Morgan 352.339.5095

Home Builders of North Florida, Inc

CBC #1256897

For House Plans & Home Features: www.IHBHOMES.com www.VisitOurTowns.com

Autumn 2010 | 167

168 | Autumn 2010