Our Town 2016 MAY-JUN (High Springs & Alachua)

PET KANGAROOS OPERATION CATNIP RENEWABLE ENERGY SPRINGS INSTITUTE VOL. 14 IISSUE 033 | MAY VOL MAY/JU /JUNE NE E 201 2016 6

HIGH SPRI HIG RIINGS & ALA ALACHU CH H A EDITIO DITIO ON

Animals Nature Discover more about our connections with nature, wildlife and the pets that enrich our lives!

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State Farm Bank, F.S.B., Bloomington, IL

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Treating Your Family Like Our Family For Over 14 Years

Dr. Uma Iyer

Dr. Mark E. Thompson

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Medical Director Radiation Oncology

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Medical Oncology 289 SW Stonegate Terrace, Suite 103 Lake City, Florida 32024 Phone: 386-755-1655

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MAY/JUNE 2016

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L

ocated just a few miles North of High Springs, right off Interstate 75 lies a piece of history nestled in the farm lands we call home. Formerly known as the Ellisville Speedway which was originally opened as a dirt track in 1974, then paved over in 1988, has now been returned to its intended use – Dirt Track Racing!

All Tech Raceway is one of the few true half mile dirt tracks left in existence and is well known for hosting many great races, drivers, and fans, throughout the years.

Track manager, Mr. Wendell Durrance, and his fine team have spent countless hours bringing the luster back out of this well-loved and memorable race track over the past few months. Having raced for many years, and through experience, Wendell and the staffs focus has been to provide the best facility possible for racers and fans in a clean, and friendly family environment.

Many are unaware that the track is open and racing regularly with all classes of cars and special events including flat track motorcycles, monster trucks, and various types of family entertainment. Almost everyone remembers going to the races with mom and dad, an aunt MAGAZINE MAY/JUNE 2016 6 | OUR TOWN

and uncle, or even on teen night.

It is All-Tech Raceway’s intention to recreate great affordable family entertainment for many generations to come. In a very short time, All-Tech Raceway has built a growing reputation for being the fastest, friendliest, and cleanest race park in the Southeast. With the ongoing improvements there is no doubt the site will become a premier destination for racers and their incredible machines.

The staff at All-Tech Raceway Park wants to welcome everyone and looks forward to seeing the fine race community back together at this great, great racing location. Great racing, great food, and great fun, come on out and see what it’s all about!

Check online for schedule

www.alltechraceway.com

386-754-R.A.C.E (7223) Scan with mobile:

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OUR TOWN MAGAZINE

MAY/JUNE 2016

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CONTENTS

M AY/J U N E 2 0 1 6

G R E AT E R A L A C H U A C O U N T Y

| V O L . 1 4 | N O. 0 3

ON THE COVER >> IN THIS ISSUE, WE INVITE YOU TO CONTEMPLATE THE CONNECTION BETWEEN ANIMALS, THE ENVIRONMENT AND OURSELVES. FROM DOGS AND CATS TO WOLVES AND TIGERS, FROM CONSERVATION TO PRESERVATION, WE HOPE TO OFFER YOU A SMALL GLIMPSE OF THE BEAUTY IN OUR WORLD. SO, GO WILD AND COLLECT ALL THREE EDITIONS. RAWR! COV ER S ER I E S D E S I G N ED BY H A N K M CA F EE .

FEATURE STORIES 20

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SILVER SPRINGS UF scientists and the St. John’s River Water Management District team up to maintain the health and restoration of the spring for generations to come.

MILL CREEK FARM A continuing legacy. Mill Creek Farm provides lifelong care for elderly horses that have been neglected, abused or abandoned and seized by law enforcement agencies, SPCAs and other frontline rescue organizations. Read about the son who took up the reins at the horse retirement farm in Alachua after his father passed away.

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WATERMELON FESTIVAL Take a look at a Newberry celebration that has continued every year since 1946.

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JOEY’S JOEYS Have you ever heard of a pet kangaroo? One local resident explains the pros and cons of owning this exotic animal. Rocky and Boomer are two wallabies that hopped their way into Joey Friedman’s heart.

Understand the price of this unique companionship.

MAY/JUNE 2016

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CONTENTS

M AY/J U N E 2 0 1 6

38 ANIMAL SERVICES Learn all about the Alachua County Humane Society and the innovative measures taken to help the county achieve no-kill status.

COLUMNS 36

by Kendra Siler-Marsiglio

76 44

HEALTHY EDGE

NAKED SALSA

by Crystal Henry

ANIMAL SANCTUARIES Discover seven dedicated groups who give their time, effort and funds in the name of conservation.

122 DIFFERENT NOTE

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134 EMBRACING LIFE

RENEWABLE ENERGY Sunlight, water, air and rain! Get the scoop on environmentally friendly systems, which use replenished resources to create energy.

78 TAP WATER’S JOURNEY Follow the fascinating path our water takes to get from the ground into our drinking glass.

96 SPRINGS INSTITUTE With the continuing goal of rescuing Florida’s springs, the Howard T. Odum Florida Springs Institute has settled into its new home in downtown High Springs.

by Albert Isaac

by Donna Bonnell

RECIPES 124 DAISY’S DOGGIE BISCUITS

by Cynthia Wonders Winterrowd

REVIEWS 88 READING CORNER

by Terri Schlichenmeyer

112 GATE CRASHING

by Brian “Krash” Kruger

114 PHOTO ESSAY: SPIRIT ANIMALS They say eyes are the windows to the soul. What do you see when you look into an animal’s eyes?

128 THERAPY ANIMALS Animals can bring remarkably positive benefits to patients. Get to know some of the unique kinds of therapy animals that help rehabilitate those in need.

142 ADVENTURES IN APPETITE

by Ken Peng

INFORMATION 100 Charity Winners 102 Taste of the Town 106 Community Calendar

136 K9 UNITS A look into the life and training of a police dog.

The articles printed in Our Town do not necessarily

140 WHEN YOUR PET DIES Gain insight into available resources that help bring closure after a beloved pet passes.

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. © 2016 Tower Publications, Inc.

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PUBLISHER Charlie Delatorre ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Hank McAfee EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Albert Isaac editor@towerpublications.com MANAGING EDITOR Ericka Winterrowd ericka@towerpublications.com

Welcome back, Dr. Laura Axiak!

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Hannah O. Brown, Gabrielle Calise, Cyanne Dunn, Bianca Favata, Kristin Kozelsky, Crystal Henry, Peggy Macdonald, Kristina Orrego, Michael Stone, Jennifer Tallerico, Cynthia Wonders Winterrowd, Hayli Zuccola CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Kristin Kozelsky, Jennifer Tallerico CREATIVE DIRECTION + DESIGN Hank McAfee, Neil McKinney ADVERTISING ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Jenni Bennett jenni@towerpublications.com Helen Mincey helen@towerpublications.com Nancy Short nancy@towerpublications.com INTERN Bailey LeFever

CALENDAR SUBMISSIONS If you would like us to publicize an event in the greater Gainesville area, send information by the 1st day of the month prior to the next issue. For example, submissions for the March/April issue are due by February 1. All submissions will be reviewed and every effort will be made to run qualified submissions if page space is available.

ANIMAL HEALTH CENTER IS A VETERINARY MEDICAL PRACTICE FOR COMPANION ANIMALS AVAILABLE ON-SITE: • DIAGNOSTICS • LABORATORY • DIGITAL RADIOLOGY • ORTHOPEDICS • GENERAL SURGERY • ORAL SURGERY

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR We want to hear from you. Send your letters to the attention of the editor at 4400 NW 36th Avenue, Gainesville, FL 32606 or editor@towerpublications.com.

Letters must be signed and include a phone number in the event we need to contact you. (Your phone number will not be published.)

50 YEARS EXPERIENCE

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

DR. DILBONE & Princess 415 NE SANTA FE BLVD • HIGH SPRINGS • (386) 454-0279 • FAX : (386) 454-0282

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

A wo work rk project ct ooff th thee Wome Wo Women’s men’ n s Re Reco Recovery coove verry ry C Center en ente nte terr

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WOMEN’S RECOVERY CENTER IS A 501(c)(3) CHARITABLE ORGANIZATION. NO GOVERNMENT FUNDING. MAY/JUNE 2016

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EDITOR ’ S LET TER M AY/J U N E 2 0 1 6

DISTRIBUTION CENTER CAREERS Are you ready for an exciting career move? We’re a fast moving $17.5 billion, Fortune 200 publicly-traded company with more than 11,000 stores and 12 distribution centers in 40 states, growing by hundreds of stores each year. We work in an energetic team atmosphere that leverages each person’s strengths and maximizes potential. We are committed to attracting upbeat, talented, and motivated people who can advance our mission of “Serving Others”.

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Animals & Nature My siblings and I were very fortunate to grow up in a family which typically included a lot of pets. My earliest pet memory is of my cat, Puff, a black and white feline Dad had brought home that was so scared he ran behind the freezer and hid from us. Eventually, Puff came out and we became fast friends.

Puff had kittens and my next cat was Spot. Additional Spots would follow (yes, I named several of my cats Spot). We also had some little ridiculous miniature poodles (Moochie and Moochie 2) that were clearly Mom’s dogs.

I’m told I had a pet parakeet, too, but I don’t recall that one. As the story goes one day it just flew onto my head. Mom says it must have been attracted to my bright red hair. At any rate, I don’t remember much about the bird but I have many fond memories of our other pets.

We’d also bring home snakes, turtles and lizards and once even a baby skunk, back in the day. Yep, the folks were pretty tolerant.

And although we grew up in the city of Miami, there were times when we even had chickens (Gertrude and Ernestine). And, no, we didn’t eat them.

So, with pets in mind, we have some fun and fascinating features about pets, and animals in general, as well as several stories on animal sanctuaries in and around our area.

Also, as is customary for this time of the year when the weather is warm and nature is calling, we offer you some features about the environment with an emphasis on our rivers and springs. There is so much incredible beauty to be found in our area that there is no way to cover it all — but I invite you to go out and enjoy everything Mother Nature has to offer.

You won’t be disappointed.

Apply online at www.DollarGeneral.com Select > Careers Select > Distribution Center Careers Select > Search Jobs Go to Auto Req ID Type: 3282BR DOLLAR GENERAL DISTRIBUTION CENTERS

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Albert Isaac, Editor-In-Chief

We know the health of your family is priority one. It is for our 26 local family physicians as well.

The convenience of 7 locations. The expertise of UF Health. Call 352.265.1234.

Chances are, there’s a UF Health Family Medicine practice near your home, which means top quality care for you and your entire family. All of our physicians are board-certified, and most importantly you’ll be a part of our health system, which means your doctors have access to the latest technology and research, including specialty care as needed. We’re here to meet the needs of our community and invite you to make an appointment today.

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Wood Buildings

FEELING WA RM & FUZ Z Y

Metal Buildings

M AY/J U N E 2 0 1 6

Carports

needs! r u o y o t d e iz Custom This 8-week-old kitten became sleepy after she was groomed and cuddled by an older cat. A sweet kitten like this may be rooming with up to 20 kitty companions at one time.

The Kitten Room

24910 West Newberry Rd., Newberry, FL

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S T O R Y & P H O T O B Y B I A N C A F AVATA

For pet lovers, seeing a cat walking around a pet store is more than enough.

But a room full of kittens? That’s a game changer. At Earth Pets of Gainesville, the “kitten room” is a nursery for the babies who are under 8 weeks old.

Joy Drawdy, founder and owner of Earth Pets and Gainesville Pet Rescue, provides a kitten adoption center for the little ones who aren’t old enough to be living in an adoption clinic. The kittens are either taken from adoption clinics or rescued, and then spayed or neutered to be ready for adoption.

The cozy room with couches, carpet, shelves to climb on and playhouses is a more nurturing environment than the isolation of plastic cages. The kittens grow in a safe and relaxing place that feels like home.

It’s been a year since the storage closet in Earth Pets was converted into the kitten room.

Since then, over 300 adoptions have taken place. Drawdy said police officers, lawyers and businessmen come in during lunch or after work just to have “a kitten fix.”

Regulars can see the kittens grow daily, and parents even use the room as a reward if their children make good grades. Sometimes there’s a line to play with the kittens.

“What’s happier than a room full of kittens?” Drawdy said. “It’s like kitten therapy.”

The culture in the store radiates animal-love and giving back to the community. From the organic, holistic products on the shelves to buying wine that supports dog shelters (making Earth Pets the only pet store in Florida with a beer and wine license), people can do good for the community by supporting all of the fundraising efforts.

Drawdy said it’s important for Earth Pets to “give back to the community because they support us and what we do.” They’ve recently filled a few walls in their store with cat and dog-themed art. All proceeds from the gallery help local animals. Drawdy said a wine-tasting art show and a cat “Pajama Party” is in the works.

On Saturday, May 14, Earth Pets will be hosting a kitten shower — similar to a baby shower but for kitties — where cupcakes and refreshments will be provided and party-goers can bring gifts for the kittens, like baby blankets.

For those who’d like to play with the kittens or support a fundraiser, this could be the purr-fect place to visit.

The Kitten Room is located in Earth Pets of Gainesville at 404 NW 10th Ave.

RedBarnHomeCenter.com 16 |

OUR TOWN MAGAZINE

MAY/JUNE 2016

We offer 24-hour delivery.

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We specialize in delivering the highest level of obstetric care, including low-risk, high-risk, and patient-centered midwifery. Our physicians, midwives, and nurses are dedicated to guiding you through every step of your pregnancy. Including the baby steps. Start building a healthy relationship for you and your baby today.

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(352) 332-7222

www.mynfwp.com MAY/JUNE 2016

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CONTRIBUTOR S

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MAY/JUNE 2016

M AY/J U N E 2 0 1 6

KRISTIN KOZELSKY is a classically trained photographer. Since completing her art degree in 2001, she has built a wide body of work and honed in on an interactive approach to working with her clients. kristin@kozelskyphoto.com

GABRIELLE CALISE is a sophomore journalism major at the University of Florida and freelance writer.

In her spare time she enjoys collecting vinyl records, taking photographs and watching movies. gcalise@ufl.edu

BIANCA FAVATA is a second year advertising major at the University of Florida who was born and raised a Gator. She loves traveling, photography, painting, playing with her bunny and eating hot fudge sundaes. bfavata@ufl.edu

HANNAH O. BROWN is a doctoral student at the University of Florida studying interdisciplinary ecology and has worked as a professional journalist since 2010. @hannah_o_brown on Twitter hannahbo@gmail.com

JENIFER TALLERICO is an award winning fine art photographer.

She moved to Florida from New York City for her Master’s in Engineering, but her photography business became her true passion. Her time is well spent after work with her husband and their two children. admin@jtnoirstudios.com

MICHAEL STONE is a journalist, photographer and communications teacher based in Gainesville. His primary topics of focus include health care, conservation and wildlife, and business. He enjoys traveling, wildlife photography and trying all the great vegan dishes at area restaurants. michaelstone428@gmail.com

KRISTINA ORREGO is a freelance journalist and writer based in Gainesville. Her favorite thing about journalism is the opportunity to speak to all sorts of fascinating people. She also enjoys trying mochas from different places, watching good movies and cooking for the people she loves. kristinaorrego@gmail.com

CYANNE DUNN is a recent graduate of the Journalism and Communications College at the University of Florida. Though she was born in Miami, she has lived in Alachua since elementary school. She loves traveling and hopes one day to relocate overseas. cyanne.k.dunn@gmail.com

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

HayzDesigns@yahoo.com

PEGGY MACDONALD is a native Gainesvillian and the executive director of the Matheson History Museum. She has taught history at Florida Polytechnic, Stetson and UF. She is also the author of Marjorie Harris Carr: Defender of Florida’s Environment. peggymacdemos@gmail.com

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RESEARCH >> SCIENCE IN THE SPRINGS

ECOLOGY

Springs Protection Scientists From Across Disciplines Come Together For Springs Research W R I T T E N B Y H A N N A H O. B R O W N P H OTO G R A P H Y B Y J E N N I F E R A D L E R

A

t the same site where the Father of Springs Ecology, Howard T. Odum, began his pioneering research on springs decades ago, a group of scientists from the University of Florida and the St. John’s River Water Management District (SJRWMD )have begun a three-year $3 million initiative to take a closer look at some of the same questions that Odum himself explored.

“It’s the same question now,” said David Kaplan, UF assistant professor in the Engineering School of Sustainable Infrastructure and the Environment.

“How productive are they? What are the drivers?

So we are still trying to figure it out.”

The project, called Collaborative Research Initiative on Sustainability and Protection of Springs (CRISPS), is focused on the Silver Springs 20 |

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springshed in Marion County.

While some conditions have changed since Odum’s initial research in the 1950s, such as reduced water flow and an increase in nitrate concentrations, the project aims to use interdisciplinary research to identify any and all variables that may have an effect on the health of the spring.

The project’s research team is organized into two “super groups” and six work groups. Researchers from UF have been paired with researchers from the SJRWMD, the funding organization, and each team is focused on a specific area of research impacting springs conservation.

“From our perspective, it’s an excellent investment and a great opportunity to have a partnership like this,” said Casey Fitzgerald, director of the Springs Protection Initiative at SJRWMD.

Researchers are investigating questions at many scales, from the entire springshed to the molecular level. Sensors allow scientists to record data on dissolved oxygen, nitrates, and other parameters.

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RESEARCH >> SCIENCE IN THE SPRINGS

Springs were historically dominated by native submerged aquatic vegetation, although many have recently transitioned to an algal-dominated state.

THE PROJECT IS DIRECTED PRIMARILY BY THREE QUESTIONS: 1. When and where is it most feasible and cost effective to reduce nitrate loading to the spring?

2. Is nitrate reduction alone sufficient to restore the degraded spring ecosystem?

3. What are the relative influences of nitrate and non-nitrate causes of excess algae in the springs?

“It’s a lot of disparate research in a sense,” Kaplan said.

“There are people looking at the scale of a springshed, which is 22 |

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thousands of hectares, and then people looking at the molecular scale almost, and so to synthesize that information is very hard and to do it in a way that’s useful is even harder.”

Dr. Pete Suscy, a researcher with SJRWMD for 22 years, works with Kaplan specifically on determining the role that the speed of water plays in the spring system.

“Our part is to focus on what velocity itself can potentially do to alter community structure in the spring, but, in particular, also to remove algae that is attached to the grasses,” he said.

Velocity is just one element under consideration. Other areas of research include the effects of the food chain, what influence snails that graze on algae have, the impact of trace minerals, and

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RESEARCH >> SCIENCE IN THE SPRINGS

Scientists are looking at different links in the food web to determine the role of certain organisms in spring ecosystems. One organism being studied is the Suwannee cooter (Pseudemys concinna suwanniensis), a subspecies of freshwater turtles endemic to north Florida and southern Georgia.

Researchers are investigating a wide range of factors that may affect algal growth in the springs, including the role of grazers such as snails.

other topics that focus on what elements impact the health of the springshed.

UF and SJRWMD teams meet at least three times a year, with smaller groups meeting as often as each month. With so many scientists involved, the feedback between researchers has become an intense process, pushing the team to ask new questions and consider fresh alternatives.

Fitzgerald said the abundance of scientific opinion is not a coincidence. The project was engineered to include a continuous feedback loop from the start.

“It’s very healthy to have that cross-pollination,” Fitzgerald said. “People tend to get so locked into their own areas, and really one of the keys is that we are not going to let that happen.

We are going to make sure there is constant communication among the work groups and between ourselves and UF.” And when the meetings are adjourned, the group makes sure not to cut the conversations short.

“When we ‘end’ the meeting, it doesn’t really end for another hour or so because people just sit there and keep talking, comparing ideas and whatnot,” Fitzgerald said. “It’s a very healthy exchange.”

CRISPS researchers aim not only to identify and define the factors involved at Silver Springs, but also to create a foundation for future research in springs across Florida.

“We are confident that the restoration projects we have 24 |

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RESEARCH >> SCIENCE IN THE SPRINGS

Much of the work for the CRISPS project will take place at Silver Springs, the same place H.T. Odum first conducted his pioneering ecological research in springs in the 1950s.

been funding are going to benefit the springs, but we want to be even more strategic in the future,” Fitzgerald said. “In order to do so, we need better science to answer a number of questions so that we can better direct future investments, not only by the district but also all of the entities that are involved.”

The end goal, Fitzgerald said, is to have a more complete picture of the various aspects impacting the springs, and then, ultimately, to come up with a plan to work toward conserving and protecting the springs as much as possible.

“So at the end of this study, we will have a much better understanding of what all of the influential factors out there are that are causing degradation of the spring systems and then how do we 26 |

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address those, how do we reverse those trends,” Fitzgerald said.

The project has come to the end of its first year, and Fitzgerald said everything is moving ahead according to schedule.

The researchers involved have also heralded the experience of the first year as largely positive. Kaplan said the ability for the scientists on both sides to share so much information so quickly has been inspiring.

“In one year, to have that much come out of the group, I think is pretty remarkable and says something to the determination of the scientists on both sides and also to the fact they’ve got students and a dedicated staff, and they make it happen,” Kaplan said.

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EQUESTRIAN RETIREMENT >> MILL CREEK FARM

HORSE POWER

A Father’s Legacy Horse Retirement Home Carries On Two Years After the Death of a Founder S T O R Y A N D P H O T O G R A P H Y B Y C YA N N E D U N N

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or over 35 years, the Retirement Home for Horses at Mill Creek Farm was loved by the animals it takes in, the volunteers who work there, Alachua County residents, and the couple that started it all: Peter and Mary Gregory.

But on March 18, 2014, everything changed.

A month before, Peter had gotten up around 6 a.m. like always, and began tending to the horses.

He was feeding one of the farm’s blind horses when the accident happened. The horse was accustomed to being fed over the fence, but that day Peter went into the field with him. Not realizing Peter was there, the horse knocked him over. Peter broke his ankle.

“He was [85], but never in his life had he broken a bone,” said Mary, his wife. “He had to be in a

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wheelchair and on bed rest. It drove him crazy.”

On March 18, Paul Gregory, the youngest of Peter and Mary’s three children, received a phone call. His father had been to the doctor, and he seemed to be healing well. That night, Paul received a second call.

His father had died.

Peter had come home that day, saw his horses and then sat down for dinner. Later, he was thirsty and asked Mary to bring him some water. When she came back, he was gone.

Paul, who was working as a real estate agent in Fort Lauderdale at the time, believes his father’s death was caused by a blood clot or aneurysm. “[When I got the call] I grabbed my dog, like five pairs of shorts and three t-shirts, I drove up and I never went back,” he said.

Paul had friends pack his things into a storage

Mary and Paul Gregory (pictured above with the Steward of the Year award and one of the newest arrivals to Mill Creek) live off their savings.

Both reside in homes on the property, which are paid for, so all donations go directly to farm upkeep and caring for the animals.

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unit, gave his clients to other agents, then stepped in to fill his father’s shoes.

Paul quickly began to realize the amount of responsibilities his father had performed — caring for the horses, farm upkeep, paperwork, ordering supplies and answering emails. Paul became president of Mill Creek Farm, backed by a board of directors and his mother, whom everyone on the farm lovingly refers to as “the matriarch of Mill Creek.”

During his first year, Paul concentrated on projects his father hadn’t been able to finish, or never had time to do. Fencing was

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“Our goal is to continue this legacy for my dad and keep my mom’s dream alive.” extended, a welcome kiosk built, maps of the grounds added, names of all the different fields displayed, a monthly newsletter formed, movable biographies added for all of the horses, new pastures created and a new feed barn built closer to far-away pastures.

“Our goal is to continue this legacy for my dad and keep my mom’s dream alive,” Paul said. “And, every day, just do everything we can for these horses and make sure they have all the love and care that they need.”

Peter and Mary’s dream began when they met at the University of London, after visiting a farm that brought workhorses from London to the countryside for three weeks of vacation. The young couple agreed if they ever had the money, they would do something similar.

Sixty-one years of marriage later, and after retirement from a successful run in the resort business, Mill Creek Farm now cares for 134 horses, three dogs, two donkeys

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EQUESTRIAN RETIREMENT >> MILL CREEK FARM

Each horse costs around $250 a month for care, which includes dental work, shots, medically specialized diets, and regular hoof trimmings by a farrier (pictured). None of the horses wear horseshoes.

and one mule. The Gregorys take in retired military and police horses. Two horses, Master Sergeant Houdini and Sergeant Possum, even received certificates of appreciation signed by President Obama. Mostly though, they take in horses rescued from abusive environments. Some are missing an eye, had crushed hooves, were abandoned on the interstate or left tied up in the Everglades to be eaten by alligators. One, originally 32 |

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nicknamed “the old gray mare,” was in such bad shape after being rescued that when she was brought to the farm to live out her last days a vet told Mary not to name her because she wasn’t going to make it. Two years later, Gracie is still a resident at Mill Creek.

“A lot of people call this [place] Heaven on Earth for horses,” Mary said.

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EQUESTRIAN RETIREMENT >> MILL CREEK FARM

“He’s done a magnificent job,” she said.

“His father would be so happy, because [the farm] is exactly the way he would have wanted it.”

On March 12, 2016, almost exactly two years after Peter passed away, his and Mary’s hard work building that heaven was recognized by the Alachua Conservation Trust. The couple received the 2016 Conservation Steward award not just because of their work for the horses, but for the perpetual conservation easement they had placed on the land.

Now, the 335 acres of property can never be developed, protecting the horses, the trees, and the 50 acres the Gregorys have kept untouched as a wildlife preserve.

“Peter and I wanted that, when we were dead, this place would carry on,” Mary said. “It will always be here.”

And carry on it has. Even after losing one of its founders, Mill Creek is going strong. The farm has more volunteers than ever, Paul said, and anywhere from 400 to 600 people visit on

Saturdays, when the farm is open to visitors from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admittance is two carrots, though Mary suggests you bring a lot more.

But if you ask Paul how the farm is doing under his direction, he defers.

“It’d be up to an outsider to decide,” he said. “Obviously the best thing would be if my dad were still here.”

Mary, however, knows exactly how she feels about her son’s leadership so far.

“He’s done a magnificent job,” she said. “His father would be so happy, because [the farm] is exactly the way he would have wanted it.”

Mill Creek farm is located at 20307 NW County Road 235A in Alachua. Visit millcreekfarm.org for more information.

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KENDRA SILER-MARSIGLIO’S

Healthy Edge HELPING KIDS WITH SELF-ESTEEM

KENDRA SILER-MARSIGLIO, PH.D, HCC IS A NEUROSCIENTIST, MEDICAL WRITER, COLUMNIST AND THE DIRECTOR OF RURAL HEALTH PARTNERSHIP AT WELLFLORIDA COUNCIL BOARD OF DIRECTORS. kendra.sm@gmail.com

WHEN CHILDREN ARE NAVIGATING THEIR SOCIAL WORLDS AT SCHOOL AND PLAY, THEY’RE OFTENTIMES “FLYING BLIND” WHEN COMPARED TO ADULTS.

I

n many cases, their lack of life experience can leave them vulnerable to developing negative feelings about themselves. Give your kids emotional resilience by helping them develop healthy self-esteem.

Ever heard “[insert name] needs to build his or her self-esteem”? When used in conversation, we all kinda know what “self-esteem” means, but the exact meaning can be elusive.

Nathaniel Branden, a psychotherapist and writer who had dedicated his work to the psychology of self-esteem, defined it as “the disposition to experience oneself as competent to cope with life’s challenges and being worthy of happiness.” Are your kids on the way to fitting that definition? How about you?

According to KidsHealth.org (supported by the Nemours Foundation), kids who have healthy self-esteem: • know their strengths and weaknesses • feel good about themselves • are realistic and GENERALLY optimistic In contrast, children with low self-esteem become anxious or frustrated by challenges and have a hard time finding solutions to problems.

At HealthyChildren.org, the American Academy of Pediatrics’ (AAPs) reports that the following behaviors are signs of low self-esteem in children. Although any kid may exhibit these behaviors at a given time, AAP suggests that you may want to take a closer look at your child’s self-esteem status if these behaviors are expressed routinely.

• Avoids a task or challenge without even trying or quits soon after beginning.

• Cheats or lies to avoid losing a game or doing poorly.

• Becomes controlling, bossy, or inflexible; hides feelings of inadequacy, frustration, or powerlessness.

• Makes excuses, placing blame on others or external forces.

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• Withdraws socially, losing or having less contact with friends.

• Experiences changing moods, exhibiting sadness, crying, angry outbursts, frustration or quietness.

• Has difficulty accepting praise or criticism.

• Becomes overly concerned or sensitive about other people’s opinions of him.

• Is either overly helpful or never helpful at home.

So, how do we, as parents, help our children develop healthy self-esteem? Here are five tips from KidsHealth.org to give your kids a healthy edge.

1. Be supportive AND truthful. Kids look to their parents for validation. Show your child that you pay attention to his or her activities and passions. Provide praise for jobs well done as well as TRUE effort when you can.

2. Be a positive role model. Kids often pattern themselves after parents. Are you critical of yourself or pessimistic in front of your children? If so, you may develop a pessimistic mini-me. Building your own self-esteem can help children.

3. Help kids be more realistic in evaluating themselves.

Almost all of us have internal beliefs that are irrational or over-stated. These beliefs often develop over time and include things like “I’m not pretty enough for someone to love me,” “I can’t go back to school, I’m horrible at math,” or one of mine, “I’m terrible with directions, I always go the wrong way.” When you identify these statements, replace them with ones that are more accurate like “I’ll find a way to work harder on math or get a tutor, when I go back to school.”

4. Create a safe, loving home environment. Is your home chaotic with arguing or abuse? Children who don’t feel safe or are abused have a greater risk for developing poor self-esteem. Kids from chaotic homes often feel like they can’t control things in their lives. Do your best to help your children feel safe and loved.

5. Give your kids the “sweet spot.” Too much or too little self-esteem isn’t healthy. Kids need “just enough.” Kids should feel self-confident and empowered to solve appropriate problems. They should feel GOOD about themselves while understanding that getting support from others is sometimes needed.

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ALACHUA COUNTY HUMANE SOCIETY >> NO-KILL COUNTY

HOW MUCH IS THAT DOGGIE IN THE WINDOW?

ACHS STRIVES TO BECOME A NO-KILL SHELTER

Puppy Love STORY A N D PHOTOGR A PH Y BY PEGGY M ACDONA LD

A crowd of animal lovers gathered in the parking lot of the Alachua County Humane Society (ACHS) on March 10th.

They are anxiously awaiting the arrival of a truck that had traveled across five states to reach its destination.

On board the massive Humane Society of the United States’ Animal Rescue Team truck were 120 neglected and abused dogs, ranging from a three-month-old beagle to a five-year-old Shih Tzu. Representatives of animal shelters from across the state of Florida waited their turn to pick up their allotted puppies and paperwork before transferring them to fresh crates and beginning the next leg of their search for a forever home.

Almost 300 dogs were rescued from a suspected puppy mill in Madison County, Arkansas, where they were living in filth and lacked access to clean food and water. According to the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), the dogs’ owner 38 |

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has been charged with two counts of animal cruelty.

“Arkansas’ lack of laws regulating commercial dog breeding makes the state a hotbed for puppy mill operators,” said Jessica Lauginiger in a March 3 HSUS press release. Lauginiger is the puppy mills response manager for the Animal Rescue Team.

ACHS served as a pick-up location for the Animal Rescue Team’s delivery of 120 rescued Arkansas puppies. In addition to ACHS, other groups that accepted rescue dogs include Humane Societies from Marion County, Naples, Sarasota County, Tampa Bay and Vero Beach & Indian River County, along with the Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League of Palm Beach and Tri-County Animal Rescue.

All of these rescue groups participate in the HSUS’ Emergency

Placement Partners program, whose goal is to place healthy animals up for adoption. These organizations offer food, medical treatment, sterilization, shelter and other services to prevent animals from being euthanized.

“This was the first time there was such a large delivery,” said ACHS dog kennel manager Candice Green. “We’re hoping to participate in more in the future.”

After receiving the dogs, the first order of business for ACHS staff and volunteers was to assess the animals’ health and process their intake forms. ACHS received 14 dogs from the Arkansas rescue mission. One of them was pregnant.

“They were still in rather rough shape when we got them,” explained Chrissy Sedgley, director of shelter operations at ACHS. “A lot of them are very fearful and seem malnourished. They had little to no socialization.”

The ACHS Facebook page posted a video showing the dogs’ living conditions in the suspected puppy mill, including dark lighting and cramped cages. Many of the dogs had matted hair and were covered in feces, Sedgley said.

ACHS works quickly to improve rescue dogs’ health and place them in foster care to help with socialization.

“We’ve had a couple of really happy endings” with the Arkansas rescue dogs, Sedgley said.

Fostering is good not only for animals, Sedgley observed, but also for people. It enables college students and others who are not ready to adopt a pet to enjoy the benefits of companionship with a dog or cat without the long-term commitment. ACHS provides the food, supplies and medications for foster animals and foster families provide shelter and love. Sedgley said that hundreds of families currently offer foster services through ACHS. “The more foster homes we have the more animals we can take in because they are not taking up kennel space in our shelter,” Sedgley said. “We’re always looking for fosters or volunteers who can come to the shelter.”

For 15 years Alachua County Animal Services has worked closely with ACHS and other local rescue groups to reduce euthanizations. Together they have helped the county shelter achieve a live-release rate

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ALACHUA COUNTY HUMANE SOCIETY >> NO-KILL COUNTY

The Humane Society of the United States’ Animal Rescue Team delivering 120 dogs from an Arkansas puppy mill to the Alachua County Humane Society on March 10.

of approximately 87 percent.

“They’re really close to being a no-kill community,” Sedgley said.

To be classified as no-kill, a shelter needs to maintain a 90 percent or higher live-release rate for all animals brought to the shelter.

The Alachua County Humane Society is a limited intake, no-kill animal rescue shelter that has

Gainesville, has a new low-cost vaccination and wellness clinic on site. Its shelter diversion program uses a variety of methods to prevent families from having to turn their pets in to the shelter, including a food bank and pet counseling services. ACHS also offers temporary shelter services to the pets of clients of St. Francis House and Peaceful Paths so they can keep their pets.

“I always wanted to work with animals.

I fell in love with it. This is where I belong.” served the community for more than 40 years. It is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization that is not affiliated with the Humane Society of the United States. Most of the dogs and cats the ACHS takes in come from Alachua County Animal Services and other municipal and county animal shelters.

ACHS has developed a number of innovative measures to help the county achieve no-kill status. The shelter, located at 4205 NW 6th Street in 40 |

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Like so many local nonprofits, ACHS is very short-staffed.

“Volunteers are an integral part of the ACHS team,” Sedgley said.

No experience is needed to become a volunteer and all ages are welcome to apply. Volunteers help with walking, cleaning and socializing with animals and assist with special events and thrift store operations, among other duties.

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ALACHUA COUNTY HUMANE SOCIETY >> NO-KILL COUNTY 42 |

Sedgley has worked for ACHS for more than two years.

She used to work as a graphic designer but said she did not feel fulfilled in that career path.

“I always wanted to work with animals,” she said. “I fell in love with it. This is where I belong.”

Being the director of operations for ACHS is major commitment.

“I’m on call 24/7,” Sedgley said.

When she comes home from the shelter at night she completes online classwork for a master’s degree in shelter medicine, a new specialty area recognized by the American Veterinary Medical Association.

The Maddie’s shelter medicine program, offered through the college of veterinary medicine at the University of Florida, is the first fully online degree program that offers a master of science in veterinary medical sciences with a concentration in shelter medicine, according to the UF website. The master’s degree can be completed in as little as two years. Sedgley said she is about halfway through the degree program.

Maddie’s Fund is the largest dog and cat charity in the world. Its former president, Rich Avanzino, is considered the father of the no-kill movement and helped pioneer the concept of shelter medicine. The current goal of Maddie’s Fund is to help the entire nation reach no-kill status. This year Maddie’s partnered with the Ad Council and the Humane Society of the United States to launch #StartAStoryAdopt, a public service advertising campaign featuring three famous pets — Toast Meets World, Keyboard Cat and Hamilton Pug — who were all adopted from shelters. Visit theshelterpetproject.org to see a video featuring these popular Internet pets and learn more about the Shelter Pet Project.

In addition to operating a shelter for dogs and cats, ACHS partners with Operation Catnip, which shares space with ACHS and the Operation PetSnip Spay-Neuter Clinic, which offers low-cost spay and neuter services for pets and community cats. ACHS receives much of its funding from the Alachua County Thrift, Gift & Pet Supply store, located on the ACHS campus. The store offers a wide range of pet supplies, kitchen items, electronics, furniture, clothing and antiques. All proceeds from thrift store sales go toward ACHS animal care and treatment. The thrift store is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. People can also make cash contributions to ACHS, including the dogs rescued from the Arkansas puppy mill, by visiting alachuahumane.org/donate.

ACHS is open for adoptions from 12 to 6 p.m. Thursday through Saturday. ACHS posts pictures of adoptable dogs and cats and those in need of foster homes on its Facebook page.

Alachua County is on the cusp of becoming a no-kill county for dogs and cats, and the staff and volunteers of ACHS hope you will find your next best friend at a shelter.

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Inaugural benefit event for the Alachua County Humane Society

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Save the Date!

Thursday, November 10th, 2016 | 6 PM – 10 PM The Barn at Rembert Farms in Alachua, Florida THANK YOU TO OUR EARLY SPONSORS!

For sponsorship information and further details, please call Margot Wilder at 352-415-2460. www.alachuahumane.org | 4205 NW 6th Street | Gainesville, Florida 32609 MAY/JUNE 2016

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Animal Sanctuaries Speaking for the Ones Without a Voice There are many wonders in the world and among them are wildlife species such as wolves, elephants and tigers. French poet Anatole France is credited with the quote, “Until one has loved an animal, a part of one’s soul remains unawakened.” These seven animal sanctuaries help awaken our understanding of the importance of protecting threatened and endangered species.

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Eye of the Eagle WILDLIFE SANCTUARY AND SUNSET MEADOWS COUNTRY ANIMAL CLINIC S tor y and Photography by Hayli Zuccola

T

ucked away in the town of Newberry is a haven for wildlife. Peacocks dressed in vivid indigo strut back and forth while showcasing their eye-popping feathers. A grassy pasture offers a place for a herd of donkeys to run in circles while chickens and ducks keep their safe distance. Majestic lions and tigers bask in the sunshine — giving the housecats on the property something to aspire to be. This backyard jungle, which would leave most of its visitors in awe, is just an average day at the Eye of the Eagle Wildlife Sanctuary.

It’s two in the afternoon on a Tuesday. Dr. Dawn Miller sits at her dining room table while a black cat named Mama pushes against her heart-speckled scrubs and begs for attention. Meanwhile the other cats — some tailless and some more rambunctious than the others — run throughout the house while a perched owl keeps a watchful eye. Miller’s house has become an animal orphanage, providing a home for unwanted and often injured animals.

It all started in 1996 when Miller took in a screech owl. With the addition of a cougar, tiger, grey-horned owl and a hawk, the Eye of the Eagle Wildlife Sanctuary was born. However, taking in unwanted animals is just part of Miller’s job description. She also runs the adjoining Sunset Meadows Country Animal Clinic where she takes care of sick and injured wildlife.

Her patients range from the more common turtles and tortoises who are hit by cars, and birds that are poisoned from ingesting plant spray, to the more unusual — lions, tigers and wood storks. Sorry, no bears yet.

“You just never know what’s gonna come in,” she said.

Once an animal comes to the clinic, they’re either released into the wild, remain in rehabilitation at the sanctuary or head to an education program.

Miller said she has roughly a 50 percent release rate, but unfortunately not every patient that comes to her clinic has a happy outcome. Some animals cannot be saved and are euthanized.

Sitting in Miller’s living room is an empty cage that once housed a kangaroo patient that she had lost the night before, a solemn reminder that while working with these exotic animals can be rewarding it can also be heart breaking.

“It’s tough. I mean you can’t, you just can’t save them all,” she said. “I try.”

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SANCTUARIES >> CARING FOR WILD ANIMALS SANCTU

Out of Africa

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CARSON SPRINGS WILDLIFE CONSERVATION FOUNDATION S tor y and Photography by Ericka Winterrowd

O

n a back county road northeast of Gainesville sits a little bit of Africa…

275 acres, to be exact. A sign, with a cheetah etched above, reads “Carson Springs Wildlife Foundation and Sanctuary” and greets visitors at the front gate.

The foundation is primarily a conservation and educational facility licensed by Alachua County, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife, and the United States Department of Agriculture. Carson Springs provides educational opportunities and activities for a wide variety of people including school groups, college and vet students, 4H groups, and continuing education for veterinarians.

Cofounders Christine and Barry Janks have donated their time, land and funds to house and support conservation of endangered species. Twenty-five different species live at Carson Springs, spanning many different continents. However, they have a high concentration of African animals and a focus on big cats, such as lions, tigers, cheetahs and an Amur leopard — one of the most rare cats in the world.

“There’s less than 40 in the wild,” Christine said.

“And less than 200 in the world.”

There are no paid administration salaries at Carson Springs, and the foundation animals are totally dependent on donations. With no state or federal funding either, 100 percent of all donations go directly to animal care —such as food and vet visits.

All of the animal enclosures are on natural grass, with trees and bushes, and far exceed the minimum standard set by U.S. Fish and Wildlife. All animals get a varied diet and vitamins for optimum health, along with clean fresh water at all times. Every cage is cleaned daily and several veterinarians are available to treat the animals as needed. But the Janks can’t do this without the support from dedicated volunteers, sponsors and the public.

Christine stressed that even a small monthly donation can have a huge impact for the animals.

“Ten or 20 dollars a month — it means the difference of quality of life for these animals,” she said.

“It means the difference of less advantaged children getting to come here and visit.”

Christine said they do not think of themselves as a zoo, but instead a very different animal park.

“When you go to a zoo, you see species; when

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“Ten or 20 dollars a month — it means the difference of quality of life for these animals.” you come here, you meet an animal, you hear his story or her story and you know her name,” she said. “And that makes all the difference.”

The backstory of some of the animals — such as “Gator,” one of the Bengal tigers — is haunting and leaves visitors with even more of a personal connection to the species. Gator was born at a tiger breeder and used in a traveling circus — that is until he reached the 40-pound limit for the “Have Your Picture Taken With A Tiger” attraction. At that point he became unwanted surplus and was destined for a hunting farm, a sanctuary or death. He was considerably undersize and underweight because the circus/ traveling petting zoo wanted to keep him under the 40-pound maximum for as long as possible. Fortunately, Christine and Barry rescued him and Carson Springs became his new home.

Now he is getting plenty of vitamins and supplements to help

him catch up to a normal and healthy size.

“I think the best compliment we’ve ever gotten, and we hear it quite frequently, is that this is one of the only places that people have been where the animals look happy to be here,” Christine said.

With responses like that, it helps make the early morning feedings and 150 pounds of raw meat and ocean fish that the Janks must prepare each day well worth it.

When asked what she gets out of helping these animals, Christine’s answer was simple.

“Well, it feeds your soul,” she said. “It really does.”

For more information on Carson Springs Wildlife Conservation Foundation and ways to volunteer or donate, visit: carsonspringswildlife.org. Visitors by appointment. To schedule a tour, please email: contact@cswildlife.org, or call 352-468-2827

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Two Tails Ranch SAVING THE ELEPHANTS S tor y and Photography by Hayli Zuccola

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eing in the presence of an elephant is a breathtaking experience — and one that future generations may not encounter. Their large stature and warm-hearted nature will become something of legend, only remembered through old photographs and reruns of “Dumbo.” These gentle giants could join the Dodo, the woolly mammoth and the West-African Black Rhino on the extinction list. But it doesn’t have to end this way — not if conservation programs have a say in the matter.

For nine generations, Patricia Zerbini and her family have worked with animals — lions, zebras and camels — but her true passion is the connection she has with elephants.

“The elephants, there’s just something

about them,” she said. “After 50-odd years of doing this, it just still is a fascination to me every day.”

In 1984, Zerbini opened Two Tails Ranch in Williston. The facility currently houses six elephants and other wildlife including a camel, a rescued bear and a tortoise or two.

According to allaboutelephants.com, over 250 elephants have lumbered their way through the Two Tails gates. The ranch provides temporary shelter for elephants waiting on exhibits to be built or whose zoos have been damaged in a natural disaster. Longterm stay is also available for retired elephants or those with medical conditions. At Two Tails Ranch every elephant is welcome.

Part of Zerbini’s work at the ranch is to help promote conservation and captive breeding. She feels the only way to reverse the elephants’ declining existence is to encourage captive breeding, despite the protest of certain animal activists.

“There’s no reason for animals to be going extinct in this day and age,” she said. “We have the technology, we have the capability, and we have the people out here willing to do it.”

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Luke, one of Two Tails Ranch’s elephants, grabs a snack across the fence. Other residents include exotic animals such as zebras, camels and tortoises.

Part of the controversy that surrounds and often overshadows Zerbini and the ranch is the misconception that all elephants in captivity are in an unhealthy environment.

“To say that anyone who has animals in captivity is doing it on purpose to hurt or maim them is ludicrous,” she said. “I spent my entire life for animals. I’ve never had a day off. I’ve never had a vacation. They have always come first and they still come first.”

Affording to take care of six elephants is no easy task.

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eats over 295 pounds of hay, mixed grains, elephant pellets, fresh produce and fresh grass each day. To help pay for the upkeep of the elephants and the other animals on the property, Two Tails offers guided tours along with other elephant-related activities.

“The support that we get from the people that come and visit is really important to me,” she said. “Every penny that we make here goes to the animals’ care.”

To find out about tour hours and volunteering opportunities at Two Tails Ranch, visit allaboutelephants.com.

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Jungle Friends MONKEYING AROUND GAINESVILLE Stor y and Photography by Hayli Zuccola

H

idden behind a curtain of trees and a path of azalea bushes is a jungle-like atmosphere designed to give rescued monkeys a sense of living in the wild. A Cotton-Top Tamarin with fur as white as snow and patches of chocolate brown snacks on a peanut that’s almost too big to grasp.

Brown Capuchins are like fuzzy acrobats, using the fencing around the enclosure to climb and swing across their habitat.

Squirrel monkeys, whose hands look like they reached into a bag of Cheetos, playfully run across branches and jump through hula-hoops.

At Jungle Friends Primate Sanctuary, foster monkeys of differing backgrounds and personalities have a place to call home.

Before coming to the Sunshine State and living among the monkeys, Kari Bagnall worked in Las Vegas as an interior designer.

Her boyfriend at the time decided to adopt a pet monkey from a breeder, but little did she know that Samantha, a baby White-Faced Capuchin, would change her life forever.

After separating from her boyfriend, Bagnall continued to care for Samantha on her own, learning everything she could by reading Jane Goodall books. She soon realized that monkeys are social creatures and that Samantha would need a friend.

That’s where Charlotte came in. To help pay for Charlotte and learn more about monkeys, Bagnall worked for the Las Vegas breeder — that is until she discovered the truth about how baby monkeys are captured.

One day while working, Bagnall witnessed the breeder pull a baby monkey away from its mother. This didn’t sit well with the monkeys — or Bagnall. She knew something had to be done.

Fast-forward five years later, Bagnall hopped on a private plane with 13 monkeys, two parrots, one cat and a dog and moved the Jungle Friends Primate Sanctuary to

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Gainesville. Now Jungle Friends has 302 monkeys from 13 different species, each one with a unique story of how they arrived at the sanctuary.

Some monkeys (such as Peanut, a Common Marmoset; Cookie, a Brown Capuchin; and Phil, a Golden-Handed Tamarin) are brought to Jungle Friends when their owners realize having a monkey as a pet isn’t practical. Others, like Don Knotts, a Brown Capuchin; Captain Cuddles, a Cotton-Top Tamarin; and Goober, a Brown Capuchin, retired to Jungle Friends after being used in laboratory studies. Whatever their background, they will all spend the rest of their lives at the sanctuary.

Bagnall and her volunteers try to make the sanctuary feel as wild-like as possible.

“That’s one of my favorite things to do, to decorate,” she said.

“I call it furnish the habitat.”

Bagnall’s background in interior design helps her spruce the surroundings with thick branches, green foliage, runways that go from habitat to habitat and, of course, plenty of things to swing from.

Though Jungle Friends is closed to the public, they are always looking for volunteers. Whether it’s fundraising for the sanctuary, helping with event planning, or cooking spaghetti and baked potatoes for the monkeys, there is always something to help with. People can also help by sponsoring a monkey through junglefriends.org.

Tortoise Territory ENDANGERED SPECIES THRIVE ON THE ASHTON BIOLOGICAL PRESERVE Wr i t t e n by B i a n c a Fa v a t a

S

ix miles on a winding dirt road in the city of Archer takes visitors into the Ashton Biological Preserve, a place where captivity, wildlife and research come together to create awareness of conservation and sustainability of all wildlife.

From the Gopher tortoise to the Indigo snake, the Ashton Biological Preserve and all of its volunteers help maintain and promote the well being of many endangered reptiles, amphibians and other creatures on the property.

Founder Ray Ashton died of cancer in 2010. Ray leaves his legacy behind through his research and field guides. The preserve’s activity slowed following his passing, though his wife, Pat, continues to write, teach and conduct research.

Two years after Ray’s death, Chase Pirtle — now the Animal Care Specialist and Habitat Manager — was inspired to bring back the passion of the preserve. To that end he has tirelessly worked with the help of volunteers to upgrade and renovate the preserve.

Today the preserve offers volunteer and internship positions,

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DIGGING DEEPER • Tortoises can communicate; we just can’t hear them. Ray Ashton’s audio equipment can detect low frequency sounds the human ear can’t detect.

• Their living conditions are indicated by the shape of their shells. Any distortion from the typical species shell can indicate premature malnourishment.

• Tortoises are right or left handed, which can be seen by the direction their burrow takes.

• National Geographic Kids is headed to the preserve for a story about the Radiated tortoise — a rare tortoise native to Madagascar. Its yellow skin and shell pattern resemble the rays of the sun.

a tortoise sponsorship program, tortoise certification courses and outreach events.

Since no one on staff is paid, volunteers are crucial to the future of the preserve. A typical day could involve feeding the tortoises their favorite leafy greens or seasonal fruits native to their origin, like pineapple or banana.

The tortoises in captivity come from all over the world — South America, Madagascar and Europe. The warm Floridian climate is perfect for these cold-blooded reptiles.

Their feeding habits vary depending on the season; they eat more in the summer and less in the winter. Certain species of tortoise will hibernate for up to three months during the colder months.

Inside the research lab are baby tortoises under heat lamps. All of the babies are marked to ensure genetic variation. Pirtle said that with his identification system, he can limit inbreeding, therefore ensuring diverse DNA so the tortoises will have a higher chance of survival when released.

In Archer, the local tortoises are the

PHOTOGRAPHY: BIANCA FAVATA AND ASHTON BIOLOGICAL PRESERVE

threatened Gopher tortoise. Their burrows are home to over 400 other species of animals, making them a “keystone species.”

Without the Gopher tortoise, the entire ecosystem would be severely affected. The tortoise digs down to the water table (in Alachua County that can be up to 45-feet deep) where there is always a fresh source of water. Every tortoise burrow ends with a wide end chamber, comparable to a bedroom.

There’s always a clean perimeter of space on the outside of the burrow, called the apron, which is kept meticulously groomed. Pirtle said that he’s “watched a tortoise clean his apron for three hours, cleaning off every single leaf.”

Pocket gophers create tunnels that act as “subway systems,” Pirtle said. These tunnels all connect underground, creating pathways for many small creatures to travel from place to place, avoiding predators or the weather.

Pirtle is a big believer of self-sustainability and incorporates it into his work as much as possible. A sustainable garden is being MAY/JUNE 2016

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planned, where collected rain will be the water source for the fresh greens. A butterfly garden is also growing to attract bees and butterflies. He plans to have beehives on property to increase pollination.

He also pushes for conservation easements. These are legal contracts that protect the land from development. Pirtle hopes to connect over 1,000 acres in the area under easement, preserving it for generations to come.

The animal community is quite similar to our community. They work together to adapt to an ever-changing environment, one that is becoming more and more threatened.

Places like Ashton Biological Preserve are rare, where light pollution doesn’t drown the stars and hundreds of lightning bugs float around the oak trees. The ecosystem — whether above ground or in its underground neighborhood — contains a magic that can never be replicated by human hands.

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Lubee Bat Conservancy IT’S A BIRD! IT’S A PLANE! IT’S A GIANT BAT! S t o r y a n d P h o t o g ra p h y by G a b r i e l l e C a l i s e

T

he idea of giant bats with 6-foot wingspans might make some people sweat, but Anthony Mason, development coordinator at the Lubee Bat Conservancy, insists that the creatures just have a bad rap.

“They’re actually really fascinating and unique animals,” Mason said in a recent phone interview.

The bats at Lubee are playful and active during the day. They enjoy eating fruit and playing with toys. Some can even “paint” by nibbling on chunks of cantaloupe attached to a paint-covered brush next to a canvas.

The Lubee Bat Conservancy is home to over 200 bats from 10 different species, including the largest species of bat in the world — the Malaysian flying fox.

The nonprofit organization was founded in 1989 with the mission to save bats and their habitats by educating the public and creating opportunities for community involvement, said Director Brian Pope.

Lubee Bat Conservancy has programs in other parts of Florida, as well as Madagascar and SubSaharan Africa, to protect endangered species around the world.

“We founded a program out of the University of Queensland that found a bat that hasn’t been seen in over 20 years,” Pope said.

Lubee also hosts many local events and tours to educate the public.

“Right here in Alachua County last year we reached over 16,000 people,” Pope said.

The organization is open for tours, which can be scheduled online, as well as field trips for school groups and homeschoolers. The organization also hosts educational programs for Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts.

About 5,600 people came to the conservancy’s most popular event, the 11th Annual Lubee Bat Festival, last October.

Lubee’s next big event is the 2nd Annual Endangered Species Awareness Day, taking place on May 21 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event, MAY/JUNE 2016

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which costs $5, will feature tours of the bat conservancy as well as educational games, activities and presentations.

The goal of Endangered Species Awareness Day is to teach the public about a range of animals, including elephants, rhinos and tigers, which are being poached and overhunted, Pope said.

“Some of the bats we have at Lubee are getting overhunted where they are at in Southeast Asia,” Pope said.

“Overhunting of these bats is absolutely out of control.”

People that attend the event will learn how they can help animals by making small changes in their everyday lives.

“If you want to have a sustainable project to make a lasting impression on individuals, you really have to engage them,” Pope said. “And I really think we’re on the right track to do that.”

Pope encourages people to install bat houses in their yards to create habitats for endangered species. Lubee sells pre-made bat houses as well as kits for people who want to make their own.

Pre-made houses cost $60 and provide shelter for 50 to 100 bats.

Mason tells people who visit Lubee that helping animals can be as simple as recycling and reusing materials.

“It’s not just about keeping things out of the land fills or the water streams, but also about what goes into producing those items,” he said. “Lots of natural resources go into the production of everyday items.”

Bats and other animals often become endangered because their habitats have been destroyed. The demand for natural resources such as palm oil, an ingredient used in products, like toothpaste and shampoo, causes deforestation.

“There’s a lot of things you can do, but I think the number one thing folks can do to make a difference is just to find out what’s going on,” Pope said.

To learn more about the Lubee Bat Conservancy, visit lubee.org or “like” the organization on Facebook.

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HUNGRY LIKE THE WOLF

Howlin’ Seacrest Getting Up Close and Personal with the Seacrest Wolves W R I T T E N B Y C YA N N E D U N N P H OTO G R A P H Y B Y C Y N T H I A WAT K I N S , P R O V I D E D B Y S E A C R E S T W O L F P R E S E R V E

D

ecades ago, the howl of the gray wolf was heard across the nation. Now, those calls have gone silent throughout much of the land in the central and western states where they

used to roam.

But in Florida, the haunting call of the gray wolf is still very much a part of everyday life for neighbors of the Seacrest Wolf Preserve.

Located at 3449 Bonnett Pond Road in a small panhandle town called Chipley, Seacrest was founded by Cynthia and Wayne Watkins, who previously raised Siberian Huskies. When a rattlesnake wiped out the bloodline they had cultivated for 10 years, the couple was offered the opportunity to adopt wolf dogs. Soon after, they rescued a wolf from

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what Wayne described as “an inhumane situation.”

Cynthia had been an advocate for the conservation of wolves for years, and was involved in the petition to get wolves reintroduced to Yellowstone National Park in the ‘90s. So when she and her husband had the opportunity to purchase more wolves they did, and began the bloodline that would become the foundation for the Seacrest Wolf Preserve.

Sixteen years later, Wayne said what started as a small, quiet conservation effort has grown into the largest wolf preserve in the southeastern United States. Seacrest, licensed through the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the State of Florida, is home to 34 wolves, who form eight different packs.

Most are gray wolves, but there are also Arctic and British Columbian wolves.

“People have killed hundreds and thousands and

Miska, an arctic wolf pup born in 2015, howls for a Saturday tour group. At Seacrest, the wolves are only bred when a position in a pack needs to be filled. Wolf pups are born in the spring, though none were bred this year at the preserve.

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maybe millions of [wolves],” Wayne said. “The hatred for the wolf goes back to Europe many, many centuries ago.

A lot of it is superstition.”

As the human population continued to grow and pushed wolves out of their natural habitats, the desire to protect livestock combined with superstitious fear. As recent as 1965, government-sanctioned bounty programs offered up to $50 per wolf killed, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS).

By the time the Endangered Species Act of 1973 passed, wolves had been hunted nearly to extinction in the lower 48 states. In 2013, 30 years of protection later, the number of gray wolves in those states had climbed to around 5,000, according to FWS. In comparison, the same year, between 7,000 and 11,000 wolves lived in Alaska alone, where wolves have never been classified as threatened or endangered.

“The hatred for the wolf goes back to Europe many, many centuries ago. A lot of it is superstition.”

The goal of Seacrest, Wayne said, is to teach people not to fear wolves by education through interactive tours that allow visitors to meet the wolves nose-to-snout, in what Cynthia described as one of the rarest opportunities in the world.

Each tour begins with an educational lecture. Guests are then introduced to three different packs, known as the Ambassador Packs.

Every wolf at Seacrest has a name, but whether they choose to respond to them is entirely up to the wolves.

“We don’t train them, we encourage them with food,” said Vicki Waterman, who has volunteered at Seacrest for two years. “They are still wild animals, they’re just socialized. They’re not domesticated at all.”

But with the offer of something tasty from the leader of the tour (usually Cynthia or Wayne, but occasionally one of Seacrest’s volunteers), the wolves will come over to the tour group. This is when guests get the rare opportunity to mingle with and pet the wolves.

After spending time with each of the three packs, visitors are taken to the small animal enclosure. Here, they get to meet the other residents: Miko the Florida gray MAY/JUNE 2016

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SANCTUARIES >> SEACREST WOLF PRESERVE

fox; Luci, Frosty and Sitka, the Arctic foxes; Onyx the silver fox; Cricket and Crackers the raccoons; and Pecos the coyote.

Nearby are also two peahens, six peacocks and some skunks for good measure.

There are two types of tours, VIP and public. Public tours are on Saturdays and have anywhere from 50 to 100 people. Some

weekends have seen as many as 180, Waterman said. The VIP tours are for private groups and are scheduled on weekdays. All tours need to be made through appointment.

Visitors to Seacrest have to stick to a strict dress code. No shorts, open-toed shoes, jewelry, leather or fur are allowed in the wolf enclosures.

“Anything you take in there, they see as play toys,” Wayne said. “Wolves are very curious and they’re very playful.”

Each wolf pack has their own enclosure, which average about two and a half acres. Since none of the wolves at Seacrest are native to Florida or it’s often brutal heat, each enclosure has a body of water the wolves use to cool down.

A natural, spring-fed pond in one enclosure feeds water to man-made ponds in others, while the smallest ones have large water tubs the wolves can climb into.

According to the International Wolf Center, gray wolf territories in the lower 48 states can be less than 100 square miles, but in other areas can be anywhere from 300 to 1,000 square miles or more.

While the Seacrest wolves’ two and a half acres may seem small by comparison, they need less space.

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SANCTUARIES >> SEACREST WOLF PRESERVE

“[Wolves] are travelers mostly to get food, and here they don’t have to,” said Diane Clark, who has volunteered at Seacrest for almost four years. Some of the meat used to feed the wolves is purchased, but twice a week donated meat close to its expiration date is picked up as part of a program through Wal-Mart. Any extra food is frozen until needed.

Wolf packs are extremely hierarchical in nature, with alphas at the top of the ladder, followed by betas and then omegas. When a pack feeds in the wild, this means the alpha male and female eat first, with omegas eating last. To make sure all the wolves eat their fair share at Seacrest they are hand fed. Deer carcasses donated by hunters are also left in the enclosure for the wolves to feed on naturally, Waterman said.

The packs receive the same medical care as a dog, with shots, heartworm medication, and annual veterinarian checks.

Only about 50 percent of wolf pups live to see their first birthday, Wayne said, and those that do make it to adulthood live an average of 6 or 7 years, with a 9-year-old wolf being

considered quite old. The oldest wolf currently living at Seacrest is Kiowa, a British Columbian wolf who is an impressive 16 years old. He and his mate, Mystic, who is 12, live in the “retirement pen,” which is not available to the public, in order to give the couple some much deserved peace and quiet.

Wolves in the wild are threatened by other packs and the large animals they hunt such as elk, but mostly by humans. So the humans of Seacrest will continue to fight what they consider the most common misconception about wolves.

“They’re not aggressive,” Waterman said. “In a normal, healthy environment a wolf will never attack a person.”

By actually spending time with the wolves, Wayne said visitors to Seacrest learn they’re not as different from humans as we might think.

“Humans have a personality, every wolf has a personality,” Wayne said. “Every person has feelings that they display, emotions. Wolves express the same emotions. That’s how much alike people … and wolves are.”

More information about Seacrest Wolf Preserve can be found at www.seacrestwolfpreserve.org

Only about 50 percent of wolf pups live to see their first birthday and those that do make it to adulthood live an average of 6 or 7 years.

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ALTERNATIVES >> RENEWABL RENEWABLE LE ENERGY EEN NER ERGY G

ECO-POWER

SOME ALTERNATIVES TO FOSSIL FUELS

Renewable Energy W R ITTEN BY K R ISTINA OR R EGO

People can’t seem to stop talking about climate change.

A

hot topic debated among politicians and fought over by advocates, it has become common knowledge in science — even among those without a Ph.D. — that our planet is seriously suffering.

The burning of fossil fuels has provided a cheap and conventional energy supply for cars, homes and businesses for decades, and it also is largely to blame for the excessive emission of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, resulting in recordhigh temperatures, according to the Union of Concerned Scientists website.

With that, begs the question of what can be done to remedy the problem.

These traditional methods are now being replaced by more environmentally friendly renewable energy technologies.

As the name implies, these systems use resources which can 68 |

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replenished, such as sunlight, water, air and rain, to create energy.

In March, Florida legislators have voted to put a clean energy amendment on the August primary ballot that allows voters to decide whether to give businesses tax breaks when they install solar panels, according to the Tampa Bay Times.

Locally, the University of Florida is making strides in the field of renewable energy, such as conducting research to advance smart grids and working closely with biomass facilities to create ethanol for automobile use.

In a phone interview, Dr. James Klausner, a former professor at UF’s department of mechanical & aerospace engineering who now works at Michigan State University, said the body of research and technological development regarding renewable energy is immense.

“There’s so many different things going on all over the

country, all over the world [in terms of renewable energy],” he said. “We really are in a moment of history where we have an explosion of new technology, and there are battles going on in the marketplace to see what’s gonna win out and what’s gonna be favorable.”

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Klausner talked about two ways renewable energy can be obtained from the sun — solar thermal power production and solar photovoltaic power production.

“So, solar thermal — basically you’re capturing the energy from the sun and converting it to heat and using that heat to run a heat engine and produce power,” he said.

“On the other hand, photovoltaic is you’re capturing the energy or photons and those photons are directly converted to electrons through some sort of photovoltaic substrate.”

Photovoltaic (PV) solar panels can be used to generate electricity in devices like a calculator to an entire home.

Simply put, a solar panel works by allowing photons, or particles of light, to knock electrons free from atoms, generating a flow of electricity, according to livescience.com.

The electrons travel through an electrical circuit, powering electrical devices or sending electricity to the grid.

In a recent interview, Dr. Jonathan Scheffe, an associate professor in the department of mechanical and aerospace engineering at UF, said current research is focused on concentrated solar power technologies.

“Specifically, we’re interested in using solar energy to drive chemical reactions — to store solar energy as a chemical intermediate,” he said. “One way we can do that is we can concentrate sunlight and, instead of using that sunlight to boil water… We can go to much higher temperatures, for example 2000 degrees Celsius, and actually dissociate water.”

He said this process is called thermolysis, or using heat to split water into hydrogen and oxygen. The hydrogen can then be used as a carrier of energy to power a fuel cell, for example.

Scheffe said the output of this type of fuel cell is water, meaning it doesn’t release carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas, into the atmosphere.

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“If you have a device that will tell you exactly how much you’re consuming at that time and instant, you can behave differently.”

Smart Grids One of the emerging technologies in the field of renewable energy, specifically solar, is the smart grid.

A power distribution grid is a system of transmission mediums that allows electricity to be transferred at different voltages from the point of generation to homes. This has been the standard method of electricity distribution, according to the Smart Grid Technology website.

However, Dr. Arturo Bretas, a professor in UF’s department of electrical and computer engineering, said current technological improvements and devices are being added to these systems in order to make them more adaptable and reliable — “smarter.”

“A smart grid is one that would be able to adapt itself to the current operating condition and [be] more resilient to failures.

And it’s not that the system that we have now isn’t smart,” Bretas said — but the new systems will make them smarter.

These enhanced systems include automatic reclosers, or 70 |

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devices that provide the maximum flow of electricity and remain uninterrupted even after momentary outages.

Another enhancement Bretas mentioned are smart meters that can be installed in a home to measure how much energy is being consumed. This is comparable to the way smartphones inform users of how much battery is left, he said.

“If you have a device that will tell you exactly how much you’re consuming at that time and instant, you can behave differently — you can have prepaid energy, just like you have on your cell phone account,” he said.

Marine Hydrokinetic Energy An up-and-coming area of renewable energy research is marine hydrokinetic energy, which is energy obtained from moving bodies of water such as tides, waves and ocean currents.

There’s enough energy in waves and tides to meet a significant portion of America’s power needs, according to an educational video on Energy.gov.

D

WIND ENERGY NERGY t about b t th l t i it ffrom new Wind energy costs the same as electricity coal- and gas-fired power plants. And it’s pollution-free.

SOLAR ENERGY Inexhaustible and cheaper than ever, solar energy now powers everything from portable radios to homes, stores and neighborhoods.

BIOMASS ENERGY AND CELLULOSIC ETHANOL Plant materials, such as wood, corn, and soy, account for nearly half the renewable energy in America — but it’s not always sustainable.

BIOGAS ENERGY Farmers can reduce pollution and generate their own heat and electricity by converting animal waste into a clean-burning gas.

GEOTHERMAL ENERGY Reservoirs of steam and hot water beneath the earth’s surface hold enormous potential as a renewable energy resource.

HYDROPOWER Energy from moving water is the largest source of renewable electricity in the United States.

While water is a renewable resource, rivers themselves are not.

OFFSHORE WIND, WAVE, AND TIDAL ENERGY Offshore renewable energy holds great promise, and can be developed in a way that protects our ocean resources.

SOURCE: NATURAL RESOURCES DEFENSE COUNCIL, WWW.NRDC.ORG

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ALTERNATIVES >> RENEWABLE ENERGY

One of the ways to harvest this energy is with a buoy, which moves vertically and horizontally in response to the movement of its surrounding water.

Turbines are also used as this same movement causes them to spin as water moves through an ocean-power device.

One of the advantages of these technologies is the proximity to busy industrial areas with high populations and energy demands.

Gulf Stream Turbines LLC is a startup company that is trying to implement these technologies into the Gulf Stream. These devices, placed 15 to 20 miles off the coast of South Florida, can reduce the annual emissions of CO2 by about 13,000 tons, according to the company’s official website.

Biomass Another type of renewable energy comes from biomass, an umbrella term for any organic material — from plants to woodchips and even sewage or manure — that can be converted into energy.

Six years ago, Dr. Jacob Chung, a professor at UF’s department of mechanical and aerospace engineering, collaborated with two other researchers to create a first–generation mechanism that produces roughly 15 kilowatts of electricity — enough to power a typical home — using cardboard, pine, red oak and horse manure.

The device, called a biomass gasification system, turns

biomass into a form of energy called syngas, which contains hydrogen, carbon monoxide and methane — all of which can be converted into liquid fuels and inserted in a fuel cell, according to the project’s official paper.

The incineration of municipal waste has been used as a way to create energy, but oftentimes the process releases toxic fumes, such as dioxin and dibenzofurans, into the atmosphere.

Dibenzofurans can cause cancer, immune system damage and hormone deregulation, according to Chung’s official research paper for the second-generation version of the project.

Chung’s system doesn’t expel these fumes, and it is carbon-neutral — meaning it emits the same amount of carbon it took in.

Janan Balaban, the associate director of the Florida Energy Systems Consortium at UF, said ethanol, one of the basic components of standard fuel for automobiles, can also be made from treating biomass.

This process begins with sugarcane. Sugar is removed, leaving cellulose, which is treated with acids and enzymes, and is then converted into ethanol.

She said the consortiums work closely with facilities where this process takes place, like Buckeye Technologies, Inc. in Perry, Florida.

Up to 85 percent of the ethanol created from treating biomass can be put into gasoline, she said.

“It is amazing,” Balaban said. “[A] really fascinating process.

This is renewable ethanol.”

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Call 811 before you dig to have underground utility lines located on your property.

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Composting yard waste such as grass clippings, leaves and twigs is easy. By placing yard waste around the base of trees in your backyard or in a compost pile, you can improve your soil quality and also reduce collection costs! That’s good news for the environment and your wallet. So be a total recycler with orange and blue recycle bins in the front yard, and compost in the backyard.

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KNOW WHAT’S BELOW. Call 811 before you dig to have underground utility lines located on your property.

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COLUMN

CRYSTAL HENRY’S

Naked Salsa SURROGATE SAGA: STAYING POSITIVE

CRYSTAL HENRY IS A FREELANCE WRITER AND COLUMNIST BORN AND RAISED IN WEST TEXAS. SHE RECEIVED HER B.S. IN JOURNALISM IN 2006 FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA. SHE IS IN LOVE WITH THE FLORIDA LANDSCAPE. ces03k@gmail.com

WE TRANSFERRED THEIR EMBRYO ON MY MOTHER’S BIRTHDAY. THE BABY WOULD BE DUE ON MY SWEET PEA’S BIRTHDAY.

A

ll these signs had to be good right? Despite our previous loss, I was determined to stay positive with this transfer. But truthfully I was still nervous.

The 10 days until our blood work were incredibly slow. The good news is that I had a ton of home pregnancy tests to keep me occupied. Since the parents wanted to wait for the blood test results, I couldn’t share any home results, and I have no idea how Baby Mama survived. I started testing the day of our transfer, and I got a positive right away.

The bummer of that is that I knew it would be positive because of the ovulation trigger shot they gave me. I needed the line to get lighter over the next few days as the shot wore off, then darken as my pregnancy hormones hopefully took over. The line was big and bold the first day. Then lighter the second.

OK, that was good.

The next day it was a bit lighter, and I tried to just distract myself for 24 hours and think positive. It was still supposed to get lighter, but no matter how much I told myself that no one going through IVF likes to see a pregnancy test lighten up.

The next day the line seemed to be the same. I wanted to think it was because my hormones were on the rise, but at the same time my heart was guarded. Then the next day it was definitely darker. And it continued to darken up until the day of our beta test. I avoided texting Baby Mama like the plague since I know my big blabbermouth couldn’t hold this news in.

And they were still trying to keep a level head. They wanted the official blood test results.

As we waited to hear from the clinic I started to wonder what my levels would be. They were fairly low at 37 with our last transfer, and that one ended in miscarriage. I knew they’d

be positive this time, but I wanted big fat juicy numbers.

For this stage of gestation I was hoping for something over 100, so when the clinic called with the number I about fell out of my chair. 433.

That was a darn fine number, and Baby Mama and Baby Daddy finally knew that we were indeed pregnant. We wanted the number to double every two days, so our next number should’ve been around 1,200. It came in at 1,802. Things were finally looking up.

We scheduled our first ultrasound for six weeks, and we all held our breath when the day came. We had all sorts of forces working against us. The clinic kept pushing back our appointment because of scheduling, and I had to take my girls along. It’s not that I don’t love my children, but the little one has an allergy to being quiet.

I wasn’t looking forward to a screaming banshee while we were already on pins and needles. Nonetheless I charged up the Kindle and loaded my bag with snacks. I knew we all needed to have our heads in the game for this appointment. We needed to see that heartbeat.

As Dr. B moved her magic wand around, the girls were quiet and I saw a black blob appear on screen. I held my breath until we saw the sweetest blink there ever was. There was the little Peanut’s heart just fluttering away. The little hippie transfer worked, and the heartbeat was strong. It was 127 beats of wonderful, and we even got to hear it. We’d made it farther than our last transfer and I know we were all relieved.

Still we weren’t out of the woods. That first trimester is so delicate and really anything can happen. But we were all determined to stay positive, and we scheduled our next ultrasound for my mother-in-law’s birthday. All these significant birth dates had to mean something good in my mind. It was a sign of life.

Still it would be two more weeks until our follow-up ultrasound to make sure little Peanut was sticking around, and all we could do was make like a pregnancy test and stay positive.

I held my breath until we saw the sweetest blink there ever was. There was the little Peanut’s heart just fluttering away.

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ECOSYSTEM >> TAP WATER JOURNEY

WATER WAYS

Florida ’ s UNDERGROUND Riches

W R I T T E N B Y C R Y S TA L H E N R Y

Follow Water’s Underground Journey from Our Springs to Your Faucet Tap

W

ith just the turn of a faucet, Central Florida residents have access to one of the most valuable resources in the state: drinking water. People across the country pay good money to buy a bottled version of what is available in their own kitchen sinks. But many residents are blissfully unaware of how that 78 |

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water gets from the ground to their drinking glasses.

Jennifer McElroy, a supervising utility engineer at Gainesville Regional Utility, said one of the biggest advantages Central Floridians have for good drinking water is that it comes from an underground source.

“We are starting with a pristine source of water,” McElroy said in a 2015 telephone interview.

Unlike other communities across the country that get water from surface sources such as

reservoirs or rivers, Florida taps into deep underground aquifers.

Surface water interacts with pollutants in the environment such as animals and people. But the water in the Floridan Aquifer is protected with natural barriers.

The water in the aquifer flows through a lime rock sponge.

Although most people picture caves and open pools and springs when they think of Florida water sources, that’s only the exposed water. Most of the aquifer system is porous lime rock. This water flows underground out of reach of harmful bacteria and animals.

McElroy said while in the aquifer, the water stays clean. GRU has a specially permitted well field with 16 wells from which it draws the city’s water, and the average depth of each well is about 500 feet. Pulling water up from that far underground further ensures that the water is clean and safe.

The Environmental Protection Agency and other local agencies still require that they test the water regularly to ensure its potable safety. So, McElroy said they are constantly testing.

Since the water is pulled from a natural ground source, it also has an unpleasant sulphur smell. It’s still very safe to drink, but because people are turned off by water that smells like rotten eggs, GRU adds chlorine to get rid of the hydrogen sulfide.

Also, because the water has been sitting in lime rock, it tends to be very hard. Hard water doesn’t hurt people, but it can wreak havoc on plumbing. So they also have a process called lime softening to help customers avoid buildup — and to protect GRU’s pipes.

The softening happens in a reactor clarifier, but the process makes the water very basic. So they add carbon dioxide to adjust the pH balance. Since the American Dental Association suggests that public water systems add fluoride, GRU adds it to the water to help prevent cavities.

After the fluoride treatment, the water goes through filters to ensure that it is free of bacteria and other pollutants. The filters are made out of sand, gravel and other media.

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ECOSYSTEM >> TAP WATER JOURNEY

The water will travel through about 1,100 miles of pipe in Gainesville, so even a small amount of bacteria could contaminate the water source and make a lot of people sick. As a preventative measure, they add chlorine to the water to ensure that harmful bacteria stays at bay.

Some customers ask if they should use a filter at home, but McElroy said the water is 100 percent safe to drink straight from the tap. Since many major brands of bottled water come from a municipal source, GRU customers essentially have bottled water coming straight from their tap. A filter such as the Brita system takes out the chlorine and changes the taste. The chlorine is only important while the water is going through the pipes, so if people want to remove it before drinking it’s just a matter of preference and is fine, McElroy said.

Some people live in rural areas, far away from a city water source. It might be too expensive to connect to city water, and so they drill a private well.

McElroy said the difference between a private well and a city source like GRU is that it is the well owner’s responsibility to ensure its safety. GRU has chemists and other people monitoring water quality 24 hours a day, but a homeowner would use other resources to monitor their water. They often work with the health department to understand if their well water is safe and how to continually ensure its safety.

Private wells are also typically not as deep, but because they 80 |

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are pulling from an underground source the water is usually just as safe. The key is to make sure the water is good quality when you first drill the well. The shallower the well, the greater the risk of contamination.

Private well owners should also be aware of any underground hazards such as gas tanks that can leak into the ground and into their water source. But monitoring the quality of private well water is very manageable, so those using well water can take advantage of one of the best underground resources in the state.

McElroy said communities such as High Springs, Alachua and Newberry operate on a smaller scale than GRU. They also take advantage of the fact that the aquifer is such a clean source, so while their water treatment process is not as extensive as GRU, the water in those communities is just as safe.

Whether private or municipal, once that water drops from the faucet to the sink it is wastewater. And wastewater in Gainesville is treated through an entirely separate facility and process.

“We do a full complete water cycle balance,” McElroy said.

She said 70 percent of the water withdrawn at GRU’s Murphree Water Plant is returned to the Floridan Aquifer. But some people are repulsed thinking they are drinking wastewater.

McElroy said that is most definitely not the case.

Once water is used, whether it is in a shower, a sink, a toilet or any other source, it is considered wastewater and drains into a wastewater collection system. At GRU this consists of a system PHOTOGRAPHY: ERICKA WINTERROWD

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ECOSYSTEM >> TAP WATER JOURNEY 82 |

of pipes and pumps underground that take all the wastewater to a treatment plant or water reclamation facility. This is a completely different facility than the water treatment plant that draws clean water up from the aquifer.

Most people think of raw wastewater as brown sludge, but McElroy said most of the wastewater that comes through is just water.

The first place it travels is through screens to remove debris.

McElroy said people flush all kinds of things down the toilet that they shouldn’t. The number one thing they see are “flushable wipes.” The screens are filled with these and other things such as rags and debris that are technically flushable.

“A golf ball is flushable too, but you shouldn’t flush it,” she said.

After screening for large solids, the water travels through a grit chamber that removes all the dirt and sand. When it rains really hard, runoff carries sand and dirt into the manholes, so this process removes that grit. That’s the headwork.

The next step is the microbial process. McElroy said the biggest secret of wastewater treatment is that a lot of the work is accomplished by microorganisms that break down raw wastewater and turn it into usable water.

Through a biological treatment called activated sludge, different types of microorganisms, or bugs as they call them, work to break down the waste. These bacteria, protozoa, rotifers, amoeba and nematodes are all microorganisms that can be found in a mud puddle. But they are essential to the process.

GRU has an entire team whose job is to make the bugs happy — and happy bugs eat the organic matter out of the wastewater.

Staff give them time to chow down on this all-you-can-eat buffet, and the bugs metabolize the wastewater. McElroy said the bugs basically just eat until they pop. Once they die, they start to stick together and go into the next basin. In the clarifier, the sticky bug bodies all sink to the bottom. The bin is like a big swimming pool on the top that funnels down to a cone-shaped bottom. The water is very still and the bug bodies sink to the bottom where they are pumped out.

The water that leaves the clarifier is very clear. After the clarifier the water goes through filters, and McElroy said if she showed someone a glass of this water it would look just like tap water. However, this water is still considered wastewater.

Even though it’s clear, they treat it with chlorine because their facility treats wastewater to primary and secondary drinking water quality. People still can’t drink it, but it is possible to treat it further. McElroy said there are places in California that do a direct reuse — with further treatments to make it drinkable — but they don’t have to do this in Florida because they can put it back into the ground and let Mother Nature finish the job.

“We don’t need to,” she said, “because we’re taking good care of our aquifer.”

The reason GRU treats its water to such a high quality is that they send out reclaimed water for irrigation and cooling.

The water isn’t potable, but it can be used for farming or for OUR TOWN MAGAZINE

MAY/JUNE 2016

H O W

A B O U T

SEPTIC TANKS? Regular maintenance and inspection of your septic system will help to limit the amount of pollutants reaching the environment and improve the health of your septic system.

For homes and businesses not connected to a city sewer system, septic tanks are used to collect wastewater.

• Inspect your tank annually to determine sludge depth.

Have your tank pumped to remove sludge every 2-5 years. It should be pumped and inspected by a licensed professional.

• Plant only grass or other shallow rooted plants above your septic system. Trees should be planted away from the system because their roots can damage the pipes or the tank.

• Direct down spouts and rain runoff away from the septic area to avoid saturating the area with water.

• Do not compact the soil above the septic system.

Avoid parking cars or building any structures (e.g. sheds) in the area.

• Avoid using a garbage disposal. Increasing the amount of solid waste in your septic system will shorten the amount of time between pumpings.

• Place paper towels, facial tissues, cigarette butts, disposable diapers, feminine products, and other material in a trash can, not the toilet. These items do not break down quickly and may clog the septic system. Toilet paper breaks down quickly and therefore can be placed in the toilet.

• Overloading the system can occur in the early morning and evenings when water use is highest. Run dishwashers and washing machines at other times of the day. Avoid doing all the family’s laundry on the same day. Practice water conservation in all areas of water usage.

• Fats and oils poured down the drain may build up and clog septic system pipes.

• Do not use chemicals or cleaners in your septic system.

They may harm the septic system.

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ECOSYSTEM >> TAP WATER JOURNEY

An aerial view of the man-made groundwater recharge wetland in Paynes Prairie resembles Albert the Alligator and is designed to return reclaimed water into the wetland and let Mother Nature work her magic.

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cooling large facilities such as hospitals or malls. It takes a lot of water to cool the air in a large facility, so if they can use reclaimed water they aren’t pulling from the aquifer.

They also use the water to recharge the aquifer.

This doesn’t mean they dump the water back into the same level they’re pumping from;instead they have groundwater recharge wetlands such as Paynes Prairie. They recently constructed a manmade wetland in the shape of a gator head out at the prairie, and an aerial view of the wetland looks just like Albert the Alligator.

They put the reclaimed water on the wetland and let Mother Nature get involved in the process.

The plants on the wetland continue to polish the water and treat it to an even higher standard.

GRU also backfilled an old canal made by ranchers who wanted to drain the prairie to raise cattle.

By backfilling the canal, they restored sheet flow on the prairie, and now the water flows like a big sheet over the level ground, rehydrating about 1,300 acres.

As the plants polish the water, it slowly percolates back into the ground water. It’s a slow, but much easier process on the environment. The good bacteria in the soil continue to clean the water, and

the water recharges the aquifer.

GRU also has groundwater recharge wells.

These wells are even deeper, at about 1,000 feet, and they are across town from the drinking water wells. The recharge wells push water down into the earth to increase the water pressure in the aquifer.

By increasing the pressure, they keep the drinking water up high.

McElroy said they return 70 percent of the water they withdraw to sustain the drinking water supply, while 30 percent is lost to things such as irrigation.

But the process of recharging the aquifer takes much longer than drawing water from it.

The best thing people can do is water conservation.

There is no such thing as creating water outside nuclear fusion, so the water we have is the only water we get. We need to conserve and take care of what we have. Using reclaimed water or even using water after cleaning fish tanks on plants and irrigation can have a huge impact.

“We have a great source of water,” she said. “But it’s not infinite.”

The best thing to do is to conserve this precious underground resource.

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What You About Each recycled aluminum can saves enough energy to power a television for three full hours!

Blue Bin Recyclables • PLASTIC BOTTLES & JARS (including yogurt cups & margarine tubs)

• METAL CANS, INCLUDING AEROSOL CANS (empty first please!)

Recycled plastic bottles and jars can be made into durable clothing!

Recycle your water bottle today and wear it tomorrow!

• GLASS BOTTLES & JARS (New item) beverage cartons

PLASTIC Any plastic containers are recyclable in Alachua County, as long as the containers have a pourable spout or neck up to 2 gallon in size. Yogurt cups and margarine tubs are now recyclable too.

Please rinse, remove all caps and lids, and step on plastic to save space! Empty household bleach bottles are acceptable. No petroleum product, pool chemical and pesticide containers. No plastic bags or food trays.

METAL CANS Please rinse all metal food and drink containers thoroughly. For containers with a lid, please keep lid attached or place lid in the bottom of the can and squeeze the top together to keep the lid secure. Empty aerosol cans and remove plastic lids.

GLASS Recycle all clear, green, and brown glass bottles and jars. Rinse and remove lids (labels are OK). Please, no windowpanes, glasses, Pyrex or other dishes. Beverage Cartons (New Items) Cartons such as milk, juice boxes, soymilk, etc. can now be recycled in yourËblue bin!

RECYCLING CONSERVES NATURAL RESOURCES RECYCLING CONSERVES ENERGY. RECYCLING REDUCES WASTE. RECYCLING SAVES YOU MONEY. BUYING RECYCLED MATERIALS COMPLETES THE REUSE LOOP.

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SOURCE: ALACHUACOUNTY.US

Should Know Your Bins Orange Bin Recyclables • BROWN BAGS & NEWSPAPERS • PUBLICATIONS • CORRUGATED CARDBOARD • OFFICE PAPER & JUNK MAIL (New Items) Paperback books, workbooks and soft-back textbooks.

Brown Bags & Newspapers Recycle clean, dry newspapers and inserts. Wet newspapers cannot be accepted. If it is going to rain, please either cover the newspapers or save them for next week. Brown shopping bags are accepted in the orange bin, but not plastic bags. Take plastic bags to grocery stores for recycling.

Publications & Cardboard All magazines, catalogs and telephone books are recyclable.

Clean corrugated cardboard (the kind with a wavy layer in the middle). Cardboard boxes should be no larger than 3’ x 3’.

Pasteboard boxes, such as cereal or shoeboxes or beverage cartons. Empty all packing materials and FLATTEN boxes. It is not necessary to cut boxes apart.

By recycling a commodity, such as newspaper, magazines or cardboard, we are reducing the number of trees cut down.

Recycling also reduces the amount of waste being sent to the landfill and extends the life of the landfill dramatically.

Office Paper & Junk Mail Office paper and junk mail is recyclable. Please no plastic credit cards or shredded paper. Window envelopes are recyclable.

Place the blue bin on top of the orange bin to keep paper from littering the street.

Paperback Books Paperback school workbooks, textbooks and coupon books can now be recycled in your orange bin. Paperback novels that are still in good condition should be donated if possible, but damaged or unreadable paperbacks can be recycled.

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BOOK REVIEW

TERRI SCHLICHENMEYER’S

Reading Corner HOW TO CATCH A LEPRECHAUN written by Adam Wallace, pictures by Andy Elkerton C.2016, SOURCEBOOKS JABBERWOCKY, $9.99, 32 PAGES

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YOU’RE FEELING PRETTY GOOD TODAY.

Y

ou’re wearing your favorite shirt and your lucky socks, and they worked! On your way to school, you found a penny and then your teacher made you Class Leader for the Day. Yep, you’re feeling lucky, so you might try to do something no one’s ever done before. If that means you’re going to attempt what’s in “How to Catch a Leprechaun” by Adam Wallace, illustrated by Andy Elkerton, you’ll need all the luck you can get.

Don’t look now, but there’s a Leprechaun outside your house.

He knows you’re after him, but he’s a crafty one. He’s going to tease you with glitter and sparkly things but he’ll do it when you’re not looking. He’ll paint your toilet, stop up the bathroom, and leave a mess everywhere.

You’re going to try trapping him.

But be careful: he’s wise to big mouse — um, Leprechaun traps. They’ll snap at his heels as he runs away fast with shamrocks trailing behind him. A cardboard box with a stick won’t work, either — Leprechauns are too smart for that! And while you’re trying to catch him, he’ll still outsmart you by making mischief and causing trouble.

You can leave him treats, like you do with Santa. You can hope he leaves you something, like the Easter Bunny does.

You can try to trick him, like you would at Halloween. But a Leprechaun is much too slick for any of that. He’s been “alive 88 |

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for 200 years.” You think you’re going to fool him after all this time?

He’ll just laugh at you. He’ll “twinkle toes” away with a “fancy pantsy dancy.” Not even an engineer can catch a Leprechaun with a basement-to-attic trap. Not even with the newest computer program or the highest-tech robot. If you’re out to catch a Leprechaun those things. Just.

Won’t. Work.

Unless, maybe…

Unless a “brilliant child,” a genius kid might be able to figure out the trick or trap…

Before I read “How to Catch a Leprechaun,” I’d never heard of this pursuit as tradition. It sounds fun, though, now that I know how wily a tiny green guy can be, and author Adam Wallace has lots of ideas on how to get the job done.

Leprechauns, apparently, are full of mischief, and this book, with its catchy little rhyme, shows children the many ways they bring mayhem to a home. Kids may get a kick out of the challenge here, a nyah-nyah-can’t-catch-me sort of taunt that may spur their desire to try a trap that finally snares the prey. Parents, I think, will enjoy every page of the bright, colorful illustrations by Andy Elkerton — and as you’re reading this story aloud, note that while kids don’t catch a Leprechaun, you’ll never quite catch a full glimpse of one in this book, either.

If a new tradition is what you need in your family, 4-to-8year-olds will love this one, and they’ll love this tale. Get them “How to Catch a Leprechaun.” It’s a book they’ll feel lucky to have.

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NEWBERRY >> WATERMELON FESTIVAL

DELICIOUS AND NUTRITIOUS

THIS JUICY SUMMER FRUIT HELPED SAVE NEWBERRY

Watermelon Festival W R I T T E N B Y H AY L I Z U CCO L A | P H O T OG R A P H Y B Y A L B E RT I S A A C

For many people, a fresh slice of watermelon is the epitome of a beautiful summer day.

This bright red fruit is devoured at backyard barbecues and savored at outdoor picnics. Wrapped in stripes of green and infused with a bit of sunshine, this refreshing melon is a staple at Fourth of July parties and is a symbol of spending time with friends and family. However, for the citizens of Newberry, this sweet treat is responsible for so much more.

Over a century ago the success of the phosphate industry took Alachua County by storm and allowed Newberry to flourish.

The up-and-coming town offered everything its residents could ask for. Filled with restaurants, shops, hotels and even a movie 90 |

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theater, it seemed like the town’s growth was unstoppable — that is until World War I, which cut off Newberry’s principal buyer of its phosphate, Germany. The phosphate industry started to crumble and tried to destroy Newberry with it.

Farming would help pull Newberry from peril with its abundance of crops like corn, tobacco and, you guessed it, watermelon. While all those crops were important for the town, it was watermelon — a cash crop — that would strengthen the city again. Watermelon would continue to support Newberry during the Great Depression and through World War II. To celebrate the crop and all it did for this Florida town, Newberry started the Watermelon Festival in 1946 and has continued every year since.

Kathi Thomas is the current president of the Newberry Watermelon Festival Committee and has attended the festival almost her entire life. Despite her title, Thomas assures that the committee positions are purely for paperwork and everyone does

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To Thomas and the rest of the committee, the most vital part of raising money for the festival is giving back to the schools in the area. Whether it’s handing out literature, stickers and teacher kits, giving away scholarships, or helping the athletic department, the money from the festival helps educate the students on the significance of agriculture and its importance to Newberry.

This year marks the 71st Annual Newberry Watermelon Festival. Thomas said this makes it one of the oldest continuous festivals in the United States. This celebration will be filled with favorite activities like the watermelon-eating, seed-spitting and hog-calling contests, as well as the crowning of the Watermelon Queen. Other festival favorites include an auction, a parade — which starts at 9 a.m. — and of course the beloved free slices of watermelon.

“It’s the same traditions we’ve had since 1946,” Thomas said.

This year’s event will be held May 21 from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Destiny Community Church property on 20820 W. Newberry Road.

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EXOTIC PETS >> KANGAROOS

HOP TO IT

Joey’s Joeys The Price of Owning an Exotic Pet S TORY A N D PHOTOG R A PHY BY ERICK A WINTER ROW D

I

t’s cute. It hops. It’s sure to stir up a lot of attention. And it’s native to the Land Down Under. What could it be?

It’s a kangaroo, of course! One Gainesville resident is a proud and responsible owner of two miniature kangaroos, wallabies to be exact, and he sheds some light on what it takes to own this exotic pet.

He wanted something different, something unique.

And being in the marketing business, UF alum Joey Friedman said he’s always being pushed to be creative and come up with new and different ideas.

“I had a new house and was living by myself at the time and I wanted to get a pet,” Friedman said in a recent telephone interview. “And my name’s Joey and a baby kangaroo is called a joey, so that’s sort of where [the idea] came from.”

After this idea bounced (or hopped) around in his head for a few months, Friedman said he finally did the research and applied to the Wildlife Commission to get permits, take tests and file the necessary paperwork to own this kind of species.

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After that he moved forward with getting his first joey, named Rocky, now approximately 7 years old.

And later, Boomer (age 5) would join the party too.

“They were probably 6-inches tall,” Friedman said. “I mean, they come out and they look like a big mouse.”

Friedman received both male joeys right after they had come out of their mother’s pouch. He said for the first three months of its life a joey does not eat food, so Friedman bottle-fed them around the clock every four hours. His mother, Annette Friedman, said she could see the kind of dedicated father he will be someday — so attentive and caring to the joeys’ nonstop needs. The new “kangaroo dad” even carried the joeys around in a satchel for a period of time, mimicking the natural effect of a mama kangaroo’s pouch.

Kangaroos are marsupials, so their reproduction is similar to that of koalas or opossums. According to AnimalFactsEncyclopedia.com, the egg descends from the ovary into the uterus where it is fertilized and very quickly develops into a neonate. Only a

Friedman had to raise his fence when the kangaroos grew to their full size.

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few centimeters long, hairless and blind, it manages to climb its way through the fur on its mother’s abdomen and into her pouch.

Then the tiny infant latches on to one of the teats and begins to feed. Growth happens rapidly from here on out and after about 190 days (depending on the species) the joey has developed enough to emerge from the pouch.

It will spend increasingly more time in the outside world, but will still hop back inside the safe haven of its mother’s pouch. Eventually, the joey gains confidence and the days of the pouch are long behind them.

Friedman said Rocky and Boomer’s personalities are similar to cats, very independent and not as friendly as dogs.

“If you were to go up to them, they’d probably run off and do their own thing,” he said. “But as soon as you’re sitting down and minding your own business … they’ll come over.”

Most of the time Rocky and Boomer are able to roam around outside at Friedman’s Gainesville residence and at night they sleep inside the house. The kangaroos split their time between Gainesville and South Florida where Friedman’s parents reside.

“I’m just so happy to have the support of my family to help out,” Friedman said.

“I don’t know that I would be able to say I was doing a good job [if I had to take] care of them by myself.”

Friedman said that having a kangaroo as pet is a lot of work, and that this kind of animal really belongs in the wild or in a zoo where there are dedicated caretakers to deal with them 24 hours a day.

“They’re not really [meant] to be pets,” Friedman said. “We made it work … but I don’t think I’d do it again.”

Friedman explained a time when one of the kangaroos had a kidney infection, which traveled into its gums. After seeing a veterinarian at the UF small animal hospital, the medical care resulted in a $7,000 bill.

“A normal cat or dog you take to a vet with an infection like that would probably get an antibiotic and it would cost around $150,” he said. “But if you take a kangaroo to the vet … they don’t want the liability of doing something wrong — so you have to take it to a specialty vet.”

Friedman said the specialty vets are outrageously expensive and since they don’t

treat kangaroos regularly, they go over and beyond in doing extra tests to make sure they receive appropriate care. Outside support from experts in Australia also help when Friedman has questions, but he has to call them in the middle of the night in order to reach them in the middle of the day Australia time.

Friedman had another unexpected expense: he had to raise his fence when the kangaroos grew to their full size of 3 1/2 -feet tall, and their jumping distance reached 8-feet in height.

“So instead of a 4-foot fence you have an 8-foot fence or a 10-foot fence,” he said.

“Stuff like that gets expensive … you really get backed up against a wall if you don’t do your research.”

Friedman explained that something as simple as boarding your pet becomes very difficult — and that an owner of an exotic pet, such as a kangaroo, has to devote the next 15 years of their life to its care. It is not something that can just be released into the wild or taken to a local shelter when an owner realizes they can’t take care of it. Big life changes, such as moving across the country for a job or starting a family, can become nearly impossible without the support from other caretakers.

Friedman said owning this kind of pet is definitely a learning experience and since he is fortunate enough to have help from his family, it has been well worth it. But for those who are seeking attention rather than nurturing a unique companionship, there are better alternatives.

“In the same price bracket as getting an exotic pet, get an exotic car,” Friedman said.

“Get something else for attention … it takes a lot less upkeep.”

Wallabies can be stressed very easily and that can cause severe illness and even death. Rocky and Boomer are thriving and it’s because of the dedication of Friedman and his parents. If more exotic-pet owners cared for the well-being of their animals as much as they do, tragic outcomes often associated with these kinds of animals would be minimized. Research coupled with true respect for a species is key when deciding if you are up to the task of offering the care that an exotic pet requires. The Friedmans have much to be applauded for.

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CONSERVATION >> FLORIDA SPRINGS INSTITUTE

EDUCATION

Robert Knight, the Florida Springs Institute’s director and founder, stands next to a Silver Springsinspired piece by Gainesville-based painter Margaret Tolbert in the institute’s new High Springs home.

LOOKING TO NEW FUTURE AT ‘HEART OF SPRINGS COUNTRY’

Florida Springs Institute STORY A N D PHOTOGR A PH Y BY MICH A EL STON E

The Florida Springs Institute — a nonprofit established six years ago with the goal of rescuing the state’s 1,024 springs from its increasing human population and all the inevitable side effects — is settling into its new home in downtown High Springs.

The 1,400-square-foot, two-floor space — called the North Florida Springs Environmental Center — is across from City Hall and opened its doors on April 5.

Visitors can stop by to: find out where the springs are and how to get to them on a touch-screen monitor; watch underwater videos of manatees and other captivating creatures that call the ecosystems home; read; see work by area artists, including nature photographer John Moran and springs painter Margaret Tolbert; and attend classes.

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institute director and founder Robert Knight doesn’t expect a lot of foot traffic — maybe just some people stopping in on their way to the springs who might watch some videos and learn something along the way.

“We’ll just go about our business and doing our work,” he said of the institute’s five employees, which includes himself, though his role is a volunteer one, “and then we can come and talk to people as we need to.”

The building will also be the base for the institute’s volunteers and intern force of two to eight annually, from the University of

the springs,” he said. “But the springs are in trouble because of other decisions that are being made that have nothing to do with the springs.

“People want to make money, or they want to have green lawns, or they want to have cheap wastewater systems — and those things are impacting the springs.”

Knight went down a list of problems that have been wellnoted by researchers and media coverage in recent years.

Among them: The water that flows into them is continuing to be over-pumped for things like bottled water, agriculture and residential lawns. Less flowing fresh water leaves more room for saltwater deeper underground to make its way upward and into the system — or as it’s more simply called: saltwater intrusion.

And nitrates from cattle feces, fertilizer and sometimes human waste, like from septic tanks, are causing algae blooms that kill the fragile native vegetation and can even be harmful to the human water supply.

“The springs and river have really changed in [the last] four years,” Wray said. “It’s just night-and-day difference. … You can’t make this up. [The native vegetation] is just gone.”

“They’re screaming right now there’s something wrong,” he continued. “When that river’s not even capable of growing hydrilla — and that’s something that grows anywhere — Mother Nature’s saying, ‘Hey, we’ve got a problem here.’”

One positive note Knight offered is that it’s now known that the springs have a vast economic impact in addition to their environmental ones, giving more reason to preserve them.

The study showing this — published in December 2014 by researchers at the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences — figures an estimated $84.2 million in annual economic benefit directly from springs across nine counties in North Central Florida.

“Obivously, people come here for a healthy river and a healthy spring and high-grade, quality water,” Wray said, estimating that native plant life has declined 95 percent in Ginnie Springs and the Santa Fe River over the last four years. “I get a lot of repeat customers, and they’ve asked, ‘Where does all the aquatic life go? What’s going on?’

“And at some point, if we don’t get this turned around and going at a better direction, there’s going to be an impact” to the springs’ economic benefit.

Also, Knight said, rain has returned following the drought in 2011 and into 2012 that had pushed some area waterways to near stagnancy.

“We’ve had fairly normal rain for the last two to three years — fairly normal, around closer to 50 inches a year,” he said.

Another recent springs aid noted by Knight: Tallahassee spending $220 million to modify its wastewater treatment, drastically reducing the nitrates — especially to Wakulla Springs — being put out by the city and into the water system.

Knight, who once taught springs ecology at UF, originally wanted to start the institute through the school, but there wasn’t an interest because the organization wouldn’t be a “big money” draw, he said.

But with the university’s involvement in so many business MAY/JUNE 2016

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CONSERVATION >> FLORIDA SPRINGS INSTITUTE

Florida and elsewhere. (Knight said those wishing to apply for an internship should visit FloridaSpringsInstitute.org for contact information and that pay availability varies based on funding.)

Remodeling since the lease was signed in December — like the floors and creating an example of a low-impact garden out back — comes thanks to a grant from the Dharma Foundation.

And the first year’s rent was covered by Ginnie Springs Outdoors, the owner of the private Ginnie Springs along the Santa Fe River in Gilchrist County.

“The work that they do is very important … to bring to light what is truly impacting the springs and the river,” said Ginnie Springs owner Mark Wray, whose family has held the site since 1971. “I think we’re very fortunate to have them choose High Springs. … This is truly the heart of spring country here.”

Knight said a main reason for the move was to show a clear separation from his private environmental consulting firm in Gainesville, Wetland Solutions, which had previously housed the institute and incubated its start.

“There are some people that have a problem … that I have a for-profit company, and that maybe I was using that somehow [for the] Springs Institute,” he said. “That’s the furthest thing from the truth.”

But echoing Wray’s point, Knight also noted the significance of location.

“I wanted to separate [the business and the institute], but even more importantly, the reason we came here is because this is the main highway to the springs,” he said. “[Highway] 27 and Main Street are really — this is the hub of the whole springs heartland of Florida.

“There’s no other place in North Florida that is the center of so much springs activity.”

Knight said the new facility will provide space for the institute’s focus on springs science and public education. Meanwhile, the soon-to-be-incorporated Florida Springs Council — which comprises 35 different groups, like the Silver Springs Alliance and Our Santa Fe — will concentrate on advocacy, politics, lobbying and legal challenges, he added.

“So we can reach millions of people instead of hundreds of people,” Knight said of targeting education.

Upcoming educational opportunities include Knight’s Springs Academy Tuesdays, which started in April and will take place at noon on the first Tuesday of every month through September at the institute’s new home at 99 NW First St. in High Springs.

They’re free and open to the public — though there is an optional $5 donation — and will cover a new topic each time, from the overview that was given in April to springs advocacy in September.

Those wanting to participate can attend all or as many as possible, Knight said.

“I’m going to teach people everything they need to know about springs,” he said.

The institute’s move comes at a time that Knight characterizes as dire for the springs, which are defined as spots where water emerges from Florida’s Swiss-cheese underground and stays at the surface.

“The springs are wonderful. We all love them. Nobody dislikes

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and agricultural matters, which can present springs problems, the institute’s autonomy has allowed it to “shine bright light on the issues facing our springs,” Knight said.

“It’s turned out that it’s good we didn’t do that,” he said, “because we have an independent voice for the springs that is not affected by who we worked for.”

Another thing that’s contributed to the independence of the institute, which runs on an annual budget of about $100,000: no state funding.

“We’re in a difficult political time right now in the state, where we’re more interested in making jobs than we are environmental protection in the state, and that has led to general degradation of environmental systems all over the state,” Knight said, noting the recent problem of polluted waters being discharged from Lake Okeechobee into the Caloosahatchee and St. Lucie rivers.

Knight, who has often been critical of legislative policy on the springs, explained that the institute isn’t particularly popular with state officials.

It didn’t support Gov. Rick Scott’s 2015 announcement of putting $1.6 billion toward springs restoration because “it didn’t change anything enough to really protect the springs,” he said.

“It says it’s going to protect the springs, but it, in fact, is more of the same. It’s really the status quo.”

“They’ve been spending more and more money each year since we started the Springs Institute on springs protection because we’re raising a big fuss about what’s happening to the springs,” Knight added. “But the money’s not been helpful so far.”

Knight noted low-flush-toilet rebate programs: “Great. That’s good. But can you quantify the amount of water [that’s saved]?

No, you can’t. There’s no increase in flows in the springs overall.”

Paying homeowners with septic tanks to hook up to sewer lines rather than the nitrogen from waste going back into the ground: “But nobody’s been successful in getting people to sign up for those when they put money out there. They’ll pay the complete cost of it for a homeowner, and [the homeowner] won’t sign up because they don’t want to get a monthly bill from the sewer plant.”

And GPS devices for farmers to know where they’ve already put fertilizer: “But it doesn’t require them to reduce the amount of fertilizer. So it basically makes a farmer’s life easier — save’s him some money on fertilizer.”

“We’re all about restoring the springs,” Knight said. “We’re not about making it look like we’re restoring the springs. I will pat the governor and everybody on the back forever for allocating the money, but only if they spend it and don’t waste it.”

Because of the education, funding efforts, research, monitoring and other various undertakings at the institute, Knight characterized the clock as also being a primary adversary of the springs.

“There’s no time. We can’t work [all the springs], and so we do as much as we can,” he said. “And I’m trying to grow the Springs Institute up enough so that it has a life of its own.”

But “it’s exciting,” Knight added, referring to the new location. “We’re really excited about this. I hope it’s our future — that we can be more visible publically.”

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MAY/JUNE 2016

Nature photos, like the one above of the Ichetucknee River by High Springs photographer Tedd Greenwald, and educational videos that show manatees and other springs wildlife line the walls of the institute’s new location. Behind the building is an example of a lowimpact garden (below).

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

The SunState Community Foundation is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization that serves the communities in and around North Central Florida by promoting and facilitating philanthropy.

The Foundation was established to promote and provide charitable assistance that contributes towards the development, education and well-being of the communities, areas and residents of Alachua, Columbia, Dixie, Gilchrist, and Levy Counties in Florida. The foundation’s initial goal is to administer and fully fund the award winning Facebook Charity-of-the-Month program. SunState Federal Credit Union started the program in 2013, but has turned over administration of the program to the foundation, with SunState Federal Credit Union acting only as a sponsor. This has been done in the belief that this path will ensure the program remains a strong and expanding community resource long into the future.

The SunState Community Foundation, Inc., provides donors/members opportunities to participate in the furtherance of the foundation’s goals in multiple ways. First, and foremost, the donors/members are providing funds to support the foundation’s charitable initiatives. Donors/members can also nominate groups for the Charity of the Month program, and then vote for the group of their choice. Donors/members are encouraged to participate and vote in the Charity of the Month program. Ultimately, the voters choose where foundation donations go as part of the infrastructure of the program.

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500 RANDOM CHARITY SPONSOR Recognized on 2 of Entercom Communications stations, 30 times (60 total); WRUF and ESPN Recognized on the Charity of the Month Facebook Contest page, KTK’s Facebook page and Our Town’s Facebook page.

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The February Charity of the Month $1,000 winner is Beauty Haven Farm and Equine Rescue, a grassroots 501(c)(3) non-profit equine rescue organization. Its mission includes helping equine in need, educating others about proper equine care, providing assistance when possible to horse owners experiencing a short period of financial hardship, and providing information regarding the steps that must be taken when one encounters an equine that is being abused or neglected.

They try to involve today’s youth as they will be the horse owners of tomorrow. Through helping horses, they hope to help people too!

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CH A RIT Y OF THE MONTH WINNER S

Congratulations to Balance 180 Gymnastics, the March Charity of the Month. This Gainesville non-profit organization focuses on integrating children with varying abilities through sports. Its vision is to provide all children with a nurturing, healthy environment to participate in gymnastics and related sports, and to encourage a positive learning and growing experience by recognizing each child’s unique potential. The organization offers adaptive programs for children with special needs and seeks funding to sponsor young athletes who require financial assistance.

Julie Foster will receive $300 for nominating them.

The winner of the $500 random drawing is Gainesville Harmony Chorus and the $100 random voter winner is Beth Nolley. For more info visit balance180.org.

A project of the SunState Community Foundation, Inc. Presented by SunState Federal Credit Union, Our Town Family of Magazines and Entercom Communications

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SweetBerries 505 NW 13th Street, Gainesville, Florida 32601 Sun - Thurs: 11am to 10pm Fri - Sat: 11am to 11pm

352-378-4972 www.sweetberries.com Sandwiches and Frozen Custard Ice Cream — Sandwiches, salads, wraps, soups, hot dogs, and the only hand scooped frozen custard in the area. Enjoy a delicious lunch or dinner in our comfortable dining room or out on our colorful patio. Paintings by local artists, music, and lively conversation create a vibrant atmosphere. Large selection of craft beers and wine to sip while you munch on one of our toasty sandwiches or famous chicken salad on a croissant. Our broccoli salad is a local favorite. Choose from three flavors of frozen custard (vanilla, chocolate, flavor of the day) to create a sundae, a concrete, or a cone. You haven’t had ice cream until you’ve had frozen custard!

World of Beer 140 SW 128th Street • Tioga Town Center, Jonesville 32669 3265 SW 34th Street • Gainesville, Florida 32608 Monday - Thursday open at 3:00pm • Friday, Saturday and Sunday open at noon

352-727-4714 (Tioga) 352-559-8775 (Gville) worldofbeer.com TAVERN FARE — At World of Beer, we have 40 craft beers on tap, over 500 in the cooler and now we have added a tasty tavern fare that’s crafted to go perfectly with any beer. Our menu offers a wide variety of choices including a giant pretzel with beer cheese dip, artisan sausage boards, flat breads, innovative sandwiches and burgers, soups, salads and so much more! Visit our web site for a full menu and event schedule.

Whether you’re a beer master or just beer curious, our insanely knowledgeable staff is here to guide you through every last pint, pour, and pairing. So c’mon. Let’s go. Because there’s no better place to go around the world, one sip at a time.

Flying Biscuit Café 4150 NW 16th Blvd., Gainesville, FL 32605 Located in the Fresh Market Center Monday-Friday 7:00am – 3:00pm • Saturday-Sunday 7:00am – 4:00pm

352-373-9500 www.flyingbiscuit.com Breakfast — The Flying Biscuit is out to reinvent breakfast in Gainesville! Maybe you’ve tried their soon-to-be-famous creamy, dreamy grits or their “moon dusted” breakfast potatoes, but did you know you can have them at anytime? With a unique open menu, all the items that appear are available throughout the day. With a variety of healthy and hearty dishes, The Flying Biscuit caters to a variety of tastes. With options ranging from the Smoked Salmon Scramble, the Bacon Cheddar Chicken Sandwich or the Tofu and Tater Salad, there’s something for everyone. Call us up to an hour before your expected arrival time to add your name to our call ahead seating list.

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Dave’s New York Deli 12921 SW 1st Road • Tioga Town Center Open 7 Days

352-333-0291 www.DavesNYDeli.com Authentic NY deli — The Reviews are in and here’s what customers are saying about Dave’s NY Deli Tioga Town Center! “Best Reuben, Best Pastrami, Best Philly, and Best Wings” Dave’s continues to be the place to go for authentic NY Deli food and Philly Cheesesteaks. Owner Dave Anders says “Nothing beats quality ingredients combined with a friendly staff. Dave serves New York size Pastrami and Corned Beef sandwiches, Cheesecake from New York, Nathan’s Hot Dogs, NY Kettle Boiled Bagels, Nova Salmon, Knish, Cannolies, Philly Cheesesteaks, Wings, Cubans, Subs, Kids Menu and more.” Come out and enjoy Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner at Dave’s NY Deli.

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Crafty Bastards 4860 NW 39th Ave. ( Magnolia Park, next to Starbucks ) Open 11am to midnight everyday.

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

Open daily 11a-midnight. We offer great lunch specials M-F 11am-4pm, including 1/2lb grilled burgers and juicy chicken handhelds, fresh fries, salads, soups and more. Check out our Happy Hour M-F 4pm-7pm. Looking for fun in the evenings? Check out, Trivia Tuesdays, Karaoke or Working Women’s Wednesdays! Crafty Bastards is also a great place to enjoy your sports on large screen TV’s. Private Party Room for office or birthday parties available. **FREE kids meal, face painting and balloon animals for kids on Monday nights. Check our facebook page for more information. Come see why Crafty Bastards is NW Gainesville’s Best Kept Secret!

Copper Monkey West 14209 W Newberry Road, Jonesville, FL 32669 Across from the Steeplechase Publix Sunday-Thursday 11:00am - 11:00pm Friday-Saturday 11:00am - 12:00am

352-363-6338 mycoppermonkey.com Restaurant & Pub — Now serving Breakfast on Saturdays & Sundays 8am - 10:45am. We are located in the heart of Jonesville, this All-American dining is convenient to all neighborhoods in Gainesville, Alachua, Newberry, High Springs and beyond. Our family-friendly dining features great food at a great price. Whether you come in for the “best burger in town” or try any one of our freshly made salads, pastas or sandwiches, you will not leave disappointed. Our USDA choice steaks, served with 2 sides, offer a great alternative for the perfect celebratory meal. We also feature a full-service bar with signature drinks and many options for your viewing pleasure.

Great food, great price, we’ll see you soon.

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Tony & Al’s Deli 14960 Main Street, Alachua, Florida 32616 OPEN 7 DAYS Monday-Thursday 11:00am – 9:00pm Friday-Saturday 11:00am – 10:00pm Sunday 11:00am – 8:00pm

386-518-5552 Italian — Locally owned and operated, Tony & Al’s Deli provides the finest quality Italian entrees in a family friendly atmosphere. Whether it’s their delicious appetizers, pasta classics, specialty pizzas, salads, sandwiches, wraps, burgers or prime rib, Tony & Al use only their freshest ingredients. One of their favorites is tender, juicy prime rib served with garlic mashed potatoes. Their sauces, dressings and specialty desserts including cannolis and tiramisu are all handcrafted. They serve daily lunch and dinner specials. Tony and Al offer a full bar with happy hour from 5pm-7pm including $1.00 off all drafts, wine and well drinks.

Adam’s Rib Co. 2109 NW 13th Street, Gainesville, Florida 32609 1515 SW 13th Street Gainesville, Florida 32608 Monday-Saturday 7:00am – 9:00pm Closed Sunday

352-373-8882 NW 352-727-4005 SW AdamsRibCo.com BBQ — Celebrating our 10 year Anniversary. Looking for the best BBQ in Gainesville?

Then look no further than Adam’s Rib Co. Adam’s is North Florida’s Premier Barbecue restaurant, serving North Florida’s finest bbq spare ribs, pulled pork, beef brisket, slow smoked chicken and turkey. Choose from over 20 sauces – from honey sweet to habanero hot – and everything in between. Don’t forget dessert, like our scrumptious banana pudding and famous peach cobbler. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, Adam’s can cater any event locally. Give Adam a call for your next tailgate party 352-514-8692!

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

386-462-3000 brownscountrybuffet.net Casual — Country-style cooking at its finest, just like Grandma’s house! A buffet style restaurant, Brown’s Country Buffet is open seven days a week! Foods like fried chicken, grilled pork chops, real mashed potatoes, steamed cabbage, banana pudding and coconut pie, just to name a few, are served in a laid-back, relaxing environment. We offer AYCE fried shrimp on Friday nights from 4-8 along with whole catfish & ribs. In addition to their buffet, Brown’s also offers a full menu to choose from. Serving lunch and dinner daily and a breakfast buffet Friday-Sunday until 10:30am, you’re sure to leave satisfied, no matter when you go. So, when you’re in the mood for some good home cooking, Grandma’s style, visit Brown’s Country Buffet.

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Napolatanos 606 NW 75th Street Gainesville, FL Tuesday - Thursday & Sunday 4:00pm-10:00pm Friday 4:00pm-1:00am • Saturday 4:00pm-11:00pm

352-332-6671 www.napolatanos.com ITALIAN — Napolatanos is the longest original owner operated restaurant in Gainesville. Nappys, the name the locals have given Napolatanos has the most extensive menu.

Whether you choose pizza, calzones, salad, burgers, sandwiches, pasta, seafood, steak dinners or the best chicken wings in town, Nappy’s uses only the freshest ingredients.

Visit on Tuesday for half price appetizers. Burgers & Brew Night on Wednesday and live music inside. Thursday is Pub night with Better than England’s Fish & Chips $7. Outside dining with live music, on the patio, on Sunday evenings. GRAB & GO family dinners feeds 4-6 adults, starting at $25.95. Choose from Ziti, Lasagna, Chicken Alfredo, Chicken Marsala and more!

The Great Outdoors 65 North Main Street, High Springs, Florida 32643 Open at 11:00am Tuesday through Sunday

386-454-1288 www.greatoutdoorsdining.com Award-winning Dining, Live Music and Fun! — There’s always something exciting happening at the Great Outdoors Restaurant in High Springs! — Join us for the 2nd Annual Memorial Day Concert on the Patio “Songwriters in the Round” hosted by Jamie Davis on May 30th. Tickets are just $10 and can be purchased at the restaurant or at the door. On tap this month: Naked Ed’s 72 Pale Ale a First Magnitude brew! And don’t forget Mom on May 10th, treat her to award winning dining. Make your reservations early for our famous MOTHER’S DAY DINNER by calling (386) 454-1288. Visit us at www.greatoutdoorsdining.com for details.

Mark’s Prime Steakhouse & Seafood 201 SE 2nd Avenue, Gainesville, FL (Historic Downtown) Monday: 5:00pm - 9:00pm • Tues-Sat: 5:00pm to 10:00pm Happy Hour: 5:00pm - 7:00pm

352-336-0077 marksprimesteakhouse.com Steak & Seafood — Mark’s Prime Steakhouse and Seafood has a goal to create a unique dining experience that will please the palate and soothe the soul. We serve the finest beef, the freshest seafood, and naturally fresh vegetables. Recipient of Wine Spectator’s Award of Excellence 2004-2011. Join us for Primetime Happy Hour featuring drink and appetizer specials Monday thru Saturday 5-7 pm. We are pleased to feature our full service, private dining facilities. It would be our pleasure to help plan your next reception, banquet, business meeting, or social gathering. Complimentary valet service.

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COMMU NIT Y C A LENDA R

M AY/J U N E 2 0 1 6

Fanfare & Fireworks

Sunday, July 3 Come on out to University of Florida’s Flavet Field at 9:00p.m. to enjoy Independence Day festivities including fireworks and a performance by the Gainesville Community Band.

TIOGA MONDAY MARKET Mondays 4:00pm - 7:00pm

JONESVILLE - Tioga Center, 13005 W. Newberry Rd. Market features a selection of vegetables, crafts, organic food, fruits and local specialties.

PARKINSON’S EXERCISE CLASS Tuesday & Friday 9:30am

GAINESVILLE HARMONY SHOW CHORUS Thursdays 7:00pm – 9:30pm

GAINESVILLE - Grace Presbyterian Church, 3146 NW 13th St. For all who are interested in learning and singing Women’s A Cappella Barbershop Harmony Music. Info: Beckie at 352-318-1281.

LADY GAMERS

GAINESVILLE - Alachua County Senior Recreation Center, 5701 NW 34th St. A fun and effective exercise class to help those living with Parkinson’s Disease and other balance-related health issues. Exercise is the only way to slow progression of PD. Free. Info: www.facebook. com/gainesvilleflparkinsonsnetwork.

Fridays 1:00pm

HIGH SPRINGS - New Century Woman’s Club, 40 NW 1st Ave. The Lady Gamers meet for fun, friendship and food. Everyone is invited. Meet old friends and make some new ones.

EAT LOCAL CHALLENGE DAUGHTERS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION

Sunday, May 1 1:00pm – 4:00pm

Wednesdays 11:00am - 1:00pm

GAINESVILLE - The Matheson History Museum, 513 E University Ave. The Matheson and Hogtown Homegrown are excited to host the Eat Local Challenge Kickoff and Local Food Fair featuring local food entrepreneurs, farmers and foodies. Activities for children and adults alike.

GAINESVILLE - Wesley United Methodist Church, 826 NW 23rd Ave. Gainesville Chapter of the DAR meet on the second Wednesday of each month, October through May. gainesvilleDAR@gmail.com.

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The museum will be open for visitors to view the current exhibition on citrus. 352-378-2280 or email info@mathesonmuseum.org.

VOICES RISING COMMUNITY CHORUS Sunday, May 1 3:00pm & 7:00pm

GAINESVILLE - First United Methodist Church, 419 NE 1st St. A 100-voice intergenerational chorus presents its spring concert. There will be music from West Side Story as well as the Florida premiere of “Newtown Requiem” by jazz composer Joe Utterback. Suggested donation is $5 to $20, or give what you can.

Half of all proceeds will benefit Bread of the Mighty Food Bank.

NATIONAL TOURISM SPECIAL Wednesday, May 3 9:00am – 7:00pm

GAINESVILLE - Kanapaha Botanical Gardens, 4700 SW 58th Dr. Half-price admission to any customer that mentions it is National Tourism Week at the greetings desk. www. kanapaha.org.

KENTUCKY DERBY LUNCHEON Thursday, May 4 12:00pm

GAINESVILLE - 2809 W. University Ave. The GFWC Gainesville Woman’s Club is hosting a Luncheon and Fashion Show by Talbots, with ith a Derby hat competition, Kentucky Specialties es menu and a chance to be a Kentucky Derbyy winner. Proceeds will go to Childhood Cancer Research – Children’s Miracle Network. $20.

Reservations: 352-376-3901.

LAW DAY 2016 Thursday, May 5 6:00pm

GAINESVILLE - Matheson History Museum, 513 E. University Ave. Law Day celebration with speakers including a City of Gainesville police officer, UF professors, and defense attorneys who will discuss the Miranda law. www.americanbar.org.

3 RD ANNIVERSARY SHOWCASE Friday, May 6 10:00pm - 12:00am

GAINESVILLE - Market Street Pub & Cabaret, 112 SW 1st Ave. Celebrate 3 years of Mischievous Madams Burlesque. This show is 18+. mischievousmadams.com.

JAZZ FESTIVAL Saturday, May 7 5:00pm - 11:00pm

JONESVILLE - Tioga Town Center, 105 SW 128th St. The 14th Annual Jazz Festival brought to you by Gainesville Friends of Jazz.

BLUEBERRY FESTIVAL Saturday, May 7 8:00am – 4:00pm

ISLAND GROVE - Highway 301 & CR 346. The Cross Creek Volunteer Fire Dept. presents a family friendly event featuring Florida foods, a blueberry bake sale, arts & crafts, vendors, kid activities, live entertainment, turkey shooting & a garage sale. Blueberries & plants will be available for purchase. 352-466-3353.

Moonlight Gardens Saturday, May 14

7:00pm – 11:00pm

GAINESVILLE - Kanapaha Botanical Gardens, 4700 SW 58th Drive. Walks feature twinkle lights and approximately 1,500 luminaries, live entertainment, food and refreshments. Bring a flashlight and blanket or lawn chairs. The Alachua Astronomy Club has telescopes. Cost: $14 for adults, $7 for children ages three to 13. No pets. Cash only (no credit cards). www.kanapaha.org.

MOTHER’S DAY CONCERT Sunday, May 8 3:00pm

GAINESVILLE - Trinity Methodist Church, 4000 NW 53rd Ave. With a roster of about 80 members, the Gainesville Community Band is made up of teachers, professors, scientists, business professionals, students, physicians, contractors, realtors, trades-persons and retirees. Venue offering requested. www.gnvband.org.

BIOTECH CELEBRATION

MOTHER’S DAY AT KANAPAHA

Thursday, May 12 9:30am – 1:00pm

Sunday, May 8 9:00am – 7:00pm

ALACHUA - Progress Park, 11621 Research Circle.

Free community event offers vendors, tours of local biotech companies, food trucks and more. Interact with hundreds of life sciences professionals in one place.

GAINESVILLE - Kanapaha Botanical Gardens, 4700 SW 58th Dr. Mothers of all ages enjoy free admission into the park. www.kanapaha.org

LITTLE JAKE & THE SOUL SEARCHERS Saturday, May 14 8:30pm - 1:00am

GAINESVILLE - Market Street Pub & Cabaret, 112 SW 1st Ave. Veteran blues and R&B recording artist and performer Little Jake Mitchell. $10 at the door. littlejakemitchell.com.

WINDSOR ZUCCHINI FESTIVAL Saturday, May 14 9:00am – 4:00pm

GAINESVILLE - Windsor Volunteer Fire Department Grounds, 1401 SE County Rd. 234. Over 100 arts and crafts vendors from all around the state, Old Tyme Auction and a bake sale with zucchini bread and fried zucchini, zucchini cornbread and zucchini ice cream. Also pony and cart rides, and more. Free.

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The Gainesville Big Band Friday, June 3 8:30pm – 12:00am

GAINESVILLE - Market Street Pub & Cabaret, 112 SW 1st Ave. Swing dance to your hometown big band! $5 at the door, $3 for Students with ID.

WICKED PLANTS Saturday, May 14 10:00am – 3:00pm

GAINESVILLE - Florida Museum of Natural History, 3215 Hull Rd. A celebration for all ages.

The exhibit has an admission fee, the celebration activities are free and an exciting first stop on a journey to learn more about some of Mother Nature’s most appalling creations. 352-273-2061.

MAY DAY GLOW RUN Saturday, May 14 8:30pm

SCRIBES OF THE SUNSHINE STATE

NEWBERRY WATERMELON FESTIVAL

Thursday, May 19 6:00pm - 8:00pm

Saturday, May 21 9:00am - 4:30pm

GAINESVILLE - Matheson History Museum, 513 E. University Ave. The Matheson and the Writers Alliance of Gainesville are teaming up. Authors Mary Wood Bridgman, Jack E. Davis, Kate Dupes Hawk and Darlene Marshall will share how Florida inspires their writing. Refreshments and a book signing will follow the program. www. mathesonmuseum.org.

NEWBERRY - Destiny Community Church property, 20820 W. Newberry Rd. A parade and pageant, crowning of the Watermelon Queen, and contests for watermelon eating, seed spitting, hog calling, pie/cake baking, and of course the “Big Melon.” Fun for the entire family. newberrywatermelonfestival.com.

TRAN ‘THE PIANO MAN’

Friday, May 27 7:00pm – 10:00pm

ARTWALK

JONESVILLE - Tioga Town Center, 105 SW 128th St. Glow big or glow home! Run, jog, or walk. Race starts at 8:30 pm; glow necklaces provided. Proceeds benefit Newberry Christian Community School. Tickets and details: 352-331-4000.

Friday, May 20 9:00pm - 12:00am

GAINESVILLE - Market Street Pub & Cabaret, 112 SW 1st Ave. A Pop Pleasure Cruise featuring Tran Whitley on the baby grand piano & Galaxy of Guest Stars. $5 at the door.

OUTLINING THE BOOK

GAINESVILLE - Downtown. Artwalk Gainesville is a free monthly self-guided tour that combines exciting visual art and live performance.

The event begins at First Magnitude Brewing.

Many local galleries, eateries and businesses participate. fmbrewing.com.

Sunday, May 15 2:30pm - 4:00pm

THE MARKET STREET REVUE

THE FANTASTICKS

GAINESVILLE - Millhopper Branch Library, 3145 NW 43rd St. A panel of three local published authors will discuss their outlining and writing styles in the monthly meeting of the Writers Alliance of Gainesville: Darlene Marshall, Wendy Thornton and Larry Brasington. Free and open to anyone interested in the written word. The authors will sign books after their discussion. writersalliance.org.

Saturday, May 21 8:00pm - 1:00am

June 3 - 26 Time TBA

GAINESVILLE - Market Street Pub & Cabaret, 112 SW 1st Ave. An intimate burlesque & variety show featuring a rotating cast of local and visiting performers. Live jazz with Swing Theory begins after the show at 10:00pm. This show is 18+. For reservations: sallybdash.com.

HIGH SPRINGS - High Springs Community Playhouse, 130 NE 1st Ave. A romantic musical about a boy, a girl and their fathers, who try to keep them apart. The narrator, El Gallo, asks the audience to use its imagination and follow him into a world of moonlight and magic.

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WRITERS ALLIANCE OF GAINESVILLE Sunday, June 12 2:30pm - 4:00pm

GAINESVILLE - Millhopper Branch Library, 3145 NW 43rd St. Informative meeting for writers, aspiring and accomplished, and open to anyone interested in the written word. writersalliance.org.

THE MARKET STREET REVUE Saturday, June 18 8:00pm - 1:00am

GAINESVILLE - Market Street Pub & Cabaret, 112 SW 1st Ave. An intimate burlesque & variety show featuring a rotating cast of local and visiting performers. Live jazz with Swing Theory begins after the show at 10:00pm. This show is 18+. For reservations: sallybdash.com

FLORIDA’S ENDANGERED ORANGE Thursday, June 23 6:00pm – 8:00pm

July 4th Celebration Monday, July 4

3:00pm – 10:00pm

ALACHUA - Hal Brady Recreation Complex. Activities for the kids, including a petting zoo, bounce houses, water slides, a spray park and skateboard park. For adults there are vendors, bingo contests, dancing groups and live musical entertainment to name a few.

WORLD SEA TURTLE DAY Saturday, June 4 10:00am – 3:00pm

GAINESVILLE - Florida Museum of Natural History, 3215 Hull Rd. Children and families are invited to tour the museum’s sea turtle exhibit with staff from the Sea Turtle Conservancy.

The free event features sea turtle specimens, a turtle library and stickers and bookmarks for all kids. Children also may create fun crafts to take home, meet sea turtle scientists and play turtle trivia for a chance to win a cool prize.

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House led by Dr. Peggy Macdonald, Executive Director. Tours start on the hour. www.mathesonmuseum.org.

GAINESVILLE - Downtown. This is a free monthly self-guided tour that combines visual art, live performance and events. Artwalk begins at First Magnitude Brewing. Many local galleries, eateries and businesses participate. fmbrewing.com.

BREAKAWAY BURLESQUE

ELECTRO AERIAL SHOW Saturday, June 25 8:00pm - 12:00am

GAINESVILLE - Market Street Pub & Cabaret, 112 SW 1st Ave. A night of burlesque inspired by our favorite food and drinks! This show is 18+. $7 at the door.

GAINESVILLE - Market Street Pub & Cabaret, 112 SW 1st Ave. Electro Aerial Show featuring aerial bartending by AscenDance acrobats to live music. $5 at the door.

ALEXANDER MRAZEK: BREAKING TYPE

Sunday, June 5 Times vary

Friday, June 17 8:00pm - 10:00pm

GAINESVILLE - Matheson History Museum, 513 E. University Ave. Tour the “Liquid Gold: The Rise and Fall of Florida Citrus” exhibition led

by Matheson Curator & Archivist Rebecca Fitzsimmons, and a tour of the 1867 Matheson

GAINESVILLE - Market Street Pub & Cabaret, 112 SW 1st Ave. Being a 6’5” baritone character actor can present some obstacles. This journey will feature breaking expectations, being an individual and trying not to be typecast. $10 at the door.

MAY/JUNE 2016

ARTWALK Friday, June 24 7:00pm – 10:00pm

Friday, June 10 10:00pm - 12:00am

SPOTLIGHT TOURS

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GAINESVILLE - Matheson History Museum, 513 E. University Ave. Dr. F. William Zettler, emeritus professor of plant pathology at UF and author of “The Biohistory of Alachua County, Florida,” will give a presentation on the history and future of citrus in Florida. A book signing will follow. www.mathesonmuseum.org.

FANFARE AND FIREWORKS Sunday, July 3 9:00pm

GAINESVILLE - University of Florida’s Flavet Field.

The Gainesville Community Band plays 4th of July Favorites. www.gnvband.org.

SEND CALENDAR SUBMISSIONS TO: 4 4 00 N W 3 6 T H A V E ., G A I N E S V I L L E , F L 32 606 or E V E N T S @ T O W E R P U B L I C A T I O N S . C O M

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BAND B BA ND REVIEW

BRIAN “KRASH” KRUGER’S

Gate Crashing ON DECK FOR REVIEW: O’REILLY & CO.

BRIAN KRUGER IS A WRITER, MUSICIAN AND A GRADUATE OF THE UF COLLEGE OF LAW. HE HAS PLAYED IN SOME 17 OR SO LOCAL BANDS, PLAYING MOST EVERY GAINESVILLE VENUE FRIENDLY TO ORIGINAL MUSIC (AND SOME NOT SO FRIENDLY). bkrashpad@yahoo.com

DATE: SUNDAY, JANUARY 15, 2016 VENUE: MAUDE’S CLASSIC CAFÉ

G

reetings, live music aficionados! Today’s venue of choice was Maude’s Classic Café. Or, as it is almost universally shortened, “Maude’s.”

As you can tell from the photograph (at least, if you know Gainesville well), Maude’s is downtown, next to the Hippodrome Theater (seen behind the band). Maude’s Classic Café has been serving Gainesville since 1995. So far as I can remember, I have not covered Maude’s before in Gate Crashing, which, given the café’s long existence, is almost inexplicable; particularly given that I’ve gigged there myself, in the not-too-distant past.

Since it is a café, you would be safe in assuming that Maude’s has the two most basic elements that most people associate with that style venue: coffee, and with seating not only indoors, but also en pleine air. By the latter of course I mean it literally, that there is seating outdoors, not that there are French Impressionist painters wandering about. Although that would be pretty cool. (And given that local artiste, bon vivant, and arguably crazy person Tom Miller has been known to often hang out at Maude’s, doesn’t entirely rule out French Impressionism somehow making an appearance there, though he’s more a post-modern eclectic kinda guy.)

Typically, the live music is presented outdoors — although in bad weather I have also seen or heard tell of the acts moving either indoors proper, or to the outdoor covered porch/walkway, or even into the “mall” area of the Sun Center. At any rate, a few years ago Maude’s put up colorful tarps over the patio area, so there is both some shade from the sun and some protection from rain (although if it really pours, the cover tends not to prove 100 percent effective).

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At any rate, I digress, given that the weather was mostly fine the Sunday morning that my companion and I attended an hour-long set by local ensemble O’Reilly and Company (although it did spritz a smidge after they finished their set). We both had coffee, of course (my companion’s was decaffeinated, but I will forgive that). I had some great chocolate cheesecake as well, and my date had quiche. Both were quite tasty, and although I am taking my companion’s word on hers, I will vouch for her opinion.

At any rate, on this morning (11 a.m.-noon) O’Reilly & Co.

O’Reilly & Co.

was a trio consisting of John Johnson, Lisa Johnson and Jennifer Downey. The male half of the Johnsons played acoustic guitar and sang Irish tenor, mic’d, often lead but sometimes backing Ms. Downey. The distaff side of the couple played harp and also sang on the occasional song, albeit unmic’d. Ms. Downey sang (mic’d), on most songs, harmony backing, but sometimes lead.

She also played three different instruments. One was a large wooden-looking flute; another was a smaller penny whistle, which sort of resembles a recorder. Lastly, on some songs she played a bodhran, which is a traditional Irish drum. It looks a bit like a giant tambourine, without the zils (the little jingly bits that look like tiny cymbals). It is held sideways, with the drumhead roughly at 90 degrees to the ground, rather than flat. Rather than being struck with drumsticks or the hand,

a bodhran is played with a double-headed beater called a tipper.

As with a lot of local bands outside the “all-original rock” genre, the membership of O’Reilly & Co. is somewhat fluid. The core member is John, who performs with various others as they are available. For example, the band’s Facebook page also lists as members Seamus O’Reilly on pipes, and Nina Kaharl on viola da gamba. John also mentioned that quite awhile ago his and Lisa’s son, who now

of ground, from the traditional “Black Velvet Band” — the story of a young man betrayed and framed for a petty crime that results in a sentence of “transportation” (exile) to the penal colony of Van Dieman’s Land (now called Tasmania) — to a tune by blind harper (not harpist) Turlough O’Carolan, who lived around the turn of the 18th Century.

Also, O’Reilly & Co. are not sticklers and played the modern tune “Streams of Whiskey” by the Pogues’ Shane MacGowan,

A few years ago Maude’s put up colorful tarps over the patio area, so there is both some shade from the sun and some protection from rain. lives in Japan and has his own Celt-rock band called Johnson’s Motor Car, played with him and/or them.

As you might have guessed from the band name and even more so from the instrumentation listed above, O’Reilly & Co. play Irish folk music. That genre, however, covers a lot

and “Dirty Ol’ Town” written by Ewan MacColl in 1949 (but also covered by the Pogues).

At any rate, whether doing older traditionals or more modern songs, it was all quite charming.

Now, go see some bands.

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PHOTO ESSAY >> SPIRIT ANIMALS

HEART AND SOULS

Spirit

Animals P H O T O E S S AY B Y E R I C K A W I N T E R R O W D

“Animals share with us the privilege of having a soul.” —Pythagoras

ABOUT THE ARTIST ERICKA WINTERROWD IS MANAGING EDITOR AND AN AWARD-WINNING WRITER AND PHOTOGRAPHER. SHE RECEIVED HER MASTER’S DEGREE IN MULTIMEDIA JOURNALISM FROM UF, WHERE SHE ALSO EARNED HER BFA IN THEATRE PERFORMANCE. FOR THIS PHOTO ESSAY SHE ENDEAVORED TO CAPTURE THE SOUL OF AN ANIMAL AS WELL AS THE DEEP CONNECTION WE HAVE WITH ALL OF GOD’S CREATURES.

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PHOTO ESSAY >> SPIRIT ANIMALS

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COLUMN

ALBERT ISAAC’S

Different Note PESTS I MEAN PETS!

ALBERT ISAAC IS AN AWARD-WINNING WRITER AND EDITOR AND THE AUTHOR OF SCIENCE FICTION NOVELS AND PERSONAL COLUMNS. HE LIVES IN HIGH SPRINGS WITH HIS FAMILY AND A BUNCH OF CRITTERS. editor@towerpublications.com

I SAW THIS MEME ON MYFACESPACEBOOK PAGE THAT GOES LIKE THIS:

“M

y wife wanted another cat. I didn’t want another cat. So we compromised and got another cat.”

I can identify. Only in our household, it wasn’t a cat. It was a dog. And although I told my wife (the self-proclaimed Voice of Reason) I didn’t want a dog, well, we now have three dogs.

Truth be told, I am an animal lover. And while the two older dogs, the ones she rescued from people who could not longer care for them, are clearly her hounds, I do like them. I just didn’t want so many.

We were led to believe that our most recent arrival was most likely a beagle. How surprised we were when the pup kept growing and growing, its legs stretching out long and gangly, lending the appearance of those gigantic walking combat vehicles from “Star Wars.” He’s not a beagle; he’s an Imperial Walker.

Turns out, our new family member is nothing but a hound dog (although I must admit, Imperial Walker sounds more regal).

He’s a loving beast that doesn’t have a mean bone in his body.

He met our cat and immediately fell to his knees and rolled over and about licked the thing to death. Surprisingly enough, the cat — who, to my knowledge has never let a dog get near him — seems to really enjoy his company. He hangs out with the dog and only runs off when he grows weary of all the attention.

Regular readers may recall that over the years we’ve had quite the menagerie. Snakes. Rats. Mice. Fish. Cats. Dogs. Grow-aFrogs — aka African claw-toed aquatic frogs that are super slick and never leave the water, except when The Voice of Reason cleaned their container and they slipped through her fingers and fell into the garbage disposal ( just kidding, we don’t have a garbage disposal).

But no gerbils. I draw the line at gerbils, ever since getting one as a youngster. I had read they make great pets. That you can train them to run loose and return to their cage. That they are affectionate and hardy. Since my hamsters always seemed to get sick and die, I thought I’d get a gerbil.

True, he was hardy. He lived a long life. But he was anything but affectionate. In fact, anytime I tried to hold him he would

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bite the living (insert appropriate curse word) out of my finger.

I tried to give him to my friend — we’ll call him Vincent (because that happens to be his name). But when he took him out of the cage, the gerbil latched onto his finger so tight that Vincent had to shake his hand with great vigor, gerbil hanging on for life, his tail whipping back and forth. (Is it bad that I still laugh when I think about this?) The gerbil released his grip and flew through the air, landing safely in the grass. He lived to bite another day. And, needless to say, Vincent declined my offer.

So while he wasn’t affectionate, he was certainly hardy. That thing lived on and on, rarely leaving the cage (I wasn’t going to hold him), its wheel squeaking late into the night as the rodent ran. This made my family unhappy. But worse than that, he managed to grab the curtains through the bars of his cage. The curtains were the same color as his burlap bedding, so I didn’t notice at first. I’d read that gerbils can shred and fluff up the burlap, and boy did he fluff it up — or so I thought.

Imagine my horror when I pulled that cage away from the wall to discover a series of gaping holes in our curtains. This did not endear me to my parents.

Rats are much nicer. And both of our boys have had pet rats, until recently (rats have short lifespans).

So now it’s just dogs, snakes and a cat — a significantly reduced menagerie of pets. And while no curtains have been destroyed (yet), the new pup did manage to stain our carpet more times than I want to think about.

The Voice of Reason has always hated that carpet. It’s white (or at least it was white), which is a terrible color in a house populated with boys and animals. I half-suspect she got the dogs just so we’d have a good excuse to pull up that nasty old carpet.

It worked. The carpet is in the dump and we now have another project in the works — new flooring. And it won’t be carpet (although, the Imperial Walker hound is now potty trained).

But all joshing aside, the pets are truly amazing beings. Sure they destroy our yard and my plants and our carpet, but for the most part all they want to do is make us happy. We’re lucky to have them in our lives.

P.S. When I got home last night the Voice of Reason informed me that the dog had chewed up our curtains.

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RECIPE SERIES >> DAISY’S DOGGIE BISCUITS

BONE APPÉTIT!

Cynthia Wonders Winterrowd ’s

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

DA I SY

E

’ S DOG G I E B I SCU I

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

On a special New Year’s Day back in 2011, a tiny little bundle of fur came into my life and changed everything. I am a firm believer of positive thoughts attracting positive events in our lives. Daisy is an example of this. Once, when my daughters were suggesting I get a dog, I answered them by saying emphatically that my life was too busy and I travel too much to take on such a responsibility. A dog would complicate my life. I would have

TS

to get up early to walk it — with my cat I didn’t have to do that.

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

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

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

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

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

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RECIPE SERIES >> DAISY’S DOGGIE BISCUITS

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

The most touching demonstration of her devotion was last summer when I returned home from the hospital after a long day of surgery. Still groggy from the anesthesia, I passed out in the comfort of my bed without looking for my loyal companion, who always curls up next to me when I sleep. The next morning,

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

there she was lying on the hard floor, as close as she could get to me, being too small to get onto the bed by herself. I’ve never forgiven myself for that.

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

She has taken on the responsibility of teaching manners to my daughter’s new puppy, Winnie. Joining the family about two months ago, Winnie has all the endearing, and sometimes maddening, habits that puppies come equipped with: biting anything in sight with those needle-like teeth, stealing treats, untying shoelaces, shredding paper and looking for fun (trouble) wherever she can find it. Just when I thought I couldn’t love Daisy more, I am touched by her gentleness with the puppy and her wisdom in knowing how to discipline w her when needed. h So with all that our dogs do for us, why not do something special for them? Nothin’ says lovin’ like something from the sp oven! So let’s bake up something tasty for them. The following ov is a recipe I’ve used for years, and it has been a favorite with my Daisy. I’m sure you will have success too. Also, I am including a D list li of foods that are not good for your dog. Some of them may surprise you. su Now turn on that oven, and go hug your dog!

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

INGREDIENTS:

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

• Alcohol • Avocado • Chocolate, Coffee and Caffeine • Citrus • Coconut and Coconut Oil • Grapes and Raisins • Macadamia Nuts • Milk and Dairy • Nuts 126 |

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

2 1/2 1/2 1/2 6 1 1 1/2

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

Method:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine the flour, dry milk, salt and sugar. Cut in the shortening until mixture is in small granules. Mix in the beaten egg. Add enough water so that you can shape the mixture into a ball. Pat out the dough with your fingers until it is a half-inch thick. Cut with a doggie-bone cookie cutter, or other whimsical shape your dog will appreciate; then bake on a lightly greased cookie sheet. Repeat this process with the scraps from the first cutting. Bake for 25-30 minutes. (Cooking times and oven temperatures may vary, adjust accordingly.) Cool on a rack before serving to your pup!

Makes approximately 10 biscuits.

Win loves Dnie ai biscuitssy’s too!

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CARING >> THERAPY ANIMALS

MAN’S BEST FRIENDS

Caring Creatures Therapy Pets Come in All Shapes & Sizes S TORY A N D PHOTOG R A PHY BY G A BRIE LLE C A LI S E

E

very animal lover knows that cuddling up to a soft, warm pet is a wonderful feeling. Scientists will back them up, too — studies have shown that animals can have positive benefits for both physical and mental health.

Pet therapy has been used to rehabilitate patients as well as help those with autism, dementia and other diseases. But the soothing presence of animals can help healthy people, too, by reducing stress and anxiety, lowering blood pressure, and improving cardiovascular health.

Therapy animals come in all shapes and sizes, from pups to llamas to miniature horses and mostly anything in-between.

THERAPY DOGS BRING CHEER DURING YAPPY HOUR At the UF Counseling and Wellness Center, students can take a break from studying to hang out with a pair of wiggling, energetic little dogs.

Instead of worrying about upcoming midterms, students can de-stress by watching Gabe, a scruffy black and white Shih Tzu, twirl on his hind legs like a fuzzy ballerina. They can momentarily forget about feeling depressed for as long as it takes Siggi, an energetic Havanese, to solve a few plastic doggie 128 |

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puzzles, nudging open drawers and compartments with his snout to reveal hidden snacks inside.

CWC staff psychologists Jennifer Stuart and Barbara Welsch founded Yappy Hour over four years ago. Each raises one of the dogs at home, paying for expenses like food and vet bills (Stuart takes care of Gabe and Welsch raises Siggi, also known as Sigmund F. Welsch Ph. Dog).

The event is advertised online and around campus.

Any UF student is welcome to drop in and can return as many times as they would like. Usually about eight

UF Counseling and Wellness Center psychologist Jennifer Stuart high-fives her dog Gabe, an energetic Shih-Tzu. Gabe likes to perform tricks for visitors during Yappy Hour.

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CARING >> THERAPY ANIMALS

Jennifer Stuart and Barbara Welsch with Gabe and Siggi during Yappy Hour.

The dogs enjoy playing with puzzles and engaging with students. Signs are placed in the lobby during each event to warn students who are afraid of dogs.

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to 12 students come to each Yappy Hour, crowding around the dogs in the waiting area on the second floor of the CWC. As the students play with the dogs, Stuart and Welsch sit on the floor next to them, asking questions to get the visitors to open up. What’s your major? How is school going?

Do you have any pets at home?

Oftentimes, having a dog present is the best way to get students to loosen up.

“Connection relieves stress in humans, and dogs are easy to connect with,” Stuart said.

When Welsch and Stuart pitched the idea of Yappy Hour to their supervisor, they made sure to include several criteria to ensure the safety and comfort of CWC clients. First, the dogs must be certified by Therapy Dogs International, a nationally recognized pet therapy organization. Second, the pups must have hypoallergenic fur so that patients don’t get sick.

Third, each dog must weigh under 30 pounds so that students who are afraid of dogs don’t get intimidated.

The therapy dogs may be tiny in stature, but the impact they have on UF students is huge.

Having Siggi and Gabe present at group therapy

sessions can get everyone in the room to loosen up.

Stuart said one depressed student comes weekly because seeing the dogs gives his self-esteem a boost, especially when the animals remember him and are excited to see him. Siggi and Gabe help students overcome their fear of dogs and soothe clients who experience panic attacks. The dogs are also popular among students who have recently lost their childhood pets.

Yappy Hour has been so successful that Welsch and Stuart are working with other universities across the country to help them implement their own programs. The pair also takes Siggi and Gabe to various functions around campus, visiting residence halls during stress-reduction events and meeting with students in various clubs and organizations.

Even students who come to the CWC and don’t expect to see the dogs are delighted.

“This is the best waiting room experience ever,” said a student who stumbled upon Yappy Hour.

To learn more about the program or the CWC, visit www.counseling.ufl.edu.

MINI HORSES, BIG HEARTS Having a pony is a common wish among children, and Gentle Carousel Miniature Therapy Horses makes that wish come true for thousands of kids a year — if only for a few hours.

The mini horses of Gentle Carousel travel from state to state, bringing relief and comfort to over 45,000 people each year. Teams of the tiny horses visit orphanages, hospitals and even school-shooting sites. They meet people who have seen tragic things, from tornado survivors to child trafficking survivors.

A 501(c)(3) nonprofit charity founded almost two decades ago, Gentle Carousel has gained national recognition. The organization has garnered over 400,000 Facebook fans and frequently posts photos of the horses to keep its followers updated.

“They say it’s like ‘The Truman Show’ and they just tune in every day and see what the horses are up to,” said Debbie Garcia-Bengochea, education director of Gentle Carousel.

While the horses are adored by fans around the country, many people still don’t know that the organization is based in Gainesville, Garcia-Bengochea said.

The horses complete a two-year training program and work with speech, occupational and physical therapists at UF Shands Rehab Hospital to learn how to work with a wide range of patients.

Additionally, a female horse named Magic serves as the world’s smallest honorary deputy with the Alachua County Sheriff’s Department (ACSD).

Listed as one of History’s Ten Most Heroic Animals by “Time Magazine,” Magic traveled to Washington D.C. to represent the ACSD during National Police Week. She also represented ACSD at the 9/11 Memorial in New York City on the anniversary of the tragedy in 2015 and visited Charleston after the shooting last summer. Magic and her sister Valor were even the first horses to go to Congress.

For more information about Magic and the rest of Gentle Carousel’s miniature therapy horses, visit www.HorseTherapy.org and www.facebook.com/ TherapyHorses.

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Maideth Donaldson, upper left, enjoys a visit from therapy llamas Dippity and Pete. After crashing the 90-year-old’s birthday party, the llamas roamed around the nursing home to meet other residents.

THERAPY LLAMAS Ninety-year-old hospice patient Maideth Donaldson has celebrated a lot of special occasions, but never with two fullsized llamas.

The surprise guests, therapy llamas named Dippity and Pistol Pete, traveled for an hour crammed in the back of a van before squeezing into the elevator at Donaldson’s nursing home to crash her birthday party.

“Oh my land,” she said after seeing the animals for the first time. “Isn’t that beautiful?”

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through Project Pets Uplifting People (PUP). The Tampa Baybased pet therapy group screens animals to work with hospice patients. While Project PUP usually screens dogs, in the past it has approved cats, horses and even a miniature pig named Oscar. The organization screened five llamas last May and the furry creatures have been visiting the sick and frail ever since.

While the size of the herd waxes and wanes, at one point Kathy and her daughter Karli were taking care of 36 llamas at once.

Karli, who has been riding horses since she was 2 years old and owned her first horse at age 4, convinced her mother to let her buy a llama when she was just 8. She was able to win Kathy over by vowing to take the llama to nursing homes and 4H programs.

N ot o n l y d i d Ka r l i ke e p h e r p r o m i s e , b u t t h e

Did You Know?

• Petting an animal lowers blood pressure and heart rate.

• Studies have shown that spending time with therapy animals can cause a significant drop in stress hormones such as cortisol, adrenaline and aldosterone.

• After just 20 minutes, patients that worked with therapy dogs experienced a boost of feel-good hormones like oxytocin, dopamine and endorphins.

CARING >> THERAPY ANIMALS

• Therapy animals have been found to reduce depression in dementia patients.

• Children can develop social skills by working with therapy animals and even improve their behavior.

• Dogs help people with type 1 diabetes. If a pup sniffs low blood sugar, they whine or lick the fingers of the diabetic to warn them.

• Some dogs can also alert humans about imminent heart attacks or changes in blood pressure.

• For people with PTSD or anxiety disorders, dogs can learn to tell when their human companion is feeling anxious or paranoid through body language and changes in behavior.

• Dogs can remind handlers to take medication.

• Dogs have an impeccable sense of smell that allows them to pick up on the presence of volatile organic compounds. Researchers have even trained pooches to sniff out different kinds of cancers, including skin, breast, lung and prostate cancers.

SOURCE: PSYCHCENTRAL.COM, ANIMAL PLANET

mother-daughter duo has continued to bring the llamas on visits for more than 18 years.

Not every llama that the Willbankses care for is suited to meet with patients. As with other types of therapy animals, the llamas that work with the sick must be sweet and have an even temperament.

They can’t be easily scared by devices such as oxygen tanks.

They have to be calm enough to endure long car rides. And of course, they must be gentle enough to interact with the most fragile of patients.

The biggest misconception about llamas is that they have bad tempers, Kathy said. When she takes her animals to nursing homes, both patients and staff alike stop to ask the same question: Do they spit?

The answer is always no. Llamas, at least the polite ones that the Willbankses have raised, don’t spit unless provoked.

With long necks that tower over some patients, the llamas amble slowly through nursing homes. They travel in the back of a van on long drives and they ride in elevators. (The sight of stairs makes them anxious, Kathy said, and the only way for them to descend a flight of stairs is to walk backward.) The llamas can plop down on the floor, sitting like overgrown dogs, or lean over to gently nuzzle patients in what the Willbankses call a “llama kiss.”

“They never cease to amaze me,” Kathy said.

Pet therapy animals come in all shapes, sizes and species.

From llamas to horses to dogs, cuddling with a creature is a sure way to find comfort.

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COLUMN

DONNA BONNELL’S

Embracing Life INTENTIONAL JOY

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

MAWLĀNĀ JALĀL-AD-DĪN MUHAMMAD RŪMĪ A 13TH-CENTURY PERSIAN POET AND THEOLOGIAN SAID, “WHEN YOU DO THINGS FROM YOUR SOUL, YOU FEEL A RIVER MOVING IN YOU, A JOY.”

J

oy is most likely our grandest gift from God. Unfortunately, many of us either overlook the purely positive emotion or merely misunderstand His precious present. Recently, a wave of enlightenment washed though my being, just like the river Rūmī had described many years ago.

As is typical, the message came when least expected and from an unanticipated source.

My journey to discover joy began when a friend was struggling with what she perceived as a stagnant stage in her life. We were discussing ways to brighten her current situation. Our conversation was inadvertently overheard by a passerby who simply said, “You are creating intentional joy.”

Intentional joy — an expression I had never heard before. Yet, this powerful phrase was provided by an accidental (perhaps) brief encounter by a messenger who unintentionally walked by at precisely the perfect moment.

Maybe I had missed something significant in my lifelong quest of finding a way to achieve satisfaction, serenity and success.

Discovering how to balance the daily demands and being truly happy seemed to be an impossible goal in this chaotic, cut-throat society. I was not sure where to begin, but without a doubt, I had to pursue this topic. That night I prayed for guidance.

The next day, a tattered magnet that had hung on the refrigerator for decades spearheaded my solution-seeking trek. It had been strategically placed as a constant reminder to ask for peace, love and happiness, which I did faithfully. As I sipped my coffee that morning, I glanced at the once-motivational sign. It seemed sort of sad and worn out; it lacked joy.

My proverbial light bulb switched on and my pursuit began.

First, I had to define the short, sweet-sounding word. As a noun, joy is the source or cause of delight. As a verb, it means to experience great pleasure or delight. So, I thought, how does joy differ from happiness?

Happiness is external; dependent on how our expectations align with outside events, things or people; temporary; future oriented; self satisfying. Joy is caused by elation at a moment in time; not always about oneself, but also about others’ contentment, soul satisfying, about our inner selves.

Then, I went one step further — embracing intentional joy.

It was amazing to realize how living with an intrinsic desire to seek joy automatically allows more positive thinking.

Regardless of almost any set of circumstances, I can relish in achieving small victories and simply sharing smiles.

Another important lesson learned is that sometimes I need to create my own joy — and that is OK. Instead of having a tiny magnet, I purchased two large, framed, motivational posters. The artist, Bonnie L. Mohr, believes that living life is about appreciating the little things in life and enjoying them. I love her quote, “Use your talents, do your best, contribute. Make a difference because you can. … Do not let the fast-forward pace of the world deprive you from savoring the now. Seek things that fill you with love and bring you joy.”

Something magical and wonderful takes place every day in my life. At the same time, painful events occur that are disappointing and hurtful. These two tracks run parallel. Life will never be perfect. Accepting nothing less than happiness is a set-up for misery. Joy, however, can happen daily.

J.D. Salinger, author of “Catcher in the Rye,” wrote, “The fact is always obvious much too late, but the most singular difference between happiness and joy is that happiness is a solid and joy a liquid.”

Salinger’s liquid is the same as Rū mī ’s river. Joy flowing from the soul creates warm fuzzies and goose bumps (AKA God bumps). That feeling is addicting. Today, I intentionally strive to attract more joy by seeing life differently.

Maybe I had missed something significant in my lifelong quest of finding a way to achieve satisfaction, serenity and success.

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LAW ENFORCEMENT >> GAINESVILLE’S K9 UNITS

POLICE PUPS

Working Dogs Gainesville’s K9 Units S T O R Y A N D P H O T O G R A P H Y B Y K R I S T I N KO Z E L S K Y

P

erhaps you’ve seen K9 law enforcement vehicles in town. Almost every law enforcement organization in the county has at least one K9 unit. The Alachua County Sheriff’s Department (ACSD) and the Gainesville Police Department (GPD) both have several dogs and allowed Our Town to spend time with them while doing some training.

Typically, law enforcement organizations prefer to use male German Shepherds or Belgian Malinois for their K9 units. Belgian Malinois are slightly smaller and leaner than German Shepherds and tend to have a slightly stronger personality and level of curiosity. They are usually tan or brown with a black face. The military typically prefers the Malinois over the Shepherd, but many trainers are finding

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that a Malinois/Shepherd mix is a great option because it can combine the temperament of the Shepherd with the ability and drive of the Malinois.

The sheriff ’s department leans toward Malinois and gets most of its dogs from overseas via a vendor in the U.S. GPD prefers Shepherds and sources most of its dogs from the states. In addition to Malinois, ACSD also has a black lab and a bloodhound, both of which specialize in narcotics and scent detection. Both organizations prefer the dogs to be one to two years old and with very little training. It is important that the handler and the dog work through the training together and learn how to interact and grow as a team. In addition, a dog with little training is less expensive than a fully trained patrol dog, which easily runs well into a five-figure price range.

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LAW ENFORCEMENT >> GAINESVILLE’S K9 UNITS

A Gainesville Police Officer demonstrates a suit for bite training.

In this exercise, the dogs had to locate and apprehend a suspect hiding in a restroom.

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To become a member of the K9 unit, an officer or deputy must complete a series of physical, oral and written tests, including point-to-point navigation in the woods and swamps and responding to stressful scenarios on his or her own. Demand is high to be a member of a K9 unit, yet position openings are rare.

At any given time, both units have approximately eight dogs. Once accepted into the K9 unit, officers frequently feel that they’ve reached the pinnacle of their career. To quote Sergeant Brad Litchfield of the Gainesville Police Department: “I love it, it’s awesome. It’s very rewarding… that’s my partner right there.”

After acceptance, the State of Florida requires a 480-hour training program for the dog and handler, which takes about four and a half months. This

training is basic patrol school. Most of the dogs arrive with some basic bite training but have no obedience or other training, so they are considered “green” and need extensive training to be a successful law enforcement dog. Specialties, such as narcotics and bomb detection, require additional schooling.

Units typically get together to train for a 10-hour day once a week.

“We share our experiences, share our successes and failures out there on the road and it helps everyone get better as a team,” Litchfield said.

The weekly training can include obedience work, bite work, training to track and apprehend in different scenarios, and exercises in narcotics training.

When possible, the units prefer to train in as

many environments as possible around the city and county, such as local businesses after hours or in public areas. The more they can expose the dogs to different environments, the more comfortable the dogs will be when going into an unknown area while working in the field. For example, while performing narcotics training, one vehicle was parked near a grate that the dog had to walk and sit on to indicate that it had identified the scent of narcotics. Normally dogs avoid grates, so it was a deliberate exercise in placing the dog in a situation that might occur in the field.

While GPD trained apprehension, the dogs had to enter a small, dark room with slick floors to apprehend the decoy. Again, the dogs were faced with a situation they would rather avoid, so training them to work

All training for both units is done through a positive reward system. When the dog successfully finds a narcotic or performs an apprehension, he is rewarded with his favorite toy. The dogs seem to love the work that they do.

“These dogs live to do this job,” said Corporal Charles Owens, who trains GPD’s dogs. When the equipment comes out, whether it is a long leash for tracking or a vest, the dogs know it is time to go to work and they begin to bark excitedly, tails wagging in all directions.

A typical day for a K9 team might include crimes in process such as break-ins, robberies and violent crimes. The dogs are frequently called in to help protect officer safety. When not out on calls, handlers may work individu-

To train bite work, every officer in the unit takes turns being the decoy and either wearing a full bite suit or a bite sleeve.

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in that space prepares them for what they might encounter while out on a call.

Both agencies typically train their dogs to locate narcotics and to track and apprehend.

ACSD’s newest dog will be trained in bomb detection. Regarding apprehension, Deputy Tommy Wilcox, the trainer for ASD’s K9 units made it clear that the dogs are not trained to attack, instead they are trained to bite and hold. They are taught to bite a single area and hold that area until the officer is able to arrive and detain the suspect. From the dog’s perspective, he is essentially playing a really great game of tug-of-war that is rewarded with an opportunity to play with a favorite toy at the end; he is not trying to viciously attack or maul the suspect.

To train bite work, every officer in the unit takes turns being the decoy and either wearing a full bite suit or a bite sleeve. Training is required to be able to properly “catch” a dog that is charging at full speed to prevent injury to the dog and to the decoy.

ally or in pairs to do additional training with their dogs and reinforce obedience and the special skills the dogs have.

Needless to say, the handler and the dog become partners. They spend 24-hours-a-day together for years. The dogs go home with the officers each night — they are not kept in a kennel, they become family.

“When we get home, he’s absolutely like a pet — people come over and think he’s a crazy police dog, but really he’s just laying on the couch and wants to be petted,” said Dan Abbot of GPD. He even talked about how his friends put a lei on his Shepherd, Brady, during a party. All of the dogs in these units are extremely good-natured and loving.

Typically, a law enforcement dog works from the time he is about 2 years old until he is 7, 8, or 9, depending on the health and drive of the dog. When it is time to retire a dog, the handler almost always adopts the dog and he is able to retire as a family pet in a loving home.

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REMEMBERANCE >> PLANING FOR YOUR PET’S END OF LIFE

THE LAST GOODBYE

HOW TO PLAN FOR YOUR PET’S LAST DAY

The Journey’s End S T O R Y A N D P H O T OG R A P H Y B Y J E N N I F E R TA L L E R I C O

“Until one has loved an animal, a part of one’s soul remains unawakened.”

– ANATOLE FRANCE Throughout history, pets have had a significant impact on human life with roles stemming from hunting assistants all the way to being life-long companions. Our pets have become part of our lives from the early days of first domestication, to present day where families consider these animals as one of the family.

However, many people do not realize how tragic losing a pet can be until it happens to them. A pet is much more than just a furry companion that you occasionally connect with; they are part of their family and even one of their children. Focusing on 140 |

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all the memories you have with your beloved pet will help with the loss when the time comes.

There are many options and services available to help ease the pain of making the arrangements. Choosing cremation or burial is a personal choice. For some, cremation is a more

down the road. For instance, you must own — not lease — the property. Check with your HOA (Homeowners Association) to assure that there are no bylaws preventing the burial of a pet. If you live by a lake or river, choose a location for the burial that is far from the water. Also check for underground cables to avoid fines or for the disposal of unapproved material.

If you know the time will be coming because of age or illness, planning ahead will help ease the day that your pet rests his eyes for the last time. Places such as RestInPets.com offer a range of cardboard coffins in various shapes and sizes for your beloved pet. Not only are these coffins an affordable option, they are also eco-friendly. Another benefit is that family members can write on the container to say one last goodbye to their family friend.

Dealing with the loss as an adult can be especially difficult if you are trying to keep yourself composed for the benefit of your child or other family member. Feelings of emptiness, a lack of attention or concentration, and changes in sleeping or eating patterns are common during the bereavement period.

There are a variety of resource books as well as online guides to help you understand your own process during this challenging time in your life.

Rainbows Bridge (rainbowsbridge.com) is an online resource for parents of children affected by the loss of their pets. According to the website, allowing children to revisit the subject is natural and encouraged and helps the grieving process. The website offers a workbook to help small children cope with their feelings.

Letting teachers and caregivers know what has happened is also beneficial so everyone involved might understand what your child is going through, even if they seem fine on the outside.

Many children may not want to show emotions in school for fear of being ridiculed, but inside they are hurting and need to deal with this pain. For very small children, Rainbows Bridge suggests that parents refrain from using the term “put to sleep” as the child might develop a fear of going to sleep at night.

Whatever your decision, knowing there is a wide variety of services and facilities available to cater to your specific needs can take some of the logistical stress out of the equation. Losing a pet can be an emotional time. Knowing you are not alone in the process can help in the planning so you can get back to the memories of your furry family member.

MAY/JUNE 2016

OUR TOWN MAGAZINE

REMEMBERANCE >> PLANING FOR YOUR PET’S END OF LIFE

suitable option for keeping the remains in the event of moving to a new home.

Prices for cremation depend on factors such as the area you reside, the weight of your pet as well as the cremation type (group versus individual) you chose, but are generally in the mid-$100 range. Many facilities will assist in the decision between the cremated remains being buried with a burial marker or using an urn. There is a wide selection of urns and markers that cater to different types of pets as well as engraving options.

If your pet dies at home (versus being euthanized at the hospital), many facilities offer services to visit your home and take the remains to the cremation facility to help ease the emotional distress of having to carry your pet to the location. Cherished Memories is a mobile facility that covers Orlando to Georgia.

“It is important to me that I am there as quickly as possible when I receive a call,” said Jennifer Poppell, operations and customer service manager. “My family knows that if I get a call late at night, I need to be there in order to help these families with options and to be by their side during this emotional process.”

Cherished Memories is also an equine unit that can assist with horses. The company offers a variety of urns, scatter bags and paw print keepsakes for the lasting memories for the families.

Crevasse’s Pet Funeral Home, located in northwest Gainesville, partners with the University of Florida as well as many other vet facilities. Crevasse’s is a full-service funeral home, complete with a viewing room, which can help provide closure.

Justin Reese is the general manager for Crevasse’s Pet Funeral Home. During a recent interview he sat in the Rainbow Room, a colorful and inviting space where burial and cremation options can be discussed.

“We take pride in being able to provide lasting memories to folks and bring closure to families,” Reese said. “Valuing the relationship between the pet and the owners is the basis of what we do.”

The business offers an extensive catalog of urn and marker options. They can assist the customer, either at their facility or even in the privacy of their home.

Choosing to bury your pet at home is a private alternative, as well as a less expensive option. If you choose to bury your family pet in your yard there are issues to consider for avoiding issues

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FOOD REVIEW

Adventures in Appetite

CONTRIBUTED

BY KEN PENG OF KEN EATS GAINESVILLE

KEN PENG HAS LIVED IN GAINESVILLE FOR THE LAST 10 YEARS OF HIS LIFE, BUT HAS BEEN EATING SINCE HE WAS BORN. IT IS HIS HOPE THAT ANYONE WHO READS THIS PAGE WILL DISCOVER A NEW SPOT TO VISIT THE NEXT TIME THEY’RE FEELING HUNGRY. keneatsgainesville.com

THE BAGEL BAKERY

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here are certain gems in town that you selfishly want to keep to yourself, but at some point, people should know. While it’s definitely not a secret to locals, it’s too easy for students and new residents to miss The Bagel Bakery in the Millhopper Shopping Center.

It wouldn’t be hard in a part of town that students deem “too far” with a location nestled between a Publix and a post office. But make no mistake, The Bagel Bakery is a Gainesville treasure that the locals want to keep to themselves, and the exact type of place that I hope to shed light on.

Visit the place any day of the week, and you’ll find older Gainesville residents who have lived in the area for decades who come here for a pretentious-free, simple dining experience. There’s a group of women who meet to play mahjong here every week, the walls are decorated with art from local artists that is available for purchase, and the place is covered in a color scheme that you would mistake for the inspiration behind The Flying Biscuit across the street.

The owner, Ken Rembert has lived in Gainesville for over 40 years and opened the bakery in 2000. In addition to fresh bagels made every single morning, the location also houses

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Rembrandt Coffee, which Rembert owns. He directly sources all his coffee beans from a group of Indigenous Guatemalans.

The beans are all roasted in house, and a variety of blends are available here for purchase by the cup or by the bag. Rembert still visits Guatemala every year to meet his coffee bean farmers and their families, donating money and proceeds from the coffee sales to them directly.

In the restaurant, there are a variety of sandwiches and wraps available in typical deli fashion, all moderately priced between $4 to $8. I would recommend trying one of the sandwiches between slices of their fresh baked sun-dried tomato focaccia bread.

Customize your own sandwiches, or choose one of their own creations like the Broccoli Cheddar Melt ($7.89 - veggie cream cheese, steamed broccoli, melted cheddar, atop two slices of bagels or focaccia) or the Cocky Curry Chicken Wrap ($7.49 – house-made curry chicken salad with your choice of veggies).

But to be honest, save those for another visit, and get a bagel. Made every single morning, they’re the best bagels I’ve had in town. The New Yorkers reading this will likely scoff and have something to say about these, but these bagels are every bit the chewy, salty, carb-packed goodness that satisfies when you bite into them. The usual varieties are all present in addition to spinach, jalapeno

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cheddar, sun-dried tomato, and blueberry, all served LIGHTLY toasted or untoasted. I can’t stress enough how so many people ruin good bagels by burning them. I’m partial to the “Everything.” Each bagel is $1.25, a half dozen for $6.89, or a baker’s dozen for $11.99.

Day-old variety bags are available for $4.99 if you opt for a side of sadness. If you get there early enough to catch them coming out of the oven (they open at 6:30 a.m. on the weekdays and 7 a.m. on the weekends), they’re extra amazing. So really, go early.

Whatever you choose, though, make sure

Whatever you choose, though, make sure you get some of their house-made cream cheese spreads to go with your selection. you get some of their house-made cream cheese spreads to go with your selection.

Whether it’s the plain, veggie, salmon, strawberry, jalapeno, chive & onion, honey walnut, or spinach & artichoke, it’s a must. I recommend the chive & onion or the honey walnut (paired with a toasted sesame bagel).

A 2-ounce side will cost you $1.74; an 8- ounce will be $3.39 or $3.69 depending on the flavor.

Or if you’re feeling extra hungry, which I often am, get the Eggl Bagel ($4.69 — scrambled egg with choice of cheese between a bagel) or the Eggl Bagel with Meat ($5.99 - choice of sausage, turkey sausage, ham, or bacon).

The Bagel Bakery was there for me for “Bagel Fridays” at a job that I hated, and gave me something to look forward to each week. It was there for me whenever I felt famished and in need of sweet sweet carbohydrates to fuel my day. And now I’m sharing it with you. The locals are going to hate me for this, but the next time you’re craving a bagel, you know where to go.

The Bagel Bakery is open from 6:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the weekdays and 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the weekends and is located at 4113 NW 16th Street.

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