Our Town 2019 MAY-JUN (High Springs & Alachua)

GOLD STAR FAMILIES MEMORIAL WHEELCHAIR HIGHWAYMEN K9S FOR WARRIORS BBALL COP

MAY/JUNE 2019 | VOL. 17 ISSUE 03

Meet

DOUG HOPE & BRIAN LANGSTON In this issue dedicated to highlighting local heroes, you’ll learn about people who do amazing things to help us live and thrive — people like Doug Hope and Brian Langston, Firefighters with the High Springs Fire Department

HIGH SPRINGS & ALACHUA EDITION

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2 | OUR TOWN MAGAZINE Desserts

May/June 2019

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May/June 2019

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Caring for our community s most precious resources Board certified, University of Florida trained Pediatricians with over 20 years of experience.

Ronald Emerick, D.O.

Sarah Garrett, ARNP Levette Dunbar, M.D.

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CONTENTS

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

| V O L . 1 7 | N O. 0 3

IN THIS ISSUE >> We honor local heroes — the brave men and women who put their lives on the line in

order to help those in need. We also highlight those who protect and serve this great country of ours. Learn about the process of CPR certification and how you, too, can become a hero for someone else in need!

C O V E R P H O T O G R A P H Y B Y M I C H AE L A . EA D DY

FEATURE STORIES 52 AIRBORNE HEROES

A look into the critical care transport program at UF Health Shands Hospital. Members of the flight team put their lives on the line in order to save patients.

68 AN ACT OF KINDNESS

After two High Springs firefighters respond to a false life alert, they became aware that something was still amiss. Even though they were not needed for an emergency, they sprung into action as Good Samaritans – helping a fellow resident who just wanted to be able to make her meal.

74 HISTORY OF THE FALLEN

Enjoy some interesting facts about our country’s national day of remembrance — Memorial Day. Take a look at some of the military history rooted in Florida as well.

86 PAY TO SPAY

Prevention is Kinder than Destruction. A new nonprofit works with various veterinarians and volunteers to help afford pet owners the ability to spay and neuter their animals at a reduced cost.

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CONTENTS

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THE NEXT MISSION A retired veteran is ready for a new mission – one that uses his leadership, energy and motivation to make an impact.

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BASKETBALL COP This Gainesville-based nonprofit continues to grow. Even Shaquille O’Neal made his way to the swamp after hearing about the positive message.

FACE OF GRAY, HEART OF GOLD Brent and Anna Lovato offer a loving home to senior animals through a hospice adoption program.

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WHEELCHAIR HIGHWAYMEN Technology, photography and nature combine to inspire and enrich the lives of individuals with and without disabilities.

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THE RESERVE UNIT Meet Stephen K. Miller — Commander for the ACSO Reserve Unit.

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THE ULTIMATE SACRIFICE A proposal for a new monument recognizes these Gold Star Families and the loss they endure every day.

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SAVE A LIFE – CPR Understand the process and how to become certified.

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K9S FOR WARRIORS The Alachua Campus Director was given a second chance at life by his service dog.

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OUR TOWN MAGAZINE

May/June 2019

LT. KALEY BEHL Her family’s legacy of law enforcement goes all the way back to the 1800s.

JOANNE RICE Gainesville’s first female Deputy Fire Chief recounts her life in this fiery field, and what she’s learned about herself along the way.

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COLUMNS 38 F ARM TALES

by Mother Hen

50 E MBRACING LIFE

by Donna Bonnell

119 N AKED SALSA

by Crystal Henry

128 F UREVER FRIENDS Spotlight on Rescue Animals

REVIEWS 84 R EADING CORNER

by Terri Schlichenmeyer

A SAFE HAVEN FOR HEROES Alachua County Veteran Services and Veterans Memorial Park offer services, events and refuge for those who fought for our freedom.

114 G ATE CRASHING

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100 C harity Winners 102 T aste of the Town 107 C ommunity Calendar

IN A FLASH A Gator grad recounts his harrowing experience and the fearless firefighter who saved his life.

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STOP THE STIGMA A local psychiatrist and his team help bring awareness and acceptance of mental health for our local heroes and the rest of the community.

by Brian “Krash” Kruger

INFORMATION

The articles printed in Our Town do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Tower Publications, Inc. or their editorial staff. Our Town Magazine endeavors to accept reliable advertising; however, we can not be held responsible by the public for advertising claims. Our Town Magazine reserves the right to refuse or discontinue any advertisement. All rights reserved. © 2019 Tower Publications, Inc.

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PUBLISHER Charlie Delatorre

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

Nicole Scogin, MD

Shelley Russell, ARNP, CNM Julie Rischar, ARNP, CNM

Kristen Cook, ARNP, CNM

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Hank McAfee EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Ericka Winterrowd editor@towerpublications.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Kaitlin Applegate, Sofia Arriaga, Cameron Cobb, Summer Jarro, Julia Mitchem, Stephanie Richards, Steph Strickland, Emma Witmer, Hayli Zuccola CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Michael A. Eaddy, James M. Eaddy ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Jenni Bennett jenni@towerpublications.com Nancy Short nancy@towerpublications.com INTERN Steph Strickland, Julia Mitchell, Emma Witmer, Sophia Arriaga

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.

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

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EDITOR ’ S LET TER

M ay/J u n e 2 0 1 9

Running Toward Danger You likely won’t meet them until the moment you need them. In fact, they’ll probably seem like complete strangers at first if you do. You see, they don’t necessarily show up on a “good day.” In fact, their “nine-to-five” is usually made up of some of your worst moments; but boy oh boy will you be glad when they arrive because they just might save your life. First-responders are the ones who move toward the flames.

When someone is in danger, they run to the danger. It’s their job, yes. But it’s also much more than that – it’s who they are.

This issue is dedicated to our local heroes, the brave men and women who put their lives on the line in order to help those in need. We also highlight those who protect and serve this great country of ours. It’s the collective selflessness of all of these people that grant us an invisible safety net as we live our everyday lives – trusting that someone will spring to action when we need them the most, our own personal superhero.

Hear from a Gator grad who was saved from a house fire after the Gainesville Fire Rescue responded to his call.

It was just another day on the job for the fearless firefighter who happened to save this student’s life, but to the student – it was everything.

Learn about our local airborne heroes too, the pilots, paramedics and nurses who fly and treat trauma patients in air ambulances. In honor of Memorial Day we remember not only our fallen heroes, but their families as well – with an update on the Gold Star Family monument currently being proposed for Veterans Memorial Park. And lastly, understand the process of CPR certification and how you, too, can become a hero for someone else in need.

These stories and so much more await you within these pages. I hope they’ll inspire you to thank a hero of your own. After all, you just might owe them your life one day.

Ericka Winterrowd, Editor-In-Chief

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May/June 2019

RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL

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Wood Buildings Metal Buildings

CROC S!

M ay/J u n e 2 0 1 9

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We live in Gator Country, so why not learn about Croc history too!

Celebrate International Museum Day with FLMNH’s newest exhibit– Crocs: Ancient Predators in a Modern World. Learn more about the wildest members of the Gator Nation from scientists and hands-on activities.

See the result of 200 million years of predatory evolution and learn about one of nature’s oldest and stealthiest hunters: crocodilians. This unique experience educates guests on the history and significance of these creatures using live reptiles and realistic models.

Interactive elements allow visitors to test their strength against a crocodile’s bite and see how they use sound waves to make water dance. A life-size model tells the story of Gomek, the largest crocodile to be exhibited in North America, and how he became a symbol of crocodile conservation. A “digital curator” reveals the behavior and intricate social lives of these animals.

While the opening activities are free, there is an admission charge for the Crocs and Butterfly Rainforest exhibits. Although the event ends at 2 pm, the exhibit remains open until 4:30 pm. Crocs: Ancient Predators in a Modern World was created by Peeling Productions at Clyde Peeling’s Reptiland. Stay connected for news on other fascinating exhibit openings by following FLMNH on social media. The exhibit runs through January 5, 2020.

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May/June 2019

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CONTRIBUTOR S

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May/June 2019

M ay/J u n e 2 0 1 9

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

SOFIA ARRIAGA Sofia Arriaga is a student at the University of Florida studying journalism, English and business. Her passions include film and literature, which she explores in her free time. arriaga.sofia@hotmail.com

CAMERON COBB is a graduate student at UF, working on her master’s degree in Mass Communication. She’s also an Air Force veteran. Cameron loves traveling, writing and all animals (her favorite being her rescue dog, Maggie). cameronacobb5@gmail.com

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

JULIA MITCHEM is a journalism major at the University of Florida and intern. In her free time, she loves going to concerts, taking photographs and traveling. jmitchem243@gmail.com

STEPHANIE RICHARDS is a freelance writer and a native of suburban Chicago. She was the Story Editor for The Sturbridge Times Magazine before recently moving to Newberry from New England. She loves to exercise, volunteer and spend time with her family. sarichards7@gmail.com

EMMA WITMER is a journalism major at the University of Florida and freelance writer. She loves to cook and has a passion for local music and art. emma.witmer2016@gmail.com

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

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

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

CRYSTAL HENRY is a freelance writer and columnist born and raised in West Texas. She received her B.S. in Journalism in 2006 from the University of Florida. She is in love with the Florida landscape. ces03k@gmail.com

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May/June 2019

HONOR & COUR AGE RETIRED VETERAN >> OZZIE TORRES

The Next Mission Retired Veteran Ozzie Torres Shares his Story and Plans for the Future S TORY A N D PHOTOG R A PHY BY S TE PH A NIE RICH A R DS

W

hen you meet 40-year-old Ozzie Torres Jr., one word comes to mind… motivator. You would never know the difficult battles Torres has faced in his personal life or in war. The wounds have not disappeared, but he has not let them hold him captive. You might say his experiences have been the springboard to embrace life to the fullest.

Torres, a retired Army Sgt. 1st Class, landed in Newberry with his wife and high school age son in December. He is ready for a new season of life – a new mission – one that uses his leadership skills, high energy and motivation to make an impact on others.

The oldest of six siblings, Torres grew up in Rochester, NY. He was 13 years old when his parents divorced, and he moved with his mother to her native Puerto Rico. Three years later, she died of AIDS. “I was faced with a choice to go back and live in New York with my father or go and live with my mom’s brother. He was in the military, but I decided I should be with my dad,” he said.

The decision to enlist in the military after high school was one of finding the “fastest way out” of his dad’s house. “When I was there, I never felt that I was supposed to be with my dad. I walked about four miles to the recruiting office and talked to a sergeant about joining the Army. I probably was one of their easiest recruits. I told him I wanted to do something where I would use my hands.

Three to four days later, everything was done,” said Torres, who was 19-years-old when he enlisted.

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“I told my dad and stepmom I was leaving the night before; the recruiter came to the door the next morning.”

Torres completed both basic training and advanced individual training as a Light Wheeled Vehicle Mechanic at Fort Jackson (SC). He later would graduate from Airborne School in Fort Benning (GA) and arrive at his first duty with the 82nd 22 |

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May/June 2019

Airborne at Fort Bragg (NC). It was during his four years there that he met and married his wife in 2001. “My wife had to teach me the basics of being a man and leadership in a marriage. That was something I didn’t learn growing up,” said Torres, who has been married for 18 years. “It was even simple things like taking out the trash. She knew what ‘right’ looked like when it came to relationship. My dad’s focus was always on getting a job; he never explained what it looked like to be a husband.”

His enlistment would take him all over the world for assignments at Camp Humphreys in Bamberg, Germany, Camp Red Cloud in Korea, and MacDill Air Force Base in Florida. He would finish out his time back at Fort Bragg before retiring in March of 2019.

The 20-year span included three deployments in support of Operation Enduring Freedom to Afghanistan and Columbia, South America. The first time Torres would set his feet in Afghanistan was during the surge. He was part of the 173rd Airborne for 15 and a half months from 2006 to 2008. “I was a newly promoted staff sergeant. It was the beginning of the war, and we didn’t have proper armor on the vehicles to protect from Improvised Explosive Devises (IEDs), which at the time was the number one killer of soldiers. Our mission on the battlefield was to receive frag armor kits and install them on vehicles,” he said. “On January 1, 2009, I flew out of Germany back to the U.S. It was the best New Year’s I ever had as I came back to the States.”

RETIRED VETERAN >> OZZIE TORRES

Ozzie Torres Jr. (left page, top) enlisted at 19 years old in the Army and it became a career that spanned two decades for the Rochester, NY native.

He completed deployments in Columbia, South America and Afghanistan (above) before retiring as an Army Sgt. 1st Class last year. His leadership for a 66-hour continuous Route Clearance mission during Operation Enduring Freedom led to a recommendation for the Bronze Star Medal (left page bottom). Torres and his family relocated to Newberry in December.

That first deployment proved to be a defining moment in his career, as he experienced the pain of losing fellow soldiers. “We were at a previously known IED blast site. One of our vehicles was inspecting a hole and the front two tires sunk. We went to recover the lead vehicle and 10 minutes later we lost one of our members. I was very close to him,” he said. “It was the worst time… we lost eight total members from our unit during that deployment. I was put on rest and recuperation and came back to the States for three weeks. I was in Florida and everyone was asking what was wrong with me; why I had an attitude. A member of my family, my unit, had just died and I wanted to be with my [military] family.”

The second deployment was much different, Torres said.

“We had special vehicles to combat IEDs. However, many still suffered different mental and physical wounds, such as PTSD and concussions,” he said.

Torres talked about the challenges of leaving family behind and trying to stay connected during war. “I think the first 30 days are the hardest. You are used to being with family every day and then, every night, you sleep on a cot instead of your own bed,” he said. “Back then, we used Skype to talk to our families.

You had to wait in line and use phone gift cards to pay for the charges. Being a military family puts wear and tear on the family.

Even though I am close to my son, I know he is closer to my wife because of the time they spent together without me.”

He said he admired the resilience of his wife to be in a foreign country with two young children. “She could have gone home but stayed in Germany,” he said. “Every weekend, she would send me pictures of her and the kids at a different castle or site.

She also worked at the clinic on base. I don’t know that I could have done what she did.”

Torres said he was surrounded by an amazing crew and family May/June 2019

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RETIRED VETERAN >> OZZIE TORRES 24 |

of people while in the military, and he learned what it meant to be a part of something greater than yourself and push your limits. “My company commander said you are either in or you are out… that was his philosophy and he built on it. He wanted us to grab the concept of where our unit was going and the importance each of us played in doing our jobs and making the mission successful,” he said. “As a staff sergeant, I ended up being the lowest rank serving in a higher position; it was because I grabbed a hold of that philosophy. That is when I received the Bronze Star.”

On his commendation form for the Bronze Star, it states, “Without regard to his personal safety, Staff Sergeant Torres personally led maintenance and recovery operations in support of Operation Gorgani Surahee, a 66-hour continuous Route Clearance mission that was vital to resupply of an isolated FOB (Forward Operating Base). The harsh terrain led him to performing over 30 mired vehicle recoveries, along with the hasty combat conditions of 3 RG31 axle malfunctions. His technical knowledge and experience was the only reason the mission was able to be completed.”

Torres would go on to receive several other awards and decorations before retiring. “Not too many people retire out of the Army. I have stayed in contact with three or four people who have been influential in my life. For me, I like to be around people who are committed,” he said.

“If you are committed, you don’t set limits on yourself.”

One of Torres’ heroes is Steven Bishop, a Logistics Sgt. Major who retired and is now a pastor in North Carolina. His office was right next to Torres and the two immediately bonded as he offered advice on life and relationship. “He opened my mind to thinking in a new way. My first conversation with him was an analogy of how a marriage was like retuning a piano,” Torres said.

“When a great pianist has a piano that is out of tune, he doesn’t get rid of it. He retunes it and makes it great.

He said the success in marriage is to keep retuning it… building a history with your wife like a great pianist. I felt like I knew him for years and he influenced my life greatly.”

The impact on his life was so great that Torres and his wife renewed their wedding vows on their 15th anniversary and Bishop spoke at it. “You don’t have to be in the military to be a hero. Most people do just enough, no more,” he said. “To me, a hero is someone who goes above and beyond for someone else. I think heroes come in many forms.”

While he is currently exploring options for a second career in the Gainesville area, Torres just finished a stint as a volunteer assistant coach for the Newberry High School Girls Softball team. “I like being the person that gives infectious leadership,” he said. “We don’t have that in our culture.”

OUR TOWN MAGAZINE

May/June 2019

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SENIOR DOGS >> LOVATO FAMILY

HOME FOR GOOD

Brent and Anna Lovato photographed with their original three adopted dogs Beau, Nola and Elsie.

GIVING SENIOR PETS THEIR FOREVER HOME

Face of Gray, Heart of Gold W R I T T E N B Y H AY L I Z U CCO L A

For any animal, living in a shelter isn’t exactly the best hand to be dealt.

Although they have a roof over their head, food and the occasional visitor wandering by their cage in search of a new companion, they still have a longing for someone to reciprocate the unconditional love they give so easily. That desire is even greater for older animals who are often overshadowed by neighboring puppies and kittens. Marked by faded streaks of gray, a cloudy gaze and a heart of gold, senior pets have endured a lot in their lifetime, but each passing day only increases the hope that someone will give them their long-awaited forever home.

Anna Lovato has had a lifelong devotion to animals. Growing up in Rhode Island, she spent her childhood rescuing baby birds, watching the neighbors’ pets and volunteering at local shelters. In 26 |

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2008, she joined a relief trip to New Orleans after the devastating effects of Hurricane Katrina. She found her niche at Animal Rescue of New Orleans where she garnered an adoration for a spunky pooch who shredded newspapers and bedding to make what she likely presumed was a messy masterpiece. Lovato decided to bring the pup home and adorn her with the appropriately fitting name Nola. Nola was the first dog Lovato adopted as an adult and was just the beginning of her future endeavors.

After graduating from college, Anna and Nola traveled to Gainesville to reunite with her now-husband, Brent Lovato, who had been studying at the University of Florida and working his way through the College of Pharmacy program. Once settled in her new city, Anna began volunteering at nearby shelters and over the next few years added two new additions to her furry family: Beau and Elsie. “Her name was Elsa in the shelter but my name’s Anna and I thought it was like a little too ‘Frozen,’” Anna said with a laugh.

PHOTOGRAPHY: SHANNONJAX PRODUCTIONS

Besides giving a welcoming home to three dogs, Anna has donated her time fostering dogs, puppies, cats and bottle-fed kittens as a way to help adoptable animals even further. Since 2012, the Lovatos have fostered almost 300 animals, but recently they’ve found another opportunity to distribute their shared compassion to a very deserving group of cuddly critters. Bailey’s Promise is a hospice program organized by the Humane Society of North Central Florida and was created to provide terminally ill and senior animals a loving home until they pass over the Rainbow Bridge.

The Lovato’s first hospice adoption was Ernie who they only had in their lives a few short months before he passed away from advanced lung cancer. Though their hearts were broken, they found a way to mend them just enough to take in another three hospice dogs: Suzie, a 21-year-old black tripod

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According to Anna, Lizzie, who’s a 13-yearold black and brown collie mix, is “60 percent confused and 40 percent like Velcro.” Lizzie’s nickname is Busy Lizzie because she’s always moving and wandering around.

Chihuahua; Ruth, a deaf 17-year-old white and grey Chihuahua; and Lizzie, a 13-year-old black and brown collie mix who’s showing signs of doggie dementia. After finding pure happiness with her new family, Suzie was able to leave her shelter companions in peace — knowing they’d be taken care of — and soon passed away from end stage heart failure. “I just feel like no senior deserves to not be in a home and not spoiled their last couple weeks.

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SENIOR DOGS >> LOVATO FAMILY

Ernie (top) was Brent and Anna’s first adoption through Bailey’s Promise, an organization created by the Humane Society of North Central Florida to pair terminally ill pets with forever homes.

Ruth (right), a 17-year-old white and gray Chihuahua, loves blankets. Because she’s usually cold, she loves to spend her days wrapped in the cozy material.

Suzie (below), a 21-year-old black tripod Chihuahua, was only with her new family for a few weeks before she passed away from end stage heart failure.

Ruth and her sister Suzie were best friends. After Suzie’s passing, Ruth found comfort in her family and new furry companions.

We knew Suzie didn’t have long so our goal was just to make it the most awesome last few weeks that she could possibly have, and that’s our goal for Lizzie and Ruth too,” Anna said.

Though adopting a senior pet can be difficult when the time comes to say goodbye, it gives dogs and cats the chance to feel loved and the ability to enjoy life until the very end. “For Lizzie, because she does get confused, when she has those moments where she just like snaps into play or run[s] across the yard and chase[s] a ball — it makes it so much [more] worth it,” Brent said. While not as active, Ruth gets her comfort and bliss from blankets and lots of them. “Her favorite thing is to hide under blankets so we have blankets on every dog bed... sometimes we have to actually like search for her because she’s so tiny,” Anna said.

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When looking to make a pet a permanent part of your family, you can’t always plan who will tug at your heart strings. Currently, Brent and Anna have five dogs and three cats varying in age, breed and personality. “I would recommend just going into the process with an open mind and not necessarily a specific vision for what you want in a companion,” Anna said. “I know a lot of people come to our PetSmart adoption events with the idea of adopting a puppy and they fall in love with these old, soulful, trained animals where they know exactly what they’re getting.”

Anna shared some wisdom she has gained throughout her time spent with senior animals...

“You may not have them as long,” she said. “But tomorrow’s never promised.”

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Wheelchair Highwaymen Photography Brings Disability Awareness 30 |

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IN FOCUS

W

Max, JR, and Gordon; A.K.A. “Wheelchair Highwaymen” are new Florida nature photographers. The daily challenges these men face and overcome have not stopped them from searching for and capturing beautiful moments. Their goal is to use technology, photography and nature to inspire and enrich the lives of individuals with and without disabilities.

hen the sky is clear, J.R. Harding says he flies like an eagle. In the fleeting moments between the melting sun and total darkness, he soars high above the ground, surveying the landscape ablaze with evening sun.

Then, with a tilt of the head, Harding drives down to hover above the water, spying Florida wildflowers unfold into bloom and spiders mending their webs. As the blue of the sky gives way to blush, lilac and gold, Harding and his fellow photographers capture images that challenge the viewer’s perception of the barriers between man and nature. The story behind the Wheelchair Highwaymen challenges this understanding in a whole new light.

Pictures are the speechless orators of a thousand words.

Without the ability to speak or write, photographs tell stories, share ideas and divulge secrets. They provide windows into the eyes of the photographer, and insight in the mind of the viewer. Images carry with them a great equalizing property among the sighted.

Harding, Gordon Palmer and Max Lee have spent much of their lives in the pursuit of such properties of equality.

The pursuit of equality is a narrative familiar to this nation. Civil rights battles have been hard fought by groups like African Americans, women, and particularly in the last 30 years, people with disabilities. These fights are never succinct, and the civil rights movement for peoples with disabilities is no exception. The Americans with Disabilities Act, commonly referred to as the ADA, was signed into law

by President George H. W. Bush on July 26, 1990 on the White House lawn. The legislation was intended to protect individuals with disabilities from discrimination in the workplace, education system, transportations system and public spaces.

When he signed the ADA in front of some 2,000 onlookers, President Bush said, “Let the shameful walls of exclusion finally come tumbling down.”

But not all forms of exclusion can be abolished by pen and ink. In March of 1990, protesters with disabilities did not just march on the nation’s capital to press congress to pass the ADA. They crawled. They abandoned canes, crutches and wheelchairs to pull themselves up the steps, fingernails to stone. This demonstration helped to facilitate major change in the way America approached accessibility, affording individuals with disabilities the opportunity to work, learn and live in spaces that had previously been denied due to prejudice, or simply because there were no accommodating resources like ramps, interpreters and so on.

May/June 2019

OUR TOWN MAGAZINE

CREATIVE EQUALITY >> WHEELCHAIR HIGHWAYMEN

W RIT TE N BY EMM A WITMER

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CREATIVE EQUALITY >> WHEELCHAIR HIGHWAYMEN

Access is a key word when discussing the civil liberties of individuals with disabilities. Legislation like the ADA has been instrumental in giving individuals with disabilities access to the public.

Through drone technology, the Wheelchair Highwaymen have been able to reopen the door to the natural world — inspiring both those with and without disabilities.

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Long before Lee, Harding and Palmer began their joint-venture into nature photography as the Wheelchair Highwaymen, they took their fight to the Florida Legislature. Lee, Harding and Palmer were each injured as young men, rendering Lee paraplegic and Harding and Palmer quadriplegic. In their individual professional lives, Palmer served as a Florida state attorney for nearly 30 years and now volunteers for organizations such as the Florida Disabled Outdoor Association, Lee is the president and principal engineer at Koolger and Associates where he uses his skills as an expert in ADA compliance, and Harding works with the Florida State University College of Business while

acting as a consultant, public speaker and author using his experience in civil rights for individuals with disabilities legislation. Together, they have worked as advocates for the continuation of civil rights advancement for individuals with disabilities through charitable organizations and in state and federal legislatures.

“If you think about it, [the ADA passed] just 30 years ago when folks were given basic access to be able to use the sidewalk, get in the front door, go to the restaurant and the movie theatre, which isn’t asking for a whole lot,” Harding said. “Now we are continuing this story and talking about, ‘What are the other parts of life that we should be able to

CREATIVE EQUALITY >> WHEELCHAIR HIGHWAYMEN

When Lee was injured enjoy, should be able to at age 17, the commuexperience and use the nity rallied around him, different tools of life to collecting donations to be able to facilitate that send him to photograenjoyment.’” phy school in Atlanta.

Access is a key Back then, however, word when discussing equipment was bulky, the civil liberties of and the burden of individuals with dishauling a huge duffle abilities. Legislation bag of heavy cameras like the ADA has been weighed him down. In instrumental in giving the mid-1990s, Lee sold individuals with dishis equipment, putting abilities access to the his love of photography public. Lee explains that Max Lee signs one of the Wheelchair Highwaymen’s photos during their debut show on the back burner. In there is an intimate tie on March 15 at The Perfect Gift in Haile Village Center. Their next show “Spring the mid-2000s, Lee was between the ADA and Colors Cascade” will take place on Friday, May 10 (5-7:30 pm) at the same location. in France with a friend the future of activism who introduced him to for individuals with disMartine Franck, photographer and wife of Henri Cartier Bresson. abilities. Particularly when it comes to the rapid advancement The two spent a week photographing the city of Paris and beyond, of technology in recent decades. briefly reigniting Lee’s artistic passion. But, Lee had a career, “With access, we can do cool stuff,” Lee said with a smile.

When Lee was a teen, he did studio work under a photogra- and he chose to focus on that. pher named Brain Rogers, whose focus was in commercial pho- “With nature, you don’t have all this, ‘Oh, I’m pissed about it.’ tography. On his own, Lee was interested in nature photography, You just block it out. It just doesn’t exist,” Lee said of the strain spending hours in the dark room developing his photos by hand. that his disability has put on his ability to experience the outdoors.

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CREATIVE EQUALITY >> WHEELCHAIR HIGHWAYMEN 34 |

Some two years ago, however, Lee found something cool to try. Drones. The drone’s camera allowed him to maneuver in ways that his chair would not allow, capturing interesting photographs. This technology, Lee realized, offered him the access to the natural world that had become inaccessible. He called Palmer and Harding, and soon the men began planning trips and photographing the Floridian landscape as a group, the Wheelchair Highwaymen.

These trips involve more than just grabbing a camera and hitting the road. Because of their motorized wheelchairs, the Wheelchair Highwaymen diligently track weather patterns and natural light schedules to choose the optimal time to shoot.

Lee is able to maneuver the drones using his hands and arms, but Harding and Palmer are more limited. Instead, they wear goggles that are linked into the drone’s camera and directional system. The Wheelchair Highwaymen are able to see what the drone sees by looking through the goggles, and by moving their heads up, down, left or right, can direct the aircraft’s flight pattern. Through this technology, the Wheelchair Highwaymen have been able to reopen the door to the natural world.

Since the friends began photography as a hobby, they have built on their skills of capturing unique images and developing them in a way that tells a story. The story, Lee said, is liberation.

“It’s freedom,” Harding added, “It’s liberating. It gives you a moment to forget that you’re a person with a disability.”

The result of this practice has been a series of captivating, ethereal images captured from on high. The Wheelchair Highwaymen now have prints displayed in the Gainesville Courthouse and North Central Florida businesses. Their prints are for sale at The Perfect Gift in the Haile Village Center, and the men are in talks to present a show in the 22nd floor gallery in the State Capitol building.

The Wheelchair Highwaymen are connecting with audiences through their art first, disability second. Still, work like theirs is characteristic of the new wave of activism and empowerment in the community of people with disabilities.

“It’s a continuation of the civil rights story,” Harding said. “There’s that natural tie-in in the outdoors. It’s one of those pieces that we’re still unraveling.”

OUR TOWN MAGAZINE

May/June 2019

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COLUMN

FARM TALES

From Mother Hen MY HEROES

MOTHER HEN IS PROUD TO BE A “BABY BOOMER” RAISED ON A FARM POPULATED BY DOGS, CATS, CHICKENS, DUCKS, GEESE, HORSES AND COWS. THE WISDOM SHE GAINED WHILE GROWING UP IN THE COUNTRY CAN’T BE FOUND IN BOOKS. YOU CAN CONTACT MOTHER HEN AT motherhenfarmtales@gmail.com.

THEY COME FROM EVERY COMMUNITY, EVERY WALK OF LIFE. THEY ARE THE MEN AND WOMEN WHO ANSWER THE CALL OF DUTY, MAKING PERSONAL SACRIFICES FOR THEIR COUNTRY.

E

very family has a story to tell about their heroes. This is my story about mine.

You may be surprised to learn that farmers played an important part in the World War II effort. Everyone has heard about “Rosie the Riveter” and how women stepped up to fill the vacancies left in factories when the men went off to war.

But did you know there was a shortage of food in our country as well?

When the war began, our government was confronted with many challenges for the American people. It became necessary to ration food, gas, and clothing. The citizens were asked to conserve on everything, and rationing meant sacrifices for all. In the spring of 1942, the Food Rationing Program was established. The federal government did this to control supply and demand. This rationing was based upon a point system. Different foods required more points, and each family had a booklet of stamps used for the various foods when shopping. You couldn’t purchase any food item if you didn’t have the proper stamp.

Food became in short supply, and because of this farmers were necessary to the war effort as well. They were being asked to produce more food, with fewer laborers to do it. The hired hands many farmers depended on were sent off to war, leaving a

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shortage of help. This meant that the farmer’s family was relied on to keep the farm running.

My father was the eldest son in his family and had been helping his father on the farm since he was 13. When the war began he was 20, old enough to go off to war. However, my father was desperately needed to help keep the farm running, as the only other son in the family was a small child. According to livinghistoryfarm.org, Congress realized the crises farmers were experiencing and enacted draft deferments for farmers and farm workers who were “necessary to and regularly engaged in agricultural occupation.” For this reason my father was given a farm deferment. Although he wasn’t in active duty overseas, my father was a patriotic hero at home, doing his best to fill the needs asked of him by his country. All Americans sacrificed in some way during this time of war. Many friends and neighbors lost their sons, and whenever my father spoke of them, his eyes would tear up with emotion. I’m sure a part of him wished he wasn’t needed to stay on the farm.

Other men in my family have gone into the military, however. My father’s brother (who was a child during World War II) joined the Navy when he was young man. After finishing his training, he was stationed in Key West, Florida. I was just a little girl at that time, and all I remember is that he looked very handsome in his Navy uniform. Sadly, I don’t have any more information on when or where he served.

Later, cousins of mine were drafted or joined the military during the Vietnam War. One was injured by a grenade and

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FARM TALES >> MY HEROS

My husband’s father, Chief Warrant Officer and motor officer for General George Patton during WWII, was the family’s very colorful patriarch.

My father (above) with newly born piglets in the farrowing quarters of the family barn.

My uncle enlisted in the Navy and was stationed in Key West, Florida.

My cousin, enlisted in the Army National Guard, was surprised during tank maneuvers when my mother and I came across them (left) near our home.

given a medical discharge. He dealt with his leg injury for the rest of his life, but considered himself lucky to be alive. The other cousin served his country in the Marines and came home to us all in one piece, but forever changed from his experiences.

Another cousin of mine, the eldest son of a farm family, had a similar situation as my father. He was needed on the farm by my uncle to keep the farm running. So he enlisted in the Army National Guard where he attended local meetings at our nearby town’s Armory. Several times a year he and his group would go to camp, to train and be ready if they were called upon. Once when my mom and I were headed into town, we saw a tank approaching us on the highway. For some reason my mom was pretty sure that my cousin would be driving it, and began waving her arm out the window as we came nearer. Sure enough, the tank pulled off the side of the road, and my cousin and three 40 |

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other young men in uniform popped out. My mother, being my mother, happened to have an angel food cake in the back seat (why she did, I can’t remember). So she offered it to those young boys, who were totally surprised by this unexpected treat. I can still remember their huge smiles.

When I started dating my husband, it was during the Vietnam draft lottery. He was in college, and for a while that was a deferment in itself. However, as the war continued, more young men were needed to go overseas. That was when the government came up with a lottery based upon birthdates. When the numbers were called, everyone watched their televisions, holding their breath while waiting to learn the fate of their loved ones. It was mere chance whose number was drawn and in what order. There are 365 days in a year; so 366 birthdates were pulled, allowing for Leap Year. A lower number determined you would be drafted. The

higher numbers meant you likely wouldn’t be called. My husband (boyfriend at the time) received a high number, nearly in the 300s. A best friend of his, who was born two days after him in the same year, received a very low number. That friend went off to war, but my husband was never called. Strange how the matter of just a few days made such a difference.

Once I joined my husband’s family through marriage, I learned the very colorful history of their patriarch. My father-in-law was a Chief Warrant Officer in the Third Army during World War II. He was stationed at Fort Sam Houston in Texas and ordered to join General George Patton on February 16, 1944, missing the birth of his first child by just a few hours.

He became General Patton’s motor officer responsible for all the equipment needed for the advancement of the Army. He met with General Patton on a daily basis to discuss the readiness of the equipment and route to be taken. Like most veterans, he didn’t talk a lot about his time during the war, but I could see the impact those experiences had on him. My mother-in-law said that when he came back, he expected his family to respond to (his) orders in a no nonsense military fashion, probably following the example of his time spent with General Patton.

My final story is about my son-in-law who was so moved by the 9/11 terrorist attacks in 2001, that he decided to enlist during his first semester of college and postpone his education until after serving his country.

He joined the Navy and after basic training was assigned to the USS Theodore Roosevelt naval aircraft carrier. He was trained as an air traffic controller on this ship and was part of the shock and awe military action against Iraq. I can only imagine the stress and responsibility he carried on his shoulders at that young age. Once again, like most veterans, he carries his stories and experiences within — not wanting to speak about what happened in the past, but going forward with love for his country and the family he has created with my daughter.

These are my heroes. I know you have heroes in your family too. If you haven’t already, take a moment to let them know you are proud of their service and sacrifice.

It is a conversation they will appreciate more than you know.

May/June 2019

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PROFILE >> STEVE MILLER

A LAWFUL VOLUNTEER

THROUGH THE EYES OF ITS COMMANDER

The Reserve Unit WRITTEN BY STEPH STRICKL A ND

The most important lesson that Steve Miller learned in law enforcement is to never take anything at face value.

To him, truth is an elusive idea.

This would be a lesson that he would carry with him during his 30 years in law enforcement and 25 years practicing law. Both of his careers have intertwined throughout his life, and he now works as the founding attorney of The Law Offices of Stephen K. Miller by day and a reserve deputy for the Alachua County Sheriff’s office by night.

After simultaneously completing the police academy and his A.A. in 1987, Miller went on to serve as an officer for the City of Port Orange and then the Volusia County Beach Police Department until he decided to transfer to UF in 1989. Miller decided to continue his education with the goal of strengthening his career in law enforcement; in particular, he had his sights 42 |

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set on the FBI. He left with a degree from the Levin College of Law in 1994 and an entirely new set of goals for his life.

“I believe it was 1990, I was 23 or so… I was involved in a pretty serious car accident...,” he said. “For the first time I was exposed to insurance companies and how this process works as an injured person; people are really taken advantage of and don’t always know how to help themselves.”

His own experiences with injury law sparked a passion to help others through the difficult processes associated with accidents and other injuries. He has practiced injury law ever since. Today, his practice has expanded to include malpractice, business law and criminal defense. Miller said that “every day

May/June 2019

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PROFILE >> STEVE MILLER

and ears,” Miller said. is different” in his jobs, and that’s what he loves about them.

There have also been several instances where his skills have Recently, one of the reserve deputies on Miller’s team was the overlapped and given him a unique perspective as a lawyer first member of law enforcement on the scene of the tragic I-75 crash in January of this year. This deputy was able to perform and deputy.

Miller shared that he once worked on a custody battle a triage and assess the damage from the crash before EMS and that drew from both his civil and criminal law backgrounds. other emergency services arrived at the scene. Miller said that Immediately preceding a custody agreement being reached that working in law enforcement creates a thick skin. For the deputy gave the father rights to his children, the mother took the kids and at the scene of the I-75 crash, this meant seeing firsthand the absconded. Miller’s background allowed him to properly maneu- destruction of the accident, then having to remain level-headed to ver this situation as a lawyer working with law enforcement. help those involved. According to Miller, there are high expectations for law enforceEven though it took ment to remain calm some time, the kids in life’s most stressful were safely returned. situations.

As a reserve dep The reserve unit uty at the Alachua at the Alachua County C o u n t y S h e r i f f ’s Sherriff’s Office does Office, Miller has get to participate in worked up to his posimore “entertaining” tion as commander events, according of the reserve unit, to Miller. Working where he leads 10 children’s events, to 20 deputies that fairs and other famirun operations indely-friendly gatherings pendently of full-time to promote safety can deputies. be a lighthearted way Each member of to serve the commuthe reserve unit is nity. Miller said there fully trained and most is a balance to the of the team have pretypes of roles reserve viously worked in fulldeputies will serve; time law enforcement however, they are roles. The deputies treated in the same on the team also balway they would be as ance full-time work in full-time employees. other careers, but all Miller explained find a passion for law that anyone interenforcement. Miller ested in working in continues working in law enforcement, in law enforcement, in reserves or full-time, part, for his family, needs to be self-aware “I have four daughof their goals and ters, I have to do law work on time manageenforcement to keep When Miller is not working at his practice, he is volunteering his time as a reserve deputy, ment. In Miller’s eyes, an eye on them,” he which sometimes means having a laugh with Mr. and Mrs. Claus at the Miracle on Main time management is said with the laugh.

Street charity event. a simple task, “when Miller said it is too I’m not doing one, I’m doing the other… they don’t really oversoon to tell if any of his children will follow in his footsteps.

Reserve deputies at the Alachua County Sherriff’s Office are lap,” he said. According to Miller, this is the beauty of working required to work at least one shift per month but can do more in a reserve unit. He gets to exercise one of his passions during if they choose to. Miller likened the reserve unit to volunteer his work in law, but never had to give up his passion for law enforcement. fire departments, where everyone is fully trained and sent out “It’s really a question of what is your passion,” he said. alongside full-time employees, just without the separate station “In law, justice is being served civically. In law enforcement that most volunteer fire fighters have availble to them – and you could literally be saving someone’s life.” the big red truck. “Reserves provide an additional set of eyes

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COMMUNITY >> GOLD STAR FAMILIES

FORGET-ME-NOT

Ultimate Sacrifice Gold Star Families Memorial Monument Proposed for Veterans Park W RIT TE N BY S TE PH A NIE RICH A R DS

E

very day, Gold Star Families remember the empty seat at their table as the price paid for our freedom. Now, there is a proposal for a new monument garden at Veterans Memorial Park and the centerpiece would recognize the families behind fallen heroes — the ones who paid the ultimate sacrifice with their lives.

A Gold Star Families Memorial Monument project is underway to honor “Gold Star Families, preserve the memory of the fallen, and stand as a stark reminder that freedom is not free,” according to the Hershel Woody Williams Congressional Medal of Honor Education Foundation, Inc. (HWWMOHF) website. Established in 2012, the HWWMOHF is a nonprofit organization that encourages the establishment of Gold Star Families Memorial Monuments across the country. It also provides scholarships to eligible Gold Star children. The idea was planted in Williams’ mind while he was delivering Western Union telegrams to inform Gold Star families of the death of their loved one at the beginning of World War II. He thought the “recognition of the families of those lost in war was very inadequate” and would years later form the organization to honor them and preserve the memory of the fallen.

Local Gold Star families and others have joined together to establish a committee to see that a Gold Star Families Memorial Monument comes to fruition at Veterans Park. Gainesville residents

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PHOTOGRAPHY: STEPHANIE RICHARDS

Gold Star Family Mike and Tammy Clark hold their son Philip’s boots. He was in the Marine Corps and gave the ultimate sacrifice when he was killed by an Improvised Explosive Device in Afghanistan in 2010.

The Clark’s say the Gold Star Families Memorial Monument is unique because it specifically focuses on families of the fallen.

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COMMUNITY >> GOLD STAR FAMILIES

James Islam, along with his wife Donna, are spearheading the effort. The couple’s son, Joshua, was a Marine whose life ended tragically after a Recon training exercise at Camp Pendleton in California in 2014. Shortly after his death, the couple formed the Joshua 1:9 Foundation, which supports causes important to their son. “I put out a Twitter post and saw it was liked by the Williams Foundation. I didn’t know anything about it, so I decided to investigate further,” Islam said.

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Soon after, Islam reached out to Gainesville residents Mike and Tammy Clark to help form a committee. Their son, Philip, was in the Marine Corps and gave the ultimate sacrifice when he was killed by an Improvised Explosive Device in Afghanistan in 2010. The Clark’s say focusing specifically on families is unique and that is what makes this project so important. “There are monuments honoring the fallen, which we should do, but the families have to go on with a missing piece of their life. After PHOTOGRAPHY: STACEY AASVED, STEPHANIE RICHARDS

Foundation Co-Founder and Medal of Honor Recipient Hershel “Woody” Williams (pictured in red) is photographed with the Buchholz High School Air Force JROTC (above); Gold Star parents Donna and James Islam, Tammy Clark, and Betty Sue Vincent at the groundbreaking ceremony for a Gold Star Families Memorial Monument in August (left); and with the Islams (below).

Shown above is a photo of what the front of the Gold Star Families Memorial Monument at Veterans Park will look like. Fundraising is now underway for the project.

The memorial monument will join other memorials at Veterans Park, including “Walk Through Time,” pictured here.

9/11, there was a lot of talk and support for what [the military] were doing; now there is a silence,” Tammy said. “As Philip’s stepmom, it is hard because I don’t want his death to be in vain — what he died for was freedom for all of us.”

In addition to the Islams and Clarks, other committee members include Gainesville residents Cary and Jamie Hill. Cary served six years in the Marines and is retired from Gainesville Regional Utilities. He serves as unit commander, and his wife May/June 2019

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COMMUNITY >> GOLD STAR FAMILIES 48 |

helps with the administration, of the Milton Lewis Young estimated cost of the project is $60,000. The Williams Foundation covers the administrative costs for online donations, providing Marines, a youth education and service program for boys and girls ages eight through high school. The group is also involved a secure page for each project. “All the money donated through the Gainesville page on the website goes directly to this specific in the project. “A lot of people may not think about the families; they made a sacrifice too,” Jamie said. “Our Young Marines are project,” Islam said.

The Gainesville monument has now become part of a larger involved and helping with fundraising for the project. At the scale renovation of Veterans Park currently in the works, Islam same time, they are being educated about the sacrifices made explained. “The monument garden will be one of the first things for freedom too; that is very important for our future.”

Committee members agreed from the start that Veterans you see as you approach the park and the Gold Star Families Memorial Monument Memorial Park was the will be the centerpiece ideal place for such a due to its size and the monument. “People are fact that it is ready to be there all the time. It has constructed (fundraisinformation about all ing not withstanding),” the wars and the lives of he said. “We need three area residents that were things to make this a lost. It really is an edureality. We need to raise cational teaching tool,” the remaining $40,000, Mike Clark said. g et final approvals A groundbreaking from Alachua County ceremony was held and get site work to be August 25 for the projcompleted.” ect. Williams attended Islam said the comthe event and made mittee hopes to bring time to talk with fama greater awareness ilies and youth too. “It about the project and is important to eduraise funds through cate a generation that presentations to commay be less familiar panies, businesses and – and we are glad less organizations. He said familiar - with loss of the desire is to also life, but we want them have strong individual always to remember,” involvement through Islam said. Each Gold $10 or $20 donations Star Family Memorial that can be made in Monument is made of memory or honor of a black granite and bears veteran. “Our vision the words: “Gold Star is to have 5,000 sepaFamilies Memorial rate donations for this Monument, a tribute Vernest LeGree (right), Alachua County Parks/Open Space Superintendent, points and then display the to Gold Star Families out a monument garden as part of other proposed enhancements for Veterans names of each veteran and relatives who have Memorial Park. James Islam (left) is project chair of the Gold Star Families on a star in some type sacrificed a Loved One Memorial Monument committee, which is raising funds to make the monument a of visual illustration at for our Freedom.” At the centerpiece of the garden. the dedication,” Islam center is a cut-out of a said. “Each star is like a personal thank you and letter of encoursoldier, representing the fallen. “The monument is seven feet at the highest point and 13-feet wide. It will have a 25 to 30-foot agement to Gold Star families. It says their loved ones are not forgotten. The fallen define what a hero is to me. It is someone apron across and be wheelchair accessible,” Islam said. “The back will be a custom design by the committee, and we plan to willing to serve to the extent to risk their life – even give it – for involve other Gold Star Families from this area. It will include the personal well-being of someone else.” all branches of service represented with images that are as meaningful as possible.”

To learn more or make a donation, contact Islam at 352-538 There are 47 Gold Star Families Memorial Monuments 2301 or jislamasi@yahoo.com. Or visit http:// hwwmohf.org/ across the U.S., with another 57 currently being planned. The gainesville-fl.html OUR TOWN MAGAZINE

May/June 2019

PHOTOGRAPHY: STEPHANIE RICHARDS

PHOTO BY ADRIENNE FLETCHER

ADVERTISEMENT

Three Wheels and the Great Outdos “We really enjoy spending time on our Trike. It’s comfortable, easy to ride and allows us to enjoy a lifestyle we had only dreamed of.”

F

or Mike and Tammy Clark, owning a motorcycle wasn’t really on their radar. Sure, they loved being outdoors and always led a pretty active lifestyle, but it wasn’t until they visited Yellow Stone National Park in 2010 that they had an idea that soon became a reality.

“We came back from that trip and realized how much we enjoyed being outdoors and traveling together so we decided to look into motorcycles,” said Mike in a recent interview. “You get the best of both worlds.”

After much research and considerations, the couple landed on a “Trike”.

These three-wheeled motorcycles offer a more stable ride and can often be the perfect choice for couples looking to experience riding together. There’s a single wheel out front like a traditional motorcycle; however, the back looks anything but traditional with two wheels and a trunk like area with plenty of storage space for gear and luggage. These bikes are larger, easier to see on the road and offer a much more comfortable driving and riding experience.

“We looked into a few different models but quickly settled on the Harley-Davidson,” Mike said. “And we’ve never regretted our decision. Not only are they unbelievably well-built machines but when you buy a Harley – you’re buying into a family.”

Gainesville Harley-Davidson includes the first-year membership into the Harley Owners Group, or H.O.G. This

national organization is designed specifically for Harley owners and hosts monthly meetings, local rides and organizes events for riders of all skill levels, to spend time with other Harley owners in the area.

“B “Being a part of H.O.G. has been an incredible ex experience for Tammy and me as we’ve made some amazing friends and had some incredible rides together,” Mike said. “Every ride I do with them puts a smile on my face.”

Gainesville Harley-Davidson specializes in finding the right bike for everyone and with an assortment of models to choose from, the Trike is among many options to consider. Whether you’re a long-time rider l looking for a more comfortable option for you and your spouse or a first-time rider looking for something other than two wheels, a Trike can be a great option for touring and cruising.

“We love taking trips and have traveled as far north as North Carolina and as far south as Key West. We really enjoy spending time on our Trike,” Mike continued. “It’s comfortable, easy to ride and allows us to enjoy a lifestyle we had only dreamed of.”

Stop by the showroom today to see the Free-Wheeler or the Tri-Glide Ultra, two of Harley’s newest models of Trikes.

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50

COLUMN

DONNA BONNELL’S

Embracing Life #BROTHERSDAYMAY24

DONNA BONNELL BECAME THE AUTHOR OF HER COLUMN, EMBRACING LIFE, MORE THAN A DECADE AGO. SHE SHARES HER PERSONAL CHALLENGES AND VICTORIES WITH THE GOAL OF INSPIRING HER READERS TO ANALYZE WHY THINGS HAPPEN IN THEIR OWN LIVES. bonneldj@gmail.com

A

rthur Ashe said, “True heroism is remarkably sober, very undramatic. It is not the urge to surpass all others at whatever cost, but the urge to serve others at whatever cost.”

Ashe is the only African-American male tennis player ever ranked number one in the world. Also, an activist, Ashe contracted AIDS from a blood transfusion. Ashe, born in 1943, passed in 1993 – from AIDS-related pneumonia. He became a monumental hero in his efforts to raise awareness about this dreadful disease before his death.

Regular readers know the subject of “Embracing Life” is usually conceived from unexpected signs I have received. For this column, every avenue I turned led to a message about the heroism found in brotherhood. Ashe was not a local hero. His story, however, deeply touched my soul and led me to embrace two other non-fictional tales of brotherhood.

“Three Identical Strangers” is a factual report about triplets – brothers who were separated at birth and adopted. They were split up to conduct a long-term underground study. Their progress was followed to determine whether genetics or the environment played the primary role in molding individuals.

To make matters worse, the committee’s findings are sealed and cannot be revealed for decades.

Their parents were not aware of what was taking place and each child experienced different lifestyles. By a twist of fate, the boys were reunited as young adults. While the story shares their gleeful reunion, there is a heartbreaking dark side. Sadly, one of the triplets completed suicide. The hedonism (rather than heroism) of those responsible for this research and their subsequent events, negatively altered many lives.

“Run the Race,” a movie produced by Tim Tebow, followed. It is another true story based on brothers – Zach and Dave Truitt.

Mom passed at a young age from cancer and Dad became an alcoholic. The brothers faced many challenges and learned how to lean on each other through their struggles. In the film, Mario Van Peebles stars as the pastor of their church. In this role, his goal was to be real, not perfect. The actor was allowed to ad-lib some lines (based on his own real-life experiences) and portray what he believed in his heart.

In an interview published in “The Southern Cross,” (a San 50 |

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May/June 2019

Diego newspaper) Van Peebles said, “The message of “Run the Race,” is maybe, in some ways more relevant now than ever.

We’re culturally at a place where Americans are sort of looking at what separates us more than what unites us. We’ve got to wake up and hold ourselves accountable, and, hopefully perpetuate a culture of kindness.”

It is evident that authentic heroism includes the brotherhood of all humans. When a quote from Martin Luther King Jr. randomly crossed my path, I knew for certain the importance of this message. King said, “We have flown the air like birds and swum the sea like fishes, but have yet to learn the simple act of walking the earth like brothers.”

As I wrote this column, the lyrics of a passionate 1960s piece played in my brain. “Get Together,” by the Youngbloods, promoted peace and camaraderie. Has the song’s meaning been lost in today’s cutthroat world? If so, we still have time to (re)cultivate a caring civilized society. Let the wise words of this retro song resonate from your heart, “Love is but a song to sing; Fear’s the way we die; You can make the mountains ring; Or make the angels cry.”

Brothers’ Day is celebrated on May 24th this year. It will be the perfect opportunity to honor our brothers (our heroes) with a hug, phone call or simply a smile. The time is now.

“Come on people now, Smile on your brother Everybody get together, Try to love one another Right now”

On a personal level, my biological brother is 11 years younger than me. Due to the circumstances in our lives, we only shared a home for the first eight years of his life. Our relationship has been more of parent-child, rather than brother-sister. Yet, we both know, if either of us needs the other, we can count on that special support.

I admire my brother in many ways. There are no words to express my gratitude for how well he unselfishly took care of our father through extremely difficult years. As Ashe described, he is my unsung hero.

Honor your local, international and personal heroes every day! Include #brothersdayMay24 in your correspondence to emphasize brotherly love.

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52

AIR AMBULANCE >> UF HEALTH SHANDSCAIR

CHOPPER DOCS

Airborne Heroes The UF Health ShandsCair Critcal Care Transport Program W RIT TE N BY J U LI A MITCH EM

“T

hese guys make the extraordinary look ordinary,” said Edward Crews, program director for the UF Health ShandsCair Critical Care Transport Program. Members of the flight teams put their lives on the line for their patients who are, no doubt, facing some of their darkest hours as they are treated and airlifted for further life-saving care.

However, Crews insists that this is by no means a one-man job. The success of these awe-inspiring men and women is the result of an ardent team and its joint efforts. Every single person has a part in making the ShandsCair program function efficiently. Whether it be someone from the adult/ pediatric team, administrative team, critical care ground transport team, neonatal/pediatric team, communication team, a mechanic or one of the pilots — all play a vital role.

The Communication Center is the backbone of the program, according to Crews. Communication specialists answer the incoming emergency calls and monitor flights in all locations. The center functions around the clock, 24 hours a day, with five specialists at a time working 12-hour shifts.

The hangar, located just off of Archer Road on SW 16th Avenue, has five helicopters, referred to as air ambulances, and works with Med-Trans (an air medical transport company) as an aviation partner. The air ambulances are flying Intensive Care Units (ICUs) and have Extracorporeal Membrane

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PHOTOGRAPHY: MICHAEL A. EADDY

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“The reason why I’ve been at ShandsCair for 23 years, going on 24 years, is being able to provide the highest level of critical care medicine to patients that wouldn’t have got it without us being here.”

Oxygenation (ECMO) capabilities, the process where blood is pumped through an oxygenator outside of the body when a patient’s heart or lungs aren’t working as they should. The program also has ten ground ambulances and access to an executive level jet for long distance flights.

Crews joined the ShandsCair program in 1995 as a flight respiratory therapist on the neonatal/pediatric team. He then went back to school in 2000 to earn his Nursing degree and then went into ICU Nursing, while simultaneously continuing to work with the ShandsCair team. In 2005, he joined the adult/ 54 |

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pediatric team as a flight nurse, and was promoted to chief flight nurse in 2013. He was hired as the program director two years ago.

“The reason why I’ve been at ShandsCair for 23 years, going on 24 years, is being able to provide the highest level of critical care medicine to patients that wouldn’t have got it without us being here,” Crews said.

ShandsCair not only has a large footprint in Gainesville and surround communities, but they also have bases just north of The Villages all the way to the Florida-Alabama border. Both their PHOTOGRAPHY: PROVIDED BY UF HEALTH

helicopter and ground teams are dispersed within this range. At their Gainesville location, they also have jets at their disposal.

These jets are used for regional flights within the state and the southeast, as well as both national and international flights.

Crews has responded to calls in Canada, Guatemala, Mexico, and the ShandsCair teams have been all over the Caribbean.

One of the program’s most recent cases was with a veteran who was injured in Mexico. The Wounded Warrior Project reached out to Crews and the ShandsCair, along with help from the VA hospital, and were able to successfully complete the

mission of getting the veteran back home to South Carolina, where he is reportedly doing very well.

ShandsCair is also very proud of their recent contribution to the Hurricane Michael relief efforts. The program was featured on national television as well as in the New York Times. “Our teams worked around the clock even though they had damage and families displaced themselves, but that community definitely benefited from our expertise,” Crews said. “We gave them our full effort and resources for weeks.”

Helping others is not something that is new for Crews, it’s May/June 2019

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PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHAEL A. EADDY

his way of life. He previously spent eight years in the U.S. Army Reserve as a combat medic and operating room (OR) tech, serving as a medic in both Desert Shield and Desert Storm. The skills Crews gained from his time serving his country have been invaluable for his work with the ShandsCair program.

“To be a medic you have to think much differently,” Crews said. “Your brain has to work faster and think outside of the box, and use what resources you have at hand. And that’s different than how you have to think as a nurse.” This is why the

ShandsCair nurses are trained as both a paramedic and a nurse.

According to Crews, the job requires the combination of those two different thought processes to properly tend to patients.

In the past two years, ShandsCair has doubled in size under Crews’ leadership. However, leadership in this kind of capacity was something Crews admits he never purposely sought out.

“I always built my career to be a clinical expert and that’s what I geared all my education toward, doing my best to avoid the administrative side,” he said. “But, it is a role that I am very

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happy I took because I get to help shape the next generation ... the next direction of ShandsCair for the future.”

A few years ago, Crews and his team coined the phrase “We do work,” which has evolved into “#dowork” on the program’s social media platforms.

This phrase means that the members of ShandsCair consider themselves ordinary people, not heroes, and focus on doing their work the best they can. To them, this is their everyday job.

“The ladies and men in blue, whether they’re in a flight suit or in a ShandsCair ambulance, are doing what they do because they love bringing critical care, bringing UF Health medicine to the patient,” Crews said. “Whether that’s on the interstate or a little ER in a rural county, they do it very well and they’re very proud of that. But, they’re very humble also.”

Collectively, Crews has spent about 31 years at UF Health Shands and has chosen not to retire at this point.

“This program is my family. We do something that’s very special, that very few people have insight into — the impact our teams have on the community and the region,” Crews said. “That’s just something you’re not going to find anywhere else and it’s hard to leave.”

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TRAINING >> CPR CERTIFICATION

STAYIN’ ALIVE

THE PROCESS OF CPR CERTIFICATION

Save A Life STORY A N D PHOTOGR A PH Y BY SU MMER JA R RO

Knowing CPR can save someone’s life.

“You never know when you are going to need it,” said Clay Gibbons, owner of Gator CPR, a community-based training center that offers CPR courses in Gainesville. CPR is Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation. It is a procedure performed on someone when their heart stops beating and allows for a greater chance of survival after cardiac arrest. CPR is important to know because when used it helps maintain active blood flow on a person, which can help greatly with resuscitation efforts once paramedics or medical professionals arrive.

“There’s hundreds and hundreds of stories of people getting saved and then there are also an equal amount of people who don’t know what to do,” Gibbons said. Each year, an average of 475,000 Americans die from cardiac arrest, according to the American Heart Association. In Gainesville and Alachua 58 |

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County, there are multiple centers or organizations that offer CPR classes to get people certified like GatorCPR and also the CPR Training Center at the University of Florida Health Shands Hospital.

There are different types of CPR courses with the most common courses for certification being the Basic Life Support (BLS) certification class for healthcare professionals and a Heart Saver class for lay rescuers, or people in the community who are not health care providers but are still trained in CPR. If someone wants to get CPR certified all they need to do is take the proper CPR course. Once completed they receive their CPR certification card.

The two common courses usually take between two to four hours where attendees are taught adult, child and infant CPR, how to relieve choking, compressions and breaths, how to use an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) and First Aid skills, Gibbons said. For the BLS certification class, attendees are

There are several places in Gainesville and Alachua County that offer CPR training courses, including GatorCPR — a community-based training center in Gainesville. In CPR courses, attendees use different equipment provided to learn how to give CPR on a person under cardiac arrest. Some of the equipment used in training includes adult and child manikins, a bag valve mask and pocket masks.

required to stay and learn every component of the class plus complete a 25 question exam online or in class to become CPR certified.

To achieve CPR certification in the Heart Saver course, the minimum requirement for attendees is to learn adult CPR and how to use an AED, said Lizzy Casey, director of operations at GatorCPR. GatorCPR offers the BLS course four to five times a week and the Heart Saver course every other week for the community.

“The more people we can get out there who know how to do CPR — it increases our survival rate because if you think about it we are usually the first responder,” Gibbons said.

“We’re the first people on the site before the paramedics arrive, so what we do is critical

prior to EMS (Emergency Medical Services) coming.”

Both classes go through the same concepts, but the health care provider course also delves into team dynamics. The classes usually begin with showing videos of CPR situations and how to do chest compressions properly on adults. The CPR instructor then reviews the steps one should take when someone goes into cardiac arrest. According to redcross.org, these steps include: checking to make sure the area around the person is safe and clear, tap the person on the shoulder and ask them “Are you Ok?” to ensure they need help, Call 911 and send someone to get an AED if one is available, open the airway and check for signs of breathing, begin chest

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TRAINING >> CPR CERTIFICATION

Some contents of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED)/ CPR Rescue Kit are CPR masks, razors, scissors, gauze pads and latex gloves.

compressions and rescue breaths, and if available use an AED until paramedics arrive. Chest compressions should be delivered at a rate of at least 100 compressions per minute.

The class then leads into parts of an AED and how to properly and safely use it, infant and child CPR as well as other important components. The courses use adult and infant manikins, a bag valve mask, two pocket masks and a one-way valve trainer for teaching CPR. On March 30, Pat Smith attended the BLS course to renew her CPR certification, which she has done about 10 times. Smith is a registered nurse at UF Health Shands so taking the course is required for her profession. Although it is a requirement and she has never had to use CPR on anyone since first becoming certified, she still thinks knowing CPR is an important skill to have. “I think it just helps with the general public,” she said.

“You never know when you’ll need it.”

Murphey Morgan, a first-year UF graduate student studying applied physiology and kinesiology, attended the Heart Saver GatorCPR course on April 4. He attended because it is a requirement for the internship he is taking this summer, but also knows that certification is beneficial. “It’s a nice safety thing because they do infant CPR as well,” Morgan said. “[I] have a 17-month-old son at home, so that’s nice to have infant CPR certification as well as the adult.”

At GatorCPR, Gibbons notices that the main reason people come to get CPR certified is because it is a requirement for their job or school, which is what the organization is trying to change.

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The hope is to really show how valuable it is to know CPR aside from the requirement many people need to meet, he said. “Our goal is to train as many people in our community as possible,” Gibbons said.

GatorCPR also offers extra advanced CPR courses for health professions, such as the Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) course for healthcare professionals like paramedics who directly deal with cardiovascular emergencies and the Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) course for healthcare providers dealing with emergencies for infants and children.

The CPR Training Center at UF Health Shands also offers BLS courses, Heart Saver, PALS and ACLS for the community.

Similar to GatorCPR, the center is listed with the American Heart Association. BLS courses are available once a week with PALS and ACLS courses offered once a month and Heart Saver classes provided whenever needed at the training center.

Many of the people in the community that come to the CPR Training Center for classes are those who have had a friend or family go into cardiac arrest or are worried about the possibility of themselves going under cardiac arrest. They have a desire to help others and don’t want to be in a cardiac situation where they lack the knowledge to save someone, said Patty Boyte, coordinator of the training center. “[Being CPR certified is] having that ability to be able to respond in an emergency,” Boyte said. “And [it’s] what’s a good possibility of getting that person who goes down in cardiac arrest their best survival chances.

SOURCE: AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION

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AMAZING ANIMALS >> K9S FOR VETERANS

VETER AN’S BEST FRIEND

K9s for Warriors Giving Veterans a New Leash on Life W R I T T E N B Y H AY L I Z U C C O L A

R

andy Dexter, a combat medic with the United States Army, is always vigilant of his surroundings.

While on active duty in Iraq, he cautiously travels through the bustling streets of Baghdad – a city clouded by the shadows of balcony adorned skyscrapers that are laced with nonuniform snipers. Riding with his squad downtown, Dexter regularly scans his environment, but in war not everything can be anticipated – a fact made clear the second his troop’s vehicle is hit by an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) that detonated nearby.

His heart racing, Dexter scrambles to put his medical training into action, but as the minutes pass, devastation closes in around him until the flashback scene disappears and he’s sitting at home once again.

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Dexter medically retired from the military at the rank of staff sergeant in 2013, but his mind still takes him back to April 5, 2005 – the day that would forever change the way he looked at the world. Flashbacks are just one of the many debilitating symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder or PTSD – a condition that Dexter and other veterans face as a result of their time in the service. Triggered by familiar smells; loud noises like fireworks or balloons popping; and certain imagery, PTSD also carries with it symptoms like hyper-vigilance, isolation and avoidance.

“For PTSD a lot of the time you’re stuck in the past and/or really worrying about the future and possible things because of the trauma that you’ve faced,” Dexter said. “You’re never really in the present.”

With the weight of this condition continuing to crush him, Dexter turned to alcohol to ease the

During his time at the University of Nevada Las Vegas, Randy Dexter became the Chapter President of the UNLV Rebel Vets. He also became a top 10 finalist for Student Veteran of the Year, which acknowledges exemplary veterans nationwide.

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AMAZING ANIMALS >> K9S FOR VETERANS

pain, a path that was ultimately unsuccessful. Fourteen different medications kept him numb and sedated, but this zombie-like state only distanced him from his family. Dexter spent the last 14 months of his army career in and out of a San Diego hospital, and endured everything from inpatient treatments and intensive outpatient treatments to music therapy and recreation therapy. However, nothing brought him relief. After trying what seemed like every option, he found Canine Inspired Community Reintegration – a six-week program designed to determine if a service dog could help in a way that medicine or therapy couldn’t. The success of spending time with therapy dog Ricochet eventually led Dexter to K9s for Warriors.

K9s for Warriors was established in Ponte Vedra in 2011 with the goal of using trained service dogs to restore the lives of post-9/11 veterans who suffer from PTSD, traumatic brain injuries and/or military sexual trauma. As of March 2019, K9s has had 524 warriors graduate from the program – a feat made possible with the help of some paw-padded heroes.

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Eighty to 90 percent of the service dogs selected to aid in K9s mission are rescue dogs. The program works with various shelters to find rescues that meet size restrictions, age and disposition requirement. Once chosen, the dogs are kept in quarantine for 10 days to make sure they’re healthy and ready to take on Camp K9. When they are in the clear, they’re put through various temperament tests to see how they react around other dogs, strangers and having their food taken away. If they pass, they’re introduced to clicker training and learn simple commands like “sit” or “stay” before moving on to actions created with their future companion in mind. They learn cues like “block” to increase the space around their veteran; “cover” to scan behind their partner and alert them if someone’s approaching; as well as “my lap,” which is used to help snap a warrior out of a flashback or calm a panic attack.

Lora Toney developed an interest in training service dogs from her now-husband’s battle with veteran-related PTSD. Even without proper training, both their dogs were able to recognize

Camp K9 in Ponte Vedra has the capacity to help 12 warriors a month and has 60 dog kennels available so there are always dogs trained for each incoming batch of warriors. Trainers there handle anywhere from five to seven dogs at a time. They take each dog out around town to train and practice their skills in public.

Something unique to K9s for Warriors is that 80 to 90 percent of the dogs in training are rescue dogs — so some dogs may pick up new skills quickly and others may take a bit longer. While the trainers aim for teaching the dogs everything necessary within three months, it usually takes around six to seven months for them to be absolutely ready.

and react to his flashbacks by lying on him to wake him up. That natural instinct led her to believe that dogs could have a greater purpose and be trained to help other veterans. After actively training pets for four years, she joined the K9s team and focused her skills on turning rescue dogs into service dogs.

Regardless of the rigorous effort she puts into each canine, not all of them are equipped to be service animals. So far, K9s has helped rescue 1,014 dogs and although around half of them lack what it takes to be a furry battle buddy, they still get a chance at a new life. “If a dog washes from a program it doesn’t mean that we just send them back to the rescue or facility that we pulled them from,” Toney said. “We have a Facebook page and a new website now that posts washed dogs from the program and makes them available to the local population in Florida.”

Meanwhile, the pups that earn their prestigious new title eagerly wait to report for duty while K9s matches their personality and capabilities against each warrior’s application.

The program surveys everything from family atmosphere and

lifestyle to hobbies and level of activeness, with the intent of making each pairing a lasting partnership.

Dexter, who was an avid hiker before his time in the service and has a family-oriented home, flew to Florida in August 2014 where he would meet Captain – a cream-colored rescue from a shelter in Greenville, South Carolina. Captain had a playful, infectious charm and an eagerness to meet his new companion.

“When I came to Florida and I actually got to meet Captain I broke down because I knew my life was going to change and it was going to change for the better,” Dexter said.

K9s takes each new group of veterans through a three-week course where they learn basic and PTSD-related commands; what food, treats and toys are best for their new furry friends; proper veterinary care; how to groom their dog and what legal rights they have with a service animal. As a team they also participate in public access training where they practice going into stores and crowded areas to put their new techniques to the test.

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After completing the three-week workshop, Dexter returned to his home-state of Nevada with Captain by his side. With the comfort of his four-legged comrade, he earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Nevada Las Vegas where he was commencement speaker; president of the honor’s society; president of the UNLV Rebel Vets; and a top 10 finalist for Student Veteran of the Year. “Captain helped me graduate from college. I mean he didn’t do my homework for me... you know, but I was actually able to go to class and be present and learn and be active,” he said.

When he wasn’t studying for school, Dexter and Captain traveled across the country as ambassadors for K9s. Together they helped spread the word on the benefits provided through the use of a service dog, which includes a reduction or total elimination of medications for 92 percent of K9 graduates, according to the their website. The program also implements an initial home check on their dogs and warriors; provides a Facebook group for member updates; and requires recertification after the first year and every two years after that.

“It saved my life,” Dexter said. “It gave me the ability to be a husband again and gave me the ability to be a dad to my kids.”

A week before Dexter was set to begin The Gold Family Campus for K9s for Warriors in Alachua opened in January 2018. It has the grad school he got a call about a campus capacity to provide training, which includes giving warriors a place to live, for seven warriors a director position at K9s new expansion: month and 10 dogs. the Gold Family Campus in Alachua.

Without hesitation, he packed up his family and moved to classes to new warriors. It also features refresher courses for past graduates, which for dog-trainer Toney is always an uplifting the Sunshine State. Positioned in the heart of the countryside sight to see. “Giving the dogs to their warriors after working and painted by serene, lush greenery, the new campus provides incoming warriors with an instant sense of relaxation – of with them for so long is heartrendering and heartwarming at course the addition of smiling pooches helps too. “Seeing, you the same time,” she said. “But then seeing them want to come know, guys that are 6-foot-5, 250 pounds [with] big burley back and continue working with the dogs instead of just giving beards meet their dogs and just turn into putty and clay and up on the process, that has been a real boost to my passion and melt into their dogs — it’s just, it’s the greatest experience,” drive to work down here.”

Even though they have a cuddly exterior, each rescue dog acts Dexter said.

The new campus opened in January 2018 with classes offi- as a guardian angel to veterans who have spent their military cially starting that March. Despite only being around for a short careers protecting their country and deserve a hero of their own now. time, the new facility has already had a positive impact on the community. “People here have been so kind and wonderful while “In the army we have seven army values. Loyalty is number we’ve been out training our dogs or training our warriors,” he one,” Dexter said. “Captain [and] his loyalty to me and mine to him... there’s no matching it except for when I think about being said. “We’ve got guys from Colorado, Georgia, Tennessee and they get to see what a wonderful community Gainesville is and in war — because it’s all you have, you have each other.”

Alachua County [is].”

Although its smaller than its predecessor, a unique compo- To find out more information on K9s for Warriors as well as nent of the Gold Family Campus is that in addition to offering volunteer opportunities, visit their website at: k9sforwarriors.org.

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PROFILE >> HIGH SPRINGS FIRE DEPARTMENT

DYNAMIC DUO

An Act of Kindness High Springs Firefighters Serve the Community in Many Ways W RIT TE N BY J U LI A MITCH EM

T

he High Springs Fire Department began in 1913 and has served area residents for over 100 years. During this time the department has built a strong network of support with close community ties. Doug Hope and Brian Langston are both firefighters within the department, and have become a prime example of how first-responders can serve members of the community in more ways than one — through kindness.

A story about these two firefighters was recently shared on a Facebook group titled “Gainesville Word of Mouth.” The pair bought an elderly woman a microwave after they were called to her residence by accident — a false lifeline alarm. When it was clear that the alert was accidental and everything

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was as it should be, Hope and Langston discovered that there was one thing that still needed fixing: a broken microwave. The resident Hope and Langston came to help relied on that microwave for her meals, which are brought to her.

“She kept telling us she just wanted to eat,” Langston said. The firefighters described the visit as a routine call. They had been to her residence before and were familiar with her condition. Hope and Langston tried to fix the microwave but were unable to get it to work.

“I just felt so bad for her, the meal was still frozen,” Hope said. “I told her before I left, before I even told [Langston], that I’m just going to Lowe’s to buy her a microwave.” After leaving her residence, the two called their chief and got permission to head to Lowe’s and buy her a new microwave. “If I

Firefighters Doug Hope (left) and Brian Langston (right) fearlessly serve the High Springs community by always responding to calls with kindness as well as the safety and quality of life of others in mind. This mindset is one shared by all of the firefighters at the High Springs Fire Department.

PHOTOGRAPHY: MICHAEL A. EADDY

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told that story to my mom and said I just left, my mom would be mad at me for leaving somebody like that,” Hope said. The firefighters skipped their own dinner at the station and drove down to Lowe’s to help the resident who had nothing else to eat and nobody available to help her at the time.

The two had a running joke from when they previously worked together — that they were not allowed to ride together because they got along so well. Langston took the picture of Hope at Lowe’s to show his firefighter friends that they were riding and working together again.

“I was having fun [taking the photo]. It was a gag, and I sent it to our [Public Information Officer] who sent it out,” Langston said. “We were just having a good ol’ time with it.”

The two made their act of kindness lighthearted and fun. When the firefighters returned to the woman’s residence, they said she was surprised they had come back. After making good on their word, they installed the new microwave and she was finally able to eat her dinner. “I didn’t think [the photo] was going to get 4.7 million views,” Hope said. “But, we do that stuff all the time.”

Hope has been a firefighter since 2000, and began working with the High Springs department in October.

He said that he always wanted to be either a firefighter or a part of law enforcement in some way, it was always a cross between the two.

Hope did a couple ride-alongs with some police officers and shadowed his brother who was an EMT at the time. He saw that his brother was having a lot more fun. “Over the years I’ve learned that I’m a talker, like I like to talk to people. So this job really helps, because you’re always talking to people… you can sort of understand the little issues they got and if you can fix them that’s what we do,” Hope said.

During the 34 years Langston has been an EMT, he’s also been a OUR TOWN MAGAZINE

May/June 2019

PHOTOGRAPHY: JULIA MITCHEM

A-Shift Lieutenant Kevin Pearson (top left), Firefighter Kim Arnold (bottom right), Firefighter Doug Hope (bottom left) and Firefighter Chip Clemons (top far left) recently spent a part of one of their shifts cleaning their equipment and vehicles. The firefighters at the High Springs Fire Department routinely clean everything to make sure they maintain a professional appearance and make a great impression on the people they help.

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PROFILE >> HIGH SPRINGS FIRE DEPARTMENT

The High Springs Fire Department is a family.

According to Hope and Langston, they have a great crew that has a strong brotherhood and sisterhood. Members of the department recognize how special their camaraderie is and do not take it for granted.

firefighter for almost 20. Collectively, he has worked with the High Springs department for 11 years, having been previously employed there from 2000 - 2005. Langston started working right out of high school as an EMT back when emergency medical services (EMS) and Fire departments were separate.

“There was no way you would get me to run into a burning building,” Langston said. “There was absolutely no way.” He

was on a rescue team for years, then went into the Army and eventually came to the High Springs Fire Department. It was after a train-and-burn exercise at the department that he changed his mind and got excited about joining this fiery field. Now as a firefighter and instructor, braving burning buildings is just a part of his job.

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thoroughly enjoy their job and all that they get to do for their town.

High Springs is a small but tight-knit community. “...We live here. My family lives here. It’s kind of what we do,” Langston said.

Langston recalled an earlier encounter with a family member of a resident he had rescued. “She comes up and gives me a hug every time I see her at Winn-Dixie… [we saved her husband] two or three years ago,” Langston said. Hope even saved the Fire Chief’s mother. The crew at High Springs have built a family-like base with a very strong sense of camaraderie. “I’m retiring here. I’m not going anywhere,” Hope said.

Kevin Mangan is the Public Information Officer (PIO) for the High Springs Fire Department. Mangan has been with the department since 2012, he balances his full-time career working in radio and volunteers as a firefighter over the weekends. “We have a really, really good core group of guys. We’re a small department, but we’re a very tightly knit family, which works well for the community that we’re in,” he said.

Mangan recognizes that you do not become a firefighter for recognition or admiration, but it is nice to know that their department is appreciated.

About five years ago, Mangan and some other firefighters were sitting at the station’s kitchen having dinner two weeks before Christmas when there was a knock on the door. A group of people from a local church came in to sing Christmas carols to them. “It was like something out of a movie,” Mangan said. “It was so idyllic, that if Norman Rockwell were there he would love to do a painting of [it] … [everyone] celebrating the holidays as one.”

Here’s to our first-responders — may they all feel like part of the family!

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HISTORY >> MEMORIAL DAY

MEMORIAL DAY

History of the Fallen A Historic Look at America’s National Day of Remembrance W RIT TE N BY C A MERON COBB

C

elebrated on the last Monday in May, Memorial Day honors the men and women who paid the ultimate sacrifice while serving in the United States military.

But how did it all begin? Check out several facts and figures about both Memorial Day and Florida’s military history.

Memorial Day History Prior to any official “Memorial Day,” Americans still participated in the activity of honoring service members, beginning with the establishment of the country’s first national cemeteries, according to history.com. During the late 1860s, following the devastation of the Civil War, Americans all over the country honored fallen soldiers by delivering prayers and flowers to their graves, such as in the village of Waterloo, New York. The Waterloo community paid their respects to deceased military members during an annual event first held on May 5, 1866, where businesses closed and village residents brought flowers and flags to decorate the graves of service 74 |

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members. Following 100 years after the village’s first annual dedication day, Waterloo was declared “the official birthplace of Memorial Day” by the federal government in 1966.

Beyond just the community of Waterloo’s celebration, the popularity of honoring service members continued to expand all across the country. In 1868, General John A. Logan (leader of an organization for Northern Civil War veterans) called for a nationwide day of remembrance for the 30th of May, which like Waterloo, would honor the lives of fallen soldiers and be known as “Decoration Day.” On the first Decoration Day, General Logan gave a speech at Arlington National Cemetery in PHOTOGRAPHY: VMBFOTO

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HISTORY >> MEMORIAL DAY

Virginia, where 5,000 participants used flowers to decorate the 20,000 graves of both Union and Confederate soldiers.

It wasn’t until 1968 that Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, establishing Decoration Day (or the more modernly known Memorial Day) as an annual holiday on the last Monday in May. A few years later the law finally went into effect, making 1971 the first year for the now federally recognized Memorial Day.

Memorial Day vs. Veterans Day

While both holidays focus on the military service of the nation’s many heroes, both do so in different ways. In May, Memorial Day honors those service members who gave their life while in the line of duty, while in November, Veterans Day honors all past and present service members of the U.S. military who have served. The difference between the two holidays is the honoring of specific military members as opposed to the nation’s veterans as a whole. To help differentiate, just think of May’s holiday being “memorial” to honor the “memory” of those who have given the ultimate sacrifice.

Florida’s Veteran Facts & Figures:

• Florida’s earned a reputation as the “most veteran-friendly state in the nation,” according to floridavets.org.

• Florida is home to more than 1.5 million veterans (with nearly 1.2 million being wartime veterans).

• The state has the nation’s third largest veteran population (with California having the highest followed by Texas).

• Florida has the nation’s second largest population of women veterans (more than 140,000).

• On an annual basis, Florida veterans bring more than $18.4 billion federal dollars into the state’s economy.

Floridians in World War II World War II was the second deadliest conflict in American history (after the Civil War), according to museumoffloridahistory.com. The war claimed the lives of more than 4,600 Floridians alone, including that of Captain Colin P. Kelly. Captain Kelly was not only one of the state’s heroes, but one of the first American heroes for dedicating and sacrificing his life to the safety of the country.

Captain Colin P. Kelly, Jr. of Madison, Florida: As a B-17 Flying Fortress bomber pilot, Captain Kelly became an American symbol of resistance 76 |

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SOURCE: FLORIDAVETS.ORG, VA’S VETERAN POPULATION PROJECTION MODEL FOR 2016

PHOTOGRAPHY: VMBFOTO, ROBERTO GALAN

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HISTORY >> MEMORIAL DAY

during World War II. While flying over the Philippines, Captain Kelly and his team were on a mission when they were attacked by a Japanese fighter. Captain Kelly promptly instructed his crew to bail the aircraft, though he did not make it out of the plane in time himself and lost his life during the incident. For both his dedication to the mission and his crew’s safety, Captain Kelly’s sacrifice awarded him to be honored with the Distinguished Service Cross.

Florida’s Medal of Honor Recipients The Medal of Honor is the highest military decoration awarded to members of the U.S. Armed Forces by the U.S. president in the name of Congress. According to floridavets. org, there are 23 Medal of Honor recipients throughout history who have been accredited to Florida.

U.S. ARMY: Captain Charles Albert Varnum Sergeant Clarence M. Condon Second Lieutenant Alexander Ramsey Nininger Jr. Private James Henry Mills Private First Class Emory L. Bennett Staff Sergeant Clifford Chester Sims Specialist Fourth Class Nicholas J. Cutinha Staff Sergeant Hammett L. Bowen Jr. Sergeant Ardie R. Copas Sergeant First Class Paul R. Smith Staff Sergeant Robert J. Miller

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U.S. ARMY AIR CORPS: Second Lieutenant Robert Edward Femoyer Major Thomas Buchanan McGuire Jr.

U.S. NAVY: Chief Machinist’s Mate Francis Edward Ormsbee Jr. Lieutenant Commander William Merrill Corry Jr. Commander David McCampbell Hospital Corpsman Third Class Robert R. Ingram Lieutenant Junior Grade Clyde Everett Lassen

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COMMUNITY OUTREACH >> BASKETBALL COP FOUNDATION

GPD CONNECTION

THE GROWTH OF THE BASKETBALL COP FOUNDATION

Shooting Hoops W R ITTEN BY SU MMER JA R RO

It started with a call to the Gainesville Police Department.

On January 15, 2016, GPD patrol officer Bobby White was working when a call came to the police department saying there were several teenagers playing basketball loudly on the streets outside of the caller’s house, and that it was an issue that needed to be addressed. While that call wasn’t in his zone, White assigned himself to it and went to go check out the situation.

When White arrived at the location of the noise, he saw several boys, including Tyree Thomas (whose house they were playing in front of ), playing basketball. All of them were unsure of what was going to happen when White’s cop car pulled up.

“They all said the same thing,” White said. “They saw the cop pull up and they were scared. They didn’t know what to think.”

Instead of telling them to stop, White joined in the game making connections and relationships with the boys there, which was all recorded on his dash cam. When former GPD 80 |

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public information officer Ben Tobias saw the video, he posted an edited version of the encounter on the police department’s Facebook page, which quickly went viral garnering millions of views in less than a day. The initial call and what came after it would lead White to become known as the “basketball cop,” and later create the Basketball Cop Foundation. The mission of the foundation, which started three years ago, is to build a relationship between the younger community and law enforcement not only in Gainesville and Alachua County but across the country.

The foundation works to form and hold this relationship through different events, initiatives and community policing projects.

White was prompted to start the Basketball Cop Foundation because during his career as a patrol officer in Gainesville he has seen a disconnect between kids and cops. There is also a lack of trust and a misperception by many when it comes to

police officers. “They’ve never had a firsthand interaction,” White said.

Throughout his career White has made a point to get out of his car and create a dialogue with the youth in the community.

When the video became popular White noticed many comments, meant as compliments, saying there needed to be more police officers like him, which he felt was an insult to others in his profession, he said. “I know that there are thousands and thousands of cops like that every day out on patrol,” White said.

When the video first became popular, many news outlets contacted GPD and Tobias hoping to interview White and cover a story on him. White refused, not wanting to talk about something that wasn’t out of the ordinary, he said. “I said ‘I’m not doing it. I’m not going to take undue credit for what so many cops all over the country are doing every day. I just don’t feel right doing it’,” White said.

Tobias was, however, able to convince him to do two interviews — one of them being a TMZ interview, which got the NBA involved.

Former NBA player Shaquille O’Neal surprised White and came with him and other GPD officers to Thomas’ house to play a rematch game with all the boys White met on the call. The entire game was caught on video, gaining the story even more attention.

White then did interviews with other media outlets, even getting invited along with the boys to both an Orlando Magic and Florida Men’s Gator basketball game.

Many people began sending donations of basketballs and basketball hoops to White.

The donations gave White the idea to raise funds to build a basketball court, which he did in Thomas’ backyard — near the spot where the call was made.

With the story getting so much attention and many people wanting to see him do more, White found it was a perfect opportunity to do something to show the world there are other officers out there just like him. Shortly after, the Basketball Cop

Foundation was formed. Since then, the foundation has worked and partnered with about 50 police stations across the country to continue with its mission. The foundation’s different initiatives focus on sending donations of basketballs and basketball goals to officers so that they can then give them to the kids in their community in hopes of fostering a connection. White recently donated 50 basketballs to a police officer in Kentucky.

“You think about 50 basketballs, that’s 50 opportunities to make a one-on-one connection and a first impression on a kid,” White said. “It’s huge and those 50 basketballs cost me $250, so if you think about that — where else are you going to spend $250 that you’re going to make an impact like that?”

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COMMUNITY OUTREACH >> BASKETBALL COP FOUNDATION

in Thomas’ backyard, the foundation has built two others in Alachua County, one in Jacksonville and the renovation of eight other courts across the state. While the foundation does have the word “basketball” in it, it’s not just focusing on basketball initiatives. “It’s anything that’s going to give an officer a tool to change the perception that a kid has on them,” White said.

The foundation also hosts backpack drives, Christmas events where wrapped gifts are given to families, and an annual high school All-Star game with the top high school players in the county playing against a team of police officers. The foundation has also donated new washers and dryers to several schools and has a Kicks for Kids initiative where sneakers have been given 82 |

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to those in need of them.

Since its creation, White has found it “mind-boggling” how much the foundation has grown from a video he initially thought would have only been popular for a short time in this social media age. “It’s amazing to me how it keeps going and going and going. I’m going to keep doing it as long as people want to see it,” White said. “…I would love for there to be a day when there is just no need for a foundation like mine, like there is no issue between the cops and the kids. That would be fantastic.”

Today, he still keeps in contact with the boys he met when answering the police call that started it all.

“They’re like family to me now,” he said.

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BOOK REVIEW

TERRI SCHLICHENMEYER’S

Reading Corner

A BEAUTIFUL DAY IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD: THE POETRY OF MISTER ROGERS lyrics by Fred Rogers, illustrations by Luke Flowers

C.2019, QUIRK BOOKS, $19.99, 143 PAGES

TERRI SCHLICHENMEYER HAS BEEN READING SINCE SHE WAS 3 YEARS OLD AND SHE NEVER GOES ANYWHERE WITHOUT A BOOK. SHE LIVES WITH HER TWO DOGS AND 11,000 BOOKS. HER BOOK REVIEWS ARE PUBLISHED IN MORE THAN 200 NEWSPAPERS AND 50 MAGAZINES THROUGHOUT THE U.S. AND CANADA. bookwormsez@yahoo.com

WHAT KINDS OF THINGS MAKE YOU HAPPY?

H

ugs and kisses might be your answer. Puppets and giraffes, maybe. Sunshine, friends, and a day on your bike. These are things you’ll find in another something that should make you happy: “A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood: The Poetry of Mister Rogers,” lyrics by Fred Rogers, illustrations by Luke Flowers.

So what are you doing today? If you say “yes” to Mr. Rogers’ invitation, then you might meet tigers or learn how to make a pretend telephone. You could spend the day with a king or just spend it “being here.” As Mr. Rogers said, you’re “going to like today.”

In this book, you’ll meet new friends and have new experiences.

You’ll be introduced to a boy walking his giraffe. You can be an elephant, or be invited to imagine what your parents were like when they were little. “When a baby comes,” you’ll see that it’s going to be just fine.

Learning to deal with your emotions is important and Mr. Rogers has a poem for you here about being mad, which is okay. Read another one about being hurt, and how it’s normal to cry. He says it’s “good to talk” about what you like and what you don’t, and you shouldn’t be afraid to ask for somewhere to call your own. You also shouldn’t allow people to laugh at you.

Take your time when learning something new, try to be your best, and even if you might struggle with that, always remember

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that someone likes you just as you are.

Here, you’ll learn about fences and why people might have them. Find out why it’s fun to imagine being someone grown-up; and how a wish you made when you were mad won’t make something come true. You’ll see what happens when water goes down the drain, and find out why you won’t. And you’ll learn that words are important but “There are many ways to say ‘I love you.’”

While you’re reading “A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood,” there’s one discrepancy you may notice: these poems are supposed to be lyrics to songs.

Millions of children knew author Fred Rogers as a friend and an inspiration, and for those who faithfully watched his TV shows or loved his albums, that won’t be an issue here: these words will be as familiar as the A-B-C Song.

That’s the literary version of comfort food for a kid of any age, including a parental former-kid who’s sharing.

So will the lack of music even matter?

Probably not. Rogers’ compassion and love for children pulses through this book in words that comfort and teach. There are lyrics here for boosting self-confidence, for learning to control emotions, for friendship, bad times, and silliness. Those who never saw his original episodes will get the message despite lack of music because, as you may remember, Rogers was irresistible for a small kid. If yours needs what these poems say, “A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood” will make everybody happy.

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NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION >> PAY TO SPAY

A HERO TO PETS

Pay to Spay A Local Animal Advocate Creates a New Nonprofit W R I T T E N B Y H AY L I Z U C C O L A P H OTO G R A P H Y B Y M I C H A E L A . E A D DY

E

very week, daytime television icon Bob Barker would grace the “Price is Right” stage, drawing attention away from the colorful spectacle of a set behind him, and close out the popular game show with a reminder for people to spay or neuter their pets.

While viewers associate the remark as one of Barker’s signature catchphrases, his comments offered a solution to reduce the overabundant pet population.

According to a shelter intake and surrender study completed by the ASPCA, approximately 6.5 million cats and dogs enter animal shelters across the United States every year. This estimate, though alarming, doesn’t even take into account the number of strays who are left wandering the streets just trying to survive. With limited space in the shelters, adoptable pets – 1.5 million a year nationwide – are euthanized in order to make room for incoming strays and/or newborn pets that owners can no longer afford to take care of. It’s a continuous cycle that sadly results in innocent animals never getting the chance to become someone’s best friend.

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Eve Crispin has made helping animals a life-long passion by creating the nonprofit Pay to Spay and providing a loving home to three dogs: Harper, Miley and Pepper (not pictured).

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“My dream for my whole life has been to do something long-lasting to help animals.”

Eve Crispin, who’s an interior decorator by trade, has had a passion and love for animals her entire life. “My dream for my whole life has been to do something long-lasting to help animals,” she said. “I mean obviously I have a lot of animals that I’ve adopted and they’re helped, but I wanted to do something on a broader scale.”

While working with rescue organizations throughout the past 20 years, Crispin noticed that even though rescues are critically important for giving animals a place to stay and the potential to be adopted, they aren’t designed to solve the issue 88 |

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of the ever-growing animal population. To change the status quo, Crispin wanted to create a way to limit the constant intake of and lack of space for companion animals — without having to resort to the previous methods used to temporarily fix the lingering problem.

In order to prevent euthanasia as a way of dealing with overcrowding in shelters, Crispin looked at finding a way to make spaying and neutering an inexpensive option for lower-income communities. “I thought if I can’t afford it, how do low-income pet owners afford it. They don’t, which is why lower income

NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION >> PAY TO SPAY

areas have the highest kill rates in the shelters,” she said.

In addition to the absence of a high income, rural areas typically don’t have access to programs and organizations that are designed to help people financially so that medical procedures like spaying and neutering can be both affordable and achievable for caring pet parents.

“Alachua County has a ton of resources. The humane society is now no-kill. Animal control works with the humane society and they’ve really reduced their numbers,” Crispin said. “We’ve got Operation Catnip, I mean all kinds of resources in Alachua

County. But outside of the county, those resources don’t exist.”

With both of these obstacles in mind, in 2016, Crispin developed Pay to Spay — a nonprofit that works with various rescues, veterinary clinics and volunteers in the community to reach out to pet owners who are in need of financial assistance in regard to spaying or neutering their pet. According to Crispin, a typical spay or neuter procedure can cost hundreds of dollars. However, by working with participating vets that offer a low-cost option to nonprofits, Pay to Spay can lower those expenses even further by asking accepted applicants to pay a $20 co-pay for cats or May/June 2019

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NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION >> PAY TO SPAY

PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY PAY TO SPAY

Dr. Wendy Biggs (Left) transformed a toy hauler into a fully-equipped mobile vet clinic in order to reach pet parents who live in rural areas. Below she is pictured performing surgery on one of the many animals she is able to spay or neuter at a reduced cost — in order to help the Pay to Spay cause.

a $40 co-pay for dogs while Pay to Spay covers the remaining balance for the surgery.

In 2017, Pay to Spay provided spay and neuter procedures to 262 pets – a statistic that rapidly expanded to 555 surgeries in 2018. “We’re a new-ish organization who has in the first few years done phenomenal,” Crispin said. “We’re getting so much traction in the communities, so much positive feedback that it’s just, you know, the sky’s the limit.”

What makes Pay to Spay successful is its partnership with local veterinarians. So far, Pay to Spay works alongside the Humane Society of North Central Florida in Gainesville; Suwannee PAWS, Inc. in Live Oak; Trenton Animal Hospital in Trenton; and Archer Animal Hospital and Cares Affordable Animal Clinic in Archer.

Dr. Wendy Biggs, who’s been caring for animals since graduating veterinary school in 2004, is the co-owner of Cares Affordable Animal Clinic. When she’s not in the office, she’s spending her days and usually weekends performing surgeries for other clinics and nonprofit organizations like Pay to Spay.

“When I was a kid I always had animals growing up and I just wanted the capability to do more to help them,” Biggs said.

In partnering with Pay to Spay, Biggs was able to reach more pets in rural areas – a concept she expanded upon by converting a 90 |

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toy hauler into a fully-equipped mobile clinic. This mobile clinic, which has all the capabilities as a stationary veterinary office, has allowed Biggs to travel to rural communities and continue her efforts in reducing the overwhelming pet population. “I’ve been doing this since 2005 and I’ve done thousands [of spays and neuters],” Biggs said. “And people all across the country have done millions and sometimes you’re like ‘we’re not putting a dent in [the overall problem].’”

Though Pay to Spay’s mission seems like a never-ending battle, it’s a small step that could create a big impact. “My vision for this, for Pay to Spay, is that it should at least be statewide,” Crispin said. “We have the need – the need is all over the state, it’s really all over the country – my goal is at least statewide, my dream is nationwide because that would eliminate the problem.”

Quite simply, Pay to Spay’s mission statement highlights the organization at its core: “Prevention is Kinder than Destruction.”

“It’s a heartstring for me, you know. I mean, I love animals so much,” Crispin said. “I think what I want people to know is that animals deserve better than what we’re doing now. It’s just heartbreaking. So, we can do better.”

For more information on donation or volunteer opportunities, visit Pay to Spay’s website at: paytospay.org.

SOURCE: ASPCA.ORG

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TO PROTECT AND SERVE PROFILE >> LT. KALEY BEHL

Lieutenant Kaley Behl A Family’s Legacy of Law Enforcement W RIT TE N BY S TE PH S TRICKL A N D

I

t wa s a n av e r a g e s p r i n g d ay i n Gainesville. Kaley Behl was sifting through digital court documents per the instructions of her volunteer supervisor. Her job was to make these documents legible and easily accessible by the public. Behl had never been much of a history buff, but she loved to volunteer.

Behl decided to investigate her own family history. After searching through documents containing her maiden name, she was able to trace her family name further and further into Gainesville history until she found its end – well, its beginning.

Zachariah Taylor made his way to Gainesville in the 1870s to establish his family in the growing town. His profession? By day he worked on the farmlands in the area, by night he worked as a piecemealed officer for the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office.

In that moment, Behl realized that her own service was not only a continuation of the decades of service from her father, she was also carrying on a century-old lineage from her second-great grandfather.

PHOTOGRAPHY: MICHAEL A. EADDY

Today, Behl works as a Lieutenant in the Policy and Accreditation Unit of the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office in her 21st year of service to the organization. Her unofficial start in the industry came at the age of 15. Even then, Behl knew she wanted to follow in her father’s footsteps; she wanted to become a cop at the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office.

Her father, Lamar Taylor served the Sheriff’s Office for 20 years, beginning in the 1960s, and focused his tenure on crime scene investigations. “He hated that I wanted to become a cop, it was a daddy’s little girl thing,” she said, “but he was always a big inspiration to me.”

Behl began her work in the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office Explorer Program at 15 years old, and she volunteered with the office until she was 21. Her commitment led to a sponsorship from the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office to attend the police academy, following the completion of her degree. Soon, she found herself working in court security, excited and ready to learn and grow.

“It was a great reward for the years of work… I certainly felt that there was going to be a need to prove myself,” she said, “but I came with a ‘challenge accepted’ attitude.”

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PROFILE >> LT. KALEY BEHL

In her class of about 20 people, Behl was one of about four women to successfully complete the police academy.

According to the Department of Justice, in 1998, when Behl was first entering the force, less than 15 percent of cops were female. That figure has slowly risen since then but remains relatively low even today. In her experience, Behl said that gender was continually blurred as she continued to grow in the field.

Behl said that she has enjoyed the entirety of her career, and her decision to pursue law enforcement from a young age proved to be correct. She looked forward to her time as a patrol officer – even when she got the midnight shift – in the beginning of her career, but particularly enjoys her current role as lieutenant because she is able to guide others. She said her 94 |

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current position gives her a chance to spark passion in those around her.

As a lieutenant, Behl firmly believes that leading by example and providing a respectful environment to work in has created an effective setting for learning. “Happy employees are productive employees,” she said. “...All of the people I work with are really good at what they do, I am here to help mentor that.”

Behl has made her current office a personal haven with photographs, artifacts and trinkets surrounding her desk. Her doors are left open to welcome the smiles and occasional playful comment from co-workers. “I surround myself with things I enjoy,” she said. “...I truly feel that your environment affects your mood.”

PHOTOGRAPHY: STEPH STRICKLAND

PROFILE >> LT. KALEY BEHL

Behl fills her office with things that inspire her. From historical artifacts including a vest once used to test bullets (left) and polaroids of former sheriffs from cities in the surrounding counties (right), to personal items like photos and trinkets.

strength and service in the Gainesville area.

In addition to her role as lieutenant, Behl also adamantly serves her community. She worked on the Ancient Records Behl said her father was her role model, and always gave Transcription Project at the Clerk of the Court’s Office, where her a moral compass to follow in her profession and in all other she was able to locate her family linage amongst thousands of parts of her life.

“I really want to live on through him, she said. “...I really names, records and lives that touched Gainesville’s history. think I made him proud.”

Behl also volunteers at Haile Homestead, giving tours and teaching children about the history surrounding the area.

“I probably volunteer too much of my Al Mincey Site Prep time,” Behl said with a laugh. “But I want to make sure these things aren’t lost.”

Behl didn’t stop there. She has also — COMMERCIAL & RESIDENTIAL — worked closely with Kevin McCarthy in generating a book on the history of the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office. This book contains Fill Dirt photographs and vital information from LLimerock Alachua County’s history, since its founding Demolition De in 1824. For her historical research, you may Ponds Pon Dug come across contraband from the jail during Land Clearing C the Civil War or photographs of nearly all previous sheriffs in the county nonchalantly Sink kH Hole Repair resting in the corner of her office, waiting Driveway Culverts to be shared with others.

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GAINESVILLE FIRST >> FEMALE DEPUTY FIRE CHIEF

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GAINESVILLE FIRE RESCUE’S FIRST FEMALE DEPUTY FIRE CHIEF

JoAnne Rice W R I T T E N B Y H AY L I Z U CCO L A

When driving through the city of Gainesville, memories of JoAnne Rice’s nearly 30-year career with the Gainesville Fire Rescue come flooding back to her.

It’s been a rather harrowing journey filled with house fires, vehicle crashes and other emergency situations, but it was a path she chose using the words of wisdom her mom left her with.

“In the end she said, ‘you know, whatever you do, be happy,’” Rice said.

Shortly after graduating from college, Rice’s mom passed away from cancer. Taking her mom’s advice to heart, she decided to continue her education and build on the joy she felt after taking an advanced first aid class while in school. She initially looked at firefighting as a bridge to becoming a paramedic, but soon developed an admiration for the fast-paced, fiery occupation.

“I miss my mom every day and I would change everything 96 |

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to have her here, but she gave me the strength to do what I do and I’m here because of her,” Rice said. “I got to this position because of her.”

Since beginning her career in 1990, Rice has slowly risen through the ranks: starting as a firefighter then progressing to driver, lieutenant, district chief and finally earning the honor of becoming Gainesville Fire Rescue’s first female deputy fire chief – a feat she credits to the women who came before her.

“There’s a lot of women out there that do this job and it shouldn’t be that extraordinary,” she said. “[I was] really fortunate. There were a lot of women that came before me that kind of paved the road.”

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GAINESVILLE FIRST >> FEMALE DEPUTY FIRE CHIEF 98 |

History is no stranger to the struggle women have faced after choosing a career in a predominantly male field. Becoming a firefighter is certainly no exception with women encompassing only six percent of the sworn demographics at Gainesville Fire Rescue as of December 2018, according to the cityofgainesville.org. As she worked her way up in the field, Rice recalled being told that women didn’t belong in the fire service. “I think it’s gotten better, but I think those things still do happen,” Rice said. “There’s still a level of scrutiny when you’re not the ‘typical’ firefighter and so I think more – I put more on myself than what a lot of people put on me. I always felt like I had to be better and wanted to do better.”

Regardless of the opinions of a select few, Rice was able to find stability in the people around her. “You have to find your way,” she said. “I’ve made really good relationships in this organization along the way. I’ve had really good mentors and coaches that have helped me, but I’ve also had other people that, you know, just didn’t want me here.”

Even if she faced a few critics in her lifetime, Rice was never one to back down from a challenge – a personality trait she demonstrated in the early stages of her profession. While waiting for her turn in the Firefighter Combat Challenge in Orlando, which is an obstacle course that requires participants to put on their gear, hoist a hose pack up a five-story building and drag a 200-pound dummy to safety among other tasks, Rice watched as her peers gave up before finishing the race. “I watched person after person quit when they got to the dummy drag... and I was like why are they quitting?” Rice said.

When it was her time to step up to the plate, Rice pushed her way through each and every hurdle – including the dummy drag – while those around her questioned if she needed to stop. “There was no way I was quitting. There was no way I was going to stop,” she said. “That’s not ever been me. You’re going to have to pull me out [because] I’m not going to quit.”

Though she managed to complete the strenuous competition within the allotted time limit, the real challenge in firefighting happens outside the standardized practice drills and involves being able to comfort people in times of crisis. “I think it’s really hard when you see somebody lose everything they have and being able to be compassionate with them and help them try to get through that moment,” she said.

With such an intense, disaster-filled job, sometimes the devastating circumstances firefighters encounter throughout their career can weigh too much. “We’ve got more firefighters committing suicide every year than we have people dying in the line of duty,” Rice said.

Rice notes that it’s important for firefighters both new and experienced to remember that they can’t always control the outcome of an event no matter how hard they try. “I know that I’ve seen everything go wrong on a call and a person lived, and I’ve seen everything go right on a call and a person died. That’s not my call.

Somebody else is making those calls,” she said. “You can’t blame yourself. [You’ve] got to decompress. You’ve got to figure out a way to find out the things that you did right and that when you do something wrong, then you learn from it and do it better the next time... that’s all you can do. We’re going to make mistakes, we’re human.”

Despite sitting high on a life-saving pedestal in the minds of ordinary citizens, when you take away the shiny red truck and the protective clothing, at their core, firefighters are only people – they just happen to have a career that’s synonymous with the image of bravery, courage and heroism.

“I think in the end, one of the difficulties is that we are held to this standard of being a hero and it puts [on] a lot of pressure... you know, we’re not superhuman.

We are firefighters. We put on bunker gear. We put on protective equipment. It’s not a cape...” she said. “I’ve never considered myself a hero. I think we do heroic things and I think we’re people just like everybody else.”

OUR TOWN MAGAZINE

May/June 2019

CLEAR SOUND AUDIOLOGY WELCOMES DR. MICHELLE LANG

Dr. Swamy and Dr. Larmann are proud to announce the addition of Dr. Lang to Clear Sound Audiology. As a patient focused practice, Clear Sound Audiology offers state of the art hearing technologies individually tailored to your hearing, lifestyle, and budget.

Please call today to schedule your complimentary hearing consultation!

352-505-6766

clearsoundaudiology.com

2240 NW 40th Terrace, Suite C Gainesville, Florida 32605

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

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

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

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

SunState Community Foundation, Inc.

SPONSORSHIP L EVEL S AVAIL ABL E 1,000 CHARITY OF THE MONTH SPONSOR

$

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500 RANDOM CHARITY SPONSOR

$

• Recognized on all 4 Entercom Communication stations, 30 times (120 total); KTK, SKY, WRUF and ESPN.

• Recognized on 2 of Entercom Communications stations, 30 times (60 total); WRUF and ESPN

• Recognized on the Charity of the Month Facebook Contest page, KTK’s Facebook page and Our Town’s Facebook page.

• Recognized on the Charity of the Month Facebook Contest page, KTK’s Facebook page and Our Town’s Facebook page.

• Mentioned in the Charity of the Month page in Our Town Magazine.

• Mentioned in the Charity of the Month page in Our Town Magazine.

OUR TOWN MAGAZINE

May/June 2019

300 NOMINATOR SPONSOR

$

• Recognized on the Charity of the Month Facebook Contest page, KTK’s Facebook page and Our Town’s Facebook page.

• Mentioned in the Charity of the Month page in Our Town Magazine.

100 RANDOM VOTER SPONSOR

$

• Recognized on the Charity of the Month Facebook Contest page.

• Mentioned in the Charity of the Month page in Our Town Magazine

MOST RECENT WINNING ORGANIZATIONS TO NOMINATE A CHARITY OF YOUR CHOICE OR TO VOTE FOR YOUR FAVORITE NOMINEES, VISIT:

www.facebook.com/SunStateFCU and click on “Charity of the Month”

FEBRUARY WINNER

MARCH WINNER

The winner of the February Charity of the Month is Equal Access Clinic Network, a network of free healthcare clinics established by the University of Florida College of Medicine. The Equal Access Clinics are made possible through the donations of students, faculty and the community. They will receive $1,000 toward their program. Emily McEnerney will win $300 for nominating them. The random charity is Alachua Elementary Safety Patrol Washington DC Trip and they will receive $500. Mary Beck is the random voter winner, and she will get $100.

The winner of the March Charity of the Month is Newberry High Football Team. They will receive $1,000.

Newberry High School is a public high school located at 400 SW 258th Street in the city of Newberry. It is a 1A school that offers a magnet program in criminal justice, numerous clubs and an athletic program. Summer Hester will win $300 for nominating the Newberry High Football team. The random charity is Trenton Elementary Safety Patrol and they will receive $500.

The random voter, Meg Elkins, will get $100.

Equal Access Clinic Network

COMMUNITY PARTNERS >> CHARITY OF THE MONTH

CH A RIT Y OF THE MONTH WINNER S

Newberry High Football Team

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

May/June 2019

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TASTE OF THE TOWN

SPECIAL RESTAURANT ADVERTISING SECTION. CALL

352-372-5468

FOR RATES AND INFORMATION.

Dave’s New York Deli

Two Locations - Open 7 Days Tioga Town Center 12921 SW 1st Road, Newberry, FL Haile Plantation Area – 5750 SW 75th Court, Gainesville, FL

352-333-0291 Tioga 352-363-6061 Pk Ln DavesNYDeli.com North East Flavors — Dave’s NY Deli has been delivering the flavors of New York, New Jersey and Philadelphia to the Gainesville area since 2009. Owner Dave Anders says “We are very excited about the addition of our new location in Park Lane Plaza near Haile Plantation. Now it’s even easier for you to enjoy our authentic Philly Cheesesteaks, NY Style Pastrami and Corned Beef, Nathan’s Hot Dogs, NY Kettle Boiled Bagels, Nova Salmon, Paninis, Wraps, Cubans, Hot & Cold Subs, Kids Menu and much more.” Come see us soon for Breakfast, Lunch or Dinner at either of our two locations.

Open 7 Days a week.

Great Southern Biscuit Co. 23352 US Hwy 27, #50 • High Springs, Florida Monday-Thursday 7:00am – 9:00pm, Friday 7:00am – 10:00pm Saturday 8:00am – 10:00pm, Sunday 8:00am – 3:00pm

386-454-7153 Gourmet Southern Comfort — After a successful five years in our Mayo location, we decided to spread the love to High Springs. We are a from-scratch kitchen with popular menu items including: Shrimp and Grits (fresh from the Gulf ), Biscuit French Toast, Fried Green Tomato BLT, and Fish and Chips (fresh mahi mahi). We are open seven days a week and serve breakfast all day with free mimosas on Sundays.

Here at GSBC we are committed to the highest standards of quality, but mostly, we are dedicated to you.

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 8:30am - 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.

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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.

Bangkok Square

Two Gainesville Locations: 6500 SW Archer Road & 8181 NW 38th Lane Lunch: Monday-Friday 11:00am-3:00pm • Saturday-Sunday 12:00pm-3:00pm Dinner: Sunday-Thursday 5:00pm-9:30pm • Friday-Saturday 5:00pm-10:00pm

352-375-4488 Archer 352-672-6969 39th Ave. bangkoksquarefl.com Authentic Thai Cuisine — Thai cuisine, blending the best elements of the freshest foods. Thai herbs; garlic, basil, ginger, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, galangal root, chili and more, prepared with the finest blending of fish sauce, shrimp paste, and coconut milk. All of our meals are made to order and prepared on site. We specialize in vegetarian, vegan and gluten free orders. All of our foods can be prepared to your satisfaction with mild, medium, hot, or Thai hot, balanced to the four tastes: sweet, sour, salty, and slightly bitter. Meals can be prepared for take out and we cater to any event. We also have gift cards available. Save 10% off your next dining experience when a gift card is purchased.

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!

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SPECIAL RESTAURANT ADVERTISING SECTION. CALL

352-372-5468

FOR RATES AND INFORMATION.

Gator BTW

1402 W University Ave. & 8181 NW 39th Ave. — New Location Open Now! UNIVERSITY AVE: Sunday-Thursday 11:00am-12:00am, Friday/Saturday 11:00am-3:00am 39 AVE: Sunday-Thursday 11:00am-10:00pm, Friday/Saturday 11:00am-12:00am TH

352-727-4222 Univ. Ave. 352-240-6564 39th Ave. gatorbtw.com Burgers, Tacos, Wings — Gator BTW is Gainesville’s hottest new fastcasual dining experience. Specializing in the best burgers, tacos, and wings in town, they also serve up mouthwatering tenders, fresh salads, and delicious milkshakes. And don’t forget our amazing specials, including $3 Burger Mondays, $3 Taco Tuesdays, and kids eat free all weekend long! BTW regulars are obsessed with our huge sauce bar, allowing you to fully customize your meal for that perfect explosion of flavor! Whether you’re just passing through and need a quick bite, or if you’re looking for a place to grab an ice cold beer and watch the big game, BTW is the spot for you. And now with a new location on 39th Ave, get ready to Fuel Your Flavor!

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.

Gator’s Dockside

3842 W Newberry Rd #1A, Gainesville, FL 32607 Mon - Sun 11am - Midnight

352-338-4445 gatorsdockside.com Family-friendly — Gator’s Dockside is a sports-themed restaurant that offers a fun atmosphere for the entire family! We’re known for our big screen TVs, great food, and friendly service. Our signature wings are flavored with our tasty wing sauces that have made us famous, especially our award-winning Scooter sauce. We use only the freshest, highest quality ingredients in all our menu selections, including burgers, hearty sandwiches, made-from-scratch ribs, entree salads, and desserts.We also have some of the best meal deals in town, like all-you-can-eat wings on Mondays from 5:00-11:00pm and 2-for-1 on select house wine and liquors all day, everyday. We can’t wait to see you at Gator’s!

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Mi Apá Latin Café

Gainesville – 114 SW 34th Street (352-376-7020) Alachua – 15634 US Highway 441 (386-418-0838) Both locations open every day 7:00am - 10:00pm

MiApaLatinCafe.com Cuban — “When it comes to authentic Cuban cooking, you cannot go wrong with Mi Apá Latin Cafe,” said Trekbible in their article, Top 8: Best Restaurants in Gainesville, FL. Mi Apá was also selected Business of the Year in Alachua, yet another accolade.

Featuring authentic ingredients and classic recipes, such as Pollo Asado, Vaca Frita, Medianoche sandwiches, and the local favorite, Cafe con Leche, we bring the tastes of Cuba to Gainesville and Alachua. Whether you’re dining in on our sunny patio or picking up your online order, your food will always be hot, fresh, and full of Latin flavor!

And our Gainesville location even has a drive-thru! And don’t forget kids eat free every Wednesday from 4:00-9:00pm!

Crafty Bastards

4860 NW 39th Ave. ( Magnolia Parke, between Starbucks and TiresPlus) Open at 11am every day

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

Open daily at 11am. We offer great lunch specials M-F 11am-4pm, including 1/2lb Angus grilled burgers and juicy chicken handhelds, fresh fries, salads, soups and more.

Check out our Happy Hour M-F 11am-7pm. Looking for fun in the evenings? Check out Trivia Tuesdays, Karaoke Wednesdays and Live Entertainment on Thursday, Friday and Saturday! 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. Come see why Crafty Bastards is NW Gainesville’s Best Kept Secret! Try our new weekend brunch & bloody mary bar from 11am - 3pm on Sat & Sun. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram & Twitter!

El Toro

15202 NW 147 Drive, Suite 1100, Alachua (Rolling Oaks Plaza) Monday – Thursday 11:00am – 9:00pm Friday & Sat 11:00am – 10:00pm Sunday Noon – 8:00pm

386-418-1039 www.eltorogainesville.com Get Full At The Bull — Bienvenido! Welcome! We are a family owned and family friendly business. We have been serving our guests high quality fresh food for over 28 years. We welcome our guests with our Award Winning Salsa and warm homemade chips, add some fresh guacamole and our homemade white queso and you have a great start to a great meal! Try our Fish Tacos, Shrimp Tacos, Fajitas, Aaron’s Overstuffed Burrito, Nachos Supreme or one of our Daily Specials, we have something everyone will enjoy! We serve Lunch 7 days a week till 4 P.M. and our Kids Meals come with a drink and dessert. Check out our menu on our website. Our outdoor patio is perfect for “Para Cenar Afuera”. So, won’t you please come join us and Get Full At The Bull! See you there!

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TASTE OF THE TOWN

SPECIAL RESTAURANT ADVERTISING SECTION. CALL

352-372-5468

FOR RATES AND INFORMATION.

The Social at Midtown 1728 W. University Avenue, Gainesville, FL Monday-Sunday 11:00am – 2:00am

352-373-7383 www.thesocialgnv.com Upscale restaurant and rooftop bar — Hidden among the college bars of the midtown area, The Social at Midtown provides an unique, upscale, and affordable dining and late-night experience for the diverse and ever evolving population of Gainesville. Whether you are in search of high end spirits and craft cocktails or one of the 37 beers on tap the Social at Midtown will undoubtedly bring you back for the next big game with its fantastic menu and over 60 Large LED TVs. Check out our web page to see our weekly specials and plan your next Happy Hour with $4 Local Craft Pints!

Piesanos Stone Fired Pizza

(Archer Road) 5757 SW 75th St. — 352-371-8646 • (Millhopper Road) 5200 NW 43rd St. — 352-371-7437 (University) 1250 W University Ave. — 352-375-2337 • (Grand Oaks Plaza) 2575 SW 42nd St. Ocala — 352-351-6000

Mon-Thurs: 11am-10pm Fri-Sat: 11am-11pm Sun: 11am-10pm

www.piesanostogo.com Pizza, Pints & Pies — Piesanos is a locally owed and operated restaurant that is proud to use only the finest ingredients available, including Grande brand premium mozzarella. We are a full service dine in restaurant with an attached take out center and also offer catering. Our dough is made fresh daily and all of our pizzas are baked directly on the stone in our unique Granite Stone Fired Pizza Oven. We offer a great variety of Specialty pizzas, such as our Pizza Antico-(ultra thin crust- Fresh Mozzarella, mini cup & char pepperoni & fresh basil) Specialty Pastas, Calzones, Fresh soups and salads, classic italian entrees, and a great selection of craft beer. We also offer a gluten free menu. For full menu please visit PIESANOSTOGO.COM.

Pepperoni’s

19975 NW 244 Street, High Springs (located in Mills Plaza) Mon -Thurs 11:00am — 9:00pm • Fri & Sat 11:00am — 10:00pm Sunday 11:00am — 9:00pm

386-454-3858 Pizzeria — Since its establishment in 2000, Pepperoni’s Pizzeria has been serving up some of the best pizzas, calzones, entrees, wings and salads in town using Grande brand premium mozzarella and other top ingredients. We also have great lunch specials starting at only $4.99. All of our specialty pizzas are loaded with toppings.

Pepperoni’s is locally owned and operated and is proud to serve the High Springs Community and surrounding areas. We are located on U.S. Highway 441.

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COMMU NIT Y C A LENDA R

M ay/J u ne 2 0 1 9

CROCS: Ancient Predators in a Modern World

Exhibit opening May 18

GATOR STOMPIN’ 2019

Thursday, May 2 at 9pm Downtown & Midtown

GAINESVILLE - T he Gator Stompin’® pub crawl and music festival has been a rite of passage in Gainesville for over 30 years. At the end of every Spring semester, thousands of people come together to celebrate being part of the Gator Nation. The Official Gator Stompin’ T-Shirt grants you access to some of Gainesville’s best nightclubs, bars and restaurants where you can enjoy amazing drinks, delicious food and live music! Don’t miss what the Independent Florida Alligator ranked as the #1 thing to do before leaving Gainesville.

GO GATORS! 18+ to attend, 21+ to drink. www.gatorstompin.com

5TH ANNUAL GARDEN SHOW AND SPRING FESTIVAL​ May 4 & 5 4990 NE 180th Ave.

WILLISTON - E njoy live music, visit vendors from all over Florida selling plants, arts and crafts, food, and more! Cedar Lakes Woods and Gardens is North Central Florida’s newest PHOTOGRAPHY: JOE MCDONALD

botanical garden. This unique treasure features over 50 separate garden displays nestled in and around a century old lime rock quary. cedarlakeswoodsandgarden.com

GAINESVILLE FRIENDS OF JAZZ FESTIVAL

Saturday, May 4 from 7 - 10pm Tioga Town Center, 133 SW 130th Way

NEWBERRY - The 17th Gainesville Jazz Festival at Tioga Town Center presented by The Gainesville Friends of Jazz is a free event for all ages with plenty of free parking. Lawn chairs, food, drinks and blankets are welcome.

352-331-4000 www.tiogatowncenter.com

ASK A SCIENTIST: SALAMANDERS

Sunday, May 5 from 1 - 4pm Florida Museum, 3215 Hull Rd.

GAINESVILLE - Find answers during an afternoon of discovery and learning. Participants may talk one-on-one with salamander researchers and ask questions about these fascinating amphibians.

352-273-2062 floridamuseum.ufl.edu

THE SHIMMY SHAKE REVUE: REVENGE OF THE 5TH

Sunday, May 5 at 8pm High Dive, 210 SW 2nd Ave.

GAINESVILLE - In a Galaxy not to far away… The Shimmy Shake Revue will be coming together to bring you Revenge of the 5th! Filled with Sith Lords, droids, Bounty Hunters, and more. What else can a true Star Wars loving burlesque fan ask for? Featuring Performances by: Ruby Tesla, Sally Sucre, Edith Meowt, Penelope Peepshow and Morgan La Rue. Star Wars Attire encouraged! Ages 18+ only. highdivegainesville.com

BIOFLORIDA CELEBRATION OF BIOTECHNOLOGY

Thursday, May 9 from 9:30am - 1pm Foundation Park, 14193 NW 119th Ter.

ALACHUA - Now in it’s 16th year, the Celebration of Biotechnology is Florida’s largest exhibit show dedicated to the life sciences. This outdoor event is meant to bring together the local companies in a casual setting where they can showcase their achievements, products or technology. Hosted

by Foundation Park and Concept Companies, this event features 500+ life sciences attendees, May/June 2019

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80+ exhibitors, Educational bus tours showcasing the surrounding research parks, Food trucks, music and outdoor casual atmosphere. For details about attending or exhibiting, please visit www.bioflorida.com.

POPS!

Friday, May 10 from 7:30pm Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Rd.

GAINESVILLE - G ainesville Orchestra with conductor Evans Haile presents: POPS!!! The Annual Pops Concert is the grand finale of the Gainesville Orchestra season. This beloved event includes spectacular music, a walk through the orchestra, and a grand time had by all. 352392-2787 performingarts.ufl.edu

WINDSOR ZUCCHINI FESTIVAL

Saturday, May 11 from 9am – 4pm 1401 SE County Rd. 234

GAINESVILLE - 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. Just 7 miles east of Gainesville, nestled in forests and farmland bordering the shores of Newnan’s Lake, Windsor is one of Florida’s oldest communities and best kept secrets. Free to the public. windsor-z-news.org

I HEART BOOKS

Saturday, May 11 from Noon - 4pm Headquarters Library, 401 E. University Ave.

GAINESVILLE - More than 30 authors will sign their works and greet fans at the Florida Writers Association’s multi-genre book-signing event.

Attendees can meet authors, enjoy author panels and play author bingo for a chance to win a Reader Appreciation Basket. For more, visit www.aclib.us/author-series-2019 or email Rachel Cook at rcook@aclib.us.

GAINESVILLE COMMUNITY BAND: MOTHER’S DAY CONCERT

Sunday, May 12 at 3pm Trinity United Methodist Church, 4000 NW 53rd Ave

GAINESVILLE - The Gainesville Community Band will present a Mother’s Day Concert. Donations requested. www.gnvband.org

A MOTHER’S DAY CONCERT

Sunday, May 12 from 4 - 6pm University Auditorium, 333 Newell Dr.

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Ice Cream in the Park Saturday, May 11 from 1 - 3pm Rockwood Park, 2221 NW 22nd St GAINESVILLE - Join the Alachua Conservation Trust for an ice cream social at Rockwood Park in central Gainesville. Free and open to the public - only thing you need to bring is your appetite.

Vegan options will also be available. alachuaconservationtrust.org

projects in support of Dance Alive National Ballet’s mission and programming. The performance will be dedicated to all those women who believed in the talent of each dancer and cherished their dreams. The dancers will also explore some of the history of DANB and the world of dance. The works were selected to challenge and explore the talents of the dancers — and provide the audience with an entertaining and artistic experience. 352arts.org

SCIART MEETUP: REPTILES AND AMPHIBIANS

Tuesday, May 14 from 6 - 9pm Florida Museum, 3215 Hull Rd.

GAINESVILLE - A rtists and designers are invited to explore exhibits and create art inspired by Florida nature and culture! With partners Santa Fe College Art Gallery and Wayfaring Painter, join the museum for a brief art or science presentation on reptiles and amphibians. Artists must bring their own supplies. 352-273-2062 floridamuseum.ufl.edu

UF PERFORMING ARTS 2019-2020 SEASON PREVIEW Tuesday, May 14 at 7pm Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Rd.

GAINESVILLE - Be the first to hear about the 40+ performances we are bringing to Gainesville for the 2019-2020 UFPA season, as well as a HUGE announcement of a BIG NAME Broadway show! You will get an insider’s look at what the season has to offer, as Director Brian Jose takes you through each exciting

performance in his own words. This event is free and open to the public, no ticket required! performingarts.ufl.edu

UF HEALTH COMMUNITY HEALTH & WELLNESS EXPO

Thursday, May 16 from 8:30 - Noon Hilton UF Conf. Center, 1714 SW 34th St.

GAINESVILLE - F ree health screenings and information! Registration is required. 352-733-0000 bit.ly/WellnessExpo19

NEWBERRY WATERMELON FESTIVAL

Saturday, May 18 from 9am - 4pm Countryway Town Square, 1739 SW 248th Dr.

NEWBERRY - Come out to experience “A Fresh Slice of Tradition” at the 74th Annual Newberry Watermelon Festival. There will be craft and food vendors as well as family-friendly activities! newberrywatermelonfestival.com

CROCS: ANCIENT PREDATORS IN A MODERN WORLD

Saturday, May 18 from 10am - 2pm Florida Museum, 3215 Hull Rd.

GAINESVILLE - Visit the opening of the newest featured exhibit, “CROCS: Ancient Predators in a Modern World”. Enjoy special activities and see live reptiles, test your strength against a crocodile’s bite, learn how they hunt using soundwaves and learn about Gomek, the largest crocodile exhibited in North America. 352-8462000 floridamuseum.ufl.edu PHOTOGRAPHY: MARK CRUZ

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THEATRE SANTA FE PRESENTS GRAND HOTEL

Santa Fe Fine Arts Hall, 3000 NW 83rd St. May 23 - June 1

GAINESVILLE - Grand Hotel, The Tony Awardwinning musical performed by Theatre Santa Fe and directed by SF Theatre Professor Russell Schultz. The show’s 1989 Broadway production garnered 12 Tony Award nominations, winning five. sfcollege.edu/finearts

TOP TALENT LIVE

Saturday, June 8 at 4pm Legacy Park, 15400 Peggy Rd.

An Intimate Evening with Kristin Chenoweth Sunday, May 19 at 7:30pm Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Rd. GAINESVILLE - T ony and Emmy Award-winner Kristin Chenoweth continues having a moment in an impressive career. A set list spanning jazz and Great American Songbook standards, Broadway, and gospel reveals the charismatic Oklahoman’s power and versatility. While Chenoweth originated the role of Glinda in the Broadway smash “Wicked,” her staying power as a touring recording artist and actor has made her more popular than ever. Here is a rare chance to be enchanted by one of Broadway’s greatest. performingarts.ufl.edu

LUBEE BAT CONSERVATORY OPEN HOUSE

Saturday, May 18 from 11am - 3pm 1309 NW 192 Ave.

Saturday, May 18 from 8am - Noon UF/IFAS Extension, 2800 NE 39th Ave.

GAINESVILLE - In honor of Endangered Species Day, Lubee Bat Conservancy will host the 4th annual Open House! Visit with beautiful bats while they enjoy their enrichment filled day.

Join in on educational talks, visit native bat houses, and speak with experts on installation and exclusion. lubee.org

GAINESVILLE - A huge variety of herbs, annuals, perennials, natives, trees and more will be available at exceptional prices. Master Gardener volunteers will be on site for advice on selection and care of your plants. Admission and parking are free. 352-55-2402 alachua.ifas.ufl.edu

MAKE LOVE NOT WAR - A BENEFIT FOR DOCTORS WITHOUT BORDERS

Friday, May 24 - All Day Event 11016 Lillian Saunders Drive

Saturday, May 18 at 8pm High Dive, 210 SW 2nd Ave.

GAINESVILLE - Join this blissful night to help fundraise and help refugees who have escaped the negative consequences of war. They have found refuge and it is up to all of us to provide exactly that! Doctors without Borders is an incredible non-profit that is making this possible. Captive Eddies, Maha & The Lions, and MadWoman will perform. highdivegainesville.com 110 |

MASTER GARDENER PLANT SALE & AG FEST

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FLORIDA FOLK FESTIVAL

WHITE SPRINGS - T he Florida Folk Festival is a a three-day celebration of the music, dance, stories, crafts and food that make Florida unique. From Irish fiddle tunes, techno contra dancing and kumquat pie, to the wide varieties of music brought by immigrants, the state’s cultural heritage reflects the lives of generations of Florida families and communities. Throughout the Memorial Day weekend more than 300 performances give voice and meaning to Florida’s heritage. www.floridastateparks.org

ALACHUA - T he Music & Arts Program for Youth, Inc. (M.A.P.), in partnership with the City of Alachua presents Top Talent Live! This event promotes the arts and encourages youth in the arts. The show provides a platform for students to perform in front of a live audience and showcase their talent while competing for a $1,000.00 scholarship! www.ttlive.org

WRITERS ALLIANCE OF GAINESVILLE

Sunday, June 9 from 2:30pm – 4pm Millhopper Library, 3145 NW 43rd St.

GAINESVILLE - G ary Gordon, writer, musician, spoken word artist, and producer, will talk at WAG’s open, monthly meeting about his journey “From Politics to Novelist and Somewhere In-between.” He’ll also sign books. writersalliance.org

TASTE OF GREATER GAINESVILLE

Sunday, June 9 at 5pm Exactech Arena, 250 Gale Lemerand Dr.

GAINESVILLE - T aste of Greater Gainesville is celebrating its 10th year, and its second year in a row at the Stephen C. O’Connell Center! The event will have a Paris theme, and will be host to over 40 restaurants (sampling both food and beverages). There will also be an Iron Chef competition and a Silent Auction! tasteofgainesville.com

DANCE THEATRE SANTA FE PRESENTS: ROOM TO DANCE

Santa Fe Fine Arts Hall, 3000 NW 83rd St. June 14 & 15

GAINESVILLE - S anta Fe College’s annual student-choreographed production. Creativity and collaboration are the hallmarks of “Room to Dance.” Students do everything from developing a concept for their dances to auditioning and casting the dancers, choreographing and rehearsing the pieces, and deciding on music and costumes. sfcollege.edu/finearts

PHOTOGRAPHY: MINDY TUCKER

PHOTOGRAP AP A PHY H BY: Y: AN ANII COLL COLL LL LIER ER E

352-371-2986 dancealive.org

May/June 2019

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MELANIE BENJAMIN

Saturday, June 15 at 2:30pm Headquarters Library, 401 E. University Ave.

GAINESVILLE - Melanie Benjamin is the author of bestselling historical novels The Swans of Fifth Avenue, about Truman Capote and his society swans, and The Aviator’s Wife, about Anne Morrow Lindbergh. Her latest novel, The Girls in the Picture, chronicles the friendship and creative partnership between Hollywood screenwriter Frances Marion and superstar Mary Pickford. www.aclib.us/author-series-2019 rcook@aclib.us

REPTIDAY

Saturday, June 29 from 10am - 5pm Wyndham Garden, 2900 SW 13th St.

GAINESVILLE - S ee live animals from around the world, purchase pets and pet products direct from the experts at amazing prices you won’t find anywhere else, and learn more about reptiles and exotic animals at live seminars and demonstrations. ReptiDay is one reptile day that you can’t afford to miss! repticon.com

THE GET UP KIDS

Sunday, July 14 at 7pm High Dive, 210 SW 2nd Ave.

GAINESVILLE - The Get Up Kids’ hyper melodies, heartfelt lyrics, and punk-driven, high-energy sound helped them become one of the most popular and influential bands in the late ‘90s. They are acclaimed Midwestern rockers who are unafraid to experiment with their sound and have influenced countless punk-pop bands. highdivegainesville.com

RECURRING EVENTS CONTRA DANCE

First Mondays from 6:30 – 7:30pm Aurora Downtown, 109 SE 4th Ave

GAINESVILLE - Join your music community for a workshop on a carefully developed aspect of different areas of the music business. These events begin with a presentation and workshop on a thoughtfully researched topic that our organization thinks will genuinely help our music community. gainesvillemusicassociation.com

FUN WITH FLOWERS

Third Tuesdays at 10am Gainesville Garden Club, 1350 NW 75th St

GAINESVILLE - H ands-on floral design program includes lecture, demonstration and materials.

Coffee social at 9:30 am. RSVP requested: rsvp.ggcfl@gmail.com or www.ggcfl.org

UNION STREET FARMERS MARKET

Wednesdays from 4pm – 7pm Bo Diddley Plaza

GAINESVILLE - B ring a bag and pick up some locally-grown and produced vegetables, meat and dairy to take home for your kitchen. There’s also food trucks and live entertainment — all in a family-friendly atmosphere. Enjoy downtown and support local producers, musicians and artisans while sharing some quality time with your neighbors. unionstreetfarmersmkt.com

CHAYAVEDA WELLNESS

Second Wednesdays Fairfield Inn & Suites, 3877 SW 37th Blvd.

GAINESVILLE - C ontra dancing is energetic, social dancing that’s fun for everyone (all ages are welcome) and no partner is necessary. The music is live. Dances are taught, walked through, and called. No experience or special dress is required. Wear casual attire and comfortable shoes. godsdance.org

GAINESVILLE - Y oga, Refreshments, Raffles and Wellness Workshop. Come for part or all, by donation. Have a great time while up leveling your health, meeting others and building a community to share our intention of connecting to a larger purpose and participating in our vision of bringing wellness and self empowerment to our community and those in need. 352-358-5005 info@chayaveda.com

HIGH SPRINGS MUSIC IN THE PARK & CONCERT SERIES

HIGH SPRINGS FARMERS MARKET

First Sundays & Third Saturdays Thelma A. Boltin Center, 516 NE 2nd Ave

Third Sundays from 2pm - 4pm James Paul Park, Downtown High Springs

HIGH SPRINGS - B ringing exceptional artists to the Downtown High Springs! Events are free and open to the public. Bring your lawn chairs, blankets, etc. Dogs permitted on a leash. Artist details and more information at highspringsmusicinthepark.com 112 |

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Thursdays from 12 noon – 4pm First Saturday each month from 9am – 1pm 115 NE Railroad Avenue

HIGH SPRINGS - F lorida grown fruit, vegetables, dairy & meats as well as honey, handmade treats and more. The Farmers Market is produced by The City of High Springs. farmersmarket.highsprings.com

THIRD THURSDAY ON MAIN

Third Thursdays from 5 – 9pm Downtown Main Street

ALACHUA - T his is the perfect event to get your “pre-weekend” on! Alachua’s Downtown area comes alive with the sound of music, unique dining, shopping, craft vendors, and so much more! This event is sponsored by the City of Alachua Community Redevelopment Agency. cityofalachua.com

NIGHT IN THE GARDEN

Third Thursdays from 6:30 - 9:30pm Green House Nursery, 15207 W Newberry Rd

NEWBERRY - Bring your friends and meet some new ones! Come on out and enjoy a live local band and a stroll through the picturesque gardens. Enjoy fun and games, food trucks, music and more! tghnfl.com

DOWNTOWN DRAG

First & Third Fridays from 11pm - 1am Maude’s Cafe, Downtown

GAINESVILLE - D rag and burlesque unite to enchant and amaze!!! Downtown Drag is hosted at Maude’s SideCar Bar next to the Hippodrome in downtown Gainesville.

Bring your friends, your dollar bills, and your cellphones to come insta our queens and show the world what a great time you had!!!

Get there early, grab a cocktail, and get the best seat! All proceeds go to performers! fb.com/DowntownDrag

HIGH SPRINGS FIRST FRIDAY NIGHT

First Fridays from 5pm - 8pm Downtown

HIGH SPRINGS - J oin the fun in lovely downtown High Springs. Local merchants will offer special sales, a raffle and more. Family fun for all ages. Discover all the wonderful & unique businesses in this lovely, eclectic town. facebook.com/HighSpringsDowntownMerchants

LOCAL PLAYWRIGHTS FORUM

First Fridays from 8 - 10pm First Magnitude Brewing, 1220 SE Veitch St.

GAINESVILLE - I n an effort to serve local playwrights better, Y-Not Theatre is starting a new local playwrights forum. It is chance to share questions, concerns, updates and information. If you consider yourself a playwright then join us at one of our gatherings. Free and open to the public. fb.com/ynottheatre

ARTWALK GAINESVILLE

Last Fridays from 7pm - 10pm Downtown

GAINESVILLE - A rtwalk Gainesville is a free self-guided tour that combines exciting visual art, live performance, and events in downtown Gainesville with many local galleries, eateries and businesses participating. Artwalk is an exciting, fun way to experience the amazing wealth of creativity the Gainesville community has to offer.​​ Free and open to the public. artwalkgainesville.com

GFAA GALLERY ART EXHIBIT

Last Fridays from 7pm - 10pm GFAA Gallery, 1314 S. Main St.

GAINESVILLE - T he GFAA Gallery presents members original art work for home, apartment or office. Monthly themes, such as Home (1/22-2/23) and Large Works (2/263/23) with opening exhibits at Artwalk and displayed throughout the month. Support your community artists and bring pleasure to your surroundings. Gallery open Tuesday-Saturday from 11am-6pm. gainesvillefinearts.org.

ALACHUA COUNTY FARMERS MARKET

Saturdays from 8:30am – 12pm 5920 NW 13th Street

GAINESVILLE - Don’t forget to bring shopping bags, your grocery list, and plenty of small bills.

The market prides itself on being a grower’s only market – meaning the vendors selling produce, plants, and other products must have grown the items themselves. The event space is located in an open air pavilion with additional outdoor booths protected by shade cloth. 441market.com

HAILE FARMERS MARKET

Saturdays from 8:30am – 12pm Haile Plantation Village

GAINESVILLE - T ake a stroll down the tree-lined streets of the Haile Village Center to browse for groceries, prepared food, and handmade gifts, then continue on for more shopping or brunching at the Village Center’s locally-owned shops and restaurants. hailefarmersmarket.com

1

June 3 - June 6

2 3

July 22 - July 25 Aug 5 - Aug 8

SEND CALENDAR SUBMISSIONS TO: 4400 N W 3 6 T H A V E . , G A I N E S V I L L E , F L 32 60 6 or EVENTS@TOWERPUBLICATIONS.COM Submissions will be published based on space available in the magazine. Recurring monthly/bi-monthly events must be free & open to the public. Paid events must be open to the public. Unique events that occur regularly such as classes, seminars and networking events will be published at our discretion. Religious organizations may post events only if the event promotes the arts, or is a fundraiser where 100% of the proceeds go to another, non-religious, non-profit organization. Events that are political in nature may not be approved.

SUMMER

BASEBALL

CAMP

Hitting - Pitching - Defense Catching - Base Running - Live Games 9am-12:30pm

Ages: 5-14 @ Jonesville Park www.gatorballtraining.com May/June 2019

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BAND REVIEW

BRIAN “KRASH” KRUGER’S

Gate Crashing ON DECK FOR REVIEW: BOB WEBB

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: SATURDAY, MARCH 9, 2019 VENUE: THE YEARLING, CROSS CREEK

G

reetings, live music aficionados! This installment finds us at The Yearling, in downtown Cross Creek, Florida.

Actually, just kidding about the “downtown” bit. There is no downtown to Cross Creek. It’s a little unincorporated hamlet located on the aforementioned creek, which connects Orange Lake and Lochloosa Lake.

If the name Cross Creek sounds familiar, despite the tiny size of the actual geographic spot, it’s because author Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings wrote a book called exactly that, and in fact she lived there. Her homestead is now a state park, which is literally just round the bend in the road from the restaurant. The restaurant is named for Rawlings’ Pulitzer Prize-winning book, “The Yearling,” which was also made into a movie with Gregory Peck in 1946. If you went to high school or middle school in Florida and are of a certain age, you’ve probably read the book or seen the movie.

The Yearling restaurant has been around for almost as long, dating back to the 1950s. The cedar shingled building is sort of intentionally ramshackle, to evoke a “Florida Cracker” feel, and the menu contains many such items (including, of course, gator) as well. The interior décor is equally quirky/eclectic. One room contains an actual johnboat and all sorts of wild Florida animals, frozen in time by some taxidermist. In fact, right at the cash register up front, in a glass case, is a stuffed tiny baby deer. Another room basically looks like a home library filled with books.

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We were there to see a friend of a friend, Bob Webb, play his solo guitar and sing, and so went back to the bar. Out in one of the main rooms, a gent named Willie Green was playing very authentic acoustic blues on his Epiphone guitar, singing and playing harmonica with a neck holder. Several of the wait staff were wearing “Willie Green” T-shirts as well.

But I digress. Back in the dimly-lit bar, one wall was dominated by an extremely large alligator skin. On another wall, directly over the performer, was a six-foot long Confederate battle flag. Now, I “get” that the father in the book/movie “The

Bob Webb

Yearling” is a Confederate veteran. But the story’s not about that, and in 2019 I’m not so sure that the Confederate battle flag is such a welcoming choice as a decoration in a restaurant, given that symbol’s subsequent history. Even the Stars and Bars (the actual national flag of the Southern states during most of the Confederacy) would’ve been a better choice.

Unfortunate interior design choices aside, the service was attentive, the food (I had a smoked fish dip, my companion a salad) was good and the beer was cold. So there’s that.

The music from Mr. Webb was every bit as eclectic as the menu and the décor, but thankfully did not include “The Night They Drove Ol’ Dixie Down,” which might’ve been a bit much, under the circumstances. In fact, “eclectic” might not really do the song selection justice.

One of the first songs we heard was a Fats Waller piece from 1926, which segued into “Good Lovin’” by the Rascals! Otis Redding’s “Sittin’ on the Dock of a Bay” was followed by the seldom-heard “Lonesome Town” by ‘50s heartthrob Ricky Nelson. Then we went back to the blues with the hilarious woman-done-wronged-me piece “(I’m Gonna Leave You On the) Outskirts of Town,” dating at least to 1942, and which features the memorable line, “got seven children, ain’t none of ‘em look like me!”

A more somber blues, Billie Holliday’s “Good Morning Heartache” followed. The Beach Boy’s “Don’t Worry Baby” then brought us back on a more optimistic track.

This was followed by one I don’t know I’ve ever heard covered before, much less by an acoustic solo performer, the Ashford and Simpson-penned “Your Precious Love,” a 1967 hit for Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell.

This was followed by more sweet soul music (albeit Irish soul), one of my personal faves, Van Morrison’s “Tupelo Honey,” only to return to Ashford-Simpson/Marvin and Tammi’s 1968 follow-up “Ain’t Nothin’ Like The Real Thing.”

Webb momentarily went to folk music with The Kingston Trio’s “Scotch and Soda,” which I reckon was appropriate enough for a bar setting, only to skip forward several decades with Tracey Chapman’s “Baby Can I Hold You.” The Beach Boys’ “California Girls” came next, followed by the ‘60s nugget “Heard It Through the Grapevine.” Stevie Wonder’s “My Cherie Amour” was up next, with Tom Waits’ “Ol’ ‘55” (perhaps better known as a cover by the Eagles, and featured on their “On the Border” album thereafter.

The set closed, appropriately enough, with “One for My Baby” by Frank Sinatra, what with its closing time theme.

Now, go see some bands.

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GOOD WORK >> VETERAN SERVICES

Kim Davis, Alachua County Veteran Services Director, stands outside her office on March 27.

The Office of Veteran Services is located within the John Henry Thomas, M.D. Center.

ALACHUA COUNTY VETERAN SERVICES AND VETERANS MEMORIAL PARK

A Safe Haven for Heroes STORY A N D PHOTOGR A PH Y BY SOFI A A R R I AGA

After being drafted into the Vietnam war, forced to watch comrades die and fight for the U.S.’s freedom, millions of soldiers returned home to the states where they were rejected by family members and even spit upon by fellow Americans.

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Although now, America lives in an era in which respect for the military has become the norm. Alachua County Veteran Services strives to keep this respect permanent and honor those who didn’t receive it sooner. The center remembers veterans with monuments, events and the filing of about 20,000 veterans and dependents’ due compensation benefits with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

“There’s so many benefits out there that people don’t realize how much they could be eligible for because the benefits are complicated,” said Kim S. Davis, Veteran Services Director. Davis said the staff must determine each veteran’s eligibility of benefits depending on factors such as current income and exposures during service. A veteran herself, Davis served for ten years in the United States Navy and Florida Army National Guard. Since then, she’s worked for 19 years serving veterans at the county and state level. She said she easily connects to the veterans and dependents who visit her, and she never turns down a request to file applications for benefits for any veteran or dependent who contacts her.

“If you apply on your own, or have someone who doesn’t exactly know what they’re doing, it’s like going to court without an attorney,” Davis said. Davis and her team helped one veteran prove that his heart disease was connected to his service, entitling him to $100,000 in compensation from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs. They’ve also assisted veterans who were essentially homeless, after not receiving full compensation, earn the steady income and benefits they’re entitled to.

Davis and her team have also assisted the dependents of veterans. Davis said she previously encountered a senior citizen, who was a widow of a veteran and had gone to an attorney to file for non-service connected disability pension, a benefit that is income and need based. The citizen qualified, as she was in a scooter, legally blind and lived in assisted housing. But because the paperwork was not executed

“We do all these things to ensure that our veteran community is recognized and that Alachua County is being a good, supporting partner in taking good care of our veteran community.” correctly, she did not receive anything. “She was living in extreme poverty. It was definitely one of the lowest income areas in the Gainesville area,” Davis said.

After analyzing, correcting and resubmitting the applications, Davis and the team filed them.“It’s like fixing a recipe, they started something and you have to make it work,” Davis said. Once the applications came back, the woman received an $82,000 windfall.“She was able to resettle herself and get comfortable for the rest of her life,” Davis said.

In addition to fighting for benefits, Davis said the center strives to honor the community with various events, including the Vietnam Veterans Tribute that was held in March. “All of our Vietnam heroes were never really appreciated, so this is where the Vietnam Veterans Tribute comes in,” she said. Davis explained that they want to give these veterans the recognition and tribute they deserve.

“While it’s 50 years late, it’s not really. We’re making a point to say ‘hey, we appreciate you and your service.’ And I’m hoping that’ll heal some people to know that society does appreciate them now,” she said.

The tribute included a display of about 1,000 motorcyclists riding west on Archer Road down to Veterans Memorial Park, previously named Kanapaha Park. At the park, the video montages and virtual exhibits were offered for tribute, while food trucks and live music were offered for celebration of the veterans. An estimated 2,000 people attended.

“We do all these things to ensure that our veteran community is recognized and that Alachua County is being a good, supporting partner in taking good care of our veteran community,” Davis said.

The memorials and history of Veterans Memorial Park made it an ideal location to host the event. The park’s memorial titled “Walk Through Time” displays a history of wars in America, starting with the American Revolution and extending to the present day. The linear memorial even extends another 80 years into the future, leaving room for veterans of future wars.

Robert “Woody” Woodcock and his service dog, Jojo, enjoy a beautiful day at the park on March 27. The Vietnam veteran says his dog enjoys walking, but also spending time in the shade.

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GOOD WORK >> VETERAN SERVICES

An athletic group and a jogger enjoy the community space at Veterans Memorial Park on Wednesday, March 27. The park offers community space for team sports and trails for walkers.

The “Walk Through Time” in Veterans Memorial Park offers tribute to fallen soldiers from each great American War. The memorial is overseen by the Office of Veteran Services.

On the main concourse edifices, the monument presents the names of two hundred sixty-seven deceased service members who entered their military service from Alachua County. Granite headstones at the flagpole end of the concourse reflect names of five hundred and four University of Florida students who died as a result of our nation’s wars.

One Vietnam veteran said the park is the only place he feels he can relax. “It’s a great place for family, and to meet new acquaintances,” Robert “Woody” Woodcock said. Woodcock comes to the park about every other day with his service dog Jojo to read the paper, write and walk the path. While Woodcock enjoys writing, he said he found his ultimate purpose in life is 118 |

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to simply help other people and make them laugh.

The veteran said he’s learned that the most valuable thing in life is time. Therefore, he encourages his children and those he meets to use it responsibly. “Life is so short that people take it for granted,” he said. “In life, it can change in a flash. You always have setbacks, interruptions, that set you off of what you’re doing.”

Woodcock encourages people to reflect on their life plans and make the most of their time with friends and family.

To all of our veterans, both here and beyond, we salute you and thank you for your service and sacrifice.

COLUMN

CRYSTAL HENRY’S

Naked Salsa HEROES AROUND US

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

EACH YEAR MY KIDS PARTICIPATE IN AN ART CONTEST FOR PTA.

W

hen Sunny was in first grade, the theme was Let Your Imagination Fly, and she made a quick video about a scientist and a time machine about 20 minutes before bedtime. Somehow that video went all the way to the national level, she got a trip to Disney and a scholarship, and we were hooked on the contest ever since.

This year the theme was Heroes Around Us, and now my youngest is old enough to enter as well. Sunny did two paintings of Frida Kahlo — one in colored pencils that she named Frida Kahlo: a portrait of my hero, and one in oil pastels that she named Frito Kahlo.

This year Violet decided she wanted to follow in big sister’s videography footsteps, so she took my phone and headed into the backyard to make her own film. I told V the theme was about heroes, and I assumed she’d talk about the military, or firefighters, or maybe even her current favorite superhero, Ladybug Girl. But she said she was going to make a video about God. Now I was raised in a very Baptist family, but as an adult I’m just not a religious person. I’d say I’m very spiritual, but I just feel like church isn’t for me. I felt like the message was always centered around sin, and there were too many lessons about fearing God and dedicating your life to him so you didn’t go to hell.

I just couldn’t get on board with the idea that the being who created us was just up there expecting us to worship and praise him all day. I think he wanted more for us than that. So we teach our kids to be kind and good, and that there is a higher power who wants us to appreciate the beautiful earth we were given.

But as far as organized religion, we just don’t participate.

I’m not opposed to my children participating if they find a religion that suits them. And we’ve taken them to several different churches so that they know they’re free to choose.

But all this to say that I was a little surprised when Violet chose God as her hero since we’re not a “churchy” family.

I went out to the yard to help feed and water the chickens while she made her film, but I stayed back and just watched. I

wasn’t sure what kind of religious infomercial she had planned.

She first went to the chicken coop, and she held our black and white fluffy Barred Rock named Repecka. Then I saw her turn and film a tree. Then our house. Then she turned the camera on me and I waved. Then she filmed the sky.

The entire video took about five minutes to shoot, and I showed her the editing app on my phone so she could splice it all together. She added music and threw a blue filter on one part of the video, but I still didn’t really know if she understood the theme.

Later that night I went to upload the video to a thumb drive for submission, and I sat down to watch what she’d made. What I saw threw a giant lump in my throat. It was the most precious minute and 45 seconds I’ve ever seen. This beautiful bouncy ukulele music starts up, and my baby is holding our cuddliest chicken. She narrates the video and tells the viewer that she’s going to tell us about her hero — God. But she didn’t talk about a gruesome death on the cross or the washing away of sins. She said God is her hero because of the wonderful world he made for us. He made the chicken she’s holding. He made plants.

He made her house. He even made her mom (cue me waving awkwardly). And he made the sky.

She explains that God made all the wonderful things in her life, and the video is just a quick glimpse of the small things that we really take for granted. It was the most pure and precious thing I’ve ever seen.

I know our parents secretly worry that we’re raising little faithless heathens because we don’t belong to an organized religion. But I was also taught that a person’s relationship with God is personal. And I’ve always believed that the God who created the intricate beauty and fascinating wonders of our world is a God that is kind and good. I think the entire reason we were created is to appreciate the beauty in our world and to be kind to one another.

So although we’re not a religious family, I couldn’t help but be proud that my little one chose God as her hero. And I was even more proud that she saw God the same way I see him (or her). Not as a vengeful egotistical force hell bent on smiting unbelievers. But as a creator of our incredible world, and as someone who loves us. And that to me is a real hero.

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FIRE RESCUE >> STUDENT SAVED

GAINESVILLE FIRE RESCUE

In A Flash When a Firefighter Saves A Student S TORY A N D PHOTOG R A PHY BY J U LI A MITCH EM

I

magine being stuck in your house, alone, with no way out. Envision the fear that courses through you as billows of smoke obscure your vision and make it impossible to breathe or see. Former UF student Ryan Freeman experienced just this on the morning of December 30, 2017, when he was trapped inside of a house fire. Freeman had just moved into a recently renovated old wooden house in Gainesville. On the other end of the house, someone had left a candle burning on a wooden table, which started the fire. It was the middle of winter break and Freeman was the only person who was home at the time.

The fire woke Freeman up just ten minutes before his alarm was supposed to go off. He was locked in the house, and there was only one way out — a door with a deadbolt that had to be unlocked with a key from the inside. However, the darkness created by the smoke made it impossible to find the key. He called 911, but none of their suggestions worked. Freeman laid by the door and pounded on it to let the arriving firefighters know where he was.

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Firefighter James Adams is another integral part of the Gainesville Fire Rescue and its commitment to serving its community. Each firefighter at the Gainesville Fire Rescue works 24-hour shifts and are constantly risking their lives for their community.

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FIRE RESCUE >> STUDENT SAVED

“I laid by the front door to try to breathe under the door,” Freeman said. “I remember them telling me they couldn’t get the door open because the deadbolt was so strong.” Freeman passed out briefly and was unsure of what would happen. Luckily, the Gainesville Fire Rescue was able to break down the door and drag him out of the building in time to save his life.

The firefighter who rescued Freeman out of the burning house was Trey Beauchamp. Beauchamp was riding in Engine 1 that night when they got the call. In route, they recieved the information from dispatch that someone was trapped inside.

“Life safety is paramount,” Beauchamp said. He and the other firefighters quickly shifted roles from what would have been focusing on just putting out the fire to saving Freeman’s life.

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Department (GPD) said they could hear someone behind the door. Using an axe and halligan bar, they forced themselves five feet inside the doorway, that is when Beauchamp pulled Freeman out through the door to safety.

A couple days after the fire, Beauchamp and Freeman reunited for the first time. The station invited him over to meet the team that saved his life. Later that year, Beauchamp was recognized as a “Gainesville Hero” and was awarded a medal of lifesaving at the annual Gainesville Fire Rescue Award Ceremony. Freeman was able to attend the ceremony to celebrate the incredible service of his rescuer.

“I was really happy that they invited me to that,” Freeman said. “It was really cool to see everyone, all the firefighters, paramedics and EMTs there.” He even got to meet the 911

Driver Operator Alvin Jones (left) and Firefighter Trey Beauchamp (right) were both on Engine 1 the night of the rescue of Ryan Freeman.

dispatcher that stayed on the line with him during the fire. “You always appreciate how there are people there to help out and that they put their lives on the line and that they do all this,” Freeman said. “But, just to see it in action, to see all that they had done and see them get recognized, properly recognized, was really cool.”

Beauchamp knew early on that he wanted to be a firefighter.

Back in high school he decided that he wanted to go into public service to give back and help his community. His biggest inspiration is his grandfather who served in the military – David Seckinger. Beauchamp started working as a firefighter shortly after high school and was based in Lake City for his first nine years before coming to Gainesville. Beauchamp and the other firefighters of the Gainesville Fire Rescue work 24-hour shifts

when they are on call. “I never really want to call in sick or take off,” Beauchamp said.

He finds the feedback from his community to be one of the best parts of his job. “Every time somebody sees a firetruck — they like it,” Beauchamp said. “Whether it’s three to four years old or 80 years old, everybody loves to see a firetruck.” Beauchamp considers himself just another normal guy, but recognizes that he has a big responsibility to uphold. He explained that a lot of the time, regardless of what is going on, the fire department is called to the scene for help.

“Whatever happens, I have to have a game plan to fix this problem for this person on the worst day of their [life],” Beauchamp said. “I am a good product of great training and better leadership. I am just one guy of many.”

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MENTAL HEALTH >> SARKIS FAMILY PSYCHIATRY

REACHING OUT

Stop the Stigma Sometimes Our Superheroes are the Ones Who Need Saving W R I T T E N B Y K A I T L I N A P P L E G AT E

T

he softer side of strength is rarely highlighted in society.

However, Dr. Elias Sarkis and his team at Sarkis Family Psychiatry are working to show that asking for help demonstrates a different type of courage. During his time working as a psychiatrist with the Gainesville Police Department, Sarkis realized that time is a key factor in treating officers.

“The problem is that they wait too long to get help,” he said. Waiting to address specific traumas makes it difficult for mental health professionals to find the inciting incident. “The real issue is that something happened that really traumatized them as a first-responder,” Sarkis explained. “But since they didn’t process that, other things have built upon it.”

He likens this mental injury to a physical wound. “When you’ve got a stressor that you don’t deal with it’s like if you have a nail in your leg and you don’t take care of it,” he said.

“Pus that builds around it.” Despite the urgency for treatment, Sarkis said officers have a harder time accepting mental health help than the general public does. “There’s somewhat more stigma,” he said. “The general idea with cops is that they are strong, independent, [and] they can take care of stuff.” When society looks to you for strength, it’s hard to feel weak.

Over time, Sarkis helped officers understand the difference between weakness and honesty. “You have to be really strong to recieve help, and that’s a paradox. Most people

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PHOTOGRAPHY: MARTIN JERNBERG

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MENTAL HEALTH >> SARKIS FAMILY PSYCHIATRY

feel that getting help is a sign of weakness [when] in fact it’s a sign of strength,” he said. For police officers in need of mental health care, overcoming the stigma associated with getting help can be the most challenging part of their battles.

Identity can perpetuate or eviscerate stigma. As first-responders begin to process trauma, an important key is learning to redefine their identities. “You have to get to the point where you realize that being this powerful protector that doesn’t need anybody or anything is a false image,” Sarkis said. “It takes a little bit [of ] humility.”

One way Sarkis Family Psychiatry is reducing mental health shame in the community at large is through its annual event: Stop the Stigma. Starting in their office parking lot seven years ago, the Sarkis team has seen Stop the Stigma grow into a celebration of mental health.

Although the goal of the event is awareness, the atmosphere feels more like a party. Families come out to enjoy bounce houses, face painting, and even visits from UF’s Albert and Alberta. “It’s all under the banner of reducing stigma,” said Eric Dutton, a member of the Sarkis Psychiatry team. “I think anything we can do to put that kind of subject in a more public area and less hidden is really helpful.”

Sarkis often hears stories from parents about how Stop the Stigma impacts their children. “One of the moms said, ‘You have no idea what this means to me because I can bring my kids here and they’re not going to be ostracized,’” he said.

The annual event helps bring awareness and acceptance for those with mental disorders and emotional problems such as ADHD, depression, bipolar, anxiety disorders, autism, and PTSD. As families continue to experience mental health victory, a new generation is being cultivated — one that views asking for help as a mark of strength, not weakness.

“For people who haven’t been seeking help because of shame,” Dutton said, “there is a lot more help [and] understanding than they might think there is.”

For more information on the next Stop the Stigma event, visit: stopthestigmagnv.org.

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“We are not the only ones that support [Stop the Stigma],” Sarkis said. “We have a lot of other people involved.” UF Health and many other companies and institutions rally behind Stop the Stigma each year.

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SPOTLIGHT

RESCUE ANIMAL ADOPTIONS

Furever Friends BOSS & JACKIE

FUREVER FRIENDS IS A RECURRING PROFILE THAT FEATURES A LOCAL RESCUE ANIMAL AND THEIR OWNER, WRITTEN FROM THE ADOPTED PET’S “POINT OF VIEW.” NOMINATE YOURSELF OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW FOR OUR NEXT RESCUED PET PROFILE! CONTACT: EDITOR@TOWERPUBLICATIONS.COM.

Oh, why hello there. My name is Boss and I’m a caramel-coated ball of scruff.

Now don’t let my tousled locks and young age fool you; I’m a very mild-mannered, laid-back pup. After being dropped off at Haile’s Angels Pet Rescue, I got to know the staff pretty well and they compared my personality to an old man who’s just trapped inside a puppy.

Late February arrived and I was greeted by a warmhearted visitor named Jackie Taylor.

Jackie’s friend, who volunteers at the shelter, sent her my picture after I arrived and it was an instant connection – I guess I’m really photogenic. Jackie is originally from Gainesville but currently lives in St. Augustine with her husband, Sam, and their two kitties: Boo Radley and Cat. After meeting me, Jackie knew she wanted to make me a member of the family too, but as a trial she decided to foster me first.

When we finally got home, I was introduced to Sam who was so excited to meet me – he even took the next day off of work so we could get better acquainted. Sam has never had a dog and I wasn’t able to find a lasting forever home before, so we were both in need of a change. On March 8 my adoption became official, but I came with a little bit of baggage that had to be dealt with first. Somehow I managed to get these weird bugs living in my heart so I had to be on medicine, which kept me pretty sedated so I could get better.

Jackie and Sam only got to get a glimpse of my true personality before my medicine kicked in. I don’t like to bark too much even though the furry neighbors beg me to join in. I also 128 |

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don’t really like to sleep on my bed because I’d rather sleep on the nice, cool floor. I get really excited when I see Cat and Boo throughout the day, which I show them through my wagging tail. Besides the cats and my new parents, my other best friend is Pinchy; he’s my toy lobster and he’s definitely my favorite thing to play with.

My mom says I’m sweet and well-mannered, but I have to admit I’ve let my etiquette slide a smidge since becoming comfortable in my new home; I may have taken a little sample of bacon off the counter – ok, I did take a sample, but it was calling

my name and it sure was tasty. I’m really lucky too because my mom’s job as an event planner allows her to work from home so she can spend time with me.

I thought I found my forever home before, but I guess I didn’t know what a forever home really felt like, because I know for a fact that I’ve found it now. I just hope the friends I made at Haile’s Angels are able to find a place where they can feel loved too.

If you’re interested in adopting a pet, visit Haile’s Angels website at www.hailesangels.org.

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