Our Town 2019 JUL-AUG (High Springs & Alachua)

SPECIAL SECTION: MEET LOCAL INDUSTRY LEADERS IN THE FIRST ANNUAL SHOWCASE OF THE FACES OF OUR TOWN! JEFF HUFFMAN GLOBAL WARMING UF HURRICANE CENTER TEN WAYS TO ENJOY A RAINY DAY

JULY/AUGUST 2019 | VOL. 17 ISSUE 04

EXPLORING THE

Forces of Nature IN OUR WORLD

HIGH SPRINGS & ALACHUA EDITION

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CONTENTS

J u ly/ A u g u s t 2 0 1 9

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 4

IN THIS ISSUE >> Hurricanes, tornadoes and earthquakes — oh my! Explore the science behind natural disasters. Learn how these forces of nature form, as well as helpful ways to prepare for hurricane season. Make it rain with fun DIY weather crafts the whole family can enjoy. Just don’t forget your umbrella!

Cover photography by John Moran.

FEATURE STORIES 26 A FARMER PREPARES

Learn the preparations farmers make for hurricane season and how they deal with the aftermath.

50 MAKING IT RAIN

Create the weather phenomenon of your choosing with some fun and creative DIY crafts!

These step-by-step activities will have your kids unleashing their inner Mother Nature.

92 JEFF HUFFMAN

Look deep into the heart and background of a weather-loving meteorologist who currently works as the Director of the Florida Public Radio Emergency Network.

176 PHOTO ESSAY: HURRICANE MICHAEL

John Moran captures the wake of Hurricane Michael in poignant and impactful images, demonstrating the sheer power behind this storm.

July/August 2019

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CONTENTS

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THE FORCE OF MOTHER NATURE Volcanoes, Tornadoes and Tsunamis... oh my! Learn about the science behind Mother Nature’s other natural disasters.

J u ly/ A u g u s t 2 0 1 9

64

ANDREW AND IRMA Explore the science behind two of Florida’s most destructive hurricanes and how storms like these form.

THE HUMANE SOCIETY OF NORTH CENTRAL FLORIDA When disaster strikes, remember he’s more than a pet — he’s family. The HSNCF reminds you to take care of all animals in the community before a storm.

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FLORIDA FULGURITE Ever wonder what it would be like to catch lightning? One man may have figured it out.

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HURRICANE HISTORY Look back on some of Gainesville’s most notorious hurricanes and hear the memories of the survivors.

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56 F ARM TALES

by Donna Bonnell

184 F UREVER FRIENDS

40

44

by Crystal Henry

67 E MBRACING LIFE

GLOBAL WARMING Read a climate scientist and environmental expert’s opinion on global warming.

INDOOR FUN! Can you hear the pitter-patters of rain on your window and can’t find anything to do? Discover 10 things to do during a rainy day.

31 N AKED SALSA

by Mother Hen

72

32

COLUMNS

SPECIAL SECTION: Meet Local

Industry Leaders in the First Annual Showcase of The Faces of Our Town!

140

MIKE POTTER Check out the day-in-a-life and origin story of TV-20 meteorologist Mike Potter. Hear how his deep-rooted passion for weather has only grown stronger over the years.

163

HURRICANE PREP KIT It’s time to start preparing for hurricanes.

Find out what you need in your next hurricane prep kit!

170

UF STORM CHASERS A detailed look at how Dr. Forrest Masters and the rest of his team study hurricanes in order to reduce their damage.

Spotlight on Rescue Animals

REVIEWS 36 R EADING CORNER

by Terri Schlichenmeyer

42 G ATE CRASHING

by Brian “Krash” Kruger

INFORMATION 68 T aste of the Town 114 C harity Winners 116 C ommunity Calendar 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 Cameron Cobb, Tranelle Maner, Victoria Vargas, Peggy Macdonald, Summer Jarro, Hayli Zuccola, Kaitlin Applegate, Sofia Arriaga, Steph Strickland CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER John Moran ADVERTISING ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Jenni Bennett jenni@towerpublications.com Nancy Short nancy@towerpublications.com INTERN Steph Strickland, Victoria Vargas, Tranelle Maner

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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July/August 2019

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR We want to hear from you. Send your letters to the attention of the editor at 4400 NW 36th Avenue, Gainesville, FL 32606 or editor@ towerpublications.com. Letters must be signed and include a phone number in the event we need to contact you. (Your phone number will not be published.)

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

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EDITOR ’ S LET TER

J u ly/ A u g u s t 2 0 1 9

The Perfect Storm

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They say it’s always darkest before the dawn.

While preparing for this issue on the Forces of Mother Nature, it seemed that my life had become a bit of a natural disaster itself. It started with a broken finger, which I accidentally slammed in a car door – to the point where I had to unlatch the door handle to release it.

Next up was an unexpected surgery that left my body with residual post-op issues, and then a stomach flu that just didn’t want to quit. I remember wondering if this perfect storm would ever pass?

After much prayer and meditation, it came to me. No, it’s not always going to be raining.

I’ve been fortunate enough to have lived so many sunnier days before, and I have faith they will happen again. Just like there is a hurricane season, we each have different seasons in our own lives too.

I began to feel so much thankfulness for all the blessings in my life. The people I work with, my family who drop everything to pray with me when I’m at my lowest, and my little pup, Winnie, who knows just the right time to climb onto my lap and give me a lick on the face.

This issue is about literal storms and other forces of nature in the world. However, I can’t help but see the analogy to the disasters that seem to come out of nowhere in our personal lives too. We are left with picking up the pieces after a storm we thought would never strike. Or if it did, that we would have been well-enough prepared to ride it out.

Just like the weather, life can be unpredictable. This is why we must never take for granted the happy times God blesses us with. And when that next storm does hit, we cannot lose sight of the rainbow that is sure to follow. Don’t get lost in the aftermath – look to the beautiful colors...

That’s the promise that sunnier days lie ahead.

Ericka Winterrowd, Editor-In-Chief

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Norman Studios presents “The Flying Ace” at the Cade

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Established in 1916 in Jacksonville, Fl., silent film studio Norman Studios – formerly called Eagle Film City – was one of the first motion-picture establishments to showcase movies that featured African American characters in positive roles, according to normanstudios.org. One of those iconic films included “The Flying Ace,” a silent film based on the life of Bessie Coleman, the first African American woman to hold a pilot’s license and who made a name for herself as a stunt pilot.

This piece of silent film history, along with other memorabilia from Norman Studios and its namesake Richard Norman Jr., such as movie posters and vintage movie equipment, will be displayed at the Cade Museum for Creativity and Invention for its newest exhibit: Norman Studios presents “The Flying Ace” at the Cade.

Overlapping with the Cade’s latest museum-wide themes of Aviation and Optics, Film & Photography, this exhibit fits both those qualifications seamlessly.

Traveling back almost a century ago, the Cade Museum will bring guests back to the roaring ‘20s – specifically relating to the silent film industry – and allow them to immerse themselves in the exciting world of movies and entertainment. When they aren’t exploring Norman Studios’ backstory or gazing at classic movie posters, visitors can enjoy a night at the movies so to speak and watch “The Flying Ace” for themselves.

Showing now through August 18

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July/August 2019

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CONTRIBUTOR S

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J u ly/ A u g u s t 2 0 1 9

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

TRANELLE MANER is a senior journalism major at the University of Florida with an outside concentration in film. She loves all things entertainment and appreciates a conversation about any pop culture news. tranellemaner@gmail.com

VICTORIA VARGAS is a journalism student at the University of Florida. She is constantly looking for the perfect pasta dish and loves conspiracy theories. victoriao.vargas@gmail.com

PEGGY MACDONALD is a native Gainesvillian and teaches history at Stetson University. Her publications include a biography of environmental activist Marjorie Harris Carr and a forthcoming book on Florida’s female pioneers. peggymacdemos@gmail.com

SUMMER JARRO is a UF graduate with a bachelor’s in Journalism. Along with writing, she loves Disney, watching old films, going to the beach and traveling to new places. summerjarro@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

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

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

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

July/August 2019

You deserve SunState BEING A MEMBER HAS ITS ADVANTAGES

Banks work to keep your money.

SunState works for you.

As a SunState Federal Credit Union member, you own part of the credit union. That means our employees’ goal is to make sure your needs are met, because they work for you. Call or visit SunState today to join and you’ll see — we’re better together.

Membership is open to everyone who lives, works, worships, attends school or does business in Alachua, Columbia, Dixie, Gilchrist, Levy, Suwannee, Lafayette, Union and Hamilton Counties.

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352-381-5200 www.SunStateFCU.org July/August 2019

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FORCES OF NATURE >> DISASTER SCIENCE

NATURE’S FURY

The Force of Mother Nature The Science Behind Natural Disasters W RIT TE N BY C A MERON COBB

T

ornadoes and earthquakes and floods… oh my! While the world is full of quiet bliss and tranquility, natural disasters are reminders that Mother Nature can be just as brutal as it is beautiful. Thanks to technology, human intelligence, and our basic survival instincts, we’ve learned over time how to better predict and prepare for such catastrophes. But the real thanks goes to science because without understanding how these events occur, we wouldn’t be able to continue our discoveries on how to handle some of Earth’s toughest challenges.

Let’s explore the science behind some of the wildest forces of nature.

VOLCANOES Volcanoes are so much more than just being everyone’s favorite go-to science experiment. Let’s forgo the paper mâché and vinegar, though, and try out another analogy. You know those elaborate cupcake-baking videos, the ones where someone takes a fancy metal tube and digs out the middle for a surprise filling?

Well, similarly, a volcano is just a mountain with a hollowed-out core. Only instead of buttercream; a volcano’s center leads to the less-tasty filling of a molten rock pool.

Okay, so maybe there are some differences, but just like preparing cupcakes, volcanoes need to start from scratch. A volcano begins as magma that breaks through the Earth’s upper mantle to the surface, and the buildup of pressure causes the first eruption, according to weatherwizkids.com. From here, volcanoes actually continue forming and growing due to eruptions over time.

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Volcanoes erupt whenever plates within the Earth’s crust move, which causes friction and thus a volcanic eruption occurs.

Eventually, the oozing lava cools, then hardens, and the ash settles. This process adds to a volcano’s size – meaning the more it erupts, the bigger it gets.

PHOTOGRAPHY: JACK EBNET, NIKOLAS NOONAN

July/August 2019

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FORCES OF NATURE >> DISASTER SCIENCE

San Francisco’s Marina district after an earthquake measuring 7.1 on the richter scale on October 17, 1989.

EARTHQUAKES Earthquakes are all about the dangers that lie below – and since they can’t really be predicted, it makes the fear of the unknown much more intimidating. Though we may not know when an earthquake will happen, hopefully their scientific explanation will lead humanity closer to figuring that out!

Sometimes, underground rock suddenly breaks along a fault line (crack) within the Earth’s surface, which leads to an

instant release of energy, according to geo.mtu.edu. This causes seismic waves, which makes the ground shake. Once this break occurs, the now divided pieces of rock push against each other.

The jagged edges prevent them from moving smoothly together, and instead the two pieces catch on one another. Eventually, the buildup of pressure causes both pieces to break, and that’s when an earthquake occurs.

TORNADOES I don’t know which part of “The Wizard of Oz” scares people more – the dramatic tornado scene or every time the Wicked Witch cackled (or more embarrassing for me, the flying monkeys). But despite how Hollywood makes it look, tornadoes don’t normally start out so threatening – just your average thunderstorm with a twist (literally).

Combine cool, dry air with warm, moist air and you’ve got the basis for a tornado recipe. Just north of the U.S., Canada provides the cooler air while the country’s southeastern border offers warmer air from the Gulf of Mexico, according to weatherwizkids.com. It’s easy to see how 1,000 tornadoes tear across the nation each year!

But how does something as simple as opposing air temperatures turn into such a terrifying spiral?

When the different types of air meet, it creates instability in the atmosphere.

This causes an increase in wind speed and a change in wind direction. These changes create a horizontal spinning effect and continue to pull air from the lower atmosphere. Eventually, the rising air tilts the already rotating air into a now vertical spin, where “an area of rotation about 2 to 6 miles wide extends through much of the storm,” according to weatherwizkids.com.

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PHOTOGRAPHY: OTTO GREULE JR, GETTY IMAGES; JASON PERSOFF

TSUNAMIS The word “tsunami” comes from the Japanese word “tsu,” meaning harbor, and “nami,” meaning wave. While both translations imply singularity, a tsunami is actually a series of waves, or a “wave train,” according to nationalgeographic.com.

Tsunamis don’t set out to terrorize land on their own terms, but instead they are caused by other natural disasters such as landslides, underwater earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and even the impact from a meteor crashing into the ocean (though this is very rare).

Let’s look at one cause of tsunamis – earthquakes.

Earthquakes are the reason for five out of the seven largest

tsunamis that have affected the U.S. within the last 10 years, according to worlddata.info.

A tsunami can form after an earthquake of great force causes strong movement of the Earth’s surface and subsequently leads to a significant displacement of lots of water, according to nationalgeographic.com. This sudden surge of water can travel miles without losing too much of its strength before reaching land. Such impact can be detrimental to any coast, so it’s important to keep in mind that an earthquake is a natural warning that a tsunami could follow (sometimes even hours after the earthquake!).

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FORCES OF NATURE >> DISASTER SCIENCE

WILDFIRES One of the natural causes of wildfires is lightning.

Though lightning may often be generalized as one phenomenon, there are actually two components and two different types of lightning, according to nps.gov. Let’s take a look at the two components – the leader and the stroke. The leader is the invisible “probing feeler” that extends from the cloud down onto land. The stroke is the visible bolt we see on its return path back to the cloud.

Now to address the two types of lightning – hot and cold. A cold lightning’s stroke is more intensely charged and has a shorter duration than that of hot lightning. Though a hot lightning’s stroke may have a weaker voltage, it’s the longer occurrence that makes hot lightning a culprit for igniting wildfires.

While it’s tough to fault a sheer act of nature for wildfires, keep in mind lightning only deserves a small fraction of the blame. Almost 85 percent of wildfires in the U.S. are caused by humans – from unattended campfires to equipment malfunctions to something as simple as tossing a cigarette out of the car window. Even the tiniest bit of negligence can cause problems that spread like – you guessed it – wildfire.

FLOODS If you’re living or even just visiting in Florida, you’ve likely experienced at least one day drenched in a seemingly endless downpour. An msn.com article from 2018 cites Florida as the fifth rainiest state in the country, with an average annual rainfall amount of 53.7 inches.

Floods are the most common of all weather-related natural disasters, and they kill more people in the U.S. each year than tornadoes, hurricanes or lightning, according to nationalgeographic. com. With the Sunshine State being no exception, flooding occurs all over the U.S. and ultimately can happen anywhere else in the world where it rains.

While heavy rain is a prime factor of flooding, especially during serious storms like hurricanes, there are many other causes. Floods can happen when snow melts too quickly, dams/ levees bust and even when ocean waves make it too far inland.

One of the more recent risks of flooding is climate change, as the increasing temperatures lead to a rise in sea level. While this is a worldwide crisis that affects the entire planet, it’s especially detrimental for low-lying coastal areas such as Florida.

Other than the melting of glaciers contributing to the rise in sea level, increases in temperature can cause hurricanes to move more slowly, having more time to strengthen and thus drop more rain.

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OUR TOWN MAGAZINE

July/August 2019

Texas National Guard soldiers arrive in Houston to aid residents in heavily flooded areas from the storms of Hurricane Harvey, Aug. 27, 2017. Texas Army National Guard photo by 1st Lt. Zachary Wes

Nature can be a ruthless. Just look at what the dinosaurs suffered through.

However, with the help of science, technology and of course, good ole’ common sense, there are many ways to stay safe wherever, whenever and whatever disaster strikes. For any natural event, two of the most important household preparation steps are to establish a communications plan and build a disaster

emergency kit. For specific circumstances, check out a few other tips below from ready. gov to get you started.

Here’s to staying safe when Mother Nature roars!

Sources: geo.mtu.edu, weatherwizkids.com, worlddata.info, nationalgeographic.com, nps.gov, msn.com, ready.gov

DISASTER SAFETY TIPS EARTHQUAKES – Have regular drills in your household so you and your family members know exactly what to do and where the safe spots are should they need to jump into action.

TORNADOES – Keep an eye out for weather danger signs, such as the roaring sound of a freight train and a dark, greenish sky. If a tornado strikes near you, keep away from windows, doors and outside walls.

FLOODS – If there’s news of a flash flood, move immediately to higher ground. And avoid walking through moving water – even just six inches is enough to knock you down.

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VOLCANOES – Watch out for lahars (mudflows), especially before crossing any bridges. If you see one coming, don’t cross it. The mudflow could destroy it.

TSUNAMIS – Move away from the coast towards higher ground and as far inland as you can get.

WILDFIRES – Regularly rake your lawn to keep it free from leaves and twigs, especially in drier regions/seasons. Even this kind of debris poses a threat if a wildfire is nearby. And please don’t throw your cigarettes outside!

PHOTOGRAPHY: DAVID MCNEW; BEN KUO; JOANNE FRANCIS; DAVID J. PHILLIP, AP

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AGRICULTURE >> A FARMER PREPARES

HOW LOCAL FARMERS WEATHER THE STORM OF HURRICANE SEASON

A Farmer Prepares WRITTEN BY TRANELLE MANER

Travis Wilson is officially checking the insurance claims on his crops.

Mike Alligood is tilling soil that still seems damaged from the past hurricane. Leela Robinson, however, is beginning to harvest.

These activities all link together to represent one particular season and it’s not summer, spring, winter or fall. Hurricane season occurs right in the middle of summer in the state of Florida. While May through September marks the increase in heat and humidity for the state, the official dates for summer are June 21 to Sept. 23. The season of tropical storms rages on from June 1 to Nov. 30.

Time Magazine reported that The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is predicting a “near-normal” hurricane season in 2019.

Between two and four major hurricanes are expected. As the season approaches, it is 26 |

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PHOTOGRAPHY: VICTORIA VARGAS, BIANCA FAVATA

important for all to begin preparation. While many stock up on water, cover windows and gather sandbags, most are unaware of what goes into hurricane preparation for the agriculture community and the effects they must deal with once the storm passes.

Since its origin in 2015, Deep Spring Farm has tried to prepare its land and harvest to be one step ahead of the hurricane and storm troubles. Leela Robinson, an organic farmer for the Alachua farm, said that the location works to get ahead of the storm by presenting expertise in their location. The farm houses only native and useful plants to North Florida, and those that are proven to successfully grow during windbreaks and withstand the pressure.

Nearly 1 million acres of agricultural crops, not including timber, were impacted throughout the Panhandle.

While others have been able to create a system to try to prevent any issues, many farmers still suffer from the effects of hurricanes. Some scientists say that global warming is making hurricanes more deadly because warmer air can hold more water.

While the correlation to global warming hasn’t been confirmed, hurricanes seem to be continuing in strength across the state.

In Florida, October 10, 2018, was a day that no farmer or agriculturalist of any kind in the northern region can forget. On that day, Hurricane Michael landed in North Florida with the strongest winds (155 mph) since Hurricane Andrew in 1992. UF IFAS reported that $158 million worth of production in agriculture was lost due to the hurricane. Christa Court, a scientist with UF IFAS, said that this number is based on revenue that was lost due to sales that couldn’t be made from the growing season. Nearly 1 million acres of agricultural crops, not including timber, were impacted throughout the Panhandle, Court said.

No one understands the magnitude of this disaster more fully than farmers, landowners and property managers. Mike Alligood of Meeko Farms only recently

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AGRICULTURE >> A FARMER PREPARES

started seeing crop growth again. Alligood said because of the intensity of damage to his farm and the amount of soil erosion from Hurricane Michael he had to take a five-month break from farming.

Travis Wilson, 44, of Wilson & Son’s Tractor Services had a similar story. Wilson said that he’s been dealing with countless issues on his land from the hurricane. He’s currently dealing with infrastructure problems from the wind damage. The damage caused his well-water system to work ineffectively, which is causing a severe issue in the growth of his watermelons. He added that he was thankful that the time immediately after the hurricane wasn’t too hard on his lifestyle because he didn’t have that many crops on his field.

Wilson said that preparation of crops is one of the keys to surviving the hurricane season after the storm. Now is the time that he said he tries to make sure all of his crops are insured to cover loss. Crop insurance is a program to assist farmers when they need it most. Crop Insurance in America states that the 28 |

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July/August 2019

process started “when private insurance companies first sold policies to protect farmers against the effects of hailstorms.”

This form is known as crop-hail insurance. Some also purchase federal crop insurance, known as multi-peril crop insurance, which protects against the loss of crops due to natural disasters such as droughts, freezes, floods, fires, insects, diseases and wildlife, or the loss of revenue due to a decline in price.

According to the website, in 2018, farmers spent $980 million on crop-hail insurance to protect $36 billion worth of crops.

Wilson said he purchases both types of insurance because most insurance is for dry weather issues, but other crops can be covered federally. He also received government assistance in relief aid.

Back in September 2017, Hurricane Irma also waged a war with the crops in Florida. At that time Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam announced that the agricultural damages caused by Hurricane Irma in Florida totaled more than $2.5 billion. Due to the huge amount of destruction, the PHOTOGRAPHY: VICTORIA VARGAS, BIANCA FAVATA

A D V E RTI S E M E N T

Salt therapy calms various lung irritations as well as skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis.

Holistic Healing in Alachua The Healing House opened its doors three years ago as a place for holistic healing. Most people say walking up the front steps is like a breath of fresh air. You’re immediately greeted by the inviting scent of soaps and essential oils, ambient music, and a friendly staff member. Owner Ashley Upham has assembled a team whose mission is to restore balance and energy to people’s lives. “We all love what we do,” Ashley said,“and I think that shows in our practice.”

ACUPUNCTURE The Healing House has some of the most experienced and capable acupuncturists in the area. The initial intake is about two hours, in that time they take your pulse, check your tongue, and perform other diagnostic techniques. Ashley and her staff are trained in ShenHammer pulse diagnosis, which is a technique that uses pulse to tell about the body. “I take their pulse and they think I’m psychic,” Ashley said, “but It’s all about observation and listening. Treat the root, and it’ll treat the branch.”

Acupuncture can help with anything from the common cold to hypertension, IBS or emotional stress. The results are amazing, and they come without side effects. The acupuncturists are able to create custom herbal formulas tailored to your body’s needs, and they are medically trained to understand how your current medications interact.

SALT ROOM One of The Healing House’s most unique assets is the salt room, nestled in the back corner of the historic building. The room is a quiet escape from the usual, with snowy salt crystals blanketing the floor and Himalayan salt rocks glowing softly in the fireplace. There are six inviting chairs in the room where clients can relax while breathing in the healing air. A special machine crushes pure medical grade salt into breathable particles, which are blown into the room. When inhaled, the fine salt serves as

an expectorant with both anti-inflammatory and antibacterial qualities. Salt therapy calms various lung irritations as well as skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis. You can add a salt room to any treatment for just $20.

MENTAL HEALTH & MASSAGE “We know the body and mind are deeply integrated.” Ashley shared, “The entire staff is vested in healing your body as a whole, rather than breaking it into parts.” As such they offer Massage and Wellness Counseling in addition to Acupuncture. So, no matter where you are in your journey towards health, The Healing House has a modality to support you.

To schedule an appointment, call or visit healinghousealachua.com July/August 2019

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July/August 2019

Florida Senate decided to push for more relief for farmers and farm families who have suffered loss of crops and revenues. In December 2017, the U.S. passed federal relief money for the state’s growers who suffered billions of dollars in losses from Hurricane Irma. The vote for that loss was continually pushed back through the Senate.

On May 13, 2019, more than 75 county Farm Bureau leaders and members of the Florida Farm Bureau traveled to Washington to discuss several agricultural policies including hurricane disaster relief. “Florida agriculture needs Congress to act boldly and decisively,” said Florida Farm Bureau President John L. Hoblick. “We hope our meetings with lawmakers will convey the urgent need for congressional leadership on disaster relief and the other needs of our farm families.”

The Florida Farm Bureau website reported on May 15 that Gov. Ron DeSantis came to the decision to authorize a state loan program for farm families struggling with recovery from Hurricane Michael.

“Six months after the storm crushed the region, many Panhandle farmers and ranchers are still in desperate need of assistance,” Hoblick said.

During the Governor’s Hurricane Conference in West Palm Beach, DeSantis announced that under the new policy’s terms, applicants can borrow up to $200,000 for use in rebuilding and restoring agricultural operations. Borrowers will have two years to repay the money they receive and will pay no interest on the debt. Dr. Ruth Borger, assistant vice president at UF IFAS, said that they also provide support to agriculture producers, and they welcome the decision.

Wilson added that the entire process and life of a farmer can be stressful, but other times it’s not so bad. As of press time, the blueberries at Deep Spring Farm were in harvest and being sold in abundance.

Robinson said it’s because they plan so far ahead to make the farm resilient to all weather no matter how extreme. They are very diligent about pre-storm and poststorm cleanup, she said.

Here’s to the farmers who continue to weather the storm — growing the crops and produce that keep us all going!

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CRYSTAL HENRY’S

Naked Salsa RAINSTORMS

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

I GREW UP LOVING RAINSTORMS. ANYTIME I SAW DARK CLOUDS ROLL-IN MY VERY SOUL GREW WARM WITH THE PROSPECT OF RAIN.

The next few months seemed darker, and they were flooded with tears. I honestly don’t remember how long it took for those clouds to lift and a little bit of light to shine through again. But I do remember the first rain without my dad.

I saw the clouds and smelled the asphalt through an open window, and I knew it was coming. I started to grab my boots, still love the smell of the asphalt after a hot but I realized my mom was still sitting on the couch with my summer downpour, and at the first sign of rainlittle brother. She wasn’t looking for him to beg for a drive. We’d drops my body is flooded with both serotonin and melaride this storm out at home. Just the three of us. tonin. I feel happy and sleepy and cozy all at once.

I curled up next to my mom, and at the first lightning flash I remember as a kid how much my mother loved rain. When I started to count, “one one thousand, two one thousand, three the lightning would crash outside, she’d curl up with me next to one thousand.” And the thunder struck so hard it shook the the window, and we’d count together as the thunder rolled in. walls. It rattled the brass elephants my mom had hanging next I’m convinced that the “one one thousand, two one thousand, to our family picture. And it resonated in my whole three one thousand,” was more of a meditation and body. My mom hugged me close. breathing exercise than an accurate measurement We counted through that storm together of how far the storm was. But it worked like I curled up next barely saying another word. That night I a charm. I always felt safe and loved during to my mom, and at the crawled into bed with my mom and for so the rain. many nights after I slept by her side. But I also knew to get my rain boots because first lightning flash I we eventually got through that storm, and there was nothing my mom loved more started to count, “one the light peeked through again. than going for a drive in the rain. While one thousand, two one Ten years ago, my oldest daughter most people stayed indoors and off the thousand, three one was born on a hot afternoon in June. I roads, my mother would beg my dad to take lost my first pregnancy the year before, so us out driving. And he would always oblige. thousand.”

I named her Sunny for being the bright light I didn’t have anything electronic to bring that brought my rainbow after the storm. I gave in the car. Even the Game Boy was off limits. All I her my father’s middle name, so she’d always have a could do was look out the window as we splashed through connection to him. intersections, watching the waves crest away from our wheels. I Her sister was born on a cold day in March. And as soon don’t remember what my parents talked about, but I do rememas I pushed that baby into the world, I looked in her eyes and ber they talked — and it was music. Sometimes I’d be lulled saw a familiar spark. She had the dreamy green dazzlers of a to sleep on the drive, and other times I’d get wrapped up in grandfather she’d never know. I named her Violet — the last whatever book I was reading. The ones I remember most were color in the rainbow — as a sign that no matter the storms the Boxcar Children. I’d imagine I was one of them, and that that pass, there is a promise of life and beauty after. We had an our car was my own boxcar hideaway. unseasonably sunny and warm spring that year.

Then on a very dreary day in February when I was nine years I still love the rain, and all the cozy memories it brings. old, I learned that my dad was killed in an accident at work, and And to this day when I feel the air get heavy, and I hear the my life was forever changed. We buried him on Valentine’s Day familiar roll of thunder across the sky, I grab my own two just a few days after my parents celebrated their 10th wedding little rays of light, and we count together as the storm passes anniversary, and it wasn’t until just a few years ago that I realized by. why I always hated Valentine’s Day.

I

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CLIMATE >> GLOBAL WARMING

PROLONGING OUR PLANET

Global Warming Climate Scientist Stephen Mulkey Says it’s Too Late for Denial W R IT TE N BY PEGGY M AC DON A LD

S

tephen Mulkey wants to save the world. The UF lecturer and Unity College President Emeritus spent almost 20 years studying tropical forest ecology in the eastern Amazon. “I’ve had an incredible life,” he reflected.

But that wasn’t good enough for Mulkey, who wanted to do more than study how climate change and other environmental factors affected the Amazon. He wanted to tackle climate change head-on. He explained that there is an urgent need not for more studies, but to take immediate action to prevent global warming from reaching catastrophic levels. “We don’t need another thermometer,” he said. “We need a firehose.”

As a tenured faculty member in the botany department at UF and a research associate with the School of Forest Resources and Conservation from 1996 to 2008, Mulkey started to incorporate more climate science into his classes, earning the nickname “Dr. Doom.” Today he struggles to insert more hope into his lectures and discussions.

Not surprisingly, Mulkey drives a Toyota Prius, a gift from Unity College, a liberal arts school in Maine.

From 2011 to 2015, Mulkey served as president of

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Unity and led the school’s transition from a small college with declining enrollment to the first college in the nation to base its curriculum on sustainability science. Unity was also the first college in the U.S. to divest from fossil fuels, setting the precedent for higher education to take a stand on mitigation of global climate change. Unity is a “green” college whose mission incorporates an ethical imperative to educate optimistic students who are committed to solving the world’s most pressing environmental problems.

After Mulkey successfully spearheaded the restructuring of Unity College’s brand, curriculum and business model as well as establishing it as America’s first environmental college, his wife, Michele Sharpe, convinced him to come back to Gainesville. Soon after his return—in need of a new challenge—Mulkey accepted a position with the National Science Foundation’s Directorate for Education and Human Resources. However, after serving as an innovative college president, navigating the rigid NSF hierarchy was disheartening.

“The directorate had an unofficial yet enforced policy of reticence on sustainability and especially climate change,” Mulkey said. Not all NSF PHOTOGRAPHY: NASA.GOV

“We don’t need another thermometer.

We need a firehose.”

This illustration shows elevations below 5 meters (16 feet) above sea level have been colored dark blue, and lighter blue indicates elevations below 10 meters (33 feet).

PHOTO COURTESY OF UNITY COLLEGE

Southern Florida shaded relief and colored height taken from the Space Shuttle Endeavour in September 2004.

Dr. Stephen Mulkey

directorates have such a policy, he noted. He attributes his directorate’s stance to the potential loss of congressional funding. In general, Mulkey said, climate science funding has always been hand to mouth with strings attached.

Although Mulkey appreciates the financial and political intricacies of scientific funding in an era of climate change denial, he does not think climate science should be viewed as political. “To advocate for the very survival of civilization is not a political stance,” he explained. “The average citizen doesn’t understand just how out of time we are.”

Unable to remain silent on the issue, he decided to return to the classroom. Although recruiters have strongly encouraged Mulkey to apply for other college president positions, he believes he can make more of a difference in the world by inspiring a new generation of climate scientists and policymakers.

“Making progress as an administrator, the chances July/August 2019

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CLIMATE >> GLOBAL WARMING

The new NASA global data set combines historical measurements with data from climate simulations, using the best available computer models to provide forecasts of how global temperature (shown here) and precipitation might change up to the year 2100 under different greenhouse gas emissions scenarios.

are slim to none,” Mulkey said. “But in the classroom, I have a fighting chance.” Mulkey has great faith in millennials, a generation that has demonstrated a talent for understanding what they can do to help.

In the coming school year, Mulkey—who has a doctorate in ecology from the University of Pennsylvania—will teach three classes to undergraduates at UF: Climate Change Biology, Global Change Ecology and Sustainability as well as a new course he is developing, titled: Communities and Climate Change. “Communities are at the frontlines of adaptation [to climate change],” Mulkey explained. At the local level, communities focus on risk reduction and building resilience through human resources.

Global warming is one of the biggest challenges human civilization will ever face, Mulkey cautions. “It will affect our ability to feed ourselves and deal with weather extremes,” he said, “but some scientists still have a sense of denial on this.”

Mulkey likened climate change or global warming denial to alcoholism. Some scientists still have a sense of denial, even though they read the literature and see the evidence of global warming. “It’s a difference between recognizing and deep acceptance,” he explained. “Until we as a species truly accept climate change deep down in our bones, change won’t come.”

The record high temperatures Gainesville experienced starting in late May is an example of global warming, Mulkey pointed out. The effects of the heat wave could be felt across the South. Moreover, the high temperatures in the 90s and 100s 34 |

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arrived at least six weeks early, according to Mulkey. He also expects the record highs to be sustained. In the future, Mulkey predicts, more people will die from heat than from cold.

Some environmentalists are clinging to the hope that Florida’s new governor will take the steps that are needed to address climate change in the state that is expected to experience the most severe effects from sea level rise. So far, it has been a mixed bag. Gov. Ron DeSantis announced an aggressive water policy at the start of his administration in January. He asked the entire board of directors of the South Florida Water Management District to resign in the wake of a series of algal blooms and red tide that devastated Florida wildlife, closed beaches and hurt the tourist industry.

In April, DeSantis appointed Tom Frazer, former director of the UF/IFAS School of Natural Resources and Environment, as Florida’s first Chief Science Officer. Frazer will be tasked with leading the state’s efforts to cope with algal blooms and red tide, among other critical environmental challenges.

A commitment to science-based solutions to Florida’s environmental problems is a departure from former Gov. Rick Scott’s approach. In 2015, comedian Jon Stewart lampooned Scott for banning state employees from using terms such as climate change and sea level rise. Not only is DeSantis comfortable using the term climate change, in May he announced that he would appoint a Chief Resilience Officer to “prepare Florida for the environmental, physical and economic impacts of climate change, especially sea-level rise.”

PHOTOGRAPHY: NASA.GOV

However, DeSantis also signed a controversial toll road bill into law in May, clearing the way for the construction of three major toll roads, Florida’s largest road project in decades. Proponents claim that the toll roads are needed for hurricane evacuation. Critics disagree, observing that the new toll roads would open environmentally sensitive lands to development.

Mulkey remains philosophical about the new governor’s environmental record.

“Only time will tell,” he said. “I’m hopeful that there’s real substance there, but I’m skeptical.”

Mulkey stressed the importance of immediate action. “There is no scenario that keeps us below two degrees global warming without steep and immediate reductions,” he said. “We are so out of time it is ridiculous.”

The world is at a crossroads, Mulkey warns, and the decisions we make now as a society will affect humanity’s future. “I think every scientist needs to take a look at their work and ask if it is relevant in the current context of the very real threat to civilization itself,” Mulkey said. “There is so much that needs to be done.”

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BOOK REVIEW

TERRI SCHLICHENMEYER’S

Reading Corner THE HOT YOUNG WIDOWS CLUB

written by Nora McInerny C.2019, TED BOOKS, $16.99 / $22.99 CANADA, 95 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

SOMETIMES, LIFE STINKS.

B

ad things happen to great people but truly horrible things happen to you - things like losing a loved one, and that’s indescribable. Your emotions feel like shuffled cards: you’re foggy, sad, angry, exhausted, and tired of dealing with it all. So what do you do next?

You take a deep breath and read “The Hot Young Widows Club” by Nora McInerny.

Nora McInerny knows grief. She shouldn’t have to, but she does because her husband died some time ago at age thirty-five, just before her father died, just before she miscarried what would have been her second child.

And if that sounds like a lot, it is but she says not to compare her situation to yours. Loss is not a competition because “who could possibly win?”

If this is your first big loss, welcome to a club you “had no intention of joining.”

What you may not realize yet is that you’re in good company, although dealing with your loss is uniquely yours and there are no rules or “right” ways to grieve, no expiration date, and there are no shoulds.

Although, maybe you should think about finding someone who’s been through this walk of widowhood, too, so you can scream into pillows together. McInerny recommends a “support group” of one or a dozen but find them on your own timeframe and do it in your own way. Oh, and “stop saying yes to the [things] you don’t want to do.”

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Remember that “you are not a machine, and grief is not a program you can run.” If you’ve been through loss before, know that “every… loss is different…” Understand that people can be awkward, they can be dumb, and that not every friendship will last beyond your grief. Accept help by naming a “Grief Manager” to coordinate everyone who wants to help do the “stuff you need done.” Embrace these words: “Why do you ask?” when faced with nosiness.

And finally, remember that “Time can change you, and it will. But it can’t change [the departed], and it won’t.”

When you head to the store to buy your copy of “The Hot Young Widow’s Club,” be sure to pick up a package of sticky paper flags. You’ll use them up on every page of this helpful, hopeful book.

Truly, this is unlike any Coping with Loss book you’ve ever seen; first, because author Nora McInerny ignores euphemisms. There’s no candy-coating death and no hiding what happened, so she uses the “D” word with honesty and gusto. She also uses humor, too, although it’s not the ROFL kind; instead, it’s humor of the sort that survivors use at the end of a crisis. And that, as she shows readers, is what you’ll be: a survivor, even though you’ll still cry sometimes.

This is not a book for raw widows or widowers, but they’ll want it eventually; it’s a little irreverent, but it’s just what they’ll need, in time. Indeed, life sometimes stinks – but “The Hot Young Widows Club” absolutely does not.

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he sun rises and sets on our great state over lakes, rivers, springs, gulfs and ocean waters. In Florida we take care of each other, and we take care of the natural beauty that surrounds us, because Florida is more than theme parks and tourist traps. We are people and communities. One local business is working to strengthen that community spirit through a little…SunState Livin’.

SunState Federal Credit Union embodies the spirit that is SunState Livin’; it is so much more than just a bank, or just a financial institution. As a not-for-profit organization, the primary focus of a credit union is to provide community members with the best possible products and services, the lowest possible fees, and the best possible rates. Rather than stockholders raking in the cash, the credit union members are the owners who reap the benefits with fewer fees, lower interest rates and higher returns. Unpaid volunteers sit on the SunState Board of Directors, and each member is an equal owner in the organization.

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SunState Federal Credit Union has a vested interest in Alachua County and the surrounding area – the credit union was originated and grew up here, and it lives here among us to this day. The original 10 charter members of SSFCU all lived and worked in Alachua County. Each put up $5 to give the organization its first $50 in assets.

SunState has now grown to serve more than 36,300 members who live, work, worship, or attend school primarily in nine local counties.

COMMUNITY SPIRIT The people who work at SSFCU live in and love North Central Florida. They’re your neighbors, friends and family, and charitable contributions are their favorite way to celebrate the place we call home. Each year the SSFCU employees choose their own charities that they donate to through the credit union’s unique payroll deduction and “pay to wear jeans” programs.

SSFCU also hosts the 10forTeacher$ program and the

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Facebook Charity of the Month contests that award donations to different charities throughout the year – as an extension of SunState’s cooperative nature, members and community residents decide where those donations go as opposed to someone at the credit union making the decision. But SSFCU wants to give even more people the chance to decide where donations land, so it’s launching their new SunState Livin’ campaign this summer! SunState Livin’ is designed to give more money to the community while continuing to celebrate all the great things that make Florida, well...Florida.

HOW DOES IT WORK? To be a part of the fun, show what SunState Livin’ means to you by picking up a new SunState Livin’ sticker from your local SSFCU branch – there are three different designs available, so you are sure to love one of them! Take a selfie with your SunState Livin’ sticker on the back of your car, boat or RV, even on your favorite cooler, and post it to Instagram with #SunStateFCU.

For each person who tags their selfie, SSFCU will donate $5 to the Employee’s Charities of Choice program, plus you will get a cool SunState Livin’ T-shirt. In addition to the Charities of Choice donation, SSFCU will choose one SunState Livin’ selfie per month and award the winner $100. Then that winner will select a charity of their own choice (must be a 501C3 headquartered in the counties SunState Federal Credit Union serves), and SSFCU will donate $1,000 directly to that charity. So many worthy causes will receive the funding and recognition that will help them do the good work that makes our little corner of the world so wonderful. It’s all about recognizing the amazing work being done right here in our community, and using the credit union’s resources to help those organizations grow. It’s all about…

SunState Livin’!

SunState Livin’ is a state of mind that we all know and love, and SSFCU is working to bring our community together to make it even better.

Proudly serving our members and our community since 1957

352-381-5200 www.SunStateFCU.org

Proudly serving our community and our members since 1957.

352-381-5200 www.sunstatefcu.org

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TIPS & IDEAS >> RAINY DAYS

COZY TIMES

TEN BEST WAYS TO ENJOY A RAINY DAY

Rain, Rain, Go Away!

W R I T T E N B Y V I C T O R I A VA R G A S

W

hether you choose to create something new or sleep all day, know that a rainy day doesn’t have to be a waste. However you choose to spend your time, rainy days can be just as purposeful as a sunny one. Here are 10 great ways to enjoy a rainy day: 1. Cozy up for a nap. Put on your favorite worn-in sweater, fluffiest socks and biggest blanket for a lovely nap. You can even crack open a window for some natural white noise.

2. Read the book you’ve been trying to finish for the last three months. If you don’t want to venture outside, now is the perfect time to sit down on the La-Z-Boy and start or finish that one novel that’s been collecting dust on your side table.

You know the one. Audiobooks are also a great option.

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3. Organize your closet. A clean closet reflects a clean mind.

Try Marie Kondo’s popular method of only keeping items that spark joy! It might be time to let go of that one sweater that hasn’t been worn in over two seasons. You may also discover a hidden gem that you lost long ago.

4. Continue the self-care and do that face mask you bought and saved for a special occasion. Now is the time. Or, if it’s safe, take a relaxing shower or bath.

5. Pull out the old photo albums and shoeboxes full of memorabilia. Spend the day in nostalgia as old memories pop back into your mind.

6. Watch nature documentaries on Netflix. It’s hard to appreciate Earth’s beauty when the sky is gray. Here are the top 5 nature documentaries to watch that will remind you of sunnier times:

Planet Earth (2006) This show, from over a decade ago, reminds us how the world is continuously changing. Over the 11 episodes, viewers are taken to different ecosystems around the world.

Planet Earth II (2016) With only six episodes, this series is easily digestible in one day. The “Cities” episode shows how animals are adapting to the human world.

Disneynature: Wings of Life (2011) This documentary details the relationship among birds, bugs and bats with plants. We are taken down to the creatures’ level and see how magnificent life is on a small scale.

Our Planet (2019) This series gives a look into how our world is looking today.

From frozen worlds to forests, viewers are exposed to ecological diversity in under an hour.

Moving Art (2017) This two-season series gives a cinematographer’s perspective of the world. Lacking a voiceover, this series challenges people to consciously observe the images they are seeing.

7. Learn something new. The surge of online skill-sharing websites makes it easier than ever to learn something new. Always wanted to pick up photography or learn a new language? Apps like Skillshare and Duolingo will be your best friend.

8. Make homemade pasta! Or cook up something else to share with your family… or enjoy it all yourself. If you’re feeling extra ambitious, pair the pasta with a homemade marinara sauce. Here are three other dishes that take time and patience to prepare: Croissants, Macarons and Braised short ribs.

9. If cabin fever is hitting hard, venture outside to play in the puddles. Be sure to wear rain boots and jackets! According to the CDC, the main lightning safety guide is the 30-30 rule. After you see lightning, start counting to 30. If you hear thunder before you reach 30, go indoors. Suspend activities for at least 30 minutes after the last clap of thunder.

10. Visit a museum. If you still want to get out of the house, head to a local art or history museum. The Harn Museum of Art at the University of Florida is free and open until 5 p.m., so take your time!

Now go out (or rather stay in) and have some fun!

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BAND REVIEW

BRIAN “KRASH” KRUGER’S

Gate Crashing ON DECK FOR REVIEW: DIM LIGHTS

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, APRIL 27, 2019 VENUE: CYPRESS & GROVE BREWING CO.

G

reetings, live music aficionados! This installment finds us at Cypress & Grove Brewing Company here in Gainesville.

Cypress & Grove is located at 1001 NW 4th Street, which is the corner of NW 10th Avenue and 4th Street. Back in the day, 10th Avenue was known as Cypress Avenue, and 4th Street was called Grove Street. So the name is a reference to the location, part of the historical Grove Street Neighborhood.

But enough geography.

Cypress & Grove Brewing Company is located in the building that once housed the Gainesville Ice House, back in the time period when there were such things as ice houses. Of course, like a brewery, an ice house needs lots of water to operate, and in this particular case that means that the building sits atop the site’s original 386 feet deep artesian well, giving the 15 barrel neighborhood production brewery its motto, “It all starts at the well.”

It opened in the summer of 2017.

As with other local craft brewers, Cypress & Grove has a bar open to the public with lots of their creations (I am partial to their porter myself ), and frequently features live entertainment. Oftentimes there is a food truck there as well, and that was the case during our visit, which food truck I believe was making some sort of Asian fusion food. At any rate, one of my companions ordered something that I was assured was delicious, which it certainly looked and smelled to be.

The evening’s entertainment was provided by the local (the guys live in Gainesville, the distaff side lives in Melrose) acoustic

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trio Dim Lights, who play Americana, country, bluegrass, and instrumentals. Their lineup is Karan Newman – mandolin, Chuck Spitzner – bass, and Ned Stewart – guitar. When I say “acoustic,” in this case I mean really acoustic, in that, rather than play acoustic-electric instruments (acoustic instrument with electric pickups), all three play acoustic-only instruments, which are then played in front of a microphone. Fortunately, they all were playing very high quality instruments (the acoustic guitar was an old Guild, the mandolin a Collings), because live-

Dim Lights

mic’ing an acoustic can be a tricky affair, but their mix sounded wonderful.

Most of the lead vocals were by guitarist Stewart, with harmonies by mandolinist Newman, although the latter did take lead vocals on a handful of songs. The first set kicked off with what I’m assuming was the inspiration for the band’s name, Dwight Yoakam’s “Dim Lights, Thick Smoke,” followed by “Oh Me, Oh My, Sweet Baby,” originally recorded by George Strait, who also

(of the infamous “Satan Is Real!” album wrote their third song, “Ace In The Hole.” cover), Johnny Lee’s “Cherokee Fiddle,” George Jones’ “You’re Still on My Mind” and a couple Jesse Winchester songs. Then was followed by an instrumental, followed more George Jones, and finished with the by the 1973 Jonathan Edwards’ chestnut humorous Todd Snider song “Beer Run” “My Home Ain’t in the Hall of Fame.” Guy (also covered by Garth Brooks).

Clark’s “Black Diamond Strings” was fol The final set began with the bluegrass lowed by the bluegrass classic “Blue Moon classic “If You’re Ever Gonna Love of Kentucky” by Bill Monroe, Me,” followed by Hank, Sr.’s and Ricky Scaggs’ “Highway “I Can’t Tell My Heart 40 Blues.” An audience As with other That.” It included some member was called up local craft brewers, Buck Owens, a cut from for additional vocals on Cypress & Grove has a bar the “Trio” supergroup Alan Jackson’s “A Little open to the public with album (Emmyloy Bluer Than That,” follots of their creations and Harris, Linda Rondstat, lowed by “The Bottle frequently features live and Dolly Parton), the Let Me Down” by Merle entertainment. draft dodger lament Haggard. The set closer “My Uncle” by the Flying featured female lead vocals, Burrito Brothers, “Baby Blue the hilarious “I Wouldn’t Buy Eyes” by bluegrass duo Flatt & a Used Car from Him” by Norma Scruggs, a couple more Jesse Winchester Jean. songs, and closed with Merle’s “Ramblin’ And that was just the first set!

Fever.” You cain’t hardly get more country The second set’s opener was Leonard than that!

Cohen’s “Suzanne,” popularized by Judy

Collins. The set brought more Merle, “Cash Now, go see some bands. on the Barrel Head” by the Louvin Brothers

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PETS >> HUMANE SOCIETY

HUMANE SOCIETY OF NORTH CENTR AL FLORIDA

Animal Friendly Helping to Protect Animals Before, During and After Hurricanes W RIT TE N BY S UMMER JA R RO

W

hen a hurricane is coming, the communities expected to be affected begin preparing for the storm. People put up shutters on their windows and doors, fill their car with gas, stock up on plenty of food and water, put together important documents or valuables, evacuate their homes for a safer location if necessary and, of course, make sure their family members stay safe. One member of the family that should always be included in safety planning, too, is a pet.

The Humane Society of North Central Florida (HSNCF), an organization that provides resources for pets and pet owners, and is the region’s largest no-kill animal rescue, believes that keeping your pets safe during a hurricane or major storm is just as important as making sure your family is safe. “We really view pets as family members, so just like you get enough food and water for your family to last however many days — you should be thinking about making sure you have food and water for your pets for that many days,” said Margot DeConna, director of development at the HSNCF. “We ask that people consider their pets in all of their emergency planning.”

The HSNCF has been in Alachua County for the past 40 years, serving 11 counties to make sure animals end up in a healthy home. When a hurricane or major storm is set to hit the North 44 |

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PETS >> HUMANE SOCIETY

Before, during or immediately following Hurricane Irma about 800 animals were taken into the HSNCF — with about half going into temporary foster care.

If there are any animals still at the Humane Society after the fostering process, the animals stay at the location to ride out the storm.

Florida area, the HSNCF has its own disaster preparedness plan in place to ensure that all of their animals remain safe.

This encourages other organizations to have a disaster plan in order as well, eliminating any questions one might have in regard to what should be done when there is an approaching storm or disaster. The Humane Society takes multiple steps to protect its animals as well as others in the region.

Before a storm hits, the Humane Society’s first step in its disaster preparedness plan is to monitor the storm. When the region the HSNCF covers comes into the hurricane’s cone of uncertainty, the organization starts closing its facilities depending on wind speed and the probability of being hit by the storm directly.

Before closing, the HSNCF puts out a call to the public — asking people to temporarily foster the adoptable animals at its locations during the storm. This allows the organization to be able to have the space to take in additional animals from their county shelter partners such as Levy County Animal Services and Alachua County Animal Services. “If there was no one to take [the additional animals] in, they could potentially be euthanized to make space for lost, stray and displaced pets after the storm,” DeConna said.

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animal. Some animals that go into these temporary foster homes end up staying and being adopted, finding their new permanent home with their foster family. The shelter provides food, litter boxes, collars, beds and any other necessary supplies for those temporarily fostering.

When Hurricane Irma hit Florida in September 2017, it was a Category 4 storm that caused damage to cities across the state including Gainesville and Alachua County. As the storm approached, the Humane Society went into storm protocol and asked the public to foster its animals. After the message reached the public, the director said they had a line of people that went out the door and onto the parking lot wanting to take in an animal. “It was fantastic and overwhelming,” DeConna said. “We felt so supported by the community.”

Some people in the community came to volunteer — helping to walk the dogs, feed the cats, clean the litter boxes and kennels and send the animals out to foster homes. Donations of food, leashes and collars were also given to the HSNCF. “The community outpour and support was really tremendous and moved all of us on the staff,” DeConna said.

Gator grad Elvira Oviedo fostered three kittens, which she and her roommates named Ollie, Rosie and Jynx, during the storm. “They were pretty young, and it was a lot of work, but

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PETS >> HUMANE SOCIETY 48 |

my roommates and I are pretty big fans of kittens and cats, so we had fun,” she said. While Oviedo was fostering the kittens a few days before Irma was going to hit, and before the Humane Society put out the call to the public to foster animals, she ended up keeping them during the storm. Oviedo has volunteered several times at the HSNCF through the UF organization Alpha Phi Omega and has witnessed firsthand how much help is needed in order to protect these animals during a major storm. “I knew they were really struggling to have all of their animals fostered,” Oviedo said.

About 800 animals were taken into the HSNCF with about half going into temporary foster care before, during or immediately following Hurricane Irma, DeConna said. If there are any animals still at the Humane Society after the fostering process, the animals stay at the location to ride out the storm.

DeConna explained that some of the staff at the Humane Society volunteer to stay in the building with the remaining animals, or check-in on them several times a day and at night while the location is closed.

The HSNCF also has relief efforts after a hurricane for any stray or displaced animals. Similar to the pre-hurricane process, the Humane Society takes in fully vetted animals from its county shelter partners and sends them into foster homes in other parts of Florida not affected, or to rescue areas outside of the state such as PAWS Chicago and Charleston Animal Society. “What that does is it empties shelters that are going to need to respond to the public after the storm, so if there are lost, stray, displaced animals after the storm — we want those county shelters to take those animals in and focus on reuniting those pets with their families,” DeConna said.

The Humane Society has also helped other shelters in the state that have been affected by storms.

When Hurricane Michael hit Florida as a Category 5 in October 2018, it didn’t affect Gainesville but caused damage to the panhandle. After the storm, the HSNCF sent medical supplies, pet food, cat litter, hay and feed for horses and other livestock, to other animal shelters also doing their part to help those in need.

Whether it’s before, during or after a major storm, the staff and volunteers at HSNCF certainly do all they can to help ensure the livelihood of animals near and far. “We’ve become kind of experts at that process of getting animals out of harm’s way before a storm,” DeConna said, “and then out of Florida after a storm where they can find a new home and their best possible chance of getting adopted.”

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Aria, a hound, takes a bath outside in one of the play pen areas on the HSNCF’s North campus.

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Time, Transparency & Trust

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t Gainesville DPC Physicians, Dr. Cotter and Dr. Tyndall-Smith are bringing the focus of medical care back to the doctor-patient relationship. With more than 30 years of clinical experience between them, the board certified family physicians at Gainesville DPC believe that transparency, trust and time are the keys to providing the best care for their patients.

TIME It used to be that often the first words they said to a patient were “I’m so sorry I’m late.” Before opening their direct care practice, the doctors rushed to see 25 patients a day in order to meet quotas based on financial goals. Now they spend half an hour to an hour with each patient, and they see a maximum of eight patients a day. The direct primary care model is not based on maximizing profit. For an affordable monthly fee, the patients get unlimited time with the physician, at no extra charge.

TRUST An appointment at Gainesville DPC is different from the start. There’s no waiting in the waiting room, and there’s time to become comfortable with the physician.

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“There’s something that happens at the 40-minute mark where we find out something that becomes critical to their healthcare,” Dr. Cotter said. It’s crucial to give patients time to really express what’s going on.

TRANSPARENCY As a patient at Gainesville DPC, you have direct access to your physician. Rather than leaving a message with a call center, you’re able to call, email or text your doctor directly with questions or concerns. Instead of insurance, Gainesville DPC offers lowcost all-inclusive memberships. Eliminating unnecessary insurance makes healthcare affordable, as the expense of dealing with it is removed. And because care is no longer dictated by insurance companies, it becomes better quality.

Lab work and procedures are done during your visit, and any service rendered in the

office is included in your membership. “You are our patient. We are your doctors,” Dr. Tyndall-Smith said. “It’s that simple.”

In this setting, the physicians can practice at the full scope of their qualifications. They manage everything from routine care to complicated chronic diseases. Their in-office dispensing pharmacy allows them to offer medications at wholesale distributor costs, and many small business owners purchase memberships for their employees rather than expensive insurance plans.

The goal of Gainesville DPC is to heal the community through intimate, high-quality, affordable care built on trust. These physicians believe that “No one cares how much you know until they know how much you care.”

For more information or to schedule a free meet and greet, call 352-204-0120 or visit GainesvilleDPCmd.com.

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DIY PROJECT >> WEATHER EXPERIMENTS

FUN WITHOUT THE SUN

Making It Rain DIY Weather Experiments!

S T O R Y A N D P H O T O G R A P H Y B Y H AY L I Z U C C O L A

M

ost people would agree that the weather is a captivating, natural phenomenon.

With these DIY weather experiments you don’t have to keep watching the forecast in order to plan a day of cloud watching or dancing in the rain. Just follow these simple steps and you, too, can play at being Mother Nature!

MAKE IT RAIN

LET IT SNOW

There’s no need to wait for a storm to look at water droplets falling from the sky. With some shaving cream and food coloring, you can make it rain even on the most sunshiny day.

Being in Florida, seeing snow is a rarity, but with this experiment you can make a snow storm with just a few household supplies.

MATERIALS

MATERIALS

• Clear Jar or Cup • Shaving Cream • Water • Food Coloring STEP ONE: After gathering the materials, fill the clear jar or cup with water.

STEP TWO: Add a layer of shaving cream to form a cloud sitting on top of the water. Be careful not to add too much shaving cream or it will take a lot longer to wait for the rain.

STEP THREE: Add droplets of food coloring to the top of the cloud. As the cloud gets heavier, the food coloring, or rain, will begin to fall from the cloud.

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• Clear Jar • Water • Baby Oil • Washable Paint • Alka-Seltzer Tablets There are two different ways to perform this experiment…

The All in One:

STEP ONE: Add about 1/3 of a cup of warm water to the jar.

STEP TWO: Add a few squeezes of paint to the water and stir.

STEP THREE: Add the baby oil to the jar – the more baby oil, the farther the snow travels.

STEP FOUR: Break up a few AlkaSeltzer tablets, throw them in the jar and watch it snow!

Reverse It:

STEP ONE: Fill the clear jar with the baby oil 3/4 of the way.

STEP TWO: In a separate bowl, mix together a few squeezes of paint and warm water.

STEP THREE: Pour the water mixture into the jar filled with baby oil.

STEP FOUR: Break apart an AlkaSeltzer tablet, throw in a few pieces and get ready for a blizzard!

Note: If you don’t have baby oil, this experiment can also work with vegetable oil, but the results lean toward a frothy mug of cream soda rather than a snow storm.

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DIY PROJECT >> WEATHER EXPERIMENTS

A TWISTER! A TWISTER! You don’t have to travel to Kansas or watch the “Wizard of Oz” to witness a tornado for yourself. By combining a few items and clicking your heels together three times, you can make your very own twister that will have Dorothy and Toto running for cover.

MATERIALS

• Two Clear Soda or Water Bottles • A Washer • Duct Tape • Water • Food Coloring (Optional) • Glitter (Optional) STEP ONE: Fill one of the bottles 3/4 of the way with water.

STEP TWO: Add food coloring to have a bright tornado and/ or add glitter, which will mimic debris.

STEP THREE: For this next step, you can use a washer or you can drill a hole in each of the bottle caps. If you use a washer, place it on top of the filled bottle then flip the other bottle upside down and place it on top so both openings touch each other. If you don’t have a washer, after drilling a hole through the bottle caps, screw them back on and flip the empty bottle over so it can rest on top of the opening of the filled bottle.

STEP FOUR: Carefully duct tape the bottle openings together to make what looks like a large hourglass. Be sure to use plenty of tape so your twister doesn’t accidentally spring a leak.

STEP FIVE: Create the tornado by flipping the hourglass concoction over and quickly swirling the water around in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction. Hold the bottle still and you’ll see the twister at the top rotating its way down to the empty bottle.

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CREATE A CLOUD DIY PROJECT >> WEATHER EXPERIMENTS

They may look like big, white, cuddly puffs, but clouds are just a condensed mass of water vapor — a solution you can make right in your own kitchen.

MATERIALS

• Clear Jar with Lid • Black Construction Paper or a Black Backdrop • Warm Water • Ice • Matches or Hairspray STEP ONE: If you don’t have a black backdrop to place behind the jar, cut a piece of construction paper to tape around half of the jar. This will make it easier to see the cloud forming.

STEP TWO: Boil some water and fill the jar. Leave it for a minute to let the jar heat up then dump out all but 1/4 of the water.

STEP THREE: Put the jar lid upside down on top of the jar to use as a plate to store some ice cubes. Let the ice cubes sit for a few seconds on top of the lid.

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Enjoy the magic of clouds with this fun DIY craft!

STEP FOUR: For this next part you have to be quick and it can be done in one of two ways. Set the ice-covered lid aside, light a match and hold it over the opening of the jar for a few seconds.

Drop the match into the jar and quickly put the lid back on. Watch as the hot air meets the cold ice and a cloud begins to form. If you’d rather not use matches, repeat the same process but when you take the lid off, quickly spray a few pumps of hairspray before replacing

the lid. After creating the cloud inside the jar, when you’re ready, remove the lid and watch the cloud escape.

Some of these projects are more subtle like creating your own cloud, while others like a tornado are easy to recreate over and over. All of these experiments are designed for kids with adult supervision — as well as for adults who are kids at heart!

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COLUMN

FARM TALES

From Mother Hen UNPREDICTABLE

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.

A FARMER NEVER REALLY KNOWS WHAT THE NEXT YEAR WILL BRING.

A

t its best, once the seeds are planted the stars will align and gentle spring rains will come to nurture the plants while the sun warms the earth.

Soon small green shoots will pierce the soil and the crop will grow by leaps and bounds. Those are the best years.

It’s not always like that, h ow e ve r. A t r u e f a r m e r must know how to deal with those less than ideal years.

Sometimes there is not enough rain and too much sun. Those are the drought years when the soil is dry and cracked, and the grass is brittle and yellow as straw.

Then there are the years when nature does the complete opposite. It seems the heavens open up and rain keeps coming, day after day, until the rivers overflow and the fields are just a big muddy expanse going on as far as you can see. There’s no way seeds can be planted in a field that is flooded.

Eventually there may be a break in the weather, and hopefully the farmer can plant his fields while there is still time for the crops to grow and mature before harvest comes to a close. An early snowstorm could put a quick end to the harvest—and if he is too late, the abandoned crops will stand in the snow-covered fields as witness to the age-old battle of man versus nature.

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everything. It was rare, but tornadoes were also a threat. More frequent were the hailstorms that could strip the tender plants down to the stalks. I remember one such year when a field of ours was totaled. It was quite devastating, as it impacted our family’s income significantly. And unfortunately, it was too late in the growing season to replant.

Hail insurance was available, of course. However, my father and his brother farmed over 1,000 acres; and since it was impossible to predict when the occasional hailstorm would hit or which field it might impact, it wasn’t cost effective to purchase. The expense for the coverage outweighed the benefit of having it. Eternally optimistic, my father would just cut his losses and looked to next year being better.

I grew up in the Midwest watching my father year after year, doing his best to work with nature. He was like an experienced general, planning his next battle, outsmarting the enemy by staying one step ahead. He could read the sky, smell an oncoming storm in the air, and observed nature for signs of impending change.

Even though it was a hard life, and he often worked long hours into the night, he considered himself the luckiest man on Earth. He once told me he was so grateful he could spend his days out in his fields, not cooped up inside behind a desk. He loved being outdoors breathing in the fresh, clean air, and he felt close to God planting seeds in the rich, black soil of his farm ground.

There was nothing my mother loved more than watching the wind blow in a rainstorm. The leaves in the trees surrounding

our house would rustle lightly at first, then the winds would pick up and the branches would sway. We would sit outside on the steps to our house as long as we could, listening to the thunder growing closer and watching the rain pouring out of the clouds off in the distance. My mother always said she loved to see the power of nature at work, and she passed this on to me.

This appreciation for the power of nature came to good use in my adulthood. After I married and relocated south, my experiences with storms changed dramatically. Now instead of tornadoes or hail, our biggest concerns were hurricanes. I was actually living in South Florida at the time of Hurricane Andrew.

As Andrew grew near, my husband packed our children, pets and special keepsakes into our family’s van. He pointed me in the direction of Disney World, telling our chicks it would be a fun adventure. But he was more serious when he privately told me to keep driving until we were out of danger. He stayed behind to watch over our home and his business, and as I kissed him goodbye I prayed I would see him again. It was that scary.

The trip to Orlando normally took three and a half hours to drive, but because of the caravan of traffic heading north out of the storm’s path we were on the road for 10 hours. We crept along the turnpike at a snail’s pace, between 10 and 15 miles per hour. It seemed like we would never arrive.

Once there, we stayed in Orlando for about a week as the roads were too dangerous to drive and there was no electricity or running water back in our neighborhood. Our home was located north of where the eye of the storm passed, but it was still one of the areas that was impacted severely. We were very thankful to have escaped the worst of it. Our home was still standing.

Sometimes we lose sight of the simple things… blessings like a gentle spring rain, the warm breeze on our face or the smell of the earth after a rainfall. Maybe that is why nature is so changeable, so that we learn to appreciate the good times when we have them. Remember, we never know when the next battle will be waged.

It’s unpredictable.

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NATURAL WONDER >> FULGURITE

PETRIFIED LIGHTNING

WHEN LIGHTNING BECOMES A WORK OF ART

Florida Fulgurite W R I T T E N B Y K A I T L I N A P P L E G AT E

Nature has a way of tapping into our inner childlike brain that dreams about eating clouds, jumping on the moon or holding lightning in our hands.

Thanks to the existence of fulgurite, at least one of those dreams may become a reality. UF professor Martin A. Uman, a local lightning researcher, describes fulgurite as “glassy structures usually made in sand caused by [a] lightning current flowing into the sand.” In other words, fulgurite is a bit like a lightning fossil, with a hollowed-out center where an electric current passed through. These fragments of nature’s handiwork are perhaps the closest humans will ever come to holding lightning.

Like the creation of fulgurite, Uman started studying lightning seemingly by happenstance. “Originally, I was doing something else,” Uman said. “I met a guy who was working in lightning and I had some skills that were helpful to him.” From there, 58 |

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Uman became more invested in the science of a phenomenon that some cultures have attributed only to gods.

Uman’s research was given funding after a Boeing 707 aircraft crashed due to a lightning strike, killing all the flight’s passengers. Due to this tragedy, the government made federal funds available to scientists. “Every future accident fueled my research,” Uman said.

The more Uman studied lightning, fulgurite became one of his peripheral fascinations. “We just dug them because they [were] interesting,” Uman said. His scientific curiosity soon led to the unearthing of the world’s longest fulgurite structure ever excavated. In the summer of 1996, Uman and a team of PHOTOGRAPHY: KEN SMITH, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC

PHOTOGRAPHY: KAITLIN APPLEGATE

July/August 2019

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NATURAL WONDER >> FULGURITE

researchers dug up a massive 15-foot long fulgurite structure at any current museum, Uman’s office in UF’s Larsen Hall contains Camp Blanding in Florida. “We didn’t know it was going to be a veritable fulgurite exhibit. Surrounding his desk is a variety of 15 feet,” Uman said. “We just started digging.” With the help of fulgurites stored in glass cases and mounted on displays. With the professional excavators, the group carefully unearthed one giant, combination of these beautiful structures and lightning photos and extremely fragile, fulgurite. Uman and his team actualized that hang on the walls, Uman’s office looks like an exhibition every child’s dream of finding buried treasure while digging up of abstract art that nature has made. Inside his display cases, Uman has fulgurites donated from a sandbox with this find.

Arizona, Australia and even some While a finished product of from right here in Florida. fulgurite is a detailed work of Despite the varied structures natural art, it all begins with an of artificial and natural fulgurite, electric jolt. Uman has dedicated the general process for creating much of his research to creating one remains the same. “When the synthetic lightning that can be lightning goes into the ground it observed in detail. “The artifimelts something, gets hot and then cial lightning is pretty much like While most fulgurite is expands. When it cools down it regular lightning,” Uman said. fragile due to their hollow leaves a hole in the middle,” Uman “The advantage is that you can centers, this particular said. “How it melts and how it make it while you have all your formation is extremely expands probably depends on the instruments set up, 20 feet away delicate and light. material.” In a matter of moments, if you want, and you can make it a pile of lava is petrified into a fragile strike whatever you want. It’s bit of artwork. right there to study. Whereas, if Most of Uman’s experience with you wait to study natural lightfulgurite has proven serendipitous. ning, you’re never pointing in Coupled with his professional curithe right direction and you never osity and dedication to hard work, know what’s going to happen.” fulgurite now has a special spot in the By making synthetic lightning, a scientific community; a 15-foot space host of uncontrollable variables to be exact. Fulgurite is unique in are eliminated. that it encapsulates both a mystical While it turns out that you remnant left behind when the speed of light skims the earth and don’t need to be a Marvel superhero to wield the power of lightning, you do need a spool of wire and a foam rocket. These a sense of wonder that no child should outgrow. If Uman’s career are the materials Uman uses when creating controlled lightning proves anything, it’s that staying curious is the best decision anyone can make. strikes for scientific observation. “You shoot the rocket, the wire unspools and it’s attached to whatever you want to strike,” Uman said. “The wire goes up in the air about as high as the Empire State Building, the cloud thinks it is the Empire State Building, and it strikes it. [It’s] amazingly simple. You wouldn’t think that would work.”

This method was so successful that Uman and his team of professionals used to make approximately 30 controlled lightning strikes a summer.

An incredible side effect of these artificial strikes is the ability to make artificial fulgurite. Since Uman can control where lightning strikes happen, this also means he can choose what it strikes as well. The results produce fulgurites as varied as nature itself. Uman theorizes that several factors contribute to a fulgurite structure, such as the duration of a lightning strike and the type of material struck. Depending on the material struck, fulgurites can end up looking dense and tubular, or thin and reflective.

Their appearances are so unique that the only quality most of them have in common is their hollowed centers.

While you won’t find the world’s largest fulgurite in

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LOCAL HISTORY >> MAJOR HURRICANES

OUR NECK OF THE WOODS

Hurricane History Locals Recall the Biggest Storms to Hit Gainesville W R IT TE N BY PEGGY M AC DON A LD

T

he names Frances, Jeanne and Irma stir powerful memories for locals. The storms that bore these names transformed the Gainesville area from a safe place to take shelter from a storm, because of its inland location, to a place that laid in the path of some of the nation’s most damaging hurricanes.

In 2004, Gainesville was battered by two of the four hurricanes that hit Florida within a six-week period.

Frances reached Category 4 strength over the Atlantic but dropped to a Category 2 hurricane by the time it made landfall at Sewall’s Point near Stuart in southeast Florida.

Twenty days later, Hurricane Jeanne reached Stuart as a Category 3 hurricane and followed approximately the same path up Florida’s coast. The streets of Gainesville turned into creeks during the storms and fallen trees left some area residents without power for days or even

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weeks. Afterward, the scents of gasoline and sawdust accompanied the sound of chainsaws. Blue tarps became a common sight on local rooftops for months.

Thirteen years later, when Hurricane Irma maintained Category 5 strength winds over the Atlantic Ocean for a record three days, those who remembered the 2004 hurricanes took the approaching storm seriously.

Jeanne was the 19th most expensive hurricane in the U.S., causing $10.5 billion in damage. Frances was the 16th costliest hurricane, causing $13.4 billion in storm-related damage. Hurricane Irma caused $65.3 billion in damage, making it the 5th costliest hurricane in U.S. history, one spot ahead of Andrew, which caused $48.4 billion in damage in 1992. In 2005, Hurricane Katrina came in at number one with $159.8 billion in damage.

When Hurricanes Frances and Jeanne arrived in Gainesville in September 2004, downgraded to tropical storms, first responders and neighbors pitched in to help PHOTOGRAPHY: NASA IMAGE COURTESY JACQUES DESCLOITRES

Hurricane Jeanne moves across Gainesville on September 26, 2004. When the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) on NASA’s Aqua satellite acquired this true color image at 12:35 p.m., EDT, the center of the storm was approaching Florida’s west coast near Crystal Bay. Jeanne was the fourth major hurricane (Category 3 or larger) to come ashore over Florida in the past six weeks.

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LOCAL HISTORY >> MAJOR HURRICANES

Officer Hatcher with a downed tree after Hurricane Irma. (Gainesville Police Department Facebook page Sept. 12, 2017)

after the storms passed through Gainesville and surrounding upon the Gainesville area. With 185 mph winds, Irma was the strongest hurricane ever observed in the open Atlantic Ocean, areas. “My power line is underground running to my place and my power was back on right away,” said Putnam County resident, according to the National Weather Service. Irma hit the Virgin Karen Chadwick. “But my elderly neighbor’s power was out for Islands at peak intensity, causing massive defoliation captured by NASA satellite imagery. In the seven days because different early hours of the morning on crews had to come out and get Sept. 11, 2017, Irma was downher hooked up to her house.” graded from a Category 2 hur After Hurricane Charley ricane to a Category 1. By noon made landfall as a Category 4 Irma weakened to a tropical hurricane in southwest Florida storm near Gainesville. Later in August 2004, Chadwick that day, for the first time, traveled with her chainsaw the National Weather Service and other supplies to Pineland issued a tropical storm warnnear Fort Myers to help some ing for Atlanta. families she knew. “Even with

Tens of thousands of all of the damage, people were Gainesville residents woke in good spirits,” she recalled. up without power—assum“The place looked like a war ing they were able to sleep zone. Even the street signs Gainesville’s “hot cops” made national news for responding to high water conditions after Hurricane Irma. (Gainesville Police Department through the hurricane. What were gone and the marina Facebook page Sept. 12, 2017) would have normally been a where the boats were stacked somber day of remembrance of collapsed.”

Chadwick described the 2004 hurricane season as a constant the tragic September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks became a time to struggle. “It seemed like just as soon as we all were getting back emerge from the places that served as shelter during the storm to our lives another hurricane would hit and knock everything and assess the damage Irma brought.

The Gainesville Regional Airport recorded over 12 inches out again,” she explained. “It felt like the state was trashed.”

Many years later, Hurricane Irma also had a major impact of rain during Irma. Fish were swimming in Whitney Sanford’s 62 |

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“My neighbor Katie paddled over to our back door, over the dock and pool, and the three of us took a tour around the neighborhood.”

Whitney Sanford stands in ankle deep flood water in her backyard after rains from Hurricane Irma completely submerged her property. Kevin Veach (below) and Whitney Sanford examined the damage from Hurricane Irma by paddling through their backyard.

PHOTOGRAPHY: PROVIDED BY WHITNEY SANFORD

LOCAL HISTORY >> MAJOR HURRICANES

front yard in northwest Gainesville after the storm. Situated on Lake Meta, Sanford’s house became an island as floodwaters transformed her street and yard into a lake.

A great egret foraged in Sanford’s backyard, where floodwaters overtook their swimming pool.

Sanford, professor of religion emerita at the University of Florida, is active with Florida Paddle, a nonprofit organization that promotes canoeing, kayaking and naturebased tourism in Florida. Her paddling gear came in handy as she and her husband, Kevin Veach, navigated the flooded streets of her neighborhood. The excess water was pumped into a nearby sewer almost a week after the storm subsided.

“My neighbor Katie paddled over to our back door, over the dock and pool, and the three of us took a tour around the neighborhood,” Sanford said.

Sanford and Veach’s hurricane supplies included the basics plus stockpiles of camping and boating equipment that would come in handy in case of serious damage to their home. “The forecasts were dire, a storm that would engulf all of Florida,” Sanford recalled. “As it turned out, we never lost electricity, and the storm’s eastern edge significantly weakened overnight.”

The way Floridians experience hurricanes changed between the 2004 storms and Irma in 2017. Social media has made information, images and video footage of hurricanes freely available in live time.

Since 2004, when Gov. Jeb Bush cautioned Floridians to take approaching hurricanes seriously to avoid deaths caused by “abject stupidity,” Florida has become known for its effective hurricane response management.

Now, it is Gov. Ron DeSantis’ turn.

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POWERFUL FLORIDA HURRICANES >> ANDREW & IRMA

TROPICAL CYCLONES

Hurricane Andrew did extensive damage to homes in Miami, including here at the Silver Palm mobile home park.

COMPARING TWO OF THE MOST POWERFUL FLORIDA HURRICANES

Andrew & Irma W R ITTEN BY CA MERON COBB

Ah, hurricanes — the world’s most violent storms happen to be something the Sunshine State is all too familiar with.

This type of natural disaster terrorizes Florida more than any other state in the U.S. While commonly known as hurricanes, there are other storms like these happening in different parts of the globe i.e., typhoons and cyclones. According to NASA, the scientific name for all of these storms is tropical cyclone. The name usually associated with them the most depends on the location of the storm. For instance, Americans refer to them as hurricanes because they are the only tropical cyclones that form over the Atlantic Ocean or eastern Pacific Ocean.

Tropical cyclones start as a giant circular band made up of cumulonimbus clouds, which form over warm ocean waters near the equator. The warm, moist air hanging over the ocean rises, which leaves a level of lower air pressure above the water’s surface. Eventually, the higher air pressure will push into the 64 |

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lower surface, mixing until the air is warm and moist enough to rise as well. Surrounding air quickly replaces the gap left by rising air, and this moist-air-rising-and-cooling cycle turns into a swirl of clouds and strengthening wind that is, “fed by the ocean’s heat and water evaporating from the surface,” according to NASA. Like the Earth on its axis, the storm rotates counterclockwise for those north of the equator and clockwise for those south.

This causes an eye or hole to form in the center of a hurricane with much lower air pressure than the rest of the storm. The eye is the hauntingly calm place within the storm.

Essentially, NASA explains that tropical cyclones are like “giant engines that use warm, moist air as fuel.” From here, the storm travels over water, getting stronger by the second, as it SOURCE: SCIENCESTRUCK.COM, FLORIDATODAY.COM, III.ORG, CDC.GOV

HURRICANE CATEGORY CHART

For Floridians, the subject of hurricanes hits a little too close to home far too often. Since the start of reliable hurricane record-keeping back in 1850 to 2018, 120 storms have struck Florida, according to FloridaToday. While each of those storms brought their own waves of destruction, let’s take a look into two of Florida’s most devastating hurricanes: Hurricane Andrew and Hurricane Irma.

Hurricane Andrew

Landfall in Florida (date): August 24, 1992 Landfall in Florida (location): Homestead, Florida Fatalities: 26 people (15 immediate deaths in Dade County alone) Costs of damages in Florida: more than $25 billion (1992 USD) Category at Florida landfall: 5 Winds: 175 mph Homes/businesses without power: 1.4 million OTHER FACTS: • At first, Hurricane Andrew was mistakenly dubbed a Category 4 hurricane. The data was reexamined in 2002, showing that the storm’s wind speeds exceeded 157 mph, which warranted recategorizing Andrew to a 5.

• Out of the nearly 1,200 mobile homes in Homestead, only nine survived.

• With many water and electricity establishments destroyed in South Florida, nearly 1.4 million people were left without electricity.

• Amid Andrew’s fury, Florida suffered extensive ecological damage. The storm uprooted the mangrove trees on nearly 70,000 acres of land throughout the Biscayne National Park and the Everglades National Park. It destroyed 90 percent of the native pinelands in Dade County and nearly one-third of the Biscayne National Park’s coral reefs.

• In Dade County alone, nearly 250,000 people were left homeless.

POWERFUL FLORIDA HURRICANES >> ANDREW & IRMA

approaches landfall. Once a storm crosses onto the shore, it will begin to weaken the more inland it goes.

The category of a tropical cyclone depends on the wind speed. The lowest is a tropical depression (up to 38 mph), then a tropical storm (up to 73 mph), and then onto hurricane status.

Hurricane Irma

Landfall in Florida (date): September 10, 2017 Landfall in Florida (location): Cudjoe Key, Florida Fatalities: 129 (123 in Florida alone) Costs of damages in Florida: more than $53 billion Category at Florida landfall: 4 Winds: 155 mph Homes/businesses without power: 4.4 million OTHER FACTS: • Hurricane Irma is the costliest hurricane to hit Florida.

• Hurricane Irma is the fifth most costly storm in the U.S. • Irma set a global record for sustained winds at 185 mph for 37 hours.

• Irma’s attack was the first time in 100 years that two storms Category 4 or larger hit the U.S. mainland in the same year (with Hurricane Harvey hitting just a couple weeks prior).

After seeing what a storm like Hurricane Andrew could do to the state, Florida stepped up its building regulations. Following Andrew, Florida established a more uniform set of building codes all over the state. New structures were required to go through tougher inspections — constucted with shatterproof glass and use straps to reinforce the connection between the roof and walls, according to the Insurance Information Institute.

These changes now meant Florida’s Miami-Dade, Monroe and Broward counties have the country’s highest wind standards for their building codes, according to The Balance. By putting a focus on building houses better prepared to handle hurricanes, July/August 2019

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POWERFUL FLORIDA HURRICANES >> ANDREW & IRMA

An aerial view of a residential area in the Florida Keys displays the damage sustained from Hurricane Irma Sept. 12, 2017. The Category 4 hurricane ripped through the Florida Keys two days earlier causing widespread devastation to many of the structures within the archipelago. (U.S. Air Force photo

by Staff Sgt. Chris Drzazgowski)

these counties had a greater chance of minimizing the damage of future storms such as Hurricane Irma, which hit Florida almost exactly 25 years after Andrew. Though the state still sustained a monumental amount of damage from Irma, 80 percent of the homes in the storm’s path were built to better withstand the hurricane.

Like many natural disasters, hurricanes can rip both cities and lives apart, robbing people of their homes and hope. Although you cannot prevent these storms from happening, you can prepare for their arrival. Using the knowledge obtained from each hurricane only helps to improve how we protect ourselves against future storms. 

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SOURCE: THEBALANCE.COM, TROPICALWEATHER.NET, STLTODAY.COM, TIME.COM, NASA.GOV

COLUMN

DONNA BONNELL’S

Embracing Life HAS MOTHER NATURE LOST HER PATIENCE?

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

IS RALPH WALDO EMERSON’S QUOTE FROM THE MID-19TH CENTURY STILL TRUE? HE SAID, “ADOPT THE PACE OF NATURE. HER SECRET IS PATIENCE.”

T

he Grand Canyon is at least five million years old. Mature trees in a redwood forest range in age from 500 to 1,000 years. Earth’s atmosphere is our planet’s roof. Her trees provide the air we breathe. The magnificent plan is perfectly entwined to enhance and embrace all inhabitants.

Unfortunately, we (intelligent humans) are impetuous and irresponsible. Our haphazard existence has changed the once flawless synchronized environment. It seems that Mother Nature has lost her patience. Recent turbulent weather conditions illustrate her frustration.

Scientists have discovered new thermal activity in Yellowstone National Park. Those areas, created by the heat emitted from deep magmatic systems, manifest on the surface. It is normal for thermal features to heat up, cool down and move around.

However, have we hurt the core of our planet and changed the normal climate evolutions? One example of possible retaliation from Mother Earth is Ear Spring in Yellowstone.

Until 2018, its last significant activity was in 1957. Last year it erupted and ejected trash tossed in the hot spring for decades.

Some say the spewing was a warning sign. Yellowstone officials stated on Facebook, “Foreign objects can damage hot springs and geysers.”

In addition, last year American’s most hazardous volcano exploded. A lava fountain in the Kilauea volcano erupted for months. More than 700 homes were demolished, causing the most destruction in the recorded history of Hawaii.

Next, we will examine the uncharacteristically caustic fires.

Wildfires are normal. They remove decayed matter and restore nutrients to the soil. Yet, the California wildfires of 2018 were unnatural. Human activity intensified their fury. According to a study published in “Proceedings of the National Academies of Science,” 84 percent of wildfires are ignited by humans.

Southern California’s 2018 Woolsey catastrophic fire cost an estimated $1.6 billion. In that same time frame, the out-of-control

camp fire was the deadliest and most destructive in that state’s history. California temporarily experienced the worst air quality on the planet.

We cannot forget about our Florida Panhandle. Mexico Beach was mangled and mauled by Hurricane Michael, one of the most intense storms to hit our country. Economists estimate the cost to be $25 billion.

Why are we experiencing record rainfall amounts and stronger storm surges? Increased evaporation and rising sea levels are to blame. The Environmental Defense Fund explains, “Evaporation intensifies as temperatures rise, increasing the amount of water vapor that storms pull into their systems…”

More precipitation and flooding occur when these systems hit land. Global warming (caused by humans) makes matters worse. Warmer ocean water causes ice to melt; creating higher water levels and extremely powerful waves.

These three examples reflect how our planet is reacting to interferences caused by man. Is Mother Nature angry? Is that possible? Perhaps our polluted planet is simply ridding itself of contaminants.

Maybe the droughts, earthquakes, floods, heat waves and hurricanes are required to reboot Earth. Are these shifts essential for the preservation of life? The world-renowned humanitarian, Amma said, “Due to mankind’s selfishness and indiscriminate actions, Nature has similarly become out of balance. The situation is serious. We need to become as alert as if we were standing at gunpoint. Only then can we survive.”

This alert is not new and should not be a surprise. Joni Mitchell promoted environmental protection in the tune, “The Big Yellow Taxi,” in 1970. The song has been re-recorded numerous times, as recently as 2017. The candor in its lyrics are sadly being realized.

“They took all the trees; And put ‘em in a tree museum; And they charged the people; A dollar and a half to seem ‘em.”

Too many animals, fish and plants are already extinct. Many more are endangered and housed in museums. Natural resources, such as pure drinking water, are being depleted.

Patience is a virtue. Mother Nature is not in a hurry. Man, however, may be running out of time.

Every organism was created with a purpose. Everything is connected.

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Harvest Thyme Café

Magnolia Parke - 4780 NW 39th Ave, Suite 1, Gainesville Monday-Friday 8am-3pm Sunday 9am-3pm 352-519-5344 Downtown Alachua - 14816 Main Street, Alachua Monday-Friday 10am-3pm 386-588-3188

www.harvesthymecafe.com Cafe — Harvest Thyme Cafe now has two locations! We are open for lunch in downtown Alachua, and open for breakfast and lunch in northwest Gainesville! Serving our homemade soups, salads, sandwiches, wraps, fresh fruit, pasta salad and more! We also offer yummy vegan, vegetarian and gluten free options to satisfy every dietary preference. Check out our catering menu online, it’s the simple, easy and fresh solution that you’ve been looking for! We’re ready to serve you delicious, healthy and fresh food! Come visit us at either of our two locations!

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.

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 - 11:00pm

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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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.

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!

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.

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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!

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!

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.

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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! 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!

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

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

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Tried and true. Locally loved. Contributors to our community. This special section of Our Town puts names to the north central Florida faces who always bring their A-game, keep customers smiling and continually lead the region into the future. Look for these special photo pages throughout this issue. These are the faces of Our Town.

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FINE ART PORTRAITURE Adrienne Fletcher Photography

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321-356-3116 KARAWINSLOW.COM 76 |

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For the past decade, Kara has been helping people look their best. As an on location, freelance makeup artist, Kara focuses on getting her clients’ camera ready for everything from television appearances to family photos. Her work has appeared on MTV, HSN, Oxygen Network, CNN, FOX News, and MSNBC. She’s had the privilege

of working with politicians, Olympic athletes, actors, beauty queens, brides-to-be, graduating seniors and families of all kinds. With an amazing reputation online and 5-star rated reviews, Kara lives and works in Gainesville, but often travels to assist with weddings, commercial shoots and projects of all kinds.

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Back row: Vanessa Wood, Sarah Garrett, ARNP; Ronald Emerick, DO; Lauren Womack, ARNP; Allie Findley Front row: Grace Williams, Melinda Othus, Mara Fishman 15551 NW HWY 441, STE 40, ALACHUA 386-518-0102 LITTLEPINEPEDIATRICS.COM

The team at Little Pine Pediatrics consists of experienced, compassionate pediatricians and friendly, nurturing staff members who take pride in giving their young patients the personalized pediatric care they deserve. They understand you have a choice of pediatricians, and look forward to showing you how they differ from other practices. All of their providers are highly educated professionals who have undergone rigorous

academic and clinical training in pediatrics. The highly trained staff at Little Pine maintains a high level of expertise through continuing education in order to provide the most up-to-date care for the young patients they serve. Little Pine Pediatrics believes in a team approach to your child’s health and well being which allows the doctors to collaborate with parents to provide the highest level of care.

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DELICIOUS MADE-TO-ORDER PUB GRUB & CRAFT BEERS

Crafty Bastards Restaurant & Pub

Roman Brunson, Pat Brunson, Betty Brunson, Corinne Green, Brad Coblentz, Jeff Brunson 4860 NW 39TH AVE. | 352-872-5970 | THECRAFTYBASTARDS.COM 78 |

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July/August 2019

No longer “NW Gainesville’s Best Kept Secret”, Crafty Bastards Restaurant was voted “Best of Gainesville” for five consecutive years. Crafty’s reputation is defined on the creativity of every dish including, crispy naked wings, 1/2 pound all Angus burgers, and real shepherd’s pie, fresh beer battered fish n’ chips, and an amazing selection of what may just be your “new favorite” appetizers and handhelds. For you, as Crafty’s valued guests, they use only the freshest and highest

quality ingredients, some of which are locally grown. Like you, Crafty Bastards Restaurant, and CB Bottle Shoppe do their best to Shop Local and Support Local, which means they not only utilize some of the amazing small shops local to Gainesville, in addition, they may just be one of “The Faces” supporting your favorite local charities. Being the trendsetter, their 60 rotating taps and over 750 varieties of craft beer right next door at their bottle shoppe, Crafty Bastards has created raving fans worldwide. If you love your Happy Hours, Crafty’s has quite arguably-

the BEST happy hours in town. You can also enjoy great M-F lunch specials, Monday’s the BEST All You Can Eat Wings (kids eat free), Tuesday Trivia, Wednesday, Karaoke, and Live music on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. Crafty Bastards is a great place to enjoy your sports on large screen tv’s. Reserve their private party room for your office, birthday, or any other party you’re planning. Want more Crafty? Text “crafty” to “43506”, then check out videos, events, and new brews. Why would you go anywhere else?

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Florine Bush, Stephen Smith, Larry Smith, Kristy Marriott, Leann Malphurs, Kathi Hoffman, Reagan Potts, Ed Potts 15315 NW US HWY 441, ALACHUA 352-2227078 | FLOMOTIONFITNESS.COM 80 |

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July/August 2019

FloMotion Fitness is the Ultimate Garage Gym Experience. Located on US Hwy 441in Alachua, FloMotion has been serving Alachua and surrounding communities since 2014. FloMotion Fitness offers Group Fitness Classes, One-on-One Personal Training, Small Group Personal Training, Nutrition Counseling and Free Consultations. Classes are designed for all fitness levels. Their goal is to educate, support and empower their clients while Making Fitness fun. With proper training, encouragement and accountability anyone can grow into the person they want to be! At FloMotion Fitness they lead by example, and although no one is perfect, together anything can be accomplished! Be your own inspiration and commit to yourself! Don’t let your excuses stop you, call today and try one of their classes.

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An accident resulting in an injury could happen at any time. Unfortunately, when the injury is serious, it can affect your entire family by having to deal with medical bills or lost income during a long recovery. Steve Miller has been representing clients injured in accidents for 25 years. In addition, Mr. Miller has over 30 years of experience in law enforcement, which helps him analyze his cases from that perspective as well. He strives to give his clients exceptional service by handling each case personally from start to finish. In addition, there are never any charges for fees or costs unless he wins your case.

Call for a free phone consultation regarding your case.

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BEAUTY REDEFINED

Beauty Lounge & Co. Miranda Bohr, Nikki Naylor

1405 NW 6TH ST. SUITE 110, GAINESVILLE 352-888-4988 | BEAUTYLOUNGECO.COM 82 |

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July/August 2019

Beauty Lounge & Co. opened their doors in February 2016 and has been providing exceptional service since day one. Specializing in eyebrows, lashes, permanent makeup and waxing they take pride in redefining beauty. Using only the highest quality tools and products in the industry, their highly educat-

ed artists truly take pride in what they do. From lash extensions to microblading, Nikki and Miranda are dedicated to learning all they can to best serve their clients. Always available for a consultation, call today or visit their website for more information on how they can help you enhance your natural beauty.

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IMPLANTS AND PERIODONTICS

Altschuler Periodontic and Implant Center

Front row: Kasey, Sharelis, Jessie Back row: Shanelis, Lisa, Dr. Altschuler, Anita, Krista 2251 NW 41ST ST, SUITE 10, GAINESVILLE 352-371-4141 | ALTSCHULERCENTER.COM

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PAID ADVERTISEMENT

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YOUR NEXT HOME PURCHASE

Daurine Wehbe, Realtor®

LICENSED REALTOR AT COLDWELL BANKER MM PARRISH 352-562-1411 YOURDREAMSCOMEHOME.COM 84 |

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July/August 2019

The Face of your Next Home Purchase is Daurine Wehbe. As an award winning Realtor at Coldwell Banker M.M Parrish, Daurine focused on her client’s total home buying and selling experience. Her goal is to make that process an enjoyable one.

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BIRTHDAY PARTIES WITH A KICK! Okito America

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INSURANCE IN ALACHUA Farm Bureau Insurance

Craig D. Mikell, Oliver R. Kendrick III, Donnie Odom 16206 NW 163RD LANE, ALACHUA | 386-462-3276 ALACHUAFARMBUREAUINSURANCE.COM 86 |

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July/August 2019

When it comes to insurance, there’s nothing better than someone local, someone real. Someone who lives, works and supports the communities we call home. When you entrust your insurance planning to Farm Bureau, you can always count on personal service from their agents and staff. They are more than an agency with a local office, they are vested in making certain their clients receive the best insurance services possible.

Farm Bureau Insurance - real people delivering real solutions!

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RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE

Focus Real Estate Group Ben Phillips 4631 NW 53RD AVENUE, SUITE 105, GAINESVILLE 352-682-9704 | BENSELLSGAINESVILLE.COM

For 17 years, Ben Phillips has been helping home buyers with one of the biggest financial decisions many will ever make. A member of Focus Real Estate Group, Ben specializes primarily in residential sales, campus housing as well as multi-family and investment properties in and around Gainesville & Alachua County. As a Certified Home Marketing & Negotiation Specialist, Ben is uniquely positioned to help anyone through their home buying experience. Ben is also a

Veteran, having spent time as a member of the U.S. Air Force where he received two Air Force Commendation Medals. It was only logical that Ben would receive his newest specialty as a Military Relocation Professional. Ben also currently serves on the Board of Directors for Alachua Habitat for Humanity where he dedicates countless hours to provide safe and affordable housing here in Alachua County. Ben is available to help with all of your residential real estate needs.

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SENIOR LIVING

The Atrium at Gainesville

Claudia Garcia, Resident Experience Coordinator Fred Stover, Assistant Manager Kent Tilton, Executive Chef Thomas Mosely, Assistant Manager Zaely Carrasquillo, Community Sales Leader 2431 NW 41ST ST | 352-378-0773 THEATRIUMATGAINESVILLE.COM 88 |

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July/August 2019

The Atrium at Gainesville is a Florida resort, offering a unique and luxurious retirement living. With a heated lanai pool and palm-tree lined courtyard, residents of The Atrium lead active social lives in a comfortable community environment. Enjoy chef-prepared meals in the community dining room or an afternoon of golf ball toss or bean bag baseball. Play bridge in the com-

munity room, or join the green thumbs outside. The garden club offers growing plots, and the patio and campus are ideal for barbecues or walks. If you are exploring senior living and have questions, their dedicated staff is waiting to help make your retirement a special experience. Schedule a time to visit and learn more about how The Atrium is the ideal retirement community.

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FINE JEWELRY AND RARE COINS

Coin & Jewelry Gallery Vince and Ann Santostefano

2007 NW 43RD ST | 352-378-3983 COINANDJEWELRYGALLERY.COM

At Coin and Jewelry Gallery of Gainesville, they believe that it is the human element that helps turn a ordinary transaction into one customers will remember and appreciate for years to come. They strive to create the friendliest setting possible, offering years of experience and training to help their customers find that perfect piece of jewelry, rare coin or

bullion investment. With a vast inventory on hand, they have been proudly serving North Florida since 1981. Owners Ann & Vince Santostefano will gladly assist in the selling, buying or appraising of your collectibles. No collection is too small or too large. For more information on how to get started visit their website or stop by their Millhopper location!

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COMMERICAL REALTY

Local Government Certified Ralph Hilliard, Realtor COLDWELL BANKER COMMERCIAL MM PARRISH REALTORS | 352-284-4977 COMMERCIALREALTORRHILLIARD.COM 90 |

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July/August 2019

Ralph Hilliard has over 31 years of experience in the Planning and Development Services Department with the City of Gainesville, Florida. For 20 years Ralph served as the city’s Planning Manager and expert witness for all land use and zoning issues. He brings a wealth of knowledge on development permitting for commercial, office, residential and industrial projects. This experience makes him the only Certified Local Government Commercial Realtor in the area. Additionally, Ralph was instrumental (a decent saxophone player) in facilitating the City’s implementation of a more citizen-centered land development code.

Ralph earned his Master’s Degree in Urban and Regional Planning from the University of Florida.

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CHARITABLE GIVING

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United Way of North Central Florida fights for the health, education and financial stability of every person in our community.

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Join the FACE of Charitable Giving as we work together to help our community thrive!

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PROFILE >> JEFF HUFFMAN

IN ALL KINDS OF WEATHER

Jeff Huffman The Face of UF Meteorology S TORY BY SOF I A A R R I AG A P H OTO G R A P H Y B Y V I C TO R I A VA R G A S

D

uring hurricane season, Floridians seek comfort in knowing that their local meteorologists are diligently tracking every movement of approaching storms. Jeff Huffman serves as the Director of the Florida Public Radio Emergency Network and South Carolina Emergency Network, which provide public safety and weather information to a total of 18 radio stations and three television stations. This includes WUFT - Ocala/Gainesville, which employs four full-time meteorologists and five to seven student meteorologists every semester whom Huffman oversees. He is also the Chief Meteorologist of UF Weather, which serves all North Florida properties from the UF College of Journalism and Communications.

Some of Huffman’s duties include overseeing

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forecasting, filming live coverage of storms and predicting potential for hurricanes or tropical weather systems. “The weather can always be surprising,” he said. “The atmosphere is very chaotic.”

Huffman said his calling to explore the science behind weather came at an early age. At five years old, he took safety in a storage shelter to avoid the wrath of a vicious tornado rummaging across his family’s farm in Missouri. “The impact of that weather event on my family’s life and the community must have really resonated at a young age,” he said.

“I had an extreme interest for weather since then.”

Huffman explained that a certain television network became a favorite of his early on. “I just had a passion for the weather and talking about the weather,” he said. “I grew up in the ‘80s when The Weather Channel was a big deal, so I just constantly watched The Weather Channel.”

Jeff is the Director of the Florida Public Radio Emergency Network and South Carolina Emergency Network, both of which are housed at the studios of WUFT and serve all public media stations in both states with life-saving weather information.

He is also the Chief Meteorologist of UF Weather, which serves all North Florida properties from the UF College of Journalism and Communications.

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Huffman’s obsession with the channel grew so intensely that when he was a child his parents bought him a television for his room so he could watch the same station at all hours. This allowed the rest of the family to enjoy other programs besides Huffman’s favorite. It’s no surprise that he pursued a Bachelor of Science degree in Atmospheric Science and Geography at the University of Missouri, which he graduated with in 2001. He then worked as a T.V. meteorologist for ABC and FOX affiliates in Columbia, Missouri, for eight years.

It seems that this meteorologist can’t escape extreme weather, though. While in college, lightning struck Huffman’s car as he 94 |

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was driving. And on a separate occasion, he encountered flash floods while operating his vehicle. In 2003, during Huffman’s first few months as an employee on-air in Columbia, Missouri, he encountered a worst-case scenario. “I would say the most challenging moment of my career was in Missouri during a tornado outbreak when we thought the tornado was heading for the T.V. station and we actually stopped broadcasting and went down to the basement,” he explained.

Luckily the tornado’s trajectory shifted and it missed the station, but hail the size of baseballs came crashing down and totaled his car as well as the vehicles of other co-workers. Huffman said

PROFILE >> JEFF HUFFMAN

When covering Hurricane Irma, Huffman said his team was on the air for over 70 hours straight. “It took a lot of planning, coordination and patience,” he said.

weather predictions are getting progressively better as meteorologists are able to increasingly base predictions on historical information. However, since extreme events are rarer, there’s less context to base off of them.

When covering Hurricane Irma, Huffman said his team was on the air for over 70 hours straight. “It took a lot of planning, coordination and patience,” he said.

Huffman explained that one of the most popular factors that gets accredited as the cause of extreme weather, such as more intense hurricanes, is not as large of a part of meteorologists’ daily forecasting as the public often thinks. “I accept wholeheartedly

that changing climate plays into the weather, but it’s not something you can explicitly say while it’s happening,” he said.

While meteorologists predict things within a five-to-seven day window, observing climate change takes many decades of studying. “That takes research, that takes time, that takes patterns,” he said, on relating climate change to weather predictions. While meteorologists predict the weather for the future in relation to climate, they don’t examine the direct effects of climate change on the daily weather. “There’s a huge misunderstanding between meteorology and climatology,” he said. Huffman also explained that extreme weather has July/August 2019

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PROFILE >> JEFF HUFFMAN

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always been a part of the Earth’s history, which suggests it may not necessarily be caused by the issue.

Besides battling extreme weather and delegating its coverage, Huffman also oversees the education of meteorology to journalism students at UF. He manages the “MITS,” otherwise known as the Meteorologists in Training, in an immersion program which extends an average of six semesters (about three years) in UF’s Weather Center and includes various courses on how to translate the science to the public.

“There’s a certain type of individual that loves and has a passion for weather,” Huffman said. “We’re kind of freaks, we just love it.” He said these individuals come from a myriad of different majors. Amanda Holly, one UF graduate who went through the meteorology program, now works at WBTW News in South Carolina. In May, Holly visited Myrtle Beach to cover tornadoes, which Huffman said made national headlines.

PHOTOGRAPHY: CHRISTOPHER LEE FATT

The 2019 student class with the four full-time meteorologists. Front row (L to R): Meteorologist Megan Borowski, Anthony Bordanaro, Alvia Williams, Carla Kakouris, Meteorologist Cyndee O’Quinn, Meteorologist Jeff Huffman.

Second row (L to R): Meteorologist Ray Hawthorne, Caitlin Parandjuk, Justin Revis, Nicolette Zangara, Nicholas Meyer, Ryan Dunleavy, Henry Coburn, David Caplen, Kyle Kipple.

Huffman’s students have also gone on to work as meteorologists for MSNBC and WUFT, continuing the future of meteorology and the sharing of pertinent information. Huffman said he loves it when students feel empowered to communicate something that’s difficult to talk about, such as the weather, and make a connection for the viewer so they can understand the message.

“You can strike up conversation of it being hot [outside] but when you say, ‘it’s way warmer than it should be this time of year’ or ‘we’re gonna possibly break a record this weekend’ or ‘rainy season might be delayed because of how hot it is,’ and they tie the science together with the message — those are the moments I really love,” Huffman said.

Huffman explained that within the program he oversees five to seven students per semester. He catches glimmers of himself in each one of them and identifies with their path. “We can have this passion for weather our whole lives and make a career out of it,” Huffman said. “And it’s exciting!”

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PROTECTING YOUR HOME AND FAMILY Schneider & Associates Insurance

Brent Carpenter, Tasha McKinney, Caroline MacLean, Jessica Shaw, Paul Schneider, Phil Young, Nancy Smith, Jordan Friese, Candice Olson, Donna Thompson 285 NW 138TH TER, #100, JONESVILLE, FL 352-333-3775 | SCHNEIDER-INSURANCE.COM 98 |

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Schneider & Associates Insurance Agencies, Inc., is a family owned and operated independent insurance agency established in 2003. With two offices in Florida, their primacy focus is to familiarize themselves with their clients and their businesses. Then, they can determine their individual needs and budgetary constraints,

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July/August 2019

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FAMILY DENTISTRY

Gentle Dental Care

Dr. Patti Webb, Dr. Jordan Webb, Aliya Webb and Hayden Webb, our third generation dentist

3655 SW 2ND AVE, GAINESVILLE

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104

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EXCELLENCE IN MATERNAL MENTAL HEALTH CARE Better Beginnings

Bailee Howell; John V. DePaola, CFO; KimberlyTeitelbaum, ARNP, PMHNP; Genevieve Camp, LMHC; Elias Sarkis, MD; Hailey Brown, RMHCI; Angela Davenport, ARNP, PMHNP Front (seated):Tiffany Gabriel, MSW; Robin Howell, LPN; Lauren DePaola, LCSW, Founder/CEO 14822 MAIN STREET, ALACHUA 352-462-9484 | BETTERBEGINNINGSFL.COM 104 |

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The first of its’ kind in Florida and the southeastern U.S., Better Beginnings specializes in providing comprehensive mental health care to women and their families surrounding the time before, during and after pregnancy and early parenthood. In a comfortable and inviting setting in Alachua, the Better Beginnings team provides traditional outpatient counseling and psychiatry in addition to an innovative Mother/Baby daily intensive program with onsite nursery services to remove barriers for parents seeking care. Perinatal mental illnesses such as depression and anxiety are a common health condition at the time of pregnancy and after delivery. When left unrecognized and untreated, lasting adverse impacts can affect Mom, baby and the family system. The Better Beginnings team is specially trained and passionate about caring for families for BETTER and lasting outcomes.

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MEMBER-DRIVEN FINANCIAL SERVICE SunState Federal Credit Union Joe Akins, President/CEO 352-381-5200 SUNSTATEFCU.ORG

At SunState they care about one thing – their members. As a not-for-profit organization, SunState Federal Credit Union operates with a different focus than a bank. Any profits SunState earns are returned to the members who are the owners of the credit union in the form of improved services, fewer fees, lower interest rates on loans and

higher dividends. Since 1957, SunState has been serving its members and our area with innovative products, outstanding customer service and locally based, member-driven financial services. Federally insured, stop by one of SunState’s branches today and speak to one of their highly trained team-members.

July/August 2019

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FAMILY LAW

Marraffino Law Firm

Ellen Marraffino, Attorney Lawrence J. Marraffino, Lashanda Jelks (the pups are Charlie & Munchkin) 3312 W. UNIVERSITY AVE. 352-376-0102 | LJMPA.COM 106 |

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At Marraffino Law Firm your case will be handled by Lawrence J. Marraffino, an attorney with 35 years’ experience. The stress of a family law case can be overwhelming. Having access to an experienced and skilled lawyer can ease your stress in going through this difficult process. You can be confident that Mr. Marraffino is qualified to handle the most difficult cases. He is certified by the Florida Bar as an expert in Civil Trials.

Fewer than seven percent of Florida lawyers

have earned this distinction. He earned the highest ratings awarded by AVVO and Martindale Hubbell, the two largest attorney rating services.

As an Adjunct Professor of Law at the University of Florida Levin College of Law, he was awarded the Walter S. Crumbly award by the Florida Bar for his contributions to legal education.

You can expect to be treated with respect and kindness from your first phone call to the conclusion of your case. We are here to help!

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A BETTER NIGHT’S SLEEP

Accent Sleep Solutions

Jeffrey M. Phillips, MD, D, ABSM, FACS 4340 W NEWBERRY RD, STE 301 352-271-5375 NORTHFLORIDASLEEPSOLUTIONS.COM

At Accent Sleep Solutions, they continuously strive to provide comprehensive, compassionate and individualized care for patients with sleep apnea and other sleep disorders. With specialized training and board certification in both otolaryngology and sleep disorders, Dr. Phillips and his staff are able to accurately diagnose and treat all sleep disorders, providing medical and surgi-

cal solutions tailored to each patient’s needs. Dr. Phillips is also affiliated with the North Florida Regional Healthcare Sleep Disorders Center, a center of excellence in the diagnosis of sleep disorders. While Dr. Phillips specializes in the treatment of snoring, sleep apnea and sleep disorders, he maintains a full practice in the medical and surgical of all other Ear, Nose and Throat problems.

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HUMAN PERFORMANCE

Wolf Den

13585 NW 101ST DRIVE SUITE 100, ALACHUA 352-260-2385 WOLFDENSTRONG.COM 108 |

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July/August 2019

Wolf Den is a unique fitness and sports training facility that specializes in human performance. Utilizing exclusive methods and intelligent training techniques, Wolf Den maximizes functional strength and movement quality. Their PRIME group classes are mentally and physically challenging but supportive, allowing members to work hard and play hard. They also specialize in Elite

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YOUR INNER WOW! Accent Aesthetics Esther Webb, DNP 4340 W NEWBERRY RD, SUITE 301 | 352-271-5388 GAINESVILLEAESTHETICS.COM

Led by Dr. Esther Webb, Accent Aesthet-

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23 years of experience and has advanced

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SENIOR INSURANCE PLANNING

American Senior Benefits

Perry & Lisa Clark, Owners; Quentin Griffin, Charlie Ross III, Michael Balsinger, Roney Jones, Kim Hooie, Daniel Sohn, Nazerine Burney, Jennifer Temes, Rosemarie Arnold, Lily Wrenne, Janelle Bassa, Lee Riche, Paul Taylor, Oriana Flynn, Charlie Ross Jr, Connie Smith, Kayla Silcox, Patrick Keel, Michael Beider, Elaine Green, Rose Meadows, Deborah Bird 5700 SW 34TH STREET, SUITE 106, GAINESVILLE, FL 32608 352-745-7546 | AMERICANSENIORBENEFITS.COM 110 |

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July/August 2019

We are the face of education in the insurance industry. We are helping families of all ages make choices today that will reward them now and help build a financially sound future for tomorrow. We do this by helping them be prepared for unexpected events as well as planning towards their ultimate goals. We are serious about the transformative value of insurance protection and our agency’s mission of leaving our clients’ better off than when we started. The positive impact we have on the lives of our clients is what drives us.

American Senior Benefits is a community of diverse

professional experts with various backgrounds and experiences who share one common goal, that is to make a difference in the lives of everyone we touch, every day. With options from over 150 established carriers, we never provide customers with a “one size fits all” solution. It’s a model that has created a culture of teamwork, innovation and a shared drive for success, all centered around the client’s needs and satisfaction. That’s what sets us apart. We educate our clients, advocate for our clients and always put their needs first.

We are a local, hometown company that offers customer care in the spirit of yesterday, with the backing and resources of a national

corporation and established carriers. We think outside the box, in applying insurance products to solve life’s challenges. It doesn’t matter what the issue is, we have the solution using the best carriers in the business, to get the best results for our clients.

At every phase of life people make financial decisions, getting married, starting careers, having kids, buying a house, retiring and everything in between. Each of these decisions involves finances and planning and that’s where we come in. Our product mix of Health, Life and Retirement resources are the tools we provide and have the flexibility to change with you as your life changes.

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CUSTOM COUNTERTOPS

Jackson Stoneworks Tyler Ryals

1111 SE 22ND AVE | 352-372-6600 JACKSONSTONEWORKS.COM 112 |

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July/August 2019

Jackson Stoneworks is a locally owned specialty stone manufacturing business founded in 2002 by Tyler Ryals. Today, Jackson Stoneworks is recognized as the premier full service kitchen and bath sales center in Gainesville. Based on their experience as a nationally recognized custom granite counter top manufacturer, you can trust Jackson Stoneworks to provide you with the very best

in kitchen and bath design and installation services. Over 100 of the most popular granite, marble and quartz colors are on display and available for purchase at their Stone Yard, with hundreds more available through their worldwide network of suppliers for delivery to their factory. From cabinets and flooring to counter tops of all kinds, stop by today, take a tour and receive a free granite Lazy Susan.

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HEARING HEALTHCARE AUDIOLOGY Clear Sound Audiology

Dr. Jennifer Larmann, Dr. Kristin Johnston Dr. Michelle Lang, Dr. Jagadish Swamy 2240 NW 40TH TERRACE, SUITE C, GAINESVILLE 352-505-6766 | CLEARSOUNDAUDIOLOGY.COM

Hearing problems can be overwhelming and frustrating. It may feel as if there’s nowhere to turn for help. But at Clear Sound Audiology, you can relax and know that you’re in good hands. With a goal to reconnect those with various hearing needs to their families, friends, and to the activities they value most, their friendly and knowledgeable staff is there to help.

They assess and explore each patient’s hearing needs, lifestyle, and their budget before recommending hearing instruments. The audiologists at Clear Sound Audiology are highly trained, dedicated, caring, and strive to educate and empower patients with regards to their hearing.

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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

$

114 |

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.

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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”

APRIL WINNER

MAY WINNER

Changing the World for Noel

Team Paige

The winner of the April Charity of the Month is Changing the World for Noel, an organization that hosts events promoting Autism awareness and award scholarships to local students. The chairty will recieve $1,000 and Caryl OSteen will win $300 for nominating them. The goal of Changing the World for Noel is to improve the uncertainty & uneasiness that individuals with autism experience day in and day out. The organization takes advantage of any opportunity to educate others on autism. The random charity winner is Getalong Dachshund Rescue and they will receive $500 toward their nonprofit program. The random voter, Maureen Castro, will win $100.

The winner of the May Charity of the Month is Team Paige. In 2014, Paige Douglas was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer (Synovial Cell Sarcoma). “I leaned on my God through this whole experience and having to really give all my worries to him and call upon him to help me,” Paige said. “Never once did he let me down and I grew closer and closer to my Savior and allowed the Lord [to] truly work in my life.” Team Paige can’t wait to support and help someone else battling cancer with their next fundraiser. The charity will receive $1,000.

Paige Douglas will win $300 for nominating them. The random charity is Getalong Dachshund Rescue, receiving $500. The random voter, John Daniel, will win $100.

COMMUNITY PARTNERS >> CHARITY OF THE MONTH

CH A RIT Y OF THE MONTH WINNER S

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

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COMMU NIT Y C A LENDA R

J uly/ A ugust 2 0 1 9

Boris

Sat., August 31 at High Dive

FANFARES & FIREWORKS

Wednesday, July 3 from 6 - 10pm Flavet Field, University of Florida

GAINESVILLE - E njoy an evening of live music and spectacular fireworks presented by WUFT-TV, WUFT-FM and WUFT Classic. WUFT-FM Morning Edition host Glenn Richards will serve as emcee for the event. Musical groups include: Bears and Lions, Wax Wings, Billy Buchanan & his Rock ‘n Soul Revue and the Gainesville Community Band. The fireworks by Skylighters of Florida will begin at approximately 9:40 p.m.

For safety reasons, no dogs, sparklers, drones or alcohol are allowed at the event. Coolers are allowed, but may be subject to search by UFPD.

JULY 4TH CELEBRATION

Thursday, July 4 from 3pm - 10pm Hal Brady Rec. Complex

ALACHUA - T he City of Alachua has dubbed its celebration “The Largest Small Town Fireworks Display in America.” The annual event draws more than 30,000 people to Alachua and has great economic impact on businesses in our area. There are dozens of activities for the kids, including bounce houses, rock wall climbing, bungee jumps and water slides. This year kids can also take advantage of the spray park and skateboard park located on site.

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musical entertainment to name a few. Without a doubt the event has something for everyone and of course the hottest fireworks around.

ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW! LIVE ON STAGE

Wednesday, July 10 at 8pm High Dive, 210 SW 2nd Ave.

GAINESVILLE - T he cult classic movie Live on stage with local players! Audience participation and drinking games! One night only event as part of Independent Venue Week! Most of last years shows SOLD OUT, so buy early and don’t be left in the parking lot! highdivegainesville.com

ZOOKEEPER DAY

Saturday, July 13 from 9am - 3pm SF Teaching Zoo

GAINESVILLE - Have you ever wondered what it’s really like to be a zookeeper? Gainesville is home to the only teaching zoo on a college campus accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums in the nation, training future zookeepers in the highest standards of animal care. Bring the whole family, learn from the experts and see if you have what it takes to be a zookeeper! Don’t miss out on this extraordinary opportunity to get an up close glimpse into the wonderful world of zookeeping! Regular zoo admission applies. sfcollege.edu/zoo

TRAUMA-INFORMED COMMUNITY RESOURCE FAIR

Saturday, July 13 from 1 - 4pm Hippodrome Cinema, 25 SE 2nd Pl.

GAINESVILLE - L earn about innovative approaches to community building using Trust-Based Relational Intervention approaches through the screening of the brand-new film All Rise. ALL RISE is a 75-minute documentary that takes you inside the courtroom of an unconventional East Texas judge who uses a trauma-informed, trustbased approach to healing broken families in the child welfare system. After the screening, a panel of experts will discuss how the film relates to the Gainesville community.

HIGH SPRINGS BMX GOLD CUP REGIONAL QUALIFIER

Sunday, July 14 from 8:30am - 1:30pm High Springs Sports Complex, 19499 N W 238th St.

HIGH SPRINGS - A thletes will use 2 of these qualifying races towards the finals being held in Georgia in the fall. Competitors from across the Southeastern US will be racing to qualify for the finals! Free parking and no cost admission for spectators. hsbmx.com

FIBER ARTS GATHERING

Sunday, July 14 from 2 - 4pm Harn Museum, 3259 Hull Road

GAINESVILLE - L earn about fiber arts and view spinning, needlepoint, tapestry, weaving and other needle arts in action. Talk with experienced fiber artists from the Gainesville Handweavers Guild. Fiber fans are welcome to bring a portable project. Chairs provided. Questions? Contact eking@harn.ufl.edu.

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

“DISCOVERY ZONE” SECOND ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION Wednesday, July 17 from 10am - 4pm Florida Museum, 3215 Hull Rd.

Story Summit

Friday, July 19 at 8pm Heartwood Soundstage, 619 South Main St. GAINESVILLE - S tory Summit is Gainesville’s best night of storytelling. You’ll hear some of the best storytellers from Self Narrate, Guts & Glory GNV, and The Conch at the intimate Heartwood Soundstage. Come be part of Gainesville’s growing storytelling community at Story Summit. heartwoodsoundstage.com

GAINESVILLE - Celebrate the second anniversary of the Florida Museum’s Discovery Zone featuring: Games, Giveaways, Live Insect Encounters, Creation Station and more! The Discovery Zone is a free permanent exhibit at the Museum, open until 4:30 p.m. daily. Free and open to the public. floridamuseum.ufl.edu

(225 NW Commons Loop, #107). There will be product and food demos, product samples, gift basket raffles and every customer receives a thank you gift. For more info call 352-372-7482. sunflowerhealthfoods.com

HIGH DIVE 8TH ANNIVERSARY!

CHRISTOPHER MROFCHAK, CLASSICAL GUITARIST

July 17-19 High Dive, 210 SW 2nd Ave.

GAINESVILLE - T hree nights of exceptional artists on stage at the High Dive including: Eternal of the Wu-Tang Killa Beez, One Arm Bandit, Brokelife Phet on Wednesday.

Former Puddle of Mudd guitarist / vocalist Adam Latiff performs all the bands favorites in a special intimate acoustic performance along with Efen on Thursday. And Danny Pynes, The Savants of Soul along with Tasha Zoe on Friday. Come celebrate! highdivegainesville.com

CUSTOMER APPRECIATION DAYS

July 18 - 20 from 11am - 5pm Sunflower Health Foods, 3424 W University Ave.

GAINESVILLE - S unflower Health Foods will be hosting the 5th annual Customer Appreciation Days at the Gainesville and Lake City locations

Sunday, July 21 from 2 - 4pm High Springs Community Center

HIGH SPRINGS - 3 rd place winner of the Indiana International Guitar Festival and Competition!

Christopher will bring classical guitar to the forefront for a quiet evening in the Santa Fe room in the High Springs Museum. Special guest: Raymond Lohengrin. Free and open to the public. Donations suggested. highspringsmusicinthepark.com

PEACEFUL PATHS’ BINGO NIGHT

Sunday, July 21 at 4pm High Dive, 210 SW 2nd Ave.

GAINESVILLE - You heard it right! Bingo’s cool again and we’re making it even “cooler” by playing for a great cause! Enjoy some great music, drinks & food truck grub. You’ll have a chance to win great prizes too playing BINGO and other games of chance and skill! Proceeds

will benefit Peaceful Paths Domestic Violence Network! So, mark your calendar and we will continue to update this event with more details! highdivegainesville.com

LOCAL COMEDY SHOWCASE

Thursday, July 25 at 8pm High Dive, 210 SW 2nd Ave.

GAINESVILLE - Enjoy the comedic performances of local comedians Lunchbox, Daniel Biddle, Zach Weidner, Cameron Atkinson, Spencer Acree, Daniel Perea and Emma Porter. highdivegainesville.com

LEMON CITY TRIO

Saturday, July 27 at 8pm Heatwood Soundstage, 619 South Main St.

GAINESVILLE - B ased in Miami, Lemon City Trio is a band formed out of the love for the tradition of organ trio music, perhaps best exemplified by the great New Orleans band the Meters, or reaching back further in time, Booker T and the MGs. Though rooted in tradition, this adventurous trio takes its blend of jazz, funk, and soul to entirely new places, sharing the love and the fun with their fast growing fan base. heartwoodsoundstage.com July/August 2019

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Stand-Up Comedian Mitch Fatel

Wednesday, August 21 at 8pm High Dive, 210 SW 2nd Ave. GAINESVILLE - M itch has been showcasing his comedic talent to rave reviews for 30 years now. Is that a sparkle in his eye or is he just confused? With his innocence and friendly demeanor, Mitch quickly engages the audience and then catches them off guard with a mixture of mischievous dialog and off color comments. While laughing at observations only Mitch can get away with, we are left wondering if he truly understands what he just said. We never really know. highdivegainesville.com

CULT STATUS BURLESQUE 3

Saturday, July 27 at 10:30pm High Dive, 210 SW 2nd Ave.

GAINESVILLE - Pistol Mercy & Check Meowt Productions have banded together to bring back the strange and amazing Cult Status Burlesque! Featuring burlesque and drag performances based on cult classic films, such as The Room, Sharknado, and much, much more! highdivegainesville.com

POTTERHEAD DAY

Wednesday, July 31 from 4 - 10pm Swamp Head Brewery, 3650 SW 42nd Ave.

GAINESVILLE - F or the first time ever at the brewery they are throwing a huge birthday celebration for the boy who lived. It’s Harry’s 39th birthday and they’re going big with brand new themed beer releases and much, much more. Hop on your broomstick, Thestral, or flying motorbike and join as they transform the tasting room, The Wetlands, into Hogwarts’ Great Hall for one night only. Costumes are highly encouraged so get your robes and wands ready! Food trucks from Ash & Ember : Wood Fired Co. and Mayflower Cellars. swamphead.com 118 |

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PEARL AND THE OYSTERS

Wednesday, July 31 at 9pm High Dive, 210 SW 2nd Ave.

GAINESVILLE - S ticky-sweet but never cloying, Pearl and The Oysters is equal parts fantastical space opera and cult ‘60s beach movie.

The band’s sound, which they call ‘laser-gun pop,’ is both exquisitely otherworldly and comfortingly familiar. Singer Juliette Pearl Davis’ distorted vocals layer over lush, fizzy synths, bossa nova-tinged grooves, and sunshiney space-age sound effects fit for a sci-fi B-movie.

With special guests: DirtBike and Garden Club. highdivegainesville.com

TECH CHARITY CONCERT

Friday, August 16 at 8pm High Dive, 210 SW 2nd Ave.

GAINESVILLE - Presented by SharpSpring, The Tech Charity Concert is a live music event where bands from Gainesville tech companies perform to raise funds for three local charities: GRACE Marketplace, Family Promise, and Peaceful Paths. Duncan Kabinu, co-founder of the Gainesville Dev Academy, will emcee. highdivegainesville.com

SONGWRITER SHOWCASE

Sunday, August 18 from 2 - 4pm

High Springs Museum, 23760 NW 187th Ave

HIGH SPRINGS - Featuring the soulful voice, lyrics and songwriting of Rachel Grubb, Rebecca Vincent, Kimberly (Blackburn) LeCouteur and Likely Lovely. highspringsmusicinthepark.com

TESSA VIOLET

Thursday, August 22 at 8pm High Dive, 210 SW 2nd Ave.

GAINESVILLE - YouTube phenomenon known as Meekakitty who also entertains as a singer and actress. She created the hit music video “Star Trek Girl” in January 2011. The video blogger is best known for her 2018 hit single “Crush.” highdivegainesville.com

BORIS

Saturday, August 31 at 9pm High Dive, 210 SW 2nd Ave.

GAINESVILLE - Japanese sludge/doom metal band formed during the early ‘90s. Their name is taken from a Melvins song. highdivegainesville.com

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1

June 3 - June 6

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SUMMER

BASEBALL

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

Ages: 5-14 @ Jonesville Park www.gatorballtraining.com July/August 2019

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GAINESVILLE GARDEN CLUB: AGED TO PERFECTION

Thursday, September 5 from 5 - 8pm 1350 NW 75th St.

GAINESVILLE - G ainesville Garden Club is embarking on 95 years of service to the Gainesville community! Enjoy wine, hors d’oeuvres and sweets plus a silent auction of repurposed vintage home and garden floral items! Proceeds will benefit the Therapeutic Horticulture Program at Wilmot Botanical Gardens. No charge, donations kindly accepted. Call or email to RSVP. 352-331-0426 ggcfl.org@gmail.com

RECURRING EVENTS CONTRA DANCE

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

GAINESVILLE - Contra 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

HIGH SPRINGS MUSIC IN THE PARK & CONCERT SERIES

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

GAINESVILLE MUSIC ASSOCIATION PUBLIC SYMPOSIUM & WORKSHOP

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

ENGLISH COUNTRY DANCE

Mondays 6:45 – 9pm 1624 NW 5th Avenue

GAINESVILLE - This is the kind of dancing which began in the 16th century and is still being written and danced today around the world. All dances are taught, walked through and called. No partner, experience, or special dress required. If you are 120 |

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new please come to the beginner lesson each evening at 6:45. Dance to jigs, reels, and beautiful waltz music by Hoggetowne Fancy. Everyone is welcome. This is easier than ballroom because there are no partner holds and the caller does the leading. Visit our Facebook page to see videos. bit.ly/EnglishCountry

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 - 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

TAI CHI & GENTLE MOTION

Thursdays at 9:30am 2205 NW 40th Terrace

GAINESVILLE - T ai Chi and Gentle Motions classes for seniors on Thursdays at 9:30 am (Tai Chi) and 10:30 am (Gentle Motions) at Crown Pointe Senior Healthcare Center in Gainesville.

Contact Paul Gebhart at 352-379-6124 for info.

HIGH SPRINGS FARMERS MARKET

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. facebook.com/HighSpringsDowntownMerchants

LOCAL PLAYWRIGHTS FORUM

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

GAINESVILLE - In 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 the first gathering on February 2nd. Free and open to the public. fb.com/ynottheatre

Fine, Farkash & Parlapiano presents THE 4 TH ANNU AL BENEF IT EVENT FOR THE

HUM ANE SOC IETY OF NORTH CEN TRA L FLO RIDA

November 7, 2019

Save the Date!

Thursday, November 7th, 2019 | 6 PM – 10 PM nd St, Alachua 122 NW 20 292 ch, Ran r Rive Fe SantA THANK YOU TO OUR EARLY SPONSORS!

For sponsorship information and further details, please call Margot DeConna at 352-415-2460. www.humanesocietyncfl.org | 4205 NW 6th Street | Gainesville, Florida 32609 July/August 2019

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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

— Bringing Exceptional Artists to Downtown High Springs —

100% ORIGINAL MUSIC FROM 100% ORIGINAL ARTISTS

SWEET WILLIAM LOST TRUTH

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PM 2P 12 AM-1 11 AM

High Springs Museum P 2-1 PM 12-1 12

DENNY BLUE High Springs Fire Dept 2 PM 1-2 1

H MITH MITH SMIT ARVID S

BEAR BEA BE B EA EAR R& ROBERTS ROBERT ROB O ER S

2-3 PM

High Spr Springs rings Wom Cent enter er Women’s Center

gs High Sprinngs Library

3-4 PM

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 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 - D on’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

SEPT. 15 2019 TH

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

SNO ROGERS Great Outdoors

4-5 PM

PASSERINE Great Outdoors Rest.

6-7 PM

MAPLE SPARROW

ABE PARTRIDGE

Great Outdoors

High Springs Playhouse

5-6 PM

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.

4-5 PM

FREE EVENT www.HighSpringsMusicInThePark.com July/August 2019

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PAID ADVERTISEMENT

THE FACE OF

WOMEN’S HEALTH

Comprehensive Women’s Health Ann Hatfield MD, Jill Delker MD, Sheyna Carroccio MD, Richard Brazzel MD, Tracey Botha MD, Kelly Chamberlain MD, Amy Million MD, Eduardo Marichal MD, Erin Connor Werner MD 724 NW 43RD STREET, GAINESVILLE 352-332-7222 | CWHFL.COM 124 |

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July/August 2019

At Comprehensive Women’s Health, building healthy relationships is vital to ensuring total wellness and well-being for the women they serve.

One of the most important relationships you will ever build is with the professionals who provide your health care. Enjoying a close, trusting relationship with your medical provider not only improves your health and enjoyment of life, it also has a positive impact on the lives of those you love. This is why the highly trained staff at Comprehensive Women’s Health places a high priority on providing compassionate care tailored to the specific needs of each patient as an individual. In order to build strong patient relationships, they take the time to listen and really

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of their office. To serve the needs of their patients, the team

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ed by the American Association of Birth Centers (AABC) and

of care. From well-woman exams and infertility consultation to

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and your health a priority. Call today (352) 332-7222, or visit

riety of options depending on the needs and priorities of each

www.chwfl.com to learn more.

July/August 2019

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PAID ADVERTISEMENT

THE FACE OF

CASUAL DINING

Great Outdoors Restaurant Michael Glover, William Sconyers, Taylor Dukes 65 N MAIN ST, HIGH SPRINGS | 386-454-1288 GREATOUTDOORSDINING.COM 126 |

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The Great Outdoors, located in the historic town of High Springs, specializes in hand selected steaks, fresh seafood, signature entrée salads and homemade soups and deserts. The Great Outdoors features a family friendly dining experience for everyone. It’s a perfect place to grab a cold, local craft beer after hit-

ting the springs all day or for that family gathering. The amazing Porch features luxurious outdoor seating with live music every Friday and Saturday night from some of the area’s best-known bands.

From craft cocktails to specialty desserts The Great Outdoors invites you to make the short drive to High Springs.

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For over 14 years, Evolve Pilates has been the

you accomplish your goals. No matter what your

FACE of Pilates in Gainesville, helping hundreds

starting point, whether you choose small group,

Evolve Pilates

of people in their community embody balance,

Pilates based fitness classes, or private lessons,

PILATES

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education and training from around the world

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UF teams to triathletes, from injury recovery to

opportunity to help the Gainesville community

chronic pain, Kelli, Renee and their staff can help

bring the joy of movement into their lives.

July/August 2019

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THE FACE OF

FAMILY EYE CARE Alachua Family Eye Care

Dr. William Avonda, Debbie Avonda 16181 NW US HWY 441, SUITE 140, ALACHUA 352-792-1610 ALACHUAFAMILYEYECARE.COM 128 |

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July/August 2019

Dr. William Avonda, his wife Debbie, and their experienced team at Alachua Family Eye Care will give you and your family personalized care during your visit. They are a family owned, complete vision care provider. As active members of the community, they are excited to serve Alachua and surrounding areas. As a licensed optometrist, Dr. Avonda specializes in

comprehensive exams as well as the treatment and diagnoses of glaucoma, macular degeneration and many other disorders.

Debbie Avonda is a licensed optician who is highly skilled at assisting patients in picking out the ideal pair of glasses for their vision and fashion needs. Experience the family atmosphere at Alachua Family Eye Care. You will, notice the difference!

PAID ADVERTISEMENT

THE FACE OF

BEAUTY

LAE Beauty Bar Kyra Purvis, Sammie Venega, Kelley Anderson, Taylor Myers, Judy Colson 618 NW 60TH ST 352-331-9693 FB.COM/LAEBEAUTYBAR

LAE Beauty is a locally owned beauty bar established in 2004. The original concept of LAE was to bring the hottest trends in beauty from LA to Gainesville. LAE was the first salon to have a spray tan booth in Gainesville! Over the years, the LAE concept has morphed into a beauty bar where people come to rejuvenate their mind, body, skin, and spirit through a variety of treatments. A key factor often overlooked in the aging process is a balanced life, the need for physical, mental, and emotional harmony.

The goal at LAE is to provide the best in beauty

services such as eyelash extensions, microblading, facials, microdermabrasion, spray tanning, tanning, red light therapy, waxing, and endermologie at an incredible value. LAE is centered around relationships; relationships with clients, with each other, and with the community. LAE supports many local charity events and does an annual food and coat drive over the holidays.

LAE’s motto is although true beauty comes from within, LAE can help you look and feel your best on the outside! Decide today how you will look and feel tomorrow, choose you!

July/August 2019

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PAID ADVERTISEMENT

THE FACE OF

BEAUTIFUL SMILES

Douglas M. Adel, DDS

14211 NW 150TH AVE, ALACHUA, FL 32615 386-462-4635 | DRDOUGLASADEL.COM 130 |

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July/August 2019

“Every smile is as unique as every person is unique,” Dr. Adel states. “Any shape, size and color is possible today, and the results of a beautiful smile speak for themselves.

It is truly a life-changing investment.” Dr. Adel and his team have been providing quality care to their patients, utilizing state

of the art technology, at his office in Alachua for 30 years. Patients can expect exceptional service whether coming in for a cleaning, crowns, bridges, sleep apnea/ TMJ appliances, or implants. The goal is always to educate and improve the oral health of their patients.

PAID ADVERTISEMENT

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HOMETOWN LEGAL REPRESENTATION

Law Office of Maurice T. McDaniel Gage McDaniel, Maurice T. McDaniel, Gail Savary 18581 MAIN ST, HIGH SPRINGS 352-559-0930 | MCDANIELLAWOFFICE.COM

Located in historic, downtown High Springs, Maurice T. McDaniel is your hometown attorney. Specializing in criminal defense, family law and estate planning. Mr. McDaniel is a 5th generation Floridian, Army Veteran and former member of the 7th Special Forces, Military Intelligence Detachment. He left the military service to serve his local community as a law enforcement officer.

Mr. McDaniel has a rich and diverse background working with many different Federal, State, and Local agencies. In his career he has established himself in high regards as a Law enforcement officer, supervisor, liaison, and consultant. Mr. McDaniel’s unique background and experience positions him well to assist you with whatever legal issue you may have.

July/August 2019

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PAID ADVERTISEMENT

THE FACE OF

Pediatrics,

ric Nurse Practitioners have had the

where children are cherished! The

unique opportunity to care for gener-

Alliance Pediatrics

staff at Alliance is honored to provide

ations of families. Their highly trained

Ginny Shreve, ARNP; Stephanie Kirkconnell, MD; Olga Mas, MD; Katheryn Sarantos, MD; Michelle Massias, MD; (not pictured, Beth Severance, ARNP)

pediatric care to the greater Gaines-

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ville area. With the compassion one

children and their parents to provide

would expect, they are thankful for

an exceptional level of care and can

each child they have the privilege of

provide referrals to area specialists if

treating. Since forming in 2002, their

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four Pediatricians and two Pediat-

is the perfect fit for any family.

CHILDREN’S HEATH

4627 NW 53RD AVE | 352-335-8888 MYALLIANCEPEDIATRICS.COM 132 |

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Welcome

to

Alliance

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THE FACE OF

BRINGING THE FIESTA TO YOU! Elio Piedra

WWW.ELIOPIEDRA1@GMAIL.COM 352-327-5089 | ELIOPIEDRA.COM

Looking to hire more than just a DJ for your next event? Elio Piedra is an entertainer! His high-energy show brings the fiesta to your next event. More than just your standard DJ, Elio brings singing, dancing and even live instruments to parties, birthdays, weddings, private events, grand openings and

corporate events. Be ready to have some fun because Elio will elevate your event to the next level. It’s not a party unless Elio is there, providing his unique mix of music, percussion, dancing and entertainment. Check out his website for more information on how you can include Elio in your next event.

July/August 2019

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THE FACE OF

ELECTRIC SERVICE

Vintage Electric

2421 NW 71ST PLACE 352-371-8021 VINTAGEELECTRIC.NET 134 |

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July/August 2019

Founded in 2004, Vintage Electric combines a skilled team of apprentices, mechanics, and journeyman electricians to deliver a complete solution for all of your electrical needs. Whether it’s a complete service upgrade or rewiring, new outlets and switches, ceiling fans, light fixtures or whole house generators, Vintage can do it all! Their experienced management team allows them to complete any project, large or

small, on time and in budget. “Doing business the old fashioned way” is more than a slogan for Vintage, it’s a creed by which the entire team operates. They strive to combine the craftsmanship and work ethic from days gone by with the technology and efficiency of today’s modern world, to provide the highest quality experience possible. Call them today for all of your electrical needs.

PAID ADVERTISEMENT

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COMMUNITY BANKING

Ameris Bank

Melanie Shore, APR 352-264-2981 amerisbank.com

As a Private Banker and Senior Vice President for Ameris Bank, Melanie Shore has been the FACE of Community Banking for over 25 years. Dedicated and committed to her customers, Melanie has close ties to her customers and is known for providing outstanding customer service. Widely recognized for her service to our community, Melanie is a civic leader and active board member to many local

charities and non-profits. Melanie is the recipient of many community service awards, most notably the Service Above Self Award from the Rotary Club of Gainesville. As a commercial lender and private banker, she specializes in working with commercial and professional customers, and their families, and is considered an expert in assisting with all aspects of community banking.

July/August 2019

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EVENT SPACE & VACATION RENTAL The Manor on Main Street

Cyle Van Auken, Kimberly Heninger 14603 MAIN ST, ALACHUA | 386-462-7595 THEMANORONMAINSTREET.COM 136 |

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July/August 2019

The Manor on Main Street, located in historic downtown Alachua next to the Woman’s club, invites you to host your next celebration or event with them. They are a unique Victorian venue featuring elegant indoor spaces, vibrant gardens, a gazebo, and a waterfall koi pond. Relax upstairs on the sky deck or enjoy a cocktail outside on the wraparound porch. The Venue offers

downstairs flexible rooms for activities, entire house or any one of the four rooms on the second floor for overnight and weekly rental. There is plenty of available private and public parking, along with great service provided to compliment this turn of the century property. Stop by today and have The Manor host your next event or private getaway!

PAID ADVERTISEMENT

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COFFEE AND BAKING

The Talented Cookie Company Wendy Newman 23519 WEST US HWY 27 HIGH SPRINGS | 386-454-2364 FB.COM/THETALENTEDCOOKIECO

The Talented Cookie Company is located in the historic town of High Springs.

Wendy and her girls bake up a large array of sweets from scratch every morning and offer a full coffee and espresso bar with syrups made in house. Stop by early and enjoy their homemade quiche and New York bagels with a selection of spreads made daily. If you need a pick me up they pride themselves on making the best Cuban coffee in the area! There is plenty of room for large parties and some of the best couches to lounge in while you are relaxing with friends or getting some work done.

Come early, stay all day, and enjoy your time with some of the best regulars around!

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PAID ADVERTISEMENT

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AUTO REPAIR & MAINTENANCE AutoER

Dustin Littleton, Jesse Colburn, Lisa Grodewald, Bob Katz, Bobby Kelly, Mike Katz, Daniel Smith, Dillon O’Brien, John Taylor and Steve Copeland FOUR LOCATIONS IN GAINESVILLE THEAUTOER.COM 138 |

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July/August 2019

Isn’t it time you had a doctor for your car? At AutoER, the doctor is always in!

With 4 area locations to serve all of your auto repair and maintenance needs, AutoER is your one stop solution. Their facilities are staffed with the highest-quality and most-qualified personnel. As a Goodyear dealer, AutoER has the area’s best prices on tires and have a variety of options to consider. With decades of industry experience, their

management team and technicians are master certified by the most prestigious industry experts. As the area’s fastest growing automotive repair business, AutoER proudly serves families and drivers in Gainesville, Alachua, High Springs, Jonesville, and all of Alachua County. Their website offers easy-toschedule service options for any of their area locations or call today to make an appointment.

PAID ADVERTISEMENT

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FULLY MANAGED IT SOLUTIONS

My IT Masters

Boris Kuchuk, Tim Wyland, Jimi Tarantino 2020 W UNIVERSITY AVE GAINESVILLE, FL 32603 352-559-0960 | MYITMASTER.COM

My IT Masters is an IT support firm offering a full range of tech solutions to meet all of your small to mid-size business and/or residential needs.

Their goal is to help our customers get more from their computer technology. Their professional experience and personal approach have helped many businesses succeed with straightforward IT solutions. When your IT

equipment is down, business and life are at a standstill. Every minute that a network is not functioning properly can affect a company’s profits. That’s why they focus on emergency services — quick turnaround and same-day services for businesses and consumers alike. Get in touch with My IT Masters to see how our IT support team can maximize your current technology.

July/August 2019

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PROFILE >> MIKE POTTER

ON THE RIGHT TR ACK

Mike Potter The Face of Local Weather S TORY A N D PHOTOG R A PHY BY S TE PH S TRICKL A N D

P

lanks of wood covered the windows from top to bottom, and the howling wind hurled against them. With a strange mixture of anxiety and curiosity, a young Mike Potter peered through a sliver of uncovered window into the elements that raged outside of his home. It was 1964 and Hurricane Cleo had just struck South Florida. Potter watched as the trees bowed under the force of the storm. He couldn’t look away.

By the age of eight, Potter’s grandfather had taught him the art of tracking hurricanes. With merely his clipboard, tracking chart and a pencil, Potter followed along with the newscaster’s predictions. He documented the direction of any given storm, the strength of the winds and its direction. Today, Potter’s job is extraordinarily similar to the pastimes of his childhood. He works as the weekday weather anchor and meteorologist for WCJB TV-20 in Gainesville, and he is going into his 27th year of service to the local station.

Despite the connection between Potter’s life interests and his career, his path to working in meteorology was not always clear. “I was interested in radio and television to a certain extent, but I never connected weather to that at all – it was a hobby,” he said.

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Mike’s interest in broadcasting and meteorology led him to earn degrees from both the University of Florida and the University of South Florida. He has spent his life studying the changeable weather in the Sunshine State. “Growing up around hurricanes has given me insight into tropical weather I couldn’t get from textbooks,” Potter said.

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Potter began his career at Florida Keys Community College where he obtained his A.A. However, it was not until he transitioned to the University of Florida that he saw the connection between his interests in environmental sciences and broadcasting. He cited his experience in a broadcast weather workshop class at UF for providing the connection between his two interests.

To gain experience in meteorology, Potter got involved with WUFT-FM and the First at Five newscast put on by students in the college. Potter’s first connection with TV-20 came during his time at UF when he interned at the station in 1984.

Potter then went on to work additional internships in cities like Miami, then obtained a position at a local station in Ft. Myers. Following his time as a meteorologist in South Florida, he then went on to obtain an additional degree in Geography from USF to advance his career and took courses in meteorology at Mississippi State in order to obtain his American Meteorological Society (AMS) Seal of Approval.

Potter said that he never intended to return to Gainesville, but when he stumbled across a job application for TV-20 he witnessed his career come full-circle. He then left a local station in Ft. Myers and ventured back to the Gainesville area.

In December of 1994 he met his wife, Schoran, in the Lake City area and started his life in Gainesville. “It was a good location when I first got here, but when I met her it became a good location for us to stay,” he added. “Coming to Gainesville, I actually really liked the ability to drive without worrying about hitting water.”

The Key West native has moved between several Florida cities throughout his life and has become well-acquainted with the unique weather patterns that make their way to the sunshine state. “I remember every hurricane season my grandpa would have his notepad by the table and [he’d] watch the television… down there it was a pretty big deal because you’re on an island chain and if you’re going to evacuate you need to know in advance.”

Gainesville has become well known by transient residents, such as the student population, as well as permanent residents for its distinctive weather patterns. According to Potter, Alachua County is situated in a sliver

share information objectively and focus on keeping locals safe.

Despite the excitement that summer brings with extreme weather threats of hurricanes looming off of coasts, Potter prefers the tranquility of Gainesville life during fall and spring time. In fact, Potter’s profession has lent itself well to finding the best times to explore the outdoors. “I tend to do things outdoors during the spring...” he said. “During summer it can be hard to

“My job is equal parts science and communication, and I need to be able to take computer models and put it into a form that people can understand quickly.”

Florida storms differ from many others in the country because they do not require a cold front to provide a catalyst. Moreover, the severe nature of many Florida summer thunderstorms can make this season a challenging time for meteorologists.

Conversely, Potter said that the rhythms of daily showers and storms can become monotonous, but he is always keeping an eye on the radar for unique or dangerous patterns. He explained that one of his most important roles as a meteorologist is to

PROFILE >> MIKE POTTER

of territory that experiences an average of 80 thunderstorm days annually. Potter said the root of these storms is Gainesville’s proximity to the coast, which allows hot air to rise and the sea breeze to push inland. By looking at the winds, Potter determines the likelihood of rain in certain areas; however, come summer months, many Florida meteorologists would recommend having an umbrella on hand at all times.

nail down exactly where a storm is going to be, and you do not want to be on a tube in the springs if lightning is striking around you.”

You may see Potter sharing these tips on TV-20 newscasts live from 5 a.m. to 7 a.m. on weekdays, plus an additional newscast at noon. The newscasts for TV-20 are divided into 30-minute segments. Within each segment Potter will give a first weather report at the opening, then dive deeper into the

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PROFILE >> MIKE POTTER

report partly through the segment. It then concludes with an additional synopsis – and the cycle begins again. During the off-times in the newscast, Potter may create additional graphics to differ from the ones he previously presented. “Most people do not watch the full morning show, but we still like to have something different to show them,” he said.

In order to bring this news to locals, Potter begins his mornings at 3 a.m. most days, with an occasional earlier wake up on severe weather days. “I really should be waking up even earlier

to get everything done,” he said.

Once Potter arrives to the office, he immediately checks maps and data to compile a report for audiences. He said it is important for him to turn data and numbers into something useful for everyday people, which is something no supercomputer is capable of. He then gets to work for the next hour on graphics as the time draws closer to him going on-air.

Sometimes, Potter uses time before newscasts to prerecord radio cut-ins and answer emails. He then does it all again

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prior to his newscast at noon.

By 2 or 3 p.m. his work in the studio is complete, unless Mother Nature puts on an especially spectacular show. “It’s routine, I know what I have got to do, and I know what I have to have prepared. I don’t stop for coffee, I just jump into it,” he said.

Potter speaks on-air, unscripted, with a sense of ease, and he has learned how to be quick on his feet to adapt to the changing needs of the newsroom – even while on the air. “There

are days when everything goes smoothly, and others where there are technical issues, so you always have to be on your toes,” he added. “I have always had a laid-back personality, so maybe when I first started doing this I would have taken that moment to breathe before going on, but now I don’t need to.”

Since his story in meteorology first began in the ‘80s, Potter has also adapted well to the changing technologies used in newsrooms. With large, boxy computers and manual input of data in the rear-view mirror, the nature of Potter’s daily routine has changed, but the fundamentals of what he shares with audiences remains the same. He said that the internet makes the retrieval of information faster, but the dissemination of that information is also faster than ever. In the beginning of his career, it was focused on performing the live broadcasts, but now his position also entails videography and generating online content to engage audiences in new ways.

“My job is equal parts science and communication, and I need to be able to take computer models and put it into a form that people can understand quickly,” he said.

Potter said that he feels fortunate to have stayed with one organization for so long. When he speaks of his profession, a sense of pride in his work, likely stemming from his lifelong passion for meteorology, is ever-present.

“I feel lucky,” he said, “to have turned a hobby into a profession.”

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First Christian Academy in High Springs is committed to your child’s and their academic excellence. As a fully accredited K-12 school, FCA is dedicated to providing a Biblical Worldview educational philosophy that emphasizes a rigorous academic schedule while also answering the question, “what is the purpose of man?” Every learning experience aims to enable students to reach their full potential and their daily operational practices are a consistent model of integrity, efficiency and accountability. Call today for your personal tour.

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HOMETOWN LOCAL BUSINESS

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CRAFT BEER BOTTLE SHOPPES

Crafty Bastards Bottle Shoppe Jeff Brunson, Charles Rickie, Dan Stephens 4860 NW 39TH AVE. | 352-872-5970 THECRAFTYBASTARDS.COM 154 |

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Est. in 2016, we could see the desire that our already dedicated customers of Crafty’s Restaurant, had for their very own neighborhood Craft Beer Bottle Shoppe in NW Gainesville. With over 750 varieties of Craft Beer, a growing wine section, cigars, and service like no other, Crafty’s Bottle Shoppe has quickly become the local’s favorite hangout!

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OneStop Medical and Urgent Care is now open in Alachua, Florida. Locally owned and operated, they truly understand the importance of a patient-centered environment. Available to assist with minor illnesses and injuries, the staff is committed to providing the best care possible while getting you back to your everyday life as quickly as possible.

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Living at home is essential for your loved one’s comfort, but sometimes, specialized assistance is needed. Granny Nannies of Gainesville is dedicated to ensuring you receive the home care you or a loved one require and deserve. Whether it’s short-term care, long-term care, or something in-between, caregivers are available 24 hours a day. Certified Nursing Assistants and Home Health Aides bring nursing home care to

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PREPARATION >> DISASTER KIT

WHAT YOU NEED TO BE PREPARED FOR DISASTER

Hurricane Prep Kit S T O R Y A N D P H O T O G R A P H Y B Y V I C T O R I A VA R G A S

They say preparation is key, so why not plan your hurricane prep kit now?

A disaster supplies kit is a collection of basic items your household may need in the event of an emergency.

According to ready.gov, being prepared for an emergency means having your own food, water and other supplies to last for at least 72 hours. The Atlantic hurricane season runs June 1 to Nov. 30, and a hurricane preparation kit is one of the easiest and beneficial ways to make sure you and your loved ones can survive in the wake of a natural disaster such as this.

Here are the most important items to include in a hurricane prep kit: • WATER: Ready.gov says you should store one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days for drinking and sanitation. Without running water, much of your ordinary tasks, like brushing your teeth, become hard.

Tip: If you have a pet, be sure to account for them too. • FOOD: Try to gather at least a three-day supply of nonperishable food. Items to collect are protein or fruit bars, dry cereal or granola, peanut butter, dried fruit, and ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits, vegetables and juices. Allow yourself some sort of comfort food. Any small item that can help relieve stress during a time of crisis is good.

Tip: Stay away from salty foods, as these make you thirsty. Make sure you have a manual can opener for food.

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• FIRST AID KIT Tip: It helps to have some emergency reference material like a first aid book and over-the-counter medications like pain relievers and antacids.

• POWER & COMMUNICATION: • Cell phone with chargers and a backup battery.

• Battery-powered or hand-crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert, flashlight and a whistle to signal for help. Without electricity, a radio may be your only way to stay updated with what’s going on in the area.

Tip: Make sure you have spare batteries.

• DUST MASK: to help filter contaminated air, and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place.

According to ready.gov, the process is meant to create a barrier between you and potentially contaminated air outside, such as air filled with debris. Bring your family and pets inside.

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To shelter in place, lock doors, close windows, air vents and fireplace dampers, cut off all circulation in the house, go into a room with few windows and seal the windows, doors and air vents with the plastic sheeting and duct tape.

• HYGENE • Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation.

• Feminine supplies.

• Mess kits, paper plates, plastic utensils and paper towels.

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PREPARATION >> DISASTER KIT

Other items that are helpful to consider are: • Important family documents like copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records in a waterproof, portable container.

• Cash and change • Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person.

• Complete change of clothing including a long-sleeved shirt, long pants and sturdy shoes.

• Disinfecting wipes • Fire extinguisher

• Stormproof matches • Paper and pencil • Books, games and activities for children.

This may be the last thing on your mind to prepare for a hurricane, but having something to occupy your children can make a stressful situation just a bit easier.

• Chainsaw • Flare or flare gun • Satellite phone

Some Floridians may take hurricane season for granted. We are used to everyday torrential rain and tornado watches. Sometimes though, the threat is real. It helps to know you are ready to protect your family. Here’s to being prepared!

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PLENTY OF COMPANIES KNOW HOW TO BUILD HOUSES, BUT IT TAKES AN INTIMATE UNDERSTANDING AND A LOVE OF THE COMMUNITY TO BUILD HOMES. G. BUZBEE INCORPORATED IS A FAMILY BUSINESS WITH EXACTLY THAT.

Garrett Buzbee is a third generation High Springs native. He and his wife Amy are proud to call High Springs their home town. They have a deep appreciation for the history and natural beauty of the area, and they’re proudly raising their family in the springs and the Gulf waters of the place they call home. They have a vested interest in preserving the sacred resources of this area and showcasing all it has to offer.

Laurel Pointe

2003 brought an opportunity for Garrett & Amy to invest in the land that would become Laurel Pointe. However, the housing recession quickly overtook the area and plans for the development were put on hold. While the Buzbee family waited for the housing market to pick back up, they spent time dreaming about all that they wanted Laurel Pointe to be. As stewards of the land, they wanted a place that not only preserved the natural beauty of High Springs, but one that let that natural beauty shine. They saw a place for families and neighbors to wave to each 168 |

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Garrett Buzbee, Owner & President

other on the sidewalks and walk down the street for a recipe or a cup of sugar. They wanted to embody the heart of High Springs.

Unique Design

The Buzbees design all the homes they build, and they want those designs to communicate that beautiful vision they had for Laurel Pointe. They’ve stayed true to the historic look and feel of High Springs while preserving functionality and efficiency of modern builds. They don’t believe in wasted space, so their designs utilize every nook and cranny of the home. Naturally, one thing they hear fairly often is that the Laurel Pointe homes feel much bigger than they are. Each home has at least one architectural element like a built-in hall tree or wainscoting in the dining room. Their attention to detail and upgraded features create a custom feel to each project. The Buzbees take pride in the fact that they’ve never built a house they wouldn’t personally live in.

Trust + Integrity

The Buzbees treat the foundation of their homes the same way they treat the foundation of their business — with integrity. They know their roofers, framers and drywall people by name, and the same people building the homes at Laurel Pointe are the ones building their personal homes. G. Buzbee Incorporated warranties every home they build, so they want to make sure they have the best people on the job using the best materials.

The local vendors and craftsman they use are held to the highest standard, and they’ll take the time to ensure the job is done right even if it takes a little longer. Chad and Kelly White of CK Contracting work with the Buzbee’s in Laurel Pointe, and together they produce homes with the highest standards of craftsmanship.

Tailored Experience

Garrett & Amy truly believe in preserving the history and community of High Springs, and part of that is to create homes that echo that history with pride, craftsmanship and integrity. The “spec” homes that they build receive the same attention to detail in selections and finishes as their semi-custom and custom homes. A buyer who chooses . one of these homes will feel as though they have stepped into a home built just for them. Clients can choose from one of the many designs available or work with Garrett to create something brand new that meets their needs and wants. All of their clients are served with in-house design assistance from cabinetry selections and paint colors to flooring decisions. They walk with each client through the process to ensure that the house they call home is the home that they love. G. Buzbee Incorporated knows that building a home is a very personal process. Come meet the team at G Buzbee Inc and see for yourself what makes Laurel Pointe different.

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RESEARCH >> STORM CHASERS

UF STORM CHASERS

In the Eye of the Storm How Chasing Hurricanes Can Help Reduce Their Fury W R I T T E N B Y H AY L I Z U C C O L A

W

hen rushing wind clears the way for a hurricane’s coastal warpath, Dr. Forrest Masters and his research team aren’t far behind.

Masters, a professor at the Engineering School of Sustainable Infrastructure & Environment (ESSIE) and the Associate Dean for Research and Facilities at the Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering at the University of Florida, was introduced to the adrenaline-pumping world of storm chasing during his time as a UF undergrad. When his future Ph.D. advisor asked him to join a field deployment for Hurricane Floyd, Masters jumped at the opportunity.

“What 20-year-old in their right mind is gonna pass that up,” Masters recalled. “That storm to me stands out because that was my first experience being on the ground and I think seeing research for what it is and how it brings out the best in people.”

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As expected, that initial deployment left a lasting imprint on Masters and his future endeavors. After becoming a professor himself, he began leading his own field deployments and strengthened his passion for boundary layer meteorology – an “atmospheric science that focuses on the structure of wind near the ground,” he explained.

Since 1998, field deployments at UF have been conducted as part of the Florida Coastal Monitoring Program (FCMP), which dissects the impact hurricanes have on structural elements and communities by gathering information required to form solutions for reducing hurricane wind damage.

“To date I think I’ve done experiments in 33 storms,” Masters said. “We’ve been all the way up to New Jersey and all the way down to south of Houston.”

Prior to hitting the road and engaging in the physical demands of setting up the data-collecting machinery during an approaching storm, Masters and his crew conduct a great deal of legwork

Masters (Right) standing with Weather Channel meteorologist Jim Cantore while filming a segment at the beginning of the 2014 hurricane season.

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RESEARCH >> STORM CHASERS

The Boundary Layer Wind Tunnel (left) features a floor comprised of 1,116 rectangular blocks that can be raised to create varying terrain and 319 small fans behind a honeycomb design. Adjacent to the tunnel is the command center, which displays every controllable feature in the tunnel on six large screens. The Multi-Axis Wind Load Simulator (bottom right) can take full-size elements and apply pressure conditions as intense as a Cat 5 hurricane.

beforehand by researching the hurricane’s potential path and expected landfall.

“About this time of the year we start monitoring the weather pretty closely. So it starts with observing what the National Hurricane Center is predicting [on] a synoptic scale,” he said.

“Once we feel like there is a potential threat to the U.S., which could be seven days out or it could be 24 hours… we prepare equipment out at the Powell Laboratory and then we roll out.”

After traveling to the storm’s intended target, whether it’s localized to the coast of Florida or en route out of state, the team determines what areas are likely to have the highest winds hurled toward them.

“That takes a lot of last-minute coordination, so it’s a lot of hurry up and wait and then go, go, go,” he said.

Anywhere from two to five of these zones are then rigged with portable weather stations, which are designed to function in 200 mph wind gusts and can collapse for travel or expand to a height of 15 meters or roughly 50 feet, according to FCMP’s website.

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“These weather stations are basically masts on steroids, so they’re designed to withstand extreme blows,” Masters said. “At different levels on the masts, we have anemometers, which are wind sensors... and each anemometer measures velocity in either two or three directions and it does this at a very fast sampling rate.”

Throughout the program’s over 30-year history, these weather stations have been set up around 100 times without fail, that is until Hurricane Michael’s wind force proved to be too much for the steel structure to handle – lifting one of the nearly 6,000 pound towers off the ground and throwing it 50 feet away.

However, when they stay in place, in addition to velocity, these towers can capture barometric pressure, temperature and relative humidity – information that gives researchers a glimpse inside of a hurricane.

After each tower is prepped and ready to go, Masters and his team find shelter elsewhere to ensure everyone’s safety as they’ve seen first-hand what these natural disasters are capable of. “All the major storms have definitely left a major impression on me. I mean, Hurricane Katrina in particular was a really bad PHOTOGRAPHY: HAYLI ZUCCOLA

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RESEARCH >> STORM CHASERS

Masters and his research team attempt to set up one of the portable weather stations during 2018’s reign of Hurricane Michael in Mexico Beach.

Forrest Masters (left) stands in front of one of the portable weather stations, which are designed to withstand 200 mph winds. During his time as a graduate student, Masters joined a 2003 deployment to North Carolina for Hurricane Isabel, which devastated North Carolina’s Outer Banks.

one. I was one of the first people to drive back into Mississippi and see the storm surge and that’s something you never forget,” he said. “There’s a story for every storm.”

Though it may be difficult to witness the damage hurricanes leave behind, field deployments are a necessary step in order for Masters and his team to conduct further research back in Gainesville. “You need to go in the field in order to understand the problem,” he said. “We have the laboratory to develop solutions and to elucidate the fundamental science behind why buildings are damaged in severe weather.”

Once the data is collected, it’s time to recreate the storm at UF’s Powell Family Structures and Materials Laboratory, which is home to equipment that would make any hurricane enthusiast’s heart skip a beat. Located on UF’s East Campus, the Powell Lab is equipped with state-of-the-art machinery designed to study earthquakes, hurricanes, tornadoes, and blast/impact on various structures and building components.

“We study ways to reduce the loss of life and property during extreme wind events,” Masters said. The vital information gathered here is then used by other facilities like the National Hurricane Center, which uses the data to monitor decaying weather conditions and validate forecasts, according to Masters.

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Despite having the ability to examine other examples of Mother Nature’s temper tantrums, Masters and his crew dedicate their skills almost exclusively to hurricanes, leaving the different catastrophes to other experts in the lab.

“I’m a hurricane guy through and through,” he said. “I’m interested in all aspects of the problem, from studying the nature of severe winds to replicating their effects back in the laboratory...”

One of the lab’s most prominent features is the Boundary Layer Wind Tunnel. The floor of the tunnel, called the Terraformer, is dotted with 1,116 rectangular blocks. Each block or element as they’re called in the lab - is equipped with a motor beneath it. These individually controlled motors allow the blocks to remain flat or be raised to a height of 160 millimeters as a way of replicating varying terrain. While similar tunnels have sections of panels that have to be taken out and replaced manually with the desired element height, the Powell Lab is currently the only place in the world that can mechanically adjust the preprogrammed heights in less than 90 seconds.

The large honeycomb structure and smaller honeycomb design within each cell are used to condition airflow and produce a smooth, controlled wind. To increase the number of high-tech components, non-structural parts of the wall like the pieces holding the sensors in place or managing cables were 3D printed.

At the opposite end of the tunnel is a large turntable where models placed along the rotating test area can have up to 512

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Of course, the wind tunnel isn’t the only noteworthy testing station at the lab.

Other high-tech equipment at the Powell Lab can mimic uplift wind conditions; apply pressure similar to a Category 5 hurricane or an EF5 tornado; and even perform wind effects on objects like walls or other building components as big as 18 x 24 feet. Other lab features include 3D printers, a 2,000 square-foot machine shop, a drop hammer, a pendulum, windborne debris simulators and other equipment used to recreate the unique characteristics of each natural disaster.

Whether it’s a twister, earthquake or a hurricane, each force of nature has its own impressive qualities behind them either in their formation, strength or damaging effects. Each one can be examined through field deployments and testing in the Powell Lab with the goal of finding solutions to minimize their destruction. Despite being surrounded by tales of other natural phenomena from his colleagues, for Masters, hurricanes and their individual impact continue to mesmerize him.

“I would say every storm has its own identity and often that identity has more to do with that local community than the actual nature of the storm itself,” Masters said.

“I’m a native Floridian like a lot of people here, and it’s just something you grow up with and you want to do something about... hurricanes have captivated both my heart and my mind.”

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176

PHOTO ESSAY >> JOHN MORAN

FOREVER CHANGED

176 |

In the wake of

Hurricane Michael

OUR TOWN MAGAZINE

July/August 2019

P H O T O E S S AY B Y J O H N M O R A N

S

cientists have been telling us for many years that in the Age of the Anthropocene, our global carbon addiction will fuel a new breed of superstorms. Perhaps the hurricanes of the past two years — Harvey, Irma, Maria, Florence and Michael — are telling us that we are fundamentally altering the climate.

It appears a new normal may be upon us. If so, we Floridians could be in for a rough ride.

A week after Michael made landfall last October, I went to the panhandle to see for myself. I boarded an aerial photo flight out of Apalachicola and headed west. Enroute to Mexico Beach on a calm and sunny day, I looked down on St. Joseph Peninsula and all appeared right with the world. It was hard to fathom that a Category 5 hurricane had blasted through here just a week before. But then I flew over Ground Zero, and I beheld the awful aftermath of nature’s fury.

Back on the ground with my cameras, I spent two days in Mexico Beach and beyond, following Michael’s path north to Marianna. The scale of the destruction is hard to describe. Fortunately, when words fail, pictures speak. Shown here is a bit what I saw…

ABOUT THE ARTIST JOHN MORAN IS A GAINESVILLE-BASED NATURE PHOTOGRAPHER AND WATER ADVOCATE.

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PHOTO ESSAY >> JOHN MORAN

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SPOTLIGHT

RESCUE ANIMAL ADOPTIONS

Furever Friends JAKE & MACK

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.

Hi there, my name is Mack and I’m a 6-year-old German Shepherd. I was lucky enough to have a good life before ending up in a shelter.

Unfortunately, my first family was in a car accident and after that they were no longer able to take care of me. I just wish I could have taken better care of them. While waiting for someone to give me a new home, I was sent to a German Shepherd rescue.

It was like a family reunion, but I wasn’t really sure how people would get to see how special I was with all my doppelgangers around. It didn’t really matter though because I wasn’t there for long before being placed at the Humane Society of North Central Florida – that’s when I met Sarah.

Sarah was working with the Humane Society and knew that I would be a perfect fit for her brother. Yep, after getting a glimpse of my wonderful qualities, she told her brother Jake, who was already looking for a new companion at the time, that I would be a great match. Jake Gilley came all the way from Cumming, Georgia, to pick me up and the second our eyes met, I knew that I found my forever home.

We rode back to the peach state so I could meet the rest of his pack. Grace, a 12-year-old pit bull mix who was rescued from a dog-fighting ring, would instantly become my best friend.

We do everything together whether it’s playing or just walking around the house. Jake also has a cat and a lizard but we’re not as close. Then there’s Jake’s fiancée, Jenna. She works as a dog bather and though as a dog I’m not too keen on baths because they tamper with my natural scent, I still enjoy accompanying her to work every once in a while.

After living with everyone for a few months, I’ve started to get into my routine. My number one priority with my new 184 |

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family is to make sure everyone is always happy. If someone is sad, I can feel it and I know that no one likes to be blue. To make them smile I put my head in their lap or jump on them until they’re happy again. Like a drill sergeant, I also pace through the house at night making sure everyone is safe in their beds before I go to sleep.

My favorite thing to do – besides playing with my purple dinosaur toy – is to go for walks, but Jake takes too long to figure out that I want to go out so I just bring my leash to him. If I could figure out how to open the front door like I can with the other doors in the house, I would even be able to walk myself, but I’m not quite there yet.

I’m grateful that I was able to find two loving homes and even made some friends along the way. I just hope my pals at the animal shelter get to experience the joy of finding their forever home too.

If you’re interested in adopting a pet, visit the Humane Society’s website at humanesocietyncfl.org.

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