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BLUES CREEK RAVINE PRESERVE • CONTAINER GARDENING • LIVE OAKS • PRESCRIBED BURNS • FARM TALES

MARCH/APRIL 2021 | VOL. 19 ISSUE 02 | HIGH SPRINGS & ALACHUA EDITION

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CONTENTS

M A RC H/A P R I L 2021

ON THE COVER >> IN THIS

ISSUE WE INVITE YOU TO BECOME ONE WITH NATURE. LEARN HOW YOU CAN BRING THE OUTDOORS IN BY CREATING YOUR OWN CUTTING GARDEN. DELVE INTO THE FLORIDA LANDSCAPE AS YOU ENJOY BOTH LOCAL AND STATE PARKS. FIND OUT HOW TO BRIGHTEN YOUR BACKYARD DURING EVERY SEASON BY PLANTING DIFFERENT SPECIES OF FLORA AND FLOWERS. WHY LOOK BACK WHEN YOU CAN SPRING FORWARD INTO A NEW AND COLORFUL SEASON? HERE’S TO MORE GROWTH! C O V E R P H O T O G R A P H Y B Y M I C H A E L E A D DY MODEL: ARIEL REICH

FEATURE STORIES 20 BAMBI’S ORGANIC CAFE

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26 SOUNDS OF SPRING

34 RECIPE WONDERS EGG BOATS

Straight from farm to table (literally), delight in culinary creations featuring fresh, plant-based dishes from this charming High Springs café.

Jam out to tunes during a celebration of music & life at Alachua’s upcoming “MAM” concert series!

What better way to welcome spring than by enjoying weekends with great music?

PHOTO ESSAY: ONE WITH NATURE Local photographer Michael Eaddy uses double exposure photography to merge humans and nature together as one.

An eggcellent spin on a classic Easter recipe. These fun deviled eggs are sure to be a hit with your family and friends!

MARCH/APRIL 2021

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CONTENTS

M A RC H/A P R I L 2021

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HOLLYWOOD HIKER In sharing his own experience taking on the Appalachian Trail last year, hiker Nick “Hollywood” Greene details the wonders and wisdom he gained while in the wild.

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PARKS AND RECREATION From lush forests sprawling from within the heart of Florida to diverse marshlands nestled along the southern tip, check out these eight local, state, and national parks.

PAGE 80

10 WAYS TO PROTECT THE ENVIRONMENT Love your Mother (Earth)! When it comes to the environment, even the smallest positive change makes a difference.

in

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Our Town SPECIAL SECTION:

Showcase for the kind words in customer testimonials.

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PALETTE OF PLANTS From fragrant citrus trees to colorful crape myrtles and more, explore the different kinds of fauna and foliage to brighten every season.

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PARADISE PARK As the first African-American female to open a co-work space in Gainesville, Jasmine Jones turned “Paradise Park” from dream to reality.

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OFF THE BEATEN PATH With 160 acres of natural beauty, Blues Creek Ravine Preserve is a treasure trove of scenery.

PAGE 130

TINY GARDENS Discover the joys of container gardening along with some best practices for how to get started and keep growing strong.

PAGE 134

ART FROM THE HEART Artist Martha Brane’s love for painting pours onto her canvases as she expresses herself and inspires others to do the same.

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PRESCRIBED BURNS Learn about the importance of this necessary procedure, which helps manage the unpredictability of mother nature.

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WISE GIANTS As gentle green giants standing tall throughout the local area, Florida’s live oak trees are truly something to marvel at.

COLUMNS 36 F ARM TALES

by Mother Hen

60 E MBRACING LIFE

by Donna Bonnell

70 N AKED SALSA

by Crystal Henry

146 F UREVER FRIENDS Spotlight on Rescue Animals

REVIEWS 128 R EADING CORNER

by Terri Schlichenmeyer

INFORMATION 51 Restaurant Guide 74 C ommunity Calendar 69 Business Directory 112 Charity Winners 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. © 2020 Tower Publications, Inc.

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PUBLISHER Charlie Delatorre PRODUCTION DIRECTOR Brian Knepp

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EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Ericka Winterrowd editor@towerpublications.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Kaitlin Applegate, Dana Bryan, Mary Wood Bridgman, Joanna Grey Talbot, Crystal Henry, Summer Jarro, Addison Pezoldt, Alexa Sauvagere, Steph Strickland, Hayli Zuccola CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Michael Eaddy, Kim Davidson

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

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EDITOR ’ S LET TER

M A RC H/A P R I L 2021

Hanging with Nature

Seven years ago I got suspended. Not in the typical sense you might be thinking. I was in grad school and interning for this very magazine actually, working on a story about tree climbing. I remember when my editor pitched the assignment to me— suggesting that I might even be able to ascend a tree myself and conduct the interview with my source there. “Yes, of course I will do that,” I said without any reservation whatsoever.

When I finally climbed my way to the top of the 150-year-old live oak named “Charlotte,” I did so with my most valuable possession in tow: a Canon 70D DSLR camera, which also added to the anxiety that was slowing building as I inched closer toward the sky. I was fine though—until I looked down. Then I had a full-on freak-out moment. I began shaking and asking the Lord to absolve me of my sins (should I momentarily be meeting my maker) as I suspended 65-plus feet in the air.

But as they say in the theatre, another world I know pretty well, “The show must go on!”

And in this case, the show was my story. I took a deep breath and made it through an hour of being perched on a thick limb so high above the ground the passersby below didn’t even know I was there. By the time I started to descend, my tree-climbing guide convinced me to trust the environment (and my equipment) and attempt a “bat hang.” As you can see in the photo I am smiling, but the truth is I was just so happy to still be alive and a little bit closer to the ground.

During my climb I saw two ospreys, each with a wingspan of about 70-inches, soaring through the blue and white sky. My guide had explained that climbers usually have a moment of clarity while up in the trees—a spiritual awakening with Mother Earth, if you will. For me it happened after my feet were firmly planted on the ground. Saying my thanks, I gently pressed my hands against Charlotte’s massive trunk and my fingers disappeared within the deep grooves of her bark. I guess you could say for a moment I lost myself. I felt small, connected to something so much bigger than myself. Taking a deep breath, I thanked her for the lesson.

We hope the stories within this issue will inspire you to find your own connections with Mother Earth. After all, the Great Outdoors is all around us...

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CONTRIBUTOR S

M A RC H/A P R I L 2021

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

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

DANA BRYAN is a journalism student at the University of Florida and a freelance writer. In her free time, she loves to read, write amateur code and watch television. itsdanabryan@gmail.com

MARY WOOD BRIDGMAN is a retired lawyer who grew up in Alachua County. Her work has appeared in national, regional, and local publications. Mary, an active member of the Writers’ Alliance of Gainesville, is an alumna of the University of Florida. marybridgman@msn.com

ADDISON PEZOLDT is a journalism major at the University of Florida. In her free time, she enjoys reading, practicing yoga and exploring new eateries in Gainesville. akpezoldt@gmail.com

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

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

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

HayzDesigns@yahoo.com

JOANNA GREY TALBOT is the marketing director for the Matheson History Museum and the author of the blog “Florida Revealed: Dispatches from the Land of Publix, Citrus, and Alligators.” joannagtalbot@gmail.com

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

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ALEXA SAUVAGERE Alexa Sauvagere is a third-year English and journalism major at the University of Florida. She has always had a passion for writing, and she loves to share new stories with others. teresa0800@gmail.com

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LOCAL ORGANIC FARM >> BAMBI’S FARM & CAFÉ

FROM PLANT TO PLATE

COOKING UP SOMETHING FRESH Bambi’s Organic County Farm and Café

S TORY A N D PHOTOG R A PHY BY A DDI SON PEZOLDT

I

t is 7:30 a.m. The air is cold and foggy as the sun begins to peak through the gray morning clouds. On a little property in Fort White, Bambi Liss is crouched low, headlamp shining as she clears away weeds on her home farm. In a couple hours, she will make her way to a warm café in High Springs, fresh fruits and vegetables in tow. Welcome to Bambi’s Organic Country Farm and Café.

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LOCAL ORGANIC FARM >> BAMBI’S FARM & CAFÉ

Bambi Liss balances her home farm and the café every day. She uses all organic fertilizers on her crops to ensure a healthier product for her customers.

The farm produce makes its way into the kitchen, where she whips up plant-based meals.

Liss, 62, has always been in love with food. In her twenties, she was exposed to macrobiotic cooking, a form of cooking that focuses on using organic and locally grown produce to achieve a healthier product. Most of the produce she uses in her kitchen comes from her farm, along with some resources from local vendors. She’s been cooking for most of her life and has been a vegetarian for a big part of it. Every dish she makes at the café is plant-based, including substitutes for traditional meats.

The Pennsylvania-native owned a food catering business in Philadelphia before moving to Florida. She spent several years in Homestead as a farmer’s apprentice before moving to northern Florida in 2012. During her time as an apprentice, she learned

the café and produce the most delicious food,” she said.

Liss has two separate gardens on her farm for harvesting at different times of the year. She is only using one at the moment, as it makes the process easier to manage. Walking down the rows of clay soil, one sees an array of vegetables. Everything from a variety of kale, lettuce, cabbage, broccoli, and more. A small orchard sprawls on the other side of the fence, preparing for apples, peaches, pears, plums, figs, and tangerines to bloom in the spring. Soon, she will grow flowers, including Yarrow and Larkspur of purples, pinks and whites.

The farm takes some maintenance, and Liss does most of it herself. Weeds need pulling, seeds need irrigation and produce

“Good labor is really what makes a restaurant so important, aside from the quality of the food.” about farming, growing and composting. Liss and her husband moved to the High Springs area because she wanted enough land to grow vegetables after hearing about bigger companies buying up organic seed companies. She first started selling her produce at the High Springs Farmers Market and opened the café in 2016.

“What’s incredible is being able to take from [the farm] to

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needs harvesting. She has some of the women working in the café with her come and help out when needed, but Liss takes the brunt of the job. When she has the day off work, she may spend between three to five hours hunkered down in the garden.

However, she wouldn’t have it any other way.

“It is totally a labor of love,” Liss said.

Back at the café, Liss is in her element. She bustles around

the kitchen, rotating between bringing her Kasha Varnishkes—a Russian dish made with pasta and buckwheat—to a simmer on the stove and filling a takeout order for a waiting customer. The menu changes as Liss sees fit, and whatever comes to her mind is put up there. The café boasts a variety of dishes, from Middle Eastern and Asian to Greek, Mexican, and Italian.

“We do a lot of cultural stuff,” she said.

With an organic mindset, the café works to give people a variety of healthy food alternatives catered to the individual customer’s needs. Liss’ personal favorite thing to cook is soup, including a special immune-boosting soup that has become a popular choice during the pandemic.

While COVID-19 may have changed the way business has run, Liss’ customers remain loyal. Socially distanced outdoor dining is available at the café, and many people opt for takeout orders now. During the first couple of months in the pandemic, the café was only serving during dinnertime hours. Liss opened a farm stand that brought a lot of customers in, so she switched to doing a drive-through out of the café. Despite the circumstances, the café continued to thrive.

“You can’t be afraid of changing things and changing them

again,” she said. “You just have to keep trying different things, and hopefully something will work.”

Customers can come in now and order their meals in person if they choose, and the food will be brought to them outside. There are little dining tables nestled in a corner of the café, creating a quaint atmosphere. An assortment of freshly baked goods—like brownies and cupcakes—are scrumptiously displayed along the counter.

Lora Swartz is a new hire at Bambi’s Organic Country Farm and Café. She moved from Colorado to High Springs at the beginning of the year. Although her employment is recent, her history with the café is not.

“I’ve been coming to Florida just for a short time the last four years, and actually every single time I have passed this café I wanted to come in,” Swartz said. “I finally came in the other day to buy some desserts, and Bambi was really welcoming.”

Soon after, Swartz was hired.

Already, Swartz has been out in Liss’ garden, helping to bring the fresh crops back to the café. She enjoys meeting customers and seeing healthy alternatives to traditional foods being introduced into the community.

Liss prizes her red cabbages at this time of year. She opts for all-organic fertilizers in her garden, as well as using clay soil instead of sand, since it has a lot of minerals in it and retains water well.

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LOCAL ORGANIC FARM >> BAMBI’S FARM & CAFÉ

Located on the corner of High Springs Main Street and West U.S. Highway 27, Bambi’s Country Farm and Café offers locals a great spot for some healthy food. The outdoor seating works to accommodate people during the COVID-19 pandemic. Liss also bakes the treats on display at the front counter of the restaurant. The menu changes daily, letting Liss play in the kitchen. “I have fun with it,” she said.

In addition to being a vendor at the local farmers market, Bambi’s Organic Country Farm and Café also provides catering services. For Liss, balancing everything—the farm, the café, the farmers market, the catering services—is a bit like insanity. However, she is grateful to have a team of hard workers to depend on.

“Good labor is really what makes a restaurant so important, aside from the quality of the food,” she said.

In March, the café plans to celebrate its four-year anniversary. With COVID-19 restrictions in place, there will be a buffet allowing 12 to 15 people at a time, every couple of hours. Liss wants people to celebrate in a safe way. She also 24 |

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plans to have some special holiday meals for St. Patrick’s Day and Mother’s Day. Liss said it’s all about bringing fresh foods and produce to people. One customer, over 80 years old, comes in every day for the food at Bambi’s. These interactions are what make running the farm and café so rewarding for Liss.

“I love to feed people, that’s really it,” she said. “I love to feed people.”

As the winter chill gives way to the fresh drops of spring and onward towards summer, the cycle of success for Bambi’s Organic Country Farm and Café flows with it: Grow. Feed. Grow.

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COMMUNITY CONCERT SERIES >> ALACHUA’S MAM

Jonathan Banks is the founder and CEO of Vipper Events, as well as the head director of the MAM Series.

ALACHUA’S MAM CONCERT SERIES

Sounds of Spring W R I T T E N B Y H AY L I Z U CCO L A

The end of March means the beginning of spring, and in 2021 it’s also the kickoff to Alachua’s new MAM (March/April /May) concert series celebrating the legacy of music and life.

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For one weekend a month, the City of Alachua and Vipper Events will host the best of blues, jazz, rock, country, soul and more in the 180-acre Legacy Park.

“The MAM series is here to get the community back to commerce and the music is pretty much a template for that, but because we’re such a big event space, it allows for us to do that in a socially distanced way,” said Jonathan Banks, who is the founder and CEO of Vipper Events and the head director of the MAM Series.

“We’re encouraging masks—we have mask vendors. We also have socially distanced spaces, so when you come out there and you want to put down your blanket, you don’t have to worry about trying to estimate or guestimate how close or far you are from the next person, because all the little squares are already

CONCERT SERIES >> ALACHUA’S MAM

out there,” he said.

This free event will feature over 250 artists during the course of the series’ run, with various charitable events taking place throughout both Gainesville and Alachua each week leading up to the weekend-long festivities.

Though the acts are diverse, each weekend is designed with a certain theme in mind. Friday, March 19 through Sunday, March 21 will highlight jazz, Latin, and acoustic sounds; Friday, April 23 to Sunday, April 25 will showcase the genre of country and southern rock; and Friday, May 21 to Sunday, May 23 will round out the series with southern blues and funk.

While music is the main draw, the MAM series will also incorporate other aspects throughout the weekend, such as movies in the park; food and merchandise vendors; a marketplace for fresh vegetables and produce; presentations for businesses and individuals; an adult treasure hunt and fitness opportunities; and the recognition of high-character individuals and a tribute to those the community has lost.

“We lost a lot of musicians that were prominent in the area, Charles Bradley, Bruce Swedien, and there were a couple other musicians that we will definitely be creating a highlight in our festival and on our screens to—a tribute to them,” Banks said. “Gainesville has been known for Tom Petty, Bo Diddley—all these great stars and some just recently passed in the last year, so we wanted to highlight and pay tribute to them and let people know that we respect their legacies, and we respect what they’ve contributed to this Everything but Gas & area as far as the music and the energy that they Groceries! have brought to the table.”

In addition to recommending masks, it’s also encouraged that concertgoers bring lawn chairs and blankets as well as to consider any potential weather necessities and leave cash at home, as vendor and concession purchases will only be made through contactless payments (such as wireless touch or by chip cards). For those uncomfortable attending the event in-person, the series will also be livestreamed to 137 countries.

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To reserve a free ticket or to find out more details about MAM, visit their website at: mamseries. org.

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PHOTO ESSAY >> MICHAEL EADDY

MOTHER EARTH

ONE WITH NATURE Finding the Connections between Yourself and the Environment P H O T O G R A P H Y B Y M I C H A E L E A D DY

About The Artist Michael Eaddy is an award-winning photographer based in Gainesville, Florida. Always driven to express himself artistically he has worked as a Graphic Artist, Illustrator, Designer, Musician, and Luthier. He recently retired after 18 years as Technical Director and Photographer for the Hippodrome Theatre to pursue photography full-time.

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PHOTO ESSAY >> MICHAEL EADDY

About the Photo Essay Double exposure photography can be a fun and creative way of capturing images. The technique has been used ever since cameras were first invented. Using film, you would expose the same bit of film twice—resulting in the second image superimposed on the first. Today with digital photography, multiple exposures can be done in camera or by using photo editing software. All of these images were created digitally in camera. Michael prefers the in camera method rather than combining the images in photo editing software, as it is similar to shooting using film.

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PHOTO ESSAY >> MICHAEL EADDY

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PHOTO ESSAY >> MICHAEL EADDY

To see more of Michael’s work or to book a session of your own, check out his website at: michaelaeaddyphotography.com

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RECIPE SERIES >> DEVILED EGGS

EASTER TREATS

Cynthia Wonders Winterrowd ’s

RECIPE WONDERS FOOD ST Y LING &

PHOTOGR A PH Y BY ERICK A WINTER ROWD

WHA ?

T ’ S A N EGG BOAT

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eviled eggs have been a staple in our family menus. Perfect for potlucks, picnics and of course after the annual egg hunt. We have always called them “Egg Boats” because why would anyone want something “Deviled”

N O T E: t are Eggs tha ek we at least a sier ea e b l il w old fter a l e e p to g. in k o co

on Easter? At least that’s the thinking at our house!

This is a quick and easy recipe, but to ensure fully cooked hard-boiled eggs that are easy to remove from the shell, follow the recipe below.

Perfectly Boiled Eggs 1) Place 6 – 12 eggs in a single layer in your saucepan. Cover with water at least 1-2 inches above the eggs.

Add either 1/2 teaspoon of salt or a teaspoon of vinegar to keep egg whites from running out into the water if an egg should crack while cooking. Turn stove heat to high and bring to a full rolling boil.

2) Turn off the heat and let your saucepan sit on the burner for 15 minutes. Remove eggs and put them in a bowl with icy water.

3) Tap the shell on a hard surface to crack egg. Then peel carefully under your faucet with cold running water.

Egg Boat Filling Note: For health safety, when using colored eggs from Easter be sure to refrigerate the eggs before and after the egg hunt.

Slice 6 boiled eggs into halves, lengthwise. Remove the yolks to a separate bowl. Use your fork to mash the yolk into a fine consistency. The following ingredients are mixed in, and amounts can be adjusted to your taste and preference. You can double the recipe, of course.

1 rounded tablespoon mayo 1 rounded teaspoon mustard Splash of vinegar Salt & pepper Garnish with sprinkle of paprika

CYNTHIA WONDERS WINTERROWD IS AN AWARD-WINNING WRITER WHO WAS RAISED IN ILLINOIS AND LIVES IN GAINESVILLE. SHE IS PROUD TO BE A “GATOR MOM” OF THREE DAUGHTERS, ALL UF GRADUATES. CYNTHIA LOVES SHARING FAMILY RECIPES THAT HAVE BEEN PASSED DOWN IN HER MOTHER’S HANDWRITTEN COOKBOOKS. recipewonders@gmail.com

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COLUMN

FARM TALES

From Mother Hen SPRING—A TIME OF REBIRTH

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.

THIS TIME OF YEAR MY THOUGHTS TURN TO MEMORIES OF SPRINGTIME IN THE MIDWEST WHERE I GREW UP.

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he green blades of grass peeking through the soil and abundant wildflowers colorfully dotting the hillside were welcome sights to our eyes after the long, cold winter. My mother’s flowerbeds also began to cheerfully respond to the sunshine warming the soil where they had hibernated all winter. Colorful blossoms were everywhere.

Warm breezes signaled to the songbirds that it was time to start finding a mate and making nests. Baby birds and other woodland babies were soon making their appearances, putting smiles on our faces. Babies are precious, no matter what the species, and these sweet little creatures were everywhere. The first to make an appearance was the Robin red-breast family, followed by baby bunnies with attentive mothers who emerged from their burrows in search of sweet clovers to dine on.

A special memory I have is my experience as a child each spring when our neighbor who raised sheep would flag down our car as we drove past his farm. He knew I loved animals, and he wanted to share his baby lambs with me when they were at their cutest, most loveable age. We would pull into the barnyard and he would open the gate to the pen where they were kept. I was immediately surrounded by a mass of furry little critters looking to me for attention—or maybe it was the food from the bucket of feed I carried. Our neighbor always offered to let me take one of the lambs home as a pet. However, every year my mother’s answer was no.

You see, my mother had an experience with a baby lamb

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herself many years prior. It was rejected by its mother, so she had to bottle feed it while raising it in the house to keep it warm. The lamb became a pet, of course, and they named her “Lambsey-divey” after a song that was popular back in the 1940s.

Well, a baby lamb in the house is one thing, but a full-grown ewe is quite another. Lambsey-divey didn’t understand why she wasn’t invited inside like the family dog anymore. From the stories I was told, she made her discontent known by taking up residence on the front porch and begging to come inside at the screen door. Constant bleating outside that door turned into her chewing the wooden doorframe. She would follow my mother and father outside around the farmyard wherever they went, never associating with the sheep whose DNA she shared. Because they loved her, they couldn’t part with her in the way that sheep were usually marketed.

However, in time they found another farmer who agreed to keep her in his pasture where she lived out her life peacefully.

So that is why this problem was one that my mother did not want to recreate. “Been there, done that.”

Have you ever noticed how spring seems to bring out the joy in us? How optimism and our love of life seems to grow as readily as the wildflowers and green grass? It’s as if the gloomy months of winter have been shed off as easily as the winter clothing we move to the back of our closets once the weather turns warm. Spring is a time of rebirth, and although we may not notice it, we want to get out there and participate in it as well. We all do—it must be an inherent force of nature.

I recently went to a garden nursery near my house to purchase a few pretty flowers to plant at the front entrance to our home. The nursery was crowded with people, all ages and all

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genders. I saw a married couple with children in tow. I saw elderly white-haired ladies who looked as if their frail hands couldn’t possibly dig a hole in the ground to plant their flowers, but that didn’t seem to deter them. I saw people of all skin colors and different cultures with their shopping carts full, carefully pondering the proper soil and fertilizers for their selections. There were so many people shopping at the nursery that the shelves of plants were literally being emptied!

It made me smile to think that we are all possessed with this desire to participate in nature and have a part in the rebirth of beauty after the death caused by the winter freeze. I think it is the way God shares with us the joy of rebirth and new beginnings. In this way he teaches us that there is really never an end, only chances for a new beginning.

This year, more than any year in my memory, we all are looking for new beginnings.

After a full year of quarantine, social distancing, masks and zoom meetings—we are hungering for human connection and a return to normalcy. Many of us have experienced tragic loss of loved ones, jobs, and security.

Frontline workers have sacrificed time with their families as well as risking their own health for our protection. We so badly need something to change: a rebirth of life as it was and a return to the joy of living.

Many years ago, a wise woman told me at a very low point in my life, “the sun will shine again tomorrow.” Over and over again, I’ve come to see that she was absolutely right.

Like it never even happened.

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NICK GREENE >> GATOR GRAD HIKES A.T.

ONE WITH NATURE

HOLLYWOOD HIKER The Story of An Appalachian Trail Thru-Hiker W R I T T E N B Y S T E P H S T R I C K L A N D , A N A S P I R I N G A P PA L A C H I A N T R A I L T H R U - H I K E R

T

his is hard. I kept repeating this phrase over and over. This is hard, this is hard, this is SO hard. I struggled my way up Cannon Mountain in the White Mountains of New Hampshire after struggling through the previous year of grief, loss and pain in my life.

I had ventured to New Hampshire to escape all of that, but I still found myself taking on difficulties in the form of mountain hiking. For some reason—maybe for lack of knowledge on how to turn back—I ventured on. Upon reaching the top of the mountain, I was greeted by two middle-aged women. They were ecstatic to see a young female solo hiker and aided in my celebration. We descended together and talked about the lives we were journeying back towards.

I talked about how I was manifesting more hikes amidst an uncertain future. “You should definitely hike the Appalachian Trail,” one woman said, as the other nodded emphatically and added, “you

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NICK GREENE >> GATOR GRAD HIKES A.T. 42 |

have a spark in you—you look like you belong here.”

Hiking that mountain was hard, but it beckoned me into a world full of people willing to take the tougher road ahead. It led me to the thrilling stories of people like Nick “Hollywood” Greene.

As author Glennon Doyle famously coins in her bestselling novel, “Untamed”: We can do hard things. So let’s do it.

Trail life is big on manifestation. Manifesting the little things—like food and good weather—all of the way up to manifesting the completion of a nearly 2,200-mile hike. For hikers, you manifest your goals, your hopes, and your aspirations, then you take one step at a time to reach them.

When Nick Greene set off on his lifelong dream to hike the Appalachian Trail (A.T.) in 2020, he gave a lot of thought to his trail name beforehand. Trail names are an A.T. tradition that allows hikers to create a new identity on trail that is based on who they are. Greene had a lot of hopes for his hike, and among these was his desire to avoid being stuck with a lame trail name.

“I hope I don’t get something stupid like ‘Hollywood,’” the Los Angeles resident thought to himself. Sure enough, it didn’t take long for Hollywood to stick. Maybe he manifested it.

There are worse names, he thought, and trekked onward.

Greene graduated from the University of Florida in 2010 with dual degrees in theatre performance and Jewish studies.

Since graduating, he has migrated to Venice Beach where he lives

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with his partner, Sarah Frankwich. Even all of his education, training, and manifestation couldn’t fully prepare Greene for his 4.5-month hike across the entire East coast of the United States.

Greene has had a deep connection to the A.T. from a young age. His family frequented a house in the Roan Mountain area of North Carolina, just 15 minutes from the white blazes of the A.T. “When I was 10 years old, I saw these hikers out there in the mountains...these guys had big beards and smelled god-awful,” he said. “Now looking back on it, they probably looked exactly how I looked at the end of my trip...I didn’t know what they were. But I knew that whatever they were, I wanted to be that one day.”

Greene set off on his trek on May 10 and reached the summit of Mount Katahdin on September 29. In total, his cross-country hike lasted 142 days—a difficult feat made even more impressive by the limitations placed on 2020, caused by the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The news of the pandemic left many aspiring thru-hikers in limbo. (Thru-hiking is a term among the hiking community that signifies an end-to-end trail, or a long-distance trail with continuous footsteps in one direction.)

Trail life has always been about embracing uncertainty, but COVID-19 certainly took many A.T. hikers by surprise.

“You do a lot to prepare for [the A.T.]. Buying all the equipment, but also quitting jobs, turning in your lease on your car,

in local towns was made even more challenging as supply chains dwindled in grocery stores across the country. Smoky Mountain and Shenandoah National Parks enforced strict closures. Large events and gatherings to celebrate thru-hikers were nonexistent. Despite changes made across the entirety of the A.T. to mitigate the spread of COVID -19, Greene assures these actions could never strip away the magic of trail life. He said his time on the A.T. remains one of the greatest spiritual and physical challenges he has ever pursued.

Greene was excited for what the A.T. introduced him to. It brought physical, mental, and spiritual changes to Greene’s life, which he now experiences through an entirely different lens (for a look into his wisdom from trail life, check out the sidebar on “Wisdom from a Thru-Hiker”).

One of the most exciting changes came as he looked up toward the summit of Mount Katahdin—a story best told in his own words.

“There was a really wonderful duality that I experienced at the top of Katahdin. I proposed to my fiance at the base of Katahdin

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NICK GREENE >> GATOR GRAD HIKES A.T.

moving out of your apartment, getting rid of your furniture. It’s a life-changing thing to be able to do something like this. So, all of that had already been done, and now it was this purgatory of what the hell is going to happen next,” he said.

Greene initially postponed his hike and awaited news from local, state, and national bodies. He waited, and waited, but nothing seemed to be improving.

Then, as he strolled through his neighborhood near Venice Beach, he saw thousands gathered on boardwalks and beaches with complete disregard for the growing public health risk. Greene viewed his planned solo hike into nature as an even lower risk of catching COVID19 than a walk around his own home.

In the end, Greene opted to move forward with his hike, though he was more cautious during his time in the woods due to the virus. Greene said he felt safe while on the trail but remained alert and intentional about following CDC guidelines while in trail towns.

Changes were seen across the entirety of the A.T. Resupplying

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NICK GREENE >> GATOR GRAD HIKES A.T.

Wisdom from a Thru-Hiker

1. Never quit on a bad day.

“It’s one thing if your heart isn’t in it anymore, but don’t just quit because the day got harder.”

2. There is no way to fully prepare to hike the A.T. “Ultimately, your first step on the A.T. is your first step.”

3. Tell everyone, and hold yourself accountable for setting off on your hike.

4. This is your hike. Hike it for you.

“I didn’t really concentrate on [social media and the opinions of others] as much as just having the conversation with my 10-year-old little boy self saying, ‘Hey dude, we’re doing this man.’”

5. Take it (literally) one step at a time.

Greene was supported throughout his journey by his partner, Sarah Frankwich, and their reunion at Mount Katahdin was made even more special by a proposal at the base of the mountain. He said this proposal, at the conclusion of his hike, was the end of one journey and the start of another. Follow Greene on Instagram @thruguy to check out more of his photos taken on the A.T.

“You’re looking up at 2,200 miles ahead of you, and you’re thinking to yourself, ‘I’m never going to get there,’ but it doesn’t matter because all you need to do is to get one step ahead.”

6. You are never alone in the Appalachians.

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that morning...having that in the back of my mind knowing that, yes, this is the end of one of the most incredible journeys I’ll ever take in my life, but also the beginning of another one of the most incredible journeys I’m going to be taking,” he said. “It was like a baton being handed off from my past self to my future self. And it all hit me at once. And I just remember thinking, alright, time for another adventure.”

Perhaps he was manifesting a new beginning all along.

“You’re not by yourself, whether you’re with friends, with the wind, with the birds, or with the trees. You become friends with the spirits of all the people who have come and walked those same steps you’re walking...I get tears, honestly, just thinking about how beautiful that whole experience is.”

Meeting other hikers and hearing their stories, trials, and advice surely presents a powerful way to learn. But, more than that, speaking with people like Hollywood feels like returning. Returning to simpler times and to our connection with others when distractions are set aside.

Hollywood—through his determination and Buddha-like presence—offers wisdom that can only be learned when the bells and whistles of life are stripped away.

He accomplished a hard thing. Now, we keep trekking on.

“I knew that being artistic out there by writing every single day and filming my experiences, and allowing my art to seep into this experience was really important to me. I did exactly what I wanted to do, I made a documentary out there which I’m editing right now.”

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7. Find something important to you and weave it into your hike.

8. Keep life simple.

“If you can’t carry it in your pack or in your soul, you don’t need it.”

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GROW YOUR OWN >> CUTTING GARDENS

COTTAGE GARDENS

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Grow Your Own Cutting Garden W R I T T E N B Y H AY L I Z U CCO L A

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petals and mood-elevating scents, flowers instantly lift the spirit and breathe a sense of life and beauty into any space.

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To bring that calming, outdoor feeling indoors, the Gainesville Garden Club and local plant expert Jon George will host a Grow Your Own Cutting Garden event to teach garden enthusiasts how to design their own backyard flower shop.

“We’re just trying to come up with new and different ideas,” said Linda Schoellhorn, who’s been a member of the Gainesville Garden Club since 2006 and has served as the president of the organization since 2019.

Jon George, who’s the founder of the Newberry-based landscape design and installation company Cottage Gardens Inc., isn’t just an expert on the subject of plants because it’s his profession—it’s his passion.

“I’ve owned Cottage Gardens for 25 years, and growing up here in North Central Florida, I was always interested in plants.

That’s how I started out—building greenhouses, working on vegetable gardens, finding anything I could about design and

GROW YOUR OWN >> CUTTING GARDENS

From Hedychium “Disney” Butterfly Ginger (left) and sunflowers to hydrangeas and tulips, Jon George is always looking for flowers to display in his clients’ gardens that not only offer color and beauty, but can survive in a subtropical environment.

plants,” George said. “I was a plant nerd since the early days.”

Before starting his own landscape business, George traveled the world for work and school. He took notice of the breathtaking gardens he encountered from Europe to Asia.

“I had never seen anything back here in my own hometown of Gainesville like I was seeing on my travels. I thought I could bring some of these ideas back, some of these forms, colors, textures—whether it be the Zen gardens of Japan or the garden paths in Monet’s gardens brimming with color that he called paint box beds,” he said.

With the formation of Cottage Gardens, George began researching how to successfully bring color and lasting beauty

part of my journey,” he said. “In North Central Florida, we can have something blooming almost year-round.”

During the Garden Club event, which will take place on April 10, George will share his recommendations and experiences on creating cutting gardens. These gardens act as a backyard floristry for people, containing blooms of hydrangeas and sunflowers or tulip gingers and dahlias to give nature-lovers 24/7 access to fresh picked, DIY bouquets.

“There’s something very personal about going into a garden space that feeds the soul, where you can wander around and find things that are blooming and then put them together into a bouquet. You then are actually creating something out of your

“There’s something very personal about going into a garden space that feeds the soul, where you can wander around and find things that are blooming and then put them together into a bouquet." into a Florida garden.

“I think color has always been a big draw for me because I came back from traveling all over the world and saw people stuck here planting only green shrubs and lawns. One of my seminars ‘Beyond the Basic Boxwood’ explores how to inject color and year-round interest into our landscapes. Trialing plants to find varieties that do well in our southern climate has been a huge

own garden. That’s very satisfying and an experience that a lot of people miss when they solely depend on store-bought bouquets,” George said. “Flowers are living and putting a bouquet of living, beautiful plants or cut flowers on the table does something I think for the psyche. It feeds the spirit.”

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GROW YOUR OWN >> CUTTING GARDENS

For Jon George (right), having the ability to create colorful bouquets with flowers like mixed dahlias pictured left—that are homegrown in your own backyard—is not only a satisfying experience, it can help feed the soul and add a little sunshine indoors.

talk will teach attendees the best plants for the climate and other factors to look for when selecting cutting-garden-flora such as bloom length and stem size.

“Because we’re gardeners and we have our hands in the soil designing and planting landscapes daily, we are going to bring our hands-on experience with plants and techniques that work here in our climate. Planting for bouquets is a different approach

than most florists take,” he said. “We carefully selected some varieties that people here would enjoy, things that have done well for me as well as the local growers. I’ll talk about those plants and explain what each one will do and how to use each one in a bouquet. Some blooms hog all the attention and some things are fillers. We are going to talk about how to use all of them.”

In addition to an educational seminar, this outdoor

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GROW YOUR OWN >> CUTTING GARDENS

springtime event will also feature a coordinating plant sale and refreshing mimosas.

“I’ve worked with the Garden Club members and also some local growers to have a selection of plants available for purchase.

We will have an area dedicated for browsing selected plants, seeds and tubers to get your own garden started right away.

It’s a great time in spring for planting, and people will be able to curate their own starter kits for planting homegrown spring

bouquets,” he said. “I think it’s going to be a lot of fun and the opportunity to buy plants and ask questions will make this a unique experience. It may even inspire you to grow your own bouquet.”

For more info on the Gainesville Garden Club’s Grow Your Own Cutting Garden event—located outside the Garden Club from 10 am to noon—or to purchase tickets, which are $10 each, visit their website at ggcfl.org.

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HEALTHCARE WITH HEART

Joseph C. Stankus Np-C, Wife - Garilee Daughter - Kirklyn , Son - Gunner I moved to High Springs in 1995 because my parents were building a home in nearby Fort White. During this time, I lived above the Santa Fe Canoe Outpost and fell in love with the river and surrounding springs. I attended Santa Fe High School in Alachua, where I enjoyed playing football and weightlifting and met my future wife. During this time, I owned and operated my own landscaping business which I operated until graduating nursing school. I attended Florida Gateway College for my nursing degree and went to University of Central Florida in Orlando for my bachelor’s degree, and finally received my masters as a family nurse practitioner from the University of South Florida in Tampa.

After working 5 years in Gainesville as a family nurse practitioner I wanted to come back closer to the community that I love. And I have worked in Alachua for the past 20 months. I am incredibly happy to be opening my own practice here in High Springs. I am excited for the opportunity to care and give back to the community where I as raised.

Stankus Family Care

18743 NW 234th St. High Springs, FL 32643 Office: 386-454-0721 Hours: Monday-Thursday 8-5, Friday 8-3 info@stankusfamilycare.com

www.stankusfamilycare.com

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My goal is to offer a wide variety of services that meet all the needs of our patients. Whether young or old, insured, or self-pay, we offer something for everyone. We specialize in well visits, sick visits, skin checks, immunizations, weight loss, and men’s health. This office takes lunch from 1-2 so we are available to our patients during their lunch break for telehealth visit or if they want to come to the office.

When I am not treating patients, I enjoy being outdoors and spending time with my wife, son, and daughter. – Joseph C. Stankus

Mi Apá Latin Café Cuban — When it comes to authentic Cuban cooking, you cannot go wrong with Mi Apá Latin Cafe,” said Trekbible in their article, top 8: Best Restaurants in gainesville, FL. Featuring authentic ingredients and classic recipes, such as Pollo Asado, Vaca Frita, Medianoche sandwiches, and their local favorite, Cafe con leche, we bring the tastes of Cuba to Gainesville and Alachua. Whether you’re dining in our sunny patio or picking up your online order, your food will always be hot, fresh, and full of Latin flavor! And our Gainesville location even has a drive-thru, as will our new Jonesville location, opening Summer of 2021!

Don’t forget kids eat free every Wednesday from 4:00-9:00pm!

Alachua – 15634 US Highway 441 (386-418-0838) Gainesville - 114 SW 34th ST (352-376-7020) Jonesville - 14209 W Newberry RD COMING SOON!

MiApaLatinCafe.com

Bangkok Square Authentic Thai Cuisine — Thai cuisine, blending the best elements of the freshest foods. Thai herbs; garlic, basil, ginger, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, galangal root, chili and more, prepared with the finest blending of fish sauce, shrimp paste, and coconut milk. All of our meals are made to order and prepared on site.

We specialize in vegetarian, vegan and gluten free orders. All of our foods can be prepared to your satisfaction with mild, medium, hot, or Thai hot, balanced to the four tastes: sweet, sour, salty, and slightly bitter. Meals can be prepared for take out and we cater to any event. We also have gift cards available. Save 10% off your next dining experience when a gift card is purchased.

Two Gainesville Locations: 6500 SW Archer Road & 8181 NW 38th Lane 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

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

12921 SW 1st Road • Tioga Town Center Open 7 Days

352-333-0291 www.DavesNYDeli.com SPECIAL RESTAURANT ADVERTISING SECTION. CALL 352-372-5468 FOR RATES AND INFORMATION. MARCH/APRIL 2021

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Piesanos Stone Fired Pizza 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 (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

Order online or download our App: PIESANOSTOGO.COM

Brown’s Country Buffet 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.

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

Cilantro Tacos Authentic Mexican — BA family-owned restaurant that was founded through a passion for great food and hosting dinner parties with friends. Originally from Southern California, their love for Mexican food moved to the wonderful community of Newberry in 2013. They take pride in the quality, freshness, and vibrant flavors of their food — with meats that are never frozen and everything prepared fresh and made-to-order. Enjoy the tastefully marinated meats and savor the mild, spicy, and mouthwatering salsas that are created from scratch. They feel their purpose is to spread happiness, make contributions to the community and create lasting memories of fun, laughter, and great times. When you eat with us, you’re family. So come on in!

Tioga Town Center - 12921 SW 1 Rd Suite #103 Monday - Saturday from 11:00am to 9:00pm

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I Love NY Pizza Pizzeria — We are a family owned, family friendly restaurant that serves authentic New York style pizza and delicious Italian entrees. We offer dine, take out, delivery and catering. We make everything fresh and with high quality ingredients from our dough, to our sauce, to each of our dishes — including classics such as Baked Ziti, Chicken or Veal Parmigiana, Chicken Marsala or Alfredo, and many more. If you are in the mood for pizza, you can “take and bake” at home or let us prepare you one of our specialty Brick oven pizzas. So many choices of specialty pizzas, try them all! Pizza by the slice is available for lunch or dinner! Let’s not forget about the Stromboli, Calzones, Salads, Desserts and yes, we have a kids menu too! What ever you choose, we guarantee to bring you all the unique flavors of New York City. Visit our website for a full menu and coupons.

2645 SW 91st St, Haile Plantation (Market square) Gainesville Monday-Saturday 10:00am – 9:00pm Closed on Sundays

352-333-6185 www.ilnyp.com

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

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

386-418-1039 www.eltorogainesville.com

Leonardo’s Pizza Mouth Watering — Family friendly and locally-owned-and-operated pizza joint with a unique, nostalgic atmosphere that is as distinctive as our delicious food. Chicago-style pizzas, hand tied garlic knots, and Italian baked dinners and salad bar, we know you’ll be back for more. Come and see why Gainesville loves our signature deep dish pizza pie, the Big Leo. Since 1976 Gainesville has grown up on pizza from Leonardo’s Millhopper and we are still going strong! Our dedicated staff (many have been with us for 15-20 years) knows how important it is to treat you properly. We take great pride in our welcoming atmosphere. We can’t wait to make you part of our family.

4131 NW 16th Blvd (Millhopper) Sunday - Thursday: 11:00am - 9:30pm Friday - Saturday: 11:00am - 10:30pm

352-376-2001 leonardosmillhopper.com SPECIAL RESTAURANT ADVERTISING SECTION. CALL 352-372-5468 FOR RATES AND INFORMATION. MARCH/APRIL 2021

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Ballyhoo Grill Looking for the freshest seafood? — The Ballyhoo Grill is the place for you! With fresh seafood arriving daily, Try the amazing North Atlantic Cedar Plank Salmon, grilled on a cedar plank for a rich, smoky flavor. Other great eats include fresh sushi and hand-cut choice steaks. We’re serving up everything from salads and pastas to delicious burgers and sandwiches. make sure you try the incredible Bananas Fosters. Dine in or outdoors on their patio. Happy hour is 2-7pm daily with extended happy hour until 9pm on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

3700 Newberry Road, Gainesville Sunday-Thursday: 11am-9pm Friday & Saturday: 11am-10pm

352-373-0059 www.ballyhoogrill.com

Copper Monkey West Restaurant & Pub — We are located in the heart of Jonesville, this All-American dining is convenient to all neighborhoods in Gainesville, Alachua, Newberry, High Springs and beyond. Our family-friendly dining features great food at a great price.

Whether you come in for the “best burger in town” or try any one of our freshly made salads, pastas or sandwiches, you will not leave disappointed. Our USDA choice steaks, served with 2 sides, offer a great alternative for the perfect celebratory meal. We also feature a full-service bar with signature drinks.

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

352-363-6338 mycoppermonkey.com

Mr. and Mrs. Crab Customized Seafood Experience — Mr. and Mrs. Crab’s hand-held seafood integrates American country taste with traditional Szechuan spices to create a unique taste. After you’ve decided what types of seafood you would like to indulge yourself in, our chefs will have your food cooked to perfection and placed in our specially designed seafood boil bags to be tossed in one of our mouthwatering seasonings. We have a vast selection of seafood to choose from, accompanied by our famous Mr. & Mrs. Crab house seasonings. We can’t wait for you to try our Asian-inspired, Louisiana style seafood boils. We’re confident after you’ve had a taste, you’ll be sharing your Mr. and Mrs. Crab story with all your friends!

(Butler Plaza Central) 3246 SW 35th Blvd, Gainesville, FL 32608 Sun to Thur 12 pm - 10 pm Fri and Sat 12 pm - 11 pm

(352) 554-5968 mrandmrscrabseafood.com SPECIAL RESTAURANT ADVERTISING SECTION. CALL 352-372-5468 FOR RATES AND INFORMATION. 54 |

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COMMUNITY CREATIVITY

M A RC H/A P R I L 2021

Young Writers Storytelling Contest Attention all young creative minds out there—have you ever dreamed of having your original fiction story in print? Now is your chance to put pen (or type) to paper and enter Our Town Magazine’s Storytelling Contest! We at Tower Publications would like to encourage you to become the next Beatrix Potter (“The Tale of Peter Rabbit”) or E. B. White (“Charlotte’s Web”).

We know there are many talented families in our community and we are anticipating some really great stories. Parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles or neighbors—if you know of a young writer, please encourage them to join the fun and enter our contest. It is very possible that someone is right here among us who will become the next famous author and only needs to be inspired to believe in themselves. So, our challenge to you is to spread the word and encourage these young talents to write their original story.

Teachers, this could be a great opportunity to assign a writing project for your students, reading the finished works aloud in class and taking a vote for the top stories to submit to our magazine. Have fun with it!

Young writers, grades 4-12, are invited to submit their original story between 500 to 1,000 words to be considered for the grand prize of having their work published in the May/June issue of Our Town. Consideration for originality and creativity will be judged by a panel of professional writers on our staff. We are so excited to receive the submissions. Write on!

For more information contact editor@towerpublications.com.

Criteria for Story Submissions: YOUNG WRITERS: GRADES 4-12

Deadline: April 6, 2021

• Story must have an animal as the main character.

• Main character must have “thoughts” or dialog involving other characters.

• Must have an uplifting plot or good moral to the story (such as Aesop’s Fables).

• Stories should be 500-1,000 words in length.

• Submissions must include: Title of Story, Writer’s Name, Age, School/Grade, & Contact info.

Submissions can be emailed to editor@towerpublications.com, or mailed to: Tower Publications, Inc. 4400 NW 36th Ave, Gainesville, FL 32606 *Attn: Editor-in-Chief MARCH/APRIL 2021

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Ready to use social media for the greater good?

ADVERTISEMENT

Radiant Credit Union is harnessing the power of Facebook to help spread awareness and give away hundreds of thousands of dollars to the incredible charitable organizations in our community. And what better way to learn about those organizations than by asking the locals?

Since 2005, the Charity of the Month Contest has donated more than $200,000 to deserving charities in this part of the state, while also giving them a platform to share their stories through Facebook posts, magazine articles and featured videos on the Radiant CU website.

Each month, Radiant Credit Union posts the link to the contest on their Facebook page. Then people from the community nominate their favorite local charity by uploading an image and description of how their charity of choice makes a difference in the community. They share those posts around Facebook asking people to vote for their favorite charity on Radiant’s Facebook page. Everyone can vote once per day, every single day. And when competing for the top prize, those posts tend to be shared far and wide!

Who can enter?

All eligible charities with a valid 501(c) status or affiliation with a local public school and a physical presence in Radiant CU’s service area can win. The contest is open to charities in Alachua, Bradford, Citrus, Clay, Columbia, Dixie, Gilchrist, Hamilton, Lafayette, Levy, Marion, Putnam, St. Johns, Suwannee and Union counties. The funds have to stay local and help causes in North Central Florida. The charities and the people who nominated them can only win the top prize once every 24 months. But every charity can enter the monthly contest for the $500 random prize drawing, even if they’ve won the $1,000 top prize.

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Take Back Your Financial Freedom Previous winners include a wide array of charitable organizations. In January, the top prize went to Sunrise Wildlife Rehabilitation, a volunteer-based organization that cares for injured, orphaned and displaced native wildlife. It’s a huge serotonin boost to be able to watch the rehabilitation of a group of baby flying squirrels and daring pelican rescues. The hope is that even after Sunrise cashes the check, people will continue to support the organization through volunteer hours and donations. Other winning organizations over the years have been dedicated to helping: seniors in our community, underserved populations needing medical care, youth food pantries, high school bands, community theaters, youth athletic programs, and plenty more wildlife and domestic animal rescues. Each organization that's nominated has a chance to spread awareness regardless of whether they're chosen as the Charity of the Month.

What do they get?

Each month, the charity with the most votes receives a $1,000 donation from Radiant Credit Union, plus the person who nominated the winning charity will receive $300. The people in North Central Florida are so giving that nominating winners often donate their prize money to the winning charity as well.

One random voter from the contest also receives $100, and another $500 is given to a charity that that random winner voted for. For those keeping track at home, that’s $1,900 given away each month to people right here in North Central Florida.

Take control of your financial future with one of our low rate Signature Loans.

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But the money is just one part of the contest. The real heart of Charity of the Month is sharing the stories of giving in our community. It puts a bright spotlight on the good in our world. It reminds us why we choose to live, work and play in this part of Florida. It shows the generosity of people who give their time to make North Central Florida a better place. And it’s why Radiant CU continues the tradition that’s lasted more than 15 years.

The contest started when Radiant Credit Union was operating under the SunState Federal Credit Union name, and although the name has changed, the commitment to the community and the spirit of giving is stronger than ever.

For more information about Radiant Credit Union's charitable giving programs visit RadiantCU.org, or follow them on Facebook @RadiantCU.

Welcome everyone to Radiant Credit Union — giving you the power to shine!

Membership is open to everyone who lives, works, worships, attends school or does business in Alachua, Bradford, Citrus, Clay, Columbia, Dixie, Gilchrist, Hamilton, Lafayette, Levy, Marion, Putnam, St. Johns, Suwannee, or Union Counties.

352-381-5200 www.RadiantCU.org MARCH/APRIL 2021

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COLUMN

DONNA BONNELL’S

Embracing Life SCARS – EMOTIONAL, EPIDERMAL, ENVIRONMENTAL

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

SCAR, PER DICTIONARY.COM, IS “ANY BLEMISH REMAINING AS A TRACE RESULTING FROM INJURY OR USE.” Nearly the entire global population is scarred by the hardships of 2020. Emotionally, we are all ready to spring forward into the sweet, splendorous season of rebirth. As much as we want to forget the recent tragic events and simply enjoy baby bunnies, fresh flowers, and green gardens, we cannot. The multitude of maladies did not magically disappear when we celebrated the beginning of 2021. While we can pause to inhale fresh air and stop to smell the spring blossoms, we have more work to do before this era is over.

Personally, I have a two-inch scar on my face. It is my daily reminder of a much greater need to heal the deep wounds facing our nation and neighbors worldwide. My gratitude for the facial blemish took time to develop.

When biopsy results indicated malignant myeloma and surgery was immediately scheduled, my first fear was an ugly facial disfigurement. Would people be cruelly curious and judgmental? Think about it—the bad character in a movie often has a facial scar and is considered undesirable. Fortunately, that vain feeling faded fast, and I quickly refocused.

The gross growth was removed, and I wore a huge bandage for weeks. The surgeon wanted to be certain he had completely eradicated every potentially fatal cell before closing up the wound. While waiting (what seemed like an eternity) for those fateful lab results, I pondered the purpose of being diagnosed with cancer on my cheek.

Regular readers know I believe everything happens for a reason. As anticipated, folks did inquire. When I responded, some gasped and asked if it was painful. Others wanted to know the prognosis. Almost everyone said just chalk it up to 2020!

Days before the dreadful year ended, approximately 23 sutures were removed. Gigantic waves of relief engulfed my being. As the incision healed, the meaning of my mission became clear: the intended message was not about cancer but rather discovering the significance of a scar.

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latest stigma. One worry is that contracting the virus exhibits weakness; another is fear of being accused for not adhering to social distancing guidelines and mask mandates. Scars of inferiority and unjustified ridicule are buried deep below the skin.

Maybe they are more difficult to heal than the large incision prominently on display below my right eye.

Scarring does not only apply to humans but also to our precious planet. Mutilating Mother Earth was not new to 2020.

However, having more time to see the big picture, the average person began recognizing the seriousness of the situation. Our sphere cannot wear a shield to safeguard itself from man’s greed and negligence. Nor can it be vaccinated against manmade environmental pollutants. Consequently, the Earth’s environment is diseased.

Our sick, contaminated planet is exhibiting severe symptoms (climate change, excessive earthquakes, fierce fires and horrific hurricanes). There are many terrifying tales of destruction that are not widely publicized. I only have space to share two, but they illustrate our globe’s grave condition.

The first nauseating report is regarding the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. It is the largest offshore accumulation of plastic, located between California and Hawaii and described by some to be an island about the size of Mexico. Professor Ana GarciaCegarra defined it as an abyssal pit in the depths of the ocean.

“Our bad habits in the consumption of plastic are affecting all marina fauna,” she wrote.

The second shocking story was posted in a BBC.com article on Oct. 21, 2020: “How Dams Have Reshaped Our Planet,” stating that, “while the rest of the world focused on COVID-19 earlier this year, an entire ancient town in Turkey was lost to rising reservoir waters…future archaeologists will study such submerged settlements and may wonder why we let them go for the sake of short-term politics and energy demand.”

When recently asked to describe my vision for 2021 in one word, my answer was hope. Hope exists because we collectively experienced the trauma of 2020. The wounds were meant to reset humanity, and the scars to remind future generations of this chapter in history.

Today, I embrace my beautiful scar. It is my symbol of surviving 2020.

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FLORIDA PARKS >> LOCAL AND NATIONAL

THE OUTDOORS IS CALLING

Parks & Recreation The Natural Wonders All Around Us W RIT TE N BY S TE PH S TRICKL A N D

F

lorida is home to some of the most diverse and longstanding environmental areas of anywhere on the planet. These lands are deeply connected to prehistoric settlements as well as the effects of colonialism. Generations of wildlife have witnessed wars and battles for resources.

They have also witnessed the power of collective action for the betterment of our global climate.

With Florida local, state, and national parks existing on the forefront of climate change, it has never been more important to educate ourselves and protect these spaces. Considering the limitations caused

by COVID-19, visiting these outdoor spaces

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offer ideal opportunities of enjoyment for everyone. While each park has made unique pandemic-related accommodations (and research should be done prior to visiting each one), these spaces can serve as a safer alternative to other vacation or recreational spots. Plus, we can have a little fun while we’re at it.

According to a 2020 report from Outdoorsy, Florida ranks 16th for national park trips, and this ranking does not include the plethora of state and local parks built around the bounty of waterways and forests of the Sunshine State. Visits to national parks alone accounted for over $1 trillion in state revenue. Florida parks have become the backbone of Florida’s economy and culture— so let’s start exploring!

PHOTOGRAPHY: MICHAEL EADDY

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FLORIDA PARKS >> LOCAL AND NATIONAL

Florida is home to the largest network of first and second-magnitude springs in the country, which provide over 90% of Florida’s drinking water in addition to their natural allure to travelers.

San Felasco Hammock Preserve State Park The origin of the name San Felasco was forged in the wake of cultural differences and misunderstandings. The state park’s name was meant to become a namesake for Mission San Francisco de Potano—a key location of the Spanish settlement missions in the late 17th century. However, San Francisco was a foreign pronunciation for Native Americans and early settlers, so the name was eventually transformed into San Felasco.

European settlers originally began their mission in this area in 1606 under the leadership of the Franciscans and Jesuits.

The Potano were natives (living here at the time of the Spanish arrival) and were believed to have inhabited the area since 8,000 BCE. Wars and rivalry between the natives and settlers painted a bloody image that only San Felasco Hammock Preserve State Park was able to witness and survive to this day.

The preserve is over 7,000 acres in size and remains one of the few mature forests in Florida. Scattered throughout the landscape are an array of sinkholes, springs, ponds, and creeks common to the northern region of the state. The mesic hammock forest is a rare, centuries-old treasure of the Florida climate—and the importance of its preservation can’t be understated. The current name of the park was inspired by the majesty of these forest growths.

A walk through San Felasco can make visitors feel transported to an entirely different world, like entering an enchanted forest of sorts. In addition to walking and hiking trails, the park offers off-road biking and horseback riding as well as becoming a hotspot for local bird watchers and wildlife connoisseurs.

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Devil’s Millhopper Geological State Park The sunken land of Devil’s Millhopper represents a phenomenon that has become commonplace to the landscape of Florida: sinkholes. Generally, sinkholes are formed when land supporting structures/areas erodes or groundwater becomes unbalanced, creating space in the Earth’s crust. Devil’s Millhopper is a perfect 120-foot example of this occurrence in nature, and the landscape that has emerged within it is a striking sight for the thousands of visitors each year.

The namesake of this sinkhole is based on legends derived from the Native Americans that once inhabited this area. The stories claim the countless archeological finds from early visitors to the site represented those beings descending the sinkhole to meet the Devil and never return.

Despite this rather dark and sunken origin story (pun intended), the park today has become an ecological refuge and awe-inspiring space. The Civilian Conservation Corps originally built the infrastructure to open Devil’s Millhopper to the public in the 1930s as a form of employment for builders during the Great Depression. Visitors to the park are immediately transported from the sandy, rich nature of North Florida into a tropical jungle that feels straight out of a movie. The park is—quite literally—a buried treasure in the community.

Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park Paynes Prairie has become a beacon for the Gainesville and larger Alachua County communities. This preserve was the first to be established in Florida in 1971. Today, the park remains a National Natural Landmark because of the immense diversity PHOTOGRAPHY: MICHAEL EADDY, SAVANNAH AUSTIN

and a campground. However, the star of the Rainbow River show is definitely their tubing excursion. The relaxing float fueled by the current of the spring allows visitors a brief reprieve from the sweltering Florida heat.

Unlike many other state parks, Rainbow Springs began as a privately owned theme park, but with the construction of the Florida interstate, the serenity of this space was interrupted and attention was drawn to other well-known theme parks in the late 20th century. The space was reopened as a publicly protected state park in the 1990s and is enjoyed by thousands of visitors each year.

Honeymoon Island State Park Offering a slightly different landscape than many other Florida State parks, Honeymoon Island features the picturesque beach island scenery of the Gulf of Mexico—a pristine view made for a postcard.

The history of this island dates back to the Tocobago tribe that inhabited the area prior to European settlers. However, the dreamy beach getaway got its name from a wealthy businessman in the 1930s who purchased the island. During an interview with LIFE magazine, the man mentioned how perfect this destination would be for a honeymoon. Thus, the name Honeymoon Island was born. After failed attempts to dredge and further inhabit the land after wars and economic collapses, the state purchased the 113 acres and turned it into a state recreational area by 1981.

Today, honeymooners still enjoy visiting the white sand beaches, but the space has opened itself to more diverse activities and wildlife in the wake of the 20th century.

FLORIDA PARKS >> LOCAL AND NATIONAL

of wildlife in the protected area.

There are 20 distinct biological communities within the preserve, giving a home to larger species, such as wild horses, bison, and the classic Florida alligator, along with over 300 species of birds. The diverse wildlife and winding trails have made this park a destination for bird watchers, hikers, and campers looking to escape the hustle and bustle of life.

There are several ways to enjoy the nature housed in this preserve, from the 16-mile Hawthorne Trail winding around downtown Gainesville to the 50-foot observation tower at the visitor’s center.

Newnans Lake State Forest Named for the shallow (yet expansive) lake resting within over 1,000 acres of natural lands, Newnans Lake Forest offers locals a chance to escape into a vast area of protected lands under the Florida Forest Service’s supervision. Just east of Gainesville, this space was assigned to the local forest service merely a few years ago in 2015.

The space currently offers two hiking trails: a 1-mile West Trail and two loops at the Lake Pithlachocco Trailhead. The trailhead offers a 5.5 mile-loop for bikers and a 2.5-mile loop for hikers and wildlife observers.

Rainbow Springs State Park This national natural landmark is rooted by its rich, colorful history while still known as a popular summer hangout hub for locals and tourists alike. With over 1,400 acres of land, the park offers three entrances: their day-use facilities, a tubing entrance,

In a typical year, the state parks across Florida see over 29 million visitors. Many of these family-friendly hidden gems across the state have made accommodations in response to COVID-19 and visitors are encouraged to look into their local regulations prior to visiting.

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FLORIDA PARKS >> LOCAL AND NATIONAL

The ecosystem housed within the over 2,300 square miles of protected lands of the Everglades National Park has shaped the culture and economy of the state and nation. The unique plant and animal life found in the Everglades are abundant and aid in water and air filtration through natural processes.

Everglades National Park The Everglades are credited as being the largest subtropical wilderness in the United States, boasting 2,300+ square miles of protected lands. The national park has become a treasure among conservation enthusiasts all across the world. Many now associate the pinnacle of Floridian topography with images of the Everglades.

The Everglades have an important stake in the history of

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Florida’s landscape as well as for the Native Americans, settlers, and wartime heroes that have utilized the natural bounty of that space. The space was established as a national park in 1947 with the help of dedicated scientists and conservationists that recognized the fragility of the landscape.

The Native Calusa Indian tribe emerged in the area in 1000 BCE and thrived off of the bounty provided by the Everglades until 1513, when the Spanish arrived and spread illnesses that

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PHOTOGRAPHY: MICHAEL EADDY

Ocala National Forest If you have visited popular recreation sites at Silver Springs, Juniper Springs or Salt Springs, you have seen for yourself the beauty and bounty of the Ocala National Forest. This protected 387,000 acres of land houses the southernmost forest in the continental United States and offers a landscape much different from the typical forests protected by the USDA.

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Ocala National Forest is home to over 600 lakes, rivers, and springs, with the park tucked between the Ocklawaha and St. Johns Rivers. In addition to enjoying the crystal-clear bounty of these waterways, visitors can enjoy a diverse set of recreational activities, including hiking, bird watching, biking, fishing, horseback riding and even four-wheeling on specially designed trails. Located a short distance from Alachua County, the Ocala National Forest offers residents a local option for escaping into the wonders of nature.

The history, culture, and current state of these parks not only exemplify the resilience of nature but also call on its visitors and residents to act in an environmentally-friendly way. By visiting, donating, and volunteering for shared public lands, we can ensure the preservation of Mother Nature’s gems in our town, our country, and our world.

So, get outside. Nature is calling to you!

To find out more about state parks in your area, please visit floridastateparks.org. Additionally, the National Park Service (nps.org) will also give insight into recreational activities within federally protected lands.

FLORIDA PARKS >> LOCAL AND NATIONAL

decimated the native population. The early colonial settlers did not see much value in the marshy swampland of the Everglades and even worked to drain it throughout the early 1800s. However, the stubbornness of that swampy land withstood degradation from early America. Flash forward into the modern era, the Everglades space was used as a missile base during the time when tensions between the Soviet Union and the U.S. continued to rise. Evidence of this long history remains embedded in the culture of the Everglades.

The national park can see upwards of 60 inches of rainfall each year—twice as much as the averages in the rainy city of Seattle, Washington. The topography and climate of the Everglades is unlike anywhere else on Earth, housing a diverse collection of wildlife—including some species exclusive to the area. With over 360 bird species as well as several large mammal and reptile species, the Everglades has become a beacon for biodiversity, even in the wake of invasive species and climate change.

Sources: floridastateparks.org, Florida Department of Agriculture, nps.gov, doi.gov, fs.usda.gov/ocala

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COLUMN

CRYSTAL HENRY’S

Naked Salsa PLANT BABIES

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

’m not sure if my social media algorithms changed, or if plants are actually super trendy. But it just seems like over the past year, I’ve seen a huge uptick in the number of friends on my Facebook and Instagram feeds with “plant babies.”

I really didn’t understand this trend because I’ve always had a black thumb. During my last semester in college I needed to fill some space in my schedule, so I signed up for creative writing, law of mass communications, golf, and vegetable gardening.

The gardening class was great. I learned about splicing genes to create bug-resistant plants, and I learned how to rotate crops and plant seedlings using best practices. But my row of tomatoes and peppers only survived because of some very kind teaching assistants who helped fertilize and water my row that semester.

I made an A in the class, but it was not deserved. At the end of the semester w e w e r e a llow e d to take home a few transplants, so I found a lovely galvanized tub to house my little serrano peppers, oregano, and basil.

I always used leftover water on my plants, so I thought nothing of pouring in some leftover ice after making a batch of homemade ice cream. My husband was horrified as I emptied the bucket over the heads of my little plant babies. But I figured if they could handle room-temp water, then they could handle ice water.

And that was true.

What they couldn’t handle was the rock salt I had mixed in.

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I burned those plants to their core. Only the basil came back, but I was afraid to eat the zombie herb. It was like a plantthemed pet cemetery on our porch until my husband finally threw the corpses back behind the house into the woods.

I have always loved the look of plants, but I just seem to be more of a plant hospice. My house is a place for plants to come right before they meet Jesus. I think it’s because plants aren’t able to cry out for help. My dog comes and scratches my leg if her food bowl is empty. My kids whine and howl if they need a snack. The rabbit dumps his water bowl so frequently I have no choice but to clean it up and refresh it. But plants just quietly mind their own business until they slowly wither away and die. I should try one of those shrieking Harry Potter mandrakes...I bet I could keep those babies rolling.

I’ve even killed my fair share of seedlings that you buy in those little aluminum pots from the Target dollar bin. I can actually get them to sprout just fine, but taking the time to transplant them into bigger pots so they can grow and thrive is beyond my patience level. I don’t even buy microwave dinners that require me to stir halfway through cooking. If I wanted to be a fulltime chef I’d do that for a living Hungry Man. Good Lord.

A few months ago as I was browsing through the grocery store, I brought home a sweet little spider plant on a whim (presumably to meet a grim fate). But a friend of mine told me spider plants are one of the most forgiving plant babies.

And eight months later that little guy is still chugging along on my desk, surviving off of an aggressive amount of sunlight and the occasional drink of day-old coffee.

A few weeks ago the pandemic reached out and body-slammed my family. My stepdad—the good-time chuckle head who loved to take pictures of the butterflies in his herb garden—got hit with COVID-19. What we thought was a rough case of allergies morphed into a nightmarish two weeks in the ICU. He ended up on a ventilator, and after 10 days of riding the rollercoaster of hope, it was time to remove life support and let him go. I played his favorite Marty Robbins song as we said goodbye, and that sweet man took his last breath while we watched helplessly on a Zoom call.

It was devastating, and I still can’t hear “El Paso” without breaking down.

Mom opted not to have a flower spray on his casket because he told her he liked living plants, not cut flowers. Instead, we spread his college blanket across the wooden coffin, and we told stories six feet apart before we placed him six feet under.

After the service, the funeral director asked if we wanted to take any of the plants people had sent. If we didn’t, they’d be placed by his grave for a little while until they died. Then they’d be tossed away.

I couldn’t just let his plants die alone out there, so I took one home with me to spend its final days at my plant hospice.

It sat in the corner of my living room for a week before I learned it was a palm.

I asked a green thumb friend how to care for it, and she told me just some sun and water should work for now. So I started to nurture it. I found a nice spot by the window where I could see it every day, and I started to look forward to nurturing my new plant baby. I even started giving its spider plant sister proper water instead of coffee. And I found a new respect for my horticulture pals.

Turns out plants are sometimes the very signs of life we need when the world gets dark. They can give us a purpose—a quiet reminder to get out of bed and nurture something outside of ourselves. And sometimes, they’re just a really great excuse to let in some sunshine.

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COMMU NIT Y C A LENDA R

M A RC H/A P R I L 2021

DUSTY’S DRIVE-IN CIRCUS Friday, March 5 at 7pm – 8:30pm and Saturday, March 6 at 3pm and 7pm – 8:30pm Gainesville Circus Center, 1925 NW 2nd St. Suite B GAINESVILLE - Professor Dusty Bottoms & his band The Novelties bring your favorite pop tunes set to the magic of ragtime while acrobats, dancers and clowns perform daring feats of acrobatic artistry. This family-friendly and Covid-safe show will thrill and delight audiences of all ages. Tickets are $30 per vehicle. gainesvillecircus.com

HELLZAPOPPIN CIRCUS FREAK SHOW

Saturday, March 13 at 9am – 3:30pm

Sunday, March 14 at 3:14pm – 5pm

Sunday, March 7 at 7pm – 11:30pm

Archer Historical Society Railroad Museum,

Blackadder Brewing Company, 618 NW 60th

Knockin’ Boots Saloon, 201 W University Ave.

16994 SW 134th Ave.

St. Suite A

GAINESVILLE – The Hellzapoppin Circus Sideshow is coming to Knockin’ Boots Saloon.

Hellzapoppin is a world renowned theatrical circus thrill-show where some of the deadliest stunts in live entertainment are performed to loud crowd-pleasing musical tracks. Doors open at 7pm, show starts at 8pm. This is an 18+ show.

Advanced general admission tickets are $20 and $25 on the day of the show. VIP tickets are $30 in advance and $35 on the day of the show. Masks will be required. hellzapoppin.com

ARCHER – The annual Art at the Archer Depot Festival is a family-friendly day featuring vendors of all kinds, artist, artisans, crafts and informational booths. There will also be food, music, and children activities all day. archerhistoricalsociety.org

GAINESVILLE – The first 20 interested bakers to message Blackadder Brewing Company will become contestants in their Pi Day Pie competition. Entrants should bring their pies ready to serve and will be judged on overall appearance before and after slicing; taste in the form of flavor, mouthfeel and crust; as well as creativity and presentation. Registration begins at 3:14pm, judging at 3:30pm and the winners will be announced at 4:30pm. Strega Nona’s Oven food truck will be on site. blackadderbrewing.com

DEPOT PARK FRIENDS & FAMILY DAY

Sunday, March 7 at 3pm – 6pm Depot Park, 874 SE 4th St.

GAINESVILLE – Bring your friends and family and hang out with the Go Primal Fitness and Training Institute community at Depot Park.

There will be ultimate Frisbee, football, spike ball and more. goprimalfitness.com 74 |

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ART AT THE ARCHER DEPOT

INDIE LIVE: SAINT SIMON AND TAKE LEAD

Saturday, March 13 at 9:30pm – 12am

Heartwood Soundstage, 619 South Main St.

GAINESVILLE - Take Lead and Saint Simon live on the Heartwood Lawn. Show starts at 9:30 p.m. Indie Live is an outdoor, socially distanced concert series co-presented by Heartwood and Swamp Records. Masks are required on the property. Tickets are $10 online, $12 at the door.

Doors open at 9 p.m. heartwoodsoundstage. com

PI DAY PIE CONTEST

ALLY VENABLE BAND

Sunday, March 14 at 7pm

High Dive, 210 SW 2nd Ave. Suite A

GAINESVILLE – See the Ally Venable Band in-person or stream at home. In-person tickets are $15 in advance and $20 on the day of show.

Temperature checks will be taken at the door, indoor capacity will be limited to 30 percent and

the show will be fully seated in a socially distant checkerboard pattern with groups of two, three and four seats. Single attendees will sit on the bleachers. Masks will be required indoors at all times. Doors open at 7pm, streaming begins at 7:30pm and the show begins at 8pm. To purchase tickets, learn more about Covid precautions or find out about live streaming the event visit the High Dive Facebook page or website. highdivegainesville.com

SPRING FLOWER FLING

Tuesday, March 16 at 9:30am – 12pm

Gainesville Garden Club, 1350 NW 75 St.

GAINESVILLE - Master floral designer, Bruce Cavey, will lead guests in making a spring design to take home. After creating floral masterpieces, a catered box picnic lunch will be provided which may be enjoyed inside the Garden Club, outside on their lovely grounds and patios or taken home. There will also be a Pop Up Garden Shoppe featuring unique handmade items and discovered treasures for purchase. All health and safety precautions will be observed but, if you prefer not to attend in person, we will also offer pickup of design materials, lunch and provide video instruction on how to make your design.

Tickets are $35. ggcfl.org/spring fling

ST. PATRICK’S DAY MUSIC & IRISH DANCING

Wednesday, March 17 at 7pm – 9:30pm

Cypress & Grove Brewing Co. 1001 NW 4th St.

GAINESVILLE – Come out to the Cypress & Grove Brewing Co. patio for a night of Irish music and dancing. Watch Irish dancing performed by the Gainesville Dance Academy from 7pm to 8pm and listen to Scuttered the Bruce play Celtic music from 8pm to 9:30pm.

This free event will also feature The Chameleon Food Truck. cypressandgrove.com

NEA BIG READ KEYNOTE: ROBIN WALL KIMMERER

Thursday, March 18 at 7pm – 8:30pm

Florida Museum of Natural History, 3215 Hull Road

GAINESVILLE – Join the Florida Museum of Natural History and Alachua County Library District for the National Endowment for the Arts Big Read – a series of events building community while lifting the voices of women in science! Join the museum for their second keynote speaker,

MUSEUM IN THE PARKS: BIRDS AT PAYNES PRAIRIE Monday, March 15 9:30am – 11am La Chua Trailhead, 4270 SE 15th St. GAINESVILLE – Join the Florida Museum of Natural History to learn about museum collections with one of their ornithologists then take an easy hike in park. Tickets are $12 per adult/child pair and includes park entrance fee and is $6 per additional person.

This socially distant, personalized tour of the park is ideal for homeschool or learning pod groups. floridamuseum.ufl.edu

award-winning author and decorated professor Robin Wall Kimmerer, followed by a Q&A. floridamuseum.ufl.edu

GAINESVILLE – Pairing charismatic vocal stylings with ingenious instrumentation, Love Canon has created their own raucous blend of bluegrass for the masses. Tickets are $35. UFPA Live streaming tickets will be going on sale approximately 2 weeks before each performance start date. Not all events will be live streamed. performingarts. ufl.edu

Legacy Park, 15400 Peggy Road ALACHUA – Connect over the weekend celebrations with the best of blues, jazz, rock, country, soul and more. MAM is a Free concert series at Legacy Park, during March, April and May 2021. Presented by the City Of Alachua and Vipper Events. The series will showcase diverse musical performances in a fun, family, safe environment. The MAM Concert Series is a free event and concert-goer space is first come first serve. Please bring lawn chairs and blankets and consider weather necessities. For vendors and concessions wireless touch and chip cards will be accepted. No cash will be accepted at the venue. Social distancing will be in effect. Please wear a mask. mamseries.org

MAM CONCERT SERIES: JAZZ, LATIN AND ACOUSTIC

THE DRIPTONES, SHANE MALONE AND TREV GRIFFIN

LOVE CANON

Thursday March 18 at 7pm and 9pm UpStage at the Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Road

Friday, March 19 at 7pm – 9pm

Friday, March 19 at 8pm

Saturday, March 20 at 11am – 8pm

High Dive, 210 SW 2nd Ave. Suite A

Sunday, March 21 at 2pm – 8pm

GAINESVILLE – Hear The Driptones, Shane MARCH/APRIL 2021

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Malone and Trev Griffin in-person or stream at home. In-person tickets are $8 in advance and $10 on the day of the show.

Temperature checks will be taken at the door, indoor capacity will be limited to 30% and the show will be fully seated in a socially distant checkerboard pattern with groups of two, three and four seats. Single attendees will sit on the bleachers. Masks will be required indoors at all times. Beer Garden opens and 8pm, stream begins at 8:30pm and the show begins at 9pm. To purchase tickets, learn more about Covid precautions or find out about live streaming the event visit the High Dive Facebook page or website. highdivegainesville.com

10TH ANNUAL HEARTBREAKER CYCLING INVITATIONAL

DANCE ALIVE PRESENTS: A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM

Saturday, March 20 at 2pm and 7:30pm Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Road

GAINESVILLE – On a dreamy midsummer night’s eve, the worlds of fairies, humans, dukes and donkeys all collide under the magic spell of cupid’s arrow. We see how true love never runs smooth, as the mischievous Puck proclaims, “Lord, what fools these mortals be!” A bright and beautiful ballet in the classical style set to Shakespeare’s immortal ‘A Midsummer Night’s Eve’ proves that falling in love is the ultimate gift. Tickets are $45 for orchestra; $35 for mezzanine and $25 for the balcony. Tickets for students and seniors are $25. performingarts.ufl.edu

PAULA POUNDSTONE

Saturday, March 20 at 6am – 8pm

Sunday, March 21 at 7:30pm

One Love Café, 4989 NW 40th Place

Phillips Center for the Performing Arts,

GAINESVILLE - The Heartbreaker is an event that traverses some of Gainesville’s most beautiful roads. Featuring Live Oak canopies adorned with Spanish moss, dirt, limerock, gravel and paved roads this ride has it all.

Cyclocross or Mountain bikes are recommended for this ride. The road surfaces are NOT road bike friendly. Those on Mountain bikes, it’s recommended you fit a faster rolling tire that rolls well on pavement. Heavy, off-road specific tires with lots of knobs will hurt your speed on the paved sectors. The ride route will be posted a week prior to the event and can be completed any time as there will be no mass starts for these events. gravelcyclist.com

3201 Hull Rd

GAINESVILLE - Known for her smart, laughout-loud observational humor and spontaneous wit, Paula Poundstone is one of the country’s preeminent comedians, packing venues across the country. Tickets for orchestra (rows a-p), mezzanine and lower boxes are $50. Tickets for orchestra (rows q-z) and upper boxes are $40. Balcony seats are $30 and tickets for UF students are $10. performingarts.ufl.edu

STRINGS FOR PEACE AT THE PHILLIPS CENTER

Monday, March 22 at 7:30pm – 9:30pm University of Florida Performing Arts, 3201 Hull Road

GAINESVILLE - Exploring deep connections

SURVIVAL OF THE SLOWEST VIRTUAL 5K Saturday, March 20 at 7am – 5pm VIRTUAL EVENT – Join the Florida Museum of Natural History for their virtual 5K celebrating their new exhibit Survival of the Slowest. Participants can run their 5K anytime from anywhere between March 1 and March 20 and submit proof of race to get a medal and a t-shit. Tickets are $20 to pick up a medal and t-shirt and $25 to have the prizes delivered. floridamuseum.ufl.edu/event/virtual-5k

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between two musical traditions, Strings for Peace brings together Indian classical sarod artists Amjad Ali Khan, Amaan Ali Bangash, and Ayaan Ali Bangash with American classical guitarist Sharon Isbin. In-person tickets range from $20 - $35. UFPA Live streaming tickets will be going on sale approximately 2 weeks before each performance start date.

Not all events will be live streamed. performingarts.ufl.edu

NEA BIG READ CHILDREN’S BOOK MEETUP: FINDING WONDERS

Saturday, March 27 at 10am – 11am Florida Museum of Natural History, 3215 Hull Road

VIRTUAL - Join the Florida Museum of Natural History and Alachua County Library District for the National Endowment for the Arts Big Read, a series of events building community while lifting the voices of women in science! Enjoy this free virtual book discussion, featuring library staff and special guest speakers and join in the conversation via Zoom! floridamuseum.ufl.edu

GAINESVILLE SEAFOOD FESTIVAL

Saturday, March 27 at 11am – 7pm

Alachua County Fairgrounds, 3100 NE 39th Ave.

GAINESVILLE – The Gainesville Seafood Festival is a family event celebrating the love of seafood. Enjoy arts and craft vendors; a beer and wine garden; seafood market; live entertainment; all-you-can-year blue crabs and crawfish; boat show and marine exhibit. Early bird and children’s tickets are $5. Adult tickets are $10. gopartyent. com/gainesvilleseafoodfestival

INDIE LIVE: GLASS HOUSE POINT AND LANEY TRIPP

Saturday, March 27 at 9:30pm - 12am Heartwood Soundstage, 619 South Main St.

GAINESVILLE – Glass House Point and Laney live on the Heartwood Lawn.

Show starts at 9:30 p.m. Indie Live is an outdoor, socially distanced concert series co-presented by Heartwood and

Swamp Records. Masks are required on the property. Tickets are $10 online, $12 at the door. Doors open at 9 p.m. heartwoodsoundstage.com

KANDACE SPRINGS

Thursday, April 1 at 7pm and 9pm UpStage at the Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Road

GAINESVILLE – With soul-drenched vocals and a piano style all her own, Kandace Springs is bringing her refined mix of R&B, jazz, and pop to UpStage. Tickets are $35.

UFPA Live streaming tickets will be going on sale approximately 2 weeks before each performance start date. Not all events will be live streamed. performingarts.ufl.edu

NEWBERRY GARDEN CLUB’S ANNUAL PLANT EXPO

Saturday, April 10 at 8am – 12pm

Newberry Park & Ride, 24439 State Hwy 235

Club for their annual Plant Expo featuring flowers of all kinds, bulbs, shrubs, trees and fruit and vegetable plants. The Plant Expo is a fundraiser to support community projects and scholarship funds. Gloria Hughes: yousguys58@gmail.com; 352-474-6442

INDIE LIVE: COREY KILGANNON AND THREE STAR REVIVAL

Saturday, April 10 at 9:30pm – 12am

Heartwood Soundstage, 619 South Main St.

GAINESVILLE - The show will feature Corey Kilgannon – an indie-folk artist and Florida native – paired with Three Star Revival – an Americana rock band from Tennessee.

Indie Live is an outdoor, socially distanced concert series co-presented by Heartwood and Swamp Records. Masks are required on the property. Tickets are $10 online, $12 at the door. Doors open at 9pm, show begins at 9:30pm. heartwoodsoundstage.com

NEWBERRY – Join the Newberry Garden

RUN YOUR BUNS OFF 5K AND 10K

Sunday, April 11 at 8am – 10:30am Hawthorne Trail, 3300 SE 15th St.

GAINESVILLE - Join My Destination Training Inc. for their inaugural race at the Hawthorne Trail. Run Your Buns’ Off is a 5K and 10K run that is route-runner friendly for those who want to enjoy a race, meet with their running partners and get a delicious, huge cinnamon bun with icing on top. Everyone will receive a finisher medal with age group awards and trophies for the overall male and female runners. Tickets, which will be $35, will also include a racerback or tank top. runsignup.com/Race/Info/FL/Gainesville/ RUNYOURBUNSOFF

THE PRICE IS RIGHT LIVE STAGE SHOW

Tuesday, April 13 at 7:30pm

Stephen C. O’Connell Center, 250 Gale Lemerand Dr.

GAINESVILLE – The Price Is Right Live is the hit interactive stage show that gives eligible individuals the chance to hear their names called and Come On Down to win.

Prizes may include appliances, vacations and possibly a new car! Play classic games just like on television’s longest running and most popular game show, from Plinko to Cliffhangers to The Big Wheel and even the fabulous Showcase. Tickets start at $33.50.

Registration for the chance to become a contestant begins at 4:30pm. Arena access begins at 6:30pm. oconnellcenter.ufl.edu

YUVAL RON ENSEMBLE

Wednesday, April 14 at 7:30pm

GROW YOUR OWN CUTTING GARDEN WORKSHOP Saturday, April 10 at 10am – 12pm Gainesville Garden Club, 1350 NW 75 St. GAINESVILLE - Jon George with Cottage Gardens Inc. will share his secrets to growing beautiful flowers in your own garden to make fabulous floral designs.

Hear Jon George talk about new and old plants for your own cutting garden. You can sip mimosas (or water) under the trees while learning all about what will grow here and how to use it. Plants and seeds being discussed will also be available for purchase so you can go home and get started right away. Tickets are $10. ggcfl.org

UpStage at the Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Road

GAINESVILLE - In a world full of divisions, The Yuval Ron Ensemble unites through music. Led by award-winning Israeli composer, producer, and peace activist, Yuval Ron, this ensemble melds the music and philosophies of Jewish, Islamic, and Christian traditions for an evening of deep meaning. With soulful reinterpretations of songs performed in Arabic and Hebrew, the group aims to inspire listeners to imagine a vision of peace on Earth. Tickets are $35.

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performance start date. Not all events will be live streamed. performingarts.ufl.edu

ROYAL WOOD

Friday, April 16 at 7pm and 9pm UpStage at the Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Road

GAINESVILLE - A natural-born storyteller, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and producer, Royal Wood serves up intimate poprock tunes with equal dashes of class and craft. Tickets are $35. UFPA Live streaming tickets will be going on sale approximately 2 weeks before each performance start date.

Not all events will be live streamed. performingarts.ufl.edu

2021 SENIOR, FAMILY, AND FRIENDS SCAVENGER HUNT Saturday, April 17 at 12pm

One Love Café, 4989 NW 40th Place GAINESVILLE – Celebrate the Class of 2021 Seniors by participating in a scavenger hunt around Gainesville, FL. Proceeds go to support Fishin for Vision. fishinforvision.com

FRIENDSHIP WALK

personalized tour of the park is ideal for homeschool or learning pod groups. floridamuseum.ufl.edu

MAM CONCERT SERIES: COUNTRY AND SOUTHERN ROCK

Friday, April 23 at 7pm – 9pm

Saturday, April 24 at 11am – 8pm Sunday, April 25 at 2pm – 8pm Legacy Park, 15400 Peggy Road

ALACHUA – Connect over the weekend celebrations with the best of blues, jazz, rock, country, soul and more. MAM is a Free concert series at Legacy Park, during March, April and May 2021. Presented by the City Of Alachua and Vipper Events.

The series will showcase diverse musical performances in a fun, family, safe environment. The MAM Concert Series is a free event and concert-goer space is first come first serve. Please bring lawn chairs and blankets and consider weather necessities. For vendors and concessions wireless touch and chip cards will be accepted. No cash will be accepted at the venue. Social distancing will be in effect. Please wear a mask. mamseries.org

GUIDED WALK AT KANAPAHA

First Saturdays 9am – 12pm

Kanapaha Botanical Gardens, 4700 SW 58th Dr.

GAINESVILLE – Enjoy a guided tour through Kanapaha Botanical Gardens starting at 10 am the first Saturday of every month. Regular admission price applies for non-members. kanapaha.org

GAINESVILLE CARS & COFFEE

Second Sundays 9am – 11am

Whole Foods Market, 3490 SW Archer Rd.

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

MARY’S HIGH TEA AT SWEETWATER BRANCH INN

Third Tuesdays from 3pm – 5pm

Sunday, April 18 at 9am

Sweetwater Branch Inn, 625 E University

Flavet Field, Woodlawn Drive on the

Ave.

University of Florida Campus

GAINESVILLE – Traditionally served on a three-tiered stand, includes Sweetwater Branch’s savory and sweet treats paired with your choice of teas and coffees. $25 per person. Please call for reservations 352373-6760. sweetwaterinn.com

GAINESVILLE - The Best Buddies Friendship Walk is the leading walk in the country supporting inclusion for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (also known as IDD). Funds raised through the Friendship Walk directly benefit our local Best Buddies chapters, offices and participants. bestbuddiesfriendshipwalk.org

MUSEUM IN THE PARKS: PLANTS AT SAN FELASCO

CREATIVE COOKING / BALLROOM

THE GAINESVILLE ORCHESTRA: POPS

Monday, April 19 at 9:30am – 11am

Saturday, April 24 at 7:30pm

San Felasco Hammock Preserve State Park,

Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Road

13201 San Felasco Parkway

GAINESVILLE – Join the Gainesville Orchestra for their annual end of the season family celebration with surprises, guests, favorite music, and the annual Walk Through the Orchestra. General admission is $49. Tickets for seniors over 65 are $39 and tickets for students and children are $19. performingarts. ufl.edu

ALACHUA – Learn about museum collections with one of our scientists and then take an easy hike in park with us! San Felasco has a variety of micro-habitats so there are a wide variety of plants to explore and identify, as well as a number of birds and other animals to observe. Tickets are $12 per adult/child pair, which includes park entrance fee. $6 per additional person. This socially distant, 78 |

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Fourth Tuesdays at 11am

Gainesville Woman’s Clubouse, 2809 W University Ave

GAINESVILLE - Creative Cooking with the Gainesville Woman’s Club meets the fourth Tuesdays at 11:00 a.m. of each month, except December and May to share ideas, recipes, tasting parties, and demonstrations. gfwcfl-gainesvillewomansclub.org

PLAYLIST @ THE POINTE

Fourth Fridays at 7pm – 9pm

Celebration Pointe, Celebration Pointe Ave.

GAINESVILLE – Kick the weekend off with Playlist at the Pointe – a music event offering

INDIE LIVE: KING COMPLEX AND WILD PINES Saturday, April 24 at 9:30pm – 12am Heartwood Soundstage, 619 South Main St.

HAILE FARMERS MARKET

GAINESVILLE - The show will feature Electronic-rock duo King Complex and Gainesville indie band Wild Pines. Indie Live is an outdoor, socially distanced concert series co-presented by Heartwood and Swamp Records. Masks are required on the property. Tickets are $10 online, $12 at the door. Doors open at 9 p.m. heartwoodsoundstage.com an eclectic mix of music from a variety of genres like country, rock, soul and more. celebrationpointe.com

COMMUNITY MARKET

Fourth Saturdays 8 am – 2 pm

Gainesville Shrine Club, 8100 SW Archer

a grower’s only market – meaning the vendors selling produce, plants and other products must have grown the items themselves.

441market.com

Saturdays from 8:30am – 12pm

Haile Plantation Village

ALACHUA COUNTY FARMERS’ MARKET

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

GAINESVILLE – Don’t forget to bring shopping bags, your grocery list, and plenty of small bills. This market prides itself on being

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

Road

GAINESVILLE – The Gainesville Shrine Club’s Community Market will feature food; arts and crafts; vendors and more. Contact David Jones at 336-430-910 to reserve your vendor spot. gainesvilleshrineclub.org

YIN & YANG

Mondays, 7:30 pm – 8:30 pm Wildflowers Yoga, 205 NW 10th Ave.

GAINESVILLE – Join Wildflowers Yoga every Monday evening for a free yin & yang yoga class. In this class you will hold postures (yin) for the first half of class, followed by a specific easy flow (yang), both focusing on a specific area of the body or meridian line. wildflowersyoga.com/schedule

HIGH SPRINGS FARMERS MARKET

Fridays from 3 pm – 7 pm 23517 NW 185th Road

HIGH SPRINGS – Florida grown fruit, vegetables, dairy and meats as well as honey, handmade treats and more. The Farmers Market is produced by The City of High Springs. highsprings.us/farmersmarket

Mark your calendars for the re-envisioned

2021

JURIED ARTS FESTIVAL WELCOMING 85 FINE ARTISTS AND ARTISANS

Saturday April 17 10 am-5pm Sunday April 18 10 am-4pm

We are cautiously, optimistically & creatively moving ahead with plans for Cedar Key’s Spring Arts Festival. Adjustments are being made in the layout to reduce congestion, encourage one-way flow, and do our best to host a COVID-Safer Event.

We’re All in this Together MASK-UP BACK-UP WASH-UP

Generous Booth Spacing and One-Way Flow on Historic 2nd Street Grab and Go Food in the Park, but no music, children’s art activities or pets this year

CedarKeyArtsFestival.com CedarKeyArtsFestival@gmail.com 352.543.5400

Be sure to check our website after April 1, 2021 to make sure the show is still a go!

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ENVIRONMENT-FRIENDLY >> WAYS TO HELP

EARTH ANGEL

BE KIND TO YOUR MOTHER (EARTH)

10 Ways to Protect the Environment W R I T T E N B Y D A N A B R YA N

In these unprecedented times, where nothing is predictable and the expected has become unexpected, it is important to have a reliable connection to something greater than yourself. Many of us have been confined to our homes for nearly a year with few opportunities to go outside, let alone establish a connection to a cause. However, there is a cause that one can help while maintaining COVID-19 guidelines and minimally disrupting your daily routine—the environment.

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1. Eliminate Plastic Water Bottles Due to the pandemic, there has been an inevitable, inconsistent shortage of certain items necessary to survive (such as toilet paper and water). Amid the chaos, media outlets have reported that many people are stocking up on plastic water bottles. Early last year, it was described as “panic buying.” Tap water is cheaper and safer for the environment. Drinking tap water lessens the amount of plastic waste that ends up in landfills or the ocean every day.

ENVIRONMENT-FRIENDLY >> WAYS TO HELP

2. Buy Local Products COVID-19 hit small businesses hard. Even with relief programs and loans, small businesses struggle to keep their doors open. Instead of ordering products online to be shipped across the country or from abroad, buying from local businesses can help to reduce your carbon footprint. By reducing the amount of greenhouse gases produced, the community, local economy, and the environment reaps the many benefits.

3. Reduce Your Meat Consumption According to Greenpeace, the livestock sector accounts for 14% of greenhouse gas emissions and 80% of total anthropogenic land use. This contributes to the climate crisis and decreases biodiversity. Discover new recipes and challenge yourself with a goal to not eat meat for one to two days a week.

4. Plant Native Plants Isolation has been hard for everyone, but many have found solace in gardening. Planting native plant species helps to promote natural biodiversity and can even attract pollinators. This also improves the air quality, as more plants mean increased

absorption of carbon dioxide while promoting the release of oxygen into the air.

5. Unplug Unused Electronics Turning off your computer and television doesn’t stop them from consuming electricity. Even chargers not plugged into devices are consuming energy and raising your electric bill. Reducing power consumption lessens the amount of fuel needed to generate electricity and air pollution (greenhouse gases) released. Unplugging unused electronics is on of the simplest ways to save money and reduce your impact on the environment.

6. Review the Chemicals in Your Cleaning

Products

Many cleaning products contain toxic chemicals that can harm rivers and lakes. While wastewater treatment facilities remove most contaminants, some end up in rivers and damage sensitive freshwater systems. Check your cleaning products before you buy them to see what chemicals are being used.

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ENVIRONMENT-FRIENDLY >> WAYS TO HELP

7. Don’t Flush Disinfecting Wipes (Yes—Even the Flushable Ones) Disinfecting wipes don’t breakdown in the sewer system, so flushing them can cause damage to the system. It may even lead to larger plumbing issues in your home. Instead of flushing wipes, be sure to toss them into the garbage.

8. Donate or Become a Member of a Local Environmental Organization Environmental organizations work to make the world a better, more sustainable place for everyone to live in. However, to continue their work, they need support. Find local organizations—like Conservation Florida and Keep Alachua County Beautiful—where you can donate or volunteer.

9. Avoid Idling Your Car for More Than 1 Minute During the rare opportunities you have to leave your home during this pandemic, avoid idling your car for more than 60 seconds. According to the Environmental Defense Fund, for every 10 minutes your engine is off, you’ll prevent one pound of carbon dioxide from being released. Turn off your ignition if you plan to wait more than 10 seconds, as idling for just 10 seconds wastes more gas than restarting the engine.

10. Stop Using Makeup Wipes Makeups wipes create more waste that ends up in a landfill.

It takes years for makeup wipes to breakdown, as they’re made up of a combination of non-biodegradable materials. Chances are if you use makeup or baby wipes, there’s still makeup residue left behind. In the words of Rihanna, “I think it’s kind of a wrap for makeup wipes.”

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These 10 tips can help protect the environment more than you would think. It’s the small changes we commit to that truly make a big difference. Remember to implement these changes both during and after the pandemic. Celebrate Earth Day (April 22) by making it Earth month or Earth year. Before you know it, you’ll be looking back wondering why you didn’t start doing your part to help save the environment sooner.

ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRESS SINCE THE GLOBAL PANDEMIC BEGAN Despite the horrible events that have transpired due to and during the pandemic, one area that has tremendously benefited from the lockdown is the environment.

According to the scientific study “Science of the Total Environment” by Shefali Arora, Kanchan Bhaukhandi and Pankaj Mishra, worldwide there was a decrease in sewage and industrial effluents in rivers, the pH of rivers improved, and noise level was reduced up to 68%. Due to the halt of social and economic activities, air quality has improved in many large cities across the country. Pressing pause on daily activities that normally consume a lot of energy or produce a lot of waste has shown people what the environment could look like if they were a bit more conscious of their environmental impact.

It’s important to recognize that although these changes are postive, they are not sustainable. As the vaccine is distributed and steps are taken to return back to normal, the environment will revert to how it was before the pandemic began with all the environmental dangers returning with it. Let’s continue to do our part!

in

Our Town

GOOD THINGS HAPPEN WHEN YOU CELEBRATE KIND WORDS… The purpose of this special section is to build community, appreciation and hope. In the following pages you’ll find words of encouragement. These are testimonials from local people sharing what they love about the people and places that support our community and need your support.

We hope you’ll find some places you love, and encourage them too ;)

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Come on Get Happy and Welcome to the Family! It won’t take long to realize why our Places are special. It’s more than exceptional food and treats, and heartwarming treasures. From the moment you enter, you’re WELCOMED. As you depart, you’ll know you’re VALUED and APPRECIATED. In between, enjoy delicious authentic pizza, salads and desserts made with love, and scrumptious real Italian Ice, frozen custard and espresso that’s “next level” in taste and quality! Sample away, then MIX IT UP-whatever makes you happy!

“This is truly a “happy place”. I was blown away by the

kindness of the owners as well as the taste and quality of the custard and Italian ice. Make sure you check it out!” — Shelby Anderson

Come on Get Happy

My Happy Place/My Pizza Place On Main, LLC 14925/14933 Main Street Alachua, FL 32615 386-433-6272 | 386-462-0661

myhappyplaceonmain.com mypizzaplaceonmain.com

“Wow! This place blows any other Ice Cream (Custard) or Italian Ice place around out of the water!! This is no ordinary Ice Cream or Italian Ice. The flavors are

so rich and satisfying. The owners make your experience super enjoyable and you can tell they absolutely love what they sell...I promise you won’t be disappointed!” — Shauna Jones

“Phenomenal foods! Cooked perfectly every time and great options! My go to pizza place!”

— Spencer Colson

American Senior Benefits is dedicated to serving those in need of insurance, especially seniors. The choices their customers make are key life decisions and they work every day to help them find the right solutions at affordable prices. As a family-owned business, every time they help a customer make a decision that’s right for them, it makes them, our community and their organization, stronger. Built on relationships, American Senior Benefits adopts a “People First” philosophy and stands ready to help, in any way they can. Let our family protect your family.

“They are the best! Got me exactly what I needed, saved us money and I’m comfortable enough that I’ve referred many of my coworkers and friends.”

A “People First “ philosophy

— Dara Marino “We’ve been with P&L Financial going into our third year. Perry

P&L Financial Services, Inc. American Senior Benefits 5700 SW 34th St. Suite #106 | 352-745-7546

www.pandlfs.com

has always been informative, problem solving, reliable and accessible. We definitely consider him our friend.”

— Dennis & Lisa Kozak MARCH/APRIL 2021

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We are a family-owned business, originally from the coasts of Southern California, & brought our love for Mexican cuisine to the wonderful community of Newberry, Florida in 2013. We think you of, our patrons, as FAMILIA, & our goal is to always make you feel welcome and satisfied each time. We pride ourselves in the quality, freshness, & vibrant flavors of our food. Our meats are never frozen, and every meal is prepared fresh and made to order. From our fresh Pico de Gallo to our hand-smashed guacamole, you will savor the mouthwatering flavors.

“Always fresh, well prepared food. Warm hearted owners who stay involved. Great local joint, and the food truck is spotted all over.” — Bobby P. Freshness You Can Taste

“For the second time in a year, I arranged to have Nathan bring his food truck out to feed about 60 employees. Nathan is very nice, professional and does what he says he’s going to do.” — Paca S.

Cilantro Tacos 12921 SW 1 Rd, Newberry 352-472-1300 86 |

eatcilantrotacos.com

SHARE THE LOVE

MARCH/APRIL 2021

“First time here and I loved it! You can tell they really

take their time with the food and it’s great quality. I cannot wait to return! Thanks for the excellent food and service and I appreciate all your hard work during these times.” — Leslie B.

At Nature’s Pet Day Spa, we bring the world-class care and attention your pets deserve. Led by the award-winning coach and grooming expert Lisa Jordan, we’re a woman-owned, local business built on compassion and a commitment to excellence. By using natural products, we focus on your pet’s health. Add a caring atmosphere, and you’ve got a day spa you can trust with your pet’s happiness and well-being.

“I absolutely LOVE this salon! Their products are amazing too!” — Turi D. “I am very pleased for a first-timer and so is Goldie! I’m sure she can’t

The world-class care and attention your pets deserve

Nature’s Pet Day Spa 500 NW 60th St, Suite C 352-331-8681

naturepetsgrooming.com

wait for her next spa day with such wonderful people! A big thanks to everyone who works there.” — Angela V. “I’ve been taking my two dogs there for many years and have always been happy with the groomers — I’ve used a number of them, but especially love Ashley. They are wildly popular in Gainesville, so book early for an appointment.” — Vassiliki S. MARCH/APRIL 2021

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The Great Outdoors Restaurant specializes in hand-selected steaks, fresh seafood, signature entrée salads, homemade soups and desserts. It’s a perfect place to grab a cold, local craft beer after hitting the springs all day or for your family gathering. The amazing patio features luxurious outdoor seating with live music every Friday and Saturday night from some of the area’s best known bands. From craft cocktails to specialty desserts the Great Outdoors Restaurant invites you to make the short drive to High Springs.

“New owners & its great! We loved it before and still do! Great entertainment outside! Dining inside is pleasant too.

Great place to bring friends from out of town and to celebrate those special events!” — Shelley

Finally this place is back to rockin! Great service. Great food and drink. Great atmosphere. I can’t wait to be a regular since the music is

“I just moved here in Jan 2020. Then Covid hit.

Great Outdoors Restaurant 65 N Main St, High Springs 386-454-1288 88 |

GOhighsprings.com

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MARCH/APRIL 2021

now back! Love this place! So glad I move to High Springs. Come check this place out. You’ll love it!” — Randy

Looking for the freshest seafood? — The Ballyhoo Grill is the place for you! With fresh seafood arriving daily, Try the amazing North Atlantic Cedar Plank Salmon, grilled on a cedar plank for a rich, smoky flavor. Other great eats include fresh sushi and hand-cut choice steaks. We’re serving up everything from salads and pastas to delicious burgers and sandwiches. make sure you try the incredible Bananas Fosters. Dine in or outdoors on their patio. Happy hour is 2-7pm daily with extended happy hour until 9pm on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

“My boyfriend and I had a wonderful dinner here. Probably our new, favorite place to eat out. The

food was very delicious and they gave great proportions. They actually had some of the

best sushi I’ve had since being in Gainesville. My boyfriend loved his

Serving Gainesville since 1998

steak — very juicy, no fat, cooked perfectly and the meat really felt like it just fell apart in your mouth. It was that delicious! Very fast service when we went. Will definitely be back.” — Polly Hwu

Ballyhoo Grill 3700 Newberry Rd 352-373-0059

ballyhoogrill.com

“I love the staff. They are so friendly and helpful.

If you haven’t tried dining at Ballyhoo, you won’t be disappointed.”

— Thomas Pernice

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The mission of St. Francis House is to create new futures for families with children through permanent and stable housing. Our core values are Compassion, Dignity and Respect. There are over 2,000 homeless families in Florida. It’s estimated there are more than 200 homeless families in Alachua County. In 2020, St. Francis House helped 108 families and 159 children obtain permanent, stable housing. To view our 2020 Annual Report and learn more about our successes in 2020 email us at info@stfrancishousegnv.com!

“I came to St. Francis House for help. The case

Creating New Futures for Children and Families

St. Francis House, Inc. 413 South Main Street (352)-378-9079 90 |

stfrancishousegnv.com

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MARCH/APRIL 2021

managers were great. They helped me find a new job, enroll my 4 and 6 year olds in day care and school. They helped me find a new safe home for us. Two years later, I am now working on a military base, have full-time employment, full benefits, a beautiful home in a great neighborhood, and a new future– all thanks to St. Francis House.”

— Former Resident

“St. Francis changed my life forever. They gave me a place to live while I was homeless. They gave me food, clothing, everything I needed. Working with the case managers, I was able to find work, childcare, and build a future for my family. I have been employed fulltime and permanently housed for over 8 years and couldn’t have gotten here without the help of St. Francis House.” — Former Resident

A family owned local business with over 20 years of pawn broking experience; Pawn Pro offers their customers the best deals and the most money for their unwanted items. They take pride in offering top dollar for jewelry, broken jewelry, electronics, tools and much more. Available 6 days a week Chris strives to create a pleasant experience regardless of what you may be looking to buy or sell. Isn’t it time you got rid of some of those unwanted items? Let the Pawn Pros help!

“First rate service - Something for everyone - great prices, great service, friendly and family driven definitely the raiser of standards and the breaker of the stereotypical mold - not your typical pawnshop - friendly and family oriented. Be

Hometown Local Business

Pawn Pro, LLC 25040 W. Newberry Road, Newberry 352-327-9067

pawnprollc.com

expected to be impressed!” — Jay M.

“I’ve been a customer for 15 years, YES 15 years and never a regret, always treated well, you can’t find better deals and the owner goes above and beyond on every transaction.” — John C.

“Great place. Very helpful and knowledgeable staff.

Chris is sincere and a real professional” — Bill M.

Gentle Dental Care has been a leader in the Gainesville dental community since 1978. They take great satisfaction in helping you maintain optimal dental health. Devoted to comprehensive and preventive patient care, the staff at Gentle Dental Care believe their patients should have as much information as possible in order to make important, informed decisions regarding their dental health and treatment options. The most important member of their team will always be you! Stop by today and meet the family at Gentle Dental Care.

“Dr. Webb will treat you like family.” — Rod S. Your health and safety are our greatest concerns!

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

— Tony M.

Gentle Dental Care 3655 SW 2nd Avenue 352-378-2555 92 |

GainesvilleDentist.com

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MARCH/APRIL 2021

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

Our mission at Eden Michele Salon is to customize each guest’s experience and create a paradise that works for them—whether they’re looking for a respite from the day-to-day of the crazy world or are just looking to switch things up with an Aveda-exclusive salon, our team of stylists strives to exceed the expectation of every guest, every visit. Eden Michele salon is proud to align ourselves with the Aveda mission. We emphasize self-care and wellness for our clients—we don’t just want you to look your best, we want you to feel your best too.

“Eden Michele is a place of pure serenity! It’s amazing how they take on modern feel and add touches of tranquility throughout

An Aveda-Exclusive Salon

the facility.” — Cordi C. “Very cool, friendly atmosphere. Staff goes out of their way to make you

Eden Michele Salon Thornbrook Village - Suite 2B 352-888-7528

edenmichelesalon.com

feel at home. I

ended up getting one of the best haircuts of my life so far there. A number of services are offered and I absolutely would recommend to anyone.” — Emily B.

MARCH/APRIL 2021

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Little Pine Pediatrics consists of experienced, compassionate pediatricians and friendly, nurturing staff members who take pride in giving their young patients the personalized pediatric care they deserve. They look forward to showing you how they differ from other practices. All of their providers are highly educated professionals who have undergone rigorous academic and clinical training in pediatrics. Little Pine believes in a team approach to your child’s health and well being which allows the doctors to collaborate with parents to provide the highest level of care.

“Wonderful staff! they treated my son like he was their own. They’ll work with you for even same day appointment… I have not one negative thing to say.” — Kellye G.

Lifelong Partners in Your Child’s Health

Little Pine Pediatrics 15551 NW Hwy 441 Suite 40, Alachua 386-518-0102 94 |

littlepinepediatrics.com

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“Everything was perfect. The staff were amazing, so nice. The doctor was so sweet to my girls, and I felt that he was extremely knowledgeable “and did not leave out a single detail. The nurse was very kind and welcoming. You could tell that this is a great place! Loved our visit!” — Tonya D.

25 years ago, Tomlinson Motor Company opened the doors with the idea of creating a “car buying experience the way it should be”. TMC has a long-term, knowledgeable, non-commissioned staff who has been essential in the dealership’s success. The same philosophy applies to their Service Department. Tomlinson Motor Company’s experienced mechanics are ASE Certified and work on all makes and models. Not only does it inspect and certify all Tomlinson Motor Company’s inventory, it provides a fair and friendly place for all of their customers’ automotive needs.

“We have been taking our cars to be serviced at Tomlinson Motor Service Department for years. Always

MOTOR COMPANY Car buying the way it should be!

Tomlinson Motor Company 3580 N. Main St. Gainesville, FL 32609 352-373-6851 (service) | 352-500-AUTO (sales)

tomlinsonmotorco.com

very satisfied with the service and results. They are knowledgeable , friendly and with competitive price. I strongly recommend Tomlinson service dept.” — TerZa Real Estate “Shopping a new vehicle durning this Pandemic is really scary, but with Tomlinson Motor Co. they went above and beyond in making us feel safe! They met us with masks, they wiped the cars down for us that we were interested in, and gave us an Amazing trade in value! They have really nice low milage vehicles in Great condition!! You won’t

believe how helpful they are with No pressure to buy.” — N. VanWilder MARCH/APRIL 2021

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UrgentVet is the first dedicated urgent care clinic for pets. Founded to fill the gap between your regular vet & the vet ER, we take care of illnesses & injuries that require immediate attention – but aren’t serious enough to warrant an expensive trip to a 24-hour ER. Thousands of pet parents have trusted UrgentVet to care for their furry family members. Our compassionate, Fear-Free Certified staff is here for YOU!

Affordable • Trusted • Convenient • Open 365 days a year

Your Pet Can’t Wait To Feel Better!

UrgentVet Gainesville 2680 Clark Butler Blvd. Gainesville 32608 352-374-0040 96 |

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UrgentVet.com MARCH/APRIL 2021

“This was our first time coming here with our dog. They saved his life.

Jen helped us more than what we expected. All of the staff was wonderful and made him comfortable while they helped him. Gave me the best advice and care. Once he is better after surgery we are going back to say a big thank you. Would highly recommend this place for anyone! Thank you again for saving my dog Frisco!” — Alicia Brown

“I’m so thankful for UrgentVet. My poor dog had some

issues this morning and they were able to get her in on a Sunday and took extremely good care of her. My dog is back home and feeling much better due to their quick response. I will continue to take my dog here.

Thank you so much for loving on my little girl.” — Chelsea M.

The Fiesta Media is a Live Streaming Agency that focuses on producing podcasts, talk shows and any type of Live Streaming Event. Founded by entertainer & entrepreneur Elio Piedra and sponsored by Jorge Villalobos from The Best Restoration & Sharp D-Signs, The Fiesta Media collaborates with our area’s most remarkable businesses to create original content. With more than 10 area podcasts now in production, Elio and his team work to bring our community together and provide value to clients looking to boost their business in this new age of digital marketing.

“Our experience with Fiesta Media has been incredible. Our weekly podcast with Elio has really increased our Facebook numbers and we have more people interested in what we do.”

Boosting brands around the world

The Fiesta Media A Full Podcast Production Company 352-327-5089

TheFiestaMedia.com

— Kristen Rabell & Rebecca Johnson

“Working with Elio and his team at Fiesta Media has been absolutely phenomenal. I needed someone who could not only produce great work, but be on top of things, and he’s done just that!” — Purdeep Sangha MARCH/APRIL 2021

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Our Goal at Bangkok Square Restaurant is to be a place where you always know you will get the best authentic fine Thai cuisine. We feature a cozy dining room with soothing warm tones and comfortable furnishings. You will enjoy a relaxing and pleasant atmosphere while indulging in our delicious selections. We enjoy sharing the most fragrant, interesting and flavorful dishes from all over Thailand. Our mission is not only to offer delectable food, but to also offer friendly, efficient service because our visitors satisfaction is paramount.

“We love this place! The food is delicious, especially the steamed dumplings! The staff is so sweet and the atmosphere is warm and inviting. My family can’t get enough.”

— Nancy S.

Family-Owned Serving the Best Authentic Thai Cuisine

Bangkok Square 2 locations | 8181 NW 38th Ln. | 6500 SW Archer Rd. 352-375-4488 Archer | 352-672-6969 39th Ave. 98 |

bangkoksquarefl.com

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“Best Thai restaurant in Gainesville. They have a plenty of options for vegetarians/vegans too. Their Thai hot spice level is great for my Indian taste buds. Great service.” — Himanshu V. “Excellent flavor. Crispy tofu salad was amazing. Sticky rice with mango was delicious. Friendly waiter who explained the menu well and a decent amount of vegan options!” — Sri G.

We’re a credit union, a not-for-profit financial institution proudly serving our community and members for over 60 years. With all the choices out there, why pick Radiant Credit Union? YOU OWN US. Our members aren’t just customers, they’re owners. This means when you join Radiant Credit Union, you get a voice in how we do business. As a not-for-profit cooperative, we return our profits to our member-owners in the form of better rates, lower fees, a higher return on deposits, and personalized service. Join us today and start enjoying the benefits of membership.

“Today with the help of my Credit Union, I was able to help a lot of great people. And if you are looking for a great place to do your banking, check out Radiant Credit Union.

Thanks to Radiant Credit Union!” — A Very Happy Member

Radiant Credit Union 10 local branches 352-381-5200

www.RadiantCU.org

“I am so happy and proud to have businesses like you in our community who give so much back. In the last couple of years, your generosity has been amazing, and you have helped so many children and other worthy causes. So, from the bottom of my heart, thank you!” — Jordan M. MARCH/APRIL 2021

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Crafty’s is “NW Gainesville’s Best Kept Secret.” Crafty’s reputation is de-fined on the creativity of every dish including, crispy naked wings, 1/2 pound all Angus burgers, real shepherd’s pie, fresh beer battered fish n’ chips, and an amazing selection of what may just be your “new favorite” appetizers and handhelds. If you love your Happy Hours, Crafty’s has quite arguably-the BEST happy hours in town. Monday’s the BEST All You Can Eat Wings (kids eat free), Tuesday Trivia, Wednesday, Karaoke, and Live musician Thursday, Friday, and Saturdays.

“Crafty’s is becoming a regular stop for me. Their beer on tap selection is huge! They also have great food, burgers, and wings. Super friendly staff and next door is their Bottle

Your Neighborhood Craft Beer Restaurant and Pub

Crafy Bastards Craft Beer & Bottle Shop 4860 NW 39th Ave. Magnolia Parke 352-872-5970 100 |

www.TheCraftyBastards.com

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MARCH/APRIL 2021

Shop with a huge variety of beers for purchase! Can’t beat that! 5 stars!”

— C. Bobowiec

“Great food (especially the sweet potato fries), nice atmosphere, speedy and efficient service, and everything served with a smile. The back room is a great place for a meeting, too.” — F. Capone

At Celebrate Primary Care we offer affordable and personal health care. We are a direct primary care medical practice serving businesses and individuals with offices in Gainesville and Alachua. Ultimately, that means you or your employees get excellent medical care, when you need it, without having to jump through the hoops of a traditional medical practice. Because we have taken insurance companies out of the primary care equation, costs come down. Imagine a healthcare provider that knows you, and is only an email or text away.

“I love that I will have direct access to my provider (phone, text, messenger and email) and won’t have to wait days or weeks to be seen. I’ll keep my health A Personal Relationship with your Medical Provider

Celebrate Primary Care Gainesville (352) 474-8686 | Alachua (386) 518-0200

celebrateprimarycare.com

insurance for emergency care and specialists, but financially this just makes sense. If you’re looking for something better, you should definitely check this place out!” — Monica S. “I just had a patient who is a patient at Celebrate Primary Care, she just went on and on about what an amazing amazing practice y’all have! She’s never experienced such personalized medical care. You are doing great things for people!” — Courtney G. MARCH/APRIL 2021

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Fabulous Faces Entertainment is North Central Florida’s leading family entertainment & balloon décor provider. We offer professional high quality airbrush face painting, balloon twisting and activity stations for all of your family oriented entertainment needs. From corporate events to small family gatherings and everything in between let our talented team of artists turn your special day into an event to remember. We would love to help you celebrate your special occasions in a big way with our fabulous front door deliveries and yard card greeting installations.

“A truly FABULOUS company to work with!! I’ve had the pleasure of ordering balloons on several occasions and each time they have exceeded our expectations!!!! I highly recommend them as a way to make your event even more celebratory and fun!! I look forward

Delivering Smiles Everywhere We Go

to using them again!!” — J.Martin

“Fabulous Faces is AMAZING! If you are looking for true Fabulous Faces Entertainment & Decor Serving Gainesville since 2012 352-231-4600

fabulousfacesentertainment.com

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professionals to do face painting, balloon twisting and more I highly recommend them. We used FF on many occasions and they always exceeded our expectations. The owner, Lynda is an amazing person, as well.” — T. Jenkins

What if your home was filled with beautiful memories of those you love most? Museum-quality art, custom books, and matted prints that tell the story of your family in a way that can be held, enjoyed, and passed on for years to come. When you book a portrait with Adrienne Fletcher Photography, you’re booking a full-service experience that will not only help you plan and capture precious family moments but also ensure that you get them printed and installed in your home so that you can enjoy them in a way that truly makes a house a home.

“We had a fantastic time working with Adrienne!

She paid close attention to detail and managed to capture the essence of who we are in this season of life. Cannot wait to work with her again!!”

Weddings. Portraits. Life.

Adrienne Fletcher Photography Call for appointment 352-514-7277

adriennefletcher.com

— Zakiya Smith-Dore

“Adrienne is extremely helpful, prompt, and professional. Working with her you can tell she is very experienced and knows her way around the lens. She

helped us elevate our Family business and we at Cilantro Tacos could not ask for a better photographer! Thank you Adrienne ” — Nate Meth MARCH/APRIL 2021

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Aaron Vurgason Electric and Automation, Newberry, Florida is a licensed residential and commercial electrical contractor serving North and Central Florida. We handle all types of electrical jobs and custom-install automation systems for lighting, blinds, appliances, security, audio-visual equipment, pools, Jacuzzis, surge protectors , generators and more. We make your home or business safe, elegant, and easy to use.

“Aaron Vurgason Electric worked tirelessly to help our business come into compliance with local building officials, installed new commercial electric services, helped with countless internet issues, was responsible for installing portions of and maintaining our

Making Connections for Life

Aaron Vurgason Electric & Automation PO Box 1041 Newberry, FL 32669 352-363-8875 104 |

www.aaronv.com

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Aaron is honest, hard working and always available.” — Teresa Fuller

private electric lines, among other things.

“Aaron has been our go to electrician for the last 6 years. He has handled many different types of jobs for us over that time ranging from complex electrical repairs and wiring jobs to home automation and networking solutions. He is on time, competent and professional.

We continue to use his services as needed and would reccomend him with no hesitation or reservations.” — Virginia Day

No matter what your taste buds are craving, you’ll find classic meal favorites and organic vegan options- Fresh and made to order, including the full menu of unique craft cocktails, beer and wines. Then “swing a club” at the Pink Flamingo “water-featured” Mini Golf course located just out back. Whether you relax outside at the Flamingo bar or watch others play the 18 hole course, the entire family is invited to come spend the day.

There’s something for everyone! Follow the flock to the Pink Flamingo Diner and Mini Golf in historic High Springs.

“Excellent food! The revitalized inside is fantastic!

The staff were incredibly gracious and engaging. Such a great energy here, and I’m glad this is in High Springs.” — Eric

A unique “destination” Diner experience for the whole family

Pink Flamingo Diner 19726 US 441, High Springs, FL 32643 386-454-5775

PinkFlamingoDiner.com

“My husband and I came in for lunch today and really enjoyed it! He got the High Springs Heaping and I got the California Chicken. I liked getting the mixture of French fries and fried pickles with my sandwich.

(Mine would’ve been killer with bacon added *hint hint*.) Service

was great and the restaurant looks so nice after the remodel. Good job, we’ll be back!” — Tiffany MARCH/APRIL 2021

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Gainesville Direct Primary Care Physicians is the first physician owned and operated Direct Primary Care Practice in North central Florida. It was founded by two family physicians, Dr. Cotter and Dr. Tyndall-Smith. Their passion led them to start a medical practice with the core mission of returning the patient experience to one where the doctor-patient relationship is the focus. The vision is for a practice where the physicians are accessible at a reasonable transparent price and are able to spend meaningful time with their patients to listen to their needs and concerns.

This practice is unbelievable. They were an answer to my prayers for affordable healthcare for my 2 kids. Dr. Tyndall-Smith was superb! She spent over two hours with my kids and answered all of our questions. I would not hesitate to recommend her to anyone! — D. Davis

You’re our patient. We’re your doctors.

It’s that simple.

Gainesville Direct Primary Care Physicians 212 NW 135th Way, Suite 20, Newberry 352-204-0120 106 |

GainesvilleDPCMD.com

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MARCH/APRIL 2021

If you’re looking for a doctor’s office that is focused on exceptional patient care, I highly recommend Gainesville DPC Physicians! From the moment you walk

through the front door, you are welcomed with a smile and everyone knows you by name. Everyone that works there is AMAZING and I have never before had an experience at a doctor’s office like I do every time that I go there. — J & R Cook

Here at Tacos Volcan, you and your family can enjoy fresh, Mexican cuisine created with only the finest ingredients. Owned by the Reigning Iron Chef Champion, Chef Nestor Espartero, of the Taste of the Greater Gainesville for (3) consecutive years (2017,2018,2019) and still counting! This is where quality meets freshness. This Tex-mex restaurant thrives to provide the best. We have a passion for making fresh and flavorful tacos, nachos and handcrafted dishes with fresh ingredients and time-tested recipes. Small or large catering we can accommodate them all!

“My second time eating here and the food is delicious! Huge portions, a great variety and the best part ITS FRESH. The staff is friendly and provide excellent service! I would highly

The tastiest tacos and nachos

recommend!” — N. VanKampen

“One of the best tacos I’ve ever had.

Tacos Volcan 5141 Sw 91St Way Ste. I-101, Gainesville 352-554-5666

www.tacosvolcan.com

The steak and

chicken was delecious. My tacos had fresh ingredients, they don’t make it salty but it’s still flavorful . I loved it. Definitely will be coming back!”

— LeeAnn H. MARCH/APRIL 2021

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Come see why so many people love the Copper Monkey. We are known for providing legendary burgers and delicious food in a casual dining setting. If you missed legendary burgers like The Monkey’s Uncle, The Ranch Burger and the Orange and Blue Burger, your wait is over. These are just a few examples of why we have been voted “Our Town’s Favorite Burger”. Open for both lunch and dinner, Copper Monkey is always here for that cold beer after work or to meet up with friends and family for an evening of wonderful memories, just like old times!

“Friendly service with an excellent variety of food.

The burgers are fantastic and on special every Monday night! Family friendly, country atmosphere makes this place an easy local gem!” — J. Cucchiara

Your wait is over — our legendary burgers are back!

Copper Monkey West 14209 W Newberry Rd, Jonesville 352-363-6338 108 |

mycoppermonkey.com

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“The food and bar staff are the best!! My

go to spot for cold

drinks and great appetizers. Burgers and soup are always great.” — Denise Rose

“I am so happy to have this restaurant in Jonesville! I frequent here often with my family as well as business meetings for lunch. Friendly and efficient staff. Great food with plenty of choices.” — Nancy Short

Mini Maid is here to help you take one more task off your to-do list! With more than 25 years of professional cleaning experience serving Gainesville, Alachua, Town of Tioga, Haile Plantation, Newberry, High Springs, Micanopy and Melrose, Mini Maid can handle all of your home and office cleaning needs - with a level of efficiency and expertise that’s second to none. Mini Maid uses eco-friendly cleaning products and guarantees your satisfaction! Contact us today to take advantage of our offer: $30 Off Your First Two Cleanings (New customers only.)

“Mini maid has cleaned out several of the properties that I

manage. They are always professional, thorough and

willing to go above and beyond!” — A. Stickland

Trust, services and hard work since 1994

“It has been an absolute pleasure having Mini Maid clean our home each week. As a business owner, I am definitely guilty of letting my at-home duties slide. I finally made

Mini Maid Serving Gainesville and the surrounding areas 352.374.4141

www.minimaidgainesville.com

the decision to have Mini Maid clean our home and I have never been happier. The attention to details is so great. Carol, the owner, has been so wonderful to work with. If you have any need for cleaning services, and need more hours in your day like I do, then I cannot recommend Mini Maid enough!” — B. Marhefka

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The End. Or is it really just the beginning?

Now it’s up to you to say something nice or share a positive experience.

We encourage you to take a moment and tell us what you love about these or other local businesses. Words matter – and what we say can have a meaningful impact.

Share The Love by posting on our Facebook page and telling us more about the people and places you LOVE. Love on!

This special section was brought to you by Our Town Magazine and Adrienne Fletcher Photography.

in

Our Town

PUBLISHER’S NOTICE: Our Town does not endorse any business, product, place or service. Nor does the content of this publication intend to do so, but rather is for your entertainment and informational use. The content used in this publication was collected through various online and offline sources. We have not independently verified any of the claims made in this publication and have no liability for the completeness, accuracy or fitness of any of the information. That means you are solely responsible for verifying any claims. ©2019 Tower Publications, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

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GET YOUR CARD TODAY! WALK-INS WELCOME

Medical

Marijuana

Medical marijuana treats over 250 medical conditions. It has been used worldwide for hundreds of years to treat pain and anxiety.

CALL TODAY FOR A FREE EVALUATION! Get your marijuana license fast & easy.

Open 9am - 5pm Mon-Fri.

2727 NW 6th St • Gainesville

352-306-0220 Medical marijuana is available in Florida; however, it remains illegal under federal law. LICENSE #OS8874

NOW ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS

Alliance Pediatrics, P.A. CALL TO REGISTER TODAY

Proud to accept UF Gator Care, Florida Blue & most major insurances.

4627 NW 53rd Avenue • Gainesville, FL 32653

Located behind the Hunters Crossing Shopping Center

352-335-8888 phone 352-335-9427 fax Visit us online:

www.MyAlliancePediatrics.com

LAWN MOWER SALES & SERVICE ON MOST MAKES & MODELS

HOURS (NOV-DEC) M-F: 8am - 5pm SAT: 8am - 12pm

• Lawn Mowers • Riding Tractors • Blowers & Edgers • Trimmers & Tillers • Pressure Washers

• Generators • Chainsaws • Log Splitters • Chain & Blade Sharpening

386-462-2882 PICK-UP & DELIVERY SERVICE AVAILABLE

Ask us about FINANCING!

www.jackssmallenginerepaironline.com 16530 NW US HWY 441 • ALACHUA 1.3 MILES WEST OF I-75

SPRING BASEBALL

LEAGUE

T-Ball, Machine Pitch, Kid Pitch

Ages: 4-12

March thru May @ Jonesville Park

www.gatorballtraining.com

MARCH/APRIL 2021

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

The Radiant Community Foundation, Inc. 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. Radiant Credit Union started the program in 2013, but has turned over administration of the program to the foundation, with Radial 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 Radiant 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.

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

$

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500 RANDOM CHARITY SPONSOR

$

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

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

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

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

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

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

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MARCH/APRIL 2021

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:

https://www.facebook.com/RadiantCU and click on “Charity of the Month”

CONG R ATUL ATION S! DECEMBER 2020 WINNER

JANUARY 2021 WINNER

Springridge First Church of God Youth Pantry

Ambassadors of Nature

The winner of the December Charity of the Month is Springridge First Church of God Youth Food Pantry.

They will receive $1,000. Susan Maragoni will win $300 for nominating them. The random charity, Strong Roots Movement, will win $500 and the random voter Merina Ingram will get $100.

The winner of the January Charity of the Month is Sunrise Wildlife Rehabilitation. They will receive $1,000.

Nan Soistman will win $300 for nominating them. The random charity, Ambassadors of Nature, will win $500 and the random voter Brenda Floyd will get $100.

COMMUNITY PARTNERS >> CHARITY OF THE MONTH

CH A RIT Y OF THE MONTH WINNER S

A project of the Radiant Community Foundation, Inc. Presented by Radiant Credit Union and Our Town Family of Magazines

MARCH/APRIL 2021

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A COLORFUL YARD >> FLOWERS & FOLIAGE

NATURE’S COLORS

Palette of Plants Color Your World Year-Round with Flowers, Foliage and Fun! W RIT TE N BY M A RY WOOD BRIDG M A N

G

rowing up in Gainesville during the ‘70s, I always looked forward to the arrival of spring—a feast for the senses. Its heralds were subtle—before tender green shoots emerged to adorn forests denuded by winter, tiny white buds burst open on delicate branches of wild plum, followed by brilliant lilac boughs of redbud. Banks of colorful, sweet-smelling azaleas blanketed the city, perfumed the air, and attracted a symphony of droning bumble bees. Young dogwood trees marched like sentinels in the tree-lawn bordering Eighth Avenue, from NW 34th Street to NW 23rd Street, covered in creamy white blossoms. Citrus trees bloomed, releasing a heavenly sweet scent. Pale pink and deep purple Japanese magnolia flowers leant an exotic air to the scene, petals carpeting the ground, evoking the mysteries of Asian gardens.

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A COLORFUL YARD >> FLOWERS & FOLIAGE

Crape Myrtle Wisdom: The best way to be sure of the color your bloom will be is to buy a plant that has blooms on it. It doesn’t matter what the label says, you can always end up with a color that clashes with your carefully selected palette.

Paradise on earth? Not quite. I learned quickly enough that the glories of spring—particularly in our warm climate—are all too brief. A couple of weeks, and the riotous colors of spring disappear as we brace ourselves for another scorching Florida summer. In no time at all, we’re praying for rain and a puff of cool air. If that isn’t bad enough, our yards and gardens can devolve into gray-green or brown wastelands during the hot and cold extremes of summer, fall, and winter. But here’s the good news—with a little planning and effort, we can have color, scent and sound all year long.

Summer can be one of the most challenging seasons for introducing bright color into the landscape. Many annuals can’t take the Florida heat, although the Vinca (or periwinkle) survives like a champ. Newer cultivars offer a wider range of color than traditional white and purple—pink, red, and peach.

One of my favorite options for summer color is the venerable crape myrtle, which likewise offers many colorful options, including white, lavender, red, and pink. My favorite, like my mother’s, is a deep pink color she called “watermelon.” A note of caution—the best way to be sure what the color of your bloom will be is to buy a plant that has blooms on it. It doesn’t matter what the label says, you can always end up with a color that clashes with your carefully selected palette. Another note of caution is to be sure you know how big your tree will grow—there are 116 |

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varieties that will grow into good size trees, and dwarf varieties that will not—although even dwarf varieties can get carried away with the encouragement of Florida rain and sunshine. The University of Florida offers an informative publication with lots of helpful material about crape myrtle care and cultivars: edis. ifas.ufl.edu/mg266.

Crape myrtle offers other seasonal benefits. While blooming in the summer, it may reflower if spent blossoms are clipped off. In addition, its leaves will turn a lovely yellow orange in late fall or early winter, and after defoliation, the bare tree has a pleasing, almost sculptural quality—if you don’t commit “crape murder”—overzealous pruning can ruin the shape. All that is needed is a light prune, taking care to remove spent blossoms, as well as dead, diseased, or crossing limbs. More information about crape myrtle pruning can be found at: edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ ep399.

Spring and summer are not the only seasons for flowering. My favorite autumn-flowering tree is the cassia, commonly known as the golden shower tree (pictured on pg.115). I’ve had mine for several years and enjoy its prolific yellow blossoms when the plumbago and bush daisies I planted nearby have finished flowering. In winter, I look forward to the showy blossoms of my camellias, which make excellent cut flowers for indoors as well.

and remove the shovel. It doesn’t hurt to throw out a little fertilizer and mulch, but it’s not absolutely necessary. More detailed information on the care of poinsettias, both potted and landscape, may be found at: edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ep349.

I planted my cuttings in rows surrounding my shell gingers, and the results were spectacular. I pinched them back one or two times before September, so the plants wouldn’t get too leggy. I was rewarded with lots of bright red color, forming a nice contrast to the green and cream foliage of the ginger plants. Best of all, the colorful bracts attracted lots of pollinators, butterflies and bees, including a delightful abundance of Zebra Longwings, the state butterfly of Florida.

Another red favorite is the pinecone ginger. I’ve never seen these in a garden center—mine are descended from plants that belonged to my mother. A quick internet search revealed they are readily available for sale online. The plants sprout from rhizomes during spring and send up stalks of green pinecone-shaped floral heads that are actually bracts or modified leaves. Small white flowers emerge between the scales of the pinecones by summer. By early fall, after flowers shed, the pinecones begin to turn red. They make wonderfully long-lasting cut flowers. This ginger is sometimes called the shampoo ginger because soapy fluid—sometimes used as an ingredient in shampoo—can be squeezed from the pinecone heads. A friend told me the bracts would last longer after cutting if the fluid was squeezed from the head. I tried it but didn’t notice any difference.

Berries are an often-overlooked option for adding both color and sound to the winter landscape, having the added benefit of attracting songbirds. Last year, my pyracantha berries were wiped out in a single afternoon by a flock of ravenous robins.

However, the birds’ cheerful presence more than made up for the loss, and I was happy to have supplied a meal to help them along on their migratory journey. My landscape also features a couple of Florida holly trees, which are also attractive to birds.

Best of all, I can enjoy their color inside, clipping branches to adorn my Christmas table.

With springtime in full swing, the burst of April flowers needn’t foreshadow a drab, colorless summer, autumn, or winter.

With a little planning, you can color your world with beautiful garden sights, scents, and sounds all year long.

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A COLORFUL YARD >> FLOWERS & FOLIAGE

Foliage is an often-overlooked option for adding color to the landscape. Many folks (particularly those from “up North”) have the mistaken idea that red, orange, and yellow autumn leaves cannot be found in our section of Florida. That’s not true—although traditional fall colors may appear a bit later here, closer to Christmas. Many is the time I’ve not gotten a glimpse of fall until well into December. Hickories turn bright yellow; sweet gum, a lovely shade of orange; and dogwood a rich, dark red. The petite Japanese maple, a more exotic choice, offers feathery leaves of burnt sienna.

Autumn is not the only season when foliage can supply a pop of color. Many plants have variegated leaves. A particular favorite of mine is the shell ginger, light green leaves with creamy white striations. Its bloom forms on stalks and resembles cascades of tiny seashells—hence the name. The fruit is interesting too, shaped somewhat like miniature pomegranates, but not edible.

More information about shell gingers is available at: edis.ifas. ufl.edu/pdffiles/FP/FP03600.pdf.

Lots of shrubs and ground cover offer purple or red foliage, and being perennials, will take you through all four seasons.

Purple queen is a good choice for ground cover, preferring shady areas. I’ve also had good luck with Alternanthera, or purple knight. When it gets too leggy, you can prune it and plant the cuttings directly into the soil—no advance rooting needed.

For bursts of red color, nothing beats the poinsettia.

Poinsettias can do quite well in the landscape, growing to staggering heights (some of mine tower over our roofline), but they are tropical plants, which originated in Mexico, and they are not cold tolerant. To me, they are worth the risk, especially if winter is mild and frost doesn’t hit until after Christmas.

In October, the plants typically begin to show their red color, which is actually not part of the flower. The real flowers—what gets pollinated—are tiny cup-like capsules of greenish yellow clustered inside the circle of red, pink, or white bracts.

The year before last, my poinsettias did quite well, surviving throughout winter due to a lack of frost. Consequently, I had lots of cuttings to set out when I pruned the plants last spring. No special preparation is required—just cut stalks into lengths of 12 to 18 inches (I think a diagonal cut is best) and stick them in the ground. Cuttings can be planted without digging a hole—just jab a shovel into the earth, place the sticks upright in the cut,

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PARADISE PARK >> A CO-WORKING SPACE

CO-WORK SPACE

Paradise Park A Passion Project W R I T T E N B Y A L E X A S A U VA G E R E

O

ne day, while scrolling through the social media rabbit hole known as Instagram, Jasmine Jones, 33, stumbled upon a page dedicated to providing historical information about Black people. A particular post caught her eye. In it, four Black women smiled into the camera, dressed in debutante style dresses. Behind them, a sign read: “Paradise Park: For Colored People.” From the caption, Jones learned that the picture was taken in High Springs, not too far away from Gainesville.

In that caption, she had immediately discovered the perfect name for her passion project. To her, this picture embodied everything she wanted her co-work space to become—a place to work, grow, and thrive.

“What really caught my eye about that picture is that these women thought it not robbery to—even in the times of separation—still look good, dress good, and be of good nature,” Jones said.

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PARADISE PARK >> A CO-WORKING SPACE

Open Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., the space offers people three different membership options: daily, two-day, or monthly. Paradise Park also offers a variety of amenities to meet essential business needs. All members have access to a café area, high-speed internet, printing and scanning options, and even free parking.

When Jones first imagined Paradise Park, it was only an idea. Seven years later, she has seen her vision come to life.

The concept of co-work spaces was not foreign to Jones or the rest of the globe, for that matter. They are essentially shared workspaces, offering affordable office space for those looking to escape the isolation of a home office or coffee shop. The United States alone boasts over 5,000 of these kinds of spaces, while the world holds 19,000. One distinct quality, however, is what made Jones’ idea novel: the location.

Jones (the founder of J. Jones Enterprises, a consulting business) became the first Black woman to open a co-work space in Gainesville. Paradise Park provides Black creators and professionals the opportunity to branch out and further develop their business ventures through a shared office space. Though Jones notes that her place does not exclude anyone, she does make it clear that she intends for Paradise Park to become a

safe space for Black people.

“Most co-work spaces were very geared towards city, urban, or an inner-city type of atmosphere,” Jones said. “I wanted to see if something that was built for a city could work in a town.

I personally believed it could.”

Open Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., the space offers people three different membership options: daily, two-day, or monthly. The daily membership is ideal for someone who simply wants to work on a project for a couple of hours.

Let’s say you try to work at a local café, but all the seats are filled. Paradise Park has the problem solved, with a daily rate of about $2 an hour. Higher up on the tier is the two-day pass option. With it, members have access to two full 8-hour days of work. Lastly, monthly members—as the name suggests—benefit from unlimited access to the space for four weeks.

Jones’ favorite aspect of Paradise Park lies in the layout of

“I could break the bank and charge people an outrageous amount of money, but that’s not what I’m in it for,” Jones said. “I’m here for the community.”

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the space. Outside, members can soak up some vitamin D on the patio. On the inside, the first half of the workspace targets static workers that need a fixed desk. The second half of the space caters more to kinesthetic workers, as this area incorporates moveable furniture. Though Jones is more of a static worker, she said she loves the kinesthetic area because nothing has to stay the same.

It also helps in arranging the space for when people choose to host events. Even though Paradise Park closes its doors to members at 5 p.m., people can still rent out the space during the evenings and on the weekends.

Paradise Park offers a variety of amenities to meet essential business needs. All members have access to a café area, high-speed internet, printing and scanning options, and even free parking.

Feeling hungry? Members can walk around the corner for a bite at the bodega that the space partners with. In addition to the included amenities, monthly members have access to a designated workspace that only they can use. Another important aspect: the affordable price. Paradise Park charges only a fraction of the cost of a traditional workspace and provides discounts for guests of members.

“I could break the bank and charge people an outrageous amount of money, but that’s not what I’m in it for,” Jones said.

“I’m here for the community.”

Born in St. Petersburg, Jones undoubtedly calls herself a Florida girl. She said she lives and breathes for the beach.

PARADISE PARK >> A CO-WORKING SPACE

Despite the pandemic, Jones managed to build a business and host a grand opening. In addition, the full scope of the co-workspace already incorporated a layout fit for social distancing. Every table and every desk stand against the wall at more than six feet apart to align with the distance of each individual outlet. “It just so happened that Paradise Park was COVID-proof before I knew COVID happened,” Jones said.

She would routinely come to Gainesville as a child, as seven of her grandmother’s 12 brothers and sisters lived in the area.

Eventually, she attended the University of Florida’s College of Journalism and Communications for her undergraduate degree.

For her, Gainesville and the surrounding areas have always been home.

After receiving her bachelor’s in telecommunications management with a concentration in business administration, she went on to earn a master’s in organizational leadership at Southern New Hampshire University. She also recently acquired a certificate in women’s entrepreneurship from Cornell University.

“Paradise Park means—to me—a progress of evolution,” Jones said.

“This is a manifestation of all good things done in the past brought to the future.”

Jones underwent a lot of backhand work to push the co-work space off the ground. She spent time visiting established spaces, seeing what amenities they offered, and gauging how they operated. There were a lot of questions that went into the process, especially since she wanted to bring this outside of an urban area. Throughout all the research and planning, Jones worked a normal nine-to-five job. She owned her own business and served as a business consultant for years. Finally, after years of preparation, Jones found a rental location in 2019.

The work did not end there, but rather seemed to have only just begun. Jones started working on the project consistently.

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First, she signed the lease for the location. Then came the tasks of finding community partners and contributing vendors, among a list of other responsibilities. Furthermore, since the initial space wasn’t in the best condition, the location had to undergo a complete renovation—all the way from the walls down to the floors.

“COVID-19 stopped the world,” Jones said, “but COVID -19 did not stop this dream.”

Despite the pandemic, she managed to build a business and host a grand opening.

Time acted as her main challenge because the city had gone into a lockdown. As a result, inspections got pushed back, meaning Jones had to postpone the lease and the grand opening. Additionally, she had reduced the number of people that could fit into the space by half, which also meant cutting business projections.

Nevertheless, by the grace of God, Jones said, most of her plans for Paradise Park worked and will continue to work during these unprecedented times. Everything ran smoothly during the renovations, as each project had a one-person team: one painter, one floor specialist, and so on. In addition, the full scope of the co-workspace already incorporated a layout fit for social distancing. Every table and every desk stand against the wall at

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more than six feet apart to align with the distance of each individual outlet. The cafe area follows a Keurig setup that offers individualized packets. Moreover, the furniture in the kinesthetic part of the workspace sits on wheels, which allows people to move them to maintain a safe distance.

“It just so happened that Paradise Park was COVID-proof before I knew COVID happened,” Jones said.

As the first Black female to open a co-work space in Gainesville, Jones understands the importance of her accomplishment. Though she focuses on her hard work instead of her intersectionality, she does realize that being a Black female holds power. She has had women come up to her and say, “you know what, because you did it, maybe I can, too.” Jones said she believes that no one person or place can erase racial divides and eradicate negative race perception in totality. However, she feels that Paradise Park provides Black people a platform to create small acts of change. It gives thinkers a setting to make clear goals and tackle any problem set before them.

“What Paradise Park will stand for is creating that safe place, so people can start having that conversation that will be the solution,” Jones said.

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OUTDOOR SPACES >> BLUES CREEK RAVINE PRESERVE

ONE WITH NATURE

Off the Beaten Path Blues Creek Ravine Preserve W R I T T E N B Y H AY L I Z U C C O L A

A

mong the towering spruce pines, red maples and river birch; fragrant blooms of southern magnolias, berry-adorned holly, and canopies of water oak, is a 160-acre preserve that’s home to red-feathered songbirds, barred owls, and deer as well as threatened plant species (such as the delicate crane-fly orchid and southern lady fern).

Though the flora and fauna offer plenty of a sight to see, the focal point of these natural surroundings is the sun-soaked Blues Creek ravine that cuts through the lush landscape.

A rarity to behold, this relatively undisturbed piece of North Florida terrain known as the Blues Creek Ravine Preserve recently opened to the public under the protection of the Alachua Conservation 124 |

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Trust in partnership with the Florida Communities Trust.

“Our mission, you know, is to protect environmentally sensitive lands and in some cases also historical properties [and] places for outdoor recreation throughout North Central Florida,” said Tom Kay, who is the executive director of the Alachua Conservation Trust (ACT).

The ACT, which was founded in 1988, has grown from preserving areas strictly in Alachua County to protecting natural, historic, scenic and recreational resources in 16 counties throughout North Central Florida, with the Blues Creek Ravine Preserve being the newest addition (well, sort of). Although the land was originally conserved in 2002, a multi-phased acquisition and lengthy process of overcoming access issues meant the space didn’t officially open to the

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public until December 2020.

“It’s just a pretty amazing piece of property, sort of in the heart of Gainesville,” Kay said.

Part of what makes the area unique is the fact that there has been limited human activity on the property, no tree harvesting since the early ‘80s and no site improvements.

“With the way Gainesville’s getting built up, to have a 160-acre preserve that’s in close proximity to quite a bit of development is also a huge benefit just because if we’ve learned anything out of the pandemic—having [nature] nearby is probably more important than ever,” he said.

To maintain this near-pristine piece of North Florida upland, great care was given to mapping out a trail for others to enjoy while keeping Mother Nature as the top priority. Working with ecologists and biologists, the team was able to avoid disturbing any threatened or endangered species.

“Most of our preserves are really oriented toward protecting wildlife habitat and providing a recreational component,” Kay said. “Usually when designing a trail you’re trying to highlight some of the unique features. Obviously getting near the creek is part of that for this preserve.”

While trail systems have previously existed on the land, a bridge connecting both sides of the creek was destroyed by Hurricane Irma. This has limited the accessible trails to just a one half-mile loop on the north side of the creek that’s ideal for shorter hikes, bird watching, biking, and marveling at the surrounding natural elements.

“It has really good, high-quality habitat in there—wildlife habitat—so I think that was a big drive. It just hadn’t been affected like a lot of other places,” Kay said.

The kinds of wildlife that visitors are likely to come across include: a variety of birds, such as the vibrant summer tanager, song-spitting vireo, barred owl, red-shouldered hawk, and bald eagle; an abundance of white-tailed deer; a variety of snakes; and the uncommon but not unlikely sight of foxes and otters who, OUR TOWN MAGAZINE

MARCH/APRIL 2021

PHOTOGRAPHY: KIM DAVIDSON/ HAYLI ZUCCOLA/TEDD GREENWALD

OUTDOOR SPACES >> BLUES CREEK RAVINE PRESERVE

This site has existed in its current state, with very little human activity, for many decades. There has been no tree harvesting since at least the early 1980s.

Within the 160-acres of Blues Creek Ravine there are no site improvements and this habitat is an almost pristine example of a North Florida upland habitat. Above photography courtesy of Kim Davidson. All proceeds of sales from her website (kimdavidsonphotography.com) are donated to the Alachua Conservation Trust, a charitable non-profit land trust. More info on the organization can be found at: alachuaconservationtrust.org.

according to Kay, occasionally fall through the creek system while catching fish before finding themselves stuck in little pools along the way. “A lot of times people are sort of focused on one species and I think our work is really trying to look at the whole system and providing a habitat for lots of different species,” he said. “I mean, I think that’s kind of critically important.”

Though the wildlife is an integral part of the preserve, the greenery is what helps hold the habitat together. The tree diversity here includes spruce pine, southern magnolia, river birch, red maple, American holly, water oaks and various other hardwoods as well as several state-listed plant species and at least two threatened species: the crane-fly orchid, which is “the only species of the genus Tipularia found in North America,” according to the U.S. Forest Service, and the southern lady fern, which makes itself home in shaded woods, swamps, streams and riverbanks. Apart from majestic birds and delicate plants, the real eye candy within this preserve is the steep slopes of the ravine, which are critical topographical features serving to usher water through the floodplain and drainage basin for Blues Creek, according to ecologists with the ACT. The creek spans 7.9 square miles, flowing from NW 43rd

Ave. to the San Felasco Hammock Preserve State Park and recharging the Floridan aquifer at Big Otter Ravine, according to gainesvillecreeks.org. While allowing the public to enjoy such a beautiful portion of Gainesville is important to the ACT, their biggest priority is the protection and maintenance of the life within those spaces.

“Habitats that are in really good shape, ensuring that those are in place long term so that people can go out and enjoy them, is one of the critical factors in making sure that our wildlife have places to continue to go,” Kay said. “It’s really sort of ensuring that there’s places for wildlife, places for people to enjoy getting out into nature for multiple benefits—physical, mental, and emotional.”

The Blues Creek Ravine Preserve, whose trailhead is located on the corner of NW 69th Ave and NW 71st St. in Gainesville, can be accessed by foot or by bicycle with limited parking available on the shoulder of NW 71st St. The preserve closes at dark and offers unpaved trails, which are leashed-pet friendly and allow for hiking, biking, and nature observation. For more information about this free-to-access preserve, visit the ACT website at alachuaconservationtrust.org.

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BOOK REVIEW

TERRI SCHLICHENMEYER’S

Reading Corner ELEANOR

written by David Michaelis C.2020, SIMON & SCHUSTER/$35.00 / $47.00 CANADA/698 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

LIFE, AS THEY SAY, IS AN OPEN BOOK. When you’re born, someone else starts writing it for you, but it doesn’t take long for you to be your own author. Through the years, you’ll scribble ideas, compose thoughtfully, add chapters, and crumple pages. Your life’s book might be a series of quick notes, long essays, one-liners or, as in “Eleanor” by David Michaelis, you could build an epic story.

In today’s world, we might call Eleanor Roosevelt’s mother abusive: Anna Hall Roosevelt never had a kind word to say to her daughter, often mockingly calling little Eleanor “Granny.”

It’s true that Eleanor wasn’t lithe and beautiful like her mother; she was awkward and stern, a Daddy’s girl for an often-absent, alcoholic father.

Orphaned by the time she was 12, Eleanor had been long-told that she was homely and plain but school chums knew her as a caring girl with a sharp mind. That intelligence later caught the eye of the dashing Franklin Roosevelt, a somewhat-distant cousin who courted her with the nose-holding approval of his mother.

It was a good match, but only for a short while: too quickly, it was apparent that Eleanor and Franklin were colossally mismatched. She needed him to need her but he couldn’t – not in the way she wanted, so she found love in the arms of another man and a woman. Her compassion for others, a rather acquired sense, helped buoy his ambition; his ambition gave her a reason to dig in and reach out to their fellow Americans in need. Despite that it invited 128 |

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controversy from Washington insiders, Roosevelt changed the office of the First Lady by ignoring what past First Ladies had done, once they reached the White House and beyond.

Readers who are not deep historians are in for many layers of surprise inside “Eleanor,” the first being Roosevelt’s early life, and the racism she exhibited as a young woman. Famously, she was a champion of African Americans during the years of her husband’s time as President and beyond, and she strove for equality, but author David Michaelis shows a sort of axis of attitude that the former First Lady experienced.

His portrayal is balanced with compassion: Michaelis lets us see a transformation in the pages of this book and it’s fascinating to watch. Rather than romanticize Roosevelt, Michaelis paints her as someone with flaws that she may not have overtly acknowledged but that she learned to work around.

This becomes abundantly clear in tales of the warmth Roosevelt craved but was denied by her husband and the relationships she enjoyed in open secret, including a passionate love she shared with reporter Lorena Hickock and a much-debated, possible affair with State Trooper Earl Miller.

Such tales are told matter-of-factly and without salaciousness, though you may feel a whoop of delight at a supposedly-staid Depression-era White House that really was a den of dalliance.

Don’t let its heft frighten you away. Indeed, you’ll be carried away when you open this book.

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SMALL SPACES >> CONTAINER GARDENING

GROW & GO

Tiny Gardens Get the Details on Container Gardening W R I T T E N B Y C R Y S TA L H E N R Y

N

orth Central Florida is the land of lush landscapes, but that doesn’t mean everyone has the space or resources to nurture a full English tea garden. Instead, home horticulturists are putting their green thumbs into container gardening. And they’re finding that you don’t have to have rows and rows of farmland to harvest a sweet little bumper crop of plant babies.

Veggies are the most popular choice for container gardening. You’ll find them on windowsills, patios, along sidewalks, and even on rooftops. According to information from the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS), vegetable gardens are less maintenance because you can avoid common problems like weeds and nematodes that other Florida gardeners face.

“Container gardening is an ideal method to grow vegetables for people with little or no garden space,” said Jill Sandy, gardener and founder of a home and gardening blog called Constant Delights. “It’s fun—it’s a bit technical, but it’s advantageous.”

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Container gardening or pot gardening/farming is the practice of growing plants, including edible plants, exclusively in containers instead of planting them in the ground. A container in gardening terms is a small, enclosed and usually portable object used for displaying live flowers or plants.

Pick your place Most veggies love lots of sunlight, Sandy said, so containers should be placed in spots with lots of sunshine. She said as a rough estimate, the space should get six or more hours of direct sunlight. Window ledges and balconies are ideal but feel free to get creative with your outdoor spaces. Move plants around your backyard to bring new life to old spaces.

Pick your plants Gina Harper, of Harper’s Nurseries, said almost any plant that doesn’t have a large spreading root system can be grown in a container. However, choosing the right plants will increase your chances of success. Harper said the easiest plants to grow in a container garden are tomatoes, salad greens, peas, potatoes, carrots, broccoli and herbs. Choose disease-resistant strains of seeds, and always check transplants for signs of disease before you buy.

Pick your pots Harper said containers come in a wide range of materials, and while most are totally fine, each has its pros and cons. Wooden containers give a natural, aesthetically pleasing look, but they are more prone to rot. Plastic containers are very durable, but in general, they’re not as pretty. And clay pots are popular for aesthetics and functionality, but they are prone to cracks. Size also matters when choosing a container, she said. For instance, carrots need a deeper pot for the long roots, whereas herbs can be grown in a much shallower container.

Water works Water levels are the key to success for plants that don’t have access to underground moisture. Harper said while container gardens require less water, you will have to water more frequently. To prevent your plants from dying of thirst during the hot sticky summer days, your container babies will likely need water at least twice a day. The UF IFAS experts said each plant has a different water need. The rule of thumb is to give plants 132 |

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water until the excess water runs out the bottom. That’s why it’s also important to make sure your containers have drainage holes to prevent waterlogged plants. You should never let plants sit in water, and always empty dishes under the container after watering. Sandy said adding a layer of broken pots or stones helps keep soil from draining down while still allowing water to seep through.

You can always feel for moisture slightly below the soil surface, and water when the soil feels dry to the touch. If you’re using a porous container, make sure to water more frequently, since the container will be doing some of the drinking.

Soil matters Sandy recommends using potting soil or homemade compost rather than soil from your yard since outside soil can contain pests and weed sprouts. When choosing a potting mix, lightweight and moisture-retentive mixes work best for containers.

Harper said when prepping containers, make sure to fill them with at least three to six inches of soil, and more if the plant has larger roots. If you’re starting from scratch with seeds, fill the container up to an inch below the top, and insert a max of five seeds per pot, taking care to space them apart. Top it up every season to replenish those nutrients. Val Bold, owner of MyLifeInBlossom.com said potting sold contains the perfect balance of compost, peat moss, and nutrients. And it doesn’t compact, which promotes healthy airflow and drainage.

Beat the heat Bold said Florida’s steamy climate presents an extra challenge to outdoor container gardens. Give those seedlings a head start by growing them indoors around September. When the soil in the containers drops below 85 degrees, transfer the smaller plants to the outdoor containers.

Fertile Myrtle It’s extremely important to use the right balance of fertilizer for container gardens, Bold said. Each time you water, the

to immediately bring out the big guns with pesticides, but the experts at UF’s IFAS say hold off and turn over a new leaf (literally). Start by visiting your plants each day to check for signs of insects or damage. Look under the leaves and on the stems where bugs like to hide and pick off any unwanted hitchhikers.

You can squish them or drown them in a container of soapy water and alcohol. Then cut any severely damaged leaves. The extension office can even identify insects for you if you have a real problem defeating them.

SMALL SPACES >> CONTAINER GARDENING

nutrients in the soil are depleted, so you’ll want to make sure to replenish those with fertilizer. However, Bold warns against over-fertilizing because the veggies can grow too quickly and lose flavor.

The UF IFAS experts have recommendations for synthetic and natural fertilizers. The slow-release synthetic pellets help during the growing season, and water-soluble options give plants a quick nutrient fix. Follow the recommendations on the label to strike the right balance. When looking for natural options, try fish emulsion, composted animal manure, or homemade compost.

What are you waiting for? Get growing!

Support group When container gardening, your most precious real estate is up rather than out. Bold suggests maximizing that space by using trellises and netting to ensure climbing plants can reach their full potential. Tomatoes, squash, beans, and okra are all great climbers. Combine fast-growing plants like lettuce in pots with the climbing crew. Just be sure not to choose tall plants that will throw too much shade on the little ones.

Mixing plants not only adds aesthetic elements, but can also save space and time. The UF IFAS experts recommend grouping plants with similar watering needs together like potatoes with squash and spinach with beans.

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MARTHA BRANE >> PAINTING FROM THE HEART

THE ARTIST

MARTHA BRANE PAINTS WITH LOVE

Art from the Heart W R I T T E N B Y H AY L I Z U CCO L A | P H O T OG R A P H Y B Y M I C H A E L E A DD Y

They say it’s never too late to follow your dreams, and while that may seem like a cliché or even maybe an impossibility as the years pass, uncovering a hidden talent or a newfound passion is a gift—and with an open mind and a little love, it really is never too late to forge a new path in life.

While she was living in Charleston, South Carolina, Martha Brane (who was nearing 50 at the time) accompanied her friend to a figurative painting class at the Gibbes Museum of Art. With a career in computer systems, Brane’s prior creativity was limited to writing codes and developing software, but that quickly changed when she was given a canvas and a selection of paints.

“I remember squirting out the different colors of the palette that they wanted us to use in class,” Brane said. “I didn’t even know the names of them, like all these different ones, but I just loved looking at the color and mixing color.”

After just one class, painting became a part of her life. Finding her niche in basic oil paints, her early artistic style mimicked 134 |

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her background for precision and forethought as she focused on replicating lifelike landscapes and scenery. After perfecting her use of traditional oil, she decided to dabble in encaustic painting, which is a process of mixing colored oil pigments with hot wax for a hard-to-control technique (similar to using a dripping candle).

For the next 13 years, Brane took art classes across the country, showed her work in galleries, participated in solo shows, and sold hundreds of her paintings, which ranged in subject matter from portraits, still life, and nudes to café scenes, European cities and landscapes.

After meeting her now-husband—Dr. Lewis Sussman, a classics professor at the University of Florida—Brane took a break from reveling in the artist’s lifestyle so the pair could spend time traveling, embracing the great outdoors, and cycling.

After a 7-year absence from the art world, Brane, who’s now 72, regained her painting passion—this time allowing herself more

MARTHA BRANE >> PAINTING FROM THE HEART

freedom and creativity.

Since picking up her palette and paintbrush once again, Brane has added to her use of traditional oil paints by incorporating colorful markers and water-soluble crayons, textures provided by cold wax and collages of Japanese rice paper and the application of unconventional tools like embossed rolling pins.

“The options part makes it really fun,” she said. “It’s like a kid in a candy store.”

Though hot wax was a challenge to work with, cold wax (which has a consistency similar to frosting) is her forte and allows her to either add more layers or scrape away the existing coats to reveal something beautiful underneath. Encasing these

ability to integrate a sense of whimsy and happiness into her mixed-media work. Some of these visually captivating pieces were inspired by a trip to Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, such as “Love Birds,” which depicts a flock of sandpipers in a kaleidoscope of colors and patterns against a cloudy blue background. Using brighter shades, decorated collages, and love-motif phrases on Japanese rice paper, Brane translated the birds she saw in real life into a parade of comedic characters that pop from the canvas.

“It’s just a comical depiction of sandpipers, but I think about them all being little people, and that’s how I thought of them—just all cartoon characters,” she said. “Every time I look at it I just

“As you can tell from all of my different work, everything just depends upon what sort of strikes me,” she said. “It really is like a strike.” pigments in wax not only helps preserve their vibrancy for years to come, but using wax was a common practice in ancient Greek and Roman paintings as well as ancient Egyptian mummy portraits.

“It just gave me more tools in my toolbox of things that I could do to express my feelings,” she said.

As her techniques and methods continue to advance, Brane’s artistic inspirations have altered too. Occasionally drifting back to her roots of drawing lifelike nature scenes, she’s put realism on the backburner to delve into expressionism, which is a style that allows the artist to portray their emotions subjectively.

Transitioning to expressionistic art has allowed Brane the

giggle, because I think about them being at the beach and their actions.”

She used that same vacation to abstractly interpret a panorama of wild palm trees for her painting “Take Me to the Top,” which features underlying shades of blue and pink with a foreground of yellow, purple, and green swatches that could overshadow a forest of Dr. Seuss’ Truffula trees.

“As you can tell from all of my different work, everything just depends upon what sort of strikes me,” she said. “It really is like a strike.”

Such a progression has given Brane the ability to express her feelings and emotions on the panels themselves, which she MARCH/APRIL 2021

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MARTHA BRANE >> PAINTING FROM THE HEART

highlights with a series of paintings she established in the fall of 2019, though the ispiration came years prior. In the early ‘90s, Brane tried to find a deeper meaning to life and ventured on what she refers to as a “love path”—believing people should be more demonstrative with their love. After returning to painting, she was compelled to use her art to illustrate love with words, color choices, and symbols meant to evoke happiness.

Her “Sending Love” collection includes pieces like “Love Revealed,” which uses cold wax to expose small, colorful hearts under the focal point of a large, red, crackled heart; “Hearts of the City,” which uses purple rectangles representing buildings hiding behind richly pink squares, small red hearts and large, almost translucent white and yellow open hearts; and “Freedom,” which began with shapes resembling people before transforming into a meaningful message about immigration featuring silhouettes overlaid with hearts and soaring birds—and was also the only painting that left Brane overcome with emotions when it was finally complete.

“They’re not always pre-planned,” Brane said. “What happens is you just responding to what you see on the panel.”

Though she’s already completed 50 love-themed panels, Brane isn’t ready to stop “Sending Love” any time soon and recently even started experimenting with acrylic paints to give some of her works a glossy finish.

“In my small way, I truly desire my artwork to add more love, happiness, more smiles to the world [and] positive vibes from me to you,” she said. “That’s what it’s all about.”

Despite uncovering her artistic talents later in life, Brane exemplifies the reality that it’s never too late to follow your dreams, do what you love and share some of that love along the way.

“It’s been fabulous,” she said. “I’m sure I’ll do it for as long as I can hold a paintbrush.”

To see more of Martha Brane’s work, visit The Perfect Gift located in the Haile Village Center (5202 SW 91st Terr. Gainesville, 32608) or check out her website at: marthabrane.com.

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ENVIRONMENT >> PRESCRIBED BURNING

HEALTHY BURN

Prescribed Burns and the Environment The Importance of this Necessary Action W RIT TE N BY S UMMER JA R RO

U

sually when someone spots a fire, the first instinct is to call the fire department and have the experts get things under control. However, in the case of prescribed burns, the fire is intentional and necessary. Prescribed burns are the purposeful lighting of a fire to a defined area under predetermined conditions to meet specific objectives.

There are different types of prescribed burns, like active acreage burns and active pile burns. Active acreage burns include burns to help habitats and stop the overgrowth that can cause wildfires. Active acreage burns also include agricultural burning, such as those done on pastures. Active pile burns are done to clear land for development and to remove any debris for operations.

Florida is the leading state in the nation for conducting prescribed burns. In Florida, 6% of the land goes through prescribed burns each year compared to other states—such as California, which only has 0.2% of its land go through prescribed burns, said Scott Sager, assistant director for the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) School of Forest, Fisheries, & Geomatics

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ENVIRONMENT >> PRESCRIBED BURNING

From left to right: Emily Uhlmann, Wesley Wells, Scott Crosby, and Andy Natwick pose for a photo while conducting a prescribed burn at Balu Forest near Orange Heights located in northeast Alachua County through the Alachua County Environmental Protection Department Land Conservation.

Prescribed burns are important for the environment and help keep areas better managed and lower the risk of wildfires. (Photography by David Hoyt)

Sciences. Every year, the Florida Forest Service issues about 88,000 (on average) authorizations for landowners and agencies to conduct prescribed burns. More than 2.1 million acres of land are burned annually in the state, according to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

“Our program in Florida is so robust,” said Ludie Bond, public information officer and wildfire mitigation specialist for the Florida Forest Service’s Waccasassa Forestry Center.

In the Alachua County area, multiple agencies conduct prescribed burns on land. Some of the agencies include the UF/ IFAS School of Forest, Fisheries, & Geomatics Sciences, Florida Forest Service’s Waccasassa Forestry Center (which covers Alachua, Putnam, Gilchrist, Marion, and Levy counties), and the Alachua County Environmental Protection Department Land Conservation.

What is the Importance of Prescribed Burns?

Florida is a fire-dependent ecosystem, which includes many native plant and animal communities that need fire in their environments. “There are two main schools of thought on why prescribed burning is conducted,” Bond said. “It’s done both for the health of the plant and animal communities and then also to reduce the potential damaging impacts of wildfires.”

By conducting prescribed burns, areas can be better managed and the risk of wildfires is lowered. In Florida, environments

will burn at some point, Sager explained. Florida is also the lightning capital of the country, which can lead to fires.

“It makes sense then that many, many of our native animal and plant species need fire in order to have healthy habitat(s),” Bond said.

Some plant and animal species that benefit from fires include wild turkeys, gopher tortoises, fox squirrels, and red-cockaded woodpeckers. “There’s a whole community of animals and plants that thrive and depend on prescribed fires,” said David Hoyt, prescribed fire coordinator with Alachua County Environmental Protection Department Land Conservation.

How Are Prescribed Fires Conducted?

Most prescribed burns are conducted in the winter and early spring. Before conducting a prescribed burn, agencies will survey the land and calculate how much of a prescribed burn is needed. Plans are then put into place of how the burn will be conducted.

Before a prescribed burn is done, agencies or private landowners must get authorization from the Florida Forest Service.

Once it is approved and it is safe to conduct, the burn can then take place.

For a burn, containment lines are added to the area that will be burned, and then the team conducting the burn will then set fires within the area. Throughout the burn, the team will travel

“There is a lot of planning that goes into place, and you have to execute that plan,” she said, “and if any point during the burn, if you aren’t meeting the guidelines set in that prescription, then you call off the burn.”

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How Are Prescribed Fires Conducted Safely?

Safety is a big part of conducting a prescribed burn. “Not only safety for the people [who] are conducting the prescribed burning but safety for the residents in the area [as well],” Bond said.

Sometimes a safety briefing and test burn will be conducted before the actual burn to enure everything will run smoothly on the actual day. Weather is a critical factor in whether a burn will happen or not, as this dictates how a fire will or will not behave.

Good weather is the best time for a prescribed burn, Bond said.

“There is a lot of planning that goes into place, and you have to execute that plan,” she said, “and if any point during the burn, if you aren’t meeting the guidelines set in that prescription, then

you call off the burn.”

To plan a prescribed burn, a team must have the proper personnel and equipment, a map of fire breaks and burn area boundaries, wind speed and direction for surface and transport winds, the mixing height, relative humidity, temperature, fine fuel moisture, and desired fire behavior, according to Why Prescribed Fire website.

“It’s a pretty involved process,” Hoyt said. “It’s very carefully planned.”

Why Is It Important to Un d e rsta n d P re s c r i b e d Burns?

It is important for people to be aware of what prescribed burning is and how it works, according to the experts. “We want people to understand and appreciate why prescribed burning is so critical for the state of Florida,” Bond said.

Bond also wants people to be patient when it comes to prescribed burns and the smoke that the fires bring. While it can be a nuisance, it is better and easier to control planned fires versus smoke that comes from wildfires if prescribed burns are not conducted.

The Florida Forest Service has used social media, speaking engagements and ad campaigns to share the importance of prescribed burns to the public. Recently the organization also launched the website “Why Prescribed Fire,” offering information and answers to questions about prescribed fires as well as a map to show burns that are currently happening.

“We have really made great strides in creating a very robust prescribed burn program,” Bond said, “but in order to do that, the general public, the citizens of Florida, and our visitors need to understand why we’re doing this prescribed burning and why it’s so important.”

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ENVIRONMENT >> PRESCRIBED BURNING

around the designated area to ensure the burn is effective and contained.

After the burn is complete, the area is checked to make sure there isn’t anything still smoldering or smoking. Teams use trucks with water tanks to put out any remaining fires that pose a risk to igniting another burn.

One of the places Waccasassa Forestry Center conducts regular prescribed burns is at Newnan’s Lake. The UF/IFAS School of Forest, Fisheries, & Geomatics Sciences’ primary place where prescribed burns are conducted is the University of Florida Austin Cary Forest. The Alachua County Environmental Protection Department Land Conservation also orchestrates burns in multiple environments, such as Lake Alto Preserve.

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LOCAL TREES >> LIVE OAKS & SPANISH MOSS

GROWING GOLIATHS

Wise Giants The Magic of Live Oaks & Spanish Moss W R I T T E N B Y K A I T L I N A P P L E G AT E

H

ave you seen the giants?

All over Alachua County, they sit beside roads and next to houses—their big beards swaying in the wind. They are older than anyone around and as silent as snow. In the greater Gainesville area and surrounding communities, these giants are called live oaks, and their “beards” are made of Spanish moss. These growing goliaths have made their home in so many places within the community that they are easy to miss.

Over the years, Gainesville residents have found friendship with these gentle giants. Extension Program Manager at the University of Florida IFAS School of Resources and Conservation, Chris Demers, consulting arborist Joe Samnik, UF

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Urban Forestry Extension Agent Larry Figart, and Florida Living Tree Service owner, Jeff Marrero, each shared their kinship with live oaks in recent phone interviews.

First-time live oak visitors will notice these giants take pride in dressing themselves well. Long, descending branches cascade like pleats on an ornate gown. Their hairstyles are ever-changing, as their green leaves shed year-round, Marrero said. Many live oaks are also adorned with Spanish moss that sways with the wind. According to Demers, elderly trees left to grow freely dip to the ground and come up again to form a large crown. This gives the wise oaks extra stability to keep them secure during windy, stormy days. In tandem with their beauty, live oaks are clothed with a thick bark that functions as armor.

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Between Hitchcocks and the Equestrian Center passersby will notice live oaks teeming with resurrection ferns, Spanish moss and deep green leaves.

Nestled next to a man-made intersection these regal trees quietly sit dressed in decades of history. Each day they greet cars coming and returning from work seldom noticed, yet never too shy to give shade for drivers fixing flat tires.

Live oaks characterize themselves by their strength. As Florida natives, these trees have learned over the years how to endure hardship. Amidst the rubble a hurricane leaves behind, live oaks are often one of few trees still standing, said Demers.

Aside from their girthy structure, the live oaks employ a unique method to deal with damage: compartmentalization. When a limb cracks off during a hurricane, the tree tissues isolate that area in a confined compartment to keep the damage from spreading. While injuries like these would lead to rot for other trees, the live oak mitigates trauma.

“They define strength and, at the same time, beauty,” Samnik said.

The strength of these giants goes beyond their damage control methods. Live oaks are stubborn. When planted too close to homes, live oaks are known to lift foundations according to Marrero. These trees are so strong that they were historically harvested to create ribbing for U.S. naval ships. From the sea to 144 |

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the land, live oaks leave their mark.

Strength and wisdom meet as the live oak decides how to use its energy. Figart likens the live oak’s resources to a person’s spending habits. While a typical budget may include things like food and utilities, trees too must decide how to spend energy.

Common expenses for trees include maintenance, reproduction, growth, and defense. Live oaks use more of their “budget” for defense than other trees, which means they end up growing at a slow but steady pace. Patience builds as the diameter of each branch gradually grows.

This steady growth cultivates endurance in live oaks.

According to Samnik, wild live oaks can live over a hundred years. Others cite numbers upwards of four hundred years.

In either case, the live oak will likely greet and dismiss many decades in its life.

“It has such an ancient beauty to it,” Marrero said. “You can tell they’ve been around for centuries. Most people don’t see the

LOCAL TREES >> LIVE OAKS & SPANISH MOSS

life of a live oak. It’s there before they get there, and it’s there when they’re gone.”

In addition to their long life cycles, these trees are sustainable.

Live oaks ensure their legacies through repopulation, and their seed is easily spread by squirrels, wind, water, and fire, according to Samnik.

Their faithful dispositions make the live oak a welcomed friend for many other kinds of wildlife. According to Marrero, for many birds, raccoons, squirrels, and opossums, the live oaks mean home. Between the fluttering birds and sneaking squirrels, you might spot resurrection ferns on their trunks and branches.

These plants look dead until rain fall makes them come back to green, lush life. With so many mutual relationships, Marrero describes the live oak as its own personal ecosystem.

Spanish moss also often finds its home on the wooden arms of the live oak. According to Figart, Spanish moss is an epiphyte.

Epiphytes feed on air and absorb water rather than being rooted in soil. Many people mistake Spanish moss as an enemy of the live oak since it is often found on thinning trees. In reality, the Spanish moss takes nothing from a live oak other than a place to hang.

Like the live oak, Spanish moss has its own breed of resilience and beauty. Other than being a member of the pineapple family, this epiphyte has many idiocrasies. As air plants, the moss makes its home in diverse areas. It can be found anywhere from other trees to powerlines. Demers is not sure why Spanish moss is so common in live oaks, but he theorizes the fissured nature of the tree’s bark may make it more hospitable for the epiphyte. While Spanish moss adorns live oaks, the moss decorates itself with flowers. According to Figart, Spanish moss blooms small gray flowers.

Each individual’s fascination and friendship with the live oak expresses itself differently.

For Marrero, his admiration grew from his identity as a self-described adrenaline junkie. Most of Marrero’s life has been spent on the backs of races horses and motorcycles on his way to the next adrenaline rush. One day while helping a friend with his landscaping business, Marrero tried out tree climbing gear. Looking down on the distant ground, he found his new fix.

“I was hooked,” Merraro said.

Eventually his love for trees led him to open his own landscaping business called Florida Living Tree Service. Today, Marrero’s yard is marked by his respect for live oaks. When a live oak dies, its core becomes a hardened, nearly petrified surface.

Marrero has a fence made of these petrified pieces. Even after the end of a life oak’s life, a little bit of their strength lingers in Marrero’s home.

For Samnik, the visual beauty of live oaks is what captivates him.

“If you don’t appreciate a sprawling, spreading live oak, there’s something miswired in your thinking process,” Samnik said.

After working as a consulting arborist for 55 years, the live oak has made a lasting impact on Samnik. The towering and rambling nature of live oaks commands attention. Trees have proven themselves an unlikely friend to Samnik since he entered the arborist business by accident. But over half a century later, Samnik finds himself still diving deeper into this expertise.

From the base of their trunks to the tips of their ever-shedding leaves, live oaks embody both the past and the present.

To peel back an old live oak’s bark is to flip through decades of history. They have traveled from land to sea and back again.

These giants reach to share their stories through the creases and curves of their branches. All they need is for someone to stop and listen.

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SPOTLIGHT

RESCUE ANIMAL ADOPTIONS

Furever Friends TERRANCE, JEFF AND CANDACE

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! My name is Terrance and

I’m a long-haired orange tabby who was lucky enough to find my furever home when I was just a wee kitten.

I was a few days old when I arrived at the Alachua County Animal Services back in September. I was a little worried I wouldn’t find a family of my own, but with it being the fall season and all, I was hoping someone would be looking to add a little pumpkin spice to their life.

In October, I was visited by Jeff and Candace Davis who recently lost one of their older cats and were looking for companionship for themselves and their 11-year-old cat, Skweex. I was so happy when they decided to take me home— even though Skweex seemed, well, rather annoyed with my youthful energy! Though I love Skweex, I was so excited when a month later my parents brought home a new friend for me to play with—a miniature goldendoodle named Bebop. Bebop and I are like two peas in a pod and love to play all day long! Though Bebop is a dog, I think he may be broken. My mom and dad are trying to teach him how to play fetch, but he doesn’t seem to get it. I, on the other hand, am an excellent fetch player and love to chase after balls. I also like to gnaw on dog chews. Hmm, maybe I’ve been hanging out with Bebop too much...

Though it’s entertaining for my parents, my playful spirit can sometimes get me into trouble. It was my first Christmas with the Davises, and they decided to show their appreciation for me by bringing a giant tree inside the house! They even decorated it with lights and shiny objects to get my attention, so of course I had to thank them by attempting to climb it. I don’t 146 |

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know why my mom and dad weren’t happy with that. I mean, I’m so tiny and that tree was ginormous! I thought they would be impressed, but I guess not. Oh well, maybe next Christmas they’ll be more fascinated with my acrobatic skills.

When I’m not causing mischief, I’m usually napping to rest up for my next adventure. I’d probably have a lot more of them if my parents weren’t home with me. My dad is a retired engineer. He used to work for the city of Denver and the Denver fire department before retiring and moving to Florida. My mom works from home as a technical writer and is semi-retired.

Though they stop me from having my daredevil exploits, I like that they stay home with me.

It’s only been a few months, but we’ve become a family—even my grumpy older sister Skweex has learned to tolerate Bebop and me. I just hope every kitten is as lucky as I was to find their furever home.

If you’re interested in adopting a pet from the Alachua County Animal Services, visit their website at alachuacounty.us/Depts/ animalServices.

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