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SENSE OF HAPPINESS • FALL FLAVOR • LOCAL PODCASTS • A DOG’S SIXTH SENSE • THE POWER OF SPAS

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2021 | VOL. 19 ISSUE 05 | HIGH SPRINGS & ALACHUA EDITION

Bonus ! n Sectio in

Senses

Our Town

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

Ronald Emerick, D.O.

Sarah Garrett, ARNP Levette Dunbar, M.D.

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W E N r u o y r fo h c r a e s e h T HOME begins here

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888-313-2899 Scott Collins 8 |

OUR TOWN MAGAZINE

SEPT/OCT 2021

CONTRACTOR #CBC125863

CONTENTS

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

S E P T/ O C T 2 0 2 1

| V O L . 1 9 | N O. 0 5

ON THE COVER >>

WHEN SYNESTHETIC ARTIST CASSANDRA LYNN MILLER HEARS MUSIC SHE CAN “SEE” COLOR, THUS CREATING HER PAINTINGS THIS WAY. ONLY 3-5% OF THE POPULATION HAS THIS UNIQUE SENSE ABILITY. HER ARTWORK SERVES AS THE COLORFUL CANVAS ON THIS ISSUE’S COVER. TURN TO PAGE 108 TO LEARN MORE ABOUT HER STORY!

C O V E R A R T W O R K B Y C A S S A N D R A LY N N M I L L E R / G R A P H I C D E S I G N B Y K A L O N I D U N L A P

FEATURE STORIES 20

THE SENSE OF HAPPINESS

28

JUST KEEP SWIMMING

Sight. Sound. Smell. Touch. Taste. Using your senses to balance your mind, body and soul.

Learn how a local “mermaid” healed her body after a car accident by swimming through her struggle. Now she is a top mermaid in the state, continuing to swim and perform across Florida springs.

62

A LOOK INTO THE PAST

Urban renewal and redevelopment of Alachua County, especially in downtown Gainesville, in the 1950s, ‘60s, and ‘70s caused the loss of many historic buildings. However, their images live on in the archives of the Matheson History Museum.

100 PHOTO ESSAY: INNER BEAUTY

Don’t miss these stunning images presently on display at the Florida Museum. The photographs are part of the “Inner Beauty: Skeletons Revealed from the Museum’s Fish Collection” exhibit.

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CONTENTS

36

HECTOR CINTRÓN The local chef producing unique flavors in his menu through using authentic, homemade ingredients—just like his mother taught him growing up.

42

PUMPKIN SPICE Love it or loathe it, find out what locals think about this polarizing pumpkin flavor.

44

LOCAL PODCASTS A few podcasters making sound waves throughout the community.

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THORNEBROOK CHOCOLATES Treating our community for over 3 decades with delicious confections!

58

A SERVICE DOG’S 6TH SENSE The mission of Service Dogs for Patriots is to help veterans suffering from PTSD.

80

CLARA THE COSTUMER From page to stage, this costume designer helps bring the vision of a production to life.

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S E P T/ O C T 2 0 2 1

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SALON ZIBA Breaking the Guinness World Record for most eyebrows threaded in one hour.

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EARTH TONIX This local nature-based wellness brand handcrafts soy candles and more!

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ENERGY HEALING OF REIKI The Japanese form of alternative medicine called energy healing. Hear from local Reiki practitioner Caitlyn Adams.

108

MUSIC TO YOUR EYES Learn about a synesthetic artist who paints with the colors she hears.

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COLUMNS 34 E MBRACING LIFE

by Donna Bonnell

70 N AKED SALSA

by Crystal Henry

106 F ARM TALES

by Mother Hen

153 F UREVER FRIENDS Spotlight on Rescue Animals

REVIEWS 114 R EADING CORNER

by Terri Schlichenmeyer

INFORMATION

SPECIAL SECTION: A showcase that lifts up the kind words in customer testimonials for local businesses and organizations.

52 R estaurant Guide

146

72 C ommunity Calendar

THE POWER OF SPAS Explore the healing, modifying and relaxing power of both massage and med spas.

69 B usiness Directory

98 C harity 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. © 2021 Tower Publications, Inc.

Dedicated to Your Balanced Health Care With a focus on education and preventative healthcare, the team at Well Balanced Healthcare empowers men & women to make the best health oriented decisions.

Specializing in: • Hormone Replacement Therapy • Women’s Pelvic Health and Urogynecology • Coolsculpting and Botox

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www.wellbalancedhealthcare.com SEPT/OCT 2021

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PUBLISHER Charlie Delatorre PRODUCTION DIRECTORS Brian Knepp & Kaloni Dunlap

Complete Pregnancy Care from Conception through Delivery

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Ericka Winterrowd editor@towerpublications.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Cecilia Lemus, Jamie Gentry, Alexa Sauvagere, Joanna Grey Talbot, Addison Pezoldt, Donna Bonnell, Hayli Zuccola, Stephany Matat, Cynthia Wonders Winterrowd, Summer Jarro, Crystal Henry, Terri Schlichenmeyer CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Zach Randall, Brett Stanley

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

Nicole Scogin, MD Shelley Russell, ARNP, CNM Julie Rischar, ARNP, CNM

Kristen Cook, ARNP, CNM Cyndi Vista, CNM Katie Camargo, CNM

COMPREHE NSIVE , COMPAS S ION ATE O B / G Y N SERV I C ES

• Midwifery • Pre-conception counseling • 3D/4D ultrasound • Genetic testing • Gestational diabetes care • Cesarean delivery • Evaluation of pregnancy loss • Postpartum management • Lactation support

Gainesville (352) 331-3332

6440 W Newberry Rd, Ste 111

Lake City (386) 754-1744

ADVERTISING ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Jenni Bennett jenni@towerpublications.com Nancy Short nancy@towerpublications.com INTERN Alexa Sauvagere

CALENDAR SUBMISSIONS If you would like us to publicize an event in the greater Gainesville area, send information by the 1st day of the month prior to the next issue.

For example, submissions for the March/April issue are due by February 1. All submissions will be reviewed and every effort will be made to run qualified submissions if page space is available.

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

4447 NW American Lane We Accept Most Health Insurance Plans

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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.

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

EDITOR ’ S LET TER

S E P T E M B E R / O C TO B E R 2 0 2 1

Sensing It All Sight. Sound. Touch. Taste. Smell.

Our five senses help us understand and perceive the world around us. The first sign of life is a cry. We break through to the other side of our mothers as the delivery room waits for the signal that we are in fact alive. We made it. Then, we are cradled—our first experience of touch. Taste—milk. Sight—whatever we can lay our eyes on, oh look it’s mother! Smell… it’s almost all too much to take in as we are zapped into a life we were literally born for.

I’ve heard it said before that we are all spiritual beings having a human experience.

Thus, while we are in the womb, we are busy growing our physical muscles (eyes, ears, fingers, tongue, nose)—the stuff we’re going to need to get through this “human life.” However, once we’re earthside we switch gears and begin to develop our spiritual muscles again. The stuff we’re going to need when we return to the Great Beyond.

While I’m still here though (earthside), as I hope to be for many more years to come, I’d like to share some of my favorite memories of my human senses so far, and what I may miss most when I return back to the One who sent me here in the first place…

S I G H T : My mom when she looks at me. The eyes tell me that to her, I am perfect.

Not everyone gets to feel that from someone in this life. I count myself as one of the lucky ones.

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S O U N D : My little sister’s laugh. My favorite sound. Reminds me that there is good in this world and fun, so much fun.

T O U C H : Holding hands. It can be more intimate than a kiss. You’re literally feeling each other say, “I got you. You’re not alone.”

T A S T E : My grandma’s famous hot chocolate topping. Everything is going to be OK after you have that first spoonful with vanilla ice cream. You’re with your people.

S M E L L : The scent of earthy dampness in the air after a good rain. I am of the earth, after all.

T H A T

S I X T H

S E N S E : Knowing in my gut that I am a spiritual

being having a human experience… atleast for now.

JimDouglasUsedCars.com

386-454-1488

Ericka Winterrowd, Editor-In-Chief

US Hwy 441, High Springs

SEPT/OCT 2021

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The

Best Burgers

in town!

M O N D AY N I G H T S

4 BURGERS! KIDS EAT FREE!* $ 59

Hand Pressed 8oz Angus Beef Patty

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Tacos & ‘Tinis

3 Tacos (fish or chicken) with Chips & Salsa $10; Select Martinis $5 S U N D AY

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Autumn Extravaganza with hometown deals from the

Merchants of High Springs JOIN US THE FIRST FRIDAY OF EVERY MONTH FROM 5-8PM — YOU CAN ENJOY SPECIAL SALES & A CHANCE TO WIN A GIFT BASKET FILLED WITH LOCAL GOODIES!

It’s not just business, It’s people!

Payroll processing * Workers comp coverage * Unemployment Employee screening * Claims management * EOY processing Human resources assistance * Safety program

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Come experience the High Springs Farmers’ Market at the new pavilion!

Freshwater and Saltwater Fish

Koi & Ponds • Reptiles • Live and Frozen Rodents Small Animals • Bird Supplies

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CONSIDER THE LILIES

THRIFT SHOP All proceeds go to Christian Outreach Programs

OPEN FRIDAYS 3pm-7pm highspringsfarmersmarket.com 16 |

23517 NW 185 RD - Located next to High Springs Chamber of Commerce 352-275-6346- Carol Rowan HSFM Manager

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OPEN WEEKDAYS 10am – 4pm Est. 2019

23560 NW Railroad Avenue • High Springs

Wildca FULL SYNTHETIC OIL CHANGE

$

49

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INCLUDES: 6 QUARTS OF OIL & NEW OIL FILTER Some exclusion may apply. Not valid with any other offer or coupon.

Plus tax and shop supplies. Must present coupon. Expires 10-31-21.

We do it all!

BRAKES MAINTENANCE REPAIRS

STANDARD OIL CHANGE BUY 5 GET 1 FREE OIL CHANGE

sted dealer since 1926

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$

99

INCLUDES: 6 QUARTS OF OIL & NEW OIL FILTER

Synthetic oil and diesels extra. Some exclusion may apply. Not valid with any other offer or coupon. Plus tax and shop supplies. Must present coupon. Expires 10-31-21.

WE SERVICE MOST MAKES & MODELS 18300 NW US Highway 441 • High Springs, FL 32643

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Visit us online anytime at RosenboomConstruction.com SEPT/OCT 2021

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CONTRIBUTOR S

S E P T E M B E R / O C TO B E R 2 0 2 1

DONNA BONNELL Donna 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

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

CECILIA LEMUS Cecilia Lemus is a Florida born and raised freelance writer and photographer. She is based in Gainesville and in her spare time she enjoys traveling through the Florida coastlines and finding off the beaten paths. cecilia.lemuss@gmail.com

STEPHANY MATAT Stephany Matat is a senior journalism and political science major at the University of Florida. In her free time she enjoys hiking, taking care of her plants, reading books, and cooking. stephanymatat@gmail.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

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

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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JAMIE GENTRY Jamie Gentry has been a community journalist and freelance writer for seven years. She’s pursuing a master’s degree in journalism at the University of Florida. jamiengentry@gmail.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

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

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THANK YOU FOR VOTING

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www.McDanielLawOffice.com SEPT/OCT 2021

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BALANCE >> MIND, BODY AND SOUL

THE CONSENSUS ON SENSES

The Sense of Happiness Balance Your Mind, Body And Soul Using Your 5 Senses W R I T T E N B Y H AY L I Z U C C O L A

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HAP A

warm hug from a loved one. The s m e l l o f f r e s h p e p p e r m i n t.

Deciding what color to paint a room in the house. Believe it or not the five senses —sight, sound, smell, touch and taste— have more of an impact on your mood

than you may realize.

S I G H T

Whether you’ve moved into a new home or just want to give your current space an upgrade, before you start buying gallons of paint you may want to do a little research. Certain colors belong in certain rooms and not in a snooty “oh that hue of green is just atrocious in a bathroom” designer kind of way. Certain colors physically make people feel better or worse depending on what room you put them in.

According to the article “Room Color and How it Affects Your Mood,” and the Mood Factory article “Power of Sight,” the color red, which is associated with warmth, excitement and passion can raise energy levels and helps pump adrenaline. Being in a room painted red can raise blood pressure and increase heart rate, so it is ideal for a dining or living room but it isn’t the best choice for a bedroom color.

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On the opposite end of the color wheel, blue, which is associated with spirituality, tranquility and cleanliness, can lower blood pressure and give a calming and relaxing feel to a room.

Yellow, although bright, cheerful and welcoming, can be strenuous on the eyes in large amounts and can cause anger and frustration. Green, on the other hand, is the most relaxing color for our eyes to see and works well in almost any room.

Purple evokes a sophisticated feeling and provides the warmth of red and the calming effect of blue.

Now take these suggestions with a grain of salt because they may not have the same effect on everybody. If you absolutely hate the color blue, chances are it isn’t going to make you feel very calm and relaxed in your bedroom.

S O U N D Belting out the lyrics to your favorite song isn’t just something you should do for fun, it can actually reduce anxiety and make you feel happier. According to the Examined Existence article “How Music Changes Your Mood,” music is a natural antidepressant and there’s a scientific explanation of how music affects the brain.

“Soothing tunes foster the release of serotonin, a hormone that fosters happiness and a general sense of well-being,”

PPY according to examinedexistence.com. “It also flushes the body with dopamine, a neurotransmitter that makes you feel good. Music also paves the way for the release of norepinephrine, a hormone that brings about euphoria and elation.”

So if you’re feeling the blues, and not the musical kind, flick on the radio and jam out to some of your favorite artists or listen to songs with a positive message to put you in a happier mood.

Belting out the lyrics to your favorite song isn’t just something you should do for fun, it can actually reduce anxiety and make you feel happier.

S M E L L The sense of smell and how it correlates with your mood works a little differently than the other senses. In fact, it could be different from person to person. According to the Fifth Sense article “Psychology and Smell,” the sense of smell is linked to memory more than the other senses. Maybe when you were younger you would make homemade gingerbread with your family, so now the smell of gingerbread makes you happy. A certain smell can also trigger bad experiences. Maybe someone was rude to you in a coffee shop, so now whenever you smell fresh brewed java you get agitated.

While many people are drawn to specific scents, there are certain aromatherapy oils that evoke a specific emotion. According to the Livestrong.com article “Benefits of Peppermint Aromatherapy,” peppermint oil is used because it has uplifting and invigorating properties.

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SEPT/OCT 2021

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BALANCE >> MIND, BODY AND SOUL

While it can be used on the skin to cool the body and soothe aches and pains during a massage, the smell of peppermint oil can increase one’s ability to concentrate during stress and even boost energy levels. The article also mentions that studies have shown that peppermint oil can help alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression by boosting your mood.

While peppermint is amazing for many people, it isn’t the only holy grail of aromatherapy. According to the Huffington Post article “11 Scents That Can Do Wonders for Your WellBeing,” lavender can help with relaxation and sleeping, while cinnamon—like peppermint—can help sharpen your mind.

The smell of fresh-cut grass can bring joy while citrus fruits like oranges and lemons can make you feel more energized. Jasmine can ease depression, and olive oil, which you probably never noticed really had a scent, can help satisfy your appetite.

T O U C H Sometimes to lift your spirits all you need is a hug. As the character Charlotte “Chuck” Charles from the show “Pushing Daisies” puts it, a hug is “like an emotional Heimlich. Someone puts their arms around you and they give you a squeeze and all your fear and anxiety come shooting out of your mouth in a big wet wad and you can breathe again.”

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While hugs aren’t normally that dramatic, they actually can help anxiety fade away. According to the Smart Heart Living article “Hugs and Heart Health,” a hug can lower blood pressure and reduce stress, which in turn lowers the risk of heart disease.

The article goes on to mention that past studies revealed that each time we get a hug our bodies produce the hormone oxytocin, which gives off a caring or bonding response.

A hug can lower blood pressure and reduce stress, which in turn lowers the risk of heart disease.

Getting a much-needed hug isn’t the only way our sense of touch can make us feel more positive; the surrounding objects we touch also play a vital role in how we feel. The Telegraph article “Physical Touch Affects Emotional Mood,” states that “the softer the touch, the happier and more generous you are; the harder, the more selfish and aggressive.”

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Blair’s Billiard Bar Pool • Darts • Beer • Cocktails • Tournaments SEPT/OCT 2021

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BALANCE >> MIND, BODY AND SOUL 26 |

The article talks about a 2008 experiment that found that people were kinder when they held a warm cup of coffee instead of a cold drink. So if you need a pick-me-up from an awful day at work or school just snuggle up with a soft blanket and a ton of squishy pillows; cuddle with your furry pets; and drink a nice cup of hot chocolate to melt your daily stress away.

T A S T E The final category of the five senses is taste. You probably already knew that if you eat a lot of junk food you’re not going to feel too great, but what foods can make you feel better physically and mentally? We’ve all had days where we feel sad and may even think that the only way to cure our sadness is to indulge in a delicious piece of cake. While we may enjoy it then, there are other options that can actually help turn that frown upside down and help with your overall health too.

The Very Well article “5 Foods for a Better Mood,” suggests enjoying a bowl of oatmeal because it is rich in soluble fiber, which slows “the absorption of sugar in the blood” so you can feel fuller longer. Other foods that help in this area are beans, citrus and apples.

Walnuts and salmon are rich in omega-3 fatty acids that help with brain functioning. Lentils are a great source of folate, which is a “B vitamin that appears to be essential for mood and proper nerve function in the brain.”

Those healthy foods were kind of obvious, but did you know that according to the Huffington Post article “Foods to Help Improve Your Mood,” chocolate can actually be good for you? Well, kind of. When your sweet tooth is craving something delicious, keep in mind that dark chocolate helps increase serotonin, which can help ease depression. Two other depression fighters are hazelnuts, which contain potassium, calcium, magnesium and iron; and tea, which could be why the British always seem so chipper.

Overall, there is no easy fix if you are suffering from depression or even if you are just experiencing a case of the daily blues. It is important, however, to realize that our surroundings and the use of our five senses play a vital role in keeping our mind, body and soul balanced.

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MERMAIDING >> NICOLE FRAZEE-WOOD

MERMAID MAGIC

Just Keep Swimming High Springs Local Wins Florida Mermaid Pageant and Places in National Competition W RIT TE N BY S UMMER JA R RO

T

he Florida springs saved Nicole Frazee-Wood.

In October 2019, Frazee-Wood, who lives in High Springs, was in a car accident that left her with four herniated discs in her lower back and two in her neck. The doctors told her she would not be able to walk or stand without a cane unless she had surgery to fix the issues.

“That was pretty devastating news to me because I was an avid scuba diver, super active,” she said. “I run my own business, I’m a horseback rider, so I was like ‘what?’”

She decided to do some research and see if there were any exercises or things she could do herself to help with her neck and back problems and found out that being a mermaid at one of the springs in the state could help. “So I gave it a try,” Frazee-Wood said.

On Black Friday in 2019, Frazee-Wood bought her first mermaid tail and began practicing to swim with it shortly after. “Mermaiding” or swimming with a mermaid fin like a mermaid can help strengthen a person’s core. The overall movement and weightlessness also helped Frazee-Wood with her injuries. Frazee-Wood is still working as a mermaid today and loves it.

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Nicole Frazee-Wood became a mermaid about two years ago, after a car accident left her injured. Mermaiding helped with her heal and now she performs in springs across Florida, such as Alexander Springs.

(Photo by Brett Stanley)

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MERMAIDING >> NICOLE FRAZEE-WOOD

As a mermaid she goes by the name Nikki. She works independently, is part of the Florida Springs Mermaids group, and swims in multiple springs around Florida. Every Monday she is at Alexander Springs in Ocala, with other mermaids, where she swims or teaches other people to swim as mermaids and helps get them certified. “It’s really quite an experience,” she said.

Earlier this year she participated in the Miss Mermaid Florida 2021 pageant and won. She then went on to participate in the National Miss Mermaid USA Pageant where she was first-runner up.

Frazee-Wood enjoys being a mermaid for multiple reasons.

“My favorite part is feeling the weightlessness feeling in the water,” she said. “The sound of water is so relaxing and amazing to me.”

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She enjoys how beautiful she feels being a mermaid and the friendships she has made along the way. “We are very protective of each other,” Frazee-Wood said. “We watch out for each other and having that kind of friendship is incredible.”

Being a mermaid has also proven to be good exercise. Since starting, Frazee-Wood has lost about 40 pounds and in the past two years, she has seen a big improvement in her health. “I have less pain in my back and my extremities,” she said. “I don’t get the shooting pain down my legs anymore. I have abs, which is amazing.”

Her muscles have gotten stronger and more prominent in the process. “It’s made me stronger, and it’s made me more confident in my skin,” Frazee-Wood said.

As a mermaid, Frazee-Wood has swam up to depths of 25 feet.

She has five National Association of Underwater Instructors (NAUI) certifications including Level 2 Mermaid, Advanced P H O T O G R A P H Y: B R E T T S TA N L E Y

Open Water SCUBA, Skin Diving, Mermaid Instructor, and First Aid and Rescue for Professional Divers.

She is able to hold her breath for two minutes and 47 seconds when static, and when moving, she can hold her breath for about 40 seconds.

Earlier this year, Frazee-Wood competed in the Florida portion of Miss Mermaid pageants.

The Miss Mermaid Pageant competitions are pageants that include mermaiding, modeling and activism. Mermaids in the United States and from around the world compete in categories such as underwater modeling, freediving, costume design and pageantry. The winners of Miss Mermaid USA have the opportunity to represent the country at international competition.

Due to COVID-19, Frazee-Wood competed in the Florida portion of the Miss Mermaid competitions online. As part of the

multiple categories, Frazee-Wood and other contestants had to make a mermaid top and headdress and received extra points if they were eco-friendly or made using reused materials. There was an underwater swim and underwater posing portion, which Frazee-Wood had to send photos of as well as an evening gown, interview and talent portion.

Contestants also had to choose a platform to discuss as part of the competition. Frazee-Wood’s platform was Bottled Water: The Health of the Florida Springs and Us. Frazee-Wood lives in High Springs, close to many Florida Springs. She sees firsthand the issues happening and the effects bottled water is having on the environment. “It’s heartbreaking and it should matter and beside the point, this doesn’t just happen in Florida,” she said. “This is happening in other states.”

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people other options besides using bottled water. She has also gone on speaking engagements regarding the issue and has spoken at conservation panels, she said.

Frazee-Wood was excited when she ended up winning the Florida competition for the Miss Mermaid pageant. “It was an incredible feeling because my platform was about bringing awareness to our beautiful Florida springs and what an iconic legend they are and just conserving them and protecting them,” she said. “To know that other people cared about that platform as well was exhilarating,” she said.

Winning also solidified and gave her accreditation to continue with her platform on Florida springs issues, she said.

The Florida competition for the Miss Mermaid pageants was the first time Frazee-Wood had ever participated in a pageant. “It was such an honor,” she said.

“I am so humbled and so honored because I know there are many mermaids in that competition that have been doing this for eight or 10 years. To have progressed so quickly, just my journey with the car accident and just what this all means, it was very humbling and honoring.”

In August, Frazee-Wood participated in the Miss Mermaid USA competition.

She had a wonderful time and ended up being first-runner up. “It was amazing,” she said. “I feel like I have gained 51 new sisters.”

She formed a bond with many of the other contestants and enjoyed seeing everyone come together and help one another. “It was just heartwarming, especially because we have been separated for so long now with COVID-19 to see people come together to celebrate a similar cause,” she said.

As the winner of the Florida pageant, Frazee-Wood has some duties, including making appearances and hosting cleanups.

She will continue with her duties until the next person becomes the winner of the Miss Mermaid Florida pageant.

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SEPT/OCT 2021

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34

COLUMN

DONNA BONNELL’S

Embracing Life THE LEGOLAND BANYAN TREE—A SIGHT TO BEHOLD

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

“BEAUTY IS IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER.”

Margaret Wolfe Hungerford coined that phrase in her 1878 novel, Molly Bawn. Until now I used her expression to describe the subjective attractiveness of physical human attributes. My interpretation, however, expanded on a hot summer afternoon in an unexpected way. This journey began with my 11-year-old grandson.

Owen pays attention to details and is not afraid to ask questions. Legos spur his imagination and inspire creativity.

He has progressed from large Duplo blocks to complicated sets with multifaceted steps. A visit to Legoland in Winter Haven was in order.

Legos are everywhere in the 145-acre theme park! Skilled master builders craft everything from dinosaurs to space shuttles.

Lego aficionados consider the complex pieces engineering feats.

Others may see the objects as beautiful.

Lego blocks are even available while waiting for a ride. Bins are attached below wall-mounted baseplates. Guests are kept entertained by designing temporary art. When the line moves, their creations are left on the wall (to be reused). Ironically, some youngsters wished they had to wait longer.

Investigating the delicate masterpieces found in Miniland was fascinating. According to Alicia Stella, a writer/contributor of Visit Orlando, over 32 million Lego bricks were used to build the miniature cities. Owen grew concerned with their fate during hurricanes, as he is aware of how long it takes to assemble Lego structures. In his mind the thought of having to recreate Miniland from scratch was overwhelming. We moved on towards the water.

Lake Eloise borders one side of the park, home to a large waterfront stadium. We watched as professional water skiers took part in a pirate-themed watersport stunt extravaganza.

When the show ended Owen asked a question (based on our recent long drive and his knowledge of tropical storms), “Why would someone build a theme park so far away from everything and on the water?”

Little did we know; the answer was only steps away. Magically (maybe) a Cypress Gardens sign appeared. Pictured was a 34 |

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Southern Belle wearing a Civil War-era hoop dress and a banyan tree. To connect the old with the new, a life-sized Lego replica of a Belle welcomed visitors into the historical botanical gardens.

A quick Google search uncovered that Merlin Entertainments purchased Cypress Gardens in 2010 to renovate into Legoland Florida. Agreements were made to preserve the botanical gardens. My heart pounded with excitement as I explained to my grandson that the same banyan tree I saw as a kid was in its same location and had survived and thrived. If it had not been so hot, we would have sprinted to the sacred spot.

We entered what seemed to be an oasis from the rest of the park. Cooler temperatures and the sweet sounds of nature created a peaceful and quiet sanctuary. Almost immediately our pace slowed, and we embraced our surroundings. Suddenly, there it was in all its glory—the giant banyan tree. We stopped in our tracks to behold its majesty. A sign posted below the tree stated it was brought to Cypress Gardens in a 5-gallon bucket in 1936. Today it is a sight to behold, at least in my opinion.

While I see the banyan as beautiful, others see it as scary.

In fact, there was a little girl and her father who were walking behind us when we witnessed the humongous tree. She did not like it and told her daddy it was spooky. The precious youngster is not alone.

Many cultures deem that these trees house supernatural creatures. Perhaps it is because the roots can appear eerie and frightening. In reality, their roots are powerful and strangle trees that the banyan uses for support.

Banyan trees have been described as cosmic. If you turn a picture of a banyan tree upside-down and use your imagination, it appears that its roots lead to Heaven and its branches and trunk deliver blessings to Earth. Other folks say the tree signifies fertility and life.

From my perspective, this grandiose tree is not only breathtakingly beautiful but is the heart and soul of Legoland Florida. Without a doubt, the historical garden is a hidden gem.

Note: A ticket to Legoland is required to visit the botanical gardens.

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36

CARIBBEAN FUSION >> CHEF CINTRÓN

YES, CHEF!

Hector Cintrón Bringing the Taste of Latin America to Thornebrook W R I T T E N B Y S T E P H A N Y M ATAT

H

ector Cintrón wants his customers to love his food as much as he loves his family. This executive chef, after coming together with his sister’s family, made a risky decision to open the restaurant last September while other businesses were shutting down.

Thankfully, the Gainesville community accepted these striking Caribbean flavors and populated his restaurant into a successful family business.

Cintrón, the executive chef and namesake of the restaurant, understood the riskiness of his decision and felt no hesitation with it because he believed that his Caribbean fusion-filled dishes would succeed in a town that was not used to this type of food. His goal was to bring healthy, unique entrees to the local community that they had never seen before.

He did this by combining his Puerto Rican culture

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with other Latin American traditional dishes and techniques he learned from culinary school.

Before he worked at a Macaroni Grill in West Palm Beach and was mentored by renowned chef Nick Morfogen at 32 East, Cintrón helped his mother cook for the massive family reunions they held in Guayama, Puerto Rico. When he went to Santa Fe College, he cooked for his roommates since he strongly disliked eating fast food. He would make the same pork chops or corned beef that his mother made for him back home. Prior to culinary school, Cintrón was studying pre-med. He was not sure what path he wanted to take in life and decided to follow the one his father had taken as a physician himself.

However, he would soon find his true calling in life as a chef, making the switch and never looking back.

Learning from his mother and cooking for his roommates was the “culinary spark” that led him to the Florida Culinary Institute in West Palm Beach.

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CARIBBEAN FUSION >> CHEF CINTRÓN

While working with Morfogen, Cintrón was used to making a new menu each day and always having a creative mindset with food. He rose to be a sous chef at 32 East and then moved on to be a sous chef at Max’s Grill in Boca Raton. After that, he moved to his first executive chef position at Timpano in Fort Lauderdale, and then returned to Max’s Grill as an executive chef until he lost his job during the outbreak of COVID-19.

“ The extra work Cintrón puts in his food shows his passion, and that is what the customers really taste when they try the food at the restaurant.”

That’s when he got the idea to have his own restaurant.

“Everybody called me crazy because of COVID-19 with a lot of restaurants and other restrictions on the restaurants,” he said. “They were happy for me, yes. But they were also super wary and super concerned about the timing of me opening a new restaurant with the COVID-19 situation.”

Cintrón believes that every chef should have integrity, honesty, responsibility, and leadership qualities. He said his favorite part about being a chef is the pressure in the kitchen and the

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rush. He decorated his restaurant to have a traditional Caribbean environment, with mortars on the bartops and decorative mofongo, meaning spiced plantains, on the bar.

His sister and brother-in-law, Wanda Cintrón and Alberto Carmona, worked with him and his wife to open the restaurant in September. She and her family moved from Maryland to support her brother in his pursuit.

“It was totally a big deal since I was leaving everything related to my previous world,” Wanda Cintrón said. “Are we really doing this in the middle of the pandemic? If we’re doing this, we’re doing this.”

In the Cintrón family, family is a priority. The personal touch brought by the loyalty of the family and the freshness of each dish is what makes the restaurant so successful, Wanda Cintrón said.

“You could go anywhere and ask for a salmon, but our tastes are different,” she said. “The combination of different flavors that we put onto a plate is different than what you’re used to.”

The entire concept of Cintrón is based on family and sacrifice. The owners of the restaurant are all family members, and most of the servers are also part of the family as well. Instead

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of saving money through storing food in a freezer, all the food at the restaurant is served fresh and takes hours of preparation every morning. The most famous appetizer, the duck stuffed tostones, is a three to four day process to make just one appetizer, since the duck legs are left to marinate for 48 hours and then cooked for another few hours with multiple cooldown periods in between.

Cintrón strives to produce unique flavors in his menu through using authentic, homemade ingredients, just like his mother

taught him growing up. Salt, of course, is a major player in the kitchen, he said, but it needs to be balanced properly. His black pepper is made in the restaurant through toasting and grinding a whole black pepper, and that extra effort and distinctive flavor is what he said makes his restaurant different.

The extra work Cintrón puts in his food shows his passion, and that is what the customers really taste when they try the food at the restaurant, said Veronica Cintrón, his wife and co-owner.

The flavors that come out of the restaurant are fresh, homemade and tropical.

“When you look at the dish and look at the presentation and you get those flavors in your mouth, you can see and you can tell that it is put together with love and with passion,” Veronica said.

Veronica said that her husband has always been passionate and dedicated to his job, and that’s a big reason she believes he is so successful now. As the number one witness and number one fan, she believes he’s accomplished so much that led to the popularity of his food.

The Cintrón family all works together now to foster the success of the restaurant and to preserve the family’s legacy of loving food. He and his wife work tirelessly everyday, with their 12-year-old son, Andres, occasionally joining the family in the kitchen.

Wanda goes to every table at the end of their meal to thank them for supporting their local business and their family.

Customers mostly respond back with their own thanks to the family for being in Gainesville and providing the food.

“We are a family here,” Wanda said. “Cintrón is our last name. We are the Cintrón family, and I want the customers to feel that—that we are a family.”

Cintrón’s passion for cooking drives him everyday to make fresh ingredients, be creative in his dishes, make those drives to Ocala for product pick ups, and ensure every dish is up to par in his eyes.

He cares about his family, his customers, his food and his passion for cooking, and this is what he believes makes his restaurant different from all the rest: his own personal twist of Caribbean fusion and his loyalty to his family.

“I love cooking. My passion is cooking. I know how to do that, so that’s all I wanted to do and bring my experience to Gainesville,” Cintrón said. “We’ve been very good, very happy.

I’m very grateful for the success we have so far.”

Cintrón strives to produce unique flavors in his menu through using authentic, homemade ingredients, just as his mother taught him.

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TASTE OF THE SEASON >> PUMPKIN SPICE

FALLING FOR PUMPKIN SPICE

IS PUMPKIN SPICE THE TRUE TASTE OF THE SEASON?

Fall Flavor

BY JA MIE GEN TRY

As central Florida’s humid summer gives way to cooler temperatures, there’s one telltale sign that autumn is upon us.

It’s subtle at first, but by late September it becomes nearly inescapable, creeping into grocery store aisles, bakery display cases, and even our social media feeds. Some cheer the return.

Others shudder at the thought of cinnamon and clove permeating the smells of their every waking moment.

It’s pumpkin spice season.

Love it or hate it, the iconic flavor has become a staple of the fall, embracing the seasonal gourd with a pungent mix of 42 |

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spices and signaling the inevitable approach of Thanksgiving.

Alachua-based baker Nancy Eckert of Nancy’s Bake Shop is a pumpkin spice believer.

“I don’t just like it. I love it,” she said. “I put it in pumpkin pie, pumpkin cake, pumpkin loaf, pumpkin muffins, cupcakes, everything.”

She describes the flavor as warm and inviting. It’s a yearround money maker, but last fall, pumpkin spice obsession combined with many people working from home meant she had trouble finding canned pumpkin in stores.

“It goes well with pretty much everything,” Eckert said.

Pumpkin spice, or pumpkin pie spice, is an American-born flavor combo generally featuring cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and all spice. That fragrant mix of aromatics is then mixed with the familiar flavor of pureed pumpkin for pies, lattes, and so much more. Uppercrust bakery owner Ben Guzick said that this spice combination just isn’t for him.

“Clove is a very opinionated spice for me,” he said. “It really kind of takes over everything.”

TASTE OF THE SEASON >> PUMPKIN SPICE

That has not stopped him from putting it on the menu and making a pretty penny from sales.

“My personal opinion should not get in the way of what makes people happy,” he said.

While the combination dates back hundreds of years, it was in the 1950s and 1960s that spice brands such as McCormick started marketing bottles of pumpkin pie spice as an easy, no-measuring-needed baking option. With proportion guesswork out of the way, it gained more popularity, but the oh-so-famous pumpkin spiced coffees would not become a regular menu offering until the 1990s, when it became a feature in many small-town coffee shops.

Arguably the launch of America’s obsession came in 2003 when Starbucks tested out a new latte flavor in a few select locations. It was a wild success according to the company, resulting in a nationwide roll out the following fall, and the Pumpkin Spice Latte (#PSL) madness took hold. Forbes magazine estimates this seasonal flavoring now makes up an annual market of roughly $500 million. And companies of all kinds have embraced the craze. In recent years, pumpkin spice has found its way into an ever more bizarre variety of products including Kraft mac and cheese (Canada), Cedar Creeks’ limited-edition hummus, multiple brands of dog treats, Native deodorant, and even toilet paper, sold by the roll on Amazon.

“I actually have friends that use the deodorant,” says coffee shop manager Tiffany Gonzales.

Gonzales works at Ellianos Coffee Company in Alachua where pumpkin spice coffee is served hot and cold year-round.

She says while she enjoys other pumpkin things, she doesn’t agree with the obsessive hype around the spice. A survey of her staff found them evenly and firmly divided on the polarizing flavor.

“Everybody promotes it, so it just sticks,” Gonzales said.

“People think let’s make everything pumpkin spice because if it says pumpkin spice, they’ll buy it.”

Pumpkin spice certainly could hold the title of flavor of fall, but Guzick says that would be a mistake.

“There’s too much good seasonal produce out there that has its own flavor worth attention,” he said.

Gonzales suggested pecan pie as a possible alternative. But for the pumpkin spice skeptics, Eckert asked them to just give it another chance.

“Just try it in different items and see what you might like,” she said.

With so many different ways to get the pumpkin spice fix, Eckert said there’s a good chance there’s something for everyone.

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SOUND WAVES >> PODCASTS AROUND TOWN

YOU HEARD IT HERE FIRST

Local Podcasts There’s Something for Everyone to Listen to W RIT TE N BY CECILI A LEMUS

W

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hether you find yourself stuck in traffic on your commute from work or out for a walk in your neighborhood, the convenience of listening to a podcast while doing otherwise mundane activities is becoming more popular and accessible.

The ease of tuning into a podcast is as simple as a few scrolls away on Spotify or a few clicks on your phone app. Some local educators and creators have joined the auditory scene. And if you are interested in finding a new way to stay informed with the community while supporting local podcast creators, we have you covered.

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SOUND WAVES >> PODCASTS AROUND TOWN

K ARA’ S L I PST I C K DIARY Based in Gainesville, Kara Winslow took her shot on television years ago but when she left that field to work on her own business, she never expected to make a leap once again into the world of video entertainment with production and now podcasts.

“Basically, my show is about being a middle-aged woman living in a college town and sharing the issues that I face—everything from dating to being a female business owner,” Winslow said.

“And that is what I wanted to deliver with this show. [To] make it fun but at the same time address issues that are important and that I have been told not to talk about.”

She said she wanted it to feel like she is sitting in her living room with cocktails and her girlfriends. “I had a woman contacting me and sending me private messages—saying that you are providing a voice that we haven’t heard, and you are talking about these issues that we don’t talk about,” Winslow said.

Winslow brings to light the pain management aspects of Botox and speaks of her own experience while getting injected with Botox herself during the live segment of one of her most recent episodes. She is not shy with the subjects she covers and being transparent with her audience. In light of roadblocks along the way with the video and podcast format, she has managed to maintain a following and gain support from the community in Gainesville—even some outside of North Central Florida too.

“One of the amazing things is that I did not know about Zoom.

I didn’t know I could shoot a podcast and have someone from LA Zoom in their living room to me,” Winslow said. “Yes, the pandemic has opened my eyes that technology is more readily available to be able to do that.

Not one to shy away from the topics she covers, Kara Winslow (above) gets injected with Botox during a live segment of one of her episodes.

THE SELF NARRATE PODCAST With over 150 episodes, Self Narrate cofounder Brandon Telg has been with the organization and podcast since day one and said the program has seen different iterations in the past few years. The nonprofit’s mission is to tell the stories of those in the community and provide opportunities for people to tell their stories through this platform.

From taking on topics of inequity to having people recount their experiences of unexpected turns in life, the podcast broadcasts stories from personal perspectives.

Telg said that they launched the podcast before the podcast boom now seen over the last few years, and they didn’t have any idea of where it would go. It has taken different shapes over the past few years. Initially the team talked about their stories and the impact of storytelling. Over time it shifted into a different model.

“The model of the Self Narrate podcast is Gainesville people sharing their stories,” Telg said.

Episodes are available on most podcast feeds. The organization has partnered with Grow Radio (a local podcast hub) with every episode of the show archived on their website.

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The Self Narrate Podcast tells the stories of Gainesville residents and beyond.

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SOUND WAVES >> PODCASTS AROUND TOWN

T H E R O U N D S W I TH B RA N D O N & TAY L OR Telg has also recently partnered with Taylor Williams, the founder of Guts & Glory GNV, to create a podcast where they talk about personal and organizational development. They are both instructors and teachers, and have experience in personal and leadership development.

This podcast is geared for people that want to learn how to be a better person and how to be a better teammate and how to be a better leader, Telg said. “So, these topics range from personal to organizational to leadership development. But it is really all around that development piece. So if you want to be better, whether at work or home, I recommend this new podcast,” he said.

W H OA G N V P O D CA ST This podcast prides itself in showcasing businesses and individuals from Gainesville and bringing them to the spotlight. “Our audience is anyone that is interested in leadership. We have a variety of different guests, anywhere from athletic coaches to authors to local business owners.

Business owners is a big one, I would say that 80% of the interviews are with ones that own businesses in the area,” co-host Collin Austin said.

The podcast focuses on three missions. One of them is to help Gainesville keep some of its talent in town.

“There is a perception that you would go to college in Gainesville and then leave, but we want people to be able to stay,” Austin said. “Another is to bring talent. One of the things we hear is that Gainesville is a great place to find new talent, but we are trying to highlight what makes Gainesville great to bring in the talent and help people grow.”

Lastly, he said they want to help bring collaborations together. “Some people have told me that they didn’t know about a certain business before they came on the show,” Austin said. The podcast continues to remain focused on North Central Florida businesses and leaders.

Austin can recall the first signs of future collaborations taking place while recording at the studio. “I had an author and a leadership professional come on the show at the same time,” he said. “They met on our show and now they are collaborating and writing a book together.”

He said it is important for them to bring people together to build each other up and help build Gainesville.

“The reason I decided to do a podcast was that I knew it would help solve all these missions,” Austin said. “I knew that I could get people from all backgrounds to hear this show.”

Let’s hear it for these local podcasters!

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Brandon Telg partnered with Taylor Williams, founder of Guts & Glory GNV, to produce a new podcast called The Rounds with Brandon & Taylor.

OUR TOWN MAGAZINE

SEPT/OCT 2021

The WHOA GNV podcast focuses on three missions, one of which is to help Gainesville keep its local talent in town.

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CHOCOLATE >> A TASTE BUD’S DELIGHT

SWEET TREATS

THE LOCAL CHOCOLATE SHOP TREATING OUR COMMUNITY FOR OVER 3 DECADES

Thornebrook Chocolates STORY A N D PHOTOGR A PH Y BY CECILI A LEM US

Rows of handcrafted

chocolate from truffles to chocolate dipped oreos are found at Thornebrook Chocolates. A warm smell of delectable melted chocolate and sight of delicately crafted desserts uniquely marks the shop.

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Named after the Thornebrook Village Shopping Center which houses the shop, Thornebrook chocolates has been bringing customers seeking indulgent treats through its doors since 1985.

“People come in for the taste of chocolate and it seems to be so rich that you don’t need to eat a full box for the experience,” co-owner Cathleen Blagay said.

She said it can change and brighten your day to have a little treat. “I like that we have so many different flavor combinations that there is something there for everyone.”

It is a good feeling.

“I always refer to chocolate as an affordable luxury so walking out with a bag and gold box of chocolate in your hand does have a sense of fulfillment with a nice treat. It is like a spa day for your taste buds,” she said.

Some of the unique flavor combinations the shop has offered include chocolate potato chips, milk chocolate strawberry jelly, and milk chocolate sweet and spicy pecans. Spicing chocolate is something that the shop has produced with hesitancy but

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success in the past. The shop uses techniques such as spicing with chipotle chili. “A couple of confections that we played around with were flavors like curry. Which taste really good with chocolate,” she said.

Blagay has been co-managing the chocolate shop since 2011.

She said that she didn’t have the initial expert knowledge on chocolate production when she began running the shop. Yet, over the years the shop has taught her much on chocolate making and given her endurance in running the business through both the challenging and rewarding moments.

“We still get the occasional wave of challenge, but I am much stronger and can withstand the pressure,” Blagay said. Owning the shop through the wave of the pandemic has brought much pressure she said. Operating the shop during COVID-19 proved to be more difficult, but the local business has remained open while following the appropriate guidelines.

The Florida native can recall learning the art and science behind chocolate making. To achieve the particular chocolate

and taste the shop has to offer, there is an art of heating and cooling the chocolate that is carefully carried out alongside other factors such as climate and air humidity. Blagay and her team continue to make improvements by implementing new flavors and considering new techniques.

When asked what sense is most prominent when one enters the shop, Blagay said that although people do come in for the taste—there is even more to greet you at the chocolate shop.

“People would think that the initial sensory response with our store is sight or taste, but it is actually smell,” she said.

Blagay explained that there is a strong scent of warm chocolate in the store from the chocolate work in the back, which invokes sweet memories for many of the patrons.

“I have found, and customers relay, that this is part of why [they] come to the store,” Blagay said.

The next sense highlighted within the shop is sight. “We have a number of cases that are filled with chocolate. We keep it brightly colored not overwhelming but engaging to the senses. Sound is the next thing that meets someone. We tend to greet people and in a friendly manner, letting them know that we are here to help them. That is another reason that we pick classical music,” she said.

Blagay said taste is the big one since that is the end result that you come into the store for—the taste of chocolate or gelato. “That is often what brings people back,” she said. “And to experience everything.”

Touch is not to be highlighted as much since holding chocolate tends to make it melt, Blagay jokingly said.

When thinking back to her roots in the business she said cordial cherries were one of the first treats she learned to make.

Although it was not necessarily the hardest, she explained that it had the most steps to consider.

Starting out, she was no master. However, her willingness to learn and drive to serve the community, while continuously adapting, is what helped her to continue in the business that she is so passionate about.

She can name the popular pieces that have withstood the test of time. “We have a lot of popular pieces and it can vary throughout the year. Oreos have been the most popular. Our turtles and our cordial cherries. Most recently it has been salted caramel,” Blagay said.

When asked if she ever gets tired of chocolate the answer is always no, and she is not surprised that her regulars sometimes mix up their usual too. “I would be more in the mood for one thing over another, but I never get sick of chocolate,” she said. “That is what I have found of people who frequent the store as well. I will be ready to pack their regular, but they ask for something different.”

The store offers a selection of gelato, too. More than just sweets, the shop also has a variety of gifts fitting for any occasion, such as coffee mugs and wine. With the array of chocolate on display, Blagay said there is a piece of chocolate for everyone.

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Restaurant Guide

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

352-472-1300 eatcilantrotacos.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

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 52 |

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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 – Sat 11:00am – 9:00pm Sunday 12:00pm – 8:00pm

386-418-1039 www.eltorogainesville.com

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

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.

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Restaurant Guide

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

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

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 www.mmcseafood.com 54 |

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Piesanos Stone Fired Pizza Italian Restaurant — 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.

For full menu and list of locations visit: PIESANOSTOGO.COM Now Serving: Gainesville, Ocala, The Villages, Clermont & Windermere, Coming soon: Lake City & St. Augustine Mon-Sun: 11am-10pm Order online or Download our App: PIESANOSTOGO.COM

Nopal By Cintron Mexican — If you’re looking for authentic Mexican cuisine with a twist, look no further than Nopal by Cintron. With all sauces and marinades made from scratch using traditional spices, peppers and techniques Nopal’s menu is filled with traditional favorites and a few modern options. Using only the highest quality proteins, Nopal offers modern and relaxed atmosphere with plenty of outdoor seating options. Stop by and try the full service bar offering Mexican inspired cocktails or one of their daily special including Taco Tuesday and a new brunch menu available on Saturdays and Sundays! A huge supporter of local suppliers and growers, come see why Nopal is nacho your average Mexican restaurant!

5112 NW 34th Blvd, Gainesville, FL 32605 Tuesday - Thur: 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM Fri- Sat: 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM Sunday: 11 AM-9:00 PM

(352) 240-6224

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 SPECIAL RESTAURANT ADVERTISING SECTION. CALL 352-372-5468 FOR RATES AND INFORMATION.

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Restaurant Guide

Top Hog Family Style BBQ — Sweet,Tasty, Spicy, Hot, Vinegar, Smokey. Just a few adjectives that will come to mind when you visit Top Hog! We take our time to make our recipes with love. We make our recipes in small batches to make sure that everything you order is fresh and up to our customers high standards! To give our meats a distinct Florida flavor, our meats are smoked with a mix of Florida woods, like orange wood and oak. Family style meals or meat sold by the pound with your choice of sauce available. Check our website and facebook for our full menu and daily specials. Think of us for your next family gathering, office party or tailgate party and let the TOP HOG cater your next event! We are not a chain, we are one of a kind, we do it our way.

14128 West Newberry Rd., Jonesville (Next to Steeplechase Publix) Opening soon: 6500 SW Archer Rd. (Kanapha Station) Open 7 days 11:00am - 2:00pm and 4:30pm – 9:00pm

352-331-6035 www.top-hog.com

Stone House Grill Great steaks, seafood and more — Visit us at Stone House Neighborhood Grill for the ultimate dining experience.

We are a full-service restaurant located in Newberry, Florida. The owners and operators have over 20+ years of experience in the food service industry, and a passion for providing exceptional food and service that will leave all customers coming back for more.

Enjoy our unique variety of menu options for lunch or dinner. Lunch specials Monday-Friday. Happy hour 3-6 Monday through friday.

1759 SW 248th Drive Newberry 32669 Monday - Thursday 11am-10pm Friday & Saturday 11am-11pm Sunday 11am-9pm

352-354-8023 www.stonehousenewberry.com

Scuola Pizza Greek and Italian Cuisine— At Scuola Pizza, their goal is not only to provide delicious pizza and entrees, but also to enhance the casual dining experience. When the Sinis family moved to Gainesville from Greece, their goal was to open a restaurant where the ambiance was as unique as the signature dishes. Influenced by European culture and Mediterranean cuisine, Scuola Pizza serves delightful Mediterranean dishes in a relaxing atmosphere of books and vintage decor.

With outdoor seating available and spacious dining room, Scuola Pizza offers a variety of daily and weekly specials. Dine-In or Carryout available. Call or stop by today.

5204 NW 34th Blvd.

Tue. - Thurs. 11am- 9pm Friday and Saturday 11am - 9:30pm Sunday 4pm—9pm

(352) 451-4122 scuolapizzagainesville@gmail.com 56 |

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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

That Bar and Table Neighborhood Bar and Restaurant —Located in the Haile Market Square Publix center, we are locally owned and operated, family friendly (including dogs!), and offer indoor and outdoor dining! Lunch specials available Mon-Fri and brunch is served on weekends. Daily specials include Cluckin’ Monday, Taco Tuesday, Burger Wednesday, Wine-Night Thursday, and amazing weekend Chef’s specials beginning each Friday! Our scratch kitchen is prepping daily to deliver amazing wing dishes, glorious ½ pound burgers, and a wide selection of appetizers, sandwiches, salads, and dinner entrees. Our skilled bartenders will serve up your favorite cocktail or can recommend one of our house favorites! See you soon!

2725 SW 91st St, Gainesville 11-9 Sunday, Monday, Tuesday 11-10 Wed-Sat

352-331-6620 thatbarandtable.com

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

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

352-373-7383 www.thesocialgnv.com SPECIAL RESTAURANT ADVERTISING SECTION. CALL 352-372-5468 FOR RATES AND INFORMATION.

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SERVICE DOGS FOR PATRIOTS >> SUPPORT ANIMALS

PUP INTUITION

THE SIXTH SENSE OF A SERVICE DOG

Man’s Best Friend

BY JA MIE GEN TRY

For William Osteen of Gainesville, full blown panic attacks usually start with something as simple as flexing his fingers.

Though subtle, the simple fidget is a red flag that his stress is spiraling out of control. Surrounded by the crowds and noise of Sea World on a recent family trip, Osteen felt that familiar panic beginning to rise. First, the fidgeting, then swaying. Sensory overload was taking hold, bringing his old traumas to the surface.

“I get overwhelmed with thoughts. I start sweating. My heart is racing,” Osteen explained.

His mind throws him into full fight or flight mode, even when no real threat is there. Osteen, an Iraq veteran, has struggled with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) for years. The episodes of escalating, explosive stress put strain on his relationship with his wife. It kept him from being front and center for his daughters, ages 9 and 12. He didn’t go out.

And it stopped him from participating in family vacations, but as the finger twitching started, a wet nose and persistent paw 58 |

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at his hand broke into his focus. Nola, Osteen’s PTSD service dog, picked up on his escalating stress even before he could.

She’s trained to intervene for him, bringing his focus away from the stressors and onto her. Osteen stopped paying attention to the overstimulating crowd, a cacophony of sounds and sights.

Instead, he focused on breathing deeply while petting her soft chocolate coat from head to shoulder to back to rump, a grounding exercise. Nola has transformed Osteen’s life.

“Nola kind of gets me out and going,” he said. “I can go out and do stuff, and she keeps me in the moment. She keeps me grounded.”

When Osteen handles stressful conversations, he can reach down and pet Nola for support. As he shops in crowded stores, Nola’s watchful brown eyes are fixed on him, perceiving even the most subtle signs of stress before they escalate out of control.

Dogs have a sixth sense about these things said service dog trainer Michelle Dunlap. She’s the founder of Service Dogs

for Patriots in Gainesville, and her dog helped her survive PTSD, too. Dogs sense and understand body language easier than spoken words, she said.

“They speak a language that is very black and white. They speak in body language,” Dunlap explained. “Dogs can’t lie. They believe what they are told, and they remember things.”

“ Nola kind of gets me out and going,” he said.

“I can go out and do stuff, and she keeps me in the moment.”

In the case of service dogs, that means they realize what’s happening to their human even before the human does. Veteran and Gainesville native Korin Taylor knows this firsthand. She said so often she would pretend she was fine, lying to even herself about how her PTSD was affecting her. But service dog in training Niko is not easily fooled.

“He knows me better than I know me. I’ll lie to myself, but I can’t lie to him,” Taylor said. “He’s got that spider sense.”

When Taylor begins rubbing her forehead or twitching her hands, Niko is on to her, bumping and pawing to divert her attention.

He’s also learned to “cover her six,” meaning he keeps an eye on what’s behind her when she’s out and about. He also gives a visual cue to her about people walking by. This subtle perception allows her to avoid being startled by someone approaching, which can be a trigger.

Not all dogs are cut out for the work, Dunlap said. More independent breeds, like hound dogs, tend to lack the intuition necessary for service work, preferring to follow their nose. However, recent research has found that these breeds have a knack that could help medical professionals in detecting cancer.

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www.MyAlliancePediatrics.com

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Service Dogs for Patriots is located in Gainesville. The organization seeks to help veterans battling PTSD through training their own service dog. The dog learns the needs of the veteran and what to do to help, whether it be waking up the veteran from a bad dream or giving a warning when someone is walking up from behind. The list of what these dogs offer is extensive.

For the more subtle work of picking up on anxiety signs and intervening, more people-focused breeds have shown success.

Herding dogs are also well suited for the work, Dunlap said, due to their instinct for subtle movement and behavior. That being said, mixed breeds and rescues like Niko are also excellent candidates according to Dunlap.

“Pupil dilation, nostril flares—those tiny little movements can tell them that an escalation is going on,” she said.

The dogs are typically trained to their specific person over the course of a year, allowing to fine tune their tasks to meet those specific triggers and needs. These dogs and their highly trained senses can be life changing.

“We received a plea from a guy who had been at the springs with his family,” Dunlap recalled. “Something triggered him. He thought he was under attack and dove under the picnic table and 60 |

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was yelling for everyone to get down. That veteran’s plea was what cemented our decision to focus our nonprofit on helping veterans. He was talking about ending his life in a few days.”

Through the assistance of a service dog, that veteran regained the confidence and peace of mind to be able to go about daily life. Taylor said she knows that feeling personally. She said every treatment for her PTSD left her still unable to go out except for mandatory doctor’s appointments. At one point she was taking 48 pills a day for her condition and to treat the side effects induced by her other medications. Niko’s only side effect, she says, is shedding.

“We are able to get our lives back,” Taylor said. “There were times I didn’t think I could go on, but Niko pulled me back from the edge.”

For service dogs, it just comes naturally.

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ALACHUA COUNTY >> ARCHITECTURE OF YESTERDAY

HISTORY IN THE BUILDING

A Look Into the Past Historic Buildings that No Longer Stand B Y J O A N N A G R E Y TA L B O T

U

rban renewal and redevelopment of A l ac h ua C o u n t y, e s p e c i a l ly i n downtown Gainesville, in the 1950s, ‘60s, and ‘70s caused the loss of many historic buildings.

Other cities throughout the country saw the loss of entire neighborhoods to the cause of “renewal.” Government entities and developers regularly chose the razing of buildings over preservation. Thankfully, the tide began to turn in the 1970s. Historic Gainesville, Inc. was founded in 1972 and their first project was to save the former Hotel Thomas. Although many historic buildings had already been lost, they live on in the archives of the Matheson History Museum and the memories of so many.

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>> ARTICLESUBJECTSPECIFIC ALACHUA XXARTICLETYPE COUNTY >> ARCHITECTURE OF YESTERDAY

The White House Hotel held its grand opening on July 31, 1907.

WH I TE H O U SE H O TE L Location: Gainesville—N. Main Street where the Alachua County Supervisor of Election’s offices are located.

The White House Hotel held its grand opening on July 31, 1907. The Gainesville Sun covered the occasion: “The vast assemblage was regaled with elegant refreshments, and local musicians furnished enchanting music which was greatly enjoyed and highly appreciated. The White House is second to no hostelry in the State of Florida in the way of comfort, and the owner and proprietor propose to conduct it in a manner that will reflect credit upon the city and give satisfaction to those who favor them with their patronage.”

The hotel building began its life as a dormitory for the East Florida Seminary (EFS). It was located on the block bordered

by N Main Street, NE 1st Street, NE 4th Avenue, and NE 5th Avenue. Major William Thomas, multi-term Gainesville mayor, businessman, and former EFS professor, acquired the building from the state and converted it into a hotel. It was an ideal location as the railroad ran along North Main Street in front of it.

The late historian Ben Pickard states that there were 50 guest rooms, 35 of which had private baths, and the dining room could accommodate 200 guests. The daily room rate was $2.

The hotel building was expanded in 1913 and served travelers over the next 50 years. The White House Hotel was closed in 1962 and eventually torn down.

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NEW BE R RY R AILR OAD DE P OT Location: Newberry—NW 254th Street Newberry was settled in the 1890s when the Savannah, Florida and Western Railroad was extended between High Springs and Archer. The town quickly became the commercial hub for the phosphate industry in the area.

Shortly after its founding the town constructed a depot building alongside the railroad. According to the National Register of Historic Places registration form for the City of Newberry Historic District, which was prepared by Murray Laurie and Dr. Lea Wolfe in 1987, “the passenger station, an attractive wood frame building with barrel tile roof, was located at the junction of the main railroad tracks and formed an important focal point for the town. This was what most people first saw when they arrived in Newberry and the citizens took pride in the building and the attractive plantings and fishpond which embellished its park-like setting.”

The station was demolished in 1966 and a cement block structure has taken its place since passenger trains no longer pass through Newberry.

1 8 8 5 ALACHUA C O U N T Y COU RTHOU SE Location: Downtown Gainesville on the courthouse square bordered by East University Avenue, S Main Street, SE 1st Street, and SE 1st Avenue.

Alachua County’s county seat was changed from Newnansville to Gainesville in 1854. In 1857 a two-story wooden courthouse was constructed in downtown but as the county grew the case load and services offered at the courthouse also grew.

Built in 1885 at a cost of $50,000, the second Alachua County Courthouse was the magnificent centerpiece of downtown Gainesville until it was demolished in 1961. Its beautiful red brick, clock tower, and ornately detailed roof were complemented by two copper lions and two copper state seals which sat above the north and south entrances. At the time, lions such as these could be ordered from a metal ornaments catalog. Today visitors to the Matheson History Museum can view one of the copper state seals, which hangs in the museum’s main gallery.

The 1885 courthouse not only housed courtrooms and offices but also hosted a speech

by Booker T. Washington in 1903 and numerous events over the years – political rallies, 4-H competitions, WWII scrap metal drives and more.

One of the most famous cases tried there was Cason v. Baskin in 1943. Zelma Cason brought a $100,000 invasion of privacy lawsuit against her neighbors Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings (Baskin) and her husband (at the time women only had legal standing through their husband). Rawlings had described Cason in her 1942 book, Cross Creek, as “an ageless spinster resembling an angry and efficient canary.” The court ruled initially in Rawlings’ favor, but Cason appealed. The legal battle dragged on for more than four years and Rawlings was eventually ordered to pay Cason $1.00 in damages.

U N I O N A CA DE MY Location: Gainesville—524 NW 1st Street where the Rosa B. Williams Center is located.

Union Academy was founded in 1865 by the Freedmen’s Bureau to teach formerly enslaved children. It initially met in a dilapidated church building. The Board of Trustees, consisting of nine African American men from the community—Isaac Davis, Johnson Chestnut, John Bullard, Anthony Jumper, Henry Roberts, Henry S. Harmon, David Coleman, Thomas Dawkins, and Edward Deyer—formed in 1867.

On November 20, 1867, they bought a parcel on the corner of what is now NW 1st Street and NW 6th Avenue. The school building cost $6,000 and was the second largest school built by the Freedmen’s Bureau in Florida. It was constructed by volunteer African American carpenters who had learned their trade as enslaved craftsmen. The new school was named Union Academy.

By 1896 the one-story building was bursting at the seams, so a second floor was added.

The expanded building had eleven classrooms. A normal school (training academy for teachers) was also added.

As the city’s population grew so did the school’s student body. The 1922-1923 school year was Union Academy’s last. It was replaced by Lincoln High School. In 1925 the building became a recreation center then a retirement home and eventually fell into disrepair. It was torn down sometime in the 1930s.

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ALACHUA COUNTY >> ARCHITECTURE OF YESTERDAY

Baird Hardware (left) was opened by Eberle Baird in 1890. Gainesville’s first public library (right) opened in 1918 at 419 E. University Avenue.

B A I R D H A R DWA R E Location: Gainesville—Corner of E. University Avenue and SE 1st Street where the Bo Diddley Community Plaza is located now.

Baird Hardware was opened by Eberle Baird in 1890 as a supplier of mining equipment for the phosphate industry. The company quickly enlarged its inventory to include everything from sporting equipment to plows and saws.

By the 1900s it was one of the largest hardware stores in the state. For many years it sponsored a fishing contest and displayed outside the store the largest fish caught. In 1910 Baird constructed a warehouse on S. Main Street, which still stands today. It is home to the Acrosstown Repertory Theatre.

Baird Hardware occupied nearly the entire block east of the courthouse square by the 1930s. Cicero Addison Pound, who started as a stock boy in 1908, took over as president in 1930. His strong work ethic and adaptability kept the business not only afloat but thriving through the years of the Great Depression.

The store underwent a partial remodel in 1950 to include a new housewares department and the wholesale distribution of Mercury Outboard Motors. Over 45% of its sales resulted from marine supplies so when Mercury Motors decided in 1959 to distribute directly to the retailers it caused major financial loss for Baird. When the Gainesville Shopping Center opened just north of town, they abandoned their plans for a full remodel.

In 1962 Addison Pound, Jr. became president and during his tenure the store switched to wholesale only. After 90 years

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of operation, he closed the business in 1980.

The entire downtown block where the store had been located was torn down in the 1970s during the push for urban renewal.

FIR ST P U BLIC LIBRARY Location: Gainesville—E. University Avenue where the Alachua County Library District’s downtown branch is located today.

In 1918 the city’s first public library building was opened at 419 E. University Avenue. It was founded by the Twentieth Century Club, one of the first women’s clubs in Gainesville, and the building was constructed with the assistance of a grant from philanthropist Andrew Carnegie. It remained the city’s library until a new 6,000 square foot building was opened in 1956 across the street.

Prior to the completion of the building, Twentieth Century Club volunteers raised money for books and staffed the temporary library, which had many homes over the years. The group eventually approached the City Council for help but according to historian Jess Davis, “the council decided it had no legal right to appropriate funds for the support of a public library.” The Club then approached Carnegie. A requirement of his support was a vote by the citizens to authorize appropriations for the support of a library and a large majority voted in favor. The City Council and Library Board then worked with Carnegie to erect the building.

OD D F E L L OW S H O M E AND SA N I TA R I U M

Location: Gainesville—NW Corner of SE 2nd Avenue and SE 8th Street.

The Independent Order of Odd Fellows (IOOF) is a non-political and non-sectarian international fraternal order of Odd Fellowship, which originated in England, and still operates today. In 1851, IOOF became the first national fraternity to accept both men and women when it formed the Daughters of Rebekah.

According to the Historic American Buildings Survey completed in 1973, the Odd Fellows Home was built in 1893 as a tuberculosis sanitarium for Odd Fellows and Rebekahs. It was constructed of red brick with limestone and wood ornamentations. Dr. Robert Robb, husband of Dr. Sarah Robb, Alachua County’s first female physician, was instrumental in the establishment of the sanitarium.

The building also served as the county hospital from 19061928, a home for aged Odd Fellows and Rebekahs, and a school for girls. By the mid-1960s the building was no longer in use, and it was razed in 1974 to make way for the extension of SE 2nd Avenue to Waldo Road.

Here’s to the historic buildings of the past!

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COLUMN

CRYSTAL HENRY’S

Naked Salsa MY SIXTH SENSE—A SENSE OF HUMOR

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

HEARING AND TASTE ARE GREAT, BUT I THINK POSSIBLY THE MOST UNDERRATED SENSE WE HAVE IS OUR SENSE OF HUMOR. They say that when you have a deficit in one sense, your body often overcompensates in another. I think it’s why we collectively believe that people with vision loss have superhuman hearing.

But while I’m not sure that’s true for everyone across the board, I’m the queen of overcompensating. So I can probably attribute my semi-strong sense of humor to my weak sense of awareness.

The flavor of humor I latched on to early in life was selfdeprecation. It was my self-preservation weapon of choice against bullies. And it’s what got me through my awkward years.

I was in fourth grade when kids started making fun of my body parts. As the firstborn child and grandchild, I’d been sufficiently worshipped at home as the picture of perfection.

But my family’s private adoration could only protect me for so long. Puberty held a cruel awakening.

I think the very first negative feedback I ever got about my body was about my nose. A kid at school told me it was way too big for my face, and while I didn’t know what to do with that information at the time, I definitely stored it away. I’d never thought my nose was a problem before, but after the skinny 9-year-old boy (whose name I can’t recall) told me it was too big, I believed that for the next 20 years.

Admittedly the information was shocking in part because in second grade my big nostrils were a hit. I could flare them on command, expanding them to thrice their normal size. I even performed feats of strength shoving bath beads, my tongue and even my own toes up there for captive audiences.

The nose show was only sidelined when a bath bead burst and drained down the back of my throat. My cousin convinced me I’d been poisoned, but my mom had warned me not to shove things up my nose, so I was too afraid to seek help. Poison control was never involved, and I’m still waiting for the studies to be released on the long-term effects of bath bead juice poisoning.

Still, by the time kids started hitting puberty, my black hole nostrils had lost their appeal. And that was only the start of my list of offensive features. I also had the audacity to get pimples during adolescence. And as my baby teeth fell out, my two permanent front teeth didn’t touch. Couple that gap-tooth 70 |

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smile with the fact that I was missing two other permanent teeth altogether, then add in the glasses I got in eighth grade—I was an abomination.

Here I was just walking around the earth blissfully unaware of all these faults because I’d been misled by my mother to think I was absolutely perfect. Thank goodness I had middle schoolers around me who were kind enough to alert me to these egregious sins.

At first I shrunk away. I was Quasimodo in the corner just hoping to slip into the shadows and praying I outgrew my deformities. But there are no shadows in middle school. There are dozens of hormonal, miserable creatures crawling up and down the hallways with spotlights ready to highlight your every weakness.

Even the “friendly” creatures would deal blows. I’ll never forget telling one of the girls in my lunch crew that I wasn’t interested in the only boy rumored to want to ask me to the school dance.

“ The flavor of humor I latched on to early in life was self-deprecation.

It was my self-preservation weapon of choice against bullies.

And it’s what got me through my awkward years.”

“Beggars can’t be choosers,” she told me with her perfect hair and cute button nose.

As an adult I feel bad for middle school girls with perfect hair and button noses. I think if I’d had any of those attributes I’d have leaned on them and peaked in 8th grade. Lucky for me I had to stare my gap-toothed acne face in the mirror every day and accept that I wasn’t going to get by on my looks. And since ADHD wasn’t recognized in girls as often back then, I wasn’t going to be “the smart girl” either. I’d have to develop—a personality.

I can’t remember deciding I’d go for “the funny girl,” and honestly I never really made it either. The closest I got was

runner up for Class Clown in our high school yearbook superlatives. It was the highest honor I could hope for. I lost to a preacher’s daughter, as if I had a chance.

I started to realize everyone was selfloathing in middle school. So if I was poking fun at myself, then it not only stole my bully’s thunder, but it took the attention away from kids who wanted to shrink just as much as I had. It also let me own all my insecurities outright, and eventually they stopped being insecurities and just started being material.

My strategy to throw the first punch at myself worked long enough for my acne to clear up, the braces to come off, and my big head to proportionally catch up to my big nose.

I’m sure a therapist would tell me it wasn’t a healthy strategy, but it was one that worked for me. And the feeling I got when I made people laugh began to weigh so much more than the feeling I got when what’s-his-name made fun of my nose.

I still wouldn’t do middle school over again for all the yearbook awards in the world. But I do think it’s where my personality developed right alongside my awkward body.

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COMMU NIT Y C A LENDA R

S E P T E M B E R / O C TO B E R 2 0 2 1

BAT FEST

Saturday, October 23, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Lubee Bat Conservancy, 1309 NW 192nd Ave. GAINESVILLE – the 17th Annual Florida Bat Festival is a family-friendly festival where guests can enjoy games and activities in the kid zone; shop from local artisans; sample tasty foods from local food trucks; and speak with bat experts while enjoying the world’s largest bats. Tickets are $5 for ages 5-12; $8 for ages 13 and up and free for children under 4. Tickets for the beer garden are $25 until September 30 and include a 5oz souvenir glass and unlimited beer samples. lubee.org/batfest LIVE & LOCAL SUMMER CONCERT SERIES

Thursday, September 16, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.

Bo Diddley Plaza, 111 E University Ave.

GAINESVILLE – The third and final show of the Live & Local Concert Summer Series will feature performances by Palimony, a psychedelic country band with influences ranging from Dolly Parton and Willie Nelson to Slowdive and Wilco, and Noan Partly Trio, one of the region’s most compelling new bands. musicgnv.com

TIOGA MOVIE NIGHT – R AYA AND THE L A ST DR AGON

Saturday, September 18, 7 – 9 p.m.

High Springs Playhouse, 23416 W US Hwy. 27

HIGH SPRINGS – Come to the High Springs Playhouse for a live preview of their 29th season and meet the directors, actors, board members and volunteers that make this playhouse a “little gem” in High Springs. Light food and refreshments will be provided. 1920’s attire encouraged. highspringsplayhouse.com/gala

DAVINA AND THE VAGABONDS

WINDS & CL ASSICS

Thursday, September 23, 7:30 – 9 p.m.

Santa Fe College Fine Arts, 3000 NW 83rd St.

GAINESVILLE – Join the College of Fine Arts for a performance by the Santa Fe Winds Orchestra. The ensemble will perform classical and contemporary concert compositions under the direction of Dr. David Smith in the newly renovated Lyceum Concert Hall. To order tickets by phone, call the Fine Arts Box Office at 352-395-4181. sfcollege.edu

UNCLE MORTY’S RHYTHM CREAM BLOCK PARTY

Friday, September 24, 7 – 9 p.m.

Thursday, September 23, at 7 & 9 p.m.

Celebration Pointe, Celebration Pointe Ave.

Friday, September 17, 7:30 – 9:30 p.m.

UpStage at the Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Rd.

Tioga Town Center, 13085 SW 1st Ln.

GAINESVILLE – Davina and the Vagabonds has been creating a stir with their shows filled with New Orleans charm, Memphis soul swagger, and a frontwoman whose voice and stage presence are simply electric. Tickets are $50 for the 7 p.m. show and $35 for the 9 p.m. show. Tickets for UF students are $10. performingarts.ufl.edu

GAINESVILLE – Morty is headed uptown for an outdoor block party at Celebration Pointe.

Check out the band before or after a nice dinner at one of the many great restaurants at Celebration or just grab a drink or two and shake your groove thang, baby. celebrationpointe.com

NEWBERRY – Grab your lawn chairs and come enjoy “Raya and the Last Dragon.”

Relax and enjoy the movie under the stars at the Tioga Town Center amphitheater at The Square! This is a free outdoor movie night, open to the public. tiogatowncenter.com 72 |

29TH HIGH SPRINGS PLAYHOUSE SEASON PREVIEW GALA

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TINY TITANS: DINOSAUR EGGS AND BABIES OPENING DAY

Saturday, September 25, 10:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Florida Museum of Natural History, 3215 Hull Rd.

GAINESVILLE – Take a rare and exciting look at the lives of dinosaurs through their eggs, nests and embryos in Tiny Titans: Dinosaur Eggs and Babies. This remarkable exhibition offers an astounding array of authentic dinosaur specimens collected from around the world.

Exhibit will be on display through January 9. floridamuseum.ufl.edu

youth and adults in our community. There will be raffle prize tickets, a light breakfast and 5K completion medals available for all participants. hpwcoalition.org

ROYAL WOOD

Thursday, September 30, 7 & 9 p.m.

UpStage at the Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Rd.

Heartwood Soundstage, 619 S Main St.

GAINESVILLE – As if a dear friend stopped by to perform for you, Royal Wood will make you feel instantly at home. A natural-born storyteller, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist, Royal Wood serves up intimate pop-rock tunes with equal dashes of class and craft. Tickets are $50 for the 7 p.m. show and $35 for the 9 p.m. show.

Tickets for UF students are $10. performingarts.ufl.edu

GAINESVILLE – Join Heartwood Soundstage for a night of reggae music, food and art. Tickets are $15. heartwoodsoundstage.com

FORE THE KIDS – GOLF TOURNAMENT

GAINESVILLE REGGAE FEST

Saturday, September 25, 5 – 11:30 p.m.

RUN FOR YOUR LIFE 5K

Sunday, September 26, 8 – 11 a.m.

Depot Park, 874 SE 4th St.

GAINESVILLE – Bring your family and friends (even the furry ones) to run for a cause and for fun at the 3rd annual Run For Your Life 5K Color Run! Help spread awareness about substance misuse in Alachua County and help fundraise to continue providing prevention services to

Friday, October 1, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Ironwood Golf Course, 2100 NE 39th Ave.

GAINESVILLE – Fore the Kids benefiting Family Promise of Gainesville, which works to end childhood homelessness in the community, is a four-person scramble with check-in and breakfast starting at 9 a.m. and play starting at 10 am. Cost is $100 per-person or $400 per team. Price includes green fees, cart, lunch, three mulligans and three drink tickets. givegab.com/ campaigns/familypromisegolf21

LIFELINE QUARTET WITH MICHELLE MAYNE-GRAVES

Friday, October 1, at 7 & 9 p.m.

UpStage at the Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Rd.

CONCERT UNDER THE STARS

Friday, September 24, 7 - 10 p.m.

Tioga Town Center, 13085 SW 1st Ln.

NEWBERRY – Bring your lawn chairs, relax and enjoy music under the stars at the Tioga Town Center Amphitheatre at The Square. This is a free outdoor concert, open to the public. tiogatowncenter.com

GAINESVILLE – Michelle Mayne-Graves and her Lifeline Quartet use their incredible voices to celebrate these songs in a powerful performance that channels centuries of struggle and perseverance. Tickets are $50 for the 7 p.m. show and $35 for the 9 p.m. show. Tickets for UF students are $10. performingarts.ufl.edu

RUN 4 RECOVERY 5K

Saturday, October 2, 9:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Depot Park, 874 SE 4th St.

GAINESVILLE – Join UF Health Florida Recovery Center for the 2nd Annual Run 4 Recovery 5k, as they aim to increase awareness of substance use disorders and celebrate those in recovery.

All participants receive a T-shirt at the 5k. floridarecoverycenter.ufhealth.org

OKTOBERFEST AT CYPRESS & GROVE

Saturday, October 2, 12 – 10 p.m.

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

GAINESVILLE – Come and celebrate Oktoberfest with Cypress & Grove! They’ll have new beers, good food and outdoor games. cypressandgrove.com

OKTOBERFEST AT FIRST MAGNITUDE

Saturday, October 2, 12 – 11 p.m.

First Magnitude Brewing Company, 1220 SE Veitch St.

GAINESVILLE – Come out to First Magnitude’s for their annual Oktoberfest party featuring an awesome lineup of German-style beers brewed just for this occasion! Slap on your dirndl or lederhosen, pick up your mugs and celebrate the fall season. fmbrewing.com

20TH ANNIVERSARY GUEST CHEF GAINESVILLE Thursday, October 7, at 5:30 p.m.

Gainesville Woman’s Club, 2809 W University Ave.

GAINESVILLE – Plans are underway for the 20th Anniversary Guest Chef Gainesville supporting Peaceful Paths. This will be an in-person culinary experience where guests will enjoy special dishes cooked up by guest chefs. They will also offer a way to support and participate remotely.

Tickets and more information can be found at guestchefgainesville.com.

UF SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA: BEETHOVEN SYMPHONY NO. 9

Thursday, October 7, at 7:30 p.m.

Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Rd.

GAINESVILLE – The Phillips Center is ecstatic to bring Beethoven’s 9th – along with two other dynamite pieces – to the stage in collaboration with the UF School of Music. Prepare for an evening sure to be as towering as this historic composition, boasting a full orchestra, chorus, and four internationally known soloists. Tickets range from $20 – $40 depending on seating and $10 for UF Students. performingarts.ufl.edu

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CONCERT UNDER THE STARS: COUCH MESSIAHS

Friday, October 8, 7 – 10 p.m.

GAINESVILLE WALK TO END ALZHEIMER’S

Saturday, October 16 at 9 a.m.

36TH ANNUAL ART FESTIVAL AT THORNEBROOK

Tioga Town Center, 13085 SW 1st Ln.

Trinity United Methodist Church,

10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

NEWBERRY – Bring your lawn chairs, relax and enjoy music under the stars at the Tioga Town Center Amphitheatre at The Square. This is a free outdoor concert, open to the public. tiogatowncenter.com

4000 NW 53rd Ave.

Shoppes at Thornebrook, 2441 NW 43rd St.

GAINESVILLE – Every dollar raised through Walk to End Alzheimer’s allows the Alzheimer’s Association to provide 24/7 care and support while accelerating critical research. Registration is at 8 a.m., the ceremony is at 9 a.m. and the walk begins at 9:30 a.m. Each registered participant will receive a Promise Garden flower. act.alz.org

GAINESVILLE – Fine artists and craftsmen will be exhibiting throughout the park-like setting of Thornebrook Village Center. Show is laid out to take advantage of the ambiance and convenience of Thornebrook Village Square and its stores, restaurants and other amenities. artfestivalthornebrook.com

COMMUNITY FALL FESTIVAL & TRUNK R TREAT

Sunday, October 17, 2 & 7:30 p.m.

LOVE CANON

Friday, October 15, at 7 & 9 p.m.

UpStage at the Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Rd.

GAINESVILLE – The bluegrass virtuosos in Love Canon are downright chameleonic and yet distinctly a group all their own. Their most recent release, Cover Story, has their talents on full display with renditions of classic ’80s and ’90s hits. Tickets are $50 for the 7 p.m. show and $35 for the 9 p.m. show. Tickets for UF students are $10. performingarts.ufl.edu

Saturday, October 16 and Sunday, October 17,

MERZ TRIO

Saturday, October 16, 1 – 4 p.m.

UpStage at the Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Rd.

Deeper Purpose Community Church,

GAINESVILLE – Winners of the 2019 Concert Artists Guild Competition and Gold Medalists of the Fischoff and Chesapeake International Chamber Music Competitions, Merz Trio combines artistic brilliance with a farcical lust for life. The group will perform a program titled Ink Spills, which tells a unique and personal story around Ravel’s Piano Trio, completed by the composer in 1914. Tickets are $35 and $10 for UF students. performingarts.ufl.edu

19930 N US-441

HIGH SPRINGS – Community Fall Festival & Trunk R Treat is a free family event with vendors, bounce houses, face painting, photo booths, pony rides, hayrides, train rides, a petting zoo, trunk r treat, giveaways, prizes, music, games and much more. deeperpurposecommunitychurch.org

ST. FRANCIS HOUSE ROCK, PAPER, SCISSORS TOURNAMENT

Thursday, October 21, 4 – 7 p.m.

HAILE FARMERS MARKET Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Haile Plantation Village

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

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GAINESVILLE – First Magnitude Brewing Company; 1220 SE Veitch St. Teams of three compete to claim the Rock, Paper, Scissors championship. Live jazz, costume contest, vendors, food truck, DJ and much more. Fun for the entire family!!

All proceeds benefit St. Francis House.

Contact KatelynD@stfrancishousegnv.com for more information.

FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY BOOK SALE

Saturday thru Wednesday, October 23-27

Saturday: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m., Sunday – Wednesday: NOON – 6 p.m. 430 N. Main St.

GAINESVILLE – Thousands of gently used books, games, art, comics, CDs and MUCH more at BARGAIN prices. Tuesday—all items 1/2 price.

Wednesday—all items 10 cents.

Proceeds to benefit Alachua County Library District Projects. 352-375-1672.

FOLACLD.org

DANCE ALIVE NATIONAL BALLET PRESENTS: PHANTOM

Saturday, October 30, at 2 & 7:30 p.m.

Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Rd.

TIOGA MOVIE NIGHT - THE ADDAMS FAMILY

Friday, October 29, 7:00 – 8:30 p.m.

Tioga Town Center, 13085 SW 1st Ln.

NEWBERRY – Grab your lawn chairs and come enjoy “The Addams Family.” Relax and enjoy the movie under the stars at the Tioga Town Center amphitheater at The Square! This is a free outdoor movie night, open to the public. tiogatowncenter.com

GAINESVILLE – Based on the darkly brilliant novel

by Gaston Leroux, Phantom is a creation by award-winning choreographer Kim Tuttle. Vivid and dramatic, we are drawn into the torn life of the Phantom, his beautiful protégé Christine, and Raoul, her desperate lover. Tickets range from $25 – $45 and are $25 for students and seniors. performingarts.ufl.edu

RECURRING EVENTS REINVENTING IMMUNITY EXHIBIT

Through September, Friday – Sunday 12 – 5 p.m.

Cade Museum for Creativity & Invention,

FIRST ANNUAL EUROPEAN CAR SHOW HOSTED BY BUTLER

JOE Y DE FR A NCE SCO TR IO

Saturday, October 23, 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Thursday, October 28, at 7 & 9 p.m.

Butler Town Center, 3217 SW 35th Blvd

UpStage at the Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Rd.

GAINESVILLE – Butler Enterprises is excited to announce the inaugural European Car Show, in partnership with the BMW Car Club of America (Florida Suncoast Chapter) and Porsche Club of America (Florida Thoroughbred Region/ Florida Crown Region). The show will feature over 120 cars from Mercedes to Audi, Ferraris to Lamborghinis. All European models are encouraged to come. The European Car Show at Butler will be held across the street from The Cheesecake Factory. The show is free to attend for spectators. shopatbutler.com

GAINESVILLE – DeFrancesco emerged in the ’80s and quickly ascended as one of the youngest musicians ever recruited to play in a Miles Davis ensemble. Throughout his career, he’s recorded and toured with artists including Ray Charles, Van Morrison, Diana Krall, George Benson, and Jimmy Cobb. Tickets are $50 for the 7 p.m. show and $35 for the 9 p.m. show. Tickets for UF students are $10. performingarts.ufl.edu

GAINESVILLE – Vaccines are one of humanity’s greatest inventions. Learn what makes your immune system tick and meet inventors like Edward Jenner and Jonas Salk who met big challenges with even bigger solutions.

Explore the science, history, and humanity behind vaccines in this interactive exhibit. cademuseum.org

YOUNG DANCERS SHOWCASE

FALL PLANT SALE & ORCHID SHOW

Friday, October 29 – Sunday, October 31,

Saturday, October 23, and Sunday,

8 – 10 p.m.

October 24, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Santa Fe College Fine Arts, 3000 NW 83rd St.

Kanapaha Botanical Gardens, 4700 SW 58th Dr.

GAINESVILLE – The Young Dancers Workshop will showcase the talents of middle and high school dancers from the entire state of Florida. The event is sponsored by Santa Fe College and the University of Florida, with featured works from both the SF and UF dance programs. There will also be a guest artist appearance by dancers from the Rioult Dance Company of New York City, who will be part of the Master Artist in Residence program at Santa Fe. sfcollege.edu

GAINESVILLE – Each October, Kanapaha Botanical Gardens holds an Open House & Fall Plant Sale in conjunction with the Gainesville Orchid Society inviting visitors to see the facility admission free.

In addition to viewing the botanical gardens, approximately 50 booths will be set up selling a wide variety of plants. The American Orchid Society will have their annual American Orchid Society’s judged show that will coincide with the Fall Plant Sale and will take place inside Kanapaha’s entrance building. kanapaha.org

811 South Main St.

EUREKA!

Through September 2021 Friday – Sunday 12 – 5 p.m.

Cade Museum for Creativity & Invention, 811 South Main St.

GAINESVILLE – Eureka! When an idea evolves into an invention, that idea can change the world. But where do ideas come from? Draw, tinker, prototype, and play as you meet the inventors who transformed history, one idea at a time, and learn how big challenges inspire inventors to find even bigger solutions. cademuseum.org SEPT/OCT 2021

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and brings to life the people, ideas and technology that transform raw materials into finished products. This exhibit is inspired by the Mister Rogers’ Factory Tours. cademuseum.org

SHADOW TO SUBSTANCE

Through February 27, Tuesday – Saturday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Sunday 1 – 5 p.m.

Harn Museum of Art, 3259 Hull Rd.

GAINESVILLE – Shadow to Substance creates a chronological arc from the past to the present into the future using historical photographs from Harn and Smathers Library collections and through the lens of Black photographers working today. It pictures histories of enslavement, Jim Crow Florida, the Great Migration, the Civil Rights Movement and Black Lives Matter. harn.ufl.edu

Friday, October 29 – Sunday, October 31 Downtown Gainesville

GAINESVILLE – THE FEST is an independent multiple-day, multiple-venue underground music festival in Gainesville. All of the venues – Bo Diddley Plaza, The Wooly, Knockin’ Boots Saloon, Downtown Fats, Boca Fiesta/Palomino, The Hippodrome, and Loosey’s – are within walking distance of each other. thefestfl.com

THE PRODUCERS

September 10 – October 3

Gainesville Community Playhouse, 4039 NW 16th Blvd.

GAINESVILLE – The plot is simple: a down-on-hisluck Broadway producer and his mild-mannered accountant come up with a scheme to produce the most notorious flop in history, thereby bilking their backers (all “little old ladies”) out of millions of dollars. Only one thing goes awry: the show is a smash hit! gcplayhouse.org

MURDER FOR TWO

September 17 – October 3; Previews Sept 15-16 The Hippodrome, 25 SE 2nd Place

GAINESVILLE – Everyone is a suspect in this hilarious murder mystery with a twist. One actor plays the investigator, the other plays all 13 suspects and both play the piano throughout. This ‘whodunit’ is a zany blend of music, mayhem and murder! thehipp.org

THE TURN OF THE SCREW

October 1 – October 24

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this haunting adaptation of Henry James’ classic novella. Though the governess bonds with the children at first, she quickly begins to suspect something is wrong when she sees the grotesque figures of the former governess and caretaker of the manor — both of whom are supposedly deceased. highspringsplayhouse.com

THE MOUNTAIN TOP

October 22 – November 7; Previews Oct 20-21 The Hippodrome, 25 SE 2nd Place

GAINESVILLE – A gripping re-imagination of events the night before the assassination of the civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. On April 3rd, 1968, after delivering one of his most memorable speeches, an exhausted Dr. King retires to his room at the Lorraine Motel while a storm rages outside. When a mysterious stranger arrives with some surprising news, King is forced to confront his destiny and his legacy to his people. thehipp.org

HOW PEOPLE MAKE THINGS EXHIBIT

High Springs Community Playhouse,

Friday – Sunday 12 – 5 p.m.

23416 W US Highway 27

Cade Museum for Creativity & Invention, 811

HIGH SPRINGS – Isolated in a sprawling manor in 19th century England, a governess is hired to watch a precocious young brother and sister in

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GAINESVILLE – How People Make Things tells the story of how everyday items are manufactured

GUIDED WALK AT KANAPAHA

First Saturdays 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Kanapaha Botanical Gardens, 4700 SW 58th Drive

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

BIRDS AND BREWS – GUIDED BIRD WALKS

First Sundays, 6:15 – 7:30 p.m.

First Magnitude Brewing Company, 1220 SE Veitch St.

GAINESVILLE – First Magnitude is teaming up with the Alachua Audubon society to host monthly, socially-distanced, bird walks. Meet the first Sunday of each month in front of the metal Maggie sign by the entrance to The Source.

The group, led by volunteers from the Alachua Audubon society will head for Depot Park at 6:30 PM. Once at Depot, there will be an hour long guided tour identifying all of our lovely aerial pals. fmbrewing.com

JAZZ ON THE GREEN

Second Saturdays 7 – 9 p.m.

Celebration Pointe, 5001 Celebration Pointe Ave. Suite 140

GAINESVILLE – Join Celebration Point every second Saturday of the month for live music, food, drinks and more! Spread a blanket under the setting sun, and catch some beautiful music on the green. celebrationpointe.com

GAINESVILLE CARS & COFFEE

PLAYLIST @ THE POINTE

RUNNING TABS

Fourth Fridays at 7 – 9 p.m.

Wednesdays at 6:15 p.m.

Second Sundays 9 – 11 a.m.

Celebration Pointe, Celebration Pointe Ave.

First Magnitude Brewing Company, 1220 SE

Whole Foods Market, 3490 SW Archer Rd.

GAINESVILLE – Kick the weekend off with Playlist at the Pointe – a music event offering an eclectic mix of music from a variety of genres like country, rock, soul and more. celebrationpointe.com

Veitch St.

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

CREATIVE COOKING / BALLROOM

Fourth Tuesdays at 11 a.m.

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

GAINESVILLE SHRINE CLUB MARKETPLACE

Fourth Saturdays 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Gainesville Shrine Club, 8100 SW Archer Rd.

GAINESVILLE – The Gainesville Shrine Club’s MarketPlace is a yard sale/ flea market with proceeds benefiting the local Shrine Club.

Contact David Jones at 336-430-910 to reserve your vendor spot. gainesvilleshrineclub.org

GAINESVILLE – Running Tabs is a fun, open group aimed at promoting runners and the running community throughout the Gainesville area. Runs are free and open to runners of all ages and fitness levels. If you’re looking for a running group to help you get into running or to improve your race performance, give us a shot. fmbrewing.com

HIGH SPRINGS FARMERS MARKET

Fridays from 3 – 7 p.m. 23517 NW 185th Rd.

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

EVENING YOGA ON THE LAWN

Fridays from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.

Curia on the Drag, 2029 NW 6th St.

GAINESVILLE – De-stress from your work week with some outdoor yoga on the lawn hosted by Searchlight Yoga’s Samantha Jones and Betsy Carlson. Stick around after for a glass of wine and some vegan snacks from the food truck. Yoga will be on the lawn next to the solar pergola and will not be held if the temperature is below 55 degrees or if it is raining. Please bring your own mat. curiaonthedrag.com

ALACHUA COUNTY FARMERS’ MARKET

Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.

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 a grower’s only market – meaning the vendors selling produce, plants and other products must have grown the items themselves. 441market.com

FREE FRIDAYS CONCERT SERIES

Fridays, 8 – 10 p.m.

Bo Diddley Plaza, 100 SW 2nd Ave.

GAINESVILLE – The region’s longest-running and largest free outdoor concert series features local and regional musical talent at the newly renovated Bo Diddley Plaza. Running from May through October, these concerts under the stars showcase diverse musical acts sure to delight music lovers with classic rock, reggae, R & B, soul, ska, funk, blues and more. gnvculturalseries.org

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THEATRE ARTS >> COSTUME DESIGN

SEWING IT TOGETHER

Clara Jean Kelly Lights, Camera, Costumes W R I T T E N B Y H AY L I Z U C C O L A

F

or Clara Jean Kelly, every day is Halloween, sans the hollowedout pumpkins, excessive candy consumption and overall spooky ambiance. Nevertheless, equipped with yards of fabric, buttons, closures and plenty of thread, Kelly’s skill set as a costume designer allows her to bring characters like Marie Antoinette, Cleopatra and even the fictional rabbit from “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland,” from the pages of scripts and storylines to life, or better yet, to center stage.

Before packing her portfolio with color-popping designs, detailed renderings and unique commission requests like those featuring Venetian carnival looks, Kelly’s initial career aspirations focused on the fine arts rather than the performing arts.

“When I was a little kid, I was convinced I was going to be the next Van Gogh. I was always drawing,” Kelly said.

Despite her childhood as a budding artist, Kelly changed

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her illustration ambitions when she went to college, deciding instead to audition for a part in the theatre—not backstage, but front and center as an actress, which she quickly realized she hated. Ready to quit her short-lived stint in theatrics, she found a better-suited role instead, this time behind the scenes as a costume designer.

Sewing wasn’t a new concept for Kelly who grew up learning the basics of the craft from her grandmother who was a seamstress and a quilter, but to make it in show business she needed to learn a whole new set of techniques that would advance her from professional Barbie-outfitmaker to full-fledged costume creator. After switching majors, Kelly became versed in drawing and designing patterns; cutting and draping fabric and turning her twodimensional drawings into reality.

“The first one I made by myself was a Renaissance Fair costume, it was made from a commercial pattern, which is like the type you buy from Jo-Ann Fabrics and it was awful,” Kelly said. “At the time, I thought it was splendid.

After researching a play, Clara Jean Kelly will sketch out multiple designs—like those shown for “Miss Holmes” (left)—before creating a more finished and detailed digital rendering like the one of Damis for the production of “Tartuffe” (right).

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I thought it was a work of art, but looking back, it was terrible, really terrible. It was made out of super cheap cotton and it looked like a Scooby-Doo costume. It was very bad.”

Despite her newfound distaste for her early work, practice makes perfect, and paving the way to perfection would bring multiple opportunities to Kelly. After graduating from Florida State University with a Master’s in Fine Arts, she worked as the costume shop manager, adjunct professor and residential costume designer at King’s College in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. She was also the costume shop manager and costume designer at Theater at Monmouth in Monmouth, Maine, and costume shop manager and costume designer at the Cincinnati Shakespeare Company.

Unfortunately, 2020 not only closed the doors of dozens of establishments with the arrival of the coronavirus pandemic, it also flipped the entertainment industry upside down. When productions ultimately halted across the country, Kelly lost her job in Cincinnati. However, she managed to land a job in the Sunshine State and for the past year has worked as a costume designer, technician, and shop manager for the Hippodrome State Theatre. The Hipp kept performing arts afloat with virtual productions and free pop-up performances throughout the summer.

“The Hippodrome Theatre—they were very dedicated to having us work constantly throughout the pandemic and not a lot of theatres did that. It’s actually incredibly impressive that they were able to pull that off,” she said.

No matter the production, be it play, cabaret or virtual act, preparation for every show begins well

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in advance of curtain call.

As far as costumes are concerned, creating them is a team effort complete with a shop manager; firsthand; a cutter and draper; and plenty of stitchers. The role of the designer is often rotated during the season as coming up with costume ideas for every show would quickly lead to burn-out.

So, while Kelly may be the main designer for some productions, for others, she may primarily help with draping, millinery work—aka hat making—or wig and makeup looks.

For productions she does design for, Kelly’s process begins with reading the script where she learns the time period, season and scene settings for the entirety of the show. With this information in hand, Kelly sketches out 10 to 20 preliminary costume drawings for each character, which are then brought to the director. Once the pencil-lined doodles are agreed upon, Kelly develops a more finalized drawing called a rendering before heading to the costume shop to work with the rest of the creative team.

“It’s a whole team of people who are making everything you see on stage,” she said.

That collaborative effort isn’t limited to the costume shop either but extends to all areas of production.

“We have to work with the lighting department

To make the pattern, Clara Jean Kelly drapes lower-priced fabric over a dress form folding and cutting it to size (center). Those pieces are then traced on paper (far left) with a built-in seam allowance so the final costume can be adjusted to fit the actor.

to make sure that their light colors aren’t clashing with our costume colors, and the set department to make sure that the set is not all red and our main character is in red because you won’t be able to see anything. It’s collaborating not only in the shop with a bunch of people but also outside of the shop with everyone who’s working on the show,” she said.

While Kelly doesn’t always get to choose which stage shows she designs for, her favorites revolve around the Renaissance period.

“I like the really big, heavy fabrics and I like building structures so like the corsets and the hoop skirts and all of this stuff that makes the dress the shape you want it,” she said. “I love building that stuff and then the Renaissance also has just tons of crazy beading and decorations and giant sleeves and I just love it. I love the craziness that is the Renaissance.”

She also infuses her colorful personality into her work whenever possible by incorporating bright, eye-catching textiles not normally found off stage.

“To me, part of going to the theatre and seeing these live performances is the spectacle of it. So I really like bright orange and bright purple and just really in-your-face colors that a lot of people don’t typically wear,” she said.

Though being an actress wasn’t in the cards for her, Kelly still enjoys donning her creations whenever possible—especially during the autumnal season.

“I love Halloween, I love dressing up, of course, I love costumes and I like when other people enjoy it too so that’s actually my busiest time of year as far as costume commissions go. A lot of people contact me late September and early October to make them Halloween costumes and those are always super fun because people always have really zany ideas that they want and it’s a little different than theatre but equally as fun,” she said.

Though she quickly found her niche in the Gator Nation, Kelly’s time in Florida recently came to an end. Heading back to the Midwest, Kelly’s newest venture was accepting a teaching job and costume shop supervisor position at Illinois Wesleyan University. Though the curtains have drawn on her time in Gainesville—at least for now—Kelly’s work can still be seen on the Hipp stage through October 3 for what proved to be a challenging musical to depict.

“ I love the craziness that is the Renaissance.”

“Murder for Two is a two-person musical. It’s very interesting costume-wise because it’s like a classic film-noir murder mystery but it’s done with only two people. One of the actors plays four characters—he plays a detective and a couple of other people—and then the other actor plays all of the suspects,” she said. “So what they have costume-wise is they both have matching suits in different colors, they’re very bright colors, and then those suits tear away to other costumes.”

Even if attending live performances aren’t a possibility, Kelly recommends taking notice of the background effort that goes into bringing scripts to the stage or on screen.

“When you’re watching any TV show, any theatre show— anything—just be mindful that there are people working behind the scenes that literally put hours and months and years of work into what you’re seeing them wear. Even if it looks simple, it’s probably not,” she said. “I think that’s one thing a lot of people just don’t realize is the amount of artistry that goes into making those actors look like those characters.”

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GUINNESS WORLD RECORD >> EYEBROW THREADING

RECORD THREADING

WHERE A THREADING OF COMMUNITY AND EYEBROWS LEADS ONE WOMAN TO A WORLD RECORD

Salon Ziba STORY A N D PHOTOGR A PH Y BY A DDISON PEZOLDT

Ziba Ahmadi hovers over the face of a helpful volunteer. Like an artist preparing to put the first brush stroke on a blank canvas, she analyzes every detail.

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Which eye to start with? How much time to spend on each one?

Heels clack on the black-and-white checkerboard floor as she studies her subject. People flitter in and out of the salon door as the moment draws near. Ahmadi is calm. She is ready.

In about two hours, Ahmadi will make history by breaking the Guinness World Record for most eyebrows threaded in one hour.

Ahmadi, 42, a Persian from Iran, has been threading eyebrows since she was 13 years old. She has been in Gainesville since 2009 and opened Salon Ziba in 2016. Ahmadi’s palace resides in Thornebrooke Village, Suite 7.

Eyebrow threading has a rich history in Asia. For Persian women, eyebrow threading and hair removal signified a shift to adulthood and preparation for marriage. In the western world now, eyebrow threading is a form of self-care and beauty upkeep for women, as common as a haircut. In Gainesville, Ahmadi is renowned for her skills.

GUINNESS WORLD RECORD >> EYEBROW THREADING

One thing Ahmadi is most known for is her “magic.”

Customers who float in and out of the salon share reviews and testimonies of the power of Ahmadi’s eyebrow threading. As the story goes, because Ahmadi threads people’s brows with love, many people have found themselves in romantic relationships.

Ahmadi laughed as she reflected on the power of her “magic.”

“It’s just the love I’m giving to my clients,” she said. “That love does everything.”

Over time, the salon and Ahmadi herself have accumulated a loyal and devoted clientele base. Toni Patterson, one of the participants who came to Ahmadi’s world record event to get her eyebrows threaded, has been a loyal customer for about 10 years. Patterson’s friend got her threading done at Ahmadi’s, and Patterson begged for an appointment. Even a move hasn’t deterred her business.

“I moved to Tampa, and I still drive from Tampa to let Ziba do my eyebrows,” Patterson said.

This devotion and mutual respect between Ahmadi and her clients helped propel her pursuit of the Guinness World Record.

After almost thirty years threading eyebrows, Ahmadi has built some well-deserved confidence in her skills. For years, people told Ahmadi how fast her threading is. A determined spirit, she decided to look up who the fastest threader in the world record was.

The previous world record holder for eyebrow threading was Pratiksha Bharati in India, with a total of 62 pairs of eyebrows thread in an hour. Ahmadi knew she could do better.

“I said, ‘I can do faster,’ and I just decided to record and fill an application,” the salon owner said.

Patricia Jenkins, event manager for Ahmadi’s world record occasion, has known Ahmadi for years. Jenkins has assisted Ahmadi in various ways over the years, acting as her so-called American liaison. The pair first discussed the possibility of Ahmadi competing for the world record title earlier in 2021, but Jenkins did not think much of it afterward.

Ahmadi, however, was not prepared to let the idea go so quickly. Around May of 2021, Ahmadi invited Jenkins over to her house to discuss putting on an event to try and beat the world record. Jenkins suggested to have the event in the next couple of months to ensure there was enough time to plan. Ahmadi disagreed.

The salon owner suggested to have the event held in two weeks. Jenkins said the salon owner was determined to achieve her goal as soon as possible. Almost a month later, on June 16, 2021, the event was held.

Despite the stress of putting together an event so swiftly, Jenkins had full faith in Ahmadi’s talents to achieve her dreams.

“She’s motivated, and when she says she’s going to do something she does it,” Jenkins said. “It doesn’t matter if you’re on board or not, she’s doing it and she goes.”

At 4:30 p.m. on June 16, Jenkins captains her ship and crew while her star prepares for her moment in the spotlight. The event, originally planned to be outside, has since been moved indoors due to weather conditions. Seven black salon chairs sit

Ahmadi undertook the world-record event with a trusted crew of volunteers. Everyone in the room celebrated as Ahmadi broke the record with 63 pairs of eyebrows threaded.

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in a circle for Ahmadi to rotate in between. Photographers, there to capture every participant’s image before and after as evidence of Ahmadi’s eyebrow completions, set up their equipment.

Volunteers practice using their stopwatches.

There is no room for mistakes.

Nicholas O’Connor, a timekeeper for the special event, must take the time for every individual whose eyebrows get threaded.

Every person’s time is compared to the recorded video footage for extra confirmation. Ryan Dupree, a licensed aesthetician, inspected every person’s eyebrow before and after Ahmadi’s threading to ensure there was a noticeable difference for it to count toward the record.

At 5:23 p.m., about 82 people are lined up, numbered and waiting outside the salon. Jenkins and Ahmadi run over any last-minute concerns. The video camera is prepped and ready to record.

Around 6 p.m., the event begins. Ahmadi whirls around, twisting and snipping threads with the determination of a winner.

About six minutes into the event, Jenkins says Ahmadi needs to move faster if she plans to beat the record.

Ahmadi listens.

The room is quiet and tense. Volunteers whisper so as not to disturb the atmosphere Ahmadi has created. Participants shuffle along, herded by Ahmadi’s helpers. Everyone anxiously waits for Number 63 to enter the room. This person will help Ahmadi break the world record.

Number 63 is missing. So is Number 64. The line shifts forward, and Jenkins declares that Number 65 will be the person to break the official record.

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Shavonne Carter, 45, a surgical technician who works in the operating room, is Number 65. Carter enters the room and anxiously sits, waiting for her turn. She fidgets, raising her hands to mimic the proper position to hold her face for Ahmadi. The room is a hive, buzzing with nervous energy as it waits for the queen to descend.

Ahmadi laughed as she reflected on the power of her “magic.”

“It’s just the love I’m giving to my clients,” she said. “That love does everything.”

Ahmadi approaches Carter with the same swiftness and ease as all 62 participants before her. One eyebrow pulled back tight.

A shift of the hands, then the other.

At 6:23 p.m., Ahmadi officially breaks the Guinness World Record.

The room erupts in a storm. The cheers of volunteers and participants alike are thunderclaps echoing around the salon, and Ahmadi is the lightning bolt of energy persevering.

Not once does she pause. Her personal mission is not quite

complete. With about 30 minutes to spare, Ahmadi pushes to get 100 pairs of eyebrows threaded in an hour.

Outside the shop, all the participants who have had their eyebrows threaded congratulate Carter on her special moment. Carter has come to Ahmadi’s shop for almost six years and felt a personal responsibility being the person to help her break the record.

“I didn’t want to be the cause of her not making the record, so I was nervous,” Carter said. “I’m excited for her.”

A little after 7 p.m., time is called. Ahmadi has officially threaded 89 pairs of eyebrows.

Despite not meeting her personal goal, the new world record holder beams. Maybe next year, she said.

Even with the official event over, Ahmadi still offers to finish everyone else’s eyebrows for free. Volunteers, leftover participants, anyone who wants it. This is the part Ahmadi loves most. Connecting with people.

“My favorite thing, I just spend five minutes with my clients,” she said. “I laugh with them and make them laugh.”

Ahmadi takes in the moment. She walks outside, thanking everyone who shared this success with her. It is enough, for now.

Tomorrow, onward!

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After the event, a crowd gathers to recognize Ahmadi’s success. Ahmadi ended the night with 89 pairs of eyebrows threaded. The salon owner took a moment to thank all attendees who helped her with this achievement.

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WELLNESS COLLECTION >> SCENT OF WELL-BEING

ESSENTIAL OILS

Earth Tonix The Enchantment of Scents W RIT TE N BY CECILI A LEMUS

S

top and smell the rose oil.

Bergamot with white tea and rose with chrysanthemum are only a couple of the essential oil combinations which make up the variety of unique scents encapsulated within some of the candles sold by Earth Tonix. When lighting candles from one of the specialty collections the shop makes, each wick brings a flame that warms and melts the soy wax. If your candle is topped with crystals, they sink under the warm wax and essential oils. The smell and light of the wick can brighten any room. And if that’s not enough to entice you, the ingredients which make up each candle are organic and non-toxic. This Gainesville based small business prides itself in creating non-toxic holistic care products.

Melinda York is the creator, craftswoman and owner behind the shop.

The unique scents are created in a local studio, where each one is carefully crafted and poured into recyclable glass and tin vessels. Some of the products are topped with brilliant crystals and loose dehydrated flowers which deliver a sense of unique craftsmanship and delicate care for each product.

Some of the crystals are tourmaline with a naturally darker shade and some are lighter quartz. York said the crystals each serve a different function such as reducing stress and tension or inspiring happiness and confidence. The candles are labeled, and certain ones are described as having notes of mahogany or cedar. Some of these hand-crafted candles are part of a larger wellness collection.

The shop has also teamed up with local Gainesville businesses such as local brewery Black Adder to create inspired scents featuring even more fragrances.

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Earth Tonix creates specialty scent collections that roll out to shelves seasonally. The wellness collection features small batch soy candles.

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WELLNESS COLLECTION >> SCENT OF WELL-BEING

The wellness collection features 9 oz. small batch soy candles that are hand poured and have an estimated burn time of about 50 hours. The soy wax used is 100% USA grown and each wick is made out of cotton and non-toxic fragrances. Essential oils are also used. York said the collection was inspired and designed for holistic wellness and aromatherapy.

According to York each candle is phthalate free, lead and zinc free. They also meet the International Fragrance Association standards for safety.

York can describe the different base notes and top and middle notes which blend together to complement each other and help heighten the overall scent behind each hand-crafted product. Each essential oil is deliberately picked and when blended with the right notes, delivers a therapeutic experience. “It creates more of an experience when you use it, it’s not just the candle lit. It’s something that you can heal from,” she said.

York describes the importance of being able to make connections through scents and how closely related scents are to creating experiences and bringing back meaningful memories to someone. According to York, certain notes are made up of smaller molecules and they do not linger as much.

“The middle notes are the heart of the fragrance and they are something like lavender or peppermint, or spicy like clove or cinnamon. You combine all these elements to create an experience,” she said. “The base notes will linger the longest and they are heavier like cedarwood and frankincense and mryyth, and if you were to see this oil it would be thicker. These notes create a synergy that are balanced.”

They have benefits beyond this as well, York said.

“They travel to the olfactory, to the brain and that hits you in the amygdala, which is the emotional center of the brain,” she said.

“Citrus can create an environment that is uplifting—creating a feeling and emotion.

Herbs can be fresh and airy, and rosemary can help you focus. Earthy notes can help you feel rooted and help you feel grounded.”

The idea of having her own shop was something York dreamed of once she began doing more research and enlightening herself of the occasionally harmful ingredients found

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in everyday products such as candles, which consumers generally buy and occasionally use for aromatherapy.

But when she became directly impacted by lack of work opportunity, she took her circumstances as an opportunity to develop her project into a business.

Before becoming an official business in 2020, she had spent countless hours conducting research and bringing her handcrafted products to farmers markets in north central Florida. What once started as a hobby over three years ago has developed into a business that now delivers beyond Gainesville. Earth Tonix hopes to expand even more and reach more clients throughout the country.

“Once I started learning and making, I immediately fell in love and I have never found passion like this before so that is what kept me going,” she said, “the love and passion and the desire to want to keep making.”

York said she stands behind delivering quality and toxic free products that others can find refreshment and trust in. The Earth Tonix shop officially launched in the midst of the pandemic last year, dedicated to delivering a shared love for aromatherapy products to the community.

It is hard to pin-point exactly how and when York was inspired to start her own specialty shop. She said in retrospect, her childhood could have been an influence on the craft she delivers now, she can recall her family taking summer trips to the west where the scenery and trips left a permanent impression on her.

“It made me feel cozy every summer,” she said as she recalls making stops along the way, sharing warm moments with her family and being educated together about native Americans and their practices.

She remembers growing up enamored and consciously surrounded by all things related to therapeutic scents as well. She can remember her family finding tranquility in the midst of chaos, whether through the aromas of incense filling her house as her mom lit sticks or notes of coffee beans lingering throughout her home as her dad and grandpa brewed cups of coffee.

Scented candles are not the only specialty of the local wellness product shop.

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WELLNESS COLLECTION >> SCENT OF WELL-BEING

Earth Tonix also creates organic botanical and clay masks, everyday facial oils, and body butters among many other specialty items. The products are not limited to women’s self-care or candle enthusiasts. The shop also features facial cleansers and lip balms for the whole family. Melinda jokes that whenever she goes on trips with her family, there is always an expectation that she would bring along facial masks and a spa set up to unwind with.

A quick search through the Earth Tonix online store can present endless products that anyone can discover for themselves or purchase as a gift for others.

Here’s to the oils that are essential!

Earth Tonix products are located at these following retail vendors, but you can check Earth Tonix’s social media page and website for more information: Life Unplastic, The Far Forest, Anesthesia Bae, Plantstay, Lotus & Buddha, Yoga Pod & Apex, The Auk Market, Club Synergie, Doxa, BlackAdder Brewing Company, First Magnitude Brewery, Enso Tioga, Floregon, Roots Plant Studio, Local Provisions, Taj Tropicals & Trinkets, Willow Gardens.

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ENERGY HEALING >> THE PRACTICE OF REIKI

FUZZY FEELING

THE ENERGY WILL FIND IT

Reiki S T O R Y B Y C R Y S TA L H E N R Y | P H O T OG R A P H Y B Y C E C I L I A L E M U S

Remember the iconic scene in

Jurassic Park where a glass of water ripples with each step of the menacing Tyrannosaurus as it comes closer and closer to the jeep? The water glass isn’t coming into contact with the T-Rex, but the dinosaur’s massive steps send energy through the ground and up into the water.

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Caitlyn Adams isn’t a prehistoric beast, but she is sending ripples through the healing community working with energy in something that is up to 60% water—the human body. Adams is a certified yoga instructor, a Level 3 Reiki teacher, and the owner of Energy Healing with Caitlyn.

In her studio she combines yoga and Reiki to help people struggling with everything from anxiety, migraines and back pain, to brain fog, sleep issues and a general feeling of overall wellness.

Adams said Reiki is an “energetic healing modality” that helps the body heal itself from the inside out. But how it works is difficult to explain. She said hugs are one of the best examples of Reiki energy.

“You know that warm fuzzy feeling you get in your chest when you hug someone you care about,” Adams said. “That’s my favorite example of what it feels like.”

She said when she first heard of Reiki she was very skeptical.

“I don’t need to know what you need to work on,” Adams said. “The energy will find it.”

Adams said there are three levels of studies for Reiki. She started in level one because she wanted to learn how to do more of it at home for herself. Level two is more advanced study into the practice. And finally level three is the master level for people who want to become teachers or practitioners. Adams said she’s redone her level three twice.

“There’s always more to learn, especially with energy work.

You can always go deeper into the practice,” she said.

One of the biggest misconceptions about Reiki is that it’s a massage practice. Adams said she rarely makes physical contact with her clients, instead she hovers her hands over their bodies to guide the energy. Clients stay fully clothed, and sometimes she will gently place her hands on their shoulders or feet, but there’s no physical manipulation like in massage.

It’s also not a religion, and it’s not meant to diagnose or replace traditional medicine. She said it’s a collaborative healing modality that works together with taking care of one’s health.

“Reiki can do no harm,” Adams said. “It doesn’t interact with medications.”

Adams said she loves research, but the Reiki studies out there primarily looked at sample sizes too small to prove the benefits or lack thereof. Instead she turns to the heavily researched field of meditation. She said meditation has been shown to have

ENERGY HEALING >> THE PRACTICE OF REIKI

“I always like to make sure people know that,” she said.

Adams was under a lot of stress, and she was grinding her teeth so hard she knocked off parts of her teeth. She wasn’t sleeping well, but sleep studies didn’t uncover any answers. With her anxiety through the roof, she was loaded up on anti-anxiety meds, and her panic attacks were still breaking through.

“I was in really rough shape,” Adams said.

A friend suggested a Reiki session and yoga class, and Adams agreed out of desperation for some relief.

“I was like, ‘Fine, if doctors don’t know what’s wrong,’” she said. “The first time I laid on a Reiki table was the first time I relaxed in my life.”

Adams said Reiki comes by different names. Some call it divine energy. Some call it faith energy. She said there is a degree of faith when it comes to Reiki, and it works best when the client comes with an open mind. But she doesn’t give off healing energy.

She only facilitates it.

“Everyone has Reiki energy flowing through them,” she said.

Imagine a stream that has a lot of twigs and dirt that’s fallen in, so the water has slowed to a trickle. If you can send a big rush of water through the stream, you can clear the debris and the water can flow more freely. Adams is sending the rush of water by facilitating the flow of energy in her clients. She cleans away the energetic debris.

Adams said Reiki doesn’t require a diagnosis, nor does it diagnose health issues. People can tell her as much or as little as they want before a session. Although she said some practitioners do get intuitive messages.

Energy Healing with Caitlyn was founded in 2017 to help others find and implement alternative healing tools that work for them.

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a major impact on the physical body, and we now know that calming the mind and body can actually reduce stress hormones and inflammation.

Some of the techniques Adams uses in sessions are meditation techniques similar to those she teaches in her yoga classes. And she gives clients techniques to work on at home on their own if they like.

“I’m very big on empowering my clients,” she said.

Adams said her Reiki practice is not an egotistical one. She’s not giving people her energy, but rather facilitating their own. She said if we let go of the idea of the individual, and let our higher selves be in charge, the energy will go where it needs to go.

“Most of the problems we have come from the ego,” Adams said.

Adams explained that she takes energy and releases it. She feels the energy flowing during her sessions, and once in a while she forgets to let go of things people give her.

“We all do that. We all hold on to things that aren’t ours,” Adams said.

She said Reiki has its roots in Japanese culture, and it was brought to the United States in the early 1940s.

In her practice, Adams sometimes combines Reiki with yoga.

She offers in-person and virtual sessions, and holds free Zoom meditations on Tuesdays at noon.

Before each session, Adams goes through her own meditative practice to get in the zone. Then she hovers her hands over the client and guides the energy through them starting with their head. She said clients typically feel heat, vibration or pulsing from her hands. And sometimes they feel her hands hovering over one spot in their body, but they feel a sensation in another part of their body.

She said she understands people’s skepticism because she experienced it herself. But most people, even if they don’t have a deep healing experience, at least leave feeling relaxed.

“Which is huge in this day and age,” Adams said.

She offers couples sessions, and small group sessions in the Relax Salt Rooms in Gainesville. However, she said most people like individual sessions. Each session is about an hour to an hour and a half. And she’s able to work on people of all ages.

With chronic problems like migraines or severe anxiety, Adams said she often starts with weekly sessions that then taper to once a month. “A lot of the medical issues I see are people who have gone to doctors and doctors are like ‘Well there’s nothing wrong with you,’” Adams said.

Adams said she loves working with newbies, who are often so nervous they ask questions throughout the session. “Don’t be afraid to ask questions,” Adams said. “There are no stupid questions.”

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ENERGY HEALING >> THE PRACTICE OF REIKI

A session starts with soft music and a smoke cleansing with sage, palo santos or cedar. Some people refer to this as smudging, but Adams said that’s a very specific ceremony. Smoke cleansing is a broader term.

Then, like the footsteps in the Jurassic jungle, the vibrations begin to flow.

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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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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! JUNE 2021 WINNER

JULY 2021 WINNER

ElderCare of Alachua County

Gainesville Community Ministry

The winner of the June Charity of the Month contest is ElderCare of Alachua County. The Mission Of ElderCare of Alachua County is to be an advocate for the elderly and provide services that will build capacity, maximize independence, and enrich the quality of life for the seniors in Alachua County and north central Florida.

The organization will receive $1,000. Zuleima Davis will win $300 for nominating them. The random charity, The Humane Society of North Central Florida, will win $500.

The winner of the July Charity of the Month contest is Gainesville Community Ministry. The Ministry provides practical assistance to the elderly, the disabled, and recipients of public assistance, as well as the “working poor” who are vulnerable to economic crises and have fallen between the cracks of other programs. They will receive $1,000. Tammi Curtis will get $300 for nominating them. The random charity, Sunrise Wildlife Rehabilitation, will receive $500. The random voter, Annette Barcia, will win $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

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PHOTO ESSAY >> FLORIDA MUSEUM

MUSEUM EXHIBIT

Inner Beauty Skeletons Revealed from the Florida Museum’s Fish Collection P H O T O E S S AY B Y Z A C H R A N D A L L OF TH E F LOR I DA M U S E U M

This image was created using CT data of a Shortfin Mako Shark jaw, Isurus oxyrinchus, from the Florida Museum of Natural History. The teeth of sharks are replaced from the back to the front of the jaw and not all teeth are the same size. The fourth tooth from the center in the upper jaw evolved to be very small in comparison to all of the other teeth.

This is because the tooth needs to make room for the orbital process which allows the animal to protrude its upper jaw to grab large prey items. This protrusion is frequently shown in documentaries of white sharks when they stick out their teeth to catch their prey. The Shortfin Mako Shark is found in tropical and temperate waters worldwide.

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This image was created using CT data of a Cave Angel Fish, Cryptotora thamicola, from Maejo Aquatic Resources Natural Museum. This cave fish has a very unique pelvic gridle skeleton among all known fishes. Its pelvic fin has a direct connection to the vertebral column via an enlarged rib. This unique connection allows this species to walk in a similar fashion to salamanders and allows the fish to walk out of water and even climb out of waterfalls. The Cave Angel Fish is only found in the freshwater caves of Northern Thailand.

This image was created using CT data of a lined seahorse, Hippocampus erectus, from the Texas A&M Biodiversity Research and Teaching Collections. Seahorses have an exoskeleton instead of the normal internal skeleton found in other fishes.

Because of this rigid exoskeleton, seahorses have to beat their dorsal fin 30-70 times per second to propel themselves through the ocean, and the pectoral fins located on the sides of their head aid in steering and stability. Seahorses closest living relatives includes pipefish and sea dragons and are found from Cape Cod to Argentina and into the Gulf of Mexico.

This image was created using CT data of a banded bellowsfish, Centriscops humerosus, from the Scripps Institution of Oceanography.

The banded bellowsfish is a deep-water marine species found up to depths of 1,000 meters. Some of its closest relatives include shrimpfishes, trumpetfishes, pipefishes, and seahorses by sharing a tubular mouth as showed in this colorized image rendering.

This species in found in temperate waters in the southern hemisphere.

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This is an image of a cleared and stained Bowfin, Amia calva, from the Florida Museum of Natural History. Bowfins are piscivorous, relying on fish as their food source, as shown by the small fish skeleton (red) found in the stomach of this imaged individual. They are relict species and the sole survivor of the group Amiidae which was known to exist during the Jurassic period. Bowfin are natively found in the fresh waters of Eastern North America.

AB OU T TH E PH O TO E SSAY These images are presently on display at the Florida Museum as part of the “Inner Beauty: Skeletons Revealed from the Museum’s Fish Collection” exhibit. Apart from these scans, the gallery also features a video of Randall demonstrating both clearing and staining and CT scanning, giving visitors a behindthe-scenes look at the process of these two skeletal preparation techniques. The actual specimens depicted in the scans are also on display, along with the pros and cons of both preservation methods. iPads with interactive skeleton models of a lined seahorse and shovelnose sturgeon give guests another uncommon look at life under the sea.

The CT scans were made possibly though the oVert Thematic Collection Network, a collaborative initiative funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF).

Ichthyologists (fish biologists) use two main techniques to prepare skeletons from preserved specimens of all shapes and sizes without losing their natural skeletal positions: clearing and staining and computed tomography (CT) scanning.

The process of clearing and staining (also known as diaphonization) uses a digestive enzyme called Trypsin to clear away soft tissue but not the collagen, which supports the skeleton in place. Chemicals are used to stain cartilage blue and bone red.

The specimen is stored in glycerin which makes the specimen look clear because glycerin has the same refraction index (how light spreads from one medium to another) as the collagen that supports the skeleton. This method has been used for over 100 years and is still used today in natural history collections, remaining an affordable and easily accessible option. It’s popularly 102 |

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used by biologist/anatomists unsure about which structures are made of cartilage or bone and used for research like helping determine evolutionary relationships and the functional anatomy of a structure. The process is non-reversible and the specimen is forever cleared and stained.

Museum technology is shifting how fish skeletons are processed, providing more accessibility for research, education, outreach and access. The Florida Museum and other natural history museums are using industrial micro-CT scanners to capture a specimen’s anatomy in a non-destructive way. Through the use of x-rays, they digitally capture soft tissue and skeletal anatomy in 3D without causing damage or alteration to the specimen. Similar to getting a CT scan at the hospital, they capture hundreds to thousands of x-ray images of a whole specimen in a 360-degree rotation. These 2D x-ray images are then converted into slices and combined to make a 3D model. Preserved fish can be kept in these machines for hours without drying out or becoming damaged since they are packaged in plastic bags which helps retain moisture.

This process is non-destructive and does not require dissection of the specimens. The data can be easily shared and accessed by anyone, and the data can be digitally dissected and analyzed based on the data user’s specific interest.

The density of an object in a CT scan can be colorized as shown in some of the images in this photo essay, such as the Shortfin Mako Shark Jaw.

This is an image of a cleared and stained Smooth Butterfly Ray, Gymnura micrura, from the Florida Museum of Natural History. The clearing and staining process stains bone red and cartilage blue. The skeletons of rays, like sharks, lack ossification and are made of calcified cartilage, rendering a stained blue specimen. Smooth Butterfly Rays bear live young and this imaged individual was unborn, giving insight into the developmental biology of this species. Smooth Butterfly Rays are found in the warm oceans of the Western and Eastern Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico.

This is an image of a cleared and stained Basketmouth Cichlid, Caquetaia kraussii, from the Florida Museum of Natural History.

They have an efficient feeding behavior by being able to extend their jaws far forward to capture prey. They are able to protrude their jaws because of a very elongated section of their upper jaw bone which is shown as the long “rod” hovering above the eye socket.

The Basketmouth Cichlid is found in the fresh waters of Colombia.

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A B O U T THE ARTIST Zachary Randall is an ichthyologist and the digital imaging manager at the Florida Museum of Natural History. Through his culminative training in photography and evolutionary biology he uses visual arts as a form of science communication and utilizes imaging technology to digitize biodiversity collections for research, education and outreach.

This image was created using CT data of a whitebarred boxfish, Anoplocapros lenticularis, from the Yale Peabody Museum. The body of boxfishes is enclosed in a bony carapace derived from modified scales, which vary in density as shown by the colors in the image. The missing section of carapace around the caudal fin functionally allows for more mobility.

This species is only found in the temperate waters of southern and western Australia.

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This image was created using CT data of a furry whiptail grenadier, Trachonurus villosus, from the Florida Museum of Natural History. The whiptail grenadier is a species found in the deep sea up to a depth of 1,590 meters. It is known to feed on crustaceans and mollusks. This rendering was colorized to show high-and low-density areas that display the second row of pharyngeal (throat) teeth which helps this species process its food. This species is found worldwide in the oceans’ deep water.

This image was created using CT data of an Atlantic Tarpon, Megalops atlanticus, from the Florida Museum of Natural History.

Sought after by many anglers, this species reaches a total length of 8 feet and can weigh 354 pounds. Tarpon can breathe air and they hunt near the surface of the water. They have a large, upturned jaw which allows them to engulf prey at the water’s surface through suction feeding, where they open their mouth very quickly to pull the prey to the back of their throats to be swallowed whole. The Atlantic Tarpon is found in the Western and Eastern Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico.

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COLUMN

FARM TALES

From Mother Hen SWEET MEMORIES

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.

Have you ever stopped to think about how important our five senses are in our daily life? There is the obvious—such as hearing a smoke alarm warning that the house is on fire, touch telling us the danger of a hot stove, our sight recognizing a car speeding through the crosswalk, taste telling us that the milk has turned sour, or the smell of a gas leak. But then again, we use these same five senses to call back memories in such vivid detail we can actually relive them as if we were right back there when those memories happened.

I can’t tell you how often I’ve heard a familiar song on the radio and been transported back in time, Back to the Future-style, to my teen years in high school. I would spend every Friday and Saturday night downtown where a local Mom and Pop business owner would turn the upstairs of their family store into a popular and safe dance hall for the teens in our area. It was a great place to mix and mingle and dance the night away. I would come home with my ears ringing from the loud amplifiers, but ready to go back for more the next night. This is probably the reason for the loss of hearing that I’m experiencing now. Still, I have no regrets as those were some great times.

Then there is the music from my college days protesting the Vietnam war...music from Woodstock: Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young, Jefferson Airplane, Jimi Hendrix and many more artists from that era defined my youth. It was a time calling for change, with deep meaningful lyrics. Just hearing a few bars of Buffalo Springfield “For What It’s Worth” takes me right back there.

Next is the sense of touch. Whenever I have a chance to hold a kitten, I never pass up the opportunity. We often had litters of kittens at our country home, and I had the most adorable playmates while they were growing up. Their soft fur, prickly little whiskers and velvety pink noses were so precious to me. As they grew a little older and more playful, their tiny claws would lightly stick my fingers while they chased the ribbon I’d dangle

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for them to catch. Kitten memories always make me smile.

Our sight is one of the most valuable senses we have. When I see pictures from nature, such as the mountains out west, it takes me to the first trip my husband and I took to the Rocky Mountains and Yellowstone National Park. As a farm girl from the Midwest plains, I had never seen anything more than a steep hill. Let me tell you—the first sight of the Rocky Mountains as the highway turned into the rising mountain range took my breath away.

On another trip out west, as I stood on the rim of the Grand Canyon, I began to fully comprehend the magnificence of our Creator. That experience, and the magnitude of it, can’t be fully captured in a photograph. It has to be seen with your eyes.

When I taste a perfectly baked pie with a crisp crust, hot out of the oven and served ‘a la mode, I can close my eyes and be transported directly to my mother’s kitchen. My mother was known for her baking talents, especially pies. I’m kind of spoiled on pies, though, because it is rare to come across one that tastes as good as hers did. Whether it is apple, berry, lemon meringue, chocolate or banana cream—hers were the best.

On only one occasion was I surprised to taste one that compared to hers. It was on a trip from Phoenix driving to Sedona, Arizona. Someone recommended we stop at a little rustic café along our route to have some delicious pie. I wasn’t expecting much, since as I’ve mentioned I’m spoiled when it comes to pie.

As our dessert was delivered to the table it wasn’t anything out of the ordinary to look at, but when I tasted the first bite my senses took over and brought me directly back to my mother’s kitchen and her yellow Chambers gas stove. Right there at that rustic desert highway café I was transported back in time, enjoying a slice of Mom’s pie! It’s funny how those little things in the past that you took for granted are registered in your memory and can be triggered by our senses to come alive again.

My favorite memories include kitten whiskers, the aroma of gasoline on my father’s work clothes and my mother’s pies baked in her yellow gas stove.

The sense of smell is said to be one of the strongest of all for recalling a person, place or event. For me, the smell of gasoline or motor oil makes me remember my father. He was a farmer, always working with his tractors and equipment. When he would come in from a long day of work in the fields, there would be an aura of gas, oil and earth mixed together on his work clothes. That aroma meant that my daddy was home for the night, and like most little girls I adored my father so that was a favorite part of my day.

Another gasoline smell I would associate with him was from the summertime when he would take his outboard motor boat on the river. My cousins and I would love the rides he would take us on, with the wind blowing our hair and the sunshine on our faces. I was so proud of my father, thinking I was the luckiest little girl in the world to have such a cool dad. Boat motor exhaust has a specific smell. Whenever I’m around boats, that memory of my father comes back to me.

Sometimes a favorite memory encompasses all five senses. One of mine is the campfires we would make in our back yard. I loved the sound of the crackling logs on the fire and feeling the heat rise up as we watched the flickering flames dance before our eyes. If we made S’mores, the taste of the melting chocolate bar and sticky, toasted marshmallow pressed between graham crackers was out of this world. The amazing smell of the campfire itself lingered on my clothes and in my hair for hours…but will linger in my memory forever.

For these sweet memories, and more, I’m thankful whenever my five senses call them back to life again. I’m hoping the same happens for you.

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SYNESTHESIA >> PAINTING WITH MUSIC

THE COLOR OF SOUND

Music to Your Eyes Cassandra Lynn Miller’s Synesthetic Fine Art W R I T T E N B Y H AY L I Z U C C O L A

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(From top to bottom) “No Time to Die” by Billie Eilish, Queen’s “Killer Queen” and “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell provided the inspiration behind these three oil paintings

by Cassandra Lynn Miller.

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rom an early age, we’re taught that there are five basic senses: sight, sound, smell, touch and taste. For some people, these senses can overlap in that the use of one sense causes an involuntary response from another unrelated sense.

Hearing a word with a strong “M’ enunciation may produce a minty taste on the tongue; watching someone’s arm being grabbed can trigger a tingling sensation or warmth on their skin; listening to music evokes a kaleidoscope of colors, and days of the week have their very own personalities. These neurological occurrences are just a few examples of the phenomenon known as synesthesia.

Synesthesia isn’t a disease, an illness or a disorder, but a blending of the senses that can be confusing to define to those who don’t have it and act as a rare gift for those that do, which according to Psychology Today, is only around 3 to 5% of the population.

“I’ve always had synesthesia, but I didn’t know I had it when I was younger,” Cassandra Lynn Miller said.

One of Miller’s earliest memories tied to her synesthesia was of her neighbor, whose hair and car were orange, and even her name evoked the same color to Miller.

“I talked to my best friend when I was like 7 or so about it, and she had no idea what I was talking about. She was completely lost so I thought I was just weird and so I stopped talking about it and I didn’t realize until I was in college that it was actually a condition and that it’s called synesthesia,” she said.

This particular subset of synesthesia is called chromesthesia, which arises when specific sounds or noises prompt the visualization of colors. Other types under the umbrella of synesthesia include lexical gustatory synesthesia where words have apparent tastes like the sweet flavor of Tootsie Rolls with the word “welcome” or savory bacon with the term “jail.” Ordinal linguistic personification happens when days, months, letters or numbers are given personalities like Friday being a happygo-lucky friend or the number 1, who could be a bit of a bore.

There’s also mirror-touch synesthesia, which far surpasses the emotions of an empath by allowing those who have it to physically feel what another person feels, and number form, which is a mental map of numbers.

According to Psychology Today, there are anywhere from 60 to 80 subtypes of synesthesia—maybe even more—and a synesthete can be characterized with more than one variation.

“I have chromesthesia, which is associating sound to color and I also have grapheme-color synesthesia, which is a really common one so I associated letters and numbers to colors,” Miller said.

While some people affected with chromesthesia experience bursts of color through loud everyday sounds like a car horn honking, for Miller it’s mostly present in music and doesn’t obstruct her vision, rather it’s similar to a daydream.

to bounce around faster versus like floating around my head.

Also, a voice will add a tint to a note. Different singing voices look different to me and they look different than piano keys,” she said. “Piano keys are usually very pure colors, whereas voices add more texture and grittiness to the sound.”

Country music is rather flat with notes and chords reminiscent of yellow, brown and green tones. Classic rock is

SYNESTHESIA >> PAINTING WITH MUSIC

“It’s like recalling a memory. I’m an associator so it doesn’t physically interrupt everything, it’s more of like in my mind’s eye like a thought almost,” she said.

What makes a synesthetic diagnosis even more compelling is that not everyone experiences it in the same way, so while Miller may assign the color yellow to a name, someone else with synesthesia may distinctly see it as purple.

“ When I listen to a song, it’s like a movie playing out in my head so the colors will shift and change as the song progresses.”

It’s a complex yet fascinating perceptual ability—one that can be beneficial to those who possess it. In terms of her graphemecolor and spatial sequence synesthesia, which is defined as seeing numbers as points in space, Miller credits both forms with helping her memory and guiding her in obtaining an electrical engineering degree from the University of Florida.

Her chromesthesia also helped ignite her artistic side and near the end of 2016, she began painting by music. Each one of Miller’s paintings is named after the song it represents and the depiction is based on everything from the genre of music to the vocals and pitch of the song, which not only influence the colors but also the texture and brush strokes.

“The faster paced a song, the more likely the colors are going

similar to fire with warm hues in red, orange and yellow whereas jazz maintains a cooler ambiance that seamlessly flows together with blues, purples, pinks and shiny textures while pop music is far more sporadic with sparkling, firework patterns. Higher notes symbolize lighter colors, lower notes are on the darker end of the spectrum and vocal tones impact the degree of a color’s tint.

Seeing the colors dance around in her mind is one thing, the real challenge comes with translating the chromatic symphony on canvas, which Miller tries to replicate using pigmented oils, metallic-based oils, which reflect shimmering textures and sometimes—though rarely—hints of gold leafing.

“What I do is I’ll listen to the song first to get a feel of the

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predominant colors, textures, movement and to get a feel of the best composition,” she said. “When I listen to a song, it’s like a movie playing out in my head so the colors will shift and change as the song progresses. If I paint it a second time I may paint a different part of it, or sometimes I’ll pull from the chorus and I’ll pull from a different part and come up with a composition that I feel represents the song as a whole.”

When Miller initially began painting music she chose songs that specifically spoke to her, which were mostly jazz-based because to her they were the prettiest to capture. However, since her work has grown in popularity, she’s taken commission requests for clients’ favorite songs, which has pushed her to explore new genres.

“I went through a phase where the blues in the songs were just singing to me and I would pick songs that were heavily blue, but recently I’ve started to branch out and pick different songs,” she said.

Looking back on her previous work, Miller can instantly recognize the song the painting was meant to illustrate whether it’s the soft fading and blending of Cyndi Lauper’s “Girls Just Want to Have Fun,” the pink and orange layers in Stevie Nicks and Don Henley’s “Leather and Lace,” or the clashing of warm and cool tones in Miller’s favorite portrait, which she painted in 2019 outlining Jimmy Hendrix’s “All Along the Watchtower.”

“The smooth blues in this one comes from Hendrix’s voice and the melty warm reds and oranges with splashes of whitehot come from the guitar. His voice dances against the guitar, creating this duality. The song swirls into a smoky existence, which is where all of the swirliness in this piece comes from,” she said.

While some lyrics and chord progressions are effortless for Miller to express through her artistry, some songs prove more challenging.

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“‘Come Away With Me’ by Norah Jones was one of my most difficult paintings. I reworked it about three or four times before I felt like it was at a point where it represented the song well enough, although I never quite perfectly captured the way the colors slide into each other in that song,” she said.

Though having synesthesia certainly assisted Miller in working toward a science-based career in chemical engineering, it also allowed her to explore her passion for art and design and pushed her to show her work in galleries. Of course, it isn’t surprising that she embraced her creative instincts, given that several celebrities in the art world have admitted or shown signs of having synesthesia including Billy Joel, Vincent Van Gogh and Stevie Wonder.

“I think it’s a gift 100%. I think, first off, my chromesthesia makes music more interesting to me and I think my graphemecolor and spatial sequence synesthesia helps with my memory,” she said.

Though she recently moved away from Gainesville to the panhandle, Miller’s work has been featured locally since 2019 by the Gainesville Fine Arts Association and the SIMED Health Art Gallery—a step she was initially reluctant to take.

“I was nervous to join Gainesville Fine Arts Association or any art club, but my boyfriend bought me a year membership and encouraged me to submit my artwork for their exhibits,” she said.

Five years in, Miller’s biggest pitch and lesson learned is that anyone interested in art, regardless of having synesthesia or not, should ignore their nerves and go for it.

“If you’re passionate about your art projects—just follow it. Also, it took a lot of courage for me to join Gainesville Fine Arts Association and to actually put my artwork out there, but it was totally worth it,” Miller said. “So if anyone is hesitant about doing that, I recommend just going forward with it.”

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BOOK REVIEW

TERRI SCHLICHENMEYER’S

Reading Corner

PASTORAL SONG written by James Rebanks C.2020, HARPERCOLLINS / $28.99 / $35.99 CANADA / 304 PAGES FARM GIRL: A MEMOIR written by Megan Baxter C .2021, GREEN WRITER’S PRESS / $19.95 / $26.95 CANADA / 255 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

‘TIL THE COWS COME HOME. For most people, that indicates a lengthy amount of time but for you, it sounds positively peaceful. It reminds you of wildflowers, fresh-plowed dirt, green grass, and your head nestled into the side of a bovine. It makes you want to feel sunwarmed earth and smell new-mown hay. It makes you want to read these great books...

Imagine a farm with no tractors, nothing but rich fields and contented cows. It’s the stuff of nineteenth-century paintings and stories but for author James Rebanks, it was normal: his grandfather farmed like that, with his hands in the land and on his animals. In “Pastoral Song,” Rebanks writes of bringing those “old ways” back.

It wasn’t without effort, though: when Rebanks inherited his grandfather’s land, it wasn’t the same as it was a century before—but then again, neither was farming. His grandfather struggled to survive on the land, maybe because his methods were not modern or moneyed or forward enough; so much of farming is chemical now, machinery-driven, corporate, and futuristic, as compared to how it used to be. Resistance to modern farming is often useless.

And yet, with this in mind, Rebanks set about to bring back a way of life that’s uncommon in his rural English countryside, and by the time you get to his final chapter, you’ll wish you were there.

“Pastoral Song” is a lushly meditative and wonderful story that’s perfect for any farmer and every wanna-be with a dream.

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But what if your dream lies on one side of the country and your heart is on the other side? That was the dilemma Megan Baxter writes about in “Farm Girl”: she was living with the man she adored in Portland and their lives were complicated but she couldn’t leave him. Meanwhile, her mind kept returning to the New England farm she loved.

It was small, by some standards—just forty acres of certified-organic land between Vermont and New Hampshire, and she missed it. The farm’s berries and tomatoes were memorable, but so were the bad things that would happen, just as they do anywhere.

Yes, there was pain on the farm in Vermont, and it was quite different than the pain she was experiencing in Oregon. Frustrated, on the edge of bitter, Baxter quit college, and her mother didn’t understand. She only wanted her daughter to “be happy.”

That would come. Baxter knew where she really needed to be...

“Farm Girl” is a book with feet on separate coasts and longing for both to work out. It’s a tiny bit of history and science here, in prose that’s almost poetic, even when the angst storms in and the balance between Baxter’s lives tips.

Readers holding their breaths can exhale then, wistfully, mournfully, lingering.

If these books don’t quite fit what you’re looking for, be sure to ask your favorite bookseller or librarian for more ideas. The shelves are full of books on the farm life. There’s plenty for you to take home and enjoy.

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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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

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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

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 1216 NW 22nd Ave. | 919 NW 57th St. (352) 474-8686

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. SEPT/OCT 2021

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Alachua Animal Hospital is your local family owned and operated source for top quality, personalized pet care. From general wellness checks to surgical procedures, we offer a wide range of services. Our team is patient and caring, so you can be sure your pet will be in great hands. We offer complimentary exams for all new patients, so give us a call today! We’re located right on the corner of Main Street and 441 in downtown Alachua!

“I’ve have been to all the other vet in the area and hands down they have the best service and affordable prices. I will continue to bring my pets here even though it’s a 40 minute drive.” — Robert D

“Wonderful people, my dog got hit by a car and they took him Alachua Animal Hospital 15100 Main Street Alachua 386-588-3219

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right in even though we had never been there and took wonderful care of him. Very

professional and caring. Dr. Nadler is the best vet

I have ever been too. Love Alachua Animal Hospital.” — Ruth Mc L

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 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 SEPT/OCT 2021

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Our High Springs home-town construction team loves what we do. We take our clients from start to finish - making their dreams come to life.

Beginning in the design phase, we put to paper the vision-in-the-making. Along the way, we offer in-house interior design assistance, hands-on project management, and are always accessible for the cares that go into making a house a home. We know and trust each craftsman that work on our projects, keeping our economy strong, and guaranteeing quality control. Building a home is personal to us. Come see what makes us different.

“Kristyn alleviated much of the stress. She spent hours assisting us, providing options that matched our taste and our budget. I felt like we had our own personal interior designers, and Kristyn

helped turn our new house into our dream home.”

— Louanne D.

Integrity | Ingenuity

G Buzbee Incorporated 17774 US 441 S. High Springs FL 32643 386-454-2555 120 |

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“I cannot recommend Garrett and the rest of the G Buzbee team enough! Together they helped me build my first home without worry!” — Sarah L.

“Barry was personal, professional, and flexible.

He kept us informed weekly and ensured our vision became a reality.”

— Sarah C.

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

GOhighsprings.com

now back! Love this place! So glad I move to High Springs. Come check this place out. You’ll love it!” — Randy SEPT/OCT 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 122 |

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“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.

FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Centers in Gainesville, FL and Chiefland, FL is a medical and scientific-based physical therapy and fitness organization, with a broad range of expertise. Spelled different because we are different! Founded in collaboration with a medical doctor, physiologists, licensed therapists, and service business experts, we provide prescribed physical therapy and medically-based physical fitness. Our goal at FYZICAL is to help you discover how to achieve the pinnacle of healthy living, expand your boundaries, feel younger, and revitalize your health.

“Bruce Sack and his therapy assistants have been great. Terry keeps pushing me to do more difficult tasks and has

made my recovery tremendously successful. Bruce was “ spot on” with his diagnosis which was later confirmed at UF Neurology. I can’t say enough positive things about my care at Fyzical.” — Dr. Rob, DDS

“Spelled Different, Because We Are Different.”

Fyzical Therapy & Balance Centers 5201 NW 34th BLVD, (In YMCA) Gainesville 1315 NW 21st Ave., Chiefland 352-240-1136

fyzical.com/gainesville

“I had peripheral neuropathy for 20+ years and I was told that all I could do for it was to take certain nutritional supplements. I hadn’t been able to feel my feet for a decade, and I was having balance problems as a result. Soon I was on a program of balance therapy and laser treatment for neuropathy. My balance is now back to normal, and I have regained sensation in my feet. I’m continuing the laser therapy because I am still getting better!” — Dr. Hal, MD SEPT/OCT 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

Crafty BastardsRestaurant & Bottle Shoppe 4860 NW 39th Ave. Magnolia Parke 352-872-5970 124 |

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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

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 SEPT/OCT 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 126 |

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.

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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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 128 |

edenmichelesalon.com

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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.

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 Bangkok Square! The pad Thai is a favorite! The

vegetarian options are yummy. The veggies are nicely cooked and big beautiful chunks. The people are so kind and respectful”. — S. Vani

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.

bangkoksquarefl.com

“I had a great experience here. The servers are very polite and food was full of savory umami flavor.

I Had the chicken padthai and crab meat soup for lunch. Lunch came with crunchy egg rolls and food came out hot and yummy. The price is extremely reasonable”. —Song N

“The only place I get Red Curry from. Always tastes great. The atmosphere there is really relaxing as well. Good place to

have a small get together. They also have outside seating!” — S. Mariee SEPT/OCT 2021

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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 130 |

pawnprollc.com

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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.

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. SEPT/OCT 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

mycoppermonkey.com 132 |

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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

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 SEPT/OCT 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

Sweet,Tasty, Spicy, Hot, Vinegar, Smokey. Just a few adjectives that will come to mind when you visit Top Hog! We take our time to make our recipes with love. We make our recipes in small batches to make sure that everything you order is fresh and up to our customers high standards! To give our meats a distinct Florida flavor, our meats are smoked with a mix of Florida woods, like orange wood and oak. Family style meals or meat sold by the pound with your choice of sauce available. Check our website and facebook for our full menu and daily specials.

“Love the food! Great service and cleanliness...quick good food fast! Check them out! Pulled pork plate 2 sides is the best!” — Shelly H. “Came last week for the Cuban and that was a great take on it with

Family Style BBQ

Top Hog 14128 West Newberry Rd., Jonesville Opening soon: 6500 SW Archer Rd. (Kanapha Station)

352-331-6035

www.top-hog.com

the pork!! Even better coming back a week later and getting the cheese

Be back again soon. So good and my new HOT SPOT to come to at TOP HOG!!” — Paul Joseph V.

steak and that was very good!! Lots of steak there!!

“Great sides and some of the best sandwiches.

Sweet

tea chicken is juicy, tender, and full of flavor. House made sausage is amazing.” — Ahren T.

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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 136 |

GainesvilleDentist.com

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“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.

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 SEPT/OCT 2021

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Social at MidTown is Gainesville, FL’s premier upscale sports restaurant and rooftop bar. With 32 craft beers on tap, happy hour and daily specials, unique handmade craft cocktails, as well as a full menu with a wide variety of delicious food, we are your go-to social destination, any day of the week. We are also the best place in town to watch the big game, with 60 flat screen TVs playing all your favorite sports, there’s something for everyone. Don’t wait any longer! Come enjoy yourself at Social at MidTown today.

“Great food, a lot of great choices. Mojo pork tacos excellent, the plantains in it are an awesome touch. You can never go wrong with the Tuscan sandwich.” — Jorge G.

Premier upscale sports restaurant and rooftop bar

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“Fantastic menu. Red fish over grits is a spicy explosion of flavor. Filet mac & cheese is creamy goodness to die for. Exceptional local draft list. Craft cocktails too. Quick, competent service. Highly impressed!” — Craig D.

The Social at Midtown 1728 W University Ave. 352-373-7383

“The fun place for pre game meeting other Gators. The drinks and food is

thesocialgnv.com

lots of fun for everyone.” — Guy T.

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great and bar tenders & waitress are very friendly a accommodating. Just

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

SEPT/OCT 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 140 |

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“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.

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 delicious. 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. SEPT/OCT 2021

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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 142 |

PinkFlamingoDiner.com

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“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

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 | 143 SEPT/OCT 2021

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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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SEPT/OCT 2021

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SEPT/OCT 2021

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BENEFITS OF SPAS >> RELAXATION AND REJUVENATION

SPA DAY

The Power of Spas Rejuvenation Through Touch W R I T T E N B Y A L E X A S A U VA G E R E

A

receptionist leads you into a dimly lit serenity room and offers you some water. Sinking into the cushioned seat beneath you, you take in the room: artwork adorning the wall, candles casting a soft glow, plants complementing the space. Within a couple of minutes, a therapist brings you to your room, exiting to let you undress in privacy. A soft knock comes from the door.

“Come in,” you say.

The lights lower, drowning the room in a calming darkness. Instrumental music plays out from speakers, gracing your ears with notes from flutes, pianos and harps. The bed beneath you warms up from the heating mechanisms, pleasantly toasting your body into relaxation. The therapist rubs CBD oil along your back and massages it into your body.

Lemon fragrance tickles your nose, opening up your sinuses. In one fluid, continuous motion, the 146 |

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therapist runs hot Himalayan salt stones along your muscles, then follows it up with a hand massage. The sensation mirrors that of soaking in a hot tub but localized to where the stone touches.

When done, your therapist brings you a robe, a wrap and a pair of slippers. A cup of water awaits you outside, as your esthetician leads you to another room. After discussing your skin routine, the esthetician begins with a precleanse, rubbing the cool liquid against your skin in circles. Next comes the special cleansing gel and daily microfoliant.

Between each layer of product, she wipes your face off with a damp, heated towel. For the extraction, a tool pricks your skin like tiny pinches, removing blemishes and unclogging your pores. You feel cool masks and serums placed along your T-zone, trailed by a soothing massage along your shoulder, neck and head. Wrapping it up, your esthetician rubs a moisturizer and some SPF 30 onto your face.

Are you relaxed yet?

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BENEFITS OF SPAS >> RELAXATION AND REJUVENATION 148 |

You just experienced the Power of the Nature massage and the Classic Facial at Hand and Stone, a spa located in Gainesville.

Open since December 2016, Hand and Stone offers an array of services that foster healing and relaxation through the sense of touch. All therapists and estheticians must receive a Florida license and undergo onboarding tailored to Hand and Stone.

Moreover, employees must get certified in whatever specialty area they choose to practice.

“This location is different from any spa I have worked for because the people that are here are incredibly intuitive and kind,” said Ashlie Holbrook, the manager at Hand and Stone.

While the sense of touch permeates all the services, Hand and Stone also incorporates all the other senses. Visually, the interior design creates a calming aesthetic through the use of dimmed lighting, lit candles, fountains and more. Aromatherapy and candles grace the nose, both allowing for better breathing and for building a mood. For example, peppermint essential oils can energize, and eucalyptus essential oils can revitalize. And for the sense of taste, Hand and Stone serves coconut water to guests while they wait in the lobby and sells 15 different types of flavored water for retail.

Guests can adjust the lighting of the rooms, the volume of the music and the heat of the beds. In addition to providing warmth, the heated beds also open up muscle tissue, creating a better massage. On top of the basic massage, guests can add any upgrades, such as Himalayan salt stones, hot stones, scalp treatments, CBD oil and contrast therapy (alternation between heat and cold). The most popular massage at Hand and Stone is the Power of Nature, which combines the use of heated Himalayan salt stones and CBD oil. The stones benefit sleeping, the respiratory system and the sinuses, as well as act as a slight exfoliant. Furthermore, the CBD can foster relaxation and provide pain relief.

Hand and Stone offers a variety of different massages. In a Swedish massage, a therapist will form long strokes with light to medium pressure in a soothing massage style. Deep OUR TOWN MAGAZINE

SEPT/OCT 2021

tissue massages aim to target pain, thus utilizing deeper, slower strokes with firmer pressure than a Swedish massage. Trigger point massages apply pressure from the fingertips to attack knots, tears and tight muscles. The hot stone massages don’t resemble the ones seen in the media. Rather than leave the stones stagnant, the therapists at Hand and Stone continuously move them along a client’s body before following up with a hand massage. Other massages include prenatal massages, couple massages, sports massages and decompression therapy.

Along with massages, Hand and Stone provide plenty of facial options. Their facials utilize a seven-step process that involves skin analysis, double cleansing, extraction, masks, massage, serum and moisturizers. Like massage combinations, the spa offers plenty of upgrades. For example, if clients want to target blackheads, then they may try a detox facial. If clients want to attack stress lines or wrinkles, then they may want to do the anti-aging collagen facial or the rejuvenating facial.

Additionally, clients can choose to try a peel, LED lighting or micro abrasion. Hand and Stone’s most popular facial is the Dermal Infusion Facial, which soaks clients’ skin with serums that push in hydration, vitamin C and other benefits.

“Whenever someone looks their best, it makes them feel better as a person,” said Carissa Blaser, the founder and owner of Pure Aesthetics. “Whenever they’re feeling better as a person, they’re going to be happier in life.”

Open since April 2015, Pure Aesthetics bridges the gap between a day spa and surgery. Med spas don’t perform drastic procedures seen in surgeries, but they surpass the common day spa by providing more intensive services. Med spas serve to postpone the need to have surgery and to lengthen the results from a performed surgery. The Pure Aesthetics team specializes in a diverse assortment of skills and provides tailored treatments that help clients achieve their ideal appearance. Services include

body sculpting, chemical peels, facials, hair removal, injectables, skin care and veins.

One of the top med spas in the area, Pure Aesthetics presents clients with market-driven services, such as Botox, laser hair removal, customized facials and cool sculpting. Cool sculpting supplies a non-invasive, FDAapproved way to freeze fat cells. Not quite for losing weight, this treatment serves to help people lose fat in stubborn places that exercise, and healthy eating fail to eliminate.

Cool sculpting can work on different ages and is best used on people within 30 pounds of their ideal weight. The procedure typically takes two sessions with results showing within one to three months. The best part: no pain, no downtime, no scarring. At most, clients may feel a little tenderness.

When certified technicians place the applicator on the targeted area, clients will feel a slight suction. The coldness kicks in rather quickly, creating more of a realization toward the temperature change rather than a feeling of pain. After staying on for 35 minutes, technicians will remove the applicator to massage the area for two minutes. That feeling can cause a tingling, prickly sensation similar to placing freezing toes in a hot tub, Blaser said.

For hair removal, Pure Aesthetics offers laser hair removal and electrolysis. Though not a guaranteed permanent removal, lasers can result in significant hair reduction. The med spa has a two-in-one laser that targets both darker-colored skin and lighter-colored skin.

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BENEFITS OF SPAS >> RELAXATION AND REJUVENATION

The Pure Aesthetics team specializes in a diverse assortment of skills and provides tailored treatments that help clients achieve their ideal appearance.

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work on lighter colored hairs (red, blonde, white and grey). For lighter colored hairs, technicians make use of the electrolysis machine. They insert a tiny probe, the size of a hair follicle, into the skin to singe the root of the hair for a permanent removal.

When done correctly, this should not hurt at all.

Pure Aesthetics also administers injectables and veins treatments to cater to their clients’ desires. Two popular injectables are Botox and dermal fillers. Botox relaxes muscles to alleviate the deep lines that surround the forehead and eye area, as well as the deep lines found around a smile. Dermal Fillers, such as Juvéderm, help increase volume where a client has lost it, such as in the temple, the cheekbones and chin. Facial veins or light veins can be targeted with a laser treatment. For other veins, sclerotherapy utilizes an injection that inserts a needle containing the solution that lessens the vein’s appearance. A lot of times people equate it to a little rubber band snap, Blaser said.

A layer of insecurities can lie beneath how a person looks or feels. Blaser said it’s heartwarming to see their clients’ progression after coming in. Taking the time to cater to oneself through spa treatments, whether massage or aesthetics can foster positive growth and health. Whether at a med spa or at a massage spa, you will come first. The healing, modifying and relaxing power of spas can create the confidence boost or mental health rejuvenation that a person desires—one touch at a time.

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SEPT/OCT 2021

BE FIRE SAFE! Get your chimney & dryer vent clean

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SPOTLIGHT

RESCUE ANIMAL ADOPTIONS

Furever Friends KELSIE & JETHRO

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.

h, hi there! My name is Jethro and O I’m a one-year-old pup with floppy ears and white boots that accent my black fur. It’s like I’m constantly wearing fancy mittens!

I made my way to Haile’s Angels Pet Rescue back in August 2020 as a transfer from another shelter in the panhandle.

Luckily, I ended up in a place with ties to some great vets because at the time I was suffering from an injury on my back foot. I don’t really remember what happened, but I think I got it stuck in some sort of trap outside. To prevent further infection, part of my leg had to be removed, but don’t worry, I still have a good 75% of it left. Now it just looks like I lost one of my mittens.

While I was recovering from my surgery, the rescue decided to share my story online. I must be pretty photogenic because after just one image of me was posted, Kelsie Scholz fell in love. My flipped ears captured her heart and reminded her of a previous dog who was the love of her life. Despite her initial desire to give me a home, taking care of three dogs was already time consuming, so she talked herself out of it but still followed my story. Being a big animal lover and working in veterinary medicine since she was 16, Kelsie was no stranger to fostering other pups in need, so when she heard the rescue was having trouble finding me a temporary home, she decided to take me in.

The minute I saw her I knew I’d want to be by her side the rest of my life so I hatched a plan. On the drive home, I snuggled into her passenger seat, rested my head on her arm and gave her my biggest, brightest puppy dog eyes. I could tell right then and there she’d be a foster fail. Sure enough, when the day came for her to take me to one of the rescue’s adoption

events she couldn’t bear the thought of never seeing me again.

With my adoption official, it was time for a name change.

Yep, this is kind of embarrassing, but my original name was Pegasus. I know, right? If I kept that name, I’d be teased every time I went to the dog park so Kelsie started researching famous amputees like Long John Silver before stumbling on the name Leroy. This reminded her of a character from “NCIS” so Jethro it was! Since that first day home I’ve become friends with all three of her dogs: Frankie, who’s my absolute best friend; Lil Man, who’s a 16-year-old tripod Chihuahua and Stitch, who’s a pit tripod.

While I love playing with my friends and enjoying the great outdoors, my absolute favorite things in the world are snacks.

I love treats and will do anything to get them like leaping or jumping in the air, twisting and doing somersaults—anything for a goodie. I also love ice cookies! I think other people call them “cubes,” but they’re just as amazing as cookies!

Since my adoption, my mom had gotten me a custom-made prosthetic and has been teaching me how to use it. It’s like I have my whole leg back. Oh, I’m also famous now! My mom decided to make me an Instagram page so other people could follow my prosthetic progress and see my daily adventures with my furever family.

To learn more about Jethro and his prosthetic journey, you can follow him on Instagram @PawstheticPup or if you’re interested in providing one of Jethro’s shelter friends with their furever home, visit Haile’s Angels at hailesangels.org.

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