Our Town - January/February 2023 (High Springs & Alachua)

BALANCE 180 • HEALING HANDS • EXERCISE CENTERED • FROM CORPORATE TO CREATIVE • BEYOND LIMITS

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2023 | VOL. 21 ISSUE 01 | HIGH SPRINGS & ALACHUA EDITION

To Thine Own Self Be True

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ON THE COVER >> IN THIS ISSUE WE INVITE

It is health that is real wealth and not pieces of gold and silver.

—Mahatma Gandhi

YOU TO CONNECT WITH YOUR MOST AUTHENTIC SELF. HEAR FROM LOCALS WHO PUT THEIR MOST TRUE FOOT FORWARD AS THEY TOOK LEAPS OF FAITH GOING AFTER WHAT MADE THEM FEEL MOST LIKE THEMSELVES. TAP INTO HEALTH & WELLNESS THIS YEAR WITH OUR SPECIAL SECTION FOCUSING ON THE CONNECTION OF BODY AND MIND. “TO THINE OWN SELF BE TRUE.” HAPPY NEW YEAR — HAPPY TRUE YOU!

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CURTAIN CALL

HEALTH & WELLNESS SECTION

MURAL, MURAL ON THE WALL

For three decades, the High Springs Playhouse has provided a platform for aspiring actors, lighting designers, directors and more who volunteer their time and talent for a chance to stand in the spotlight and help put on a memorable show.

Inspiring a healthy lifestyle both physically and mentally in the new year! Find appreciation and hope for overall health and wellness in your own life.

Meet Jenna Horner—the artist who has been putting her stamp on businesses, organizations and homes throughout Alachua County for the past nine years, completing dozens of murals.

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JAN/FEB

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CONTENTS 19 // A FAMILIAR FACE

With the help of the Alachua County Arts Council, downtown is receiving a dedication to the musician Bo Diddley in the form of a mural with his iconic box-shaped guitar taking center stage.

28 // FROM CORPORATE TO

CREATIVE A Newberry local leaves the corporate world to go after his dreams of opening his own video storytelling business, 34th Street Studios, helping people tell their authentic stories through visual media.

38 // THE IMPORTANCE OF

HEALTHY SLEEP Are you getting enough shut-eye?

Understand the importance of a good night’s sleep for overall health and wellness.

45 // H EALING HANDS A local massage therapist helps clients find relief from the stressors of everyday life as well as physical injuries and ailments.

49 // B ALANCE 180

A local nonprofit creating diverse programs tailored for athletes with special needs as well as typically developing children.

56 // THERAPY DOGS

Traveling all around Florida and beyond, local therapy dog Beau and his owner bring joy to veterans, students, medical workers and children alike.

64 // FINDING PEACE IN A NONSTOP WORLD Focusing on the union of the mind, body and spirit — Raja Yoga meditation is a form of meditation that is accessible to people of all backgrounds.

69 // E XERCISE CENTERED

Do you have a resolution to improve your fitness in 2021? These fitness apps and podcasts may help you reach your goals.

84 // B EYOND LIMITS

The Hippodrome’s 50th anniversary gives a loving nod to the friends, family, staff, patrons and founders who helped make the theatre what it is today.

92 // S UGAR & SPICE

Self-taught baker Melissa DiStefano took a leap of faith and started her business, Amazing Grace Confections, in 2022. Since then, cookie business has been booming!

COLUMNS

INFORMATION

REVIEWS

34 F ARM TALES

76 R estaurant Guide

91 R EADING CORNER

by Mother Hen

53 E MBRACING LIFE

by Donna Bonnell

82 N AKED SALSA

by Crystal Henry

98 B usiness Directory

by Terri Schlichenmeyer

100 C harity Winners 102 C ommunity Calendar

113 F UREVER FRIENDS Spotlight on Rescue Animals

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. © 2022 Tower Publications, Inc.

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WE LOVE WHAT WE DO! ...and it shows! #BUILDWITHBUZBEE

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GENERAL CONTRACTOR CGC061980 JAN/FEB 2023 OUR TOWN MAGAZINE | 11 11

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PUBLISHER Charlie Delatorre PRODUCTION DIRECTORS Brian Knepp, Kaloni Dunlap EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Ericka Winterrowd editor@towerpublications.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Kaitlin Applegate, Donna Bonnell, Crystal Henry, Augustus Hoff, Emily Mavrakis, Terri Schlichenmeyer, Hanna De La Garza, Hayli Zuccola CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Michael Eaddy, Augustus Hoff, Magnolia Lane Studios ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Jenni Bennett jenni@towerpublications.com DIRECTOR OF SALES Nancy Short nancy@towerpublications.com INTERNS Hanna De La Garza, Augustus Hoff

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

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

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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

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EDITOR ’ S LET TER

J A N U A R Y/ F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 3

Vowing to Be Me “The privilege of a lifetime is to become who you truly are.” -Carl Jung.

As I look back at where I was two years ago and where I am today, I am in awe of God’s grace and presence in my life. I remember the hope I had despite the circumstances I was going through — that the detour I was facing could possibly, just maybe, end up pointing me in the right direction towards my destiny.

When the opportunity came knocking to move closer to my young nieces in early 2021, I grabbed it. The only thought in my mind was: don’t question where the road takes you, just follow the love. You see, the only thing I craved at the time was true, authentic connection.

And who better to share that with than my two little nieces as I began to bond with them at their tender ages of one and three.

The amount of love that came rushing into my life was immeasurable. All of my worries, the timelines, the plans I had written out with others who I thought saw the “real me” just melted away. For the first time in my life I felt at peace in the immediate moment of simply being.

I’d walk along the beach in the early evenings, observing the raging blue waves and think, “Wow. The sea is both wild and beautiful at the same time. Perhaps our lives can simultaneously be like this too.”

It was then that I released the idea of who I should be, where I should be, and most importantly, the control of knowing what was going to happen next. All I knew was that I had a short-term lease on an apartment less than a mile away from my nieces and any opportunity I had to be authentically “Aunt Kiki,” I’d seize. I was grateful for my life, regardless if it would one day include anyone other than my own wild and beautiful existence. I radiated gratitude. And it felt like me.

That’s when I met him. The guy who saw me, the real me. Derek accepts me, completely, just as I am — on good days and bad. I’m not afraid to show him my authentic self either.

In fact, I can’t help it. And I kid you not, this man tells me every day to “just be me.” We got married on October 16th last year. As I vowed to weather the storms of life with him in front of our families and loved ones, I felt an indescribable calmness in my soul.

You see, unbeknownst to me I had already made my own vow to myself — promising to love the wild and beautiful waves that will always rage inside of me.

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CONTRIBUTOR S

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JA N/ FEB 2023

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

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

AUGUSTUS HOFF is a journalism major at the University of Florida with a passion in environmental preservation. While traveling, he works as a freelance writer and assistant with National Geographic to inspire others. augustus.photograph@gmail.com

HANNA DE LA GARZA is a third-year journalism major and classical studies minor at the University of Florida. Outside of school, she enjoys finding new places to visit and new activities to try out. hanna.delagarza@ufl.edu

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

EMILY MAVRAKIS is a Gainesville-based writer and photographer. Some of her favorite topics to explore include business, history and culture. She holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Florida. mavrakisemily@gmail.com

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 magazines throughout the U.S. and Canada. bookwormsez@yahoo.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

GR AND ART

THE BO DIDDLEY MURAL

A Familiar Face STORY A N D PHOTOGR A PH Y BY AUGUSTUS HOFF

ONE OF THE MANY STAGNANT YET CHARACTERIZED WALLS THAT MAKE UP CORRIDORS OF DOWNTOWN GAINESVILLE WAS GIVEN A FRESH COAT OF PAINT WITH A FAMILIAR FACE. Bo Diddley, the legendary musician, found his way into Gainesville architecture before with the creation of Bo Diddley Plaza. Now, with the help of the Alachua County Arts Council, downtown is receiving another dedication from the musician.

Ellas McDaniel, known as Bo Diddley, was an influential Black American guitarist who took root in the 40s. Diddley was instrumental in the transition from blues to rock and roll. Because of this, he was able to inspire musicians around the world and leave a profound impact on music.

His signature box-shaped guitar was seen on tours worldwide and is featured in the mural. Born in Mississippi, he passed away on June 2, 2008, at 79 years old, in Archer, Florida.

To honor his legacy, a friend and fellow guitarist of Diddley attended the unveiling of the mural on Nov. 9. “Skyntyte,” a member of local funk band Fast Lane, said that he met Diddley in Boston when he was 19 years old.

“There was no better man at dynamics and note selection than Bo,” said Skyntyte as he stood back and admired the layered mural.

He said that Diddley taught him how to play one string loudly but the other six quietly, a gift that only a few musicians knew how to do. Producing three albums with him, Skyntyte went on tour with Diddley across Europe and North America and shared personal anecdotes from experiences with the musician at the unveiling.

Some of those anecdotes included stories about Diddley’s relationships with icons like Muhammed Ali and Little Richard.

In addition, his songs were associated with many protests in the 60s during the Civil Rights Movement in America, particularly JAN/FEB 2023 OUR TOWN MAGAZINE

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BO DIDDLEY >> NEW DOWNTOWN MURAL

the song “I’m a Man.” The art did not stop at Bo Diddley and his musicians but also bled through downtown Gainesville’s walls.

Local realty company Bosshardt Realty Services applied for and received the grant given by the Alachua County Arts Council. The grant allowed them to paint one of the exterior walls of Aaron Bosshardt’s building at 16 S. Main St. in Gainesville.

Bosshardt started their search for the right muralist for the job. Director of Marketing Melissa Redon for Bosshardt Realty Services said 15 people from across the country applied to work on the mural. They posted their search on artist boards, and Redon believes that they found the perfect fit for what they needed.

painting as a hobby, but then made his hobby turn into a career.

He has been a professional muralist for four years now, painting all across the globe.

At home in North Carolina, he was the drummer for a thrash metal band called “Bloodgins,” and was involved in the nightclub scene, managing clubs and events. His appreciation of music extends to Diddley, explaining that it was an honor to work on a project like this.

All the street art he has created has been through careful planning and execution of spray paint. He uses lifts and ladders to reach every part of the wall canvas with his can. JEKS said that the lift can be scary, especially on other projects he was a part of where multiple muralists were working simultaneously.

“ There was no better man at dynamics and note selection than Bo,” said Skyntyte as he stood back and admired the layered mural.

The company chose an experienced muralist called “JEKS.” The artist is from Greensboro, North Carolina, and was also able to come to the mural unveiling after all of the hard work that he had done.

He talked about his relationship with art.

“Art has always been persistent in my life,” said JEKS in between his sips of coffee.

After being burnt out from his previous job, he started

Large murals have been around for thousands of years, finding roots in large cave paintings that were often ceremonial.

The grand art form has been interpreted differently throughout history, but one thing has stayed the same: the size.

He describes the process as “little by little” and believes it takes patience to create art. However, his patience moves faster than most. He could finish the large mural in only five days, being done on Nov. 8. He started with a free-hand griding

Members of Bosshardt Realty and JEKS himself (seen on the far most right) pose for a photo on 16 S Main Street.

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technique, using a grid and scribbles to enlarge images he wanted to place inside the mural. The type of painting is called photorealism for its effects to look like a photograph.

The images in the mural were carefully chosen, having limited space to develop a story. JEKS said that the pictures show the life of Bo Diddley in his adolescence, prime and older years.

The mural contains four portraits of Diddley ranging in perspective while his iconic box-shaped guitar took center stage.

There are two elderly versions of Diddley on either end of the mural, sandwiching the younger versions in the middle. The second version of him from the left is more youthful, and JEKS said that this version was to show the innocence inside of Diddley and his work at the time. The third version of the artist from the right is charismatic, showing him in the prime of his life, living out the transitional dream from blues to rock and roll.

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BO DIDDLEY >> NEW DOWNTOWN MURAL

Bosshardt Realty Services gave JEKS complete artistic control over the type of mural he wanted to do and its contents.

On the cloudy and overcast morning of the unveiling, no person there was disappointed at the way that JEKS used his granted control.

During the unveiling, breakfast was catered by Bagel Bakery, leaving everyone satisfied while enjoying the new piece of art that lives inside downtown. With a bite of a bagel between every sentence or so, Bosshardt Realty Services Commercial Agent Bruce Rider attended the unveiling alongside his coworkers.

Rider said that he greatly appreciates his company’s willingness to invest in art and hopes that other companies around town start to do the same. He says that people and businesses are connected by art and that it gives something for people to remember.

On the right side of the mural, there are two depictions of the musician.

There is a younger and charismatic Diddley alongside an older and mature image facing toward the street.

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He described the “Vernors Ginger Ale” Factory art that has been a staple of Flint, Michigan. Rider still remembers what that art means to him and the city around it and said that the mural in Gainesville is another step in the right direction.

As Gainesville continues to seek a feeling of home in the appreciation of history, the Bo Diddley mural is a welcomed artistic addition to this pursuit. Whether the art is from an instrument or a spray can, it is sure to leave an impact.

CENTER STAGE

HIGH SPRINGS PLAYHOUSE CELEBRATES 30 YEARS

Curtain Call W R I T T E N B Y H AY L I Z U CCO L A

WHEN LORRAINE KIRKLAND WAS SEVEN YEARS OLD, SHE’D TAKE THE SUBWAY WITH HER MOM EVERY SATURDAY FROM QUEENS TO BROOKLYN TO ATTEND THAT SEASON’S PERFORMANCES AT THE BROOKLYN ACADEMY OF MUSIC. While watching a play one weekend, a wide-eyed Kirkland thought to herself that someday, somehow, she would perform on stage.

Years later while working as a teacher in Lake City, a family mentioned that the High Springs Playhouse production of “Our Town” they were participating in needed someone to temporarily fill in for a woman who was out for surgery. Kirkland volunteered to take the part – assuming it would be for just one out of three weekends. Despite her agreement, she was instantly flooded with nerves and hesitation as her prior stage background

consisted of school chorus lines – nothing with a speaking role.

Nevertheless, she found her footing and those couple of lines turned into a few more at the request of the play’s director and her one-weekend fill-in turned into the entire play’s run, which fulfilled her childhood dream and ignited a new passion. Now almost 81, Kirkland’s story is just one of many from aspiring thespians who got the chance to step into the limelight at the High Springs Playhouse throughout its 30-year legacy.

“It’s all volunteer basis,” said Lorraine Kirkland, who is the Secretary on the High Spring’s Playhouse’s Executive Board. “All of the behind-the-scenes people are just there because they love theatre and they want to be involved and for people who move to a new area let’s say, it’s a wonderful way to meet people and to become part of a new community and that’s really helped us a lot too because people do find us,” she said. “In fact, the new people find us easier it seems than the people who’ve been there

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HIGH SPRINGS PLAYHOUSE >> 30 YEAR CELEBRATION

For three decades, the High Springs Playhouse has provided a platform for actors, lighting designers, directors and more to tap into their creativity.

forever and don’t even realize we’re there.”

The Playhouse, originally named the High Springs Community Theatre before a 2011 name change to end the confusion between the theatrical organization and the local movie theatre, debuted its first production, “Rainmaker,” in cooperation with the Lake City Community Theatre in 1993 before performing as a solo troupe for “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum.” For eight years, the Playhouse ran productions in a shared space with the GFWC High Springs New Century Woman’s Club until purchasing their own facility in 2001 where it still resides today.

The building, located at 130 NE First Ave. in High Springs, housed several businesses and a church before it underwent several renovations thanks to various grants to turn it into a proper theatre including remodeling the interior to add a stage, upgrades over the years to the seating, larger additions like expanding the single bathroom into a men and women’s room as well as constructing a tea room, green room and dressing rooms. The latest advancement was the installation of a new, electronic sign to announce upcoming performances and remind locals of the theatre’s presence in town.

“There are many people that live in High Springs and still don’t realize we have a theatre there and it always amazes us but it’s a true story,” said Kirkland, who has performed in 25 productions with the Playhouse and is the longest-standing board member.

While the term “community” was taken out of the name when rebranding, the High Springs Playhouse is still very much a community theatre – attracting volunteers and audience members both locally and from surrounding cities.

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“It still serves the community, which is a wide community, I mean it embraces not only High Springs, but Gainesville, Newberry, Cross City, Branford, Live Oak, Fort White, I mean it really draws upon a large area,” she said. “Because of the pandemic and because we were up and running earlier than some of the other regional theatres, we’ve been able to bring into our mix of actors, directors, cast, people, we’ve been able to draw upon a wider area than we had before.”

As a community theatre, being a professional actor isn’t a requirement to perform at the Playhouse, in fact, every role necessary to put on a production – actor, lighting designer, costumer, set designer, usher or director – is open to the public.

“Sometimes – many times – it’s their very, very first time on stage,” said Kirkland, who also got her start on the Playhouse stage.

Every season, the theatre puts on five adult plays and one summer youth production to encourage the next generation to pursue a creative outlet.

“We get so many wonderful, young actors in the youth production, so many that become adult actors and that’s just wonderful.

Then we get families involved, it’s just super,” Kirkland said.

Introducing a younger crowd to the world of theatre also brings more diversity to current and future productions with regard to the cast and the choice of plays to perform. While that mission tends to translate across most theatres, what sets the High Springs Playhouse apart is the ambiance and closeness of the theatre, which builds a stronger connection with the audience.

“I think the intimacy of the space itself, I mean, we only have 74 seats and that makes for a more intimate experience between PHOTOGRAPHY: EMILY FELTS

actor and audience and I think that’s special because I’ve been to big Broadway shows and I mean it’s wonderful, but it doesn’t have the intimacy when you have 1,000 people in the audience,” Kirkland said. “Also, we always do a meet-and-greet after with the actors coming out on the porch and then the audience is able to actually speak to them. I think that’s a very nice experience.

That’s not something [you typically get] with a big theatre.”

For three decades, the High Springs Playhouse has provided a platform for aspiring actors, lighting designers, directors and more who volunteer their time and talent for a chance to stand in the spotlight and put on a memorable show for their community. This accomplishment was celebrated during the theatre’s 30th Season Gala on September 17, 2022, which included the recognition of grants received from the Wagmore Foundation and the Nehl Fund, hors d’oeuvres and refreshments, short snippets from the season’s upcoming performances and an homage to the impact the Playhouse has made to High Springs residents and beyond for the last 30 years.

To learn more about the High Springs Playhouse or to see the lineup of shows for the 30th season, visit their website at highspringsplayhouse.com.

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FROM CORPORATE TO CREATIVE Isaac Applegate takes a leap of fate, following his dreams to the creation of 34th Street Studios

Many people dream of a day when they get to leave the dreadfulness of their routine cubicle behind and pursue their true passion. Maybe the dream is to become a rock star and tour the world performing your own hit records, or perhaps the goal could be to train to be a pilot and explore endless destinations.

For a man like Isaac Applegate, however, his passion became one of video storytelling.

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AUTHENTIC STORYTELLING

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A

pplegate was born in Indiana and moved with his family to the Gainesville area when he was eight years old. During his last semester at the University of Central Florida, life hit with the unexpected, and he said that he fell into the one career path he swore he would never do: sales.

“I didn’t have a master plan in place,” said Applegate while talking about his relationship with his sales career.

After a few years of working in sales, he said he gained a new perspective and attitude toward what he accepted would be his finalized career path. However, another setback proved to be divine intervention and Applegate fell out of the sales industry as if he was destined to.

“God said I wasn’t gonna do sales anymore,” said the now 30 |

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video storyteller.

Applegate’s resilience and perseverance helped him turn to a skill he had since he was 16, graphic design. After getting certified in Adobe Suite tools he continued with video editing. He started editing videos professionally in March of 2019. Later in the year, he eventually met his business partner.

The video storytelling industry was one of the few industries affected positively by the COVID-19 pandemic. With everything moving to be virtual and online, there was a high demand for people who needed help navigating the often-intimidating internet. At the start of the pandemic, Applegate worked with businesses around the Gainesville area for free, advertising for the company. Video storytelling turned into video marketing, which was comfortable for Applegate due to his sales background.

His professional relationship with his business partner fell through at the beginning of 2022. Nevertheless, Applegate and his business, 34th Street Studios, resilient as ever, persisted throughout the year, finishing strong with multiple large projects.

Applegate explained that video has become the way of the future for marketing and that his setbacks and background placed him in the fortunate position he is today. His company has a staff of one, Applegate himself, who said that he occasionally contracts some video editing out to other storytellers. His passion for sharing stories has led him to own a business where he can exercise this privilege.

“You could have the best footage in the world, but if you can’t tell a story, it is going to be lost,” Applegate said. He strives for 34th Street Studios to be authentic to the story while producing high quality content that all can appreciate.

So, why 34th Street Studios? Contrary to the name, there is no physical location of the studio. When asked about the origin of the name, Applegate said it was both complex and straightforward.

“God gave me the name,” said Applegate after chuckling through his thought process. He noted that more complexly, he likes the idea that anyone, anywhere in the world, can search the words “34th street” and find thousands of 34th streets worldwide. He wants this perception.

“34th Street Studios isn’t a location. It is wherever the story is,” Applegate said.

“You could have the best footage in the world, but if you can’t tell a story, it is going to be lost,” said Applegate. the experience to be even more memorable and impactful.

In his final remarks, Applegate wanted to express his concern about people’s negative attitude towards their own stories.

“There is a tendency to feel that your story is unimportant,” Applegate said. “But your story matters and the world should see it.”

Isaac Applegate has managed to spread his stories throughout Florida, from projects working with Ed Hook in political campaigns to seeing direct impacts from creating content for the Florida Christian Athletes of North Central Florida. He values his home in Newberry for making it possible to pursue his passion like many wish they could.

ISAAC APPLEGATE >> 34TH STREET STUDIOS

He believes that video is the most effective way to give opportunities to tell a person’s story. 34th Street Studios wants to create content that places people inside the soles of another person’s shoes. Applegate explained that multiple forms of senses are being used through the video medium, which alllows

ISAAC APPLEGATE

PHOTOGRAPHY: COURTESY OF 34 TH STREET STUDIOS

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COLUMN

From Mother Hen

FARM TALES

JUST DO YOU “TO THINE OWN SELF BE TRUE.” Along my life’s way, this quote from William Shakespeare’s play, Hamlet, has always stuck in my mind. I imagine I first heard it in a high school English class, but this quote just seemed to strike a chord with the misfit girl I always felt I was.

I’ve mentioned many times that growing up in the 1950s in the country as an only child with few childhood friends made me a little different from my other schoolmates. It wasn’t very cool to stay inside and just read books, draw pictures, or learn to play chess during recess.

But somehow, I found comfort in these things.

I never excelled in making friends in grade school. I tried, but never seemed to get it right.

Once I befriended a classmate and invited her over on Saturday to spend the day while my piano was being tuned. That was probably mistake number one. In hindsight, today that seems like a pretty boring afternoon. But to me it was quite an exciting event to share with a friend.

The day arrived and my mom made a delicious roast beef dinner for us, complete with mashed potatoes and gravy. The piano tuner arrived... but my little friend didn’t. I didn’t give up hope, until the last note was tuned on my piano to perfection, and the sun was setting in the west. At some point my mother must have called to see why my friend didn’t show up, because I eventually learned that she had come down with some childhood illness. I can’t remember now if it was measles or mumps. But maybe that was just a convenient excuse to get out of a boring day with a piano tuner and a misfit classmate.

As the years went by, I kept trying to make friends and often there were some bumps in the road. I always seemed to be the last one chosen for a team in Physical Ed, the girl sitting at the end of the table in the lunch room, or the one who never talked with girlfriends about boys. It was okay, though, because I had my furry friends waiting for me when I got back home, and a walk in the woods on a beautiful day would take all my cares away. We had a creek not

far from our cottage home, and a stick with a makeshift hook and fishing line was all I needed to feel happy again. I really didn’t want to catch anything – it was just the peaceful balm of nature that I was fishing for.

When I entered high school, things changed somewhat. Two other nearby grade schools merged their 9th graders into our school district’s freshman class. Many new students who had never known me as the awkward kid joined our student body. I suddenly had a fresh start and made some new friends that first year.

The next few years of high school passed quickly, and I even caught the eyes of a few of the boys. Another road block to popularity came with it, though. My parents had a strict rule: “No dating until you are 16!” So, after a few guys hung around my locker and realized it was going to be a couple years until I could go to a movie with them, they moved on to more promising prospects. I didn’t worry, though. By that time I had three really great girlfriends and we had the Beatles, the Rolling Stones – and together we had some great adventures.

Eventually those girls met their high school sweethearts, and once again I was home on Saturday nights. Of course, I wished I had a special someone too. But even though I was old enough to date, and had gone out with some very nice guys, it never seemed like they were someone I would be spending my life with. I had this mindset, I called it “Looking at the Big Picture.” When I was with someone on a date part of me was thinking “he’s just a big kid and he has a lot of growing up to do,” and a second date wouldn’t usually happen.

So, when Senior Prom came along, I didn’t have a date.

Don’t feel sorry for me, because “all’s well that ends well” – which just happens to be another gem from William Shakespeare. After high school graduation I found the guy who I have spent the last 49 years married to and raised our little family of chicks with. He seems to get the real me, and realizes the need I have for nature and pets, and the peacefulness I find in solitude. Not that I am a hermit, by any means. I am quite outgoing with friends, neighbors and family that I enjoy being with. It’s just that the true “me” – the girl that still resides deep inside is content to take a walk, breathe the fresh clean air and let the sun warm my face. That is what I call a perfect day, and that is my authentic self.

Others who may have grown up differently with big families, many friends and always something going on may need more – and I understand that. The important thing is that you look inside and find your authentic self. It is there that you will find true contentment.

Just remember what our friend Mr. Shakespeare said, “to thine own self be true.”

Or, as the kids say today… “just do you.”

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.

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It is health that is real wealth and not pieces of gold and silver.

—Mahatma Gandhi

The purpose of this special section is to inspire a healthy lifestyle both physically and mentally in the new year! Find appreciation, inspiration, and hope for taking the time to give your body and mind what they need most — connection. Whether your intention for 2023 is to focus on a healthy diet, new exercise routine, or dedicating time to meditate — we hope you will continue your personal journey of overall health and wellness for years to come.

We wish you a very happy and healthy New Year!

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THE IMPORTANCE OF HEALTHY SLEEP Often disregarded, poor sleep is an issue that impacts every facet of life

From the time that we are young, we are made aware about the importance of sleep, whether it be through urging from our parents to get us in bed, or a lesson from our teachers at school. We would be put to bed early, sometimes with a story, sometimes with a quick kiss and a goodnight. Other times, we would fall asleep faster than the light can be turned off, our bodies succumbing to tiredness caused by the events and activities we experienced throughout the day.

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COUNTING SHEEP

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HEALTH & WELLNESS >> HEALTHY SLEEP

A

s children, we did not truly have a good understanding as to why it was important for us to rest. There were so many stimulating things that seemed to be more worth our attention. At times, this resulted in a reluctance to lay down for the night, exasperating our parents who were desperate to get in bed themselves.

The desire to escape sleep often leaves us as we enter adulthood. As we begin to mature, and as our responsibilities steadily grow, it is common to find ourselves becoming more and more fatigued. From spending hours at school or work to taking care of our families and loved ones, our lives are characterized by all the duties and tasks we need to complete. While sleep once used to be a boring nuisance to us as kids, it became a basic necessity to get us through our days.

Despite sleep being a basic necessity, many adults have some form of difficulty with it. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention found that about 70 million Americans suffer from chronic sleep problems. In a study conducted by the CDC, results showed that an alarming one in three adults do not get enough sleep.

So, why is it that these numbers are so high? The simple answer is that there are so many different factors that can contribute to sleep problems. Insomnia, the disorder that makes

it difficult to sleep, is often associated with stress and anxiety.

Chronically high levels of these hormones can make it hard for the body to relax, which especially becomes a problem if this occurs before sleep. In turn, lack of proper rest often contributes to stress. This self-defeating cycle haunts many individuals, resulting in an overall deficiency of healthy sleep in some societies.

Other factors that can cause sleep problems include the physical environment. Sleeping in an uncomfortable bed or in a bedroom that is too light, noisy, hot, cold, etc. can disrupt the ability to rest. Lifestyle factors, such as jet lag, working late and consuming alcohol or caffeine before bed all can influence the quality of and ability to rest.

Individuals can also suffer from biological conditions that naturally impede healthy sleep. This includes conditions that cause chronic pain, such as arthritis and headache disorder, and conditions that are associated with difficulty breathing, such as asthma, congestive heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases and sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a type of sleep-related breathing disorder characterized by abnormal breathing patterns during slumber. For people living with this condition, their breathing repeatedly stops and starts, so they may feel tired even after a full night of rest. It is also common for them to snore loudly, as well as wake up abruptly in the night due to the inability to breath.

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Although this all may sound like the kind of talk that has been repeatedly lectured throughout our lives, it is worth acknowledging. Lack of sleep has the power to infiltrate our lives through just about every facet, from poor performance in school and work to conflicts in our relationships due to a psychological decline.

It is also important to see how lack of sleep can damage our relationships with ourselves. A poor human psyche will ultimately result in a negative outlook on our identities and the world around us. Simply realizing all the ways in which sleep affects our lives is the first step in seeking help to reach a state of healthy sleep.

HEALTH & WELLNESS >> HEALTHY SLEEP

While it may be easier to make lifestyle or environmental changes to improve sleep, what can be done for those who are living with natural conditions that prevent them on a biological level?

There are resources that are easily accessible and designed to help with issues such as these. Accent Sleep Solutions is a sleep clinic in Gainesville, located at 4340 Newberry Road.

Applying the highest level of medical expertise, this clinic offers different treatments to address a variety of sleep issues.

It is spearheaded by Dr. Jeffrey M. Phillips, who has a plethora of knowledge regarding sleep disorders. Phillips is a leader in the treatment of snoring and sleep apnea in North and Central Florida. He graduated and completed his medical school training at University of Wisconsin-Madison, and he then completed his otolaryngology residency at Louisiana State University.

Otolaryngology is a medical specialty which is focused on the ears, nose and throat. While treating patients with a variety of ENT issues, Phillips developed a passion for helping those struggling with poor sleep. After completing his residency, he went on to study under one of the world’s experts in sleep surgery during a fellowship at the Medical College of Wisconsin.

With an extensive knowledge of all things ENT, Phillips offers reliable expertise to help those suffering from sleeping disorders.

While he specializes in the treatment of snoring, sleep apnea and other sleep disorders, he also treats other ENT problems, including thyroid and parathyroid surgery, sinus surgery, nasal obstruction and congestion, hearing loss and ear surgery, tonsil and adenoid surgery and salivary gland surgery.

“ Each patient has different reasons for why their sleep may be suffering,” he said.

“My focus is on addressing each patient’s sleep concerns individually, and in a step-by-step fashion.”

“Each patient has different reasons for why their sleep may be suffering,” he said. “My focus is on addressing each patient’s sleep concerns individually, and in a step-by-step fashion.”

It is important to consider the value of healthy sleep. The expectations of society and scope of responsibilities have convinced many people that it is okay to miss a few hours of sleep.

While it may not be detrimental in the moment, this can cause emotional and physical deterioration over an extended period of time. Getting a full night’s rest can improve learning, memory, decision making and even creativity. Proper sleep also helps with regulating metabolism, strengthening the heart and improving overall physical performance.

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ADVERTISEMENT

Where patient relationships are at the center of healthcare WellSprings Health Care Center is all about patient relationships.

“When people have a health question, we want it to feel like they’re calling up a friend who happens to be a nurse or a doctor,” said nurse practitioner Andrea Johnson.

“Our goal is to make sure people know that we care.”

Andrea is a board-certified clinician with more than 20 years of experience in healthcare. She’s a Gator grad and a Florida native whose approach to medicine is holistic and people-first.

She wants to educate and inform patients about ways they can improve their health and wellness, and then give them the tools to be successful in that journey.

“We want our patients to be active participants in their health,” Andrea said.

“Our goal is to make sure people know that we care.”

WellSprings offers a little bit of everything when it comes to medicine. They specialize in everything from primary care health screenings and chronic illness management to workers compensation injuries and employment screenings.

They’re able to provide birth control, STI screenings and annual

exams for women, and they test for vitamin issues and deficiencies as part of their full health screenings. “Most things people suffer from don’t have symptoms you can feel,” Andrea said. “It’s not always about people being sick. Our goal is to get people feeling as well as they can.”

WellSprings offers in-house labs, so you don’t have to go out for lab services unless you choose to. Telemedicine appointments are available, and they offer both insurance-based care and affordable private pay packages.

When patients walk in, they are greeted by the friendly staff, and they’re brought back to the exam room. Andrea takes time with each of her patients to make sure they feel heard. It’s not the quick visit of a typical doctor’s office.

“We think our patients should spend time with their provider, not sitting in a waiting room,” Andrea said.

The WellSprings philosophy is that by spending time with patients on the front end, they’re able to save their patients time and money by preventing illnesses down the road.

“I love what I do,” Andrea said. “It’s all about building relationships.”

To book an appointment or find out more information, visit WellSpringsHealthCenter.com

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ADVERTISEMENT

Self Care is Healthcare When adding massage to your personal health and wellness routine, look for a therapist who listens to your needs, understands what your goals are, and is able to provide you with the care that benefits your mind and body the most.

Whether you’re trying to control the amount of stress that affects your life, seeking relief from pain or chronic tension, working on your mental health, or just looking to relax, massage therapy has become a much more widely accepted form of holistic healthcare than it was 30 or more years ago in the United States. While it’s still hard to find massage therapy that takes insurance outside of a chiropractor or physical therapist’s office, manual therapy has become much more mainstream and can be found relatively easily—popping up in wellness spas, private practices, and even national chains.

Kay Russell is a licensed massage therapist who owns and operates Rose Quartz Wellness Spa, a therapeutic massage practice with a spa-like atmosphere, located in Gainesville, FL. She believes in continuous improvement towards one’s highest self, encompassing body, mind, & spirit, and she helps others achieve this through massage therapy. Rose Quartz Wellness Spa currently offers 3 types of massage: relaxation, therapeutic, and somatic.

Relaxation massage is exactly what it sounds like: to help the person receiving the service relax. Long, flowing strokes signal to the body’s nervous system that it is ok to bring down any high alerts and move from the sympathetic nervous system to the parasympathetic nervous system—essentially taking the body out of potential stress and fight-flight-freeze into rest-and-digest where the body recognizes that it is safe enough to relax and recharge.

On a slightly different playing field is therapeutic massage, which is massage focused on a specific complaint around pain, discomfort, or tension. This type of massage is not necessarily meant to put the person to sleep or enter a deep relaxing state, but it is important to note that therapeutic massage should also not hurt. One of the reasons massage can be so effective when treating muscular and connective tissue dysfunction is because it signals to the muscles that they can relax enough for the therapist to work out the dysfunction. If a person’s muscles tense due to too much pressure or going too deep too fast, the therapist is not working out the tension but instead increasing it.

Finally, Kay specializes in somatic massage, which is a type of massage focused on working out chronically tight musculature in clients who deal with trauma and chronic mental illness or other struggles such as neurodivergence (ADHD & Autism, specifically). As a complementary therapy to working with a mental health counselor, practicing mindfulness, exercising, etc., somatic massage is meant to help people work through the trauma stored in their bodies.

If you are in need of a massage therapist, give Kay Russell at Rose Quartz Wellness Spa a call today and mention this article for 10% off!

(352) 222-6597 JAN/FEB 2023 OUR TOWN MAGAZINE

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Celebrate Primary serves business and individuals with offices in the Gainesville area through a monthly membership, giving you access to an incredible level of care without having to jump through the hoops of a traditional medical practice. In this time of higher and higher deductible plans, Celebrate Primary’s low monthly membership fee

allows you unlimited access to providers who handle more than 80% of your yearly healthcare needs. From access to low-cost medications from their in-house pharmacy to state-of –the-art lab testing at a fraction of the price, the team at Celebrate Primary cares about creating a personal approach to your health care.

Because they have taken insurance companies out of the primary care equation, the overall costs have dropped, allowing providers at Celebrate to see less patients per day – that means more time for you. Most medical practices don’t work around your schedule, while Celebrate is only an email or text away.

With direct access to your provider, office visits are often not needed and

Our mission is to build personal relationships and empower our members to achieve maximum health.

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your provider can return your call or text directly, helping to expedite the care you need.

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HEALTH JOURNEYS

ANGIE BLAKEMORE’S MASSAGE THERAPY

Healing Hands W R I T T E N B Y K A I T L I N A P P L E G AT E

HEALING FREEDOM, THAT’S WHAT ANGIE BLAKEMORE PROVIDES AT HER PRIVATE MASSAGE THERAPY PRACTICE. When clients come into her office dealing with chronic pain, she hopes they leave not only with a sense of physical relief, but also hope for their health journeys.

Looking back on over a decade of running her own business, Blakemore remembers that the seeds which would one day grow into her practice were planted in her early twenties. Blakemore was a real estate agent back then and enjoyed being able to work for herself. This love for a flexible schedule grew alongside her when she started a family. Years later, as a mother of four, Blakemore would take this same self-motivation to build her business from nothing.

As a homeschooling mom, Blakemore was not actively looking to reenter the workforce. It was not until experiencing personal pain relief from a massage that the concept of deep healing from

physical therapy started to crystallize in her mind. She began researching and learning more about massage as restorative medicine in her free time. When a friend told her about the Florida School of Massage, it seemed like a natural next step.

Unlike many other vocational schooling programs, Blakemore’s coursework was only a six-month commitment.

Thanks to help from her mother with the kids during the day and her husband’s support at night, Blakemore completed her studies armed with the ability to help others experience the same pain relief she herself had benefited from.

While learning the ins and outs of physical therapy was an exciting challenge, the task of starting her own business from the ground up was daunting. Massage school gave her the tools to help people heal, not create a business. After graduation, many former students choose to work at a spa as they slowly build a client base and then launch their own business when they are able.

“For me, I knew that would never work because it would be JAN/FEB 2023 OUR TOWN MAGAZINE

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ANGIE BLAKEMORE >> MASSAGE THERAPY

easy to just get comfortable and be too timid to step out and build my own company,” said Blakemore in a recent phone interview.

Although it required an extra dose of courage, Blakemore decided to open her own practice. Instead of wadding into new waters, she dove in head first.

The early days of Blakemore’s practice were challenging. In school, one of her instructors insisted that to run a successful business, joining a networking group is a necessity. As an independent hard worker, Blakemore thought, “I can just do this myself.” After opening her business in the middle of 2011, she realized by the fall that a networking group was indeed exactly what she needed. Joining a community of small-business owners helped her grow her community and learn how to communicate the therapeutic services she provided.

After persevering through early growing pains of building

She explained that if you’re willing to address it through therapy, a stretch program or exercising, you can maintain your health. her own business, Blakemore enjoys the benefits that massage therapy gives her clients. As she described what a privilege it is to help people experience relief, Blakemore’s voice became heavy with emotion. Helping people is by far her favorite part of the job. One of her clients recently came in complaining about a headache that had been bothering her the entire day. Halfway

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through the session with Blakemore, she felt her pain ease away and said, “You’re a miracle worker!” Blakemore laughed and said that oftentimes, more than once a week, a client will tell her about dramatic pain relief like this.

In other cases, Blakemore works with clients over weeks or months to help them recover from auto accidents and work related injuries. In longer term therapy, Blakemore has been able to help people find freedom from severe neck spasms and sleepless nights. Even clients who visit Blakemore a year after a severe accident have achieved recovery through her services.

In addition to helping people with diverse physical problems at her Gainesville office, she also serves a wide age range. “I have a lot of clients who are young and a lot of clients who are in their eighties that I cannot believe are in their eighties,” Blakemore said. “They are still very active and sharp mentally.” As people

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JAN/FEB 2023

age, they often complain about feeling old. “It doesn’t have to be like that.” She explained that if you’re willing to address it through therapy, a stretch program or exercising, you can maintain your health.

Through her restorative practices, Blakemore seeks to dispel the misconception that massage therapy always means physical

pain. Sometimes clients will come in asking Blakemore to be aggressive in her treatments. But more often than not, she has found that extreme deep tissue work is not always the most effective treatment. While discomfort can be a part of the process, Blakemore said that clients find most of her sessions relaxing.

Since helping people reclaim their health keeps her busy, Blakemore finds self-care the most challenging aspect of her job. While most workers use easily replaceable tools for their form of trade like hammers or stethoscopes, Blakemore relies on her own body to help her do her job. She said that most people leave the physical therapy world after three to five years, in large part due to the deterioration of their bodies. Thanks to studying trigger points in school, Blakemore is able to notice when certain parts of her body are experiencing tension and addresses it before it grows into a long term issue.

Blakemore has reclaimed the freedom that working as a real estate agent gave her as a young adult, and has since continued to help others find freedom, too. Nowadays, time off between appointments is enjoyed working on her house or taking walks with her grandson. With each session, Blakemore is helping her clients move toward a healthier today and tomorrow.

For more information on Angie Blakemore’s massage therapy, check out her website at angieblakemore.com.

In longer term therapy, Blakemore (pictured above) has been able to help people find freedom from severe neck spasms and sleepless nights.

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Fitness: Without it your life will not be as full or as healthy.

By Emilie “Flo” Hester, CPT, CNC and Larry N. Smith, MD, CPT CVT

In 1960, President John F. Kennedy, created “The President’s Council on Physical Fitness” building on President Dwight D. Eisenhower’s “Council on Youth Fitness.” Kennedy like Eisenhower, was a firm believer in the pursuit of fitness goals for the entire age span, and wished to create more emphasis on family activities as well as adult- and elder-oriented fitness programs. The American Medical Association has recommended for decades for people to not smoke, drink alcohol in moderation (if at all), eat a moderate diet, control your weight and exercise regularly.

In spite of these recommendations and national efforts, greater than half of all Americans today are overweight or obese.

Being overweight leads to cardio-vascular problems, hypertension (high blood pressure), musculoskeletal problems, Type-II Adult onset Diabetes Mellitus, osteoporosis, and Metabolic Syndrome. Weight loss and a better diet can resolve or cure many of these issues, but more than half of us choose to take expensive medications with multiple side effects instead of just getting up and exercising.

So, what can someone do about improving their health, well-being and life expectancy?

The first thing to do is identify those things that are important to you in your life and recognizing that your health issues are preventing you from enjoying these activities. These things can be as simple as wanting to see and enjoy your grandchildren, playing tennis with friends, taking walks, traveling more or just not having to spend so much money on medications. Regardless of the reason or reasons, motivate yourself to start the process.

The second thing to do is to go to your doctor and tell him or her that you want to begin a weight loss program to improve your health and reduce the number (if not eliminate) the medications you are taking. There are very few reasons that your doctor will advise you not to begin 48 |

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an exercise weight loss program. They know exercise can improve and prolong life.

The third thing to do is join a health and fitness center.

Some people are capable of accomplishing their goals alone but most of us need or prefer the company of others to help us along. Having a trained professional to guide and educate you along your journey is very important. These professionals can help you with exercise selection, using proper form when exercising, helping you with dietary changes and help in motivating you to continue your journey.

The fourth thing to do is stay motivated! Sadly, nearly half of all people who start an exercise program quit after just three months. This is because they don’t see a miraculous change in their weight, appearance or are not suddenly off all their medications. Be realistic, it takes at least a year to see changes. As you exercise you will lose weight but you will also be building muscle. Muscle weighs more than fat so your weight may stay the same or even increase the first year. Working to lose one pound a week is a good goal.

As you move through your journey you will begin to notice physical and mental changes in yourself. People who commit to changing their lives tend to live longer happier lives.

The team at FloMotion Fitness can get you started on the path to a better life. By identifying your goals and expectations they can help you with your diet and get you exercising correctly. Call the team today or stop by for more information.

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KID FITNESS

A NONPROFIT PROVIDING ATHLETICS TO CHILDREN OF ALL ABILITIES

Balance 180 W R I T T E N B Y K A I T L I N A P P L E G AT E

A BRIGHTLY COLORED, MUSIC-FILLED ROOM WITH KIDS PERFORMING GRAVITY DEFYING FLIPS AND TWIRLS SOUNDS LIKE SOMETHING FROM A CHILDREN’S STORYBOOK, BUT IT’S ONLY THE BEGINNING TO THE WONDERFUL WORLD YOUNG ATHLETES CAN DISCOVER AT BALANCE 180 GYMNASTICS & SPORTS ACADEMY. Balance 180 creates diverse programs tailored for athletes with special needs as well as typically developing children.

Now serving over 800 young athletes of all abilities, it is hard to believe the company’s humble start began with just 14 athletes.

Since their start in 2012 thanks to the combined vision of Dr. Carsten Schmalfuss and Dr. Krista Vandenborne to create an inclusive space for gymnastics, Balance 180 seeks to give families of all backgrounds the chance to find a second home in their

community.

Jules Walter, Balance 180’s Public Relations and Communications Director, loves to see how the gym’s family has grown overtime. “Multiple coaches that I taught growing up are now coaches teaching their own classes,” said Walter in a phone interview.

Head Special Olympics Coach Gaya Prabhakaran joined the Balance 180 family in middle school and has been hooked ever since. Now, as a college student and coach, Prabhakaran has become part of the inclusive culture that drew her to Balance 180 in the first place. “I am friends with all my coworkers,” said Prabhakaran. The warm atmosphere influences how coaches train the kids, and Prabhakaran finds the happy atmosphere a welcome change to a sport that is often filled with pressure.

“We’re very big on having fun and positivity,” she said.

But it’s not just the athletes and coaches who make up the

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BALANCE 180 >> GYMNASTICS & SPORTS ACADEMY

Seeing children grow in confidence is one of Balance 180’s joys. Folsom was amazed to see one athlete go from struggling to say hi in class to speaking full sentences and making friends with her fellow athletes.

Balance 180 family. The organization seeks to create a safe space on and off the gym floor. Administrative Coordinator Bethany Folsom said that this is the best job she could have taken after moving to Florida from Illinois. Folsom smiled as she remembered how one athlete’s mom noticed that she always drank her coffee with hazelnut creamer. When Folsom returned to work after being sick, her coworkers came up to her and said that the same mom dropped off her favorite brand of hazelnut coffee creamer. “I was new to Gainesville, and she really made me feel at home,” Folsom said.

for families who are unable to financially cover expenses. Their goal is that no child ever be turned away for financial reasons.

For Folsom, getting to issue scholarships for families has become one of her favorite parts of her job. After approving scholarships, Folsom finds herself thinking, “Wow, that’s really cool. There are different points in my childhood when I wouldn’t have been able to do that,” she said. To Balance 180, inclusivity applies to the bottom line, too.

As a nonprofit, kids especially enjoy yearly fundraising efforts, where each day looks a little different. “You might see a

Providing a space for all children to grow is so important to members of the Balance 180 family that they offer scholarships for families who are unable to financially cover expenses. Their goal is that no child ever be turned away for financial reasons.

While parents help to make Balance 180 feel like home, coaches are helping transform what home looks like for parents and their kids. During a summer camp in 2022, one of the athlete’s moms told Folsom with tears in her eyes, “I can never get my kid to talk to me about anything and he already told me three camp stories from this week.” Operations Director Julie Kumpf adds that an athlete who practices a dance number at the gym may come home and perform it for their family. “It is a fun place to set kids up for success in and out of the gym,” Kumpf said.

Providing a space for all children to grow is so important to members of the Balance 180 family that they offer scholarships 50 |

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unicorn walking around, and the next day people are dressed as princesses,” Folsom said. While the marketing team gets creative to get people excited about Balance 180’s mission, the athletes see it as a season filled with bonus fun. “On the gym floor, you might catch Walter running around and recording a video with athletes as they wave glow sticks in the pitch black and blow on party honkers to celebrate reaching giving-milestones. Another day, kids will get to condition or pour ice on their coaches. The athletes love all the different ways they get to ‘torture’ their coaches,” Folsom joked.

In the bright and cheerful gym, athletes laugh and learn at the same time. While training her students for the Special

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Olympics, Prabhakaran gets to see each of her athletes transform right alongside her. “All of my athletes came in a completely different version of themselves than they are now,” said Prabhakaran. “They came in shy and closed off, but having coaches have fun with them and give them an environment to be themselves and grow is really helpful.”

While having fun, Prabhakaran also seeks to push her students beyond what they initially thought possible, helping them reach their full potential. “Learning to control each muscle in your body is a hard task.”

Gymnastics demands a lot of getting comfortable with being uncomfortable, Prabhakaran explained. Through fun activities paired alongside conditioning, Prabhakaran creates a space where play and practice go hand in hand.

The coaches’ love for their jobs does not go unnoticed by the children who make Balance 180 special. Six-year-old athlete Arya Robinson said that her favorite coach at the gym is “everyone.” Posing in her colorful leotard and flexing her muscles for everyone to see, it’s easy to tell that Robinson is proud to be a gymnast. Kumpf, who sees the kids as the heartbeat of Balance 180, said that their organization gives kids of differing abilities the chance to socialize outside of school. She PHOTOGRAPHY: COURTESY OF BALANCE 180

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BALANCE 180 >> GYMNASTICS & SPORTS ACADEMY

recalled one young boy who loved joining one of their teams.

“He had never been a part of a team,” Kumpf said. “Getting to experience the excitement of having teammates and build camaraderie was completely new to him.”

With the company expanding its gym space this month, more and more kids will have the chance to learn what it means to be a teammate. A bigger facility is a huge milestone for the nonprofit and community. “We’re really grateful for our community,” said Walter. “We’ve had a lot of support over the last ten years and we’ve seen that in our growth. We are really excited that we will be able to provide more programs to kids with special needs and accommodate more kids in the future.”

When all the kids, coaches, and parents go home, the celebration continues. In the classroom, at home and beyond, Balance 180 athletes take the confidence they build in the gym to everyday life. And that is the biggest victory. “I love that we get to make a positive impact on kids every single day,” Walter said. “They are celebrated for who they are.”

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COLUMN

Embracing Life

BY DON N A BON N E LL

TICKED OFF FOR TONYA Eckhart Tolle said, “I’m grateful for always this moment, the now, no matter what form it takes.”

Gratitude is an established essential component in my life.

Sometimes, however, it is difficult to see the goodness in the reality of now. Such was the case with Tonya’s story.

Tonya was in second grade when I became her Girl Scout Leader.

The leaders and members formed a special bond that still exists.

Tonya is one of my girls.

Following graduation, she married her high school sweetheart, had two children, and studied nursing at Santa Fe College. She later received her Master of Science in Nursing and achieved her career goal – ARPN-Board Certified Family Nurse Practitioner.

In November 2019 Tonya became sick. The Covid pandemic had entered the global scene and was the medical community’s primary focus. After seeing numerous doctors, having multiple tests, and enduring weeks in the hospital, she did not have answers.

Her illness was initially blamed on COVID, followed by a misdiagnosis of a rare malady – Kikuchi’s Disease. She requested a simple blood test, as her symptoms aligned with those of Lyme.

Since Tonya never saw a tick or a bullseye rash, it was denied.

Many health professionals do not recognize the existence of long-term Lyme. According to an article in www.medicalbillgurus.com, “The current stance by the Centers for Disease Control and private insurance companies is that Chronic Lyme Disease does not exist and is associated with costly experimental and expensive treatments.”

Her symptoms are debilitating – chronic joint and muscle pain, depression, fatigue, fevers, headaches, insomnia, and rashes.

Victims (like Tonya) are not believed, feel unwanted, experience excruciating pain, and are financially devastated. Suicide sometimes seems to be the only option. Unfortunately, too many succeed.

In October 2022 Tonya found a doctor who listened. She tested positive for Lyme and Babesia.

Sadly, it was too late for routine treatment. If

diagnosed early and treated, the bacteria could have been eradicated. Since the system failed her, this alien-like bacteria bored through her bones, muscles, and tissues. It constantly mutates into three different forms to avoid antibiotics and her immune system. No cure is available. She will suffer with this devastating disease for life.

Tonya’s goal for 2023 is for remission. An infectious disease doctor is managing her current medical care. She has had a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) line for over a year.

The many prescribed infusions, medications, and supplements are too long to list in this limited space. Those costly treatments are not covered by insurance. To make matters worse, she lost her job due to her unstable physical condition.

Our community continues to rally for Tonya by holding fundraisers – breakfasts, raffles, GoFundMe, and yard sales.

Support from family, friends, local businesses, the Lions Club, and Girl Scout alumni have kept Tonya’s warrior spirit alive.

Yes, I am Ticked off for Tonya! Yet, I am so proud of her. She has made this season in her life a time to educate others about Lyme Disease. At every opportunity (high school pep rallies and sporting events, festivals, fundraisers, her Facebook page, etc.) she distributes pamphlets, disseminates information, and answers questions about this little-known disease caused by a tiny tick bite.

Yes, I am Ticked off for Tonya!

Yet, I am so proud of her. She has made this season in her life a time to educate others about Lyme Disease.

Her information impacted me personally. An experienced dermatologist had difficulty removing an engorged tick from my neck, which had been embedded for 48+ hours. Because of Tonya, I knew to advocate for myself.

My physician said Lyme Disease is rarely found in this area and not to be concerned. After I shared Tonya’s story, the doctor prescribed high dosages of antibiotics and later a blood test. I was not surprised when insurance denied partial payment.

I asked Tonya if she wanted her tale told. She said, “If you can bring more light to Lyme Disease, I would be honored.”

Tonya, the privilege is all mine!

To read more about Tonya’s journey, check out her Facebook page at www.facebook.com/tonya.jones.980967.

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 JAN/FEB 2023 OUR TOWN MAGAZINE

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More than a Doctor

The physicians at Little Pine Pediatrics are more than doctors. They’re compassionate caregivers who focus on building relationships with their little patients.

The experienced staff are friendly and nurturing because they know that attitude is everything in pediatric care.

Young patients get personalized attention, and their comfort is key.

They take a team approach to health and wellness, collaborating with parents to provide comprehensive care.

They’re highly-educated professionals who have completed rigorous academic and clinical training in pediatrics, and each of the physicians is a lifelong learner whose continuing education allows them to stay on the cutting edge of medicine.

Dr. Ron Emerick is an award-winning pediatrician who completed a three-year residency at Shands Teaching Hospital in Gainesville where he was named teaching resident of the year. He’s a double major in biology and psychology from St. Lawrence University, and he spent time teaching at a school for behavioral challenged children outside of Boston. Dr. Ron always knew he wanted to be a small-town pediatrician, and in 2006 he moved to Perry to do just that.

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Dr. Venette Pierre is a South Floridian born to Haitian parents. She’s a dedicated physician who works hard to deliver top-notch care to her patients. Dr. Pierre is a Gator grad who completed her medical and Master’s degree at Nova Southeastern University, before her pediatric OUR TOWN MAGAZINE

residency in Oklahoma. She moved to Perry in 2012, and when she’s not hard at work for her patients at Little Pine, she enjoys mission trips to the Dominican Republic, Haiti and Nicaragua.

In addition to the pediatricians, there’s an incredible team of nurse practitioners and staff who are committed to helping with well and sick child care, as well as behavioral health and chronic medical care. The Little Pine website is also an incredible source of patient education and useful info for parents.

With offices in Alachua, Monticello, Perry and Madison, little patients across North Central Florida have access to some of the best care in the state.

For more information, or to schedule an appointment, visit LittlePinePediatrics.com

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THERAPY DOGS The Companion You Need to Feel Most Like You

When you think of therapy, a wagging tail and four furry paws probably is not the first thing that comes to mind. We all know dog is a man’s best friend, but could they be even more? More than ever before, your dog may just be the companion you need to feel most authentically yourself.

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

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MENTAL HEALTH COMPANIONS

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MENTAL HEALTH >> THERAPY DOGS

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erry Biehl sat with her dog Beau relaxing by the fire after a long day of travel — bringing therapy to people that needed an extra dose of puppy love as she recalls how Beau changed her life and the Gainesville community.

Biehl adopted Beau, a goldendoodle, when she was still working fulltime and her daughter was in school. Right from the start, Beau joined a busy family that was always on the go. Biehl made it a point to make sure that Beau was a well socialized little puppy, which meant that whenever possible, he went wherever the Biehls went.

Although Biehl thought she was guiding Beau, it soon became clear that he was following a path all his own. “Even as a young puppy, he was very interested in people,” said Biehl during a recent phone interview. “There were some people he was very insistent upon meeting.” A little puppy tugging his leash to meet a stranger must have seemed odd to Biehl, but after a while, she noticed these strangers all had something in common. The people Beau was adamant about meeting were all experiencing a significant change in their lives, like losing a loved one or walking through a divorce. “He seemed to intuitively know that these people needed attention,” Biehl said.

After talking with a friend about Beau’s unusual behavior, she recommended Biehl take Beau to try pet therapy. Biehl laughed as she recalled saying, “He doesn’t need therapy!” Biehl, like many people, had no idea that pet therapy was a way for animals like Beau to be trained to help hurting people heal.

Biehl soon learned that therapy animals are any animal specifically trained to reduce stress. And dogs aren’t the only kind of therapy animal around. Biehl listed therapy horses, cats and even llamas all as animals that can become therapy pets in addition to dogs. However, there are some ways a dog can help a person relax

Beau helps everyone get into the giving spirit when he dresses up as 2bits for “Standup and Holler” at UF.

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unique to them. In fact, petting a dog is a scientifically proven way to help lower blood pressure, Biehl said.

It wasn’t long before Biehl took Beau to become a certified therapy dog with the Alliance of Therapy Dogs. From there, their journey began by volunteering at Shand’s Hospital. Patients who experience the companionship of a doggy visit during their stays at the hospital get more than the chance to give a furry friend belly rubs. Therapy dogs also give patients a break from the hard circumstances that often necessitate a hospital visit. Biehl, who herself was in the hospital for an extended time in 2000 for cancer treatment, was delighted to be visited by a therapy dog during her stay. “It takes you out of the ordeal you’re going through,” Biehl said.

After over 7 years of therapy work, Beau still gets excited about each visit with new people. When Biehl puts on a polo for an event, Beau eagerly waits by the door with a toy in his mouth and gleam in his eyes. Traveling all around Florida and beyond, Beau and Terry bring joy to veterans, students, medical workers and children alike.

One of Terry’s favorite volunteer experiences is Alachua County Library’s Read with a Dog program. After picking out a book, a child is invited to sit down with a dog and read to him or her. For a long time, Beau was reading buddies with children on the autism spectrum. Biehl was amazed by how reading to a dog puts a child at ease.

“The dog’s not judgmental,” said Biehl, who remembers how reading in front of her class as a child was often nerve racking.

“There’s a freedom that the kids get to experience.” As the child reads through the book, if there is a word the child does not understand or misreads, Biehl will simply ask, “I don’t think Beau understood that, can you explain it a little more?” This kind of play and learn practice has produced incredible results, says Biehl. After one year of dog reading therapy treatment, children often go up an entire reading level in their reading skills. “It’s a beautiful thing,” Biehl said. “If I had my way, there would be reading dogs in every school.”

The classroom is not the only place therapy dogs can make

learning feel less like a chore. Beau has spent time at rehab centers with people recovering from car accidents or dealing with pain that comes with aging. Often, when Beau arrives, physical therapists may be struggling to get a patient to do a simple stretching exercise due to exhaustion. But when Beau steps into a room, tired patients are rejuvenated and will complete a stretch just to pet Beau without even noticing.

In addition to helping people reach their goals, therapy dogs also allow people to unwind from stressful work or school environments. Beau is a regular at the University of Florida and Santa Fe. For students dealing with the pressure of exams and heavy course loads, a few minutes with Beau can make all the difference. Biehl was delighted to see a comment on Beau’s

After one year of dog reading therapy treatment, children often go up an entire reading level in their reading skills. “It’s a beautiful thing,” Biehl said. “If I had my way, there would be reading dogs in every school.”

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MENTAL HEALTH >> THERAPY DOGS

No one is ever quite the same after meeting Beau. “Beau has changed me from an introvert to an introvert who goes outside,” Biehl said with a laugh.

Instagram from a student who said, “Beau helped me pass my test!” Likewise, Beau also helps medical workers find a break from their demanding jobs and restore a little joy to an environment that is often solemn.

Following in his furry footsteps, Beau has two younger brothers serving as therapy dogs, too. Biehl laughs as she calls Beau the veteran of the group, with the two newbies amazed by everything. Regardless of experience level, every therapy dog helps people release more of what Biehl refers to as “happy hormones,” like serotonin and dopamine.

Spreading happiness is easily a fulltime job, but Biehl provides dog therapy services to the Alachua County community free, although Biehl jokes that “Beau won’t say no to a dog treat.” For people eager to give back, Biehl recommends making a donation to HOPE Animal Assisted Crisis Response, an organization that provides therapy dogs as responders during crisis events.

From hurricane relief to school shootings, Beau has been there for first responders and people who have lost everything.

While few dogs have led a life like Beau’s, every dog gives a little extra support just when you need it most.

Rhoda Kresmery first found her furry friend Ember nearly a decade ago at a Pet Smart adoption day in Gainesville. Even though a lot has changed since Kresmery first brought Ember home, one thing has always stayed the same: Ember will never say no to 60 |

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a good belly rub. If Kresmery tries to leave where she’s sitting before Ember is ready, she’s not afraid to give her a big hug until Kresmery decides to sit with her a while longer.

Now working a fully remote job, Ember has become a precious companion to Kresmery. As an extrovert, working from home presents several challenges, but having Ember around makes things easier. Whenever work becomes too stressful, Kresmery can unplug for a minute and spend time with Ember. “I call them puppy therapy breaks,” Kresmery said with a laugh.

Whether your dog is therapy certified or not, we can all benefit from having a four-legged friend around. Kresmery and Biehl agree that being with a dog provides a safe space to express emotions free from fear of judgement. “I have people sit down on the floor with Beau and just cry,” Biehl said. The bond between a dog and a person is a special relationship that cannot always be as easily recreated between two people. So give your furry pal some extra pets today, it might make you as happy as it makes your dog, well, not quite—but you get the idea.

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Hundreds of Five Star reviews detail assistance with neck & back pain, digestive issues, anxiety, migraines & headaches and numbness or tingling, however they are also uniquely specialized in the areas of pediatric and maternal care. They’ve helped hundreds of expecting mothers suffer less discomfort and enjoy a healthier overall pregnancy and post-partum recovery.

“Seeing our patients improve their health is what we’re most passionate about”

The chiropractic adjustments you receive at Awaken Chiropractic are safe and effective, and people of all ages, from infant to senior, can benefit from spinal re-alignments. With a long history of chiropractic care constantly improving, Awaken uses only the latest technology, techniques and approaches to assist in treatment. For example, the Torque Release Technique (TRT) is the most specific, targeted, and gentlest application adjustment available. By using a special instrument called an integrator in the process of applying targeted and specific adjustments to the spine – TRT allows for a more comfortable overall experience, without having to use the traditional cracking and popping found in most other chiropractic centers. This focused approach delivers

“Seeing our patients improve their health is what we’re most passionate about,” said Drs. Shane and Brittany Semegon, owners of Awaken Chiropractic. “We want to help make an impact in the health of our patients and our community.”

To learn more about Awaken Chiropractic, their incredible staff, and the many ways they can help you live your healthiest life, call the office or visit their website for additional information.

(352) 448-1402

awakenmyhealth.com Hunter’s Crossing Shopping Center 5200 NW 43rd St #507, Gainesville JAN/FEB 2023 OUR TOWN MAGAZINE

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Why go to Gainesville?

Alachua’s premier healthcare pros In a small community like Alachua, it’s nice to know patients have access to some of the most innovative medicine and top-notch care in North Central Florida.

McCauley & Associates is a family practice that’s been offering a little bit of everything to their patients for almost 20 years, and their motto is “Why go to Gainesville?”

Dr. James McCauley is a board certified internal medicine physician who trained in the ICU, emergency room and women’s health. As a hospitalist with privileges at North Florida Regional Medical Center and Select Specialty Hospital, his patients receive comprehensive care and access to some of the best medical facilities in the area. Dr. McCauley has lived in Gainesville for more than 20 years with his wife and three children, and when he’s not at the office, he enjoys reading and traveling.

Dr. Efrain Rosario is originally from Puerto Rico and has more than 30 years of combined experience in family medicine and urgent care. He was trained in bariatrics, and he’s known in the area for being one of the premiere doctors for weight loss. As a board certified doctor in family medicine, he’s been nominated for top accolades in his specialty more than once. But his real passion is for serving his patients with compassion.

In addition to two board-certified physicians, McCauley & Associates has two incredible nurse practitioners offering convenient, comprehensive care.

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Cami is an APRN who’s been with Dr. McCauley since 1999. She’s a local to the area and a Santa Fe High School grad. While working with Dr. McCauley at the Senior Healthcare Center in Gainesville, Cami earned her RN degree in 2003 from Lake City Community College.

In 2006, she joined the McCauley practice as a clinical supervisor, and she went on to earn her bachelor’s degree and complete her master’s degree from Chamberlain University specializing in family care. As a board-certified nurse practitioner, she’s been able to connect with her patients, and they ask for her by name.

Crystal is the other board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner on staff who brings a strong critical care background to the practice. She spent a substantial part of her early career in emergency medicine and trauma ICU at UF Health. But she also brings a unique perspective on aesthetics because of her work in plastic surgery.

Her approach to medicine is to take an individualized, meaningful approach to patient care through both modern and traditional medicine. Crystal earned her Master’s from Kaplan University with a specialization in family care, and in 2018 she got certified in bioidentical hormone replacement therapy.

The practice thrives on personalized care. It’s more than routine check-ups, ultrasounds, X-rays and labs, which are all conveniently done onsite. Dr. McCauley, Cami and Crystal are all Biote certified, and they also offer specialized services like Botox.

For more information, call 386-418-1222, or visit McCauleyAndAssociates.com OUR TOWN MAGAZINE

JAN/FEB 2023

15260 NW 147 Drive • Alachua, FL 32615

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Be there every step of the way

Your Trusted Guide to Senior Living

Embarking on a path to senior care can be an intimidating journey for anyone. Fortunately, families in North Central Florida have access to an incredible team of compassionate navigators to guide them.

Next Steps Senior Solutions is here to help families find solutions to the challenges that come with caring for an aging loved one.

Her background in memory care, home health and hospice gave her a well-rounded grasp on what people need as they enter the senior phase of their lives.

As these seniors cruise into their golden years, their loved ones sometimes only seek help when the dashboard lights up with indicators that something is wrong.

The team at Next Steps is there not only when the lights come on, but they also help families identify red flags they might not realize are pointing to a problem.

Julie’s job is to evaluate individual client needs and give them the tools and resources needed to form a plan — including financial resources to fund the plan. She’s there to dig deep and help answer questions that even the family may not know to ask.

“You know when we often find out someone’s not fine?” said COO Jennifer Fitterman. “When it’s too late.”

Jennifer is a Gator grad who’s touched almost every field of elder care including home health, hospice, skilled nursing and assisted living. But for the past five years, Jennifer has focused on helping families choose the best short-term and long-term solutions for the seniors in their lives with Next Steps Senior Solutions.

To ensure each path is uniquely curated for the specific goals of each family, Jennifer partnered with Next Steps CEO Jeff Linville to build a highly reputable network of senior services.

As a Gainesville native, Jeff is passionate about the people in North Central Florida — specifically seniors and their families. He’s helped strengthen the business side of Next Steps with a background in sales and marketing in the senior living field.

“Our job is to be there every step of the way,” Julie said.

Next Steps provides an extensive network of attorneys, movers, financial and estate planners, healthcare workers, skilled nursing care, hospice and companion care.

“Because our services are free, one of the first questions we get after we explain what we do is, ‘Well how are you compensated,’” Jennifer said.

The Next Steps team is contracted with every senior living provider throughout North Florida and many across the state. They receive some referral fees, but because they’re contracted equally across providers, they’re able to give unbiased guidance and work as an honest broker of senior services.

“We’re just over 35 years of combined experience in senior care and the senior living realm, Jeff said. “It’s a complex industry, and the decisions you make have lasting impacts.”

Senior Solutions Specialist Julie Roca is the voice on the other end of the line when families call for help.

“My father was a pastor, and my mother was a hospice nurse. So, I grew up with an idea of ministry and helping people,” Julie said. “As I got older my heart was for our senior community.”

For a free consultation, or to learn more, call 352-474-2895, or visit NextStepSeniorSolutions.com JAN/FEB 2023 OUR TOWN MAGAZINE

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FINDING PEACE IN A NONSTOP WORLD How Raja Yoga meditation improves mental and physical health through mindfulness.

From wake to sleep, we are constantly moving.

There are jobs to go to, classes to attend, kids to take care of, relationships to manage and so much more. The world we live in is a stimulating environment with many different factors that are competing for our attention.

W RIT TE N BY H A N N A DE L A G A R Z A

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FREE YOUR MIND

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s society progresses, there is a noticeable shift toward a fastpaced lifestyle that is not only competitive, but instantly gratifying. This can largely be attributed to the advancement of technology, which has primed us to receive large amounts of information at once.

Technology also allows its users to interact with one another instantaneously, and we are always tapped into each other’s lives.

While this can be good thing, as it allows us to be interconnected, it can also result in us losing touch with ourselves.

We have become focused on the “everything else” and less on ourselves. The downfall of this may be difficult to see in the moment, but as time goes on, it can slowly wear away at the human psyche. This can present itself in many different ways: lack of motivation to complete tasks, difficulty with maintaining relationships and constant fatigue.

Often times, this results in a self-defeating cycle of being dissatisfied with life, doing poorly in certain aspects of life and then becoming even more dissatisfied because of poor performance. So, what can be done to escape this cycle and move toward a positive way of thinking?

There is no right answer, as the method depends on the person; however, one simple practice has improved the lives of individuals for thousands of years.

Meditation is a technique that most people are aware of, but many are unfamiliar with. It draws a lot of skepticism, much of which can be attributed to the way it is portrayed in popular media. It is often misrepresented as an outlandish practice characterized solely by sitting cross-legged, deep breathing and silence.

It is important to note that there are different ways to meditate, and while some incorporate these elements, there are others that do not follow any specific guidelines.

Meditation is considered a type of mind-body complementary medicine. Complementary medicines are treatments used alongside traditional health practices. According to the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, the goal of meditation is to develop intentional focus and minimize random thoughts in order to produce a deep state of relaxation. Some psychological benefits include gaining new perspectives on stressful situations, increasing self-awareness, increasing patience and tolerance and reducing negative emotions. Meditation can be used to manage symptoms of conditions, such as anxiety, asthma, cancer, chronic pain, depression and sleep problems.

Raja Yoga meditation is a form of meditation that is accessible to people of all backgrounds. “Raja” is a Sanskrit term meaning “king,” and yoga comes from the Sanskrit root “yuj” meaning “union, to unite or connect.” It is used to refer to the union of the mind, body and spirit. Raja Yoga, also known as the “royal path,” ranks the highest among the four paths of yoga.

The Brahma Kumaris is a spiritual organization well-known for teaching and spreading the practice of meditation. It was created in 1937 in Hyderabad, a city now in Pakistan. Dada Lekhraj

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Kripalani, founder of the Brahma Kumaris, was a retired Indian businessman who started the organization after experiencing a series of visions in 1936. Kripalani, lovingly referred to as “Brahma Baba,” created a school to teach the principles and values of a meditative life.

Originally starting with a handful of men, women and children, the organization grew to 400 members by 1950. It was in this year that it would move to its present location in Mount Abu, India. This self-sufficient community would devote its time to spiritual study, meditation and self-transformation.

Now, the Brahma Kumaris has developed a global reach, expanding outside of India. It has 8,500 centers in over 120 countries. People of all ages, backgrounds and professions can go to these spiritual places all over the world. For those who cannot visit in person, the Brahma Kumaris offers virtual options through its website. There is information on meditation, guides to begin and many more resources. It even offers free classes that teach spiritual knowledge and meditation practice.

“Raja” is a Sanskrit term meaning “king,” and yoga comes from the Sanskrit root “yuj” meaning “union, to unite or connect.” It is used to refer to the union of the mind, body and spirit.

Dr. Anne O’Hare is a student and teacher with the Brahma Kumaris, and she coordinates meditation classes and programs in Ocala. She holds a master’s in nursing education and a doctorate in nursing leadership. O’Hare works for the Department of Veterans Affairs, coordinating care for veterans who are traveling all over the country. Because her job is remote, she has the ability to work from home, which allows her time to teach classes with the Brahma Kumaris.

O’Hare became interested in meditation while she was in New York where she grew up. She described herself as the kind of person who was interested in a lot of things, therefore

FRESH HEALTHY

SMART she would study various topics. She studied Hatha Yoga, or exercise yoga, Tai Chi, astrology, religions and philosophy — to name a few.

One year, when she went to get her astrological chart done, O’Hare explained an epiphany that overcame her. She said, “I had a different kind of experience. Somehow we were all one, and somehow this world we’re living in is not sustainable the way it is. Like, there is more to life.”

Following this realization, she felt she had to talk to someone, so she reached out to her colleague and now husband. At the time, she knew that he meditated and figured that if anyone could explain or relate to her experience, it would be him. He then introduced her to the Brahma Kumaris, thus beginning her spiritual journey.

O’Hare moved to Ocala from New York about 16 years ago, and she made the decision to begin a new change of pace. She shared that she learned a lot of useful skills in the city, but the one skill she did not have was a natural inclination for relaxation. “New York is very busy, very frenetic energy,” she said. “It’s got a lot of anxious energy, which is fine if you really want to get something done.”

The transition from a city to rural lifestyle was an adjustment for O’Hare. She said one thing she was not used to was the effort it took to get things done. In New York, people were more direct about what they needed or wanted, but she learned that in Ocala, everyone was nicer. This meant she had to spend more time talking to people and getting to know others before asking for things. Despite the difference, she has enjoyed the lifestyle she has had since moving.

“I appreciate the laid back pace,” she said. “It goes along with the lifestyle of meditation because part of the Raja Yoga lifestyle is simplicity.”

O’Hare encourages anyone who is interested in meditation to check out the Brahma Kumaris website. Whether you are interested in exploring a new hobby, improving your mindset or simply just learning about a new lifestyle, it is worth checking out. All of the material on the website is easily digestible, reducing any confusion about how to meditate or what meditation is.

As a society, we are programmed to take care of everything that is physical. We know it is important to exercise to take care of our bodies, and we know to spend time with loved ones to maintain relationships. What we don’t think to do is to nurture our minds, which influences just about every other aspect of our lives.

“We all have a mind, and I think it would be fair to say it is not our friend. It’s not the mind’s fault,” O’Hare said. “One of the main benefits of doing Raja Yoga meditation is that you learn how to observe the mind.”

For more information on Brahma Kumaris and Raja Yoga meditation, check out their website at www.brahmakumaris.us/florida

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Sit Back, Relax & Just Breathe…

Founded in 2020, Relax Salt Rooms has been providing a unique holistic wellness experience for guests through Halotherapy (also referred to as Dry Salt Therapy). This type of therapy was first discovered in the mid 1800’s in a small Polish town where salt mining was taking place. The local doctor noticed that his patients who worked at the salt mines were not suffering from the same respiratory or skin ailments as his other patients. As such, he began conducting studies over four years to further explore this concept and its potential benefits.

Owner Megan Forcey is excited to bring this form of holistic health and relaxation to the Gainesville, Florida area.

After her own personal experience with halotherapy, she felt drawn to its calming and cleansing impact and set out on a mission to help others improve their health through breathwork, better skin, and finding peace in a tranquil environment.

Relax Salt Rooms feature a child-friendly atmosphere, complete with an underwater-themed room filled 68 |

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with toys and a digging area for kids to play while receiving their breathing treatment – without even realizing it!

Additionally, there is also an adult salt room which contains 17,000 pounds of Himalayan Salt embedded into walls and floor. During each session the salt is released into the air of the room creating an effect similar to spending 72 hours at the beach. Guests can sit back in one of our zero gravity chairs while listening to soothing meditative music as they take in all the benefits of dry salt therapy.

Disease), cystic fibrosis, various sinus infections as well as Long Covid symptoms. It is also known to help improve various skin conditions such as acne, eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea.

In addition to their spa services, they also feature a boutique with many hand crafted, small maker, and fair trade items.

For those looking for something more than just regular salt sessions, Relax Salt Rooms offers monthly guided meditation classes along with crystal singing bowls, compression therapy treatments, and massage services. For those looking for an ultimate relaxation package, the business offers an hour long massage followed by 45 minutes of dry salt therapy - perfect for clearing both body and mind!

Halotherapy is known to reduce symptoms from many respiratory issues including asthma, allergies, COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary

4936 NW 39th Ave Suite A, Gainesville, FL 32606

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A HEALTHY NEW YEAR

EXPLORING A FEW POPULAR APPS & PODCASTS FOR EXERCISE

Exercise Centered W R I T T E N B Y H AY L I Z U CCO L A

FOLLOWING IN THE TRADITION OF RINGING IN THE NEW YEAR, PEOPLE TEND TO MAKE A PACT WITH THEMSELVES TO EXERCISE, LOSE WEIGHT AND GET HEALTHY UNTIL ULTIMATELY BREAKING THAT GOAL A FEW WEEKS LATER. LUCKILY, THERE ARE A FEW APPS THAT MAKE KEEPING A WORKOUT ROUTINE A BIT EASIER AND ALLOW PEOPLE THE ABILITY AND CONVENIENCE TO DITCH THE GYM AND EXERCISE FROM ANYWHERE. SWORKIT Although Sworkit offers a premium version of their app, they also have a free version filled with tons of exercises! Hello abs, goodbye flab. Sworkit offers exercises relating to cardio, strength training, stretching or yoga and the app allows you to build your own workout routine or follow one of their suggested guides. Sworkit also gives added flexibility by allowing you to choose how long you want each workout to last. Not familiar with some of the exercises listed? Don’t worry, the app plays videos of each workout to guide you along the way.

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PHYSICAL HEALTH >> FITNESS APPS & PODCASTS

GOOGLE FIT Want to track your steps but don’t want to shell out the cash for an expensive activity tracker, then Google Fit is the app for you. Available for free for Android users, activating your location tracker within your phone allows the app to track your steps as well as other activities like running or biking. It may not be the most accurate depending on how you store your phone i.e. back pocket or bag, but it gives a great estimate of your daily activity.

D A I LY Y O G A Want to skip the crunches and pushups to focus on yoga and meditation? Well grab a mat and download Daily Yoga: the app that will make you skip the Netflix binge and say “Namaste exercising.” When signing up for Daily Yoga, which is available for apple and android users, the app asks what your goals are: to lose weight, improve your yoga skills, stay healthy or start as a beginner. You’re then offered suggested guided workouts – some for free and some specifically for pro members. Each session transports you to a live yoga class for one with guided videos, calming background music and a narrator who walks you through each exercise and reminds you to focus on your breathing. Each session can leave you feeling relaxed, refreshed and ready to take on the rest of the day.

WORKOUT TRAINER BY SKIMBLE Workout Trainer by Skimble, which is available through Google Play and the App Store, is similar in setup to Sworkit and offers both free and premium guided workouts. However, despite their similarities, Workout Trainer takes the platform a step further by allowing you access to dozens of online trainers.

While most of their videos are free, Workout Trainer’s option to choose a personal trainer unfortunately isn’t. This option is available for people who may need a little more motivation but still enjoy working out far away from the gym. Of course, if you don’t need that added boost, you can stick with the many free videos available right at your fingertips.

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D A I LY B O O S T The Daily Boost podcast consists of audio clips that are all under 15 minutes and have the goal of providing “motivation to help you clarify your purpose.” Working out is hard to maintain without mental motivation, a healthy attitude and overall peace and clarity. Daily Boost helps clear your mental clutter to help give you the ability to achieve your goals through videos like “Turning an Obstacle Upside down,” “Essential Life Goals,” and “Daily Rules of Happiness.”

PHYSICAL HEALTH >> FITNESS APPS & PODCASTS

Maybe you already have a favorite exercise app or a go-to workout routine but still find yourself in need of more inspiration. If that’s the case, try listening to some of these podcasts, which may help lead you in the right direction.

20-MINUTE FITNESS The 20-Minute Fitness podcast is exactly what it sounds like: 20 minute audio clips discussing various themes relating to health and fitness. Some of their videos include “Weight Loss Tips for on the Go and Traveling,” “How to Set Effective Fitness Goals,” “A Look at the Future of Fitness Technology” and so many more.

PODRUNNER Podrunner is like Pandora for working out and allows you to choose various music mixes that are designed based off specific BPMs or beats per minute.

If you don’t want a mix that’s so specific, you can choose a playlist that offers a varied tempo. This podcast is a great addition to any exercise routine because let’s face it, who wants to work out in the quiet when you can add a little energy into the mix.

Here’s to reaching those healthy goals in 2023!

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Your One Stop for Compassionate Healthcare Healthcare can seem like a complicated, sometimes scary world to navigate, but the team at OneStop Medical and Urgent Care know that it doesn’t have to be.

Whether you’ve got an appointment or not, the friendly staff is ready to welcome you into the peaceful atmosphere they’ve created for their patients and clients.

OneStop Medical provides exceptional care for everything from acute illnesses and injuries and workers compensation to occupational medicine like drug screening, pre-employment physicals and breath-alcohol testing.

With onsite X-ray and blood draw services, it’s your onestop shop for acute care.

OneStop is locally owned and operated since 2019, and they have plans to expand into primary care within the next year. The caring staff members come from a wide variety of backgrounds and expertise, and they’re local to the area. So, they know the community, and they consider OneStop Medical their second family.

They work to provide excellent care that goes beyond the typical experience of other clinics. The office is set up to feel more like a spa, and giving people a peaceful experience when they come in is at the top of their priority list.

They offer easy self-pay options, and they work with most major insurance carriers. But they’re also there to help you navigate the healthcare system, as well as occupational health contracts. They make sure the experience is straightforward and easy, and they avoid unnecessary steps that can be overwhelming and tedious.

Whether a patient walks in for a vaccine or sets up an appointment with the in-house weight-loss clinic, the caring staff at OneStop Medical are here to serve Central Floridians with professional compassion and care.

For more information, or to schedule a visit, check out OneStopMedCenter.com, or call 386-418-4060.

15652 NW US Highway 441, Suite 2D Alachua, FL 32615 • 386-418-4060

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Home Care You Can Trust As the aging population in North Central Florida continues to grow, the need for comprehensive in-home care has rapidly increased as well. Enter Granny Nannies.

This team of professionals is available 24/7 for short-term and long-term care, as well as anything in-between. They offer free consultations, and they’ve received the highest-quality ratings in the industry.

The Granny Nannies caregivers offer services for people living with Alzheimer’s, chronic lung disease, heart disease and Parkinson’s. They focus on fall prevention and reduce the risk of injury and frequency of falls by encouraging safe, independent at-home living.

They understand that taking time off to be in the hospital with loved ones is challenging, so they offer aroundthe-clock loving care. They know that being released from the hospital doesn’t mean the work is done, so their team is there to help families during that transition from hospital to home care.

Granny Nannies caregivers and homemakers can also step in for respite care to lend a helping hand to allow family members time to recharge when caring for their loved ones. Or they can offer social isolation care from a private duty caregiver if work, distance or just life gets in the way of family members who know their loved ones need company.

And they understand the difficult choices that go into making an end-of-life decision, so they handle each client with compassion. They’re there for all of it.

Meet the Face Behind the Grannies

poodle Ginger. Although he’s a New York native, Bruce and his wife have been in the area for about 17 years, and they’ve been immersed in all that North Central Florida has to offer. Bruce’s wife works at the University of Florida, and his daughter is a Gator grad. So they’re a family of passionate tailgaters who love to have fun.

Bruce said he came to Florida originally to manage a jewelry shop. After he lost his job during the recession, a friend connected him with the founder of Granny Nannies.

The founder was looking for someone who knew business to open up a location in Gainesville. “And I absolutely know business. It’s what I know best,” Bruce said.

Bruce’s Gainesville location was a huge success, so he expanded to a Jacksonville office. He’s now been heading up Granny Nannies in North Central Florida for about 12 years.

Bruce built his business on authenticity, and he’s not willing to settle when it comes to customer service. “I despise ‘Press one for this and two for that,’” he said.

“When clients call — even after hours — they’re talking to the real team. No phone trees or answering service.”

Bruce said people come to Granny Nannies for care because of their reputation and commitment to service.

He sees anything that happens with the business as an extension of him, so he works to make sure his clients are well taken care of and happy.

For more information about Granny Nannies Gainesville, visit: GrannyNannies.com/Gainesville.

(352) 327-3877

Bruce Troll is always just a phone call away. As the owner of Granny Nannies of Gainesville, he said people are often surprised to find that he’s a boots-on-the-ground business owner. “I’m kind of a man out of time I guess,” Bruce said.

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Stankus Family Care

18743 NW 234th St. High Springs, FL 32643 Office: 386-454-0721 Hours: Monday-Thursday 8-5, Friday 8-12 info@stankusfamilycare.com

Melissa Webb, APRN & family

Bringing B ringing Women’s Women’s Health Health to Stankus to Stankus Family Family Care Care

I have been a nurse practitioner in Family Practice and Women’s Health for the last 10 years for large corporations. When I was invited to join Stankus Family Care, I was thrilled at the opportunity to bring my experience to High Springs and join a small, family-owned business.

springs in the area. I have been in Gainesville since 1996, only leaving a few times due to my husband’s job, but always returning to Alachua County, where we feel the most at home. I enjoy exercising, especially at Orange Theory Fitness and with my Peloton app!

I have watched Joseph start and grow this amazing practice and provide great care to the community. Joseph and I have known each other since 2009 when we worked together at North Florida Regional Hospital in the emergency room. Joseph was one of my charge nurses when I was a new nurse, and he challenged me to be the best nurse I could be. A few years later, I helped him get his Nurse Practitioner training in Family Practice. We have collaborated with each other over the years to take the best possible care of our patients. We are ready to join forces and provide High Springs with excellent care!

I am excited to provide the High Springs community with easier access to Women’s Health services including annual gynecological exams, birth control counseling and management, and management of gynecological problems. I am also passionate about bioidentical hormone replacement therapy. This therapy can help men and women of all ages, not just menopausal women. Bioidentical hormone therapy has been life changing for me and my patients and focuses on quality of life and vitality. I am also excited to provide primary care to all, managing not only chronic diseases, but helping my patients achieve wellness and healthier lifestyles.

I am a dual certified nurse practitioner and hold board certifications in Women’s Health and Family Practice. I am also certified in bioidentical hormone replacement therapy through Worldlink Academy. Nursing is my second career; I have a bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Education and Communication and a master’s degree in Agribusiness from the University of Florida.

I am originally from Miami and love my Cuban roots, especially the food! I have been married to my college sweetheart for the last 22 years and we have a wonderful son. We like to spend time together and visit all the

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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.

Jonesville: Sun-Thurs 11-9, Fri-Sat 11-10 Archer Road: Sun, Tues-Thur 11-9, Fri-Sat 11-10, Monday closed

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

Crafty Bastards

Restaurant - Pub — Crafty Bastards Restaurant has lunch specials M-F 11am4pm. Come see our NEW Menu items, including fresh salads and soups. Don’t worry, we still proudly serve what you have voted, the best Wings, Burgers, Fish n’ Chips, and REAL Shepherds Pie around! While also offering entertainment every day of the week, we have the largest selection of 60 Craft Beers on tap, and next door at the Bottle Shoppe, we offer over 750 varieties of Craft Beer with Free Beer Tastings every Thursday. 6p-8p. Visit our social media and web for ongoing events and new craft beer. Private party room for office or birthday parties available.

CRAFTY BASTARDS - WELCOME HOME!

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

352-872-5970 76 |

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www.thecraftybastards.com

Restaurant Guide

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

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 NOW OPEN! (352-545-4430)

El Toro

MiApaLatinCafe.com

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

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

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

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Restaurant Guide

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. Owners Dave and Melissa say “Nothing beats quality ingredients combined with a friendly staff. Dave’s Deli 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

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 78 |

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mycoppermonkey.com

Restaurant Guide

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! Expect more and let us help turn your event into a true occasion. The right environment can create the perfect experience. We have 3 distinctly different event spaces, we’ve got the perfect space to enjoy your time with friends, family and business colleagues.

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

352-373-7383

www.thesocialgnv.com

Bangkok Square

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

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

Two Gainesville Locations: 6500 SW Archer Road & 8181 NW 38th Lane Archer-M,W,TH, Friday 11:00am-3:00pm • Saturday-Sunday 12:00pm-3:00pm 38th Ln.-T,W,TH, 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

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

Cilantro Tacos Cali-Mex Street Food — This 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 #103 352-472-1300 Alachua - 15551 NW US HWY 441 Unit# 50 352-660-3262 Monday - Saturday from 11:00am to 9:00pm

eatcilantrotacos.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

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 80 |

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COLUMN

Naked Salsa

B Y C R Y S TA L H E N R Y

RECLAIMING MY AUTHENTICITY When I was a kid there was nothing my grandma loved more than the Home Shopping Network. You could bet just about every gift you got, whether it was a birthday or Christmas, was As Seen on TV. Porcelain dolls, Swarovski crystal geese — if Grandma got it for you, it came with a genuine certificate of authenticity.

Authenticity was all I knew growing up. But mainly because my family is nothing if not authentic. Mom’s side is a wild bunch of chain smokers with plenty of personal vices and hearts of gold.

Dad’s side is a bit more buttoned up, but they’re still a bunch of jokesters who love to tell a good story when you visit and hug and kiss you like they mean it when you leave.

My entire childhood was spent sitting around an old kitchen table playing Phase 10, speed and gin rummy into the wee morning hours with my aunts and cousins. We talked and laughed and got way too loud. That table was where our best inside jokes were born, and it’s where some of my most cherished memories were made.

But after I got married the games stopped. My ex-husband was always ready to leave after the smoke cloud got too thick and long before the blissful delirium of midnight card games set in. His family played quiet games at reasonable hours and only on some occasions. It wasn’t the same wild bash I was used to growing up, and my family dynamic wasn’t what he was used to either.

As the years passed, he judged them harsher for their vices, and he was noticeably annoyed when we visited. Eventually I stopped visiting as often because I didn’t want to have to drag him along or hear him talk about them after. I grew apart from the people who made me who I was. But it happened so gradually I didn’t realize how vast the gap was until years had passed and I hadn’t seen some of them at all.

This past November was the first time I’d been back home since my divorce, and without anyone’s feelings to babysit, I made plans to see my family.

Thanksgiving lunch with Dad’s family was easy and light. I helped my girls fix their

plates and I sat and visited the whole time without worrying about catching an annoyed glance from anyone out of the corner of my eye. Violet, my 10-year-old, played chess with Uncle Bill for hours. And because he showed no mercy, the victories she claimed were that much sweeter. Sunny, my teenager, snuggled the cats while I took pictures for Nana because as she said multiple times, “My whole family is here together. And this may be our last hurrah!” Nana has been saying it’s her and Papaw’s last hurrah for at least 10 years.

As we gathered for our family photo, my two younger single cousins flanked me on either side as the coupled-up cousins posed with their partners behind us. We flashed our bare ring fingers and fell over each other laughing and singing All the Single Ladies. I lost count of how many people commented on how happy I looked that afternoon.

Later that night we showed up at my cousin Cyndi’s house to find Cyndi and Aunt Lovie still in their fuzzy pajamas at 7 p.m.

My girls were delighted with the loud, bright, crazy kitchen full of women shrieking at each other to “taste this!” and “hand me that!”

Lovie roped Sunny into helping make Grandma’s pumpkin bread, and it was absolute chaos as they tried to quadruple the recipe. When Grandma was here, everyone got to take home their own loaf. And with the whole family together once again, they were determined to continue the tradition.

There was batter everywhere, and Lovie was convinced they needed a mop bucket from the Dollar Tree to mix that large of a batch. Cyndi was convinced they could get it done in the big stock pot. We ran out of pumpkin pie spice, so we playfully argued for a few minutes about whether allspice was one of the missing elements or if it was just cinnamon and nutmeg. We dumped a little of everything into the pot and hoped for the best.

Grandma isn’t here to guide us anymore, but she never fussed over anything too much anyway. She’d just wing it and hope it turned out. It pretty much always did.

It was late into the night by the time all the bread was done, and it smelled like Grandma’s kitchen. The moment of truth came, and we cut into one of the loaves and tossed hot pieces into each other’s hands for the taste test.

We all took a moment to savor our bites, and we looked at each other knowing something was missing. Even if we’d had all the ingredients, I swear Grandma added something to hers, so we weren’t expecting it to be perfect. And it wasn’t. But we improvised by smearing some of the pumpkin syrup I’d brought on top, and it was pretty darn good.

There was bread enough for everyone, and it was made with all the love of the family who raised me. So, although it wasn’t perfect, it was nothing if not authentic.

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

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BEYOND LIMITS The Hippodrome Celebrates 50 Years

For 50 years, The Hippodrome Theatre has captivated audiences with stage plays ranging from theatrical classics like “A Christmas Carol,” “As You Like It” and “The Tempest” to showcasing more experimental pieces from both established and emerging playwrights through the Hipp’s New Works Festival; providing a more intimate experience with their reading series: The Hipp Unplugged; offering patrons an art-house cinema and art gallery; and giving the public a look behind the curtains with educational classes, camps and workshops. It’s been an unforgettable five-decade legacy - one that began with a group of actors eager to bring something culturally artistic to their community.

W R I T T E N B Y H AY L I Z U C C O L A

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PHOTOGRAPHY: MICHAEL EADDY

CENTER STAGE

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HIPPODROME THEATRE >> 50 YEAR MILESTONE

“

It was started by a group of six actors who were just passionate about bringing contemporary theatre – professional theatre – to Gainesville,” said Stephanie Lynge, who is the Artistic Director at The Hippodrome. “They basically started telling stories, doing contemporary plays and really interesting satiric work, they did it with no money, they were dumpster diving for wood to build sets and making costume pieces out of whatever they found or had in

space off U.S. 441 in 1975, which, while an improvement, wasn’t the best setup for a theatre – requiring guests to enter through the backstage to get to their seats.

“It was a warehouse with a tin roof so when it rained they had to just like stop and wait for it to stop raining so that people could hear,” Lynge said.

Working with a very limited budget, the actors continued to up the quality of their performances by finding new and challenging pieces to bring to audiences, which made for the

The theatre’s 50th anniversary – dubbed “Beyond Limits” – kicked off on September 2 with the opening of “Fahrenheit 451” and a nod to the friends, family, staff, patrons and most importantly, the founders who helped make The Hippodrome what it is today. their own closets. It was a very scrappy group of people who were just passionate about theatre.”

In 1972, this ragtag theatre troupe – comprised of Bruce Cornwell, Gregory Hausch, Mary Hausch, Kerry (McKinney) Oliver-Smith, Marilyn Wall and Orin Wechsberg – began performing in a small convenience store before moving into a larger

theatre’s steady, growing support – so much so that when the city was deciding what to do with the beautiful downtown federal building, the community pushed for it to become the new home of the Hippodrome Theatre.

After a handful of renovations to the facility, which is listed on the National Registry of Historic Places, the new theatre

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opened its doors in early 1980 and in 1981, the Hippodrome was designated a State Theatre of Florida with acclaimed playwrights like Tennessee Williams, Eric Bentley, Paula Vogel, Lee Breuer, Adrian Mitchell and Mario Vargas Llosa having developed new works on the Hippodrome stage, according to thehipp.org.

“Their very first show was ‘The Elephant Man’ and I remember when they were trying to rehearse that show they didn’t know if they would have to do it at the old warehouse or if the new space would be ready in time,” Lynge said. “The building

Marilyn Wall in 1993 with actress Melba Moore (she played in From the Mississippi Delta by Dr. Endesha Ida Mae Holland). Photos courtesy of The Hippodrome Theatre.

has continued to grow to support all sorts of different arts here in the community since 1981.”

Those expansions have included physical modifications like designing a 276-seat, thrust-stage theatre; a 75-seat cinema, which has more than 700 screenings per year; an art gallery and a bar as well as internal advancements like offering classes and camps geared toward the younger, aspiring artists who want to explore their creative expression.

The theatre’s 50th anniversary – dubbed “Beyond Limits”

HIPPODROME THEATRE >> 50 YEAR MILESTONE

The Hippodrome in about 1981, co-directors of the theatre, left to right, are Bruce Cornwell, Kerry (McKinney) Oliver-Smith, Mary Hausch, Marshall New and Gregory Hausch. Not pictured are founders Marilyn Wall & Orin Wechsberg.

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HIPPODROME THEATRE >> 50 YEAR MILESTONE 88 |

– kicked off on September 2 with the opening of “Fahrenheit 451” and a nod to the friends, family, staff, patrons and most importantly, the founders who helped make The Hippodrome what it is today.

“Really, what they passed down was their passion and commitment to bringing professional, contemporary theatre to Gainesville and that’s what we strive to carry on,” she said.

Though the details have yet to be confirmed, The Hippodrome team is aiming to host another event commemorating the 50th anniversary of the theatre sometime in the spring with bigger and better shows filling up the 2022 – 2023 season leading to the big event.

“We have the same number of shows that we’re doing, but we are doing bigger shows this year, we’re doing some more challenging shows, some more technically challenging shows for us to celebrate the 50 years of hippodrome living, breathing and growing here,” Lynge said. “We had a little celebration for the founders and those who had ushered the Hippodrome along in the past in the fall. And in the Spring, we’ll be announcing in January, a huge celebration of the future that will be open to the public – the entire building will be open to the public – but we don’t have the details of that quite squared away enough to share for an announcement.”

Lynge, who was a professional actor living in New York for over 20 years and did national tours in regional theatres and on Broadway, came to Gainesville to get her Master of Fine Arts at the University of Florida. When she was offered a job at the Hippodrome, she quickly fell in love with the space and became an artistic associate before filling her current role as artistic director. While she’s performed on many stages in her career, there’s something special – albeit magical - about the Hipp.

“I think The Hippodrome’s connection to its community, its longevity and its commitment to really telling these professional, contemporary stories,” she said. “I fell in love with the energy of the community, the energy of the theatre within that community and I was looking for the next step for myself when I left New

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York to come down here to get my MFA and The Hippodrome was a dream come true.”

The Hippodrome has come a long way over the last five decades – starting in a small convenience store to staging mainstage productions for more than 60,000 people annually, according to thehipp.org – and will only continue to grow over the next 50 years by honoring its mission for creating and maintaining engagement with the community.

“I see the next 50 years – theatre is a living, breathing art form, you know, we’re not only a theatre here, we’re an arthouse cinema and that is a living, breathing art form, we’re a gallery, that’s a living, breathing art form, we’re an education program, that’s always growing and changing so everything is always changing,” Lynge said. “We try to reflect our community, we try to tell stories that impact us in the community directly, bring people together to have conversations and so those things are always changing because the world is always changing. So we are always looking for different ways to communicate, different ways to bring people together.”

With its brick exterior, grand columns and historic, stately presence, the Hippodrome Theatre has become the visual icon of downtown Gainesville, but the work that goes on inside this breathtaking structure – from performances of famed plays and new works to providing gallery space for local artists and the incorporation of youth camps and workshops – has made it a true pillar in the community.

“The Hippodrome, it’s the cultural or artistic heart of downtown Gainesville,” Lynge said. “We are in a beautiful, gorgeous, historical building but we’re here with open doors and we have so much to share and we invite everyone to walk in through those doors and find something that inspires them.”

For 50 years, The Hippodrome has brought a variety of theatrical productions to the Gainesville community like the 2015 performance of “The Two Musketeers” (top right), “A Christmas Carol” (middle left) and “The Royal” (middle right). The 2013 production of “Avenue Q,” (bottom) was a musical comedy featuring puppets.

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BOOK REVIEW TERRI SCHLICHENMEYER’S

Reading Corner “ A HISTORY OF THE WORLD THROUGH BODY PARTS”

written by Kathryn Petras & Ross Petras C.2022, CHRONICLE BOOKS, $22.95, 255 PAGES

GIVE THE GENTLEMAN A HAND. He did a good job, and he deserves it. Seriously, someone gave him a leg-up, he jumped in with both feet, and shortly after he put his nose to the grindstone, he found himself rubbing elbows with influential people. He shouldered some responsibility, kept his ear to the ground, and look where he’s been – so give him a hand, and read “A History of the World Through Body Parts”

by Kathryn Petras & Ross Petras.

It all begins with Cleopatra’s nose.

Mathematician Blase Pascal seemed fascinated by it, not because it stood out (though it did), but because Julius Caesar and Marc Antony were both smitten with it and their obsessions changed the world. That got Petras and Petras thinking how other bodily bits might have affected history. Can “zeroing in on a body part” help make sense of our world?

No doubt, you know by now that life is full of things that make you say, “huh.” You probably come across them quite often.

“A History of the World Through Body Parts” offers you a whole book full of more.

Take, for instance, an anonymous woman’s hand, stenciled on the side of a cave in Australia some 30,000 years ago. It was art but, since scientists know that ancient Aboriginal people could recognize others by their handprints, it could’ve also been a message. That shows a rather sophisticated form of early

communication.

According to legend, St. Cuthbert’s hair and fingernails continued to grow after his death – to the point where the deceased saint had his own stylist and manicurist. St. Cuthbert, and other Catholic saints were a part of the Church’s “big business,” selling and procuring relics in the 8th through the 16th century. Today, there’s no need for a Holy pilgrimage; if you want a Holy relic, you can buy simply one online.

The conqueror Tamerlane might have used “a very distinctive limp” to build his fearsome reputation. A “religious epiphany” came to Martin Luther in an unusual place, all because of his bowels. Henry VIII is said to have kept Anne Boleyn’s heart.

And Charles II of Spain’s jaw proved that “keeping things all in the family” was really not a good idea...

No doubt, you know by now that life is full of things that make you say, “huh.” You probably come across them quite often. “A History of the World Through Body Parts” offers you a whole book full of more.

And yet – that title sounds gory, doesn’t it? Nope, authors Petras and Petras don’t go that far in their storytelling. Here, you’ll get an outline in each short-to-read account (browse-able: a feature!) but one with enough particulars to make you feel smarter. Most tales are kept relatively bloodless in detail; in fact, some of them don’t involve detachment at all.

That lack of violence leaves plenty of room for enjoyment of these tiny, esoteric – but impactful – bits of history, science, and sociology. Bonus: there are lots of sidebars with even more fun-toknow info.

Readers of unique history will devour this book, but it’s also a great way to get someone interested in a narrower version of a broader subject. Just beware: “A History of the World Through Body Parts” might make you lose your head.

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

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SUGAR & SPICE Amazing Grace Confections

For Melissa DiStefano, cookies aren’t just delicious; they’re an edible canvas perfect for painting and piping her artistic visions into a tasty reality. Of course, anyone who sets eyes on one of her breathtaking confections may be surprised to learn that DiStefano didn’t realize her creative talents and true potential – or that all cookies don’t come ready to bake from the grocery store – until later in life.

W R I T T E N B Y H AY L I Z U C C O L A

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PHOTOGRAPHY: MAGNOLIA LANE STUDIOS

AUTHENTIC SUGAR

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BAKING DREAMS >> AMAZING GRACE CONFECTIONS

“

I never had that family tradition of making cookies together, I mean, my mom was the queen of Shake ‘n Bake, we never did anything from scratch so I didn’t even know you could make sugar cookies from scratch until college where one of my friends was like ‘hey, let’s make Christmas cookies together,’ and, you know, she started creaming eggs and butter and I was thinking ‘what the heck are you doing? Why aren’t we cutting these out of a package or something?’ So then I realized there was this huge taste difference and how amazing they tasted,” Melissa DiStefano recalled.

Her love for baking was set in stone that day, but it was never something she imagined would turn into a career. Instead, she worked as a wedding planner for 20 years to fuel her ingenuity and opened a medical practice in Lake City, which she ran for 15 years. After being diagnosed with cancer in 2016, the lingering downtime between treatments left DiStefano doodling and sketching in her bible which progressed into learning hand lettering, watercolor and artsy techniques, which gave her a new passion in addition to baking.

In January 2022, DiStefano left her medical practice and was processing what would come next when the women in her bible study group advised her to bake and do art professionally. Still skeptical of the concept, in April of that year, DiStefano decided

to take her friends’ advice in stride and offered to make decorated cookies for Easter. The demand for her artisanal cookies was far greater than she ever envisioned – one that continued into the forthcoming holidays from Teacher Appreciation Day to Cinco de Mayo, Nurses Appreciation to Mother’s Day and everything in between – and just like that, Amazing Grace Confections was born.

“It was amazing and crazy and took off fast. People love it,” she said. “It’s definitely been like this amazing, like I don’t know, the opposite of kryptonite – whatever that sort of thing is – it’s been incredible, it opened this humongous door for me and opened this outlet I didn’t even know that I had.”

Being self-taught, DiStefano always had something new to learn, which she embraced with open arms by watching videos, following other cookie artists on social media, finding inspiration in baking shows and practicing her newfound techniques

“It’s been incredible, it opened this humongous door for me and opened this outlet I didn’t even know that I had.”

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whenever possible.

“I would take a paper towel and start practicing techniques on it or a piece of toast and I would get some royal icing and just kind of flood the piece of toast or the piece of wax paper,” she said.

While developing her skills and refining the optimal icing consistency, DiStefano decided to break the mold of traditional decorative cookies by leaving the bland, sugar cookie base behind and opting for a more flavorful foundation for her artwork.

“I do some drop cookies. I have a chocolate chip cookie as big as your head. I do deep-dish chocolate chip cookies like a 9-inch deep-dish chocolate chip cookie…I have some different flavors of sugar cookies,” she said. “I have an orange cardamom sugar cookie, chocolate chip sugar cookie, a chocolate sugar cookie and do different flavors of icing so like a birthday cake cookie or a Funfetti cookie with cake batter or marshmallow icing – so different flavors of sugar cookies and some drop cookies.”

Coming up with each of these sweet concoctions, well, that’s a whole other challenge in and of itself.

“I love the science of baking and what different things do to the batter like the amount of fruit and how much water it can add to your batter and how to make sure that your fruit doesn’t sink to the bottom. The science of baking really interests me so I love to play with different flavor combinations and see how they’re going to work – if I’m gonna use dehydrated strawberries or if I’m

Financial guidance for wherever life takes you.

At Thrivent, we believe money is a tool, not a goal. As a holistic financial services organization owned by our membership, we’re committed to providing financial advice, investments, insurance, banking and generosity programs to help people make the most of all they’ve been given.

Our team is here with financial guidance that fits your life.

North Central Florida Group 6216 NW 43rd St Ste 3C Gainesville, FL 32653 352-226-8000 northcentralfloridagroup@thrivent.com connect.thrivent.com/north-central-florida-group Connect with us: AR License 8201374

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gonna use strawberry powder, fresh strawberries, frozen strawberries and what works best,” she said. “I’m not going to sell something or bring it live to people unless I know that it’s something that sings, like when you eat it you’re just – you want to moan audibly.”

Out of all the cookie batter profiles she’s assembled – from the mild honey vanilla to the warmer orange cardamom – her all-time favorite is the soft on the inside, crunchy on the outside and naturally gluten-free almond cookie.

“ I’m in a business that makes people happy and that fills my heart.”

“It’s one of those things where you have one and then you’re like, ‘you know, I’m just gonna have one more,’ and then by the end of it you’ve had like 18,” she said.

Taste and visual appeal aside, among the many lessons she encountered over these last six months was figuring out how to market her business as this was her first time selling a product rather than a service, which comes with its own unique hurdles like developing a price point that reflects the increasing cost of ingredients as well as the time, talent and effort put into each custom-batch of cookies.

While she may have started her business on the crux of selling adorably designed cookies, DiStefano has quickly expanded her culinary skills by offering a larger variety of baked goods – some on a regular basis like her mouthwatering cinnamon rolls and other treats like muffins, scones, posh tarts, coffee cakes and bronuts – a cross between a brownie and a donut – during her weekly Wednesday popups at Blackadder Brewing Company or 96 |

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PHOTOGRAPHY: COURTESY OF AMAZING GRACE CONFECTIONS’ FACEBOOK PAGE

Locally owned & operated 20 years experience during her appearances at community events like Lubee Bat Fest.

Her ever-growing sugar-laden repertoire came in handy when applying to be part of the 2022 Greatest Baker competition, which invites both amateur and professional confectionery creators from around the world to compete in multiple rounds for the chance to win $10,000 and a feature in Bake from Scratch magazine with DiStefano placing fourth in her group.

Though she may not have taken home the title this time, DiStefano has certainly made a mark on the Gainesville community – and their taste buds.

“Just to see people, I’m creating something that’s making somebody smile and that just fills my heart,” she said. “That’s why I’m doing this. I just love that I’m in a business where people can, you know, you’re not gonna eat a cookie – unless it’s disgusting – you’re not gonna eat a cookie and not smile, right? So I’m in a business that makes people happy and that fills my heart.”

While the future of Amazing Grace Confections remains a mystery, one thing’s for sure, it will always involve cookies.

“I want the core [of the business] to stick with cookies,” she said. I’m passionate about taking a blank cookie canvas and turning it into something that is really fun.”

To learn more about DiStefano and her cookie creations or to learn how to design your own beautifully decorated cookies through one of her guided classes, visit her website at mysugarcookiejar.com.

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Monday-Friday 8am-5pm and Saturday 9am-12pm

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GAINESVILLE CAMELLIA SOCIETY SHOW AND SALE Kanapaha Botanical Gardens 4700 SW 58th Dr., Gainesville, FL 32608

January 7 & 8, 2023

Camellia Show Inside, $10 Kanapaha admission fee Saturday, 1-5 PM Sunday, 9AM-4PM Outside FREE ADMISSION Saturday, 9AM-5PM Sunday, 9AM-4PM

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Over 600 plants • 100+ varieties • $15-$35 Cash or Check only JAN/FEB 2023 OUR TOWN MAGAZINE

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Charity of the Month

CONGRATULATIONS CHARITY OF THE MONTH WINNER

October 2022 Winner

Center for Independent Living of North Central Florida The Center for Independent Living of North Central Florida (CILNCF) involves 40 years of service by people with disabilities for people with disabilities.

The CILNCF is a locally controlled, consumer driven, community based, non-residential, 501(C)3 private not-for-profit organization headquartered in Gainesville, Florida.

The CILNCF provides services at no cost to consumers residing within a 16 county region in the North Central Florida.

The center delivers the five-core services of the Independent Living Program which includes Advocacy, Information and Referral, Peer Support, Independent Living Skills Education, and Transition.

The CILNCF is an established community resource operated by people with disabilities with a record of responding to the needs of people with disabilities.

To nominate a charity or to vote for your favorite nominee visit: 100 |

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RadiantCU.org/com

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

About Radiant Credit Union’s Charity of the Month Program...

The program was started in 2013 as a way for our communities to recognize their favorite local charities. Since that time Radiant has donated thousands of dollars to charities in our area.

Each month Radiant awards the winning charity $1,000. All 501c3 charities headquartered in Radiant’s service area (Alachua, Bradford, Citrus, Clay, Columbia, Dixie, Gilchrist, Hamilton, Lafayette, Levy, Marion, Putnam, St. Johns, Suwannee or Union County in Florida) are eligible to enter the contest.

Entering your favorite charity is easy and you could win $100 if the charity you entered wins. For complete rules and step-by-step instructions go to RadiantCU.org/CharityOfTheMonth.

School of the Month August 2022 Recipient Caring and Sharing Learning School Caring and Sharing Learning School’s vision is to provide the best academic and personal education for students in an environment which promotes achievement, personal excellence and a sense of pride. Students will leave Caring and Sharing Learning School and become positive school and community leaders in the global economy.

To assist in achieving our mission and vision, Caring and Sharing Learning School utilizes the following components in the implementation of the curriculum: 1) Data driven instructional program, 2) Differentiated instruction, 3) High student expectation, 4) Extended learning time, and 5) Parent and community-based organization volunteers.

Presented by Radiant Credit Union and Our Town Family of Magazines

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COMMU NIT Y C A LENDA R

JA N/ FEB 2023

CAMELLIA SHOW Saturday, January 7 from 1 p.m. - 5 p.m. and Sunday, January 8 from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Kanapaha Botanical Gardens, 4700 SW 58th Dr.

GAINESVILLE – This event features prize-winning camellias of all sizes, shapes, and colors. This show is geared toward educating the public about the care, culture, and appreciation of camellias. Camellias will be available for sale while supplies last! Regular admission price for non-members, which includes entry into the gardens and the show. kanapaha.org

EXHIBIT: HISTORY OF AFRICAN AMERICANS IN GAINESVILLE

THE U.S. ARMY FIELD BAND JAZZ AMBASSADORS

22, from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Friday, January 13 at 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, January 28 and Sunday, January

Tuesday, January 10 at 8 p.m.

Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Rd.

29, from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

A. Quinn Jones Museum & Cultural Center,

GAINESVILLE – Join the U.S. Army Field Band

9409 SW Archer Rd.

1013 NW 7th Ave.

Jazz Ambassadors at the Phillips Center to

GAINESVILLE – Wander the medieval

GAINESVILLE – Join us for our history on

hear the military’s finest practitioners of jazz

marketplace where hundreds of talented

the citizens of Gainesville from laborers

and swing. The Army’s official touring big

artisans sell their medieval wares. Cheer

to educators, from the 1800s to the 20th

band, this 19-member jazz ensemble has

on jousting knights as they fight for their

century. Brought to you in partnership with

received widespread acclaim at home and

ladies’ honor, witness a battle on the living

the Cultural Arts Coalition of Gainesville.

abroad, earning the Jazz Ambassadors the

chessboard, observe a full-flight falconry

aqjmuseum.org

title “America’s Big Band.” This concert is free

show and spectate armored combat. Enjoy

and open to the public. Tickets are available

human-powered push rides as well as

CONCERTO BUDAPEST SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

at the Phillips Center for the Performing Arts

camel and pony rides. Be sure to test your

Box Office, or by sending a self-addressed,

strength with old world games, and feast

Wednesday, January 11 at 7:30 p.m.

stamped envelope to: Phillips Center Box

on food fit for a king. Tickets are $20 for

Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Rd.

Office: PO Box 112750, Gainesville, FL 32611-

adults, $10 for children ages 5 to 17 and

GAINESVILLE – Concerto Budapest is one of

2750. Limit of four tickets per request. per-

$17 for seniors and military. Family Friday

the most progressive and versatile symphonic

formingarts.ufl.edu

tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children.

orchestras in the world. The young musicians

Friday, January 27, from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

HoggetowneMedFaire.com.

commitment they bring to the stage. Their

HOGGETOWNE MEDIEVAL FAIRE

repertoire traverses well-loved masterpieces

Saturday, January 14 and Sunday, January

to newly composed works of the 21st century.

15, from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

GAINESVILLE ORCHESTRA PRESENTS: STRAVINSKY PETROUSHKA

performingarts.ufl.edu

Saturday, January 21 and Sunday, January

Friday February 17, 2023 7:30 - 9:30 p.m.

are characterized by the passion, energy, and

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Santa Fe College Jackson N. Sasser Fine

mesmerizing audiences with an evening of

Arts Hall

grandeur. Every time you think one piece is

Gainesville– A ruby 40th Anniversary Gala

the peak of a performance, another player

with special guest artist Kyle Driggs and

commands the audience’s attention! UpStage

Andrea Murillo from Cirque du Soleil and

is an intimate, cabaret-style setting on the

the Big Apple Circus with other surprising

Phillips Center Mainstage. The 7 p.m. seating

guests. Capping off the celebration will be

include heavy hors d’oeuvres and cash bar; 9

Stravinsky’s sparkling and beloved folk suite

p.m. seating include desserts and cash bar.

“Petroushka.” 352-336-5448 or

performingarts.ufl.edu

Gainesvilleorchestra.com

Thursday, January 19 from 6 p.m. – 10 p.m.

GAINESVILLE ORCHESTRA PRESENTS: RAVEL DAPHNIS AND CHLOE!

Gainesville Woman’s Club, 2809 W

Friday, January 20, from 7:30 - 9:30 p.m.

University Ave.

Santa Fe College, Jackson N. Sasser Fine

GAINESVILLE – Join the Sunrise Rotary Club

Arts Hall, 3000 NW 83 St.

SUNSHINE STATE BOOK FESTIVAL

of Gainesville for a rollicking good time at their

GAINESVILLE – Dive into Ravel’s lush,

Friday, January 27 – Saturday, January 28

annual fundraiser! This year, they’re hosting

romantic suite full of passion, beauty, pirates,

Trinity United Methodist Church, 4000

a Dueling Pianos Dinner featuring the insane

Gods, and love. Then, revel in GO principal

NW 53rd Ave.

musical talents of Brad Heron Entertainment

trombonist Jemmie Robertson’s dulcet

GAINESVILLE – Welcome to the 2023

and the Keys Grill & Piano Bar. Dinner will be

tones in a special concerto. 352-336-5448

Sunshine State Book Festival—bringing

catered by the incomparable Chef Bert Gill.

or gainesvilleorchestra.com

readers and writers together again for

DUELING PIANOS DINNER

Tickets are $100 each. Proceeds from the

the fourth year. This year’s festival will

GATOR COLLEGIATE CATTLEWOMEN BEEF DINNER 2023

feature 150 authors writing in 15 genres.

Saturday, January 21 at 5:30 p.m.

of four novels, a regional cookbook, and

INTERNATIONAL GUITAR NIGHT XXIII

Rustic Oaks Ranch, 27317 Northwest 78th Ave.

a book of nonfiction. She will speak on

HIGH SPRINGS – Beef Dinner is an annual

Saturday, January 28, 2023 at 1:00 p.m.

Friday, January 20 at 7 p.m. and 9 p.m.

sit down dinner of beef and sides hosted

sunshinestatebookfestival.com

Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Rd.

by the ladies of GCCW. This event serves

GAINESVILLE – The intercontinental super-

as their primary fundraiser. Funds raised

group of four acoustic guitarists has returned

allow our ladies to travel the state and

for its 23rd year of touring. The guitar greats

nation to participate in educational events,

take the stage displaying their individual

conventions, philanthropy, and much more.

BLOOMING IN SHADES OF PINK FUNDRAISING GALA

diverse styles and then perform together,

gator-collegiate-cattlewomen.square.site

Saturday, January 21 from 7 – 11 p.m.

event will fund many of the club’s projects and charitable giving. gainesvillesunriserotary.org

This year’s keynote address will be given by Janis Owens, notable author

Cade Museum for Creativity and Invention

FUN WITH FLOWERS

GAINESVILLE – This event is to fundraise, bring awareness to our community and celebrate our Breast Cancer Butterflies while

Tuesday, January 17 from

enjoying a night of elegance, fashion show,

10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

live band, silent auction and more! Come

Gainesville Garden Club,

fundraise with Blossoming Butterfly, Inc. as

1350 NW 75th St.

they turn the city PINK.

GAINESVILLE – Join the

This is a formal affair and event hosts ask

Gainesville Garden Club

everyone wear pink. This event is free to

for their fun with flowers

breast cancer patients that are currently

event. Social gathering and

receiving treatment. Please make sure that

coffee and refreshments

person’s name is on the ticket. Dinner and

begin at 9:30 a.m. and a

drinks are included with admission tickets.

guided session with a local

blossomingbutterflyinc.org

florist begins at 10 a.m.

Tickets are $21. ggcfl.org

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ROMEO AND JULIET

will occur around sunset, if the bats are in

unhappy Kirbys. The plot shows how Tony,

Friday, January 27 – Sunday, February 12

residence. swamphead.com

attractive young son of the Kirbys, falls in love with Alice Sycamore and brings his parents

Gainesville Community Playhouse, 4039 NW 16th Blvd.

MITCH MCKAY

to dine at the Sycamore home on the wrong

GAINESVILLE – An age-old vendetta between

Wednesday, February 1 from 7:30 – 9:30 p.m.

evening. highspringsplayhouse.com

two powerful families erupts into bloodshed.

Santa Fe College, 3000 NW 83 St.

A group of masked Montagues risk further

GAINESVILLE – Pianist Mitch McKay will

SPRINGS RUN 7.2K & FEST

conflict by gatecrashing a Capulet party.

open the 2022-2023 Santa Fe College

Saturday, February 4 from 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.

A young, lovesick Romeo Montague falls

(SF) performing arts series in a concert of

First Magnitude Brewing Company,

instantly in love with Juliet Capulet who is

classical music at 7:30 p.m. in the Jackson

1220 SE Veitch St.

due to marry her father’s choice, the County

N. Sasser Fine Arts Hall at the Northwest

GAINESVILLE – It’s back again: The Springs

Paris. gcplayhouse.org

Campus. Tickets are $15 for adults; $9 for

Run! Run, beer, party. Make it 7.2K around

seniors, students, military service members

Depot Park and down the Hawthorne trail

THE ELABORATE ENTRANCE OF CHAD DEITY BY KRISTOFFER DIAZ

and children 12 and under; and free for SF

and you will be rewarded with brews, music,

students, faculty and staff with college ID

friends, and fun. Raise money for springs pro-

cards. Tickets are available from the Fine Arts

tection and get your sweat on. Once again, the

Friday, January 27 – Sunday, February 12

Hall box office at 352-395-4181 or online at

run will be followed by an all day festival with

(Previews Wednesday, January 25 and

showpass.com/mitch-mckay

beer releases, music, vendors, and whatever other shenanigans our team dreams up. The

Thursday, January 26) The Hippodrome, 25 SE 2nd Pl.

STOMP – PERCUSSION

race starts at 11:00 a.m. at First Magnitude

GAINESVILLE – A big, brash, outrageous,

Friday, February 3 at 7:30 p.m.

and goes down the Hawthorne Trail. All prof-

brilliantly written, astonishingly realized,

Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Rd.

its will benefit the Florida Springs Institute.

altogether electric play about smashing

GAINESVILLE – STOMP is explosive, inventive,

fmbrewing.com

stereotypes and wrestling with the American

provocative, witty, and utterly unique— an

Dream. thehipp.org

unforgettable experience for audiences

VALENTINE’S DAY SWING DANCE

of all ages. The international percussion

Friday, February 10 from 6:30 – 10 p.m.

FLATWOODS FIRE & NATURE FESTIVAL

sensation has garnered armfuls of awards

Santa Fe College, 3000 NW 83 St.

and rave reviews and has appeared on

GAINESVILLE – Treat your sweetheart to

Saturday, January 28 from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

numerous national television shows.

a new Valentine’s tradition. Swing classes

UF / IFAS Austin Cary Forest,

performingarts.ufl.edu

begin at 6 p.m. and swing dancing with the band goes on into the night with the Santa

10625 NE Waldo Rd. forests and the role of fire in maintaining

YOU CAN’T TAKE IT WITH YOU

and enhancing their beauty, diversity, and

Friday, February 3 – Sunday, February 26

habitat value. Activities include educational

High Springs Playhouse, 23416 NW 186 Ave.

exhibits and activities; live animals; prescribed

HIGH SPRINGS – At first the Sycamores seem

HIGH SPRINGS FROZEN FOOT 5K

burn demonstrations; food trucks; live music

mad, but it is not long before we realize that if

Saturday, February 11 at 9 a.m.

and more. sfrc.ifas.ufl.edu/forestcampus

they are mad, the rest of the world is madder.

High Springs Sports Complex,

In contrast to these delightful people are the

19499 NW 238th St.

GAINESVILLE – A celebration of Florida’s

Fe College Big Band, under the direction of Dr. David Smith.

BATS AND BREWS Saturday, January 28 from 12 – 4:30 p.m.

Swamp Head Brewery, 3650 SW 42nd Ave.

education animals (including bats) and learn

SPIDERS ALIVE! EXHIBIT OPENING DAY

more about bats and their fascinating and

Saturday, January 28, at 10 a.m.

important animal friends. Activities for all

Florida Museum of Natural History,

ages. After 4 p.m., the Lubee education ani-

3215 Hull Road

mals will head home for dinner. However,

GAINESVILLE – Take an eight-legged walk on the wild side with Spiders Alive! This exciting

stay put and cross your fingers that the bats

exhibit dives into the world of spiders, scorpions and their relatives with more than a dozen

of the Swamp Head Bat House will grace us

LIVE species from around the world on display. Discover the unique traits and characteristics

all with their emergence. Lubee’s staff will

of this diverse group of animals at this interactive, family-friendly experience! Exhibit on

be around during this time to answer any of

display from January 28 through September 4. floridamuseum.ufl.edu

GAINESVILLE – Join Swamp Head Brewery for this free event and meet some of Lubee’s

your bat related questions. The emergence 104 |

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JAN/FEB 2023

HONEY SENSORY ANALYSIS WORKSHOP

THE EDUCATION GALA EDUCATION FOUNDATION OF ALACHUA COUNTY

Friday, February 17 from 6 – 9 p.m.

Saturday, February 25 from 6 – 9 p.m.

Saturday, February 18 from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Hilton University of Florida Conference

UF IFAS Honey Bee Research and Extension

Center, 1714 SW 34th St.

Laboratory, 1881 Natural Area Dr.

GAINESVILLE – The 12th Annual Night

GAINESVILLE – Event will consist of two

Education Gala presented by Florida Credit

workshops that dive into Honey Sensory Training.

Union will feature the talents of Alachua

Workshop 1 will cover Honey Sensory Analysis:

County Public School Students with a

History & Technique and Workshop 2 will go over

Phantom of the Opera Masquerade theme, and

Honey Crystallization and Defects. Workshop

will include a happy hour and dinner. Proceeds

presented by Raffaele Dall’Olio, Italian Register

from the event will be used to support the

of Experts in the Sensory Analysis of Honey. A

work of The Education Foundation. Tickets

certificate of participation will be awarded to

are $150 per person; attire: Semi-formal

those attending. entnemdept.ufl.edu

masquerade ball. edfoundationac.org/ the-education-gala

HIGH SPRINGS – It’s time for another Frozen

Santa Fe College, Jackson N. Sasser Fine

Foot 5K! Wind through the High Springs Sports

Arts Hall, 3000 NW 83 St.

Complex, around Bailey Estates and back into

GAINESVILLE – A ruby 40th Anniversary Gala

town. This run offers something for everyone

with special guest artist Kyle Driggs and

with varying terrains and elevation gains.

Andrea Murillo from Cirque du Soleil and the

Check-in is at 8 a.m. and the race starts at

Big Apple Circus with other surprising guests.

9 a.m. highsprings.us/parksrec

Capping off the celebration will be Stravinsky’s sparkling and beloved folk suite “Petroushka.”

MOMIX: ALICE

352-336-5448 or Gainesvilleorchestra.com

Saturday, February 11, 2023 at 7:30 p.m.

MOMIX-style with their newest creation,

DANCE ALIVE NATIONAL BALLET PRESENTS HORSE OF A DIFFERENT COLOR

DISNEY’S WINNIE THE POOH

Alice, inspired by the classic story Alice in

Saturday, February 18 at 7:30 p.m.

Sunday, February 19 at 2 p.m.

Wonderland. As Alice’s body grows and shrinks

Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Rd.

Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Rd.

and grows again, dancers extend themselves

GAINESVILLE – Riding off into a different

GAINESVILLE – A new adventure is

by means of props, ropes, and other dancers.

realm, Dance Alive does contemporary!

coming to UFPA, Disney’s iconic Winnie

For more than 40 years, the international

This performance showcases the thrill and

the Pooh, Christopher Robin, and their

dance company is known for presenting

excitement of change! With choreography by

best friends Piglet, Eeyore, Kanga, Roo,

exceptional ingenuity and physical beauty

guest artists, Company members and resident

Rabbit, and Owl (oh… and don’t forget

combined with the most imaginative, and

choreographers, the evening includes Judy

Tigger, too)! The characters we know and

innovative styles. performingarts.ufl.edu

Skinner’s awe-inspiring Ellis Island, and is

love come to life in a beautifully crafted

set to music be Stella Sung. performingarts.

musical stage adaptation. Featuring

ufl.edu

the Sherman Brothers’ classic Grammy

Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Road GAINESVILLE – Travel down the rabbit hole

GAINESVILLE VEG FEST

Award-winning music with further songs

Sunday, February 12, from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Depot Park, 874 Southeast 4 St.

WINDS GO POP!

by A.A. Milne. This beautifully fresh

GAINESVILLE – Free general admission for

Thursday, February 23 from 7:30 – 9:30 p.m.

stage variation is told with stunning

this fun outdoor annual festival featuring tons

Santa Fe College, 3000 NW 83 St.

life-sized puppetry through the eyes

of plant based food for purchase, wonderful

GAINESVILLE – For an enchanting musical

of our favorite characters, in a new

presenters all day and an amazing vibe.

evening, join us for the SF Winds Go Pop

story from the Hundred Acre Wood.

aplantbaseddiet.org/gainesville-veg-fest/

concert presenting an evening of traditional

performingarts.ufl.edu

concert band classics featuring solo

GAINESVILLE ORCHESTRA PRESENTS: STRAVINSKY PETROUSHKA

performers and small ensembles all under the direction of Dr. David Smith. showpass. com/o/santa-fe-college

Friday, February 17, from 7:30 – 9:30 p.m.

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NORTH CENTRAL FLORIDA BLUES SOCIETY’S BLUES ON THE PATIO

social skills in nature while allowing them

GAINESVILLE – Join the Santa Fe College

to express themselves through chalk art.

Teaching Zoo and the Alachua County Library

depotpark.org

every 3rd Wednesday of the month for Story Time at the Zoo! Story time is held in front of

Sunday, February 26 at 7 p.m.

A. Quinn Jones Museum & Cultural Center,

JAZZ ON THE GREEN

the zoo on the lawn and is free for all to attend.

1013 NW 7th Ave.

Second Saturdays from 7– 9 p.m.

If you’d like to visit the zoo after story time,

GAINESVILLE – The Blues are the roots of

Celebration Pointe,

tickets are $8 for adults; $5 for children ages

African American music today. An exploration

5001 Celebration Pointe Ave. Suite 140

4-12, seniors over 60 and UF student and staff

of this genre gives rise to Gospel, County

GAINESVILLE – Join Celebration Point every

with Gator 1 card; and free for children 3 and

and folk traditional arts. On the patio, the

second Saturday of the month for live music,

under. Zoo Members and Santa Fe College

bi-monthly series features local blues

food, drinks and more! Spread a blanket under

students, staff and faculty with SF ID are free.

artist. This series will provide a network of

the setting sun, and catch some beautiful

sfcollege.edu/zoo

association for area Blues lovers and build

music on the green. celebrationpointe.com

upon the Blues in the Schools program by encouraging youth participation. aqjmuseum.org

GAINESVILLE CARS & COFFEE

DOWNTOWN HIGH SPRINGS ARTWALK Third Saturdays from 12– 5 p.m.

Second Sundays from 9 – 11 a.m.

Downtown High Springs

Whole Foods Market, 3490 SW Archer Rd.

HIGH SPRINGS – Art Walk features local

GAINESVILLE – A gathering for automotive

artists and makers situated both inside

HAILE EQUESTRIAN RIDE & WINE

enthusiasts of all types from exotics and

stores and on the sidewalks of downtown.

classics to imports and jalopies. The meet

Some locations feature live painting and

First Fridays at 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.

is free to attend; coffee will be provided to

demonstrations. This seasonal monthly event

Haile Equestrian, 7680 SW 46th Blvd.

attendees, as well as breakfast items for sale.

is an opportunity for local artisans and artists

GAINESVILLE – Enjoy an adults-only evening

gainesvillecarsandcoffee.com

to demonstrate and display their talents

RECURRING EVENTS

of horseback riding, wine, charcuterie and

and offer their works for sale in storefronts

great conversations with us. All riding levels

STORY TIME AT THE ZOO

throughout the downtown area. Participating

welcome. Tickets are $75 per-person.

Third Wednesdays from 10:30 a.m. – 11 a.m.

host merchants also offer specials and sales

haileequestrian.com/events

Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo,

during the event. highsprings.us

3000 NW 83rd St.

GUIDED WALK AT KANAPAHA First Saturdays from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Kanapaha Botanical Gardens, 4700 SW 58th Dr. GAINESVILLE – Enjoy a guided tour through Kanapaha Botanical Gardens starting at 10 am the first Saturday of every month. Regular admission price applies for non-members. kanapaha.org

CHALK THE WALK Second and Fourth Tuesdays Depot Park, 200 SE Depot Ave. GAINESVILLE – Chalk the Walk is a free public program hosted at Depot Park on the second and four Tuesday of the month. Chalk the Walk is designed for children ages 2-5 years old. At 10 am children (accompanied by a guardian)

MACRAMÉ WORKSHOP

will meet a park ambassador at a table in

Fourth Saturdays from 3 – 5 p.m.

the designated area. That ambassador will

High Springs Creates, 23625 W U.S. Hwy 27

provide Chalk, and instruction, and will be

HIGH SPRINGS – Join us every fourth Saturday for a 2 hour macramé class with Be Kind

available to answer any questions that you

Twine! You will learn the art of knot tying while creating a plant hanger for your new plant!

may have. Chalk the Walk is a fun outdoor

Plants and pots will be available for purchase from Unique Notions & The Plant Plugs.

experience that allows children to develop

facebook.com/HighSpringsCreates

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PLAYLIST AT THE POINTE Fourth Fridays from 7 – 9 p.m.

Celebration Pointe, 5001 Celebration Pointe Ave. GAINESVILLE – A music event that offers an eclectic mix of music from a variety of genres – country, rock, soul and more. celebrationpointe.com

GAINESVILLE SHRINE CLUB MARKETPLACE Fourth Saturdays from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Gainesville Shrine Club, 8100 SW Archer Rd. GAINESVILLE – The Gainesville Shrine

BIRD WALKS AT THE WETLANDS

Club’s MarketPlace is a yard sale/ flea

Wednesdays from 8:30 – 11 a.m.

market with proceeds benefiting the local

Sweetwater Wetlands Park, 325 SW Williston Rd.

Shrine Club. Contact David Jones at 336-

GAINESVILLE – Discover the rich diversity of birds at one of north central Florida’s premier

430-910 to reserve your vendor spot.

birding hotspots during a 2-3-hour guided walking tour. Join us to see why Sweetwater

gainesvilleshrineclub.org

Wetlands Park is the most popular birding destination in the Gainesville area. Walks are free with park admission fee ($5/vehicle) and are offered every Wednesday morning

BARNYARD BUDDIES

from September 1st though the end of May. alachuaaudubon.org

Wednesdays from 3 – 4 p.m.

(September – May) Morningside Nature Center,

vendors, fresh produce, live music and craft

bags, your grocery list, and plenty of small

3540 E University Ave.

beer. gnvmarket.com

bills. This market prides itself on being a

GAINESVILLE – Morningside Living History

grower’s only market – meaning the vendors selling produce, plants and other products

Barnyard Buddies program! This one-hour

HIGH SPRINGS FARMERS MARKET

program is free, but online pre-registration

Fridays from 3 – 7 p.m.

441market.com

through Eventbrite is required on a first-

23517 NW 185th Rd.

come-first-served basis. Youngsters, with

HIGH SPRINGS – Florida grown fruit,

HAILE FARMERS MARKET

an adult, can meet and greet farm animals

vegetables, dairy and meats as well as honey,

Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.

by helping staff with afternoon feeding on

handmade treats and more. The Farmers

Haile Plantation Village

the Living History Farm. September – May.

Market is produced by The City of High

GAINESVILLE – Take a stroll down the tree-

Springs. highsprings.us/farmersmarket

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

Farm is hosting an in-person, socially distant

RUNNING TABS Wednesdays at 6:15 p.m.

PARKRUN 5K AT DEPOT PARK

First Magnitude Brewing Company,

Saturdays at 7:30 a.m.

1220 SE Veitch St.

Depot Park, 200 SE Depot Ave.

GAINESVILLE – Running Tabs is a fun, open

GAINESVILLE – Parkrun is a free, weekly, timed

group aimed at promoting runners and

5K at Depot Park. Participants can walk, jog

the running community throughout the

or run. The community is encouraged to get

Gainesville area. Runs are free and open to

active at their fitness and ability level. Parkrun

runners of all ages and fitness levels. If you’re

is a global movement that started in the UK

looking for a running group to help you get into

and quickly spread across the world. Every

running or to improve your race performance,

Saturday over 1,700 events occur with more

give us a shot. fmbrewing.com

than 150,000 participants globally. parkrun.

GNV MARKET

us/depotpark

Heartwood Soundstage, 619 South Main St.

ALACHUA COUNTY FARMERS’ MARKET

GAINESVILLE – The GNV Market is

Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Gainesville’s Downtown farmers market every

5920 NW 13th St.

Thursday from 4-7 p.m. Featuring over 40

GAINESVILLE – Don’t forget to bring shopping

Thursdays from 4– 7 p.m.

must have grown the items themselves.

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ART FROM THE HEART

A GAINESVILLE ARTIST LEAVES HER MARK ON THE COMMUNITY

Mural, Mural On the Wall S T O R Y A N D P H O T O G R A P H Y B Y E M I LY M AV R A K I S

JENNA HORNER FELL IN LOVE WITH MURAL PAINTING FROM THE VERY FIRST TIME SHE CLIMBED UP ONTO SCAFFOLDING. Armed with a collection of paint and brushes, as well as a bachelor of fine arts degree from the University of Florida, Horner was one of the first artists to complete a project with 352walls, also known as the Gainesville Urban Art Project, in 2014. “I love spaces and I love people, so being able to start making art that was actually affecting people’s energy and atmospheres became my objective,” she said. Her painting of a figure whose face is turning into a sunflower and looking up into the sky is still viewable near Depot Park and Main Street. “These murals are all faded and flaking off paint at this point, but this very first mural always reminds me of how far I have come when it catches my eye, reminding me to keep growing and learning,” Horner said.

Since then, the artist has been putting her stamp on

businesses, organizations and homes throughout Alachua County for the past nine years, completing dozens of murals at popular locations like Luke’s New York Bagels, Cilantro Tacos in Tioga Town Center, the 4th Ave. Food Park and First Magnitude Brewing Company. Now an established artist, she’s hoping to inspire an appreciation for art among young Floridians through her new non-profit business endeavor.

STORYTELLING THROUGH URB AN ART Depending on the size and scope of the project, Horner’s murals can take between six to nine months to design and complete. Factors including business hours and Florida’s unpredictable weather play a role in the timelines of her outdoor murals. “It’s either really, really hot or it’s raining,” she said.

“Always kind of a whirlwind to work with that.”

In recent years, businesses have approached Horner with an interest to connect and bring art into their spaces. One of these JAN/FEB 2023 OUR TOWN MAGAZINE

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JENNA HORNER >> LOCAL MURALIST

Depending on the size and scope of the project, Horner’s murals can take between six to nine months to design and complete.

businesses includes Luke’s New York Bagels, whose whimsical mural featuring oversized and colorful bagels serves as a popular Instagram backdrop for customers. Horner has returned to another nearby location, First Magnitude, several times to add flair to the brewery’s atmosphere. Christine Denny, First Magnitude’s president and owner, met Horner through mutual friends shortly after the brewery opened in 2014. Denny said she was drawn to Horner’s vibrant art style and commissioned her to complete their first mural on site, which depicts people riding their bikes along the nearby Hawthorne Trail. Over the past eight years, Horner has completed two additional murals at the brewery.

“I love the way she depicts Florida and Gainesville-area natural places. She has a real knack for understanding what works in those spaces, and I love to see how her work has evolved,” Denny said. “Since she’s done her murals for us at three different times, they have three different looks and feels.” Denny said her favorite piece of Horner’s work at the brewery is probably the

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large-scale mural recently completed in the warehouse that shows Florida flora, butterflies, waterways and a night sky. The left side of the warehouse is inscribed with the message “Great beer. Great people. Great outdoors.”

Even though several of Horner’s murals contain a memorable mantra, she admitted that painting letters is her least favorite component of muraling — though she’s warming up to it. A yoga instructor for the past five years, she connects the messages she creates for her artwork — “Just be nice,” “Stay connected,” “Just a reminder that beauty is around us and within us,” — to the mantra she tells her students at the end of each yoga class: “Be kind to yourself; you matter. Be kind to others; they matter.”

Above all else, Horner views herself as a storyteller. “I’ve always believed in the power of words,” she said. “So I really love this idea of creating a marriage between words and images, coming together to uplift and unify people within atmospheres.

That’s the goal.”

I N S P I R I N G T H E N E X T G E N E R AT I O N Now, Horner is using her artistic talents and passion for mindfulness that she developed as a yoga instructor to bring hands-on opportunities to create art to Florida’s schools.

Through her nonprofit, Mindful Messages, Horner and other visual artists will visit schools to create individualized murals, completed with the assistance of students. In yoga, mindfulness is connected to breathing and the idea of connecting with your body in the present moment, rather than letting your mind wander to thoughts about your past actions and expectations for the future. Horner said mindfulness and breathwork helped both her mental state and creative work, and now she wants to use what she’s learned to inspire a new generation of artists.

“ So I really love this idea of creating a marriage between words and images, coming together to uplift and unify people within atmospheres. That’s the goal.”

“It was very challenging my whole academic career to push through all the subjects that are really pushed onto children to succeed in. And unfortunately, arts have been even more neglected since then,” Horner said. “So my focus really with this is to create spaces that allow for visiting visual artists to come and do interactive and collaborative work with students so that they get the opportunity to have tactile, hands-on involvement. The schools get permanent fixtures in this with the schools themselves that get aesthetically upgraded…the artwork itself kind of speaks volumes energetically to whoever’s engaging with that space.”

Some of the Gainesville schools Horner has already partnered with include Gainesville High, Joseph Williams Elementary and PACE Center For Girls, an all-girl alternative school. The PACE Center received a grant from State Farm to teach transportation safety to students using art and collaborated with Horner on a project, said Anthony J. Pierce, the community engagement manager for the PACE Center. The final project shows a bus traveling down a purple road, a colorful-spoked bicycle with a basket full of flowers on a sidewalk, a field of flowers and a stop sign with a heart in the middle. A message at the center of the mural reads “Protect, love, serve.”

Pierce said the project was meaningful for the students because they often worked on the mural with other students who they didn’t know well. “They could connect with people they hadn’t before,” he said. “Now, they can walk past the mural on the wall and say, ‘I did that.’ I hope this experience is a lesson of self-advocacy and shows our students that beautiful things come from working with other people.”

PHOTO: TAELYNN CHRISTOPHER

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SPOTLIGHT

RESCUE ANIMAL ADOPTIONS

Furever Friends

ANNA, ALAYNA AND JOSEPH

Hi there, my name’s Joseph. That’s me, the bunny front and center. Yeah; I tend to bring that main character energy into every photo I take. I bet you’re wondering how I got here.

Well, I was living in a shelter when I was first brought to the Gainesville Rabbit Rescue. When I arrived, I wasn’t in the best shape since I was bullied by my siblings and was dubbed the runt of the litter. It wasn’t long after I made myself comfortable at the rescue that I overheard my caretakers mention how the world was shutting down – I’m not really sure what they meant, but I guess it was a pretty big deal because they started looking for foster families for all of us. I was placed with the Ahmed family, who never cared for a rabbit before but offered a helping hand. Little did they know, their first bunny foster would be a foster fail.

Unlike my rabbit ancestors, I wasn’t afraid of anything in my new home – except maybe those pesky hardwood floors. On my first day home with the Ahmed family, the rescue thought I would hide away in my cage, but how could I when I had all this space and was finally free! I ran zoomies around the rug, eagerly greeted their dog, Hunter, and rubbed my nose on Anna – the mom of the family – her husband – who was initially hesitant about my arrival until that first day frenzy – and their three kids. Though everyone was loving and affectionate toward me, I immediately bonded with their 10-year-old daughter, Alayna, who has become my best friend and is still the only one I let pick me up. When we aren’t snuggling together to watch a movie or playing a game on her tablet, she’ll offer me some of my favorite snacks like bananas and parsley they grow in the garden or she’ll show me things like how to make slime!

Even though Alayna is home schooled, she can’t play with me the whole day so when she’s busy I’ll take a nap under the couch, relax with Hunter, who’s become a great companion, and do my best to avoid the newest addition to the Ahmed family: Romeo the cat. It’s not that I don’t like cats, he’s just so annoying. He always wants to play and I just want to be lazy and left alone.

That’s why I like Hunter, he keeps to himself and doesn’t bother me, while Romeo is always up in my personal space and then I have to grunt at him like I’m the bad guy. You’d think he’d learn by now. Cats, what can ya do?

Don’t get me wrong though, I don’t sleep all day. Once everyone else goes to sleep for the night, I get the run of the house – and I mean that literally. I will sprint across those rugs!

I can’t believe it’s already been two years since I was adopted. That’s longer than I lived in the shelter! I just hope my other bunny friends find their furever homes too. Who knows, it may even be through fostering! That’s one thing my family always mentions is the benefit of fostering. They never expected to adopt me, but fostering showed them that I was a perfect match. And now, I’m part of the family.

If you’re interested in adopting a bunny from Gainesville Rabbit Rescue, visit their website at gainesvillerabbitrescue.org.

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. JAN/FEB 2023 OUR TOWN MAGAZINE

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THANK YOU TO EVERYONE THAT SUPPORTED

We appreciate your help to create new futures for women and families with children.

Thank you for your ongoing support and compassion for those most in need!

THANK YOU to all of our sponsors, Agents of Change, silent auction contributors, volunteers and everyone who made the event a success!

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