/OTNB-Spring2012

MUTTS & PUPS FESTIVAL | FARM TO FAMILY | O’LENO ANNUAL EVENTS

Spring 2012

FRE EE E TA TAKE KE EO NE NE ONE FREE

Rally Score Volleyball club takes young players to the next level

NEWBERRY SOLAR

YEAR OF THE GIRL

City takes steps toward going green

Locally and nationwide, Girl Scouts celebrate 100 years

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CONTENTS SPRING 2012 • VOL. 10 ISSUE 01

>> FEATURES 22

40

The Secret of Progress

80

Biotechnological Wonders at Progress Corporate Park

A Local Eco-Camp and Learning Center

BY JENNIFER RIEK

BY AMANDA WILLIAMSON

Raider Regiment Marching Band

88

BY MARY KYPREOS

BY TINA PRIZAMENT

Chili Pots & Nature Walks O’Leno State Park’s Annual Events

BY JENNIFER RIEK

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Setting the Standard Taking Volleyball Players to the Next Level

BY JANICE C. KAPLAN

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Spring Awakening Dudley Farm Comes Alive with Plantings and Blossoms

Teaching More Than Music

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Live Green

94

Moon Over High Springs The Farm to Family Festival

BY DESIREE FARNUM

134 Dramatic Paws Mutts and Pups Festival is Coming to Town

BY MARLEY ANDRETTI

ON THE COVER

PHOTO BY TJ MORRISSEY / LOTUS STUDIOS

Volleyball player Eboni Harris graces the cover of this edition of the Newberry & Jonesville magazine.

Eboni is a key member of the Gainesville Juniors, a volleyball team composed of young athletes from the cities of Newberry, High Springs and Gainesville.

>> ALTERNATIVE ENERGY

34

Shine On

By Amanda Williamson

Newberry Takes Steps Toward Going Green

Newberry Solar Power In January, the City of Newberry held a Green Celebration at the EastonNewberry Sports Complex announcing the facility’s brand new solar panel array. The event included a ribbon cutting and also offered workshops to teach visitors about the use of solar energy.

BY AMANDA WILLIAMSON

I

n the City of Newberry, the sun has taken on a whole new meaning. No longer just a symbol of summer fun, sandy beaches and yellow bikinis, the sun means energy — renewable, green energy.

On Jan. 23, Newberry hosted its “Green Celebration” to recognize the recent addition of photovoltaic solar panels to the EastonNewberry Sports Complex. The day consisted of two workshops and a ceremonial ribbon cutting.

The workshops, one held in the morning and one in the evening, provided an opportunity for those in attendance to learn about solar energy from the professionals who

installed the solar panels, Solar Source, a Largo-based company.

Prior to cutting the ribbon, Mayor Bill Conrad said solar power does not contribute to global warming.

“It’s clean, it’s green,” he said.

Conrad said the solar panels, consisting of 42 PV modules mounted on the roof of the building, would save the city $1,600 a year. In the future, the Mayor hopes to see the Sports Complex used as a hurricane shelter. The solar panels provide five percent of the necessary power used to operate the building; and in an emergency, that would be enough to power telephones, computers and other such devices.

Jeremiah Rohr, the employee of Solar Source who conducted the

evening workshop, said solar panels have a lifespan of forty or more years. When the lifespan expires, the panels are completely recyclable.

Photovoltaic solar cells produce energy by converting rays of light — the visible light spectrum — into energy. Thermal solar panels capture heat to warm a house’s supply of water, which can then be used for laundry, showering or dish washing.

A thermal hot water heater will pay for itself in two years, Rohr said. It should decrease an electricity bill by 30 to 40 percent.

“If you’ve owned your home for ten years, you’ve probably

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>> LEADERSHIP

74

Year of the Girl

By Janice C. Kaplan

Centennial Celebration for Girl Scouts of America

Girl Scout Centennial

STORY BY JANICE C. KAPLAN PHOTOGRAPHY BY TJ MORRISSEY

“The Year of the Girl.” The Girl Scouts of America are celebrating a century of scouting this year. In March of 1912, the very first American Girl Guides troop got together -- later becoming Girl Scouts -- and the group has been going strong ever since.

On my honor, I will try To serve God and my country, To help people at all times, And to live by the Girl Scout Law.

T

his is the Girl Scout Promise, a refrain echoed by more than 3 million girls around the world as they start their meetings — and it all began with one woman, 100 years ago.

At the start of the 20th century, Juliette Gordon Lowe was at a crossroads in her life. She had spent the previous years married to a wealthy Englishman and helping her mother organize a convalescent hospital for wounded Spanish-American War soldiers. But facing the end of the war and a failing marriage (and ultimately, the death of her husband in 1905), Lowe felt lacking in purpose.

All that changed in 1911 when she met Sir Robert Baden-Powell, founder of the Scouting Movement and the Girl Guides in Great Britain.

Gordon Lowe became fascinated by the programs and realized that this could change the lives of girls everywhere. Months later she called a friend to share her idea and begin work on a similar program in the United States.

On March 12 of the following year, 18 girls gathered in Savannah, Georgia to register and form the very first American Girl Guides troop (the organization changed its name to Girl Scouts in 1913).

Junior Girl Scout Troop 1893 BACK ROW (L-R): Katie Shays, Abby Carey, Abby McLeavy, Ashley Carroll, Erin Baker and Laura Byers.

MIDDLE ROW (L-R): Julia Lanni, Co-Leader Nancy Lanni, Co-Leader Missy Baker and Samantha Garcia.

FRONT ROW (L-R): Taylor Carey, K’dasjah Carter, Destiny Perkins, Kaylee Mines and Abby Hill.

In the century since, Girl Scouting has grown to more than 3 million members throughout the world, uniting girls of every background to serve their communities in times of need, and to prepare them for whatever the future might hold.

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“We’re here to build leaders, to help girls develop critical thinking skills and a strong sense of themselves,” said Nancy White, director of communications for the Girl Scouts of Gateway Council, the organization that oversees scouting

in the North Central Florida area.

“In doing this, girls feel connected to their communities, locally and globally. They learn to identify community needs and act on them.

And they educate and inspire other people to act as well.”

With its 100th anniversary this year — proclaimed “The Year of the Girl” — the Girl Scouts movement is as strong as ever, both nationally and locally. The Gateway Council serves around 25,000 girls in 16 counties, from the youngest Daisy troops

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>> LAWS OF ATTRACTION

150

It’s a Jungle Out There

By Felicia Lee

Laws of Attraction

Local Homeowners Bring Florida’s Wild Wonders Home

From Jonesville to Gainesville to High Springs, these folks attract all kinds of birds and butterflies into their backyards. Learn how you too can invite these colorful critters to your home in this informative article, offering tips on birdfeed, bathing ponds, and proper plantings.

BY FELICIA LEE

F

or nature lovers, North Central Florida is a great place to live. Local outdoors aficionados know that a bike ride along the GainesvilleHawthorne Trail, a stroll through Paynes Prairie or a lazy morning of tubing down the Ichetucknee are easy ways to enjoy the sight of bison, sandhill cranes or river otters without wandering far from home.

Gainesville resident Scott Flamand and Jonesville resident Ron Robinson are well aware of this. Both are board members of the Alachua Audubon Society and are familiar with the region’s wealth of flora and fauna.

Both know the area’s birding hotspots inside out and have ready knowledge of which birds and animals can be found in any one of these places.

But when they really want good, close looks at native plants and dozens of local bird and butterfly species, they and many other savvy locals turn to an even more convenient spot: their own backyards.

Flamand caught the backyard-birding bug during his

student days at the University of Florida and has never recovered. It began during his junior year, he said, when he discovered that his apartment had a wooded area in the back. He put a bird feeder by the backdoor.

“I actually got a lot of birds there,” he said.

Today, Flamand’s attractively manicured backyard just west of Gainesville boasts 18 bird feeders, 38 species of native trees and plants, and several nest boxes of different sizes to welcome local birds. Like many serious birders, he keeps lists of birds he has seen and reports that his backyard bird list for the year already includes 27 species, including owls, woodpeckers, cardinals and bright-orange Baltimore orioles. (A flock of nine orioles has been visiting his yard regularly this past winter.) Keeping them company are raccoons,

PHOTO BY KATHY MALONE

Florida butterflies are attracted to Florida plants.

This phaon crescent is feeding on its host plant, fogfruit, a native groundcover.

150 | Spring 2012

The articles printed in Our Town Magazine™ 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. © 2012 Tower Publications, Inc.

www.VisitOurTowns.com

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Published quarterly by Tower Publications, Inc. www.towerpublications.com

PUBLISHER Charlie Delatorre charlie@towerpublications.com EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Albert Isaac editor@towerpublications.com fax: 1-800-967-7382 OFFICE MANAGER Bonita Delatorre bonita@towerpublications.com ART DIRECTOR Hank McAfee hank@towerpublications.com GRAPHIC DESIGN Neil McKinney neil@towerpublications.com PHOTO BY DESIREE FARNUM

A view from the sound board during last summer’s Farm to Family Full Moon Festival held in High Springs.

>> FEATURES 142 Really Milking It A Behind-the-scenes Look at a Dairy Farm

BY JEWEL MIDELIS

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Marley Andretti Desiree Farnum Janice Kaplan Mary Kypreos Felicia Lee Jewel Midelis Tina Prizament Jennifer Riek Amanda Williamson Allison Wilson

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an INTERN Jennifer Riek

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162 Relay for Life The Race is On (and on and on)

BY ALLISON WILSON

ADVERTISING SALES Jenni Bennett 352-416-0210 jenni@towerpublications.com

So

ar Amanda Skadhauge 352-416-0196 amanda@towerpublications.com

yo

COLUMNISTS 30 50 72 102 166

Pam Slaven 352-416-0213 pam@towerpublications.com

Crystal Henry ............................................................ NAKED SALSA Kendra Siler-Marsiglio ..................................... HEALTHY EDGE Donna Bonnell ......................................................... EMBRACING LIFE Diane E. Shepard .................................................. MAMA MUSINGS Albert Isaac ................................................................ DIFFERENT NOTE

Helen Stalnaker 352-416-0209 helen@towerpublications.com Larkin Kieffer 352-416-0212 larkin@towerpublications.com Annie Waite 352-416-0204 annie@towerpublications.com

INFORMATION 108 Community Calendar 130 Worship Centers 14 | Spring 2012

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126 Library Happenings 172 Advertiser Index

ADVERTISING OFFICE 4400 NW 36th Avenue Gainesville, FL 32606 352-372-5468 352-373-9178 fax

When you visit Tioga Town Center, you’ll get the hottest new wheels, custom bike fitting, personal instruction

...and Tony.

Sure, the picturesque storefronts, coffee shop, boutiques, restaurants, world-class fitness center and bakery make Tioga Town Center a prime shopping destination.

But it’s more than that here— It’s the people who make Tioga Town Center an experience like no other in Gainesville. It’s people like Tony Cousins and his staff at Bike Works who will recommend the perfect ride and bike accessories for you and make Tioga Town Center your favorite place to visit.

So come on out! Take a stroll around and talk to the people who will make Tioga Town Center your favorite destination in town.

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www.VisitOurTowns.com

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SPECIAL >> READY. SET. GO!

Bikers of all ages were giving it their all at the High Springs BMX Race Track in 2009. Photos by Albert Isaac

Tearing Up the Track he bikers streak across the track like bloodhounds on the hunt. With a need for speed, BMX racers train relentlessly for the day they will roll up to the starting line and compete. On April 13-15, the High Springs BMX Race Track Facility will give the thrill-seekers the opponents they have been waiting for, and the chance to compete in a State Championship race in May. Lynda Schladant, president of the parent volunteer group that runs the track, estimates more than 500 bikers, ages ranging everywhere from three to over 60, will turn out for the three-day marathon of practicing and racing. One set of races known as “Strider Riders”

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is made specifically for toddlers and their pedal-less bicycles; the youngest contestant is a little girl not even two.

“I encourage people to come out and see it for themselves,” said Jim Gabriel, former president and director of the track and the owner of Santa Fe Bicycle in High Springs.

“People hear BMX and they think X games, and it’s like ‘that’s not something I would ever do or let my kids do.’”

Thankfully, for the sake of the track, many parents think exactly the opposite. Gabriel and Schladant both have sons participating in the upcoming event in which kids are the majority of the contestants. The

sport, though having been around since the ‘70s, is starting to pick up popularity and is gathering a following both locally and nationally.

In 2008, BMX was introduced to the Olympics, Schladant said, and will be a big part of the Games in 2012.

“People have the ability to learn an Olympic sport right in their own backyard,” she said, “and they don’t even know it.”

Races will begin at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 14 and 9 a.m.

Sunday, April 15. No fee is required to spectate, and those who want to try the track for themselves can do so year-round. s For more information, visit www.hsbmx.com.

MESSAGE >> FROM THE EDITOR

Pizza Partner of the

Florida Gators

Who needs a gym when it’s time for springcleaning?

Well, I do, but that’s a whole ‘nother story.

My youngest son, wife and I have spent the last couple of weekends working around the homestead. Our chores included cutting down trees, cutting up trees, cleaning impossible-to-reach bay windows, raking, mowing, rock moving and step-building, and one extreme garage cleaning.

Talk about sore. But it was worth it. And it is the good kind of sore; the kind that goes away after about five days, just in time to spend another weekend cleaning and mowing and cutting... you get the idea.

The weather has been fairly cooperative, as well.

Sure, it rained on both weekends, but not enough to stop me from working outside. And it wasn’t too hot or cold. To my surprise, the azaleas had bounced back from the most recent cold snap, providing a colorful backdrop for our outdoor efforts.

I do believe spring is here (I hope so, for the sake of the dogwood and azaleas). And with spring comes yet another edition of Our Town. As in the past, in this issue our roving writers bring you stories on a wide variety of topics.

This year marks the 100th Anniversary of the Girl Scouts of America, the “Year of the Girl.” Our writer provides us with some history and shares what she has learned about Alachua’s Junior Girl Scout Troop 1893.

Speaking of girls, we also visited with the Gainesville Juniors, a volleyball club for girls age 10 through 18. The group now has a dedicated practice complex in the Phoenix Commercial Park in Alachua.

Spring is the perfect season for festivals in our area. In this edition we feature some lesser-known events, which include the Springs Celebration and O’Leno Olé Chili Cook-Off, the Mutts and Pups dog show, Spring at Dudley Farm, and the inaugural Family Day at the Dairy Farm.

From cutting-edge biotech companies in Alachua to going green at Gaia Grove, we strive to bring you a variety of interesting stories about the people and events that make living in our communities so rewarding. s

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STAFF >> CONTRIBUTORS Desiree Farnum

Mary Kypreos

is a recent graduate of UF’s College of Journalism and a freelance writer. Born in Trinidad and raised in Queens, NY, she enjoys spontaneous road trips and visits from outof-town friends.

is a freelance writer and editor who enjoys discovering tidbits of knowledge about Florida from those who know it best.

She is a proud Gator alumna and is currently working toward a Master’s in English language and literature.

desireefarnum@ufl.edu

kypreos.mary@gmail.com

Janice Kaplan

Jewel Midelis

has been a freelance writer for five years. In her spare time Janice loves cooking, Gator sports, Jimmy Buffett anything and spending time with her husband and kids.

is freelance writer and student of journalism at the University of Florida. In her spare time, she enjoys going to the beach, camping at state-parks and playing with her puppies.

kaplan_ janice@yahoo.com

jmidelis91@yahoo.com

Crystal Henry

Tina Prizament

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.

is a freelance writer, photographer, and media and marketing specialist. Born in England near Nottingham, Tina has called various parts of the USA home, but most recently High Springs.

ces03k@gmail.com

tinaprizament@gmail.com

Jennifer Riek

Amanda Williamson

is a freelance writer and a student at UF’s College of Journalism. She was born and raised in Seattle, and delights in all things classy or humorous. Needless to say, she would die in the wild.

is a freelance writer and recent graduate of UF’s College of Journalism and Communications. She has been writing for as long as she can remember. She enjoys spending time with her friends, family and animals.

screaminnocence@gmail.com

awilliamson@ufl.edu

Allison Wilson

Marley Andretti

is a communications coordinator for UF&Shands and a freelance writer and editor. She is way too busy to contribute any more facts to this biography.

is a former newspaper columnist, freelance writer and web designer. She is the group leader for the North Florida Writers Group. She loves to write fiction, read and play with her two dogs, Lucy and Star.

daw995@yahoo.com

writer725@gmail.com

Felicia Lee is a freelance writer and editor. Her writing has appeared in the Los Angeles Times and Salon.com. She loves birds, cooking and the Florida outdoors.

Diane Shepard is a writer and Mama to two young children. Her next work in progress is a memoir “Keeping Time with Turtles.” diane@towerpublications.com

leefa99@earthlink.net

OF ra pa AP in

18 | Spring 2012

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>> GROWTH

The Secret of

Progress

Companies Produce Wonders of Biotechnology at Progress Corporate Park

BY JENNIFER RIEK o look upon the Sid Martin Biotechnology Incubator, one might think it nothing special. On all accounts, the building seems just like any other. Even its name does not give a hint as to what goes on inside.

“When people hear incubation, they think of baby birds or humans,” said Patty Breedlove, associate director of the Incubator.

“We’re a business incubation program; an incubator for baby biotech companies.”

Behind its simple exterior, the Incubator is aiding scientists as they brainstorm, research and test new biological products and processes. Each scientist aims to

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treat some sort of problem in the world, be it physical, medical or environmental. If with the help of the Incubator they succeed, their work could create cures unlike anything seen before.

The Incubator has been in the business of raising companies since its founding in 1995. It specializes in biotechnology, an infrequently chosen focus, as it is one of the most expensive, Breedlove said.

“Biotech companies are very different from things like app companies, where an app can get on the market three months after the formation of the company,” she said. In fact, a biotech product might not even see the market for 10 years. Market regulations and FDA approvals can cost the

program tens if not hundreds of millions of dollars to get an item out to the public.

Those numbers do not even include the daily needs of the companies.

According to the program’s website, the Incubator provides more than $1 million dollars of shared scientific equipment, including pilot scale fermentation facilities, wet labs, and climate controlled greenhouses. Young biotechs working with no more than their own

budget and a product idea have virtually no access to such specialized resources. In addition to its physical assets, the Incubator also focuses on the intellectual advancement of its charges. Mentoring seminars are offered, as well as assistance in finding the right service providers, such as attorneys specifically savvy to biotechnology.

“Especially in our early days, we really depended on them,” said Dr. Kelly Smith, chief technical officer of Pasteuria Bioscience. Pasteuria

is one of several residential clients still active within the facility. “They taught us how to talk to venture capitalists. Lots of scientific companies don’t have a lot of business experience. They taught us how to get involved.”

The Incubator is in no short supply of biotech companies competing for access to these kinds of benefits. To regulate inflow each year, a Biotechnology Advisory Committee (BAC) reviews company applications to decide who

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In 2007, the Sid Martin Biotechnology Incubator participated in the technology category of a competition held by the National Business Incubation Association in Seattle. The Incubator lost to the Montpellier Business and Innovation Center in France, but is considered to be top in the United States, Breedlove said. They will likely compete again in the future.

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PHOTO BY DEBRA NEILL-MARECI

John Waters of Pasteuria BioScience lives up to his surname as he tends to the company’s young plants.

comes, who stays and who goes.

The panel is comprised mostly of venture capitalists, Breedlove said. Companies are admitted to the program for one year at a time before they are again subjected to a formal review. They are eligible for multiple one-year terms.

“The BAC is looking for the strongest, best companies in the program as possible,” Breedlove said. “[The companies] are here for 7, 8, 10 years. They are no flashes in the pan.”

Perhaps it is this rigorous initiation process that explains the Incubator’s extraordinary output.

The program boasts a success rate of 75 percent, “which is much greater than what you’d expect of any company,” Breedlove said.

These successes are measured by how much a company receives in investments, as some companies do not market products. In the last 17 years, the Incubator has accrued $300 million worth of equity investments and more than $200 million in grants and contracts, Breedlove said.

To even glance upon the program’s work makes it clear why investors take the leap of faith.

The Wounds Within When a football player suffers a concussion, or a roadside bomb knocks a soldier off his feet, visible external injuries are easily assessed. It is the more severe, internal damages that often go swiftly untreated. Even with big imaging machines, Breedlove said, there are no fast and accurate diagnoses. A study by the company Banyan Biomarkers has found that brain trauma spawns the release of indicators into the victim’s blood. Although the exact nature of the indicators has not yet been perfected, the US Department of Defense has already expressed a great interest in the program, Breedlove said. It has invested tens of millions of dollars into continued experimentation and hopes to see the technology’s implementation in the near future. A clinical trial will take place this year.

Sanitation from the Sea In 2002, the founders of Sharklet Technologies looked upon the skin of a shark and wondered: How do these creatures manage to stay clean and smooth while others became crusted with

barnacles? Sharklet studied the skin at a microscope’s micron level.

Researchers discovered that sharks stay clean because their skin grows in a diamond-like pattern on which bacteria cannot survive, according to the Sharklet Technologies website.

The group recognized the wide spectrum of possibilities that would become available if they could replicate the pattern, and set to work. Their success led to the application of three main uses.

In hospitals, where disease runs rampant, the nontoxic pattern discourages bacterial growth on much-used items such as bed railings, food trays and television remote controls. Catheters and other medical devices inserted into the body have an even higher risk of spreading infection and could benefit from this technology.

A third use for the product is to coat the underside of Navy ships.

Barnacles and other buildup can cause drag on a boat, thus slowing it down and expending more fuel.

Sharklet allows for “a tremendous amount of savings [in fuel],” Breedlove said. The company has graduated from the Incubation program and moved to Aurora, Colorado.

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Applied Genetic Technologies Corporation scientist Darby Thomas studies an array in the lab.

The Gift of Graft Another product seemingly straight from a sci-fi novel is the work of AxoGen, Inc. Victims of car accidents, war wounds or tumor removal surgeries are often affected by the loss of peripheral nerves, those which control the hands, feet and facial expressions.

In the past, standard procedure for a nerve graft was to remove skin from the back of a patient’s leg and introduce it to the damaged area. The process required two sites of surgery and included the danger that the new skin would be rejected.

AxoGen’s research now allows peripheral nerves to be boxed and made readily available in a variety of lengths for a perfect fit, Breedlove said. The skin is donated by those who have passed away, in the same way a person may donate a heart or a kidney. Breedlove reported that more than 6,000 surgeries have taken place across the nation, giving sensation back to some who thought they might

26 | Spring 2012

never feel in their hands or feet again. Even lost facial expressions have become salvageable.

“The first patient of the procedure was a little girl who could not use her foot,” Breedlove said.

“Through surgery and this technology, she was able to walk again.”

A Nematode’s Nemesis More than 50 years ago, scientists realized that Pasteuria, a group of naturally occurring soil bacteria, could provide effective nematode control.

Agricultural company Pasteuria Biotech has commercialized new biological nematicides based on Pasteuria. The agent was found to be highly useful for the annihilation of nematodes — microscopic worms parasitic to plants, insects and animals, Breedlove said.

Pasteuria was initially deemed unusable when researchers could not reproduce the agent in vitro, according to the Pasteuria website.

Nearly 20,000 catalogued species exist in soils worldwide, Breedlove

said, “but at this time, there is no [natural] cure, just toxic chemicals.”

It was not until recent years that Pasteuria Bioscience leapt over the hurdles that had held back its predecessors. The company is now partnering with Syngenta, one of the world’s leading agricultural businesses. Breedlove said golf courses in the Alachua area are using Pasteuria to fight off the parasitic pests.

Many have asked Breedlove why the program is stationed in Alachua instead of at the University of Florida. Her answer is that they are actually “an artifact of history.” Several years and UF presidents ago, a site was sought for biotechnological research.

Progress Corporate Park was the closest land available at the time.

The private park is now home to 30 companies and more than 1,000 people, providing “clean, wonderful, high-wage jobs for local people,” Breedlove said. Not all businesses in the park are university-affiliated, though most are attached to the college. As the university founded the Incubator, all programs must be associated with UF to be accepted.

The City of Alachua is currently in the process of deciding to award Progress Park with another 280 acres of land for more biotechnological research. City commissioners have already signed their approval. If the decision passes, as Breedlove is confident it will, the land could soon fill with graduates of Santa Fe College’s new biotech training program.

“A lot of problems we have with the environment are caused by clumsiness and ignorance as to how nature works,” Breedlove said.

“We’re finding more effective ways to grow food, to produce fuel. We want to work with nature instead of against it.” s

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THE LAST DONUT >> CRYSTAL HENRY

Naked Salsa Thursday mornings are a magical time for me.

I drop my little spud off at preschool and head over to a hole-in-the wall called Donuts N’ Coffee. his little slice of heaven serves up respite in the form of sugary soft hoops of ecstasy. I typically opt for the Homer Simpson, as I call it, which is a fluffy little cake donut topped with pink flavored icing and sprinkles. Yes, pink is a flavor.

I settle into one of the orange and brown booths, whip out my Kindle and sink into oblivion surrounded by wood paneling and the warm conversation of the only other patrons who share my Thursday morning sanctuary: The Ol’ Codger Table.

This little band of six older gentlemen is there each Thursday morning to lend wisdom and a sympathetic ear to one another. They move from politics to cataracts without blinking. I’m sure their wives are either at home or no longer with them. That subject never seems to come up. It’s all business with this group, and although I typically tune them out as I delve into the pages of my latest brain candy, I couldn’t help but listen in.

Tom, one of the more frequent topic pickers of the group, decided this morning’s agenda needed to

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include discussion of his doctor’s insistence that he is getting old. Apparently his physician discovered a serious problem with his prostate that he feels to be of the utmost importance. The other gentlemen

I feel lucky to share the donut shop and my Thursday mornings with these suspender-sporting sages. concurred that indeed their doctors had also informed them that they needed this or that operated on or that this number wasn’t quite what it needed to be. But none of them seemed to agree with the whippersnapper docs who think they know the length of time they have left on their tickers.

In the midst of each of them taking their turn telling

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what ailments they were bravely battling, Bud found it pertinent to mention that the apple critters were particularly moist this morning, and Leon noted that it was lucky they’d been wise enough to nab their treats early, as Barbara appeared to be completely sold out of everything save for one lone cruller. The conversation of deadly disorders vanished into compliments on the coffee and cinnamon rolls without a hitch.

I smiled to myself as they moved fluidly from talking about the subject of their imminent demise to being thankful they’d gotten the last long john. I marveled at these six men, surely in the dead winter of their lives, who talked as if squeaking by with the last bag of donut holes was a closer call than their bout with cancer last year.

Now I’m probably borderline hypochondriac, so I can imagine that if some young doctor told me I had some sort of life-threatening illness I’d be making a bucket list and going to the deepest part of the Amazon searching for a cure. I took the news gravely when I found out I had pregnancy-induced anemia and just needed to take an iron supplement. I’ve even been lying awake at night going through all the potential scenarios that may or may not come up now that I’m going to be a mother of two. Anxiety has me wideawake at 4 a.m. for things that might not ever be. So it begs to reason that maybe these old geezers have the right attitude.

None of us really knows when the bell will toll for us. These men probably each have a list of battle scars from all the bad hands life can deal. They’ve been through the gauntlet enough times with friends and loved ones to really understand the concept of that which doesn’t kill us makes us stronger. So one silly doctor telling them that the boogieman lives in their colon isn’t going to faze them.

As Bud sipped his coffee and the subject moved to the upcoming election, I sank back down into my book.

I feel lucky to share the donut shop and my Thursday mornings with these suspender-sporting sages. They’ve reminded me to just savor the sweet stuff when you can, because you never know if that donut is the last one. s

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hile passing through Alachua, FL on a trip to High Springs from Gainesville in 2003, Rene Barros, owner of Miami Int’l Bakery and Restaurant, knew it was the place to open his restaurant. At the time he was a car salesman looking for the right spot to open his business, but in 2006 Barros said, Alachua did not have any spaces for lease. Barros has been a part of a family oriented restaurant business for over 40 years. His step-father, Herlberto Romeu, moved to the states from Cuba in 1960. He worked at a café in New York, and then later moved to Miami in the 1970’s 008, he helped opening various Cuban restaurants. In 2008, mi in Lake City, his mom, Nury Romeu, open, Little Miami FL. According to www.tripadvisor.com, Little Miami, xteen total was the number two restaurant out of sixteen for three consecutive years.

Barros’s dreams have recently come true with the opening of Miami Int’l Bakery and Restaurant. “It is the first Cuban/Spanish restaurant in Alachua,” Barros said. Barros wants the public to realize that Cuban cuisine is not the same as Mexican. He wants people to understand that this common misconception is untrue, “Cuban food is not spicy.” Barros said. At Miami Int’l Bakeryy and ct fea ature of Restaurant, they appreciate every distinct feature burrito ” their entrees; they don’t just “roll it all into a burrito.”

All entrees are made from scratch, large in portion size and served with black beans and rice and sweet plantains. Most popular menu items include roast pork, ropa vieja, and the Cuban sandwich, made just like it came right from a café in Havana. They also offer chicken and steak entrees, as well. But, if you are in the mood for seafood, they have that, too! They have shrimp, fish, and even paella when you call ahead to special order. While there you should also try a Cuban soda or maybe a 100% natural guava, mango, or pineapple juice. They can even make you a smoothie using real pulp from the fruit. Not only does Miami Int’l Bakery and Restaurant serve authentic, savory Cuban entrees, they offer a realm of deserts and flavors of the

32 | Spring 2012

culture. They have flan, tres leches, and even ice cream in flavors such as, guava, mamey, and guanabana.

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>> ALTERNATIVE ENERGY

Shine On Newberry Takes Steps Toward Going Green

BY AMANDA WILLIAMSON n the City of Newberry, the sun has taken on a whole new meaning. No longer just a symbol of summer fun, sandy beaches and yellow bikinis, the sun means energy — renewable, green energy.

On Jan. 23, Newberry hosted its “Green Celebration” to recognize the recent addition of photovoltaic solar panels to the EastonNewberry Sports Complex. The day consisted of two workshops and a ceremonial ribbon cutting.

The workshops, one held in the morning and one in the evening, provided an opportunity for those in attendance to learn about solar energy from the professionals who

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installed the solar panels, Solar Source, a Largo-based company.

Prior to cutting the ribbon, Mayor Bill Conrad said solar power does not contribute to global warming.

“It’s clean, it’s green,” he said.

Conrad said the solar panels, consisting of 42 PV modules mounted on the roof of the building, would save the city $1,600 a year. In the future, the Mayor hopes to see the Sports Complex used as a hurricane shelter. The solar panels provide five percent of the necessary power used to operate the building; and in an emergency, that would be enough to power telephones, computers and other such devices.

Jeremiah Rohr, the employee of Solar Source who conducted the

evening workshop, said solar panels have a lifespan of forty or more years. When the lifespan expires, the panels are completely recyclable.

Photovoltaic solar cells produce energy by converting rays of light — the visible light spectrum — into energy. Thermal solar panels capture heat to warm a house’s supply of water, which can then be used for laundry, showering or dish washing.

A thermal hot water heater will pay for itself in two years, Rohr said. It should decrease an electricity bill by 30 to 40 percent.

“If you’ve owned your home for ten years, you’ve probably

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Alternative ative Energy y Enough sunlight falls on the earth’s surface each minute to meet world energy demand for an entire year, according to the American Solar Energy Society.

The largest PV power plant in the U.S. at the end of 2010 was a 48 MW facility in Nevada.

The first practical photovoltaic (PV) cell was developed in 1954 by Bell Telephone researchers examining the sensitivity of a properly prepared silicon wafer to sunlight. Beginning in the late 1950s, PV cells were used to power U.S. space satellites.

PHOTO COURTESY OF NEWBERRY

TOP: The solar system installed on the roof of the Easton-Newberry Sports Complex consists of 42 photovoltaic modules that provide 15,000 kWh of electric energy annually. Real time performance of the system can be found at the complex and in City Hall on fl at-screen monitors.

OPPOSITE: On Monday, Jan. 23, Newberry officials and Solar Source Vice President cut the ribbon in honor of the new solar panels installed on the roof of

Covering four percent of the world’s desert area with photovoltaics could supply the equivalent of all of the world’s electricity. The Gobi Desert alone could supply almost all of the world’s total electricity demand.

the Easton-Newberry Sports Complex. From left, Solar Source Vice President Rick Gilbert, Utility Director Blaine Suggs, City Planner Wendy Kinser, City Manager Keith Ashby and Mayor Bill Conrad. (photo by Amanda Williamson)

[spent enough to have] bought two thermal systems and a PV system,” Rohr said.

The solar panels at the Easton-Newberry Sports Complex will produce 15,000 kilowatts per year, according to the City of Newberry press release. The system will eliminate the production of several metric tons of carbon

dioxide each year.

For those interested in following the real-time performance of the solar panels, flat-screen monitors installed in the sports complex and in Newberry’s City Hall provide continuous updates.

“We’re so excited that the city has chosen to go with solar power and be on the forefront of green

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technology,” said Newberry community member Joy Glanzer.

Newberry was one of four cities out of 34 applicants in Florida to receive the $130,000 grant provided by the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program.

in the last five years, Rohr said.

Price drops may be attributed to how far the manufacturing-side of the industry has developed in recent years. Rohr said the solar panels used to be configured by hand, but presently only 1 percent

With Gainesville Regional Utilities Feedin-Tariff, customers of GRU can invest in solar panels and then sell the energy directly back to the utility company.

The Grant Program, funded in 2009, represents a desire to reduce fossil fuel usage and improve energy efficiency. The grant also provided money to Starke, Green Cove Springs, Mt. Dora and St. Cloud, said Wendy V. Kinser, city planner and grant writer.

As part of the solar project, Solar Source is giving scholarships to city staff members through its Solar Source Institute, which provides professional training to contractors and building officials in all aspects of solar installation.

Kinser said the solar panels on the Easton-Newberry Sports Complex are just one project out of five on which the city plans to use the grant money. Blaine Suggs, utility director, said the EastonNewberry project cost $51,350.

Solar power is becoming more accessible, Kinser said.

Prices in the photovoltaic industry have dropped 40 percent

manual labor is needed.

“We’re becoming cheaper than utility power,” he said.

With the grant money, the city also plans to focus on public outreach, energy efficient street lighting, and an energy conservation strategy. Kinser would like to work with the local schools to develop a program that teaches students about energy efficiency.

Florida is the second best region in the United States to tap solar power, Rohr said.

“Our population actually lives in the source,” he said. “We could be like the Saudi Arabia of sunshine for the U.S.” Tampa Bay averages 5.7 hours of peak sun daily, Rohr said. Los Angeles follows Tampa Bay at 5.6, and Atlanta averages 4.74. Pittsburg lags behind with an average 3.28.

Rohr said Florida could be exporting energy to other states and bring money into its economy.

But as of July 1, 2010, Florida has no solar or alternative energy policy on its books.

With Gainesville Regional Utilities Feed-in-Tariff, customers of GRU can invest in solar panels and then sell the energy directly back to the utility company.

Because the sun only shines during half the day, energy can be stored in a battery cell, or GRU customers can use credits to buy back energy that they had previously sold to the company. For projects approved and installed in 2012, customers can receive $0.19 to $0.24 per kilowatt-hour.

“There’s a lot of energy out there,” Rohr said. “We just have to learn how to harvest it.”

Solar power, and other green energy, produces no pollution or toxic waste. Unlike fossil fuels, solar cells do not generate greenhouse gases that cause global warming and smog.

Florida is heavily dependent on fossil fuels, Rohr said. Thirty-seven percent of Florida’s power comes from coal, followed by twenty-two percent petroleum and twenty-one percent natural gas.

When fossil fuels or nuclear energy is used, there is always the chance of an accident, such as the Exxon Valdez spill, the Deepwater Horizon oil spill and the Fukushima nuclear reactor meltdown.

“When we have a solar energy spill,” Rohr said, “it’s a good day to go to the beach.” s

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>> HIGH HONORS

Raider

Regiment Santa Fe High School Marching Band Teaches More Than Music STORIES AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY TINA PRIZAMENT alking into the band room at Santa Fe High School, one notices the sound of music wafting through the air, and then the numerous trophies adorning nearly every inch of the walls. Testament to both the current director and previous band directors, the trophies demonstrate the high level of accomplishment for which the band has come to be known.

Nathan Bisco wears many hats at Santa Fe High School: band director, music teacher, choral director, jazz band director and advance placement music theory teacher, but his passion is for the marching band. Much like a football coach, a band can often be considered only as good as its director.

A Buffalo, NY native and UF

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40 | Spring 2012

graduate, Bisco came to Santa Fe High School in 2008. Among his many accomplishments as a musician, he also taught percussion to disadvantaged students in Dade County, served as the gifted support facilitator for Santa Fe High School, and helped the Raider Regiment earn both its 7th and 8th State Marching Band Awards in 2009 and 2010, respectively. Chosen by his peers, Bisco was also selected as Teacher of the Year for 2010-2011.

Arriving from Dade County, with upwards of 40 high schools, Bisco was pleasantly surprised to learn that although there were only seven high schools in the Alachua County area, there were just as many strong high school band programs as he had encountered in South Florida.

“People are very educationally minded here,” Bisco said. “It is such a nice community and the parents are very supportive. We are very fortunate that we are able to get a lot of volunteers from UF and Santa Fe College to help work with the different instrument groups.”

Many people have their first experience of marching bands in high school, either as participant or spectator. And many will credit their involvement in band as the foundation for the various life skills acquired during those influential and formative teenage years. The qualities necessary for a successful high school band, such as dedication, perseverance, teamwork, and multitasking, are just a few that serve well in life long after school and band.

Some of the Raider Regiment perform their 2011 “Red Riding Hood” presentation at the finale for the Showcase of Champions.

This competition is held annually in October at SFHS. Junior Drum Major Kadisha Rollins (bottom right) conducts Santa Fe’s Raider Regiment as they perform for the Showcase of Champions audience before the big fi nale.

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Santa Fe High School Band Director Nate Bisco earned the honor of Teacher of the Year (2010-2011).

These skills are especially apparent within the members of the Raider Regiment Marching Band.

The band currently holds the title of the winningest high school band in the State of Florida, with eight State Championship Titles. The members’ discipline, teamwork, dedication and pride have helped the band achieve its many accolades.

The Annual Showcase of Champions, hosted by Santa Fe High School every October, is just one of 30 or so competitions held throughout the State of Florida every year.

Upwards of 25 bands compete, and a band receiving a qualifying score at one of these competitions can then compete in the State Championships held in November in the Tampa/St. Petersburg area.

The State competition involves

42 | Spring 2012

about 100 bands at five different sites and where 20-30 bands in each of the five classes compete.

From each of these five classes, a winner and a runner up are chosen.

The most recent championship (November 19, 2011) found the Raider Regiment runner-up by a mere 4/10th of a point, narrowly missing a three-peat winning streak.

“I think its good for them [not to win] every single year,” Bisco said.

“Then they might think it would be handed to them. Then they might not work as hard next season. The trophies and banners are not what we do; the kids knew they had a fantastic performance, and that’s the only thing that matters to them.”

The theme for the marching band show is announced during the awards banquet at the end of the

prior school year, with rehearsals starting in the summer, two weeks before the new school year starts.

“Creating the show is quite an involved process, it is certainly not just about playing music and marching to drill to accompany the music anymore,” Bisco said. “Bands at the competitive level are looking for the freshest arrangements, trying to put new spins on music. It is a very rewarding experience, able to write directly for our band — the music is taken from a variety of different sources, including classical, jazz, sometimes pop tunes.”

The school year starts early for the 72 students who wish to become a part of the Raider Regiment, with band camp continuing throughout the summer. The biggest camp begins two weeks before school starts, requiring attendance from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday through Saturday for two consecutive weeks, then one week of practice from 5 to 9 p.m.

Band members are comprised of 9th through 12th grade students, however some 8th graders are invited from the Mebane Middle School and High Springs Community School, with four students selected for the 2011/12 year. In order to be chosen for this opportunity, the 8th graders have to audition, write an essay about why they feel they would be a good candidate for the Raider Regiment, play a solo, and perform some sight-reading. They have to show they are willing to put forth more work than most high school students because they still need to fulfill their obligations with their middle school band, in addition to attending Santa Fe High School three days a week.

As with any successful enterprise, finances are an important factor. The success experienced at Santa Fe is a direct result of very involved band

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“My hope is that 100 percent of my students, in some way, shape or form, will continue to have music as part of their life.” boosters, and some lucrative fund-raising events. One such fundraiser involves the installation and removal of all 15,000 seatbacks at the University of Florida football stadium, manning souvenir stands at all Gator home football games, and volunteering for the concessions and parking at Gatornationals.

“We don’t like to say that we are charging any of our students to be in band,” Bisco said. “And I think that very few of our students have to pay anything out-of-pocket to be in band.”

Although the travel scheduling is involved and preparation is intense, there are some unforeseen benefits.

“Honestly, the kids are so focused in their band prep in the fall that their grades are usually higher in the fall than the spring when they don’t have as much to do,” Bisco said.

In addition to competition success, the accomplishments of some band members are particularly encouraging for their parents. Faith Childers’ daughter, and Brandy Spencer’s son both have autism.

Through their participation in band, they have seen their children acquire more than just musical skills.

At four years of age, doctors told the Childers their daughter was losing her ability to speak, and that they should teach her sign

language and administer Prozac.

Fortunately, after two years of intensive therapy, their daughter did not lose her ability to speak.

Given the opportunity to be in band she chose to play tuba, a surprising choice, Childers said, considering she was a mere five-foot-two inches tall and about 100 lbs.

“Band makes them a family, they protect each other when not in band,” Childers said. “They are especially vulnerable, and a bonding takes place. They really connect with the music.”

Spencer’s son plays percussion and electric bass guitar. Being in band helped him not only with the transition from 8th to 9th grade, but also with social and communication skills, Spencer said.

“It teaches them life experiences, responsibility to work in the world and to be part of a team effort,” he said. “Although the kids struggle hard, it is rewarding when they make a breakthrough.”

She said she would encourage

Haven’t you

waited long enough?

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other parents of children with special needs to try band, “as it also teaches typical children good skills when dealing with those who may be different from themselves.”

Both parents, stressing their gratitude for having such an opportunity for their children to flourish, credited Bisco for his efforts.

“He has been so wonderful, exceptional, always goes beyond what we are used to, and always makes it work for us,” Childers said.

“Before the performance the parents are concerned as to whether all will go well, and, given the sometimes unpredictable behavior of these special students, we practically hold our breath for the entire 7 or 8 minutes of the show. After it is over, all the parents start to cry, both with pride and relief that they made it through.”

Bisco would like the community to know how important the arts are in a student’s life. Students in high school music programs have higher test scores and cognitive

development. A U.S. Department of Education study found that those who reported consistent involvement in instrumental music in the middle and high school years show significantly higher levels of mathematics proficiency by grade 12.

(This observation holds regardless of students’ socioeconomic status.)

“Everybody understands how athletics are important because athletics are very visible, but the arts are equally as important,” Bisco said. “They give a lot of students a reason to come to school, who may not have any other reason to come to school. [Art and music does not] always get the most funding, and is oftentimes the first on the chopping block.”

Since 2007, the legislature has cut Florida’s K-12 public education budget by $1.4 billion, according to yesforalachuaschools.org. In 2006, Florida spent $7,400 per pupil, and in 2009 it was cut to $6,500 — down by 12 percent. The National average is $10,000 per pupil.

Now is the time.

While dedication and talent contribute to being a successful band member, only a small percentage of students go on to pursue music in some professional capacity after high school.

“My hope is that 100 percent of my students, in some way, shape or form, will continue to have music as part of their life, whether playing in a community band or having kids of their own be in band,” Bisco said. “If they are thinking about pursuing music as a career, they need to have a clear goal.”

This year, three of his graduating students will pursue music in college (between one and five students per year is the average).

Bisco hopes to be at Santa Fe High School for many years to come, to carry on the legacy set by those who came before him.

“Music is one of the few areas where perfection is demanded out of the students on a daily basis,” Bisco said, “and one area where it directly affects those around you.” s

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bout every 25 seconds, an American will have a coronary event. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States and is a major cause of disability. The American Hearth Association has designated the month of February as “Healthy Heart Month.” Now is a good time to evaluate your lifestyle to make sure you are doing everything possible to ensure your heart is as healthy as possible!

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COLUMN >> BY KENDRA SILER-MARSIGLIO

Healthy Edge Does your kid need more iron? s your kid exhibiting tiredness, apathy, or tends to feel cold? It’s possible that a simple blood test by your medical provider and an inexpensive iron supplement (or a change in diet) may be all you need to get your child back to health.

It’s essential for kids and teens to get enough iron in their daily diets - -not too much, not too little.

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Don’t give your child iron supplements without first consulting your doctor If your child’s diet lacks enough iron, he or she may be susceptible to iron deficiency, which can range from depleted iron stores to anemia (when their blood lacks enough healthy red blood cells). Iron is needed to make hemoglobin, the components of red blood cells that carry oxygen.

It’s the job of red blood cells to deliver oxygen from the lungs to the entire body. Without enough iron, tissues and organs don’t get the oxygen they need and

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skin can lose that healthy color.

Iron is particularly important to kids’ growth and development. Iron is needed to make new cells, amino acids, hormones, and neurotransmitters. Untreated iron deficiency can delay walking and talking.

Who’s at risk?

According to the Mayo Clinic, the following kids and teens are most susceptible to iron deficiency: • Babies who are born prematurely or with a low birth weight • Babies before age 1 who drink cow’s milk • Breast-fed babies who aren’t also eating foods containing iron after age 6 months • Babies who drink formula that isn’t iron-fortified • Kids ages 1 to 5 who drink more than 24 ounces of milk daily • Kids with health conditions, such as chronic infections or restricted diets • Adolescent girls (their bodies lose iron during menstruation) • Teen athletes (they lose iron during intense exercise)

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How Much Iron Do Kids Need?

As a word of caution: Don’t give your child iron supplements without first consulting your doctor because excessive iron intake can also cause health problems.

The Mayo Clinic recommends the following amount of iron each day:

Age group

Recommended

7 to 12 months . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

1 to 3 years. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

4 to 8 years. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

9 to 13 years. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

14 to 18 years, girls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

14 to 18 years, boys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

11 milligrams 7 milligrams 10 milligrams 8 milligrams 15 milligrams 11 milligrams

What are the signs of iron deficiency?

Nemours KidsHealth reports that many children with iron-deficiency anemia won’t immediately show signs and symptoms because the body’s iron supply is depleted slowly. But as the anemia progresses, the following symptoms may appear: • fatigue • weakness • pale skin and mucous membranes • rapid heartbeat or a new heart murmur (detected in an exam by a doctor) • irritability • decreased appetite • dizziness or a feeling of being lightheaded Does your child have any of these symptoms? If so, talk to your doctor.

The University of Georgia suggests the following dietary tips to increase iron intake: • Eat lean meats, fish and poultry: Iron from meat sources is absorbed better than iron from plant sources.

• Eat vegetables and grains WITH lean meat: The average absorption of iron from plant sources increases when combined with meat, poultry, and fish.

• Eat iron-rich legumes: Dried beans and peas are the most iron-rich plant products.

• Combine iron-rich foods with foods high in vitamin C: A glass of OJ can more than double the amount of iron your body absorbs.

• Cook foods in an iron pot: Spaghetti sauce simmered in an iron pot for about 20 minutes increases its iron content nine-fold.

• Eat iron-fortified foods: Iron-fortified or enriched breakfast cereals and other foods can help boost your iron intake.

Here are other ways you can make sure your family gets enough iron: • Limit your child’s milk intake to about 16-24 fluid ounces a day.

• Continue serving iron-fortified cereal until children are 18-24 months old.

• Have a vegetarian in the family? Monitor his or her diet to make sure it includes sufficient iron.

You may need to add iron-fortified foods to a vegetarian diet.

Iron deficiency is preventable and reversible. For more information on iron deficiency and other health and wellness issues that can affect your little ones, visit Nemours KidsHealth at kidshealth.org. s Kendra Siler-Marsiglio, Ph.D. is the Director of the Rural Health Partnership at WellFlorida Council.

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>> FRIENDS OF O’LENO

Chili Pots and Nature Walks Annual Events at O’Leno State Park

BY JENNIFER RIEK veryone has his or her reason for visiting O’Leno State Park. Some come to walk the hiking trails that loop between the trees, others to canoe the calm waters of the Santa Fe. Some come to enjoy the smell of outdoors or to sleep under a blanket of stars. But for those who visit the park for the chili cook-off, on one thing all would agree: no one makes chili like O’Leno.

On March 31, the Alachua County Environmental Protection Department and Friends of O’Leno

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will team up once again to fan the flames of their annual Springs Celebration and O’Leno Olé Chili Cook-Off festival. The event, a mouthwatering mix of food and education, seeks to increase environmental awareness and to raise funds for the needs of the park. This year will mark the cook-off’s fifth anniversary and its third year of partnering with the Springs Celebration.

The partnership between the Department of Environmental Protection and Friends of O’Leno originally came about as the result of general advice. It was

recommended to Friends event coordinator Harriet Walsh that more people would come to an event if two things were happening at the same time. Though chili already seemed an alluring enough bait, “we needed a learning tool and a way to keep kids busy,” Walsh said. “The Springs Celebration has activities for kids, and it draws more people in.”

Kids are not the only ones with a lot to see and explore. While the chili is boiling hot in the pots, a variety of entertainment stretches out across the park. Children and adults alike will delight in the

PHOTO BY TJ MORRISSEY FOR LOTUS STUDIOS

Last year’s People’s Choice Award recipient Bret Harder with the tools of his trade. This year he plans to be back with his award-winning Coco Loco Chili, an unusual chocolate concoction.

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PHOTO BY STACIE GRECO

Kathleen McKee explains how the aquifer works after performing a “Springs Shadow Puppet Show” with Karsty Productions.

many snakes, turtles and toads that fill the park’s nature center, as well as a special guest appearance

by Ichetucknee State Park biologist Sam Cole and his 7-ft. indigo snake, Sebastian. Live music will include bands such as Staber and Chasnoff, a folksy bluegrass-based acoustic duo from upper state NY, and the Flying Turtle String Band, which plays for the park’s contra dances the third Sunday of every month.

Most exciting to many is the

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return of a shadow puppet show, an environmentally based production presented twice throughout the festival.

“It’s a really creative way to get the message across to adults and kids,” said Stacie Greco, parks service specialist. Though she was too busy to see the show at last year’s festival, Greco is intent on not missing the fun again.

In addition to the activities surrounding the cook-off, even

more will take place in the forest.

During the celebration, longtime park volunteer Dan Rountree will lead a guided walk to the Santa Fe’s River Sink and tell the history and ecology of the environment. The focus of the Springs Celebration is to teach people how to protect springs, Greco said, and to learn the issues of water that directly affect them. The unique combination of the cook-off and the celebration draws a diverse crowd that often

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PHOTO BY STACIE GRECO

ABOVE: Bob Ulanowicz takes a “gator break” after talking with citizens about the Santa Fe River Springs Basin Working Group.

TOP RIGHT: The Alachua County Environmental Protection Department set up a display to explain how fertilizers can harm water bodies when they wash off the landscape or soak into the ground.

BOTTOM RIGHT: Save the Manatee Club volunteers explain how to minimize human threats to manatees.

comes for chili and leaves with a deeper understanding of society’s impact on the environment.

“Some really haven’t thought about [the issues] before,” Greco said. “They were never exposed.”

She explained that long ago, before such educational events existed, sinkholes were used as dumps for unwanted trash. It is now widely known that sinkholes are a direct conduit to the aquifer, which connects to local drinking water.

Also associated with the

58 | Spring 2012

combined celebration is the Chili Appreciation Society International, a non-profit organization that aids other non-profits in fundraising through the promotion of American red chili. Participation by CASI benefits the Friends by way of donations and with more chili to entice people to the festival.

The Olé Chili Cook-Off offers two categories and charges $20 for one or $35 to join both. In the section run by CASI, a participant must work within certain limitations,

such as only cooking with spices and beef, Walsh said.

The other category is open to all sorts of creative additions, ranging everywhere from vegetarian chili to chocolate. Five dollars buys a patron a tasting cup to sample each vendor’s creation. Festival goers then vote by ballot for their favorite. Each category is judged by a separate team of 12 chili experts, some of whom work for non-local park services and others “who are just interested in chili,” Walsh said.

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Olé Chili Cook-Off & Springs Celebration Chili Cook-Off: 9:00am to 3:00pm Springs Celebration: 11:00am to 3:00pm Cook-Off Registration begins at 8:00am Tasting starts at 1:00pm In keeping with the theme of donations, the typical $4 to $5 fee entrance fee to the park is waived. Attendants are instead asked to bring a can of food for the local food bank. ood db aan nkk..

According to the Friends of O’Leno website, prizes will be awarded for 1st through 10th place in the cook-off, and 1st through 3rd place for Showmanship.

High Springs resident Bret Harder has been competing in the open category for the past three years.

“I look forward to it every year,” he said. “It’s a great opportunity to be outside in beautiful O’Leno Park.”

Harder is known for his Coco Loco Chili. He said people were very skeptical when it first appeared in the line-up. Fortunately for Harder, curiosity got the better of tastetesting patrons, and last year he was presented the People’s Choice Award for his chocolate concoction.

Coco Loco Chili will be available for sampling again in this year’s competition.

In the past years that CASI has worked with Friends of O’Leno, its proceeds have gone to the park’s nature center in the form of much-needed books and DVDs for visiting grade-school-age children,

said Cindy Preston, parks service specialist for O’Leno. The earnings from this year’s cook-off will be put towards enlarging the nature center and the construction of a pavilion to house more interpretive exhibits.

As the nature center is a historic building, the new pavilion cannot be added to the original structure and therefore must be built behind.

Between the cost of building permits, materials, and other expenses, Walsh expects the total amount to be between $16,000 and $20,000.

Other Friends’ projects include the purchase of all informational signs at the River Rise and River Sink locations, as well as markers on the hiking, bike and equestrian trails. The group also maintains an ongoing fund to keep the animals fed, Preston said.

“They’re a small group right now, but they’re so much help,” he said.

“If there’s a need, we get out and fundraise for it,” Walsh said. “We help the park with whatever they happen to need.” s

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DIRTY BAR More than a bar, it’s an attitude.

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oes a night on the town sound like fun? What if you could grab some friends and head out for night filled with fun, dancing and your favorite cocktail? At Dirty Bar, located in Northwest Gainesville, all of that and more awaits, without the hassle of heading downtown.

“I wanted to create an alternative to going downtown,” said Mike Rich, owner of Dirty Bar. “As I grew older, my friends and I wanted something a little different than the normal college club experience. We wanted a place where we could listen to great music and have fun without having to deal with all that comes with going downtown.”

Focused on delivering a great time, Dirty Bar has something for everyone. “We wanted to develop a music venue that offered diversity, and we’ve done that by having different genres of live music every Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights,” Mike said.

Thursday nights feature some of the area’s best Country and Southern Rock bands; Friday nights rock with traditional and hard rock options; and Saturday nights mix it up with a variety of bands from our area.

Additionally, Dirty Bar hosts the North Central Florida Blues Society monthly jam session on the 3rd Sunday of each month.

If performing is more your passion, then join Dirty Bar and some of the hottest Karaoke action each Tuesday night starting at 8 p.m. Bring your friends, be the star and belt out your favorite tune as other wannabe singers perform the classics.

Want to laugh out loud? Join Dirty Bar’s new Comedy Club, held on the first Tuesday of the month.

Comedy Night features some of the finest comedians in North Central Florida in addition to some wellknown nationally touring comedians. New for 2012, Comedy night starts at 8 p.m.

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>> PHOENIX RISING

Setting the Standard Taking Volleyball Players to the Next Level

BY JANICE C. KAPLAN llison Benton does not mind missing a few high school milestones here and there — not when she’s playing volleyball, anyway.

“We might miss a basketball game that everybody [at school] is going to

A

make to do what we love.”

Gainesville Juniors is a nonprofit volleyball club for girls age 10 through 18 who want to improve their mechanics and skills in the sport. A member of the Florida Region of USA Volleyball (USAV) and the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU), the club is made up of nine

Most coaches with the organization have played at both the high school and college level, offering valuable knowledge and insight to the players. because we have to go to practice,” said the St. Francis High School sophomore. “But it’s a sacrifice we

64 | Spring 2012

teams that compete in tournaments throughout the country.

Most coaches with the organization

have played at both the high school and college level, offering valuable knowledge and insight to the players.

The goal of the Gainesville Juniors is to provide the most thorough competitive experience for its members while helping them maintain their enthusiasm for the sport.

“Our biggest priority is teaching youth volleyball in a positive and constructive manner, and really teaching them the right mechanics,” said Chad Davis, executive director for the Gainesville Juniors.

“We want to see them have fun and develop lifelong relationships, but more importantly we want to teach them the right way to play.”

The approach is yielding sizeable results. Since its inception in 1995 the Gainesville Juniors has helped

Gainesville Juniorsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Executive Director Chad Davis coaches his players during a recent practice at the Phoenix Commercial Park in Alachua (formally the Energizer battery plant).

more than 80 girls earn college volleyball scholarships. In 2011, the clubâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 15 & Under team won the AAU national championship, with Benton named MVP of her division.

While tournament season runs from January through July, the Gainesville Juniors actually begin their work in August before tryouts begin in October. Such a head start is something new for the club, thanks to a practice facility in the Phoenix Commercial Park in Alachua.

Previously, the group had to rent or borrow local gym space for

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practices, which required Davis and his staff to work around the schedules of other organizations.

Practices could not start until closer to the beginning of tournament season, and available dates and times were limited. This put the Gainesville Juniors at a disadvantage against clubs from larger cities,

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which often had their own training facilities and could practice earlier in the year and more frequently.

The players’ parents took notice of the predicament. In early 2011 they formed a committee to find a permanent facility.

“This had been a dream of the Gainesville Juniors for many years,”

said Allison’s father, Jerry Benton, whose younger daughter also plays with the group. “We had a lot of work to do from the very beginning, getting corporate and individual donations and really putting this thing together from scratch.”

The group’s goal was to raise all of the funds needed for up-front

BACK ROW (L-R): Anna Massey, Jenna Wiggs, Megan Hess, Megan Mitchell, Katie Moss, Simone Harris, Abby Benton and Cameron Childs. MIDDLE ROW (L-R): Christine Sack, Julie Fuchs, Imari Ashley, Amber Miller, Courtney Chappel and Krizia Lopez. FRONT ROW (L-R): Jamie Holton, Hannah Miller, Allison Benton, Chad Davis, Eboni Harris, Farah Rajaee and Ann Lorrayne Bzoch.

costs through donations so that the club would only have to worry about the expenses involved with running the facility. After much research, members agreed that the Phoenix Commercial Park (formerly the Energizer plant) provided the best combination of space, quality, location, price,

parking and expandability.

Once the lease was signed in July, the parents, players, coaches and donors joined forces to transform the warehouse into a premier volleyball facility. Floor cavities and depressions were patched, walls were painted from floor to ceiling, the lighting system was upgraded

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and expanded, and the necessary equipment for regulation play was installed.

After seven months of planning and labor, the new facility opened in time for August practices. Three fullsized volleyball courts were ready for action, and space was also set aside for a parent observation area

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“It’s a competitive but very positive environment. They learn teamwork and discipline; that hard work pays off.” and a concession/souvenir stand.

The new arrangement has earned grateful praise from Davis.

“Because this building is the first volleyball complex in [the area], we can now have a year-round program, which we’ve never been able to do before,” he said. “We are so much further ahead this year because we were able to practice back in August; beforehand we couldn’t do that.”

Davis further explained that having a dedicated complex will also allow the group to offer summer camps, clinics and other programs for players of all skill levels.

Clubs like Gainesville Juniors have contributed to the nationwide increase in volleyball’s popularity.

A 2009 survey by the National

Federation of State High School Associations showed that volleyball has the third-highest level of sports participation for girls in the United States, behind only basketball and outdoor track and field.

The Gainesville Juniors provides more opportunities for local athletes to hone their skills and compete in matches and tournaments. While some team members play simply because they enjoy the game, many have aspirations to compete at the collegiate level.

Clubs play a crucial role in the development of athletes as well as in their recruitment.

“The days of being a high school athlete and not playing club volleyball are over,” Davis said. “You’ve got to compete against the highest

level, and [in clubs] they have really good coaching starting at a young age. And colleges are doing almost all of their exclusive recruiting at club tournaments, because they can go to a club tournament and see 400 kids in two days. Every tournament you go to you’ll see 30 to 40 college coaches walking around each one.”

With practices three to four days a week and several tournaments a month, life as a Gainesville Juniors member can get pretty hectic. Add to that the fact that most of these athletes also play on their respective school volleyball teams, and one has to wonder how these girls handle it all.

The short answer: patience and understanding from the staff, combined with an athlete’s true passion for the sport.

“The coaches are really good about saying that school is always first priority,” Allison said. “It’s school and family, and then volleyball. It’s hard, but I love volleyball so I make it work.”

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The Gainesville Juniors now have a year-round program thanks to their new practice facility at the volleyball complex.

“It’s a competitive but very positive environment,” added Jerry Benton. “They learn teamwork and discipline, and that hard work pays off. They might want to play in college, but it’s more important for them to get that whole team sports, hard-working time management

experience.”

Future plans for the Gainesville Juniors include adding a fourth court to the practice facility, which will help Davis achieve his goal of adding a boys’ volleyball program in 2013. In the meantime, however, the focus is on helping girls be

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the best all-around athletes, and people, that they can be.

“I love the family environment that’s here. I’ve made friends that I’ll have for a long time,” Allison said. “You learn a lot of skills, and you learn how to be a good leader.

It’s more than just volleyball.” s

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COLUMN >> DONNA BONNELL

Embracing Life “Kissing a man with a beard is a lot like going to a picnic. You don’t mind going through a little bush to get there!” hope that Minnie Pearle’s quote made you think about having a picnic. How long has it been since you used your wicker basket and red-checkered tablecloth? Are they stowed in the linen closet or attic and forgotten? Have you ever owned the once popular, but now nearly obsolete objects?

While tailgating is very popular in our area, especially during the football season, good old-fashioned picnics seem to be outdated. Have most Americans lost their spirit of adventure and innocence? For our children and grandchildren, I hope not.

Many of my most valued childhood memories involve adventures at the parks in my hometown of Miami. Our extended family would meet for no specific reason, except to spend time outdoors, share a simple meal and enjoy each other’s company. Dade County, of course, is not the same today as it was when I was young; however, the historical treasures are still there.

Greynolds Park, in North Miami Beach, is home to massive mangroves. I climbed the mesmerizing native trees for hours with my cousins. I can still remember

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taking a break during a heated competition of hideand-seek on a sticky July afternoon to sit with Granny.

After allowing me just long enough to get a glass of water from the pitcher in the ice cooler, she prompted me to get back in the game. I will never forget her words of wisdom: “Donna, you need to hike the trails, explore the land and play while you can. Someday you will be glad you listened to your old Granny.”

Granny was a wise woman. She also liked Crandon Park, on Key Biscayne. Family visits there were an extra special treat. Our jaunts usually included a trip to the Seaquarium, which was the largest marine-life attraction in the world and home of Flipper. Sometimes we would visit the zoo, which housed an authentic antique carousel build in 1949. The zoo moved away in 1981, and many folks have never watched an episode or movie starring Flipper. However, the bit of heaven I remember, with its beautiful clear warm water beaches, still thrives.

In my teenage years, Baker’s Haulover was a happy hangout. Its one-and-a-half miles of pristine beaches

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played an important role in Miami’s history. Named after Baker (an angler), who hauled his sponge boat from Biscayne Bay over the wooded dunes to the ocean, Baker’s Haulover appeared on maps as early as 1823. Baker’s Haulover Inlet, a manmade channel cut in 1925, connects the northern end of Biscayne Bay with the Atlantic Ocean. In the 1960s and 1970s, the remote rustic beach was the ideal picnic paradise for a romantic rendezvous.

My children (Jeffrey and Loni) were babies when I moved to Newberry. Even though they were not able to explore my old stomping grounds, we discovered new outdoor arenas.

I took my Granny’s advice so seriously that I became a Girl Scout Leader. For over a decade, I relived my childhood with a group of 20 young ladies and we found the finest wilderness spots in North Central Florida. Everything did not always go as planned. We endured Mother Nature’s elements — ants, mosquitos, rain, etc. Their most cherished times seemed to be when we persevered, then shared our stories around a picnic table or campfire.

Jeffrey became a Boy Scout. His troop explored camps all over the Southeastern United States. He continues to enjoy everything about the great outdoors.

Jim Fowler, one of the world’s best known naturalists and host of Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom, said, “If you have a place where you can go and have a picnic with

your family, it doesn’t matter if it’s a recession or not.”

Fowler is correct. In fact, getting back to the basics may be a positive byproduct of our financial crisis. We should embrace this opportunity to visit the many beautiful parks, hiking trails and other environmental jewels our towns offer. Many are free or charge a very nominal fee.

If you do not have a wicker basket or checkered tablecloth, do not worry. All it takes is a little pioneering spirit to pack your supplies. It is worth beating down the bushes (or perhaps simply driving) to find your favorite picnic spot. The fun and fellowship will create lasting memories for your family and friends. s

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>> LEADERSHIP

Year of the Girl Centennial Celebration for Girl Scouts of America STORY BY JANICE C. KAPLAN PHOTOGRAPHY BY TJ MORRISSEY

On my honor, I will try To serve God and my country, To help people at all times, And to live by the Girl Scout Law. his is the Girl Scout Promise, a refrain echoed by more than 3 million girls around the world as they start their meetings â&#x20AC;&#x201D; and it all began with one woman, 100 years ago.

At the start of the 20th century, Juliette Gordon Lowe was at a crossroads in her life. She had spent the previous years married to a wealthy Englishman and helping her mother organize a convalescent hospital for wounded Spanish-American War soldiers. But facing the end of the war and a failing marriage (and ultimately, the death of her husband in 1905), Lowe felt lacking in purpose.

T

74 | Spring 2012

All that changed in 1911 when she met Sir Robert Baden-Powell, founder of the Scouting Movement and the Girl Guides in Great Britain.

Gordon Lowe became fascinated by the programs and realized that this could change the lives of girls everywhere. Months later she called a friend to share her idea and begin work on a similar program in the United States.

On March 12 of the following year, 18 girls gathered in Savannah, Georgia to register and form the very first American Girl Guides troop (the organization changed its name to Girl Scouts in 1913).

In the century since, Girl Scouting has grown to more than 3 million members throughout the world, uniting girls of every background to serve their communities in times of need, and to prepare them for whatever the future might hold.

Junior Girl Scout Troop 1893 BACK ROW (L-R): Katie Shays, Abby Carey, Abby McLeavy, Ashley Carroll, Erin Baker and Laura Byers.

MIDDLE ROW (L-R): Julia Lanni, Co-Leader Nancy Lanni, Co-Leader Missy Baker and Samantha Garcia.

FRONT ROW (L-R): Taylor Carey, K’dasjah Carter, Destiny Perkins, Kaylee Mines and Abby Hill.

“We’re here to build leaders, to help girls develop critical thinking skills and a strong sense of themselves,” said Nancy White, director of communications for the Girl Scouts of Gateway Council, the organization that oversees scouting

in the North Central Florida area.

“In doing this, girls feel connected to their communities, locally and globally. They learn to identify community needs and act on them.

And they educate and inspire other people to act as well.”

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With its 100th anniversary this year — proclaimed “The Year of the Girl” — the Girl Scouts movement is as strong as ever, both nationally and locally. The Gateway Council serves around 25,000 girls in 16 counties, from the youngest Daisy troops

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in kindergarten and first grade to Ambassador Girl Scouts who are preparing for life after high school.

Missy Baker and Nancy Lanni are the leaders of Junior Girl Scout troop 1893 in Alachua (Juniors are in fourth and fifth grade). The girls in their troop have been together since they were in kindergarten and have become regular contributors to the community.

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Like most troops, the Alachua girl scouts take a “girl-led” approach to activities — that is, troop leaders start a discussion or topic, but the girls take the lead whenever possible in the actual planning and execution. It is a process that helps them develop leadership skills while they figure out the best ways to help their community.

“We were trying to plan what to

do with this year’s cookie money and they had some really good ideas,” Baker said. “Last year we made a donation to a military support group here in Alachua. The group supports soldiers from this area, and they send these packages over so they have something from home. The girls also took the time and went over there and helped them pack the care boxes that go to

OPPOSITE: Erin Baker with her fellow scouts practice their dance moves.

The girls were rehearsing for a March celebration of song and dance at the Oaks Mall in honor of the Girl Scouts 100th Anniversary.

the troops overseas. And all of the cookies that were donated went to that support group as well.”

The girl-led approach also helps the girls discover causes and subjects they can be passionate about. Projects benefiting a park, animal shelter or children’s charity might spark an interest in environmental causes, pet rescue or child care and education. The possibilities are as endless and varied as the scouts’ personalities.

“In Alachua, it’s a very diverse community. We hope to have a good mix of everybody and they are treated equally,” Baker said. “They all bring something different to the table. I love the dynamic when they’re all together and the ideas

that can be formed just because of their individuality.”

And of course, it builds their confidence when they see the results of the work that they planned themselves.

“They get a lot of self-satisfaction that they went out into the community and have made a difference,” Baker said.

Celebrations for the centennial year actually started in 2010 and will continue through this year. The national organization is hosting the Young Women’s World Forum in the United States in July of 2012; similar celebrations were held in 2010 in the UK and 2011 in India, England, Switzerland, and Mexico.

In 2010, President Barack Obama

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“Cookie Mom” Kelly Maloney with her daughter Bella, future Girl Scout.

signed the Girl Scouts of the USA Commemorative Coin Act, which authorized the minting of 350,000 silver dollar coins in honor of Girl Scouts and their achievements worldwide over the past century.

And in New York City girl scouts were chosen to open the NASDAQ in Times Square on March 12.

Locally, girl scouts have already started celebrating. The Gateway Council is hosting a weekend of activities, camping and entertainment at its North Fork facility in Clay County for council troop members at

every level. The council will also participate in Girl Scouts Forever Green Earth Hour, from 8:30 p.m - 9:30 p.m. on March 31. And troops have their own individual plans as well, from cake decorating contests to parties to SWAPS (exchanging pins and mementos with other troops from around the world).

The main focus, however, remains making their world a better place. And while girl scouts are committed to that goal, they can not do it without assistance from volunteers. When asked how the

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community can help, White said that the organization’s traditional response is, “With your time, talent or treasure.” People can help by volunteering their time working with the girls, mentoring and guiding them along their journey. They can teach a troop about any subject or ability. Or they can donate money (or goods for sale) to individual troops or the organization as a whole. Regardless of how the help is given, it is always appreciated.

White sees “The Year of the Girl” as a step towards giving girls everywhere a strong, clear voice in disciplines often more popular with boys.

“Girls are typically overlooked or under-considered when it comes to careers in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math),” she said.

“We want to make sure that girls have the same opportunities that boys do, that girls are taken seriously, and that their voices are heard.”

The future is bright for these girls as they realize the impact that scouting can have, not only on their own lives, but on society as well. And that is a universal truth regardless of time or place.

“Girls are girls, and they have the same dreams and ambitions regardless of where they live,” White said.

“We know the power of girls together.

We believe wholeheartedly that girls can and do change the world.” s

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>> GAIA GROVE

Live Green A Local Eco-Camp and Learning Center

BY AMANDA WILLIAMSON hroughout history, humans — from Native Americans to the first pilgrims — worked with the land to provide sustenance to survive. The Earth offered vegetables to eat, cliffs for shelter and rivers in which to bathe.

However, most of today’s modern societies harm Mother Nature instead of seeking out sustainable ways to live alongside Earth’s other inhabitants. Gaia Grove Eco-Camp and Learning Center advocates a back-to-basics approach to society, including compost toilets, worm bins and solar energy.

Gaia Grove, a non-profit, holds eco-workshops every first and third Saturday of the month, during

T

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which visitors can learn green projects that they can do at home.

Bob Watson, who teaches green retrofitting and weatherization at Gaia Grove, shows guests how to create items such as eco-friendly house-cleaning products, homemade greenhouses, solar ovens and a solar dehydrator — to name a few.

Watson also teaches guests what they can do to keep their houses hotter during the winter and colder in the summer by using insulation and weather stripping.

“If you’re really into it, you have to change your lifestyle,” Watson said. “Do one thing at a time.”

People interested in changing their lifestyle should start small, such as recycling aluminum cans and using cloth bags when

shopping. After the Saturday presentations, Watson takes the visitors on a tour of Gaia Grove and to Mark Wooten’s off-grid home.

Watson said he sees people from all over come to the eco-workshops, from places such as St. Augustine, Tampa and Clearwater.

Watson has built a garden, greenhouse and tiki hut from recycled or donated materials.

When pulling into the Gaia Grove driveway, his creations can be seen to the left of the instruction facility. In the future, a new teaching facility will be placed beside the gardens. It will have a glass wall to enable guests to view the structures and gardens as Watson teaches the class about them.

“Bob’s Gardens,” as they are

PHOTOS BY ALYSON LANDRY

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: Rachel Douglas, Damien James Hughes (2), Matthew Shueller (10) and Lanier Smith of the Lion’s Club pose with a peach tree soon to be planted at Gaia Grove.

Lanier Smith, Matthew Shueler, 10, and Rachel Douglas stand inside one of Gaia Grove’s greenhouses where temperatures stay in the 90s. Pea, tomato, spinach and radish plants grow inside waiting to be potted in the future.

The eco-workshop at Gaia Grove concludes with a tour of an off-grid house hand-built by Mark Wooton at a cost of about $3,000. It includes a furnace, fi re pit, a compost bin, greenhouse, and hand-pumped water flowing from a waterhole dug under his home.

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PHOTOS BY ALYSON LANDRY

Lion’s Club members pose at Gaia Grove’s juice bar, made at no cost from recycled materials including wooden pallets. The Lion’s Club is one of the main sponsors for Gaia Grove and its mission.

called, feature raised beds, vertical gardening, a made-from-scratch water fountain and vegetable beds.

In the future, Gaia Grove will also be home to goats and chickens.

Joanna Pakula, the founder of Gaia Grove, originally envisioned the 92-acre camp as a residential area. After touring eco-communities across the globe, she knew she wanted a space that would embody the idea of community. She wanted the camp to be multi-generational, with the elderly and children

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working together. She hoped that the community would eventually reach a point where it would be able to make and sell eco-friendly products.

On the property, there are examples of different styles of eco-friendly housing units. Wooten’s off-grid house is a 12 x 16 structure built over a rainwater-catchment system that holds 1,000 gallons. It has solar-powered lights and fans, plus an additional greenhouse on the side. There is an outdoor stove and shower, which uses a gravity tank to

release the collected rainwater.

In addition, there are the beginnings of a house made from tires, which Pakula, Watson and Wooten call the “earth ship.” It was inspired by the film “Garbage Warrior,” in which eco-architect Michael Reynolds constructed the house from tires and mud in New Mexico. In the winter, the house stayed warm even in weather that dropped below 30 degrees, Watson said.

Gaia Grove is constantly a work-in-progress. Watson, Pakula

PHOTOS BY ALYSON LANDRY

CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: Jack Shueler, 8, plants a radish seedling to take home.

Gaia Grove offers hands-on projects for children to learn about gardening and sustainable practices led by Bob Watson.

Rachel Douglas helps 2-year-old Damien James Hughes plant a radish seedling to take home while his grandmother, Sherry Hamilton, holds him. Gaia Grove offers hands-on projects for children to learn about gardening and sustainable practices led by Bob Watson.

Sherry Hamilton holds her grandson, Damien James Hughes, while touring Mark Wooten’s hand-built off-grid home.

and Wooten are currently planning to build two-story cabins on the property so that guests can stay for indefinite time spans. The cabins would cost Gaia Grove under $3,000 a piece to build, and would be powered by solar panels.

Gaia Grove is being set up as an experimental center where “we build types of natural buildings that have been used historically for hundreds of years,” Pakula said. She imagines that there will be six to 10 different types of houses on the Gaia Grove property in the near future.

These will range from cordwood, shipping container houses, teepees and tree houses. Gaia Grove aims to demonstrate artistic, low-cost,

energy-efficient homes.

“I envision each of these little structures to be works of art because they’re unique,” Pakula said. ‘They’re not just a box that people live in.”

Pakula found the Gaia Grove property because her children live in this area, and she wanted to stay near them.

“In a way, it’s kind of needed in this area because people need to be aware of the relationship between people and nature,” Pakula said.

Pakula also teaches a 72-hour Permaculture Design course that instructs people how to live in a symbiotic relationship with nature.

There are a couple levels of

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people who want to learn ecoconscious tools to live by, Pakula said. With people who already live somewhat eco-friendly lifestyles, Gaia Grove would provide more intensive training. For people wanting to learn how to save energy in their home, Gaia Grove teaches them to use LED lights and weatherization techniques.

“There are degrees of how selfsufficient you want to be,” Pakula said. She does not want to be totally self-sustaining because she still likes to use some modern-day amenities. South American Indians that are totally self-sufficient make their clothes, build their homes and grow their food.

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PHOTOS BY ALYSON LANDRY

FROM LEFT : Jack Shueler (8), Rachel Douglas holding Damien James Hughes, (2), Matthew Shueler (10), Cameron Wick and Lanier Smith look at fish in a pond made from recycled materials given to Gaia Grove.

In March, a group of students from the University of Miami will spend a couple of days at Gaia Grove learning about permaculture and green living. Gaia Grove’s tree planting project will also happen in March, during which children can come to the Eco-Camp and plant a tree or a bed of vegetables. Students can pick between fruit trees, such as fig or peach trees, or they can select a seasonal vegetable. For the fall, some of the vegetables available are onions, spinach, beets, beans and broccoli. They will then learn how to take care of the tree or vegetable bed, and be able to watch it grow through pictures posted on the Gaia Grove’s website. When the fruit tree or vegetable is ready to be harvested, the children and their

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families will be invited back to Gaia Grove for a Harvest Festival.

Students from UM will help the children with the project or potentially build a cob and earthbag house. Cob is a method of building that uses straw, sand and clay. For the building to have a roof, the structures are required by Alachua County to use a timber frame.

Pakula said she hopes to form a relationship with the University of Florida so that students can receive school credit for taking the classes offered by Gaia Grove.

Pakula also hopes to develop a language-exchange program. In the past, Gaia Grove has hosted groups from Brazil. A woman in Taiwan is already interested in visiting.

Gaia Grove is working with the

High Springs Lions Club to create a concert area. Performers can work their way up from Gaia Grove to the Farm to Family concert stage. In the future, the learning center will also feature a replica of a Native American village and an art forest for children. Watson said the art forest will include tree houses, bridges and fairy houses. Children will be able to paint and be creative.

Gaia Grove received its name from the Gaia hypothesis, which is a concept that the Earth operates as a living organism.

“Everything in our society is based on what kind of use it has for humans,” Pakula said. “We don’t realize how important it is for our survival to keep our natural world in balance.” s

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>> LIVING HISTORY

Spring Awakening Dudley Farm Comes Alive with Plantings and Blossoms

BY MARY KYPREOS myriad of idioms, phrases and flourishes glorify the spring season each year. However, many of these excessive adorations ignore the simple fact that April showers are not the only cause of May flowers. Much toiling and laborious work is also devoted to crafting the beautiful gardens, crops of grains and homegrown fruits and vegetables praised throughout history.

Throughout the spring and summer months, women in old-style dresses and men in trousers and suspenders will tend gardens, sew quilts or direct an animal-pulled tractor through fields of soil. Chickens

A

will be fed and other animals will be cared for. Such was life on an early pioneer farm, and although the time has passed — frozen in film and history — one part of Newberry still keeps this slice of history alive — Dudley Farm Historic State Park.

At this early pioneer farm established before the Civil War, the staff and volunteers labor to maintain and grow sugarcane, corn, a home vegetable garden, flowers, and fruit trees. They complete these chores in the same manner as did three generations of the Dudley family when they managed the farm between the 1880s and 1940s.

In this way, Dudley Farm provides visitors a unique educational experience within the Florida State Park

PHOTO COURTESY OF DUDLEY FARM

“At the turn of the century, neighbors would drive their horse and buggies past the Dudley Farmstead to admire the front yard showplace. Today, visitors to Dudley Farm can see the spring bloom at its peak from March through May,” according to the Dudley Farm Historic State Park website.

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A LOOK BACK AT DUDLEY FARM By the time it was donated to the Florida State Park system and restored and preserved for future generations, Dudley Farm was a 640-acre farm, with 18 buildings constructed between the 1880s and 1945.

The farm included the family farmhouse and separate kitchen, a general store, a dairy shed, a canning house, a Post Office, a smokehouse, a syrup house and mill, hay and tobacco barns, stables, and a drinking ng well and rainwater cistern.

However, Park Services Specialist st Sandra Cashes’ favorite part of the he farms’ history is not the original buildings ng ngs g that were restored.

“The most interesting aspect of the history histtor oy would have been how much of the history he hi ist stor ory y was preserved by this family,” she e said. saiid..

They have records, pictures, furniture, nitture e, paperwork, quilts and other items ms that th hat date back to the 1890s. Some of the th he items are displayed, while otherss are stored in a collection’s building. ng. g.

“They used everything on the farm,” rm, m,,” m Cashes said. “If you were going to throw it out, there was going to be found a way to use it.”

Cashes encourages tourists, locals, alss, families and history enthusiasts to to drop by the park to view this unique iiq que piece of history.

“Farming was a way of life, not just to Floridians but most Americans, back in the 1880s.

Come pick up a little history of what it was like back then,” she said. “We love to have people here; we love to see people.”

System. Not only is the park a physical cal preservation of another time, it is also a literal interpretation since volunteers and park service personnel dress in period clothing and use farming and crafting methods from a bygone era, ensuring that old-school skills and crafts are not forgotten.

The park offers, “a sense of history, remembering how our ancestors and even our grandparents lived, and helping us to better appreciate all the conveniences we have today,” said volunteer Norm Tankersley.

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In the months to come, the fields at Dudley Farm will be plowed by a horse-pulled tractor, and/or by antique tractor demonstrations during the Antique Tractor and Car event. Although mechanical and horse-drawn tractors utilize different power sources, Park Service Specialist Sandra Cashes said that both methods are decent. The difference only becomes apparent with the time factor.

“A horse and plow may take a whole day, whereas a tractor may take an hour,” Cashes said.

PHOTO COURTESY OF DUDLEY FARM

Dudley Farm may be a small-scale farm, but it still requires a lot of work to maintain. Sometimes, a mule or horse helps plow the fi elds, other times antique tractors, and on the days the park is closed they use more modern equipment.

Although the cornfield will require plowing, planting and tending this spring and summer, less work is needed for the sugarcane crop because it is a rootstock.

As long as the roots are intact, the sugarcane will grow on its own every year. Consequently, only maintenance and harvesting is necessary.

In addition to crops, volunteers at the farm maintain a number of flowering and fruit-producing trees, including pear, fig, grapefruit and other citrus trees, Tankersley said. In the vegetable garden, visitors

can also experience the growth stages of a variety of spring and summer vegetables such as beets, carrots, tomatoes and sweet potatoes.

“It is just like a basic farm; it shows how those people who lived 60 and 100 years ago subsisted and how they fed themselves,” he said, adding that nowadays the food often feeds regular and event volunteers.

Even the Dudleys — whose survival depended on their own dedication and hard work as well as the whims of the weather — planted various flowers and

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blooming plants around their home. Today, heirloom roses, amaryllis, larkspur and coreopsis and the champion state red buckeye tree provide a profusion of color during spring and summer months.

“While they lived a rustic life, they still enjoyed a beautiful season,” Tankersley said. During the upcoming months, the farm will boast of all kinds of “flowers and lilies that are real pretty and beautiful to look at.”

One of Tankersley’s favorite aspects of volunteering is interacting with children and teaching them about the way the Dudleys lived. He recalled one particularly vivid memory of a young boy, about 3 years old, who approached him and asked, “Mister, do peanuts grow on trees?”

Tankersley, who volunteers in the Commissary (a store that carried only the basic necessities of the time), sent the boy to the garden to discover for himself. Later in the day, the boy ran up to him, proud to know that peanuts did not grow on trees but in the ground.

He has also taught children how to crack and eat pecans and to eat grapes with seeds in them.

“They ask all kinds of questions about how things grow and what they are,” he said. “I enjoy that as much as anything.”

Dudley Farm State Park is not solely about work and education; throughout the spring, various events will also be open and available to the public.

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Astronomy Club will offer visitors the chance to peak through its telescopes. Guided by a knowledgeable club member, curious eyes will discover asteroids, constellations, comets, galaxies, meteorites, plants, stars and more. Like the universe itself, the visual possibilities are endless, and yet precious to discover.

The admission fee is $5 and benefits the Friends of Dudley Park.

Every second Saturday of the month through May, a volunteer will set up and help children create a unique craft. The craft project changes each month. Past projects have included lavender hearts and Easter nets weaved from vines. The workshop lasts from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and the only fee is the park entrance cost. The event will take place on April 14 and May 12.

The second Saturday of each month also features an historic tour. Whereas tours are normally self-guided, this is a formal tour of the farm and the associated history.

“If you want to know more about the history [of Dudley Farm], the tour is really good,” Cashes said. “If you want to just come out and interact with the kids,

than just coming to the park is the way to go.”

Spring also typically called for Dudley Farm’s annual Dessert Gala, featuring banjos, dancing, and a night filled only with desserts; however, because of stringent rules and regulations, this event is in peril.

Because the food for the event is cooked in the homes of volunteers outside of the park, stricter regulations prevent the desserts from being brought in for a public event. Despite this setback, Tankersley is hopeful they will find a way to continue the event in one form or another.

While homemade food cannot be brought into the park for the general public, private families can still bring picnic lunches and snacks to enjoy while visiting, he said. Dudley Farm boasts a picnic area with tables and grills, and three miles of trails to work off any meal.

“It is a beautiful area. Bring a picnic, bring a blanket and sit on the ground,” Cashes said, adding that whatever is brought in must be taken out, including trash. “It is not far from Gainesville and a beautiful place to get away from the hustle bustle for a while.” s

“They ask all kinds of questions about how things grow and what they are,” he said. “I enjoy that as much as anything.”

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>> FELLOWSHIP

Moon Over High Springs The Farm to Family Festival

BY DESIREE FARNUM cross the country, people gather to hear live music for entire weekends.

Music lovers go to music festivals.

Lollapalooza in Chicago and Bonnaroo in Tennessee draw thousands, and Florida has its own share of music festivals.

Orlando and Miami host a few, and Live Oak features several music festivals along the Suwannee River every year. Yet closer to home, in Gilchrist County, is a 3-day music festival that occurs quarterly. Open to people of all ages, with music varying from folk to rock to reggae, the Farm to Family Full Moon Festival offers a music experience with camping.

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While the inaugural show drew about 30 people, the first show at the Farm to Family Festival’s new location drew around 600, and the second around 1,100.

The price separates Farm to Family from other festivals. At $20 in advance and $25 at the gate for a weekend — which includes primitive camping — the festival is economically friendly, compared to many others. The Suwannee River Jam is $80 for the weekend in advance, and the Bear Creek Festival is $135. Major cities have larger price tags on their festivals, and Bonnaroo and Lollapalooza cost about a couple hundred dollars for the weekend.

Adding to the variety of the Farm to Family Full Moon Festival are

PHOTOS BY LARRY BEHNKE

TOP: The band Quartermoon takes the stage at a recent Farm to Family Full Moon Festival. This family friendly event offers entertainment for all ages.

PHOTOS BY DESIREE FARNUM

BOTTOM: The Free Lovin Foodery was one of three food vendors at the June concert. They described themselves as “gypsy food vendors making delicious vegan, vegetarian and fl exi-tarian food and delivering it to hungry festival goers,” according to their website.

RIGHT: An alligator statue stands tall near the “cool walk” and the parking lot with a banjo in hand.

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A total of 23 vendor canopies lined up in a crescent moon shape around the fi eld and all facing the stage.

the vendors. During an event last summer, a vendor with hula-hoops also sold jewelry. A clothing vendor also offered a brown hammock.

Anything with the message of peace and love could be found beneath the 23 canopies, which formed a crescent moon shape around one side of the fields for the June festival. There were also three designated food vendors.

The only obstruction between the stage and the rest of the open grassy area was a tall wooden

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lookout, with people taking turns video recording bands for YouTube and the Farm to Family website.

For children, there was an inflatable slip-and-slide tunnel with splashing water to cool them down. Others could stay under trees or explore. The heat was an obvious aspect of the June festival, which takes place in an open farm.

Those who braved the shade-less areas were drifting through the “cool walk,” a plastic walkway with irrigation hoses sprinkling water, or

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Still, the festival pulled in visitors from Jacksonville, Dunnellon and as far as Georgia. This all-inclusive event hosted an array of age groups, single people and families.

A couple drove around the property in a golf cart decorated with skulls, stickers, wind chimes and colorful sparkly things. There was a woman who brought her two horses, and a man who had homemade moonshine in a water bottle. People can bring their own food and drink,

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“It’s always the weekend that comes up before the full moon.”

or buy food from any of the many vendors.

Originally, the festival took place on the Phoenix Rising Organic Farm in Alachua County. As it grew, it moved to a new location, but the owner of the first farm, and a creator of the event, Don Applebaum, remained as the event coordinator for the Farm to Family concerts.

On the new property there is a large chicken coop towards the woods, and all the people missing from the stage area during the day were back there around tents, throwing Frisbees or balls with their camping neighbors. A sign for the “Ghetto Trailer Park” marks the

section for RVs. For the June concert, about 20 bands took the stage, including Quartermoon, whose member, John Smith, ignited the idea for Applebaum to have the first show at his farm. Together they took a few months to plan it and created a stage where the moon would rise behind it, a philosophy that has continued at the new venue.

“It’s always the weekend that comes up before the full moon,” Applebaum said. “Every night the full moon comes up an hour later, so you’ll end up having a pretty dark show if you do it after the full moon.”

Applebaum added that

sometimes the full moon comes on a Saturday — which is great.

Visitors actively participate in the celebration. On Saturday night, during the band “The Jesse Smith Project with Hanna Harber,” a beach ball bounced along the top of the audience, with an eager toddler on his father’s shoulders joining in the game. When “de Lions of Jah” took the stage, the smoke and incense came out. Spectators jumped with the music. A burning wand of sage came out and various audience members “cleansed” themselves with the smoke.

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all corners came out of their tents.

Vendors lit up their areas and the stage illuminated the many dancers down front. As the sun set, more people crowded up to the stage, some sitting on towels or setting up lawn chairs nearby. Dogs wrestled in the last sweaty moments of heat while men and women, young and old, danced away to the sounds of live music, always running over schedule to the next show time.

Farm to Family began in 2005.

“People liked it, so we did it again the next month,” Applebaum said. It went on for four and a half years monthly. Today at its new location it occurs once each season.

“I’m a campfire player, I don’t really get on stage,” Applebaum said, but he ran the sound for the first shows and handled the website. John Smith knew the bands to include in the concerts.

The first bands were Sadie’s shoes (Michael Payton), String Kings and Tom Nellie.

The festival would only last for

a Saturday each month, and in hot weather it would start at 7 p.m.

“Eventually people would start not driving home,” Applebaum said.

So they would put up a tent.

Applebaum still does the website, flyers and posters, and is the event coordinator, but he no longer does sound. There are several helpers who do frontof-house, sound, and act as stagehands. There is a security team and ticket-takers. John Smith has input on the lineup and the High Springs Lions club helped with the stage, while Gilchrist fundraisers provided the venue.

The stage is not the only place to find music at the Farm to Family concerts. John and Raven of the band Quartermoon bring out a huge tent called the Bill Monroe Shrine, aka “the pickin’ tent,” to set up an acoustic camp. All kinds of music happen there with an invitation to anyone with any instrument to join in. A drum circle goes on simultaneously.

Rubberstamps, Scrapbooking,

Part of the proceeds from the concerts are donated to the Suwannee County League, providing sports equipment for athletes, and the High Springs Lions Club supports the Farm to Family concerts.

Lanier Smith of the Lions Club helped put the concerts together.

“It’s a network of people with similar ideas and values,” he said.

“This has a down-home feel.

There’s no trouble.”

High Springs’ artist Larry Behnke, one of the founding members of the High Springs Art Co-op, created the illustration used on the fliers and the cover of the program.

Arturo Escamillo has attended two of the Farm to Family concerts. “It is a good thing that they’re doing,” he said. His only recommendation for change was a surround sound setup for the speakers, if they can afford to do it that way, he said.

Lanier Smith added, “Once someone just comes out and sees the venue, they’ll want to come back.” s

Follow Us To The Bed ‘n Biscuit Inn BOARDING FOR DOGS & CATS • GROOMING • DAY CARE

Handmade Crafts and Gifts and so much more..

Cardmaking classes and Crops.

Stop by for a schedule.

OPEN: Fri. 10-8 Sat. 10-6 Sun. 11-5 Mon. 10-8

AVAILABLE FOR SPECIAL EVENTS

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280 NE 1st Ave. High Springs, FL

(386) 454-8008

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HIGH SPRINGS, FLORIDA

386-454-0676

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We love them as much as you do! www.VisitOurTowns.com

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20 QUESTIONS >> DIANE E. SHEPARD

Mama Musings “I think at a child’s birth, if a mother could ask a fairy godmother to endow it with the most useful gift, that gift should be curiosity.”

— ELEANOR ROOSEVELT

y son asks lots of questions. Sometimes I feel I’m in a perpetual game of rapid-fire 20 Questions (except that it’s more like 200). It’s no wonder that his favorite character is Curious George.

And one of the subjects he is most curious about is the natural world.

“Mama, where did the moon go?”

“Mama, where is the bird’s mama?”

“Mommy, why do the trees reach for the sky?”

I read of a 2002 study in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, which found that children who actively explored their natural surroundings, engaged in play with other children, and asked numerous questions at the age of 3 scored higher on IQ tests and were more advanced readers at the age of 11, than their more passive peers.

Well, if that’s the case, then my boy will be a genius!

A report on Nightline featured a unique “Nature Preschool,” where the “classroom” is a 5-acre forest. The class is outside all day. No matter the weather. There

M

are no books. They learn by and with their senses.

There are no lesson plans. It is the children, not the teachers, who decide their course of study for the day, whether it’s making mud pies, studying caterpillars, or all manner of other critters that inhabit the area. The kids choose the path they will take. How liberating!

They investigate whatever captures their curiosity along the way. One mom said that her daughter had been given a mud “bath” by a classmate the previous day. I can imagine my boy in that school. He would thrive in it! And come home everyday a walking mudball! Total immersion!

A favorite writer of mine, Virginia Sorensen, said that curiosity is the single most important element of being a writer. “His fresh interest in what lies everywhere around him, his enthusiastic reception with eyes, ears, tongue, fingertips and all.” This is Nicholas.

Living in the moment.

My kids and I actively search out these moments, which, more often than not, involve nature.

“DEPEND ON IT” 18266 NW HWY 441 • HIGH SPRINGS, FL OFFICE: 386-454-3633 CELL: 352-339-6069 Brenda@ ForresterRealty.com • www.ForresterRealty.com

CALL BRENDA FOR EXCELLENT REAL ESTATE SERVICE! 102 | Spring 2012

One of our favorites is to go out in our backyard at night to watch the moon and the stars. It has always been quiet and peaceful and still. The other night we went out and gazed up at the awesome night sky, just like always. Then: “whoosh, aaaahhhnnnnn... eerrrttt... honk, honk!” We were suddenly assaulted with a cacophony of traffic noise.

“Mommy, what was that?” My kids ask in unison.

I realize it’s because our buffer of trees is gone. Our woods, pine and various oaks, were mowed down in the name of progress. They once insulated us from the sounds of the road. No more.

Now I have a question of my own. We knew this was inevitable, but why does it have to be inevitable? This piece of land, once woods, now slated to be — what else? A parking lot.

The next day, as Nicholas and I are driving home from school, we see bulldozers mowing down more trees out beyond our neighborhood. He watches in horror as the trees are toppled one by one and shoved into a large pile like trash.

More questions from my son, but these are not so fun to answer.

“Mommy, why are they hurting the trees?!” he yells. “Hey no! They can’t do that! We got to tell ‘em to stop it!”

(I couldn’t agree more!)

As we are heading to our favorite park on Black Creek, we drive past the now barren field, which used to be our woods.

“Mommy, why they do that?” Nicholas asks in a voice filled with shock and confusion. “Where will all the birds go now? What about their nests?”

How do I answer these tough questions from a child still so innocent in the ways of this world?

I do not know. But I do know I will not stifle his curiosity.

Cultivating a sense of curiosity about nature in our children will lead to an appreciation of nature, which will in turn, lead them to love nature. If we teach them to love the earth, they will want to save it — one bird, one tree, one patch of woods, at a time. s

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We buy Junk Cars with or without a title.

CALL TODAY! 352-546-2700

or visit: www.SPRINGHILLVILLAGE.net or call:

352-214-8153 www.VisitOurTowns.com

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Taste of the Town

SPECIAL RESTAURANT ADVERTISING SECTION. CALL 352.372-5468 FOR ADVERTISING INFORMATION.

Amy’s Country Buffet and Grill 8877 SW US Hwy 27 Fort White Mon & Tues. 6am - 2pm • Wed. - Sat. 6am - 9pm • Sun 7am - 3pm

386-497-4701 A traditional Southern style restaurant with the best recipes straight from her mother’s cookbook. Formerly the Goosenest, Amy’s has been remodeled and open since July of this year. Amy’s is open seven days a week serving breakfast, lunch and dinner with food made from scratch daily. Amy’s offers a lunch and dinner buffet as well as menu items including Philly cheese steak, burgers, wings and an assortment of other sandwiches and dinner specials. Amy’s also features a seafood buffet on Friday nights and a Bar-b-que buffet on Saturday nights. Amy welcomes you to come out and enjoy their friendly service, family atmosphere and of course, the food! Now serving Beer and Wine. Live entertainment on the weekends.

Joe’s Place 5109 NW 39th Ave, Gainesville, Fl 32606 Monday to Saturday 11:00am - 2:00pm Sunday 1:00pm to 11:00pm

352-377-7665

www.panamajoesplace.com

BAR & GRILL — Founded in 2004 on the principles of quality food, exceptional value and family fun, Joe’s Place operates in Timberwood Village on the Northwest side of Gainesville. Joe’s draws people of all ages and lifestyles with its signature bar and grill menu items and family-friendly atmosphere. Since 2004, we have built a local following of salad bar lovers with our award-winning, homemade soups and salad bar. Meat eaters will enjoy our steaks and famous burgers, while vegetarians will love our locally produced tempeh options.

Kids eat free every Wednesday with any adult meal of $8.99 or more – featuring healthy options and entertainment by “The Magic Man”.

Gator Q 222 NE First Avenue, High Springs, FL 32643 Monday — Saturday: 11:30am - 8:00pm

386-454-9823

www.GatorQ.com

BARBECUE — Gator Q is a neighborhood BBQ joint using local black jack oak soaked in apple cider for smoking pork, turkey, St. Louis ribs, split chickens, and chicken wings, with the occasional beef brisket thrown in for good measure.

Brette and Bob ‘Yogi’ Liebler serve made from scratch collards with attitude, bold BBQ beans, gourmet Mac-n-cheese, and a dill and ranch potato salad that will get in your craw and leave you craving more. They’re open Monday through Saturday from 11:30 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. Check them out online at www.gatorq.com or follow them on Facebook. Ask your friends — the food really is that good!

Club 51 15 NE 2nd Avenue, High Springs, FL 32643 Monday – Thursday 11:00am-9:00pm Friday and Saturday 11:00am-Midnight

386-454-0797 CUISINE — Club 51 is your “home away from home”. With a great wine selection, ice cold beer, and fresh squeezed margaritas Club 51 can offer you a warm and friendly atmosphere. Club 51 also offers a wide variety of American, Italian, and Seafood dishes. We offer appetizers, such as, Shrimp Cocktail, Clam Chowder and Poppers.

Our lunch specials include sandwiches such as Cuban’s, Ruben’s and Philly’s. Club 51’s dinner specials offer Chicken Marsala, Oysters Rockefeller, Stuffed Shells and to top it off, Key Lime Cheesecake for dessert. There will also be live music on Friday and Saturday nights starting at 8:00 p.m. So, come relax and enjoy!

Los Aviña 14841 Main Street Alachua, 32615 • 386-418-0341 16654 SW Archer, 32618 • 352-495-1314 Mon - Sat 11am to 10pm • Sun 12pm - 9pm

Open seven days a week For the past nine years Jorge Aviña has been serving delicious authentic mexican food. Originally located in Archer, Aviña opened a second location in High Springs, which is now relocated in Alachua.

Los Aviña is open seven days a week and features all you can eat tacos Monday through Saturday llam to 4pm for $6.95. They also have combination dinner specials starting at $7.55 and lunch specials starting at $4.55 Monday - Thursday from 11am to 2:30pm.

Aviña’s specialties include steaks, fajitas, chimichangas, burritos, taco salads and enchiladas. Live Mexican music every Saturday night from 6:30pm to 9:30pm. Los Aviña also serves beer and wine at the Archer location and a full bar at there new location in Alachua.

Miami International 15634 NW Hwy 441, Suite F, Alachua, FL 32615 Monday – Saturday 9:00am - 9:00pm

386-462-3305 CUBAN — Miami Int’l Bakery and Restaurant is your one-stop-shop for authentic Cuban cuisine. We offer largely portioned entrees such as Roast Pork, Ropa Vieja, Cuban Sandwich and a variety of chicken and seafood dishes, as well. Not only are we a restaurant, we are also a bakery and ice cream shop. Come in and try our unique cultural flavors such as guava, mango, papaya and more! Also, don’t forget about us for your next big event. We offer catering for weddings and social gatherings. With our competitive prices and lunch specials starting at $4.95 from 11a.m. to 3 p.m., as well as a full dinner menu, we can offer you an authentic Cuban experience. Don’t forget to try one of our delicious desserts such as guava pastries, flan and so much more.

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Taste of the Town

SPECIAL RESTAURANT ADVERTISING SECTION. CALL 352.372-5468 FOR ADVERTISING INFORMATION.

Saboré 13005 SW 1st Road, Tioga, FL 32669 (Tioga Town Center) Tues-Thurs, Sun 11am to 10pm Fri & Sat 11am to 11pm Open Mondays for Special Events Only

352-332-2727

www.saborerestaurant.com

FUSION — Featuring a new menu! Saboré [sa-bohr-ay] is a worldfusion restaurant featuring a variety of European, South American, Mediterranean and Asian-inspired tastes. Saboré’s namesake is from the word “sabor,” meaning “flavor.” Executive Chef and Co-Owner William “Willy” Hernandez’s menu features mouth-watering dishes that takes guests on a trip around the world, highlighting exotic flavors and ingredients from countries such as Argentina, Japan, Greece and Italy. Be sure to try their custom plates, desserts and signature cocktails you won’t find anywhere else in Gainesville. Chef Willy has been heralded for his innovative culinary skills at famed establishments such as Caramelo Restaurant, Giacosa, Casa Rolandi and Café Vialetto.

Ballyhoo Grill 3700 Newberry Road, Gainesville Mon-Thu: 10am to 10pm • Fri & Sat: 10am to 11pm Sun 10am to 10pm

352-373-0059 Looking for the freshest seafood? — The Ballyhoo Grill is the place for you! With fresh seafood arriving daily, Try the amazing North Atlantic Cedar Plank Salmon, grilled on a cedar plank for a rich, smoky flavor. Other great eats include fresh sushi and hand-cut choice steaks. We’re serving up everything from salads and pastas to delicious burgers and sandwiches. make sure you try the incredible Bananas Fosters. Dine in or outdoors on their patio.

Happy hour is 2-7pm daily with extended happy hour until 10pm on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

O!O Tapas & Tinis 2725 SW 91st St., #100, Gainesville, FL (Haile Village) Monday to Wednesday 5:00 - 10:00pm Thurs. to Sat. 5:00 - 12:00pm

352-331-6620

www.ootinis.com

TAPAS — O!O Tapas & Tinis is serving up a New Menu from Executive Chef Ryan Long, which includes a Porterhouse Pork Chop, Certified Angus Beef, Orange and Cranberry Duck Breast, Fresh Seafood and many, many other selections. Looking for great drink specials? Come see us Tuesdays and Thursdays for $5 Martinis and Live Music. Join us for Happy Hour from 5-7pm every night. Let us take care of the catering for your office parties or special events.

Located in the Haile Village Publix Shopping Plaza.

That’s so last year.

At Southwest Greens we install the highest quality, guaranteed, synthetic grass lawn you can own. Free yourself up to enjoy what really matters, which certainly isn’t lawn maintenance. Never worry about water restrictions and a brown lawn during a drought.

And we’re also your experts for putting greens, sports courts, playground surfaces and athletic fields. Call us today to have the time of your life in your own backyard.

Golf putting greens | Synthetic grass | Basketball and tennis courts | Playground surfaces | Golden Bear turf | Athletic fields

Southwest Greens | | swgreens.com www.VisitOurTowns.com

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CALENDAR If you would like to have an event considered for publication in this calendar, please submit information directly. post 4400 NW 36th Ave., Gainesville, FL 32606 | e-mail editor@towerpublications.com | fax 352-373-9178

OVER THE TAVERN Through March 18 Times Vary HIPPODROME THEATER - Faith, family and Ed Sullivan fight for space in the Pazinski’s cramped upstate New York apartment. The youngest of the bunch, 12-year-old Rudy, is a precocious kid who’s starting to question his family’s values and the Roman Catholic Church. When he announces that he’d rather shop around for a more “fun” religion, all hell breaks loose.

352-375-4477.

HIPPODROME PLAY OBSERVERSHIP Friday, March 16 3:00pm - 5:00pm HIPPODROME THEATRE Have you ever wanted a behind-the-scenes look at how the Hippodrome brings a production from the page to the stage? Meet the theatre professionals that put it all together in this engaging session that will lead you through the creative process of A Midsummer’s Night Dream. 352-375-4477.

SPLENDOR 2012: BACKSTAGE MAGIC Friday, March 16 6:30pm NADINE MCGUIRE THEATRE “Theatre Magic” is the theme of this year’s Friends of Theatre and Dance benefit event.

Experience a world behind-the-scenes

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of theatre and dance production during this exciting annual event, featuring a sophisticated evening of entertainment, silent auctions, food and drinks. 352-392-1653.

MEDIUM JAN MARSHALL

Gainesville Kiwanis Clubs or at the door for just a $5 donation. Kids under 6 are free. One hundred percent of all proceeds go toward the Kiwanis mission of serving the children of our community and our world. 352-376-4882.

Friday, March 16 7:30pm

HEALTH FAIR AND INDIA FAIR

UNITY OF GAINESVILLE - If you enjoy John Edward and the television shows, “Crossing Over” or “Cross Country,” then come and experience an evening of the “British Style of Mediumship” as Jan brings descriptions of the departed with messages from them to the audience. Jan may also do a Psychic Art drawing for you during the message. 352-373-1030.

Saturday, March 17 9:00am - 6:00pm SANTA FE COLLEGE - India Fest showcases more than 30 vendors selling jewelry, art and crafts, ethnic wear and Indian cuisine and an afternoon of enthralling music and dance performances.

The health fair is a volunteer-run screening and information session in the morning. www.

icec-florida.org/indiafest.html.

407-970-2934.

TRAIL OF PAYNE 10K Saturday, March 17 8:30am PAYNES PRAIRIE - A pure trail race you won’t want to miss! This run promises to be one of the most unique in the area, so take advantage of the beautiful state park during and after the race. Bring your friends and get ready to go off-road.

352-466-3397

GAINESVILLE COMMUNITY FEST Saturday, March 17 10:00am - 6:00pm ALACHUA FAIR GROUNDS - A showcase for Gainesville’s local businesses, clubs and nonprofit organizations to raise funds for the Gainesville branch of Kids Kicking Cancer.

352-354-2397.

www.gainesvillecommunityfest.com

KIWANIS PANCAKE BREAKFAST Saturday, March 17 Time TBD GAINESVILLE HIGH SCHOOL - Tickets are available from members of both

CAN YOU DIG IT? Saturday, March 17 10:00am - 3:00pm MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY - Dig into geology and discover the ground beneath your

feet. Enjoy hands-on activities and watch demonstrations of volcanic eruptions.

Have your world rocked by the awesome presentations and activities from the UF Department of Geological Sciences and the Gainesville Gem and Mineral Society. 352-846-2000.

RUN FOR HAVEN 5K/10K Saturday, March 17 2:00pm TIOGA TOWN CENTER - Check-in and registration begin at 2:00pm and the run starts at 4:30pm. Your registration fee includes the post-run party with live music, food, drinks, expo booths, awards ceremony and more!

Purchase a post-party only ticket, and you’ll be there to support the runners and a great cause. 352-331-8773.

FIREFIGHTER’S BALL Saturday, March 17 6:00pm - 2:00am HILTON UF - An annual event consisting of food, beverages, a 50/50 drawing, music, dancing, information about The North Florida Children’s Burn Camp, Inc. (AKA Camp Amigo), and a silent auction. The proceeds benefit Camp Amigo by providing a week of summer fun for children ages 6 to 18 years old and who have burn injuries. 352-377-2157.

VINTAGE QUILT DISPLAY Saturday, March 17 9:00am - 5:00pm HARVEST VILLAGE - 22050 U.S. 441, Micanopy. A display of antique and vintage quilts from private collections with information, including history, techniques used and provenance when known. Proceeds benefit Horse Protection Association of Florida and Humane Society of Marion County.

GAINESVILLE STREET RODS Saturday, March 17 10:00am - 4:00pm SANTA FE COLLEGE - 30th Annual Cruz-In Car Show. Proceeds to benefit Stop Children’s Cancer. Registration is $20.00 for cars, truck and motorcycles, and $5.00 for bicycles.

Spectators free. Cash drawings, music, door prizes and fun for everyone. 352-658-1477.

www.gainesvillestreetrods.com

PILOBOLUS Sunday, March 18 2:00pm PHILLIPS CENTER Celebrating 40 years of defying gravity, this incomparable dance company has delighted, dazzled and amazed audiences across the planet with their superhuman flexibility and fascinating forms that challenge the limits of the human body.

352-392-3261.

MOONDOG Sunday, March 18 7:00pm GREAT OUTDOORS RESTAURANT - 65 North Main St, High Springs. Live music with Moondog. Bring a friend and enjoy great food and live music on the patio under the stars. 386-454-1288.

Sunrise Canoe Tour Saturday, March 17 6:45am - 10:00am ICHETUCKNEE SPRINGS - Experience the incredible wildlife of the Ichetucknee River as the mist rises off the warm spring waters! Space-limited and by reservation only. Participants do not need to bring personal canoes or kayaks, as all equipment and PFD’s will be provided. The tour will meet at the North Entrance, off Elim Church Road (County Road 238). 386-497-4690.

JEANINE DE BIQUE Monday, March 19 7:30pm SQUITIERI STUDIO THEATRE - UF Performing Arts presents Young Concert Artist: Jeanine De Bique, Soprano.

7:30 p.m. Admission fee: $30. Open to the public. 352-392-2787.

WORDS FROM THE EARTH Tuesday, March 20 6:30pm - 8:00pm LEONARDO’S 706 Uncovering Our First Colony Through Archaeology. Engage in a lively discussion with University of Florida experts during the Florida Museum of Natural History’s spring Science Cafe series.

Each café includes a short presentation and is designed to allow community members to ask questions. RSVP at least one week in advance by e-mailing skelly@flmnh.ufl.edu or calling 352-273-2085.

SANTA FE ENSEMBLE RECITAL

HOPPIN’ ON THE FOSSIL FREEWAY

Tuesday, March 20 7:30pm - 9:30pm

Friday, March 23 6:00pm - 8:00pm

FINE ARTS HALL THEATRE Santa Fe College. An enchanting evening of music, under the direction of Dr. Brian Holder, with musical groups comprised of Santa Fe students. $15 orchestra; $12 balcony; $9 seniors, children, UF students.

www.santafecollege.edu.

A ROYAL GOOD TIME Friday, March 23 8:00pm - 10:00pm HIPPODROME THEATRE Prince Poppycock, star of NBC’s number 1 show, “America’s got Talent,” headlines this special one-night-only performance. The Prince (AKA John Quale) dazzles audiences with his beautiful voice, lavish costumes, versatility and magical charm. Local talents Kelly Atkins, Gussie Lee and Sondra Hunt will also grace the Mainstage. 352-375HIPP. www.thehipp.org.

www.VisitOurTowns.com

MUSEUM OF NATUAL HISTORY - Cruise over to the museum’s first beer-tasting event.

Sample an array of beers from several area and regional breweries, along with delicious appetizers, and then explore the museum’s newest exhibit, Cruisin’ the Fossil Freeway with Artist Ray Troll and Paleontologist Kirk Johnson. This event is for ages 21 and older only; advance registration is required.

352-273-2045.

CROSSWINDS Friday, March 23 7:00pm GREAT OUTDOORS RESTAURANT - 65 North Main St., High Springs.

Bring a friend and enjoy great food and the live music of Crosswinds on the patio under the stars.

386-454-1288.

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THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE March 23 - April 15 Times Vary GVILLE COMMUNITY PLAYHOUSE - Young Millie has just moved to a New York full of intrigue and jazz — a time when women were entering the work force and the rules of love and social behavior were changing forever.

Filled with frisky flappers, dashing men and a villainess audiences will love to hate, Millie is an evening of madcap merriment.

352-376-4949.

ALACHUA EASTER EGG HUNT Saturday, March 24 11:00am - 1:00pm CHRIST CENTRAL Highway 441 South, near the Webster

building. All merchants are encouraged to donate for the Easter Egg Drop and Hunt.

Different sponsors are donating items for goody bags, eggs and special fun inflatables.

Bring your children for a free, fun-filled day complete with the Easter Bunny.

386-462-1610.

FAMILY DAY AT THE UF DAIRY FARM Saturday, March 24 9:00am - 2:00pm DAIRY FARM - 13200 NW 59 Drive, Alachua. A fun and informative day for all. Take a leisurely tour and enjoy butter making, calf petting, a milking machine, visiting the cows in their barn, see the healthcare area, the milking parlor and lots more! See how milk is produced

locally, and learn how University of Florida research supports more efficient, affordable and sustainable milk production. Free with plenty of parking.

MARCH FOR BABIES Saturday, March 24 7:00am - Noon WESTWOOD MIDDLE - This 8.5-mile street party is a celebration of the lives March of Dimes is changing through outstanding fundraising efforts. A morning of food, fun and festivities.

352-378-9522.

THE SPRING SKY Saturday, March 24 8:00pm - 9:00pm DUDLEY FARM - Tour our spectacular solar system. Discover asteroids, constellations, comets, galaxies, meteorites, planets, satellites

and stars through telescopes guided by the knowledgeable and enthusiastic Alachua Astronomy club members. Discover the wonders of the universe.

Admission is $5.00 per adult. 352-472-1142 or

www.friendsofdudleyfarm.org.

WALK FOR EPILEPSY Saturday, March 24 8:00am - 1:30pm KANAPAHA PARK - An event for the 375,000 Floridians living with Epilepsy. EFOF Gainesville Chapter provides Neurological Care for 16 surrounding counties 352-378-4324.

AARP TAX-AIDE ASSISTANCE Beginning March 24 Various Times LOCAL LIBRARIES Walk-Ins are available

FULL SERVIC SERVICE C E PAWN SHOP - BUY, SELL, OR TRADE

OFFERING CONCEALED WEAPONS CLASSES call for details RIFLES • SHOTGUNS • PISTOLS Area’s Largest Selection of Used Firearms

COMPLETE ARCHERY PRO-SHOP MANAGED BY BO WILSON Custom Fletching & Refletching • Full Line of Bowtech • Bear • Jennings • PSE • Custom Orders • Hunting Gear & Clothing All Accessories Available • We Service Any Bow

www.SappsPawnGunArchery.com

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PAWN • GUN • ARCHERY 111 NW 6th Street • Gainesville, FL 32601

352-372-8301

of J. S. Bach, Orlande de Lassus and John IV, King of Portugal.

352-372-4721.

WRITERS ALLIANCE OF GAINESVILLE Sunday, March 25 2:30pm MILLHOPPER BRANCH LIBRARY - Colleen Rand and WAG member Carrie Clickard will talk about putting together a children’s book and how to market it.

Colleen, with Betsygail Rand, is the author of Big Bunny. Big Bunny will be available for sale at the library, just in time for the Easter holidays.

Kanapaha Garden Fest March 24 - March 25 Times Vary KANAPAHA BOTANICAL GARDEN - Features about 200 booths, offering plants, landscape displays, garden accessories, arts and crafts, educational exhibits, food and more. Also featured are a walk-through butterfly conservatory, children’s activities area, live entertainment and live auctions. Admission is $8 for adults and $5 for children, thirteen and under. Cash only. www.kanapaha.org/spring.htm.

Saturdays at these locations, days and times. Walk-Ins must arrive at least one hour prior to closing time.

Millhopper Branch, 3145 NW 43rd St., April 14 from 10:00am - 2:00pm; Alachua Branch, 14913 NW 140 St., March 31 from Noon - 4:00pm; Hawthorne Branch, 6640 SE 221 St., March 24 from 1:00pm - 5:00pm.

VIJAY IYER TRIO Saturday, March 24 7:30pm UNIVERSITY AUDITORIUM - Vijay Iyer is one of today’s most acclaimed and respected young artists working in the field of jazz. In 2010, the Jazz Journalists Association recognized him as Musician of the Year and his ensemble trio received the Echo Award for best

386-454 -9823 Monday - Saturday 11:30- 8:00 www.GatorQ.com

Follow us on Facebook!

Sunday, March 25 6:00pm - 10:30pm

international ensemble.

Admission fee: $20 - $30. Open to the public. 352-392-2787.

LENTEN LESSONS AND MUSIC Sunday, March 25 5:00pm HOLY TRINTY EPISCOPAL The Holy Trinity Choir sings a service of music for Lent. Music

SANTA FE COLLEGE - The Bosshardt Family of Companies presents the 25th Anniversary of Children’s Home Society of Florida’s annual fundraiser. This silver anniversary celebration of community support for abused and neglected children will be a stellar evening of fun, food, live music, dancing and silent auction. 352-334-0955 or

www.CHSRitz.org.

Just 10 miles south of historic St. Augustine

Located in the First Avenue Center in Gorgeous High Springs, Florida

222 NE First Avenue • High Springs

PUTTIN’ ON THE RITZ

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6970 A1A SOUTH ST. AUGUSTINE BEACH

YOUR MEAL

Call for reservations

IN HOUSE OR TO GO. COME GIVE US A TRY Expires 06-15-12

1-800-527-8849

www.VisitOurTowns.com

www.beacherslodge.com

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CARRY OUT Plus Sales Tax. Limited Time Offer

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WEST END ANIMAL HOSPITAL 15318 WEST NEWBERRY ROAD • NEWBERRY, FL 32669 www.WESTENDANIMAL.com OFFICE 352.472.7626 SERVING ALACHUA COUNTY FOR 20 YEARS

Deborah Cottrell, DVM — Fred Schirmer, DVM COMPANION ANIMAL & EXOTICS • LARGE PHARMACY COMPLETE IN-HOUSE LABORATORY • DIGITAL RADIOLOGY VIDEO OTOSCOPY • SURGERY SUITE • DROP-OFF SERVICE BOARDING • DOCTOR ON CALL 24-HOURS

FREE SPAY OR NEUTER FOR PITBULLS AND PIT MIXES All dogs must be Alachua County residents and have valid Alachua County Rabies tag.

If your pet is not current, a vaccine and tag can be acquired the day of surgery.

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HEADQ HEADQUARTERS LIBRARY - Kevin Moffett is the author of “Permanent Visitors and Further Visitor Interpretations of Interp Real-Life Events,” Real-L published in January. publis He has received the Pushcart Prize, the Pushc Nelson Algren Award, a the National grant from f Endowment for the Endow a National Arts, and a Magazine Award. He Magaz teaches in the MFA teache program at California progra Bernardino.

State San S 352-334-3931.

352-33

YOU YOUNG FRAN FRANKENSTEIN Wedn Wednesday, March 28 8 7:30pm

Joffrey Ballet Tuesday, March 27

7:30pm

PHILLIPS CENTER - For more than half a century, the Joffrey Ballet has been “America’s Company of Firsts,” committed to delivering world-class, artistically vibrant work to audiences, including pieces presented in this program. Admission fee: $30 - $45. 352-392-2787.

PEKING ACROBATS Sunday, March 25 7:30pm PHILLIPS CENTER Since their Western debut more than 25 years ago, the Peking Acrobats have redefined public perceptions of Chinese acrobatics. This troupe of China’s most gifted performers share its nation’s 2,000-year-old spectacle. Admission fee: $25 - 35. Open to the public.

352-392-2787.

AUDITIONS FOR “AGNES OF GOD” Sunday, March 25 7:00pm VAM YORK THEATER 4039 NW 16th Blvd.

Summoned to a

convent, a courtappointed psychiatrist is charged with assessing the sanity of a young novitiate accused of murdering her newborn. Who killed the infant and who fathered the tiny victim? This award-winning drama examines the meaning of faith and the power of love.

352-376-4949.

HISTORY AND EMPATHY Monday, March 26 7:00pm to 8:30pm SMATHERS LIBRARY The UF Center for the Humanities and the Public Sphere invites you to a public lecture by Suzanne Marchand (Louisiana State University).

Prof. Fehr will use the diary of a 19th century

Egyptologist, George Ebers, to examine how studying history, archaeology or classics gives us the opportunity to learn empathy.

352-392-0796.

CANOE TRIP Monday, March 26 Noon CANOE OUTPOST Enjoy a relaxing paddle down one of Florida’s most scenic rivers. Experience crystal-clear freshwater springs, abundant wildlife and incredible natural formations.

386-454-2050.

FURTHER INTERPRETATIONS OF REAL-LIFE EVENTS Wednesday, March 28 6:00pm - 8:00pm

www.VisitOurTowns.com

PHILLIPS CENTER - This wickedly inspired re-imagining of the Frankenstein legend follows bright young Dr. Frankenstein (that’s Fronkensteen) as he attempts to create a monster - but not without scary and hilarious complications. Admission fee: $40 - $60. Open to the public. 352-392-2787.

MILO KARADAGLI Thursday, March 29 7:30pm SQUITIERI STUDIO THEATRE - Quickly rising up the ranks of classic guitar players, Milo Karadagli’s album “Mediterraneo” recently reached number 5 on the Billboard classic album charts.

352-392-1900.

PLAYFUL ESCAPES ELEPHANTS Friday, March 30 8:00am - 4:30pm MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY - Come and discover what makes elephants unique!

Playful Escapes are

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full- or half-day programs offered. Children explore the program through interactive activities, as well as the museum’s own collections and exhibits. A half-day session is $27 for members, $30 for non-members. A fullday session is $45 for members, $50 for nonmembers. 352-273-2061

STOMP Friday, March 30 7:30pm PHILLIPS CENTER - STOMP is explosive, provocative, sophisticated, utterly unique and appeals to audiences of all ages. The international percussion sensation has garnered an armful of awards and rave reviews, and has appeared on numerous national television shows.

Admission fee: $40 $60. 352-392-2787.

SHE STOOPS TO CONQUER March 30 - April 7 Times Vary CONSTANS THEATRE - This English comedy encompasses all aspects of comic relief while also being referred to as a comedy of manners, errors and romance. First performed in London in 1773, the show consists of several subplots surrounding hilarious misunderstandings.

March 30 - March 31 and April 3 - April 7 at 7:30pm; April 1 at 2pm.

352-392-1653.

THE AUNTS March 30 - April 15 Times Vary ACROSSTOWN REPERTORY THEATRE - This drama, set in the living room of a house in Pittsburgh in 1979, is about three women one niece and two aunts. The niece,

Pita, arrives to try and cheer everyone up; but the only effect she has is to make everyone even more nervous and upset particularly when they learn that ungainly, plain, not too bright Pita is going to have a baby. 352-371-1234.

COFRIN ASIAN ART WING OPENING Saturday, March 31 10:00am - 5:00pm HARN MUSEUM - View the five exhibitions in the new Cofrin Asian Art Wing and Asian-inspired gardens.

Activities include tours, gallery talks, bonsai display, children’s yoga sessions and Chinese calligraphy demonstration. Family-friendly art activities include origami and paper kimono making. This event is free and open to the public. 352-392-9826.

RUN AMUCK WITH THE DUCK Saturday, March 31 9:00am NORTH FLORIDA REGIONAL - Come join us as we race to find a cure for lung cancer. Lung cancer is the top cancer killer in the world, and it’s not just affecting smokers. It’s a chance to really make a difference. www.lungcancerfoundation.org or 352-256-6263.

O’LENO OLE’ CHILI COOK OFF AND SPRINGS CELEBRATION Saturday, March 31 11:00am - 3:00pm O’LENO STATE PARK - Treat your taste buds at the Chili Cook-Off (9:00am - 3:00pm) and Springs Celebration (11:00am 3:00pm). Admission to the park is free with the donation of a canned

Consignment Boutique

Our Huge store is full of Chico’s, Talbots, Ann Taylor, Coldwater Creek and more top name brands at a fraction of their original cost. We carry everything from Girls size 6x through Womens 5x and all the shoes, handbags and accessoreis to go with them. We also have formal wear and over 80 Wedding gowns.

Mon. & Sat. 10am to 5pm • Tues. - Fri. 10am to 6pm

14822 Main Street, Alachua

386.462.2230 www.valeriesloft.com

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good. Highlights include music, kids activities, shadow puppets, and CHILI! 352-264-6829. www.

orchestra; $12 balcony; $9 seniors, children, UF students. www.

SantaFeRiverSprings.com.

VIVA EUROPE!

PROM AND WEDDING EXPO Saturday, March 31 3:00pm LIONS CLUB - 26900 W. U.S. Hwy 27, High Springs. There will be a diverse local showcase of flowers, tuxedo rentals, hair demos, catering, photographers, wedding cakes, limos, carriages, jewelry and accessories. In an effort to make prom / wedding formal wear more attainable, there will also be a selection of gently used dresses from local consignment shops. 386-454-4550.

LIVING WITH HEARING LOSS Monday, April 2 1:00pm - 2:30pm UNITED WAY - 6031 NW First Place. Four-part series of free classes offered by the UF Speech and Hearing Clinic and the Hearing Loss Association of Florida, Gainesville chapter. Session two dates are April 2, 9, 16 and 23. Space is limited. 352-294-5151 or e-mail mmccaghren@phhp.ufl. edu to register.

FACES, VOICES AND HEARTS April 5- April 8 Times Vary FINE ARTS HALL THEATRE - Santa Fe College.

Under the direction of Gregg Jones, Theatre Santa Fe presents an original theatrical production exploring the process of healing through the Arts. Panel discussion and Q&A following the Friday night performance. $15

santafecollege.edu.

Saturday, April 7 11:00am - 4:00pm BO DIDLEY PLAZA - Enjoy performances by Irish dancers, bagpipers, cloggers, English Country dancers, Irish bands, Scottish dancers, Flamenco dancers and the star of the show, Can Cun Rumba Catalana, directly from Spain! 352-392-8902, ext. 211.

LAKE CITY SPRING FESTIVAL

C oin &

Jewelry

gallery since s si iinc nc ce 19 1981 1 981 81

Saturday, April 7 8:00am - 3:00pm ALLIGATOR LAKE - 420 SE Alligator Glen, Lake City. A family event to underscore the importance of this wonderful park as both a water resource (headwaters of the Ichetucknee River) as well as the valuable natural resource it is as a site on the Great Florida Birding Trail. Activities designed to engage and educate folks about water, healthy yards, birds, flowers, plants and enjoying the outdoors: nature walks, educational displays and vendors.

Birdwalks (reservations necessary) will be scheduled from 8:00am - 10:00am. The balance of the Festival will run from 10am-3pm and is free and open to the public. 386-719-7545

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LOCAL COIN DEALER Family Owned and Operated Since 1981 MILLHOPPER SHOPPING CENTER

CATALAN COOKING CLASS Tuesday, April 10 10:00am TAKE AWAY GOURMET Learn to cook authentic dishes from the Catalonia region of

2007 NW 43rd Street, Gainesville

352.378.3983 www.coinandjewelrygallery.com Member ANA FUN Authorized NGC Submission Site

www.VisitOurTowns.com

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Spain with Geraldine Nichols on Monday April 16. Sign up by April 10 to reserve your spot in the small, hands-on class.

352-374-4433.

35 Minutes NW of Gainesville

A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM

RUM ISLAND RETREAT, LOCATED JUST NORTH OF HIGH SPRINGS AT THE BREATHTAKING SANTA FE RIVER. SLEEPS 6 ADULTS & 4 CHILDREN COMFORTABLY.

Amenities Include:

Full Facilities Available

• • • • • • •

Large patio with outdoor kitchen Satellite / Wireless Hammock • Fire pit Quiet, secluded location Private path to river & Rum Island park Access to boat ramps Canoeing and Kayaking available for Guests Only

Across river from Ginny & Blue Springs. See photos, room rates, maps and things to do online: www.rumislandretreat.com

April 11 - May 13 7:00pm HIPPODROME THEATRE - Gone are swordfighting men in tights, replaced by a cityscape of scenesters. This fantastical, modern re-imagining of Shakespeare’s classic work will make it engaging and accessible for young people who may never have thought that Shakespeare could be this fun! 352-375-4477.

Come visit us today y and let us show you y how to get g away! y

321.676.1769

GUEST CHEF COCKTAIL PARTY

www.RUMISLANDRETREAT.com

Thursday, April 12 6:00pm - 8:00pm

10% OFF

Up to 6 people admission, camping.

OTGV mag. Exp 06-15-12

PARK

COUPON NOT VALID ON MAJOR HOLIDAY WEEKENDS

• Covered pavilions • Concession stand • Large tiled bath house • Canoe & tube rentals • Nature trail • Volleyball courts • Horseshoe pits

Located in beautiful High Springs

386-454-1369 www.bluespringspark.com

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• Playground • Picnic tables & grills • Campsites w/ electric and water • Primitive wooded campsites • Dump station

GVILLE WOMAN’S CLUB The party offers dishes from 35 local amateur and professional chefs.

Enjoy favorite recipes, live jazz, a silent auction and a wine bar with a signature drink. Tickets are $50 available through www. peacefulpaths.org or at the door. Supports victims of domestic violence.

352-377-5690.

CITRUS CUP MORGAN REGIONAL HORSE SHOW April 11 - April 14 Times Vary CANTERBURY SHOWPLACE - 23100 W. Newberry Road. It is at this show that the best horses from all parts of the region and surrounding areas compete for regional titles and the opportunity to

qualify for the Grand National and World Championship Morgan Horse Show.

DEATHTRAP April 13 - May 6 Times Vary HIGH SPRINGS COMMUNITY THEATER - 130 NE First Ave. The longest-running comedy-thriller in Broadway history, this ingeniously constructed play offers a rare and skillful blending of two priceless theatrical ingredients - gaspinducing thrills and spontaneous laughter.

386-454-3525.

SPRING ARTS FESTIVAL April 14 - April 15 Times Vary HISTORIC DISTRICT GVILLE - 26 NE First St. Features more than 190 of the nation’s finest artists, children’s art jungle for hands on crafts, two stages with continuous entertainment, great local food vendors. Saturday hours are from 9:00am to 5:30pm, Sunday hours are from noon to 5:30pm. www.sfcollege.edu.

RELAY FOR LIFE OF GAINESVILLE April 14 - April 15 Noon - 6:00am SANTA FE COLLEGE TRACK - There will be food, music, games and fun for all ages throughout the entire event. All funds raised benefit the American Cancer Society and cancer patients right here in our community.

352-381-3850.

TRIO CAVATINA Sunday, April 15 2:00pm SQUITIERI STUDIO THEATRE - Admission fee: $30.

Open to the public.

Call 352-392-2787 for more information.

352-392-ARTS.

10TH ANNUAL ALACHUA SPRING FESTIVAL Sunday, April 15 11:00am - 5:00pm MAIN STREET - Downtown Alachua. 200-plus vendors, musicians at two stages all day long, arts and crafts, and food. Children will enjoy human-water ball, trackless train and more. Vendor deadline March 23.

ORGAN STUDIO RECITAL Monday, April 16 7:30pm UNIVERSITY MEMORIAL AUDITORIUM - Members of the University of Florida organ studio present a recital on the Andrew Anderson Memorial Pipe Organ.

Program is free and open to the public.

352-273-3181.

NO SOUTHERN ACCENT April 19 and April 22 Times Vary PHILLIPS CENTER - April 19 at 7:30pm; April 22 at 2:00pm. 352-392-ARTS.

Australian Orchestra with Dawn Upshaw Friday, April 20 7:30pm PHILLIPS CENTER - Internationally renowned for inspired programming and the rapturous response of audiences and critics, this celebrated ensemble is a true representation of its home country’s vibrant, adventurous and inquiring spirit. 352-392-ARTS.

IN TEN

BUFFALO ROME

April 19 and April 21 7:30pm - 9:30pm

Friday, April 20 7:30pm

FINE ARTS HALL THEATRE - Santa Fe College.

Performances of student written and directed ten-minute plays produced by Terry A. Klenk as part of the Research in Undergraduate Education initiative. $15 orchestra; $12 balcony; $9 seniors, children, UF students. www.

SQUITIERI STUDIO THEATRE - Reminiscent of the 1970s West Coast country rock scene, Buffalo Rome brings a vinyl vibe to the digital age. Michael Visconti, Kevin Douglas and Mike Wallis blend acoustic roots with intricate harmonies and expert musicianship. Admission fee: $30 - $45. Open to the public. 352-392-2787.

santafecollege.edu.

EARTH DAY CELEBRATION Saturday, April 21 10:00am - 3:00pm MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY - Bioblitz.

Explore the wonders of life on earth.

Participate in a bioblitz on the adjacent UF Natural Area Teaching Laboratory and see diverse specimens from the museum’s vast collections. 352-846-2000.

ACTORS/ MOVIE EXTRAS A Needed immediately for upcoming roles

LIGHTS RA CAME !

ACTION

$150 - $300 PER DAY Depending on job requirements.

No experience, all looks needed.

1-800-561-1762 Ext A-104, For casting times and locations.

www.VisitOurTowns.com

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Sandefur. $15 orchestra; $12 balcony; $9 seniors, children, UF students.

Duck Race

www.santafecollege.edu.

RODGERS AND HAMMERSTEIN’S SOUTH PACIFIC

May 6th 10:00am 5:00pm

Monday, April 23 7:30pm

CAMP KULAQUA The Rotary Club of High Springs presents the 4th Annual Great Lazy River Duck Race.

Ducks will be released at 3:00pm. Cash winners for the first three ducks to cross the finish line. First Place Prize will be $300. Second Place will be $100. Third place will be $50.

Tickets purchased before May 6 gets you into Camp Kulaqua’s Water Park on the day of the race free. www.

HighSpringsRotary. org/duckrace.

T Thursday, April 26 N Noon - 1:00pm

Moderate walking, walking hand pulling and light digging. 352-466-3397.

EXOTIC OTIC PLANT PULL Sunday, April 22 9:00am - Noon

PHILLIPS CENTER - When musicians talk about their influences, one of the names invariably mentioned is Buddy Guy. Admission fee: $30 - $50.

352-392-2787.

PAYNES PRAIRIE - Help restore wildlife habitat by removing invasive exotic plants from the sensitive hammock forests. 20 volunteers needed. Family Friendly event, 16 and older; minors accompanied by an adult. Light to

OPEN 7 DAYS 7AM-MIDNIGHT! • ALL LIGHTED

I you’re not on the If green, it’s rough.

West End Golf Club

LESSONS

$

69

FOR 6 WEEKS

SPRING IS FOR SINGING Monday, April 23 7:30pm - 9:30pm FINE ARTS HALL THEATRE - Santa Fe College. A light and entertaining Spring concert of choral music under the direction of Lynn

DRIVING RANGE

$

LATIN FIESTA Friday, April 27 7:30pm PHILLIPS CENTER Gainesville Chamber Orchestra. Music

GREEN FEES

GREEN FEES

$

$

1 10 17

OFF A LARGE ALL THE HOLES INCLUDES RANGE BUCKET YOU CAN PLAY CART RENTAL! Coupon required.

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Coupon required. MonThurs. after 10:00am.

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Coupon required. MonThurs. after 10:00am.

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HSALA 6-15-12

7:30pm

S SYLVAN LEARNING CENTER - 4961 NE C E Eighth St. April’s to topic: Confidence with C Computation. The w workshops feature a wide variety of educational topics that are helpful for anyone involved with a student’s school success.

Free. Attendees bring their brown bag lunch.

352-371-6891.

HSALA 6-15-12

Saturday, April 21

L LUNCH AND L LEARN

HSALA 6-15-12

BUDDY GUY

PHILLIPS CENTER - Set on a tropical island during World War II, the musical tells the sweeping romantic story of two couples and how their happiness is threatened b the realities of by w and by their own war p prejudices.

Admission fe $40 - $60. fee: 3 352-392-2787.

12830 W. Newberry Rd • 3 mi. west of I-75 (exit 76 on SR 26) www.WestEndGolf.com

118 | Spring 2012

CALL FOR TEE TIMES

352-332-2721

www.VisitOurTowns.com

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of Ginastera, Falla, Revueltas, Piazzolla, and the Gershwin “Cuban Overture,” plus guest dancers and the Audience Favorite - the annual “walk through the orchestra.”

352-392-2787.

FARM AND FOREST FESTIVAL Saturday, April 28 10:00am - 4:00pm MORNINGSIDE NATURE CENTER - Join in the celebration of Earth and our human connections to it during the Farm and Forest Festival.

352-334-2170.

Colleen’s Kloset Re-Sale Boutique WOMEN’S • JUNIORS BABY • CHILDREN’S HOME GOODS SCHOOL UNIFORMS We carry a complete line of baby items and furniture, as well as designer clothing, shoes, purses and more!

Designer Brands: Hollister • Abercrombie & Fitch American Eagle • Chicos • Talbots Ann Taylor & Many others WE CARRY A COMPLETE BELVAH LINE:

Hours:

Purses, Backpacks Totes and Wallets

Monday-Saturday 10am to 5:30pm

14839 Main Street • Alachua • 386-462-0768

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PIONEER DAYS April 28 - April 29 Times Vary JAMES PAUL PARK - High Springs Downtown.

Handmade crafts, reenactments, Heritage village, period music and entertainment, large kids corral, parade, contests from the old days. April 28, 9:00am - 5:00pm and April 29, 10:00am - 4:00pm.

386-454-3120, 352-8714992. chamber@highsprings. com or www.highsprings.com.

HAMLET AND THE PRINCE FORMERLY KNOWN AS HAMLET May 4 - May 20 Times Vary ACROSSTOWN REPERTORY THEATRE - 619 S. Main St. A night of one acts that tell the same story from different angles.

The first is an edited and revised version of one of Shakespeare’s masterworks: Hamlet.

The second involves the tough talking, hardboiled detective Justin Thyme as he travels to 11th century Denmark to find out who whacked Hamlet’s old man. 352-371-1234.

GIRL SCOUT PROGRAM Friday, May 11 7:00pm - 10:30pm MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY - One of the most exciting parts of being a Girl Scout is the opportunity to experience new and exciting adventures.

Participate in your next adventure at the museum and earn a special patch created for this event.

Explore the world of paleontology in our newest temporary exhibit, Cruisin’ the Fossil Freeway.

352-846-2000.

GRETCHEN PETERS Friday, May 11 7:00pm PRAIRIE CREEK LODGE Sandhill Stage. 7204 SE CR 234. The title of Gretchen Peters’ new Hello Cruel World is a pun on the famed exit line — a joke that, like the lovely melodies and deliciously textured arrangements framing these 11 songs — sweetens this captivating music spun from a year of turmoil.

352-375-8739.

STRAIGHT NO CHASER Sunday, May 13 2:00pm PHILLIPS CENTER - Lauded for their unforgettable live performances, this 10-member male a capella group offers a special Mother’s Day performance.

352-392-ARTS.

EVENSONG FOR ASCENSION DAY Thursday, May 17 6:00pm HOLY TRINITY EPISCOPAL - 100 NE First St. The Holy Trinity Choir (John T. Lowe, Jr., conductor and organist) sings a service of Choral

Evensong for Ascension Day. Music of Dudley Buck, John Sanders, and Charles Villiers Stanford.

352-372-4721.

AGNES OF GOD May 18 - June 3 Times Vary GVILLE COMMUNITY PLAYHOUSE - Summoned to a convent, a courtappointed psychiatrist is charged with assessing the sanity of a young novitiate accused of murdering her newborn. Who killed the infant and who fathered the tiny victim? This award-winning drama examines the meaning of faith and the power of love. 352-376-4949.

NEWBERRY WATERMELON FESTIVAL May 19 Times Vary NEWBERRY - Oak View

Middle School. The 66th Annual Newberry Watermelon Festival offers music, rides, seed-spitting and watermelon-rolling contests, beauty pageants and free watermelon. www.

newberrywatermelonfestival.com

SWEET DREAMS TOUCH-A-TRUCK Saturday, May 19 9:00am - 2:00pm CITIZEN’S FIELD Attendees will be able to get up close to the large vehicles they may frequently see on the roadways.

They will have the chance to talk with the drivers and learn about pedestrian safety around large vehicles.

Benefits Children’s Miracle Network and Food4Kids Backpack Program.

Free admission.

352-283-0615.

PREAKNESS PARTY Saturday, May 19 4:00pm REMBERT FARM - NW 172nd Ave. Horses Helping People’s annual fundraising event benefits HOPE while celebrating the second stop of the Triple Crown Series, The Preakness Horse Race.

We invite you to take part in the excitement of horse racing, live music, dinner, unlimited cocktails, casino games and unique silent auction items. 352-3766866, ext. 118.

AUDITIONS FOR HAIRSPRAY Sunday, May 20 7:00pm VAM YORK THEATER Explore the 1960s where lovable plus-size heroine, Tracy Turnblad, has a passion for dancing, and wins

a spot on the local TV dance program.

Overnight she finds herself transformed from outsider to teen celebrity.

352-376-4949.

SYLVIA Beginning June 15 Times Vary HIGH SPRINGS COMMUNITY PLAYHOUSE - 130 NE First Ave. A romantic comedy about Greg, a middle-aged man who is having a terrible time at work and takes the afternoon off.

Wandering mindlessly in the park he finds Sylvia, an adorable stray dog who latches on to him like a new chew toy. He thinks they’ve bonded, and he takes her home.

But there’s a problem and it’s his wife Kate.

She doesn’t want that mongrel messing up her beautiful life.

386-454-3525 s

GREAT BARGAINS ON:

TOOLS • FIREARMS JEWELRY • COINS

“Wishin’ you a pot o’ gold, and all the joy your heart can hold.”

715 NW Santa Fe Blvd High Springs, Florida HWY 441 South of Winn-Dixie

386-454-5348

www.VisitOurTowns.com

WE LOAN MONEY We Buy Gold, Silver, Coins and Pay Cash for Guns!

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ADVERTISEMENT

Breaking Through Economic Clouds in Alachua Parts Plus Car Care Center program provides “spark” for BUSH AUTO REPAIR

lthough Bill Bush has fond memories of his teenage years helping his father, Curtis, rebuild motors at Bush Auto Repair, located on the southeast side of Gainesville, the young man realized early on that he had more of a knack for building customer relationships and managing the business.

“To be honest, the mechanical and technical aspect of auto repair didn’t come naturally to me,” Bill admits. “I was drawn to the business and management side, and my dad recognized that as well. I’ve always been best at dealing with customers and running the business.”

Perhaps those business skills were a part of his family’s DNA. Bill’s grandfather, C.J. Bush, opened the first Bush Auto Repair in Gainesville in 1953. Bill and his wife, Florine, own the Bush location in Alachua.

A

Much like he used to assist with the thorough process of taking apart a motor and putting it back together, Bill has been committed to rebuilding his business after a tough 3 years in a challenging economy.

Heading into 2011, Bill was looking for a spark – not only for his shop but also for himself to get reinvigorated.

He found just what he was looking for during a Parts Plus Car Care Center presentation conducted by Gil Gunn, The Network’s vice president of marketing and training, in February.

“When I heard Gil speak of the rebate promotions and the national warranty, I immediately thought, ‘OK, where do I sign up?’ Gil’s telling me that I can offer my customers money back on repairs through rebates and provide them greater peace of mind, no matter where they travel in their car, with a warranty that’s covered

Since 2005 Bush Auto Repair of Alachua, Inc. is located across the street from Dollar General and the Post Office on US 441 right here in Alachua! Call today to schedule your next service: 386-462-2616 122 | Spring 2012

across the country? Are you kidding me? To me, it was a no-brainer.”

After 12 months in the Car Care Center program, sales have increased by 12%, his customers are thrilled with the rebates, and his two ASE Master Certified Technicians are turning out consistent, high-quality work at his six-bay, 5,000 squarefoot facility.

“The rebates have been crucial in making the difference in a customer’s decision to have work performed,” he says. “We have a lot of female customers, and trust is vital to those relationships, so we never push repairs unless they’re absolutely necessary. However, everybody likes getting a deal. With the rebates, I explain to a customer that while they may not be due for a tune-up for another 5,000 miles, we’re running a promotion right now that will save them money. Our customers love the sound of that, especially in this economy.”

Perhaps most important, Bill feels rejuvenated running his business – so much in fact that when the offer came to join the Network’s National Service Dealer Advisory Council, he jumped at the chance.

“I needed something to give me an edge over the competition and light a fire inside me again,” he says.

“With some things, you trust your instincts when you know something’s a good fit for you, and I felt that immediately about the Car Care Center program. So I wanted to get more involved and give something back to an organization that had already given me so much.

“And the opportunity to meet shop owners from all over the country and learn what’s working in their local markets and exchange ideas really appealed to me.”

Bush attended the combined meeting of the National Service Dealer Advisory Council and the National Jobber Advisory Council in Wisconsin and in North Carolina last year, where he was encouraged to speak his mind on a variety of Network and industry issues, including training – where, when and how to maximize the experience for technicians so they can best stay up to date with ever-changing automotive technology.

Bill is committed to ensuring that the collective voice of Car Care Center owners throughout his region is being heard at the national meetings. He worked with Brian Gsell from The Parts House;

Pictured on back row ( Left to Right ): Ron Klys, ASE-certified Master Technician; Brian Gsell from the Parts House; and Curtis Bush. Owners Florine and Bill Bush are pictured on the front row.

the Jacksonville based Network Warehouse that serves as his supplier, to organize a local council event for 10 to 12 Car Care Centers in the Greater Gainesville area. This Spring Bill and Brian plan to host a meeting for the Jacksonville-area Car Care Centers.

As for his own shop, Bill and Florine have upgraded their facility by investing in a fresh paint job so the new Parts Plus Car Care Center Signage will pop and attract new business.

“My wife, Florine, is a personal trainer with Gainesville Health & Fitness Centers but she’s often here going over the books and handling

www.VisitOurTowns.com

a lot of the behind the scenes operations. My daughter, Emilie, is a cosmetologist with Salon Eye Candy here in Alachua but you will see her here helping me every morning with customers and errands until she goes to work at the salon after lunch.

You may even run into my son, Cole, in the afternoon after attending High School here at Santa Fe answering the phone, checking out customers or running errands. Bush Auto Repair remains a very family-oriented business and we like to instill that atmosphere at the shop. Come by and see us for your next needed service and mention this article to receive ten dollars off your visit.”

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Quartermoon, photo by Suzanna Mars

Visit...

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SILK FLORAL DESIGN • LOCAL ARTISANS FLAGS & CHIMES • AND MUCH MORE!

Main Street • Alachua • 386-462-0555

Music, Food, Rides and Fun!!

ALACHUA SPRING FESTIVAL

Alachua Business League, Inc.

In Historic Downtown City of Alachua 10 Miles North of Gainesville - Exit 399 on I-75 SUNDAY, April 15th, 2012 - 11AM - 5 PM Main Street in Downtown City of Alachua Free and Open to the Public Enjoy a wonderful Sunday afternoon with the family while strolling along Historic Downtown Main Street in Alachua, lined with lovely Victorians. Savor delicious food while listening to local musicians and chatting with friends, neighbors and gracious shopkeepers and unique vendors!

We look forward to seeing you!!

The ABL Mission is to promote business-to-business support, organize events and activities to promote local business, maintain a business development network, conduct roundtable discussions, and welcome all new businesses into the area.

Join Now: www.alachuabusiness.com

All your favorite brands at fabulous prices!

INCLUDING WEDDING GOWNS AND FORMAL WEAR!

Sponsored By: Alachua Business League, The City of Alachua, SunState Federal Credit Union, Gator Dominos and Alachua Printing For more information: alachua.business@gmail.com

CONSIGNMENT BOUTIQUE 14822 MAIN STREET, ALACHUA A

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Thurston Garden Design Reg# 47222925

Visit our farm to view our great selection of flowers, plants and fruit trees.

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• Garden Design • Installation • Maintenance • Consultations • Problem Solving

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386.462.9641 Spring 2012 | 125

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LIBRARY SCHEDULE Alachua Branch Library .....................14913 NW 140th St. .............................. 386-462-2592 High Springs Branch Library ...........135 NW 1st Ave........................................ 386-454-2512 Newberry Branch Library .................110 South Seaboard Dr. ..........................352-472-1135 For further information on scheduled events visit www.acld.lib.fl.us All branches are closed April 8 and May 28

ALACHUA PROGRAMS FOR CHILDREN Preschool Storytime Thursdays - 11am Join us for stories, songs and dance.

Pre-Teen Book Club and Advisory Group 1st Wednesdays - 3pm Group meets to discuss upcoming library events and books.

Club Day for Pre-Teens 3rd Wednesdays - 3pm Discuss books or upcoming library programs or work on crafts for ages 9-12.

Gentle Carousel Magical Horses Wed., June 6 - 2:30pm Summer Reading Program Kick-Off! Meet some miniature horses as we launch our summer reading program. These gentle horses are amazing and under 27” tall.

PROGRAMS FOR TEENS Gaming @ Your Library Thursdays - 2pm Spend the afternoon with friends gaming in the SPOT. Board and video games are available.

Club Day for Teens Feb. 29, April 26, May 24 - 4pm Discuss books or work on crafts.

126 | Spring 2012

Teen Advisory Book Club and Advisory Group April 12, May 10 - 4pm The Teens Advisory Group meets to discuss upcoming teen events and to discuss books.

Teen Tech Week Digital Downloads Thurs., March 15 - 4pm Teens will experiment with digital media downloads.

Battle of the Books Thurs., June 14 - 4pm Tournament reada-thon and team building.

PROGRAMS FOR ADULTS Zumba Classes Mondays - 6pm Mix of body-sculpting movements with dance steps derived from Latin music.

Pilates Classes Wednesdays - 6pm Pilates focuses on building strength without bulk. Improve flexibility and agility, and prevent injuries.

Computer Class Wednesdays - 11am Learn basic computer skills from using a mouse and keyboard to e-mail and word processing. Class seating is limited.

Alachua Needlers Thursdays During March - 2pm

Do you have a needlecraft that you love?

Would you like to meet and socialize with others who also share your love of needlecrafts? If so, bring your knitting, crochet, embroidery, cross-stitch, or any other craft that involves a needle!

VITA - Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Times Vary The VITA Program offers free tax help to low- and moderateincome individuals who need assistance in preparing their own tax returns.

Certified volunteers sponsored by various organizations receive training to help prepare basic tax returns. Call 211 to schedule an appointment.

AARP Tax Aide Assistance Sat., March 31 - Noon IRS-certified volunteers from AARP will provide tax counseling and tax return preparation services free of charge from 12pm to 4pm. Walk-in’s only.

Be sure to bring all your tax documents.

Tampa Taiko Drummers: Summer Reading Kick-Off Thurs., June 14 - 2pm Tampa Taiko is bringing the nighttime themed

“Lantern Festival” to Gainesville this summer. Drummers will talk about the history of Taiko, the music of Japan, Taiko drum building and design, and present a modern drumming performance. As is tradition, all drums used in the performance use discarded barrels that are recycled into beautiful Taiko drums.

HIGH SPRINGS PROGRAMS FOR CHILDREN Preschool Storytime Tuesdays - 11am (except June) Stories, songs and activities for the preschool set.

PROGRAMS FOR TEENS Afternoon at the Movies Thursdays - 3:30pm Watch favorite movies and new releases on the big screen.

AniManga!

First Tuesdays - 4pm Are you an anime and manga fan? If so, hang out with other teens who love Japanese entertainment.

Crafternoon!

3rd Tuesdays - 3:30pm Time to get crafty!

Fun craft projects.

Teen Advisory Group Second Tuesdays Help plan events and work on special projects for teens at the library. 3pm for Juniors, 4pm for Seniors.

Teen Reads 4th Tuesdays - 4pm Come discuss popular teen titles. Bring a favorite to share.

Whose Line is it Anyway?

Tues., Mar. 27 - 3:30pm Come play the game show and show off your improv skills!

Minute to Win it Tuesday, June 12 3:30pm Face the Cookie. Defying Gravity. Dizzy Mummy. They’re all games from Minute to Win It. You’ve watched the TV show, now it’s your turn! Check out NBC’s Minute to Win It website and start brushing up on your mad skills for our Minute To Win It program!

PROGRAMS FOR ADULTS Mystery Reading Group 3rd Thurs - 6:30pm Join fellow readers for discussions of mystery novels. Bring any mysteries you have read this month to discuss.

Newcomers welcome.

PROGRAMS FOR ALL AGES Crafter’s Circle Wednesdays - 1pm If you embroider, quilt, knit or enjoy doing any other “non-messy” craft, this is the group for you. Share what you know or learn from someone else.

The Rug Bunch 1st & 3rd Wednesdays of each month - 3pm Crochet a rag rug with a group of fellow enthusiasts. Beginners

welcome.

The Bear Necessities Tues., April 10 - 2:30pm Join the group from Morningside Nature Center for a funfilled hour of Bear Necessities.

Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Sun., April 22 - 2pm Florida author Sudye Cauthen, Rawlings Scholar for the Florida Humanities Council, will discuss Scared Space in the work of Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings.

Selected readings and commentary.

Ruby the Rescue Dog Tues., May 8 - 2:30pm Have fun with Ann Lane and Ruby the rescue, therapy and agility dog. Learn about these amazing dogs, and why Ruby loves to help kids read.

Jongleur Jugglers Tues., June 12 - 2:30pm The comical Jongleur Jugglers will leave you breathless with their dazzling juggling feats and humorous antics.

NEWBERRY PROGRAMS FOR CHILDREN Preschool Storytime Wednesdays - 11am Stories, songs and activities for the preschool set.

Junior Panther Den Tuesdays, 3:30pm Go wild after school.

Adventures and gaming awaits. Play sports and dance with Wii games, karaoke and crafts. For pre-teens.

Oh Sew Fun! Mon., March 26 - 3:30pm Come learn how to do

basic hand stitching.

This is for both boys and girls. All materials will be provided by staff from the county extension service.

Goat Workshop Wed., April 18 - 3pm For children of all ages!

We’ll learn all about goats. You’ll be able to milk a mama goat and hold a baby goat.

Florida’s Reptiles and Amphibians Thurs., May 3 - 3:30pm Discover the great variety of reptiles and amphibians that make their home in Florida. Learn how reptiles and amphibians are the same and how they are different.

Museum volunteers will bring a collection of items to the library for you to see and hold (Recommended for elementary ages).

Magic Mike Wed., June 13 - 2pm Magic Mike will astonish kids of all ages with his amazing prestidigitations and sleights of hand.

His magic tricks are astounding, awe inspiring and full of slapstick comedy.

PROGRAMS FOR TEENS Newberry Teen Book Club 3rd Thursdays - 4pm Read and discuss the latest and most popular books in this book club just for teens!

Newberry Teen Advisory Group 2nd Thursday starting in April - 4pm Teens, help the library help you! Plan teen events at your library.

Earn volunteer hours and add to your college application.

www.VisitOurTowns.com

PROGRAMS FOR ADULTS Computers for Beginners Mon., May 21 - 11am Learn how to use a computer in a relaxed setting at your own pace.

Tempting Reads Book Club 4th Wednesdays, 6pm Book club discussions featuring popular and recently published books, including books recommended by participants.

PROGRAMS FOR ALL AGES Dreamy Crafts Thursdays, starting June 14 - 2pm Wake up your creativity! Your crafting dreams will come true You Want What Book?

April 2, May 7 and June 4 - 11am; April 26 - 4:30pm Do you need help navigating the library’s website? If so this class is designed with you in mind.

Come learn about downloadable media, the library databases, and how to reserve a book online. Attendees must be able to use a mouse or touchpad and have basic computer skills!

Sign up in advance at 352-472-1135.

Alchemy and Magic Sun., April 15 2:30pm Learn the secret of Wizard magic! Turn copper into “gold” and “silver” with the Cade Museum’s Patty Lipka.

Celebrate April’s Big Read book “The Wizard of Earthsea” and enjoy this hands-on event that proves magic is really science.

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First Avenue Center in High Springs, FL

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WORSHIP CENTERS If we have left out a church or have incomplete / incorrect information, please let us know! Send your corrections by faxing 352-373-9178 or emailing editor@towerpublications.com. We welcome your contributions and suggestions.

HIGH SPRINGS ALLEN CHAPEL A.M.E. CHURCH 386-454-3574 10 S.E. MLK Drive Rev. Ocelia Wallace, Pastor ANDERSON MEMORIAL CHURCH OF GOD IN CHRIST 386-454-3433 935 SE Lincoln Ave. BETHLEHEM UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 386-454-1996 County Road 778 Pastor Clarence Desue CHRIST ANGLICAN FELLOWSHIP 386-454-1845 323 SW CR 778 Pastor Michael LaCagnina CHRISTIAN FAMILY WORSHIP CENTER 386-454-2367 220 NE 1ST Ave. Dr. Lloyd S. Williams CHURCH OF CHRIST 386-454-2930 520 NE Santa Fe Blvd.

CHURCH OF GOD

BY FAITH 386-454-1015 US Hwy 27 THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER DAY SAINTS 386-454-4282 24455 NW 174th Ave. Pres. Keith Brown HIGH SPRINGS CHURCH OF GOD 386-454-1757 210 NW 182 Ave. Pastor Terry W. Hull

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FELLOWSHIP CHURCH 386-454-1700 16916 NW U.S. Hwy. 441 Pastor Jeff Powell FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH 386-454-1505 20112 North US Hwy. 441 Pastor J. Eddie Grandy FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 386-454-1037 205 North Main Street Pastor Glen A. Busby FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH of HIGH SPRINGS 386-454-1255 17405 NW US Hwy 441 Pastor Benton Mangueira GRACE CHURCH OF THE NAZARENE 210 Santa Fe Blvd.

Pastor Preston Ponce HOLY TEMPLE CHURCH WITH GOD 386-454-0313 615 SE ML King Drive IMPACT FAMILY CHURCH 386-454-1563 16710 NW US 441 Pastors Edwin & Angela Anderson JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES 386-454-3509 330 SE 7th Ave. MIRACLE TEMPLE CHURCH 386-454-4298 605 SE 1st Place THE MISSION CHURCH OF HIGH SPRINGS Meeting at the Seventh Day Adventist Building 230 NW 1st Ave. 352-870-0247 Pastor Keith Helsel

MT CARMEL UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 386-454-4568 1230 NW 1st Ave. Pastor Byran Williams

THE SUMMIT 352-575-0786 610 NE Santa Fe Blvd Pastor Rick Lawrence thesummitchurch.info

MT. PLEASANT BAPTIST CHURCH 14105 NW 298th Street 386-454-2161 Pastor Danny Crosby

ST. BARTHOLOMEW’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH 386-454-9812 1st Ave. (next to city hall) Rev. David Kidd

MOUNT OLIVE BAPTIST CHURCH 386-454-3447 948 SE Railroad Ave.

SPRING HILL UNITED METHODIST CHURCH Located at High Springs exit 79 off I-75 North of Gainesville (on Old Bellamy Rd.) Pastor James Richardson

THE NORTH EAST CHURCH OF CHRIST 4330 NE County Road 340 nechurchofchrist.net SAINT MADELEINE CATHOLIC CHURCH 386-454-2358 17155 NW Highway 441 SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH 352-497-2221 230 NW 1st Ave. Pastor Anthony Crawford SHILOH BAPTIST CHURCH 386-454-4978 Shiloh Church Rd. Pastor Earl Tuten

ALACHUA ALACHUA CHURCH OF CHRIST 386-462-3326 14505 NW 145th Avenue Minister Doug Frazier ANTIOCH BAPTIST CHURCH 386-497-3121 Jordan Road (Ft. White) BAHA’I FAITH 352-870-3097 Turkey Creek

SHILOH MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH 386-454-3126 1505 NW Main St.

CALVARY BAPTIST CHURCH 13920 NW Hwy 4141 386-462-2966 Pastor Marty D. Basinger calvarybaptistgainesville.org

SPRING RIDGE FIRST CHURCH OF GOD 386-454-3600 5529 NE 52nd Place Pastor Todd L Wymer

CHRIST CENTRAL ALACHUA 386-418-8185 14906 Main St. www.ccalachua.com

SPRINGRIDGE FIRST CHURCH OF GOD 386-454-4400 420 Spring Ave.

CHURCH OF GOD BY FAITH 386-462-2549 13220 NW 150th Ave.

CRUSADERS FOR CHRIST, INC. 386-462-4811 NW 158th Ave.

NEW SAINT MARY BAPTIST CHURCH 386-462-7129 13800 NW 158th Ave.

FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF ALACHUA 386-462-1337 14005 NW 146th Avenue Pastor Doug Felton

PARADISE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH OF ALACHUA 386-462-0162 14889 MLK Blvd.

Pastor Rev. James D. Johnson, Sr.

FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH OF ALACHUA 386-462-2443 14805 NW 140th St. Pastor Lamar Albritton FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF ALACHUA 386-462-1549 14623 NW 140th St. Rev. Virginia McDaniel FOREST GROVE BAPTIST CHURCH 386-462-3921 22575 NW 94 Avenue GREATER NEW HOPE MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH 386-462-4617 15205 NW 278th Ave. HARE KRISHNA TEMPLE 386-462-2017 17306 NW 112th Blvd.

LEGACY BAPTIST CHURCH 352-462-2150 13719 NW 146th St. Pastor John Jernigan LIVING COVENANT CHURCH 386-462-7375 Pastor Brian J. Coleman NEW OAK GROVE BAPTIST CHURCH 386-462-3390 County Road 1491 Pastor Terry Elixson, Jr. NEW TESTAMENT CHURCH OF GOD AND CHRIST 386-462-4891 1310 NW 155 Place Pastor R. L. Cooper NORTH PLEASANT GROVE BAPTIST CHURCH 386-462-3317 25330 NW CR 239 Pastor Edwin A. Gardner

SANTA FE BAPTIST CHURCH 386-462-7541 7505 NW CR 236 Pastor Richard Cason, II

NEWBERRY

NEW ST PAUL

ABIDING SAVIOR LUTHERAN CHURCH 352-331-4409 9700 West Newberry Rd.

352-472-3836

BETHEL AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH 352-474-6215 23530 NW 3rd Ave. Pastor Theodora Black

NEWBERRY

CHRISTIAN LIFE FELLOWSHIP 352-472-5433 Pastor Terry Fulton CHURCH OF GOD BY FAITH 352-472-2739 610 NW 2nd St. Pastor: Jesse Hampton

NEW SHILOH BAPTIST CHURCH 386-462-2095 18610 NW CR 237

THE CHURCH AT STEEPLECHASE 352-472-6232 Meeting at Sun Country Sports Center 333 SW 140th Terrace (Jonesville) Pastor Buddy Hurlston

OLD SHILOH MISSIONARY BAPTIST 386-462-4894 16810 NW CR 239 RIVER OF LIFE ASSEMBLY OF GOD 352-870-7288 14200 NW 148th Place Pastor Greg Evans ST LUKE AME CHURCH 386-462-2732 US Highway 441 S. ST MATHEWS BAPTIST CHURCH 386-462-2205 15712 NW 140 Street Pastor Isaac Miles TEMPLE OF THE UNIVERSE 386-462-7279 15808 NW 90 Street www.tou.org WESTSIDE CHURCH OF GOD IN CHRIST 386-418-0649 15535 NW 141st St.

215 NW 8TH Ave. Pastor Edward Welch

CHURCH OF CHRIST 352-472-4961 24045 W. Newberry Rd. Minister Batsell Spivy NEWBERRY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 352-472-4005 24845 W. Newberry Rd.

MT NEBO UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 386-418-1038 9975 NW 143rd St. Pastor Ricardo George Jr.

NEW ST MARY BAPTIST CHURCH 386-462-7129 13800 NW 158th Ave.

BAPTIST CHURCH

Rev. Robert B. Roseberry, Pastor DESTINY COMMUNITY CHURCH

FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF NEWBERRY 352-472-2351 25520 W. Newberry Rd. Rev. Jack Andrews GRACE COMMUNITY CHURCH 352-472-9200 22405 W. Newberry Rd. Pastor Ty Keys JONESVILLE BAPTIST CHURCH 352-472-3835 17722 SW 15th Ave. Pastor Corey Cheramie

352-472-3284 420 SW 250th Street Pastor Rocky McKinley OAK DALE BAPTIST CHURCH 352-472-2992 Highway 26 and 241 S. PLEASANT PLAIN UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 352-472-1863 1910 NW 166th St. Pastor Theo Jackson ST JOSEPH’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH 352-472-2951 16921 W. Newberry Rd. Pastor John DiLeo

JOURNEY CHURCH 352-281-0701 22405 W. Newberry Rd. Milam Funeral Home Chapel Dr. Michael O’Carroll, Pastor

TURNING POINT OF

MT ZURA FULL GOSPEL BAPTIST CHURCH 352-472-4056 225 NW 2nd Ave. Pastor Natron Curtis

BAPTIST CHURCH

www.VisitOurTowns.com

NEWBERRY, INC 5577 NW 290 Street 352-472-7770 Pastor Henry M. Rodgers UNION 352-472-3845 6259 SE 75TH Ave Pastor Travis Moody

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y r r e b w e N

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132 | Spring 2012

(Turn North at light and we’re on the right!)

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Chocolates Eclairs Birthdays Weddings HOURS

W-F 10-6pm Sat 10-2pm

Tip 2 Toes Get Ready For Spring!

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Spring 2012 | 133

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>> WAG MORE

Dramatic Paws Mutts and Pups Festival is Coming to Town

BY MARLEY ANDRETTI igh Springs will be going to the dogs once again when the Mutts and Pups Dog Show comes to town in March.

Nestled amongst the trees in the field next to Plantation Oaks Senior Living Residence, dogs of all breeds and sizes will arrive with their humans on March 24 to compete in ten categories for ribbons and prizes.

Sponsored by the High Springs Farmers Market and Countryside Animal Hospital, the event is in its sixth year. The Mutts and Pups Dog Show is the brainchild of local resident Leda Carrero, vice president of the High Springs Community Theater. In 2007, Carrero moved to High Springs from the Miami area

H

134 | Spring 2012

where she and her dogs competed in the local Mutts and Pups show.

She saw an opportunity to bring this event to town and after being turned down by the High Springs Chamber of Commerce, she set out to find another sponsor.

A longtime volunteer with the Farmers Market, she brought her proposal to Sharon Yeago who was the market manager at the time, and the planning began.

“It was rough the first year,” Carrero said. Changes were made to categories and scoring as the years have gone by, and Carrero said she is extremely proud of this being the show’s sixth year.

“The event has taken on a life of its own,” she said. “People are asking us all the time when the next

show is scheduled. We have grown quite a reputation.”

The Mutts and Pups show is not just about competing with a canine.

Carrero wanted to bring attention to the adoption of rescued and abandoned animals. There are several rescue and shelter booths scattered throughout the event with dogs of all breeds available for adoption.

“Mixed breed dogs make totally rewarding companions,” Carrero said. Having never owned a purebred dog, she currently owns five of what she calls “BBDs” —basic brown dogs.

The event this year also sees a change in the coordinating and planning personnel as Carrero has stepped out of this position.

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PHOTOS BY BY MARLEY ANDRETTI

“Remington,” a Miniature Collie won for Most Beautiful and also took the big prize, Best of Show. Remington is owned by Judith Taylor-Morris, along with Carmine and Gabe Levy of Ponte Vedra Beach.

Best Dressed – “Molly” whose owner Linda Kazmierski of High Springs dressed to resemble the Easter Bunny.

Best Tricks – Rachel Flatley of Fort White with her dog “Arrow.”

Best Kisses – “Zorro” and his owner Samantha Hitchcock of High Springs.

“After five years of doing so much work, I decided it was time to take a break,” Carrero said.

Assuming the helm is High Springs Farmers Market Manager Maria Antela. In her second year with the event, Antela is looking to expand.

“We don’t do well in attracting many vendors from this area, so we

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are expanding our advertising to reach out to Gainesville, Lake City and Ocala,” Antela said. “So far, we are getting a good response.”

Fortunately for the event, Carrero could not tear herself completely away — this year she will be sitting as a judge. In past years, Carrero would secretly pick

her favorite in each event.

“I didn’t always agree with the judge’s decisions,” Carrero said.

“Now it’s my turn to have a hand in picking the winners.”

Carrero is joined by Jane Kopp, retired Newberry High School art teacher. Kopp and Carrero work together often and being a dog lover,

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Categories this year include: Too Cute for Words, Most Beautiful, Most Unusual, Best Singing or Talking, Owner-Pet Look-alike and more.

Kopp was excited to be asked. She will be looking for the interesting, friendly dogs with good dispositions.

Rounding out the panel is Diana Herring, a former Mutts and Pups contestant who works as a dental hygienist in Gainesville.

For the second year, the emcee for the event will be Jeri Langman, High Springs City manager.

Langman, who regularly shows her champion Airedale dogs, has a vast knowledge of the canine breed. She has emceed several horse shows and 4-H events, and is proud to be invited back again this year.

“When I was a kid, all I owned were mutts,” Langman said. “I adore them. I’m a sucker for big, brown eyes.”

The Choice For

Langman also hopes to raise awareness of dog rescue and abandoned animal adoptions.

Last year, more than 50 contestants participated in the events, ranging from Best Kisses to Most Distinguished Senior. Categories this year include: Too Cute for Words, 15 lbs. and Under, Most Beautiful, Over 15 lbs, Most Unusual, Best Singing or Talking, Owner-Pet Look-alike, Best Dressed, Best Trick, Best Kisses and the coveted Best in Show.

Along with the canine festivities, there will be food and vendor booths and face painting for children. Local veterinarian and canine groups will also be there with information.

It would be a dog-gone shame to miss this event. s

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>> FRESH DAIRY AIR

Really Milkin’ It A Behind-the-scenes Look at a Florida Dairy Farm

BY JEWEL MIDELIS rooster crows as the sun rises and reflects off the morning dew. A farmer grabs a pail and shuffles to his barn. Waiting in the barn is his dairy cow, ready to give her milk for

A

have changed, technology has improved and machines can now do much of the farmer’s work.

With the help of modern technology, the staff at the University of Florida’s Dairy Farm in Hague can milk approximately 450 cows twice a day. Many schools and scouting

“Visitors will have the opportunity to talk with UF scientists about ongoing research to improve cow health and milk production.” the first time of the day.

Those were the days when a farmer milked his cow to provide milk for his family, but as times

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clubs have asked to tour the farm to learn more about where their milk truly comes from.

In March, with hopes of giving

visitors a better understanding of dairy production, the farm will host a free event for the entire family to come out to see. Family Day will show how the University of Florida helps dairy farmers provide milk, cheese and other dairy products, said Albert De Vries, an associate professor with UF’s Animal Sciences Department.

For the health and comfort of the UF dairy herd, pets are not allowed at the event, De Vries said.

Sponsoring the event is the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) with support from Florida Dairy Farmers.

According to its website, IFAS is a “federal-state-county partnership dedicated to developing knowledge

PHOTO BY TYLER JONES

Family Day will show how the University of Florida helps dairy farmers provide milk, cheese and other dairy products to the community.

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FAMILY DAY Saturday, March 24 9:00 a.m. till 2:00 p.m.

UF’s dairy farm in Hague, near Alachua.

For directions visit IFAS Facebook Page: www. facebook.com/#!/IfasEvents/

PHOTO BY TYLER JONES

Children listen to presentations and line up to see how a milking machine works at a 2009 Dairy Daze event.

in agriculture, human and natural resources, and the life sciences, and enhancing and sustaining the quality of human life by making that information accessible.”

About 500 people are expected to attend Family Day, De Vries said, which will feature 18 different stations that are numbered on a map of the farm.

Several of these stations include information about “milking cows, veterinarian care, feeding, and manure management,” De Vries said.

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Pamela Bobilin, special events and project coordinator for IFAS, believes that the most exciting area will be the milking parlor station, where 24 cows are hooked up and milked simultaneously.

Visitors will have the opportunity to talk with UF scientists about ongoing research to improve cow health and milk production.

They will also be able to pet a calf, see farm equipment, sample dairy products and visit freestall barns. A freestall barn provides

unrestrained animals with a clean, dry, comfortable resting area and easy access to food and water, according to dariyfarming. org. The cows are free to come and go as they please.

People will be able to learn how the cow’s milk is produced, where the cows feed and live, how the university improves research and the care of the animals, and much more.

“We’ve designed an event that’s both educational and fun,” De Vries said. s

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Veterans Seeking Benefits For Retirement Living!

How often does a veteran, one to whom this country owes so much, see that headline?!

Together they are making it possible for veterans in our area to live their retirement years in a care-free, allinclusive environment such as the beautiful Atrium where daily living is taken care of under the conscientious care of dedicated staff.

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f you or someone you know is a veteran and in need of up to $2,000 a month in living assistance, then there are two men and one amazing facility you should get to know in our Northeast Florida community.

The men, two committed volunteers, are Tom Hanson, a former Navy man, and Gary Marriage.

The facility is The Atrium of Gainesville, with Prem Paul Murrhee as the Director of Sales & Marketing.

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The Aid & Attendance benefit was part of a veteran benefit enhancement in 2001, but it wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t until Prem Paul Murrheeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s dad, retired from the Veterans Administration, introduced him to the benefit. Often times deserving veterans were turned away, but with help, they were able to navigate the political waters and receive the benefit they are not only

legally entitled to, but also earned!

For the past 3 years Prem Paul Murrhee was a one-man show and the application process could be quite cumbersome; however, when Gary and Tom came aboard, as volunteers, the entire process became much more streamlined. They now conduct a monthly benefit talk at the Atrium on the fourth Thursday of each month at 12 noon. (Except for November and December, when it is the third Thursday.)

Why Are These Men Dedicated To Helping Veterans?

Tom has been a dedicated volunteer helping deserving seniors for

years. As a former Navy man, he takes great pleasure in conducting the monthly benefit talk at the Atrium and helping with the actual application process.

Gary, while trying to help his grandfather secure financial assistance for his years of military service, discovered the remarkable “Aid and Attendance Benefit” after plodding through a VA handbook.

He’d been assured by a VA employee that no further assistance existed, but Gary felt certain there had to be.

Gary was right. With the “Aid and Attendance Benefit” he was able to move his grandfather out of the very expensive nursing home that was draining every nickel of his grandfather’s savings and benefits.

And, he was able to make sure that his grandmother would not be left penniless and unprovided for if left on her own.

He and Tom are well aware of the unnecessary sorrow and hardships our veterans face and enjoy doing their part to help those who are eligible get assisted living dollars.

They also know how frustrating the entire process can be. As General Patton said, “When you’re going through hell, keep going.”

Only 10% Of The Eligible Veterans Are Receiving This Benefit!

Henry Hugh Shelton, General, United States Army [Ret.], the 14th Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, having served under Presidents Bush and Clinton has partnered with Holiday Retirement and the Atrium on behalf of qualifying veterans to help get the word out. He urges veterans, and their surviving spouses, to seek out benefits that they are legally entitled to . There are an estimated 2 million eligible veterans and surviving spouses nationwide and

only about 200,000 are currently receiving benefits.

Locally, Gary, Tom and the Atrium are taking General Shelton’s lead and reaching out to the area veterans.

Tell Me About The Atrium, A Holiday Retirement Facility Holiday Retirement is the oldest and largest retirement company in the United States with 313 locations, more than 35,000 residents, and growing every day. The Atrium has more than 200 apartments ranging from 400 to 1600 square feet, all fully equipped including dishwasher, stove, oven, fridge and freezer.

The Atrium provides three delicious chef-prepared meals served daily; weekly housekeeping; utilities; transportation; 24/7 emergency service; and, free room and board at other Holiday Retirement Communities across the United States and Canada.

Also available are rehabilitation and health care services as needed, the Atrium beauty salon, and Wise’s Drugstore. The Atrium offers this innovative and extensive Senior care on a month-to-month basis with no buy-in fees.

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Get In Touch With Prem Paul Murrhee At The Atrium The Atrium is located at 2431 NW 41st Street across from Thornebrooke Shopping Village.

Veterans and their surviving spouses who are curious about their eligibility can attend monthly benefit talks at the Atrium on the fourth Thursday of every month at 12 Noon. (Except for November and December, when it is the third Thursday) by contacting Prem Paul Murrhee at 352-378-0773.

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>> LAWS OF ATTRACTION

It’s a Jungle Out There Local Homeowners Bring Florida’s Wild Wonders Home

BY FELICIA LEE or nature lovers, North Central Florida is a great place to live. Local outdoors aficionados know that a bike ride along the GainesvilleHawthorne Trail, a stroll through Paynes Prairie or a lazy morning of tubing down the Ichetucknee are easy ways to enjoy the sight of bison, sandhill cranes or river otters without wandering far from home.

Gainesville resident Scott Flamand and Jonesville resident Ron Robinson are well aware of this. Both are board members of the Alachua Audubon Society and are familiar with the region’s wealth of flora and fauna.

Both know the area’s birding hotspots inside out and have ready knowledge of which birds and animals can be found in any one of these places.

But when they really want good, close looks at native plants and dozens of local bird and butterfly species, they and many other savvy locals turn to an even more convenient spot: their own backyards.

Flamand caught the backyard-birding bug during his

F

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student days at the University of Florida and has never recovered. It began during his junior year, he said, when he discovered that his apartment had a wooded area in the back. He put a bird feeder by the backdoor.

“I actually got a lot of birds there,” he said.

Today, Flamand’s attractively manicured backyard just west of Gainesville boasts 18 bird feeders, 38 species of native trees and plants, and several nest boxes of different sizes to welcome local birds. Like many serious birders, he keeps lists of birds he has seen and reports that his backyard bird list for the year already includes 27 species, including owls, woodpeckers, cardinals and bright-orange Baltimore orioles. (A flock of nine orioles has been visiting his yard regularly this past winter.) Keeping them company are raccoons,

PHOTO BY KATHY MALONE

Florida butterflies are attracted to Florida plants.

This phaon crescent is feeding on its host plant, fogfruit, a native groundcover.

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PHOTO BY GLENN PRICE

Northern mockingbirds are prolific musicians and can learn and memorize up to 100 melodies. This mockingbird is feeding on an orange originally placed there to attract fruit-loving Baltimore orioles.

squirrels and even flying squirrels, which like to dine at the repurposed tuna can filled with peanut butter that Flamand mounted on a tree just for them.

“It’s like having a zoo in my backyard,” Flamand said, smiling.

If Flamand’s suburban yard is a zoo in miniature, Robinson’s five-acre Jonesville property is a veritable avian game reserve. Robinson is an evangelist for backyard birding and nature exploration. For the past two years, he has organized Alachua Audubon Society’s annual self-guided tour of area homes with wildlifefriendly gardens.

Like Flamand, Robinson has more than a dozen

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bird feeders — ranging from hummingbird feeders to homemade seed feeders to suet and peanut-filled feeders for woodpeckers — placed in strategic locations throughout his property, as well as numerous birdbaths and artificial ponds for the birds’ drinking and bathing pleasure. One tiny, rock-edged pond just outside his back window has attracted 17 different species of migrating warblers — dainty, brightly-colored songbirds that pass through North Central Florida only a few weeks of the year and are notoriously difficult to spot for even expert birdwatchers. (Serious birders gladly slog through chigger- and tick-infested woods and swamps during fall and spring migration in hopes of finding them.) Robinson

1

2

3

PHOTO BY GLENN PRICE

1

Baltimore orioles are regular but uncommon winter visitors to North Central Florida. They crave sweets and will come to feeders for hummingbird water or bits of fruit, but grape jelly is a special favorite for many of them.

2

Warblers are tiny, brightly colored songbirds that can be hard to fi nd. But some, like this yellow-throated warbler, are drawn to feeders and birdbaths.

3

Northern cardinals are common and beloved backyard visitors. All-purpose bird food, such as oil sunfl ower seeds or mixes containing it, keeps cardinals perfectly happy.

proudly shows off photos of these avian treasures that he took from a couch by his back window.

One need not be an expert birder nor have dozens of feeders in order to attract birds, however. Eric and Ginny Rose, whose southwest Gainesville home was among those featured on this year’s tour, have tallied a backyard bird list of 42 species in their compact but lush back yard.

The main criteria for attracting birds to a backyard feeder are patience and “a reasonable set of expectations about what’s going to happen,” said Bubba Scales, owner of Wild Birds Unlimited in Gainesville. “We often get a call the next day [after a sale], ‘we’ve put up a feeder and we haven’t seen any activity.’”

It can take days or weeks before the birds take

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notice of a new feeder, Scales said, and feeders will attract different numbers and types of birds at different times of year. Feeders tend to get more visitors in the spring and summer than at other times, but a bigger variety of species can appear in the winter.

One thing that will get birds’ attention, Scales said, is fresh seed.

“Songbirds find food by sight,” Scales explained.

“Birds’ eyesight is so good that they can tell at a glance the difference between high-quality, fresh seed and old seed.”

Fresh seed has a shiny coat from its natural oils, which tends to dry out over time, Scales said, adding that oil sunflower or all-purpose bird seed mixes containing it are good choices to attract a wide range of common backyard birds.

Birds, however, are not the only winged obsessions among local backyard naturalists. The garden surrounding Kathy Malone’s home in High Springs is designed specifically to welcome the objects of her longtime passion: butterflies. Through the years, Malone has tallied more than 60 different butterfly species on her property.

Her love affair with butterflies began when she started exploring ways to share her interest in nature with her then-five-year-old son.

“I read an article in the paper about how you can attract butterflies with certain plants — they lay their eggs on the plants. And I thought, that would be neat, that would be easier than birding for a five-year-old because you can see the butterflies up close, laying eggs on the plants.”

The article inspired Malone to buy a plant attractive to cloudless sulfurs — pale yellow butterflies common in Florida. The plant worked its magic even more quickly than she could have imagined.

“Before I even planted it — I just put it outside — I saw a butterfly come to it and lay eggs, and I thought, ‘hey, this is pretty easy!’”

From that plant grew a life’s work. Malone went on the start the first Florida chapter of the North American Butterfly Association (NABA) in South Florida, where she lived at the time. After moving to High Springs, she founded the North Central Florida chapter of NABA, of which she is still president.

While almost any flower will attract passing butterflies, Malone said, the secret to keeping them around a garden year-round is encouraging them to breed there.

Each butterfly species, Malone said, has a preferred type of plant or group of plants — called host plants — on which it lays its eggs. When the eggs hatch, the caterpillars feed on the host plants before undergoing their metamorphosis into butterflies.

“If you only plant pretty flowers, the butterflies will do what I call ‘sip and zip’ — they’ll sip the nectar, then zip off to try to find their mate or try to find their host plant,” Malone said. “So if you have the host plant in

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PHOTO BY KATHY MALONE

Butterflies lay their eggs on plants and tend to be choosy about where they start their families. These gulf fritillaries are exploring a passionfl ower, one of the species’ preferred plants for egg placement.

your yard, you’re going to keep the life cycle going.”

Knowing the right host plants, of course, requires knowing what kind of butterflies are around and finding out what their preferences are. Malone recommends two simple tools that have helped her learn: a point-and-shoot camera and a field guide to butterflies.

“Take a picture of the butterfly and if you don’t know what it is, compare it to the guide.”

Malone also suggests that beginning butterfly gardeners pay a visit to the Kanapaha Botanical Gardens or to a native plant nursery to learn about host plants and the butterflies that feed on them.

Naturally, Florida butterflies favor host plants native to Florida. Among the Florida native plants favored by local butterflies, Malone said, are passionflower, fogfruit (a ground cover with tiny white flowers), and partridge pea.

Backyard birdwatchers, too, like native plants for the birds they attract. The numerous Yaupon holly trees and coral honeysuckle vines that Robinson has planted around his Jonesville property are dependable bird magnets — songbirds love to feed on the holly berries, and hummingbirds are drawn to the bright-red, tubular flowers of the honeysuckle.

For Gainesville landscape architect Larry Teague,

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however, native plants are the star attraction and the wildlife they attract to his yard is just the icing on the cake.

“I have hummingbirds all over the place and I don’t have any hummingbird feeders — just the plants,” Teague said. His yard and professional practice are both built around native and Florida-friendly plants. Floridafriendly plants are those naturally compatible with the local environment — drought-resistant and non-invasive (that is, not likely to choke out nearby native plants).

“It’s about smart planting strategies — the right plant in the right place,” Teague said. He has never used pesticides in his yard and only waters plants when they are first planted. The fruiting trees and plants in his yard — citrus, plums, persimmons, blueberries and Muscadine grapes — bear fruit and suffer minimal insect damage.

Those conditioned to think of Astroturf-perfect lawns and topiary hedges as proper gardening may balk at the notion of filling their yards with wild plants and critters.

“There’s a perception out there among some people that natives are kind of weedy and not that attractive,” Teague said. “My take is that it’s all about the design.”

He believes that plant diversity is key to both the

Leave No N Bottle or Can Behind!!

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Use a reu Tip: sab bin or tub le to transpo rt recyclable s!

SStrive trive to Leave No Bottle or Can Behind!

Recyclables in plastic bags can interfere with the sorting process.

In an effort to ensure no recyclables are missed, please don’t place them in plastic bags. Place them loosely in your recycling bins or use a reusable bin if you need to transport them. You can recycle your plastic grocery bags at most grocery stores.

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www.VisitOurTowns.com

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PHOTO BY GLENN PRICE

With a little creativity almost anything can be used to attract wildlife. Scott Flamand turned an old livestock feeding trough into a miniature water garden filled with native plants.

aesthetics and health of a garden. A range of native plants, arranged so that leaf colors and sizes contrast and flower colors are distributed in an agreeable way throughout the garden, can be just as attractive and easier to maintain than a garden full of exotics, Teague said. As a plus, a diverse plant assortment also attracts a diverse range of birds and insects, including those that can keep plant-eating pests at bay.

“I’ve never sprayed — it seems that something would come along to balance it out,” Teague said.

Gardens can handle more diversity than people think.

“You can create different micro-environments in your yard,” said Alan Shapiro, who owns a wholesale nursery. Shapiro is one of those guys who brings his work home with him — literally. The gardens surrounding his southwest Gainesville home are filled with a dizzying assortment of plants — both bird-friendly natives such as horse chestnut trees (whose flowers attract hummingbirds) and locally rare exotics entrusted to him by plant-collector friends. Shady or wet areas in a yard can and should take different plants from dry, sunny ones, he said. As an example, he showed off a boggy natural indentation in his yard that he has filled with dozens of aquatic plant varieties.

A wildlife-friendly garden, however, requires a lowlevel tolerance of nature’s less-scenic features, such as caterpillars, a bane of gardeners who prefer their foliage without little holes chewed in it.

“They spray and spray those caterpillars and they

158 | Spring 2012

can’t understand why they don’t have many butterflies,” Teague said.

Malone said caterpillar damage can be camouflaged by planting taller plants such as grasses in front of host plants.

Likewise, birdfeeders can attract a wider range of wild visitors than many people anticipate — such as hawks wanting to pluck off a songbird for lunch, or seed-stealing squirrels and raccoons. Scales suggested taking down feeders for a few days if hawks become a problem; they will lose interest in the area and move on. Baffles attached to feeder poles or above feeders will keep squirrels and raccoons away, as will ensuring that feeders are at least eight to 10 feet (a squirrel’s typical jumping distance) from squirrel-friendly structures, such as trees and other feeders.

Alternately, one could just give in and install dedicated squirrel feeders to distract them from the bird feeders, as Flamand has. (Flamand’s wife, Kirsten, adores squirrels.) The squirrels in his yard rarely touch his bird feeders, Flamand said.

For nature lovers, though, the pleasures of a wildlifefriendly yard are worth the occasional nibbled-upon leaves and inter-critter battles. Robinson loves being able to enjoy dozens of bird species while sipping his morning coffee. And following the ever-shifting number and inventory of backyard birds and other wildlife over a year’s time gives one a special awareness of place and the rhythms of nature, Scales said.

“It tells you a lot about a lot.” s

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16530 N.W. US HWY 441 • BETWEEN ALACHUA & HIGH SPRINGS www.VisitOurTowns.com

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HEAD ST A R T PROGRAM Services also provided for children with disabilities & for homeless families.

!

NOWACC ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS

for children who will be 3 or 4 years old by September 1, 2012

Alachua County Schools

Applications are taken every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 8am to 3pm at Fernside and every Wednesday at Terwiliger, Wiles, Met Calfe, Rawlings and Prairie View from 8am to 3pm

Fearnside Family Services Center 3600 NE 15 Street, Gainesville, FL • for more info, call 352-955-6875

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2.99% interest for 60 months W.A.C. OFFER ENDS 3-31-2012 (MAY BE EXTENDED FURTHER) SEE DEALER FOR DETAILS

48” Deck pictured. Other models, sizes and configurations available.

STORE HOURS:

MON-SAT. 8-5 CLOSED SUNDAY 160 | Spring 2012

BENNETT’S

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PHOTO BY: JUST DESIGNS Spring 2012 | 161

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>> AWARENESS

The Relay for Life The Race is On (and on and on)

BY ALLISON WILSON ancer does not sleep. And on May 11 and 12, neither will the hundreds of walkers and runners participating in the High Springs/Alachua Relay for Life.

Relay for Life, which raises funds to support the American Cancer Society, has been held locally at Santa Fe High School in Alachua for more than 15 years. This year, the annual all-nighter will come to High Springs.

The American Cancer Society describes Relay as “a life-changing event that gives everyone in communities across the globe a chance to celebrate the lives of people who have battled cancer,

C

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remember loved ones lost and fight back against the disease.” Each year, more than 3.5 million people in 5,000 communities in the United States, along with additional communities in 20 other countries, gather to take part in this global phenomenon and raise muchneeded funds and awareness to save lives.

“The American Cancer Society does so much for those touched by cancer — not just the patients but also the caregivers and families,” said Sharon Canter, High Springs/ Alachua Relay for Life event chair, in a recent phone interview. “They offer education, transportation to medical appointments for those who need it, and they have special programs for children including

the Reaching Out to Cancer Kids [Rock] camp. It’s such a worthy cause to support.”

During the Relay for Life fundraiser, teams of relayers will camp out at the High Springs Civic Center and take turns walking or running around the track. The “race” will last 18 hours — from 6 p.m. on May 11 to noon on May 12 — and each team must have a representative on the track at all times during the event. Each hour of the relay will feature a special theme to keep participants awake and on their feet. As is tradition, the relay kicks off with a survivor lap, where cancer survivors are invited to walk or run a lap as the crowd cheers them on. At 9 p.m., participants will take part

PHOTO BY LARRY BEHNKE

The Survivors Lap kicks off a past Relay for Life in Newberry.

in a luminaire ceremony, during which they will walk or run a lap holding glow sticks in honor of cancer survivors and in memory of those who lost their battle with the disease.

Other activities include yoga, Zumba, card-making and meditation classes. On the morning of May 12, the Relay for Life teams will host a yard sale.

The Alachua High Springs Relay for Life planning committee hopes to raise $35,000 this year.

“I know the strength of these communities,” said April Bass, American Cancer Society community representative and staff partner. “They are powerful, and together can make a big difference in the fight against cancer.” s

Alachua / High Springs relay for life May 11 from 6 p.m. to May 12 at noon High Springs Civic Center (NW U.S. 441, High Springs) For more information or to register a team, visit www. relayforlife.org, contact April Bass - april.bass@cancer. org or 352-376-6866, ext. 5052. To sponsor or participate, please contact Sharon Canter: 386-454-8008.

Sharon Canter cootiecoocreations@ windstream.net 386-454-8008

www.VisitOurTowns.com

April Bass Community Representative American Cancer Society April.Bass@cancer.org 352-376-6866 ext. 5052

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Conveniently located in Jonesville 1 4 0 2 9 W. N E W B E R RY R OA D

Come over today and visit the Fletcher Center! Minutes from Newberry and Gainesville, the Fletcher Center is conveniently located in Jonesville across from the Steeplechase Publix.

• Jonesville Barber Shop • Hunter Family Dentistry • 1st Nails

Whether you need your hair trimmed or a that perfect gift, the center offers a variety businesses for your family’s needs.

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TRADITIONAL BARBER SHOP 14029 W. Newberry Rd. (Just down from Sherwin Williams Paint)

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CRITTERS >> ALBERT ISAAC

A

Different Note I am an animal lover.

I always have been. n fact, when I was a mere lad I wanted to be a veterinarian when I grew up. Until I found out that I would have to go to school for a gazillion years. And that I would need to know as much (or more) as a medical doctor. And that my patients wouldn’t be able to tell me what ailed them.

So much for that idea.

Growing up the big city of Miami didn’t afford much opportunity to observe animals in the wild, at least not like I can now, living in the country. Aside from pigeons and possums, land crabs and lizards, the chances of coming upon something as cool as deer or buffalo in Miami were about nil. Oh, give me a home where the buffalo roam.

Yes, buffalo. As it turns out, we actually did see buffalo in High Springs. In our backyard. At the time, we were living in the Southside Terrace part of town, on the edge of some woods. On this particular morning I was enjoying a cup of coffee when I looked out the sliding doors to see a herd of buffalo breeze by. I rubbed

I

V

F o

my eyes. Called out to my wife: “Honey! There’s buffalo in our backyard!”

“Bull,” she said.

“No, buffalo!” I said. “Come look!”

She wondered what I was drinking that would make me hallucinate. But she looked out the window and confirmed my suspicions. They were buffalo, all right, escapees from a nearby ranch. I grabbed my video camera. For this sighting I would need proof.

But I’m getting ahead of myself.

My remarkably accommodating parents further fueled my desire to be a veterinarian (until, you know, the whole school thing). They let us have a vast menagerie of critters. Over the course of my childhood we had pets that ran the gamut: snakes, gerbils, rats, guinea pigs, fish, turtles, hamsters, cats, dogs, and the occasional chicken or two.

Our chickens were Gertrude and Ernestine. My brother had named Gertrude after his elementary school teacher. This news naturally got back to his teacher. Henceforth, my brother didn’t fair well in Gertrude’s class.

And my cat ate my chicken on my birthday.

Our pets would frequently escape. One morning while Mom was preparing breakfast, my snake slithered across the kitchen floor. She hollered for me to come catch it.

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166 | Spring 2012

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DISTRIBUTION CENTER General Warehouse Openings ABILITY TO LIFT UP TO 75 POUNDS

FULL / PART TIME AVAILABLE We are looking for Individuals with integrity, a positive sense of humor, who want to work in a team respected environment.

Must be 18 Years of age *Drug Free Workplace* Criminal Background Check *EOE Responsible for the expedient & accurate handling of merchandise into and/or out of the warehouse facility. General warehouse duties support all areas of the warehouse as needed. Continuous lifting up to 65 pounds on regular basis, & occasional team lifting, continuous walking, standing, bending, stooping, squatting, kneeling, reaching, and pushing and pulling. Communication skills, understand & provide directions, knowledge of basic math concepts & reading comprehension.

Dollar General offers:

Health, Dental & Vision Insurance, 401K Plan, Paid Holiday/Vacation Pay & Competitive Wages, plus evening shift differential.

APPLY IN PERSON 17815 Peggy Road – Alachua, FL Monday–Friday 8 am – 5pm (*Evening Interviews Available)

168 | Spring 2012

Another time the neighbor called Mom and said, “Your son’s snake is in our garage.”

Still another time, a possum had gotten into the house. It was early morning and still dark. I tried to chase it out but it ran behind our electric piano. So, I turned it up full blast and started to play, a la Phantom of the Opossum Opera. Mom thought I was nuts.

“What is the matter with you?” she yelled. “This is no time to practice!”

“I’m trying to scare it out from back there,” I replied. I eventually ran it out of the house; it did not become a pet.

My dear wife grew up in a similar pet-friendly environment. Her brother would bring home things like snakes, eels, alligators and snapping turtles. And now that we have a family of our own, we too have pets. Through the years we’ve had cats, dogs, snakes, frogs, rats, mice and the occasional iguana. We’ve observed the circle of life firsthand, and experienced the excitement of birth and the sorrow when they pass - important life lessons for our young’uns.

One day a few years back, our doorbell rang. I opened the door to see our smiling 5-year-old son holding a dead, decaying possum by the tail.

Living in the country also allows us to see nature up close and personal. The list is impressive: deer, armadillos, raccoons, all kinds of snakes (black racers, green snakes, rat snakes, rattle snakes and coral snakes), coyote, possums and their young, gophers (the turtle), owls, peacocks, woodpeckers, fox — and just last weekend we spotted a bald eagle.

I’m learning a lot about nature.

One day I took a picture of gigantic soaring bird.

I thought it was an eagle. A friend of mine (who just happened to be a forensic entomologist) said it was a turkey buzzard. Wish I hadn’t framed it.

We don’t see quite as many animals in our yard as we used to, mainly because our protective hounds will kill and devour any trespassing varmint. I then have to deal with the grizzly remains.

I used to toss the corpses over the fence until the dog found a way out and would play fetch (only time he’ll play fetch), drag it back into the yard and roll around on the carcass. Why? One day a few years back, our doorbell rang. I opened the door to see our smiling 5-year-old son holding a dead, decaying possum by the tail. (Again, why?)

I said drop the marsupial, take off the clothes, go straight to the shower.

Playing with dead possums aside, we’re grateful to be living in paradise, where we never know what we might see out our windows. And I have my video camera ready in case the buffalo return. s

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BEAT THE RISING COST OF CAR MAINTENANCE with our new ONE YEAR SERVICE PLAN. Stop by or call for details. Available only at: City Boys Tire & Brake • HIGH SPRINGS •

386-454-2193 VISIT US ONLINE AT www.CITYBOYS.com

FREE 40.00 COMPUTER DIAGNOSTICS $

VALUE

00

75

$

• Most Vehicles • Plus Env. Fees

OFF any repair of $300 or more Excluding tires Expires 06-15-12. Our Town Magazine

FREE SUSPENTION INSPECTION

FREE TIRE CHECK

+ 10% Discount on work done

+ 10% Discount on work done

All Day Every Day Any Vehicle

Expires 06-15-12. Our Town Magazine

Expires 06-15-12. Our Town Magazine

Expires 06-15-12. Our Town Magazine

Fuel Injection Cleaning

4-Tire Balance + Rotation

Oil + Filter Change

• Most Vehicles

95

59

$

• Most Vehicles • Plus Env. Fees

Expires 06-15-12. Our Town Magazine

A/C System Inspection + Freon Recharge

FREE TIRE ROTATION

95

19

$

$

• Most Vehicles • Plus Env. Fees

Expires 06-15-12. Our Town Magazine

95

15

95

24

$

• Most Vehicles • Plus Env. Fees

Expires 06-15-12. Our Town Magazine

$

20.00

VALUE

With purchase of Oil Change and Mighty Wiper Blades

Coolant Drain + Fill

95

29

$

• Most Vehicles • Plus Env. Fees

*Most cars. +Tax +Freon Expires 06-15-12. Our Town Magazine

Expires 06-15-12. Our Town Magazine

*Dex Coolant extra Expires 06-15-12. Our Town Magazine

Any Transmission Service

Front-End Alignment

FREE Brake Inspection

00

20

$

OFF

Expires 06-15-12. Our Town Magazine

95

49

$

• Most Vehicles

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with 20% Discount work done - All Vehicles *Most Cars, Disposal Extra Expires 06-15-12. Our Town Magazine

CITY BOYS APPRECIATES YOUR BUSINESS

170 | Spring 2012

- & s 3AT

A short 15-minute drive from Gainesville

Visit our new location in Newberryy!

www.VisitOurTowns.com

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ADVERTISER INDEX 4400 NW 36th Avenue • Gainesville, FL 32606 352-372-5468 352-373-9178 fax AUTOMOTIVE Bush Auto Repair ........................................ 122 City Boys Tire & Brake ...............................170 Gainesville Harley Davidson ................... 140 Jim Doglas Sales & Service ...................... 87 Newberry Auto Repair ..............................132 Sun City Auto Sales....................................154 Tuffy Tire & Auto Service .............................2

REAL ESTATE Atrium ..............................................................146 Forrester Realty ...........................................102 Horizon Realty, Ed & Joan Sroka...........124 PRO Realty ....................................................128 Savannah Station .......... 175 (HS), 176 (NB) Spring Hill Village ........................................103 The Riverwalk of Fanning Springs ............3 The Village .........................................................4

FINANCIAL / LAW Allstate Insurance, Hugh Cain ................148 Campus USA Credit Union ........................ 19 Easy Tax & Accounting .............................. 78 H&R Block ..................................................... 140 State Farm - Tish Oleksy ........................... 39 Stephen K. Miller Law Offices................... 51 Sunshine State Insurance .........................145 SunState Federal Credit Union ..................................... 44, 59, 61 Three Rivers Insurance ............................... 92

FITNESS and BEAUTY All Creations Salon .....................................129 Charisma for Hair .........................................30 Dawn & Co. ..................................................... 77 Emerge ................................................................6 Hair & Nail Depot..........................................141 Jodie’s Beauty & Barber ...........................128 Jonesville Traditional Barber ..................165 Nails-N-Spa.....................................................50 Salon 5402...................................................... 43 Sarah Viera Salon ....................................... 100 Tip 2 Toes .......................................................132 1st Nails ...........................................................165

PETS and VETS Affordable Vet Clinic..................................167 Animal Health Center .................................161 Bed & Biscuit Inn .......................................... 99 Bob’s Compassionate Pet Sitting ...............

Dancin’ Dogs Boarding .............................166 Flying Fish Aquatics...................................128 Pampered Paws ...........................................128 Pamper Your Pet ........................................... 31 Springhill Equine ...........................................57 Susie’s Pet Sitting & Grooming ................72 Twin Oaks Stables .......................................155 West End Animal Hospital ........................ 112

EDUCATION & CHILD CARE Alachua County Head Start ................... 160 Alachua Learning Center .............. 176 (HS) Gainesville Country Day School ............. 68 Sun Country Sports Center .........................5

MEDICAL / HEALTH 1st Choice Immediate Care ........................ 71 Affordable Dentures .................................. 157 Alachua Dental .............................................. 53 Alachua Family Medical Center ............... 31 Altschuler Periodontic ................................ 71 Caretenders .................................................... 46 Community Cancer Center ....................... 93 Douglas Adel, DDS .....................................155 Gainesville OB/GYN .......................................8 Gentle Dental Care ......................................101 Haven Hospice............................................... 48 Hunter Family Dentistry ...........................165 McCauley & Associates .................................7 Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery ................. 10 Palms Medical Group .................................. 98 Samant Dental Group ................................. 79 Vishnu Reddy, M.D. ...................................... 70

RETAIL / RECREATION Alachua Farm & Lumber ..........................145 Alachua Pawn & Jewelry ...........................171 Beacher’s Lodge............................................ 111 Bennett’s True Value .................129, 141, 160 Blue Springs ...................................................116 Camp Kulaqua ............................................... 28 Coin & Jewelry Gallery ...............................115 Colleen’s Kloset............................................120 Cootie Coo Creations ................................. 99 Dance Alive! ...................................................119 Dirty Bar .......................................................... 63 Family Jewels ...............................................165 Garden Gallery .............................................124 Gary’s Tackle Box ........................................149 Girl Scouts of Gateway Council .............. 52 Gold Buyers of Alachua ............................149 High Springs Farmers Market .................129 High Springs Pawn & Jewelry.....................6 Hippodrome Theatre .................................164 Jayne Juice Plus ..........................................124 Jewelry Designs by Donna ......................128 Klaus Fine Jewelry ..........................................9 Lentz House of Time ....................................73 Lifestyle Cruise & Travel ............................50 Liquor & Wine Shoppe ................... 175 (NB) Ms. Debbie’s Cakes & Sugar Art ............132 Music Junction .............................................124 Nanna’s Creations ......................................... 31 New Smyrna Beach ....................................139 Old Irishman’s Pawn Shop ........................ 121 Paddywhack...................................................60 Pawn Pro ......................................................... 86 Radio Shack ..................................................145 Rum Island Retreat ......................................116 Sapps Pawn, Gun and Archery ...............110 Stitch In Time Embroidery .......................132 Sweet Jane’s Whoopie Pies ....................124 Tioga Town Center........................................ 15 Underground Fitness Revolution ..........148 Valerie’s Loft Consignment ............. 114, 125 West End Golf Course ................................118

MISCELLANEOUS Diploma at Home ........................................169 Dollar General ...............................................168 Cash for Cars ................................................169 U.S. Casting .................................................... 117

SERVICE Alachua County Big Blue ......................... 157 Alachua County EPD .................................. 97 Alachua Pest Services ................................ 97 Alachua Printing ............................................72 AllState Mechanical, Inc............................133 COX Business................................................. 92 COX Communications .................................. 11 Creekside Outdoor Improvements ........ 29 Free Junk Pick-up .......................................103 Gainesville Regional Airport ....................141 Gonzalez Site Prep ...................................... 78 Growers Fertilizer ......................................... 28 Jack’s Small Engine Repair......................159 L&S Auto Trim ..............................................149 Lady Bug Florist ........................................... 33 Lotus Studios Photography ..................... 20 Oliver & Dahlman ......................................... 92 Quality Cleaners ........................................... 38 Steeplechase Storage.................................. 31

HOME IMPROVEMENT AHA Water...................................................... 25 Al Mincey Site Prep ..................................... 52 American Fence...........................................159 Bloominghouse Nursery ...........................138 Cook’s Portable Buildings ......................... 87 Copeland Quality Construction ...............57 Floor Store .....................................................133 Gulf Coast Supply ........................................ 85 H2Oasis Custom Pool & Spa ................... 137 Heckard’s Door Specialties....................... 49 Keen’s Portable Buildings ..........................27 Overhead Door ............................................. 96 Red Barn Home Center ............................. 174 Santa Fe Stoneworks .................................. 43 Sherer Studio ............................................... 140 Southwest Greens Synthetic...................107 Thurston Garden Design ..........................125 United Rent-All...............................................73 Whitfield Window & Door......................... 62

RESTAURANT Amy’s Country Buffet & Grill.................. 104 Ballyhoo Grill................................................ 106 Bubba Que’s ................................................... 112 Club 51 ............................................................ 105 Conestoga’s ...................................................124 Domino’s Pizza ...........................................5, 17 El Toro..............................................................148 Gator Q ...........................................104, 111, 129 Hungry Howies Pizza .................................. 112 Joe’s Place .................................................... 104 Los Aviña ....................................................... 105 Main Street Pie Co. Pizzeria ....................124 Miami Int’l Bakery & Restaurant ..........32, 105 O!O Tapas & Tinis ....................................... 106 Saboré ............................................................ 106

PHOTO BY TYLER JONES

142 >> ENJOY THE FRESH DAIRY AIR

Come see the cows at Family Day! The community is invited to come out to the UF/IFAS Dairy Farmâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Open House Saturday, March 24 to learn how milk is produced locally.

Watch cows being milked, try your hand at making some butter, and maybe even pet a calf at this family friendly event.

www.VisitOurTowns.com

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Sheds • Barns • Carports • Garages Boat Covers • RV Storage • Work Shops

$

5799d &

ere delivtalled ins

12’x28’ Shop Storage

custom sizes available

$

895

12’x21’ Boat/RV Port

$

6145

24’x21’ Metal Building

$

695

18’x21’ Carport

352-472-7100 24910 West Newberry Road • Newberry www.redbarnhomecenter.com 174 | Spring 2012

the Liquor & Wine Shoppe at Jonesville Huge Selection of Wines, Beers, Champagnes and more!

14451 Newberry road CVS

CR 241

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The or Liqu Wine & ppe Sho

.

RY R D

Kangaroo

Turn at CVS in Jonesville and come straght to us.

352-332-3308 theliquorshoppe@bellsouth.net 9-9 Mon-Thurs, 9-10 Fri-Sat www.VisitOurTowns.com

Spring 2012 | 175

175

176

CBC #1256897

Homes Starting at $114,900 100% ďŹ nancing available

Finally, a place to call home where memories and laughter are affordable.

With our preferred builders offering sensational values from the mid-$100â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, top

notch schools, and a city with families in mind, Savannah Station is the family place to be. From the easy Gainesville commute, convenience to shopping,

dining, recreation, and great new home prices, Savannah Station is the perfect fit for families of all ages. Start making memories today!

(352) 472-1771 Call today for more information about Savannah Station.

Visit us online at www.SavannahStationFl.com or www.PrestwickPropertiesFl.com Marketed exclusively by