Our Town 2018 JUL-AUG (Newberry & Jonesville)

PHOTO E S SAY: TH E E LEG A NC E OF SCI E NC E 3 D PR I NTE D PROS TH ETIC S PL A NT S ON M A R S

JULY/AUGUST 2018 | VOL. 16 ISSUE 04

NEWBERRY & JONESVILLE EDITION

THE

FUTURE IS NOW

Technology and innovation are advancing further every day — you just need to know where to look

Superbu ug Whatt is A. bau auma m nn ma nii i and an d wh whatt is it cap apab able le off?

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The Art of Aging Sc cie ient ntis nt ists are wor is orki kiing to fi find nd nd new ne w wa ways ys of co comb mbat atin in ng pr prob oble ob le ems we wil illl al alll fa face ce as we get old der

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Agri-Tech Innovattion n Park A co conc nc cep e tu ual a site itte plan plan pl a has s bee een co comp mp ple lete ted te d fo or an a agr g ii-te tech te ch res sea arc rch h pa p rk in N Ne ewb ewb wber e ry er y

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CONTENTS

J U LY/ A U G U S T 2 0 1 8

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

| V O L . 1 6 | N O. 0 4

IN THIS ISSUE >> DISCOVER THE FUTURE YOU’RE ALREADY LIVING IN. EXPLORE THE NEW ADVANCEMENTS IN TECHNOLOGY THAT ARE TAKING THE WORLD OF SCIENCE AND MEDICINE TO INFINITY AND BEYOND! ALSO, GET SOME TIPS ON CRAFTING YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA LIKE A PRO. IT COULD HELP GET YOUR “LIKES” UP. THE FUTURE SURE IS LOOKING BRIGHT!

FEATURE STORIES 74

MUNDANE AND INSANE New inventions continue to arise and keep the world moving forward at great speed. Learn about simple, commonplace gadgets and how they compare to the radical innovations that push us toward the “final frontier.”

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AGRI-TECH INNOVATION PARK A conceptual site plan has been completed for an agri-tech research park in Newberry. Designed to take agriculture in a new direction, bringing high-paying technical and research jobs to the community.

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PUZZLED? Ever gotten frustrated with your Rubik’s Cube and wondered who would invent such a contraption? Now, you can understand the origin and meaning behind your favorite puzzles and brain teasers.

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SUPERBUG What is A. baumannii and what is it capable of? Learn about this fascinating and dangerous bacterium that is hitting close to home.

JULY/AUGUST 2018

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CONTENTS

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PLANTS ON MARS The UF Space Plants Lab is taking agriculture to out-of-this-world new heights!

THE ART OF AGING As the population ages, scientists are working diligently to find new ways of combating old problems. Take a look at local researchers and doctors who are making a difference in this field of study.

26 ZERO WASTE Learn about the benefits of living a zero waste lifestyle, as well as the changes that can be made at the individual, business and policy level.

30 CRAFTING YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA BRAND Ever wonder how people get thousands – or even millions – of followers? These tips could help you grow your own following to keep up with the big dogs.

38 DECODING DIFFERENCES New technology is changing how researchers are perceiving the biological world. Learn how a local scientist has created a link between the constellations and turtle shells.

44 FUTURISTIC FILMS TO SEE NOW Take a look at some of Sci-Fi’s biggest and best blockbusters over the years that will take you to a galaxy far, far away.

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64 GENERATIONAL RELIEF IN PROSTHETICS GriP provides prosthetics for children and adults in need. Learn more about how this organization affects the community.

COLUMNS 36

NAKED SALSA

by Crystal Henry

52

HEALTHY EDGE

by Kendra Siler-Marsiglio

62

EMBRACING LIFE

by Donna Bonnell

68 FARM TALES

by Mother Hen

128 FUREVER FRIENDS 70 CROWDFUNDING Content creators and dreamers can have their wishes come true with a popular wave of fundraising that enables anyone to financially contribute to a project. See how this has changed the game for local artists and business owners.

Spotlight on Rescue Animals

REVIEWS 98 READING CORNER

by Terri Schlichenmeyer

116 GATE CRASHING 118 PHOTO ESSAY: THE ELEGANCE OF SCIENCE Explore the connection between artistic and scientific perceptions of reality. There is beauty all around us, even if we can’t see it.

by Brian “Krash” Kruger

INFORMATION 102 Taste of the Town 108 Community Calendar

126 OUR TOWNIES Another installment of the recurring series of interviews with people who live in our town. Everyone’s got a story to tell.

The articles printed in Our Town do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Tower Publications, Inc. or their editorial staff. Our Town Magazine endeavors to accept reliable advertising; however, we can not be held responsible by the public for advertising claims. Our Town Magazine reserves the right to refuse or discontinue any advertisement. All rights reserved. © 2018 Tower Publications, Inc.

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PUBLISHER Charlie Delatorre ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Hank McAfee

Anthony B. Agrios, MD Joseph S. Iobst, MD Jean C. Cook, MD Nicole Scogin, MD Shelley Russell, ARNP, CNM Julie Rischar, ARNP, CNM Kristen Cook, ARNP, CNM

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Ericka Winterrowd ericka@towerpublications.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Savannah Austin, Cameron Cobb, Stephanie Richards, Steph Strickland, Summer Jarro, Devoun Cetoute, Jessica Curbelo, Monica Humphries, Kaitlin Applegate, Hayli Zuccola, Matthew Arrojas ADVERTISING ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Jenni Bennett jenni@towerpublications.com Nancy Short nancy@towerpublications.com INTERNS Steph Strickland, Savannah Austin, Kacey Finch, Jasmine Dahlby

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

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

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

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

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

“I believe we can live as emotionally healthy people in a healthy society.”

DR. ADIL A. MOHAMMED, M.D. Medical Director | Board Certified Psychiatrist

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EDITOR ’ S LET TER J U LY/ A U G U S T 2 0 1 8

CED OFFE EES ES ES PM PM

PM PM

EVE E VE ER RY R YD DA AY A Y!!

Y

ALL A LL SIZE ES S

The Future: Then & Now I remember when my dad brought home the first family computer. It was a Compaq desktop and boy did it feel like we were so high-tech. Before this moment, my experience with technology was limited to a once-a-week elementary school computer class. In fact, I recently found a printout certificate from the fourth grade for completing a level of Math Blaster. I remember feeling so cool and futuristic as I blasted aliens away by chomping prime numbers like a pro.

The family computer sat on a special desk just off of the kitchen, which quickly became a mecca for ideas and searching. Nowadays, computers and technology in general are just about everywhere we turn. The number of screens we all have access to is unreal—iPhone, iPad, iWatch, iDon’tknowwhat’snext.

Technology also seems to be getting smaller and thinner, but is that because our ideas are getting larger and broader? I can watch a documentary on Nostradamus via my smartphone if I really wanted to, but after copy editing this issue—I think my eyes deserve a little break.

Within these pages you’ll find stories that take you to infinity and beyond! Discover how the UF Space Plants Lab is taking agriculture to out-of-this-world new heights. Also, learn how a local organization is providing prosthetics for children and adults in need. Happen to be a Sci-Fi fan? Either way, enjoy a list of some must-see futuristic films. We’ve got your Saturday nights covered for a while.

You bring the freeze-dried popcorn…

Ericka Winterrowd, Editor-In-Chief

Gainesville 114 SW 34TH ST.

(352) 376-7020

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— CORRECTIONS — In the article about hair coloring, in the May/June 2018 issue of Our Town magazine, the owner of Mirror Mirror Salon Studio in Newberry, Florida is Jennifer Woulard.

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PLEIN TO S EE

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

Paint Out at Kanapaha Gardens Kanapaha Botanical Gardens of Gainesville will be transformed into a lively place of color and community as the Paint Out pays a visit to this local attraction in early September. People of all ages are welcome to stop by this one-of-a-kind local event, with regular admission prices for non-members and members are admitted for free. The Paint Out invites local landscape artists to paint (plein air) in the gardens of Kanapaha, during a live demonstration of talent and beauty.

This event has exploded in popularity since its origins in 2002 and the three-day festivity is part of a network of Paint Outs that take place every year in various locations around the world. According to the Kanapaha Botanical Gardens’ website, this event serves as a link between artists and locations all over the world and promotes art as a universal language that has no borders.

Attendees of the event can witness the creative process of landscape artwork firsthand.

Artists are inspired by the beautiful scenery of the Botanical Gardens year-round, but this event provides a venue that brings the community together to admire both the art and the artists themselves. Art and the outdoors? What a beautiful combination!

2018 Paint Out at Kanapaha Botanical Gardens

September 7 - 9

386-454-5348 715 NW SANTA FE BLVD HIGH SPRING, FL 32643

Kanapaha Botanical Gardens 4700 SW 58th Dr, Gainesville 32608 16 |

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Coming Fall 2018

WE’VE GOT BIG NEWS! Thanks to all our amazing patients, we’ve outgrown our current offices!

We’re building a state of the art facility with a free standing birth center.

Along with the new location, we’re also getting a new name, Comprehensive Women’s Health.

We’ll still have the same great doctors, midwives, and staff that you’ve come to know and love and we’ll have even more great services just for you at our new location at 724 N.W. 43rd Street.

JULY/AUGUST 2018

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CONTRIBUTOR S

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MONICA HUMPHRIES is a senior journalism student at the University of Florida. Beyond writing, she loves going to local concerts, traveling the world and exploring all Gainesville has to offer. monicamh@centurylink.net

SAVANNAH AUSTIN is a journalism and art student at UF. She is a passionate advocate for the color mustard yellow and can be found making hand-lettered greeting cards, binge-watching Jane the Virgin or incessantly taking photos of friends and family. savannahkaustin@ufl.edu

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

STEPHANIE RICHARDS is a freelance writer and a native of suburban Chicago. She was the Story Editor for The Sturbridge Times Magazine before recently moving to Newberry from New England. She loves to exercise, volunteer and spend time with her family. sarichards7@gmail.com

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

HayzDesigns@yahoo.com

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

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

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

DEVOUN CETOUTE is a senior journalism major at the University of Florida and freelance writer and designer.

In his spare time he enjoys watching movies, playing video games and designing. devoun.c.cetoute@gmail.com

JESSICA CURBELO is a junior journalism major at the University of Florida. She also works with the Alligator and Her Campus. In her spare time, she enjoys reading and painting.

MATTHEW ARROJAS is in his last year as a journalism major at the University of Florida. He’s trying to watch more movies, so feel free to send him your suggestions. marrojas@ufl.edu

JULY/AUGUST 2018

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RESEARCH >> GROWING PLANTS ON MARS

BIONEERS

SPACE to Grow Researchers in Gainesville are Finding Out How to Grow Plants on Mars S T O R Y A N D P H O T O G R A P H Y B Y K A I T L I N A P P L E G AT E

A

cosmic ray gun, freezing plants in outer space, and cloning seem like ideas that an eclectic sci-fi writer would scrounge up for a screenplay, and yet, this is common vernacular at the UF Space Plants Lab. The UF Space Plants Lab is the name of the IFAS research program directed by Dr. Robert Ferl and Dr. Anna-Lisa Paul. The lab’s home is in the Horticultural Sciences department in Fifield Hall.

Currently, the Space Plants Lab is looking into what conditions are necessary to grow plants on Mars. Nicole Beisel, Brandon Califar, and Juliana Cromie are three of the many students who are working to make this idea a reality.

Beisel explained that a portion of what the Space Plants Lab accomplishes happens through space 20 |

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flight experiments. Essentially, UF will “prepare seeds on petri plates, keep those plates in the dark and in a cold environment which makes sure they don’t start growing, and then [the plates are launched] on a rocket to the International Space Station.”

Once in space, the astronauts unpack the seeded plates and place them into a specialized growth system called Veggie. After they’ve reached the end of their growth period (usually between 4 to 12 days) the plants are harvested from the plates and frozen in a chemical preservative, which allows them to be sent back to UF. After they arrive again, Beisel said they’re able to thaw them out and then use them to do all kinds of experiments.

DNA and RNA are extracted from these space pioneer plants as well. That’s where Beisel comes in.

She works in bioinformatic analysis, which she explains as “analyzing large amounts of biological information.”

PHOTOGRAPHY: NASA/JPL-CALTECH/MSSS

This May 11, 2016, self-portrait of NASA’s Curiosity Mars rover shows the vehicle at the “Okoruso” drilling site on lower Mount Sharp’s “Naukluft Plateau.” The scene is a mosaic of multiple images taken with the arm-mounted Mars Hands Lens Imager (MAHLI).

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RESEARCH >> GROWING PLANTS ON MARS

A clinostat is used to disrupt the direction of the pull of gravity on Earth, which approximates some of the conditions of space agricultural. “It’s a rotating platform,” Cromie said. “That was the name that NASA called the first physical method of simulating microgravity on earth. If a plant is always rotating, it will never know which way is up or down.”

“Right now it’s crazy to me that I’m actually doing research related to space and eventually agriculture on Mars. It’s surreal.”

Most of the day, Beisel sits at a computer trying to find patterns in the data gathered from the space plants’ RNA. Beisel likens DNA and RNA to cooking a meal. She said DNA is like a set of instructions for the plant.

“I like to think of it like a digital recipe book. Sometimes, if I want to use a recipe from the recipe book, I might print the recipe out, making a temporary copy that I can take into the 22 |

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kitchen,” Beisel said. “The plant cell does the exact same thing, they use their digital recipe book [and] make a temporary copy.

That copy is in a molecule called RNA, and that’s what I spend most of my time studying.”

Similarly in cooking, sometimes an ingredient is skipped or added. The plant can do that exact same thing, and it’s called alternative splicing.

“Sometimes ... that change ends up being awesome, sometimes you can barely tell a difference, and sometimes it’s just horrible,” she said. “My job is trying to figure out which of those changes actually are helping the plant in space.”

While the idea of space farming may seem relatively similar to earth’s agriculture, Beisel explained that the different atmosphere in space presents a radically unique environment.

“Plants are absolutely not prepared to grow in an environment that doesn’t have gravity, they’ve always been here on earth,” she said.

“Plants have relied on gravity to tell them how to grow for as long as they’ve been a species. Every time we see a plant, we take it for granted that their roots are growing down and their leaves are coming up. But when they’re in space they don’t have that up and down orientation anymore to know that’s how they’re supposed to grow.”

Beisel’s love for plants grew out of her fascination with genetics. “When I was first learning about genetics and DNA, I just really was blown away by how much everything around me that’s living, whether it be me, my dog, or plants, is all basically coded for by this molecule that I can’t even see but that is inside everything. I was absolutely fascinated.”

This passion eventually evolved into Beisel’s research in agriculture. “I really love studying genetics,” she said. “I like studying plants because they’re easier to work with on a day-to-day basis, but they still give me a chance to do really cool research and something that really matters.”

Like Beisel, Brandon Califar is also working with data analysis. He is interested in answering questions like, “Are one of these plants better suited to space flight in some ways but not in others? Are they triggering responses that they don’t need to because of the lack of gravity? Or, are they actually adapting because of the lack of gravity?” Califar said.

While Beisel and Califar work heavily in data analysis, Juliana Cromie is involved in studying the effects of cosmic radiation. “There are several challenges you’re going to face when taking either seeds or plants into transit outside of the Earth’s atmosphere,” Cromie said. “As we begin to extend the duration of our missions to travel farther, we also greatly increase the impact that these variables can have on both biology and technology.”

One of these barriers is cosmic radiation. To contextualize this type of radiation, Cromie said that, “On Earth, you have non-ionizing radiation,

Cromie applies a special nutrient gel media to Petri plates. This media supplies plant food and water, and sustains the plants for weeks while growing in the laboratory on Earth, or in space. Plant cells can also be propagated on this media to create a clone of a radiation-damaged plant that cannot survive on its own in regular soil. Cloning can be helpful “if you want to amplify the amount of tissue you have enough to facilitate DNA extraction, or if you find something interesting that’s going to die off soon without a little help,” Cromie said.

Arabid Ara bid idops ops psis psis ps i tha t liaanaa iss a rela elativ t e of tiv of the mus u tar tard d plan plan a t. The an Th Ar Arabi abi abidop bidopsis dop opsis i pl plant a s are ant are r p tur pi pic ured eed d her heree on thee sam samee kind innd off nu nutri t ent tri ntt gel Pe P tri pl plate a s that ate that a ar at aree used d to o gr g ow w theem in spac paace. “Ar Arrabi ab dopsis dopsis dop s si iss com common omm mon onlyy uuse uss d in in plan plant lant lan m ecu mo mol cular cu larr bi bio olo log gyy be bec b ecaus ecau ausee itt s so smal it’ maa l,” l, Be Beis ise sell said iid.

“Addit “Ad diition dit ionnal al y, all y its it fa fast st l fee cycl lif yc e allo owss us to stu to tudy dy gen dy geneti etics et cs ove ov v r time time ime an a d genneratio ons. ns ”

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RESEARCH >> GROWING PLANTS ON MARS 24 |

like the microwaves we cook our food with and the radio waves used to broadcast our favorite stations. However, in deep space, there are heavy ions which are highly charged that are moving at rates near the speed of light, which can cause a lot of damage.”

Cromie explained that this type of radiation severely impacts plants, astronauts, and even the technology utilized in space. “In order to ensure the safety of ourselves, our food sources, and our equipment, we have to understand the specific issues that cosmic radiation can cause,” she said. “There is a facility in New York called the Brookhaven National Lab, and that’s where we send our seeds to be essentially shot with a cosmic ray gun.”

This ray gun simulates the kind of radiation plants would experience on their way to Mars.

After the seeds are exposed, Cromie and her peers grow the plants to observe what changes the radiation may have had on their growth.

“We’re finding some really funky looking plants,” said Cromie.

While Cromie, Califar, and Beisel all work on different elements in the Space Plants Lab, they all share a mutual excitement to be on the precipice of space agriculture and colonization.

“Right now it’s crazy to me that I’m actually doing research related to space and eventually agriculture on Mars,” Beisel said. “It’s surreal.”

Cromie echoed this enthusiasm when she talked about applying to be a part of the team.

“I wasn’t really expecting to play as significant of a role in the project because it sounded so out of every league,” she said.

Now, as a member of the team, Cromie said the most rewarding part for her is being able to take an experiment from start to finish “Also, the implications are really exciting to be part of because, as with pretty much all space biology research, it can mostly be applicable on earth as well,” she explained.

Califar shares his teammates’ enthusiasm. “I came to UF because I was interested in coming to do this,” he said. Even though each of these students come from different scientific and agricultural backgrounds, they find common ground in the opportunity of space colonization. “Who’s not interested in outer space?” Beisel said.

Although the Space Race ended in 1975, the extraterrestrial adventure continues with the prospect of cosmic colonization. At the UF Space Plants Lab, scientists are discovering if leafy green plants could be the key to colonizing Mars.

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Nicole Beisel (right) realized her passion through working with plants.

According to Cromie, the Heliospectra pictured above is an artificial lighting device used in greenhouses and other controlled growth environments. The machine is equipped with a customizable light spectrum that can be better adapted for different plants.

Research plants

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ENVIRONMENT >> ZERO WASTE

EN VIRONMENTAL GOALS

CALLING FOR CHANGE BY GOING GREEN

Zero Waste STORY A N D PHOTOGR A PH Y BY MONICA H U MPHR IES

When Nina Bhattacharyya steps into a grocery store, her goal is to leave with as little packaging as possible.

That means bringing reusable bags, bags for produce and jars for grains or bulk items. “We’ve got to practice what we preach, so I’m definitely leading that lifestyle.”

Bhattacharyya is the founder of Zero Waste Gainesville, a community group advocating for Gainesville to minimize its output of waste. A zerowaste philosophy aims to send nothing to the landfill.

Instead through refusing, reducing, reusing, recycling and rotting — each product has a continuous life cycle.

Gainesville’s current goal is to reach zero waste by 2040. This means that businesses, individuals and policies will have to change.

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BUSINESSES In giant trash bags, Sandra Carlisi would bring home all of East End Eatery’s recyclables.

There wasn’t a good commercial recycling system, so she had to do it herself, the owner said.

“It was a little out of control,” she said. “But I’ve always, always, always recycled.”

So she’d haul the bags into her trunk and head home. Eventually, a neighbor behind the restaurant offered to take the recycling. But Carlisi has always had a “do whatever it takes” attitude towards reducing and reusing.

At East End Eatery one thing is missing – straws. Carlisi implemented a straws-on-demand policy a couple years ago. If a customer wants a straw, he

or she will have to request it, instead of automatically receiving one. Sitting on each table inside the napkin holder is a flier explaining the straws-on-demand policy.

Last year, more than half a million plastic straws and stirrers were found during the International Coastal Cleanup, according to the Sea Turtle Conservancy. And restaurants across Gainesville are establishing this program. “It seems like the business community is really listening and looking actively for ways to reduce waste,” Bhattacharyya said.

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www.5starportablebuildings.com While places like East End Eatery and Vine Sourdough Bakery have had the program for years, other businesses, like Madrina’s, have recently adopted it. Teresa Zokovitch, the owner of Vine Sourdough Bakery, said customers have embraced straws on demand. “The people who come in here are so supportive of those efforts,” she said.

And Zokovitch is supportive of a zerowaste city. She said she sees challenges, like how customers at the farmers market will carry away the baked goods, but she doesn’t doubt Vine Sourdough Bakery could overcome them. “Even the farmers market problem isn’t a hard challenge,” she said, “just a challenge.”

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ENVIRONMENT >> ZERO WASTE

INDIVIDUALS When Bhattacharyya goes on a trip, there’s a little extra planning. She considers how her travel habits can be less wasteful.

It might mean baking granola bars beforehand, instead of purchasing them at gas stations. Or bringing her own tupperware and plates, so she doesn’t use any single-use products. “Travel is one of the biggest challenges,” she said. “On my first zero-waste trip I typed out an entire list to make sure I didn’t forget anything.”

Although some aspects of zero waste are more challenging than others, there’s something every person can do to create less waste. And you’ll see your impact immediately, Bhattacharyya added. “What’s really nice is that there’s almost instant gratification when it comes to adopting these practices because you actually see the reduction in your trash can every week,” she said.

Bhattacharyya’s biggest advice is to take it slowly. “It’s difficult to change your entire lifestyle,” she said. “Take it bit by bit.”

Find a new practice to incorporate in your daily life and make it a habit. Once that’s formed, add another.

Some suggestions include swapping out paper tissues and towels for handkerchiefs and cloth towels, try composting food scraps, or stop buying dryer sheets and invest in reusable dryer balls. “The really important thing to remember about zero waste is that it’s not just something that the city and county can do or that the businesses can do,” she said. “Zero waste can be achieved at multiple levels, including the individual level.”

POLICY Gainesville is a city known for places like Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park and Rainbow Springs. It’s known for nature and pristine waters. It’s a place where the community appreciates the land and conservation.

“Growing up in Gainesville, the environment has always been something that people cared about, and something I’ve always cared about,” said Adrian Hayes-Santos, a Gainesville city commissioner. Hayes-Santos has proposed 17 changes to 28 |

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help Gainesville and Alachua reach zero waste. These changes come 20 years after the city last revamped its recycling program.

“Looking deep into it, Gainesville moving and becoming a zero-waste city and embracing that movement is what’s needed for us to be the city Gainesville wants to be,” he said. Gainesville’s current recycling goal is to reach a rate of 75 percent by 2020.

However, the average recycling rate over the last 8 years has been at only 50 percent, Hayes-Santos said.

One of the main ways to increase that rate and reach zero waste is through a strategic plan.

A strategic plan would work by hiring a consultant to look at the current habits of the city and make recommendations for what and how to implement changes.

“They look at feasibility, they look at cost, they provide recommendations,” Bhattacharyya said. “They look at the level of impact any recommendation would have on achieving zero waste.” Bhattacharyya explained that a plan is key. “They like the idea of having a plan because it serves as a roadmap in achieving zero waste,” she said.

Right now, it’s in next year’s budget. The city and county are jointly working on a strategic plan for how to become zero waste, Hayes-Santos said. “There’s going to have to be some changes in technology and changes in national policy,” he explained. “But we need to start taking the steps now that are feasible.”

In March, the city commission deadlocked on a ban of single-use plastic bags and Styrofoam containers. The tie vote meant that the ban didn’t pass, but it did create conversation.

“One of the biggest challenges is ensuring the whole community is on board and they’re moving forward together,” he said. To do this, the city is hiring a sustainability manager. He or she will help build the sustainability department and guide the city in a transition to zero waste.

“We can’t just continue to kick the can down the road,” Hayes-Santos said. “We need to take what we can do now and move forward.”

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TECHNOLOGY >> SOCIAL MEDIA BRANDING

MARKET YOURSELF

Crafting Your

Social Media Brand Keep Up With the Social Media Gurus

by Following These Seven Steps W RIT TE N BY S TE PH S TRICKL A N D

P

ing. Buzz. Ding.

In a world made up of instant communication, staying up-todate professionally and personally has become a new challenge faced by today’s generation.

Individuals have used social media as their primary source of income and corporations are changing their business models to meet new demands.

It has become essential for students and professionals alike to find their place in this online forum, and some have been very successful during this transition. From maintaining visual themes to frequency and quality, it has become crucial to maintain a positive social media presence.

It’s time to keep up with all of the pings, buzzes and dings with these seven tips for creating and maintaining a social media brand.

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1. Find Your Voice The first step in creating any brand is figuring out what that brand is going to contribute to the world.

Think about your personal interests and goals while also incorporating elements that reach your target audience.

For example, are you a young professional looking to share your work with the world? Or, are you a foodie looking to share your thoughts on the local flavor?

These are the types of questions to ask in order to find your niche within the wide world of social media.

Aliza Licht of Cosmopolitan encouraged readers to embrace themselves when using social media to advance their careers. She said, “The truer you are to yourself, the happier you’ll be anyway. There are a lot of ways to prove your worth and providing some kind of service to your followers is always a great tactic.”

PHOTOGRAPHY: STEPH STRICKLAND

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TECHNOLOGY >> SOCIAL MEDIA BRANDING

2. Focus on the Visuals

4. Learn about Analytics and Adapt

Once you have found the niche that you will occupy, start incorporating visuals that adhere to that niche. Professional accounts often feature awards, projects and other successes of the account holder and being able to incorporate visuals into this information will help make your online presence all the more appealing to employers.

However, there are no rules when it’s a personal account. But either way, a good guideline is to stay true to your own personal values. Learning skills such as photography or design may help to better portray what you stand for in an online format.

Ben Matthews, Director of Design at Adobe Spark, said that the first step in creating visuals is identifying your target audience and goals, then adding a unique visual style or other personal details.

Analytics can be a scary concept for those new to the social media game, however, platforms such as Instagram and Facebook are making it easier to break down audience analytics to find what a target audience favors most.

While it isn’t necessary to change your entire brand to fit the results of audience analyses, it may be helpful in adapting your content creation to fit the interests of your audience. This is a tool that can often be overlooked by beginners in the social media game and even personal accounts can benefit from the information gathered by analytics programs.

3. It’s the Little Things To an audience, things like grammar, spelling and factual information can be detrimental to a brand if done incorrectly.

McDonald’s, NIKE, Kmart and thousands of other brands have been busted by the “grammar police” for countless offenses.

While the multimillion dollar corporations may not be as directly affected by these errors as small businesses or personal accounts, it is still crucial to ensure that any brand remains focused on this.

According to a survey of 1,003 UK citizens conducted by Disruptive Communications in 2013, 42.5 percent of consumers agree that poor spelling and grammar is a big turn-off in online marketing and social media. Every detail of your social media post matters, down to the last period.

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5. Quality Content One of the most important tenants of any form of content creation is the ability to maintain a high quality in each item that is shared under your name on any social media platform.

Catriona Pollard of the Huffington Post called visual content social media’s “secret weapon” for good reason.

Having quality visual content allows businesses and individuals to engage viewers. According to the Huffington Post, photos on Facebook generate 53 percent more likes than text-based posts. In addition to simply incorporating these visual aids, it is also essential to make sure each post, like and retweet is of high quality. After all, you’re representing yourself and you want to leave a good impression.

Having high quality content online can also serve as an additional portfolio in your professional career and having the ability to manage a social media account is essential for any business or content creator.

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6. Frequency It is also crucial to ensure that the activity of your social media accounts is active enough to engage your audience without overwhelming them. Accounts that post every hour with promotional content are going to discourage long-term followers, however, those accounts that remain silent for months at a time also lose the interest of their target audience.

There is a happy medium that exists when it comes to posting on social media.

Neil Patel of Forbes explained how this middle-ground can be confusing to reach.

For Facebook, two posts a day is the generally accepted rule, however, if you have less than 10,000 followers, this number should be less.

When it comes to Twitter, there are no rules on how often to post, but with this platform it is generally better to post more often. Finally, Instagram is a beast that even researchers are still figuring out. Gaining followers quickly may mean posting an overabundance of items at once to quickly gain those followers, then paring that number down to a more tolerable level as growth increases. Frequency is something that can be nailed down by paying attention to analytic reports as mentioned previously.

7. Consistency Once you have incorporated steps one through seven, it is imperative to maintain consistency in your branding. This doesn’t mean that your branding can’t change or evolve, but ensuring that there is some measure of consistency in your personal or professional marketing will help keep the quality of your work at its best and ultimately keep your audience engaged.

Aliza Licht of Cosmopolitan said, “you have to start the conversation and follow the conversation.”

By following these seven simple tips, keeping up with the fast-paced online world will hopefully no longer feel as overwhelming. Social media presents this generation with the opportunity to showcase themselves in a new way to people all over the globe.

Ping. Buzz. Ding.

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COLUMN

CRYSTAL HENRY’S

Naked Salsa CHOOSING TO STAND IN THE SUN

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

FROM THE TIME MY CHILDREN WERE BORN I’VE BEEN LOOKING FOR MILESTONES.

lives wishing we were younger. By rushing from one gift to the next, we’re left feeling a bit cheated, and we show gratitude for the gift of childhood much too late.

Our early years are arguably the most important time in obnoxiously recorded every first, including the our lives. It’s when we are building the inner workings of our first time my first child ate sweet potatoes. personalities, and by age seven those traits are pretty well set.

There’s a three-minute-long video on Facebook I can’t But by age six we’ve decided that first graders don’t have time take back. for imaginative play anymore because they’ve got too much to For parents these milestones are receipts that our children learn before second grade. The message being sent is “You’re are “normal.” They’re supposed to double birth weight, and they not enough.” need to have a specific word bank by two years of age. And if they That’s not to say we shouldn’t help children grow. But you’d do all that it means we’re somehow winning a contest where the never pull a seedling out of the ground to make it into a tree. So rules are made up and the points don’t matter. But focusing on why do we push and pull our kids to be something they’re not. these milestones have taken away the beauty of childhood.

Instead we should nurture them through this growth A wise preschool teacher once told me “Children phase. We need to shower them with opportunity are complete right now.” Children are not minto explore. Rather than rushing from activity to iature adults. They are complete people with Childhood is activity, let them set down their roots for a bit. valid feelings, concerns and needs. We spend a gift that we open Let them lay in the sunshine and play in the so much time trying to make sure they’re dirt. Let them be little. “ready” for what’s next. We get them ready for much too quickly and I know that my children are the future of preschool. Then in preschool they’re getting toss to the side in the planet, but that doesn’t happen when my ready for kindergarten. In kindergarten we’re anticipation of the generation dies off. The future is now. They getting them ready for first grade. Why not next one. are a part of our culture and our society right just teach our toddlers to drive, vote and spend in this moment. We have so much to learn from their retirement money wisely? There’s no other the questions they ask and the mistakes they make. area of our lives that we spend so much time getting This summer my daughter asked to stay home. I was flipping ready. And I have two daughters sharing one bathroom. through pages of summer camp options to see which ones she My girls are now 6 and 9, and I can already see the next phase wanted to try. But she wasn’t interested in horseback riding approaching. But rather than trying to push them toward it, I’m or STEM camp. She didn’t want to join a soccer team or spend choosing to stand in this moment with them. Time will always her summer at the gym. She just wanted her seat lowered on progress. But by choosing to stand still in the warm sunshine her bike. She wanted to wake up late, eat cereal in her pajamas of their childhood, I am appreciating who they are right now. at noon and spend the day laying on the hot driveway with her Not who they might be later. friend across the street.

My oldest is into comic books and unicorns. And my youngest Although I work from home, I’ll admit it’s more convenient is slowly coming out of a borderline obsessive cat phase. And I for me to shuttle her off to summer camp. But I think back to my want to savor all of it. days as a child spent at my grandparents’ house in the middle Childhood is a gift that we open much too quickly and toss of nowhere. We ran the land barefoot, dodging ant piles and to the side in anticipation of the next one. But although the drinking from the water hose. It was unstructured, wild and next box might be bigger, it’s never filled with as much magic I can’t actually remember a single adult being around. And it as the one before. The teen years are spent wishing to be an was honestly the best time in my life. adult. Then when childhood is truly over, we spend our adult

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RESEARCH >> DECODING TURTLE FOSSILS

DECODING DIFFERENCES

Connect the Dots Study Helps Link Modern Turtles to Their Fossilized Ancestors S TORY A N D PHOTOG R A PHY BY MONIC A H UMPHRIE S

T

here’s the Little Dipper and Orion’s Belt. On a dark night you can spot Aquarius or Canis Major. But Natasha Vitek took the concept of constellations and applied to it to turtles.

Vitek looked at modern and fossilized Eastern box turtle shells, which can look noticeably distinct, and made connections by mapping out their physical shapes into a constellation of points.

There’s a lot of research on how species change at a population level, and fossil records highlight changes at a species level. However, determining whether it’s variation between species or within species can be difficult, said Vitek, a Ph.D. candidate in the Department of Biology at the University of Florida and a researcher at the Florida Museum of Natural History.

That’s where morphology, the study of physical characteristics, comes in. Scientists can use differences like color, sex, age or DNA to look at variation between species. But these morphological differences aren’t always visible in fossils.

For example, Vitek explained the evolutionary story of moths. As the amount of soot and charcoal in the air changed, so did the color of the moth. But these color changes aren’t visible in fossil records. That means scientists and researchers must rely on other distinctions that can be found in fossils.

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Vitek looked at over a thousand Eastern box turtle shells. Her final study included 435 shells of modern Eastern box turtles and 57 fossilized shells. The biggest challenge was that fundamentally looking within this level of species is messy, she said.

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RESEARCH >> DECODING TURTLE FOSSILS

But when a scientist sees a change in fossil records, how do they determine if they’ve found a new species or just a variation in a species population?

That’s where Vitek’s research comes into play.

Vitek used a technique called geometric morphometrics, which is a mathematical approach to shape. Those shapes were used to understand relationships within and among species.

“Bringing in these geometric morphometric techniques hadn’t yet been applied to this species,” she said. “It gives us more detail about shape than we’d been able to look at previously, and it gives a common framework about shape because every single shell is measured the same way.”

Essentially, geometric morphometrics turns a shape into a constellation of coordinates.

“It’s the same X and Y coordinates you draw on a graph when you’re learning how to graph things,” she said.

Once the constellations are recorded, she used a series of statistical approaches to ask questions. Can the computer identify which constellation has a female shape and which has a male shape? Is shape significantly associated with different genetic groups within a species?

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The system couldn’t always identify differences, she said.

“For example, male and female shell shapes are significantly different in a statistical, scientific sense,” Vitek said. “But the actual difference when you plot out what those shapes are so subtle in context.”

Vitek looked at over a thousand Eastern box turtle shells, but only 435 modern shells and 57 fossilized shells made it into the final study.

Vitek chose the Eastern box turtle, Terrapene carolina, for its rich fossil record and dynamic variation.

Jason Bourque pulled out trays of Eastern box turtles from the museum’s collection.

In a single tray of fossils, each shell might look completely different but came from the same location.

“It’s crazy how much variation you can find in one population,” said Bourque, who works in the Division of Vertebrate Paleontology at the Florida Museum of Natural History.

But by choosing this turtle, Vitek was stepping into an 80-year debate. It was an argument about whether these modern and fossilized shells are all the same species or if they represent a separate species.

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Not all questions could be answered using geometric morphometrics, Vitek said. For example, the difference between male and female shells was too subtle.

These eight fossils all came from Haile. It’s a great example of how turtles can have a wide variation of shapes and sizes in a small geographical area.

Vitek’s mapping concluded that both sides of the debate are partially right.

“There’s more to the fossil records than what’s just going on today,” she said.

Some of the shapes she saw in fossils are not in the United States today. That could be because it was a single population, a different species or alive in another part of the world.

“You get down into some of these philosophical arguments,” she said. “Is it a different name but the same lineage?”

And walking into that debate wasn’t easy.

“It was intimidating,” she said. “It’s this genuinely complicated picture that has some different biological explanations.”

Vitek had originally planned to look at another species of turtle. It was a species that people had done less work on and had been less contentious.

But the fossil record was more comprehensive and widespread for the Eastern box

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RESEARCH >> DECODING TURTLE FOSSILS

turtle than other species.

“If I were going to see differences within a species,” she said. “I would expect to see it in a really widespread species like the box turtle.”

And in a way, the long debate helped, she said.

“It kept me honest in a far bigger way because I always had to treat what had already been done with respect,” she said.

And so far she’s received a positive response. Partly due to her findings but also her method.

One of the challenges had been that previous studies weren’t detailed due to challenges like paper constraints.

“Part of the problem was that people didn’t share data,” she said. “So you couldn’t pick it up and apply it to a new set of turtles.”

Global temperatures shot up to 8 to 11 degrees Fahrenheit and stayed like that for 100,000 years and then came back down. It caused entire biomes to shift.

Vitek had the ability to put all of the results into the paper.

“The data are out there as a springboard for other people,” she said.

And now she’s springboarding off her own work by applying it to teeth.

“Next I’m taking some of these lessons learned, a lot of them are analytical lessons learned, and applying it to molars.”

Molars are better collected, fossilize well and an abundance of research on how teeth evolve already exists.

Vitek is looking at a period 56 million years ago when a super rapid shift in temperature occurred called the paleo-eocene thermal maximum.

Global temperatures shot up to 8 to 11 degrees Fahrenheit and stayed like that for 100,000 years and then came back down. It caused entire biomes to shift.

“Given that there’s such huge changes, that’s when I would expect animals to be changing,” she said.

The molars are simpler systems, Vitek said. They’re not sexually dimorphic and once they erupt, they don’t change in size or shape.

Vitek is using a similar, but updated, way of running the algorithms from the turtle study. She’s currently looking at four species through that interval.

The common framework from geometric morphometrics will allow her to understand the changes in species over this period.

It’s helping explain the history of these species, she said.

Using new techniques to understand the old.

“This is the goal,” Bourque said. “Applying new technology on old things.”

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Here (above) a researcher works on piecing a head shield of an armadillo together. This is similar to the piecing that also would have been done for the turtle shells.

The researchers and diggers will create plaster moldings (top) around the fossils and bring them back to the collection. There, they’ll clean and prep the fossils.

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SCIENCE FICTION >> MUST-SEE FILMS

LIGHTS, CAMER A , ACTION

A FEW OF HOLLYWOOD’S EPIC PORTRAYALS OF HUMANITY’S FUTURE

Must-See Futuristic Films WRITTEN BY STEPH STRICKLA ND

Not long after the launch of the film industry, directors began creating wild sci-fi fantasies about the future in store for the human race.

Some of these films have transcended time and space to instate their roles as top tier blockbuster hits in the sci-fi community. And even years after their release, they still remain out of this world today.

Star Wars (1977) It’s hard to compile a list of futuristic movies, without mentioning the galaxy that George Lucas first created in the late 1970s. Now, the sets and on-screen personalities have stepped into the real world. After purchasing the franchise for 4 billion dollars in 2012, Disney has generated new films along with astounding additions to their theme parks in Walt Disney World, Florida. The world of Star Wars has become a staple for people of all ages and backgrounds. This tale of heroism and good versus evil is bound to whisk its audiences to a galaxy far, far away.

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SCIENCE FICTION >> MUST-SEE FILMS

The Matrix (1999) The Matrix explores the complex topic of reality through a computer simulation that masks the true state of humanity to all those under its influence. Those within the Matrix believe they are living in a functional 21st century, however, they are actually being controlled by 22nd century beings that use their brains

and bodies for energy. Neo, the computer-hacking protagonist played by Keanu Reeves, is recruited to fight alongside a rebellion that hopes to eliminate the artificial intelligence system that has trapped the human population. The Wachowski brothers debuted this action-filled sci-fi experience that seeks to answer one question: what is the matrix?

Metropolis (1927) This 1927 silent film marked the true beginning of the sci-fi era. Fritz Lang, the director and creator of the piece, has been called a visionary, despite the fact that his work initially received pushback from critics. This film posed ideological questions regarding the socioeconomic divide that Lang saw around him. Larry Rohter of The New York Times called it “a sort of holy grail,” as it has become one of the most celebrated films in cinematic history and has played a key role in the production of other major sci-fi films, such as Star Wars. This ‘oldies’ classic continues to impress audiences with its depictions of dystopia and its forward thinking philosophical implications – all without saying a single word.

Alien (1979) Alien, released in 1979 by director Ridley Scott, marks the first of a series of unnerving films that have captivated audiences for decades. Alien provides the perfect combination between horror and sci-fi, marking an innovative relationship between these film genres. The film features a group of mercenaries that are sent to another planet to investigate the status of a lost human colony, until they are visited by some unwanted guests. This film pushes the bounds of reality and humanity’s worst nightmare, because “in space no one can hear you scream.”

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SCIENCE FICTION >> MUST-SEE FILMS

Interstellar (2014) Similar to the setting that the movie Wall-E (listed below) presents, Interstellar shows an Earth with depleted resources and overpopulation. Within this modern sci-fi thriller, scientists have been researching solutions to ensure the survival of the human race. Cooper, played by Matthew McConaughey, alongside a group of other brave astronauts, travels the galaxy to find a new home for the inhabitants of Earth. During this epic adventure, Cooper and his team struggle through issues of family, loyalty and morality.

Not every critic was overly impressed with the piece, but most agree that Christopher Nolan, the director, went all-out on Interstellar by showing his ambitious side in this film that balanced complex concepts with small details of the human existence. A.O. Scott of The New York Times said, “it is hard to imagine that his fans will be disappointed by Interstellar,” in his review of the film and Nolan in 2014. The film’s 85 percent

audience approval rating, according to Rotten Tomatoes, could mean that audiences agree that this sci-fi adventure is not only out of this world, but out of this dimension.

Wall -E (2008) This endearing Disney family classic offers something unique to the world of sci-fi, while also creating a moral lesson regarding how technology and overabundance affects the world.

Wall-E was the last robot left on Earth, and in his loneliness, he stumbled across acro a small plant which held the power to change the fate of Earth. Despite being robots themselves, it was up to Wall-E and Eve to remind the remaining population th what it means to have humanity. Their charming tale of love, loyalty and compassion m captivates captivat audiences of all ages and takes them on an adventure to save planet Earth.

For Wall-E, man’s trash is his treasure, and this movie reminds all of its viewers to Wal treasure re the world around them.

Forbidden Planet (1956) Released in 1956 by director Fred M. Wilcox, this epic outer-space adventure takes place in the year 2200 as humans attempt to conquest the depths of space.

Commander John J. Adams, played by Leslie Nielsen, led his crew into the darkest corners of the galaxy in order to understand why a group of scientists had gone radio silent. The crew discover that only two of the scientists remain alive, and it becomes Nielsen’s mission to investigate why. This classic film re-envisioned William Shakespeare’s work in The Tempest, with a sci-fi twist that has blasted audiences to a future beyond their wildest dreams.

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Blade Runner (1982) SCIENCE FICTION >> MUST-SEE FILMS

Ridley Scott directed this 1982 classic featuring Harrison Ford as a Replicant Hunter in Los Angeles in the year 2019.

Replicants are biologically engineered beings who were banished from the Earth, but returned, leaving Decker, Ford’s character, responsible for their “retirement” or killing. But love and humanity get in the way of this job, and Decker must fight for what he believes to be right.

Scott showcased, yet again, his unique tastes in the sci-fi genre. This film shows a futuristic concept in the context of human qualities, which have transcended space and time.

2001: A Space Odyssey (1968) Stanley Kubrick created a world of sci-fi mystery that is still regarded as one of the greatest films in history. This 1968 classic opened the door for modern sci-fi movies with its unique and gripping plot and special effects. This year marks the 50th anniversary of its premiere.

In the film, researchers come across a foreign object buried in the lunar surface that leads to an epic quest accompanied by the intelligence of a supercomputer: HAL 9000. 2001 Space Odyssey has been described as profound and compelling as it seems to hit something deeper in the human experience. The New York Times commented, “The rerelease of Stanley Kubrick’s masterpiece encourages us to reflect again on where we’re coming from and where we’re going.”

Since the early 1900s at the dawn of the film industry, sci-fi has established itself as a fundamental genre in the industry, posing philosophical, scientific and psychological questions while showcasing stunning special effects to create a fantasy within a screen.

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COLUMN

KENDRA SILER-MARSIGLIO’S

Healthy Edge IMPORTANT MEDICAL BREAKTHROUGHS FOR KIDS ON THE HORIZON KENDRA SILER-MARSIGLIO, PH.D, IS A NEUROSCIENTIST, MEDICAL WRITER, COLUMNIST AND PRESIDENT OF THE NON-PROFIT COMMUNITYHEALTH IT AT NASA/ KENNEDY SPACE CENTER. KENDRA ENJOYS TRAVELING, DANCING LIKE NO ONE’S WATCHING, AND LISTENING TO PEOPLE’S STORIES. kendra.sm@gmail.com

PURPOSE OF PREVENTION.

F

rom curing cancer to the childhood identification of diseases decades before disease onset, the American Association of Pediatrics (AAP) is optimistic about the future of kids’ health. Despite shrinking research budgets and challenges with including kids in research studies, powerful new exploratory tools are giving scientists and clinicians greater opportunities to substantially improve the health of children. Since health care went “digital” in the past 10 years, researchers and clinicians have been better able to work with larger and more robust health-related datasets. Plus, detection of genes, proteins, and metabolics is far more sensitive and accurate, allowing scientists and clinicians to “see” some medical conditions before the first symptom presents itself.

According to the AAP, improved research technologies will likely lead to three great upcoming pediatric research advancements: 1. Cancer immunotherapy 2. New and improved immunizations 3. Identification of early signs of diseases in children that would affect them as adults CANCER IMMUNOTHERAPY: Cancer cells wreck havoc in the body because they are able to “hide” from the immune system. In the body of a person with cancer, cancer cells look no different than healthy cells to that person’s immune system. Targeted cancer immunotherapy is a way to show the immune system where the cancer is growing in the body.

In a study in mice, Stanford researchers recently discovered that they could eliminate all cancer throughout a mouse’s body by injecting one of the mouse’s solid tumors with two immune-stimulating agents. This includes the deletion of tumors that metastasize (or spread from the original tumor). The twoagent treatment eliminated cancer tumors in 87 out of 90 mice; this includes lymphoma, breast cancer, and colon cancer. By the end of 2018, Stanford University researchers will run the first

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clinical trial in about 35 people with lymphoma. If successful, the therapy will likely cause fewer side effects than bodywide immune stimulation.

NEW AND IMPROVED IMMUNIZATIONS: In the next 40 years, the AAP expects vaccines to prevent emerging diseases like Zika and Ebola, as well as prevent persistent diseases that cause death and injury worldwide such as tuberculosis, influenza (the flu), and malaria. AAP believes that a key focus should be the improvement of the flu vaccine for kids.

This last flu season alone, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported 172 children’s influenza-related deaths in the US. This exceeds the number of children who died from the flu during the 2012-13 season, which had set the record for the highest number of children’s flu-related deaths during a single flu season. Approximately 80% of the 2017-18 season deaths occurred in children who had not received a flu vaccination for 2017-18.

IDENTIFICATION OF EARLY SIGNS OF DISEASES IN CHILDREN THAT WOULD AFFECT THEM AS ADULTS: Today, “omics”—scientist slang for any study of biology that ends in “omics” such as genomics, epigenomics, proteomics, and metabolomics—can be measured better than ever. The results give scientists and clinicians more accurate insights into what diseases a child will develop in his or her lifetime.

Knowing this information for a child provides a chance for effective early interventions—before the medical condition truly takes hold. In the next 40 years, AAP expects that matching “omics” will identify kids who will be at risk for common later-life disorders such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease.

The above innovations have the potential to protect the lives of children, much like past innovations such as the Back to Sleep campaign for sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) or the vaccine to eradicate polio in the US. To learn more about medical breakthroughs on the horizon, check out a related AAP article at: pediatrics.aappublications.org/ content/139/5/e20163803.

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MEDICINE >> PREVENTION RESEARCH

QUALITY OF LIFE

The Art of Aging It’s Not Just About Living Longer — It’s About Living Better W RIT TE N BY MONIC A H UMPHRIE S

A

s the United States’ demographics change and adjust, the approach to caring for older adults will also shift. Through new approaches and research, UF Health is preparing for this future.

Dr. Laurence Solberg has listened to a patient’s story of parachuting down to the beaches of Normandy on D-Day in World War II, he has met the person who grew up on a farm where his current house is built and he’s learned the history of Gainesville through his patients.

It’s these moments where Solberg’s older patients become people.

“It’s fascinating to meet the people here and listen to their life story,” said the chief of the Division of Geriatric Medicine.

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States, these populations of older adults are only growing.

The fastest growing population in the United States is the 85 years and older group, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

And it’s only getting larger.

As the population changes and grows, Gainesville, Newberry and the surrounding cities will adjust and adapt.

University of Florida Health is already preparing for those changes.

“Our strategy is to work for prevention both on a health care program and a research program,” said Dr. Marco Pahor, director of the UF Institute on Aging and chairman of the Department of Aging and Geriatric Research in the UF College of Medicine.

“We focus on primary strategies to keep independence,” Pahor said.

Dr. Jacobo Hincapie-Echeverri leads the team in the ACE Unit. He works to make sure each patient is getting the individualized care he or she needs.

PHOTO PROVIDED BY UF HEALTH

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“There is a very broad array of approaches and our research spans the entire spectrum of the medical investigation.”

UF Health’s geriatric medicine has been nationally ranked.

“There is a very broad array of approaches and our research spans the entire spectrum of the medical investigation,” he said.

It’s a range that starts with molecules and fruit flies and ends in broad human trials.

Aging isn’t easy, Pahor stressed.

It affects the body in a variety of ways. Whether it’s an acute effect like a hip fracture or stroke or a chronic health condition like heart disease, muscle loss is the biggest contributor to those changes, Pahor said.

“As we age, we lose skeletal muscle independently of what we do,” he said.

So the goal is to limit that muscle loss and make sure older adults can live healthy, independent lives.

“They don’t want to just live longer,” Solberg said. “They want to live better.”

So to live better, UF Health has focused a future dedicated to person-centered medicine, research and education.

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PERSON-CENTERED MEDICINE Solberg has been at UF Health for only five years, and already he’s made some big changes.

“My goal was to build geriatric medicine at the University of Florida and UF Health,” the division chief said. “And to expand the reach of geriatric medicine.”

So he implemented a consult service in the hospital. The service began by adding a geriatrician to the trauma unit.

“Older trauma patients can be very difficult to manage because they have multiple comorbidities, like chronic diseases, that go hand in hand with aging,” Solberg said. “Then they get into a major accident, which brings them into the trauma center, and now the management of those patients is crucial to their outcome.”

The geriatrician makes sure the adults are taking proper medications and getting the proper care they need. Often times they may be taking inappropriate or unnecessary medications, which the geriatrician can address and adjust, Solberg said.

PHOTOGRAPHY: PROVIDED BY UF HEALTH, MONICA HUMPHRIES

MEDICINE >> PREVENTION RESEARCH

Solberg (right) is the chief of the Division of Geriatric Medicine and the chief of the Division of Career Development & Education at UF Health.

The team includes a geriatrician, a geriatrics nurse educator, a clinical nurse, a clinical pharmacist, a rehabilitation therapist for physical and occupational therapies, and a case manager.

It brings geriatric care to everyone in the hospital, Solberg said. And according to the doctor, the service has taken off. UF Health started with just a single geriatrician but is currently adding a fourth.

Beyond the consulting services, Solberg has helped expand the primary care clinic.

The primary care stresses individualized attention for each patient.

“We want to know the patients as people and talk to them and listen to them,” he said.

Solberg said that these services and person-centered medicine weren’t a part of UF Health until he got there. And Solberg only plans to increase and expand the changes he’s made.

But one of the biggest changes has been the addition of the Acute Care for the Elderly program, also referred to as ACE. On the seventh floor, tucked away in unit 74 is the ACE program. The floor houses patients of all ages, but the ACE team focuses on adults at least 70

years old. The team is made up of a geriatrician, a geriatrics nurse educator, a clinical nurse, a clinical pharmacist, a rehabilitation therapist for physical and occupational therapies, and a case manager. Every day at 2 p.m., the team makes rounds and reports updates on patients.

They record information like nutrition, physical activity and overall health status to make decisions on the next steps.

“We’re thinking about that discharge status from day one,” Solberg said.

Across the hall is an identical unit without an ACE team. This unit has given UF Health Shands the opportunity to compare and understand the benefits of ACE.

Since it’s implementation in late October, the team has worked with 370 patients and shortened the average hospital stay by 1.1 days.

Solberg said he has directly seen the benefits of the unit.

One of his primary patients had pneumonia and was sent to the emergency room. When you’re older, pneumonia becomes a much bigger deal, and Solberg knew being in the hospital meant his patient was going to get weak fast.

Solberg asked for this patient to be sent to the ACE unit for tailored care.

Without the ACE team’s help, Solberg doesn’t know if the patient would have made it.

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MEDICINE >> PREVENTION RESEARCH

Right away the team had him out of bed and moving. The physical therapist worked with the patient to keep up his strength and to get him out of the hospital as soon as possible. It was a success.

After four days in the hospital and five in a skilled nursing facility, he was home.

“For us that was a big win,” Solberg said.

Beyond that, the ACE unit is saving the hospital and the patients money. Patients save money by cutting out unnecessary medications and stopping unneeded testing. Hospitals save money through shortened stays.

This person-centered medicine is the approach of geriatrics, Solberg said. It’s the future. Making sure each individual is getting the care they need and that the programs are accessible and expansive so that everyone has access.

RESEARCH Large windows, bright lights and a modern feel fill the Institute on Aging. Up on the wall are shiny letters helping visitors and patients navigate. In one wing is the UF Health Senior Care. Right next door are clinical studies.

The fact that these branches are next door signifies an entire system of connection.

One study may seek to look at walking in people 65 years and older and how problems arise.

Another investigates medication and its ties to muscle fatigue and muscle function.

If the trials are successful, then the solutions are discovered in one room and brought next door to the patients.

“One of the things that attracted me here was the synergy we have here with clinical and research facilities,” Solberg said. “We have the ability to take what we learn in the research and use it in the clinic right away.”

And the future of older adults relies on research and new discoveries, but it also relies on a strong foundation.

Dr. Christiaan Leeuwenburgh thinks humans need to go back to the basics.

The basics include sleep, sunlight, diet and exercise. But the modern human isn’t meeting those basic needs.

“We disrupt those four all the time,” he said. “We need to focus on those to begin with and then add potential therapies.”

The therapies could be anything from nutritional to stem cells but without a strong foundation, solutions are difficult to find, said the chief of the Division of Biology of Aging.

Leeuwenburgh said the future of geriatrics and the future of these older populations will rely on a focus of going back to the basic needs.

Pahor agrees. Pahor said research on preventative strategies is more efficient than focusing on cures.

Through research on restricted fasting, pharmacological interventions, hormones, muscle loss and new drugs, UF Health can help Gainesville and the surrounding communities stay healthy.

“Gainesville has a growing retirement community and with that it’s the perfect storm for getting great care backed up by evidence based research to the population,” Solberg said.

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The Institute of Aging takes an interdisciplinary approach. It combines research, education and health care to improve older adults’ health, independence and quality of life.

The ACE Unit works with adults 70 years and older. Since it’s beginnings in late October, the unit has helped 370 patients and has seen a 1.1-day decrease in the hospital stay. “We’re thinking about that discharge status from day one,” Solberg said.

EDUCATION Leeuwenburgh knew the biology of aging was the right path when he published his first paper.

The paper was about antioxidant enzyme systems and how they adapt with aging. His first published paper sparked excitement in a career all about aging.

Now Leeuwenburgh is sharing that excitement in his students.

“This is the one big job I have,” he said. “We need to guide them to be independent researchers.”

And it can happen on all different levels. Students, assistant professors and even professionals can learn about geriatrics. For example, nurses in the ACE unit now have a better understanding of how to treat older adults.

“The education of the nurses was really a benefit we were hoping for but didn’t know how they would receive it,” Solberg said. “But they’ve been so accepting.”

By teaching these nurses, UF Health is preparing the workforce for the future. The growing number of older adults isn’t paired with geriatricians. Currently, the United States is facing a geriatrician shortage, according to Solberg.

“We will need to recruit more geriatricians doing research,” Leeuwenburgh said. “We need to recruit more basic scientists doing research and our clinical research division needs to grow as well.”

So it’s become even more important for UF Health to focus and lead students down paths focused on aging.

The UF’s online graduate program in gerontology is expanding and the College of Medicine is encouraging new paths and research in the area of aging as well.

“We’re teaching our students to see people as people,” Solberg said. “We’re giving them opportunities to grow and lead the field of geriatrics.”

PHOTOGRAPHY: MONICA HUMPHRIES

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SUNSTATE FEDERAL CREDIT UNION’S

Community Connection SunState Federal Credit Union has been serving our community for over 60 years. Since the beginning we’ve always found ways to support some of the area’s most amazing charitable organizations.

Check out our Facebook page for more information and get involved!

Einstein School How 3−D Printing Helps Keep the Mission in Focus Founded in 1999, The Einstein School was started with the very specific and unique mission of serving the needs of students in the Alachua County area with language or speech impairments, dyslexia or other language based reading difficulties. Founded by Dr. Tim Conway and Zack Osbrach, The Einstein School is a tuition free charter school designed for students grades 2-8 who are struggling academically due these difficulties.

Tasked with helping these children increase their language skills to meet their unique potential, the dedicated staff is a family of caring professionals who help these students succeed in and out of the classroom.

“We’re not only here to help these great kids become better readers and excel in their academic pursuits,” said Sara Flint Assistant Principal “we’re also here to introduce them to the skills needed to work in an ever-changing job market.”

Knowing that mission and understanding the school’s dedication to their students, recently caught the eye of a local non-profit known as New Technology Made Simple Now – whose goal is to introduce the world of 3-D printing to veterans, seniors, disabled citizens and underserved youth through their mission of bringing people together to improve their lives through technology.

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“I think it’s important for kids, even at the elementary school level, to understand this ever progressing technology,” said Janalyn Peppel, Program Coordinator of New Technology Made Simple Now. “Having the opportunity to come into a school like The Einstein School and provide a sneak peak into how this technology works and the potential real life applications is an amazing opportunity. With the generous support of the SunState Community Foundation we were able to provide access to technology that will expose them to new areas of augmented reality, coding, computer-aided design and 3D scanning. We use 3D scanning as a tool to spark imagination that will lead to unlimited potential in these students.”

“The idea is to keep it simple with our initial introduction to the kids,” said Janalyn. “We start by bringing in a 3D printer, holding a small demonstration and print things they can relate to, a star wars figure or something from a popular video game. Then we show them how that same process can be used to print a model for a science fair project, a wheel for a toy or something else entirely. It doesn’t take long for them to see how they could integrate this budding technology into their everyday lives.”

Janalyn has been holding these hour-long demonstrations in a few area schools but leaving the printer at that school for kids to really use, teachers to integrate into curricula and for schools to adopt as part of an overall lesson plan hasn’t been feasible – until now.

“We’re so thankful for SunState Federal Credit Union and their commitment to our community,” said Sara Flint from The Einstein School. “Thanks to their charitable foundation, SunState has donated an entire printing system to be permanently installed at our school. This will give us the ability to integrate this technology into many of our daily classes.” Having the printer permanently installed at The Einstein School will allow students and teachers alike to play, experiment and integrate this technology into their classes and assignments.

With a wealth of online material available, teachers are now able to use prewritten lesson plans to enhance core math and science classes.

As a locally insured credit union, SunState Federal Credit Union and its charitable foundation has always been dedicated to funding projects that make a difference in our community. From their Charity of the Month award to projects like the one Janalyn recently developed, SSFCU believes in investing in local programs that will improve our community.

“When we approached SunState about potentially funding this initiative for The Einstein School, we were cautiously optimistic,” said Janalyn. “It’s just a perfect fit. SunState wants to help our local schools and we had a program in need of a sponsor. Our hope is that SunState becomes the first of many area businesses that could help us put a 3D printer in every school in our area.”

SunState’s investment in this initiative is just the beginning, as they hope it will encourage other local businesses to follow the model that the foundation has established. SunState believes in the work Janalyn and her foundation have started and by documenting the success The Einstein School has and ways the school implements that program into their everyday curriculum, is an important step in securing additional sponsors and grants. By supporting this initiative, future donations, grants and sponsorships will help New Technology Made Simple serve many other veterans, seniors, disabled citizens and underserved youth.

For more information on how you could help sponsor a similar program, contact Janalyn Peppel at Programs@NewTechNow.org or call 857-331-5018.

NOMINATE YOUR FAVORITE CHARITY AS THE CHARITY OF THE MONTH AND GIVE THEM A CHANCE TO WIN $1000 FROM SUNSTATE FEDERAL CREDIT UNION! Visit the SSFCU Facebook page for more information.

Proudly serving our community and our members since 1957.

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GREAT RATES HASSLE-FREE FINANCING Choose SunState Federal Credit Union for your auto loan! | JULY/AUGUST 2018 OUR TOWN MAGAZINE

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COLUMN

DONNA BONNELL’S

Embracing Life HAMILTON - WHERE THE PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE CRISSCROSS DONNA BONNELL BECAME THE AUTHOR OF HER COLUMN, EMBRACING LIFE, MORE THAN A DECADE AGO. SHE SHARES HER PERSONAL CHALLENGES AND VICTORIES WITH THE GOAL OF INSPIRING HER READERS TO ANALYZE WHY THINGS HAPPEN IN THEIR OWN LIVES. bonneldj@gmail.com

HAD I COMPLETELY LOST MY MIND?

F

amily members were concerned when I mentioned my plans to explore the Missouri Star Quilt Company. Regular readers know that crafting, sewing and (most definitely) quilting are not my forte. However, my desire to discover the unusual was peaked when I learned there was a man’s cave (with internet access) in this quilter’s mecca. My adventurous soul quickly convinced my logical intellect not to miss this unique opportunity.

Sometimes it is best to ignore logic. Visiting Hamilton, Missouri proved to be one of those times. What I found was a town where the past, present and future zigzagged up and down Davis Street (their version of Main Street).

According to the 2016 Census, the city had a population of 1,724.

Depending on who I asked, the number of monthly visitors now range from 3,000 to 10,000.

Lifelong residents explained how, not that long ago, their beloved hometown was floundering.

It was a forgotten rural township filled with abandoned businesses. The recession had hit hard, and the economy bottomed out.

Jenny Doan and her husband were amongst those struggling to make ends meet. Fortunately, Doan excelled at a fading skill – quilting. Quilting was brought to America by immigrants from England, Holland and Wales. In many cases, it was done for economic reasons and necessity. Bed covers were made be using fabric scraps. Over time, significant cultural expressions and patterns were created. The tedious and daunting craft slowly became one for the elite.

Then, the magical transformation began. The Doan siblings (Alan and Sarah) secured a loan to purchase a long-arm sewing machine and a rundown building. Essentially, they opened a studio for their mother hoping she could produce and sell enough product to pay for their investment. The story on the

street says, Jenny, Sarah and a family friend worked without pay initially, to make the monthly mortgage payments.

Alan had recently graduated from college and worked for a software technology start-up company. Wanting to establish a larger customer base, he believed that social media marketing was the key.

Alan launch a website and Facebook page, which apparently failed. He only had two likes. (Note: In the world of Facebook, that is pitiful.) Alan moved forward and asked his mother if he she would consider doing tutorials on YouTube. Her answer was, “Sure honey, what’s a tutorial?”

His mom was a natural, even though she had never watched YouTube. She became an online quilting superstar who did not put on pretenses.

When Doan made a mistake during filming, the camera kept rolling. She just admitted her error and then figured out how to fix it, while everyone watched. Doan’s easygoing teaching style gave her audience of novice quilters a boost in confidence.

The word began to spread in the internet quilting community.

Today, her viewers continue to grow by leaps and bounds. Part of the growth explosion is due to selling precut fabric bundles, reducing the amount of laborious work in traditional quilting. This is one of the many ways the past, present and future meet in Hamilton.

Renting a room at the Morning Star Inn was a real flashback to the past. We were able to make a reservation over the phone, but not by internet. The owner wrote our information in a paperback planner and stated that deposits were not required.

Upon arrival, the door was unlocked, with instructions to unload and make yourself at home. After we were settled in, the owner stopped to chat and collect payment. She described Hamilton as a city that either hit the lottery or is a chapter in Cinderella’s Fairytale.

Man’s Land is an important element in Hamilton’s

Man’s Land is an important element in Hamilton’s evolution. This comfortable cave is free to anyone young or old, male or female. Reading materials, recliners, restrooms and televisions are provided.

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evolution. This comfortable cave is free to anyone young or old, male or female.

Reading materials, recliners, restrooms and televisions are provided. It is a friendly hang out for non-crafters, while the quilting fanatics shop.

The only other escape is the James Cash Penney Jr. Museum. Hamilton was Penney’s birthplace, where he opened his 500th J.C. Penney store.

Hamilton’s transformation is nothing short of a cultural phenomenon.

In 2015 Alan Doan and his sister, Sarah Galbraith, were the National Small Business Persons of the Year. The Federal Government’s Small Business Association acknowledged their achievement – creating an American dream.

In a time where nearly everything is disposable, and everyone is in a hurry, individuals are learning to embrace their creative side with a few modern tweaks.

Stay tuned, as this family and town have only just begun.

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NEW TECHNIQUES >> 3D PROSTHETICS

HELPING HAND

Four-year-old Christian Vann is one of over 30 people GRiP has created 3D hand prosthetics and assistive devices for over the years.

GENERATIONAL RELIEF IN PROSTHETICS

Get a GRiP STORY A N D PHOTOGR A PH Y BY SU MMER JA R RO

Four-year-old Christian Vann calls his left hand his “lucky fin.”

He was born with the condition Symbrachydactyly, which in Latin loosely means short, stubby fingers. On his left hand, he has a thumb and most of his pinky finger while his three middle fingers are mostly stubby, said Matt Vann, Christian’s father.

Even though Christian was born this way, it doesn’t bother him or slow him down. He still can climb the monkey bars at school and play sports like any other preschooler. “[He] doesn’t have any limitations,” Vann said. “There’s nothing that he wants to do that he can’t do.”

Christian is one of over 30 people from across the country the Generational Relief in Prosthetics (GRiP) organization has helped by making him a hand prosthetic.

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GRiP is an organization at the University of Florida that prints 3D prosthetics and other 3D assistive devices for children, teens and adults with upper limb differences at printing labs on campus. It was founded in 2015 by Jessica Bergau, a UF zoology major at the time, after she read a BuzzFeed article about 3D printing. About 80 to 100 people from all majors are a part of the organization and make assistive devices for free for those in need of them, said Myles Marcus, president of GRiP. “The cool thing about 3D printing is that you can basically get a prototype that fits reasonably well, and if it doesn’t fit perfectly, you can thermoform it and get it to fit pretty much OK much quicker than the traditional materials,” said Stephen Arce, faculty advisor for GRiP. In the fall, Vann contacted GRiP to make a device for Christian because he thought it would be something he might want to try.

GRiP made him a customized orange and blue hand, because Christian loves the Florida Gators, using the printing technology, Vann said.

Christian was mesmerized, like a kid in a candy store, while watching the process of making his hand. He was so excited once he received it, he broke it in half the first week by taking it to school so much.

“I’ve told so many people this. It’s …,” Vann said, while getting choked up and teary-eyed when asked his opinion of GRiP. “It’s impressive. They’re all students, they’re all volunteers and they really genuinely care for all the people they help.”

Since GRiP’s creation, members of the organization have made all types of hands and other assistive devices for people that their labs have multiple boxes filled to the brim with them.

The process of making a hand starts with teens, adults or parents of children filling out a form for the device they want to have made. Members of GRiP are split into groups and work on certain devices together with a captain leading the process. They gather measurements by taking pictures of the person’s hand with a ruler in the background.

“We’re able to take that picture and put it in a software called Blender and through that software we’re able to get all of the dimensions of the kids’ hands without actually specifically measuring it,” Marcus said.

A 3D model of the hand is laid over the hand taken in the picture to size the prosthetic and make sure it will fit accordingly. Hand prosthetics are made depending on the upper arm difference of the person. After, the information for each part of the hand is sent to one of the 3D printers in the lab and printed, Marcus said.

Polyactic Acid (PLA) filaments are used to print the devices. There are multiple spools of filament with colors such as blue, red and green hanging on the walls of the lab to use for printing. Recipients can choose what color they want to customize their hand or other assistive device.

One person had a white hand prosthetic made with a gator painted on it.

Parts of a smaller hand device could take a day to print while larger hands take longer to complete, Arce said.

Once each part of the device is finished printing, the hand is assembled using screws, rubber bands, elastic strings, and sometimes leather for the palm to make them more comfortable.

There are several ways GRiP assembles the hands, depending on the prosthetic made, to allow the recipients to move it. One way is using elastic strings and attaching it to the top of the fingertips down through the palm of the hand and then to the wrist.

When recipients bend the hand, the strings pull the fingers in closing the hand, and when pressure isn’t applied anymore, the hand will go back to its regular shape.

Another method is using rubber orthodontics bands

One of the things GRiP created was a selfplaying guitar. In the photo (right), the green 3D printed device attached to the fingerboard connects to a foot petal that people with upper limb differences can push down on to play the chords on the guitar.

GRiP is in the process of moving to one of the 3D printing labs in UF’s Materials Engineering Building. Before, they met and created the devices in one of the labs in the Nuclear Sciences Building.

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NEW TECHNIQUES >> 3D PROSTHETICS

GRiP has made hand prosthetics of all sizes and other assistive devices such as a guitar pick holder and a drumstick holder.

on the joints of the fingers, which allow the hand to move in the same motion as the elastic strings do. Christian’s hand was assembled with the rubber bands, Marcus said.

“It’s not as difficult as you might think,” he said, when talking about the process.

Members of GRiP create the hand prosthetics by researching and getting 3D models online and through the organization Enabling The Future.

“The majority of the stuff we’re printing we aren’t necessarily designing ourselves, but we’re getting to that stage where we’re starting to design our own stuff,” Marcus said.

Hand prosthetics aren’t the only thing GriP has made.

“The cooler part about the group is that you can kind of use your creativity to come up with new solutions for different stuff,” Arce said.

The organization has made other devices to help with everyday activities or assist in some of the hobbies people with upper limb differences enjoy doing or want made such as a self-playing guitar.

For the self-playing guitar, GriP uses screws, solenoids (a type of electromagnet), and 3D-printed plastic parts, which are then attached to a guitar for people who can’t press down on the chords. The device is electronically controlled by wires to a foot pedal that kids can press down on. Depending on what 66 |

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foot pedal is being pressed, it will activate the switch on the fingerboard to press down the certain chord they want to play, Marcus said.

Other assistive devices that have been made are a drumstick holder, fishing rod device, ping pong paddle holder, guitar pick holder, game controller, car toy controller and more. They measure, scale and print the same way when making a hand prosthetic for the assistive devices, but if it’s a new project, they start from scratch designing it themselves or researching for methods online.

Members of GriP have designed many of the new assistive devices themselves such as the fishing rod and self-playing guitar. Marcus came up with the drumstick holder idea. As for the guitar pick holder, GriP got the design from Brazilian Marcelo Botelho, who created it, Marcus said.

Marcus and other members of GriP enjoy being a part of this organization because they get to see the difference they are making by helping others.

About a year ago, GriP made a guitar pick device for a girl named Bella from Arizona to use. A few months later, GriP received an email from her with a video showing her using the device at a guitar recital.

“It’s just a very good feeling that the work that we’re doing is actually affecting people’s lives,” Marcus said.

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COLUMN

FARM TALES

From Mother Hen SPUTNIK

MOTHER HEN IS PROUD TO BE A “BABY BOOMER” RAISED ON A FARM POPULATED BY DOGS, CATS, CHICKENS, DUCKS, GEESE, HORSES AND COWS. THE WISDOM SHE GAINED WHILE GROWING UP IN THE COUNTRY CAN’T BE FOUND IN BOOKS. YOU CAN CONTACT MOTHER HEN AT motherhenfarmtales@gmail.com.

This Farm Tale is dedicated to Laika, the first cosmonaut dog in space.

SINCE I WAS BORN IN 1950, I’VE SEEN A LOT OF HISTORY AS IT WAS BEING MADE.

M

y generation has truly seen just about everything you can imagine: men walking on the moon, Civil Rights marches, Vietnam War protests, the Challenger disaster, and the 9/11 terrorist attack to name a few. Through it all, mankind has held onto the positive mindset believing for a better world in the future. But maybe we should take a step back for a moment and realize that we are living in the future now.

Today is the future I dreamed of as a little girl in the 50s. It was 1957 when our country was engrossed in the space race between the United States and Russia. Our evening news on the black and white television in our living room would give updates on our competition, and it looked like they were gaining on us.

Even to a little girl of seven, I realized this was important. I didn’t understand it all, but I knew that the grown-ups seemed very concerned.

According to History.nasa.gov/sputnik, the public feared that the Soviets’ ability to launch satellites also translated into the capability to launch ballistic missiles that could carry nuclear weapons from Europe to the U.S. So on October 4, 1957, when the Soviet Union launched Sputnik I, the whole nation was watching—even a little schoolgirl on a farm in the Midwest.

About that time, as chance would have it, our family car was involved in an accident. I forget the details, but it required my father having to make a hurried purchase of an affordable used

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car for my mother to drive. My father used the farm truck to get him where he needed to go, but my mom definitely needed wheels for her daily chores too. One of these chores was driving me and neighboring children to school each morning. So when my father drove up with this awful clunker and presented it to my mother, she couldn’t stifle a chuckle. Not one to ever be ungrateful, my

mother immediately embraced the car and named it “Sputnik.”

I was too young to remember the actual make of the vehicle, but I do remember its appearance. It was silver metal in color, a coupe, stick shift, and definitely a no-frills conveyance with a few dents here and there.

You had to coax it to get it started and when shifting, you had to be swift with the clutch or it would stall out. After a few trials and errors, my mother mastered “Sputnik.”

The neighborhood kids and I, along with my dog Rags, felt rather special to be riding in a Russian satellite to school. Soon afterwards, the Russians launched Sputnik II with a cosmonaut dog passenger named Laika—but they had nothing over us. We were already riding in our satellite, with our own cosmonaut dog, to school every day.

At that time in our country everything was about space! Television shows like “Star Trek,” “The Jetsons,” “Lost in Space” and “My Favorite Martian” dominated the airwaves. Robot toys were everywhere, even for girls. I had a powder blue one, named Yakkity Yob. He didn’t do much, but how I loved him.

We were all dreaming of the future, when space travel would be a normal part of life.

And maybe, just maybe, we would have a robot in our homes too.

Then things got serious on May 25, 1961 when our President John F. Kennedy announced a new goal to put a man on the Moon before the end of the decade. By that time I was 11, and I remember going outside and gazing at the Moon in the clear night sky wondering if that could ever be possible. It certainly did prove possible on July 20, 1969. I remember sitting in my family’s living room, a young girl of 19, watching breathlessly as Neil Armstrong took “one small step for [a] man” on the Moon. Even today I still gaze up at the clear night sky, wondering how that event could have ever happened.

So maybe you can understand why, to me, the future is now. We are seeing and doing things that were only dreamed of a generation ago. Makes you kind of wonder what lies ahead. We can only hope and pray that whatever it is, it will be another “giant leap for mankind.”

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PRACTICAL TECHNOLOGY >> CROWDFUNDING

SHOW ME THE MONEY

Crowd Funding Kickstarting Your Path to Success W R I T T E N B Y M AT T H E W A R R O J A S

I

n Gainesville, an a cappella group, board game designer and filmmaker all had big ideas.

The a cappella group wanted to put out their first studio album. The game designer wanted to make a card game where the sole purpose is to annoy your neighbors. The filmmaker sought to direct and star in his own feature-length film.

However, at some point or another, they each ran into the same problem: To make their dream a reality, they needed money. So, they each turned to crowdfunding to overcome that obstacle.

Crowdfunding platforms like Kickstarter gave these creators the freedom they needed to make the product they wanted, without the constraints of traditional paths to funding.

Adam Bowers, whose movie “Paperback” was funded on Kickstarter for almost $40,000 in 2013 and finally released this January, said that his project didn’t fit the mold or budget of most feature-length films. So in order to make the movie he wanted, he had to turn to the public for money.

“I feel like, especially young filmmakers, you need to be like ‘I’m just going to make this.

I’m going to figure it out,’” he said. “I maybe would have made it a different way if I didn’t have Kickstarter, but Kickstarter definitely let me do it this specific, weird, really low-budget way that was doable and fast and without gatekeepers.”

It allowed Bowers to be his own boss and take control of his vision.

For Andrew Birkett, Kickstarter was the only option he had to co-create Atheris Games and make a card game as a student in Gainesville, a town not known for its booming tabletop industry.

“Being stuck in Gainesville, it’s a smaller hub,” he said. “There are benefits and drawbacks, and part of it is that there is significantly less capital than in a bigger city or town like Silicon Valley. But, there are more resources like mentors here.”

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He said that after launching the Kickstarter, he received support from many local residents, particularly from Gainesville Tabletop, which helped publicize his campaign and bring in more backers. His card game “Cul-De-Sac Conquest” raised over $20,000 dollars and since then he has funded two more games on the platform.

Birkett added that although it felt like an enormous relief once his first project had been funded, that was only step one.

“You have this weird cycle where you’re going through this immense period of elation, like ‘This is the best thing ever, my dreams are coming true.’ Then there are periods like ‘What am I going to do? How am I going to figure out all this stuff? Do I really know what I’m doing?’” he said.

“It’s imposter syndrome.”

Jonathan Walls, director of administration for Gestalt A Cappella, agreed that it is a tremendous relief and motivator once you finally meet your funding goal. Gestalt raised over $12,000 to fund their first studio album “Beyond the Archetype.”

“To know that we had the support of so many people, being such a new group and being so nervous that we weren’t going to be well received, was just a really big relief,” Walls said.

He added that the momentum of their accomplishment helped motivate them through the recording process, not just in terms of money, but morale, too.

With the Kickstarter money, Gestalt was able to hire a mobile recording studio to come to Gainesville and produce their album, something Walls said wouldn’t have been possible without the Kickstarter’s success.

One common thread among these campaigns is the sentiment that none of these projects would have been possible without crowdfunding. At least, not in the way we know them today.

As for whether he believes Gestalt would have been able to release their first album without Kickstarter, Walls said “Absolutely not.”

Bowers said his movie “Paperback” would’ve had to have been made on a significantly smaller budget if he had to self-fund the film, which would’ve resulted in a very different final product.

Birkett shares the same sentiment. As a college student at the time of his first Kickstarter campaign launch, he added that there would have been no way to produce his game as quickly as he was able to without crowdfunding.

Birkett said it is an exciting time to be a creator, now that crowdfunding has gone mainstream. People are able to bypass more traditional means of funding and take their products and ideas straight to consumers. He explained that it has allowed him to take bigger risks he wouldn’t have dared to take before.

“It’s becoming a lot easier to say ‘Hey, I have this great idea and I’ve created an awesome product out of it, but I can’t make it unless you help me,” he said. “And then people help.”

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NEW TECHNOLOGIES >> INVENTIONS

BRIGHT IDEA

Mundane & Insane Inventions First They’re Ordinary, Then They’re Extraordinary W R I T T E N B Y S AVA N N A H A U S T I N

F

rom Nikolas Tesla to Thomas Edison, inventors have advanced technology and engineered public amazement over their creations. Today’s inventions, like electric toothbrushes and tablets, help make life a little easier and bring the future world of automation, like something you might see in “Back to the Future” or “A.I.,” a little closer. But before we get to the world of Tomorrowland, there are amazing things being invented every day. And then there are those little gadgets that are a little more commonplace. Here are some of the coolest, plus the more mundane inventions since sliced bread.

LANGUAGE LEARNING ON-THE-GO

Language-Learning Artificial Intelligence Whether it’s in a high school classroom or in preparation for a trip to a foreign country, over 1.2 billion people are trying to learn a new language, according to DuoLingo, a free language-learning app. Designed to make language education accessible and enjoyable through its game-like format, it offers 25 languages for English speakers to learn. DuoLingo hit the app store in 2011, and the creators’ latest innovation is the Chatbot – a virtual conversation partner powered by artificial intelligence. This tech-based invention allows learners to have a private tutor at any time of the day and practice conversing about common topics.

The bot currently offers practice for Spanish, French and German courses with different bots, including Chef Roberto, Renée the Driver and Officer Ada. 74 |

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The earpiece that translates in real-time A common answer to the cliché icebreaker question “If you had any superpower what would it be?” often is to be able to understand any language. While it may not be a superpower, that wish is now a possibility through a super invention.

The Pilot is an earpiece that can pick up foreign words or phrases and translate them in real time to your native tongue, according to Waverly Labs, the creator of the device. The Pilot can translate over 15 languages and works by pairing with a free app.

Future models won’t even require an internet connection. In addition to translating what someone else is saying, the earbud can also listen to what you are saying and interpret it back to you to help with language learning.

When conversing with someone else, you keep one headphone and give the other to the person you’re speaking with. They will have to connect it with the app, but it allows for a conversation without significant language barriers. The creators admit the translation won’t be perfect, but it will allow for greater understanding.

With a baseline price of $299, Waverly Labs has sold over 27,000 units and has garnered over $5 million in preorder sales, according to its website. As a plus, even if you’re not using these to understand foreign languages, they double as very expensive, wireless noise-canceling headphones.

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PHOTO BY JC WOODARD PHOTOGRAPHY

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The bots work by asking questions in your desired language and then instantly react to your response.

Even if you can’t figure out what to say, there is a “help me reply” feature.

However, while virtual tutors can help one learn different languages, AI technology is nothing incredibly new. For language understanding without the hours of practice, look no further than the Pilot earpiece.

INKED INNOVATIONS Two-week temporary tattoos Temporary tattoos, available in popular Disney princesses, cartoon characters and more, can often be seen adorning the arms of children and will wash-off within a couple of days at most.

Introducing the two-week temporary tattoo from Inkbox, a company founded by two brothers. Inkbox tattoos use a 100 percent organic formula made from the Genipa

Americana plant native to South America.

Used by tribes in Panama for thousands of years to dye their skin, the founders worked with the tribes to use the plant as the base of the semi-permanent tattoos.

The ink sinks into the skin similarly to a real tattoo, but stains only the outer layer of skin known as the epidermis whereas tattoos permanently stain the second layer, called the dermis. The epidermis exfoliates unlike the dermis, which allows for ink to fade over time.

Inkbox tattoos have four layers that take 15 minutes to apply and can last up to 18 days. Tattoos can be ordered in seven different sizes with over 600 designs to choose from and the option to create custom ink.

The semi-permanent tattoo invention sells for between $16 to $20 and a percentage of the proceeds benefits the Darien Initiative, a project that gives community and agricultural support for 30 years to the Embera-Wounaan and Kuna tribes of the Darien Gap, Panama — where the ink formula comes from.

Custom Temporary tattoos that can connect to your smartphone Before you declare Inkbox the coolest tattoo invention as of late, the newest insane technology is a temporary tattoo made of gold metal leaf that can control a mobile device as well as display information and store information on the skin. Created by MIT Media Lab and Microsoft Research, the technology is called DuoSkin and is designed to look almost like metallic jewelry.

According to the website, the material is skin-friendly and durable. You can use the tattoo as a trackpad for your device or show features like the weather or your mood. The tattoos are custom and can be created using any color.

The futuristic tattoos made their public debut at New York Fashion Week in 2017 when they were incorporated into fashion designer Chris Bevans’ new DYNE menswear line show. “DuoSkin aims to celebrate the personalization of individual style that is often missing in today’s wearable technologies,” said Cindy Hsin-Liu Kao, one of the creators of DuoSkin. “Above all, we wanted to make these seemingly cyborg technologies less scary for the general public.”

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GOING UP?

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A two-in-one ladder Running out of space in the garage, but can’t part with the stepladder, plus the extension ladder that allows you reach the roof? The Werner Dual-Purpose Ladder allows you to efficiently combine both. It works by using a pivoting bracket at the top of the ladder that allows the ladder to flip and lock. The simple invention has 3-inch wide steps and a padded v-rung that keeps it from slipping while leaning against trees or walls. Available in three sizes, from 6 to 8 feet as a stepladder and 14 to 18 feet as an extension ladder. Prices vary from $179 to $239.

Now prepare yourself for the insane future of traveling up without the ladder.

An elevator that can travel vertically and horizontally Declaring an end to the “60-year reign of the rope-dependent elevator,” ThussenKrupp has created MULTI, a rope-free elevator system that can travel up and down and sideways using magnets to move across floors. The magnetic technology is the same used in high-speed trains and will help improve efficiency and capacity, according to the creators.

Wait times for MULTI will be cut down as well, which is helpful considering the statistic that New York office workers spent a total of 16.6 years waiting for elevators, according to Columbia University.

Each elevator or cart has two linear motors which handle vertical and horizontal movement and the system powers the internal lighting and electric features. A 807-foot test tower was built in Rottweil, a town of towers, in Germany in October 2017 where visitors can use the ThussenKrupp elevator to reach the highest outdoor viewing platform in Germany with a view that reaches to the Swiss Alps. Engineers can use the tower to test the elevator at speeds of 40 mph, and special shafts are used to test out the MULTI system. Straight out of the future, the ropeless elevator system could allow passengers to travel down several floors in a building quickly and horizontally travel to a nearby tower without leaving the same elevator.

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RUB-A-DUB-DUB A smart… rubber duckie?

“Rubber duckie, you’re the one! You make bath time lots of fun!” Or at least that’s what we used to sing. Little did we know that rubber ducks would get an upgrade – meet Edwin. It looks like any ordinary rubber duck with yellow skin, but inside there’s a whole lot of technology going on.

The Edwin duck for babies was created by Pi Lab as a

waterproof bath time toy. The duck works by connecting to an app that allows parents to play lullabies and soothing sounds.

Edwin also functions as a night light that can be remotely controlled from the app, which combined with lullabies, can make for the perfect bedtime tool. Plus, it comes with a timer to power off the lights and noise. The BPA-free soft silicone duck sells for $49.99 online and in retail stores.

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A bathroom sink that doubles as an aquarium A rubber duck isn’t the only aquatic “animal” you can have swimming around in your bathroom. Why not have the excitement of a fish tank in your sink? Made of glass, it’s shaped and functions like a normal sink, but it also happens to be the habitat for swimming creatures.

Created by Moody, the aquarium sink measures 34 x 29.5 x 23.5 inches and has removable top glass to add new fish, decorations or plants. Feeding your sink fish is made easy through two openings on the counter edges without having to remove the top. The water pump, filtration system, oxygenation and soft lighting is included in the tank. For a price of $4,500, you could keep an eye on your fish while you brush your teeth, wash your hands or shave. The sink is currently not on the market, but still an exciting futuristic possibility.

WATER SAFETY Auto-inflatable wristband helps to prevent drowning Much like a normal life jacket without the bulkiness or unflattering look, the Kingii inflatable folds up compactly into the form of a wristband to be worn while swimming. It allows users to swim and dive freely and can be activated by tugging

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on the hook to release the carbon dioxide cylinder. An orange inflatable hatches from the wristband to help the swimmer at risk to bring them to the surface.

Once restored safely back on land, replace the carbon dioxide cartridge with a new one and push the bag back into the band. The invention includes a built-in compass, whistle and the orange bag. Kingii can support up to a 280-pound adult for 48 hours. It comes in two models, one designed to be lighter with less features. This small lifesaver typically runs at $90 per unit and is available to buy through Indiegogo.

Baywatch… in Robot form While the Kingii can save one person from drowning, Emily can rescue up to eight people without breaking a sweat. Emily, short for Emergency Integrated Lifesaving Lanyard, is a robotic lifeguard. Yes, you read that right. Created by Hydronalix, Emily is a 4-foot long buoy that is remote-controlled. It has a jet pump that doesn’t feature any rudders or propellers, yet can still move up to 22 mph. However, it can’t run more than 800 yards.

Essentially a floating punching bag, it also features two-way radios and a video camera that can stream to an app. There is also a light included to help see at night. The ultra-fast lifeguard is highly durable and can help save more people than a human lifeguard. However, Emily costs a bit more than a day’s pay for a teenager clad in red: $10,000. The price may not be practical, but it’s helpful to know the life-saving technology is out there.

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INNOVATION >> AGRI-TECH RESEARCH PARK

CONCEPTUAL SITE

Agriculture Innovation Newberry’s Proposed Agri-Tech Research Park Could Plant the Seeds for Fresh Ideas W RIT TE N BY S TE PH A NIE RICH A R DS

A

griculture is at the heart of Newberry and the city of 5,900 residents is poised to enter a new level with the completion of a conceptual site plan for an Agri-Tech Innovation Park.

The initial concept for a park began four years ago with the city’s Economic Development Committee, according to Newberry Mayor Jordan Marlowe. “We had a dynamic group of citizens on the committee who were committed to come up with a very impactful concept,” he said. “All along the way, from previous Mayor Bill Conrad to current City Planner Bryan Thomas, everyone has seen the vision, jumped right in and been enthusiastic about it. There has been a high level of attraction for this concept, especially within the last six months, and it is moving forward.”

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would allow real world application of what is happening in the lab,” Mayor Marlowe said. “We are trying to create a complex which houses partners to complete all work on-site.”

The City has been aggressive in its approach of putting things in order to make the park become a reality in the future. Earlier this year, Newberry was awarded an $11,000 grant from the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO). The grant provides funding that assists “local governments in pursuing specific economic development projects or supplementing existing projects,” according to a DEO press release. CHW, Inc. was hired to develop a conceptual master plan for the park.

At an April board meeting, a public hearing was held and research findings were presented by Ryan Thompson, CHW Planning Project Manager. He highlighted criteria for the site, which included being adjacent to an existing development, municipal water and sewer, and close proximity to I-75 and the Gainesville airport. In addition, sites needed to have the ability to expand, and include trees and wet features (such as a pond), be compatible with adjacent properties, and have room

Entry view (looking North from Newberry Road).

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for buffers and setbacks. Ten potential sites were identified and narrowed down to one to create a site plan– a 170-acre site just east of Canterbury Showplace on Newberry Road, referred to as the Davis Property.

The conceptual design includes a walkable corridor, agricultural fields, demonstration areas, gardens, incubator space and agri-themed architecture. It also includes a rendering of a concept for the main entrance that keeps with the theme and character of Newberry, Thompson said. A group of investors would negotiate their site of preference but the renderings create a visual for what it could look like, according to Mike New, Newberry City Manager. “The site plan provides a visual image to use as we seek funding for infrastructure and talk to potential investors. It shows what the park could look like, not will look like,” he said. “The site plan is mostly commercial buildings with a limited residential component that may serve as temporary housing for guests [such as visiting scientists] to the park.”

Commissioner Joy Glanzer emphasized in a meeting that the project would be developed by private enterprise and Newberry would not be funding any of the development. The majority of the properties on-site would be taxable, Thomas said. Final renderings were presented at a meeting on May 29 and Newberry commissioners unanimously approved a resolution for support of the Agri-Tech Innovation Park concept. The site plan has now been submitted to the DEO for approval.

City officials have also met with educational representatives about the park concept. Initial meetings have been held with UF officials, including Chief Operating Officer Dr. Charles Lane and representatives from the Institute of Food and Agricultural Science. “The response has been very positive,” Mayor Marlowe said. “This is not about having an actual campus site, but about UF potentially partnering with private industry to pool resources and do research.”

Even though no site has been selected, Norita V. Davis, owner of the Davis Property, submitted a request in June to the Planning and Zoning Board to amend the future land use map from Agriculture to Corporate Park. The board approved the request, commissioners will next consider the amendment, New said. If approved, the property would then need to be rezoned.

City officials have also been moving forward with infrastructure improvements on Newberry Road. Last year, the City completed an OUR TOWN MAGAZINE

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PHOTOGRAPHY: STEPHANIE RICHARDS

Illustration (above) for the preliminary master plan compiled for the City of Newberry by CHW Professional Consultants, Inc. A water main extension project on Newberry Road (near Canterbury Showplace) was completed as part of infrastructure improvements to attract future development, such as an Agri-Tech Park.

extension of the water main on Newberry Road from Northwest 238th Terrace ( just west of Canterbury Showplace) extending two miles east to property owned by Destiny Community Church, New said.

The total cost of the project was $690,000, with the City paying $285,000 and adjacent property owner’s paying the balance.

As a companion to the water main extension, the city is pursuing $1.5 million in state funding to put in a sewer line. City officials have met with Representatives Clovis Watson Jr. and Chuck Clemons, Senator Keith Perry and Congressman Ted Yoho to discuss the park concept. Mayor Marlowe said all are enthusiastic about the project. Newberry is offering the water main extension as its share of the project and should know if funding will be appropriated by next spring, New said.

In addition, the City plans to pursue a federal grant for on-site infrastructure in the future. “It will include roadways, drainage facilities (pipes and retention basins), water, wastewater, sidewalks, street lighting, etc. I estimate it will likely total in the $5 million range,” said New, noting there is no firm timeframe for seeking a federal grant.

The addition of an Agri-Tech Innovation Park would create an economic boost for Newberry, Mayor Marlowe said. “The potential economic advantages of this project are limitless. If we are successful here, we can take agriculture in a new direction, bringing high-paying technical and research jobs here,” he said. “Our agricultural community loves the latest in technology and this would help them stay on top of it. The cards are in place; we just have to keep working on it.”

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PROBLEM SOLVING >> PUZZLES

CHECK MATE

GAMES THAT MAKE YOU THINK: MIND TEASERS, MAGIC CUBES AND MORE!

Puzzled W R ITTEN BY CA MERON COBB

Ever wonder what the first jigsaw picture was?

Or which came first – the puzzle, or the puzzle’s box for reference? Who decided the significance of chess pieces? And what could possibly have been the purpose of a confusing cube that may or may not be taunting those who’ve struggled for a decade with no luck?

Whether you’ve definitely got it solved or are indefinitely stumped, the history of some of the world’s most perplexing pieces will surely give you something to puzzle over.

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THE RUBIK’S CUBE Invented by and appropriately named after Hungarian Professor Ernõ Rubik, the colorful creation came about in 1974 as a way to help his students understand 3D problems, according to rubiks.com. Even as the brains behind this Buvos Kocka (or “Magic Cube” in Hungarian), the six-sided puzzle took Rubik over a month to solve!

Eager to bewilder others with his kaleidoscopic cube, Rubik set off to Nuremberg, Germany, to showcase his invention at the 1979 Nuremberg Toy Fair.

One of the many intrigued by Rubik’s display was toy specialist Tom Kremer.

Though Kremer’s fascination went well beyond simply audience amazement, and he went on to convince the Ideal Toy Company to market the Magic Cube, which would be renamed after its creator. Within two years of the Rubik’s Cube’s global launch in 1980, an estimated 100 million units were sold

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to puzzle lovers - known as “cubers” - worldwide. Today, Rubik’s teaching tool continues to challenge competitive cubers to try their hands at completing the Cube as quickly as possible.

Speaking of fast, the Rubik’s Cube record for speed was just broken as of May of this year. Feliks Zemdegs, a 22-year-old from Australia, solved the puzzle in just 4.22 seconds!

CONNECT 4 This game of strategy challenges a player to vertically, horizontally or diagonally line four of the same-colored circular pieces in a row, all the while trying to stay mentally ahead of his or her opponent. Milton Bradley’s (before becoming Hasbro) version of the game, Connect 4, first hit shelves in February 1974. While the exact origin of the game is a mystery of sorts, some have said it to have ties to early explorer Captain Cook. This tale of Connect 4 (known as Captain’s Mistress) claims that Captain Cook would spend endless amounts of time when voyaging playing the game with fellow travelers in his ship’s cabin, according to tradgames.org.uk – hence the name “Captain’s Mistress.” Whether this is true or an elaborate marketing ploy, Connect 4 certainly has the capability to demand hours from all sorts of game lovers throughout history.

Speaking of game devotion, the largest Connect 4 tournament was held in Denver, Colorado on Feb. 3, 2011 and featured a whopping 104 participants, according to recordsetter.com.

THE JIGSAW PUZZLE If you’re searching for a much more confusing way to get from Point A to Point B, look no further than the 1760s in Europe. During this time, mapmakers would paste maps on wooden sheets before cutting them into pieces, according to puzzlewarehouse.com. In 1767, one London mapmaker and engraver, John Spilsbury, invented the world’s first commercial jigsaw puzzle using this method, to which he referred to as a “dissection.” Spilsbury’s creation – a map of Europe divided into kingdoms – went on to become one of many geographical puzzles designed by the cartographer until his death in 1769, according to jigsawmaps.com.

Initially used for educational purposes, dissected maps were geared towards adults, and wealthy ones at that.

Fashioned from a more expensive material (wood), piecing these teaching tools back together was primarily an activity for the upper class. It wouldn’t be until more than 100 years later at the end of the 19th century that they’d be officially named as “jigsaw puzzles,” with manufacturers crafting a more cost-effective cardboard version. And when mass production became possible shortly after, puzzles peaked in popularity, becoming a staple for family entertainment and a welcome distraction from the Great Depression during the 1930s.

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CHESS Dubbed the oldest skill game in the world, historians believe chess dates back to more than 1,000 years ago beginning in Asia (though the exact origin remains a mystery). The history of modern chess teaches much about the history of Europe, according to saintlouischessclub. org. With a total of 16 pieces per player, the game’s six different pieces have a specific purpose based on medieval times, and how they’re played represents what life was like during this era...

The Pawn: serfs/laborers were considered property of landowners.

There are more pawns than any other piece because laborers would be sacrificed before the more “valuable players” were put in harm’s way.

The Rook: the “home,” just as a castle would’ve been known as home for these times.

The Knight: a professional soldier tasked to protect – worth more than a pawn but less than a bishop, king or queen, so therefore used in battle accordingly.

The Bishop: the “church.” In the Catholic Church, a high-ranking priest was referred to as a bishop, and thus these pieces play a huge role in chess, just as religion played a huge part in people’s daily lives during medieval times.

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The Queen: as the game’s only female piece, the queen holds a powerful presence, just as one would have centuries ago. Many of a king’s decisions were guided by advice from his queen, hence this piece having such a significant impact in the game.

The King: regarded just like a real king would’ve been in medieval times, as the surrender of the king would mean the loss of the kingdom to invading armies and that could mean change for the worse.

While we may have Europe to thank for the game’s physical attributes, the iconic saying announced by the winner originates from elsewhere. According to metmuseum.org, the word “checkmate” comes from the Persian phrase “Shah mat,” meaning “The king is frozen.”

Between hundreds of years and hundreds of pieces, mind teasers and puzzles continue to test people all over the world – regardless of skill level (or for some, lack of skill. Though I refuse to be bested by a cube).

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SCIENCE >> RESISTANT BACTERIA

I GOT A FEVER

Fighting Superbugs New Research Helps Develop Antibiotic W RIT TE N BY J E S S IC A CU R BE LO

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esearch is being conducted to combat one of the greatest threats to human health, which now spans around the world and even hits close to home. UF Health researchers are working alongside three other universities to develop new antibiotic drug combinations and other tactics to attack Acinetobacter baumannii. Listed as a priority one pathogen by the World Health Organization in 2017, A. baumannii is a highly resistant bacterium.

A. baumannii can cause infections in any part of the body, although the most common areas are in the lungs and the blood, according to Dr. Brad Spellberg from the Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California. The infection shows itself in the body’s inflammatory immune response, but the symptoms depend on where the infection is located. According to an article published by the National Institutes of Health, the mortality rate of patients with an infection reportedly ranges from 26 percent to over 50 percent. Because of

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the high mortality rate and resistance, an A. baumannii infection, while not the most common hospital-acquired one in America, is still believed by some researchers to be one of the deadliest infections.

In the U.S., the infection is primarily acquired in hospitals or skilled nursing facilities. According to Dr. Spellberg, chief medical officer at the LA County USC Medical Center, anatomical disruptions in the body primarily create opportunities for the bacteria. Items such as catheters and ventilators create a passageway for the bacteria to slip past the normal barriers of the body.

“You should only be in the hospital if you can only receive the care you need in the hospital,” Dr. Spellberg said, “and you should get out of the hospital as soon as you no longer need that care. Every additional day you stay in a hospital, you are at risk for any of a large number of complications of being in the hospital, and one of those is infection.”

Dr. Spellberg and his team are currently working on several different tactics for combating A. baumannii.

PHOTOGRAPHY: COURTESY OF THE CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION, JANICE HANEY CARR, TODD PARKER

PHOTO COURTESY OF DR. JOHN BOYCE

Dr. Deanna Deveson-Lucas from Monash University in Australia works on Acinetobacter baumannii antibiotic resistance.

A scanning electron microscope (SEM) shows a cluster of Gram-negative Acinetobacter baumannii. Acinetobacter species become spherical while in their stationary phase of growth.

A magnified image shows a colony of Acinetobacter baumannii growing on a sheep’s blood agar medium. Agar, a jelly-like substance, can be mixed with mammalian blood and encourage the growth of bacteria that wouldn’t otherwise grow.

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SCIENCE >> RESISTANT BACTERIA

Their research reportedly indicates that an effective way to clear infections would be to create antibodies – proteins – that the immune system typically makes.

One of Acinetobacter’s many lines of defenses is a thick polysaccharide capsule outside the outer membrane. Strains with a specific type of capsule are unrecognized by the immune system.

However, if the capsule is targeted with antibodies,

“Right off the bat, we were able to raise an extremely effective, almost scarily effective, antibody,” Dr. Spellberg said. “It was totally protective against a deadly strain of Acineto.” the immune response can suddenly detect it and kill the bacteria, which is the hope for the team’s program to generate monoclonal antibodies.

“Right off the bat, we were able to raise an extremely effective, almost scarily effective, antibody,” Dr. Spellberg said. “It was totally protective against a deadly strain of Acineto.”

Unfortunately, what we learned is that, that incredibly effective antibody hits only about 20-25% of strains.”

For the antibodies program, Dr. Spellberg and his team need to find another three or four antibodies in order to reach a higher percentage of strain coverage. While they work on finding the other ones, they are also conducting a project that looks into sequestering iron to starve the bacteria that needs it to grow. Another project is investigating an old antibiotic, Rifabutin, which has been used to treat infections in patients with HIV and which has shown potential activity in Acinetobacter.

A team at Case Western Reserve University in Ohio is also working on developmental drugs and researching possibilities to repurpose existing drugs or drug combinations.

Dr. Robert Bonomo, a professor and Chief of Medical Service at the Louis Stokes Cleveland Department of Veteran Affairs Medical Center, said they’re especially concerned with antibiotics that target the bacterial cell wall or inhibit certain enzymes.

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Beta-lactamases are enzymes that provide resistance for bacteria by breaking down antibiotics. According to Dr. Bonomo, Acinetobacter bacteria are hard to treat because they have multiple kinds of beta-lactamases. Antibiotics already find it hard to enter the bacteria because of its low permeability.

Acinetobacter are gram-negative bacteria, which means they have two membranes and a cell wall.

Once the antibiotics enter the bacteria, however, they can

Janice Haney Carr, a CDC microbiologist and electron microscopist, scans a specimen of Acinetobacter baumannii bacteria.

be met by beta-lactamases, which will break them down, or efflux pumps. Efflux pumps are transport proteins that move antibiotics from the inside of the cell to the outside. “They’re very old, primitive mechanisms where bacteria try to get rid of poison,” Dr. Bonomo said.

Another distinctive defense of Acinetobacter, which may be a barrier in studying antibiotics, is resistance islands. Resistance islands are genes that Acinetobacter has taken up from other PHOTOGRAPHY: COURTESY OF THE CDC, JAMES GATHANY

bacteria. They can be stretches of thousands of nucleotides that may contain resistance genes.

“There could be genes there that inactivate a lot of antibiotics that we don’t even know about because they’re not needed at the time,” Dr. Bonomo said, “and then this reservoir is called upon.”

Not only is Acinetobacter capable of taking in resistance genes from other bacteria, but they also have transposons or JULY/AUGUST 2018

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A photomicrograph a Gramstained specimen of Acinetobacter calcoaceticus bacteria. Gram-negative bacteria, such as Acinetobacter, appear red when stained.

A SEM image shows multiple clusters of Acinetobacter baumannii bacteria. This bacteria doesn’t use oxygen for energy production. They occur in pairs under magnification.

A colony of Acinetobacter baumannii grows on a Hektoen agar medium. The bacterium was cultured for 72 hours at 37 degrees Celsius.

A HDR-enhanced photograph shows a colony of Acinetobacter baumannii. Acinetobacter baumannii account for about 80% of the reported infections.

“jumping genes.” These small stretches of DNA can jump from one area of DNA to another area where they can then insert and copy themselves. In some cases, this replication may activate resistance mechanisms that weren’t effective before.

According to Dr. Spellberg, these jumping genes are a major reason for Acinetobacter’s capacity to develop resistance so quickly. Throughout his studies, Dr. Spellberg has observed patients who initially get better after receiving an antibiotic that Acineto is susceptible to but then return to their sick conditions. “Everything is getting better, and three days later, they get worse again,” Dr. Spellberg said. “The fever comes back, and their blood pressure drops again, and they start growing the same bacteria. Only now, it’s become resistant in the matter of days in the middle of a course of therapy.”

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Other researchers have confirmed similar quick responses from Acinetobacter. According to their observations, the bacteria is able to develop resistance in a few days even while a patient is being actively treated. John Boyce, Ph.D., from Monash University in Australia, is working with his team and the team at UF to study the antibiotic Colistin. According to Boyce, an associate professor and member of the Biomedical Discovery Institute, perhaps 70 percent of Acinetobacter strains are resistant to past antibiotics. Only about 2 percent of strains are resistant to Colistin, however.

The team at UF, led by Jurgen Bulitta, Ph.D., is researching ways to combine Colistin with other antibiotics. Boyce’s team works in Australia doing molecular analysis to understand how Acinetobacter becomes resistant. Beginning in the latter portion

PHOTOGRAPHY: COURTESY OF THE CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION, DR. W. A. CLARK, JANICE HANEY CARR, TODD PARKER

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SCIENCE >> RESISTANT BACTERIA

A 3D computer-generated image shows a group of Acinetobacter bacteria arranged in a sheet-like configuration. The illustration was based on SEM imagery.

of 2017, the project has some drug combinations that show promise.

They’re particularly interested in synergistic combinations where the drugs improve each other to have a greater combined effect. “You try to find a combination that works to kill in different ways,” Boyce said.

To some extent, Colistin is capable of making Acinetobacter’s membranes fall apart, according to Boyce. The membranes consist of a hydrophobic part on the inside and a hydrophilic part that’s generally negatively charged on the outside. Colistin, on the other hand, is positively charged. According to Boyce, a charge-based interaction allows Colistin to integrate with the membrane and disrupt it.

Acinetobacter, however, has another trick up its sleeve. Most of the ways that Acinetobacter becomes resistant to Colistin effects the negative charge of the membrane so that the initial charge interaction doesn’t work. While almost all other bacteria can’t live without lipopolysaccharides on the surface, Acinetobacter is capable of completely ceasing to make that component in the membrane. Despite this, Boyce along with the Monash and UF teams continues to try to increase the lifespan of Colistin.

Meanwhile, Brian Luna, Ph.D., is working with his team at the University of Southern California to develop a mouse model that can be used for drug development in the Acinetobacter field. Animal models are used to test drug combinations before they reach clinical trial. Luna’s team has determined that the disease progresses similarly in mice as it would in people. From there, they have tested different drugs, starting with FDA-approved drugs, to see the effects and develop dose measurements.

Because mice have a higher metabolism rate, the dosage has to be tweaked so that the mice are exposed to the drugs for as long as a human would be. The UF team reportedly does pharmacokinetic (PK) modeling, which is a math technique for predicting the effect and efficacy of dosages, for the project. “For the most part, the mouse is a pretty good animal model for at the very least ruling out things that are probably toxic or not good,” Luna said.

Their research shows about 30 percent of positive predictability translating from mice to humans. According to Luna, the effectiveness of a model will vary widely between diseases. The funding for Luna’s research primarily comes from a U.S. Food and Drug Administration grant that was awarded to Luna, his USC colleague Dr. Spellberg, Dr. Bonomo and UF researchers. The three-year grant awarded $2.2 million.

The National Institutes of Health also awarded a five-year grant for $3.4 million to UF, Case Western Reserve University and Monash University. According to Luna, it’s encouraging to see the awareness that more research is needed in the Acinetobacter field. He stressed the importance of people understanding how quickly good antibiotics are being lost. Some pathogens, Acinetobacter being one of them, have strains that are so drug resistant that there are no antibiotics to kill some of the bacteria.

“It’s probably not at the forefront of what most people think because we do still have antibiotics that are able to work,” Luna said. “Once we get to that point where the bacteria are completely resistant to all the antibiotics that we have, we basically go back in time all the way to the pre-antibiotic era. So, it doesn’t matter that we found all these other antibiotics. Once they’re resistant to everything, we’re back at square one.”

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BOOK REVIEW

TERRI SCHLICHENMEYER’S

Reading Corner NOTE TO SELF collected and introduced by Gayle King C.2018, SIMON & SCHUSTER, $20.00 / $27.00 CANADA, 162 PAGES

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ay attention. Eyes forward, ears open. You’ve heard those things before in your life, and now you say them to yourself, your kids, and your employees. But do they hear what you say now… or, as in the new book “Note to Self,” collected and introduced by Gayle King, will your words ring back in the future?

When she was just nine years old, a classmate told Gayle King that she would be his slave, were it not for Lincoln.

Stunned, she ran home to tell her mother, who comforted her with words King still remembers – but it made King wonder what she, as the woman she is today, would tell that “skinny little nine-yearold girl…” if she could send her younger self a message. In her Emmy-nominated series for CBS This Morning, she gives opportunities for others to do the similar.

Beginning with Oprah, King’s best friend, there are words of comfort for a young woman who was dating the wrong man: “I use the word beautiful because… that’s never a word you would call yourself.”

Kermit the Frog admits that he’s “green with envy” for the possibilities ahead for the frog he once was. Former Vice President Joe Biden advises his twelveyear-old self to look forward, because there’s great adventure ahead. NFL player Ryan O’Callaghan advises his younger self to “breathe.” From Dr. Ruth, who was orphaned by the Nazis: “… your bravery will be rewarded.”

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Tyler Perry thanks his younger self for thriving. Architect Frank Gehry says, “Once you find your passion… work your tail off…” John Lewis advises himself to always remember the words of Dr. King: “We must learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools.”

Surround yourself with those you love. Hug often. Examine your mistakes. Have fun. And remember that people can be “meaner or crueler or wetter or prettier… but they can’t be more human than you.”

If you could, would you become 18 years old again?

For most people, the answer is “yes,” but only if they can take their knowledge back with them. It’s a moot point, of course – you can’t, and you can’t – but “Note to Self” sets forth an intriguing exercise.

It also offers a chance for reflection on a sleepy summer afternoon, too. There’s a good mix of inspiring, gracious and grateful tales inside this book, from those with stardom already in-pocket, to a few that may not be household names quite yet. Some of the tales are exactly what you’d expect, while others may surprise you with candor and reasoning. TV host and story collector Gayle King explains how she received these stories and others like them; she then lays down a few rules, and leaves blank pages for readers’ own Notes to Self.

This is not a difficult book to read. With its short, quick chapters, it practically begs to be browsed in office or commute, and it’ll make a great grad gift. Truly, “Note to Self” is a book you’ll pay attention to.

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

The SunState Community Foundation is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization that serves the communities in and around North Central Florida by promoting and facilitating philanthropy.

The Foundation was established to promote and provide charitable assistance that contributes towards the development, education and well-being of the communities, areas and residents of Alachua, Columbia, Dixie, Gilchrist, and Levy Counties in Florida. The foundation’s initial goal is to administer and fully fund the award winning Facebook Charity-of-the-Month program. SunState Federal Credit Union started the program in 2013, but has turned over administration of the program to the foundation, with SunState Federal Credit Union acting only as a sponsor. This has been done in the belief that this path will ensure the program remains a strong and expanding community resource long into the future.

The SunState Community Foundation, Inc., provides donors/members opportunities to participate in the furtherance of the foundation’s goals in multiple ways. First, and foremost, the donors/members are providing funds to support the foundation’s charitable initiatives. Donors/members can also nominate groups for the Charity of the Month program, and then vote for the group of their choice. Donors/members are encouraged to participate and vote in the Charity of the Month program. Ultimately, the voters choose where foundation donations go as part of the infrastructure of the program.

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500 RANDOM CHARITY SPONSOR Recognized on 2 of Entercom Communications stations, 30 times (60 total); WRUF and ESPN Recognized on the Charity of the Month Facebook Contest page, KTK’s Facebook page and Our Town’s Facebook page.

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MOST RECENT WINNING ORGANIZATIONS TO NOMINATE A CHARITY OF YOUR CHOICE OR TO VOTE FOR YOUR FAVORITE NOMINEES, VISIT:

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Project Downtown Gainesville, Inc.

Streetlight Support Program

Project Downtown Gainesville is an organization that works to connect the community by providing warm meals and companionship to the underserved in the local Gainesville area. The organization can be found serving hot meals at City Hall on University Avenue on Saturdays and Sundays at 1pm. They work diligently to provide services to the homeless, indigent and disadvantaged members of the Gainesville area. The nonprofit will be awarded $1,000 and Sana Chaudhry will win $300 for nominating them. The random Charity of the Month for April is Superheroes for Hope and this organization will receive a $500 prize. Leigh Hand will receive $100 for being selected as the random voter.

Streetlight is an adolescent and young adult support program at UF Health for people aged 13-25 that are living with cancer, cystic fibrosis, sickle cell, and other chronic and life-limiting illnesses. The Streetlight team is made up of 60+ college-aged volunteers that focus on building friendships through peer companionship.

Dealing with a serious medical condition is a difficult journey, but you don’t have to go through it alone.

Streetlight will receive $1,000 and znhassouneh1 will be awarded $300 for nominating them. The random charity winner is Fight Back Against Cancer with Team Paige and they will receive $500. The random voter, John Subic, will win $100.

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SPECIAL RESTAURANT ADVERTISING SECTION. CALL

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Gator’s Dockside 3842 W Newberry Rd #1A, Gainesville, FL 32607 Mon - Sun 11am - Midnight

352-338-4445 gatorsdockside.com family-friendly — Gator’s Dockside is a family-friendly, sports-themed restaurant that offers a fun atmosphere for everyone! We’re known for our big screen TVs, great food, and friendly service. Our signature wings are flavored with our tasty wing sauces that have made us famous, especially our award-winning Scooter sauce. We only use the freshest, highest quality ingredients in all our menu selections, including burgers, hearty sandwiches, made-from-scratch ribs, entree salads, and desserts. We also have some of the best meal deals in town, like all-you-can-eat wings on Mondays and Wednesdays, and 2-for-1 on select drafts, house wine, and liquors all day, everyday. We can’t wait to see you at Gator’s!

Dave’s New York Deli Two Locations - Open 7 Days Tioga Town Center 12921 SW 1st Road, Newberry, FL Haile Plantation Area – 5750 SW 75th Court, Gainesville, FL

352-333-0291 Tioga 352-363-6061 Pk Ln DavesNYDeli.com North East Flavors — Dave’s NY Deli has been delivering the flavors of New York, New Jersey and Philadelphia to the Gainesville area since 2009. Owner Dave Anders says “We are very excited about the addition of our new location in Park Lane Plaza near Haile Plantation. Now it’s even easier for you to enjoy our authentic Philly Cheesesteaks, NY Style Pastrami and Corned Beef, Nathan’s Hot Dogs, NY Kettle Boiled Bagels, Nova Salmon, Paninis, Wraps, Cubans, Hot & Cold Subs, Kids Menu and much more.” Come see us soon for Breakfast, Lunch or Dinner at either of our two locations.

Open 7 Days a week.

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

352-373-7383 www.thesocialgnv.com Upscale restaurant and rooftop bar — Hidden among the college bars of the midtown area, The Social at Midtown provides an unique, upscale, and affordable dining and late-night experience for the diverse and ever evolving population of Gainesville. Whether you are in search of high end spirits and craft cocktails or one of the 37 beers on tap the Social at Midtown will undoubtedly bring you back for the next big game with its fantastic menu and over 60 Large LED TVs. Check out our web page to see our weekly specials and plan your next Happy Hour with $4 Local Craft Pints!

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Mi Apá Latin Café Gainesville – 114 SW 34th Street (352-376-7020) Alachua – 15634 US Highway 441 (386-418-0838) Both locations open every day 7:00am - 10:00pm

MiApaLatinCafe.com Cuban — Mi Apá proudly serves the area’s most delicious Cuban cuisine for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Featuring authentic ingredients and classic recipes, such as Arroz con Pollo, Ropa Vieja, Cuban sandwiches, and the local favorite, Cafe con Leche, we bring the tastes of Cuba to Gainesville and Alachua. Whether you’re dining in on our sunny patio or picking up your online order, your food will be hot, fresh, and full of Latin flavor! And our Gainesville location even has a drive-thru! As the weather warms up, stay cool with our half-off Iced Coffee Happy Hour every day from 2:00-5:00pm. And don’t forget that kids now eat free every Wednesday from 4:00-9:00pm!

Adam’s Rib Co. 2109 NW 13th Street, Gainesville, Florida 32609 1515 SW 13th Street Gainesville, Florida 32608 Monday-Saturday 7:00am – 9:00pm Closed Sunday

352-373-8882 NW 352-727-4005 SW AdamsRibCo.com BBQ — Celebrating our 10 year Anniversary. Looking for the best BBQ in Gainesville?

Then look no further than Adam’s Rib Co. Adam’s is North Florida’s Premier Barbecue restaurant, serving North Florida’s finest bbq spare ribs, pulled pork, beef brisket, slow smoked chicken and turkey. Choose from over 20 sauces – from honey sweet to habanero hot – and everything in between. Don’t forget dessert, like our scrumptious banana pudding and famous peach cobbler. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, Adam’s can cater any event locally. Give Adam a call for your next tailgate party 352-514-8692!

World of Beer 140 SW 128th Street Tioga Town Center, Jonesville 32669 Open at 11am Everyday

352-727-4714 worldofbeer.com TAVERN FARE — At World of Beer, we have 40 craft beers on tap, over 500 in the cooler and now we have added a tasty tavern fare that’s crafted to go perfectly with any beer. Our menu offers a wide variety of choices including a giant pretzel with beer cheese dip, artisan sausage boards, flat breads, innovative sandwiches and burgers, soups, salads and so much more! Visit our web site for a full menu and event schedule.

Whether you’re a beer master or just beer curious, our insanely knowledgeable staff is here to guide you through every last pint, pour, and pairing. So c’mon. Let’s go. Because there’s no better place to go around the world, one sip at a time.

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Copper Monkey West 14209 W Newberry Road, Jonesville, FL 32669 Across from the Steeplechase Publix Sunday-Thursday 11:00am - 11:00pm Friday-Saturday 11:00am - 12:00am

352-363-6338 mycoppermonkey.com Restaurant & Pub — Now serving Breakfast on Saturdays & Sundays 8:30am - 10:45am. We are located in the heart of Jonesville, this All-American dining is convenient to all neighborhoods in Gainesville, Alachua, Newberry, High Springs and beyond. Our family-friendly dining features great food at a great price. Whether you come in for the “best burger in town” or try any one of our freshly made salads, pastas or sandwiches, you will not leave disappointed. Our USDA choice steaks, served with 2 sides, offer a great alternative for the perfect celebratory meal. We also feature a full-service bar with signature drinks. Visit our NEW Gainesville Location in the Creekside Mall Plaza! 3501 SW 2nd Avenue, Gainesville.

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

352-333-6185 www.ilnyp.com Pizzeria — We are a family owned, family friendly restaurant that serves authentic New York style pizza and delicious Italian entrees. We offer dine, take out, delivery and catering. We make everything fresh and with high quality ingredients from our dough, to our sauce, to each of our dishes — including classics such as Baked Ziti, Chicken or Veal Parmigiana, Chicken Marsala or Alfredo, and many more. If you are in the mood for pizza, you can “take and bake” at home or let us prepare you one of our specialty Brick oven pizzas. So many choices of specialty pizzas, try them all! Pizza by the slice is available for lunch or dinner! Let’s not forget about the Stromboli, Calzones, Salads, Desserts and yes, we have a kids menu too! What ever you choose, we guarantee to bring you all the unique flavors of New York City. Visit our website for a full menu and coupons.

Napolatanos 606 NW 75th Street Gainesville, FL Tuesday - Thursday & Sunday 4:00pm-10:00pm Friday 4:00pm-1:00am • Saturday 4:00pm-11:00pm

352-332-6671 www.napolatanos.com ITALIAN — Napolatanos is the longest original owner operated restaurant in Gainesville. Nappys, the name the locals have given Napolatanos has the most extensive menu.

Whether you choose pizza, calzones, salad, burgers, sandwiches, pasta, seafood, steak dinners or the best chicken wings in town, Nappy’s uses only the freshest ingredients.

Visit on Tuesday for half price appetizers. Burgers & Brew Night on Wednesday and live music inside. Thursday is Pub night with Better than England’s Fish & Chips $7. Outside dining with live music, on the patio, on Sunday evenings. GRAB & GO family dinners feeds 4-6 adults, starting at $25.95. Choose from Ziti, Lasagna, Chicken Alfredo, Chicken Marsala and more!

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

352-872-5970 www.thecraftybastards.com Restaurant - Pub — Crafty Bastards Restaurant is located in NW Magnolia Parke.

Open daily at 11am. We offer great lunch specials M-F 11am-4pm, including 1/2lb Angus grilled burgers and juicy chicken handhelds, fresh fries, salads, soups and more.

Check out our Happy Hour M-F 11am-7pm. Looking for fun in the evenings? Check out Trivia Tuesdays, Karaoke Wednesdays and Live Entertainment on Thursday, Friday and Saturday! Crafty Bastards is also a great place to enjoy your sports on large screen TV’s. Private Party Room for office or birthday parties available. Come see why Crafty Bastards is NW Gainesville’s Best Kept Secret! Try our new weekend brunch & bloody mary bar from 11am - 3pm on Sat & Sun. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram & Twitter!

Bev’s Burger Café 315 NE Santa Fe Blvd. • High Springs Monday - Saturday 7am-9pm

386-454-9434 Casual — If you’re looking for fresh, homemade food in High Springs, look no further than Bev’s Burger Cafe. Known for the best burgers in town and fast, friendly service you’re sure to leave satisfied. You may also want to try one of their BBQ dinner favorites such as sliced pork, smoked turkey, BBQ chicken, baby back ribs, and more. Stop on by with the kids on Monday nights for some magic & balloon animals with Magic Mike.

Every Tuesday pork sandwiches are $3.00 all day. Also, on Wednesday nights starting at 5pm sodas and their famous tea are only $1.00, and bottled beer only $1.50. Don’t forget Bev’s is open for breakfast, also, served from 7am to 10:45am. Come check out our newly renovated kitchen & dining room, and our new menu items including fried chicken!

Bangkok Square 6500 SW Archer Rd, Gainesville Lunch: Monday-Friday 11:00am-3:00pm • Saturday-Sunday 12:00pm-3:00pm Dinner: Sunday-Thursday 5:00pm-9:30pm • Friday-Saturday 5:00pm-10:00pm

352-375-4488 www.bangkoksquarefl.com Authentic Thai Cuisine — Thai cuisine, blending the best elements of the freshest foods. Thai herbs; garlic, basil, ginger, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, galangal root, chili and more, prepared with the finest blending of fish sauce, shrimp paste, and coconut milk. All of our meals are made to order and prepared on site. We specialize in vegetarian, vegan and gluten free orders. All of our foods can be prepared to your satisfaction with mild, medium, hot, or Thai hot, balanced to the four tastes: sweet, sour, salty, and slightly bitter. Meals can be prepared for take out and we cater to any event. We also have gift cards available. Save 10% off your next dining experience when a gift card is purchased.

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TASTE OF THE TOWN

SPECIAL RESTAURANT ADVERTISING SECTION. CALL

352-372-5468

FOR RATES AND INFORMATION.

Piesanos Stone Fired Pizza (Archer Road) 5757 SW 75th St. — 352-371-8646 • (Millhopper Road) 5200 NW 43rd St. — 352-371-7437 (University) 1250 W University Ave. — 352-375-2337 • (Grand Oaks Plaza) 2575 SW 42nd St. Ocala — 352-351-6000

Mon-Thurs: 11am-10pm Fri-Sat: 11am-11pm Sun: 11am-10pm

www.piesanostogo.com Pizza, Pints & Pies — Piesanos is a locally owed and operated restaurant that is proud to use only the finest ingredients available, including Grande brand premium mozzarella. We are a full service dine in restaurant with an attached take out center and also offer catering. Our dough is made fresh daily and all of our pizzas are baked directly on the stone in our unique Granite Stone Fired Pizza Oven. We offer a great variety of Specialty pizzas, such as our Pizza Antico-(ultra thin crust- Fresh Mozzarella, mini cup & char pepperoni & fresh basil) Specialty Pastas, Calzones, Fresh soups and salads, classic italian entrees, and a great selection of craft beer. We also offer a gluten free menu. For full menu please visit PIESANOSTOGO.COM.

Flying Biscuit Café 4150 NW 16th Blvd., Gainesville, FL 32605 Located in the Fresh Market Center Monday-Friday 7:00am – 3:00pm • Saturday-Sunday 7:00am – 4:00pm

352-373-9500 www.flyingbiscuit.com Breakfast — The Flying Biscuit is out to reinvent breakfast in Gainesville! Maybe you’ve tried their soon-to-be-famous creamy, dreamy grits or their “moon dusted” breakfast potatoes, but did you know you can have them at anytime? With a unique open menu, all the items that appear are available throughout the day. With a variety of healthy and hearty dishes, The Flying Biscuit caters to a variety of tastes. With options ranging from the Smoked Salmon Scramble, the Bacon Cheddar Chicken Sandwich or the Tofu and Tater Salad, there’s something for everyone. Call us up to an hour before your expected arrival time to add your name to our call ahead seating list.

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

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

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Liikkee us on o Fa acceb ebook ook oo ww w ww w..b ba age gelb bakker eryg gai aine ain nesv sviliilllee.c .com om

Our bakers get here at 3 a.m. so you have fresh bagels in th he morning.

Millhopper Shopping Center 4113 NW 16th Blvd.

(352) 384-9110

Fall Registration

Santa Fe

Babe Ruth Baseball

IS HERE Register Online at sfbrbaseball.org Online registrations August 1st - August 31st

Serving the youth of Alachua county for over 30 years JULY/AUGUST 2018

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COMMU NIT Y C A LENDA R

J U LY/ A U G U S T 2 0 1 8

J. Robbins (Jawbox) & The Pauses

Sat., July 14 at 9pm Live at the High Dive with Orlando indierocktronica darlings, The Pauses

WONDROUS CREATURES: WHERE SCIENCE AND ART INTERSECT Through September 16 Florida Museum, 3215 Hull Rd.

GAINESVILLE - A unique experience presented in collaboration with local artist Ariel Bowman.

Five sculptures of prehistoric animals displayed among 18th-century furniture offer guests a different look at life in the past while panels illustrate the process of turning a piece of clay into art. The display is free for all visitors. www. floridamuseum.ufl.edu 352-846-2000

MICHAEL JACKSON TRIBUTE CONCERT Friday, July 6 at 8pm Heartwood Sound Stage, 619 S. Main St.

GAINESVILLE - Michael Jackson Tribute Show spectacular starring America’s #1 Michael Jackson impersonator Danny Dash Andrews.

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Be a part of this incredible concert experience that pays tribute to the life and legacy of The King of Pop. A show for all ages, this two hour non-stop high energy show will take you on a breathtaking magical musical journey that spans Jackson’s four decade career. Extraordinary production features state of the art concert lighting and sound that truly captures the essence of Michael Jackson’s worldwide concerts. heartwoodsoundstage.com

DOUG MACLEOD Saturday, July 7 at 8pm Heartwood Sound Stage, 619 S. Main St.

GAINESVILLE - Directly following the release of perhaps the finest album of his long career, Doug MacLeod returns to Gainesville courtesy of the North Central Florida Blues Society. Doug is an international touring artist who writes and sings original songs that are based on his own life and experiences. He learned from the old

masters and carries forward a valuable tradition. heartwoodsoundstage.com

TURN YOUR PASSION INTO A BOOK Sunday, July 8 from 2:30 - 4pm Millhopper Library, 3145 NW 43rd St.

GAINESVILLE - Author of four books, Elois L. Waters is guest speaker for the Writers Alliance of Gainesville (WAG) meeting. Waters earned a degree in Special Education from UF and is a veteran teacher with more than 30 years experience in the public school system. The founder and CEO of Expressive Song and Dance Ministries, she teaches dance through workshops and seminars and is active in dance ministry, after-school programs, and theater throughout Central Florida. Come find out how Waters turned her passion for dance into books.

The meeting is free and open to all who love the written word. writersalliance.org

ONCE UPON A WEDDING EXPO 2018 Sunday, July 8 from 12 - 3pm Gville Women’s Club, 2809 W University Ave

GAINESVILLE - Bringing you the best local wedding venues and vendors. Get the nitty-gritty details about venues and fabulous bride-recommended vendors. onceuponaweddingexpofl.com

APPRECIATION DAYS July 12 - 14 from 11am - 5pm Sunflower Health Foods, 3424 W University Ave

GAINESVILLE - The 4th annual customer appreciation event will include product and food demos, lots of free product samples and gift basket raffles. Every customer receives a free thank you gift. Come join the fun! 352-372-7482 sunflowerhealthfoods.com

J. ROBBINS (JAWBOX) & THE PAUSES Saturday, July 14 at 9pm High Dive, 210 SW 2nd Ave.

GAINESVILLE - Indie rock legend J Robbins (Jawbox, Burning Airlines, producer) returns to Gainesville to headline our 7th Anniversary weekend with friends The Pauses (you’ve seen them at The Fest and opening for Cindy Wilson of B-52’s at High Dive). highdivegainesville.com

GFAA STUDIO TOUR July 14 & 15 Various Locations

GAINESVILLE - Enjoy a self-guided tour through working artist studios in and around Gainesville, Florida. Showcasing fine art and fine craft in a broad range of media and styles. Visitors will have the opportunity to meet the artist, tour their studio and discover the process through examples and impromptu demonstrations. View a wide range of original artwork. The 2018 tour will have 15 studios and 20 artists. Pick up the tour brochure & map at any participating studio or at the GFAA gallery, located at 1314 S. Main St., Gainesville. gfaastudiotour.org

YARN DOLLS Wednesday, July 18 from 9:30 – 11:30am Dudley Farm Historic State Park, 18730 W Newberry Rd.

GAINESVILLE - This is a great craft to share with young crafters. Yarn dolls are a perennial favorite with kids of all ages! If you can wrap yarn you are on your way to having a doll. Not only that, but it’ll give him or her something to play with and be proud of. And, you can make clothing and hair for the doll when you are done. This is a childfriendly workshop. www.friendsofdudleyfarm.org

Pants on Fire Thurs., July 12 from 6:30 - 9:30pm The Wooly, 20 N Main Street GAINESVILLE - Come experience our PANTS ON FIRE live storytelling series! This show features four tellers – Three of them are telling a true story, but one is fibbing. The audience hears all four stories, then has the chance to grill the storytellers and vote for who they think is the ‘Liar, Liar, Pants on Fire!’ There’s a prize for who asks the best question that helps crack the code on the lie. This is a raw, rowdy, sometimes strangely moving, and always funny event. ***PLEASE NOTE*** these shows contain adult content. 17+ please! thewoolygainesville.com

ZOOKEEPER DAY

DANCES OF UNIVERSAL PEACE

Saturday, July 21 from 9am – 3pm Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo

Saturday, July 21 from 7 – 9:30pm The Thomas Center, 302 NE 6th Ave

GAINESVILLE - Have you ever wondered what it’s really like to be a zookeeper? Zookeepers are chefs, care takers, builders, scientists, researchers, conservationists, engineers and architects. Celebrate National Zookeeper Week by seeing these incredible zookeepers and the amazing work they do every day. Gainesville is home to the only teaching zoo on a college campus accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums in the nation, training future zookeepers in the highest standards of animal care. Bring the whole family, learn from the experts and see if you have what it takes to be a zookeeper! www.sfcollege.edu

GAINESVILLE - “Multi-Cultural Immersion in Joy!” Men & Women of all faiths are welcome to participate in The Dances, an exuberant, joyful way to connect with spiritual teachings. No experience or partner necessary. Everyone joins in the singing & dancing accompanied by live music.

Words & easy steps are taught in the moment

by DiAnahita, a leader certified by Dances of Universal Peace International. Singing mantras in various languages, with a universal spirit to dances inspired by Hawaiian, Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, Native American, Goddess, & Sufi sacred phrases, creating group harmony & raising joy! www.dancesofuniversalpeace.org

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SCANDALOUS: STORIES ABOUT SEDUCTION, SEXINESS & SKETCHY STUFF Saturday, August 25, 2018, 9 – 11pm The Wooly, 20 N. Main St.

GAINESVILLE - Ye ask and ye shall receive! Due to popular demand, a show for all of your stories that are a little bit, well… scandalous! The strange and the sexy and the “a little bit much” have a place here. To make matters more magical, the Mischievous Madams will perform a “half time show”! **PLEASE NOTE:** This show is meant for adult audiences ONLY. thewoolygainesville.com

EVENING WITH JACK E. DAVIS Thursday, August 30 from 6 – 7:30pm Newberry Branch Library, 110 S Seaboard Dr.

Paw Patrol Live!

The Great Pirate Adventure July 24 & July 25 Stephen C. O’Connell Center GAINESVILLE - X barks the spot in the new tour, PAW Patrol Live! “The Great Pirate Adventure!”

It’s Pirate Day in Adventure Bay, and Mayor Goodway is getting ready for a big celebration! But first, Ryder and his team of pirate pups must rescue Cap’n Turbot from a mysterious cavern.

When they do, they also discover a secret pirate treasure map! The PAW Patrol set out over land and sea to find the treasure for Mayor Goodway’s celebration before Mayor Humdinger finds it first! pawpatrollive.com

TIOGA CONCERT: ONE FLITE UP

UF SUMMER SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA CONCERT

Friday, July 27 at 7pm Tioga Town Center, 105 SW 128th St

Tuesday, August 7 at 7:30pm University Auditorium, 333 Newell Dr.

NEWBERRY - One Flite Up originated in 1998, formed by guitarists Glenn O’Connor and Kenny Thomas. The band has been playing around Central Florida ever since, providing live music for all occasions. tiogatowncenter.com

GAINESVILLE - The University of Florida School of Music presents the UF Summer Symphony Orchestra Concert as part of Creative B, funded by the Office of the Provost. The concert is free and open to the public. arts.ufl.edu

WWE LIVE: SUMMERSLAM HEATWAVE TOUR

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CORNHUSK FLOWERS

Monday, August 6 at 7:30pm Stephen C. O’Connell Center

Wednesday, August 8 from 9:30 – 11:30am Dudley Farm Historic State Park, 18730 W Newberry Rd.

GAINESVILLE - See your favorite superstars when WWE returns to Gainesville for the first time in over 12 years!! Thrill to the excitement of WWE superstars including*: AJ Styles, Shinsuke Nakamura, Jeff Hardy, The Miz, Daniel Bryan, Charlotte Flair, The New Day, The Bar, Asuka, Becky Lynch and Rusev Day! (*card is subject to change). oconnellcenter.ufl.edu

GAINESVILLE - Bring some of the delicate beauty of summer blossoms to your fall decorating by making flowers from the husks of dried corn. Cornhusk lends itself to many variations when it comes to making flowers. Make a sunflower, poppy, marigold or rose from cornhusk. You need very simple material other than cornhusk to make flowers, most of which is present in every household. This is a child-friendly workshop. www.friendsofdudleyfarm.org

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NEWBERRY - Meet the 2018 Pulitzer Prize winner in History for a book talk about his nonfiction epic “The Gulf: The Making of an American Sea.” UF Professor and environmental historian Jack E. Davis will highlight America’s cultural and environmental relationships with the Gulf of Mexico, answer questions and sign books.

Books will be available for purchase. Free and open to the public. 352-472-1135 www.aclib.us

GVILLE GARDEN CLUB: AGED TO PERFECTION Thursday, September 6 from 5pm - 7pm 1350 NW 75th Street

GAINESVILLE - Discover the joy of gardening and friendship at the 2nd Annual Wine, Hors d’oeuvres, Sweets and Music event: Aged to Perfection. Take part in a silent auction of re-purposed, vintage, and home & garden floral items. There is no charge to attend, but donations are kindly accepted as the proceeds benefit the Gold Star Families Memorial Marker. The Gainesville Garden Club is also celebrating their 94th year serving the Gainesville area! RSVP: GGCFL@gmail.com or 352-331-0426.

TOMÁŠ KUBÍNEK Friday, September 7 at 7:30pm Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Rd

GAINESVILLE - Raucous, maniacally funny – Tomáš Kubínek is unhinged. It’s okay to say that. After all, the man calls himself a “certified lunatic.” That lunacy brings with it a brilliant mind, sharp wit, and astonishing athleticism that make Kubínek’s particular brand of comedy shine. Ages 10 to 100 will love his brand of comedy. From slapstick clowning to clever banter with audience members, from music to hand magic, Kubínek is able to split sides without doing it at other people’s expense… well except maybe his own. performingarts.ufl.edu

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RECURRING EVENTS

CHAYAYOGA HATHA SERIES Tuesdays, July 10th-August 14th

CONTRA DANCE

St Leo’s University, 4650 NW 39th Pl. Suite B.

First Sundays & Third Saturdays

GAINESVILLE - Yoga postures, breathing, guided relaxation, with guidance that is specific for balance and the integration of body, mind and energy through synchronized breathing and postures, integrating body, mind and energy, exploring the flow of energy and tension release, moving without pain, gentle to moderate, with Ayurvedic applications, adaptive in nature, developing strength, alignment and flexibility.

Appropriate for all levels including beginners.

Bring a yoga mat, yoga strap, and blanket.

Advance registration at ChayaVeda.com or call 352-358-5005.

Thelma A. Boltin Center, 516 NE 2nd Ave

GAINESVILLE - Contra dancing is energetic, social dancing that’s fun for everyone (all ages are welcome) and no partner is necessary. The music is live. Dances are taught, walked through, and called. No experience or special dress is required. Wear casual attire and comfortable shoes. godsdance.org

GAINESVILLE MUSIC ASSOCIATION PUBLIC SYMPOSIUM & WORKSHOP First Mondays from 6:30 – 7:30pm Aurora Downtown, 109 SE 4th Ave

HEALTH AGING SERIES 2018

GAINESVILLE - Join your music community for a workshop on a carefully developed aspect of different areas of the music business. These events begin with a presentation and workshop on a thoughtfully researched topic that our organization thinks will genuinely help our music community. gainesvillemusicassociation.com

Second Tuesdays from 3:30 - 4:30pm

TIOGA MONDAY FARMERS MARKET

THIRD THURSDAY ON MAIN

FUN WITH FLOWERS

GAINESVILLE - At this market you will find a variety of produce (Fruits & Vegetables) from several local organic, hydroponic and conventional farms. Fruits and vegetables offered are seasonal and change throughout the year. Also available are artisan food vendors; jams & jellies, baked goods, confections and more. facebook. com/TiogaMondayMarket

Gainesville Garden Club, 1350 NW 75th St

GAINESVILLE - Hands-on floral design program includes lecture, demonstration and materials.

Coffee social at 9:30 am. RSVP requested rsvp. ggcfl@gmail.com or www.ggcfl.org

Downtown Main Street

ALACHUA - This is the perfect event to get your “pre-weekend” on! Alachua’s Downtown area comes alive with the sound of music, unique dining, shopping, craft vendors, and so much more! This event is sponsored by the City of Alachua Community Redevelopment Agency. cityofalachua.com

HIGH SPRINGS FARMERS MARKET Thursdays from 12 noon – 4pm First Saturday each month from 9am – 1pm 115 NE Railroad Avenue

GOOD MORNING GAINESVILLE

ENGLISH COUNTRY DANCE

4650 NW 39th Place

Mondays 6:45 – 9:30pm

GAINESVILLE - Join Jennifer Webb at St. Leo University on the first Wednesday of each month for a free, compassionate networking event. You’ll introduce your company, make great connections, and engage in a lively discussion on a topic that is designed to improve the community. For more information email Jennifer@magiccomm.com

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GAINESVILLE - Bring a bag and pick up some locally-grown and produced vegetables, meat and dairy to take home for your kitchen. Browse local vendors offering a variety of hand-crafted items from jewelry to kombucha. There’s also food trucks and live entertainment — all in a family-friendly atmosphere. Enjoy downtown and support local producers, musicians and artisans while sharing some quality time with your neighbors. unionstreetfarmersmkt.com

Third Thursdays from 5 – 9pm

Third Tuesdays from 9:30am - noon

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Bo Diddley Plaza

GAINESVILLE - Weekly presentations by respected doctors and healthcare professionals on a variety of topics like Cardiology, Vision, Alzheimer’s and more. Offered by North Florida Regional Medical Center. Details at www.thevillageonline.com/events/

First Wednesdays from 7:30am - 9am

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Wednesdays from 4pm – 7pm

Ballroom)

Tioga Town Center (under the trees)

GAINESVILLE - This is the kind of dancing which began in the 16th century and is still being written and danced today around the world. All dances are taught, walked through and called. No partner, experience, or special dress required. If you are new please come to the beginner lesson each evening at 6:45. Dance to jigs, reels, and beautiful waltz music by Hoggetowne Fancy.

Everyone is welcome. This is easier than ballroom because there are no partner holds and the caller does the leading. Visit our Facebook page to see videos. bit.ly/EnglishCountry

UNION STREET FARMERS MARKET

The Village at Gainesville (Tower Club

Mondays from 4pm – 7pm

1624 NW 5th Avenue

Storytime at the Zoo starting at 10am. Typically this lasts 30-45 minutes and is a great way to start your visit! Storytime is free. Zoo admission information is available online. sfcollege.edu/zoo

STORYTIME AT THE ZOO! Second Wednesdays (until Sept.)

Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo

GAINESVILLE - Join the Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo and the Alachua County Library every 2nd Wednesday of the month for

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

PRIMETIME EDUCATION SERIES Thursdays from 2:30 - 4pm Senior Recreation Center, 5701 NW 34th Blvd.

GAINESVILLE - PrimeTime Institute (PTI) provides a wide variety of educational programs and social activities for people age 50+ that foster wellness, encourage personal and intellectual growth, and that provide an environment for developing new interests, making new friends, and becoming involved as volunteers. Schedule at www.primetimeinstitute.org

POFAHL STUDIOS, RESIDENT SCHOOL FOR DANCE ALIVE NATIONAL BALLET —

P R E S E N T S

—

A Summer of Dance!

352-371-2986 pofahldancestudios.com

BALLET INTENSIVE: JUNE 4-7 Taught by DANB Artistic Staff

SUMMER WORKSHOP: JUNE 11 - JULY 21 Age 3 - 83! All levels. Pofahl and DANB staff

SUMMER INTENSIVE: JULY 23-AUGUST 4

PHOTOGRAPHY AP PH BY: ANI COLL LLIER LL IER

FEATURING GUEST FACULTY INSTRUCTORS: BRIAN CHUNG: LINES BALLET, Complexions contemporary Ballet, Joffrey Ballet ANTON KANDAUROV: Kiev State College, Principal Connecticut Ballet OKSANA MASLOVA: Kiev State College, Principal Connecticut Ballet OMONIYI OBIOHA: Dallas Black Dance Theatre, Vibrations Dance Company KIMMY KECK: ProDanza Italiana, Atlanta Dance Theatre JULIA PONOMAREVA: DANB Principal, Nureyev Academy, Croation National Ballet

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ARTWALK GAINESVILLE Last Fridays from 7pm - 10pm Downtown

GAINESVILLE - Artwalk Gainesville is a free self-guided tour that combines exciting visual art, live performance, and events in downtown Gainesville with many local galleries, eateries and businesses participating. Artwalk is an exciting, fun way to experience the amazing wealth of creativity the Gainesville community has to offer. Free and open to the public. artwalkgainesville.com

ALACHUA COUNTY FARMERS MARKET Saturdays from 8:30am – 12pm 5920 NW 13th Street

Kanapaha Paint Out September 7 - 9

Kanapaha Botanical Gardens

GAINESVILLE - Local landscape artists will create live paintings at Kanapaha Botanical Gardens.

The 3 day event is part of the Worldwide Artist Paint Out, linking artists and locations all over the world and promoting art as a universal language that has no borders. The lush settings and vistas of Kanapaha Gardens will offer the artists an abundance of inspiration. Witness the creative process as you stroll through the gardens from artist to artist. kanapaha.org

MAKE MUSIC IN THE PARK Thursdays in June from 5 - 7pm Depot Park, 200 SE Depot Ave

GAINESVILLE - A live music pop-up where musicians play non-amplified music in various locations throughout Depot Park leading up to Gainesville’s Make Music Day on June 21st (save the date). If interested in playing music for this event please email depotpark@cityofgainesville.org.

Karaoke in the Depot Building Boxcar Wine & Beer Garden starts at 7pm. depotpark.org

FREE MOVIE SERIES FRIDAYS Fridays in July (times vary) Florida Museum, 3215 Hull Rd.

GAINESVILLE - Friday nights July 6 to 27, the Florida Museum and Creative B will host free movie screenings and explore the balance between science and art. In honor of the museum’s latest exhibit “Masters of the Night: The True Story of Bats,” this year’s films will incorporate a bats theme and include a discussion with an expert panel. The panel discussion starts at 7 p.m., followed by the movie. The museum’s

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permanent exhibits will be open to the public for extended hours until 10 p.m. Parental discretion is advised. www.floridamuseum.ufl.edu 352-273-2061

GAINESVILLE - Don’t forget to bring shopping bags, your grocery list, and plenty of small bills.

The market prides itself on being a grower’s only market – meaning the vendors selling produce, plants, and other products must have grown the items themselves. The event space is located in an open air pavilion with additional outdoor booths protected by shade cloth. 441market.com

HAILE FARMERS MARKET Saturdays from 8:30am – 12pm Haile Plantation Village

GAINESVILLE - Take a stroll down the tree-lined streets of the Haile Village Center to browse for groceries, prepared food, and handmade gifts, then continue on for more shopping or brunching at the Village Center’s locally-owned shops and restaurants. hailefarmersmarket.com

JAZZ ON THE GREEN FREE FRIDAYS CONCERT SERIES

Second Saturdays from 6 - 8pm Celebration Pointe

Fridays from 8 – 10pm Bo Didley Plaza, 100 SW 2nd Ave

GAINESVILLE - Celebrating wonderful music at Celebration Pointe! Join your neighbors for live jazz, lawn games & more! Spread a blanket under the setting sun and catch hazy ballads and intense bebop while the kids play games on the lawn. Free and open to all. celebrationpointe.com

GAINESVILLE - From May 4 to October 19, 2018, Downtown Gainesville comes alive every Friday night as local and regional bands and performing arts are showcased under the stars. Each year thousands come out to enjoy the FREE live concerts and shows in a family-friendly environment. gnvculturalseries.org

HIGH SPRINGS FIRST FRIDAY NIGHT First Fridays from 5pm - 8pm Downtown

HIGH SPRINGS - Join the fun in lovely downtown High Springs. Local merchants will offer special sales, a raffle and more. Family fun for all ages. facebook.com/HighSpringsDowntownMerchants

SEND CALENDAR SUBMISSIONS TO: 4 4 00 N W 3 6 T H A V E ., G A I N E S V I L L E , F L 32 606 or E V E N T S @ T O W E R P U B L I C A T I O N S . C O M Submissions will be published based on space available in the magazine. Recurring monthly/bi-monthly events must be free & open to the public. Paid events must be open to the public. Unique events that occur regularly such as classes, seminars and networking events will be published at our discretion. Religious organizations may post events only if the event promotes the arts, or is a fundraiser where 100% of the proceeds go to another, non-religious, non-profit organization. Events that are political in nature may not be approved.

PAINTING: TINA CORBETT

Fine, Farkash & Parlapiano presents THE THIRD ANNU AL BENE FIT EVEN T FOR THE

ALAC HUA COUN TY HUM ANE SOCI ETY AND THEI R COMM UNIT Y PART NERS

November 8, 2018

Save the Date!

Friday, November 8th, 2018 | 6 PM – 10 PM The Barn at Rembert Farms in Alachua, Florida T H AN K YOU TO OUR EARLY SPONSORS!

For sponsorship information and further details, visit our website or call Margot DeConna at 352-415-2460.

woofstock2018.com

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BAND B BA ND REVIEW

BRIAN “KRASH” KRUGER’S

Gate Crashing ON DECK FOR REVIEW: TUCK TUCKER

BRIAN KRUGER IS A WRITER, MUSICIAN AND A GRADUATE OF THE UF COLLEGE OF LAW. HE HAS PLAYED IN SOME 17 OR SO LOCAL BANDS, PLAYING MOST EVERY GAINESVILLE VENUE FRIENDLY TO ORIGINAL MUSIC (AND SOME NOT SO FRIENDLY). bkrashpad@yahoo.com

DATE: FRIDAY, MAY 19, 2018 VENUE: LIGHTNIN’ SALVAGE

G

reetings, live music aficionados! This installment finds us at Lightnin’ Salvage, located at 1800 Northeast 23rd Avenue. Lightnin’ Salvage is part of the Satchel’s Pizza complex, frequently shortened to simply “Satchel’s.”

Even if you’ve never been to the place, if you are a Gainesville local, you probably know something about Satchel’s. Their bumper stickers, saying everything from “Sorry I’m Late—I Was @ Satchel’s” to “Atchel’s-say Izza-pay,” can be seen on many a local motor vehicles, and if a 2010 video still up on YouTube is accurate, these amateur automotive advertisers are rewarded with coupons for free pizza or calzones by Satchel himself, on patrol in local parking lots.

At any rate, the complex consists of two different rooms served by the same kitchen. Each has its own separate entrance, Satchel’s in the front of the building, and Lightnin’ Salvage in the back. There is also outdoor seating, such as in an old van, or out back under a large open structure.

Satchel’s is a somewhat more traditional restaurant, (van seating notwithstanding), while Lightnin’ Salvage consists of a gift shop, where you can get those bumper stickers, t-shirts, or all kinds of kitschy things, a bar and seating area and a small corner stage.

The Lightnin’ Salvage windows overlook the back outdoor seating area and parking lot, the latter of which features a large (2-story) sculpture/fountain in primitive art style, along with the shell of an actual two-engine airplane raised on a pillar so that it looks like it’s about to make an emergency landing.

So, yes, the place is commonly described as “quirky” (a Jacksonville newspaper once debated whether it should be described as “artsy trash” or “trashy art”). It is also one of those rare “cash-only” establishments, although for the newbie or otherwise

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unprepared individual, an ATM machine is available onsite.

Founded by the restauranteur/artist Satchel Raye in 2003, the complex may also be Hogtown’s unluckiest when it comes to fire and casualty; an after-hours kitchen fire in 2012 knocked the restaurant out for a few months, only to be followed by a 2016 fire in the Lightnin’ Salvage shop.

At any rate, because I live in the far southwest part of town and Satchel’s is in the northeast, a couple blocks from Tacachale on Waldo Road, this was only my second visit to the complex.

My dining companion had a slice of pizza (theirs is the thin crispy New York style) and a large salad, both of which were

Tuck Tucker

reported as excellent. I had a couple Cypress and Grove draft porters, which were also great, if you like that sort of thing. We shared a couple of desserts, some chocolate covered peanut butter bonbons and a slice of cheesecake.

Meanwhile, we were entertained by James “Tuck” Tucker playing acoustic guitar, dobro, and singing. His acoustic guitar appeared to be a Martin from its headstock shape, but the logo was faded and difficult to see, as he sang a song about being “too old to ride the rails.”

— Bringing Exceptional Artists to Downtown High Springs — If you know much about folk, country blues, and Americana, then you know to expect trains to figure prominently in the lyrical content, and in that regard (as well as every other) Mr. Tucker’s sets did not disappoint.

In addition to the acoustic-electric Spanish style guitar, Tucker also played a square-neck Dobro played lap-steel style, with a steel slide and right-hand fingerpicks.

For the uninitiated, a Dobro is a resonator guitar originally developed to allow for more volume, in pre-amplification days.

Some have round-backed necks, which can be played with a “bottleneck” tube slide (placed over a left-hand finger), in the same standing or seated posture as the more typical acoustic or electric guitar, while the square-back necks like Tuck’s are played with a steel slide, and laid flat in the lap, or hung from the shoulder at the same horizontal angle, if standing.

In Mr. Tucker’s case, like his electric-acoustic guitar, his Dobro was plugged directly into the Lightnin’ Salvage PA (after some pretty subtle sonic treatment from a number of effects pedals or “stomp boxes” arrayed at his feet).

Mr. Tucker got his start in the ‘70s with the nationally touring Harmony Grits Band, followed by 5 years in Red & Murphy & Co. Tucker then settled down in Florida (he currently lives in Micanopy) to raise a family, but still played whenever he could, including appearances or on recordings with Dale Crider, the Marshall Tucker Band, and even Bo Diddley.

His expertise shown both on his flatpicking on the acoustic (in this style, individual notes and melodies are picked out with a plectrum, rather than simple strumming in folksong style), and fingerpicking on the resonator guitar.

His songs included flawless renditions of classics like “Rockin’ Chair,” “Shady Grove,” and “Jesus On the Main Line, the latter of which I will admit to singing along with, if only to annoy the overly talkative table next to ours.

Mr. Tucker also very graciously spoke with a fellow guitarist audience member for virtually his entire break between sets.

(No, not me.)

Now go see some bands.

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12-1 PM

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3-4 PM

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4-5 PM

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A CLOSER LOOK PHOTO ESSAY >> THE ELEGANCE OF SCIENCE

The Elegance of Science ABOUT THE SERIES EVERY YEAR THE MARSTON SCIENCE LIBRARY AND FLORIDA MUSEUM ORGANIZE THIS COMPETITION FOR UF STUDENTS, STAFF AND FACULTY WHO CREATE TWO-DIMENSIONAL IMAGES AS PART OF THEIR RESEARCH, OR THAT FEATURE SCIENTIFIC TOOLS OR CONCEPTS. THE CONTEST EMPHASIZES THE CONNECTION BETWEEN ARTISTIC AND SCIENTIFIC PERCEPTIONS OF REALITY. HERE ARE SOME OF THE WINNERS, HONORABLE MENTIONS, AND OTHER NOTABLE ENTRIES FOR THIS YEAR’S CONTEST.

Bubblegum Heart by Deanna Bousalis

(Winner)

This is a section of embryonic mouse heart tissue stained with antibodies specific to cell nuclei and the proteins laminin and actinin. The antibodies are joined to fluorophores that light up a certain color when a specific wavelength of light is shined on them. This technique allows us to identify the abundance and pattern of certain proteins of interest in our tissue, and also creates beautiful images with bubble gum and cotton candy colors!

The Developing Heart by Deanna Bousalis (Winner) This is an image of an embryonic mouse heart tissue section using scanning electron microscopy.

The microscope shoots a beam of electrons at a sample that has been coated with a very thin layer of gold (or other metal), and as the electrons bounce off the gold, the device collects this information to create a representative image of the surface topography of the sample. The resulting image is a beautiful, high definition glimpse into the arrangement of cells in the tissue section. Here you can see red blood cells (the donut-shaped circles) and developing muscle cells (the oblong shapes in the top middle).

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PHOTO ESSAY >> THE ELEGANCE OF SCIENCE

Opposites Attract by Jonathan Bremer

(Winner)

These tiny insects were caught in the act during a UF study. Members of a little-known subfamily of wasps (Bethylidae: Pristocerinae), the sexual dimorphism they display is striking. The black male, with his long antennae, large eyes, and functional wings, spends most of his life searching for females and taking an occasional drink of nectar from a ower. The smaller, orange female on the other hand, spends almost her entire life underground, laying eggs on the larvae of subterranean beetles, having no need for wings or eyes.

Family by Oliver Keller

(Winner)

Many species in the bess beetle family Passalidae exhibit subsocial behaviors in which they excavate tunnels in rotten wood to raise their larvae. Research has shown that they not only display investigative, aggressive, submissive, and neutral behavior, but also can produce sounds to relay different behavioral contexts. Some species have up to 14 different signals associated with different behaviors, which is most for any known arthropod. The larvae can also convey to their parents that they need to be fed. Pictured here, a large Proculus mniszechi female (about 2.5 inches) with one of her large offspring were giving off distress signals which could clearly be heard and likely conveyed their discomfort of being photographed.

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Moth-erhood by Scott Cinel

(Winner)

This photo was taken in August 2016 at the Wild Sumaco Research Station in the mountains of Ecuador while on a specimen collecting trip and workshop hosted by the Kawahara Lab at the Florida Museum of Natural History. This moth had been attracted the night before by our ultra-violet lamps and decided to stay for a bit while laying her eggs. This may be just one of several clutches she lays throughout her lifespan, though this can vary by species and according to environmental pressures. For instance, the photographer, a student in the Kawahara Lab, is studying how the perception of bat predators by ultrasound-sensitive moths can lead to dramatic responses, affecting behavior and even reproductive ďŹ tness.

Crystals by Jessica Tami This is an image showing the brilliant iant blue color of an iron-cobalt cubic complex. Metals can exist in many different forms. Onee of the ďŹ rst pictures that comes to mind iss a car, or huge pipes. The reason we see a color in metal is because the iron n and cobalt exist in their ionic forms and interact with each other through their electrons.

In order to make perfect, uniform crystals, scientists need to ensure that their samples are pure, and that they are undisturbed during the crystallization process.

From this image, one can see the beautiful side of science: gorgeous colors and satisfying, symmetrical shapes.

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PHOTO ESSAY >> THE ELEGANCE OF SCIENCE

A Study in Bilingualism

by Leah Palmer (Honorable Mention) The UF Brain and Language Lab is working on a project to determine if the presence of a monolingual speaker affects bilingual speakers’ comprehension of code-switched sentences (sentences using both English and Spanish words). To test this, the lab measures the brain waves of bilingual Spanish speakers as they view codeswitched sentences in the presence of a monolingual student and a Spanish-speaking student. This painting shows a Cuban-American girl wearing a cap that measures ERPs (the brain’s response to a stimulus, e.g., a code-switched sentence). The circles surrounding her head contain a few of the ERPs in waveform. Through the windows around her, we see roses and mariposa flowers, the national flowers of America and Cuba, respectively. This artwork is painted in the Art Noveau style — a style famous for taking everyday objects and turning them into art. This experiment is a unique exploration of different identities.

Euglossa dilemma

by Jonathan Bremer (Honorable Mention) The green orchid bee, Euglossa dilemma, is a native of the New World tropics but was recently introduced to Florida. Male bees use their enlarged hind tibiae to store fragrant substances that are used to attract females. In the bees’ native range, the main source of these fragrant compounds is the orchids that are pollinated in return. This male orchid bee was captured near Key Largo during a survey for Schaus’ Swallowtail (Heraclides aristodemus ponceanus).

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Form, Function, and Power by Christina A. Pacak

(Honorable Mention)

Mitochondria (blue) are the epitome of form and function. The inner membrane structures are organized into parallel tracks and tight curves designed to efďŹ ciently share resources needed for energy generation. The connection formed between the outer membranes of neighboring mitochondria provides opportunities for communication between these dynamic organelles that enable them to respond to their continually changing surroundings. In demanding environments such as a beating heart, mitochondria provide energy to their surrounding sarcomeric structures (orange) and enable these cells to contract. This pseudo colored electron micrograph depicts these incredible organelles aligned along the sarcomeric bands of muscle in a healthy heart.

Organized in this way, mitochondria are well positioned to provide energy necessary to enable the constant, rhythmic contractions of sarcomeric structures and power the beating heart.

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Hidden beauty of the oligodendrocyte

by Pedro E Cruz

PHOTO ESSAY >> THE ELEGANCE OF SCIENCE

Myelin sheaths envelope axons and are crucial to the normal function of neurons. Myelin allows the high conduction of neurons up to 200 meters per second. Over time, patients with Alzheimer’s Disease go on to develop severe atrophy of their white-matter tracts, which are the most highly myelinated regions of the brain. Multiple sclerosis is characterized by loss of the myelin sheaths from both the brain and the spinal cord. Oligodendrocytes produce the myelin within the Central Nervous System (CNS) and the ability to experimentally alter these cells would be of great utility within the field. Recombinant Adenoassociated virus (rAAV) vectors are powerful tools that enable gene transfer in the central nervous system.

Gene expression was restricted to oligodendrocytes by implementing the myelin basic protein (MBP) promoter in a rAAV vector.

Moon Jellies by Angela Skrivanek This is a picture of Moon Jellyfish, members of the Cnidarian phylum, taken during a Biology of Fishes class field trip.

They can be seen gracefully gliding around their tank at the Florida Aquarium in Tampa. The purpose of the trip was to study the behavior of a species of fish using a variety of sample methods and to collect data, which was then used in a paper. Although they did not study the Moon Jellyfish, a student reported that it was fascinating to watch them flex their ethereal bodies in perpetual motion.

Myrmecophily by Geena M. Hill

(Honorable Mention)

Myrmecophily is a particular type of symbiosis that occurs when ants are involved in symbiotic or mutualistic relationships. A specific myrmecophilous relationship is the interaction between lycaenid butterflies and ants, where ants feed on sugary secretions from butterfly caterpillars and in return may provide a protective or physiological benefit to the butterfly. In this photo, carpenter ants are “tending” Miami blue caterpillars in the lab. The ants will drum their antennae and forelegs on the caterpillar to get a sugar-rich juice that the larva secretes through its dorsal nectary organ, which is a small gland near the end of its body. The sugary secretions that the Miami blue caterpillars release are full of carbohydrates and may contribute to the nutrition of tending ants. While the caterpillars are camouflaged to their host plant, the ants can find them and get their food reward through chemical communication.

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COMMUNITY >> OUR TOWNIES

MY PEEPS

EVERYBODY’S GOT A STORY TO TELL

Our Townies STORY A N D PHOTOGR A PH Y BY STEPH STR ICK L A N D

What are you most looking forward to?

For students and professionals alike, Gainesville has become a haven for growth toward their desired futures.

Annie Huhges enjoys the small-town feel of Gainesville and she claims the area marks a sharp difference from her previous home in Pittsburg.

As a 16-year-old, Annie is still learning more about what she wants to do in the future; however, she has begun to narrow her interests.

“As of right now my dream job would be a pilot, but I also really like medical fields and business,” she said.

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looking forward to one day starting a family of her own because she is inspired by the family she has around her.

“I really love my mom, so to be anything like her would be really cool,” she said.

Aly Chance, a friend of Annie’s, agreed that she is looking forward to having a stable professional and personal life in the future.

Aly, unlike Annie, has lived in Gainesville her whole life, and enjoys being able to share this unique space with her family and truly get to know members of her community.

Aly dreams of one day working in photography and having her own gallery of photos to share with the world.

Ultimately, Aly’s dream job would entail “doing what I love,” she said.

Aly and Annie found themselves enjoying the Florida sun in downtown Gainesville, as they began their summer break from Buchholz High School.

Ariane Pereira de Sousa moved thousands of miles and an entire continent away from her home in Brazil in order to pursue higher education in Gainesville.

The 28-year-old is currently pursuing a doctorate in animal sciences from the University of Florida.

Her journey to Florida began when a professor at the University of Florida was looking for a student interested and capable of researching muscle physiology in animals. Ariane knew she would be a perfect fit for the program due to her experience with beef cows.

Upon applying for her doctorate program and moving to Gainesville, Ariane found she also fit well with the quaint feel of the city.

“I like how Gainesville is a small city, but you always have cool stuff to do,” she said.

Ariane is most looking forward to graduating with her PhD and she hopes to obtain a post-doctoral position here in Gainesville, so she can remain at the heart of the Gator Nation.

Janaka Baptist is also looking to build a future in the Gainesville area.

The 24-year-old currently works in construction, but has been inspired to begin working toward creating his own innovative and ecofriendly business in the area.

Janaka’s business model is all about bees.

After witnessing firsthand how lucrative and environmentally friendly the bee-keeping industry can be, Janaka’s brother inspired him to get involved and make a difference for himself.

“We’ve had a decline in bee populations by an incredible amount…,” Janaka said. “Beekeepers and regulations on spraying their population has risen.” Janaka said.

The Gainesville native shared that the warm environment in Florida makes the area very conducive to this type of business because the bees can continue producing year-round.

Now, what are you most looking forward to?

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SPOTLIGHT

RESCUE ANIMAL ADOPTIONS

Furever Friends SEBASTIAN & EMILY & ADAM

FUREVER FRIENDS IS A RECURRING PROFILE THAT FEATURES A LOCAL RESCUE ANIMAL AND THEIR OWNER, WRITTEN FROM THE ADOPTED PET’S “POINT OF VIEW.” NOMINATE YOURSELF OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW FOR OUR NEXT RESCUED PET PROFILE! CONTACT: EDITOR@TOWERPUBLICATIONS.COM.

Hi there! My name is Sebastian.

I was born on December 21, 2016 and had two different owners before I ended up at Puppy Hill Farm.

My previous owners were very nice, but due to various reasons they couldn’t keep me. In October of last year, some other dogs and I went on a field trip to PetSmart. After waiting for what felt like an eternity for someone to play with me, I met Emily. As soon as my field trip chaperones opened my cage, I climbed into her arms, held on tight and begged her to take me home with her. Maybe it was my snuggly scruffiness or my warm hug, but she adopted me right there and I was headed to my third, and hopefully last, forever home.

When I got home with Emily and her fiancé, Adam, I met Cricket — a terrier mix who would instantly become my best friend.

When we play together, my mom says that I’m very vocal and sound like Chewbacca because I make “Wookiee” noises. Whatever that means...

Adam and Emily also have another dog named Lily. She’s a basset hound, but she keeps to herself and thinks Cricket and I are too hyper, which is sad because together we could be like the Three Musketeers!

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My favorite thing is food, and I mean all food – even vegetables. Sometimes I even eat things that apparently aren’t edible.

My mom said I’m like a toddler with Pica.

I’m not destructive, but I’m not allowed to have plushy toys because I would shred them just like I shred the paper towels. I also like to go for rides with my dad. Sometimes we go to Lowes or to Swamp Head Brewery where he’s a graphic designer. Going to his work is my favorite because I love meeting new people and unfortunately, I can’t go to work with my mom. She works in biopharmaceuticals and is a biologist with Brammer Bio in Alachua.

I also like going to my grandma’s house. She has three dogs too, but I think she gets extra excited when she sees me. Don’t tell Cricket or Lily, but I’m pretty sure I’m her favorite grandpup.

Overall, I’m the kind of dog that’s happy doing anything or going anywhere – as long as it doesn’t involve balloons. Balloons and I have never gotten along; I can’t even be in the same room as those floating balls of evil.

As far as sleeping arrangements go, I sleep on the floor with Lily because apparently I’m “too big” to fit on the bed; but sometimes when my dad gets up in the middle of the night, I sneak up there. Shhh!

I hope that one day the friends I made at Puppy Hill Farm are as lucky as me and can find someone who loves them with all of their heart, too.

After all, everyone deserves to have a furever friend!

To find your own Furever Friend, visit: puppyhillfarm.com.

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Are you prepared for your next road trip?

RV and Boat insurance is important. Having a team to help you when you need it most – that’s being prepared.

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