Our Town - Sept/Oct 2022 (Newberry & Jonesville)

TAILGATING TIPS • MATHLETES • SPURRIER’S RESTAURANT • SPIRIT TEAMS • BAT FEST

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2022 | VOL. 20 ISSUE 05 | NEWBERRY & JONESVILLE EDITION

TEAM

Spirit

Enjoy stories about school pride, UF Homecoming, and what it takes to make a team great. Learn about the importance of collaboration both on and off the field, leadership and social support.

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OUR TOWN MAGAZINE

SEPT/OCT 2022

HIGH SPRINGS & A L AC H UA VO L . 20 N O. 0 5

ON THE COVER >> IN THIS ISSUE WE

INVITE YOU TO JOIN THE TEAM! ENJOY STORIES ABOUT SCHOOL SPIRIT, UF HOMECOMING HISTORY, AND WHAT IT TAKES TO MAKE A TEAM GREAT. LEARN ABOUT THE IMPORTANCE OF COLLABORATION BOTH ON AND OFF THE THE FIELD, LEADERSHIP, AND SOCIAL SUPPORT. BE SURE TO CHECK OUT THE FALL FESTIVITES HAPPENING IN OUR COMMUNITY TOO. GO GATORS!

19 UF HOMECOMING HISTORY

A look at one of the longest running traditions at UF—the celebration of Homecoming! Attending these festivities isn’t only for the students. It’s a tradition beloved by people throughout Alachua County.

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OKTOBERFEST IN HELEN, GEORGIA

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SEPT/OCT 2022

OUR TOWN MAGAZINE

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SEPT/OCT

2 02 2

CONTENTS 36 // VANGUARDS ON THE FIELD OF PLAY

A photo essay honoring the women who persevered in sports in Alachua County high schools despite major inequities with men’s sports prior to Title IX.

44 // SPURRIER’S GRIDIRON GRILLE

A look at the restaurant and rooftop bar that doubles as a museum dedicated to the life of Steve Spurrier and football.

62 // TAILGATING TIPS

With football season upon us, get some tips for pregaming like a champ!

66 // BAT FEST

The Lubee Bat Conservancy celebrates bat conservation awareness with their 18th annual Florida Bat Festival. This family friendly event promises to be bat-tastic!

74 // SOCIAL SUPPORT

Learn how the support of those around you as well as being “cheered on” can lead to a better ability to cope with and manage stress, enhance self-esteem, and even help to lower blood pressue.

82 // UF ICE HOCKEY

Did you know there is a Gator hockey team? Learn all about this ice cold collegiate sport being played right here in the swamp.

92 // MATHLETES

Recently reported on by the Wall Street Journal, the Buchholz High School’s math team has solidified their place as an unstoppable force at both state and national championship levels.

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

124 // GATOR SPIRIT

A look at some of the iconic UF spirit teams, such as the Fightin’ Gator Marching Band, The Florida Dazzlers, and Albert and Alberta, who cheer on Gator athletes year after year.

COLUMNS

INFORMATION

REVIEWS

35 E MBRACING LIFE

55 R estaurant Guide

72 R EADING CORNER

by Donna Bonnell

64 N AKED SALSA

by Crystal Smith

52 F ARM TALES

by Mother Hen

78 B usiness Directory

by Terri Schlichenmeyer

86 C ommunity Calendar 96 C harity Winners

128 F UREVER FRIENDS Spotlight on Rescue Animals

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

All rights reserved. © 2022 Tower Publications, Inc.

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SEPT/OCT 2022

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PUBLISHER Charlie Delatorre PRODUCTION DIRECTORS Kaloni Dunlap, Brian Knepp EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Ericka Winterrowd editor@towerpublications.com

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CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Donna Bonnell, Dana Bryan, Cameron Cobb, Hanna De La Garza, Summer Jarro, Terri Schlichenmeyer, Crystal Smith, Joanna Grey Talbot, Hayli Zuccola CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Michael Eaddy ADVERTISING ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Jenni Bennett jenni@towerpublications.com Nancy Short nancy@towerpublications.com INTERN Hanna De La Garza

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.

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

EDITOR ’ S LET TER

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

The Natural

I

started playing softball at age eight. My big sister played before I did, and one summer night while having a catch outside we discovered I could pitch. I remember my sister’s amazement as she held her glove at specific points within the strike zone and I hit the target every time. I was a natural. Things in my little world changed quickly after that moment. Suddenly, I had an identity and a team to go along with it. I found my place on the mound. I was a pitcher.

And I loved it.

Growing up, I was more of a creative and shy soul; however, on the pitcher’s mound I learned what it felt like to hold all the cards. If I wanted to scruff my cleat on the rubber for a bit longer before I threw the next pitch, I could. The batter just had to wait. And when my dad taught me how to throw a changeup, boy was that a game changer. I built more than just a new persona on that mound; I built a confidence in myself that I still tap into today.

Although I’ve hung up my cleats years ago, the wisdom I’ve gained from my playing days remains with me still. I know what it feels like to have a team that’s counting on you. I also know what it feels like to count on my team. Who picks up the slack if you’re having an “off day?” Your teammates. Who cheers you on when you feel like you’re down on the count? Your teammates. And you’d do the exact same thing for them.

This is the beauty of team spirit—you give, you take, you compromise, you stand your ground, you communicate, you sacrifice, you cheer. It is, to me, a very spiritual experience to be a part of a team. And not just the ones that involve a sports field.

I’m about to embark on the greatest Team experience of my life: Marriage. Yes, by the time this editor note is read by most of you I will have just married the greatest teammate of all—my beloved, my partner, my friend. He has my back not only on game days, but every day. When it feels like I don’t have the strength to pitch another inning in the “Game of Life,” he’s there cheering me on—my biggest fan, my greatest supporter. And I reciprocate this partnership with him wholeheartedly; not because I must, but because loving him back just as deeply is the most natural thing I’ve ever done in my entire life. Like I was born to do it.

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SEPT/OCT 2022

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Event Venues Downtown Alachua

Meet some of the local event and wedding vendors MAGNOLIA LANE PHOTOGRAPHY STUDIOS ALACHUA WOMAN'S CLUB

ALACHUA FLOWERS & TUXEDO RENTALS

TEA TIME TRANQUILITY & TREASURES AT WILLOWS REST

KELLY'S KREATIONS GIFTS & FLOWERS

THE SWICK HOUSE 14 |

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CONTRIBUTOR S

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

SUMMER JARRO is a journalism graduate from 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

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

CAMERON COBB is a UF graduate with a master’s degree in Mass Communication. She’s also an Air Force veteran. Cameron loves traveling, writing and all animals (her favorite being her rescue dog, Maggie). cameronacobb5@gmail.com

CRYSTAL SMITH 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

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

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

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

HayzDesigns@yahoo.com

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

SEPT/OCT 2022

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SEPT/OCT 2022

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CELEBR ATION

A HISTORY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA HOMECOMING

Let the Gator Growl W R I T T E N B Y J O A N N A G R E Y TA L B O T | P H O T OG R A P H Y B Y C E C I L I A L E M U S

“Two Bits! Four Bits!

Six Bits! A Dollar! All for the Gators, stand up and holler!”

Although the roots of the Mr. Two Bits cheer are not found in homecoming festivities, it’s one of many examples of traditions that are beloved by University of Florida students and Gator Nation around the world today. One of the longest running traditions, though, is the celebration of homecoming.

The first UF homecoming was held in 1916 and was organized by the UF Alumni Association. Festivities began the night before the October 21st football game against the University of Alabama

with a bonfire on the field. Two hundred “old grads” came to celebrate. The next morning before the game they held a parade led by the University Band with the entire student body and the 200 “old grads” in 100 cars.

Whether the loss to Alabama was the reason or not, homecoming was held sporadically after 1916.

In 1923 the student organization Blue Key was founded and the next year they were given responsibility for homecoming.

The events and traditions of homecoming have been student led ever since. The homecoming pep rally became known as Gator Growl in 1932. The first themed homecoming parade with floats and marching bands was held in 1948 along 13th Street and East University Avenue.

Attending the homecoming festivities isn’t only for the students. It’s a tradition beloved by people throughout Alachua SEPT/OCT 2022

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GATOR GROWL >> UF HOMECOMING

(Right) The sponsors for the homecoming football game between the University of Florida and Clemson on November 6, 1926. (Photos courtesy of the State Library & Archives of Florida, Alachua County Library District, and the Matheson History Museum.)

County. The public schools are even given the day off for the parade!

Josephine Bryant Grey (P.K. Yonge ’64) remembers that “we got out early on Homecoming Friday to attend the parade. I loved the bands, especially Lincoln High School. One of my favorite Gator Growl traditions was watching the Billy Mitchell Drill Team pile out of a Cadillac onto the field to do their routine.”

The Billy Mitchell Drill Team was founded in 1951 and is a part of the ROTC program. According to the UF website, the team

is “dedicated to drill, ceremony and color guard excellence.”

Cecil Talbot, Jr. (Gainesville High School ’67) also remembers that homecoming Friday was a holiday. “We didn’t need snow days LOL. One year I drove an antique fire truck for one of the fraternities. It kept overheating, but we finished the parade.”

Stefanie Samara Hamblen, long-time Gainesville resident and editor of the former Hogtown HomeGrown newsletter said, “We used to take our kids and sit near 6th Street for easy parking.

I taught them to stand as the flag passed and we were up and

“We got out early on Homecoming Friday to attend the parade. I loved the bands, especially Lincoln High School. One of my favorite Gator Growl traditions was watching the Billy Mitchell Drill Team pile out of a Cadillac onto the field to do their routine.”

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GATOR GROWL >> UF HOMECOMING

The first themed homecoming parade with floats and marching bands was held in 1948. This year’s parade is scheduled to take place on October 22nd.

down and up and down and up and down. Our oldest participated one year with the 4-H clown club and my mom rode the North Florida Retirement Village bus with her gator puppet the first few years after she moved to town.”

The university was all-male until 1947, so the first official homecoming queen, Carolyn Stroupe Stambaugh (UF ’55) of West Palm Beach, wasn’t crowned until 1953. She went on to become the Orange Bowl queen and co-host of the original “The Price is Right.” In 1953 the parade also began featuring a dedicated float for the queen and her court.

Over the years the role of the homecoming queen changed. In the beginning the queen literally reigned over homecoming events and helped promote the university at events throughout the state.

Today the homecoming queen (and king) are crowned during the Gator Growl and are recognized more for their leadership and campus impact than their looks and popularity.

In 1970 the first Hispanic homecoming queen, Maria Junquera-Browne (UF ’72), was crowned. She was born in Cuba but grew up in Plant City. She

went on to become the vice president of the Cushman School in Miami and married television executive Don Browne. In 1973 the first Black homecoming queen, Cynthia Mays of Jacksonville, was crowned. She was featured in the January 1974 issue of Jet magazine.

The 1990s saw changes to the pageant as the focus began to shift to the contestants’ academic achievements and campus impact.

For example, the 1991 homecoming queen Monica Frakes Culpepper (UF ’91) received the President’s Outstanding Leadership Recognition Award that year and was a member of Mortar Board and a Florida Cicerone.

In 2007 the first homecoming king, Ryan Merkel (UF ’08) was crowned. Another major change was introduced in 2019 when formal wear was replaced with business wear. The next year, with the country still reeling from the COVID-19 pandemic, saw the school’s first virtual pageant. The competition was also renamed in 2020 to the Homecoming Leadership Pageant.

There are a few homecoming traditions that are no longer SEPT/OCT 2022

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GATOR GROWL >> UF HOMECOMING 22 |

enjoyed today. The Swimcapades - an aquatic ballet that involved synchronized swimmers, divers, and poolside dancers - were held 1948-1965 in the university pool. Due to limited seating, there were typically three shows. The Swim Fins and Aqua Gators were the primary performers.

Another defunct tradition is the bonfire. Sarah Coates, the University of Florida University Archivist, said “Many of the homecoming traditions we enjoy today have their roots in the earliest of homecoming celebrations on campus, and most of those early traditions have stuck around through the years. My favorite one that is no longer practiced would have to be the bonfire. The bonfire took place after the evening rally. All of the

OUR TOWN MAGAZINE

SEPT/OCT 2022

wood for the bonfire was collected by the freshmen (remember at the time, UF was an all-male school), who were called Rats.

Each Rat was required to bring his own weight in wood to be used in the bonfire. As you can imagine, that would be quite a lot of wood and made for a massive bonfire.”

Today over 200 students coordinate the annual events. As a result, Gator Growl and the parade are some of the largest student-led events in the country.

So, what’s the big deal? According to Sarah Coates, “Homecoming is a time to really embrace the spirit of the Gator Nation. There are a number of events to attend, from the Gator Gallup 5k to Gator Growl, that allow you to celebrate UF and what

GATOR GROWL >> UF HOMECOMING

it means to be a Florida Gator. No matter if you are a student, a parent, an alum, a community member, or a prospective Gator, there’s no time like Homecoming to have fun and make memories to last a lifetime. It’s a time to come together, whether it’s at the parade or the game, and stand up and holler for the Gators, and our community.”

This year’s parade is on Friday, October 22nd and the homecoming football game is against the University of Missouri Tigers.

Whether you’ve never missed a year or you’ve never been, don’t miss out on celebrating with the community and Gator Nation this year!

Attending the UF homecoming festivities isn’t only for college students.

It’s a tradition beloved by people throughout Alachua County. The public schools are even given the day off for the parade.

SEPT/OCT 2022

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EXPERIENCE AN AUTHENTIC OKTOBERFEST WITHOUT FLYING TO GERMANY

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

Although autumn in the south is practically nonexistent with 90% of the year dedicated to summer, there’s still something special about October. It’s the epitome of fall with crisp, cool air, and its red, orange and yellow ombré leaves, and of course pumpkin-flavored everything. So what better way to savor the month than to celebrate Oktoberfest? This is a German-inspired festival complete with schnitzel, lederhosen and, of course, beer.

In true German fashion, Tudor cottages line the streets while the locals dress in Bavarian-style attire. The beer is cold and frothy and the pretzels could be big enough for a giant. This little alpine village nestled within the mountain scenery is located in the peach lovin’, sweet tea sippin’ state of Georgia. That’s right, Georgia. Who knew the Deep South was the perfect place for a little piece of Germany?

Helen, Georgia, is home to the longest running Oktoberfest in the United States and they certainly know how to pay homage to the real thing, which has been enjoyed across Bavaria, Germany, since 1810. In the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, with just 430 residents the little alpine town of Helen is the third most-visited city in the state of Georgia.

Pass the Pretzels Whatever German specialty you’re craving, Helen’s Oktoberfest celebration has everything a Bavarian foodie could ask for. At the picturesque Old Heidelberg restaurant at White Horse Square you can enjoy potato pancakes, pretzels (or riesenbrezels as they’re called) or some schnitzel, which is thinly fried meat. Other savory options include wienerschnitzel at The Troll Tavern, corned beef hash at The Meeting Place, Hungarian goulash soup at the Old Bavarian Inn or any other German-inspired food available at one of the dozens of restaurants and bakeries throughout the village.

If you’re in the mood for something to satisfy your sweet tooth, head over to the fairytale-like Hofer’s Bakery and Café, which is decorated with pretzel door handles, and enjoy a slice of German chocolate cake, a Black Forest tart or a warm apple strudel. For an even sweeter indulgence, explore the fudge counter at the Hansel & Gretel Candy Kitchen, which was founded in 1973. The confectionary offers fudge flavors ranging from Key Lime to Irish cream to the ever-popular chocolate.

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AUTUMN FUN >> GERMANY IN GEORGIA

Made in the Black Forest The shops along Main Street are decorated with splashes of white and blue to resemble the Bavarian flag. These venues offer a wide variety of items; cuckoo clocks and gifts from around the world at Lindenhaus Imports; figurines and collectibles straight from Holland at Windmill Dutch Imports; handmade plates, coffee mugs and other pottery at The Willows Pottery; and nutcrackers, snow globes and German-made ornaments at the Christmas Shoppe. There are also bakeries, glassblowing studios, wineries and jewelry shops, providing a little something for everyone.

Of course, one can’t truly experience Oktoberfest without the proper attire. If you can’t seem to find your authentic Bavarian checkered suspenders, don’t worry, some of the village shops also carry Oktoberfest clothing staples such as bundhosen, drindle dresses and wool alpine hats adorned with feathers.

More Beer, Please Beer is the quintessential beverage of choice during Oktoberfest, but why is beer the drink du jour? Oktoberfest started in 1810 to celebrate the wedding of Bavarian Prince Ludwig I and Princess Therese of Saxe-Hildburghausen. They celebrated with an extravagant horse race, which became an

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annual event, and over the years eventually turned into a two-week festival. Beer was popular in Munich because the water quality was terrible and was likely the cause for outbreaks of cholera and the plague, according to the Oktoberfest.de article “Essential Oktoberfest Knowledge.” With unsafe drinking water, the people of Munich chose to drink beer instead because germs were killed off during the brewing process. Today, during the traditional Oktoberfest celebration in Munich, over seven million liters of beer are consumed each year — that’s almost two million gallons.

To honor tradition during Helen’s tribute to Oktoberfest, the Festhalle transforms into a thirst-quenching biergarten. Not only can you choose from several authentic Bavarian beers, but they also offer tasty bratwurst and music from German-style bands from around the country. Visitors can “see the alphorns blown, the cowbells rung and the accordion squeezed,” according to helenchamber.org. For those wondering what an alphorn is, picture the man playing the giant horn on a hill in the Ricola commercials.

Other Helen Festivals While Oktoberfest is what brings the majority of tourists to Helen, this little city has other events throughout the year as well, including the German Christmas celebration of Christkindlmarkt, the annual hot air balloon race, and Bavarianfest, which takes place during Memorial Day weekend.

While Helen is designed to look and feel like a quaint Bavarian village year-round, the special Oktoberfest festivities at the Helen Festhalle take place on Thursdays through Sundays starting September 8 through October 30. To learn more about Helen’s 52nd Annual Oktoberfest celebration, visit their website at helenchamber. com/Oktoberfest.

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Fright Night The Newberry Cornfield Maze W R I T T E N B Y H AY L I Z U C C O L A

A

fter the watermelons ripen, the blueberries are plucked and the tobacco is harvested, the Hodge family turns their attention to growing fields of corn to lay the groundwork for the hauntingly memorable and fall favorite activity that is the Newberry Cornfield Maze.

Initially established in 2005 under the umbrella of the Midwest-based corporation known simply as The Maze, Brad Hodge and his family secured sole ownership a few years later to develop and build upon what’s become renowned as the Newberry Cornfield Maze, which has evolved to encompass the corn maze, a hayride, haunted house and kids’ area along with a few ghoulish goblins, masked creatures and a handful of other spooky sights lurking 30 |

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throughout the venue.

With corn being the event’s namesake, preparation for the maze begins in early July to ensure there’s enough time for the stalks to grow fully before being carved into a path of Hodge’s design a few months later. Of course, crop growing is the easy part for the Hodge family, who are third-going-on-fourth generation farmers. The real challenge lies within all the other aspects of the scheduled festivities.

“The most talked about always is the haunted house,” said Christina Bridwell, who’s worked off and on with Newberry Cornfield Maze for the last decade.

Located within an open-air structure, the haunted house design is reimagined every year with this year’s theme relying on a mix of people’s fears whether that’s clowns, spiders or just the fright

SPINE-TINGLING TIMES

It takes around 80 employees to create a successful experience at the Newberry Corn Maze and some of those roles include dressing up as ghosts, goblins, clowns and whatever else their spooky heart desires as part of the scare team.

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HALLOWEEN FUN >> NEWBERRY CORNFIELD MAZE

This year’s Newberry Cornfield Maze will run from Friday, September 23 through Saturday, October 29, and will be open on Fridays and Saturdays from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. Armbands are $20 and include 1 admission ticket into the haunted house and unlimited entry to the maze and kids area.

of being scared. Once the concept is finalized, decorations, animatronics and costumed characters help bring the idea to life.

A haunted hayride leads guests through the property, which rests on a 100-year-old working farm – a fact that adds to the historic, yet, eerie ambiance of the tour that encounters a handful of spine-chilling surprises.

For those on the skittish side, the corn maze and surrounding open areas are haunt-free before dusk.

“We do have a kids’ area and it’s got fun things. We’ve got Molly and Pepper, our goats there, and then we have Aunt Shirley’s Cow Train. We have a small putt-putt course of six holes, and we have like an excavation site where kids can pull up dinosaur bones, you know, small dinosaurs and different little prizes in 32 |

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there and then we have a sifting [activity], like a gold-panning type event, where kids can scoop up dirt and then pan for gold.

But while we have that kids’ area, our main focus is toward teenagers,” Bridwell said.

With the exception of the kids’ area, the Newberry Cornfield Maze becomes an entirely different atmosphere when night falls.

“Once the night comes, then everybody comes out and so then it becomes haunted where there’re people walking around, people in the maze, people in the haunted house and people on the hayride,” she said.

It takes around 80 employees to pull off such a bewitching autumnal experience from professional airbrush artists like Orlando Pagan, who travels from Orlando every year to create beautiful hand-painted masks, and a gifted stilt walker named

HALLOWEEN FUN >> NEWBERRY CORNFIELD MAZE

Steve, who custom-designs his own character, to local community members all eager for the opportunity to scare unsuspecting patrons.

“Most of them are local kids from Newberry and Santa Fe. We have kids coming from Chiefland and Dixie as well, all wanting to scare people,” Bridwell said. “We have been blessed with some really talented individuals that have a passion and, you know, a passion for Halloween and just having fun. That’s really what it’s about, and so that’s one of the reasons it continues on as well – it’s just fun.”

Though overall themes change from year to year and attractions are always being improved upon or added, there is one aspect that stays consistent, and for Bridwell, it’s the most enjoyable part of working with the Newberry Cornfield Maze for over 10 years.

“My favorite is always the reactions of people. Over the years I’ve worn different hats throughout the maze as far as different jobs and positions go. And by far, my absolute handsdown favorite is when I was on the hayride and I got to watch different people on the hayride and their reactions. For me, it’s the enjoyment of the reactions of people and how different they are and how much they range. That’s a lot of fun,” she said.

From September 23 to October 29, Friday and Saturday nights in Newberry will provide locals and out-of-towners, newcomers and veterans, an unforgettable seasonal spectacle that’s family-friendly by day and a fright fest by night. From

navigating through the corn maze, hopping aboard the hayride or enduring the haunted house heebie-jeebies to enjoying concession-stand snacks, admiring the wickedly artistic scare team members or taking a spin in one of the human hamster balls, the Newberry Cornfield Maze has become a Halloween must in Alachua County.

“You can expect to have a fantastic time – the short version – whether or not you’re scared out of your mind or you’re somebody like me that doesn’t really get scared,” Bridwell said. “You’re either going to laugh or be terrified.

There’s not going to really be any in-between, but it’ll be a great experience regardless of whichever emotion that you feel.”

The 2022 Newberry Cornfield Maze will run from Friday, September 23 through Saturday, October 29, and will be open on Fridays and Saturdays from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. Armbands are $20 and include 1 admission ticket into the haunted house and unlimited entry to the maze and kids area. Taking a spin on the human hamster ball, conquering the mechanical bull or going on a haunted hayride are individually priced at $5 per activity. Tickets can be purchased in advance online, but on-site admission and individual activities are cash only.

To stay up-to-date on this year’s Newberry Cornfield Maze festivities, visit their website at newberrycornfieldmaze.com or follow them on Facebook at facebook.com/ newberrycornmaze.

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COLUMN

Embracing Life

BY DON N A BON N E LL

SUCCESSFUL TEAMWORK IN TODAY’S WORLD CHRISTOPHER ISAAC “BIZ” STONE IS THE CO-FOUNDER OF TWITTER. STONE’S STATEMENT SUMMARIZES WHY TEAMS WITH TALENTED MEMBERS OR PLAYERS CAN BE EITHER SUCCESSFUL OR UNSUCCESSFUL BASED ON ONE BASIC FACTOR. HE SAID, “IF YOU TAKE OUT THE TEAM IN TEAMWORK, IT’S JUST WORK.” A recent personal journey illustrates the accuracy of Stone’s quote. Shortly before the COVID shutdown I was elected to serve on the board of a non-profit organization. I have been on many (non-athletic) teams in my life, but nothing can compare with the level of sheer determination provided by everyone in this group. As we were settling into our new roles, the world changed. Without notice, prior precedence, or procedures on how to deal with keeping an institution afloat during this kind of crisis, we plunged headfirst into unfamiliar territory. All of us quickly united and became an unstoppable team.

We collaborated on how to keep communication lines open and implemented innovative ideas to maintain our establishment’s purpose and vision. Many of us reached out of our comfort zones and faced personal challenges to attain these goals. Most other associates were unaware of what was taking place behind the scenes, making this a unique experience. As unpaid volunteers, our motivation was purely altruistic; driven by devoted adrenaline.

The first phase of this pandemic eventually slowed down.

About that same time nominations and elections for the new board of trustees were taking place. Prior to passing the gavel, our team was finally able to physically meet. The official agenda did not include celebration, but the joy felt was indescribable. I will never forget how we spontaneously shared a moment of mutual victory. We took a deep sigh of relief as our organization survived due to pure love and teamwork.

The festive feeling was short-lived. Reality returned.

Safely reopening our doors, rebuilding membership and reorganization of officials became the new order of business.

All very hard work, while still dealing with the threat of reinfections from the vicious virus variants. With so much to accomplish, little time was left for relaxed socializing or a structured turnover of duties. Our team of trustees who served during the crisis were drained of energy; the new leadership overwhelmed. The transition was difficult.

I believe a negative psychological long-term side effect from COVID has manifested by the lack of in-person group interaction and play. Having fun relieves stress and builds trust amongst coworkers and teammates. We are nearly three years into this pandemic and many still work from home, meet on Zoom, and only cautiously attend public events.

Successful teamwork inspired by altruism and basic survival instincts can only last for so long. In our current season of life, society is attempting to adhere to a new normal.

Balancing health regulations and recommendations, while maintaining healthy lifestyles and paying the bills, has been a challenge. Unfortunately, practicing effective team building techniques has been low on most everyone’s priority list.

We are gambling our wellness when mingling in groups or visiting in public places. The coronavirus has created a new dilemma. Is the value of pleasure worth the potential risks?

The jury is still out on how to effectively navigate our new waters, especially when teamwork is involved. Somehow we need to find ways to incorporate advice from the proverbial saying, “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.”

Crowe Associates, a firm specializing in coaching and helping people improve their psychological wellbeing, promotes establishing team values. They further define the typical components as, “The ability to learn, encouraging initiative, integrity, mutual respect, open communication, and fun.”

Kudos to team leaders who accept those challenges in these tumultuous times. An idea that is not new, but worth repeating – team players care more about helping a group succeed than about their individual successes. When leaders model that goal and recruit like-minded individuals, we will begin to recover. In my opinion, committed local team leaders can be the new heroes in today’s world.

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 SEPT/OCT 2022

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Vanguards on the Field of Play Alachua County High School Female Athletes Before Title IX S T O R Y A N D P H O T O G R A P H Y C O M P I L AT I O N B Y J O A N N A G R E Y TA L B O T P H O T O G R A P H Y C O U R T E S Y O F T H E M AT H E S O N H I S T O R Y M U S E U M

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his year marks the 50th anniversary of the Title IX Amendment of the Education Amendments Act of 1972. It states that “no person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving federal financial assistance.” Although sports are not mentioned in Title IX, it made a profound impact on the lives of women athletes at all levels. This photo essay honors the women who persevered in sports in Alachua County high schools despite major inequities with men’s sports.

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ATHLETIC HERSTORY

Gainesville High School had a girls’ basketball team almost from the beginning, but the team of 1921 was the school’s first girls’ state champion. The team enjoyed an undefeated season and according to the yearbook, “the splendid showing of the Gainesville Six was the marvel of the entire state, for it seemed as if no team could check the onslaught of the Purple contenders.” The team, coached by Edna Earle Chesnut, beat the south Florida champions – Bradentown High School – for the state championship.

The Santa Fe High School 1957 girls’ basketball team – (standing left to right) M.L. Clark, C. Vinzant, F. Vinzant, A. Megahee, D. Witt, G. Grady, Coach Yates; (seated left to right) J. Wilson, E. Eilson, C. Polk, L. Register, J. Roberts.

The PK Yonge High School 1949 softball team, which won the Class B division in Alachua County by defeating Newberry 21-2 and Archer 15-9.

1957 was the first year that Gainesville High School had a girls’ tennis team. According to the yearbook, “The girls are coached

by Mrs. Hammond. They also receive help from the University of Florida tennis team and Miss Edmundson who teaches tennis in the Physical Education Department of the University.” The Gainesville Sun shared that Sylvia Hardaway was runner-up for the singles title and Miss Hardaway and Verna Bean were runners-up for the doubles crown at the state meet. First row – V. Bean, D. Hendrix, H. Cass; Second row – S. Hardaway (captain), B. Osterbind, P. Bowers, and B. Osborn.

The High Springs High School 1951 volleyball team.

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PHOTO ESSAY >> BEFORE TITLE IX

The Gainesville High School 1959 girls’ swim team – (left to right) Linda Gyles, Julie Deurloo, Marifrances Tucker, Gaye Woodward, Shirley Hardison, Marilyn Pralle, Mary Creighton.

Robin Graham, Joan Kiker, and Lynda Hendrickson were part of the seven-member 1960 Gainesville High School girls’ golf team.

They’re pictured here pulling their golf carts up the fairway.

The PK Yonge High School 1961 majorettes – (center) Dee Courtney and Polly Clark; (left to right) Linda Mitchell, Christine Loften, Kaye Francisco, Jane Walkup, Nedra Johnson, Cynthia Hale, Pat Sneeringer, Cynthia Babers, Cheryl Savage, and Lois Fullagar.

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The PK Yonge High School 1964 b-squad cheerleaders – (left to right) Marjo Scarborough, Leslie Elliot, Elizabeth Solley, Pam Feaster, Joan Bradbury, and Marsha Hoskins.

The Gainesville High School 1967 gymnastics team – (first row) Debbie Neill, Candy Kuhr, Judy Kelly, Sharon Walker, Donna Pothier, Kathy Powell, Nina Geiger; (second row) Juana Land, Cathy Brown, Billy Kidwell, Judy Weseman, Shirley McDonald; (third row) Cathy Ingman, Frances Powell, Barb MyKing, Jackie Killcoyne, Susan Black, Dixie Cox, Kathy Meerman, Honey Combs, and Ann Cowles.

The Lincoln High School 1969 cheerleaders – (front) Captain – Sandra Hall; (left to right) Lynette Peterson, Christine Lyons, Sadie Williams, Deloris King, Jackie Ellis (co-captain), Nedra Price, Janice Allen, and Sulmarie Duncan. Not pictured – Candaisy Tolbert (co-captain).

PHOTO ESSAY >> BEFORE TITLE IX

The Lincoln High School 1969 co-ed swim team – (left to right) Coach Andrew Mickle, Joyce Johnson, Jessie Colson, Alfred Townsend, Purcell Burgess, Charles Simmons, Elroy Moore, and Ernest Davis. Not pictured – Earl Smith, Janice Henry, and Dianna Douglass. Joyce swam the freestyle and butterfly, Janice the freestyle and breaststroke, and Dianna the freestyle.

The Buchholz High School 1971 co-ed swim team coached by Keith Harper.

The Hawthorne High School 1970 cheerleaders – Helen Wood, Darnell Thomas, Ethel Henderson, Debbie Brown, Linda McDaniels, and Debbie Moore.

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Harvest Festival!

Historic Downtown City of Alachua • 10 Miles North of Gainesville - Exit 399 on I-75

THE ALACHUA BUSINESS LEAGUE PRESENTS THE 35th

ALACHUA MAIN STREET HARVEST FESTIVAL Proceeds go toward Santa Fe College Scholarships

We look forward to seeing you!!

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2022 11AM - 5PM MAIN STREET, ALACHUA #AMSFEST22

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Josh’s Place is a community led place where peer groups and mentors are available to guide and share hope to those High School age and older who may be struggling with daily pressures and concerns.

Josh’s Place meets in the gym of First Baptist, 14005 NW 146th Avenue, Alachua, FL 32615. Volleyball, Basketball, Cornhole and Games are available on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6-8 pm.

Enjoy a wonderful Sunday afternoon with the family while strolling along Historic Downtown Main Street in Alachua, lined with lovely Victorians. Savor delicious food while listening to local musicians and chatting with friends, neighbors and gracious shopkeepers and unique vendors!

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Pre Order your Smoked Turkey for Thanksgiving at the Festival (Pick up will be at Kelly’s Kreations Gifts and Flowers on 11/22/22, the Tuesday before Thanksgiving).

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Home Equity Loan or HELOC? Which is right for you?

The equity you have invested in your home can be an excellent asset. Today, many people are taking advantage of home equity loans and home equity lines of credit (a.k.a. HELOC) to fund a big home improvement project or consolidate high-interest debt. Let’s take a quick look at how these two options work, and if they’re the right fit for your budget and lifestyle.

Home Equity Loan or HELOC? These two types of financing options allow homeowners to borrow against their home’s equity. A home’s equity loan is based on the difference between the current market value and the mortgage balance due. A home equity loan is more of a standard loan and comes with a fixed rate. It provides you with a lump sum of cash, whereas, a HELOC can have a variable rate and offers a revolving line of credit. During the draw period of a HELOC, you can borrow funds up to a certain amount, and you make a fully amortized payment based on the term and balance as of the last advance.

Some people opt for a HELOC because it offers flexibility during the draw and repayment periods, so you can borrow only what you need. With a typical 5-year draw period, you will usually enter a 10 or 15-year repayment period making monthly payments toward the principal and interest. HELOCs can often carry lower interest rates and initial costs compared to credit cards, and you are generally able to use the funds as you see fit.

Others opt for the predictability of a home equity loan because the monthly payments will remain the same with a fixed interest rate.

The interest rates are also typically lower than credit cards, and you can usually opt for a longer-term loan ranging from five to 15 years.

What You’ll Need Once you decide whether a home equity loan or a HELOC is right for your budget and lifestyle, you should meet with a trusted member representative to find out what you will need to apply.

You will want your credit to be in good shape, have a low debtto-income ratio, sufficient income to cover your payments, and a reliable payment history.

Home Equity In Your Hand

What’s Your LTV? Your LTV is the loan-to-value ratio. It is used to help determine if you’ll qualify for a home equity loan and how much you can borrow. To calculate, divide your current loan balance by the appraised value of your home. Subtract that percentage from 100, and that’s the percent equity in your home.

How to Build Equity Building equity in your home happens over time, but there are two simple ways to make sure you’re staying on track. First, just pay your mortgage bill, and when you can, pay a little more than the minimum payment to increase your equity even faster. Second, go for smart home improvement projects. Those home renovations may increase your appraisal value, and you could receive tax benefits in the process.

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Spurrier’s Gridiron Grille

A Restaurant Dedicated to the Game W RIT TE N BY HANNA DE LA GARZA

I

magine enjoying fresh, locally sourced food while getting to look through an extensive collection of college football memorabilia. This is the experience that guests have when they visit Spurrier’s Gridiron Grille.

Spurrier’s is a restaurant and rooftop bar that doubles as a museum dedicated to the life of Steve Spurrier and football.

Located at 4860 Steve Spurrier Way in Celebration Pointe, this restaurant has become a hot spot for visitors from all over Florida. There are some fanatics who even come from out of state just to dine at the restaurant.

Steve Spurrier has become a household name for many, especially for those living in Gainesville, but who exactly is he?

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FOOD & FOOTBALL

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GAINESVILLE GREAT >> STEVE SPURRIER’S RESTAURANT

The building itself is a marvel to look at. Spurrier’s Gridiron Grille is nearly 18,000 feet, including the Visor’s rooftop bar. The high ceilings, lights and handmade dinnerware imported from Turkey create a more upscale dining experience; however, the football displays along with the food and drink options are meant to bring a certain level of familiarity.

Spurrier is a former American football player and coach, often referred to as the “Head Ball Coach” for his successful career.

He was born in Miami Beach, Florida, but he and his family moved around a lot due to his father’s career as a Presbyterian minister. This is what brought the Spurriers to Tennessee.

From a young age, Spurrier showed interest in multiple sports, including basketball, baseball and — of course — football.

By the time he reached high school, he had already moved from Athens to Newport to Johnson City, Tennessee. This is where he would go on to play sports more seriously.

Johnson City was comparatively larger than the previous two cities he had lived in, so this meant that there were new opportunities for Spurrier. He began playing basketball, baseball and football while attending school at Science Hill High School.

Spurrier won back-to-back championships as a pitcher in 1962 and 1963. He also became the District 1 tournament MVP in basketball during his senior season. Considering the

football-focused career that followed his graduation, it was surprising that Spurrier actually struggled with the sport when he started playing it. He explained that he was not any good at it until the end of his junior year.

By the end of high school, Spurrier improved significantly and decided to pursue football in college. He was admitted into the University of Florida, and he played quarterback for the Florida Gators. In 1966, he was awarded the Heisman Trophy, which is given to the most outstanding player in college football.

This trophy can be seen on display at Spurrier’s Gridiron Grille, along with other items from his career.

After college, he played in the National Football League between the 1960s and 1970s. Spurrier was with the San Francisco 49ers and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for 10 seasons. He later on went to secure coaching positions for several college football teams. He most notably served as head coach of the Tampa Bay Bandits, Duke’s Blue Devils and the Washington Redskins.

“We’ve been doing everything to make sure this restaurant is premium, we just want people to come in and get a good dish.”

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the restaurant finally held its grand opening on August 11, 2021.

The building itself is a marvel to look at. Spurrier’s is nearly 18,000 feet, including the Visor’s rooftop bar. The high ceilings, lights and handmade dinnerware imported from Turkey create a more upscale dining experience; however, the football displays along with the food and drink options are meant to bring a certain level of familiarity.

The menu features American and fusion entrees, ranging from burgers and steaks to risotto and chicken marsala. The options are not extensive, but each dish is made from the best quality ingredients.

Wehbe emphasized the value that fresh and local ingredients have on their menu, stating that everything is farm to table. Their fish is caught that day and delivered daily to the restaurant.

Spurrier’s also partners with many local businesses to get their ingredients.

Wehbe said their cheese comes from Hawthorne Creek Creamery, their dairy comes from Wainwright Dairy Farms in Live Oak, some of their meat comes from Quincey Cattle Company in Chiefland, and their vegetables come from Traders Hill Farm in Lake City. The team selected their partners after visiting nearly 100 farms in order to ensure both quality and consistency.

“We’ve been doing everything to make sure this restaurant SEPT/OCT 2022

OUR TOWN MAGAZINE

GAINESVILLE GREAT >> STEVE SPURRIER’S RESTAURANT

Spurrier also returned to coach the Florida Gators, where he and his team made a number of accomplishments during his twelve seasons in Gainesville. Under his direction, the team won one national championship in 1996 and six Southeastern Conference championships. Spurrier was named SEC Coach of the Year five times, and he became the first Heisman Trophywinner to coach another Heisman Trophy-winner.

After a very long career as both a player and a coach, Spurrier decided to retire in 2015. Despite the end to his football career, he found an alternative outlet to carry on his legacy: the restaurant.

The idea for Spurrier’s Gridiron Grille was inspired by h i s d a u g h t e r, Amy Moody, after she said that he needed a restaurant to put all of his stuff in.

Spurrier then took the idea to his business partner, Freddie Wehbe. With a large team, heavily guided

by Spurrier himself, the restaurant was born.

Announcements were made in 2019 that Spurrier was looking to start a restaurant, but it was not until two years later that it would open.

There were many different aspects that went into consideration during the creation of Spurrier’s. Wehbe gathered data and hired 15 consultants on interior design, food and drinks. He also made visits to dozens of other celebrity-owned restaurants to figure out how to best run the business. After careful planning,

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GAINESVILLE GREAT >> STEVE SPURRIER’S RESTAURANT

is premium,” Wehbe said. “We just want people to come in and get a good dish.”

Although good food is a bonus, the main attraction is the football museum. Pretty much every aspect of the business is dedicated to football and/or Steve Spurrier. Several of the food and drink options are named after significant events or sayings. For instance, their 1966 Lager is named after the year that Spurrier won the Heisman Trophy. There is also the “This, That & The Other” crab and lobster cakes inspired by the phrase that Spurrier likes to use.

There are also endless displays featuring memorabilia from his career, as well as trophies and other awards from other players and coaches. One of the guests’ favorites is the bathrooms, with their walls covered in sketches of Spurrier’s favorite gameplays.

It is for this reason that these are the most photographed bathrooms in the U.S. The restaurant itself is also multi-use, including private rooms and even a podcast room where 18 different shows are recorded. There are five private rooms available to rent for different events. These are often utilized for meetings and recruitments by staff at UF. Wehbe said at least three coaches have been hired at the restaurant.

The most popular private room is the Championship Room, which features portraits of every coach at the university. The art was done by James Bates, a former linebacker for the Florida Gators. Bates is now an artist and professor at UF. His artwork is very distinct in style, and he is also responsible for designing the kid’s menu.

All around, there are many different details within the design of the restaurant that make it a sight to see.

Having celebrated its first anniversary, Spurrier’s Gridiron Grille has been considerably successful for a new business.

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The reviews are good, and it is consistently booked up, which is astounding considering its capacity of 525 seats. It is the ninth largest restaurant in the state and also one of the busiest.

Wehbe said that Spurrier’s is full pretty much every night.

Reservations must be booked well in advance, especially when the football season rolls around.

Most of the visitors hail from out of town, traveling from cities like Miami, Palm Beach, Orlando and Tampa. Spurrier’s has truly become the epicenter for all things Gator Nation and all things college football.

For both Spurrier and Wehbe, much of the business’ success can be attributed to the team that they have formed. Much like any sports team, the individuals that are selected will largely determine the experience that is created.

The restaurant receives anywhere from 20 to 100 applicants a day, and they are extremely selective about who they hire.

What is most important to them is attitude: people who smile, people who communicate, people who want to succeed.

“Just like any successful team, whether it’s sports or business, it’s about talent and chemistry,” Wehbe said. “Coach reminds us all the time that it is about the team and team work.”

It is exactly this attitude that can be felt by guests. Each member, whether he or she be in the kitchen or the dining room, creates a positive environment. It is clear that every person involved in the operation wants it to succeed and is doing their part to ensure this.

Spurrier’s Gridiron Grille is more than just a good spot to get dinner for the night. It is also a walk through the world of college football, and it is an experience that is bound to please both foodies and fans alike. It is no surprise that this restaurant is taking both the food and travel industry by storm.

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COLUMN

From Mother Hen FARM TALES

THERE’S AN “I” IN TEAM MY EXPERIENCE GROWING UP IN THE 1950S AS A COUNTRY GIRL IN THE MIDWEST IS A LITTLE DIFFERENT THAN MOST CHILDREN MAY HAVE HAD. I was an only child and the closest neighbor kids were about a mile away. Since I didn’t really have playmates my own age nearby, and my school didn’t have sports for girls back then, teamwork wasn’t a skill I ever developed. Instead, my daily interactions were mostly with my mother and all our family pets and farm animals.

However, what I did have was a mother who shared stories about the family members who were my ancestors, as well as those who were still with us. By sharing who these people were and the morals and standards they held high in their lives, I came to know who they were and consequently who I was … because I came from them.

I never really knew my grandparents on my mother’s side. My grandfather passed the year before I was born. My grandmother became ill when my mother was in her first year of high school, and passed away years later when I was a young child. I have a few memories of her, but even though they are rather foggy, those memories are very dear. What I do have, however, are clear cut insight into their personalities, their souls, because of favorite quotes from them that my mother shared with me.

Similarly, I have quotes from aunts, uncles, and even some other family and friends that my mother used to draw me closer to these people that were important to her. I would like to pay tribute to them by sharing some of their words of wisdom with you … the “team” that made me who I am today.

Some of these quotes are very practical and some are humorous. I hope you will get a little nugget of wisdom, inspiration or at the very least a chuckle from these voices

from my past.

Starting with the furthest back, my maternal great-grandmother said, “Always be broom clean.” Back in those days floors were mostly wood or linoleum, and were tediously scrubbed by hand. What my great-grandmother was saying is if you don’t have time to mop floors, there’s no excuse to be dirty! Don’t put it off, get out your broom and be “broom clean.”

My maternal grandmother often said, “Take care of the living first.” My grandmother was a farm wife with cows, horses, chickens, ducks, geese, cats and dogs to care for. Add to that three small children, a husband and a big farmhouse – I could see her being overwhelmed and not knowing where to start first. My mother told me that my grandma never failed in this, taking her own advice.

My maternal grandfather, who I never met, was quoted as saying, “You must observe.” Simple and direct, this quote has stuck with me throughout my life. You can learn a lot by just sitting back and observing.

He also would say, “If you don’t listen (to advice), you gotta feel (the consequences).”

I think he must have been a very wise man.

A maternal great-aunt of mine lived to be almost 90 years old. My mother shared with me that this spunky little lady’s way of dealing with an insurmountable situation would be to say, “Throw it over your shoulder.” And with that she’d use a tossing “fling” of her right hand over her left shoulder. My mother told me that a person cannot live a healthy life with too much stress, and she felt this is the reason her aunt lived to be 89 years old. She just “let go” of things she couldn’t change.

Another great-aunt of mine was quoted as saying, “Waste not, want not.” That made a huge impact on my mother, and was passed down to me. I frequently would see my mother pick up a scrap of wire, some thread or rubber band, put it in the pocket of her apron and save it in a jar for “later.” Often that little scrap would come in handy and be used for another project. It was a carry-over from the Great Depression, passed on to me. I still do this today, much to my daughters’ dismay. I confess I have way too much stuff saved in closets and storerooms.

The Depression impacted life in many ways, especially the lack of products or money to purchase what was needed. My paternal grandfather dealt with this situation with his catch

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

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phrase, “Just temporary…” patching things up as best he could. Those temporary fixes lasted for years.

My mother’s brother was quite a character. He was known for a lot of sayings, but one of my favorites is, “You must take time to smell the roses along the way.” Good advice to enjoy the simple pleasures in each day. He would also follow up saying, “Remember, nobody gets out of this world alive.”

My dad’s brother-in-law often said, “Nothing’s impossible” and would jump right into a somewhat impossible job. Another uncle of mine was known to say, “First things first.” A good bit of wisdom for when jobs pile up. Great advice he used when his wife was frantically trying to clean house, preparing to entertain a ladies’ church group at their home. It seemed that there wasn’t enough time before the guests would start arriving, and my aunt and my mother were starting to panic. These calming words saved the day.

I can often hear my mother’s wisdom repeating in my head.

One of the best is, “When in doubt, don’t.” I can’t tell you how many times I have heard her advice but not heeded it, only later to find out she was absolutely right.

My dad shared with me that his mother, my grandma, told

him when he was a teenager, “You make your bed, you have to lay in it.” I have a feeling she was referring to more than making his bed up every morning before leaving the house. Another thing I can remember my father saying frequently is, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” As a farmer, working with his tractors and equipment, he found that if something was working don’t mess with it until absolutely necessary. More than likely, you could create a worse problem.

My mother would often say, “Less is more” when dressing up for a special event.

Then I’d see her remove a piece of jewelry from her ensemble before leaving. I do it now, myself. Another bit of wisdom from my mom that I carry with me today is, “Keep on, keeping on.” I’ve tweaked it a little into, “Just keep moving, and it will be done.”

I use that one when confronted with huge tasks. If I just keep moving—don’t take breaks or get distracted, before I know it the job is finished!

So here you see my “team” – the people that have made Mother Hen who “I” am today. The younger generation may think I’m a wise woman, or a little eccentric perhaps. However, I am just the lucky recipient of the wisdom I have received from those who came before me.

YAY TEAM!

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Restaurant Guide

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

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

(352) 554-5968

www.mmcseafood.com

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

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

352-333-6185

www.ilnyp.com

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

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

Two Gainesville Locations: 6500 SW Archer Road & 8181 NW 38th Lane Archer-M,W,TH, Friday 11:00am-3:00pm • Saturday-Sunday 12:00pm-3:00pm 38th Ln.-T,W,TH, Friday 11:00am-3:00pm • Saturday-Sunday 12:00pm-3:00pm Dinner: Sunday-Thursday 5:00pm-9:30pm • Friday-Saturday 5:00pm-10:00pm

352-375-4488 Archer 352-672-6969 39th Ave. bangkoksquarefl.com SPECIAL RESTAURANT ADVERTISING SECTION. CALL 352-372-5468 FOR RATES AND INFORMATION. SEPT/OCT 2022

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Restaurant Guide

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

When you eat with us, you’re family. So come on in!

Tioga Town Center - 12921 SW 1 Rd Suite #103 352-472-1300 Alachua - 15551 NW US HWY 441 Unit# 50 352-660-3262 Monday - Saturday from 11:00am to 9:00pm

eatcilantrotacos.com

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

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

386-462-3000

brownscountrybuffet.net

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

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

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

352-363-6338 56 |

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mycoppermonkey.com

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

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

352-331-6620

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The Social at Midtown Upscale restaurant and rooftop bar — Hidden among the college bars of the midtown area, The Social at Midtown provides an unique, upscale, and affordable dining and late-night experience for the diverse and ever evolving population of Gainesville. Whether you are in search of high end spirits and craft cocktails or one of the 37 beers on tap the Social at Midtown will undoubtedly bring you back for the next big game with its fantastic menu and over 60 Large LED TVs. Check out our web page to see our weekly specials and plan your next Happy Hour with $4 Local Craft Pints! Expect more and let us help turn your event into a true occasion. The right environment can create the perfect experience. We have 3 distinctly different event spaces, we’ve got the perfect space to enjoy your time with friends, family and business colleagues.

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

352-373-7383

www.thesocialgnv.com

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

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

352-376-2001

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SPECIAL RESTAURANT ADVERTISING SECTION. CALL 352-372-5468 FOR RATES AND INFORMATION. SEPT/OCT 2022

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Restaurant Guide

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

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

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

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

352-354-8023

www.stonehousenewberry.com

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

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

5204 NW 34th Blvd.

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

(352) 451-4122

scuolapizzagainesville@gmail.com

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

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

352-331-6035 58 |

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www.top-hog.com

Rock N Roll Sushi American-style Sushi — Founded on great food and rock ‘n’ roll music, we boast concepts and flavors that are big, bold, and loud. We’re the only place to experience the rock you love and the rolls you love with the ones you love. Meals at Rock N Roll sushi are multi-sensory events to remember, with culinary concepts and flavors that are louder, bolder, and bigger than the competitions. Our menu items are deliciously twisted and made fresh for everyone. And, like rock ‘n’ roll, they bring people together. Since day one, the most rewarding part of our work has been seeing guests fall in love with our amplified dining experience and become fans who return again and again.

13005 SW 1st Rd Suite 137, Jonesville, FL 32669 (Tioga Town Center) Sunday - Thursday: 11:00am - 9:00pm Friday - Saturday: 11:00am - 10:00pm

352-225-3087 • rocknrollsushi.com

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

15202 NW 147 Drive, Suite 1100, Alachua (Rolling Oaks Plaza) Monday – Sat 11:00am – 9:00pm Sunday 12:00pm – 8:00pm

386-418-1039

www.eltorogainesville.com

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

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

Alachua – 15634 US Highway 441 (386-418-0838) Gainesville - 114 SW 34th ST (352-376-7020) Jonesville - 14209 W Newberry RD NOW OPEN! (352-545-4430)

MiApaLatinCafe.com SPECIAL RESTAURANT ADVERTISING SECTION. CALL 352-372-5468 FOR RATES AND INFORMATION. SEPT/OCT 2022

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Restaurant Guide

The Paper Bag Deli and Catering — Using only the freshest ingredients and serving the highest quality meats and cheeses, The Paper Bag Deli in Gainesville is quickly becoming the destination for custom prepared meals designed for people with a time sensitive schedule. Serving premium Boar’s Head meats, The Paper Bag has quick serve cold options you can grab and go from the fridge or order hot options from the counter. Have time to stay a while? You can relax on their sunny patio or at the bar-style seating and enjoy a variety of freshly baked artisan sandwiches, wraps, salads and much more.

Enjoy your favorite local and domestic beers or order to go! We have many catering options for corporate, schools, and private parties. Call ahead to pick you order today!

Park Lane Apartments 5750 SW 75th Court Suite 20 Open Monday - Friday 10am - 6 pm

(352) 451-4972

thepaperbagdeli.com

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

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

352-333-0291

www.DavesNYDeli.com

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

For full menu and list of locations visit: PIESANOSTOGO.COM Now Serving: Gainesville, Ocala, The Villages, Clermont & Windermere, Coming soon: Lake City & St. Augustine Mon-Sun: 11am-10pm Order online or Download our App: PIESANOSTOGO.COM 60 |

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SEPT/OCT 2022

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GATOR CHOMP

IT’S GREAT TO BE A FLORIDA (TAIL)GATOR

PRE-GAME Tailgating Tips W R I T T E N B Y D A N A B R YA N

THE GAME IS ABOUT TO BEGIN. THE SMELL OF CHEESEBURGERS WAFTS THROUGH THE AIR AND THE CRUNCH OF BARBECUE CHIPS IS SLIGHTLY LOUDER THAN THE MAN SINGING ALONG TO SOMEONE’S POP PLAYLIST.

you won’t have to deal with the smell but still within walking distance for when you or others need to go. This is usually about 100 feet. There’s nothing worse than having to walk half of a mile to the bathroom when you really need to go. An absolute party killer.

College student, long-time fan, or baby dressed head-to-toe in orange and blue—tailgating is for everyone. It’s a part of the experience you don’t want to miss. Read here for a few tips on how to have the best tailgate party.

Tailgating is loud. With nonstop conversations and the TV blaring, an iPhone just won’t cut it. Music sets the tone for the party, so make sure to have a fun playlist ready that everyone and anyone can sing along to with a few good drinks in their system. Of course, an amazing playlist will do no good if no one can hear it. Bring a speaker to keep heads bopping and the party going. Great music can also encourage conversations between strangers. For most, it’s sharing music preferences one minute and swaying along to the team fight song the next.

1. Show Up Early The most obvious tip but also the most crucial. Securing a good spot is key. Plus, the earlier you show up, the longer you have to enjoy the experience. The best spots are a solid distance away from the bathroom. The perfect distance is far enough that 62 |

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2. Pack a Speaker

FOOTBALL SEASON >> TIPS FOR TAILGATING

Bring a few games, such as corn hole, to play before kick-off with your fellow “tailgators.” A fan and ice cold coolers will help you beat the heat from both the sun and any nearby grills. The most important tip is to have fun—no doubt these memories from Gator Nation will last you a lifetime!

3. Have Enough Food

6. Bring a Trash Bag

Ever heard of hangry? When one gets hungry, one gets angry.

Make sure to have enough food for everyone at your tailgate.

Passion for teams and the game runs deep at a tailgate. It’s too easy for that passion to turn into misguided anger about an empty stomach and a lack of snacks. Keep tummies full and the passion for the game directed to the game, and you’ll be alright.

Easily forgotten, this tip can be a time saver. A mess is inevitable, but trash bags for everyone to use makes clean up ten times easier. When it’s all said and done, making a hundred trips to the general trash can back and forth is inefficient and annoying. The good news is that, even in inflationary times, trash bags are pretty cheap. Spend a little and save a lot of time and effort. If you want to be fancy, get the floral scented ones. It’ll make picking up trash in the sun slightly more appealing.

4. Learn the Cooler Rules to Stay Cool It’s a skill to pack a cooler properly. Learn it. Study it. Master it. Start with a clean cooler. College students can get away with a less than sparkling clean cooler, but the older you get, the more necessary it seems. Freeze water bottles in place of ice, so you have cold water when it melts. Cans and bottles go to the bottom, where they’ll stay cooler longer. Use water-tight containers to store food items and avoid leakage. Any bagged items should stay on top of the water bottles to stay cool.

5. Grab a Fan If you’re tailgating in the summer, a fan is helpful before, during, and after the game. No shock to anyone who’s lived in Florida for longer than a day, but it can get hot. A fan can be a refreshing relief on a hot summer day. Tailgating lasts hours.

It’s important to be smart and think ahead. Heat exhaustion is serious, and it would be a shame to end up in the hospital before kickoff. Bring a fan, save a trip, and have common sense.

7. Play Games Before the Big Game Never forget that tailgating is for everyone to enjoy. Have a few games, from cards to corn hole, for people to play. This way even those who aren’t a fan of sports can have something to do. Before the game starts or during half time, get everyone involved in the fun. You might be surprised how many people have a more competitive spirit than the players on the screen.

Not to mention, small games can build the intensity of the real game. It makes every play, on and off screen, much more exciting.

The most important tip is to have fun! Enjoy spending time with family and friends and enjoy watching the game. A great tailgate party follows these tips and creates memories that will last a lifetime.

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COLUMN

Naked Salsa

B Y C R Y S TA L S M I T H

A SHELF FULL OF TROPHIES I KNOW THE SOFTBALL TROPHIES LINING MY BOOKSHELF MIGHT FOOL YOU INTO THINKING I’M A WORLD-CLASS ATHLETE, BUT THOSE WHO KNOW ME BEST UNDERSTAND THE REALITY — THE ONLY FITNESS I’M INTO IS FITNESS PIZZA IN MY MOUTH. While my mom was a brilliant track and basketball star in school and my brother’s arms look like Popeye after a can of spinach, the athleticism gene skipped clean over me. Still, that didn’t stop my mother from trying to get me into every sport possible as a child.

I actually started off pretty strong in gymnastics. My claim to athletic fame is that in first grade I won first place all-around beating out a girl who would later qualify for the Olympics. That essentially means I qualified for the Olympics, and I’m not sure why the endorsements haven’t been rolling in.

But after I hit puberty I hated the way I looked in the leotard, so I dropped gymnastics and mom had me try out for softball.

I’d never picked up a bat or a glove in my life, so I was mortified as I stepped up to the plate at tryouts as the coaches and scouts looked on. I hit a few of the balls, and I fielded as best I could. But I had no clue what I was doing out there, and I was sure I’d get placed on the worst team in the league.

When the list came out, I was

shocked to find I had in fact been drafted to the absolute best team in the league, and my cheerleader mother convinced me it was because I was a D1 athletic dream.

For my first practice with the Shaneida Machines, my mom had me decked in gear with my hair double braided like I’d been playing all my life. I sheepishly rolled up with my new bat bag just praying the coach would explain a few of the rules of the game before I completely embarrassed myself.

His daughter Alicia, at the ripe old age of 11 was already well over 5 feet tall, and she was hands-down the best pitcher in the league. But he was open to finding out what positions the rest of us would be good at.

He popped us in and out of the different spots on the field.

I tried my hand at first, second and third base. Second was probably my favorite, but there was so much pressure to know when to throw the ball and when to tag. I didn’t even attempt catcher because Alicia already had her partner picked out. But, the outfield was still up for grabs.

Coach posted the roster, and I had solidified my very own spot in right field. Coach explained that my job was not only to go after fly balls and deep grounders. But I was to back up my first baseman as if my life depended on it.

I actually liked right field. It wasn’t a show stopper, but it meant that the spotlight was rarely on me.

I could quietly observe the game without the stress of constantly trying to figure out if I was supposed to throw to first or get the runner at home or tag the girl on second. It was just, move to backup my first baseman, and hit my cutoff if I had to throw the ball.

That whole season I played that spot like it was the most important one on the field. I showed up every day to practice ready to shuffle and scuffle out there in right field, moving every time a pitch was thrown. I may only see action once per game, but I was always alert

“Crystal comes out here every single day, and she plays hard,” he said. “If every one of you came out here and played with the heart that she plays with we’d be unstoppable.”

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

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and ready.

Despite my lack of talent, our team made it to the city playoffs, and as the tournament weekend wound down, we found ourselves in the top bracket.

As we gathered on the field before our last game, Coach asked us to all take a knee for a quick pep talk.

“Girls you can win this. You can absolutely come out here and win this tournament. You just have to want it bad enough,” he told us. We all sat reverently listening and soaking in his words as we solemnly prepared for battle.

“Each of you has an amazing gift. But let me tell you something, Crystal has something exceptional.”

I perked up. How the heck was the coach singling me out in his inspirational speech? Had I impressed him in practice that week? Was I killin’ it and just hadn’t realized? It was so nice to finally see my talents appreciated.

“Crystal comes out here every single day, and she plays hard,” he said. “If every one of you came out here and played with the heart that she plays with we’d be unstoppable.”

I was absolutely beaming. I was sure there’d be talent scouts in the stands that day ready to sign me on for a college contract immediately. The coach continued.

“That’s right. She may not have an ounce of talent. She may not have the skills that the rest of you have. But by God she comes out here every day and plays with her whole heart.”

Dagger. I was absolutely mortified and destroyed.

But as an adult I realized why I’d been drafted to that team. It wasn’t because I showed promise of athleticism at tryouts. I hadn’t knocked the ball out of the park or even caught half as many pop ups as I should have.

That coach drafted me to the best team in the league because despite my actual ability, I showed up every day like I was thankful to be there.

Just ask my editor. That go-getter attitude has carried me through every aspect of my life where I’ve been wildly unqualified, but absolutely ready to show up like I’m a rock star with a shelf full of trophies to prove it.

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Batty for Bat Fest Lubee Bat Conservancy’s 18th Annual Florida Bat Festival W R I T T E N B Y H AY L I Z U C C O L A

O

ctober – and Halloween in particular – has become synonymous with trips to pumpkin patches, cooler temperatures and a kaleidoscope of color-changing leaves, well, for everywhere but Florida. While Gainesville may not be the ideal destination for apple picking, leaf-peeping or donning flannel attire, the city is home to an annual fall festival that celebrates one of the most captivating and misunderstood symbols of the spooky season: bats.

Founded in 1989, Lubee Bat Conservancy was organized with the mission of helping save bats and protecting their habitats with a focus on community involvement and educating the public about these fascinating, yet illusive creatures.

PHOTO BY: HAYLI ZUCCOLA

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BAT-TASTIC

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LUBEE BAT CONSERVANCY >> ANNUAL BAT FEST

“I started working with them and I’m like, huh, these are different and then once you work with them you get to learn their personalities, and you really start to see there’s a lot of opportunity here,” said Brian Pope, who initially worked at Lubee in the late ‘90s before returning as Curator in 2007 and taking over as Director in 2011. “Every day I’m at work I get to see how gentle and special these animals are. So the more I worked with them, the more I really became enthralled with them.”

While the nonprofit is open year-round offering scheduled tours; funding conservation efforts and projects; providing educational opportunities and hosting a variety of unique events like

your gourds and your scarecrows and your hay bales and we really, we want this to be – and it has turned out to be – one of the largest fall festivals in north central Florida and I love that it’s here on Lubee property.”

Though the event was scrapped in 2020, Bat Fest returned in 2021 with slight hesitation on what the resulting outcome would be.

“Last year for Bat Fest, we didn’t know what to expect, you know, because people were still a little bit wary about going out and we have bats, we didn’t know what kind of response we were going to get. We had over 4,500 people, I mean, it was a huge day here,” Pope said. “I absolutely loved the turnout last year,

“It helps people to understand that these aren’t diseaseridden animals going around spreading Covid, rabies or whatever. They’re mammals. They have a purpose.” yoga or painting with bats, Lubee’s biggest event and fundraiser of the year is their annual Bat Fest.

Florida isn’t the first state to come to mind when thinking of traditional fall festivities, but Pope and his wife, Tracy, who is the Events and Programs Coordinator at Lubee, wanted to create an autumnal experience similar to the ones they encountered growing up in Pennsylvania.

“What we remember growing up with fall festivals, we wanted to bring that here,” Pope said. “So you have your pumpkins and 68 |

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the support the community gave us, the fact that they still want to come to Bat Fest and that they still love our animals. It was such a huge turnout.”

This year will mark the 18th Annual Florida Bat Festival, which is a day-long celebration that blends Lubee’s pursuit of enlightening the public on these gentle, underrated creatures by allowing guests to see their collection of over 150 bats ranging from the small Florida natives to the Malayan Flying Fox, which is the world’s largest bat by wingspan, with a lineup of

activities including an eclectic mix of food trucks, a kid’s play area, vendors, live music and a beer garden.

Though the event as a whole is an unforgettable affair that attracts visitors from bordering states and from as far as Alaska, it’s the unique, one-of-a-kind occasion to see a variety of bats up close that’s the highlight of the day.

“It helps people to understand that these aren’t disease-ridden animals going around spreading Covid, rabies or whatever.

They’re mammals. They have a purpose. They’re some of the

most important mammals to humans. They eat insects every night. They’re pollinating flowers. They’re dispersing seeds,” Pope said. “To humans, they’re some of the most important animals in the world because of their ecosystem services so whenever [someone] has a chance to see our bats whether it’s in person or online – they’re watching from Canada or New York – I think that gives us an opportunity. Our whole purpose is really to save bats, so I

LUBEE BAT CONSERVANCY >> ANNUAL BAT FEST

Lubee Bat Conservancy’s Annual Florida Bat Festival is fun for all ages and features a kids’ area with games and nature play activities; a beer garden for adults and the chance to encounter large fruit bats up close.

Ironically, the Big Brown Bat is quite small as its weight is traditionally one ounce or under. They can be found in North America, South America, the Caribbean and right here at Lubee. (Photo by Hayli Zuccola)

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LUBEE BAT CONSERVANCY >> ANNUAL BAT FEST

PHOTO BY: HAYLI ZUCCOLA

think that really strengthens our mission and our purpose and people see that. If all they come away with is, ‘you know what, that was cute, my misconceptions were wrong, what can we do to protect them or even become aware of them?’ We did our job.”

The 18th Annual Florida Bat Festival will feature animal encounters with bats like Calvin, a Malayan Flying Fox whose wingspan is a whopping 5 feet 6 inches, the nonprofit’s resident tortoises Ned and Mr. Bubbles, skinks, snakes and Pumpernickel

“Pumperloaf” the opossum; over 60 vendors with arts, crafts, conservation information and food for every taste; a kids area with nature play activities and bounce houses; a newly renovated education barn; live music; a fairy door scavenger hunt inspired by the Popes’ vacation to Ireland and a beer garden with both local and surrounding area breweries all of whom come together to support Lubee and their admiration for bats.

“Bat Fest, it’s a family-friendly fall festival, but it’s

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something for everybody here and Lubee itself, we’re celebrating 33 years of saving bats and habitats through research, conservation, and education,” Pope said. “We focus on children and community engagement. We’re very proud of the work that we do and we absolutely love that the community supports us and continues to support us. We’re going to just keep going for as long as we can. We love the work we do and it’s making a difference.”

Tickets for Bat Fest are $5 for children ages 5 to 12; $8

LUBEE BAT CONSERVANCY >> ANNUAL BAT FEST

PHOTO BY: HAYLI ZUCCOLA

PHOTO BY: HAYLI ZUCCOLA

for adults age 13 and up and free for children 4 and under.

Tickets to the beer garden are $25 until September 24 and include admission to Bat Fest, a 5-ounce souvenir glass and unlimited beer samples. Beer garden tickets will increase to $28 starting September 25 and can be purchased ahead of time online or at the gate the day of the event.

For more information on Bat Fest 2022 or to purchase tickets, visit Lubee Bat Conservancy’s website at lubee.org/batfest.

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BOOK REVIEW TERRI SCHLICHENMEYER’S

Reading Corner “INCOMPARABLE GRACE: JFK IN THE PRESIDENCY” Written by Ark K. Updegrove C.2022, DUTTON |

$29.00 | 355 PAGES

IT WASN’T EVEN YOUR IDEA. If you’d had your druthers, in fact, you would’ve chosen another course of action but the decision was out of your control. The situation was picked not by you but for you and though it wasn’t your idea, you’ll press on. As in the new book “Incomparable Grace” by Mark K. Updegrove, there’s no option but you’ll do your best.

It was blisteringly cold on the day that John F. Kennedy was inaugurated. After he took the oath, he removed much of his cold-weather wear to give a brief speech; afterward, he departed for various celebrations while his wife, who’d recently given birth, retired to rest.

“Jack” hadn’t initially wanted the job of President, and he wasn’t originally supposed to have it. According to his father, Jack’s eldest brother was perfect for office but when Joe Jr. was killed in World War II, Joe Sr.’s focus turned to Jack. All nine of the Kennedy children grew up with the idea that politics were essential to the family, so while Jack seemed sometimes to grouse about this assumption that he wanted to be President, he ultimately embraced it.

Insiders say that he was driven, always wanting to be in “the center of the action,” and for this, Americans gave him stellar approval ratings. But within weeks of the inauguration in 1961, JFK was faced with his first crisis in the Bay of Pigs in Cuba. He had to deal with a growing Civil Rights Movement that year, and unrest in Vietnam as

well as troubles with Russia and East Germany. His own health issues plagued him, as did his father’s.

The following year was no better: early in 1962, Kennedy tangled with steel executives and the media wasn’t kind. The South boiled with Civil Rights issues; the Kremlin and Cuba forced him to face a real possibility of nuclear war. And during all this, his health issues worsened, and Kennedy was in pain nearly all the time.

He would not see the end of 1963...

In the past near-60 years, hundreds, if not thousands of books about the Kennedy assassination have packed bookshelves tight. “Incomparable Grace” touches upon that event briefly, but only after taking readers back and around.

Certainly, author Mark K. Updegrove shows that his subject possessed the trait that gives this book its title but still, it isn’t lavishly complimentary to the Kennedy legacy. While other political players circa 1955 to 1964 make their appearances here, JFK’s presidency – including his mistakes and trials – is the focus of this book, which helps to remind readers that there wasn’t a perpetually-glossy sheen to Camelot. Hints of what could have happened, in fact, seem to hover just on the edge of some paragraphs; so do more than a few great anecdotes that will make historians grin with delight.

Readers may also be surprised to see that nothing is new in politics – there are parallels for the drawing here, fascinating evidence remains and for history-lovers, reading “Incomparable Grace” is a good idea.

TERRI SCHLICHENMEYER HAS BEEN READING SINCE SHE WAS 3 YEARS OLD AND SHE NEVER GOES ANYWHERE WITHOUT A BOOK. SHE LIVES WITH HER TWO DOGS AND 11,000 BOOKS. HER BOOK REVIEWS ARE PUBLISHED IN MORE THAN 200 NEWSPAPERS AND 50 MAGAZINES THROUGHOUT THE U.S. AND CANADA. bookwormsez@yahoo.com

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Strengthening Your Social Support How a Strong Support System Makes a Positive Impact on Your Life W RIT TE N BY C A MERON COBB

S

ocial support networks are much more than just an extension of who you choose to associate with and the relationships you form— these are the people that help shape your journey and growth along the way.

According to a research article titled “Social Relationships and Health: A Flashpoint for Health Policy,” social scientists have continuously conducted research over recent decades that shows just how much of a positive affect fostering positive social relationships has on both mental and physical health (nih.gov).

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I BELIEVE IN YOU

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SOCIAL SUPPORT >> MENTAL & PHYSICAL HEALTH

The article defines social support as “the emotionally sustaining qualities of relationships (e.g., a sense that one is loved, cared for, and listened to),” with such relationships comprising of our own personal social support network. Did you know adults who maintain social connections actually live longer compared to those who see more isolation? Additional key findings from the article noted that social relationships inevitably have an impact on one’s behavioral, psychosocial, and physiological health and even “shape health outcomes throughout the life course and have a cumulative impact on health over time.”

Additional studies show that having a social support system benefits the body and mind in many different aspects, according to mayoclinic.org. Social support can lead to a better ability to cope with and manage stress, enhanced self-esteem, lessening emotional distress, and even helping to lower your blood

pressure. Contrarily, feelings of loneliness and isolation have been linked with an increased chance of experiencing poor mental and cardiovascular health, among other areas.

We may think about “social support” as a general term to describe the group of people we stay close to in life, but as the pros of establishing this network suggest, it is more in-depth than that. There are technically four different kinds of behaviors that make up social support as a whole: informational, instrumental, emotional, and appraisal, according to med.upenn.edu. You might personify informational as someone who aims to share tips, helpful advice, or other information in an effort to work through a problem with you. Instrumental best represents those who lend a literal hand in the form of an act or service, such as a friend who offers to babysit on date night. You know how an open ear and a little compassion can work wonders when you just need to vent your stress away? The emotional aspect of support relies on good listening skills and an extension of empathy. In regards to appraisal, consider how positive, yet honest, criticism can improve your self-confidence and highlight your qualities in a way that enables you to see your strengths.

Though categorized based off differing traits, all four behaviors make up the “social support” umbrella. You may find you lean more towards one behavior when it comes to how you offer support, or it may just vary depending on the needs of the individual at the time. And if you ever aren’t sure what the right support is to offer, just ask! There’s no better way to clarify than by reaching out and sincerely wanting to be there for someone just for the sake of being there.

Social support networks can help to foster a sense of belonging, though that obviously means taking care in those you associate with. The habits of the people who you surround yourself

There are more than enough avenues to help in building a strong social support system. Try your hand at volunteering, looking into community classes or events, playing sports, networking in your professional life, or simply starting a chat online.

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SOCIAL SUPPORT >> MENTAL & PHYSICAL HEALTH

Social support can lead to a better ability to cope with and manage stress, enhanced self-esteem, lessening emotional distress, and even helping to lower your blood pressure. Contrarily, feelings of loneliness and isolation have been linked with an increased chance of experiencing poor mental and cardiovascular health, among other areas.

with influence your own behaviors and tendencies. When you maintain a healthy social support network that aims to help you grow and work towards your goals, you are more likely to live a healthy lifestyle, according to montarebehavioralhealth.com.

Your social support network acts as a great accountability and motivation tool, as it’s not just you who is pushing towards your success. Your entire social support network is rooting for you to win. Even being verbally “cheered on” when striving to reach a goal helps us associate positive feelings towards the actions we are taking, according to an article discussing the psychology behind fitness motivation (stylist.co.uk). Psychologist and well-being consultant, Lee Chambers, mentions in the article about how being surrounded by encouragement and support helps to lessen your worries about the task at hand while redirecting your focus to the finish line and ultimately boosting your performance. Chambers notes how we experience a jolt of adrenaline whenever we are cheered on, which can “give

you a positive surge that changes your mood and how you feel physically.”

Now that you know the benefits of having a social support network in your life, perhaps you may begin to better understand what support behaviors you gravitate towards or find yourself practicing. You likely have already established a good group of friends, family members, classmates, colleagues, and other meaningful people in your life who make up part of your social support network (and rely on you for the same). But while what’s familiar might be tempting to stick with, don’t be afraid to expand outside of your comfort zone—there are more than enough avenues to help in building a strong social support system. Try your hand at volunteering, looking into community classes or events, playing sports, networking in your professional life, or simply starting a chat online.

You never know what could come from lending a hand of support!

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UF Ice Hockey Team Spreading the Word About the Sport W RIT TE N BY S UMMER JA R RO

T

he University of Florida is home to many sports, but many don’t know it also has a hockey team.

The UF Ice Hockey Team has been around for the last 26 years. Many do not know about the team probably because there is no hockey stadium on campus and the team has to play outside of Gainesville. For many years, the hockey team practiced and played in Jacksonville, briefly in Wesley Chapel and will play and practice again in Jacksonville this season.

Despite the sport not being as well known by many students at the university and in Gainesville as its football and basketball teams, the players still play hard and are working to get the word out in order to bring more people out to support the sport.

“It’s definitely a challenge, but we’re definitely trying to grow the game and elevate it as much as we can both at our university and also in the market we play in,” said Connor Nicholson,

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president of the team and a forward on the D2 team.

The UF Ice Hockey Team plays at the club level and started as a D2 team. It still has a D2 team today, but last season, a D3 team was added.

The hockey team is a student-run organization. There is a coach that leads practices and handles the games but everything else outside of the games are run by the students on the team.

The hockey team’s season begins in Septmeber.

The D2 team is part of College Hockey South, a Division II conference previously known as South Eastern Collegiate Hockey Conference. The D2 team plays more upper level teams and out-of-state schools including Clemson University, the University of Georgia and the University of Alabama. The D3 team is a growing league that plays more in-state teams.

Both teams include about 40 players and about 20 players can play per game. Both men and women can try out for the D2 or D3 team, and in the past, there have been female players on

ICE, ICE BABY

PHOTOGRAPHY: ANDREW FIELDER

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UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA >> ICE HOCKEY TEAM

the ice hockey team.

“We want everybody to play the University of Florida for our club hockey team because we want to allow other people to continue to pursue their passions for the sport, and we love to see it grow in the Southeast the way it has so significantly over the past five years and what not,” said Matt Brkljacik, vice president of the team and defense player on the D2 team. “We are here to facilitate that in any way that we can, and anybody that comes to tryouts absolutely will be on a team.”

The hockey team went through recruiting in the summer.

At the end of August and beginning of September, the team goes through evaluations prior to the upcoming season. About 80 people are coming to player evaluations.

“There’s a lot more people coming out than we’ve ever seen before, so we’re still trying to navigate how we’re going to go through with all of that,” Nicholson said.

Nicholson has played with the team since he was a freshman.

This season he will be a senior. Like many others on the team, he was introduced to hockey at a very young age.

“Hockey has always been huge in my family,” he said.

His parents got him into the sport early on and his brother and sister also played. “They got me on skates when I believe I 84 |

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was two years old, so I could probably barely walk at this point, and they had me learning to skate,” Nicholson said.

Nicholson doesn’t have plans to become a professional player and is just enjoying being on the team and playing with the rest of his teammates at the college level. “I think my favorite part about it is the family you’re surrounded with and all of the different life lessons you can really learn from the sport,” he said. “I know that it’s given me some of my closest friends not only growing up but also now.”

He also likes all the different leadership skills, work ethic, commitment and discipline he has gained by playing hockey.

“There’s just so much that goes into it that I definitely appreciate it,” Nicholson said.

Owen Barno, treasurer of the team, likes the bond he has made being on the ice hockey team. He is a right wing on the D2 team going into his third season as a player.

“It’s a fraternity without being a fraternity,” he said. “There’s a bond between all of the guys that I think is awesome. A lot of us come from different places around the country and in Florida, and we all have this one thing in common, which is ice hockey.”

Brkljacic, who is a sophomore going into his second season on the team, also likes the bond that comes with the sport and PHOTOGRAPHY: ANDREW FIELDER

more. “[The] teamwork, the communication, the bonding that you have with your teammates, there’s something about that and the energy that you develop when you’re playing,” Brkljacic said. “I see it as a very exciting sport. It’s very intense, it really keeps your mind racing, you’re always thinking. There’s a lot to love about the sport. I couldn’t put one thing on it, but through all those factors, building that bond with the people around you creates friendships that will last a lifetime.”

The players are excited for the upcoming season and plan to bring their friends to all the games.

Last season, the D2 team finished fourth in the Collegiate Hockey Federation conference playoffs, which they were unable to make in the 2019 to 2020 season. They hope to get back into the playoffs again this season.

Barno hopes to get the word out more about the games to students and the Gator community.

“We’re trying to do more events at the home game—maybe different themes—just so that the fans can get interested and end up showing up because I know it’s far for a lot of UF students to drive an hour and a half to Jacksonville,” he said. “So to make the game more exciting and fun for the fans to watch I think is something that we’re really trying to work on.”

Brkljacic wants to take on a bigger leadership role and help the new players.

“I want to see us bond more as a team because we’re coming from so many different places,” he said. “We have so many different interests and passions that I would love to have everybody learn those things about each other. I think it will translate on the ice through communication and the way we connect when we’re playing. I think that will go a long way.”

The D2 and D3 teams first games are Sept. 9 against Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach.

open to children ages: 5-14 @ jonesville park Travel Ball • Baseball Leagues • Hitting Clinics Camps & Training • Private Lessons

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Monday - Saturday 5a-9a

For more information on the UF Ice Hockey Team, upcoming games, how to get tickets and more, visit ufgatorshockey. com.

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COMMU NIT Y C A LENDA R

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

OKTOBERFEST Friday, October 14th from 5 p.m. – 10 p.m.

Haile Village Center, 5100 SW 91st Terrace

GAINESVILLE – Come out for the annual celebration of Haile Village Center’s Oktoberfest! A night of great food, drinks, and entertainment. Fun for all ages. hailevillagecenter.com

FAHRENHEIT 451

have a great time and support a great Ballet Company, too. dancealive.org

Various Times

Saturday, September 10 from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Hippodrome Theatre, 25 SE 2nd Place

GFWC High Springs New Century Woman’s

GAINESVILLE – In Ray Bradbury’s classic dystopian world, the written word is forbidden and firemen burn books instead of fighting fire. One man is forced to choose between a regimented existence or risk everything for the right to think. thehipp.org

Club, 23674 West U.S. Hwy 27

Friday, September 2 – September 18;

AGED TO PERFECTION

Thursday, September 8 from 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.

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MEET THE DANCERS | GAINESVILLE

BAGS & BINGO FUNDRAISER

HIGH SPRINGS – Enjoy a delicious brunch and have fun playing bingo to win beautiful purses.

Proceeds will be donated to Unity Foster Ministries of High Springs. Limited seating – Tickets purchased before September 1 are $20.00, after September 1, tickets are $25.00.

For tickets call 386-518-3276.

BRONCHO AT THE WOOLY

Gainesville Garden Club, 1350 NW 75th St.

Friday, September 9 from 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.

GAINESVILLE – Get ready for a charming evening at the Gainesville Garden Club with live music, hors d’oeuvres and much more! ggcfl.org

Cade Museum, 811 S Main St.

Wednesday, September 14 from 7 p.m. – 11:30 p.m.

GAINESVILLE – Donna DeConna and Craig Wilburn welcome you to a stunning performance in the beautiful Cade Museum showcasing the amazing Dance Alive dancers PLUS a live auction! Enjoy delicious hors d’oeuvres by Sweetwater Catering and décor

by Unforgettable Events as you dance to the sounds of popular DJ Elio Piedra. You will

The Wooly, 20 N Main St.

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GAINESVILLE – BRONCHO return to the road for the first time in three years with the I Know You Tour 2022. The Oklahoma band will be performing songs from their landmark first four albums. Event is 18+. thetopsecretevents.com

CCA GAINESVILLE BANQUET

TOM PETTY WEEKEND

Thursday, September 15 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Legacy Park Multipurpose Center, 15400 Peggy Road

Thursday, October 20 –

ALACHUA – The 2022 Coastal Conservation Association Gainesville Banquet presented

by Carr and Associates with UBS Financial Services. The Banquet will feature a catered dinner by Wahoo Seafood, live music, raffles, silent auction, live auction, and more! ccaflorida.org

Saturday, October 22

ASSASSINS

Thursday, September 15 – Friday, October 7; Various times Gainesville Community Playhouse, 4039 NW 16th Blvd.

GAINESVILLE – Assassins lays bare the lives of nine individuals who assassinated, or tried to assassinate, the President of the United States in a one-act historical “revusical” that explores the dark side of the American experience. From John Wilkes Booth to Lee Harvey Oswald, writers Stephen Sondheim and John Weidman bend the rules of time and space, taking us on a nightmarish roller coaster ride in which assassins and would-be assassins from different historical periods meet, interact, and inspire each other to harrowing acts in the name of the American Dream. gcplayhouse.org

Heartwood Soundstage, 619 South Main St.

GAINESVILLE – Come celebrate Gainesville’s native son with three days of entertainment including music and storytelling.

Thursday, October 20 from 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.; Friday, October 21 from 3 p.m.

– 10 p.m.; and Saturday, October 22 from 3 p.m. – 11 p.m. A general admission ticket is free, but you must register for your ticket. VIP Silver Ticket is $100 for helping to support Tom Petty Weekend and Heartwood Soundstage! Your benefits will include the VIP area inside Heartwood, entry to the VIP outside seating area with shade and chairs, Exclusive access to the VIP Bar (inside Heartwood), exclusive access to up to five inside soundstage performances on a first come basis (access limited to VIP Gold and Silver ticket holders), a Festival t-shirt and more! heartwoodsoundstage.com

OKTOBERFEST

CAMP-OWEEN

Friday, September 23 from 4 p.m. – 11 p.m.

Friday, October 7 – Sunday, October 9

Swamp Head Brewery, 3650 SW 42nd Ave.

Ginnie Springs, 7300 NE Ginnie Springs Road

30TH ANNIVERSARY GALA

GAINESVILLE – German beers, big steins, and lederhosen galore! Mark your calendars for this year’s annual Oktoberfest party at Swamp Head Brewery. swamphead.com

High Springs Playhouse, 23416 W US Highway 27

WILD READING SAFARI

HIGH SPRINGS – Tampa Bay Chive is going back to Ginnie Spings! This time it will be a spooky trip in the woods for Halloween. Come join us for a couple fun nights out in the woods, floating on the river, and partying for a purpose! facebook.com/TampaBayChive

Saturday, September 17 at 7 p.m.

HIGH SPRINGS – Celebrate the good times at the High Springs Playhouse 30th Anniversary Season Gala - Cocktails at 7 p.m.; show starts at 8 p.m. One-night-only excerpts of “The Divas” by Jack Neary, performed by Arlene Levine and Lorraine Kirkland. Scenes from our upcoming season of shows. Awards ceremony and legacy inductions. highspringsplayhouse. com

Saturday, September 24 from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

MAGIC CITY HIPPIES AND OKEY DOKEY

Saturday, September 24 from 12 p.m. – 11 p.m.

Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo, 3000 NW 83rd St.

GAINESVILLE – Join Episcopal Children’s Services at the zoo and enjoy a day of great family fun, literacy and community. Enjoy celebrity readings, face painting and arts and craft. Registration is required. sfcollege.edu

FM OKTOBERFEST

RUNNING MATES

First Magnitude Brewing Company, 1220 SE

Friday, October 14 – Sunday, October 30;

Saturday, September 17 at 8 p.m.

Veitch St.

Various Times

High Dive, 210 SW 2nd Ave.

GAINESVILLE – First Magnitude is going to get down German-style with an awesome lineup of German-style beers brewed just for this occasion! Slap on your dirndl or lederhosen, pick up your mugs, and let’s celebrate the fall season. fmbrewing.com

Hippodrome Theatre, 25 SE 2nd Place

GAINESVILLE – Miami based Indie Funk band, dusted with a taste of Hip Hop, and baked in an oven of Soul! Tickets are $20 in advance and $23 at the door. highdivegainesville.com

GAINESVILLE – In this fast-paced political comedy, hilarity runs in the family and brings new meaning to the phrase “family politics.” thehipp.org

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FUN WITH FLOWERS

Tuesday, October 18 from

Lubee Bat Conservancy, 1309 NW 192nd Ave.

10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

GAINESVILLE – Lubee Bat Conservancy is excited to welcome everyone to their 18th Annual Florida Bat Festival. Come celebrate with the bats as they continue to spread bat conservation awareness and enjoy all the batty fun festivities too! Their family friendly festival promises to be a perfect fall, funfilled tradition for family and friends alike.

Admission donation at the gate or online is $5 for ages 5-12; $8 for ages 13 & up. Kids 4 and under are free. The beer garden is $25 or $28 at the gate with festival entry included. lubee.org

Gainesville Garden Club, 1350 NW 75th St.

GAINESVILLE GONE NEW ORLEANS

Thursday, October 27 from 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.

Valley View: 26001 NW 122nd St.

ALACHUA – A gathering with friends and supporters of the Child Advocacy Center (CAC) for the 14th Annual Signature Fundraiser - Gainesville Gone New Orleans. This will be an amazing night of food, drink, live music, and entertainment to celebrate the CAC and reflect on the impact the CAC has had on the thousands of abused or neglected children in our community over the past year. More info and tickets available at: gainesvillegoneneworleans.com

DANCING THROUGH THE DECADES- WOODSTOCK REVISITED

Friday, October 14 at 6:30 p.m.

The Barn at Rembert Farms, 13014 NW 174th

SUNFLOWER HEALTH FOODS CUSTOMER APPRECIATION

Saturday, October 22 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, October 22 from

Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Road

9 a.m. – 8 p.m.

GAINESVILLE – Through the fog and mist of Transylvania appears a sinister castle.

Within it lives Count Dracula, the vampire to end all vampires! This is the story of a gentleman, his fiancée, and the dastardly deeds of the evil Count Dracula. After all is said and done, good wins out, and life goes on. With dramatic set design by artist Margaret Tolbert, this Dracula is a production that will send chills up your spine! Family friendly. Tickets $27 – $49. performingarts.ufl.edu

Sunflower Health Foods, 3424 W University Ave.

GAINESVILLE – Product demonstrations, free product samples and gift basket raffles. Ten percent off everything during the event.

Every customer receives a thank you gift. sunflowerhealthfoods.com

ADULT TRICK OR TREATING

ALACHUA – Join us for a fun night and live entertainment benefiting Aces in Motion, Scott Loeffler Memorial Fund for Mental Health and the Fixel Institute for Parkinson’s Disease Research. Tickets starting at $150. Table Sponsors starting at $2,500. bosshardtcharitablefund.org/ dancingdecades

Swamp Head Brewery, 3650 SW 42nd Ave.

Downtown High Springs, 20 NW 9th St.

HIGH SPRINGS – Come browse offerings from a plethora of local artists and makers, as well as specials from downtown businesses. All artists and makers are welcome to apply for a space at Downtown High Springs Artwalk. downtownhighsprings@gmail.com OUR TOWN MAGAZINE

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DANCE ALIVE NATIONAL BALLET PRESENTS: DRACULA

Thursday, October 20 –

Friday, October 21 from 4 p.m. – 11 p.m.

Saturday, October 15 from 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.

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GAINESVILLE – Hands-on floral design program includes lecture, demonstration and materials. Coffee social and refreshments at 9:30 a.m. and guided session with local florist begins at 10 a.m. ggcfl.org

Ave.

DOWNTOWN HIGH SPRINGS ARTWALK

BAT FEST

Saturday, October 22 from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

GAINESVILLE – Get ready for an October full of spooky new can releases, culminating in a ton of different candy beers released at the 7th annual Adult Trick or Treating except Swamp Head’s treats aren’t candy, our treats are candy-inspired beers, dreamt up by our brewers and available for one very spooky night. swamphead.com

WALK TO END ALZHEIMER’S - GAINESVILLE, FL Saturday, October 22; Time TBD

Trinity Methodist Church, 4000 NW 53rd Ave

GAINESVILLE – Held annually in more than 600 communities nationwide, Walk to End Alzheimer’s is the world’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research. alz.org/Gainesville

FLORIDA COLOR HORSE CLUB SPOOKTACULAR COLORS SHOW

Saturday, October 22 and Sunday, October 23 Alachua County Agriculture and Equestrian Center, 23100 W Newberry Road

N E W B E R R Y – The Florida Color Horse Club will host a two judge Dual Approved American Paint Horse Association and Appaloosa Horse Club Horse Show. Along with these two breeds, FCHC will host a selection of classes for horses of all breeds.

There will be a Special Horse and Exhibitor Costume Contest at the conclusion of the show on October 22. For more info, visit the Florida Color Horse Club’s Facebook group.

FALL PLANT SALE AND ORCHID SHOW

Saturday, October 22 and Sunday, October 23 from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Kanapaha Botanical Gardens, 4700 SW 58th Drive

GAINESVILLE – Each October, Kanapaha Botanical Gardens holds an Open House & Fall Plant Sale, in conjunction with the Gainesville Orchid Society, inviting visitors to see the facility admission free. In addition to viewing the botanical gardens, approximately 45 booths will be set up selling a wide variety of plants.

The American Orchid Society will have their annual American Orchid Society’s judged show that will coincide with the Fall Plant Sale and will take place inside Kanapaha’s entrance building. kanapaha.org

HOWL-A-PALOOZA

GAINESVILLE – Enjoy an adults-only evening of horseback riding, wine, charcuterie and great conversations with us. All riding levels welcome.

Tickets are $75 per-person. haileequestrian. com/events

GUIDED WALK AT KANAPAHA

First Saturdays from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Kanapaha Botanical Gardens, 4700 SW 58th Drive

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

JAZZ ON THE GREEN

Second Saturdays from 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Celebration Pointe, 5001 Celebration Pointe

Sunday, October 23 at 3 p.m.

Ave. Suite 140

Sun Country Sports Center, 333 SW 140th

G A I N E S V IL L E – Join Celebration Point every second Saturday of the month for live music, food, drinks and more! Spread a blanket under the setting sun, and catch some beautiful music on the green. celebrationpointe.com

Terrace

JONESVILLE – Enjoy food, drinks, games, prizes, hay rides, haunted houses, a silent auction and so much more! Food, prizes and all activities are included in ticket price! Kids will also get exclusive access to the Sun Country Sports gym to have extra fun! suncountrysports. com/howlapalooza

BOO AT THE ZOO

Monday, October 31 from 3 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo, 3000 NW 83rd St.

GAINESVILLE – Boo at the Zoo is Gainesville’s favorite Halloween treat for families. The students and staff transform the zoo into a spooky but safe trick or treating event for the whole family. All ages are welcome to join us in costume and trick or treat! Admission to the event is one canned good or non-perishable food item per person. Cans collected help two charities - Saints Food Share at Santa Fe College, and Catholic Charities, which feed families in need around our community. sfcollege.edu

RECURRING EVENTS HAILE EQUESTRIAN RIDE & WINE

First Fridays at 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

DOWNTOWN HIGH SPRINGS ARTWALK

Third Saturdays from 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.

Downtown High Springs

HIGH SPRINGS – Art Walk features local artists and makers situated both inside stores and on the sidewalks of downtown. Some locations feature live painting and demonstrations. This seasonal monthly event is an opportunity for local artisans and artists to demonstrate and display their talents and offer their works for sale in storefronts throughout the downtown area. Participating host merchants also offer specials and sales during the event. highsprings.us

PLAYLIST AT THE POINTE

Fourth Fridays from 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.

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

GAINESVILLE CARS & COFFEE

Second Sundays from 9 a.m. – 11 a.m.

Whole Foods Market, 3490 SW Archer Road

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

STORY TIME AT DEPOT PARK

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

Depot Park, 200 SE Depot Ave.

GAINESVILLE – Come to Depot Park on the third Thursday of every month for outdoor stories and songs with Alachua County Library staff! Bring blankets and chairs if you wish to socially distance. Story time will be held on the Flatcar Stage inside the Depot Park Children’s Play Area, weather permitting. depotpark.org

THE FEST

Friday, October 28 – Sunday, October 30

GAINESVILLE – THE FEST is an independent multiple-day, multiple-venue underground music festival held annually in Gainesville with this year marking the event’s 20th anniversary. thefestfl.com

Haile Equestrian, 7680 SW 46th Blvd.

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2

BIRD WALKS AT THE WETLANDS

Wednesdays from 8:30 a.m. – 11 a.m.

Sweetwater Wetlands Park, 325 SW Williston Road

BARNYARD BUDDIES

Wednesdays from 3 p.m. – 4 p.m.

GAINESVILLE – Discover the rich diversity of birds at one of north central Florida’s premier birding hotspots during a 2-3-hour guided walking tour. Join us to see why Sweetwater Wetlands Park is the most popular birding destination in the Gainesville area. Walks are free with park admission fee ($5/vehicle) and are offered every Wednesday morning from September 1st though the end of May. alachuaaudubon.org

RUNNING TABS

(September – May)

Wednesdays at 6:15 p.m.

Morningside Nature Center, 3540 E

First Magnitude Brewing Company, 1220 SE

University Ave.

Veitch St.

GAINESVILLE – Morningside Living History Farm is hosting an in-person, socially distant Barnyard Buddies program!

This one-hour program is free, but online pre-registration through Eventbrite is required on a first-come-first-served basis.

Youngsters, with an adult, can meet and greet farm animals by helping staff with afternoon feeding on the Living History Farm.

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

STRETCH & FLOW

Thursdays from 10 a.m. – 11 p.m.

GAINESVILLE SHRINE CLUB MARKETPLACE

Fourth Saturdays from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Gainesville Shrine Club, 8100 SW Archer Road

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

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

MACRAMÉ WORKSHOP

Fourth Saturdays from 3 p.m. – 5 p.m.

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

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

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

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

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dairy and meats as well as honey, handmade treats and more. The Farmers Market is produced by The City of High Springs. highsprings.us/farmersmarket

PARKRUN 5K AT DEPOT PARK

Saturdays at 7:30 a.m.

Depot Park, 200 SE Depot Ave.

GAINESVILLE – Parkrun is a free, weekly, timed 5K at Depot Park. Participants can walk, jog or run. The community is encouraged to get active at their fitness and ability level. Parkrun is a global movement that started in the UK and quickly spread across the world. Every Saturday over 1,700 events occur with more than 150,000 participants globally. parkrun. us/depotpark

ALACHUA COUNTY FARMERS’ MARKET

Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.

5920 NW 13th St.

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

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

HAILE FARMERS MARKET

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

Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.

HIGH SPRINGS – Join Angela Stull for Stretch & Flow! Start with a warm-up stretch and move into a vinyasa flow followed by a relaxed stretch and savasana. This class is accessible for people of all levels. facebook.com/ HighSpringsCreates

Haile Plantation Village

GNV MARKET

Thursdays from 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.

Heartwood Soundstage, 619 South Main St.

GAINESVILLE – The GNV Market is Gainesville’s Downtown farmers market every Thursday from 4-7 p.m. Featuring over 40 vendors, fresh produce, live music and craft beer. gnvmarket. com

HIGH SPRINGS FARMERS MARKET

Fridays from 3 p.m. – 7 p.m.

23517 NW 185th Road

HIGH SPRINGS – Florida grown fruit, vegetables,

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

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MATHLETES

THE BUCHHOLZ HIGH SCHOOL MATH TEAM

and Conquer W R I T T E N B Y H AY L I Z U CCO L A | P H O T OG R A P H Y B Y M I C H A E L E A DD Y

T

he story behind the awe-inspiring Buchholz High School’s math team and their rise from newcomers in the competitive math world to solidifying their place as an unstoppable force at both state and national championship levels reads like an empowering based-on-atrue-story Hollywood film.

After graduating from Buchholz in 1976, Will Frazer worked his way to maintaining a successful career as a bond trader on Wall Street and while it was a lucrative profession, something was missing in his life. His early retirement back to Florida didn’t last long as his lingering boredom led him to become a golf coach at P.K. Yonge before switching to coaching the team at Buchholz in 1994. When the high school’s math teacher, who coincidentally happened to be Frazer’s favorite teacher when he attended Buchholz, decided to retire, Frazer took on a second role at the school.

His experience in finance and natural admiration for math allowed him to seamlessly transition into the new position,

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but a flyer in his mailbox informing him of a regional math competition set him on a journey to develop something new at the school: a competitive math team. A handful of his best students were eager and up for the challenge, but never having participated in anything like it before, their first competition went, well, poorly. Determined to improve, Frazer’s students asked to train and practice in preparation for an upcoming match where they managed to improve slightly. The following year in 1998, Frazer’s students started putting in more effort while Frazer reworked the curriculum to create competition-based classes so his students could use their time more efficiently by learning what was required for their grade while solving tournament-style problems.

Frazer was in the early stages of building a legacy and in doing so he decided to trade in his golf clubs to focus solely on math education.

“I gave up coaching the golf team and all my friends thought I was a big nerd, loser giving up coaching golf for math,” Frazer

points and the school with the most points at the end is named the overall winner, with Buchholz taking home the title for the 14th time.

This accomplishment was an even greater feat since many schools and math programs across the country struggled in the aftermath of the pandemic. While 2020 was a wash, in 2021, Frazer managed to secure the education wing of North Central Baptist Church so his students could safely continue their school lessons and team practice in person.

“My kids were getting massive, massive learning gains during the Covid year when the rest of the world was getting massive losses and that year we won state and nationals by record amounts,” he said.

Those record-breaking numbers were made possible not by pushing his students to practice more outside the classroom, but by using the time he had with them more efficiently.

“A lot of people have this vision that if you’re winning as much as we do, all you do is practice math and the kids do nothing else,” he said. “Most of these kids have many interests. Many are on science teams. Many are on sports teams. They’re in the band. They play the violin, piano. They debate. My kids do tons of things and math is just one of them. So if I can use their time efficiently during the school day, then they can go after school and do their sports or the science team or debate or whatever their other interests are so it’s really about efficiency, I think, and using the time better so the kids can succeed without giving up other things they love.”

The other component of the team’s numerous victories is the fact that they operate first and foremost as a team.

“A lot of times people will ask me about the math club and I immediately, given the opportunity, say we’re not a club, we’re a team. A club is a social organization that comes together to share some love of some common something. A team is about winning.

SEPT/OCT

OUR TOWN MAGAZINE

BUCHHOLZ MATH TEAM >> TOP IN THE NATION

joked.

In 2002, he began scouting middle school students that garnered interest in the team before reaching high school.

“That helped a lot because like in anything, sports or whatever, the earlier you get to people the better chance you have at developing talent,” he said.

That dedication put forth by both Frazer and his students finally paid off in 2005 when the team won their first state championship, which was just the beginning of the dynasty they quickly forged, which today encompasses wins in 15 of the last 17 state championships and 14 of the last 15 national championships.

“When you build a program and you start at the bottom and you’re constantly building and like I said, it could be a sports team, it could be a business, whatever it is, when you finally kind of reach the pinnacle, it’s a huge, huge feeling,” Frazer said. “It’s a big program, you know, we’ve grown it and it’s certainly a cool thing. You know a lot of people don’t think of math as cool, but people love success and we bring a lot of that to the school.”

Last year’s program was the largest it’s ever been with a total of 130 students – 37 middle school students in grades six through eight and 93 high school students in grades nine through 12. It was also the team’s most successful year at nationals with the students taking home a whopping 304 trophies at the Mu Alpha Theta national competition in Washington D.C. Though each competition is unique, Mu Alpha Theta, in particular, has allowed the team to travel across the country as it’s held in a new location each year – permitting them to compete in Hawaii, San Diego, St. Louis, Sacramento and more.

This national bout is a week-long event comprised of individual tests and team rounds covering algebra 1, algebra 2, geometry, pre-calculus, calculus and statistics. Schools accumulate points in over 50 competitions with speed and accuracy accruing more

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THE ALACHUA BUSINESS LEAGUE PRESENTS THE 35th

ALACHUA MAIN STREET HARVEST FESTIVAL Proceeds go toward Santa Fe College Scholarships

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2022 11AM - 5PM MAIN STREET, ALACHUA #AMSFEST22 Thank you to our sponsors!

A lot of people think competition is bad, but I look at it [differently]. If you’re a team, you learn to sacrifice for others. That’s what a team is. If you’re in an individual sports competition and you do badly or you throw a fit or you don’t put forth much effort, you’ve hurt yourself,” Frazer said. “When you enter as a team and you don’t do your part, you’ve hurt the team. So it’s really about collaboration with others, coming together to succeed as a unit and making sacrifices.”

During his over two-decade history teaching at Buchholz High School, Frazer formed the best competitive math team in the country, which not only brought recognition to the school and made a positive impact among his students but made a lasting mark on Frazer.

“I left Wall Street. I looked around and …

I didn’t like the life. Everybody was chasing money and it was kind of a moral sewer and I just didn’t like it,” he said. “I looked in the mirror and every time I made more money, I was more unhappy.”

Frazer explained that he was searching for something else.

“I didn’t know what it was initially, but I was searching for better meaning in life and I feel like I found it,” he said. I feel like I have a purpose that’s good, that I’m doing good work and when I see these kids later in life succeeding and doing well or pursuing careers and things that I was the first one to get them excited about – that’s just a great feeling and it’s better than any amount of money.”

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SEPT/OCT

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Charity of the Month

CONGRATULATIONS

CHARITY OF THE MONTH WINNERS June 2021 Winner

July 2022 Winner

Josh’s Place

Carson Springs

A $1,000 check was presented to Kelly and Greg Harris founders of Josh’s Place.

The story of Josh’s Place starts with Josh Harris being overwhelmed with the stress of being a young adult, combined with the chaos of the pandemic. From the outside, he seemed fine. On the inside, he was struggling. Eventually, it was too much for Josh, and he took his life at the age of 20.

Josh’s Place was started to ensure young adults have a safe place, where they know they belong.

They have peer groups, mentors and conselors. They meet every Thursday at the First Baptist Gym in Alachua. Find out more at knowyoubelong.com.

Tristen Robinson, Radiant’s 43rd Street Assistant Branch Manger presented the $1,000 check to Barry Janks.

Carson Springs is primarily a conservation and educational facility that rescues exotic animals in need. They are home to about 30 rare and endangered species and more than 100 animals total.

Tours of the facility are usually available every Saturday, and they are hosing their Fall Open House on Saturday, September 24. Visit thier website carsonspringswildlife.org for more information.

To nominate a charity or to vote for your favorite nominee visit: 96 |

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Facebook.com/RadiantCU

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

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

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

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

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

School of the Month August 2022 Recipient

Richardson Middle School Lake City Jarodanne Rentz, Radiant Credit Union’s Lake City Branch Manager, presented the $1,000 check to Principal Lisa Lee.

Presented by Radiant Credit Union and Our Town Family of Magazines

SEPT/OCT

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in

Our Town

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

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

SHARE THE LOVE

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What if you actually liked your headshot because the person taking it sees you at your best and knows how to capture that? What if your corporate photos made you feel confident and inspired engagement from your clients because the person taking it took the time to find out more about you and your brand? When you book a headshot, staff photos, or branding images with Adrienne Fletcher, you’re booking a professional photographer with both a fine art and marketing background, who will help craft your creative vision every step of the way.

“We had a fantastic time working with Adrienne!

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

Brand Storytelling | Modern Portraits

Adrienne Fletcher Photography Call for appointment 352-514-7277

adriennefletcher.com

— Zakiya Smith-Dore

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

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

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

“This is whole team is amazing. Great with cats, dogs, and people. Best vet office in north central Florida!” — Edward P

“I love taking my fur babies to Alachua Animal Hospital for all their vet care! I feel as though I am well informed as to my dogs health and that they genuinely love every fur baby that walks in there. They do not see $$$… they do not charge for unnecessary services!” — Candice B

Alachua Animal Hospital 15100 Main Street Alachua 386-588-3219

www.alachuavet.com

“This place is very clean. The

people working are the

sweetest! Very fast and efficient. Reasonable prices which is always

nice!” — Heather P SHARE THE LOVE

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

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

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

Finally this place is back to rockin! Great service. Great food and drink. Great atmosphere. I can’t wait to be a regular since the music is “I just moved here in Jan 2020. Then Covid hit.

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

GOhighsprings.com

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

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

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

Hometown Local Business

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

pawnprollc.com

expected to be impressed!” — Jay M.

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

“Great place. Very helpful and knowledgeable staff.

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

SHARE THE LOVE

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

“We love Bangkok Square! The pad Thai is a favorite! The

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

Family-Owned Serving the Best Authentic Thai Cuisine

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

bangkoksquarefl.com

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

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

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

have a small get together. They also have outside seating!” — S. Mariee

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

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

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

Cilantro Tacos 12921 SW 1 Rd, Newberry • 352-472-1300 15551 NW HWY 441, Alachua • 352-660-3262

eatcilantrotacos.com

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

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

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

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

Your Neighborhood Craft Beer Restaurant and Pub

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

www.TheCraftyBastards.com

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

— C. Bobowiec

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

Excited with the incredible opportunity to serve his hometown area, Joseph Stankus and the team at Stankus Family Care offer a wide variety of services that meet the varied needs of their patients. Whether young or old, insured, or self-pay, Stankus Family Care offers something for everyone. Specializing in well visits, sick visits, skin checks, weight loss, and men’s health, they are ready to help in anyway they can.

“This is a great Family Care practice. It seems rare to find a practice that puts an emphasis on the patient over the administrative aspects of healthcare. Joseph Stankus and his team ensure that people

Healthcare with Heart

are taken care of here.” — David R. “Joey has been my entire family’s health care provider for many years.

Stankus Family Care 18743 NW 234th St. High Springs, FL 32643 386-454-0721

www.stankusfamilycare.com

He and his entire staff are always very kind and listen to all your needs.

His office’s motto is “ Health Care With Heart” this describes them perfectly. Thank

you for all you do for my family and the community” — Angie E. SHARE THE LOVE

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

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

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

celebrateprimarycare.com

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

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

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

Premier upscale sports restaurant and rooftop bar

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

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

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

thesocialgnv.com

lots of fun for everyone.” — Guy T.

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

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

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

The world-class care and attention your pets deserve

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

naturepetsgrooming.com

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

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

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

Lifelong Partners in Your Child’s Health

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

littlepinepediatrics.com

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

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Tomlinson Motor Company has been providing automotive sales & service to the Gainesville area for almost 30 years. Family owned and operated, they have built a reputation for offering quality vehicles at unbeatable prices. Their philosophy is simple- make it easy and enjoyable for the customer and build relationships through repeat business and referrals. That is exactly what they have been doing all of these years and why they are now seeing second and even third generation Tomlinson buyers. It’s always nice to go where someone knows your name.

“I could not have asked for a better experience getting my car! The guys at Tomlinson Motor Company in Gainesville are the BEST! John David “JD” was so patient, consistent,

MOTOR COMPANY Love your car, Love the process!

and helpful with getting me the exact car I wanted and needed! If you are looking for a car this is the place to go!” — J. Harvey “Tomlinson is wonderful!! I purchased my car in August of this year.

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

tomlinsonmotorco.com

Bill Carter took care of me the whole way through. The process was fast, easy, welcoming and overall satisfactory. I’m in love with my new car... so much so my sister is purchasing from Tomlinson as well. Highly

recommend. A good and honest business with more than fair prices.” — M. Fitzsimmons

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

“Friendly service with an excellent variety of food.

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

Your wait is over — our legendary burgers are back!

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

mycoppermonkey.com

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

go to spot for cold

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

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

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

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

“Excellent food! The revitalized inside is fantastic!

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

A unique “destination” Diner experience for the whole family

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

PinkFlamingoDiner.com

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

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

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

Tosh Event Group, LLC is a Full-Service Event Management Company, with over 10 years of experience in Event Management & Planning, Concert Production, Catering, Custom Fabrication & Creative Space Design. We can customize any menu from breakfast to dinner, Hors d`ouevres to build-your-own station, vegan to gluten-free, we have handcrafted food & drinks to feed your guests and make your event memorable.

“Every catering experience we have had with Tosh has been an exceptional one! They always provide an elegant set-up and delicious food with a staff who goes above and beyond. We would recommend them to anyone!” — Amanda B.

Tosh Event Group 12 W. University Ave, Gainesville 352-284-1807

tosheventgroup.com

“Tosh listened to our wishes and designed an event that exceeded our expectations. It was nearly a year ago, and our guests are still talking about that night. The food was delicious, the atmosphere was epic, and the service was unmatched. We are already on their books and looking forward to another spectacular event with Tosh’s design and execution.

We see this being a long and happy relationship in our event planning world.” — Sunnie SHARE THE LOVE

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

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

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

Radiant Credit Union 10 local branches 352-381-5200

www.RadiantCU.org

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

Daughtry Tree Service serves both residential and commercial clients. We are fully licensed and insured to work in the beautiful state of Florida.

We are experts in local trees, shrubs, bushes as well as the climate in north central Florida, and can handle all your tree service needs.

With over 30+ years working in the tree care industry, be assured with great confidence that our team will provide the dependable and expert tree services at affordable prices. No job is to big or small. We have the expertise and equipment to tackle them all.

“Everything was top notch from the initial estimate with Emery to when they drove away with my yard looking immaculate. Emory was

professional and friendly and they performed the work flawlessly. I had several trees removed, dead limbs removed

No job is too big or too small

Daughtry Tree Service 26106 NW 3rd Ave, Newberry, FL 32669 (352) 660-0367

daughtrytreeservice.com

from other trees, and the canopy raised throughout the yard. I would not hesitate to use them again and I definitely will recommend their service to anyone who asks.” — Paul Manning “They did a fantastic job of removing two dead palm trees and trimming the remaining three palms for us. Would

definately recommend you call them for your tree maintenance needs.” — Duane Tully SHARE THE LOVE

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

Creating New Futures for Children and Families

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

stfrancishousegnv.com

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

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

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

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

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

— Tony M.

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

GainesvilleDentist.com

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

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Studio B in Gainesville, incredible style, cuts, color and brows is this team’s passion. This Salon specializes in a variety of services ranging from Brazilian blowouts, perms, real hair extensions, eyelash extensions, color and highlights and roller sets! Excellence is a core value. Private rooms allow for that next level of individual attention. The salon is conveniently located in northwest Gainesville. Call or stop by today to schedule your appointment.

Where Passion meets Excellence

“Danielle has been my stylist for over 10 years! When I found her my hair was so over processed that I was lucky to have hair left. She saved my head and she’s kept it beautiful and healthy ever since. I trust her completely and I’d recommend her to anyone who wants healthy hair.

She’s also a beautiful person. I’m very thankful for her.” — N. Jones

“Anne is awesome and is a true professional!

Studio B Hair Salon 4140 NW 27th Ln suite c, Gainesville, FL 32606 352-332-6900

studiobsalongainesville.com

She listens and gives me a fantastic haircut/bang trim every time.”

— C. Yelton “Been going to Anne for years. I change my hair style often & she never dissapoints!” — A. Campbell

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

“As a cancer survivor, I faced major problems with balance, neuropathy and strength. The dedicated staff at Fyzical provided me with a detailed exam and then an individualized plan to work on my issues. I

“Spelled Different, Because We Are Different.”

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

fyzical.com/gainesville

am grateful to have found this PT clinic where every staff member showed me kindness.” — Faye H. “I am really impressed with Fyzical. When I first met

Bruce about 5 years ago I was really amazed with his knowledge base. I knew I was going blind which relates to balance, Bruce was able to relate to my feet as it relates to balance. Paige and Faith have been amazing.

I couldn’t imagine going anywhere else for my PT needs.” — J. Jopling SHARE THE LOVE

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The End. Or is it really just the beginning?

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

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

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

in

Our Town

This special section was brought to you by Our Town Magazine, Adrienne Fletcher Photography and Magnolia Lane Photography

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

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Smells Like Gator Spirit Exploring the History and Legacy of Iconic Spirit Teams at UF W RIT TE N BY H A N N A DE L A G A R Z A

T

he University of Florida is c e l e b r at i n g i t s 1 0 0 t h annual homecoming this year, and with it quickly approaching, students and alumni are gearing up to embrace the festivities. This tradition has become such a staple in the college experience that months of preparation go into each of the events. From the parade to Gator Growl to the highly anticipated homecoming football game, there is much for students and visitors to look forward to.

While all of these events and activities are exciting to be a part of, it is important to not lose sight of the foundation and overall purpose of them: to foster team and school spirit.

This spirit can be heard in the boisterous cheers of the crowd as they root for the Florida Gators. It

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can be seen in the meticulously decorated floats featured in the parade. It can be felt in the energy of the performances put on by each of the spirit teams at UF. Although the throngs of Gator fans bring a lot of heat to the homecoming experience, the spirit teams dedicate countless hours to making the events as lively and exciting as possible for them. Let’s take a closer look at who these teams are and what they do to cultivate school spirit.

Fightin’ Gator Marching Band The Fightin’ Gator Marching Band, also known as The Pride of the Sunshine, is the official marching band at UF. It is comprised of hundreds of the most enthusiastic and hardworking students that the school has to offer. Their responsibilities include,

GO TEAM

PHOTO BY: CECILIA LEMUS

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UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA >> SPIRIT TEAMS

PHOTO BY: CECILIA LEMUS

but are not limited to, performing at all home football games, pep rallies and parades.

Along with those who play the instruments, the band also includes the Gatorettes, which is the name for the majorettes or twirlers, and the color guard, known as the Florida Visual Ensemble. The Gatorettes twirl batons and perform acrobatics, including cartwheels and flips. Color guard incorporates another visual element through the synchronized waving of flags and rifles.

The marching band dates back to over 100 years, with its creation in 1913. It was founded by “Pug” Hamilton and consisted of 16 members at the start. First called “The Cadet Band,” it has gone through a series of name changes throughout the years. The name “Fightin’ Gator Marching Band” was coined in 1930, and the band later adopted the name “The Pride of the Sunshine” in 1975.

The Women’s Gymnasium served as the first band room at the university, and in 2002, George Steinbrenner funded the construction of a new band hall. The facility was completed in 2008, and the Steinbrenner Band Hall now houses the Stephen Stills Band Rehearsal Room, offices, instrument storage and the band library.

In 2018, the marching band was given a permanent outdoor practice facility, called the Gator Marching Band Field. This space has allowed the band to more properly prepare for all the events they perform at.

Throughout the years, the marching band has come to be widely recognized, receiving many awards and performing both nationally and internationally.

In 1972, the band played at the opening of Walt Disney World in Orlando, and it returned in 1997 for its 25th anniversary. In 2012, the band made history by becoming the first non-British marching band to perform on The Mall outside of Buckingham Palace. It got this opportunity after it was invited to perform at 126 |

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the 2012 Summer Olympics in London. A year later, the band became the recipient of the Sudler Trophy, an annual award recognizing the highest collegiate bands.

The Pride of the Sunshine is no newcomer to national and international recognition, but its spirit and enthusiasm can be seen at home through the performances that they put on.

The Florida Dazzlers The Dazzlers are the official dance team at UF, and they perform at a variety of sports games, including football games, men’s and women’s basketball games, volleyball matches, gymnastic meets and home baseball weekend series. As representatives for the University Athletic Association, the expectations for both performance and attitude are set to a high bar. Because of these high standards, acceptance into the team is highly competitive, with 18 to 22 women making up the dance squad.

The official Dazzlers webpage can be found on the Florida Gators website, and it includes all the information for auditions as well as technical requirements, such as ability to do front kicks, double pirouettes, back handsprings and more. The several rounds of auditions are both tough and physically demanding; however, the end result is a team of dedicated and talented young ladies who are best fit to represent the university.

In addition to performance on the court and field, the Dazzlers are expected to perform academically, maintaining a minimum of a 2.5 cumulative GPA along with full-time student status. Although this may be easy for many students at UF, it is important to consider the demanding schedule that the Dazzlers have to keep up with. Their typical weekly schedule includes three morning workouts, three practices, one appearance and two to three sporting events. They are also expected to learn at least 40 dance routines in a season.

The Dazzlers, like any other sports team, require teamwork and a strong sense of school spirit. Because of the small size

UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA >> SPIRIT TEAMS

of the squad, each member is all the more noticeable to the crowd. As stated on their website, “Individuals are expected to maintain a high level of performance at all times as well as excel in teamwork.”

Albert and Alberta No one has become quite a symbol of school spirit like the iconic duo Albert and Alberta Gator. The fuzzy green alligators serve as the official mascots for the university, and they can be seen walking around the sidelines of most home sporting events.

The history of the mascots, namely Albert, dates back to 1908.

Austin Miller, a Gainesville native, is responsible for claiming the alligator as UF’s official mascot. Miller was enrolled in law school at the University of Virginia. His father, Phillip Miller, had gone up to visit him and decided to purchase pennants to sell at his store in Gainesville.

While looking at other school emblems, they realized that UF did not have one. Austin Miller brought up the idea of the alligator for the mascot because it was native to the state of Florida, and it had not yet been claimed as a symbol.

Following this, the father-son duo set out to make this happen.

Austin Miller looked through several photos of alligators to use, and he settled on one he found in the UVA library. His father returned to Gainesville with small pennants and banners that featured alligators in various poses. This was the first appearance of the alligator as an emblem for the university.

Many years later, in 1957, the first live alligator, Albert,

was introduced to UF. Many different gators were brought to the school to assume the role of “Albert” until the first fullbody costume was used in 1970. Throughout the years, Albert’s appearance has changed, but he is now commonly recognized for his Florida sweater and cap.

Alongside Albert is his partner-in-crime, Alberta. Unlike Albert, Alberta was introduced to the campus much later, making her first appearance in 1986. Although many people assume that the two are a couple, Alberta was introduced as Albert’s “sidekick and friend.”

In 2003, a ceremony was held to unveil a life-sized statue of the pair holding hands. The bronze statue stands at the UF Gator Club Plaza next to Emerson Alumni Hall.

Charles Perry Construction, the company that built Emerson Alumni Hall, donated $75,000 for the statue, and the American Bronze Foundry is responsible for creating it.

The statue was built with the purpose of being a meeting spot where people can gather before football games and take pictures between the couple.

Since it was first unveiled, it has served as the perfect photo opportunity for students, alumni and all other visitors.

The two can be seen doing pretty much everything together, from making appearances at games to riding on parade floats, and they have come to truly encapsulate the Florida Gator spirit.

A simple wave from the pair is enough to rile up a crowd, and they are often asked to take pictures by people of all ages.

It really is GREAT to be a Florida Gator!

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SPOTLIGHT RESCUE ANIMAL ADOPTIONS

Furever Friends DUA AND HALLIE

Oh my goodness, hi there! I’m so excited to share my story with you! My name is Dua, but back when I was staying at Haile’s Angels Pet Rescue I went by the name Rainbow – yeah, I don’t think it really fit me either.

During my time at the rescue, I was accepted into Haile’s Angels WOOF program, which is an eight-week canine training course where I learned how to sit, stay and walk on a leash. At the end of the class I got my very own AKC Canine Good Citizenship certificate and even got my picture posted online, in fact, that’s how Hallie Morgan found me.

Though Hallie and her boyfriend already had a pup at home, they were searching for a companion for him and when she stumbled on my picture and saw how similar I looked to their dog, Gremlin, she immediately fell in love with me. The day Hallie came to see me I knew I had to give my best impression, I mean, I was an accomplished graduate after all. Standing on my back legs with my front paws on the desk, I greeted Hallie with a warm welcome and it was at that moment she decided to take me home. While on the journey back to my new abode, a song by a Miss. Dua Lipa was playing on the radio and just like that, my Rainbow moniker was gone and I started my new life as Dua. I have to admit, when I arrived to my new

home, I wasn’t very fond of Gremlin. Sure, I loved people, but other dogs not so much. However, he was so patient and understanding with me that we quickly became best friends, which meant I’d have someone to snuggle with when Hallie was at work in the MRI and radiology department at Shands.

I’ve been with my furever family for over a year now and apart from Gremlin being my absolute best friend in the whole wide world, there are a few other things I’ve become super fond of. Gnawing on my red rubber soccer ball is the greatest and there is no other toy that can compare! I also long for days when my mom makes salmon for dinner because that means I get the crispy skin. Nap times sprawling out across my parents’ bed is also fantastic and helps me save some of my energy for running when we visit family in High Springs.

My mom describes me as loyal, trustworthy and loving, but I have to admit — I wasn’t always that way. While living at the rescue, I was rather skittish and shy. It wasn’t until I found my furever family and got my second chance at a new life that I was finally able to be my true self. I just hope all my classmates from

the WOOF program and the friends I made at the rescue are as lucky as me and find their furever home too.

If you’re interested in adopting or fostering a pet from Haile’s Angels, visit their website at hailesangels.org.

FUREVER FRIENDS IS A RECURRING PROFILE THAT FEATURES A LOCAL RESCUE ANIMAL AND THEIR OWNER, WRITTEN FROM THE ADOPTED PET’S “POINT OF VIEW.” NOMINATE YOURSELF OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW FOR OUR NEXT RESCUED PET PROFILE! CONTACT: EDITOR@TOWERPUBLICATIONS.COM.

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Re-Imagine your Oasis

Crystal Clear Pools has proudly served Polk County since 2000. In 2021 we expanded our business to serve our neighbors in Alachua County as well. We are an experienced pool service remodel and repair company with a 100% commitment to our customer’s satisfaction. We recognize the importance of quality service and are dedicated to offering the best.

Pool/Spa Renovations• Complete Pool Repairs • Automation • Saltwater Conversions • Pool Inspections • Weekly Service • Heat Pumps/Chillers • Low Maintenance Equipment Upgrades

(863) 670-5920

www.crystalclearpoolsandremodeling.com ChrisGriffin.CrystalClearPools Licensed and Insured CPC 1458954

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Are you prepared for a teenage driver?

Vehicle insurance is important. Having a team to help you when you need it most – that’s being prepared.

352-333-3775

285 NW 138th Terrace, Suite 100, Newberry

HOME • MOBILE HOME • AUTO • BOAT MOTORCYCLE • UMBRELLA INSURANCE

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